Naoto Kurogane/Biography

Naoto was born as the heir to the Terumi clan, a branch of the Amanohokosaka Clan, and has a little sister, Saya Terumi. As Naoto grew up, his mother taught him martial arts and he grew close to her. As a young boy, Naoto watched Saya inherit the Soul Eater Drive and was driven insane by its power. She murdered his entire family before she was detained by Mei Amanohokosaka. Naoto lost all his immediate family as Saya was kept in the main Amanohokosaka household.
Yuki Hayami, Naoto's aunt, took him in. He attended a middle school in Shin Kawahama City where he met Shinnosuke Fukuda. Naoto soon transferred to Shin Kawahama First High School, and Yuki became his landlady, renting out one of her apartments to him with rent so small it was essentially free. Haruka and Naoto grew closer and closer as they grew up together. All memories with Saya were forcefully blocked out by Naoto, the trauma of losing his family being too much.
==Bloodedge Experience - Part 1==
In October, Naoto was woken up by Haruka, who teased him about the numerous games he had in his room, all lent to him by Shinnosuke. After getting ready, the two of them walked to school together instead of catching the bus. He was suddenly caught in Phenomenon Intervention as all the people around him had suddenly disappeared and a little girl stood nearby. She tried to say something but quickly disappeared and the world returned to normal for Naoto.
Arriving to school after having met Shinnosuke and putting up with his antics, Naoto had Geography with both him and Haruka. They were taught by Tadayuki Isa, who lost his temper with Naoto for not paying attention, but only the boy thought something was wrong with his teacher after seeing his ridiculously low life-force. Concerned, Naoto stayed back to check up on Tadayuki, but eventually gave up and walked home alone. As he did, he saw an Apostle chase after a young girl with the highest life-force he had ever seen. He followed the two of them into an abandoned district. He met the girl and she punched him when he mentioned her small chest. The Apostle grabbed the girl by the throat and Naoto ran away, coming back with a fire extinguisher and knocking the Apostle over the head, killing him. An insect emerged from the body and lunged at the girl - Naoto stood in the way and the bug cut off his right arm. Dying from blood loss, Naoto was held by the girl. She introduced herself as Raquel Alucard and bit him, turning him into her servant, and asked that he help her find the Azure.BlazBlue: Bloodedge Experience - Part 1, Chapter 1 - Contact
Waking up his apartment, Naoto thought the events of the day before was all a dream. He saw his life-force value in the mirror, saw Raquel in his living room and screamed. She explained what had happened to him and his condition- in one year, Naoto will become a vampire unless he finds the Azure. Raquel explained that they were sharing her life-force and that his new left arm was made from her blood. Haruka found the two of them together, and Raquel used Slave Red to convince her that they were related. Both Naoto and Raquel went to the abandoned district and noticed everything from the previous day had vanished - the corpse, blood, and Naoto's arm. Raquel explained that she needed Naoto to defeat Spinner Superior, a mage who had come close to the Azure and was searching for her.
The pair walked together to a local park, and Raquel sunk into Naoto's shadow. The boy walked to a vending machine before being picked up and thrown into a concrete wall by a stranger. The man killed Naoto twice but he was revived by Raquel's life-force. Before the man could continue his assault, his partner stopped him and they introduced themselves as Valkenhayn R. Hellsing and Relius Clover. Valkenhayn left, angry that he could not kill Naoto. The boy stood up and Relius taught him some techniques on fighting immortals before leaving with advice for Raquel. Naoto and Raquel continued to search for the Remnants of Azure that Spinner had left throughout the city, but gave up and returned back home. As they walked in, they were met by Clavis Alucard.BlazBlue: Bloodedge Experience - Part 1, Chapter 2 - Immortal
Clavis welcomed the two into the apartment and explained that Haruka was asleep in the other room. He scolded his daughter and told Naoto to not be so nervous. The vampire grabbed the boy's right arm and marvelled at it before cutting it off. He then reconnected the arm, making it work better for Naoto. Before they could continue, Valkenhayn and Relius burst into the apartment and battled Clavis. The entire apartment was destroyed by the brawl, with the exception of the kitchen. After checking on Haruka, a woman walked into the apartment and grabbed Naoto's hands, putting them on her chest. She introduced herself as Kiiro Hikagami, a woman from the Mitsurugi Agency, and she explained the organization's goal to him, which he thought was fishy. She left after explaining that the Agency were hunting Clavis and asking what Naoto's Drive is, which confused him.
As his apartment was destroyed, Naoto moved up to Haruka's with Raquel. After falling asleep in Haruka's lap, Naoto awoke at midnight and the two nearly shared a kiss, only being interrupted by Raquel and Yuki, who had come home from work. Both Haruka and Raquel went to bed, leaving Naoto with his aunt, who teased him about what had nearly happened and warned him about the Mitsurugi Agency.BlazBlue: Bloodedge Experience - Part 1, Chapter 3 - Mitsurugi
The following day, Raquel had enrolled into Shin Kawahama First High School and made Naoto's life difficult. She demanded he make her tea; called him her servant; talked about theories of sorcery; and stripped when she learned PE was on the syllabus. They went to the back of the school and Naoto watched as Raquel cast a sorcery circle to try and find Drive users within the school, and to detect Remnants of Azure. They were met by Shinnosuke, who teased him, and then Kana Kirishima, the Student Council Vice-President who sent Shinnosuke on his way. She talked to Naoto about his relationship with Haruka and left. Raquel noticed that the girl had Remnants on her, and the duo decided to investigate the Vice-President. In the evening, Naoto asked Haruka questions about Kana.
The following day at school, Naoto continued to ask questions and met Kana again. Raquel asked if she knew Spinner, but confused the girl and she left. After school had ended, they shadowed Kana as she entered an adult store. The situation was largely embarrassing for Naoto since Raquel was uneducated in the area that the store specializes in. After Raquel gathered the information, they followed after Kana, finding her in an abandoned apartment complex. The Vice-President broke down in front of them and explained that Tadayuki had been coercing her into sexual acts, and now his sights were set on Haruka. Tadayuki was not in his apartment, but Raquel had located him at the school and confirmed that he had become an Apostle. Both Naoto and Raquel rushed over there to save Haruka from the teacher.BlazBlue: Bloodedge Experience - Part 1, Chapter 4 - Secret
At the school, Naoto burst through the Student Council doors and slugged Tadayuki, who was attempting to forcefully strip Haruka. She began to cry in Naoto's arms and fell unconscious; he carried her to a bench and put his jacket over her. Turning back to Tadayuki, Naoto taunted him, telling the teacher that he was going to beat him into the ground. Large beetle legs suddenly erupted from Tadayuki's back and the two began to fight until the teacher targeted Raquel and Haruka. Naoto threw himself in front of the legs and it pierced his stomach. Unfazed, Naoto threw the legs back and thought about the death of his mother, triggering the activation of his Drive - Bloodedge.
Using Bloodedge, Naoto cut down Tadayuki but left him alive. The Mitsurugi Agency arrived moments later with Kiiro leading the charge. Naoto expressed a desire for his teacher to be saved from his condition, and Kiiro agreed to using the resources necessary, and also stated that she would erase Kana and Tadayuki's memories. The corridor of the school was then filled with darkness and the Agency's squadron was instantly killed by it. From the shadows rose Spinner himself, who threw Naoto into the nearest wall. Before Spinner could kill Naoto, Kiiro intervened, and it was only thanks to Raquel's persuasion that the mage left. When Raquel and Naoto walked home, the boy discovered that she had told Spinner that he could have her if he could defeat Naoto. Stunned, the boy swore at her and called her an 'idiot'.BlazBlue: Bloodedge Experience - Part 1, Chapter 5 - Encounter
The following day at school, everything had returned to normal as Kiiro had promised. Tadayuki had taken a temporary retirement and Kana had returned to her duties with no recollection of what had happened. Kiiro met Naoto in a luxurious hotel and explained more on the situation. On Sunday, Naoto, Raquel, and Haruka returned to the boy's apartment, which had been fixed three days prior. The doorbell rang but before Naoto could leave, he was kissed by Haruka; her first kiss. A little fazed, Haruka opened the door and called for Naoto. Standing in the entrance was Saya Terumi.BlazBlue: Bloodedge Experience - Part 1, Chapter 6 - Interlude
==Bloodedge Experience - Part 2==
Stunned, Naoto allowed Saya into the apartment, and Haruka offered her tea. He could not ask his sister questions about how she was allowed free as Haruka was not aware of what Saya had done. It was only when she left with Raquel that Naoto finally asked what his sister was up to. She gave him a letter from Mei and then lunged for his throat and held him up against the wall. Saya activated Soul Eater, but the battle was cut short by Raquel who had sensed something wrong. Saya gave up and left after a brief battle with the vampire, claiming that she had only come to deliver the letter, also telling her brother that she was coming for the Eye of the Hunter. Naoto read its contents - which was essentially Mei insulting him for having been killed by Valkenhayn and that she could no longer contain Saya.BlazBlue: Bloodedge Experience - Part 1, Chapter 7 - Siblings
On Monday, Naoto and Raquel continued to look for Remnants within the school grounds. Eventually the young vampire demonstrated her frustration with Naoto for not having told her about Saya, let alone that she was the current possessor of Soul Eater. He explained to her the incident that had occurred that wiped out the Terumi branch and about the Amanohokosaka Clan. Afterwards, they talked about Kiiro and her heartbeat being in synchronization with Naoto's. They were found by Shinnosuke and Kana, who were working the school festival. Raquel talked Naoto into training so he could prepare for his eventual fight with Spinner.
At night, Naoto and Raquel slipped out of the apartment but were caught by Yuki. They fabricated a poor lie to her about going to a book shop, but she let them leave anyway. Now at 01:00am on the Tuesday, Naoto and Raquel had tracked down an Apostle. With Raquel's assistance, Naoto landed a deadly blow to his head, killing him instantly.BlazBlue: Bloodedge Experience - Part 2, Chapter 8 - Speculation
The Mitsurugi Agency came around at 03:00am to deal with the corpse of the Apostle. Naoto and Raquel returned to the apartment, and the boy thought of having a bath until he was interrupted by the vampire. She demanded that he clean her, and despite his protests, Naoto agreed. She revealed to him that the reason why he had become so strong was because he was progressing into a vampire, but it was thanks to Clavis' earlier work that he was gaining the strength more quickly, yet his progression was still stagnant. The following morning, the trio of Haruka, Naoto, and Raquel met on the school rooftop and talked about family.
In the evening, they decided to go shopping until time had suddenly stopped for Naoto and everyone had disappeared. Expecting to see the mysterious girl again, he was instead met by Clavis, who explained Phenomenon Intervention. The vampire asked why Raquel had chosen him for her servant and then what he would do with the Azure. Naoto gave his answers: he does not know, and that he wants to return to being human. Clavis changed the scenery and explained Raquel's origins as well as his battle with Soul Eater. The two agreed that in the eventual future they would have to fight for the Azure. Soon enough, Naoto was released from the Intervention, finding Raquel berating him in the supermarket. Raquel sensed a Remnant and the two rushed to the location.BlazBlue: Bloodedge Experience - Part 2, Chapter 9 - Interference
When they arrived, they found Saya fighting against Valkenhayn. Naoto interrupted and kicked the lycanthrope in the face. The two began to taunt one another, goading each other into another fight, but they were interrupted by Spinner, who arrived and kidnapped Saya, taking her the rooftop of a nearby building.BlazBlue: Bloodedge Experience - Part 2, Chapter 10 - Encounter Raquel used her Drive to get both herself and Naoto onto the rooftop and they saw Saya encased within a large bug. Angered, Naoto attempted to fight Spinner but was met by the insect instead, which was designed to fight Clavis himself. Even though he could kill Saya to stop Soul Eater from going haywire, he relented, instead finding inner strength and ripping the insect's arms off. Raquel used her Drive to throw the corpse onto Spinner.
Briefly recuperating, Naoto had saved Saya, but Spinner's plan was not over as he grabbed Raquel and they fused into a grotesque monster. With his bond with Raquel weakening, Naoto's right arm turned back into blood. Spinner attacked, cutting off Naoto's right leg and left arm, leaving the teenager on the floor. Without the power of Regeneration, his limbs were not growing back and he was dying in his own blood. In a strange turn of events, black fog came out of his limbs and formed new limbs. Activating Bloodedge, Naoto created a large scythe and struck several times at Spinner, greatly hurting him. Naoto ran to the monster and dragged Raquel out of the fusion. 
Naoto's right arm returned to normal but he lost his temporary limbs as Raquel rushed to his side. Regeneration kept the boy alive. Spinner was not yet dead but had been corrupted from opening a portal to the Boundary moments earlier. Before the corrupted mage could kill the duo, Kiiro arrived and finished off the mage, his corpse being dragged into the Boundary. Kiiro ran to Naoto and held his head, crying and apologizing for being so late. She then attacked Raquel but the vampire was saved by Clavis. The situation defused and Naoto fell unconscious.BlazBlue: Bloodedge Experience - Part 2, Chapter 11 - Fusion
Some time later, Naoto awoke in a hospital. Raquel and Haruka stood over him, the latter crying and calling him an idiot. Raquel explained that Spinner was absolutely destroyed by the Boundary, although Naoto did not understand much about the dimension. He discovered then that he had a new left arm and right leg which were fashioned for him by Relius. Kiiro came into the room and explained the situation with his new limbs, and then undressed. Although initially reluctant, Naoto looked and saw multiple scars and marks; the woman revealed that she was an artificial human, all her sisters had been killed by Spinner and she was made from their remaining parts. Kiiro offered Naoto a choice to join the Mitsurugi Agency, but he refused. Raquel stayed with Naoto and he promised to help her find the Azure.
==Central Fiction==
===Arcade Mode===
====Act 1: Phantom of Labyrinth====
Stage 3: Celica A. Mercury
Kagutsuchi Port PM 9:00The 13th hierarchical city -KAGUTSUCHI- AREA No-5
Naoto: Man, this place looks dangerous... What am I doing here? Where the heck is this!? Yeah, great job going through the Boundary, but I've got no idea where I'm headed. Ugh... "Search for me," she said. Where the hell should I start!? That girl looks pretty normal. She's wearing a school uniform. Though that doll she's walking with is... quite abnormal. Um, excuse me... could you help me with some directions?
Celica: Hm? Me? Oh, sure, ask me anything.
Minerva: ...!
Naoto: Wh-What the heck--!?
Celica: I-I'm sorry...! What's gotten into you, Minerva? H-Huh? W-Wait! Eeek!
Naoto: Is it going berserk? Shit, I gotta stop it!
<Naoto Victory>
Celica: Stop right there! Please, Minerva... stop this!
Minerva: ...
Naoto: Looks like... it calmed down. Heh, but damn that surprised me. Hey, are you hurt?
Celica: No... how about you?
Naoto: I'm fine, thanks. Say, this might not be the best time, but I'm actually looking for someone. A girl. Umm, she's blonde, pale, and rather rude, actually... Oh, and she has a huge ribbon [like a rabbit]!
Celica: Hmm... Oh wait, ribbon? Rabbit? I think I know someone who matches that description...
Naoto: Really!? You know her!?
Celica: Yeah, a friend of mine sounds just like that... Want me to take you there?
Naoto: You're a huge help. Thanks you so much!
Stage 6: Valkenhayn R. Hellsing
Bascule -Twilight-The 13th hierarchical city -KAGUTSUCHI- AREA No-21
Naoto: Heeeeeeey! HEY! Man, where'd she go? She sure didn't make it easy to follow, despite giving me directions...
Valkenhayn: Wha--!? Could it really be... Naoto Kurogane!? 
Naoto: What do you want with me, old man...? Wait... I know this presence. Valkenhayn!?
Valkenhayn: What are you doing here!? No... how did you get here!?
Naoto: Hah, I'd like to ask you the same thing... but why the hell are you so old!? Is this like.. the future or something? But perfect timing. You'd probably know, right? I'm looking for someone...
Valkenhayn: Try elsewhere. In fact, go back to the world from whence you came. You don't belong here!
Naoto: Well, that wasn't too welcoming. Not even gonna listen to what I have to say? I'm looking for her... the Azu--
Valkenhayn: I said SILENCE! You are more stubborn than you look... I shall send you back into the cauldron, by force!
<Naoto Victory>
Valkenhayn: Grrr... you've become quite strong. Or perhaps I've grown old.
Naoto: Hey, Valkenhayn. You said something about a cauldron. You mean there are cauldrons here, too?
Valkenhayn: ...
Naoto: So there are. That's all I need to know, heh. Take it easy, old man.
Valkenhayn: Naoto Kurogane. Do not seek the Azure... I'm warning you.
Naoto: Sorry, no-can-do.
Stage 7: Rachel Alucard
Hanging Gardens - After- The 13th hierarchical city -KAGUTSUCHI- AREA No-2
Naoto: I thought I could figure something out if I head to the cauldron, but... Where the heck is it? *sigh* Where the heck is this place...!? H-Hey, is that you, Raquel!?
Rachel: Huh? Rag...na? No, you're not. But you're somehow...
Naoto: That's not you...? What the heck is this weird sensation, then? Wh...What the heck was that!?
Rachel: Impossible... Life-link? This is terrible. At this rate, Ragna's existence is going to be affected...!
Naoto: It felt just like with the other person... Say, who are you!? Tell me what's going on here?
Rachel: I would love to hear the answer to that, myself. Who are YOU!? And why are you here? What do you want--!?
Naoto: Whoa whoa, slow down.. One question at a time. Um, I'm Naoto Kurogane, and... I'm looking for someone named Raquel.
Rachel: Raquel?
Naoto: ...Hm, maybe it'll be easier to put it this way. I'm looking for the Azure Grimoire. Any idea where I can find it?
Rachel: It seems you must be eliminated right away.
<Naoto Victory>
Rachel: That Drive is... the Bloodedge? What's going on?
Naoto: That's my line! Your Drive, the "Tempest." How can you be so similar, yet not be related at all!?
Rachel: That's "Silpheed" to you! You insolent little--! Release me!
Naoto: Oh, no... I'm not. I've got a ton of questions for you... In fact, I don't even know where to start.
Naoto: So once more, I'm looking for a Raquel Alucard. She looks... just like you.
Rachel: Alu...card? What do you mean... only I carry Father's bloodline now...
Naoto: Father? You mean, Clavis Alucard?
Rachel: ...!? How on earth do you...!
Rachel: Disappeared...? That was teleportation magic... Naoto Kurogane... I don't know him. I shouldn't know him, yet... Why is it so painful...?
Stage 8: Nine the Phantom
PurgatoriumPhantom Field
Naoto: Whoa, what the--!? Teleportation? Or was that a phenomena intervention!?
Nine: You know some pretty difficult words, boy.
Naoto: Wha--!? Who're you supposed to be!?
Nine: Naoto Kurogane. Unfortunately, my plan doesn't call for outliers like you. I'll need you to walk off the stage, immediately.
Naoto: Now, is that how you greet everyone you meet?
Nine: I've learned the hard way to crush anything outside the plan sooner rather than later. I confess the price was quite high, however.
Naoto: I don't give a damn about the price... Besides, I've sacrificed a lot to make it this far, too... I can't back down until I find her!
<Naoto Victory>
Nine: Surprising... You're actually quite good. And this power... is it the same? Or rather, similar...?
Naoto: Holy shit, you're strong... How the hell am I supposed to beat you!? Heh, but there's someone much stronger than you. Closer than you think. This is much easier than fighting that monster.
Nine: Monster... I see, I think I'm beginning to understand. Why you're in this world... But let me warn you...
Nine: If there is even one person you care about, I suggest you return to your world. This one will collapse, soon...
Nine: Its ever-so-long history and tragedies. Their existence will be denied--
--and everything will return to the void.
AD2199/XX/XXNaoto Act 1 END
====Act 2: Nightmare Memory====
Stage 3: Makoto Nanaya
Rail StationThe 6th hierarchical city -YABIKO- Block.06
Naoto: G'rah dammit! What the hell's going on here...!? I'm in a different town than I was before? ...Hm?
Makoto: Hey, you there. I don't recognize that attire... Where are you from?
Naoto: Hm? Oh, me? Uhh...!?
Makoto: I'm one of the soldiers from the NOL, Makoto Nanaya. Pardon my intrusion, but... can you show me your ID?
Naoto: You're...someone else, right? Damn, you look a lot like Yuki... And that Rachel person looked just like Raquel, too. What the hell's going on here?
Makoto: Uhh, helloooooo?
Naoto: Man, did I somehow end up in some kind of bizarro-world!? Am I even allowed to be here...? But, how can I get home...?
Makoto: Hey! Stop ignoring me, mister!
Naoto: Whoooa!?
<Naoto Victory>
Makoto: ...Hmm, in other words, you wandered into this town, and I looked like someone you knew, so you freaked out. That's your story?
Naoto: Yeah... So, are you going to arrest me now?
Makoto: ...I'll let you off the hook this time. I'm on duty, after all. Now listen. This place is called Ikaruga. But the circumstances are, shall we say, "tense" at best. I recommend against wandering around aimlessly. Toodles!
Naoto: Y-yeah, thanks...! Though... I don't know how I'm going to avoid walking around... Izanami, was it? I know you've got the Azure.
Stage 6: Lambda-11
Blockaded DistrictThe 5th hierarchical city -IBUKIDO- Block.14
Naoto': ...Aw, not another look-alike. You're not... Kiiro, are you?
Lambda: ...! Analyzing... analyzing... Query returns... zero. Target, unknown. Are you... Ragna?
Naoto': Ragna? Nah, my name's Naoto Kurogane...
Kokonoe: Naoto Kurogane. So that's your name.
Naoto': Wha-!? Wh-Who the hell are you!? And... Where are you?
Kokonoe: ...I can't believe this is actually happening. Is this some coincidence or someone's idea of a bad joke. I'll need more information to find out. Lambda, bring that guy to me.
'Lambda: ...Bring...?
Kokonoe: That's an order! Take him in!
Lambda: Understood. Detaining target.
Naoto': Whaaa!? Tch, you've gotta be kidding me... You know one thing I really hate!? Bullies like you getting their way!
<Naoto Victory>
Naoto: *pant pant* Hey! Creepy woman in my head!
Kokonoe: You talkin' about me?
Naoto: Yeah, you! I've got no idea who you are, but you shouldn't treat people like things! Even things have feelings... If you don't respect them, I'll have a word with you! You hear me!?
Lambda: You really are... like Ragna.
Stage 7: Ragna the Bloodedge
Lakeside PortThe 7th hierarchical city -KAZAMOTSU- Block.08
Naoto: That girl and Rachel said the same thing... Do I really look like this guy...? Ragna... Rag...na. Hm...
Ragna: Huh!? What's this, so you know my name, too!?
Naoto: Wha...? No, I was just thinking out loud and... Wait, that hair and eyes. Bloodedge?
Ragna: Bloodedge? You know something, don't you? I don't care if it's about me, or this Bloodedge character or whatever. Spill everything you know.
Naoto: Uhh... well, that's quite subjective...
Ragna: You give me the run-around? I'll give you something else you'll remember.
Naoto: The hot-headed type? Well... this might actually be faster than trying to talk!
<Naoto Victory>
Ragna: The hell's going on...? What's with that Drive of yours...?
Naoto: You took the thought right out of my head! How can your Drive be Soul Eater!?
Izanami: ...Outlander. I forbid you to enter my domain!
Naoto: Huh? Wha...!? What the-!?
Stage 8: Izanami
Sight of GodsCentral Core
Izanami: Outlander... What exactly are you? Why do I find your aura so unpleasant...?
Naoto: Now, this has just gone too far... You're... Saya, right?
Izanami: ...Answer my question. Lest, I sever your head from your body! How dare you call me that!
Naoto: Wait, what? you mean you're actually called Saya!? How can you look just like my sister, and... have the same name as her, too!?
Izanami: The same name as your sister...? Then that would mean you're... Impossible! If that is true, then I cannot simply turn the other way. I am Hades Izanami. Naoto Kurogane... You do not belong here. Return to whence you came...!
Naoto: You're Izanami!? Goddammit, what the hell's wrong with this world!?
<Naoto Victory>
Izanami: Why... will my body not move as I command!?
Naoto: Saya... No, Izanami? Whatever. Just give me the Azure!
Izanami: ...Insolent fool... The Azure is... What is it?
Izanami: The Azure... Don't tell me this man is one of the chosen...?
Naoto: This is the Azure...? Hey, Raquel, are you here?
Raquel: You can't--not that!
Naoto: Wha...?
Izanami: Whose voice was...? We are within the Embryo. Intervention should not be possible. Who are you!?
Naoto: Is that you, Raquel...? Whoooah!?
Naoto: Ouch... Dammit. Now what!? Hey, this looks vaguely familiar. Ikaruga, or something? Hm? Wha...? Wasn't that floating above us...? Where'd it go? And Saya... or Izanami... She was pretty different from my little sister. I thought I heard Raquel's voice for a second, but that girl wasn't her. Well damn... There's so much that doesn't make sense right now. Welp... Time to book it, I guess. Seems like there's still a lot about this world... ...that I still need to learn.
AD2200/XX/XXNaoto Act 2 END
====Act 3: The Replacement Blue====
Stage 3: Hazama
Orient TownThe 13th hierarchical city -KAGUTSUCHI- AREA No-19
Naoto: (Back then... That voice I heard when I touched the Azure was definitely... Raquel's. Is there a Raquel in this world...?) The biggest clue I've got is that girl named Rachel. I should go look for her.
Naoto: You're... Hazama!? What the hell are YOU doing in this world!?
Hazama: Excuse me? You're a rather rude person... Asking a stranger why they're "in this world" out of the blue?
Naoto: You're the last person who should be calling anyone rude! Heh, looks like luck's on my side, though. Time to make you answer all my questions!
Hazama: Ahh, I'm afraid that really won't do. I am, after all, working right now, and I don't have time for some random child passing by. Or.. wait... I have to be honest, I really don't know who you are but... Perhaps... a "me" from a different timeline... did something to you?
Naoto: You're not making any sense... All I know is that I've been through hell because of you! I'm not walking away until you've explained what the hell's going on!
<Naoto Victory>
Hazama: Hmmm... I think I'm beginning to understand. Wow, I've just witnessed something quite interesting. Now if you'll excuse me... I'm actually quite busy, you see.
Naoto: Hey, now just wait a sec--! Argh, dammit...! I don't wanna let him get away, but I need to find Rachel, too...! If he's really "Hazama," then he won't be that easy to find... ...Besides, I think I know where to find Rachel.
Stage 6: Hakumen
WADATSUMI-JŌThe 8th hierarchical city -WADATSUMI- Block.09
Naoto: Whaaa--!? What the hell do you want, and who are you!?
Hakumen: That power... I sense the Dark One's presence within you...
Naoto: Huh...? The Dark... what?
Hakumen: Your existence is much like his calamity. You are dangerous... You could become a brand new threat to us all.
Naoto: U-Umm, excuse me? Damn, this guy must have a few screws loose...
Hakumen: I am the white void.... I am the cold steel... I am the just sword! With blade in hand, I shall reap the sins of this world and purge them! I am Hakumen! The end has come!
Naoto: H-Hey, can we talk about this? I mean... At least let me expla-- You've gotta be kidding me!?
<Naoto Victory>
Naoto: Hey, I know someone just like you... Looked the same, and said something similar... Called themself the "Something or other Justice." Unlike you, it was a "she" though...
Hakumen: ...Nonsense. I will not fall victim to your pathetic trickery!
Naoto: Now, now... I really don't have time to fight you again. In fact, I don't even like fighting so... See ya!
Hakumen: ...His presence resembles the Black Beast... What on earth is he?
Stage 7: Relius Clover
DisappearanceThe 8th hierarchical city -WADATSUMI- MissingBlock
Naoto: That's... Relius! Hey!
Relius: ...Naoto Kurogane...
Naoto: I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm glad to see you... Hey, I've got some questions! I just ran into Hazama. You him too, right...? But he seemed much more mature than I remember... Also met someone who resembled the Justice fighter. What the hell's going on in this world? Judging from the fact that Valkenhayn is old... I'm guessing it's the "future" of my world, but there's so much staff that just doesn't make sense!
Relius: Fascinating... A contaminant...
Naoto: Wha?
Relius: In the "history" I know, Hazama never existed... Moreover, Naoto... You have already lost to Clavis Alucard. You died...
Naoto: What the hell are you talking about!?
Relius: Who... are you!?
<Naoto Victory>
Naoto: Now, just hang on a sec... What the hell are you talking about!?
Relius: As far as I can Observe, you are no doubt Naoto Kurogane. But at the same time, you're not.. Is this some "possibility?"
Naoto: Argh, there you go again... Answering your own questions but never mind. Explain it to me in plain English!
Naoto: What's up with this...wind!?
Relius: The little Alucard girl... Meddling from outside the pre-established path. Fascinating... I must witness what happens next.
Stage 8: Rachel Alucard
the Gate -Not Possible-The 13th hierarchical city -KAGUTSUCHI- AREA No-0
Naoto: Ouch! Dammit, that hurt! What's the big idea?
Raquel: That's some way to thank the person who just saved your life... Especially not the actions my manservant should be taking, Naoto. If it weren't for me, you'd be his little guinea pig by now.
Naoto: The hell you callin' master!? Wha... H-Hey... Raquel? Is that you, Raquel!? You're the one who told me not to touch the Azure, right? What's that supposed to mean? What kind of world IS this?
Raquel: Ah... no...!
Naoto: Grrrah!? Now, what?
Rachel: I've no idea who you are, but don't you dare use my body again!
Naoto: Ahh...? Raquel...? Or are you Rachel now?
Rachel: I believe I made myself quite clear about staying out of this. We've conveniently ended up right next to a cauldron... I'll throw you back into the Boundary and send you to your own world!
<Naoto Victory>
Naoto: Calm down a sec! I have no intention of fighting with y...!
Rachel: And I have no intention of speaking with you... ...any longer.
Rachel: ... Oh, fine... You have exactly one minute...
Naoto: Huh? What?
Raquel: ...I don't have much time, so I'll make it brief.
Naoto: I-Is it you again? Raquel?
Raquel: Just listen to me, Naoto! I'm the one who sent you into this world. And at this moment, there is no way for you to return to your original world because... Well, it's been destroyed.
Naoto: Whaaa?
Raquel: This world is a "possibility" for your world to be born. But that possibility has been spent... Which is why your world was destroyed. If the "possibility" of a world is eliminated, then there's no chance that world will ever be born.
Naoto: W-Wait a second... A possibility for the world to be born? You mean this world isn't in the future?
Raquel: No. It's a starting point.
Naoto: Starting point...? Damn, I've got no idea what the hell's happening... But wait. Why are you okay, then? What about the others?
Raquel: ...I was born inside the Boundary. Which is why my attachment to our world was weak to begin with. Thanks to that, I was able to send you to this world. You were, after all, connected to me. Our biggest challenge right now is time. I frankly do not know how long I can have you here in the present.
Raquel: So... You must immediately save the "possibilities" in this world,
Raquel: which is our only change of saving "our" own world!
Naoto: What...? Save the world!? You're not exaggerating a bit!?
AD2200/XX/XXNaoto Act 3 END
===Story Mode===
Raquel sent Naoto on a mission to save every possibility and his own world. He was flung into many different possibilities through the Boundary before he finally landed in the Embryo's version of Bascule in the 13th Hierarchical City of Kagutsuchi. He wondered if anyone would understand his words and if anyone would attack him. BlazBlue: Central Fiction, Story Mode, Episode 004, Chapter 024, Sub Scenario 1 Initially unaware of his own objective, he prioritized finding Raquel. While looking around, he bumped into Celica A. Mercury and Ex Machina: Minerva and asked them for directions, but they, too, were new to the area. After describing Raquel to them, they mistook it for Rachel, and the three of them decided to travel together within the distorted Hierarchical City. BlazBlue: Central Fiction, Story Mode, Episode 004, Chapter 026
Naoto was transported along with Celica and Minerva to the Ikaruga Federation, and together they heard Nine the Phantom's voice telling them to kill Izanami to claim their piece of the Azure. He followed Celica as she ran to find her sister. BlazBlue: Central Fiction, Story Mode, Episode 005, Chapter 038
Eventually, they arrived in the 6th Hierarchical City of Yabiko. He listened to Celica talk about her sister. They decided to travel further into the city, only for him to lose her in the crowd. BlazBlue: Central Fiction, Story Mode, Episode 007, Chapter 051However, he caught a glimpse of Rachel and pursued her, having mistook her for Raquel. After catching up to her, Naoto began asking her questions that she was unable to answer. In response, Rachel became instantly hostile and forced him into a battle for his life, which he eventually managed to win by using Bloodedge. Valkenhayn, now much older than he had been the last time Naoto had seen him, arrived to protect his mistress. BlazBlue: Central Fiction, Story Mode, Episode 007, Chapter 052 Naoto prepared to fight again, but was teleported away to the Gate where he was assaulted by Es. After fighting her and losing, Naoto was thrown out of the Gate. BlazBlue: Central Fiction, Story Mode, Episode 053
Finding himself still in Yabiko, Naoto chanced upon Ragna the Bloodedge, fighting him when the Grim Reaper would not release information on Celica's whereabouts. They recognized one another's Drives and became confused over claims of who was Saya's older brother (Ragna referencing Saya, and Naoto referencing Saya Terumi). Naoto retreated when he remembered he had other, more important things to do. BlazBlue: Central Fiction, Story Mode, Episode 009, Chapter 066, Sub Scenario 1
Kokonoe found Naoto in her own time, and wanted measurements from him. She fought him to obtain those measurements, and afterwards noticed that she couldn't track him back to his possibility. Naoto explained to her the situation and that he needed her help, but her singlemindedness scared him away. BlazBlue: Central Fiction, Story Mode, Episode 010, Chapter 084, Sub Scenario 1
Eventually, Makoto Nanaya found him. She strongly reminded him of Yuki, and they travelled together to the frozen space-time within the Embryo to search for Makoto's friend, Noel Vermillion. Inside, they were assaulted by Es, who had come to backup Makoto's data as she had lost her qualification as one of the chosen. Makoto begged Naoto to run as he was one of Es' targets for elimination. He complied, receiving a telepathic order from Raquel to go to Kagutsuchi's cauldron. BlazBlue: Central Fiction, Story Mode, Episode 011, Chapter 092
On his way there, he was met again by Es, who informed him that Makoto had evaporated into seithr. Naoto nearly attacked her in a blind rage, but stopped at the last moment when she did not attempt to move out of the way. She revealed to him that he was the “future” while she was the “past."
Arriving at the cauldron, he saved Rachel from being tossed into the Boundary by Hazama, and stopped Ragna from killing the Grimoire. By stopping Ragna, he managed to save all possibilities as Raquel had requested, and returned back to his own possibility. BlazBlue: Central Fiction, Story Mode, Episode 011, Chapter 094 When he woke up, Raquel offered her outstretched hand to help him to his feet. BlazBlue: Central Fiction, Story Mode, Episode 012, Chapter 100
==References==