Seiji Matoba

**Seiji Matoba** is the master of ??? in the ??? Holy Grail war.

*"Though I care not for the yokai or that woman, you, however, interest me. We shall meet again. We'll exchange pointers then."* - Seiji Matoba

## Profile

Seiji Matoba (的場静司, Matoba Seiji) is the head of the Matoba clan and Natsume's enemy. He can see youkai and throughout the series, refers to them as 'bait' and 'tools'.

### Background

As a teenager, he met Suuichi Natori during a meeting in his freshman year of high school. He had tested the extent of the young Natori's spiritual prowess and strength by showing him the kimono, which looked dark red to him.
When he debuted, Master Kitty-Cat mentioned that he was suspicious and had a sinister spiritual aura. Upon encountering Takashi, however, he became quite intrigued in the only grandchild of the notorious Reiko Natsume; namely aware of just how powerful Takashi could become if ever reaching his full potential, possibly on the same high power level as he is.

### Appearance

Matoba has long black hair and black eyes. He has a smile, much like Natsume's, except Matoba has a more sinister atmosphere.

He has a scar over his right eye which is covered by a special eye-patch. The reason for the eyepatch is a previous head of the Matoba clan had promised their right eye in return for the help given to them by a youkai. However, the promise with that youkai had been broken and the head never gave the youkai his right eye. Ever since then, youkai has been targeting the male heads of the Matoba family for their right eye. Due to this, he has depth perception problems.

### Personality

Matoba is a cold-hearted exorcist. Although he wants to protect humans, he won't hesitate to get rid of anyone who stands in his way.

He will also readily sacrifice weaker youkai to lure stronger ones in for the catch. Natsume arouses his interest after one meeting, up to the point where he would save Natsume and Madara from being eaten, which is unusual considering his personality.

As the story progresses, Matoba seems to start liking Natsume and is seen smiling kindly at him. He acknowledges Natsume's strength and even asks him to join the Matoba clan, promising to protect him if he does. However, Natsume refuses. He also seems to believe Natsume and sends him a letter once, asking for cooperation. Natsume lost it and told him that he had lost it while Matoba chuckled, saying he made excuses like a child. Although he insisted to Matoba that it was true and Matoba believes him. This represents that Matoba most likely trusts Natsume enough to believe the things he says. He even stated that he had written an uncharacteristically long letter, hence, it shows that he would explain things to Natsume regardless of the time taken and even if it was out of character.

Their relationship is slowly changing towards one that is more open even though they still have a long way to go.

### Relationships

#### **Shuuichi Natori**

They had first met each other when they were teenagers at a meeting for exorcists, as young Natori was intrigued by such a gathering of those who possessed spiritual powers like himself. Since then, he has become distrustful of young Matoba. Although, they do work together if the situation requires it.

## Abilities

He is mostly seen armed with a bow and arrow, which he uses to eliminate youkai.

* Matoba possesses strong spiritual power which allows him to see youkai. He uses this power of his to become an exorcist which is shown through him exorcising youkai rather than sealing them. He also has the power to control and command Shiki Servants.

* Being an exorcist, he has a vast knowledge of exorcism techniques, sutras, spells and youkai.

* As well as shikigami, sutras, and spells, Matoba is shown to have a bow and arrow for eliminating youkai. He has demonstrated his proficiency in archery several times in the series. An example is that he was able to exorcise a youkai that was about to eat Natsume with only one arrow (showing that he has great spiritual power).

# References

https://natsumeyuujinchou.fandom.com/wiki/Seiji\_Matoba

https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Seiji\_Matoba