Kentaro

"**Kentaro**" (健太郎, *Kentarō*?), also known as the **Thousand-Man Slayer** (*千一凶漢*, **Senichi Satsugai**?), is a mysterious Blacklist Hunter of unknown origins and leader of Yo-Kai Watch; an organization made up of powerful Hunters that threaten to compete with the Hunter Association.

He's also the author of the Bingo Book; a black book used by Blacklist Hunters to keep track of information about individuals who are considered to be their enemies or targets. This book contain detailed information on the targets, such as their name, appearance, abilities, and any other relevant information that may help the user of the Bingo Book in their mission.

Kentaro serves as the author's primary protagonist in the storyline.

## Appearance

Physically, Kentaro has a lean and muscular build. Despite his average height, his presence is commanding and exudes a sense of confidence. His piercing, hawk-like nose is one of his most distinguishing facial features, giving him a somewhat intimidating appearance. His thin eyebrows accentuate the intensity of his gaze, which can be unnerving to those who are not used to it.

In terms of clothing, Kentaro's outfit is a blend of practicality and style. His sleeveless coat provides a good range of motion for his arms, while the black shoulders add a layer of protection. The white overshirt, which bears the symbol of the Yo-Kai Watch, shows his affiliation with the organization and his dedication to martial arts. The black undershirt is made of a breathable fabric that allows him to move and fight without feeling restricted. His dark-colored pants are loose enough to allow for kicking and jumping, but not so baggy as to impede his movements. The sandals are chosen for their flexibility and light weight, making it easier for him to move around. The white socks are a nod to tradition, as it is customary to wear them with sandals in certain Japanese martial arts.

Finally, the two swords that Kentaro carries on his hips are a pair of a katana and a wakizashi, the traditional pairing of swords worn by samurai. These weapons would be used in close combat, and would require a great deal of skill to wield effectively. The fact that Kentaro carries two swords suggests that he is highly proficient in swordsmanship, and is not to be taken lightly in battle.

## Personality

Kentaro is portrayed as carefree and laid back, though he can be a bit rude and aloof at times. He possesses a strong love for fighting and will actively seek out worthy opponents to test his skills against. Kentaro has a tendency to judge other warriors he encounters, ranking their strength on a scale of 0 to 10 or even 0 to 100 if they prove to be truly formidable. His ultimate goal is to defeat and become the strongest swordsman in the known world.

Despite his easygoing demeanor, Kentaro can be quite extreme in his approach to combat. He has a deep-seated disdain for weakness and will outrightly refuse to work for a leader weaker than himself. However, Kentaro recognizes that he himself is not suited for leadership.

Overall, Kentaro is a formidable fighter with a strong sense of purpose and a competitive streak. Though he may come across as aloof or brash, he is fiercely dedicated to his craft and determined to become the best swordsman he can be.

## Relationships

### Yo-Kai Watch

> My brothers in arms.
>
> Kentaro about the Yo-Kai Watch.

## Equipment

* **Bingo Book** (手配書, *Bingo Bukku*?): Created by Kentaro himself, the book is used by Blacklist Hunters to keep track of information about individuals who are considered to be their enemies or targets. This book contain detailed information on the targets, such as their name, appearance, abilities, and any other relevant information that may help Kentaro in his missions. Some of the known entries include:
	+ ???: ??? *Unknown Last Name*, Unknown Nen Ability- Needs further studying.

Kentaro have been known to take the weapons of his targets as trophies:

Kentaro's first trophy; **Hyakki Yagyō** (*百鬼夜行*, *lit. meaning *Night Parade of a Hundred Demons*; Eng. TV: Pandemonium*?).Kentaro's second trophy; **Gunbai Uchiwa** (*軍配団扇*, *lit. meaning *Army Arrangement Fan**?).
## Abilities and Powers

### Overview

Kentaro is a highly skilled and versatile fighter with exceptional physical abilities, including strength, speed, agility, durability, endurance, and heightened senses. He has a unique Nen ability that allows him to absorb and store the aura of other Nen users through physical contact, which he can then use to create Nen Beasts called "avatars." These avatars possess the same abilities as the individuals whose aura he has absorbed, and Kentaro can enhance them with personality traits, skills, and special abilities. He can summon avatars in their full form, alter their size and appearance, or even wear them as armor or extensions of himself.

Kentaro is a master of various martial arts, including kenjutsu, or the art of swordsmanship, and is particularly skilled in the use of his katana. He has developed his own unique fighting style, which incorporates various elements of martial arts and emphasizes speed, precision, and adaptability. He is also proficient in the use of other weapons, such as knives and guns, and can quickly adapt to using any weapon he comes across.

Due to his upbringing in Meteor City, Kentaro's existence is not recorded in any database, making it nearly impossible to obtain information on him. He is a skilled tracker and has a keen sense of observation, allowing him to gather information on his targets and predict their movements. He is also highly intelligent and strategic, able to quickly analyze his opponents' strengths and weaknesses and devise effective battle plans.

Overall, Kentaro is a formidable fighter with a unique set of abilities and powers that allow him to adapt to any situation and overcome his opponents with speed, precision, and strength.

### Physical Abilities

#### Strength

As a highly skilled and experienced martial artist, Kentaro possesses impressive physical strength that allows him to overpower opponents with ease. He has trained his body to its peak physical condition, giving him exceptional speed, agility, and reflexes, as well as immense muscular strength.

Kentaro's strength is not limited to his upper body, as he has also developed powerful leg muscles from his intensive training in footwork and movement. He can deliver devastating kicks with ease and has been known to launch opponents several feet into the air with a single kick.
In addition to his raw strength, Kentaro has honed his body to be incredibly resilient. He can withstand intense physical punishment and keep fighting even after sustaining serious injuries. His intense training regimen has also toughened his bones, making them more resistant to damage.

Overall, Kentaro's physical strength is a key factor in his combat prowess and allows him to take on even the most formidable opponents with confidence.

#### Speed and Agility

Kentaro is incredibly fast and agile, able to move with lightning speed and make quick, precise movements. He has trained extensively in footwork and has mastered various forms of movement, allowing him to maneuver through any terrain with ease. His quick reflexes and nimble body allow him to evade attacks and strike back with deadly accuracy. He is also able to perform acrobatic feats and parkour-like movements, making him a versatile and unpredictable opponent in combat.

#### Durability and Endurance

Kentaro's physical training and combat experience have also developed his durability and endurance to a high level. He has taken numerous blows and injuries during battles, but he can still continue fighting for extended periods without showing signs of fatigue. His muscles are also highly resistant to lactic acid buildup, which allows him to maintain his speed and strength even during prolonged fights. Additionally, Kentaro has developed a high tolerance for pain, allowing him to endure severe injuries and continue fighting without being slowed down.

#### Heightened Senses

As a skilled fighter and Nen user, Kentaro has honed his senses to a high degree. He has exceptional eyesight, allowing him to see clearly even in low light conditions, and he can detect subtle movements and changes in his environment. His sense of hearing is also sharp, allowing him to pick up sounds that others might miss, and he is able to distinguish between different sounds with great accuracy. Kentaro's sense of smell and taste is also highly refined, allowing him to detect faint odors or flavors that others might miss.

In addition to his natural senses, Kentaro has also developed a keen sense of intuition and awareness. He is able to sense danger and detect hidden threats, allowing him to react quickly and avoid potential attacks. This heightened awareness also allows him to read people and situations with great accuracy, allowing him to anticipate his opponent's moves and counter them effectively.

### Kenjutsu

Kentaro is very skilled in the use of edged weapons. His blade of choice is a long katana. He has also trained extensively in the art of Iaidō, which allows him to execute swift and precise strikes using his katana from its scabbard. Additionally, he has developed his own unique style of swordsmanship that incorporates different stances, grips, striking patterns, footwork, and tempo. Kentaro's swordsmanship style emphasizes adaptability and unpredictability, with techniques that can be used in a variety of combat situations. Overall, his training and experience have made him a formidable swordsman capable of taking on even the most skilled opponents.

Kentaro's ability to quickly adapt to any weapon and come up with unique uses for them is a testament to his overall mastery of weapons and combat. This skill allows him to be versatile in combat and makes him a formidable opponent in any situation where he might be forced to use a different weapon or find himself without his primary weapon. Additionally, his ability to innovate in combat shows his quick thinking and creativity in battle, making him a dangerous opponent to underestimate.

#### Kendō

Kendō (剣道, *Kendou*?, literally meaning "Way of the Sword") is the primary method of combat utilized by Kentaro, and used as the basis of imitating other sword styles.

Kendō encompasses five major components.

* **Kamae** (構え, *literally meaning "Posture"*?): Kamae is a fundamental principle of swordsmanship that focuses on proper posture and stance while wielding a sword. Kamae promotes different stances that allow swordsmen to effectively use their blades in combat. Kentaro, a renowned swordsman, has devised five basic stances that are widely accepted as the foundation of swordsmanship:
	+ jōdan: A high stance where the sword is held above the head with both hands. This stance emphasizes speed and power in overhead strikes.
	+ chūdan: A middle stance where the sword is held at chest level with one hand. This stance emphasizes balance and quick movements in all directions.
	+ gedan: A low stance where the sword is held below the waist with one hand. This stance emphasizes defense and counterattacks, with the sword ready to strike from below.
	+ hassō: A diagonal stance where the sword is held at a 45-degree angle with one hand. This stance emphasizes versatility and quick transitions between defense and offense.
	+ waki: A sideways stance where the sword is held at the side with one hand. This stance emphasizes agility and rapid attacks from unexpected angles.
* While these are not the only stances in existence, most swordsmen believe that all other stances can be derived from one of these five. By mastering these basic stances, swordsmen can develop a solid foundation for their swordsmanship techniques and improve their chances of success in combat.
* **Gara** (柄, *literally meaning "Grip"*?): Gara refers to the way of holding and wielding a sword, and it is an essential aspect of swordsmanship. Kentaro, while studying swordsmanship, has practiced different grips with bokken of varying weight and length. By doing so, he learned how different variations of the blades feel, which allowed him to develop a better understanding of how to handle different types of swords. Kentaro has also combined his knowledge of Gara with the five Kamae stances, which has enhanced his adaptability as a swordsman. The proper use of Gara can significantly impact a swordsman's ability to strike accurately, move fluidly, and maintain control over their blade. As such, mastering the art of Gara is crucial for any aspiring swordsman.
* **Kata** (型, *literally meaning "Form"*?): Kata in swordsmanship refers to the specific forms and techniques used in combat. These forms consist of different sequences of movements and strikes that are used to attack and defend against an opponent. Practitioners of swordsmanship, like Kentaro, spend a significant amount of time mastering these forms to improve their effectiveness in combat. Kata can vary greatly depending on the school of swordsmanship, the style of the practitioner, and the type of weapon being used. Some kata are designed for specific situations or opponents, while others are more general and can be used in a variety of situations. In Kentaro's case, he has mastered a number of different kata that require him to switch between different grips and stances simultaneously, demonstrating his high level of skill and adaptability in combat.
* **Ashiidō** (足移動, *literally meaning "Footwork"*?): Ashiidō in swordsmanship refers to the technique of using footwork to enhance one's movements during combat. It involves practicing and mastering the movements necessary to change positions quickly and smoothly while maintaining proper posture and balance. Kentaro has trained in various terrains, including slippery surfaces and uneven ground, to perfect his footwork and adaptability to different environments. With Ashiidō, Kentaro can effortlessly move around his opponents and strike them from various angles, while still maintaining his balance and posture.
* **Tenpo** (テンポ, *literally meaning "Tempo"*?): Tenpo, in the context of swordsmanship, refers to the timing or rhythm of movements in combat. It involves understanding the appropriate timing for each technique and the ability to adjust one's tempo to suit the situation. In order to develop a sense of tenpo, Kentaro trains by practicing his various stances and movements to a metronome or drum beat. By doing so, he is able to improve his timing and develop a sense of rhythm and flow in combat, allowing him to seamlessly transition between techniques and maintain control over the tempo of the fight.

#### Iaidō

**Iaidō** (居合道, *literally meaning "Way of the Iai"*?): In the world of martial arts, Iaidō is considered a very advanced technique. Practitioners of Iaidō focus on achieving a state of "no-mind" or "mushin" in order to execute the technique with perfect timing and efficiency. This involves being completely present in the moment and reacting to the opponent's movements without conscious thought or hesitation.

In order to execute Iaidō, the practitioner must first assume a proper stance, with the sword in its scabbard at their side. From this position, they must quickly draw the sword, slice through the target with a swift and powerful strike, and then return the sword to its scabbard in a single, fluid motion. The entire technique is performed with speed, precision, and grace.

One of the key aspects of Iaidō is the emphasis on the initial draw of the sword. Because the blade is hidden in the scabbard, the first few moments of the technique are critical for achieving maximum speed and force. Skilled practitioners of Iaidō are able to draw the sword in a single, lightning-fast motion, often catching their opponents off-guard and delivering a devastating blow.

Kentaro incorporates Iaidō as part of his overall swordsmanship style. He utilizes the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard, striking his opponents with swift and decisive cuts, removing blood from the blade, and returning the sword back into its scabbard. By mastering this technique, Kentaro is able to execute powerful strikes quickly and efficiently, catching his opponents off guard with the suddenness of his attacks. He has also incorporated Iaidō into his Kata training, allowing him to seamlessly transition between different striking patterns while also maintaining the smoothness and control of his sword movements.

### Nen

Kentaro possesses a unique Nen ability that involves absorbing and storing the aura of other Nen users through physical contact. However, unlike other Nen abilities that allow users to utilize the absorbed aura to power their own attacks or enhance their own abilities, Kentaro's ability stores the absorbed Nen in small stars located at the base of his finger joints and two at his palm. Kentaro uses the absorbed aura to create Nen Beasts known as "avatars," which are modeled after the individuals whose aura he has absorbed. These avatars possess the same abilities as their respective individuals, and Kentaro can imbue them with personality traits, skills, and special abilities, enhancing them to a certain degree.
Kentaro creates avatars by exerting his powers via touch, leaving the target weakened and in severe pain. During this process, Kentaro essentially "rips out" a Nen Beast of the target, which can materialize physically and is completely obedient to Kentaro, inheriting aspects of his own personality. Although avatars may develop individuality, they do not preserve the previous person's personality.
The avatars are spiritual manifestations that take on physical form and can be defeated in battle. However, their spirit will disperse back to the user, unable to be destroyed permanently unless it is trapped or under the effects of certain Nen Abilities. As such, Kentaro can re-summon defeated avatars at a later time. The strength of an avatar grows with the strength of its original self and the longer it exists as an avatar. They are also able to communicate telepathically and share their vision and senses with the user.
Kentaro can summon an avatar in its full form or alter its size and appearance, and he can even summon them partially or "wear" one as an armor or an extension of himself, depending on his needs.
In other words, Kentaro's Nen ability allows him to create Nen Beasts that share the abilities of the individuals whose aura he has absorbed, rather than enhancing his own abilities.

## Trivia

* Kentaro's artwork is based on Sengoku Iori from Gamaran.