Shinobi

**Shinobi** is Rojinese mercenary that works for MERCS, then later OCTO. He embodies honour, humility and respect, the values he learned during his marital journey.

## Armour Origin

Akimoto Takeshi, the Shinobi, acquired his renowned "Noble Warrior" armor through a combination of his own skills and the expertise of OCTO's tech specialists. The process of obtaining this cutting-edge powered armor began with a deep respect for his Rojinese heritage and the traditional values he held dear.

As a mercenary who upheld the principles of humility, respect, and honor, Akimoto had earned the admiration and trust of OCTO's leadership. Recognizing his dedication and unique combat abilities, they decided to craft a specialized suit of powered armor tailored to his distinctive fighting style.

The "Noble Warrior" armor was meticulously designed to combine Rojinese tradition with state-of-the-art technology. Its outward appearance resembled that of a robotic Shinobi, with sleek lines and a striking red color scheme that paid homage to Akimoto's heritage. The armor incorporated advanced materials and cutting-edge systems that enhanced his already impressive skills.

The process of creating the armor involved collaboration between OCTO's engineers, designers, and Akimoto himself. They worked closely to ensure that the suit not only met his tactical needs but also resonated with his deep sense of honor and identity as a Rojinese warrior.

Once the "Noble Warrior" armor was completed, it became an extension of Akimoto's martial prowess. Its advanced capabilities complemented his stealth and close combat skills, making him an even more formidable force on the battlefield. The armor also served as a symbol of his commitment to the values of humility, respect, and honor that had guided him throughout his journey as a Shinobi mercenary.

## Biography

### Background

Akimoto Takeshi, known by his codename **Shinobi**, has a unique background that sets him apart in the world of mercenaries. His fascination with the way of the blade, particularly the katana, began at a young age. He is born in Aikido, Roji. While he wasn't in line to become a traditional soldier or ancient Shinobi, he developed a deep appreciation for the values associated with swordsmanship in Rojinese culture: humility, respect, and honor. These qualities became an integral part of his identity as he honed his skills with the katana.

As the *PROJECT-G/NEX War* erupted, Akimoto found his calling as a warrior for hire, joining the ranks of MERCS. He embraced the title of Shinobi, inspired by the legendary warriors and senseis who had influenced his martial journey. Akimoto recognized that being a Shinobi wasn't just about mastering the sword; it was about embodying the principles of humility, respect, and honor in every aspect of combat.

During the war, Akimoto's unique combat abilities made him an invaluable asset to MERCS. His stealth and swordsmanship were unparalleled, allowing him to excel in close combat situations. His Phalanx katana became a fearsome weapon, capable of slicing through PROJECT's security walker mechs with ease and reducing their combat droids to scrap metal.

### Lost Light

When the war finally came to an end, a new era of mercenary warfare emerged. Akimoto faced a pivotal decision when MERCS split into two factions, OCTO and NONA. He chose to align himself with OCTO, finding their sense of honor and integrity more in line with his own values. This decision proved to be a turning point in his career as he became a dominant force in OCTO's wargames, despite his limited use of firearms. Akimoto Takeshi, the Shinobi, remains a memorable and respected mercenary within the ranks of OCTO.

## Personality

Akimoto Takeshi, known as the Shinobi, embodies a deep sense of honor and discipline, drawing inspiration from the values associated with being a Shinobi, even though he is not an official practitioner of this ancient title.

Akimoto places a significant emphasis on honor in all his actions. He adheres to a strict code of ethics that governs his behavior both on and off the battlefield. He believes that maintaining honor is crucial, not just for personal integrity but also for the greater good of his team and mission.

Showing respect is another core aspect of Akimoto's personality. He treats his comrades, opponents, and superiors with courtesy and consideration. He values the contributions and skills of those he works with, and he recognizes that each person has something unique to offer.

Discipline is a hallmark of Akimoto's character. He maintains a rigorous training regimen to continually improve his skills. This discipline extends beyond his physical abilities; it encompasses his mental focus, tactical acumen, and adherence to principles.

Despite his formidable combat skills and the awe-inspiring "Noble Warrior" armor, Akimoto remains remarkably humble. He does not boast about his achievements, and he approaches each situation with a sense of modesty. He knows that there is always room for improvement and growth.

Akimoto is highly adaptable in various combat situations. He has seamlessly incorporated the principles of Shinobi warfare into his own unique fighting style, making him a versatile and resourceful asset in the field.

Loyalty is a quality that defines Akimoto's relationships. He is unwaveringly loyal to OCTO and its mission, seeing it as a path that aligns with his sense of honor and purpose. He values the bonds he forms with his fellow mercenaries and is committed to their shared objectives.

Akimoto often shrouds himself in an air of mystery, further amplifying his reputation as a Shinobi warrior. He is not one to reveal his thoughts and emotions easily, preferring to keep his intentions hidden until the right moment.

Despite not being an official Shinobi warrior, Akimoto Takeshi's personality is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the values of honor, respect, and discipline. These qualities make him not only a skilled mercenary but also a noble warrior in his own right.

## Abilities

Shinobi excels in close-quarters combat, wielding his Phalanx katana with unmatched skill and precision. His training allows him to swiftly engage and eliminate enemies both melee and hand-to-hand combat, making him an invaluable asset when missions require a silent approach or when the situation escalates suddenly.

When missions call for sabotage or the disruption of enemy equipment and installations, Akimoto's infiltration skills shine. He can infiltrate enemy bases, disable security systems, and tamper with critical infrastructure, creating chaos among OCTO's adversaries.

### Reflective Barrier

His unique ability, the Reflective Barrier, serves as both a defensive and offensive tool. By creating a protective holographic plating on his armor, he can negate incoming gunfire, rendering enemy firearms ineffective against him. This ability not only enhances his survivability but also allows him to turn the enemy's firepower against them, making him a formidable opponent on the battlefield.

Although the Reflective Barrier is highly effective against projectiles from firearms, it does not provide protection against melee attacks. Opponents armed with close combat weapons, such as knives, swords, or blunt instruments, can still pose a significant threat to Akimoto. He must rely on his combat skills and agility to defend against such adversaries.

Explosives, such as grenades or rockets, are not nullified by the Reflective Barrier. The barrier is designed to intercept and reflect bullets and other high-velocity projectiles. Explosives, on the other hand, generate a shockwave and shrapnel upon detonation, which can bypass the barrier and cause damage to Akimoto if he is within the blast radius. Therefore, he needs to exercise caution when facing explosive threats.

The Reflective Barrier has a finite duration of activation. Akimoto cannot maintain the barrier indefinitely and must use it strategically to maximize its effectiveness. Timing and situational awareness are crucial when deciding when to activate and deactivate the barrier during engagements.

These constraints ensure that Akimoto's Reflective Barrier remains a balanced and fair ability, requiring thoughtful decision-making and adaptability in the heat of battle. While it offers significant advantages against ranged attacks, it does not make him invulnerable and necessitates a well-rounded combat approach to succeed in various combat scenarios.

### Skills

* **Master Infiltrator**: Akimoto's background in appreciating the values of a Shinobi translates into exceptional stealth and infiltration abilities. He can move silently, blend into the environment, and approach targets undetected. His understanding of shadows and concealment aids OCTO in covert operations and assassinations. Shinobi can change his appearance and blend into different environments, making him a master of disguise. His ability to assume different identities aids in covert missions and information gathering. He even has a knack for picking locks and disabling security systems, allowing him to gain access to restricted areas and disrupt enemy operations without leaving a trace.

* **Master Swordsman**: As an enthusiast of the katana and inspired by the ways of the ancient Shinobi, Shinobi has honed his swordsmanship skills to near perfection. His primary weapon is the Phalanx katana, a formidable high frequency blade that he wields with grace and precision. His combat style incorporates traditional Rojinese sword techniques blended seamlessly with modern combat tactics. His exceptional swordsmanship allows him to engage in close-quarters combat with deadly efficiency, making him a formidable opponent in melee confrontations.

* **Master Combatant**: Shinobi is an extraordinarily skilled combatant. His combination of an exceptional level fo swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat makes him extremely deadly in both forms of close quarters combat.

## Trivia

### General

* Code of Conduct: Akimoto Takeshi follows a personal code of conduct inspired by the traditional values of the Rojinese Shinobi. This code emphasizes principles such as honor, respect, and humility, which he applies not only in combat but also in his interactions with others.
* Blade Enthusiast: Despite his high-tech arsenal, Akimoto's true passion lies in the art of the blade. He collects and appreciates various types of edged weapons, with a particular fascination for katanas. In his downtime, he often practices swordsmanship and maintains a collection of finely crafted blades.
* Silent Approach: Akimoto excels in stealth and silent takedowns. He values the element of surprise and prefers to eliminate adversaries swiftly and quietly. This skill makes him an exceptional choice for covert missions that require precision and discretion.
* Respect for Adversaries: Even in the midst of combat, Akimoto maintains a deep respect for his opponents. He often acknowledges the skills and tactics of his adversaries, both allies and foes alike, appreciating the diverse challenges they present.
* Cultural Exchange: Akimoto actively seeks opportunities for cultural exchange, sharing aspects of Rojinese traditions, including martial arts and tea ceremonies, with his fellow mercenaries. This cultural bridge helps build camaraderie within the OCTO ranks.
* Zen Mindset: Inspired by Zen philosophy, Akimoto cultivates a calm and focused mindset, allowing him to make split-second decisions in the chaos of battle. He often meditates and practices mindfulness to maintain mental clarity.

Roaming Ronin: Before joining MERCS and later OCTO, Akimoto traveled as a roaming warrior, taking on various contracts and defending the helpless. This period of his life honed his combat skills and forged his sense of justice.

* Archery Skills: In addition to his proficiency with blades, Akimoto is a skilled archer. He practices traditional archery as a complementary skill, mastering both ranged and melee combat techniques.

Ancient Wisdom: Akimoto often imparts wisdom from Rojinese legends and philosophies to his fellow mercenaries. His anecdotes and stories serve as sources of inspiration and guidance, fostering a sense of unity within the OCTO team.

* Solemnity in Victory and Defeat: Regardless of the outcome of a mission, Akimoto maintains a solemn demeanor. He believes that victory should be celebrated with humility and defeat accepted with grace, embodying the teachings of the Rojinese warrior path.
* His left arm, afflicted by stiffness, has limited mobility. This condition has influenced his combat style, as he relies predominantly on his right arm to wield his katana. The advanced armor he wears helps alleviate some of the physical limitations caused by his stiff arm.
* While not conventionally considered attractive, Akimoto's commanding presence and meticulous grooming give him a distinct and respectable appearance. OCTO members appreciate his dedication to embodying the values of a noble warrior.
* Shinobi is incapable of using firearms, minus pistols.
* He excels in stealth and close combat, using his speed, agility and stealth to overcome his foes.
* His Phalanx is practically an enhanced katana, capable of cutting even the hardest alloys with a single swipe.
* He is of Rojinese descent.
* Kitty despises him for some reason. Perhaps her bullets are really just ineffective against his armour.
* Shinobi reveals that 60% of his eliminations come from Hound, and 31% from Seven.