Kenji Zarate

> With you dead, I can finally take over Masovia and later Europe!
>
> Kenji Zarate to Lukas Nachthimmel

**Kenji Zarate** (坐螺手 堅志) is the emperor of Yamato and the supreme general of the Oriental Army. He is the Champion of the god of lightning Eldian.

## **Early Life"**

A member of the Zarate clan, one of Yamato's royal clans, Kenji was raised with access to the nation's best education. He became knowledgeable in mathematics, astronomy, physics, and became a skilled leader, martial artist, and weapon master.

One night when Kenji was 13, assassins from rival clans broke into the Zarate household in an attempt to assassinate his father and clan head, Shingen Zarate. Unfortunately for them, Kenji and his younger brother Kenshin accidentally intercepted them. They tried fending off the assassins, but being unarmed, it quickly proved to be difficult. Thankfully their fight alerted the entire household, and guards immediately arrived and killed the assassins.

Impressed by their fighting skills and determination, Shingen passed down to Kenji the powers of the lightning Champion and allowed Kenshin to study advanced magic.

Years went by and Kenji and Kenshin's skills gained them the title of the clan's strongest warriors. After bearing this title, Kenji began to act more reckless and arrogant, which brought concerns to his father.

### Rise to Power

When Kenji was 20 years old, the emperor of Yamato, Yoshitsune Tanno, ordered the complete wipeout of all, except his own, royal clans, fearing that an attempt to overthrow him was imminent. In response to this, the Zarate clan and several other clans went to war against the Tanno clan.

The war went on for 2 years, with each sides suffering heavy casualties. The Tanno clan was losing, and many of them scattered across the land. Kenji and a group of swordsmen tracked down one of the Tanno groups, and successfully killed all of them.

Over the next 6 months of the war, Yoshitsune's Heaven-Piercing Castle was under siege. Shingen, Kenji, and other clan members infiltrated thr castle and confronted the emperor. A fierce battle erupted, ending in Kenji killing Yoshitsune. Sadly, Shingen was also killed in the fight. Kenji assumed the throne and ordered that every Tanno member be killed.

### Oriental Invasion

Eager to make himself known as a powerful emperor, Kenji set his eyes towards the western European kingdoms. Coincidentally, Kenshin was invited to Masovia to discuss trade. Kenji sent several assassins to Masovia with the order to kill Kenshin. The plan was a success, and Kenji pretended to blame the Masovians. He then sent a soldier named Geish to Masovia as a spy.

He formed an army consisting of Yamato, Goryean, and Kitanese soldiers, and marched towards Europe. He had taken over several kingdoms until he reached Masovia. The kingdom proved to be more difficult to conquer than other kingdoms, and Kenji was starting to be impatient. He had soldiers try and overtake the surrounding kingdoms, but they failed as well.

Kenji was confronted by Lukas Nachthimmel, Geish, Dietrich von Wolff, and Raina Barno when they tried to kill him. Kenji told the story of Kenshin's death, and sent them on a wild goose chase to find the killer.

However, when they returned to tell him that the killers were found, Kenji attacked them, taking them by surprise. In an attempt to kill them, Kenji instead was defeated by Lukas, and was forced to retreat. The war was over and the Oriental army was disbanded.

### After the War

Clans and soldiers who began to resent Kenji for the loss, declared war against Kenji. Unable to fight due to his wounds, Kenji was forced to abandon the throne and flee into hiding.

## **Abilities**

**Strategist**: Kenji is an excellent strategist, though his arrogance and pride tend to blind him.

**Swordsmanship**: Kenji is a skilled Swordsman, training from an early age.

**Martial arts**: Kenji is skilled in ninjutsu and kendo.

**Electrokinesis**: Being the Champion of lightning, Kenji can manipulate electricity.

**Magic**: Members of the Zarate clan are taught magic, though Kenji only learned basic spells.

### Magic Spells

* Aeolus Blades
* Moonlight Slash
* Arcane Shield
* Fireball

## **Equipment**

**Katana**: Kenji is often seen equipped with a katana.

## **Battles**

* Kenji Zarate vs. Yoshitsune Tanno (*victory*)
* Kenji Zarate vs. Lukas Nachthimmel, Geish, Raina Barno, Dietrich von Wolff (*defeat*)