Yashiro Nanakase

**Yashiro Nanakase** is a character from *The King of Fighters* series, serving as the leader of the Orochi Team (temporarily under disguised Team name, "New Faces Team" in *KOF '97*). He is one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Orochi and serves as the darker counterpart to Goro Daimon. His official nickname means "***Shrine of the Seven Shackles***", and in *The King of Fighters XV*, is "***Dauntless and Decisive***".

## Story

### Past

The true origins of the Orochi fighter known as Yashiro are shrouded in mystery. At one point, he formed a music band with Chris and Shermie called "CYS" (based on the first letter of the name of each member), with him playing the guitar. They were preparing to perform when the club they were scheduled at canceled them in favor of a jazz band featuring Iori Yagami. Upset at their loss and angered by "the man with red hair", Yashiro and his band steal the invitations from the American Sports Team (Heavy-D!, Lucky Glauber, and Brian Battler) and enter the KOF '97 tournament in order to get their revenge against Iori.

### Orochi Saga

#### The King of Fighters '97

During the tournament's duration, the Orochi blood within Yashiro awakens as he and his friends remember their duties as three of the Four Heavenly Kings of Orochi and work to resurrect their lord by gathering the fighters' own energy. Near the end of the tournament, both Yashiro and Shermie commit suicide in order to transfer their remaining energy into Chris and because of this, Orochi is able to return to the world while using Chris' body as the host, but Orochi itself is re-sealed again by the Three Sacred Treasures: Kyo, Iori, and Chizuru.

### New Age Saga

#### The King of Fighters XIV

Verse's defeat at the end of *The King of Fighters XIV* had released numerous souls and has caused many who have perished throughout the series to be brought back to life. Yashiro is confirmed to have been revived, along with his comrades Shermie and Chris. This further evident in Shermie's ending in *SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy*, and his revival is eventually showcased in his proper return in the fifteenth KOF tournament.

#### The King of Fighters XV

Yashiro is more than eager to settle his score with Iori, but after having done so, he is now aware that Iori is not only his rival in the music scene; he is also an obstacle to Orochi's revival.

## Personality

While living his normal life, Yashiro has a very 'cool' personality. Even so, he shows a part of his Heavenly King persona while composing his songs, which often has themes like death and blood.

Due to being upstaged in one of their gigs during the events of *The King of Fighters '97* by Iori, he has developed a deep hatred and grudge over him. This, on top of the fact that Iori's a natural enemy of his, which he either does not know nor care about. However, he may be trying to get over this grudge as per his special introduction with Iori in KOFXV, only for this to be rekindled anew. After getting his shot against Iori, he has been vigilant at Yagami, not just as rival musician, but as an obstacle to Orochi's revival.

When Yashiro was revived, his Orochi heritage was retained as well. While they take their roles as Heavenly Kings seriously even in their normal forms, this time, it isn't an outstanding priority. However, Yashiro is more eager to set it to fruition, but only if the opportunity presents itself, and not through cheap tactics, having scoffed off plans to actually make Kyo and Yuki quarrel.

## Powers

* **Super Speed** - He can deliver punches at high speed.
* **Wind Manipulation** - In his climax in ***KOF XV***, Yashiro can create a wind ball with his punch.

## Skills

* **Musical Instruments** - Yashiro is a singer by profession and plays the guitar.
* **Musical Composition** - Yashiro is responsible for composing some of his band's songs, and sometimes his Orochi persona reflects at the music they produce.
* **Musical Production** - As part of CYS, they have the knowhow on all things music.
* **Management** - Yashiro plays a role in the management of his band, being the one organizing the gigs they play at jointly with Shermie and Chris.
* **Swimming** - Yashiro is an accomplished swimmer.

## Fighting Style

Yashiro's fighting style is focused on offensive power. He is an all around fighter that balances out his great striking power with amazing speed and swift technique. His punches are extremely powerful and straight-forward, contrasting with his acrobatic kicks that sometimes resemble Capoeira.

## Fanon Appearances

### Game Appearances

* The King of Fighters 2000: Re-Bout - as a Striker for Ralf.
* KOF: The King of Fighters XVI - Playable character.
* MUGENGERS: The Orochi's Origin - Playable character.
* Project × Zone 3: Sacred Destinies - Boss Unit

### Cameo Appearances

* Neo Geo 2: Match of the Century - cameo in Shemie's ending.