Rei Matsuoka

> Time passes and fades like ignited flames which is why we must treasure it, even as gods or harmonious deities. Each second, someone gets their first experience of life while others get their last. However, the number of those who get their last are increasing more than natural due to the corruption of humans and those filthy and unneccessary insects who are feeble in their attempts to be superior to us. Until those creatures are gone, you and I will never rest truly for that is the true mission of the Defenders of the Light, do you understand that?"
> Rei Matsuoka to Tae Tomodachi in **"Restless Battles"**
>
>

Rei Matsuoka is the Combustion **Kosho** of the **Defenders of the Light**, and is one of the main protagonists of the series. He comes from the Matsuoka Family, a family filled with immense amounts of power, **Numen Energy** and wealth. He is also the cousin of **Miu Haga**, **Rokihiko Haga**, and the brother of Jurei Matsuoka. He belongs to the Matsuoka Clan, which is known as related to the Haga Clan and is the head's son. He is also Tae Tomodachi's mentor in the series, *Warped Eternity: Living Destruction's Abyssal Remnants*, and is one of the main characters. He is also a user of Color Numen, Combustion Numen, and Thunder Numen, and is one of the brothers of Toshiko Matsuoka, the former Cherry Blossom Ruler of the Knights of Crystal Rose and one of the traitors who served Daiki under deception in the same manner of what happened to Mushihime Hiori. He is also one of the powerful Sky Deities who has lived for four thousand years and fifty years due to the "warped time" and constant illusions and disorientments.

Rei is also one of the wielders of the Divine Igniting Blade, and is known to be one of the supporting participants of the Kliessarium Game Arc alongside Ryuga Chisaka. As one of the disguised main courtesans of the Tatralian District, he became known as Oume to distract the Tatralian King and spy on one of the Warped Domain's Lords, Kujaku Haga. He is also known to have been searching about the Usurpers and the Eight Timeless Devourers constantly in his life, and is known as one of the descendants of Aylis, a noble's daughter in the Fourth Period of Mortemterra and was considered to be a human conceived from one of the abyssal mirrors of Cruor through one of the emperors of Mortemterra and a human of Cruor. Thus, he is known to live in a clan full of warlords, warfare, and power struggles due to their desire to conquer the creatures and the power these creatures possess. Rei is also one of the people who discovered the Crossed Seas formed by the mysterious "Sorcerer of Green" and one of the main Usurpers. With Natsu Anchali, he is working even further to produce poison loads and strategies to effectively defeat and eradicate the Usurpers, the Eight Timeless Devourers, and the Warped Domain's Lords. Alongside Ryuga being the main one to find the knowledge about the abyssal mirrors, he also has knowledge of the humans conceived from the abyssal mirrors of Mortemterra.

## Appearance

Rei is a very tall and physically bulky young man who possesses very short but beautiful dark blue hair, which is very curly, symbolizing his Combustion Numen. His hair is noted to be often messy, as he refuses to fix it even during formal arrangements. He possesses a regal posture, often seeming like he looks down on others and always wear an elegant, smiling face, devoid of any other emotions and vulnerability. This was said to be the true opposite of his personality. His eyes are very dark, and are seen to be blue with his pupil being ignited flames, a possible reference to his Combustion Numen. He often wears an eyepatch, which symbolizes flames, and has a sharp gaze. He wears an outfit similar to that of a warrior from the Sengoku Period, except that his outfit possesses the letters for Kosho engraved on his collar, and has the signature sign which are the Rays of the sun, except they were colored blue. However, his chest and muscles is slightly seen. According to even corrupted souls, Rei was one of the most handsome men, even far surpassing Kaoru Yuragami, the Fish Shield.

He wears few amounts of armor, which is light orange, due to the fuel and strengthening of his flames upon wearing it. His waist is seen with two Kusarigama on his belt, alongside some tachi as his weapons. He is usually seen with a scorn, frown, or a blank expression on her face. He has a very small mole at the bottom of her mouth. Rei also possesses zori socks, which are secretly thick, and aids him in armoring himself.

While posing at the ball of Tatral, Rei wore a revealing dark orange kimono, resembling Combustion, which had a dark gold bow on the back, and a dark blue obi. His outfit is very long, to avoid inconvenience. However, it is very tight and was designed very uncomfortably. He is also less noticeable due to this. His hair was edorned in flowers, and hairpins, which are actually weapons for him. This was to present himself as a possible member of the "Pleasure" of the Tatralian King. He also wore a long wig, which made it seem like he was a woman. This kimono also showed his fake cleavage, and made him surely irritated and annoyed.

After the Grim Descendance Arc, Rei considerably has numerous cuts on his cheek, from the members of the Hiori Clan and he also possesses asymmetrical bangs, which were cut off in an attempt to stab his skull. In the Dusk of Justice Arc, Rei's outfit was heavily destroyed by Daiki, and he is seen with countless injuries on his body.

## Personality

From the start of the series, Rei is well-known for his haughty and seemingly selfish demeanor. He revels in the power he has at the current Combustion Kosho, and uses it to assert his control over others. He often calls others names, even towards the Kosho, and does not give an effort to apologize for his mean remarks. His haughty demeanor is due to his belief in his superiority, as he dismisses others as truly unworthy and belittle them, alongside dismissing them as pathetic and mere stepping stones. He is also very distant, and tough, being uncomprising at times. Due to his haughty demeanor and superiority complex, he tends to he extremely egoistical, and boastful of his skills and prowess. This led to Katakura Tsuma, and even his fellow Kosho to dislike him. He also looks down on anyone he deems inferior and filthy, and can be blunt and unkind to others. His haughtiness causes him to believe that his time is too precious to waste on unneccessary battles, and thus, he shows extreme disdain for those who dare waste his time. He also views his

Despite this, he does actually care for others, but struggles to express it in a clear manner, unlike Katakura Tsuma. Rei's arrogance knows no bounds. He looks down on anyone he deems inferior, dismissing their abilities and accomplishments with disdain. His words and actions are often laced with condescension, and he takes pleasure in belittling and humiliating those who cannot match his strength. Rei sees himself as a pinnacle of power and views others as mere stepping stones on his path to greatness. Despite this, he actually cares, but struggles to overcome his haughty nature. He also is fearless, fierce, and doesn't want others to help him, as seen when he called out Ryuga for his bubbly demeanor, and acting friendly and tactless. Yet, secretly, Rei was extremely interested in Ryuga's tactless demeanor as he found it rather amusing. Rei's haughty and disdainful behavior often isolates others, such as Jurei away from him. His superiority complex often forms negative opinions on him, making it difficult for him to form genuine connections. While others may fear and respect him, he yearns for true companionship and acceptance, but his struggle to keep his arrogance pushes others away. He is also very unaffectionate, as evident when he was too embarrassed by others touching him.

Rei is also very cold, aloof, composed, and strict towards lower-ranked members, and seeks to push them to their limits. This was evident upon his extremely harsh training to Tae Tomodachi, and even Hanae Kemono, but most notably Taewhere he constantly berated Tae for his lack of skill, and belittled how inferior he was and said harsh things about Tae, to force Tae to become stronger to prove him wrong. This harsh demeanor with his blunt and rude remarks is actually how he expresses a way of encouraging others, albeit in a harsh and unclear way that tries to mask his true intentions. This was unintentional, and also a result of his superiority complex and haughtiness, and his tendency to overwork himself. From a young age, Rei was expected highly from the Matsuoka Clan, as the head's son. His superiority complex is revealed to be derived from the fact that he tries to view the extreme expectations and abuse from the Matsuoka Clan as praise and tries to downplay the harsh tragedies as living the best life due to believing that others had it worse. It was also revealed he was manipulated into not believing what he was experiencing was extreme, and also felt extreme envy for others experiencing better lives. In the series, it was also revealed that the Matsuoka Clan put immense pressures on Rei, and was heavily disappointed in him paling in comparison to Akio Akimitsu when he became a Kosho, causing Rei to further seemingly develop an extreme superiority complex, while being cold, aloof, and blunt. This was also because of his envy towards Akio, and how he was treated as worthless and useless. This was sensed by Tae Tomodachi when the two individuals hold a conversation, as Tae sensed his internal flame. Initially, Rei hates showing weakness in front of anyone, whether they are close to him or not as evident with his confusions and dismissive attitude when Ryuga asked if he were sad leading to others wondering what he truly feels under his toughness and rigidity. He also does not want to bother showing his emotions, yelling often at Ayumu Ishioka and even some of his fellow Kosho for being too "emotional" according to his standards. However, this is due to his upbringing and the expectations taught to him by the Matsuoka Clan, where the Matsuoka Clan abused him severely and harshly for not being able to not show vulnerability.

Because of this dislike of showing weakness and his desire to meet his clan's expectations, Rei is unwavering in hardwork and diligence often being driven by a desire to prove himself as finally worthy, and will often push others away to work. He cares less for getting to know his comrades, often caring more to finishing the job, further simplifying his straightforward behavior but . Rei is also well-known for his seemingly perfectionist demeanor, and may struggle to accept his wrongdoings. At often times, he may blame others for it, to hide and disguise his regrets for failing. This was evident upon him blaming Aya Aoki, and Natsu for failing certain missions yet he just cannot accept the failures he committed. However, when he realizes it, he can be grudging yet remorseful for failing said tasks. His perfectionist demeanor was shown in the series many times, as he constantly was irritated when his strategies and plans didn't achieve perfection and the perfect success. In tendencies like this, he may also become extremely anxious and somehow fierce and irritated, yet still lacking brashness or energy and maintaining his cold nature. Rei is foul-mouthed, sharp-tongued, and crude often, not holding back upon saying words and is completely unafraid to claim his beliefs or say his mind. His foul-mouthed demeanor causes him to be seemingly aggressive, hurtful, and discouraging in his tone and words even if he didnt mean it that way. This is due to the oppressive and extremely unimaginable treatment of the Matsuoka Clan, alongside the crude and harsh words he had learnt due to his father's harsh treatments towards him and Jurei. His crude demeanor causes him to speak extremely harsh language, and often causes him to be reckless and carefree about his words.

Rei is also opportunistic, looking for opportunities, and may come off as emotionally insensitive and rude because of this. Additionally, he often speaks so bluntly, and recklessly, stating whatever opinions he thinks and would rarely care what others think of his opinions. This has caused him an extreme amount of recklessness, and trouble. Despite his bluntness, he often does not show his emotions and speaks with a calm tone, which still seems like looking down on others. He is unshakable, and proud, unwilling to listen to those who clashed with his ideals and would often refuse any influence from others. He would often struggle to keep his thoughts to himself, and would often be casual about other's opinions. This is also due to his impatient nature, like Shiraishi as he often is irritated when the progress for the opportunity is slow and tends to be rash and independent about it. Yet, there are times that albeit grudgingly, he may show respect for others, and some patience. However, he still never shows this in a brash and extremely angry demeanor, instead remaining his cold and seemingly calm and haughty demeanor.

Rei is also seen as extremely competitive, to the point of an unhealthy competition. While he initially is haughty, he creates plans to ensure his position at top. This further demonstrates and builds up a rivalry against him and Akio, as he constantly feels the need to look superior to Akio in every way. Rei's competitive nature causes him to view the other Kosho, as rivals although he might secretly respect them reluctantly. He also refuses to get to know them better, and is more focused on getting work done. His competitive nature was evident upon when he entered Nukamoire's Anchali Inn, and was trying to prove himself as the best Kosho. His competitive nature also strives him to work extremely hard, to prove himself better than Akio Akimitsu, the Kosho whom he despises the most due to being more talented. He apparently dislikes the second position, and would only want to be "first". This toxic belief comes from his superiority complex, which was a result of his harsh upbringing in the Matsuoka Clan. It makes him strive to work harder and better, and as described by Ryuga, it was very concerning as he overworks himself farther than his limits. He has a strong-sense of hardwork, and refuses to relax, which was something which concerned Kaori Ayano and Mirai greatly. He has shown to have extreme despise for rivals, as he always wanted to prove himself the strongest, as evident by his constant jealousy towards Akio.

In a similar manner to Natsu Anchali, Rei was revealed to act too proud and like this, because he didn't want to show weaknesses others could exploit any further, a testament to his extremely tragic and unbearable past. He was revealed to have a serious inferiority complex inside, despite acting like he has a superiority complex. This stems from being jealous of the other Kosho for having better lives than him, and excellent relationships with their siblings and clans. He also is very envious particularly towards Amelie Dupont, stating that he wanted to have the life Amelie had because she atleast had others to care for her during her hardships. This was one of the reasons he despised Kazuyoshi Arata and angrily said that atleast Kazuyoshi had better relationships with his siblings and atleast still had loved ones beside his side - something so rare considering his cold, calm, and haughty demeanor. This secret insecurity was revealed to be like Shin's but worse due to him being both the head's son and a former blind individual, as he always was revealed to wonder how he was even capable of love due to the disgrace others told him to be and the clan's manipulation.

Despite the bold, calm, cold, haughty, competitive, and egoistical demeanor he shows, Rei actually refuses to admit that he is inside, a coward who feared being weak, which was a result of his inferiority complex. Due to the smile experiment, Rei became terrified of being weak

Throughout the series, Rei slowly shows a more humbled and less egoistical side which, although retaining some aspects of his usual demeanor, he arguably becomes nicer towards others. This was possibly due to his experiences of losing lots of comrades, and even Katakura Tsuma in the Cave of Grounds Arc. Rei was able to take things more seriously, and not be too overconfident. However, he still retained some aspects of his inferiority complex and insecurities, alongside his competitive and blunt demeanor, albeit more reserved but still maintaining some aspects of it. After majority of the events, Rei was able to become a nicer and more compassionate man but still maintained a lot of his original demeanour.

Rei is a very dutiful man, who is competitive and has an indomitable will, as he finds it impossible to give up on something that he grips onto firmly. He also exhibits a tough love towards his fellow comrades and warriors, always strictly training them and being extremely rigorous and harsh towards them to constantly see their improvement. Although he may seem as one of the most insensitive Kosho due to his haughty, orderly, blunt, and rude demeanor, he actually exhibits some sensitivity towards some of the Defenders of the Light though it was bedrugdingly. Despite his huge amounts of envy towards Akio which led to thin ice on their relationship, he still possesses huge amounts of respect for Akio. In fact, despote his haughtiness and arrogance, Rei has shown to have the attitude necessary to become a Kosho, and is an extremely caring person. He was very concerned about the future of the Cruor, knowing it's influence under Shentan and Tsumi's ancient serpents, alongside the credibility of the Defenders of the Light Corps. He scolded Tae, Kazuo, Yuna and Ryuga for their reckless and impulsive demeanor, as he worried they could die anyways. Rei's rather sensitive demeanor is also expressed in a very tough and seemimgly rude, and cold way as he doesn't want to show any weakness or vulnerability.

More serious, minor flaws and extremely likable aspects

Morally gray

Extremely complex, good, deep, impactful themes about humanity

Summary of his personality

## Abilities and Powers

**Overall Abilities:** As one of the powerful deities hailing from the Matsuoka Family, and a Kosho, Rei is one of the strongest Kosho and combatants to exist in the current era, and is said to have immense amounts of combat-talent being just slightly below the most powerful Kosho, Akio Akimitsu. Rei is also known as the one of the most powerful users of Combustion Numen, or more specifically Combustion Nenjuma. Rei has honed it to such a powerful extent, where it's power reaches to unimaginable levels. As seen in his battles, Rei is also known for his massive amounts of intenguity and creativity, as seen when he was able to conduct countless strategies against the Kabuki Council, the Hundred Dolls, and even towards Daiki and Anchin Kato. Upon receiving his upgrades and even the Infinite Blood Flow spell of the Matsuoka Clan, his powerful levels of Numen Energy were further increased. However, his strength cannot be on pars in comparison to the current Light and Color Kosho, Akio but is very close. Additionally, Rei makes the most of his powers, skills, and even reaches his peak with his Power and strength. It was also evident in the Dusk of Justice Arc where he fought Daiki and used all his skills which massively aided in the strategies of weakening Daiki and the Sanje Realm. Despite this, he was overpowered and killed by Daiki like Akio was due to the sheer power of Daiki's strength and skill.

### Physical Abilities

**Immense Strength:** Rei possesses insane amounts of strength, due to his Numen Energy's massive increase and upgrades and is ranked as the second highest in brute force secondary to Akio Akimitsu. His muscular density is noted as nine hundreds of times the muscular density of a professional sumo wrestler but it greatly paled to Daiki who could cause earthquakes and tremors of vibrations while running at high speeds. This was proven upon his grueling training, where Rei casually boasted his skills to Tae Tomodachi by lifting huge boulders with ease. According to the databooks, Rei is the second physically strongest member of the Defenders of the Light. He also possesses great amount of force, as well as thrusting, stabbing, piercing, swinging strength, combined with arm strength. Due to his immense strength, he looks extremely bulky in his figure and can perform crushing, weaving, and ripping attacks continously with the most amount of brute force. He also corroded and severely damaged the Emotion Dragons, alongside the statues, using and utilizing only his arms without the usage of his Kusarigama and was capable of overpowering numerous Dolls in the Hundred Dolls of Kostatu Arc. It was increased to it's best at the Dusk of Justice Arc, and allowed Rei to severely weaken Daiki's strength, albeit he wasn't close to Daiki's level of strength at all if talked about if he didn't have Numen states. He also created terrains around himself by swinging his blade and was capable of ripping some of the Sanje Realm's fragments and some of Daiki's arms and body parts which were a hundred times as hard as a meteor. A testament to his strength was his ability to decapitate and effortlessly kill 200 Hiryen in a series of few hits, and create terrains around him through his swings.

**Leg Strength:** One would expect that due to his lack of agility and flexibility, he would have the lowest level of leg strength. However, in a similar situation to Kenzu Fuyuki, Akio Akimitsu, Daiki, and the rest with a similar Bodily Restriction, Rei possesses the most amount of leg strength which he uses to trip his opponents and propel himself to the speed of sounds.

**Stabbing Power:** Alongside his arms which contain one-hundred times the strength of a professional sumo wrestler each arm, Rei possesses tremendous amounts of stabbing, piercing, and thrusting strength and power, which proved him capable of stabbing craters and the animals of the Sanje Realm's Entrance which made it corrode efficiently by all his strengthened six stabs.

**Indomitable Will:** Rei possesses an indomitable will, driven by his seriousness to prove others wrong about supposedly being weak due to his blindness and his dutiful demeanor. This was proven when Rei withstood several punishments such as himself being punctured. This was due to Kaori's spirit guiding him, alongside the remnants of Genjiro convincing him to persevere and both strategize effectively. Additionally, Rei is committed to his duty and will do anything to win.

**Punching Power:** Rei has tremendous amounts of punching power, due to his tremendous amounts of bodily strength as the Combustion Kosho. This was proven when Rei was able to pierce through multiple Dolls in the Hundred Dolls of Kostatu Arc using his bare hands, which they quickly were overpowered. Furthermore, Rei's punching power is tremendous to the point where even the more boulders and rocks broke by him merely punching the rocks and boulders. His punch strikes could easily rip off a Doll's head.

**Defense Techniques:** As a Kosho, Rei possesses tremendous amounts of knowledge in physical defense techniques, and can defend himself by using his martial arts.

**Igniting Spread:** Rei releases consecutive attacks and spreads out igniting slashes from his Kusarigama to deliver several blocks towards the attacks of his opponents and to further burn the opponent's strikes and attacks.

**Muscle and Joint Control:**

**Immense Stealth:** Rei possesses tremendous amounts of stealth, which aids him in combat and proved to be extremely useful.

**Immense Speed:** Combined with his immense amounts of strength, and a key aspect to his Numen Energy's techniques, Rei possesses insane amounts of agility, as evident when he casually outsped Chouka in their battle, and outsped Dolls in just seemingly one strike to finish them off. He is extremely fast that his speed is considered very close to light. He is one of the fastest combatants in the military, and one of the fastest Kosho. He also possesses insane amounts of leg speed, as evident when he ran through an extreme amount of places and through the Sea Serpent Barrier extremely fast, to catch Daiyu off guard and even make her more observant. However, his speed didn't help him to defeat any members of the Kabuki Council in the past. He has gradually improved his speed when he disappeared out of sight, and strikes Daiki numerous times. However, it was extremely difficult as he was inferior to the speed Daiki possesses as one of the Supreme Gods, and the constant blitzing attack speeds Daiki had used against Rei.

**Immense Endurance:** From the start, Rei has a very high amount of endurance, which was enough to endure Daiki's offensive strikes towards him, and even breaking his bones alongside his arms and legs. Rei was also extremely durable, to the point where he endured Daiki puncturing his lungs and slicing his arms alongside countless amounts of injuries. He also was able to withstand Daiki puncturing, piercing, and stabbing his arms several times, while seeming unfazed. However, Rei's durability wasn't infinite, as he eventually died after every injury and his lungs being ruptured. He also endured Daiki stabbing him.

**Immense Stamina:** Rei's stamina is extremely increased by the state, Eternal Ignited Inferno as he continously strikes and attacks his opponents without too much fatigue and exhaustion. This was evident when he endured having to battle Daiki and the Kabuki Council for countless times, and still was seemingly unfazed by his exhaustion and uncomfortable bodily postures, instead focusing on combat. However, he was way too injured and too much of his blood was depleted, causing him to be killed by Daiki alongside his Numen Energy being far too exhausted for tremendous amounts.

**Muscle Manipulation:** As evident by his increased Flow Essence or Flow Energy, Rei has gained the ability to further manipulate, increase, and augment his muscles and arm strength. Rei's muscle manipulation also allows him to insert the blood into his skin back. In addition to this, Rei has gained tremendous amounts of strength as evident when he is able to swing the Kusarigama far more efficiently to much greater damage. He can also push his muscles further to increase the power from his scythe swings and his hits, alongside tripping his opponents in such an effective manner.

**Thunder Release:**

**Enhanced Eyesight:** Due to the tremendous amounts of experiments onto him, Rei possesses tremendously advancdd

### Nenjuma

**Combustion, Thunder Ignite:** Rei's main form of Numen Energy is Nenjuma, and it is an exceptionally powerful type of Flame Numen combined with Thunder Numen. It allows Rei to summon and manipulate flames, combined with Thunder and poison.

**Acidic Ignite, Burst:** The user releases bursts of flames all from different angles, towards the target while slashing, stabbing, thrusting, striking, and slicing with their Kusarigama. These bursts also possess tremendous layers of combined acid and poison, which could further corrode the target. This technique proved to overpower too many average Dolls in one-swing of this technique, and was capable of dissolving and burning the opponent with the burst of burning chemical compounds.

**Arcing Slash, Ignition:** A technique created by Rei himself, which the user performs ignited arcing slashes towards the opponent in a Northern pattern to further leap towards the opponent. The slashes contain massive amounts of flames, and are blue in color, which means it contains massive amounts of heat and can also dissolve the opponents with the poisons of the flames.

**Sparks Burst:**

**Slow Burns:** The user releases an extreme amount of cuts and burns around the opponent, while swinging their Kusarigama. The flames and burns are all directed towards the opponent and are extremely strong and surrounds the opponent. The user then performs layers of slices with their Kusarigama, injecting flamable poison into the target's body while performing layers of slices and combining it with the Burning Crimson Eye. It is far stronger when combined with Rei's force of his Kusarigama, and the thrusts, swings, stabs, pierces, slashes, and strikes he performs.

### Inherited Nenjuma Spells

As a member of the well-regarded Matsuoka Clan, which is considered on pars with the Aoki Clan, Rei has Inherited many Nenjuma Spells related to his Combustion Numen.

**Limitless Flame Blasts:** A powerful attack which Rei used in the Dusk of Justice Arc, against Daiki in the Fauna Unit of the Reality Clocktower.

**Thundering Fury:** A technique he taught to Tae in the third season after Tae's defeat to Gast. By channeling the power of the user's internal rage and flames, the user releases stronger flames which rip through the ground, and are sent through different angles but all towards the opponent's heart, arms, legs, and skull. It was noted as extremely hard to dodge.

Burning Crimson Eye**:** Rei releases an unimaginable amount of burning crimson flames, and directs it towards his opponents using his eyes, with the effect of this "crimson eye" aiming the target perfectly and is directed towards the skull, arms, and legs. The Crimson flames are directed towards burning it, and are released around the opponent's body in unpredictable angles to weaken and cause immense pain to them. While this happens, Rei is also required to use all of his eye vessels to it's maximum, to grant him extremely godly levels of eyesight, granting him numerous abilities. The stronger the eye vessels and focus are, the higher Rei's flames burn and have an effect on the target. However, this spell was discovered solely for the purpose of killing Daiki like the Eternal Fire, and by using it to it's maximum, it is extremely dangerous as it costs the user's whole eyesight and even life after it's usage due to the burning flames. Rei never used it, until the Dusk of Justice Arc. This technique also extremely weakens the opponent, when combined with the other techniques, and is told possible to rival the Upper Gods or the Kabuki Council. It leads to the loss of eyesight after usage. This technique is innate to only a few members of the Matsuoka Clan. It was best for Rei to utilize it with his right eye, since his right eye has the best vision.

**Infinite Blood Flow:** This technique, combined with the Burning Crimson Eye uses all of the user's Numen Energy and blood to it's maximum, releasing the user's blood to empower the flames.

### Techniques

*Please note that this includes all of the techniques he possesses, and that not all of it are created from him.*

**Thunderous Claws:** One of the few hand to hand combat spells and techniques he possesses, which is passed from the previous generations of the Matsuoka Clan. The user releases the full force of their hand to hand combat skills, and releases multiple punches and strikes from their hands while accompanying their Numen Tools. The user then releases strikes from their hands, and presses their claws with full force against the opponent, with their claws being heavily imbued with layers of extreme flames, thus burning the opponent.

**Flaming Whip:** One of the attacks which Daiki effectively dodged, but minor injuries still remained on his body due to the amount of Numen Energy in this strike. Rei unleashes layers of whip-like swings with his Kusarigama to make it difficult for his opponents to defend from his slashes.

## Equipment/Tools

**Dual Explosive Kusarigama:** As a key aspect to Rei's Combustion, Thunder Ignite and his Numen Energy and skills, Rei possesses an incredibly massive Kusarigama which is combined with Rei's Numen Energy and skills. These Kusarigama are undoubtedly extremely big, and has the longest blades which could cut through with ease and slice efficiently, as sharp as that of a whale's fangs but far from as sharp as Daiki's. These Kusarigama are far too huge for a normal soldier to handle. It is extremely massive, and imbued with Numen Energy. Combined with it's slicing, slashing, striking, thrusting, grip strength and it's extremely powerful efficiency in long-ranged, trap, and close-ranged combat alongside augmenting the abilities and it's Numen Energy, it proved as a useful and versatile asset for Rei to utilize. It was made from titanium, and was heavily difficult to utilize by anyone else due to it's power.

## Relationships

### **Tae Tomodachi**

At first, Rei was quite dismissive of Tae, often acting superior to him in every way, as he saw him as a non-proper warrior, and only as a vigilante. Upon witnessing Tae's strategies and plans against Adonnes De Gast, and his capability of lasting long even after being defeated, Rei initially offered to train Tae. While he was secretly impressed by Tae's vast amounts of skills and knowledge of his Pyrokinesis Nenjuma, Rei also disapproved coldly of Tae's demeanor, especially when he was disdainful of Tae flirting with girls sometimes. He would often scold him, and seemingly belittle Tae for being inferior to him and also due to being more relaxed and carefree. He often gets annoyed when Tae attempts to run away from training and argues laxness is foolish and for the weak and inferior. However, this belittling and scolding comes from a great amount of concern for Tae's constant improvement and to enhance his abilities. Upon seeing Tae harness the power of the Eternal Flame, Rei was undoubtedly impressed but did not show it, instead covering it up with his usual haughty demeanor. Tae, in the other hand, acknowledges him greatly as a resilient and strong master who trains him as a strong warrior. Despite this, Rei is disdainful and expresses his harsh dislike towards Tae often liking girls who he meets twice a week and says to Tae to not think he was ever too acknowledged. Rei often gets annoyed and denies viewing Tae as family. Upon the Dreaded Ring Arc after the Cave of the Grounds, Rei's experiences have slowly taught him to become humbler and that he couldn't save everyone or that he couldn't defeat everyone. Although he remains his cynical, and cold demeanor, Rei has shown more humbleness and concern for Tae than usual, albeit still remaining aspects of his behavior but being much nicer and humbler. In the Dusk of Justice Arc, he showed that he did care immensely for Tae as evident when he put his life on the line to save Tae from Daiki's slashes so that Tae could target Daiki further.

In the series, it was shown Rei truly cares for Tae as evident by his constant worry when Tae fought Reika Kamino and Adonnes De Gast and was very impressed with Tae truly earning the "Eternal Flame".

### Jurei Matsuoka

Rei has a very strained relationship with his younger sister, Jurei. This is due to the expectations of the Matsuoka Clan, their past together, and contradictory personalities. Due to the tremendous amounts of cruelty of the Matsuoka Clan amongst the whole centuries, Rei was extremely treated horribly alongside Jurei due to their born blindness being seen as very cursed and dishonorable to the clan, alongside being the worst strained curse. Although the clan tried to hide it and maintain a proper facade of perfection, they treated Rei and Jurei extremely horribly which according to Shin, was far worse than their treatment of him.

## Quotes

*" There's nothing here. You lowly peasants just made me waste my time with this nonsense."*

*" Hah, so you're that vigilante that Despheria has been talking about? Whatever, it's not like you're that strong anyway."*

*" Vulnerabilities or failures should never be seen in a Kosho as we are the peak of the Defenders of the Light. It is the definition of utter shame and indecency." Rei Matsuoka, to Rokihiko Aoki*

*" Aoki chan, you have to accept it. Stop acting so positive, and cheerful as if nothing happened. You have to accept that Tsuma-san is dead."*

*" I hate showing weakness. It's a sign of vulnerability, and I refuse to let anyone see that side of me." Rei, to Ayumu Ishioka*

*" Could you stop being so emotional and impulsive and think for once!? There's no absolute logic in what you're doing right now."*

*" Afterall, I am the pinnacle of greatness, and all of you are mere peasants and stepping stones to my path. You will just have to obey me whatsoever. You simply cannot reach my level of strength." Rei Matsuoka to the lower members of the Defenders of the Light*

*" Opportunities are meant to be immediately seized without hesitation. As one of the greatest Kosho that has ever existed in Cruor, I cannot allow them to simply slip through. So, stop being too sensitive and risking losing this great opportunity that could never come again. That's too foolish, and I would never expect that even from the likes of you."*

*" Come on, all of you are so troublesome and weak. Why are you just resting and sitting there. The real training hasn't yet begun. So, stand up, because we will have to go an extremely long way to improve the Numen Energy of you, inferior weaklings. Your abilities are so laughable and dismissive, or are you just going to make it worse?' Rei Matsuoka to the warriors of the Defenders of the Light*

*" Perfection and constant success in my duty is my goal, and anything less than that is unacceptable to me."*

*" Why should I care about other's opinions? I simply speak the truth, and if they cannot handle it, that's their problem."*

*" Shut your mouth, you shameless, good-for-nothing harlot who can't even hear me and whose abilities are laughable at best. I have no business speaking with someone as lowly as you" Rei Matsuoka to Adonnes De Akae*

*" I am unshakable in my beliefs. Your clashes with my ideals are meaningless to me. So, get this done, and silence your mouth because I won't be tainted by your low beliefs." Rei Matsuoka to Daiki*

*" As much as how I despise to admit it, Chisaka-san is right. How can you be so lowly, and unwise to actually think of saving that corrupted soul you call as a friend when it was as clear as day that corrupted souls could never be redeemed."*

*" "I will push you to your limits, whether you like it or not. It's the only way for you inferior people to become stronger."*

*" Yuragami-san is not heartless, Lady Ayano. He was simply affected by that filthy, and horrendous curse they call Smile. So, you shouldn't really judge him for smiling, it's what he is eternally forced to do."*

*" Your tactless and blunt demeanor is quite amusing, I dare say. It's a break from the usual medicriocity I witness. However, do not think for a second this means I acknowledge you as an equal." Rei Matsuoka to Ryuga Chisaka*

*" You should never think that you are on equal terms on me. You are still less, and inferior, remember that." Rei Matsuoka to Ryuga Chisaka*

*" Remember this. You're one of the strongest Kosho to ever exist in this current time, don't give up on this. You should be proud of yourself that you could actually help them finally defeat this god." Rei Matsuoka to himself*

*" Tae-san and Ryuga, you are two of my best students, and I know I may not last in that final battle, but please never ever give up. Please defeat that scroundel of an entity for me. My physical image might not be here but atleast I'll follow you in my spirit no matter what, I'm proud I was able to atleast enjoy some moments of my life and I'm proud to have you as my students." Rei Matsuoka's last words to Tae Tomodachi and Ryuga Chisaka before the Sanje Realm's Entrance Arc*

*"I'll admit, you have proven that this filthy being could actually be useful for the Defenders of the Light. I would still be watching from afar no matter what." Rei's coldness, haughtiness, and distrust towards Hikaru Katsuro*

*" Hikaru, the master and the Kosho's decision in letting you join and live is nothing you should take for granted. If you ever betray us, I'll ensure to make you pay for your audacity by killing you with the most painful death. Don't forget that, you lower scoundrel." Rei Matsuoka to Hikaru Katsuro*

## Trivia

Rei likes udon noodles, and tea.

Rei dislikes felines, and dogs. This is due to his allergy towards them, and other furry animals.

Rei is actually bisexual (more into girls) but not currently interested in dating, and focuses on duty. He never told this to anyone.

Rei embodies pride, and envy, but Natsu Anchali was said to embody envy the most.

He calls Astar Lucero a smartass and unlike her, he doesn't believe in the galaxy, astronomy, and the stars as he is solely focused on his work.

Rei brings seriousness to the story, while Ryuga brings the most mixed emotions such as comedic moments, but mostly makes the story extremely mature, serious, deep and dark. Rei is one of the most relevant characters, alongside his sister, Jurei although he holds too much far more value and relevance, importance to the plot and the whole story.