Hokuto

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Overview

Gallery

Hokuto
Japanese	北 (ほく) 兜 (と)
Rōmaji	Hokuto
Biographical Information
Status	Alive
Physical Description
Gender	Male
Hair Color	Black
Sorcery	Armored Doll Creation
Professional Information
Affiliation	Hishaku
Occupation	Swordsman Hishaku Sorcerer
Debut
Manga	Chapter 2 (puppet) Chapter 89 (named)

“My sword wasn't forged for mere survival. It's designed for the thrill of deadly combat. The blade will only truly blossom when my years of training are tested to the max. That gratification can only come from pitting it against a master swordsman.” ― Hokuto's reasoning for why he fights.

Hokuto (北 (ほく) 兜 (と) , Hokuto) is a member of the Hishaku. Three years ago, he attacked the residence of Ibuki Misaka and killed him, while supporting two of his comrades attacking the Rokuhira residence with his armored puppet, the three managing to kill Kunishige Rokuhira and steal the Enchanted Blades. On the 14th of November, during the Hishaku's attack on Kamunabi Headquarters, he sent an armored puppet to the Threat Elimination Grounds alongside the Shigyu Brothers to buy time for his other comrades.

He is one of the main antagonists of the Sword Bearer Assassination Arc alongside the rest of the Hishaku as a whole.

Appearance

Hokuto is a tall and muscular man with dark-hair who wears sandals and armor plates reminiscent of a samurai. While his left arm is armored, his right arm is bare (likely so as to not impair his preferred sword wielding arm), with the Hishaku insignia present on the back of his right hand.

His puppet dresses in similar attire, but with the addition of a helmet masking its facial features.

During his fight with Yoji Uruha, Hokuto lost his right forearm and received a scar on his nose.

Personality

Hokuto is a deceptively well-mannered individual with a dark superficiality to his charming nature. Despite being a killer for the Hishaku, Hokuto is generally polite to everyone from elderly women to his enemies. He also possesses a sense of humor, often enjoying teasing others. He once lit a stranger's cigarette with his sword and then lied about it purely for his own amusement.

Hokuto reveling in a fight to the death.

Hokuto's true nature is defined by his obsession with risking his life in a proper swordfight. He believes his skills are not meant simply to ensure his own survival and they will only reach their peak when tested to their limits. Hokuto's goal is to experience the thrill of deadly combat against master swordsmen. This also links to his pride, as he took no pleasure from defeating Ibuki Misaka as he had lost his will to fight, having been robbed of his opportunity to go all-out. Hence, he almost exclusively targets swordsmen worth his time, such as Enchanted Blade wielder Yoji Uruha and later highly skilled swordsman Natsuki Misaka after realising his skill.

Hokuto will even find ways to motivate his opponents to fight their hardest to kill him. He used information surrounding the deaths of Ibuki and Kunishige Rokuhira in an attempt to anger Natsuki and Uruha. In the ensuing fight, Hokuto enjoyed the thrill of being able to clearly visualize his death. After having his own hand severed, Hokuto could only commend Uruha's Iai White Purity Style. He does not mind injuries and believes they assist a fighter's focus. Uruha has observed that Hokuto prefers to savour a fight to the death rather than quickly and pragmatically go for the kill. His general attitude towards combat contrasts greatly with that of his leader Yura, who is typically very stoic and goal-oriented.

Relationships

Allies

Yura

Hokuto gets along with his leader Yura very casually. While deferring to his authority and admitting his leadership was paramount to the Hishaku's operations, in general conversation Hokuto treats him no different than an old friend, cheerfully noting Yura had saved Uruha for himself when the two came crashing through the sky. In battle, Yura often finds Hokuto's antics, casual reveals of information and open declarations of battle mania to be a handful, often half-heartedly chastising him. Nevertheless, the two were able to work fluidly together against master swordsmen Uruha and Natsuki.

Hishaku Sorcerer

With his fedora-wearing colleague, Hokuto talks casually, the two clearly having a long-time rapport. The fedora-wearing sorcerer was quick to bring up Hokuto's accomplishments when trying to get Hokuto motivated to head to Kamunabi Headquarters, and is generally more business-focused than the more battle-hungry Hokuto. For his part, Hokuto was annoyed but not overly mad at his colleague mentioning his disappointing duel with Ibuki. The fedora-wearing sorcerer was quick to mention potential opponents for Hokuto afterwards, clearly familiar with his colleague's attitudes, and upon hearing Uruha was alive, knew immediately that it would catch Hokuto's attention.

Enemies

Ibuki Misaka

Hokuto resents his duel with Ibuki, having found the the latter to be out of shape and having lost his will to fight three years ago. He refuses to consider the version of Ibuki he defeated to be a master swordsman and finds it deeply aggravating to be praised for killing him. Hokuto found their duel unsatisfying and has desired a real duel ever since.

Natsuki Misaka

Hokuto was initially uninterested in Natsuki upon meeting him and only viewed him as an avenue to reach Uruha. This frustrated Natsuki due to his rivalry with Uruha and motivated him to prove that he was superior to the masters of the past. After crossing swords, Hokuto admitted he underestimated Natsuki and that his swordsmanship was impressive.

Yoji Uruha

Hokuto has profound respect for Yoji Uruha and his feats in the Seitei War. Upon meeting him, Uruha expressed that he had desired to fight a swordsman of Uruha's caliber for some time and was extremely excited to discover he was still alive. Hokuto stated that he was honoured to meet Uruha and immediately laid out the rules of engagement for their duel.

Plot

Past

Three years before the present, Hokuto attacked the residence of Ibuki Misaka and killed the retired master swordsman. At the same time, he directed an armored puppet to assist two of his comrades in attacking the Rokuhira residence, where they successfully killed Kunishige Rokuhira and stole the six Enchanted Blades.

Sword Bearer Assassination Arc

Hokuto directed his armored puppet to enter Kamunabi Headquarters on the 14th of November, using the west entrance alongside the two Shigyu Brothers. Five of his comrades, including Yura, also entered. The Shigyu Brothers detected the platoon on guard but elected to ignore them as they were not worth it, and the three proceeded to the Threat Elimination Grounds, where Soshiro Azami handily defeated the brothers and the puppet.

Elsewhere, Hokuto noted Azami was too tough to handle with a puppet. He received a call from his fedora-wearing colleague and told him the puppet should have bought some time, and his colleague told Hokuto it was his turn to step in. Hokuto was reluctant and his lack of motivation was obvious, so the Hishaku Sorcerer told him of possible opponents to face in a sword duel; Kiri Shirakai, Natsuki Misaka, before receiving and conveying to Hokuto the news that Yoji Uruha was in fact alive. Intrigued and excited at the possibility of a duel with a master swordsman, Hokuto began preparing to move to Kamunabi Headquarters.

After arriving, Hokuto immediately came across Hakuri Sazanami and Kiri, and asked the former where Uruha was. Kiri attempted to attack him but Hokuto blocked the slash and grabbed Kiri by the throat. Hakuri then attempted to attack with Isou but the shockwave had little effect, Hokuto taking the attack with no more damage than a bloodied nose. Hokuto asked Kiri about Uruha's location but Kiri refused to say, shortly before a series of slashes took out a square-shaped tile by the wall and the one responsible, Natsuki, leapt out and engaged Hokuto, slamming him through a set of doors into the next room.

Natsuki introduced himself and stated one of Hokuto's organization had killed his brother, and Hokuto responded by introducing himself. Noticing Natsuki didn't know exactly who had killed his brother, he proposed some additions to their battle; if Natsuki won, Hokuto would tell him who had killed his brother. If Hokuto won, Natsuki would tell him where Uruha was. Hokuto voiced that his sword was dedicated to the thrill of deadly combat, and he would only be gratified if he could pit himself and his blade against a master swordsman. Natsuki was irritated that Hokuto was ignoring the master swordsman in front of him and commented Hokuto deserved to die, charging in. One of Natsuki's swift slashes managed to cut through one of Hokuto's armor plates, surprising the Hishaku swordsman.

Hokuto and Natsuki began clashing in earnest, before Kiri cut out a tile from the wall and launched it at Hokuto's back. At the same time, Natsuki activated his sorcery Lightning Menace and blitzed straight towards Hokuto, launching him through the wall and back into the room they were in initially. Hokuto was able to avoid most of the damage by creating several armor plates around him, commenting that Natsuki's sorcery was lightning-related. At that moment, the ceiling crumbled and Yura and Uruha fell through, to Hokuto's delight and Natsuki's exasperation.

Hokuto good-naturedly threw an arm over Yura's shoulder, asking if Yura had saved Uruha for him. Yura responded he was simply too strong. After Uruha had sent Kiri and Hakuri away, Hokuto introduced himself to Uruha and voiced his respect for his feats in the Seitei War. He continued by detailing how he had killed Ibuki and Kunishige, outlined his sorcery involving the creation and operation of armoured puppets, before introducing Yura as the mastermind of their group. With a comment that they could use sorcery however they liked, Hokuto moved to draw his sword, but Uruha immediately sped forward and severed his right arm. Hokuto's glee at seeing the Iai White Purity Style was interrupted by a crackling Natsuki, whose attack forced Hokuto and Yura to block before they were blasted through a wall to the upper section of the Third Library.

While Natsuki fought Yura, Uruha slashed forward at Hokuto, but Hokuto expertly stepped back just enough so only the bridge of his nose was nicked before countering, the return slash hitting Uruha's chest and severing his left arm's fingers. Further clashing pushed Uruha back-to-back with Yura, where Yura stabbed backwards. Natsuki shot over to begin fighting Hokuto, yelling whether Hokuto was satisfied with fighting an old prune. Hokuto realised Natsuki also had been holding back, before a sudden maneuver from Natsuki let him lacerate Hokuto's chest. As he was driven back over the balcony, Hokuto grinnedat the realisation that Natsuki was also a skilled swordsman. Yura leapt over the balcony to follow them, as did Uruha, who landed a slash on Hokuto as he flew down. The four landed in the fountain below, Hokuto laughing as they stood face-to-face.

Hokuto's exhilarated laughter continued, to Yura's slight exasperation, until Natsuki yelled out, questioning why he had been the only one using sorcery. Uruha admitted the option had slipped his mind and Hokuto noted he only brought it up since he thought Natsuki would be scared without his 'electrical leak' thing; but he admitted he now knew Natsuki's swordsmanship was astounding. Natsuki begrudgingly set aside his irritation at the insult but maintained the Hishaku would die, as did Uruha. Hokuto then commented they had racked up a nice set of injuries, stating injuries were good for the adrenaline rush they brought. He was appreciative that everyone was still at top form as they reached the climax, proposing they take a break after the first person died. Yura told him he was talking too much, and Hokuto stated he was done. The four then resumed their clash.

Clashing blades with Hokuto, Natsuki flexed his sorcery out to send Hokuto flying through a pillar. Hokuto blocked with armour plates, laughing as he noted the nature of their duel as pure sword-fighting was clearly over. Natsuki turned to attack Yura alongside Uruha, but was surprised as Yura grabbed the two by the necks with far greater strength and speed than before, declaring they would be overthrown with the tell-tale shadow of Magatsumi over his eyes. Grimacing, Yura threw the two away to clutch at his head. Hokuto disgruntledly noted it was time to get to work, pushing a bookshelf off himself.

Hokuto advanced down to the Core Station, where he swung his sword at Izaru. Izaru quickly used his sorcery to force Hokuto through a wall before leaping out to confront him. Before they could clash, however, the Core Station Vessel disappeared, to Hokuto and Izaru's confusion, and Hakuri appeared in his place, feigning confusion at where the Vessel had gone, having in truth transported him into the Storehouse.

Abilities

Overall Abilities: As one of the strongest members of the Hishaku, a small group of elite sorcerers, Hokuto is an exceptional combatant. According to his fellow Hishaku sorcerer, while Hokuto's sorcery is great, his true strength is his swordsmanship skills. His combat prowess has been acknowledged by strong adversaries such as Yoji Uruha, Natsuki Misaka and Kiri Shirakai.

As a sorcerer, Hokuto has accomplished the first stage of spirit energy usage, being able to use his spirit energy to strengthen his body to superhuman levels. Additionally he has mastered manipulating spirit energy into his katana and can use it with such finnesee that he can create enough friction when cutting a cigarette to light it.

Enhanced Strength: Hokuto has tremendous physical strength, being able to hold Kiri Shirakai in the air by the throat with one hand and easily cut a portion of a wall into multiple pieces. Kiri noted how strong he was while restraining her, and Uruha expressed similair sentiments about Hokuto's strength while defending against his powerful sword attacks.

Enhanced Speed and Reflexes: Hokuto is extremely fast. When helping a bystander light their cigarette, he was able to draw his katana with such speed that the person didn't even know that the blade had been drawn. His reflexes are impressive enough to easily react to a point-blank slash from Kiri, multiple attacks from Natsuki Misaka, and was even able to dodge an attack from Uruha by back stepping.

Enhanced Durability: Hokuto is an incredibly resilient man. He was completely unharmed after being attacked by a point-blank Isou from Hakuri Sazanami, and was unfazed after one of Natsuki's attacks injured him through his armor.

Enhanced Endurance: Hokuto possesses tremendous levels of endurance, stamina and tolerance to pain. He was able to continue fighting unfazed despite his right arm getting cut off and receiving multiple injuries.

Combat Prowess

Hokuto countering Uruha's Iai White Purity Style.

Master Swordsman: Hokuto is an extremely skilled swordsman. He was able to defeat the former bearer of Cloud Gouger, Ibuki Misaka, in a one-on-one duel. However, he admits that Ibuki had gotten rusty and was no longer a master swordsman, and he himself did not need to go all out during their confrontation. He was even able to hold his ground against a highly skilled swordsman such as Natsuki Misaka with little difficulty.

While Hokuto primarily fights with his sword in his right hand, he has displayed the ability to use his left hand with equal proficiency and can instantly switch between wielding his sword normally and backhanded during a clash. Despite losing his dominant arm and not taking the fight seriously, Hokuto was able to contend with Uruha and Misaka using only his left hand as they tried to kill him with their full strength. He displayed extraordinary perception and coordinate when he dodge Uruha's Iai technique by the thinnest of margins and instantly counterattacked with exquisite timing the moment the blade missed him.

Sorcery

Armored Doll Creation: Hokuto's sorcery allows him to create armored dolls and control them remotely. He can create an entire human-sized doll to control or additional armor plates to protect himself from attacks. Hokuto used his armored doll to assist two of his Hishaku comrades when they assasinated Kunishige Rokuhira. . He also used one to accompany the Shigyu Brothers to the Kamunabi's Threat Elimination Grounds to divert the Kamunabi's attention from the other Hishaku members.

Hokuto's fully armored doll.

Hokuto's armored doll is destroyed.

Hokuto creating multiple armor plates to protect himself.

Equipment

Katana

Hokuto carries a katana as his primary weapon.

Etymology

The name Hokuto (北 (ほく) 兜 (と) , Hokuto) can be broken down as follows:

• 北 (ほく) : Means 'north' or 'escape'.
• 兜 (と) : Means 'helmet'.

Trivia

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