Today's Guest in the Hollow Night is the Hakkyoku-ken Fighter, Akira Yuki, the main protagonist of SEGA's fighting game series, Virtua Fighter!
A new thing to state here. I will NOT be including characters that are exclusive to Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft. So characters like Mario, Ratchet & Clank and Master Cheif will not be included here. I'm sticking with game characters that are Multi-Platform (or could be Multi-Platform), along with characters from other fictional media.
Also, while 12 of Under Night In-Birth's 19 characters did receive and English Dub Voice in BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle (not counting Eltnum and Akatsuki, the latter of which DID get an English Dub voice in BBTAG), the original game didn't have an English Dub. So while I do prefer English Dub voices, I'll stick to Japanese VA's in the profile section. Don't get me wrong, Japanese Voices are good too, it's just a personal preference when Dual Audio is available.
Now that we got that out of the way, let's see what challenges await Akira within the Hollow Night!
Akira Yuki
The Ultimate Martial Artist
Sex: Male
D.O.B.: September 23
Height: 180 cm/5'11"
Weight: 79 kg/174 lbs.
Blood Type: O
Ability: The "EXS" of Eight Extreme Fists: Hakkyoku-ken
Weapon: -
Original Series: Virtua Fighter (Fighting Video Game) from SEGA.
Akira VA: Shinichiro Miki
Character Appearance: A Grey, red, and white dōgi with a belt, kung fu shoes, a pair of wristbands, and a red headband. This is his default outfit in Virtua Fighter 2 and Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax, while it became his alternate outfit in Virtua Fighter 5 and Dead or Alive 5.
Animations
Intro: Stands in his starting spot before raising his fist and smiling in anticipation of facing his opponent before he gets into his fighting stance.
Round Loss: He gets himself onto one knee while planting his other leg on the ground, ready to fight again.
Time Over Loss: Closes his eyes in frustration as he calms himself for the next fight.
Round Victory: Stamps his foot forward into a Hakkyoku-ken stance.
Match Victory: Does two upward jump kicks, stamping on the ground as he lands.
Victory Screen Quotes
Victory Potrait: Stands with his arms crossed, giving his opponent a calm smile.
Generic 1: "You're ten years too early!"
Generic 2: "What is true strength ...? If I fight with the stronger ones, will the answer be found?"
Generic 3: "My kung fu is still not enough. I should continue to do my best!"
Generic 4: "I'm getting fired up right now!"
Generic 5: "I will always do it again. Come back again... for a rematch!"
Vs. Hyde: "Fighting to protect someone is a source of great strength. Hold onto that and let us meet again someday."
Vs. Waldstein: "I have faced many fighters, but next to Kage-Maru and Lau Chan, you are quite the formidable opponent!"
Vs. Carmine: "You're a lot like Goh Hinogami. You fight only for the sake of violence. I pity you..."
Vs. Orie: "You possess nimble speed and graceful movements just like Pai Chan. However, you seem to bear a lot on your shoulders just like her. You must face your inner demons in order to better yourself further.
Vs. Merkava: "It must be hard, having to watch the beast control you and make you do terrible things. Don't give up. Try and master self-control. Once you control and tame the beast within, you'll be ready to take a new path."
Vs. Hilda: "Just like with the J6 Organization, there's no strength in what you are trying to do. If you intend to harm others to fulfill your twisted desires, I will stop you!"
Vs. Mika: "For someone of your stature to land so many strong blows, let alone weild those massive gauntlets...? It's true what people say, you can't judge someone by appearance alone."
Vs. Enkidu: "Such ferocity! As expected of a seasoned martial artist. Come on! Let's go for another round!"
Vs. Wagner: "Such brutal and distasteful tactics. You may have immense power, but without restraint, discipline and compassion, you'll always be 20 years too early to stand up to anyone, let alone me!"
Vs. Akatsuki: "These are the results from my kind of training. I'll show you more in our next bout, Akatsuki."
Vs. Eltnum: "You're not from around here, but you seem to know more about this place than you let on. Who exactly are you...?"
Victory Screen Quotes Against Akira
Hyde: "This may sound weird, coming from me and all, but aren't you ou of place here?"
Waldstein: "That was a splendid battle! This "Hyackouken" of yours was definitely a good show of true strength! However, you still have ways to go in order to match my power!"
Carmine: "What the hell did I just face!? Some karate man or something!? Get out of here!"
Orie: "So this is Hakkyoku-ken, also know as Bājíquán. A truly impressive martial art indeed. I am honored to face someone like yourself."
Merkava: "You would look past this beastial form in order to guide me? It is too late for me, but for what it's worth... I thank you for your compassion..."
Hilda: "Agh, now I'm covered with your sweat! While you take a dirt nap, I think I'll go take a nice long soke in the bath!"
Mika: "Now that was some serious martial arts, yuuuuu!"
Enkidu: "Hakkyoku-ken... you still have a long path ahead of you, but you do that form of Martial Art proud. We'll meet again for a rematch someday."
Wagner: "Hakkyoku-ken... Bājíquán. Truly impressive feat of training and dedication. It's rare for me to show respect to others, but you have truly earned my respect for you.
Akatsuki: "I never thought I would come face to face with a practitioner of Hakkyoku-ken. Thank you so much for this chance to test myself against your fighting style!"
Eltnum: "While Melty Blood hasn't been around as long as you guys, at least we have a strong fan following and in addition to fantastic gameplay, we have stories and endings in our Arcade Mode compared to Virtua Fighter's lackluster excuse for an Arcade Mode..."
Super Attacks
EXS Attack - Tetsuzankou: Akira utilizes one of his most famous attacks, powerful short ranged shoulder stirke. It can also hit overhead and it can't be blocked in the air.
Infinite Worth - Hougeki Unshin Soukoshou: Akira charges forward for a three hit throw combo. On the third attack, Akira unleashes a beam of Ki into the attack at the opponent.
Infinite Worth EXS - Yuki-ryu Hakkyoku-ken Hiden ・ Hozan: Once the Flash Field connects, Akira charges at the opponent and proceeds to unleash a combo attack, starting with Kaiko, than Utankyaku, than a rapid fire version of his Chusui Combo and than ends the whole thing with Youhou, sending the opponent high up into the sky before they crash back down.
Unique Traits
Hop Dash: Akira doesn't run toward his opponent. Like Vatista, Akira does a mid range hop dash.
Hilda Arcade Story Interaction
*Hilda has arrived at a new location, when what appears to be a man in a martial arts uniform shows up in front of her*
Hilda: "Well now, you're a fresh of breath air. You almost remind me of Enkidu."
Akira: "While I'm honored to hear that, I can't necessarily say you remind me of my companions."
"I came here to train and test my strength against some worthy opponents before I headed over to The World Fifth Fighting Tournament. While I did fight against some and got some training in, I hear about this "Paradox" woman causing chaos. I take that it meant you."
Hilda: "My, seems my name has spread near and far. I can at least see that you're not an In-Birth, yet it would appear your sheer force of will has allowed you to set into this Night."
Akira: "While it is true that I don't have the supernatural powers everyone else here does, my Hakkyoku-ken has allowed me to overcome much more than this!"
Hilda: "Hakkyoku-ken...? Ah, you're referring to Bajiquan, the Eight Extreme Fists! Enkidu would've enjoyed facing you!"
"Sadly for him, you had the most unfortunate time of running into me and I'm afraid you won't be leaving here to go fight at this tournament."
"On the plus side, at least they'll have one less contestant to worry about. They shouldn't waste their time with weakling after all."
Akira: "You..."
"I don't know what your plan here is, but if you intend to bring suffering to others here, I won't turn a blind eye to you. Prepare yourself! I will put an end to your twisted schemes, right here, right now!"
*The scene transitions to the fight*
Akira Yuki Arcade Story
Prologue [Location: Silent Park]
Akira: "So, this is Kanzakai? I've only heard rumors about this place, but to think that this town has yet to be put on the map."
"According to the stories grandfather told me, this place is home to what people refer to as "the Hollow Night", where mysterious beings known as "In-Births" utilize powers called "EXS"."
"I was on my way to where The World Fifth Fighting Tournament is, but the plane I took landed here instead and the next flight won't be here till tomorrow. Quite a predicament."
"Well, I have three days before the Tournament starts, so I guess I should investigate the rumors behind this "Hollow Night" and perhaps I might be able to challenge these "In-Births" while I'm at it."
"That way, I'll be able to put my training to the test and it'll be good to see how my Hakkyoku-ken fares against supernatural opponents."
"Okay! Now I'm getting fired up! Here we go!"
*Akira leaves the area as the 1st stage, with the first randomized opponent, loads up*
Stage 3
Vs. Waldstein [Location: Crimson Parking Lot]
*Akira arrives in the Parking Lot where he comes face to face with a giant man*
Akira: (To himself) 'Wha!? This man... he's huge!'
Waldstein: "Hmmm... after getting a good look at you, I can tell you are a fellow warrior, even though you don't have EXS Abilities."
Akira (To Waldstein) "Yes, I don't have EXS Powers, I managed to get by so far with the skills of my Hakkyoku-ken."
Waldstein: "Hakk-kyao-kan? I don't understand what you're saying there, but it appears you are well versed with a specific form of Martial Arts, aren't you?"
Akira: "Indeed, and I can tell you have faced countless battles and have come out on top time and time again, am I correct?"
Waldstein: "Hehehe... you are right about that, young man. I've battled against many foes with my overwhelming power and always won. I take it you've done the same."
Akira: "I don't always win in my battles. Out of the four tournaments I entered in, I only won the second tournament and even than, my grandfather told me that I haven't master anything yet despite this achievement."
"Sense than, I continued to train and fight in order to 'what is true strength'? Even after losing the forth tournament, my grandfather continued to encourage to strive for greater strength."
"I was on my way to the firth tournament when I came across the fabled Hollow Night my grandfather once told me about."
Waldstein: "I see. You came across this place while traveling. As for you grandfather, he is a very wise man."
Akira: "Thank you. While I'm still trying to find my answer, I would like to know what strength is to you, if you don't mind me asking?"
Waldstein: "In battle, I always rely on my power to see me through. Speed and tactics aren't really helpful in that regard. So, true strength to me is pure unbridled power. Nothing else."
Akira: "I see. Would you mind if I test your theory? See if your Power can withstand the focused training of my Hakkyoku-ken?"
Waldstein: "Very well! It would be nice to have a friendly battle on a night like this. I'll try not to shatter you too badly."
Akira: "Please! A fight only has meaning if you go all out! Don't hold anything back!"
Waldstein: "Very well than! I hope you have steeled yourself!"
*The scene transitions to the fight*
Stage 6
Vs. Wagner [Location: Cathedral of Far East]
*Akira arrives at a cathedral where he encounters a young woman with a sword and shield*
Wagner: "Hmmm..."
Akira: (To himself) 'What's up with her?'
'Her bloodlust... I can sense that dark aura from all around her...'
Wagner: "You must be the Martial Artist with no EXS Abilities that has been wandering around during this Night, unless I'm mistaken..."
Akira: "Well, you have found me. What business do you have with me, young lady?"
Wagner: "I was curious to see what the commotion was, but considering you've been holding your own without succumbing to the forces of the Night's vile darkness, you're no ordinary man."
Akira: "While I'm humbled by your words, I still have many ways to go before I can truly master Hakkyoku-ken and understand what true strength means."
Wagner: "Hakkyoku-ken!? That's the Japanese saying for Bājíquán. You're telling me you studied that form of Martial Arts?"
Akira: "I have learned under my family and I even taught at my family's dojo, the Yuki Budoken."
Wagner: "I see, well I was just going to let you walk away, but after hearing this, I now want to see what the art of Bājíquán is capable of."
Akira: "Well, while I do wish to test my mettle against you, I noticed that your aura is notably hostile. You clearly aim to kill."
Wagner: "Apologies. I didn't know if you were an enemy or not. You can never be too careful."
Akira: "If I can ask a question, what does true strength mean to you?"
Wagner: "You're asking me that?"
"To me, true strength is about destroying any enemy to Adelheid and the Licht Kries. My family has served the organization for centuries and thus it is my duty as well."
"I hope that answer is satisfactory."
Akira: "So you fight to uphold your family's honor. I can commend that, but you also have some ways to go yourself in regards to compassion."
Wagner: "You may be right... but I've gone too far to turn back now..."
Akira: "It is never too late to reflect and better yourself! Allow me to show you!"
*The scene transitions to the fight*
Stage 9
Vs. Enkidu [Location: The Street In Front of Momiji Alley]
*Akira shows up at a street leading to an alleyway where he comes face to face with a mysterious fighter, glancing at each other in curious thought*
Akira: "Hmmm..."
Enkidu: "Hmmm..."
*The two men demonstrate their fighting abilities to each other*
Akira: "Hah!"
Enkidu: "Hmpf!"
Akira: "Sha!"
Enkidu: "Toh!"
*Afterwards, they begin to speak to one another*
Akira: "As I suspected, you are a practitioner of Martial Arts. Good form."
Enkidu: "I could sense a kindred spirit within you as well. You aren't an In-Birth, but the fact that you have been able to stand against those of the Night, shows that you may be a worthy opponent."
Akira: "I feel the same. I can tell that in spite of your powers, you primarily rely of the techniques you've learned."
"But forgive me for saying this, but you powers don't appear to be prominent and yet you fight the way you are anyway."
Enkidu: "Nothing to apologize for. It's the truth. I intended to gain EXS Powers to face opponents beyond humanity itself."
Akira: "I see. I always strive to challenge different opponents, no matter who they might be."
"After all, there is still one opponent I need to defeat myself soon at the World Fifth Fighting Tournament."
Enkidu: "So you participate in Fighting Tournaments? Well, people always have different ways of seeking further strength after all."
Akira: "I'm glad that you understand my path to further improvement."
"By the way,, I have asked this question to two others tonight, but if you don't mind me asking this question to you; what does true strength mean to you?"
*Enkidu remains silent for a moment before answering Akira's question*
Enkidu: "To seek true strength is related to my resolve. That resolve in question is to become as strong as possible and gain more knowledge through combat. I continue to do this in honor of my late master."
Akira: "I understand. For all that it's worth, I'm sorry for the loss of your master. While I haven't found the answer for myself yet, I will keep going until I discover it!"
Enkidu: "Your condolences are appreciated. Now than, show me the strength of your Martial art. I'll admit, I've wanted to face a practitioner of Hakkyoku-ken."
Akira: "All right! Bring it on!"
*The scene transitions to the fight*
Final Stage
Vs. Hilda [Location: Altar of Light and Dark]
*Akira arrives at the Gate of the Abyss, having sensed some form of disturbance from it*
Akira: "This dark aura. I thought there was something strange about this building, but I can see that the reason for this unsettling feeling was because of this strange door."
"What is this? Why is it here? What purpose does it serve?"
*As if to answer his questions, Hilda appears before Akira*
Hilda: "That my unwelcome guest is the Gate to the Abyss. As for it's purpose and reason for being here, it is to grant my ultimate desire."
*Akira remains on guard as he faces Hilda*
Akira: "That would be?"
Hilda: "To become a Re-Birth, an immortal being. Once I obtain ultimate power and immortality, the Hollow Night will belong to Amnesia. Not even the Night Blade and the Licht Kries will stand before me!"
Akira: "So you're using this to hurt others? How deplorable."
Hilda: "Say what you like about me, your words have no meaning to me."
"However, considering you're the one who bested Enkidu, you're not an ordinary man. So that means you shouldn't be taken lightly."
Akira: "Enkidu? You must mean the man I fought against. I take it you two know each other?"
Hilda: "Yes. He's a member of Amnesia. However, he must be losing his touch if he lost to someone who isn't an In-Birth."
Akira: "It's true that I beat him this time, but he has a chance to face me again and it may not turn out in my favor next time."
"Another thing worth noting is that he gave everything he had. There was no weakness in his stance at all. He fought with great courage and honor. The latter of which you clearly lack..."
Hilda: "Ugh, you're one of those martial art guys than huh? Than again, reports did say you utilize Hakkyoku-ken, The Eight Extreme Fists, also known as Bājíquán when you fought against Enkidu."
"That fighting style is renowned for it's impressive fighting technique. It will be another feat to add to my resume as I decimate you."
Akira: "You appear confident. An admirable trait, but compared to Enkidu, Erika and Waldstein, you're 10 years too early to compare with them."
Hilda: "!? N-no way! You also defeated the Hecatoncheir and the Crimson Knight!? You are very lucky, aren't you!? Unfortunately, that luck of yours is about to run out!"
Akira: "Luck is a factor in terms of battle, but the most important part of it all is skill, first and foremost! Regardless, I can't let you do what you want!"
Hilda: "Oh really? Well than, let's see what your Hakkyoku-ken can do against me than!"
Akira: "One should neither bring harm to themselves nor others. This is the guiding principle my martial art is based on. But, it doesn't apply to those who have gone astray! Since you have no discipline, I'll have to set you straight! Come on!"
*The scene transitions to the final fight*
Aftermath
[Location: Altar of Light and Dark]
*After a difficult battle, Akira has emerged triumphant over Hilda*
Hilda: "Ugh... So this is the power of Hakkyoku-ken? It's really something..."
"Mark my word, I will not forget this!"
*Hilda falls unconscious*
Akira: "This battle is over. I don't get why you want to conquer and destroy all who stand before you, but I can only hope that you learn from this defeat."
"However, I can't leave this Gate to be misused by anyone. Immortality might sound good, but it is ultimately a trap! Life must be used with the time one has, for that is what gives our lives meaning. Even when we pass on, we have the next generation to carry our will on for us!"
"Time to end this!"
"TETSUZANKOU!"
*The screen turns white as Akira destroys the Gate to the Abyss, ending the Hollow Night*
Ending
[Location: Street of Office Buildings]
*Akira is now outside at the intersection, reflecting on the Night he fought through*
Akira: "Well, that was quite a night! I never would have expected to encounter someone who would use this place for their nefarious deeds.
"Well, at least no one will be in danger now that the Gate has been destroyed and even if it returns, I'm certain that a noble fighter will step up and take it down once more."
"It also helped that I was able to test the fruits of my training! Now I'm more than prepared to enter the World Fifth Fighting Tournament!"
"Waldstein, Erika and Enkidu. Who knows how long it'll be when I'll be able to challenge them again. But should the stars align, I look forward to see how far they come!"
"For now, I once again set my sights on Kage-Maru and the Tournament as always!"
*Akira is at the airport in the morning, preparing to board the plane to the World Fifth Fighting Tournament and get a well deserved morning rest onboard*
Akira: "This will be a story worth telling my grandfather once the Tournament concludes."
"All right! Time to get going! This is the day I've been waiting for!"
*The credits roll as "Wild Vision" plays*
Translated Lyrics:
Wild Vision
One close look at you, I find myself in you,
My destiny is shouting at me.
In the bustling city,
The energy come alive.
Don't turn away, accept it all.
Tear away the old faded map, laugh, be carefree and positive.
Toss a coin, tempt the fate, and see what your future holds, and get the whole world involved.
Lured in by the twinkling stars,
We are departing for the future.
Only relying on your smile...
That's right, Hot Wild Vision!
My heart is flying,
No matter how far the sky is,
KNOCK WILD VISION!
And exalt you,
Until the day I hold you in my arms.
With that, Akira's run through the Hollow Night has concluded.
I hope that I was able to be spot on with Akira's character as the original Virtua Fighter games NEVER have openings and endings for the characters in Arcade Mode, not even in the recent version of Virtua Fighter 5, Ultimate Showdown. I was able to get his characterization based off his appearance from Project X Zone and the translations for Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax Ignition. I even added his quote from the Virtua Fighter anime during his interaction with Hilda.
While a hard character to play in his original games, he's a REALLY fun bonus SEGA character in Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax. Akira was a bit tough to do, but he's a fun character to do here.
Next time when we enter the Hollow Night, the Azure Witch steps onto the stage of battle from out of the mists of legend.