H-Hi everyone... I hope you guys are okay after that random attack. I could have sworn I lock things up after the thing in regards to Deadpool...
In case that didn't clue you in, our next Guest in the Hollow Night is the wielder of the Satsui no Hado, the one who transcended his humanity, the Master of the Fist himself, the warrior known as Akuma!
While I have played Street Fighter when I was little, it wasn't until Street Fighter IV that I FINALLY got the jist of how to properly play fighting games. I got to enjoy the Street Fighter cast a LOT more, but I remember that one of the characters my older brother enjoyed playing as besides Ken is Akuma, or Gouki in Japan.
Akuma is noteworthy for being one of the most iconic rivals in Capcom's colorful cast of characters and he serves as a noteworthy parallel to Ryu in regards to their different paths in order to achieve a similar goal: to become stronger. The difference is that Akuma transcends his humanity to walk the path of the demon whike Ryu retains his humanity and walks the path his master Gouken follows.
So, why Akuma? For one, a place like the Hollow Night is definitely the kind of place for him to seek worthy opponents, especially if it leads to a fight to the death! Secondly, while Akuma is officially a Chaotic Neutral character, he's STILL classified as a villain and I figured that should be a couple more baddies besides Beelzebub and Lina.
As for Akuma's placement in the Steet Fighter series, I will use Akuma from his appearance from Street Fighter IV, so it will be before the events of Street Fighter V.
With that, are the In-Births of the Hollow Night prepared to face their doom? As the announcer of Street Fighter IV said, "The stage of battle is set!".
Akuma
The Master of the Fist
Sex: Male
D.O.B.: Unknown
Height: 178 cm/5'10"
Weight: 85 kg/187 lbs.
Blood Type: Unknown
Ability: The "EXS" of Murderous Intent: Satsui no Hado
Weapon: -
Original Series: Street Fighter (Fighting Video Game) from Capcom.
Akuma VA: Taketora
Character Appearance: Akuma wears a black colored gi with it's sleevs removed, brown sandles, a rope belt and rope wraps around his hands. He also wears his spiky fire like hair in a topknot. Akume's most notable aspect of his appearance is the prayer beads around his neck, originally having belonged to his master Goutetsu.
Animations
Intro 1: Akuma has his back turned to the opponent as his body emits a demonic red aura. He than turns as he strikes his battle pose, shaking the Earth around him as the aura dissipates and he enters his fighting stance.
Intro 2: Akuma uses the Ashura Senku to teleport onto the stages before he gets into his fighting stance.
Round Loss: Rises to his feets before striking his battle pose in fury.
Time Over Loss: Falls to one knee before raising his one arm to contiplate how he was pushed this far.
Round Victory 1: Raise a open hand to the sky while looking up.
Round Victory 2: Crosses his arms toward the opponent in disappointment.
Match Victory: Turns his back to the screen as he stares down his fallen opponent.
Infinite Worth EXS Match Victory: Akuma stands before his slain opponent as the Master of the Fist is covered in a red aura with the kanji '天' (Heaven) on his back even once the super ends.
Victory Screen Quotes
Victory Screen Portrait: Akuma has his back to the opponent as he turns his head to the side to glare as his opponent. The kanji '天' (Heaven) appears on the back of his gi.
Generic 1: "I am the one true Master of the Fist!"
Generic 2: "Open your eyes and look upon the man who has broken you!"
Generic 3: "Such pitiful insolence!"
Generic 4: "Messatsu!"
Generic 5: "My destiny is to defeat all challengers who wander the earth, including this dark abyss known as the Hollow Night!"
Vs. Hyde: "These fists bring destruction! Show me your true strength boy!"
Vs. Linne: "If you do not fear death, little girl, then I will usher you to hell!"
Vs. Waldstein: "Do not dare face me again, you muscle-bound ignoramus!"
Vs. Carmine: "The price for your insolence shall be paid in blood!"
Vs. Orie: "You seek revenge, yet you haven't the strength to carry out your mission!"
Vs. Vatista: "A puppet with no master is a lifeless doll."
Vs. Merkava: "The fangs of a mere beast could never pierce the Satsui no Hado!"
Vs. Hilda: "May you rot for all eternity in a putrefying grave, you insolent worm!"
Vs. Wagner: "Do not show your face around here again, you pitiful wretch!"
Vs. Enkidu: "Know before you challenge me that mercy is a foreign concept to a demon!"
Vs. Eltnum: "The absurdity of your attempt to defeat me is... entertaining."
Vs. Akatsuki: "If you seek renown as a fighter, then stand and face your destiny!"
Vs. Akuma (Mirror Match): "No one can compare to my mighty fist! No one!"
Victory Screen Quotes Against Akuma
Hyde: "Holy hell! You just came out of nowhere AND you tried to kill me! The hell's wromg with you!?"
Linne: "To think a man threw away his humanity to become a demon. You chose to live as a demon and now you'll die as one."
Waldstein: "That was quite the thrilling battle of a life time! Master of the Fist is a title well earned! Now come, let's go one more time!"
Carmine: "God damnit! That really hurts! You're not an In-Birth, but your no human either! Guess that means you really are a demon!"
Orie: "I don't know why you gave up your humanity for power, but I refuse to stand by and watch as you slaughter people in fights to the death. I'm placing you under arrest and may Adelheid have mercy upon you."
Vatista: "The Satsui no Hado... the "Wave Motion of Murderous Intent". A dangerous power for a muman to possess... I must consult with thr program to find an effective way to deal with this problem in the near future."
Merkava: "We've both lost our humanity, but you seem to embrace becoming a monster while I struggle against it. In the end, it would appear my lingering humanity has conquered the demon this Night!"
Hilda: "Inconceivable... to think that a mere human can hurt me! It doesn't matter whether you're a demon or not, you deserve NOTHING but death you insolent fool!"
Wagner: "To think you would push me into a corner! You truly are the fabeled Master of the Fist I heard about! A shame it ends here... may we meet again in Hell when my time comes."
Enkidu: "It's been a while sense I've fought someone who wasn't an In-Birth and yet have super natural abilities. Perhaps there are still strong opponents outside of the Night after all... you have my thanks, Akuma."
Eltnum: "Still think you're hot stuff for surprising players and kicking them while they're down huh? Well news flash, those days are over Mr. Cheese!"
Akatsuki: "What a frightening power! To think this is the cost of selling your soul to darkness... thankfully, my skills as a human and soldier have payed off in the end!"
Super Attacks
EXS Attack 1 - Annihilating Great Surge: Akuma charges up his power and fires ome of two high power Gahodoken shots;
● Open-Mouthed Form: Fires a barrage of Gahodoken fireballs by just inputting the command.
● Closed-Mouthed Form: By holding down the Heavy Attack Button, Akuma will use both palms to fire a full beam across the screen.
EXS Attack 2 - Annihilating Great Rising Dragon: Akuma performs three multi hitting Goshoryukens in succession.
Infinite Worth - Vajra Province Rending Slash: Akuma puts his hand up and charges it with energy, violently slamming his fist on the ground, resulting in an explosion of pure energy first takes the form of a lightning bolt, and then emanates outwards in a shock wave of energy that rises from the ground as a geyser formation.
Infinite Worth EXS - Once the Flash Field connects, Akuma strikes his battle pose before teleportting over to his opponent and grabbing them. Then an anime shot of Akuma from the opponents Point of view is shown appears as four kanji reading "One instant, one thousand strikes". The screen goes black as 27 purple hit sparks fire off at a rapid pace. The move ends with Akuma's back to the screen with the kanji '天' (Heaven) on his back with the opponent face down. However, if it defeats the opponent during Akuma's match point, a special victory animation will play for Akuma.
Unique Traits
Asura Flashing Air: Akuma's Force Function cause him to widen his stance, glow red, then lifts one knee and "glides" along the ground to another location with his eyes aglow. He can move forward or backward and even go through the opponent to pysche them out. Additionally, Akuma can't be hit omce the move activates, but he can still take damage during the startup.
Hilda Arcade Story Interaction
*Hilda arrives to a new spot, but as she does, the Earth trembles around her, much to Hilda's confusion*
Hilda: "What in the world is happening!?"
*Suddenly, a mysterious man with red flame like hair and glowing red eyes appears before Hilda and to the leader of Amnesia's surpise, a chill instantly goes down her spine*
Hilda: "W-W-what's this feeling...? I... I'm shaking...! Who are are you...!?"
Akuma: "Hmpf! To think that the leader of Amnesia is a spineless worm who trembles before a demon so easily!"
Hilda: "You're calling me spineless! For a human, you sure talk a lot! Just because you frightened me, doesn't mean you can disrespect me!"
Akuma: "Such worthless words from a wretch who throws their power around with no discipline or conscious effort! You are a weakling and will die as such! LEAVE! Or you will meet your maker!"
Hilda: "I think not! Whoever or whatever you are, I will teach you to talk to me that way, you worthless human!"
Akuma: "I am no human, for you are facing a demon.
Hilda: "Shut up and die!"
Akuma: "Fool..."
"I am Akuma. And I will teach you the meaning of pain!"
*The scene transitions to the fight*
Akuma Arcade Story
Prologue [Location: Skyscraper's Rooftop]
*On top of the rooftop of a building, a mysterious figure stands atop the building. This figure is Akuma, The Master of the Fist and master of the evil power known as the Satsui no Hado*
Akuma: "Hmpf! So this city is the one where those who draw upon the dark power of the mythical Hollow Night exists."
"To think that I would sense this "EXS" sometime after hearing about this through word of mouth."
"And now... a dark presence similar to the Satsui no Hado... calls out to me..."
"Somewhere in this cesspool of darkness and chaos... is a power unlike any other."
"I'd rather not waste my time here... but now I'm curious how these so called "In-Births" and "Voids" fare."
"Perhaps these creatures will give me a worthy opponent and a true fight to the death."
"Prepare yourself children of the night! I'm coming for you!"
*Akuma leaps off the building as the 1st Stage, with the first Pre-Set Opponent, loads up*
Stage 1
Vs. Merkava [Location: Street of Office Buildings]
*As Akuma lands on the ground with an impressive force, he is suddenly attacked by a humanoid like monster, yet he evades it easily*
Akuma: "What is this?"
Merkava: "You sensed by presence and evaded my fangs? You are not an ordinary human."
Akuma: "A beast thrusting it's thoughts into my mind? What exactly are you? One of the In-Births or these Voids?"
Merkava: "I am Merkava. As for what I am, I used to be human, but now I am one of the Voids. My kind lives to feed on the EXS of In-Births and regular humans alike."
"Although, it is growing difficult to resist the hunger within now that I see you. Why would I get excited seeing a regular human?"
Akuma: "Human? I've long since transcended my humanity to walk the path of the demon. Perhaps it is the Satsui no Hado that compels the beast within you to try and consume me."
"And yet... to think you don't give into it to seek further strengh? To think that these Voids are capable of such resistance!"
Merkava: "..."
"So far, I am the only one of my kind to retain my humanity... no other Void like myself exists to my knowledge."
"But, that does nothing to deteir my hunger. Now my fangs hunger for your demon flesh! You would do well to run if you can't handle the Night!"
Akuma: "Foolish beast! You will be the first to witness my strength! Come and meet your doom!"
*The scene transitions to the fight*
Stage 3
Vs. Enkidu [Location: Shrine of the Protector]
*Upon arriving at a Shrine, Akuma comes face to face with Enkidu*
Enkidu: "So you are the dark presence I sensed this Night."
Akuma: "..."
Enkidu: "I can tell that you are seeking powerful opponents to face against. I too seek strong opponents, hence why I willingly became an In-Birth myself."
Akuma: "So this is the result of becoming an In-Birth compared to turning into a Void?"
Enkidu: "My powers as an In-Birth are significantly weaker then others, but it allows me to test myself further."
"This dark energy is unlike any other I've seen... but I assume this is the infamous Satsui no Hado?"
"I always presume it to be a myth."
Akuma: "And what would you do should you know?"
Enkidu: "I intend to battle you, to the death if need be. I never turn away from a worthy foe."
Akuma: "Ha! You think you can stand before my fists!? Very well than, but know that this battle may very well be your last!"
Enkidu: "I would not have it any other way!"
"Begin!"
Akuma: "Messatsu!"
*The scene transitions to the fight*
Stage 6
Vs. Wagner [Location: The Freeway: Lower Area]
*Underneath the freeway, Akuma has a chance encounter with Wagner, who is on patrol in the Hollow Night*
Wagner: "I have heard about a so called "demonic" human wandering this Night. Either challenging In-Births this Night or In-Births attacking the "demon" in question. I take it that your this "demon" I heard about?"
Akuma: "You have heard correctly."
"However, most of my opponents in this Hollow Night have proven to be no equal to my fist."
Wagner: "The Satsui no Hado you mean? It's just a cheap power you gain by seeling you soul to the devil."
"I'm not one to talk considering my position as Adelheid's personal sword to slay all enemies of the Licht Kries."
Akuma: "Then what does a mindless weapon have a right to condemn a demon such as myself?"
Wagner: "You're correct. I have no right to judge, but to say I'm mindless is stretching it. Especially sense I came to battle you."
"I heard your seeking strong foes for a duel to the death? I may prove to be that very foe you crave. After all, I can't just let you run around wreaking havoc now, can I?"
Akuma: "Your powers as an In-Birth are far stronger than any other so far... seems you possess a power like no other In-Birth. So be it!"
"Do you have what it takes to stand against the depths of hell itself!?"
Wagner: "I know that is where I will go to one day, for I spilled so much blood. However, that makes me more than ready to face demons like you!"
Akuma: "Interesting... to battle then!"
*The scene transitions to the fight*
Stage 9
Vs. Hilda [Location: Altar of Light and Dark]
*Akuma makes his way in to locate the strange power that called out to him ever sense he arrived in Kanzakai*
Akuma: "This gate... the strange power I sensed is in here. The power the In-Births describe as "EXS". Here I thought it was an opponent to battle against. What a waste of time!"
*Before Akuma could decide what to do next, Hilda appeaars behind him*
Hilda: "Aw, is it really a waste of your time to come here? Especially when I'm about to achieve what so very few people could do?"
Akuma: "..."
Hilda: "Not even gonna turn around to talk to the one who'll liberate the Hollow Night?"
*Akuma finally turns to face Hilda and in an instant, the confidence she has instantly vanishes upon seeing his eyes*
Hilda: "W-What in the world!?"
Akuma: "Are you the one who is trying to harness this strange power?"
Hilda: "I-Indeed I am! Once the boy with the Insulator arrives, I will wretch it from his hands and open this Gate to become a Re-Birth!"
"Once I do that, eternity will be mine and then I will exterminate Night Blade and Licht Kries!"
Akuma: "Hmpf! You're nothing more than a coward!"
Hilda: "Pardon!?"
Akuma: "Death is always inevitable, even to a demon such as myself. Even if you attain immortality, it'll prove to the world that you are nothing more than a coward and a weakling seeking the easy way out!"
Hilda: "How dare you speak to me that way! You're just a normal human! You shouldn't even be walking this night!"
Akuma: "It would seem this will be your first and final opportunity to face the power of the Satsui no Hado! You will never taste the power of the divine for I will deliver you to oblivion!"
Hilda: "Just you try HUMAN! You will understand why I, Hilda the Paradox, will never fall to the likes of you!"
Akuma: "Prepare to meet your maker!"
*The scene transitions to the fight*
Final Stage
Vs. Hyde [Location: Abandoned Building]
*The screen is pure red as a powerful torrent of energy destroys the Amnesia Building, alomg with Hilde and the Gate to the Abyss*
Akuma: "Now then! Perish along with your worthless ambitions, Evil One!
Hilda: "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
*After all is said and done, Akuma heads to a destroyed building away from the ruins of Amnesia HQ as the Night begins to slowly come to a close*
Akuma: "These In-Births and Voids... it would seem they can't provide the challenge I desire after all..."
"Then why am I sensing the same power now despite the Gate being reduced to rubble?"
*A short while, a young man with a red sword appears before Akuma*
Hyde: "So, are you the so called demon running around this Night?"
Akuma: "And what of it?"
Hyde: "Well, I can't explain why other then I was curious..."
"That and all of Amnesia just blew up! I'm guessing you had something to do with that?"
Akuma: "The woman know as Paradox tried to achieve "strength" through cheating death instead of obtaining said power! A coward deserved nothing more than a coward's death!"
Hyde: "Jeez man! You're just lucky no innocent people were around when the whole building came down!"
"That aside, while I'm not fond of killing Paradox, you did at least save me the trouble of destroying the Gate. However..."
Akuma: "You seek to challenge me?"
Hyde: "Yeah. You're not a Void or an In-Birth, but I am curious to see what this "Satsui no Hado" shit is all about. To really see how a guy like myself can face a demon like yourself."
Akuma: "Before I slayed that wretch, she mentioned your blade. A weapon that can reach the power of divinity..."
"I hope you are prepared for what will transpire next, boy!"
Hyde: "I wouldn't be here in this Night if I didn't come prepared! Mind if I ask who you are?"
Akuma: "I am the Master of the Fist, Akuma!"
Hyde: "I'm Hyde Kido. Hope you're ready to do this!"
Akuma: "My fists bleed death! The moon will bare witness to this Night's last battle!"
*The scene transitions to the final fight*
Aftermath
[Location: Abandoned Building]
*As the Night finally comes to an end, Akuma stands triumphant before Hyde*
Akuma: "In the end, it will appear the Hollow Night did not provide me with a worthy challenge..."
Hyde: "Heh..."
Akuma: "Why are you smiling?"
Hyde: "Well, it shows I still have a ways to go... I might be able to defeat Paradox, but losing to you... yeah, it hurt my pride a little bit..."
"But, it shows that I need to be ready if someone like Hilda shows up again."
Akuma: "Hmpf! Worthless chatter..."
Hyde: "One more thing, Akuma!"
Akuma: "What is it?"
Hyde: "I intend to return to a normal life one day, but..."
"If we ever meet again, let's duke it out again. We'll see if I can best you, whether as an In-Birth or a regular boy!"
"Because that's what it means to pursue strength, am I right...?"
*Akuma slightly smirks to the young boy before he leaves and as he does so, his words echo to Hyde*
Akuma: "If the fates allow, so be it. Should the day come, I will meet you once the tale of the Hollow Night concludes, Hyde Kido!"
Ending
[Location: Field of Fate]
*Akuma wanders through a feild as he recollects his time in the Hollow Night 15 days ago until a mysterious boy with a white coat and eight floating red swords appears before him*
Akuma: "So... you are what that Paradox women strives to become before I sent her to hell?"
Kuon: "And what if I am?"
Akuma: "Then you too are a coward hiding behind the facade of Godhood!"
Kuon: "Care to test that?"
Akuma: "Hmmm... you at least seem to have an understanding of what you're getting into...
*A shot of Akuma, grinning at facing Kuon, and Kuon, glaring hard at Akuma, prepares to face each other*
Akuma: "Let this be a battle to the death! We will see whether a demon or a false god will triumph this Night!"
*The credits roll as "Super Street Fighter IV Ending Credits Theme" plays*
With that, Akuma has shown the the Hollow Night the true meaning of pain from the Satsui no Hado! This is no doubt an easy chapter to make as Akuma's motives are simple despite the character's background.
Overall, Akuma is a rather compelling character and an interesting dark parallel to Ryu. Fighting him as a secret boss can be a b**** (except Street Fighter IV), but he is a fun character to play, especially if you land his Raging Demon attack!
Next time when we venture into the Hollow Night, we will bare witness to the Night being invaded by the Azure Knight in his quest for souls. See you then!