Nathaniel Koroshiya

Nathaniel Koroshiya is the main protagonist of Kingdom Hearts: Arcana. He is head of the Koroshiya Noble Family and Captain of the Kingdom Guard, as well as the first Soul Reaper to wield a Keyblade. He is the current Master of his son, Zane, and the former Master of Eraqus, Xehanort, and Braig.

A resident of the Soul Society, Nathaniel is a Soul Reaper, and despite his young appearance is arguably the oldest character in the series at around 1000 years.

Origin
Approximately a thousand years before Kingdom Hearts, Nathaniel was born, within hours of Sasuke Uike's birth. As fellow nobles, the two grew up together, and attended the Soul Reaper Academy with their coming of age. Their antics, academic actions, and fighting abilities earned them the title of the, "Ukitake and Kyoraku of their generation." However, while he did communicate with his Zanpakutō during his studies in the Academy, she refused to tell Nathaniel her name, and instead teased him and talked with him whenever she pulled him into the Inner World. One year before Nathaniel's graduation, Flintlass pulls him in during his sleep and attempts to seduce him within the Inner World. Despite being confused by her proposition, Nathaniel falls for it, as she leads him to a large bed inside the World's ship. She proceeds to make out with him, and in the midst of it all, she whispers her name into his ear, minutes before sending him back to the real world. Upon graduating, he and Sasuke joined the newly formed Thirteen Court Guard Squads, and their positions varied for centuries, until Sasuke finally settled as Squad One's Third Seat and Nathaniel as the Lieutenant of Squad Two, which soon came under the command of Yoruichi Shihōin.

Turn Back The Pendulum
A hundred and ten years prior to Kingdom Hearts, the Captain of Squad Twelve, Kirio Hikifune, was relieved of her position and promoted for unknown reasons. Under request, Yoruichi asks Nathaniel if he would like to be promoted to Squad Twelve Captain. Nathaniel almost immediately refuses, saying he's just fine with his current position. He then recommends Squad Two's Third Seat, Kisuke Urahara, for the job, who Yoruichi immediately volunteers without notifying him. The next day, Nathaniel was present at the Captain's meeting inaugrating Kisuke into his new position, as he stood behind his Captain and beside Seinosuke Yamada, the then Lieutenant of Squad Four. Kisuke later established the Soul Reaper Research and Development Institute. Being an old friend, Nathaniel helped Kisuke conduct many of his experiments outside of his own duty.

One night nine years later, four Captains - Shinji Hirako, Love Aikawa, Kensei Muguruma and Rōjūrō Otoribashi - and four Lieutenants - Mashiro Kuna, Hiyori Sarugaki, Hachigen Ushōda and Lisa Yadōmaru - were subjected to Hollowfication, the illegal acquiring of Hollow powers, by Sosuke Aizen, who framed Urahara for commiting the act. Nathaniel, having witnessed the events unfold, confronted Aizen and engaged in battle, having to be broken apart by nearby guards. He returns to the Squad Two barracks, irritated and angered. As he opens the door to his quarters, he is pulled in and a bundle of clothing is forced upon him. Surprised, Nathaniel looks up to the pleading face of his Captain, Yoruichi. He notices her Captain is clad in an outfit not unlike a ninja's attire. Nathaniel unfolds the bundle and finds it's a similar make. He asks Yoruichi what it's for as he begins to put it on. She begins to explain; Urahara and Tessai Tsukabishi, Kido Corps Captain at the time, were charged with treason by Central 46, Soul Society's judiciary system. Understanding the situation, Nathaniel puts the finishing touches on the outfit and follows his Captain to the Central 46 Chambers with a Flash Step. The two break in during the court precedings and get the two accused out of the chambers, incapacitating the guards along the way. The four fled to the underground cave beneath Sōkyoku Hill, where they used a prototype portal system - Darkness based, no less - which Nathaniel had been working on with Urahara. While Urahara works on gigais for the newly formed Vizard, Nathaniel got the portal ready, as well as for the four. From there, they proceeded through to the World of the Living.

The Key's Call
Nathaniel's lack of navigational knowledge caused him to become separated from his comrades and fall through seemingly endless darkness. The darkness quickly became water, but Nathaniel found he could breathe. His feet finally came to rest on a platform which erupted into a flock of doves, revealing a stain-glassed platform, showing him and Hiuchiishi no Otome, asleep, on opposite sides of the circle. Nathaniel was surprised to find Flintlass standing in front of him - just as she is to see him - and mistook the platform surrounded by darkness as a corrupted form of his inner world. A mysterious voice immediately denies the possibility, and states that the area he is in is his heart. This confuses Nathaniel, and doubts the heart holds any power. He then flashes back to his teachings from Ginrei Kuchiki, who emphasized strength in the heart to prevent overconfidence in one's self. The voice "hears" this thought and lightly laughs. It goes on to explain that they are "on the same page", and that Nathaniel will be rewarded. The Court Guard appears in his hand, and Flint's Maiden appears in Flintlass'. A hole appears in the darkness, and out comes a Darkside/Menos Grande-like hybrid, which Nathaniel and Flintlass immediately fight with their Keyblades. Upon defeat, the hybrid melts into darkness, coating the stained-glass platform. Suddenly, the platform shakes, then tips to Flintlass' side. Nathaniel jumps toward her.

Passed out, Nathaniel groggily opens his eyes to a sight unlike what he's seen up until this point; a sea of multicolored clouds stretching out into the night sky. He stands up, and takes in his surroundings. He notices a strange, crooked tower behind him, complete with green cone-shaped roofs and star-and-moon designs. Out of pure curiosity, Nathaniel enters the tower and proceeds to the top. He enters the tower's keep, and finds an old man with long blue robes and a conical sorcerer's hat with more star-and-moon patterns looking out a moon-shaped window. The old man welcomes Nathaniel, and at this point Nathaniel recognizes the voice as the one he heard in the Awakening. The old wizard chuckles and turns around to face Nathaniel. He introduces himself as Yen Sid, and goes on to explain how he is a "Watcher" of a sort, and that he knows about his Soul Reaper heritage, as well as what had happened to Nathaniel, and how he is now a wielder of the Keyblade. Unsure, Nathaniel holds his arm out in front of him. Sure enough, the Court Guard Keyblade appears in his hand. Yen Sid then refers him to the Land of Departure, where he would be taught better control over his Keyblade. Nathaniel then asks about Flintlass, to which Yen Sid replies, "All in due time", but assures him that his Zanpakutō is perfectly fine. Uneasy but reassured, Nathaniel stands up to leave, but before he leaves, Yen Sid casts a spell which causes a tattoo to appear on the base of Nathaniel's neck, taking on the appearance of a square-ish heart with three perpendicular prongs attached at the base. Yen Sid explains this will serve a similar purpose to the power limiters administered by Soul Society. He makes another hand guesture, and in a cloud of smoke, Nathaniel's clothes have completely changed, to a black top with a light chestplate, tan pants, and knee-high silver trimmed boots. Nathaniel marvels at the wizard's actions, and thanks him. Yen Sid then wishes him luck on his travels before teleporting him off the world.

Nathaniel became a Keyblade Master not too long after being sent to the Land of Departure. As time wore on, old friends he made on his travels passed on, making Nathaniel feel isolated from the rest. He sought companionship with his Zanpakutō to tide this feeling over, but this relationship slowly became something much more, one of familial love.

Appearance
Nathaniel has neck-length light brown hair, a little messy like Kisuke Urahara's, and wears simple thin-framed black glasses, giving him a similar appearance to Sosuke Aizen, apart from his emerald green eyes and slightly longer hair. During his time as lieutenant, he wore the standard shihakushō with the right sleeve torn off. His lieutenant's badge was worn on the left arm. For the better part of his exile, Nathaniel wore the top half of his modified black Malkuth uniform, along with black gloves reaching to the middle of his forearms, tan pants, a black cape with red lining, and a brown gun holster slung over his hips. He also bore an iconic black tricornered hat, which may or may not have been stolen from Jack Sparrow. He also wore knee-high silver trimmed black boots similar to those worn by Organization XIII and Master Xehanort. Upon his return to Soul Society, Nathaniel attained Captain status. He wore his usual shihakushō and a Captain's haori with a deep red lining bearing the Guard's insignia. Prior to the Winter War, he wore the green-lined haori for Squad Five while it was under his command. He now bears a mechanical right hand, serving as a replacement after an unknown fight. The fingers of the hand are articulate, curved slightly in homage to Auldrant's Dawn Age style. The hand is composed of several small plates of fon steel, some flat and some curved, which house a turquoise octagonal gem composed of a fragment of all seven fonstones. The ring finger is lighter than the rest.

Personality
Nathaniel is known to many as an enigma. His behaviour tends to change due to the situation; he was commented as care-free as Shunsui Kyoraku and as noble as Jushiro Ukitake, but others say he can "be a real maniac sometimes." He generally acts well-mannered, and acts respectfully to his superiors; that said, he rarely talks behind their backs (he had once called Ukitake a "pedophile" in his early years, but insists it was Sasuke's idea). He is very charismatic and somewhat of a diplomat, preferring to make friends rather than enemies. He holds the Keyblade Wielders in high regard, and believes a well-seasoned Wielder can contend with Soul Reapers at full power.

Unlike those of other Soul Reapers, Nathaniel has a romantic relationship with his Zanpakutō; one of Storge, or familial love, which gradually stemmed from their friendship.

Powers & Abilities
Master Swordsmanship Specialist: Nathaniel's swordsmanship is on par with the other Captains, and can hold his own against Jūshirō Ukitake in Shikai.
 * Sōkensōin (双剣掃引, Double Sword Sweep): A technique which entails two strikes of a sword of extreme force and speed. The two cuts are made so quickly the target only perceives one swing.

Master Hand-to-Hand Combatant: As a former Corps Commander of the Onmitsukido, Nathaniel is capable of extended unarmed combat.

Master Marksman: Due to the unique nature of his Zanpakutō, Nathaniel can essentially hit any long-range target.

Flash Steps Master: Nathaniel originally taught flash steps to Yoruichi Shihōin, now known as the "Goddess of Flash", and has skills equal to if not greater than her own.

Kidō Master: Nathaniel is well versed in every aspect of Kidō. As a captain, he is able to use even the highest level Kidō spells without reciting the incantation.
 * Bakudō #52: Ayatori (綾取り, Cat's Cradle): A binding spell created by Nathaniel, which is based off a passtime of the same name. Its use involves the caster weaving their hands together and pulling them apart, producing threads of pink-purple energy connecting the fingers. A flick of the wrists sends the tendrils flying, wrapping around the target's limbs and effectively immobilizing them. Zane has also been seen using this technique.
 * Hyperresonance (超共鳴, chō kyōmei): A technique developed from the unstable collision of two particles, resulting in a concentrated energy blast, similar to a Cero. Nathaniel is capable of using this technique, which he developed the ability to do so on Auldrant. He has shown proficient use with both his left and right hands, although it is slightly stronger with his right hand due to its metal composition.

Immense Spiritual Power: He boasts a great amount of spiritual energy, suitable for both a Captain and a member of one of the four Noble Houses. His spiritual energy fluctuates from red to green.

Expert Inventor: As a former part-time assistant of the Soul Reaper Research and Development Institute, Nathaniel is proficient in the development of a wide array of devices that have helped him on his journeys. However, he is not as masterful in this field as Kisuke Urahara, which the Kagifūtō stands testament to, as Nathaniel himself says their creation was no easy feat.

Keyblades
As a Keyblade Master, Nathaniel is in possession of two Keyblades; Flint's Maiden and Court Guard. Because he has a second being, he can dual wield them. When fighting, he summons them as if drawing swords; he grasps at an imaginary hilt and seems to pull them out of his haori or cape. He draws the Flint's Maiden Keyblade from his left side with his right hand, where he has his Zanpakutō sheathed, and the Court Guard from his right with his left.

Kagifūtō
Nox Noctis (黒夜の刃 (ノックスノクティス), Nokkusu Nokutisu; Latin for "The Night", Japanese for "Black Night Blade"): In its sealed state, it takes the form of a standard Kagifūtō with a black hilt and a jagged black guard. Dominus Lumen (優位性の輝き (ドミナスルーメン), Dominasu Rūmen; Latin for "Mastered Light", Japanese for "Shining Dominance"): In its sealed state, it takes the form of a standard Kagifūtō with a light grey hilt and a rectangular copper guard.
 * Recipero: The release command is "Engrave into the darkness" (暗闇の中で彫る, kurayami no naka de horu). When released, it takes the form of Master Xehanort's Keyblade.
 * Recipero: The release command is "Light up the skies" (光を空, hikari wo sora). When released, it takes the form of Master Eraqus's Keyblade.

Zanpakutō
Hiuchiishi no Otome redirects here. For the manifested spirit, see Hiuchiishi no Otome (spirit).

Hiuchiishi no Otome (火打石の乙女, Flint's Maiden): Its sealed state takes the form of a katana, with a silver guard that curves around the hilt and meets with the pommel similar to that of a cutlass, along with blood red hilt wrapping. Halfway from either end of the blade is a three inch long gap that has no sharp edge, and curves on the inside. A pair of red tassels hang from the end of the hilt. It is worn with the edge down like a tachi instead of the edge up like a katana. The Inner World mainly consists of a seemingly endless salt flat, reminiscent of Davy Jones' Locker. A black pirate ship, similar to the Black Pearl, hangs upside down, which somehow retains normal gravity.


 * Shikai: Its release command is "The steel is forged, the flint is struck" (鋼偽造されて、火打ち石打たれ, hagane gizō sa re te, hiuchiishi uta re). When released, it takes the form of a 17th century flintlock pistol with a wooden handle and a golden barrel and plating, and a cutlass attached to its elongated barrel. This makes Flintlass the only known Zanpakutō to take the form of a firearm. On its own it can fire shots made of reishi at an opponent.
 * Shikai Special Ability: Hiuchiishi no Otome's main ability is Ichigeki Hissatsu (一撃必殺, One Shot One Kill), named after the four character idiom of the same name. To perform it, Nathaniel pulls the hammer of the pistol back and fills Flintlass with spiritual energy, to the point where its golden edges glow a faint green. He shouts the attack's name and pulls the trigger. When fired, the attack launches a wide angled green stream of spiritual energy, adorned by thin blue lightning bolts. The attack's name is an oxymoron to the attack itself, as it has the potential to kill more than one person in the attack's vicinity. The shot itself can be compressed into a smaller stream, making it more powerful and destructive than its wide-range equivalent. Nathaniel is capable of making the stream slightly denser, and can swing Hiuchiishi no Otome in an arc, creating a Getsuga Tenshō-like wave of energy.
 * Nathaniel can separate Hiuchiishi no Otome into its respective cutlass and flintlock forms and either use them both in combat or transform either the flintlock or the cutlass to its opposing weapon (the flintlock would transform into a cutlass, and vice versa), thereby making Hiuchiishi no Otome a dual bladed Zanpakutō.
 * Jū Rensha (銃連射, Hail of Bullets): This ability can only be used in Hiuchiishi no Otome's dual pistol form. Nathaniel fires a steady stream of compact reishi bullets at a comparable speed to Findor Carias' Bala.


 * Bankai: Hiuchiishi Otome no Madan no Shashu (火打石乙女の魔弾の射手, Flint Maiden's Magic Bullet Shooter): Nathaniel releases his Bankai by turning his Zanpakutō edge-up and placing the blunt side in the palm of his hand, then slides his hand once up and once down the blade, au lieu to cocking a shotgun, and says "Bankai." When released, he loses the top half of his shihakushō and Captain's haori. He gains a gold-trimmed tricorner hat, an open brown vest with a tan edge, and two versions of Flintlass' sealed form hang from his belt. As well, thirteen brown (and seemingly rusted) long swords with hexagonal guards levitate behind him, spread out like wings. The swords often confuse his opponent, as the Bankai's name initially implies the use of firearms.
 * Bankai Special Ability: Nathaniel can merge six of the swords together to form a slightly enlargened version of Hiuchiishi no Otome's Shikai; the stock gains a more obtuse angle and extends down his forearm, the barrel becomes taller and narrower and extends to the tip of the sword, which also becomes longer and thinner and loses the guard. The matchlock mechanism is replaced with a slot which fits the guard of the swords on Nathaniel's back.
 * Enhanced Ichigeki Hissatsu: Hiuchiishi Otome no Madan no Shashu retains the use of its Ichigeki Hissatsu ability, but can be used in an enhanced form. In Bankai, they require little charging and can be fired in rapid succession, on-par with Coyote Starrk's Cero Metralleta.
 * Jiyū no Rokudan, Seigen no Ichidan (自由の六弾制限の一弾, Six Bullet Freedom, One Bullet Limit): Upon the creation of the enhanced Hiuchiishi no Otome, six of the remaining seven swords gain a white glow, while the seventh receives a black tint. These swords are inserted into the gun's barrel and locked into place. From here, they can be fired like bullets, translating into a mass of spiritual energy. The six white swords act as "free bullets," as they completely follow Nathaniel's will, allowing him to shoot at marks that would be otherwise impossible to hit, and able to change their course in midair as many times as Nathaniel sees fit. The seventh black sword, however, is completely out of Nathaniel's control. Instead, it follows the will of his opponent, who is more than often unaware of this fact and believes it to hold the same effect as the other six, but with greater strength. However, this side-effect can be overridden if Nathaniel channels enough spiritual energy into the sword, which increases its firing speed, but limits its direction to straight ahead. The seven swords, once fired, can no longer be used for that use of the Bankai.

Quotes

 * "Souls as far as the eye can see...and I can't help but feel lonely."
 * "You don't enter Soul Society if you're not prepared to die. That's your greatest failing, see; shortsightedness. You always rush into things head-on without assessing them first." (to Sora)
 * "Are you kidding? Do you realize how many times I've had to BEG the previous Kenpachi to fight me? There's probably a worn spot in the floor in front of your desk! Yet you come right out and ask me to fight you?! FINALLY!" (to Kenpachi Zaraki)
 * "This...the only Keyblade my Zanpakutō cannot cut...and it is magnificent!" (to Aqua)
 * "Why do the only ones who can contend with my might in this universe...always turn against me? It saddens me so." (to Sephiroth)

Battle

 * "Beyond the death, understanding." (Boss Battle Start)
 * "Nice to meet you. I will beat you." (One-on-one Fight Start)
 * "Ignited!" (Using Hadō #54: Haien)
 * "Decide." (Using Bakudō #62: Hyapporankan)
 * "Words just don't like you."
 * "SHUT!" (Blocking attack)
 * "Pride on the blade." (switching to Zanpakutō)
 * "The true Will." (switching to Keyblade)
 * "Unchained." (dual wielding Keyblades)
 * "Paradise is nowhere."
 * "Broken Coda." (firing Hyperresonance)
 * "Masterly! And Farewell!" (Block/Retaliate)
 * "End of lessons." (End of battle [Victory])
 * "So unlucky we are." (End of battle [Defeat])

Trivia

 * Nathaniel's first name comes from the Hebrew term for "God has given." His last name roughly translates to "gunslinger" or "assassin".
 * Nathaniel's battle quotes are based solely upon the names of Bleach manga chapters.