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SHINGO YABUKI
"The True Boy of the Blowing Arrow"
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Birthplace: Japan
Birthdate: April 9, 1980 (19 years old)
Height: 1.78 m (5'8")
Weight: 69 kg (150 lbs)
Blood type: O
Hobbies: Fan of 'Lizard Man'
Favorite food: Microwavable dishes
Favorite sport: Water polo, swimming
Most valuable: Life, girlfriend, his student handbook
Hates the most: Milk
Fighting style: Kusanagi style Ancient Martial Arts, taught to him by Kyo
Shingo is a mild-mannered student, who studies a lot and goes to high
school every day to become somebody in life in the near future. However, he not
only goes to school just to study. He is also very excited in seeing his idol
and "master", the great Kyo Kusanagi!
Always being a fan of Kyo ever since his participation in the martial arts
tournament that defined the Japan Team for the King of Fighters tournament,
Shingo could not believe his luck when it turned out to be that Kyo also studied
in the same school as he did. When he first entered high school, he could not
believe that Kyo was still studying there, despite being the age of a college
student. He always pesters Kyo so he can teach him, but several times has Kyo
refused to. Being a persistant young man, Shingo knows that he will do it one
day. One day, being hungry and the cafeteria full of already lined students, Kyo
just needed a lunch break! Then, he noticed Shingo was getting near. He then
exploited the admiration Shingo felt for him, and tells Shingo that if he gets
some sandwiches for him, he would teach him. Getting all excited, Shingo bolts
in the cafeteria and disputes with other students, but finally manahes to
retrieve a bunch of sandwiches. After chowing them down, Shingo reminds Kyo of
his promise. Having nowhere to hide, Kyo then decides to teach Shingo. The deal
is like this: Kyo performs a special move once, and Shingo has to learn it from
there. However, even though Kyo does it only once, Shingo is always so careful
in deatils, and writes down all the steps in his handbook. From there on, Shingo
executes all the moves of Kyo, hoping even one day that he can be able to wield
crimson flames as Kyo does! (Of course, it is not possible since Kyo can wield
them due to his Kusanagi blood)
Shingo trains without rest night and day, and his big chance finally comes
when he passes the preliminary battles for the King of Fighters tournament in
1997, and makes it as a single entry. Shingo always takes his chance to learn
the moves of the other fighters, for his later battles. Shingo is like a friend
for everyone, even for those who do not seem to care too much about others.
However, his trial comes when the Orochi power makes an appearance in the
tournament, and he has to fight for real. Since Shingo has no notes on this new
opponent, he has to do whatever he can do to fight the evil entity. Finally, the
Orochi shows itself, but before Kyo goes to his final destiny, Kyo gives Shingo
his gloves. He then bids Shingo farewell. Shingo wants to help him, but Kyo
tells him to stand back, as his opponent is stronger than anybody he has known.
Shingo then sees how Kyo vanishes in the mist, and Shingo remains to keep on
fighting!
It has been two years since Shingo last saw Kyo. Only his gloves remain as
his only legacy Kyo left to him, but Shingo misses him a lot. He wonders where he
would be as keeps trying to perfect the Kusanagi martial art style. One day, Shingo
is approached by Kyo's best friend, Benimaru. Shingo likes to know if Benimaru has
any news of Kyo lately, but he has other news: an invitation to participate in the
next King of Fighters tournament! This is the perfect way to show Kyo, wherever he
would be, how much he has improved! He would certainly feel proud!
Shingo then meets his new partners, K' and Maxima. It seems weird to him,
having participated as a single entry last tournament. Although the two fighters
are quite cold and insensitive, Shingo greets them warmly. And soon, Shingo begins
to fight with all his might in the tournament. He also gets really down when he
sees K' wield flames. "Geez, why can't I can", moaned Shingo. His question would
soon be answered by Krizalid, host of the tournament, who had taken Shingo and his
teammates to his underground facility for the final battle. It seems that Krizalid
kidnapped Kyo to create clones and infuse both him and K' with Kusanagi power in
order to conquer the world! Shingo curses Krizalid, and fights with Kyo's memory
burnt in his mind and heart. Despite being severly overpowered by Krizalid, Shingo
never holds back. However, he is about to be eliminated by Krizalid, when all of a
sudden,a huge crimson blast fills the room and blows Krizalid away. It was Kyo! He
had saved him! Shingo's eyes filled with tears. He had so much to say to Kyo!
However, a steel door slams in front of him, and the whole base begins to fall
apart! Shingo has no choice but to run, but as he looks back, he promises Kyo that
one day, he would see him turn into a true man!
Shingo is a bright, funny, and good natured young man. He is always so
jolly, and never seems to get angry. He considers all the fighters as his
friends, and everybody sees in him as a weird kid, but a good kid nonetheless.
Shingo admires Kyo like a idol, and dedicates his victories to him. However, he
also seems to tire due to his inexperience! He always takes out his handbook if
he seems to forget a move. An all-around good guy, Shingo always fights with his
best moves, but he is also afriad his mother may come and put him to study
again!
*Fun fact = Shingo always thinks he can wield crimson flames like Kyo can one
day! He always keeps blowing his finger and saying "Moetarou!", but he doesn't
seem to wield out anything! There was a rumor about an alternate version of
Shingo that could wield green flames, but that rumor is discarded (as the only
person who seems to wield green flames is Omega Rugal).
*Cloth changes = In KOF '98, Shingo replaces his wristbands for Kyo's gloves,
but painted blue to match his uniform.
Appearances: The King of Fighters '97, The King of Fighters '98, The King of
Fighters '99
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