-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHINGO YABUKI "The True Boy of the Blowing Arrow" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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