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As per Averted Trope guidelines, instances where a trope does not occur, or is not a relevant fit, should not be added to a work page, unless in certain exceptional circumstances.
Changed line(s) 128 (click to see context) from:
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Downplayed on the "Heart of Gold". He's beaten the ever-loving shit out of his teammates in his ''[='95=]'' ending, has an unreasonable hatred against Kyo, and almost any of his exchanges with other characters (whether he's regular or Flames) in ''XIII'' screams "douchebag". However, some bios imply part of the reason his behavior is so hostile with everyone is an act to keep people away from him due to his propension to violent outbursts thanks to the Orochi curse. How much of it is truly an act is up to debate. Nevertheless, while "Gold" is a massive stretch, Iori does care about doing the right thing, even if he'd never admit it. He shows no hesitation in teaming with the Agents in ''2001'' and completely averts TeethClenchedTeamwork with the Sacred Treasures in both appearances. He's also shown care for stray cats, and the isekai spinoff manga implies he defines the "violence" he dislikes as senseless cruelty against those who can't protect themselves. Iori isn't a model citizen, but somewhere in there, he's still got a heart.
to:
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Downplayed on the "Heart of Gold". He's beaten the ever-loving shit out of his teammates in his ''[='95=]'' ending, has an unreasonable hatred against Kyo, and almost any of his exchanges with other characters (whether he's regular or Flames) in ''XIII'' screams "douchebag". However, some bios imply part of the reason his behavior is so hostile with everyone is an act to keep people away from him due to his propension to violent outbursts thanks to the Orochi curse. How much of it is truly an act is up to debate. Nevertheless, while "Gold" is a massive stretch, Iori does care about doing the right thing, even if he'd never admit it. He shows no hesitation in teaming with the Agents in ''2001'' and completely averts TeethClenchedTeamwork with the Sacred Treasures in both appearances.''2001''. He's also shown care for stray cats, and the isekai spinoff manga implies he defines the "violence" he dislikes as senseless cruelty against those who can't protect themselves. Iori isn't a model citizen, but somewhere in there, he's still got a heart.
Changed line(s) 244 (click to see context) from:
* AssistCharacter: Originally had Diana (and Foxy in ''XIII'') supporting some of her attacks, averted as of and since ''XIV'' where she fights independently for the first time.
to:
* AssistCharacter: Originally had Diana (and Foxy in ''XIII'') supporting some of her attacks, averted as of and since ''XIV'' where she fights independently for the first time.attacks.
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* OneSteveLimit: Averted. There exists another Elizabeth, a minor NPC who is one of the twin waitresses (alongside her sister Sally) serving at King's bar, Illusion. (Both can be seen from ''[='95=]'' to ''[='99=]'', either in King's intro or as cheerleaders for King's team when Illusion is featured as a stage.)
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
As per CSP discussion thread and new policy, Iori's page is to be merged back into the Heroes index.
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[[Characters/TheKingOfFightersHeroes Protagonists]] | '''Deuteragonists''' ([[Characters/TheKingOfFightersIoriYagami Iori Yagami]])\\
to:
[[Characters/TheKingOfFightersHeroes Protagonists]] | '''Deuteragonists''' ([[Characters/TheKingOfFightersIoriYagami Iori Yagami]])\\'''Deuteragonists'''\\
Changed line(s) 18,34 (click to see context) from:
[[AC:Iori Yagami]]
--> [-[[Characters/TheKingOfFightersIoriYagami See his own page for tropes on him.]]-]
!!NESTS Saga
[[folder:Kula Diamond]]
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/character_kula_5.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:Ice Doll]]
->''"Wasn't that refreshingly cool? Hope you like my ice!"''
->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters2000''
->'''Origin:''' Unknown
->[[quoteleft:75:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/10c06342_71a7_425a_a1f4_b6d32940b6f7.png]]
->'''Fighting style:''' Anti-K' arts
->'''Voiced by:''' [[note]]Creator/YumiKakazu, Kat Cassteneda (''Maximum Impact 2'', English)[[/note]]
->'''Playable in:''' [[note]]''2000'', ''2001'', ''2002/UM'', ''XI'', ''XIII'', ''XIV'', ''XV'', ''[=MI2=]'', ''MI:RA''[[/note]]
-> The end product of NESTS' Anti-K' Project, of which Nameless' lover Isolde was a subject of. Her powers over ice were used as a counter to K' own flames, and she, along with her caretakers Foxy and Diana, were assigned to eliminate K' and investigate the cloned Zero's activities. After the fall of NESTS, she settles down with Diana and Foxy and becomes a little sister of sorts to K', joining him on occasion in KOF.
--> [-[[Characters/TheKingOfFightersIoriYagami See his own page for tropes on him.]]-]
!!NESTS Saga
[[folder:Kula Diamond]]
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/character_kula_5.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:Ice Doll]]
->''"Wasn't that refreshingly cool? Hope you like my ice!"''
->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters2000''
->'''Origin:''' Unknown
->[[quoteleft:75:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/10c06342_71a7_425a_a1f4_b6d32940b6f7.png]]
->'''Fighting style:''' Anti-K' arts
->'''Voiced by:''' [[note]]Creator/YumiKakazu, Kat Cassteneda (''Maximum Impact 2'', English)[[/note]]
->'''Playable in:''' [[note]]''2000'', ''2001'', ''2002/UM'', ''XI'', ''XIII'', ''XIV'', ''XV'', ''[=MI2=]'', ''MI:RA''[[/note]]
-> The end product of NESTS' Anti-K' Project, of which Nameless' lover Isolde was a subject of. Her powers over ice were used as a counter to K' own flames, and she, along with her caretakers Foxy and Diana, were assigned to eliminate K' and investigate the cloned Zero's activities. After the fall of NESTS, she settles down with Diana and Foxy and becomes a little sister of sorts to K', joining him on occasion in KOF.
to:
!!NESTS Saga
[[folder:Kula Diamond]]
[[caption-width-right:350:Ice Doll]]
->''"Wasn't that refreshingly cool? Hope
[[caption-width-right:350:Unshackled Instinct]]
[[quoteright:350:[[labelnote:Classic Design]]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/exiori_xiii.png[[/labelnote]]]]
[[quoteright:350:[[labelnote:''The King of Fighters XII-XIII'']]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/iori_kofxii.png[[/labelnote]]]]
[[quoteright:350:[[labelnote:''The King of Fighters XIV'']]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/iori_kofxiv.png[[/labelnote]]]]
[[quoteright:350:[[labelnote:Ms. X]]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/heroines_missx3_9.png[[/labelnote]]]]
->''"I will burn fear into your eyes so you
->'''Debut:'''
->'''Origin:''' Unknown
->'''Origin''': Japan
->[[quoteleft:75:https://static.tvtropes.
->'''Fighting
->'''Voiced by:'''
->'''Portrayed by:''' [[note]]Creator/WillYunLee (live-action movie)[[/note]]
->'''Playable in:'''
->One of the faces of ''Franchise/TheKingOfFighters'', and TheRival to series protagonist, [[Characters/TheKingOfFightersHeroes Kyo Kusanagi]].
->
Iori himself enters the ''[='95=]'' tournament to fight Kyo, but fails to do so, and ruthlessly beats his teammates into the ground. In ''[='96=]'' he finally faces Kyo, but is approached by Chizuru to ally with them. He fights Goenitz and kills him, but his flames turn crimson. Chizuru explains that this is the true power of the Yagami clan that has long been hidden inside him, and also warns him about the Riot of the Blood, but he brushes it off. While conversing with Vice and Mature, he is suddenly stricken with blindness and nausea, and starts to cough up blood. He is finally wracked with extreme pain and ends up killing both Vice and Mature as he enters the Riot of the Blood for the first time. In ''[='97=]'' he is about to face Kyo in the finals, but then he enters the Riot of the Blood along with Leona, who attacks her
Iori resurfaces in ''[='99=]'', once again searching for Kyo, and overhears about the various Kyo clones worldwide. He finds the real one and fights with him in the collapsing base. In ''2000'' he is also a single entry, again looking for Kyo. In ''2001'' he joins Vanessa, Seth, and Ramon, under the premise that he will fight Kyo again.\\
He teams up with Kyo and Chizuru in ''2003'', and witnesses Ash's theft of Chizuru's powers. In ''XI'', he teams up with Kyo and Shingo, but due to the increased presence of Orochi, he enters the Riot of the Blood again and attacks his two teammates; Ash intervenes and takes the opportunity to hit Iori InTheBack, taking his powers. His fate afterward was unknown, but in ''[[AlternateContinuity Maximum Impact]]'' he is searching for Ash Crimson to regain his powers. In ''XIII'' he doesn't have his flames but has somewhat compensated via becoming a BadassNormal. After
He returns in ''XIV'', once again alongside Vice and
Changed line(s) 37,40 (click to see context) from:
* AnIcePerson: Thanks to the experiments performed by NESTS, she has the ability to control ice. Also, she loves ice flavored treats.
* AnIceSuit: One of the few female cryomancers who ''doesn't'' have a {{Stripperiffic}} outfit, though as of ''XIV'' they seem to be taking baby steps to get her there.
* AssistCharacter: Originally had Diana (and Foxy in ''XIII'') supporting some of her attacks, averted as of and since ''XIV'' where she fights independently for the first time.
* AttackReflector: Her Counter Shell.
* AnIceSuit: One of the few female cryomancers who ''doesn't'' have a {{Stripperiffic}} outfit, though as of ''XIV'' they seem to be taking baby steps to get her there.
* AssistCharacter: Originally had Diana (and Foxy in ''XIII'') supporting some of her attacks, averted as of and since ''XIV'' where she fights independently for the first time.
* AttackReflector: Her Counter Shell.
to:
* AnIcePerson: Thanks AmplifierArtifact: Had the [[TheImperialRegalia Yasakani-no-Magatama]] inside of his body until Ash pilfered it in ''XI''. [[spoiler:He regains it at the end of ''XIII''.]]
* AndThenWhat: If playing as Flames Iori in ''XIII'', Mature [[ArmorPiercingQuestion will prod at his unending goal to kill Kyo]], claiming that Iori's stuck in the past because he's afraid of where the future may lead if he ''does'' end Kyo's life. Tung asks him a similar question in ''XIV'', theorising that Iori actually ''enjoys'' fighting Kyo and puts off killing him because of it. Iori is not impressed with that assumption.
* AnimalMotifs: {{Snakes|Are Sinister}}, befitting his connection to Orochi. Reflected in his animal transformation in ''VideoGame/SNKVsCapcomSVCChaos''.
* AmbiguouslyBi: Iori was confirmed to have a girlfriend in the past, but a lot of his interactions with Kyo can be fairly suggestive, especially in later games.
* ArchEnemy: He was initially this to Kyo due to their clans' feuding backgrounds, though this eventually fell by the wayside in the wake of gaining more personal enemies for both parties, including the Hakkeshu, NESTS and Ash.
* ArrogantKungFuGuy: And a [[{{Jerkass}} dick]] about it, too. Iori isn't shy about letting his opponents know they're too weak for him, purple flames or not.
* AstonishinglyAppropriateAppearance: He's a musician and so, he combines formal dress codes (long sleeved white shirt and shoes), with fashion elements (his haircut, leather jacket and red pants)
* BadassBoast:
** A possible interpretation for his usual opening pose ("Sugu raku ni shite yaru")[[labelnote:Translation]][[ImpliedDeathThreat "I'll make it easy for you."/"I'll end your pain soon."]][[/labelnote]] If you believe Iori's claim that he hates violence, the quote potentially turns into Iori backhandedly giving the opponent his condolences for having the misfortune of running into him, thus promising to give them a quick death for their troubles.
** In SVC Chaos, Iori showed no fear at being faced down by [[VideoGame/SamuraiShodown Genjuro]], who may just be even more unpleasant and AxCrazy than himself (not to mention he's armed with a katana). The two simply shout to each other, "Vermin... DIE!"
* BadassInDistress: [[spoiler:In the ''KOF: KYO'' manga's last volume, he's captured by Goenitz and tied up to [[CrucifiedHeroShot a metal cross]]. Then Goenitz severely injures Kensou and, when Chizuru steps in, he runs away with both Iori ''and'' Yuki as hostages; for worse, he tortures Iori via using his powers to ''[[KickTheDog intermittently cause him to go into the Riot of the Blood as he's is still in chains and completely defenseless]]''. Kyo has to rescue him and Yuki with Chizuru's help.]]
* BadassLongcoat: Another Iori (Iori's striker from ''2000'', which represents how Iori dresses outside of KOF) has one. His new design for ''KOF XIV'' has him wearing a red duster while the outfit he was given in ''XV'' is basically the Another Iori design but with the Yasakani crescent on the back.
* BaritoneOfStrength: His voice is deeper than that of his rival Kyo's, highlighting his rougher, harder, more menacing personality, and his initially having been an EvilCounterpart to Kyo.
* BattleInTheCenterOfTheMind: Quite a few drama [=CDs=] hint at an Orochi-like presence that resides inside him, irritating him to theexperiments performed by NESTS, she has the ability point that Iori usually reacts violently. His ''XII'' profile seems to control ice. Also, she loves ice flavored treats.
* AnIceSuit: One of the few female cryomancers who ''doesn't'' have a {{Stripperiffic}} outfit, thoughconfirm this, as of ''XIV'' they seem Iori seems to be taking baby steps suffering from a slight identity crisis. This is presumably the reason behind [[IneffectualLoner his refusal to get her there.
* AssistCharacter: Originally had Diana (and Foxy in ''XIII'') supporting some of her attacks, averted as ofassociate with others and since ''XIV'' where she fights independently for the first time.
* AttackReflector: Her Counter Shell.his solitary lifestyle]].
* AndThenWhat: If playing as Flames Iori in ''XIII'', Mature [[ArmorPiercingQuestion will prod at his unending goal to kill Kyo]], claiming that Iori's stuck in the past because he's afraid of where the future may lead if he ''does'' end Kyo's life. Tung asks him a similar question in ''XIV'', theorising that Iori actually ''enjoys'' fighting Kyo and puts off killing him because of it. Iori is not impressed with that assumption.
* AnimalMotifs: {{Snakes|Are Sinister}}, befitting his connection to Orochi. Reflected in his animal transformation in ''VideoGame/SNKVsCapcomSVCChaos''.
* AmbiguouslyBi: Iori was confirmed to have a girlfriend in the past, but a lot of his interactions with Kyo can be fairly suggestive, especially in later games.
* ArchEnemy: He was initially this to Kyo due to their clans' feuding backgrounds, though this eventually fell by the wayside in the wake of gaining more personal enemies for both parties, including the Hakkeshu, NESTS and Ash.
* ArrogantKungFuGuy: And a [[{{Jerkass}} dick]] about it, too. Iori isn't shy about letting his opponents know they're too weak for him, purple flames or not.
* AstonishinglyAppropriateAppearance: He's a musician and so, he combines formal dress codes (long sleeved white shirt and shoes), with fashion elements (his haircut, leather jacket and red pants)
* BadassBoast:
** A possible interpretation for his usual opening pose ("Sugu raku ni shite yaru")[[labelnote:Translation]][[ImpliedDeathThreat "I'll make it easy for you."/"I'll end your pain soon."]][[/labelnote]] If you believe Iori's claim that he hates violence, the quote potentially turns into Iori backhandedly giving the opponent his condolences for having the misfortune of running into him, thus promising to give them a quick death for their troubles.
** In SVC Chaos, Iori showed no fear at being faced down by [[VideoGame/SamuraiShodown Genjuro]], who may just be even more unpleasant and AxCrazy than himself (not to mention he's armed with a katana). The two simply shout to each other, "Vermin... DIE!"
* BadassInDistress: [[spoiler:In the ''KOF: KYO'' manga's last volume, he's captured by Goenitz and tied up to [[CrucifiedHeroShot a metal cross]]. Then Goenitz severely injures Kensou and, when Chizuru steps in, he runs away with both Iori ''and'' Yuki as hostages; for worse, he tortures Iori via using his powers to ''[[KickTheDog intermittently cause him to go into the Riot of the Blood as he's is still in chains and completely defenseless]]''. Kyo has to rescue him and Yuki with Chizuru's help.]]
* BadassLongcoat: Another Iori (Iori's striker from ''2000'', which represents how Iori dresses outside of KOF) has one. His new design for ''KOF XIV'' has him wearing a red duster while the outfit he was given in ''XV'' is basically the Another Iori design but with the Yasakani crescent on the back.
* BaritoneOfStrength: His voice is deeper than that of his rival Kyo's, highlighting his rougher, harder, more menacing personality, and his initially having been an EvilCounterpart to Kyo.
* BattleInTheCenterOfTheMind: Quite a few drama [=CDs=] hint at an Orochi-like presence that resides inside him, irritating him to the
* AnIceSuit: One of the few female cryomancers who ''doesn't'' have a {{Stripperiffic}} outfit, though
* AssistCharacter: Originally had Diana (and Foxy in ''XIII'') supporting some of her attacks, averted as of
* AttackReflector: Her Counter Shell.
Added DiffLines:
-->"There can't be light without shadow! The flame of the end is here to turn all to ash. Iori Yagami!"\\
'''Iori''': "You want to be turned to ash? No problem."
* TheBerserker: Losing his flames caused Iori's bloodlust and violent tendencies to intensify, up to the point where the cast of ''KOF XIII'' can ''feel'' it just by being around him.
* BlessedWithSuck: Orochi's flames grant Iori powerful fighting abilities. But the list of expenses includes a shortened lifespan, the death of his mother at birth, pain whenever using the flames, and the chance that he'll go berserk and kill everyone around him. So ''not the best tradeoff overall''.
* BloodKnight: In ''KOF XIV'', Tung Fu Rue implies that Iori actually enjoys his rivalry with Kyo, which is why he never actually killed the guy. Iori finds the idea preposterous.
* BondOneLiner: In the first games, if he doesn't do the ManiacalLaugh victory pose, he'll instead tell his defeated opponent to die.
-->''"Sonomama shine!"''[[labelnote:Translation]]"Die as you are!"[[/labelnote]]
* BreakoutCharacter: While Iori was a main character from the beginning (being TheRival to Kyo), he was of such a different mold from other video game characters at the time (such as his [[SignatureLaugh trademark]] EvilLaugh) that he became an instant hit with fans. Thus, most subsequent games have shoehorned him to a role of at least some significance. It is said Iori's design from the start sought this end.
-->'''Creator/MasahiroSakurai''': ''(During "Mr. Sakurai Presents -- Terry Bogard")'' [...] Originally he was introduced as Kyo Kusangai's rival, but when I first saw this character in the game at the time, due to his look and attitude I thought "whoever created this character must be a genius!"
* BroughtDownToBadass: After having his flame abilities stolen by Ash, Iori remains a deadly fighter. Even without the Magatama, the clawing and slashing techniques employed by the Yasakani martial arts are brutally effective and vicious enough to decimate an opponent. Combine this with Iori's ridiculous speed and strength, and suddenly the loss of his flames do not appear to be anything more than a ''minor'' handicap.
* CallBack: His Dual Assault with Kyo in ''Neo Geo Battle Coliseum'' is a homage to the Sacred Treasures Team's ending in 97 where he holds his foe in place with a NeckLift before Kyo does his 182 Shiki to his opponent.
* TheCameo: He appears in the background of KOF Stadium in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate'' and has a spirit battle based on him and Orochi Iori. He also has a Mii Brawler costume based on him.
* CantStayNormal: [[spoiler:In his ending in ''XIII'', Iori decides to reabsorb the Yasakani-no-Magatama into his body, despite Mature and Vice warning him that he has the chance to live a normal life without needing to worry about the Riot of the Blood or his bloodline's curse. Ultimately, they go along with his choice and return to the afterlife, [[MeaningfulEcho telling Iori that they'll perhaps meet again on a moonlit night]].]]
* ChickMagnet: In the CD dramas, having a very pretty prospect girlfriend who's infatuated with you is probably not much to boast about... but having her ''also'' beautiful little sister to become ''even more'' infatuated with you is definitely no small feat.
* ClothesMakeTheLegend: Unlike Kyo, he didn't change his clothing until ''KOF XII'' and even then, the change is rather slight. His ''KOF XIV'' outfit is a bigger change, but it's still recognizably him.
* CreepyCrossdresser: In ''SNK Gal Fighters'', he is the final boss as "Miss X" whom you must fight as other characters.
* DarkIsNotEvil: Dresses in fairly dark ensemble and even has scarlet red hair, but he's not evil. He's still very anti-heroic, though.
* DeadlyUpgrade: The pact his clan made with Orochi to acquire power reduces his life span, hurts him when he summons flames, and subjects him to the Riot of the Blood, which causes him to lose control of himself and makes him vomit blood.
* DemonicPossession: In his new Climax in ''XV'', he is briefly possessed by Orochi as he transitions into the Riot of the Blood. Against members of the New Faces Team, however, he does not transform into Orochi Iori, as evidenced by his eyes not turning red.
* {{Depower}}: Happens at the end of ''XI'', leaving him to fight with his slashing hands for ''XII'' and its sequel. Unlike Chizuru, at least he stayed on the roster despite losing his flames. Though, considering the mobility and priority of Iori's movelist when exhibiting the full extent of the Yasakani martial arts, one has to wonder whether losing those flames can even constitute a depowerment or not...
* DisguisedInDrag: In the handheld SpinOff game ''Gals Fighters'' he enters the tournament disguised as a schoolgirl. He changes his name to "Miss X" and wears a mask to conceal his identity. [[LampshadeHanging The girls don't buy it.]]
* DownloadableContent: "Iori with the Power of Flames" in ''XIII'' (i.e. his original, pre-''XII'' moveset). In ''XIV'', it's his classic outfit.
* {{Emo}}: ''XIII'' [[LampshadeHanging pokes fun]] at this via having several characters, like in K'[='s=] case, call him "emo" ''to his very face''. Obviously, Iori isn't amused. Joe decides to one-up the others by labeling him (or rather, Flames Iori) as this ''and'' goth.
* EasilyForgiven: [[spoiler:Although he killed Mature and Vice (albeit not of his own volition), they say that they don't hold a grudge against him and ask to accompany him as his teammates in ''XIII''. At least Mature is slightly more willing; Vice apparently is angry at Iori doing it and she'd at least want to "relieve pent-up hostilities" before she would ally with Iori again.]]
* EnemyMine: Happens on no less than ''four'' occasions with Kyo (''[='96=]'', ''[='97=]'', ''2003'', and ''XI''). Luckily, [[TeamMom Chizuru]] or [[TheHeart Shingo]] is there to keep the team from [[TeethClenchedTeamwork falling apart]].
** [[spoiler: He teams up with Kyo and Chizuru once again to put down Orochi in his team ending in ''XIV''. This time around, Kyo is more than willing to help out his rival, even if Iori feels otherwise]]. This would come to full fruition once again in the XV tournament where they're officially registered as the Great Sacred Treasures team.
* EnemyWithin: Orochi Iori, the result of activating the Riot of the Blood. See his folder below for more details.
* EvilCounterpart: He started as this to Kyo, being an even more arrogant, pyrokinetic BloodKnight. He's mellowed out a bit over time to a more anti-heroic figure.
* EvilLaugh: [[SignatureLaugh His famous victory pose]], as well as one of his super desperation moves.
-->''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_q3fip9U0I "Hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm... ha ha ha ha ha ha... HAAAAAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!"]]''
* EvilRedhead: At least, that's how his debut portrayed him. ''[='96=]'' and beyond have shifted Iori towards an antagonistic, but more anti-heroic role.
%% Don't add Expy here. It goes in ShoutOut/TheKingOfFighters.
* FacePalmOfDoom: His Kototsuki In special ends with him putting his palm on the foe's face, then releases a flame explosion point blank. A few of his super moves also involves him doing the same.
* {{Foil}}: Initially started as the EvilCounterpart for Kyo before his status as TheRival turned him into a foil instead. Enforced by the fact that much of Iori's design is meant as direct opposite of Kyo's during '95, from his iconic symbol (a crescent moon instead of a sun's corona) as well as his moveset (i.e. He throws his swings arm downward for his projectile where Kyo waves his leading arm upward and outward, his special throw pins his opponent onto the ground rather than lifting them into the air); their namings in most of their moves are even inverted of each other as well, especially with Iori adding extra suffixes named after mythological figures with a dark motif (his CD attack's name in more-in-depth sources has the name "asura", while his axe kick has "shinigami/death god", etc).
* FreudianExcuse:
** Confirmed in the semi-canon ''KOF: KYO'' manga. [[spoiler:When Athena attempts to use her [[AttackReflector Psycho Reflector]] to [[GoThroughMe stop him and Kyo]] from going into a DuelToTheDeath, she has a view of a very young Iori (no older than ten) in tears and covered in injuries and dirt. She's driven to tears and a brief HeroicBSOD, and later she explains to Kensou that she could feel an aura of sadness and loneliness coming from him.]] While the ''KOF 2000'' manga has Iori explaining his own backstory to Kyo, it's not known if it stands for other continuities as well.
-->'''Kensou''': Athena... That time when [[spoiler:you and Yagami's heart [[PsychicLink had a spiritual response]]]]... What did you feel?\\
'''Athena''': An incurable loneliness... no, I should say, ''grief''.
** Also in the RadioDrama ''The Sun and the Moon''; it shows his relationship with his bandmate Konoe (the vocalist of his band) and her sister Kikuri, who were both {{Morality Pet}}s to him.
* GoodIsNotNice: Iori may be an anti-hero at worst, but that doesn't stop him from being a thoroughly unpleasant individual. The majority of his dialogue against other characters is telling them to go away, threatening their life, or both.
* {{Gorn}}: Downplayed to keep the franchise's rating, but [[BroughtDownToBadass after losing his flames]] his moves become a lot bloodier. Back then he'd just incinerate you with his flame, now he'll rip your throat apart or maul your entire body.
* GoryDiscretionShot:
** When he killed Vice and Mature in ''KOF '96'' only their silhouettes could be seen.
** Seen in ''SNK vs. Capcom: Chaos'' for his Exceed, which is a Riot of the Blood-induced attack and in ''Neo Geo Battle Coliseum'' as a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkPaNsdpv_w leaping grab super]] similar to Vice.
** And again in ''XIII'' with his [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIl-_Li-yZg Neo MAX]], which is reused for his Climax DM in ''XIV''.
* GrappleMove: His Kuzukaze (Scum Wind) special is a simple one that slides his foe behind him while leaving them open to combos. Another is his Tsuchi Tsubaki (Mallet Camellia) special in ''XII''.
* GuestFighter: Iori appears in the console version of Creator/SquareEnix 2D fighting game ''Million Arthur: Arcana Blood''. In exchange, ''VideoGame/SNKHeroinesTagTeamFrenzy'' gets Thief Arthur from that series.
* HeyYou: Tends to refer to other people very dismissively. In particular, he refers to Iori in Japanese as ''[[UsefulNotes/JapanesePronouns kisama]]''.
* HiddenDepths:
** If ''SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos'' is anything to go by, he's well-versed in the works of [[Creator/WilliamShakespeare Shakespeare]], particularly ''Theatre/{{Hamlet}}''.
--->'''Iori''' (''to [[VideoGame/StreetFighterII Chun-Li]]''): "If you wish not to die, GetTheeToANunnery."
** He also has his own Jazz band, which is reflected in his various themes over the years.
* {{Hypocrite}}: One of Iori's dislikes is violence. This... coming from one of the most non-villainous yet violent individuals in the series, whose movesets tend to reflect such.
** Supplementary material tends to downplay this. He's still a violent individual, but what he defines as his dislike for "violence" is commiting acts of cruelty against defenseless people. Still hypocritical, but at least more noble of heart.
* IllKillYou: He practically tells this to every one he comes across. That or to go away.
-->'''Kyo:''' Keri o tsukeyou ze, Yagami...[[labelnote:Translation]]"Let's settle this, Yagami..."[[/labelnote]]\\
'''Iori:''' ...kisama no shi wo motte na![[labelnote:Translation]]"...With your death!"[[/labelnote]]
* IconicOutfit: From his debut, Iori has had the least wardrobe changes of any major ''King of Fighters'' regular; consisting of a short black jacket, a long white shirt underneath, red pants with the legs bound, and black shoes. However in ''XII'', as part of his overhaul as result of losing his Yasakani powers, he also gained a new outfit for the first time outside of non-canon appearances (same black jacket but now with a short red shirt under it, white pants with a loose black belt, and white shoes). He also gains a new outfit for ''XIV'' (consisting of a dark red longcoat, maroon undershirt, leather pants, and white shoes) so they're finally getting around to changing him up like his fellow ''KOF'' cohorts. He then gains another new outfit in ''XV'' which is a modified version of his ''XIV'' outfit, but with altered colors and new elements added (such as his clan's signature crescent moon symbol) that resemble his outfit from older artworks (particularly the "Another Iori" striker from ''2000''; long trenchcoat, black dress shirt, red pants).
* IconicSequelCharacter: The guy debuts in the second game and then becomes another big icon of the series.
* ImageSong: He has four just for himself: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxNxNWK-Ta4 "Allegory of the Wind"]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxtYUIXrw64 "Never Lose My Way"]], "Moon of Crazy Flame", and "Monochrome".
* ImpossiblyCoolClothes: His classic outfit, mostly due to the leg belt.
* ImprobableHairstyle: To the point that it's [[LampshadeHanging mocked]] in the ''Maximum Impact'' series, with a few characters noting that his hair resembles a rooster's.
* {{Irony}}:
** As seen in {{Hypocrite}} above, Iori's profile cites his dislike being "Violence", yet his movesets tend to be anything but subtle. His dislike of violence could mean several things, which could even include refusing to engage in unnecessary violence, which again... is ironic.
** Kyo and Chizuru's treasures and the primary virtues they represent make a fair amount of sense: the headstrong but justly good-natured Kyo gets the sword symbolizing valor, whereas the calm and fair-minded Chizuru, usually the guiding magnetic force between the three clans, possesses a mirror that stands for wisdom. Iori's magatama ''benevolence''.
** Iori's Yaotome super in ''XII'' and ''XIII'', due to losing his flames, ends similarly to the Shin Yaotome that Goenitz performs. While losing his sacred treasure meant he was free from the curse for a while, the same can't be said to his techniques, which are implied to be derived from one of the Four Heavenly Kings.
* IrrationalHatred: He absolutely '''''loathes''''' Kyo with a passion. Why? Aside from probably wanting to prove himself as being better than him, [[RiddleForTheAges we will never know]]. The manga and audio dramas sometimes would rationalize the hatred, but they're questionably canon.
* IWasJustPassingThrough: How Iori [[RivalsTeamUp aids Kyo]] during the fight with Goenitz in ''[='96=]''. 'Cause, y'know, [[TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou Iori's the only one that gets to kill Kyo]]. Arguably happens again in ''[='97=]'' when the Three Sacred Treasures Team faces Orochi.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Downplayed on the "Heart of Gold". He's beaten the ever-loving shit out of his teammates in his ''[='95=]'' ending, has an unreasonable hatred against Kyo, and almost any of his exchanges with other characters (whether he's regular or Flames) in ''XIII'' screams "douchebag". However, some bios imply part of the reason his behavior is so hostile with everyone is an act to keep people away from him due to his propension to violent outbursts thanks to the Orochi curse. How much of it is truly an act is up to debate. Nevertheless, while "Gold" is a massive stretch, Iori does care about doing the right thing, even if he'd never admit it. He shows no hesitation in teaming with the Agents in ''2001'' and completely averts TeethClenchedTeamwork with the Sacred Treasures in both appearances. He's also shown care for stray cats, and the isekai spinoff manga implies he defines the "violence" he dislikes as senseless cruelty against those who can't protect themselves. Iori isn't a model citizen, but somewhere in there, he's still got a heart.
* LeadBassist: Since he has his own jazz band and he's a bassist, he's presumably this. It's unknown if Iori's the lead singer (or if the band had one to begin with), but Iori's various {{Image Song}}s are examples that he probably can.
* {{Leitmotif}}: His "Stormy Saxophone" set of songs.
* MeaningfulName:
** His family's previous name, Yasakani, comes from the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magatama#Yasakani_no_Magatama Yasakani-no-Magatama,]] legendary prayer beads symbolizing benevolence that were used in tandem with the Yata-no-Kagami. Much like the other members of the Sacred Treasures Team, Iori plays a crucial role in the battle with Orochi, especially considering that [[HoistByHisOwnPetard he fights against Orochi's mind control and snares him just long enough for Kyo to finish the job]].
** The Yaotome super, literally meaning Eight Maidens, refers to the part of the Orochi myth where Orochi had already devoured seven of a family's eight daughters and was coming to eat the final daughter, who the clan leaders save.
** Yagami, written as 八神 ("eight gods"), alludes to the Hakkeshu whom his ancestors later made their pact.
** Yasakazuki, literally meaning Eight Sake Cups, is another reference to Orochi's myth, where Orochi was dazed by having each of its heads drink sake. The move itself stuns his foe if they're hit, also as an allusion.
* {{Lunacy}}: Figuratively and literally. He is havily associated with the moon, and is one of the more unhinged members of the cast.
* MovesetClone: with Kyo, but only in '95. Justified as the Kusanagi and Yasakani clans built their fighting styles together. In the games after that, Kyo starts to differentiate by using his trademark chain punches.
* MoralityPet: Chizuru Kagura, the only character in the entire series he's willing to stick his neck or do something for. To a lesser extent, he also shows sympathy for Athena (the only character he never openly threatens).
* MrFanservice: WordOfGod admits to making him one on purpose, giving him outfits that frequently emphasize his muscles, which are evocative of CasualKink. A lot of supplementary material points out the fact for all his cruelty he does have a softer side.
* NeckLift: His LDM in 2003 and XI has him lift his foe with both hands as he burns them with a pillar of flame. He also did something similar to Orochi in 97's canonical ending. In ''XII'' his new GrappleMove (which is adapted to his normal throw in ''XIV'') has him lift his foe's neck with one hand.
* NobleDemon: The ''King of Fantasy'' novel and manga imply that Iori loathes people who commit acts of violence against those incapable of defending themselves.
* NoHoldsBarredBeatdown: His ever-popular Ya Otome begins with this.
* NominalHero: Even now, after years of showing Iori's personality soften up ever so slightly, he can only be written off as amoral and largely neutral on his ''best'' days. He also tends not to be motivated with "saving the day" as he only wants to take Kyo's life.
* TheOneGuy:
** In ''VideoGame/SNKGalsFighters'' and in ''VideoGame/SNKHeroinesTagTeamFrenzy'' where, unlike Terry, his usual male self is playable.
** On another note, he's also the only male [[TheRival rival]] in the entire series, as the other three rivals to the later heroes are female.
* TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou: How he views his rivalry with Kyo.
* OptionalBoss:
** To the Japan Team in ''KOF '97'', but only if Kyo beats Orochi. He's also this in ''KOF '99''. Shares this status with Kyo, and you can only fight him if your battle points are over 190, and you fight Kyo if they are over 280.
** He also gets a {{Crossover}} appearance in ''Netto Real Bout Garou Densetsu Special'' (a handheld port of ''Real Bout Fatal Fury Special'') as a boss alongside Geese. [[DefeatMeansPlayable Win, and you unlock him as a playable character.]]
* PaperThinDisguise: His "Miss X" alter ego in ''Gals Fighters''. Subverted, as the girls were not fooled.
* TheParalyzer: In some games, he has the DM Ya Sakazuki, a projectile attack that stuns the foe in place while slowly draining their health. In later games, his EX Yami Barai can do the same thing.
* PerpetualFrowner: Usually depicted as stoic and moody. [[SlasherSmile When he is smiling]]... ''run''.
* PetTheDog: Both [[ThinkNothingOfIt his interactions with Chizuru]] in ''XIII'' and his drama CD ''The Sun and The Moon ~ Prologue'' verge on the brink of painting Iori in this light.
* PillarOfLight: More like Pillar of Fire, but still, his unique DM Saika (done after Ya Otome) ends with him firing a tall pillar of purple flame. Also present in some of his other supers, especially his (Flames Iori's) Neo MAX in XIII.
* PlayingWithFire: The Yagami clan has access to pyrokinetic abilities due to their association with the Kusanagis. The pact with Orochi makes it stronger, but also comes with the caveat of a horrible curse that's plagued Iori's family for generations.
* PurpleIsPowerful: His flames are often rendered as blueish-purple, and he's capable of some highly destructive attacks with them.
* TheRival: Was more or less the ArchEnemy to Kyo earlier on, but has regressed to this, ''especially'' in the wake of him and Kyo gaining several ''mutual'' enemies like Goenitz, Orochi, NESTS, and Ash. Their rivalry tends to be highly bitter, though wile Kyo will tone it down given it's Iori, [[{{Jerkass}} Iori himself]] still relishes the idea of facing Kyo in battle (if not to kill him, then at least to battle and inflict pain on him).
-->'''Iori:''' Kyo...\\
'''Kyo:''' Yagami...\\
'''Both:''' Iku ze![[labelnote:Translation]]"Let's go!"[[/labelnote]]
* RuleOfSymbolism: There are many references to the number eight in his moves and other areas. His signature [[LimitBreak super]], the Ya Otome, is frequently translated in English as "Eight Maidens". The move also hits exactly 8 times in its base form. Iori's other super, the Ya Sakazuki ("Eight Wine Cups"), launches a fire spark that can explode into eight advancing columns of fire at its maximum; the DM that replaces that is the Yashiori (Eight Ferments), a reference to the Yashiori/Yashio'ori no Sake (Sake of Eight Salt Snappers), the type of wine used by Susano'o to intoxicate the Orochi. All of this is related to Orochi being an 8-headed demon and the legend that he sought out eight maidens to devour. As his family made a pact with the Orochi, this has some meaning but ultimately does not contribute to his character in any significant way, unless one refers to his VillainOverride NeckLift done to Orochi himself at the end of ''[='=]97''... There is also the way his design [[EvilCounterpart invokes himself as Kyo's opposite]] in several ways.
* SarcasticConfession: In the ''KOF 2000'' manga, Kyo asks whether Iori actually ''likes'' violence and fighting or is simply lashing out from the frustrations caused by his lineage. Iori explains that even if he doesn't care about their family feud, Iori changed when he wanted his father to stop being depressed. Kid Iori would rather play piano and read than learn to fight. His father was depressed because Saisyu was the stronger one in their rivalry, and he heard rumors that Saisyu's son had even more potential than his father. His respect for his father drove Iori to seek power. One night, Orochi's spirit came to Iori, and he asked if the boy wanted to grow stronger; Iori nodded, and thus Orochi gave him more power and complete control over his flames. Back in the present, Iori tells Kyo, "It's true that I hate violence, but I'd hate even more seeing my own family being disgraced, so if I have to use violence to destroy you, then so be it." But now, Iori hates Kyo's guts.
* ScrewDestiny: {{Subverted|Trope}}. Nothing he does in the Orochi saga intends to prevent the release of Orochi, yet everything he gets involved with ends up working towards that end anyway.
* ShipTease: For such an unpleasant character to deal with, Iori gets ''a lot'' of this.
** The main draw of attention is, of course, Kyo. From his general [[FoeRomanceSubtext obsession with killing him to his unwillingness to go through]], to other characters lampshading the odd nature of his behavior, to Kyo himself softening a bit to Iori's tendencies as time goes on, or even saving him on occasion. It's grown to be so popular the devs themselves take cracks at it from time to time (the last bits of their fight in the manga KOF: A New Beginning are ''dripping'' with this).
-->'''Kyo''': "Wake up! You idiot, are you napping on me?"\\
'''Iori''': "Heh, wake me up when you're dead."
** Then there's Vice and Mature. Not only did they accept to work as his servants, some of their comments about Iori are pretty suggestive. Which should be [[FemmeFatale part of the course]] except Iori murdered both of them. And they don't resent anywhere near as much as they should. According to her bio in ''XIV'', Vice has taken an interest in him beyond professional interests.
** Lastly, there's Athena of all characters. Not only does she show concern for his well-being in their pre-battle quotes, but Iori responds in kind by showing some sympathy towards her (some quotes even suggest he thinks she's cute. She's the only character he refers to with a nickname, namely 'idol girl'). It goes to the point where an alternate version of her is Iori's ImpliedLoveInterest in the Isekai spin-off where he's the protagonist (to who he also refers to by a nickname, 'knight lady').
* {{Shoryuken}}: his Oniyaki special, one of the few things he shared with Kyo. There's also his Nue Uchi special in ''XII''.
* SignatureMove: His Aoihana special (and arguably Yami Barai and Oniyaki) and his Ya Otome DM, which he can do even without flames.
* SlasherSmile: The few times Iori is seen smiling, it's either this or a PsychoticSmirk.
* SlaveCollar: [[RuleOfSymbolism Symbolically]], the collar worn around his neck is likely a visual representation of his clan's unending ties to Orochi. The fact that Iori has [=RotB=]'d three times so far and a particular drama CD has an image of Orochi mocking him from within Iori's mind can't be coincidental. He loses the collar in ''XIV'', though.
* SmokingIsCool: According to his team's story in ''XIII'', Iori smokes frequently.
* SolarAndLunar: With Kyo. Iori represents darkness and the moon, and Kyo represents fire and the sun.
* SourOutsideSadInside: A lot of characters seem comment that despite how quick he is to get unpleasant with people, he's actually pretty unhappy with pushing people away.
-->'''Isla:''' You don't like getting all close and friendly? Well, you and me, both, but... you seem a little lonely.\\
'''Clark:''' I see why you play the lone wolf, but one day you'll regret not finding someone who'll watch your back.
* TheStoic: [[NotSoStoic And if you do manage to set him off]], God help you.
* TechnicolorFire: Bluish-violet fire, a sign that it originates from a dark source.
* ThisCannotBe: His K.O. quote ("Kono mama dewa owaranzo!") translates to "It can't end like this!"
* ThreeStrikeCombo: His Aoihana special is a 3-hit rekka.
* TookALevelInJerkass: Iori was a pretty unpleasant guy to begin with, but upon getting his flames back in ''XIII'' his dialogue is even more callous, bordering on PoliticallyIncorrectHero territory. Some notable examples can be found in his win quotes, where he tells Benimaru to beg for his life and issues a SuicideDare to Raiden.
* TookALevelInKindness: A downplayed example in ''XV''. While he's been very hostile to her in interactions from past games, he seems to have mellowed out a bit around Leona and tries to tell her (albeit a little dismissively) to stop worrying so much about Orochi. His special versus mode win quote against her even has him actually ''praise'' her for learning to control her Riot of the Blood.
-->''"It takes resolve to absorb Orochi's power into your own flesh and blood... Seems you're finally up to the task."''
* {{Tsundere}}: A [[GenderInvertedTrope rare male example]] of a modern Harsh, platonic example.
** With Kyo. Miss X's ending in ''VideoGame/SNKHeroinesTagTeamFrenzy'' implies that despite all his antagonism towards Kyo, Iori secretly wishes they could be best friends, and gets [[LuminescentBlush highly embarrassed]] over the fact that he even entertained the thought in the first place.
** This is also the characterization of choice for him in the Isekai spin off towards [[SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute Altena]], where despite his aparent rudeness he goes out of his way to help her after being saved by her.
* UnwittingInstigatorOfDoom: [[spoiler:In the ''KOF: KYO'' manga, Iori shows up in Kyo's school to challenge him. Their fight becomes increasingly violent to the point that Athena fears this will be a DuelToTheDeath; the fact that Yuki and later Athena step in to stop Iori from killing Kyo start triggering Kyo's own insecurities about his motives to fight.]]
* VoiceOfTheLegion: During his Climax Supper in ''XV'', Orochi's voice can be heard alongside him before he incinerates his opponent in a torrent of flames. If fighting against a member of the Hakkeshu, however, he instead does the super without giving in to the Riot of the Blood.
* VocalEvolution: Iori's voice work in ''[='95=]'' was a bit odd compared to Yasui's take on the character in the following years; Iori's voice was slightly higher in pitch, his "Doushita?" chant during Yami Barai was almost mocking as opposed to the harsh yell later on, and the delivery of his SignatureLaugh (among other lines) was strikingly different. Simialrly, his post-SNK relaunch voice actor Creator/TakanoriHoshino has made Iori sound much harsher and deeper in recent games (including crossovers), to practically [[Anime/YuGiOh5Ds Jack Atlas]] levels.
* WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity: When his Orochi blood awakens, Iori's strength and speed increase greatly but he becomes violently unhinged and untamed, which is how Mature and Vice died in ''[='96=]''.
* WithMyHandsTied: Well, legs in this case. The pants legs of his original outfit are tied together by a belt. His ImpossiblyCoolClothes don't stop him from having swift, amazing footwork, including overhead kicks.
* WolverineClaws: His actual hands are his claws, but his fighting style is pretty brutal. His version without flames in ''XII'' relies on this aspect to compensate.
* WouldHurtAChild: In ''Another Day'', he shoves a little girl for getting in his way.
* YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness: A downplayed version in which Iori [[KickTheDog thrashes Billy and Eiji after the 1995 tournament]]. For this reason, they carry a grudge against Iori to this day.
!!Orochi Iori
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kof98_wildiori.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:Iori, Driven Insane by Orochi's Blood On a Moonlit Night]]
->''"Kill... Kusanagi... Kill... Kyo...."''
->Iori under the influence of the "Riot of the Blood". Under Orochi's control, he becomes feral, and even more bloodthirsty than normal, with his fighting style changing as a reflection of this; he thus becomes a LightningBruiser that can overwhelm his opponent in the blink of an eye.
----
* AxCrazy: In this form he's reduced to the state of a feral, wild animal who will attack anyone in his path. This is best exemplified with the SDM version of his Ya Otome, where he completely forgoes his more refined technique and instead just forcefully pins the opponent onto the ground while ripping them apart, briefly turns to the screen sporting a NightmareFace, and finishes by pounding on them until they explode into purple flames.
* DemotedToExtra: Orochi Iori hasn't been a separate character since ''2002''. Iori still utilizes Blood Riot in many of his supers, like in ''XIV'' and ''XV''.
* DependingOnTheArtist: The look of his skin and facial features varies from game to game. Sometimes his skin will retain its normal hue, while other times, it can become paler or tanned. His face might also become gaunt, and his mouth locked in a fanged snarl.
* GlassCannon: His playable appearance. He's twice as fast and powerful, but takes twice as much damage from attacks, and you'll be surprised at exactly how hard it is to control him.
* LightningBruiser: During Riot of the Blood, Iori experiences a large boost in his agility.
* MonochromaticEyes: Crosses over with GlowingEyesOfDoom and SupernaturalGoldEyes DependingOnTheArtist.
* MultiSlotCharacter: Early games made him into a separate character, while later games [[CompositeCharacter simply made him a part of Iori's moveset.]]
* PersonalityRemnant: While otherwise regressed to an animalistic state, he somehow retains his deep hatred for Kyo.
* PrimalStance: He's hunched over and ready to kill anything in sight.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: As depicted in ''XV'' during regular Iori's new Climax, while being forced into the state by Orochi.
* SkywardScream: His "dialogue" consists almost exclusively of this and animalistic growling and hissing.
-->''"'''[[SayMyName KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!]]'''"''
* SNKBoss: In this form, he's roughly twice as fast and twice as strong. With him moving around so quickly, it's easy to confuse players, enough to make him almost impossible to anti-air on reaction because he can jump across the screen in the blink of an eye. {{Subverted|Trope}} when you play as him, with [[GlassCannon his defense being severely weakened]] for the sake of CompetitiveBalance.
* SuperpoweredEvilSide: The Riot of Blood, the manifestation of Orochi's corruption within him. It gives him inhuman strength and speed but at the expense of his sanity and restraint.
* TeamKiller: The Riot of the Blood ended up causing him to [[ImpromptuTracheotomy tear out Mature and Vice's throats]] at the end of ''[='96=]''.
* UnstoppableRage: Iori is trapped in a blind, homicidal rage whenever he's in this form. Not even Mature and Vice, two heralds of the Orochi, could stop him when he entered Riot of the Blood.
* VillainOverride: In the Sacred Treasures Team's ending in ''[='97=]'', however, when Orochi attempts this for one final time, Iori instead holds Orochi in place for Kyo to deal the final blow.
[[/folder]]
!!NESTS Saga
[[folder:Kula Diamond]]
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/character_kula_5.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:Ice Doll]]
->''"Wasn't that refreshingly cool? Hope you like my ice!"''
->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters2000''
->'''Origin:''' Unknown
->[[quoteleft:75:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/10c06342_71a7_425a_a1f4_b6d32940b6f7.png]]
->'''Fighting style:''' Anti-K' arts
->'''Voiced by:''' [[note]]Creator/YumiKakazu, Kat Cassteneda (''Maximum Impact 2'', English)[[/note]]
->'''Playable in:''' [[note]]''2000'', ''2001'', ''2002/UM'', ''XI'', ''XIII'', ''XIV'', ''XV'', ''[=MI2=]'', ''MI:RA''[[/note]]
-> The end product of NESTS' Anti-K' Project, of which Nameless' lover Isolde was a subject of. Her powers over ice were used as a counter to K' own flames, and she, along with her caretakers Foxy and Diana, were assigned to eliminate K' and investigate the cloned Zero's activities. After the fall of NESTS, she settles down with Diana and Foxy and becomes a little sister of sorts to K', joining him on occasion in KOF.
----
* AnIcePerson: Thanks to the experiments performed by NESTS, she has the ability to control ice. Also, she loves ice flavored treats.
* AnIceSuit: One of the few female cryomancers who ''doesn't'' have a {{Stripperiffic}} outfit, though as of ''XIV'' they seem to be taking baby steps to get her there.
* AssistCharacter: Originally had Diana (and Foxy in ''XIII'') supporting some of her attacks, averted as of and since ''XIV'' where she fights independently for the first time.
* AttackReflector: Her Counter Shell.
* BattleIntro: In ''XV'':
'''Iori''': "You want to be turned to ash? No problem."
* TheBerserker: Losing his flames caused Iori's bloodlust and violent tendencies to intensify, up to the point where the cast of ''KOF XIII'' can ''feel'' it just by being around him.
* BlessedWithSuck: Orochi's flames grant Iori powerful fighting abilities. But the list of expenses includes a shortened lifespan, the death of his mother at birth, pain whenever using the flames, and the chance that he'll go berserk and kill everyone around him. So ''not the best tradeoff overall''.
* BloodKnight: In ''KOF XIV'', Tung Fu Rue implies that Iori actually enjoys his rivalry with Kyo, which is why he never actually killed the guy. Iori finds the idea preposterous.
* BondOneLiner: In the first games, if he doesn't do the ManiacalLaugh victory pose, he'll instead tell his defeated opponent to die.
-->''"Sonomama shine!"''[[labelnote:Translation]]"Die as you are!"[[/labelnote]]
* BreakoutCharacter: While Iori was a main character from the beginning (being TheRival to Kyo), he was of such a different mold from other video game characters at the time (such as his [[SignatureLaugh trademark]] EvilLaugh) that he became an instant hit with fans. Thus, most subsequent games have shoehorned him to a role of at least some significance. It is said Iori's design from the start sought this end.
-->'''Creator/MasahiroSakurai''': ''(During "Mr. Sakurai Presents -- Terry Bogard")'' [...] Originally he was introduced as Kyo Kusangai's rival, but when I first saw this character in the game at the time, due to his look and attitude I thought "whoever created this character must be a genius!"
* BroughtDownToBadass: After having his flame abilities stolen by Ash, Iori remains a deadly fighter. Even without the Magatama, the clawing and slashing techniques employed by the Yasakani martial arts are brutally effective and vicious enough to decimate an opponent. Combine this with Iori's ridiculous speed and strength, and suddenly the loss of his flames do not appear to be anything more than a ''minor'' handicap.
* CallBack: His Dual Assault with Kyo in ''Neo Geo Battle Coliseum'' is a homage to the Sacred Treasures Team's ending in 97 where he holds his foe in place with a NeckLift before Kyo does his 182 Shiki to his opponent.
* TheCameo: He appears in the background of KOF Stadium in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate'' and has a spirit battle based on him and Orochi Iori. He also has a Mii Brawler costume based on him.
* CantStayNormal: [[spoiler:In his ending in ''XIII'', Iori decides to reabsorb the Yasakani-no-Magatama into his body, despite Mature and Vice warning him that he has the chance to live a normal life without needing to worry about the Riot of the Blood or his bloodline's curse. Ultimately, they go along with his choice and return to the afterlife, [[MeaningfulEcho telling Iori that they'll perhaps meet again on a moonlit night]].]]
* ChickMagnet: In the CD dramas, having a very pretty prospect girlfriend who's infatuated with you is probably not much to boast about... but having her ''also'' beautiful little sister to become ''even more'' infatuated with you is definitely no small feat.
* ClothesMakeTheLegend: Unlike Kyo, he didn't change his clothing until ''KOF XII'' and even then, the change is rather slight. His ''KOF XIV'' outfit is a bigger change, but it's still recognizably him.
* CreepyCrossdresser: In ''SNK Gal Fighters'', he is the final boss as "Miss X" whom you must fight as other characters.
* DarkIsNotEvil: Dresses in fairly dark ensemble and even has scarlet red hair, but he's not evil. He's still very anti-heroic, though.
* DeadlyUpgrade: The pact his clan made with Orochi to acquire power reduces his life span, hurts him when he summons flames, and subjects him to the Riot of the Blood, which causes him to lose control of himself and makes him vomit blood.
* DemonicPossession: In his new Climax in ''XV'', he is briefly possessed by Orochi as he transitions into the Riot of the Blood. Against members of the New Faces Team, however, he does not transform into Orochi Iori, as evidenced by his eyes not turning red.
* {{Depower}}: Happens at the end of ''XI'', leaving him to fight with his slashing hands for ''XII'' and its sequel. Unlike Chizuru, at least he stayed on the roster despite losing his flames. Though, considering the mobility and priority of Iori's movelist when exhibiting the full extent of the Yasakani martial arts, one has to wonder whether losing those flames can even constitute a depowerment or not...
* DisguisedInDrag: In the handheld SpinOff game ''Gals Fighters'' he enters the tournament disguised as a schoolgirl. He changes his name to "Miss X" and wears a mask to conceal his identity. [[LampshadeHanging The girls don't buy it.]]
* DownloadableContent: "Iori with the Power of Flames" in ''XIII'' (i.e. his original, pre-''XII'' moveset). In ''XIV'', it's his classic outfit.
* {{Emo}}: ''XIII'' [[LampshadeHanging pokes fun]] at this via having several characters, like in K'[='s=] case, call him "emo" ''to his very face''. Obviously, Iori isn't amused. Joe decides to one-up the others by labeling him (or rather, Flames Iori) as this ''and'' goth.
* EasilyForgiven: [[spoiler:Although he killed Mature and Vice (albeit not of his own volition), they say that they don't hold a grudge against him and ask to accompany him as his teammates in ''XIII''. At least Mature is slightly more willing; Vice apparently is angry at Iori doing it and she'd at least want to "relieve pent-up hostilities" before she would ally with Iori again.]]
* EnemyMine: Happens on no less than ''four'' occasions with Kyo (''[='96=]'', ''[='97=]'', ''2003'', and ''XI''). Luckily, [[TeamMom Chizuru]] or [[TheHeart Shingo]] is there to keep the team from [[TeethClenchedTeamwork falling apart]].
** [[spoiler: He teams up with Kyo and Chizuru once again to put down Orochi in his team ending in ''XIV''. This time around, Kyo is more than willing to help out his rival, even if Iori feels otherwise]]. This would come to full fruition once again in the XV tournament where they're officially registered as the Great Sacred Treasures team.
* EnemyWithin: Orochi Iori, the result of activating the Riot of the Blood. See his folder below for more details.
* EvilCounterpart: He started as this to Kyo, being an even more arrogant, pyrokinetic BloodKnight. He's mellowed out a bit over time to a more anti-heroic figure.
* EvilLaugh: [[SignatureLaugh His famous victory pose]], as well as one of his super desperation moves.
-->''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_q3fip9U0I "Hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm... ha ha ha ha ha ha... HAAAAAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!"]]''
* EvilRedhead: At least, that's how his debut portrayed him. ''[='96=]'' and beyond have shifted Iori towards an antagonistic, but more anti-heroic role.
%% Don't add Expy here. It goes in ShoutOut/TheKingOfFighters.
* FacePalmOfDoom: His Kototsuki In special ends with him putting his palm on the foe's face, then releases a flame explosion point blank. A few of his super moves also involves him doing the same.
* {{Foil}}: Initially started as the EvilCounterpart for Kyo before his status as TheRival turned him into a foil instead. Enforced by the fact that much of Iori's design is meant as direct opposite of Kyo's during '95, from his iconic symbol (a crescent moon instead of a sun's corona) as well as his moveset (i.e. He throws his swings arm downward for his projectile where Kyo waves his leading arm upward and outward, his special throw pins his opponent onto the ground rather than lifting them into the air); their namings in most of their moves are even inverted of each other as well, especially with Iori adding extra suffixes named after mythological figures with a dark motif (his CD attack's name in more-in-depth sources has the name "asura", while his axe kick has "shinigami/death god", etc).
* FreudianExcuse:
** Confirmed in the semi-canon ''KOF: KYO'' manga. [[spoiler:When Athena attempts to use her [[AttackReflector Psycho Reflector]] to [[GoThroughMe stop him and Kyo]] from going into a DuelToTheDeath, she has a view of a very young Iori (no older than ten) in tears and covered in injuries and dirt. She's driven to tears and a brief HeroicBSOD, and later she explains to Kensou that she could feel an aura of sadness and loneliness coming from him.]] While the ''KOF 2000'' manga has Iori explaining his own backstory to Kyo, it's not known if it stands for other continuities as well.
-->'''Kensou''': Athena... That time when [[spoiler:you and Yagami's heart [[PsychicLink had a spiritual response]]]]... What did you feel?\\
'''Athena''': An incurable loneliness... no, I should say, ''grief''.
** Also in the RadioDrama ''The Sun and the Moon''; it shows his relationship with his bandmate Konoe (the vocalist of his band) and her sister Kikuri, who were both {{Morality Pet}}s to him.
* GoodIsNotNice: Iori may be an anti-hero at worst, but that doesn't stop him from being a thoroughly unpleasant individual. The majority of his dialogue against other characters is telling them to go away, threatening their life, or both.
* {{Gorn}}: Downplayed to keep the franchise's rating, but [[BroughtDownToBadass after losing his flames]] his moves become a lot bloodier. Back then he'd just incinerate you with his flame, now he'll rip your throat apart or maul your entire body.
* GoryDiscretionShot:
** When he killed Vice and Mature in ''KOF '96'' only their silhouettes could be seen.
** Seen in ''SNK vs. Capcom: Chaos'' for his Exceed, which is a Riot of the Blood-induced attack and in ''Neo Geo Battle Coliseum'' as a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkPaNsdpv_w leaping grab super]] similar to Vice.
** And again in ''XIII'' with his [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIl-_Li-yZg Neo MAX]], which is reused for his Climax DM in ''XIV''.
* GrappleMove: His Kuzukaze (Scum Wind) special is a simple one that slides his foe behind him while leaving them open to combos. Another is his Tsuchi Tsubaki (Mallet Camellia) special in ''XII''.
* GuestFighter: Iori appears in the console version of Creator/SquareEnix 2D fighting game ''Million Arthur: Arcana Blood''. In exchange, ''VideoGame/SNKHeroinesTagTeamFrenzy'' gets Thief Arthur from that series.
* HeyYou: Tends to refer to other people very dismissively. In particular, he refers to Iori in Japanese as ''[[UsefulNotes/JapanesePronouns kisama]]''.
* HiddenDepths:
** If ''SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos'' is anything to go by, he's well-versed in the works of [[Creator/WilliamShakespeare Shakespeare]], particularly ''Theatre/{{Hamlet}}''.
--->'''Iori''' (''to [[VideoGame/StreetFighterII Chun-Li]]''): "If you wish not to die, GetTheeToANunnery."
** He also has his own Jazz band, which is reflected in his various themes over the years.
* {{Hypocrite}}: One of Iori's dislikes is violence. This... coming from one of the most non-villainous yet violent individuals in the series, whose movesets tend to reflect such.
** Supplementary material tends to downplay this. He's still a violent individual, but what he defines as his dislike for "violence" is commiting acts of cruelty against defenseless people. Still hypocritical, but at least more noble of heart.
* IllKillYou: He practically tells this to every one he comes across. That or to go away.
-->'''Kyo:''' Keri o tsukeyou ze, Yagami...[[labelnote:Translation]]"Let's settle this, Yagami..."[[/labelnote]]\\
'''Iori:''' ...kisama no shi wo motte na![[labelnote:Translation]]"...With your death!"[[/labelnote]]
* IconicOutfit: From his debut, Iori has had the least wardrobe changes of any major ''King of Fighters'' regular; consisting of a short black jacket, a long white shirt underneath, red pants with the legs bound, and black shoes. However in ''XII'', as part of his overhaul as result of losing his Yasakani powers, he also gained a new outfit for the first time outside of non-canon appearances (same black jacket but now with a short red shirt under it, white pants with a loose black belt, and white shoes). He also gains a new outfit for ''XIV'' (consisting of a dark red longcoat, maroon undershirt, leather pants, and white shoes) so they're finally getting around to changing him up like his fellow ''KOF'' cohorts. He then gains another new outfit in ''XV'' which is a modified version of his ''XIV'' outfit, but with altered colors and new elements added (such as his clan's signature crescent moon symbol) that resemble his outfit from older artworks (particularly the "Another Iori" striker from ''2000''; long trenchcoat, black dress shirt, red pants).
* IconicSequelCharacter: The guy debuts in the second game and then becomes another big icon of the series.
* ImageSong: He has four just for himself: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxNxNWK-Ta4 "Allegory of the Wind"]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxtYUIXrw64 "Never Lose My Way"]], "Moon of Crazy Flame", and "Monochrome".
* ImpossiblyCoolClothes: His classic outfit, mostly due to the leg belt.
* ImprobableHairstyle: To the point that it's [[LampshadeHanging mocked]] in the ''Maximum Impact'' series, with a few characters noting that his hair resembles a rooster's.
* {{Irony}}:
** As seen in {{Hypocrite}} above, Iori's profile cites his dislike being "Violence", yet his movesets tend to be anything but subtle. His dislike of violence could mean several things, which could even include refusing to engage in unnecessary violence, which again... is ironic.
** Kyo and Chizuru's treasures and the primary virtues they represent make a fair amount of sense: the headstrong but justly good-natured Kyo gets the sword symbolizing valor, whereas the calm and fair-minded Chizuru, usually the guiding magnetic force between the three clans, possesses a mirror that stands for wisdom. Iori's magatama ''benevolence''.
** Iori's Yaotome super in ''XII'' and ''XIII'', due to losing his flames, ends similarly to the Shin Yaotome that Goenitz performs. While losing his sacred treasure meant he was free from the curse for a while, the same can't be said to his techniques, which are implied to be derived from one of the Four Heavenly Kings.
* IrrationalHatred: He absolutely '''''loathes''''' Kyo with a passion. Why? Aside from probably wanting to prove himself as being better than him, [[RiddleForTheAges we will never know]]. The manga and audio dramas sometimes would rationalize the hatred, but they're questionably canon.
* IWasJustPassingThrough: How Iori [[RivalsTeamUp aids Kyo]] during the fight with Goenitz in ''[='96=]''. 'Cause, y'know, [[TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou Iori's the only one that gets to kill Kyo]]. Arguably happens again in ''[='97=]'' when the Three Sacred Treasures Team faces Orochi.
* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Downplayed on the "Heart of Gold". He's beaten the ever-loving shit out of his teammates in his ''[='95=]'' ending, has an unreasonable hatred against Kyo, and almost any of his exchanges with other characters (whether he's regular or Flames) in ''XIII'' screams "douchebag". However, some bios imply part of the reason his behavior is so hostile with everyone is an act to keep people away from him due to his propension to violent outbursts thanks to the Orochi curse. How much of it is truly an act is up to debate. Nevertheless, while "Gold" is a massive stretch, Iori does care about doing the right thing, even if he'd never admit it. He shows no hesitation in teaming with the Agents in ''2001'' and completely averts TeethClenchedTeamwork with the Sacred Treasures in both appearances. He's also shown care for stray cats, and the isekai spinoff manga implies he defines the "violence" he dislikes as senseless cruelty against those who can't protect themselves. Iori isn't a model citizen, but somewhere in there, he's still got a heart.
* LeadBassist: Since he has his own jazz band and he's a bassist, he's presumably this. It's unknown if Iori's the lead singer (or if the band had one to begin with), but Iori's various {{Image Song}}s are examples that he probably can.
* {{Leitmotif}}: His "Stormy Saxophone" set of songs.
* MeaningfulName:
** His family's previous name, Yasakani, comes from the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magatama#Yasakani_no_Magatama Yasakani-no-Magatama,]] legendary prayer beads symbolizing benevolence that were used in tandem with the Yata-no-Kagami. Much like the other members of the Sacred Treasures Team, Iori plays a crucial role in the battle with Orochi, especially considering that [[HoistByHisOwnPetard he fights against Orochi's mind control and snares him just long enough for Kyo to finish the job]].
** The Yaotome super, literally meaning Eight Maidens, refers to the part of the Orochi myth where Orochi had already devoured seven of a family's eight daughters and was coming to eat the final daughter, who the clan leaders save.
** Yagami, written as 八神 ("eight gods"), alludes to the Hakkeshu whom his ancestors later made their pact.
** Yasakazuki, literally meaning Eight Sake Cups, is another reference to Orochi's myth, where Orochi was dazed by having each of its heads drink sake. The move itself stuns his foe if they're hit, also as an allusion.
* {{Lunacy}}: Figuratively and literally. He is havily associated with the moon, and is one of the more unhinged members of the cast.
* MovesetClone: with Kyo, but only in '95. Justified as the Kusanagi and Yasakani clans built their fighting styles together. In the games after that, Kyo starts to differentiate by using his trademark chain punches.
* MoralityPet: Chizuru Kagura, the only character in the entire series he's willing to stick his neck or do something for. To a lesser extent, he also shows sympathy for Athena (the only character he never openly threatens).
* MrFanservice: WordOfGod admits to making him one on purpose, giving him outfits that frequently emphasize his muscles, which are evocative of CasualKink. A lot of supplementary material points out the fact for all his cruelty he does have a softer side.
* NeckLift: His LDM in 2003 and XI has him lift his foe with both hands as he burns them with a pillar of flame. He also did something similar to Orochi in 97's canonical ending. In ''XII'' his new GrappleMove (which is adapted to his normal throw in ''XIV'') has him lift his foe's neck with one hand.
* NobleDemon: The ''King of Fantasy'' novel and manga imply that Iori loathes people who commit acts of violence against those incapable of defending themselves.
* NoHoldsBarredBeatdown: His ever-popular Ya Otome begins with this.
* NominalHero: Even now, after years of showing Iori's personality soften up ever so slightly, he can only be written off as amoral and largely neutral on his ''best'' days. He also tends not to be motivated with "saving the day" as he only wants to take Kyo's life.
* TheOneGuy:
** In ''VideoGame/SNKGalsFighters'' and in ''VideoGame/SNKHeroinesTagTeamFrenzy'' where, unlike Terry, his usual male self is playable.
** On another note, he's also the only male [[TheRival rival]] in the entire series, as the other three rivals to the later heroes are female.
* TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou: How he views his rivalry with Kyo.
* OptionalBoss:
** To the Japan Team in ''KOF '97'', but only if Kyo beats Orochi. He's also this in ''KOF '99''. Shares this status with Kyo, and you can only fight him if your battle points are over 190, and you fight Kyo if they are over 280.
** He also gets a {{Crossover}} appearance in ''Netto Real Bout Garou Densetsu Special'' (a handheld port of ''Real Bout Fatal Fury Special'') as a boss alongside Geese. [[DefeatMeansPlayable Win, and you unlock him as a playable character.]]
* PaperThinDisguise: His "Miss X" alter ego in ''Gals Fighters''. Subverted, as the girls were not fooled.
* TheParalyzer: In some games, he has the DM Ya Sakazuki, a projectile attack that stuns the foe in place while slowly draining their health. In later games, his EX Yami Barai can do the same thing.
* PerpetualFrowner: Usually depicted as stoic and moody. [[SlasherSmile When he is smiling]]... ''run''.
* PetTheDog: Both [[ThinkNothingOfIt his interactions with Chizuru]] in ''XIII'' and his drama CD ''The Sun and The Moon ~ Prologue'' verge on the brink of painting Iori in this light.
* PillarOfLight: More like Pillar of Fire, but still, his unique DM Saika (done after Ya Otome) ends with him firing a tall pillar of purple flame. Also present in some of his other supers, especially his (Flames Iori's) Neo MAX in XIII.
* PlayingWithFire: The Yagami clan has access to pyrokinetic abilities due to their association with the Kusanagis. The pact with Orochi makes it stronger, but also comes with the caveat of a horrible curse that's plagued Iori's family for generations.
* PurpleIsPowerful: His flames are often rendered as blueish-purple, and he's capable of some highly destructive attacks with them.
* TheRival: Was more or less the ArchEnemy to Kyo earlier on, but has regressed to this, ''especially'' in the wake of him and Kyo gaining several ''mutual'' enemies like Goenitz, Orochi, NESTS, and Ash. Their rivalry tends to be highly bitter, though wile Kyo will tone it down given it's Iori, [[{{Jerkass}} Iori himself]] still relishes the idea of facing Kyo in battle (if not to kill him, then at least to battle and inflict pain on him).
-->'''Iori:''' Kyo...\\
'''Kyo:''' Yagami...\\
'''Both:''' Iku ze![[labelnote:Translation]]"Let's go!"[[/labelnote]]
* RuleOfSymbolism: There are many references to the number eight in his moves and other areas. His signature [[LimitBreak super]], the Ya Otome, is frequently translated in English as "Eight Maidens". The move also hits exactly 8 times in its base form. Iori's other super, the Ya Sakazuki ("Eight Wine Cups"), launches a fire spark that can explode into eight advancing columns of fire at its maximum; the DM that replaces that is the Yashiori (Eight Ferments), a reference to the Yashiori/Yashio'ori no Sake (Sake of Eight Salt Snappers), the type of wine used by Susano'o to intoxicate the Orochi. All of this is related to Orochi being an 8-headed demon and the legend that he sought out eight maidens to devour. As his family made a pact with the Orochi, this has some meaning but ultimately does not contribute to his character in any significant way, unless one refers to his VillainOverride NeckLift done to Orochi himself at the end of ''[='=]97''... There is also the way his design [[EvilCounterpart invokes himself as Kyo's opposite]] in several ways.
* SarcasticConfession: In the ''KOF 2000'' manga, Kyo asks whether Iori actually ''likes'' violence and fighting or is simply lashing out from the frustrations caused by his lineage. Iori explains that even if he doesn't care about their family feud, Iori changed when he wanted his father to stop being depressed. Kid Iori would rather play piano and read than learn to fight. His father was depressed because Saisyu was the stronger one in their rivalry, and he heard rumors that Saisyu's son had even more potential than his father. His respect for his father drove Iori to seek power. One night, Orochi's spirit came to Iori, and he asked if the boy wanted to grow stronger; Iori nodded, and thus Orochi gave him more power and complete control over his flames. Back in the present, Iori tells Kyo, "It's true that I hate violence, but I'd hate even more seeing my own family being disgraced, so if I have to use violence to destroy you, then so be it." But now, Iori hates Kyo's guts.
* ScrewDestiny: {{Subverted|Trope}}. Nothing he does in the Orochi saga intends to prevent the release of Orochi, yet everything he gets involved with ends up working towards that end anyway.
* ShipTease: For such an unpleasant character to deal with, Iori gets ''a lot'' of this.
** The main draw of attention is, of course, Kyo. From his general [[FoeRomanceSubtext obsession with killing him to his unwillingness to go through]], to other characters lampshading the odd nature of his behavior, to Kyo himself softening a bit to Iori's tendencies as time goes on, or even saving him on occasion. It's grown to be so popular the devs themselves take cracks at it from time to time (the last bits of their fight in the manga KOF: A New Beginning are ''dripping'' with this).
-->'''Kyo''': "Wake up! You idiot, are you napping on me?"\\
'''Iori''': "Heh, wake me up when you're dead."
** Then there's Vice and Mature. Not only did they accept to work as his servants, some of their comments about Iori are pretty suggestive. Which should be [[FemmeFatale part of the course]] except Iori murdered both of them. And they don't resent anywhere near as much as they should. According to her bio in ''XIV'', Vice has taken an interest in him beyond professional interests.
** Lastly, there's Athena of all characters. Not only does she show concern for his well-being in their pre-battle quotes, but Iori responds in kind by showing some sympathy towards her (some quotes even suggest he thinks she's cute. She's the only character he refers to with a nickname, namely 'idol girl'). It goes to the point where an alternate version of her is Iori's ImpliedLoveInterest in the Isekai spin-off where he's the protagonist (to who he also refers to by a nickname, 'knight lady').
* {{Shoryuken}}: his Oniyaki special, one of the few things he shared with Kyo. There's also his Nue Uchi special in ''XII''.
* SignatureMove: His Aoihana special (and arguably Yami Barai and Oniyaki) and his Ya Otome DM, which he can do even without flames.
* SlasherSmile: The few times Iori is seen smiling, it's either this or a PsychoticSmirk.
* SlaveCollar: [[RuleOfSymbolism Symbolically]], the collar worn around his neck is likely a visual representation of his clan's unending ties to Orochi. The fact that Iori has [=RotB=]'d three times so far and a particular drama CD has an image of Orochi mocking him from within Iori's mind can't be coincidental. He loses the collar in ''XIV'', though.
* SmokingIsCool: According to his team's story in ''XIII'', Iori smokes frequently.
* SolarAndLunar: With Kyo. Iori represents darkness and the moon, and Kyo represents fire and the sun.
* SourOutsideSadInside: A lot of characters seem comment that despite how quick he is to get unpleasant with people, he's actually pretty unhappy with pushing people away.
-->'''Isla:''' You don't like getting all close and friendly? Well, you and me, both, but... you seem a little lonely.\\
'''Clark:''' I see why you play the lone wolf, but one day you'll regret not finding someone who'll watch your back.
* TheStoic: [[NotSoStoic And if you do manage to set him off]], God help you.
* TechnicolorFire: Bluish-violet fire, a sign that it originates from a dark source.
* ThisCannotBe: His K.O. quote ("Kono mama dewa owaranzo!") translates to "It can't end like this!"
* ThreeStrikeCombo: His Aoihana special is a 3-hit rekka.
* TookALevelInJerkass: Iori was a pretty unpleasant guy to begin with, but upon getting his flames back in ''XIII'' his dialogue is even more callous, bordering on PoliticallyIncorrectHero territory. Some notable examples can be found in his win quotes, where he tells Benimaru to beg for his life and issues a SuicideDare to Raiden.
* TookALevelInKindness: A downplayed example in ''XV''. While he's been very hostile to her in interactions from past games, he seems to have mellowed out a bit around Leona and tries to tell her (albeit a little dismissively) to stop worrying so much about Orochi. His special versus mode win quote against her even has him actually ''praise'' her for learning to control her Riot of the Blood.
-->''"It takes resolve to absorb Orochi's power into your own flesh and blood... Seems you're finally up to the task."''
* {{Tsundere}}: A [[GenderInvertedTrope rare male example]] of a modern Harsh, platonic example.
** With Kyo. Miss X's ending in ''VideoGame/SNKHeroinesTagTeamFrenzy'' implies that despite all his antagonism towards Kyo, Iori secretly wishes they could be best friends, and gets [[LuminescentBlush highly embarrassed]] over the fact that he even entertained the thought in the first place.
** This is also the characterization of choice for him in the Isekai spin off towards [[SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute Altena]], where despite his aparent rudeness he goes out of his way to help her after being saved by her.
* UnwittingInstigatorOfDoom: [[spoiler:In the ''KOF: KYO'' manga, Iori shows up in Kyo's school to challenge him. Their fight becomes increasingly violent to the point that Athena fears this will be a DuelToTheDeath; the fact that Yuki and later Athena step in to stop Iori from killing Kyo start triggering Kyo's own insecurities about his motives to fight.]]
* VoiceOfTheLegion: During his Climax Supper in ''XV'', Orochi's voice can be heard alongside him before he incinerates his opponent in a torrent of flames. If fighting against a member of the Hakkeshu, however, he instead does the super without giving in to the Riot of the Blood.
* VocalEvolution: Iori's voice work in ''[='95=]'' was a bit odd compared to Yasui's take on the character in the following years; Iori's voice was slightly higher in pitch, his "Doushita?" chant during Yami Barai was almost mocking as opposed to the harsh yell later on, and the delivery of his SignatureLaugh (among other lines) was strikingly different. Simialrly, his post-SNK relaunch voice actor Creator/TakanoriHoshino has made Iori sound much harsher and deeper in recent games (including crossovers), to practically [[Anime/YuGiOh5Ds Jack Atlas]] levels.
* WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity: When his Orochi blood awakens, Iori's strength and speed increase greatly but he becomes violently unhinged and untamed, which is how Mature and Vice died in ''[='96=]''.
* WithMyHandsTied: Well, legs in this case. The pants legs of his original outfit are tied together by a belt. His ImpossiblyCoolClothes don't stop him from having swift, amazing footwork, including overhead kicks.
* WolverineClaws: His actual hands are his claws, but his fighting style is pretty brutal. His version without flames in ''XII'' relies on this aspect to compensate.
* WouldHurtAChild: In ''Another Day'', he shoves a little girl for getting in his way.
* YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness: A downplayed version in which Iori [[KickTheDog thrashes Billy and Eiji after the 1995 tournament]]. For this reason, they carry a grudge against Iori to this day.
!!Orochi Iori
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kof98_wildiori.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:Iori, Driven Insane by Orochi's Blood On a Moonlit Night]]
->''"Kill... Kusanagi... Kill... Kyo...."''
->Iori under the influence of the "Riot of the Blood". Under Orochi's control, he becomes feral, and even more bloodthirsty than normal, with his fighting style changing as a reflection of this; he thus becomes a LightningBruiser that can overwhelm his opponent in the blink of an eye.
----
* AxCrazy: In this form he's reduced to the state of a feral, wild animal who will attack anyone in his path. This is best exemplified with the SDM version of his Ya Otome, where he completely forgoes his more refined technique and instead just forcefully pins the opponent onto the ground while ripping them apart, briefly turns to the screen sporting a NightmareFace, and finishes by pounding on them until they explode into purple flames.
* DemotedToExtra: Orochi Iori hasn't been a separate character since ''2002''. Iori still utilizes Blood Riot in many of his supers, like in ''XIV'' and ''XV''.
* DependingOnTheArtist: The look of his skin and facial features varies from game to game. Sometimes his skin will retain its normal hue, while other times, it can become paler or tanned. His face might also become gaunt, and his mouth locked in a fanged snarl.
* GlassCannon: His playable appearance. He's twice as fast and powerful, but takes twice as much damage from attacks, and you'll be surprised at exactly how hard it is to control him.
* LightningBruiser: During Riot of the Blood, Iori experiences a large boost in his agility.
* MonochromaticEyes: Crosses over with GlowingEyesOfDoom and SupernaturalGoldEyes DependingOnTheArtist.
* MultiSlotCharacter: Early games made him into a separate character, while later games [[CompositeCharacter simply made him a part of Iori's moveset.]]
* PersonalityRemnant: While otherwise regressed to an animalistic state, he somehow retains his deep hatred for Kyo.
* PrimalStance: He's hunched over and ready to kill anything in sight.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: As depicted in ''XV'' during regular Iori's new Climax, while being forced into the state by Orochi.
* SkywardScream: His "dialogue" consists almost exclusively of this and animalistic growling and hissing.
-->''"'''[[SayMyName KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!]]'''"''
* SNKBoss: In this form, he's roughly twice as fast and twice as strong. With him moving around so quickly, it's easy to confuse players, enough to make him almost impossible to anti-air on reaction because he can jump across the screen in the blink of an eye. {{Subverted|Trope}} when you play as him, with [[GlassCannon his defense being severely weakened]] for the sake of CompetitiveBalance.
* SuperpoweredEvilSide: The Riot of Blood, the manifestation of Orochi's corruption within him. It gives him inhuman strength and speed but at the expense of his sanity and restraint.
* TeamKiller: The Riot of the Blood ended up causing him to [[ImpromptuTracheotomy tear out Mature and Vice's throats]] at the end of ''[='96=]''.
* UnstoppableRage: Iori is trapped in a blind, homicidal rage whenever he's in this form. Not even Mature and Vice, two heralds of the Orochi, could stop him when he entered Riot of the Blood.
* VillainOverride: In the Sacred Treasures Team's ending in ''[='97=]'', however, when Orochi attempts this for one final time, Iori instead holds Orochi in place for Kyo to deal the final blow.
[[/folder]]
!!NESTS Saga
[[folder:Kula Diamond]]
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/character_kula_5.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:Ice Doll]]
->''"Wasn't that refreshingly cool? Hope you like my ice!"''
->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters2000''
->'''Origin:''' Unknown
->[[quoteleft:75:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/10c06342_71a7_425a_a1f4_b6d32940b6f7.png]]
->'''Fighting style:''' Anti-K' arts
->'''Voiced by:''' [[note]]Creator/YumiKakazu, Kat Cassteneda (''Maximum Impact 2'', English)[[/note]]
->'''Playable in:''' [[note]]''2000'', ''2001'', ''2002/UM'', ''XI'', ''XIII'', ''XIV'', ''XV'', ''[=MI2=]'', ''MI:RA''[[/note]]
-> The end product of NESTS' Anti-K' Project, of which Nameless' lover Isolde was a subject of. Her powers over ice were used as a counter to K' own flames, and she, along with her caretakers Foxy and Diana, were assigned to eliminate K' and investigate the cloned Zero's activities. After the fall of NESTS, she settles down with Diana and Foxy and becomes a little sister of sorts to K', joining him on occasion in KOF.
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* AnIcePerson: Thanks to the experiments performed by NESTS, she has the ability to control ice. Also, she loves ice flavored treats.
* AnIceSuit: One of the few female cryomancers who ''doesn't'' have a {{Stripperiffic}} outfit, though as of ''XIV'' they seem to be taking baby steps to get her there.
* AssistCharacter: Originally had Diana (and Foxy in ''XIII'') supporting some of her attacks, averted as of and since ''XIV'' where she fights independently for the first time.
* AttackReflector: Her Counter Shell.
* BattleIntro: In ''XV'':
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As per CSP discussion thread and new policy, Ash's page is to be merged back into the Heroes index.
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[[Characters/TheKingOfFightersHeroes Protagonists]] ([[Characters/TheKingOfFightersAshCrimson Ash Crimson]]) | '''Deuteragonists''' ([[Characters/TheKingOfFightersIoriYagami Iori Yagami]])\\
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[[Characters/TheKingOfFightersHeroes Protagonists]] ([[Characters/TheKingOfFightersAshCrimson Ash Crimson]]) | '''Deuteragonists''' ([[Characters/TheKingOfFightersIoriYagami Iori Yagami]])\\
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* SkillGateCharacter: Next to Iori and Terry, Kula is typically one of the easiest and most well-rounded characters on the roster. While she lacks a traditional projectile to zone with, she does have plenty of tools in her moveset that grant her solid combo potential and play a very footsies-oriented game on top of that. She's also one of the few characters in ''XV's'' roster alongside Vanessa that has more than two special cancelable standing normals[[note]] Typically in ''KOF'', most far standing normals are only really good for poking as they're otherwise not special cancelable at all. Starting in ''XV'', however, most of the roster has been given at least one ranged special cancelable normal that they can use either as a whiff punish or to kara (whiff) cancel with and play mind games with their opponent.[[/note]], being both of her light attacks and her standing Strong Punch, all of which have excellent range compared to most normals in ''XV''. Her damage output is also not too bad and as of ''XV'', she even has a very threatening okizeme game with her Falling Snowman special, which she can place in advance to keep the opponents on their toes.
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* SkillGateCharacter: SkillGateCharacters: Next to Iori and Terry, Kula is typically one of the easiest and most well-rounded characters on the roster. While she lacks a traditional projectile to zone with, she does have plenty of tools in her moveset that grant her solid combo potential and play a very footsies-oriented game on top of that. She's also one of the few characters in ''XV's'' roster alongside Vanessa that has more than two special cancelable standing normals[[note]] Typically in ''KOF'', most far standing normals are only really good for poking as they're otherwise not special cancelable at all. Starting in ''XV'', however, most of the roster has been given at least one ranged special cancelable normal that they can use either as a whiff punish or to kara (whiff) cancel with and play mind games with their opponent.[[/note]], being both of her light attacks and her standing Strong Punch, all of which have excellent range compared to most normals in ''XV''. Her damage output is also not too bad and as of ''XV'', she even has a very threatening okizeme game with her Falling Snowman special, which she can place in advance to keep the opponents on their toes.
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* OlderThanSheLooks: While this is no longer the case in the present day, during her childhood she only looked approximately 2-4 years older than Ash when in reality she’s 11 years older than him.
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** ''Never'' treat her like a little kid or call her a weapon created by NESTS.
** ''Never'' break a promise to her, and especially don't lie about having made the promise in the first place. [[spoiler:She ends up feuding and deserting Team K' in favor of Team Krohnen (which, it should be noted, consists of two people she doesn't even like because of how they put Foxy's life in danger) because of it.]]
** ''Never'' break a promise to her, and especially don't lie about having made the promise in the first place. [[spoiler:She ends up feuding and deserting Team K' in favor of Team Krohnen (which, it should be noted, consists of two people she doesn't even like because of how they put Foxy's life in danger) because of it.]]
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** ''Never'' treat her like a little kid child or call refer to her as a weapon created by NESTS.
NESTS-created weapon.
** ''Never''break violate a promise commitment to her, and especially don't even lie about having made making the promise vow in the first place. [[spoiler:She ends up feuding and deserting Team K' in favor of Team Krohnen (which, it should be noted, consists of two people she doesn't even like because of how they put Foxy's life in danger) because of it.]]
** ''Never''
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* ContrastingSequelMainCharacter: To Iori. Iori is a from a clan that made a blood pact with the ancient being called Orochi to gain revenge against the clan that Kyo is from after being manipulated by the Hakkeshu, Kula on the other hand is a NESTS experiment that was created for the Anti-K project. Iori is both TheStoic and AxCrazy, but Kula is very Childish and cheerful. And while they both teamed up with their rivals to fight against a greater threat, Iori still sees Kyo as his eternal rival, but Kula eventually sees K' as a big brother figure.
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* ContrastingSequelMainCharacter: To Iori. Iori is a from a clan that made a blood pact with the ancient being called Orochi to gain revenge against the clan that Kyo is from after being manipulated by the Hakkeshu, Kula on the other hand is a NESTS experiment that was created for the Anti-K project. Iori is both TheStoic and AxCrazy, but Kula is very Childish and cheerful.[[TheDitz cheerful]]. And while they both teamed up with their rivals to fight against a greater threat, Iori still sees Kyo as his eternal rival, but Kula eventually sees K' as a big brother figure.
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Adding an example.
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* FourTemperamentEnsemble: The Sanguine of the quartet of characters wielding {{Power Limiter}}s and with ties to NESTS, being a rather ditzy and impulsive GenkiGirl who mostly competes for her own childish desires.
