Asai Kuniko (Kuniko Asai)

"Through wind, I am silent. Through water, I am swift. Through earth, I am strong. Through fire, I am power."

-- [Asai, Kuniko]

Kuniko Asai, or colloquially, Asai Kuniko, is a determined, calculating, and stern fighter of the famed Asai clan. Embalmed with the mythical Nemean Oil that makes her skin invulnerable to weapons and most elemental conditions, she's raised to be a perfect combatant at a very young age. With every consecutive match, she remains undefeated until she met Adi Badawi, the only person to be caught in a constant deadlock with.

With the Crossroads beckoning her AND Adi to join, Asai reluctantly accepts the joint with her longtime rival. Her wish remains a secret, and won't reveal it to anyone, especially to Adi.

Backstory

Kuniko was born as the sole heiress to a powerful Lord and Lady of the famous Asai clan. Foretold by a seer of her future fate as a fighter and symbol to the clan, Lord Masao gave permission to have her be bathed in a legendary elixir known as the Nemean Oil. From then on, her skin is impervious to cuts, bruises, and extreme lacerations by physical weapons, granting her a skin of steel.

From an early age, Kuniko was given a martial arts trainer to teach her the ways of combat, strengthening her physical prowess and mental fortitude. However, she wanted her father to teach her the ways of Hi'Ken, believing to be a sacred martial arts style granted by their patron goddess, Mokutan. Unfortunately, Masao refused, unconvinced that she has the burning desire to wield such a fighting style.

Displeased by her father's decision, Kuniko demands to be taught a fighting move that can potentially counter Hi'Ken. One master, named Takara, offered her services to teach her Tetsu no Tsuru, or "The Iron Crane." She explains that with her blessed skin, and her arduous teachings, Kuniko would be made into a terrifying force to be reckoned with.

Many years passed, and Kuniko have prevailed in mastering The Iron Crane, now, it's time to put herself to the test, to show her father and all of Xuonglin what she's truly capable of. She was put into a local fighting competition, and with each tournament, Kuniko has developed a notorious and fearful reputation amongst the fighting world.

One day, at an international tournament, Kuniko, or what the announcers called her "Asai Kuniko", was at the finals, and is ready to take on her final opponent. That is when she saw her father, Masao, alongside his prized student and her new rival, Adi Badawi; a foreigner of the Brass Dunes, who is now a skilled practitioner of the martial arts Kuniko thirsted for since childhood: Hi'Ken.

Asai, now resentful towards Adi, is more than willing to take her down to prove that a foreigner doesn't deserve such a sacred power. The fight went on, and both put up a splendid, yet taxing fight, lasting for three hours before both collapsed by exhaustion in a historic draw.

Embarrassed for this, Asai has now made it her personal mission to better herself, and defeat Adi in the ring. If she could beat her, then she will win her father's approval, and declare herself as the greatest brawler in the world.

Personality

Asai Kuniko, through her extensive training and resilience, is often seen and recognized for her calm, yet cold and stern demeanor. Reserved and cool-headed, even during a fight, she embodies the bold and determined spirit of a warrior. Loyal to her family and clan, and honorable within her skirmishes, she will show the highest respect towards those with a strong sense of integrity.

However, her stoic and no-nonsense nature has been pointed out by other fighters, and find her to be a stick-in-the-mud. Because of her royal lifestyle, she can be uptight with lawful regulations, and snobby towards lowly and arrogant fighters.

 Even with her stern attitude, Asai does display positive traits; always respectful towards others willing to show their determination, and is willing to help whenever she can. She can have soft spots for the simpler things in life, like good music and festivities, where she can let herself loose without the stress of competition on her mind. She's also a big fan of fine dining, willing to try out new and exotic foods from afar, just to give it a try. Food from street vendors is something she doesn't like to try publicly, but will always try to sneak one from prying eyes.

Relations with Adi Badawi

Asai Kuniko have a long-standing rivalry with Adi Badawi, since the first time they were matched against each other. Their first draw has motivated them to find ways of beating each other, and will do anything to claim the title of being the best. They've faced each other three times in the past, and most recently, the fourth time before they made a loose partnership for a tournament at the Crossroads.

Asai, at first, finds Adi's abrasive and rude behavior to be extremely annoying, having to force her to tone it down around people. Even if Adi tries to lure her in to a fight, Asai always brushes it off, knowing it's not worth doing so, at least, not until they're ready to eventually face each other officially. Adi never liked Asai being a stickler to the rules, while Asai finds it insulting for Adi to brush off all forms of manners just for a quick skirmish.

However, despite their indifference, Asai has seen some admirable traits within Adi, respecting her code of honor and tact. Over the years of fighting each other in tournaments, she continuously found more attributes to admire from Adi, to the point that she starts to feel... a strong sense of fondness. With each name-calling towards each other, none really mean it, but would rather not admit it due to their pride, fearing their reputation's on the line, even during a massive tournament.