Hibiki Kohaku

"Lord Kagura won't be coming."

Hibiki Kohaku is a captain of the Novus Orbis Librarium who first debuted in BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma. He is Kagura Mutsuki’s loyal servant, and helped him in the coup d’état against Izanami. He wields twin blades named Kagari Rokushikisouken.

As of BlazBlue: Central Fiction, he became a playable character.

Appearance
Hibiki is a young man with slender effeminate features, black hair styled in a short bob, pale skin, and light brown eyes. Hibiki wears a standard jolting sapphire NOL overcoat with yellow trim that rests just below his shoulders. His overcoat has a decorative slit on the right side, open enough to reveal his legs. Underneath it, he wears a collared white shirt with a red tie and a skintight black undershirt.

As of Central Fiction, he now wears a short jolting sapphire capelet with a tall collar that obscures the lower half of his face. The capelet has an extended portion off the right shoulder that has the NOL emblem printed on it, and it reaches just above Hibiki's ankles. Underneath, he wears a white, longsleeved dress shirt that rests around his shoulders, with a black skintight undershirt covering his shoulders, collar, and half of his neck. The back of his uniform has an open portion near the top that reveals some of his back and shoulder blades. Around his hips, Hibiki's shirt splits to reveal a small blue portion on each side, held in place with a small black belt. He wears skintight black legging boots, with the boot portion sporting a slightly raised heel. On his lower back, Hibiki carries a large metal sheathe for his twin swords, both of which have short, straight, detachable blades.

Personality
Patience is one of Hibiki’s greatest virtues as he often has to put up with the constant antics that Kagura gets himself into. In comparison to his lord, he is far more strict, organized, and disciplined, handling most of the administrative duties within Ikaruga. His relationship to Kagura is interesting as Hibiki would do anything in service to the man, but will often criticize his actions (such as excessive drinking or his behaviour towards women) in blunt, harsh terms. Despite Kagura's shortcomings, Hibiki somewhat admires him and remains steadfast in his loyalty to him. His personality and Kagura’s bounce off one another, leading to a complicated, but very deep relationship.

Hibiki has darker feelings towards himself, going so far to say that he doesn’t have a wish since he is, and always will be, empty. He only wishes to be used as a tool.

Biography
The eternally loyal servant of Kagura Mutsuki. Hibiki is one of the Kohaku’s, a family of assassins who have served the Mutsuki’s for generations as their guardians with unwavering loyalty. Hibiki serves Kagura as his assistant by running errands and making life easier for his superior. Despite the obvious personality clash between the two, Hibiki has an unquestionable sense of admiration for the Black Knight. As a member of the Kohaku’s his family is hardly mentioned in history books, but it appears Hakumen is aware of his family’s existence.

Collisions, Determination, Spiral Shift
In 2197, during the Ikaruga Civil War, Hibiki delivered a report to Kagura amidst a large number of Zero Squadron guards that had been stationed around the branch. The report detailed the NOL’s rejection of the Ikaruga Federation’s offer of a truce, something that Kagura had predicted. Hibiki noted how looters, in the aftermath of the destruction of 5th Hierarchical City of Ibukido, had begun destroying Ars Magus ships and causing general mayhem, leading Kagura to suggest that they be taken to the 13th Hierarchical City of Kagutsuchi as refugees. Hibiki, being the voice of reason, respectfully disagreed. He soon left, but promised to return once had more to report. However, he told one of the Zero Squadron guards outside about the plan to relocate the refugees.

In the 7th Hierarchical City of Kazamotsu, Hibiki greeted the recently arrived Jin Kisaragi on behalf of Kagura. In doing so, he silently crept up on Jin, the latter only becoming aware of Hibiki's presence once he announced himself. This left Jin shocked and angry that Hibiki dare sneak up on him. Jin willingly followed Hibiki back to Ibukido, but threatened to kill him should he ever use his abilities again around him. Under Kagura’s orders, Hibiki assembled the armies located in Ikaruga to take out Tenjo Amanohokosaka, and they regrouped to discuss Jin and how he wields the Nox Nyctores - Mucro Algesco: Yukianesa. A skirmish with Sector Seven allowed Hibiki and Kagura to move Homura Amanohokosaka safely out of Ikaruga and into hiding. The two acted under the false pretense that Kagura had been severely injured by Iron Tager, and Hibiki’s harsh methods of persuasion had the Zero Squadron guards surrender and allow Kagura to leave Ikaruga, even though that was something they had been ordered to prevent. Once on the ship, Homura was stowed away, and Hibiki severely criticized Kagura’s awful acting. Once back in Yabiko, Kagura apologized to him and asked for his assistance on another plan, and Hibiki retaliated with the retort that Kagura needs his help on everything, though soon after he told Kagura that he would always be by his side.

Kagura and Hibiki organized an operation to "capture" Tager, but Jin had found himself in their way. Hibiki was present when Kagura jokingly chastised him.

Variable Heart
Mai Natsume, Noel Vermillion, Makoto Nanaya, and Tsubaki Yayoi arrived in the 2nd Hierarchical City of Iwatsuchi's NOL branch, and Hibiki greeted Tsubaki warmly. By this time, Hibiki had been promoted to captain and Mai was shocked as she knew about the Hibiki's family and their hidden trade as assassins, though she didn't say anything. Hibiki put the girls to work helping with the medal ceremony for Jin as he had just ended the Ikaruga Civil War. After telling Tsubaki about Jin's promotion by two ranks, Hibiki began to help her with some of her work. Around this time, Meifang Lapislazuli lured Mai into a trap under the guise of Hibiki's orders, of which Hibiki was not aware.

Chrono Phantasma
Under Kagura’s orders, Hibiki was to bring Jin back to the Yabiko branch as his assistance would make Kagura’s planned coup d’état go far more smoothly. He discovered Jin lurking in the 9th Hierarchical City of Akitsu-Kou and snuck up on him, once again surprising the other when he announced himself right behind him. After the two reacquainted, Hibiki delivered a letter to Jin detailing what Kagura wanted. Before they left, Jin asked about the city and its weather system, and Hibiki told him that the city's weather control had been damaged along with the cauldron inside the local NOL branch. Jin refused the request and asked Hibiki to take him to the cauldron instead. Hibiki told Jin that he'd suspected he'd say no, so he would simply follow Jin everywhere until he agreed to come with him. Once at the cauldron, Jin requested that Hibiki stay near the entrance, and Hibiki complied. After hearing a commotion, Hibiki hurried to meet up with a now injured Jin, unknowingly interrupting his battle with Relius Clover. Jin told Hibiki that the situation had changed, and requested to be taken to see Kagura.

When they arrived, Hibiki and Jin met up with Kagura and Kokonoe. Hibiki gave his report to Kagura, informing him of the Colosseum’s status and the twelve guards watching Tsubaki’s every move. He then apologized to Kokonoe in advance for any damages sustained to her equipment in the Colosseum, before stating that Makoto was also being watched per Kagura’s orders. Hibiki also nonchalantly told Kagura that the electricity bill was an "astronomical" amount, and that Kagura would be paying for it out of his own personal bank account. A little while afterwards, he scolded Ragna the Bloodedge and Celica A. Mercury for taking two hours to get to the main office of the Yabiko branch when the prison district is a mere ten minute walk away; however, he did offer to take Ragna to Kushinada's Lynchpin if he needed guidance.

On the night before the planned Colosseum tournament, Hibiki put his cooking skills to use and made an entire buffet for Kagura, Ragna, Jin, Noel, Rachel, Nago, Gii, Taokaka, Makoto, Kokonoe, and Celica. Rachel thanked him for the meal, calling it outstanding and thoroughly complimenting him for his cooking prowess; so impressed was she that she trusted Hibiki enough on which particular brew of tea should be selected for her. Hibiki later scolded Ragna for suddenly bursting into Kagura's office, and looked on as Ragna threatened Kokonoe after learning that Celica was the key to activating Kushinada's Lynchpin. At that time he was introduced to Valkenhayn R. Hellsing, Rachel’s butler and a former member of the Six Heroes.

As promised earlier, Hibiki guided Ragna, Noel, and Celica to the entrance of Kushinada’s Lynchpin, but soon left to return to Kagura and Homura's side. However, after a battle at the Yabiko branch, he was restrained by Nine the Phantom and Hades: Izanami when trying to defend Homura alongside Kagura and Jin. Because Izanami had him restrained, she was able to viciously attack Kagura, leaving him injured before Hibiki was able to rush to his aid. After the loss of seithr, Hibiki helped gather survivors into one area to better preserve resources. He praised Homura for managing to hold the NOL together, and noted that the Amaterasu Unit and the Embryo were above Yabiko; not only this, but he also informed Kagura that Jin was in critical condition after his battle with Ragna. He then connected Kagura and Kokonoe via intercom so they could freely communicate about future plans.

Central Fiction
Hibiki brought Makoto and Tager to Kagura's office per his lord's request, and Kokonoe explained all the events that had happened in the last few months. Hibiki was then ordered to place soldiers on observation of the Embryo. He was also tasked with tracking down Ragna and Izanami Before long, Hibiki, alongside many others, was absorbed into the Embryo and his memories were altered to believe that Kagura was the Hero of Ikaruga, that the date was 12/31/2199, and that Ragna was still a threat to the NOL.

Hibiki debriefed Tsubaki, Noel, and Makoto on their mission to find Jin and to capture Ragna. He was paired with Tsubaki to search for Jin. Much later on, he let Kokonoe into the main branch and issued her a fake ID so she wouldn't be apprehended. He later left the branch with Kagura before it was attacked by Hakumen. Not long afterwards, Hibiki was transported to Ikaruga and told by Nine to kill Izanami so he could claim his piece of the Azure. He also rendezvoused with Kagura, Kokonoe, and Tager in Yabiko to discuss the discrepancies in their memories, briefly leaving so he could order NOL squadrons to not pursue Ragna, before telling Kagura about Noel's position.

When the Amaterasu Unit descended into the Embryo, Hibiki's memories returned. He found Celica stumbling inside the Yabiko branch and brought her to Kagura's office. He told of him perceiving that he had to kill Noel in order for his dream to be fulfilled, and was later ordered to direct Tsubaki and Makoto to apprehend Ragna. While the main group of Kagura and Kokonoe's force journeyed to Japan, Hibiki directed Mai to an airship to guard Homura. Later on, he was also deployed to protect His Highness under Kagura's orders. Hibiki was later dissolved into seithr and his data was backed up by Es.

In the new world created by Ragna, Hibiki was present at an NOL ceremony which Homura presided over - both Kagura and Jin were also present.

Powers and Techniques
As a member of the Kohaku family, Hibiki’s abilities as an assassin are unmatched. He has an ability that allows him to move about undetected by even the sharpest of senses and can activate it at will. His mobility is to be complimented too, as he can perform highly gymnastic feats with ease and move at lightning quick speeds. Should the need arise, he can use his Drive Double Chase, and create a shadow clone of himself as a distraction so he can move in for the kill with his twin blades - both of which he wields with deadly accuracy and intricate skill. These swords are named Kagari Rokushikisouken. Multiple elongated knives are also part of his arsenal, and he uses them for throwing. Double Chase also allows him to physically replace the clone as a feint when fighting an opponent.

Hibiki Kohaku
''Kagura’s right-hand man.

''He belongs to the NOL, and currently holds the rank of Captain. In lieu of the extremely lazy Kagura, he handles a vast majority of the administrative duties within Ikaruga.

''He’s a bright bulb, but can at times be extremely blunt and even hurtful. Despite that, he places absolute trust in Kagura’s decision-making.

Trivia

 * Hibiki's moveset is named after various types of birds, both real and mythological.
 * When fighting against Kagura, Hibiki's Piercing Feather move will throw paperwork instead of knives - a humorous reference to his occupation as Kagura's secretary.

Appearances in other Media

 * The mobile game, Mabinogi Duel, stars Hibiki as a playable card.