Kuroko

 

Kuroko is the iconic and mysterious referee in SNK's Samurai Shodown fighting game series, known for being a "copycat," utilizing famous techniques from other SNK characters, especially from The King of Fighters franchise. He is inspired by the kuroko of traditional Japanese theater (Kabuki), stage assistants who dress in black to symbolize invisibility while assisting on stage. He acts as the official referee of duels, signaling the beginning and end of fights with his flags. His real name is Sukihiro (or Sukiru). He is the eldest of quintuplets (Jiro, Saburo, Shiro, and Goro), all acting as referees. In the first game, he was forced to serve the villain Amakusa to protect his kidnapped brothers. In Samurai Shodown II, he can appear as an extremely powerful secret boss who challenges the player. Author: Varo Hades, edited by Bahamianking