Hero Team | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 01 |
 
Team Members
 
 
Stage Location
 
 
 
 
Stage Music
 
Puar's Pick
  
Kyo Kusanagi
Benimaru Nikaido
Goro Daimon
Tokyo, Japan
The fight takes place before a rioting crowd that the police are futily detaining in Neo-Tokyo
Esaka
 
Kyo Kusanagi
In 1994, as with every other year, a tournament of fighters to determine the strongest and fiercest competitors in Japan took place and this year's winner would be a newcomer by the name of Kyo Kusanagi. He advanced to the finals by defeating Goro Daimon, Japan's Judo champion and a long time friend of Kusanagi's who would eventually place third in the contest. In the finals, Kyo met with Benimaru Nikaido, a narcissistic entry and classmate of Kyo's who was touted as the fan favorite to win the tourney. However, Kyo easily edged Benimaru, who was more concerned with pleasing the crowd than concentrating on the fight, and won the title of Japan's Strongest Fighter. With the announcement of the King of Fighters tournament, a competition between teams of three participants, Japan sought out to send a team of its best fighters. With such short notice and time, the selection process was hasty and it was decided that the top three placers in the recent tournaments would enter to represent Japan.
Kyo Kusanagi | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 00 | 01 |
Arguably the greatest fighter to ever compete in the King of Fighters tournament, Kyo is the latest descendant of the legendary Kusanagi clan who, alongside the Yagami clan, seal away the Orochi power 1800 years ago. Afterwards, the Yagami struck an unholy pact with the Orochi and now wage a mortal war with the Kusanagi. Kyo doesn't want to kill Iori Yagami, but seems to have little choice. (read bio)

Ge Shiki: Naraku Otoshi (in air)
Ge Shiki: Goufu You (overhead)
88 Shiki: (low attack)
180 Shiki: Yami Barai
100 Shiki: Oni Yaki
101 Shiki: Oboroguruma
Ura 108 Shiki: Orochi Nagi (hold, negates)

- When delayed, the Hard Orochi Nagi is immune to high and jumping attacks
- When delayed, the Weak Orochi Nagi is immune to mid-level and low attacks

Intro Brings down his flaming fist, "Ikuze!" (Let's go!)
Taunt Shakes a finger at the opponent, "Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Win Pose Blows off a flaming finger, "Heh, heh. Moetaru?" (Heh, heh. Burnt?)
Benimaru Nikaido | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 00 | 01 |
For a long time, Benimaru Nikaido presumed to be not only the most handsome fighter in Japan, but also the most skilled fighter! After his victory in the national martial arts tournament, Kyo Kusanagi stole the limelight and Benimaru was enfuriated. Though Benimaru respects Kyo, he dislikes being second banana. He always trains hard to become better than Kyo and eclipse the Kusanagi sun. (read bio)

Flying Drill (in air)
Raijin Ken (negates)
Shinkuu Katategoma
Iai Geri
Raikou Ken (negates)

Intro Embraces himself, then straightens his hair, "Hmph"
Taunt Shrugs, "Hmph."
Win Pose Turns around so his back is to the screen, "Sankyuu." (Thank you.)
Goro Daimon | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 00 | 01 |
Goro Daimon takes advantage of his large physique by practicing Judo, a mainly close-contact style based on throws mostly. He is a former Olympic gold medalist, is the current world champion of Judo style, and an all-around national hero. Though Daimon may not excel in forms of expression, normally only grunting a lot, he has a very warm heart, as he always takes his time to coexist with nature and encounter himself there. (read bio)

Jirai Shin
Tenchi Gaeshi (close)
Cho Oosotogari (close)
Cho Ukemi
Jigoku Gokuraku Otoshi (close)

- The Weak Jirai Shin is a low attack, the Hard version is a fake-out move
- The Kumo Tsukami Nage is an anti-air throw
- The Chou Oosotogari, Tenchi Gaeshi, and Jigoku Gokuraku Otoshi are unblockable

Intro Raises his hands grunting a challenge
Taunt Raises his hands grunting a challenge
Win Pose Stomps and shakes the ground as he raises a victory fist

Story Progression | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 01 |

First Intermission
Rugal Japan team... They use interesting techniques. I would like them to win. Ha ha ha!

Second Intermission
Mature Congratulations on your victory! The sponsor of the tournament welcomes you with open arms. He wishes to invite you... Please, follow me.
Benimaru What!? Somebody is lying there.
Kyo Dad! You're my Dad!
Saisyu A... Are you Kyo? I guess you've won, since you're here.
Kyo Why are you here!?
Saisyu I'm a fighter, too. It's natural for a fighter to challenge strong fighters. But, he was too strong... I'm sorry I won't be able to see you fight. But I do believe you'll win...
Rugal Ha ha... You've come too late...
Benimaru Who the hell are you?
Rugal My name is Rugal. I'm the host of this tournament. What a wonderful day today is. I can add 4 new statues to my collection all at once!
Benimaru Collection?
Rugal Look at the statues around you! These are the people who fought against me and lost. Today, 4 more statues will be joining them.
Kyo I won't let you do such a thing! I'll put your statue there instead!
Rugal Ha ha ha... Your father was pretty strong, but I expect I can enjoy fighting with you more. So, let me take the battle stage.

Defeat of Rugal
Rugal Ha ha... You've entertained me quite well. Now, I shall fight you with full strength!
Rugal I... Impossible! How could I lose a battle...!?
Benimaru We are No. 1! I knew it!
Rugal Y... yes. Indeed... But I haven't really lost yet!! A watery grave awaits you!
Benimaru Jesus! Let's get away!
Benimaru Are you going?
Kyo Yeah, there is still along way to go...
Goro Hmm... The road is rocky ahead!
Kyo Well, I'll go as far as I can!
Benimaru Next time, I'll be the winner!
Goro Yes! You must train hard!
Kyo You, too. Bye...