There are countless stories out there, but have you ever empathized with a villain? Biba Amatori, the main character of "Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress," is one such beloved villain. He's a villain with a tragic and painful past, making him impossible to completely dislike. Let's take a closer look at him. You might even fall in love with him!
Bima Amatori is beautiful
No flaws
This is Biba Amatori, the character we'll be introducing today. She has beautiful long pink hair with bangs swept back, a slender figure, and a beautifully defined face. Her costume also creates a beautiful silhouette, and the flowing cape enhances her charm with every step. Her first appearance was breathtakingly beautiful and imposing.
President
Biba's main job is as the leader of the Karikatashu, a renowned elite anti-Kabane unit. This team, which also includes our heroine Mumei, is truly essential to the destruction of the Kabane. The Karikatashu are also deeply trusted by the people, with Biba being referred to as "Liberator" and enjoying overwhelming support. Mumei even calls him "Anisama" (big brother) and adores him. This is how skilled and capable the group is. Incidentally, Biba is only 22 years old.
Katsujo
Hayajiro, behind Biba and Mumei, is Kakujo, the Karikatashu's base. Unlike the Kotetsujo, this one is a tank-like steam locomotive equipped with numerous artillery guns, specifically designed to combat Kabane. It has a slightly darker feel than the Kotetsujo. In the final episode, it was blown away by its left arm and destroyed by the protagonist, Ikoma, who had been awakened by being injected with black plasma, a Kabane-inducing agent.
Amatori Biba is Ruthless
Koma
In fact, as I mentioned at the beginning, Biba is a complete villain. He's way over the top. All of his subordinates, including Mumei and his aide, Horobin, are merely pawns to further his own ambitions. He ignores his subordinates' feelings and thoughts, calculating how best to get them to obey and what kind of attitude will motivate them when he issues orders. His seemingly kind demeanor is actually for his own benefit. While he doesn't rely too heavily on others, he does use everyone he can.
Artificially Turned Into Black Smoke
The moment when I felt Bima was the most ruthless was when he turned Horobin, his aide and right-hand man, into Black Smoke. There is a room hidden in Katsushiro where Kabane research is carried out. It is a very creepy room to look at, with a pale blue Kabane heart placed there. There, they inject black plasma into Metsuka, causing him to attack the station as a Nue. A Nue is an artificially created black smoke that is a fusion of Kabane. It is inhumane and sadistic, isn't it?
Smiling
Speaking of chilling scenes, when Biba was attacked by his former subordinate, Enoku, who was plotting to assassinate him, Enoku cried out for him to be placed under his command again and give him orders to defeat the Kabane. However, he fought back with a smile. There's nothing wrong with fighting back, but I remember being quite creeped out by the way he smiled with genuine joy. The way he was presented, with just the right amount of lighting and shadows, made it very memorable. With someone like this as the commander, you can't trust him.
Amatori Biba and Mumei
Benefactor
Beyond the relationship between Mumei and subordinate, Biba is also Mumei's savior. Mumei originally lived with her mother, but her mother was mistaken for a Kabane and killed. Of course, Mumei was also nearly killed later, but Biba saved her. However, at that moment, he told Mumei, "The weak die. Be strong," and forced her to kill the attacker with her own hands. Ikoma was furious at this. Mumei had been deceived from the beginning.
Like Real Family
His private side is quite dark, so it's easy to forget, but on the surface he's a kind and reliable president. His relationship with Mumei is also like that of real family. When Mumei is being selfish, Biba gently speaks her out. Since they're 22 and 12 years old, Biba treats her like a younger sister, even though they're a little apart in age. At times like these, I truly forget my true colors (lol).
Amatori Biba's Wish
The Past
Bima was born as the eldest son of the head of Kongoukaku, the final destination of the Kotetsujo. Ten years ago, under orders from the shogunate, a 400,000-man army was dispatched to Kyushu. At the time, Biba, who was only 12 years old at the time, was the commander-in-chief. Suddenly, support from the rear was cut off, leaving Biba and his remaining troops isolated among the Kabane. It was later revealed that his father had orchestrated the plot, and Biba's quest for revenge began. It must have been filled with fear and despair.
Reunion
This is Biba's father, Kokyo Amatori. He was transformed into a Kabane by Biba's scheme, and was shot by a subordinate samurai who had been tempted. He was ultimately killed by Biba himself, who delivered the final blow. It is unforgivable that his own fear of Kabane caused his own son a tragic past and trauma. But the ending is rather tragic.
Complex
After killing his father, he falsely informs the surrounding samurai that "there may be other Kabane," sending Kongoukaku into a panic. Sitting on the throne, Bima's expression is complex and he seems a little lonely. The previous Bima would probably have laughed out loud (lol), but perhaps this psychopathic Bima has begun to develop normal human emotions. But am I the only one who finds this profile so beautiful I can't help but stare at it?
The End of Amatori Biba
One-on-one
He finally settles things with Ikoma. Ikoma wants to protect Mumei, while Bima fights, making remarks that seem to expect something from Ikoma. Finally, Ikoma is stabbed. It's a single stab aimed at the pericardium. Bima's fighting ability is quite high, and he has fought almost unscathed up until now. There's a reason for that.
Kabaneri
In fact, Biba was also a Kabaneri. He must have been living as a Kabaneri since that day 10 years ago. The moment Ikoma was stabbed, he broke Biba's sword and fought back. That was too strong (lol). He then destroyed Biba's arm with the Tsuranuke Tsubo, tearing his clothes and revealing his heart. It's quite sad.
Mumei Dies
In the end, Mumei delivers the final blow to Mima, taking over from Ikoma, who is unable to move. Finally, Mumei declares, "I am Hozumi," and tells him that she has abandoned her name and will return to being a human. With this, Mumei's journey with Mima comes to an end, and she sets off on a new journey to fulfill her dream of eating her fill of rice with Ikoma and the others in a world without Kabane. I'll never forget Mumei's lonely face at the end. Revenge is not something you should do.
Amanori Biba's Voice
It's probably unnecessary to explain, but the voice behind Amanori Biba is none other than Miyano Mamoru! He's so cool! His voice might sound a bit psychopathic (lol). He's not only a successful actor, but also a successful singer, and is apparently starring in a musical soon, so he's a very busy guy. His versatile acting range, from handsome to cute characters, is also appealing. Despite his appearance, he's married and a father with a child. He's such a cool dad, I'm jealous! Be sure to check out his voice.
A Story in Which Amatori Biba Plays a Major Role
What did you think? [Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress] Beautiful Devil! Who is Amatori Biba? Were you introduced to him? He was a top-tier psychopath, but the occasional glimpses of humanity he showed were incredibly memorable. Of course, he was clearly a villain, but his past was so brutal it made you want to cover your eyes. If it weren't for the twisted past caused by his father, he would surely have become a great general. You never know what's going to happen in life. Biba was also a man of hardship.
