Kokuoh
Kokuoh is a massive horse featured in the manga Fist of the North Star by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara, as well as its derived works. Serving as the personal steed of the conqueror Raoh, he is associated with the Fist King Army and later the Hokuto Army. Renowned for his overwhelming size and strength, he carries Kenshiro on his journeys after Raoh's death.
Overview
Kokuoh is a massive horse featured in the manga Fist of the North Star by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara, as well as its derived works. Serving as the personal steed of the conqueror Raoh, he is associated with the Fist King Army and later the Hokuto Army. Renowned for his overwhelming size and strength, he carries Kenshiro on his journeys after Raoh's death.
Appearance
Kokuoh is a colossal black horse possessing hooves as large as an elephant's feet. In later story arcs, he is rendered one-eyed, wearing a red cloth wrapped around his blind left eye.
Personality
Kokuoh possesses a proud and noble demeanor. While he initially refuses to allow anyone other than Raoh to mount him, he gradually permits a chosen few whom he respects or deems worthy to ride on his back. He holds deep loyalty and affection toward Raoh, and displays surprising sensitivity and respect toward honorable foes, such as covering a fallen warrior's body with dirt.
Abilities
Kokuoh boasts immense physical size and extraordinary strength, capable of crushing opposing soldiers underfoot. His immense power allows him to gallop at high speeds while bearing heavy loads or multiple riders effortlessly.
Background
Originally the leader of a wild herd in the Kokuoh Valley, he joined Raoh after an encounter involving a wounded foal and wild tigers. Following Raoh's passing, he accompanied Kenshiro and Yuria into peaceful seclusion, later returning to the battlefield to support Kenshiro through conflict with the Celestial Emperor's forces and the journey to the Land of Asura. In the final arc of the series, he peacefully passes away in the rain while carrying Kenshiro.
Relationships
Kokuoh shared an unbreakable bond of mutual trust with his original master, Raoh. After Raoh's death, he transferred his allegiance to Kenshiro. Over time, he permitted a limited group of individuals to ride him, including Yuria, Bat, Lin, Juza, Shoza, Hyoh, Ryu, and Asuka.
Trivia
Matsukaze, the horse of Maeda Keiji in Keiji, shares design characteristics created by the same artist, Tetsuo Hara. Kokuoh has also made guest appearances in official horse-racing game crossovers and various video games.