Original Zero
Original Zero is a character from the fighting game series *The King of Fighters*, debuting as the sub-boss of *The King of Fighters 2001*. Serving as a top executive of the secret syndicate NESTS under the codename "00", he maintains absolute loyalty to the organization's leader, Igniz. He is the original individual from whom the treacherous Clone Zero was created, distinguished by his honorable behavior and dedicated service.
Overview
Original Zero is a character from the fighting game series The King of Fighters, debuting as the sub-boss of The King of Fighters 2001. Serving as a top executive of the secret syndicate NESTS under the codename "00", he maintains absolute loyalty to the organization's leader, Igniz. He is the original individual from whom the treacherous Clone Zero was created, distinguished by his honorable behavior and dedicated service.
Appearance
Original Zero has dark brown skin, slicked-back silver hair, and a youthful face without facial hair. He wears a dark blue battle suit fitted with blades along its skirt section. In the mobile title KOF ALLSTAR, an alternate version named "Pretty Zero" is depicted as a young girl with waist-length ivory-white hair dressed in a similarly styled outfit.
Personality
Original Zero is characterized by his absolute devotion to Igniz and his dignified demeanor, standing in stark contrast to his treacherous clone. He accepts being used as a stepping stone to evaluate fighters without questioning his leader's will. While he disdains clones as inferior imitations, he possesses a surprisingly nurturing side reflected in his hobby of child-rearing. He shows genuine care for young subordinates, having rescued Krizalid from execution, and accords genuine respect to opponents who display martial excellence.
Abilities
He fights using the "Nests Ryu Ken" martial art, utilizing the blades on his battle suit to execute attacks such as "Gokusa Zanjin". In combat, he can call upon three dedicated strikers—the former Hizoku leader Ron, his pet black lion Glaugan, and his subordinate Krizalid—to cover his vulnerabilities and perform joint attacks. His arsenal also includes techniques such as "Zanfu Enha" and the unblockable MAX2 ultimate move "Gokusei Meikaijin", which strikes anywhere across the screen.
Background
Originating from a facility in the North Pole, Original Zero operated as a high executive within NESTS, overseeing Project K, the capture of Kyo Kusanagi, and the deployment of the Zero Cannon. Following Clone Zero's failed rebellion, he handled the fallout and rescued Krizalid from termination. During The King of Fighters 2001, he invited the tournament victors onto an airship disguised as a spacecraft, acting as a gatekeeper to test their strength. After his defeat, he directed them to the orbital headquarters while honorably remaining aboard the crashing vessel.
Relationships
He pledges complete loyalty to Igniz, worshipping him as his sole leader. He harbors strong contempt for Clone Zero, viewing him as a foolish copycat for attempting a coup. In contrast, he recognizes Krizalid's competence and saved him from execution, keeping him as a trusted striker alongside his pet black lion Glaugan and former Hizoku leader Ron. He is also acquainted with Commander Heidern, acknowledging his combat sharpness during battle.
Trivia
The character design of Original Zero is modeled after the character Kaioh from Fist of the North Star 2. According to official profile data, his favorite food is grapefruit jelly, his specialty sport is scuba diving, and he is listed as having no dislikes.