ONA
Description
Dragon Long is the name given to a version of the Dragon Bronze Saint from the anime Knights of the Zodiac: Saint Seiya, where he is also known by his original Japanese name, Dragon Shiryu. As one of the primary protectors of the reincarnated goddess Athena, he is a steadfast warrior defined by his serious demeanor, deep sense of honor, and unwavering loyalty.
In his youth, Dragon Long was one of many orphans sent to train to become Saints under the auspices of Mitsumasa Kido. His training took place at the Five Old Peaks of Lushan in China, a grueling six-year period during which he studied under the powerful and ancient Gold Saint, Libra Dohko. It was there that he not only learned to harness his inner Cosmo for combat but also absorbed fundamental wisdom and life philosophies from his master. During this time, he also befriended a young woman named Shunrei, who took care of his master's daily needs and became a deeply important figure in his life. Upon completing his training, he earned the Dragon Bronze Cloth and returned to Japan to participate in the Galaxian Wars tournament.
The most defining aspect of Dragon Long's personality is his calm and collected nature, which marks him as the most mature and wise among the core group of Bronze Saints. He is a man of few words, often appearing stoic and reserved, and he rarely seeks conflict. Detesting the brashness and posturing sometimes shown by his comrades, he does not flaunt his power and prefers to act only when absolutely necessary. This sense of dignity and restraint is paired with a powerful sense of duty. He is deeply respectful of his master and shows admiration for other great warriors who prove their own honor and courage. Beneath this serious exterior, however, is a passionate heart, and he is deeply connected to those he loves, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Athena and his friends.
Long's primary motivation is his duty as a Saint, which evolves from simply winning fights to protecting the goddess Athena and fighting for justice. His role in the central story is crucial; he is one of the five core Bronze Saints who battle to protect Athena from the various gods who threaten her, including the rogue Silver Saints, the false Pope of Sanctuary, the sea god Poseidon, and the underworld god Hades. In battle, he is a stalwart and reliable companion, known for his willingness to endure terrible injuries for victory. Most notably, he famously blinds himself to defeat Perseus Algol, a Silver Saint whose gaze could turn anyone to stone, showcasing his tactical mind and extraordinary courage.
His key relationships are central to his character. His bond with his master, Libra Dohko, is one of deep respect, and Dohko’s teachings guide Long's actions throughout the series. He shares a close, if sometimes rivalrous, friendship with the series' protagonist, Pegasus Seiya, whom he respects after Seiya proves his valor. His connection to Shunrei is a significant personal anchor, representing the peaceful life he fights to protect. In later continuations, such as in Saint Seiya Omega, their relationship develops into a marriage, and they have a son named Ryūhō, to whom Long eventually bequeaths his duties.
Throughout his story, Dragon Long undergoes significant development. He begins as a confident but honorable tournament fighter, then evolves into a legendary warrior who has faced gods. His personal journey is marked by immense physical sacrifice, including the repeated loss and miraculous recovery of his eyesight, which he overcomes by awakening the Seventh Sense. He also ascends in rank, temporarily wielding the Libra Gold Cloth in battles against Poseidon and Thanatos, demonstrating his growth to a level beyond that of a typical Bronze Saint. In later storylines, he is even proclaimed the future Gold Saint of Libra, the successor to his master Dohko.
As a Dragon Saint, his notable abilities are among the most formidable of the Bronze Saints. He possesses superhuman strength, speed, durability, and the ability to manipulate his Cosmo to create powerful energy blasts, heal his own wounds, and sense the presence of other warriors. His signature technique is the Rozan Shoryu Ha (Lushan Rising Dragon Punch), an uppercut that manifests a dragon-shaped energy that devastates his opponent. Defensively, his Dragon Cloth is legendary for its shield on its left arm, which is said to be the strongest and most durable shield in the possession of any Saint. He also has a dragon tattoo on his back that fades as his life force diminishes, serving as a literal indicator of his health and Cosmo. In later arcs, he gains further power after his Cloth is repaired with the blood of Gold Saints and the divine blood of Athena, eventually allowing him to awaken the Dragon God Cloth to fight in the realm of Elysion. He also learns the legendary technique Excalibur, said to be able to cut through anything, from the Gold Saint Capricorn Shura.
In his youth, Dragon Long was one of many orphans sent to train to become Saints under the auspices of Mitsumasa Kido. His training took place at the Five Old Peaks of Lushan in China, a grueling six-year period during which he studied under the powerful and ancient Gold Saint, Libra Dohko. It was there that he not only learned to harness his inner Cosmo for combat but also absorbed fundamental wisdom and life philosophies from his master. During this time, he also befriended a young woman named Shunrei, who took care of his master's daily needs and became a deeply important figure in his life. Upon completing his training, he earned the Dragon Bronze Cloth and returned to Japan to participate in the Galaxian Wars tournament.
The most defining aspect of Dragon Long's personality is his calm and collected nature, which marks him as the most mature and wise among the core group of Bronze Saints. He is a man of few words, often appearing stoic and reserved, and he rarely seeks conflict. Detesting the brashness and posturing sometimes shown by his comrades, he does not flaunt his power and prefers to act only when absolutely necessary. This sense of dignity and restraint is paired with a powerful sense of duty. He is deeply respectful of his master and shows admiration for other great warriors who prove their own honor and courage. Beneath this serious exterior, however, is a passionate heart, and he is deeply connected to those he loves, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Athena and his friends.
Long's primary motivation is his duty as a Saint, which evolves from simply winning fights to protecting the goddess Athena and fighting for justice. His role in the central story is crucial; he is one of the five core Bronze Saints who battle to protect Athena from the various gods who threaten her, including the rogue Silver Saints, the false Pope of Sanctuary, the sea god Poseidon, and the underworld god Hades. In battle, he is a stalwart and reliable companion, known for his willingness to endure terrible injuries for victory. Most notably, he famously blinds himself to defeat Perseus Algol, a Silver Saint whose gaze could turn anyone to stone, showcasing his tactical mind and extraordinary courage.
His key relationships are central to his character. His bond with his master, Libra Dohko, is one of deep respect, and Dohko’s teachings guide Long's actions throughout the series. He shares a close, if sometimes rivalrous, friendship with the series' protagonist, Pegasus Seiya, whom he respects after Seiya proves his valor. His connection to Shunrei is a significant personal anchor, representing the peaceful life he fights to protect. In later continuations, such as in Saint Seiya Omega, their relationship develops into a marriage, and they have a son named Ryūhō, to whom Long eventually bequeaths his duties.
Throughout his story, Dragon Long undergoes significant development. He begins as a confident but honorable tournament fighter, then evolves into a legendary warrior who has faced gods. His personal journey is marked by immense physical sacrifice, including the repeated loss and miraculous recovery of his eyesight, which he overcomes by awakening the Seventh Sense. He also ascends in rank, temporarily wielding the Libra Gold Cloth in battles against Poseidon and Thanatos, demonstrating his growth to a level beyond that of a typical Bronze Saint. In later storylines, he is even proclaimed the future Gold Saint of Libra, the successor to his master Dohko.
As a Dragon Saint, his notable abilities are among the most formidable of the Bronze Saints. He possesses superhuman strength, speed, durability, and the ability to manipulate his Cosmo to create powerful energy blasts, heal his own wounds, and sense the presence of other warriors. His signature technique is the Rozan Shoryu Ha (Lushan Rising Dragon Punch), an uppercut that manifests a dragon-shaped energy that devastates his opponent. Defensively, his Dragon Cloth is legendary for its shield on its left arm, which is said to be the strongest and most durable shield in the possession of any Saint. He also has a dragon tattoo on his back that fades as his life force diminishes, serving as a literal indicator of his health and Cosmo. In later arcs, he gains further power after his Cloth is repaired with the blood of Gold Saints and the divine blood of Athena, eventually allowing him to awaken the Dragon God Cloth to fight in the realm of Elysion. He also learns the legendary technique Excalibur, said to be able to cut through anything, from the Gold Saint Capricorn Shura.