TV-Series
Description
Retsu Kudō, known as "Patriarch" or "Sly Warlock," stood as a pivotal figure within Japan's magical community. As former head of the Kudou Family—one of the original Ten Master Clans—he wielded significant influence even after its status shifted to an Assistant House. Approaching ninety years old, he retained a sharp intellect and commanding presence, marked by hawk-like eyes, a resonant voice, and a preference for formal black attire.
His background featured extensive military service, rising to Major General in the National Defense Force. He saw action in conflicts including engagements against the Guangdong Army's magicians in the East China Sea. His military career concluded when advocacy for magicians' rights and education, alongside his brother Ken, resulted in Retsu's demotion and Ken's expulsion to the USNA. This experience solidified his opposition to using magicians as weapons, a stance deepened by concern for his grandson Minoru's future. Post-retirement, he chaired the Ten Master Clans committee and advised the Ministry of National Defense. He played a key role in establishing the Ten Master Clans ranking system, remaining a respected elder near the pinnacle of magical society.
Retsu possessed profound knowledge of confidential matters, partly stemming from his involvement in creating the Parasite Dolls—humanoid weapons controlled by parasite spirits. Having once taught Yotsuba Maya and Miya, he later viewed the Yotsuba clan as a threat, particularly anticipating the rise of Maya, Miyuki Shiba, and Tatsuya Shiba. He collaborated with Saegusa Kouichi to counter Yotsuba influence, though Kouichi held greater leverage in their alliance. Retsu also knew Tatsuya was an unregistered Strategic-Class Magician with Yotsuba ties and attempted to convince Major Kazama to fully transfer Tatsuya to the military to weaken the clan.
Renowned for his magical prowess, Retsu ranked among the world's strongest magicians two decades prior. He specialized in subtle, large-scale effects, employing Sensory Interference Magic to manipulate perceptions undetectably, as demonstrated during the Nine Schools Competition opening ceremony. He created the Kudou family's secret technique, Parade—an illusion magic derived from "Matoi" focused on altering perceptions rather than creating clones. Even in advanced age, his refined expertise allowed low-level magic to outperform stronger, less sophisticated spells.
Retsu actively intervened in numerous events. At the Nine Schools Competition, he observed Tatsuya's capabilities and arranged a private meeting. He later deployed the "Sword Corps" to capture parasites, securing one for study after negotiations with Yotsuba's Kuroba Ayako. During the Steeplechase event, he tested Parasite Dolls on participants, anticipating and approving Tatsuya's intervention to halt the experiment. In Kyoto, he apologized to Tatsuya for this incident and cooperated in tracking Zhou Gongjin. At the Ten Master Clans Conference, he proposed the Kudou family's withdrawal from the Clans to preserve balance following Kouichi's collusion with Zhou—a move Maya supported.
His final actions centered on protecting Minoru after his grandson became a parasite host. Fearing Minoru would face military experimentation, Retsu resolved to kill him personally. During their confrontation at the 9th Institute, Retsu died fighting Minoru; though the parasite inflicted the fatal blow, Minoru expressed profound regret. Retsu's death was publicly attributed to illness, and his funeral drew figures including Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Maya. His legacy prompted the military's 1st Division to join the search for Minoru, who later assumed control of the Kudou Clan and Parasite Doll production. Tatsuya suggested a memorial Monolith Code competition in Retsu's honor, referencing his fondness for the Nine Schools Competition. Minoru's eventual relocation to the spaceship *Takachiho* fulfilled Retsu's wish for him to live freely.
His background featured extensive military service, rising to Major General in the National Defense Force. He saw action in conflicts including engagements against the Guangdong Army's magicians in the East China Sea. His military career concluded when advocacy for magicians' rights and education, alongside his brother Ken, resulted in Retsu's demotion and Ken's expulsion to the USNA. This experience solidified his opposition to using magicians as weapons, a stance deepened by concern for his grandson Minoru's future. Post-retirement, he chaired the Ten Master Clans committee and advised the Ministry of National Defense. He played a key role in establishing the Ten Master Clans ranking system, remaining a respected elder near the pinnacle of magical society.
Retsu possessed profound knowledge of confidential matters, partly stemming from his involvement in creating the Parasite Dolls—humanoid weapons controlled by parasite spirits. Having once taught Yotsuba Maya and Miya, he later viewed the Yotsuba clan as a threat, particularly anticipating the rise of Maya, Miyuki Shiba, and Tatsuya Shiba. He collaborated with Saegusa Kouichi to counter Yotsuba influence, though Kouichi held greater leverage in their alliance. Retsu also knew Tatsuya was an unregistered Strategic-Class Magician with Yotsuba ties and attempted to convince Major Kazama to fully transfer Tatsuya to the military to weaken the clan.
Renowned for his magical prowess, Retsu ranked among the world's strongest magicians two decades prior. He specialized in subtle, large-scale effects, employing Sensory Interference Magic to manipulate perceptions undetectably, as demonstrated during the Nine Schools Competition opening ceremony. He created the Kudou family's secret technique, Parade—an illusion magic derived from "Matoi" focused on altering perceptions rather than creating clones. Even in advanced age, his refined expertise allowed low-level magic to outperform stronger, less sophisticated spells.
Retsu actively intervened in numerous events. At the Nine Schools Competition, he observed Tatsuya's capabilities and arranged a private meeting. He later deployed the "Sword Corps" to capture parasites, securing one for study after negotiations with Yotsuba's Kuroba Ayako. During the Steeplechase event, he tested Parasite Dolls on participants, anticipating and approving Tatsuya's intervention to halt the experiment. In Kyoto, he apologized to Tatsuya for this incident and cooperated in tracking Zhou Gongjin. At the Ten Master Clans Conference, he proposed the Kudou family's withdrawal from the Clans to preserve balance following Kouichi's collusion with Zhou—a move Maya supported.
His final actions centered on protecting Minoru after his grandson became a parasite host. Fearing Minoru would face military experimentation, Retsu resolved to kill him personally. During their confrontation at the 9th Institute, Retsu died fighting Minoru; though the parasite inflicted the fatal blow, Minoru expressed profound regret. Retsu's death was publicly attributed to illness, and his funeral drew figures including Tatsuya, Miyuki, and Maya. His legacy prompted the military's 1st Division to join the search for Minoru, who later assumed control of the Kudou Clan and Parasite Doll production. Tatsuya suggested a memorial Monolith Code competition in Retsu's honor, referencing his fondness for the Nine Schools Competition. Minoru's eventual relocation to the spaceship *Takachiho* fulfilled Retsu's wish for him to live freely.