Zeno is one of the four Dragon Warriors and the original Ouryuu, bearing the blood of the yellow dragon deity. He became the fifth member to join Yona’s group. Zeno presents as a young man with bright blue eyes and a thick, unruly shock of yellow hair, nearly always wearing a cheerful smile. His attire consists of an orange overcoat patterned with diamonds, worn over a simple white robe, a green scarf, and practical brown short boots. A distinctive accessory is the ancient necklace bestowed upon him by King Hiryuu over two millennia ago, which he now wears as a headband; it is made of alternating burgundy and blue beads with a golden dragon disc that dangles near his left ear. His demeanor is energetic and lighthearted, often referring to himself in the third person. Though he looks youthful, Zeno is more than 2,000 years old and sometimes reveals profound wisdom and a mature perspective. He is highly observant, able to detect subtleties in people’s conditions or futures—like sensing the approach of death or recognizing hidden potential. Zeno avoids conflict when possible but readily places himself at the front to shield his companions, relying on his powerful regenerative abilities. He takes pleasure in food and good company and often acts as a peacemaker within the group. Yet beneath his cheerful exterior lies a deep and abiding sorrow, born of his immortality and the endless loss of those he has loved. Zeno’s history stretches back over two millennia to when he was an ordinary child who could hear the voice of God. He accepted the yellow dragon’s blood willingly, hoping to better the world, but the gift halted his aging, stripped him of his connection to divine voices, and left him immortal. He fought alongside the original dragon warriors—Gu-En, Abi, and Shu-Ten—in service to King Hiryuu. After the king died, Zeno appointed himself priest of Kouka, using the dragon crest to validate his authority, and stayed behind as the others departed. In time, he discovered the full scope of his power and understood he could not follow his brethren back to heaven. He wandered the world through the centuries, never settling as the other dragons did. He once married a woman named Kaya, who died young of illness, deepening his solitude. At times, despair drove him to self-harm, though the dragon crest always soothed his anguish. Zeno felt the reincarnation of King Hiryuu and waited for Yona’s birth, watching over her from afar until their meeting. He joined her company after an encounter in the forest, initially lured by the prospect of a meal. Zeno’s foremost ability is immortality: he does not age, cannot fall ill, and possesses an infinite lifespan. His body regenerates rapidly from injury, and dragon scales form over healed areas, temporarily granting superhuman strength akin to the other dragons’ powers—regrown arms rival the White Dragon’s claw, and legs mimic the Green Dragon’s foot. This regeneration weakens when he is distant from Hiryuu Castle or the king’s tomb. Skilled in melee combat, Zeno can fight multiple armed soldiers, especially when his scales are active. He also exhibits extrasensory perception, sensing the whereabouts and states of fellow dragon warriors. His flesh is poisonous to those who consume it. He sometimes shares reflections on life and death, telling Yona that all living things return to heaven someday. He vows to act as a shield for his friends, no matter how many times he is wounded. Zeno reminds his companions that the dragons are replaceable, but others are not, and so they must value their own lives. Over time, Zeno struggles to reconcile his eternal existence with his commitment to protect Yona and the dragons. He keeps much of his past hidden, waiting for the right moment to share it. At one point, he contemplates betrayal, thinking their deaths might end the dragon curse and his long anguish. Still, he remains a loyal guardian and mentor, offering guidance drawn from his millennia of experience.