Shinogi Kosho is a master of Himokiri Karate, a style emphasizing precision strikes that sever nerves, blood vessels, lymph ducts, and tendons, eschewing blunt force. This skill earned him the epithet "Cord-Cutting Shinogi" (Himokiri Shinogi). He is the younger brother of the renowned surgeon and martial artist, Kureha Shinogi. Constantly protected by Kureha during childhood, Kosho developed deep-seated feelings of inferiority and a lifelong drive to escape his brother's shadow. Kosho has a lean, slightly muscular build, stands 177 cm (5'10") tall, and has long brown or reddish hair, later worn in a ponytail. He typically wears a dark purple or violet karate gi. Visible scars mar his face, a permanent reminder of a confrontation with Hector Doyle involving explosives. His signature ability, Cord Cut, demands extensive anatomical knowledge and rigorous finger training to target specific bodily pathways. Early versions required pulling nerves before cutting, creating a delay, but Kosho mastered and streamlined the technique. Other techniques include Nukite (spear-hand strikes), Sokutou (edge-of-foot kicks targeting soft tissues), Eyeground Crush (an eye-gouging maneuver), and Toe Kick (a penetrating strike using reinforced toes). His hands function like blades, capable of slicing skin, flesh, or even a basketball effortlessly. Despite formidable offense, his durability and pain tolerance are significant; he continued fighting after Baki Hanma broke his arm and reset his dislocated jaw mid-combat without yielding. Initially arrogant, Kosho used his nerve-severing prowess to instill fear. An early loss to Baki Hanma in the Underground Arena humbled him, fostering mutual respect and a friendly rivalry; he later urged Baki to "never lose." His relationship with Kureha blends resentment over lifelong overshadowing with underlying familial loyalty. During their forced match in the Maximum Tournament, Kosho suffered a nervous breakdown, regressing to a childlike state, prompting Kureha to forfeit out of compassion. Kosho intensely values martial honor, evidenced by his frustration at exclusion from the death row inmate battles and his subsequent, independent decision to confront Doyle—resulting in severe injuries. He maintains a generally calm and intelligent demeanor but possesses a ruthless streak, exemplified by casually blinding a wrestler who bumped into him. Key battles define his path. His inaugural match against Baki showcased his nerve-severing skill, temporarily crippling Baki's right side and eye, but ended in a knockout loss that reshaped his outlook. The emotionally charged Maximum Tournament bout against Kureha exposed his psychological fragility, though Kureha's forfeit granted him a technical victory. A later match against Gouki Shibukawa ended in defeat when Shibukawa's prosthetic eye thwarted his Eyeground Crush. His encounter with Doyle demonstrated unyielding spirit but culminated in Doyle detonating a chest-mounted bomb, scarring Kosho. Post-recovery, he continued participating in conflicts, including the Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura storyline, often as a secondary figure. His background involves rigorous training under an unnamed Himokiri Karate master, who eventually gifted Kosho his own severed fingers as a symbol of succession. A pivotal moment occurred when arena promoter Mitsunari Tokugawa witnessed Kosho kill a bull during Spain's Sanfermines festival by severing its nerves, leading to his recruitment into the underground fighting circuit. Kosho's narrative arc transitions from a confident but cruel fighter to a more measured warrior still seeking validation against his brother's legacy. His technical mastery remains undisputed, though his effectiveness in high-stakes battles diminishes over time, often serving to highlight opponents' prowess.