Bisco Akaboshi
Bisco Akaboshi |
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| Kanji: | 赤星 ビスコ |
| Romaji | Akaboshi Bisuko |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 17 (anime) |
| Birthday: | Unknown |
| Height: | 180 cm |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Ryouta Suzuki |
| English: | Kyle Igneczi |
Bisco Akaboshi (赤星 ビスコ, Akaboshi Bisco), is one of the main protagonists of the anime and light novel series Sabikui Bisco (Rust-Eater Bisco). A fierce and passionate Mushroom Keeper, Bisco is infamous throughout a post-apocalyptic Japan as the “Man-Eating Redcap”, a title born from his feared reputation and mushroom-spreading archery techniques. Branded as a terrorist by the government and wrongfully accused of causing the mysterious disease known as Rust, Bisco is hunted with a massive bounty on his head for so-called “Mushroom Terrorism.”
Beneath his outlaw persona, however, Bisco is a loyal, courageous, and deeply compassionate individual. He begins his journey across Japan in search of the mythical Rust-Eater Mushroom, a legendary fungus believed to be the key to curing the Rust disease afflicting his beloved mentor and father figure, Jabi.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Bisco hails from a desolate version of Japan where the Rust Wind has ravaged civilization, corroding everything in its path and infecting humans with a terminal illness known as Rust. He was raised and trained by Jabi, an aging but powerful Mushroom Keeper who taught him how to use fungi to purify the land, heal the sick, and fight back against the destruction.
Mushroom Keepers are widely misunderstood and vilified, blamed for the Rust despite their efforts to stop it. Bisco has taken the mantle with pride, accepting the scorn of society if it means he can save others. When Jabi begins to show advanced symptoms of Rust, Bisco sets out across the ruined nation, guided only by rumor and legend, in search of the Rust-Eater, a mythical mushroom said to devour the disease.
Appearance
Bisco is a young, rugged man with a muscular build and a fierce, wild aura. He has messy red hair, often kept beneath his signature red hood, which resembles a traditional Japanese redcap mushroom—a trait that gives him his outlaw nickname. His clothing is practical for travel and battle, often worn and dust-covered from his life on the road.
He carries a custom-made bow, designed to fire mushroom-coated arrows, which instantly sprout fungi upon impact. His movements are agile and feral, and his expressions range from intense determination to protective concern.
Personality
Bisco is hot-headed, straightforward, and passionate, often speaking bluntly and acting before thinking. Despite his aggressive demeanor, he has a strong moral compass, fighting not for fame or vengeance, but for the people he loves and the ideals he believes in.
Though often perceived as a menace due to government propaganda, Bisco is deeply empathetic, especially toward those who suffer under the Rust. He values loyalty and personal bonds above all else, and once someone earns his trust, he becomes fiercely protective.
He also has a humorous and occasionally childish side, frequently bickering with his traveling companions but quickly putting aside his pride when the situation becomes serious.
Role in the Story
The Outlaw’s Journey: When Jabi begins showing signs of severe Rust infection, Bisco becomes desperate to find a cure. He embarks on a dangerous quest across the country to locate the Rust-Eater Mushroom, determined to save his mentor’s life and prove the worth of Mushroom Keepers.
Meeting Milo Nekoyanagi: Bisco’s path crosses with Milo, a brilliant and kind-hearted young doctor. Though they initially clash, the two form a strong partnership with Bisco providing strength and field knowledge, and Milo contributing medical insight and emotional stability. Their friendship becomes central to the series, and the duo’s journey to heal a broken world serves as the heart of the narrative.
Fighting Corruption and Rust: As Bisco and Milo uncover the truth behind the Rust epidemic and the government’s lies, they face off against powerful enemies, including Kurokawa, the corrupt governor who profits from the Rust crisis. Bisco’s role as a fighter and protector escalates, and he becomes a symbol of resistance and renewal, even when branded a villain by society.
Relationships
Jabi: Bisco’s mentor, father figure, and the one who raised him into a capable Mushroom Keeper. Bisco’s devotion to Jabi drives much of his motivation, and his journey is fueled by the desire to cure him and live up to his legacy.
Milo Nekoyanagi: Bisco’s closest companion and friend. Though opposites in many ways, the two form an unbreakable bond over the course of their travels. Bisco grows to trust Milo implicitly, and their synergy becomes the key to surviving the dangers they face.
Pawoo Nekoyanagi: Milo’s older sister and a formidable warrior. Initially skeptical of Bisco, she eventually comes to respect him for his courage and sincerity. Their dynamic evolves into one of mutual respect, with hints of deeper affection.