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Tatsumi

Tatsumi serves as the primary protagonist in Akame ga Kill!. Hailing from a small village, he embarks on an ambitious quest alongside two childhood friends, hoping to make a name for themselves while securing financial support for their community. At his core, Tatsumi embodies kindness and compassion, striving for the happiness of others. Nevertheless, he can be fiercely aggressive when his ideals or those he cares for are endangered.

His world takes a dramatic turn when he uncovers the Empire’s deep-rooted corruption and the tragic fate of his friends. This revelation leads him to joinNight Raid, a clandestine group of assassins working with the Revolutionary Army against the oppressive regime. Embracing this new path, Tatsumi learns to navigate the complexities of his role as an assassin while processing his grief and forming meaningful connections with his new allies. Previously, he wielded the Teigu known as Incursio, but after an intense fusion, he undergoes a transformation into a dragon-like entity, committing himself to the cause of toppling the Empire.

Tatsumi’s journey culminates in a fierce battle against the Emperor, a confrontation driven by his desire to end the Empire’s reign of terror. However, during his intense clash with Shikoutazer, the power of Incursio overwhelms him, ultimately consuming his body while allowing his consciousness to persist.

Described by the Revolutionary Army’s physician as a pivotal figure, Tatsumi is acknowledged as the catalyst for the demise of an entire era.

There are so many people out there who’ll tell you that YOU CAN’T. All you need to do is to turn around and say WATCH ME!
— Tatsumi

Appearance

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Tatsumi’s full appearance.

Tatsumi stands at an average height, sporting captivating green eyes and medium-length brown hair that features a distinctive cowlick, giving him a somewhat casual yet endearing look. Initially, his wardrobe consists of a high-collared white jacket layered over a tan sweater vest, along with black trousers, sturdy combat boots, and brown gloves. This outfit evolves as he embraces his role as an assassin, transforming into a more traditional white assassin jacket worn over a sleek purple hoodie and a fitted black base layer shirt, paired with dark jeans. On his back, he carries Incursio’s key—a short sword with an intricate chain-link tassel hanging from its hilt.

Trained in the art of combat from a young age, Tatsumi has developed a lean yet athletic physique. After a month of rigorous training while the Night Raid base was relocated, he noticeably bulked up, a change that did not go unnoticed by the imposing Esdeath.

Upon activating his Teigu, Tatsumi becomes encased in armor that recalls the design worn by his late mentor. This armor is crafted for agility, allowing him to move freely while still providing protection. The long flowing cape remains a staple of his look. As Incursio evolves, granting him unprecedented power, the armor becomes more streamlined and aerodynamic, characterized by elongated horns, four eyes reminiscent of a Tyrant, and claw-like appendages at his fingertips. The long coat is replaced with two cascading black tassels that feature frayed ends.

As Tatsumi merges with Incursio, he begins to exhibit draconian traits inspired by its design motif, Tyrant. After the armor undergoes its first evolution, he manifests a single red eye with a cross-slit pupil, and the cowlick that once defined his hairstyle vanishes. With the second invocation of his Teigu, Tatsumi undergoes a more profound transformation, adopting a draconic visage. The right side of his face becomes scaly and reptilian, crowned by a formidable horn that juts from the back of his head. His right hand takes on a similar appearance, featuring tusk-like fingernails and segmented skin plates. After invoking it a third time, two horns sprout from either side of his head, further enhancing his draconic features.

In the climactic final evolution of Incursio, Tatsumi sheds all remnants of his human appearance. His draconian traits become fully realized, as scales cover his entire body, and his mouth morphs into that of a dragon, filled with sharp, jagged teeth. During this transformation, even the advanced scanning technology of Shikoutazer fails to recognize him as human.

Ultimately, when Tatsumi is completely consumed by Incursio, he transforms into a gigantic dragon, towering to the size of a small building. In contrast to Incursio’s original form, Tatsumi’s dragon body is more compact and agile, featuring large, powerful wings and multiple red eyes, rendering him indistinguishable from a Danger Beast.

Personality

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Tatsumi’s pure and innocent smile.

Tatsumi embodies kindness, generosity, and a level-headed demeanor, making him a reliable ally. Initially, he comes across as somewhat arrogant and naive, believing he could quickly ascend to the rank of Captain in the military. This youthful bravado is tempered by a strong aversion to killing, which only intensifies after he discovers the brutal fate of his friends. He holds deep admiration for Bulat, although he often finds Bulat’s affectionate displays a bit uncomfortable.

Throughout his journey, Tatsumi demonstrates unwavering camaraderie and shows promise as a skilled fighter. In the early stages of the manga, his compassion extends even to his enemies, a trait that sometimes proves to be a liability. However, as he gains experience, he learns to reserve his affection for friends and to harness his rage against foes, making him a formidable adversary in battle.

As Tatsumi merges further with his Teigu, his personality undergoes subtle changes. During the final evolution of Incursio’s armor, he exhibits a more primal side, roaring at the sky and displaying savage instincts. He becomes acutely aware that his mind is beginning to slip, threatening to transform him into something unrecognizable.

Yet, it is the memory of Bulat that anchors Tatsumi to his humanity, allowing him to maintain his identity until the climactic battle with Shikoutazer. Ultimately, when he is fully consumed by Incursio, he inherits the personality traits of Tyrant. Remarkably, even after taking on the form of a Danger Beast, his core identity remains intact, showcasing his resilience and strength of character.

History

Tatsumi, the main protagonist of Akame ga Kill!, starts as an optimistic young man from a small village who travels to the capital with his friends to earn money and save their home. However, his idealism is shattered when he discovers the deep corruption in the capital. Separated from his friends, who are killed by the city’s elites for sadistic pleasure, Tatsumi is rescued by Night Raid, an assassin group fighting against the corrupt Empire. Seeking justice and vengeance for his fallen friends, Tatsumi joins Night Raid.

Under the guidance of Akame and other Night Raid members, Tatsumi trains hard and grows into a formidable warrior. He inherits Incursio, an Imperial Arms that grants him immense power and armor, allowing him to face increasingly dangerous foes, including Esdeath, the powerful leader of the Jaegers who becomes infatuated with him.

Tatsumi’s journey is marked by intense battles and personal growth. He fights to dismantle the Empire’s corruption, forming bonds with his comrades and developing a romantic relationship with Mine. In the anime, Tatsumi sacrifices his life to protect the capital’s citizens, a final act of heroism. However, in the manga, he survives the final battle but is transformed into a dragon-like creature due to prolonged use of Incursio. He returns to his village with Mine, who is pregnant with their child, after helping to overthrow the corrupt government.

Tatsumi’s story is one of sacrifice, growth, and the harsh realities of fighting for justice in a morally complex world.

Equipment and Skills

Tatsumi’s Incursio

At the outset of his journey, Tatsumi wields a short broadsword as his primary weapon, showcasing impressive swordsmanship that allows him to hold his own against formidable opponents, including Captain Ogre, and engage in lengthy battles against Teigu users like Zanku and Nyau. His combat skills even enable him to survive an encounter with Akame, despite lacking a Teigu of his own. Eventually, Tatsumi demonstrates remarkable versatility by mastering the spear, executing a move that splits two Giant Lizard Danger Beasts in half with a single strike.

Tatsumi’s fortunes change when he inherits the Teigu Incursio from Bulat, becoming its new successor. Upon first activating Incursio, Tatsumi impressively forces the demon armor to evolve, adapting it to his unique fighting style. His dedication to mastering this powerful weapon allows him to unlock its abilities at an astonishing pace. With Bulat’s training on Mt. Fake, Tatsumi develops a sixth sense, heightening his awareness during battles. After a month-long training period, Leone remarks on Tatsumi’s progress, noting that he has come close to matching Bulat’s strength, especially after witnessing him materialize and wield Neuntote, the spear/halberd auxiliary weapon.

Even before acquiring a Teigu, Tatsumi’s honed battle skills make him a formidable adversary. Trained in swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat by an ex-military official from a young age, Tatsumi’s abilities have only improved, enabling him to take down larger, more experienced foes with ease.

After donning Incursio, Tatsumi increasingly relies on his unarmed combat skills. His exceptional physical strength allows him to excel in close-quarters battles, as demonstrated during a tournament hosted by Esdeath, where he showcases his remarkable combat prowess. In training, Tatsumi proves capable of defeating a member of the “Temple of the Imperial Fist,” leveraging his skills without relying on Incursio. His strength is so formidable that while using Incursio, he can easily obliterate boulders many times his size, and he displays enough raw power to lift a bear-like Danger Beast with minimal effort.

When Tatsumi forces Incursio to evolve again through sheer emotion, his strength and speed reach incredible heights. He manages to hold his own against both Esdeath and Budo, especially after Incursio evolves to withstand ice and lightning attacks. This newfound resilience allows him to momentarily resist the effects of Esdeath’s formidable Trump Card, Mahapadma. Additionally, Tatsumi successfully avoids one of Budo’s lightning strikes, capitalizing on the opportunity to deliver a powerful counterattack.

Notably, Tatsumi achieves what few have done before: he lands clean, powerful blows on both Esdeath and General Budo. This accomplishment surprises everyone, including Esdeath and Akame, and even astonishes Tatsumi himself. However, these feats are partly attributed to Esdeath’s affections for Tatsumi and her enjoyment of the battle, combined with General Budo’s lack of experience.

As Incursio continues to evolve, it forms a bond with Tatsumi, ultimately allowing him to embody Tyrant’s new dragon form. This transformation, while powerful, comes at a cost, as Tatsumi faces the risk of being overwhelmed by Incursio’s influence after only a few uses. Remarkably, this evolution grants him resistance to poison, including a lethal toxin from Cosmina. Tatsumi proves his mettle by defeating Cosmina when she transforms into a hybrid Danger Beast, even though she would have had the advantage had she fed on humans for another two days. Despite these odds, Tatsumi manages to repel both Budo and Esdeath, two of the Empire’s strongest warriors.

Esdeath acknowledges Tatsumi’s growing power and the ongoing evolution of Incursio during their battle on the day of the Revolution. Although he is unable to land a decisive blow on Esdeath, he demonstrates the ability to hold his ground against her and protect the rebels, showcasing his strength and adaptability.

Tatsumi’s resilience shines through when he withstands Esdeath’s devastating ‘Hagel Sprung’ technique without sustaining any injuries. He reaches the pinnacle of his abilities after once more forcing his Teigu to evolve, gaining the power necessary to confront Shikoutazer. In this form, Tatsumi can inflict serious damage, destroying the Supreme Teigu with just two strikes, the second of which pierces through its weakened area. He also endures Shikoutazer’s artillery strikes with remarkable fortitude.

Despite the immense power of this transformation, it proves short-lived, as Incursio’s influence rapidly takes over. Ultimately, Tatsumi emerges as a well-rounded fighter with immense potential, recognized by Leone, Bulat, Esdeath, and Budo alike. Leone is the first to spot his potential and recommends him as a new recruit. Bulat believes that Tatsumi will eventually surpass him, while Esdeath envisions him as having the potential to rise to a general-class fighter. General Budo, too, acknowledges Tatsumi’s combat prowess, especially after he merges with his Teigu.

Beyond his combat abilities, Tatsumi possesses skills as a blacksmith, capable of repairing and crafting weapons. Although he is still a novice in this craft, he utilizes it as a cover during his time in the Capital, where he is known as “Tatsumi the Blacksmith” during Esdeath’s competition. Additionally, Tatsumi demonstrates culinary skills, having prepared meals for Night Raid during the early days of his journey.

Relationships

Hometown Friends

Sayo and Ieyasu:Despite their brief appearances in the manga, Tatsumi’s close bond with his childhood friends, Sayo and Ieyasu, significantly influences his choices regarding loyalty to the Empire versus the Revolutionary Army. Their tragic deaths serve as the initial motivation for Tatsumi’s path as an assassin, igniting his desire to challenge the corrupt government.

Night Raid

Leone: Tatsumi shares a deep connection with Leone, as she is responsible for introducing him to the Night Raid. She was the first person he encountered in the Capital, where she cunningly swindled him out of his money. Over time, they develop a close friendship, frequently laughing and spending time together. Leone exhibits romantic interest in Tatsumi, often playfully calling him “cute” and teasingly pushing him into her embrace. At one point, she even declares her intention to mark him as her future partner, emphasizing her determination not to lose him to Esdeath.

Bulat: Tatsumi views Bulat as both a mentor and an older brother, affectionately referring to him as “aniki.” Their bond strengthens quickly after their initial meeting, despite Tatsumi’s initial discomfort with Bulat’s romantic inclinations. Bulat’s death at the hands of Liver devastates Tatsumi, motivating him to train rigorously to honor Bulat’s legacy and master the Teigu he entrusted to him. Bulat’s teachings leave a lasting impact on Tatsumi, helping him manage his emotions and maintain composure even in dire situations, as seen when he is captured by Esdeath.

Akame: Initially intimidated by Akame’s aloof demeanor—especially after she nearly kills him upon their first meeting—Tatsumi grows to see her as a close friend. He discovers her caring nature and her aversion to witnessing her friends suffer. Their bond deepens as they promise to kill each other if necessary. After Sheele’s death, Tatsumi vows to prevent Akame from enduring further loss, committing to survive himself. Akame assists him in keeping that promise by eliminating the Tyrant. Following the war, Tatsumi’s transformations further motivate Akame, prompting her to seek a way to undo her curse and possibly reverse Tatsumi’s transformation as well.

Mine: Tatsumi’s initial interactions with Mine are rocky, as she frequently mocks his abilities and questions his worth to the Night Raid. However, their relationship evolves after a successful mission together, and she begins to warm up to him despite her ongoing teasing. During an assassination mission, their bickering is mistaken for romantic tension by the leader of the Way of Peace. Mine entrusts Tatsumi with confronting the final Rakshasa demon and expresses gratitude after he saves her life during Seryu’s suicide bomb attack. Following a heartfelt confession from Mine, Tatsumi reciprocates her feelings, and they begin a romantic relationship. Tatsumi openly acknowledges his love for her, even declaring his desire to marry her while she lies in a coma after exhausting herself to defeat Budo. When Mine ultimately awakens, they reaffirm their love, despite Tatsumi’s transformation into a dragon. It is later revealed that Mine is pregnant with Tatsumi’s child, and they choose to retire from their duties, seeking a peaceful life together away from the Empire.

Sheele: Although Tatsumi is initially taken aback by Sheele’s bluntness, he quickly grows close to her as she comforts him during the mourning of his friends. Following her death in battle, Tatsumi is consumed by rage and seeks vengeance, but his fellow Night Raid members intervene. Their time together, though brief, fosters a deep friendship, with Sheele adopting a nurturing role toward Tatsumi. She, too, harbors feelings for him, with her last thoughts focused on him.

Lubbock: Lubbock and Tatsumi share a playful rivalry, with Lubbock humorously dubbing Tatsumi a “lady killer.” Despite their banter, they care for each other’s well-being as comrades. Lubbock occasionally exploits Tatsumi’s innocence, such as sending him to spy on Chelsea while she bathes. Their camaraderie shines through during their capture, where Lubbock steadfastly declares Tatsumi as his true friend despite attempts to manipulate him. Tatsumi’s grief over Lubbock’s death is profound; he blames himself for not being able to prevent it, though Najeda reassures him that Lubbock would not want him to dwell on guilt.

Chelsea: Initially, Chelsea frustrates most of Night Raid, including Tatsumi, when she criticizes them for being “too soft.” However, Tatsumi soon realizes her intentions stem from concern for the team’s safety. He respects her skills and forms a friendship with her. There are hints of romantic feelings from Chelsea toward Tatsumi, as she often blushes in his presence. Tatsumi is devastated by her death, considering her a dear friend.

Susanoo: Although Susanoo is a recent addition to Night Raid, Tatsumi quickly forms a bond with him, affectionately calling him “Suu.” Susanoo is seen training Tatsumi during a one-month time skip, enhancing his skills. Tatsumi displays deep emotion in the aftermath of Susanoo’s demise.

Jaegers

Esdeath: The sadistic general discovers Tatsumi after he wins a fighting tournament she orchestrated, falling in love with him at first sight due to his pure smile. After their initial match, she claims him as her lover and attempts to persuade him to join her. Tatsumi’s first attempt to sway her to his side fails, as Esdeath states she cannot comprehend the weakness of others. During a second encounter on an island, they share moments of fun, but Tatsumi ultimately realizes Esdeath’s inherent cruelty, despite her tragic past. He hesitates to abandon her when he finally sees a chance to escape but chooses to repay her kindness instead. Following their eventual reunion, Tatsumi understands they will become enemies, feeling a tinge of sadness over this reality. After the revolution begins and he starts a relationship with Mine, Tatsumi encounters Esdeath again after being captured, rejecting her advances with anger—especially upon learning of Lubbock’s death. He resolves to confront Esdeath with all his strength in their inevitable final battle.

Wave: Tatsumi quickly befriends Wave after joining the Jaegers, and they connect during their initial days together. Partnered in Chapter 18, they discover similarities in their situations. The two bond while defeating a danger beast, though they remain unaware that their Teigus conceal their true identities. Tatsumi acknowledges Wave’s good nature but asserts that he would kill him if he obstructed his path.

Bols: Tatsumi’s introduction to Bols occurs when he is forcibly brought to the Jaegers’ headquarters by Esdeath, where he learns of Bols’s six-year marriage. Their interactions are minimal, and when tasked with assassinating Bols, Tatsumi feels uneasy due to his marital status. Nonetheless, he participates in the assassination attempt.

Seryu Ubiquitous: Initially, Tatsumi and Seryu share a friendly rapport during their brief time together. However, their relationship sours upon learning they belong to opposing factions. Tatsumi resents Seryu for killing Sheele, struggling to contain his anger to maintain his cover. Seryu vows to eliminate Tatsumi in revenge for her mentor, Ogre, unaware that Tatsumi was the one who killed him.

Trivia

    • Tatsumi’s name translates to “Sleeping Dragon,” symbolizing his latent potential, which several characters in the series recognize.
    • The first foe he battles is an Earth Dragon, and he later acquires the “Demon Dragon” Teigu.
    • Ironically, by the conclusion of the manga, Tatsumi has transformed into an actual dragon.
    • He shares a parallel with Wave in the Jaegers.
    • Tatsumi is a fan of the manga Hatsukiai, which is published inGangan Joker, the same magazine that features Akame ga Kill!
    • His prominent forelock of hair often reflects his emotions; for example, it stands upright when Esdeath enters her bedroom half-naked.
    • In Hinowa ga Yuku!, Tatsumi is briefly mentioned by Akane during her meeting with Hinata at Elder’s Class. She expresses her determination to not only lift Murasame’s curse on herself but also to find a way to restore Tatsumi’s humanity.