Nikku

"Your degree of skill is... disappointing."

- Kazama Sogetsu, Samurai Spirits IV

When Nikku is identified as a combat threat, the first thing the intelligent realize and attempt to figure out how to counter is the "DNA-Eating" talent Nikku has. This power alone is what creates the thousands of illusions, thoughts, problems and inside panic of what people can think. The ultimate mental bomb that not many are really ready to deal with. Despite what could be hundreds of natural genetic 'mutations', everything is assumed that it strives from this power and it's clearly what makes most people cautious about the boy in the first place. Yet, he tosses the fact that he can do it, that he has it and often even drops hints to his enemies he's used it. Casual mentioning of people who left their fingerprints on the door, to the declaring that a banana peel left in the trash contained some DNA. To the boy ninja, he wouldn't have it any other way. Not only can this 'steal' powers, but it's been outright seen that he can get memories, knowledges and even genetic memory from people, objects and even plants. Nikku has never openly said the limitations (if there even is any) to the power, does it work on touch? Does he has some sort of ranged variation of it? Is it a magic field? It's obvious that whatever the answer is, over the years the shinobi has spent much of time developing, practicing, finely-tuning and using his gift to the best of his advantage. However, it's not his only power at his disposal.

The Nictus is the second most obvious strength the boy possesses. With the ability to change into various former hosts, the ability to regenerate himself on life-force and soul energy, even to the teleport that Nictus and Warshades are known for. While it is debatable of how many powers are 'new' to the joining, what can be confirmed is this appears to be how he handles basic everyday combat while relying on his 'acquired' for more specialized situations or letting other people with him take care of matters like that. It is unknown the identity of the Nictus that joined with him, but when asked on the matter, he just replied: "There was no change in personality if that's what you are asking." It is obvious however that Nikku does indeed use aspects of his genetic manipulation and his DNA-Eating with his Nictus power.^[5]

The final power often demonstrated, or at least made vocal is his power of "genetic manipulation" which seems to be something that he often does. He is on record for saying he can use this to control various aspects of his appearance, cellular makeup, and various other factors. He also has said many of times he has an extremely large amount of mitochondria in comparison to other people and the things he can accomplish with it can be an amazing or surprising sight. Other then that statement, he never really revealed what exactly he does or why he rewrites himself, and he apparently is quite comfortable in any form from the "Space Squid", to his human form, or even if he turned himself into an Ooze of some sort. His mitochondria have been witnessed releasing a massive burst of energy which had an energy readout close to a nuclear weapon (Minus the range and radioactive side-effects.) This would appear to have a draining effect, if only until his next 'recharge' if even that long. It is theorized that the boy could be used as a 'living battery' of sort.

Everything else at his disposal is pretty much undocumented or further explanation would be required. Nikku is also aware of the strength of the mind and many have considered the boy "Zen" or "Very wise" considering that he's only fifteen years old. With an obvious love for knowledge, and illusions he doesn't seem to be after anything in particular other then more knowledge and powers which can be outright confusing to researchers or watchers assigned to gather information. Often leaving just enough of a trail to be found, but at other times he can up and vanish again as if he wasn't even there at all. Even physical evidence of his existence other then media examples never seem to remain long enough to be examined.

The Mists of Illusion

Nikku is a boy who has an obvious love for masks. Both physical such as his scarf, his over-sized glasses, the helmets and even the metaphysical ones like his words, the actions he uses and the contradictions he seems to adore. Overly open with his powers, his profession (despite the fact he's the first to admit that many of the first rules in the 'ninja handbooks' is to never reveal such facts), even going on to be more 'playful' and silly at times. Yet as if a 'kill-switch' has been flipped, he can change into a completely different person. The question is, what side of the boy is the 'real' side, or are they both real and just two sides of a coin. The "second" or "Ninja" mode seems to be what comes out in more serious moments, so it is believed to be the case, but still unknown at this point.

The shinobi has a keen sense for observations and knowledge, do not be surprised if he mentions that the number of times you blinked, shifted your feet, cracked your knuckles etc. He also seems fascinated with people in general and realizes that at times his questions can come off as spying, so he elects to simply watch and wait.. in his eyes, someone else who is less of the role of 'spy' will ask what he wants to know down the line anyway. Besides, many of times people love to hear their own voice and will tell him everything anyway... even if he didn't actually want to know. Often times in conversations that are going well it seems as if he begins to break down eventually becoming extremely silent (though this tends to occur in social situations where more people begin to emerge onto the scene.)

This fact has lead him into his major weakness of socializing and the general lack of very basic concepts that anyone should be able to answer. A question such as "How are you?" can result in a metaphor like answer explaining his current physical status, or a long version of how he is 'himself' and nothing more, nothing less. This leads to another problem, which some do not view as such, his wisdom. While he is extremely wise for his age, this can be seen as a general sign and obvious placement issues in his peer group for the simple fact, he doesn't blend in well with other fifteen year old kids. A night 'out' in the town for them may be going to a party or hanging out, where for him it's training in the harshest way possible. With the ability to always sustain himself on an infinite energy source, even the idea of 'rest' seems illogical and a 'waste of time' for him.

There's always a catch with Nikku and the odd thing is? If Nikku was under an assignment from say a clan master, he'd be able to infiltrate perfectly. Fixing his speech, and playing the role as needed. For example, if infiltrating a high school, he could blend in as needed, dress as needed, and even talk the talk. But it seems the moment he's out of 'mission mode' he reverts back to his 'usual' way. It only adds to the mystery of the persona he chooses to display. It is unknown if any cause to his attitude can be pinned down to any source, life situation, or if this is 'just how he is.'

Shinobi Trivia

• Nikku's favorite number is "Pi." His reason? "It fits him."
• His on-board AI for his helmet / wrist computer goes by the name of "Pi" as well.
• Nikku's blood extremely dangerous to other people. He says his blood is like a virus and would attempt to destroy whatever it's in.
• Yes, he is aware of just how amazing a poison it is and may have used it as such in the past.
• ...But he also says his blood can 'sing' to him. It also seems to 'disintegrate' leaving no trace of him.
• Is aware of how much he stands out due to his 'bishonen' appearance, but has no interest in changing it. He says it's 'natural.'
• Has never had a girlfriend in his life.
• He can manipulate genetic code in others, but he's hesitant to do so because the chance to 'evolve' the person on accident is highly possible.
• Talks to his food. Quite often having all sorts of conversations before he 'devours' it into his genetic code.
• Yes, they talk back to him.
• Thinks scarfs are the best fashion accessory in existence. The longer and more exaggerated in length, the better.
• Has a very quirky and playfulness streak that can manifest at times, quite similar to the behavior of "Sun Wu Kong."
• Which also happens to be on his: "List of Top Ten Books read without devouring." "Journey to the West."
• Often uses Ouroboros to back in time to various points in history to watch things play out. Fond of "The Realm Divide" aka Sekigahara.

Ninja Notes