Iroha

Iroha (いろは, Iroha) is one of the main protagonists and new characters from Samurai Shodown VI. Her conception began due to a desire to add an amorous character. At first, she was designed to be a mostly nude character though eventually her image changed with "a graceful crane" and "Asian wife" motif. Her namesake is taken from the Heian poem of the same name which is a pangram used for learning the hiragana syllabary. She is voiced by Mayumi Shindou.

She is a very popular character in Japan, and stars in her own mobile game called Maid by Iroha. Another game based around her was scheduled for release on the Nintendo DS, but was canceled. She has also been added to a roster of usable characters in the Queen's Gate series, which is an extension of the fantasy game series, Lost Worlds. She also has several different figurines, hard cast and otherwise, made in her image.

Story
She is a crane who transforms herself into a Japanese maid. She serves her master and appears to think of him as the most important aspect of her life. Her master is unknown (rumored to be Andrew), but is likely to be the player him/herself as she often bows and speaks to the player before and after her fights. Creators have confirmed this in an interview, adding that she is specifically talking to the male players.

Personality
Iroha is an obedient and cheerful maiden. She deeply cares for her master, trying her hardest to stay in her human form whilst in front of him.

Powers

 * Transformation - Iroha can change into her original shape whenever she needs.
 * Feather Projectile - Iroha can shoot a razor sharp feather.

Fighting Style
She fights with two butterfly swords and relies on her speed for close ranged combat. She can also double jump. Several of her moves hint to her original form as a crane such as her projectile (a white feather) and her normal fighting stance. The most obvious reference is her POW move, where she grabs her opponent and, behind shoji doors, disrobes and physically beats her foe. Her silhouette during this sequence briefly changes into a crane.

Music

 * Yuzuru no Mai (Dance of the Evening Crane) - Samurai Shodown VI; performed by Maho Kayuri

Game Appearances

 * Samurai Spirits: Tenkaichi Kenkakuden
 * SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash (third title only)

Mobile Appearances

 * Days of Memories (Ōedo Ren'ai Emaki, Kaze Maiu Miyako de Tsukamaete!) - unplayable
 * Maid by Iroha
 * Koi no Iroha ~Sakura Saku Haru~ - mobile game
 * Koi no Iroha ~Himawari Kagayaku Natsu~ mobile game
 * Koi no Iroha ~Momiji Iro Tsuku Aki~ mobile game
 * Koi no Iroha ~Sazanka Chiru Fuyu ~ mobile game
 * Moeyo! SNK Gals Osuin Katoukai

Others


 * Appeared as a playable Guest character in the side-series of 'Queen's Blade' Gamebook, 'Queen's Gate', alongside Mina Majikina and Mai Shiranui.