Asura

The character Asura (アスラ, Asura), or Asra, is the main protagonist in the game Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage. His Rasetsu/Bust form Shadow Asura (反面のアスラ, Hanmen no Asura) is considered to be a separate character from himself and plays a different role in the series. Yuda (幽堕, Yuda) is the product of Asura merging with Shadow Asura and is introduced in Samurai Shodown: Warriors Rage.

Story
He is a being who has a long-standing conflict with Yuga the Destroyer, who wreaks havoc in order to bring about "the unification of this world and the Netherworld". Yuga imprisoned Asura in the Netherworld and he subsequently escapes when it is defeated during the events of Samurai Shodown 64. When he confronts Yuga, his clone assists him in slaying the fiend (see below).

Shadow Asura is a clone of Asura created by Yuga using a forbidden technique. For some time during the plot of Samurai Shodown 64, this clone was completely loyal to Yuga but wavered when he realizes his affections for Shiki. He comes to love Shiki and wants to save her from her former master. Subsequently, he and his original band together and kill Yuga. However, upon Yuga's defeat, he begins to deteriorate because Yuga's magic is what kept him alive. For the sake of his clone, the two Asuras merge together and turn into one unique being. Before he merges with his original, Shiki gives birth to their child.

In Samurai Shodown: Warriors Rage, Yuda is assigned to a section of the shogunate linked to the Three Blades of Ritenkyo. He is secretly promised the position of shogun if Oboro (Jigen Taishi) succeeds. If the plan fails, Yuda would be used as the political scapegoat to destroy evidence of Oboro's plot. His first mission is clearing out Ritenkyo. In his ending, he encounters his daughter, Mikoto, who has been used by Oboro for his fiendish purposes. The dormant part of both Asuras revive themselves instinctively and Yuda releases the evil within Mikoto (revealed to be Yuga). Yuda returns to the Demon World, meaning to keep Yuga sealed there for eternity.

Personality
Asura feels nothing but hate for Yuga and wants nothing but the destruction of his nemesis. Shadow Asura was once as loyal as any of Yuga's servants until he meets Shiki. Emotionally conflicted, he eventually chooses his love for Shiki. As consequences of their fusion, Yuda retains no memory from either Asuras' previous lives. A somber individual, he carries out the orders given to him without question.

Powers

 * Weapon Transformation - Asura can change the form of his weapon.
 * Darkness - Shadow Asura can use the powers of darkness inherited from his creator.
 * Energy Slash - All can fuel their weapons with ki energy.

Music

 * Slasher Demon - Samurai Shodown 64-2
 * Soul Driver - Samurai Shodown: Warriors Rage

Game Appearances

 * Neo Geo Battle Coliseum - only playable as Asura
 * Samurai Shodown 64: Warriors Rage
 * Samurai Shodown: Warriors Rage - only playable as Yuda

Anime Appearances

 * Samurai Spirits 2: Asura-Zanmaden (OVA) - only as Asura