Saisyu Kusanagi/Story

Past
Saisyu Kusanagi was the former patriarch of the Kusanagi bloodline, master of the sacred Kusanagi flame, and Kyo Kusanagi's father. Unlike his son, he dons an old fashioned style Kusanagi clan outfit and utilizes more basic traditional martial arts techniques.

The King of Fighters '94
In 1994, Saisyu embarked on a quest to challenge fighters from around the world.

Kyo and his teammates, Benimaru Nikaido and Goro Daimon, learn of his demise just before the final match in KOF '94. Saisyu apparently challenged Rugal Bernstein and is beaten badly, it is implied that he allegedly later succumbed to the injuries he sustained before the finals.

The King of Fighters '95
However in The King of Fighters '95 it is eventually revealed that Kusanagi survived, was then brainwashed by Rugal's secretary Vice. She succeeded, though not without difficulty due to his resistance to the process, for which she developed a grudge against him.

When Kyo, Benimaru, and Daimon were taken to Rugal's lair, Saisyu appeared before them and fought them, and was defeated by his son Kyo and his teammates, snapping out of Rugal's brainwashing. Upon his second defeat, Saisyu goes in to self-exile, only to resurface again in (a non-canon event) The King of Fighters '98.

The King of Fighters 2001
In The King of Fighters 2001, he appears before a distraught Shingo Yabuki (Kyo's student) and tutors him in the traditional methods of the Kusanagi Martial-Arts style, as seen in the Japan Team's ending.

The King of Fighters XIV
Saisyu had originally intended to meet each member of Japan Team personally and check to see if their strength declined before making this request. However, at a glance, he was convinced that he had worried for nothing. He hands them the invitation and requests them to enter so they can help the newcomers. Saisyu confirms that with Tung on the team, the students will make it to the finals. He then informs them about a new threat which will cause untold chaos.

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