Kaoru Watabe

Kaoru Watabe (渡部 薫, Watabe Kaoru) is a character in The King of Fighters series. She was first introduced in The King of Fighters '97 as a non-playable character shown in the Psycho Soldiers Team ending.

She is voiced by Ayako Kawasumi.

Story
Kaoru is a fan of Athena. Before the King of Fighters '97, she suffered from a certain disease and was hospitalized due to the immovability of her legs. Due to her circumstances, she became very depressed and distanced herself from society. Once she saw Athena's determination on the television, Kaoru was motivated to recover and continued her studies. She sent a letter to Athena, telling them her story and that she would be cheering for them in the 1997 tournament.

Athena was moved by her force of will and sent her tickets to the finals. The Psycho Soldiers made it to the finals, but lost to the Japan Team. At the end of the tournament, Athena, Kensou and Chin met Kaoru, who was excited to cheer for them in person. She then, proceeded to stand, showing that Athena's support helped her to recover. Kaoru became good friends with the Psycho Soldiers. She also watches over Bao and the Temple.

Personality
Kaoru was very shy and sorrowful before meeting Athena, but after that happened, Kaoru has found happiness in her friends.

Fighting Style
Kaoru doesn't fight, but when used as a striker, she runs recklesly towards the enemy and pushes him/her.

Game Appearances

 * The King of Fighters 2000 - As a Striker for Bao

Cameo Appearances

 * The King of Fighters '97 - in the Psycho Soldier Team ending
 * The King of Fighters '99 -  in the Psycho Soldier Team ending
 * The King of Fighters 2001 - in the Psycho Soldier Team ending
 * The King of Fighters XI - in the Psycho Soldier Team ending; also in Esaka stage (PS2 version only)
 * The King of Fighters '94: Rebout - background cameo
 * Days of Memories (first, fifth, sixth, seventh titles) - NPC
 * The King of Fighters XIII - in the Psycho Soldier Team ending
 * The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match - in the Neo Geo World stage

Etymology

 * The name Kaoru means "fragrance, fragrant" (薫).
 * Kaoru's surname Watabe means "transit, ford, ferry, cross, import, deliver, diameter, migrate" (渡) (wataru) and "part, department, category" (部) (be).