212 Shiki Kototsuki In (
| All Appearances |  +  or  ( OK)
|
| Maximum Impact games |  + or
|
Description[]
The user runs at the foe to elbow-cross at them, head-grab-slams to the floor with their other hand to explode them with purple fire.
The version introduced in KOF XIII however, it goes instead straight into the face-grab to drag the foe to the ground for a more prolonged explosion, but can also hit already-downed victims to add more damage as a pursuit-attack-finisher.
Strategy[]
Despite its appearance, Kototsuki In is not a command grab. While the face-grab motion only works if the elbow-cross connects on-hit or block, the face-grab by itself is a blockable hit-grab. The version travels farther than the version.
While it is a risky hard-knockdown option from afar, the primary bonus of the attack is that on-block, it can reduce the defender's guard gauge by quite a bit during pressure scenarios despite being still unsafe to a degree (with the final grabbing portion often lacking pushback on block unlike the Kototsuki You's upward lift). Though if the Aoihana cannot reach the victim on time depending on the hit confirm used and the distance, then the Kototsuki In is a viable finisher especially in the corner from a juggle.
The EX version is commonly used as an extra means to tack on extra damage on a downed foe, making Iori's hard knockdowns more damaging in the long-run but at the cost of resources. It also only works in closer ranges by default which limits its usage, though grants a faster hard knockdown on its own in trade.
In KOF XV however, the becomes a feint version where Iori runs and eventually stops as he runs a set distance forward (unlike the Kototsuki You which remains the same), with the actually being an attack. Said version also like the version in the Maximum Impact games, only goes through with the elbow cross if blocked and not head-grab. This arguably makes it more punishable on block compared to previous versions as well as no longer being a viable guard crushing tool, though the elbow cross triggers even if Iori runs under his opponent when they jump over him. The new version however, is useful for feinting and/or starting offense as the braking period recovers fairly fast.
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