Kazuya Aoi

Kazuya Aoi
Kazuya Aoi, as he appears in the anime
Kana	アオイ＝カズヤ
Romaji	Aoi Kazuya
Profile
Sobriquet	Super Rookie
First Appearance	Manga Chapter 1 Anime Episode 1
Age	15
Nationality	Japanese
Height	169 cm (5 feet 6.5 inches)
Weight	60 kg (133 lbs)
Blood Type	O
Hobbies	Reading
Weak Point	Hair
Personal Status
Relatives	Gengo Aoi (grandfather) Maria Lancelot (grandmother) Ryuuichi Aoi (father, †) Orie Aoi (biological mother, †) Cassandra (aunt, surrogate mother) Teslad (aunt) Windy May (aunt) Lucy Renault (aunt) Chiffon Fairchild (aunt, †) Kazuha Aoi (sister, †) Ouka Tenjouin (cousin)
Affiliations	West Genetics (First-year student) Aoi family Platoon 13
Status	Alive
Voice Actor
Japanese	Mitsuhiro Ichiki
English	Josh Grelle
Image Gallery

Kazuya Aoi (b. April 3, 2050) is the male protagonist of the Freezing series. He is the younger brother of the late Pandora Kazuha Aoi, and grandson of renowned scientist Gengo Aoi. He is a Limiter enrolled at West Genetics Academy, and is (unofficially) partnered with Satellizer L. Bridget.

Background

Kazuya Aoi is the second child and only son of Ryuuichi and Orie Aoi. He is the younger brother of Kazuha Aoi, the hero of the 8th Nova Clash, and the grandson of Gengo Aoi, the chief scientist of the Chevalier and the creator of the Pandora, Limiters, and Stigmata. During his mother's pregnancy, complications arose as a result of his stigmatic body, forcing Gengo to transfer Kazuya from his mother's womb to his aunt Cassandra's in order to save his life. Despite being her son, Kazuya would cry whenever his mother, Orie, would hold him and even refused to nurse off of her. He instead would only breastfeed off of Cassandra and would instantly stop crying if she held him. Because of Kazuya's unconscious rejection of his mother on top of Kazuha's additional distancing from her mother caused Orie to plot to kill Kazuya and hopefully produce another child which would love her. One night, Kazuya was nearly suffocated by Orie but was stopped by Kazuha who attacked her mother out of defence for her brother. Unfortunately, this lead to Orie's tragic death. Shortly after, his father eventually descended into deep depression and eventually killed himself. Kazuya was then raised by Cassandra until he was two years old.

Later, Kazuya lived with Kazuha who became a Pandora and the two lived a short distance away from West Genetics, unassisted by their grandfather. The two lived happily together until Kazuha sacrificed her life to end the 8th Nova Clash when Kazuya was only eleven years old.

Appearance

Kazuya is physically unimpressive, with short black hair and brown eyes. Like all Limiters seen so far, he has a slender build. He's usually seen in the traditional West Genetics uniform but dresses in casual clothes and the Limiter combat uniform when the situation warrants it. He is seen as "cute" by a few of the girls in school. Recently, after tapping into his potential from extreme stress during the 13th Nova Clash, Kazuya underwent a transformation into his Nova nature in which his eyes momentarily became like his grandmother's, which had vertical slits over each pupil, showing that he has become more inhuman and more like the Nova.

Personality

Kazuya is a kind boy who doesn't like to bad-mouth others and cares deeply for his friends, qualities that eventually get the aphephobic Satellizer L. Bridget (who is shunned by others due to her past and rumours of her ruthless behaviours) to warm up to him. He is serious when Satella becomes injured in fights and tries to stop them on his own.

Kazuya hates all unnecessary combat, especially between allies. Despite his kindness, or perhaps because of it, he reacts extremely aggressively when others act cruel and callous towards each other. This is seen when he Freezes the thugs assaulting Rana and Kaho Hiiragi and knocks one of them out with one punch, and again when he strikes Ingrid across the face to make her truly understand her friends' final words. He is also rather intelligent and perceptive, recognizing a group of thugs for who they were after a few minutes of interacting with them, and being able to adeptly read many situations he is confronted with. He still retains a certain amount of naiveté especially when it comes to personal/physical relationships like he has with Satella. His kindness comes with a high amount of what can be termed "chivalry". Freezing zero showed that he was an intelligent and observant child, seeing the bruise on his sisters cheek and wondering if she was being bullied.

He is always polite and respectful to everyone, especially females. He tries his best to respect Satella's feelings and personal space, even suppressing his own physical desires on numerous occasions and berating himself for having them in the first place. He also seeks to remain formal and respectful with Rana, despite the latter's' efforts to be informal and intimate with him, as seen when he tried to keep the massage he was giving her for her new arms professional and platonic. These traits have made him allies and friends with almost everyone he has met, or at least earned their respect.

However, after the revelation of his origin and his connection to the Legendary Pandora, Kazuya begins to have a mental break down, becoming angry and abrasive to everyone around him, including Satella who he rejects out of fear and anger. He has shown to become sullen and withdrawn, not saying anything when he and the "Legendary Pandora" are escorted through town, and even averting his eyes from Satella when they almost look at each other. Kazuya eventually overcomes his emotional problems and returns to his normal self, thanks in part to Satellizer's assistance.

Story

Introductory Arc

Main article: Introductory Arc

Kazuya arrives at West Genetics where he mistakes Satellizer L. Bridget (who was fighting against Ganessa Roland at the time) for his deceased sister. Lost in the delusion, Kazuya leaps out and embraces Satellizer, which in effect causes her to lose for a very first time at a Carnival.

Kazuya is next seen being welcomed into West Genetics by Sister Margaret, who tells him to follow Chiffon Fairchild for a quick tour of Genetics academy grounds. Chiffon tells Kazuya about the person he hugged, she explained that Satellizer was never beaten, until now. Kazuya asked where he could find Satellizer, to which Chiffon begs him not to, since Satellizer is very aggressive. The latter then sees two students fighting.

Kazuya steps outside to intervene between Ganessa and Satellizer, as Ganessa had just been torturing her. Ganessa then proceeds to hit Kazuya out of the way, stating that he was getting in the way of her victory. Kazuya then witnesses Satellizer change into Pandora Mode as a reaction toward Ganessa's actions, giving Satellizer the victory as Ganessa was largely overpowered. The battle ends with the Numbers intervening, as Chiffon explains to Kazuya that the "Numbers" are an elite group that brought an end to the 8th Nova Clash.

Kazuya then steps into his room where Arthur Crypton introduces himself, as his next door neighbours. Arthur explains to Kazuya the Pandora system to Kazuya, and then tells Kazuya to stay away from Satellizer.

Kazuya, ignoring all of the warnings from his classmates, decides to chase Satellizer to the rooftops to apologize to her about costing her the fight against Ganessa. Kazuya apologizes and asked why everyone was so scared of, even touching her, and Satellizer tells him that it was okay for him to touch her, not knowing why though. Kazuya then asks for Satellizer to make him her limiter, but are interrupted by Miyabi Kannazuki and her harem of men. Miyabi explains that she wanted Kazuya as her Limiter, but Kazuya rejects her as he wanted to be with Satellizer and no one else. Miyabi refusing to take no for an answer does no let Kazuya go off so easily. Satellizer then decides to fight Miyabi for the sake of Kazuya. A battle ensues between Miyabi and Satellizer. Kazuya is quickly involved in the fight as Satellizer tries to get him before Miyabi's limiters are able to fully neutralize her but it was too late and Kazuya is forced to watch as Miyabi and her gang begin to shame Satellizer. Kazuya is then angered at the mistreatment of Satellizer is forced to deal with and is able to break the freezing put on Satellizer, allowing Satellizer to fight back and beat Miyabi. Satellizer then continues to beat Miyabi but is stopped by Kazuya who begged her to stop this onslaught.

Kazuya then seen being taking care of by Chiffon who tells of Satellizer punishment, and although the junior were going to put it into their own hands what would happen to her Chiffon told Kazuya she had every intent to stop it.

3rd Year Punishment Arc

Main article: 3rd Year Punishment Arc

Kazuya is next seen hearing that Satellizer was confronted by one of the third years who challenged her to a fight, and knowing she would be out matched without a limiter he quickly rushes to her aid.

Kazuya is seen at the girls dormitory, where he goes to Satellizer's room unannounced. Kazuya, after seeing Satellizer naked and her putting the towel back on her, asked if he could be her limiter, but was put off when she said that she had no need for a limiter. Disheartened Kazuya left to his dorm, but on the way he finds himself looking at Satellizer going up against Ingrid, from behind the trees. Kazuya then bursts from the trees and tells Ingrid that he would be Satellizer's limiter. Satellizer still rejects his off, but this time it was because it was very perverse to her as it feels like the limiter is brushing against every part of her body. Kazuya then destroys Leo's freezing after seeing that Ingrid about to kill Satellizer. Kazuya was then targeted by Ingrid and her limiter, but then she was once again blocked by Satellizer. Kazuya wondered why Ingrid was so insistent on the rules, and Kaho explains that do to everyone lack of respect for the rules her best friend Marin was killed in a Nova clash. Kazuya then once again destroys Leo's freezing, and Satellizer takes that advantage to knock out Leo. Ingrid becomes and uses her Pandora mode, but it was sill no match for Kazuya's freezing. As Ingrid was frozen Kazuya is able to drop her fixation on the rules because it had no point to Ingrid is then knocked out, after the exhausting battle she had.

Rana Introductory Arc

Main article: Rana Introductory Arc

Kazuya is in his classroom listening to his teacher explain the basic battle formations. Bored, he is poked by Kaho Hiiragi. He sees Kaho holding up a note to meet up later. Later, the two talk with Arthur. Kazuya mentions that he wasn't seen Satellizer since the incident with Ingrid Bernstein and Leo Bernard. Kaho admonishes Kazuya for it and advises him again not to involve himself with the Untouchable Queen. Kaho says "Roses have thorns. And hers are extremely poisonous." only to find Satellizer standing behind. Kaho tries to think of an excuse but Satellizer pays no mind to her and instead orders Kazuya to follow her. Kazuya follows, leaving Kaho to wonder what is going on between the two.

Satellizer and Kazuya are on the roof. Satellizer takes Kazuya's hand and holds it to her cheek. She confirms that Kazuya's touch does not repulse even though she cannot fully understand it. Kazuya admits that he too feels some sort of connection to Satellizer. Satellizer asks Kazuya if he can really perform Freezing without the need for an Ereinbar Set. Kazuya answers that he can but if the situation requires it. He tried to use Freezing after their confrontation with Ingrid and Leo but was met with no success. Hearing what she needed to hear, Satellizer concludes that Kazuya is the best suited to be her partner since he does not need an Ereinbar Set to use Freezing. They won't perform a Baptism but they will be partner from now on.

Kazuya walks to the cafeteria to eat some hamburgers but finds a crowd waiting their turn to get some. Satellizer arrives and uses her reputation to make way so she can get burgers for herself and for Kazuya. While Kazuya is indeed grateful, he finds the tray full of burgers a bit too much. Off panel, Satellizer asks Kazuya to come to her room for their "First Time" to bond as partners.

On Friday evening in the cafeteria, Kazuya is met by Kaho and Arthur Crypton. Both classmates are shocked to find out that Kazuya is officially becoming Satellizer's partner and are appalled since they did not perform the Baptism Ceremony. Kaho changes the subject asks if they want to go and do Karaoke. Arthur is more than eager but Kazuya tells them that he is meeting Satellizer for their "First Time". Kaho explains the significance while Arthur talks about how he ended up drunk and passed during his "First Time".

Kazuya goes for a walk-off campus and enjoys his sightseeing trip but encounters three thugs as he is watching the souvenir stands. One of the thugs offers to show Kazuya cheaper souvenir shops in exchange for money but Kazuya isn't fool and tries to leave. However, this angers the thugs and they punch Kazuya to the ground. Luckily, Rana arrives before they can do more damage. She introduces herself to them. She shows them that she is a very skilled fighter and drives the thugs off.

Rana officially introduces herself to Kazuya. After Kazuya thanks her for helping him, she says that there is no need to thank her and that helping the weak is the mission of the holder of "The Tears of Kunlun". When asked by Kazuya who is Kunlun, Rana goes on to say that Kunlun is a Goddess who protects the people. But that only leaves Kazuya even more confused about Kunlun. Rana goes to leave. As she is crossing the street, a speeding bus heads her way and Rana stops it with her bear hand, shocking both the bus driver and Kazuya. Kazuya explains that in the city, a Red Light means no crossing. When asked if she knew an ancient Martial Art, Rana only goes to proudly say that she is protected by the Tears of Kunlun. Her stomach is then heard grumbling and Kazuya treats her to pasta, a food which Rana has clearly never seen or eaten before, forcing Kazuya to teach her how to properly eat it. Kazuya introduces himself. When Kazuya asks why she intends to go to West Genetics, Rana answers that her body houses the "Tears of Kunlun" and she has to responsibility of defeating evil creatures. She will also meet a fated individual and with that person, her Tears of Kunlun will demonstrate its true power. Rana explains that there aren't that many young men in her home village so the monks sent her to West Genetics so that she can find someone who can resonate with the Tears of Kunlun.

Arthur and Kaho arrive soon after that. Off-panel, Rana introduces herself and tell the two of her mission. Kaho and Arthur introduces themselves and can help but ask Kazuya what Rana meant by Tears of Kunlun. The thugs from before return with one more member. The thugs take the four to a more isolated location. Although the thugs make it clear that they only want Kazuya and Rana, Kaho won't let them harm her friends. She reveals that she is a Pandora by materializing her Volt Weapon. Two of the thugs bring out their guns. One tries to shoot Kaho but she easily blocks the bullet with her Volt Weapon. Kaho attacks the guy who tried to shoot her but another holds Arthur hostage. Under the threat of Arthur's life, Kaho is forced to de-materialize her Volt Weapon. The thugs force Kaho and Rana to strip. One of the thugs, slightly harasses Kaho before shooting both her thighs. The thug turns his attention to Rana and points the gun at her. But Kazuya steps in the way, clearly angry and orders them to stop.

Kazuya deems what the thugs did to Kaho as unforgivable and on the spur of the moment, unleashes an Omnidirectional Freezing Field. Rana feels the Tears of Kunlun resonating to Kazuya's Freezing. Kazuya punches the thug holding Arthur off him. Kazuya collapses from using such a powerful Freezing and Arthur catches him. Rana beats up the other thug holding a gun and the remaining two flee. Rana and Arthur then bring Kaho and Kazuya back to West Genetics for medical treatment. At the hospital of the school, Rana recalls the words of the elder and concludes that she has found her soulmate in Kazuya.

Satellizer, on the other hand, has been left waiting for hours for Kazuya to arrive. She even made appetizers and prepared wine. Someone knocks on her door. She opens it thinking it is Kazuya but she finds Arthur. Arthur informs Satellizer of what happened and Kazuya is in the hospital. Satellizer rushes to him but instead encounters Rana. Rana thinks that Satellizer is just another of Kazuya's friends. When asked by the Untouchable Queen who she is, Rana introduces herself along with being Kazuya's soulmate. Angry, Satellizer asks if she is a student. Rana answers that she will be tomorrow. Arthur comes into the scene and drags Rana with her to Kaho's room. Satellizer did not even get to introduce herself. Elize and another doctor exit Kazuya's room. Elize allows Satellizer entrance. Seeing Kazuya safe, Satellizer feels relieved and remarks Kazuya as her first ally in the school.

Yu-Mi enters Elize's office. Elize shows Kazuya's Analysis Data which reveals why he can use Freezing without an Ereinbar Set. Elize explains that males cannot use Freezing by themselves because they cannot independently use the power of the Stigmata and thus need to Ereinbar Set in order to use Freezing. After explaining the mechanics of Freezing and the fact that most Pandoras can only house four Stigmata in their bodies, Elize reveals that Kazuya has a Stigma Body (with 30% of his body composed of Nova Tissue) which allowed him to use Freezing independently, similar to Kazuha whose Stigma Body allowed her to house 20 Stigmata implanted in her body. After speculating if whether the government knew of Kazuya's Stigma Body like they did with Kazuha's, Elize informs Yu-Mi that Satellizer has become Kazuya's Pandora.

Kazuya has a dream of his sister and wakes up crying. He finds Satellizer keeping watch over him since the night before. Satellizer considers that night as their "First Time" and leaves. Kazuya mentally remarks that it was the best night of his life.

3rd Year Retaliation Arc

Main article: 3rd Year Retaliation Arc

To be added

10th Nova Clash

Main article: 10th Nova Clash

When Satellizer and Ganessa Roland are called to defend the entrance of the Ravensbourne Nucleotide from Assimilated Nova Form East Genetics Pandora, Kazuya and Arthur Crypton, their respective Limiter join the top ranked second-years. The four of them chat for a while until their are interrupted by a controlled Cassie Lockheart forcing Arnett McMillan through a wall. Arnett slices off Cassie's arm, but it regenerates and Cassie, with some assistance from Milena Marius defeat Arnett when the third-year protects Ganessa from Milena and Cassie's attacks.

Milena moves forward, but Satellizer stops Cassie, performing a Double Accel. Cassie quickly proves superior with her Triple Accel. Satellizer performs her own Triple Accel after establishing the Wings of Light, and the velocity soon allows her to perform a 2x Accel-Tempest. Despite Satellizer's efforts Kazuya watches his Pandora beaten to the ground, his Freezing powerless. Satellizer refuses to give up and she re-engages Cassie only to be pinned to the wall. Kazuya stops Cassie with a Freezing but she overpowers it and nearly decapitates Satellizer. Cassie stops only from her own inner turmoil. The Nova controlling Cassie continues to pollute her mind, and Cassie fires a particle beam, which Ganessa blocks, but most of the left side of her body is blown away.

Arthur immediately rushes to a dying Ganessa, and Kazuya tries to tell him that she's about to die, but Arthur gets hostile refusing to accept it. Satellizer also responds with grief and rage, allowing her Stigmata to consume to and enter the corrosive Nova Form. Satellizer and Cassie battle a third time, and Satellizer reaches a Quintuple Accel after blocking all of Cassie's Quadruple Accel attacks. Kazuya wonders if this is Satellizer's true power. However, Satellizer loses control as she bashes Cassie's skull into the wall and cuts off both of her arms with Nova Blood. Cassie tries to fie another beam but Satellizer covers the crystal on Cassie's chest and rips it off. Satellizer prepares to bury her blade into Cassie's chest as she had once done to Miyabi Kannazuki. Kazuya repeats the gesture he made at that time and stops Satellizer from killing the Godspeed of the East by latching onto her body. The Untouchable Queen seems unmoved by Kazuya's gesture but his words reach Satellizer and she progresses out of Nova Form, allowing Cassie to live as the Nova Clash comes to an end.

When Satellizer and Cassie discuss why Satella never dealt the killing blow, Satellizer explains that she didn't want to disappoint her Limiter.

Siblings Arc

Main article: Siblings Arc

To be added

E-Pandora Project Arc

Main article: E-Pandora Project Arc

To be added

E-Pandora Rebellion Arc

Main article: E-Pandora Rebellion Arc

To be added

11th Nova Clash

Main article: 11th Nova Clash

After Chiffon defeats Satellizer and Rana, Kazuya is in fearful disbelief, but when they begin resonating with Amelia, he tries to stop them with his Freezing when they awaken in Nova Form and resume combat with Chiffon. When Satellizer pierces through Chiffon's chest, Kazuya's Freezing paralyzes all three Pandora, which is not helpful in Chiffon's predicament. Eugene and Chiffon establish an Ereinbar Set, and under Eugene's orders Kazuya releases his Freezing as Eugene establishes his, freeing Chiffon. Eugene, however, cannot use his Freezing for as long as Kazuya, and the two-on-one battle between the Pandora continue. Kazuya fears that Satellizer and Rana will kill Chiffon, but Eugene indicates that no Pandora, even in Nova Form, can compete with Chiffon. Eugene, however, says that Rana and Satellizer can be saved, but Kazuya has to listen to his instructions very carefully.

Student Presidency Duel Arc

Kazuya appears on the plane ride back to West Genetics with Rana and Satellizer. When news of duel between Arnett and Ticy reaches the ears of the West Genetics student body, Kazuya is one of the many to watch the rivalry unfold. He along with most is surprised with Ticy's new look to honour Chiffon.

When Satellizer goes to congratulate Ticy on her victory over Arnett, Kazuya is with her and is surprised at Ticy's threat to punish Satellizer if she were to cause any more trouble.

Valkyrie Introduction Arc

Main article: Valkyrie Introduction Arc

The next day, Kazuya comes up to Satellizer, trying to ignore the increasingly tense situation between the Valkyrie and Pandora members of Team 13. He asks her to come with him so they could've spoken elsewhere. There, he tells her of the invitation from his grandfather to come to his house. He tried to say it wasn't mandatory, yet Satellizer insisted, saying it was a great honour to have finally met Dr. Aoi in person. Kazuya was surprised at how Pandora's held his grandfather in such high esteem. He noted she looked very nervous, and he began to feel the same way.

Later in the day, they stood together outside the Aoi residence. Satellizer asked if her necklace was too flashy, though Kazuya said it was fine. He told her not to worry, that despite his status, Gengo Aoi was a normal grandfather, and simply told her to act like her normal self. Satellizer looked encouraged, and vowed to do just that.

Inside the living room, both were respectfully on their knees before the world-renowned Nova researcher. Just outside, Su-Na Lee announced dinner would've been ready soon, and to have kept their conversation short. Kazuya was surprised to have seen the Platoon 13 leader there, and was at a loss to have explained her presence. Gengo replied she helped around the house on her days off, and that he'd hired her to work for him while in the United States. When Kazuya heard that Su-Na was basically acting as a household servant, it made him reconsider his view of Gengo as a normal grandfather. He watched as his grandfather examined Satellizer's face closely, and when he noted she looked more like a puppy than a fox, Kazuya thought it wasn't a good comparison. He listened as Gengo reminisced about when he first met Howard L. Bridget, his description of him annoyed Kazuya. However, he found himself surprised when his grandfather's spoke of how Satellizer's demeanour was just like her mother's. When the Untouchable Queen tried to say Violet was more like her mother, Gengo elaborated by saying he was referring to her real mother, Noelle Alongrutch. Kazuya was silently shocked that Gengo knew so much about his partner's background, and was a bit put out at him for mentioning it then. When asked if he knew, Kazuya retorted by saying Satellizer's background had nothing to do with why he wanted her as his partner. He liked her a person, yet he didn't speak it aloud. When asked if it was because he wanted the backing of the L. Bridget family, Kazuya vehemently denied it. He got really peeved when Gengo insinuated it was because he was interested in her large breasts, saying he was always like that. Kazuya verbally lashed out to him, saying he was headed back to the academy, much to Gengo's disbelief.

At the train station, Kazuya apologized for what happened at the house. But Satellizer insisted she was happy about finally meeting his grandfather, and asked to be invited over again. As she headed for her train, Kazuya was amazed, and grateful that his partner was so dignified.

Later, after he'd returned to the house, Gengo brought him to the study and ordered him to drink, granting him his permission as his legal guardian. Kazuya opted for juice instead, and added it wasn't the ideal place for drinking, since it would've made a mess of the room. Gengo snapped at him, saying there was nothing wrong with drinking in the study. When he mentioned his preferred way of drinking, Kazuya found it very strange, and planned to clean up afterwards. His grandfather snapped at him again, pushing his wineglass right into his face. Gengo asked if he was trying to make him sad, which startled the Japanese youth. He was asked if he still hated him for what happened to Kazuha. The younger Aoi looked away for a moment, and finally replied that even if he didn't say it, his grandfather already knew the answer. After a long stare, he watched as Gengo began to imbibe an entire bottle, straight from the tap. Kazuya protested worriedly, thinking he was drinking too much for his age. The elder Aoi asked why he was so worried, since he hated him so much. "Is he still a child," Kazuya thought to himself. He watched as the heavily inebriated Gengo rose to his feet, claiming he was glad to be hated if it made Kazuya feel better. He finished by saying when he saw what happened to Kazuha, he bitterly hated his decision, but he didn't regret it. The freshman was startled that his grandfather had revealed so much. He watched as Gengo walked by a bookcase and then collapsed, which knocked a few books to the floor. Su-Na immediately ran inside, and tended to the unconscious doctor. Kazuya offered to clean up the study, and Su-Na entrusted him with the task and she helped Gengo up to his bedroom.

Alone, Kazuya grumbled about how his grandfather was always causing trouble for others. Suddenly, his eyes caught sight of a photo album on the floor. Once was done cleaning, he sat down and began flipping through the pages. He was amazed as he saw it was an old-fashioned album, filled with photographs rather than digital images. He was amazed his grandfather actually had one in his possession. He came across an image of his father and his grandmother, and wondered why Gengo had never shared it with him. He saw another photo, which showed a group of scientists, dated October 15, 2053. In the picture he saw one woman that looked like Scarlett Ohara, the currently disgraced Nova researcher. At the bottom right of the photo was the text "For the future of mankind, Lab 13." In the next photo were five young women, three of them unrecognisable since the top right part of the photo had been torn off. The text blow it read: "May 16, 2022. The girls of Lab 13." His eyes went wide in shock, as the woman on the far left looked remarkably like Chiffon Fairchild, all the way down to the ribbon in her hair. He was even more shocked, as he had no idea his grandfather was acquainted with his late senpai. But he couldn't have made out the others, since the photo had been torn. He then double-checked the date, and realized the photo had been taken over forty years before, which signified to him that the woman in question couldn't have been his deceased upperclassman. He found himself at a loss, baffled by what he'd been reading. On the next page were pictures of five sisters, four of them being torn out. The only one remaining was that of the frighteningly familiar woman in the previous page. His eyes went wide as he read the text on the page: "Will the visitor be hope or despair? It's just like that Pandora's Box." He considered the five women he'd seen before, and theorized if they actually were Pandora's, then the one he'd seen earlier could've been Chiffon. As he pondered the issue, he quickly corrected himself, as he knew even Pandora's aged. He realized if they could've lived forty years without ageing, then they possibly could've been another kind of human. What he'd read in the photo album left him frustrated. "What is in grandfather's head?!" he exclaimed.

"A brain of course," a voice replied from the doorway.

Kazuya gasped, and saw Su-Na Lee had returned. The strongest of the Chevalier explained that while Gengo's brain looked the same as theirs, its make-up was probably very different. As Kazuya thought about what he'd read in the photo album, he found himself agreeing with his instructor, as he closed it shut. He apologized to his instructor, and then excused himself, headed for a good night's sleep.

He's next seen with Satellizer, Rana, Cassie, and Roxanne, as they greet Charles after she's released from prison. He watches as Roxanne and Charles spar verbally once more, which causes the latter to turn away. When asked to apologize to her victim, Charles snapped at her why she should have even considered it.

"You don't need to apologize," a newcomer's voice spoke up from behind. "In place of an apology, I would like to ask you a question. Please answer it." Everyone turned in its direction, and Kazuya and Satellizer were especially shocked, for they recognized her as their former antagonist, Ingrid Bernstein.

Kazuya watched, as Ingrid appeared with Creo Brand, who confront Charles. The two angry Pandora are intercepted by Roxanne and Cassie, but Arnett dispatches them both and duels Charles in a competition of Accel and Tempest Turns.

Satellizer attempts to stop the fight, but Charles and Arnett keep fighting until Ticy intervenes personally. Kazuya watches Arnett slap away Satella when she tries to explain her actions against Team Arnett.

That night, Kazuya goes to Satellizer's room, and he says that he believed Satellizer was right to stop the battle, and she should not regret what she did. Things get quiet and Satellizer goes to shower, Kazuya only capable of thinking perverse thoughts. Meanwhile, a figure comes from the balcony and ties up Kazuya after shutting off the lights. When Satellizer gets out of the shower, "Kazuya" orders Satella to twirl and act like a dog, only for "Kazuya" to be Rana, pulling a prank and preventing any heated actions between the British Pandora and her Limiter. Kazuya chastises Rana, but the two girls agree they are trying to get ahead of Ouka and will not be beaten by her for Kazuya's affection.

Later, Kazuya, Rana, and Satella overhear some Pandora mocking Platoon 13 due to the scandalous acts of Charles and the special treatment the contingent receives. Satellizer promptly leaves the table, and that night Kazuya thinks about it himself until he sees Lucy Renault atop one of the buildings looking at the moon. Lucy comes down to him, as if she can teleport, and Kazuya believes she performed the Illusion Turn; however, he believes Lucy to be a Valkyrie and thus unable to use the standard High End Skills. Kazuya mentions Chiffon, prompting a response out of Lucy. Kazuya goes on about the deceased Pandora, but he feels he's talking to a brick wall. When he begins to turn away, Lucy says Kazuya is her "sister." Kazuya is visibly uncomfortable and Lucy kisses him, transferring all of her memories of Lab 13 and the original Pandora Project. The experience leaves Kazuya coughing on the ground when Ouka appears. She immediately pushes Lucy away from Kazuya and tends to her cousin, but Lucy disappears when Ouka comes back to confront her. 

In Ouka's room, Ouka relays the mysterious air around Lucy after Kazuya denies that anything happened. Kazuya maintains the response after the discussion and Ouka decides to trust her cousin.

12th Nova Clash

Main article: 12th Nova Clash

Kazuya fatally wounded by Satellizer

Kazuya and Satellizer about to be killed by a Pandora-Type Nova

Kazuya is present with the rest of his Platoon 13 contingent at the beginning of the joint training exercise with Roxanne Elipton acting as their leader. When the exercise begins, Kazuya deploys a Freezing field, which allows the Pandora and the Valkyries to take out the dummy Nova. However, the Nova is still active and emits the same sensation Chiffon released before her death at the Alaska Base.

The sensation takes over the Pandora, as black smoke is emitted onto the training site. Satellizer begins to attack what Kazuya sees a fog and is shocked to see that Satellizer has lost a limb for the first time. As she collapses, Kazuya panics and is relieved to see that she is still alive. Platoon 13 gets separated, and Kazuya stays with Satellizer as she gets up, vowing to never lose. Kazuya pleads to the blond Pandora to not allow the Stigmata to control her, but Satellizer regenerates her arms and Novalizes, slapping away Kazuya and knocking him unconscious.

Satellizer's battle with the illusion of Kazuha Aoi reaches a climax and she initiates her newest attack Nova Strike, declaring her will to be with Kazuya always and for the deceased Pandora to disappear. However, her Volt Weapon pierces Kazuya's heart when the boy regains consciousness. 

Kazuya realizes that Satellizer was worrying of matching up to Kazuha's prowess as a Pandora and her place in Kazuya's heart. But the Japanese Limiter assured Satellizer that he loves her just the way she is. Kazuya then kisses Satellizer for the first time and collapses. 

Satellizer unleashes an emotional outcry that allows her to transcend as a Pandora, and grants her healing abilities that restores Kazuya's body. Before the illusion of Kazuha disappears, Kazuya states that was truly his sister, who has transcended just like Satellizer. The two the get back on their feet onto the battlefield where they see a bright light and six wings. Rana emerges from the light, having transcended like Satella. Off-screen, the two Pandora re-establish the Volt Texture on their clothing and the three track down Charles and Arnett. 

When they arrive, Rana bashes a Nova that is trying to eat Charles. Kazuya watches as Rana toys with the Nova before three others come to fight, dropping Charles as well. When one of them gets Rana into its Freezing, Kazuya easily disrupts it with an Omnidirectional Freezing. Rana and Satellizer defeat the beasts, but Charles tells them they all must get back to Roxanne. 

Kazuya and the Pandora arrive to Roxanne's location, where she has been soundly defeated and turned into a slave by the Nova Commander. Satellizer puts down Kazuya, and the Limiter must watch as the Pandora fight Roxanne, which culminates in Rana preparing to kill her with her new abilities. With a shout from Charles, Roxanne regains consciousness, but she resorts to suicide to no longer harm her fellow Pandora. Rana and Satellizer attack, but an Illusion Turn from the Nova forces them to realize that they are no match for the otherworldly creature. 

When Satellizer is blasted by a silent wave of the Nova's hand, Kazuya tends to her. He believes the Nova's shield is impervious, but Satellizer says she notices flaws in the armour, and plans to take advantage of it. After asking Kazuya to get back, Satellizer has Rana and Arnett buy her time to charge her Accel, and Kazuya notes that she is burning. Satellizer accelerates faster than a "Sextuple Accel" and decapitates the Nova in a perfectly timed attack. However, Satellizer is incapacitated from the weight of her own attack. The contingent believe they have won, but the Nova reforms its head, revealing its true face and cutting down Arnett.

Rana is too taken out, and the Nova prepares to kill Satellizer and Kazuya who are huddled together, preparing for death. But a cheerful woman teleports to their location upon the orders of Gengo Aoi. Kazuya recognizes the woman from a picture he found at his grandfather's house, and realizes she is a part of Gengo's research. The warhammer-wielding maiden is unflinching at the wounded Pandora around her and assures them that they will not longer feel pain. A glow from her hammer heals Arnett and Satellizer's wounds, restores Charles and Rana's arms, and completely restores Roxanne's body to life. Everyone is shocked at the developments, but Kazuya and Satellizer are wary of the smiling Pandora, her name revealed to be Windy May.

The group watched as the Nova Commander blasted the newcomer flush in the face, which shocked them to no end. They were even more shocked when they saw their saviour was all but completely unharmed by the attack. Kazuya then watched as the pink-haired woman retaliated with a crushing attack with her maul, which knocked off half of the Nova Commander's body and essentially ended her. Kazuya and the Pandora's trembled at the woman's power, but she assured Kazuya at least that they were family when Cassandra, Teslad, and Lucy arrived. Kazuya and the others are surprised to find that Lucy is a Pandora, and Windy alerts Cassandra to Kazuya. The blond woman reaches out to Kazuya, but he along with Rana and Satellizer are too terrified to move. Cassandra surprises them all by embracing Kazuya into her chest. Jealous, Rana and Satellizer pull Kazuya away from her.

Kazuya's grandfather and direct superior, Su-Na, arrive on the scene by helicopter. He boldly announces the strength of the four Pandora as well as them being related to Kazuya by blood.

Busters Arc

Main article: Busters Arc

Kazuya's first appearance in the arc is in his bed, where he finds one of the Legendary Pandora. Moreover, he found his hand upon her breast, which frightened him to no end.

Later, he demands an explanation from his grandfather about his connection to them, and learns that he is related by blood to Maria Lancelot. and how he will be a leader of the Pandora's along with the legendary Pandora's, and that he should keep Satella around. This angers and frightens enough that he runs away questioning his own humanity, even shouting at Satella and Rana to stay away from them when they run into him.

Outside the facility, he then has a conversation with Lucy about his definition of what a human is when he shouts at her that she's nothing but a duplicate of Maria. She refuses to argue with Kazuya and goes on to tell him that he is a precious existence to them, especially Cassandra. Later, he goes on an outing with his aunts, as a direct order from his superior Su-Na. He's rather nervous to be around such powerful women as well as apologizing for lashing out at Satellizer while also dealing with the presence of Ouka. During the outing, Kazuya cannot get Cassandra or Teslad to say a word, though he connects best with Windy May as she actually speaks. When ice cream is involved, Kazuya buys Teslad one; she appreciates it and with a bland expression she pinches her nephew's face for continuing to eat her cone. Things go awry when Cassandra attacks a civilian woman after briefly taking her child hostage. Windy calms the situation by reminding Cassandra that he cannot take away another person's child, something that Kazuya struggles to understand. 

After the outing, everyone gets ready for a dinner party, and Kazuya watches his aunts get ready. Though he finds them all to be beautiful, he finds Cassandra "special." Su-Na catches him staring at Cassandra and teases him about it. 

At the dinner party, Kazuya comes out in a tuxedo with his Aunt Cassandra, and the other Legendary Pandora follow. She has a brief and awkward dance with Elizabeth, who directs Kazuya to Satellizer. Satella and Kazuya excuse themselves to the girl's room and they begin to reconcile with Kazuya apologizing for all of his foolishness. He promises to do anything to make up for it, and Satellizer takes him up on that off her though her look makes Kazuya uncomfortable. Satellizer offers Kazuya some wine, which she drugged and failed to do so properly. Kazuya sees the drug in his wine glass and refuses to drink unless Satellizer does as well. The situation becomes comedic as Satellizer tries to force-feed the wine, but Satella finds herself on top of Kazuya on the floor. Their situation quickly becomes heated as Kazuya takes the initiative. He begins to disrobe her. However, the two lovers were quickly interrupted by the intruder alarm. They quickly collect themselves and head back to the plaza, where the dinner party has been cancelled. 

Kazuya and Satellizer meet up with the others especially and upset Elizabeth, whose plans were ruined. When Kazuya begins to speak, the wall behind him explodes to reveal four adult women led by one with a Limiter and half a Pandora in her hands. Upon their vulgar disrespect for the deceased and their intrusion, Kazuya joins the Limiters and Pandora in the battle against the Busters. The four women, however, prove too powerful for the Pandora's attacks and Andre and Morrison's Freezing. When looking at the pink-haired woman, he indicates that she reminds him of President Chiffon. Ticy Phenyl arrives to bring them back to shelter but the woman with cannons, Isabella Lucas attacks them with whips. Satellizer must defend her Limiter. Ticy attacks their enemies and she is defeated twice. When Isabella begins to molest Abel, Ticy's Limiter, Satellizer hides behind Kazuya to charge her Transcendent Accel. Kazuya moves out of the way as Satellizer ferociously attempts to decapitate the Buster. Isabella narrowly evades, the attack only phasing her hair. When Isabella cuts off Satellizer's hands, Kazuya rushes to her aid, but he attracts Isabella's attention. She attempts to cut off her limbs as well, but Cassandra awakens from her drunken stupor and saves her nephew with a single hand. 

Kazuya watches in awe as his aunt assaults the two intruders and heals the injured. He along with everyone else is soon pressured by Jessica's Anti-Freezing field that has a drastic effect on Cassandra. Isabella then casually steps by him and the others, moving to the real threat pinned to the ground. Kazuya watches in horror as his aunt is blasted in the face by Isabella's cannon. Cassandra is unfazed; he assumes her combat dress as she regresses into her N3 Nova state. Kazuya is the only one who can feel the evil aura surrounding Cassandra. The Legendary Pandora summons her Volt Weapon and releases a massive particle cannon that stretches for miles, but Isabella is the only one injured. Kazuya and the rest of the onlookers must watch as Cassandra summons five N3 Nova to the base.

13th Nova Clash

Main article: 13th Nova Clash

Kazuya and Cassandra's Freezing fields intersect.

After witnessing the arrival of five N3 Novas. Kazuya along with everyone watches as Isabella tries to combat one of the N3's with an energy blast from her volt weapon but her attempts fail as her attack is absorbed, suddenly the possessed Cassandra unleashes an anti-freezing field and subdues him along with everyone else and causes Jessica to Novalize. Kazuya watches as Andre, Abel and Morrison counter Cassandra's anti-freezing with a combined freezing, suddenly an energy blast is shot forth from within Gengo's HQ and both Franka and Tiziana emerge from the building to assist Kazuya and the others. Kazuya and everyone make haste towards the Valkyries to get to safety but Satellizer is caught by a possessed Cassandra and is ensnared by the other five N3's. 

Kazuya sprints and grabs Satellizer's wrist in an attempt to save her, Kazuya then unleashes a powerful freezing field to help but it also starts to have some reaction to the N3 Cassandra. After he unleashes his freezing, Kazuya's eyes flicker like Maria's and the Nova's hold over Cassandra is severed, reverting her to normal and releasing Satellizer, he watches as Satellizer uses her power to escape the N3's grasp by flying into the air, Kazuya then uses his freezing in an attempt to stop the N3's, shocking everyone with his freezing's incredible power. Suddenly one of the N3's turn their attention towards Satellizer's direction and attacks her, Kazuya watches as Satellizer tries to defend against the attacks but to no avail and is pushed back, the N3 tries to attack her again but she is saved by Cassandra who blocks the attacks and activates a freezing field to stop the N3's assault but is countered with a combined anti-freezing by the N3's. Determined to protect everyone and Satellizer, Kazuya unleashes the strongest freezing by far, causing his eyes to revert like Maria's and awakening his true nature, this commences shared communication with Cassandra allowing him to dive into her memories. After entering Cassandra's memories, Kazuya is floating in the air and begins to hear someone singing, he looks down only to see Cassandra singing to a baby in her arms and realizes that the infant she is holding is none other than himself.

Abilities

Stigma Body

Kazuya's enhanced Freezing during the 13th Nova Clash.

• Unlike most Limiters who need to establish an Ereinbar Set with their Pandora to enable their Freezing (which must first be done with a Baptism), Kazuya can cast Freezing on his own, the reason being more than 30% of his body is composed of Stigma tissue and has been increasing over the course of the series. This makes him an ideal Limiter for Satellizer since she refuses to be baptised. It also comes in handy in dealing with other non-Nova hostiles.
• While under extreme stress during the 13th Nova Clash, Kazuya underwent a transformation in where his eyes took on the appearance of a Nova's and reverts to his true Nova nature, just like his aunts. While in this form Kazuya's Freezing was greatly enhanced to the point of being able to subdue multiple Pandora-Type Nova at once, as well as being able to absorb soul energy from the Vital Frame of a Legendary Pandora to augment his own power. However, unlike his aunts, Kazuya is able maintain control of himself while in his Nova state and is also able to maintain his personality.

Enhanced Freezing

• With more than 30% of his body composed of Stigmata Tissue, Kazuya's regular Freezing is stronger than most Limiters'. It easily neutralized the Freezing of other Limiters and even the combined Freezing of Miyabi's three Limiters.
• However, this does not automatically make Kazuya the strongest Limiter. His Freezing was just as easily neutralized by Julia Munberk's Limiter. Kazuya also apparently does not have complete control of his Freezing as shown when he 'froze' a friendly Chiffon while he only intended to immobilize a Nova-Resonating Satellizer and Rana.
• Kazuya's enhanced Freezing also allows him to free Pandora subverted by the Nova, most notable examples include Satellizer, Rana and even Cassandra who regressed to an N3 status.
• During the 13th Nova Clash, Kazuya exhibited the ability to trigger Transcendence in Pandora.

Omnidirectional Freezing

• In addition to his already enhanced Freezing, Kazuya's Freezing can also be Omnidirectional, an ability that was thought to be limited to Novas.
• Under Eugene's guidance, Kazuya was able to use his Omnidirectional Freezing to enter Satellizer's and Rana's mind and restore their human consciousness from the control of the Nova.
• But Kazuya is still subjected to fatigue and may even collapse from exhaustion after using such a powerful level of Freezing.
• In the finale of the anime, he can also establish a very powerful Ereinbar Set without being baptised as evident when he un-froze all the Pandoras and established a temporary Ereinbar Set with them at the Ravensbourne Nucleotide. This is an anime-only ability.

Physical Strength

• Though barely shown, Kazuya has shown to be stronger than his slender build implies. When he froze the thugs assaulting Rana and Hiiragi, he walked up and punched the one holding Arthur in the face so hard it knocked him out in one blow. This is the result of Kazuya's stigma body as is grants him enhanced phsyical strength, much like his father Ryuuichi, who has been shown capable of slamming a person's head into a concrete wall, breaking it.
• He also showed that he has above average endurance. He was able to take Satella's Nova-fied strike straight through the chest, and stay conscious long enough to pull her out of her delusion. He was also able to take a severe beating from Louis and stay not only conscious, but coherent. This is the result of Kazuya's stigma body as it grants him enhanced endurance.

Relationships

Love Interests

Satellizer L. Bridget

He becomes Satellizer L. Bridget's Limiter despite not performing the Baptism. Through standing up to what he believes in, he gets Satellizer to open up to him. Later in the series she is mostly cured of her aphephobia thanks to Kazuya, however on certain occasions she still shows signs of it. He regularly shows his affection and care toward her, and often tells her he loves her and wants to spend his life with her, often causing her to blush in embarrassment. He briefly cut tires with Satellizer after learning of his origins from his grandfather, but the two have since overcome that and resumed their relationship.

Rana Linchen

Rana Linchen, previously naive, firmly believes that Kazuya is her "soul-mate". She is constantly approaching Kazuya and Satellizer, as she is intent on performing a Baptism with Kazuya, who has not yet done so with Satellizer, even though they are supposedly a pair. Kazuya considers her a close friend.

Friends/Allies

Arthur Crypton

Arthur Crypton is Kazuya's room mate at West Genetics, partnered with Ganessa Roland. Early in the series, he constantly warns Kazuya to stay away from Satellizer because of her reputation, but Kazuya frequently ignores his warnings. He earns Arthur's gratitude by saving him from being held at gunpoint. They may be each other's best friends at Genetics.

Kaho Hiiragi

Kano Hiiragi is the class representative of Kazuya's class. She is also Kazuya's first female friend at Genetics. She gave him a warm welcome along with the advice to stay away from Satella. She sought to keep him away from her and keep him out of trouble, especially when the fight with Ingrid broke out. However when he expressed his determination to stand behind "the Untouchable Queen" no matter what, she backed off.

Cassie Lockheart

Cassie Lockheart is one of the Pandora's from East Genetics, where Satellizer was previously enrolled at. Kazuya first meets her during the invasion of the Nova Form Pandora from East Genetics, in which she was also one of them.

Louis L. Bridget

Louis L. Bridget is Satellizer's half brother. He is responsible for making Satellizer into a "heartless" woman, and is also responsible for her fear of being touched in any way (aphephobia). Kazuya first meets him at one of the L. Bridget resorts.

Family

Ryuuichi Aoi

Ryuuichi Aoi died when Kazuya was very young, leaving the latter with few memories of him.

Orie Aoi

Due to having been technically birthed by Cassandra, an infant Kazuya did not have a sense of familiarity with Orie Aoi and refused her attempts at feeding, greatly angering and upsetting her.

Kazuha Aoi

Kazuha Aoi was Kazuya's older sister and a Pandora who died sacrificing her life to defeat a Nova in the 8th Nova Clash. Kazuya loved his elder sister greatly, and often thinks about her. Kazuya became a Limiter solely to to keep a promise he made to Kazuha. Freezing zero shows that Kazuya wasn't afraid to tease his sister from time to time such as when he remarked that she looked like someone who people would want to beat up "very much so" after seeing a red mark on her cheek.

Cassandra Aoi

Revealed to be one of the "Legendary Pandora", as well as being a kin of his blood. Cassandra Aoi possesses extreme motherly instincts toward him, even forcing him to try feeding from her breast, the first time they met in the Busters Arc. She becomes agitated when other girls attempt to get near him. It is later revealed that Cassandra gave birth to Kazuya as a surrogate because his Stigma Body was killing his mother. The infant Kazuya rejected his mother but accepted Cassandra when she was breastfeeding him.

Gengo Aoi

Grandfather of Kazuha and Kazuya. He's very strict in his ways and may seem cold-hearted but still cares for people and the well-being of the world. Though Kazuya cares for Gengo Aoi, he has a very sour relationship with his grandfather, as he believes Gengo is responsible for Kazuha's death. When Kazuya learned of his true origins, their relationship grew more bitter. Kazuya loudly lashed out at Gengo for his secrecy, his manipulations, and his lies while denouncing him as a dictator.

Gengo is responsible for Kazuya's safe delivery by ordering the operation for Kazuya's foetus to be transferred from Orie to Cassandra due to Kazuya's Stigma Body. When Kazuya's parents could not provide for Kazuya nutritionally, Gengo took custody of his grandchild and gave him to Cassandra.

Ouka Tenjouin

Kazuya's maternal cousin and fiancée. She is protective and proprietary of him, especially in regards to being her fiancée, and takes pleasure in Kazuya's withdrawal from Satella, believing that he is finally breaking up with her.

Chiffon Fairchild

Kazuya had a good relationship with the President. She is the one who greeted him when he first arrived at West Genetics, and was surprised by her kindness and independence. Kazuya also considered her to be very pretty when he first met her. After her death, it is revealed that she was one of the "Legendary Pandora," along with being his aunt.

Lucy Aoi

Kazuya was the first person Lucy Renault talked to since she arrived at West Genetics. At first he believes she's one of the Valkyries, but then learns after the 12th Nova Clash that she's actually a "Legendary Pandora," as well as his aunt. They clashed verbally after his argument with Gengo Aoi, though she insisted that regardless of how he saw them, his existence was nonetheless precious to them.

Windy May Aoi

One of the "Legendary Pandora," and the first he recognizes as such. Kazuya feels the most at ease around Windy May, as she acts the most human of his aunts.

Teslad Aoi

Revealed to be one of the "Legendary Pandora," as well as being a kin of his blood. He has trouble connecting with her because of her stubborn refusal to talk.

Gallery

kazuya in nova form

kazuya losing control of nova form

Trivia

• Kazuya and Satellizer made a brief cameo appearance in chapter 18 of The Phantom King manhwa. Lim and Yoon wrote and illustrated The Phantom King prior to them creating Freezing: Zero.