Player
Name: Shay Caron
Livejournal Username:
shaycaron
E-mail: shay@forresterlabs.com
AIM/MSN: AIM ShayCaron47
Timezone: EST (GMT-5)
Current Characters in Route:
usegalacticpunt Character
Name: Kazuma Sohma
Series: Fruits Basket
Timeline: After volume 15
Canon Resource Links:
Wikipedia /
Furuba Wiki /
TV Tropes Personality:
Kazuma Sohma, obviously, is one of the many, many members of the Sohma family. Known to many of the younger characters as "Shishou" or "Shihan" (both Japanese terms for "teacher/instructor"), Kazuma is the owner of a modest martial arts dojo in the town where Fruits Basket takes place. He's a kind, pleasant man, polite to everyone in the series (even those who manage to earn his ire). He could, in fact, be one of the most well-adjusted people in the series. (Not that this is that difficult.)
Kazuma is Kyo Sohma's foster father, having taken him in after his mother died and his father rejected him. He's a very caring father figure, always doting on Kyo and occasionally teasing him, and he's grown to know the redhead's habits quite well in the years they've been together. Kazuma is well-liked in general, often being seen to chat with his students in between lessons. He seems to be able to get along with people fairly easily; possibly it's just a matter of experience. His teasing isn't restricted just to Kyo -- anyone he considers a close friend may receive some of his playful humor.
Kazuma is one of the "inside" Sohmas, meaning he knows about their zodiac curse. In fact, his grandfather was the previous Cat, before his death and Kyo's eventual birth. Despite this, he treats all the cursed Sohmas no differently than he would anyone else -- in fact, he's kinder to them, if anything, because he sympathizes with their plight. As a child, Kazuma had feared and mistreated his grandfather, but as an adult, he saw how a young Kyo was already receiving the same treatment, and he realized how horrible and cruel it really was. He took Kyo in partially hoping to atone, and in time he grew to love Kyo like a son. There was still a bit of a barrier between them for a time -- both "father" and "son" not wishing to push their own feelings on the other -- but thanks to a little help from Tohru, they're growing even closer and getting past that hurdle.
Strengths/Weaknesses:
+ Kazuma is a very skilled martial artist -- he must be, considering that he owns a dojo and teaches classes. Thanks to that, he's quite fit, even considering his age.
+ He's very kind, patient, and understanding, perfect traits for a teacher to have.
+ He is intelligent and reasonable, able to keep his cool even when he's extremely angry.
+ He's seen a few strange things in his time, considering the Sohma family curse and all, so it's easier for him to handle weird situations than some.
- Kazuma isn't as young as he used to be, and he's probably a little out of touch with the "youth of today".
- He's easily engrossed in things such as a good book (or one of Shigure's books), to the point of regularly burning food when he tries to cook, because he gets distracted.
- Actually, he's just plain a bad cook in general. He doesn't even really know how to make tea.
- He might dote on his "son" a bit too much. He's been known to make risky decisions for Kyo's sake, decisions that, while well-thought-out, still hold the potential for plenty to go wrong.
Pokémon Information
Affiliation: Trainer
Starter: Tyrogue
Password: Grape Jelly!
Samples
First Person Sample:
[A new post appears on the network, video feed opening up to reveal a handsome older man with short brown hair. He beams at the camera.] Excellent. I believe I'm getting the hang of this device.
Now, I must admit, this has been a disorienting morning. Waking up in an unfamiliar house, where a woman who must be several years my junior claimed to be my mother... For a brief moment, I almost suspected her of flirting with me, ridiculous as the idea is. But then she gave me a bag of supplies and swiftly sent me on my way.
And these "Pokémon"... I've actually heard the name before; my students would occasionally play such a game together between lessons. Something to do with fighting creatures, I believe? But I never expected to find myself in a place where these creatures are real.
Ah, but I fear I've been remiss. My name is Kazuma Sohma, and despite the odd circumstances, it is a pleasure to meet all of you. If anyone cares to assist an old man, I would welcome... well, a way home first of all, obviously. But failing that, any advice you could give regarding day-to-day survival in this new realm would be highly appreciated. [He inclines his head politely.] Thank you.
Third Person Sample:
Two pairs of feet made their way down the dirt path of Route 29. A young Tyrogue darted back and forth across the path, circling his trainer's steps as he searched for wild Pokémon to challenge to battle. "Ty! Tyrogue!" he chimed enthusiastically, ready to put what his new trainer had taught him to good use.
A strong but gentle hand came down to pat his head. "Calm yourself, little one," Kazuma chuckled. "Battle will come to us in time. There's no need to exhaust yourself seeking it out."
The Tyrogue obediently settled down, giving Kazuma an admiring look, and the man smiled fondly at him in return. "You do so remind me of Kyo. I wonder if I ought to name you after him? Ah, but I wouldn't wish to embarrass him. And once we begin to travel together, it could become confusing." Kazuma nodded to himself. There was nothing for it but to choose something else. "I'm sure we'll find the right name for you soon," he added aloud.
The trainer and Pokémon crossed into the tall grass to avoid an obstruction in the path, and a Sentret almost immediately leapt out at them, challenging them with a loud cry. Kazuma almost fell into a battle stance himself, but remembered himself in time. "Are you prepared?" he asked his partner. "Remember the stances I showed you, and remember that I'm right here if you need support or advice."
The Tyrogue nodded and immediately fell into an excellent imitation of the stance Kazuma had taught it an hour ago. It was children like this one, so eager to learn, so eager to absorb everything he had to show them, that reminded Kazuma just how much he loved to teach. "When you're ready," he said with a smile, standing back to watch over his new student as the fight began.