Series & First Appearance
Reborn is featured in the anime and manga series Katekyo Hitman Reborn!, created by Akira Amano. The character makes his debut in Chapter 1 of the manga, released in 2004, and in Episode 1 of the anime adaptation, which aired in 2006.
Profile at a Glance
Reborn, the Sun Arcobaleno, appears as a one-year-old baby but possesses the wisdom and combat experience of a seasoned hitman. He serves as the home tutor and mentor to Tsunayoshi "Tsuna" Sawada, the main protagonist, guiding him to become the next boss of the Vongola Mafia family. His signature weapon is Leon, a shapeshifting chameleon that assists him during battles, while his unique ability stems from the Sun Flame.
Personality & Motivations
Reborn is known for his cold, calculating demeanor and a strict approach to tutoring Tsuna. Despite his small stature, he exhibits a relentless drive to turn Tsuna into a competent leader. His catchphrase, "Ciaossu," reflects his casual yet assertive nature. Reborn is immensely confident in his abilities and often comes off as both playful and serious, showcasing a multifaceted personality that keeps others on their toes.
Abilities / Powers
As a member of the Arcobaleno, Reborn possesses the Sun Flame, which grants him various abilities related to combat and support. He is skilled in assassination techniques and hand-to-hand combat, making him one of the strongest among the Arcobalenos. His weapon, Leon, can transform into various tools and assist him in battles. The Sun Flame enhances his skills, healing capabilities, and even provides buffs to allies. However, his small size is a natural limitation; he cannot utilize his full combat potential unless in a more adult form, as seen in various plot developments.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Reborn’s influence is pivotal throughout major arcs in the series. He plays a crucial role during the "Shimon Arc," where Tsuna faces off against the Shimon family, and in the "Future Arc," where they battle external threats that challenge the Vongola family. Reborn’s unwavering determination to guide Tsuna and his growth from a timid boy to a confident leader highlights his mentorship role.
Crucially, Reborn’s backstory as one of the Arcobaleno introduces deeper themes around sacrifices made in the past and the burdens of leadership, shaping Tsuna’s understanding of what it means to lead.
Notable Relationships
- Tsunayoshi Sawada: As Tsuna’s home tutor, Reborn develops a mentor-student dynamic that evolves into a deep partnership. He pushes Tsuna to overcome his insecurities and embrace his responsibilities as a leader.
- Leon: Reborn’s companion and weapon, Leon, not only aids him in combat but also serves as a source of comic relief and a symbol of Reborn’s duality as both a nurturing mentor and fierce combat instructor.
- Other Arcobaleno: His relationships with other members of the Arcobaleno provide insights into his past struggles and the weight of their shared curse, enriching the narrative’s context.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Reborn’s most memorable moments occurs in Episode 15, where he declares, "The more you are afraid, the more you can’t advance," encapsulating his tough-love approach to coaching Tsuna. This moment resonates with fans, as it marks Tsuna’s initial step toward growth. Another iconic scene is during the "Battle of the Future" arc, where Reborn showcases his tactical genius, saving Tsuna and his allies from certain defeat.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Reborn has become a fan-favorite, earning a spot among the most popular characters within the Katekyo Hitman Reborn! series, with over 1,930 member favorites noted on various anime databases. In the Japanese version, Reborn is voiced by Hiroshi Shimozaki, while the English dub features the voice of Sean Schemmel. His character design, notably the black hat and suit, reflects traditional mafia aesthetics, adding to his lore as a hitman.
As a character, Reborn challenges stereotypes associated with baby figures in media, showcasing that appearances can be deceiving and that even the smallest characters can wield great power and influence. His compelling journey alongside Tsuna has left a lasting impact on fans, encapsulating themes of growth, responsibility, and mentorship within the overarching narrative.
