Series & First Appearance
Inaho Kaizuka is a central character in the anime series Aldnoah.Zero, created by Kōichirō Sōjya and produced by A-1 Pictures. He made his debut in Episode 1, titled "The Tenth Planet," which aired in July 2014.
Profile at a Glance
Inaho is a 15-year-old high school student and the primary protagonist of the series, transitioning to 17 in the second cour. He is affiliated with the Terran forces and is known for piloting the Valvrave mecha. Inaho possesses a bionic eye that grants him advanced prediction capabilities in combat, significantly aiding his strategic approaches.
Personality & Motivations
Inaho is characterized by his calm demeanor and analytical mind, often displaying a blank gaze that reflects his focus and intense thought processes. Even in high-pressure situations, he remains composed, meticulously crafting strategies to outsmart his opponents. Inaho’s primary motivation centers around protecting his sister, Asseylum Vers Allusia (along with humanity), while also seeking to understand and end the conflict with the Vers Empire. He exhibits a strong sense of morality and duty, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
Abilities / Powers
Inaho’s standout abilities include:
- Strategic Combat Skill: He excels in tactical analyses during battle, often outmaneuvering stronger enemies.
- Bionic Eye: After a near-fatal encounter with Slaine (Episode 1), Inaho gains a bionic eye that enhances his predictive capabilities through Asseylum’s Aldnoah powers. This eye serves as a powerful tool for anticipating enemy movements and reactions.
- Temporal Cortex: The eye acts as a processor, enabling rapid data analysis. However, its use comes at a cost; it gradually encroaches upon his brain, threatening his autonomy (notably addressed in Episode 10 of the second cour).
Despite his advantages, Inaho’s bionic eye imposes significant limitations, as its power can overwhelm him, especially when combined with physical exhaustion.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Inaho experiences substantial character growth throughout Aldnoah.Zero. Key arcs include:
- The Invasion: His life is irrevocably changed during the missile attack that kills the Terran princess and ignites war, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of conflict.
- Slaine and Asseylum: The complicated relationship with Slaine, a key antagonist, shapes Inaho’s understanding of enemies and allies. His rescue of Asseylum serves as a pivotal moment when he gains his bionic eye, leading to new abilities but also significant risks.
- Control Loss: As the series progresses, Inaho’s reliance on his eye leads to moments of loss of control, culminating in instances where it takes over his mind (notably seen in Episode 10). By the end of the second cour, he chooses to have the eye removed, opting for an eyepatch instead, symbolizing a return to normalcy after the war.
Notable Relationships
- Asseylum Vers Allusia: Inaho’s sister and object of his protective instincts. Their bond influences many of his decisions.
- Slaine Troyard: Initially an enemy, Slaine’s complex motivations and shared history with Inaho reflect the nuances of conflict and morality.
- Terran Allies: His interactions with fellow soldiers strengthen his understanding of camaraderie and sacrifice within the harsh realities of war.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
- One of Inaho’s most memorable moments occurs in Episode 1, when he calculates a way to save Asseylum during the opening missile attack. His calm deliberation sets the tone for his character.
- His reflection, "I can’t lose anyone else," encapsulates his driving motivation and emotional state, resonating deeply with viewers throughout the series.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Inaho’s voice actor in Japanese is Yūichi Nakamura, while the English voice is provided by Bradley Campbell.
- The character has amassed a fanbase, with over 2,000 favorites reported on character ranking platforms.
- Inaho’s design, from his tousled black hair to his signature school uniform, reflects the typical yet distinct look of a high school protagonist, contributing to his relatability as a character.
Inaho Kaizuka stands out as an embodiment of strategic brilliance and emotional depth, making him an integral figure in the narrative of Aldnoah.Zero. His journey from an ordinary high school student to a pivotal player in a high-stakes interplanetary conflict showcases the complexities of human relationships and the burdens of war.
