Series & First Appearance
Title: Kingdom
First Appearance: Chapter 1 (Manga)
Creator: Yasuhisa Hara
Profile at a Glance
Qi Wang, known as Ou Ki in the series, is a military commander revered throughout ancient China for his exceptional strategic prowess and martial abilities. As one of the Six Great Generals of Qin, he is a formidable force on the battlefield, wielding a giant glaive as his signature weapon. His remarkable intelligence and leadership make him both an inspiring figure and a living legend in the historical narrative of the Warring States period.
Personality & Motivations
Qi Wang embodies a fierce warrior spirit, often described as having a "boiling blood" and an insatiable thirst for battle. His leadership style transforms his soldiers into relentless fighters, dubbed “demons” by their foes. Despite his terrifying reputation, he exhibits a strategic mind and deep loyalty to his men, often leading from the front. He is motivated by a blend of duty, honor, and a complex personal history involving love and sacrifice, particularly his promise to Kyou.
Abilities / Powers
Qi Wang’s skill set places him firmly in the upper echelons of combat ability:
- Master Combatant: He is revered for his incredible strength (Strength: 98) and tactical intelligence (Intelligence: 95).
- Leadership: His ability to inspire and lead his troops (Leadership: 93) into battle sets him apart as an exceptional commander.
- Weapon Mastery: Qi Wang’s glaive is both a physical representation of his prowess and a tool of destruction on the battlefield.
However, his strengths are also his limitations, as his commitment to direct engagement often places him in perilous situations.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Qi Wang’s narrative arc is a tumultuous journey marked by loyalty and tragedy. As a general in the Qin army, he plays pivotal roles in numerous battles, earning respect and fear across the land.
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Kyou’s Promise: His relationship with Kyou Hyou reveals a personal side to his character, driving him to agree to a union based on her conquest of 100 cities. This bond serves as both a motivational driver and a tragic narrative point.
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Tragic Confrontation with Houken: In a fateful encounter, Qi Wang experiences loss and rage following Kyou’s death at the hands of Houken. This loss devastates him and catalyzes his desire for vengeance.
- Final Battles: Qi Wang engages in epic clashes with powerful foes like Houken and Gi Ka, showcasing his strategic brilliance while tragically culminating in his own demise, influenced by betrayal and the inevitability of fate.
Ultimately, his death marks the end of an era for the Great Generals, deeply impacting the trajectory of the Qin’s military campaigns.
Notable Relationships
- Kyou: A central figure in Qi Wang’s life, their relationship is steeped in complexity, driven by loyalty and ultimately tragedy.
- King Sho: As the ruler of Qin who empowered the Great Generals, he embodies some of the tensions present in Qi Wang’s story.
- Shin: The dynamics between Qi Wang and his young subordinate highlight mentorship and the continuity of generational warfare.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
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"If you conquer 100 cities, I will marry you."
This phrase marks a defining moment in Qi Wang’s life, serving as a foundational promise that drives Kyou’s ambition and influences her character development. - Final Confrontation with Houken: In a dramatic twist of fate, Qi Wang confronts his nemesis but is ultimately betrayed, leading to his tragic fall. His last words to Shin encapsulate his legacy and belief in the next generation of warriors.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Popularity: Qi Wang has become a fan favorite, amassing approximately 1,975 member favorites, signifying his cultural impact within the Kingdom community.
- Voice Actor: In the Japanese adaptation, he is voiced by the talented Junichi Suwabe, known for bringing depth to a myriad of characters. His English voice counterpart adds further layers to the general’s complex personality.
- Cultural Representation: Qi Wang’s character is steeped in historical context, drawing on real historical figures from the Warring States period, thus adding a layer of authenticity to the story.
In summary, Qi Wang is a multifaceted character whose legacy as a commander, mentor, and tragic hero continues to resonate within the vast tapestry of Kingdom, reflecting themes of honor, loss, and the driving forces behind historical warfare.
