Dragon Shiryu (龍星座の紫龍, Doragon no Shiryū; Literally meaning "Purple Dragon"), also known as Shiryu is a bronze saint of Dragon. He is considered the most mature of the five heroes, and thus the wisest. As the Bronze Saint of the Dragon constellation, Shiryu dons the emerald Dragon Bronze Cloth, a jewel among the Clothes due to its legendary defense properties.
As Masami Kurumada uses the revered Osamu Tezuka's Star System technique, (a stable cast of characters which play a different or similar role in the author's various works, sometimes with the same personality and sometimes with an entirely new one), he designed Shiryu's appearance very similarly to that of Shadow Jun, a character in the successful Ring ni Kakero, a manga that Kurumada wrote and drew years before Saint Seiya, and that he considers his favorite creation. Also, Shiryu's appearance is almost identical to Azusa Ranmaru, from the work Kurumada authored before Saint Seiya, Otoko Zaka.
Personality and appearance[]
Out of all five main characters, Shiryu is known as the calmest and most collected. His sheer physical strength is the greatest of the Bronze Saints, with the possible exception of Phoenix Ikki. This is reflected in his ability to win numerous battles without his Dragon Cloth. Shiryu was trained at the Lushan Five Ancient Peaks in China, where he learned to reverse the waterfall's flow with his techniques and obtained the Dragon Bronze Cloth. His mentor was the Libra Gold Saint, Libra Dōko.
The Dragon tattoo
Shiryu sports a large tattoo-like image of a green and white dragon on his back. However, it is said in the manga and the anime that it is not a tattoo but is connected to his guardian dragon star and only appears as his Cosmo is rising. Whenever his life is in danger, the tattoo-like image begins to fade away—once it completely vanishes, it is a sign that Shiryu's Cosmo is nearing zero, and Shiryu himself is nearing death.
Biography[]
Early years[]
Little is known about Shiryu's childhood but at some point he was adopted by Mitsumasa Kido and under the care of the Graad Foundation, he was trained with 99 other orphans. After a few years there was eventually a raffle that would reveal where each of the 100 children would be sent to receive further training in order to earn an cloth and become a saint.
In Shiryu's drawing of the raffle, he was sent to train at the Five Ancient Peaks of Lushan, China, where he would be trained by the Gold Saint Dohko. Also known as the Old Master. After six years of intense training, Shiryu finally managed to pass the final test of reversing the waterfall of the Five Peaks and earn the Dragon Cloth.
Galaxian Wars[]
Shiryu returns to Japan to participate in the Galaxian Wars, having as his first opponent be Pegasus Seiya. At the start of the fight he is visited by a girl, Shunrei, who brings the news that the old master was dying. Shiryu attempts to end the battle as quickly as possible to return to the Old Master but Seiya even after receiving his attacks continued to rise to his feet. The fight goes on with Shiryu standing out. The strength of his fists is was strong enough to damage Pegasus Armor and the shield of dragon armor blocks Pegasus Meteor attacks. Seiya, however, manages to change turn the tide of the fight by tricking Shiryu into destroying the Dragon Armor fist and shield.
As the fight progressed Seiya discovered a weak point in Shiryu's signature technique which leaves his heart exposed for a millisecond and attacks him causing his heart to stop. The image of dragon that appears on Shiryu's back began to disappear and he is considered dead. However, Seiya managed to strike a blow to his back, striking his heart from behind to start it again thus saving Shiryu's life.
Black Saints Arc[]
At the hospital, Shiryu reveals to Seiya his suspicions of someone watching the fights, an enemy - which is confirmed to be Phoenix Ikki, who accompanied by Black Knights, steals the Sagittarius Cloth. Battles take place and the Bronze Knights retrieve some parts of the armor. Because the Pegasus and Dragon Cloths were damaged, Shiryu ventures off to get them repaired but makes a short stop in China to visit his master.
When arriving at Lushan's Five Old Peaks to see his master, Dohko initially advises him not to go but after seeing his determination, decides to warn his student to walk in a straight line once reaching the cemetery of cloths. In Jamiel, Shiryu discovers the Cloth Cemetery, which possess hundreds of skeletons wearing damaged armor. The skeletons rise up to attack and prevent Shiryu from proceeding. Remembering the Old Master's advice, he defeats the Skeletons while continuing to walk in a straight line. Upon arriving at the palace, Shiryu is greeted by Kiki who the Knight initially thinks is Mu. Soon after, Mu appears and explains that the Bronze Armor were dead and needed to take Shiryu's life to resurrect them. Shiryu owing his life to Seiya and realizing that without the cloths they'd would be dead anyways, he slits his wrist allow the cloths to receive his blood. Commending Shiryu's strong resolve to sacrifice his life for the sake of the cloths and his friends, Mu stops the bleeding and tends to Shiryu's wounds, saving his life.
Shiryu eventually reunites with the other bronze saints just as the Black Dragon saint challenged Andromeda Shun. While Shun gives Shiryu a warning of a hidden dragon before rushing off to help Seiya, The Black Dragon saint retreats to the shadows, forcing Shiryu to do the same but the voice of the black saint as well as his attacks come from different directions. Shiryu soon comes to the realization that there are two Black Dragon saints, one of them blind and making use of the darkness. Even after getting rid of the blind black dragon saint, the fight still proves difficult for Shiryu who had lost a great deal of blood to repair the cloths of Pegasus and Dragon. Shiryu discards his armor at great risk to his own life, and strikes the black saint with Rozan Shō Ryū Ha technique to defeat him. However, much to his shock the black saint survives the attack and is seemingly preparing to kill the dragon saint but instead strikes a central vital point on him that stops hemorrhagingm thus saving Shiryu's life. Shortly after, the black saint collapses.
Eventually the Bronze Knights confront Ikki who defeats them all with the exception of Seiya. Shiryu, even unconscious, assists the Pegasus Knight by lending him his indestructible shield, enabling Seiya to win. At the conclusion of the battle there is an earthquake that shakes Mount Fuji. Ikki disappears, but Shiryu, Seiya, Hyoga and Shun, as well as the Black Knights, are saved by Mu.
Silver Saint Arc[]
Shiryu appears next to Hyoga and Shun just as Ikki faced Cerberus Dante and Perseus Algol. Ikki decides to leave. Shun and Hyoga are defeated by Algol who turns them both into stone. Shiryu faces then face the Silver Knight with some difficulty in being incapable of looking at directly at him. Shiryu covers his eyes with a headband, but ultimately ends up having his left arm petrified. As a last resort, Shiryu pierces his own eyes to avoid the effects of the Perseus's Shield and is thus able to eventually defeat Algol resulting in his friends being freed from the being petrified.
Shiryu undergoes a medical examination in which he is informed that he would never see again. Shiryu then returns to Lushan's Five Ancient Peaks, facing difficulties even with Shunrei's assistance in adjusting to his new condition. Shortly after arriving, Cancer Deathmask is sent by the Grand Pope to eliminate the Old Master, who is protected by Dragon Shiryu. Deathmask is attacked by the Dragon's Kick, which is defended by a single finger of the Golden Knight, who laughs at the Bronze Knight's strength before throwing him into the depths of Lushan Waterfall. Deathmask who demonstrates the advantage he possess in the fight, attacks Shiryu from all sides at light speed. Dohko's concern for his student grows exponentially realizing that Deathmask had intended to use his ultimate technique to send Shiryu's soul to the underworld. Aries Mu suddenly appears to intervene in the fight, saving both Dohko and Shiryu. Deathmask decides to leave knowing the great disadvantage of facing two Gold Saints. During his departure he tells the dragon saint that he would be waiting for his temple of the sanctuary to accept his challenge. Shortly after, Dohko reveals that he did nothing to defend Shiryu because he was testing him to see if the Dragon Knight was ready to face the Gold saints.
With Athena kidnapped by Poseidon, the saints invade the Undersea Fortress Atlantis to save her, aiming to destroy the seven pillars of the seven oceans, as well as defeat the Marine Generals that protect them.
Shiryu's first battle is against Chrysaor Krishna, who fights with a spear of great destructive power. Shiryu challenges Krishna to break his shield. General Marina accepts, and in one blow easily cuts through both Shiryu's shield and body. The Dragon Knight tries to destroy the spear, but ends up only injuring his hands. Krishna does not kill Shiryu, preferring to let his blood drain until he dies. Left completely helpless, Shiryu receives the aid of the Capricorn Shura's spirit who tells him that the spear is no rival to the holy sword Excalibur inhabited his right arm.
With renewed spirits, Shiryu gets back in the fight. Krishna admires the Bronze Knight's bravery and decides to kill him quickly to honor him as a warrior. This time, however, the spear is blocked by the shield as the Dragon cloth shines golden. Shiryu attempts, a second time, to destroy the spear, but fails. Shiryu then chooses to discard his armor, focusing entirely on offense. Surrendering body and soul, his cosmos reaches its apex, manifesting Excalibur that destroys not only the spear but also the Chrysaor Scale. Even unarmed, Krishna was still a dangerous rival, creating an powerful barrier though Shiryu still does not surrender and proceeds to manifest Excalibur a second time, succeeds in defeating Krishna by cutting all seven of his Chakra Points at once but at the expense of sight. Kiki appears with the Libra Cloth, and using the sword, Shiryu destroys the pillar. After this done, Shiryu goes to the Poseidon Temple, wearing the Libra Armor, joining Seiya and Hyoga, both wearing the armor of Sagittarius and Aquarius.
Shiryu joins forces with Seiya and Hyoga, miraculous managing to neutralize Poseidon temporarily. Even though the distraction lasted for a short time, the Knights are able to rescue Athena from the Main Breadwinner. In the end, they manage to destroy the Main Pillar, defeat Poseidon and seal his soul within an vase.
Sometime after defeating Hades in the Elysian Fields, Shiryu returned to China, where he lived peacefully with Shunrei and their adopted son Shiryu as a farmer. Hyoga visited him in search of Lushan and tried to convince him to help Seiya, but failed due to Shiryu wanting to live a peaceful life with his family. Angel Toma comes to the Five Peaks in search of Hyoga but see Shiryu instead. Toma gets angry at Shiryu for being a coward and feels bad for Hyoga to think Shiryu was his friend. He attacks the saint, who does not react and is thrown into a large waterfall where Dragon Cloth was sealed. When the angel leaves, Shiryu has a change of heart and decides to take his cloth and go fight for Seiya once again, leaving his family behind while carrying a cane that belonged to his late Old Master. Later, Shiryu arrives at Artemis' Temple to aid Hyoga with his battle against Toma. Along with Cygnus Hyoga, they pass the time portal of the god Chronos, to arrive in the past to aid Athena. Shiryu rushes to the seventh house of the zodiac, in the Eighteenth Century, where he meets his teacher Libra Dohko (young). After struggling against him, Dohko proclaims Shiryu as future gold saint of Libra. Then he makes it past the seventh house, to reach and protect Athena.
Dragon Shiryu, is a Bronze Saint known for his superhuman strength, speed, durability etc. He possesses a powerful Cosmos, allowing him to utilize various techniques, including Rising Dragon and Hundred Dragon Lords. By increasing his Cosmo which he channels, he's able to enhance his strength, speed, and agility, enabling him to perform powerful attacks and feats of endurance. His Dragon Cloth armor further amplifies his power, allowing him to create cosmic energy blasts and use healing techniques for himself, sense others, and even access the Underworld through his 8th sense. He also has upgrades to his cloth, such as those granted by the Gold Saints and Athena herself.
Cosmos: Cosmos is the power source, inner essence of a Saint, allowing for superhuman strength, speed, energy blasts and durability etc. Saints harness this form of energy known as Cosmos, which functions as the source of their extraordinary abilities. Cosmos is described as a "mini-universe" within each character, and its manipulation allows for a variety of powers.
7th Sense: The 7th sense, or Miraculosity, is a heightened state of Cosmos energy that allows the user to tap into the true potential of their divine power. It enables the user to perform actions that defy the natural laws of the universe, such as manipulating space-time, creating a Big Bang etc. A sense far beyond the human six (the sixth being intuition/mind or thinking). One who has mastered the Seventh Sense can fight on the level of a Gold Saint, move at or beyond the speed of light, and can burn their cosmos far beyond even a normal Cosmos user. Shiryū officially awakens the 7th Sense during his battle against Cancer Deathmask in the Temple of Cancer; And during the battle at the Temple of Capricorn, Shiryū uses his 7th Sense to withstand Shura’s attacks and eventually unleash the forbidden Rozan Kō Ryū Ha (Lushan High Dragon Lord), a suicide move that sends both combatants into space. In the Poseidon Arc, as Shiryū burns his Cosmo to the maximum and taps into the 7th Sense, his Dragon Cloth (repaired with the blood of Gold Saints) temporarily turns gold, granting him power equivalent to a Gold Saint; He also uses the 7th Sense to perceive and cut through the General’s chakras using Excalibur, a technique inherited from Shura.
8th Sense (Afterlife): This sense grants control over the soul and body in the spirit realm, enabling resurrection. The ability to control your very soul, allowing you to go to and from the Underworld and revive yourself with your own Cosmos. Dragon Shiryū awakens the 8th Sense during the Hades Arc. This represents a level of spiritual consciousness that transcends life and death, allowing him to enter the Underworld with his physical body and soul intact. After the death of the Gold Saints at the Wailing Wall, Shiryū and the other Bronze Saints awaken the 8th Sense to follow Athena into the depths of the Underworld. And on the journey to Elysion, this awareness is essential for crossing the dimensional barrier the Hyperdimension in order to reach Elysion, the final destination of the holy war. While the 8th Sense is a prerequisite for these feats, it is not the final peak. By pushing his Cosmo beyond even the 8th Sense and utilizing the power of Athena's blood, Shiryū eventually awakens his Dragon God Cloth to defeat deities like Hypnos. And in the Next Dimension sequel, Shiryū's power level remains high, though he is often depicted holding back against Gold Saints of the past to avoid unnecessary injury. In Saint Seiya Omega alternate future timeline (set roughly 25 years later), he is recognized as the Legendary Libra Gold Saint, having fully integrated these higher senses into his base power.
9th Sense: The 9th Sense is Godhood, in otherwords Divinity' is the "Supreme Virtue", and the sense that separates a god from lower beings. To awaken such sense, a mortal must reach true enlightenment, of the likes of which rarely ever happened after the age of myth. Dragon Shiryu achieved levels of power frequently associated with or comparable to it. In the Hades arc, his Dragon Cloth was bathed in Athena's blood, enabling it to evolve into a God Cloth, a state that allows mortals to reach divine-level Cosmo. He, along with other Bronze Saints, performed miracles by challenging and, in some cases, wounding divine beings like Hypnos, Thanatos, and Hades.
Miracles: Shiryu’s Peak "Miracles" and Equivalent Feats', in the Hades Arc' he reached levels often compared to 9th Sense power, God Cloth Awakening By burning his Cosmo to an infinite degree and utilizing Athena's blood, Shiryu performed a miracle to evolve his armor into a Dragon God Cloth, and Defeating Minor Gods In this state, Shiryu and Hyoga performed the miracle of defeating the Twin Gods, Hypnos and Thanatos, who are legitimate 9th Sense-tier deities. Harm to Hades Shiryu contributed to the combined miracle that managed to physically wound Hades, the ruler of the Underworld.
Strength: Shiryu is capable of great physical strength, allowing him to lift and move heavy objects and deliver powerful punches and kicks as well, making him a formidable combatant' able to shatter highly strong materials. He also possesses incredible strength in his legs too, as shown by his ability to deliver powerful kicks. and can increase significantly with training with his own willpower which is also a key factor in his strength and growth. He pushes his limits and strives to become stronger when needed. Here is some of Dragon Shiryu's feats of strength Pre-Sanctuary Arc, Kicks hard enough to reverse a waterfall, Beat on Seiya during the early portion of their match, A casual "weak" punch managed to utterly shatter Seiya's armguard, One-shots undead Saints, Punches through a boulder bigger than himself, Punches away the bottom floor of a tower, slits his own wrists with his fingers casually, kills the Black Dragon Saint with a Rozan Shō Ryū Ha, kills Silver Saint Perseus Algol with a Rozan Shō Ryū Ha, Sends Gold Saint Cancer Deathmask flying with a Rozan Shō Ryū Ha, Cancer Deathmask is even injured by the attack and starts fighting seriously after that. During the Sanctuary Arc and Beyond and after the battle with the Gold Saints, Shiryu's cosmos improved massively, unlocking his Seventh Sense during a battle with Capricorn Shura and his Eighth sense during the war with Hades. Here are the list of Strength feats he achieved' Beats several shades of hell out of Cancer Deathmask after Cancer Deathmask telekinetically throws Shunrei off a cliff, Breaks Cancer Deathmask's leg with a chop, and breaks his arm with a punch at the same time, then sends him into a bottomless pit with a Rozan Shoryuha, Stops Capricorn Shura's strike with his hands' (For comparison, Shura punches through and destroys the "Aster Shield" of the large Titan Galaxy Kreios' in Episode G.), Sends Shura flying with a kick, Unlocks his Seventh Sense and sends Capricorn Shura flying again, Tightens his muscles to stop a lance from being pulled out, Uses Excalibur to slice through the unbreakable lance and Scale of Chrysaor Krishna, a Mariner General on par with Gold Saints, Slices Krishna in half with Excalibur, Uses Roshan Shoryuha to reverse Specter Golem Rock's avalanche and kill him in one hit. Sends Specter Basilisk Sylphid flying with a Rozan Hi Ryu Sho and breaks his Surplice, One-shots two Specters and critically injures a third with the Rozan Hyakki Ryuha, After unlocking his God Cloth, one-shots Hypnos while working with Hyoga against him, Pushes back Hades alongside his allies so Athena can kill him.
Speed: He possesses impressive speed, allowing him to move quickly and evade attacks. Which goes from Mach 10, supersonic to light-speed by burning his cosmos infinitely and depending on which cloth he wears at the same time. Here is some of Dragon Shiryu's feats of speed Pre-Sanctuary Arc, Blocks all of Seiya's punches, which were 100 a second and moved at Mach 1, Saw and dodged all of Seiya's Punches, As a Bronze Saint, should move at Mach speed at least, and defeating Silver Saints means he moves at least Mach 5. During the Sanctuary Arc and Beyond and after the battle with the Gold Saints, Shiryu's cosmos improved massively, unlocking his Seventh Sense during a battle with Capricorn Shura and his Eighth sense during the war with Hades. Here are the list of Speed feats he achieved - Unlocking Seventh sense means he can move at Lightspeed and beyond, Dodges a surprise spear from Chrysaor Krishna, Dodges the spear some more, Dodges the Blood Scissors from Basilisk Sylphid and slices his neck open, Flies across the Hyperdimension, a Universe sized realm in "minutes"
Durability: Dragon Shiryu's durability in Saint Seiya is notable, his training has given him a high level of durability, allowing him to withstand significant damage. He's able to endure significant damage, including attacks from Gold Saints and other powerful opponents. His ability to survive is due to his strong cosmos and the Dragon Cloth's protection as well. Shiryu has also demonstrated the ability to withstand attacks that would normally destroy the mind, and has been impaled and survived. His durability is further enhanced by which type of Cloth he wears and his ability to burn his Cosmo through training. Here is some of Dragon Shiryu's feats of durability Pre-Sanctuary Arc, His shield and cloth are the most durable bronze cloth, Cloth withstood attack from the Black Dragon Saint after being reinforced, and while weakened from blood loss, takes an attack from the Black Dragon Saint too, Keeps fighting after being hit with Perseus Algol's finishing move, getting right back up, Gets blasted by Cancer Deathmask while clothless' and dropped into the waterfall, but gets back up to attack as seen earlier. During the Sanctuary Arc and Beyond and after the battle with the Gold Saints, Shiryu's cosmos improved massively, unlocking his Seventh Sense during a battle with Capricorn Shura and his Eighth sense during the war with Hades. Here are the list of Durability feats he showed - Takes the force of his own Rising Dragon reflected back at him by Cancer Deathmask, Takes his own attack and a Jumping Stone from Capricorn Shura and keeps fighting, Still conscious after falling from space after Shura saved him from his own Ko Ryu Ha, Keeps fighting after being stabbed with a lance, His shield and armor stop the same lance once he uses Seventh Sense, Keeps fighting after being stabbed in the leg, His Rozan Hi Ryu Sho is reflected back at him and he keeps fighting, Hit with the Maha Roshi, Krishna's ultimate move, and all it does is ignite his Cosmos, Shrugs off Seiya's Sagittarius arrow being shot into him, Sent flying by the shockwave of two Athena Exclamations hitting each other and survives, Hit with Basilisk Sylphid Annihilation Flap and keeps fighting, Blasted by Thanatos and keeps fighting, Takes a kill shot from Thanatos and is still conscious, Survives a blast that destroyed his Gold Cloth which had previously survived two Athena Exclamations.
Flight: Dragon Shiryu also has the ability to fly, through his enhanced speed and control of his Cosmo energy' which is flight-like movement: While not technically flying, Shiryu's incredible speed and energy allows him to create a levitating barrier that allows him to actually propel himself by running on the energy he creates using his own cosmos' rather than running on an invisible surface. This is particularly evident in the Hades arc, where Shiryu and other Saints fly both within the Underworld and towards Elysion; which can seem like running on the air with a fluidity and grace that can resemble flight-like movement and even potentially reach into and fly through space as well, this is by leveraging his speed and control of Cosmo energy. And with his God Cloth he can also fly regularly and between dimensions too.
Protective Barrier: When facing the dangers of harsh environments' such as space, underwater etc. they can use their Cosmo energy, which fuels their abilities, to create a protective barrier around themselves, shielding them from harmful conditions, such being able to breathe in space and underwater' without needing Earth's oxygen supply.
Energy Projection: Energy Projection refers to the ability to emit concentrated bursts of energy, often for offensive purposes. This can manifest in different forms, including energy beams, blasts, or other attacks that rely on harnessing one's Cosmos, Saints have shown the ability to compress and project their attacks. This includes techniques that can be destructive in nature or capable of manipulating atomic structure. Many characters are capable of compressing their cosmos energy and projecting it as powerful blasts or beams during combat. This aspect of their abilities can significantly affect their opponents, making energy blasts a common feature in battles. For instance, characters can unleash focused attacks that can rival or surpass significant cosmic threats. In summary, all Saints can utilize Energy Projection as a component of their abilities, thanks to their mastery of Cosmo, which allows them to perform a wide range of energy-based attacks and defense's’ throughout the series. This capacity places them within the realm of characters from similar series that rely on energy manipulation as a critical component of their power sets.
Energy Manipulation: Saints can use energy manipulation through their unique power system known as “Cosmos,” which allows for various extraordinary abilities and techniques. It’s the fundamental energy source used, enabling them to perform powerful feats in combat. It is related to the concept of the universe and the energy inherent in all living beings. The Saints, “burn” or unleash their Cosmo to achieve superhuman abilities, often referred to as energy manipulation.
Energy Control: Saints can utilize "Energy Control" through their ability to manipulate "Cosmo," which is the fundamental energy source in the series.
Energy Absorption: Cloths worn by the Saints have the capability to absorb light and energy from attacks. This function allows the Saints to mitigate some damage from their opponents, essentially providing a form of defensive energy absorption during combat situations. Saints can also use Energy Absorption independently without their Cloths, relying on their inherent Cosmos, while their capabilities can be enhanced when wearing them too. In summary, Saints can hold and potentially use absorbed powers without their Cloths, the permanence of these enhancements largely hinges on their mastery of Cosmo. Simply put, they might not reach their full potential without their Cloths, and the abilities they try to absorb might not yield consistent or permanent benefits without considerable training and experience in managing their Cosmos. Overall, while there are avenues for power absorption and enhancement, the narrative emphasizes the necessity of understanding and controlling one's inner power for effective use, regardless of whether they are wearing their Cloths or not.
God Cloth: He can also awaken the Dragon God Cloth, requiring infinite Cosmos and further enhancing his abilities.
Intelligence and Adaptability: Shiryu is not just a brute force user. He demonstrates a level of strategic thinking in battle, utilizing his environment and his powers to outwit his opponents. Shiryu is known for his ability to analyze situations and adapt his tactics accordingly, as seen in various battles. His training also emphasizes the importance of controlling one's emotions and inner peace, which is crucial for a Saint and helps him maintain focus in combat. Here are some of his skills and intelligence' as seen during his appearances, As previously seen, is a skilled martial artist, having trained with Libra Dohko in hand to hand combat. In terms of pure hand to hand, Shiryu is the best fighter of the Legendary Bronze Saints, Can blend into darkness, Figures out the Black Dragon Saint has a hidden twin brother, Knows about Star Points, which are pressure points connected to a Saint's guardian constellation, Can throw his shield accurately, Knows about the story of Perseus and uses it to defeat Perseus Algol, Intentionally uses his own weakness to lure Capricorn Shura in and break his arm, Figures out that Krishna's chakras are his weakness, Farming and fighting while he's blind at the time, While Blind and paralyzed, restarts Seiya's heart and gets him back into the fight.
Dragon Shiryu's atomic destruction capabilities come from his Cosmos, the fundamental energy source, which he uses to unleash powerful attacks and feats. These attacks include the Rising Dragon and the One Hundred Dragons, which demonstrate the ability to break down matter at the atomic level. His abilities stem from his inner Cosmos, which allows him to manipulate subatomic particles; a destructive force capable of pulverizing anything made of atoms, including stars. This power is heightened when Shiryū ignites his Seventh Sense giving him more power; known as Atomic Destruction, is a manifestation of his Cosmos, the life force of the universe. It's described as a destructive force capable of pulverizing anything made of atoms, including stars, allowing him to summon a powerful attack that can even cut through space-time' which is matter at a fundamental level. The Atomic Destruction attack is powerful enough to potentially damage or destroy entire constellations or even the stars themselves; Cosmic and Atomic Destruction:
Cosmo is presented as a destructive power that can be used to destroy atoms.
Users can manipulate Cosmo to create various effects, including feats that demonstrate atomic-level destruction.
Cosmo is not just about brute force; it can also be used for more subtle manipulations of matter and energy.
Dragon Shiryu possesses significant healing abilities thanks to his powerful cosmos, which allows him to regenerate wounds and even heal himself from severe injuries, including those that would normally require extensive medical intervention. His cosmos has self-healing properties, and he has been shown to heal himself from various injuries, such as a broken leg. Moreover, his cosmos can also be used to heal others.
Here's a more detailed look at his healing powers:
Self-Healing: Shiryu's cosmos has restorative powers, allowing him to heal himself from various injuries, including those inflicted by strong opponents.
Regeneration: His cosmos can regenerate damaged molecules, effectively healing wounds and injuries.
Enhanced Healing: As Shiryu's cosmos develops, particularly with the unlocking of the 7th and 8th senses, his healing abilities become even more potent.
Healing others: Shiryu's cosmos has been used to heal others, showcasing its versatility and power.
Physical and Spiritual Healing: His cosmos can heal not only physical wounds but also spiritual damage, as seen when he heals others with his cosmos at the same time.
Special Attacks:
During his training in Lushan, China, Shiryu had awakened his Cosmo and learned many fighting styles as well as fundamental wisdom from his master, Libra Dohko. During the Sanctuary Arc, Shiryu awakens the 7th sense in his fight against Cancer Deathmask. He awoke the 8th sense during the Hades Arc.
Rozan Shōryu-ha
Rozan Shō Ryū Ha (廬山昇龍覇, lit. Lushan Rising Dragon Lord): Shiryu intensifies his cosmos and gives an upward blow be it punch or kick. The upward release of energy is comparable to the image of a majestic dragon rising towards the sky. A breath and drag violently hitting the opponent rose into the air with the image of a dragon devouring the opponent; Sometimes the attack is not completely vertical as when it slightly rotates around its prey.
Unlike the techniques of the other Bronze Saints, Shiryu's Rising Dragon does have one weakness—while performing the move, his heart will be left open for a millisecond. Only three people in the series have noted this: his master Libra Dohko, Bronze Saint Pegasus Seiya, and Gold Saint Capricorn Shura. When fighting Shura, Shiryu used this weakness as a decoy to lure Shura to attack his heart, then Shiryu was able to hurt Shura successfully.
Rozan Ryu-Hishō
Rozan Ryū Hi Shō (廬山龍飛翔, lit. Lushan Dragon Soar: An attack similar to Rozan Sho Ryu Ha, but in a horizontal forward rather than upward. Shiryu puts his cosmos into his fist or foot and uppercuts the opponent, sending them flying with the strength of a dragon taking flight. Shiryu puts his cosmos into a blow and dashes forward, causing a dragon-like release of energy to hit his opponent when Shiryu makes contact and blows them away
Rozan HyakuRyu-ha
Rozan Hyaku Ryū Ha (廬山百龍覇, lit. Lushan One Hundred Dragon Lords): Shiryu learned it from watching his master Dokho's battle, even though he was blind at that moment. Dokho told Shiryu that his kindness was his disadvantage but at the same time his advantage. As well as removing any regret, Shiryu transcended the heart weakness of Rozan Rising Dragon Force. Standing with legs apart and the palms of his hands facing the opponent, he erupts his cosmos as intensely as possible while throwing a horde of 100 Dragons towards the enemy who is destroyed by the devouring dragons. The final lesson of his master Libra Dohko (Also known as Old Master Roshi). Shiryu ignites his Seventh Sense and summons his cosmos to barrage the opponent with a hundred dragons.
Rozan Kō Ryū Ha
Rozan Kō Ryū Ha(廬山亢龍覇, lit. Lushan High Dragon Lord): Shiryu burns his Cosmos to the limit before capturing his opponent from behind and pushing the limit of Rozan Shō Ryū Ha creating the Rozan Kō Ryū Ha, the upward force launching Shiryu, carrying his target, into the skies. The two continue to climb until their bodies are incinerated and pulverized by the friction of the atmosphere. A suicide move intending to take the user's opponent with them to death, the Rozan Kō Ryū Ha is known as a forbidden technique to Shiryu. Shiryu explodes all his cosmos and grabs his opponent, blasting them both into the sky so fast and powerfully to disintegrate them both.
Excalibur
Excalibur (聖剣, Ekusukaribā): After defeating Capricorn Shura, Shiryu is entrusted with the Gold Saint's legendary technique Excalibur. Rather than a physical blade, Excalibur is a deadly Cosmo focused with precise sharpness on Shiryu's right arm. Although Shiryu's version of the sword was not as defined as Shura's (Shiryu's Excalibur lies only in his right arm, while Shura's can be unleashed from any of his limbs), the Dragon later refined it to the point of rivaling Shura's and used it to cut the unbreakable golden spear of Chrysaor Krishna, the powerful Mariner General, during the Poseidon Chapter. Inherited from Gold Saint Capricorn Shura, a technique where Shiryu focuses his cosmos into a thin beam, able to cut anything, even time and space.
The axe technique of Specter Minotaurus Gordon defeated Shiryu's Excalibur however, Shiryu used his fists from then on.
Hax and other Abilities:
Can manipulate water to cause it to make jetstreams
Causes a boulder to shatter with a word and gesture
Heals himself of bloodloss with cosmos after battling between life and death for a week
Like all saints, can sense cosmos
Creates a torrent of water and a whirlpool
His cosmos increases to compensate for his blindness
While blind, immune to illusions
Senses his girlfriend praying for him in China, while he's in the underworld
Unlocking his seventh sense cures his blindness the first time
Despite needing six months to heal, heals himself within a day with cosmos to save Athena
Burns his cosmos to see Krishna's chakras
Senses the upcoming war with Hades
Sees Libra Dohko's HyakkiRyuha while blind and learned it (see above when he used it)
While blind, has sight in the underworld
Still blind, but healing in Next Dimension but heals himself one he gets his fighting spirit back
Can summon the Libra shield while clothless to block attacks
Went blind for a third time, but fights on using his telepathic skills
Hears the mental voices of his friends
Burns his cosmos to force his blood to circulate
The same attack won't work on a Saint twice
Saints can attack and destroy souls and other non-physical things
Cosmos users destroy atoms
Saints can regenerate their molecules as part of cosmos and fight as souls or regenerate their bodies after unlocking 8th sense
Saints can summon their cloths
Saints can fight while unconscious
Next Dimension:
A year or more after the battle with Hades, Shiryu returns, and travels back in time to save Seiya from Hades sword. He encounters the Saints of the previous Holy War. Here, he meets his master, Libra Dohko as a young saint. This series is still ongoing so feats are limited.
Strength
Throws a staff hard enough to embed it in the ground and cause the rock to crack around it
Blocks an attack from Angel Tenma without looking
Matches Libra Dohko's Shoryuha.
Libra Dohko states the two are equal in strength
Broke Scorpio Escarlate's Stinger
Durability
Takes a beating from Angel Tenma without his cloth and is fine.
Smashes into the ground at re-entry speeds and gets right back up
Sent flying by Libra Dohko and keeps fighting
Takes a beating from Libra Dohko and goes on to match his attack
Takes seven of Scorpio Escarlate's Scarlet Needles, which use cosmos to inject poison into the victim and drive them mad with pain
Takes even more, which shatter his cloth and paralyze his nervous system and gets back up, amazing Escarlate
His wounds gush blood, but he stays standing (results shown below)
Takes the final blow and gets back up, which stuns Scorpio Escarlate
Upgrade
Shiryu's back tattoo and his cosmos gain a major upgrade when he proved his spirit was indominable, gaining the jewel of Ryujin the dragon god
Saint Seiya Episode G: Assassins/Requiem:
Assassins and Requiem takes place in a possible future, so treat it as you would any possible future. Here, Shiryu has already accepted his Libra cloth.
Strength
Beats up a Gladiator
Oneshots a gladiator, the equal of Gold Saints but with holy swords
Cuts another Gladiator in half through his armor
Speed
Blocks Faster than Light attacks, but gets overwhelmed with Sigurd speeds up
Is a Gold saint, so already SOL/FTL, and all his previous speed feats scale
Other
Can't be erased from existence, so Uranus sealed him away in another dimension
Dragon Shiryu and Pegasus Seiya share an incredibly deep, brotherly bond as fellow Bronze Saints, built on mutual respect, loyalty, and sacrifice, often seen as the closest pair, with Shiryu's calm demeanor contrasting Seiya's fiery nature, forming a classic duo where they protect each other through immense hardship, from training to fighting gods, despite being adoptive half-brothers under Mitsumasa Kido.
Despite being rivals in the Galaxian Wars tournament fighting against each other, they quickly become inseparable, risking their lives for each other constantly. Shiryu is typically relaxed, collected, and wise, contrasting with Seiya's impulsive, stubborn, but determined spirit, creating a strong dynamic. They repeatedly save each other from death, with Shiryu even sacrificing his sight and using the Libra Cloth to protect Seiya. Their connection is central to the series, often highlighted in moments of shared vulnerability and intense battles, solidifying them as the core of the Bronze Saints.
Examples in the Series:
Galaxian Wars: Their first major fight showcases Shiryu's power and Seiya's resilience, setting the stage for their friendship.
Hades Arc: They reunite to fight alongside other Saints, delivering Athena's Cloth and facing overwhelming odds together.
Asgard Arc (Anime): Shiryu saves Seiya from falling into an abyss and later protects Seiya's body in the Poseidon Temple.
In essence, their relationship transcends simple friendship, embodying the ideal of comrades who become family through shared trials and unwavering support.
Dragon Shiryu and Cygnus Hyoga share a deep bond as fellow Bronze Saints in Saint Seiya, often portrayed as half-brothers (through their adoptive father Mitsumasa Kido), supporting each other intensely in battles, particularly with Hyoga's icy powers complementing Shiryu's fighting spirit, forming a core part of Athena's protectors alongside Pegasus Seiya and Andromeda Shun. Their relationship is one of brotherhood, mutual respect, and fierce loyalty, evolving from initial rivalries to unbreakable comradeship, notably seen when Hyoga helps Shiryu defeat Hypnos in their God Cloth forms. They are also allies, sharing the common goal of protecting Athena; Hyoga's ice techniques (like Diamond Dust) often work in tandem with Shiryu's strength, with Hyoga even aiding Shiryu in his God Cloth form against powerful foes like Hypnos. Both were trained by powerful Gold Saints (Shiryu by Dohko of Libra, Hyoga by Camus of Aquarius), adding to their shared experiences' and they consistently risk their lives for each other, demonstrating profound trust, especially during the Hades and Poseidon arcs.
In essence, their relationship is a cornerstone of the Saint Seiya narrative, showcasing the power of camaraderie and familial bonds forged in the heat of battle.
Dragon Shiryu and Andromeda Shun share a deep bond of brotherhood, along with the other main Bronze Saints (Pegasus Seiya, Cygnus Hyoga, and Phoenix Ikki). This relationship stems from them being half-brothers by their biological father, Mitsumasa Kido, a fact established in the original manga. They fight together consistently as loyal allies dedicated to protecting Athena and fighting for justice. They frequently come to each other's aid in battles, offering support and encouragement against powerful enemies. Their relationship is built on numerous shared life-threatening experiences and sacrifices. For example, Shiryu once offered most of his blood to repair Seiya's cloth, an act of sacrifice to help a friend in need. Shiryu is typically calm, collected, and disciplined, while Shun is more reserved and a pacifist who dislikes hurting opponents. These contrasting personalities complement the group dynamic and foster mutual respect.
In the Saint Seiya Omega alternate future, the bond continues into the next generation. Shun becomes a traveling doctor who helps Shiryu & Shunrei's son, Dragon Ryūhō, recognizing the courage of his father who was his old friend/fellow Saint in arms in the new generation of Saints after them.
Dragon Shiryu and Phoenix Ikki share a complex, evolving relationship that develops from initial animosity to a deep brotherhood and mutual respect as comrades in the fight to protect Athena. They are also half-brothers, as all the main Bronze Saints are revealed to be the children of Mitsumasa Kido in the manga.
Ikki is initially introduced as a major antagonist who, along with his Black Saints, steals pieces of the Sagittarius Gold Cloth during the Galaxian Wars tournament. The other Bronze Saints, including Shiryu, must work together to stop him. Ikki is full of hatred due to his brutal training on Death Queen Island and targets the other Bronze Saints. During this initial phase, Shiryu views Ikki as a dangerous enemy. Shiryu assists Seiya in battles against Ikki's forces and ventures to the Cloth Cemetery to get their damaged cloths repaired for the fight. The conflict culminates in a battle where Ikki temporarily takes down all the other Bronze Saints with his Phoenix Bird attack. But eventually Ikki is defeated in the end. The animosity shifts as Ikki reveals the truth about their shared lineage (all being Mitsumasa Kido's sons) and is eventually drawn into the group's camaraderie, aligning with them to fight greater evils.
Shiryu and Ikki develop a strong bond of brotherhood and loyalty. While Ikki remains a lone wolf who often separates from the group, he consistently appears in the nick of time to save his friends, including Shiryu, from certain death. Their relationship is characterized by a willingness to sacrifice for each other. Shiryu often puts his life at risk for his friends' sake (e.g., giving his blood to revive their cloths), and Ikki is shown protecting his comrades despite his aloof nature. Throughout later arcs (Silver Saints, Sanctuary, Poseidon, Hades), they fight alongside each other against powerful opponents, with Shiryu serving as a calm, disciplined counterpoint to Ikki's aggressive, fiery nature.
In essence, Shiryu and Ikki's relationship is a core example of the Saint Seiya theme of friendship and brotherhood overcoming initial adversity and hatred to fight for justice.
Dragon Shiryu and Kiki share a relationship of friendship and comradeship as fellow Saints of Athena. Kiki, the apprentice of Aries Mu, first met Shiryu when Shiryu traveled to Jamir to have his and Pegasus Seiya's Cloths repaired after a battle. Initially, Kiki mocked the weakened Shiryu, but he was present as Shiryu used a massive amount of his own blood to revive the armors, an act that nearly killed him. Kiki was later delighted to find that Shiryu had survived his ordeal.
Their bond grew through shared experiences, both are key allies of the main Bronze Saints and are dedicated to protecting Athena. They are part of the same core group, which is often described as a brotherhood. Both Kiki's master, Aries Mu, and Shiryu's master, Libra Dohko, were close friends and respected figures, which created a natural connection between their apprentices. Kiki frequently provided crucial support during the various Holy Wars, such as delivering the Libra Gold Cloth to the Bronze Saints when needed (including to Shiryu to help him destroy a pillar in the Poseidon arc). He was also present to watch over Athena and help the other Saints. Overall, Kiki and Shiryu have a supportive, allied relationship based on mutual respect and shared loyalty to their cause.
Dragon Shiryu and Shunrei share a deep and enduring romantic relationship that culminates in their marriage and the start of a family in later storylines. Shiryu and Shunrei were both orphans raised together in the Five Peaks of Rozan, China, under the guardianship of Libra Dohko, the Old Master. They initially had a sibling-like bond. Over time, their bond developed into tender, mutual affection. Shunrei deeply cares for Shiryu's safety, often praying for him during his dangerous battles as a Saint. For Shiryu, Shunrei represents the promise of a normal, peaceful life outside of being a warrior for Athena. Her presence in Rozan gives him a reason to hope for a future beyond conflict. While not explicitly detailed, it is often implied that the turning point in their relationship occurred as they grew up, likely when Shiryu was blind and recovering from injuries, relying on her care. In the sequel series Saint Seiya: Next Dimension, their relationship is officially solidified: Shiryu is now married to Shunrei' and set shortly after the Hades arc, they adopt a baby named Shoryu. In an alternate future Saint Seiya Omega, Shiryu marries Shunrei after the Holy War against Hades, and they have a biological son named Ryuho, who inherits the Dragon Bronze Cloth and becomes a Saint himself.
Dragon Shiryu's relationship with Saori Kido is primarily one of a loyal protector (Saint) to his goddess and liege (Athena). They share a unique, complex bond stemming from their childhood, their familial ties, and their shared destiny to protect the Earth. Key Aspects of Their Relationship in the original manga, Saori's grandfather, Mitsumasa Kido, is revealed to be the biological father of the 100 orphans sent to become Saints, including Shiryu. This makes Shiryu and Saori (Mitsumasa's adopted granddaughter and heir) adoptive Niece/Sister and adoptive Brother/Uncle. This fact, while significant, is generally overshadowed by their roles as Athena and one of her Saints. During their childhood, Saori was a spoiled and haughty heiress who treated the orphans poorly, causing the future Saints, including Shiryu, to hate and resent her. After Saori learns of her true identity as the reincarnation of the Goddess Athena, she matures and the Bronze Saints gradually put aside their grudges as they witness her genuine transformation and dedication to her mission. Shiryu, along with the other main Bronze Saints (Seiya, Hyoga, Shun, and Ikki), becomes fiercely loyal and dedicated to protecting her, often risking his life in battle to ensure her safety. Their relationship is strictly platonic, Shiryu's primary romantic interest and eventual wife is Shunrei, a woman he met and grew up with in Rozan, China while he was training their under Libra Dohko and with Shunrei, an orphan girl he took on his care; Saori, never develops a romantic relationship with Shiryu.
In summary, Shiryu views Saori as his revered goddess and the person he is honor-bound to protect, rather than a romantic partner.
