- "Yet another opponent unworthy of my blade."
- — Setsuka
Setsuka (Setsuka 雪華?) is a character in the Soul series of fighting games. Her first appearance was in the series' third installment, Soulcalibur III, debuting in an E3 teaser trailer along with Tira and Zasalamel.
What lies in her soul is Devotion.
Biography[]
Soulcalibur III[]
Setsuka was not a native of Japan. She had pale, milky-white skin and a chiseled face. Those around her shunned her since she was young; she was looked with disdain because of her appearance. Without a family to turn to and exposed to such hate and violence, she finally ran away from her home. Young and alone, she wandered to a city where a man took her in, and named her Setsuka (Snow Flower). Her caretaker worked as a bodyguard in the region. He taught Setsuka the technique he used to protect his patrons, and it would eventually become the way she protected herself, but it was the joy she felt when he praised her that made her devote to the training. Time passed, and Setsuka grew into a beautiful woman. She learned to ignore those who still looked her with disdain, letting nothing trouble her. One day, her master entrusted her with a letter, whose destination was far away. It would take her many months to travel there and back. Her master saw her uneasy look, and reassured her that her home will be always there for her. Setsuka left and, after a long journey, found the man to whom the letter was addressed. The old martial artist ran a dojo in a small village, and asked Setsuka many times to stay and train there, but she refused his invitation and started her long way home.
Upon her return, she found her master lying on the floor injured. Although he would not reveal how he received the wounds, she was certain that he lost a duel. The injuries he received would prevent him from wielding a sword ever again. But still, the man tried to behave as always, even if Setsuka couldn't hide her concern. His lessons become more strict and demanding, but he also showered her with overwhelming love, something new to her. Even if their modest lifestyle couldn't afford luxuries, he bought her an elegant long-sleeved kimono. As she blushed under the man's smile, her feelings for him grow stronger than ever.
It was not fondness as a father nor reverence as her master. It would not be until after his death that she would come to recognize those feelings as love. Visiting his grave, she recalled the words he had spoken on his deathbed. .."I did not teach you this art for the purpose of revenge. ..One who lives by the sword harbors no regret." That fateful fight had been the most exciting moment of his life. He taught her his fighting style so she can carry on the art, as he wanted her to live freely, unbound of hate or fear. Before dying, he told her his enemy's name: Heishiro Mitsurugi.
She shed no tears when her master died. Only later she realized her feelings and finally understand what it meant to fall in love. Her master didn't want her to live bound to feelings of revenge, but she was decided. With undying love in her heart, she went on a lone journey with a target in mind: a wandering swordsman who challenged swordsmen throughout the land, which no one saw him after he crossed the sea several years later in search of a swordsman named Nightmare. With few clues, she decided to track down Nightmare, believing it would lead her to Mitsurugi.
Soulcalibur IV[]
Setsuka continued her search for Mitsurugi, encountering no problems in picking up his trail, as he had been through many towns questioning the residents about Nightmare. People warned Setsuka that he was too powerful for anyone to battle, telling her that he had emerged from countless wars victorious.These stories about Mitsurugi did not frighten Setsuka. It was all the better for her. Once she found him, she planned to rise to his challenge. She wondered if she was strong enough. Setsuka never knew if she even surpassed her deceased master. By learning to have faith in herself, she resolved to become stronger, practicing constantly. Every time she slashed her sword, she felt her pace quicken. Setsuka hoped to obtain the excellent speed that her master had.
Soulcalibur V[]
After her fight with Mitsurugi, Setsuka understood how mistaken she was to pursue revenge. She took up the name Neve and travelled to Istanbul where she became a self-defense teacher to orphaned children. She also taught Patroklos her fighting style during this period and told him that he must not indulge revenge in his heart as she did, advice that ultimately went ignored.
Personality[]
Setsuka's only goal is revenge. She seems to harbor hatred due to her traumatic childhood and the death of her master at the hands of Mitsurugi. Although she knows very well that revenge wouldn't make anyone happy, including herself, her sense of justice won't allow her to forgive his murderer, even if it means going against her master's last wishes. She shows little or no care at all to her opponents. She is strongly devoted to her master, and dead set on her goal of revenge. However, this is not to say that she is evil. She is capable of showing some degree of kindness, as evidenced when she spared Algol's life after defeating him, letting him decide his own path in the world. Overall, she is considered a neutrally-aligned character.
Profile[]
Soulcalibur III[]
Without any relatives, and her obviously non-native Japanese appearance, she was looked upon with disdain and fear ever since she was a young child. She gradually closed her heart to those around her and became a drifter at a young age.
She was eventually taken in by a man, and she grew up surrounded by his kindness. Although he was far from rich, he gave her all he could, including an expensive long-sleeved kimono. He also gave her the name, Setsuka--Snow Flower. Setsuka's caretaker worked in the region as a bodyguard, and he taught her the battou technique he used to protect his patrons--the art of fighting from the draw.
One day, the man entrusted a letter to her. The letter's destination was far away, and it took her many months to travel there and back. Upon her return, she was shocked to find the man lying on the floor, grievously injured. Although he would not tell her what happened, she had no doubt that it was a result of a duel. Despite the wounds, the man tried to behave as he always had, but Setsuka could not hide her sadness and concern. His lessons, however, grew evermore strict and demanding. On the other hand, he also showered her with overwhelming love, something she had never experienced until then. Her feelings towards him grew into something beyond mere fondness or reverence. It would not be until she visited his grave years later that Setsuka would come to recognize the true nature of the feelings that had taken hold in her heart.
Visiting his grave, she recalled the words he had spoken to her on his deathbed.
"Do not think about vengeance. That fight was one of the most exciting moments of my life. I want you to live freely and carry on the techniques I taught you."
The burning hatred welled up within Setsuka when her master revealed the name of the fateful opponent, Heishiro Mitsurugi. It also made her realize what it meant to truly love someone.
Although her master did not wish it, she chose to avenge his death. She had few clues to go on, but she was sure that if she tracked down a warrior named Nightmare, she would eventually find Mitsurugi.
Armed with an oilpaper umbrella containing a concealed blade and wearing the kimono that her teacher had left to her, her appearance was that of a beautiful goddess of war dressed in bewitching robes of mourning.
"And when one have mastered the secrets of this way,
a flower is nothing particular."
-"Fushikaden," Zeami Motokiyo
It was obvious from her appearance that she was not a native of Japan. She had skin as white as the purest snow, glossy black hair, a starkly chiseled face, and her eyes were the deep blue of the night sky.
As a young girl, she was shunned by those around her--she was looked upon with disdain because of her appearance. Having no family to turn to, and exposed to hateful words and violence, she gradually closed her heart to those around her. Eventually, she ran away from her home.
Young and alone, she wandered to a city where a man took her in. The man's kindness gradually opened the girl's tightly-sealed heart. He named her Setsuka--Snow Flower.
Before she knew it, she had come to smile at this beautiful name. Her caretaker worked in the region as a bodyguard. He taught Setsuka the battou technique he used to protect his patrons--the art of fighting from the draw. It became a way for her to protect herself, but it was the joy she felt when he praised her that made her to devote herself to her training.
Eventually, Setsuka grew into a woman of stunning beauty. Some still looked upon her with cold eyes, but she learned to ignore them and let nothing trouble her. Modest as it was, she managed to settle into a fulfilling life.
One day, the man entrusted a letter to her. The letter's destination was far away, and it would take her many months to travel there and back.
Seeing her uneasy look, the man smiled and reassured her, "There is nothing to fear. This place will always be here for you. Go without worry..."
After a long journey, Setsuka finally found the man to whom the letter was addressed. The old martial artist ran a dojo in a small village. He asked Setsuka many times if she would stay and train there, but she refused his invitation and journeyed home.
Upon her return, she was shocked to find the man lying on the floor, grievously injured. Although he would not reveal how he received his wounds, she was certain that he had lost in a duel. His injuries would prevent him from wielding a sword ever again.
Nevertheless, the man tried to behave as he always had, but Setsuka could not hide her sadness and concern. His lessons, however, grew evermore strict and demanding.
On the other hand, he also showered her with overwhelming love, something she had never experienced until then. Their modest lifestyle could not afford luxuries, yet still he bought her an elegant, long-sleeved kimono. Wearing such a beautiful dress for the first time, Setsuka blushed under the man's approving smile. She found her feelings for him grow stronger than she ever thought possible.
It was not fondness for him as a father, nor was it reverence to him as her master of martial arts--it would not be until many years later, after his death, that she would come to recognize the delicate, tender feelings that had taken hold in her heart.
Visiting his grave, she recalled the words he had spoken to her on his deathbed.
"I did not teach you this art for the purpose of revenge...One who lives by the sword harbors no regret."
His fateful fight had been the most exciting moment of his life. He taught her the battou technique only because he wanted her to carry on the art. He wanted her to live freely, unbound by hate or fear. Before his death, he told her his opponent's name...Heishiro Mitsurugi.
Strangely, she shed no tears when her master passed away. Only later would she come to realize her feelings and finally understand what it meant to fall in love.
Her teacher had not wished for her to live a life bound by the shackles of revenge, but she could not be stopped. With undying love in her heart, she set out on a journey of loneliness and sorrow. Now that she had lost the only bond she had ever known, there was nothing in this world for her to fear...
Setsuka's target was a wandering swordsman who challenged swordsmen throughout the land, searching for a way to defeat the Tanegashima rifles. No one had seen him in Japan since he had crossed the sea several years before in search of a powerful swordsman by the name of Nightmare. She had few clues to go on, but she was sure that if she tracked down Nightmare, she would eventually find Mitsurugi.
Soulcalibur IV[]
Setsuka crossed the sea to the continent on the other side. With surprisingly little difficulty, she picked up the trail of her master's killer, Heishiro Mitsurugi. It seemed the man had left stories in literally every single town he passed through, and now he was making his way west for a showdown with Nightmare, just as he had years before.
But one thing displeased Setsuka. Those whom she told of her quest for vengeance all told her the same thing. "Give it up; you're no match for that man," Indeed, the rumors surrounding Mitsurugi defied reason. Not only had he never lost a duel, but in wartime, he would offer his services as a mercenary, deliberately joining outnumbered forces in order to face as many foes as possible.
No matter, Setsuka thought. If Mitsurugi was looking for strong opponents, all the better for her; she would happily rise to the challenge. If one thing still made her uneasy, it was that she would have to surpass her master to overcome Mitsurugi. The blade that was her master's legacy always found its target; she felt confident in that. But had she surpassed him? Setsuka could never know that for sure.
Then I must become stronger, she thought.
And so she did. By putting faith in herself, Setsuka was putting faith in her master as well, and gradually her cloudless conviction translated into peerless skill with a blade. Each slash took her a step closer to the divine speed her master must have once sought.
Setsuka crossed the sea to the continent on the other side. So much land and countless towns, swarming with so many diverse people. While the striking difference between Japan and her new environment confused her, she did not forget her purpose. With surprisingly little difficulty, she picked up the trail of her master's killer, Heishiro Mitsurugi. It seemed the man had left stories in literally every single town he passed through. And now he was making his way west for a final showdown with Nightmare, just as he had years before.
Setsuka's heart stirred, she was closing in on him. But one thing displeased her; those whom she had told of her quest for vengeance cautioned her against facing Mitsurugi. He was a demon, they said. She was no match for him and if she valued her life, she would keep her distance. Indeed, the rumors surrounding him defied reason. Not only had he never lost a duel, but some said he'd subdued ten or more men at one time. In wartime, he would offer his services as a mercenary, and deliberately joined outnumbered forces in order to face as many foes as possible.
What purpose could there be in diving headlong into death's grasp like that? Unable to understand, people viewed him with a mixture of fear and awe. But Setsuka could not care less about Mitsurugi's motivations. If he was looking for strong opponents, so much the better as she was concerned. She would happily rise to the challenge.
But one thing still made Setsuka uneasy; she would have to surpass her master to overcome Mitsurugi. Her blade always found its target. No matter how many great warriors the world held, she felt confident she could stand against any of them with the swordsmanship her master had taught her. But could she surpass him? She would never be able to know that for sure.
Her master's words echoed in Setsuka's mind, "It is not for vengeance that I taught you these skills." She was betraying his last wish, and that thought weighed heavy on her heart. But she had sword to become vengeance itself, to kill her master's killer, even if it cost her humanity. And once she set her mind to something, she was not easily deterred. She would be able to take her last breath with the mantle of grief still about her, and never regret it.
Which is precisely why I must become stronger, Setsuka thought.
And so she did. But putting faith in herself, Setsuka put faith in her master as well, and gradually her cloudless conviction translated into peerless skill with a blade. Each slash took her a step closer to the divine speed her master must have once sought.
Then, at last, Setsuka learned of Mitsurugi's final destination: Ostrheinsburg. Nightmare, the Azure Knight her foe pursued, had made the castle his stronghold. Soon her most fervent wish would be realized. Excitement quickened her heart, and Setsuka, in turn, quickened her step.[2]Endings[]
Soulcalibur III[]
Soul Calibur III Setsuka's Ending A Rejecting Soul Edge: Setsuka sees a woman about to stab a man from behind. Setsuka queries her motives, before she deflects an attack from the woman, knocking the weapon to the floor.
Soul Calibur 3 - Setsuka - Ending A
No Input Ending
Setsuka acknowledges the fact the woman is killing for revenge and comments "If that will make you happy, then I won't stop you" leaving her to proceed.
Soul Calibur 3 - Setsuka - Ending B
Input Ending
Setsuka will kick the knife away and tell her revenge is pointless, before walking away with her.The same woman is featured in Mitsurugi's ending, where she is taken hostage by a samurai Mitsurugi is about to kill. The man she was about to kill is the same samurai who took her hostage. This may imply that this ending takes place after Mitsurugi's.
Soulcalibur IV[]
Soul Calibur IV - Setsuka Ending-0
Setsuka stands victorious over the fallen king, Algol. Then Soul Edge and Soul Calibur fall near her feet. "So they vanished," Setsuka comments. Algol then asks her why is she hesitating, for he does not need her mercy. Setsuka merely shows Algol her blade, stating that her weapon "is weeping" and does not want to become an instrument of hatred. Setsuka points her blade at Algol's throat, stating that she has put an end to what he was, and what he has become. She then turns her back to him as she sheathes her weapon and opens her umbrella, walking slowly away. As she leaves, she tells Algol that whatever he makes of his life from there on is up to him.
A text-only epilogue reveals that in a secluded grave in Japan where snow silently fell, an umbrella has been laid in memorial, suggesting that Setsuka has finally found peace and moved on, letting go of her thirst for vengeance.
Fighting Style[]
Setsuka has a lot of lightning fast attacks and combos that overwhelm the opponent. She can close in and attack from long distances with top speed despite her blade's short length. Her Just Frame attacks are damaging but require precise timing and patience. When her attacks are counted as Counter Hits, they can be followed by more damaging assaults, sometimes leaving the opponent hard to recover. Her combos are stylish and damaging, even some of them can reduce almost half of the opponent's life bar on a single combo, if uninterrupted. Setsuka can also perform damaging wall combos when the opponent is cornered. Her throws are very damaging and some of them can start a combo. Mastering Setsuka takes dedication, precision, patience, and persistence. However, inexperienced players criticize her as difficult to master, as her moves are difficult to execute properly and her low attacks are weak and can be easily evaded. Ever since Soulcalibur III, Setsuka is regarded by the tournament community as a high to top-tier character and she is commonly used in the tournaments. In Soulcalibur V, a variant of Setsuka's fighting style is used by α Patroklos.
Soulcalibur IV[]
Shinden Tsushima-ryu Battoujyutsu[]
As her name indicates, she is a practitioner of the divine art of Battoujyutsu (the art of cutting with the blade). But since Battoujyutsu was just developed at that time, it is probably nothing more than a story made up to achieve and justify her rank.
The art had its origin in assassination, and is dedicated to shortening the length of time between drawing the blade and making the cut, and to kill with a single strike. But instead of being something which was a sword technique or as a martial art with katas, its use of old songs and ways of speaking is probably reflective of the art of concealing.
Setsuka's master was from a family that accepted dirty work, but had strong misgivings about the corruption of the Daimyo and his followers who handed down death sentences and, in righteous indignation, threw away his family name and left home.
But that was not what he said to his student, Setsuka. For Setsuka, who had studied the Battoujyutsu in earnest as a sword technique, it was her link to her master and proof of life itself.
Her teacher recognized her skill while he was alive.
Now she has sharpened her sword in preparation for vengeance and it is sharper than it has ever been before...
Critical Finish[]
Divine Shadow Strike: Setsuka sprints forward and swings a devastatingly fast blow at her opponent. The screen goes black, and a gray line slashes to the left. Then, the screen splits vertically, showing her several yards behind her opponent. She says "You won't even know what hit you". Then the opponent falls as she sheaths her sword and then says "Yet another opponent unworthy of my blade!" as cherry blossoms fall around her.
Theme Music[]
Soulcalibur III[]
Soul Calibur III - Ephemeral Dream (Setsuka)
- "Ephemeral Dream"
Soulcalibur IV[]
- "Innocent Vision"
Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny[]
- "Innocent Vision -Arrange-"
Gameplay[]
Soulcalibur IV[]
Tower of Lost Souls[]
Setsuka appears in Tower of Lost Souls, only on the floors "No Man's Land", "Unfailing Tower", "Unseen Sickle" and "Envoy of Destruction".
No Man's Land (Floor 19)[]
- Partner
- Ryouga (Mitsurugi's style)
- Skills:
- Auto Impact A
- Impact Heal
- Auto Grapple Break A
Unfailing Tower (Floor 31)[]
- Skills:
- Soul Gauge Boost B
- HP Recover B
- Auto Impact B
Unseen Sickle (Floor 49)[]
- Skills:
- Invisible S
- Soul Gauge Boost C
- Nullify Ring Out A
Envoy of Destruction (Floor 58)[]
- Skills:
- Auto Unblockable Attack A
- Shave Damage A
- Soul Gauge Boost A
Quotes[]
- Why do you stand in my way?
- Don't even dare think... that this will be easy.
- Don't expect any pity.
- If it's a fight you want... You shall have it.
- Let's see what you can do.
- I guess you don't care if you live.
- This had be better be worth my time.
- So you really wanna die, don't you?
- My life... is not yours for the taking.
- This will take but a moment.
- Are you fast enough to avoid my blade?
- Let's find out who's stronger.
- Stand up. I will cut you down as many times as you wish.
- At least end your life fighting with honor.
- No matter what, I must survive!
- Curse your weakness.
- Fear me, for I am a demon.
- My blade never hesitates!
- Ugh... you coward!
- I have no need, for something like this.
- I won't ask your reasons, but you should cast away your sword.
- Long ago, I shared the same lust for vengeance as you do now.
- But that will not make anyone happy, including yourself.
- What do you intend to do with that?
- What are you intending to do with that?
- So it's revenge.
- If that will make you happy, then I won't stop you.
- Too slow!
- Get ready!
- Issen!
- Die!
- One!
- Two!
- Three!
- Zan!
- End of the line!
- Scatter and die!
- Let madness take you!
- ...and die!
- Wither and die!
- Realize your doom!
- This is ridiculous.
- I wasn't strong enough
- I don't question your motives.... so don't question mine.
- My master must be avenged.
Relationships[]
- Seeks revenge against Heishiro Mitsurugi for the death of her master ever since Soulcalibur III. She later shattered his sword in a duel after Soulcalibur IV.
- Can possibly travel alongside a created character in Soulcalibur IV, she then leaves for personal goals after finishing the 2nd stage during his or her Story Mode.
- Taught Patroklos Alexander her fighting style sometime before the events of Soulcalibur V.
References[]
- ^ "SOULCALIBUR III". Soul Archive. NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. Archived from the original on March 20, 2020. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
- ^ Deats, Adam; Epstein, Joe (July 17, 2008). SOULCALIBUR IV Signature Series Fighter's Guide. BradyGames. p. 113. ISBN 978-0-7440-1006-0.