The prominent character known for exclusively utilizing guns as his primary weapons in the Fate series is Kiritsugu Emiya. He is a central figure, particularly in the prequel light novel Fate/Zero, where his unique combat style sets him apart from traditional mages.
Kiritsugu Emiya: The Magus Killer
Kiritsugu Emiya (Japanese: 衛宮 切嗣, Hepburn: Emiya Kiritsugu) is a fictional character initially introduced in the Fate/stay night visual novel by Type-Moon. His character and backstory are extensively explored in the light novel prequel Fate/Zero by Gen Urobuchi, which delves into the Fourth Holy Grail War.
Unlike most participants in the Holy Grail War, who rely on traditional magecraft, Kiritsugu is an anomaly. He is infamous as the "Magus Killer" (魔術師殺し, Majutsushi Goroshi), a freelance assassin who specializes in eliminating mages using highly effective and often brutal modern combat techniques and weaponry.
His Unique Approach to Combat
Kiritsugu's fighting philosophy is pragmatic and ruthless. He believes in achieving his goals by any means necessary, often prioritizing efficiency and collateral damage over honorable combat. This conviction leads him to shun traditional magecraft for direct, lethal force.
- Reliance on Modern Weaponry: Instead of spells and incantations, Kiritsugu employs a diverse arsenal of firearms and advanced military tactics. This makes him a formidable opponent against mages who are often unprepared for such an unconventional assault.
- Targeted Weaknesses: He meticulously researches his targets' weaknesses, exploiting them with precision and devastating effect. His methods are designed to neutralize mages by destroying their magical circuits or through overwhelming firepower.
Iconic Firearms and Equipment
Kiritsugu is most famously associated with a few key weapons that showcase his unique combat style:
- Calico M900: A highly customized submachine gun used for suppressive fire and close-quarters combat. Its large magazine capacity and compact design make it ideal for his hit-and-run tactics.
- Thompson/Center Contender: This single-shot pistol is perhaps his most iconic weapon. Specially modified, it fires custom-made bullets imbued with his unique magecraft, known as "Origin Bullets."
- Origin Bullets: These powerful projectiles are crafted from his own ribs and contain his Origin, "Severing and Binding." When these bullets strike a mage, they cause the target's magical circuits to go haywire, violently disrupting their magecraft and often causing severe physical trauma.
- Walther WA 2000: A high-precision sniper rifle, used for long-range engagements, reflecting his strategic and calculated approach to eliminating targets.
- Time Alter (Bounded Field): While not a gun, this is Kiritsugu's primary magecraft. It allows him to accelerate or decelerate his own localized time flow, granting him temporary bursts of superhuman speed or allowing him to perceive events in slow motion. He often combines this ability with his firearms to achieve impossible feats of accuracy or evade attacks.
Role in the Fate Universe
As the Master of Saber during the Fourth Holy Grail War, Kiritsugu's actions and moral dilemmas drive a significant portion of the Fate/Zero narrative. His tragic past and unwavering dedication to his ideals, despite the grim methods he employs, make him one of the most complex and memorable characters in the Fate franchise. His reliance on guns and unconventional tactics fundamentally challenged the established norms of magecraft and combat within the series.
Here's a quick overview of Kiritsugu's combat profile:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Weaponry | Firearms (pistols, submachine guns, sniper rifles) and Origin Bullets |
| Combat Style | Pragmatic, ruthless, focused on efficiency and exploiting weaknesses |
| Key Magecraft | Time Alter (acceleration/deceleration of personal time) |
| Nickname | The Magus Killer (魔術師殺し) |
| Significance | Unique among mages for his reliance on modern technology and tactical warfare |
