Tatsumi obtains his Imperial Arm, Incursio, in episode three (“Kill the Three”) of the anime series Akame ga Kill!. This episode marks a pivotal moment, propelling him from an inexperienced villager to a potential force against the corrupt Empire.
The Fateful Encounter: Tatsumi and Incursio
Episode three of Akame ga Kill! isn’t just about Tatsumi acquiring an Imperial Arm; it’s about his rapid induction into the harsh realities of the capital and the ruthless fight against injustice. Before encountering Incursio, Tatsumi faces betrayal, witnesses unimaginable cruelty, and pledges allegiance to Night Raid. This episode perfectly encapsulates the series’ dark themes and sets the stage for Tatsumi’s transformation.
The Tournament and its Significance
Tatsumi initially enters a tournament hoping to earn money for his village. However, his naivete is quickly shattered when he encounters the corruption that permeates the Empire. The tournament itself becomes a microcosm of this corruption, highlighting the abuse of power and the exploitation of the weak. Ultimately, the tournament serves as a catalyst, pushing Tatsumi toward Night Raid and Incursio.
The Unveiling of Incursio
After accepting Night Raid’s offer, Tatsumi is given the opportunity to wield an Imperial Arm. The team gathers at a secret location where various Imperial Arms are stored. Incursio, a suit of armor, is deemed suitable for Tatsumi based on his compatibility. The activation process is intense, testing his resolve and potentially resulting in death. Fortunately, Tatsumi’s strong will allows him to bond with Incursio, marking the beginning of his journey as a revolutionary warrior.
Understanding Incursio: More Than Just Armor
Incursio isn’t simply a suit of armor; it’s a living weapon with a rich history and unique capabilities. Its origin as a fearsome dragon-type Danger Beast adds depth to its power and the responsibilities that come with wielding it.
The Power of Adaptation
One of Incursio’s most significant features is its ability to adapt and evolve. Throughout the series, Incursio undergoes several upgrades, unlocking new forms and abilities based on Tatsumi’s growth and the challenges he faces. This adaptability makes Incursio a formidable weapon against a wide range of opponents.
The Dragon Connection
Incursio was crafted from the flesh of a powerful Danger Beast, Tyrant, a dragon-like creature. This connection grants the armor incredible strength, speed, and durability. The dragon’s spirit is embedded within the armor, influencing its form and potentially the user’s personality over time. This link is crucial to understanding Incursio’s full potential and the risks associated with its use.
Limitations and Risks
Despite its power, Incursio isn’t without limitations. Prolonged use can strain the user’s body, and the transformation process requires immense willpower. Furthermore, the armor can potentially overwhelm the user, leading to a loss of control. Understanding these limitations is critical for Tatsumi’s survival and effective use of Incursio.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Tatsumi and Incursio
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of Tatsumi’s acquisition and use of Incursio:
Q1: What makes Incursio compatible with Tatsumi?
A1: Incursio chooses its user based on their strength of will and compatibility. Tatsumi’s unwavering dedication to justice and his strong moral compass resonate with the armor’s spirit, making him a suitable candidate.
Q2: What is Incursio’s key ability beyond enhanced strength and durability?
A2: Incursio’s key ability is adaptation and evolution. It can adapt to different combat situations and unlock new forms and abilities as the user grows stronger. This makes it highly versatile.
Q3: Does anyone else try to use Incursio before Tatsumi? What happens?
A3: Yes, members of Night Raid offer to try using Incursio to check its compatibility, but the armor rejects them. This highlights the specific requirements for wielding such a powerful Imperial Arm.
Q4: What is the “Invisible” mode of Incursio, and when does Tatsumi unlock it?
A4: The “Invisible” mode, also known as “Neuntote,” allows Incursio to turn completely invisible, granting Tatsumi a significant advantage in stealth and surprise attacks. He unlocks it later in the series, specifically after facing a particularly challenging opponent. The activation usually drains a large amount of energy.
Q5: What are the dangers of using Incursio for extended periods?
A5: Using Incursio for extended periods can severely strain the user’s body, potentially leading to exhaustion, injury, and even death. Furthermore, the armor’s power can overwhelm the user, causing them to lose control.
Q6: Does Incursio have any weaknesses?
A6: Yes, Incursio’s armor can be damaged or broken by extremely powerful attacks. Also, overuse can drain the user’s stamina and even lead to the armor consuming their spirit. Understanding these weaknesses is crucial for tactical planning.
Q7: How does Tatsumi improve his control over Incursio throughout the series?
A7: Tatsumi improves his control over Incursio through rigorous training and experience. He faces numerous battles that push him to his limits, forcing him to adapt and master the armor’s capabilities. His strong will and determination are essential to this process.
Q8: What is the relationship between Incursio and the Danger Beast it was created from?
A8: Incursio was crafted from the flesh of a powerful dragon-type Danger Beast, Tyrant. This gives the armor its incredible strength, durability, and regenerative capabilities. The spirit of Tyrant is also believed to reside within the armor, influencing its behavior.
Q9: Is there a “perfect” form of Incursio, and if so, what does it look like?
A9: While there isn’t necessarily a “perfect” form, Incursio evolves to its ultimate form based on Tatsumi’s needs and the battles he faces. This final form retains the dragon-like aesthetic but becomes even more streamlined and powerful, reflecting Tatsumi’s growth as a warrior.
Q10: What happens to Incursio at the end of the Akame ga Kill! anime?
A10: In the anime, Tatsumi eventually fully transforms into a dragon due to his over-reliance on Incursio, merging with the armor completely. He manages to defeat the Emperor, but at the cost of his humanity.
Q11: Does the manga version of Akame ga Kill! portray Incursio’s fate differently?
A11: Yes, the manga ending differs significantly. In the manga, Tatsumi survives the final battle, though permanently retaining some dragon-like features as a result of using Incursio. He and Mine eventually marry and have a child.
Q12: Besides Tatsumi, are there any other Imperial Arms similar in nature to Incursio (armor-based)?
A12: Yes, there are other armor-based Imperial Arms, though none are exactly like Incursio. For example, Susanoo, though technically a biological Imperial Arm, functions similarly to armor, providing its user with enhanced combat abilities. Other Imperial Arms like Grand Chariot also function as armored suits but with different specific abilities.
The Legacy of Incursio
Tatsumi’s acquisition of Incursio is more than just a plot point; it’s a symbol of his transformation and the series’ core themes. It represents the power of courage, the responsibility that comes with strength, and the ongoing struggle against oppression. Incursio remains one of the most iconic Imperial Arms in the Akame ga Kill! universe, forever associated with Tatsumi’s fight for justice.