Kishin Army

Lore & Background

The existence of the Kishin Army is rooted in the fundamental conflict between order and chaos. Asura, the first Kishin, stands at the center of this threat, having originally been one of the eight original Death Scythes who became a Kishin after devouring souls and abandoning his fear. His very presence emits a wave capable of infecting others with black blood or madness-inducing effects, effectively turning them into soldiers without formal recruitment. This corruption is not merely physical; it attacks the soul directly. Early in the story, Soul Eater Evans was slashed by Ragnarok and infected with the Demon Sword's blood, causing him to fight against internal demons within his subconscious. Similarly, Maka Albarn became infected during her first battle against Crona, risking insanity until she used the Anti-Magic Wavelength she inherited from her mother, refining it through training to resist these effects. The Kishin Army functions as an extension of this madness, where members lose their individuality and free will, acting solely on the impulse to devour souls and spread despair.

In Their Own Story

The narrative arc involving the Kishin Army culminates in a desperate struggle for survival within Death City. Asura's influence grows until he confronts the main protagonists and their allies. Black Star, one of the last survivors of the Star Clan, faces the temptation to descend into madness himself during his final battle with Mifune. Instead of becoming like his father, White Star, or joining the Kishin, he chooses a new path, eventually ascending to become a warrior god (bushin). The conflict reaches its peak when Maka and Soul defeat Arachne, allowing them to reap her soul and transform Soul into a death scythe. This victory is significant as it marks the last death scythe created after Asura's defeat, due to an agreement between Kid and the witches to halt production. The final confrontation sees Maka fully synchronizing with Spirit, utilizing their father-daughter bond to overcome the overwhelming power of the Kishin, while Death the Kid utilizes his godlike powers as an incomplete shinigami to help seal away the threat.

Reader's Guide

For those studying the mechanics of this conflict, the Kishin Army serves as a unique antagonist force defined by its lack of traditional structure. Unlike standard armies, their ranks are filled through supernatural infection and the consumption of souls rather than enlistment. The primary defense against them relies on the specific abilities of DWMA students: Meisters like Maka must utilize Soul Perception to detect evil wavelengths and measure strengths, while weapons like Tsubaki Nakatsukasa transform into various ninja forms such as the kusarigama or Uncanny Sword to combat these threats. A critical turning point occurs when characters resist the madness-inducing influence of black blood; for instance, Black Star resists becoming a Kishin despite his obsession with power and lineage. The ultimate strategy involves not just physical combat but spiritual resistance, exemplified by Maka's use of her Grigori soul to combine with Soul Eater's power, creating angelic wings that allow them to fly and strike against the forces of chaos led by Asura.

Did You Know?

• Kishin are essentially humans who become monstrous creatures by devouring the souls of innocent people.
• Black Star resists the temptation to become a Kishin like his ancestor, who is never named in canon, choosing instead to become a warrior god (bushin).
• Maka Albarn inherited the Anti-Magic Wavelength from her mother and refined it through training.
• Death the Kid is modeled after his father's creator, Shinra Kusakabe, and lacks his father's aspect of fear.