ShadowMan.EXE

ShadowMan.EXE is a ninja NetNavi operated by Dusk that first appeared as an optional boss in MegaMan Battle Network, but has a role in the story of MegaMan Battle Network 2 and other games, as well as the anime and manga.

Personality
ShadowMan is the NetNavi of the famous mercenary, Dusk. ShadowMan is one of the most feared Navis on the net, but only to the select few that have heard of or experienced his exploits. His operator is extremely secretive, and little is known about either him or his Navi except they'll do anything for enough money. For ShadowMan, "anything" means what it means, because almost nothing is impossible for this highly skilled assassin (except trying to delete MegaMan). His Muramasa blade, cursed though it may be, gains strength as he gains damage, so even if he is in a tight spot, he can get the advantage back quite quickly. With his nearly impenetrable Kawarimi defense, it's rare he ever has to use the blade, since enemies often attack illusions instead of the real ShadowMan, or have to fight minions provided by whoever hired him. If they do successfully attack the real ShadowMan, he then resorts to sending out his cronies, which often causes difficult situations. He has a lot of ingenuity and resources, so deleting Navis isn't the only job he's suited for. Because of his skill and power, ShadowMan is very confident and never takes his job seriously. He's very anti-social since he considers most Navis inferior to himself, and would sooner delete anyone he comes across. He doesn't believe in doing "freebies".

Game History
ShadowMan is a secret boss in MegaMan Battle Network. He then has a role in the second game of the series as an assassin hired by the Netmafia, Gospel (Grave in the anime) to annihilate YumLand, and then later to destroy Electopia. He was successful in the destruction of YumLand, but was thwarted by Mega Man in his attempt to destroy Electopia, with help from ProtoMan. Later on MegaMan Battle Network 5, he is discovered by Colonel, and was asked to join Team Colonel, where he helped the team with speed, and agility.

Anime History
ShadowMan appeared in the second part of the MegaMan NT Warrior series as a hired gun of Grave to protect a virus factory. Having his plans failed by MegaMan, he meets the injured FreezeMan. Saying he lost his worth, ShadowMan eliminated FreezeMan on the spot. In MegaMan NT Warrior Axess, ShadowMan is hired by Dr. Regal to destroy an airplane terminal, and was given Dark Chips to finish the job with MegaMan, but said he did not need them. Being overwhelmed, however, changed his mind and made him use them, exponentially increasing his power. However, being under the watchful eye of SearchMan, he had his arms blown off by the sniper, and was eventually deleted by him. In Rockman EXE Stream, however, he is brought back to fight Duo with his operator, Dark Miyabi, using Cross Fusion. He was one of the few marked by Duo. He is later seen fighting the armies of Falzar and Gregar in Rockman EXE Beast.

Manga History
ShadowMan did not serve a major role in the manga. All that is seen of him is him fighting ProtoMan. In volume 3, he is shown saving MegaMan from Bass, and is seen in a panel of volume 4. In volume 11, ShadowMan was shown in a bonus as a helper of Colonel.

Abilities

 * Kage no Bunshin: ShadowMan often appears with one or two clones as soon as the battle starts. The clones can mimic his attacks, and can dissipate after being hit with a Buster shot. They regenerate over time. At first, the clones were all blue and nothing like the real ShadowMan, but over the game timeline, ShadowMan improved this ability to a level where he can create perfect, exact-looking clones (but much to his frustration, still retain the weakness of being taken out in one hit).


 * Fire no Jutsu: ShadowMan sends an explosion down his row. His Kage no Bunshin clones will do the same if they are present. Called "Bakuen" in MegaMan NT Warrior.


 * Kawarimi: Sometimes, ShadowMan will disappear after MegaMan seemingly lands an attack on him and immediately throws a few shurikens at him. This is his Charge Shot.


 * Image Slash: Occasionally, if MegaMan is close enough, ShadowMan's Kage no Bunshin clones will slash at him with their swords. This is his special chip. Also, he can send invincible blue clones to move around the player's field and slash rapidly if MegaMan is near them.


 * Sneak Attack: Sometimes, ShadowMan will appear behind MegaMan and attack.


 * Muramasa Blade: If his HP is low enough, ShadowMan will appear near MegaMan and slash him with the Muramasa, dealing damage equal to the amount of HP he has lost so far. Used only in Battle Network 2.

Trivia

 * It appears that ShadowMan has very weak armor, as a minor wound (like a cut on his headgear) can cause that armor part to fall off, and that he is one of the bosses with lower health. This is probably another reference to his ninja-like theme, as ninjas rely on stealth and speed to defeat their enemies, not brute strength.