Shinra Kusakabe

is a Third Generation Second Class Fire Soldier. After his mother's death, and supposedly his younger brother's as well, Shinra joined the Special Fire Force Company 8 to achieve his goal of becoming a hero, saving people from Spontaneous Human Combustion, and uncover the truth behind his family's death twelve years ago.

Appearance
Shinra is a teenager of average height, who has short and spiky dark brown hair, crimson eyes. His eyes are also noteworthy as his pupils are white instead of black. When he was introduced, Shinra wore a dark jacket with a button on his collar shaped like a cross-like insignia, an over light shirt, dark trousers and a belt and dark shoes, the latter of which he burnt through via his Ignition Ability, and was noted to have done multiple times.

He was later presented with a bunker gear, which consists of a dark t-shirt buckled at the waist with a belt, dark offshore trousers that have light patches on the front leg and pelvis area, and are strapped over his shoulders. Those are later topped by a protective outer jacket, trousers, a neck protector, protective gloves and a helmet with the number 8 on it, signifying his brigade. The buttons of his protective jacket are in the shape of cross-like symbols. Shinra's bunker gear trousers were specifically tailored by Maki Oze so that they only reached below his knees instead to his feet, being advantageous so that he could freely use his Ignition Ability without having to worry about burning through his clothing. Parts of his outfit are coated with blue lines.

When not on a mission, Shinra is commonly seen wearing an orange coverall and white t-shirt underneath. His outfits contain patches with "8" on them, signifying his affiliation to Special Fire Force Company 8. Due to his Ignition Ability, he tends to walk barefooted or with sandals as they can easily be disposed of. Shinra's trousers generally are rolled up to just below his knees so he is able to use his ability without burning them. He has also rolled up his arm sleeves at times.

Personality
"I became a Fire Soldier so I could protect everyone! Fire Soldiers are heroes that battle against the terror of the flames!"

Shinra is brave, confident, and has a willingness to help others. He is very proud of his ambition of wanting to become a hero; a promise he made with his mother when he was five. He doesn't hesitate to act immediately when the time calls for it, and can sometimes be impulsive in combat, but has also displayed the capability to step back and think about the situation before acting. Sometimes to his embarrassment, Shinra suffers from nervous laughter, which is a condition where animals naturally grin or show their teeth when nervous, stressed, angered or uncomfortable; gaining this condition after witnessing his mother die. The grin can sometimes be mistaken for a menacing smirk by others, and because people thought Shinra killed his own mother, he gained the moniker of a devil; but fights to be recognized as a hero.

Shinra respects Akitaru Ōbi as the Battalion Commander of his brigade and as someone who fights Flame Humans without an Ignition Ability, and also respects his mother, finds Takehisa scary, and bickers regularly with Arthur. He has shown to have good judgement and prioritises what is important and what should be done rather than acting with personal emotions. Shinra acts selflessly toward civilians and has very high standards of what the Special Fire Force should represent. He respects his fellow teammates and admires Akitaru for having the courage to fight Flame Humans without an Ignition Ability. While Shinra works well with his brigade, his relationship with each member individually differs. Shinra isn't afraid to act on his own, even if confronted against multiple opponents. He can be very pushy and demanding when it comes to gathering information on his family's death twelve years ago, and the secrets of the phenomenon, showing he deeply cares about both matters.

Abilities
Though a newcomer in the Special Fire Force, Shinra has posed a challenge to experienced members of the force, and even defeated a Battalion Commander. Being a Fire Soldier, Shinra is experienced in rescuing people, and as such, was strong enough to carry four people out of a building before it exploded. While relying on his Ignition Ability in combat mostly, Shinra has exhibited skill in ordinary fighting, being able to pin an opponent to the ground and break their guard with a sturdy kick, as well as being capable of defending himself from ground-breaking attacks.

Shinra has displayed exceptional eyesight, being able to spot things that other characters haven't been able to see at large distances. This was shown when Shinra identified the two White Robes that were sniping multiple buildings away, as well as when he zoomed his vision in 2.0x more than normal to recognize that it was a bug that was being placed on a pedestrian that ended up turning them into a flame person.

Ignition Ability
While a child, Shinra awakened the ability of a Third Generation and gained the ability to ignite, control, and utilise flames from his feet. While doing so, he leaves ashes on the floor in the shape of feet, which is known as the. Using his ability in conjunction with his fighting style, Shinra has enough force in his kick to sever a limb or destroy a Flame Humans core, and with his kicks, can cause an explosion on contact to lift an object as heavy as a car high into the air. With his ignited feet, he can change the trajectory of his kicks mid-air, allowing him to rush in with a flurry of kicks one after another repeatedly. Shinra noted to have an excelled proficiency in his mobility while fighting, as his Ignition Ability allows him to fly or glide across the floor rapidly, and jump continuously from platforms to outmanoeuvre an opponent before they can react. As a Third Generation, he has shown a resistance against external flames.

Adolla Burst
With his Adolla Burst and connection to the Preacher, Shinra has the ability to travel at incredible speeds. Shinra claims that he becomes more connected to the Burst when his desires become stronger. When under the Preacher's influence, Shinra can disintegrate his body and move at a speed close to the speed of light, and re-assemble his body.

Background
In Year 186, when Shinra was five years old, he lived with his mother and younger brother, Shō. As a young child, Shinra was passionate about heroism, dressing up as a superhero and mimicking heroic actions from television. Shinra aspired to become a hero so that he could protect his mother and Shō, with his mother being supportive of the idea. One day, Shinra unexpectedly woke up to discover that his house was ablaze. Watching his mother burn among the flames, she cried out to him, telling him to run. In the chaos, Shō's Adolla Burst influence Shinra and turned him into a Third Generation, leading to his Ignition Ability spontaneously activating and knocking him out against a wall. Shinra was soon saved by Leonardo Burns from the Special Fire Force Company 1. During the incident, Shinra believed to have seen some sort of 'black shadow' in his house, which played a part in the killing of his mother. As none of Shō's remains were found, Shinra assumed died in the fire.

Shinra was labelled as the perpetrator of the fire incident, after others discovered that he was a Third Generation. Ever since, Shinra developed a nervous but ominous-looking grin. With the grin and supposedly killing his family, Shinra gained the moniker of a devil. Succeeding the event, Haijima Industries fitted Shinra with liquid nitrogen boots to suppress his Ignition Ability. When he attempted to move in with his grandmother, she thought of Shinra as a monster for not realising what he had supposedly done. Years later, Shinra attended the Special Fire Force Training School, in hope that he can figure out the truth behind the fire incident, and to save other people from the despair of the flames. At the academy, he learned about what happens to a Third Generation when they overuse their Ignition Ability, as well as meeting Arthur, with whom he often bickered on who were superior: heroes or knights. During his studies, Shinra assumed he would join Special Fire Force Company 4 upon graduating, but instead was assigned to Special Fire Force Company 8, much to his nervousness.

Introduction arc
En route to the 8th Special Fire Force, Shinra overhears an alarm in a nearby train station, due the presence of a Flame Human. He prepares to fight it, but the 8th Special Fire Force arrives and defeats the threat. Immediately after, he saves Iris from a falling light and introduces himself to the force. Later, at the force's headquarters, Shinra formally meets all the members and, when asked, explains his reason for joining. Afterwards, Akitaru explains the forces's mission of unravelling the Human Body Ignition Phenomenon to him. While settling in his new room, the force is notified of a Flame Human and departs to the scene. Upon entering the factory, Shinra gets caught off guard and is knocked out by the Flame Human, but is woken up by Akitaru seconds later. With works of encouragement, he overcomes his fear and resolves to fight. Launching himself at the being with his Ignition Ability, Shinra impales his opponent's core and purifies her soul. Outside, he overhears spectators cheering and is praised for his actions, much to his delight.

Akitaru informs Shinra that he will be participating in an upcoming rookie competition, alongside a new recruit, which makes Shinra excited, as he sees it as a chance to meet the man who had saved his life. Shinra bumps into Arthur and gets into a fight with him. When Takehisa approaches the two, he orders Maki to fight the new recruits. Shinra is defeated by her as he is unable to use his Ignition Ability due to her control over fire as a Second Generation. After eating at Ippudo Ramen, Shinra is given a battleaxe. When the force is notified of a Flame Human in the Iriya District, he departs to the scene and Akitaru instructs the new recruits to conceal their weapons in public. Upon arrival, Akitaru pulls the two aside for disobeying his orders and explains his reasoning. After their conversation, a burst of flames emerges from the apartment, prompting the force to storm the building and find the Flame Human. Arthur volunteers to put the man out of his misery, much to Shinra's confusion, and impales his core. Immediately after, the ceiling begins to collapse and Shinra watches on as Akitaru risks his life to save a family photograph for Mikako. Afterwards, he apologises to the man for not being of any help during the mission.

Shinra participates in the Rookie Fire Soldier Games, where he meets Tamaki. Later, he finds Leonardo Burns and approaches him. After introducing himself, Leonardo ignores him and leaves and Shinra wonders whether the man is hiding something from him. When the exam begins, Shinra flies into the building and inside, he discovers two unconscious people and Joker. After the man reveals that he knows of Shinra's past and threatens to kill the injured people, Shinra attacks him, but to no avail. Joker rewards him for his efforts and tells him Shō is still alive, baffling Shinra. The boy questions Joker and attacks him with multiple fire-enhanced kicks. When Arthur and Tamaki discover the two, Shinra tries to warn them, but Arthur ignores him. When Joker uses an unknown substance to put their lives in jeopardy, Shinra grabs the two unconscious people and tells Arthur to cut a hole through the ceiling, so they can escape. In mid-air, before Shinra could save Arthur and Tamaki from falling, Leonardo jumps in and rescues the girl, while Arthur is rescued by their team-mates. Later, Akitaru promises to reveal him the reason Company 8 was created.

The following day, Akitaru explains to Shinra how and why their force was founded and informs him that the other Special Fire Forces are hiding something on their own end. They are then provided with information of the substance Joker had used by Takehisa. Shinra goes with Arthur to rescue a dog, who was reported to be stuck in a tree, and, after it tells the two that a trial for the release of Setsuo Miyamoto will be held soon, helps Mamoru hand out balloons to children. The two then learn of an accident in the courthouse from Takehisa, who was moving to the scene with the rest of the force. After giving Arthur a lift, the two Fire Soldiers fight the Flame Human, with Shinra kicking the opponent and delivering a collaborative attack with Arthur. When Setsuo escapes, Shinra is told to catch up to him and Takehisa assures him that the threat has to be taken care of without prejudice. After Setsuo threatens to kill an innocent kid, Shinra stops him. The two then start their confrontation, with the Fire Soldier dominating the fight. When Shinra corners Setsuo and cuts off his right forearms, Hibana descends in front of the two.

Hibana gazes at Shinra, causing him to collapse and orders him to lick her shoe as he gets restrained by the 3 Angels of the 5th. After noticing an innocent kid being pushed out of the way, Shinra becomes infuriated and repels the angels away. He stands up and challenges the Special Fire Force Company 5 to a fight as his own force arrives. Tōru Kishiri mocks Akitaru, which leads to Shinra and Arthur jumping in, but Maki and Takehisa detain the two, and afterwards the two force's depart.

VS. Special Fire Force Company 5 arc
The next day, Takehisa approaches Shinra and demonstrates his ability to him, informing him that they will be facing unique abilities later on. Afterwards, he begins training the Fire Soldiers on the roof and informs Shinra of Hibana's past. In the church, he stumbles on Iris and sees her crying. At night, Maki bursts in the room and informs Shinra that Iris has gone missing. Soon after, Shinra heroically arrives at the 5th Special Fire Fighting Industrial Complex, where he is ordered to locate Iris.

During his search, he infiltrates a mansion, where the Angels of the 5th attempt to attack him, but find themselves defeated with a swift kick As he bursts through the door claiming the hero has arrived, he finds Iris being tormented by Hibana. He dashes toward Hibana with his ability, but is cut short by Hibana's Ignition Ability, causing Shinra to feel dizzy and fall to the ground. Instead of accepting the loss, Shinra thinks nothing of the ability but simply his imagination, and through willpower, manages to stand up steadily. Shinra goes in to attack, but due to his dizziness, falls to the ground and is tormented by Hibana's Cherry Blossom attack. Afterwards, he is trapped in a whirl of flames. Refusing to give up for Hibana's sake, Shinra overcomes her abilities and lands a punch on Hibana and knocks her unconscious.

When she wakes up, Hibana describes how she was always relied on by her Sisters but she herself could never rely on anyone. This is when Shinra jumps up and states he will be her hero whenever she needs one, to which she blushes. A little while later, Shinra attended the dinner party held by the 5th as a backup plan for infiltrating it, allowing him to explain to the higher-ups that it was simply a late-night training collaboration.

VS. Special Fire Force Company 1 arc
Shinra and the others went back to the Cathedral 8. During their time, the 8th squad and Hibana end up irritating Akitaru as he's trying to concentrate. On his last nerve, Akitaru jumps up screaming, ordering Shinra and Arthur to leave the 8th, much to their initial confusion. Shinra becomes discouraged, thinking his ideal of becoming a hero is over. However, after explaining his earlier statement, Akitaru reveals his plans for Shinra and Arthur to infiltrate the 1st Special Fire Force and uncover any secrets they may be hiding. A while later, Shinra arrives at the 1st Special Fire Fighting Cathedral along with Tōru Kishiri and Takeru Noto. As he walks inside, he meets Karim Fulham. Guided to the Battalion Commander of the 1st, Leonardo Burns, with a sinister grin, Shinra doesn't hesitate to ask whether the newcomers can practice their own skills against those of the 1st in a practice-battle, much to everybody else's surprise.

Later on, everybody gathers in the training grounds. As time goes on, Takeru and Rekka Hoshimiya initialise the practice-battle, which leads to Karim using his ability to protect everyone from harm of the fiery missiles Takeru launched, which surprised Shinra, observing the ability to change fire into ice for the first time. As their fight ends, Shinra takes note of the three Priests' abilities and becomes aware of how powerful they are. Afterward, Leonardo prepares to fight Shinra. Arthur interrupts and fights against Leonardo instead, but to no avail. Shinra quickly jumps in with a flurry of fiery kicks aimed at Leonardo, but the Commander seemingly deflects all of them with ease. Shinra continues to rapidly attack him, furiously insisting he spills out information about the incident 12 years ago, but Leonardo comes out unharmed. Questioned on his reason for joining the Special Fire Force, Shinra expresses his desire to become a hero and save people from the Phenomenon. Angered at his naivety, Leonardo tells the boy that he still has a very long journey till he becomes a hero, and before Shinra could react, launches the boy backward to his defeat. Shinra, annoyed at his loss, realises the threats they're dealing with.

The next day, while in the dorm, Shinra discusses with Takeru, Tōru and Arthur about their reasons for joining the force. Tamaki bursts in, falling flat on Shinra's head in one of her lewd accidents. As the bells go off alerting the appearance of a Flame Human, Tamaki informs Shinra that he'll be attending the mission alongside Karim. When they arrive at the scene, Shinra insists on going to help with the purification of the Flame Human, but Karim orders him to stay put and help with gathering information. While looking around, Shinra mysteriously spots a hand down an alley injecting a man with some sort of Bug, and the man suddenly bursts into flames. As Shinra chases down the mysterious figure, he comes to find Karim and Rekka standing together. Unaware that Shinra chased them to capture the suspect, Karim questions his position in the mission, to which Shinra states he got lost due to not coming to this part of Tokyo often. A little while later at the Cathedral, Arthur gets mad at Shinra for not confronting the Priests there and then, but Shinra explains it would have been naive and dangerous to do so at that point. After coming up with a plan, together they sneakily break into Karim's room to investigate. They come across the same Bug used to turn the man into a Flame Human, but at the same time, Karim catches the two in the act. He explains that he put the Bug there on purpose as he knew the newcomers would infiltrate, but the real criminal is Rekka. Shinra persists on going alongside Karim to confront Rekka, and is told to do as he pleases.

Later on, while looking for Rekka from the sky, Shinra comes across a sudden noise in an abandoned warehouse, and soon notices flames coming from the structure. As he descends into the warehouse, he rescues Tamaki from Rekka by stomping on him. Recovering from the surprise attack, the priest begins attacking Shinra, and the two start exchanging Ignition Ability blows. Shinra's flames cause a reaction with the Bug in Rekka's pocket, indicating that he's compatible with it. As Rekka tells Shinra about Adora Burst, and about how he has killed many children to find a compatible match, Shinra impulsively goes in for the attack once again, though repeatedly falls to Rekka's fiery punches. After he's backed up into a corner, Tamaki gently grips Shinra from behind, crying, begging him to put an end to Rekka. Now determined, Shinra takes a step back to think about the situation instead of rushing in, and soon realises how to defeat him. Jumping from wall to wall to propel himself in such a way that Rekka couldn't keep up with, he was able to swiftly dodge Rekka's attacks as he couldn't keep up with Shinra's speed. Finally, leaping from the ceiling, Shinra delivers a fiery kick-flip to Rekka's face, leaving his face heavily scathed. As Shinra tells him to put an end to his actions, Rekka continues to persist, and begins attacking Tamaki and the children as they try to escape.

Shinra, unable to use his Ignition Ability due to Overheat, connects the events of Rekka causing fire accidents revolving around children, and questions whether he was the one who intruded in his home twelve years ago to kidnap Shō. Karim then intervenes and prohibits Rekka from attacking by subduing him in a pillar of ice. As Shinra takes a breath in relief, a sudden flare of light shines through the building, and pierces Rekka through the chest, leaving everybody in shock. As it's revealed a sniper is shooting from long-range to eliminate everyone in the building, Shinra is ordered by Karim to use his ability to create a dust-storm in the room to blind the snipers and counter their attack. As Shinra offers to chase after them, Karim reminds of him of his state of exhaustiveness, and tells him to be patient and wait till the attackers, even if they are the prey in the situation. After recalling all the recent events of people turning humans into Flame Humans and kidnapping children to teach the ways of the Sun God, Shinra realises the preacher was the one who kidnapped Shō.

Soon after, while still in the abandoned warehouse, Shinra informs Karim and Foien on the White hooded figures that killed Rekka, and they were amazed by his ability to see so far away. Karim then says he wants to help the 8th investigate on the Preacher, and so Shinra thanks him as they shake hands. Later on at the 1st Special Fire Fighting Cathedral, Shinra along with Takeru and Tōru prepare to leave the 1st and back to their own forces. As he arrives back at the Cathedral 8, he begins to settle in, regathering his teammates strange demeanours. Just before he could let loose and relax, he spots Tamaki in front of him, startled. Akitaru then explains that as punishment, she has joined Company 8 until further notice. As Shinra begins to nag at her, she trips and falls onto him seductively, and he finally questions on Arthur's whereabouts, to which Akitaru states he is lost and is being searched for.

Preacher Pursuit arc
Time passes by, and Akitaru has Shinra and Tamaki attend a gathering of the Battalion Commanders with him in Central Tokyo, to discuss the recent events that occurred. Upon arriving, Shinra sets eyes on the 7th Battalion Commander, and accidentally offends him. As the emperor of Tokyo arrives, the conference starts, he talks of all the forces working together to track down the preacher. Raffles then directly speaks to Shinra about his attainment of Adora Burst, claiming he should protect it. The 3rd Battalion Commander steps in, and suggests Shinra receives external protection from the Preacher, considering he wants the Adora Burst, but Shinra refuses. After the conference on his way to purchase utilities, Shinra runs into Joker in an alleyway. Preparing to fight, Joker calms him, and reveals that Shō is affiliated with the Preacher, before swiftly leaving.

Asakusa arc
Upon arriving in Asakusa, Shinra's brigade meet Benimaru Shinmon and the Special Fire Force Company 7. As they are alerted to a Flame Human, his brigade watches Benimaru dispose of the threat. Afterwards, Shinra helps rebuild the city from the destruction caused from the ordeal. He later plays hide-n-seek with Hinata and Hibana, and then apologies to Benimaru for disrespecting him earlier. Shinra takes the opportunity to ask the Brigade Commander about Konro's condition.

Re-grouping with his brigade, Shinra spots flames emerging from within the city, followed by discovering it was from Benimaru's attack on Akitaru and Takehisa. Believing Company 8 was responsible for turning people into artificial Flame Humans, Benimaru attacks the pair, leading to Shinra intercepting the attack, and his brigade stepping up against the Battalion Commander. Defeat all but Akitaru, Benimaru prepares his final attack on Akitaru, but is stopped by Konro. After the confrontation, Shinra goes to see if Konoro is alright after collapsing in the process of stopping Benimaru's attack, to which he learned how Konro damages his body after overusing his ignition ability.

Soon after, the brigades discover that the Ash Flame Chivalric Order has infiltrated Asakusa, and posed as Hikage. Upon the discovery, the city abrupt's in flames, followed by the group being targeted by a Third Generation's Ignition Ability. Shinra and Arthur depart the scene to search for the sniper, but find himself attacked by the sniper, and also by her partner. As Shinra and Arthur face the pair, they manage to overpower Haran, leading to himself eating a Bug and turning himself into a Flame Human.

Vulcan's Workshop arc
When Shinra and the rest of Company 8 arrive back at the cathedral, they are greeted by a new face. Victor Licht, whom is secretly working with Joker, states that the empire has issued that all Fire Force Companies buff up their science division, and so Victor personally left his duties at Haijima Industries to become the 8th's chief scientist. When Shinra is spotted by Victor, the latter becomes fascinated in the fact that the boy has the Adolla Burst, and ends up diving to the ground to take a closer look at Shinra's feet, much to his confusion, and Hibana pulling the Fire Soldier away from the crazed scientist. Shinra sets the tone and questions the scientist on what exactly is the Adolla Burst, and Victor explains in depth about the world and how Adolla Burst has affected it. Shinra then asks him about Adolla Link, but Victor deceives him and saying he has never heard of it. As the scientist and the 8th continue to talk, Akitaru sends off Shinra, Arthur and Iris to attain the legendary Vulcan for their squad, leaving Shinra happy with the responsibility. As the trio walk inside of Vulcan's workshop, they stumble upon a familiar face.

As Shinra doesn't quite remember who the boy is, Yū re-introduces himself as the child who Shinra saved a while ago against the sentient Flame Human. Hearing the voices outside his workshop, Vulcan walks out, telling the Fire Soldiers to leave at once. Soon after, they enter the workshop with Yū's admission. Shinra is jolted on the head by a soda can, to which is revealed to be thrown by a girl, and mistaken to be a robot by Shinra, he touches her boobs, and is hit on the head once more. Shortly after introducing herself, they are disrupted by a loud banging noise, to which they spot Vulcan working, to which Vulcan kicks away brutally and exclaims the machine works. Shinra mocks him for simply kicking the machine and nearly breaking it. The doorbell rings, with Lisa saying it's "that" person again. Shinra looks out the peephole, and identifies the Special Fire Force Company 3 Captain, Dr. Giovanni.

The three 8th members listen from afar the conversation that the Company 3 Captain and Vulcan have, learning that Giovanni is trying to get Vulcan for himself and to work for Haijima. After the Captain departures, Vulcan sees Shinra and implies for him to leave. Shinra states Haijima are a bigger problem, and that the 8th are different from other forces. Out of nowhere, the head of a mechanic squirrel pops off, as Arthur and Iris begin randomly pressing buttons. Vulcan laughs at the curiosity of the 8th, and reveals to them his most beloved machine. After taking them outside, the force members are stunned to find themselves surrounded by what seems to be an ocean of animals. Vulcan explains that his dream is to revive all the animals that went extinct years ago because of the flames. The beauty of it all bringing Iris to tears, Shinra smiles, and says to himself that Vulcan is perfect for the 8th.

Shinra reiterates to Vulcan that he should join, but the engineer states that he works alone. Soon after, Lisa explains her and Vulcan's background, revealing that Giovanni was once working alongside Vulcan's grandfather as an engineer, but they had a falling out. Finally, she tells the 8th to leave, and at that moment, Shinra felt a strange tingling feeling in his legs, and when Haran turned into a Demon and rushed past him. Somehow, he heard Giovanni say "it's time to kill Vulcan", and knew instantly that he was in danger. After telling his comrades, he devises a plan to locate Giovanni's whereabouts, and tells Arthur and Iris to inform the others in the workshop. Later on, he waits on a tree branch looking out for anything suspicious.

Later on, Shinra notices flames coming from the workshop, to which he prepares to recuperate with Arthur to see what's going on. However, he is knocked down from the tree and strangled by what seems to be a retractable hand, coming from Company 3's Captain, Giovanni. Struggling out of captivity, Shinra seeks the presence of the enemy. The retractable hand appears once more, and as Shinra tries to trick the user into losing him, it prevails and burns through trees, chasing Shinra. Shinra finds what seems to be where the retractable hand is coming from and prepares to attack it, but is instead tricked. Giovanni sneakily impales Shinra with electrical wires and electrocutes him, Shinra pulling a classic smile but not falling to his knees. After Giovanni admired his strength, having to increase the voltage, Shinra is knocked out and left for White Hoods to collect and investigate his Adolla Burst. Wrapped up in a fire-resistant suit, Shinra awakens to find himself being taken on a carrier by White Hood members, screaming for help as much as possible under his mouth-cover. Suddenly, pink sakura flowers appear, knocking out the White Hood members. Hibana appears, and rips off the sellotape, and unwraps Shinra. After Vulcan is betrayed by Lisa and is beaten to the ground, all hope is lost, until Shinra begins running at his limit with a great smile on his face, Hibana in awe of his speed. As he surges into the battlefield, Arthur tells him to get inside the workshop as soon as possible. Evading Mirage's attacks and successfully kicking him away, as well as sliding past Flail, Shinra bursts through the door at the very moment Giovanni discovers the key to Amaterasu, and connects a devastating knee to the face.

The fight continues, but Shinra finds himself overwhelmed by the Giovanni and Lisa's long-range attacks. However, Vulcan is able to free Shinra from Lisa's grip and Iris briefly distracts Giovanni by activating all of the robot animals in the workshop. With this opening, Shinra rushes towards the 3rd Company captain and unleashes a barrage of kicks that succeed in knocking the doctor through the wall. As Shinra ventures outside to continue their battle but stops as the strange feeling in his legs returns. As the looks up, Shinra two familiar figures on a hilltop looking down at him: Arrow and the Leader of the Ash Flame Chivalric Order, Shō Kusakabe.

After his initial shock, Shinra is overjoyed to be reunited with his long-lost brother, ecstatically sharing his revelation with Arthur and declaring that he will protect Shō. Unfortunately, Shō immediately approaches and attacks Shinra, before telling him that he must come back with his group. As Arthur pulls out his sword, Shō slashes him, followed by subduing Hibana. Shinra expresses his confusion at Shō's speed and that he has no idea what to do. Before Shinra can be taken away, Vulcan's Workshop erupts into flame. While the White Hoods are disoriented, a truck driven by Victor Licht and carrying Iris, the unconscious Yū and Vulcan emerges from the explosion. Shinra climbs abroad carrying the wounded Arthur and the group escape (with the mysterious Joker appearing to aid them).

At the hospital. Shinra reports to Captain Obi and explains what happened. Shinra, realising that Vulcan might still be in danger, suggests to the young inventor that the best course of action would be to stay at Special Fire Cathedral 8 for the time being. While Vulcan agrees, Shinra expresses his remorse that he and Arthur failed to protect Yū, but Vulcan thanks Shinra for this quick thinking and hard work. As Shinra attempts to hide his feeling about fighting his brother and promises to help Vulcan to achieve his dream of reviving extinct animals.

Later, Shinra reaffirms his desire to rescue Shō and life among Company 8 returns to normal, despite the bickering and arguing taking Vulcan be surprise. The next day, Shinra and Arthur escort Vulcan back to his workshop, where a swears on the monument to his father and grandfather to aid Company 8.

While Company 8's allies gather to meet with Captain Obi, Shinra encounters the oddities brought about by Vulcan's recruitment. It is decided that Arthur and Shinra should gain combat training by visiting the Company 7.

Upon arriving in Asakusa, Shinra is taken by surprise by Benimaru, who tells him that a real battle: he'd be dead. Arthur and Shinra are led outside, where Benimaru explains that they will need to master hype-awareness so that they can notice an opponent's actions and counter surprise attacks.

After engaging in a brief sparring match, Benimaru comments that the Devil and Knight have fine power, but their attacks are too easy to read and they need something to give them an advantage: an invincible skill. Benimaru says that Shinra should focus on using his speed, to which Licht (making a surprise appearance) says can be achieved by condensing Shinra's flames in a single direction and blast. Benimaru demonstrates this concept and the results amaze Shinra and inspire him to follow Licht's suggestion, despite not knowing how to do achieve it with his powers.

After failing to make progress and losing his balance, Shinra chooses to observe Benimaru and Arthur sparring in order to see if he is missing a crucial detail. Noticing Benimaru's hand gestures, Shinra mimics the Hybrid Officer and the flow of his flames alter in response. By experimenting with different gestures Shinra is able to produce different, yet ineffective results. Benumaru (casually knocking Arthur to the ground) walks over to Shinra and explains the 'Art of Hand Signs' that each have different effect on the flow of energy throughout the body, which natural impacts an Ignition ability.

With this new information and a focused mind, Shinra focuses on becoming faster: fast enough to catch up to Shō. Activating his Ignition Ability, Shinra is instantly launched above the city. After managing to catch up with Benumaru's fireball, Shinra and Arthur are told to rest for the day. When Shinra is distracted by what he should call his new ability, Benumaru lashes out at the pair but they are able to dodge his kick. Proving that they have adjusted to remaining hype-awareness even when physically exhausted.

During the sparring match, Shinra is almost able to catch Benimaru by surprise by using the tiger sign. Benimaru praises Shinra's execution and growth, telling him to use this power well and that he has to protect his only living relative. The Adolla Link sparks once again as the Kusakabe brothers await their next encounter.

Netherworld arc
Shinra has a dream in which he sees a woman with glowing, fire-like hair. He mistakes this woman for Iris. After the brigade learns that the White Hoods are hiding in the Netherworld, Akitaru reassumes Shinra that they will save his brother. As the 8th Company nervously enter the Nether, they are confronted by Princess Hibana, begging for help before before being pulled screaming into the darkness. Akitaru quickly deduces that this was the work of Jonah and that this is not the real Hibana. Before the group can proceed, mist envelopes them and they are separated in the confusion. Shinra sees Licht being pulled by a member of the White Hoods and gives chase.

After escaping the dentist part of the fog, Shinra sees that Licht is being held at knifepoint by a White Hood and Shinra is surrounded by other members of the cult. The White Hoods order for the Devil's surrender, but Licht pushes Shinra to use his Tiger Gesture attack the Rapid. Allowing Shinra to free Licht and defeat a White Hood so quickly the rest of their foes can't respond.The pair discuss what to call this ability, with Licht suggesting 'The Rapid'. Later, after Shinra has defeated the rest of their opposition, the dark-haired duo move forwards.

Later, Shinra collapses to his knees and begins to hyperventilate as the Adolla Link activates. During this time, Shinra is bombarded with strange imagery while standing in a white void and surrounded by burring bones. Shinra also sees a Demon Infernal, his mother, Captain Burns and the scarring of Captain Arg. Shinra then sees an infant before snapping back to reality. Only to see a path of demonic footprints that will him to his brother.

While his feet still burn from the Adolla, Shinra follows the footprints to the underground building Shō is waiting in. Shinra, having accepted he will have to fight his brother, enters the temple. After Shō refuses to acknowledge their mother has his parent, the two brother begin to fight. Using the Tiger Sign, Shinra is able to keep pace with Shō and manages to avoid his brother's unsheathed blade. However, Shō activates his Ignition Ability and begins to overwhelm Shinra. Shō claims Shinra will never catch him, despite his speed, because they exist in different universes. Shinra ignores his brother's words and attempts to attack with his Tiger Sign, but Shō perception of time allows him to counter: knocking Shinra away with the back of his sword. The elder brother gets back up, only to be trapped in another Adolla Link vision. He sees the same white void but this time he sees the present day Shō, who is having the same vision, standing with a large robed figure behind him: The Preacher.

Shō explains that the Adolla Burst is a flame form another realm of existence and that these flames can interfere with their world. Shō then reveals that people who have seen the Adolla Realm referred to it as 'Hell' and the Preacher is showing the brothers this place through his Adolla Link with Shō. The vision ends and Licht explains the true nature of Shō's ability. Shō is using his ability to interfere with the expansion of the universe, allowing him to move at a greatly accelerated rate with vastly faster perception of time. Despite the sheer difference in power Shinra refuses to give in, attempting to strike back but receiving a brutal beating from his brother. Through his efforts, Shinra is slowly able to forge a Link with Shō, enabling him to move even faster and scratch Shō's face with a kick. Shinra realises that his sudden increase in speed is partly due to the Preacher's influence and that he'd be able to reach Shō's level if he were to gain 'Divine Protection'. Despite his new found power, Shinra is overwhelmed by Separate Universe. Shinra makes another attempt to reach Shō only to disappear.

When Shō returns to normal time, Shinra reappears behind him by crashing into a wall. As they both have the Adolla Burst and are fighting under the same conditions, Shinra reasons that they should develop similar abilities and he can counter Shō's as a result. Licht realises that Shinra is moving beyond the speed of light and that he is actually disintegrating, only reforming due to the Preacher's 'Divine Protection'. As a result, Shinra is able to finally hit Shō with the slowed time. The two engage in a battle too fast for witnesses to fully understand, with multiple events happening within the blink of an eye.

Due to his wounds and overuse of his ability, Shinra becomes close to overheating. Made worse by the nature of his new ability, if he fully overheats, Shinra simply disintegrate permanently. Shinra and Shō clash for the final time and Shinra pulls Shō into a Adolla vision of his own creation. Shō is bombarded by Shinra's memories and images of his own, cheerful past. During the hallucination, Shinra converses with Shō directly and with everything put into perspective and seeing his loving mother again: Shō begins to cry.

The vision ends and the brothers return to reality, embracing for the first time in 12 years as family. Only for Shō to stab Shinra through the chest and a mysterious woman appears. Shō attempts to get Haumea to explain her actions but she ignores him and uses her Ignition Ability to place the young boy in a trace, forcing him to leave despite Shinra's protest. Haumea reveals various elements of her plan, before resting her foot on Sho's sword and pushing into further into Shinra's chest. Before she can take Shinra away, the other members of Company 8 arrive to protect their ally. Before they can continue, an earthquake signals to Haumea and Jonah that they should leave. Rather than pursue, Company 8 focus on ensuring Shinra survives his injuries by rushing him to the surface.

Due to the severity of his injuries, Akitaru takes Shinra to Company 6 for immediate intensive medical treatment. Captain Kayako then tends to the boy's wounds using her Ignition Ability. Shinra wakes up 3 days later. While lamenting his failure, Shinra is approached by Captain Burns. With Shinra's recovery, Burns reveals that he wants to talk about the fire that destroyed the Kusakabe Family home 12 years ago. After Shinra gets dressed and feed, the two go outside to discuss matters. Burns admits that he remembered meeting Shinra in the past and saw Shō being taken away.

In his anger, Shinra grabs Burns jacket. Only to be blow back by his mysterious ability. Burns refuses to tell Shinra anything else unless he can prove that his survival was due to his strength instead of a miracle. The two engage in a fight, much to Lieutenant Arg's concern. Shinra is repeatedly blown back by Burn's power. Even using his Tiger Sign, Shinra is unable to get close to Burns due to the sheer amount of heats and force he is producing. Eventually, Shinra is able to break through and strike Burns' arm. Burns asks if Shinra will be able to handle the truth, Shinra reassures him that he joined the Fire Force to discover the answers even if he hated the truth. Burns, satisfied, disengages his ability and begins his story.

Despite Shinra's assumption, the Infernal in his home that night was not a stranger. It was his own mother, transformed by Spontaneous Human Combustion into a Demon Infernal when Shō's Adolla Burst awakened. When Shinra, confused and fearful, saw his mother's new form, he used the Devil's Footprints for the first time to get away from her. Flying backwards, Shinra crashes into a wall and knocks his head. Managing to crawl out through the front door when he is saved by members of Company 1. Upon being blinded by the light of the Preacher, Shinra's Mother pulls her horns down to eye-level and, under Haumea's control, takes Shō and escapes form Burns through the back of the house before it collapses. Revealing that she was the Demon that appeared in Shinra's vision.

Shocked by this revelation, Shinra asks Burns if he had ever seen Hell. Burns reveals that his eyepatch hides an eye burnt as a price for seeing Hell. Shinra asks what became of his mother, Burns says that nobody knows. Shinra wonders if he could use the Adolla Link to find her. Remembering that he saw Captain Arg in his visions, Shinra decides to follow that lead.

Special Fire Force Company 4 arc
Shinra decides to go to meet the Commander of Special Fire Force Company 4, Sōichirō Arg, as he has some relation to the Adolla Burst. Upon arriving at the 4th's main headquarters, he meets his old friends from the academy, Ogun and Karim. He soon ventures inside the building to meet the Commander, and soon after they talk about the Adolla Burst, they are both attacked by what seems to be the 119 - but Sōichirō knocks off Mamoru's head, unveiling Karim in the costume; looking like he's under some sort of spell, chanting he wants to kill Shinra. Shinra hears the voice of the mysterious woman again, manipulatively telling him to kill Karim.

Trivia

 * is derived from the Japanese word, which, when translated, can mean either "all creation" or "all things in nature".
 * Shinra was ranked 1st in first Character Popularity Poll.
 * According to his Character Profile in Fire Walk with Me:
 * Shinra's favourite food is ramen, hamburgers and fried food (like chicken) while he doesn't dislike any sort of food in particular.
 * Shinra's favourite type of music has a fast-tempo and a cool tune.
 * Shinra likes fast animals and his favourite is a leopard or a panther.
 * Shinra's favourite colour is red.
 * Shinra prefers beautiful people.
 * Shinra highly respects Akitaru, his mother, dislikes Arthur and good-looking people and finds Takehisa scary.
 * Shinra's hobbies consist of soccer and futsal, his daily routine is break-dancing and his dream is to become a hero.
 * Shinra's foot size is 27cm and his eyesight is 2.0.
 * Shinra's favourite subject is mathematics, while his least favourite is national language.