Kou Tatsugami

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Kou Tatsugami (立神 吼, Tatsugami Kō) is Mitsuaki Gamo's bodyguard. He is also the Leo Zodiarts (レオ・ゾディアーツ, Reo Zodiatsu), a Horoscopes with powerful abilities, and is the second most powerful member of the Horoscopes after Virgo's death.

Background
Originally, Tatsugami was a street fighter without purpose before he was found by Mitsuaki Gamou, who easily defeated him and gave him both a Zodiarts Switch and purpose.

Personality
Kou is generally quiet and a skilled martial artist, serving as both Gamou's personal aide and bodyguard. He does not hesitate to attack anyone who threatens or dishonors Gamou, as well as anyone who seriously irritates him, even if the offender in question is a fellow Hororscopes member. This is shown that, even though he knows Fourze is important to Gamou's plans, after Gentarou pats Gamou on the shoulders and (rather enthusiastically and loudly) thanks Gamou after feeding him information during the Aquarius incident, Kou transforms into the Leo Zodiarts and attacks without prejudice, barely letting Gentaro transform, and not giving him the chance to use the Cosmic Switch.

He is extremely loyal to Gamou, following his orders to the letter and will not let anything come in the way of his master's plans, not even his fellow Horoscopes' incompetence, shown when he fought Fourze and Meteor as the Leo Zodiarts so that Libra could carry out his orders.

He has a habit of carrying two walnuts with him wherever he goes, shuffling them around in his palms. This actually serves as a sign to his patience, as when he runs out of patience, he crushes them.

Abilities
As the Leo Zodiarts, he is the strongest of the four original Horoscopes, usually using sheer muscle and power to overwhelm his opponents. He is strong enough to shatter Meteor's Mars Breaker and his skin is tough enough to withstand the Meteor Storm Punisher, showing that he's beyond Cancer in terms of offense and defense, as he is more than evenly matched with the two Kamen Riders, even in their most strongest forms.

He is able to fire a shockwave attack out of his mouth that sounds like a lion's roar, which is strong enough to inflict damage. For close combat, he can transform his arms into two massive triclaws. Due to his tendency to rely on sheer power, he is often seen to be slow. To give himself an edge at times, Leo has the ability to use bursts of super speed to fight when he needs to, which is equally as capable of overwhelming his opponents as his use of sheer power.

Even in human form, he is a skilled fighter and incredibly strong, as he can crush walnuts with just his grip alone, single-handedly overpower several Foundation X bodyguards without breaking a sweat, and can even destroy Dustards sent his way without having to transform.

Kou has an unique ability to use other Horoscope Switches, not only transforming into other Horoscopes Zodiarts, but capable of unleashing the forms' full potential and use them better than their original users.

Zodiarts Forms
{{#tag:tabber| Leo=

Leo
As a member of the Horoscopes, Kou is able to transform into the Leo Zodiarts.
 * Height: 242cm
 * Weight: 213kg

Scorpion=

Scorpion Zodiarts
By using the Scorpion Switch, the Leo Zodiarts/Kou can transform into the Scorpion Zodiarts.
 * Height: 234cm
 * Weight: 187kg

While as the Scorpion Zodiarts, Kou has a faster-paced kicking style than the original wielder, Sarina Sonoda.

Cancer=

Cancer Zodiarts
By using the Cancer Switch, the Leo Zodiarts/Kou can transform into the Cancer Zodiarts.
 * Height: 228cm
 * Weight: 188kg

While as the Cancer Zodiarts, Kou has a much more durable shell than the original wielder, and is capable of taking Meteor Storm's Limit Break in just the standard form of Cancer, whereas the same attack had soundly defeated the previous owner while in Supernova form.

Aries=

Aries Zodiarts
By using the Aries Switch, the Leo Zodiarts/Kou can transform into the Aries Zodiarts.
 * Height: 235cm
 * Weight: 209kg

While as the Aries Zodiarts, Kou ambushed the Kamen Rider Club during the Pisces Zodiarts arc.

Capricorn=

Capricorn Zodiarts
By using the Capricorn Switch, the Leo Zodiarts/Kou can transform into the Capricorn Zodiarts
 * Height: 233cm
 * Weight: 219kg

While as the Capricorn Zodiarts, Kou fought against Fourze and Meteor during the Gemini Zodiarts incident.

Virgo=

Virgo Zodiarts
By using the Virgo Switch, the Leo Zodiarts/Kou can transform into the Virgo Zodiarts.
 * Height: 218cm
 * Weight: 178kg

While as the Virgo Zodiarts, Kou retrieved the Gemini Switch for Gamou.

Aquarius=

Aquarius Zodiarts
By using the Aquarius Switch, the Leo Zodiarts/Kou can transform into the Aquarius Zodiarts.
 * Height: 231 cm
 * Weight: 187 kg

While as the Aquarius Zodiarts, Kou fought the Libra Zodiarts. He mastered all of Aquarius' abilities, as shown by using the Nectar's severed tendrils to track down his quarry.

Gemini=

Gemini Zodiarts
By using the Gemini Switch, the Leo Zodiarts/Kou can transform into the Gemini Zodiarts.
 * Height: 218 cm
 * Weight: 182 kg

While as the Gemini Zodiarts, Kou created a Gemini clone to ambush Kisaragi and Sakuta when they and Hayami infiltrated Gamou's lair.

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Etymology
The kanji used in his given name Kō (吼) is the kanji used for the word "hoeru" (吼える, "to roar"), which is a characteristic the lion is famous for.

Also, his surname is somewhat similar to "tategami" (鬣), which means "mane", another characteristic the lion is famous for.

Trivia

 * Before making his "official" debut in the series in Episode 33, the Leo Zodiarts appeared in the opening as well as serving a cameo in the first episode. The Leo Zodiarts also made his first full appearance in Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Fourze & OOO: Movie War Mega Max, where his appearance was meant as a warning for Lem Kannagi.
 * Kou's actor, Kazutoshi Yokoyama, is a stuntman for Japan Action Enterprise and has appeared behind the scenes in various Super Sentai and Metal Hero Series programs.
 * Him being the bodyguard of Gamou would justify his rather late full introduction, as he would have to devote his time to ensuring Gamou's safety and secret.
 * While other Horoscopes wear same designed robe, his and Libra's robe had their own special design
 * Tatsugami using the other Horoscopes Switches of defeated members brings to mind Kazari, as both have lion-like motifs in their default forms and later gain their comrade's powers and motifs.