Zanoba Shirone

Zanoba Shirone (ザノバZanoba ・ シーローンShīrōn) is the former third prince and Miko of Shirone Kingdom. Initially presented as a minor character, harboring an infatuation with dolls and being intrigued with Rudeus' crafting skills, he later becomes one of the main supporting characters of the series after they become classmates and later friends at the Ranoa Magic Academy.

Appearance
He is a tall, thin, oval-faced man, with his cheekbones clearly visible. He wears round glasses. He also sports a bowl cut hairstyle.

Personality
During his debut, Zanoba appeared as an impulsive and boisterous man-child who's deeply obsessed in dolls and figures, to the point that he has no qualms in killing people or trading his loyal subordinate for a figure. Contrary to his comical appearance, he is actually highly intelligent and observant, but not usually shown as his monstrous strength led to him being alienated by other people.

He has utmost respect towards Rudeus, whom he regards as his master. Although he used to think of other humans as nothing more than dolls made of flesh, he slowly comes to accept other people due to the influence of Rudeus and other people around had on him. While not usually showing, Zanoba harbors a deep gratitude for his country and a fondness of warfare. He is a highly proficient military commander, capable of rallying soldiers and planning effective tactics against tremendous odds.

Due to his intellectual level, he has been conducting research and producing several inventions for Rudeus. He also has a deep level of understanding and appreciation in arts and crafts, enough to earn Perugius's favor.

It's later revealed that his patriotism, fondness for warfare and his love for Pax were simple attempts to act more like a human being, learning from Rudeus and people around him. Even though he does not fully understand such emotions, he feels like they are the right things to act on.

Background
Born as the Third Prince of Shirone. When he was three years old, he killed his brother, the Fourth Prince, as if his brother was a doll. When he was 15 years old, he killed his wife, as if she was a doll.

Magic

 * Earth Magic - Intermediate

Miko Power

 * Even at a young age, Zanoba is abnormally strong, capable of standing off against a demon king as far as raw strength goes. Any hit from Zanoba is potentially fatal even with Battle Aura. This power does not include stamina, however, as Zanoba is described to be unfit for long travels. Because of this, his older brothers are afraid of him and sees him as a bomb that could go off anytime so they propose to exile him.

Equipment
Note: This section is under construction and revision.

Achievements
Note: This section is under construction and revision.
 * He created the first prosthetic arm in the world, that can help the persons that lost a arm.
 * He created the first automaton in the world with the help of Rudeus.

Quotes

 * To Rudeus: “I have a weakness for figurines. I collect them from all over the world,”


 * Zanoba: "When I lifted Pax's corpse up I suddenly had a thought. Why, I wonder why, at that time, did we not speak to one another, huh?"

Note: This section is under construction and revision.

Trivia

 * Among the special students of his generation, he was the oldest student.
 * He's able to use the first generation Zariff Prosthetic Arm for 3 hours.
 * He successfully became the closest friend to Perugius the Armored Dragon King as they have the same interest in art. This friendship was enough to make Perugius offer his assistance in retaking Shirone for Zanoba, despite his blatant hatred for power struggles.
 * Apparently, beside Rudeus he unexpectedly enjoyed Cliff and Julie's company.
 * He named Julie after his late younger brother.