Kaoru Watabe

Kaoru Watabe (渡部 薫, Watabe Kaoru, also known as Watanabe Kaoru in the 'Days of Memories' series) is a non-playable character in the fighting game series *The King of Fighters* (ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズ). She first appeared in *The King of Fighters '97* as a background character in the Psycho Soldiers Team ending, voiced by Ayako Kawasumi. Kaoru is a devoted fan of Athena Asamiya. Prior to *The King of Fighters '97*, she was hospitalized with a leg ailment, which left her immobile, depressed, and withdrawn from society. Seeing Athena's determination on television inspired her to recover and continue her studies. She wrote to Athena, sharing her story and cheering her on for the 1997 tournament. Moved by her willpower, Athena sent her tickets to the finals. Though the Psycho Soldiers made it to the finals, they lost to the Japan Team. After the tournament, Athena, Kensou, and Chin met Kaoru, who was thrilled to cheer them on in person. She then stood up, demonstrating that Athena's support had helped her recover. Kaoru later became good friends with the Psycho Soldiers and watches over Bao and the Temple. She does not participate in fights, but can appear as an assist character where she runs toward an enemy and pushes them.