zoisite

Zoisite (referred to as Zoycite in the English anime) is the third of the Shitennou and ranks second-lowest among them. At approximately 16-17 years old, he is the youngest, least mature, and most effeminate member. He oversees the Dark Kingdom's European Division and is named after the mineral zoisite. In the manga, Zoisite first appears when Jadeite is being reprimanded by Queen Beryl for a failed mission. Later, after Nephrite's demise, Zoisite expresses his sorrow by shouting out the name of the lost king. Kunzite then enters, advising Zoisite to "use his head" more effectively than his predecessors. Zoisite's initial mission was to locate the Ginzuishou, following leads through news reports and press releases. When Tuxedo Mask's involvement became known and nearly everyone in Tokyo began searching for the mythical Silver Crystal, Zoisite shifted tactics to gather energy instead. He accomplished this by using the Tokyo Tower to drain the energy of anyone in contact with the video waves from the tower. Kunzite is often seen with Zoisite, but they are not in a romantic relationship. They strategize together, and Zoisite expresses concern about his abilities and those of the Senshi. Eventually, Zoisite devises a plan to steal energy using rental movies that brainwash and hypnotize viewers. The Senshi confront him, but he defeats them easily. Just as he is about to kill Sailor Moon, Sailor Venus arrives and throws her Crescent Boomerang, cutting him to pieces. In the anime, Zoisite appears around the same time as Nephrite. He often mocks and belittles Nephrite, comparing their intellectual capacities and citing Jadeite's failures. His powers revolve around nature, utilizing fire, ice, and sakura petals in battle. Other abilities include teleportation, telekinesis, illusionary disguises, limited clairvoyance, and supernatural strength and speed. Zoisite resents Nephrite being chosen to replace Jadeite, feeling entitled to the position himself. Their rivalry escalates, with Zoisite frequently trying to make Nephrite look foolish in front of Queen Beryl. Worried that Nephrite might succeed in finding the Silver Crystal, Zoisite seeks advice from Kunzite, with whom he shares a romantic relationship. Kunzite advises him to monitor Nephrite's progress and his newly developed Black Crystal. Zoisite witnesses Nephrite's growing human emotions towards Naru and sets a trap, kidnapping Naru and demanding the Black Crystal in exchange for her life. Nephrite refuses, rescues her, and takes her to a park. Soon after, one of Zoisite's three youma assassins mortally wounds Nephrite, who drops the Black Crystal, allowing Zoisite to snatch it. He then teleports away, leaving Nephrite to die in Naru's arms. Unfazed by Nephrite's death, Zoisite takes over the search for the Ginzuishou. It is revealed that the Mystical Silver Crystal had been split into seven parts called the Nijizuishou or Rainbow Crystals. Competing against both the Senshi and Tuxedo Mask, Zoisite manages to collect five of the crystals. To secure the final two, he challenges Tuxedo Mask to a duel, leading to Tuxedo Mask discovering Sailor Moon's true identity and vice versa. Using several underhanded tactics, Zoisite secures all seven crystals and, defying Queen Beryl's orders, attempts to kill Tuxedo Mask. However, his actions cause Usagi's dormant memories of the Moon Princess to awaken. Her tears over Mamoru's injury cause the seven Rainbow Crystals to merge back into the Silver Crystal, transforming her into Princess Serenity. Zoisite is powerless against the Princess and flees to the Dark Kingdom, where Queen Beryl, enraged by his defiance, mortally wounds him. Zoisite begs Kunzite to grant his final wish to die beautifully. He dies in Kunzite's arms, surrounded by flowers and sakura petals. In the English version and several other countries, Zoisite was changed into a woman, possibly to disguise both his relationship with Kunzite/Malachite and his use of female disguises.