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| “ | Fragile justice is an evil that disturbs the order. An evil must be destroyed even if its one of us. Our organization is meant to bring perfect justice to Academy City. | „ |
| ~ Mikihiko Hishigata. |
Mikihiko Hishigata is the secondary antagonist of the Necromancer Arc in the manga/anime series A Certain Scientific Accelerator, a spin-off of the A Certain Magical Index franchise.
He is a neuroscientist and the creator of the Coffins who is an associate of the rouge Anti-Skill group known as DA, being responsible for ensuring the upkeep of the group's mechs. However, Mikihiko is actually using the group to achieve his own ends. He serves as the archenemy of Esther Rosenthal.
He was voiced by Ryōta Ōsaka in Japanese (who also voices Gyutaro in Demon Slayer and Amy Kirio in Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun) and Adam Gibbs in English.
Appearance[]
Mikihiko is a young man with messy blond hair, and bored-looking eyes. He wers a white labcoat over a green tracksuit and slippers on his feet. He is often seen with a lollipop in his mouth.
Personality[]
Hishigata displays very nonchalant and casual behavior, even when he conversing with superiors like Rizou Nakimoto or colleagues. However, beneath this calm exterior lies a rather callous, manipulative and twisted individual who has no qualms in using the corpses of espers to power his Coffins. He is even willing to use live humans for his research and shows little regard for their lives or safety.
Hishigata is somewhat delusional and self-righteous, as he shares the fanatical views of DA and seeks to enforce "perfect justice" on Academy City and purge it of all evil. He is quite ruthless and unmerciful, as he doesn't show any problems with slaughtering a subordinate if they have failed the organization, as seen when he used Qiong Qi to eliminate Nishio. He also mocks Accelerator about the thousands of Misaka clones he killed during the Level 6 Shift project, showing his sadistic side.
Although fairly arrogant and cocky, Hishigata is highly intelligent and practical, as he is wise enough not to take on challenges when he does not have the time. He is also more than willing to be truthful and admit defeat when the situation is really bad. Hishigata also isn't hesitant to abandon his allies when given the chance in order to either further his own goals or ensure his own survival.
Despite his disregard of human life, Hishigata isn't entirely heartless, as he deeply loves his little sister Hirumi, with most of his plans revolving around making her into a Level 6 esper. When Esther Rosenthal was also preparing to stab Hirumi, he blocked the blade with his own body, showing he was ready to put down his life for her. Additionally, when Hirumi was shown to not be alive and resurrected, he could not believe it and kept deluding himself and telling her to stop joking.
Biography[]
Past[]
Hishigata's full past isn't known. At some point, he became a scientist of Produce, an experiment in Academy City that is said to research the origin of esper abilities. He and his younger sister Hirumi were in search of the perfect mind & body to create the perfect esper. He was later helped by Esther Rosenthal, who claims to have been tricked into assisting him. Regardless, it was with her help that Hishigata was able to strengthen esper powers by reinforcing the body, though only on corpses. This would later lead to the development of the Coffins.
Necromancer Arc[]
Mikihiko manipulates the events behind the arc, starting by directing Nishio to infiltrate a hospital where Esther was taken. When Nishio fails and lies about capturing her, Hishigata kills him using the Qiong Qi. Upon Esther and Accelerator's arrival at a warehouse, Hishigata reveals his ongoing plans and expresses a disturbing interest in using Accelerator as a specimen. Recognizing it's too early to engage Accelerator directly, he retreats using his mecha, effortlessly deflecting his attacks.
Later, during a conference with his organization's leaders, Hishigata discusses their setbacks and requests custody of a captured clone. He notes the failure of their planned weapon due to Esther's escape and the inability to capture Last Order, but assures success if given a Sister clone. Following this, he prepares for the next phase at Seiin High School, planning to sever ties with DA once they secure the Sister.
Eventually, Hishigata battles Accelerator, using multiple Coffins including Qiong Qi, Taotie, and Hundun, managing to collect data from Misaka 10046. Esther and Hasami confront him at his headquarters, challenging his denial about Hirumi being possessed by Taowu. Hishigata distracts Accelerator to complete the data transfer and install a formula into Hirumi, only to be fatally stabbed by Esther while trying to stop her from ending Hirumi's torment. Hirumi awakens, but her monstrous transformation and the revelation of Taowu’s true identity shatter Hishigata's delusions.
Realizing the truth too late, Hishigata aids Esther and Accelerator in reaching the summit despite his mortal wounds. He watches Esther exorcise Taowu, allowing Hirumi’s real spirit to say farewell. Accepting his end, Hishigata warns of the imminent explosion, one powerful enough to destroy the city. With some final words to Esther, Hishigata succumbs to his wounds and dies.
Powers and Abilities[]
Powers[]
- Rosenthal-style Necromancy: Hishigata possesses knowledge of the Rosenthal Family's unique necromancy that combines elements of Kabbalah and Taoism, having been taught by Esther Rosenthal. He could use its technique of inserting an artificial soul into a corpse to reanimate it, though not to the extent that he could be called a necromancer himself.
- Artificial Souls: While Esther was held in captivity, Hishigata obtained a number of her charms and the artificial souls attributed to them. These including three of the Evil Spirits of the Numbers; Qiong Qi, Taotie and Hundun, which he used in the Coffins.
Abilities[]
- Genius-Level Intellect: Hishigata is shown to be a very intelligent individual with great scientific aptitude, being regarded as one of Academy City's top minds, aside from the Kihara Family. He is a highly skilled neuroscientist, having conducted research into the origin of esper abilities within the human body and devised the method of mechanically reinforcing and expanding the physical body to strengthen abilities, which would lead to his creation of the Coffins.
- Engineering Expertise: Aside from his general knowledge, Hishigata is a competent engineer and programmer, as he is single-handedly responsible for developing the technology for the Coffins. He also manages the upkeep of the Coffins' programming.
