Hey guys! Ever wondered about all the cool and not-so-cool abilities Subaru Natsuki rocks in "Re:Zero"? Well, buckle up because we're diving deep into each and every one of them! Let's unravel the mysteries behind his powers and see what makes him tick. This is going to be a wild ride, so grab your popcorn and let’s get started!

Return by Death: Subaru's Signature Ability

Return by Death (RBD) is undoubtedly Subaru's most defining and crucial ability. It's what makes him, well, Subaru. Imagine dying and then waking up at a predetermined 'save point' to change your fate. Sounds OP, right? But hold your horses! It's not as simple as it sounds. This ability allows Subaru to rewind time upon his death, returning him to a specific point in the past, which is usually determined by some significant event or emotional trigger. This mechanic gifts him the chance to alter his actions, decisions, and even warnings to prevent undesirable outcomes, making him a master of trial and error—literally!

However, RBD isn't just a convenient 'undo' button. It comes with significant drawbacks. First off, Subaru can't control when or where he returns. The save points are seemingly random and outside of his influence, dictated by some higher power (we're looking at you, Witch of Envy!). Secondly, and perhaps most brutally, Subaru retains all the memories of his deaths. That means every agonizing, terrifying, and heartbreaking moment stays with him. Talk about emotional baggage! Imagine reliving gruesome deaths over and over – it’s enough to break anyone.

Furthermore, and this is a big one, Subaru cannot reveal that he has Return by Death to anyone. The Witch of Envy has placed a curse on him that triggers a dark, shadowy hand to emerge and crush his heart if he attempts to disclose this ability. This limitation isolates him, forcing him to bear the burden of his knowledge alone and making it incredibly challenging to ask for help or explain his often-eccentric behavior. It's a lonely power, to say the least. Despite all the suffering and limitations, Return by Death is the cornerstone of Subaru’s character development, forcing him to learn, adapt, and grow with each loop. It’s a testament to his resilience and determination to protect those he cares about, no matter the cost. It's this ability that transforms him from a clueless NEET into a (slightly less clueless) hero.

Physical Abilities and Combat Skills

Okay, let's be real – Subaru isn't exactly a muscle-bound warrior. In the beginning, he’s more like your average, everyday dude who spends a little too much time indoors. His physical abilities start off pretty low on the totem pole. We're talking average strength, average speed, and definitely below-average combat skills. Initially, he's more likely to trip over his own feet than land a solid punch. However, what Subaru lacks in natural talent, he makes up for in sheer grit and determination.

Over the course of the series, Subaru undergoes rigorous training to improve his physical prowess. He’s trained by some seriously tough characters, like Wilhelm van Astrea, who whips him into shape. Through countless hours of sword practice, physical conditioning, and strategic drills, Subaru gradually becomes more capable in combat. While he never reaches the level of a seasoned knight or a magical prodigy, he becomes competent enough to hold his own in a fight and protect himself and his friends.

Subaru’s fighting style is scrappy and resourceful. He’s not one for fancy techniques or elegant moves. Instead, he relies on improvisation, using whatever is at his disposal to gain an advantage. He’s not afraid to get dirty, using distractions, traps, and even his own body as a shield to protect others. This resourcefulness, combined with his ever-growing understanding of his enemies' weaknesses, makes him a surprisingly effective combatant, especially when he uses his knowledge from previous loops. While he might not win any awards for his fighting prowess, Subaru’s dedication to self-improvement and his willingness to put himself on the line make him a force to be reckoned with. Remember, it's not always about raw power – sometimes, it's about heart and a whole lot of determination.

Magical Affinity: Gate and Yin Magic

Subaru’s magical abilities are quite unique and develop over time. Initially, he doesn't seem to have any magical talent at all. He can't cast spells or manipulate mana like other characters in the series. However, it’s revealed that he has an affinity for Yin magic, a rare and powerful type of magic that focuses on manipulating the shadows and darkness.

His Gate is a crucial aspect of his magical potential. A Gate is essentially a pathway for mana to flow within a person, allowing them to use magic. Subaru's Gate is initially unstable and difficult to control, making it hard for him to harness his magical abilities effectively. But through training and guidance, particularly from Beatrice, he learns to refine his control over his Gate and tap into the power of Yin magic.

One of the primary Yin magic abilities Subaru learns is Shamak. Shamak creates a dense fog that disrupts the senses of those caught within it, making it difficult for them to see, hear, or even sense their surroundings. It's a useful ability for creating diversions, escaping from dangerous situations, or disorienting enemies. While it may not be the flashiest or most powerful spell, Shamak becomes a valuable tool in Subaru's arsenal, allowing him to support his allies and turn the tide of battle in his favor.

As Subaru grows, so does his mastery of Yin magic. He develops new and creative ways to use Shamak, combining it with his knowledge from previous loops to create unexpected strategies. He learns to control the density and range of the fog, using it to isolate enemies, create illusions, and even set traps. While he might not become a master magician, Subaru's unique affinity for Yin magic and his creative application of Shamak make him a formidable opponent and a valuable asset to his team.

Authority of Greed: A Stolen Power

The Authority of Greed is one of the Witch Factors that Subaru acquires, granting him additional abilities tied to the concept of greed and desire. This is a significant turning point in his journey, as it adds another layer of complexity to his powers and responsibilities. The Authority of Greed, originally belonging to Regulus Corneas, is a potent ability that allows the user to manipulate and control objects and even people, to a certain extent, based on their desires.

One of the primary manifestations of the Authority of Greed is the ability to strengthen one's own desires and impose them on others. This can manifest in various ways, such as enhancing his physical strength, manipulating objects with his mind, or even influencing the actions of others by tapping into their desires. However, using the Authority of Greed comes with a price. It can be mentally and emotionally taxing, as it requires a deep understanding of one's own desires and the desires of others.

Furthermore, wielding the Authority of Greed can have unforeseen consequences. The more Subaru relies on its power, the more susceptible he becomes to its influence, potentially leading him down a dark path. He must learn to use it responsibly and ethically, resisting the temptation to abuse its power for personal gain. The Authority of Greed adds a moral dimension to Subaru's abilities, forcing him to confront his own desires and the potential consequences of his actions. It's a constant reminder that power comes with responsibility, and that even the best intentions can be corrupted by unchecked ambition.

Other Notable Skills and Traits

Beyond the headline abilities, Subaru has a bunch of other skills and traits that contribute to his overall effectiveness and character.

• Unwavering Determination: This is probably his most significant asset. Despite facing countless deaths, betrayals, and setbacks, Subaru never gives up. His determination to protect those he cares about fuels him to keep fighting, even when the odds are stacked against him.
• Adaptability and Resourcefulness: Subaru is incredibly adaptable, able to think on his feet and come up with creative solutions to problems. He’s not afraid to try new things and is always looking for ways to improve his strategies.
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Subaru has a strong sense of empathy and is able to connect with people on an emotional level. This allows him to understand their motivations, build trust, and form strong bonds with his allies.
• Knowledge from Previous Loops: This is a crucial advantage. Subaru retains all the memories from his previous loops, giving him invaluable knowledge about future events, enemy weaknesses, and hidden dangers. He uses this knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid past mistakes.
• Silver Tongue: Surprisingly, Subaru can be quite persuasive when he needs to be. He’s able to talk his way out of tricky situations, negotiate with difficult people, and inspire others to follow his lead.

So, there you have it! A comprehensive rundown of all of Subaru's abilities and skills. While he might not be the strongest or most talented character in the series, his unique combination of powers, traits, and experiences make him a force to be reckoned with. Keep an eye on Subaru as he continues to grow and evolve throughout "Re:Zero" – you never know what new abilities he might unlock next!