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{{HeroTabs}}
{{Infobox hero
| key = hero_yamato
| voice_actor = <!--Alpha Takahashi has been debunked, see trivia-->
| release_date = April 24, 2024
}}

'''Yamato''' (real name '''Kaori''') is a [[Hero]] in ''[[Deadlock]]''. She is a close-range assassin using precise strikes and sword attacks to destroy her foes. Conducting a Flying Strike with her grapple to get close, Yamato unleashes her powerful melee attacks along with Power Slash and Crimson Slash attacks to damage, slow, and disable her enemies while healing herself. Once fully engaged, she can unleash her Shadow Transformation to become infused with her brother's shadow soul, becoming unstoppable for a short time while ending the life of her opponents.

Kaori and her brother were crime lords of the [[Seventh Moon]], bringing in wealth and power to the organization. However, a dispute during expansion led to the death of Kaori's brother and her escape to the [[United States of America|United States]]. A miscommunication once she arrived led to Kaori adopting her brother's name, Yamato, vowing to secure her brother's dream of international presence.

== Abilities ==

{{Ability tabs
| name=Yamato
| ability4_notes=
* The Invincible phase lasts 1.5s.
}}

== Weapon ==
{{WeaponCard|key=hero_yamato}}Sister's Lament has an alternate fire that explodes on impact. This alt-fire takes {{#invoke:HeroData|get_alt_fire_var|Yamato|AmmoConsumedPerShot}} ammo rounds and deals {{#invoke:HeroData|get_alt_fire_var|Yamato|BulletDamage}} {{#invoke:HeroData|get_hero_scalar|Yamato|Level|BulletDamage}} damage on a direct hit.

== Background ==
<tabber>
|-|Original=
{{Fates_Tale|yamato}}
|-|Translated=
{{Quotation|'''A FATE'S TALE'''|
Born to criminal royalty, Kaori and her brother Yamato always knew they were destined to run The 7th Moon after their father's passing.  For years they ran the organization as equals; leading to profit, success, and plans for expansion to the United States.

The idea was simple.  Kaori would stay in Japan and maintain things at home, while Yamato would travel to America to set up an international presence.  Unfortunately for the siblings; this plan didn't sit well with some of their more insecure underlings, who bristled at the idea of being led by Kaori in Japan.

The coup was swift and violent.  Yamato gave his life protecting Kaori, but in doing so ensured that she and a handful of loyalists were able to escape Japan for America.

When she arrived stateside, the contact her brother was supposed to meet greeted her and her retinue.  Unfamiliar with the gender of Japanese names, the man addressed her as Yamato.  She thought to correct him, but decided that the best way to keep her brother's memory alive was to take his name and live out his dream.
}}
</tabber>

=== Lore ===
Yamato's wish in the ritual is to make the [[Seventh Moon]] powerful enough to take over New York.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (Select): ''"New York will fall into the hands of the Seventh Moon."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Yamato Start): ''"This is not your city, Yamato, but after you summon the Hidden King... it will be."''</ref> She also hopes to solidify her brother's legacy, as she is still grieving his death.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Archmother}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Yamato Start): ''"You have overcome grief and betrayal to stand here today. But you seek to do more than just survive. Complete the ritual."''</ref><ref name=":0">{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Yamato Start): ''"Kaori, you honor your brother by taking his name, and honor him further still by making his dreams a reality. Complete the ritual, and see the success you both dreamed of."''</ref>

Yamato predominantly speaks Japanese, although she also knows how to speak English.

Yamato is the ruthless leader of the Seventh Moon, and leads the organization by example.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Pre-Game|voice line]] (Select): ''"I will lead my team to victory!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (Select): ''"Follow me! I'll lead you to victory."''</ref> She once murdered someone for owing the Seventh Moon a "C-Note" ($100).<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Vyper|file=Viper_select_09.mp3|context=(Select)|transcription=I know a guy who owed the Seventh Moon a C-note... well, I knew a guy who owed the Seventh Moon a C-Note... Yamato murdered the shit out of him.}}</ref> She often attempts to threaten her teammates to get them to obey her.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Yamato|hero2=Holliday|number=2|hero_quote1=Holliday|quote1=What did you say about Murphy?|hero_quote2=Yamato|quote2=Don't worry, sheriff. Play your part and he lives.}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Yamato|hero2=Mo & Krill|number=1}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Yamato|hero2=McGinnis|number=2}}</ref>

The sword Yamato uses is an ancient heirloom.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Yamato|hero2=Dynamo|number=3}}</ref> She inherited it when her predecessor died, and someone else will inherit it when she dies.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (Select): ''"If I die, someone else will inherit this sword. Just as I did."''</ref>

Yamato wants to make the [[Occult Security and Investigation Commission|OSIC]] and [[Nashala Dion|Nashala]] obey her.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Yamato|hero2=Haze|number=1|hero_quote1=Haze|quote1=I don't take orders from the Seventh Moon.|hero_quote2=Yamato|quote2=Not yet.}}</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Mirage): ''"Maybe I'll make Nashala my servant."''</ref>

Yamato has arrived in [[The Cursed Apple|New York]] less than a year before the [[Maelstrom|Ritual]].<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Shopkeeper|quotes=Shopkeeper#Winter Event 2025|context=(buys festive T4 item)|transcription=Hope you enjoy your first Christmas in New York.}}</ref>

Yamato wants to speak to someone named "Molly Molenzo", a woman incarcerated at [[wikipedia:Rikers_Island|Rikers Island]] who got stabbed by {{HeroIcon|Vyper}}.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Yamato|hero2=Vyper|number=3|hero_quote1=Yamato|quote1=You did time on Rikers, yes? (...) So, you must know Molly Molenzo. It's very important I speak to her.}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Vyper|hero2=Wraith|number=1|hero_quote1=Wraith|quote1=Heard you shanked Molly. (...) She's not [a friend].|hero_quote2=Vyper|quote2=Cool, yeah. No, I stabbed the hell outta her. Not a fan.}}</ref>

== Character interactions ==

* Yamato is cruel and antagonistic to most other heroes.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Enemies|enemy interactions]]</ref> This generally goes unnoticed, since none of the other heroes speak Japanese.
* Yamato is commonly described as "scary".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s [[Yamato/Quotes#Other Characters|other hero interactions]]</ref>
* Yamato views {{PageRef|name=Wraith}} as her main hurdle towards conquering New York.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Wraith (translated)): ''"Now, New York will be mine!"''</ref> She hopes to take over Wraith's business.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Wraith): ''"The Seventh Moon will take care of your business."''</ref> While on the same team, Yamato intends to betray Wraith later.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Allies|voice line]] (ally Wraith killed in lane (translated): ''"I guess I don't have to betray Wraith later…"''</ref>
* Yamato respects {{HeroIcon|Grey Talon}} for his age and skill.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Yamato|file=Yamato kill orion 02.mp3|context=(translated)|transcription=An admirable warrior, despite being an enemy.}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Yamato|hero2=Grey Talon|number=2|hero_quote1=Yamato|quote1=You are old.|hero_quote2=Grey Talon|quote2=How observant.|hero_quote3=Yamato|quote3=That wasn't an insult.}}</ref> She also acknowledges {{PageRef|name=Apollo}}'s potential.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (kill Apollo (translated)): ''"He had potential."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (kill Apollo): ''"You need more practice."''</ref>
* Yamato wants to turn {{PageRef|name=Mo & Krill|alt_name=Mo}} into a coat and {{PageRef|name=Mo & Krill|alt_name=Krill}} into a hat.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Yamato|file=Yamato kill krill 01.mp3|context=(kill M&K (translated))|transcription=I'll make a coat from the big one, and a hat from the small one.}}</ref>
* Yamato likes {{PageRef|name=Paige}}, likening her to a "puppy that pisses on the rug: stupid, yet strangely endearing".<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paige|hero2=Yamato|number=3|hero_quote1=Yamato|quote1=You are a puppy that pisses on the rug. Stupid, yet strangely endearing. We will have coffee.}}</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Paige (translated)): ''"A pity I had to kill you."''</ref>
* Yamato thanks {{HeroIcon|Ivy}} for taking care of [[The Mendoza Syndicate|Mendoza]].<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Yamato|file=Yamato kill tengu 02.mp3|context=(killed Ivy (translated))|transcription=Thanks for taking care of Mendoza.}}</ref> However, she also undermines Ivy's skill and says she wants to take over Spanish Harlem for the Seventh Moon.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Yamato|file=Yamato kill tengu 04.mp3|context=(translated)|transcription=If someone like that can stop Mendoza, conquering New York won't be difficult.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Yamato|file=Yamato_kill_tengu_03.mp3|context=(translated)|transcription=Next, I'll take over Spanish Harlem. In return for your rudeness.}}</ref>
* Yamato is offended by {{PageRef|name=Victor}} and {{PageRef|name=Viscous}}' existence.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Victor|hero2=Yamato|number=1}}</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Victor (translated)): ''"His existence offends me."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Viscous (translated)): ''"That goo creature offends me."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Haze}} is keeping an eye on Yamato in-case the Seventh Moon becomes big enough to be a cartel. She hasn't been ordered to assassinate Yamato yet.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Yamato|hero2=Haze|number=3}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Yamato|hero2=Haze|number=2|hero_quote1=Haze|quote1=We're going to win today, Yamato, and when we do, you'll use the Patrons to make the Seventh Moon strong. But know this: we're watching you.|hero_quote2=Yamato|quote2=I don't care.|hero_quote3=Haze|quote3=If you step out of line, you will.}}</ref>
* {{HeroIcon|Pocket}} thinks Yamato would get along with their mother.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Pocket|file=Synth kill yamato 02.mp3|transcription=She would get along with my mother.}}</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}} and {{PageRef|name=Warden}} respect Yamato's conviction.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s in-game [[Grey Talon/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Yamato): ''"You fought with courage."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Yamato): ''"You fought with grace, Yamato, but that will only get you so far."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Graves}} really likes Yamato, even though she knows she shouldn't like her.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Graves}}' in-game [[Graves/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (killed Yamato): ''"She's a bitch, but I'm kind of okay with it."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Graves}}' in-game [[Graves/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (killed Yamato): ''"I get that I'm supposed to not like her, but I can't help it!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Graves}}' in-game [[Graves/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (killed Yamato): ''"She's so cool!"''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Lash}},<ref>{{PageRef|name=Lash}}'s in-game [[Lash/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Yamato): ''"Oh, that sword is gonna look so good over my fireplace!"''</ref> {{PageRef|name=Paradox}}<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Yamato): ''"I can't wait to steal that sword!"''</ref> and {{PageRef|name=Vyper}}<ref>{{PageRef|name=Vyper}}'s in-game [[Vyper/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Yamato): ''"Aw, I can't wait to use that sword to cut a Reuben."''</ref> want Yamato's sword.
* Only the {{PageRef|name=Patron|alt_name=Patrons}} and {{HeroIcon|The Doorman}} know Yamato's true name is Kaori.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{HeroIcon|The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Hotel Guest Taunt - Hero Specific|voice line]] (taunt Yamato): ''"Just give up Kaori. Sorry, I forgot it’s “Yamato” now."''</ref> {{HeroIcon|Rem}} also learns Yamato's name if he sees her dreams.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Rem|quotes=Rem/Quotes#Naptime Taunt|context=(Naptime taunt)|transcription=I like your brother too, Kaori.}}</ref>

== Update history ==
{{Update history}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Yamato card.png|Yamato portrait
File:Yamato MM.png|Yamato icon
File:Yamato Render.png|Yamato in-game render
File:Yamato Reference Sheet.png|Yamato reference sheet
File:Yamato name.png|Yamato name typography
File:Yamato Weapon.png|Yamato weapon - Sister's Lament
File:Yamato card old.png|Previous Yamato portrait
File:Yamato winter.png|Yamato 2024 [[Seasonal events#Winter|Winter skin]]
File:Yamato temp MM.png|Temporary Yamato icon [[Update:September 12, 2024|(2024-09-12 update)]]
File:Yamato Neon Prime.png|[[Neon Prime]] Yamato
File:Neon Prime Yamato.png|Neon Prime Yamato color palette
File:Yamato concept 1.jpg|Yamato concept art - "Yokai"
File:Yamato concept 2.jpg|Yamato concept art
File:Yamato concept 3.jpg|Yamato concept art
File:Yamato concept 4.jpg|Yamato concept art - "University"
File:Anisha concept.jpg|Yamato concept art - "Anisha"
File:Yamato leak.png|Leaked work-in-progress Yamato model
File:Yamato Gloat.png|Gloat portrait for Yamato.
File:Yamato Critical.png|Critical health portrait for Yamato.
</gallery>

== Trivia ==
* Yamato's current model is inherited from her original design in [[Neon Prime|''Neon Prime'']].
** [[Yoshi]] has shared early concept art of Yamato's upcoming redesign.<ref>2024-08-10 - [[Yoshi]]; Deadlock Discord ''- "Regarding yamato question, can share some of the early concepts we have, none are final or anything, just exploration level (...) early concepts for new direction i mean"''</ref>
** An image of Yamato's work-in-progress model redesign was leaked on October 2025.
** A work-in-progress Yamato face texture was added to the files in the [[Old Gods, New Blood]] update. This texture has a natural skin tone, normal head proportions, and a small scar on her upper lip.
* In [[Neon Prime|''Neon Prime'']], Yamato had children.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Kelvin|file=Kelvin kill yamato 02.mp3|transcription=You don't want your children to get sucked into this, Yamato.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Kelvin|file=Kelvin kill yamato 04.mp3|transcription=This can't be the life you want for your family, Yamato.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Paradox|alt_name=Chrono|file=Chrono killed by yamato 01.mp3|transcription=Her dad's scary, she's scary, and I bet her kids wear matching outfits.}}</ref> Her father is also mentioned, and it is believed that he was the character Ghost/Spectre, who became [[Lady Geist]].
** A popular fan rumor is that Yamato in ''Neon Prime'' was an alien obsessed with Japanese culture. This rumor is incorrect, based on what is known about her character and faction from old voice lines and the [[Neon Prime lore]] document.
* Yamato's weapon was originally called '''Celestial Dynasty'''.
* Yamato and [[Haze]] are currently the only heroes whose Ammo is directly affected by [[Spirit Power]].
* Yamato has a higher [[Melee Damage|melee damage]] than every other hero, with the exception of [[Pocket]]'s light melee.
* Yamato's original voice actor wasn't a native Japanese speaker. This was changed after she was recast in the [[Update:October 10, 2024|2024-10-10 Update]]. Developer [[Kaori]] has confirmed that her voice actor is not Alpha Takahashi.<ref>2025-08-17 - [[Kaori]]; Deadlock Discord ''- "it's not [Alpha]"''</ref>
* Yamato's background was originally available in English in an earlier build, before being translated to Japanese.
* "Reminiscing in the Hideout" is displayed as one's status in the in-game Friends List when playing as Yamato in the [[Hideout]].

== References ==
<references />
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