original zero

The sub-boss of The King of Fighters 2001. Fights using 3 strikers (Krizalid, Ron, and his pet lion Glaugan)

Unlike his clone, this Zero is extremely loyal to the NESTS syndicate and was disgusted to learn of his clone's attempted coup d'état. He was resting in NESTS's main headquarters during the events of 2000 and was unaware of his clone's actions until later.

He was ordered by the leader of NESTS to resume their primary plan of world conquest. Since the fighting data of the world's fighters had already been gathered and saved in the main database of NESTS's computers, the cartel planned to be rid of them and take over the then helpless planet.

Willing to clear his reputation of his clone's actions, True Zero is commanded to destroy the winners of The King of Fighters tournament. He traps the winning team in a space ship that was disguised as a blimp. He then informs the team about their real destination to NESTS's main headquarters in outer space as well as other information concerning NESTS's intentions.

Upon being defeated by the player, he urges the team to escape the collapsing ship and presumably dies honorably on board the vessel.

He fights in the same way as his clone was, but he loses his clone's shadow arts in exchange for his strikers.

Voiced by Arai Toshimitsu.