Summary
Known as Nephlite in English adaptations, Nephrite holds the rank of second-in-command among the Shitennou and is the second to appear. Estimated to be around nineteen years old, he serves as the leader of the Dark Kingdom’s North American division. The mangaka Takeuchi characterized him as arrogant and volatile, predicting he would likely perish early in the story, a fate that ultimately befell him in the manga. His name is derived from the mineral nephrite. In the manga, Nephrite’s primary objective was finding the Silver Crystal. The death of his predecessor, Jadeite, fueled his actions, as he sought to avenge his fallen companion. He employed a shadow clone to possess victims, simultaneously draining their energy while controlling their bodies. His final plan involved possessing Motoki, which allowed the corruption to spread to Makoto. After Mamoru rescued them, Sailor Jupiter defeated and killed Nephrite in retaliation. In the anime, Nephrite assumed command after Jadeite was banished by Queen Beryl. He criticized Jadeite’s inefficient methods, proposing instead to harvest energy from individuals reaching their peak potential through astrological alignment. To conceal his identity, he adopted the persona of Masato Sanjouin, a wealthy businessman who drove a red Ferrari 512TR Testarossa. While largely passing as human, he displayed superhuman feats like leaping over tennis court fences. During his missions, he unintentionally won the affection of Naru. Although he successfully gathered energy, he grew frustrated with his failure to locate the Ginzuishou, which enraged the third king, Zoisite. Nephrite eventually created a homing device using a Black Crystal that reacted to Naru’s love for Mamoru. Nephrite himself developed romantic feelings for Naru, which Zoisite exploited to eliminate him. After Nephrite rescued Naru from Zoisite’s minions, admitting his true feelings, he was pierced by a vine and struck by another assassin while protecting her. He dropped the Black Crystal, which Zoisite seized. As the Sailor Senshi arrived, Nephrite died in Naru’s arms, expressing regret for his deception.
