Maruo is a minor character in Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse. He is featured in 3 Challenge Quests: [Grd] West Entry Park Security, National Park Farm Security, and Help Me, Hunter Boy.
Profile
Maruo is the founder and leader of the Maruology cult, attracting people to his ideals of self-acceptance. His firm words and loud attitude resonate with his followers, allowing him to sway them to do his bidding. However, he shrinks away upon facing opposition yet tries to hide this weakness from his followers.
He is a plump man that wears a green hoodie, a golden chain necklace, sunglasses, and a backwards cap.
Game Appearances
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
Maruo gathers his followers, known as Maruologists, to take over West Shinjuku Park, forcing out the Hunters who used the park as hunting grounds for demons. In his midst is a meek woman, who he preaches his message to: ideas of self-acceptance and living the way one wants to live. He promises he will still love her and the rest of his followers no matter what and affirms the belief in doing what one wants. The crowd cheers louder at the affirmation, but Nanashi attempts to settle their chanting. Although the Maruologists attack Nanashi for daring to interrupt Maruo, he steps forward to protect his followers. He calms them down then chides them for fighting, claiming that they will not be strong unless they are honest with themselves. Maruo then faces Nanashi himself to set an example but tires out, forfeiting the fight under the guise of being bored. However, before leaving, he promises that he will show his true self when he runs into Nanashi again.
He later directs his followers to steal crops[2] from Shinjuku National Park to lure Nanashi back for a rematch.[3] When Nanashi arrives, Maruo summons three Girimekhalas, intent on baring his true self and teaching the boy a lesson. During the fight, he tries to convince Nanashi to join his cult to no avail and is further frustrated by the refusal once the Girimekhalas are defeated. He spouts platitude after platitude, desperate to sway Nanashi, but only succeeds in confusing his followers. Suddenly, Mara manifests from his body and the demon leads away Maruo and his followers.
Afterwards, he sends Nanashi a distress call to save his followers from Mara after the demon took them to Kiba Storage. Once Nanashi arrives and defeats Mara, Maruo's influence on his followers fades and he loses weight, both being granted by Mara. He asks if everyone is unscathed and confesses to have lied about his real self with help from Mara, causing his followers to abandon him for betraying their trust. However, the meek woman from before admits that his reassurance saved her despite it being based in lies. With this encouragement, Maruo reaclls his desire to help people and decides to start over.
He is later found at Shinjuku National Park, working hard to help the farmers there.[4]
Nomenclature
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Japanese |
マルヲ | Maruo |
Gallery
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Defeated Sprite
References
- ↑ 真・女神転生IV FINAL 公式コンプリートガイド, Weekly Famitsu. Published by KADOKAWA. 190. ISBN-13: 978-4047331334.
- ↑ "Client - Farm Manager: Harvest season is coming, and we're having trouble with a bunch of crop thieves." Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse.
- ↑ "Maruo: I knew you'd show up if I screwed things up, Hunter Boy!" Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse.
- ↑ "Hunter Database - Maruo Because of Nanashi, Maruology has been disbanded and its leader Maruo has disappeared. There are sightings of him on a farm near Shinjuku National Park, but the details aren't clear." Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse.