Kyou is a stubborn, hot-headed boy. He is easily provoked and angered in any situation. As with most of the Sohma clan, Kyou is cursed with becoming an animal of the Zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite gender. His Zodiac animal is the cat which, in legend, was barred from becoming one of the official twelve animals because of the rat's trickery. Kyou hates the current rat of the family, Yuki, as a result. The two constantly fight and Kyou loses every time. Ever since he met Honda Tooru, who admires the cat of Zodiac legend, he has expressed a soft side of himself. Kyou was always separated from the Sohma clan, including his parents, which is likely the cause of his short-fused temperament and stubbornness. He constantly trains in martial arts so that he might one day defeat his rival, Yuki. His martial arts master is one of the people he respects the most.

Xin is one of Kingdom's main characters. He grew up like a slave together with his best friend and fellow orphan, Hyō, in a small village, but the two always dreamed of leaving their social class by becoming the world's greatest generals. Not much is known of Xin's family or past. Xin has a temper, but he also has a good heart. He is clearly loyal to his friends since he vows to not stop until Hyou's is fully avenged-even at the risk of his own death. His hot temper also makes him clash with Ten and they tend to bicker like siblings constantly! Xin's swordsmanship skills are very good due to his constant training over 1000 times with Hyō, but he also has monstrous strength and is very agile. In the fight with Jo Kan, it seems that Shin also has the ability to adapt very quickly in order to get the upper hand in battles. Xin dream is to become the world's greatest general, so that his name will be known even in the heavens. He shared this dream with Piao and now sets out to fulfill it for both of them.