Bao Zakeruga (バオウ・ザケルガ
Baou Zakeruga), also known (and pronounced) as
Bao Zakerga in some dubs and
Baô Zakelga in French, and simply known as
Bao (バオウ
Baou) by certain individuals, is
Zatch Bell's fourth spell and their ultimate attack for the majority of the series. An enhanced version of
Zakeruga, it summons a giant Chinese dragon made of electricity. It is gained after Zatch regains his memories of his earliest days in the human world. Of Zatch's spells, it is only surpassed in power by
Shin Beruwan Baou Zakeruga in the manga.
Baou Zakeruga is a very powerful spell. It summons a large dragon-shaped manifestation of lightning with enormous fangs that emit electricity and shining red eyes with the Bell family's lightning bolt symbol on its forehead, and two lightning bolts in each of its hands. In its second form, utilized by a combination of it and Zaguruzemu, Baou Zakeruga changes to a more golden hue, with two massive brown horns jutting from the sides of its head. In its final form, unlocked after Kiyo is killed in the Faudo Arc, Baou grows massive and gains a large crest atop its head, similar in shape to the crown given to the King of the Mamodo World. Baou Zakeruga charges forward and devours an enemy's spell, giving a mighty roar as it charges.
Baou Zakeruga was a unique spell first developed by King Dauwan Bell, which he used to win the previous mamodo battle, though how he created the spell is unknown. He chose Zatch Bell, his younger son, to inherit this power, quickly noticing the signs of power lust and jealousy in Zeno's heart. Baou is a dangerous power that feeds on the evil and hatred of its enemies, and because of that, its true power threatens to consume the user.
For the entirety of the series, Baou is Zatch's trump card, saved as a last resort because of its enormous destructive power and consumption of Heart Energy. It is a frightening spell and is usually undefeatable except by stronger ultimate spells. In terms of classification of power, its first and weakest form is about on the level of a Gigano-class spell. Its second form, powered by at least three or more Zaguruzemus, is equivalent to that of a Dioga-class spell, and its final form is, at its peak, on par with that of a Shin-class spell. It is the only spell seen capable of upgrading classes.
When Zatch awakened the true
Baou, and it's power rivaled that of a Shin-level spell, the spell was much bigger, but it still fit inside Faudo's head. When Zatch obtained Zeno's powers,
Baou Zakeruga's size was even larger than Faudo's entire body. While it seemed like Zatch had all of Zeno's powers permanently, it was't the case, as after Faudo was sent back, the size of
Baou Zakeruga returned to the size before Zatch obtained Zeno's power.
