Like his rival Kyo, Iori also has the ablility to summon flames. However, the Yagami flame is much more powerful because of a blood pact the Hasshaku (later Yagami) Clan made with their sworn enemy, Orochi, in order to defeat the Kusanagi clan after the bitter dispute. Thus, the flames Iori creates are tainted purple from the Orochi blood that flows through him due to the pact. This Orochi blood is a deadly poison to humans, however, because of its overwhelming power. Of course, the Yagami aren't an exception, and Iori's body suffers in pain from the power of the Orochi whenever he uses his purple flames. But to prove his power, Iori ignores the pain and fights. Soon, the Orochi blood will consume his body, mind, and soul, and causes Iori the Riot of Blood.

Though Iori shows little interest to anything that doesn't involve his rival, he does seem to show some talent in music. He is a member of a music band, presumable the base guitar, since his prized posession is a Legend's base guitar. Iori and his band seems to be talented enough to cause problems for Yashiro, Shermie, Chris, and their band trouble in booking, since their team was too similar to Iori's, and were called imposters. Perhaps it is only when Iori is playing his guitar that he is released from his plagued lifestyle.

Iori is debatably one of the best fighters in the King of Fighters, and in '97, he enters alone. His agility and speed make him a tricky opponent, and his normal attacks are strong and long in range. His special attacks usually parallel Kyo's, such as the "Oniyaki". The special move, "Yaotome (Maiden Masher)" is quite a sight to see. It is a little ironic that, though Iori dispises violence, a lot of his moves, especially after he is posessed by the Riot of Blood, is quite grotesque.