Leonof the Puppet-Master

Leonof the Puppet Master, is an elderly man who controls a large number of puppets with an elaborate system of wires connected to small metal spheres. He is capable of controlling multiple puppets at once as well as being able to see through their eyes and speak through them. Leonof can manipulate the puppets to look like real people or even animals, and uses them to do horrible things to those close to Vash.

In the manga, it is revealed that Leonof's real name was Emilio, and that he met Vash sometime during his childhood. He was in love with a girl named Isabelle, who eventually died, and it is implied he became obsessed with his puppet-making to mend his broken spirit. The manga also reveals that Leonof transforms all of his victims into puppets, and that he dissects these people while they are still alive to create his masterpieces, whether they are women, children, or even babies.