Prof. Kinopio

Prof. Kinopio is a character in Paper Mario: Color Splash. He is a yellow Toad, and he owns a pet Chain Chomp named Princess. When Mario and Huey go to his house in Château Chanterelle, they are told by a Toad that the professor is taking a walk with Princess in Mondo Woods. The professor can be found at the end of Mondo Woods, crying on top of a Big Block because he lost Princess. Huey tells the professor that Princess probably went back to Château Chanterelle, and the professor heads back there with raised spirits. However, when Mario and Huey arrive at Château Chanterelle, they find the professor crying on the ground due to Princess not being there. The professor gives Mario an Excavation Site Permit so that he can explore Marmalade Valley.

After Mario finds the Bone in Marmalade Valley, he can take it to Château Chanterelle, which causes Princess to return briefly. She jumps and rolls on Prof. Kinopio, and his assistant worries that he was crushed. The professor, however, is happy, and tells Mario to give Princess another Bone if he finds her again. He gives Mario a Sharp Spike as a reward for finding Princess.

Prof. Kinopio reappears during the "Prisma Prance Trance" dance sequence, laying on the floor before standing up. After getting the orange Big Paint Star and repainting Draggadon, Mario can visit Prof. Kinopio to learn about the species, giving a hint as to where the Draggadon went.

Quotes

 * "*sob*"
 * "My Princess..."
 * "*sniffle*"
 * "Gone..."
 * "I am indeed the professor... of super-old things. But I've suffered a great tragedy. My poor little Princess is missing!"
 * "That's her chain over there... *sob*"
 * "I hope you're safe and sound, my sweet, little baby. Wherever you are..."
 * "OF COURSE! She's probably waiting for me at home!"
 * "My Princess is as smart as she is cute. She would have known just what to do!"
 * "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off! Oh, I can't wait to see the look on her sweet, wittle face! Daddy's coming, Princess!"
 * "Yes, yes. But you'll have to come to my house. Wait for me, Princess! I'm on my way!"
 * "My sweet, little baby... She's gone forever! *sob*"
 * "...So you'll help me find her, then! Thank you for putting your little Paint Star quest on the back burner while you find my Princess! You'll need this permit to access my dig site. I don't imagine my Princess is there, but you never know. Come back to me, my darling... *sob*"
 * "Go on—wallop me. It matters not... *sob* What ever are you talking about? That was my beloved Princess! Mario, thank you for reuniting me with my sweet little girl. I suppose she's outgrown her little house here, but I'm glad she was able to visit one last time. If you come across any more bones, please share with her. She deserves a treat every now and then. And let her know that, wherever she ends up...I'll be thinking of her."
 * "Oh, and I've got a little something for you, as a small thank-you for helping me out. Follow me!"
 * "Ah, yes. Now, where were we? Of course...I was about to give you a small reward."
 * "A fellow at the dig site was about to throw this out, but I thought it might be of interest to you. Be careful now! It's as sharp as... erm... something very, very sharp. You'll have to pardon the analogy. I'm a paleo-archeologist, not one of those... um... good-talking guys. Ah! I've got it. It's as sharp as the spine on a Spiny. Yes, that will do."
 * "So, how do you like my gift so far? Have you accidentally stabbed yourself yet? Oh, ho! Do be careful."
 * "Ah, my dear Mario. I hear you were witness to a rather magnificent event at my dig site! Yes, it appears that the Big Paint Star somehow revitalized our Draggadon fossil with paint. Which means, of course, that it was never really a fossil to begin with! It was merely de-colorized. Anyhow, if you wish to study that fascinating creature in more detail, you ought to track it to its home. In that regard, I may be of some assistance. Draggadons are known for nesting deep within volcanoes. They just love the heat! Good luck, Mario. And thank you."
 * "Draggadons are known for nesting deep within volcanoes. Do be careful if you track our little Draggadon to its lair, OK?"