The End is a member of the Cobra unit with exceptional sniping skills, born in the early 1860s, and the only member of the Cobra unit without an emotion-based codename, though it is explained in the game that it signifies "true oblivion." The End uses stun grenades and a modified Mosin-Nagant rifle converted to fire sedative rounds. The End can also become "one" with the environment, flora and fauna included. He apparently can summon the spirits of the "holy forest" he waits in to revive his stamina through directed sunlight. His pet parrot (an Alexandrine parakeet) alerts him to Snake's presence acting as a spotter of sorts, and calls him "Grandpa".
If Snake is defeated by The End, he will simply carry the unconscious protagonist back to the Graniny Gorki Laboratory prison cells, leave the door unlocked, return to his position and await Snake's inevitable return; he is the only member of the Cobras that will not kill the player under any circumstances. If the player does not wish to struggle through this battle, the player has two options: the player can simply turn off the console and wait for seven days (or set the system clock a week ahead). This will result in a secret cutscene in which The End has died of old age, while Snake feels that he has disappointed The End in his final moments.
The second option is when the player sees The End getting pushed in a wheelchair during a cutscene. The player can use the sniper rifle and shoot The End in the head before he is fully wheeled through the door. It is advisable to move out of the way, seeing as a wheel from the wheelchair will inevitably come flying at Snake's head.
The End was named the fourth greatest boss of all time by Electronic Gaming Monthly in their 196th issue.
