Explanation for the guy that are sick

[Lionsmane]

   Has there been an official explanation on what he is supposed to be about? I've only ever heard silly rumors in regards to his role in the story.


   My idea is that he's supposed to show effects of mako poisoning from Seph. test subjects, but he was found outside of town where Zack was killed and his #2 tattoo reminded me of Zack for some reason. Also, the whole sequence where Aerith asks if cloud can help him makes it seem like something was left incomplete. But she would've recognized Zack right?
  (weren't cloud and zack in tubes labeled one and two at the shinra mansion?


Anyway, I figured if anyone knew the official explanation it would be someone around here. 

[DLPB_]

The man in the Earthen Pipe is correctly translated as "Scruffy Man", which they missed out in the English localization.  He is simply another of the Hojo experiments, hence the tattoo.  He sets off for the Reunion just like all the other "Sephiroth-Copies".  His purpose in the story is to introduce you to the men with tattoos (most of which wear black cloaks) that play a much bigger role later on.

Zax is dead by this point anyway; he is shot dead in front of Midgar a few months prior to the start of the game.  Cloud takes his Buster Sword and creates an elaborate lie and persona based on him.

[JBedford128]

Not five years, it's a few months.

[DLPB_]

Not five years, it's a few months.

Yeah sorry, I did write that after no sleep for 24 hours

[Lionsmane]

Ahh that does make more sense, I guess the lack of a hood and space between that reunion and his introduction made me not establish the connection. Thanks!