Hayato Akaba

Akaba is calm, eccentric and highly analytical. He rarely abandons his musical vocabulary, evaluating players and plays in terms of rhythm, harmony and sound.

His confidence is substantial enough for him to claim the Eyeshield 21 title directly in front of Sena. Unlike a simple impostor, however, Akaba has the skill to make that claim threatening; he is a complete football player capable of changing Bando's effectiveness simply by entering the lineup.

Loyalty to Bando is important to him. Although offered a route into Japan's most prestigious high-school program, his attachment to his teammates ultimately outweighs the appeal of joining an established powerhouse.

Akaba specializes in blocking technique. Rather than relying on overwhelming body weight, he studies balance, leverage and the direction of an opponent's force, allowing him to redirect larger defenders efficiently.

He passes this knowledge to the Spiders while unable to play, dramatically improving their blocking. His technique makes Bando's kicking-focused offense far more dangerous because blockers can create lanes and protect the specialists behind them.

Akaba is also versatile enough to play tight end, fullback and linebacker. His football intelligence allows him to contribute on both sides of the ball.

Akaba accepts an invitation to Teikoku when his family circumstances take him toward Kansai, but a confrontation with Kotaro Sasaki changes his decision. He chooses Bando instead.

Because of transfer regulations, he is unable to play official games for six months. During that period he becomes an instructor, teaching Bando the blocking system that helps transform the team's effectiveness.

Akaba finally becomes eligible in time to face Deimon, where his claim to the Eyeshield 21 identity creates a direct confrontation with Sena. After Deimon defeats Bando, Akaba gives his blue eyeshield to Sena, acknowledging him and abandoning his own claim to the title.

Kotaro Sasaki is Akaba's teammate and one of the strongest reasons he chooses Bando over Teikoku. Their contrasting personalities are united by loyalty to the Spiders.

Sena Kobayakawa confronts Akaba over the Eyeshield 21 name. [After their game, Akaba recognizes Sena Kobayakawa by giving him the blue eyeshield he had worn as the supposed "real" Eyeshield 21.](#spoiler)

Youichi Hiruma must design Deimon's offense around Akaba's ability to disrupt plays and control blockers during their matchup.