Kengo Haryuu

Haryuu is competitive, confident and demanding, particularly on the badminton court. He readily points out weaknesses in another player's technique and sees little value in allowing a teammate to repeat comfortable habits that will not produce improvement. His teasing manner can make him appear flippant, but he applies the same demanding standards to himself.

His treatment of Taiki demonstrates the more considerate side of that personality. Haryuu pushes him through difficult training because he expects him to improve, openly acknowledging his determination and potential even while criticizing his current performance. He also enjoys teasing Taiki about Chinatsu after realizing that his junior has feelings for her.

Haryuu takes both badminton and his future seriously. As graduation approaches, he balances his final competitions with entrance-exam preparation and plans to study law, following the profession of his mother.

Haryuu is one of Eimei's strongest badminton players and competes at a level far above Taiki when they first meet. He combines strong fundamentals with excellent court awareness and an ability to dictate the pace of rallies rather than merely responding to an opponent.

He is experienced in both singles and doubles. Early in the series, Haryuu chooses Taiki as his doubles partner and uses their training to correct his junior's weaknesses. He previously played junior doubles with Shouichiro Kishi, giving him substantial experience coordinating with different partners.

Haryuu continues improving even as Taiki closes the gap between them. Their later prefectural-qualifier match becomes one of Taiki's most significant tests, with both players fighting for one of the limited places at the Inter-High. Haryuu also qualifies for nationals in doubles alongside Ryousuke Nishida.

Haryuu first functions as the seemingly unreachable ace standing between Taiki and a regular position on Eimei's badminton team. Their early practice match demonstrates how far Taiki still has to improve. Soon afterward, however, Haryuu selects him as a doubles partner and becomes an informal mentor.

At the first prefectural qualifiers, Haryuu's own singles campaign establishes the level of competition awaiting Taiki. Shouta Hyoudou is an especially important obstacle for him, while the emergence of Shuuji Yusa further changes the competitive hierarchy.

By Taiki's second year, the relationship between mentor and junior becomes direct competition. They meet in the prefectural semifinals with a nationals berth at stake, and Taiki finally defeats Haryuu in singles. Haryuu nevertheless reaches nationals in doubles with Nishida and completes his final high-school season before graduating.

Taiki Inomata is Haryuu's junior, former doubles partner and eventual singles rival. Haryuu recognizes Taiki's potential early and deliberately trains him hard enough to force improvement.

Karen Moriya is Haryuu's girlfriend. The two met at swimming school in fifth grade and maintain their relationship despite busy schedules.

Chinatsu Kano is Haryuu's classmate and friend. Their familiarity initially causes Taiki to mistake Haryuu for a possible romantic rival.

Ryousuke Nishida is Haryuu's friend and fellow badminton player. They later form a doubles pair and qualify for nationals together.

Shouta Hyoudou is one of Haryuu's principal badminton rivals and a player he struggles to defeat in official competition.

Shuuji Yusa emerges as another major competitor within the prefecture.

Shouichiro Kishi was Haryuu's doubles partner during their KTS Junior days and continues to call him "Harry-senpai."