Kiminari Harao

Harao is vain, pompous and accustomed to being treated as Taiyou's star by his fans. He speaks and presents himself like a pharaoh and initially blames teammates when the offense struggles.

His arrogance conceals considerable insecurity. Harao knows that serious football observers consider him less impressive than his reputation suggests, and criticism of his quarterback ability affects him deeply.

That awareness eventually motivates real effort. Rather than remaining entirely dependent on the Pyramid Line, he attempts to improve after experiencing how badly his game deteriorates when his protection disappears.

Harao is a conventional passer whose greatest advantage is the enormous offensive line in front of him. Given a clean pocket, he has time to locate receivers without facing immediate pressure.

His weaknesses become pronounced under pressure. He tends to remain stationary when no receiver is available rather than escaping the pocket, and his high ball carriage creates opportunities for defenders to force fumbles.

A 5.4-second 40-yard dash and 50 kg bench press leave him without an exceptional physical fallback. His effectiveness therefore depends heavily on decision-making and protection.

Harao quarterbacks Taiyou when the Sphinx faces Deimon, initially expecting the Pyramid Line to make the contest straightforward. Deimon's ability to penetrate that protection forces him into situations he is poorly prepared to handle.

The experience exposes the difference between Harao's popularity and Banba's actual importance to the team. It also pushes Harao to recognize weaknesses he had previously hidden behind his linemen.

During Taiyou's later match against Hakushuu, Gaou devastates the Sphinx's line. With Banba and the other linemen injured, Harao forfeits rather than continue exposing his teammates to further punishment.

Mamoru Banba is Taiyou's captain and the player on whom Harao depends most heavily. Mamoru Banba also confronts Harao when he unfairly blames teammates for his own shortcomings.

Niinobu Kasamatsu is another member of the Pyramid Line responsible for protecting Harao during passing plays.

Rikiya Gaou later becomes a terrifying opposing lineman for Taiyou. [The damage Rikiya Gaou inflicts on Harao's protection ultimately contributes to Harao ending the game early.](#spoiler)