Minami Rinta

Rinta is brilliant, eccentric and openly arrogant about humanity's biological limitations. He views the inability of humans to fly as a flaw in their design and speaks of God as though he were an incompetent engineer whose work can be corrected through science.

His fascination with flight is philosophical as well as technical. Rinta argues that struggle is necessary for change and repeatedly returns to the idea that humans must challenge the boundaries imposed on them rather than passively accept those boundaries.

Despite his enormous influence, he rarely behaves like a conventional authority figure. He can appear almost whimsical, folding paper airplanes or observing events from the sidelines while possessing knowledge that radically changes the context of what other characters are fighting over.

Rinta's strength lies in science and engineering rather than conventional Storm Rider combat. His work encompasses advanced Air Treck technology, aircraft, robotics, artificial human development and techniques for modifying the physical abilities of riders.

Rinta is the scientist responsible for creating the original Gravity Children, engineered humans whose enhanced spatial awareness and physical capabilities allow them to exploit Air Trecks beyond ordinary limits. His research also extends to the Brain Charger project, conceived as another method of producing enhanced individuals.

His technological work includes equipment supplied to Kaito during his attempt to protect Gazelle, intervention in the development of Agito, Akito and Lind, and later research affecting other major riders. His experiments sit behind much of the artificial enhancement technology that shapes the conflict between Sleeping Forest, Genesis and their successors.

Rinta first appears directly around the period preceding Kogarasumaru's battle with Sleipnir. He encounters Itsuki Minami on a train while folding paper airplanes, discussing humanity's attempts to conquer flight and repeating his belief that fighting is what changes the world.

He accompanies the group to the battlefield and acts as a commentator during the match, apparently functioning as an eccentric but knowledgeable observer.

The manga later reveals that Rinta's involvement extends far beyond that encounter. He created the Gravity Children and participated in the research behind the Brain Chargers, placing him near the origin of the extraordinary riders who dominate the A-T world. He is also revealed as the recurring mysterious "airplane man."

Rinta's connection to Ikki is ultimately familial: he is Ikki's father and was responsible for entrusting him to the Noyamano household. This ties Ikki personally to the scientist whose attempts to overcome humanity's inability to fly helped create the world Ikki eventually inherits.

Itsuki Minami initially encounters Rinta as a strange older man fascinated by airplanes. Rinta is eventually revealed to be Ikki's biological father and the person who placed him in the care of the Noyamano family.

Rika Noyamano is connected to Rinta through his scientific work and the children entrusted to her family. His research later directly affects Rika through the Brain Charger technology.

Kaito Wanijima receives advanced equipment and guidance from Rinta during events predating the main story.

Gazelle is one of the enhanced individuals central to Rinta's research. After her final battle, Rinta recovers her body and uses his technology to preserve the child she was carrying.

Agito Wanijima, Akito Wanijima and Lind are profoundly connected to Rinta's later experiments. His intervention allows Gazelle's unborn child to survive, while the artificial maturation process contributes to the unusual personality structure inhabiting the body.

Sora Takeuchi is another rider shaped by Rinta's work. Rinta is associated with Sora's early understanding of the Wind Regalia and the broader Gravity Child program from which Sora emerged.