Onyango

Onyango is experienced, cooperative and far less severe than Burns. Although age has already led him into retirement once, he accepts returning to duty when Company 1 needs experienced leadership.

He also has a playful side. His participation in the Firefighter's Calendar demonstrates that he is willing to join the younger soldiers' antics rather than maintaining the distant demeanor of an elderly veteran.

His long relationship with Burns gives him insight into the captain's personality. Onyango understands that Burns often conceals his intentions and emotions beneath an imposing, stoic exterior.

Onyango is an experienced Fire Soldier with decades of practical service. His greatest demonstrated assets are his accumulated knowledge, field experience and familiarity with Company 1's operations.

He is also identified as a Third Generation pyrokinetic, allowing him to generate his own flames. His abilities receive considerably less direct combat focus than those of Company 1 specialists such as Burns, Karim Flam and Rekka Hoshimiya.

His return to an officer-level position despite having retired demonstrates the confidence Company 1 places in his competence.

Onyango's importance begins before the main narrative. Twelve years earlier, he serves alongside Burns during the response to the fire at the Kusakabe residence, placing him among the Fire Soldiers who witnessed the aftermath of one of the story's central mysteries.

After the exposure of Rekka's activities and the injuries suffered by Huo Yan Li, Company 1 requires additional experienced leadership. Onyango consequently comes out of retirement and resumes active duty as a company commander.

His presence also helps show the continuity of Company 1 beyond its younger officers. He represents the institutional memory of a brigade increasingly drawn into the investigation of the Evangelist.

Leonard Burns is Onyango's longtime captain and colleague. Their history includes the Kusakabe residence fire, and Onyango understands Burns well enough to recognize aspects of his thinking that younger subordinates may miss.

Shinra Kusakabe is connected to Onyango through that same fire. Onyango was among the Company 1 personnel present during the disaster that defined Shinra's childhood.

Rekka Hoshimiya's removal from Company 1 contributes to the shortage of officers that brings Onyango out of retirement.

Huo Yan Li and Karim Flam serve alongside Onyango as senior members of Company 1.