Rui Habashira

Habashira behaves like a stereotypical delinquent: aggressive, foul-tempered and eager to intimidate opponents. His long arms and confrontational manner reinforce the Chameleons' gang-like image.

His behavior does not erase a strong sense of loyalty. Habashira cares about his teammates and about football far more deeply than his casual punk persona initially suggests. He can also recognize when another player has earned respect through effort.

As his high-school career advances, the gap between his dedication and that of many Zokugaku players becomes increasingly painful. Habashira wants to compete seriously even when the people around him are content merely to maintain the team's delinquent identity.

Habashira's long arms are his principal physical advantage at linebacker. They increase his effective tackling range, help him interfere with passes and make it difficult for runners to judge when they have escaped his reach.

He plays quarterback as well, reflecting how heavily Zokugaku depends on him. His 80 kg bench press and 5.2-second 40-yard dash are solid rather than extraordinary, and he lacks the elite athleticism of linebackers such as Shin.

Habashira compensates through aggression, experience and persistence. He continues fighting through plays even when facing teams with clearly superior personnel.

Habashira leads Zokugaku during one of Deimon's earliest meaningful games. His insults toward Seijuro Shin provoke Sena, giving the inexperienced runner an emotional reason to challenge the Chameleons directly.

Zokugaku later becomes a recurring point of comparison as Deimon rises through Tokyo football. Habashira continues taking the sport seriously even as his team's limitations become increasingly obvious.

After Zokugaku's final high-school tournament ends, Habashira is devastated by teammates who immediately treat the loss as permission to return to ordinary delinquent life. His commitment eventually earns him a place with Japan for the Youth World Cup, giving him another opportunity to play meaningful football.

Megu Tsuyumine is Zokugaku's manager and one of Habashira's closest companions. Megu Tsuyumine calls him Rui and is one of the few people capable of intimidating him into training harder.

Sena Kobayakawa first confronts Habashira as an opposing runner during Deimon's match with Zokugaku.

Seijuro Shin becomes the subject of Habashira's provocative trash talk, indirectly motivating Sena during their early match.