Takashi Ezaki

Takashi begins as fearful, withdrawn and heavily dependent on the internet. Barricading himself inside is both a practical response to the infected outside and an extension of the isolated life he was already living.

Joining Kurusu's followers forces him into direct contact with other people and with physical danger. He listens carefully to the group's more experienced members and gradually becomes capable of participating rather than merely waiting to be rescued.

Takashi also forms attachments quickly once given a community. His concern for the people around him becomes important when the group's internal tensions grow as dangerous as the ZQN outside.

Takashi initially has little practical fighting experience. Kowashi teaches him anti-ZQN combat, including how to use distance and defensive equipment against the infected's predictable attempts to grab and bite.

After being overwhelmed and bitten during a ZQN attack, Takashi survives in an anomalous state instead of transforming normally. His physique changes dramatically, and he develops superhuman strength and resilience comparable to other partially infected individuals.

His enhanced body eventually allows him to contend directly with Kurusu and the similarly altered Scoop no Otoko, opponents far beyond the capabilities of ordinary survivors.

Takashi's storyline begins after the narrative temporarily leaves Hideo's travelling group. He posts online asking Kurusu's faction for help and is rescued by Kurusu, Kowashi and Danieli.

At the hideout he meets Haruki, Kizuki, Tomabechi and the other residents. He learns their methods for fighting ZQN and discovers that Kurusu's internet following has developed into an organized survivor network.

Takashi is later overwhelmed by ZQN near a river but survives his infection with extraordinary abilities. He encounters another anomalously infected man, fights him, and is then drawn into a three-way battle when Kurusu appears. Takashi emerges as the victor and subsequently assumes the name and appearance of Kurusu, leading the surviving group toward Tokyo.

Kurusu personally helps rescue Takashi and initially becomes the extraordinary figure at the center of his new community. Takashi Ezaki later fights Kurusu and ultimately assumes Kurusu's name after their confrontation.

Kowashi participates in Takashi's rescue and teaches Takashi Ezaki practical methods for fighting ZQN.

Tomabechi introduces Takashi Ezaki to the group's weapons, research and observations about ZQN behavior.

Haruki is one of the students Takashi Ezaki meets and trains alongside at the hideout.

Hanyuu trusts Takashi Ezaki enough to tell him about his plan to escape the area by boat with his sister.

Fukiko is Hanyuu's sister and another member of the nearby survivor group.