Youichi Hiruma

Hiruma is calculating, abrasive and relentlessly goal-oriented. He routinely threatens students, teachers and administrators, keeps firearms as part of his exaggerated intimidation tactics and refers to teammates with insulting nicknames. His Book of Threats gives him leverage over an enormous range of people.

His apparent amorality is more complicated than it first appears. Hiruma manipulates his teammates ruthlessly, but he understands their strengths and limitations better than almost anyone and rarely expects something he believes they are genuinely incapable of doing. He also refuses to surrender merely because an opponent appears stronger.

Hiruma dislikes sentimental displays and often conceals concern behind insults or schemes. His loyalty is most obvious in actions rather than declarations, particularly toward the people who helped create the Devil Bats with him.

Hiruma is a highly intelligent quarterback whose greatest weapon is tactical improvisation. His physical statistics are good rather than extraordinary: his 40-yard dash reaches 5.1 seconds and his bench press is 75 kg. Against opponents who surpass him athletically, he wins through timing, deception and exploiting tiny weaknesses.

His passing is precise enough to support Deimon's aggressive offense, and he excels at disguising intentions before the snap. Trick plays, audibles, fake formations, option concepts and psychological manipulation are central to his style.

Hiruma is also an exceptional observer. He tracks opponents' habits, estimates probabilities during games and rapidly redesigns plans when circumstances change. His willingness to gamble on low-probability plays makes Deimon exceptionally difficult to predict.

Hiruma discovers Sena's extraordinary speed while watching him escape bullies and immediately recruits him as Deimon's secret running back. To prevent rival teams from identifying their new weapon, he creates the Eyeshield 21 persona and conceals Sena's identity behind a green eyeshield.

Alongside Gen Takekura and Kurita, Hiruma is one of the original founders of the Devil Bats. His Christmas Bowl ambition drives the club's recruitment, training and increasingly difficult tournament campaign.

Even after suffering a serious arm injury against Hakushu, Hiruma refuses to abandon the game and constructs ways to remain useful despite his impaired passing. Deimon eventually reaches and wins the Christmas Bowl, completing the goal that had driven the original trio.

Ryokan Kurita is one of Hiruma's oldest teammates and fellow founders of the Devil Bats. Ryokan Kurita's kindness contrasts sharply with Hiruma's methods, but their trust is longstanding.

Gen Takekura is the third member of the original trio. When Gen Takekura leaves football to support his family, Hiruma keeps his place available rather than replacing him completely.

Sena Kobayakawa is Hiruma's greatest discovery. Hiruma initially forces Sena Kobayakawa into the team, then develops him into the central weapon of Deimon's offense.

Mamori Anezaki repeatedly challenges Hiruma's treatment of Sena. Despite their arguments, Mamori Anezaki becomes one of the few people capable of matching him intellectually in the club's strategic work.

Doburoku Sakaki helped teach Hiruma football and later becomes Deimon's coach.

Agon Kongo represents one of Hiruma's most personal rivals. Their history predates Deimon's major tournament run and intensifies the confrontation with Shinryuji Naga.