hongou akira

First appearance: Battle 167
Age: 29-30
Type: Sei
Type: Satsujin Ken
Yami Symbol: Sky
Martial Art: Karate (specializes in Shinchi Nengen style)
Hongou Akira is a member of Yami's One Shadow Nine Fists, a master of Karate. He was the mentor of Kanou Shou, who met his demise after being defeated by Kenichi during the D of D tournament. Hongou disdains the use of science and technology to gauge martial arts proficiency but doesn't hesitate to raise the stakes and difficulty for Shou during experiments. His rigorous training of Shou stemmed from a desire to prove to others, including the One Shadow, that Shou deserved to be the 'Sole Successor'. Consequently, he was a stern and cold teacher, ensuring Shou never lost a match that could tarnish their reputations. However, he occasionally allowed Shou some leeway, such as keeping a pet bird or riding on a boat.
Hongou is quite serious about many matters, even something as simple as meeting other Fists. He often responds with silence, like when Lona thanked him, staring back sternly. He's also very quiet, speaking only when necessary, especially in battle. Despite scorning the use of technology to measure martial prowess, he didn't mind using it to train Shou. Beneath his cold exterior lies a deep bond with his disciple, akin to a father-son relationship. He believed Shou was the rightful 'Sole Successor' and wanted to dispel any doubts about his worthiness. When he learned of Shou's death during the D of D Tournament, he visibly mourned his beloved disciple.
He harbors intense hatred towards Ryozanpaku, bearing a scar inflicted by Sakaki Shio. This resentment grew when he learned Shou died saving Fuurinji Miu. During the battle for Yami's Karate successor, he told Kenichi to convey to Sakaki that they would "settle this soon."
In his past friendship with Sakaki, Hongou appeared more compassionate and spoke more frequently. He seemed to follow the path of Katsujin Ken, having saved several lives on multiple occasions, such as shielding hostages from bullets.
Hongou's embrace of Satsujin Ken stems from honoring Suzuki Hajime, who demanded a death match with him when Yami pitted Sakaki, Hajime, and him against each other for Karate succession. His conflict with Sakaki arises from differing views: Sakaki prioritized Hajime's well-being, while Hongou focused on fulfilling Hajime's wishes, calling Sakaki "selfish" for not understanding.
Despite appearing ruthless and serious most times, Hongou has shown remarkable honor compared to other Yami members. He paused his fight with Sakaki to help save Miu from Jenazad and promised the Elder to return her safely. Even Sakaki acknowledges his word is trustworthy. He respects the Kuremisago clan deeply, unwilling to shed blood on their sacred land. He also desires no disciples to lose their lives in battles, showing a more compassionate side by wishing Kenichi and Miu wouldn't die fighting Jenazad's men.