Hongou, Akira
Seiyuu / Dub
Summary
Akira Hongou is a twenty-nine to thirty-year-old Sei member of Yami’s One Shadow Nine Fists, specializing in the Shinchi Nengen style of Karate under the Satsujin Ken path. He serves as the former master of Kanou Shou, who perished after being defeated by Kenichi during the D of D tournament. Hongou maintains a stern and cold demeanor, often displaying little emotion even during casual interactions, such as silently staring when Lona thanked him. He generally disdains the use of science and technology to measure martial arts prowess, yet he subjected Shou to rigorous, high-difficulty experiments to prove the disciple’s worth as the 'Sole Successor' to the other Fists. This harsh training was intended to ensure Shou never lost a match, thereby protecting both their reputations, though Hongou occasionally allowed Shou small freedoms, like keeping a pet bird or riding it on a boat. Despite his icy exterior, Hongou shares a deep, father-son-like bond with Shou, possessing unwavering faith in his disciple’s abilities. He was visibly enraged and mourned deeply when Shou died during the tournament. His hatred for Ryozanpaku runs deep, particularly toward Sakaki Shio, who gave him his signature scar. This animosity intensified when he learned Shou died saving Fuurinji Miu, leading him to challenge Kenichi to convey a promise to Sakaki that they would "end this soon." In his youth, Hongou was softer-spoken and had walked the path of Katsujin Ken, saving hostages from bullets on multiple occasions. However, he embraced the Satsujin Ken out of honor for Suzuki Hajime, who demanded a death match for the Karate succession. While Sakaki wished to let Hajime live, Hongou believed in fulfilling Hajime’s wish for a fatal duel, labeling Sakaki’s mercy as selfish. Even as a ruthless Satsujin Ken practitioner, Hongou displays a unique code of honor. He paused his battle with Sakaki to help rescue Miu from Jenazad, promising the Elder he would return her safely. Sakaki acknowledges that Hongou is a man who keeps his word. He also holds the Kuremisago clan in high regard, refusing to shed blood on their sacred land. Furthermore, he exhibits a compassionate side by expressing a desire for no disciples to die, specifically wishing for Kenichi and Miu to survive their confrontations with Jenazad’s men.
