Hitoyoshi, Zenkichi
Summary
Zenkichi Hitoyoshi is the male protagonist of the series and Medaka’s childhood friend. He attends Hakoniwa Academy, having previously studied at Hakobune Middle School. Although he is currently a second-year student in Class 1, he was originally a first-year in the same class. At fifteen to sixteen years old, he is a Leo with AB blood type. He serves as the General Affairs Manager for Medaka’s Student Council and is involved in the Flask Plan. He joined the council reluctantly, primarily to protect Medaka. In the pilot chapter, Medaka appointed him as Vice President. Zenkichi is deeply enthusiastic about Medaka’s mission to help others and is quick to punish anyone who opposes her goals. It is later revealed that he was responsible for reforming Medaka into her current personality. There are strong implications that he harbors romantic feelings for her. Very little is known about his past, aside from the fact that he has been with Medaka since they were two years old. His relationship with Shiranui is frequently commented on by their classmates, who often view their interactions negatively. Shiranui has stated that she only considers him a friend when she is in the mood, yet her grandfather ironically notes that Zenkichi is likely the only person who can get along with her. Eventually, Zenkichi confesses his feelings directly to Medaka before sacrificing himself to destroy Kumagawa.
