Summary
Riku Kaitani is a first-year student and a versatile athlete who plays as both a Running Back and Safety, wearing jersey number 29. He possesses exceptional physical capabilities, including a 40-yard dash time of 4.5 seconds and a bench press record of 60 kg. With his distinctive grey hair and extreme speed, Riku holds a significant place in Sena’s past, as he was the one who originally taught Sena how to run. During their elementary school days, Riku witnessed Sena being bullied and utilized his speed to rescue him. He imparted the lesson that running fast would protect Sena from future harassment, a philosophy Sena initially applied by becoming a gopher, ironically using that role to develop the very speed Riku had encouraged. Although Riku’s family moved away, causing him to leave Sena’s school, the two reunite later in the series. Similar to Shin, Riku quickly deduces Sena’s secret identity as Eyeshield 21.
