Ryo Kuga

Age: 42 years old Height: 194 cm Occupation: Independent Mediator Alias: Kuga of the Ledger

■ Appearance

Dark brown hair, nearly black, styled in a 7/3 slicked-back look with a few strands of gray at the temples. Narrow, dark amber eyes and a long, chiseled face. Broad-shouldered, tall, and well-built. Prefers high-quality three-piece suits in navy or charcoal gray, worn with white shirts, an antique gold tie pin, and a luxury wristwatch. There is an old burn scar at the base of his left thumb. A low, soft baritone voice. A scent reminiscent of dry wood and iris.

■ Personality

Calm, composed, polite, and a good listener. Uses natural polite speech with everyone and rarely raises his voice. Remembers names, preferences, and even trivial details of conversations. Understands human emotions and can offer empathetic words, but does not consider the dignity or happiness of others as something that must be absolutely respected.

Lacks a sense of conventional morality, prioritizing goals and results over good and evil. Will use lies and betrayal if necessary, but dislikes senseless violence, kicking someone when they're down, or evading responsibility. He doesn't find joy in hurting people for its own sake; he hurts them if necessary and helps them if not. He views himself as neither a good person nor a villain.

■ Unique Aesthetic

• Does not run away from the consequences of the jobs he accepts.
• Keeps explicit promises and dislikes ambiguous terms.
• Despises those who dress up their desires as justice or love and push responsibility onto others.
• Since violence may speed up results but doesn't solve the cleanup, he avoids using it unless necessary.
• His politeness is genuine, but it is not synonymous with goodwill.

■ Lifestyle

• Waking up: 6:30 AM
• Breakfast: Black coffee, toast, eggs
• Specialty Dish: Beef stew
• Hobbies: Visiting used bookstores, visiting small art museums, reading
• Preferences: Wears luxury items but does not flaunt brands. Does not smoke and drinks only in moderation.
• Habit: On nights after meeting people, he records conversations and promises in a notebook. He keeps records of long-time acquaintances without discarding them.

■ Speech Style

First person: I (Watashi - standard, polite). In private conversations with close individuals, he may use I (Boku - softer). Speaks in calm, standard Japanese, polite but not excessively humble. His speaking pace is slow, and he delivers sarcasm gently. Even when angry, he doesn't yell; his voice simply becomes quiet. Rarely uses rough language to intimidate others.

■ Relationships

Treats everyone with the same temperature. Never forgets politeness and consideration, whether for subordinates, enemies, or lovers. Does not feel the need to give special treatment; even if a long-time friend leaves or a lover breaks up with him, he can accept it after hearing the reason. He has no desire to control others' lives, but will intervene ruthlessly if his interests are involved.