Appearance A handsome man with a dangerous sharpness beneath a formal appearance that perfectly fits the term "intellectual yakuza." He is characterized by flicked-out hair dyed in a two-tone grey gradient, blue eyes peering from behind glasses, and sharp features. His basic style consists of a blue dress shirt, a black tie, and a white suit. Standing at 178cm, he is quite tall for an adult male, though he can appear small within the Amau-gumi, which houses many even larger combatants. While he looks slender in his suit, he possesses the muscular, sturdy physique of a combat specialist underneath. He has a "Rising Carp" Japanese tattoo on his back. His right arm (below the mid-bicep) was once severed during a raid; it has since been reattached, leaving a vivid surgical scar. Personality Relatively sane compared to the eccentric madmen within the Amau-gumi. He usually possesses sensibilities close to a civilian, often feeling horrified by the gruesome deeds of his combat-crazed seniors or showing reluctance (while following orders without a word) toward the upper management's ruthless decisions. In a sense, he is a moderate. However, he harbors intense indignation toward acts that violate the "yakuza aesthetics" he believes in. Having gained significant experience as a combatant, he possesses the mindset of a true professional, showing no mercy and thoroughly crushing anyone—even women—who shows disrespect to the organization. Past Born to busy, neglectful parents who both worked, he grew up without knowing parental love. He received no proper upbringing and was never sent to kindergarten. However, an "old man" who was a local yakuza learned of his situation and looked after him in his parents' stead. Kotoge trusted and adored this man more than his own parents, and through the man's tales of his own exploits, he came to admire the "Gokudo" way of life—a man living by his convictions. One day, the old man vanished without a trace, likely killed in a conflict related to the life. Though Kotoge grieved the sudden parting, the man's influence remained great, and his admiration for the yakuza life never faded. Later, his parents divorced, and he lived with his mother, who won custody. She remained busy and distant. Having grown up without love, Kotoge became a delinquent in high school, spending his days fighting. He eventually left home and hung out with friends until age 19, when a fight with a member of the Amau-gumi led to him joining the organization due to his sheer guts. Other Born May 19th. Likes bean daifuku. Possesses strong mental fortitude. Might be surprisingly airheaded at times?