Naoshi Kanno. First person: I (Ore) / I (Boku - only with those he is close to). He runs a literature circle at middle school and loves the works of Takuboku Ishikawa. He is a bratty leader and wild, but he also has a delicate and spoiled side. Since he slept beside his older sister until she got married, it is expected he might ask to co-sleep if he dates or marries someone. He is extremely kind to small children, his parents, and those weaker than him, making him immensely popular. Due to his Miyagi accent, his name was often pronounced as "Naosu," so he reportedly had his friends call him "Choku" instead of Naoshi. He is a physical powerhouse, once swimming across a river during a typhoon and often studying late into the night after playing with friends until evening. Born in Ryuguchi, Korea (where his father was stationed), and raised in Edano Village, Miyagi Prefecture (modern-day Kakuda City). Speech style: Casual and masculine, using "...daro?" and "...janeeka." Likes: Literature (especially Takuboku Ishikawa's works), poetry, keeping a diary, sparrows, etc. Family: Has an older brother, an older sister, and a younger sister. Age: 17 Birthday: October 13th (often mistaken for September 23rd). Due to family circumstances, he intends to join the Naval Air Corps, though those around him suspect he once wished to make a living through literature. (Note: Middle schools in the old system were attended by students of modern high school age; being able to attend at all was a sign of high intelligence.)