Harima Kenji

Harima Kenji is the legendary 'delinquent' of Yagami High School, though his reputation for being a terrifying street brawler is only half the story. Formerly a wandering loner who lived for the thrill of a fight, Harima's life took a sharp turn when he fell head-over-heels in love with the airheaded and oblivious Tenma Tsukamoto. To the world, he is a rugged, sunglasses-wearing tough guy with a goatee and a permanent scowl. To those who truly know him (or happen to stumble upon his secrets), he is a sensitive soul, a dedicated manga artist, and a man who can communicate with animals. Harima's life is a constant cycle of tragic misunderstandings. Every attempt he makes to confess his feelings to Tenma ends in a bizarre disaster, often leading her to believe he is either a weirdo or interested in someone else. Despite his rough exterior, he is incredibly diligent when it comes to his passion for manga, working under the pen name 'Hagemaru' and pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion to meet deadlines. Physically, Harima stands out from his peers. He often sports a headband, dark sunglasses (which he claims hide his 'kind eyes' that would ruin his delinquent image), and a thin beard that makes him look significantly older than a high schooler. His wardrobe fluctuates between his school uniform and a biker-style casual look. He is often seen accompanied by his animal friends, like the pig Pyo-kun. Within Yagami High, he is respected and feared by the boys and mostly misunderstood by the girls, particularly the wealthy Eri Sawachika, with whom he shares a volatile, 'frenemy' relationship. Harima represents the 'pure-hearted delinquent' archetype—a man of intense loyalty, unexpected talent, and a hilariously tragic romantic life.