Doppo Kunikida was a dedicated and professional detective who valued order and discipline above all else. As a member of the Armed Detective Agency, he placed the organization’s reputation and responsibilities over personal concerns, striving to ensure every detail was accounted for and every mission executed with precision. His strict adherence to schedules and meticulous planning often made him appear stern, but his diligence earned the trust and respect of his colleagues. While pragmatic to a fault at times such as initially considering abandoning Atsushi Nakajima to avoid jeopardizing the Agency Kunikida ultimately prioritized protecting the innocent and supporting his teammates when it mattered most. His innate sense of responsibility and moral compass made him the natural candidate to succeed as the Agency’s leader.

Although often calm and composed, Kunikida was prone to moments of frustration, particularly due to the antics of his partner, Osamu Dazai. Their dynamic was often a source of comic relief, as Kunikida’s idealism and seriousness clashed with Dazai’s flippant attitude. However, he deeply respected Dazai’s strategic brilliance and depended on his expertise during critical situations. Kunikida’s dedication to his ideals was unwavering, though it occasionally led him to internal struggles. His belief in preserving life and upholding justice remained steadfast, even when confronted with situations that forced him to reconsider his methods and moral boundaries. Ultimately, his commitment to his ideals drove him to sacrifice and persevere, symbolizing his enduring faith in his comrades and his determination to protect the people of Yokohama.

Kunikida was a tall, slim young man with striking green-grey eyes. His hair was golden-blond, styled neatly with spiky ends, and he often wore it tied back into a long ponytail. A defining feature of his appearance was his glasses, which he was rarely seen without.

His typical attire included a beige vest worn over a black, long-sleeved dress shirt, complemented by a red ribbon tied into a bow around the collar. He paired this with beige pants and plain brown shoes, presenting a formal and composed look.

After the events of Cannibalism and being framed for child murder by a manipulative evidence suppressor, Kunikida wore a prison uniform. Following the framing of the Armed Detective Agency as terrorists, he donned a white hooded suit and later riot gear, which included black boots and gloves, originally issued by the military police. During his attempt to protect his comrades from the Hunting Dogs, Kunikida suffered significant injuries, resulting in the loss of both arms due to an explosion he caused to prevent their capture. Thanks to Yosano’s medical ability, however, his arms were fully restored.

In addition to his work with the Armed Detective Agency, Kunikida briefly held a position as an algebra teacher at Shin-Tsuruya Institute, where he taught twice a week. His passion for teaching and discipline made him a respected figure among his students.

However, his commitment to justice and his responsibilities with the Agency took precedence after his involvement in the Azure King case. The gravity of the case and its implications led Kunikida to leave his teaching role, allowing him to dedicate himself entirely to the Agency and its mission to protect Yokohama and its people.

Kunikida’s ability, The Matchless Poet (独ど歩っぽ吟ぎん客かく, Doppo Ginkaku, lit. “Lone Poet”), enabled him to manifest objects written in his notebook into reality. This ability was highly versatile, but it came with a notable limitation: the objects created could not exceed the size of the notebook. Examples of the items he could summon included wire guns, handguns, grenades, and flashbangs, making it a valuable asset during missions.

Kunikida also demonstrated the ability to use pre-written notes for object summoning, a feature that proved extremely useful in situations where his mobility was restricted, such as when one of his hands was incapacitated. Additionally, he could remotely activate his ability, turning pre-written notes into physical objects from a distance. This allowed him to support his comrades effectively during critical moments, showcasing his strategic ingenuity and mastery of his ability.

Kunikida demonstrated exceptional proficiency in martial arts, a skill he utilized effectively in combat and high-stakes situations. He was capable of restraining and overthrowing opponents with precision and strength. His physical prowess extended to feats of enhanced strength, such as tearing apart John Steinbeck’s vines that had ensnared his arm.

Kunikida credited his martial arts training to Fukuzawa Yukichi, stating that despite his mastery, he had never managed to win a single match against Fukuzawa. This training made Kunikida a formidable hand-to-hand combatant, capable of handling both skilled opponents and supernatural threats.

Below is a list of individuals Kunikida successfully restrained or overpowered due to his martial arts skills:

Atsushi Nakajima

Ryūrō Hirotsu

John Steinbeck

Shōsaku Katsura

Doppo Kunikida is a cornerstone of the Armed Detective Agency and a beloved character in Bungo Stray Dogs. His unwavering dedication to his ideals, combined with his tactical abilities and strong sense of justice, make him a compelling and inspirational figure in the series. Kunikida’s character arc explores themes of responsibility, morality, and the balance between order and chaos, leaving a lasting impression on both the agency and the audience.