Kazuki Kurusu
Kazuki Kurusu |
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| Kanji | 来栖 一騎 |
| Rōmaji | Kurusu Kazuki |
| Age: | 39 |
| Birthday: | May 16th, 1994 |
| Height: | Unknown |
| Voice Actor | |
| Japanese | Toshiyuki Toyonaga |
| English | Landon McDonald |
Kazuki Kurusu (来栖 一騎, Kurusu Kazuki), is the main protagonist of the anime series Buddy Daddies. A highly skilled and charismatic professional hitman, Kazuki works alongside his partner Rei Suwa, forming a deadly duo with a reputation for efficiency and precision. While Kazuki handles the logistics planning missions, gathering intel, and organizing their operations he is also the more sociable and emotionally expressive of the two.
Kazuki’s life takes an unexpected turn when he and Rei become the guardians of Miri Unasaka, a young girl caught in the crossfire of one of their missions. As Kazuki transitions from assassin to father figure, he must balance the demands of his violent profession with the unfamiliar responsibilities of parenting, offering a compelling and heartfelt arc within the action-packed narrative of Buddy Daddies.
Background

Appearance in anime
Kazuki’s past is marked by tragedy and emotional trauma. Before becoming a hitman, he led a more ordinary life and was once married. However, his former life was shattered by a mission gone wrong, leading to the loss of his family and his retreat into the underworld. Wracked with guilt and longing for connection, Kazuki buried himself in his work until fate brought Miri into his life.
Though reluctant at first, Kazuki steps up to care for Miri after her biological mother proves unfit and her father ironically one of Kazuki’s targets is eliminated. With Rei as his reluctant co-parent, Kazuki begins building a home life for Miri, balancing assassinations with bedtime stories, school lunches, and emotional growth.
Appearance
Kazuki is a tall, athletic man with messy blond hair, often tied back in a loose ponytail, and light-colored eyes. He dresses stylishly and casually, usually in modern streetwear that reflects his relaxed personality outside of missions. During hits, he opts for practical clothing that allows mobility and concealment.
His expressive face, frequent smirks, and playful demeanor contrast with the cold efficiency he displays on the job, making him both approachable and dangerous in equal measure.
Personality
Kazuki is charismatic, outgoing, and emotionally intelligent, often serving as the social bridge in both his professional and domestic life. He is flirtatious and humorous, frequently joking around or making light of stressful situations. However, beneath his cheerful persona lies a man burdened by guilt and longing for redemption.
Despite his line of work, Kazuki is deeply empathetic. He takes pride in cooking, cleaning, and caring for others a stark contrast to his profession as a killer. His nurturing instincts make him the natural caregiver in the household, and he quickly grows attached to Miri, finding in her a chance to make up for his past and discover a new sense of purpose.
Role in the Story
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The Mission that Changed Everything
Kazuki and Rei are hired to eliminate a criminal target, only to find the man’s daughter, Miri, unknowingly wandering into the crossfire. After the mission ends, Miri ends up in Kazuki’s care, believing him to be her father. What begins as a temporary arrangement turns into a long-term commitment, with Kazuki deciding to raise her despite the complications it brings to his lifestyle. -
A Hitman and a Father
As Kazuki tries to maintain his hitman duties, he also becomes a full-time father preparing school lunches, attending events, and protecting Miri from the truth of his profession. His domestic skills and emotional availability allow him to adapt more naturally than Rei, though he often struggles with the contrast between the violence of his job and the innocence of his new daughter. -
Confronting the Past
Throughout the series, Kazuki’s backstory is gradually revealed, including the loss of his former wife and unborn child. These memories fuel his desire to do right by Miri, even as he questions whether someone like him deserves a second chance at family. His arc is one of redemption, healing, and self-forgiveness.
Relationships
Rei Suwa
Kazuki’s stoic partner and co-parent. While their personalities clash Kazuki being energetic and Rei being withdrawn they complement each other well. Over time, Kazuki helps Rei open up emotionally, and the two form a bond that transcends their professional partnership.
Miri Unasaka
The young girl Kazuki helps raise. Though not related by blood, Kazuki becomes a devoted father figure to Miri. Their bond becomes the emotional core of the series, with Kazuki finding new meaning and joy in parenthood through their relationship.
Kyutaro Kugi
The duo’s contact and handler. Kazuki maintains a business-like relationship with Kyutaro, though he often pushes boundaries with his more relaxed and expressive behavior.
