
Hoodlum
Hoodlum |
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Aliases | Chinpira (チンピラ) The Punk |
Statistics | |
Species | Human |
Gender | Male |
Status | Deceased |
Place of Death | Kansai Station |
Cause of Death | Blood loss due to having his throat cut by Doctor |
Debut | |
Manga | Volume 1, Chapter 1 |
Anime | Episode 1 |
Actors | |
Japanese | Subaru Kimura |
English | Kellen Goff |
The Hoodlum (チンピラ, >ChinpiraAkudama Drive. Unlike the other members of the group, Hoodlum is a low-level criminal whose offenses were limited to minor, non-violent acts. Despite his relatively minor prison sentence of four years, he becomes entangled with the more dangerous Akudama during the events of the series. Though initially cowardly and self-serving, Hoodlum’s character undergoes notable development as he is forced to confront life-threatening situations, shifting allegiances, and questions of self-worth.
Appearance

Appearance in Anime
Hoodlum has a shaggy and somewhat disheveled appearance that aligns with the stereotypical image of a low-level delinquent. He wears a red-striped purple suit, paired with a bright yellow collared shirt underneath, suggesting an attempt to appear fashionable or wealthier than he truly is. His outfit is completed with light-brown leather shoes and orange-tinted glasses, accessories that further reinforce his exaggerated sense of style and bravado.
He has green hair, styled and twisted across the top of his head in a slick, self-conscious manner. His facial features include hazel eyes, thin sideburns, and a pale complexion, giving him a wiry, slightly gaunt look. Around his neck, he wears a simple necklace, which adds to his effort to project a tougher, more stylish persona despite his otherwise nervous and unsure nature.
Personality
Hoodlum is a self-serving and opportunistic individual, initially motivated by greed and personal gain. He is quick to involve himself in criminal activity for money and status, despite lacking the skills or strength of the other Akudama. While he often tries to appear confident and bold, his actions reveal him to be cowardly and insecure, frequently resorting to deceit or submission when faced with real danger. His philosophy of “if you can’t beat them, join them” reflects his instinct to survive by aligning himself with stronger figures.
Despite his many flaws including a tendency to lie compulsively Hoodlum is not without redeeming qualities. His perceived weakness allows him to develop empathy and genuine concern for his companions, even if those sentiments are initially masked by selfish intentions. Over time, he displays unexpected loyalty, particularly toward Brawler, whom he first planned to exploit for protection and credibility. As their bond deepens, Hoodlum overcomes his fear to support Brawler in battle, revealing a capacity for personal growth and sacrifice that contrasts sharply with his earlier behavior.
Background
According to the Execution Division Apprentice’s records in Episode 2, Hoodlum was incarcerated for theft and blackmail, resulting in a relatively minor four-year prison sentence. Unlike the other high-profile Akudama, his crimes were low-level and non-violent. However, his fate changes dramatically when the Akudama infiltrate and destroy part of the underground prison, inadvertently freeing him in the chaos.
Seizing the opportunity, Hoodlum quickly decides to follow the group, especially after overhearing that their mission could yield millions of yen. Driven by greed and the desire for a more glamorous criminal identity, he tags along with the Akudama, falsely presenting himself as a high-ranking criminal to gain their trust and avoid being cast aside.
Abilities
Hoodlum possesses limited criminal abilities, primarily centered around theft and blackmail, which led to his original imprisonment. As noted in the Execution Division Apprentice’s console, these crimes were non-violent and ultimately ineffective, as he was easily caught. In the manga, his introduction depicts him fleeing after pickpocketing, only to immediately surrender when confronted by police robots—illustrating his lack of combat prowess and instinct for self-preservation over confrontation.
In terms of combat, Hoodlum is largely ineffectual on his own. He carries a retractable knife, which he can wield with some confidence, though it proves useless against more powerful opponents. However, he demonstrates occasional moments of courage, particularly after forming a bond with Brawler. While typically avoiding direct conflict and seeking protection from stronger individuals, Hoodlum does participate in combat when necessary. During a critical moment, he takes possession of an energy sword from the Execution Division and uses it to injure the Apprentice’s eye, showing that he can be dangerous when cornered or sufficiently motivated.
Later, under the influence of the Doctor, Hoodlum acquires rudimentary assassination skills. She teaches him how to use a scalpel to kill quickly, specifically by targeting the throat. He ultimately uses this technique to kill the Doctor herself, marking one of his most decisive and brutal acts in the series.
In addition to his limited combat ability, Hoodlum also makes use of tracking technology. He carries a tracking device, which he can implant on people or objects to monitor their movements via his cell phone. He employs this tactic effectively during the mission by tagging Brother, allowing him to track the children’s location when necessary.
While not physically powerful or tactically advanced, Hoodlum’s resourcefulness, adaptability, and occasional flashes of bravery contribute meaningfully to the group’s dynamic.
Legacy
Hoodlum’s final actions are heavily influenced by the memory of Brawler, with whom he had developed a genuine bond. Despite initially befriending Brawler for self-preservation, Hoodlum came to admire his strength and loyalty, and their friendship profoundly impacted his sense of identity. After Brawler’s death, Hoodlum begins to reflect on their time together and becomes determined to honor his friend’s legacy.
In a final act of courage and redemption, Hoodlum sacrifices himself to kill the Doctor, who had manipulated him and betrayed the group. Using the skills he had acquired under her tutelage, he stabs her in the neck, ensuring her demise even at the cost of his own life. In his last moments, Hoodlum dies believing he has upheld Brawler’s ideals, choosing loyalty and bravery over cowardice and self-interest. His death marks a rare moment of selflessness, transforming him from a petty criminal into someone who found meaning through genuine connection and sacrifice.