Izuru Hitachi
Izuru Hitachi |
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| Kanji: | ヒタチ・イズル |
| Romaji | Hitachi Izuru |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 16 |
| Birthday: | Unknown |
| Height: | Unknown |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Hiroki Aiba |
| English: | Houston Hayes |
Izuru Hitachi (ヒタチ・イズル, Hitachi Izuru), is a significant character in Buddy Complex and is a member of Team Rabbits. He is a “Prince,” a genetically engineered child specifically raised to operate advanced mechas known as “AHSMBs” (Advanced High Standard Multipurpose Battle Device). Izuru and his team, Team Rabbits, recently graduated from an academic city called Grandzehle, where they were trained for their roles as elite mecha pilots. His character represents the convergence of advanced technology, human resilience, and the complex ethical questions surrounding genetic engineering.
Izuru is known for his calm demeanor and strong sense of responsibility. As a skilled pilot, he is integral to Team Rabbits’ operations, playing a key role in the team’s success. His past and the implications of being a “Prince” add layers to his character, as he must come to terms with his origins while finding his own path in a world that has set high expectations for him and his team.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Izuru Hitachi was born as one of the “Prince” children, a genetically engineered individual with the sole purpose of operating AHSMBs, which are powerful combat mechas used in warfare. These genetically engineered children were raised in controlled environments and trained to become the ultimate pilots of these battle devices. Izuru’s upbringing was shaped by rigorous training and a lack of freedom, as his life’s purpose was always clear: to pilot an AHSMB and fight for his faction.
Izuru, along with the rest of Team Rabbits, recently graduated from Grandzehle, an academic city known for training the most elite pilots. While his background as a “Prince” is both a source of pride and a burden, it also marks his personal conflict. His engineered purpose often creates tension between his innate desires and the role he was designed to fulfill. His development as a character is shaped by this internal struggle, as he seeks to define himself outside of the strict boundaries set by his creators.
Appearance
Izuru Hitachi has a striking, youthful appearance that complements his role as one of the “Prince” children. He is tall, with short, dark hair and sharp, intelligent eyes that convey both determination and a sense of quiet resolve. His expression is often calm and composed, rarely showing emotion, which adds to his air of professionalism and his background as a genetically engineered pilot.
When not in combat, Izuru typically wears the standard military or academic uniform, further emphasizing his disciplined upbringing. His appearance is polished and neat, reflecting his upbringing in a controlled environment designed for perfection. Though his external appearance is that of a strong, capable individual, his inner turmoil regarding his purpose and identity is something that slowly becomes apparent throughout the series.
Personality
Izuru Hitachi is calm, disciplined, and responsible qualities that are a result of his upbringing as a “Prince.” He is extremely focused and excels in the operation of AHSMBs, showing great tactical skill and leadership. However, his personality is not without layers of complexity. Despite his outward stoicism, Izuru struggles with the concept of identity and the limitations placed on him by his genetic origins. This conflict between his preordained purpose and his own desires for independence and self-expression forms the emotional core of his character.
Izuru is also a loyal and protective member of Team Rabbits. Though he may not express his feelings openly, his actions demonstrate a deep care for his teammates. He often takes on the role of a quiet leader, relying on his strategic thinking and piloting skills to guide the team through difficult situations. His evolution throughout the series involves learning how to balance his genetically engineered purpose with his personal desires and finding a sense of belonging within his team and the world.
Role in the Story
Becoming a Pilot: Izuru is introduced as a freshly graduated pilot assigned to Team Rabbits. Though considered an underperforming unit, the team is unexpectedly deployed into live combat against the Wulgaru, where Izuru displays exceptional combat instincts and synchronization with his AHSMB unit, Red Five.
Facing the Wulgaru: As the war escalates, Izuru takes on increasingly dangerous missions, pushing Red Five and himself to their limits. His desire to protect his team and live up to the ideals of a hero drive him to grow as a pilot and as a person. His leadership and bravery often serve as the inspiration for his teammates.
Discovering the Truth: Later in the series, Izuru learns shocking truths about his origin, including his genetic link to the Wulgaru through Prince Jiart, one of the series’ main antagonists. This revelation shakes his sense of identity and places him in emotional conflict, but ultimately strengthens his resolve to protect humanity on his own terms.
The Final Battle: In the climactic stages of the series, Izuru undergoes a near-fatal transformation as he pushes Red Five beyond its designed capacity. Though critically wounded, his actions are pivotal in turning the tide of the war.
Relationships
Team Rabbits: Izuru shares strong bonds with his teammates Toshikazu Asagi, Kei Kugimiya, Tamaki Irie, and Ataru Suruga. Despite their contrasting personalities, they form a tight-knit unit, with Izuru often acting as the group’s heart and motivator.
Kei Kugimiya: Kei serves as both a teammate and a potential love interest. While their relationship is subtle and unspoken for much of the series, Kei is one of the few people who sees past Izuru’s heroic facade and supports him emotionally.
Jiart: Jiart, one of the Wulgaru princes, plays a major antagonistic role. His eventual revelation as someone genetically related to Izuru creates a deeply personal conflict. Jiart sees Izuru as a kindred spirit, though Izuru rejects the Wulgaru prince’s violent ideologies.