Takehito Morokuzu, better known as Gakuto, is characterized by his sharp intellect and strategic thinking, often serving as the mastermind behind the group’s elaborate prison breakouts and countermeasures. Though not particularly strong academically, he is easily the most tactically gifted of the five boys and frequently collaborates with Kiyoshi Fujino to devise complex escape plans and schemes that prevent their expulsion from Hachimitsu Academy.

Gakuto is an avid enthusiast of Chinese history, particularly the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which heavily influences his worldview and decision-making. His passion for the historical epic borders on obsession, and he often draws inspiration from legendary strategists like Zhuge Liang, shaping his role as the group’s “tactician.”

Despite his intellect, Gakuto is prone to emotional breakdowns when his plans begin to unravel beyond his control. In moments of extreme stress or failure, he may spiral into irrational behavior, abandoning reason for desperation, an aspect of his personality demonstrated on more than one occasion in the manga.

Gakuto is also one of the more openly perverse members of the group, with strong otaku tendencies. He spends considerable time in the school library, not only to feed his historical interests but also to obsessively pursue limited-edition collector figurines. His antics in this regard often lead to comedic and humiliating scenarios.

Known for his antiquated and overly formal manner of speech, Gakuto often uses archaic phrases such as “indeed” (gozaru) and refers to himself humbly as “yours truly” (shōsei). He also addresses his peers with the respectful honorific “-dono,” reflecting a chivalrous if eccentric approach to friendship. Despite his quirks, Gakuto is regarded as one of the most loyal and self-sacrificing members of the group, even going so far as to shave off his beloved long hair and abandon his dignity to protect his friends.

Gakuto is a tall and slender young man, second only to Reiji Andou in height among the five male students. He has black hair and black eyes, and is the only member of the group who wears glasses, contributing to his scholarly and eccentric appearance. Prior to his time in the Prison Block, Gakuto wore his hair in long, flowing locks, which were a point of pride for him. However, in Volume 8 of the manga, he voluntarily has his head shaved by Meiko Shiraki, the Vice-President of the Underground Student Council, as part of a self-sacrificial act to protect his friends. From that point on, he is depicted with a shaved head.

Initially the leanest of the group, Gakuto undergoes a physical transformation during his time in the Prison Block. The hard labor he endures results in a more defined physique, giving him a toned and athletic build while maintaining his wiry frame.

Mitsuko Yokoyama
Mitsuko is one of the few girls at Hachimitsu Academy who shows kindness toward Gakuto. Despite her quiet and mysterious demeanor, she demonstrates genuine appreciation for Gakuto and often accepts his assistance without judgment. Gakuto, in turn, deeply admires Mitsuko and is quick to support her in any way he can, going to great lengths to earn her favor. Their relationship is marked by mutual respect and subtle affection, making it one of the more wholesome connections in the series.

Kiyoshi Fujino
Among the five boys, Gakuto shares the closest bond with Kiyoshi Fujino. Their friendship is built on trust, cooperation, and shared survival through the trials of prison life. Gakuto frequently collaborates with Kiyoshi on escape plans and strategies, often acting as his right-hand man during critical moments. The two rely heavily on each other and share a unique camaraderie forged through both humiliation and heroism. Gakuto’s loyalty to Kiyoshi is unwavering, and he does not hesitate to put himself at risk for their shared goals.

Meiko Shiraki
As Vice-President of the Underground Student Council, Meiko Shiraki exerts complete authority over the boys during their incarceration. Gakuto, like the others, is subject to her strict and often humiliating disciplinary methods. He maintains a deferential, almost servant-like stance toward her, obeying her commands without resistance. Despite the power imbalance, Gakuto treats Meiko with a mix of respect and fear, occasionally showing glimpses of admiration for her strength and presence though often filtered through comic exaggeration.

The given name Takehito (岳人) is composed of the kanji 岳 (take), meaning “peak” or “mountain,” and 人 (hito), meaning “person.” Together, the name can be interpreted as “man of the mountains” or “one who reaches great heights,” which subtly echoes Gakuto’s lofty ideals and admiration for historical figures.

His surname, Morokuzu (諸葛), combines 諸 (moro), meaning “various” or “together,” and 葛 (kuzu), meaning “kudzu,” a climbing plant known for its resilience. Notably, the surname 諸葛 is also shared by the famous Chinese strategist Zhuge Liang (Shokatsuryō in Japanese), Gakuto’s personal idol, further emphasizing his fascination with military tactics and Three Kingdoms-era history.