Hatanaka Izuna is known for his short temper, often getting frustrated with students who break rules or fail to adhere to dress codes. On the surface, he comes across as serious and disciplined, but his fiery personality often leads to a sudden shift into his old delinquent behavior when provoked. This impulsiveness frequently lands him in trouble, much to the frustration of the Principal and his colleague, Miki, who have had to deal with his carelessness on numerous occasions.

Despite his stern attitude, Hatanaka cares deeply for the well-being of his students. He is willing to put himself in harm’s way to ensure their safety, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and dedication. His courage sets him apart, as he shows no fear when facing Haruaki, even when others hesitate due to Haruaki’s human nature. This bravery stems from his unwavering trust in the Principal. However, Hatanaka has his vulnerabilities, particularly a severe fear of doctors, making him terrified of Takahashi, the academy’s resident medic.

Hatanaka has dark brown hair and matching brown eyes. He wears glasses, which contribute to his scholarly and “nerdy” appearance. One of his signature accessories is a scarf lovingly knitted by his wife. His usual attire consists of open button-up shirts layered over a T-shirt, paired with a red tie and black jeans. When necessary, he can transform his arms into sharp scythes.

In his youkai form, Hatanaka resembles a small, weasel-like creature with scythe-like arms, a classic characteristic of a kamaitachi.

Izuna is a kamaitachi, a type of youkai associated with sudden, sharp winds and slashing attacks. He grew up in a youkai clan known for their agility and stealth, honing his natural abilities before enrolling at Hyakki Academy. As a student, Izuna excelled in Spookology, developing a fascination with the intricate relationships between youkai and humans.

Upon graduating, Izuna returned to Hyakki Academy as a Spookology teacher, aiming to share his knowledge and inspire a new generation of youkai scholars. His dual identity as both a former student and a current teacher provides him with unique insights into the challenges his students face.

As a Kamaitachi, Hatanaka possesses the ability to transform his arms into sharp, scythe-like blades, which are capable of cutting through almost anything. This makes him a formidable opponent in combat, especially when utilizing his natural youkai abilities. Additionally, he can fully transform into a weasel-like form with scythes for arms, enhancing his agility and speed.

However, his powers come with a significant drawback: if the scythes sustain cracks or damage during use, it directly affects his arms, causing him pain and potentially hindering his abilities in battle.

Abe Haruaki
Initially, Hatanaka found Haruaki’s timid nature frustrating, often scolding him for allowing students to walk all over him. Despite this rough start, their relationship evolved, with Hatanaka taking on a mentor-like role to help Haruaki grow more confident. Their bond solidified when Hatanaka declared he considered Haruaki a friend, countering Haruaki’s own doubts about having friendships. Though Hatanaka still gets annoyed with Haruaki’s antics, he expresses pride in Haruaki’s progress as a teacher and his ability to handle emotions better. Their shared history from high school, where they once helped a lost child together, deepened their friendship, though neither initially remembered their connection.

Miki Rintarou
Hatanaka and Miki’s relationship began with tension during their time as roommates at Hyakki Academy. Hatanaka initially mistook Miki for a lost girl, leading to an awkward first impression. Over time, their bond grew stronger, especially after Hatanaka and his siblings rescued Miki from bullies who kidnapped him. Despite their frequent bickering and insults Hatanaka mocking Miki’s drinking habits and Miki criticizing Hatanaka’s intelligence they view each other as close friends. Miki’s worry for Hatanaka during his capture by the Karasu-Tengu Troupe revealed the depth of their bond beneath the surface-level animosity.

Mamekichi Maizuna
Mamekichi admires Hatanaka as both a teacher and a fellow animal youkai. Their bond began years ago when a young Mamekichi, lost during a cultural festival, encountered Hatanaka. Mistaking him for a teacher, Mamekichi received Hatanaka’s help in finding his class, which inspired Hatanaka to pursue a teaching career. As teacher and student, they maintain a supportive relationship, with Hatanaka encouraging Mamekichi’s progress despite his struggles with academics.

Tamao Akisame
Tamao shares a history similar to Mamekichi’s, meeting Hatanaka as a child during the same cultural festival incident. Hatanaka’s guidance left a lasting impression on Tamao, who later became his student. Despite initially hearing mixed reviews about Hatanaka as a teacher, Tamao developed respect for him. Along with Mamekichi, they form the “intellectual trio,” despite all struggling academically. Hatanaka takes pride in Tamao’s growth and the progress he has made under his guidance.

Miki Ibara
Miki, a former teacher at Hyakki Academy, played a key role in encouraging Hatanaka to become a teacher. Now married, they share a deep bond, raising three children with a fourth on the way. Hatanaka’s protective nature is evident in his efforts to shield Miki from harassment and discomfort, while his calming influence keeps her temper in check. Their relationship is marked by mutual respect and support, creating a strong family foundation.

Takahashi Akira
Hatanaka’s relationship with Takahashi is complicated by his severe fear of doctors. As the main doctor for youkai clinics, Takahashi often interacts with animal youkai, including Hatanaka. However, Takahashi’s unsettling demeanor amplifies Hatanaka’s fear, causing him to dread checkups and even mutter curses after particularly unpleasant visits. Despite this, Takahashi remains a necessary figure in Hatanaka’s life due to his role in youkai healthcare.

Hatanaka (秦中) combines the characters “秦” (hata), meaning “Manchu dynasty” or a name historically associated with naturalized foreigners, and “中” (naka), meaning “middle.” Together, the name could imply someone bridging or central to different worlds, fitting for a kamaitachi who works with both humans and youkai.

Izuna (飯綱) uses “飯” (i), meaning “food” or “meals,” and “綱” (tsuna/zuna), meaning “hawser,” “rope,” “cord,” or “cable.” The name evokes both sustenance and connection, potentially symbolizing Hatanaka’s role as a guide and protector within his community.