Six months prior to the events of the series, Ibuki Ueoka was involved in the motorcycle accident that ended Natsusa Yuzuki’s rugby career. While Ibuki escaped with only minor injuries, Natsusa suffered life-changing damage that prevented him from ever playing rugby again. Overcome with guilt and responsibility, Ibuki quit the Doshisha University team, cut off communication with his teammates, and abandoned rugby altogether.

When Natsusa later returned to school, he was determined to bring Ibuki back to the sport. He sought him out at a bar, where Ibuki dismissed the idea of rejoining the team. Undeterred, Natsusa continued to pester him, leaving sign-up forms at his apartment and even confronting him at a church Ibuki attended. During their conversation, Natsusa explained that although he could no longer play, he still wanted to live through rugby by watching Ibuki play, as Ibuki had been his inspiration to take up the sport in the first place.

Moved by Natsusa’s words, Ibuki ultimately agreed to return to the team. It is later revealed in episode 12 that Ibuki had promised Natsusa he would continue playing rugby on his behalf until Natsusa himself felt satisfied.

Ibuki Ueoka is portrayed as a tall, well-built young man, reflecting his position as a rugby player. He has bright blond hair of medium length, usually tied in a top knot, with his bangs parted in the middle and swept upward. His striking purple eyes add to his distinctive look.

Within the series, Ibuki is often described as handsome and is notably popular with women, a trait that further emphasizes his confident and charismatic image.

Following the accident that left Natsusa Yuzuki unable to play rugby, Ibuki developed a strong sense of guilt and responsibility for his condition. Although he never lost his passion for the sport, he chose to quit rugby as a form of self-imposed penance, believing that giving it up would allow him to share in Natsusa’s loss. However, after persistent encouragement from Natsusa, Ibuki was eventually convinced to return to the game.

Ibuki is characterized as playful and lighthearted, often maintaining a calm and composed attitude. He rarely displays anger, which he later explains is because Natsusa would often express anger on his behalf. In this way, Ibuki found balance in their relationship, allowing him to remain easygoing and steady in most situations.

Natsusa Yuzuki
Ibuki shares a complicated yet deep bond with Natsusa. The accident that ended Natsusa’s rugby career left Ibuki with lingering guilt, prompting him to quit the sport despite his enduring love for it. Natsusa’s persistence in convincing him to return eventually rekindled his passion for rugby. Their relationship is central to the series, defined by mutual trust, emotional reliance, and a promise Ibuki made to continue playing rugby on Natsusa’s behalf until he is satisfied.

Doshisha University Rugby Team
After distancing himself from the team following the accident, Ibuki initially avoided communication with his teammates. With Natsusa’s encouragement, he rejoined the squad and gradually regained his role as Stand-off. His easygoing nature makes him approachable, and his return to the team strengthens both morale and performance.

The given name Ibuki (伊吹) can be interpreted as “that one” (伊, i) and “blow, breathe, puff, emit, smoke” (吹, fuki/uki).

His surname Ueoka (上丘) is composed of “above, top, upper” (上, ue) and “hill, height, knoll” (丘, oka).