Kagetane Hiruko, a character from the Black Bullet anime, is a pale and lean man who exudes a sense of mystery and danger. His most distinguishing feature is the white mask that covers his face, leaving only portions of his jawline visible. The mask is uniquely designed with a mischievous smirk, which stretches from his cheekbones down to above his jawline and arches back up to the opposite cheekbone, giving him a wicked, almost menacing appearance. The crescent-shaped eye openings form a dark portrayal, enhancing the sinister look of his mask.

Kagetane’s attire is as elaborate and striking as his mask. He wears a connected jacket with three buttons on either side, with the collar flipped up to reveal a plant-like design on the inside and several diagonal lines on the upper parts of the jacket. The jacket extends into a split cape that reaches his feet, contributing to his dramatic presence. Underneath the jacket, Kagetane wears a white shirt adorned with numerous buttons and a small collar, along with a bowtie around his neck. His lower half is covered by pants with multiple lines running down them, and two straps circle his thighs, where he carries his custom Beretta firearms, “Spanking Sodomy” and “Psychedelic Gospel.”

Adding to his eccentric appearance, Kagetane wears white gloves and a top hat, completing his look with a magician-like flair. His attire and overall appearance give him a dangerous yet charismatic aura, making him a memorable character in the series.

Kagetane Hiruko is a villainous and ruthless character who is unflinching in his pursuit of his goals, regardless of the collateral damage. He is not hesitant to kill those who stand in his way and shows no remorse for his actions. For instance, he brutally kills two men, completely disfiguring their faces, and openly admits to the crime without any sense of guilt. His cold-blooded nature is further demonstrated when he shoots multiple policemen who attempt to avenge their fallen comrades, continuing his violent spree with ease.

During combat, Kagetane maintains a calm and composed demeanor, often laughing even in the midst of battle. His confidence in his own strength is evident, as he is unfazed by ambushes or attacks. In one instance, while fighting Rentaro Satomi, he casually answers a phone call, unfazed by the ongoing fight, and speaks to the person on the other line. His arrogance is clear when he claims that no one can stop him and that he will always emerge victorious. Even when injured, Kagetane laughs off the pain, finding amusement in the fact that it proves he is still alive.

Kagetane is a mysterious figure who thrives on unpredictability. He often leaves battles without fully revealing his identity to his opponents, cryptically suggesting that their next encounter is inevitable. His disregard for authority is also evident in his dismissive attitude towards the protector of the Tokyo Area, whom he mocks as a “useless ruler.” This lack of respect for others and his unyielding pursuit of his own agenda make Kagetane a formidable and dangerous antagonist in the series.

Kagetane is introduced as a rogue Promoter who, along with Kohina, turns against the Civil Security Corporation and humanity, wielding immense power to pursue his destructive goals. His clashes with Rentaro Satomi and Enju Aihara form some of the series’ most intense moments.

Kagetane’s philosophy often puts him at odds with Rentaro’s ideals of justice and hope. Their battles are as much about ideological differences as physical combat.

As the series progresses, Kagetane becomes a reluctant ally of Rentaro, fighting against common threats. His shift in allegiance adds depth to his character, highlighting his pragmatism and his willingness to protect Kohina at all costs.

• Kohina Hiruko
  Kagetane’s daughter and Initiator, Kohina shares her father’s love for combat and chaos. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and affection, with Kagetane serving as both a mentor and protector.

• Rentaro Satomi
  Kagetane views Rentaro as both a rival and a potential ally, challenging his ideals and forcing him to confront difficult truths about humanity and justice.

• Gastrea and Humanity
  Kagetane’s disdain for humanity and its corruption fuels his actions, positioning him as a figure who seeks to embrace the chaos brought by the Gastrea rather than resist it.

Kagetane Hiruko’s transformation from a sadistic antagonist to a reluctant ally showcases his complexity as a character. His philosophy, rooted in cynicism and pragmatism, challenges the ideals of the protagonists, adding depth to the series’ exploration of morality and survival. Kagetane’s dynamic relationship with Kohina and his eventual collaboration with Rentaro make him a memorable and multifaceted figure in Black Bullet, earning him recognition as one of the series’ most compelling characters.