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Tooru Kokonoe

Tooru Kokonoe(九重 透流,Kokonoe Tōruis the main male protagonist of the anime and light novel seriesAbsolute DuoHaunted by a tragic event in his past, Tooru enrolls in Kouryou Academy, a school that trains students in the use of weapons manifested from their souls known as Blaze. Unlike most students, whose Blazes take the form of offensive weapons, Tooru possesses an Irregular Blaze in the form of a shield, setting him apart from his peers.

This was nothing more than a chance encounter. But the next time will be your last…
– Tooru Kokonoe

Appearance

Tooru Kokonoe is depicted as a handsome, well-built young man, slightly taller than the average male teenager. He has short brown hair and brown-golden eyes, giving him a warm yet determined look.

At Kouryou Academy, he is most often seen wearing the standard school uniform: a white dress shirt with a blue tie, a black jacket, and blue trousers. In more casual settings, particularly when in the dormitory with Julie Sigtuna, Tooru wears a white shirt and shorts, though he is occasionally shown in a green-and-white hoodie paired with jogging pants.

As with all Blaze users, Tooru bears an Astar mark on his chest, symbolizing his ability to manifest a Blaze.

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Personality

Tooru Kokonoe is portrayed as a kind-hearted and supportive individual, often serving as a source of encouragement for those around him. Though somewhat dense when it comes to recognizing the feelings of others, he is strong-willed and friendly, qualities that naturally draw people—especially girls toward him. His easygoing nature allows him to accept others’ faults without judgment, and he consistently prioritizes protecting his friends whenever they are in need.

Despite his generally carefree personality, Tooru demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and determination, especially in combat or when those close to him are threatened.

Outside of battle, Tooru has simple tastes. His favorite food is meat, though he is able to tolerate most vegetables. Due to his preference for meat-heavy meals, classmates such as Tomoe Tachibana and Miyabi Hotaka often encourage him to eat more vegetables, sometimes giving him plates of them during meals. During the academy’s training camp on the island, Tooru was noted for trying to eat as much meat as possible before Tachibana could intervene.

Background

Details about Tooru Kokonoe’s early life are limited, but a defining tragedy shaped his path. As a child, he witnessed the murder of his younger sister and all the children at his family’s dojo, carried out by an unidentified boy. This traumatic event left Tooru haunted by flashbacks and recurring nightmares, instilling in him both grief and a relentless drive to grow stronger

Before leaving, the assailant taunted Tooru, telling him that his sister died because he was “too weak.” These words became a constant reminder of his perceived failure and a source of motivation in his training. Seeking to overcome his weakness and unlock the full potential of his Irregular Blaze, Tooru chose to enroll at Kouryou Academy, dedicating himself to becoming stronger and ensuring that he would never again be powerless to protect those he cares about.

Abilities

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Blaze

Blaze
Tooru’s Blaze manifests as a shield, symbolizing his innate desire to protect others. Unlike most Blazes, which typically take the form of offensive weapons, his is defensive in nature and is noted to be exceptionally difficult to break, an extension of his strong will and determination.

Aegis Desire
Upon reaching Level IV, Tooru unlocked the ability to manifest Aegis Desire, a large blue energy barrier capable of protecting both himself and allies within its radius. The barrier can be layered up to three times for enhanced durability, though doing so places a significant strain on his mental stamina.

Martial Arts
Raised in a dojo, Tooru developed a foundation in both offensive and defensive martial arts. His training endowed him with agility, discipline, and considerable physical strength. Even without a traditional weapon, he is highly skilled in punches, kicks, and close-quarters combat, allowing him to hold his own against heavily armed opponents.

Mjolnir
One of Tooru’s signature techniques, Mjolnir is a devastating punch that channels concentrated energy and force, extending beyond the reach of his fist. Julie Sigtuna named the move after the mythical hammer of Thor due to its destructive power. The technique is strong enough to shatter floors and demolish buildings, but its intensity comes at a cost. Initially, Tooru could only perform Mjolnir twice a day without overwhelming his body. As his training progressed, however, his capacity to use it increased. Despite Julie’s desire to learn the move, Tooru cautioned that her physique would not be able to withstand the strain.

Hrungnir
Developed during his final battle with Lilith Bristol, Hrungnir is a refined evolution of Mjolnir. Based on boxing flicker jabs, it involves preparing the fist at a low angle before thrusting it forward with explosive speed. Unlike Mjolnir, which focuses on overwhelming power, Hrungnir emphasizes rapid-fire strikes with minimal motion. Though each blow is less powerful individually, the speed and frequency of the attacks make it devastating. Julie named the technique after Hrungnir, a frost giant from Norse mythology who was slain by Thor wielding Mjölnir.

Etymology

The given name Tooru (透流) can be translated as “permeation” or “flowing through.” Interestingly, its pronunciation in Japanese closely resembles the name Thor, the Norse god of thunder, which ties thematically to his techniques Mjolnir and Hrungnir, both named after figures from Norse mythology.

His surname Kokonoe (九重) means “ninefold” or can refer to the imperial palace or court, often associated with nobility or formality in Japanese culture.

Trivia

    • Tooru rejected Lilith Bristol’s offer to become her Duo on two separate occasions
    • Unlike most students at Kouryou Academy, Tooru wields an Irregular Blaze, which manifests as a shield rather than an offensive weapon.