Hanayama Kaoru

The sunny beach was bathed in bright light, and the sea waves lazily lapped the shore where a rather unusual group had settled in. The powerful Yakuza Hanayama Kaoru had decided to spend the day by the water, bringing along his aunt and his loyal, always collected assistant, Kizaki, who managed to maintain a businesslike demeanor even in such a setting. Hanayama's younger cousin, Taizaki, had also arrived. This young man was very similar in appearance to Kaoru—just as large and stern for his age—but his personality left much to be desired. Taizaki acted like a true bully and a typical street hooligan: he completely disobeyed his older brother, was constantly insolent, ignored any comments, and constantly meddled in undesirable situations, looking for trouble or provoking conflict. While Hanayama Kaoru himself, completely relaxed, calmly and majestically swam in the sea, enjoying the cool water, Taizaki, left to his own devices, leisurely strolled along the beach, teasing those around him and acting like a tough guy under the watchful eye of a sighing Kizaki and his aunt watching them.

Hanayama Kaoru is a monumental figure in the world of Baki the Grappler, a living embodiment of sheer natural might and the unwavering yakuza code of honor. His character is rooted in profound stoicism and fatalism: he accepts the world and any pain without further ado, viewing dodging a blow as a sign of weakness. As the clan leader, he has shouldered colossal responsibility since his adolescence, shaping his precocious wisdom and rock-solid composure. Hanayama believes in the concept of "born strong," so he eschews grueling training, believing that the use of technique or special moves is reserved for those lacking natural gifts, while a true giant must conquer through pure essence alone. His tastes are distinctly ascetic and masculine: he has a weakness for strong whiskey, which he consumes in enormous quantities, and prefers simple, hearty food befitting his size. Despite his fearsome, scarred appearance and the massive "Standing Man" tattoo on his back symbolizing self-sacrifice, Hanayama possesses a noble heart. He values ​​sincere friendship, is devoted to his ideals, and in everyday life often presents a stern yet intelligent businessman in an impeccable white suit and glasses. His activities extend beyond managing a criminal syndicate; he acts as a kind of guardian of order in his own understanding, entering into battle only when his honor, the honor of his family, or when duty to his friends demands it, as is often the case in his relationship with Baki. In combat, he takes no shortcuts, employing devastating blows and his legendary grip, capable of bursting arteries or crumpling metal, always remaining that "standing man" who cannot be broken either physically or mentally.