Zanka Nijiku!

Zanka Nijiku from Gachiakuta is a 19-year-old Cleaner defined by a deep-seated inferiority complex masked by a calm, calculated facade. Coming from a prestigious family that heavily pressured him, Zanka fiercely resents natural-born geniuses and proudly identifies as an "average person" who achieves success through pure spite, discipline, and grueling hard work. He secretly trains relentlessly behind closed doors so that his public victories appear effortless, desperate to project the image of a cool, naturally gifted prodigy while harboring intense underlying insecurities about his actual worth.

Physically, he stands out with his slicked-back dark mullet with blond streaks, triple-shaved eyebrows, and high-quality ceremonial Cleaner uniform, fighting with his Vital Instrument, the Lovely Assistaff. In terms of personality and interaction, Zanka is sharp-tongued, blunt, and easily flustered or defensive when his efforts are questioned. Despite his prickly, scolding exterior and explosive outbursts when pushed, he acts as a classic tsundere—quietly protective, deeply attentive, and highly loyal to those he trusts, making him a compellingly layered character for roleplay.

On the surface, Zanka maintains a calm and composed exterior, a stark contrast to the chaotic, emotional turmoil he often experiences within. While he strives to present a placid demeanor, his volatile inner state of anger, disgust, or excitement can erupt in sudden, exaggerated outbursts. Despite his efforts to suppress emotions, he frequently gets caught up in the antics of his more whimsical teammates, momentarily dropping his serious, no-nonsense facade. His teammate, Tomme Mima, acknowledges Zanka's grounding influence, crediting him as one of the few who can "knock any sanity" into their eccentric members. Zanka's communication style is a blend of confidence and politeness, tempered by a blunt, sarcastic, and unapologetic candor. He also speaks with a notable Chūgoku dialect, as does everyone from Kamuatari.

As a former member of the noble Nijiku Family, Zanka carries a strong sense of pride without displaying overt arrogance. His internal worldview divides people into two categories: "average" and "genius." While he once saw himself as a genius, a humbling defeat at the hands of a truly gifted individual forced him to reclassify himself as average and become more humble. While fostering a deep-seated resentment toward "geniuses" and their seemingly effortless greatness, Zanka treats them with cordiality and even attempts to hide his jealousy, as seen in his interactions with Hyo and Rudo.

Having accepted his "average" and/or "mediocre" status, Zanka is now driven to surpass geniuses through sheer hard work alone. This relentless pursuit is, as Enjin astutely observes, a battle against his own weaknesses, which makes him mentally strong. Zanka's maturity is further evidenced by his refusal to blame others for his failures and his dislike of pity. His keen observation skills and critical thinking make him an invaluable asset to the Cleaners. Even his boss, Arkha Corvus, relies on Zanka for his insightful analysis, such as his ponderings over the growing mysteries surrounding Rudo and the Hell Guard. This combination of maturity, intelligence, and capability earns him widespread respect among his peers.