TV-Series
Description
Kota Hirano is a central character and a second-year student at Fujimi High School. He is sixteen years old and physically appears as an overweight teenager with glasses, which made him a frequent target of bullying by his peers before the collapse of society. He is a self-professed gun otaku with an encyclopedic knowledge of firearms and military hardware, an interest that was heavily developed during a trip to the United States where he received training from the private military contractor Blackwater USA.

Initially, Kota presents as timid, insecure, and socially withdrawn. He lacks confidence in himself and is heavily reliant on following the direct orders of others, notably Saya Takagi, to navigate dangerous situations. Behind his meek exterior lies a deep well of frustration and suppressed anger stemming from his years of mistreatment. The zombie apocalypse acts as a powerful catalyst for his personality. When he wields a firearm, his demeanor shifts drastically into something almost frighteningly aggressive and focused. In battle, he becomes a ruthless and efficient marksman, showing a cruel, slasher smile as he methodically eliminates threats. Despite this intensity, he possesses a warm and gentle side, most clearly expressed through his nurturing bond with the young girl Alice Maresato, with whom he spends time playing and offering comfort.

His primary motivations evolve from simple self-preservation to a dedicated desire to protect his newfound group of friends, viewing their safety as his sole responsibility. His role in the narrative is that of the group's exclusive long-range support and heavy artillery. His exceptional marksmanship and tactical knowledge make him an indispensable asset for their survival. Throughout the story, he experiences noticeable development, transforming from a bullied follower who needed direction into a more assertive, confident team member. His abilities provide him with a concrete sense of purpose and self-worth that was absent from his previous life.

Kota shares a complex dynamic with Saya Takagi. He harbors a powerful but entirely one-sided romantic crush on her and initially follows her commands, though she in turn grows to respect his intellect and combat prowess. He holds unwavering loyalty towards the group's leader, Takashi Komuro, and readily accepts his orders in combat. He also shares a protective and avuncular relationship with Alice, who sees him as a safe and comforting presence. His primary ability is his unmatched skill as a marksman. He is highly proficient with numerous weapons but is best known for his expert use of the Armalite AR-10 sniper rifle, which he favors for long-range elimination. He also demonstrates ingenuity by improvising weapons such as a nail gun at the start of the crisis, and he possesses extensive practical knowledge of ballistics and military tactics.