Mari Fukami is a first-year student at Buzō High School and a classmate of Shiki Koshiyama. She serves on the library committee and is deeply passionate about quiz bowl, a pursuit she discovered through her older brother, who was a competitive quizzer before quitting. At the age of ten, Mari participated in a quiz bowl match against adults and successfully answered a question, receiving applause that cemented her love for the activity. She is highly organized, detail‑oriented, and logical in her thinking, often focusing on facts and objective analysis rather than emotions. She takes her role as a dedicated member of the school’s quiz circle very seriously, sets high standards for herself and her teammates, and can appear strict or intimidating when pushing for excellence. Beneath that rigorous exterior, she cares deeply about the team’s success and shows genuine concern for her fellow members, especially Shiki, whose potential she recognizes and nurtures. Mari’s enthusiasm for quiz bowl is infectious; she can talk about it at length and uses her cheerful demeanor to recruit others. During competition, she undergoes a noticeable shift in focus, often tucking her hair behind her ear to sharpen her concentration. Her greatest asset is her exceptional hearing and reaction speed, allowing her to press the buzzer faster than most opponents and to pinpoint the exact moment enough information has been given to answer correctly. She is a well‑rounded player with knowledge spanning history, literature, otaku culture, and frequently asked classic questions. Mari’s role in the story is that of a catalyst: she discovers Shiki’s budding talent and persuades him to join the quiz circle, setting the series’ events in motion. She respects and admires upperclassman Gakuto Sasajima—a former member of a top‑tier quiz team—and studies his techniques closely, which may be seen as a one‑sided admiration. Mari also takes practical steps to support the club, such as working part‑time at a neko maid cafe to raise funds for proper quiz buzzers. Over the course of the series, she hones her skills, learns from both victories and defeats, and becomes a more strategic and confident player, all while maintaining her unwavering love for the thrill of the quiz.