Shiryu is the Bronze Saint of the Dragon constellation and stands out as the calmest, most collected, and among the wisest of the main protagonists. His character is defined by a profound sense of honor and a remarkable willingness to sacrifice himself for his friends and his duty. This selflessness is not merely a trait but a core principle, leading him to perform acts such as giving his own blood to repair damaged Cloths or deliberately blinding himself to overcome an enemy whose power turned foes to stone. He believes deeply in absolute justice and the mission of Athena's Saints, showing fierce indignation towards those who betray that code of honor.

Shiryu's background is rooted in rigorous training under the tutelage of Libra Dohko, an ancient and powerful Gold Saint. He spent six years at the Five Old Peaks of Lushan in China, where he not only honed his combat skills but also learned fundamental wisdom for life. It was there that he befriended Shunrei, the master's young protégé who would later become a central figure in his life. His training culminated in passing the ultimate test: reversing the flow of the massive Lushan waterfall using only his cosmos, a feat that earned him the Dragon Bronze Cloth. This Cloth is legendary among Saints, often called the strongest fist and shield because of its right gauntlet's piercing capabilities and its left arm shield, which is said to be harder than diamond after spending centuries under the waterfall.

In the story, Shiryu initially returns to Japan to participate in the Galaxian Wars tournament, where his first and most pivotal battle is against Pegasus Seiya. Though Shiryu has the upper hand, Seiya exploits a hidden weakness in his signature Rising Dragon technique, stopping his heart. Seiya then risks the match to restart Shiryu's heart, saving his life and forging an unbreakable bond of loyalty between them. From that point, Shiryu becomes a steadfast ally, fighting alongside Seiya, Cygnus Hyoga, Andromeda Shun, and Phoenix Ikki against a series of divine threats. His role is consistently that of a powerful and dependable warrior, often facing enemies that challenge his physical limits and ideals, such as the Gold Saint Cancer Deathmask, whose corruption he finds reprehensible.

His key relationships anchor his character. His bond with his master, Dohko, is one of deep respect and devotion, and he carries his teachings into every battle. His friendship with Seiya is particularly strong, born from their first fight and cemented by mutual sacrifice. His relationship with Shunrei is a source of emotional grounding; she cares for him when he is injured and represents the peaceful life he fights to protect. In later storylines, such as in Saint Seiya Omega, this relationship culminates in marriage, and they have a son named Ryuho, who inherits the Dragon Cloth.

Throughout the series, Shiryu undergoes significant development. He repeatedly loses his eyesight in battle, first against Perseus Algol and then against the General Chrysaor Krishna, yet continues to fight effectively, demonstrating that his power comes from inner cosmos rather than physical senses. His Cloth evolves as well, becoming golden when he awakens his seventh sense after being repaired with the blood of Gold Saints. In the final Hades arc, his Cloth is further blessed with Athena's divine blood, allowing it to transform into a Divine Cloth or God Cloth in the battle against the gods Thanatos and Hypnos in Elysion. By the time of Saint Seiya Omega, an unspecified accident has cost him all five senses, forcing him to retire, though he later recovers and ultimately dons the Libra Gold Cloth, succeeding his master Dohko as its rightful wearer.

Notable abilities include his control over his cosmos, which manifests as the image of a green and white dragon on his back that fades as his life force diminishes. His signature technique is the Rozan Sho Ryu Ha or Rising Dragon, a powerful uppercut that launches an enemy into the air as a spectral dragon consumes them. After defeating the Gold Saint Capricorn Shura, Shura, recognizing Shiryu's worth, bequeaths him the legendary sword technique Excalibur, which channels a cutting edge through his right arm. He also learns the Rozan Hyaku Ryu Ha or Hundred Dragons, a devastating multi-dragon assault. Shiryu frequently fights without his armor, believing it can become a crutch, and his physical strength is among the greatest of the Bronze Saints. His trademark shield is nearly unbreakable, and he is known for his ability to withstand immense punishment and continue fighting, embodying the enduring spirit of the dragon.