TV-Series
Description
Akane Hoshi is a student at the Death Weapon Meister Academy, introduced as a member of the Normally Overcome Target class, though his true standing is considerably more advanced. He is a meister whose designated partner is the Demon Weapon Clay Sizemore, who transforms into a greatsword. His name can be interpreted to mean Red Star.

Akane is distinguished by his heritage; he is a descendant of the Hoshi family, whose dojo produced the infamous Star Clan of assassins, making him a relative of the main series character Black Star. This lineage is physically marked by a star-shaped pupil in his left eye, which he deliberately keeps hidden beneath his shaggy dark hair and a pair of stylish glasses. His typical attire is a formal black suit with a white shirt and tie, giving him an appearance more mature than a typical freshman.

In personality, Akane is reserved, courteous, and always formal in his manner of speaking, even referring to close acquaintances by their surnames. He is intelligent and sociable when needed, often wearing a calm smile in public. Despite his placement in the NOT class, he possesses considerable confidence in his own abilities, a fact born from his true status as a student in the Especially Advantaged Talent class. This self-assurance can manifest as a practical dismissal of basic lessons he feels are beneath his level. He is also a perfectionist and can be somewhat assertive, often using his partner Clay as an excuse for their tardiness or financial troubles, much to Clay's chagrin.

Akane's primary motivation stems from his family's legacy. He was rigorously trained from birth in his family's dojo, learning traditional and lethal martial arts techniques that are intended to kill. Rather than let these skills be sealed away or go to waste, he enrolled at the DWMA with the goal of using his inherited power to protect others, which he believes necessitates his eventual promotion to the EAT class. His role in the story is therefore layered; while outwardly a new NOT student, he is secretly a spy and bodyguard. He was assigned to the NOT class on a mission to protect the princess Anastasia Yngling, who is using the alias Anya Hepburn.

His key relationships are central to his function in the narrative. His partnership with Clay Sizemore is a constant, with the two often seen together. Akane is the more dominant partner, while Clay often bears the brunt of his excuses and leadership. He develops a notable rapport with the series protagonist, Tsugumi Harudori. After revealing his background and intentions to her, he playfully but persistently offers to become her meister, later dismissing it as a joke while still acting as a protective figure. He is also a trusted operative for the DWMA's staff, particularly Sid Barett.

Throughout the story, Akane demonstrates significant development, though much of his progression is a reveal of his true capabilities. While initially appearing as an above-average NOT student, his actions prove he is on a different level entirely. He eventually graduates from his undercover status and formally joins the DWMA's Central Intelligence Office, where he continues to work as an investigator and operative. He later participates in major conflicts, including the battle on the moon against the Clown Army.

Akane possesses several notable abilities that set him apart. He has a powerful Soul Wavelength and is a practitioner of Soul Menace, an advanced technique that allows him to inject his wavelength directly into an opponent's body through physical contact, a skill typically reserved for EAT students and faculty. He is a master of his family's ancient martial arts, which focus on efficient, lethal strikes, and has shown the ability to incapacitate enemies with a single blow. His physical prowess is exceptionally high, with athletic test scores that surpass not only his NOT classmates but also most EAT students. He also possesses refined Soul Perception, enabling him to sense other souls with great accuracy.