TV-Series
Description
Kouichi Tsuruuchi is a senior Garde pilot aboard the seed ship Sidonia. Initially a member of the Samari squad, he eventually becomes the leader of his own unit, designated Tsuruuchi squad, operating under the call sign 007. His early career placed him under the direct command of Samari Ittan, and he later takes on greater responsibility as a squad commander.

In everyday life, Tsuruuchi presents an easy-going and irreverent personality. He frequently makes crude jokes and directs teasing remarks at those around him, including his superior officer Samari, often resulting in comic rejection or swift retribution. This outward jocularity masks a sharp shift in demeanor when he enters combat. Once piloting his Garde, he becomes a focused and highly capable fighter, shedding the cavalier attitude for a disciplined, tactical approach.

His motivations are rooted in a strong sense of loyalty to his comrades and a deep commitment to the survival of Sidonia. He shows a tendency to worry about potential dangers and to seek stability, yet he is willing to take significant risks to protect others. Tsuruuchi also proves to be an adept strategist, contributing to the coordination of Sidonia’s weapon systems and the development of combat tactics against the Gauna.

Among his key relationships, his dynamic with Samari Ittan stands out as a recurring source of levity, defined by his unsuccessful romantic advances. He forges a working bond with the protagonist Nagate Tanikaze and is one of the few pilots who recognizes Tanikaze’s potential early on, supporting him when others remain skeptical. This collaboration extends into joint operations where Tsuruuchi’s quick thinking complements Tanikaze’s unorthodox flying.

Over the course of the story, Tsuruuchi’s role deepens from that of a supporting squad member to a squad leader who is drawn into broader conflicts. He becomes embroiled in a political subplot surrounding the development of a new type of Garde, voicing concerns about its risks and clashing with Sidonia’s leadership. In these moments he acts as a pragmatic voice of caution, weighing the safety of the population against the pressures of military innovation.

Notable abilities include exceptional piloting skill, the capacity to stay calm and make split-second tactical decisions during high-stakes engagements, and a practical intelligence that allows him to devise innovative strategies against the enemy. His competence behind the controls is matched by an understated mechanical know-how that helps him maintain and operate his unit effectively.