TV-Series
Description
Nezumi is a central character in the dystopian series No.6. His name, which translates to "rat," is the only name he uses; his birth name is never revealed. He is a sixteen-year-old fugitive who has been living on the run since escaping from a Correctional Facility. His background is marked by tragedy: as a child, he was part of the Forest People, a community living outside the walled city of No.6. When he was twelve, No.6 authorities burned his village to the ground, killing his family and everyone he knew. Nezumi was the sole survivor. After that event, he fled to the West Block, a lawless slum located beyond the city's walls, where he survived by his wits and skills.

Nezumi's personality is defined by a sharp, cynical, and often rude exterior. He is straightforward and blunt, rarely softening his words. This harshness masks a deep-seated sense of honor and morality; he holds a strong aversion to injustice and oppression, particularly toward the city of No.6 and its ruling regime. Intelligent and quick-witted, he is resourceful in dangerous situations and relies on cunning and strategy as much as physical strength. He possesses a dry sense of humor and an enigmatic aura that makes him hard to read. Beneath his defensive shell, he is capable of deep loyalty and care, though he rarely admits it.

His driving motivation is to uncover the truth about No.6 and see the city destroyed as revenge for the annihilation of his home and family. Initially, his actions are fueled by hatred and a desire for freedom from the oppressive system. Over time, protecting the people he grows close to, especially Shion, becomes an equally powerful motive. He believes in experience and action rather than passive observation.

In the story, Nezumi serves as the catalyst for the protagonist Shion's journey. He first appears on Shion's twelfth birthday, wounded and seeking shelter during a typhoon. Shion helps him, and Nezumi disappears the next morning. Four years later, when Shion is arrested for uncovering a parasitic outbreak, Nezumi rescues him and takes him to the West Block. From that point, Nezumi becomes Shion's guide through the dark underside of No.6, revealing the city's secrets and leading the resistance against its corrupt government. His role is that of a rebel, a survivor, and eventually a protector.

The most important relationship in Nezumi's life is with Shion. Their bond begins with a life-saving act and deepens into a profound partnership. Shion's idealistic and innocent worldview contrasts with Nezumi's cynicism, yet they complement each other. Nezumi is fiercely protective of Shion, and his emotional walls slowly lower as their connection grows. Their relationship evolves from a debt of gratitude into a deep, soul-binding love, which is a central emotional thread of the series. Nezumi also interacts with other West Block residents. Inukashi, a dog-keeper, shares a pragmatic and often antagonistic relationship with him; they trade insults but also show grudging respect. Rikiga, an aging black-market dealer, is used by Nezumi for resources; Nezumi treats him with contempt, though Rikiga is obsessed with Nezumi due to a past connection to his mother.

Nezumi undergoes significant character development. He begins as a lone survivor consumed by hatred and survival instincts. Through his relationship with Shion, he learns to trust, to accept help, and to prioritize others' wellbeing over his own vengeance. He confronts his traumatic past, particularly the death of his family, and begins to heal. By the end of the series, he embraces a more hopeful outlook, though his journey remains bittersweet.

Nezumi possesses a range of notable abilities. He is exceptionally agile, stealthy, and skilled in hand-to-hand combat, often using knives. His resourcefulness allows him to adapt quickly to new environments and turn everyday objects into tools or weapons. He is also a talented performer: under the stage name Eve, he acts and sings in the West Block's theater, a skill that occasionally aids his covert operations. Additionally, he has created and controls a number of small mechanical rats, which he uses for reconnaissance and sending messages. His intelligence and strategic mind make him a formidable opponent to the authorities of No.6.