TV-Series
Description
Hiroto Kiyama, also known by his alien identity Gran, is a character with a deeply complex background rooted in loss and a search for identity. As an orphaned child living in the Sun Garden facility, his life was profoundly shaped by the visits of a kindly man named Seijirou Kira, who became a father figure to him and the other children. This affection evolved into absolute loyalty when Seijirou adopted him and gave him the name Hiroto, which belonged to his own biological son who had died. Living under this borrowed name, the young boy dedicated himself entirely to the man he called Father, willing to do anything for his approval and to help realize his vision. This devotion led him to become the captain of The Genesis, the most powerful and secretive team within the Aliea Academy project, where he adopted the persona of Gran.
In his initial role as an antagonist, Gran is the seemingly invincible captain of The Genesis. He first appears as a mysterious and observant figure, watching Raimon's matches from the shadows. His calm and almost polite demeanor belies the overwhelming power he possesses on the field. When his team faces Raimon, he demonstrates a ruthless and terrifying efficiency, leading his squad to a crushing 20-0 victory that shatters the confidence of several Raimon players. As Gran, his hair is spiked up except for his bangs, and his expression is often cold and intense. His primary motivation during this period is to fulfill his adoptive father's wishes, but a genuine curiosity is also sparked by the protagonist Endou Mamoru's unwavering spirit and love for soccer. He confesses his admiration for Endou's determined eyes, revealing a conflicted side that struggles between his loyalty to his father and an emerging understanding of soccer as something more than a tool for victory.
Despite his role as a foe, Hiroto is not a heartless villain. This is most clearly shown when Seijirou orders The Genesis to remove their limiters, a practice that would push their bodies to the breaking point for greater power. Hiroto refuses, prioritizing his teammates' health over winning the match, an act of defiance for which he is stripped of his captaincy. His caring nature also extends to his adopted sister, Hitomiko Kira, and his complicated feelings of duty toward his father, Seijirou. After The Genesis is ultimately defeated by Raimon, the full truth of his past is revealed, and he faces the consequences of his actions alongside his teammates.
Following the Aliea Academy incident, Hiroto undergoes significant development when he is scouted to join Inazuma Japan, the national team. His transition from enemy to ally is marked by a new beginning; he tells Endou he wishes to start their relationship over, not as enemies, but as fellow soccer players. This period highlights his growth into a reliable, kind, and strategic team player. He sheds his cold Gran persona, becoming more soft-spoken and approachable. His new teammates, especially the younger ones, look up to him as an older brother figure, and he is trusted deeply by his peers. He even steps in as temporary captain when Kazemaru is injured, showcasing his leadership and composure under pressure. His motivations shift from serving a father figure to representing Japan and playing alongside his friends, having rediscovered the pure joy of the sport. Key relationships are central to this development; his bond with Endou becomes a strong friendship, and he maintains a supportive connection with his former Aliea teammate, Ryuji Midorikawa, offering him advice during a difficult period.
In terms of abilities, Hiroto is an extraordinarily gifted forward, also capable of playing as a midfielder. His playing style is cosmic-themed, with his signature solo hissatsu technique being Ryuusei Blade, a powerful kick that launches the ball with the force of a meteor. He is one of the few players capable of stopping this technique only through immense difficulty. As he continues to grow with Inazuma Japan, he masters several powerful combination shots. These include Grand Fire, performed with Gouenji and Toramaru; The Birth, a legendary shot combining ice and fire with Fubuki; and the ultimate technique Big Bang, which he executes with Kidou and Fubuki. He also develops an even more powerful solo shot, Tenkuu Otoshi, demonstrating his constant evolution as a player. His skills are not limited to scoring; he also proves to be technically adept, on one occasion using his knowledge to hack into a computer system to help his team. Through his journey from an orphan named after a ghost to a celebrated national player, Hiroto Kiyama embodies a story of redemption, the search for self, and the understanding that true strength comes from the heart, not from power alone.
In his initial role as an antagonist, Gran is the seemingly invincible captain of The Genesis. He first appears as a mysterious and observant figure, watching Raimon's matches from the shadows. His calm and almost polite demeanor belies the overwhelming power he possesses on the field. When his team faces Raimon, he demonstrates a ruthless and terrifying efficiency, leading his squad to a crushing 20-0 victory that shatters the confidence of several Raimon players. As Gran, his hair is spiked up except for his bangs, and his expression is often cold and intense. His primary motivation during this period is to fulfill his adoptive father's wishes, but a genuine curiosity is also sparked by the protagonist Endou Mamoru's unwavering spirit and love for soccer. He confesses his admiration for Endou's determined eyes, revealing a conflicted side that struggles between his loyalty to his father and an emerging understanding of soccer as something more than a tool for victory.
Despite his role as a foe, Hiroto is not a heartless villain. This is most clearly shown when Seijirou orders The Genesis to remove their limiters, a practice that would push their bodies to the breaking point for greater power. Hiroto refuses, prioritizing his teammates' health over winning the match, an act of defiance for which he is stripped of his captaincy. His caring nature also extends to his adopted sister, Hitomiko Kira, and his complicated feelings of duty toward his father, Seijirou. After The Genesis is ultimately defeated by Raimon, the full truth of his past is revealed, and he faces the consequences of his actions alongside his teammates.
Following the Aliea Academy incident, Hiroto undergoes significant development when he is scouted to join Inazuma Japan, the national team. His transition from enemy to ally is marked by a new beginning; he tells Endou he wishes to start their relationship over, not as enemies, but as fellow soccer players. This period highlights his growth into a reliable, kind, and strategic team player. He sheds his cold Gran persona, becoming more soft-spoken and approachable. His new teammates, especially the younger ones, look up to him as an older brother figure, and he is trusted deeply by his peers. He even steps in as temporary captain when Kazemaru is injured, showcasing his leadership and composure under pressure. His motivations shift from serving a father figure to representing Japan and playing alongside his friends, having rediscovered the pure joy of the sport. Key relationships are central to this development; his bond with Endou becomes a strong friendship, and he maintains a supportive connection with his former Aliea teammate, Ryuji Midorikawa, offering him advice during a difficult period.
In terms of abilities, Hiroto is an extraordinarily gifted forward, also capable of playing as a midfielder. His playing style is cosmic-themed, with his signature solo hissatsu technique being Ryuusei Blade, a powerful kick that launches the ball with the force of a meteor. He is one of the few players capable of stopping this technique only through immense difficulty. As he continues to grow with Inazuma Japan, he masters several powerful combination shots. These include Grand Fire, performed with Gouenji and Toramaru; The Birth, a legendary shot combining ice and fire with Fubuki; and the ultimate technique Big Bang, which he executes with Kidou and Fubuki. He also develops an even more powerful solo shot, Tenkuu Otoshi, demonstrating his constant evolution as a player. His skills are not limited to scoring; he also proves to be technically adept, on one occasion using his knowledge to hack into a computer system to help his team. Through his journey from an orphan named after a ghost to a celebrated national player, Hiroto Kiyama embodies a story of redemption, the search for self, and the understanding that true strength comes from the heart, not from power alone.