Nobu Andou is a classmate and close friend of the protagonist Capeta Taira during their middle school years. He begins the series as a minor antagonist, picking on Capeta out of jealousy because he has a crush on their mutual friend Monami Suzuki and resents the attention Capeta receives from her. However, after Capeta becomes involved in kart racing, Nobu's attitude shifts. He becomes Capeta's most loyal supporter and takes on the role of his technical assistant and manager, helping with the mechanical and strategic aspects of the sport. Nobu is pragmatic, observant, and dedicated, often studying racing techniques and kart mechanics to provide useful advice. His primary motivation is to see Capeta succeed, and he nurtures his own ambition to become the best racing manager possible. Over time, he grows from a petty bully into a mature and reliable partner, even playing a key role in convincing racing school officials to give Capeta a chance after a pivotal loss. Notably, he encourages Capeta to aim for Formula One rather than fixating on local rivals, demonstrating his strategic foresight. Physically, Nobu has short brown hair and gray eyes. His character arc is defined by his transition from personal rivalry to selfless support, making him an indispensable part of Capeta's racing journey.