Masaru Kobayashi is a male classmate of the protagonist Chie Takemoto in the series Chie the Brat. He has black hair and black eyes and is of Japanese nationality. Within the school setting, he serves as the treasurer of the culture festival committee, indicating a responsible and organized nature. He holds a crush on a fellow student named Tsubame Koyasu, which adds a subtle romantic subplot to his interactions. Masaru is frequently exasperated by Chie’s lively and mischievous behavior. A recurring gag in the series involves him remarking that Chie will finally advance to the sixth grade the following year, only for the story to reset and for Chie to joke about remaining in fifth grade. This cycle highlights his frustration with the status quo and his desire for progression, contrasting with the show’s comedic, repetitive structure. As a supporting character, Masaru’s role primarily revolves around his school life and his reactions to Chie’s antics. His development is limited, with the series maintaining a static equilibrium around the central joke. His abilities are implied through his committee position, suggesting competence in handling finances or organizational tasks.