Shōkichi Naruko, a third-year Sohoku High School student, energizes the bicycle racing club as "Naniwa's Speed Man" or "Speedster of Naniwa," his Osaka roots evident in a thick Kansai accent. He hails from a financially strained household as the second oldest of five siblings, frequently tending to his younger brothers with pocketed candies. Early cycling struggles stemmed from his 165 cm stature, inviting bullying and defeats until relentless training forged his resilience. His vibrant appearance features bright red spiked hair, sharp red eyes, and prominent canine teeth. Naruko flaunts tiger-printed casual wear and red-black-white racing gear, embodying his flashy ethos that equates coolness with speed and visibility. Highly competitive, he reacts fiercely to losses or height-related taunts but shields teammate Sakamichi Onoda with brotherly zeal, cheering him passionately. He coins nicknames like "Captain Shades" for Kinjou or "Gorilla" for Taura, yet addresses Onoda and Yusuke Makishima with formal honorifics. Initially a sprinter, Naruko mastered flat-terrain techniques like the "Rocket Sprint Style" (tucking hair and tightening jackets against wind) and uphill "Sprint Climb" (shifting to heavy gears). After a first-year loss to Akira Midousuji, he transitioned to an all-rounder on Shunsuke Imaizumi's advice, swapping carbon wheels for versatility and intensifying climb training to support Onoda. By his second year, he developed the "Armstrong Climb" (later "Tip-Toe Advance"), optimizing pedal efficiency through foot positioning, and perfected downhill cornering as "Super Fluttering Downhill." His strategic brilliance centers on mental fortitude, exemplified at the 42nd Inter High by countering Midousuji's mind games and single-handedly stalling Kyoto Fushimi. Achievements include second place at the Bay Coast Criterium Race (Year 1), third in the 42nd Inter High Qualifiers (Year 2), and first in the 43rd Inter High Qualifiers (Year 3). As a third-year leader post-Sohoku's senior retirements, his enhanced climbing prowess rivals specialists like Sangaku Manami during the Inter High. Off the bike, Naruko collects red items, hosts a school radio show, and savors tokusatsu shows, okonomiyaki, and beef tendon hotpot. He avoids puns, sarcasm, and aquariums, excels in geography, and dismisses academics for physical pursuits.