Juichi Fukutomi, a second-year Meiso University student and Bicycle Racing Club member, previously attended Hakone Academy High School. There, he served as both captain and ace of the cycling club, continuing a family legacy; his father founded the Hakone club and secured its first victory. Fukutomi and his brother Kichi were introduced to road racing in childhood by their father, though Fukutomi initially resisted. During middle school at Hadano Daiichi, he joined the Track and Field club against his father's wishes. After failing to qualify for nationals in three attempts during a pivotal race agreement with his brother, he switched to the school's bicycle racing club. There, he befriended Hayato Shinkai and became club captain in his third year. Fukutomi earned a recommendation to Hakone Academy based on cycling skill, but it was temporarily revoked following rumors of public misbehavior. With Shinkai's help, he identified the culprit as Imai, a cyclist from West Samukawa Middle School who resembled him and impersonated him. After confronting Imai and securing his confession, Fukutomi regained his recommendation. At Hakone, he dominated races and notably recruited Yasutomo Arakita by defeating him in a scooter race. In his second year, he secured a regular spot on Hakone's Inter High team by winning the member selection race. During the 40th Summer Inter High, Fukutomi spearheaded Hakone's strategy to dominate the first day. On the second stage, he pursued Sohoku High's ace, Shingo Kinjou, engaging in a philosophical debate about individual strength versus team faith. As Kinjou surged near the finish, Fukutomi made critical gear-shift errors and, in desperation, grabbed Kinjou's jersey, causing both to crash. Kinjou suffered broken ribs but continued riding. Fukutomi, less injured, finished ahead but was consumed by shame. He apologized to Sohoku, accepted a punch from Jin Tadokoro without retaliation, and withdrew from the third day's race. Kinjou's response—that cyclists settle matters on the road—profoundly impacted him. A month later, Fukutomi visited Sohoku to formally apologize again, bringing a gift. He carried deep regret and was prepared to lose intentionally to Kinjou if asked. Instead, he resolved to build Hakone's strongest team for the 41st Inter High as redemption. During their rematch on the second day of that race, he openly cried tears of gratitude after their contest concluded, finally releasing the guilt from the previous year. He showed no embarrassment about this emotional display. Fukutomi possesses a stoic and serious demeanor, often described as having a "Stone Face," which intimidates underclassmen. He holds himself to exceptionally high standards, driven by Hakone's "kings" legacy. Though he speaks curtly, he provides targeted advice to help teammates grow stronger. He demonstrates genuine care through actions like planning birthday celebrations, becoming flustered if discovered. His disciplined leadership directs the team "like an army," and he formed Hakone's core team for the 41st Inter High. He occasionally shows social awkwardness, such as unsuccessfully imitating Shinkai's poses to attract fangirls. As a cyclist, Fukutomi wields formidable power and endurance, rivaling top competitors like Kinjou. His racing philosophy initially centered on individual strength, claiming victory was certain with one strong member. This evolved after the crash to value earnest competition and respect for opponents. He dislikes relying on others but openly expresses gratitude to his team. Physically, Fukutomi has short, spiky blond hair, thick dark eyebrows, sharp dark eyes, and typically maintains a serious expression. He stands 180 cm tall and weighs 66 kg. His known preferences include liking apples and disliking mashed daikon for its bitterness. He secretly practices plate spinning, a skill learned after seeing his brother's friend perform it. He performs poorly on roller coasters.