Juzo Kadokura, also spelled Juuzou Kadokura, is the third-year captain of the high school basketball team, Group K. He functions as the group's central pillar, making critical decisions that guide them through challenges. His leadership stabilizes group dynamics, preventing minor conflicts from escalating and ensuring cohesion under pressure. His family's household goods store faced significant financial difficulties, compelling Juzo to consider leaving school to work and repay debts. Kei Shinomiya proposed a deal: Kei would assist in settling the debt in exchange for Juzo's unquestioning obedience. This arrangement positioned Kei as Group K's hidden strategist, with Juzo acting as the visible leader relaying Kei's plans to the group. During the "Friendship Hide-And-Seek" game, Juzo assumed the role of "Hider." He devised a strategy centered on tracking opposing team members during food deliveries, assigning roles based on teammates' abilities. He stationed faster members Hyakutarou Onigawara and Chisato Hashiratani near food stations, while Kei and Banri Niwa focused on locating optimal hiding spots. Juzo emphasized trusting friends over luck, declared his group held an unbeatable advantage, and vowed never to press the game's surrender button, even under threat of death. Group K's unity fractured due to external manipulation by Yuuichi Katagiri, who exploited Hyakutarou's emotional attachment to Maria Mizuse. When Hyakutarou requested Maria's inclusion, Juzo refused but permitted Hyakutarou to defect to the opposing group, leading to Hyakutarou's betrayal. Later, Juzo received a phone call from Yuuichi staging an audio simulation of Hyakutarou being tortured, including sounds of breaking bones. Believing the torture real and unwilling to sacrifice Hyakutarou, Juzo violated his vow and pressed the surrender button, resulting in Group K's loss. After the game, he discovered Yuuichi broke his own finger to create the deception. Juzo Kadokura embodies a sacrificial nature, prioritizing others' well-being over his own, yet resents others making sacrifices on his behalf. His leadership and willingness to endure personal defeat to protect a teammate underscore his role as Group K's emotional anchor, even during strategic collapse.