Sō Oribe operates as First Mate and helmsman aboard the Blue Steel fleet's submarine I-401, directly serving as second-in-command to Captain Gunzō Chihaya. His critical duties encompass navigation oversight, tactical systems monitoring, and inventory management. Oribe's operational efficiency depends entirely on a neural interface helmet-mask worn during all duty shifts, integrating respiratory filtration components he attributes to severe allergies requiring constant protection.

His deep-rooted personal bond with Captain Chihaya, originating in their elementary school years, grants Oribe an uncanny ability to predict the captain’s tactical decisions during combat and high-stress scenarios. He consistently employs statistical visualizations and real-time system diagnostics during mission briefings, functioning as the principal technical analyst for both crew and strategic command.

A single documented occurrence shows Oribe partially removing his mask during a private exchange with Chihaya. Observers noted only Chihaya’s reaction, leaving Oribe’s facial features unseen and compounding the enigma of his physical appearance and medical circumstances. The established narrative provides no further evolution or background details beyond these parameters.