Makoto Kitazume coaches Toho Academy middle school's soccer team during the Boys' Fight arc. He coaches with firm convictions, prioritizing the team over any individual player; this principle is his foundational pride, which he refuses to compromise, even if it means resigning. He believes collective success matters more than individual talent, leading him to bench star player Kojiro Hyuga for selfish play. Before the Boys' Fight events, Kitazume coached Toho during Hyuga's first two middle school years, achieving national runner-up status both times after losing to Nankatsu in the finals. In Hyuga's third year, Toho won the Tokyo prefectural qualifier against Musashi Middle School. Hyuga then left for Okinawa training without notifying Kitazume, resulting in the coach revoking Hyuga's scholarship and excluding him from the National Middle School Soccer Tournament roster. During the tournament semi-final against Meiwa Higashi, with Toho trailing, Kitazume maintained his decision to bench Hyuga despite the team's struggles. He observed the players' enduring faith in Hyuga, who encouraged them from the sidelines, contributing to a comeback victory. Before the final, Hyuga and the entire team pleaded for his reinstatement. Kitazume initially adhered to his principles but relented after the collective appeal, setting a challenge: Hyuga had to defeat three players (Sorimachi, Sawada, and Wakashimazu) using his Tiger Shot. Hyuga succeeded, earning his place. Feeling unworthy of leadership after compromising his convictions, Kitazume resigned. He announced this after the final, rejecting Hyuga's request to leave the team instead. Later, during the J Boys' Challenge narrative, he coached an unspecified team. He also traveled to Italy to support Hyuga's Serie A debut.