Ryuuji Nomoto, nicknamed "Scam" (Baremoto), serves time at Shōnan Special Reformatory for fraud, embezzlement, and theft. Driven by extreme poverty that left him unable to afford food, he targeted shopping centers. His criminal path began in childhood after his father's death in wartime Manchuria plunged him and his mother into destitution. Discovering his mother resorted to prostitution for sustenance fostered deep distrust and avoidance of human connection. This isolation defined his early reformatory days, where he retreated to read books or smoke alone, harboring particular dislike for Rokurouta Sakuragi's perceived arrogance.

Inside Block 2, Cell 6, his exceptional intelligence and strategic planning prove vital for the group's survival. Lacking physical prowess, he devises intricate countermeasures against abuses by personnel like Ishihara and Sasaki. His analytical skills and foresight help navigate systematic humiliation and violence. Gradually, he forms a brotherly bond with Noboru Maeda ("Turtle") and accepts the group's camaraderie. Shared hardships teach him the value of friendship; his distrust diminishes as he aligns with the collective resistance, recognizing his cellmates as true allies.

Following release, he pursues legal studies under prosecutor Takada while attending night school, aiming to become a lawyer. Despite failing the bar exam seven times, he persists. He financially supports his mother and two physically similar younger brothers. Loyalty to his reformatory group remains strong; he focuses on reducing legal charges against Tadayoshi Tooyama ("Soldier"), who confessed to crimes committed by a foreign con group to protect Mario Minakami. He dedicates himself to gathering evidence and advocating for Soldier's mitigated sentence, reflecting his enduring commitment to their brotherhood. Post-release, his physical appearance evolves, notably with longer hair.