Kojiro Hyuga, internationally recognized as Mark Lenders or Steve Hyuga in certain regions, anchors his narrative. Born August 17 in Saitama, Japan, his father’s early death plunged his childhood into adversity. This forged an initially cold-hearted, reckless spirit, driven by twin promises: becoming the world’s top striker and supporting his family through part-time jobs like newspaper delivery and seafood market work.
Hyuga’s physical progression saw him at 158 cm and 50 kg in elementary school, 170 cm and 59 kg in middle school, 178 cm and 64 kg in high school, and 180 cm and 70 kg as an adult. He consistently played forward (FW), wearing jersey 10 for Meiwa FC and Toho Academy and number 9 for Japan’s national team.
His football journey ignited at Meiwa Elementary, where aggressive play earned him the "Fierce Tiger" (Mokoh) moniker. A scholarship later propelled him to Toho Academy, leading them to multiple championships, including a high school V-4 title. During middle school, criticism of his waning edge prompted him to abandon his team temporarily for intensive training under mentor Kozo Kira. This crucible birthed his signature Tiger Shot technique, and he reclaimed his spot by challenging the coach and showcasing renewed prowess.
Internationally, Hyuga debuted for Japan’s U-15 squad, evolving into a key striker for junior and Olympic teams. He formed lethal partnerships, notably the "Meiwa Combi" with Ken Wakashimazu, executing techniques like the Twin Shot. At the Junior Youth World Cup, he honed his Tiger Shot into the Neo Tiger Shot using a weighted training ball—a pivotal weapon against rivals like Italy and Germany. His rivalry with Tsubasa Ozora matured into mutual respect, yielding combo moves like the Neo Drive Tiger Twin Shot.
Post-high school, Hyuga turned professional with Italy’s Serie C club AC Reggiana. A fierce promotion clash against Shingo Aoi’s FC Albese climaxed in his hat-trick, sealed by a decisive Raiju Shot that secured Reggiana’s Serie B ascent. After initial struggles at Juventus amid stiff competition, he rejoined the club later as part of the "Piamonte" team in the NEXT DREAM storyline, pursuing fresh glory.
His technical arsenal centers on raw power and physicality. Core techniques include the Tiger Shot, Straight-Line Dribble, and Overhead Kick, later enhanced by evolved variants like the Neo Tiger Shot, Raiju Shot, and Descending Raiju Shot. Collaborative feats define his play, such as the Toho Twin Shot with Takeshi Sawada and the Drive Tiger Twin Shot with Tsubasa.
Hyuga’s personality shifted from arrogance and isolation to leadership and empathy. He relentlessly prioritizes family and teammates, exemplified by rallying the national squad during Tsubasa’s injury. Relationships with girlfriend Maki Akamine and enduring bonds with Sawada and Wakashimazu further reflect his loyalty and growth beyond his once-untamed exterior.