Kotarou Inugami is a dog hanyō (half-demon) identified by pointed wolf-like ears, a black tail with a white tip, spiked black hair, and magenta-red eyes. His appearance is consistent, typically featuring casual attire: navy-blue pants, a plain T-shirt, a matching jacket, and red sneakers. Born an outcast rejected by both human and dog-yōkai societies, his mixed heritage fostered profound loneliness, shaping an initial distrustful and mercenary outlook. He first surfaces as an antagonist in the Kyoto arc, hired by Chigusa Amagasaki to obstruct Negi Springfield and Asuna Kagurazaka. He traps them in a dimensional loop but is defeated and captured by the Kansai Magic Association, who seal his abilities to transform and summon dog spirits. Escaping custody, he seeks a rematch with Negi, recognizing him as a worthy rival. Investigating threats against Negi at Mahora Academy, he suffers amnesia from Graf Hermann's confusion spell during a confrontation. Found injured, he is nursed back to health by Chizuru Naba and Natsumi Murakami, who initially mistake him for a stray dog. Recovering in their care, he forms deep familial bonds, marking his transition from isolation to acceptance. He later aids Negi in rescuing Chizuru from Hermann, resulting in his pardon and the restoration of his powers. He enrolls at Mahora Academy under the alias Kotarou Murakami, posing as Natsumi's younger brother, and resides with Chizuru, Natsumi, and Ayaka Yukihiro. Chizuru's openly affectionate, maternal behavior—like hugging him in public—frequently embarrasses him, contrasting his self-perception as a "lone wolf." His dynamic with Negi evolves into a friendly rivalry; he often teases Negi about numerous female associations while being teased about his domestic situation. He frequently clashes intellectually with Yue Ayase and respects Kaede Nagase's combat prowess, though he refuses to fight women at full strength. In combat, he specializes in hand-to-hand martial arts under his self-developed "Garyū Inugami-ryū" style, favoring physical engagement over magic. His abilities include: - **Transformations**: Shifting into a small dog via paper charms, a humanoid beast form (Kuzoku Juuka) enhancing physical capabilities, and his ultimate form, Kuon Eisou (Howling Shadow Cloth), granting shadow manipulation, explosive projectile attacks, and amplified strength and durability. - **Combat Techniques**: Utilizing shadow clones (Kage Bunshin), high-speed movement (Shundō and Kokū Shundō), and energy-based attacks like Kuuga (Vacuum Fang) and Kuon Bakusaiken (Howling Burst Knuckle). - **Summoning**: Commanding dog spirits (inugami) and other entities, such as a demon spider, for offensive or tactical support. His combat proficiency grows: A crushing defeat by Albireo Imma during the Mahora Martial Arts Tournament shakes his confidence, prompting rigorous training with Kaede. Later, in the Magic World, he participates in gladiatorial tournaments to rescue enslaved classmates, demonstrating increased power and tactical adaptability. He forms a Pactio contract with Natsumi after admitting his feelings for her, though their romantic dynamic remains nascent and occasionally awkward. During the assault on Cosmo Entelecheia, he displays matured judgment by refusing to engage Fate Averruncus recklessly despite a personal vendetta, recognizing their power disparity. His resilience is noted when he withstands attacks from opponents like Jack Rakan while protecting allies. His character development culminates in embracing his found family and aspirations to become a Magister Magi, reflecting his journey from a solitary mercenary to a dedicated protector and friend.