TV-Series
Description
Shūtarō Kurusu serves as a primary protagonist. Originally from a civilian background, he worked alongside his parents as a wholesaler in Nihonbashi before his military service. His life changed irrevocably at age 25 during the Russo-Japanese War when he was transformed into a vampire and subsequently declared dead. This transformation designated him an A-class vampire, the highest rank in Japan, whose very presence instinctively terrifies lower-ranked vampires.
Recruited into the special military unit Code Zero under the Imperial Japanese Army's Kongo Iron Soldier Plan following his transformation, he now handles vampire-related threats as part of Japan's diplomatic strategy. Despite this military role, his civilian roots foster a peace-loving demeanor and a distinct resistance to unnecessary violence, making him an atypical soldier. He carries a katana as his primary weapon and wears the standard Code Zero uniform, occasionally adding a black cape.
His personality emphasizes profound compassion and restraint. He consistently refuses to attack civilians, regardless of their vampiric status, and deliberately hesitates to unleash his full strength during missions, fearing the loss of his sanity. This caution sometimes creates friction with his commanding officer, who warns that such reluctance could jeopardize teammates. Maintaining his human sensitivity remains his priority despite his supernatural abilities.
Key relationships include his enduring childhood bond with Aoi Shirase, a newspaper reporter investigating vampire incidents who clings to hope for his survival despite his presumed death. Within Code Zero, he interacts with figures like the unit's leader, Yoshinobu Maeda, and the unranked vampire Tokuichi Yamagami. His narrative role evolves from supporting to central protagonist following pivotal events, including a major earthquake and Maeda's own vampiric transformation.
His A-class vampire abilities grant him superhuman speed, enabling instantaneous vanishing and movement, though he consciously limits these powers. His stigmata (bite mark) is located on his neck. Across adaptations, his core traits remain consistent, though different media explore his relationships and internal conflicts with varying depth.
Recruited into the special military unit Code Zero under the Imperial Japanese Army's Kongo Iron Soldier Plan following his transformation, he now handles vampire-related threats as part of Japan's diplomatic strategy. Despite this military role, his civilian roots foster a peace-loving demeanor and a distinct resistance to unnecessary violence, making him an atypical soldier. He carries a katana as his primary weapon and wears the standard Code Zero uniform, occasionally adding a black cape.
His personality emphasizes profound compassion and restraint. He consistently refuses to attack civilians, regardless of their vampiric status, and deliberately hesitates to unleash his full strength during missions, fearing the loss of his sanity. This caution sometimes creates friction with his commanding officer, who warns that such reluctance could jeopardize teammates. Maintaining his human sensitivity remains his priority despite his supernatural abilities.
Key relationships include his enduring childhood bond with Aoi Shirase, a newspaper reporter investigating vampire incidents who clings to hope for his survival despite his presumed death. Within Code Zero, he interacts with figures like the unit's leader, Yoshinobu Maeda, and the unranked vampire Tokuichi Yamagami. His narrative role evolves from supporting to central protagonist following pivotal events, including a major earthquake and Maeda's own vampiric transformation.
His A-class vampire abilities grant him superhuman speed, enabling instantaneous vanishing and movement, though he consciously limits these powers. His stigmata (bite mark) is located on his neck. Across adaptations, his core traits remain consistent, though different media explore his relationships and internal conflicts with varying depth.