**Zhuge Kongming**, also known by Kongming, was a renowned military strategist and chancellor of Shu Han during China's Three Kingdoms period. He died during the Battle of Wuzhang Plains in 234 AD, expressing a final wish for reincarnation into a peaceful world free from warfare. This wish resulted in his rebirth in modern-day Tokyo, specifically during a Halloween celebration in Shibuya’s nightlife district. Initially disoriented, he interpreted the costumed crowds and unfamiliar surroundings as hell, mistaking Eiko Tsukimi—an aspiring singer performing in a demon costume—for a "songstress of hell".
Physically, Kongming retains the youthful appearance from the Three Kingdoms era. He consistently wears traditional Late-Han Dynasty attire: a light green paofu secured by a dark green belt, complemented by decorative ribbons and jinxian guan headwear. His long hair, tied up according to Confucian tradition, reaches his waist. He carries a crane feather fan historically noted as a gift from his wife, Lady Huang. While primarily maintaining this style, he occasionally adapts to modern clothing like LED visors or tracksuits when situational needs arise.
Kongming exhibits intellectual curiosity, strategic acumen, and emotional depth. He adapts rapidly to modern technology and social norms, mastering smartphones, social media, and bartending within days of his arrival. His tactical prowess, drawn from historical stratagems like the "Stone Sentinel Maze" and the "Thirty-Six Stratagems," is repurposed to navigate the music industry—manipulating concert environments to amplify Eiko’s visibility or devising marketing campaigns. Despite cunning in outmaneuvering rivals, he demonstrates genuine loyalty and empathy, particularly toward Eiko and his allies. A profound regret over past failures—such as the execution of his apprentice Ma Su due to miscommunication—drives his commitment to open dialogue and mentorship. His emotional vulnerability surfaces when learning of Shu Han’s eventual collapse, triggering a crisis alleviated by Eiko’s singing.
Kongming forms pivotal relationships. He serves as Eiko Tsukimi’s strategist and manager after her vocal talent moves him, pledging to elevate her music career using his tactical genius. Their dynamic mirrors his historical service to Liu Bei, devoid of romantic undertones. With Kabe-Taijin, a disillusioned rapper, Kongming adopts a mentor role, reigniting his passion through a rap battle and guiding his artistic resurgence. Owner Kobayashi, a Three Kingdoms enthusiast, provides employment at the BB Lounge nightclub and becomes a confidant. Kongming also befriends diverse individuals across Tokyo, including foreign nationals, showcasing charisma and immediate linguistic fluency in Japanese and English.
Kongming’s strategies incorporate historical tactics recontextualized for modern challenges. Examples include "creating something from nothing" to fabricate opportunities for Eiko and exploiting opponents’ weaknesses through psychological manipulation, as seen confronting the band Jet Jacket. His reverence for Three Kingdoms history permeates decision-making; he references past alliances and battles when forming industry partnerships or resolving conflicts. The feather fan, symbolic of his devotion to Lady Huang, remains a constant accessory, reflecting enduring values amidst temporal displacement.