Saburō Kitani serves as an apprentice chef under Koume Suzukawa’s father in their family-run yōshoku restaurant, known for his polite demeanor, reserved nature, and thoughtful approach to others, solidifying his reputation as a gentleman. His bond with Koume transcends their professional duties, positioning him as a trusted confidant who offers emotional support, especially as she navigates challenges in assembling a girls’ baseball team.

Midway through the series, her father orchestrates an arranged marriage between Saburō and Koume, valuing his culinary skill and principled character. Unaware of these plans initially, Saburō becomes entwined in escalating tensions when a misinterpreted photograph leads Koume’s parents to suspect her affections lie elsewhere, sparking confrontations that underscore his peripheral yet pivotal role within the family.

Their dynamic, marked by mutual respect and camaraderie, thrives as they collaborate in the restaurant’s daily rhythms while balancing Taishō-era societal expectations. Though his personal history remains unexplored, Saburō’s presence accentuates themes of tradition clashing with progress, framed through arranged marriages and shifting gender norms central to the narrative’s exploration of cultural change.