Ichirou Azuma is a young amateur wrestler driven by the ambition to compete in the Olympic Games in Mexico. He possesses a strong sense of justice, openly criticizing those who exploit their abilities for selfish gain and advocating for the responsible use of power to help others.

During childhood, Ichirou became close friends with Tokio Kurohara. A pivotal moment occurred on a school field trip when classmates compared Tokio to a vulture, leading to bullying. Ichirou intervened, comforting Tokio by reframing the vulture as a powerful creature capable of flight, an act that left a lasting impression on Tokio.

As a teenager, Ichirou exhibits significant physical strength and protective instincts. He directly confronts harassers, exemplified when he rescues a woman from a group led by Johnny Kiyoshi Takeyama, breaking Johnny's arms in the process.

A critical turning point happens when Johnny, now a Choujin with elastic abilities, ambushes Ichirou and Tokio. Ichirou fights back but is overwhelmed by Johnny's new resilience to physical attacks. After Tokio injects himself with a mysterious syringe, transforms into a Choujin, and defeats Johnny, Ichirou is visibly shaken. He insists on going to the hospital alone and initially avoids Tokio's attempts at contact. Their subsequent conversation reveals Ichirou's internal conflict; he struggles to reconcile Tokio's transformation with his beliefs about power and responsibility, culminating in an emotional outburst.

The following day, medical tests show no physiological abnormalities in Ichirou. He theorizes that a Choujin's form reflects their deepest desires, indirectly addressing Tokio's vulture-like appearance. This interaction highlights his analytical approach to their changed circumstances, though his earlier frustration suggests unresolved tension regarding Tokio's new abilities.