Bunzō, an orange tabby cat, leads as head chef of a ramen restaurant. Once a stray, he was taken in by a ramen cart owner, later inheriting the cart when the owner’s health declined from overindulging in ramen. After converting the cart into a permanent eatery with partner Sasaki, he upholds a kitchen philosophy centered on feline safety—replacing hazardous alliums with Chinese celery and abstaining from sampling concentrated broth due to dietary limits. The restaurant’s noodle-making method, passed down by his mentor’s cat, stays shrouded in secrecy.

Known for pragmatic problem-solving, Bunzō counters threats like local gang harassment by tactically enlisting ally Krishna’s fearsome reputation. He dismisses franchising deals that risk diluting the restaurant’s ethos with curt, unwavering refusals.

His dealings with artisans such as Tajima-san, a meticulous menma supplier, reflect deep respect for skilled craftsmanship. Though reserved, he permits occasional head pats from regular patrons. A former stray’s instincts shape his leadership: exacting in culinary standards yet fiercely protective of his team’s welfare and the restaurant’s independence.