Nyoze Carlos Nagato, commonly known as Joze, is a skilled boxer of mixed heritage born and raised in Japan. His mother died when he was ten, leaving him to be raised by his professional boxer father. The pair traveled frequently for boxing tours during Joze's childhood, a time he remembered fondly. At seventeen, Joze turned professional, gaining public attention alongside his father as a boxing duo. This ended abruptly when his father was fatally stabbed by a drunk assailant, an event that deeply traumatized him.

Despite this loss, Joze continued boxing and rose to eighth in the world rankings, earning a title match. His career collapsed after a bar fight where a man brandished a knife, triggering Joze's trauma. He violently beat the man, resulting in legal consequences and a permanent ban from professional boxing. Haunted by memories, he became a fugitive.

While evading authorities, Joze encountered Ranbo, a mentor who recognized his inner turmoil and latent aggression, calling it a "beast." Ranbo offered guidance focused on teaching Joze emotional control to avoid conflict, not fighting skills. This training led Joze to bond with Ranbo and Miyuki Koiso, who treated him like family. During this period, he also met fugitive Juzo Fujimaki, forming an unexpected friendship. Seeking direct entry into the KODOKU underground tournament to rebuild his life, Joze challenged Juzo to a fight. Juzo reluctantly fought him, defeating him by breaking his arm.

When Juzo was forced into KODOKU, Joze volunteered as his advisor, providing strategic and emotional support. Juzo grew to trust Joze, sharing details of his troubled past. Joze proved a capable advisor throughout the tournament, witnessing Juzo's victory. Juzo declined the tournament's prize of personal freedom, instead requesting Joze's criminal record be cleared so he could resume boxing. This act granted Joze a legal reprieve and a second chance. In the aftermath, Joze's life improved significantly; he was last seen supporting Juzo alongside Ranbo and Miyuki.