Danpei Ichigeki is a young boy instantly recognizable by his distinctive, flame-shaped spiky red hair, a feature unchanged as he ages. He bears the surname "Ichigeki" (one-hit), signifying his family's athletic tradition where victory often hinges on a single decisive move. He constantly carries a dodgeball found at his father's grave, a treasured keepsake and motivational symbol throughout his journey.

His father, Danjuro Ichigeki, was a famed dodgeball player who created the "Flame Shot" technique. Contrary to initial belief, Danjuro abandoned his family to travel the world seeking enlightenment, asking them to consider him dead. This abandonment deeply shapes Danpei's drive to honor his father's legacy through dodgeball. Danpei's mother, Haruka Ichigeki, a former professional water polo player and current swimming instructor, fully supports his ambitions and trusts his independence despite his frequent absences for training or matches. Their family dynamic emphasizes mutual respect, with neither Haruka nor Danpei harboring resentment towards Danjuro's departure.

Initially portrayed as a brash and belligerent elementary student, Danpei struggles with societal expectations and peer conflicts, frequently channeling his frustrations into dodgeball. His early behavior includes trash-talking teammates and facing bullying due to underdeveloped skills, yet he persists rigorously to emulate his father. His determination evolves into disciplined resilience over time. He forges bonds with rivals by understanding their struggles, maturing into a unifying figure who prioritizes collective growth over individual glory. Key relationships include his best friend Chin'nen Kobotoke, a rule-abiding Buddhist monk who balances Danpei's impulsiveness, and teammate Misato Toudou, a tomboyish specialist in kicking techniques.

His athletic path involves mastering the "Flame Shot" and competing in national tournaments. While aspiring to become champion, his arc culminates in a tournament loss. He achieves personal fulfillment by recognizing his growth beyond paternal comparisons and valuing camaraderie over titles. This marks a coming-of-age milestone, transitioning him from seeking external validation to embracing intrinsic satisfaction in effort and self-improvement.

The character's depiction varies between the original manga and anime adaptations. The manga includes crude humor and ecchi elements, portraying Danpei with more abrasive traits, while the anime presents a softened, kid-friendly version emphasizing lighthearted teamwork. A sequel series, *Dodge Danko*, centers on Danpei's daughter but includes no information about his adult life, legacy, or direct involvement.