Taro Misaki is a central figure, renowned as a midfielder and for his iconic "Golden Combi" partnership with Tsubasa Ozora. His nomadic childhood, accompanying landscape painter father Ichiro Misaki across Japan, prevented lasting friendships but exposed him to diverse football environments. Before settling in Nankatsu, he played for Meiwa FC alongside Kojiro Hyuga, Takeshi Sawada, and Genzo Wakashimazu, and later for Furano Elementary Soccer Club with Hikaru Matsuyama and Oda. Joining Nankatsu Elementary School, he stepped in for injured teammate Ryo Ishizaki during a crucial match against Shutetsu, marking the birth of the "Golden Combi" and their seamless on-field synchronization. Despite winning the national championship with Nankatsu SC, he departed abruptly to avoid emotional farewells, famously sent off with a symbolic farewell ball struck by Tsubasa to his departing bus. Family dynamics further shaped his path; following his parents' divorce, he rejected his mother Yumiko Yamaoka's surname, declaring "I am Taro Misaki, not Taro Yamaoka," choosing instead to accompany his father to France. In France, he trained informally with Paris SG's junior youth section without official club commitment. Returning to Japan for high school, he played for Nankatsu High School, finishing as runners-up to Hyuga's Toho Academy for three consecutive years, securing only one victory during Hyuga's absence. Initially focused solely on the World Youth national team, he was excluded after a loss to the "Real Japan 7" (R.J.7). This prompted global travels to study football styles, after which he rejoined the team following a victory over R.J.7. His skills improved significantly, making him the only player capable of matching Tsubasa's full intensity by the Asian qualifiers' end. A pivotal personal moment occurred saving his half-sister Yoshiko from an oncoming bus, resulting in a severe left leg injury. Determined to play in the World Youth finals, he underwent rehabilitation with Dr. Hiroyuki Shibazaki, who confined him to 30 minutes per match to prevent career-ending damage. Defying medical advice, he fled the hospital for the final against Brazil. Despite worsening his injury, he assisted Tsubasa's championship-winning goal. Post-tournament, he committed to a year-long rehabilitation. Post-recovery, aiming for the French league, he first honed his skills in the J-League with Jubilo Iwata. His debut against Urawa Reds showcased his recovered abilities, contributing to Jubilo's victory. During the Golden-23 arc, he joined Japan's U-22 Olympic team. Facing Nigeria and J.J. Ochado—who secured a Paris SG spot he desired—he initially struggled due to perceived lack of aggression but adapted his playstyle, eventually scoring the decisive goal against Australia securing Olympic qualification. At the Madrid Olympics, he scored the winning goal against Argentina, advancing Japan to the quarter-finals. Pre-tournament, he and Tsubasa developed the "High Speed Tornado Sky Alpha" technique, perfected during training at Riazor Beach. In the final tournament against Germany, this technique—executed via a coordinated aerial maneuver following Ishizaki's cross—resulted in a goal against keeper Muller. Physically, he stands 1.74 meters tall and weighs 62 kilograms as an adult, evolving from childhood (1.46 meters, 37 kilograms) through adolescence (1.72 meters, 57 kilograms). Ambidextrous, he wears jersey number 11 for Japan's national teams across all age groups. Nicknamed "Artist of the Field," his technical prowess includes exceptional speed, precise passing, and strong observational skills. Signature techniques encompass the "Boomerang Shot," the powerful "S.S.S." long shot developed in the J-League, and collaborative moves like the "Jumping Volley Twin Shot" with Hyuga and the "High Speed Tornado Sky Alpha" with Tsubasa. Personality-wise, he is introverted, soft-spoken, and gentle, contrasting with assertive teammates. His nomadic upbringing and parental divorce contributed to initial hesitancy in forming deep bonds, though he remains optimistic and resilient in challenges. Academically gifted, his empathy allows him to mediate team conflicts. His profound connection to football manifests in viewing the ball as his "friend," a trait shared with Tsubasa and Carlos Santana.