Akitaru Ōbi serves as the steadfast captain of Special Fire Force Company 8, towering at 189 cm with a 108 kg muscular frame. His short dark hair, shaven sides, and small brown eyes complement his rugged appearance. On duty, he dons bunker gear with protective jackets, trousers, helmets featuring metal face shields, and blue-striped accents signifying team cohesion. Off-duty attire consists of a grey jumpsuit marked with prominent "8" patches. A twice-decorated firefighter stripped of honors for defying orders to save civilians, his ethics shaped Company 8’s founding. Witnessing the Fire Force’s disregard for grieving families, he recruited Takehisa Hinawa, forging a unit prioritizing justice, loyalty, and minimizing civilian suffering. His leadership clashes with groups exploiting the Infernal crisis, driven by a philosophy that views cleansing Infernals as a morally complex duty requiring empathy for victims’ kin. Though lacking pyrokinetic powers, he relies on peak physicality, routinely hauling 30 kg of gear and training rigorously. Combat tactics blend strategic weapon use—Core Annihilating Pile Bunker, fire axes, shields—with environmental improvisation. His hysterical strength enables feats like snapping metal chains and resisting Infernal toxins via muscle control honed through prison drills. During the Ōbi’s Rescue arc, false abduction charges against Shinra Kusakabe led to his arrest, spurring Company 8’s rebellion against the Tokyo Empire. Allies like Joker deem him a moral counterweight to the Evangelist’s influence. Imprisoned, he resisted Infernal conversion through raw physical resilience, later aiding in undermining the White Clad’s grip on Leonard Burns. Courageous yet nonchalant, he balances calm authority with fierce reactions to protocol breaches or victim disrespect. Despite mortality fears, he prioritizes team safety, commanding deep loyalty. Interactions with figures like Hibana and Benimaru Shinmon reveal his contested standing within Fire Force ranks. Personal trivia highlights a preference for rock music, DIY projects, and ramen, contrasted by a distaste for protein supplements. Hobbies include weightlifting and basketball, mirroring his disciplined lifestyle.