Professor Ikeda oversees the laboratory where the protagonists pursue their research, exuding a composed presence that occasionally betrays flashes of quiet intimidation—most notably through visceral displays like crushing pens with startling force when agitated. His muscular physique contrasts with his professional restraint, and brief references to marital status hint at a private life beyond the lab’s confines. As a mentor, he maintains a laissez-faire philosophy, granting students unrestrained autonomy in their unconventional projects. This flexibility extends to indulging even questionable academic pursuits, particularly Kosuke Inukai’s analyses of dating simulators and visual novels—topics typically dismissed in traditional academia. Yet beneath this apparent detachment lies sharp pedagogical insight: he diagnoses Inukai’s underlying inferiority complex, strategically channeling the student’s frustrations into structured statistical studies of narrative mechanics. This tactical redirection exemplifies his talent for weaving niche passions into legitimate research frameworks, valuing adaptive guidance over prescriptive instruction. His leadership oscillates between authoritative intervention and permissive support. When confronting Inukai’s academic crisis, he transitions from detached observation to targeted intervention, addressing both intellectual roadblocks and emotional vulnerabilities. Similarly, he permits Ena Ibarada’s habitual lab-hour napping and gaming sessions, framing such allowances as concessions to individual working styles rather than lax oversight. While occasionally stretching academic plausibility, his approach consistently favors nurturing student agency and curiosity above institutional expectations, framing mentorship as a dynamic interplay between professional rigor and personal growth.