Akiko is Eiko's homeroom teacher in a remote Kōchi Prefecture village during World War II. Eiko, an elementary schoolgirl with blue eyes inherited from her American father, suffers severe bullying fueled by wartime anti-American sentiment. While other teachers and most children view Eiko with disdain or hostility, Akiko treats her without prejudice or discrimination. She stands out among the staff as one of the very few adults who does not share the negative perceptions of Eiko held by others. Akiko provides a supportive presence for Eiko, alongside classmate Kenta, who views Eiko with curiosity rather than hostility. Akiko's consistent kindness toward Eiko persists despite escalating wartime tensions, including the return of an injured soldier and news of battlefield casualties affecting the village.