Coach Shunsuke Hongō teaches at Fujimi Academy and volunteers to train its volleyball team. His Spartan-like training methods initially appear callous, particularly toward protagonist Kozue Ayuhara, including rigorous drills such as hitting exhausted players with volleyballs. Beneath this harsh exterior lies genuine concern for his students' development and well-being.

Hongō's background includes a university-era friendship with Inokuma Daigo, during which Hongō played baseball and Inokuma volleyball. Inokuma suffered a career-ending wrist injury from overtraining, an experience that may inform Hongō's coaching philosophy despite his initial intensity mirroring similar approaches.

His character evolves from inflexible discipline toward greater empathy. Early in the series, he embodies a Drill Sergeant Nasty archetype, using tough love to push players past their limits. Gradually, he transitions into a Team Dad figure, showing subtle but consistent support—especially for Kozue—amid personal and competitive challenges, reducing his severity while deepening emotional investment.

Hongō's leadership prioritizes resilience, teamwork, and long-term player growth over short-term victories, investing significant personal time in the team's progress. His stubbornness surfaces when dismissing external advice until independently verified, notably ignoring initial warnings about rivals like the Wandenreich.