Hinoe serves as one of the Eight Guardians (Hachiyō) protecting the Priestess of the White Dragon, holding the title Ten no Suzaku (Suzaku of Heaven). He emerges mysteriously near Kumano while Nozomi Kasuga is there, initially appearing connected to the Kumano navy. His true identity is Fujiwara no Tanzou, the Kumano Bettou commanding that navy.

Physically, Hinoe is a 17-year-old standing 170cm tall with red eyes and distinctive shoulder-length red hair featuring a tiny braid. He typically wears a bindi and earrings. His personality is bright, fearless, and easygoing, maintaining a level head in diverse situations. A known smooth talker with a penchant for flirting, he particularly enjoys teasing the Priestess Nozomi, often causing her to blush, especially after learning she is the White Dragon Priestess.

Hinoe allies with the Genji to combat the Heike clan, who unleash vengeful spirits (onryō) seeking dominance. These spirits disrupt the land's natural energy and spread terror. As a Guardian, he fights alongside Nozomi to seal the onryō, restore the White Dragon God's power, and stabilize the parallel world.

In official animated adaptations, Hinoe features as a main character in *Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3: Kurenai no Tsuki* and as a supporting character in *Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3: Owarinaki Unmei*. The latter narrative involves him in the ongoing Genji-Heike conflict, where Nozomi faces a critical choice between protecting her comrades or aligning with her childhood friend Masaomi, leader of the Heike forces. Hinoe consistently supports the Priestess throughout these events, navigating the complexities of the war.