Akitaru Obi stands 189 cm tall with a powerful 108 kg build, sporting short dark hair shaved on the sides and small dark brown eyes. He constantly wears fireproof bunker gear featuring blue stripes and a prominent "8" patch. This protective ensemble includes a jacket with cross-shaped buttons, helmet with face shield, neck protector, gloves, and boots. Off-duty, he switches to a grey jumpsuit. Despite lacking pyrokinetic abilities and fearing death, Obi displays unwavering courage. He prioritizes responsibility towards his team and civilians above all, refusing to hesitate in peril. He holds strong ethical principles, advocating respectful treatment for the bereaved families of Infernals and viewing their "cleansing" as necessary murder. Generally easygoing and prone to joking with subordinates, he becomes stern when Company 8's actions disrespect the chain of command or trivialize human suffering. He frequently engages in physical training, performing pull-ups or weightlifting during meetings and downtime. His background includes decorated service in the Fire Defence Agency. Two commendations were revoked after he prioritized saving lives over orders. A pivotal incident occurred when he witnessed Fire Force members refusing to aid a woman's Infernal husband due to a point-based system. With Takehisa Hinawa's aid, he intervened, leading to his decision to establish Special Fire Force Company 8, combining Infernal suppression with investigating potential corruption in other companies. To compensate for his lack of ignition abilities, Obi maintains peak physical conditioning. He carries up to 30kg of specialized equipment: a Core Annihilating Pile Bunker, firefighting axe, electromagnetic orb for disrupting pyrokinetics, flame-extinguishing grenades, and a reinforced shield. He demonstrates exceptional strength, ripping train tracks from the ground and bending steel barehanded, shocking observers like Captain Giovanni. In combat, he employs tactical ingenuity, using environmental objects as weapons and creating diversions like smoke screens. He willingly endures severe injury to create openings, such as absorbing Benimaru's explosions to close distance. Benimaru describes him as embodying "hysterical strength," allowing him to break metal chains and harden muscles against piercing attacks when endangered. As Captain of Company 8, Obi provides strategic leadership. He directed operations at early incidents like a train station Infernal attack and a factory fire, where he acknowledged Shinra Kusakabe's potential. He mentored rookies Shinra and Arthur Boyle, enforcing rules like weapon concealment to maintain public trust and lecturing them after the Mikako incident about respecting grieving families. He coordinated Company 8's investigations into other Fire Force units, leading to confrontations like the standoff with Company 5 and Hibana over jurisdiction of a self-aware Infernal. His leadership inspires fierce loyalty, noted even by adversaries like Joker, who considers him a model firefighter for self-sacrifice. During the Nether expedition, he utilized makeshift weapons from debris. In later conflicts against the White Clad, he faced capture and implantation with an Infernal insect, causing excruciating pain witnessed by Shinra. Company 8 attempted a rescue, though their path was obstructed by Dragon. His relationships define his leadership: he shares mutual respect with Hinawa, who aided him in founding Company 8. He supports Shinra's investigations into his family's fire and acts as a moral compass for younger members like Arthur and Maki. Even critics like Hibana privately acknowledge his judgment, while antagonists like Benimaru pause to observe his bravery.