Inori holds the title "Suzaku of Heaven" as one of the Eight Guardians. He works as a swordsmith's apprentice in Kyō, living with his older sister Seri after their parents died during his childhood. A commoner unaffiliated with any landed clan, he lacks a surname. His origins fuel his role as an informal protector and leader figure for orphaned children in the city's rougher areas.

Orphaned young, Inori feels minimal grief or memory of his parents. His primary motivation is a fierce commitment to protect Seri, whom he perceives as physically frail. This protectiveness intensified after Seri's relationship with the oni Ikutidaru led to their violent expulsion from their home village. Inori blames Ikutidaru entirely, solidifying an intense hatred for the entire oni clan. He views Ikutidaru as having deceived Seri and largely fails to comprehend her genuine affection, frequently interpreting it as oni manipulation.

Inori's personality combines obstinacy, fiery emotions, and a quick temper, often leading to unreasonableness. This manifests in his initial relationship with Shimon Nagareyama, the "Suzaku of Earth" and another Guardian. Shimon's blond hair and blue eyes—traits associated with oni—prompt immediate distrust and antagonism from Inori, who dismisses claims of Shimon's otherworldly origins. This prejudice culminates in Inori wrongly accusing Shimon of attacking children under the oni Sefuru's influence. In the anime, the children's testimony exonerates Shimon, leading Inori to acknowledge his error and seek reconciliation. The manga depicts a more severe escalation where Shimon is imprisoned; despite his hatred, Inori helps free him, recognizing his duty as a fellow Guardian and friend to Akane. This becomes a turning point, forging a close friendship between Inori and Shimon, who share a similar age and spend time together. However, a later curse erases their memories of this bond, temporarily reverting Inori to his earlier prejudice.

As Suzaku of Heaven, Inori wields fire-based powers, projecting flames focused through his dragon jewel located on his forehead. His connection to the elements and group dynamics are defined by this position.

Inori demonstrates minimal romantic inclination toward Akane, focusing on protective duties and friendships. He perceptively identifies Tenma Morimura's feelings for Akane and actively supports him. His broader development involves grappling with his hatred. While maintaining a general loathing for the oni clan, interactions with Ikutidaru—especially when seeking information about Akuram—hint at reluctant, pragmatic acceptance. By the anime's conclusion, he is depicted alongside Seri, Ikutidaru, their newborn child, and Sefuru, suggesting a tentative familial reconciliation and a recognition that not all oni embody evil, implicitly acknowledging human prejudice's role in conflict.