Kojiro Hyuga, also known as Mark Lenders in certain regions, stands as a central figure in the narrative. Born on August 17, he grew up in Saitama under financially strained circumstances after his father's death. This hardship compelled him to take part-time jobs from a young age, forging his physical strength and resilience while igniting a fierce determination to succeed in football as a means to support his family. His football journey began at Meiwa Elementary School. There, his aggressive playing style and powerful shots quickly earned him the moniker "Fierce Tiger." His team faced Tsubasa Ozora's Nankatsu in the national tournament, sparking their enduring rivalry. Despite Meiwa's loss, Hyuga's reputation as a formidable striker grew. He later transferred to Toho Academy for middle and high school, joining Takeshi Sawada and Ken Wakashimazu to form the core of Toho's team. Leading Toho to three consecutive national championships during high school solidified his status as Japan's top striker. Initially portrayed as antagonistic and hot-headed, Hyuga's character underwent significant evolution. His roughness stemmed from his challenging upbringing, yet beneath it lay deep loyalty to family and friends. Relationships with Sawada and Wakashimazu revealed his empathetic side, and he gradually developed mutual respect with Tsubasa. This progression culminated in collaborative techniques like the Twin Shot with Wakashimazu and the Neo Drive Tiger Twin Shot with Tsubasa. Hyuga's professional path led him to Italy, signing with Juventus. Facing intense competition and tactical limitations, he was loaned to Serie C club Reggiana. There, he honed his physical play and developed the Raiju Shot, an enhanced version of his signature Tiger Shot. A pivotal moment arrived during the Serie C finals against Shingo Aoi's FC Albese, where Hyuga's hat-trick secured Reggiana's promotion to Serie B. Defined by physicality, powerful shooting techniques, and relentless drive, Hyuga's signature moves include the Tiger Shot, Neo Tiger Shot, Raiju Shot, and collaborative efforts like the Toho Twin Shot with Sawada. He also wields defensive skills like the Shoulder Charge and Raging Wave Tackle. His on-field prowess is amplified by traits such as "Fierce Tiger's Soul," boosting shot power under pressure, and "Burning Spirit," enhancing performance when trailing. Internationally, Hyuga served as Japan's ace striker across multiple tournaments, including the U-16 World Cup, World Youth Championship, and Olympic Games. In the Rising Sun arc, he formed a two-top forward partnership with Wakashimazu for Japan's Olympic team, executing coordinated attacks under coach Kozo Kira's strategy. His ambition to become the world's best striker remained unwavering throughout these campaigns. Off the field, Hyuga maintained a long-term relationship with Maki Akamine, a softball player he met during high school. Mentor Kozo Kira played a crucial role in refining his tactical understanding, particularly in post-play positioning. In 2023, Juventus launched a campaign honoring Hyuga, releasing a limited-edition jersey featuring his name in kanji and referencing his Tiger Shot.