Natsuhi Takenaka is the captain of the Keishin boys basketball team, wearing jersey number 4. He is a highly competitive player who initially holds a strong belief that the Keishin girls basketball team does not deserve to exist, as he perceives their members as playing around rather than engaging in serious competition. This viewpoint stems from his own intense dedication to the sport and his frustration with what he sees as a lack of genuine effort from the girls. His personality is marked by a serious, sometimes hostile demeanor toward the girls club, but beneath this exterior lies a person who gradually comes to recognize and respect the passion the girls have for basketball. Over time, he begins to secretly support their efforts, though he struggles to express this openly due to his pride. Natsuhi has a known crush on Hinata Hakamada, a fact that is common knowledge among his classmates, adding a layer of personal complexity to his interactions. He is also childhood friends with Maho Misawa and Saki Nagatsuka, relationships that tie him closely to the wider cast of characters. His role in the story is primarily as a rival and later a reluctant ally to the girls team, providing a benchmark for their growth and challenging them to take their play seriously. In terms of development, Natsuhi evolves from an antagonist who questions the girls' legitimacy into someone who quietly supports their progress, reflecting a broader theme of understanding and growth. His notable abilities include his skill as the ace of the boys basketball team, demonstrating sharp technique, strong leadership, and a competitive drive that pushes both himself and those around him. He also has twin sisters, Tsubaki and Hiiragi Takenaka, who are in the fifth grade, though their presence is more peripheral.