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Description
Atsushi Dōjō serves as a First Lieutenant librarian and the captain of the special unit known as the Dojo Squad within the Library Defense Force. Despite having a shorter stature than most men his age, standing at approximately 165 centimeters or five feet four inches, his physical presence does not diminish his effectiveness in combat or his authority as a leader. He is highly proficient in both tactical operations and the standard administrative duties of library work, making him a well-rounded and capable officer.

Personality-wise, Dōjō is known for being a strict and disciplined leader with a very direct and straightforward character. This rigid adherence to rules and his demanding nature, particularly toward new recruits, have earned him the nickname of the demon instructor. He consistently pushes his subordinates to their limits, especially Iku Kasahara, who is under his direct command. His serious demeanor makes him an easy target for teasing from his fellow officers, such as Mikihisa Komaki, but he is generally calm and composed. This composure, however, tends to falter when the situation involves Iku, revealing a more emotionally driven side to his personality.

A pivotal part of Dōjō's background and motivation is tied to an event that occurred five years before the main story begins. As a young library officer, he witnessed a middle school girl, Iku Kasahara, bravely attempting to protect a book from being confiscated. Moved by her determination, Dōjō used his authority to intervene and demand the book's return. While Iku saw this as a heroic act that inspired her to join the Library Force, Dōjō's actions were considered reckless and humiliating by his superiors, leading to significant professional consequences and being labeled as shallow-minded. He decided he would never act so impulsively again, though he has stated he does not regret his decision to help her.

When Dōjō later interviews Iku for entry into the force, he immediately recognizes her as the girl from that day, though she does not remember him. Upon learning that her desire to join was directly inspired by his past actions, he is consumed by guilt for having led her into such a dangerous profession. Consequently, his harsh treatment of her is a deliberate attempt to make her quit, driven by a desire to protect her from the risks he feels responsible for. Despite this harsh exterior, Dōjō deeply cares for Iku, more than any other subordinate, and multiple hints throughout the story suggest he has romantic feelings for her. As the narrative progresses, he becomes noticeably kinder, showing great care for her well-being and often expressing his approval or comfort by patting her on the head.

Throughout the story, Dōjō's role is central as both a field commander and a key figure in Iku's personal and professional development. In major missions, such as protecting the author Kurato Tōma, he demonstrates his dedication to intellectual freedom by leading the defense effort, during which he sustains a serious injury. His relationship with Iku evolves significantly from that of a strict superior and guilt-ridden mentor to a romantic partnership, and eventually, they marry. His commitment to his duties and his growth as a character are further shown when he later serves as an instructor for new recruits following legislative reforms.