Naoki Watarase is a supporting character in the manga and anime series Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction. He works as a high school teacher and serves as the homeroom teacher for the class attended by the protagonists, Kadode Koyama and Ouran Nakagawa. He is often depicted wearing square-framed glasses and has tired-looking eyes, which contribute to a somewhat weary appearance.

His personality is generally easy-going and approachable, and he interacts with his students in a manner that feels more like a friend than a strict authority figure. He joins in their conversations and speaks openly with them. However, he also possesses a cynical side and is capable of making sharp, cutting comments. Many students, including Kadode, have developed romantic feelings for him over the course of the story. Kadode in particular harbors a crush on him and frequently tries to catch his attention, though Watarase is in a relationship with Hikari Sumaru.

Watarase's motivations are rooted in his role as an educator, but he also displays a pragmatic and somewhat detached outlook on life. He remains calm and rational in the face of the surreal and increasingly dangerous world around him. His role in the story is primarily as a teacher and a figure of interest for Kadode, serving as a catalyst for some of her emotional growth and unrequited feelings. His relationship with Kadode is one-sided and never fully reciprocated, as he maintains his relationship with Hikari.

Throughout the series, Watarase does not undergo a dramatic personal transformation, but his consistent presence offers a grounding contrast to the chaotic events unfolding. He is not shown to possess any special abilities; his notable traits are his perceptiveness and his ability to maintain a friendly yet detached demeanor with his students. His development is subtle, revealed through small gestures and remarks that hint at a deeper awareness of the world's instability, yet he chooses to carry on with his daily responsibilities as a teacher.