Inspector Zenigata serves as the primary antagonist in the pilot film, relentlessly focused on capturing Lupin III. His introduction features a shogi game played over the phone with Lupin, during which Zenigata attempts to trace the call to a telephone booth outside the police station. Unaware Lupin rerouted the call from a distant mansion, Zenigata rushes to the booth. His angry act of throwing a shogi piece inside triggers an explosive trap, establishing his obsessive dedication alongside his tendency to be easily outmaneuvered.

Following the explosion, Zenigata leads a police assault on Lupin's mansion. He confidently orders officers to breach the building, but the team is overpowered by Lupin's allies. A bandaged officer, possibly Lupin in disguise, exits and falsely reports defeat. This deception prompts Zenigata to accept Goemon Ishikawa XIII's offer to enter and kill Lupin.

Zenigata's temperament displays marked impulsiveness and violent outbursts, especially when thwarted; after losing the shogi game, he furiously flips his desk. His raid leadership shows authority but also gullibility in the face of Lupin's ruses. He briefly interacts with retired detective Kogoro Akechi, who observes the raid with amusement.

Physically, Zenigata wears a trench coat and fedora, consistent with later portrayals. His role here is purely adversarial, conceived as Lupin's "human Tom and Jerry" rival, emphasizing their competitive dynamic.