Kozué Matsumoto is Baki Hanma's girlfriend, hailing from a wealthy family. Her character prominently features in the Maximum Tournament story arc. Baki invites Kozué to observe the Maximum Tournament, an underground fighting event defined by extreme brutality. Witnessing the violent matches plunges her into profound emotional distress as she grapples with the fighters' willingness to endure severe injuries solely to prove their strength. Her turmoil peaks during Baki's first-round bout against Kosho Shinogi, where the intensity of violence and Baki's near defeat leave her visibly shaken. Her attendance at the tournament underscores the stark divide between ordinary existence and the fighters' brutal, philosophy-driven world. Kozué acts as an emotional anchor for Baki, symbolizing a tether to normalcy and life beyond martial pursuits. She embodies concern and voices a perspective that challenges the fighters' motivations, questioning the steep price of their ambitions.