Master is the nickname used for Masahiro Mori, commonly called Masa, a longtime friend and frequent companion of the protagonist Makoto Majima in the live-action television special Ikebukuro West Gate Park Soup no Kai, which continues the story of the drama series. His background is that of a local youth in the Ikebukuro district, deeply embedded in the street culture but not formally affiliated with any gang. He is known for his laid-back and reliable nature, often providing practical backup, comic relief, and street-level information to Makoto during his various investigations and conflicts. Masa’s primary motivation is loyalty to his friends and a desire to maintain the familiar rhythms of his daily life in the park and bowling alley, rather than any personal ambition or drive for power. In the story, his role is that of a supportive sidekick and sounding board; he frequently accompanies Makoto, helps gather intelligence, and occasionally impersonates him to create distractions. Key relationships include his close bond with Makoto, whom he has known since their school days, and his friendship with the gentle artist Shun Mizuno, whose safety both men often look out for. Over the course of the special, set three years after the main series, Masa’s character shows a slight maturity in his ability to take on more proactive tasks, yet he retains his characteristic blend of humor and steady loyalty. Notable abilities include his streetwise knowledge of the local underworld and a knack for blending in, which makes him an effective scout and messenger. Despite not being a fighter, his presence provides emotional and practical stability for Makoto’s more dangerous missions.