Series & First Appearance
Takehito Morokuzu, commonly referred to as Gakuto, originates from the manga and anime series Prison School, created by Akira Hiramoto. He first appears in Chapter 1 of the manga and Episode 1 of the anime adaptation, produced by J.C. Staff.
Profile at a Glance
Gakuto is a teenage boy, likely around 16-17 years of age, serving as one of the five central protagonists in Prison School. He is part of the male student body at Hachimitsu Academy, which features a strict all-girls environment with few boys. Gakuto is known for his sharp intelligence and resourcefulness, often spearheading their escape plans and providing strategic insights during their challenges in prison. His signature trait is wearing glasses, a rarity among the other boys in the series.
Personality & Motivations
Gakuto is characterized by his calculating nature and intelligence, though he struggles academically. His obsession with the Three Kingdoms enhances his strategic thinking, allowing him to manipulate situations to his group’s advantage. Despite his intellect, he exhibits lecherous tendencies and otaku-like behavior, often causing comedic moments in the story. Gakuto’s speech is also notable for its archaic style, frequently punctuated with "indeed" (ござる, gozaru), and he refers to himself as "yours truly" (小生, shosei), using honorifics like "-dono" (どの) for his friends. He is deeply loyal to his friends, even sacrificing his own dignity—shown vividly when he shaves his head to aid in their escapes, which illustrates his commitment to their well-being.
Abilities / Powers
Gakuto’s standout abilities include keen intellect and strategic planning, particularly in orchestrating escape efforts from prison. He showcases an exceptional understanding of human psychology and often anticipates the actions of his rivals. Despite not being physically imposing initially, he becomes stronger through hard labor while in the prison environment. However, under extreme stress—particularly when his plans falter—he can exhibit erratic behavior, leading to a temporary loss of sanity and a tendency to make hasty decisions. His evolution throughout the series shows a gradual increase in physical prowess due to the demanding conditions of the prison.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Gakuto plays a pivotal role in several key story arcs, notably in devising elaborate breakout schemes alongside Kiyoshi Fujino, his closest ally. His intelligence helps prevent the group from facing severe repercussions multiple times. A significant turning point occurs in Chapter 21 (Episode 4 of the anime) when he is punished with a head shave for a prank involving the student council president’s skirt. This act is intentional, serving to provide Kiyoshi with a wig for escape, showcasing his cunning and brotherhood towards his friends. Throughout the series, Gakuto grows more confident in his abilities, transitioning from a purely strategic role to being more physically active in their escape efforts.
Notable Relationships
Gakuto’s relationship with the other main characters is crucial to his narrative arc. His friendship with Kiyoshi Fujino is particularly significant, as they frequently collaborate on escape plans. He also has a complicated dynamic with the female student council, particularly with their president, Meiko Shiraki, which often leads to humorous situations. Gakuto’s loyalty to his group, including other members like Shingo Wakamoto, is an integral aspect of his character development, emphasizing themes of camaraderie and sacrifice.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Gakuto’s most memorable moments occurs when he orchestrates various elaborate escape plans that showcase his intelligence and determination, particularly in Episode 2 when he declares, "Indeed, the game is afoot!" This line becomes a recurring motif that encapsulates his strategic mindset and sense of style. His head-shaving incident in Episode 4 also stands out as a defining moment, cementing his role as a self-sacrificing partner in their misadventures.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Takehito Morokuzu has garnered popularity among fans, demonstrated by his more than 2,400 member favorites on various anime-related platforms. His voice in the Japanese version of the series is provided by the talented Yuichi Nakamura, while the English dub features voice actor Matthew Mercer, known for his versatile character portrayals. Gakuto’s character design reflects classic traits found in otaku culture, and his idiosyncratic speech may draw inspiration from historical samurai lore, enhancing the character’s charm and appeal. Gakuto’s popularity solidifies his status as one of the more memorable characters in Prison School, where humor, friendship, and strategy intersect in his narrative journey.
