Munakata

Munakata (ムナカタ, Munakata) is a member of Harunawa's Zokushou.

Appearance
A middle-aged man, has a strong build. He has some facial hair. He's stocky and towers over most of his teenage comrades. He is shown to wear a headband in almost every chapter he's shown. After Kadowaki's arm is torn out by Ameeno, Munakata offers his own to Kadowaki to use in exchange.

Personality
Munakata is very relaxed and prefers to keep an eye over his younger comrades; he acts as an sparing partner to Kadowaki. Since Kadowaki is a fish out of water, Munakata sometimes serves as a guide in explaining Amawakuni culture and politics of the Shinshou. Despite being several years older than Kadowaki and his friends Munakata does not let age deter him from helping the gang out.

In time, it's revealed Munakata's companionship is linked to his desire to guard his son who he sees in Kadowaki. After swapping places with Harunawa, everyone in Amawakuni still sees Kadowaki as Harunawa. Overtime, readers come to learn that Munakata is trying to protect his son from forces unseen until way later in the manga. Shimu and the mysterious Mumei have turned Harunawa into a dark acolyte of sorts. Munakata has tried to be there for his son in every way possible and mourns for his son's lost humanity. After discovering Mumei has mind-control over Harunawa, Munakata is shown infuriated for one of the few times in the manga. Before Kadowaki can be killed during a battle with Mumei- and to stop Harunawa's similar massacre on Earth- Munakata sacrifices himself by stopping the machine controlling Harunawa's mind and shielding Kadowaki at the same time from a fatal blow. Munakata is shown dying in relief for finally saving his son and Kadowaki- who he possibly sees as a son figure as well.

History
Munakata was living a peaceful existence in a village with his wife, who died at some point before the series began, and his son, Harunawa. Rumors began circulating about someone murdering Himeou's successors until it was finally revealed to be Harunawa. A trial was held and Harunawa was found guilty of the crime. Munakata had to watch as his son openly mocked his father and the crowd before being hung to death. Afterwards, Munakata is shown throwing up and in despair recalling his son as a kinder individual.

Some point in the future unknown, Harunawa is possibly revived by Mumei and becomes a member of the Six Shou. Munakata becomes one of his Zokushou to serve as a protector and possibly try to prevent his son from further attacks. He may have kept his identity secret since no one acknowledges Harunawa's father is his son's Zokushou. Harunawa's feelings are unknown over this fact and he may have forgotten his father thanks to Mumei's influence.

Relationships

 * Harunawa: Its unknown how the two view each other since limited interaction is shown. From Munakata's dialogue, he seems to have some respect for his leader. Later in the manga, Munakata's loyalty is revealed to be due to paternal instincts as he wants to watch over Harunawa who is his biological son. Munakata's love for his son is shown when he sacrifices himself during the process of destroying Mumei's mind-control device and freeing his son at long last.
 * Kadowaki: A sparing partner and new leader, Munakata takes care of Kadowaki. Kadowaki's appearance in Amawakuni is changed to Harunawa when people see him thanks to the Forest's magic. Munakata keeps a watch over Kadowaki due to this factor but later comes to acknowledge Kadowaki is his own person and different in attitude in comparison to his biological son. Munakata possibly came to see Kadowaki as a son also since he sacrifices himself to save both Kadowaki and Harunawa from Mumei.
 * Mumei: Mortal enemy to Munakata. Mumei is the reason for Munakata's son's darkness developing and the planner of things behind the scenes. Munakata sacrifices himself to foil Mumei's plans.

Trivia

 * Dies through sacrifice for his biological and adoptive sons.
 * Is the only constant adult in Kadowaki's group and the most sensible and less prone to emotional outbursts. The only time he is shown troubled is when Kadowaki is in danger. This is all changed when he is shown in despair over finding out Mumei's influence over Harunawa. He breaks his self-control and tries to attack Mumei.