Sano Izumi

Sano Izumi is one of the protagonist in Hanazakari no Kimitachi E. He is the guy that Mizuki Ashiya likes and an excellent high jumper. He finds out that Mizuki is a girl early in the series, but does not tell anyone else and actually becomes very protective of her secret. Before Mizuki came to Japan, Sano had been injured in an accident when he saved his team captain from being hit by a car, causing him to quit high jumping for a while because he thought that he couldn't handle the pressure. But thanks to Mizuki's deal with her brother (Sano had to jump while her brother was in Japan, or Mizuki would have to come home), he was able to try again and was given a second chance to high jump. Sano falls in love with Mizuki, but cannot tell her because Mizuki thinks that if Sano found out her secret, she would have to leave. In the last chapter, he followed Mizuki to California, pursuing both his college and high jump career at UC Berkeley. He eventually is able to confess and even proposes to her in the special chapter. He originally never got along with his father or younger brother Shin, however with Mizuki's help, he does end up reconciling with them.
==Personality==
Sano is typically quiet and rarely associate with others. This is most likely caused by his depression after quitting the high jumping team because of his injuries. At the start, he can come off blunt, and even rude at times. With the help of Mizuki, Sano becomes more outgoing and confident. He also has a caring an protective side, which he occasionally show towards Mizuki, such as pursuading her brother and defending her when her secret was revealed. When it comes to high jumping, he is rather dedicated, as seen when he undergoes rigorous training to compete again. He also has an arrogant and competitive side which is often directed at Nakatsu. Despite being proud, Sano is willing to reliquish is pride, as depicted when he gets on his hands and knees and beg his former teamates to allow him to rejoin the team. 
Category:Male
Category:Manga Heroes