The Old Man

**The Old Man** is a major character that appears in Makoto Naegi Secret File and serves a role in the misfortune of events that day.

## History

During Makoto's walk back to Dusk High School from the convenience store with his peers snacks, he ended up dropping them. As he scrambled to pick them up, he noticed an old man sitting on a bench near the convenience store. The old man notices one of the cans of coffee rolling towards him. He picks up, and begins to drink it, which causes Makoto to walk up to him, timidly and ask if it was his. The old man laughs and admits he couldn't resist since it felt like it was meant for him.

Makoto objects the man's logic, but gives up the fight upon seeing the old man's jolly face. Upon seeing Makoto become so dejected the old man asked if the coffee drinking was really the only source for looking so troubled. Makoto admits that he wasn't having a lucky day at all, and wonders if its karma biting at him. To this the old man chuckled and said that he didn't believe in karma at all. He views on the matter was that regardless of whether you're a saint or sinner, ultimately it doesn't factor in to what kind of luck you'll have. He believes that no one has control over their fate and they can't fight it either. At least that was the conclusion he got after decades of living. Makoto, however, was quite confused over his talk and was wondering if the old man was trying to convert him to a religion.

The old man was briefly stunned, but then began to guffaw at Makoto. He said that he was still a child, but notes that it was kind of a good thing. In his eyes, adults look after others and children for themselves. If Makoto started worrying about others so soon, he won't live to see the old man's age. Handing Makoto back a half-empty can of coffee, the old man wishes Makoto good luck and departs for the bus. However, he accidentally leaves behind his phone. As a result, Makoto chases after him onto the bus. The Old Man was at the back of the bus and looked surprised when Makoto stormed onto the bus.

However, before Makoto can return the phone he trips over a bag and causes it to rip, letting out a number of jewels. The bag belonged to Jutarō Akafuku, who takes out a swiss army knife and points it at Makoto to hold him hostage. The old man, upon seeing such a thing, decided to pretend to be asleep in order to get Jutarō not take notice of him. Once Jutarō's focus on his reclaimed bag of jewels, the old man sprung, dashed down the bus and began to grapple with Jutarō. He claimed he was fifth-dan and kendo, and called Jutarō foolish for turning his back on him.

Unfortunately, when Makoto sprung up from the driver seat (where Jutarō had placed him as a hostage) to help the old man, he had accidentally moved the gear stick and pressed the gas pedal. This caused the bus to move forward and sent the passengers sprawling to the ground, the old man being no exception. He had hurt himself during the fall and cried for Makoto to put on the brakes. Once he did, Jutarō took the backpack full of jewels and dashed out of the bus. The old man ordered for Makoto to chase him since he disarmed Jutarō. After a moment's hesitation, Makoto obeyed and gave chase.

## Appearance

Ultimately, the only thing known about the old man, aside from being elderly, is that he has a long beard.

## Personality

The old man has shown to be a great believer in fate and that no matter the alignment, people can not control what type of luck that they have. As a result of such attitude, he has shown to have no regards in simply taking what life gives him, even if it doesn't happen to be his (such as when drank Makoto's coffee), and going along with the flow of things. However, that doesn't mean he is passive. Given that he tried to stop the bus hijacking, it shows that he has a courageous heart. In addition, he was willing to hear Makoto out and give advice that was meant to try and not get so dejected about his own misfortune (which, did indeed, work).

## The Old Man's Identity

It is unknown what truly happened to The Old Man, however similarities to Kazuo Tengan have been hinted towards, but have never been fully confirmed.