Kotatsu Nekota

**Kotatsu Nekota** (猫 (ねこ) 田 (た) コタツ, *Nekota Kotatsu*) is one of the characters in Kill Blue manga series. He is Juzo Ogami's loyal partner and subordinate, who plays a significant role in supporting and guiding Juzo as he embarks on his new life as a middle school student.

## Appearance

Kotatsu is a person of average height, with black hair that is somewhat messy in style. He often wears a hoodie paired with a leather jacket, attempting to emulate the style of adult Juzo. When he's at Juzo's house taking care of the household chores, he wears a black apron with a cat printed on it, particularly when cooking. Due to his surname meaning "cat," Kotatsu bears a resemblance to an actual feline. His eyes, in particular, share a similar shape to that of a cat's.

## Personality

Kotatsu has a playful and light-hearted side to his personality. He wears a smug grin when coming to Juzo's aid, and he engages in playful banter with Juzo, such as playfully jesting and hitting Juzo's knee after a successful mission. His technical skills are highlighted when he installs a spy camera in Juzo's glasses, showing his proficiency in technical matters. He uses these skills to enhance their efficiency during missions.

He genuinely cares about Juzo's well-being. He takes the initiative to prepare meals for Juzo and inquires about Juzo's preparations for school. He expresses concern about Juzo's situation, both professionally and personally. Kotatsu is pragmatic and observant. He notes details like Juzo's unusual consumption of garlic-laden ramen and the potential consequences of Juzo's actions at school. He offers practical advice and solutions.

## Plot

### Background

There isn't much information about Kotatsu Nekota's background or personal history. Although Kotatsu's character appears to serve as a supportive and loyal companion to Juzo, with the details of his own life and background left largely unexplored in the story.

## Relationships

### Non-familial

* **Juzo Ogami:** Kotatsu Nekota, Juzo Ogami's loyal partner and subordinate, plays a significant role in supporting and guiding Juzo as he embarks on his new life as a middle school student. He stands firmly by Juzo's side in their line of work, offering assistance and serving as backup when necessary. He skillfully shields Juzo from potential threats and never hesitates to commend Juzo's extraordinary abilities, highlighting the foundation of trust and reliance that underpins their partnership.

Despite the inherent risks of their profession, Kotatsu and Juzo also share moments of light-hearted camaraderie. They engage in playful banter, and Kotatsu often wears a smug grin, particularly when he swoops in to rescue Juzo from danger. These interactions humanize their intense line of work.

Kotatsu's technical prowess is another asset he brings to their partnership. He demonstrates his expertise by installing a spy camera in Juzo's glasses, facilitating communication and support during their missions. His technical skills significantly enhance their efficiency and overall success.

Beyond their professional duties, Kotatsu genuinely cares about Juzo's well-being. He takes the initiative to prepare meals for Juzo and expresses concern about his preparations for school, emphasizing the importance of learning. This concern extends beyond their work, reflecting a deeper bond between them. Moreover, Kotatsu maintains a respectful dialogue with Juzo. While he recognizes Juzo's exceptional skills, he honors Juzo's wish not to be referred to as a legend. Their conversations are characterized by a high degree of respect and understanding, transcending their roles as partners in the field.

## Operational Proficiency

### Skills and Abilities

* **Combat Skills:** Kotatsu is skilled in combat, capable of assisting Juzo in dangerous situations. He arrives just in time to shield Juzo from an imminent threat during a confrontation with a group of men. His combat abilities and quick reflexes help ensure Juzo's safety.
* **Observational Skills:** Kotatsu possesses keen observational skills. He assists Juzo by monitoring situations and providing critical information. This includes assessing threats and helping Juzo make informed decisions during missions.
* **Culinary Skills:** Kotatsu demonstrates his culinary prowess by preparing meals for Juzo. He is particularly skilled at making dishes like omurice. His ability to provide delicious and nourishing meals adds a personal touch to their partnership.
* **Technical Expertise:** Kotatsu is technically proficient, as evidenced by his ability to install a spy camera in Juzo's glasses. This technical expertise is crucial for their covert operations and communication.
	+ Kotatsu maintains constant communication with Juzo, often offering advice, guidance, and feedback during their missions. He keeps Juzo informed and provides real-time support.
* **Tactical Thinking:** Kotatsu's tactical thinking complements Juzo's skills. He helps devise strategies and offers suggestions to achieve their objectives efficiently.

## Etymology

* The word **猫田コタツ**, which can be romanized as "Nekota Kotatsu", is a Japanese name comprised of two parts:
	+ The surname **"Nekota" (猫田)** consists of two kanji characters, "neko" (猫) which means "cat" and "ta" (田) which means "field." It is a relatively uncommon Japanese surname.
	+ The given name **"Kotatsu" (コタツ)** is written in katakana, which is one of the Japanese writing systems used for loanwords, foreign names, and emphasis. The name "Kotatsu" is not a common given name in Japan and may have been chosen for its unique and quirky sound.

## Trivia

* Kotatsu enjoys gaming, with a particular fondness for FPS games.
* His notable skill is in cooking.
* He has collaborated with Ogami for half a year (6 months).
* He is diligent and often takes initiative in his work, although occasionally, he makes small errors that may leave you wondering why.

## References

 Volume 1 Character Illustration of Kotatsu Nekota
*Kill Blue* Manga: Chapter 1 (pp. 6-7).
*Kill Blue* Manga: Chapter 1 (pp. 25-26). — Ogami during his self-introduction.
*Kill Blue* Manga: Chapter 1 (pp. 28-29). — Kotatsu doing the household chores for Juzo.
*Kill Blue* Manga: Chapter 1 (pp. 22-23).