Kou Inuzuka

**Spoiler warning: *Plot and/or ending details follow. Read at user's own risk!***

## Personal Status

### Participated

Sirius Astronomical Observatory Murder Case

## Debut

### Novel

*Danganronpa Kirigiri*

**Kou Inuzuka** (犬塚 甲) is a character featured in *Danganronpa Kirigiri*. Kou was alongside four other detectives from the Detective Library who went to the Sirius Observatory, unaware that he was now apart of a Duel Noir.

## History

Kou is 41 years old, making him the oldest detective of the group, and specializes in murder. He also has the highest rank. His DSC number is 943. On December 22nd he was called out by the culprit under the name of Yoshizono Ōe to meet up at the Sirius Observatory and met up with four other detectives at Hataski Station, being the fourth to arrive. There he met Yui Samidare and, while the girl was initially disapproving of his behavior, showed himself as a capable detective by figuring out her lifestyle just by observing her alone. From there, he joins the other detectives in entering a van that will take them to the Observatory. During the ride, he was insulted by Eigo Amino until he silenced him by revealing his DSC rank, which was higher than anyone else in the van. As a result, this caused Eigo to fawn over him and allowed him to explain his knowledge on astronomy and the Observatory (something that Yui points out was either out of date or could be looked up easily). When the van stopped in the middle of nowhere and they were forced to continue on, Kou managed to get Eigo from threatening the driver and to continue onward. When asked about on what he plans to do about heat, he mentions sharing the booze with the other men whilst, perversely, mentioning the girls could "share their body heat".

Once they arrive, he and the other detectives get to work investigating the Observatory when their proxy doesn't arrive. During this investigation, he gives an explanation on the type of telescope that goes there and pushes for the others to stay, assuming that this was merely a test. He teamed up with the detective, Shiita Enbi, for another investigation, and when they reported back, Kou fell unconscious as a result of ingesting drugged cans of coffee that was given out during the van ride.

During his time unconscious, he was placed back in his room and was killed by Tadashi Asakura via dismemberment alongside, Eigo and Shiita. All three had their body parts switched with each other. After Tadashi's defeat, it was revealed that Kou was actually an arsonist who, as a detective, solved his own crimes to raise his DSC rank. Years ago, he was the serial arsonist that burned down multiple private homes in in a neighborhood and pinned the blame on an astrologist who, allegedly, committed suicide. At the time, he got away with it and received acclaim. Tadashi Asakura was one of the victims that had lost his family due to the arson and his legs had to be amputated. Because of this, Tadashi grew bitter and accepted the Duel Noir to get exact revenge on Kou.

## Appearance

Kou is a short and fat man who is usually drunk and carries around a bottle of liquor concealed in a bag.

## Personality

Yui Samidare initially thinks Kou is a poor drunk man, judging from his looks. Her impression of him changes drastically after Kou deduces her lifestyle simply by taking a look at her. Despite his love for alcohol, Kou is a keen detective and takes on the role of a wise mentor figure towards the others. However, he also likes to show off his easily obtainable knowledge, indicating he loves trying to make himself seem impressive.

However, this love for the spotlight does reveal something darker when its revealed Kou would do anything to raise his rank in the Library, even if it means committing arson and killing others if it gives him a way to shoot up quickly. He also is implied to be somewhat perverted.

## Relationships

### Tadashi Asakura

 As the culprit behind the arson which cost Tadashi his legs and his family, Tadashi despised Kou to the point he was willing to take up a Duel Noir just to kill him and avenge his family.

### Eigo Amino

During the time at the Observatory, he became closest to Eigo, sharing a mentor-rookie relationship. While Eigo was initially hostile to Kou, the salaryman quickly began sucking up to him as a result of Kou being a Class 3 detective. Kou mainly used him as a way to show off his knowledge of the case and often calls Eigo a greenhorn.

### Yui Samidare

When they first met, Yui was initially wary of Kou due to his appearance, but did grew to respect him after he displayed his competence as a detective. Despite this, his drunken behavior and tendency to boast about his common knowledge, caused Yui to not really like him. After it was revealed he was a serial arsonist in order to raise his rank, Yui was left horrified and in disgust of him.

## Trivia

* "Kou" (甲) means "first class" or "A grade", but also "carapace". These different meanings altogether reflect how despite his unsightly appearance, Inuzuka is a detective of a very high ranking - the highest of all detectives featured in the novel.
* "Inuzuka" (犬塚) means "dog's hillock".
	+ It should be noted that aside from simply meaning "dog", 犬 *inu* is also the Japanese equivalent of the English colloquialism "snoop", which means "detective".
* His name is localized to English on his DSC card.