So, I think it's only fitting that I write a small appreciation post for Narumi on his fictional birthday, lol.
While Hoshina always takes number one spot for me, Narumi's character grew on me in insidious fashion, as I watched up until the end of s2 and finished the manga.
There's something about that dichotomy in his character, which is a direct reflection of Hoshina's own dual nature (Narumi's selected rival).
In regular life, he's rude, disrespectful, has little time for manners and protocol, immature, possesses that charming singularity of a massive, but very fragile ego, is antagonistic and competitive for no reason, and pretty much shameless when it comes to borrowing money from his own subordinates.
On the battlefield, however, he is calm, collected, overwhelming in power and competency as a soldier, a first class strategist, one who can think on the fly and out of the box, a true military genius, and utterly courageous to boot.
What compels me to like Narumi's character is how essentially flawed he is, and how he remains, in spite of constant criticism (some of it well-meaning), unapologetically himself.
He never pretends to be anything other than what he is, even in the public eye (there are references to people making fun of him online, and some public awareness of his 'ego-surfing'). Narumi isn't concerned with being the 'good guy', but rather with being recognized for his strength and the results he produces, as facades of good public reputation have no value for him.
There are many occasions when he could have spoken in a manner to be perceived in a better light, but instead, spoke with his characteristic bluntness (telling Kafka he'd have more value as a weapon, forgoing direct sympathy for a crying Kikoru for telling her that he'll help her get stronger, asking Kafka to lend him his strength as a kaiju, even if it has irreversible results).
Most of all, through all of these interactions, Narumi's humanity shines through. Among the soldiers who give up so much selflessly to fight for humanity, he does the same, but will also be his own biggest cheerleader, and advocate unashamedly for himself, indulge without restraint in the hobbies and things that give him joy.
He does feel as strongly as any other character, but his own world view is shaped by the sparsity of positive views people had of him growing up, of a childhood bereft of encouragement or support.
Narumi fights for recognition on everyone else's terms, and then decides he'll win it either way on his own terms. While he was able to do just that with his strength, intelligence and skill ... that's pretty ballsy, all things considered, lol.
Where I truly grew appreciation for his character though, was actually through his rivalry with Hoshina. Yes, this interaction is often played for comedic effect, but the exposure of how he met Hoshina and the root of their antagonism towards each other was unexpectedly sweet.
Narumi sees Hoshina and his innate skill in the same way Mina did, but his lack of social skills led to a very different outcome when he asked him to join his unit. The fact that he recognized him stands out all the same, and the subsequent bitterness and anger over Hoshina's rejection of his offer tells me that there could have been a very different relationship if Hoshina had accepted.
They may have continued to snipe at each other at every opportunity, but the story places the fact in no doubt; that they 100% recognize each other's strengths and abilities, and Narumi has shown something of a vulnerable side to himself with regards to Hoshina: the desire to be respected and liked by someone he himself respects and admires.
His role in mentoring Kikoru is also a direct callback to his love and appreciation for Isao. While their relationship was somewhat tumultuous, with Narumi undermining authority at every opportunity and nearly getting himself kicked from the force, he saw Isao as one of the few people he could look up to, a goal he could strive towards and someone who saw his talent. The affection he feels for Kikoru shines through in all of their interactions (as much as it can for Narumi) and he takes his role in her career very seriously.
These are all the reasons I appreciate this loveable gamer geek/kaiju killing machine, and I can't wait to see more of him, and all the characters I love in the final season!
blakekathryn
yousharknotpass
andulkaphoto
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
turnnoffyourmind
tangentwithtanner
