Old Man

First seen writing a series of extremely complex mathematical equations on the asphalt, this sage is doubtless the most mysterious human character in the whole series. He previews each upcoming episode in prophetic visions (which are labeled as such), is able to intuit who is going to be Lil’ Slugger’s next victim, and appears to have an overarching, indeed archetypal understanding of what’s going on with the plot (and for most of the series, he seems to be the only one). He also seems to have the rather bizarre power to go in and out of reality and delusion. While this may initially seem to be a sign of senility, the conclusions he ever so cryptically and poetically hints at always bear fruit, albeit in ²⁰⁄₂₀ hindsight. He makes a profound mystical connection with Mitsuhiro Maniwa as the series nears its climax, and also has a hand in helping Misae Ikari to find her husband, which in turn helps him to get back to reality. His family is present at his deathbed (as is Maromi), but other than that very little in the way of backstory is provided for him in the series. It is hinted Kawazu had accidentally hit him with a car prior to the series, hence his permanent stay at the hospital. He dies in the second to last episode, more or less likely from the combined effects of the car accident and old age, but not before passing on his mantle as psychopomp to Maniwa.