Code:326 / Mitsuru

Code:326 is a teenage boy with a cool, somewhat aloof demeanor that matches his rival image.

He was designed to stand out as Hiro's competitor, embodying a slightly menacing vibe.

Initially, Code:326 showed a more earnest and straightforward attitude, especially in his childhood.

After feeling betrayed by Hiro, Code:326 developed a strong sense of competition and adopted a more cynical, antagonistic personality.

He often speaks with a touch of sarcasm and displays a cool indifference, even toward close teammates.

His real code is FP40-T3NL-326.

Despite his sickly childhood, Code:326 received the Elixir injection, determined to ride a Franxx with Hiro as promised.

After Hiro seemed to ignore their childhood vow, Code:326 became fiercely competitive with him.

He pilots a Franxx, and even rode Strelizia alongside Zero two during an emergency tandem mission.

His ability to fight is good enough to draw Zero two’s ire, resulting in serious injury after she pushed back against his arrogance.

Code:326 started as Hiro’s rival and often showed him open disdain, but their dynamic softened after he discovered Hiro’s lost memories.

His partnership with Code:556 grew from simple teamwork to genuine affection; he even married her after the Grand Crevasse battle.

Relationships in the squad change over time, but Code:326’s most significant bonds are with Hiro and Code:556.

Even after suffering memory loss due to APE’s intervention, he chose to support Code:556 upon learning she's pregnant with his child.

After being wounded by Zero two, Code:326 became reliant on medication, which stopped after pairing with Code:556.

His head aches every time he addresses Code:556 formally, hinting at manipulation of his memory.

He was always intended to fill the “rival” role in the group, with a design that boasted a darker edge.

“You think you’re better than me just because you forgot the promise?”

“I don’t know the details, but I won’t leave Code:556 alone. Not now.”

Childhood and Promises

Born sickly, Code:326 received an Elixir injection to fulfill his dream of piloting with Hiro.

His sincere nature was shaken when Hiro broke their promise, leading to a lasting antagonism.

Piloting and Rivalry

After Code:196’s malfunction, Code:326 joined Zero two on Strelizia for an urgent sortie.

His mocking attitude toward Hiro infuriated Zero two, resulting in severe injury that changed his life.

From then on, medication was a daily necessity, until he became Code:556’s partner and this subplot faded away.

Changing Dynamics

Learning that Hiro’s coldness was due to erased childhood memories, Code:326’s hostility began to fade.

He and Code:556 gradually became closer, culminating in falling in love after the Grand Crevasse fight.

Together, they explored themes of love and caring for life, defying society’s restrictions on intimacy.

Marriage and Memory Loss

At Hiro’s suggestion, Code:326 and Code:556 celebrated a wedding, only to be abducted mid-ceremony by APE.

APE erased their memories of each other, and Code:326 reverted to his aloof, unfeeling self.

But repeated headaches pointed to underlying manipulation, and his emotional connection to Code:556 could not be completely erased.

Upon learning she was pregnant, Code:326 resolved again to stand by her side no matter what.

Epilogue

In the story’s conclusion, Code:326 and Code:556 happily raise four children together.

Code:326’s character arc is one of rivalry, pain, memory loss, and rediscovered love.

He embodies the tension between duty and emotion, standing out both as a challenger and a devoted partner.