Futoshi

Futoshi (フトシ) is one of the main characters in the DARLING in the FRANXX series. He is a former Parasite with the codename "214" of the Thirteenth Plantation, where he is partnered in boy-girl pair with Ikuno to pilot a FRANXX called Chlorophytum. He was previously the partner of Kokoro and the pilot Genista.

Appearance
He has a hefty build and a kind face. He is quite tall, being the second tallest next to Goro. He has short auburn-brown hair that hangs lightly over his forehead. His thick, stumpy eyebrows and round, playful eyes give him an approachable quality. Often seen by others as "fat", becoming the butt of many jokes on the subject. Usually he is holding some article of food when lounging around the barracks.

Personality
He's optimistic and does things at his own pace, he is also surprisingly sensible and openly voices nearly anything that comes to mind. He gets along with everyone and has a friendly demeanor. He takes his promises seriously and cares for his squad mates. Even though he broke down when Kokoro ended their partnership he was quick to forgive her and supportive of her decision. In episode 16, it is revealed that he started suffering from what seems bulimia, as Zorome said "I know that you're forcing yourself to eat and throwing it all back up".

History
Like the other members of his unit, Futoshi was raised in the Garden and lived there until being moved to Cerasus: The thirteenth plantation.

Episode 02: What it Means to Connect
Futoshi was eating buns during the lunch. He grabbed some buns to eat from his locker before the drill. Only he was eating while watching the mock battle.

Episode 06: DARLING in the FRANXX
He and Squad 13 joined the fight to protect Plantation 13 and 26 until the kissing is complete

Episode 07: Shooting Star Moratorium
He and Squad 13 was rewarded with a trip to the beach. There they had fun and discovered an abandoned settlement.

Episode 08: Boys × Girls
He was unfortunately caught in the fight between the girls, lead by Miku and the boys.

Episode 10: The City of Eternity
He and squad 13 ventured into Cerasus Inner City.

Episode 11: Partner Shuffle
Kokoro volunteered to be Mitsuru's partner. This devastated Futoshi but he recovered quickly and forgave her. He and Mitsuru later had a conflict over Kokoro but it has been resolved and Mitsuru promised to protect Kokoro, much to Futoshi's delight.

Episode 12: The Garden Where It All Began
He and squad 13 returned to the Garden. Later, trouble arose as Zero Two goes on a rampage and attacks Squad 13.

Episode 17: Eden
He asked if Mitsuru and Kokoro kissed.

Kokoro
In the beginning, it is shown they have a positive and friendly relationship towards each other. This continues even as he flirts with her. She doesn't appear to mind it at the beginning. Although as his feelings grow and he continues to be too honest, Kokoro does start to appear to become flustered by them, as seen in Episode 8 "Boys x Girls", where he tells her in front of everyone that he has always thought her beautiful. Leading up to Episode 11 "Partner Shuffle", his feelings have grown to the point where he asks her to promise that they will remain partners forever, as she, albeit hesitantly, promises him the same.

When Kokoro asks to attempt a partnership with Mitsuru, it blindsides and devastates Futoshi. But he rebounds remarkably fast and forgives her within hours. He continues to be very protective over her and this has made him attack Mitsuru twice and get him to promise to protect Kokoro, which Mitsuru eventually promises. He doesn't realize that his feelings were love until after everything in "Partner Shuffle" had calmed down.

Although he has deep feelings for Kokoro, he eventually comes to fully support Kokoro's relationship with Mitsuru and even wanted, by his own volition, to become the priest for their wedding. When their memories of each other were altered, Futoshi refused to go back to being Kokoro's partner and insisted for her to ride with Mitsuru. He has closely watched over their relationship and remains supportive of Kokoro. There has been no further fallout from her decision to end their partnership.

Mitsuru
It is uncertain of the relationship between Futoshi and Mitsuru. On many accounts they can be seen in dispute, often times exchanging hostile tones and even physically assaulting one another. It is apparent that Kokoro is the direct cause of their conflicts due to Futoshi's romantic feelings and undying desire to protect her. Eventually, Futoshi begins to view Mitsuru as a comrade. In episode 11 Futoshi is seen quietly congratulating Mitsuru when he finally managed to power up the Genista during the battle against the Klaxosaur. Although things have calmed down after episode 11, Futoshi still cared for Kokoro, asking her if she and Mitsuru kissed when Zorome told the squad that they embraced in episode 17.

Hiro
They seem to have a good relationship. Futoshi is the first to ask about Hiro's health after his second time piloting with Zero Two.

Zero Two
He is wary of Zero Two at first but warms up toward her with the rest of the squadron, and highly regards Zero Two's involvement valuable to the squad.

Zorome
Zorome seems to like teasing and poking fun at Futoshi a lot, but they're good friends and often play with each other.

Ikuno
Although they were declared partners after episode 11, there has been no significant development.

Etymology
Futoshi's nickname may use some of the numeral's readings from his real name "Code:214": fu from 2, to from 10 and shi from 4. Futo can be written in kanji "太", which means fat or thick, in what's most likely also a reference to his appearance.

Quotes
"Don't call me "fat"!"

- Futoshi

"Hurting a girl is the worst thing a man can do!"

- Futoshi

"I'll just eat it so it doesn't go to waste."

- Futoshi

"I wonder If I'll be able to fight properly."

- Futoshi

Trivia
Футоси