Shibata

Biodata

Background / History

When Class B received its first assessment—to drain the swimming pool—Shibata introduced himself as a student with exceptional balance, initially insisting that he could handle the task alone. Ichinose persuaded him to follow the class’s collective plan, while Kanzaki identified his power as a likely Body-Type Dynamic Balance ability and selected him for reconnaissance. Shibata attempted to consciously apply the ability but struggled to do so, relying instead on his instincts. 5

He investigated the natatorium with a water pump, but the pool water attacked him and the pump disappeared. He returned soaked, disheveled, and frightened, reporting that the pool could not be drained. Takahashi Rin later thanked him, as his incident allowed her to recover the pump that had been taken from the pool. 11 12

During Class B’s later investigation of Sakagami Ryoma’s office, Shibata volunteered to enter despite the unknown danger. He was restrained within the Sealed Field and released in a demoralized state, but warned Itozawa to watch for shadows before Itozawa entered to negotiate with Sakagami. 25 28

Personality

Shibata is confident and outspoken, often volunteering himself before fully considering the danger or limitations involved. His initial claim that he could drain the pool alone, his eagerness to confront Class A without proof, and his immediate acceptance of Yasuda’s swimming challenge all reflect his impulsive, competitive nature. 5 44 47

Despite this bravado, he shows courage and initiative when his class needs information. He undertakes the natatorium reconnaissance, enters Sakagami’s office voluntarily, and remains determined to improve after Hoshimiya bluntly tells him that he lacks mastery of his ability. 11 16 25

He takes defeats personally, particularly after placing second to Kanzaki in the boys’ swimming final. His embarrassment in Ability Theory gives way to growing confidence once he successfully demonstrates Dynamic Balance to the class. 46 48

Abilities & Skills

Dynamic Balance

A Body-Type Ability that allows Shibata to maintain physical stability in changing or unstable conditions by constantly adjusting his center of gravity. 16 48

• Maintains stable footing on unstable surfaces, demonstrated by standing, balancing on one foot, jumping, and completing a 360-degree spin on a balance ball. 48
• Improves his movement stability in water and contributes to his strong swimming performance. 44 46
• Provides physical capability suitable for reconnaissance and escape, according to Kanzaki’s assessment. 5
• Requires practical training and understanding of its underlying balance principles; Shibata initially cannot activate it deliberately and performs poorly against water-based interference. 5 16
• Is not simply the ability to remain balanced by force; it functions most effectively when he achieves balance with minimal effort. 5

Swimming

Shibata is a highly confident swimmer who refers to himself as a swimming expert. He finished immediately behind Yasuda in a 50-meter teacher-student race and placed second behind Kanzaki in Class B’s boys’ final. 44 46

• Uses Dynamic Balance to keep his movements stable in the water. 44
• Possesses strong propulsion and speed, though Kanzaki narrowly outperformed him. 46
• His performance can still be hindered by manipulated water currents and more experienced Water-Type users. 44

Relationships

• Ichinose Honami — Class leader who tempers Shibata’s initial insistence on acting alone and later helps calm him when he wants to confront Class A. 5 47
• Kanzaki Ryūji — Identified Shibata’s ability type, advised him on its intended use, and later defeated him in the swimming final. 5 46
• Ando — Fellow Body-Type user whose Body Control complements Dynamic Balance; Hoshimiya encourages them to learn from one another, and they begin extra training together. 48 49
• Itozawa — Relies on Shibata’s reconnaissance reports during the pool assessment and follows his warning about Sakagami’s shadow-based attacks. 11 28
• Takahashi Rin — Thanks Shibata for inadvertently enabling her to retrieve the water pump from the natatorium. 12
• Yasuda — Defeats Shibata in a 50-meter swimming race by using water currents to create resistance against him. 44

Story Role / Major Arcs

Swimming Pool Assessment

• Volunteers as Class B’s reconnaissance candidate because his Body-Type ability makes him suited to escape if discovered. 5
• Attempts to drain the pool with a water pump, is attacked by the water, and returns with the key report that the pool cannot be drained. 11
• Provides further details of Yasuda’s response to Ichinose as Class B investigates the assessment’s true circumstances. 15
• Learns that his poor performance in the water results from inadequate mastery rather than an inherently weak ability. 16

Sakagami Investigation

• Volunteers to physically investigate Sakagami’s office after Kanzaki’s mental probe fails. 25
• Is restrained inside the Sealed Field, later returning shaken and warning the class about the shadows within. 28

Ability Theory and Training

• Experiences Hoshimiya’s Charm-Type ability firsthand when she compels him to stand on a desk, giving him greater respect for subtle abilities. 17
• Demonstrates Dynamic Balance in the second Ability Theory lesson and receives guidance to train alongside Ando. 48
• Commits to additional gym training with Ando after class. 49

Swimming Competition

• Accepts Yasuda’s challenge alongside Ando and Kanzaki, but finishes behind the teacher. 44
• Advances to the boys’ swimming final and places second behind Kanzaki, reacting with clear frustration at the loss. 46

Trivia

• Shibata’s first known attempt to consciously use Dynamic Balance nearly makes him fall; his body corrects itself instinctively. 5
• He is used by Hoshimiya as a classroom example for how Charm-Type abilities can exploit emotions such as disdain. 17
• He is excited by the prospect of using his enhanced ability in swimming class. 43