Kushida Kiyotaka is an enigmatic and seemingly cheerful character from the Classroom of the Elite anime and light novel series. Known by his peers as a gentle, sociable, and kind-hearted boy, Kushida excels academically and is popular among his classmates. His bright smile often belies the complex layers of his personality. Kushida harbors a deep secret; he is a keen observer and possessively protective of his class's hierarchical structure. His preference for a peaceful classroom environment conflicts with his darker intentions, as he sees himself as a guardian maintaining order at any cost. He is skilled in martial arts, which he uses to keep potential threats in check. His relationships within the story are complex; he befriends Horikita Suzune but has a strained relationship with Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, who poses a challenge to his hidden desires. Kushida's involvement with the secret student council is pivotal to the unfolding of events in the story.