Doubters in shambles, Takenaka continues to prove he's the best character. He is a genuine friend to Tanuki which means he doesn't pull punches to point out where his friend is flawed. He actually cares for Mochizuki beyond Thirst which is why he notices the red flags and not wanting to leave her alone. He himself is also a flawed individual as evidence by his weird solutions to problems and his desire to "help" them by just wanting to go on a vacation with everyone as I guarantee Komaru will be invited as well. No doubt part of his motivation is wanting to see Mochizuki and Komaru in swimsuits and who could blame him.
He is the goodest of boys, the literal glue that is holding this eclectic group of characters together and preventing a terrible crash and burn from their weirdo idiosyncrasies clashing. Let's not forget he stripped down to his skivvies and sang to distract the class from spreading rumors about Tanuki, and suggested getting Ice Cream to help Tanuki and Komaru actually interact instead of ignoring each other (while also face planting on the pavement to diffuse the tension). It cannot be understated how much of the progress in this story has been directly related to him nudging people along and really the only times things have gone sideways was when he explicitly WASN'T involved in Tanuki's schemes (bro would have never let Tanuki walk into the women's bathroom to stalk his sister which is why he was mortified when Tanuki told him).
It's kind of astonishing how such a great character came from this author of all people. As far as I know he hasn't been ruined by the
other version of this manga either, which makes me speculate he might have been the result of editorial meddling. Regardless, I'm glad he's here.
"And somehow, that's how I ended later on this cuckchair, watching my friend breed both his Stalker and Sister."
Don't you put that evil on him Ricky Bobby. He doesn't deserve that shit, he's basically the only thing keeping this manga together narratively.