Kondo Isao is the commander of the Shinsengumi, a police force operating in Edo. In his childhood, he belonged to a dojo in Bushuu, where he befriended Hijikata Toushirou and Okita Sougo and recruited them into the dojo. He later led the entire group to Edo in search of success, transforming them into the Shinsengumi. He is a tall, muscular man with tan skin, spiky brown hair, and a goatee, and his hirsute appearance earns him the nickname gorilla, a label he sometimes uses for himself. Kondo is good-natured, honest, and pure, but he also has a silly side and often appears naked, believing it shows a big heart. He is deeply in love with Shimura Tae and relentlessly pursues her, earning him the additional nickname gorilla-stalker. Despite his comedic antics, he is a merciful and kind person who values his comrades above all. As the spiritual leader of the Shinsengumi, he inspires unwavering loyalty among its members. Hijikata once described him as the soul of the Shinsengumi, with the rest serving as the sword that protects him. Kondo’s swordsmanship is a powerful one-hit-kill style, and he is also a good cook. His key relationships include a close friendship with Hijikata and Okita, whom he considers brothers, and his unrequited love for Tae. Over the course of the story, his leadership is tested in arcs such as the Mutiny arc, where his honesty and purity are highlighted, and the Yagyuu arc, where his desire to become Shinpachi’s brother-in-law drives his actions. Kondo’s motivations center on protecting the Shinsengumi and his loved ones, and his character develops through his willingness to risk everything for his friends.