Kogorō Katsura is a samurai of the Chōshū Domain who stands as a central figure in the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate, making him a significant political and military adversary of the Miburo. He is portrayed as a calm, strategically brilliant, and highly composed individual whose magnanimous nature surprises those who meet him. The protagonist, Chirinu Nio, is struck by Katsura's refreshing demeanor upon their first encounter, a meeting that highlights the mutual respect between the two despite their opposing loyalties. Katsura is driven by a deep commitment to ending the shogunate and restoring imperial rule, a goal he pursues with careful political maneuvering rather than reckless aggression. He works alongside Sakamoto Ryoma to forge the alliances necessary for the coming change. Within his own faction, Katsura often acts as a moderating force, seeking to guide radical elements toward a coherent strategy. He is famously known by the nickname Kogoro the Runner, a title that reflects his keen survival instinct and ability to escape dangerous situations, yet this belies his true capabilities as a warrior. A master of Shinto Munen-ryu swordsmanship who holds a complete teaching license, he proves his formidable skill in direct combat, once clashing with Nagakura Shinpachi of the Miburo. As the story progresses, Katsura’s role deepens, moving from a distant threat to a fully present and complex character whose actions force the Miburo to confront the multifaceted nature of justice and loyalty in the turbulent Bakumatsu period. The series further develops his perspective during the Ikeda-ya incident, where he is depicted as a member of the Choshu faction who attempts to restrain the more impulsive revolutionaries. His intellectual presence and ideological conviction make him a persistent force in Kyoto, shaping the era from behind the scenes while posing a constant challenge to the ideals of the Miburo.