Isao Kondō, nicknamed Gorilla, commands the Shinsengumi, Edo’s peacekeeping force. His childhood at a monkey god-worshipping temple school was marked by mischief—daikon thefts and daring rescues of children from loan sharks—before its destruction led him to found a Bushuu dojo, recruiting Toushirou Hijikata and Sougo Okita. Together, they relocated to Edo, forming the Shinsengumi. Muscular and tan, with spiky brown hair and a goatee, Kondō dons the group’s uniform yet humorously embraces nudity as a symbol of his "big heart." His gorilla-like appearance sparks recurring jokes, though he sometimes claims the moniker proudly. A temporary gender swap during the Dekoboko Arc transformed him into a slender, pale-skinned blonde, adding absurdity to his storied persona. Loyal, kindhearted, and disarmingly trusting, Kondō inspires unwavering loyalty, deemed the Shinsengumi’s "soul" by Hijikata. Despite self-doubt over his leadership, he unites the group through camaraderie over authority, relying on Hijikata’s pragmatism while upholding Bushido’s honor code, prioritizing others’ safety above his own. Trained in swordsmanship, he wields the katana Kotetsu—affectionately dubbed "Kotetsu-chan"—despite its frequent breakage. His combat prowess surfaces in victories over Yagyuu Clan’s Toujou Ayumu and bandit skirmishes, balancing competence with comedic undercutting. Unrequited love for Tae Shimura fuels persistent, rejected marriage proposals, though their bond gradually warms. As mentor to Hijikata and Okita, he anchors their loyalty despite clashes, while rivalry with Gintoki Sakata evolves into mutual respect, culminating in Kondō entrusting him with a critical message during near-execution under Nobu Nobu’s rule. Later, an arranged marriage to Princess Bubbles—resulting in parenthood—adds complexity to his arc. Pivotal moments include the Farewell Shinsengumi Arc, where Kondō, sentenced to death after Shige Shige’s assassination, urges his men to defend Edo even if disbanded. Rescued by allies—including Tae—he returns bearing a scar from Sasaki. His legacy endures through unyielding dedication to ideals and comrades, shaping the Shinsengumi’s identity and influencing figures like Gintoki and Katsura, blending sincerity, humor, and leadership into the series’ exploration of loyalty.