Nobunobu Tokugawa, also called Hitotsubashi Nobunobu or Tokugawa Nobunobu, is the son of Hitotsubashi Nari Nari and a relative within the Tokugawa shogunate lineage. His family's disgrace following a relative's defeat in the Joui Wars prompted his father to groom him from birth to become the next shogun, forcing them to evade assassination attempts by Tokugawa Sada Sada's faction. Nobunobu ascended to lead the Hitotsubashi faction, dedicated to usurping power from the Tokugawa government. He possesses light brown-blond crew-cut hair, light green eyes, and typically wears a dark knee-length overcoat over a purple flower-patterned yukata. His expressions shift from stern to psychopathic when enraged. Initially, Nobunobu displays extreme egotism and sadism, considering himself elite and separate from commoners. He belittles subordinates, murders hostesses for failing beauty standards, and executes allies like Ikeda Yaemon for betrayal. This behavior originates from his upbringing within a hostile political climate, leaving him an "ambition-less shell" used by others while using them in return. He acknowledges this emptiness but perpetuates it through ruthlessness. Key relationships include alliances with Sasaki Isaburo of the Mimawarigumi police and Takasugi Shinsuke's Kiheitai rebels, both instrumental in overthrowing Shogun Tokugawa Shige Shige. Nobunobu betrays Takasugi by accepting the Tendoshu's offer to become shogun. He orchestrates the poisoning assassination of Shige Shige, whom he sees as an obstacle. Following Shige Shige's death, the Tendoshu appoint Nobunobu as the 15th shogun. His brief reign dissolves nearly all police forces and deepens political corruption. Nobunobu's character shifts during the Rakuyou Arc after his defeat and capture by Sakamoto Tatsuma, Katsura Kotarou, and Sakata Gintoki. Witnessing Tatsuma's leadership and kindness, he reflects on his failures, recognizing his selfishness cost him allies and friends. He resolves to value comradeship and lead authentically, vowing to "reach the summit without using or being used by anyone." In the Silver Soul Arc, he redeems himself by sacrificing his life to trigger an explosive device aboard a warship targeting Edo. He declares this act atones for past sins and fulfills his duty as a "stepping stone" for Japan's future. In the afterlife, he is welcomed by previous shoguns, including Shige Shige. His abilities include proficient swordsmanship, demonstrated when he beheads Ikeda Yaemon in a single strike, and political cunning, leveraging alliances to advance his faction.