### Background and Origins Defined by tragedy and vengeance, Matako Kijima lost her patriot father to Bakufu execution during the Joui Wars. Her mother faced persecution and death shortly after. Orphaned, Matako inherited her father’s revolver as her sole keepsake, channeling grief into a burning desire for revenge against the authorities. She sought to join Takasugi Shinsuke’s cause but was dismissed; he deemed her vengeance self-destructive. Undeterred, she resisted Bakufu guards, who captured her and branded her a "Joui patriot." Takasugi and Kawakami Bansai intervened during her execution, rescuing her in a coordinated strike. This marked her formal induction into Takasugi’s Kiheitai faction. Witnessing her resolve, Takechi Henpeita returned her revolver and urged her to embrace a greater purpose, cementing her loyalty to Takasugi and the Kiheitai’s mission. ### Personality and Relationships Fiercely violent and impulsive, Matako confronts allies and enemies without hesitation. She openly mocks comrades like Okada Nizou for perceived weaknesses and shows no mercy in combat—even against youth like Kagura. Yet her demeanor shifts dramatically around Takasugi, whom she addresses as "Shinsuke-sama." Her devotion burns fiercely: she prioritizes his safety above all and reacts aggressively to any perceived threat. This blends deep respect with an unreciprocated romantic crush. Within the Kiheitai, her relationships remain complex: - She clashes constantly with Henpeita, insulting him as a "lolicon" (which he denies, claiming to be a "feminist"). Despite bickering, they share mutual trust; she once shielded him from Nizou’s attacks. - She addresses Bansai as "-senpai," reflecting respect. Their bond strengthens in battle, where they support each other. - Her rivalry with Kagura ignites when Kagura threatens Takasugi. Matako pursues multiple ruthless fights against her. ### Role in Key Story Arcs - **Benizakura Arc**: As a Kiheitai enforcer, she guarded Takasugi’s ship. She fought Kagura twice—first capturing her after Kagura threatened Takasugi, later engaging in a rematch halted by Nizou’s rampage. Her clashes with Nizou peaked when he nearly killed her for criticizing his Benizakura sword dependence. - **Kabukicho Four Devas Arc**: Defying retreat orders, she joined Bansai and Henpeita to rescue Takasugi during Kamui’s execution, refusing to abandon him despite peril. - **Patriot Reunion & Shogun Assassination Arcs**: She aided Takasugi’s plots against the Bakufu, including a fake reunion to assassinate former comrades and an attempt on the shogun’s life. - **Silver Soul Arc**: As the Kiheitai defended Earth against the Altana Liberation Army, Takasugi revealed their founding was partly motivated by protecting Matako—whom he deemed "not a villain at heart." He tasked Henpeita with ensuring her survival, emphasizing her significance to their original purpose. - **Post-War Developments**: After the Utsuro conflict, she spent two years searching for the missing Takasugi. In the finale, she discovered a baby implied as his reincarnation, tearfully accepting it as closure. ### Abilities and Fighting Style Renowned as the "Red Bullet" (or "Crimson Bullet"), Matako wields dual revolvers with exceptional marksmanship, executing precise shots under duress. She combines agility with tactical evasion—dodging bullets and warship cannon fire. Her physical prowess lets her block kicks from Kagura (of the superhuman Yato clan) and endure severe blunt force trauma. ### Spin-Off Appearances In spin-offs like *Class 3-Z Ginpachi Sensei* and *Kintama*, Matako appears in alternate settings (e.g., a school environment), retaining loyalty to Takasugi and her comedic dynamic with Henpeita. These portrayals highlight her clumsiness and overreactions, contrasting her main-series intensity. ### Trivia and Legacy - Her character draws inspiration from the historical samurai Kijima Matabee (or Matabei). - A running gag involves Gintoki "bleeping" her name to sound vulgar, spawning nicknames like "Crimson Bullet Girl." - Her catchphrase, "I will follow you forever, Shinsuke-sama!" embodies her enduring allegiance.