TV-Series
Description
Heisuke Toudou serves as the captain of the Shinsengumi's 8th Division. Hailing from Edo, he is the youngest captain and known for his energetic disposition. He is a bastard son from the Toudo domain, receiving financial support from his father on the condition he avoids contact. After rumors spread by a friend claimed he purchased his rank, damaging his reputation, he left seeking challenges. He later trained at Itou Kashitarou's dojo before joining the Shinsengumi, where his swordsmanship skills earned him respect despite his youth.
Physically, Heisuke stands at 160-163 cm (approximately 5'3"), making him the shortest captain. He has long brown hair typically tied in a ponytail and emerald eyes. During the Shinsengumi's adoption of Western attire, he cuts his hair shorter and wears a white shirt, black vest, and boots. After consuming the Ochimizu (Water of Life), his Rasetsu form manifests with snow-white hair, crimson eyes, and pronounced canine teeth.
Personality-wise, Heisuke is cheerful, talkative, and impulsive. He often forms a trio with Sanosuke Harada and Shinpachi Nagakura, engaging in rule-breaking activities like curfew violations and drinking. Beneath his energetic exterior, he conceals inner turmoil, insecurity, and self-loathing, particularly after regrettable decisions. He prioritizes moral principles over orders, which later drives his departure from the Shinsengumi. As a Rasetsu, he is determined to retain his humanity, refusing to consume blood and relying on medicine to suppress bloodlust.
His story begins during the interrogation of Chizuru Yukimura, whom he initially mistakes for a boy. He later advocates for her safety and develops a protective relationship. During the Ikedaya Inn incident, he sustains a severe head wound fighting the demon Kyuuju Amagiri. After recovering, he undertakes a recruitment mission in Edo, residing at Chizuru’s home while searching for her father.
Heisuke grows disillusioned with the Shinsengumi’s alignment with the Bakufu and departs to join his mentor Itou Kashitarou’s group, the Guardians of the Imperial Tomb. During the Aburanokōji incident (Itou’s assassination), Heisuke confronts Amagiri again and suffers critical injuries. To save his life, Chizuru administers the Ochimizu, transforming him into a Rasetsu. As a Rasetsu, he fights alongside the Shinsengumi but rejects consuming blood, relying on Sannan’s medicine. He participates in key battles, including the defense against the Chōshū-Satsuma army and the siege of Koufu Castle.
Later, in the spin-off "Ginsei no Shou," Heisuke lives with Chizuru in her abandoned village three years after the war. The village’s magical water helps suppress his Rasetsu corruption, though his physical condition weakens. He expresses no regret over becoming a Rasetsu, as it allowed him to survive and build a future with Chizuru. After learning of the Shinsengumi’s pardon and the deaths of figures like Koudou, he proposes to Chizuru, acknowledging his complex feelings toward Koudou’s role in his transformation.
Physically, Heisuke stands at 160-163 cm (approximately 5'3"), making him the shortest captain. He has long brown hair typically tied in a ponytail and emerald eyes. During the Shinsengumi's adoption of Western attire, he cuts his hair shorter and wears a white shirt, black vest, and boots. After consuming the Ochimizu (Water of Life), his Rasetsu form manifests with snow-white hair, crimson eyes, and pronounced canine teeth.
Personality-wise, Heisuke is cheerful, talkative, and impulsive. He often forms a trio with Sanosuke Harada and Shinpachi Nagakura, engaging in rule-breaking activities like curfew violations and drinking. Beneath his energetic exterior, he conceals inner turmoil, insecurity, and self-loathing, particularly after regrettable decisions. He prioritizes moral principles over orders, which later drives his departure from the Shinsengumi. As a Rasetsu, he is determined to retain his humanity, refusing to consume blood and relying on medicine to suppress bloodlust.
His story begins during the interrogation of Chizuru Yukimura, whom he initially mistakes for a boy. He later advocates for her safety and develops a protective relationship. During the Ikedaya Inn incident, he sustains a severe head wound fighting the demon Kyuuju Amagiri. After recovering, he undertakes a recruitment mission in Edo, residing at Chizuru’s home while searching for her father.
Heisuke grows disillusioned with the Shinsengumi’s alignment with the Bakufu and departs to join his mentor Itou Kashitarou’s group, the Guardians of the Imperial Tomb. During the Aburanokōji incident (Itou’s assassination), Heisuke confronts Amagiri again and suffers critical injuries. To save his life, Chizuru administers the Ochimizu, transforming him into a Rasetsu. As a Rasetsu, he fights alongside the Shinsengumi but rejects consuming blood, relying on Sannan’s medicine. He participates in key battles, including the defense against the Chōshū-Satsuma army and the siege of Koufu Castle.
Later, in the spin-off "Ginsei no Shou," Heisuke lives with Chizuru in her abandoned village three years after the war. The village’s magical water helps suppress his Rasetsu corruption, though his physical condition weakens. He expresses no regret over becoming a Rasetsu, as it allowed him to survive and build a future with Chizuru. After learning of the Shinsengumi’s pardon and the deaths of figures like Koudou, he proposes to Chizuru, acknowledging his complex feelings toward Koudou’s role in his transformation.