TV-Series
Description
Isao Kondou is the commander of the Shinsengumi, a special police force. His background begins at a dojo in Bushuu, where he trained and eventually recruited Hijikata Toushirou and Okita Sougo. He led this group to Edo, transforming the dojo into the organization that became the Shinsengumi. He is a tall, muscular man with a notably hirsute appearance, which frequently earns him the nickname Gorilla.
His personality is defined by a striking contradiction. He is often depicted as a silly and delusional character, most famously for his obsessive stalking of Shimura Tae, whom he wishes to marry. He regularly appears naked, a habit he believes demonstrates an honest and pure heart. Despite these absurd antics, he is widely revered as the soul of the Shinsengumi. He is consistently characterized by others as honest, pure, and possessing an unwavering will. This genuine nature is the primary source of the deep loyalty his subordinates hold for him. His motivations are largely driven by his persistent affection for Shimura Tae and his fierce, protective commitment to the Shinsengumi, which he views as a family.
In the story, Kondou Isao serves a major supporting role as the leader of the Shinsengumi, overseeing the force's operations and frequently acting as an ally to the main protagonists while also being a primary source of comedy. His key relationships heavily define him. Hijikata Toushirou, his vice-commander, serves as his firm right hand and is described as the sword that protects his soul. Okita Sougo, a close friend and subordinate, often teases him mercilessly yet remains utterly loyal. His one-sided dynamic with Shimura Tae is a central running joke, but as the series progresses, it develops into a more amicable and domestic rapport.
Throughout the series, Kondou Isao undergoes significant development. The Mutiny arc emphasizes his irreplaceable role as the pure and unsullied core of the Shinsengumi. He evolves from a leader who often relies heavily on Hijikata into a more mature and capable commander. His relationship with Tae matures from pure obsession to a point where he can cook for her family and interact with her on friendlier terms. In terms of abilities, Kondou Isao is a powerful swordsman favoring a direct, one-hit-kill style. He possesses impressive physical strength and endurance. His most significant ability, however, is his charismatic leadership, which unites the notoriously chaotic Shinsengumi through pure force of personality and unwavering integrity.
His personality is defined by a striking contradiction. He is often depicted as a silly and delusional character, most famously for his obsessive stalking of Shimura Tae, whom he wishes to marry. He regularly appears naked, a habit he believes demonstrates an honest and pure heart. Despite these absurd antics, he is widely revered as the soul of the Shinsengumi. He is consistently characterized by others as honest, pure, and possessing an unwavering will. This genuine nature is the primary source of the deep loyalty his subordinates hold for him. His motivations are largely driven by his persistent affection for Shimura Tae and his fierce, protective commitment to the Shinsengumi, which he views as a family.
In the story, Kondou Isao serves a major supporting role as the leader of the Shinsengumi, overseeing the force's operations and frequently acting as an ally to the main protagonists while also being a primary source of comedy. His key relationships heavily define him. Hijikata Toushirou, his vice-commander, serves as his firm right hand and is described as the sword that protects his soul. Okita Sougo, a close friend and subordinate, often teases him mercilessly yet remains utterly loyal. His one-sided dynamic with Shimura Tae is a central running joke, but as the series progresses, it develops into a more amicable and domestic rapport.
Throughout the series, Kondou Isao undergoes significant development. The Mutiny arc emphasizes his irreplaceable role as the pure and unsullied core of the Shinsengumi. He evolves from a leader who often relies heavily on Hijikata into a more mature and capable commander. His relationship with Tae matures from pure obsession to a point where he can cook for her family and interact with her on friendlier terms. In terms of abilities, Kondou Isao is a powerful swordsman favoring a direct, one-hit-kill style. He possesses impressive physical strength and endurance. His most significant ability, however, is his charismatic leadership, which unites the notoriously chaotic Shinsengumi through pure force of personality and unwavering integrity.