Based on the historical figure Sōma Kazue (originally Sōma Tonomo), Kazue Souma was born around 1843 as the son of a feudal retainer from the Kasama Domain. He left his domain after its refusal to support the Tokugawa Bakufu and enlisted in the Bakufu Army, serving in the Second Chōshū Expedition. Following its failure, he joined the Shinsengumi, rising to deputy head of the Kōyō Chinbutai and distinguishing himself in battles like Toba-Fushimi. Souma embodies a serious, earnest, and honorable nature, prioritizing self-improvement, duty, and loyalty. This dedication manifests as obliviousness, such as failing to recognize Chizuru Yukimura’s gender despite frequent contact. His honesty renders him gullible, and he readily admits fault, accepting responsibility for his actions. Initial disdain for the Shinsengumi, fueled by rumors, transforms into admiration after witnessing their integrity firsthand, cementing his allegiance to their cause. In *Kyoto Winds* and *Edo Blossoms*, Souma encounters Chizuru and Shinsengumi captains during patrols. After an invitation from Kondou Isami, he becomes a page-in-training alongside Chizuru and Risaburou Nomura. Early interactions feature rigorous training under captains like Okita Souji—often ending in comedic defeat—and defending Chizuru from harassment by Itou’s brother, Miki Saburou. This incident reveals Chizuru’s gender to Souma and Nomura, prompting Souma to apologize for past unintentional rudeness and swear to safeguard her secret. As conflict intensifies, Souma partakes in pivotal Shinsengumi campaigns, including the Bakumatsu wars. His route sees senior members repeatedly sacrificing themselves to protect him and Chizuru: Kondou’s execution secures their escape; Harada Sanosuke acts as bait; and Nomura perishes in a naval battle. Souma is consistently barred from combat, assigned instead to guard Chizuru or retreat. This culminates in his appointment as commander after Hijikata Toshizō’s death, where he orchestrates the Shinsengumi’s surrender to halt the war. Souma’s bond with Chizuru shifts from mentorship to romance. After learning her gender, he initially avoids her out of embarrassment but later confesses admiration for her resilience. In his route’s Good Ending, Chizuru vows to await him during his war-crimes imprisonment; they reunite three years later. Alternate paths include an Unrequited Love Ending (low affection) preserving a platonic relationship and a Bad Ending (high corruption from Fury transformation) resulting in mutual death. His dynamic with Nomura revolves around camaraderie and lighthearted teasing, often concerning Chizuru. Historically, Souma faced post-war exile to Izu Shimoshima under assassination suspicions, married his custodian’s daughter, became a government official, and died by suicide. His fictional narrative diverges, omitting these events to prioritize survival and reconciliation with Chizuru.