Heisuke Tōdō, captain of the Shinsengumi's Eighth Division, possesses formidable swordsmanship belying his youthful look and 160cm stature. A self-proclaimed Edokko, he radiates cheerful energy and fierce pride in his Edo roots, though this demeanor masks profound insecurities and a tendency toward self-loathing during crises. His friendly, socially adept nature is occasionally undercut by unintentional tactlessness, and his expressive emotions make deception difficult. Born illegitimate to a father from the Tōdō domain, Heisuke received financial support contingent on never seeking contact. Betrayed by a friend who spread rumors he bought his rank, his reputation shattered, prompting his departure and eventual path to the Shinsengumi via the Shieikan dojo. He later studied briefly under Itō Kashitarō before returning. Initially committed to the Shinsengumi's mission of protecting Kyoto's peace, Heisuke values causes above political loyalty. When the group directly serves the shogunate, he leaves to join the Guardians of the Imperial Tomb, unable to reconcile his conscience with their directives—specifically rejecting the Shogunate's use of the Fury-creating "Water of Life" (Ochimizu). This choice reflects his internal conflict between friendship and principle. Learning of Itō's betrayal further shakes his resolve, yet he hesitates to rejoin the Shinsengumi until Chizuru Yukimura becomes his clear motivation; protecting her transcends political dilemmas. Suffering critical injuries defending Chizuru from the demon Amagiri, Heisuke consumes the Ochimizu to survive, transforming into a Fury. This brings severe consequences: exhaustion in daylight, uncontrollable bloodlust, and the knowledge that using his powers shortens his lifespan. He fears losing his humanity, especially after encounters with former comrade Sanan, who urges him to abandon human morality. His despair peaks upon realizing a normal life is impossible, exemplified by mourning his lost future after witnessing a friend's domestic happiness. Chizuru remains his emotional anchor, refusing to see him as a monster. She actively supports him and physically intervenes against his pessimism. In the conflict against Sanan and Kodo Yukimura, Heisuke accepts a mission to stop Sanan, resigned to sacrifice. He survives the Bakumatsu wars but endures lasting physical deterioration. Three years later, in *Ginsei no Shou*, he and Chizuru live in the abandoned Yukimura village, relying on its water to suppress Fury corruption. Though weakened and unable to travel far, he retains his cheerful spirit, expressing no regrets about becoming a Fury as it enabled his future with Chizuru. He eventually proposes to her, reaffirming his commitment despite ongoing health challenges. In the alternate universe of *Hakuouki SSL ~Sweet School Life~*, Heisuke is Chizuru's neighbor and childhood friend, a carefree second-year high school student whose primary passion is kendo.