Heisuke Tōdō captains the Shinsengumi's eighth division, notable as their youngest captain despite standing only 163cm tall. His long brown hair, tied in a ponytail, and emerald eyes later shift to a shorter Western-style cut. As a Rasetsu (Fury), his hair turns stark white and his eyes crimson red, with pronounced canine teeth. Born an illegitimate son to the Tōdō domain lord, he received financial support on the condition he never seek out his father. Rumors spread by a friend that he bought his rank prompted Heisuke to leave his position. He eventually joined the Shieikan dojo, meeting future Shinsengumi members, and trained under Itō Kashitarō before aligning with the Shinsengumi. Outwardly cheerful and optimistic, Heisuke masks inner turmoil and insecurity. He acts impulsively, often worsening situations by speaking without thinking. He prioritizes moral causes over politics, opposing harm to innocents and disobeying orders conflicting with his conscience. Loyal initially to the Shinsengumi's mission to protect Kyoto, he defects to the Guardians of the Imperial Tomb when the group directly serves the shogunate, seeing this as a betrayal of peacekeeping for political allegiance. He first encounters Chizuru Yukimura during her Shinsengumi interrogation. Defending her life, he accidentally reveals sensitive information that nearly causes her execution. Their similar ages foster a bond; he frequently supports her, promising to aid her search for her father. After defecting, guilt over breaking this promise and his growing feelings surface during a tea shop reunion with Chizuru, solidifying his resolve to protect her above past political conflicts. Critically wounded by the demon Kyūju Amagiri during Itō Kashitarō’s assassination, Heisuke drinks the Water of Life to survive, becoming a Fury. This grants enhanced abilities but subjects him to bloodlust, daytime drowsiness, and social isolation. He fears losing his humanity and resists consuming blood despite Sanan’s urging. Learning that using his Fury powers shortens his lifespan deepens his despair, worsened by seeing former friends live normally. His mental state deteriorates until Chizuru intervenes, halting his self-pity and reaffirming her commitment. Later, battling Sanan’s rogue Fury army under Hijikata’s orders, Heisuke accepts this role due to the operational freedom granted by his public "death." He reconciles his Fury condition as a means to protect Chizuru. Three years post-war in *Ginsei no Shō*, he and Chizuru reside in her abandoned village, relying on its water to suppress his Fury corruption. He feels guilt over failing to find her father but cherishes their life together, proposing after learning of pardons for the Shinsengumi and sightings of surviving comrades. In the spin-off *Hakuōki: SSL*, set in a modern high school, Heisuke and Chizuru are childhood friends and neighbors. He encourages her enrollment at Hakuo Academy, gradually acknowledging romantic feelings. After confessing, they begin a relationship characterized by mutual support, assisting each other during school festivals and exchanging meaningful gifts.