OVA
Description
Heisuke Tōdō, Captain of the Shinsengumi's 8th Division, holds the distinction of being its youngest captain, known for his energetic nature. A native of Edo, he frequently joins Sanosuke Harada and Shinpachi Nagakura in activities, forming a trio celebrated for their shared enthusiasm for combat and socializing, often ignoring rules and curfews.
Standing 163 cm tall, his stature is relatively short among the Shinsengumi. Initially sporting long brown hair in a ponytail and cyan or blue-green eyes, he later adopts Western-style clothing and cuts his hair short. After transforming into a Rasetsu—enhanced by the supernatural "Water of Life" elixir—his hair turns white, his eyes become crimson, and his canine teeth become pronounced.
His personality blends cheerfulness, earnestness, and occasional impulsiveness. Outwardly optimistic, he often masks inner turmoil, insecurity, or self-loathing with humor or smiles, though his true feelings are usually transparent due to his poor deception skills. Valuing causes above political allegiance, he will disobey orders conflicting with his conscience. While enjoying combat, he avoids harming those he deems innocent. His tendency to act before thinking sometimes exacerbates situations, though he gradually learns to accept responsibility for his choices.
Heisuke's background identifies him as a recognized child of the Tōdō domain who received financial support from his father on the condition of avoiding contact. After a friend spread rumors he purchased his rank, damaging his reputation, he left seeking challenges. He trained briefly under Itō Kashitarō before joining the Shinsengumi via the Shieikan dojo, where he met fellow captains.
During early Shinsengumi operations, he encounters Chizuru Yukimura, advocates against her execution, and develops a rapport with her. He participates in critical missions like the Ikedaya Inn raid, sustaining a severe head wound fighting Kyūjū Amagiri. After recovery, he assists recruitment in Edo and questions the Shinsengumi's direction once it formally serves the shogunate. This disillusionment prompts him to depart with his mentor, Itō Kashitarō, joining the Guardians of the Imperial Tomb.
In the subsequent Aburanokōji incident, Itō is assassinated. Heisuke confronts Amagiri again, suffering near-fatal injuries. To survive, he consumes the Water of Life, becoming a Rasetsu. Despite the transformation, he rejects consuming blood to retain his humanity, relying on medicine to suppress bloodlust. He rejoins the Shinsengumi, participating in later conflicts including the defense of Kondō Isami and support of Okita Sōji.
Years after the war, Heisuke resides with Chizuru in the abandoned Yukimura village. The location's magical water helps manage Rasetsu corruption. Physically weakened and unable to travel far, he maintains his cheerful disposition, expressing no regret over his transformation as it enabled his survival and staying with Chizuru. He grapples with conflicted feelings toward Chizuru's father, Kōdo Yukimura—creator of the Water of Life—acknowledging the suffering caused while recognizing how Kōdo's actions connected him to others. He eventually proposes to Chizuru.
Standing 163 cm tall, his stature is relatively short among the Shinsengumi. Initially sporting long brown hair in a ponytail and cyan or blue-green eyes, he later adopts Western-style clothing and cuts his hair short. After transforming into a Rasetsu—enhanced by the supernatural "Water of Life" elixir—his hair turns white, his eyes become crimson, and his canine teeth become pronounced.
His personality blends cheerfulness, earnestness, and occasional impulsiveness. Outwardly optimistic, he often masks inner turmoil, insecurity, or self-loathing with humor or smiles, though his true feelings are usually transparent due to his poor deception skills. Valuing causes above political allegiance, he will disobey orders conflicting with his conscience. While enjoying combat, he avoids harming those he deems innocent. His tendency to act before thinking sometimes exacerbates situations, though he gradually learns to accept responsibility for his choices.
Heisuke's background identifies him as a recognized child of the Tōdō domain who received financial support from his father on the condition of avoiding contact. After a friend spread rumors he purchased his rank, damaging his reputation, he left seeking challenges. He trained briefly under Itō Kashitarō before joining the Shinsengumi via the Shieikan dojo, where he met fellow captains.
During early Shinsengumi operations, he encounters Chizuru Yukimura, advocates against her execution, and develops a rapport with her. He participates in critical missions like the Ikedaya Inn raid, sustaining a severe head wound fighting Kyūjū Amagiri. After recovery, he assists recruitment in Edo and questions the Shinsengumi's direction once it formally serves the shogunate. This disillusionment prompts him to depart with his mentor, Itō Kashitarō, joining the Guardians of the Imperial Tomb.
In the subsequent Aburanokōji incident, Itō is assassinated. Heisuke confronts Amagiri again, suffering near-fatal injuries. To survive, he consumes the Water of Life, becoming a Rasetsu. Despite the transformation, he rejects consuming blood to retain his humanity, relying on medicine to suppress bloodlust. He rejoins the Shinsengumi, participating in later conflicts including the defense of Kondō Isami and support of Okita Sōji.
Years after the war, Heisuke resides with Chizuru in the abandoned Yukimura village. The location's magical water helps manage Rasetsu corruption. Physically weakened and unable to travel far, he maintains his cheerful disposition, expressing no regret over his transformation as it enabled his survival and staying with Chizuru. He grapples with conflicted feelings toward Chizuru's father, Kōdo Yukimura—creator of the Water of Life—acknowledging the suffering caused while recognizing how Kōdo's actions connected him to others. He eventually proposes to Chizuru.