Isami Kondo commands the Shinsengumi, a Kyoto peacekeeping force during the Bakumatsu period. Hailing from Edo, he presents as an amiable, slightly older-looking man radiating warmth and care. His leadership prioritizes kindness and trust, frequently granting others the benefit of the doubt despite cautions about potential naivety. This trusting disposition coexists with formidable mental and physical strength, enabling him to shoulder responsibility for his actions and those under his command.

Kondo treasures personal bonds, especially his lifelong friendship with Toshizo Hijikata, forged over shared dreams of warrior status despite their non-samurai origins. He exhibits paternal affection for Souji Okita, whom he raised from abandonment into a formidable swordsman. As commander, Kondo serves as the organization's representative and final arbiter but routinely depends on Hijikata for critical decisions and operational leadership.

His narrative reveals significant evolution. Initially compassionate and idealistic, Kondo invites Chizuru Yukimura into the Shinsengumi upon learning of her quest to find her missing father, extending protective kindness despite her disguised gender. He personally spearheads raids like the Ikedaya Inn operation and extends trust to figures such as Kashitaro Itou despite ideological divides, later orchestrating Itou's assassination following betrayal.

Escalating conflict fuels Kondo's ambition for social recognition, clouding his judgment. Accepting a hatamoto title and land in exchange for capturing Kofu Castle, he drives the Shinsengumi into costly battles, insisting they "fight as men" rather than evade unwinnable conflicts. This stance triggers defections, including Shinpachi Nagakura and Sanosuke Harada. Witnessing a subordinate's death in combat forces him to confront misplaced priorities; he orders a retreat and offers his life in atonement before being dissuaded.

Kondo's story culminates in sacrifice. To enable Hijikata, Chizuru, and surviving members to escape an overwhelming assault, he acts as a decoy by surrendering. Asserting his authority one final time, he overrides Hijikata's objections to ensure their survival and acknowledges how his ambitions compounded Hijikata's burdens. He is captured and executed by beheading.

Prequel narratives like *Reimeiroku* depict earlier leadership struggles, including founding the Shinsengumi through uneasy alliances with figures like Serizawa Kamo. Kondo displays deference to maintain unity, such as apologizing after Serizawa torches a building over a lodging dispute, despite Hijikata criticizing this submission. He also demonstrates personal accountability, leading searches for missing members like the young Souji.

His attire consistently rejects Western-style uniforms worn by comrades, reflecting traditional values. Historically inspired, his background includes peasant origins, adoption into the Tennen Rishin Ryu swordsmanship school, and leadership philosophy shaped by war tales.