TV Special
Description
Kondou Isao commands the Shinsengumi police force. His childhood unfolded at a temple school dedicated to a monkey god, marked by troublesome antics like uprooting neighbors' daikon that fueled rumors of his upbringing by monkeys. When loan sharks seized children as hostages, he rescued them only to find the temple destroyed upon his return, prompting his departure from the area. He later founded a dojo in Bushuu, enlisting Toushirou Hijikata and Sougo Okita. This group migrated to Edo, forming the Shinsengumi under his leadership.
Physically, he is a tall, muscular man with tan skin, dark brown spiky hair, a goatee, and brown eyes, usually clad in the Shinsengumi uniform. A recurring comedic element involves nudity, which he views as an expression of openness. His appearance frequently draws gorilla comparisons, a nickname he initially resists yet occasionally adopts self-referentially.
Kondou displays a kind-hearted, trusting nature, cultivating fierce loyalty within the Shinsengumi. Hijikata calls him the organization's "soul," with subordinates acting as protective "swords." However, his optimism becomes a noted weakness, causing him to overlook others' flaws. He perceives himself less as a commander and more as a comrade who cannot endure the loss of allies.
His relationships define him. He shares a profound bond with Hijikata and Okita, emphasizing mutual accountability—straying leads the others to "punch him back." He relentlessly pursues Tae Shimura, stalking her after she affirmed unconditional love for a partner. Her initial hostility gradually softens, shown when she joins his rescue during the Farewell Shinsengumi Arc and later shares meals with him. He also respects Gintoki Sakata, entrusting him with a message for the Shinsengumi to protect Edo during his near-execution under Nobu Nobu. Further connections include mentorship from Matsudaira Katakuriko and a rivalry-turned-friendship with Yagyuu Kyuubei.
Key developments include his capture and torture in the Farewell Shinsengumi Arc, where his absence visibly impacts Tae. Rescued by allies, he later appears in the Dekoboko Arc temporarily gender-swapped into a slender female form. In the Post-Silver Soul Arc, he enters an arranged marriage with Princess Bubbles, fathers a child, and continues safeguarding Edo despite the Shinsengumi's disbandment.
Beyond the main series, he features as a guest character in *The King of Fighters All Star*.
Physically, he is a tall, muscular man with tan skin, dark brown spiky hair, a goatee, and brown eyes, usually clad in the Shinsengumi uniform. A recurring comedic element involves nudity, which he views as an expression of openness. His appearance frequently draws gorilla comparisons, a nickname he initially resists yet occasionally adopts self-referentially.
Kondou displays a kind-hearted, trusting nature, cultivating fierce loyalty within the Shinsengumi. Hijikata calls him the organization's "soul," with subordinates acting as protective "swords." However, his optimism becomes a noted weakness, causing him to overlook others' flaws. He perceives himself less as a commander and more as a comrade who cannot endure the loss of allies.
His relationships define him. He shares a profound bond with Hijikata and Okita, emphasizing mutual accountability—straying leads the others to "punch him back." He relentlessly pursues Tae Shimura, stalking her after she affirmed unconditional love for a partner. Her initial hostility gradually softens, shown when she joins his rescue during the Farewell Shinsengumi Arc and later shares meals with him. He also respects Gintoki Sakata, entrusting him with a message for the Shinsengumi to protect Edo during his near-execution under Nobu Nobu. Further connections include mentorship from Matsudaira Katakuriko and a rivalry-turned-friendship with Yagyuu Kyuubei.
Key developments include his capture and torture in the Farewell Shinsengumi Arc, where his absence visibly impacts Tae. Rescued by allies, he later appears in the Dekoboko Arc temporarily gender-swapped into a slender female form. In the Post-Silver Soul Arc, he enters an arranged marriage with Princess Bubbles, fathers a child, and continues safeguarding Edo despite the Shinsengumi's disbandment.
Beyond the main series, he features as a guest character in *The King of Fighters All Star*.