Chou Sawagejou

Chou is cocky, irreverent and fascinated by exceptional swords. His collecting habit is more than casual enthusiasm: he actively seeks rare weapons and is willing to threaten their owners to obtain them.

He enjoys fighting when an opponent or weapon catches his interest. His laid-back speech and habit of keeping one eye closed can make him seem relaxed, but excitement quickly brings out a more aggressive and animated side.

Chou is also pragmatic. Unlike Shishio's most fanatical followers, he can adapt when circumstances change, an attribute that becomes particularly important after the Kyoto conflict.

Chou is a versatile swordsman whose self-developed Garyū style changes according to the weapon he is using. His extensive collection gives him access to blades with unusual properties that opponents may have difficulty understanding during a first encounter.

Hakujin no Tachi is a long, extremely flexible sword. Chou's Orochi technique sends the blade rebounding along the ground in unpredictable waves, allowing him to attack from unusual angles.

He also possesses Renbatō, a paired-blade weapon designed so that the first edge conceals the trajectory of the second. His ability to employ radically different weapons makes preparation against him difficult.

Chou targets the Arai family while searching for Shakku's final sword. He threatens Seikuu Arai and ultimately uses Seikuu's infant son Iori Arai to force the swordsmith's cooperation.

Kenshin intervenes without possessing a usable sword of his own. Seikuu finally entrusts Kenshin with Shakku's last blade. Kenshin draws it against Chou believing he may have been forced to break his vow against killing, only to discover afterward that the weapon is a new sakabatō.

After his defeat, Chou is arrested and later becomes an informant for the Meiji police. He supplies information about Shishio and subsequently reappears in connection with government investigations.

Makoto Shishio is Chou's leader within the Juppongatana.

Seikuu Arai becomes Chou's target because Chou believes Shakku's final masterpiece remains with the Arai family.

Iori Arai is used by Chou as leverage against Seikuu during his search for the final sword.

Kenshin Himura defeats Chou during the confrontation over Shakku's final blade.

Shakku Arai is the legendary swordsmith whose weapons Chou covets.

Kamatari Honjou is Chou's fellow Juppongatana member. Chou later prevents Kamatari's suicide by inventing a message from Shishio encouraging him to live.