Daigoro Okuma

Daigoro is intelligent, curious and highly enthusiastic about science. He reads foreign literature and is particularly attached to Jules Verne's From the Earth to the Moon, a gift from Kaishu that feeds his fascination with scientific possibilities beyond contemporary Japan.

His intellectual confidence contrasts sharply with his physical timidity. Daigoro is easily frightened by violence and initially freezes when confronted by armed men. Kaoru's training is therefore intended less to turn him into a dedicated swordsman than to help him develop the courage to act when somebody needs him.

Daigoro is also loyal. His admiration for Kaishu survives his apparent expulsion, and his concern for Itsuko Katsu can push him into action even when he knows he is badly outmatched.

Daigoro's greatest ability is his intellect. He has an unusual interest in Western science and can read foreign material, making him better suited to scholarship than conventional martial life.

At the Kamiya Dojo, he receives training in Kamiya Kasshin-ryuu and practices with a shinai. Although inexperienced, he improves enough to spar seriously with Yahiko Myojin. His development demonstrates that his principal obstacle is confidence rather than complete physical incapacity.

He remains far below experienced swordsmen in actual combat. When confronting the Beni-aoi, courage allows him to act but does not erase the enormous difference in skill between an inexperienced student and armed veterans.

Daigoro initially lives and studies under Kaishu. When the Beni-aoi attack, he is too frightened to defend his teacher, prompting Kaishu to expel him. Kaoru witnesses the incident and takes Daigoro to the Kamiya Dojo, where she begins training him.

Itsuko soon joins him there. Daigoro gradually becomes friendly with Yahiko, sharing books with him while undergoing sword training. The conflict escalates when the Beni-aoi seek money entrusted to Kaishu during the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate.

[After Itsuko is kidnapped, Daigoro disregards the rescue plan and charges toward her with a shinai. Shibata stabs him, but Daigoro survives because his treasured copy of From the Earth to the Moon absorbs much of the attack.](#spoiler)

[The conspiracy is eventually traced to Tetsuma Okubo, the senior student Daigoro had admired. Daigoro is deeply hurt by Tetsuma's betrayal but urges him to abandon his ambitions and surrender. After the conflict ends, Daigoro and Itsuko return to Kaishu's household.](#spoiler)

Kaishu Katsu is Daigoro's teacher and encourages his scientific interests. Kaishu's decision to expel him is partly intended to remove Daigoro from the danger surrounding the Katsu household.

Itsuko Katsu is one of Daigoro's closest companions, and his behavior strongly suggests romantic feelings for her. Her kidnapping gives him the courage to confront the Beni-aoi despite the danger.

Kaoru Kamiya takes Daigoro into the Kamiya Dojo and trains him in Kamiya Kasshin-ryuu.

Yahiko Myojin trains alongside Daigoro and becomes his friend. Daigoro also shares his interest in books with him.

Tetsuma Okubo is Daigoro's fellow student under Kaishu. Daigoro initially admires Tetsuma's confidence and ability, making the revelation of Tetsuma's betrayal especially painful for him.

Shibata leads the Beni-aoi faction confronting Kaishu and wounds Daigoro when he attempts to rescue Itsuko.