Dankichi Asahiyama

Dankichi is energetic, straightforward and deeply grateful to Elder for the help she gave him. His loyalty is rooted in personal experience: she treated him when he was injured and then found a way for him to support himself after his recovery.

He is especially protective when people attempt to interfere with Elder's patients. Although he lacks Kenshin's fighting ability, he does not hesitate to confront intimidation when vulnerable people are threatened.

Dankichi also has a practical sense of humor and professional pride in his rickshaw work. His everyday personality provides a grounded counterpoint to the international conspiracy and martial conflict developing around Elder.

Dankichi is an exceptionally capable rickshaw driver. He can move quickly through Yokohama while transporting passengers and responds rapidly when Elder is called to medical emergencies.

His occupation gives him considerable stamina and physical strength. He can continue pulling his rickshaw under demanding circumstances and assist patients who cannot travel on their own.

Dankichi is not presented as a trained martial artist. He can physically confront ordinary opponents when necessary, but exceptional fighters such as Kenshin and Espiral operate far beyond his level.

Dankichi encounters Kenshin in Yokohama while working with Elder. Through him, Kenshin learns about the unusual foreign physician who treats people regardless of whether they can afford to pay.

Their work puts them in conflict with Ishizu Deian, a doctor who caters to wealthy patients and resents Elder's independent practice. Dankichi openly defends Elder's treatment of poor residents and helps transport patients despite attempts to obstruct them.

As the conflict escalates, Espiral becomes involved and Kenshin is drawn into protecting Elder. Dankichi continues supporting the physician even when the dispute moves far beyond an ordinary professional rivalry.

Ishizu's scheme ultimately escalates into an attempt to unleash smallpox. While Elder prevents the biological threat and Kenshin deals with the principal combat danger, Dankichi helps stop Ishizu and his accomplice.

Elder Peaberry is Dankichi's employer, physician and close ally. She treated his broken leg without demanding payment and later gave him work transporting her between patients.

Kenshin Himura meets Dankichi in Yokohama and becomes involved in protecting Elder and her patients.

Ishizu Deian opposes Elder's medical work and consequently becomes Dankichi's enemy.

Espiral is the formidable foreign fighter whose involvement places both Dankichi and Elder in serious danger.