Gasuke

Gasuke is cruel and domineering toward people he believes cannot resist him. He treats Yahiko's forced pickpocketing as an obligation and responds to the boy's attempt to leave with physical violence rather than negotiation.

His behavior also demonstrates contempt for Yahiko's pride. When the gang insults the boy's deceased parents, Gasuke does not regard the child's anger as meaningful resistance and is prepared to escalate the confrontation lethally.

Gasuke has little of the elaborate ambition displayed by major antagonists. He is essentially a street-level criminal accustomed to maintaining control through fear.

Gasuke is a physically strong adult and carries a sword, making him extremely dangerous to an unarmed child such as Yahiko. He has enough confidence in his fighting ability to attempt lethal violence when Yahiko resists.

No formal sword school or named technique is established for him. Against Kenshin, the difference in ability is overwhelming; Kenshin can incapacitate him almost immediately.

Gasuke is introduced through Yahiko's life before joining the Kamiya Dojo. The yakuza have compelled Yahiko to steal for them, but Yahiko's pride as the son of a samurai family makes him determined to escape that life.

When Yahiko announces that he will no longer steal, Gasuke beats him. The confrontation becomes more serious after the criminals insult Yahiko's parents and Yahiko retaliates.

Gasuke draws his sword against the boy, but Kenshin intervenes before he can strike. Kenshin defeats him and intimidates the gang into releasing Yahiko, clearing the way for Yahiko to begin training under Kaoru Kamiya.

Yahiko Myojin is forced to steal for Gasuke's yakuza group. Gasuke physically punishes him when he tries to leave.

Kenshin Himura intervenes when Gasuke threatens Yahiko and defeats him with ease.

Kaoru Kamiya subsequently takes Yahiko into the Kamiya Dojo, giving him the opportunity to leave his life as a pickpocket behind.

Tanishi is another member of the same criminal group involved in controlling Yahiko.