Heizou Ogawa

Heizou is theatrical, stubborn and good-hearted. His decision to impersonate Battousai is audacious, but his underlying purpose distinguishes him from criminals who exploit Kenshin's old reputation for intimidation or personal advancement.

He is deeply protective of the children under his care. They were left without parents by conflicts such as the Boshin War and Satsuma Rebellion, and Heizou uses the money he earns selling medicine to provide for them.

His courage is physical as well as moral. When the children become hostages, Heizou does not hide behind the identity he has borrowed. He confronts the attackers himself despite knowing that he cannot match the real Battousai's abilities.

Heizou is not a master swordsman and possesses none of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryuu's techniques. His imitation of Battousai depends primarily on appearance, reputation and showmanship.

He is nevertheless physically tougher than his age and occupation suggest. During the confrontation with the local gang, he fights back directly and proves capable of throwing an opponent into a wall.

Heizou's more practical skill is selling gama oil and other medicine. By attaching the legendary Battousai name to his performance, he attracts crowds and earns money for the children he supports.

Kenshin's group encounters Heizou while returning toward Tokyo. They are startled to hear an older man publicly claiming to be Hitokiri Battousai, particularly because Kenshin himself abandoned that identity years earlier.

The apparent fraud initially seems ridiculous, but the group learns that Heizou uses his earnings to care for children orphaned by Japan's civil conflicts. His deception therefore has a charitable motive.

A local gang attacks Heizou and takes the children hostage. Rather than abandoning them, he stands against the attackers despite his lack of genuine Battousai-level swordsmanship. Kenshin and his companions become involved in resolving the confrontation.

[Before they part, Kenshin tells Heizou that he has discarded the name Hitokiri Battousai. Heizou interprets this as permission to continue using it, while Sanosuke Sagara jokes that the old man may be tougher than the genuine Battousai.](#spoiler)

Kenshin Himura is the genuine former Hitokiri Battousai whose name Heizou appropriates. Kenshin ultimately understands the compassionate reason behind the impersonation.

Sanosuke Sagara is initially skeptical of Heizou but comes to respect the old man's toughness and willingness to defend the children.

Kaoru Kamiya encounters Heizou alongside Kenshin during the group's journey and learns why he has adopted Kenshin's old identity.

Yahiko Myojin likewise witnesses the contrast between Heizou's fraudulent identity and his genuine courage.