Isami Kondo

Kondo is portrayed as a commanding and respected leader. His position requires him to hold together an organization composed of highly capable and sometimes severe warriors while operating amid Kyoto's political violence.

Loyalty to the Shinsengumi and the Tokugawa order defines his place in the story. The series does not explore his personality to the same depth as Saitou's, but the devotion shown toward him by other Shinsengumi members demonstrates the authority he holds within their ranks.

Kondo is an experienced swordsman associated with Tennen Rishin-ryū, the same school practiced by several central members of the Shinsengumi. His command position reflects both martial experience and organizational leadership.

The manga does not give Kondo an extended showcase comparable with Saitou's later battles, so the precise limits of his combat ability are not established. He is nevertheless presented within the context of the Shinsengumi's elite warrior leadership.

Beyond personal swordsmanship, Kondo commands a disciplined armed organization capable of surveillance, raids and direct action against the Ishin Shishi throughout Kyoto.

Kondo belongs principally to the Bakumatsu background of the series. As commander of the Shinsengumi, he leads one of the principal forces attempting to suppress the revolutionary factions with which Kenshin is aligned.

His organization participates in major confrontations such as the Ikedaya Incident, and its repeated clashes with Chōshū contribute to the environment in which Kenshin becomes notorious as Hitokiri Battōsai.

The eventual collapse of the shogunate also destroys the political order the Shinsengumi fought to preserve, and Kondo's historical fate becomes part of the passing era remembered by surviving figures such as Saitou.

Souji Okita is the captain of Kondo's First Unit and one of his most talented swordsmen.

Toshizo Hijikata is Kondo's vice-commander and one of the central figures in enforcing Shinsengumi discipline.

Hajime Saitou commands the Third Unit under Kondo.

Kenshin Himura fights on the opposing Ishin Shishi side during the Bakumatsu and consequently stands against the organization Kondo commands.