Jinei Udoh

Jinei is bloodthirsty, cruel and obsessed with combat against powerful opponents. Years of killing have left him uninterested in ordinary political motivations. He accepts assassination work, but the opportunity to experience a dangerous fight matters more to him than ideology or payment.

He is particularly fascinated by Kenshin's attempt to reject his identity as Battōsai. Jinei sees Kenshin's pacifism as a denial of the killer he believes still exists underneath and deliberately attacks Kenshin emotionally as well as physically.

Despite his brutality, Jinei possesses a warped warrior's pride. He understands when he has been decisively beaten and refuses to become a convenient source of information for others.

Jinei is a highly experienced swordsman who survived the violence of the Bakumatsu. He practices Nikaidō Heihō, a sword style that includes psychological techniques based upon projecting murderous intent.

Shin no Ippo allows Jinei to overwhelm a target's mind through his gaze and fighting spirit, restricting or completely paralyzing movement. Its effectiveness depends partly upon the target's mental resistance.

Jinei can also use an advanced application on himself, increasing his physical capabilities by effectively hypnotizing his own body. His swordsmanship, speed and experience make him dangerous even without the technique.

Jinei begins assassinating former Imperialists serving in the Meiji government, attracting the attention of Kenshin. When he recognizes Kenshin as Battōsai, his objective shifts from completing an ordinary assassination to provoking Kenshin into a lethal duel.

He targets Kaoru Kamiya specifically to break Kenshin's restraint. Jinei uses Shin no Ippo on Kaoru in a manner that gradually prevents her from breathing, telling Kenshin that only the return of his murderous Battōsai mentality can defeat him.

Kenshin overwhelms Jinei after reverting dangerously close to his former assassin mentality, but Kaoru stops Kenshin from killing him. Rather than allow himself to be interrogated about the people behind his assassinations, Jinei takes his own life.

Kenshin Himura is Jinei's chosen opponent. Jinei becomes obsessed with proving that the Hitokiri Battōsai still exists beneath Kenshin's vow against killing.

Kaoru Kamiya is abducted and targeted by Jinei as a means of forcing Kenshin back into his old mentality.

Aritomo Yamagata is among the Meiji officials connected to the government's response to the assassinations carried out under the Kurogasa name.