Juusanrou Tani

Tani is pompous, self-important and accustomed to the privileges of his government position. When threatened by Jin-e, he surrounds himself with guards and places considerable faith in the protection afforded by his wealth and political influence.

His confidence weakens sharply when confronted with genuine danger. Jin-e's ability to cut through professional guards reveals how little protection Tani's status provides against a swordsman of that level.

Later material also exposes a morally compromised side to him. Tani uses his political influence to support the criminal activities of his nephew Fudousawa rather than restraining them, showing that his government standing has not translated into principled conduct.

Tani is a survivor of the Bakumatsu and a former Ishin Shishi, implying direct familiarity with the violent period that created the Meiji government. The main story, however, does not establish him as a notable swordsman or give him named combat techniques.

His meaningful power in the Meiji era is political. As an official in the Army Ministry, he possesses money, influence and access to armed protection.

These advantages are ineffective against Jin-e. Tani requires Kenshin and Sanosuke's protection when the assassin comes for him.

Tani becomes one of Jin-e's marked targets during the Kurogasa murders. Police Chief Uramura asks Kenshin to help stop the assassin, leading Kenshin and Sanosuke to Tani's residence.

Numerous bodyguards are assembled there, but Jin-e infiltrates the mansion and demonstrates the frightening effectiveness of his swordsmanship. Kenshin confronts him and prevents Tani from becoming another victim.

Much later, Tani is revealed to be the uncle and political supporter of Fudousawa, the criminal exploiting Sanosuke's home village. After defeating Fudousawa's organization, Sanosuke visits Tani's residence, overcomes the Hiruma brothers serving as guards and physically punishes Tani for enabling his nephew.

Kenshin Himura and Tani were both associated with the Ishin side during the Bakumatsu. Kenshin later protects him from Jin-e despite their very different lives in the Meiji era.

Jin-e Udou targets Tani as part of his campaign of assassinations against former Ishin Shishi holding government positions.

Uramura organizes the effort to protect Tani and brings Kenshin into the case.

Sanosuke Sagara initially helps defend Tani from Jin-e, but later becomes Tani's enemy after discovering his support for Fudousawa.

Fudousawa is Tani's nephew. Tani uses his political position to support and protect his nephew's criminal expansion.