Kahei Tanaka

Kahei is extraordinarily patient, polite and compassionate. Even while being treated as a dangerous murderer, he responds to his interrogators with kindness rather than hostility.

His ability to listen sympathetically completely reverses the intended dynamic of the interrogation. When Sagaru Yamazaki begins discussing his own professional frustrations, Kahei gives him sincere encouragement instead of being intimidated.

He also tolerates physical and psychological abuse with a disturbing smile, which convinces the Shinsengumi that their supposed prisoner is an extreme masochist rather than an innocent man.

Kahei has no supernatural powers or formal combat abilities established in the series.

He demonstrates remarkable tolerance for discomfort during the Shinsengumi's interrogation, although this is primarily used for comedy.

His most effective "ability" is emotional composure. Attempts to intimidate him repeatedly fail because he answers hostility with reassurance, politeness and thoughtful advice.

The Shinsengumi receive what they believe is a dangerous terrorist associated with an extremist Joui faction. Isao Kondou, Toushirou Hijikata, Sougo Okita and Yamazaki are tasked with extracting information about a planned attack.

Each officer attempts a different variation of the "carrot and stick" interrogation method. Kahei responds so calmly that the interrogators repeatedly lose control of the exchange.

Yamazaki's interrogation turns into a discussion of his frustrations, while Kondou, Hijikata and Okita's increasingly elaborate strategies fare no better.

The Shinsengumi eventually learn that their prisoner is not the terrorist at all. He is Kahei Tanaka, a civilian who was injured while catching a shoplifter and happened to be at the magistrate's office when officials confused him with the similarly named suspect.

Sagaru Yamazaki attempts to interrogate Kahei but ends up receiving encouragement and advice from him.

Isao Kondou participates in the interrogation and tries his own methods of obtaining a confession.

Toushirou Hijikata becomes increasingly frustrated as every interrogation strategy fails.

Sougo Okita attempts to exploit Kahei's apparent masochism through a coordinated strategy with Hijikata.