Tatsugoro Terada

Tatsugoro is principled, courageous and deeply committed to protecting ordinary people. His position as a policeman puts him at odds with the vigilante Jirochou Doromizu, yet both men ultimately recognize that their motivations are fundamentally the same.

He inspires loyalty without relying on fear. People in Kabuki District remember him as a local hero, and his ability to be both strong and compassionate leaves an influence that survives long after his active years.

Tatsugoro is also willing to place other people's lives ahead of his own. This selflessness defines both his relationship with Jirochou and the promises that continue shaping Kabuki District.

Tatsugoro is a highly skilled fighter who uses a jutte and also carries a katana. He is strong enough to defeat Jirochou in their younger days, a significant accomplishment given Jirochou's later reputation as one of Kabuki District's most formidable warriors.

His experience as a policeman gives him disciplined close-range combat ability, while his later participation in the Joui War demonstrates that his skills translate to full-scale warfare.

No supernatural abilities are established for Tatsugoro. His strength comes from martial skill, determination and extensive combat experience.

Tatsugoro belongs primarily to the history behind present-day Kabuki District. As a policeman, he repeatedly clashes with Jirochou, who operates as a vigilante. Their rivalry develops into friendship when they recognize their shared commitment to protecting the town.

Both men fall in love with Otose, but Jirochou steps aside because he wants her to be happy, and Tatsugoro marries her. The two men later participate in the Joui War.

Tatsugoro is killed during the war after taking a bullet intended for Jirochou. Before dying, he entrusts Otose and Kabuki District to his friend. Jirochou spends decades attempting to honor that promise, while Gintoki later makes a similar pledge at Tatsugoro's grave.

Otose is Tatsugoro's wife. Their relationship grows out of the friendship between Tatsugoro, Jirochou Doromizu and Otose, with Jirochou ultimately stepping away from the romantic rivalry.

Jirochou Doromizu begins as Tatsugoro's rival and becomes his closest friend. Tatsugoro sacrifices himself to protect Jirochou during the Joui War and entrusts both Otose and Kabuki District to him. That promise dominates Jirochou's life for decades.

Oiwa also has romantic feelings for Tatsugoro, but those feelings are not reciprocated in the same way; Tatsugoro ultimately marries Otose.

Sakata Gintoki never develops an ordinary living relationship with Tatsugoro, but his grave becomes important to Gintoki's bond with Otose. After eating the food Otose leaves as an offering, Gintoki promises Tatsugoro that he will protect her, effectively inheriting part of Tatsugoro's role in Kabuki District.