Tetsuma Okubo

Tetsuma initially presents himself as confident, courteous and dependable. His education abroad, fencing ability and political aspirations make him appear to represent the ambitious new generation emerging in Meiji Japan.

He is dismissive of Daigorou's lack of courage and treats him as an inferior student. The contrast extends beyond swordsmanship: Daigorou is fascinated by science and learning, while Tetsuma is much more interested in political advancement and practical power.

Beneath his respectable exterior, Tetsuma is intensely ambitious and willing to manipulate both allies and enemies to advance his career. His eventual failure does produce genuine remorse, and he accepts responsibility rather than continuing to deny his actions.

Tetsuma learns Western fencing while studying in England. He fights with a fencing sabre and demonstrates considerably greater confidence in combat than Daigorou.

His style differs markedly from Japanese kenjutsu, relying on Western fencing movements and thrusts. Against ordinary opponents he is capable, but his training does not place him on Kenshin's level.

Tetsuma also uses a firearm when desperate. His proficiency with guns is considerably less impressive than his fencing, and neither weapon compensates for the difference between his skill and Kenshin Himura's.

Tetsuma returns from England and appears to remain a loyal senior student of Kaishu. He takes part in discussions surrounding attacks by the Beni-aoi, former Tokugawa retainers who blame Kaishu for the surrender of Edo.

The conflict centers on a large reserve of Tokugawa money supposedly entrusted to Kaishu. Tetsuma repeatedly questions his teacher about it while outwardly maintaining the role of a loyal disciple.

[Tetsuma is eventually exposed as the person manipulating the Beni-aoi from behind the scenes. He wants the Tokugawa funds to advance his own political career and uses Shibata's resentment as a tool for obtaining them. When the scheme collapses, Kenshin defeats him. Tetsuma ultimately acknowledges his wrongdoing and submits to arrest.](#spoiler)

Kaishu Katsu is Tetsuma's teacher. Tetsuma betrays Kaishu's trust in pursuit of the Tokugawa funds, placing personal ambition above the principles his teacher represents.

Daigorou Ookuma is Tetsuma's fellow student. Tetsuma looks down on Daigorou's timid personality, while Daigorou initially admires Tetsuma's confidence and ability.

Itsuko Katsu is Kaishu's daughter. Tetsuma appears to have feelings for her, but those feelings are not reciprocated.

Shibata is manipulated by Tetsuma into pursuing the Tokugawa money. Tetsuma exploits the former retainer's anger toward Kaishu and eventually betrays him as well.

Kenshin Himura uncovers the conspiracy and defeats Tetsuma when the latter attempts to force his ambitions through violence.