Toshimichi Ookubo

Ookubo is restrained, pragmatic and burdened by the responsibilities of governing a country still emerging from civil conflict. He does not romanticize the Meiji state and openly acknowledges that the new government contains corruption and weakness.

His request to Kenshin is therefore presented as a measure of necessity rather than political convenience. Ookubo understands both the danger Shishio poses and the moral cost of asking Kenshin to return to the violent world he abandoned.

He also commands respect through personal austerity and seriousness. Even Sanosuke Sagara, who deeply distrusts the Meiji government because of his experience with the Sekihoutai, is confronted with a government leader more complicated than the corrupt officials he despises.

Ookubo's power is political rather than martial. As Home Minister, he occupies one of the highest positions in the Meiji government and commands access to police, intelligence and other state resources.

His administration has gathered detailed information concerning Shishio's activities. This intelligence reveals that the former government assassin is gathering followers and preparing a movement that could destabilize the country.

Ookubo also employs capable agents. Toshiyoshi Kawaji accompanies him, while Hajime Saitou operates as a government agent investigating the threat.

Ookubo arrives at the Kamiya Dojo after Kenshin and Saitou's confrontation and explains the real reason Saitou has returned. Shishio, the assassin who succeeded Kenshin during the Bakumatsu, has survived and is organizing an anti-government force in Kyoto.

Ookubo asks Kenshin to travel to Kyoto and stop him. Kenshin is reluctant to become a tool of the government again, so Ookubo allows him time to consider the request rather than demanding an immediate answer.

[Before Kenshin can deliver his decision, Ookubo is assassinated by Soujirou Seta on Shishio's orders. Historical samurai from Ishikawa later claim responsibility, paralleling the real-world assassination of Ōkubo on May 14, 1878. His murder convinces Kenshin that Shishio's threat can no longer be ignored.](#spoiler)

Kenshin Himura is the former imperial assassin whom Ookubo asks to confront Shishio. Ookubo respects Kenshin enough to explain the situation directly and give him time to choose.

Makoto Shishio represents the gravest threat facing Ookubo's government. Shishio orders Ookubo's assassination before the government can organize an effective response against him.

Hajime Saitou works as a government agent involved in investigating Shishio and evaluating Kenshin's present fighting ability.

Toshiyoshi Kawaji is the senior police official who accompanies Ookubo to the Kamiya Dojo.

Soujirou Seta carries out Shishio's order to assassinate Ookubo while the minister is traveling to meet Kenshin.

Sanosuke Sagara distrusts Ookubo because of his hatred toward the Meiji establishment, though Ookubo's conduct complicates Sanosuke's blanket view of government officials.