Touma Kuraba

Kuraba initially presents himself as polite, successful and dependable. These qualities make him appear capable of providing Mitsuba Okita with a secure life removed from the danger surrounding the Shinsengumi.

He is composed enough to maintain this respectable public image while handling business interests that require discretion. His calm manner therefore becomes important to how long he avoids attracting open suspicion.

Kuraba's respectable persona conceals a ruthless willingness to profit from illegal weapons trafficking. Once exposed, he is prepared to use violence to protect the operation.

Kuraba is not established as an elite fighter. His principal strengths come from wealth, commercial connections and access to armed subordinates.

As a merchant, he possesses the resources necessary to move goods and conduct business on a substantial scale. Those commercial networks are also used to conceal illegal weapons trafficking.

When confronted, Kuraba relies more on organization and manpower than exceptional personal combat ability. This leaves him badly outmatched once experienced Shinsengumi fighters directly attack his operation.

Kuraba is introduced as Mitsuba's fiancé when she visits Edo. Sougo Okita initially wants his sister to have a peaceful marriage, even though his protective instincts make him wary of the man she intends to marry.

Hijikata investigates suspicious activity connected to Kuraba rather than immediately telling Sougo what he suspects. This creates tension because Sougo interprets Hijikata's behavior through their complicated shared history with Mitsuba.

Kuraba is revealed to be involved in illegal weapons trafficking. The Shinsengumi attack his operation, and Sougo confronts the criminal organization while Mitsuba's illness simultaneously worsens.

The storyline uses Kuraba less as a long-term antagonist than as the catalyst forcing Sougo and Hijikata to confront feelings they normally avoid discussing.

Mitsuba Okita is Kuraba's fiancée. Their engagement is undermined when Kuraba's criminal activities are exposed before they can build the peaceful married life Mitsuba hoped for.

Sougo Okita is Mitsuba's younger brother and initially tries to evaluate Kuraba as the man who may marry his sister. Sougo turns against him completely after learning about the weapons operation.

Toushirou Hijikata investigates Kuraba's activities. His involvement becomes particularly sensitive because of his own history with Mitsuba Okita.

Isao Kondou and the Shinsengumi become involved once Kuraba's illegal activities fall within their jurisdiction.