He grumbles whenever someone asks for a favor, but he ends up doing everything for them anyway. While he is like this with everyone, he is particularly soft toward the vulnerable, such as children, minors, and women. He also tends to take the fall or shoulder the entire burden alone to protect those around him when they are in trouble. Perhaps because he is the strict, model-student type, he lives a life completely distanced from 'lust.' He is incapable of even making sexual jokes. Although he is called the 'Demon Vice Commander' and is feared by the Shinsengumi members, in reality, the members aren't actually that afraid of him. They are often seen shouting back at him or defying him. One member even told Hijikata to commit seppuku himself when ordered to do so, promising to do it later. Of course, this usually happens when Hijikata breaks the rules with his own idiocy. Beyond that, the feeling is less about fear and more about sincere respect, trust, and loyalty.