He sees his own past as a former "Thorny" reflected in Tetsunosuke and risks his life to protect him.

Captain of the Shinsengumi's First Division. He engages in a fierce sword fight with Nobume Imai of the Mimawarigumi, showing off his usual sadistic streak and high combat ability by bringing down entire buildings on his opponent.

Commander of the Shinsengumi. He warmly welcomes Tetsunosuke and, to show the "pride of the muddy water (thornies)" against the Mimawarigumi's provocations, leads the organization into an all-out war.

A failure from the prestigious Sasaki family who is sent to the Shinsengumi as a page. Though he acts like a flashy playboy, he actually harbors a deep inferiority complex.

Commander of the Mimawarigumi and Tetsunosuke's older half-brother. He has high pride in his noble lineage and is cold-blooded. He is severely addicted to texting and never lets go of his phone even during combat. He plots to use Tetsunosuke as a political pawn to be discarded.

Vice-commander of the Mimawarigumi and Isaburo's loyal subordinate. She loves donuts. Formerly a legendary assassin (a key setting for later stories), she fights a life-or-death battle on equal terms with Okita.

Hijikata catches him in a compromising position and forces him to keep an eye on Tetsunosuke. In the climax, to save Tetsunosuke, he raids the enemy camp posing as the once-feared Joui patriot "Shiroyasha."

Gets caught up in the incident along with Gintoki. He provides support as part of Yorozuya during Tetsunosuke's "rehabilitation" and the battle against the Check It Out Gang.

The heroine (or gross-out queen) of Yorozuya. Early on, she engages in a fierce rap battle with Tetsunosuke. In the final all-out war, she ruthlessly mows down the Check It Out Gang with her Yato strength and umbrella gunfire. This is also her first meeting with Nobume Imai, who later becomes her close friend.

Toshiro Hijikata's older half-brother (deceased). A benefactor who protected the young Toshiro when he was a "Thorny," sacrificing his own eyes to do so. The only person Toshiro truly opened his heart to and continued to admire.