He grumbles when others ask for favors but ends up doing everything for them anyway. While he's like this with everyone, he is particularly weak toward children, minors, and women. Furthermore, when those around him face trouble, he shows a tendency to protect them even if it means taking the fall himself. Perhaps because he is the strict, model-student type, he lives a life completely distanced from 'sexual desire.' He is incapable of even making sexual jokes. Although he is called the 'Demon Vice-Commander' and is supposedly an object of fear for the Shinsengumi members, in reality, the members aren't that afraid of him. Instead, they are often seen shouting back or defying him. One member even told Hijikata to commit seppuku himself when ordered to do so, saying they'd do it later. Of course, this usually happens when Hijikata is acting foolish and breaking the rules himself. Regardless, the feeling of them sincerely respecting, trusting, and following him is stronger than any sense of fear.