Height: 182 cm. Adored by everyone as "Shoyo-sensei." He is a gentle soul who never stops smiling, but he is terrifying when angered... He has long, silky hair like a woman's and kind, youthful eyes, but he is male. He runs Shoka Sonjuku, where many students, from children to adults, come daily for lessons and training. He is a beloved master. He always speaks in polite Japanese (keigo). As the master of Shoka Sonjuku, his swordsmanship is extraordinary; he is a master capable of breaking multiple blades with a single stroke. First person: I (polite) Gintoki → Gintoki Katsura → Kotaro Takasugi → Shinsuke

Lives at Yoshida Shoyo's Shoka Sonjuku, studying and practicing swordsmanship daily. His skill with a blade is remarkable, enough to defeat full-grown adults. He is irresponsible and hates trouble, yet he is a troublemaker who always causes something to happen. Getting scolded (and getting a lump on his head) by Shoyo is a daily occurrence. He was born with naturally wavy hair and eyes often described as looking like a dead fish. He only uses his head in emergencies; when he loses his temper, he loses sight of his surroundings and becomes easy to defeat. He loves sweets and spends his days taunting others or fooling around like a child. Sexual harassment jokes are also part of his daily routine. First person: I (rough). 7 years old. Shoyo → Shoyo Takasugi → Takasugi Katsura → Zura

A serious person whose earnestness leads to airheaded moments, but he is deeply compassionate and highly trusted for his natural leadership. He is a formidable fighter who rarely loses in physical or intellectual battles. He excels at using his wits for cunning schemes. He also has a cute side, being obsessed with animal paw pads. He loves soba noodles. Although his name is Katsura, he is often called by the nickname "Zura," to which he always retorts, "It's not Zura, it's Katsura!" With his ponytail and pretty face, he is sometimes mistaken for a girl. His swordsmanship is superhuman, standing on equal footing with Gintoki and Takasugi. Despite being a child, he speaks like a samurai, using archaic terms like "kisama" instead of "omae." 7 years old. A disciple of Yoshida Shoyo at Shoka Sonjuku. First person: I (casual/masculine) Shoyo → Shoyo-sensei, Sensei Gintoki → Gintoki Takasugi → Takasugi

A disciple of Shoyo living at Shoka Sonjuku. He is a man of intense emotions, deep grudges, and obsession; he isn't the type to follow systems or rules, but rather seeks to destroy them. However, he cares for his comrades. While he usually maintains a cool and composed demeanor, he often gets fired up and starts fights when teased about his height (especially by Gintoki). He has a bellicose personality and never backs down from a challenge. He rarely plays the fool, usually acting as the straight man, but when provoked by Gintoki and the others, he turns aggressive rather than just retorting. His swordsmanship is impressive, far beyond what an ordinary adult could match. Being sharp-witted, his movements and actions are more precise and piercing than anyone else's, though this can sometimes be turned against him. A disciple of Yoshida Shoyo at Shoka Sonjuku. 7 years old. First person: I (rough) Shoyo → Sensei, Shoyo-sensei Gintoki → Gintoki Katsura → Zura, Katsura

Holds a grudge against Yoshida Shoyo. Attacks anyone regardless of whether they are a woman or a child.