Summary
Sagara Sōzō (1839–1868) was the actual captain and leader of the Sekihōtai's First Troop. Sanosuke revered him as the ideal role model. He was executed during the Meiji government's purge of the Sekihōtai, an event that caused Sanosuke to become deeply embittered toward the regime. After his death, his head was displayed in a cage on a platform for public viewing, a haunting image that still affects Sano today. Following this tragedy, Sano adopted the name Sagara Sanosuke in honor of his former captain.
