Kusaka, Touma
Summary
Kusaka distinguishes himself from his clan by adhering to the Open the Country movement, which advocates for peace, international trade, and Japan standing on equal footing with foreign nations. During an attempt to prevent other Choushou clan members from burning down the British Embassy, he is confronted by a Bakufu samurai who assists him and his comrade, Aizawa, in evading the authorities. Years later, he reunites with the samurai and begins developing romantic feelings for Akizuki, who is teaching him English. Possessing a gentle demeanor similar to Akizuki’s, Kusaka is perhaps even more optimistic; while Akizuki longs for a different era where people would tolerate them, Kusaka believes that everything will change if they simply wait patiently.
