Summary
Keisuke Yamanami serves as one of the two vice-commanders of the Shinsengumi and is a master of the Hokushin-itto-ryuu swordsmanship style. Often addressed as "Sannan," an alternative reading of the Kanji in his name, by both Hijikata and Kondou, he is widely respected by his comrades despite frequently clashing with Hijikata’s authoritarian leadership style. Unlike the volatile Hijikata, Yamanami is characterized by his compassion and thoughtfulness. He habitually carries an abacus, which he uses to soothe his temper during moments of intense anger. Yamanami harbors a particular soft spot for children, showing special affection for Tetsunosuke. In return, Tetsu openly declares his preference to serve as the page for Yamanami or Kondou rather than Hijikata. Both Yamanami and Hijikata share a strong opposition to allowing Tetsu to handle swords. This stance likely stems from Yamanami’s trauma regarding his involvement in the assassination of the former Shinsengumi Commander, Serizawa Kamo. Following that incident, he became hesitant to draw his blade, later confessing to Tetsunosuke’s brother, Tatsunosuke, that "ever since the former commander passed on, bloodshed lost its appeal." In his personal life, Yamanami is in love with Akesato, a courtesan from Shimabara. He sustains their relationship by visiting her as a customer, and according to Todo Heisuke, Akesato reserves her services exclusively for him.
