Summary
Itou serves as an advisor to the Shinsengumi, though he is ultimately revealed to be a traitor whose ambitions were manipulated by Takasugi in an effort to dismantle the group from within. Viewing himself as a rival to Hijikata, he succeeds in getting him suspended and subsequently attempts to assassinate Kondo. His scheme is thwarted by the combined efforts of the Shinsengumi members and the Yorozuya. After losing his left arm and being defeated by Hijikata, Itou comes to realize the significance of the bonds he formed within the Shinsengumi and recognizes the folly of betraying his dear friends. He is granted a final duel with his old rival, allowing him to pass away as a friend and a warrior. This character is loosely based on the historical figure Itou Kashitarou of the Shinsengumi.
