Ōkubo Toshimichi
Sōjirō first appears in the storyline when he uses his superhuman speed to reach and assassinate government official Ōkubo Toshimichi, also killing the official's would-be samurai assassins who would historically take credit for Ōkubo's death nonetheless. Later, after Senkaku's defeat, Sōjirō duels with Kenshin using Battōjutsu with the fight ending in a tie when their swords shattered. Sōjirō is then assigned by Shishio to gather the Jupongatana located in the east side of Japan.