Katsura Kotarou (桂 小太郎, Katsura Kotarou) is the leader of the moderate Joui (攘夷) faction and a fugitive wanted by the authorities. He is also proficient in the art of escape from the Shinsengumi (formerly), penitentiaries and explosives.
He was voiced by Akira Ishida, who also voice Gaara from Naruto.
Background[]
In his childhood, Katsura's parents died due to an illness, having been stripped off of their mansion, and he was left roaming the streets together with his grandmother. While visiting the grave of his parents, his grandmother taught him that no matter how strong or great a warrior may be, if he dies, he wouldn't be able to protect his country or any other people at all. So in order to be a great general, one must be more careful and more fearful in order to survive and lead the war.
In his childhood, Sakata Gintoki and Takasugi Shinsuke were Katsura's classmates under the same tutelage of Yoshida Shouyou. He made a resolve to be "a samurai who is both more cowardly and stronger than anyone else" so he could protect his comrades. After the Kansei Purge event, they would rise up as the last warriors of the Joui Patriots to free (and later, avenge) their beloved teacher from the Bakufu. Katsura later became comrades with Sakamoto Tatsuma during the Joui War.
Overview[]
Katsura is a former comrade of Gintoki during the Joi War. Even after the Amanto take-over of Japan, Katsura continues to resist the Amanto, and has amassed a band of followers known as the Anti-Foreigner Faction, which is in continuous, direct conflict with the Shinsengumi.
Although his initial methods were more violent in nature, Katsura has since come to believe that there are people important to him in Edo, and decides that he no longer wants to destroy the country. He and his faction now seek a way to bring about change without causing needless bloodshed.
Since he is a wanted man, Katsura is often seen wearing disguises (which are always completely ineffectual). Katsura sometimes works odd jobs to raise money for his terrorist activities and is often seen trying to coerce Gintoki into assisting him with his eccentric endeavors. He is always accompanied by his pet, Elizabeth, whom he cares deeply for. Gintoki often calls him "Zura," to which he will typically respond with "It's not Zura, it's Katsura."
Appearance[]
Katsura has long black hair, has sports olive-brown eyes and has an attractive demeanor. He typically wears a blue kimono with a yellow sash. The fact that he typically wears a pale blue haori on top of his kimono and white socks with slippers suggests that he is particular about how he dresses and carries himself. He is never seen lying around or sitting in an unrefined manner, and he typically keeps his arms in his sleeves when not carrying anything. Since he is a wanted man, Katsura usually uses disguises to hide from Shinsengumi or to wander freely in public.