Matsui Tsune

Matsui Tsune is Kondo Isami’s wife. Though she is mentioned a few times in the series, she makes her first speaking appearance in Volume 14.

Story
Tsune is the eldest daughter of Matsui Yasogoro, a retainer to the Shimizu Clan, one of the three branches of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Though considered a dutiful wife, Tsune is infamous for her rough appearance.

At 24, Tsune was considered quite old for marriage, but nevertheless, it was arranged that she and Kondo (who was then known as Shimazaki Katta) would wed so as to produce a legitimate heir. Though Hijikata Toshizo is horrified at Kondo’s “ugly” choice in a wife, Kondo insists that she doesn’t need to be beautiful, only smart and faithful, which Tsune is.

She now serves as a secretary for the Hitotsubashi House, residing in Edo.