Hijikata is a strict disciplinarian to his troops in the Shinsengumi, hence his nickname the "Demon Vice-Commander". He takes the Shinsengumi's welfare to be his personal responsibility and runs himself ragged with trying to keep the organization going single-handedly. Though Hijikata tends to be a worrywart, he is, in truth, a caring person who values his friends above all else. He is willing to go to great lengths in order to protect those he cares about.