Tatsuya Kondou

""I am Tatsuya Kondou, a former lieutenant in the Imperial Japanese Navy. I am now the Commander of the Imperial Guardians, and I accept your challenge.""

- Tatsuya Kondou to Carrera.

Tatsuya Kondou (近藤達也), also known as First Lieutenant Kondou (中尉), was the head of the Imperial Intelligence Bureau and the most powerful warrior in the Eastern Empire. After being saved by Emperor Rudra when he was suddenly transported to the Central World, he pledged his loyalty towards the emperor until the day he died.

Appearance
Tatsuya, a Saint blessed with an extraordinary lifespan, appeared perpetually youthful despite having surpassed the age of 90. His ebony hair, neatly trimmed and stylishly short, accentuated his aura of vitality. A palpable intensity emanated from him, as if he held the weight of countless experiences within his being. His eyes, devoid of emotion yet piercingly sharp, seemed to possess an uncanny ability to perceive the deepest truths.

In homage to his past, Tatsuya often adorned himself in the resplendent attire of a former Imperial Japanese Navy uniform—a tangible reminder of his dedicated service to a bygone era.

Personality
He was a cold, calculative pragmatist with a very serious demeanor. He was loyal to no one but the emperor, and would not hesitate to kill for the sake of the empire. That said, he held great pride in his swordsmanship and would respect powerful swordsmen even if they were his enemies.

Background
In a world with low magicules, Tatsuya Kondou led a humble existence as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Guard of Japan. He had served as a pilot in the Japanese Navy, showcasing his courage and commitment to his duty. As a direct disciple of the renowned Gensei Araki, alongside his martial brothers Masahiko Amari and Saburo Minamoto, Kondou had honed his skills in swordsmanship and learned Battlewill and Hazy Lifestream Style sword arts under Gensei's tutelage.

When the Phantoms invaded his world, Kondou fearlessly risked his life to gather crucial intelligence on a pair of these otherworldly invaders who had attacked him. Displaying unwavering loyalty and selflessness, he provided the information to his commanders before embarking on a kamikaze mission to eliminate the threat. His plane crashed, but instead of meeting his demise, he found himself unexpectedly transported to a different world, specifically Rudra's private garden.

In this new world, vibrant with magicules and inhabited by creatures such as dragons and monsters, Kondou's path crossed with Emperor Rudra Nasca. There was an immediate connection between them, a resonance that reminded Kondou of his former liege. Grateful for his survival, Kondou graciously accepted Rudra's friendship, eager to serve his newfound ally.

Emperor Rudra, recognizing Kondou's extraordinary potential, personally tended to his injuries and restored his health. In a show of unwavering trust and friendship, Rudra reinstated Kondou's rank as First Lieutenant and offered him the opportunity to continue his service as a valued member of the Imperial Guardians. Inspired by this bond, Kondo vowed to become even stronger, his powers further augmented by the transference from his previous world. He rapidly surpassed the other members of the Royal Knights, eventually surpassing even the ancient members of Double 0 Numbers and ascended to the esteemed position of Rank 001, assuming leadership of the Imperial Guardians.

Empowered by his newfound status and exceptional abilities, Kondou spearheaded a transformative era for the Empire. He skillfully navigated the treacherous waters of political intrigue, employing a mixture of diplomatic finesse and discreet eliminations to resolve conflicts. Recognizing the need for comprehensive intelligence gathering, he established the Imperial Intelligence Bureau, an expansive network of spies that extended beyond the empire's borders.

Despite the immeasurable power and influence he wielded, Kondou remained grounded and retained the rank of First Lieutenant, symbolizing his unwavering loyalty as the Emperor's lieutenant.

Trivia

 * The name Tatsuya means "accomplished, reach, arrive, attain" (達) (tatsu) and "to be, also" (也) (ya).
 * Tatsuya's surname Kondou means "near, early, akin, tantamount" (近) (kon) and "wisteria" (藤) (tou/dou).
 * Although it should be noted that the Japan he came from isn't the same as Rimuru's former Japan, it's in another universe that just so happens to have a very similar Japan. The implication is that Velgrynd is inadvertently responsible.