Of course, Nagakura's statement that Yamanami, who had attained 'menkyo-kaiden' in the Hokushin Itto-ryu, and Todo, who was almost at the mokuroku level, were like children seems extreme, but may imply how superb and outstanding Okita's skill with the sword was.
勿論、北辰一刀流免許皆伝の山南や目録の藤堂を子供扱いというのはさすがに永倉の言い過ぎであろうが、それだけ彼の剣技が凄まじかったということなのだろう。