Hakuōki

Hakuōki
薄桜鬼 〜新選組奇譚〜
(Hakuōki Shinsengumi Kitan)
Genre Samurai, Otome, Harem, Historical fantasy, Tragedy
Anime television series
Directed by Osamu Yamasaki
Produced by Asuka Yamazaki, Kazuhiko Hasegawa, Mitsutoshi Ogura
Music by Kow Otani
Studio Studio Deen
Licensed by
Hanabee
Network TV Kanagawa, Chiba TV, TV Saitama, KBS Kyoto, Sun TV, AT-X, Tokyo MX TV, TV Aichi, Anime Network
Original run April 4, 2010 June 20, 2010
Episodes 12
Anime television series
Hakuōki Hekketsuroku
Directed by Osamu Yamasaki
Produced by Asuka Yamazaki, Kazuhiko Hasegawa, Mitsutoshi Ogura
Music by Kow Otani
Studio Studio Deen
Licensed by
Hanabee
Network TV Kanagawa, Chiba TV, TV Saitama, KBS Kyoto, Sun TV, AT-X, Tokyo MX TV, TV Aichi, Anime Network
Original run October 10, 2010 December 12, 2010
Episodes 10
Original video animation
Hakuōki Sekkaroku
Directed by Osamu Yamasaki
Produced by Asuka Yamazaki, Kazuhiko Hasegawa, Mitsutoshi Ogura
Music by Kow Otani
Studio Studio Deen
Licensed by
Hanabee
Released August 5, 2011 – July 27, 2012
Episodes 6
Anime television series
Hakuōki Reimeiroku
Directed by Osamu Yamasaki
Produced by Asuka Yamazaki, Mitsutoshi Ogura, Suguru Iwasaki,Hohei Hayashi
Music by Kow Otani
Studio Studio Deen
Licensed by
Hanabee
Network Yomiuri TV, AT-X, Tokyo MX TV, TV Kanagawa, TV Aichi, BS11, ANIPLUS
Original run July 9, 2012 September 24, 2012
Episodes 12
Anime film
Hakuōki Dai-isshō Kyoto Ranbu
Directed by Osamu Yamasaki
Studio Studio Deen
Licensed by
Released August 24, 2013 (2013-08-24)
Runtime 96 minutes
Anime film
Hakuōki Dai-nishō Shikon Sōkyū
Directed by Osamu Yamasaki
Studio Studio Deen
Licensed by
Released March 8, 2014 (2014-03-08)
Runtime 95 minutes
Anime television series
Hakuōki Otogisōshi
Studio DLE Inc.
Network Tokyo MX, MTV, SUN
Original run April 5, 2016 – present

Hakuōki (薄桜鬼 〜新選組奇譚〜 Hakuōki ~Shinsengumi Kitan~, Demon of the Fleeting Blossom: The Mysterious Tale of the Shinsengumi) is a video game series by Idea Factory, first designed for the PlayStation 2 and then later ported to PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3DS. It has been adapted into two 12/10-episode anime series animated by Studio Deen; the first began airing in Japan on the TV Kanagawa and UHF stations on April 4, 2010. The second season began airing on October 10, 2010 and ended on December 12, 2010. The series has also been adapted as two different manga series. A third series based on the prequel, Hakuōki Reimeiroku aired in summer of 2012.

Two new films are scheduled for 2013–2014. Film 1 was released in August 2013 and is released on DVDs February 2014. The film is supposed to be a retelling of both seasons in greater detail and with a slightly different ending. The second film was released on March 8, 2014. The anime television series and films have been licensed by Sentai Filmworks in North America.[1][2][3]

Plot

Chizuru Yukimura heads to Kyoto to search for her father, finding herself attacked by mad men before they are cut down by members of the Shinsengumi who take her into custody for interrogation. Upon learning that she is a girl and the daughter of a doctor who developed the Water of Life elixir that turns those that drink it into invincible blood lusting berserkers called Rasetsu (羅刹, "Furies" in English dub), the Shinsengumi decide to keep her as an aide in their search. In time, as the Shinsengumi aid the shogunate in the Bakufu, Chizuru begins to develop a bond with the Shinsengumi and its aloof member Toshizo Hijikata. However, as time passes, Chizuru and Shinsengumi confront a mysterious faction who call themselves Oni (Devils) and that Chizuru is also an Oni with father revealed to be experimenting on the Water of Life to create the Rasetsu to wipe out the human race.

Characters

Chizuru Yukimura (雪村 千鶴 Yukimura Chizuru)
Voiced by: Houko Kuwashima (Japanese); Brittney Karbowski (English)
Chizuru is the main protagonist of the series. She comes to Kyoto in search of her missing father, Kodo Yukimura (雪村 綱道 Yukimura Kōdō), a practitioner of Western medicine. Unknown to Chizuru, her father under orders from the Shogunate develops the Water of Life (復ち水 Ochimizu), an elixir that increases the drinker's healing abilities, speed, and strength yet could turn the drinker into a mindless killing monster called a Rasetsu. At the beginning of the series, she is seen being chased by two men, who were suddenly attacked by two Rasetsu. She witnesses Hajime Saito kill off the Rasetsu and is then taken to the Shinsengumi headquarters by Toshizo Hijikata, where they allow her to stay, because they too were in search of her father. Eventually, she falls in love with Hijikata Toshizo.
Chizuru has a secret unknown to herself: she is in fact a pureblood member of the Oni Ichizoku (the Demon Clan), and the head of the Oni of the East is of Yukimura descent. Because Oni have scattered and declined in numbers over the centuries, Chikage Kazama seeks her out to create a lineage of pure-blooded Oni. She is the wielder of a short sword which is a mate to with Kaoru's katana. They are part of the Yukimura Family's heirloom.
Toshizo Hijikata (土方 歳三 Hijikata Toshizō)
Voiced by: Shinichiro Miki (Japanese); Andrew Love (English)
Hijikata is the Vice-commander of the Shinsengumi and makes most of the Shinsengumi's decisions. He is called Oni-fukuchou (Demon Vice-commander) and is both feared and respected by his men. He is also often referred to as "Toshi" by Kondo. Hijikata is the one who brought Chizuru back to the Shinsengumi headquarters the night she witnessed a Rasetsu on the loose that attacked two men chasing her. He is responsible for her welfare, and even though he acts as if this were to his dismay, he cares for Chizuru's safety, and is often shown protecting her during battles. Hijikata drinks the Water of Life and becomes a Rasetsu in order to defeat Chikage, fueled by rage after seeing fellow Shinsengumi warrior Genzaburo Inoue dead. Even though Inoue had been killed by Satchō warriors (Satsuma-Chōshū alliance), Hijikata takes it out on Chikage, starting a duel as Chikage goads him. At the end of Season 2 he acknowledge his love for Chizuru. At the end of the anime series he either dies from a combination of the Water of Life and wounds that he attained through a battle with Chikage Kazama, or he lives (as suggested by the fact that his body didn't disappear). His ending is ambiguous. But hinted that he's still alive as wiping Chizuru's tear and saying her name while smiling at her. He is based on the historical Hijikata Toshizō.
Souji Okita (沖田 総司 Okita Sōji)
Voiced by: Showtaro Morikubo (Japanese); Blake Shepard (English)
Okita is the First Division Captain and a peerless swordsman. He suffers from tuberculosis, and is later visited by Nagumo Kaoru who gives him a bottle of the Water of Life to cure his tuberculosis. Driven by guilt at being incapacitated by his illness, Okita drinks the elixir. Although he becomes a Rasetsu, the Shinsengumi discover that he does not benefit from accelerated healing when wounded by silver weapons, thus discovering the weakness of Rasetsu. Souji was sent away because his illness got worse, but he later showed up to confront Hijikata about Kondo's death. He was last seen protecting Hijikata from rogue samurais, and turned into ashes after killing all the rogues. He is based on the historical Okita Sōji.
Isami Kondo (近藤 勇 Kondō Isami)
Voiced by: Tōru Ōkawa (Japanese); David Wald (English)
Kondo is the Commander of the Shinsengumi. He is very emotional, but despite this, he has the trust, respect, and loyalty of his men. He is based on the historical Isami Kondō.
Keisuke Yamanami (山南 敬助 Yamanami Keisuke)
Voiced by: Nobuo Tobita (Japanese); David Matranga (English)
Usually called "Sannan-san" (based on an alternate reading of his surname), he is Vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, along with Hijikata. Both a scholar and a ruthless tactician, he is kind and caring, albeit a bit reserved. After an injury which resulted in him being unable to use his left arm and thus wield a katana, he becomes cold and distant; he proceeds to research and improve on the Water of Life in secret in order to overcome its side effects, eventually drinking it and becoming one of the first few Rasetsu with self control, creating the Shinsengumi's Rasetsu Corps. He is based on the historical Yamanami Keisuke.
Shinpachi Nagakura (永倉 新八 Nagakura Shinpachi)
Voiced by: Tomohiro Tsuboi (Japanese); Kalob Martinez (TV), Scott Gibbs (Movies) (English)
Shinpachi is the Second Division captain of the Shinsengumi. He is usually very cheerful, especially when he is with his comrades. Shinpachi is especially close to Harada and together they often pick on Heisuke. He is very skilled with the sword, but he is also a borderline alcoholic and womanizer, as he is seen breaking the curfew one night to be out drinking. He is based on the historical Nagakura Shinpachi.
Sanosuke Harada (原田 左之助 Harada Sanosuke)
Voiced by: Kōji Yusa (Japanese); Illich Guardiola (TV), Phil Hyde (Movies) (English)
Harada is the Tenth Division Captain and prefers the spear to the sword, but he is seen carrying both. In the anime he has a fierce rivalry with Kyō Shiranui, pitting his spear against Shiranui's pistol. He is based on the historical Harada Sanosuke.
Heisuke Todo
Voiced by: Hiroyuki Yoshino (Japanese); Greg Ayres (English)
Heisuke is the Eighth Division captain of the Shinsengumi. He is around the same age as Chizuru and is very protective of her, before he died. He leaves the Shinsengumi, following Itou along with Hajime Saito, but later returns. He too has taken the Water of Life to recover from injuries. He is based on the historical Tōdō Heisuke.
Hajime Saito (斎藤 一 Saitō Hajime)
Voiced by: Kōsuke Toriumi (Japanese); Leraldo Anzaldua (English)
Saito is the leader of the Third Division who is a master of the left hand sword technique and is a skilled swordsman who evens Okita's skills. He is taciturn but also very loyal, polite, and wise. He often analyzes the situation before attacking to figure out which actions are necessary to complete the mission. Saito left the Shinsengumi apparently to join Itou's group, but later it turns out that he was commanded by Hijikata to infiltrate Itou's group for information concerning Itou's plans. In the anime he is seen making a final charge against the enemy as his comrades are all slain. He is based on the historical Saitō Hajime.
Kaoru Nagumo (南雲 薫 Nagumo Kaoru)
Voiced by: Hasumi Itō (Japanese); Shannon Emerick (English)
First seen as a lovely dressed young woman who was saved by Okita from punks. Okita also notices that she resembles Chizuru, though Kaoru is more prettier, he is actually Chizuru's twin brother who was separated from her during childhood. He's made to dress as a woman but is seen as a boy near the end of the first season of the anime. He is one of the strongest Oni. He wants to make Chizuru suffer because when they were separated, he was taken in by the Nagumo family who treated him harshly for not being a girl. He also hated that Chizuru forgot about him and about her even having a twin brother at all. Because of this, he wants her to feel the pain he felt.
Later on, he admits that he truly loves Chizuru and everything he did was to meet her again. In addition, he asks Chizuru to go with him, because he thinks he is the only one who has the power to protect her. She refuses, since she had promised to the Shinsengumi that she would protect Kondo, though the main reason was because she liked Hijikata. Kaoru decides that if things had come to that, his only option would be to kill her. Right after they start fighting, Chizuru is cornered and saved by Chikage, who kills Kaoru.
Kaoru is the wielder of the long sword that with Chizuru's short sword form a set, both of which are the Yukimura clan's heirlooms.
Chikage Kazama (風間 千景 Kazama Chikage)
Voiced by: Kenjirō Tsuda (Japanese); Corey Hartzog (English)
Member of the Bakumatsu, enemies of the Shinsengumi. He is the strongest Oni of the West and is after Chizuru, so that they can mate and create stronger Oni. His reasons for this are unknown, but his attempts to take Chizuru have so far been thwarted by the interference of the Shinsengumi. Despite being arrogant and cynical, he is not entirely cold-blooded as he later saves Chizuru (although this might have been for his own purposes) and even escorted her back to the estate rather than harassing her. Kazama is usually followed by his two demon companions Amagiri and Shiranui, and it is implied by Sen-hime that he is a royal blood, like her. In his Oni form, he grows white horns and his hair fades to match. His eyes also become yellow. But later in the series and OVA he is seen to truly love Chizuru.
Kyuju Amagiri (天霧 九寿 Amagiri Kyūju)
Voiced by: Ryū Yamaguchi (Japanese); Steven Fenley (English)
Kyūju Amagiri is a very strong red-haired Oni, who prefers to fight with his fists instead of a sword. He's usually seen by Kazama Chikage's side, since he works for him. Strangely, Amagiri seems to dislike fighting needlessly and often tells his opponents not to fight him, in a polite manner. He is rather respectful of his enemies, not even taunting them when in battle. He is also a member of the Satsuma Clan.
In the second season of the anime adaptation, Kazama, Amagiri, and Shiranui unite against Kodo and his army of Rasetsu, which he manages to improve and now can fight efforlessly in broad daylight. Moreover, Amagiri reveals to Saito that, since the source of the Rasetsu's power is not of divine origin unlike the power of true Oni, the superhuman strength, reflexes and regenerative abilities of Rasetsu are fueled from life energy. Therefore, Rasetsu are simply using in advance energy that was originally meant to be expended over the decades of an ordinary human life, and their lifespans are shortened every time they use their powers.
Kyo Shiranui (不知火 匡 Shiranui Kyō)
Voiced by: Hiroaki Yoshida (Japanese); Houston Hayes (English)
Kyō Shiranui is a cocky, arrogant Oni who prefers guns to swords. He has long, purple wavy hair which he wears in a ponytail. Initially, he fights alongside Kazama Chikage and Amagiri Kyuuju against the Shinsengumi (and particularly, Harada), in order to abduct Chizuru under Kazama Chikage's orders. Later on, Harada and Shiranui call it a truce and join forces to defeat Kodo's newly created Rasetsu, after his betrayal. Shiranui serves as a rearguard so that the Shinsengumi can escape the battlefield, opening a path for them. Afterwards, he informs Harada that Kodo is willing to start a war only to get blood to feed his Rasetsu army.
Sen-hime (千姫)
Voiced by: Ayano Ishikawa (Japanese); Hilary Haag (English)
She is a pretty young girl around Chizuru's age, with long brown hair. She is the princess of oni and protected by her faithful bodyguard, Kimigiku. Sen is first introduced when she protects a child and is threatened by a group of men. Chizuru jumps in, forgetting that she cannot fight very well, and Saito Hajime steps in, knocking the men out with the blunt side of his blade. She later reveals Chizuru's real heritage, even offering twice for Chizuru to come with her and Kimigiku to be better protected.

Media

Video games

The Hakuōki series of otome visual novels were released for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS by Idea Factory. Two of the games have been published in English by Aksys Games in North America on PlayStation Portable. Rising Star Games renewed partnership with Idea Factory to bring two of their Hakuōki games to PAL territories. The first game is a port of Hakuōki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom with added story content.[4]

Manga

There are two manga adaptations of Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan. The first, entitled Hakuōki Junrenka, is serialized in the shōjo manga magazine Dengeki Comic SYLPH, and is an anthology of the different endings available in the video games. Another adaptation is currently serialized in Comic B's Log Kyun!!.

Anime

The following is a list of episodes of all three seasons of the anime series: Hakuōki, Hakuōki: Hekketsuroku (the second season) anime and Hakuōki: Reimeiroku (the third season and a prequel of the original anime series). The series uses six pieces of theme music, one opening and ending per season. The first season's opening theme was "Izayoi Namida" by Yoshioka Aika and ending was "Kimi no Kioku" by Mao. The second season's opening is "Maikaze" by Yoshioka Aika and its ending theme is "Akane Sora ni Negau" by Mao. For Hakuōki Reimeiroku, the opening theme is "Reimei" (黎鳴-reimei-) by Maon Kurosaki and the ending theme is "Hana no Atosaki" (花のあとさき) by Mao.

List of Episodes

Hakuōki-Shinsengumi-Kitan
# Title Original airdate
1 "Snowflake Capital"
"sekka no miyako" (雪華の都) 
April 4, 2010
Chizuru Yukimura is a young woman who is disguised as a boy, traveled to Kyoto to search for her missing father. One night, however, she gets chased by ronin, and tries to hide. Just as she is about to be found, the ronin is attacked by Rasetsu, or furies. As the furies close in on Chizuru, Shinsengumi members appear and dispatch the furies. At the Shinsengumi headquarters, Chizuru explains who she is and why she is in Kyoto. The Shinsengumi allow her to live at their headquarters, as they are looking for her father as well. 
2 "Seeds of Discord"
"dōran no hibuta" (動乱の火蓋) 
April 11, 2010
Chizuru starts to work her way into the Shinsengumi's society, motivated by the desire to be useful and her concern over the injured Sannan. She gains permission to leave headquarters in the company of the regular patrols, in order to continue the search for her father. Following a lead, she runs headlong into the Shinsengumi's enemies, and in the subsequent fight, the Shinsengumi learn of a Choushuu plot against Kyoto and the Emperor. 
3 "Twilight Blossom"
"yoiyami ni saku hana" (宵闇に咲く華) 
April 18, 2010
The smaller squad of Shinsengumi prepare to apprehend the Choushuu conspirators at Ikedaya. Chizuru is sent with Yamazaki to request reinforcements from the other soldiers surveilling at Shikokuya, but is forced to run the message herself as Yamazaki fights off attackers. Back at Ikedaya, Okita and Heisuke engage with two mysterious and very powerful strangers on the upper floor. The Ikedaya Incident leads to a request for the Shinsengumi to fight on the front lines—the beginning of the Kinmon Incident. 
4 "Those Who Come From the Darkness"
"yami yori kuru mono" (闇より来る者) 
April 25, 2010
A mysterious princess is introduced, speaking of a "storm" arising. Meanwhile, the Shinsengumi have marched to the front lines, and leaped into the battle of their own accord. Cleaning up after an enemy sortie, Saito finds one of the mystery men from Ikedaya (Amagiri Kyuuju) defending Satsuma Clan soldiers; Harada encounters a third powerful stranger (Shiranui Kyou) wielding a Western-style handgun; and Hijikata and Chizuru are confronted by the blonde stranger (Chikage Kazama) as they race to Mt. Tennozan. 
5 "Conflicting Swords"
"sōkoku seshi yaiba" (相克せし刃) 
May 2, 2010
After several months, Chizuru's service to the Shinsegumi has become a regular part of their everyday lives. Itou Kashitarou allies with the corps as an advisor, but not all the soldiers are happy with his presence. The Shinsengumi make plans to move to a larger headquarters. Meanwhile, Sannan, discontented with his ability to contribute, continues research on "that medicine" in a dangerous way. 
6 "The Demon's Lifeline"
"oni no meimyaku" (鬼の命脈) 
May 9, 2010
The Shinsegumi wait to see if Sannan recovers from his violent reaction to "that medicine"—and work to keep Itou from noticing. Chizuru has a moment of truth revealed to her because of the incident. While on patrol, she and the soldiers rescue a young woman who looks almost exactly like Chizuru, who has still been dressing as a boy. Later, as the Shinsengumi take up guard duty for the Shōgun's visit, the three strangers—calling themselves "Oni"—try to kidnap Chizuru. 
7 "Fate of a Fetter"
"shikkoku no unmei" (桎梏の運命) 
May 16, 2010
The Oni are foiled and vanish again. Chizuru makes friends with Sen, who she rescues again from thugs. The Shinsengumi members undergo medical exams—and the doctor giving the physicals is a friend of Chizuru's father. His prescription: Clean the HQ! Chizuru finds out a terrible secret about Okita. Dr. Matsumoto also fills Chizuru in on some more details about the ochimizu ("that medicine") and Rasetsu (the demons). Kazama gets into the headquarters to confront Chizuru again, and is later reproved by Amagiri for his interference with humans. 
8 "Fleeting Dreams"
"asaki yumemishi" (あさきゆめみし) 
May 23, 2010
Chizuru has been depressed thinking about what Kazama said before he was chased off; her friends set up an afternoon with the charming Osen-chan to cheer her up. Hijikata and Shinpachi have a confrontation. The Shinsengumi get bad news from the Bakufu, and during a related assignment, they get an unpleasant and unsettling surprise. With the reward money for the successful assignment, however, they finally get Chizuru dressed up like a girl during a rowdy celebratory night out. Sen-hime gets a report. 
9 "The Trails of Carnage"
"shura no wadachi" (修羅の轍) 
May 30, 2010
Itou seeks to subvert and split the Shinsengumi, especially after he finds out Sannan is still alive. Chizuru is still hides her ability to heal a wound quickly when she is injured by an ochimizu-maddened soldier. Sen-hime and her kunoichi Kimigiku come to collect Chizuru from the Shinsengumi headquarters for her own safety; Sen-hime claims she is from an ancient oni bloodline, and forces Chizuru to admit her own oni status. The Rasetsu Squad are activated when Kazama attempts yet again to kidnap Chizuru from the headquarters. Hijikata fights Kazama to stop him. Kazama disarms Hijikata, but Chizuru jumps in front of him with her sword and saves him. Kazama leaves, and it is now clear that Chizuru is in love with Hijikata. 
10 "Where the Bonds Lead"
"kizuna no yukue" (絆のゆくえ) 
June 6, 2010
The Shinsengumi learn of Itou's plot to assassinate Commander Kondou. The Shinsengumi is dispatched to Itou's compound, in spite of concerns over Heisuke's safety. After Itou is assassinated, Saito and Chizuru confront Heisuke directly, and persuade him to fight alongside them against Itou's men. Meanwhile, Souji, severely weakened by his tuberculosis, is approached by Kaoru, who reveals his true identity and offers him a vial of the "medicine" that would heal him and make him a Rasetsu. Back at Itou's compound, the Shinsengumi forces are surrounded by Itou's men, Shiranui, and Amagiri. Heisuke engages Amagiri in battle, and is brutally attacked. 
11 "Fallen Ones"
"koboreochiru mono" (零れ落ちるもの) 
June 13, 2010
After his brutal defeat, Heisuke drinks Ochimizu and becomes a Rasetsu. An attempted assassination leaves Commander Kondou in critical condition. In order to avenge Kondo, Souji drinks the Ochimizu that Kaoru gave him, also becoming a Rasetsu. Kaoru appears, and reveals that the Ochimizu will not heal his tuberculosis. He also reveals the reason he hates Chizuru. In an ensuing battle, Souji manages to kill Kondo's attackers, but is also heavily wounded by gunfire. With both Souji and Kondo close to death, Hijikata sends them to Osaka Castle to be treated by Doctor Matsumoto. 
12 "On Opposite Sides of Arms"
"kengeki no kanata" (剣戟の彼方) 
June 20, 2010
The conflict between the Shinsengumi and imperialist forces breaks out into the Boshin War. During the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, Inoue is brutally killed in front of Chizuru. Kazama appears and kills Inoue's murderers. Hijikata engages Kazama in battle, believing that he killed Inoue. During the fight, Hijikata drinks Ochimizu and becomes a Rasetsu to better his odds of victory. Yamazaki steps in knowing that Hijikata has no chance of winning and is grievously wounded when trying to stop Hijikata. The fierce battle ends abruptly when Amagiri comes to collect Kazama. In the aftermath, the Shinsengumi bury Inoue before departing by ship for Edo. En route, Yamazaki succumbs to his wounds and is buried at sea. 
Hakuōki Hekketsuroku

Hakuōki: Hekketsuroku (薄桜鬼 〜碧血録〜 Hakuōki ~Hekketsuroku~, Demon of the Fleeting Blossom: The Record of the Jade Blood) is the second season of the previous season, opening with a recap episode of season one that is labeled "episode 00."

# Title Original airdate
0 "Memories In Kyoto"
"Kyōto kaisō-roku" (京都回想録) 
October 3, 2010
A recap of the first season, aired before the actual second season began. 
1 "Like a Flame"
"homura no gotoku" (焔の如く) 
October 10, 2010
The Shinsengumi have established their new headquarters in Edo. Hijikata has been working nonstop since their arrival as the temporary leader of the Shinsengumi in Kondo's absence, causing Chizuru and the squad a great deal of concern. In addition to working all night for several consecutive days, Hijikata is also struggling to control the urges to drink blood caused by his new Rasetsu powers. Kondo returns to the Shinsengumi headquarters and informs the squad that they are being renamed the Kouyou Chinbutai. Acting under the orders of the emperor, they will be attempting to defend Koufu Castle from pro-imperialist factions. The Shinsengumi captains aren’t happy with how the Tokugawa shogunate appears to be yielding to the Imperial faction and Nagakura is very upset and distrusting of Kondou’s daimyo aspirations. 
2 "The Hallway of Setbacks"
"satetsu no kairō" (蹉跌の回廊) 
October 11, 2010
Okita's tuberculosis is getting worse, and Hijikata refuses to let him accompany the rest, telling him to get better first. The troops leave Kondou in Hino, and proceed on. Nagakura shows disagreement with Kondou's actions, and Saito asks Hijikata if he think that they can win the battle. Hijikata replies that in their current state, they cannot match the enemy. Later, Chizuru has a nightmare and follows Saito outside the camp, where he tells her about his past and his opinions. They meet up a messenger, who tells them that the enemy has already entered Koufu Castle. Kondou refuses to let the army retreat, and Hijikata leaves to find more troops. Before he leaves, he makes a "Chiming Metal" oath with Chizuru, making her promise to stay alive and protect Kondou. Meanwhile, Kaoru talks to a mysterious man. The war starts just a few hours after Hijikata leaves, and Kondou agrees to forfeit after seeing the many men he let die in vain. Nagakura and Harada run into the Oni from before, and battle a strange group of Rasetsu. It is revealed that the creator of the Rasetsu is Chizuru's father, Koudou. 
3 "Distant Shadow"
"tooki omokage" (遠き面影) 
October 18, 2010
Shiranui, Harada, and Nagakura fight the Rasetsu, but there are too many of them. Shiranui uses his last bullet to blow up a cart of explosive material, allowing the Shinsengumi to escape. Kondou and Chizuru escape into the forest, but are confronted by Kaoru, who reveals his relationship to Chizuru. Chizuru refuses his offer to leave with him, and draws her sword against him which shocks Kaoru. She is almost killed by Kaoru but Okita interrupts him. He tries to defeat Kaoru, but fails. Kazama appears and kills Kaoru. The Shinsengumi moves into residences at Hatamoto, and Harada takes Chizuru out to eat dango, and they bring some back for Okita. Hijikata comes back to Edo with new troops, and Harada and Nagakura leave the Shinsengumi to fight the Satsuma and Choushuu in their own way. 
4 "Undying Sincerity"
"seishin wa towa ni" (誠心は永遠に) 
October 25, 2010
Saito follows Sannan out at night, but loses him when he sees Amagiri killing a Rasetsu. In return for helping him kill the Rasetsu, Amagiri tells him a shocking secret about the Rasetsu. Saito relays this information to the Shinsengumi, and Hijikata orders Sannan to stop all experimentation on the Rasetsu Unit. They also decide to move to Aizu. Chizuru witnesses Hijikata having a vampiric impulse, but Hijikata refuses to let her give him some of her blood. Later, after the Shinsengumi make camp in Aizu, the enemy decides to attack the headquarters when all of the troops are out for training. Kondou orders Hijikata and the rest to escape while he stays behind. As they escape, they run into enemy soldiers. Despite Chizuru's plea, Hijikata uses his Rasetsu powers and kills them all. Kondou peacefully surrenders to the enemy, and Hijikata angrily laments his choice to leave Kondou behind. He grieves over Kondou, and Chizuru comforts him and says she will never leave him, and will always be by his side. 
5 "Fleeting Dream"
"tamayura no yume" (玉響の夢) 
November 1, 2010
The Shinsengumi join up with the old Bakufu army and head for Aizu. Hijikata desperately petitions to spare Kondou's life, but his pleas fall on deaf ears. Back in Edo, Harada meets up with Shiranui, and decides to repay his debt to him. Ootori Keisuke, the commander-in-chief, introduces himself to Hijikata and asks him to become the adviser for the vanguard. Hijikata has another vampiric impulse, and drinks Chizuru's blood. The Old Bakufu army attack Utsunomiya Castle, and Hijikata faces Kazama once more, transforming into his Rasetsu form. But he is wounded by Kazama's demon-slaying sword and stays behind Nikkou to receive medical treatment. Ootori tells him that his performance as an adviser was a failure, and Hijikata recalls Yamazaki's words before he died. Nagakura comes to visit them before he leaves for Aizu. 
6 "Shining Light of the Dawn"
"kagayakeru gyōkō" (輝ける暁光) 
November 8, 2010
Okita gets angry at Hijikata, who failed to rescue Kondou before he was beheaded. Saito forces Hijikata to stay behind and rest while he takes the front line. The New Government Army attacks the Shougitai, and Harada and Shiranui run into Koudou and a group of Rasetsu coming to seek blood. The two of them manage to kill all of the Rasetsu with silver bullets, but Harada is mortally wounded. Just as Koudou is about to kill Shiranui with a bomb, Harada throws his spear at him, making the bomb backfire on Koudou. Harada and Shiranui are never seen again by the Shinsengumi. Okita overhears some men planning to assassinate Hijikata, and uses his Rasetsu powers to kill them all. Hijikata hears rumor of a white-haired man fighting dozens of men, and he and Chizuru run to the place where Okita is fighting. By the time they reach there, the only thing left is Okita's sword, Okita himself having used up all of his lifespan and disintegrated. 
7 "Blade of the Sun"
"tendō no yaiba" (天道の刃) 
November 15, 2010
Saito leads the Shinsengumi into the Battle in Aizu. He is sent to command Masaki, a young Aizu Clan soldier, and his men. Masaki refuses to obey his orders, believing that Saito is not a warrior since he wears his swords and clothes differently. The Shinsengumi and Masaki's army attack at Shirakawa-guchi, but are forced to retreat. Later, Masaki acknowledges Saito's status as a warrior. Hijikata recovers enough to return to the Shinsengumi. They decide to attack at Bonari Pass, and again they are completely outnumbered. Masaki sacrifices himself so Saito and the Shinsengumi can retreat. The lord of the Aizu orders them to retreat to Sendai to get reinforcements while he stays behind. Saito decides to stay with the Aizu Clan and fly the Shinsengumi's banner. The episode ends with a scene of Saito charging the enemy. 
8 "Scattering Cherry Blossoms"
"chizuru ōka" (散ずる桜花) 
November 22, 2010
Hijikata meets up with an admiral in Sendai, who mentions that murders have been happening frequently outside the castle. He believes that maybe they have a strange unit, which Hijikata and Chizuru suspect to be the Rasetsu Unit. Shortly afterward, Heisuke shows up and reveals that Sannan has most likely joined Koudou, who is still alive. However, Koudou shows up with his Rasetsu unit and kidnaps Chizuru, leaving Heisuke fighting alone in the broad daylight. Koudou attempts to persuade Chizuru to lead the Rasetsu in order to rebuild the Yukimura Clan, but she refuses, saying that human and Oni lives are equal. Just as Heisuke and Hijikata appear, Sannan claims that he indeed was working with Koudou to build an empire that Rasetsu and Oni could live peacefully. But he reveals that he was actually spying on Koudou. Hijikata, Heisuke, and Sannan fight the Rasetsu, and Koudou is killed protecting Chizuru. Heisuke and Sannan crumble to dust after they have used all of their lifespan. The Shinsengumi makes plans to move to Ezo, and Hijikata orders that Chizuru stays behind in Sendai while he goes to fight. 
9 "The Blooming Hepatica"
"yukiwarisō no hanasakite" (雪割草の花咲きて) 
November 29, 2010
Hijikata and his army manage to capture the city the Matsumae Clan is guarded by. However, they lose their battleship, The Kaiyo Maru. During a meeting, Hijikata experiences blood thirst, and has a hallucination of Chizuru. Back in Sendai, Chizuru visits Koudou's grave on a daily basis, but finds Kazama Chikage there one day. Chizuru believes that he has stopped going after Hijikata, but Kazama swears not to go back on his promise to fight Hijikata once more. The Republic of Ezo is found, and Hijikata is elected as the Vice Commissioner, putting him under more pressure. Ootori secretly sends for Chizuru to work as Hijikata's attendant. She arrives and at first is upset, but says he is happy she came back, and that he wondered how he survived without her. The Republic of Ezo attempts to attack the enemy once more at sea, but they only have one ship, having lost the others in the bad weather. They are forced to retreat, and Hijikata tries to get Chizuru to leave. She refuses and promises to stay with him to the end. 
10 "The Pale, Dreamlike Sakura"
"mugen no haku sakura" (夢幻の薄桜) 
December 6, 2010

Hijikata's army has a few victories in Futamata-guchi, but Ootori's army falls in Matsumae-guchi. Hijikata and his army is forced to retreat before the enemies arrive. When another blood thirst strikes, he realizes that his body cannot hold out much longer. In Benten Daiba, Hijikata meets up with Shimada and Ootori, who blames himself for the loss at Matsumae-guchi. Hijikata tells him that it wasn't his fault and shakes his hand in the end. Later when they are alone, Hijikata, once again, tries to get Chizuru to go where she can be safe. She refuses, and he says he could never live without her. Hijikata confesses his love to Chizuru and kissing her. When the New Government Army attacks Benten Daiba, Hijikata is shot while on horseback. Refusing to let him die, Chizuru gives him some of her blood. While attempting to go back to Goryoukaku, Kazama Chikage appears under a beautiful cherry blossom tree. Kazama declares Hijikata not a Rasetsu, but an Oni. He gives Hijikata an Oni name--"Hakuōki". They fight and Hijikata kills Kazama. He falls to his knees immediately afterward, letting go now that Chizuru is safe. She runs to him, and remembers all the Shinsengumi that have been lost, and all of the good times in the past. Hijikata is shown unconscious or dead in the last few minutes of the episode. Chizuru sees all of the Shinsengumi standing proudly in the sky (implying that they've died). Whether Hijikata died or not is left ambiguous.

But it's hinted, that possibly, Hijikata is indeed alive. As shown he's wiping Chizuru's tear and saying her name as he smile at her. 
Hakuōki Sekkaroku OVA

Opening: Yume no Ukifune By Aika Yoshioka

Hakuōki: Sekkaroku (Hakuōki ~Sekkaroku~ Demon of the Fleeting Blossom: A Memory of Snow Flowers) is the OVA collection.

# Title Original airdate
1 "The Snowy White Dream"
"Okita Souji" (第一章 玄夜の白雪) 
August 5, 2011
Chizuru Yukimura is goaded by Soji Okita to be an undercover geisha again. Okita’s tuberculosis starts to plague him. Commander Isami Kondo becomes worried and orders Okita to be grounded. Chizuru goes out with the gang to celebrate her successful undercover mission, and Shinpachi Nagakura gets into a drunken brawl on the way back. Kondo personally dices spring onion into the porridge he asks Chizuru to cook for Okita, and the latter finishes it all despite his distaste for the plant. 
2 "The Winter's Banked Fire"
"Hajime Saitou" (第二章 冬の埋み火) 
August 26, 2011
Hajime Saito is attracted by a fine sword in a display case and rattles on about the importance of a good sword to Chizuru, who starts laughing at his passionate outburst. Flashback at the Shinsengumi, Chizuru is asked to be an undercover geisha by Kondo and Toshizo Hijikata. Chizuru becomes extremely uncomfortable at the thought of the dangerous mission, but Saito immediately proffers himself and Susumu Yamazaki as bodyguards for Chizuru. Two lecherous men try to get fresh with Chizuru and are grounded by Yamazaki and Saito respectively. Upon seeing the beautifully dolled up Chizuru, Saito becomes oblivious to the surroundings and prepares to stutter a declaration of love, but is rudely interrupted by his attacker’s allies. The next day, Saito and Chizuru converse on the road about what Saito wanted to say to Chizuru, but Chizuru wanders off to the topic of whether Hijikata suits having a beard. At night, Hijikata apologises to Saito for sending him off on a long and dangerous reconnaissance mission. The next morning, Saito admires the snow together with Chizuru, who gives him a snow rabbit. 
3 "The Spear that Slices the Sky"
"Harada Sanosuke" (第三章 空裂く槍) 
September 30, 2011
Sanosuke Harada takes Chizuru out shopping for groceries and meet Bakufu inspectors on the way back ripping apart the belongings of civilians during checks and roughing them up. Chizuru becomes affected and so does Harada. When a man loses his letter for home, he is stopped by the inspectors and accused of treason. The incensed Harada attacks the officers trying to arrest the hapless man and vouches on seppuku that he will bring the letter back. Shiranui Kyo sees the commotion while on a watchtower and helps a flustered Chizuru overcome the man who stole the letter. The letter is brought back and satisfies the gruntled inspectors, who lodge a complaint to Hijikata. Harada takes a half-month pay cut as punishment, but keeps mum about the incident. Shinpachi takes Harada out for drinks. 
4 "A Drifting Boat"
"Toudou Heisuke" (第四章 揺蕩う舟) 
October 28, 2011
Heisuke Toudou gets into a brawl on the street while out with Chizuru. Chizuru tries to stop him, but Harada holds her back. Heisuke later catches a duck back for dinner and Chizuru makes stew with it. While snatching a piece of duck with Shinpachi, the meat flies into Hijikata’s forehead. Shinpachi quickly moves to another table while Heisuke makes things worse by rattling non-stop and ultimately blaming Hijikata for it. Hijikata gives Heisuke a thrashing. Flashback to the geisha episode, where Heisuke barges into Chizuru’s room in the geisha house and is overcome by her beauty. He dashes off to demand Kondo and Hijikata take Chizuru off this dangerous mission. In his absence, Kazama Chikage arrives and tries to kiss Chizuru, but is whacked by an abruptly entering Osen on the head. Chizuru flees. Meanwhile, back at Shinsengumi headquarters, Heisuke complains loudly to Kondou and Hijikata the inappropriateness of Chizuru’s mission. Kondou gives his go ahead to terminate the mission, and Heisuke runs back to Chizuru. Finding her not there, he hears the voice of Yamazaki upstairs and joins him in the fight with the drunken lechers. Next morning, Heisuke has a snowball fight with Chizuru, Shinpachi and Harada, but the latter two grab Chizuru and hide behind a tree when Hijikata appears demanding to know what happened to that the tattered screen doors. 
5 "The Winds of Fate"
"Hijikata Toshizou" (第五章 天明の風) 
November 25, 2011
Hijikata wakes up to first snow, and sees Kondou inviting his comrades to leave their first foot imprint in the snow. He composes a haiku and is overheard by Chizuru and Souji, and Souji teases him about it while asking Chizuru to compliment on his poetry. Hijikata becomes embarrassed and covers it up with angry words. Chizuru and Soji leave for breakfast. At night, Kondou and Hijikata discuss about the defecting Edo, and Hijikata tells Kondou about his plan to ask Saito to defect. Heisuke barges into their room and Hijikata leaves to take care of things. He arrives at the geisha house to be greeted by chaos. Saito tells Hijikata to take Chizuru away, and her dressing causes a commotion when Hijikata is walking with her towards the door. A man demands money from Hijikata for taking away a geisha, and Hijikata flares up, declaring his status as Shinsengumi vice-captain and yanking Chizuru away. Upon return, Soji teases them at the door, and Hijikata hurriedly asks Chizuru to hide away. The next day, Souji catches Hijikata hiding in a back alley observing Harada on his gate duty with the Bakufu inspectors. Saito and Shinpachi are invited for a drink with Itou, and Shinpachi is highly irritated. Hijikata meets Kazama on the streets and draws his katana when Sannan appears and stops him. Next morning, Kondou brings dangos to Hijikata’s room, and everyone suddenly appears to share them. Soji grabs Hijikata’s haiku book on the table and starts reads the haiku of the snow from that one morning. He then compares it to the dango he has in his hand and Hijikata becomes embarrassed and tries to grab his book back from Souji, much to the amusement of everyone. 
6 "Dance of the Snowflakes"
"Kazama Chikage" (第六章 雪華の舞) 
July 27, 2012
Flashback to earlier episodes, Chizuru Yukimura goes undercover as a geisha to spy on some rogue samurai. After barging into Chizuru's room, Heisuke dashes off to demand Kondo and Hijikata take Chizuru off this dangerous mission. In his absence, Kazama Chikage arrives and tries to kiss Chizuru, but is whacked by an abruptly entering Osen on the head. Chizuru flees. Kazama reveals to Osen his intentions for pursuing Chizuru -- to sustain a pure devil bloodline. Later, a group of devils gather in the forest, including Kaoru Nagumo, who declares to show no mercy should Kazama continue to pursue Chizuru. On New Years Day, Kazama runs into Chizuru at a crowded marketplace. Rather than harassing her, he volunteers to escort her back to her home at the Shinsengumi headquarters. He does, though, vow to take her with him when they meet again. 
Hakuōki: Reimeiroku

A prequel to the series.

No. Title Original airdate
1 "Dawn of the Divine Warriors"
"Tenmu no Akatsuki" (天武の暁) 
July 9, 2012
Serizawa Kamo on his way to the capital, finds Ibuki Ryunosuke badly beaten. Using riceball as a way of seeing if the youth by wants to live, Serizawa brings Ryunosuke to the Roshigumi headquarters to be healed. Due to Serizawa's drinking in the Shimabara red-light district after they just arrive in Kyoto, Hijikata is concerned about the reputation that they may have because of Serizawa's recklessness. After his wounds are healed, Ryunosuke tries to leave before Serizawa forcefully explains to the youth that in debt in to him will stay as his personal attendant/ "dog" to pay him back. Sent to buy Serizawa some sake, Ryunosuke runs into a left handed-samurai hanging around who asks for Kondo and Hijikata. 
2 "Led of Destiny"
"Michibikareshi Sadame" (導かれし運命(さだめ)) 
July 16, 2012
The man that was waiting outside asking for Kondou and Hijikata is Saitou Hajime, who has come to join his friends in the Roshigumi. Meanwhile, Ryunosuke goes into the city to buy Serizawa more sake and runs into some ronin making a scene. They stole a man's money in front of his child and Ryunosuke tries stepping in to save the day. However, once the ronin take out their katana, Ryunosuke's fear is apparent and he tries to flee only to trip as Shinpachi, Sanosuke and Heisuke arrive. However, with the bystanders thinking it was a dispute between ronin, Sanosuke and Shinpachi report this to Kondou as he Hijikata are resolve to start making a name for themselves by patrolling the city. Saitou and Ryunosuke learn about the Honjou Inn incident. Because of this incident, it seems that it put a large rift between Serizawa and the others. Serizawa's violent temper is revealed as more extreme. Kondou and the others go to the city in order to protect the Shogun, but there are so many people around that they cannot actually protect the Shogun like they had intended. They run and follow the Shogun to the bridge and watch from afar and they all form the resolve that next time they will be able to protect the Shogun properly. Meanwhile, Serizawa meets with Koudou Yukimura and is given a red potion, the Water of Life, which will allow them to be sponsored by the Bakufu. Ryunosuke is cleaning when he sees a child run by crying and saying that he's frightened. Okita and Ryunosuke walk over to where the boy came from and are met with Shinpachi and Saitou standing there, covered in blood with fierce looks on their faces. 
3 "Rules for a Pack of Wolves"
"Gunro no Okite" (群狼の掟) 
July 23, 2012
Shinpachi explains that they went after rogue samurai into a shop, and were blamed for chasing after the rogue samurai by the shop owner. Hijikata recommends that no one goes out alone. The Roshigumi sends out permission to the Aiza clan to remain in Kyoto and are waiting for a reply. They get the okay to stay in Kyoto and they celebrate by going to Shimabara. While drinking Serizawa notices that Okita is staring and confronts him about it. Okita says he's waiting for the opportunity to kill him, but Serizawa laughs and says that it's impossible for him to do so and keeps calling him a child, egging him on. Kosuzu, the maiko goes in and stands up to Serizawa, resulting in Serizawa's anger. Ryunosuke runs in and steps in. While talking to Kosuzu, Ryunosuke calls her crazy for standing up to a samurai because she's a maiko and she gets offended. Hijikata comes up with a list of strict rules because they want to set themselves as a proper organization. The others are concerned that the code is rather strict, but they all support Kondou and Hijikata so they follow. During dinner Okita finishes quickly to practice and as he leaves, he mentions how he is itching to kill someone. Hijikata is concerned about his behaviour as of late and asks him to go back to Tokyo. Okita is determined to stay in Kyoto to help Kondou and he runs out quickly. 
4 "The Blade Drenched in Blood"
"Chinurareshi Yaiba" (六車九番隊、出動せよ) 
July 30, 2012
Heisuke and the others try to find Okita. Kondou asks them to go finish their meal, but he then leaves. Ryuunosuke offers his help to Kondou in looking for Okita. While on the way, Kondou explains how Okita came a clan of swordsmen and was being bullied after his sister had left him in the Shieikan Dojo. A few days after, the dojo held practice in a form of a tournament with the young Okita struggling yet still continuing to fight after being wounded. Eventually, Kondou and Ryuunosuke find Okita on the bridge by the river. Later, after talking to Tonouchi talks about Kondou and the Roshigumi, Serizawa meets Okita on the street and tells him that Tonouchi is acting against the Roshigumi. From there, Okita then lures Tonouchi and kills him with Hijikata and Kondou later busting down Serizawa's door to confront him on the act. 
5 "Stairway to the Blue Skies"
"Sōkyu no Kizahashi" (蒼穹のきざはし) 
August 6, 2012
Serizawa forces a money exchanging house to give him money for the Roshigumi funds, which was strongly opposed by Kondou and Hijikata. Ryuunosuke walks to Hijikata, asking him if the boat is ready to leave. They talk about Souji, but is later stopped when Hijikata gives in to the topic. Ryuunosuke was told to buy an ink stick but the seller doesn't want to sell it to him. Kosuzu steps in and helps. She later thanked Ryuunosuke for the incident at the redlight district. Kosuzu gets insulted about what Ryuunosuke told her, and he gets slapped. He was then reprimanded by Sanosuke, and they look for Kosuzu to apologize. She explains why she got mad at Ryuunosuke's words. He apologizes then, and he blushes while Kosuzu holds his cheek. The Roshigumi is then invited to the Aizu clan headquarters. They arrange a friendly duel to be presented to the Aizu domain. Heisuke fights Hijikata, Shinpachi fights Saito, and Sannan fights Okita. Kondou offers his skills in teaching Ryuunosuke the way of the sword, however, Ryuunosuke declines the offer, still having his fear of swords. They resume fighting, and Heisuke, Shinpachi and the last fight was yet to be watched. After drinking all night, they receive their new uniform as the Roshigumi. 
6 "Howling from the Darkness"
"Yami Yori no Hōkō" (闇よりの咆哮) 
August 13, 2012
7 "Oath Made on the Wind Blowing Over the Grass"
"Kusakaze no Chikai" (草颯の誓い) 
August 20, 2012
8 "The Shackles of Pandemonium"
"Syura no Kasa" (修羅の枷鎖) 
August 27, 2012
9 "The Light of a Flashing Sword"
"Hikari no Tenmetsuno Ken" (きらめく剣の光) 
September 3, 2012
10 "The Brightly Burning Beacon"
"Akaruku Moe te iru Biikon" (明るく燃える信号) 
September 10, 2012
11 "A Moonlit Night Filled with Flowers"
"Tsukiyo Hanade Ippai" (月夜は花で満たされました) 
September 17, 2012
12 "The Great Dawn"
"Idai na Yoake" (大きな夜明け) 
September 24, 2012
Kondou and Hijikata decides to carry out the Aizu Lord's order to "take care" of Serizawa. Having become aware of this while inviting Ryunosuke to join the celebration with Kondou, Hijikata and the other Shinsengumi, Serizawa returns to the headquarters along with Okita, Harada, Hijikata, Inoue and Sannan. Unaware of the plot, mainly so that his loyalties would not be questioned, Shinpachi engages in a fight with Saito while Ryunosuke runs off with Heisuke chasing after. By time Ryunosuke arrives, a fight occurs and Serizawa drank the Water of Life before telling the boy to live prior to being cut down by Hijikata. But as there was supposed to be no witness to this event, Okita is given the task to silence Ryunosuke. However, after disarming Ryuunosuke, Okita decides to push him off the bridge to give him a chance to make a new life elsewhere. As the Shinsengumi proceed to make extermination of the remaining Rasetsu their top priority, Ryunosuke leaves to make a new life for himself in the countryside while passing by Chizuru Yukimura as she travels in the opposite direction to Kyoto and the Shisengumi. Never knowing the future for his friends at the Shinsengumi. 

References

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