Hakuouki Hekketsuroku

The Shinsengumi Relocate to Edo and Face New Imperial Orders

The Shinsengumi establish their new headquarters in Edo while Hijikata serves as temporary leader during Kondo's absence. His relentless work schedule and struggle to control Rasetsu blood urges concern Chizuru and the squad. Kondo returns to announce the group's renaming to the Kouyou Chinbutai. Acting on imperial orders, they must defend Koufu Castle against pro-imperialist factions. This directive causes friction within the ranks, as the captains resent the Tokugawa shogunate's apparent concessions to the Imperial faction. Nagakura expresses particular distress and distrust regarding Kondou's ambitions as a daimyo, highlighting the internal tensions surrounding this strategic shift and the external political pressures facing the unit.

Okita's illness worsens as the Shinsengumi face the enemy at Koufu Castle.

Okita’s tuberculosis deteriorates, forcing Hijikata to leave him behind while the troops advance. Nagakura questions Kondou’s strategy, and Hijikata admits their current strength is insufficient against the enemy. Chizuru follows Saito outside, where he shares his past. A messenger reports the enemy has entered Koufu Castle. Kondou refuses to retreat, so Hijikata departs to recruit reinforcements, swearing a Chiming Metal oath with Chizuru to protect Kondou. Kaoru converses with a mysterious man. The battle begins shortly after Hijikata leaves. Kondou surrenders after witnessing the unnecessary deaths. Nagakura and Harada fight Rasetsu, revealing their creator is Chizuru’s father, Koudou.

The Shinsengumi escape Rasetsu while Chizuru confronts Kaoru and Harada leaves the group.

Shiranui, Harada, and Nagakura battle overwhelming Rasetsu forces until Shiranui detonates explosive material to facilitate a retreat. Kondou and Chizuru flee into the forest, where Kaoru reveals his connection to Chizuru. She rejects his proposal and attacks him, nearly dying before Okita intervenes. Okita fails to defeat Kaoru until Kazama arrives and kills him. The Shinsengumi relocates to Hatamoto residences, where Harada shares dango with Chizuru and Okita. Hijikata returns to Edo with reinforcements, prompting Harada and Nagakura to depart the Shinsengumi to independently oppose the Satsuma and Choushuu factions.

Saito uncovers Rasetsu secrets while Hijikata battles vampiric urges before the Aizu retreat.

Saito trails Sannan but witnesses Amagiri slay a Rasetsu, earning a shocking revelation in exchange for assistance. He reports this to the Shinsengumi, prompting Hijikata to halt Rasetsu Unit experiments and relocate to Aizu. Chizuru observes Hijikata’s vampiric impulses, but he denies her blood. During the Aizu encampment, enemies attack the headquarters while troops train. Kondou commands Hijikata and the others to flee, staying behind to surrender peacefully. Hijikata escapes but encounters enemy soldiers; ignoring Chizuru’s pleas, he uses Rasetsu powers to kill them all. He later laments abandoning Kondou, grieving deeply. Chizuru comforts him, promising to remain by his side forever.

Hijikata's Rasetsu Transformation and Medical Retreat at Nikkou

The Shinsengumi and Bakufu forces advance toward Aizu, where Hijikata fails to save Kondou. In Edo, Harada repays Shiranui, while Ootori Keisuke appoints Hijikata as vanguard adviser. Hijikata succumbs to vampiric urges, drinking Chizuru's blood, before facing Kazama at Utsunomiya Castle. He transforms into his Rasetsu form but is wounded by Kazama's demon-slaying sword. Consequently, Hijikata remains at Nikkou for medical treatment. Ootori criticizes his advisory performance, prompting Hijikata to recall Yamazaki's final words. Nagakura visits the recovering Hijikata before departing for Aizu, marking a period of defeat and reflection for the former commander.

Okita's Rasetsu powers are exhausted as he disintegrates after killing assassins.

Okita confronts Hijikata regarding the failed rescue of Kondou. Saito orders Hijikata to rest while he leads the front line against the New Government Army. Harada and Shiranui encounter Koudou and Rasetsu, killing the monsters with silver bullets, though Harada suffers fatal wounds. Harada throws his spear to deflect Koudou’s bomb, causing it to backfire, and both men disappear from the Shinsengumi’s sight. Okita overhears an assassination plot against Hijikata and uses his Rasetsu abilities to eliminate the conspirators. Hijikata and Chizuru rush to the location where rumors place a white-haired man fighting numerous enemies. Upon arrival, they find only Okita’s sword, as he has disintegrated after exhausting his remaining lifespan.

Saito leads Shinsengumi in Aizu battle against Masaki's forces at Shirakawa-guchi and Bonari Pass

Saito commands Masaki, a young Aizu Clan soldier, during the Battle in Aizu. Masaki initially refuses orders, doubting Saito’s warrior status due to his attire. The Shinsengumi and Masaki’s army attack Shirakawa-guchi but retreat. Masaki later respects Saito as a warrior. Hijikata recovers and rejoins the unit. They plan an attack at Bonari Pass, facing overwhelming odds. Masaki sacrifices himself to allow Saito and the Shinsengumi to retreat. The Aizu lord orders a retreat to Sendai for reinforcements while he remains behind. Saito chooses to stay with the Aizu Clan, flying the Shinsengumi banner. The episode concludes with Saito charging the enemy forces.

Hijikata and Heisuke confront Koudou's Rasetsu Unit while Chizuru is kidnapped in Sendai.

In Sendai, Hijikata meets an admiral discussing frequent murders near the castle, suspecting the Rasetsu Unit. Heisuke arrives, revealing Sannan likely joined the still-alive Koudou. Koudou appears with his Rasetsu unit and kidnaps Chizuru, leaving Heisuke to fight alone in daylight. Koudou tries to persuade Chizuru to lead the Rasetsu to rebuild the Yukimura Clan, but she refuses, asserting that human and Oni lives are equal. When Hijikata and Heisuke arrive, Sannan admits he worked with Koudou to build a peaceful empire for Rasetsu and Oni, but reveals he was actually spying on him. Hijikata, Heisuke, and Sannan battle the Rasetsu, resulting in Koudou's death while protecting Chizuru. Heisuke and Sannan turn to dust after exhausting their lifespans. The Shinsengumi plans to move to Ezo, and Hijikata orders Chizuru to remain in Sendai while he goes to fight.

Hijikata faces pressure as Ezo Republic forms while Chizuru returns to his side.

Hijikata’s forces capture the Matsumae Clan’s city but lose the battleship Kaiyo Maru. He suffers hallucinations of Chizuru during a meeting. In Sendai, Chizuru visits Koudou’s grave and encounters Kazama Chikage, who vows to fight Hijikata again. The Republic of Ezo is established, and Hijikata becomes Vice Commissioner, increasing his stress. Ootori secretly recruits Chizuru as his attendant. She arrives, and despite initial upset, Hijikata expresses relief at her return. The Ezo fleet attempts a sea attack with only one remaining ship due to weather losses. After retreating, Hijikata urges Chizuru to leave, but she refuses, promising to stay with him until the end.

Hijikata confesses love to Chizuru before fighting Kazama and facing an ambiguous fate

Following military setbacks, Hijikata retreats and meets Shimada and Ootori, offering comfort for the defeat. He then confesses his love to Chizuru and kisses her, refusing to let her leave despite her desire for safety. When the New Government Army attacks Benten Daiba, Hijikata is shot while riding. Chizuru saves him by giving him her blood. Kazama Chikage appears under a cherry blossom tree, declaring Hijikata an Oni rather than a Rasetsu, and bestows the name Hakuōki. After Hijikata kills Kazama, he collapses, relieved that Chizuru is safe. She recalls the fallen Shinsengumi members as their spirits appear in the sky. The episode concludes with Hijikata unconscious or dead, leaving his survival ambiguous.

Those Who Fall

Beyond the Clash of Arms