Ep. 1: Tetsunosuke Ichimura attempts to join the Shinsengumi despite age restrictions and opposition from Hijikata.
Aired on October 8, 2003
Tetsunosuke Ichimura seeks to join the Shinsengumi, but his brother Tatsunosuke Ichimura, a bookkeeper, deems him too young. Sōji Okita, the first unit captain, invites Tetsu to spar before commander Isami Kondō. Tetsu demonstrates a double-sword technique but is easily defeated by Okita. Although Kondō approves of Tetsu’s potential, Toshizō Hijikata, the second vice commander, opposes his enlistment. Later that night, Tetsu witnesses Hijikata slaughter a group of ronin who were sent after him, leaving the boy deeply traumatized by the violent encounter.
Episodes
- Ep. 1 · Tetsunosuke Ichimura attempts to join the Shinsengumi despite age restrictions and opposition from Hijikata.
- Ep. 2 · Tetsu joins the Shinsengumi and envies the watcher role while reflecting on his humanity.
- Ep. 3 · Susumu as Geisha and Okita's Shinsengumi Code Explanation
- Ep. 4 · Susumu investigates wildfires and murders while Tetsu spars and meets Heisuke Toudou.
- Ep. 5 · Tetsu meets Saya and learns of her tragic past while Yamanami visits