Ep. 17: Hijikata and Okita investigate an impostor while trapped in a mystical realm requiring a search for the Gate of Life.
Aired on February 4, 2004
Despite witnesses seeing Okita kill patrons, Hijikata claims Okita was with him and identifies the killer as an impostor. Okita informs Hotaru of this deception. Later, Hijikata encounters Kichisaburo, and Saitou intervenes. Kichisaburo retreats to Seiga no Chujo, who plans to burn the Imperial Palace. After striking a mystic cat spirit, Hijikata, Okita, and Saitou are transported to the Gate of Obstruction, where they must find the Gate of Life to escape. Hotaru removes Furube’s incantation seals, destroying his summoned demon warrior spirit. Seiga no Chujo fires fire arrows at the group, but Saitou reflects them, shielding Kichisaburo and sacrificing himself. The trio thanks Hotaru, acknowledging she is a spy sent by the Choushuu clan.
Episodes
- Ep. 13 · Suzu encounters Tetsu while Akesato faces harassment and hidden service duties
- Ep. 14 · Okita comforts Tatsu while Susumu attempts seppuku and Ayumu advises Tetsu to eat and befriend Susumu
- Ep. 15 · Okita shares haiku with Tetsu, prompting Hijikata to chase them while Ryoma races to intervene.
- Ep. 16 · Tetsu spars with Heisuke while Ryouma fails to dissuade Yoshida from revolt.
- Ep. 17 · Hijikata and Okita investigate an impostor while trapped in a mystical realm requiring a search for the Gate of Life.
- Ep. 18 · Tetsu confronts Susumu about Ayumu while Hijikata questions the ronin's motives during the rain.
- Ep. 19 · Tetsu reveals Ayumu's death to indifferent Susumu, leading to a quiet funeral and a new promise of friendship.
- Ep. 20 · Okita interrogates Masuya while Susumu attacks him and Yoshida traps Tetsu in a burning cabin.
- Ep. 21 · Tatsu reveals Tetsu's trauma while the Shinsengumi plans an attack on the Choushuu clan.