Original subtitles

Hakodate, winter 1868 Near the Russian consulate

I was a Baragaki A wild child of the village

Baragaki, as in a thorny hedge Touch me, you'll get hurt

Isami used to call me “Toshi”

“What d'we do with dem sumabitches Toshi?” Always a thick country accent

Even when it was do or die

We lived near each other

Toshi, see dem sumabitches?

We'll teach 'em a lesson

In early summer, the air would—

Reek of snakes hiding in the bushes

Better get help

Always gotta shine, Gen

Always 'bout “the shine”

Just get Gon-zo The four of us can do that

The guys who just joined are Ryugo dojo

They'll strike our shins

Soji's right. We need shin guards

Damn right

Isami, our style's made for street fightin'

Let's do it

Bushu Tama included the shogun's own territory

We were farmers who answered directly to the shogun

We were proud

Naturally, more and more of us Started aping samurai

we rushed to learn swordsmanship

Every village had strong swordsmen

They took care of business if there was a dispute over water

No snakes for me, thank you very much

So dirty and slimy How can you even touch them?

Okita Soji was the only samurai among us by birth

He lost his father at three. At nine, he moved in to Tennen Rishin-ryu dojo

We met there. The kid followed us everywhere

Tennen Rishin-ryu was an unpolished fighting style

But nothing beat it in real fights

Isami, you focus on Gon-zo

I'll kill the sumabitch

The baragaki, always getting in fights, dreamed of becoming samurai

You sumabitches! This is our water!

Leave!

An' what if we don't!?

Y'get this, ya dumb-ass!

March 1860, Chief Councillor Ii was killed at the main gate of Edo Castle

The Tokugawa shogunate and its 300-year reign began to crumble

In Japan, when the shogunate weakens, the Mikado gains influence

Momentum shifted to Kyoto

And this emperor couldn't stomach “foreign savages”

We shall rename this era of our reign and, thus—

Purify our realm of the plague—

That hath tormented us since the arrival of the Black Ships

O, how I pray—

That the foreign savages in our ports—

Would vanish into thin air

That's when jo-i philosophy took off

Foreigners were killed everywhere

Here, Sis

Isami married Tsune, the daughter of a shogunate retainer

He eventually became the fourth head of our dojo

A good match

They lived in Edo

His dojo only had a few students. All commoners

Soon, though, legitimate samurai joined the dojo, drawn by his character

The well-rounded Yamanami

Master swordsman Pachi

Sano, any more sake?

Todo, the rumored bastard of a daimyo

Sano bragged about a seppuku attempt

They all came to Edo seeking action Our dojo became their base

Those savages are irritating just to look at

No wonder the emperor is despairing

Let us raise our flag of jo-/ We will restore Japan as the land of gods

Indeed. Kill the savages

We'll do it!

Right, Toshi?

Don't be a bore

Dance!

This is fun

I hate fads

I hated Yamanami and his 0- philosophy

Partly because of my teacher Honda Kakuan

Spring 1862, Bushu Tama

Thank you

Dr. Kakuan

Hi, Toshi

Thank you

Come on in

Thank you for today

Very well

Practicing, or selling medicine?

Both

How are things in Edo?

We keep getting more guests but no students

I have to practice in public to make ends meet

Lord Mito, an isolationist, approached the Mikado

Alliance of any lord with the court is forbidden

Thus, Lord Mito was forced into retirement, and the court—

Is being monitored by the shogunate

So, Mito men killed Chief Councillor Ii in retribution?

The shogunate will still open the country

It has no choice

America, Russia, England, France—

The Great Powers are too strong

Even the emperor does not want war

How will you live?

By my sword

Which is?

I'll spread Tennen Rishin-ryu with Isami

You're not a child

I'm a wild child—a baragaki/

The Battle of 1600 changed Japan

It's about to change again

Who will you fight?

You think I should kill the savages?

Idiot. The opposite

Don't kill them. Jo-/ is no good

Go to Kyoto, the center of change

Live by your sword

You win

baragaki!

Finish 'em! One more!

Sake!

Got it!

This medicine is from Is hid a village

Take Wt with a cup 0 hot sake Two days and you're better

Good for broken bones and bruises Buy yers now!

Buy yers now!

You're to give lessons

No students And the dojo stinks from all the miso

Nose pinched / Practice at dawn / In a pile of miso

What a bad poem

It sure is. What a bad poem

I wonder if our dojo's famous in Edo

There are countless schools 600 just within the city limits

Our school easily misses the top 50—

It's punch less in protected practice

We should go to Kyoto

- Toshi, you eta yin' at yer sister's? - Yep

- All right, I'll go see my folks - OK

I'll go if you go

Where?

To Kyoto

Neither of us knows our mother Our sisters—

Were our mothers

You visit women at night I hate the act

Not because I like it I'm building my manhood

Imagine how the women feel “building your manhood”

Hey, Toshi

See ya tonight?

I'm going back to Edo from here

Tonight's the Night Festival Come

No. I won't copulate like an animal

We were all like this ages ago

Mating with whomever you see You're animals

I need only one partner

As if there's a one

There is. Somewhere in Japan

See ya

Rokusha dojo

To know is to wander / To not is to find / The way of the sword

Uncle, there is an unmannered churl—

Peeking in

Apothecary?

This guy's a baragaki from Is hid a

A strong face

What school of sword?

Tennen Rishin-ryu

Practice with us

Next

Not yet!

Next

Next!

Toshi's here!

This is awful

We'll keep going

Yes, of course

Toshi!

Fighting again?

Too loud, Sis You're hurt in” my wounds

You only have a topknot because my husband is an official

Once a farmer, always a farmer Know your place

The British legation was attacked and burned again

The shogunate's losing face

We, the shogun's farmers, will hoist up the shogunate

Listen to yourself

You're a sex-crazed baragaki

They say he's a serious man

He's a tomcat

He slinks around womanizing in the shadows

Take a bamboo stick to ward off snakes There's lead inside

- Who are— - Hi, Rokusha

Wait, wait!

Who knew murder was so easy

Isami and I—even Soji—killed so many people

We wouldn't have killed so many had there been no Shinsengumi

And that Shinsengumi—

Would not have been had Lord Aizu not gone to Kyoto

Protector of Kyoto

Lord Shungaku, a proponent of opening Japan—

Became the fop administrator The boy shogun—

Was given a guardian, Lord Yoshinobu, who later became the /last shogun

Protector of Kyoto is a new post created to oversee the capital

Ronin are killing our allies and anti-isolationists—

Right where the emperor resides

They put the victims' heads on stakes by the river with a sigh—

“Punishment from heaven”

Foolishness

They force donations from merchants—

In the name of jo-/, but carouse with that money

The night markets have shut down

The house of Choshu is behind this

Choshu has cozied up to the court in Kyoto, pushing to—

Establish a government there

The Tokugawa noblemen had never stooped to base politics in 300 years

We are descendants of the sacred Shogun Ieyasu

I suppose these two wanted to drag as many into the mud with them

My domain is far north of Edo My men are simple and stubborn—

Unversed in affairs of the city

Times are quickly changing

Lord Aizu, please accept the post

Be the guardian of the capital

Aizu was in turmoil. Senior councilors rushed to Edo on post horses

They urged their lord to reconsider If not, then Aizu would perish

We shall prepare to die in Kyoto

There is nothing more to be said

Lord and vassals embraced each other and wailed

Aizu had a house precept: An Aizu man lives and dies for the shogun

The Aizu soldiers entered Kyoto on—

December 24, 1862

The people of the city were relieved The famous night markets reopened

Imperial Councillor Konoe's house Lord Aizu took action to influence the court

'Tis an incense clock

It etches time

The court can be difficult

The nobles barely receive enough allowance to live. They grumble

Some take odd jobs. Others rent out their mansions as gambling houses

Yet, their title is far above anything of a daimyo's

That's to blame for this chaos

Some aligning with Choshu have gone too far

They even forge imperial edicts, feeding rumors to the jo-/ samurai who get—

Riled up, yet the Mikado isn't told

'Tis foolishness

Neither Lord Satsuma nor Choshu

have been admitted audience

I am deeply humbled

Audience with the emperor was granted in the new year, January 2

Presenting to Your Highness, the Lord Katamori of Aizu

Commander of the Imperial Guard

Give him our garment

Three days later the shogun's guardian Lord Yoshinobu entered Nijo Castle—

To oversee diplomacy between the shogunate and the court

It was good to be granted audience

Yet the killing has not stopped

Are you not too soft on those jo-/ Ronin?

As Lord Protector, I believe they must be converted in their minds

You want a conversation with the radicals?

I will convince them myself

Convince?

To protect the Imperial Castle is to annihilate its threats

I thought you were capable

But this?

We are only allowed to patrol

Not to engage with radicals

Capturing criminals is considered unclean

We must not stoop to dirty work

The shogun will soon be in Kyoto

The magistrate can—

They cower in fear of the Ronin All they do is clear corpses

Aizu has the best warriors

There are hundreds of radicals in Kyoto

If we crack down, they could rise up together and start a war

So, what would you do, Kihei?

The same as they did with Lord Ii

Our best swordsmen must abandon Aizu Become assassins

That is not our way

Then hire mercenaries Anyone good with the sword

That's unclean!

Then plea to Yoshinobu—

Hold on!

We were still dallying in Edo around that time

Pox, cholera—all because the ports opened without the Mikado's decree

You agree with Yamanami?

The renowned Hokushin dojo gettin' to their head

This isn't about swordplay

Something's strange

We're surrounded

They're after me. Stay out of it

But...

Toshi!

You'll pay for Master Rokusha

How 'bout you and I go it alone?

Dammit!

Wanna fight?

With that sword?

Soji

No way

Wait here. I'll go buy a new one

I'm not here to avenge my uncle

But we will fight to the death Find a sword worthy of it

I am to the capital, but I came to see this old friend before I go

We'll meet again in Kyoto

You next. Try it

The dojo is dying. Students leave but we're feeding more teachers

There's no space in the house

I'm talking about the future

From now on, you will eat, sleep and practice in the dojo

The house is my practice area

Maybe it's time to go to Kyoto

No money

we'll borrow

We need gear to go to the capital

That's right

They're recruiting fighters for Kyoto

The shogunate's vanguard of jo-/ action

Let's apply and let off steam

It won't make us shine, Pachi

Why?

They sent Lord Aizu to crack down on such jo-/ Ronin

The shogunate will act on the proposal of renowned Kiyokawa

He's from my Hokushin dojo

Toshi, you just said you wanna go to Kyoto

Gotta go the right way

There ain't no right way

Yamanami, tell me more

Drink some

I can't drink

Today is special

The shogunate will pay us a stipend of 50 gold

Thanks to Mr. Kiyokawa

Kyoto's our battlefield. I'll buy the best sword, if it costs all my stipend

You'll want a Kotetsu, then

Kotetsu is that good?

Well done! It's like you're half a samurai now that you're in the squad

There are 30 swords Take what you like

What's wrong?

I want a masterpiece like a lord's

The audacity

Isami got a Kotetsu

A Kotetsu?

My sword's quality could determine my fate in Kyoto

I want a sword that rivals a Kotetsu

How much is it?

100 gold

A servant makes three gold a year

Toshi, ask for 50 gold from my husband

Only 507

I'll pay the other 50

I owe you one

I hear you have celebrated Kanesada blades

Can you see?

Eyes will mislead you when it comes to swords

One by the son

Not by the others?

No, they're average

Where did you hear—

About my shop?

At all ten shops I visited

It's rusty

It's been sleeping in a vault deep in the mountains for 300 years

How much?

5 gold

Too cheap

It'll be worth 100 once sharpened

Then, why 57

A sword has a destiny just like us

She was waiting to meet you for hundreds of years

That's why you could draw it out so easily

At least that's how I see it 5 gold is my reward

Find a skilled sharpener

Yes, gladly

Awoken from 300 years of slumber

The Kiyokawa squad walked 320 miles to Kyoto

We arrived on February 23, 1863 It was evening

Spirits of the Universe / Unsullied gather in the sacred land

In excellence becoming Fuji / Towering over...

Standing out among the motley crew was—

Serizawa Kamo from Mito and his four henchmen

Soji reminded Kamo of his dead brother He kept Soji close

The eight of us with Isami were considered foot soldiers

Grill it carefully

The people of Kyoto respect us We're the Mibu squires!

Why must we host those brutes?

It's the same for other houses We are obliged to assist the shogun

- No complaints - Sorry!

The capital is most impressive

Even the pickles are classy

Makes me realize how brutish we are in the east

Brute is fine with me

I wonder what time it is

Here's the time. Convenient, no?

Unclean!

Where did you get that?

A farewell gift from Dr. Kakuan

Pardon me

Isami, you have a guest

Saito, you're here!

Ever meet him, Todo? He killed a shogun's vassal and ran away from Edo

I want to join you

Protect our squad from all sickness

I want to talk about the reason for shedding our jasper blood

Jasper blood?

Loyal blood. It's from a myth

Quiet

You are brave fighters

You will gladly shed your blood But—

Shed it on the wrong path and shame will follow you for generations

This group was assembled to protect the shogun who will be coming to Kyoto

But, that was an excuse

The Mikado hates the savages Thus, he opposes opening our ports

Let us be the vanguard of His Highness' will and rid the savages!

“We are not hired by the shogunate We have free agency—"

“Thus, we will fight for the court—"

“'We shall kill anyone who turns against the court”

So said Kiyokawa, and the shogun's men left

My proposal will cause a great shift within the court

Therefore, I will start lobbying the noblemen

I will report our resolve to the emperor

I trust you all agree with me

He's a bad fella

A traitor. Don't matter how fancy he speaks, he's rotten to the core

Let's kill'm

Ya ever kill someone?

Oh, y'know...

Ya haven't

Neither have you

Not necessarily

Fix yer gait. Y' walk like a country bumpkin

Really?

Like this. Like a samurai

We're in the capital

There's no shine in just killing him We need a new squad

We're nine men

We'll add Kamo

- He's a violent drunk - Soji told me—

Kamo's brother is a diplomat for the Mito Tokugawas in Kyoto

An elite

He's also close to Kihei who serves Lord Aizu

So, the request to form a new group goes through Kamo and—

Up to Lord Aizu

That's some plan, Toshi

You know what?

You shouldn't call me “Toshi”

Why? That's your name

Please call me Hijikata from now on

Please call me Hijikata from now on

No more baragaki

If you say so

Hijikata

Hijikata

It's not bad

Making an offering to the guardians?

Our village guardians were foxes

I remember

Such a clever family

How so?

They turn into people. Buy sake at the tavern near town—

And leave money

But it's leaves

You'd think so. But it's genuine copper coins. All rusted

I love that about you, Gen

Wanna hear 'bout the water sprite?

No, thank you

Kamo and his men stay here, while we get the common room in the annex

Drink if he offers you sake

I can't

Do your best

- My thoughts on Kiyokawa? - Yes

I'll kill that traitor

Right, Niimi?

Shred the bastard

We'll raid his place in the dead of night and cut him down

You'll be a hero, Kamo

That would be a waste, though

But there is a way you could kill him and still be the greatest hero of Kyoto

The greatest hero of Kyoto?

Through his brother, Kamo contacted Lord Aizu to kill—

Kiyokawa. The next day Kihei, the Aizu emissary, asked to meet us

Blast the Americans out of the bay

Their skill?

Masters, all of them

How would you rank them?

Kamo would be the best, I think...

But Hijikata is to be most feared

He moves like a cat on purpose He shows no opening

Maybe we should let them

Shouldn't we tell Soji?

Four of us is enough

Waiting for an edict, Kiyokawa lectured at the academy for young noblemen

Whatever route he took, he always passed one intersection

Kill at night. Postpone if Kiyokawa passes by earlier. Kill in one strike

If we miss, we run. That was the plan

We took turns staking out in teams: Isami and Niimi; Kamo and I

I was supposed to die outside the Edo castle

But I had too much baggage Intimidation, murder, you name it

So, they left me out

Here he comes

I'll kill Kiyokawa

One strike

You hear me?

One strike

I know

I'll handle the rest

Good

No war cry. Just run and hit

I know already

Wait for my signal

Dammit!

Why did you yell?

It's your fault

What d'ya mean?

I would've killed Kiyokawa if we kept engaging

You don't get it

What don't I get?

Tell me

Kill in one strike. That's the strategy

You didn't even wait for my—

Damn you and your strategy

You're a coward

Very well

Be careful what you wish for

Enough!

Let's give it a rest

It's his fault

Soji, are you all right?

You're both so fast. I couldn't catch up

This cough is bad

Our plan failed, but we were granted official posts

I shall retain Kamo, Isami, and your 12 men—

As the raid unit of the Lord Protector

Work hard alongside us to police the capital

Give them our utmost support

Kiyokawa got his edict, left for Edo and was killed there

I killed to become a samurai

Even those who didn't deserve to die

Around that time, I was introduced to the Western military system—

By some in the shogunate

My goal was to assemble the greatest army ever at the capital

Incorporate western thinking Keep the status quo

The shift was essential to draw Isami away—

From Kamo, who believed in jo-/

In Mito, we test swords the hard way

There should be no flaws found Like mizubeshi—

- mizubeshi ? - Yes

Strike the water surface with the flat side

If it's weak, it breaks Our Mito swordsmiths...

I know he's gotta write his patrons and wife back home, but—

Does he really need Kamo to do it?

Kamo's of the Mito School He's educated

Will Isami become a Mito rascal?

You took over the neighbor's house? Nice room

Isami says a common room's got no shine

Jokin. That's what I am?

In Dutch they say off icier

You're an aide to the captain You'll lead a platoon

Plus, you can commute from outside the station

The Commanders are Kamo, Isami and Niimi

Wait a minute. You're not included? That's surprising

Yamanami and I are vice commanders

Rogue Ronin stopped breaking info houses but Kamo's group filled that role

200 gold

- They extorted money from merchants - 300

If refused, they'd even bring in a cannon

Please leave

He was undisciplined with women

What do you plan to do with that cannon?

What?

Help!

I beg you, please!

Stop!

One essence hath the universe /

Whether noble or ignoble

No! Please stop!

Be patient!

Do you take commoners?

Most of us were farmers. Name?

Yamazaki Susumu. Son of an acupuncturist from Osaka

Any skills?

Staring at candles

I'm not a candle

Sorry. I'm good at gathering money

My dad's patients were moguls I know them well

Like, who would loan you money or not Of course—

The rich wouldn't be rich if they didn't loan money, but—

If you need a loan, I broker a deal They'll jump right on board. Deal?

I'll raise money for you. Let me join

You're cousins?

I joined first. He came later

It was my idea first

Doesn't matter

- Gen, didn't I join first? - You did

After I told you

Poems again?

Oh, The Samurai Code"?

For discipline

Do not stray from the Way What's that?

Like not finishing an enemy, letting him flee, or not engaging

We have only one choice after we draw: kill the enemy

And if not?

seppuku

Cruel. They'll run off

And they'll cut open their gut 2. Do not desert the unit

3: Do not raise money unapproved

seppuku

4. Do not litigate unapproved

seppuku

Personal fights are forbidden This, too, is seppuku

Isn't this too harsh?

It is bushido. The Way of a samurai

Setting sail to Japan / My bright moon sunk /

beneath the sea /

Never to return /

White clouds hang over Mt Sogo

Where's Commander Kamo?

Raising money

Members from Edo need summer outfits

Forcing loans dims our shine

His Mito pride is hurt to be in debt to Lord Aizu

Mikura and Arakida, you look nice

- Thank you - Thank you

Time for commanders' meeting

The Code. I reduced them to five

Looks about right

Mikura and Arakida are Choshu spies

You mean kill them?

In time

From Aizu's Kihei. Ordered us to return the money

Lord Aizu heard of Kamo's business against the tycoon of Ko and Co.

I'm ashamed

He's a tycoon. Sways the merchants in Osaka. It affects the future. I'll go

I'll go with you

My job

I hear you're forcing loans from major merchants

What's wrong with that?

It's what rogues do, using jo-/ as an excuse

Our squad is ruled by bushido not by you

You shouldn't say that

What's bushido to you, Isami?

It is the Way

I doubt you know, being a farmer from Tama, but Mito has—

Its own bushido. Don't we, Niimi?

Hammered into us since we were kids

So does Choshu. And Satsuma And Aizu

A bus hi—a samurai—will die for his lord

That is bushido

So, who's the lord of this group?

Bushido is the lord of our group

What a shallow farmer

There is no bushido without a lord

We have no lord. So, what will our bushido discipline? Tell me

The bushido that is rotten

Uphold the shogunate, but emulate the West

This is the Way of Shinsengumi

Shin-sen-gumi?

That's what the tycoon said when I returned his 200 gold

“This age chose you. So, you choose a new bushido'

Shinsengumi, as in—

A new choice. Perfect

Hey!

What's wrong with this place? We have dancers and singers, but no waitresses?

Unacceptable!

Unacceptable!

Where's the owner

Hey owner!

I'm suspending your license for seven days

Shinsengumi?

I like that name. We'll use it

Don't think about your sword!

Cut the enemy with your body!

Keep going!

Go full out! Tackle him!

Cut with your whole body!

Take Is hid a Medicine if you're hurt

Gather up!

What are you wearing?

The Shinsengumi uniform

It's embarrassing

Like the 47 Ronin. I like it

Wear 'em if you want, but you don't have to

You do. Commander Kamo designed it

The protocol for anything concerning our group is that vice commanders—

Draft proposals, the commanders—

Approve it, then I submit it to Lord Aizu Have you forgotten?

I haven't drafted a proposal for uniforms

Good luck

Carry on!

Use your body!

The karakami paper is beautiful, but O-Yuki is even more beautiful

She's actually a painter, but she helps me when I need it

It's Hijikata and the Shinsengumi

Pachi, you stay here

Soji, come with me

We have two problems. One is Serizawa Kamo

The taverns are losing business People are scared of Kamo

We will take care of it

Wait for the opportunity and do what you must at the right moment

And the other problem?

The Mikado...

What?

—Hates foreigners. Choshu is exploiting it As are the nobles it supports

Your Highness calls for jo-/, but—

It's not enough to call for it

You must order the shogun to carry it out

The court is run by those in the pocket of Choshu

Konoe sides with Satsuma, so he's dismissed The Mikado needs help

He has bestowed upon us a gosh ink an

Gosh ink an?

A letter written by His Highness

The emperor has given his own writing to a—

Samurai's house only once before That was 530 years ago

There were two letters inside

One said extremist ministers may issue a false edict to expel Aizu back to Edo—

We are powerless against them—

Discern well the veracity of any imperial edict

The other said...

We are depending most on thee, Aizu

We shall execute the Mikado's decree—

Banish the extremist ministers and quell Choshu's influence

I want Shinsengumi to battle the traitors

We shall, my lord

I feel sorry for Commander Kamo

He sleeps like a child, even after murder

He's a better person than most

Learn the layout of his lodging—

So you can walk it with eyes closed

Measure out your steps in the rooms

You don't want to?

I do. I like this kind of job

The way you move your feet stepping up into the house

The doorway, hallway, open veranda

The location of his bedside lamp

I will survey it all

In exchange, please let me take the first strike

What? You just said...

The nerve

I am sorry for him. But a job's a job

What do you want?

Mr. Hijikata?

Yes

Men from Choshu and Tosa Seven in all

I'll take care of Shinsengumi Cut 'em all down

Of course! You're “Izo the Killer” What else would you do?

Call the patrol unit

Soji, you watch here

How about you stay and I go in?

That'll be the day

This is official business

Who are you?

A strong face

What is your name?

Hijikata Toshizo of Shinsengumi

I have some questions. Come with me to the station

Run to the mansion!

Run, Sugi!

Hey!

Stop!

C'mon!

Out of my way!

I'll get Hijikata. Where is he?

- Shich, wait! - Wait!

Premier Katsura!

This could ruin our plan

Go bring them back

Two of you, come!

Both of you return to Mibu station

Yes, sir

You're good

I hear your Tosa country is deeply segregated

A foot soldier can't even wear boots in the rain

A high samurai can kill anyone under rank on a whim

What an awful place

We're all fools. Ain't that different

You're disposable clowns

By the water!

Over there!

Down here!

- Oh, it's you - Bound by fate

Shich, we'll go behind

No, just watch

You like eating from the hands of Choshu?

Unlike you, I enjoy food in season

Even a bullshit swordsman finds wit in the capital

You're as full of shit as me

No doubt

Wait, Shich. Hold!

The patrol unit is coming! Withdraw!

Are you hurt? You may come inside

The shochu on the shelf

Please help yourself

Thank you. I will

My uncle practices Western medicine He taught me nursing a while ago

When the Black Ships came

You're from Edo?

I am

What is your name?

O-Yuki

As in snow

To the capital / Half the sky left / Clouds of snow

I like Basho

I beg your pardon. I'm Toshi Vice commander of Shinsengumi

I know

Could you please ask the neighborhood patrolman to arrange for a litter?

I got a formal jacket from the neighbor Please wear it

The litter will arrive soon

Thank you, but I'm still bleeding

Town officials will be coming to greet you. You're under dressed

Do you like writing poems?

My grandfather studied it. My brothers and I used to read our poems together

I saw your paintings

It reminds me of the wilderness I live in

Soji filled me in

Kamo is one of the most patriotic samurai

Those who bring shame to us will be killed. That's the Code

What if it was me?

You know

You'd kill me?

Kill you and cut open my gut right there beside you

Then I'll have to die, too

That'll be the end of Shinsengumi

What a buzz kill

Isami, you're the face of Shinsengumi

Be the model for us samurai

I get it, Toshi

Gen, Saito, Soji and I will do it

Niimi's skilled. You need more

we'll kill him first

When?

There'll be a purge in the court

That's when we move

Exile of the Seven Nobles

The purge happened a month later

The emperor, along with Aizu and Satsuma, expelled the Choshu faction

Shinsengumi was deployed but Choshu didn't fight

They fled Kyoto with the nobles

This is as far as I'll go

It is unlike Choshu not to fight

That let us keep the mansion

Katsura will plan retaliation there

It's not a total loss

I promise to return with an army

We will win

We're counting on you

Like fraying straw / The world in disarray / The bleeding sunset

Hello?

Here's the jacket I borrowed

Expecting company?

It's your dinner. I thought you might be back tonight

You can see the future! I'd love to have dinner with you

Please

Do you like Mibu pickles?

Oh, yes, I love them

All the food in Kyoto is so good

Yes, everything's good...

1000 years as the capital will do that The people here are special

Be there a battle at the palace, a fire engulfing the city, they still—

Have space in their hearts to laugh at it

Not so in Edo

I lied

Me, too

How?

You first

Eating alone has become boring ever since you came here that night

I wasn't expecting you. It just cheers me up to prepare dinner for two

Your turn

I hate Mibu pickles

Well, I used to hate them

I like your Mibu pickles

Would you design a uniform for us?

Uniform?

Black. The commander alone will be different

I'd be happy to help

Good evening

It's probably for me

We caught the fish

Good I must go. Till next time

Please, don't

What is this scene?

She disobeys, so I punish

What do you want?

Do not raise money without permission

What do you mean?

That's from the tailor. A thank you for the uniform order

Pastry, pastry, pastry...

Gold, gold, gold...

I see

You take bribes to fund your night life

This isn't me

Show him

Over 1000 gold in default

Commander Kamo knows

That's not what he said

That can't be

Well, then. Noguchi can go check at the station

Go

Yes, sir

So, Niimi. You will commit—

seppuku here

Nonsense! Noguchi just left to check—

That's for the IOUs

The gold from the tailor is scattered before us

I had nothing to do with this!

You used to be a proud Mito samurai

It's unbecoming of you

Will you be a true samurai—

Or shall I just continue my sword into your heart?

Noguchi! I'll go with you

seppuku, seppuku...

I disappeared for a while. Said I was being interrogated by Aizu

Kamo was furious, of course Niimi was his childhood pal

Like Isami and me

Except Kamo drowns his sorrow in booze and women

I'll not forgive him. You'll pay, Hijikata!

I'll have him commit seppuku Let's dance

It's our time now

You, me, and Soji

I'll kill Hijikata

O-Ume is here

You, Hijikata!

He's gone to Lord Aizu. He won't be back for a while

It'll rain blood when he comes back

You yell angry and you yell sad

Time to come home

I'll come over and over

Let's dance!

Kamo is asleep

Owners are gone Kids sleeping with the maids

I don't like killing women

But this is our chance

There's always collateral damage

I'll lead. Hold the scabbard in front

Ready

- Gen? - Ready

Here we go

Ow, ow...

It hurts!

It hurts!

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry

Leave the rest to us

Intruders!

- We've been attacked! - Oh my god!

Y'all are like water sprites

Please don't kill us

Please let me go

Live out yer life. Don't ever come back. Off ya go

What'll happen to us?

Back to your work tomorrow Mum's the word

- We won't tell anybody - Upon our lives

My hair is out of place

Because I shared a night...

The Choshu spies are next

Not yet

They killed Serizawa Kamo

Ah, the horror, the horror

That was for Commander Kamo

Different sleeves

This is Isami

I prefer this

That's me

To know is to wander / To not is to find / The way of love

Don't!

You're so poke-easy. I'm jealous

Spoke easy?

Poke-easy

- Poke-easy? - Easy going

A Choshu phrase?

That's right

Behead me...

You're not ready

He bit off his tongue

Take them away

I told you to hold off

They got injured and let the enemy escape

The Code calls for seppuku

That depends—

They fought over a broad

The Shinsengumi is a motley crew

It falls apart if we relax the rules even a little

Do you know when things fall apart?

When you, a leader, become heartless

If I, a vice commander, am a good guy like you—

Harsh orders have to come from Comd. Kondo. Naturally—

The men would hate him, trust will be lost and things fall apart

Samurai have lost their shine All of 'em

But not Shinsengumi

True Heart

This flag was given to us today from Lord Aizu himself

He ordered us to wipe out vagrants with shogunate authority

and protect the peace of the capital under this flag

These streets are our battleground

Dismissed!

Hijikata

Are Yamanami's eyes bigger than his glasses? Based on the rim?

Of course not

Yamanami found out who your woman is

- An unusual woman - Her name is O-Yuki

And her dead husband?

I don't care

You should. You're a vice commander here

She was a constable's wife in Kyoto

She followed him here without—

O-Yuki came here to study the Kyoto style painting

It wasn't for him

So says the man in love

She didn't go back to Edo after his death because her family's rich

They support her. What's wrong with that?

Her husband was a Choshu mole

Killed by his colleague

- Nice day - Sure is

It's hot. Be careful

Can you take over?

It's hot

We're going to the temple cleaning after the cookout

I love these seasonal events in Kyoto

I've been watching you all day

What?

Your husband was a mole for Choshu, wasn't he?

You may work for them, too

Your bloody paintings are—

An epitaph for him

What would you know about how I felt when I looked at his dead body?

It's foolishness. That's why I paint “bloody prints”

White winter cherries /

Glow brighter night by night / Under the pale moon

New Year's Day 1864

This uniform's too nice, mind if I patrol in blue?

Do as you like

I'm a lucky man

The wisdom of Yamanami who's promoted

The bravery of Hijikata

Two flowers in my hands and now I have Miyuki

Time for me to go

I'm promoted to an empty figurehead

I have no authority to command

An organization must be agile like a swordsman

One vice commander is enough

Both the shogunate and daimyos have always operated in plurals

So we break that tradition and its problems

You're enamored by Western militaries

That's not us

It's not for a man of Japan

Y'all forget this is a feast for the great holiday

Mr. Toshi, get on home will ya?

Sake for Yamanami

You're not seeing O-Yuki

None of your damn business

It is, actually

Why?

She gave me a message

Message?

What did she say?

She wants to see you tonight

She really said that?

I believe so

You believe?

She was hanging around here, saw me, bowed, then ran off

Message my ass

It's cruel of you

What do you know

Kyoto women are nice outside but nasty inside

O-Yuki is from Edo, and... For you—

To not is to find / The way of love

That doesn't mean I'm going to waltz over to see her

Why not?

My life will make a woman sad

Don't look down on women like that

O-Yuki cherishes every moment she spends with you

Go see her

Now

Close them

Kyoto women can be nasty on the outside, too

But the truth is—

It's all up to the man

It's Toshi

Come in

I came to apologize

I left a message with Soji earlier...

You what?

About Choshu. Didn't he tell you?

Well...

Well, I mean...

That guy...

Yes, about Choshu

I've been refinishing the paper doors at the Ikeda-ya tavern

A lot of guests there sleep with their feet toward the east

Even when they're laying around—feet to the east

And?

A Choshu habit

How do you know?

Choshu lost a lot of land in their defeat in the Battle of 1600

Begrudging, they sleep with their feet toward the Tokugawas as an insult

My husband told me once

You and your brothers are poets

Your oldest brother, your brother Ha ya to who died, and your—

Other brother

I'm the black sheep

I have no vocabulary or talent I'm over-passionate

That makes you a poet

You are writing your only poem with your only life

I'm sorry I doubted you

Farewell for tonight

May I visit again?

Anytime you like

The boar comes down the mountain to eat our crops—to eat

Get me? To eat the cabbage Not to be eaten with the cabbage

Search unit, come here

Are Ronin from other clans at Choshu's place?

Always a few

Any Choshu men?

Just Katsura and the listed few

Search every inn from San jo to Shijo

Those sleeping with feet facing—

East are Choshu men

Ikeda-ya and others look suspicious

Zaki, check-in there, disguised

What as?

Apothecary

Ikeda ya

Welcome

Welcome back

I'll be here a while

- Foot wash! - Coming

How's business?

Terrible. Folks here are shrewd A day's worth of—

Sales in Osaka takes 10 days in Kyoto

Travel puts me in the red

Is that so?

Take the bridge first

One Glove will go to Choshu

Weapons from my region go in here?

That's right

They'll act this month

Set the city afire on a windy day, kill the Lord Protector—

Kidnap the emperor and move him to Choshu

Outrageous

Led by Teizo of Higo

Not Katsura?

Says it's not time

How many?

30 plus, as far as I know

Their liaison?

Masuya, aka Mas-ki

With a shop in the alley?

Real name is Furutaka. He's an imperialist with ties to the court

Teizo is at Masuya's

What does he look like?

A kabuki poster? This won't help

Mid 40's

Unshaven head. Uses a prayer slip to tie his topknot—it's hard to see

Keep investigating

I have to go down to Choshu to update them. I'm heading there now

Anything you want me to tell Comd. Kondo?

I'm tired of being a spy Please make me an official member

Soji

I said no killing!

Too late

Check inside

Here it is

June 5, 1664

June 5, 1664 Where's Teizo?

Are there other weapons?

He's tough—won't talk

Any info?

They're meeting in various taverns from Gion to San jo

Just as we thought

Teizo's at one

We'll raid tonight

Yes, sir

It's the festival tonight

One float with dancers starts from here

Welcome back

Tonight's a party

How many guests?

About 30

Very well

Make arrangements for a chef...

Did ya count the armor?

Careful

Gen!

Oh, hey. Ya got a message?

30 Ronin gathering at Ikeda-ya tonight We confirmed two

One is Osawa. The other's emblem is a turtle pattern

Understood. Update us next at the Gion Zen dojo

- Got it? - Yes, sir

The turtle emblem is the family of Otaka, one of the 47 Ronin of Ako

Wasn't there a descendant?

There's an Otaka from Banshu

Ikeda-ya's the base

Hard to say

- It must be - Hard to say

They may try to rescue Furutaka Garrison unit, be on alert

Others head to the Gion Zen dojo and get armed

The Aizu troops will help us

Understood?

Volunteer waiter, Juji-ya?

He says parties are his specialty

This too

Welcome. Only three are here so far

Double check everything

You're late!

Hurry, Gen

- Put it around like this? - That's right

Hurry

This ain't right

Whatcha doin'?

You a spy from Shinsengumi?

We must rescue Furutaka first

There's no time!

There was a spy out front

Ran away

They're everywhere. It's OK

Katsura's late, but let's begin

Bring us drinks

Very well. Drinks!

- We'll start - Yes, sir

On your left!

Vice commander!

I was seen and couldn't meet up with Zaki

Fine. Go get armed

No news

Please sit facin' each other

Let's get you all seated now

Thank you for waiting

O-Kiku, let's have them check their swords with us

- Yes - Your swords, please

Thank you, thank you So many swords

Festival music's stopped

Shall we take the lead?

Let's go

Ikeda-ya could be a decoy...

It can't be

Todo...

I'll go there

Listen up! We'll split in two

Soji, Pachi, Todo, Sano, and Takeda's team

will go to Ikeda-ya with Comd. Kondo!

The others, with me

We'll search every inn and tavern, moving north

- Thanks for the help - Thank you. Good night

Furutaka would never give us up but we should still—

Decide what to do

Whether or not to proceed as planned

- We should! - Let's do it!

We can't abandon him

Shich and I are both prepared to die

We'll attack them, burn down the station

He's our comrade. We must rescue him

Katsura warned us not to act rashly

He's against the plan itself. A coward!

Our own Sakamoto Ryoma is against this

Watch what ya say

The restoration has far to go yet

We will die. And others still

Katsura and Ryoma are the ones to finally complete the work

27 men upstairs, including Teizo They're debating

I unlocked the doors

Get Hijikata. He's searching the Inns on Nawate

Who will ID Teizo?

We need Zaki

True

ID Teizo first

Soji, can you do this?

Of course

We'll kill them all if we have to

Narrow stairs

Low ceiling upstairs

Watch your swords

Quiet

It's a raid!

It's a raid!

What's this?

Which one, Zaki?

Over there! That's Teizo!

Where's my sword?

Found it!

Keep clam! Kill the candles!

I see him! Go, Zaki!

Protect Teizo!

Juji-yal

I'm not Juji-ya I'm Zaki of Shinsengumi!

Over here

Hide in here

Hurry

C'mon!

Vice Commander Hijikata!

What's wrong?

I'm here!

Teizo and 26 others are at Ikeda-ya!

Everyone gather up!

To Ikeda-ya! Hurry!

To Ikeda-ya!

Can't cut anymore

Push!

Push back!

Teizo, you can escape out back!

Go, Sugi!

Teizo, out back!

Let's flee. We can't win here

The restoration is up to you now!

Shich!

Flee, Yoshida!

Shich!

This way!

Close off the block. We'll do this alone

Not a one will enter. Team 1 follow me!

Guard the back

You're late

What took so long?

You miss me?

You maggots. History will be made by us

- Perhaps - That's Teizo

Need help dying?

Saito, you stay up here

Yes, sir

Soji, did Shich get you?

No way

He coughed up blood. Consumption?

I won't die that easy

Take a break, Soji

I'll watch here

- Help him - On it!

Todo, I'll handle this. You can go

I'm not going

I got this. Go

Arrest them!

Tie them up!

Where are the Shinsengumi men?

Fighting at Ikeda-ya

Here they come!

Kill him! Cut him down!

Stay away! Stay away!

They're returning, all wounded

Set up a field hospital

Get bandages, basins, cold and hot water

We'll use the temple

A maid? You can come out now

Try over there. Choshu? You up there, pal?

Choshu?

The maid's cute

- Here? - Further in

You're such an oaf—further in. Choshu?

Mr. Osawa?

Take off your clothes

Down to your loincloth

Why?

- Hurry - OK

Pachi's sword got bent Soji's tip broke off

Todo's blade is all chipped But my Kotetsu? Nothing

I found this maid dead

Did they get Soji?

He coughed up blood

Insists he'll walk home

I always thought only Shinsengumi could attain true jo-/—

but as the shogunate stands idle, I kill the men calling for jo-/

Nothing good comes from seeking jo-/

The shogun is more important

We were baragaki from the shogun's own territory

We followed the baragaki's path and it led us here

We just have to charge forward

Hot water

Thanks. Get the bandage

Go get more help

Hurry

Looking for someone?

Where's Soji? Is he all right?

The badly wounded are here, but not Soji

Where's Comd. Kondo?

He's with Gen. Went to see Lord Aizu and others

Will Todo make it?

He injured his head, but he"ll live

Pardon me

War broke out with Choshu 45 days after Ikeda-ya

The battle of July 19, 18647

Battle at the Forbidden Gate

We were deployed down south Never got to fight in the city

Late that year, a battle began that fractured Shinsengumi

I got one famous blade

Soji, are you hungry?

No, I'll watch you eat

Oh

I never have an appetite, so I like watching others enjoying their meal

Especially how this man eats

What do you want?

Shich, whose arm you shattered escaped prison before execution

Is that all?

You may see him again

Is that all?

Mr. Ito got in from Edo to Comd. Kondo's residence

Finally

Yes. It's quite a group of recruits

Yamanami and Todo are there?

How did you know?

They're from the same dojo dojo blood is thick

No one bothered to tell me the news

I'm the messenger

They told me to summon you

You imp. Why didn't you say that to begin with?

It's fun to see your expression change

True

Please go right away

No

I knew it

Don't be difficult. Get ready

Comd. Kondo isn't himself these days

Right, Soji?

True. Ever since he went to Edo in September to recruit

He met the shogun's councilors

Now he parades to Nijo Castle every few days with a throng of attendants

They discuss current events

Do you want to become a daimyo, Toshi?

Not really

Say it in your dialect

Naw

I want to hear more

I'm a work in" man. Ain't never—

Thinkin' 'bout the world

Jus' wanna make us the mos' fierce fightin' outfit

Disappointed?

I'm relieved

Hijikata says, “Let's go fight at the palace!”

The battle at the Forbidden Gate

I said, “We're six miles away No point going there now.” And he says—

“Shinsengumi must be at the most vital front”

He was screaming

His woman. He was worried about her Wanted to go back

“Cool it,” I said. We went into Ikeda-ya with only a few men and got famous

But this war is different 40,000 shogunate men. Choshu has 2,000

The shogunate will burn out soldiers hiding in houses

People in Kyoto will turn to Choshu

Our name won't be harmed down here

That's political thinking

Hijikata isn't the only thinker around here

The rabbit in the moon floats—

On the surface of the sea

Hijikata never did show up

He'll greet you tomorrow

What is he like?

He and I clash over everything

He's a fool

How?

He doesn't honor the emperor nor fear the savages

Clueless of the times

He's obsessed over Shinsengumi—

And making it stronger

So, not a reasonable man

The kind of fool who's trouble

Kondo can be manipulated He fights for a cause

Let us solemnly swear—

To transform the Shinsengumi into a pure imperialist force

I'm impressed. You gathered 70,000 gold from the merchants in Osaka

I just brokered a loan for Aizu

Nonetheless. I am very impressed

January 1865

Hi there, Hijikata!

What, a nobleman now?

It's for a ho-fo-grah

You're actin' strange these days

People turn shameless once elevated

I didn't come to Kyoto to give ya a creepy white face

Tm gettin' a headache hear in" yer dialect

Let's do it

Please hold your breath

Lord Yoshinobu loves ho-fo-grah

He told Isami to get one taken, too

Comd. Kondo's like a daimyo now

There's nobody from Ito's group

They think anything of a savage is unclean

Scared a ho-fo-grah will blind them

This place is so big

Perfect for our new station

Yamanami, why the sour face?

There are plenty of other options

You're in a foul mood

This move is to punish the temple that sided with Choshu

Comd. Kondo and Ito took his bait

Hijikata's forgotten jo-/ and—

Even threatens monks. He's a fool!

He has never uttered the word jo-/

We came to the capital in the name of jo-/!

Soji, what's the matter?

Yamanami deserted

Ambition dies in this / Forsaken life of a ronin

He didn't feel he belonged

Felt that way for a while

What do we do, Toshi?

The Code calls for seppuku

No deserter's done that

It even says where he's staying

Soji, you pursue him

If I let him go?

Yamanami ran, returned, and committed seppuku?

That man was born a samurai, unlike us

He wanted to remind us with his final act

We began to fracture after that

Ready?

Not... yet

It was January of the year after Yamanami's seppuku

Satsuma and Choshu, who were enemies, came together

It was a yeoman's work by Sakamoto Ryoma

He sat down the giant Saigo and the quiet Katsura—

And barked that what matters is the country, not their clans

This gave new momentum for the overthrow

Lord Yoshinobu became the 15th shogun at the end of the year

The system's a relic. I can't cope

20 days later, the emperor died

He had the pox

Nonsense. He was poisoned

Shh

No doubt

Then the ministers siding with Choshu took power

And, this March, Ito was appointed—

To the palace guard and left Shinsengumi

How is it that Saito went with them?

Wasn't he sent as a spy?

The exact opposite of One Glove who joined Shinsengumi

It'll rain blood again

Isami is the shogun's retainer now He can't be reckless

I'm worried about Soji

He's coughed up blood a few times this year

Where is Toshi these days?

He's recruiting in Edo

And Isami?

At Nijo Castle

Restoration of Imperial Rule

Lord Ieyasu founded the Tokugawa shogunate 300 years ago to bring peace

Now, I shall relinquish authority to govern for the sake of peace

Let it go

Let it go to honor his will

Japan is nearly fracturing

But it will come together if I relinquish authority

No, it must come together

I think it will. It has to. Come together

It shall!

Speak your mind if you disagree

None. Very well

Governance shall be the emperor's

October 14, 1867 Tokugawa Yoshinobu abandoned—

The office of shogun and returned governance to the emperor

I heard the news on my way to Kyoto, as I led recruits down from Edo

Golden Laces were in bloom

What's that?

It's the “What the Hell” dance

The world's gone mad since the relinquishment

Gen, get information

Swords ready

What the hell! What the hell!...

Shinsengumi is the mightiest force for the dying shogunate

We're the most feared when we stand quietly like a forest

I suppose

Our leader flappin' his trap about current affairs with politicians doesn't—

Make us shine

Soji, hurry up and get better

I will

This medicine will kick consumption's ass

I had them make it back home

Here

I'm taking it for your sake

You really are a good guy

Don't be creepy

If I were to be reincarnated

I want to be born an honest person like you

I want to be a tenacious character like you

Idiosyncratic. Versed in the art of war

Living only to defeat the enemy

Please draw my Kiku Ichimonji

Right by my face

The sword is more beautiful than any woman

How ironic. The only person I killed with this sword—

Was Yamanami

Ito's group is after me

Saito found out

Ito is with the restorationists

He wants to win their trust by killing Comd. Kondo

Kill him first

Ito is an imperial guard

We'd be the court's enemy

So what?

Satsuma and Choshu rule the court We're doomed to be the emperor's enemy

It's not politics that makes me say this

It's about a man's principles

Ito has made an ass of me for two years

Toshi

I gave in. I let the man have his principles

Isami wouldn't have—

Died like that if I stood my ground

Or so I think these days

Don't move. I'm almost finished

That doesn't sound like your paintbrush

It's a pencil for sketching

I sense a difference in you, too

Yes. I will soon lose my mind

I was searching for a wilderness

I found it in yours

What is in your mouth?

Nothing

Then, your mouth is always so sweet?

My... husband

I've always wanted you to call me that

Me too...

I've always dreamed of the day...

I would find someone fo call husband

My husband

Ask me anything. I won't keep secrets

Ryoma, the lynchpin of the restoration is killed

I hear Shinsengumi did it

No. That man should not have died

Three days later—

Ito was killed on a street corner

That was us

Isami invited him over

Ito ranted about the times. Slammed the shogunate. Got drunk

Green frees now a shadow...

You killed Ito and used his body as a trap

We re street fighters

Hijikata!

Brother!

They're here

I went to the scene the next morning

The street was scattered with fingers

I was scared

I was scared at Ikeda-ya, too

I was too scared to stand by, waiting So I treated the wounded

A war is brewing, isn't it?

Take me with you

I want to keep drawing you

How you fought. For generations to see

I can't drag you in

You've already done that!

I gave in last night

Now it's your turn

We moved headquarters fo Fushimi in preparation for war

Comd. Kondo's at Nijo again

Meeting with the holdouts

It's too late now

- Should a told him - I did

Soji's disabled. Half our men fled It's depressing

Aizu forces arrive in a few days

It's still depressing

Isami!

I've been shot

By Choshu?

Ho's men

Get a stretcher!

Dammit!

Scapula may be broken

I won't be able to use a sword, then

Get him on there

The court isn't satisfied. They want the shogun's land

Turn the shogun and us into beggars

Toshi, take care of Shinsengumi

- Read Yes!

Goddammit!

Send him to the shogun's doctor in Osaka

- You go with him - Yes, sir

Get a ship—a shogunate vessel

Put Soji on it, too

He won't go

Force him

The guards are back!

He can't use a sword anymore

How many attackers?

15 days later. January 3, 1868 War began

The Battle of Toba-Fushimi

- Gen, stay down! - I'm fine

What the?

Stay put, Gen. It's dangerous

You were a water sprite when we first met

You lose your mind?

A leaf on yer head, in the stream by the shrine

Please, Gen

I'll tell ya a story

Kill 10 enemies, then tell me

You know? I still haven't killed a single man

Did ya hear?

Yep, I knew that

Oh, y'did?

But today's a different story

Stay Gen. Gen!

Gen!

- Sir! - Gen!

Gen!

Forward!

Had Yoshinobu aided us with the rear guard, still fresh

We would've won

Osaka Castle, January 6, 1868

Osaka Castle, January 6, 1868 Are you riding out to fight?

Osaka Castle, January 6, 1868

Let's flee

Flee?

Flee with me now to Edo

Why?

The enemy has received the Imperial Flag

I am a traitor now

You and Shinsengumi will surrender

This is the only way to stop those who disobey me

I'll flee to Edo. Come

And leave our men?

Have you forgotten your house precept?

The shogun and Lord Aizu are gone

Sounds like they've reached safety

Safety? I've never heard of such disgrace

How could Lord Aizu abandon his men?

This war is different

How?

You won't understand

And you do?

I do

Zaki, go to Edo. They have the best doctors there

I won't make it to Edo. Bury me in the sea if I die on the ship

Don't pickle me

And Soji?

- In the small tower - Quarantined

Don't pickle me

It's Toshi

It's me

We lost

I'm in bed because the doctor told me

But I actually feel great

I'll stay here tonight

The shogun, the highest office of Japan is gone

What will happen to Shinsengumi?

Women worry about what will happen

A man only thinks of what to do

What will we do?

We'll keep going. Even if we're the last man standing

You know what? Women think of what to do, too

No, they don't

A plum blossom. O-Yuki arranged it

She'd come every day to check in on me

She's probably tending to some wounded soldiers now

The survivors of our group will return to Edo on the ship, Fujisanmaru

Did anyone from our Edo dojo die?

They got Gen

I wish I'd let him tell me about the water sprite

He told me instead

You're the only one standing unharmed

Sturdy as a beast

I'll die in war

Shinsengumi returned to Edo, but we weren't wanted there

“Don't bring your war to Edo Fight elsewhere”

How dare they, I thought

I decided to wait for Isami to recover Then, we'd attack the enemy in Kofu

So, I went to the Aizu mansion in Edo to let them know

You are my only hope

The brave men who fought in Toba-Fushimi

I shall never be fooled again

Aizu shall follow the path that Aizu decides

Have a drink, everyone. Please

I'm sorry. I've put you through so much

We are both too blood-stained for Edo He wants us gone

So very like Yoshinobu

I am sorry

Aizu is unlike others

The lord doesn't just die. He becomes a god after death

Such is my inheritance

I was adopted. That may be why I was over-vigilant about our precepts

I was weak to accept the protector ship

Two men sent you out to Kyoto. One—

Calls for blind submission, out of fear of death

The other is now in the new government and will attack Aizu

Those chameleons are the fools

You, my lord, are true

That will live on

When did you cut off your topknot?

After Shinsengumi retreated from Kofu—

You fought in various places—

Moving north from Aizu

When we first met in Sendai—

Your topknot was already gone

I got it cut when I returned home and armed the farmers there

My sister cut it off

My friend is starting a militia in Edo. I want to join him

Don't go to Edo. You gotta shine

Reason would say, go to Aizu like Saito and the others

I think Edo over Aizu

Then, just go

Don't talk to me like that

I don't serve you. How can I fight with a man who cut off his topknot?

It's Mr. Hijikata!

500 enemies in the forest

Brother, get your unit

We were told to disband

By whom?

Isami

What's the matter?

I'm going to the government's HQ

For what?

I'm telling them we don't want to fight the emperor. I'll use a fake name

Are you mad?

I've been thinking. We're at the precipice

What precipice?

Precipice of what?

I told you it's different

Yes—that I won't understand

Preconceptions. A war of preconceptions

Capture the Imperial Flag and you win

Nothing's changed for 600 years

We're staking our lives on some antiquated logic?

That's right

Ain't it just some smart guys flailing about, all in their heads?

Yoshinobu, the edict-happy court, Saigo They're all the same

There's got to be something constant that's timeless

That's why we've come this far

Don't quit now. You gotta shine!

You created Shinsengumi

You even made me

It's time to let me go

My arm's no good, can't even commit seppuku

You go your own way

I won't let you go. Come with me

Thank you for everything

Toshi

Isami was executed 20 days after he surrendered

There were Ito's men in the government army

Sister

Soji, we're escaping from Edo

My husband will fight up north

Make sure everything on you stays clean

The gardener will take care of you

Edo is full of government soldiers

I wonder what Isami and Toshi are doing

I'm sure they're fighting

I'll join you once I get a little better

I'll fight off any government troops that may come there

Kondo Isami Beheaded

Soji died in the gardener's shed on May 30

There was no one at his side

Sir, here!

Near a lake in Aizu, August 1868

Farmers were guiding them

Aizu burned their village

We could've won with the farmers on our side

Aizu troops are retreating to the castle to hold out

Gather up

Shinsengumi, gather up!

After Aizu, it's Sendai

Keep fighting or go home...

Do what you want

The Code no longer applies?

That's right

Follow me to go north

September 3, Hijikata enters Sendai Castle September 22, Aizu surrenders

Aizu fought the government army Even boys and women took up weapons

It was fo no avail

The dead could not be buried

Over 3,000 died since Kyoto—

The most casualties among the daimyo domains of that era

What's in the case?

Two letters from the late—

Emperor himself

October 21 Hijikata and shogunate escapees land on Ezo

When Aizu surrendered in September—

Our military mission was ordered to return to France

But we chose to fight with the shogunate escapees

Your troops landed on Ezo,

walked along the coast, through snowy mountains—

And occupied Hakodate in only 10 days

You took Matsumae Castle and conquered Ezo with only your unit

“If you want to sleep, sleep inside the castle'

“We will take the castle or freeze to death”

You stirred up your soldiers thus—

And rode ahead of them, sword drawn

It was brilliant leadership

It was just so cold

You are a true Samurai

I am truly honored to have met you

Go ahead

Here I am taking a ho-fo-grah

Please hold still for six seconds

One... Two...Three...

Four... Five... Six

Commandant Hijikata!

You treat everyone from both sides

Anyone. Politics and war do not enter the hospital

That goes without saying in the West

I see

I've heard of your work with Shinsengumi

Hijikata cares for you

He may chase me away

Excuse me

You forgot this

Spring came fo Ezo, as did the government army

Capt. Brunet and the French were sent back home

Hakodate was blockaded

Toshi was at Fort Goryokaku There was no way in or out

They will kill you if you resist

Please do not resist

The head doctor's negotiating with the government

The annex is burning!

Go!

Give it to me!

Out of the way!

Stop!

Quiet! This is a hospital!

The wounded will live!

We'll spare them!

Patients and staff are forbidden to go outside

Withdraw!

I say withdraw!

We need guards!

Can we have some guards?

Leave them two guards

I hear Hijikata's family is here

I am the wife of Hijikata Toshizo

Mention my name if there's trouble

Shich Kennosuke of Choshu

Take this to my sister in Bushu

I want to fight to the end with you

It's my last request. Do it

70 Sato Nobu

And a message...

Rest assured, nothing I have done will bring shame to your name, dear sister

Seems we'll be holding out here

You hold out for help to come

We have no help anywhere in Japan

Fort Goryokaku, May 11, 1869

Fort Goryokaku, May 11, 1869 I'm taking Hakodate

- I'll go - Shinsengumi or death

No. Go home

You're swordsmen. This is a modern war

I'll use the westernized unit

So, we fight Western style

True Heart

A lone horseman!

Ready. Aim!

Surrender has a protocol

Who are you?

Hijikata Toshizo of Shin-sen-gumi

I need your generals

Hijikata...

For what?

I need to seem them so I can—

Cut them all down

Fire!

Fire!

Subtitle Correction By: JiSiN