A Moonlit Night Filled with Flowers (月夜は花で満たされました Tsukiyo Hanade Ippai) is the eleventh episode of the anime Hakuouki: Reimeiroku (Demon of the Fleeting Blossom: Dawn of the Shinsengumi). It aired on September 17, 2012.
Plot
The ruins of Koudou's burnt down clinic
The Shinsengumi arrive to the remains of a burnt down building in the morning. As it turns out, the building was Koudou's clinic that had all the research on Rasetsu. Sannan finds a piece of paper that used to be part of a letter from Chizuru Yukimura.
As Koudou's body has not been found, it is assumed that he might have survived. Sannan makes it a priority to figure out whether or not people have learnt the secret about Ochimizu, as there is a guess that imperial nationalists might have attacked Koudou for his connection with the Shinsengumi. Hijikata agrees and suggests prioritizing search for Koudou. He also asks Kondou how exactly to follow the order by Aizu about dealing with Serizawa. Sannan proposes his removal from the commander's position, and Hijikata is skeptical that Serizawa will agree, but Kondou decides to believe in Serizawa's ideals as a warrior and intends to have a conversation with him.
As Niimi continues to experiment with Rasetsu, he comes to realize that the medicine helps them cling to their remaining sanity, however, after taking the medicine the trial Rasetsu start begging to kill them.
Kondou attempts to reason with Serizawa
Kondou arranges a meeting with Serizawa at Shimabara and starts the important conversation. Serizawa seems offended that Kondou jumped straight to business without having a drink, which forces Kondou to pour him some sake. As Kondou proceeds talking, he makes it clear that Serizawa has a choice to stop his behavior or relinquish his position as a commander. Being kind-hearted and honest, Kondou admits that he wishes for Serizawa to continue alongside him and feels thankful for what he has done so far. However, Serizawa lectures him about how to hold negotiations correctly and act like a feudal lord. Kondou admits having realized long ago that he is not suited to be a general but carries on because Toshi believes in him. Despite his sincerity about his feelings, Serizawa claims that Hijikata holds him in such high regard only because he sees his own dreams come true through his friend, and this responsibility will later bring Kondou anguish. After warning Kondou that the imperial nationalists are going to hate him, Serizawa finishes the conversation by calling for a geisha and does not promise to change his behavior despite Kondou's pleads.
Serizawa shares the story about a woman he loved
As Ryuunosuke brings sake to Serizawa, he overhears his conversation with Oume who answers Serizawa's question about her killing him with a comment that she has no wish to do so again after having failed before. In turn, Oume asks why Serizawa lets her stay by his side after an attempt on his life but he expresses no concern as all humans eventually die, and adds that Oume resembles the only woman he has ever loved. Serizawa shares his memories of her personality and explains that she died of an illness that made her grow unable to remember who she was and who were the people around. He also confesses that after she died he found out he had been infected with the same disease, but he was happy to know that he would die of the same disease as the woman he loved.
The meeting to discuss Niimi's situation
Niimi's portrait by Ryuunosuke
A few moments later Sano announces' Niimi's disappearance along with all the research on Ochimizu. As everyone is gathered in the common room, they decide to search for Niimi but make sure only those who know about the secret are dispatched. All the search attempts are futile, even though Ryuunosuke has drawn a couple of portraits to help the captains. Eventually, one night a woman gets killed by a Rasetsu. Next morning, Yamazaki comes to Hijikata to report an outbreak of bizarre murders throughout Kyoto.
About a month later, Serizawa informs Ryuunosuke that a man named Iori Tanaka held a party with imperial nationalists at Shimabara and bragged about having "an ace up his sleeve to expel the foreigners". Supposedly, his style of speech and voice sounded like Niimi. Ryuunosuke runs to deliver the information to the Shinsengumi, but Hijikata is skeptical of how Serizawa found it all out, and he instructs Yamazaki to investigate Shimabara.
Niimi turns into a Rasetsu
Next day, Saitou and Okita witness a Rasetsu corpse washed ashore and found by the locals. They report it to Hijikata assuming that Niimi could not control the monster and was forced to dispose of him. Yamazaki arrives with the news that someone who looked like Niimi introduced himself as Iori Tanaka and entered a high-class restaurant. Hijikata instantly orders Okita and Saitou to follow him there and apprehend Niimi inside the restaurant. As they barge in and search the rooms, they quickly find Niimi holding onto a vial of Ochimizu. He tries to hide behind Serizawa claiming that he would be angry if someone was to happen to him, however, Okita asks whether "Serizawa-sensei" ordered him to deliver the serum to imperial nationalists. One of Niimi's companions attempts to draw his sword but his throat is instantly pierced by Okita's blade. Another one lashes at Hijikata but gets killed by Saitou. Seeing no way out of the predicament, Niimi drinks Ochimizu, his hair turns white and his eyes start glowing red. He avoids all the attacks easily and fights back, being physically stronger than all the captains and also more agile. He blabs away that the men on the floor were the first ones to suggest a good price for the serum confirming that he has not sold it to anyone yet, and Hijikata, Saitou and Okita attempt to attack again. Niimi can see their every move which makes it easy for him to dodge. Suddenly, tasting some blood on his face, he loses his sanity and gets taken over by the bloodlust. As he kneels down to one of the bodies, Hijikata seizes the opportunity to take him down.
After returning to the headquarters, Hijikata goes to Serizawa to inform him of the situation. However, he is met by Ryuunosuke who says that Serizawa is in bed and advises Hijikata to come tomorrow. In response, Hijikata asks the kid to tell the commander that Niimi has committed seppuku.
Kondou and Hijikata reporting to Aizu
As Kondou and Hijikata report the incident to the Aizu, they receive praise but get asked how they are dealing with the commander. Kondou explains that he is trying to persuade him to step down. However, the answer does not satisfy the Aizu, and it is hinted that Serizawa has to be completely disposed of.