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Chikage Kazama (風間 千景 Kazama Chikage) is a character in Hakuōki. He may be an antagonist, protagonist, or ally, depending on the chosen route, and he is one of Chizuru's potential love interests. Kazama is a demon currently in the service of the Satsuma domain, which comes to oppose the Shinsengumi.
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Personality
This article contains major SPOILERS. Be careful if you do not know the full story yet.
Kazama Chikage is selfish, arrogant, and often cruel. He is severely prejudiced against humans, and even more so against Rasetsu. He refers to them almost exclusively as "fakes" or "abominations" and considers it his duty to dispose of them. Having little respect for those incapable of adapting to changing times, Kazama asserts his superiority of race and cause whenever possible. He is fatalistic and detached from his own violent actions, regarding them as proof of humanity's frailty without ascribing any agency to himself. However, though Kazama maintains a clear dislike of and disdain for all humans throughout all routes, he strives to keep his emotional distance and remain aloof.
Whenever Kazama must do something he considers unpleasant, he tries to find a way to further his own enjoyment in the meantime, up to and including using Chizuru as an excuse to toy with the Shinsengumi. However, though he initially considers this a game in which he holds no real investment, he eventually becomes genuinely intrigued by the humans and their ideals. In Hijikata's route, Kazama is unable to reconcile his existing values with his newfound attachment, and — once Amagiri confronts him about his errant ways — abandons his title and status in favor of engaging with the humans. Thus, though Kazama has an extreme sense of responsibility and loyalty to his clan and people as a whole, he "[sees] no charm in command", and is willing to step down from his position and pursue his own agenda if he finds a purpose he perceives as more worthwhile.
Kazama is persistent to the point of obsession when he wants something. This is most prominent in Saitou's route, in which he joins forces with Koudou for the sake of marrying Chizuru. Similarly, once his pride has been wounded, Kazama will stop at nothing to get revenge, and does not believe that tipping the odds in his favor is morally dubious. However, despite his willingness to ensure his victory by any means necessary, Kazama views lying as beneath him and will always tell the truth as he sees it. Though he may twist situations to his advantage or omit certain information if his own interests demand it, the few direct lies he tells are obviously identifiable. This applies to even the smallest matters, such as (on his route) insisting that he rested during the night when in fact he was tending the fire and watching over Chizuru.
Though Kazama's attitude is cold, direct, and serious by default, he does have a sense of humor, which is dry and sarcastic and usually manifests at others' expense. He also readily displays scorn, anger, and conceit, all of which appear impossible for him to fully conceal. However, Kazama finds it difficult and/or unpleasant to admit more sentimental emotions such as affection, sadness, gratitude, or even agreement.
Despite being depicted as cold, aloof and egoistic majority of the time, in his own route in Hakuouki: Edo Blossoms Kazama displays the ability to take care of the people around him protecting Chizuru on the way to witness the demise of the Shinsengumi. He also proves to be loyal to his vow as he continues to search for ways to reach Ezo for over a year as he has promised to re-unite Chizuru with her former friends.
Background
Kazama Chikage is a fictional character. He is the head of the Kazama family, the most powerful family of oni in western Japan. Because his clan owes the Satsuma domain a debt of honour for protecting them in the wake of the Battle of Sekigahara, Kazama lends his aid to the imperialist forces but does not trouble to hide his disdain for the humans under whom he is supposed to be working.
In Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan
See also: Kazama Chikage/Route
Kazama's exact motivation and temperament vary between routes.
Chapter 1
Depending on the player's choices, Kazama can be encountered as early as the Shinsengumi raid the Ikeda Inn. He is responsible for inflicting significant internal damage on Okita, great enough that it causes him to collapse and prevents him from getting involved in the Kinmon Incident.
Kazama attacks Chizuru in the city
He may also be encountered on the way to the mountain during the Kinmon Incident. He prevents Hijikata, Chizuru, Shinpachi, and the other Shinsengumi members from chasing after the Chōshū soldiers who intend to commit honorable suicide in the mountain. He kills one of the Shinsengumi members only to then get challenged by Hijikata while the rest of the Shinsengumi and Chizuru go ahead to the mountain. His fight against Hijikata is interrupted with the arrival of men from Satsuma. It turns out that Kazama's act was done by his own will, not of the Satsuma's will.
Chapter 2
Kazama's first non-choice-based appearance is made alongside Amagiri and Shiranui. Discovering that Chizuru is a pureblood female demon from the extinct Yukimura Clan of the east, Kazama sets out to abduct her, with the intention of marrying her thereby creating a more powerful demon lineage. Kazama, Amagiri, and Shiranui sneak into Nijo Castle and confront Chizuru while she is one her way to deliver message to the Shinsengumi members who are on standby. Before Kazama could take her, Hijikata, Harada, and Saitou interfere. The six of them fights, with Kazama fighting Hijikata again. However, they are interrupted by the arrival of other soldiers. Kazama retreats, but not before promising Chizuru that he will take her away eventually.
Kazama sneaks into the Shinsengumi compound to question Chizuru about her relation with Koudou. When Chizuru reveals that Koudou is her father, Kazama manage to connect the dots. Hijikata, Harada, and Heisuke quickly comes to Chizurus defence and prepare to fight, but Kazama tells them that he has other business to attend. He then warns them against creating more Rasetsu, before revealing to Chizuru that Koudou no longer works for the Shogunate.
Chapter 3
Shorty after Itou's faction departs, Kazama, along Amagiri and Shiranui, invade Nishi Hogan-ji Temple to snatch Chizuru. If the player chooses to go outside to help the men, she is caught by Kazama, prompting Hijikata and Harada to come to her rescue. Kazama's action once again depends on the player's choice. If Chizuru tries to attack Kazama, he easily overpowers her. This creates an opportunity for Hijikata to attack, forcing Kazama to release her. Should she try to try free herself, Kazama does not relinquish and tells Chizuru her attempt is futile as male demons are physically stronger than the female ones. Kondo challenges Kazama and relentlessly attacks him. Kondou's skill proves to be difficult for Kazama to handle without letting Chizuru go, so he has no choice but to push her away to defend and retaliate against Kondou. This allows Yamazaki to escort Chizuru to safety. If Chizuru decides to wait, Harada succeeds in forcing Kazama to let go of Chizuru. Whichever choice taken, Kazama always fails to take Chizuru and is forced to retreat once more.
In other routes
Hijikata's route
Kazama is the primary antagonist, intending to kill Hijikata and undo the dishonor he suffers at his hands in the Battle of Toba-Fushimi.
Saitou's route
Kazama is the primary antagonist, intending to abduct Chizuru and force her to marry him.
In Hakuōki: Kyoto Winds
The beginning of the story is the same as in the original game Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan.
Chapter 4
After being sent on an errand with Yamazaki, the player encounters Kazama who claims to be there by mere coincidence as he was on his to have a drink with no hidden agenda. However, it does not prevent him from arrogant comments and bickering with Yamazaki.
Kazama, Amagiri and Shiranui have come to take away Chizuru
Next time Kazama appears trying to kidnap the player from the Shinsengumi headquarters at night after Princess Sen explained who demons were. Depending on the choices, the player can skip this encounter entirely if chooses to remain in her room. If Chizuru goes outside, she gets taken hold of by Kazama who claims that the player is a noble demon for whom it is not appropriate to stay with the "fakes" which is why he invites her with him. Hijikata and Harada interfere when Amagiri and Shiranui join Kazama. A battle ensues but shortly afterwards Kazama decides to leave.
Later on, Kazama attacks the Shinsengumi headquarters again if the player decides to stay home instead of helping one of the Shinsengumi members but the appearance is brief and can be skipped if the player chooses to help someone.
Chapter 5
Kazama saves Chizuru
Kazama and Chizuru see the capital on fire
Kazama finds Chizuru after she has been separated from the main Shinsengumi forces and saves her from being murdered by treacherous samurai who have just killed Inoue. This encounter involves Koudou and Kaoru who attempt to persuade Chizuru to join them, and Kazama strives to kill them both right away, but Chizuru decides to have a conversation with them instead. Eventually, Kazama is forced to fight the Rasetsu sent by Koudou to protect the player.
Chizuru follows Kazama who informs her of the current political situation, and they both watch the capital in fire. Chizuru decides to find the Shinsengumi nonetheless, despite Kazama being certain in their inevitable demise and his overall disdain towards the human kind. After Sen and Kimigiku join the conversation, Kazama encourages Chizuru to help stop her father's plan, and she follows all the demons to their place where she also meets Amagiri and Shiranui. Kazama rushes to thwart Koudou's plans and Chizuru asks to follow him, which Sen supports, so Kazama replies to the request with his usual arrogance: "So, everyone finally catches on to what I've been saying all along--that I can protect Yukimura."
Kazama and Chizuru embark on a journey to Edo on a horse. Kazama promises that as soon as they reach Edo they will go straight after Koudou.
In Hakuōki: Edo Blossoms
See also: Kazama Chikage/Route
Chapter 1
Chizuru got separated from the Shinsengumi in the beginning of Toba-Fushimi Battle and was saved by Kazama when enemy soldiers killed Inoue and cornered her. She is on the way to Edo accompanied by Kazama hoping to reunite with the Shinsengumi and stop Koudou from harming them. Since Kazama is affiliated with Satsuma, they have to go on foot and be discreet. Seeing Chizuru walking too fast and getting exhausted, Kazama insists that they stay in a small deserted wooden house to have some rest, because due to the shōgun's decision to free, the Bakufu's forces are going to need a while to prepare for a large-scale attack, which means Chizuru has enough time to catch up with the Shinsengumi. She is determined to stop her father and brother's plan as well, so she decides to accept Kazama's decision.
Kazama by the fire
As they walk in, Kazama lights a fire making a remark that only humans would shy away from a difficult task like that. Chizuru notices that Kazama does not look exhausted and assumes that he suggested to have some rest only for her sake. Watching Kazama being concerned about her well-being, she starts realizing that she knows nothing about him except for the fact that he is a demon who has come to kidnap her, and that she herself is a demon, too. She asks him to share something about demons with her, and the first thing he tells her is that the cycle of strife and bloodshed between demons and humans is very old. According to Kazama, a demon can defeat a human in a one-to-one duel, but on a large scale demons are always outnumbered, and human greed knows no limit which is why demons exiled themselves as a measure against the destructive force of humans. Listening to Kazama, Chizuru might choose to ask about the Yukimura Clan, but Kazama does not have much information about that, so the better option would be to ask about why Kazama opposes the Shinsengumi and affiliates with the Satsuma. He explains that domain leaders and cultural elites are well acquainted with demons, and during the Sengoku period 200 years before some demons, including the Yukimura Clan, were willing to aid humans by sharing their power. The Kazama and Amagiri Clans realized the threat posed by the Bakufu, so they allied with their enemies, and their current allegiance with the SatChō is a continuation of the previous arrangement. He concludes by claiming that the Satsuma do not need their help anymore now and sends Chizuru to bed. She realizes that she needs rest but feels worried that they are all alone, and he is a man. He understands her apprehensions and teases her but then explains that demons hold traditions and decorum to a high standard and promises not to touch her until after marriage.
Waking up, Chizuru realizes that Kazama has been watching over the fire all night and thanks him, realizing that he has a kind heart deep down.
As Chizuru and Kazama cross the mountain and intend to enter Hakone, Amagiri appears to warn them that times have changed, and Kazama's pass will no longer provide him access to the city as he is no longer sided with the Satsuma. Amagiri suggests finding another way to sneak into Edo, but Kazama is certain that the Satsuma would not question his allegiances. Since their conversation is about to attract attention, Chizuru decides to stop Kazama's stubbornness, and she can either remind him that he is the head of a demon clan and should consider the advice of his subordinate, which will be taken as an annoying comparison to Hijikata, or she can voice her worries that her father might notice them and get suspicious, which Kazama will take as a valid point and decide to find another route.
Kazama takes Chizuru's hand as they walk to Edo
They walk along a hidden trail way off the beaten track, and Chizuru trips over a wet stone. As she is about to fall off a cliff, Kazama catches her and yanks her back to the ground. Chizuru realizes that Kazama has saved her yet again, and her initial impression of him starts crumbling. He asks whether she is okay and pulls her to continue walking but now he does not let go of her hand in case something happens to her again. She asks whether he intended to take a direct route for her sake, and he replies that female demons are more fragile than male demons, which is why men always protect them.
Chapter 2
Kazama and Chizuru arrive in Edo. They try to meet with the Shinsengumi members in their headquarters but find the place empty as the samurai have embarked on a campaign for their next battle. Upon learning that the Shinsengumi have left for Kōfu, Kazama expresses his discontent with this decision as he is sure that it will be another defeat. Chizuru tries to explain that the Shinsengumi fight for their principles and beliefs rather than imminent victory, which is why they have made such a decision, however, Kazama claims that they rely on instincts rather than logic which makes them no different to an injured beast lashing out. Chizuru decides not to reply, and Kazama changes the topic to Koudou and Kaoru. Seeing her upset with not being able to find any information about their whereabouts, Kazama reassures her that he will put an and to them and their Rasetsu army. After that he suddenly tells Chizuru to stay with Dr. Matsumoto or the Shinsengumi as he only promised Sen that he would escort Chizuru to Edo but said nothing about helping her get rid of her father and brother. He tells her to go nowhere near them and stay out of trouble, and leaves. Chizuru, unwilling to see his family die, decides to stop Kazama.
Koudou's demon form
Koudou's plans for Chizuru
Chizuru returns to her childhood home in Edo hoping to find her father there. To her surprise, everything was covered in dust which was an indication that nobody had stepped foot inside in a while. Her nostalgia sinks in, and she remembers her father from her early years and what she learned about him recently. As she is engrossed in her thoughts, the door opens, and Koudou walks in. She tries to remind him of his previous principles as a doctor, and he reveals that he is not a direct descendent of the Yukimura Clan, so his family's blood is diluted making him closer to humans than demons, and his life was once in danger due to an illness. Despite his studies, he has only learnt that no matter how much medicine evolves, humans have an urge to kill each other, which is why he wishes to change the country. He turns into a demon right in front of Chizuru, announcing that he himself has drunk Ochimizu. Chizuru realizes that her father is gone and only a monster is left in his stead, and he proves her right by revealing his true plan: make Chizuru mate with Rasetsu and create strong off-spring. He grabs her hand but Kazama suddenly appears behind them and attacks Koudou. He scolds Chizuru for disobeying his order but eventually protects her, and Koudou, seeing the difference in strength, escapes, throwing Chizuru at Kazama. Kazama catches her but loses the chance to catch Koudou. Chizuru thanks Kazama, but the demon is more concerned about why she was there in the first place. She explains that it involves her more than anyone, and he is confused why she wants to participate despite the fact that female demons are weaker. She asks him whether he could put his own burden on anyone if he were in her shoes, and he realizes her leadership skills. He asks her not to be reckless and agrees to take her with him on the mission to annihilate Koudou and his army of fake demons.
They come to an inn where Amagiri is waiting to report. He is unsure about Chizuru's presence but Kazama insists on her participating in the conversation. Amagiri informs them that Kaoru is in Kōfu with a unit of Rasetsu, the same place the Shinsengumi are headed, and there are negotiations in Edo Castle, which can lead to Koudou's Rasetsu feeding on people in Edo. Eventually, Kazama leaves and tells Chizuru to have some rest. She sees a dream about her childhood and someone pulling her away from a building set on fire. She hears Koudou's voice calling for her and Kaoru, and they all run away from the village into the forest. She remembers that Koudou is her distant relative and not her real father and understands why he hates humans so much.
As Chizuru wakes up, Shiranui visits her looking for Amagiri. While he waits for Kazama, she asks him whether the battle can really start in Edo, and he confirms that with sadness in his voice. She starts to panic, and he attempts to calm her down by saying that the negotiations are in place. But then he mentions that they managed to weasel the Shinsengumi as far away from Edo as possible, elaborating that Bakufu intends to surrender and offered the Shinsengumi to the Imperial Nationalist party as collateral damage. Kazama enters the room, and the topic changes. Shiranui confirms that the Chōshu will most likely agree to use Rasetsu to their advantage, and Chizuru begs him to prevent it. Shiranui promises to help and leaves.
Some time later, Kazama informs Chizuru that Koudou has mobilized, and his army is headed to Ueno. He invites her to join him and Amagiri, and they go after Koudou to a Tosa Domain residence. As they approach, Kaoru appears in their way taunting Kazama, but Chizuru begs to let her try and convince her family to change their plan. Kazama agrees, and they go inside the mansion.
Koudou greets them, and Chizuru tells him about the dream of their past that she saw. He hopes that she has started to understand his motives, and she confirms so, but she also asks him not to unleash his Rasetsu as she does not want anyone else to suffer. Koudou seems to understand her reasoning but Kaoru brings up her privileged position as a female demon since he, despite having the same face, had to struggle his whole life for the fact that he cannot bear children. He is determined to restore the Yukimura Clan after the Nagumo Clan abused him and all the others turned a blind eye. Kazama decides that he has heard enough and unsheathes his sword — Yasutsuna's Demonslayer. Kaoru drinks Ochimizu to increase his chances, and the battle begins.
As Kazama and Kaoru exchange sword swings, Amagiri challenges Koudou, but the latter calls for his Rasetsu. Amagiri's weapon is his fists, and that is what he uses to fight them off, however, his punches are not enough, and soon Amagiri and Chizuru are cornered. Chizuru attempts to draw her sword but Koudou grabs her and urges her to escape, using her real parents as an argument. She tries to resist but he pins her with both of his arms. She screams in shock asking whether he actually intends to make her bear children with Rasetsu, and he confirms by saying that he plans to merge demons from the West and demons from the East to produce the strongest demons to ever exist. Suddenly, Kazama appears behind them and demands Koudou to let go of Chizuru. He expects her approval of him killing her father, and she can either nod or look away. Even if she nods, Kazama still tells her to shut her eyes, but she is ready to accept this fate. Koudou attempts to lash at Kazama but gets killed in one blow. Surprisingly, he dies as a Rasetsu — crumbling to ashes.
Kazama hugs Chizuru after killing Koudou
Chizuru bursts into tears, and Kazama hugs her to try and soothe her pain. He says that Kaoru escaped, even though with a severe injury, and the kindness of his voice makes Chizuru feel slightly better. She starts to remember her father as he was before, and Kazama blames humans for everything that happened to her village and further. Chizuru realizes how proud Kazama is to be a demon and how hard it must have been for him to kill another demon, and she admits that she is heartbroken despite knowing the weight of the situation. Kazama hugs her more tightly to calm her down.
Eventually, Kazama sends Chizuru back to the inn as he and Amagiri decide to go to Ueno to assist Shiranui with fighting other Rasetsu. A few hours later, he comes back and informs Chizuru that all the Rasetsu are gone, and she can now reunite with the Shinsengumi.
Chizuru goes back to her old house to take some of her belongings, and Kazama meets her dressed in a gray western-style outfit. He jokes that she wants such a set herself and promises to get her one later as a gift. When they leave the house, they are met by Shiranui who tells her, with sadness in his eyes, that Harada has passed away.
Chapter 3
Summer is in full swing, Chizuru and Kazama reach Utsunomiya Castle that has not recovered after multiple waves of cannonfire. Chizuru is still upset about the news of Harada dying, but Kazama has more bad news: Kondou was captured, tried and beheaded by the Imperial Army. Chizuru is devastated but Kazama, as emotionless as he is, informs her of the new course the Shinsengumi have chosen - they joined the Aizu Domain to continue fighting. The demon wishes to know Chizuru's stance and further plans, and she reinstates her intention to go after the Shinsengumi.
Around a month later, the two still have not caught up with the Shinsengumi, so they set off on another journey to find the samurai. Chizuru's eastern clothing was starting to attract attention so she had to change her disguise en route. As they finally arrive at the Aizu territory, they are met by Amagiri who explains that the Shinsengumi were wrapped up with fighting and then tried to retake control over the castle but to no avail. Kazama comments on the situation negatively claiming that fighting with sheer will is useless, and strategy is something that the Shinsengumi would not be able to comprehend. According to Amagiri, the Aizu Domain is on the verge of collapse as Aizu Castle is the only thing they have left. Kazama asks Chizuru about her plans once again, and she realizes that she has been searching for the Shinsengumi for over half a year but every time she feels like she is close they slip away from under her nose. She starts worrying that she will never get the chance to see them again but decides to head for Aizu Castle nonetheless. Kazama heavily judges her decision trying to shed some light at what will happen to her if she waltzes into the battlefield, but Chizuru tries to explain that she simply wishes for a chance to see them again. Kazama insists that the Shinsengumi's death is imminent and pointless, and Chizuru's promise to remember them for who they were infuriates the demon. Amagiri interferes and attempts to stop their argument pointing out that it is unlike Kazama to lose his cool around women. Kazama barks back that he would keep his cool if the woman was not so stupid, and leaves. While Chizuru is unsure how to react, Amagiri advises her to run after Kazama because, despite being grumpy, he does not usually let things frustrate him enough to walk off like that, and she still needs someone to escort her to Aizu.
Kazama pours sake on Kaoru's grave
When Chizuru catches up with Kazama, he pretends like nothing happened and urges her to silently follow him to the destination he is heading to. As they arrive, Chizuru feels something familiar in the scent and then realizes that Kazama has brought her to the remains of the Yukimura village. While she is consumed by nostalgia, Kazama notices Kaoru's decaying body in a bed of flowers with the side of his ribcage soaked in blood after Kazama's attack earlier. The sight of the lifeless body triggers Chizuru's childhood memory of Kaoru back when they lived in the village together, and she starts crying realizing she was always loved and cared for. Kazama asks a few questions, trying not to pry too much, and suggests burying Kaoru as the head of the Yukimura clan. Having finished with the grave, Kazama spills saké from his canteen onto the soil and mutters that Kaoru could have become a fine leader if it were not for the humans. Chizuru appreciates Kazama's attempt to help her with her grief and silently agrees that Kaoru and Koudou could have had a much better life if they had not been burdened by vengeance. On the way back, Chizuru asks Kazama whether it would be okay for her to remember her father and brother as gentle and kind people despite their crimes, and the demon understands that they were her family, therefore she can remember them however she wants. She wonders what happened to her village, and Kazama shares the story as he knows it, explaining that humans needed help with the war but the Yukimura clan refused and was killed for it. As Chizuru starts to feel heartbroken, the demon advises to stay in the shadows, out of the affairs of mankind, for this exact reason. Kazama also adds that her people died with dignity, and the humans had no right to attack them. He wonders whether she hates humans now, and she can either admit that she cannot bring herself to hate them or simply focus on her sorrow. If she chooses the latter, Kazama understands and expands the story by saying that the Yukimura clan died without putting up a fight since they decided to stick to the demon code and avoid attacking humans even though it cost them their lives. Chizuru keeps asking why humans and demons cannot coexist peacefully, and Kazama has no definite answer but he reassures her that one day it might finally be possible. To Chizuru's surprise, Kazama goes as far as acknowledging her desire to learn about the Shinsengumi's fate but warning her that she has to be patient, otherwise she will die before she gets the chance to see them again. Chizuru agrees, and Kazama jokes that obedience suits her as she is on her way to becoming the ideal wife.
Another month has passed, and the two reach the outskirts of Aizu Castle only to be met with unsettling news: the Aizu Domain has surrendered. Chizuru dreadfully asks what happened to the Shinsengumi, and Kazama says that Amagiri is investigating. Amagiri returns with the information, but the news is no better: Okita passed away from his illness in Edo, Saitou was last seen leading a battalion of Shinsengumi men in Bonari Pass but has been missing in action since then, Nagakura has been missing since his separation with the Shinsengumi, and Sannan and Heisuke were killed in combat while leading the Rasetsu Corps. One reassuring piece of news, however, is that Hijikata has survived and is en route to Sendai with his remaining men. Kazama's reaction surprises Chizuru as his words sound like admiration to her rather than harsh criticism, and she realizes that the Shinsengumi are still true to their ideals and dedicated to continue following their principles courageously. Amagiri elaborates that the remnants of the Bakufu army are mobilizing in Sendai to depart for Ezo. Chizuru decides to travel across the sea to Ezo in order to inform Hijikata of the deaths of his comrades, and she can either feel sorry for burdening Kazama too much with her wishes or ask him to come with her and witness the end of the Shinsengumi together. If she chooses the latter, he gets surprised but agrees with a smile. Right before they leave, Shiranui joins the conversation to pass Chizuru a spear that was left by Harada.
Chizuru cries because she has missed the Shinsengumi once again
A day later, as they arrive in Sendai, they realize that the boat has just left, and they have just missed another chance to reunite with the Shinsengumi. Chizuru is about to cry but tries to stop herself when Kazama tells her to do as she feels. She refuses to cry because it is not her who is fighting and who is in pain but them, to which Kazama responds with the words of encouragement:
You know, just because you're no good with a sword doesn't mean you're not fighting. Although your methods are quite different from the Shinsengumi's, you've had your own demons to fight. I know that very well.
He offers to turn away as she cries, so that she can cry as much as she wants, and she cannot hold back anymore. She grabs ahold of Kazama's shirt and buries her face into his back, wailing as quietly as possible. Kazama promises to take her to the Shinsengumi and once again asks her to be patient.
Chapter 4
Kazama and Chizuru's attempts to board another ship and follow the Shinsengumi to Ezo end up being fruitless, and the demon rents a house for them to stay in while searching for ways to sail across the sea. By the middle of 1869, Chizuru learns that the Imperial army has invaded Hakodate, where Hijikata and others were supposed to be located, but still has no way to reach Ezo. Since the war is at full swing, a civilian and a fugitive who used to work with the Shinsengumi cannot easily board any ships. An entire year has passed since Chizuru's separation from the Shinsengumi and the beginning of her journey with Kazama, and she feels more and more anxious about the very slim chances of reuniting with her friends. Kazama and Amagiri have kept searching for intelligence and leads for transport to Ezo this whole time, while Chizuru has been busy with domestic chores. She gets accustomed to life in Sendai and to cooking meals for Kazama.
One day, Kazama returns home from the city but with no lucky news once again. Chizuru suspects that something worse has happened but the demon, as a dismissive cat, does not wish to communicate. Realizing that the only way to change Kazama's behavior is to act normally, Chizuru smiles and announces her dinner preparations, suggesting that he takes a bath, but the demon decides to have a drink instead and tells her to bring him some saké. She offers him only one bottle as drinking too much is bad for his health, and Kazama is unamused:
Chizuru argues with Kazama about saké
Hmph. I bring death to those who threaten to waste my precious time, and you worry about my health? Besides, saké is more of a medicine than a poison, and, as you've noticed, I'm ill. Make it three bottles.
Chizuru decides to argue, understanding Kazama's behavior a lot better after a year of living with him, and they share an intimidating gaze that ends in the demon's agreement to have two bottles instead. They both relax, and Chizuru admits to herself that she feels comfortable around Kazama, when he brings up the unpleasant truth about their predicament: there's neither a vessel nor a location of a vessel for them to travel on. If Chizuru admits to being powerless, Kazama compliments her gaining some sense and realizing that patience is a key. If she expresses gratitude towards Kazama and Amagiri, knowing that she would have been long dead if not for Kazama, he smiles and encourages her to compliment him as much as she wants in the future.
After a meal Kazama tells Chizuru why he came home in a foul mood: the Satsuma have offered them permission to board their ship. Chizuru starts crying out of happiness because her opportunity to meet the Shinsengumi has finally come, but Kazama does not express any joy and elaborates that their chances to find the Shinsengumi are slim to none, as only one fortress in Hakodate has withstood the tide of change. Chizuru's heart drops as she realizes that by the time they reach Ezo, there may not be anyone alive to greet them. She is about to faint out of grief feeling like this whole time everything was pointless, but Kazama grabs her and reminds her of how she committed herself to witnessing the end of the Shinsengumi firsthand, and she silently comments that Kazama has a habit of provoking her insecurities.
Although your tenure together may have been brief, remember them as they were; remember how they honored the path of samurai. This duty is yours alone... Should you survive, then you will be the sole keeper of their memory.
Chizuru nods, realizing that Kazama is right and his words are inspirational for her. She asks him to take her to the ship, and they prepare to go on another journey to see the samurai, whatever state they are in. Kazama grins and repeats his vow to take her to the Shinsengumi, proud to be true to his demon word.
Chizuru and Kazama on a ship to Ezo
The summer is hot, and Chizuru finds herself awake at night standing on the ship and reflecting on her life situation. Words cannot express how grateful she feels towards Kazama and Amagiri who tirelessly made efforts to grant her wish, and now she is finally on her way to see the remaining Shinsengumi members. Kazama walks to her and announces that they will arrive no later than the next day. He asks if she is ready to see her friends, and she realizes that she is not ready at all, clinging to a slimmer of hope that those whose death she did not witness might still be alive somehow, even though knowing deep down that it is not the case. She expresses her wish to see the end with her own eyes, and Kazama falls silent for some time, only inviting her back in a cabin later on.
Kazama hugs Chizuru and asks her to stay with him
Right when Kazama and Chizuru reach the land, they hear cannonfire all around them, and the ground shakes. Kazama instantly grabs Chizuru and tries to shield her, acknowledging that they have stepped right into the battle. As Chizuru rushes to find the Shinsengumi, Kazama suddenly pulls her into a hug and asks her to wait a little before going. Him wrapping his arms around her shoulders leaves her in a complete shock, and she waits for him to explain but he keeps silent. When Kazama finally speaks, he asks whether there is anything that can stop Chizuru from going and offers her a chance of saving herself from the pain of watching the Shinsengumi's demise unfold. She hesitates but eventually answers affirmatively, either adding a promise to return or asking him to stay with her until the bitter end. Choosing the latter, she asks for his support, and he smiles reminding her of his old promise once again and promising anew that he will follow her wherever she goes.
They go through the woods planning to reach Goryoukaku. Hearing that the cannonfire has stopped, they get suspicious and decide to hurry. By the time they reach the spot, the Bakufu army has agreed to surrender, and a few of the Shinsengumi have survived: Souma and Shimada. They are shocked to see Chizuru, and Souma scolds her for the reckless desire to come to the battlefield, but Kazama interferes and brags about his protection. Shimada and Souma did not expect to see a demon standing next to Chizuru, so they are skeptical of his motives, but Chizuru explains that he was the one who brought her there safely. The topic changes to the samurai, and Souma informs Chizuru that Nomura was lost in Miyako Bay. Chizuru, heartbroken, enquires about Hijikata's fate, and Shimada sheds light on the circumstances of his death at Benten Fortress. Kazama also brings up the news that Souma took the title of the Commander of the Shinsengumi and accepted surrender, after which the demon urges Chizuru to leave before the Imperial army arrives with their final judgement.
Two months later, Chizuru and Kazama are still on the Ezo island. After separating from Souma and Shimada, they tracked Hijikata's journey to Benter Fortress, hoping to find his remains that, according to Shimada, had not been found yet. Their search was to no avail, so it is the time to go back to the mainland. Chizuru asks if Kazama still believes that all human wars are only because of power and money, but he is not quick to respond unlike he would be in the past. He admits that his journey with Chizuru has been enlightening and agrees that the Shinsengumi are an exception, because they fought like true warriors until their deaths. He advises Chizuru to take a closer look around because the place, despite being a graveyard, is a memorial to the will and testament of the Shinsengumi's character.
Kazama kisses Chizuru before leaving Ezo
Chizuru asks where Kazama plans to go next, and he explains that before demons engaged in human affairs, they used to live a peaceful, secluded life, and Kazama plans to return to that life now that the war is over. He wishes to head back to his clan and prepare his people to hide if the Imperial army decides to come after the demons again. Chizuru realizes that this means their journey, that lasted over a year and a half, has come to and end. She decides to stay in Ezo to make the memory of the Shinsengumi's resting place stronger in her mind, when Kazama suddenly opens up to her, saying that in the beginning he only cared about her being a female demon, but then he learnt that there was more to her, as she overcame the tragic loss of her family with unexpected maturity, and he also learnt more about the Shinsengumi because of her. He goes as far as to claim that he has learnt from her, and then he suddenly kisses her, softly but passionately. She finds herself shocked and frozen at first but slowly relaxes and understands that she wants this warmth and intimacy as much as him. When Kazama breaks the kiss, he tells her to find him when she is ready, but Chizuru is still oblivious to his reasoning and cannot formulate a proper response. He promises to find her by himself if she does not come to him first.
Epilogue
By January of 1970, about half a year after parting ways with Kazama in Ezo, Chizuru is in her childhood home in Edo. She clears the leaves on the ground and watches townspeople walking up and down the street. She recollects that after returning home she sent letters to Dr. Matsumoto, who was happy to hear she was alive and offered her his help, and to Senhime, who invited her to Yase Village, but eventually Chizuru decided to stay home in Edo and continue her father's business treating sick people. A neighbor comes by and thanks her for inspecting her child's cold, prying into her private life and asking whether she has a romantic interest. When Chizuru replies negatively, the woman suggests finding her a good man and even proposes a candidate from a local pharmacy. As the woman leaves, Chizuru starts thinking that it might be the time to settle down, and the memories of her time with Kazama come flashing back. She does not feel like any other man can best this experience or even understand what she has been though, but Kazama has not come for her despite promising to. As she mutter the last thought to herself, Kazama suddenly appears right in front of her and announces, "I have come for you". She cannot believe her eyes and starts crying, and he reminds her that demons always keep their word. When she accuses him of not writing to her for half a year, he coyly asks her to tell him how much she missed him and tugs her in his embrace before she has the time to come up with a reply.
Kazama has come for Chizuru
I have come to claim you. Just so you are aware, I have begun preparations to migrate the Kazama Clan to a new home, a place which, if everything goes as planned, would be out of the Meiji Government's reach, a safe place. You are the last piece of the puzzle. I will tolerate no resistance, so come with me at once.
Chizuru feels like she cannot drop everything so suddenly, but Kazama claims that he has waited for her for a very long time while she was chasing the Shinsengumi, so there is nothing sudden about it, and Chizuru realizes that Kazama is the only constant that has not changed in her life despite all the turmoil. Not waiting for a reply, Kazama kisses Chizuru again, and she does not feel the need to resist because he is right, and she does want to stay with him in the future.
Okita's route
Kazama appears shortly after Chizuru and Okita were attacked by Kaoru and, learning that Chizuru was forced to become a Rasetsu, loses interest towards her, expressing disgust instead, and leaves.
Harada's route
Kazama does not make an appearance.
Nagakura's route
Although Kazama does not make an appearance, Koudou mentions him as a prospective husband for Chizuru.
Yamazaki's route
Despite his role in the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, Kazama later becomes an ally, killing Koudou when both Yamazaki and Chizuru hesitate.
Souma's route
Kazama appears alongside Amagiri in Chapter 4, intending to take Chizuru with them if the Shinsengumi is keeping her against her will. However, he stands down once Chizuru threatens to kill herself rather than go with them.
In Hakuōki: Tsukikage no Shou
5 years after the end of the Shinsengumi, Chizuru is Chikage's wife living in the Kazama Clan. Chikage involves her in political discussions and calls her "the chief's wife", they share a deep and intimate bond. According to Chizuru, they have children, even though their age or appearance is not mentioned or shown. Chikage's personality has not changed, he is still a powerful leader who knows his worth and is not afraid to take responsibility. Learning that the Satsuma Domain might rebel against the new law that prohibits wielding a sword, Chikage promises not to get involved and decides to look for another place for his Clan to hide, promising to protect Chizuru, their children and all the demons in the Kazama clan. Chizuru promises to stay by his side.
In the musicals
Kazama is portrayed by Suzuki Shogo in all his HakuMyu appearances until Harada-hen, in which he is played by Sasaki Yoshihide. He is played by Nakagauchi Masataka in HakuMyu Hijikata-hen 2 and Kazama-hen 2, in Souma-hen Suzuki Shogo return as Kazama, although he was not part of the cast in the beginning. Due to rescheduling of the performances, caused by the pandemic, he was submitted instead of Sasaki Yoshihide.
Quotes
- "If you were being truthful, then it must be clear to you. Their sense of pride. The journey they've traveled, and how you are woven into their myth. Although your tenure together may have been brief, remember them as they were; remember how they honored the path of the samurai. This duty is yours alone… Should you survive, then you will be the sole keeper of their memory." (to Chizuru, Edo Blossoms Chapter 4)
- "How stupid of you to ask… Do you take me for a charlatan who goes back on his word? I will follow you, no matter the distance." (to Chizuru, Edo Blossoms Chapter 4)
- "This experience has been enlightening. The men who gave their lives in Ezo are certainly exceptions to that belief [that humans only fight for wealth and power]. My views were upheld by the atrocities we saw back in the battle of Toba-Fushimi, but… Hijikata was no fool, nor did he suffer any sort of delusions of grandeur. He fought, like any man should, to his death." (to Chizuru, Edo Blossoms Chapter 4)
Trivia
- Kazama does not carry a wakizashi.
- Kazama is the only non-player character with multiple possible canon relationships — Chizuru (in his route) and Sen (in Heisuke's Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan route).
- Shiranui states that he would rather Kazama yell at him than smile, as Kazama tends to laugh more the angrier he gets.
- In Drama CDs, Kazama is mentioned to have strong tolerance towards alcohol, not getting drunk even after drinking a huge amount that normally would have made people drunk.
- Though Kazama's exact familial relations are never revealed, in Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan's "A Meeting of Demons" DLC, Shiranui asks what his parents would think of his behavior towards Sen. Whether his parents or guardians are alive is never discussed.
- According to Shall We Date: Demons' Bond canon, the character Kazama Chitose is revealed to be an ancestor of Kazama Chikage. Chitose is also implied to be the canon route, meaning both and Sen and Kazama also share an ancestress in Suzumori Yukina. Kazama does seem to have inherited a lot of Yukina's personality, namely her extreme prejudice towards humans, as well as her red eyes.