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Kanryūsai Takeda (武田 観柳斎 Takeda Kanryuusai) is the Captain of the Shinsengumi's 5th Division. He has extensive knowledge of Koshu Military Science, which led to his promotion to War Magistrate. He aims to be Kondou's close advisor.
His character is based on the historical Takeda Kanryūsai and only appears in games, not in the anime.
Personality
Takeda is a cruel and arrogant man, and at time petulant, and even lecherous, whose primary objective is to attain as much power as possible by any means necessary. However, he is sensible of the fact that he cannot seize power outright in the current political climate. Instead, he prefers to maintain his appearance and reputation, and tends to go out of his way to look good in front of those of higher status in an attempt to receive preferential treatment on his way through the ranks. Having had to work hard for his position in life, he harbours a grudge against individuals he perceives as more privileged, such as Iba Hachiro.
Background
Takeda Kanryusai is based on the historical figure of the same name, Takeda Kanryuusai. He was born into a family with no fortune, and in an effort to distinguish himself in the world, he became an expert in Koshu Military Science.
In Hakuōki: Kyoto Winds
Takeda is the primary antagonist in Iba's route.
Chapter 1
Takeda first appears in Iba Hachiro's route when Chizuru is looking for Hijikata. Takeda is suspicious and begins to interrogate her only to be interrupted by Hijikata who scolds him before sending Chizuru back to her room with a warning.
He next appears when he falsely accuses a tea shop owner of being connected to Imperial extremists which the shopkeeper denies. Takeda then attempts to exact a bribe. Just as Chizuru is about to stop him, Iba cautions her not to get involved before coming to the shopkeepers defence and putting Takeda in his place. Not wanting to get in trouble by soiling the Shinsengumi's name Takeda storms off, now holding a grudge against Iba. Chizuru later informs Hijikata of the incident, who in turn warns her not to mention it anyone and to keep her guard up, especially around strangers.
Chapter 2
When Iba stops by headquarters to visit Hijikata, he is confronted by a furious Takeda. Iba feigns to be unfamiliar with him but upon giving his name Takeda seems to be slightly intimidated and accuses him spreading lies. However Iba promptly silences him by reminding him of their encounter at the teashop. Once he leaves Iba asks Hijikata to watch over Chizuru as he fears Takeda may harm her if he were to find out about her witnessing the incident.
Chapter 3
Shortly after Iba and Dr Matsumoto visit Headquarters for a health inspection, Chizuru notices Takeda eavesdropping on their conversation. When she confronts him he deflects the question and accosts her. Iba hears her scream and is able to stop him from further harassing her. Another altercation ensues until Iba threatens to inform Kondo of their first encounter forcing Takeda admit defeat once again, for the time being. Sanan then approaches Chizuru and Iba explaining that Takeda's behaviour is likely due to his recent slump as well as Itou's arrival. He goes on to mention that while he was wrong to flaunt his power over others, it's best to avoid provoking him. Before leaving, Iba cautions Chizuru against being alone with Takeda.
During another of Iba's frequent visits Takeda challenges him to a heated duel, which he is reluctant to participate in until he threatens Chizuru. Takeda initially has the upper hand but Iba is soon able to deflect his attacks, angering him as he begins aiming for Iba's vitals, prompting Saito to end the match. Takeda begins prattling off with excuses but neither Saito, Harada, nor Kondo are fooled.
During the early New Year Chizuru runs into Iba after getting separated from Okita and Shimada. While accompanying her back to Headquarters Chizuru mentions that Takeda is quitting the Shinsengumi after "receiving a letter from his hometown". Iba is suspicious as there's no guaranteeing how much truth there was in that statement, meaning Takeda could very well be plotting something.
Chapter 4
Chizuru briefly encountered Takeda just as he was leaving. Noticing her anxiety he assures her that he won't hurt her as he's no longer a Shinsengumi Captain. Chizuru remains guarded but notices he seems sad reminding her of when Saito and Heisuke left to join Itou. Later that same evening she catches him stealing from Sannan's room. She informs Inoue of the theft but as he has injured his ankle and Hijikata and the other warriors aren't present, Chizuru can't afford to wait and risk Takeda getting away so chases after him.
When she catches up to him Takeda presses her about the Furies and the Water of Life. Chizuru attempts fight him to take the vial back but is wounded in the process, exposing her demonic nature to an astonished Takeda. Mistaking her for a Fury, he resolves to exploiting her to make a name for himself.
Iba arrives just in time before Takeda could forcibly take her with him, having been informed of the situation by Inoue. The two men spar as Takeda reveals what he'd learned about the Shinsengumi. Iba continues to feign ignorance. Takeda then questions why Iba is protecting Chizuru, calling her a monster before attacking her to prove his point, Enraged, Iba cuts off his arm and threatens to kill him should he try and hurt Chizuru again. Takeda attempts to drink the Water of Life but drops it and falls into the ravine below. Chizuru attempts to help him but Iba stops her, as Takeda won't last long in his condition.
Chapter 5
During the battle of Toba-Fushimi, Chizuru is tasked with gathering classified documents and bringing them to Osaka Castle and Inoue accompanies her. Along the way they are stopped by Kodo and a revived Takeda, now a Fury with his arm seemingly reattached. The two attempt to take Chizuru with them but Inoue battles them allowing her to escape. Takeda and Kodo gradually catch up with her just as she is reunited with Iba. Takeda duels Iba, revealing a new demon arm stolen from the Yase Village in place of the one Iba cut off. With his enhanced strength Takeda easily overpowers Iba, taking off his left arm. Iba however refuses to give up and is about to take up his sword with his right arm until they are interrupted by Sen and Kimigiku. Kimigiku fights Kodo and Takeda while Chizuru and Iba escape with Sen to Yase Village.
Takeda and Kodo pursue them, gradually breaking into the village with the intent of capturing Chizuru. Takeda easily overpowers Kimigiku before once again engaging with Iba who quickly gains the upper hand thank in part to drinking the Water of Life and attaching the remaining Demon arm to himself as per Sen's offer and with Chizuru's blessing. Kodo and Takeda are left with no choice but to retreat.
In Hakuōki: Edo Blossoms
Chapter 2
While Chizuru and Iba are on their way to rejoin the Shinsengumi in Ezo, Takeda and his Fury corps arrive onto the scene where they butcher the Odawara Forces before proceeding to feed on their flesh, much to Chizuru and Iba's horror. Takeda and Iba duel and the latter is easily overpowered, largely in part to Takeda consuming human flesh. Whilst Iba is gravely wounded, Takeda turns his attention to Chizuru stating his intention to mate with her, much to her disgust. He goes on to mention that Kodo explained to him that the Demon's arm seeks a mate of its own ilk, hence why both he and Iba had been experiencing the same lustful thoughts and dreams relating too Chizuru. Iba makes one more attempt to protect Chizuru from Takeda's advances but is gunned down by the Furies using silver bullets preventing him from healing.
Takeda then offers her a deal: become his wife in exchange for Iba's life. Chizuru rejects his offer much to his amusement and taunts her that Iba is no different than him which she fiercely denies. Takeda then grabs her just as Iba is about to killed by the Furies but they are rescued at the last minute by Motoyama.
Chapter 3
While Iba and and Chizuru are hiding out in Yokohama, Takeda and his Furies have been terrorizing the streets by feeding on innocent civilians. She witnesses him apprehending a ronin and is almost caught by one of his Furies but is luckily saved by Sen.
Chapter 4
A month after Iba and Chizuru's reunion with the Shinsengumi, Shimada warns them that Takeda and his Furies have been sighted nearby and they prepare to confront him one final time.
They find him feasting on a man's half-eaten corpse. Iba enquires as to Kodo's whereabouts to which Takeda flippantly replies that he was killed by Saito during the battle of Aizu while looking for prey for Takeda to feed on. He then gloats that as long as there are victims for taking, and Chizuru exists, so does the possibility of creating an army and producing offspring. Iba retorts that he'd never let that happen on his watch. Now fully in control of his demon arm Iba once again duels Takeda this time easily gaining the upper hand. Just as he is about to be defeated, Takeda takes Chizuru hostage as a meat shield. With Chizuru's faith and encouragement Iba is able to kill Takeda without causing any serious harm to Chizuru.