Like A Flame (焔の如く Homura no Gotoku) is the first episode of the anime Hakuōki: Hekketsuroku (Demon of the Fleeting Blossom: Record of the Jade Blood) and the thirteenth episode of the season 1 & 2 combined version. It aired on October 10, 2010.
Plot
The episode begins with Chizuru's narration about what led to Shinsengumi's decision to retreat and seek assistance.
Overwhelmed by the Imperial Army, which was outfitted with the latest in weaponry, the Shinsengumi suffered heavy losses. The Battle of Toba-Fushimi showed our soldiers that this is the advent of a new age.
January 1868
Hijikata works non-stop
The Shinsengumi returns to Edo and uses the Kama Inn in Shinagawa as their temporary headquarters. Hijikata works day and night without eating or sleeping, and Chizuru tries her best to make him eat, drink tea or rest. During one of her attempts to make him have some rest, he barks at her not to interfere. When Shimada informs him that Bakufu have cancelled his appointment, it enrages Hijikata, and he runs to force the appointment on the Shogun.
Heisuke follows Sannan
Later that day, Sano and Shinpachi discuss the current situation the Bakufu supporters are in. Sano states that it is unheard of for a supreme commander to flee from the battlefield, and Shinpachi states that fighting the Satchō with swords against guns will not be sensible. Meanwhile, Heisuke is following Sannan outside the premises to see what he is up to but Sannan is gone very fast so Heisuke loses him.
Hijikata accepts Chizuru's help
When Hijikata gets back to his room, he sees a note from Chizuru asking him to eat at least a little. He smiles but the urge for blood suddenly hits him. He starts suffocating, his hair goes white and his eyes start glowing red. This is when Chizuru starts calling for him outside his room, and he gets a grip of himself and goes back to normal. Chizuru asks if he needs anything and insists on helping in any way possible while bowing her head and being ready for his rage. Hijikata opens the door, looks at her, lifts her chin with his hand and asks if her wish to help is something selfish. She explains that everyone has been helping her so she is willing to pay back, and he tells her to stop acting like she is going something wrong. Standing up, Hijikata accepts her desire to be helpful, so he asks her to brew some tea for him.
After Chizuru leaves, Heisuke teases Hijikata about being soft with her and enquires about his health. He also offers Hijikata a special medicine that is meant to suppress the bloodlust temporarily when it becomes unbearable. Hijikata refuses by saying that he is the only one who can hold the Shinsengumi together. Heisuke leaves the medicine on the table anyway and mentions that there is something to talk about regarding Sannan.
Hijikata stops Sannan from attacking Chizuru
Shortly afterwards, the Shinsengumi moves to a new headquarters in the Akizuki Manor. Sannan comes to Chizuru's room being his usual friendly and smiling self. She is shocked to see him during the day (as it is hard for Rasetsu to walk in daylight) but she lets him in regardless. He closes the door behind him and explains that he has a brilliant idea so he cannot sleep. He elaborates that he realized earlier that Chizuru's demon blood can stop the Rasetsu from losing their mind, hence his decision to come and take her blood to test it out. He takes out a knife and prepares to attack her. She backs down, slips on her bedding and leans onto the window begging him not to touch her. Hijikata enters the room, grabs Sannan's wrist and demands an explanation. After Sannan repeats himself, Hijikata tells him to stop and leave, asking if Sannan wants blood for the Rasetsu or for himself (hinting at the rumors about the Rasetsu killing civilians). Sannan denies that and leaves. Hijikata asks if Chizuru is okay and tells her not to leave the headquarters at night as Sannan has been going on night patrols too often lately and, whether connected or not, there has been a rise in murders.
Okita polishes his sword
Later, while Okita polishes his sword, Chizuru comes into his room bringing food. He is surprised to see her because he is still recovering and is not at the headquarters. He admits that the recovery is rather slow and enquires about everyone else, and Chizuru tells him that everyone is well, and Hijikata is working hard in Kondou's absence. Okita blames himself for not being able to protect Kondou and hopes to heal up as soon as possible. Chizuru calms him down by giving him tea, and when he compliments it, she admits that Hijikata likes it, too.
A few days later, Kondou returns to the Shinsengumi. He gathers everyone to announce his return and shed some light onto the next plan of action. He explains that the Shinsengumi have received an order from Bakufu to go to Kōfu Castle as the Kōyō Chinbutai (甲陽鎮撫隊, "Pacification Corps"). The Shogun has provided them with two cannons, artillery and funding, and promised to give them the Castle if the operation is a success.
Shinsengumi discuss the attack on Kofu Castle
In the evening, when only the commanders are gathered in a room, Shinpachi asks Kondou whose idea it was for the Shinsengumi to protect Kōfu Castle. Kondou answers that it was Awanokami Katsu's[Historical note 1]. Shinpachi states that Katsu abhors war, therefore it was illogical of him to propose fighting for the castle. Sano supports the statement by mentioning that all the Tokugawa lords seem to be eager to conform to the Imperial Army's wishes. Kondou admits that the new Shogun has formed an alliance with the Imperial Army, however, Kondou believes that if the Shinsengumi succeeds, the Shogun will re-evaluate the situation and join the battle. In addition, Kondou reveals that he has been given the title of Executive Lieutenant Minister aka Daimyo and he is ready to hire great warriors. Shinpachi rejects the offer by saying that he is one of the Shinsengumi Captains, not Kondou's retainer. Sano asks Saitou's opinion, and Saitou promises to follow Kondou and Hijikata's orders. Hijikata changes the topic to hiring more men in preparation for the war and adds that despite Katsu's reputation he still has to understand that sometimes war is the only option. Everyone seems to agree with him. The last thing he states is that the Rasetsu Corps must terminate all activity which aggravates Sannan immensely.
While eating late at night, Shinpachi keeps ranting about Kondou's decisions based on him becoming a daimyo. Sano supports him by saying that the title has already lost any weight. Saitou objects that Kondou's behavior can be explained by the fact that he used to be a simple master of a small dojo. However, Shinpachi insists that Kondou never used to be arrogant until now, and Sano continues his thought by saying that now Kondou wants a castle and possibly vassals. Saitou states that now they can only trust Kondou and see how things go further.
Sano complains about his collar
Chizuru is astonished to see Hijikata in his new outfit
Next morning, Chizuru is greeted by Sano who is wearing a brand-new western-style outfit. She is taken aback and Sano explains that Hijikata ordered everyone to change their outfits. Heisuke goes out of the room complaining about the sunlight and wearing similar clothes. His hair is cut short, and Chizuru notices that he looks like a different person. Heisuke complains that the clothes are stiff, but Sano is sure that this type of attire is better for gun fighting. Shinpachi, who is doing some simple exercises to try out his new clothes, agrees. However, even Sano complains that the buttons on his shirt are a nightmare which amuses Chizuru. She notices that Saitou has done his buttons up incorrectly and points that out but he says he will fix it later. She runs to look at Hijikata and gets absolutely astonished by how handsome he is. Kondou enters the room wearing his usual outfit and asks if everyone is ready. He explains that he is not going to wear the Western-style attire due to it being too stiff and him thinking that it is not fitting to not wear his sword with hakama. Hijikata jokes that it is okay since Kondou just need to stand and be a symbol to lift the troops morale. Chizuru notices another suit, and Hijikata confirms that it is for Souji. Chizuru envisions him wearing it and says that it will suit him.
Hijikata says that he should have Chizuru stay in the headquarters but he cannot leave her with the Rasetsu Corps so he is taking her with him on condition that she must obey his command. The Shinsengumi set off and head towards the Kōfu.
Historical notes
- ↑ Count Katsu Yasuyoshi (勝 安芳), known under a bunch of names including his title Awano-kami (安房守), was a Japanese statesman and naval engineer during the late Tokugawa shogunate and early Meiji period. In 1866, Katsu was appointed negotiator between the Bakufu forces and the Chōshū. Although sympathetic to the anti-Tokugawa cause, Katsu remained loyal to the Tokugawa Bakufu during the Boshin War.