Rules For A Pack of Wolves (群狼の掟 Gunro no Okite) is the third episode of the anime Hakuouki: Reimeiroku (Demon of the Fleeting Blossom: Dawn of the Shinsengumi). It aired on July 23, 2012.
Plot
Nagakura and Saitou return to the headquarters and start cleaning blood from their uniforms while explaining that they were following rogue samurai. Shinpachi also complains that the lodge they entered while chasing the rogues had people clearly telling them to call the police instead of barging in by themselves. Sannan confirms that the Rōshigumi lacks any reputation in the city. Okita makes a remark about Saitou being unfazed by spilling someone's blood and Hijikata asks for his opinion regarding the enemy. Saitou replies to the vice-commander that the enemy's skill is poor but the Rōshigumi members are outnumbered. Hijikata agrees that numbers are important and instructs everyone to make sure they never go alone. Sannan adds that they are going to send an official petition to the Aizu for permission to remain in Kyoto and voices the fact that they are all dependent on Serizawa's money and connections, advising Hijikata to think of it as using Serizawa. Hijikata, however, cannot accept that Kondou is not the one leading the Rōshigumi and promises to change it in the future.
Gathering to announce support from Aizu
Shortly afterwards, everyone is gathered in the common room to hear Kondou's announcement about the Aizu's decision to officially place the Rōshigumi under their charge. Men are happy to hear it but Niimi goes out of his way to highlight Serizawa's involvement in the matter. Tonouchi speaks up in support and gives the whole credit for the news to Serizawa's influence. Serizawa suggests going to Shimabara to celebrate and invites Shinpachi whose attempt to get out of it fails prompting him to invite Heisuke and Sano as well and then Souji and Saitou, too. Serizawa himself invites Kondou who reveals his abstention from alcohol and uses it as an excuse. Eventually, Ryuunosuke is forced to tag along.
Souji claiming he was planning to kill Serizawa
Kosuzu opposing Serizawa
Ryuunosuke protecting Kosuzu
While drinking, Serizawa notices Okita's lack of enjoyment and enquires about it, to which Okita responds that he only came along thinking he might catch an opportune chance to kill Serizawa. The Rōshigumi leader takes it as a joke and makes fun of Okita claiming that his death threats are nothing unlike Hijikata's whose stare made him feel chills. Okita insists on a serious fight but gets stopped by Saitou, and Serizawa makes another remark that Saitou has killed more than one or two people which makes him more imposing.
Ryuunosuke goes outside and hears Serizawa's screams at one of the geishas who joined the men. Kosuzu calls him out on his attempt to abuse his status to act with arrogance, and her blunt remarks make Serizawa snap and throws a sake cup in her face. He is about to raise a hand on her when Ryuunosuke hugs her and yells at him instead only to get kicked by the mad samurai. Shinpachi distracts Serizawa with talks about the party and sake while Sano kneels down to the geishas and advises them to leave quietly. Heisuke runs back to the headquarters to bring Hijikata. Ryuunosuke catches up with Kosuzu and asks if she is okay to which she apologizes for having him get hit for her sake. Due to his ignorance, Ryuunosuke insults Kosuzu by telling her that a maiko should simply keep quiet and pour the sake. Offended, Kosuzu gives him a speech about being a human being and having the same emotions as men, which leaves Ryuunosuke startled and confused. Sano praises Ryuunosuke for the bravery to step up but points out that he blew it in the end.
Hijikata, joined by Kondou, has a heated conversation scolding Serizawa for the situation. Niimi suggests leaving the mess for Kondou to sort out, which Serizawa agrees with, and they leave.
Sannan invites Ryuunosuke to join the Rōshigumi
Niimi reading the rules of conduct
Next morning Ryuunosuke eavesdrops on the conversation between Sannan and Hijikata about creating rules that will stop Serizawa from acting recklessly in the future. They catch the boy listening in and question him about Serizawa's attitude towards him, offering an official position in the Rōshigumi. Ryuunosuke hesitates, and Hijikata withdraws the offer claiming that they do not need such people in the ranks, revealing after the boy leaves than Sannan only wanted to use him to spy on Serizawa.
Later on, Kondou, Hijikata and Sannan present Serizawa with an official document which defines the ranks more clearly: Serizawa, Niimi and Kondou are now officially appointed as commanders while Hijikata and Sannan become vice-commanders. Due to the mess in the ranks and questionable actions by other members, this document also contains defined rules of conduct to keep the Shinsengumi men in line.
- Do not deviate from the Way of the Warrior.
- Desertion will not be tolerated.
- Do not raise funds without authorization.
- Do not manage another's litigation without authorization.
- Personal duels will not be tolerated.
Serizawa does not protest against the rules, telling Niimi that the rules mean nothing without the power to enforce them.
Shinpachi complains about the rules, which Sano agrees with, but Okita claims that if Kondou decided it was necessary then he will obey. Heisuke seconds that but feels unsure of the reasoning, and Saitou explains that the rules will be necessary for the new recruits in the future.
Ryuunosuke fails to steal food from Saitou
Kondou shares food with Hijikata
Hijikata tells Souji to go back to Edo
In the evening, when Heisuke and Shinpachi start fighting over food, Ryuunosuke attempts to steal some from Saitou's plate but gets threatened and quickly understands that Saitou is not to mess with. While eating, Ryuunosuke accidentally learns that Kondou was born into a farmer family rather than a samurai family, and Heisuke explains that due to Kondou's swordsmanship prowess he was adopted by the owner of Shieikan into the Kondou family. Kondou gives his fish to Hijikata remembering how he often shared his food with him back in the days, and Hijikata notices how Kondou always puts everyone above himself regardless of the situation.
Heisuke asks whether it is possible for them to get better meals now that the Aizu are supporting them, and Hijikata mentions that the Aizu are not paying the Rōshigumi yet due to not being sure if the squad can be trusted. Souji quickly finishes his meal and intends to leave to train with a sword. Shinpachi makes a joke about it but Souji takes it seriously and makes a toxic remark that Shinpachi and Saitou got lucky to be able to kill some rogue samurai which Souji is wishing to do himself. Suddenly, Hijikata tells Souji to go back to Edo due to Souji's recent change in behavior under Serizawa's influence. Souji takes offence and claims that Hijikata sees him as a nuisance due to him sticking to Kondou. Hijikata elaborates that the squad is in Kyoto to protect peace while Souji only thinks about killing people which does not align with the Rōshigumi's principles. Before Kondou can interfere, Souji loudly refuses to leave, promises to stay by Kondou's side and runs away.