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Sōji Okita (沖田 総司 Okita Souji) is one of the main protagonists in Hakuōki, as well as one of Chizuru's potential love interests. He is the Captain of the First Division in the Shinsengumi.
Okita is based on the historical Okita Sōji.
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Personality
This article contains major SPOILERS. Be careful if you do not know the full story yet.
Souji is a chronic prankster and often teases his friends and subordinates, but his mischief also has a more sinister side, as he delights in tormenting his enemies. Due to his rough childhood, Souji could not understand the value of life except for the people he cares for. He genuinely enjoys fighting and killing and he is quick to make either playful or serious threats. However, rather than slaughtering people indiscriminately, he selects his targets based on whether he perceives them as enemies of the Shinsengumi.
Despite his unconventional moral compass, Souji is loyal to Kondou, whom he considers his older brother, to a fault, striving to gain his approval and acceptance in everything he does. Taking his side whenever he is given the opportunity, Okita is quick to jump to his defense either literally or figuratively, and trusts no one but himself to act in Kondou's best interests. His love for Kondou consequently made him develop jealousy for Hijikata as the latter was able to understand Kondou better and became Kondou's closest friend. Because of this, he tends to blame Hijikata for Kondou's missteps and misfortunes despite knowing full-well it is something out of Hijikata's control.
Souji maintains a carefree and even childish attitude towards most things, even going so far as to treat his tuberculosis lightly. He often tailors his actions and words to elicit certain reactions for his own entertainment, most prominently from Chizuru and Hijikata. However, despite his constant mischief, Souji is neither shallow-minded nor ignorant of the burdens he and the rest of the Shinsengumi bear.
Background
Okita Souji is based on the historical figure of the same name. He was born into a samurai family, but his parents died when he was very young. Because his older sister, Mitsu, could not afford to take care of him, she left him at Shieikan when he was nine years old. While Kondou believed that Mitsu left her younger brother with him for the boy's own good, Souji was resentful as he believed that his sister had abandoned him.
Though he was supposed to have been a student, he spent most of his time doing household chores. When Kondou found out that his older students were beating Souji as "practice" and told them to stop, they blamed Souji for snitching and redoubled their abuse. Souji then requested that Kondou does not interfere again. After some time, Souji started trying to mimic the students' moves and fight back, so Kondou allowed him to participate in sparring. Souji got a cut in his first fight but insisted on continuing despite his injury and eventually won the match. Following this, the other students left him alone and he officially started training, soon becoming the best student of Shieikan.
In Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan
See also: Okita Souji/Route
He frightened me… His eyes were always cold, but he laughs as if he's enjoying himself, even when discussing taking someone's life.
Okita is first encountered shortly after Saitou rescues Chizuru from Rasetsu, expressing disappointment that there are no enemies left for him to kill. He then insists that Chizuru thank them for saving her. Once she does, perhaps realizing her true gender, he remarks upon her politeness and introduces himself. He reacts with confusion to Hijikata's decision to bring Chizuru back to the Shinsengumi headquarters, as he openly supports killing her from the beginning. As they return to the compound, he directly escorts Chizuru, preventing her from escaping.
Chapter 1
When Chizuru is brought into the common area to be introduced to the Shinsengumi officers, Okita asks if she slept well telling her that when he checked on her earlier, she "didn't move, no matter what [he] poked". When Saitou assures Chizuru that he was teasing her, Okita says he just wanted to see her squirm. However, despite his joking, Okita's stance on killing Chizuru has not changed, to the point that Kondou reprimands him for his harshness. Following this, Okita is somewhat less vocal about his opinion.
If Chizuru tries to escape, Okita appears and voices the opinion that she should be put to death for failing to prove her trustworthiness. If Chizuru stays, she says they "may do whatever they like with [her]", but Okita bursts into laughter and concedes that they are being hard on her. He then remarks that he has never seen a more innocent girl, revealing his awareness of her true gender. After Hijikata explains that he shares this knowledge, ignoring Kondou's shock, Okita encourages Chizuru to open up to them.
As Okita was aware of Chizuru's gender before her confirmation, his opinion on killing her has not changed. While the other captains are preoccupied with discussing her gender, he reminds them that if Chizuru is a threat, her personal situation is irrelevant. To determine whether this is the case, Kondou asks Chizuru to share her side of the story.
After Chizuru reveals that she is in search of her father, Yukimura Koudou, Saitou mentions that the Shinsengumi is also looking for him, and Okita explains some of the circumstances behind his disappearance. Despite Hijikata's decision that executing Chizuru is not an option, Okita is quick to remind her that they may decide to kill her later anyway. When Hijikata proposes that they make Chizuru a page and asks Kondou and Sanan if either of them need an assistant, Okita points out that Hijikata suggested it, so he cannot shirk that responsibility.
If Chizuru looks for someone to talk to, she finds Okita and Saitou in the courtyard. When she asks if there is anything they can do to accelerate the process of searching for her father, Okita muses that they may be able to let her accompany them on their rounds. However, he also warns her that her life will be in danger if she does so. After Saitou assesses Chizuru's skill with her kodachi, Okita adds that even though Saitou has given his approval, they still have to wait for Hijikata to allow them to take her outside the compound. He then offers to keep Chizuru company, along with Saitou, in the meantime.
At the end of the day, Okita interrupts Chizuru in the middle of talking to herself about the captains' kindness, teasing her about her gullibility. He then accompanies Chizuru to the common area for their meal, along with Saitou and Heisuke. Once Inoue informs the group that Sanan has been injured, Saitou explains to Chizuru that he will no longer be able to wield a sword, and Okita hints that Sanan may have to take something, as he is not the type to admit defeat. Nagakura immediately rebukes Okita, saying that officers should not join "the Corps". When Chizuru expresses confusion, Okita says only that they are "men to be pitied".
In other routes
Harada Memories of Love 1 (on Harada's route)
When Chizuru tries to go into the courtyard, Okita reminds her that she was ordered not to leave her room without permission, warning her that they may have to kill her. He remarks that Kondou and Hijikata are generous even to feed her, and departs.
Though the choices that cause Okita to drink the Ochimizu are made before the routes divide, this decision has no bearing in any route except his own. In all others, his condition continues to worsen due to tuberculosis, and he is eventually sent away from the Shinsengumi to recover.
Kazama's route
Following Chizuru's separation from the rest of the Shinsengumi, Okita is not seen again. Chizuru finds out from Amagiri that he died from from his tuberculosis.
In Hakuōki: Kyoto Winds
See also: Okita Souji/Route
The plot is largely the same as in the original game except for a few side stories that were cut from the remake. Okita's behavior and choices stay mostly intact.
Chapter 4
Following the choices that lead to Okita's route being chosen, Chizuru can go to his room during Kazama's attack on the headquarters leaving Kondou to deal with the demons. Eventually, everything works out well for them and they do not get hurt.
Later on, Chizuru may choose to take care of Okita who does not want to eat anything sulking in the feeling of uselessness. She can offer to cook him something that he would want to eat in order to cheer him up and help his recovery.
Souji turns into a Rasetsu to protect Chizuru from Kaoru and his army
During the plan to assassinate Itou, Chizuru may choose to stay home and frequently visit Okita's room keeping him company and talking to him trying to convince him to lay down and get more rest as she is aware of his illness. When Kazama attacks the headquarters again, Chizuru can choose to check on Okita to find him coughing up blood. They are quickly joined by Kaoru who brings Rasetsu in, and, since Okita is in no condition to fight them off, Kaoru tricks Okita into drinking Ochimizu in order to protect Chizuru and be able to wield his sword once again. After becoming a Rasetsu, Okita defeats the enemies quickly and gets a sense of satisfaction due to being able to put his skills to the test once again. However, Kaoru quickly reveals that Okita will only suffer more which is exactly what will make Chizuru hurt and Kaoru rejoice.
Despite Kaoru's omen, Okita quickly recovers and joins the other Rasetsu on night patrols. He warns Chizuru not to get involved with a guy like him as he believes himself to be dead, but she refuses and stays by his side.
Chapter 5
Chizuru continues to stay by Okita's side regardless of his countless attempts to tease her about it or enquire about her reasoning. She blames herself for Okita's situation, however, he constantly tells her that it was his decision to drink Ochimizu which he does not regret. He also makes a point to say that he did not do that for Chizuru's sake.
Souji loses control killing multiple enemies
Kondou gets shot on his way back to the headquarters, and Okita's rage prompts him to throw death threats at Hijikata in case Kondou does not make it, after which he leaves seeking vengeance. When Chizuru finds him, he is mindlessly slashing his enemies losing sight of himself and thinking of his body as the Shinsengumi's sword which does not need to be told twice what to do and who to kill. Chizuru rushes in front of him making him stop and do the right thing. After Okita calms down, Saitou and Harada join them and bring them back to the headquarters.
Hearing the sounds of gunfire, Okita rushes back into the streets and Chizuru follows him. There they encounter Kaoru who confirms his involvement in the attack on Kondou's life and repeats his reasoning: he wishes to see his sister suffer as her loved ones get hurt. Kaoru tricks Okita once again by telling his men to point guns at Chizuru under the pretense that "[he is] Okita of the Shinsengumi" who they cannot shoot quite as easily as the girl, which prompts Okita to jump and cover Chizuru with his body. The bullets used on him are silver, and he quickly loses consciousness, but Kaoru lets them both live to prolong their suffering.
Souji is sent to recover in Osaka under Dr. Matsumoto's watch, and Hijikata offers Chizuru to follow Souji in order to look after him.
In Hakuōki: Edo Blossoms
See also: Okita Souji/Route
Chapter 1
Okita is bedridden and Chizuru is taking care of him
The Shinsengumi have retreated to Edo, and Okita stays bed-ridden after the gunshot wound with Dr. Matsumoto and Chizuru taking care of him. His wounds are not healing as fast as they should, his energy levels are low, and he is forced to stay in bed for weeks. Yamazaki often visits him under Hijikata's orders.
In order to help Souji, Yamazaki and Chizuru go to her old home to look through Koudou's notes. They eventually find a recipe for some medicine that can reduce the bloodlust seizures. However, they also encounter Kaoru who gives a hint that Chizuru's blood can be used for the same purpose. When they return home, Souji has a seizure, and Chizuru can choose to give him blood or medicine, or make him endure it.
Assuming his own recovery, Souji wishes to practice with his sword as he feels useless to the Shinsengumi, which causes conflicts with Yamazaki and Chizuru who are sure that he still needs to rest. When Souji eventually changes into the western outfit and prepares to join the Shinsengumi, he teases Chizuru about her feelings towards him.
All three of them depart for Kōfu Castle to join their comrades, however, Yamazaki gets an intel that Kondou is separated in another camp. Souji blames Hijikata for leaving Kondou defenseless and attempts to rush there but gets stopped by Kaoru, and a battle ensues. Just as Souji is about to kill the demon, Kaoru plays on Okita's feelings and tells him that Chizuru would not want her brother to die which makes Souji hesitate. The opening is enough for Kaoru to pour Ochimizu right into Chizuru's mouth turning her into a Rasetsu. Due to Yamazaki going ahead to Kondou, the battle being over and Chizuru's health condition, Souji decides to stay with her and return to Edo. On the way back they decide to sleep in a shade since both of them are Rasetsu now and cannot handle sunlight. There is a CG with Souji hugging Chizuru.
Chapter 2
Upon returning to Edo, they find out that the situation has changed, and they now have to hide. Sen and Kimigiku visit them to let them know about Koudou's intentions to improve Ochimizu and create a new Rasetsu unit for his own purposes. They tell Chizuru to go and see the Yukimura village. Shortly afterwards, they learn that Kondou has surrendered to the Imperial Army, which shocks Okita and makes him blame Hijikata for not protecting the chief commander.
Okita cries learning about Kondou's death
Later that evening, Souji shows Chizuru a special sword - Yamashironokami Fujiwara Kunikiyo - given to him by Kondou. The sword means that Souji is Kondou's successor, the 5th Suzerain of the Tennen Rishin style. After Chizuru expresses her understanding of Souji's feelings, he hugs her and attempts to find out why she always stays by his side. She does not answer directly, and he uses that as a reason not to express his feelings openly either. After Souji falls asleep, Hijikata visits Chizuru and reveals to her what happened with Kondou but asks not to tell Souji. Hijikata believes that Souji needs a goal or a person to hate, and he is ready to accept the role.
A few months later Okita and Chizuru attempt to reunite with the Shinsengumi once again and save Kondou from captivity, however, on their way to the outskirts of Edo they meet Kazama and Amagiri. Kazama brings the devastating news of Kondou's execution, and Souji loses control launching an attack on the demons. Kazama ends up being stronger, and Chizuru rushes to protect Souji demonstrating her Rasetsu form. Kazama instantly stops and claims that since she has become a fake he has lost all the interest in her, "You are dead for me. You are free to rot in a ditch with this other fake for all I care". After the demons leave, Souji bursts into tears on Chizuru's lap. He quickly calms down and makes a decision to find Hijikata.
Chapter 3
Souji hugs Chiziru
Souji yells at Hijikata
On the way to the Shinsengumi, Souji and Chizuru encounter enemy soldiers. Chizuru tries to help and gets shot in the leg, so Souji takes care of the rest. As they get outnumbered, Yamazaki joins the fight and distracts the enemies but gets shot too many times. He asks to leave him behind and tell Hijikata that he will join him soon.
As Souji and Chizuru find the Shinsengumi in Utsunomiya Castle, they also hear cannon fire and the sounds of matching soldiers approaching them. They realize that they cannot get to their comrades unharmed so they decide to hide and wait out. Chizuru gets a small bloodlust seizure while Souji starts coughing again, but they both manage to keep moving. On their way to follow Hijikata's escape route, Souji tells Chizuru about his childhood in Shieikan and why he respects Kondou as much as he does. He also elaborates on his relationship with Hijikata explaining that Hijikata joined the dojo and became Kondou's close friend, who managed to make his eyes light up during a conversation and who believed that Kondou could become a daimyo. Realizing that Souji is not planning to kill Hijikata for what happened to Kondou, Chizuru says that she has faith in Souji, which prompts him to hug her tightly.
When they finally find the Shinsengumi, Souji yells at Hijikata and eventually punches him in the face. He believes Hijikata's words that he wanted to save Kondou and claims that he will let it slide but will not forgive Hijikata. At the end of the conversation, Souji expresses his wish to part ways with the Shinsengumi and go to the Yukimura village to help Chizuru.
Chapter 4
Souji and Chizuru drink each other's blood as they are both Rasetsu
Souji and Chizuru share a kiss
Chizuru wakes up from a nightmare that depicts her childhood times when her village was burnt down and her family was murdered. Shortly after she recovers the memories, Kaoru appears in front of her offering to join his revenge quest to create a demon kingdom. Souji chases him away but he tells Chizuru to have an answer ready by the time she reaches the remains of the Yukimura village. After Kaoru leaves, Chizuru feels an urge to drink blood, and she may choose to endure it or to succumb to it and get a CG with both her and Okita drinking each other's blood.
On the way to the Yukimura village, they stop and look at the stars having an intimate conversation about Chizuru's decision to accept or decline Kaoru's offer. That leads to Souji kissing Chizuru explaining that now he wants to make all her wishes come true and live for her sake.
As they arrive at the meeting point, Kaoru and Koudou are already there waiting for them. After a futile attempt to change Kaoru's mind, Chizuru realizes that she cannot help him get rid of the hatred, however, her words seem to have an effect on her father. Kaoru drinks Ochimizu to activate his demon powers and starts battling Okita. After a long fight, Chizuru yells at Kaoru to stop but it only aggravates him and causes him to lunge at her instead. As she is about to be killed, Koudou sacrifices himself to save his daughter, and Okita kills Kaoru. Dying, Koudou reveals that there is a stream nearby, and the water from there can reduce the effects of Ochimizu, which is what Souji and Chizuru choose to do before they can enjoy whatever lifespan they have left.
Epilogue
Chizuru and Souji live together in Yukimura village after having partially cured themselves from Ochimizu. They no longer have bloodlust urges but they have kept some heightened features. Souji has not fully recovered from his tuberculosis, which is why every day could be the last. Souji never stops repeating that he loves Chizuru and demands that she said it, too, which she does.
In other routes
Same as in the original game, most routes do not show Okita after he has been sent away due to his illness, and Ochimizu does not help him recover. Chizuru eventually learns about his death from someone else.
Hijikata's route
Okita reappears once after being sent to Osaka for treatment when Hijikata and Chizuru come to hide at Dr. Matsumoto's. Hijikata lies that Kondou is very busy and will come visit next time, even though at this point Kondou has already been captured, and the Bakufu are not planning to help him get released.
Kazama's route
Okita does not make an appearance but Amagiri announces his death along with Saitou, assumingly Nagakura, Heisuke and Sannan. According to the demon, Okita passed away from illness in Edo shortly after Kondou's death and Aizu's surrender.
In Hakuōki: Tsukikage no Shou
Chizuru and Souji have lived a secluded life in the mountains for 4 years after the deaths of Koudou and Kaoru. Chizuru is always the one who goes shopping because Souji is a former Shinsengumi Captain and he is wanted by the new government. Souji's illness has not been fully cured but he is able to walk in the sun and he does not have blood urges. Only after all these years have they finally learnt of Hijikata's fate and about the fact that the Shinsengumi and all who participated in the war have been pardoned. Souji keeps repeating that he will soon follow his fallen comrades, asking Chizuru if she is ready to witness it at any moment, but Chizuru believes that the modern era might bring a cure for his tuberculosis.
In the musicals
Main article: Okita Souji/HakuMyu
Okita is portrayed by Hirose Daisuke in HakuMyu Saitou-hen through Toudou-hen; by Aramaki Yoshihiko in HakuMyu Reimeiroku through Harada-hen; and by Yamazaki Shogo in HakuMyu Hijikata-hen 2.
Quotes
- "And here I was, planning to take care of them all on my own. Couldn't you have picked another day to work so fast, Saitou?" (Prologue, to Saitou)
- "Let's just kill the kid. You want to keep someone quiet, that's the only sure way." (Chapter 1)
- "If you don't want to get cut open by some angry ronin with too much drink and too little coin, you need to be ready to put up a fight." (Chapter 1, to Chizuru)
- "This is just fucking great… Anybody else think we're just creating more flunkies to blindly follow Hijikata, or is it just me?" (Shinsengumi Adventures 1, regarding Yamazaki)
- "Stop moving your damn mouth and move your feet instead! Run!" (Shinsengumi Adventures 1, to Saitou)
- "If we interrupted an important meeting for this, with him how he is right now… We might not be presentable to the public for months. Some of us might not ever be found." (Shinsengumi Adventures 1, regarding Hijikata)
- "If you don't do what you're told, don't be surprised if you end up with a sword in your back." (Harada Memories of Love 1, to Chizuru)
Trivia
- Yamazaki's immediate assumption that the cat in Shinsengumi Adventures 1 belongs to Okita implies that Okita has been involved in at least one illicit cat-related incident in the past.
- Though Okita states that he does not need to eat much "so long as [he has] a little sake to sip", Okita is seldom seen drinking, is never portrayed drunk, and is said to have among the lower alcohol tolerances in the Shinsengumi.
- In an unlockable Ephemera scene in Shinsengumi Kitan, Nagakura observes that Okita rarely visits Shimabara, adding that he is more popular with children than with women.
- According to his love letter in Shinsengumi Kitan, Okita first develops a romantic interest in Chizuru sometime after she honors her word to keep his tuberculosis a secret.
References