The Fetters of Fate (桎梏の運命 Shikkoku no Unmei), also translated as The Fetter of Fate, is the seventh episode of the anime Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan (Demon of the Fleeting Blossom: The Tale of the Shinsengumi). It aired on May 16, 2010.
Plot
Sano and Saitou protect Chizuru
The episode begins with the scene of Chizuru being attacked by Kazama, Amagiri and Shiranui. She is almost kidnapped when Sano and Saitou appear in front of her, and Sano disapproves of the place the demons have chosen for a date. Hijikata joins them a moment later putting his hand on Chizuru's shoulder protectively and enquiring about Kazama's intentions. Kazama claims that the shogun and the Shinsengumi are no longer of importance as it is demons' business. Amagiri attempts to handle the conflict without a fight appealing to the occurrence during the Kinmon Rebellion, but this time Saitou refuses. Sano jumps towards Shiranui making a reference to the Kinmon Rebellion fight they had.
Shaking while looking at Kazama, Chizuru reaches for her sword but is stopped by Yamazaki who states that there is no need for it and orders her to follow him back to the headquarters. It enrages Kazama and he attacks Hijikata saying that Chizuru is too much for the Shinsengumi, which is why the demons are taking her away. As more Shinsengumi members arrive, the demons decide to retrieve but promise to come back soon. Hijikata asks Chizuru if she has any clue about why the demons came for her, but she does not.
While replaying the situation in her head over and over, Chizuru hears Okita coughing badly in the corner. She comes to the spot he has just left and sees blood.
Chizuru protecting Senhime
In the next scene, Senhime appears in the city protecting a child while being harassed by imperial nationalists. Chizuru notices the situation and runs to protect her. The samurai attempt to attack her but Saitou quickly defeats them. Senhime thanks Chizuru and suggests being friends, but when Chizuru introduces herself, Senhime realizes something about her. Chizuru asks Saitou if her male disguise is too obvious because Senhime saw through it right away, and Saitou smiles at her answering "who knows".
Itou complains about Dr. Matsumoto
Later Chizuru meets Itou while doing her chores, and Itou is extremely displeased that Dr. Matsumoto tried to undress him. She recognizes her father's friend and runs to meet Dr. Matsumoto claiming that she also needs a health inspection.
Shinpachi shows off his muscles
When Chizuru arrives at the hall where the medical check-up is, she sees a lot of top-naked members of the Shinsengumi. Shinpachi shows off his muscles to the doctor, and Heisuke teases him that while his body is healthy his head needs a closer look. Dr. Matsumoto checks Shinpachi quickly and lets him go which makes Shinpachi protests that his body needs a better look. Sano scold him for taking too much time, and Saitou points out that the check-up is meant for the doctor to check the patients rather than the patients show off their bodies.
Big clean-up
After the check-ups are over, Kondou enters the room to have a conversation with Dr. Matsumoto. The doctor states that the third of the soldiers are either sick or wounded and informs Kondou that the HQ are a den of illness. Kondou makes all Shinsengumi members clean the temple which they are not happy about but have to do anyway. Chizuru helps by painting plates and saucers.
Heisuke tells Chizuru he did not want to protect the shogun
After washing floors and doors and dusting the shelves and carpets are done, Chizuru finds Heisuke at the backyard to enquire about his health. He confesses that he was not sick in the first place, he simply did not want to protect the Shogun. He elaborates by saying that the Shinsengumi's initial goal was to maintain peace in Kyoto and now they seem to be Bakufu's retainers. He seems deep in thoughts about his purpose in life, but he also reassures Chizuru that if anyone comes after her he will not let anyone lay a finger on her.
Chizuru talks to Dr. Matsumoto
In the evening, Chizuru has a chance to talk to Dr. Matsumoto in Kondou's presence. Kondou assumed that Dr. Matsumoto might know Koudou's location, and Chizuru thanks them both for being considerate. However, the doctor does not know Koudou's location either, and Chizuru tries to enquire about Ochimizu and whether her father actually researched it. Dr. Matsumoto tells her about the medicine and Rasetsu. After that, Kondou confesses that Sannan is alive and is studying the Water of Life. The doctor insists that Sannan should not continue working on Ochimizu, but Kondou states that it is an order from Bakufu.
Chizuru eavesdrops on Okita and Dr Matsumoto
Next morning Chizuru eavesdrops on Dr. Matsumoto and Okita learning about Souji's tuberculosis. The doctor instructs Souji to leave the Shinsengumi, but he refuses claiming that protecting the Shinsengumi and killing all their enemies are the things he knows how to do in life, so he intends to keep doing them. After having noticed Chizuru, Souji asks her not to tell anyone about his illness, and she promises him so.
Kazama comes to talk to Chizuru at the Shinsengumi HQ
Later that day, Kazama visits Chizuru while she is doing some chores. He asks her what her relation to Koudou is, and she confirms being his daughter. Their conversation is interrupted by Hijikata, Sano and Heisuke who have come to take care of the uninvited guest. Kazama warns the Shinsengumi to stop "turning humans into demons" (meaning Rasetsu), and he also informs Chizuru that Koudou is with them now, having abandoned Bakufu.
Sannan announces his Rasetsu Corps creation
In the evening, Kyuuju Amagiri asks Kazama what he was doing with the Shinsengumi and tells him not to involve himself with humans any further. At the same time, Sannan announces to Kondou that he has created official Rasetsu Corps that can be used by the Shinsengumi.