Those Who Come From the Darkness (闇より来る者 Yami Yori Kuru Mono) is the fourth episode of the anime Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan (Demon of the Fleeting Blossom: The Tale of the Shinsengumi). It aired on April 25, 2010.
Plot
Senhime and Kimigiku
The episode begins with a conversation between Senhime and Kimigiku. Senhime confesses that the wind is calling for her and that a storm, that has not blown for 300 years, is about to rage. [Historical note 1]
July 1864
The Shinsengumi are mobilized
Kondou announces that the Shinsengumi are mobilizing to protect Kyoto. Chizuru explains in the background that Aizu have requested help, which is why the Shinsengumi are now on their way to drive back the Chōshū forces who seek to enter the imperial palace. Heisuke, Okita and Sannan are staying at the headquarters. Sannan once again considers to take Ochimizu.
The Shinsengumi arrive at Fushimi Magistrate's Office, and Kondou repeats Aizu's order to the guards. However, the guards claim that they have not heard anything about it, and even though Kondou requests them to have a word with their superiors, they refuse. Saitou advices Kondou to avoid confrontation and join the Aizu forces.
Shinpachi loses his cool and yells at the Aizu soldiers
After having explained the situation, Kondou receives an order to head for Kujogawara. But even there the Shinsengumi are not welcomed warmly, as the Aizu soldiers suggest checking the instructions again with the feudal residence. Shinpachi loses his cool and yells out that the feudal residence were the ones to send the Shinsengumi there. Kondou calms him down and asks nicely to see their superior.
Eventually, the Shinsengumi stay with Aizu. Inoue assumes that these are not the main Aizu forces but just a backup. Chizuru notices that in this case the Shinsengumi are also treated as a backup, and Shinpachi tuts mentioning that the letter they received from Aizu stated that time was of the essence. Saitou is confident that they can head for the battlefield at once, should the conditions call for it. Sano notices Chizuru's anxiety and teases her that she can sleep on his laps.
In the morning, everyone is woken up by gunshot sounds, and they see the city burning. The Shinsengumi rush to fight, but the Aizu soldiers protest that they were ordered to stay on standby. Hijikata taunts them by yelling out that if they have a shred of pride in their job, they should run and help to protect the city.
The Shinsengumi arrive and see dead soldiers
Upon arriving, the Shinsengumi see a lot of dead soldiers. They spread out and take the bodies away with Aizu's help. Saitou informs Hijikata that Chōshū have been driven off by Satsuma and Aizu. Sano then reports that some of the Chōshū members are at the Kuge Gate, and Yamazaki states that those responsible for the fire are headed for Mount Tennōzan. Hijikata sends Harada to the Kuge Gate and Saitou and Yamazaki to provide backup protection for Hamaguri Gate, while he himself leads his men to the Mount Tennōzan. He also requests a permission to leave the capital to chase the rest of the Chōshū men, and only Kondou is able to get it for him from the Kyoto Protector. Inoue goes with Kondou.
Saitou meets Amagiri
When Saitou approaches the Gate, he finds Satsuma and Aizu arguing about who will protect it. He makes a comment about it being ridiculous, and the attention gets drawn towards the Shinsengumi. Satsuma insults both Aizu and the Shinsengumi by calling the latter cowards and rogue samurai while bullying the former for relying on their help. Aizu are about to start a sword fight when Amagiri walks towards the center of the conflict and stops Satsuma. When Aizu decide to attack him, Saitou interferes and prevents it from happening, claiming that the difference in their skill is too great. Amagiri apologizes for the trouble he caused at Ikedaya and asks if Heisuke's wounds are healed. He also asks Saitou to pass on his apologies. Saitou calls him a Satsuma spy in response, draws his sword and points it at Amagiri announcing that he has made enemies with the Shinsengumi. Amagiri protests that here and now he has no reason to fight, and Saitou agrees, however, mentioning that there will be a reason to act, if Satsuma continues to insult the Shinsengumi. Amagiri apologizes for the banter, Saitou put his sword away, and Amagiri thanks him for choosing not to fight.
Shiranui appears
At the same time, Sano is attacking the Chōshū men at the Kuge Gate when Kyou Shiranui appears at the scene and shoots one of the Aizu warriors with his gun. Sano points out that Shiranui is the only one with a projectile weapon which is cowardly. During the fight, they take a liking to each other's combat style and introduce themselves to each other. Shiranui leaves shortly afterwards promising to kill Sano next time.
Kazama attacks Hijikata's group
Meanwhile, Hijikata, Shinpachi, Chizuru and a few members of the Shinsengumi are on their way to the Mount Tennōzan when they meet Chikage Kazama on a bridge. Kazama suddenly attacks one of the men, and the group stops. While Chizuru tries to treat the wound, Kazama mocks the Shinsengumi bringing up his fight with Okita and saying that the Shinsengumi are dogs with no samurai pride. It ends up in a banter with Shinpachi and Hijikata, and then Hijikata sends all his men except the wounded one and Chizuru to chase the Chōshū on the Hill when he starts attacking Kazama. The Vice Commander knocks the sword out of Kazama's hands and it flies right at the injured samurai and Chizuru. Chizuru shields the man and gets her arm cut but the injury heals up within a few seconds. Amagiri appears to scold Kazama, and they leave. But right before going away, Kazama makes it clear that he has realized something about Chizuru. Hijikata checks up on Chizuru and offers her his handkerchief.
Later it is noted that all the Chōshū samurai had committed seppuku before Shinpachi and his group reached the Hill.
The Fire in Kyoto
Chizuru narrates in the background that the Chōshū leaders, who had attacked the imperial palace and escaped, set fire to the capital, burning down 25511 homes, 1207 storehouses and 253 temples and shrines. Chōshū have become rebels and enemies, and the event is known in history as the Kinmon Rebellion.
Historical note
- ↑ Talking about a storm that has not blown for 300 years, Senhime refers to The Edo period or Tokugawa period which is the period between 1603 and 1867 in the history of Japan. Among other reasons, this period was known for perpetual peace and lack of serious conflicts. It ended with the Boshin War that we see at the end of Season 2.