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Toshizō Hijikata (土方歳三 Hijikata Toshizou) is the title character of Hakuōki (this being the demon name Kazama gives him at the end of the latter's route). He is a main protagonist and Chizuru's implied canon love interest. Hijikata is one of the Vice-Commanders of the Shinsengumi, and later its only Commander. In the localization, he is referred to as the Commander from the beginning, and later becomes Chief.
Hijikata is based on the historical Hijikata Toshizō.
Contents
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Personality
This article contains major SPOILERS. Be careful if you do not know the full story yet.
Hijikata is strict enough to have earned his nickname of the "Demon Vice-Commander" (鬼の副長), but has everyone's best interests at heart, even if he usually refuses to admit it. Though his emotions are typically obvious, especially irritation, they do not rule him. According to Harada, "he sees a lot more than he lets on, and everything he does, he does after careful consideration, whatever else it might look like". This extends to voicing his opinion, as in the beginning of the game, he only reveals his views on whether Chizuru should live or die after Sannan requests that he do so. However, he can also hold his own in a rapid-fire argument and is quick to tell off most of his adversaries, most prominently Kazama. Hijikata's style of speaking is brusque and often informal even to allies.
Hijikata strives to be a foil to Kondou, but the two of them act alike more often than not. While Kondou's style of decision-making is impulsive and emotional, Hijikata tries to remain aloof and rational to make the best decision for the Shinsengumi. However, he also shelters Kondou from the harsher truths and downsides of pursuing his dream, such as (in his route) his own transformation into a Rasetsu. Similarly to Kondou himself, Hijikata's focus on his goal of elevating Kondou's status can interfere with his judgment, causing him to lose sight of the current situation and make serious tactical mistakes.
Hijikata has a strong moral compass, and despite repeated claims that he will do whatever is necessary to benefit the Shinsengumi, he often finds ways to justify factoring his personal opinion into his professional decisions. For example, when (on his route) Chizuru asks if she should leave the Shinsengumi because her presence places them in danger, Hijikata does not give any consideration to the validity of the concerns she raises, and instead assures her without hesitation that protecting her is a matter of pride for them.
Past
Hijikata came from a prosperous peasant family that also produced medicine, Ishida Powdered Medicine (石田散薬). The folk remedy could make you heal quicker, and was especially efficient for cuts and bruises. Hijikata seems to think highly of it even though it apparently tastes "gross", according to Heisuke Toudou.
Hijikata's parents died when he was very young so his elder sister and brother-in-law looked after him.
Though he was expected to work in the family or apprentice in a small business nearby, Hijikata quit multiple times, dissatisfied with his life and circumstances. During his stint as a medicine peddler, he met Kondou, the adopted son of a small dojo master. It was then that Hijikata finally found his calling in life and resolved to become a samurai. This was a tall dream in his day and age, as the class system in Japan was very strict and it was nearly impossible for a peasant to become a warrior. Even so, Hijikata joined the Shieikan dojo and, after getting permission from the Bakufu, moved to Kyoto to start the Shinsengumi.
He joined Kondou shortly after Souji Okita had won his first sword match. It is unknown how old he was back then.
In Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan
See also: Toshizou Hijikata (Visual Novel)/Route
Prologue
The moonlight shone off his smooth, dark hair. For reasons I couldn't fathom, in that moment, the light on his hair made me think of fluttery flower petals… almost as if the cherry trees were blooming out of season.
Hijikata is first encountered shortly after Saitou rescues Chizuru from Rasetsu. He prevents her from escaping, threatening to kill her if she tries to run. Perhaps because of her reaction to Okita's insistence that she thank them, Hijikata realizes Chizuru's true gender during this initial encounter. Throughout his interactions with her, Okita, and Saitou, he takes a reserved approach to the possibility of executing Chizuru. He would rather not kill her if possible, although he will do whatever is necessary to protect the Shinsengumi and its reputation.
Chapter 1
Hijikata appears again when Chizuru is introduced to the rest of the Shinsengumi officers in the common area. He reprimands Kondou for telling her more than she needs to know, but does not volunteer his own opinion until after Sannan invokes "the responsibility of his position". He then states that Chizuru was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and attempts to prevent Heisuke from accidentally mentioning more than she should know. He directly approves of Saitou's request to take her back to her room to avoid the risk of her hearing further classified information.
If Chizuru tries to escape, Hijikata appears again to reiterate his threat to kill her. If she keeps running anyway, Hijikata gives chase and picks Chizuru up to hold her still. When she struggles, insisting that there is something she has to do, he reacts with scorn and reveals that he is aware of her gender, along with Okita. Sannan is also not surprised, although Kondou is stunned.
Since Hijikata was aware of Chizuru's gender from the beginning, his opinion on her execution has not changed, as he is still determined to do whatever is in the Shinsengumi's best interests. When Chizuru informs the captains that her father is Yukimura Koudou, Hijikata reacts with shock. Following Sannan's suggestion that Chizuru help them look for him, Hijikata concludes that killing her is inadvisable. He then tells Chizuru that if she forgets what she saw last night, the Shinsengumi will look after her until she finds Koudou.
After Sannan raises the question of what they should do with Chizuru, Hijikata suggests making her someone's page, and asks Kondou and Sannan if they want assistants. However, Okita interjects by saying that since Hijikata suggested keeping her, he should be the one to take responsibility for her. Since Kondou and Sannan agree, Hijikata is forced to make Chizuru his own page instead. Sometime after this, he requests that she continue crossdressing to avoid unnecessary trouble, and that she remain in her room indefinitely.
Hijikata and Sannan depart for Osaka on business within the week. If Chizuru stays in her room, Kondou stops by and explains to Chizuru that Hijikata is "the sort of man who can't help but care for others", and that though he may be strict, he is keeping Chizuru confined to the compound for her own good. However, Hijikata has not informed Kondou that he has no intention of employing Chizuru as his page.
In other routes
Toudou Memories of Love 1 (on Heisuke's route)
When Heisuke stays in the compound because he is concerned about Chizuru, Hijikata summons him to scold him for shirking his duties. As punishment, he places him under house arrest and restricts his rations. Later, he apprehends Chizuru after she sneaks out to deliver a rice ball to Heisuke, saying that if she were one of his men, she would have to die for her transgression. However, he lets her off with that warning and permits her to return to her room.
Kazama's route
Following Chizuru's separation from the rest of the Shinsengumi, Hijikata does not appear again. Kazama and Chizuru arrive in Ezo approximately one month after his death.
In Hakuōki: Kyoto Winds
See also: Toshizou Hijikata (Visual Novel)/Route
The plot is largely the same as in the original game except for a few side stories that were cut from the remake. Hijikata's behavior and choices stay mostly intact, however, the remake also introduces Hachirou Iba as a potential love interest for Chizuru who also happens to be Hijikata's old friend.
Chapter 4
Hijikata protects Chizuru from Kazama
Hijikata with his hair loose
Following the choices that lead to Hijikata's route, when Kazama attacks the compound, the vice-commander protects Chizuru by hugging and shielding her. When Kazama demands that Hijikata handed over Chizuru, he refuses explaining that she is Shinsengumi's responsibility. After Kazama and others are gone, Hijikata claims that there is nothing to thank him for as the Shinsengumi had their own reasons for protecting her.
Later on Chizuru gets the chance to see Hijikata with his hair loose when she comes into his room with tea. She can offer to cook something special for him (which increases the Romance level) and then he asks for takiawase. He also makes a special request to "get that Edo flavor".
After the news of Itou's plan to assassinate Kondou, Hijikata orders to kill Itou and his followers including Heisuke if he resists. Following Hijikata's route, Chizuru can request the opportunity to help with the problem by accompanying Hijikata and Kondou to the meeting. Hijikata and Kondou pretend to be friendly drinking sake and listening to Itou's stories to make sure Itou is drunk enough to be an easy target. Seeing Chizuru and Kondou uneasy about the assassination plan, Hijikata accepts the responsibility for this decision.
At the end of the chapter, as Sannan attempts to attack Chizuru to take her blood for research, Hijikata stops him saving Chizuru. She can ask to help him with anything, and then he requests her to deliver a letter to Saitou.
Hijikata questions Chizuru's motives
Side note: Hijikata is often mad at Chizuru by the end of the chapter because she keeps apologizing to him for various little things that he does not consider worth apologizing for.
Hijikata questions Chizuru's motives to wish to be of assistance assuming she has some hidden agenda, but believes her when she says she is grateful for all the things the Shinsengumi have done for her hence the desire to give something back. He jokingly asks her to bring more tea as the fate of the Shinsengumi rests on it.
Chapter 5
Officially Hijikata's route starts from this chapter.
The chapter begins with the news about Kondou getting shot, and as all the captains gather to discuss the predicament, Hijikata claims that Souji does not need to be there as he would not think twice about his safety and go straight for vengeance for Kondou, and Sannan calls him too kind for this decision. As Sannan offers everyone ochimizu in case something was to happen, Hijikata accepts it and puts it in his pocket.
Sen and Kimigiku inform Hijikata about the Rasetsu crimes in the city and also invite Chizuru to go with them once again but Hijikata makes it clear that he does not intend to kick her out. When Chizuru describes to Sen privately how she sees Hijikata, Sen notices romance blooming between them.
Hijikata and Chizuru eating onigiri
Hijikata turns into a Rasetsu to fight against Kazama
Later on, when Chizuru gives out all the food to the soldiers and is left hungry, Hijikata notices her grumbling stomach and offers her half of his onigiri. While they are eating, Hijikata thanks Chizuru for staying in the Shinsengumi despite Sen's repetitive offer.
At the end of the chapter, Chizuru is sent by Hijikata to Yodo Castle along with Inoue. Inoue is killed by Kazama, and Chizuru may choose to take revenge or run. Hijikata eventually comes to rescue and, full of rage, easily overpowers Kazama before he reveals his demon self to change the odds. That prompts Hijikata to drink Ochimizu and turn into a Rasetsu. Even though it gives Hijikata another chance and he manages to cut Kazama's face, eventually the battle gets back to Kazama having the upper hand and threatening to inflict all possible kinds of pain on Hijikata before killing him. However, just as Kazama is about to strike, Yamazaki protects Hijikata with his body. Hearing Shinpachi's approaching voice, Kazama decides to finish off Hijikata but gets stopped by Amagiri who claims that the Satsuma Domain wishes to take down Bakufu with their own hands.
As the Shinsengumi are forced to retreat to Osaka, Hijikata tells Chizuru that he can still stay out in the sun and assures her that it was his own decision to drink ochimizu. He also smiles and adds that Osaka Castle will never fall which gives him hope for the future. However, a moment later Shimada brings word that the shogun has already sailed to Edo which means they have to do leave as well.
Hijikata and Chizuru on a ship to Edo
While on the ship to Edo, Yamazaki apologizes to Hijikata for not helping him further and thanks him for the opportunity to serve and die as a warrior. Hijikata realizes that the end for him is near and speaks to him normally before Yamazaki succumbs to his wounds. At night, after Yamazaki is buried at sea, Chizuru tells Hijikata Inoue's last words, and they both feel sad. However, Hijikata is determined to see this war through.
In other routes
Okita's route
Hijikata appears in important scenes and at the end he is the one to send Chizuru away with Okita to look after him, which she is grateful for.
Kazama's route
Hijikata does not save Chizuru at the end of the game and does not fight Kazama as he is busy with Kyoto set on fire and the upcoming war. Chizuru is saved by Kazama and leaves with him.
In Hakuōki: Edo Blossoms
See also: Toshizou Hijikata (Visual Novel)/Route
The story is largely the same as the second half of the original game, however, there are a few exceptions on some of the routes.
Chapter 1
Hijikata, Chizuru and the Shinsengumi are put in a difficult situation, as they are losing the Toba-Fushimi battle, the shōgun has retreated, and Kondou and Okita are in a bad shape after having been wounded.
Iba visits Hijikata to notify him that the Bakufu member he was planning to meet is not going to make it, so Hijikata gets furious and storms out of the room to force the meeting upon the politician. As Hijikata returns in the evening, he is incredibly tired and barely awake because, as Shimada noticed earlier, he has been working non-stop day and night due to Kondou's condition. Chizuru can offer to help but Hijikata refuses and scolds her for worrying too much but asks her to bring tea as a way to find at least some way she can assist. Despite Heisuke's suggestion to have some rest, Hijikata refuses to stop working referring to Kondou who would die for any of the Shinsengumi members which makes Hijikata keep going in his stead.
Heisuke explains what the Rasetsu bloodlust is, and Chizuru is overwhelmed with worry about Hijikata who is already on edge. She decides to go home and see her father's research hoping to find something that can soothe Hijikata's suffering. After a few hours of searching, she finds a formula to make a medicine that is able to temporarily stop the urge for blood and the pain that comes with it. She succeeds and hurries back to offer it to Hijikata.
As Chizuru approaches Hijikata's door, she hears him in pain and runs in. With snow-white hair and glowing red eyes, Hijikata tells her to stop talking and stay away from him, because the urge should soon pass. However, he does not look very hopeful despite trying his hardest not to show any signs of being in terrible pain, and Chizuru can choose to feed him her blood, use the medicine that Sannan advised against, or simply make Hijikata endure it. Following the potential good ending, Chizuru chooses to give him her blood to stop the suffering and cuts her finger, but Hijikata refuses. He keeps sweating and shaking, trying to mask the unbearable pain, and Chizuru insists on him drinking her blood. Hijikata cannot resist but calls her stupid, explaining that no man is going to want to marry a girl covered in scars, and then licks the blood from her finger. As he returns to a human form, Chizuru apologizes for being too insolent but he agrees that now is not the time to pretend like he is not in pain, and if he wants to make sure Kondou wins he has to become a monster.
Eventually, Hijikata's hard work pays off, and the Shinsengumi are given one of the hatamoto mansions to use as their headquarters. Kondou starts feeling better and returns to his comrades. He announces that he has been promoted to Executive Lieutenant-Minister and Hijikata to Vice Minister, and now the Shinsengumi have been ordered to ambush the Imperial Army in Kōfu Castle, using two cannons, a number of small arms and funding. Sano and Shinpachi are skeptical about this plan, but Hijikata states his opinion directly: to go to war they need reinforcements, and the victory at Kōfu can provide that. Everyone seems to agree with Hijikata, and Sannan offers to head to the Kōfu mountain with his Rasetsu Corps first, however, Hijikata suddenly bans them from participating and leaves them in the compound. He explains that the secret unit should not be seen either by new recruits or the enemy just yet.
After everyone has left, Chizuru asks whether Hijikata is sure about his decision to leave the Rasetsu Corps behind, and he voices his suspicion about Sannan based on what Senhime and Kimigiku told him earlier about Rasetsu killing people in Kyoto. As Hijikata goes on explaining, it becomes evident that he has planned for a possible loss at Kōfu and a potential need for a counter-attack where the Rasetsu might come in handy. He also wishes to leave Chizuru in the headquarters but decides against it considering Kazama's plans and tells her to stay out of trouble.
The morning the Shinsengumi are about to leave for Kōfu, Chizuru finds them all in the common room dressed in clothing she has never seen before. From this moment on, they have changed into western-style outfits to keep up with the enemy.
An oath
On the way to Kōfu, Saitou arrives to inform the vice commander that Kōfu Castle has already been taken by the enemy. A lot of new recruits eventually flee, and Hijikata decides to go back to Edo to call in the reinforcements. Before leaving, he tells Chizuru to go to Edo with someone and save herself, and she can either listen or stay with the Shinsengumi. Choosing to stay, she promises to protect Kondou as his shield until Hijikata's return. Hijikata hesitates but gives in and orders Chizuru, as a Shinsengumi member, to stay by Kondou's side, pointing out that she must not die, not under any circumstances. He asks her to take out her sword and presses his own against it, making a warrior oath that he will return and she will stay alive.
Seeing as the battle is hopeless, Chizuru convinces Kondou to retreat. Deep in the woods, they encounter Amagiri, who explains that Chizuru has become Kazama's goal and reason to disobey the Satsuma's orders, which is why Amagiri has come for her life. Despite Chizuru drawing her sword and asking Kondou to run, the commander is determined to protect her. Amagiri quickly defeats Kondou and goes after Chizuru, beating her with his fists and knocking her down. She squeezes her eyes shut apologizing to Hijikata in her thoughts only to hear his voice in the dark, scolding her for giving up too soon. Chizuru opens her eyes and sees Hijikata in his Rasetsu form fighting Amagiri. Amagiri kicks Hijikata in the stomach, and Hijikata's blade eventually pierces the demon skin, and after some time Amagiri is forced to acknowledge Hijikata's power, which is why he asks what Hijikata is planning to do with it. The Vice-Commander answers that he plans to protect those he cares about, and Amagiri stops the fight. Chizuru sees it as an opening to attack but Saitou stops her explaining that the battle is over. Just before leaving, Amagiri reveals that the power of Rasetsu is not a magic or a gift but rather a curse as it eats up on one's lifespan, and each time the power is used Hijikata's life gets shorter.
As Hijikata runs to Kondou, it seems like the Commander sees Hijikata as a Rasetsu for the first time, and Hijikata is somehow embarrassed. It starts raining, but Kondou does not move and mutters to himself wondering what he has been doing all this time, sending people to die and turning his old friend into a monster. Hijikata convinces him that it is not his fault, and Chizuru notices that they both seem to be crying but it is hard to see for certain in the rain.
Chapter 2
Chizuru, Hijikata and Kondou return to Edo to meet up with Nagakura and the rest of their forces. The loyalists seem to have increased their power even more, and things are not looking good for the Bakufu.
Some time later, Chizuru brings Hijikata tea and sees him having a discussion with Sannan and Heisuke. She is about to leave when the Vice-Commander tells her to stay, which allows her to hear what the problem is: Hijikata has banned further creation of Rasetsu, and Sannan is totally furious, even though very polite in his disagreement. Hijikata admits that using Rasetsu is the easiest way to increase and strengthen their manpower, especially since Harada and Shinpachi are gone, however, Hijikata explains that using Rasetsu powers shortens the lifespan. Initially shocked, Sannan insists on the continuation of the research in order to fix this flaw, but Hijikata is determined and gives Sannan an official order to stop all the Rasetsu research.
Everyone leaves, and Chizuru realizes that the tea is cold by now, but Hijikata drinks it anyway. He admits that losing Shinpachi and Harada hurt the Shinsengumi a lot but also accepts his and Kondou's fault in it. Realizing how hard Hijikata has been working to help his comrades, Chizuru can ask him to stop or to have some rest. If she decides to be firm and command him to stop using his Rasetsu powers, it provokes an ever more firm response, and Hijikata insists that drinking Ochimizu was his own choice so there is nobody to blame but himself. Chizuru begs Hijikata to open up and say if he is in pain, and he starts laughing finding himself unable to argue. He compares Chizuru to his elder sister and admits that being scolded by Chizuru sounds like being scolded by a family member. He promises to tell her if the pain becomes unbearable, and they change the topic to the next plan of action. Hijikata explains that he is not expecting the Bakufu to be of much help which is why the squad will head north and join forces with the Aizu.
Hijikata drinks Chizuru's blood from behind
Suddenly, he stops mid-sentence as the bloodlust overpowers his body, his hair goes white and his eyes turn red. Chizuru may choose to offer Hijikata her blood, and he accepts it but chooses to cut her skin by himself while standing behind. As he starts drinking blood, he cannot stop for a while as his thirst is barely in control. He quietly asks her not to turn around because he does not want her to see him as a Rasetsu, and she feels awkward being so close to a man, even despite the circumstances. He apologizes for hurting her but she is ready to do whatever it takes to help the Shinsengumi who has sheltered and protected her for a very long time.
Hijikata calms down and apologizes again, Chizuru asks him to let her know whenever she is needed next, but he laughs in a sad way and advises her not to offer her blood like that as she can be abused and thrown away. Chizuru, however, feels like if it were Hijikata who used her, it would not be too bad.
In a conversation with Kondou, Chizuru tries to cheer him up, and the Commander notices that she knows Hijikata very well. Before they can finish the conversation, Hijikata and Shimada run in announcing that the mansion is surrounded, which is why they have to escape. Hijikata intends to distract the enemies and fight until his comrades are safely far away, however, both Shimada and Chizuru try to stop him. Kondou decides to act as a decoy and surrender to buy time for his men to retreat. Hijikata gets furious, knowing that none of Kondou's plans could work in such a situation, but Kondou is determined to protect his comrades with his life. Hijikata starts shouting, and Kondou orders him to leave and save himself and others. Hijikata is shocked and heartbroken, and Kondou hurts him further by reminding him that following commander's orders is an absolute rule, which Hijikata himself enforced multiple times. Kondou asks his friend to let him go, and Hijikata, struggling to accept his friend's inevitable death, orders Shimada to secure an escape route and Chizuru to stay with Kondou and wait. When they are left alone, Kondou gives Chizuru some money and urges her to run away. Chizuru can try to convince Kondou to escape but it will not work, so the best solution is to voice her wish to go with Hijikata.
As others learn about the plan, Nomura decides to stay and protect Kondou instead of Hijikata. Hijikata sees his resolve and, threatening with his sword, demands that Nomura stays by Kondou's side no matter what until the end. As they run away, Hijikata never looks back.
After some time, the squad is met by enemy soldiers, and they recognize Hijikata from the Shinsengumi. As they prepare to attack, Hijikata turns into a Rasetsu and quickly kills them. Multiple other soldiers join the attack and shoot him, but Hijikata does not stop fighting back. He is full of pain and rage, and each attacks murders another enemy soldier until there is nobody left standing.
Chizuru tries to calm down Hijikata
Having finished off everyone, Hijikata orders Souma and Shimada to check if there are any more enemies, and Chizuru has to go with them but she refuses and decides to stay with the commander. He gets even more annoyed and gives her a direct order but she still refuses to leave him. He turns away and bitterly asks himself why he went all this way if he eventually had to leave Kondou behind and save himself. He wanted to make Kondou a hero, he wanted to see how far the owner of a dojo from the sticks and a farmer's son could go. He was ready to do anything for Kondou, and now he wonders why he is the one who stayed alive. He gets completely consumed by grief and self-loathing, so Chizuru hugs him from behind, not knowing what to do and how to help. She tries to soothe his pain by saying that Kondou cared about Hijikata just as much, which is exactly why he sacrificed himself. She begs him not to blame himself, and Hijikata does not react to her words or touch. A few minutes later, Hijikata calms down a little but wonders what he is supposed to do without Kondou Isami of the Shinsengumi.
As Hijikata, Souma, Shimada and Chizuru return to Edo and hide, they reunite with Okita who is happy to be visited. Okita asks about Kondou, and Hijikata lies that Kondou is busy due to being a daimyo. He promises to bring Kondou with him next time, but Okita accuses him of being a liar, to which Hijikata states that he has never lied about Kondou.
Chizuru leaves them to reminisce and goes out where she sees Souma with Ryuunosuke. As she returns to the house, Okita asks her to stay by Hijikata's side, and they leave. Hijikata suddenly orders Chizuru to escape as he himself will go save Kondou. She questions this plan, which irritates him and he starts yelling, but she reminds him of Inoue and Yamazaki who died for the Shinsengumi and who would feel incredibly sad seeing Hijikata now. He apologizes for yelling at her and realizes that he has to carry the burden now.
After Hijikata and Chizuru reunite with Souma and Shimada, Hijikata decides to continue fighting for Kondou and Nomura's release, so he orders Shimada to take Chizuru to Edo.
Chapter 3
Hijikata starts vising vassals to request urgent clemency for Kondou, however, everything falls on deaf ears. Eventually, Chizuru, Hijikata, Shimada and a few more Shinsengumi members join forces with other warriors who dislike them and keep gossiping about them. There they meet Ootori, the Infantry Magistrate, who commands the Denshu Company. Ootori offers his hand for a handshake but Hijikata does not understand the gesture and assumes the magistrate wants money. During the conversation, Ootori explains that he is in charge and offers Hijikata a promotion to Deputy Commander.
Hijikata gathers Shimada and Chizuru to discuss his plans. He announces that he intends to take the offer to lead the vanguard and sends Shimada to the main body as an experienced soldier. As Shimada leaves, Hijikata relaxes and admits that he cannot carry the Shinsengumi all alone without Kondou. He also explains that the Shinsengumi were thrown under the bus with the Kōfu mission as the Bakufu wanted to make a connection with the new government, and the Shinsengumi would have made it more difficult. Hijikata blames himself for not foreseeing it and falls in despair realizing that everything they fought for was in vain. Chizuru tries to cheer him up, and he asks her again whether she is planning to stay with him.
Suddenly, the bloodlust hits Hijikata, and he bends over in pain. Chizuru leads him into the shadow of a large tree to hide him from nearby soldiers and feeds him her blood. Returning into his human form, Hijikata asks how long Chizuru intends to let him hurt her, and she promises to be there for him as long as he needs her.
Hijikata against Kazama
The news arrives that Utsunomiya Castle has been captured by the enemy, and Hijikata decides to attack and take it back. Despite his soldiers' apprehensions, Hijikata commands to launch an attack but some of the men are scared. One of them decides to run, and Hijikata kills him in cold blood for desertion. The others are shocked as he has just killed one of his own soldiers, but he shows no remorse and rushes forward, killing enemies like a devil which inspires his subordinates to join. They are in awe seeing his skills, and eventually the castle's gates open indicating surrender. However, as they enter the castle and go further, they encounter Kazama and Amagiri. Hijikata makes sarcastic comments about their previous battle, which winds up Kazama, and they start fighting. Hijikata lacks speed and concentration as he has to fight during the day and he has already fought enough enemies before, so Kazama easily gets an upper hand. After getting hit and not healed instantly, Hijikata is shocked, and Kazama laughs explaining that his sword is Yasutsuna's Demonslayer — a weapon to kill demons. Hijikata gets wounded more and seems to be fighting a losing battle, and then returns back to his human form. Kazama feels victorious and claims he will erase the Shinsengumi, which angers Hijikata enough to turn back into Rasetsu and keep fighting. Chizuru cannot bear to see Hijikata reaching his limits, so she can stop either him or Kazama. If she chooses to stop the demon, the attempt will be futile as he will just throw her across the room, and if she tries and stop Hijikata, he will feel grateful for concern but will not stop. Both options will lead to more wounds for Hijikata, but, as Kazama is about to win, the ceiling collapses because the building is hit by a shell and starts burning. Kazama decides to leave as it has quickly become dangerous for everyone, but he promises to kill Hijikata next time.
Amagiri walks up to Hijikata and informs him that the demon clans will no longer participate in the war, therefore if Kazama strikes again it will go agains the Demon Code, and he will be abandoned by the clans. Amagiri leaves, Hijikata collapses unconscious, and Shimada comes just in time to help Chizuru carry the Vice-Commander out of the room.
Chizuru takes care of wounded Hijikata
Several days later Hijikata starts feeling better despite his wounds, and Chizuru finds him in his room working. She scolds him because he has not recovered enough and needs to stay in bed, and he quickly gives up, despite trying to joke about it. She puts a coat on his shoulders, and states that even if he said he did not want it she would do it anyway. Hijikata thanks Chizuru for everything she did, and his sudden politeness shocks her as she expected his usual cold and rude behavior.
Later that night, Shimada and Ootori come to visit Hijikata. Ootori starts scolding him for recklessness and inadvertently repeats the words Yamazaki said right before his death. Hijikata gets taken aback at first but then agrees and apologizes. Despite Ootori's surprise at his reaction, Hijikata also thanks Shimada for carrying his body out of the burning castle.
Chapter 4
Kondou's execution
Summer comes, and Hijikata and Chizuru catch up with Saitou and other Shinsengumi members at the Aizu headquarters. Hijikata praises Nomura and Souma for staying alive, and Nomura starts apologizing. As he is unable to speak overwhelmed with emotions, Saitou brings the sad news to Hijikata: at the end of April Kondou was beheaded. Everyone understands the weight of the situation, including Hijikata, who voices that Kondou was not even given the chance to commit honorable suicide but was killed instead.
One evening, Hijikata asks Saitou to come into his room and, as he does, announces himself to be the commander of the front lines. Saitou questions Hijikata's health and challenges him on a duel. Chizuru yells at them both to stop but they ignore her, and Hijikata tells her to stay quiet. After the first swords collision Hijikata is thrown back to sprawl across the floor, and Saitou shows his Rasetsu form which turns out to be news for Hijikata and Chizuru. Saitou tells Hijikata that he cannot rush into battles, and they both put their swords away. Hijikata agrees to let Saitou lead in the front lines until he is healed, and Saitou tells Chizuru to take care of Hijikata.
Hijikata's bloodlust suddenly strikes, and his hair and eyes change color. He drinks Chizuru's blood and starts to feel better, but now he is in pain due to his own guilt for hurting Chizuru. He says that it cannot continue like this.
Some time later, as Hijikata is fully healed, Ootori gives an order to launch a counter-attack in Sendai while he himself leads his troops to Bonari Pass. The Aizu's current position makes it the third location, which means the Shinsengumi have to split into three to help everyone or abandon someone. Sannan insists on bringing all the manpower to Sendai, Saitou is worried about the Aizu who have been helping them all this time, and Souma mentions that the Bonari Pass is the front line, so fighting there is not going to be easy. Hijikata does not make a decision, and Saitou makes one for him by announcing his plan to stay with the Aizu and then head to Bonari Pass.
As everyone leaves, Saitou asks Hijikata to surivive, and Hijikata promises to stick around until either the Shinsengumi is dead or he is. Chizuru can either promise to stay by Hijikata's side or claim that he will not die even if he is killed.
Arriving to Sendai in a few months, Hijikata and others can not find the Rasetsu Corps anywhere, despite the fact that Sannan and Heisuke left for Sendai earlier than others. The crime rate has risen. As the troops reach Sendai Castle, Hijikata is greeted by Enomoto — the second-in-command of the navy and captain of the flagship, Kaiyomaru. Enomoto informs Hijikata that there is something wrong with the castle as they do not respond to requests, and there is also a suspicious group of men running around Sendai and possibly murdering civilians. Hijikata asks Enomoto to leave it to him.
While Hijikata is busy running an investigation, Heisuke suddenly visits Chizuru and tells her that Koudou is leading a Rasetsu unit in the Imperial Army, and that Sannan has meetings with him. Their conversation is interrupted when they are surrounded by Rasetsu who instantly attack Heisuke. He tells Chizuru to hide behind him but Koudou appears at the door and explains that he has come to get Chizuru and proceed with his plan to restore the Yukimura clan. She refuses, and he hits her in the stomach, so she loses consciousness.
Chizuru wakes up in Sendai Castle greeted by Sannan. Despite Chizuru's attempts to ask Sannan about his allegiances, Sannan keeps silent. He only scolds Koudou for bringing Chizuru as Hijikata will come after her soon. Koudou replies that Sannan was the one who advised him to follow Heisuke to find his daughter. Koudou also says that Heisuke is most likely dead, but Heisuke comes running into the room to prove him wrong, along with Hijikata. The conversation reveals that Sendai Domain and the North Alliance had been planning to leave war even before the Shinsengumi arrived, which is why Sannan did not contact his comrades but allied with Koudou instead, whose Rasetsu took over Sendai Castle. Koudou offers Chizuru to create a demon world and avenge their clan by killing the humans who destroyed the Yukimura village.
Hijikata, Heisuke and Sannan killing the last Rasetsu
The conversation is interrupted by the arrival of the Rasetsu, both from the Imperial Army and Shinsengumi's Rasetsu Corps. Sannan mysteriously points out that all the Rasetsu that exist in the country are now gathered in the castle, and they are force to be reckoned with. He offers Hijikata a choice what to do with them, but Hijikata's firm reply makes it clear that the Vice-Commander does not need any assistance from them. Unsheathing his sword, Sannan prepares to attack but, all of a sudden, his sword cuts the Rasetsu, despite the initial assumption that he would go against Hijikata. Hijikata and Heisuke join Sannan, and all three slay the Rasetsu.
One of the Rasetsu attempts to attack Chizuru but Koudou shields her with his body. He falls on the floor and asks whether Chizuru is hurt, and then admits that the Rasetsu have been a failure with no future but he wanted to bring his daughter's family back. He dies in her arms.
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Hijikata witnesses his friends crumble into ash
Hijikata, Heisuke and Sannan have defeated all the Rasetsu and are the only ones left standing. They happily accept their victory but suddenly both of them fall on the floor in agony, with their hair going white and their eyes glowing red. Sannan states that they have reached their limit, and Chizuru remembers Amagiri's words about using up the lifespan. Heisuke smiles and proudly states that they have been to most of the battles, and Hijikata asks whether they knew the end was coming, to which Sannan responds affirmatively. Hijikata drops to his knees taking both of their hands in his own, and Sannan starts to reminisce about their time in Shieikan and their conversations about Kondou feeling sad that Kondou left this world before them. Sannan admits to having arguments with Hijikata but also claims that the Shinsengumi would be impossible without the Vice-Commander. Hijikata responds that Sannan was of equal importance as he stopped Hijikata every time he would start a fight with Serizawa. Heisuke joins the conversation boasting that now they are leading but asking Hijikata not to catch up, calling him easily angered and reckless, but Hijikata barks back that Heisuke is not the one to talk. Sannan's last words are about some magical water Koudou used to dilute Ochimizu which is why there might still be hope for some sort of a cure. Heisuke asks Hijikata not to lose sight of what is important, and both men crumble into ash.
Hijikata asks Chizuru to stop crying but she cannot.
Some time later, while going out with Hijikata, Chizuru collapses in the middle of the city due to her exhaustion as she has been taking care of Hijikata day and night. He brings her to the inn and, as she wakes up, scolds her for going out despite feeling unwell. He orders her to stay in the headquarters until further notice claiming she would create problems for him if she fainted again, but she begs him to let her stay by his side. He asks why she is so determined assuming that the reason is other people's requests to watch over him, and she can outright say that she wants to stay with him on her own volition. He still wonders why, and she is unsure how to answer even though she knows the truth deep down. He changes the topic to Dr. Matsumoto and tells her to stay with him if anything was to happen.
In a few days, it is decided that the Shinsengumi go to North Sendai and then to Ezo. They learn that Saitou has fallen in battle but the rest of the notable Shinsengumi members who are still alive (Shimada, Souma and Nomura) express their wish to continue fighting.
Hijikata leaves Chizuru
On the way to the rendezvous with Enomoto, Hijikata tells Chizuru to stay in Sendai as he cannot take her with him. He elaborates that there will be a lot of fighting, and there is no reason for her to risk her life and stick with the Shinsengumi. He is convinced that it is time to set her free from them so his mind has been made up. Despite Chizuru's attempts to protest, Hijikata has thought it through claiming that she has fulfilled the promise to Kondou and Inoue to protect him, and he can also defeat Kazama when the demon comes, so there is no need to worry. He tells her directly that he cannot make her happy, and she can either admit that being with Hijikata makes her happy or claim that she does not care about being happy. Regardless of the choice, he will still order her to stay behind and not follow the Shinsengumi but live her life as a woman not tied up to the squad anymore. He tells her to take care of herself and leaves, ignoring her tears and protests. Chizuru is hurt and desperate when suddenly Ootori appears behind her claiming that he has overheard the conversation. He offers her a handkerchief and promises to invite her to Ezo after they have settled there and then assign her to Hijikata.
Chapter 5
Three months later, Chizuru gets summoned by Ootori to Hakodate as promised. She congratulates him on establishing the Republic of Ezo. After the elections, Hijikata has been appointed Assistant Army Minister (an executive position in Ezo tht oversees many of the day-to-day activities of Hakodate's strategic planning and initiative). Ootori points out that Hijikata has changed and now, despite being nicer to his subordinates, he is always locked in his room and shuts everyone out. Chizuru is given an envelope with a official appointment as Hijikata's servant. She changed into western-style clothes and heads for Goryoukaku.
Hijikata hugs Chizuru
As she arrives, she goes to Hijikata's room and knocks on his door. She hears Hijikata growling that he does not want to go to the party and opens the door, catching Hijikata off-guard. She announces her appointment and hands him over the letter from Ootori. After reading through the document, Hijikata returns it to Chizuru and tells her to leave as he does not approve of these orders. She can either take back the letter or not. If she does not, he yells at her and tears the letter in half. If she takes it back, she soon tears it apart herself insisting that she does not need his approval, because she is staying by his side regardless. Hijikata claims that he sends men to die and therefore cannot enjoy a girl's company, and Chizuru wonders whether it was the reason for him to leave her. She starts yelling at him for making excuses and ignoring her true feelings, not letting anyone share his burden. As Chizuru starts crying, Hijikata gives up and accepts that he cannot fight an Edo woman, and then he hugs her tightly. He lets her know how he felt after leaving her — he realized that she was the one supporting him along the way, and when she is not around it is hard for him to live. She whispers that the Shinsengumi's soul is alive in Hijikata, and he accepts that the men who are still alive are true samurai who do not need an iron fist anymore. Chizuru begs him to share his feelings with her from the moment on, and he asks her to stay by his side.
Later on, Chizuru becomes a full-on assistant and spends a lot more time with Hijikata who is now a lot more gentle with her. After New Year Ootori visits Hijikata and teases him about having an amazing page pointing out her merits, and Hijikata suddenly agrees claiming that he does not need any other helpers as long as she is around. Ootori is surprised and decides to take it further by saying that he would want a wife like that, too, and Hijikata responds by telling Ootori to look elsewhere because "this one is his" and he would not let her go. Ootori laughs and changes the topic to the upcoming battle's strategy. After he leaves, Hijikata takes Chizuru out of the room and shows her the mountains that the attack on Hakodate will come from. He states that the battle in Goryoukaku will be his last.
As they return back to the room, Hijikata's bloodlust strikes and he hopes to live at least until the spring, but Chizuru can offer him her blood and assure him that she will not let him go, so he has to live much longer than just till the spring. He mentions that he has not had any blood ever since he left her in Sendai, and she jokes that she is a demon which is why her blood is just too good to crave anyone else's.
Having a conversation next day, Hijikata admits that he is no longer the demon he used to be, and Chizuru notices that he has become a different person.
Hijikata looks at the night sky
The spring comes and the news of the Imperial Army's plan to strike Goryoukaku reaches the scouts from Ezo. Having had a meeting about the new strategy, Hijikata feels frustrated, and Chizuru finds him in his room deep in thought staring at the night sky. He barks at her suggestion to have some food, and she can either keep asking or simply offer help with anything he needs. If she starts pondering, he will lash out her and say that nothing good has happened recently, but if she offers some help, he will simply apologize for his behavior. Eventually, he smiles and changes the topic to how he and her first met, he thanks her for staying with him and believing in him and admits that her presence reminds him of the reason their friends sacrificed themselves. He also acknowledges the burden he put on her shoulders, and she jokes that she can handle it since she is an Edo woman. He jokes back asking her to cook something for him as if the fate of the Shinsengumi is in her hands.
Some time later, after the news of Nomura's death, Hijikata once again asks Chizuru to get as far away from Hakodate as possible, but she is determined to stay by his side. She tells him directly that if he is worried about her he should not let her out of his sight and make it his job to protect her, which is why he has to survive.
Hijikata pours alcohol to his subordinates
The last battle begins in May, and Hijikata leads his troops to Futamata Pass. To raise his troops morale, Hijikata brings them all alcohol and says that he counts on them. Since Hijikata is a high-ranking officer, him poring drinks to each soldier is seen as a very kind gesture which inspires his subordinates. However, he also points out that since it is not clear when the battle will begin, they must make sure they are not drunk which is why he can only offer one cup to each of his men. They take is as a challenge and decide to fight for being able to come back and drink to their hearts' content.
A drawing of Serizawa
Due to Ootori's loss, Hijikata's men are ordered to return to Goryoukaku where the final battle is meant to take place. Chizuru tries to stay in Hijikata's room more often fearing that the calm days might end very soon, and on one of such days Souma brings Hijikata a drawing from Ibuki which he created when Souma asked him to tell Hijikata and others how his life has been. It ends up being a picture of Serizawa in his Rasetsu form, but Chizuru notices that his eyes do not show Rasetsu's rage and madness but rather some captivating kindness. Hijikata reveals that one day Serizawa told him to become a demon if he ever wanted to push Kondou to the top, and then Hijikata and others murdered him. The same look that was in Serizawa's eyes the night Hijikata killed him was now depicted in the picture sent by Ryuunosuke. Hijikata also confesses that he had a dream about Serizawa the night before, and Serizawa's eyes were telling him to let go of the pain and burden.
The first kiss
Hijikata leaves Benten Fortress to Ootori, Souma and Shimada and heads for Goryoukaku. Shimada and Souma ask Chizuru to protect Hijikata's heart as she is the only one who can.
The day before the last battle, Hijikata asks again whether Chizuru wants to stay by his side and she answers affirmatively. He finally decides that she cannot be the only one always saying that and confesses his feelings for her. He explains that he used to feel that the Shinsengumi was the only thing for him to live for, and after the war he would have nothing left which was why it did not matter whether he lived or died. However, now he has a reason to continue living — her. Chizuru starts crying, and Hijikata kisses her with a hot passion. She thinks to herself that his heart has finally opened up, and she is happy to be in his arms feeling their hearts and souls intertwine. As their lips part, Hijikata claims that he will never let her go, even if she begs him for it.
Chizuru feeds Hijikata her blood
The following day, the Benten fortress comes under a heavy attack, and Hijikata decides to send reinforcements. Hijikata and Chizuru jump on a horse and head for Benten but on their way the commander gets shot. Their horse rears up in surprise and throws them to the ground. Chizuru is only slightly scratched but she sees all the blood around Hijikata's body and shakes him trying to make sure he is alive. He barely opens his eyes and asks if she is okay, then they try to leave and hide in the woods. Hijikata's skin is pale as snow, and blood keeps oozing from his wounds, so Chizuru decides to remove his clothes to bandage his stomach. Despite the first aid, Hijikata's wounds are way to serious for him to even speak, let alone move, and the plan to get back to Goryoukaku seems far-fetched, even though crucial. Chizuru decides that her blood can help the Rasetsu healing, so she cuts her wrist with her kodachi, but Hijikata yells with whatever strength he has left that she has to stop. He tries to convince her that he can survive without it but she screams back at him that he has to accept her help. Seeing him closing his eyes, Chizuru sips a large gulp of blood from her wrist and presses her lips against Hijikata's, making him drink it. She does it over and over again until he stops bleeding and regains enough strength to talk to her. He scolds her for hurting herself claiming that no man would want his beloved woman to suffer for his sake, but she retaliates that no woman would want the man she loves to suffer either.
Hijikata kills Kazama
Hijikata after the fight
Hijikata recovers enough to go back to Goryoukaku and jokes that he prefers their next kiss to taste better. Upon their return they see a blossoming sakura tree, and Chizuru realizes that healing such a wound has probably taken a lot of Rasetsu powers, so Hijikata's lifespan is running out. The wind makes sakura petals fall and brings Kazama to the scene. The demon gives Hijikata "a piece of his mind" in an insulting form but Chizuru sees a backhanded praise in his words. Kazama unsheathes his sword, and Chizuru tries to stop him claiming that Hijikata is gravely wounded, however, Hijikata himself acknowledges that Kazama has thrown everything away to come and fight which is why he has to accept the challenge. He promises that he will not die as he has to protect the ones he loves, and Kazama's opinion on him changes as he proclaims him a demon, whose name is "Hakuouki" — Demon of the Fleeting Blossom. It circles back to Chizuru's initial impression the night she saw him for the first time back in Kyoto. As the two men start fighting, the battle ends with one blow — Hijikata's sword piercing through Kazama's heart. Kazama manages to say that he has no regrets dying at Hijikata's hand as he has lived his life with pride and died with pride. His last words are a guidance to Hakuouki to live the rest of his life to its fullest.
As Hijikata pulls his sword out of Kazama's body, his own body collapses, and Chizuru runs towards him. He jokingly says that she should stop crying or she will not be able to handle being married to a warrior, wipes away her tears and promises that she will not have to cry about him again. He wishes to spend whatever time he has left with her.
Epilogue
The war is lost, and Chizuru retells it to someone remembering her happy days with Hijikata. He does not know how long he has left but he still intends to fight for survival, admitting that he lost only to Chizuru who stayed by his side no matter what. She starts crying but he says it is his job to wipe her tears now, and in return she accepts the job to support him no matter what, even though every day can end up being the last.
In other routes
Okita's route
Hijikata appears a few times as a target for Okita's hatred, as Okita blames him for what happened to Kondou. The last time he is seen is when Okita and Chizuru find the Shinsengumi, and Okita lashes out at Hijikata but eventually leaves his comrades to help Chizuru.
Souma's route
At the end of the route, Hijikata dies, bequeathing the bloodstained banner of truth to Souma and passing on his title as well.
Kazama's route
Hijikata only appears in the tragic ending, in which Chizuru and Kazama find him at the cherry grove at Goryoukaku, and the two men fight to death.
In Hakuōki: Tsukikage no Shou
Right after the battle between Hijikata and Kazama, Hijikata and Chizuru walk back to Goryoukaku as Hijikata is sure that Ootori and Enomoto are going to surrender to save their subordinates, which means the chief of the Shinsengumi has to do it, too. On their way, they encounter Souma, who informs them that the battle has been lost. Souma argues that if Hijikata surrenders, it will almost certainly cost him his life. To protect him, Souma volunteers to claim that Hijikata has died, leaving him as the new chief of the Shinsengumi. Seeing Souma's determination, Hijikata reluctantly agrees to pass the burden onto him.
Chizuru and Hijikata decide to settle down in the mountains near Hakodate and live in hiding after the war is over. In a bit over 3 years, Chizuru meets a mysterious woman in the city who gives her a letter and disappears in the crowd. The letter turns out to be from Sen. As Chizuru rushes back home, Hijikata greets her with annoyance and worry because it took her longer than usual and calls her his wife. As the contents of the letter are revealed, Hijikata finds out that those who surrendered to the new government got a severe punishment but have now been pardoned along with all the war participants, which means Hijikata is no longer wanted, either. Additionally, Shimada, Nagakura and Saitou are said to be still alive. Hijikata and Chizuru share a kiss and promise to stay together "until death do us part".
In the musicals
Main article: Toshizou Hijikata (Visual Novel)/HakuMyu
Hijikata is portrayed by Yazaki Hiroshi in HakuMyu Saito-hen through Kazama-hen; by Izawa Yuuki in Toudou-hen; by Sasaki Yoshihide in HakuMyu Reimeiroku; by Matsuda Gaku in HakuMyu Shinsengumi Kitan, HakuMyu LIVE 2, and Harada-hen; and by Wada Masanari in HakuMyu Hijikata-hen 2.
Quotes
- "Run, and I will kill you. Do you understand?" (Prologue, to Chizuru)
- "Souji… Keep your tongue in your mouth or I'll cut the fucking thing off." (Chapter 1, to Okita)
- "If you didn't plan to stare at men changing, close the door and wait in the hallway." ("Shinsengumi Adventures 1", to Chizuru)
- "He's doing this to annoy me and no other reason. Having fun at your expense. Sending a civilian on a mission to check up on the Demon." ("Shinsengumi Adventures 1", to Chizuru)
- "Crying kids shut up… Men piss themselves… And still the combined might of the captains of the Shinsengumi can't capture one damn cat…" ("Shinsengumi Adventures 1")
- "One of these days, your random urges are going to get me in a shitload of trouble." ("Shinsengumi Adventures 1", to Kondou)
Trivia
- Hijikata is no longer allowed in the kitchen. Apparently, the porridge he used to make in the Shieikan was awful, although Hijikata interrupts Kondou before he can tell Chizuru the whole story.
- Sannan remarks that Hijikata is "surprisingly kind toward small animals", despite having earned his title as the Demon. He is also known to talk to cats at least once.
- Hijikata hates public speaking and dealing with emotional situations, but he is good at bureaucracy.