★ 7.4

Hakuoki ~Demon of the Fleeting Blossom~ Dawn of the Shinsengumi

TV · 12 eps · 2012

Finished

Synopsis

The year is 1863 and as Japan's long festering wounds of political discord erupt into violent waves of street clashes and murder, the Tokugawa Shogunate sends a new force of masterless samurai called the Roshigumi to the aid of the Aizu forces in Kyoto. However the new "police" are anything but a cohesive force and assassination has already split them into two opposing factions. The stronger is led by the brutal Serizawa Kamo and the lesser by the more honorable but less assertive Isami Kondo. It is into this pack of wolves that Ryunosuke Ibuki is dragged by the rabid Serizawa. Forced to be a virtual slave by blood debt, he hates the samurai and everything they stand for. But as he sees how the other half of the samurai live, he begins to believe that there may still be a chance, for both himself and Japan, if only Kondo will step up and take down the mad dog Serizawa! (Source: Sentai Filmworks)

Episodes (12)

1. Dawn of the Divine Warriors07/10/2012
Bleeding and left to die, Ryunosuke Ibuki is rescued and taken in by the Roshigumi - a band of warriors struggling to find a sponsor and make a name for themselves in Kyoto. Unfortunately, Ryunosuke can't easily pay off a life debt..
2. Led by Destiny07/17/2012
A mysterious skilled warrior joins the Roshigumi. Meanwhile, Ryunosuke is unable to even draw his sword. He learns more about the Roshigumi, including shocking information regarding his own benefactor, Commander Kamo Serizawa.
3. Rules for a Pack of Wolves07/24/2012
Spreading renown is no easy task with an unruly commander. The other Roshigumi commanders attempt to curb Serizawa with a strict set of rules, but he is not moved. Meanwhile, his bloodthirsty attributes rub off on a certain young warrior.
4. The Blade Drenched in Blood07/31/2012
After Vice Commander Hijikata rebukes Souji Okita for his aggressiveness, Ryunosuke learns about the young warrior's past. Meanwhile, Serizawa provokes Souji into satisfying his desire for blood.
5. Stairway to the Blue Skies08/07/2012
Ryunosuke stumbles into Kosuzu, a geisha apprentice he saved earlier. In order to further their attempts to obtain a sponsor, the Roshigumi organize duels to impress the lord of Aizu. Ryunosuke is asked if he wishes to learn how to fight.
6. Howling from the Darkness08/14/2012
A doctor of western medicine comes to stay with the Roshigumi and performs shocking experiments with deadly results. New recruits join, but the Roshigumi now have secrets they must protect.
7. Oath Made on the Wind Blowing Over the Grass08/21/2012
The feuds with Serizawa continue; Commander Kondou and Vice Commander Hijikata reminisce about their past and contemplate their goals. Meanwhile, the experiments on the strange Water of Life proceed.
8. The Shackles of Pandemonium08/28/2012
Hajime Saito recalls his early days at the dojo. He offers to teach Ryunosuke sword fighting. Meanwhile, the Roshigumi's reputation fails due to misinterpretations and debts.
9. The Light of a Flashing Sword09/04/2012
Ryunosuke's past and future is discussed. The dog must watch his master, and Ryunosuke has to keep an eye on Serizawa's behavior. Meanwhile, another out-of-control experiment shakes Kyoto.
10. The Brightly Burning Beacon09/11/2012
Commander Serizawa has no bonds. The research on the Water of Life advances. And the Mibu Roshigumi receive the chance of a lifetime to make a name for themselves.
11. A Moonlit Night Filled with Flowers09/18/2012
Koudou Yukimura disappears after a fire, and Nimi soon joins him along with all of the research on the Water of Life. The Roshigumi put forth all their efforts in attempt to find him.
12. The Great Dawn09/25/2012
The anticipation of murder and mutiny rises until the storm breaks. And Ryunosuke's true loyalty is put to the test.