Chizuru Yukimura

Chizuru Yukimura (雪村 千鶴 Yukimura Chizuru) is the main female protagonist in the Hakuōki series and the narrator of the anime who appears in all seasons and movies. She is a fictional character, unlike the Shinsengumi members. In the anime series, her love interest is chosen for her but in the games there are various routes to select from.
Chizuru is a daughter of a respectful doctor from Edo. Right before the beginning of the story her father leaves home and travels to Kyoto, regularly sending her letters. However, one day the letters stop, and Chizuru decides to embark on a journey to find her father. Upon arrival to Kyoto, she is harassed by rogue samurai who take an interest in her sword, and, as she runs away, she encounters mysterious creatures only to be saved by the Shinsengumi. 
Chizuru finds out that her father cooperated with the Shinsengumi before his clinic burnt down, but as the body has not been found the Shinsengumi assume he is alive and offer her to join the search. She keeps wearing a male kimono to hide her true gender and slowly becomes an important ally to the samurai in blue haori.
==Appearance==
Chizuru is a young woman with brown eyes and dark-brown shoulder-length hair that she usually wears in a ponytail with a white ribbon, and with bangs covering her forehead.
She dresses as a boy as directed by Toshizou Hijikata to avoid any disruption of order in the organization, that only consists of men. Chizuru wears a peach pink top and baggy gray pants. Even though her kimono is male, most people instantly recognize a girl in that disguise. The colors of her outfit also stand out when she goes patrolling with the Shinsengumi as she is the only one who does not wear the blue haori due to not being an official member. She also always has her kodachi on her.
In episode 8 and the OVA, she dresses as a tayuu in a red and green kimono with a gold obi that is tied in a bow on her waist in front. Her hair is done up in a geisha fashion and she wears makeup that whitens her face and highlights her eyes and lips. 
At the end of season 2, she changes into a red, white and black western outfit.
==Personality==
Chizuru is a gentle, polite, caring, well-mannered and soft-spoken young woman who is so humble and shy that she hardly ever speaks her mind unless driven to by her concern for others. Her compassion often leads her to inquire about others' well-being. However, despite being hesitant to fight, Chizuru is quite fearless, she rushes to protect those she cares about against all the odds. She hardly ever gets angry but she is often the first one to show emotion when something tragic occurs, and she comes to care quite a lot for the Shinsengumi leaders as she spends time with them and learns of their ideals. 
Each new event reveals a new side of Chizuru's personality — she is loyal, selfless and loving. Her devotion to the Shinsengumi shines through all the obstacles, and no matter how many people try to persuade her to leave or kidnap her, she never betrays her trust in the men. She is ready to sacrifice herself for their sake, and they do the same for her because they feel how much she cares about them. Each Shinsengumi member is equally important to her, she treats their wounds and cleans their headquarters. Each death is a heartbreak for her as she loves them all deeply. She puts the needs of the Shinsengumi above her own and is ready to die if that is what is needed for their well-being and success.
==Past==
Chizuru was born into the Yukimura Clan, which claimed to be descendants of a demonic bloodline and resided in east Japan. It is revealed that a few unknown years after her and Kaoru Nagumo (Chizuru's twin brother) were born, the Yukimura Clan was attacked by humans and massacred. Chizuru and Kaoru escaped with their lives, courtesy of Koudou Yukimura. But shortly after, Chizuru and Kaoru were separated because of the government finding the last survivors of the Yukimura Clan.
In her years before the setting of the story, she lived in a small place in Edo, where her now father, Koudou Yukimura, was a doctor, specializing in western medicine and helping nearby neighbors. She had never known about her twin brother in her years living with Koudou and had had a satisfying life, never knowing the truth about her family. It is also mentioned that somewhere during this time, Chizuru was given the Yukimura Clan's treasure, a kodachi, and was taught how to defend herself with it, never knowing its significant meaning to the her late family.
==Story==
===First Season===
Chizuru Yukimura is a young woman who travels to Kyoto in search for her missing father. Kyoto is a dangerous place as there are a lot of rogue samurai who rob people as their only way of getting money. Chizuru gets attacked by some of those rogues and runs away to hide in a dark alley. As she is about to be discovered, she hears screams, and the rogues get killed by mysterious men in blue haori with silver hair. She takes a peek and realizes that her saviors are actually insane monsters who are about to murder her in cold blood as well, and that is just when she gets saved the second time by a few other men wearing the same light-blue uniform. Later it is revealed that the men were from the Shinsengumi, the notorious Kyoto police organized by the Bakufu. They take her into custody and question her. Eventually, she stays with them until she can find her father. 
While living with the Shinsengumi, she helps them with their chores and treats their wounds. She earns Saitou's approval and is allowed to go out in the city to search for her father. She also earns the Shinsengumi's trust after the Ikedaya Incident when she delivers a message to Hijikata's group who have been sent to Shikkokuya. Later, she gets attacked by oni who want to kidnap her because Chikage Kazama claims that she is a pure-blood demon who has to become his wife. The Shinsengumi protect her all the way, and when Senhime offers her assistance, Chizuru refuses and stays with the samurai. When Heisuke becomes part of Itou's group, she volunteers to try and convince him to come back as the Shinsengumi are about to assassinate Itou. When Amagiri suggests her giving up in return to sparing the remaining Shinsengumi as they have got into a trap while killing Itou, she agrees and is ready to go with the demons. She keeps Okita's disease a secret as she promised, and Yamazaki entrusts her with a medical notebook he got from Dr. Matsumoto because she is the only one with medical knowledge in case he is gone. Chizuru volunteers to go and ask for reinforcements at the end of the season which leads to her witnessing Inoue's brutal death. She is saved by Kazama at the last moment, but Hijikata drinks Ochimizu and becomes a Rasetsu in front of her, and Yamazaki dies trying to stop him.
===Second Season===
Chizuru finds herself in the midst of the Shinsengumi's return to Edo, where they establish their temporary headquarters at the Kama Inn in Shinagawa. Witnessing Hijikata, the vice-commander, exhaust himself by working tirelessly without rest or nourishment, Chizuru takes it upon herself to persuade him to take care of his well-being. Despite his initial resistance, she persistently tries to ensure that he eats, drinks tea, and rests. Chizuru's genuine concern for Hijikata's welfare is evident as she strives to support him in any way possible. 
As tensions rise within the Shinsengumi, Chizuru's life is put in grave danger when Sannan reveals his intention to extract her blood. His belief that her demon blood holds the key to controlling the Rasetsu's madness leads to a dangerous encounter. However, Hijikata intervenes just in time, protecting Chizuru from harm and deepening their bond.
As the time comes to forget the old ways, the Shinsengumi have to change their uniforms and weaponry. Chizuru's resilience and dedication shine through as she tends to the emotional and physical needs of her comrades, offering emotional support and comfort during difficult times.
As the series progresses, Chizuru witnesses the hardships faced by the Shinsengumi, including Souji's battle with tuberculosis and Kondou's plan to attack Kōfu Castle. She also has a nightmare about her childhood, which reveals her fears and worries and reminds her of the forgotten past. Chizuru seeks comfort and guidance from Saitou, who shares his own experiences and regains his warrior spirit with her encouragement.
When an emergency arises, Chizuru actively participates in the discussions and plans with Hijikata, Sano, Shinpachi, Shimada, and Saitou. She shows her determination to protect Kondou and survive by taking on the role of his shield in Hijikata's absence. Chizuru and Hijikata swear an oath to protect each other and survive the battles.
Chizuru's journey takes a turn when she encounters Kaoru, who reveals the truth about her past and the evil masterplan to use the Rasetsu to exterminate humans. Despite the danger, Chizuru refuses to join Kaoru and decides to fight him instead in order to protect Kondou and the humans. She is aided by Okita, who joins the battle but is weakened by his tuberculosis. Kazama intervenes and helps Chizuru by defeating Kaoru.
After the defeat at Kōfu Castle, Chizuru continues to support and care for her comrades. She witnesses the departure of Shinpachi and Sano from the Shinsengumi, expressing her sadness and concern.
In the later episodes, Chizuru witnesses a conversation between Hijikata and Sannan regarding the Rasetsu Corps. She begs Hijikata to stop using his Rasetsu powers, feeling guilty for his transformation. Despite her request, Hijikata remains firm in his decisions and plans for the Shinsengumi's future.
As the series progresses, Chizuru continues to accompany Hijikata and their comrades on their journey. When Kondou, the commander of the Shinsengumi, is captured, tensions rise within the group. Okita, one of their fellow warriors, blames Hijikata for Kondou's capture and lashes out at him. Chizuru tries to intervene and explain the situation, eventually leading Okita to understand the difficult choices Hijikata had to make. Souji, saddened by Kondou's death, acknowledges Hijikata as the one who can lead the Shinsengumi and leaves him in Chizuru's care.
After Kondou's death, Hijikata confesses his doubts and struggles to Chizuru. Feeling that there is nothing left to believe in, Hijikata opens up about his feelings of overseeing the Shinsengumi alone. Chizuru reassures him, reminding him that the soldiers around him believe in him. To lift his spirits, Chizuru takes Hijikata deeper into the woods and offers him her blood, which carries healing properties. Hijikata reluctantly agrees, and Chizuru promises to always stay by his side.
When Chizuru and Hijikata witness Okita's death after he has protected them with the price of his life, leaving only the sword behind, they are shaken and consumed by grief but keep moving forward. Chizuru's adoptive father, Koudou Yukimura, who is involved with the Imperial Army, attempts to kidnap her, however, with the help of her comrades, including Hijikata, Chizuru resists her father's plans and stands against him. A confrontation ensues, leading to the demise of Koudou and the Rasetsu under his control as they all end up slaughtered. Unfortunately, Chizuru and Hijikata also lose Sannan and Heisuke in that battle, when their time as Rasetsu comes to an end which contributes to the overall level of misery they are in.
Hijikata, scared for Chizuru's well-being, leaves her behind and sails to Ezo. She tends to her father's grave when one day she meets Kazama there. In a heartfelt conversation with the demon who has crossed paths with Chizuru before, she defends Hijikata's actions, believing in his intentions. Kazama questions her trust in Hijikata, but Chizuru remains adamant to keep supporting him.
The series concludes with Chizuru's appointment as Hijikata's attendant per Ootori's request. Despite initial reluctance from Hijikata, Chizuru perseveres and convinces him to share his hardships with her. Determined to be there for him, Chizuru vows to stay by Hijikata's side. A very short period of time passes when Hijikata realizes that he is in love with Chizuru, so he confesses his feelings for her, and they share a kiss. When Hijikata gets shot, Chizuru feeds him her demon blood through a kiss to sustain his body. 
After they manage to escape from the war path, they find themselves in another conflict with Kazama who is determined to finish his fight with Hijikata. Chizuru attempts to stop Kazama due to Hijikata's poor health condition, however, Hijikata insists on proceeding. When Hijikata wins, Chizuru sees the banner of the Shinsengumi flying in the sky, and then all her late comrades. Her fate afterwards is not revealed.
===Third Season===
Chizuru does not appear in the prequel significantly, she makes a brief cameo at the end of Episode 12 after Ryuunosuke runs away and hides from the Shinsengumi. He is seen walking past Chizuru in the opposite direction which symbolizes him leaving the fate of the Shinsengumi to her, even though they had not officially met at that point. However, she is mentioned by Koudou once when he says he has a daughter, and later Sannan finds a piece of letter addressed to Chizuru Yukimura in the remains of Koudou's burnt down clinic.
===Movies===
Chizuru's storyline in the movies is largely the same as in the anime series but there are a few adjustments to some of the scenes, the main one being that her demon form is actually shown in the movies. When she first encounters Kazama in Ikedaya protecting Okita from his sword, she gets a cut on her cheek instead which starts healing as her eyes change color to golden, and Kazama's display of power provokes her own abilities, changing her hair color to silver and creating a blue aura around them. Later Chizuru uses the same power when Kazama comes to kidnap her as she protects Hijikata.
Closer to the end of the first movie that is meant to be a re-cap of the first season, Chizuru meets Kaoru who takes her to have a conversation with Koudou, and she learns about her father's involvement and plans for her and Rasetsu. She begs him to change his mind, but her family members are not in the mood to be reasoned with so they decide to kidnap her instead. Luckily for her, the Shinsengumi men arrive and scare away Koudou and Kaoru.
In the second movie, Chizuru gets left behind by Hijikata in a brutal way as he lures her out and deceives her, using Ryuunosuke as a messenger to give her his goodbye letter. She eventually gets invited to Ryuunosuke's house where he lives with Kosuzu and stumbles upon Harada (who had left the Shinsengumi by then). After a conversation with them, Chizuru decides to find Hijikata and the others. Harada agrees to assist and distracts the guards on the way to let her through. As she watches him fight, she falls down a cliff. Waking up, she sees Kazama by the fire who seems amiable and willing to help her. He tells her about the demon history and her own family and then takes her to see the village where her family used to live. They get ambushed by Kaoru and Rasetsu who manage to steal Chizuru and take her to a castle where Koudou and Sannan are ready to enlighten her about the plan to create a demon kingdom. Heisuke attempts to save her, and Sannan helps him by killing Rasetsu but gets shot by Koudou. Kazama eventually finds them all and kills Koudou.
As Chizuru continues to search for the Shinsengumi, she encounters Kazama again who guides her further but hugs her at the last moment asking not to go. She decides she needs to see the Shinsengumi anyway and leaves. Arriving on the battlefield, she gets hit by a blowing up shell, which is where Hijikata notices her and takes her in. He confesses his feelings for her, and they enter the last battle together.
Hijikata gets shot and taken care of by Chizuru the same way it was in the anime series, but the fight between Hijikata and Kazama ends differently with Kazama being only scratched and not killed, and Hijikata's eyes glowing yellow indicating he has become a true demon. He survives, and he and Chizuru look at the sunrise together.
===Sweet School Life===
In the short OVA Chizuru is a First Year Form One (1-1) student and the only girl at Hakuou Academy. She is shown to be shy and easily manipulated by Okita and Heisuke who fight for her attention. Heisuke is said to be her childhood friend, so they spend a lot of time together and come late for school together due to Heisuke's gaming addiction, which is why they end up scolded by the members of the Discipline Committee. Chizuru is also overly worried about her friends as she notices them all gone and runs around scared for them only to find out that they are all in the gym due to a medical examination. She blushes seeing a lot of her friends half-naked.
==Skills & Abilities==
Being the daughter of a doctor, Chizuru possesses some medical knowledge, which seems to expand as she helps Yamazaki treat wounded soldiers. She is also reliable in relaying messages and is good at cooking and cleaning. As a pure-blooded demon, she has the ability to heal quickly from injuries and is implied to have somewhat of a sixth sense, as in episode 6, she was able to sense Kazama and his henchmen. She is skilled with a kodachi, a short sword, named Shotsuren, having learned how in a dojo to defend herself, yet she is rarely seen using it.
==Etymology==
*The name Chizuru means "thousand" (千) (chi) and "crane, stork" (鶴) (tsuru/zuru)
**In Japanese tradition, it is considered to be lucky and grants long life, especially if you fold a thousand cranes out of paper.
*Chizuru's surname Yukimura means "snow" (雪) (yuki) and "town, village" (村) (mura).
==Trivia== 
*Chizuru Yukimura's height is 155cm and her weight is 55kg.
*Chizuru is 16 at the beginning of the series which puts her year of birth at 1848.
* Chizuru wields a kodachi, which is part of a katana/kodachi set that is actually an heirloom passed down through her demon family. She owns the kodachi while Kaoru Nagumo (Chizuru's twin brother) owns the katana named Daitsuren.
*In the anime, Chizuru rarely fights (save for a brief fight with Kaoru). However, in Toshizou Hijikata's route, she manages to fend off Chikage Kazama very well. Despite sustaining several injuries, she does not back down to Kazama even once, knowing that if she did, Kazama would have taken her away to be his bride. 
*Chizuru sleeps with her hair out.
*Chizuru has a theme music in the anime.
Category:Characters
Category:Main
Category:Oni