Rasetsu

Rasetsu (羅刹), also known as Furies in localization, are people with superhuman powers and incredible healing abilities. They have uncontrollable bloodthirst and a short lifespan. To become a Rasetsu, one needs to drink Ochimizu.
==Origin==
Rasetsu, in Japanese Buddhism, refers to Rākshasas — formidable beings known for their ability to shape-shift. These massive, fearsome creatures are often depicted with two large fangs jutting from their upper mouths and razor-sharp, claw-like nails. They were depicted as vicious, growling creatures and relentless man-eaters, capable of detecting the scent of human flesh.
==Story==
===Before the main storyline===
By the order of Bakufu, the Shinsengumi started researching Ochimizu - the Water of Life that was meant to increase regeneration, physical strength and speed. The recipe was brought to Japan from abroad, and one of the famous Edo doctors Koudou Yukimura was assigned to develop it. After some prototypes were created, Koudou started testing them on low rank members of the Shinsengumi, and each failure had to be dealt with by the high command of the organization.
The new form of a human being was called Rasetsu, they were a combination of different representations of demons, mostly similar to vampires. Upon turning into a Rasetsu, the person would get silver hair paired with red glowing eyes, and also uncontrollable blood thirst and no reason. They would lose their mind being left only with their wish to kill.
This transformation was not only dangerous for the person themselves but also for all citizens of Kyoto. Rasetsu would often run away (sometimes in groups) and attack civilians. Only the commanders of the Shinsengumi knew about this secret research, so they had to be the ones to take care of the threat by exterminating them. They also had to protect the secret in order to avoid horrible reputation that would otherwise be brought upon them. 
===Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan===
At some point, Koudou vanished leaving all the research to the Shinsengumi. While attempting to find him, Sannan started developing the medicine further. His own injury pushed him to find a way to wield a sword again, and he was tempted to try the magic liquid. His research seemed to have succeeded as he was the first Rasetsu who could regain their sanity and function properly, even though without much possibility to leave his room during the day (due to feeling weak on the sun). A few months later, he announced the creation of his own 'Rasetsu Corps'.
Little by little, the other Shinsengumi captains drink Ochimizu and become Rasetsu (Heisuke, then Hijikata).
===Hakuōki: Hekketsuroku===
Koudou reappears with his army of Rasetsu that are now enhanced - they can fight in the daylight, they can survive grave injuries and they are under his full control. Okita gets tricked by Kaoru into drinking Ochimizu but it is revealed that the Water of Life cannot cure serious diseases like Okita's tuberculosis, therefore Souji keeps coughing even after having turned into a Rasetsu. 
It is also revealed that Rasetsu have a short lifespan as they use up their inner life force in a speedy manner, pushing their limits to get instant benefits of their own bodies. All the advantages of being a Rasetsu are only given because of their body's resources being used on 100% instead of being gradually spent over the course of their whole life. After reaching their limit, they turn into ash and die.
===Games===
Any human or demon who drinks Ochimizu becomes a Rasetsu. Humans will still appear human unless they are using their powers or affected by the bloodlust, in which case their hair turns white and their eyes glow red. Under the same circumstances, demons assume their true forms.
==Characteristics==
===Strengths===
*fast regeneration 
*physical strength
===Weaknesses===
*bloodlust
*short lifespan
*vulnerability to silver
*inability to function properly during the day (fixed later on)
*sanity loss (fixed later on)
===Additional information===
As shown in Hakuōki OVA (2021), taking double dosage of Ochimizu results in instant sanity loss and constant heavy hallucinations. It may also provoke an intense body reaction with the increase of muscle size and overall physical strength (beyond the usual one for the Rasetsu that have only taken one dosage). 
== Gallery ==
Fury-ronin.png
Fury-soldier.png
Fury-west1.png
Fury-west2.png
Furies-2.jpg
Medicine-1.jpg|Packets of medicine to suppress the bloodlust.
The escaped Rasetsu Reimeiroku 7.png|One of the first Rasetsu in Hakuouki: Reimeiroku
Rasetsu_OVA_2021.png|OVA 2021
The escaped Rasetsu after killing their captors.png
== Trivia ==
* Furies is another wide-spread name for Rasetsu as it is believed to be the closest English translation. 
* In Hakuōki: Kyoto Winds, the common noun "fury" is rendered "Fury".
* Furies' abilities were inspired by vampire lore, as Western demons are implied to be vampires. This is most prominent along Heisuke's Edo Blossoms route, as Sannan is shown to be capable of transforming others into furies simply by feeding them his blood.
** Whether or not the furies created through drinking Sannan's blood are truly furies is open to debate, as Senhime appears to have been cured of her condition by Kazama's blood, Chizuru's persuasion, and Kimigiku's sacrifice.
Category:Anime
Category:Visual Novel
Category:Shinsengumi
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