Blade of The Sun

(天道の刃 Tendō no Yaiba) is the seventh episode of the anime Hakuōki: Hekketsuroku (Demon of the Fleeting Blossom: Record of the Jade Blood) and the nineteenth episode of the season one&two combined version. It aired on November 15, 2010.
==Plot==
April 1868
Saitou is sent to see the leader of the Aizu Domain, Lord Katamori Matsudaira, instead of injured Hijikata. Katamori expresses his gratitude towards Saitou and the Shinsengumi who preferred to join the Aizu and promises to stay on the battlefield until the end, never abandoning his people. Saitou promises to provide full support, and Katamori announces his intention to entrust Saitou with a specialized Aizu squad, led by Masaki.
Masaki introduces himself and his 30 men to Saitou confirming that they are now in his command by Lord Katamori's orders. However, they are shocked to see his western outfit and him wearing his swords on the right side (since he is left-handed). Next time Saitou attends their training, his presence is completely ignored until Shimada yells at Masaki, and Saitou quickly notices that the squad he has been entrusted with does not like him. He enquires about the reasons, and Masaki claims that using '-kun' when referring to him assumes that Saitou treats him as a samurai. When Saitou asks for any other reasons, Masaki reveals that they are dissatisfied with his clothes and swords, since a samurai must wear armor, not 'flimsy garb', and having the swords on the wrong side means having no warrior spirit. Shimada intends to interfere, but Saitou stops him and explains in his usual calm manner that the enemies are wearing the same light clothing on the battlefield, and wearing a heavier outfit will prevent Masaki's squad from being fast enough to keep up. Masaki tries to object but Saitou continues, with dominating aura all around him, that he does not believe in wearing the sword on the other side being a sign of the lack of warrior spirit. 
Later, when the Shinsengumi and the Aizu engage in a fight at Shirakawa, Masaki's squad is still reluctant to listen to Saitou's command. During the attack, Shimada gets shot in the shoulder but continues to fight alongside the commander. Masaki first sees how fierce Saitou is on the battlefield slicing the enemies one after another. However, this is not enough for Masaki to listen to Saitou's wise retreat order which he gives upon hearing from Shimada about the reinforcements coming from all sides. Saitou saves Masaki from death and asks why he disobeyed the order, and Masaki yells that the number of enemies must not make him a coward. However, Saitou explains that dying in a wrong place at a wrong time will be in vain, and surviving to keep protecting the Aizu shows true loyalty. Masaki observes the situation and shouts to fall back. Saitou saves another one of his subordinates and stays to cover for the retreat while others are running away.
Meanwhile, Hijikata and Chizuru join the Aizu after Hijikata has recovered. He explains to Chizuru that the Shinsengumi owe the Aizu a debt of honor, so the commander himself must join the action sooner rather than later. 
Ootori has a meeting with Saitou and Shimada to discuss the next plan since they have lost the Shirakawa pass. He is slightly upset with the results and calls the Aizu warriors 'inflexible' due to his attempt to see Lord Katamori when a guard told him that since there was no order to let him in, even though he is a governor general, he cannot pass without authorization. Shimada laughs and explains that the Aizu just take their work seriously, but Ootori does not seem amused and insists on finding it strange. Saitou comments on the situation by saying that their honesty makes the Aizu dependable. 
Next time Saitou approaches Masaki's squad, Masaki instantly orders his subordinates to line up, and, addressing the commander as 'Saitou-dono' (which is a formal and respectful way to address a person, especially of a higher rank), Masaki admits that the old outfits were slowing them down. He also acknowledges that Saitou risked his life to protect the squad, even though they had defied all his orders, and demonstrated incredible swordsmanship unlike them who could only flee. Masaki bows his head and sincerely apologizes to Saiou. 
Later in the evening, Sannan and Heisuke join Saitou and Shimada in discussing enemy's possible strategy. Hijikata and Chizuru enter the room and start a more easy-going conversation. 
Several days later, the Shinsengumi receive word that Nihonmatsu has fallen. The enemy's possible strategy is to take Aizu, go through Bonari Pass and aim for Tsuruga Castle. Hijikata informs the group that Ootori has set formations in Bonari Pass to intercept the enemy. When Heisuke asks whether the Shinsengumi will provide assistance, Hijikata answers affirmatively and continues to explain that abandoning the Aizu would set a bad example for the Oshu Alliance. 
August 1868
The battle begins at the Bonari Pass. The Imperial Army, supported by Tosa Domain, have roughly 3000 men, while the former Bakufu army united with the Aizu have 4000 men as their primary force, Nihonmatsu soldiers, Sendai soldiers and 70 members of the Shinsengumi. Even though the difference was noticeable, the order to retreat was given, and Masaki asks Saitou to pull back while his squad will ensure safe retreat. 
After the defeat, Ootori decides to pull back to Sendai, because it is only a matter of time before Aizu falls if the fight continues, which aggravates Hijikata who does not wish to abandon Aizu. However, Ootori claims that this is the wish of Lord Katamori of Aizu, and when Hijikata insists on staying, Ootori uses the 'governor general order' card against him which triggers the memories of Kondou's last order. Saitou voices his decision to stay, as he views it being true to his warrior self, and requests permission to raise the Shinsengumi Banner. Sannan and Heisuke decide to go to Sendai first due to Sannan having connections there and being able to learn the inside story. 
After talking to Hijikata, Saitou asks Chizuru to take care of him. Chizuru thanks Saitou for everything he has done so far and asks him to survive. 
September 1868
Saitou raises the Shinsengumi banner and swears by it to stop the enemy approaching the Aizu territory. He is last seen charging against the enemy forces, and his fate remains uncertain. 
Category:Episodes
Category:Season 2
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