The Blooming Hepatica

(雪割草の花咲きて Yukiwarisō no Hanasakite) is the ninth episode of the anime Hakuōki: Hekketsuroku (Demon of the Fleeting Blossom: Record of the Jade Blood) and the twenty-first episode of the season one&two combined version. It aired on November 29, 2010.
==Plot==
The episode begins with the former Bakufu army surrounding a castle owned by the Matsumae Domain while a blizzard is making it difficult to remain outside and await the opportunity to strike. The enemies open their gate only to take out a cannon, fire once and go back closing the door quickly. Hijikata comes up with a plan to launch an attack and save his men from a full blown siege that would be deadly in this weather. He orders to deploy 20 gunmen to either side of the gate and fire just when the gates will be closing after the cannon has been used. He plans to charge with the rest of his soldiers right at the time when the gate is open and unguarded. 
After taking control of the castle, Hijikata reminisces about the Shinsengumi's previous fighting style based on sheer courage and acknowledges that it was reckless and behind the time. 
Back at Sendai, Chizuru is tending to her father's grave near a temple, bringing flowers and cleaning. 
November 1868
After the Matsumae daimyo, who ruled Ezo, has fled for his life, the former Bakufu army takes port off Esashi without a fight. The flagship Kaiyo and the cargo ship Shinsokumaru crash on the rocks and sink which means that Hijikata and others have lost their main ships. 
An emergency meeting is called in Goryokaku, Hakodate. Enomoto announces himself guilty of losing the ships, but Hijikata decides not to blame him and move on to coming up with the next plan of action. Ootori confirms that since the ships were close to the shore, it was possible to retrieve most of the supplies and artillery. 
While others continue the discussion, Hijikata suddenly feels the urge to drink blood, so he leaves with an excuse that he does not feel well. He barely manages to reach his room and close the door before his hair goes white. Hijikata is struggling to fight the bloodlust when he suddenly sees a hallucination of Chizuru offering him tea and even hears her voice. He feels scared and lost when he realizes that it was not real. 
Upon knowing that Hijikata is unwell, Ootori visits him and enquires about his health advising him to relax more since the stress is getting to him. Hijikata thanks Ootori and relaxes on the sofa, his hair goes back to normal again. He calls Chizuru by her name while sitting in the dark room and knowing that she is not there.
Next morning Chizuru is walking up the hill when she sees Kazama standing by her father's grave. Kazama speaks out loud speculating of the fate of a demon who strays from his way. He then addresses Chizuru reminding her that 'that guy' promised to protect her but he ended up betraying and abandoning her. She denies and claims that this is not what kind of person Hijikata is. She believes that he is doing it for her but Kazama sarcastically questions it, which makes her remember his last words and doubt her own. She goes on explaining that she stayed with Hijikata on her own free will because she wished so and not because she needed his protection. Kazama understands her romantic feelings and pities her. When Chizuru asks whether Kazama plans to fight Hijikata again, the demon confirms that further conflicts with Hijikata will make him go astray from the demon path, which makes Chizuru hopeful for a moment, but he makes things clear by saying that he is willing to pay the price as he has sworn to finish what he started.
December 15, 1868
The Republic of Ezo has been officially founded in Hakodate. The first elections have been held, and Hijikata has been appointed Vice Minister of the Army. 
Chizuru receives a secret letter from Ootori about her appointment as Hijikata's attendant. She is determined to stay by Hijikata's side so when she enters his office, wearing her western uniform, she instantly announces herself to be his attendant and hands him Ootori's letter. Hijikata tries to refuse at first by claiming that he does not accept her appointment, and she tears the letter apart insisting on staying regardless of his words. Hijikata seems astonished by her resolve and points out that the officer who commands men to their deaths cannot enjoy the company of a woman. She voices her opinion of him that he always attempts to put all the hardships on his shoulders and carry the burden alone, to which he replies that this is his job. Chizuru proceeds explaining that this is why everyone is worried about him and that the other Shinsengumi members have entrusted her with taking care of Hijikata, which she has to respect. Hijikata gives up and hugs her.
Chizuru asks him to share his hardships with her from the moment on, and he asks her to stay by his side. 
March 1869
A new meeting is held by Enomoto to announce that the Imperial Army has a new ship called Ironclad that has entered Miyako Bay as the flagship for a fleet of eight. He asks for ideas to stop the Imperial Army from taking navy supremacy as it will mean the end for the Republic of Ezo. The most supported idea is to abordage the ships: board and conquer.
While Hijikata and Ootori discuss their plan in more details in Hijikata's office, Chizuru comes in bringing tea. Ootori jokes about her being very formal with him and then teases Hijikata asking him where he caught such a great attendant. Hijikata takes it seriously and tells Ootori to ask whoever invited her and made arrangements for her to get here. Ootori compliments Chizuru more, and Hijikata bluntly adds that as long as she is willing to stay by his side he does not need another one. Ootori seems slightly shocked by Hijikata's honesty and mentions wishing to have such a wife, to which Hijikata replies even more directly that Ootori has to look elsewhere because "she is mine and I cannot let her go". Ootori laughs and leaves the room. 
Chizuru explains that Ootori came because he was worried about Hijikata, and Hijikata tries to deny working non-stop. When Chizuru mentions the light in his room until late at night, he attempts to lie by saying that he just forgot to blow it out. Chizuru complains that she knows him well enough to see through the act, and he stands up and cups her cheek confessing that he is happy to have her here and that now he has to be careful with risking his life.
March 25, 1869
The forces of the Republic of Ezo attempt to abordage the Imperial Army's ship in the dark of the night starting the Battle of Miyako Bay. Due to the storm, only one of the three planned ships is able to make it to the Bay to carry out the mission, and Hijikata's troops are there to fight. No matter the effort, there is not much one ship can do against eight, so Hijikata and the surviving soldiers are forced to retreat after the captain of the ship is shot dead. The Republic of Ezo's army has suffered 24 fatalities and 34 casualties losing the battle within 4 hours. Hijikata tries to reassure his men that it is not their fault when they blame themselves for not being strong enough. 
As soon as Hijikata walks onto the shore, he informs Chizuru that the mission has failed. He asks her to leave since Hakodate is about to become a battlefield but she is adamant to stay by his side no matter what. He turns away to look at the sunset and hugs her. 
Category:Episodes
Category:Season 2
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