Hakuouki: Zuisouroku (Game)

(For the OVA, please refer to this article here. For the novel adaptation, please refer here.)
Hakuōki: Zuisouroku (薄桜鬼 随想録) is a Visual Novel video game published by Idea Factory released on August 26th, 2010 for the PlayStation Portable. It follows the main plot of the original game and has a collection of short stories that take place at the same time as the main story. Besides the main 6 routes, there are also stories for Shinpachi, Yamazaki, Sannan, and Kondou. Unlockable features include SSL (Sweet School Life), also known as Hakuouki Highschool.
===Subplot===
A mini event and omake known as the "Sakurahana Gensouroku - Sakurahana Hen" [桜花幻想禄-桜花片] is also included.
==Gameplay==
The main character is Yukimura Chizuru. The player has the option to change the first name while the surname remains. The plot changes with behavior and conversations. Each time a route is finished, a new one is added. 
The gameplay is similar to the original game as it follows the story and allows to make choices to progress in a desirable way. Certain points in the game provide character CGs, and some of them are unique to Zuisouroku Fan Disc and do not appear in the main games, including the recent remakes Kyoto Winds and Edo Blossoms. 
===Characters ===
Shinsengumi
*Toshizou Hijikata
*Souji Okita
*Hajime Saitou
*Heisuke Toudou
*Sanosuke Harada
*Isami Kondou
*Keisuke Sannan
*Shinpachi Nagakura
*Genzaburou Inoue
*Susumu Yamazaki
*Kai Shimada
Villain
*Chikage Kazama
==Shinsengumi Adventures 1==
===Chizuru Yukimura===
Okita awakens Chizuru from a nightmare, complaining that she is late to make breakfast. Chizuru apologizes for sleeping in and rushes to the kitchen, where Saitou rebukes her for speaking too loudly. He then explains that the only thing she is expected to do is help find her father, but she helps prepare breakfast anyway, feeling guilty about being burdensome in the meantime.
On her way to the dining hall, she runs into Harada, who catches her and the tray before either of them can fall. Harada takes responsibility for the collision, but Chizuru insists it was her fault. Nagakura observes that she is a good girl, saying he will clean the hallway since she tried to take the blame. Harada assures her that she need not be so suspicious of their motives for helping her.
In the dining hall, Chizuru encounters Sannan, who apologizes on behalf of the Shinsengumi for assigning her chores despite her status as their guest. Chizuru assures him that she gets nervous without anything to do. When Sannan expresses regret that he cannot assist her, Chizuru attempts to console him by saying that a colonel is too important to do menial chores. Inoue then arrives and asks Chizuru to check on Heisuke, and Sannan adds that she should make sure Hijikata is all right as well.
Chizuru departs, but is apprehensive about approaching Hijikata. She chooses to wake Heisuke first, and then goes to Hijikata's room. However, since Hijikata does not respond when she calls, she opens the door to check on him and finds him in the middle of getting dressed. After sending Chizuru into the hall to wait, Hijikata catches her mumbling to herself about his attractiveness. Shortly after this, Kondou arrives and praises Chizuru's cooking skills, which pleases her, since she strives to be useful to the Shinsengumi.
After breakfast, Chizuru stays behind and attends the captains' meeting to meet the members of the Watch, spirits lifted at the prospects of making progress in the search for her father. Though the Shinsengumi is still divided as to her role among them, and even whether she should have one at all, they introduce her to Shimada and Yamazaki, who will be given the task of finding Koudou. Because of this, Chizuru is asked to provide them with as much useful information as she can.
Later that day, Chizuru hears a commotion and discovers that its source is a cat. Okita, Saitou, and Yamazaki chase it past her room, but the two captains soon return to join Heisuke, Nagakura, and Harada for a meeting in Chizuru's room. Nagakura explains that the cat destroyed the kitchen while he and Harada were making lunch, and has been wreaking havoc ever since. The captains then request Chizuru's assistance. When Chizuru reminds them that she is not allowed outside her room, Saitou assures her that they will make an exception. Harada comforts her by saying that any help she can offer is good enough for them.
Chizuru may then choose to catch the cat, assist in the lunch preparations, or prevent Hijikata from finding out. The end result of each sub-route varies, but has no bearing on the overall plot, though it encourages her to soften toward the men of the Shinsengumi as she sees more of their humanity.
===Toshizou Hijikata===
Sannan requests that Chizuru check on Hijikata, as he stayed up late the night before doing paperwork. Chizuru calls for him, but he does not respond, so she opens the door to find him still changing. She is sent into the hallway to wait, but Hijikata overhears her talking to herself about his looks and asks why she is there. Chizuru explains that Sannan sent her out of concern for his well-being, but Hijikata says he is only doing so to annoy him and have fun at her expense. Once in the dining hall, he confronts Sannan about his use of Chizuru as a messenger, to no avail.
After breakfast, Chizuru stays behind so that the Shinsengumi can introduce her to the Watch in the hopes of finding Koudou as soon as possible. Hijikata informs Shimada and Yamazaki that his best guess is that Koudou is in hiding, but they must tread carefully. After Shimada asks if Chizuru is aware of the extent of their orders, Hijikata says she does not need to know. Yamazaki expresses gratitude for his trust, but Okita finds an issue with his loyalty and insults him for it. Saitou and Shimada try to prevent their respective colleagues from escalating the situation, but Hijikata ends the argument by kicking the captains and Chizuru out.
Later that day, Hijikata is in a meeting with Kondou and Sannan when a cat gets into the compound and causes an uproar. In his sub-route, Chizuru agrees to help Heisuke prevent Hijikata from finding out the source of the commotion. However, when faced with Hijikata and Sannan's suspicion, she opts to tell the truth. Hijikata advocates for leaving the cat alone and letting it depart on its own, saying that it will be frightened of them if they all come after it. That night, Chizuru overhears him talking to the cat about how all living things have trials to overcome. He remarks that the cat must not have anyone waiting for it, and tells it not to get attached, as the Shinsengumi cannot afford to be distracted. After the cat leaves, Hijikata notices Chizuru and reproaches her for eavesdropping, telling her to go back to bed and mind her own business. However, she is less frightened of him now that she has seen his compassionate side.
===Souji Okita===
Several months after Chizuru first arrives at the Shinsengumi headquarters, Okita awakens her one morning, complaining that she has slept in instead of making breakfast. Chizuru apologizes, but Okita tells her that there is nothing she can do to reverse the trouble she has already caused. When Saitou later reprimands Okita for lying to her, Okita says she should earn her keep, and Saitou retorts that it is not his decision. 
After breakfast, Chizuru stays to be introduced to the Watch. Okita says that doing so will cause problems, as they will have to explain why they kept "the medicine" hidden from the other men. Saitou reminds him that Yamazaki and Shimada are trusted with the Shinsengumi's secrets, and that telling them of Chizuru and her circumstances is inevitable if they want to find Koudou. When Nagakura points out that the Shinsengumi must stand by its decision, Okita states that he understands why they made that decision, but he still does not agree with it. Once the Watch is briefed on their newest mission, Okita takes issue with Yamazaki's loyalty to Hijikata. Though Saitou reprimands him for creating needless conflict, and Shimada reproaches Yamazaki for talking out of turn, their argument only ends after Hijikata kicks the captains out. 
Later that day, a cat starts wreaking havoc in the compound. Okita is among the first to give chase, along with Saitou. Yamazaki is soon caught up in the pursuit and demands that Okita take responsibility for his cat, but Okita denies that it belongs to him. Some time later, Okita and Saitou join the captains' meeting in Chizuru's quarters, and Okita advocates most strongly for catching the cat.
In his sub-route, Chizuru chooses to help him. Okita remarks that "those legs don't look very fast", but does not protest against her inclusion. Once outside, Chizuru hears someone crying, and they find one of the Yagi boys. He explains that he tried to tame the cat, but it ran away. When Saitou blames him for the situation, the boy cries more. If Chizuru tries to make the child laugh, she ends up scaring him instead, which amuses Okita and causes Saitou to lose patience and search for the cat on his own. Yamazaki then arrives and asks why Chizuru is out of her room and why Hijikata has not been informed. Okita says there is no need to bother him, and Chizuru agrees that they should resolve the situation quietly. Disapproving, Yamazaki asks that they report the situation if it escalates any further and departs.
Resuming the search, Okita finds the cat asleep in the sun. When he picks it up one-handed by the scruff of the neck, Chizuru rushes forward to take the cat away from him before he can hurt it. Startled, Okita apologizes and explains that he does not kill things for no reason. He adds that he understands how fragile humans are, so it makes sense that cats would be more so. Chizuru then entrusts him with the cat to be released, and he accepts it more carefully this time.
===Hajime Saitou===
Several months after Chizuru first arrives at the headquarters, Saitou starts preparing breakfast in her stead when she accidentally sleeps in. After she arrives in the kitchen and apologizes, Saitou chastises her for speaking too loudly, informing her that he wishes to let the men rest as long as possible. He then explains that the only thing required of Chizuru is her assistance in finding her father, rebuking Okita for lying to her. When Okita says she should make herself useful, Saitou reminds him that it is not his decision.
After breakfast, Chizuru stays behind to be introduced to the Watch. When Okita objects on the premise that it would be too inconvenient for the purposes of secrecy, Saitou tells him that both Yamazaki and Shimada have been entrusted with the Shinsengumi's secrets, and that introducing them to Chizuru is inevitable if they are to make any progress in the search for Koudou. After Okita takes issue with Yamazaki's loyalty to Hijikata, Saitou tries to prevent him from escalating the situation, but the tension remains until Hijikata dismisses them.
Later that day, a cat starts causing mayhem in the compound. Saitou and Okita are among the first to give chase. Once Yamazaki is caught up in the pursuit, Saitou interrupts another argument between him and Okita. Some time later, Saitou and Okita return to Chizuru's room to meet with the other captains, and Saitou says they must keep the matter quiet, as "the commander should not be troubled with this". He then suggests dividing the tasks of making lunch, distracting Hijikata, and catching the cat between the captains and Chizuru. When Chizuru says she is not allowed outside her room, Saitou informs her that they will make an exception for the sake of resolving the situation as soon as possible.
In his sub-route, Chizuru volunteers to help catch the cat. Saitou, Chizuru, and Okita begin their search in the courtyard, and the three of them follow the sound of crying to the Yagi residence. There, they find a boy who tearfully explains that the cat ran away from him. Saitou says that the situation is his fault, adding that he must get more information out of him, which causes the boy to cry more. If Chizuru tries to console the child, Okita grows bored and leaves to search for it on his own. The boy eventually tells Saitou and Chizuru that the cat was last seen headed for the Maekawa house, and Saitou suggests that they scan the rooftops as they move, as cats like high places. However, when Chizuru asks if he has ever had a cat, he denies it, saying that he has "simply researched them a bit, on occasion".
Upon reaching the Maekawa house, they encounter Shimada, and Saitou briefs him on the situation. Once they find the cat, the three of them give chase and ultimately capture it. Saitou says it would be best to release the cat outside of headquarters, but Chizuru objects, as it is still young and vulnerable. Saitou says that peace in the Shinsengumi takes precedence over the cat's safety, but expresses sympathy for its situation before taking it to be released at the entrance. Later that night, Chizuru hears a meow and follows the sound to the Maekawa residence. There, she finds Saitou telling the cat to leave. Chizuru interrupts, startling him, and he insists that while he neither likes nor dislikes cats, he can understand why people keep them as pets. When Chizuru suggests that Saitou look after the cat instead of trying to send it away, since it seems to have grown attached to him, he unexpectedly agrees. The cat is then secretly kept as a pet behind the Maekawa house.
===Heisuke Toudou===
One morning, a few months later, Chizuru checks on Heisuke at Inoue's behest. She finds him "sound asleep and completely wrapped around his futon, hair and clothing askew". When she explains that breakfast is ready, Heisuke grumbles at her for some time, requesting that she let him sleep. However, once he opens his eyes and recognizes her, he agrees to get up and eat breakfast. However, he mentions that if Nagakura steals his food again, he "won't be responsible for [his] actions".
After breakfast, Chizuru stays behind for the captains' meeting to be introduced to the Watch. When Harada says it would be unwise to pass up an opportunity to make some progress in the search for Kodo, Heisuke protests against his wording and assures Chizuru that the captains have already been looking into her father's whereabouts. When Chizuru expresses her gratitude, he tells her that the Shinsengumi has its own agenda, so she should not thank them.
Later that day, a cat causes a stir in the headquarters. When Chizuru asks what is going on, Heisuke informs her that "it's kind of a long story", and Nagakura interrupts that they must borrow her room to strategize. Once Heisuke, the other captains, and Chizuru follow, Nagakura and Harada explain the situation, and Heisuke expresses fear of Hijikata's reaction to the chaos and points out that they have to distract him.
In his sub-route, Heisuke and Chizuru bring tea to Kondou, Hijikata, and Sannan. When the latter two express suspicion, Heisuke insists that this has nothing to do with the commotion outside, and that they are only being nice. Though Kondou believes him, Hijikata asks Chizuru whether she is hiding anything. She stands by Heisuke's story, and though Hijikata is skeptical, Sannan speaks up in Heisuke and Chizuru's defense, and Kondou dismisses them. Once they are safely outside, Heisuke thanks Chizuru for covering for him, then suggests eating sweets and drinking tea in her room as celebration. After they settle down with refreshments, Heisuke promises that if he ever finds any more snacks, they can sneak away and share them.
===Sanosuke Harada===
Harada runs into Chizuru as she is on her way to the dining hall with a tray of breakfast. He catches her and the tray before either of them can fall, but the soup splashes onto Nagakura. When Nagakura reminds Chizuru to pay attention, Harada takes the blame for the accident, but she insists she could have avoided it. Nagakura offers to clean the hall because she tried to take responsibility, and Harada tells Chizuru to set the tray she is carrying at his place, since it was his fault the food spilled. Harada then assures Chizuru that the Shinsengumi will not mistreat her.
After breakfast, Chizuru stays to meet some men from the Watch. Harada voices his approval, saying that it would be wise to seize the opportunity to make some progress. However, his optimism may be exaggerated to diffuse the tension as Okita and Saitou voice their adverse opinions. Heisuke criticizes Harada's phrasing, assuring Chizuru that the captains have been investigating Kyoto since her arrival. However, Harada adds that the Shinsengumi is doing so for their own benefit as well.
Later that day, Nagakura and Harada are preparing lunch when a cat gets into the kitchen and destroys their progress. Some time later, Harada joins the other captains in Chizuru's room for a meeting, apologizing to her for taking over her living space. He then helps Nagakura explain the situation. After the captains request Chizuru's assistance, Harada is the first to inform her that there is no wrong decision, saying that whatever she does to help will be good enough.
In his sub-route, Chizuru offers to help prepare lunch. Harada thanks her, but warns her that there is a "mean old man" in the kitchen, and Nagakura says they must calm him down before they can make lunch. When they arrive, Inoue shouts at them, but Harada points out that Chizuru is there to help, and the four of them set to work cleaning. As the commotion continues, Inoue leaves to check on the situation outside, and Chizuru makes some suggestions for dishes. Harada joins Nagakura in complimenting her cooking ability, and she takes charge of the meal preparations.
Eventually, Nagakura's curiosity gets the better of him and he leaves Harada and Chizuru to finish cooking on their own. As they work, Harada remarks that her movements are still feminine, even when crossdressing, and says she would make a good wife. However, Harada then adds that she has no choice but to endure any hardships, as he may have no choice but to kill her someday. However, he says sincerely that he is grateful to eat her cooking in the meantime. Chizuru thanks Harada for saying he enjoys her food, as his praise inspires her to continue doing her best.
===Shinpachi Nagakura===
Chizuru collides with Harada while holding a breakfast tray. Nagakura catches the vegetables, but is soaked in soup. He assures Chizuru that "the vegetables are safe", but cautions her to be more careful. Despite Harada's attempt to take responsibility, Chizuru insists that she is at fault. Nagakura remarks that she is a good girl, and offers to clean the hallway because of her attempt to take responsibility.
After breakfast, Chizuru stays behind to be introduced to some men from the Watch. Nagakura agrees with Okita that doing so will be inconvenient for the Shinsengumi, as they do not know if or when they will have to "get rid of" Chizuru, and providing an explanation will bring trouble. However, he adds that they already agreed to deal with the situation as it changes, so there is no point in complaining now.
Later that day, Nagakura and Harada are preparing lunch when a cat gets into the kitchen and ruins everything. Some time later, Nagakura interrupts a brief conversation between Heisuke and Chizuru to announce that the captains will be borrowing the latter's room for an emergency meeting. Once everyone arrives, Nagakura and Harada explain the situation and beg Chizuru's assistance.
In his sub-route, Chizuru agrees to help him and Harada prepare lunch. Nagakura explains that Inoue is furious, so they have to calm him down in addition to cleaning the kitchen. When they arrive, Inoue shouts at them, lamenting the amount of ruined food, and Nagakura suggests using the rice as fertilizer. Later, Inoue leaves to check on the situation, and Chizuru suggests some dishes. Nagakura and Harada compliment her cooking, allowing her to take charge of the preparations. However, as the commotion continues, Nagakura offers to take Chizuru outside to see what is going on. The two of them leave a reluctant Harada alone and find that a tree has fallen over. They theorize that Saitou and Okita chased the cat up the tree, but that it could not support the captains' weight. As they are about to return to the kitchen, the cat walks up to them, and Nagakura treats it with affection despite the trouble it has caused. He presumably releases it some time later.
===Keisuke Sannan===
Chizuru finishes setting up the dining hall for breakfast, and Sannan apologizes on behalf of the Shinsengumi for giving her chores, even though she is supposed to be a guest. Chizuru assures him that she gets uneasy without anything to occupy her time, but Sannan expresses regret that he is "unable even to assist [her] with carrying the trays". When Chizuru attempts to reassure him that a colonel is too important to do menial chores, Sannan interrupts that his title is meaningless without his ability as a warrior.
Before Chizuru can respond, Inoue arrives and asks where everyone else is. Sannan says pointedly that he would not know, as he no longer frequents the training room due to his injury. After Inoue asks Chizuru to check on Heisuke, Sannan asks Chizuru to stop by Hijikata's room since he was up late last night doing paperwork. After she does as he asks and returns with Hijikata, Sannan defends his choice to use a civilian as a messenger by stating that his concern "truly was not unnecessary".
After breakfast, Sannan requests that Chizuru remain behind for the usual captains' meeting so that she can meet the Watch. Following Kondou and Hijikata's briefing, Sannan leads into Chizuru's involvement and requests that she explain her circumstances to Shimada and Yamazaki. After this, he reiterates that "secrecy is [their] highest priority", warning them not to let any sensitive information fall into the wrong hands.
Later that day, Sannan is in a meeting with Kondou and Hijikata when a cat starts causing trouble in the compound. In his sub-route, Chizuru tries to help Heisuke distract the three officers, but Hijikata and Sannan are suspicious. When Chizuru insists they are not hiding anything but does not contribute to Heisuke's cover story, Hijikata begins interrogating Heisuke. Sannan then requests that Chizuru bring some snacks from the kitchen, saying he will show her where to find them. He escorts her out of the room, suggesting that they stay away until Hijikata calms down. When Chizuru asks why he helped her, Sannan says that she is not at fault, and only Heisuke need be punished. He advises Chizuru to mention her orders from Hijikata next time someone tries to use her, and if that fails, to say that Sannan will be displeased. After Chizuru thanks him, Sannan invites her for tea in his room.
===Susumu Yamazaki===
A few months after Chizuru arrives at the Shinsengumi headquarters, the captains introduce her to Shimada and Yamazaki. Kondou and Hijikata explain their new mission to look for Koudou, cautioning them to be careful. Upon hearing that Chizuru is Koudou's daughter, Yamazaki is surprised, but does not comment. Kondou then emphasizes the importance of keeping Chizuru's circumstances secret, and Hijikata informs them that Chizuru is unaware of the extent of their mission.
Yamazaki expresses gratitude for Hijikata's trust, assuring him that the Watch will succeed in their mission. When Okita takes issue with his loyalty to Hijikata, Yamazaki tells him not to insult his superiors or to think that the men of the Watch are "so foolish as to blindly give [their] loyalty". Though Saitou steps in to prevent Okita from escalating the situation, and Shimada reminds Yamazaki of his station, their conflict only ends after Hijikata evicts the captains.
Later that day, a cat gets into the compound to cause mischief. Yamazaki is taken by surprise as Okita and Saitou give chase, and is quickly swept up in the pursuit. He immediately assumes that the cat belongs to Okita, and requests that he "take responsibility and get it under control". Okita retorts that he has already said it is not his, claiming that he is as invested in its capture as anyone else.
In his sub-route, Chizuru agrees to try and catch the cat. Yamazaki happens upon her and Okita talking about the cat with one of the Yagi boys, and asks why Chizuru is not in her room. He then asks why Hijikata has not yet been informed, as they should ask what he wants done. Chizuru agrees that they should report the situation, but Okita turns on Chizuru and tells her that Hijikata will not be angry if he never finds out. Yamazaki comes to her defense and says her argument is valid, announces his intention to report the situation, and returns Chizuru to her room so that she will not be implicated. He then apologizes for the fact that she was involved.
Category:Games
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