Chizuru Yukimura (Visual Novel)

Chizuru Yukimura (雪村 千鶴 Yukimura Chizuru) is the player character, main protagonist, and narrator of Hakuōki (her name is customizable by the player, but "Chizuru" is the default). She is a demon from the Yukimura clan, but is initially ignorant of her heritage.
==Personality==
Chizuru is hardworking and kindhearted, with a strong sense of propriety and justice. Though she is extremely sensitive to others' needs, she can be oblivious as regards herself. She has a deep-seated desire to make herself useful to those who help her, such as the Shinsengumi and (in his route) Kazama. Because of her largely self-imposed sense of obligation, she is reluctant to decline tasks she does not really want to do.
Chizuru is naturally curious, which can make it hard for her to drop certain subjects. She also finds it difficult to suppress or conceal her emotions or intentions, and in spite of her crossdressing, she is neither a good actor nor a good liar. Chizuru is also easily flustered, which makes her a prime target for teasing, particularly from Okita. Similarly, while she does not have a quick temper, Chizuru can become indignant and defensive if she is passionate enough, even before the situation calls for it.
Despite her status as a demon, Chizuru is not very strong physically. However, she is strong-willed to the point of obstinacy, and can verge on the self-sacrificial if she believes it necessary. This is most prominent when she is overprotective of her loved ones and ideals.
==Background==
Chizuru is a native of Edo where she lived with her father Koudou Yukimura. Ever since she was little, her wounds would always heal very quickly, and she did not know the reason to it. Her father insisted that it was a gift of the gods, but that she should tell no one of it. She did not tell anyone as she was afraid they would treat her as a monster if they knew. For this very reason, Chizuru did her best not to get hurt, she tried to stay as far away from blades as she could, and, before she realized it, she developed a fear of them. 
In Hakuōki: Kyoto Winds, it is revealed that her childhood friend Iba Hachiro also told her to keep her abilities hidden in order to avoid being bullied. However, she was still forced to go through some basic training in swordplay so that she could wield the kodachi that has been passed down through the Yukimura family.
Because of the necessity of hiding a part of herself, Chizuru has led a somewhat solitary life and does not associate with very many of her peers. This may have led to her habit of talking to herself, which at times results in embarrassment when she is overheard. Aside from her social isolation, she also mentions that Koudou's business "took him out of the house frequently, sometimes for days at a time", and that she is accustomed to being on her own.
==In Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan==
Chizuru is the main protagonist and narrates the events of the story. Based on the player's choices, she can follow one of seven routes: Hijikata's, Okita's, Saito's, Heisuke's, Harada's, Kazama's, and the normal ending. Though her choices are at times in the player's hands, her general personality is fixed.
===Prologue===
Dressing as a boy, Chizuru has traveled to Kyoto in search of her father. Unable to find his colleague, Doctor Matsumoto, she starts looking for a place to spend the night. However, some ronin take an interest in her kodachi, and Chizuru flees rather than surrender it. As she hides, the ronin are caught and killed by Rasetsu wearing Shinsengumi uniforms. Overcome with curiosity, Chizuru emerges from her hiding place and witnesses the murders, but Saitou arrives and kills the Rasetsu before they can turn on her.
Chizuru first meets Okita through his quips to Saito, although neither of them offer direct introductions. Hijikata then arrives on the scene and threatens to kill her if she runs. Okita then tells her that she should thank them for saving her life. To his amusement, Saito's distress, and Hijikata's annoyance, she obeys. It is implied that this is when the three of them guess her true gender. The officers then take her back to the Shinsengumi compound to be held captive until they can decide what to do with her.
===Chapter 1===
====Meeting the Shinsengumi====
Shortly after Chizuru awakens in the compound, securely bound, Inoue comes in to untie her and lead her to the common area, providing a brief explanation of the various Shinsengumi officers along the way. Though Okita teases her by implying that he is aware of her true gender, Sannan tries to reassure her about her general situation, and Heisuke seems to take her side. Eventually, Kondou arrives and gives formal introductions of himself and his fellow commanding officers.
Upon being asked to explain her role in the events of the previous evening, Chizuru insists that she didn't see anything, saying only that the Shinsengumi rescued her from some ronin. However, her lie quickly unravels as Nagakura and Harada deduce that if she knows that the Shinsengumi saved her, she must have seen them kill the ronin. As the other captains discuss the truth and Chizuru's fate, Saitou escorts her back to her room.
====Escape or Explanation [Player's Choice] ====
Depending on the player's choices, Chizuru may either try to escape or attempt to explain various parts of her story. No matter which she chooses, her interactions with the captains culminate in the revelation that she is female, and the agreement to hear her out.
====Chizuru's Story ====
Chizuru returns to the common area to meet with all the captains again, where they remark on her gender. Nagakura initially demands proof that she is female, and Harada suggests stripping her down, but Kondou refuses to let them humiliate her and invites her to share her side of the story. Chizuru explains that she is from Edo, and came to Kyoto to find her father. Once she reveals her father's identity, the officers react with shock and curiosity, explaining that the Shinsengumi is also in search of Koudou.
Sannan proposes that Chizuru help them find him. After some deliberation, Hijikata decides that as long as she keeps the Rasetsu' existence secret, they will look after her until she finds her father. Though Okita reminds her that they may decide to kill her later, Saito assures her that the Shinsengumi will accommodate her needs to the best of their ability. Hijikata then suggests making her someone's page, but due to Okita, Kondou, and Sannan's input, he is forced to take her on as an assistant himself.
====One Week Later [Player's Choice]====
Over the next week, Chizuru is allowed to roam the compound freely, although Hijikata says she should leave her room as seldom as possible. Furthermore, the Shinsengumi's hospitality is given only on the condition that she continue crossdressing, as keeping a woman in the headquarters could lead to trouble.
Chizuru is still treated coldly by the ordinary soldiers because not only has she been given a private room, but her tasks are "things more suited for a maid than a soldier", which the men interpret as preferential treatment. To ensure that Chizuru does not make any mistakes in her brief conversations with the rank-and-file, the captains take turns keeping watch and occasionally stepping in to cover for her.
After a week has passed, the player can decide whether Chizuru should stay in her room, talk to someone, or explore the compound. Each possible scene provides insight into particular characters' and groups' personalities and dynamics, but does not affect the plot.
====News From Osaka====
Chizuru attempts to convince herself aloud that the men of the Shinsengumi are kindhearted, based on the way they have been treating her. Okita overhears and teases her, but Saito interrupts by announcing that dinner is served. After a brief interjection from Heisuke, Chizuru goes to the common area with the three captains to share a meal. She finds "[having] dinner with such a strange group of men… frightening and exhilarating all at once" due to their competitive behavior.
After Inoue informs the group about Sannan's injury, Chizuru is relieved to hear that his life is not in danger, but Saito then explains the importance of being able to wield a sword. Okita hints that Sannan may have to take something in order to fight again, while Nagakura mentions "the Corps". This confuses Chizuru, as the only corps she knows is the Shinsengumi itself, so Heisuke attempts to explain the difference. However, Harada punches him to prevent him from revealing further classified information. Nagakura tells Chizuru to put it from her mind, and Saito reminds her that prying into their affairs is dangerous.
Taking meals with the captains later becomes routine for Chizuru, since the regular warriors remain unaware of her situation.
====The Ikedaya Incident [Player's Choice]====
Some months later, Hijikata finally allows Chizuru outside the Shinsengumi compound, despite his clear misgivings. Chizuru may choose either to accompany Okita's patrol, or adhere to Hijikata's wishes and remain in the compound. This determines her positioning during the forthcoming raid on Ikeda, which shows her another side of the Shinsengumi and reveals her underlying concern for its officers.
==In Hakuōki: Kyoto Winds==
Chizuru continues her role as the main protagonist and narrates the events of the story, but the number of routes have expanded. Based on the player's choices, she can now follow one of twelve routes: Hijikata's, Okita's, Saitou's, Heisuke's, Harada's, Kazama's, Nagakura's, Sannan's, Yamazaki's, Iba's, Souma's, and Sakamoto's.
Chizuru's involvement in the plot is largely the same as in Hakuōki: Shinsengumi Kitan, with the following exceptions:
See: Chizuru Yukimura/Route.
==In the musicals==
Main article: Chizuru Yukimura/HakuMyu
Chizuru is portrayed by Yoshida Hitomi in HakuMyu Saito-hen and LIVE; by Yamamoto Sayaka in Okita-hen and LIVE; by Kikuchi Mika in Hijikata-hen and LIVE; by Tomita Maho in Kazama-hen; by Tanoue Marina in Toudou-hen; by Fujikoso Yumi in HakuMyu Shinsengumi Kitan and LIVE 2; by Isobe Karin in Harada-hen; and by Mori Rina in Hijikata-hen 2.
==Quotes==
*"If I die, I'll have a hard time looking for my father…" (Chapter 1, to herself)
* "Of course, Hijikata does have a surprisingly handsome look about his face… I… didn't mean to stare. He is very attractive, but…" (Shinsengumi Adventures 1, to herself)
== 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 == 
*In Kyoto Winds and Edo Blossoms, the characters say Chizuru's name aloud if it is kept as the default. Otherwise, and in all previous versions of the game, the protagonist's name is not included in any voice clips.
*Unlike most, Chizuru is not repulsed by the idea of eating meat, as Koudou drew from his Western education to teach her of its health benefits.
*The coloration of Chizuru's Eastern clothing directly mirrors that of Kaoru's feminine outfit.
*In-game, Chizuru's demon form is only shown as part of Okita's dual-bloodlust CG.
*According to Shall We Date: Demons' Bond canon, the character Yukimura Kazuya is implied to be a distant relative of Yukimura Chizuru and Nagumo Kaoru (due to his having been born as a Yukimura).
Category:Characters
Category:Oni
Category:Rasetsu
Category:Visual Novel
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