Hajime Saito

==Summary==
Hajime Saitō is a recurring character in the Rurouni Kenshin manga and anime series. He is based on the real-life historical figure Saitō Hajime, who was a captain of the third unit of the Shinsengumi, a special police force that operated during the late Edo period in Japan. After the Meiji Restoration, he becomes a police officer (lieutenant) for the Meiji government and adopts the name "Goro Fujita." While working as a policeman, he also operates in the shadows as a secret agent for the government.
Saitou is introduced in the Kyoto arc of the series as a government agent investigating the activities of Makoto Shishio, a former assassin who seeks to overthrow the Meiji government. Saitou's initial encounter with Himura Kenshin is marked by their intense rivalry, as they represent opposing factions from the Bakumatsu era. Nevertheless, they ultimately forge an alliance to combat not only Shishio's malevolent schemes but also to address subsequent threats that challenge the nation's stability.
==Powers and Stats==
Tier: 
Name: Hajime Saito (real name), known as the "Wolf of Mibu" (Miburo no Okami); Gorō Fujita (alias)
Origin: Rurouni Kenshin
Gender: Male
Age: 34 (main series), 39 (Hokkaidō arc)
Classification: Human, Swordsman, Police Officer, Former Captain of the Shinsengumi
Powers and Abilities: Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Chi Manipulation, Sword Master, Well-versed in hand-to-hand combat, Extrasensory Perception, Analytical Prediction
Attack Potency: City Block level+ (Comparable to Kenshin and can trade blows with those capable of harming him)
Speed: Subsonic+ with Hypersonic reactions and combat speed (His swordplay is stated to be faster than a rifle, is evenly matched with Kenshin)
Lifting Strength: Superhuman
Striking Strength: City Block level+
Durability: City Block level+ (Withstood an explosion this big)
Stamina: Superhuman
Range: Standard Melee Range
Standard Equipment: Katana
Intelligence: Tactical Genius. Saitou's exceptional intellect and determination enable him to compensate for his less effective swordsmanship when facing opponents like Kenshin. His keen ability to exploit his adversaries' weaknesses and employ any available means in combat allows him to compete on equal footing with the former assassin. Saitou is renowned for his tactical acumen, frequently employing deception, misdirection, and adaptability to outwit his opponents. In addition, his experience as a former Shinsengumi captain and a police officer in the Meiji government has honed his skills in leadership and teamwork.
Weaknesses: As a left-handed swordsman, Saito's right side is left exposed during any of his Gatotsu attack styles (including Zeroshiki). This vulnerability allows a quick and observant opponent to evade and counter by targeting his unprotected side. The effectiveness of the Gatotsu technique largely depends on leg strength; should Saito sustain leg injuries, both the speed and power of the attack would be significantly diminished. Additionally, the technique requires ample space and distance for optimal execution. If an opponent manages to close in, Saito must adapt to the situation (e.g., push the opponent back) or rely on Zeroshiki. Furthermore, Saito sometimes wields a government-issued, low-quality sword that may break during more strenuous fights, potentially compromising his combat performance.
Notable Attacks/Techniques:
*Gatotsu (牙突, "fang's stab") - A unique left-handed thrusting technique derived from the Shinsengumi's Hirazuki method, with several distinct variations:
:*Ishiki (壱式, First Stance) - The standard, shoulder-level ground attack. Saito prepares by assuming a partial crouch with both knees bent, left arm drawn back, and right extended forward. He grasps the kashira (endcap of the tsuka, or hilt) of his sword with his left hand, and rests the tips of his right-hand fingers (usually the thumb) on the blade near its tip.
:*Nishiki (弐式, Second Stance) - A downward-striking attack with a narrower thrust direction than Ishiki.
:*Sanshiki (参式, Third Stance) - An upward-striking attack. Prepared identically to Ishiki, Saito uses it to intercept opponents attacking from above by directing his blade upward instead of forward.
:*Shishiki (四式, Fourth Stance) - The quickest but least powerful Gatotsu style.
:*Zeroshiki (零式, Zero Stance) - The strongest Gatotsu technique, performed at point-blank range using Saito's full upper body strength. Unlike the first three stances, Zeroshiki requires no prior preparation or footwork.
:*Sword-less Gatotsu - Saito can also employ the Gatotsu motion using his bare hands effectively, even without a sword.
*Personal Skills
:*Shingan (心眼, "mind's eye") - Saitou's Shingan is not a supernatural ability but rather a result of his extensive combat experience, keen observation skills, and innate intuition. Unlike Kenshin, who relies more on his "sixth sense" to anticipate the outcome of a battle, Saito approaches situations with a logical mindset, both in and out of combat. By employing his Shingan, Saito can accurately predict an opponent's true intentions beneath their pretenses, swiftly identify deeply concealed weaknesses, and formulate appropriate responses.
Note: Not to be confused with the similarly - named character from Zero no Tsukaima.
==Notable Matchups==
Victories:
Losses:
Inconclusive:
Category:Characters
Category:Rurouni Kenshin
Category:Male Characters
Category:Manga Characters
Category:Anime Characters
Category:Humans
Category:Sword Users
Category:Samurai
Category:Antiheroes
Category:Police Officers
Category:Adults
Category:Martial Artists
Category:Chi Users
Category:Honorable Characters
Category:Good Characters