Movie
Description
Hajime Saito captains the Shinsengumi's Third Division, a special police force active in Kyoto during the Bakumatsu. He wields exceptional swordsmanship, ranked among the organization's best alongside warriors like Okita Souji, and stands 169 centimeters tall.
Saito embodies stoicism, reserve, and profound duty. He speaks sparingly, engaging primarily when necessary or on matters of deep significance like his extensive knowledge and admiration for swords. He displays general aloofness and shyness around women. His loyalty to Vice-Commander Toshizo Hijikata is absolute, adhering to orders with unwavering fidelity. Though initially presenting a cold, severe exterior, his guarded nature gradually softens, revealing a more open and confiding disposition, particularly towards Chizuru Yukimura. He consistently prioritizes others' welfare, acting to ensure their safety above his own without overt expression.
A significant internal struggle involves episodes of blood-lust triggered by consuming the Ochimizu (Water of Life). This elixir grants enhanced strength and healing but risks transforming the drinker into a mindless Fury (Rasetsu). Only Chizuru knows of these episodes, adding complexity to their relationship. His ability to maintain composure and conceal this turmoil exemplifies his stoicism. In some game narratives, he consumes the Ochimizu, leading to these struggles, while anime adaptations, including the film *Wild Dance of Kyoto*, maintain his human form throughout.
Within the Shinsengumi, his background establishes him as a kenjutsu instructor and leader, noted for his patience, especially appreciated by junior members. While historical accounts describe the real Saito Hajime as one of the tallest Shinsengumi members, his portrayal in *Hakuoki* media depicts him as the second shortest captain after Heisuke Todo.
Saito actively participates in key Shinsengumi operations and conflicts depicted across the media. This includes defending the compound against attacks by factions like those led by Chikage Kazama, who seeks to kidnap Chizuru due to her Oni lineage. During the turmoil following Itou Kashitaro's departure and assassination plot against Commander Isami Kondo, Saito demonstrates his loyalty and strategic value. He temporarily joins Itou's group, later revealed to be acting as a spy for Hijikata and Kondo to monitor Itou's movements, returning to the Shinsengumi after gathering critical intelligence about the assassination plot.
His development shows a shift from initial detachment to deeper, albeit reserved, connections, particularly with Chizuru. His route in related games involves choices influencing this relationship, leading to different endings based on affection levels and, in later versions, managing Ochimizu corruption levels. Actions demonstrating his protective nature include intervening to save Chizuru during dangerous situations, such as escorting her or fighting adversaries like Kazama.
The character's fate in the anime continuity remains ambiguous regarding death in combat, contrasting with the historical figure's documented later life. His portrayal consistently depicts a disciplined, duty-bound warrior whose core traits of loyalty, reserve, and internal conflict persist across all official *Hakuoki* media, including the television series, OVAs, and the films *Wild Dance of Kyoto* and *Warrior Spirit of the Blue Sky*.
Saito embodies stoicism, reserve, and profound duty. He speaks sparingly, engaging primarily when necessary or on matters of deep significance like his extensive knowledge and admiration for swords. He displays general aloofness and shyness around women. His loyalty to Vice-Commander Toshizo Hijikata is absolute, adhering to orders with unwavering fidelity. Though initially presenting a cold, severe exterior, his guarded nature gradually softens, revealing a more open and confiding disposition, particularly towards Chizuru Yukimura. He consistently prioritizes others' welfare, acting to ensure their safety above his own without overt expression.
A significant internal struggle involves episodes of blood-lust triggered by consuming the Ochimizu (Water of Life). This elixir grants enhanced strength and healing but risks transforming the drinker into a mindless Fury (Rasetsu). Only Chizuru knows of these episodes, adding complexity to their relationship. His ability to maintain composure and conceal this turmoil exemplifies his stoicism. In some game narratives, he consumes the Ochimizu, leading to these struggles, while anime adaptations, including the film *Wild Dance of Kyoto*, maintain his human form throughout.
Within the Shinsengumi, his background establishes him as a kenjutsu instructor and leader, noted for his patience, especially appreciated by junior members. While historical accounts describe the real Saito Hajime as one of the tallest Shinsengumi members, his portrayal in *Hakuoki* media depicts him as the second shortest captain after Heisuke Todo.
Saito actively participates in key Shinsengumi operations and conflicts depicted across the media. This includes defending the compound against attacks by factions like those led by Chikage Kazama, who seeks to kidnap Chizuru due to her Oni lineage. During the turmoil following Itou Kashitaro's departure and assassination plot against Commander Isami Kondo, Saito demonstrates his loyalty and strategic value. He temporarily joins Itou's group, later revealed to be acting as a spy for Hijikata and Kondo to monitor Itou's movements, returning to the Shinsengumi after gathering critical intelligence about the assassination plot.
His development shows a shift from initial detachment to deeper, albeit reserved, connections, particularly with Chizuru. His route in related games involves choices influencing this relationship, leading to different endings based on affection levels and, in later versions, managing Ochimizu corruption levels. Actions demonstrating his protective nature include intervening to save Chizuru during dangerous situations, such as escorting her or fighting adversaries like Kazama.
The character's fate in the anime continuity remains ambiguous regarding death in combat, contrasting with the historical figure's documented later life. His portrayal consistently depicts a disciplined, duty-bound warrior whose core traits of loyalty, reserve, and internal conflict persist across all official *Hakuoki* media, including the television series, OVAs, and the films *Wild Dance of Kyoto* and *Warrior Spirit of the Blue Sky*.