OVA
Description
Toshizo Hijikata serves as Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi, wielding significant operational authority despite his official subordinate position to Commander Isami Kondou. His close bond with Kondou, marked by the nickname "Toshi," fuels his unwavering dedication to elevating Kondou's status and achieving their shared vision: transforming the Shinsengumi into recognized samurai despite their non-samurai origins.
Born into a peasant family producing "Ishida Powdered Medicine," Hijikata experienced dissatisfaction with his early life, working various jobs before meeting Kondou. This encounter solidified his resolve to become a samurai, leading him to join the Shieikan dojo and co-found the Shinsengumi in Kyoto. His strict enforcement of discipline and high standards gains him the epithet "Demon Vice-Commander," though underlying compassion surfaces through actions like protecting members and valuing their loyalty as "true warriors."
Hijikata's encounter with Chizuru Yukimura initiates significant developments. Discovering her during a Rasetsu investigation, he spares her life, taking her into custody for questioning. Recognizing her value as the daughter of the sought-after Dr. Yukimura, he allows her to remain with the Shinsengumi, initially assigning her as his page under pressure from other captains. Over time, he develops trust, assigning tasks like delivering messages to Saitou and gradually relying on her support.
Critical events shape his trajectory: During the Ikedaya incident, he maneuvers the Shinsengumi to claim credit for thwarting a plot against the Emperor. Kondou's subsequent injury forces Hijikata to assume dual leadership responsibilities, straining his health. His desperation peaks after Inoue's murder, leading him to consume Ochimizu to gain demonic strength for confronting threats like Kazama Chikage. This transformation into a Rasetsu grants enhanced abilities but triggers uncontrollable bloodlust.
In later conflicts, Hijikata prioritizes the Shinsengumi's survival above honor. He orchestrates tactical retreats, seeks reinforcements, and urges Chizuru to prioritize her safety during their retreat to Kōfu Castle, symbolically swearing a samurai oath with her by crossing swords. His deteriorating physical condition and Rasetsu state amplify his burdens, yet he persists in shielding Kondou from harsh realities. His leadership evolves into a paternal role, openly regarding his men as "sons."
His story concludes variably across media: In some timelines, he dies in battle, as referenced during the separation from Chizuru at Fushimi Magistrate. Alternate routes depict him surviving but grappling with loss and sacrifice, particularly in routes centered on other characters where his fate may involve off-screen death or continued struggle.
Born into a peasant family producing "Ishida Powdered Medicine," Hijikata experienced dissatisfaction with his early life, working various jobs before meeting Kondou. This encounter solidified his resolve to become a samurai, leading him to join the Shieikan dojo and co-found the Shinsengumi in Kyoto. His strict enforcement of discipline and high standards gains him the epithet "Demon Vice-Commander," though underlying compassion surfaces through actions like protecting members and valuing their loyalty as "true warriors."
Hijikata's encounter with Chizuru Yukimura initiates significant developments. Discovering her during a Rasetsu investigation, he spares her life, taking her into custody for questioning. Recognizing her value as the daughter of the sought-after Dr. Yukimura, he allows her to remain with the Shinsengumi, initially assigning her as his page under pressure from other captains. Over time, he develops trust, assigning tasks like delivering messages to Saitou and gradually relying on her support.
Critical events shape his trajectory: During the Ikedaya incident, he maneuvers the Shinsengumi to claim credit for thwarting a plot against the Emperor. Kondou's subsequent injury forces Hijikata to assume dual leadership responsibilities, straining his health. His desperation peaks after Inoue's murder, leading him to consume Ochimizu to gain demonic strength for confronting threats like Kazama Chikage. This transformation into a Rasetsu grants enhanced abilities but triggers uncontrollable bloodlust.
In later conflicts, Hijikata prioritizes the Shinsengumi's survival above honor. He orchestrates tactical retreats, seeks reinforcements, and urges Chizuru to prioritize her safety during their retreat to Kōfu Castle, symbolically swearing a samurai oath with her by crossing swords. His deteriorating physical condition and Rasetsu state amplify his burdens, yet he persists in shielding Kondou from harsh realities. His leadership evolves into a paternal role, openly regarding his men as "sons."
His story concludes variably across media: In some timelines, he dies in battle, as referenced during the separation from Chizuru at Fushimi Magistrate. Alternate routes depict him surviving but grappling with loss and sacrifice, particularly in routes centered on other characters where his fate may involve off-screen death or continued struggle.