Movie
Description
Hajime Saitō serves as captain of the Shinsengumi's 3rd Division. He stands approximately 169 centimeters tall, his long indigo hair typically tied in a side ponytail with bangs covering the right side of his face. His blue eyes convey calm alertness. Initially clad in a black kimono with a white sash and scarf, he later adopts a Western-style black outfit. A left-handed swordsman, he carries his sword on the right side, wielding top-tier iai-style swordsmanship. This left-handed technique grants a strategic advantage due to its unpredictability.
Saitō possesses a reserved, stoic personality, speaking minimally and maintaining a formal, emotionless demeanor often perceived as cold. Yet he demonstrates profound loyalty to commanders like Toshizō Hijikata and Isami Kondō, following orders unquestioningly. He prioritizes others' safety above his own, showing particular protectiveness toward Chizuru Yukimura, rescuing her multiple times including during their first meeting and the Ikedaya incident. Over time, he reveals a passionate, caring side to those closest to him. His strength lies in self-control and analytical thinking, making him an effective spy; he infiltrates groups like Itō Kashitarō's faction to gather intelligence.
His story unfolds through the Shinsengumi's operations in Kyoto. He participates in key events such as the Ikedaya incident and confrontations with Chōshū rebels. After Kondō's capture and execution, Saitō attempts a failed rescue before informing Hijikata. As conflicts escalate during the Boshin War, he is assigned to the Aizu Domain to train a unit resistant to his leadership due to his Western attire and left-handed style. Despite initial disrespect, he proves his tactical prowess during a siege, ordering a strategic retreat and single-handedly fending off enemies, eventually earning the unit's loyalty and apology.
At the Battle of Bonari Pass, Saitō chooses to remain with the Aizu warriors sacrificing themselves to cover the Shinsengumi's retreat. He requests permission to carry the Shinsengumi banner during a final charge against the Chōshū army, enabling Hijikata and injured members to escape. His fate is implied as part of this battle. Prequel installments like *Reimeiroku* depict a younger Saitō joining the Rōshigumi, demonstrating his early commitment to Kondō and Hijikata. He participates in formulating the group's rules and showcases his swordsmanship in matches.
In spin-offs like *Hakuouki SSL ~Sweet School Life~*, Saitō is reimagined as a high school student and discipline committee member, retaining his serious, taciturn personality and participating in kendo while respecting authority figures.
Saitō forms a complex relationship with the demon antagonist Kyūjū Amagiri, learning critical information about the life-shortening Rasetsu transformation through their encounters. His dynamic with Chizuru evolves from guarded protection to mutual trust, as he mentors her in swordsmanship and supports her during the Shinsengumi's decline. Confronting the consequences of the Water of Life elixir, he faces choices about accepting its power or enduring its effects, impacting his path.
Throughout his arc, Saitō embodies the Shinsengumi's values of loyalty and duty. His leadership during the Aizu campaign highlights his growth into a respected commander, while his ultimate sacrifice underscores unwavering commitment to his comrades and beliefs.
Saitō possesses a reserved, stoic personality, speaking minimally and maintaining a formal, emotionless demeanor often perceived as cold. Yet he demonstrates profound loyalty to commanders like Toshizō Hijikata and Isami Kondō, following orders unquestioningly. He prioritizes others' safety above his own, showing particular protectiveness toward Chizuru Yukimura, rescuing her multiple times including during their first meeting and the Ikedaya incident. Over time, he reveals a passionate, caring side to those closest to him. His strength lies in self-control and analytical thinking, making him an effective spy; he infiltrates groups like Itō Kashitarō's faction to gather intelligence.
His story unfolds through the Shinsengumi's operations in Kyoto. He participates in key events such as the Ikedaya incident and confrontations with Chōshū rebels. After Kondō's capture and execution, Saitō attempts a failed rescue before informing Hijikata. As conflicts escalate during the Boshin War, he is assigned to the Aizu Domain to train a unit resistant to his leadership due to his Western attire and left-handed style. Despite initial disrespect, he proves his tactical prowess during a siege, ordering a strategic retreat and single-handedly fending off enemies, eventually earning the unit's loyalty and apology.
At the Battle of Bonari Pass, Saitō chooses to remain with the Aizu warriors sacrificing themselves to cover the Shinsengumi's retreat. He requests permission to carry the Shinsengumi banner during a final charge against the Chōshū army, enabling Hijikata and injured members to escape. His fate is implied as part of this battle. Prequel installments like *Reimeiroku* depict a younger Saitō joining the Rōshigumi, demonstrating his early commitment to Kondō and Hijikata. He participates in formulating the group's rules and showcases his swordsmanship in matches.
In spin-offs like *Hakuouki SSL ~Sweet School Life~*, Saitō is reimagined as a high school student and discipline committee member, retaining his serious, taciturn personality and participating in kendo while respecting authority figures.
Saitō forms a complex relationship with the demon antagonist Kyūjū Amagiri, learning critical information about the life-shortening Rasetsu transformation through their encounters. His dynamic with Chizuru evolves from guarded protection to mutual trust, as he mentors her in swordsmanship and supports her during the Shinsengumi's decline. Confronting the consequences of the Water of Life elixir, he faces choices about accepting its power or enduring its effects, impacting his path.
Throughout his arc, Saitō embodies the Shinsengumi's values of loyalty and duty. His leadership during the Aizu campaign highlights his growth into a respected commander, while his ultimate sacrifice underscores unwavering commitment to his comrades and beliefs.