Hajime Saitō, captain of the Shinsengumi’s Third Division, embodies sharp intellect, stoic discipline, and lethal proficiency in left-handed iai. His unconventional swordsmanship initially alienated traditional dojos until a pivotal duel against Okita Souji at Shieikan proved his unmatched skill, securing his place and forging mutual respect. Though feared for ruthless efficiency, he strategically avoids excess bloodshed, balancing duty with an undercurrent of empathy—evident when he disobeyed retreat orders to defend Bonari Pass.

Reserved yet fiercely protective, he cautiously navigates interactions with Chizuru Yukimura, offering quiet guidance while shielding her from harm. Socially hesitant yet perceptive, he tests her combat abilities, advocates for her safety, and gradually bridges emotional distance. His loyalty to the Shinsengumi coexists with tactical independence, exemplified by infiltrating the Guardians of the Imperial Tomb through calculated deception and unshakable composure.

Post-war, he survives alongside the Aizu Domain, exiles to Tonami, and later builds a life with Chizuru as husband and expectant father. Transitioning to law enforcement in the Ministry of Interior, he mirrors his Shinsengumi role while rejecting the Rasetsu’s destructive power to protect his family’s future. Historically paralleled, his real counterpart served as a Meiji-era policeman and suppressed the Satsuma Rebellion, reflecting enduring adaptability.

Narratives trace his journey from rigid duty to nuanced emotional growth, culminating in principled loyalty softened by vulnerability. Subtle shifts—like adopting affectionate terms with Chizuru—signal his gradual embrace of intimacy, marking a departure from stoic detachment without forsaking core ideals.