TV-Series
Description
Hajime Saitō captains the Shinsengumi's third division. Born in Edo, his exceptional skill was initially rejected by multiple dojos due to his unorthodox left-handed swordsmanship. He gained acceptance at Kondō Isami's Shieikan dojo after proving equal to Okita Souji in a duel.
He possesses long indigo hair, typically tied in a side ponytail with bangs covering his right eye, and violet eyes. He stands approximately 169 centimeters tall. His standard attire is a black fighting-style kimono with a white sash and scarf, worn beneath the Shinsengumi's blue haori during official duties. Later, he adopts a Western-style black outfit, initially struggling with the buttons.
His personality is defined by extreme stoicism, formal speech, and emotional reserve. He rarely speaks unnecessarily, choosing words carefully when he does, earning respect from allies and opponents. His loyalty to commanders like Hijikata Toshizō is absolute, accepting morally complex missions without question. However, he demonstrates independent judgment when principles conflict with orders, choosing to remain with the Aizu Domain against Hijikata's retreat directive. He exhibits unexpected protectiveness toward Chizuru Yukimura, rescuing her multiple times and mentoring her swordsmanship. Despite his cold exterior, he displays subtle shyness around women and discomfort with personal emotions, occasionally making him a target for teasing by comrades like Okita.
Key involvements include saving Chizuru during her initial Shinsengumi encounter and testing her combat skills to permit patrols. He infiltrates Itō Kashitarō's splinter group as a spy, preventing Kondō's assassination. During the Boshin War, he commands Aizu troops who initially resent his Western attire and left-handed stance. His tactical decisions and formidable combat effectiveness during a siege eventually earn their respect. At the Battle of Bonari Pass, he elects to stay with Aizu forces to repay their loyalty, covering Hijikata's retreat and presumed to perish.
In the narrative continuation, he survives and relocates to Tonami with Chizuru as his wife. They live peacefully until he accepts a position in the Ministry of Interior's new police organization, paralleling the Shinsengumi's former duties. Their relationship deepens with Chizuru's pregnancy and a mutual agreement to use more intimate forms of address.
His swordsmanship centers on iai-style, emphasizing swift drawing and striking techniques optimized for his left-handed approach, granting unpredictability in combat. This earned recognition as one of the Shinsengumi's strongest fighters. Kondō Isami considered his left-handedness a strategic advantage against unprepared opponents.
In the prequel, his early Shinsengumi involvement shows initial integration challenges. He participates in foundational events like establishing the group's conduct rules and demonstrates proficiency during early public swordsmanship demonstrations.
He possesses long indigo hair, typically tied in a side ponytail with bangs covering his right eye, and violet eyes. He stands approximately 169 centimeters tall. His standard attire is a black fighting-style kimono with a white sash and scarf, worn beneath the Shinsengumi's blue haori during official duties. Later, he adopts a Western-style black outfit, initially struggling with the buttons.
His personality is defined by extreme stoicism, formal speech, and emotional reserve. He rarely speaks unnecessarily, choosing words carefully when he does, earning respect from allies and opponents. His loyalty to commanders like Hijikata Toshizō is absolute, accepting morally complex missions without question. However, he demonstrates independent judgment when principles conflict with orders, choosing to remain with the Aizu Domain against Hijikata's retreat directive. He exhibits unexpected protectiveness toward Chizuru Yukimura, rescuing her multiple times and mentoring her swordsmanship. Despite his cold exterior, he displays subtle shyness around women and discomfort with personal emotions, occasionally making him a target for teasing by comrades like Okita.
Key involvements include saving Chizuru during her initial Shinsengumi encounter and testing her combat skills to permit patrols. He infiltrates Itō Kashitarō's splinter group as a spy, preventing Kondō's assassination. During the Boshin War, he commands Aizu troops who initially resent his Western attire and left-handed stance. His tactical decisions and formidable combat effectiveness during a siege eventually earn their respect. At the Battle of Bonari Pass, he elects to stay with Aizu forces to repay their loyalty, covering Hijikata's retreat and presumed to perish.
In the narrative continuation, he survives and relocates to Tonami with Chizuru as his wife. They live peacefully until he accepts a position in the Ministry of Interior's new police organization, paralleling the Shinsengumi's former duties. Their relationship deepens with Chizuru's pregnancy and a mutual agreement to use more intimate forms of address.
His swordsmanship centers on iai-style, emphasizing swift drawing and striking techniques optimized for his left-handed approach, granting unpredictability in combat. This earned recognition as one of the Shinsengumi's strongest fighters. Kondō Isami considered his left-handedness a strategic advantage against unprepared opponents.
In the prequel, his early Shinsengumi involvement shows initial integration challenges. He participates in foundational events like establishing the group's conduct rules and demonstrates proficiency during early public swordsmanship demonstrations.