OVA
Description
Hajime Saitō captains the Shinsengumi's 3rd Division. Hailing from Edo, he is known for his exceptional left-handed swordsmanship, a rare trait granting tactical advantage in combat. His iai techniques cement his reputation as one of the Shinsengumi's most formidable swordsmen.
Standing 169 centimeters tall, he possesses indigo hair typically worn in a side ponytail, with bangs covering the right side of his face. His blue eyes convey sharp alertness beneath a reserved demeanor. His standard uniform is a black kimono with a white sash and scarf, later shifting to Western-style clothing. His sword rests on his right hip to facilitate his left-handed draw.
Saitō exhibits stoicism and speaks minimally, communicating formally without emotional display. He maintains unwavering loyalty to Shinsengumi leaders like Toshizō Hijikata, executing orders without question. Despite his reserve, he remains perceptive and protective, especially toward Chizuru Yukimura, whom he rescues during their first meeting and later mentors in swordsmanship. His politeness earns respect from allies and adversaries, while his strategic mind proves effective in espionage.
His story arc includes spearheading operations like infiltrating Itō Kashitarō's group as a spy to prevent assassination plots against Commander Kondō. During the Shinsengumi's alliance with the Aizu Domain, his Western attire and left-handedness court initial rejection. However, his combat prowess and tactical leadership—such as ordering a vital strategic retreat during a siege—ultimately win the Aizu warriors' loyalty. They later sacrifice themselves for his escape at Bonari Pass.
In the OVA *A Memory of Snow Flowers*, Saitō volunteers to protect Chizuru during her undercover mission as a geisha. He intervenes when patrons harass her and later attempts to compliment her appearance, though interrupted before finishing, showcasing his quiet support.
In later events, he stays with the Aizu forces after the Shinsengumi's withdrawal to repay their loyalty. He requests permission to carry the Shinsengumi banner during a final charge against the Chōshū army, creating a diversion enabling Hijikata and others to escape, an act implying his presumed death in battle.
The character draws inspiration from the historical Saitō Hajime (1844–1915), who later adopted the name Fujita Gorō and served as a police officer during the Meiji era.
Standing 169 centimeters tall, he possesses indigo hair typically worn in a side ponytail, with bangs covering the right side of his face. His blue eyes convey sharp alertness beneath a reserved demeanor. His standard uniform is a black kimono with a white sash and scarf, later shifting to Western-style clothing. His sword rests on his right hip to facilitate his left-handed draw.
Saitō exhibits stoicism and speaks minimally, communicating formally without emotional display. He maintains unwavering loyalty to Shinsengumi leaders like Toshizō Hijikata, executing orders without question. Despite his reserve, he remains perceptive and protective, especially toward Chizuru Yukimura, whom he rescues during their first meeting and later mentors in swordsmanship. His politeness earns respect from allies and adversaries, while his strategic mind proves effective in espionage.
His story arc includes spearheading operations like infiltrating Itō Kashitarō's group as a spy to prevent assassination plots against Commander Kondō. During the Shinsengumi's alliance with the Aizu Domain, his Western attire and left-handedness court initial rejection. However, his combat prowess and tactical leadership—such as ordering a vital strategic retreat during a siege—ultimately win the Aizu warriors' loyalty. They later sacrifice themselves for his escape at Bonari Pass.
In the OVA *A Memory of Snow Flowers*, Saitō volunteers to protect Chizuru during her undercover mission as a geisha. He intervenes when patrons harass her and later attempts to compliment her appearance, though interrupted before finishing, showcasing his quiet support.
In later events, he stays with the Aizu forces after the Shinsengumi's withdrawal to repay their loyalty. He requests permission to carry the Shinsengumi banner during a final charge against the Chōshū army, creating a diversion enabling Hijikata and others to escape, an act implying his presumed death in battle.
The character draws inspiration from the historical Saitō Hajime (1844–1915), who later adopted the name Fujita Gorō and served as a police officer during the Meiji era.