TV-Series
Description
Hajime Saito holds the position of Captain of the Third Division in the Shinsengumi. Hailing from Edo, he wields his sword left-handed, a rare trait among samurai that grants him a distinct combat edge. His fighting style centers on iai, emphasizing swift draw-and-strike techniques, placing him among the group's most formidable swordsmen. Kondou Isami valued this unconventional approach for its tactical advantage against opponents unaccustomed to facing a left-handed fighter.
Saito possesses a reserved and stoic nature, speaking minimally and with formality. He rarely betrays emotion, even in battle, cultivating a reputation as a silent yet highly efficient warrior. Despite this outwardly cold demeanor, he demonstrates thoughtful concern for others' safety, particularly Chizuru Yukimura. He rescues her multiple times, from their initial meeting where he saved her from Rasetsu attacks to the Ikedaya incident. He later becomes her swordsmanship mentor. Loyalty forms the bedrock of his character, primarily directed towards Toshizo Hijikata and the Shinsengumi's mission. He executes orders unquestioningly, often undertaking covert or morally complex assignments, such as infiltrating Itō Kashitarō's splinter group, the Guardians of the Imperial Tomb, as a spy—a role demanding sustained deception over many months.
His personal history reveals struggles due to his left-handedness; traditional dojos initially rejected him despite his undeniable skill. He gained acceptance into the Shieikan dojo only after proving his equal prowess against Okita Souji in a duel. His swordsmanship is rooted in Mugai Ryū, with potential influences from styles like Tsuda Ichi-den-ryū.
Throughout the Bakumatsu conflicts, Saito participates in pivotal events like the Battle of Toba-Fushimi and the defense of the Aizu Domain. Commanding an Aizu unit during the latter, he faced initial resistance due to his Western attire and unconventional sword placement. He earned their respect through tactical acumen and battlefield prowess, notably protecting them during a siege after they disregarded his retreat order. Ultimately, he prioritized loyalty to Aizu over retreating with the Shinsengumi, requesting permission to carry their banner while covering Hijikata's escape at Bonari Pass. His fate during that battle remains ambiguous within the main series narrative.
In later storylines, specifically "Hakuōki: Ginsei no Shou" and related game routes, Saito survives and relocates to Tonami with the exiled Aizu domain. He marries Chizuru Yukimura, and they build a peaceful life. He commits to avoiding the use of Rasetsu powers to ensure he does not leave her alone. Subsequently, he accepts a role as an Aizu representative within a new law enforcement organization under the Ministry of the Interior, echoing his former duties with the Shinsengumi. Their relationship deepens further with the arrival of a child.
A less prominent but consistent trait is his fondness for swords, described as a "sword geek" who enjoys examining new blades, though he typically refrains from purchasing them. He also exhibits shyness around women, particularly Chizuru, struggling with casual conversation and occasionally becoming flustered if his subtle attentions toward her are noticed by others like Okita.
Saito possesses a reserved and stoic nature, speaking minimally and with formality. He rarely betrays emotion, even in battle, cultivating a reputation as a silent yet highly efficient warrior. Despite this outwardly cold demeanor, he demonstrates thoughtful concern for others' safety, particularly Chizuru Yukimura. He rescues her multiple times, from their initial meeting where he saved her from Rasetsu attacks to the Ikedaya incident. He later becomes her swordsmanship mentor. Loyalty forms the bedrock of his character, primarily directed towards Toshizo Hijikata and the Shinsengumi's mission. He executes orders unquestioningly, often undertaking covert or morally complex assignments, such as infiltrating Itō Kashitarō's splinter group, the Guardians of the Imperial Tomb, as a spy—a role demanding sustained deception over many months.
His personal history reveals struggles due to his left-handedness; traditional dojos initially rejected him despite his undeniable skill. He gained acceptance into the Shieikan dojo only after proving his equal prowess against Okita Souji in a duel. His swordsmanship is rooted in Mugai Ryū, with potential influences from styles like Tsuda Ichi-den-ryū.
Throughout the Bakumatsu conflicts, Saito participates in pivotal events like the Battle of Toba-Fushimi and the defense of the Aizu Domain. Commanding an Aizu unit during the latter, he faced initial resistance due to his Western attire and unconventional sword placement. He earned their respect through tactical acumen and battlefield prowess, notably protecting them during a siege after they disregarded his retreat order. Ultimately, he prioritized loyalty to Aizu over retreating with the Shinsengumi, requesting permission to carry their banner while covering Hijikata's escape at Bonari Pass. His fate during that battle remains ambiguous within the main series narrative.
In later storylines, specifically "Hakuōki: Ginsei no Shou" and related game routes, Saito survives and relocates to Tonami with the exiled Aizu domain. He marries Chizuru Yukimura, and they build a peaceful life. He commits to avoiding the use of Rasetsu powers to ensure he does not leave her alone. Subsequently, he accepts a role as an Aizu representative within a new law enforcement organization under the Ministry of the Interior, echoing his former duties with the Shinsengumi. Their relationship deepens further with the arrival of a child.
A less prominent but consistent trait is his fondness for swords, described as a "sword geek" who enjoys examining new blades, though he typically refrains from purchasing them. He also exhibits shyness around women, particularly Chizuru, struggling with casual conversation and occasionally becoming flustered if his subtle attentions toward her are noticed by others like Okita.