OVA
Description
Hajime Saito holds the position of Captain of the Shinsengumi's 3rd Division. Hailing from Edo, he possesses extraordinary swordsmanship skills, fighting left-handed and mastering the iai style. This unorthodox approach grants him a tactical edge, as opponents frequently misjudge left-handed samurai.
His personality exhibits extreme stoicism and emotional reserve, coupled with formal speech. He speaks sparingly, usually only when directly addressed or when he considers a matter significant. Despite this reserved exterior, profound loyalty defines him, particularly towards Toshizou Hijikata, whose orders he executes without question. His consistently polite demeanor commands respect from both allies and adversaries. He prioritizes others' safety above his own, though he seldom shares his personal thoughts or feelings.
Saito shares a significant relationship with Chizuru Yukimura. He first encounters her during a rescue from an attack by failed Rasetsu and rogue samurai. Subsequently, he assumes responsibility for her welfare, evaluating her swordsmanship to determine her readiness for Shinsengumi patrols. He intervenes repeatedly to protect her, notably during the Ikedaya incident. While maintaining emotional distance from nearly everyone, including fellow Shinsengumi members, he consistently shows gentleness and protectiveness towards Chizuru. He offers her explanations during confusion and provides reassurance.
In the OVA "A Memory of Snow Flowers," set between main series episodes, Saito learns of Chizuru's undercover mission as a geisha in Shimabara and immediately volunteers himself and Susumu Yamazaki as her bodyguards. He intervenes physically to subdue men harassing her. A moment of uncharacteristic expressiveness occurs when he becomes deeply impressed by her geisha appearance, preparing to offer a compliment before an interruption. Later, he engages her in a conversation about swords, displaying unexpected passion on the subject that amuses her. The following morning, he shares a quiet moment with her admiring snowfall, during which she gifts him a snow rabbit she crafted.
Saito undertakes a critical espionage mission, infiltrating Itou Kashitarou's group under Hijikata's orders while feigning defection from the Shinsengumi. This role demands immense self-control and discretion. He later rescues Chizuru from Itou's men and rejoins Shinsengumi allies trapped by demons.
As historical events progress, Saito leads his unit in a failed attempt to halt the SatChō army's cannons. After the Shinsengumi adopts Western attire, he accompanies them to the Aizu Domain. There, Aizu warriors reject him due to his clothing and unconventional sword placement. During a siege, his order to retreat is initially ignored, resulting in casualties before the Aizu forces recognize his tactical wisdom. His formidable combat prowess in the defense earns their respect and an apology for their earlier prejudice. At the Battle of Bonari Pass, the now-loyal Aizu warriors sacrifice themselves to enable Saito and others to retreat, entrusting him with protecting Lord Katamori. Defying a full retreat order, Saito chooses to remain with the Aizu forces, citing their prior protection of the Shinsengumi and expressing a desire to uphold his warrior's honor through loyalty. He requests permission to carry the Shinsengumi banner during a final charge against the Chōshū army, creating a diversion that allows the injured Hijikata and surviving members to escape to Ezo. His fate following this charge is unconfirmed, though presumed death in the engagement is likely.
Saito also features in the prequel series "Hakuoki Reimeiroku," depicting his earlier integration into the Rōshigumi (the Shinsengumi's precursor). He joins intending to repay kindness shown by Kondou and Hijikata in Edo. During this period, he participates in early lethal operations alongside Shinpachi Nagakura, reporting directly to Hijikata on enemy capabilities. He supports implementing the strict Shinsengumi Rules of Conduct, recognizing their organizational necessity. He demonstrates his combat skill by defeating Shinpachi during a public exhibition match arranged by Kondou.
His personality exhibits extreme stoicism and emotional reserve, coupled with formal speech. He speaks sparingly, usually only when directly addressed or when he considers a matter significant. Despite this reserved exterior, profound loyalty defines him, particularly towards Toshizou Hijikata, whose orders he executes without question. His consistently polite demeanor commands respect from both allies and adversaries. He prioritizes others' safety above his own, though he seldom shares his personal thoughts or feelings.
Saito shares a significant relationship with Chizuru Yukimura. He first encounters her during a rescue from an attack by failed Rasetsu and rogue samurai. Subsequently, he assumes responsibility for her welfare, evaluating her swordsmanship to determine her readiness for Shinsengumi patrols. He intervenes repeatedly to protect her, notably during the Ikedaya incident. While maintaining emotional distance from nearly everyone, including fellow Shinsengumi members, he consistently shows gentleness and protectiveness towards Chizuru. He offers her explanations during confusion and provides reassurance.
In the OVA "A Memory of Snow Flowers," set between main series episodes, Saito learns of Chizuru's undercover mission as a geisha in Shimabara and immediately volunteers himself and Susumu Yamazaki as her bodyguards. He intervenes physically to subdue men harassing her. A moment of uncharacteristic expressiveness occurs when he becomes deeply impressed by her geisha appearance, preparing to offer a compliment before an interruption. Later, he engages her in a conversation about swords, displaying unexpected passion on the subject that amuses her. The following morning, he shares a quiet moment with her admiring snowfall, during which she gifts him a snow rabbit she crafted.
Saito undertakes a critical espionage mission, infiltrating Itou Kashitarou's group under Hijikata's orders while feigning defection from the Shinsengumi. This role demands immense self-control and discretion. He later rescues Chizuru from Itou's men and rejoins Shinsengumi allies trapped by demons.
As historical events progress, Saito leads his unit in a failed attempt to halt the SatChō army's cannons. After the Shinsengumi adopts Western attire, he accompanies them to the Aizu Domain. There, Aizu warriors reject him due to his clothing and unconventional sword placement. During a siege, his order to retreat is initially ignored, resulting in casualties before the Aizu forces recognize his tactical wisdom. His formidable combat prowess in the defense earns their respect and an apology for their earlier prejudice. At the Battle of Bonari Pass, the now-loyal Aizu warriors sacrifice themselves to enable Saito and others to retreat, entrusting him with protecting Lord Katamori. Defying a full retreat order, Saito chooses to remain with the Aizu forces, citing their prior protection of the Shinsengumi and expressing a desire to uphold his warrior's honor through loyalty. He requests permission to carry the Shinsengumi banner during a final charge against the Chōshū army, creating a diversion that allows the injured Hijikata and surviving members to escape to Ezo. His fate following this charge is unconfirmed, though presumed death in the engagement is likely.
Saito also features in the prequel series "Hakuoki Reimeiroku," depicting his earlier integration into the Rōshigumi (the Shinsengumi's precursor). He joins intending to repay kindness shown by Kondou and Hijikata in Edo. During this period, he participates in early lethal operations alongside Shinpachi Nagakura, reporting directly to Hijikata on enemy capabilities. He supports implementing the strict Shinsengumi Rules of Conduct, recognizing their organizational necessity. He demonstrates his combat skill by defeating Shinpachi during a public exhibition match arranged by Kondou.