In the seventh episode of "Meiji Gekken: 1874" titled "Fateful Bonds," we delve into a dense web of historical intrigue and personal drama set against the backdrop of a Japan that has just emerged from the shadow of the Boshin War. The new government, born from the conflict between the Shogunate and the Satchou Alliance, faces the monumental task of uniting a land divided by centuries of feudal rule.

The episode begins with a seemingly harmless invitation from a geisha to Shizuma, which quickly escalates into a tense encounter with a thug from the Moriya faction. The exchange reveals undercurrents of a deeper search for Shuragami Kyoushirou, whose whereabouts remain shrouded in mystery.

As the story unfolds, we meet Fujita, a mysterious figure who comes to Kyoushirou's aid but is careful not to draw his sword into the murky waters of Yakuza conflicts. Kyoushirou hints at a greater enemy lurking in the shadows, one that extends far beyond the petty squabbles of gangsters.

The political landscape of the new Meiji government resembles a chessboard, with players like Kido and Saigou maneuvering to consolidate their power. Their conversations reveal that Aizu and Shounai are being strategically targeted, suggesting that the struggle for control is far from over.

Amid this, Hiramatsu Buhei emerges as a key figure, orchestrating a secret plan to secure Western military support for the Aizu domain, involving Prussia's Max von Brandt. This subplot thickens as Munenori and his son Souichirou reflect on the implications of their clandestine dealings with Prussia, hinting at the potential consequences for their land and its people.

The episode takes a dark turn when Hiramatsu's betrayal is exposed—culminating in a shocking act of violence to protect his secret at all costs. Souichirou narrowly escapes death and is rescued by Gentsugu, a healer-priest, and a ship captain. Souichirou vows revenge as he rebuffs the advances of a bounty hunter, determined to avenge his father.

Kyoushirou's backstory with Hiramatsu adds another layer to the narrative, revealing a campaign of vengeance that transcends personal loss and touches on themes of honor and retribution. Shizuma's investigation into a peculiar murder case leads him to a web of intrigue involving foreign weapons and shadowy figures.

The mysterious schemes of the Moriya clan, unveiled in conversations between Moriya and Minagawa, add further tension and suggest a grand design. International tensions also simmer as Hiramatsu and Brandt must keep their secret agreement under wraps, while Souichirou's survival threatens their plans.

The episode concludes with Shizuma's heart-wrenching search for Sumie, which leads him to the Shokonsha Shrine. His journey, marked by missed connections and lingering hopes, encapsulates the theme of Fateful Bonds—the intertwining of destiny, duty, and heart's desires against the backdrop of a nation in transition.