Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan anime (Seasons 1 & 2)

[Joojoobees]

Hey, did anyone notice the outfit Erika is examining (DRRR 20)? It looks similar to the one Hijikata wears in some promotional art, except the sleeves.

Here is an example of Hijikata wearing the outfit in question.
http://i.animecrazy.net/%5Blarge%5D%5BAnimePaper%5Dscans_Hakuouki-Shinsengumi-Kitan_Sephus(1.51)__THISRES__247931_.jpg

Here Erika admires an outfit that looks (to me) very much like it.
http://abandonedfactory.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/drrr-20-5.png?w=418&h=224

?? Same outfit? Or alternate theory?

[Shiroth]

I've seen a good selection of different types from the same time period, so it's just that really.

[orion]

From series... well series clearly want it to be Hijikata/Chizuru... sadly... But I think Okita also has chances. Harada also seems to like her a lot and Saito too had warmed up for her quiet a lot so who knows...

You mean had a chance. Okita's got TB in the anime also and he's not resting in a sanitorium.

[Joojoobees]

I've seen a good selection of different types from the same time period, so it's just that really.

Meaning you think it is a military officers outfit from the late Tokugawa period? Do you know why this outfit has not been shown during the show? Is it something like a dress uniform?

[Haladflire65]

I'm sort of changing the topic here, but today I stumbled across some summaries of the different routes in the Hakuouki video game. The stories were awesome, especially Hijikata's. There was so much drama and tragedy in there. I almost started crying while watching a music video of the game with a Miki Shinichiro voiceover. Now I'm wondering whether I'd get to see even a shadow of it in the anime version, because nothing seems to be happening. Couldn't they have followed the game a little more closely? I think they could have spun a good story if they did in the 13 episodes, complete with the romance the fangirls want. Now I'm more disappointed in the anime than ever :(

[Zeyroth]

Woots. I've just watched Episode 9 in raw. I didn't really understand much, but i could still get what was going on.
Oh~ subs subs~ please hurry up ><


Episode 9 was kinda good in my opinion, with the action here and there, which kinda proves that the plot is indeed moving. And especially the part where Senhime revealed herself as an Oni, which was rather unexpected. I still think that it's kinda dumb on Chizuru's part that she refused Sen's offer to 'protect' her, since the Shinsengumi is not, in the least able to provide Chizuru with much protection from the Oni.

Which then leads to the next point, where Kazama does indeed infiltrate the Shinsengumi headquarters and took Chizuru with not much effort. Although Kazama did end up using both of his hands against Hijikata when his sword was kinda chipped by Hiji. But still, Hiji was pwned easily. If Chizuru had not jumped to Hiji's aid at the last minute, i doubt that Hiji would be still alive. It was highly unlikely that he would die though; just an injury here or there, perhaps. Since he is afterall, Hiji.

There was a slight scene of Chizuru's evil twin though. And the evil twin was peeping at Souji and Chizuru as they walked past. :D Does that mean anything? Hmm...

Overall, this episode was good, though i found that the lets-infiltrate-and-get-Chizuru scene rather... awkward, short, and rather ended abruptly. Not forgetting the fact that i got to see Kazama in action. :heh:

[Shiroth]

Meaning you think it is a military officers outfit from the late Tokugawa period? Do you know why this outfit has not been shown during the show? Is it something like a dress uniform?
Well in that image is the outfit that closely resembles what the real Hijikata wore, so i'veno idea why the one in this show is just wearing the blue kimono.

[Kanon]

Hijikata started wearing western (french) outfits after the battle of Toba-Fushimi during the Boshin war in 1868.

After losing that battle and being defeated by western weapons, he realized that the age of swords was over. He cut his hair (look closely at the pic above), changed his clothes and started carrying a gun along with his sword.

[Shiroth]

& that explains what i didn't know. Thanks kanon.

[orion]

Whoa!

She pulls that sword out finally. Way to go Chizu! http://planetsmilies.net/kaos-not-tagged-smiley-4714.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)





There was a slight scene of Chizuru's evil twin though. And the evil twin was peeping at Souji and Chizuru as they walked past. :D Does that mean anything? Hmm...


He's a weak link because he's sick and Chizu cares about him. She's prob going to pick him off to get Chizu to leave the compound to protect the others.

Kazuma couldn't pick off Hiji and Saito's not around to get picked on.

[carmolita]

Episode 9 was totally awesome love the action and drama, can't wait for the english version.. Does anyone know whate hijikata said to chizu when she pulled out the sword???

[kitten320]

You mean had a chance. Okita's got TB in the anime also and he's not resting in a sanitorium.

He is not dead yet, so he still has a chance even if for a short time. Just because she might hook up with Hijikata doesn't mean that they can't break up 2 weeks later.

Besides Okita had TB in game too yet they still were together.

[Haladflire65]

Episode 9 was totally awesome love the action and drama, can't wait for the english version.. Does anyone know whate hijikata said to chizu when she pulled out the sword???

He said something along the lines of "Why are you being so foolish?" I don't know what the direct translation would be, I don't think there's a phrase like that in English.

Finally, some action. Hijikata's so great :love: I'm still worried about the story's progression because now they only have 3 episodes to (get things going and) wrap everything up... When the heck are we going to see Hijikata's Onification, as seen in the OP? He'll only be an Oni for 2 episodes at the most, then :(

Apparently he's badly injured and takes the medicine in the game, do you think the anime would take this route as well?

[KaedeF]

The fighting scene was quite good, especially the one between Hijikata and Kazama. Love the scene when Hijikata hugged Chizuru. This made me change my impression toward him.
So Heisuke had his own reason to leave Shinsengumi. But what about Saitou? Maybe he wants to find out what's Itou up to.

Woots. I've just watched Episode 9 in raw. I didn't really understand much, but i could still get what was going on.
Oh~ subs subs~ please hurry up ><



Which then leads to the next point, where Kazama does indeed infiltrate the Shinsengumi headquarters and took Chizuru with not much effort. Although Kazama did end up using both of his hands against Hijikata when his sword was kinda chipped by Hiji. But still, Hiji was pwned easily. If Chizuru had not jumped to Hiji's aid at the last minute, i doubt that Hiji would be still alive. It was highly unlikely that he would die though; just an injury here or there, perhaps. Since he is afterall, Hiji.



I thought Hijikata was going to draw out another sword? If so, he might have had a chance to win.

Episode 9 was totally awesome love the action and drama, can't wait for the english version.. Does anyone know whate hijikata said to chizu when she pulled out the sword???

I don't know how to put into exact words. Along the line "Don't get involved".

[KokoYoshi]

Now I'm pouting and waiting patiently for episode nine.:T_T:

[Zu Ra]

Haven't watched Episode 9 yet and prolly not going to watch it till Tue/Wed meanwhile here is a dump ...






http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/1683/10943583.jpg


H.Q.

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/1683/10943583.jpg






http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6654/10735479.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10735479.jpg) http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8610/10246417.th.jpg (http://img171.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10246417.jpg) http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/9362/10916889.th.png (http://img138.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10916889.png) http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/5598/9009561.th.jpg (http://img695.imageshack.us/my.php?image=9009561.jpg) http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/1852/10966329.th.gif (http://img195.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10966329.gif)


http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/9867/10955693.th.jpg (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10955693.jpg) http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/7106/10920707.th.jpg (http://img191.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10920707.jpg) http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4959/10941979.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10941979.jpg) http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/929/10937837.th.jpg (http://img37.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10937837.jpg) http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/4578/10925839.th.jpg (http://img80.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10925839.jpg)


http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5717/4960480.th.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/my.php?image=4960480.jpg) http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1918/10933957.th.jpg (http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10933957.jpg) http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/1858/10826984.th.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10826984.jpg) http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/7421/10968091.th.png (http://img690.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10968091.png) http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/1853/10920440.th.jpg (http://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10920440.jpg)


http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/8149/10923749.th.jpg (http://img571.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10923749.jpg) http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/4715/10220302.th.gif (http://img695.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10220302.gif) http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9012/10970761.th.jpg (http://img94.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10970761.jpg) http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1094/10928327.th.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10928327.jpg) http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7780/10939179.th.jpg (http://img263.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10939179.jpg)

[KokoYoshi]

I'm not homo and I think these guy pics are attractive. Oh and cute Chizuru pics on the side :meh:

[orion]

He is not dead yet, so he still has a chance even if for a short time. Just because she might hook up with Hijikata doesn't mean that they can't break up 2 weeks later.

Besides Okita had TB in game too yet they still were together.

Hook up with someone who has TB and hope that your regen Oni trait protects you from the illness. Nah, doesn't sound logical to me. Maybe he was the controversial pathway.


I thought Hijikata was going to draw out another sword? If so, he might have had a chance to win.


Nah, Kazuma was about ready to end the competition for Chizu permanently. Hiji didn't have enough time to draw.

[kitten320]

So just because he is about to die she can't hook up with him? What kind of logic is that? There are a lot of cases were people fall in love with those who are on death bed and will die eventually, yet it still doesn't stop them from being together at least for a short time.
Just because he has TB doesn't mean that he can't enjoy himself now and that Chizuru will be running away from him.

As fasr as I know Okita seemed to have TB in all routes. Might be wrong but that's what I heard.


About episode 9... Finally some action! And OMG! Chizuru grew some guts finally!
More comments after I'll watch subs.

[Haak]

And OMG! Chizuru grew some guts, finally!

THANK THE LORD!!!

I will now watch episode 8.

[edit]

Was kinda okay. For some reason the whole comradship feeling I know I'm supposed to be getting with these guys just doesn't sit well with me, but seeing Chizuru in that dress more than made up for it. :D

[Shiroth]

I really wish some people would use spoiler tags when talking about episode 9. :p

[orion]

So just because he is about to die she can't hook up with him? What kind of logic is that? There are a lot of cases were people fall in love with those who are on death bed and will die eventually, yet it still doesn't stop them from being together at least for a short time.
Just because he has TB doesn't mean that he can't enjoy himself now and that Chizuru will be running away from him.

As fasr as I know Okita seemed to have TB in all routes. Might be wrong but that's what I heard.


Well... the second and third reason of hooking up with a guy is to provide the family with a next generation and for the woman to be taken care of in her limited lifespan. So hooking up with someone who don't have long isn't a good thing.

Concept of hooking up for "love" was a "recent" thing for that time period IIRC (over a few hundred years). It wasn't always that way. Hence, why Kazuma says to Chizu what he did at the end of ep 7. ( outside the compound before he tried to get her to come away with them nicely.)

Then there's this thing about being a virgin... :heh:

[MikaMiaka]

I'm not homo and I think these guy pics are attractive. Oh and cute Chizuru pics on the side :meh: Okay, I'm going to totally point this out. The font, color, and happy jigglypuff belies the substance of your sentence.

But I totally dig it!

And they are cute pictures. One thing it makes me want more than anything (possible): a katana! Or whatever Zu posted earlier with the swords.

Well... the second and third reason of hooking up with a guy is to provide the family with a next generation and for the woman to be taken care of in her limited lifespan. So hooking up with someone who don't have long isn't a good thing. Wow, remind me to not marry you. :P Haha. Harsh.

Concept of hooking up for "love" was a "recent" thing for that time period IIRC (over a few hundred years). It wasn't always that way. So, how much realism were we interjecting into this series again . . . ?

Hence, why Kazuma says to Chizu what he did at the end of ep 7. ( outside the compound before he tried to get her to come away with them nicely.)

Then there's this thing about being a virgin... :heh: 72 Virgins! Sweet afterlife.

I find this show absolutely addicting. And I don't know whether it's even that good, but I always watch it. And love it.

As to episode 9

Chikage (sp) keeps breaking in, getting her, and then leaving when he's thisclose to doing it. Hahaha. He's a crazy guy.

[Foreshadow]

I find this show absolutely addicting. And I don't know whether it's even that good, but I always watch it. And love it.


Half the time the Episode finishes and I ask myself Why am I even watching this? Then the ED comes on and I see the Guys :heh:.

Chikage, Capture her already! We've spent 3 episodes on your attempts in a row. It seems that Chizuru has forgotten the entire point of the being there in the first place too: Her Father :uhoh:

[Haladflire65]

Half the time the Episode finishes and I ask myself Why am I even watching this? Then the ED comes on and I see the Guys :heh:.

Chikage, Capture her already! We've spent 3 episodes on your attempts in a row. It seems that Chizuru has forgotten the entire point of the being there in the first place too: Her Father :uhoh:

I know, I'm wondering when the story's finally gonna start moving - there's not even a month left in the anime O.O

[MikaMiaka]

Half the time the Episode finishes and I ask myself Why am I even watching this? Then the ED comes on and I see the Guys :heh:.

Chikage, Capture her already! We've spent 3 episodes on your attempts in a row. It seems that Chizuru has forgotten the entire point of the being there in the first place too: Her Father :uhoh:

That's exactly what I said, haha. I know! What is his purpose? Why does he just leave every time? It makes NO sense!

[KaedeF]

He is not dead yet, so he still has a chance even if for a short time. Just because she might hook up with Hijikata doesn't mean that they can't break up 2 weeks later.

Besides Okita had TB in game too yet they still were together.

Did Okita die in the game?

That's exactly what I said, haha. I know! What is his purpose? Why does he just leave every time? It makes NO sense!

A true man will never force a girl to do things against her will. He is the man. :heh:

"Oh Kazama has been dumped." Kazama should have sliced him into pieces for saying that. :D

[MikaMiaka]

A true man will never force a girl to do things against her will. He is the man. :heh:

Haha, he is the man. Yeah, a true man will just stab you to unconsciousness but in a pretty gentle way. LOOL. I like him though. Wish he would do what he needs to do.

[orion]

"Oh Kazama has been dumped." Kazama should have sliced him into pieces for saying that. :D

No way!

You mean Kazuma was her fiance? Way to go Chizu! She has all the good looking guys in her harem. :heh:

That would also explain why he just doesn't kidnap her and get it over with.

[MikaMiaka]

No way!

You mean Kazuma was her fiance? Way to go Chizu! She has all the good looking guys in her harem. :heh:

That would also explain why he just doesn't kidnap her and get it over with.

Oh, I see. So he's got feelings too, eh. LOL. He just doesn't pop up to look good, get a sword broken, and then leaves. Hahah. I like him a lot though. :O

[Zu Ra]

Personally I don't see potential romance in this show, so any Romantic Closure is a forgone conclusion . With that said, I dont favor ANY pairings . But I do hate Hiji so ...

In Okita Vs Hiji the epic battle for Chizu Loins Heart . People seem to be forgetting something . Chizu has instant healing she is like Claire .

So it doesn't matter Okita has Rabies Aids Hepatitis, she wont be affected one bit .


Then there's this thing about being a virgin... :heh:

You Fail as a Man =/ You Forgot the quintessential Go make me a Sammich Part xD

I am deeply Dissapoint :(

[orion]

Personally I don't see potential romance in this show, so any Romantic Closure is a forgone conclusion . With that said, I dont favor ANY pairings . But I do hate Hiji so ...

In Okita Vs Hiji the epic battle for Chizu Loins Heart . People seem to be forgetting something . Chizu has instant healing she is like Claire .


Yeah, but the "taking care of me until I die part" is severely lacking in someone who isn't going to be around for a while.

Then there's the coughing during <bleep> and spitting blood all over her part.... Gross! :heh:

Then there's the endurance issue.....:naughty:

Let's face it. You want 'em healthy.

[Zu Ra]

Not into pairings, just mentioned the Chiruzu Technicality ^^

As mentioned earlier I don't see romance in this one .....

[orion]

Not into pairings, just mentioned the Chiruzu Technicality ^^

As said earlier I dont see romance in this one .....

Oh, not to worry. I'm just having fun especially with the endurance part.

This is a romance title also. The goal is for her to date one of them. I agree that girlfriend needs to get a move on already. :heh:

There's got to be a nude Hiji scene in the game. Chizu need to get to that scene before the series ends. :heh:

[KaedeF]

No way!

You mean Kazuma was her fiance? Way to go Chizu! She has all the good looking guys in her harem. :heh:

That would also explain why he just doesn't kidnap her and get it over with.

No.

Kazama wants to produce more powerful descendant by mating with a pure-blooded oni. Chizuru is a rare one.

[Haladflire65]

Oh, not to worry. I'm just having fun especially with the endurance part.

This is a romance title also. The goal is for her to date one of them. I agree that girlfriend needs to get a move on already. :heh:

There's got to be a nude Hiji scene in the game. Chizu need to get to that scene before the series ends. :heh:

:naughty: This is what I'd like to Chizuru should be seeing in any one of the next 3 episodes.

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/2315/minitokyohakuoukishinseh.jpg
Hijikata is the only one we didn't see at the, ehm, examination scene, after all.

[carmolita]

Thery're better be a second season, I deteste unfinshed business in an anime:(

[Bleached Rukia]

I'm hoping for a season two :) but with my luck, I seriously doubt it.

Why is Chizuru such a danger magnet? Why is Bella from Twilight? That's just the way it goes in these girly romance shoujo things. :D In fact she should be running into more dangerous situations!!!

Actually my favorite part of the episodes is when she does something stupid and one of the guys has to save her :X

I've only seen up to episode eight, but I did have a theory about her sword.

Maybe she needs a big emotional burst to trigger whatever latent power she has?

I hope the show never ends XD

[orion]

Thery're better be a second season, I deteste unfinshed business in an anime:(

Yeah, we need to see Chizu use that nice sword. :heh:

[Joojoobees]

Hijikata started wearing western (french) outfits after the battle of Toba-Fushimi during the Boshin war in 1868.
Aah! That explains some things. Thank you very much. :)

Now I'm pouting and waiting patiently for episode nine.:T_T:
No kidding! Seeing all of these episode 9 spoiler boxes is making me jealous. :(

[orion]

No kidding! Seeing all of these episode 9 spoiler boxes is making me jealous. :(

We're sorry. It's that Chizu finally grew a pair and we're talking more now.

[kitten320]

Wonder for how long Chizuru will play tough, hope it won't end in this episode as well. Maybe Shinsengumi will finally give her some training.

Also... Kazama, when will you finally finish off what you have started? Seeing how you always leave somewhere in the middle gets tiresome...

[MikaMiaka]

Chikage (sp) keeps breaking in, getting her, and then leaving when he's thisclose to doing it. Hahaha. He's a crazy guy.

Just to add to that, I like how his character is so suave, he just shows them how he and his crazy BG/BF *thump* :D can waltz in and do what they want but they CHOOSE to leave. It's actually very noble and very cool of them. :D

[orion]

Wonder for how long Chizuru will play tough, hope it won't end in this episode as well. Maybe Shinsengumi will finally give her some training.

Also... Kazama, when will you finally finish off what you have started? Seeing how you always leave somewhere in the middle gets tiresome...


Well, Kazama isn't a game character selection. He can't finish off what he's trying to start. :naughty: :heh:

Forever, no action. :heh:

[kitten320]

Poor Kazama, so unfair on him.

[OkamiNoKaze]

Episode 8 was great, the guys drunk was hilarious. and Chizuru looked nice all dolled up.

[orion]

Poor Kazama, so unfair on him.

I can't get no satisfaction, (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4oii_the-rolling-stones-satisfaction-sho_music)
I can't get no girly action.
'Cause I try and I try and I try and I try.
I can't get no, I can't get no.

*now this is all done in fun Kazama fans.*



The guy can't finish what he's starting. He's an impotent male. :heh:

Choose to leave, my foot. He was in the middle of a Mexican standoff. He had to withdraw.

[KokoYoshi]

Okay, I'm going to totally point this out. The font, color, and happy jigglypuff belies the substance of your sentence.

But I totally dig it!

Lol. Silly analyzer. The font, color, and happy jigglypuff is just how I post.
I'm very expressive, simple-minded, silly, and quirky person. Oh and I love the color blue. Na-mu......

On topic, These recent posts I read make me very anxious for episode 9.

[MikaMiaka]

Choose to leave, my foot. He was in the middle of a Mexican standoff. He had to withdraw.

Yes. He could have left with Chizuru so many times, but he just leaves her there without taking her. Your foot please.

[kitten320]

It's like if he likes to play hide and seek and then scare her to death.

[orion]

Yes. He could have left with Chizuru so many times, but he just leaves her there without taking her. Your foot please.


The last attempt ended in a Mexican standoff. If he tried, he would have been slashed too. His comrade with the gun was about to be spiked with a Yari. The hand-to-hand combat guy almost got slashed by Hiji. If Hiji's side had a few archers and more Yari (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yari) users, those demons would have been toast. (It was used very effectively in Sword of the Stranger.)

If this was a seinen title and not a otome title, those Yari users and archers would have finished off Kazuma's group. Samurai also used Yari spears in combat so in theory the Shinsengumi should also have more Yari spears in their armament. Kazama's group wouldn't have been allowed to leave in one piece.

The other 2 times more reinforcements were arriving.

He has not accomplished what he started mostly due to arrogance. If he had kept his mind on the battle instead of being distracted by Chizu waking up or had left via another route instead of the front door (We've seen him fly before.), she would have been in their custody. My foot stays with me.

[White Manju Bun]

I would also put Saito first.



I never check the sig thread so I didn't see it... eh, I'll guess I'll do it even if it threatens my heterosexuality :heh:

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/2469/hakuouki3.gif
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/5504/hakuouki2.gif

First one is the best, but it ended up being pretty big (842kb), so I made another version (263kb). Hope it fits the limits for wherever you want to use it. I could probably lower the quality of the second one a bit more if necessary.

I totally missed this! Thank you Kanon!! Wont be using it for a sig so limits was fine!

[MikaMiaka]

The last attempt ended in a Mexican standoff. If he tried, he would have been slashed too. His comrade with the gun was about to be spiked with a Yari. The hand-to-hand combat guy almost got slashed by Hiji. If Hiji's side had a few archers and more Yari (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yari) users, those demons would have been toast. (It was used very effectively in Sword of the Stranger.)

The demons v. humans + power of love = demons toast! Or demons v. great human swordsmen = demons toast?!

Hey, I don't think you could call much of their confrontations Mexican Standoffs. That would require an impasse in the situation. An impasse in this situation would require major body damage. The guy just needs BETTER SWORDS!!!!

If this was a seinen title and not a otome title, those Yari users and archers would have finished off Kazuma's group. Samurai also used Yari spears in combat so in theory the Shinsengumi should also have more Yari spears in their armament. Kazama's group wouldn't have been allowed to leave in one piece. Dude, what you said could be true but even in those shows, if this were to be the imminent result, the bad guys wouldn't just stroll in through the front gates. Gah!

The other 2 times more reinforcements were arriving. This one actually makes some sense. But did you see the way they handled those reinforcements with no problems?

He has not accomplished what he started mostly due to arrogance. In total agreement with this.


If he had kept his mind on the battle instead of being distracted by Chizu waking up or had left via another route instead of the front door (We've seen him fly before.), she would have been in their custody.

My foot stays with me.

Dude, I don't know how to argue with you. You skip from hypothetical to theoretical to realism as if all three are interlinked to form an argument. I'll just say that if he really wanted her, the transporter guy can make haste. JOB DONE! But like Kitten said, he's a suave fisherman!

I'll take your ice cream then.

[bran]

I can't get enough of Sano i-i

[orion]

Dude, I don't know how to argue with you. You skip from hypothetical to theoretical to realism as if all three are interlinked to form an argument. I'll just say that if he really wanted her, the transporter guy can make haste. JOB DONE! But like Kitten said, he's a suave fisherman!

I'll take your ice cream then.

It's mixed in the title too. Historical and fantasy.

This is what happens with a skilled archery and Yari unit without the intro of gunpowder and similar skills. Skirmish finished in 1:40. (Video here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLN7ciTvGMQ&feature=related) from Sword of the Stranger. May be spoilerish if you haven't seen it.)

That's not a suave fisherman. He's an idiot.

Yeah, I saw how that clan handled the approaching reinforcements from the 2 previous encounters. It was called retreat.

No ice cream for you either. Though it is 84 F where I'm at. I only bought one ice cream cone and I'm not sharing. ;)

[MikaMiaka]

It's mixed in the title too. Historical and fantasy.

This is what happens with a skilled archery and Yari unit without the intro of gunpowder and similar skills. Skirmish finished in 1:40. (Video here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLN7ciTvGMQ&feature=related) from Sword of the Stranger. May be spoilerish if you haven't seen it.)

Will not watch. Will watch movie.

But we are talking about GUNS and GIANT FISTS OF DEATH (albeit from what seems like a fairly reasonable man) in this one. I think he def. took it easy on the young one with the attack.

That's not a suave fisherman. He's an idiot. Well, then, he's a suave idiot!

Yeah, I saw how that clan handled the approaching reinforcements from the 2 previous encounters. It was called retreat.

Oh, ha. ha. ha. ha. ha. Don't be daft. (!) I meant the scene in ep nine where they BROKE the gates, the guy and his transporting FIST, and the guy with the GUN in the oddly tight latex get-up -- all three, just crapped all over the lesser less attractive looking shinsengami soldiers.

No ice cream for you either. Though it is 84 F where I'm at. I only bought one ice cream cone and I'm not sharing. ;)

Dude, it's imaginary ice cream!! Refusing to share IIC is :(.

[orion]

Dude, it's imaginary ice cream!! Refusing to share IIC is :(.

When I go to the supermarket today, I'll buy some for you. How's that? :)

[MikaMiaka]

When I go to the supermarket today, I'll buy some for you. How's that? :)

http://i402.photobucket.com/albums/pp109/123aquafina123/hakuouki.jpg
No ice cream. Blood.

In any event, Heisuke sleeping moment was cute. But, I would have chosen to see someone else sleeping instead. LOL. Okita, or Saitou, maybe even Haji (he sounds too old sometimes?). But Heisuke is more PG rated? LOLOL.

[orion]

No ice cream. Blood.


Noooooo! We can't see Hiji and you in despair over a lack of ice cream! :heh:

Here, have some mochi ice cream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/archangeli/2501521097/).

[Bleached Rukia]

Ugh. Has nine been subbed yet?? I thought for sure it'd be out by tonight. :(

[Bleached Rukia]

Oh, not sure if anyone is interested but there are a whole bunch of fun Hakuouki personas available for your firefox browser here:

http://www.getpersonas.com/en-US/gallery/All/search?p=hakuouki&search.x=0&search.y=0

Saito is particularly yummy :d

[Joojoobees]

Wow! That went by so fast. So Sen is even more important than I gave her credit, and Itou is confirmed as a scumbag. Not to mention Sannan finally gets to fight, using his Rasetsu-power, and Chizuru's secret is out.

[Shiroth]

Comparing Itou to his Gintama part, and yeah seen this coming from a mile away. :heh:

[KokoYoshi]

What a episode! Enjoyed every bit of it. Now, I wait patiently for the next one.....:sad:

[kitten320]

Saw subtitles.
I wonder how does it feel to live your whole life without knowing who you are.

Duno but out of everything I'm more interested to see that Dark Chizuru's motives. Kazama is becoming boring :(

Though he still owns, wonder why no one else comes up with kicking the opponent.

[Haladflire65]

This episode was a lot more eventful and had some action, too - it was way better than some of the others we've gotten, but I'm still a bit worried about the pace of the story... Finally things are moving along but wow, there's only 2 episodes left. And of course, Chizuru was just standing there screaming Heisuke's name... Wonder when Kazama's going to show up again, his re-appearence is inevitable :heh:
Okita's probably going to drink the medicine, or this story's not going to get anywhere...

[MikaMiaka]

Ep 9:

He walked away because she said she believed in humans. LOLOLOLO. More kool aid please!

Stay to prove yourself wrong? Is that the message? OR, I'll trust you? OR, I don't care? OR, in favor of somehow furthering the plot? He seems like a nice guy as far as "bad guys" go.

And I just realized that the princess's attractive servant is the Geisha at the drinking party. LOLOL. I like her!


EP 10:

Okita found his cure? Huh?

[Haladflire65]

EP 10:

Okita found his cure? Huh?

So apparently that girl's Chizuru's twin and she was in possession of the medicine... Wish we had more interesting revelations like these before the third-last episode.

[MikaMiaka]

So apparently that girl's Chizuru's twin and she was in possession of the medicine... Wish we had more interesting revelations like these before the third-last episode.

So, they are raising Zombie armies AND curing TB?! How gracious!hahah Good for Okita though. :D Nice that the purple eyed guy told Chi about the possible remedy/ies in the medical book. She's like his confidant now? Because she overhears everything and they don't care because she's so obedient and good she will never tell a secret? tabun.

[Haak]

Episode 9.

This is probably one of the better episodes of this anime. But Heisuke and Saitou leaving was a bit sudden. We got pretty much no build up to it. And the ending was retarded. The blone oni just up a leaves because he's bored? Honestly, that's like the third time he's done that now. Just take the bitch and run, for God's sake.

[KaedeF]

So Kondou-san is gong to be dead. :( Damn that Itou. Maybe he was just a chess piece of a bigger scheme though.

It's impossible to resolve everything in the remaining 2 or 3 episodes without rushing.

[Kanon]

Episode 9.

This is probably one of the better episodes of this anime. But Heisuke and Saitou leaving was a bit sudden. We got pretty much no build up to it. And the ending was retarded. The blone oni just up a leaves because he's bored? Honestly, that's like the third time he's done that now. Just take the bitch and run, for God's sake.

There was actually a bit of foreshadowing for Heisuke in a previous episode, but that's the kind of thing you pay attention to only if you know of future events. I wasn't even sure if they were going to stick with history, but they're still managing to mix history and supernatural fiction fine, more or less. I agree Chikage's intervention are becoming pretty ridiculous though.

[OkamiNoKaze]

Episode 9 was pretty good. Had a bunch of great action scenes, though it sucks Saito chose to leave, I hope the story will follow them somewhat with what they are doing.

[Joojoobees]

But Heisuke and Saitou leaving was a bit sudden. We got pretty much no build up to it.
I disagree with this. Heisuke has been vocal about his dissatisfaction over several episodes (even going so far as to fake illness so he could skip guarding the shogun). Itou has been suspicious from the beginning. Saitou was a surprise, but I think that was part for shock value, and part because his character tends to be tight-lipped.

[orion]

I disagree with this. Heisuke has been vocal about his dissatisfaction over several episodes (even going so far as to fake illness so he could skip guarding the shogun). Itou has been suspicious from the beginning. Saitou was a surprise, but I think that was part for shock value, and part because his character tends to be tight-lipped.

Yep, Heisuke was dissatisfied.

Is Heisuke historically the first one to die?

[MeoTwister5]

Yep, Heisuke was dissatisfied.

Is Heisuke historically the first one to die?

Heisuke dies in 1867. Historically I think the earliest to die was Keisuke in 1865 by seppuku.

[Haladflire65]

Yep, Heisuke was dissatisfied.

Is Heisuke historically the first one to die?

Yup, he died young O.O

He died in 1867, only 23 at the time O.O

Okita, Harada, Yamazaki and Kondou died in 1868. Okita got tuberculosis, Harada and Yamazaki died from wounds from a battle and Kondou was executed...

Hijikata died in 1869, his backbone was shattered by a bullet in battle.

Saito and Nakagura lived until 1915!

These poor gorgeous guys... :heh:

Edit: Whoops, got beaten to it by MeoTwister... :heh:

[orion]

Yup, he died young O.O

He died in 1867, only 23 at the time O.O

Okita, Harada, Yamazaki and Kondou died in 1868. Okita got tuberculosis, Harada and Yamazaki died from wounds from a battle and Kondou was executed...

Hijikata died in 1869, his backbone was shattered by a bullet in battle.

Saito and Nakagura lived until 1915!

These poor gorgeous guys... :heh:

Edit: Whoops, got beaten to it by MeoTwister... :heh:

So then, this may be the oni conversion order instead of the death order.

Sannan was the first to die but got turned into an oni.

Didn't Saito have gastic cancer or something weird?

[Haladflire65]

So then, this may be the oni conversion order instead of the death order.

Sannan was the first to die but got turned into an oni.

Didn't Saito have gastic cancer or something weird?

He was apparently a heavy drinker and got a stomach ulcer at age 72....

I have to say the others got cooler deaths, they were mostly better-looking than the real Saito, too...

[Haak]

I disagree with this. Heisuke has been vocal about his dissatisfaction over several episodes (even going so far as to fake illness so he could skip guarding the shogun). Itou has been suspicious from the beginning. Saitou was a surprise, but I think that was part for shock value, and part because his character tends to be tight-lipped.

I never noticed any of that. Well I would've prefered a Heisuke POV so i knew what exactly was going on in his head at the time. If I wanted to know what happened, I could just look over to wikipedia. I want to understand why it happened.

[White Manju Bun]

Comparing Itou to his Gintama part, and yeah seen this coming from a mile away. :heh:

When he was introduced, I googled his name right away since I had a feeling it was the same guy (never saw that arc of Gintama subbed) so when Gintama's Itou pics came up I was like...yep know whats gonna happen here :heh:

Kondou was executed...

Nooooo not Hitman Gorilla 13!!! :(


Hijikata died in 1869, his backbone was shattered by a bullet in battle.

ow ow ow ow ow ow ow OW!!!

Saito living that long is totally unexpected to me, but makes sense considering Rurouni Kenshin takes place in the Meji era and Saito is there.

[felix]

So Heisuke dies? or is that just some excuse to get onified.

[kitten320]

A lot of action, can't wait for subs.
And does it mean that we will get the first good guy death?
Okita was offered a medicine by evil Chizuru, wonder wht she is planning.

And looks like Chizuru had lost her badassnes from last week...

[carmolita]

Just saw episode 11 ... and their is NO WAY THEY CAN FINISH THIS SEASON IN 2 EPISODES AND MAKE IT HALFWAY DESCENT!!!:frustrated: Their has to be a sequal , however based on the preview for episode 12 chizuru finally uses that sword that looks like a kodache, heisuki is already an oni he turns into one when he sees chizuru blood, and okita takes the medicene and takes off to kill the people who shot his friend before getting shot himself trying to save chizuru, but episode 12 looks to be more exciting than 11

[Haladflire65]

Wow. Finally the story's moving, but now it's too rushed. Two Onifications in one episode? Really? At least something happened, and Kondou's shooting made me yell... I really wanted action from Hijikata :( Why is he starring in the OP anyways? Jeez.
The last episode already, eh? That was a really eventless show. There should be a second season with new writers. The game's story is so much better, seriously.

[kitten320]

I can't believe that there sre still no subs for episode 10...

Okita rocked today! He was totally bad ass! It is really sad that show had picked up in action only in the end. I so hope that they will make season 2, otherwise show will be ruined.

Also is it just me or does evil Chizuru look more manly? Is she really a girl? and I kinda liked her psycho faces, sadly won't be able to enjoy them for lonf time...

The shooting part was also really cool, wish there was more of stuff like this!

So yeh, will be praying for possible season 2.

P.S. carmolita who is it in your avatar? He looks just like Heisuke, is that him?

[Shiroth]

P.S. carmolita who is it in your avatar? He looks just like Heisuke, is that him?
She's female. & it's Yoko from Twelve Kingdoms.

[kitten320]

Seriously looks like Heisuke's twin sister 0_o
Thanks for the reply^^

[KokoYoshi]

Grrrrrrrrrrr. Now I'm pouting again. You guys get to see it first :sad:

[felix]

She's female. & it's Yoko from Twelve Kingdoms.Thats Yoko?? Which 12 kingdoms is this?

[carmolita]

The anime is called "the 12 kingdoms" and the character is called Yoko

[KaedeF]

Also is it just me or does evil Chizuru look more manly? Is she really a girl? and I kinda liked her psycho faces, sadly won't be able to enjoy them for lonf time...



Kaoru referred himself as Chizuru's brother (Ani in Japanese).


So next episode is the last episode? How can they finish everything in just one episode.

[felix]

The anime is called "the 12 kingdoms" and the character is called YokoOh, for some reason thought we were talking about Shiro's avatar. :heh:

[Shiroth]

After watching episode 10 and hearing some thoughts on episode 11, add me to the list who asks the question how is this going to end at episode 12. Seems like it'll be one rushed ending.

Oh, for some reason thought we were talking about Shiro's avatar. :heh:
You should have read the post i was originally quoting then. :p

[Kanon]

The fight scene at the end of episode 10 is going to make some people cringe :heh:
Even more so after seeing what her older sister can do.

[kitten320]

^It appeared to be brother :heh:
And damn, if they will kill him off in next episode, I sure will rage.

By the way, episode 10 is finally subbed.

EDIT: Some avatars from episode 11
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/922/okitasmaller.gif http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/9536/second.gif http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/9589/brother1.gif http://img815.imageshack.us/img815/8067/out.gif

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/4955/lookup.gif http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/5435/wipe.gif http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/11/harada.gif




And I really think that they will do season 2... because if to look at some game pics, we can see Shinsengumi in some other outfit. And I doubt that there is some seperate route which is fully with in new outfits.

[hoofy]

If this show was to only have Okita, Saitou and Harada, we'd have more than enough enthralling action each episode. In fact, sometimes I skip through the episodes just for their scenes.

[orion]

^It appeared to be brother :heh:
And damn, if they will kill him off in next episode, I sure will rage.
.


The trap fooled me. My trap sensors didn't go off on that one.

Of course, now we can have a twincest. :heh:


Okita was awesome this ep.

[Joojoobees]

Episode 10: (subs are finally out, yay!)

So Itou's plan to assassinate Isami Kondou is revealed. Heisuke looks like he took some serious damage in the aftermath.

[Haak]

Episode 10.

I got strong Inoue Orihime vibes from Chizuru at the end. That's not a good thing.

[MeoTwister5]

God Chizuru needs to stop acting like a lame duck and do something. Either stand aside, help fight or just... something dammit. Freezing in place in fear or acting like the self-sacrificing damsel in distress is eventually going to get the entire unit killed. I was under the assumption that I'd get some respect for her for choosing the cliche and going with them rather than getting but no, and now Heisuke's in a cliffhanger bind.

On that note it's time for an equalizer. I'm pretty sure even drinking the blood alone won't put them on equal terms with the oni.

[kitten320]

The trap fooled me. My trap sensors didn't go off on that one.

Of course, now we can have a twincest. :heh:


Okita was awesome this ep.

Haha yeh that's true. Can't wait for subs, I'm sure he had stated some thoughts about his sister. Wonder how much "positive" are they :heh:

[Squarecrow]

Ugh, Chizuru is still as useless as always. Draw your sword and at least swing it. Don't even hit someone, I don't care, just try.

[Shiroth]

It's a shame that people are still wanting Chizuru to act like the character she isn't. Why does she have to fight when it's the Shinsengumi's job to do just that?

[MeoTwister5]

Actually I don't want her to fight. I want her to stand her ground, make a decision and follow it through without needing her harem to bust her out of every bad situation. She doesn't need to fight to do that, and a good way to start would be make those oni damn well realize that she refuses to be some hostage to be bargained with and that she will fight in her own way, without having to use her knife. Standing up to those brutes a few episodes back was a good start.

She needs resolve, above everything else, and it's not necessarily the resolve to fight. Despite all that she's been through and all her character development (despite how little it is), she's still frozen in fear when a sword gets drawn on her. She's got a few more episodes (?) left to show she isn't just some damsel in distress.

[kitten320]

It's a shame that people are still wanting Chizuru to act like the character she isn't. Why does she have to fight when it's the Shinsengumi's job to do just that?

No one sadi to fight and kick someones ass. Just don't stand still like an idiot and wait for a superman when you have a sword by your side.

Seriously, what's the point of carrying it at all if you don't even try to use it?

Shinsengumi are also mortals, I think it would be a good lesson for her if someone had actually died while protecting her during the time she keeps her eyes shut. Looks like Shinsengumi getting injured and kicked around doesn't do much effect.

[Haak]

It's a shame that people are still wanting Chizuru to act like the character she isn't. Why does she have to fight when it's the Shinsengumi's job to do just that?

Well we've already seen her draw her sword when one of her friends was in danger so I don't think that's true anymore. The fact that she couldn't fight and it wasn't her job to do so didn't prevent her from drawing her sword then. And I don't see why it has to be your 'job' for you to help your friends from getting killed. It's something that you would naturally want to do, isn't it?

[Shiroth]

Well we've already seen her draw her sword when one of her friends was in danger so I don't think that's true anymore. The fact that she couldn't fight and it wasn't her job to do so didn't prevent her from drawing her sword then. And I don't see why it has to be your 'job' for you to help your friends from getting killed. It's something that you would naturally want to do, isn't it?
When i say "job" i mean in the term of her role in the show. It just seems like people keep wanting her character to be something she's not. That's all i'm getting that. Though we've done all this discussion before and it got nowhere, so we may as well just stop. :p

[kitten320]

As far as I remember we all had stopped on the opinion that Chizuru needs to try at least swing her sword once instead of standing like statue with closed eyes...

[Kanon]

Yeah, my biggest complaint is that she looks like an elementary schooler playing dodgeball for the first time. Don't just stand there with your eyes closed!

[Joojoobees]

As far as I remember we all had stopped on the opinion that Chizuru needs to try at least swing her sword once instead of standing like statue with closed eyes...
I don't remember having that opinion. I remember being of the opinion that Chizuru better not pull her sword out, because she was useless with it, and it would only encourage more attacks against her. In fact my recollection is that I was of the opinion that she should stay out of the way as much as possible, so that the people who were both proficient with weapons and mentally prepared to use them could do what was necessary.

[orion]

I don't remember having that opinion. I remember being of the opinion that Chizuru better not pull her sword out, because she was useless with it, and it would only encourage more attacks against her. In fact my recollection is that I was of the opinion that she should stay out of the way as much as possible, so that the people who were both proficient with weapons and mentally prepared to use them could do what was necessary.

And I totally agree with this. Chizuru is not a killer and the others definitely are. If you draw your sword, you have to be prepared to kill.

[KokoYoshi]

Jeez, a lot of Chizuru abuse. Although she did it once, she wouldn't hurt a fly. That's just how she is.

[Haak]

She's had enough time become both competant with a sword and undergo character development so i don't think either of them are good enough excuses. There's no reason for Chizuru to be useless anymore.

[Shiroth]

There's no reason for Chizuru to be useless anymore.
Saying that, i don't see her as being useless at all in this show. She's playing out the role she's supposed to do in the story, and that's got nothing to do with being able to fight against the enemy, or standing up for herself in that kind of situation.

[Haak]

I didn't mean storywise. But storywise, I think it should be. She'd be far less irritating and would have far more character depth.

[orion]

I didn't mean storywise. But storywise, I think it should be. She'd be far less irritating and would have far more character depth.

But that wouldn't be Chizuru. She's not a violent type.

Plus, this is otome. Our focus is suppose to be on the hot guys protecting her (the viewer/player).

[Haak]

But that wouldn't be Chizuru. She's not a violent type.

Plus, this is otome. Our focus is suppose to be on the hot guys protecting her (the viewer/player).

She doesn't have to be. The fact that she was willing to her to draw her sword in episode 9 to protect her friends is more than enough. And it doesn't have to get in the way of it being an Otome. I'm not asking her to be a fighter. Just being competant and learning to be of assitance when the situation is dire is enough.

[kitten320]

But what about when she was attacked by one of those experiments in her room? He was one and was going to attack her in any case so where the heck was her sword back then? Shouldn't she keep it by her side all the time? If Shinsengumi were not "owls" (since it looks like almost none of them sleeps and is spying on Chizuru), she would be done for then.

I think it was a perfect situation where she had to try to do at least something.

[KaedeF]

To make Chizuru less irritating, we should keep repeating the words "otome, otome, otome" in our minds through out the show. :heh:

I surely hope she can draw her sword, maybe not to fight, but at least to protect herself. But it's not a big deal to me even if she doesn't. I have accepted for who she is, a weak otome girl being protected by a bunch of bishonens.

The preview showed she will draw her sword in next episode. So let's see what she can do. Maybe that scene can cause an impact on her character development.

[orion]

To make Chizuru less irritating, we should keep repeating the words "otome, otome, otome" in our minds through out the show. :heh:

I surely hope she can draw her sword, maybe not to fight, but at least to protect herself. But it's not a big deal to me even if she doesn't. I have accepted for who she is, a weak otome girl being protected by a bunch of bishonens.


Or keep saying "Pretear, Pretear, Pretear".


The preview showed she will draw her sword in next episode. So let's see what she can do. Maybe that scene can cause an impact on her character development.

Depending on who rushes to the rescue, it could be one of those game moments....:heh:

We haven't had an awesome Hiji moment in a while.

[LKK]

ANN reports that Hakouki will get a second season this coming fall. [Source (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-06-19/hakuoki-2nd-season-green-lit-for-fall)]

[Kanon]

That's good news, I guess...

I wonder how this season will end.

[kitten320]

Second season? Cool! Hope it will be action packed this time!

Just saw the last episode:

Quiet a lot of action and Chizru has a new superman now! Ah, and she finally got guts to fight back but sadly superman had arrived too soon.

Kazama had grown some horns and Hijikata is a bit insane... Ah, the white haired Hijikata is finally here and Kazama gets his first injury. Though the fight was short especially if you consider that whole OP was about it...

And we finally have the first character death... I mean from more important cast... I'm a bit sad now.

And what was that preview? For next season?

[Shiroth]

I wonder how this season will end.
I'm hoping we get a juicy cliffhanger.

[kitten320]

Well ending is quiet good actually, I mean the last momenst. Though the whole episode looked pretty good in comparison to others.

[orion]

That's good news, I guess...

I wonder how this season will end.

Well it won't end like this...

To end the struggle of Kazama vs Shinsengumi for the hand of Chizu, Chizu sacrifices her viginity to Hiji. When asked about her ultimate maiden sacrifice, Chizu says, "Well, it was during that scene in the courtyard with the sword. I finally was able to measure him. You see he wasn't at the physical so I couldn't decide yet. It's all thanks to Kazama."

Upon hearing about how Hiji's asset was a major factor, Kazama shrugged and left the area.

[carmolita]

Second season? Cool! Hope it will be action packed this time!

Just saw the last episode:

Quiet a lot of action and Chizru has a new superman now! Ah, and she finally got guts to fight back but sadly superman had arrived too soon.

Kazama had grown some horns and Hijikata is a bit insane... Ah, the white haired Hijikata is finally here and Kazama gets his first injury. Though the fight was short especially if you consider that whole OP was about it...

And we finally have the first character death... I mean from more important cast... I'm a bit sad now.

And what was that preview? For next season?




Most likely, anime news network has confirmed it, Hakuoki has a green light for production of a second season set to air this fall http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-06-19/hakuoki-2nd-season-green-lit-for-fall I hope in the next season chizuru takes part in the fighting instead of always being protected - I was disappointed in this episode, with the exception of hijikata's hotness...The previews from episode 11 were very deceiving/misleading..

[Foreshadow]

Most likely, anime news network has confirmed it, Hakuoki has a green light for production of a second season set to air this fall http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-06-19/hakuoki-2nd-season-green-lit-for-fall I hope in the next season chizuru takes part in the fighting instead of always being protected - I was disappointed in this episode, with the exception of hijikata's hotness...The previews from episode 11 were very deceiving/misleading..

Not sure if i'm happy or not.....

But At least we'll see more of the guys :D


So... About her father.. :heh:

[Master_Yoma]

Ya Season 2 but have to wait tell the fall:T_T:

[serenade_beta]

The last episode... (;O_O)

The development in the episode itself felt rather lackluster... Especially on Chizuru's part.
The animation... was different, from the usual. Over-dramatic, I guess? I guess the staff went all out because it was the last episode of the season.


But all in all, a very enjoyable series. The plot was interesting and the characters were good.
It is kind of interesting that the main heroine of a female-targetting game happens to be cuter than most of those otaku-targetting moe girls out there.
It is kind of unfortunate that Chizuru really didn't do any fighting or anything that helped much, but cuteness = justice so Chizuru = justice so Chizuru's mistakes = negated.
I was wondering how they were going to end the story in by the last episode, and behold, immediate announcement of a second season. Well, pretty much a split 2-cour though. Like White Album and such.
Anyways, 9/10... 9.5/10.

[Haladflire65]

I really enjoyed the small (ish?) amount of Hijikata awesomeness that should've come so much earlier in the episode... Why couldn't all the other 11 episodes have been more like this? :( It didn't connect at all with the previous episodes but this was so much more enjoyeable (perhaps it did have something to do with me being a devoted Toshi fangirl). The historically accurate tragic elements worked well, and it was a pretty decent cliffhanger leading up to Season 2. SEASON 2! I'm actually really excited. I hope they get new writers for it. But seeing Toshi in the Westernized clothing's enough for me, really. AWESOME.

In summary, the rest of the show frustrated me beyond relief but the last episode redeemed it to an extent for me. And the preview for S2. Yeah, that too. I hope they improve a whole lot for the second season. Please. Hakuouki has so much potential.

[orion]

I'm waiting for the subs but really guys... Chizu is an otome and our observer for the events. She's not going to become a Revi, Utena. Not her character.

Nice to see that the pairing is being solidified finally. And Kazama yet again is a victim of his arrogance. That guy just doesn't learn.

But if this is like some of the other otome titles, she should become "stronger" in the second half. Her using her sword may not be the answer to her dilemma. Besides it's a short sword, it's at a disadvantage to a regular sized katana. She would need to be refitted with a proper one. Definitely not a weapon to use long range against a rifle. I'd rather be an archer.

On the bright side, if the guy now survives long enough to impregnate her, then she'll give birth to true oni kids.

Loved the ep.

[KokoYoshi]

Wait up, guys. Sheesh, maybe I should learn japanese to watch the raw version.....

[MeoTwister5]

Hahahahahahaha that scene in episode 11 between Kondou and Okita was Ho-Yay to the max.:heh:

Right now I'm just confused as hell who's a guy and who's a girl. So who's really Chizuru's sister and who's her brother? Is Kaoru a girl or a guy? Someone kindly free me from the androgyny!!!

So anyway I guess they're all slowly turning into Rasetsu with Heisuke and Okita in the mix. I just find it odd that the Silver Bullet commonly used as an anti-werewolf weapon is used here as an anti-Oni weapon, considering what I think is a western mythology origin of the concept.

[kitten320]

Chizuru never had a sister, that was her cosplaying brother.

[MeoTwister5]

All this confuses me.

Sexually.:(

[orion]

All this confuses me.

Sexually.:(

And I bet the girls really loved Okita's BL moment in the earlier ep with Kaoru.

[Bombo]

Her twins was a boy ...trap? loool
nice episode and i'm glade for second season :)

[kitten320]

Yep, a boy... and crazy one at that. Just look at his facial expressions :heh:

I really hope that he will have more action next season.

[Kanon]

The brother dresses up as a girl, and the sister dresses up as a boy. Great. The difference is that Kaoru's crossdressing skills are far superior to his sister's, he had me completely fooled until this episode ;_;

The rest of the episode was pretty nice. Looks like Sannan may turn into a villain soon.

So anyway I guess they're all slowly turning into Rasetsu with Heisuke and Okita in the mix. I just find it odd that the Silver Bullet commonly used as an anti-werewolf weapon is used here as an anti-Oni weapon, considering what I think is a western mythology origin of the concept.

Vampires are also weak to silver in a lot of myths/fictions, and the Rasetsu share a lot of similarities with them (they're nocturnal, drink blood, etc...) so it's not that surprising for silver to be used here. And we can't be sure pure Oni are also affected by silver.

[kitten320]

You were not the only one fooled, he made a great female.

[Haak]

Dear God, this anime is not good for my heterosexuality...

[White Manju Bun]

The brother dresses up as a girl, and the sister dresses up as a boy. Great. The difference is that Kaoru's crossdressing skills are far superior to his sister's, he had me completely fooled until this episode ;_;


Usually I can spot a trap, not this time, it wasnt until his voiced changed I was like....he's a guy!!! :heh: And yes his cross dressing skills much better then hers.

Not surprised Okita drank the stuff espc what happen to Kondou.

I dont know why but I had a hard time believing Itou was dead that fast, maybe cuz once again Im comparing it to Gintama :heh:

[Shiroth]

Looks like Sannan may turn into a villain soon.
I doubt it will happen, though would be interesting to see because he'd make a great villain.

But yeah brilliant trap powers from the Brother. I was fooled, and i'm glad about it. <3

I dont know why but I had a hard time believing Itou was dead that fast, maybe cuz once again Im comparing it to Gintama :heh:
I know what you mean, though i can hardly see how he'd survive. :p

[kitten320]

For me it is mostly because he was a leader and was dealt off screen without being able to put at least some kind of resistance.

[Kanon]

I dont know why but I had a hard time believing Itou was dead that fast, maybe cuz once again Im comparing it to Gintama :heh:

He was dealt with pretty quickly in Gintama too, the biggest difference is that his arc and his death were great. I never saw Itou as much of a threat in Hakuouki, since he was more or less portrayed as a buffoon. They could have done something better with this character.

And yeah, I think Kaoru fooled everyone :heh:

[White Manju Bun]

For me it is mostly because he was a leader and was dealt off screen without being able to put at least some kind of resistance.

Thats exactly how I took it, I expected something, at least a small battle. It was like boom dead! I know he was going by himself but still, something could have been shown.

The biggest difference is that I never saw Itou as much of a threat in Hakuouki, since he was more or less portrayed as a buffoon. They could have done something better with this character.

I do agree with that, he was protrayed much more evil in Gintama, this vers wasnt so yeah they probably could have done better. I get why they saw him as a threat but the way he was shown it was hard to take him seriously.

[kitten320]

Does Gintama and Hakuoki have same characters?

[Kanon]

Does Gintama and Hakuoki have same characters?

Yes, since both series take place in the same historical period. Gintama's Edo is completely crazy though :p

[PiggyBank]

Looks like Sannan may turn into a villain soon.


He's had something villain-ish about him from the start. Baaah, so obvious, boring...
And if he doesn't turn into a villain, I'll consider that a great plot twist ;)

Am I the only one who finds Chizuru irritating?
Oh well, I'll guess I'll just ignore her and stare at the pretty boys waving their swords, it's quite enought to keep me happy.

[Shiroth]

Gintama's Edo is completely crazy though :p
I'd love to see Elizabeth walk past the screen in this show.

[White Manju Bun]

Does Gintama and Hakuoki have same characters?

Yes and no, they have most of the Shinsengumi though the names arent totally the same. Okita Souji is Okita Sougo in Gintama. Hijitake and Kondou are the same. Shinpachi is actually with Gintoki (the main character) in Gintama. Gintama also takes place in a futuristic vers of Edo which like Kanon said is crazy :heh: But the Shinsengumi still have the same values and fight for the same reasons like in Haku (some of the reasons might be weirder though).

[kitten320]

Hmmm... will have to take a look at it. The anime is finished a far as I know, right?

[White Manju Bun]

Hmmm... will have to take a look at it. The anime is finished a far as I know, right?

Yes at the moment Gintama is finished though I dont know for how long. Manga is still ongoing. Prefer yourself, it will be nothing like this anime :D

Midly on topic but you know whod Id love to see in Haku is either Katsura or Takasugi. I know Gintama's Katsura is actually based on the historical figure, Katsura Kogoro, but Im not sure if Takasugi is since its never been mentioned on wiki if he is.

[Hedd]

So anyway I guess they're all slowly turning into Rasetsu with Heisuke and Okita in the mix. I just find it odd that the Silver Bullet commonly used as an anti-werewolf weapon is used here as an anti-Oni weapon, considering what I think is a western mythology origin of the concept.

Precious material are often used vs supernaturals in many cultures. Silver, gold, cold iron, jade, paper, even rice. Anything the culture in question views as "divine" usually has a part to play in tales across the world.

[Casshern]

Do not want! Make him turn back, make him turn back!

[Shiroth]

but Im not sure if Takasugi is since its never been mentioned on wiki if he is.
Yeah Takasugi Shinsaku is a historical figure. I know that much.

[Kanon]

Midly on topic but you know whod Id love to see in Haku is either Katsura or Takasugi. I know Gintama's Katsura is actually based on the historical figure, Katsura Kogoro, but Im not sure if Takasugi is since its never been mentioned on wiki if he is.

Unfortunately, it's too late for Takasugi, as he already died of tuberculosis at this point. However, it's still possible for Katsura to appear, but it'd be under the name "Kido Takayoshi". I can't remember if he's already been mentioned or not.

And yeah, if he appears, Elizabeth needs to make a cameo too :p

[White Manju Bun]

@Shiro ah ok, I get confused when Gintama changes the names :heh:

@Kanon, nooooo he died of TB??? This is why Im glad Gintama doesnt make their characters 100% historically accurate XD Elizabesu cameo would be EPIC!

Now that I think about it I remember his character from the RuroKen OVA.

Ok no more OTness from me! Thanks for the answers :)

[KaedeF]

Short-haired Hijikata
looks much better.

[BigSky]

Loved this Anime and loved this Anime season, hope the next season of Hakuoki be as good as the first one :)

[White Manju Bun]

Broke down and watched the raw

Anyone else think Kazama with horns was hot :heh:

Ok since I dont understand japanese all that well, why exactly did Hijitake drink that stuff, was he really that injured or did he just want to fight Kazama on a higher level? Kazama freaking out when Hiji cut him was cool.

Yamazaki T_T

Short-haired Hijikata
looks much better.

I nearly fell outta my chair when I saw that!

[Haladflire65]

Broke down and watched the raw

Anyone else think Kazama with horns was hot :heh:

Ok since I dont understand japanese all that well, why exactly did Hijitake drink that stuff, was he really that injured or did he just want to fight Kazama on a higher level? Kazama freaking out when Hiji cut him was cool.

Yamazaki T_T



I nearly fell outta my chair when I saw that!

Hiji probably drunk it cause he knew he was no match for Oni Kazama.... I was SO GLAD he did that....

I am so damn excited for S2... Hijikata looks pretty hot with his costume change :love:

[Mei19]

I just hit jackpot when I checked out the first episode. Bishounens, shoujo, swords, and blood. What more can a fangirl ask for?? *___*

[orion]

I just hit jackpot when I checked out the first episode. Bishounens, shoujo, swords, and blood. What more can a fangirl ask for?? *___*

Hiji undressing during an episode which didn't happen this season. :heh:

[Haladflire65]

Hiji undressing during an episode which didn't happen this season. :heh:

I'm really hoping for it next season :heh: There seem to be a lot of scenes in the S2 trailer that correspond to screenshots from the game, so my hopes are high... (yes, there is a shot of half-naked Toshi in the game)

[Haak]

Okay, there were somethings in the last two episodes that irked me but there were some really great stuff aswell. It's good that they've ended it so well because I honestly couldn't think of anything good about this series until the last two episodes. I'm interested to see what'll happen in season two.

[Shiroth]

It's a shame Inoue had a death flag the second he appeared in this episode, i mean a side character like that playing such an important role in the last episode is sure to die. At least he went out with a great line though. As for Yamazaki, his death flag was raised the second he gave Chizuru his book a few episodes back, but still that was pretty depressing.

Great last episode though i must say. Plenty of foreshadowing for what's to come in the second season, and i can't wait to see how Hijikata being an oni will effect the story.

Seriously love that preview for the second season, especially seeing Hijikata in his 'Hijikata' uniform along with the short hair. It's going to be a painful wait for second season to begin.

[Jin Kizuite]

They killed ninja dude?! Damn this series. He should of drank some of that red stuff too since it seems like the "cure all" medicine in this show. =(

[White Manju Bun]

Watched the fight scene again now that sub is out, Hiji did really want to beat Kazama on his own level, sucks that it cost him so much...

Yamazaki's line to Hiji was great.

[gameboy234]

I wonder why the hate for Chizuru..
She is so cute..

[Kanon]

They killed ninja dude?! Damn this series. He should of drank some of that red stuff too since it seems like the "cure all" medicine in this show. =(

I was wondering the same thing... it would have been nice to have a scene where he refused to drink it, or a scene where they stated they didn't have anymore Ochimizu left. I'll just assume it's the latter.

Anyways, that was a nice last episode. I'm looking forward to the second season, it should be more eventful that than this one.

[Joojoobees]

As far as I'm concerned the series went out strong. There were people predicting that Deen would break down somewhere, but the animation held up throughout. I really like the way the intensity built towards the end. I don't know why, but I didn't expect it would be quite this bleak.

Looking forward to October.

[Casshern]

Thank god they didn't end the season with okama boy!

Aside from that it was a very cool episode. The swordfights have been very impressive throughout the series and this last one was undoubtedly the best one. Hijikata was awesome, and this time we got to see his more humane and emotional side taking over from the logical and cold soldier; although there were hints throughout that he had strong emotions which he was supressing for the sake of his duty.

I was slightly let-down that we didn't get to see Yukimura-kun fighting, but I'm sure they must have been holding out for something special in the second season.

Overall I was happy with the artwork, animation and direction. Music was decent, voice acting was excellent as well, with only Yukimura's VA somewhat dropping the ball slightly. For me the biggest dissapointment in the series was Yukimura's brother. If the conclusion wasn't gonna involve him (as it didn't) then they should have just left his "coming out" for S2, because it didn't serve anything. The way it was done so suddenly, it wasn't so much a curve-ball out of nowhere as much as surprize buttsecks!

What I want to see in S2 is who is stronger, Hijikata or Saitou? The two have been hinted at being the top amongst their fellow shinsengumi, but I suspect Saitou is a better swordsman with Hijikata being the better leader.

Can't wait for S2!

[elite-dreams]

I absolutely can't wait for season 2 :D

The only thing that bothered me throughout the first season was how useless/powerless Chizuru was :/ when Kazama said she was an Oni too, i thought maybe they would show some of her powers but I guess not D: I hope she gets stronger in the next season.

[Bombo]

When they release S2? I want it now :D..I bet more action in s2..
Inoue & Yamazaki T_T
I really love this series

[Haladflire65]

When they release S2? I want it now :D..I bet more action in s2..
Inoue & Yamazaki T_T
I really love this series


S2 is coming this fall, it's only a few months' wait :)

BTW, is there any news on how long it's gonna be? I'm hoping it'll be longer than S1 so the characters and story can get actual development. And judging by the Shinsengumi's fate historically, I'm looking forward to some tragedy and drama and action in the next season.

[White Manju Bun]

What I want to see in S2 is who is stronger, Hijikata or Saitou? The two have been hinted at being the top amongst their fellow shinsengumi, but I suspect Saitou is a better swordsman with Hijikata being the better leader.



If I may quote Rurouni Kenshin epi 30

"Hirazuki has no blind spot. It was developed by the assistant leader of the Shinsengumi, the military genius Hijitake Toshizuo. But this Gatotsu is mine." - Saito

Right there I think Saito is the better swordsman even though Im cross referencing another anime XD I was happy to see that in certain scenes, epsc in 12, we see Hijitake use the that style.

Also Im just gonna throw in....

"A Shinsengumi is a Shinsengumi. A wolf is a wolf. And a manslayer is a manslayer. Right, Battousai?"

Ok done quoting Saito :D

@Halad, I cant see it being longer then 12 epis again, most s2 have the same number of epis as s1 (not all but generally) so we'll have to see what they decide to stuff into another 12 epi season.

[KokoYoshi]

Alrighty, this series gets a generous 10/10. It's been forever since I've seen anime of this kind. It was a fun ride. Looking forward to season 2. Na-mu......

[orion]

Loved season 1. Still crying over Yamazaki. :T_T:

[KokoYoshi]

^Let me join in on that. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! :T_T:

[Haladflire65]

^I'm expecting more of that kind of tragedy in S2 O.O

I also can't explain how excited I am for more Hijikata action.

[orion]

I'm wondering if Sannan "falls" in season 2. Slaughtering of the innocent for blood can't go on for too long.

[Master_Yoma]

A good first season cant wait for season 2

[Joojoobees]

I'm wondering if Sannan "falls" in season 2. Slaughtering of the innocent for blood can't go on for too long.

Yeah, that is a pretty bad sign of things to come.

[MeoTwister5]

I don't know why but seeing Chizu finally take a damn stand and Hijikata finally break his cool exterior are probably the highest points in the series.

With two core members dead and everyone else slowly deciding to take the damn medicine just to even the odds, the question becomes whether or not the story will stick to history's... original victors.

And yes Hijikata looks damn fine in that black uniform.:eyespin:

[kitten320]

I actually wouldn't mind if they had slightly changed the history at this point. Will; be more interesting to see some deaths happening faster or later.

[orion]

I actually wouldn't mind if they had slightly changed the history at this point. Will; be more interesting to see some deaths happening faster or later.

Ssshhhhh! I'm rooting for a good Chizu x Hiji ending.

Anyways, those silver bullets are the great equalizers now. And the serum doesn't cure Tb.

[PiggyBank]

End of seson 1? But.. but.. nooo!

I don't know why but seeing Chizu finally take a damn stand and Hijikata finally break his cool exterior are probably the highest points in the series.
Agreed.


And yes Hijikata looks damn fine in that black uniform.:eyespin:
I daresay Hijikata looks damn fine in just about anything... :heh:

[kitten320]

Hijikata looks better with short hair but I'm still not fan of him as a charcter at the moment.

[Haladflire65]

^ I think I started to like him after I read stuff about him from the games, because TBH, he didn't get to do anything until the final episode in the show. And I'm slightly biased because of his seiyuu, too.... :heh:

[kitten320]

I actually prefer Harada over all of them :D

But Souji was really cool in that episode and he did get to fight our main Oni^^

[OkamiNoKaze]

Wow, this series was great, lots of really good sword fights. If I'm not mistaken didn't they say the medicine was based on western medicine, so it actually makes a bit of sense to me that silver bullets would be a their weakness. Glad to see the announcement for season 2 at the end of the episode, and I'm glad it's coming so soon.

[kitten320]

Uhu, we won't have to suffer from long waiting^^

[White Manju Bun]

To ease the suffering...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v26/kaine/games/hakuouki_zuisouroku/bfdfdd36.jpg

[Haladflire65]

Found the trailer for Hekketsuroku (S2)... not very good quality but we can still see things :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3aXt4rJ7q4

Watch it before it's removed! :uhoh:

[Shiroth]

^Hijikata is looking amazing in his Hijikata uniform, i must say. :p

[White Manju Bun]

Oh man the western style uniforms are just amazing! *A* One compliant...not enough Saito.

[Haladflire65]

More pics :)
DVDs + bonus Okita image
http://a.imageshack.us/img204/8409/480871.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/i/480871.jpg/) http://a.imageshack.us/img802/3294/51h9b0wrlss400.th.jpg (http://img802.imageshack.us/i/51h9b0wrlss400.jpg/) http://a.imageshack.us/img69/2947/princeanimagesummer2010.th.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/princeanimagesummer2010.jpg/)

Hekketsuroku:
http://a.imageshack.us/img8/8906/pash201009hakuoukiposte.th.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/i/pash201009hakuoukiposte.jpg/) http://a.imageshack.us/img30/7232/animedia201009hakuouki0.th.jpg (http://img30.imageshack.us/i/animedia201009hakuouki0.jpg/)
http://a.imageshack.us/img444/7232/animedia201009hakuouki0.th.jpg (http://img444.imageshack.us/i/animedia201009hakuouki0.jpg/) http://a.imageshack.us/img801/4205/pash201009hakuouki02.th.jpg (http://img801.imageshack.us/i/pash201009hakuouki02.jpg/) http://a.imageshack.us/img841/9897/pash201009hakuouki01.th.jpg (http://img841.imageshack.us/i/pash201009hakuouki01.jpg/)

[White Manju Bun]

http://a.imageshack.us/img802/3294/51h9b0wrlss400.th.jpg (http://img802.imageshack.us/i/51h9b0wrlss400.jpg/) http://a.imageshack.us/img30/7232/animedia201009hakuouki0.th.jpg (http://img30.imageshack.us/i/animedia201009hakuouki0.jpg/)


O_O Saito!! Oh man does he look nice in western clothes!!

[OkamiNoKaze]

So is this going to be come the season 2 thread or is there going to be a new one?

[tyciol]

If there is another one I hope DB picks it up too.

[Haladflire65]

EUAAAAGHHHHH! MORE PICS! Does anyone know where we can find these HQ?

http://ebten.jp/upload/save_image/36/main_15736_300x300.jpg http://g5apmtjad.tuna.be/p/5/203505/13739017_org.jpg

[Haladflire65]

^Double post, but here are some very lovely new HSK images, in HQ too :)

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9007/489532.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/i/489532.jpg/) http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8516/489485.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/i/489485.jpg/) http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/7741/489538.th.jpg (http://img841.imageshack.us/i/489538.jpg/) http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/1299/489533.th.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/i/489533.jpg/)

[White Manju Bun]

^double post, but here are some very lovely new hsk images, in hq too :)

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9007/489532.th.jpg

mine!!! Saito-sama!!!

[Kanon]

So is this going to be come the season 2 thread or is there going to be a new one?

I was wondering the same thing. Usually, season 2 threads are created but no one bothered making one for Hakuouki. Anyways...

OP: Maikaze by Aika Yoshioka
ED: Akane Sora ni Negau by mao

You can listen to samples of those two songs here: http://www.team-e.co.jp/sp/hakuouki/index.html

[MeoTwister5]

God I wish I looked even half as good as Hijikata.:(

[Haladflire65]

^I loled and agreed with you :D

Westernized Okita and Heisuke, although I don't like either of them all that much :heh:

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/2646/489703.th.jpg (http://img696.imageshack.us/i/489703.jpg/)

[Shiroth]

^What Okita is awesome. :(

[PreSage]

Haven't been online for a while, so don't know if these images have already been posted.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_199216.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/199216.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_225436.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/225436.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_237607.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/237607.jpg)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_245319.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/245319.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_260086.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/260086.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_278138.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/278138.jpg)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_280808.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/280808.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_291296.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/291296.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_SaitouHajime-HakuoukiShinsengumiKitan.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/SaitouHajime-HakuoukiShinsengumiKitan.jpg)

[The Chaos]

^Double post, but here are some very lovely new HSK images, in HQ too :)

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9007/489532.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/i/489532.jpg/) http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8516/489485.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/i/489485.jpg/) http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/7741/489538.th.jpg (http://img841.imageshack.us/i/489538.jpg/) http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/1299/489533.th.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/i/489533.jpg/)

Haven't been online for a while, so don't know if these images have already been posted.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_199216.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/199216.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_225436.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/225436.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_237607.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/237607.jpg)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_245319.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/245319.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_260086.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/260086.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_278138.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/278138.jpg)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_280808.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/280808.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_291296.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/291296.jpg) http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/th_SaitouHajime-HakuoukiShinsengumiKitan.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/Cosmos-A/SaitouHajime-HakuoukiShinsengumiKitan.jpg)
Thank you so much for pics :love: I missed this show and can't wait fo second season :D

[Haladflire65]

One more new scan from October Newtype:

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/9360/491174.th.jpg (http://img638.imageshack.us/i/491174.jpg/)

Hijikata looks beautiful...

[Haladflire65]

The first episode's out. Is there a thread for S2? Or could we at least get this one moved to Current Series?

As for S2 ep 1...
STUPID RECAP!
And the OP's very lovely. Love that Hiji/Kazama clash at the end :love: Can't wait for the ED also.... It looks like Toshi's cutting his hair next week.

[Shiroth]

Aww a recap?

& a thread for second season wasn't made. You could create one Haladflire65 if you want?

[OkamiNoKaze]

Still no thread for season 2?

[KaedeF]

I wonder why didn't White Manju Bun make a thread for 2nd season.

[OkamiNoKaze]

It could be because there are no subs yet for this show, all I keep finding are raws

[Shiroth]

First episode of the second season has been subbed. Looks like we'll just carry on using this thread, so i guess it needs moving to the current series section.

[Justice Knight]

S2 ep1

the part which they wore western clothes made me laugh,I find it weird when i saw the OP.I didnt expect the series will turn out this way.

[MeoTwister5]

Which group subbed it? Can't seem to find it around.

[Kanon]

Which group subbed it? Can't seem to find it around.

Ruri. They labeled it as episode 13, so that's why probably why you can't find it.

[MeoTwister5]

Yeah checked around and saw it was labeled 13. Thanks.

[Haladflire65]

^ yeah, I've seen them on Youtube, up to Hekketsuroku episode 2. But I think things are getting really confusing because some sites seem to be conting the recap as episode 13 but others don't....

More new scans of Hekketsuroku :)

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/3396/494519.th.jpg (http://img243.imageshack.us/i/494519.jpg/) http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/4223/494548.th.jpg (http://img151.imageshack.us/i/494548.jpg/) http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/1089/494546.th.jpg (http://img830.imageshack.us/i/494546.jpg/)

I keep feeling like they're making Toshi's eyes too big and sparkly in the illustrations >.< I'm also a bit disappointed in the lack of detail in his new uniform, compared to the beautiful game designs... *sigh*

[MeoTwister5]

Well they're... really shipping a certain pair in the ED...

[Lilith]

Why is there no thread for the new Hakuouki season? o_o

My bishie meter went on to the roof when they changed to western clothes. :D Now I'm not too enaged in the story, but I'm having SO MUCH LACK in the shoujo department so I'm gonna follow anything that has a girl as the main character. >_<;;

[Shiroth]

Why is there no thread for the new Hakuouki season? o_o
No one ever felt the need to create one, so we're just using this thread. :p

[Joojoobees]

I really loved that march (music) as they were heading towards the castle at the end of ep. 13. Should be interesting to see what happens.

[Kanon]

I'd be lying if I said I missed this show, but it's still good to have it back. The western clothing suit the shinsengumi members well, I could almost go gay for them... Hijikata and Saito look amazing.

Chizuru looks a bit badass in the OP. Could it be that she'll finally stop being only a damsel in distress in this season?

[Haladflire65]

Well they're... really shipping a certain pair in the ED...

Well, their route is the main game route so I'm guessing they'll end up together.... I know not many people are happy about that :heh:

I drooled at the Western clothes. Hijikata is even more beautiful than before, if that was even possible :love: And Saito's button fail was the cutest thing ever!!!!

I'm also excited to see a more intense and fast-moving plot, following the games, I hope. Hijikata's route sounded amazing, and perfect for anime adaptation (don't know about the others, but I'm pretty sure they'd want to use his since it's the only one that follows the Shinsengumi till the end). Tragedy! Violence! Action! Please! Don't disappoint me like S1 did :(

I'm still confused as to when the episodes are aired, though. Saturday or Monday?

[PreSage]

Finally found season 2, darn name change made me lost for a while there. orz

Have only been able to see the OP and ED but I must say...preeetttyyy. O_O

I drooled at the Western clothes. Hijikata is even more beautiful than before, if that was even possible :love:

That image was what caught my attention to this series/game in the first place. XD

[MikaMiaka]

Okay, Chi is just not my taste, at all. Why is she standing there why Inoue is getting slaughtered? And she has the nerve to lecture people on being real warriors? Hell, I don't know how to fight at all but I would have tried to do something. Anything. IO would have jumped on one of the attackers. This is just beyond ridiculous.

And if I have to see her be so damn happy to get tea for someone one more time, I think I will start doodling on her face.

But the western clothes looked good.

And we can move this back to the currently airing, please?

[Haladflire65]

Speaking of Chizuru.... is it possible to hate a two-demensional character so much? Every time she does her high-pitched "Hijikata-san~~" I want to strangle her. I think one of Hauouki's fatal flaws is the simply awful damsel-in-distress main character.

We've been wanting to move this to airing for a while now.... *waits some more*

[White Manju Bun]

Edited the title to show both seaons discussions :)

[orion]

Speaking of Chizuru.... is it possible to hate a two-demensional character so much? Every time she does her high-pitched "Hijikata-san~~" I want to strangle her. I think one of Hauouki's fatal flaws is the simply awful damsel-in-distress main character.

We've been wanting to move this to airing for a while now.... *waits some more*

But prob more than a few Asian females love this. Just look at the Korean dramas based on the princess model. Disney is raking it in with Beauty and the Beast.

If Chizuru kisses Hiji in a princess moment, I bet a lot of females are going to be happy.

[PreSage]

But prob more than a few Asian females love this. Just look at the Korean dramas based on the princess model. Disney is raking it in with Beauty and the Beast.

If Chizuru kisses Hiji in a princess moment, I bet a lot of females are going to be happy.

Actually, if Chizuru pulls out her sword and begins fighting side-by-side with Hijikata...this female is going to be happy. :heh: I had hopes that she would actually have a backbone when I started watching this series but...hope is waning. :(

For the first episode (in the second season), love the scene with Saito and his buttons - his expression was priceless. :heh: I also love the scene where Hijikata first appeared in his western clothes...:twitch:...forgot to breathe for a moment there. :heh::heh:

I have a bad vibe about where the plot is heading...:uhoh:

[orion]

Actually, if Chizuru pulls out her sword and begins fighting side-by-side with Hijikata...this female is going to be happy. :heh: I had hopes that she would actually have a backbone when I started watching this series but...hope is waning. :(


I'm betting this is the wrong series then for you. She can't fight beside him because she doesn't possess the training or the killer instincts. At the most, she can maintain her medic status.

Just keep on saying to yourself "Her sword is the sword that protects..." :heh:

[Haladflire65]

Actually, if Chizuru pulls out her sword and begins fighting side-by-side with Hijikata...this female is going to be happy. :heh: I had hopes that she would actually have a backbone when I started watching this series but...hope is waning. :(

For the first episode (in the second season), love the scene with Saito and his buttons - his expression was priceless. :heh: I also love the scene where Hijikata first appeared in his western clothes...:twitch:...forgot to breathe for a moment there. :heh::heh:

I have a bad vibe about where the plot is heading...:uhoh:

If Hekketsuroku decides to follow the game, I'll be pretty happy about the plot. I'm highly doubting Chizuru would do anything interesting this season, either, though. It's Chizuru. What do you expect from her? At least we know that she's going to provide Toshi with her much-needed blood.... >.<

Saito's cuteness is unbeatable :D But I personally find Hijikata the most stunning in Western clothes. The design's just.... wow. Love his hair, too. :love:

[MikaMiaka]

But prob more than a few Asian females love this. Just look at the Korean dramas based on the princess model. Disney is raking it in with Beauty and the Beast.

If Chizuru kisses Hiji in a princess moment, I bet a lot of females are going to be happy.

Sorry, I have to call you out on this BS. That perception is just a perception that guys cling to.

It isn't what girls want. We want to be rescued, sure, but we also want to be able to take care of ourselves too. We want to be able to save the day too, or at least, not be a total and complete fuck up, and we want the girls in our entertainment to do the same. We are not that much different from men or beasts in this respect.

Please recognize that there's a difference between getting rescued and always bringing on crappy situations upon yourself and waiting for the guy to come rescue you. There is also a difference between constantly espousing self righteousness and indignation while you stand there and preach what you fail to do.

And moreover, it isn't even what girls want, it's like indoctrinating girls into thinking this is what they should and do want. So, it's like the vice versa of what you are arguing.

This is the worst case of subservient female I have seen in a long while, and like Halad, I asked myself whether it was possible to be this annoyed about a two dimensional character. What kind of protagonist just stands there and does nothing while a friend gets killed? And after 13 effing episodes and years with the gang, for chrissake. Or, if she was scared, at least run away.

It's unacceptable and it's just a major disservice to chalk it up to "well, they are just catering to the fanbase." The amount of annoyance you have read in this thread alone should already tell you that this isn't what we want.

And you keep on bringing in other titles to justify your position. What about the other side of the coin? Ripley? Sarah O'Connor? Buffy? Shurrei? Haruhi? Kajika? And even Belle in Beauty and the Beast took matters into her own hands, she was not helpless. She refused Gaston's advances perfectly. She had spunk. She knew when to sacrifice herself and when it was a useless endeavor. Chi knows nothing in this regard. It's just a terrible, awful, one plane character that I draw mustaches on in my spare time.

If anything, this is more of a male fantasy than a modern day female fantasy. "Look how happy I am when you tell me to make you tea!" "Look how happy I am to get you to eat!" "Look at how much I care for you by always telling you I need to be useful!" Disgusting.


*****
And yet, I keep on watching. FML. :D

[PreSage]

I'm betting this is the wrong series then for you. She can't fight beside him because she doesn't possess the training or the killer instincts. At the most, she can maintain her medic status.

Just keep on saying to yourself "Her sword is the sword that protects..." :heh:

I only watch this series for the bishies. :heh:

Sorry, I have to call you out on this BS. That perception is just a perception that guys cling to.

...

If anything, this is more of a male fantasy than a modern day female fantasy. "Look how happy I am when you tell me to make you tea!" "Look how happy I am to get you to eat!" "Look at how much I care for you by always telling you I need to be useful!" Disgusting.

It seems that most anime/manga portray females this way, sadly enough. Whenever I do find gems with strong female leads, I'll be thrilled but those are few and far in between. I've also noticed that in older animes/manga, there are more female characters portrayed stronger than they are now - of course, I could be wrong. But I've always wondered, is what reflected in anime/manga really the general perception of women in Japanese society? :eyebrow:

[orion]

Sorry, I have to call you out on this BS. That perception is just a perception that guys cling to.

It isn't what girls want. We want to be rescued, sure, but we also want to be able to take care of ourselves too. We want to be able to save the day too, or at least, not be a total and complete fuck up, and we want the girls in our entertainment to do the same. We are not that much different from men or beasts in this respect.

Please recognize that there's a difference between getting rescued and always bringing on crappy situations upon yourself and waiting for the guy to come rescue you. There is also a difference between constantly espousing self righteousness and indignation while you stand there and preach what you fail to do.

And moreover, it isn't even what girls want, it's like indoctrinating girls into thinking this is what they should and do want. So, it's like the vice versa of what you are arguing.

This is the worst case of subservient female I have seen in a long while, and like Halad, I asked myself whether it was possible to be this annoyed about a two dimensional character. What kind of protagonist just stands there and does nothing while a friend gets killed? And after 13 effing episodes and years with the gang, for chrissake. Or, if she was scared, at least run away.

It's unacceptable and it's just a major disservice to chalk it up to "well, they are just catering to the fanbase." The amount of annoyance you have read in this thread alone should already tell you that this isn't what we want.

And you keep on bringing in other titles to justify your position. What about the other side of the coin? Ripley? Sarah O'Connor? Buffy? Shurrei? Haruhi? Kajika? And even Belle in Beauty and the Beast took matters into her own hands, she was not helpless. She refused Gaston's advances perfectly. She had spunk. She knew when to sacrifice herself and when it was a useless endeavor. Chi knows nothing in this regard. It's just a terrible, awful, one plane character that I draw mustaches on in my spare time.

If anything, this is more of a male fantasy than a modern day female fantasy. "Look how happy I am when you tell me to make you tea!" "Look how happy I am to get you to eat!" "Look at how much I care for you by always telling you I need to be useful!" Disgusting.


*****
And yet, I keep on watching. FML. :D

You brought Belle into the discussion who was saved by a 6 yo boy in the form of a teacup and also by the Beast. Belle would have been married to Gaston if not for the Beast.

Belle also had that princess kiss at the end. Just like Chizuru in the ED. :heh:

Ripley? No more films in the franchise.
Sarah Connor? She died of old age. Only a voice on the tape in the latest Terminator movie.
Buffy? Last time Buffy had a title was when?

You only recently had Tiana from The Princess and the Frog who got her princess moment in it and Alice from Alice in Wonderland. Alice wasn't considered sane in the title either just like Belle if you listen to the lyrics. None of these are Asian title. And what recent shojo went live-action? Kimi ni Todoke. That protag is so not Buffy, Belle, Sarah, or Ripley.

This is catering to a portion of the female fanbase. The portion that likes their guys hunky and heroic, wants to be saved and wants a bit of romance (being an otome game based anime)... She can't get around serving the tea mostly due to the time period. She's not rich enough and she chose to stay. She's got a thing for Hiji so she's locked in to being traditional.

This is the female version of a male VN.

[MikaMiaka]

It seems that most anime/manga portray females this way, sadly enough. Whenever I do find gems with strong female leads, I'll be thrilled but those are few and far in between. I've also noticed that in older animes/manga, there are more female characters portrayed stronger than they are now - of course, I could be wrong. But I've always wondered, is what reflected in anime/manga really the general perception of women in Japanese society? :eyebrow:

I had brought this notion up earlier; perhaps it's the time period of the show and women did act that way (thereby remaining historically accurate?), or perhaps it is a Japanese cultural thing. I really don't know. But then again, we have so many kick ass females in other animes too -- I mean, Kallen was probably the most popular female character in Code Geass. They are steeped in modernity and seem to be a very progressive society if the array of of entertainment stemming from there is any indication. But at the same time, there also seems to a countervailing underpinning that suggests that women there are not as empowered as women in America simply because what they have works for them. But it only works for them because entertainment portraying women in the way this show does stagnants the level of forward thinking that can be achieved. It's a case of feeding the values to the young. But I don't know. I'm just harboring guesses. But, for example, I know that child custody hearings in divorce proceedings are almost nil over there because it is assumed, barring any exigent circumstances or abnormal facts in the case, the children will remain with their mother and not their father. It's just the way it is. So some things change, but some things remain the same.

I saw a documentary a while back about host clubs in Japan and the women held the cash and the hosts would try to please them, but at the same time, there was this unmistakable idea that the male hosts were the ones really holding the power because they possessed the qualities to make women spend more. I saw it and thought -- if it were female host clubs, the females would just be lowly strippers or hookers and would be treated that way. But with the male hosts, there was a certain level of respect and admiration that just would not be present if the situation was reversed (barring the requisite respect for Geishas, for course.)

You brought Belle into the discussion who was saved by a 6 yo boy in the form of a teacup and also by the Beast. Belle would have been married to Gaston if not for the Beast.

Belle also had that princess kiss at the end. Just like Chizuru in the ED. :heh:

Ripley? No more films in the franchise.
Sarah Connor? She died of old age. Only a voice on the tape in the latest Terminator movie.
Buffy? Last time Buffy had a title was when?

You only recently had Tiana from The Princess and the Frog who got her princess moment in it and Alice from Alice in Wonderland. Alice wasn't considered sane in the title either just like Belle if you listen to the lyrics. None of these are Asian title. And what recent shojo went live-action? Kimi ni Todoke. That protag is so not Buffy, Belle, Sarah, or Ripley.

This is catering to a portion of the female fanbase. The portion that likes their guys hunky and heroic, wants to be saved and wants a bit of romance (being an otome game based anime)... She can't get around serving the tea mostly due to the time period. She's not rich enough and she chose to stay. She's got a thing for Hiji so she's locked in to being traditional.

This is the female version of a male VN.

Why does it matter how old those characters are, or if they died, or if their series have ended? My point was that those were kick ass females that we all liked, and some are basically icons, precisely because they were kick ass. So that refutes your notion that weak females cater to female audiences. I think if anything, males like the notion of weak females. But for certain, no females like the notion of weak and stupid females. We all, every individual of the entire human race, want to be strong.

For the Belle issue, I vehemently disagree that she would have ended up with Gaston. That idea is laughable, hahahahaha. She hates that guy and she would put up a hell of a fight to not marry him. She would probably do it if her father's life was on the line, but otherwise, I don't see it happening. And she was rescued by the minions but really, any protagonist, male or female, will be rescued by minions when the plot calls for it. Simply put, you cannot equate her to Chi. Their personalities are completely different. You're really reaching there.

One thing that seems to be disconnected between these conversations is the fact that though audiences like it when the hero comes to save the day, we don't like it when the female lead is painted to this degree of subservience and helplessness. Do you know what I mean?

They are just overdoing it at this point. Perhaps it is being done for the potential payoff. Who knows.

[orion]

I had brought this notion up earlier; perhaps it's the time period of the show and women did act that way (thereby remaining historically accurate?), or perhaps it is a Japanese cultural thing. I really don't know. But then again, we have so many kick ass females in other animes too -- I mean, Kallen was probably the most popular female character in Code Geass. They are steeped in modernity and seem to be a very progressive society if the array of of entertainment stemming from there is any indication. But at the same time, there also seems to a countervailing underpinning that suggests that women there are not as empowered as women in America simply because what they have works for them. But it only works for them because entertainment portraying women in the way this show does stagnants the level of forward thinking that can be achieved. It's a case of feeding the values to the young. But I don't know. I'm just harboring guesses. But, for example, I know that child custody hearings in divorce proceedings are almost nil over there because it is assumed, barring any exigent circumstances or abnormal facts in the case, the children will remain with their mother and not their father. It's just the way it is. So some things change, but some things remain the same.

I saw a documentary a while back about host clubs in Japan and the women held the cash and the hosts would try to please them, but at the same time, there was this unmistakable idea that the male hosts were the ones really holding the power because they possessed the qualities to make women spend more. I saw it and thought -- if it were female host clubs, the females would just be lowly strippers or hookers and would be treated that way. But with the male hosts, there was a certain level of respect and admiration that just would not be present if the situation was reversed (barring the requisite respect for Geishas, for course.)



Why does it matter how old those characters are, or if they died, or if their series have ended? My point was that those were kick ass females that we all liked, and some are basically icons, precisely because they were kick ass. So that refutes your notion that weak females cater to female audiences. I think if anything, males like the notion of weak females. But for certain, no females like the notion of weak and stupid females. We all, every individual of the entire human race, want to be strong.

For the Belle issue, I vehemently disagree that she would have ended up with Gaston. That idea is laughable, hahahahaha. She hates that guy and she would put up a hell of a fight to not marry him. She would probably do it if her father's life was on the line, but otherwise, I don't see it happening. And she was rescued by the minions but really, any protagonist, male or female, will be rescued by minions when the plot calls for it. Simply put, you cannot equate her to Chi. Their personalities are completely different. You're really reaching there.

One thing that seems to be disconnected between these conversations is the fact that though audiences like it when the hero comes to save the day, we don't like it when the female lead is painted to this degree of subservience and helplessness. Do you know what I mean?

They are just overdoing it at this point. Perhaps it is being done for the potential payoff. Who knows.

My point with the titles you mentioned were that they were American and long since expired. You don't really have an Asian female character counterpart that's consistently popular and still has her body.

Belle's father's life was on the line. He was about to be institutionalized and the whole town was in on it. That was the setup to get her to marry Gaston. That's one of the reasons why the town was manipulated by Gaston to attack the castle. The Beast was in the way. You really need to watch that title again.

And Chizuru is not capable culturally or technique wise to become a talented swordswoman. It's the wrong genre. This is a reverse harem fantasy not a seinen action fantasy. Any technique improvement in Chizuru will prob be linked to her getting closer to Hiji relationship wise I'm betting.

I'm assuming that her level of behaviour is the norm for the time period. She doesn't have that much of a status. She's living with a group of guys. She's lucky that none of them have tried anything or sold her off to slavery/prostitution. I think she has a good deal going there. Free board, food in exchange for doing the laundry and oocasionally cooking. She may even get a husband out of the deal.

[OkamiNoKaze]

Finally started in on Season 2, the new uniforms are rather sharp looking, though I kind of expected it sooner considering some promo art I had seen for the first season, I was surprised seeing Chizuru in uniform, she looks cool though. Saito is looking more like his later Kenshin self.

I've also recently started watching Gintma so the contrast, is even more hilarious

[Mairsile]

I had brought this notion up earlier; perhaps it's the time period of the show and women did act that way (thereby remaining historically accurate?), or perhaps it is a Japanese cultural thing.

I think if anything, males like the notion of weak females. But for certain, no females like the notion of weak and stupid females. We all, every individual of the entire human race, want to be strong.Personally, I do not like weak women - I prefer strong, athletic ones. Likewise, I am not fond of how many male supportive characters are utter weaklings compared to their female counterparts. I have no problem with females being physically stronger, or more adept at combat, (since many of my favorite series feature such strong female leads) but the stereotypical wuss is rather discouraging.

Moving along. Prior to the bushi (samurai) era, it was common for women to be trained in combat in Japan and made excellent warriors. However, during the time of the samurai, women were pretty much relegated to domestic duties and did not see war often. With that in mind, if we were to acknowledge the historical framework of Hakuouki as a basis for its character design, then its understandable that Chizuru would - at least from the beginning - be represented as such.

Regarding the Japanese culture, you may notice something about how strong, fit women are drawn by the majority of anime/manga artists. Compare the bodies of many fit female characters to non-active ones and you'll see there isn't any difference. There are very few physically strong female characters who are given "athletic" physiques. In Japan, it is not a widespread belief that a woman can be physically strong and beautiful. Watch women's professional wrestling - which is very popular - and this stereotype is quite apparent: the more feminine-looking girls are adorned in very girlie attire and always play the good side whereas the more strong/fit women wear androgynous clothing and represent the bad side.

Your last comment - "we all want to be strong" - is a testament to how popular the female archetype, the tsundere, is among the general anime audience. Just check out character contest polls and you'll notice that many well-known, strong tsunderes make the list.

[PreSage]

To the comments about Chizuru and how she's portrayed. If the show wants to be historically accurate, then how does that explain the female "ninja"? But that aside, it is not that Chizuru needs to pick up a sword and actually fight on par with Hijikata; she needs to be more capable in situations that I would expect she has some power to act on (or at least attempt to act on - like dodging or running away and not just stand there and gawk in fear). For example, in the early part of the first season, when she ran rashly into a battle and was almost killed on the stairs to only be saved by Saito - she could have at least instinctively pulled out her sword to defend that attack, whether it will be useless or not, she should have at least acted instead of standing there wide-eyed like a dear caught in a headlight. Also, by carrying that sword around, I would assume that she knows some fighting skills, enough to defend herself a little, otherwise, don't carry that sword around because others would probably have the same assumption. In other words, if you carry a sword, you better know how to use it - at whatever level.

I don't dislike Chizuru but to put forth an argument about her, that's how I see it.

[Lilith]

Thanks for moving the thread! :)

I join you in complaining about Chizuru. I think it's the shoujo formula, just like the shonen formula includes the boobsy idol girl. :rolleye:

It's hard to concetrate on the bishies and ship a couple when you dislike the main girl. So, I think of pairing them as yaoi couples instead. XD

[Mairsile]

To the comments about Chizuru and how she's portrayed. If the show wants to be historically accurate, then how does that explain the female "ninja"?

I don't dislike Chizuru but to put forth an argument about her, that's how I see it.Espionage has always been a tactic in war. From a historical perspective, female ninjas (Kunoichi) were often sent on spy or assassination missions. They could easily pose as a dancer, prostitute or servant without drawing attention of the castle guard. Since Shinobi believed in winning by any means necessary, women were often trained and selected to perform specific objectives that could more easily be accomplished using a female infiltrator.

For an interesting, yet short read on the origin and use of Kunoichi, check out this PDF:

http://www.saskninjutsu.com/jom/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=20

I do agree with you considering she underwent some training and was even complimented by drawing out her sword properly early in season 1 during her duel. The Oni will pursue her to no end. Because of this I would like to see her participate in training with her male compatriots so she could better defend herself when she absolutely must.

[Haladflire65]

Sooo..... Shinpachi and Sanosuke left.... wonderful.... every time Chizuru gets emotional we get cheesy montages and huge sparkly eyes >.< And also lovely, her brother's dead? Things are happening so fast O.o

Okita seems to be totally useless when not in his rasetsu form now...

Next episode looks interesting. Kondou's death seems to be coming close, Toshi's rasetsu form (:love:), Saito chopping off someone's arm.... I'm looking forward to it :D

[OkamiNoKaze]

Episode 14 was very well done. They sure got themselves stuck in a thorny situation though, I really like the opening song for this season. The full version is available in the usual places.