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|  Characters >> Saitou Hajime
Name: Saitou Hajime (Mibu's Wolf)Age: 35 (February 1860) Style: Gatotsu Other: Type O, 71 Kg, 183 cm (5'11'') Basics Even since his first appearance in Volume 7, Chapter 48 (Episode 30), he is automatically detected as a cruel man. Former third captain of the Shinsengumi adheres strictly to the Shinsengumi's three-part code: Aku Soku Zan; even in the Meiji era. Adopting the name "Fujita Gorou" in the new era (possibly due to the Shinsengumi being the "evil" losers of the new era), he becomes a police officer. But after he is informed that Shishio Makoto has risen again with a vengeance, he is forced to team up with his former nemesis, the Battousai, in order to combat this menace. History Saitou Hajime was actually the third captain of the Shinsengumi in real history and all of the details about his personal life (excluding the Kyoto Arc, his relationship with Kenshin, and Shibumi) is historically accurate. Though it is questioned whether "Aku Soku Zan" itself actually existed, there was the Shinsengumi law, which also represented a similer and equally harsh brand of justice. In the OVAs and in the Remembrances chapters, we see Saitou fighting Kenshin, however, this never happens to the real Saitou Hajime. The real Saitou works for Kawaji (surprisingly) and later becomes a security guard before dying at a ripe old age. Watsuki's Character Notes The following is quoted off of Shonen Jump's RK graphic novel translations of Watsuki: "Model, schmodel…Saito’s a real, historical figure. That being said – unlike Sagara Sozo or Yamagata Aritomo-he’ll have a lot to do with the storyline, so I’ve altered him to suit my own needs. I’ve altered him so much, in fact, that I’ve received letters of complaint from Shinsengumi fans. (I’ve had complaints before, sure, but never this many!) As the story’s gone on, though, the popularity of the character has also increased, so I’m happy. Saito’s a character who’s currently active, and I don’t want to give too much away, but in the distant future, what I’d like is for him to become a “dirty” hero, sticking always with his “Swift Death to Evil” philosophy, never ever becoming a “nice guy” or becoming palsy-walsy with Kenshin and the gang. No model in terms of design. Originally he appeared as an antagonist, so I made his face “villain-ish,” but there were complaints. Shinsengumi fans, it seems, persist in thinking of Saito as very handsome…despite the fact that not a single photo of him exists. (There are portraits, but if you think that’s handsome…well, your mileage may vary, okay?) Speaking of complaints, there was one to the effect of, “’Why is Saito selling Ishida powdered medicine’ made by the Hijikata family?” Fine, fine- that was just me, fooling around. I’ll take the heat for some stuff (like Akamatsu), but when people start complaining about stuff like that…come on, now. Even a manga artist is human. Can’t you Shinsengumi fans read this manga with a more open mind…? No…? Gatotsu(“Fang Thrust”) isn’t a real move. Saito Hajime’s favorite move historically was the “left single-handed thrust,” so I gave it the name “gatotsu” to better fit in with the whole action-manga thing. It is true, though, that the Shinsengumi used the Hiratsuki (“Parallel Thrust”)." Technique Guide Thank you Somak for writing this up!! thank you so much ^_^.
• Gatotsu Stance One
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