From Dengeki Girl's Style this month.
New characters:
1. Takasugi Shinsaku, voiced by Sugita Tomokazu.
"There are things that can't be done without my own hands."
Young leader in remorse of his deceased teacher.
Decided to fight so he won't lost something dear to him again.
Connection with Harada: through Shiranui.
2. Katsura Kogoro, voiced by KENN.
"It's not our wish to start a war."
"Run away with a reason."
To win without a fight. That's his style.
Connection with Saitou: one is Joi side and one is Shogunate side. Fated to be enemies.
3. Okada Izou, voiced by Suzumura Ken'ichi.
"Either way, I only have my sword."
Sad killer following his teacher's orders.
Merely kill to make himself known.
Connection with Okita: two insane swords shining in battlefield.
4. Thomas Blake Glover, voiced by Sakurai Takahiro.
"I can't let a lady jump into battle by herself."
Mysterious weapon merchant.
Gentleman from a far away land. His true colors hidden.
Connection with Toudou: an invisible line links them.
5. Protagonist: Kirishima Azusa (or ?????, this kanji has 17 possible pronunciations and no official is given.)
Since her parents died when she was young, with her older brother, the siblings run the dojo their father left them. However, her peaceful life was shattered by an intruder - a white-haired monster wearing asagiiro haori. To avenge for her brother, who died protecting her, she picked up her sword. Where will her determination lead her in this upheaval era?
Hijikata is still the center of the story.
Character design & illustration: 狛宮沙代; image visual: Nakajima Atsuko.