Reimeiroku Saitou Route - Epilogue
Ryunosuke met Saitou again 5 years later, in the War of Aizu.
From Ryu's point of view.
Video of this part.
After leaving Shinsengumi, I hid in Kyoto for the time being. But since Shinsengumi was patrolling the city on a regular basis, it was hard to avoid them. So I left for Osaka, where business was prosperous, to study nishikie.
Nishikie, aka colored woodblock print, was used to depict foreign culture, and became popular after the Perry Expedition. Nishikie of the scenery in Yokohama was also sold in stores in Kyoto. To become an ukiyoe artist, learning nishikie would be a good start. I can't stop here. Feeling this way, I left Osaka and settled down in Edo.
Shinsengumi had become stronger. Their name became known outside of Kyoto, and reached into my ears. Hearing those gossip, I can't help but wonder.
How are Saitou, Hijikata-san, and Kondou-san doing?
Whenever I think of the ones I met in Mibu, I felt restless. I wanted to draw paintings good enough for them to see.
But I started as an amateur. There's no way for me to become a qualified nishikie artist overnight. So I lived
penuriously, devoting everything and every moment I can on learning nishikie.
Then I heard about the upheaval. Starting from Toba-Fushimi, war broke out between Shogunate army and the union of Satsuma and Choshu. And of course, Shinsengumi participated in the bloody battle.
Hearing this, I hit the road with minimal baggage.
As an apprentice artist, I know I couldn't do anything. I shouldn't even be there. When I finally reached the battlefield, what met my eyes were... Piles of bodies killed mercilessly.
The scene was so dreadful that whatever I saw when I was in Shinsengumi seemed like nothing compared to it.
I took out the brush pen I always carry with me, and started drawing.
It's like my hand moved on its own. Like being possessed, I kept drawing "death".
The land which the retreating Shogunate army was driven into, was Aizu. The condition there was beyond words. Warriors of Choshu clan hated Aizu to bits, and sabotaged the bodies of Aizu people like trash. The bodies weren't allowed to be buried. They were left in the open to be ripped and eaten by animals, until they rot without a trace. Merchants who buried their bodies were punished and thrown into prison.
I kept drawing the ragged bodies of nameless soldiers, one by one. At then I thought... To show "death" that make people look away. Was that what my paintings are for? Is this the reason I'm born to this world? Feelings like this filled me with strength and kept me going.
Things began to change when I heard that Saitou, who fought to the end in Aizu, died in the Battle of Bonari Pass.
Perhaps it's because of Saitou's death, I can't hold back the feeling of emptiness in my heart.
To drive this feeling away, I seek more severe battlefields.
After the neighboring clans deserted them, the samurais of Aizu continued their battle alone.
I followed them deeper and deeper into Aizu Domain.
Ryu: Perhaps I'm closer to the frontline than I thought.
Being hasty, I was deep in the woods before I knew it. When I looked up, hazy moonlight shone through the leaves.
Ryu: It's nightfall already. I guess I'll sleep in the open tonight...
I was sitting down to rest when I heard cannon fire, followed by continuous gunshots. A battle nearby! What's more, I can feel it's not just a small conflict, but a real battle. I got up right away. I must see it with my own eyes. Before I knew it, I walked toward the direction the noise came from. Rushing through the woods where there's no path, what finally met my eyes was...
A man dashing on the battlefield filled with gunfire, like a fierce god.
Ryu: That's...
Even in the darkness of the night, under the starlight I can see his white hair gleaming resplendently. He's wrapped in western clothes, and had his sword tied on his waist.
Although his appearance changed a lot, I knew by instinct who he is.
His keen eyes which saw through enemies' actions were sharp and polished like the sword in his hand. With his left hand iai skill, in the blink of an eye, one by one, the gunmen were silenced.
Yes. That's Saitou. Saitou Hajime of Shinsengumi!
New gov. soldier: Damn! What is he?
The yells coming from new government army position were filled with despair.
New gov. soldier: It's useless! No matter how many bullets we shoot, it's not stopping him!
New gov. soldier: Is that a monster, demon, or rasetsu?
Bullets shot through Saitou's body countless times. Saitou's blood soaked the ground around him. But the wounds immediately started to heal.
As Saitou swung his sword again, more victims fell to the ground. He's like a fierce god.
Ryu: How could Saitou become a Rasetsu?
I felt even more shocked than the moment I heard he's dead.
Saitou, who said he like my paintings, and told me that I'm gifted in art... had become a monster?
Then he suddenly stopped.
Saitou: Retreat. Do not come any further.
He spoke to enemy troops with a commanding voice and dauntingly calm words.
Could he still be... the Saitou I knew?
New gov. soldier: I can't take it anymore. Retreat! Retreat!
The new government army was forced to retreat by one single man.
Ryu: What is that strength?
He repelled a troop equipped with the newest and most powerful weapons, like taking candy from a baby.
And although he appeared to be a Rasetsu, I saw no trace of thirst for blood.
Still, a battle like that would put quite some load on his body. Saitou moaned and knelt on the ground.
Ryu: Sai...
Immediately I wanted to run to his side, but...
???????: Are you alright, Saitou-san?
A shadow of small stature appeared, and supported Saitou. Although dressed as a man, she seemed to be a girl.
In the darkness they leaned together. The deep trust between them was obvious enough for an outsider to see.
??????: Next time, I'll fight too.
Her voice was nothing like Saitou's, but the determination in her tone was the same.
??????: Saitou-san always stops me. But at least I can help as being a bait. Now is the time you need all the help you can get. Saitou-san has been fighting for everyone, without having the time to rest. Even if you're fighting as a Rasetsu... No, it's because you're fighting as a Rasetsu, the load on your body is immeasurable.
The girl spoke anxiously.
But a normal human would be killed when shot by a bullet. By bait, was she saying she's not human, like Saitou?
??????: Please. I want to help you. No matter how little I can do.
Saitou: I have something to ask of you.
Saitou replied in a very gentle tone. It's a calm voice that only someone with clear mind make.
Saitou: You're the last person I want to bring into the battlefield.
??????: Saitou-san...
Saitou: Don't forget. It's because of you that I can fight without losing myself.
From his words, I can feel how deep he trusted her.
Saitou: I'm glad you're worried about me. And I can relate to how you want to fight yourself. However... I don't want you to fight under any circumstances. I'd rather keep you hidden to the last minute, like a trump card. Please understand. You are my last stronghold.
With soft voice, Saitou turned down her offer out straight.
The reason why he can remain sane while bathed in blood, must be this girl supporting him.
Saitou: Go back to the camp first. I'll catch up with you after I scout around this area.
The girls seemed a little annoyed at Saitou's words.
??????: Alright.
Then she nodded meekly.
Saitou: You're awfully understanding today.
??????: Would you prefer to see me fretting?
She pouted her lips. But in a moment she smiled.
??????: For scouting, it's more efficient if you go by yourself, right? I don't want to become your burden. I can return to the camp by myself.
Saitou: Yes. You'll be fine. I trust that you can return to the camp safely.
Enjoying Saitou's confidence, the girl smiled gently.Like a flower blooming in the battlefield.
Amidst the endless battles day after night, when he's about to lose himself, she reminded him of the most important things in his life. That must be how the girl is to Saitou.
??????: Everyone came back injured. I'll go and treat their wounds first.
The girl lowered her head, and moved surprisingly nimbly on an animal trail.
Saitou saw her off until she vanished in the darkness. The he slowly looked toward the bushes I was hiding in.
Saitou: Who goes there?
... He noticed.
Saitou: I won't harm you if you're not an enemy. I don't think you're a new government army scout, since the way you try to hide is amateur.
I took a deep breath. Would Saitou still remember me?
Ryu: Ibuki. Ibuki Ryunosuke.
I came out of the bushes and said my name, as Saitou gazed in wonder.
Ryu: Sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I just didn't have the opportunity to come out.
Saitou: You're alive...
Ryu: That's what I'm gonna say! I heard that Saitou Hajime of Shinsengumi died in the Battle of Bonari Pass!
Saitou smiled and nodded. With a light breath, he turned from Rasetsu to human again.
I was surprised to see how he managed to control Rasetsu's power freely. At the same time, I felt relieved to see him as his old self.
Saitou: News in battlefield isn't always accurate. It's for confusing the enemy as well.
Ryu: But you...
You took Ochimizu, right? I wanted to ask, but those words stuck in my throat.
Ryu: Why did you leave Hijikata-san though? Shinsengumi headed north. How come you are still here? It's only a matter of time before Aizu's fall.
As far as I know, Saitou is Hijikata-san's right-hand man, and will follow him to the end unwaveringly.
For him to leave Hijikata-san and stay in Aizu, was it Hijikata-san's order? Or...?
Saitou: I have faith in Hijikata-san. Therefore I chose to stay in Aizu.
Like seeing though my doubt, Saitou replied calmly.
Saitou: The main reason I stay here is, I found my way in this land. To fight to the last in Aizu is the way of samurai I believe in.
Ryu: I see.
Saitou's answer was vague, but I felt that I can understand.
Standing in a battlefield of death, Saitou became even more composed than before.
Ryu: Saitou, I'm in apprenticeship to become a nishikie artist now.
Saitou: I see.
Saitou's eyes narrowed, seeming happy.
It was you, Saitou, who found out my talent in drawing. I had hesitated, but I'm continuing on my way. He seemed to be content of the result.
Ryu: Say, if it's alright with you...
I must tell him. When I become a nishikie artist, the first painting I draw got to be "this".
Ryu: I want to draw a painting of you.
Saitou: Am I suitable as a subject for drawing?
Ryu: I'm in apprenticeship, and don't know how long it'll take for me to draw a convincing nishikie.
Even so, the first one I draw can only be Saitou.
After meeting Saitou today, I've found out the most important thing.
What I was meant to draw wasn't "death", but the "life" that accompanies it.
Ryu: If it's alright with you, please let me draw you.
Ryu: If I'm given permission to, I'll have the confidence to draw something you'll be satisfied with. I mean it.
Although it's groundless, I firmly believe it. May there be countless artists in this world. But no one can draw Saitou Hajime like Saitou Hajime as much as I can.
Saitou: It's my honor. I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Saitou answered my wish with a serious nod. Then his expression softened.
Saitou: You will become a good nishikie artist.
With tranquil looks I'd never have imagined before, Saitou gave me a push in the back.
Saitou: But I'm afraid that Aizu castle will fall tomorrow. You better leave here before dawn.
After giving me one last advice, Saitou turned and quietly left without saying goodbye.
Will Saitou survive the last battle in Aizu?
There's no doubt about it. Saitou will live on. His every expression and every gesture showed so.
Ryu: See you again.
I whispered, and started walking. The image of Saitou dashing in the battlefield at night burned vividly in my mind. I wanted to draw it into nishikie.
With this thought, I followed Saitou's advice, and descended the mountain.
Notes:
1. The living hell Ryu witnessed in Boshin War was true. It was rare for a battle to end up this ugly. Japanese people respect the dead, and believed that a soul can't rest in peace until his body is properly buried in earth, preferably in homeland. (That's why some people find it unacceptable to throw Yamazaki's body into the sea.) Even in a battle when it's impossible to carry the body, they'd cut off the head to at least have it buried. Deliberately leaving the bodies to rot and even profane the bodies, hence preventing their souls from resting, was pure evil. Even in the turbulent era like Sengoku, that wasn't allowed to happen.
2. About the battle of Bonari Pass. I dunno why the anime version chose the exact location, Takaku Village (near Nyoraidou), while the game version insist to "kill" Saitou twice in Bonari Pass. (Once in Hijikata route and once in Reimeiroku Saitou route, although both are false alarm.) Maybe because Bonari Pass is more well known?
It's not too far-fetched though, since Saitou was M.I.A. in the Battle of Bonari Pass, and rumored to be killed there. He returned to camp by himself the next day.
Personal comments:
1. After he left, Ryu still cared about Shinsengumi a lot. I bet he wanted to go back and meet them after he became an artist, to make them (namely Saitou) proud. I can imagine how shocked Ryu was when he saw Saitou became Rasetsu. He didn't know how Ochimizu improved after he left. When he was in Shinsengumi, the Rasetsu he had seen can only go "kekekeke!!!" XD
2. When Saitou knelt down I was completely synchronized with Ryu - I want to run to his side and support him. Then suddenly a girl cut in. I was like "who the heck? That's my place she's stealing!"
And from the many game reviews I've read, I'm not the only one who think this way. I think that's one of the little flaws of Reimeiroku. Suddenly the spotlight turned from Ryu to Chizuru without notice. So when the player is still synchronized with the protagonist of this game, it gives the feeling of being kicked aside.
3. Chizuru pouting! Their little argument(?) is so sweet. I like the Chizuru in Saitou route. (Can't say the same about the "Chizuru"s in other routes though. XD) She's confident, thoughtful, and clear-minded. Not waiting to be protected, but actively doing everything she can to help Saitou and the people of Aizu. The two supported each other on equal footing. Very healthy relationship.
4. This fanart, titled "Death and Life", was inspired by this scene.
5. Ryunosuke! For every battle scene Ryu just has to use at least 3 pages to describe how beautiful Saitou is when he fights. And at least 1 page for every movement. Oh Ryu! I don't see you do that for Okita or Hijikata! XD
From Ryu's point of view.
Video of this part.
After leaving Shinsengumi, I hid in Kyoto for the time being. But since Shinsengumi was patrolling the city on a regular basis, it was hard to avoid them. So I left for Osaka, where business was prosperous, to study nishikie.
Nishikie, aka colored woodblock print, was used to depict foreign culture, and became popular after the Perry Expedition. Nishikie of the scenery in Yokohama was also sold in stores in Kyoto. To become an ukiyoe artist, learning nishikie would be a good start. I can't stop here. Feeling this way, I left Osaka and settled down in Edo.
Shinsengumi had become stronger. Their name became known outside of Kyoto, and reached into my ears. Hearing those gossip, I can't help but wonder.
How are Saitou, Hijikata-san, and Kondou-san doing?
Whenever I think of the ones I met in Mibu, I felt restless. I wanted to draw paintings good enough for them to see.
But I started as an amateur. There's no way for me to become a qualified nishikie artist overnight. So I lived
penuriously, devoting everything and every moment I can on learning nishikie.
Then I heard about the upheaval. Starting from Toba-Fushimi, war broke out between Shogunate army and the union of Satsuma and Choshu. And of course, Shinsengumi participated in the bloody battle.
Hearing this, I hit the road with minimal baggage.
As an apprentice artist, I know I couldn't do anything. I shouldn't even be there. When I finally reached the battlefield, what met my eyes were... Piles of bodies killed mercilessly.
The scene was so dreadful that whatever I saw when I was in Shinsengumi seemed like nothing compared to it.
I took out the brush pen I always carry with me, and started drawing.
It's like my hand moved on its own. Like being possessed, I kept drawing "death".
The land which the retreating Shogunate army was driven into, was Aizu. The condition there was beyond words. Warriors of Choshu clan hated Aizu to bits, and sabotaged the bodies of Aizu people like trash. The bodies weren't allowed to be buried. They were left in the open to be ripped and eaten by animals, until they rot without a trace. Merchants who buried their bodies were punished and thrown into prison.
I kept drawing the ragged bodies of nameless soldiers, one by one. At then I thought... To show "death" that make people look away. Was that what my paintings are for? Is this the reason I'm born to this world? Feelings like this filled me with strength and kept me going.
Things began to change when I heard that Saitou, who fought to the end in Aizu, died in the Battle of Bonari Pass.
Perhaps it's because of Saitou's death, I can't hold back the feeling of emptiness in my heart.
To drive this feeling away, I seek more severe battlefields.
After the neighboring clans deserted them, the samurais of Aizu continued their battle alone.
I followed them deeper and deeper into Aizu Domain.
Ryu: Perhaps I'm closer to the frontline than I thought.
Being hasty, I was deep in the woods before I knew it. When I looked up, hazy moonlight shone through the leaves.
Ryu: It's nightfall already. I guess I'll sleep in the open tonight...
I was sitting down to rest when I heard cannon fire, followed by continuous gunshots. A battle nearby! What's more, I can feel it's not just a small conflict, but a real battle. I got up right away. I must see it with my own eyes. Before I knew it, I walked toward the direction the noise came from. Rushing through the woods where there's no path, what finally met my eyes was...
A man dashing on the battlefield filled with gunfire, like a fierce god.
Ryu: That's...
Even in the darkness of the night, under the starlight I can see his white hair gleaming resplendently. He's wrapped in western clothes, and had his sword tied on his waist.
Although his appearance changed a lot, I knew by instinct who he is.
His keen eyes which saw through enemies' actions were sharp and polished like the sword in his hand. With his left hand iai skill, in the blink of an eye, one by one, the gunmen were silenced.
Yes. That's Saitou. Saitou Hajime of Shinsengumi!
New gov. soldier: Damn! What is he?
The yells coming from new government army position were filled with despair.
New gov. soldier: It's useless! No matter how many bullets we shoot, it's not stopping him!
New gov. soldier: Is that a monster, demon, or rasetsu?
Bullets shot through Saitou's body countless times. Saitou's blood soaked the ground around him. But the wounds immediately started to heal.
As Saitou swung his sword again, more victims fell to the ground. He's like a fierce god.
Ryu: How could Saitou become a Rasetsu?
I felt even more shocked than the moment I heard he's dead.
Saitou, who said he like my paintings, and told me that I'm gifted in art... had become a monster?
Then he suddenly stopped.
Saitou: Retreat. Do not come any further.
He spoke to enemy troops with a commanding voice and dauntingly calm words.
Could he still be... the Saitou I knew?
New gov. soldier: I can't take it anymore. Retreat! Retreat!
The new government army was forced to retreat by one single man.
Ryu: What is that strength?
He repelled a troop equipped with the newest and most powerful weapons, like taking candy from a baby.
And although he appeared to be a Rasetsu, I saw no trace of thirst for blood.
Still, a battle like that would put quite some load on his body. Saitou moaned and knelt on the ground.
Ryu: Sai...
Immediately I wanted to run to his side, but...
???????: Are you alright, Saitou-san?
A shadow of small stature appeared, and supported Saitou. Although dressed as a man, she seemed to be a girl.
In the darkness they leaned together. The deep trust between them was obvious enough for an outsider to see.
??????: Next time, I'll fight too.
Her voice was nothing like Saitou's, but the determination in her tone was the same.
??????: Saitou-san always stops me. But at least I can help as being a bait. Now is the time you need all the help you can get. Saitou-san has been fighting for everyone, without having the time to rest. Even if you're fighting as a Rasetsu... No, it's because you're fighting as a Rasetsu, the load on your body is immeasurable.
The girl spoke anxiously.
But a normal human would be killed when shot by a bullet. By bait, was she saying she's not human, like Saitou?
??????: Please. I want to help you. No matter how little I can do.
Saitou: I have something to ask of you.
Saitou replied in a very gentle tone. It's a calm voice that only someone with clear mind make.
Saitou: You're the last person I want to bring into the battlefield.
??????: Saitou-san...
Saitou: Don't forget. It's because of you that I can fight without losing myself.
From his words, I can feel how deep he trusted her.
Saitou: I'm glad you're worried about me. And I can relate to how you want to fight yourself. However... I don't want you to fight under any circumstances. I'd rather keep you hidden to the last minute, like a trump card. Please understand. You are my last stronghold.
With soft voice, Saitou turned down her offer out straight.
The reason why he can remain sane while bathed in blood, must be this girl supporting him.
Saitou: Go back to the camp first. I'll catch up with you after I scout around this area.
The girls seemed a little annoyed at Saitou's words.
??????: Alright.
Then she nodded meekly.
Saitou: You're awfully understanding today.
??????: Would you prefer to see me fretting?
She pouted her lips. But in a moment she smiled.
??????: For scouting, it's more efficient if you go by yourself, right? I don't want to become your burden. I can return to the camp by myself.
Saitou: Yes. You'll be fine. I trust that you can return to the camp safely.
Enjoying Saitou's confidence, the girl smiled gently.Like a flower blooming in the battlefield.
Amidst the endless battles day after night, when he's about to lose himself, she reminded him of the most important things in his life. That must be how the girl is to Saitou.
??????: Everyone came back injured. I'll go and treat their wounds first.
The girl lowered her head, and moved surprisingly nimbly on an animal trail.
Saitou saw her off until she vanished in the darkness. The he slowly looked toward the bushes I was hiding in.
Saitou: Who goes there?
... He noticed.
Saitou: I won't harm you if you're not an enemy. I don't think you're a new government army scout, since the way you try to hide is amateur.
I took a deep breath. Would Saitou still remember me?
Ryu: Ibuki. Ibuki Ryunosuke.
I came out of the bushes and said my name, as Saitou gazed in wonder.
Ryu: Sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I just didn't have the opportunity to come out.
Saitou: You're alive...
Ryu: That's what I'm gonna say! I heard that Saitou Hajime of Shinsengumi died in the Battle of Bonari Pass!
Saitou smiled and nodded. With a light breath, he turned from Rasetsu to human again.
I was surprised to see how he managed to control Rasetsu's power freely. At the same time, I felt relieved to see him as his old self.
Saitou: News in battlefield isn't always accurate. It's for confusing the enemy as well.
Ryu: But you...
You took Ochimizu, right? I wanted to ask, but those words stuck in my throat.
Ryu: Why did you leave Hijikata-san though? Shinsengumi headed north. How come you are still here? It's only a matter of time before Aizu's fall.
As far as I know, Saitou is Hijikata-san's right-hand man, and will follow him to the end unwaveringly.
For him to leave Hijikata-san and stay in Aizu, was it Hijikata-san's order? Or...?
Saitou: I have faith in Hijikata-san. Therefore I chose to stay in Aizu.
Like seeing though my doubt, Saitou replied calmly.
Saitou: The main reason I stay here is, I found my way in this land. To fight to the last in Aizu is the way of samurai I believe in.
Ryu: I see.
Saitou's answer was vague, but I felt that I can understand.
Standing in a battlefield of death, Saitou became even more composed than before.
Ryu: Saitou, I'm in apprenticeship to become a nishikie artist now.
Saitou: I see.
Saitou's eyes narrowed, seeming happy.
It was you, Saitou, who found out my talent in drawing. I had hesitated, but I'm continuing on my way. He seemed to be content of the result.
Ryu: Say, if it's alright with you...
I must tell him. When I become a nishikie artist, the first painting I draw got to be "this".
Ryu: I want to draw a painting of you.
Saitou: Am I suitable as a subject for drawing?
Ryu: I'm in apprenticeship, and don't know how long it'll take for me to draw a convincing nishikie.
Even so, the first one I draw can only be Saitou.
After meeting Saitou today, I've found out the most important thing.
What I was meant to draw wasn't "death", but the "life" that accompanies it.
Ryu: If it's alright with you, please let me draw you.
Ryu: If I'm given permission to, I'll have the confidence to draw something you'll be satisfied with. I mean it.
Although it's groundless, I firmly believe it. May there be countless artists in this world. But no one can draw Saitou Hajime like Saitou Hajime as much as I can.
Saitou: It's my honor. I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Saitou answered my wish with a serious nod. Then his expression softened.
Saitou: You will become a good nishikie artist.
With tranquil looks I'd never have imagined before, Saitou gave me a push in the back.
Saitou: But I'm afraid that Aizu castle will fall tomorrow. You better leave here before dawn.
After giving me one last advice, Saitou turned and quietly left without saying goodbye.
Will Saitou survive the last battle in Aizu?
There's no doubt about it. Saitou will live on. His every expression and every gesture showed so.
Ryu: See you again.
I whispered, and started walking. The image of Saitou dashing in the battlefield at night burned vividly in my mind. I wanted to draw it into nishikie.
With this thought, I followed Saitou's advice, and descended the mountain.
Notes:
1. The living hell Ryu witnessed in Boshin War was true. It was rare for a battle to end up this ugly. Japanese people respect the dead, and believed that a soul can't rest in peace until his body is properly buried in earth, preferably in homeland. (That's why some people find it unacceptable to throw Yamazaki's body into the sea.) Even in a battle when it's impossible to carry the body, they'd cut off the head to at least have it buried. Deliberately leaving the bodies to rot and even profane the bodies, hence preventing their souls from resting, was pure evil. Even in the turbulent era like Sengoku, that wasn't allowed to happen.
2. About the battle of Bonari Pass. I dunno why the anime version chose the exact location, Takaku Village (near Nyoraidou), while the game version insist to "kill" Saitou twice in Bonari Pass. (Once in Hijikata route and once in Reimeiroku Saitou route, although both are false alarm.) Maybe because Bonari Pass is more well known?
It's not too far-fetched though, since Saitou was M.I.A. in the Battle of Bonari Pass, and rumored to be killed there. He returned to camp by himself the next day.
Personal comments:
1. After he left, Ryu still cared about Shinsengumi a lot. I bet he wanted to go back and meet them after he became an artist, to make them (namely Saitou) proud. I can imagine how shocked Ryu was when he saw Saitou became Rasetsu. He didn't know how Ochimizu improved after he left. When he was in Shinsengumi, the Rasetsu he had seen can only go "kekekeke!!!" XD
2. When Saitou knelt down I was completely synchronized with Ryu - I want to run to his side and support him. Then suddenly a girl cut in. I was like "who the heck? That's my place she's stealing!"
And from the many game reviews I've read, I'm not the only one who think this way. I think that's one of the little flaws of Reimeiroku. Suddenly the spotlight turned from Ryu to Chizuru without notice. So when the player is still synchronized with the protagonist of this game, it gives the feeling of being kicked aside.
3. Chizuru pouting! Their little argument(?) is so sweet. I like the Chizuru in Saitou route. (Can't say the same about the "Chizuru"s in other routes though. XD) She's confident, thoughtful, and clear-minded. Not waiting to be protected, but actively doing everything she can to help Saitou and the people of Aizu. The two supported each other on equal footing. Very healthy relationship.
4. This fanart, titled "Death and Life", was inspired by this scene.
5. Ryunosuke! For every battle scene Ryu just has to use at least 3 pages to describe how beautiful Saitou is when he fights. And at least 1 page for every movement. Oh Ryu! I don't see you do that for Okita or Hijikata! XD