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Chizuru Yukimura (雪村 千鶴 Yukimura Chizuru) is the main female protagonist in the Hakuōki series and the narrator of the anime who appears in all series and movies. She is a fictional character, unlike the Shinsengumi members. In the anime series, her love interest is chosen for her but in games there are various routes to pick from.

Chizuru is a daughter of a respectful doctor from Edo. Right before the beginning of the story her father leaves home and travels to Kyoto, regularly sending her letters. However, one day the letters stop, and Chizuru decides to embark on a journey to find her father. Upon arrival to Kyoto, she is harassed by rogue samurai who take an interest in her sword, and as she runs away she encounters mysterious creatures only to be saved by the Shinsengumi.

Chizuru finds out that her father cooperated with the Shinsengumi before his clinic burnt down, but as the body has not been found the Shinsengumi assume he is alive and offer her to join the search. She keeps wearing a male kimono to hide her true gender and slowly becomes an important ally to the samurai in blue haori.

Appearance

Chizuru is a young woman with brown hair that stops inches below her shoulders with bangs covering her forehead and brown eyes.

She dresses as a boy as directed by Toshizou Hijikata to avoid any disruption of order in the organization. Chizuru wears an azalea pink shirt and gray pants and she ties her hair in a ponytail. Even though her kimono is male, most people instantly recognize a girl in that disguise. The colors of her outfit also stand out when she goes patrolling with the Shinsengumi as she is the only one who does not wear the blue haori due to not being an official member. She also always has her kodachi on her.

In episode 8 and the OVA, she dresses as a tayuu in a red and green kimono with a gold obi that is tied in a bow in front of her middle. Her hair is done up in a geisha fashion and she wears makeup that whitens her face.

At the end of season 2, she changes into a red, white and black western outfit.

Personality

Chizuru is a gentle, polite, caring, well-mannered and soft-spoken young woman who is so humble and shy that she hardly ever speaks her mind unless driven to by her concern for others. Her compassion often leads her to inquire about others' well-being. Chizuru is also quite fearless despite being hesitant to fight, she rushes to protect those she cares about against all the odds. She hardly ever gets angry but she is often the first one to show emotion when something tragic occurs, and she comes to care quite a lot for the Shinsengumi leaders as she spends time with them and learns of their ideals.

Each new event reveals a new side of Chizuru's personality — she is loyal, selfless and loving. Her devotion to the Shinsengumi shines through all the obstacles, and no matter how many people try to persuade her to leave or kidnap her, she never betrays her trust in the men. She is ready to sacrifice herself for their sake, and they do the same for her because they feel how much she cares about them. Each Shinsengumi member is equally important to her, she treats their wounds and cleans their headquarters. Each death is a heartbreak for her as she loves them all deeply. She puts the needs of the Shinsengumi above her own and is ready to die if that is what is needed for their well-being.

Past

Okita.Souji.(Hakuouki).full.1438775This article contains major SPOILERS.
Be careful if you do not know the full story yet.


Chizuru was born into the Yukimura Clan, which claimed to be descendants of a demonic bloodline and resided in east Japan. It is revealed that a few unknown years after her and Kaoru Nagumo (Chizuru's twin brother), were born, the Yukimura Clan was attacked by humans simply for refusing to aid in a clan war. Chizuru and Kaoru escaped with their lives, courtesy of Koudou Yukimura. But shortly after, Chizuru and Kaoru were separated because of the government finding the last survivors of the Yukimura Clan.

In her years before the setting of the story, she lived in a small place in Edo, where her father, Koudou, was a doctor, specializing in western medicine and helping nearby neighbors. She had never known about her twin brother in her years living with Koudou and had lived a satisfying life with her father, never knowing her mother. It is also assumed that somewhere during this time, Chizuru was given the Yukimura Clan's treasure, a kodachi, and was taught to learn how to defend herself with it, never knowing its significant meaning to the Yukimura Clan.

Kodachi

Kodachi is originally a short katana. By the end of the Edo period, it referred to a large wakizashi. It was usually worn as a half of a pair with a larger sword, such as a katana.

Chizuru is a native of Edo where she lived with her father Koudou Yukimura. Ever since she was little, her wounds would always heal very quickly, and she did not know the reason to it. Her father insisted that it was a gift of the gods, but that she should tell no one of it. She did not tell anyone as she was afraid they would treat her as a monster if they knew. For this very reason, Chizuru did her best not to get hurt, she tried to stay as far away from blades as she could, and, before she realized it, she developed a fear of them. Nevertheless, she always carries her kodachi with her as it is her family heirloom.

Story

First Season

That flowing, jet-black hair took my breath away. The snow, fluttering, was illuminated by the moon's light as it fell... like cherry blossoms flowering out of season.

Chizuru Yukimura
Chizuru coming to Kyoto

Chizuru tells her story about travelling to Kyoto

Chizuru Yukimura is a young woman who travels to Kyoto in search for her missing father. Kyoto is a dangerous place as there are a lot of rogue samurai who rob people as their only way of getting money. Chizuru gets attacked by some of those rogues and runs away to hide in an alley. As she is about to be discovered, she hears screams, and the rogues get killed by mysterious men in blue coats with silver hair. She sees that her saviors are actually insane monsters who are about to murder her in cold blood as well, and that is just when she gets save the second time by a few other men wearing the same blue coats. Later it is revealed that the men were from the Shinsengumi, the notorious Kyoto police organized by the Bakufu. They take her into custody and question her. Eventually, she stays with them until she can find her father.

While living with the Shinsengumi, she helps them with their chores and treats their wounds. She earns Saitou's approval and is allowed to go out in the city to search for her father. She also earns the Shinsengumi's trust after the Ikedaya Incident when she delivers a message to Hijikata's group who have been sent to Shikkokuya. Later, she gets attacked by oni who want to kidnap her because Chikage Kazama claims that she is a pure-blood demon who has to become his wife. The Shinsengumi protect her all the way, and when Senhime offers her help, Chizuru refuses and stays with the samurai. When Heisuke becomes part of Itou's group, she volunteers to try and convince him to come back as the Shinsengumi are about to assassinate Itou. When Amagiri suggests her giving up in return to sparing the remaining Shinsengumi as they have got into a trap while killing Itou, she agrees and is ready to go with the demons. She keeps Okita's disease in secret as she promised, and Yamazaki entrusts her with a medical notebook he got from Dr. Matsumoto because she is the only one with medical knowledge in case he is gone. Chizuru volunteers to go and ask for reinforcements at the end of the season which leads to her witnessing Inoue's brutal death. She is saved by Kazama at the last moment, but Hijikata drinks Ochimizu and becomes a Rasetsu in front of her, and Yamazaki dies trying to stop him.

Second Season

Chizuru finds herself in the midst of the Shinsengumi's return to Edo, where they establish their temporary headquarters at the Kama Inn in Shinagawa. Witnessing Hijikata, the vice-commander, exhaust himself by working tirelessly without rest or nourishment, Chizuru takes it upon herself to persuade him to take care of his well-being. Despite his initial resistance, she persistently tries to ensure that he eats, drinks tea, and rests. Chizuru's genuine concern for Hijikata's welfare is evident as she strives to support him in any way possible.

As tensions rise within the Shinsengumi, Chizuru's life is put in grave danger when Sannan reveals his intention to extract her blood. His belief that her demon blood holds the key to controlling the Rasetsu's frenzy leads to a perilous encounter. However, Hijikata intervenes just in time, protecting Chizuru from harm and deepening their bond.

Chizuru is astonished to see Hijikata in his new outfit

Chizuru is astonished to see Hijikata in his new outfit

As the time comes to forget the old ways, the Shinsengumi have to change their uniforms and weaponry. Throughout their journey, Chizuru's unwavering support serves as a source of stability amidst the chaos surrounding the Shinsengumi. Her resilience and dedication shine through as she tends to the emotional and physical needs of her comrades, offering solace and comfort during trying times.

As the Shinsengumi prepares for a critical battle to protect Kōfu Castle, Chizuru remains a steadfast presence by Hijikata's side. Her genuine care for the well-being of her comrades is evident as she engages with them, offering solace and reminding them of their worth amidst their struggles.

As the series progresses, Chizuru witnesses the hardships faced by the Shinsengumi, including Souji's battle with tuberculosis and Kondou's plan to attack Kōfu Castle. She also has a nightmare about her childhood, which reveals her fears and worries. Chizuru seeks comfort and guidance from Saitou, who shares his own experiences and regains his warrior spirit with her encouragement.

When an emergency arises, Chizuru actively participates in the discussions and plans with Hijikata, Sano, Shinpachi, Shimada, and Saitou. She shows her determination to protect Kondou and survive by taking on the role of his shield in Hijikata's absence. Chizuru and Hijikata swear an oath to protect each other and survive the battles.

Chizuru fights Kaoru

Chizuru fights Kaoru

Chizuru's journey takes a turn when she encounters Kaoru, who reveals the truth about her past and the evil masterplan to use the Rasetsu to exterminate humans. Despite the danger, Chizuru refuses to join Kaoru and instead fights against him to protect Kondou and the humans. She is aided by Okita, who joins the battle but is weakened by his tuberculosis. Kazama intervenes and helps Chizuru by defeating Kaoru. After the defeat at Kōfu Castle, Chizuru continues to support and care for her comrades. She confides in Sano about her worries and shares lighthearted moments with him and Okita. Chizuru also witnesses the departure of Shinpachi and Sano from the Shinsengumi, expressing her sadness and concern.

In the later episodes, Chizuru witnesses a conversation between Hijikata and Sannan regarding the Rasetsu Corps. She pleads with Hijikata to stop using his Rasetsu powers, feeling guilty for his transformation. Despite her request, Hijikata remains firm in his decisions and plans for the Shinsengumi's future.

One pivotal moment involving Chizuru occurs when Hijikata confesses his doubts and struggles to her. Feeling that there is nothing left to believe in, Hijikata opens up about his feelings of overseeing the Shinsengumi alone. Chizuru reassures him, reminding him that the soldiers around him believe in him. To lift his spirits, Chizuru takes Hijikata deeper into the woods and offers him her blood, which carries healing properties. Hijikata reluctantly agrees, and Chizuru promises to always stay by his side.

As the series progresses, Chizuru continues to accompany Hijikata and their comrades on their journey. When Kondou, the commander of the Shinsengumi, is captured, tensions rise within the group. Okita, one of their fellow warriors, blames Hijikata for Kondou's capture and lashes out at him. Chizuru tries to intervene and explain the situation, eventually leading Okita to understand the difficult choices Hijikata had to make. Souji, saddened by Kondou's death, acknowledges Hijikata as the one who can lead the Shinsengumi and leaves him in Chizuru's care.

Tragedy strikes when Chizuru and Hijikata witness Okita's death after he has protected them with the price of his life, leaving only the sword behind. In the midst of the turmoil, Chizuru finds herself in a precarious situation when her father, Koudou, who is involved with the Imperial Army, attempts to kidnap her. However, with the help of her comrades, including Hijikata, Chizuru resists her father's plans and stands against him. A confrontation ensues, leading to the demise of Koudou and the Rasetsu under his control as they all end up slaughtered. However, Chizuru and Hijikata also lose Sannan and Heisuke in that battle, when their time as Rasetsu comes to an end which contributes to the overall level of misery they are in.

Hijikata asks Chizuru to stay by his side

Hijikata asks Chizuru to stay by his side

Hijikata and Chizuru share a kiss

Hijikata and Chizuru share a kiss

Hijikata, scared for Chizuru's well-being, leaves her behind sailing to Ezo. She tends to her father's grave when one day she meets Kazama there. In a heartfelt conversation with the demon who has crossed paths with Chizuru before, she defends Hijikata's actions, believing in his intentions. Kazama questions her trust in Hijikata, but Chizuru remains resolute in her decision to stay by his side.

The series concludes with Chizuru's appointment as Hijikata's attendant, solidifying her commitment to support him. Despite initial reluctance from Hijikata, Chizuru perseveres and convinces him to share his hardships with her. Determined to be there for him, Chizuru vows to stay by Hijikata's side. A very short period of time passes when Hijikata realizes that he is in love with Chizuru, so he confesses his feelings for her, and they share a kiss. When Hijikata gets shot, Chizuru feeds him her demon blood through a kiss to sustain his body.

After they manage to escape from the war path, they find themselves in another conflict with Kazama who is determined to finish his fight with Hijikata. Chizuru attempts to stop Kazama due to Hijikata's poor health condition, however, Hijikata insists on proceeding. When Hijikata wins, Chizuru sees the banner of the Shinsengumi flying in the sky, and then all her late comrades. Her fate afterwards is not revealed.

Third Season

Chizuru does not appear in the prequel significantly, she makes a brief cameo at the end of Episode 12 after Ryuunosuke runs away and hides from the Shinsengumi. He is seen walking past Chizuru in the opposite direction which symbolizes him leaving the fate of the Shinsengumi to her, even though they had not officially met at that point. However, she is mentioned by Koudou once when he says he has a daughter, and later Sannan finds a piece of letter addressed to Chizuru Yukimura in the remains of Koudou's burnt down clinic.

Movies

Chizuru turns into a demon

Chizuru turns into a demon

Chizuru's storyline in the movies is largely the same as in the anime series but there are a few adjustments to some of the scenes, the main one being that her demon form is actually shown in the movies. When she first encounters Kazama in Ikedaya protecting Okita from his sword, she gets a cut on her cheek instead which starts healing as her eyes change color to golden, and Kazama's display of power provokes her own abilities, changing her hair color to silver and creating a blue aura around them. Later Chizuru uses the same power when Kazama comes to kidnap her as she protects Hijikata.

Closer to the end of the first movie that is meant to be a re-cap of the first season, Chizuru meets Kaoru who takes her to have a conversation with Koudou, and she learns about her father's involvement and plans for her and Rasetsu. She begs him to change his mind, but her family members are not in the mood to be reasoned with so they decide to kidnap her instead. Luckily for her, the Shinsengumi men arrive and scare away Koudou and Kaoru.

In the second movie Chizuru gets left behind by Hijikata in a brutal way as he lures her out and deceives her, using Ryuunosuke as a messenger to give her his goodbye letter. She eventually gets invited to Ryuunosuke's house where he lives with Kosuzu and stumbles upon Harada (who had left the Shinsengumi by then). After a conversation with them, Chizuru decides to find Hijikata and the others. Harada agrees to assist and distracts the guards on the way to let her through. As she watches him fight, she falls down a cliff. Waking up, she sees Kazama by the fire who seems amiable and willing to help her. He tells her about the demon history and her own family and then takes her to see the village where her family used to live. They get ambushed by Kaoru and Rasetsu who manage to steal Chizuru and take her to a castle where Koudou and Sannan are ready to enlighten her about the plan to create a demon kingdom. Heisuke attempts to save her, and Sannan helps him by killing Rasetsu but gets shot by Koudou. Kazama eventually finds them all and kills Koudou.

As Chizuru continues to search for the Shinsengumi, she encounters Kazama again who guides her further but hugs her at the last moment asking not to go. She decides she needs to see the Shinsengumi anyway and leaves. Arriving on the battlefield, she gets hit by a blowing up shell, which is where Hijikata notices her and takes her in. He confesses his feelings for her, and they enter the last battle together.

Hijikata gets shot and taken care of by Chizuru the same way it was in the anime series, but the fight between Hijikata and Kazama ends differently with Kazama being only scratched and not killed, and Hijikata's eyes glowing yellow indicating he has become a true demon. He survives, and he and Chizuru look at the sunrise together.

Sweet School Life

In the short OVA Chizuru is a First Year Form One (1-1) student and the only girl at Hakuou Academy. She is shown to be shy and easily manipulated by Okita and Heisuke who fight for her attention. Heisuke is said to be her childhood friend, so they spend a lot of time together and come late for school together due to Heisuke's gaming addiction, which is why they end up scolded by the members of the Discipline Committee. Chizuru is also overly worried about her friends as she notices them all gone and runs around scared for them only to find out that they are all in the gym due to a medical examination. She blushes seeing a lot of her friends half-naked.

Skills & Abilities

Being the daughter of a doctor, Chizuru possesses some medical knowledge, which seems to expand as she helps Yamazaki treat wounded soldiers. She is also reliable in relaying messages and is good at cooking and cleaning. As a pure-blooded demon, she has the ability to heal quickly from injuries and is implied to have somewhat of a sixth sense, as in episode 6, she was able to sense Kazama and his henchmen. She is skilled with a kodachi, a short sword, named Shotsuren, having learned how in a dojo to defend herself, yet she is rarely seen using it.

Etymology

  • The name Chizuru means "thousand" (千) (chi) and "crane, stork" (鶴) (tsuru/zuru)
    • In Japanese tradition, it is considered to be lucky and grants long life, especially if you fold a thousand cranes out of paper.
  • Chizuru's surname Yukimura means "snow" (雪) (yuki) and "town, village" (村) (mura).

Trivia

  • Chizuru is 16 at the beginning of the game which puts her year of birth at 1848.
  • Chizuru wields a kodachi, which is part of a katana/kodachi set that is actually an heirloom passed down through her demon family. She owns the kodachi while Kaoru Nagumo (Chizuru's twin brother) owns the katana named Daitsuren.
  • In the anime, Chizuru rarely fights (save for a brief fight with Kaoru). However, in Toshizou Hijikata's route, she manages to fend off Chikage Kazama very well. Despite sustaining several injuries, she didn't back down to Kazama even once, knowing that if she did, Kazama would have taken her away to be his bride.
  • In the anime, Chizuru sleeps with her hair out.
  • Chizuru has a theme music in the anime.
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