Wanted
Pops!
Insolent old man.
It's our right to cut you down.
What?
Hey.
Do you guys know the samurai who wear these masks?
Asshole.
Where did you get that?
Looks like I finally found you.
Who are you?
The Samurai Killer, Ichibanboshi, has arrived!
The Samurai Killer
Ichibanboshi
Give your life...
...for the nation!
Nation, my ass.
Everyone's been through a whole hell of a lot because of you guys!
Thief-takers, coming through!
Weeoo Weeoo
Damn it! Let go of me!
Long before I was born,
someone, somewhere, turned this world into absolute shit.
And this shit world still smells like shit to this day.
Samurai are samurai, and peasants are peasants.
Wretches die wretched deaths.
This is ridiculous. Where are we?
It would seem my heart is still beating.
Have we arrived at the Sanzu River?
Did you have to tie us up so tight?
Huh?
Who...
...are you?
I am the eighth unit captain of the Shinsengumi, formerly the Mibu Roshigumi,
Shinsengumi Eighth Unit Captain Todo Heisuke
Todo Heisuke.
What? You're a piece of shit samurai of the shit brigade?
A human-shaped turd like you has no right to denigrate a samurai!
What do you think you're—
Looks like the man-turd is spewing maggots now.
Why did you bring us here?
Let's make one thing clear.
We were supposed to be beheaded.
Are you going to kill us?
On August 18th, the day the government changed,
someone assassinated Kondou Isami and the other commanders of the Shinsengumi.
Commander...
Hijikata-san... Guys...
You were condemned to die today.
You'll die and be reborn as leaders of the Shinsengumi.
What, like shadow leaders?
Since they've already died, we'll be more like substitutes.
If you become their substitutes and the Shinsengumi continues to exist,
your executions will be called off.
If you refuse, now that you know our secret, you can't be allowed to live.
If we refuse, we'll be executed immediately.
That's why you chose criminals.
Talk about a crazy plan.
Out of the frying pan, into the fire.
Kondou Isami, Serizawa Kamo, Sannan Keisuke, Saitou Hajime,
Harada Sanosuke, Okita Souji, Nagakura Shinpachi, and Hijikata Toshizou.
Choose now.
Die here, or become their substitutes.
What does the Shinsengumi do?
Receive orders from Matsudaira Katamori, and maintain peace and order in the capital.
Do you kill people?
Yes.
Then I accept.
Hijikata Toshizou, welcome.
That's all it takes for you to join the Shinsengumi?
Killing people is the only thing I know how to do.
As long as I'm getting paid to kill people,
then it makes no difference whether it's for the Shinsengumi or as a hitman.
The Hitman
Sakuya
Until now, I've followed the rules of hired killers.
What should I follow in the Shinsengumi?
Me. In the Shinsengumi, Todo Heisuke is the law.
Understood.
Hah! You're already sucking up to him?
Wanna eat lotsa yum-yums!
Naturally, we'll serve you all the rice you can eat.
We'll even provide drinks and sides to go with.
Join the Shinsengumi.
Harada Sanosuke, welcome.
I'mma work real hard and eat lotsa yum-yums!
The Glutton
Bo
I don't have any reason to say no, either.
The great Gyataro will grace your Shinsengumi with his presence.
Nagakura Shinpachi, welcome.
There's no freaking way I'm dying here.
I haven't had my fill of liquor, women, or gambling yet.
The Crime Collector
Gyataro
Foolish Shinsengumi!
Nothing can sway my loyalty to the emperor.
I'll never be a dog of the shogunate.
Number 808.
No...
Did I do something wrong?
No, that was the right call.
I'll write in the record that Serizawa Kamo died a violent death.
Damn samurai don't care about human lives.
This place is crazier than prison.
I have an unrelated question.
May I have this body?
Do as you please.
Then I shall join the Shinsengumi, too.
Sannan Keisuke, welcome.
I doubt I'll lack for injured patients to treat or dead bodies to dissect here.
The Psycho Doctor
Sogen
I guess I'll join the Shinsengumi, too.
Saito Hajime, welcome.
If you're going to producing that many corpses,
you'll need someone to pray for their restless souls.
The Sinful Monk
Suzuran
Let me confirm one thing.
Is it really acceptable for a woman like me to take Okita Soji's place?
You're a woman?
The Shinsengumi is a total meritocracy.
You're the only one who cares if you're a woman or not.
Got it. I'll join, too.
Okita Soji, welcome.
I disguise myself in order to test my strength.
I won't be outdone by any man, whether it's swordsmanship or academics.
The Cross-Dressing Woman
Akira
I heard from the prison guards that you're an instructor in swordsmanship.
Indeed I am.
I'd like you to train the other substitutes.
Understood.
That just leaves you.
Choose.
Die here, or change the times with us.
I'm not becoming no stinking samurai.
My family was killed by samurai wearing funny masks!
Give your lives...
for the nation.
Run, you two!
Pops!
Honey!
Ichibanboshi...
Live.
Ma! Tsukito!
You're not changing the times.
You're just a murderer with a sword hanging from his hip!
Don't act so self-important!
There's nothing I hate more than samurai!
Is this the odd mask that samurai was wearing?
What? Where did you get that?
This mask was worn by the one who killed the Shinsengumi's leaders.
They belong to an organization known as the Masked Demons.
What a coincidence. We want revenge on the same man.
The Shinsengumi is searching for the demon who wears this mask.
Would you like to join the search?
Yeah.
The Shinsengumi will exterminate the Masked Demons and get revenge.
Would you like to get revenge, too?
Of course. I swear I'll avenge my family.
Good.
This is Nagasone Okisato Nyudo Kotetsu.
It was the late Commander Kondou Isami's beloved sword.
Will you take up this sword and become Kondou Isami?
If it'll help me avenge my family,
I'll do anything.
I'll become a damn samurai.
I will be Kondou Isami!
Shine On!
Bakumatsu Bad Boys
Aizu Headquarters: Konkai-Komyoji Temple
Lord of the Aizu Domain Matsudaira Katamori
How are the substitutes, Todo?
They joined the force today.
Public order in Kyoto worsens day by day.
To prevent the lawless ronin from becoming even more impudent,
the Shinsengumi cannot be disbanded now.
It won't be easy, but I'm asking you to look after the criminals.
Yes, sir. I shall be strict in my guidance.
This is why things never change.
Don't play with swords, fool.
Oh, shut up.
Huh? Where'd shorty go?
Todo-chan said he was off to visit Katamori.
Who's that?
The Kyoto Military Commissioner from the Aizu Domain.
He's our master.
Don't forget that, fool.
Why do you have to keep calling me a fool?
Enough.
Huh?
Practice begins now.
Katamori, there's no need to rely on the leaderless Shinsengumi.
Aizu Domain Steward Akizuki Teijiro
The shogunate has the Mimawarigumi—
Akizuki, the Mimawarigumi is currently recruiting immediate followers of the shogun.
We've no choice but to let the Shinsengumi handle things right now.
I hate to say it, but that's the current state of the declining shogunate.
Todo, I don't expect much from the criminals.
They just need to maintain enough influence to scare the forces
attempting to overthrow the shogunate.
You are too kind.
I swear the Shinsengumi will be restored and protect public order in Kyoto.
Who among you has studied swordsmanship?
Not me.
I use this thing.
This for me.
Monks don't kill.
Gunpowder is more effective.
I'm worried about our future.
Composed of members from various social classes,
the Shinsengumi displays the word "sincerity" on its flag
Sincerity
and follows the way of the samurai.
We can't neglect our sword skills.
We'll begin training in pairs.
Kondou.
Commander Kondou.
Oh, you mean me.
All right. Let's do this.
No need to hold back.
Come and get me.
I won't be using this thing.
You can't practice without it.
I just need to win, right?
I investigated this mask.
It resembles the ones they use in noh plays.
Noh plays?
If it's a rare article, then we'll find them quickly.
We'll continue our investigation as well.
Thank you. I appreciate it.
Now then, Todo.
I heard there are ronin wandering around Shimabara and Gion.
We'll take of it immediately.
Pick up your wooden sword!
I'll fight my way!
I'm surprised he can fight like that.
I'm actually impressed.
Why was he chosen to be Commander Kondou?
Huh?
Dumboshi.
Stop!
You fool!
What was that for?
Is your head full of bean paste, you rotten bun?
The sword is a samurai's soul.
Who throws one on the ground?
I don't like swords.
You let the shithead get ahead of himself.
What?
You shouldn't have held back against him.
But...
We won't be fighting opponents who can be defeated with kicks.
Are you even trying to avenge your family?
Fine, fine. I'll learn your stupid swordsmanship
and become the best of this bunch before you know it.
Get ready, everyone.
It's your first job.
We're heading out to patrol the city and take care of some business.
All right. Let's blitz 'em!
Blitz?
Blitz!
Does blitzing require a target?
Of course.
Akira-chan, have you experienced a blitz before?
No, I've never blitzed anything.
Blitz...
Is that perhaps a German word?
Who cares? We've got a job to do!
We'll split into three groups focused around those of you with combat experience.
Gyataro, Bo and I will head to Gion.
Understood.
Akira, Sogen, and Suzuran will go to Karasuma.
Understood.
That leaves Ichibanboshi and Sakuya to—
Hey, why am I going with him?
Wait, why am I going with him?
Sakuya, you're strong.
Even with a puppy running circles around you barking,
you'll manage just fine by yourself.
Who are you calling a puppy?
You, you mangy dog!
Arf!
Ichibanboshi isn't the only one.
Your sword skills are underdeveloped.
Avoid combat as much as possible. Got it?
Understood.
You scoundrel!
So weak.
You're a weak one, aren't you? Shall I give you this sword?
Use this sword for the nation.
Huh?
Tempura
Idiot!
Huh?
That's not something a samurai should do.
Oh...
Forgive me.
It's fine.
You got in trouble.
Aw...
Gyataro, we're being paid by the shogunate.
You don't need to do that.
Do what?
Put it back. You're not a criminal anymore.
Hey, isn't this your wallet?
Oh, thanks.
You were awesome, Akira-chan.
If I'm going to die anyway, I'd like to be killed by a beauty like you.
I thought you were a former monk.
Should you be hitting on women?
"I saw a monk buy a hairpin for a girl."
It's like the song.
Good grief.
Look over there.
Todo.
Someone was testing a new sword.
The wound's not deep, but the blood...
Pops...
Now this is an odd wound.
I'm not gonna make it.
I'll treat you.
You have a 93.5% chance of surviving.
Or would you rather be dissected?
Don't worry. If you die, we've got a monk right here.
You two handle this.
We're going after the lawless ronin.
Got it.
I'll surpass your sword skills before you know it and become number one.
You're already number one when it comes to stupidity.
Why, you...
Please help!
That sword...
It was me. I found them first.
Hey.
Give your life for the nation.
Blitzed ya!
Found you, you masked bastard.
Ow!
Sakuya, don't get in my way.
Silence.
Huh?
Number 809.
Damn it.
What kind of moron suddenly charges at the enemy?
I couldn't help it. My body moved on its own.
You must learn your opponents' abilities first.
Draw your sword after.
Someone could've been killed if we waited.
What are you even wearing that sword for?
To kill people.
Well, not me.
I wear one to protect people.
Hold up!
Hey!
We should follow orders and return to—
Damn it, Dumboshi.
Todo.
Sakuya, what is it?
A lawless samurai showed up in Shimabara.
He was wearing one of those masks and wielding an odd sword.
Where's Ichibanboshi?
He ignored orders and followed him alone.
That absolute idiot!
That dung beetle can't even do anything on his own!
You're not getting away from me.
Help!
Don't.
The world doesn't need more guys like me.
Don't...
Kotetsu?
That light...
Long before I was born,
someone from somewhere turned this world into absolute shit.
Who are you?
Huh? Who, me?
I...
I serve the Kyoto Military Commissioner as Shinsengumi Commander Kondou Isami.
I mean, I'm a newbie who just became him.
And this shit world that smells like shit to this day is beginning to change.
Episode One Deceive! The Shinsengumi of Criminals
Shine On! Bakumatsu Bad Boys
Shine On!
Bakumatsu Bad Boys
Bakumatsu Bad Boys!
How does "ichiban hikare" mean "Bakumatsu Bad Boys!"?
Well, this part's the "Bakumatsu,"
and this part's the "Bad Boys!"
It was stupid of me to ask you.
Huh?
Bakumatsu Bad Boys!
Fin