Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom - Dawn of the Shinsengumi
Synopsis
Beaten and left to perish, Ryuunosuke Ibuki is robbed of everything to his name. Seeing him in such a pitiful state, a man named Kamo Serizawa gives him a second chance and offers him to become his personal assistant. Ibuki seems to be spared by grief, but this new lifestyle only makes him nothing more than a dog to one of the most influential men in all of Kyoto. Meanwhile, with the rise of ronin attacks on the general population, the shogunate sends the Roshigumi to Kyoto to strike for peace. Led by the honorable yet soft-spoken Isami Kondou, the Roshigumi is composed of strong and skilled samurai but lacks any meaningful political connections to gain footing in the city plagued by crime. Having no other choice, Kondou allies with the arrogant Serizawa and his connections in exchange for their combative strength. Despite hating everything the samurai stand for, Ibuki finds himself tangled in the business of the Roshigumi. However, as he interacts with the members under Kondou's leadership, Ibuki slowly realizes that not all samurai are as cruel and dishonorable as he once thought. Hakuouki Reimeiroku explores the early days leading up to the formation of the Shinsengumi while the political tension in Kyoto gives rise to instability and uncertainty. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is mixed, with some appreciating the historical context and character development, while others criticize the weak male lead and confusing placement within the Hakuouki series. The absence of Chizuru is a notable positive for some viewers. Overall, it seems enjoyable for fans of the franchise but has some flaws.
Strengths
- Beautiful art and sword fighting.
- Interesting to see the origins of the Shinsengumi.
- Enjoyable without the Chizuru character.
Weaknesses
- The male lead is helpless and a coward.
- Prequel placement in the series is confusing.
- Inaccurate historical representation