T H E---R E C R U I T M E N T

T H E---L A S T---B A T T L E

The Shinsengumi HQ in Mibu, Kyoto, on recruitment day
in 1867

Hijikata, one of the leaders of the pack, is calling up Yoshimura, one of those who got into the line-up that morning to get tested. Masterless swordsmen from all over the country are turning up, hoping to get some easy life by the sword.

"That looks like fun, Nagakura," says Okita

Nagakura agrees to use a sharp sword to test this one candidate

"Your school doesn't use real sword, does it?" asks Nagakura

Shinsengumi's signature headgear is lent to Yoshimura

Yoshimura wears it to prevent accidental slashes there
(played by actor Nakai Kiichi)

"He's surprisingly tough," thinks Nagakura

It will be an absolute disgrace if he loses this fight

The country samurai seems too self-confident

They fight their best, because they have to

Ito looks on; it's an interesting duel

Just one wrong step and Nagakura may lose his life

Okita is happy that the day isn't so slow after all

Kondo stops the fight and declares it a draw

The Shinsengumi's party with geishas

Saito doesn't enjoy any second of it; he is entirely bored

"I'll kill this man tonight," Saito decides

T H E---R E C R U I T M E N T

T H E---L A S T---B A T T L E

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