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Why Hijikata Toshizou?
Out of everyone you chose the demon commander, what is wrong with you?Although my initial reaction is why not, I will just admit that I am very fond of Hijikata-san. In fact, I have liked him since Peacemaker Kurogane. Often times, I feel like his men are going overboard on how they describe him. Although this is true in some cases, I feel that they (the Shinsengumi) appreciate the structure that he gives them. He takes a bunch of guys, gives them swords and rules and together the fight with all they have for what they believe in. I can't say that I hate that. In fact, I admire that.
Hijikata in Hakuoki is much softer than in Peacemaker, which is quite a nice treat. I feel like he's so much more human. He's almost so human I can relate. Everything he does is for his one passion and I respect a man who can fight for what he believes in. He's also stubborn to a fault, I believe that half the time he just cannot articulate his feelings. He's never had too. I find him naturally charming. He's a strong leader, his men obviously love him - there's just something drawing about him. Can I describe that without rambling? Probably not. The point is I adore Hijikata because he's strong and proud. He would do anything for his men and those he loved; and the people that know him truly adore him because he's not as demonic as everyone's been spreading around.
In particular, I love how tough he can be. He has a no nonsense policy but he can also be surprisingly soft. As we see when he relieves Harada and Nagakura from duty and they leave. He didn't have to let them leave. But he let them, he chose the easiest path and everyone won. Everyone got what they wanted and he internalized that. He kept it to himself as usual. Hijikata can be so strict but he takes on everything himself. I can relate in that. I feel better when I can control the way things are going, I can offer structure and make sure things get handled. But when things bother me, who the hell am I supposed to talk to? I think Hijikata goes through that a lot. Sanaan leaves, Konodo gets taken, familiar faces in the Shinsengumi disagree and leave. Who does he turn too? Chizuru, she's one of the only ones left. Where can he go? Forward, where ever that's going to lead. I think he has to take things as they come because of the things that have happened. He can't go back, he doesn't have that option. He just makes a decision based on the only door opened to him. It's no wonder he's cranky or strict most of the time. If he's the only one who can do it, why entrust it to someone else?
Why should I sit down and make site to Hijikata? Becuase in some cases, I know what it feels like to be the leader and having to do everything. I understand what it is like to keep things running. It's not always so easy. I appreciate that, I appreciate that he follows his passions and that everything he does is for the Shinsengumi.
Without digressing and ranting, I like Hijikata because he's passionate and strict. He does what he feels he needs to for the best outcome for everyone. I can respect that. Plus, I have a natural affinity for stubborn men.