Time Period: Bakumatsu, third year of the Bunkyuu era (1863)
Setting: Kyoto, Japan
Focus: Miburou Shigumi, later known as the Shinsengumi

(Volume One, Chapter One and Two spoilers)

In memory of her father and brother, Kamiya Seizaburou joins the Miburou Shigumi even though the age restriction is eighteen. (Kamiya is fifteen.) Hijikata places her in Okita's group. At first, Kamiya is not as impressed with the Miburou Shigumi as she was in the beginning. After all, they are human and have their fair share of flaws. Discouraged, Kamiya attempts to leave the group when Okita appears. It is then that Okita discovers Kamiya's secret. She is a girl. She then reveals her past to Okita - how her house was attacked one night, how Okita stopped the attack, and how she lost her father and brother. I'm not quite sure about the dialogue that passes between the two (translating is tough), but Okita eventaually allows Kamiya to stay, stating simply that she is not a girl. Of course, this opens the plot to several interesting twists and problems.

(Volume One, Chapter Four spoilers)

A few days later, Kamiya runs into a person who looks quite similar to her brother. Because of her wishful and remembering heart, she mistakes Saitou for her brother. (It is a surprising resemblance. If Saitou only had an expression, it would be hard to distinguish the two.) However, Saitou is a very intelligent person. And, with the way he acts, I think he suspects something about Kamiya. I cannot confirm this thought of mine, though. I only gather what I can from the few words I know, some I can look up, the character's facial expressions, their reacions, and what intuitive talents I can gather up. ^^()

(General spoilers, nothing too bad or shocking)

So, throughout the series, Okita teaches Kamiya not only swordsmanship, but also the hidden truths of the world. How everyone has their share of flaws, but they also have their share of virtues as well. How one's sword is not something to draw idly. And how, sometimes, one's quirks and mistakes can bring light into a person's life. Saitou, meanwhile, develops a different sort of relationship with Kamiya. By some either some stroke of luck or by some unimaginable cunning~ness, Saitou generally appears whenever Okita upsets Kamiya, and he hears all about it. Hijikata... well, he still acts like Hijikata. A natural~born bully with a heart that secretly cares for those around him (though don't tell him I said that ^^;). Kondou's good natured attitude, Harada's flirting, Yamanami's gentleness, Akesato-san's guidance, and many others who cause predicaments. Add all of this with the chaotic and dramatic times of the revolution, and you have a story with believeable characters that can leave you with a little bit of light to get you through your day.