Episode Title:
The Winter's Banked Fire.
Episode Description:
Hajime Saito is attracted by a fine sword in a display case and rattles on about the importance of a good sword to Chizuru, who starts laughing at his passionate outburst. Flashback at the Shinsengumi, Chizuru is asked to be an undercover geisha by Kondo and Toshizo Hijikata. Chizuru becomes extremely uncomfortable at the thought of the dangerous mission, but Saito immediately proffers himself and Susumu Yamazaki as bodyguards for Chizuru. Two lecherous men try to get fresh with Chizuru and are grounded by Yamazaki and Saito respectively. Upon seeing the beautifully dolled up Chizuru, Saito becomes oblivious to the surroundings and prepares to stutter a declaration of love, but is rudely interrupted by his attacker’s allies. The next day, Saito and Chizuru converse on the road about what Saito wanted to say to Chizuru, but Chizuru wanders off to the topic of whether Hijikata suits having a beard. At night, Hijikata apologises to Saito for sending him off on a long and dangerous reconnaissance mission. The next morning, Saito admires the snow together with Chizuru, who gives him a snow rabbit.
