Hajime Saitou

Saitou is cold, disciplined and ruthlessly consistent. His guiding principle, Aku Soku Zan, divides the world according to conduct rather than political allegiance: those he identifies as evil must be destroyed regardless of the faction they claim to represent.

Unlike many former Bakumatsu warriors, Saitou does not romanticize the lost era. He adapts to Meiji society without abandoning his convictions, using his police position as another means of pursuing people he believes threaten public order.

His harsh demeanor hides a dry, deliberately provocative sense of humor. He frequently needles Sanosuke and Kenshin, but his insults often contain accurate observations about their weaknesses.

Saitou is one of the strongest swordsmen in the series. Years of warfare with the Shinsengumi give him exceptional speed, reflexes, endurance and combat awareness.

His signature technique is Gatotsu, a highly refined thrust derived from the Shinsengumi's hirazuki. Different forms adapt the attack to varying circumstances. The standard form produces tremendous forward penetration, while other variations compensate for opponents above, below or extremely close to him.

Saitou is also highly capable in unarmed combat and possesses remarkable tactical intelligence. He studies opponents quickly and rarely wastes movement, making him particularly dangerous in battles where psychological judgment matters as much as raw speed.

Saitou re-enters Kenshin's life while investigating the conspiracy surrounding Makoto Shishio. Before revealing his actual mission, he tests Kenshin in a brutal confrontation at the Kamiya dojo.

Their battle forces Kenshin psychologically toward the Battōsai mentality and demonstrates that Saitou remains one of the few warriors capable of fighting him on nearly equal terms.

Saitou subsequently travels to Kyoto as part of the effort against Shishio. He infiltrates Shishio's battleship and later joins Kenshin and Sanosuke in the assault on Shishio's headquarters, where he battles Usui.

Saitou survives the collapse of Shishio's fortress and later assists during the Jinchū conflict, remaining committed to police work rather than becoming a permanent member of Kenshin's group.

Kenshin Himura is Saitou's longtime rival from the Bakumatsu. Their political factions were enemies, but each recognizes the other's extraordinary ability and conviction.

Sanosuke Sagara frequently clashes with Saitou, who openly mocks his weaknesses while occasionally forcing him to improve.

Makoto Shishio is the principal target of the government investigation that brings Saitou back into Kenshin's life.

Toshimichi Ookubo employs Saitou as part of the government's effort to investigate and suppress Shishio.

Usui Uonuma fights Saitou inside Shishio's headquarters and is defeated by him.

Kaoru Kamiya witnesses the destructive consequences of Saitou's renewed rivalry with Kenshin.