新選組刃義抄アサギ

In Kyoto during 1863, Souji Okita, a skilled swordsman from the Shieikan dojo, navigates the turbulent final days of the Tokugawa shogunate alongside fellow samurai Heisuke Toudou. As members of the newly formed Mibu Roushi, the group that will become the Shinsengumi, they witness the assassination of an official by Okita Izo and Tanaka Shinbei, setting off a chain of events. Okita, known for his cheerful demeanor and talent with bamboo toys, grapples with the violent realities of their mission to protect the shogunate. The group faces internal tensions, including the reckless actions of Serizawa Kamo, a volatile leader. Their journey unfolds against a backdrop of political intrigue and samurai honor, highlighting their early struggles and loyalties. (Unreviewed summary by Grok 3)