Kaze Hikaru Vol 4

[meganbmoore]

I have to say, as fond as I am of the manga itself, my favorite part of each volume is getting to the “Kaze Hikaru” diary at the back, where the mangaka talks about research and how hard she tries to get the historical stuff as right as is humanly possible, only to always learn that she had something off.

I’m torn between wanting more of the light and/or comedy stories, and wanting more of the more serious, historical stories (though, of course, the comedy sneaks into those, to).

I really liked the part that dealt with the regulations of the Shinsengumi and what will result in forced seppuku. I’m trying to remember if Sei has actually killed before. If she has, I’m pretty sure that it was out of self-defense, as opposed to an execution for violating the rules. It was a nice follow up to when Serizawa asked her if she’d kill him if Okita ordered it. And, of course, I adored Okita disguising teaching Sei to watch her back as playing pranks on her. Though I wonder what he’ll do when she starts realizing what he’s doing right away. I also liked the reminder that, even though he takes care of her, he does still view her as a member of the Shinsengumi first, and will treat her as such if she ever threatens them, even inadvertently.

I think I much prefer this playful Susumu to the mean one in Peacemaker. But then, at this point, I think I prefer most of the Kaze Hikaru versions.

I have to wonder, though, is there historical basis for Hijikata always writing haikus in secret, and for the Shinsengumi members always trying to not upset Kondo out of fondness, as opposed to fear? Gintama has the Shinsengumi being protective of Kondo, though in a different way from how Hijikata and Yamanami (and presumably others) try to not fight in front of him here. And I’m pretty sure I’ve seen the haikus bit elsewhere too.

I think I’m finally adjusting to people always hitting on Sei and having the slightly-off (to my modern sensibilities, though not to the time period) “so cute” reactions.