Blue Miburo Season 2 Episode 13: Blue Era

Kondou Isami stands over a kneeling, bloodied Serizawa Kamo, rain washing over them both. Kondou's face is a mask of grim determination, his eyes wide and intense, jaw clenched against the moment. Serizawa, though gravely wounded, looks up at the sky and lets out a pained, defiant laugh. This is not a simple execution; it is a ritual.

Blood drips onto the wet stone as Serizawa gasps in agony, then cries out Kondou's name. Swords clash in the rain, a flash of steel, and Kondou's attack connects, his blade glinting. Serizawa is shown from behind, the kanji for 'sincerity' stark on his haori, as he groans in pain, clutching his wound. The tip of a sword glows briefly, then fades to black, signifying the fatal blow.

As Serizawa collapses, coughing blood, he addresses Kondou. He notes Kondou's unwavering loyalty, remarking, "You follow me without saying anything." He praises Kondou's unique quality: a man unskillful perhaps, but utterly loyal. Serizawa sees in Kondou a 'purity' and 'passion' that he himself lost long ago, contrasting his own cynical self with Kondou's genuine nature.

Kondou attempts a final strike, his sword glowing, but Serizawa dismisses it as a "standard cut, not interesting at all." He shoves Kondou back, reminding him of the importance of fundamentals and the days he spent honing his own skills. Serizawa then issues a challenge: if Kondou can defeat him, then he, Serizawa Kamo, is no true samurai. He observes that Kondou, despite his lack of scheming, attracts people naturally.

Kondou thanks Serizawa for preventing a larger war, acknowledging the lives saved. Serizawa dismisses this, saying he simply didn't want his 'luxurious time' disturbed. He then declares Kondou the only true warrior, placing bloodied hands on Kondou's face, saying, "Never forget. You are my hope. My dream." He entrusts the future of Mibu to Kondou, proclaiming its rebirth.

Serizawa insists Kondou leave to preserve the Shinsengumi’s facade of unity, telling him to "Do what you must do." Kondou walks away, dropping something, while Okita Souji watches with tearful eyes. Serizawa then turns to Okita, asking him about his life and finally requesting Okita be his 'kaishakunin', his second. Okita hesitates, confessing Serizawa was a father, king, and mountain to him.

Kondou weeps uncontrollably, his anguish raw and primal, screaming into the rain-soaked night. Harada Sanosuke kneels beside him, offering quiet comfort and observing that Serizawa likely wished for Kondou to have the strength to live. Harada urges Kondou to use that strength for the weak people of Kyo, to protect them. Kondou responds with another cry of pain and resolve, his hands pressed to the muddy ground.

Hijikata Toshizou and Saitou Hajime find Serizawa’s body. Hijikata asks who delivered the final blow, and Saitou declares the 'Choshu extremists' responsible, instructing Harada to move the body and Asano Kaoru to write a false report. Asano objects, but Saitou’s cold stare silences him. Hana, a woman in the residence, coolly states she saw nothing, her children’s eyes and ears covered, a complicit silence forced upon her.

Inside the residence, dead bodies lie on the tatami, victims of a 'clean cut' according to Harada. Saitou notes Niou-kun is missing. Nagakura Shinpachi searches frantically for Niou, then learns from Asano that Serizawa's wound was not from a skilled swordsman, certainly not from Kondou, Hijikata, or Okita. Asano reveals, with chilling calm, that "Ita did it."

Nagakura finds Niou-kun injured and evasive, claiming he "felt like being hit by the rain." Nagakura, frustrated, is then stopped by Asano Kaoru from reporting to Hijikata. Asano declares they are hiding the truth, that the Shinsengumi killed Serizawa themselves. He challenges Nagakura, asking who would be saved by revealing this truth, before stating, "You are wrong. We are accomplices."

The Maekawa residence is cleaned, the stains of violence erased. Kondou Isami reflects, wondering if his actions were "enough," and if this sacrifice will forge a better future for Mibu. His troubled expression gives way to determination. He affirms, "I will move forward," as the sun breaks through the clouds, painting the sky with blue and white.