Saito Hajime's Sword
The blade of the Wolf of Mibu, wielded with the Gatotsu technique.
Saitō Hajime's sword is the primary weapon of the former Shinsengumi third squad captain, a blade built for lethal efficiency. Unlike the reverse-blade sword of Himura Kenshin, this katana is a standard-edged weapon, reflecting Saitō's philosophy of "Aku Soku Zan" (Swift Death to Evil). It serves as an extension of his role as a government spy and enforcer, used to test Kenshin's strength and later to fight alongside him against threats like Shishio Makoto and the Six Comrades. The sword is most famously associated with the Gatotsu, a left-handed thrust technique that Watsuki based on the historical Saitō's favorite move, the hirazuki.
- Character
- Saito Hajime
- Affiliation
- Imperial Police / Shinsengumi Captain
- Weapon Type
- Standard Katana
- First Appearance
- Kyoto Arc
- Status
- Active
Lore & Background
Throughout the series, Saitō's sword is a standard katana, lacking any magical properties or curses. Its significance comes from the skill of its wielder and the Gatotsu technique, a left-handed stab variant of the Shinsengumi's Hirazuki. Watsuki created the Gatotsu to fit the action comic theme, inspired by the historical figure's preference for the left single-handed thrust. The blade is used in key battles: it injures Sagara Sanosuke as a warning to Kenshin, nearly kills Shishio Makoto (stopped only by an iron headband), and defeats enemies like Uonuma Usui and Yatsume Mumyōi. In the Hokkaido Arc, Saitō is severely wounded by Itekura Byakuya, but the sword remains his constant tool in investigating the Kenkaku Heiki group and reuniting with former Shinsengumi ally Nagakura Shinpachi.
In Their Own Story
Rain slicked the cobblestones as Saitō stood at the Kamiya dojo, posing as police officer Fujita Gorō. When Kenshin returned, Saitō revealed his true identity and drew his katana. The duel was a test of Kenshin's strength, ordered by Ōkubo Toshimichi to see if he could face Shishio Makoto. The blade clashed with Kenshin's reverse-blade sword until Ōkubo intervened, revealing Saitō's allegiance. Later, on Mount Hiei, Saitō ambushed Shishio, thrusting his katana with the Gatotsu, but the hachigane (iron headband) saved Shishio's life. The sword also struck down Uonuma Usui, one of the Juppongatana, and in the final arc, it helped defeat Yatsume Mumyōi of the Six Comrades.
Reader's Guide
This weapon is a standard katana, lacking supernatural properties. Its effectiveness relies on Saitō's physical conditioning and technical precision, particularly the Gatotsu technique. The Gatotsu is a left-handed stab variant of the Hirazuki, a technique for slashing downward, stabbing, and thrusts. Watsuki designed it to fit the action comic theme, and it is used in different stances throughout the series. The blade is balanced for speed and power, capable of delivering lethal thrusts against armored opponents like Shishio. Mastery requires immense core strength and a disciplined mindset aligned with Saitō's "Aku Soku Zan" code. Unlike the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu style, this kenjutsu focuses on overwhelming power and tactical positioning. The user must possess the resolve to take lives for the greater good of societal order, as Saitō does as a government spy. Notable usage is exclusive to Saitō Hajime throughout the series timeline. There are no associated cursed items or magical enhancements. The sword remains sharp and functional, representing the enduring nature of its owner's duty, from the Bakumatsu to the Hokkaido frontier.
Did You Know?
- Watsuki based Saitō's Gatotsu technique on the historical figure's favorite move, the hirazuki (horizontal thrust), but gave it the name 'Gatotsu' to fit the action comic theme.
- Saitō's sword is a standard katana, not a reverse-blade sword like Kenshin's, reflecting his 'Swift Death to Evil' philosophy.
- In the Hokkaido Arc, Saitō is severely wounded by Itekura Byakuya, but his sword remains his constant tool as he calls for help from former Shinsengumi ally Nagakura Shinpachi.
- Saitō's left-handed Gatotsu nearly killed Shishio Makoto, but was stopped by Shishio's hachigane (iron headband).
- The sword was used to injure Sagara Sanosuke as a warning to Kenshin, and later to defeat Uonuma Usui and Yatsume Mumyōi.