: Substitute for Hajime Saito . A religious spiritualist who uses unconventional weapons.
: Substitute for Sanosuke Harada . A large, jovial man with surprising connections to local orphans. The Antagonists Anime Review: Bucchigire! - Merlin's Musings Bucchigire!
Set in Japan's Bakumatsu period, the story begins after an imperialist gang known as the wipes out the Shinsengumi's Eighth Division, leaving only Heisuke Toudou alive but severely injured. To maintain order and hide the force's near-annihilation from the public, Toudou offers eight criminals a chance at redemption: they must discard their pasts and pose as the deceased Shinsengumi captains. : Substitute for Hajime Saito
: Substitute for Soji Okita . A female character posing as the legendary swordsman. A large, jovial man with surprising connections to
The rag-tag group of criminals are color-coded and assigned to replace specific Shinsengumi leaders:
: Substitute for Toshizo Hijikata . A stoic, skilled former assassin.