Ep 2. Zeal
- October 15, 2003
In Peace Maker Kurogane season 1 episode 2, titled "Zeal," we continue to follow the story of Tetsunosuke Ichimura as he trains to become a member of the Shinsengumi, a group of elite swordsmen tasked with protecting Kyoto during the Bakumatsu era of Japan.
After receiving his first assignment from his commander, Tetsunosuke is tasked with accompanying members of the Shinsengumi on a mission to quell a riot among the townspeople. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse as they discover a sinister plot involving a group of rogue samurai who seek to overthrow the current regime and establish their own rule.
As the Shinsengumi race to stop the rebel faction, Tetsunosuke finds himself caught in the middle of a dangerous game of politics and power. With his loyalty to the Shinsengumi put to the test, he must struggle to determine where his allegiances truly lie.
Meanwhile, tensions between the members of the Shinsengumi continue to simmer, as they are forced to confront the realities of the conflict they are engaged in and the sacrifices that may be necessary to protect their beloved city.
As the episode comes to a close, Tetsunosuke and his fellow members of the Shinsengumi are left with more questions than answers, as they try to make sense of the events that have transpired and prepare for the battles to come.
Overall, "Zeal" is a tense and action-packed episode that continues to flesh out the world of Peace Maker Kurogane and the characters that inhabit it. Fans of historical drama and action anime will no doubt find plenty to enjoy here, as the series continues to needle away at complex themes of loyalty, duty, and honor.