Blue Miburo has been an interesting and underrated watch so far. Among other thoughts I have with this show, I want to share what I think of the anime-original antagonist, Naozumi.
He is a great representative of the final gasps of a dying societal cohort - the samurai. He was raised from the start by his father to bear the samurai lineage, even if he does it in a way that rebels against what his father prescribed. He would thrive in the Warring States period, and unfortunately, was born too.
Seeing the Black Ships and foreign influence totally changing Naozumi’s father broke Naozumi and turned into the Joker. He killed his dad, who he thought has gone soft, and pressed forth with his not!Gunpowder Plot of burning down Kyoto and ushering a new Warring States period. I don’t know if it is intentional, but one of the shots’ lighting and blood flowing out of his mouth perfectly encapsulates the Joker mindset.
“Why so serious?” -Naozumi
To add insult to his tragedy, he is to die an ignoble death. He wanted to die like a warrior, but Hijikata saw it fit to deny that final dignity.