While Nagasone did show up late in the series, the short interaction he had with Mutsunokami can spark something in the imaginative minds of the fujos and fudans. In Hanamaru, Nagasone and Mustsunokami are often bickering with each other because of what happened between their former masters in the past. Historically speaking, Nagasone’s former master, Kondo Isami, is pro shogunate; while Sakamoto Ryōma, who is the former master of Mutsunokami, is against it. At the end, Sakamoto is assassinated, and Kondo is framed as the culprit. This resulted in Kondo’s execution, leaving the Shinsengumi in Hijikata Toshizō’s hands.

Like Sakamoto, Mutsunokami appreiates the fact that guns are better than swords and will not hesitate to rub that fact in Nagasone’s face. Nagasone, knowing that is indeed true, still remains stubborn about it and believes that swords are much better and manlier. But even though they act like this most of the time, they make a great team when they are fighting together. They can put aside their disagreement and support each other when needed. Mitsutada even said that “they get along because they don’t get along.” Just like like what Tsurumaru answered, it is complicated.

Namazuo and Honebami are made by Awataguchi Yoshimitsu, making them brothers. Both swords suffer from memory loss because of being badly burned during their time. Namazuo was burnt during the siege of Osaka Castle, while Honebami was burnt during the great fire of Meireki. However, between the two brothers, Honebami lost a great deal of his memories, while Namazuo only lost some of them. That is why, even though Honebami appears to be okay with having lost his memories, he is actually sad that he doesn’t remember anything. And that’s where Namazuo comes in!

Namazuo, having the same experience as Honebami, genuinely understands his brother’s issues all too well. He urges Honebami not to worry about the past and to start making fun memories with his fellow swords from now on, like what he did in episode 7. In Hanamaru, they are often seen together and do the same things most of the time. Although Honebami is usually quiet, Namazuo is the one who always speaks for him. Namazuo will sometimes pull Honebami in his shenanigans with Honebami enjoying the experience, albeit with a poker face. Their brotherly love is definitely the reason why they are so shippable!

Kogitsunemaru and Mikazuki are pretty much the same as our last selection. Let’s say they are the older version minus the memory loss thing. Kogitsunemaru and Mikazuki are brothers since they were made by the same swordsmith, Sanjou Munechika. Both of the swords are extremely stunning, looking gracefully elegant despite their old age. In Hanamaru, before Kogitsunemaru showed up in the citadel, Mikazuki is seen hanging around whoever is close by. But since Kogitsunemaru showed up, they are often seen together either in the citadel drinking tea or fighting enemies during their missions.

It seems they also know about each other despite the fact that they just met again after so many years. Like how Kogitsunemaru immediately knew that Mikazuki is friendly with everyone as seen in episode 9, or in episode 10 where Mikazuki knows when to help Kogitsunemaru during a fight or to leave him alone on his own. Hopefully, in Hanamaru season 2, we get to see more of their interesting interactions~

Mitsutada and Hasebe are basically the “moms” of Hanamaru. They mostly take care of everything in the citadel. Mitsutada cooks for the swords and even manages to do other chores and look out for others’ welfare. Meanwhile, Hasebe may not be a good cook, but he takes care of the Saniwa’s matters and will lovingly do all the chores because of his undying loyalty to the Saniwa. They trust each other and are together most of the time.

Out of the two, Mitsutada is more lenient, while Hasebe is more strict when it comes to the other swords. Also, Mitsutada knows how to calm Hasebe when said sword begins to get upset or irritated. He is the one who advises Hasebe to not be hard on the other swords and to not push himself too much. Hasebe, on the other hand, is very open when it comes to Mitsutada. He mostly tells everything to Mitsutada, either his inner feelings or his plans for the citadel. They get along extremely well, making them a pretty good shippable couple.

Izuminokami and Horikawa are the beloved swords of Hijikata Toshizō, the vice-captain of the Shinsengumi. These two swords are practically like a married couple. Horikawa idolizes Izuminokami while Izuminokami relies on Horikawa a lot. Simply put, Horikawa is Izuminokami’s assistant. Horikawa is always there to back up his partner when things go awry. But Horikawa doesn’t limit his job as an a assistant, he also does wifely duties when they are not in the battlefield. Like in episode 4, if Izuminokami needs tea, it’s already in front of him; if his shoulders start to hurt, he is given an immediate massage; if he’s sleepy, the futon is ready for him. Besides that, the excitement and happiness on Horikawa’s face when Izuminokami finally comes home is undeniably apparent. He is so ecstatic that his thoughtfulness scared Izuminokami a bit.

Their strong partnership is seen in episode 11 and 12. They fight together as one and even worry about the other one getting hurt. In fact, Horikawa nearly cried when he thought that Izuminokami would die. Of course, being the cool sword that he is, he showed Horikawa his amazing side and fought with all that he had using Horikawa’s encouragement. They make a perfect couple, only right for the second place.

From the 1st episode alone, it’s very evident that these two will become a great shippable couple. Yasuda and Kiyomitsu are the swords of Okita Souji of the Shinsengumi. They love Okita very much, but unlike Kiyomitsu, Yasuda is much more attached to his former master. Although people may see them as opposites, these two swords are, in fact, clearly similar. Yasuda and Kiyomitsu are inseparable, when they do things, they always do them together.

Although both take care of each other’s well being, Kiyomitsu is more concerned about Yasuda. If Yasuda feels lost and appears to be confused, Kiyomitsu is there to give him advice when he needs it. It’s also Kiyomitsu who stopped Yasuda’s unreasonable behavior when he tried to save Okita in episode 12. Yasuda knows that Kiyomitsu cares for him, but because Kiyomitsu is too shy to admit it (like in episode 4), Yasuda just lets it slide and sometimes teases him about it. They are absolutely cute together, fitting to be number one on the list!