For the Ufotable anime adaption based off of Touken Ranbu and created by Toshiyuki Shirai. Despite being dark, there are some heartwarming moments.
List the examples in chronological order if possible.
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Anime
To the Frontlines
- Horikawa feels guilty for being unable to help during the mission and starts questioning their master's decision to team them up, so Izuminokami gives Horikawa a pair of his earrings, showing him that they're partners and they can get the job done.
- Izuminokami saves a little girl from getting hit from falling debris inside a burning building and safely returns the child to her mother before leaving. He's fully aware that his actions may alter history, but all he cares about is saving innocent lives.
Commander
- The scene where Mutsunokami talks about his dream to travel the world just like his former master, Ryoma Sakamoto to Tonbokiri during their investigation.
- In the preview of Episode 3, Master's Orders, despite their differences, Izuminokami shows some concern towards Mutsunokami. He was worried that a fish bone might get caught in Mutsunokami's throat after he ate a fish whole, save the head.
Master's Orders
- Izuminokami and Mutsunokami making up at the end of "Master's Orders". They're still a ling way from respecting each other, but they're building up little by little.
- Izuminokami praising Horikawa for his maturity and level-headed attitude, saying that he's the real captain of the two.
The Fires of War
- Mutsunokami looking very excited to get a chance to sail on an actual ship. With permission from his captain, Izuminokami.
- In the sixth episode preview, "The Citadel", despite Yagen and Tsurumaru's serious segment, Tsurumaru's certain that both Tonbokiri and Izuminokami will be alright. It's good that he hasn't given up hope and very reassuring to know that there's a chance they will survive in spite of their serious injuries.
Citadel
- Tonbokiri survives his wound from the previous episode.
- Tonbokiri wakes up from his coma after the Saniwa heals his wounds. The Second Unit (except Izuminokami) and Konnosuke are glad to see that he's all right.
Protect History
- The first unit reveals that at the end of their missions, despite not being ordered by the Saniwa to do so, they try and help the people affected by the Historical Revisionists in any way they can. In this instance, they make and share their food with the villagers who were terrorized by the Street Slasher.
- Mikazuki's advice to Honebami about their purpose to protect history."We’ve been traveling through time to preserve the flow of history. And we’ve also been struggling just as much to deal with the history we couldn’t protect, and the people who lost their lives. If only there were something we could do. That’s all there is. That’s why just for one day… We’ll do something for these people, and then return to the Citadel. It’s become our established routine."
- Despite Izuminkoami's Heroic BSoD, he's willing to ask his comrades from the previous mission to rejoin the second unit with no hesitation. It remains unclear as to whether this is just another way to help him move forward or an act of atonement for being unable to save them during the last battle, but it is heartwarming nonetheless.
- The entire second unit bought Tonbokiri, daifuku after he made a full recovery from the last battle.
Former Master
- This exchange between Mutsunokami and Horikawa during their mission to clear the escape route for Ryoma Sakamoto:Horikawa: "You must be glad to come here. You'll get to see Ryoma again."Mutsunokami: "Nah, I'll be standing by near the Teradaya. I won't be seeing Ryoma."Horikawa: "Why not? It's such a great opportunity."Mutsunokami: "If I did run into him, I might get so overjoyed, I'd throws my arms around him! I'd be in no shape for this mission!".
- Later on, he does encounter Ryoma and was more than happy to see him again.
- Despite Mutsunokami's claims of not wanting to see his former master during the mission, he was still really glad to see him alive and well after rescuing him. They get along quite nicely even though his former master is unaware he is actually his sword in human form.
- Mutsunokami talks about his former master, Ryoma after they go their separate ways."Even if you can't grip it, or use it... Keep it by your side, until that moment, and let me see it. Because I love your way of life."
Where Loyalty Leads
- It's nice to see that Mutsunokami's former master, Ryoma has a bright side to him, as he seems to enjoy helping and playing with other children around the area. This trait of his is especially shown in Episode 10, where he makes an infant giggle and helps a young boy up after he trips and falls down.
Iron Law
- Tonbokiri, Yagen and Tsurumaru entrust Izuminokami, Mutsunokami and Konnosuke to search for Horikawa, while they make sure Ryoma and his companions are safe during their mission.
- Izuminokami shares his past with Mutsunokami during their search for Horikawa. Doubles as both a heartwarming and tearjerker moment since it shows how much closer Izuminokami and Mutsunokami have gotten compared to before.
Battle of Hakodate
- Mutsunokami tackling and hugging the Saniwa upon hearing their master's plan to have Izuminokami revisit his former master, just so he can rid himself of any regret. He is clearly grateful for the Saniwa's willingness to understand and his affectionate nature makes him look like a big adorable puppy.
Katasugeki
- After the final battle, the Second Unit easily forgives Horikawa for going out on his own to prevent his former master's death and welcome him back with open arms.
Manga
- In the manga after Horikawa and Izuminokami's first mission was complete, Izuminokami treats Horikawa like a little brother by patting him on the head.
- The manga based off of the first episode is very different: after Horikawa ran off on his own, he tried to save a child, who is trapped inside in a burning building. Around the same time, Izuminokami arrives just time to save both him and the child from the falling debris.
- Towards the end of first chapter, Horikawa finally puts on the earrings Izuminokami gave him and gains a strong determination and confidence to protect the people he cares about.
