Harutoki 5: Takasugi's Route

WOW!  What a refreshing route, especially after reliving trauma with Fukuchi.  Not only that but it was super easy to get.  I found it all by myself and didn't have to go through stinky chapters 8 and 9 again. SO GLAD.  Not only that but you get to go to new places like on a boat and places at night. Look at all this new beautiful scenery.  I had my doubts with this guy.  He seemed so strict and serious.  He was super formal and I was really not looking forward to doing this route because of all the war stuff I knew was coming.  I was so wrong.  He's such a sweetie.  Every scene with him is really romantic and the voice is like... GAAAA so good.  His laugh is like listening to unicorn whispers dipped in dark chocolate.  You may have to sit through a lot of political talk but it's so worth it with him.  At first I thought his voice was way too low but his voice actor saves it.  It's strong and commanding with other men but when he talks to you it's so smooth, so full of emotion.  The poor guy even cries at one point. Also, this one blushes, it's really rare though so it's a little special when you get it to happen. Also I'd like to point out that he looks like a blue Captain Harlock.  I'm totally okay with this because Harlock is awesome.

As a romantic interest, this is the guy to go for.  He's super manly but then he likes to look at flowers and play instraments for you.  My favorite scene is when after walking in the mountains all day, he takes you to a hot spring to dip your feet in and you can chat with him about his life and stuff.  After that when you're back with the others though, some one lets it slip that you two were at a hot spring and every one is just a gasp.  Miyako even smacks him.  Of course he's flustered and like "nothing happened, she just put her feet in."
It's a very respectful and soft romance though.  Nothing like Shyun's or Ryouma's.  They do hold hands in a scene early on which is kinda funny to think about for such a tough guy, holding your hand.  so cute.

As for when you should play this Route, I'd say do it when you've gotten sick of chapters 8 and 9.  It's the perfect break from all the drama and repeating storyline and mixes up the plot a bit.  Besides Chinami, this has been my favorite Route so far.

So, I've finally after 6 routes noticed the theme of this game... and it is death.  Takasugi has been (I think he's a general but I'm not sure) and has seen his share of death.  He's been able to cope with it but as soon as your life is on the line by using the white dragon's power, he gets a bit shaken up.  He really does have a deep heart.  Chinami's route was about dealing with family death, Ernest's route was the the threat of death from a loved one, Shyun was about sacrificing your life for others, Ryouma was about trying to escape death, Fukuchi was about taking your own life and then Takasugi here is about trying to deal with living after seeing a lot of death?  maybe having to deal with the threat of death of a loved one.  Souji's route is going to be about death by sickness, I know that kid has tuberculous. I just don't know what Komatsu's problem is, thanks Ernest for tipping me off on how much of a controlling weirdo he is though.