Shinsen Gumi

The Shinsen-gumi are much more than a creation coming from Samurai X. This was a real group which existed a long time ago in Japan. Its origins date back to a place in the district of Tama where the technique of kenjutsu was taught. Here, people being taught this sword technique were to become the first members of the Shinsen-gumi.

This group was loyal to the Shogun and were assigned to protect the Shogunate at all costs and patrol the streets of Kyoto to keep law and order. In doing this, members of this group would punish anyone severely who broke the laws of the city. Members of this group lived by the code of 'Kanji Makoto'(meaning loyalty). Members of this group were eventually nicknamed 'Wolves of Mibu' since they were usually stationed at the village of Mibu.

This group served the Shogunate to the very last when they were destroyed at the Battle of Boshin.

In the anime, two members of the group are the focus of attention. They are Saitou and Okita. They were the arch rivals of Kenshin. This rivalry was to continue well into the Meiji era when Saitou and Kenshin were to have their showdown once again.