Saizuchi was a member of the Juppongatana, an organization under Shishio Makoto's orders.
Story
Saizuchi first appears at the gathering of the Juppungatana. When questioned about his partner's location, he states Fuji's outside since he could not fit that room. Saizuchi is later featured sitting on Fuji's shoulder, burning the police headquarters and after that heading to the Aoiya.
They arrive just as Kenshin's friends start believing in their victory, bringing everyone to the verge of despair, except for Yahiko who refuses to give up. Saizuchi then states three reasons to why he believes they are doomed. First, Kenshin would never survive a battle with Shishio. Second, all of them are injured and tired from battling the other Juppongatana. Third, the strength of Fuji. As Fuji starts destroying the Aoiya, Yahiko denies all his reasons and logic, believing that no matter what Kenshin would save him. As he says this, Fuji raises his blade and brings it upon Yahiko. Hearing Yahiko's scream, Seijuro Hiko appears and saves him, blocking Fuji's blade. When Fuji is defeated, Saizuchi is pinned under his arm and rendered unconscious.
Saizuchi was offered an 'under-the-table' deal for his intelligence, persuasion and ability to speak several languages.
Creation and conception
The model for Saizuchi is an evil elf who tricks the giant int the 'Frost Giant' story. Fuji himself is not an evil man, but he's easily controled by Saizuchi because of his debt with him. There was supposed to be a battle between Okina and Saizuchi, a way to show Saizuchi's capacities, but it was cut for reasons os overall story balance. Of all the Juppongatana, Saizuchi was the one who made Watsuki wonder if six or seven Juppongatana would have been enough, since there are some who never got to show off their abilities, like Saizuchi.
The design model was 'Dictator-General Luchi of the Akuda Republic' from the NHK puppet show Purin Purin Monogatari. It was an efficient design that would make you think he has a IQ of 300 just by looking at him. It also made him look like he was an alien from outer space who fell to Earth as an asteroid. And his brain was the main part of his body.
Appearances
We can find Saizuchi:
- Episodes: 44, 45, 52, 53 and 61
- Volumes: 12, 15 and 17