Roshigumi

The Rōshigumi, the "Kyoto Defenders", is a group of 13 masterless samurai, originally founded by Kiyokawa Hachirou in 1863. Loyal to the Bakufu, they were supposed to act as the protectors of the Tokugawa shogun.

Kiyokawa Hachirou, however, was actually in favor of the revolutionist movements, though he publicly appeared pro-shogunate. He intended to use the Roushigumi to ruin the shogun's foreign diplomacy and image by engaging them in terrorism.

He divulged his plan to the group on February 24. They were now supposed to work for the Emperor.

13 members dissented, and became the founding members of the Shinsengumi.

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