Chapter 1: Leave before it gets too dangerous.

Check out the translated video!

I’ll…

• Collect a little more information.

• Leave before it gets too dangerous.

I would like to find out more about Tani's death and what Itou and the others were doing last night…

But if you stay too long, they might notice who I really am.

Chizuru Yukimura:

"...I would love to listen to more of your stories, gentleman."

“However it's about time for me to move on to the next room.''

Saburo Miki: 

“What, are you leaving already?”

Chizuru Yukimura:

"My apologies. Please feel free to call for me again."

Kashitaro Itou:

"You don’t have to worry about it, darling. Please give my regards to the store."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Have a lovely evening."

After bowing, I left the room.

Chizuru Yukimura:

“Phew…”

It seems like I somehow managed to go unnoticed.

I have to tell Iba and Saito what I heard in the parlor.

Just then.

Hachiro Iba:

"...Chizuru, over here, this way."

-Iba takes me to the room next to the one where Itou and Miki were staying.

Hachiro Iba:

"Are you alright?"

“Itou and the others didn’t do anything to you, did they…?”

Chizuru Yukimura:

"No, I'm fine. They didn't even notice who I was."

Hachiro Iba:

"I see, that's good..."

"I was starting to worry since you were staying in the parlor for quite some time."

“If you had stayed gone any longer than you had, I would have stormed in to get you.”

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Surely you’re exaggerating..."

Hachiro Iba:

“I’m not exaggerating!”

“You know what kind of this place is, right?”

Chizuru Yukimura:

“I’ve been in Kyoto for a while now, so I kind of get the gist of it.”

"People who come to Shimabara and Gion go there to be entertained by geisha and watch them perform..."

Hachiro Iba:

"That's only how things appear on the surface, however..."

“There are a lot of bad men who go to these places and pretend to be drunk and act in a lewd manner.''

Chizuru Yukimura:

“I-I’m sorry, had no idea…!”

Hachiro Iba:

"No, I didn't intend to scold you."

"I just wanted to make sure that you were aware of the dangers and be more careful from now on."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"I see…"

Iba seemed to be very worried about me.

I feel kind of guilty…

Chizuru Yukimura:

"...In any case, I learned a lot of useful information."

“Shall we go back to the compound and report to Hijikata?”

Hachiro Iba:

"Yes, of course. But…"

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Is something the matter?"

Hachiro Iba:

“…Well, it’s just that when we return, you have to change back into your usual kimono, right?”

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Of course. I can't go back to the compounds dressed like this."

Hachiro Iba:

"Ah, that’s right... you do have a point. It’s a bit unfortunate, but I guess it can't be helped..."

Chizuru Yukimura:

“Iba?”

Hachiro Iba:

"Oh no, it's nothing."

“In any case, I'll talk to Saito. Please change your clothes in the meantime."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Yes, thank you."

~NEXT SCENE~

By the time we had returned, the sun had already set.

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Good work you three. Please report what you found out."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"I gotta ask... but why are we listenin’ to their report out here?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

“We don’t know who might be listening inside the compounds.”

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"I don't get it. Why do we have to sneak around like a bunch of criminals?"

Sanosuke Harada:

“It can’t be helped since the suspicions still remain unresolved.”

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Harada is right."

"...So, Hachiro, how did it go? Did you find out anything?"

Hachiro Iba:

"Yes. On the day that Tani died, he was out drinking with Itou in Gion."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"For real!? So does that mean that Itou’s faction was behind it all?"

Souji Okita:

"Even though they were treating us as the culprits, they were acting way more suspiciously."

Hachiro Iba:

“…However, let me share my personal thoughts.”

"I don't think it was Itou and the others who killed Tani."

Souji Okita:

"...Whaddya mean? Are you trying to cover for those guys?"

Hajime Saito:

"That's not the case. What Hachiro means is that Itou and the others have no reason to kill Tani."

Souji Okita:

“But if you dig a little deeper, you might find their motives, right?”

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"That's right. After drinking with Tani, where and what were Itou and his party doing?"

Hachiro Iba:

"The men themselves said that they headed straight back to the base..."

Souji Okita:

"They may have returned to the base after killing him."

"If we investigate and my guess is right, it will mean that Itou and others are the culprits, right? So let’s—"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Hold it. We are prohibited from investigating any further movements of the Itou faction."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Huh!? What do you mean?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...Itou is currently a member of the Shinsengumi."

"If you treat someone as a criminal even though there is no clear evidence, the other will also rebel."

Hachiro Iba:

“I agree with Toshi.”

“If the rift between you and the Itou faction deepens any further...”

"Sooner or later, the Shinsengumi could end up in a situation where it collapses."

Souji Okita:

"...Is this an adult solution? I don't get it."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"In order to keep the Shinsengumi from falling apart, we have no other choice."

Souji Okita:

"...I understand."

“I hope the day when those people will no longer be around will come soon.”

After saying this in an unconvinced manner, Okita walks off.

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Right, I'll take care of the rest. You guys just go about your day as usual."

Sanosuke Harada:

"You got it."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"It's not the ending I hoped for, but… well, guess it can't be helped."

After sharing some of his true feelings, Nagakura and the others walk away.

When there was no one left in the area, Iba spoke up with a cautious attitude.

Hachiro Iba:

"...Toshi, do you perhaps know who killed Tani?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...Who knows. I have no idea."

Hachiro Iba:

"Is that so…"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"By the way, Hachiro, I got a favor to ask of you."

Hachiro Iba:

"What is it?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

“Could you please arrange a meeting with Itou and his faction?”

“They don’t seem to have their guards up against you.''

Hachiro Iba:

"Alright. I'll take care of it."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Thanks for the help."

Hachiro Iba:

“…I think titles and positions have nothing to do with a person’s worth.”

"But they’re certainly useful in times like this."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...Just to be safe, Yukimura, please join us during the meeting with Itou and the others."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"...Okay."

A meeting with Itou and others… I wonder how it will turn out.

I hope that the confusion that has been going on since Tani passed away will subside even a little.

~NEXT SCENE~

Then, later that night.

Hachiro Iba:

“Excuse me…”

–After hearing the voice, the shoji door opened.

Hachiro Iba:

"This way please, Itou, Miki."

Kashitaro Itou:

“I heard that you have something to discuss with us, what is it?”

Saburo Miki: 

"My Division is on patrol duty tomorrow. So please keep it short."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...Yes, I’m aware. This won’t take too long."

Kashitaro Itou:

“Are Saito and Yukimura also going to be present for this?”

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Yes. Yukimura is here as my page and I asked Saito here to confirm that there are no mistakes in the facts."

Saburo Miki: 

“What facts?”

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...Itou, I heard you were in Gion the night Tani died."

“Tani was probably also with you… but what is the truth?”

A suffocating tension filled the room.

Itou stared back at Hijikata with a blank look on his face, but eventually…

Kashitaro Itou:

"...Since it's you, Hijikata, I'm sure you've already figured it out."

"Yes, it's true. I had a drink with Tani that night."

Saburo Miki: 

"Brother—!”

Kashitaro Itou:

"...I guess you think we got Tani drunk and killed him on the way home."

“We weren’t the ones who killed Tani…  It’s the honest truth.”

“Or are you planning on forcing us to become criminals and commit seppuku?”

-Itou glared at Hijikata with a gaze filled with spirit.

Toshizo Hijikata:

“...*sigh*"

Hijikata also looks directly into Itou's gaze.

Even though neither of them had even touched their swords.

There was a murderous tension in the air as if we were in the middle of a battle.

Toshizo Hijikata:

“…Calm down. I don't think you guys were behind it."

Hachiro Iba:

“Indeed. I share the same opinion on the matter as Toshi."

"Certainly, Tani was causing problems and put himself in a delicate position."

“However Kondo, Toshi, and of course you as well Itou—”

“have no real motive to kill Tani in such a manner.”

“I think the act was probably the work of someone outside the Shinsengumi and not someone from within.''

Kashitaro Itou:

"...So with this, I can assume that Hijikata has the same thoughts on the matter as Iba?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"That's right."

When Itou heard Hijikata's reply, his expression relaxed, as if relieved.

Kashitaro Itou:

“...If that's the case, I’m willing to listen.''

Saburo Miki: 

"Are you sure about this, brother!?"

Kashitaro Itou:

"If we as senior members fight each other, it will only cause chaos within the unit."

"I'm sure that this will also be a relief for Okita."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...The cause of Tani's death will be dismissed as unknown."

Kashitaro Itou:

"That would be wise."

"What if it gets out that a Shinsengumi executive is killed by someone and we can't even find out who the culprit is and take revenge–"

“We would be looked down upon by the shogunate, the Aizu clan, and of course the Fudan Ronin.”

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...I don't think that’ll happen now."

Kashitaro Itou:

"Thank you for your consideration, Commander Hijikata. I look forward to your continued support."

"Then let's be off, Saburo."

Saburo Miki: 

“‘Kay…”

Miki didn't seem satisfied with this result…

And so the two of them left the hall.

Eventually, I could no longer hear their footsteps on the other side of the shoji door.

Hachiro Iba:

"...Toshi, are you satisfied with this?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Yeah, it’s the best solution. For the Shinsengumi, for us...maybe even for Itou.”

"Hachiro, and Yukimura."

Hachiro Iba:

“Yes?”

Hearing my name suddenly being called, I felt a bad feeling spread through my chest.

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...You too, from now on, stay away from the matter surrounding Tani. Don't get any further involved."

Hachiro Iba:

“...!”

Iba stiffens at Hijikata’s sudden warning.

However…

Hachiro Iba:

"...Alright, I understand."

“It’s an unsatisfying conclusion, but… I guess we shouldn’t pry any further.”

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...That's just how it is"

"Saito, please take Yukimura back to her room."

Hajime Saito:

“Understood.”

Hachiro Iba:

"Wait, I'll go too."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Well then, I’ll take my leave."

After bowing in front of the shoji door, we left the room.

And I'm about to go back to my room.

Hachiro Iba:

"...I'm sorry for dragging you into this, Chizuru."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Oh no, don’t worry about it..."

Long before this incident happened, I had been involved in the behind-the-scenes affairs of the Shinsengumi.

It was as if I had been drawn into a bottomless pit with no way to emerge.

Hajime Saito:

"...This is what it means to be part of the Shinsengumi."

“You guys should remember that too.”

It was a calm, cold warning.

Hajime Saito:

"Hachiro, I’ll guide you back to your inn."

Hachiro Iba:

"No, I’ll go on my own..."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Please go with Saito, Iba. The capital is dangerous at night."

Hachiro Iba:

“Chizuru…”

"...Alright. Well then, Saito, if you would mind?"

Hajime Saito:

“Of course.”

Hachiro Iba:

"...Alright, good night, Chizuru."

Chizuru Yukimura:

“Yes, good night.”

The two of them turned their backs and started walking.

I returned to my room and prepared my futon.

However, even after lying down on the cool futon…

Today’s events kept flashing through my mind, making it difficult for me to fall asleep.

Tani's death…

And how I, once again, glimpsed the deep darkness surrounding the Shinsengumi.

I instinctively feel that it is becoming increasingly impossible to turn back.

But still…

Hijikata, Okita, Saito, and the other warriors...

I'm sure no one is complicit in the Shinsengumi's dark side just because they like it.

To keep the Shinsengumi standing... and to maintain the delicate balance between the factions, they have no choice but to do this.

This incident made me realize this once again.

~NEXT SCENE~

And so, a few days later.

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Men, I'm glad it's sunny! The only time you get to drink during the middle of the day is during cherry blossom season!"

Hajime Saito:

"You guys seem to be drinking all the time despite the time of day."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

“But I've always been so stealthy about it!”

Heisuke Toudou:

“Anyways… Did something go wrong with the preparations?”

"Even though we get to hold a cherry blossom viewing, it doesn’t feel the same considering we have to hold it inside of the base!"

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Well, yeah, there isn’t much we could do about that... things were a bit complicated."

According to Nagakura—

It seems that they were originally planning to hold the cherry blossom viewing at Shosei-en, which is next to the base.

But perhaps because of the Shinsengumi reputation, it seems that the other party was not willing to give them permission.

It seems that there is no choice but to hold the flower viewing at the base.

Hachiro Iba:

“Well, we still get to enjoy the alcohol here, so don’t blame Shinpachi too much…”

Souji Okita:

“You probably get invited to a lot of cherry blossom viewings back in Edo, don’t ya.”

"There would likely be a lot of women hanging around you, right?"

Chizuru Yukimura:

“Huh?”

Hachiro Iba:

“Okita! Please stop making such misleading remarks!"

"Okita is just joking around, Chizuru. So please don't take him seriously."

Chizuru Yukimura:

“A-Alright…”

“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Itou and the others.”

Heisuke Toudou:

“I tried to invite him, but he turned me down because he had plans for a poetry party.”

Souji Okita:

"Well, even if they were to come, they’d only spoil the mood."

Genzaburou Inoue: 

“Well then, now that everyone is here, let’s get started.”

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Well then, to express my gratitude, please lend me a hand, everyone!"

As Nagakura cheerfully started the Ippon-jime–

Heisuke Toudou:

"Oh, that looks good! And this one as well!"

Genzaburou Inoue: 

"There is plenty to go around, so there’s no need to rush."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Um, Heisuke. Nagakura hasn’t finished the Ippon-jime yet..."

Heisuke Toudou:

"Ah, it’s fine. Let's let Shin do it by himself."

"This is not some fancy banquet, we’re just holding a cherry blossom viewing."

"And they say I can’t read the room…"

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Hold it right there! You gotta do the Ippon-jime first!!"

Hachiro Iba:

“By any chance, did you make these dishes, Chizuru?”

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Yes. I prepared them together with Inoue and Yamazaki…"

Hachiro Iba:

"Is that so... I’ll savor these then."

Souji Okita:

“It looks like Iba would be happy to eat even the roots of the tree if it was a dish prepared by this kid.”

Hachiro Iba:

"What are you saying…!"

“In any case, she wouldn’t serve things like tree roots in the first place.”

Souji Okita:

"That sounds interesting, so why don't you try making it next time, Chizuru?

Chizuru Yukimura:

"I can't do that!"

“Besides, Iba helped you out a lot this time, didn’t he?”

Souji Okita:

“… Come to think of it, it was thanks to Iba that my suspicions were cleared this time.”

“Alright, I guess I should thank you. … Thanks.”

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Okita, when you say it like that..."

Hachiro Iba:

"Sorry Okita, but I couldn’t quite hear you."

"Didn't they teach you to express your gratitude clearly when thanking someone?"

Souji Okita:

"... I take it back"

“You really are such a nice guy, aren’t you Iba?”

Hachiro Iba:

"I'm honored to receive such a compliment."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"... What's up with everyone? Why are y'all giving me a hard time?"

Sanosuke Harada:

"Stop complainin’ and just enjoy your drink. It's Hijikata's treat, isn't it?"

Harada pours sake into the cup in Nagakura's hand.

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Well, you're right, but… you could’ve at least let me finish..."

Heisuke Toudou:

“By the way Sano, you seem to be drinking a lot less than usual."

“… You cared about Tani, didn’t you?”

Sanosuke Harada:

“… The life and death of a person depends on the luck of the moment, and it can’t be helped.”

“Anyway, Tani was a fan of lively things.”

"So let's drink and make merry, and send our liveliness his way."

Heisuke Toudou:

"... Yeah"

As the warriors were talking…

Isami Kondo:

"Oh, it seems that everyone already has started drinking."

"A lot has happened, but today I want you to enjoy the alcohol and remember those who have passed."

Souji Okita:

"Kondo, you’re here! This spot is empty, so please have a seat."

Isami Kondo:

"Thank you, Souji."

~Picture~

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Alright Saito, let's hold a drinking competition! No holding back, a serious drinking match!"

Hajime Saito:

"Since we got permission from the chief, I’ll accept your challenge.”

Hachiro Iba:

"Well then, I will be the referee."

"Whenever you’re ready, you two."

Heisuke Toudou:

"... Hey Sano. If I'm not mistaken, wasn't Hajime an extreme heavyweight?"

Sanosuke Harada:

"Well, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him drunk."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"You guys, make sure this doesn't affect your duties tomorrow."

Isami Kondo:

"It's fine, let them be. You should let loose a little as well."

After saying that, Kondo looked at the scenery of the party with a slightly lonely look in his eyes.

Isami Kondo:

“… Usually Tani would be here, too.”

Toshizo Hijikata:

“......”

Isami Kondo:

"It's a pity that an old member is no longer with us..."

"This may be something we just have to overcome."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"... He might be better off just because he has someone to see him off like this."

"Even we don't know when and where we will die."

-While gazing at the cherry blossom petals floating through the wind…

-Hijikata and the others narrowed their eyes a little sadly.

~Picture~

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Haa...! No, I can't, my eyes are spinning...!"

Hajime Saito:

"You're getting sloppy, Shinpachi. Are you ready to surrender?"

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Are you some kind of monster? You've been drinking that much, but you look totally fine..."

Hachiro Iba:

“Then, should I declare Saito the winner?”

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"N-No, not yet! I haven't lost yet!"

Hachiro Iba:

"As expected of you, Shinpachi. I must emulate that fighting spirit of yours.”

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"For the time being, let me take a short break. The real match will be after that..."

Hachiro Iba:

"Alright, let’s take a short break. But please don't push yourself too much."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Okay. After I’ve rested a little, things will get serious! So prepare yourself!"

Hajime Saito:

"Of course."

And that’s how our spring of 1866 came to pass.

~END~