Hakuoki Tenun no Shou: Chapter 2 - Intro

–The Shinsengumi–

A group of ronin who maintained peace in Kyoto under the command of the Aizu Clan, the protectors of Kyoto.

They were feared by the people for their cruelty and were called “assassins” or “the wolves of Mibu.”

Somehow, their fates crossed with mine, the daughter of a local doctor from Edo.

January 1864. I visited Kyoto in search of my father.

It all started that night, when he held me at sword point. The moonlight illuminated him, making the falling snow look like fluttering cherry blossoms.

It was there that I witnessed the Shinsengumi's secret, which would later be revealed.

There were the Furies, who went mad for blood and attacked people, and the Water of Life, which transformed people into Furies.

The Shinsengumi were also searching for my father, Kodo Yukimura...

I ended up living with them, on the condition that I cooperated with their search.

...But at first, I was still scared of them.

The warriors rushed onto the battlefield without hesitation, where countless blades were clashing.

They spoke of death as if they were discussing the weather, and I thought I lived in a different world from them.

But gradually my view of them began to change.

It's true that they had to kill people if it was necessary to fulfill their mission,

but that is only one side of them.

I began to realize that when the warriors were at the barracks, they were surprisingly normal people.

Six months had passed since I started living with them, and then the incidents occurred–

July 1864. The Ikedaya Incident, in which pro-foreign samurai plotting to set fire to Kyoto were captured.

August 1864. The Kinmon Incident, in which the Choshu clan attacked the Imperial Palace.

Having witnessed the way they lived their lives during these two incidents, in my heart...

I began to feel a desire to be close to them.

What I am about to tell you is from the summer of 1864, a time when I was still unaware of what fate would have in store for me.

It is about an incident that took place in the sweltering summer of Kyoto.

～END PROLOGUE ~ 

It was around mid-August 1864.

Chizuru Yukimura: 

"Pew, there we go."

As I was about to go to the kitchen to put away the dishes I had finished washing…

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Men, it's so hot. What's up with this damn heat?"

"It's not even this hot inside the steamer."

"Hey, Sano, do something. If it keeps going like this, I'll steam to death."

Sanosuke Harada:

"Sorry to break it to you, but there's nothing we can do about the heat."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Sure there is! If it were to just rain a little would make a big difference."

"Summers in Edo way are better because there's a breeze, but here there's no wind, so it feels even more muggy."

Sanosuke Harada:

"Still, even if you complain to me, there's no point. I guess we should pray for rain."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Pray, huh? Sure thing! Let’s do something with that belly dance of yours.”

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Nagakura, Harada, hi there."

Sanosuke Harada:

"Hey, were you doing the dishes?"

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Yep, I just washed the plates and bowls we used for lunch... what about you two?"

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"We were just having a quick sparring session with some people who wanted to join..."

Heisuke Toudou:

"Gen! Are you there? Hey, where are you?"

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Oh, Heisuke, what's wrong?"

Heisuke Toudou:

"Well, there are a lot of people here who want to join us, so do you guys know where Gen is?"

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Gen? Come to think of it, I haven't seen him since lunch."

Sanosuke Harada:

"I saw him leave earlier saying he had something to deliver. He'll probably be back soon."

Heisuke Toudou:

"I see. Well then, I guess I'll just have to wait inside until he gets back."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Ah, wait a minute, Heisuke!"

Heisuke Toudou:

"Hmm, what's up?"

Chizuru Yukimura:

"How is the wound on your forehead? Is it painful or swollen?"

Heisuke Toudou:

"My wound…? You mean the one from the Ikedaya incident? That one healed up a long time ago. Geez, you're such a worrier."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Well, it's really hot, so I was worried that it might get infected."

Heisuke Toudou:

"It's been two months since I got injured at Ikedaya."

Sanosuke Harada:

"She's a doctor's daughter, so it's only natural that she would be worried."

"If she had a personality like Shinpachi's, she might have caused a lot of trouble if we left her alone."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Don't use me as an analogy for something like this!"

Sanosuke Harada:

"Sorry, sorry. Your personality is just very convenient to use for situations like this."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"What’s that supposed to mean!?"

Sanosuke Harada:

"And Heisuke, you should be grateful that people are worried about you."

Heisuke Toudou:

"...It’s not like I find it annoying or anything."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Come to think of it, Souji seems to be feeling much better now."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"That’s right. I asked him how he was feeling this morning."

"It seems he's completely recovered and has returned to training."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"I'm really glad he's better now."

"When he was recuperating in his room, he was always irritated and would take his anger out on me, so it was really tough."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"I can imagine..."

Maybe Okita had been irritated because he had to rest all this time...

I also remember receiving some harsh words from him.

It was when I was talking with everyone.

Hajime Saito:

"Shinpachi, Sano, Heisuke. So here is where you were. I've been looking for you."

Sanosuke Harada:

"Hey Saito, what do you need?"

Hajime Saito:

"I would like to ask you to practice with those who wish to join the Shinsengumi."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Huh? We just had a sparring session."

Hajime Saito:

"This is a different group."

"You are the only ones who are fit for this job."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"There are other skilled people out there. What about Souji?"

Hajime Saito:

“...Shinpachi. Do you really need me to explain that opinion to you?”

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"W-What? What happened?"

Hajime Saito:

"I asked Souji to spar with the people who wanted to join the army earlier..."

"After he had thoroughly beaten them down, he said–"

"【Oh dear, even a kid's sword technique is much better. This is just a waste of time.】"

"And with that, he quickly disappeared from the scene."

Sanosuke Harada:

"Yeah...That sounds like something he would say."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Well, going easy on them isn't good for them either."

"Real training tests your guts and true worth."

"Besides, going easy on them is more obvious than you'd think, and it affects your reputation as a man."

Saito Hajime: 

“But what good would it do to seriously injure those wanting to join the army?”

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Well... it's true, some people got hurt."

Hajime Saito:

"You should be able to do it. You can assess your opponent's strength without inflicting any injuries."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"If you put it like that, I have no choice but to do it. Well then, let's go!"

"Sano, Heisuke, you'll help me out, right?"

Sanosuke Harada:

"I guess I've got no choice. Sure, I'll help."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"It's hot today, so make sure you drink plenty of water, everyone."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Yeah, we know!"

...Now then, let’s carry these washed bowls to the kitchen.

~NEXT SCENE~

And as I opened the door to the kitchen, there was…

Genzaburou Inoue:

"Oh, Yukimura, have you gone to wash the teacups?"

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Oh, Inoue, you’re here!"

Genzaburou Inoue:

"I just got back from going out... is there something I can help you with?"

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Heisuke was looking for you earlier."

"Apparently, there are some people who want to join the army."

Genzaburou Inoue:

"People want to join? Understood, I'll be right there."

"Sorry, but could you prepare some ink and a brush for me later?"

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Yes, of course."

~NEXT SCENE~

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Inoue, it’s me. I've brought you some ink and a brush."

Genzaburou Inoue:

"Ah, please come in."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Yes, excuse me."

There were several people in the hall who appeared to be hoping to join.

Genzaburou Inoue:

"I see. You have about four years of swordsmanship experience in Osaka. And you were born in..."

Inoue had a calm demeanor and a sharp gaze as he inspected the applicants for recruitment.

Not wanting to disturb him, I placed an inkstone with ink and a brush next to him.

Genzaburou Inoue:

"Thank you."

Inoue said this in a soft voice and began writing down what he had heard on his kaishi.

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Please call me if you need anything."

~NEXT SCENE~

Chizuru Yukimura:

"...Hah."

All I had done was write with Inoue...

I could feel the tension of Inoue and the other applicants, and I felt exhausted.

It was almost dinner time, so maybe I should go help out in the kitchen.

As I was thinking about this, I heard footsteps approaching me.

Souji Okita:

"Oh, it's you, Chizuru..."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Okita! Where have you been?"

Souji Okita:

"Why? Were you looking for me?"

Chizuru Yukimura:

"I just heard from Saito and the others..."

"They all seemed to be in a lot of trouble."

"I heard you gave up on the match with the people who wanted to join the army and went off somewhere."

Souji Okita:

"Well, it was just a waste of my time."

"There's no way anyone who can go toe-to-toe with Shinpachi is going to come this way."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Well... that may be true..."

"But you were having trouble recruiting soldiers, weren't you?"

"Isn't it a good thing that more people are joining?"

Souji Okita:

 "It's not enough to just have a large number of them."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"That’s..."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Souji, what are you doing here? I've been looking for you."

Souji Okita:

"Oh, Hijikata, what's wrong? Your brows seem to be deeper than usual."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"... Whose fault do you think it is that they look like that?"

Souji Okita:

"I wonder who this person is who would cause you so much pain."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...More importantly, weren't you on patrol duty today?"

"So stop loitering around, hurry up and get ready."

Souji Okita:

"Oh dear, how rough with people you are. I'm tired of sparring with the people who want to join the army."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Don’t give me that crap!"

"There's no way that would tire you out."

"Anyway, when it comes to sparring, it seems like you're pushing most of the work onto Saito and Shinpachi."

Souji Okita:

"Oh, so you noticed?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Of course I’d notice something obvious."

"Don't you feel bad for Saito and Shinpachi, who have to pick up your slack?"

Souji Okita:

"Well, it's hard to hold back on them so they don't get hurt."

"But if you're okay with me going all out and injuring them, then I'll do it."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Of course you can’t! What's the point of injuring someone before they even join the army?"

"At the very least, you can do the patrol yourself."

Souji Okita:

"Yeah, yeah, I know. I’ll do it, I’ll do it."

"Well, see you later, Chizuru."

After Okita calmly said his goodbye, he walked away.

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Damn, that guy..."

"Now that I think of it, sorry. Were you in the middle of a conversation?"

Chizuru Yukimura:

"No, I had heard that the number of corps members was increasing as well..."

"Um, are you busy as well, Hijikata?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...Yeah. I've split up with Kondo and Gen and we're managing somehow."

"The problem is that there are just too many of them. No matter how often we meet, we're still unable to keep up."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"These days, there are people wanting to join the army almost every day."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Yeah... that's right."

"The Shinsengumi has become fairly well known due to the Ikedaya Incident and the Imperial Palace incident."

"The more members we have, the more people will respect the Shinsengumi. However..."

"With more people, we have more things we have to think about."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"What more do you need to think about…?"

As I was about to ask my question…

Susumu Yamazaki:

"Commander, are you here?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Yamazaki. What is it?"

Susumu Yamazaki:

"Inoue said he wanted to discuss something with you about today's applicants."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"I see... alright, I'll be right there."

As Hijikata started to walk away, he stopped and looked back at me.

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Be careful out there, Yukimura."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Me?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...Look, we're not the only ones in the barracks."

"People from who knows where are here to join as new recruits. Among them..."

"There will be people who’d want to find out about you."

"Don't let your guard down just because you're in the barracks. Don't go near people you don't know."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"...Alright."

After hearing my response, Hijikata hurriedly left the scene.

It’s true, the increase in new recruits was not something that only concerned the others.

As Hijikata said, I needed to be careful, too.

And... just now...

I wonder if Hijikata was worried about me...

~NEXT SCENE~

And so, the next day.

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Ugh, it's hot..."

Today is even more humid than yesterday...

Just standing still makes me sweat underneath my kimono.

Maybe if I do some water work, like mopping the floor or doing laundry, I can ease the heat.

...I'll ask one of the soldiers for advice.

As I was thinking about this, I heard a rough voice coming from the other side.

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Sano, Saito, don't stop me!"

"No matter what you say, I'm going to do it!"

Chizuru Yukimura:

"?!"

That voice just now… Is that Nagakura?

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Once a man says he'll do something, there's no going back on it!"

Hajime Saito:

"That's why I'm telling you to calm down."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"There's no way I can stay calm!"

"This damn heat has already boiled my brain to pieces!"

Things seem tense, but I wonder what could have happened…

Sanosuke Harada:

"Oh, Chizuru. Sorry about all this fuss."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"I-it's fine..."

"More importantly, what exactly happened?"

Nagakura answered without even trying to hide his displeasure.

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"I can’t get anything done in the damned heat."

"So I thought I'd take a quick bath and wash off all that annoying sweat."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"A bath...?"

Hajime Saito:

"It's not like we're the only ones here, unlike before."

"I've repeatedly advised him to keep a low profile, but as you can see, he’s not listening."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"What the hell?!"

"Why are you looking at me like I'm some disobedient child?"

Sanosuke Harada:

"Because you’re acting like one."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"What, so now you're taking his side, Sano?"

"I don’t care what you guys say, I just want to take a bath!"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Hey, you lot, what’s all this fuss about?"

Sanosuke Harada:

"Oh, Kondo and Hijikata. And..."

Next to Kondo and Hijikata were Takeda, and…

???:

"Hey Sanosuke. What’s up with all the yelling?"

Sanosuke Harada:

"...Hello there, Tani."

Sanjyuro Tani:

"It seemed like you were arguing about something. Tell me what happened."

This is Sanjyuro Tani, Captain of the 7th Division.

He is one of the executives who manages the Shinsengumi.

Sanosuke Harada:

"It's nothing serious. Shinpachi was just throwing a tantrum about wanting to take a bath."

Sanjyuro Tani:

"Oh... a bath, huh?"

Isami Kondo:

"Well, considering the heat..."

Sanjyuro Tani:

"I can understand your feelings, but I don't think that's acceptable."

Isami Kondo:

"Hmm, why is that?"

Sanjyuro Tani:

"It's indeed not unusual to see grown men bathing naked in a local dojo."

"However, we are now under the jurisdiction of the Aizu clan, and are well known."

"We may even receive important people from the shogunate or senior officials of the Aizu clan here."

"In that situation, we can't let our senior officers be seen in an unbecoming state."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"What do you mean by 'unbecoming state'?"

"Is it really that unsightly to take a bath after building up a sweat during a match?"

Toshizou Hijikata:

"Calm down, Shinpachi."

"That's not what Tani is trying to say."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Then, what is he trying to say...?"

Isami Kondo:

"There is some truth in what Tani said, considering he has worked in a castle."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Hold on a second, Kondo!"

Isami Kondo:

"The shogunate and the Aizu clan appreciate our work, so we can't continue as we have been."

"Also, Yagi's guests will be coming here as well."

Sanjyuro Tani:

"As expected of the Chief, I knew you’d understand."

Kanryusai Takeda:

"Chief! I was just about to suggest that to you as well."

"Now that the number of people wanting to join is increasing by the day,"

"we need to get them to change their reckless behavior."

Isami Kondo:

"...Yes, that's true."

"I’m sorry, Tani, Takeda."

"It seems I can't shake the habit of running a dojo from back in Edo."

Sanjyuro Tani:

"It’s fine. One day, the chief will rise to a higher position."

"I'm just offering my advice in preparation for that time, even if it's presumptuous of me."

"...Even so, I was surprised."

"Sanosuke went on such a rampage back when he was in Osaka."

"I didn't expect that he'd become so upstanding after only such a short time."

Sanosuke Harada:

"Well, I wasn't that bad back then, was I?"

Sanjyuro Tani:

"It was terrible. I don’t think a day went by without us fighting back then."

Sanosuke Harada:

"It wasn't like that every day... I don't think."

Sanjyuro Tani:

"In any case, all of this must have been possible thanks to the Chief's guidance."

Isami Kondo:

"No, that's not true..."

Kanryusai Takeda:

"Sir, it's almost time for us to leave. I think you should get ready to go out."

Isami Kondo:

"Yes, you're right."

"I'm sure you're all busy and having a hard time, but this is all for the sake of expanding the unit. I'm counting on you!"

And so, Kondo walked off accompanied by Tani and Takeda.

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"... Ugh, those sycophants. Using such obvious flattery."

Toshizou Hijikata:

"Although I don’t like what Tani and Takeda said,"

"It's not like everything they said was wrong."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"So what, you’re on their side now?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"This has nothing to do with whose side I’m on."

"It's just that we can't keep acting like we did in the old days forever."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"...Tsk"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"The Maekawa residence doesn’t have outsiders walking around, unlike there."

"If you want to take a bath, do it over there."

Nagakura had a bitter look on his face for a while...

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"I get that I can’t bathe here, but..."

"Asking us to do our best ‘for the sake of expanding the unit’?"

"So we're basically just supposed to do all the hard work without complaining?"

"Tsk, Kondo has really grown into a big shot."

Sanosuke Harada:

"Hey, Shinpachi... you're going too far."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Damn… I can't do this in this heat."

Nagakura kicked a rock at his feet, 

then turned his back and walked towards the Maekawa residence.

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...With our numbers growing, various troublesome things will also increase."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"You’ve known Tani for a long time, right, Harada?"

"I heard he enlisted together with his brothers..."

Sanosuke Harada:

"Yeah, that guy is the oldest, Mantaro is in the middle, and Shuhei is the youngest."

"Mantaro was my spear master back in Osaka."

"That's how we met, and he took care of me a little."

"Apparently, they were in pretty good positions before they ran away from the domain, and they were quite skilled."

"We were short on soldiers at the time, so I asked him if he'd like to join..."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Tani is a former samurai of the Bitchu Matsuyama Domain, and he even served as a personal attendant to the lord."

"He has a lot of connections, and he's well-versed in the etiquette of attending with important people and the ways of the samurai."

"There's no doubt that he was a valuable person to the Shinsengumi..."

As he was talking, his bitter words were cut off.

Susumu Yamazaki:

“Saito, Harada, there you are.”

Hajime Saito:

"Do you need something from us?"

Susumu Yamazaki:

"I would like to request that you please respond to those who wish to enlist as soon as possible..."

Sanosuke Harada:

"Again?! How many are coming?"

Hajime Saito:

"Alright, I’ll be there right away."

Sanosuke Harada:

"Geez, I barely have time to catch my breath. Well, see you later."

Harada and Saito quickly left the scene along with Yamazaki.

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...I really have been forcing them to do a lot of troublesome tasks lately."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Everyone looks pretty tired."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"I wish we could take a nice long break..."

"But that's not possible at this time of year."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"I wish there was some way to relieve everyone's fatigue..."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"You’re from a doctor's family, right? Do you got any ideas?"

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Western medicine is primarily about treating illnesses and injuries."

"I don't know much about recovering from fatigue..."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"I see..."

After saying that, Hijikata lightly wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.

Toshizo Hijikata:

"At the very least, I hope we can do something about this heat."

"I'm sure Shinpachi is also irritated because of the heat."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"In that case, we need a way to cool off, right?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Yeah. If we had some cold food or drink, it would probably help take their minds off things."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Ice... is expensive. What about watermelons?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...Watermelons?"

"Back in Edo, we used to cool them in the well and bite into them all the time."

"It wouldn't cost that much to buy some watermelons, so I'll think about it."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"I’m sure everyone would love it."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Yeah, probably."

"By the way, do you have any assigned tasks?"

Chizuru Yukimura:

"No, not at the moment."

"I was thinking of doing the laundry or mopping the floor."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Then could you sweep the outside of the gate? It's full of dust."

"If we sprinkle water on it, it might cool it down a little."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Cleaning and sprinkling water, got it."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Well then, I'll leave it to you."

"Sorry for bothering you with my busy schedule, but please bear with me for a while."

Hijikata turns and walks to his room.

As the squad grows and the number of soldiers increases...

It may be getting harder for the senior soldiers to get along with each other like they used to.

Hijikata seems to understand Nagakura and the others' feelings well, but...

I hope Nagakura and the others understand Hijikata's consideration.

Thinking like that, I headed to the storeroom where the cleaning supplies were kept.

~NEXT SCENE~

After that, I sprinkled the ground with water and swept the area in front of the gate...

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Ugh, it's so hot..."

The moment I moved my body even a little, I was covered in sweat.

The sun was strong and was burning my skin.

When I thought about meeting people who wanted to join in this heat...

I guess I could understand why Nagakura was in a bad mood.

???:

"Cleaning, huh Yukimura? Thank you for your hard work during this heat."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Hello, Matsubara. Have you been out?"

Chuji Matsubara:

"Yes, I was asked by the Commander to deliver a letter."

"I also bought some things that were missing, like paper and ink."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"I see. Thank you for your hard work."

This is Chuji Matsubara, a senior member of the Shinsengumi.

Even though he's the Captain of the 4th Unit, he's a kind person who treats people of my rank with courtesy...

It seems he's also very well-liked by the regular members of the group.

Chuji Matsubara:

"Yukimura, your face is bright red. Is it because of the heat?"

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Eh... really? It’s probably because it's so hot today."

"But I think I'm okay. Thank you for your concern."

Chuji Matsubara:

"Are you sure? You’re a little unsteady on your feet."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"If I start feeling unwell, I'll go into the shade right away."

Chuji Matsubara:

"Alright, that's good..."

Matsubara didn't seem convinced and thought for a bit, but...

Chuji Matsubara:

"That's right! If you like, you can take this."

And then Matsubara handed me something.

~ PICTURE~

Chizuru Yukimura:

"A hand towel...?"

Chuji Matsubara:

"Yes, it looked like it was going to be hot today, so I took one that I had cooled in well water."

"I just cooled it while I was on my way back, so I don't think it's lukewarm yet."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"You don’t have to do that."

"I have my own hand towel."

Chuji Matsubara:

"It’s fine. I always ask you for all sorts of things."

"Just take it as a token of my appreciation."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"But..."

Chuji Matsubara:

"Don’t worry, just take it."

After saying this, he half-forcefully handed me the chilled hand towel.

~END PICTURE~

Chizuru Yukimura:

"...Thank you. I'll wash it and give it back to you later."

Chuji Matsubara:

"Don't worry about it. As I said before, I’m in your debt."

"You were particularly outstanding that night at Ikedaya."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"I don’t know about outstanding..."

Chuji Matsubara:

"What are you talking about? Thanks to you, all the wounded were treated quickly."

"I heard that the injured healed well."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"I hope so."

Chuji Matsubara:

"Well, I'll be off now."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Oh, yes! See you later."

Matsubara bowed slightly and then went through the gate.

He probably doesn't know the details of my situation, but...

He doesn't pry into my affairs and is always polite.

As I wiped my sweat with the cool towel, I felt the uncomfortable heat go away a little.

...I'll have to wash the towel later and return it.

~NEXT SCENE~

A few days later.

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Ahh... It's finally over."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Thank you for your hard work, Nagakura."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"How was it? How did the recruits perform today?"

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Well... I guess they're all pretty decent."

"After all that fighting, my shoulders got pretty stiff."

Souji Okita:

"I wish there were a few more capable people showing up."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Really though..."

"It's fine with bamboo swords, but with wooden swords, we have to be careful not to hurt anyone when we exchange blows."

"Normally, I can handle any number of people, but when it's this hot..."

"I mean, why are we the only ones who have to work so hard?"

"We just don't have enough manpower!"

Heisuke Toudou:

"You're complaining too much, Shinpachi. Everyone has to put up with it."

Keisuke Sanan:

"...I apologize, everyone."

"If my arm were still intact, I could’ve helped you."

"With how I am now, I can't really participate in a match..."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"N-no, I didn't mean to take any kind of dig at you, Sanan."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"That's what happens when you blurt out your thoughts without thinking."

Toudou Heisuke:

"But still, it's so damn hot that all thoughts just slip out."

At that moment, the door opened, and Kondo and the others appeared.

Isami Kondo:

"Hello everyone, it's hot again today, how are you holding up?"

Chizuru Yukimura:

"Oh, hello, Kondo."

"Everyone still seems to be doing all right at the moment."

Isami Kondo:

"I see, that's great!"

"By the way, I might be a little late for asking this… but who's on dinner duty today?"

Hajime Saito:

"That would be us. Is there something you need from us?"

Sanjyuro Tani:

"We've got plans to go out this evening."

"We came to tell you that you don't need to prepare anything for us."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"You’re going out...?"

Sanjyuro Tani:

"Apparently, a high-ranking shogunate official is in Kyoto on official business."

"It's a good opportunity to make the chief look good, so I thought of setting up a dinner party."

Kanryusai Takeda:

"Tonight, we'll be having dinner near the cool waters of the river."

"We've carefully selected a good restaurant... so I'm sure the other party will be satisfied."

Isami Kondo:

"I’m confident as well. I'm really glad you guys are here. I don't know much about bars or alcohol."

Sanjyuro Tani:

"Chief, you’ve got nothing to worry about."

"We'll take care of all the troublesome stuff."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"...Another party? Hasn't it been everyday lately?"

Kanryusai Takeda:

"It's strictly official business."

Sanjyuro Tani:

"That's right. Our duties aren't just about fighting ronin."

"When you're a chief, you need to be political, you know."

"As someone from a samurai family, you should know that much."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"...Tsk. I know that much."

Isami Kondo:

"N-now, now, Nagakura, no need to be rude..."

Sanjyuro Tani:

"Chief, we don't want to keep the others waiting, so let's head out now."

Isami Kondo:

"Y-yes. You’re right."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"Geez, he’s really letting their flattery get to him."

"Lately, Kondo has just been looking on from his high horse, while we're recruiting."

Souji Okita:

"Well, of course."

"There's no way we can let Kondo have matches with the recruits."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"It's not like I'm telling him to take part in the matches."

"But, you know, he could show a bit more gratitude and consideration towards us... don't you think?"

Heisuke Toudou:

"Well... he wasn't like this back in Edo."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"He became like this after Takeda and Tani joined his circle."

"Especially since Tani joined, he's been really arrogant, don't you think?"

"You've known him for a long time, right Sano? Give him a piece of your mind."

"Tell him to stop getting all cocky and act all big-headed by trying to ingratiate himself with Kondo."

Sanosuke Harada:

"Even if I were to talk to him, there's no way he's going to listen to what I have to say."

Meanwhile, Sanan, who was sitting in the corner of the room, spoke up.

Keisuke Sanan:

"This is where the Shinsengumi is now, so it's understandable that things are different from our days at Shiei Hall."

"People and troops change, too. Whether we want to or not."

His words instantly silence the room.

In the tense atmosphere, Hijikata suddenly spoke.

Toshizo Hijikata:

“...Shinpachi”

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"What is it?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Don't ever say something like that again."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"What?! What the hell are you on about?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"I don't mind if you just complain to Harada or Heisuke when you’re out drinking."

"But don't criticize Kondo in the barracks."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"What do you mean?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"We're not the only ones here.“

"What do you think new recruits and prospective recruits would think if they heard you, a senior officer, criticizing the chief?" 

"Use your head a little more and think about it for a sec." 

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"I'm just saying that something is wrong!" 

Toshizo Hijikata:

"You can't just blurt out whatever you think!" 

"Kondo has a position to hold up." 

"What's the point of not thinking about that as a senior officer?!"

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"That's because I'm a senior officer!"

"It's because we've known each other for a long time that I have to correct his infatuation and misunderstandings!"

"Hijikata, don't you feel anything when you see Kondo like that?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"......!"

Hijikata glared at Nagakura with a bitter expression on his face, but eventually...

Toshizo Hijikata:

"...Think about what will happen when the Shinsengumi gets bigger."

"We can't keep doing things like we did in Edo forever."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"But how can you be sure that when the Shinsengumi gets bigger, that guy won't get even more arrogant than he is now?"

Toshizo Hijikata:

"When that happens, it'll be my job to tell him off."

"It's not your job to say anything."

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"...Ugh."

This time, Nagakura was quiet, and it was his turn to glare at Hijikata.

The two of them glared at each other for a while, but then...

Shinpachi Nagakura:

"I can't put up with this!"

After he spat out the words...

He slammed the wooden door and left the hall.

Chizuru Yukimura:

"......"

Toshizo Hijikata:

“He’s a grown man, yet he still acts like a kid."

Heisuke Toudou:

"Um, Hijikata..."

Toshizo Hijikata:

"Get back to work."

"If you got time to just laze about, you got time to do your jobs."

After delivering those cold words, Hijikata just left the hall.

Souji Okita:

"Oh dear. Shinpachi may be a bit of a child, but Hijikata is just as childish."

Heisuke Toudou:

"Well... I kinda get where Shinpachi is coming from."

Chizuru Yukimura:

"..."

The atmosphere became heavy and almost unbearable.

In the midst of all this, what was bothering me was...

• I was worried about Nagakura.

• I was worried about Hijikata.

• Go back to work.