Iba's Letter

A letter written to Chizuru after the end of the main game. Enjoy his heartfelt letter filled with his inner thoughts and words of affection!

To my dear Chizuru.

I wonder if I surprised you by sending you a letter again even though we are always nearby.

It was a long time ago, but when we were apart in Edo and Kyoto, we exchanged letters many times.

I would like to write down my thoughts now, remembering those times.

Do you remember when we met again in Kyoto?

I was astonished when I met you in Kyoto, as I had always thought you were in Edo.

I was a little disappointed that you didn't recognize me…

But I recognized you the moment I laid eyes on you.

You had grown into an even more wonderful woman than I had expected, and I was filled with surprise and joy.

...Oh, did it not seem that way to you?

Well, I was too embarrassed to show it, so I held it in. But deep down, I was really happy.

It was from then on that I started to look forward to going to Kyoto on business for the Shogunate.

Of course, one of the reasons was that I would get to meet Toshi and the other members of the Shinsengumi.

But above all else, I was really looking forward to seeing you again.

Back then... I was a little jealous of the Shinsengumi.

Because they got to be with you all the time, enjoy your home-cooked meals…

And protect you if ever something were to happen.

It was during this time that the Battle of Toba-Fushimi and my feud with Takeda took place.

Due to my injuries, I was no longer able to fight, but by gaining the power of a demon, I was able to wield my sword once again.

But the price I paid was... I could no longer wield my sword for the benefit of others.

...I need to talk about this properly, so I will.

I don't regret obtaining the powers of a demon.

After all, now I'm able to protect you with these very hands.

Even if I become a demon, I have the strength to wield my sword.

These are my true feelings. I am truly happy.

In the midst of all this... there was something I, as a shogunate retainer, had to witness.

Yes, the future of the Tokugawa shogunate.

In keeping with my selfish desires, I went from Edo to Hakone, Yokohama... and then to Hakodate.

Thank you so much for always being by my side.

I can't express how much of a help it was having you by my side, since I can't fight with others.

You threw your body into the fray to save me.

I've decided to spend the rest of my life with you.

I promise to protect you and stay by your side for the rest of my life.

I'll always love you, Chizuru.

~END~

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