I’ll…
Collect a little more information.
...Let's stay a little longer and ask for more details.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“By the way, Mister Itou, Mister Miki…”
Saburo Miki:
“......”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"I-Is something the matter? You’re staring quite intensely..."
Saburo Miki:
“Hey, have we met somewhere before?”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Huh…?”
Oh no. I have to think of something.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Well, now? I don't think we have."
“If I’d ever met someone as notable as you, I don't think I'd forget.''
I try to cover it up by turning my head away and smiling amiably, but…
Saburo Miki:
"No, I’ve definitely seen you somewhere before. Where did we meet?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Ah!”
He grabbed my chin and forced me to face him.
Kashitaro Itou:
“Hey, Saburo, stop being so violent...!”
Just as Itou chided him.
I hear the sound of the sliding door opening, and someone enters the parlor.
Standing there was…
Hachiro Iba:
“Ah, it really is you, Itou.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...!”
Hachiro Iba:
“I thought I heard a familiar voice.''
Kashitaro Itou:
"Oh, Iba."
Hachiro Iba:
"What a strange coincidence meeting you in a place like this."
“Do you come to this store often?”
Saburo Miki:
"Well… kinda, to a certain extent."
Hachiro Iba:
"Is that so? I had no idea."
"Um, I'm sorry to bother you, but..."
"...I'm actually a regular of this girl."
Kashitaro Itou:
“Oh, is that so?”
Hachiro Iba:
"I initially didn't plan on coming here today, but..."
“I wanted to see her at least once, so I hurried to finish my errand.''
“However, I was about to give up when I heard that she was already entertaining other customers.”
“But when I realized that you were the owner of the voice from the parlor she was working in…”
“I came here to request her.”
“...If you wouldn’t mind, that is.”
Iba asked me for my consent in a calm tone.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Of course…”
“I had no idea you would be coming today.”
Miki looked aghast when he saw our exchange.
Saburo Miki:
"...What, you’re a regular there? What a surprise."
Hachiro Iba:
“I apologize for acting so rashly.”
"It’s just that it's been a long time since I came to Kyoto and visited her."
...As expected of Iba.
His actions did not seem to upset them in the slightest.
I guess he is trained by interacting with the Shogun's retainers on a daily basis.
Hachiro Iba:
“…Now that I think about it, this store is close to where Tani died.”
“Perhaps he went out drinking around here last night.”
“Do you maybe know anything, Itou?”
- The moment Tani's name was mentioned, Itou and Miki exchanged an awkward glance.
Kashitaro Itou:
"...My apologies. I just remembered something I need to take care of, so we'll excuse ourselves."
Hachiro Iba:
“Oh, you’re leaving already?”
Saburo Miki:
"That's right. Hey, please call for one of the staff."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“O-Of course, right away.”
After that, Itou and Miki quickly finished the payment.
And disappeared from the store as if they were running away.
Just then…
Hajime Saito:
"Itou and Miki just left the store..."
“Were you able to discover anything?”
Hachiro Iba:
"Saito! You've come right on time. Actually..."
Iba and I explained what happened earlier in this parlor.
Hajime Saito:
"...I see"
“So Tani came to this store with Itou just before he died?”
Hachiro Iba:
"Yes, that's right."
"We have to let Toshi and the others know about this as soon as possible."
Hajime Saito:
“I will take care of reporting to the Commander.”
“You guys should spend some more time here before returning to the base.”
Hachiro Iba:
“Indeed, if I return to the base immediately, Itou and the others will probably get suspicious.''
Hajime Saito:
"That's right. Hachiro, please take care of Yukimura."
Hachiro Iba:
"Yes, leave it to me. As long as I'm with her, I won't let any harm come to her."
Hajime Saito:
"Alright. Well, I’ll see you later."
Saito disappeared out of the room.
Hachiro Iba:
"...We’re going to get in the way of cleaning up, so let's go to the other room."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Ah... okay!"
~NEXT SCENE~
Apparently, Iba was staking out in the room next to Itou’s.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“I guess you were monitoring the situation in the parlor over there from here.”
Hachiro Iba:
"Yes, from here, no matter what happens, I could rush to you immediately."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"I was so focused on the situation at hand that I didn't notice it at all."
Hachiro Iba:
“You must have been quite nervous.”
"...To be honest, I was really nervous as well."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Eh? Why..."
Hachiro Iba:
“If something were to happen to you, I don’t know how I’d ever face Toshi and the others.”
"No, even without them..."
After saying that, Iba looks at me with a serious look.
Hachiro Iba:
"If something were to happen to you, I..."
"I would never be able to forgive myself."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...”
Iba's eyes were so serious and direct…
Just staring back at him makes me uncomfortable.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Is that because you're worried that I’d fail?"
Hachiro Iba:
"No, that's not it."
“You are a very intelligent person, and I don't think you would make any irreversible mistakes.''
"But… despite knowing that it can’t be helped, I can't forgive myself for letting you do something dangerous."
His concern for me was painfully clear.
That's why…
Chizuru Yukimura:
"...You told me that if you judged the situation to be too dangerous you would rush over immediately."
“Thanks to your words, I was able to fulfill my role with peace of mind.”
Iba's eyes widened as if he was in disbelief.
Hachiro Iba:
“Really?”
"You really felt relieved that I was standing by your side...?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes, of course"
Hachiro Iba:
"...I see. You really believed in me..."
"Thank you. I'm beyond happy to hear you say those words."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Is that so..."
His words seem to convey the joy in his heart…
Which made me feel a little embarrassed.
Hachiro Iba:
“...Saito told me to kill some time here before going back to the base.”
“So this is a great opportunity to take it easy.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes, but..."
Hachiro Iba:
"What is it?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
“What kind of things do you do at a tea shop?”
"I've never been to a place like this before... so I don't know."
Hachiro Iba:
“While I was waiting in this room, I had sweets prepared for me.''
"So for now, let's relax and eat some sweets."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes, let's do that."
We decided to try the sweets that had been prepared for us.
~Picture~
Hachiro Iba:
“Is this a cherry blossom Nerikiri?”
“Kyoto sweets look really elaborate and cute, don’t you think?”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yeah. It almost feels like a waste to eat it."
As I said this, I slowly take a sip of my tea.
Drinking hot tea makes me feel relieved.
Hachiro Iba:
"...It feels kind of strange."
“I can’t believe I’m alone with you like this.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Yeah, you’re right.”
"I don't normally get to wear a kimono like this."
Putting aside our childhood, ever since we met again in Kyoto…
Whenever I meet Iba, I am always dressed as a boy.
And right now, I look a little special.
Hachiro Iba:
"The kimono and that hairstyle… suit you very well."
“When I think about how you ended up wearing that kimono, I feel reluctant to simply compliment you.”
"Still… it truly suits you."
When he looks at me with such clear eyes and gives me an honest compliment…
I feel so embarrassed that I don't know what to do with myself.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"I-I guess it's because of the makeup and kimono."
“Everyone at Yakata did a great job making it look beautiful.”
Hachiro Iba:
"...It's not just that. It's because they had a good canvas to work with."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...”
Hachiro Iba:
“But today is the only time I get to see it.”
"Thinking about it makes me feel a little sad..."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"...Well, of course, I can't dress like this back at the base."
Hachiro Iba:
"...You’re right."
"I don't want to have more potential rivals either."
“For now, I’ll think of it as a privilege that only I get.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Potential rivals…”
He doesn’t mean that, does he?
Though I get the feeling he's only half joking…
Hachiro Iba:
"...I hope someday you don't have to spend your time dressed as a man."
“When that time comes, would you please show me your female form, just for me?”
His straight gaze and words seem to pierce my heart.
When I look into Iba's eyes, I can't lie about my feelings…
Chizuru Yukimura:
"...Yes. When the time comes, I'd love to."
As I answered him, a smile spread across his face…
Hachiro Iba:
"...Thank you."
"I'm looking forward to that day, Chizuru."
Wearing a women's kimono and getting to spend time with Iba...
I wonder if a moment like this will ever come again.
These were the thoughts I had as I was intoxicated by the strange atmosphere, even though I didn't have a single drop of alcohol.
~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, 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 someone kills a Shinsengumi executive 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.
~NEXT SCENE~
It had been about an hour since the party started…
But the party showed no signs of ending.
Sinds Tani just passed away…
Everyone may be feeling hesitant about returning to their daily lives after the party is over.
Halfway through, we ran out of snacks…
So I went back to the kitchen and decided to make some more snacks.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Sorry to have kept you waiting. I brought some extra snacks."
Hajime Saito:
"You’ve been working hard, Yukimura."
Saito himself seems to be unfazed after the match, as for Nagakura however…
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Are you okay, Nagakura?"
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"Ugh... it's no good. I can't drink it anymore..."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“I brought you a cold towel, so please use it to cool your neck.”
Sanosuke Harada:
"Leave him be. It’s his own fault for drinking such an unreasonable amount in a short time."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Still, I can’t just leave him like this.”
“...Huh?”
Heisuke Toudou:
“What’s wrong?”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"...Did Iba go home already? I don’t see him anywhere."
Heisuke Toudou:
"He was around here just a minute ago."
Souji Okita:
"Iba wouldn't just leave without saying goodbye."
Sanosuke Harada:
"Maybe he's taking a walk around the neighborhood to sober up? He'll probably be back soon."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...”
It's true that Iba isn't the type of person who would just quietly go back to the inn without saying goodbye to the others, but still…
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...I'll go look for him.''
~NEXT SCENE~
After that, I aimlessly searched around the temple grounds...
Eventually, I found Iba staring at a cherry blossom tree.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Iba.”
When I call out to him, he slowly turns around.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"You suddenly disappeared, so I thought you had already gone home."
"Um... so what are you doing here?"
But he remained silent, as he was staring at me.
...Did something happen?
As my mind started to wander, he finally spoke up.
Hachiro Iba:
"...Chizuru. If it's okay with you–"
"Would you like to return to Edo with me?"
His sudden words catch me off guard…
I stood frozen as if struck by lightning.
Hachiro Iba:
"If you're staying in Kyoto to look for Kodo–"
“I will also contact the shogunate and ask them to search for his whereabouts.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...”
Hachiro Iba:
"...I'm well aware that what I’m saying is something intrusive."
"The Shinsengumi seems to have a lot more to offer than I expected."
"But even though Toshi and the others are here, I'm still worried about you."
Iba is genuinely worried about me…
Even during this incident, I could feel it in every detail of his actions.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"...Thank you, Iba."
"But… I still can't leave the Shinsengumi."
Hachiro Iba:
"Why? If it's about your father–."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Of course, I am staying with the Shinsengumi to search for my father."
“However my desire to help the Shinsengumi members has also compelled me to stay with them.”
"So I can't go back to Edo yet."
Hachiro Iba:
“Chizuru…”
Iba seemed quite disappointed.
Eventually, I closed my eyes, trying to hold back the feeling that was welling up in me.
Hachiro Iba:
"...It seems I was rejected. What a shame."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...I’m sorry.”
He must have been preparing to say those words just now.
But I can't fulfill his wishes at the moment.
...I'm sorry Iba.
Eventually, Iba opened his eyes as if he had realized something.
Hachiro Iba:
"...Don't move Chizuru. Please hold still for a moment."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Huh…!?”
What’s happening with Iba?
As I was thinking about this, he suddenly started to close the distance between us.
As he moved closer…
I could clearly see his curly hair, fair features, and clear eyes.
What is he planning to do?
As I was confused by his sudden actions, he reached out his hand…
~Picture~
Hachiro Iba:
"You have a cherry blossom petal stuck to you."
With a polite gesture, he gently plucked it off.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Oh, thank you."
I was so embarrassed about strange things I was about to imagine…
I couldn’t bring myself to look Iba in the eyes.
Hachiro Iba:
"...As for what happened earlier, you don't have to apologize."
"If I wasn't in the position I'm in now, I might have joined everyone in the Shinsengumi."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"...Yes. I understand exactly how you feel."
In Edo, he can only watch the activities of the Shinsengumi's members from a distance...
This must be extremely frustrating for Iba.
Still, he accepts his position and destiny and cooperates as much as he can.
Eventually, his gaze shifts to the flowers blooming beautifully under the blue sky...
Hachiro Iba:
“When I look at these cherry blossoms, I remember the way you looked earlier… when you were dressed like a geisha.''
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...!”
Hachiro Iba:
"I guess you'll have to spend some time dressing as a man."
"But if... if you get to dress like a woman again."
“I would love it if you would show it to me.”
Iba's words must have a special meaning...
I don't think he’s saying he wants to see it just for the fun of it.
As I wondered what kind of person Iba is to me...
I couldn't come up with a clear answer yet.
At the very least, I wanted to let him know that I don't see his kindness as a nuisance.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Alright. When the time comes, I will.”
As I gave him my honest reply, Iba narrowed his eyes happily.
Hachiro Iba:
"...Now that this matter is settled, I can leave Kyoto tomorrow without troubled thoughts."
"I will definitely come back to Kyoto again. So please wait for me."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes, I'll be waiting.”
His thoughts are so straightforward and sincere...
I wonder if one day I'll be able to respond to them.
If I find my father and there is no reason for me to be here, then maybe...
Keeping my thoughts to myself, I stood beside Iba as I looked at the beautiful cherry blossoms that looked like something out of a dream.
~END~
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