What should I do…?
Go back to my tasks.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"I will excuse myself as well."
Toshizo Hijikata:
“Right, sorry for all the trouble.”
Hachiro Iba:
“Chizuru”
"I think I can stay in Kyoto a little longer, so let's catch up sometime soon."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Yes, let’s.”
I bowed to the three of them and left the room.
~NEXT SCENE~
Later, while I was sweeping in the courtyard…
Susumu Yamazaki:
“So this is where you were, Yukimura.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Hello everyone, do you need me for something?"
Yamazaki looked around to make sure that there was nobody else close by.
Susumu Yamazaki:
"We were just informed by the commander."
"... You heard about it too, didn't you? About Okita, I mean."
I tightly gripped my broom.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"...Yes, I heard about it."
Susumu Yamazaki:
"In that case, I’ll keep this short. If Okita seems to be acting off, please let us know immediately."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“I understand.”
Thinking back on how Okita was earlier…
I felt murderous intent radiating from him and he seemed ready to kill Tani at any moment.
I think Yamazaki and the others also heard about this from Hijikata.
Genzaburou Inoue:
"... I’m sure Tani doesn't mean anything harm, but he is a little too arrogant."
Susumu Yamazaki:
"... I understand that you don't want to think badly of him because he has been an executive for a long time..."
“But this case is highly likely to go against one of the bureaucratic laws—“Don’t arbitrarily handle lawsuits.””
Genzaburou Inoue:
"... Hmm, I hope it won’t come to that."
Apparently, this time Tani's case...
Seems to be causing more ripples than I had imagined.
Kai Shimada:
"Yukimura, if you notice something happens between Okita and Tani..."
"Never deal with it by yourself, please consult with us or one of the captains."
"If it's urgent, call out to us. We'll come right away."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... Alright, I understand."
I really hope this will all come to an end without incident.
However, I have this creeping feeling that something bad is about to happen.
~NEXT SCENE~
And then the next day. After everyone finished eating breakfast and left for patrol.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“... Phew”
After washing the bowls and pots that were used for breakfast, I took a deep breath.
One of the other nice things that comes with spring, besides the beautiful cherry blossoms and young grasses–
Is that the water isn’t as cold anymore when doing the dishes.
Hachiro Iba:
“Chizuru.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Oh, Iba. Good morning."
“Are you here again today?”
Hachiro Iba:
"Yes. Since I'm in Kyoto, I've been wanting to come visit you all."
"Was Okita okay after what happened yesterday?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes... Nothing has happened so far. I apologize for worrying you.”
Hachiro Iba:
“Well, this all started because of the information I brought.”
“I just hope Okita will calm down soon.”
"What has Toshi been up to?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"I think he’s probably working in his room..."
"Shall I go get him for you?"
Hachiro Iba:
"No need, I don’t want to get in the way of his work."
"I’ll go see him when he has his hand free."
Just then…
Souji Okita:
"... Oh, Iba. You’re here today as well?"
Hachiro Iba:
"Good morning Okita."
Souji Okita:
“Do you have any other business other than what we talked about yesterday?”
“The shogun retainers sure have a lot of free time. While we're struggling because of the lack of manpower."
Hachiro Iba:
"It's not like I had time to come to Kyoto..."
“But even so, I have some flexibility when it comes to my work.”
“Some Kyoto Shoshidai and other retainers of the shogun have asked me for various things.”
Souji Okita:
"Did they ask you to come here and find out the inner workings of the Shinsengumi?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
“O-Okita…!”
Souji Okita:
“It seems that Iba and the others aren’t enemies of the Shinsengumi.”
"That's why it doesn't feel good that they’re gathering info on us."
Okita’s overly direct counterattack made me shudder…
Hachiro Iba:
"I do apologize for that Okita... But Toshi is aware of the circumstances around that."
The moment Hijikata's name was mentioned, Okita's face became more bitter.
Kanryusai Takeda:
“Okita, so this is where you were!”
Souji Okita:
"... Do you need me for something?"
Kanryusai Takeda:
"I heard about Tani's case."
"It's unbecoming for a Shinsengumi executive to spread something like that and that without permission.”
“Chief Kondo must be feeling a pain in his heart.”
Souji Okita:
"... You’re probably right."
Kanryusai Takeda:
"That considered..."
Takeda carefully checked the surroundings before he started talking again.
Kanryusai Takeda:
"... If you’re planning to kill Tani, I think I can lend a hand."
Souji Okita:
"... Planning to kill?"
-Takeda gave a big nod at Okita's question.
Kanryusai Takeda:
"He has gone too far this time... I think this is clearly an act that violates the Rules of Conduct."
"That Tani... not only causing trouble for the Shinsengumi but also for the Kondo family."
"If I’m right, aren't you going to take over the Tennen Rishin style?"
Souji Okita:
"... Don’t know, who knows."
Kanryusai Takeda:
"... Okita. Why are you acting like this is someone else's business?"
"Aren't you the one who was considered to be Chief Kondo's successor?"
"The current situation is as good as being neglected."
Okita listened to Takeda with a plain expresion, but…
Souji Okita:
"... Hey Takeda. Who told you all of this?"
Okita asked the same question that I secretly had.
Hijikata explicitly told us not to talk about Tani's case.
And yet, he knows about it…
Kanryusai Takeda:
"... You have to keep this a secret, but I heard it from Itou."
“It seems that the Chief had consulted with him about Tani’s case.”
“Itou also said that Tani’s recent behavior has been quite unsatisfactory.”
Souji Okita:
"I see. So it was him, huh..."
Though he spoke in a soft tone. It was clear to me that Okita was really angry.
Kashitaro Itou:
"Oh, Takeda, Okita, and Yukimura. Well this is a rare combination."
Kanryusai Takeda:
"Itou...!"
Kashitaro Itou:
"And you are... Hachiro Iba, right?"
"I would like to formally introduce myself. I am Kashitaro Itou, deputy commander of the Shinsengumi."
“I used to run a Hokushin Ittō-ryu dojo in Fukagawa, Edo, and I came here because of a connection.”
“It’s a pleasure to finally formally make your acquaintance.”
Hachiro Iba:
"I am Hachiro Iba, a retainer of the shogunate. Nice to meet you.”
Kashitaro Itou:
"I've had several matches with Shingata swordsmen."
Hachiro Iba:
"Is that so? If you’re interested, please stop by the dojo in Edo."
Before long, Itou's gaze shifted to Okita.
Kashitaro Itou:
"... Tani's case seems to be causing a lot of trouble."
"If there is anything I can do for you, please call me anytime."
Souji Okita:
"... I don't have any business with you."
Kashitaro Itou:
"The Shinsengumi may be a ronin unit, but they are still under the custody of the shogunate. So family conflicts are forbidden..."
"If it's a samurai family, it could lead to the extinction of the family."
On the surface, he seems to be worried about the Shinsengumi...
But I couldn't feel the slightest hint of sympathy or pity from Itou's gaze.
It's like he’s enjoying this conflict's developments…
Okita seemed to have noticed as well, and glared at Itou.
However, Itou shrugged off Okita's gaze.
Kashitaro Itou:
"Well then, have a good day everyone."
And just like that, he gracefully walked away.
Kanryusai Takeda:
"Please wait, Itou. There is something I would like to discuss..."
Takeda disappeared as he ran after Itou.
Okita glared at the direction the two had vanished and spoke up with an annoyed tone.
Souji Okita:
"... How did this happen? How do they know about that?"
"Sigh, it looks like Tani isn't the only one I have to kill."
"It seems that I have to kill Itou as well."
Okita tries to walk away–
But Iba grabbed him by the shoulder.
Hachiro Iba:
"Please calm down, Okita."
Then Okita violently shakes off Iba's hand.
Souji Okita:
"What are you talking about? I'm calm."
Hachiro Iba:
"Well you don't look calm right now."
“… Besides, I am also responsible for this incident.”
Souji Okita:
"You’re not even a member of the Shinsengumi, so don't get in my way."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Okita…!”
Hachiro Iba:
"It's true that I'm not a member of the Shinsengumi."
"But I do know Kondo, Toshi, and everyone else."
"And I can imagine how sad they would be if you acted prematurely."
Souji Okita:
"...... I never said I would do anything prematurely."
"I just can't forgive people who are just having fun like that."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“... Okita.”
"Let's ask Hijikata about what Takeda and Itou said earlier."
Hachiro Iba:
"...That's right. Kondo may have just consulted with Itou."
Okita didn't move for a while…
But after some time, he took a deep breath and dropped his shoulders.
Souji Okita:
"... Being the Shinsengumi's sword is a strange position, isn’t it?"
"I can't even choose when and who to kill with my own will."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Okita…”
When I saw Okita whispering such sad, self-deprecating words, I felt a pain in my chest.
~NEXT SCENE~
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... Hmm, I see. So that’s what Takeda and Itou said."
“Kondo seems to have been troubled by Tani’s behavior for quite some time.”
Souji Okita:
"That means–"
“That Itou thought it would be funny and told Takeda what Kondo told him in confidence.”
“So instead of trying to help solve the problem, Itou is just having fun by telling people about it.”
"I’m sure he’s doing it on purpose... I won't forgive him for that."
Hachiro Iba:
"Okita... you're overthinking things."
Okita's theories may be a bit extreme.
But when I think back on Itou's attitude and the recent events…
Okita might be right about this.
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... So what, are you gonna let Itou provoke you? That might be exactly what he wants from you.”
Souji Okita:
"Well isn’t it your job to find a solution to this problem?"
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Why the hell do you think I’m discussing this with you guys right now?!"
Not only is Hijikata having to deal with Tani, Takeda and Itou…
But he seems to be troubled by the fact that people he cannot trust are acting selfishly.
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... Putting that aside for a second."
“The other day, Shinpachi was also talking about you becoming Kondo’s adopted son… What are your thoughts on that?”
Souji Okita:
"Please don't make me repeat myself over and over again."
"I won't take over Tennen Rishin-ryu until Kondo is old as heck."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"We’re living in some very uncertain times right now."
"It would be better to have a plan in case of an emergency."
Souji Okita:
"I don’t care."
“Besides, you and Kondo become blood-brothers by exchanging a cup of sake, right?”
"If that's the case, won't you and I become relatives? No way I would want that to happen."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Souji, you punk... Stop joking around and start taking this seriously."
Souji Okita:
"I AM taking this seriously. Besides..."
“I was just talking about the current situation.”
“No matter what happens, I get the feeling that Kondo will never die.”
"That's why I won't be adopted. Became there will never be an emergency."
-After saying it flatly, Okita stood up.
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Where are you going?"
Souji Okita:
"I’ve got to go train for the soldiers. But if you don’t want me to go, I’ll just stay here.”
Toshizo Hijikata:
"No, it's good that you're motivated to do your duty..."
Souji Okita:
"I'm not doing this for your sake. Well, see ya."
Hachiro Iba:
"Wait, Okita. Would it be alright if I accompanied you?"
Souji Okita:
"You? Why would you want to come along?"
Hachiro Iba:
“I would like to observe your training sessions and learn from them."
Souji Okita:
“The Shinsengumi's training is not a spectacle."
“Since you came all the way to Kyoto, why don’t you ask Hijikata to deal with you?”
Okita just leaves the room, but…
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Hachiro, please take care of Souji."
Following Hijikata’s words, Iba stood up.
Hachiro Iba:
"Please wait, Okita!"
And so Iba followed after Okita.
He said he wanted to see the Shinsengumi training, but…
I'm sure Iba is more worried about Okita than he is interested in the training.
Considering the current situation, I’m a bit worried as well.
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Sorry we got you involved in this mess, Yukimura."
"Leave this matter to us. But if you notice anything about Souji, let me know."
Hijikata probably doesn't want me to get involved in this matter.
In that case, I should leave the room as soon as I can…
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Um…”
Curious, I opened my mouth.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"About Tani... Is it really gonna be okay?”
Hijikata sighed at my question as if he wasn’t sure how to answer.
But after a short silence…
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... It's going to be complicated, but we have to do something about it."
From his expression and tone of voice, I sensed the seriousness of the situation, and it made me feel even more worried.
~NEXT SCENE~
It was almost noon when I was finally able to do the tasks I should have done in the morning.
That is– to clear the table from Sannan's room.
Because Sannan wakes up in the middle of the night, I bring him his breakfast after everyone's dinner.
And one of my jobs is to clean up the finished meal the next morning.
Sometimes I get sent away when he doesn't have an appetite…
Last night, Sannan was in a good mood, and he ate properly.
After this, I have to clean up this tray so that no one can find out about it.
While I was thinking this as I was carrying…
Sanjuro Tani:
"Yo, Yukimura. What are you doing in a place like this?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...!”
My heart almost stopped when I was greeted by an unexpected person.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Tani…?”
Why is he here?
Could it be that he was watching me…?
Anyway, I have to get past him before he starts asking questions.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... I'm in a hurry, so if you’ll excuse me."
Just as I tried to move past him…
Tani stopped me by grabbing my shoulder.
Sanjuro Tani:
"Hold up. Don't think you can just run away like that."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“.......”
I wonder what he wants…
Is he going to ask me anything about Kondo or anything about the ‘adopted child’ business?
I prepared myself while waiting for him to continue talking…
Sanjuro Tani:
"There is something I wanna ask… Is there someone sick in the back of this corridor?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
“What…!?”
I felt my heart thud loudly inside my chest.
Sanjuro Tani:
"Don’t act so surprised... I've seen you carrying a tray like that down this corridor several times now."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......”
I felt my blood run cold, and a cold sweat began to run down my neck.
This is bad.
I have to keep the fact that Sannan is staying there completely hidden.
But just now, Tani said he saw me go down the corridor several times. Does that mean he has been watching me all this time...?
Sanjuro Tani:
"I’ve tried asking Sanosuke and the other officers, but..."
"Every time I ask, they say that they don’t know anything and that it’s just a misunderstanding, they won't take me seriously."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......”
So that's why he approached me...
In order to prevent me from dodging the question, he called out to me while I was carrying the tray.
So this entire time he was watching me while waiting for an opportunity to approach me…?
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... I don't know what you're talking about."
"I'm just carrying it because I was asked to… Excuse me!"
Sanjuro Tani:
“H-Hey! Hold it!”
I managed to run past Tani.
I have to tell this to one of the captains as soon as possible.
~NEXT SCENE~
After clearing the tray, I came to the common room–
Genzaburou Inoue:
"Oh, Yukimura, what's wrong? You’re looking kind of pale..."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Inoue, do you know where Hijikata is?"
Genzaburou Inoue:
"If you’re looking for Toshi, he's out for a meeting with someone."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Then what about the others?"
Genzaburou Inoue:
"I think they’re out on patrol... Did something happen?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Actually…"
I told Inoue about what had just happened.
Genzaburou Inoue:
"I see, so that's what happened... We’ll have to do something about that."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes. I have a bad feeling about this."
Until Hijikata comes back, we’ll have to do something about this... As I was thinking that.
Hachiro Iba:
“Thank you very much for today Okita.”
"Your regular training was very interesting to watch. It was a great learning experience."
Souji Okita:
"It's not like I'm training just so you get to study."
Hachiro Iba:
"Yes, I know. But that doesn’t change the fact that I learned a lot."
Genzaburou Inoue:
“Souji, Iba! You've got perfect timing."
Souji Okita:
"What is it? Do you need something from me?"
Inoue nodded, and after confirming that no one was nearby, he began to speak.
Genzaburou Inoue:
“... Yukimura, if you please."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Alright, actually…"
Souji Okita:
"... Tani, you really couldn't just keep it by bothering Kondo, could you?"
"If we don't do something about that guy quickly, the situation will only get worse and worse."
Hachiro Iba:
"I'm sure Toshi is doing everything he can to protect the Shinsengumi."
Souji Okita:
"What would we do if Tani hijacked the Shinsengumi or finds out about our secrets?"
Genzaburou Inoue:
“Please calm down, Souji…”
"Blaming Toshi won't make things better."
Souji Okita:
“Well then, why don’t you think about what to do, Gen.”
Genzaburou Inoue:
"You’re right, hmmm..."
Hachiro Iba:
"Chizuru, there is something I want to ask."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes, what is it?"
Hachiro Iba:
"Considering the fact that he tried to question you–"
"Can we assume that Tani hasn't found out about Sannan yet?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Probably..."
Souji Okita:
"It will be too late if he finds out. Before that happens, we have to kick him out of here."
Genzaburou Inoue:
"Souji, how are you planning to get rid of him?"
Souji Okita:
"I don't need a plan, I’ll just make him disappear."
Genzaburou Inoue:
“... That won’t do. Don’t forget that Tani is still an executive."
“Besides, Itou and the others aren’t blind.”
It is as Inoue said…
Tani is the Captain of the 7th Division. His younger brother is a master of the spear, and is entrusted with the Osaka garrison.
Hachiro Iba:
“… For the time being, why don’t we let somebody be her escort, in case Tani tries to question her again?”
“If you have someone with you without making it obvious they are an escort, it will be difficult for him to approach you, he’ll probably have a hard time keeping an eye on you.”
"Sinds Tani is suspicious of the depths of the camp, let's inform everyone else when they get back.”
Genzaburou Inoue:
"That's right. Let’s talk to Nagakura, Saito and others when they get back."
Souji Okita:
"What a pain. If he’s suspicious of Sannan’s situation, it would be quicker to kill him."
Hachiro Iba:
"That’s too risky. If something like that were to happen, Itou will realize there's something there."
Souji Okita:
"Then... I’ll just kill Itou as well."
Genzaburou Inoue:
"If that were to happen, we wouldn’t only have to deal with Itou, but all the members of his faction as well."
Hachiro Iba:
"That's why we can’t just get rid of him."
Souji Okita:
“........ I know that."
Genzaburou Inoue:
"That right, I knew you would understand."
Hachiro Iba:
"Well then... Our first priority at the moment is to protect her from Tani."
"That said, we can’t all escort her together."
Genzaburou Inoue:
"You’re right, Tani could get suspicious."
Hachiro Iba:
"In that case, I think it's fine if she has at least one person by her side."
"Chizuru. Please choose who you want to be your escort."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"You want me to choose?"
Hachiro Iba:
"That’s right. It would be best to let the person being escorted choose this kind of thing."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Then..."
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