However there’s one thing that has been really bothering me. That's …
I'm worried about Okita's condition.
I can't help but worry about Okita, who was the first to leave the room.
After leaving Hijikata's room, I came to Okita's room.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Umm... Okita, are you here?"
I tried calling out, but there was no answer.
It doesn't look like the lights are on, and there's no sign of anyone, so it seems like he's not in the room.
Where could he be this late at night?
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...!”
Could it be that he went to kill Ito?
As if pushed by a bad feeling, I search around the base.
And after a while…
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...!”
-After spotting Okita, I hurriedly followed him.
I thought he was going to kill Ito, but…
Judging from his gait, it doesn't seem like he's decided where he's going.
Is he taking a walk at night?
As I was thinking about that, Okita suddenly stopped.
And looked vaguely at the moon floating overhead.
Souji Okita:
"...Hey, Chizuru. You're there, aren't you?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...!”
Souji Okita:
"You don't have to hide, I know you’re there. So just come out."
... It seems that he noticed that I was following him.
Feeling embarrassed, I appear before Okita.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... I'm sorry for following you."
Souji Okita:
"Did you think I was going to kill Ito?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......”
Souji Okita:
"Don't worry, I won't kill him for now… for Kondo's sake."
"I actually want to get rid of him right away, but..."
"For now, I guess I'll just have to wait for Hijikata’s instructions."
After saying that, he placed his hand on the sword on his left hip.
Souji Okita:
"In any case, I don’t have to take care of Tani anymore."
"I should be grateful to the person who got rid of him for me."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"But what if..."
I was hesitant to speak up.
However, I can't help but let the words spill out.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"What if... you are made out to be the culprit?"
Souji Okita:
"If that happens–"
A white light flashes in front of me.
It was a vivid display of swordsmanship reminiscent of lightning.
The tip of the sword was drawn at the height of a person's throat.
Souji Okita:
"... I'll kill them. I'll kill every single one who made me out to be a criminal."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......”
Even though it was spring, I felt my whole body freeze.
A terrible murderous intent could be felt from just that slight gesture.
It speaks to the intensity of the anger that Okita is harboring right now.
Souji Okita:
"I'll tell you, it's no use stopping it."
"No matter who the opponent is, I’ll–"
“Ugh…! Cough, cough, cough!”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Okita…!”
I hurriedly tried to run over to Okita, who was coughing violently.
However…
Souji Okita:
"Don't come any closer!"
Stunned by his harsh words, I stop in my tracks.
~Picture~
Chizuru Yukimura:
"But Okita, that's blood..."
The palm of his hand that he held when he coughed…
It was bright red.
Souji Okita:
"I’m fine, so just stay where you are."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“........”
After shaking his big shoulder and taking a few painful breaths…
Okita makes a self-deprecating smile.
Souji Okita:
"... I thought I could defeat any opponent if I really wanted to."
"But maybe… I can't beat this disease."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Okita…”
It's because I've known him to be someone who was full of absolute confidence ever since we first met…
It's sad to see the timid expression that faintly appears on his face.
Souji Okita:
"... But I'm just doing what I can."
"While this body can still move."
"No... I need to move. For as long as possible, for Kondo's sake."
"That's why I endured taking the bitter medicine."
"As if it's with konpeito."
"But I happened to run out of medicine today."
"Aah, I might have gone out alone earlier to get more medicine..."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Wait... what are you talking about...?"
Okita's face, illuminated by the starlight, was paler than usual…
I couldn't help the bad feeling in my gut.
At that moment, a thought crossed my mind.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...Okita.”
"Perhaps the reason you didn't tell me where you were today..."
“Was it because… you went to buy medicine?”
Then, a smile came to Okita's face.
~Picture~
Souji Okita:
“Got it in one.”
"If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have gone out to get the medicine."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"No, that's a different story! You had to go."
Souji Okita:
"Don't tell anyone about medicine. It's our little secret… Got it?”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“But everyone seems to be suspicious of you because of that.”
"Wouldn't it be better to just tell them that you went to buy medicine without revealing your illness?"
Souji Okita:
"If we tell them, I'm sure they'll be able to find out what medicine I went to buy right away."
“Yamazaki has a pretty sharp intuition regarding these kinds of things.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“But, at this rate, they'll suspect you…!”
A sarcastic smile formed on Okita's lips.
Souji Okita:
"... That's right. That's why I said that I should have taken care of Tani."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......”
Not only is he being devoured by his disease…
But Okita is also suspected of murdering Tani.
What should I do…
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Okita…”
"I'm sure everyone will prove your innocence."
“So please don’t give up on yourself.”
Souji Okita:
"And what if I do?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"If that happens, I will tell everyone about your illness..."
But before I could finish saying that, Okita turned to me.
Souji Okita:
"... Men. I'm losing my mind."
After talking to himself, Okita wiped the blood from his palm with some paper.
Souji Okita:
“Can you pretend you didn’t see anything just now?”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... Of course."
"So, you are already in your room now..."
Souji Okita:
"... I know. You're really a doctor's daughter, aren't you?"
"You're always busy with various things, but... it seems that you still have time to worry about me."
"Don't worry, I'll go back to my room. ...So you should go back as well.”
Although he made a sarcastic remark as usual...
I could feel from Okita's words and demeanor that the thorns were missing a little.
I felt relieved at that thought.
~NEXT SCENE~
And the next day–
All the members of Shinsengumi were gathered in the common room.
Toshizo Hijikata:
"I know some of you are already aware, but I'll repeat it for the rest of you."
"Sanjuro Tani, captain of the 7th Division, was killed last night."
With Hijikata's heavy words, the entire room once again fell silent.
Kanryusai Takeda:
"Tani was killed...? Who the hell could have done this?"
Kashitaro Itou:
"We’re still not certain who did it."
"... Saburo, didn’t you receive a report from the soldier who inspected the scene where Tani was killed yesterday?"
"Could you share with everyone what you know?"
Saburo Miki:
"Got it. Tani was found collapsed outside the precincts of Yasaka Shrine."
"His body smelled of alcohol, so it's likely that someone attacked him on his way home from Gion."
Kanryusai Takeda:
"Was he attacked by some random thug?"
Saburo Miki:
"There didn't seem to be any signs of a fight."
"... So it likely might have been the work of an acquaintance."
Kashitaro Itou:
"According to what I've heard... it seemed that there were quite a few that held a grudge against him."
"... Perhaps it was the work of someone in this corps."
"It seems that some people were jumping at the opportunity to get rid of him."
-After saying that, Itou glanced at Okita.
Souji Okita:
“...... Oh?”
Okita however didn't seem to care and evaded his gaze.
Toshizo Hijikata:
“The fact that a senior officer was killed is something that should not have happened.”
"Especially... without them being able to draw their sword."
"Listen up, use whatever means necessary to find the culprits."
"Also, don't try to make a mockery out of Tani's death. That's all."
Everyone/Soldiers:
“Yes sir!”
After replying, the soldiers leave the room for their respective duties.
Kanryusai Takeda:
"This is a big problem, isn’t it Itou? I can't believe that Tani..."
Kashitaro Itou:
"It certainly is. However, it appeared that he had been causing a lot of problems..."
"It seems that he also had plenty of people who were resentful towards him."
"So it's not all too surprising looking back on it."
Kanryusai Takeda:
"Y-You’re right. That certainly appears to be the case."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... Itou, I have something I’d like to ask you."
Kashitaro Itou:
"Oh, what is it?"
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Regarding Tani... why was it that you were the first to receive the report?"
"It should be customary to report this kind of thing to me or the chief first."
Kashitaro Itou:
"Purely by chance, I suppose?"
“It’s inconceivable for an executive to be killed like that.”
“Isn’t understandable for the soldier who came to report it to be distressed?”
Toshizo Hijikata:
"…I see. It’s inconceivable, huh?"
In his heart, Hijikata didn't seem satisfied with Its answer, but…
Toshizo Hijikata:
"I apologize for holding you up. In any case, we must find the one behind Tani's murder as soon as possible.”
Kashitaro Itou:
"Yes, I agree. We can't let the crooks go unnoticed like this."
"It can't be helped if neither you nor I are considered qualified to lead the Shinsengumi if this continues."
Toshizo Hijikata:
“….. Right.”
Kashitaro Itou:
"Well then, let's go Saburo."
Saburo Miki:
“Yeah, you got it.”
"... With this, it seems that the inner relationships will become a lot more complicated."
Kanryusai Takeda:
"Um, Itou! Please let me assist you!"
Itou left the room with Miki and Takeda.
I wonder what Okita is doing.
When I looked around the room, I noticed that Okita had already disappeared.
Where did he go?
I had a bad feeling, so I decided to look for Okita.
~NEXT SCENE~
After that, I searched around the compound, but…
I couldn't find Okita.
But when I went outside…
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Ah…!”
I felt relieved when I finally found him.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Okita–”
As I was about to call out.
Saburo Miki:
"... I was just asking where you were going."
Souji Okita:
"And I just said I won't answer because I don't want to."
Saburo Miki:
"Why don't you use that head of yours and think a little about whether you're in any position to refuse?"
Souji Okita:
"What are you getting at? If you're trying to pick a fight, I'd be happy to oblige."
Kashitaro Itou:
"I apologize, Okito. Saburo is a poor talker and can easily be misunderstood."
“However you are aware that you are in a delicate position, right Okita?”
Souji Okita:
“... Are you suspecting me of killing Tani?”
Kashitaro Itou:
"Of course, I also don't want to think that one of my fellow Shinsengumi members is responsible."
"However, I think you owe it to yourself to prove your innocence."
Souji Okita:
“......”
Kashitaro Itou:
"I have a lot of things we'd like to ask you, so could you please be so kind as to come with us?
Souji Okita:
“No thanks.”
Okita tries to walk past the two of them, but—
Miki roughly put a hand on his shoulder.
Saburo Miki:
"Hey, hold it. Where do you think you’re going with that attitude?”
Souji Okita:
"Can it will ya. I’ve got nothing to say to you guys."
Just when Okita's hand almost reaches for the sword on his side.
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"Oi Souji, what are you doing?!"
Nagakura, who saw the situation and realized that things were getting out of hand, rushed over.
Souji Okita:
“... Tsk”
Okita clicked his tongue slightly and lowered his right hand.
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"Itou, Miki, what's this all about?"
Kashitaro Itou:
“… We were just trying to ask Okita if he could answer some questions.”
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"Is that true Souji?"
Souji Okita:
"... Well, who knows."
Shinpachi Nagakura:
“Oi, Souji!”
Nagakura tries to scold Okita, but…
Okita turned away in a deflated manner.
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"... If you argue with Itou here, you'll only make things worse for yourself."
"I get how you feel, but for now, just focus on proving your innocence."
“Even if you make a mistake, don’t pull out your sword. got it?”
Souji Okita:
“... Hmm.”
-Before long, Nagakura turned to face Itou and the others.
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"Is there anything you guys want to ask Souji?"
Kashitaro Itou:
"Yes, that's right."
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"Would you mind if Hijikata and I join you? We’re also trying to find the one behind this mess."
Saburo Miki:
"What are you saying? Why would we—"
Kashitaro Itou:
"... It's fine, Saburo. We have nothing to complain about."
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"Thanks for your understanding… Let's go, Souji."
~NEXT SCENE~
Nagakura and the others took Okita to Hijikata's room.
And so…
Chizuru Yukimura:
“... It’s Yukimura. I brought you some tea."
Toshizo Hijikata:
“Come in.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... Excuse me."
I serve freshly brewed tea to everyone in the room.
Saburo Miki:
“… Okita, how many times are you going to make me ask the same thing?”
“Why don’t you just tell us where you were yesterday?”
Souji Okita:
"I’ve got no reason to answer you. I was off duty yesterday."
Kashitaro Itou:
"... Okita. Of course, we don't think you truly are the culprit."
“However some people will look at the soldiers with suspicion since it has become clear that an acquaintance is responsible for the crime.”
"If you don't prove your innocence as soon as possible, people will only grow more suspicious of you."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... It's just as Itou says. So what's going on Souji?"
Souji Okita:
“...... Sigh.”
Toshizo Hijikata:
“Yukimura, I heard you saw Souji going out yesterday.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Ah… yes, that’s right. I saw him on his way out..."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Did you notice anything out of the ordinary?"
In response to Hijikata's question, I tried my best to pull the threads of my memory.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"No, he seemed the same as usual... I don't think there was anything particularly different about him."
Kashitaro Itou:
"Are you sure it was him? Could it perhaps have been someone else?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"I'm sure it was Okita."
Kashitaro Itou:
“Was his kimono stained with blood, or did his sword appear to be used?”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... It didn’t appear that way."
Saburo Miki:
"... Don’t bother, brother. Even if Okita was the culprit,"
"These guys probably decided to cover this up for their friends anyway."
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"Hey, what are you getting at?"
"Even we can't protect each other at a time like this."
Saburo Miki:
"... I don't know about that. You could just be saying things."
Kashitaro Itou:
"Saburo's statement may sound cruel, however… it's true that the testimonies of his friends alone cannot be used as evidence."
“If someone from Okita’s outing is willing to testify, then that’s a different story.”
“… Unfortunately Okita doesn’t seem to be willing to share where he went yesterday.”
Souji Okita:
"... I didn't kill Tani, so there's no reason to tell you anything."
Kashitaro Itou:
"... For now, until the suspicion surrounding him has been cleared or the culprit is found, is it alright to suggest that Okita should be placed in confinement?"
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Hold on, Itou. Why are you telling Souji to lay low?”
“Do you think that you can violate the rules by putting him under suspicion without any proof?”
Hijikata and Itou face each other head-on.
It is just as Hijikata said, there is no evidence at the moment.
If Okita were to be put in confinement, he might go out of control.
A strangely tense silence followed for a while.
But eventually…
Kashitaro Itou:
“… Indeed, it’s not very civil to put him under suspicion without evidence.”
“Then, how about asking him to refrain from going out for a while?”
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... How about it, Souji? Any objections?"
Souji Okita:
"Fine, whatever."
Kashitaro Itou:
"Thank you. I appreciate your cooperation."
"Well then, let's organize an investigation team to look for the culprit. For Okita's sake as well."
Souji Okita:
“… Go ahead, do whatever you want.”
Kashitaro Itou:
"Good luck everyone. Let's go, Saburo."
Saburo Miki:
"Haha, I'm looking forward to how long we can keep playing good friends."
Itou and Miki then left the room.
After hearing no more footsteps, Nagakura spoke up.
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"... Jeez, we can't even let our guard down for a second."
"If it goes on like this, Souji will be made out to be the one behind Tani's murder."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... You’re right. I guess we just have to find the culprit before that happens."
Souji Okita:
"We’re done here, right? I’ll be going then."
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"Hey, Souji, wait!"
Nagakura panicked and followed after Okita.
It feels like a bad idea to leave Okita alone…
Chizuru Yukimura:
"I'll go too!"
-After bowing to Hijikata, I also hurried after Okita.
~NEXT SCENE~
When I returned to the common room, there was–
Hachiro Iba:
"Ah…! Okita, Shinpachi, and Chizuru."
“Did Toshi tell you something? How did it go?”
Iba asks with a concerned look on his face.
Souji Okita:
“...... Damn.”
With a defiant gesture, Okita stepped hard on the wooden floor.
Shinpachi Nagakura:
“… It seems that we don’t just have to keep an eye out for the culprit, but also for Itou’s movements.”
Hachiro Iba:
"What do you mean by that…?"
Heisuke Toudou:
"What’s up? Did something happen?"
Nagakura explained to everyone who had gathered what had happened.
Hachiro Iba:
"... I see. So that's what happened."
"I’ll assist in any way that I can. Just say the word."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... Thanks, Iba."
Hachiro Iba:
"It's times like these that we have to work together."
"First of all, let's see if Tani really visited Gion on the day he died."
“I know several shops we could ask for information.”
Heisuke Toudou:
"You know several shops… Hachiro, you’ve been to Kagai?"
Sanosuke Harada:
"Who knew, you're always so serious, but it seems even you go out to enjoy yourself."
Hachiro Iba:
"No... it’s not like that! It's entertainment! I've only been there a few times for entertainment!"
Sanosuke Harada:
"My bad. Well then, I’ll go and question the members of the 7th program."
Heisuke Toudou:
"I'll help out too!"
Hajime Saito:
"After this, I plan to go on patrol."
"I’ll ask the residents near Yasaka Shrine if they know anything."
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"Souji, you'll be staying here. Please try to stay out of trouble."
Souji Okita:
"Well, we’ll see about that."
Hajime Saito:
“Souji…”
Souji Okita:
"I got it. You guys just can’t take a joke."
Before long, everyone got ready and left the room.
During that time, Nagakura walked up to me…
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"... Chizuru. Please keep an eye on Souji."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"I will."
After hearing my answer, Nagakura nodded and left as well.
Souji Okita:
"... Hey, did Shinpachi tell you to keep an eye on me?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"H-huh? No, h-he didn’t..."
Souji Okita:
"You don't have to lie. You're a pretty terrible liar, you know."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......”
Souji Okita:
"It seems that Itou is going to do as he pleases, as usual..."
"I'm going to stay at the base today, so don’t worry."
"... I don't want to cause any trouble for Kondo."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......”
Souji Okita:
"Anyway, you're good at keeping an eye out, so just go do some of your tasks."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"...... Alright."
Okita seems to want to be alone…
I respected his feelings and decided to do something else.
~NEXT SCENE~
Chizuru Yukimura:
“... That should do it.”
After that, when I consulted Inoue…
He asked me to air out the spring kimonos that had been stored away.
When I change clothes like this, I realize that the season has changed.
Well, I think this should be fine…
I should ask Inoue if there's anything else I can help with.
Just then.
Saburo Miki:
"... Ah. So this is where you were."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Miki…”
After what happened earlier, I can't help but tense up a little.
Saburo Miki:
"Well, this is perfect. I got something I wanna ask you."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... What is it?"
Saburo Miki:
"Did you really see Okita yesterday? You’re not just tryna cover for him?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
“… It’s just as I said earlier, I really did see him.”
Saburo Miki:
"Don’t give me that crap."
"Okita had a grudge against Tani and had plenty of motives. Who besides him could it possibly be? ”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"I’m sorry, but I've got something to do."
Just as I tried to leave the conversation…
Mikki moved to block my way.
Saburo Miki:
"Hold it. We’re not done here yet."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"But there's nothing more I can tell you."
Saburo Miki:
"... I didn’t want to just talk about Okita."
"Hey, just who the hell are you?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
“What do you mean…?”
Saburo Miki:
"I heard you're here to look for someone."
"But... if you're just looking for someone, you don't need to go out of your way to live here, right? You're not even a real member."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......”
Saburo Miki:
"You’re hiding something, aren’t ya? Or are you in on something?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Ah, please let me through…!”
Saburo Miki:
"If you answer the question properly, I'll let ya through. So hurry up and—"
Souji Okita:
"Hey, what are you doing there?"
“Aren’t you guys getting a little too carried away these days?”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Okita!”
Saburo Miki:
"... You. Just mind your own damn business."
Souji Okita:
"Sorry, but that’s not happening. Now get away from the kid."
Saburo Miki:
"There's no reason why I should obey your orders."
"I doubt that you're even qualified to be an executive right now."
Souji Okita:
"... You guys are the only ones who think that way."
Saburo Miki:
"Who else would get more out of killing Tani than you?"
"You didn't like that Tani's younger brother Shuhei was going to be Kondo's successor, right?"
Souji Okita:
"... It's not like that."
Saburo Miki:
"Well, I get how you’re feeling. Even though Kondo loves you that much."
"It's like you were told that you’re not qualified to be his successor."
"How unexpectedly heartless of Kondo. Hahahaha."
Souji Okita:
“...!”
Miki said with a sneer and then proceeded to walk off.
Okita tries to chase after him.
However, I hurriedly stopped Okita.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"No Okita, don’t!"
Souji Okita:
“Shut up, let me go!”
"I get it… I really do"
"I know he’s trying to make me draw my sword."
"Well then, I'll be happy to grant his wish. I’ll take Itou and the others down too."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Calm down! Don't let him provoke you!"
I'm sure Okita put up with being ridiculed. However—
Sinds it was Kondo who was ridiculed and insulted, he must be absolutely furious.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"This is a trap! If I pull out your sword, there's no going back!"
Souji Okita:
“I don’t care! Let me go!”
He violently shook off my arms.
And I…
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