However, there’s one thing that has been really bothering me. That's …
Iba’s concerns.
... I'm worried about Iba.
It seemed that Itou's behavior from earlier caught his attention.
However, Iba–
Hachiro Iba:
"Well then, Toshi, I'll take my leave."
I just left the room.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Ah…”
This is not good.
If Iba returns to the inn like this, I’ll miss the chance to hear his thoughts.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Hijikata, I will take my leave as well.”
After bowing to Hijikata, I left the room.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Umm, Iba..."
I went out into the hallway and immediately looked around for Iba.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“... Ah.”
It seems that Iba was heading towards the courtyard.
So I rushed after him.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Iba!”
When I called out to him, he slowly turned around.
Hachiro Iba:
“… Chizuru. Is there something you forgot to mention?”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Well, um…”
"I was a little concerned about how you were acting earlier."
"I was wondering if there was something about Itou that was bothering you."
Hachiro Iba:
“... Oh, you’re talking about that.”
Iba looked down as he thought back on it.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"If you know anything about this case..."
"Could you tell Hijikata?"
"... I want you to help Okita."
Hachiro Iba:
“Chizuru…”
"Okita sure is lucky. To have someone so kind to you."
"... I have to say, I'm a little jealous."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Ah, uh, Okita and I don't really have that kind of relationship."
Hachiro Iba:
"... Of course, I understand."
“I just wanted to tease you a little.”
After saying that, Iba turned his gaze to the nearby cherry blossoms.
~Picture~
Hachiro Iba:
"... I didn't say anything at that time."
"Not out of any ill will towards Okita, of course."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Yeah… I know.”
Iba is not the kind of person who makes decisions based solely on personal feelings.
I'm sure there must have been a reason…
Hachiro Iba:
“Apparently, many of the old Shinsengumi members go drinking at Shimabara when they are off duty.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...?”
I'm not an actual member, so I don't know much about the red-light district…
Hachiro Iba:
“… So what about those who joined later, like Itou and the soldiers who joined him?”
“I have heard that they often avoid Shimabara and instead go drinking in Gion.”
"When I went to visit Gion for some business, I saw Itou."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Really…?”
Hachiro Iba:
“Itou was away from headquarters while Tani was on his way home from Gion, right?”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......!!”
Hachiro Iba:
"... Of course, there is no real proof."
“But what if the person Tani met with in Gion was Itou…?”
Looking back…
I did hear that the members of the Itou faction were the first to go to the scene after hearing the news of Tani's death.
So I can't say for sure that it's impossible.
Hachiro Iba:
"I’m certain Toshi is also aware that Itou prefers to go out in Gion."
"So when he heard that Tani had died near Gion–"
"I'm sure he must have thought the same thing as me."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......”
Hachiro Iba:
"What if... Itou was the one behind Tani's death?"
I was paralyzed by his heavy statement.
Hachiro Iba:
“–There is a possibility that the Shinsengumi might fall apart."
“Furthermore, if Itou turns Okita into a criminal…”
"It will no longer be possible to stop the internal division of the Shinsengumi."
“Conflict will lead to more conflict, and it can even lead to a bloody battle.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......”
After hearing Iba utter those ominous words…
I was left completely speechless.
Looking at the cherry blossoms vaguely swaying in the darkness of the night, Iba continued talking once again.
Hachiro Iba:
“… I hope I’m just overthinking things.”
Still, foreseeing such a tragic event that might be waiting for us in the future…
Iba wore a sad expression.
We both were unable to speak for a while…
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... It's not certain that it will happen, right?"
Hachiro Iba:
“Chizuru?”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"We can still somehow stop the Shinsengumi from falling apart, right?"
"Please, Iba. Please lend me your strength."
“At this rate, Kondo, Hijikata, and Okita…!”
Seemingly surprised, Iba stared at me with a stunned expression…
Hachiro Iba:
"... I really am jealous of you, Okita.”
"I can't believe you're working so hard."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"No, no! Like I said earlier, it’s not like that...!"
Hachiro Iba:
"... I understand."
After saying that, Iba gently took my hand.
I could feel his warmth and kindness flow into me from his hands.
Hachiro Iba:
"... Kondo, Toshi, and Okita are very important people to me."
"For their sake, I promise to do whatever I can."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... Thank you, Iba."
"Hearing those words made me feel relieved."
Hachiro Iba:
"... I'm happy to hear that."
“But I don’t want to be the guy who just makes you feel safe.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“What…?”
Hachiro Iba:
"It's nothing. It's a secret."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“... A-alri—Achoo!”
Perhaps because I finally felt relieved after hearing Iba's words, I ended up sneezing.
Hachiro Iba:
“Are you alright?”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes, it's just a little chilly."
Hachiro Iba:
"I think it's time for you to go back to your room."
"Even though it's April, it's still pretty cold at night."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yeah…"
The cherry blossoms illuminated by the night light were so beautiful that they made it hard for me to leave.
No, maybe it's not just because of the dimly illuminated cherry blossoms…
Hachiro Iba:
"Chizuru? Is something wrong?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
“I-it's nothing…”
Maybe it was because I felt like I was lost in a dream...
Or maybe because I was alone with Iba like this.
As I contemplated those thoughts, I returned to my room.
~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 his 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 thinks about all of this.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“... Huh?”
Okita seemed to have suddenly disappeared from the room.
Where did he go?
Having a bad feeling about the situation, I decided to leave and look for him.
~NEXT SCENE~
After I went to look for Okita and failed to find him-–
I spotted some of the executives gathered together.
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"I don’t care what anyone says, I'm going! I can't stand them being allowed to do whatever they want like this!"
Kai Shimada:
"Please calm down, Nagakura. If you rush in, you’ll play right into their hands."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Has something happened?"
Kai Shimada:
"Oh, Yukimura."
“... Itou and others wanted to talk about what happened last night."
"So they took Okita with them for questioning."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“What…!?”
Shinpachi Nagakura:
“Instead of hearing him out, they’re treating him like he’s a criminal.”
"If I’d abandon Souji here, I would be disqualified as a member of the Shinsengumi!"
Hajime Saito:
“That’s why we’re telling you to calm down.
Shinpachi Nagakura:
“What would you do if someone fabricated some random evidence and he was forced to slit his own stomach?”
Hajime Saito:
“The commander is present for Souji's interrogation as well.”
"So they wouldn’t get away with fabricated evidence."
Hearing Saito's words, Nagakura finally regained his composure.
Sanosuke Harada:
“… Souji didn’t want to cause trouble for Kondo, so that must be why he complied with the interrogation.”
"Let's make sure we don't squander his efforts."
Kai Shimada:
"For the time being, I'm going to ask around near Yasaka Shrine."
Genzaburou Inoue:
“I will also try to find out more about where Souji was yesterday.”
Hajime Saito:
Yukimura, please stay at the base."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“... Alright, I understand"
Each of the soldiers went out to clear Okita's suspicions.
I also wish there was something I could do to help…
Just then.
Hachiro Iba:
"Hello, Chizuru."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Iba…”
Hachiro Iba:
"You don't seem to be feeling well… Is it because of last night's incident?
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yeah. But also–"
I explained the situation around Itou and Okita to Iba.
Hachiro Iba:
“... In other words, Itou and his faction might be trying to trick Okita?”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“I don’t have any proof though…”
"The others are also running around trying to clear Okita's suspicions."
Hachiro Iba:
"Everyone has known Okita for a long time."
"If someone is trying to set him up to the bad guy responsible for killing an executive..."
"There is no way they would let that be."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... I know, but I'm worried."
As we were talking about that.
Soldier 1:
"Hey, is it true that Captain Tani was killed?"
Soldier 2:
"Yeah. Moreover, it is said that he was killed by Captain Okita."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...!”
I shuddered as I overheard the conversation between the soldiers talking a little ways away.
I can't believe the rumors about Okita spread to the soldiers so quickly…!
Soldier 1:
"No way, I heard that the one who killed him was Captain Saito."
Soldier 2:
"Really? But why would he–"
Soldier 1:
"I don't know, but..."
“Commander Hijikata seemed to think that Captain Tani was an eyesore.”
“It seems like Captain Saito will listen to Commander Hijikata's every command.”
"Well, anyways, we shouldn’t be talking about this."
I felt blood drain from my whole body and my hands and feet turned stone cold.
Hachiro Iba:
"... Are you okay, Chizuru? You’re as pale as a ghost."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"No… I'm fine."
“More importantly, I must report this to Saito as soon as possible.”
Hachiro Iba:
"Yeah, you are right."
"Do you know where Saito is right now?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"He’s not supposed to be on patrol duty today... So I'll ask the members of the 3rd division."
Hachiro Iba:
"Let's go together."
"... Toshi and the others aren’t strangers to me."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... Thank you very much."
~NEXT SCENE~
Hajime Saito:
"... I see, I understand the situation."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Why are there even rumors about Okita spreading among the warriors?"
“And so quickly too...”
Hajime Saito:
"It would be reasonable to assume that someone is spreading rumors."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“What…!?”
Hachiro Iba:
"There are people in the Shinsengumi who benefit from others doubting Okita..."
"So, it's not out of the question."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"No way…"
Hajime Saito:
"The rumors say that either I or Souji is the culprit."
"It's as if they're implicitly conveying that it's the commander who is pulling the strings behind the scenes."
Hachiro Iba:
“So Toshi is their real target.''
Chizuru Yukimura:
"If such a rumor spreads among the warriors..."
Hachiro Iba:
"Toshi will be feared by the soldiers."
“They won’t fear him for his strictness in keeping them disciplined like they do now, but rather that they'll fear him with contempt.''
“If that happens, the hearts of all the members may turn away from the Shinsengumi.''
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Then, let’s hurry and stop those rumors!”
Hajime Saito:
"If the source of the rumors is the Itou faction, there's no point in stopping them."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"But...!"
Hachiro Iba:
“However if we leave things as they are, wouldn’t they just keep spreading bad rumors about Toshi and you guys?”
Hajime Saito:
"... I hope something happens so that they won't have time to spread bad rumors."
Hachiro Iba:
"I see…”
Iba thought about it for a while, but eventually…
Hachiro Iba:
"There's one thing I'm still concerned about. Would you mind lending me a hand, Saito?"
Hajime Saito:
“What are you concerned about?”
Hachiro Iba:
"I'll explain that later."
“Chizuru.”
"Please wait in your room to avoid any danger."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“But…”
While everyone in the Shinsengumi was in dire straits, I was the only one ordered to stand by.
I understand that Iba is concerned about me and doesn’t want me to get involved in danger, but…
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... Is there anything I can do to help out?"
“I want to be of assistance to you, in any way I can.”
Hachiro Iba:
“Chizuru…”
"... Saito, would you give me permission to take her outside the compound?"
"She went to the trouble of asking us if she could help out."
“And right now we need an ally we know we can trust.”
Hajime Saito:
"... I’ll talk to the commander. Perhaps he’ll allow her to go out."
Hachiro Iba:
"Thank you, Saito!"
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Thank you very much!
Hajime Saito:
“Anyway, you seem to be quite soft on her, Hachiro.”
Hachiro Iba:
“I-I’m not…!”
“It’s just that the number of people who can act for Toshi and others is limited!”
"A-and I’m sure it's highly unlikely that she would betray you guys, so...!"
Hajime Saito:
"I know. But if you keep making excuses, you'll make yourself look even more suspicious."
Hachiro Iba:
"I’m glad it turned out well for you, Chizuru."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"It’s all thanks to your help."
"I'll do my best not to cause any trouble to you."
Hachiro Iba:
"That's the spirit."
"But don’t worry, I'll definitely protect you."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Iba…”
Hajime Saito:
"Sorry to have kept you waiting. Yukimura has been given permission to go out."
“Just to be sure, let me know if you need me to come along as well.”
Hachiro Iba:
“Yes, actually…”
~NEXT SCENE~
After that, Iba ended up taking us to…
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Is this… the tea shop in Gion?”
Hachiro Iba:
"Yes. I heard that Itou often comes here for drinks with some of the warriors."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Is that so…"
I don't have many opportunities to talk to the warriors from Itou’s faction, so I didn't know about it…
Hachiro Iba:
“This is the last place Tani visited before he died on the way back to the base.”
“I thought that maybe he was drinking here before he died.”
Hajime Saito:
"I see. You may be right."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"But… I am a little surprised that you are so knowledgeable about places like this, Iba."
Hachiro Iba:
“Ah…!”
“Just so you know, I don’t usually go to those kinds of stores!”
“I've only ever been when I was invited for business entertainment or secret meetings.”
“I've only visited this place a few times, but never for anything other than work!”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“I-I see.”
"But you don't have to deny it so much..."
Hajime Saito:
"The more desperately you try to make excuses, the more suspicious you become."
Hachiro Iba:
"... I just don't want her to get any weird misconceptions about this."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Don’t worry, Iba. I believe you."
Since Iba and I are childhood friends–
I can kind of understand why he doesn't want to be misunderstood…
Hachiro Iba:
"... Well then, let's go inside."
"Let's first see what the shop staff has to say."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Alright.”
~NEXT SCENE~
When we explained the situation to the waitress, the person who appeared to be the owner of the store appeared from the back of the store.
Owner:
"Yes. Mister Itou from the Shinsengumi often visits our house with his younger brother and some of the other members."
Hachiro Iba:
"Did they come here last night?"
Owner:
"Yes, that's right. I'm sure they were the same group from the Shinsengumi..."
"Oh yeah. They came here together with a person named Tani."
“Anyway, I heard that someone was killed last night… It’s a scary world out there, isn’t it?”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...!”
Hachiro Iba:
“... Chizuru.”
Hajime Saito:
"It turned out your hunch was correct, Hachiro."
Hachiro Iba:
"Yes. It was just a guess... and it turned out that my guess was correct."
-We looked at each other and shared a nod.
Hachiro Iba:
“So, what exactly did the two of them talk about when they were here yesterday?”
Owner:
“Well, they were staying in a private room, so I don’t know.”
“He was talking about paying people off midway through the conversation, so I guess they were discussing quite an important topic.''
Hachiro Iba:
"I see…"
Just before Tani passed away, he secretly met with Itou at this shop.
This must be an important clue.
Just then.
Waitress:
"Well, if it isn’t Mister Itou and Mister Miki, please come this way."
"I hope you’ll have a comfortable time there."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...!”
Hachiro Iba:
"Excuse me. Is there somewhere we could hide?"
Owner:
“Ah yes, of course, this way if you would.”
Hachiro Iba:
"Thank you!"
"Chizuru, Saito, let's go!"
We hid in an empty room.
Eventually, we would hear the footsteps and voices of people from the other side of the hallway.
Saburo Miki:
"Man, Okita's face from just now was priceless."
"I don’t think I’ve ever seen him act so dull before."
Kashitaro Itou:
"You're being too loud, Saburo. I don't know who might be listening."
Saburo Miki:
“Don’t the Shinsengumi guys go to Shimabara when they go out?”
"So they won’t be able to hear what I say anyway."
Waitress:
"Please use this room as you please, gentlemen."
“Do you have any nominations for female attendants?”
Kashitaro Itou:
"Well, the other day, Saburo got drunk and said something quite rude to a geisha."
“She’d probably turned down our request if we were to send her one.''
Waitress:
“That must be difficult.”
Kashitaro Itou:
"Let's first order some food. I'll think about who we’d like to invite later."
Waitress:
“Of course, as you wish.”
After confirming that the two of them had entered the back room, we decided to plan our next actions.
Hajime Saito:
"Perhaps other members of the Itou faction will be joining them later on."
Hachiro Iba:
"... It's possible that they're planning to meet someone other than the Shinsengumi."
"But since I'm not a member, I can't say for sure."
Hajime Saito:
"I'll watch outside. You two will keep a close eye on them."
Hachiro Iba:
"Got it, we'll take care of it."
Saito silently made his way out of the room.
Hachiro Iba:
"Well then… While we leave the matters outside to Saito–."
"Shall we go check on Itou and Miki?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes, let's do that."
Hachiro Iba:
"Please be careful not to make any noise."
"If they discover us, that’ll be the end of it."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes, I know."
~NEXT SCENE~
We made our way to Itou's room, making sure not to make any sound.
I can hear them talking about something from outside the room…
Hachiro Iba:
“I can faintly hear their voices, but…”
"I can't hear what they’re saying."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"They’re too far away…
Hachiro Iba:
"Let's open the door just a little so they don't notice."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Will that be alright?"
Hachiro Iba:
"If they’re this far away, I don't think anyone will notice us."
"Well then..."
Just when Iba was about to put his hand on the shoji door.
Hachiro Iba:
"! This is bad. Hurry Chizuru, this way!"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Huh...!"
Iba moves me away from the shoji door and hides us in the shadows.
Just then, I could hear the shoji door being opened.
Saburo Miki:
“… Huh, was it just my imagination?
Kashitaro Itou:
"What's wrong, Saburo?"
Saburo Miki:
"Nothing, I thought I felt someone's presence coming from the hallway..."
Kashitaro Itou:
“Maybe it was just another guest from the tatami room who happened to be passing by?”
Saburo Miki:
"No, what I felt was a little different from that..."
Kashitaro Itou:
“Aren’t maybe you just no edge because of what happened to Tani?”
Saburo Miki:
"... Maybe."
Miki went back inside the room and closed the shoji door.
Hachiro Iba:
"... Are you alright, Chizuru?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes, I'm fine, but..."
"It seems Miki noticed our presence."
Hachiro Iba:
"It seems so…"
"It would be troublesome if we were to be discovered, so let's go back to our room for now."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Okay"
~NEXT SCENE~
Hachiro Iba:
"Well then… what shall we do now?"
“They are people who have experienced many struggles in this capital.”
"I don't think it will be easy to fool them."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Let's talk to the people at the store. They might have some good ideas."
Hachiro Iba:
"... That might be a good idea."
"Please wait a moment. I'll call someone from the shop."
~NEXT SCENE~
After that, Iba called out to one of the waitresses.
We immediately explained the situation to her.
Hachiro Iba:
“... So, is there any way for us to find out the contents of the conversation in the private room?”
Waitress:
"Even if you ask that..."
“The only time we visit the private room is to deliver drinks and food.”
Hachiro Iba:
“Then, how about we ask the escort who’ll come to the parlor to help us with what we want to know?”
“If you’re able to help us, I would greatly appreciate it.”
Then the waitress turned to me.
Waitress:
"Well if you don't have any objections, how about we let this one go up to the private room dressed as a geisha?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Huh? You mean… me?"
Hachiro Iba:
“What are you saying?! She, no, he–”
Waitress:
"You may be wearing a man's kimono, but in truth, you are a woman, are you not?"
“If you are concerned about the conversation in the parlor, I think it would be quicker to ask directly.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"But I don't have a geisha's kimono, and I don't have makeup..."
Waitress:
“I think if I ask the Yakata we are acquainted with about that, they will be able to do something about that.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......”
Hachiro Iba:
"... Let's stop this, Chizuru."
“What if they recognize you and realize you’re really a woman?”
"You may not be able to continue to stay with the Shinsengumi."
Iba is right–
If Itou and the others discover my true identity, there will be no going back.
Hachiro Iba:
"It's okay. I'll take care of the rest."
I understand what he's trying to do.
However, if we don't come up with anything, Okita and others will be captured!
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... Could you introduce me to the associate you mentioned earlier?"
Hachiro Iba:
"Chizuru! This is dangerous!"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"I understand why you're worried..."
"But if we don't find the person who killed Tani–"
“Okita, who has been stigmatized, may be held responsible."
Hachiro Iba:
"That's true… but..."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Even if there's one thing I can do to help prevent that from happening… I want to give it everything I have."
Hachiro Iba:
"... I understand. However, I'm in charge of your safety. There's no way I can let you do this."
Iba seems to have a hard time agreeing with the plan.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Please, Iba."
"I'll make sure that Itou and the others won't realize my true identity."
I took Iba's hand and pleaded with him again.
Hachiro Iba:
"... If you’re really that determined, I guess it can't be helped."
"But, please promise me one thing. If you judge it to be dangerous, you will rush to the parlor immediately."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Iba...! Thank you so much.”
Hachiro Iba:
"... However, please keep this in mind."
"I'm definitely not in favor of letting you do something like this."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes, I know."
Waitress:
"Alright, let's go meet our associate."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Thank you."
~NEXT SCENE~
After that, I finished getting ready at a place called Yakata.
I decided to head to the private room where Itou and his friends were staying.
Waitress:
"Mister Itou, Mister Miki. I brought an escort with me."
After saying this, the waitress opens the sliding door with a polite gesture.
Kashitaro Itou:
“I haven’t sent you a request yet… but you already invited someone?”
Waitress:
"Indeed. She’s is one of the girls of the house we are acquainted with."
"I brought her here because I want the members of the Shinsengumi, who are currently making waves, to patronize her.''
Kashitaro Itou:
"I see... She's certainly a young lady with good taste in kimonos and accessories."
I greet Itou and the others using the gesture I learned at Yakata.
...So far so good.
I don't think anyone recognized me because I wear geisha makeup and have my hair tied up like a woman.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"I'm Yuzuru. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Kashitaro Itou:
"The pleasure is all ours."
Waitress:
“Well then, I’ll excuse myself.”
After bowing, the waitress closed the sliding door.
Saburo Miki:
“What’s this? You called an escort?”
Kashitaro Itou:
“The shop owner was attentive and called her over for us.''
"Please don't say anything rude."
"If the Shinsengumi's reputation gets ruined because of your actions, there's no going back."
Saburo Miki:
"I know. I'm not THAT drunk yet."
After saying that, Miki drank the sake from his sake cup.
... That’s good.
So far, it seems like they have yet to realize my true identity.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"L-Let me pour that for you, sir."
Saburo Miki:
"Oh, you're a smart one, aren't ya? Well then, here you go."
I pour some sake into the cup that Miki held out to me.
Kashitaro Itou:
"Ah... you don't have to pour any drinks for Saburo, darling."
“This kid is a real nuisance when he gets drunk.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"I-Is that so? …My apologies, I wasn’t aware..."
Saburo Miki:
"You're such a worrywart. I won’t make the same mistake as before."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... Mister Itou, is it correct that you visited this shop last night as well?"
Kashitaro Itou:
"Oh my, you’re well informed."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“I asked the waitress from earlier.”
“Since you came here two days in a row, I wanted you to treat you generously.”
At that moment–
Saburo Miki:
"Leave it to me. From now on, I'll come every day."
“If things go well this time, we will be able to make even more money.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...!”
This is…
This might be a good opportunity to ask them about their objectives.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“What do you mean by ‘hopefully’?”
“Will the Lord of Aizu grant you a reward?”
Saburo Miki:
"That's not it. Kondo and Hijikata are to blame for this incident."
“They will no longer be popular with their fellow soldiers, so there’s a chance they will be removed from their current position.”
“If that happens, my brother and I will become the new chief and commander.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...!”
Kashitaro Itou:
"Saburo, stop talking so loudly. You never know who might be listening.
Saburo Miki:
"That's why you're worrying too much. Those guys won't come to Gion."
Kashitaro Itou:
"Most of all, you're not ready to be a commander yet."
Saburo Miki:
"You're being too tough on me, brother. I'd like you to see a little more about my future potential."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"The Shinsengumi's future chief and commander are both here together..."
“You two are some truly impressive people.”
Saburo Miki:
"Right? You have quite a good eye, don't you?"
“If I were to become commander, I would receive a salary that would be incomparable to what it is now.''
"If that happens, I could buy you out. So how about it? What ya think of becoming my woman?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Huh? Um..."
Kashitaro Itou:
"It seems that his drinks have really gotten to him, so please don't take him seriously."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"I-I see..."
Even if says so…
Miki seems to be serious about them replacing Kondo and Hijikata.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Now that I think about it, I heard that a samurai died near here last night...”
"Are all the members of the Shinsengumi okay?"
Kashitaro Itou:
"... Ah, that. It's bothering us too."
"I never expected Tani to die so soon."
“I would have liked it if he had stirred up a little more turmoil within the squad.”
If only I could listen to the story well.
We may be able to get to the heart of Tani's case.
I have to carefully ask him about the situation so that he doesn't realize that I'm Chizuru Yukimura.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“... Are you familiar with this person, Mister Itou?”
Saburo Miki:
"He's the guy we were drinking with at this restaurant last night. That guy had some pretty rotten luck."
“I think Okita or Saito probably killed him on Hijikata's instructions anyway.''
Kashitaro Itou:
"No, I don't think so. I know Okita said he would kill him on certain occasions."
“However Hijikata and the others won't gain anything from getting rid of him like this.''
Saburo Miki:
"What? Then why’d you treat Okita like a criminal during the day?"
Kashitaro Itou:
"Oh, that? …That's because we can take the initiative in the squad from now on."
"It will take some time for Okita's suspicions to be cleared."
“In the meantime, we need to recruit as many members as possible to our faction.”
Saburo Miki:
"...I see. You really are a wise man, aren’t you brother?"
“You can read the flow of things much better, unlike that naive country bumpkin of a chief.''
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......”
It seems to be true that Tani visited this store with Itou and others last night…
However, it seems that Itou and his friends were not the ones who killed him.
So who exactly did it?
I’ll…
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