However there’s one thing that has been really bothering me. That's …
What I can do.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Um... is there anything I can do?"
Toshizo Hijikata:
"For now, you should go back to your room. Saito, please accompany this kid back."
"Even though Tani is gone... it's still not safe for you to roam alone."
Hajime Saito:
"Understood. Let's go, Yukimura."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“A-Alright…”
~NEXT SCENE~
After that, I asked Saito as he took me to the front of my room.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Um... Do you think Okita is going to be alright?"
Hajime Saito:
“… I am not in a position to answer that question right now.”
Hearing Saito's answer…
I deeply regret asking such a shallow question.
Hajime Saito:
"Tomorrow, the commander will probably give some kind of explanation of the situation."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“... Okay.”
Hajime Saito:
"We both know Souji wouldn’t break the rules without a second thought."
"If someone falsely accused him, they will definitely be punished."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“...!”
Saito's words felt like a ray of hope…
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes! I believe so too!"
Hajime Saito:
“… It seems we were talking for quite a while.”
"Well, I’ll be going now."
…Thank you, Saito.
After hearing his words, I started getting ready for bed.
~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.
~NEXT SCENE~
The next day.
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Souji, you'll be staying in your room for today. Don't do anything unnecessary.
Souji Okita:
“I still have to train the soldiers, are you telling me to take a break from that as well?”
Toshizo Hijikata:
"This is a matter of caution, so it's only natural. I'll have Saito or Shinpachi take over training them."
Souji Okita:
"Well, if you say so, I guess I'll just rest for the rest of the day."
After letting his dissatisfaction be known, Okita left the room.
Genzaburou Inoue:
"Yukimura, could you take care of Souji?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Yes, of course."
As soon as I was about to head toward Okita’s room–
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Okita! Where are you going!?"
Souji Okita:
"Where you ask... Well, I'm bored, so I thought I'd go visit Hijikata's room."
Chizuru Yukimura:
"You can't do that! Didn’t Hijikata tell you to be discreet?"
Souji Okita:
"That's why I thought I'd lay low in Hijikata's room. Shouldn't that be fine?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"You can’t! Go back to your own room."
After that, the battle between Okita, who tried to escape somehow, and me, who tried to stop him, continued...
And before I knew it, it was noon.
~NEXT SCENE~
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"Men, I’m starving! I could really go for some food right about now!"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Ah, welcome back everyone."
“... Did you discover anything new?’
Hajime Saito:
"Unfortunately, our investigation wasn’t very fruitful."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“I see…”
If we don't find any clues, Okita will…
Just as I was thinking that.
Susumu Yamazaki:
“We have returned. Is the commander in his room?”
Genzaburou Inoue:
"That's right. Toshi is supposedly writing in his room..."
"By any chance, did you two discover something?"
Hachiro Iba:
"Yes. Yamazaki and I went to Gion together to make some inquiries..."
“We heard that Tani and Itou were drinking together in Gion the night he passed away.”
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"Is that true!? Does that mean that Itou saw Tani on the way home…?”
Souji Okita:
"I see. That's why he tried to put the blame on me… He was behind it all along."
Just Okita was about to leave the room.
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Okita, where are you going…?”
Souji Okita:
"Isn’t it obvious? There's no way I can keep quiet after hearing all that."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“No way, you mean Itou…!?”
Susumu Yamazaki:
"Hold on, Okita. We haven’t confirmed that Itou is the culprit yet!"
Just as Yamazaki spook up.
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Yamazaki is right, Souji. Don't be too hasty."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Hijikata…!”
Toshizo Hijikata:
“… Itou can’t hide the fact that he went out drinking with Tani.”
"If they were serious about killing Tani, they would have done a better job."
Susumu Yamazaki:
"I agree with the commander."
"Itou probably didn't anticipate that Tani was going to be killed."
Sanosuke Harada:
"You sure? Don’t you think it's precisely because Itou and the others were the culprits that they tried to cover their crime by framing Souji?"
Hachiro Iba:
"No, if you ask around, it becomes clear that they went home before Tani, so they would naturally be a suspect."
"I think it's highly unlikely that they killed him on the way home."
Shinpachi Nagakura:
“Even if Itou didn’t do it himself, there are people who’d do whatever he says, right?
For a while, they had a serious discussion, but–
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... No, Itou isn't that stupid. Someone else must be responsible."
“For the time being, I think I will tell Itou to stop treating Souji as a criminal.”
Susumu Yamazaki:
“If you were to present today’s findings to Itou, I don’t think he will take any hostile action.”
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Yeah. Right now, there is enough grounds for suspicions about Itou, since he went out drinking with Tani right before he died."
"... I'll handle the negotiations with Itou. You guys shouldn't imitate them unnecessarily. Got that?"
Hajime Saito:
“Understood.”
Souji Okita:
"Even though I was being treated as a criminal, you are gonna let them go without incident?"
"You're being too lax, Hijikata. I'm disappointed."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"It can't be helped. If we were to push further than this, it could lead to a fight dividing the Shinsengumi in two."
Sanosuke Harada:
"Aren't you going to catch the person who killed Tani?"
Toshizo Hijikata:
“… At the moment it would be worse if it came to light that a Shinsengumi executive had been killed.”
"As frustrating as it is, I have no choice but to clean it up as a sudden death of unknown cause."
Sanosuke Harada:
"... I see. Guess it can't be helped."
“Still, Tani must have gone to see him with some sort of purpose.”
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Well, I'll be going to talk to Itou."
“You guys, keep an eye on Souji and keep him out of trouble.”
Hajime Saito:
“Of course.”
Souji Okita:
“You really don’t trust me, huh? Well don’t worry, I wouldn't go and kill Itou in this situation."
Hajime Saito:
"You want us to trust you? Then go back to your room."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Yukimura, go prepare some tea and bring it to my room."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“... Alright.”
As of that moment, the discussion with Itou and the others would begin.
I wonder what’s going to happen.
~NEXT SCENE~
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Hijikata, it’s Yukimura. I’ve brought you some tea."
Toshizo Hijikata:
“Come in.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Excuse me.”
I nervously stepped into the room.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“... Here’s your tea.”
Kashitaro Itou:
“Thank you, dear.”
While Itou was thanking me...
Both Hijikata and Miki wore a grim expression on their faces.
Toshizo Hijikata:
“… So, as I explained earlier, I will announce that Tani died of an unknown cause.”
Kashitaro Itou:
"That would be wise."
"And since you can believe in my innocence as well,"
"I will help you stop the decline of Okita’s reputation."
Seeing the situation, I guess the discussion with Itou is going well...?
Chizuru Yukimura:
“... If you’ll excuse me.”
"... Phew"
For the time being, it seems that persuading Itou went well.
I'm curious about what they’re saying... but it doesn't seem like I get to listen in anymore.
Thinking that, I was about to head back to my room–
Souji Okita:
"Hey, over here."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Huh…?”
Hearing Okita's voice, I turned to see where it was going from.
At that moment, he is grabbed by the arm and dragged into the shadows.
Chizuru Yukimura:
“Eek!”
Shinpachi Nagakura:
“Shhh, please keep it down.”
Chizuru Yukimura:
"... What are you guys all doing here?"
Sanosuke Harada:
"We were curious about how the discussion with Itou was going."
Souji Okita:
"You listen in on their discussion, right? How’s it going?"
Chizuru Yukimura:
"Well, how should I put it..."
As I was struggling to answer their question…
I heard the sound of the shoji door opening.
And there were–
Saburo Miki:
"... Are you sure, brother? Aren’t we giving Hijikata and the others exactly what they want?"
Kashitaro Itou:
"Well, this time, it wouldn't be a bad idea to follow Hijikata's plan."
The two of you noticed us and stopped.
Kashitaro Itou:
"I'm glad you're okay, Okita. I'm happy that your suspicions have been cleared."
Souji Okita:
"Yeah. If I were ordered to commit seppuku,"
"I might have done something to those who accused me of being the culprit before I die."
Saburo Miki:
"Hey, watch your mouth, Okita. Just because you–"
Kashitaro Itou:
"That’s enough, Saburo.”
“More importantly, I wonder who’s really behind Tani’s death?”
After muttering to himself, Itou went on his way.
Saburo Miki:
“... Hmpf. Well, good for you guys."
After making his sarcastic remark, Miki also left and headed after Itou.
Shinpachi Nagakura:
"Damn, they’re so annoying. They really get on my nerves, so I’m going out drinking after this to blow off some steam."
Sanosuke Harada:
"I'll join in as well. You’ll be going too, right Heisuke?"
Heisuke Toudou:
"Me? Well, I gotta patrol soon, so I have to get ready to leave in a sec."
Sanosuke Harada:
"Gotya. Well, see you later."
Nagakura and the others continued walking in the opposite direction from which Itou went.
At that time, the shoji door opened once again.
Toshizo Hijikata:
"What, you guys are still here?"
Souji Okita:
"That’s not a nice way of putting it."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"No, I think it's just right."
"... Just to make sure, you guys are no longer involved in this case."
"Looking for the person who killed Tani is out of the question… You got that?"
Hachiro Iba:
"... Loud and clear."
Souji Okita:
"Well, I don’t really care. I guess I gotta hand it to you this time."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"I will inform the shogunate and the Aizu clan that Tani was drunk and died suddenly on the way back to the camp."
"... I'll just have to make sure they buy into it."
Chizuru Yukimura:
“......”
In the end, I still don't know who killed Tani...
This time, the case came to a close.
It's an unsatisfying conclusion, but I don't think it's something that I should look further into.
As I realized that I got involved with another part of the Shinsengumi again...
We left the scene.
~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~
A few nights later.
Keisuke Sannan:
“... May I ask what brings you to my room?”
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... Since it involved you as well, I think you already have the information, but Tani is dead."
Keisuke Sannan:
"Yes, I'm aware. It’s quite unfortunate to lose someone like him."
Toshizo Hijikata:
“Because of that, there was a lot of tension between Itou and the others.”
Keisuke Sannan:
"Well at the very least, that should have taken care of one of the chief's worries."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... Yeah. If Tani had continued as he did, it would have been troublesome, no doubt about it."
"He seems to have become curious about our secrets."
"So it turned out for the better... or rather, his death was almost too convenient for us."
Keisuke Sannan:
“Itou and the others trying to push Okita out was somewhat unexpected.”
"If Iba and the others hadn't used their wit, Okita, Saito, and you... Hijikata would have been in quite the predicament."
“There is no doubt that bad rumors about you three would spread among the general members and divide the Shinsengumi.”
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Just the thought of what that would have been like... horrifies me."
"But let's put that aside... I'm curious about what Tani was talking about with Itou."
“It seems that Tani felt something was off with Yukimura carrying food to your room.”
Keisuke Sannan:
"Tani knew almost nothing. It seems that Itou didn't say anything that touched that heart of the matter."
“That night, in Gion, what Itou said to Tani was—”
""Don't bother the director anymore" which was a perfectly reasonable remark."
“Itou must have spread some bait to lure Tani out.”
“Tani was in a really good mood that night.”
“Having joined Itou’s faction, he must have been under the impression that his future position among them would be secure.”
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... Wait a minute, Sannan."
"Why do you know what Itou and Tani talked about that night? Don't tell you..."
Keisuke Sannan:
"I indeed overheard their conversations, but I don't know what happened after that."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... I heard you went out with some of the Furies that night."
"I've been wondering about that for quite some time now…. So what happened?"
~Flashback~
Keisuke Sannan:
"That night... I took some of the Furies outside as part of their training."
"On the way, I happened to see Itou and Tani heading to Gion, and I followed them."
"I instructed the others to return to the base on their own, and I sneaked into the shop to listen to what they had to say."
"Eventually, after confirming that Tani went back first, I headed outside as well..."
Sanjuro Tani:
"Hey, you guys... you're from the Shinsengumi, aren't you? What are you doing!?"
"Why are you killing people in a place like this? On whose orders?"
Fury 1:
"Hahaha… Well, looky here... If it isn't Captain Tani?"
"Ya wanna know what we're doing? We found a suspicious ronin... killed him and are drinking his blood."
Sanjuro Tani:
"Guh... you're drinking his blood...? What the hell are you talking about?"
"Hold up, you guys... aren't you Sakurai and Kawai? How is that possible... you're supposed to be dead..."
"You guys had to commit seppuku, didn't you? What's going on? Why are you alive?"
Fury 2:
"Hahahahaha, that's right! We're supposed to have died by seppuku, but we're still alive."
Sanjuro Tani:
"H-hey... what's going on?"
"You should have told me you were alive. I'm an executive, you know."
Fury 2:
"Sorry, but no can do. We're supposed to be dead, remember? ...So we can't deal with you anymore."
Sanjuro Tani:
"Wha? I don't get it... You're still alive, aren't you? So you should go back to the Shinsengumi."
"Or what? Are your deaths some kind of public cover-up, or something?"
Fury 3:
"Ya got it in one… Captain Tani. We've been transformed into monsters called Furies."
Sanjuro Tani:
"Are you... Ozeki!? But... didn’t you die of an illness."
“Also… what’s with that look? Why do you guys have such weird white hair?
Fury 1:
“Kukuku… Like we said, it’s because we became Furies!”
Fury 2:
"You were always so boastful, Captain Tani, and I really can’t stand that. I wonder if I should just kill you... Hahahaha!”
Fury 3:
"We can't let our secret be made public. But you saw us, Captain Tani..."
"... If we don't kill you, we’ll be killed instead!!"
Sanjuro Tani:
"Now, hold up... wait a minute! What is this about killing or being killed!?”
“Damn… Ya got to be kidding me!!”
"I'll have the chief investigate this later!"
Tani spun around and was about to run away from them.
Luckily, I was just in time.
Sanjuro Tani:
“W-Wait, aren’t you… Sannan!?”
"Hey... what's going on? Why are you still alive...?"
"... Did I get drunk and am I hallucinating this? Or is this some kind of dream?"
Keisuke Sannan:
"No. I'm sorry to say, but sadly this is reality."
Sanjuro Tani:
"I see… So that means..."
“Both you and these guys were officially announced dead, but are you living in hiding?”
"So this is what’s hidden in the depths of the headquarters... this is the secret that no one knows about?"
"Hey... please answer me, Sannan."
"I can't believe the Shinsengumi was hiding such a secret..."
"Hey... this is a secret only known to Kondo's inner circle, right? Can I be in on it too?"
Keisuke Sannan:
"Tani... Unfortunately, you ended up meeting them here."
Sanjuro Tani:
“Huh??…… What do you mean?”
Keisuke Sannan:
“It seems that they had a big grudge against you from while they were alive.”
Sanjuro Tani:
"Well... that may have happened, but that's all water under the bridge–"
Fury 1:
“Taniii–!!”
"I couldn’t stand you for so long! Die!"
With an agile movement, the Fury warrior’s sword moved toward Tani's heart... and pierced him deeply.
Sanjuro Tani:
“B-Basters… Urg…!!”
“Sannan… what… what’s happening…”
"Am... am I going to die... like this…?"
Keisuke Sannan:
"Farwell, Tani."
“Unfortunately for you… I will not bring you back to life.”
"Anyone who brings discord to the Shinsengumi shall be taken care of."
"Thank you for your hard work up until now. Please leave the future to us..."
~End Flashback~
Keisuke Sannan:
"I was the one who witnessed Tan in his final moments."
“… From the perspective of the Furies, who are supposed to be dead and can’t appear in public–.”
“I guess the sight of Tani going out drinking and returning from Gion gave them something to think about.''
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... You’re probably right. Tani was quite an unlucky fellow."
Keisuke Sannan:
"But Tani was also helpful."
"Furies physiologically want blood."
"I know that the research is going well to the extent that I don't go crazy when I see blood."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Men... you're a scary person."
Keisuke Sannan:
“… We were created for the Shinsengumi, so let us take care of the dirty work.”
Toshizo Hijikata:
“......”
Keisuke Sannan:
“By the way… is that you, Saito?”
Hajime Saito:
"Yes. The commander called for me, so I came."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Come in."
Hajime Saito:
"You said you needed my help with something."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"Yeah. Not right now... but when the time is right, I want you to infiltrate Itou’s inner circle."
"In preparation for that time, casually approach Itou."
Hajime Saito:
"If it's an order, I don't have any reason to refuse, but why me?"
Toshizo Hijikata:
"If Yamazaki did it, Itou will probably suspect something."
"Besides, Itou seems to be interested in your sword style."
Hajime Saito:
"... I see. Understood."
Toshizo Hijikata:
“If you say you have doubts about Kondo and my way of dealing with matters, you can use that as a reason to approach Itou.”
Keisuke Sannan:
"You never cease to surprise me. As expected of the Demon Commander."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... I a nothing compared to you. I’m counting on you, Saito."
Hajime Saito:
"As you wish. Then, I will take my leave."
Toshizo Hijikata:
"... Regarding Tani’s death, I’ve dismissed it as a sudden death."
"But if you decide to take any action from now on, please speak to me first."
"It's not that I doubt your feelings for the Shinsengumi..."
"However, the Shinsengumi was created by all of us."
Keisuke Sannan:
"... I understand. I will keep that in mind from now on."
~END~
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