A story from before the events of Kyoto Winds. Iba returns home after a day of teaching and is surprised to receive some news about his friend in Kyoto.
Translated Video
Hachiro Iba:
"Well then, I will take my leave. I look forward to working with you tomorrow."
After saying my goodbyes, I left the dojo.
After walking for a while after leaving the dojo, I let out a sigh.
Today, I'm on my way home from teaching swordsmanship to Hatamoto's children at the shogunate training facility.
Hachiro Iba:
"Even though I've been doing it for a while... it's still hard to teach people swordsmanship."
I myself am still in training.
Am I really qualified to teach swordsmanship to others?
Hachiro Iba:
"... No, it's not the time to be thinking such things."
The Tokugawa family, which I serve, is facing an unprecedented crisis at the moment.
We hatamoto must take the lead in protecting the shogun and his family.
Then a sudden cold autumn wind blew in and made me shiver involuntarily.
It may be time to change into a cotton-lined kimono.
As I was thinking that.
Hachiro Iba:
"...!"
An indescribable good smell floats in the air, and I unintentionally stop my tracks.
The smell seemed to be coming from Kidoban's hut.
This smell is... stone-baked sweet potato.
I was just getting hungry, so I have no choice but to buy some.
Hachiro Iba:
"Excuse me. May I have two sweet potatoes?"
I called out to the shopkeeper and asked him for some of his potatoes.
Carrying the baked sweet potatoes in my pocket, I made my way home.
Hachiro Iba:
"I'm home"
When I called out to him, my adoptive father, Gunbei Iba, who was sitting down, looked up at me.
Gunbei Iba:
"Oh, welcome home Hachiro."
He seemed to be in the middle of his reading.
In my father's hand, there is a book that seems to be an instruction book for swordsmanship that I already had finished reading.
His demeanor is very peaceful...
It was hard to believe that he was the master of the Iba Dojo.
Then my father twitches his nose as if he noticed something.
Gunbei Iba:
"Hmm? Something smells good..."
Hachiro Iba:
"You notice? On the way home, they were selling baked sweet potatoes, so I bought some."
Saying so, I unwrapped the bamboo skin and handed him a potato.
Then my father's eyes beam with excitement.
Gunbei Iba:
"Are you sure?"
"But you're the one who bought them, don't you want to enjoy them yourself?"
Hachiro Iba:
"It's fine, I bought this for you, father."
Of course, I have an eye for delicious food...
But sharing delicious food with others makes it even more delicious.
That's why I wanted to share them with my father.
Gunbei Iba:
"Thank you Hachiro. Well then, don't mind if I do..."
As he was saying that, father accepted the baked sweet potato I offered to him.
Then, he nibbled on the still-warm baked sweet potato and smiled satisfactorily.
Gunbei Iba:
"Ah, it's delicious. If autumn had a taste, this would be it!"
My father and I are not related by blood...
However, people often say that I look exactly like him when enjoying delicious food like this, and I’d have to agree with them.
Hachiro Iba:
“I agree, but when it comes to the taste of autumn, saury and persimmons are also a staple of the season.”
Gunbei Iba:
"Certainly. This may be a more difficult statement to make."
I burst out laughing at my father who nodded with a very happy look on his face.
I also nibbled on the still-warm baked sweet potato.
A rustic sweet taste with a warm texture fills my mouth.
If happiness had a taste, I think it must be something like this.
Then....
Gunbei Iba:
"... I'm happy that you want to share some delicious food with me."
"But on the other hand, it also makes me feel a bit lonely."
Hachiro Iba:
"...?"
I blinked, not understanding the meaning of my father's sudden words.
Why would he feel lonely?
Then my father looked at me sideways and said…
Gunbei Iba:
"Well, you are about that age–"
"Where it wouldn't be strange to have a girl or two to share delicious food with."
I never expected him to say something like that—
Hachiro Iba:
"...! *cough*, *cough*!"
I nearly choked at his unexpected words.
Hachiro Iba:
"Father, what are you talking about...?!"
Gunbei Iba:
"Don’t act so surprised. You're a man of age, aren't you?"
"Isn't there at least one girl who you’re interested in?"
This wasn't the first time that my father gave me this kind of talk.
Of course, it's not that there isn’t a girl that comes to mind...
Hachiro Iba:
"...I'm still in training, so I don't have time to think about such silly things."
After I answered, I pushed the baked sweet potato into my mouth.
Seeing me like that, my father shrugged his shoulders.
Gunbei Iba:
"...Every time I ask you this question, you answer with that."
"When will your training end?"
"I feel sorry for your real parents if you miss your chance for marriage and end up alone forever."
Hachiro Iba:
"Even if you say that..."
Swordsmanship is a profound thing, and your life may come to an abrupt end at any moment.
I can understand why my father is worried about me, but...
Hachiro Iba:
"At least… until I catch up to Tosh and the others, I can't think of women."
In response to the recruitment of Roshigumi, they went to kyoto.
The Shieikan people, who are now working in Kyoto, which is now at the center of politics, have been on my mind for a long time.
Ever since the first day I met them, they have always been my goal.
At least, the next time I see them, I don't want to show them my embarrassing appearance.
Gunbei Iba:
"...Ah"
As soon as I mentioned Tosh's name, my father hit his knee as if he remembered something.
Gunbei Iba:
"Speaking of which, I forgot to tell you something."
"It’s about the Shieikan guys who went up to Kyoto as members of the Roshigumi."
Hachiro Iba:
"! Did something happen to Toshi and the others?"
Ever since they left Edo, I've been curious about the recent situation of the Roshigumi.
Since it's Kondo and Toshi, I believed they're doing well, but...
Gunbei Iba:
"It seems that they are officially in charge of maintaining public order in Kyoto as the custody of the Aizu clan."
"And in the incident where they drove the Choshu out of Kyoto the other day, it is said that they behaved with dignity."
Hachiro Iba:
"Really!?"
Gunbei Iba:
"Do you think I made this all up?"
Hachiro Iba:
"No... Of course not!"
I vigorously shook my head.
A tingling sensation creeps up from my feet.
When they were still in Edo, Toshi told me something.
He said that he was envious of me, as someone who was born with a samurai family.
I've never seen anyone born in a Hatamoto family look as samurai as they do.
For them, it must have been a gap that could never be filled.
Gunbei Iba:
“I hear that Lord Matsudaira Katamori of the Aizu clan is a very loyal man.”
"I'm sure he will recognize their work."
Hachiro Iba:
"Yes, I believe so too."
Toshi's dream has finally come true, and they are now recognized for their work as samurai.
Of course, I'm happy about that, but...
Hachiro Iba:
"I can't afford to lose to them."
I want to catch up with them as soon as possible, but…
Due to my position, I cannot help but feel compelled to stay here in Edo.
I want to work with them for the Shogunate.
As if could read my thoughts, my father continued.
Gunbei Iba:
"...There's something else I need to tell you."
Hachiro Iba:
"What is it?"
I became nervous at my father's formal tone.
What is he about to tell me...
It doesn't sound like bad news.
After a short silence, he spoke up with a smile.
Gunbei Iba:
"Hachiro, you have been given an unofficial notice of the Shoguns Okuzume."
“Official notification will be given at the beginning of the year, but after that, you will be working as Lord Iemochi’s bodyguard.”
Hachiro Iba:
"Me....an Okuzume?"
This is a great honor.
But that wasn't the only news from my father.
Gunbei Iba:
"Yes. When lord Iemochi leaves for Kyoto, you will accompany him."
Hachiro Iba:
"...!"
The moment I heard those words, I was at a loss for words.
I was so surprised, it didn't feel real...
However, I know very well that my father would never say such a thing as a joke.
The next moment, I was smiling and asking this question.
Hachiro Iba:
"Really? ...Can I really go to Kyoto?"
Gunbei Iba:
"Yes. But not right away."
"The day will come when you can show Hijikata and the others how much you have grown..."
"Yes, it's not long now."
I'm so moved that I'm about to burst into tears...
I deeply bowed my head.
Hachiro Iba:
"Thank you so much! I will gladly accept that role."
And then I got up again.
Hachiro Iba:
"I can't stay like this. I'll have to practice for when I can see Toshi and the others again!"
Gunbei Iba:
"Isn’t that a bit much? Even if you become an Okuzume, you are not going to go to Kyoto immediately..."
Hachiro Iba:
"I'm sure I'll go someday soon!"
I couldn't stay still, so I ran outside.
I carefully pulled out the sword that was attached to my waist.
Then, with all my might, I swung my sword.
It was as if all my blood was welling up.
Even though the autumn wind is blowing, I don't feel the cold at all.
Hachiro Iba:
"I can go to Kyoto...! I can go see Tosh and the others."
Toshi, Kondo, Sanan, Okita, Saito, Nagakura, Toudou, Harada...
I'm sure everyone is raising their arms.
Day and night, they are fighting for their life against ronin who disturb the peace and order of Kyoto.
I want to meet them soon, and see how they have grown their skills with the sword.
Hachiro Iba:
"Toshi, please wait for me."
"Until the next time we meet, I'll train even more..."
The feeling of cutting the wind with my sword feels good.
It's as if they're answering my words on behalf of Toshi and the others.
Hachiro Iba:
"Oh, that's right..."
At that moment, something crossed my mind.
If I ever have to leave for Kyoto...
I should go visit her before I leave.
Of course, I'm not confident enough to walk up to her, but...
Even so, if I can just see her from afar...
Hachiro Iba:
"...No, I should stop."
As I am now– I'm not convinced enough to meet her.
I want to go see her after I become a man who is worthy of her.
Hachiro Iba:
"So... please wait until then."
"Someday, I'll definitely go see you."
While gripping my sword with all my strength...
I called out to the girl for whom I would risk my life to protect.
~End~
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