#Shinsengumi 3rd Captain

[kyndaris]

Tosa Calling

Although I know it's been a year since Like a Dragon: Ishin! released, it wasn't until I came back from my trip to Japan that I managed to find some time to sink into the hefty title. I know, I know. It's shameful! But in my defence, last year I was swamped with games. And lengthy ones to boot!

I mean, given the evidence, I think, dear readers, it would not be wrong for me to ask that y'all give a gal a break. Especially because playing video games and writing up my impressions of them is a hobby. And having a full-time job does not make playing games, reading books and writing stories any easier. Throw in the FOMO from watching whatever is popular on streaming and also socialising with real-life people, I think the fact I manage to get through games at such a steady clip is a commendable exercise.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. Or, at controller, if you'll pardon the terrible attempt at wordplay.

Unlike the Yakuza games that came before it, Like a Dragon: Ishin! is a game set in the mid-1800s as Japan grappled with foreign diplomatic and military pressure to change. And instead of stepping into the shoes of Kiryu Kazuma, players are thrust into the shoes of one Sakamoto Ryoma - a real-life historical figure who advocated for democracy, return of power to the Imperial Court, abolition of feudalism and the modernisation of Japan during the Bakumatsu period.

Of course, Like a Dragon: Ishin! does take a more fanciful approach to their interpretation of history as they have Ryoma playing double-duty with another real-life historical figure: Saito Hajime - Captain of the Shinsengumi's 3rd Division.

But, hey, what's a bit of artistic licence to give us some excellent blockbuster action scenes and build up a conspiracy about the Tosa loyalist party and the best interests of the budding nation of Japan? Why not even throw in a fight with Scottish merchant Thomas Glover too (which was passingly strange for me to deal with considering I visited Glover Garden while I was in Nagasaki while in Japan and failed to find nary a mention of how the man duked it out with Ryoma with a set of twin pistols)?

As always, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio keeps the main story dramatic and relatively grounded with Ryoma on a quest for revenge when his adoptive father Yoshida Toyo is assassinated. The majority of the game then takes place in Kyo (the modern day equivalent being Kyoto) as Ryoma tries to hunt down the man responsible. He does so by deducing the style of swordplay and looking for dojos who teach Tennen Rishin.

It isn't long before he is informed that the Tennen-Rishi is practiced by the Shinsengumi. Ryoma soon joins the organisation, hoping to whittle down who among the captains was the killer.

Along the way, he must deal with a second 'Sakamoto Ryoma' who is trading with guns and other weapons to the Satsuma Domain and hatch a civil war in Japan in order to take out the Shogunate that had reined for nigh on 300 years. It later turns out that this second 'Sakamoto Ryoma' is his brother and leader of the Tosa Loyalist Party: Takechi Hanpeita (another real-life historical figure).

While the game does incorporate actual historical events such as the Ikedaya incident and the assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma at Omiya Inn, it does certainly take quite a few liberties of the actual events. Like how the person assassinated at Omiya Inn was just a stand-in and both the actual Ryoma and his brother Takechi survived for a final battle back in Tosa as they engage in battle due to competing ideologies.

From a gameplay perspective, Ishin! only really incorporates one of the fighting styles from the Yakuza games. This, being of course, the brawler style. As Ryoma is a samurai, he also had a swordsman style (my default one that I used for most of the game) and mixed it up with the occasional use of a revolver. While these all had a variety of different abilities, I found myself focusing on swordsman and wild dance throughout most of my playthrough as they easily ripped through the fodder you faced on the streets and were mighty effective against bosses as well.

Unlike the other games, Ishin! also introduced the concept of troopers. This boosted Ryoma's health and granted him additional abilities that could be triggered in the midst of battle, such as triggering additional damage or conjuring a gravity well to draw all the enemies to one part of the battle arena.

This helped mix-up the combat, especially after hours of using the same moves and combos throughout the game.

Boss battles, too, forced me to vary my strategy. Rather than brute forcing my way through most enemies, I'd often have to play more defensively - seeking to use my stronger attacks only when necessary and throwing in the occasional heat action to give Ryoma some breathing space.

But while the story and the combat are worthy of praise, it was the side content in Ishin! that stole my heart. I loved all the wacky stories Ryoma somehow got suckered into. As is RGG tradition, there are also numerous minigames such as singing and buyo dancing. True, it didn't have a crane minigame but it DID allow me to play rock, paper, scissors with a geisha.

And my gosh, I have never been so glad my mother doesn't often see what I'm playing when I first went through the song: Truehearted Samurai. Initially, I was confused there were live-action actors. Then, I was bewildered when they started acting flirtatious even as I was trying to nail most of the notes for the very fast-paced song.

To be fair, the Sensual Healing portion of the geisha interactions also earned a raised eyebrow from me.

As for buyo dancing, it was probably the most tame of the mini-games (at least when it came to salacious material), but it was difficult to master. I'm no slouch when it comes to rhythm games and I very much enjoyed the dancing mini-games in Yakuza 5 and Lost Judgment but Ishin! was a different beast entirely with how it implemented its controls.

Overall though, Ishin! is a must-play for Yakuza fans. Though its replaced the shady crime drama with an historical period plot, it still retains the heart and soul of the Yakuza games. Especially because many of the character models have been reused, like Kiryu Kazuma acting as both Sakamoto Ryoma and Saito Hajime. Then there's Goro Majima as Okita Soji and Taiga Saejima as Nagakura Shinpachi.

Oft times, I had to ask myself if I wasn't just playing another Yakuza game with just a historical skin on top.

True, maybe I should have instead dived into Rise of the Ronin (I will play this game eventually as I've actually bought it), but Ishin! took precedence. Besides, it's not every day that one gets to play as THE Sakamoto Ryoma.

For anyone who might say otherwise, I'll shall simply retort with: ee ja nai ka.

[anischa22]

Koihana Bakumeiroku Characters

Hajime Saito (Cool-headed x Pure Love)

VA : Shuugo Nakamura

~ you may know his roles as Gin Gagamaru (Blue Lock), Katori (the Ice Guy and his Cool Female Colleague) and many more

Former Shinsengumi 3rd division captain. After being defeated in the Aizu War, he joined the Metropolitan Police Department and served as the captain of the Battotai Corps that protects the city.

He feels a strong sense of loyalty to the Aizu clan and his deceased lord Matsudaira Katamori

He still choose to carry a sword even the samurai era is over

He takes care of MC for mysterious reason ...

Takayoshi Kido (Sociable x Ingenuity)

VA : Ryota Suzuki

~ you may know his roles as Ryuusui Nanami (Dr. Stone), Choujiro Sasakibe (Bleach TYBW) Ishigami Yuu (Kaguya-sama: Love is War) and many more

Full-time advisor to the current Governor's Bureau. Thoughtful, prudent, and flexible enough to accept a wide range of ideas

At the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, he went by the name 'Kogoro Katsura,' and was called 'Kogoro the Escape,' because he never fought needlessly and always escaped from danger.

He is kind and friendly to everyone, regardless of his position, but it is difficult to see his true feelings

Takamori Saigo (Bravery x Tolerance)

VA : Ryohei Kimura

~ you may know his roles as Arthur Conan Doyle (Ikevamp) Tartaglia/Childe (Genshin Impact), Bokuto Koutarou (Haikyuu!), Kise Ryouta (Kuroko no Basket), Charles Grey (Black Butler) and many more

An army general who contributed to the establishment of the Meiji government. He is loved by many of his subordinates because of his affectionate and generous personality.

In particular, he is deeply trusted by Toshiaki, and Toshiaki himself looks up to him like a younger brother.

He thinks MC is cute because she's a hard worker

Toshiaki Kirino (Faithful x Eccentric)

VA : Shogo Sakata

~ you may know his roles as Aki Hayakawa (Chainsaw Man), Karin Sasaki (Enen no Shouboutai) and many more

Army lieutenant. He admires Saigo from the bottom of his heart

Known as "Hanjiro Hitokiri", he doesn't hesitate to get his hands dirty if necessary

But in fact, he has a sense of humor, enjoying perfume and military uniforms.

He always put Saigo first, but when you get close to him, all that changes. He'll be confused by feeling that he don't have

Katsu Kaishu (Ambitious x Independent)

VA : Yohei Azakami

~ you may know his roles as Rinne Amagi (Enstars), Suehiro Tetchou (Bungou Stray Dogs), Raisin Charlotte (One Piece), Ayumu Tanaka (Soredemo Ayumu wa Yosetekuru) and many more

After the Meiji Restoration, he served as a former vassal of the shogunate in various Meiji government officials, but now he is the navy's top naval chief.

Due to the nature of his work, although he is good at negotiating, he is also insensitive, which causes him many troubles

At first, he was just making fun of MC for expressing her feelings honestly, but as you spend more time together, he begins to want to know more about you.

Hijikata Toshizo (Charismatic x Sexy)

VA : Makoto Furukawa

You may know his roles as Kyle Ash (Ikerev), Taiju Ooki (Dr.Stone), Ogun Montgomery (Enen no Shouboutai), Rinto Okazaki (Idolish7), Shirogane Miyuki (Kaguya-sama: Love is War) and many more

A samurai who serves the new Tokugawa Shogunate. Before the Meiji Restoration, he wielded a sword as the Shinsengumi's Demon Vice-commander.

Although he has a lone wolf personality, he is very popular and respected by those around him.

After the Boshin War, he disappeared from the front stage, but after the Meiji Restoration, he picked up the sword again for a certain purpose

He didn't mind loneliness, and he was single-mindedly trying to fulfill his destiny as a samurai for his lord, but when he met you, a change appeared in his heart...

Enamoto Takeaki (Fraternity x Seeker)

VA : Kazuyuki Okitsu

You may know his roles as Zantetsu Tsurugi (Blue Lock), Flam Karim (Enen no Shouboutai), Banri Oogami (Idolish7) and many more

A special surveillance prisoner of the Meiji government. Originally participated in the Boshin War as a samurai, but now conducting research on Dutch studies under government supervision

A cheerful personality who never forgets to smile.

By meeting you, he will find new hope and search for his own way of life

Ii Naosuke (Disciplined x Harsh)

VA : Masaya Matsukaze

~You may know his roles as Mikami Teru (Death Note), Ren Akatsuki (Fairy Tail), Illumi Zoldyck (HunterxHunter), Fujima Miroku (Kyoukai no Kanata) and many more

Chief of the new Tokugawa shogunate. Prior to the Meiji Restoration, he held the real power in Japan as a chief retainer of the Edo Shogunate.

He has a strong sense of order that rules are absolute, and he shows no mercy to those who disturb it.

He was said that he died in the war, but after the Meiji Restoration, he reappeared as the new Tokugawa shogunate. Somehow, he seems to know something about your lost memory...

For release information, it is still unknown but confirmed this year

[aoiro3011]

SAITO Hajime, the 3rd unit captain of Shinsengumi

February 18, 1844 - September 28, 1915

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Hakuoki Shinkai: Ginsei no Shou - Saito Hajime Chapter #1 English Translation

well... it’s going to be a long while before I finish translating another chapter from this game, though I will definitely finish at least one more before the end of the year. 

please note that i will not be posting any translations next week on account of me taking a break for CNY and studying... so, to whom it may concern, Happy Chinese New Year~! Alternatively, Happy Lunar New Year~! also happy early family day (Canadians only xD)!

anyway, enjoy! as always, tl is CN->ENG so it may not be 100% accurate while the final edits will be done later though I’m not sure how long that will take with my current schedule. 

Hakuoki Shinkai: Ginsei no Shou - Saito Hajime Chapter #1

Translation by KumoriYami

12 month of the 3rd year of Bunkyū

In order to find my missing father, I left Edo and came to Kyoto……

The night I arrived in Kyoto, I was attacked in an alley by a group of men.

They had ominously blood red eyes, were armed with vicious blades, making one feel one's blood run cold [reword later].

They smiled/laughed eerily at me as they drew/came closer, at that moment/then in a split second, the silver light of the moon flashed, and someone had cut them in half.[reword later]

Those swords that helped me—— [they were from] Shinsengumi First Division Captain Okita Souji and Third Division Captain Saito Hajime. [reword later]

I had accidently caught a glimpse of their secrets, which was why I was taken back to their headquarters and questioned by their executives......

I didn't expect for them to also be looking for my father, which was why I agreed to stay, on the condition that I helped find him.

As a result of that entire incident, I was to be treated as a page by the Shinsengumi.

Even among the executives, Saito-san was especially taciturn.

He doesn't say anything more than necessary, if he is given a mission, he will fulfill it better than anyone else [reword later].

Although I accepted how he was basically a cold person——

I however thought that this was because he always prioritizes devoting everything to accomplish his missions.

That's why he never ridiculed my swordsmanship as a woman [check jp mtl] and calmly evaluated my capabilities, and supported me accompanying the patrols [reword later].

During this time, I already knew how extraordinary his strength was, and in the following days, I witnessed that strength and his seriousness countless times.

For example, during the Ikedaya Incident, when the Shinsengumi arrested a large number of the Choshu [? check jp mtl and game. this wasn’t translated well] who had been flying the Emperor's flag and expelling foreigners.

There was also during the 7th month of Genji, a month after the Ikedaya Incident, at the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion......

While the Aizu and Satsuma were fighting against the Choshu who attacked the Imperial Palace.

Saito-san was facing Amagiri Kyuuju from the Satsuma/who was associated with the Satsuma Domain, who had seriously injured Heisuke-kun during the Ikedaya Incident, and stood his ground, not allowing for the situation to develop further.

Because of these events, at the end of the first year of Genji, I had come to a gradual understanding of who he was.

This is the story of what happened in the winter, one year after I came to the Shinsengumi [check jp mtl if this is more 'in the first year i came to the Shinsengumi'].

11 month of Genji

Approximately half a year after the Ikedaya Incident, and about three or four months after the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion......

I had more or less become accustomed to my life with the Shinsengumi.

Today, in order to look for my father, I was accompanying the Third Division's patrol.

I heard that after the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion, almost half of Kyoto had been destroyed by fire......

Yukimura: Quite a few homes have been rebuilt.

Saito:......Ultimately, it was a very large fire.

Yukimura: …………

The Shinsengumi has been patrolling the streets everyday, doing to their best to protect the people and streets of Kyoto, [though] many people still lost their homes and property in the fires caused by the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion.

Although the division members didn't say anything, they probably felt incredibly remorseful at being able to prevent this disaster from reaching the streets.

Child 2: What are you looking at? If you want to say something, say it/talk!

Yukimura: ?

Hearing a child's/children's voice/s from the other end of the ally, I glanced at Saito-san.  

Yukimura: Saito-san, just now that was......

Saito: That sound was probably from a child playing around with their friends.

Yukimura: But that voice right now, rather than playing, it sounded more like......

It sounded like a fight.

Yukimura:…………

Since we were still on patrol, regardless of what I think, this matter is highly unlikely to concern my father or the Shinsengumi, but I......

Yukimura:......Saito-san, can I take a quick look?

Saito: Right now we're on patrol, I can't waste time on matters that have nothing to [my] division's [our]work [check jp for taishi].

Although I thought he would say that.

Yukimura: Please...... I'll come right back.

I asked him again and again, and he seemed to be in a bit of a dilemma, but......

Saito: Okay, in that case, I'll go with you. You aren't allowed to move on your own/be alone.

Yukimura:......Thank you.

Soon after he gave orders to the other soldiers, we went together in the direction where I heard that child's voice came from just now.

Yukimura: The voice just now, it really did come from around here......

Following that voice, there was a tea house in front of us.

Yukimura Huh [check jp mtl]? Shouldn't it be here——

Sure enough. There were some older kids surrounding a smaller child [/boy. check jp].

Child 2: Aren't you learning kenjutsu? Come on, take your revenge!

One of the children spoke sarcastically, hitting the small child's head with a shinai.

Child 1:…………

But, the child being beaten who was beaten just bit his lip tightly, and resigned himself.

Child 3: Why is the child of an ordinary family learning kenjutsu?

Child 2: Are you wanting to rob my family's store?

Child 1: I don't, I'm not……！

Child 2: Lies/You're lying! Isn't your family's business not doing well?  Furthermore, my parents said that your family's store burned down a while ago.

Child 1: Wu......

Yukimura: What are you doing!

I couldn't continue watching this, and moved without thinking.

The children backed away for a moment, but recovered immediately——

Child 3: What? What's wrong with you? Go away!

Yukimura: You're bullying this child, right? Why do you need to do that?

Child 2: What I say has nothing to do with you. My father is popular around here. If you're going to go against me, I'll make it so that you can't stay in the capital.

Apparently these children are not going to listen to me talk.

Yukimura: Hey, you kids/children——

I was about to start speaking when Saito-san stepped forward.

Saito: Yukimura, as I said earlier, we're still on patrol, time cannot be wasted......

The children froze as soon as they saw his uniform.

Child 2: H-Hey, that haori......! Isn't that what the Mibu Wolves wear [check game if it's Wolves of Mibu or Mibu Wolves]?

Child 3: That's right! My parents said that! We absolutely cannot get involved with them!

Child 2: We might get killed! Run for it!

Yukimura: Ah, wait a moment......!

Before I could stop them, they abandoned [dropped] the shinai as they ran away.

Child 1: Wa-Wait for me......!

Although this child was left behind, he also wanted to escape......

But it seemed that he had no strength, and wasn't even able to stand up.

Yukimura: Are you okay?

Child 1: Ah......! This, I......! I haven't said bad about the Wolves of Mibu.

This child apparently believed in the negative rumours about the Shinsengumi that were going around and was terrified.

Yukimura: Uh......

I don't know what to do......

Without any better idea, I picked up the fallen shinai, and handed it to the child.

Yukimura: This..... does this belong to the children who were here just now? If that is the case, can you please return this to them?

He visibly trembled, as if he were using the entirety of his strength to answer.

Child 1: That...... it's mine......

Yukimura: This is your shinai? Then I'll return it to you.

The child hesitated for a moment, fearfully taking the shinai.

I've heard it from the other warriors before......

Kyoto's populace does not have a good impression of the Shinsengumi, apparently this was true.

Yukimura:......You don't need to be so scared. The Shinsengumi only goes after people who do bad things.

Child 1: But, everyone says that the Wolves of Mibu are extremely scary/terrible......

It was different from me who was in contact with these warriors every day/I was different since I was in contact with these warriors every day...... [check jp]

This child had little chance to be in direct contact with the Shinsengumi, so it was difficult to imagine that prejudice would be eliminated any time soon.

But......

Yukimura: Although those children spoke poorly of the Shinsengumi just now, however [check jp. either reword or remove], do you think that I'm scary?

The child desperately shook his head.

Child 1: N-No no, don't...... I don't think that......

Saito-san had been silently watching our exchange.......

Saito: This matter appears to have been settled. Let's go, Yukimura.

Yukimura: Ah, okay, I know/understood.

I turned to the child again.

Yukimura: You should go home, be careful on your way back.

Child 1: Nn......

I said good-bye to the child, and left there with Saito-san.

After/Afterwards/Later, on our way back to headquarters, Saito-san quietly spoke/spoke softly.

Saito: You're very caring about children.

Hearing him say something so suddenly, I felt puzzled./I felt puzzled to hear him abruptly say this.

Yukimura: Eh? You're talking [referring] to just now/what just happened?

Saito: Nn. I didn't expect you to have a side like that.

Yukimura:......While I lived in Edo, my family's clinic also provided medical care to children. Certainly, I might get along well/be good at dealing with children.

My answer was apparently unexpected to him, and his eyes widened slightly.  

There was silence for a moment......

Saito: No, not only that.

Yukimura: What do you mean?

Saito: Nn, it should be said that I feel like you would be a good elder sister...... No, you'd be a good mother. If you have children, you should be able to guide[tl word can also mean teach or instruct] them well [check jp mtl].

Yukimura: Eh……！

I didn't expect him to say that [I'd be a] "good older sister" or "a good mother"......

It was surprising/I was surprised.

Yukimura: A mother....... me/Me...... as a mother? I've never thought about that until now. Furthermore, rather than saying that I care about children......

In fact, I was bullied by other children when I was a child.

As a result of that, I wasn't able to ignore what happened to that child just now.

Saito:......What's wrong? You've suddenly stopped talking.

Yukimura: No...... it's nothing. However, as far as I'm concerned, even if I can be a good mother in the future, I would need to find the[/a] father of[/for] the [/my] child first. Meaning, I would first have to find a lover.

He held his breath, apparently somewhat nervous.

I was used to seeing him always look calm, so it was hard to imagine how his words were so awkward [now]......

Saito: Th-That's right...... Indeed, that is true. Still, that's probably too early for you.

After he spoke, Saito-san seemed somewhat embarrassed and averted his eyes.

Saito-san had actually brought this subject up first.......

He was so embarrassed as he spoke that I started to feel embarrassed [reword later].

Yukimura: Yes......

Thinking about it, until now, I've never had the opportunity to talk about this subject with anyone.

I didn't expect to actually talk about this with Saito-san..... it was quite astonishing.

Afterwards, we chatted about some other topics on our way back to headquarters.

A few days later.

I was in the middle of sweeping the entrance of the Yagi residence [check game for capitalization].

Yukimura: Mm......!

The winds of the eleventh month were cold and bone-chilling.

I was planning to finish sweeping a bit earlier then go back to my  room.

Okita: Areh, sweeping here?

Yukimura: Ah, Okita-san. Are you back from patrol? You've worked hard.

Okita: That's right..... There was a bit of trouble though.

Yukimura: What was that trouble [reword later].

Okita: While we were on patrol, a kid kept on following us. Since they were in the way, we tried to send them away, but they were really persistent and kept following us/ insisted on following us.

Yukimura: Was that child not one of Okita-san's friends?

Okita: I don't/didn't know them. They weren't a kid who lives nearby/It wasn't a kid living around here. I think/feel that they weren't so much as chasing me, and were rather looking at the [our] uniform[s] to keep up/follow [us?].

Maybe they wanted to join the Shinsengumi? Well, that/it'd be impossible for such a little kid.

Yukimura: That child, where did he go?/Where did that child go?

Okita: Who knows? They seemed to have followed me/us/made it to the Mibu Temple. Though they might have given up already?

Okita-san wasn't interested in saying anything else and went back inside.

A child who was interested in the Shinsengumi......

......I couldn't help but feel concerned.

According to Okita-san, that child had followed him all the way to the Mibu Temple.

……Mibu Temple was right behind headquarters, and many of the warriors went there to practise kenjutsu.

It should be okay/shouldn't matter if I go look there for a bit [take a quick look].

Having thought this, I decided to go check the Mibu Temple.

Yukimura: Huh......?

Okita-san clearly  said that a child followed him here/ had come to this place.

But there was no one around.

Was it possible that they gave up and went home?

Regardless of how close the Mibu Temple is, it's not possible for me to leave headquarters without permission, so I still needed to return.

I was just about to finish my sweeping.

Saito: Yukimura, where were you just now? [might swap this line with the 4th one after. tl is almost the same]

Yukimura: Ah, Saito-san!

Saito: You need to be accompanied by one of the executives when you leave, this should have been repeatedly explained to you/this should have been repeated several times.

Yukimura: Sorry, I thought I'd be able to just to quickly go there and back, that's why......

Saito: Where did you go?

Yukimura: Here's the thing—— [reword later. i don't like how it reads]

I told him everything Okita-san had just said about the child.

Saito:......A child was following the Shinsengumi around?

Yukimura: Yes, I feel that I can't just stop thinking about this. But it seems/appears that no one's no one around the Mibu Temple anymore/ like they're no longer around the Mibu Temple. It'd be worrying if they got lost and were unable to go home.

Saito: That's true/It's as you say. We should try looking around for a while then.

Yukimura:……Is that okay?

Saito: I don't have any particular arrangements now. Of course, if it's not necessary, then I will refrain/stop.

Yukimura: That isn't the case. Thank you.

Saito: okay, then let's go.

Thus, Saito-san and I went to go look around.

As we looked for the child, we walked down the main road.

Yukimura:......I can't find them anywhere. Maybe they're gone home.

Saito: Perhaps. If that was the case, it would be good if these were just groundless worries.

Yukimura: I'm sorry to have wasted your time. Let's go back to headquarters......

After I said that, just as we were planning to go back.

Yukimura:……！

Saito: What is it?

Yukimura: A familiar looking child ran down that alley just now...... I want to go chase after them/catch up and go look at them. Can I ask Saito-san to come with me?

Saito: Nn, there's no problem, let's go.

Saito-san and I started running.

Then, in the a narrow alley that lead to the Mibu Temple——

Yukimura: Hey, don't run [away].

I finally caught the child.

Child 1: Ah……！

The face of the child looking back was very familiar [reword later].

Yukimura: You should be the child from that time......

Child 1:…………

Saito: Is this the child who was following the First Division?

Yukimura: I think so.

Saito: Why have you been following the Shinsengumi around?

This child seemed to be scared of him.

He timidly opened his mouth.

Child 1: I want...... to learn kenjutsu.

Yukimura: You want the Shinsengumi to teach you kenjutsu?

Child 1:......Nn. Adults say that the Shinsengumi is frightening/terrible. But I hear that even if you aren't a samurai/warrior [check audio],  even if you're an ordinary person...... it's possible to join their ranks [literally: team/group. may reword later]. I want to become stronger....... please teach me kenjutsu.

Saito-san frowned and/as he glanced at me.

Although he appeared to be very calm......

I think he was probably worrying about how to respond.

After a while......

Saito: The Shinsengumi is not a place for children to learn kenjutsu, and a child like you will not be allowed to join. [/it is also not something a child can become a member of?]

Child 1: Eh...... But...... I've helped around the store several times already, and I'm not that different from an adult!

Saito: That's not the problem. With your height, do you think that you will be able to fight against ronin [check audio]?

Child 1: That......! That might be true now, but I'm still growing! So please, teach me kenjutsu!

Once the child finished speaking, he bowed deeply.

Saito:…………

He seemed very unaccustomed to this type of situation, and was apparently/seemed to be worrying about how to convince this child.

Seeing how troubled he looked, I——

Choices

[ Asked for his reason/Asked for a reason] <-

[remained silent]

Yukimura: You just said that you were learning kenjutsu to become strong/more powerful, so why do you want to become stronger?

Child 1: Because…………

Saito: If you want to get stronger than those kids who bullied you to then retaliate against them, I cannot approve of that as your/will not acknowledge that as a reason to join the team [thesaurus later]. Kenjutsu is not to be learned for that sort of purpose [reword later?].

Child 1: Ah......

Hearing such strict words, the young boy's eyes were filled with tears.

Looking at his demeanor, Saito-san bearing softened somewhat.

Yukimura: Wait, Saito-san, this child looks like he has something to say.

Having said that, I turned to the boy again.

Yukimura: If it's not for revenge, is there/do you have another reason? Can you tell me?

The boy took a moment to hold back/suppress his tears

Child 1:…………Nn.

He nodded slightly.

Saito:......I really am no good at dealing with children. Fortunately, you are here.

Yukimura: Such a thing......

It was great that I was able to help him.

Child 1: I…………want to learn kenjutsu so I can protect my family, and my little sister. That's why I started going to a dojo to learn kenjutsu. But the other kids told me that "it's strange for ordinary people/civilians to learn kenjutsu".

Saito:……Indeed, to protect your family, that responsibility/duty belongs to the town/it is the duty of the town to protect your family. You do not need to learn kenjutsu  for this. Everyone has their own responsibilities.

Child 1:Those other children's families are well-off, and as long they hire people, they'll be able to entrust someone with that responsibility, but....... my family only has a small store, and during the previous conflict, part of it burned down......

Yukimura: I see……

Saito:……You mean to say that you only want to protect your family, with your own hands, right?

Although I knew that many streets had suffered losses during the previous conflict.......

It was still very painful to hear about someone personally talk about it.

After Saito-san thought over it, he crouched down next to the boy.

Looking directly into the child's eyes......

Saito: I understand your circumstances. In order to protect your family and the weak, those are good reasons for wielding the sword.

Child: Re-Really!?

The child's face immediately lit up.

Saito-san however, still had a serious expression as he spoke.

Saito: But even if that is the case, I naturally cannot teach you kenjutsu. Of course, you can't become a member of the Shinsengumi.

Child: Ah......

The boy's face was full of disappointment. However, it wasn't a face that was on the verge of crying.

Saito-san was taking him seriously, and although he was a child, it seemed that he understood that.

Saito: In order to protect yourself, and one's family, practising in a dojo will suffice. Kyoto is protected by us. No matter what happens, we will certainly protect you all. Please pass that onto your family.

The boy's eyes widened, almost as if he was striving to engrave Saito-san's words into his memory.

Saito-san lightly nodded, then he placed his hand on the child's head as his expression relaxed.

Saito: The purpose of the Shinsengumi is to protect the helpless in Kyoto. For the sake of becoming strong to support those who are weak, we practise kenjutsu together here. In the event that one day, you truly need the assistance from the Shinsengumi...... Then, we will certainly be there to help you.

Child: Really?

As if to confirm this, the child asked this again.

Child: Really....... they'll help me?

Saito: Of course. We — as warriors, if a promise is made, we will never break it.

Hearing Saito-san's words, the boy's eyes seemed to glow with strength.

Finally, he firmly nodded......

Child: Mm, I understand. I..... will believe the Shinsengumi.

Hearing those words, Saito-san, his mouth formed a satisfied smile.

Saito: All you need is spirit. I also believe that you are determined to become stronger.

After saying that, Saito-san slowly stood up.

After we watched the boy return home, we started going back to headquarters.

Yukimura:……Saito-san is such a kind person. Even when speaking to a child, you will treat them so sincerely.

He narrowed his eyes in embarrassment.

Saito: I didn't treat him as a child. While addressing someone [who has chosen to] wield a sword to protect the weak, even if the other person was an adult, I would have said the same thing.

Yukimura: But, I think, to be treated as an adult…… for that child, it must have been a good experience.

Saito:……If that is the case, that's good.

As expected, he was still embarrassed and refused to meet my gaze. [depending on jp sentence, change to as 'really']

Saito: I really am unable to deal with children. It would be better for Souji to handle children/Children should be left for Souji to handle. [depending on jp audio, change to 'as expected']

Yukimura: Is that so? But, I think that if Saito-san had children, you would be a very good father.

Saito: Me, a father……？

He froze with a face full of embarrassment, almost as if he heard something completely foreign.

Saito:……For this sort of thing, I haven't even thought about it until now. After all, let alone a child, I still haven't married yet……

I'm afraid I said too much.

Yukimura: Th-That's right. Saito-san is busy doing work for the Shinsengumi, and can't be bothered about these things……

I quickly retracted my thoughtless words.

Saito: No…… it's not that I'm not a little interested……

Yukimura: Eh?

Saito:…………It's nothing.

He walked away with a shy/embarrassed look on his face.

Yukimura: Wa-wait for me, Saito-san!

Just now he said, it wasn't that he wasn't uninterested…… [reword later...? kinda gave up trying to tho]

Did that mean he had someone he liked?

Or was it……

After, I asked him several times, but he never answered back.

—The End—

after chapter 4 (still 40% done T_T)... i’m probably going to focus on chapter 2 then 5.... tho who knows when that will be since im translating at a severely reduced speed since school> all else, though i will definitely finish translating at least one more ginsei chapter this year (can’t say the same for videos given how painstaking it is to format everything lol). 

anyway, the reason why i say that i need my queued filled up to november before working on translating another ginsei chapter in earnest is cuz i don’t want to worry about meeting my self-imposed weekly translation goal and cuz i prefer having lots of time to work on full chapters given how long they take for me to get done... while also having pleeeenty of leeway for procrastinating lol.

also my laptop had a stupid error so everything shut down (though on the upside to that, i can see all my pc text again). thankfully robocopy makes it so that i don’t need to duplicate everything, but it’s seriously taking a long time for everything to move...

after everything finishes, i think im going to have a calendar that celebrates each month of no computer problems lol. 

[shinsengumi-archives]

The Roshigumi’s Journey to Kyoto

From Illustrated Shinsengumi

2nd month, Bunkyu 3 (1863)

Bunkyu 3 (1863)

02/04 Roshigumi applicants (about 230 people) gathered at the Denzuin Daishin Dormitory in Edo Koishikawa.

02/05 The formation of the corps for the Roshigumi’s journey to Kyoto is announced. Participants were divided into 1st to 7th divisions, and each was further divided into 3 divisions.

02/08 (Day 1 of the journey) Roshigumi departs from Edo Koishikawa Denzuin. On the way, they stopped by Udono Kyuo's house, which is handled by Ronin, and joined Udono. On this day, they stayed overnight at Warabi.

02/10 (Day 3) Arrived at an inn in Honjo, but Kondo Isami, who is the first to arrive, forgot to arrange an inn for Serizawa's group. Serizawa, who was furious, set out a bonfire all over the road of the post station, saying, "I'll sleep outdoors." Kondo and his colleagues hurriedly arranged an inn and guided the Serizawa group to soothe the angry Serizawa. Serizawa, who didn't like the fact that "third squad" was written on the nameplate of the inn, scraped the nameplate with a knife so that it could be read as "first squad." This is an episode that shows Serizawa's temperament that he must be the best in everything.

02/17 (Day 10) Stay in an inn at Nakatsugawa. On this day, Serizawa was dismissed from the third squad, and Nishi Kyosuke took over. Furthermore, Nishi's group will be replaced with the sixth squad Ishizaka Sojun.

It is said that the reason why the Nishi's thrid squad was replaced with Ishizaka's sixth squad was to separate the Serizawa and Kondo groups who caused problems. When Serizawa was dismissed as the third squad captain, Kondo acted as the third squad captain for about a day, but soon returned to arranging accomodations.

02/19 (Day 12) One night at Kano. On the 17th, Serizawa, who was dismissed as the captain of the 3rd squad, became a commander of the Roshigumi. Serizawa, who has a lot of problematic behavior, was ordered to serve as a commander as a measure to "keep an eye on him"

02/21 (Day 14) Stay in an inn at Musa. On this day, which is 10 ri to Kyoto, everyone is served sake to celebrate the success of the long journey.

02/23 (Day 16) Departed Otsu at dawn and finally arrive in Kyoto

[goldenlaquer]

ahh I can’t help but request again😩 I’m just addicted to your content! Gender neutral s/o for gintoki, hijikata and shimura(Afro Manz) when there s/o is busy and they want their attention ?Nsfw please!

NO WORRIES! I’m glad you like my hcs enough to come back! 

Gintama NSFW Headcanons: 

Sakata Gintoki: 

“Um, hello?” Gintoki squints at your back hunched over the desk, sorting through papers and writing stuff down that are comparably insignificant to his current problem. 

“Helloooo.” You don’t budge, even when his voice annoyingly goes three pitches higher. 

“Oi!” Nothing. 

If he can’t get your attention, Gintoki will physically stop you from whatever it is you’re doing to make sure you are well aware of the strain in his pants (if he has to drop the trousers to make sure you know, he will), and within the next thirty minutes or so, help him satiate his need. 

P r o n t o. 

or else, he going to throw you over his shoulder and take you straight to the bedroom. or maybe take you over the desk as is. 

“Oi.” Gintoki’s low growl falls in your ear as he drapes his heavy body against yours, his large hand falling on top of yours, forcing you to put down the paper. “Help me fix my Neo Armstrong Jet Armstrong Cannon.”

Hijikata Toushirou: 

When the God of Discipline is no longer in the house, Hijikata is aroused. 

OK, that was a bad rhyming joke. 

If men didn’t think with their dicks so much, Hijikata would be a happier person. 

He doesn’t want to interrupt you when you’re in the middle of important business, knowing better than anyone the sheer annoyance of having to chase away any unwanted attention-seekers while doing Shinsengumi paper work. There’s a time and a place. He knows that. He really does. 

But, 

Hijikata also logically knows, that the best person to calm down his stubborn cock is you. He’s also been jerking off for the past 10 minutes, and nothing has been able to take edge off. Nothing. And his mind is a bit on overdrive to get laid, the word ‘fuck’ is bouncing up and down his brain like it’s at some illegal teenage house-party, just like the word ‘cigarette’ does when he goes too long without a nicotine break. 

“Hey.” Hijikata interrupts you, his voice strained and stilted and his face oddly flushed. You notice that his pupils are blown wide, taking over the irises of his eye. “Let’s take a break.”

Afro Manz: 

It isn’t often that Shimaru’s libido is out of control, but when it is, it’s a real struggle for him. 

Just like Hijikata, Shimaru really doesn’t want to interrupt. But alas, the dick curse affects every man, even the quiet ones. 

Takes measures to make the snake rear down its head before he tries to signal to you about it: twisting the strands of his afro, taking intermediate restroom breaks, and writing your name over and over again in his diary. Of course, it doesn’t work.

He’s staring at you work from the corner of the room, silent as ever and his eyes honed on your face and body as you work. You’d have to be dead to not feel the stare. 

A loud crumple of paper startles you into looking up from your work. 

“Shimaru?” You look over to where the 3rd division captain stands, and see the paper ball in his clenched fist. But most concerning is the unnerving intensity of his crimson eyes. Unbidden, your gaze shifts downwards to glimpse the tent in his uniform pants. 

You can only sit frozen as he makes his way across the room to you, his stride purposeful and panther-like. 

[akumanoken]

Concerns in the ranks

@yugenronin

There was a level of...fear?? Nerves?? It shot down Souji's back when he peeked in the room, seeing both Kondou and Hijikata there, the stern expression on Hijikata's face, the soft, worried frown on Kondou's.  One of them had to smile, and so he felt it was his job, hiding the trepidation that carried itself on each footstep, sitting on the cushion set out for him and taking a deep breath.  "So what's the matter??"

Kondou, his face normally so jovial, frowned a bit deeper, as if it pained him to do this.  "Souji... I understand that you have made a friend in the last few months, and of course, you know I want nothing more than for you to be happy... you've always pushed everything as---"  He took a pause, knowing this wasn't the right way to start.  He didn't know how to start.  

Hijikata simply groaned, a sigh as he ran a hand down his face.  "Your little ronin friend is causing a problem in the ranks.  We don't know who he is and you're spending too much time.  There are questions among the ranks about your relationship with whoever this man is... they wonder if you are compromised..."

Souji's stomach fell to the floor. His eyes wide, jaw slack.  Nagahide.  They had an issue... with Nagahide?? Why?? No!! He hadn't done anything!!! Souji's eyes narrowed after, dangerously thin violet strips.  "Everyone?? Who exactly is everyone??"

Kondou shook his head.  "You know we can't give names if concerns were given in confidence. Even if we have full faith in you, Souji, things like this we cannot ignore.  There is a good reason for the men to be concerned with a man who left his clan and came to Kyoto."

"Not everyone who comes here is part of the Choshu or Satsuma..." he started, but the vice commander's raised hand stopped him.  Just because he was not from the area didn't mean he didn't come to cause trouble just like any other ronin who had come to the capital.  "But he hasn't!!!"

"Souji... you must understand we're only looking out for you."  Kondou had a pleading tone, one that a father gives to his child.  "We understand that as far as you know things are innocent, but there are things to consider... there are things we must protect, and the morale, the trust of our troops are paramount.  So many count on you... and I can't bear to see you fall out of favor with the men, or into a trap if their fears are founded!!"  No one in the Shinsengumi had a reason to trust this man.  This man who had done what countless others had tried to do with the bubbly captain.  No one else had garnered his attention quite in this way, barring the 3rd division captain.  For him to be an outsider....posed risk, as well as unrest.

He stood up.  ".....I...."  Anger.  Absolute rage built up inside him.  He was shaking with it.  He was the kind to keep to himself, he had only one friend in all the Shinsengumi.  And while the troops, the captains, had lovers, those who they looked forward to seeing when they had a moment's peace, a place where they could let their guard down...

How dare he think.... even for a moment, that he could hold onto that happiness for himself??

They saw it in his face, the myriad of emotions that no one ever got to see, and said nothing else.  They didn't say to not see him anymore, but it was clear.  For now, it was best to keep a distance, especially as tensions rose inside Kyoto's city limits.  No apologies would make it better, and even Hijikata flinched as the captain stormed out, slamming the shoji open as he left.

[fierce-little-miana]

Winter Illness:

Here is my first entry for Saichifest2019!

(thank you @saichifest for organizing this event)

 Well this was surprising. In retrospect it made sense, but still, she had never thought she would see him like that. He didn’t even stirred when she had entered the room.

 Chizuru had knocked. Of course she had, she would never enter someone’s room uninvited, except if she thought they might be in danger. But Saito hadn’t answered and since he was really sick it was concerning. So Chizuru went inside his room without his permission. She was glad to see that he was breathing evenly even if he was still sweating quite a lot. What bothered her was that he didn’t hear her enter either. Saito didn’t strike her has a heavy sleeper so he must have been particularly exhausted.

 Well if he had taken better care of himself he might have not been that sick. The entire compound had been stroke by some sort of slight flu. Of course not all the men had been sick but Chizuru could say in all confidence that the Shinsengumi was dealing with an epidemic. Thankfully it wasn’t really serious. A lot of men had had a slight fever, a general feeling of dizziness, and quite important cramps. Still most of them had felt better in only a few day under the careful care of Doctor Matsumoto, Yamazaki and herself. Hijikata had even made a spectacular two days recovery which had brought him some scoffing from Okita. Something about a fundamental incompatibility between him and colds. However there was Saito’s case.

 At first everyone had thought he hadn’t caught it, like Nagakura, Kondo, and Heisuke. Saito had even stepped in to shoulder some of Hijikata’s responsibilities. He had behaved with his usual composure and discipline. He might even had been more disciplinedl. At least up until the point he had started to slip. It was strange and disturbing to see Saito slowly losing his composure. He had first started mixing up names, then talking to no-one but in public, or even being late to place he was supposed to be. It was during a meal when he answered, without even realizing it, “Thank you mother” to Heisuke who was disposing everyone’s tray that they finally did something. Nagakura had stood up and brought his hand quite brutally on Saito’s  forehead. 

 The fact that he was able to enter Saito’s guard without issue and that the only answer of the 3rd division captain had been to drop some rice was a testament to what Nagakura was about to declare:

“ - Shit Saito, you are burning up!”

 It did take some convincing to make him rest. In the end Hijikata, who had himself just recovered, had to step in and make him rest. However, since then Saito had been nothing short of a model patient. It was a nice change for Chizuru to take care of someone who didn’t resist the very idea of it. While she was sure it came in part from Saito’s rational nature she also thought that the severity of his illness was responsible. By the time he had agree to rest Saito had no argument left in him. He was sicker than anyone else had been but it was also his fault for refusing to rest at once when he fell ill.    

“ - Saito-san are you alright?”

 Still no answer. Chizuru closed the door behind her before seating by his side and setting her tray with a bowl of miso soup, some gruel, and medicine beside her. She had also brought a basin of water if he wanted to clean up a little.

“ - Saito-san?”

 This time he frowned but his eyes remained closed. Chizuru hesitated. He probably needed to sleep and she could and maybe should leave him to it. But his meal was hot and it was time for him to take his treatment. She finally brought her hands to his shoulder to shake him lightly. He could sleep later.

 Saito opened his eyes slowly. He seemed confused as if he didn’t know where he was or what was happening. He didn’t seem to recognize Chizuru either. His fever must still have been very high.

“ - I came to bring you your meal and medicines, it’s Yuki…

- Chizuru! he answered as a smile appeared on his face.”

 That stopped Chizuru for a few seconds. Seconds Saito took to painfully raise up and seat in his futon. His untied hair was falling in his eyes and his yukata was open on his chest but he was still smiling to her. Well at least he recognised her. That was all that mattered, wasn’t it?

 Chizuru rapidly switched her attention on the tray beside her. She needed to focus. She took the two little packets of medicine and handed them to him. Again he looked at her in confusion. This was going to be more complicated than planned:

“ - Matsumoto-sensei said you should take this for your fever, and this is from Hijikata-san. It is a sort of tonic I believe.”

 At the mention of Hijikata’s name Saito sat straighter for a minute, then their eyes met again and he seemed to soften. He really did look as young as Heisuke, guardless and disheveled as he was, and Chizuru had to refrain a chuckle. 

 Diligently Saito took both packets from her and started working to open one. His hands were shaking making the task nearly impossible. Chizuru came to help him and when their hands touched she noticed that despite burning up the skin of his arm was covered by goose bumps.

“ - Are you cold Saito-san? she asked with a bit of alarm.”

 He took his time pondering the question before answering:

“ - I don’t think so… I am glad you came.”

 And on this he entangled his fingers with hers. 

 Chizuru felt her entire face get hot. She looked at him and somehow he was perfectly calm and seemed pleased. Behind his hair his eyes were shining a bit too brightly and his cheeks were slightly pink from the fever but it was all. He didn’t look flustered in the slightest. 

 Entirely at loss, Chizuru disentangled their fingers as gently as possible. Saito did resist a bit but she just had to shush him a little for him to let go. She then opened the tiny medicine packets herself before giving them back to him. He swallowed both powders without any complaint.

 Chizuru brought the tray next to him and gestured to it:

“ - You have to eat at least a little.”

 She helped him take hold of the gruel. He had little trouble eating it himself and made no comment about the taste or the fact that it was children food. Then came the turn of the miso soup. This one was more tricky. The bowl was nearly full and with his shaky hands Saito nearly spilled his content several time. Chizuru had to stabilize the bowl for him while he was drinking. She was very much aware of how their fingers touched the all time.

She brought the bowl back on the tray with more strength that was necessary. She looked around her because Saito’s eyes were still fixed on her and her attention landed on the basin of water. She had forgotten about it. The heat that kept on raising in her cheeks became almost painful.

“ - Do you… Saito-san… do you want to wash up a little?”

 Her hands were fists on her knees and her hakama would probably be a mess by the time she would be out of here. She didn’t dare look up at him now.

“ - Yes I would like that.”

 Chizuru sighted. Of course he would, he was ill after all. At least her sight helped ease some of her tension and she exchanged the tray for the basin. She didn’t have to help Saito remove the top of his yukata but she had to remind him to do so. Once again he executed himself without having to be told twice. 

 She quickly discovered that she wasn’t really able to start by watching him so she raised up, a bit abruptly, to come behind him. Saito seemed confused and tried to turn back so she added in a panic:

“ - No please don’t turn! I am going to start with your back.”

 Saito remained seated, unmoving, and Chizuru thanked whatever had made him a comprehensive rational person. She kneeled behind him and dipped the cloth in the water. She wished she had had the presence of mind to heat it before coming. Indeed Saito shivered when the wet clothes came in contact with his skin, but rather than trying to get away from it he leaned into her touch. And he kept doing so even when she scrubbed him a bit too harshly. 

 Chizuru managed to calm herself a little. Saito was sick. He had a high fever. It was normal that he was acting strangely and that he was a bit clingy. She tried focusing on what she doing. It was surprising how white his skin was, as if he was particularly careful to it. Yet the thin old scars that adorned his back tended to point to the opposite. His hair, that she had to get out of her way several times, was rougher that it looked too. 

 She had to wet the cloth once again before finishing with his back. She wasn’t sure she was completely focused again but it would have to do. At least the heat in her cheeks wasn’t painful anymore. Saito didn’t seemed to notice she had stopped. She went back in front of him and saw that he was sleeping while seated. His face was calm and it made her smile.

“ - Saito-san?”

 This time it woke him up. He seemed less lost than last time she had woken him but barely.

“ - Do you wish to rest?”

 Saito considered the cloth in her hand for a short instant:

“ - I should finish washing? he asked apparently unsure.

- We can finish that this evening if you want, I will bring hot water.

- Hot water would be appreciated, he simply answered while smiling at her.”

 Chizuru put the cloth back in the basin and came to his side to help him put back his yukata. She wasn’t sure he needed help but she wanted to do it. She also helped him get under the cover of his futon. She used this opportunity to check on his fever. It seemed to be lowering down, which explained their still very sleepy but more coherent last exchange. The medication was working.

 Saito was fast asleep and Chizuru gathered the tray and the basin. She left his room quietly not without checking that he was breathing evenly.

                                                         * * *

“ - How was Saito-san? asked Yamazaki with whom Chizuru was preparing the dinner.

- Incoherent, sleepy, and distracted but I think he is getting better and most importantly he is actually resting. He should be joining us in four to five days, but I would recommend that he rest a bit more before returning to his duties ”

 Yamazaki nodded. He dropped some vegetables, including green onions, in boiling water.

“ - I will bring him his dinner tonight so you can enjoy your dinner with everyone, he suggested.

- No! That’s fine I don’t mind doing it.”

 It took a minute to Chizuru to realize that she might have answered a bit too enthusiastically and all she could do was to focus intensely on the cooking of the rice. She did feel the inquisitive eyes of Yamazaki on her for a minute and she felt even more embarrassed. Not only did she not mind taking care of Saito but she realized she wanted to. She also didn’t want to entrust the defenseless samurai to anyone else.

 Thankfully Yamazaki did not note her odd behaviour:

“ - It’s fine with me, but don’t forget to take care of your own health Yukimura-san.”

 She acquiesced. At least it was Yamazaki who noticed something. She could handle that.

[yumecast-cards]

Kaito Shindo ~Shinsengumi~ 新堂 カイト 〜新選組〜

Card Rarity: SR Lvl [Int (U) - Max (A) (Max LB)]: 1 - 80 (110) Card Type: Dance

Musical: Rising Series: 〜新選組〜 (Shinsengumi) Role: 斎藤一 (Hajime Saitō)

Performance: 3,360 / 4,010 / 4,570 / - Toughness: 360 / 480 / 555 / -

※ INT Unawakened (U) / MAX Unawakened (U) / MAX Awakened (A) / MAX Limit Break (LB)

Skill: [SCORE] 三番隊組長・斎藤一 (3rd Unit Captain: Hajime Saitō) Chance to gain an additional 3,500 pts (Lv. 1) - 4,500 pts. (Lv. 10) from a 15-combo

Leader Skill: [PERFORMANCE] DANCE Performance UP (Medium) Increases performance of DANCE cards in your team by a moderate amount

Quotes:

Pick-Up Cast: 「この池田屋から、一人も出すわけにないかぬ」 「We cannot allow a single person leave the Ikedaya Inn.」 ※ (Note: Kotetsu is the name of Isami Kondō's sword)

Solo Challenge: -

Skill: -

[recentanimenews]

"Gintama" Live-Action Film 3rd Behind-the-Scenes Clip Features Shinsengumi Members

Following the first two featuring the Yorozuya members and the three childhood friends, the official website for the highly anticipated live-action film adaptation of Hideaki Sorachi's action comedy manga Gintama today posted a third behind-the-scenes clip featuring the three main members of Shinsengumi: commander Isao Kondo (Kankuro Nakamura VI), vice commander Toushiro Hijikata (Yuya Yagira), and 1st division captain Sougo Okita (Ryo Yoshizawa).

      The film's official Twitter has posted short message videos from the main cast members. The last video

posted one day before the theatrical release in Japan is from Shun Oguri, who is cast as the protagonist

Gintoki Sakata.

  Message from Sun Oguri (Gintoki Sakata) on July 13

いよいよ明日公開ですよ、コノヤロー‼️ 本日は、銀髪天然パーマの主人公、坂田銀時を演じた小栗旬さんが登場笑って、泣いて、アツくなる！天天下無敵の痛快アクション・エンターテインメントは明日公開‼️ #映画銀魂 http://pic.twitter.com/NNqRZk8jyY

— 映画『銀魂』公式 (@gintama_film) July 13, 2017

  Message from Masaki Suda (Shinpachi Shimura) on July 12

公開まであと2日ダァァァア 本日は、万事屋の突っ込み担当、志村新八を演じた菅田将暉さんの登場です #映画銀魂 http://pic.twitter.com/cyJm4FLgkr

— 映画『銀魂』公式 (@gintama_film) July 12, 2017

  Message from Kanna Hashimoto (Kagura) on July 11

公開まであと3日ダァァア 本日は、大飯食らいで凶暴・毒舌な本作のヒロイン、神楽を演じた橋本環奈さんです #映画銀魂 http://pic.twitter.com/MixYBb9SFs

— 映画『銀魂』公式 (@gintama_film) July 10, 2017

    Poster visual

    Source: "Gintama" live-action film official website, Twitter

  © Hideaki Sorachi/Shueisha

© 2017 "Gintama" Production Committee

  By: news+feed@crunchyroll.com

[anischa22]

Oh yes, for another info

Cybird also have a new game in collaboration with Animate 🎉

Koihana Bakumeiroku

I must say, an modern version of Ikemen Bakumeiroku/Destined to Love 😂

About Story

The time setting in this story is at the end of the Boshin war and the beginning of the Meiji era

The MC who lost her childhood memories in certain incident, visited the new capital, Tokyo, after her adoptive parents passed away. Just when you were fascinated by the gorgeous cityscape, you were involved in an accident - a man suddenly appeared, giving you no choice but to pull out your memento sword

The man is Hajime Saito, he was once the captain of the Shinsengumi's 3rd division of the rebels and is now the captain of the Meiji government Battou corps. You will meet another characters and learned the existence of "Shikabito", a force that threatens the Meiji government

While chasing the incident surrounding the Shikabito, the new Tokugawa shogunate army led by Naosuke Ii, who lost his life in the past, appears. Beside him is Toshizo Hijikata, the vice commander of the Shinsengumi.

In short, you're caught up in a three-way battle ...

You risk your life to fall in love with him in the blazing fires of war

Character info is coming next!

[jokertrap-ran]

Hakuouki Shinkai: Hana No Shou Translations  山南敬助編 (Side: Sannan Keisuke) Prologue Pt.1

*MC name is retained as the original 雪村千鶴 (Yukimura Chizuru) 序章 (Prologue)

Summary: 文久三年十二月連絡が途絶えた父を捜すため 京にきた主人公は、 浪人に絡まれ追われる最中、 偶然にも新選組の秘密を見てしまう。それが全ての始まりだった。

On the 3rd year of the Bunkyū era, December. I had gone to Kyoto in search of my father whom I had lost contact with but while I had been pursued by rōnin, I had coincidentally seen the Shinsengumi's secret. That had been the beginning of everything.

Monologue:

文久三年の冬——。 連絡の途絶えた父様を捜すため、 私——雪村千鶴わ、京を訪れた。

The 3rd year of the Bunkyū era, winter——. In order to find my father whom I had lost contact with, I —— Yukimura Chizuru came to Kyoto.

そこで目にしたのわ、白い髪と赤い目を持ち、人を襲う新選組の【羅刹】の姿。

What I saw there had been people with white hair and blood red eyes, they were the Shinsengumi’s【Furies】who attacked people.

その羅刹から私を救ってくれだのわ、新選組の方々だった。

The ones who had saved me from the furies has been the people from the Shinsengumi.

羅刹という秘密を知ってしまった私わ、同じく父様を捜しているという彼らの元で共に父様を捜すことになる。

I, who knew of the secret of the furies had ended up searching for my father together with them as they had the same motives as well.

副長の小姓といという立場を与えられ、新選組の元での生活が始めまったのだ。

Given the position of the vice-captain’s squire, I started my life in the Shinsengumi.

新選組わ恐ろしい浪士集団と聞いていたが、彼らとの生活や事件を通して、その思いは払拭されていく。

I had heard about how the Shinsengumi had been a terrifying group of samurai but that thinking has long since been dispelled through the time I lived together with them and the incidents I had experienced with them.

浪士集団と聞いていたが、彼らとの生活や事件を通して、その思いは払拭されていく

I had also heard that they had been a group of samurais but that thought had also been slowly dispelled throughout the time I lived with them.

京の治安をる彼らの姿や志は、地位や権力を振りかざす当世の武士より、よほど武士のものなのだと——。

Their appearance and aspirations of peace for Kyoto were more of a samurai compared to those who flaunted their status and strength——。

そんな中、山南さんは新選組の総長という役職で、近藤さんや土方さんを補佐をしていた。

Meanwhile, Sannan had assisted Kondo and Hijikata as the Shinsengumi’s Colonel.

剣の腕も立ち、人柄も良かったのだが、怪我で刀を持てなくなったことから、人を避けふさぎ込むことが多くなっていき......。

He was outstanding with a sword and had a great personality, however, due to an injury which caused him to be unable to wield a sword any longer, he had started to avoid people......。

やがて、新選組の参謀として入隊した伊東の登場により、己の立場を失ったと思い話めてしまうのだった。

Eventually, there has been talk of him losing his position with the advent of Ito who had joined the ranks of the Shinsengumi.  

そして、怪我をした左腕を再び動かすため、変若水を飲み羅刹となった彼は、新選組の影の存在となるのだった。

And then, in order to move his left arm again, he drank the water of life and became a fury, becoming one of those who lived in the shadows of the Shinsengumi.

自らを【鬼】と名乗る者たちとの戦いや、山南さんの羅刹研究を通して、新選組で羅刹の存在はどんどん広まっていく。

Through the fight with those who had called themselves【Oni】along with Sannan’s research, the existence of the furies slowly become known within the Shinsengumi.

そして、時代は風雲急を告げる。

And then, an era had passed.

倒幕の気運の高まりとともに、幕府と薩摩や長州等の敵対する勢力との戦は、避けられないものととなったのだ。

As the rise of overtaking powers increased, the battle between the Shogunate and the opposing factors such as the Satsuma and the Choshu became inevitable.

その戦の最中、山南さん羅刹の力を振るいながら敵と戦った。

In the middle of battle, Sannan had wielded his strength as a fury to fight against the enemy.

血を求めるように戦に望むその姿は、初めて見たときのような羅刹の狂気を感じさせるもので......。

That blood-seeking figure plunging through the battle had resembled the madness of the furies I had first seen……。

けれど、敵側に味方する父・綱道、そして実の兄である南雲薫から私を守ってくれたのは、山南さんだった。

However, the one who had protected me from my father who had gone to the enemy's side, and my real brother had been none other Sannan.

戦は薩長側の勝利に終わり、京の地を追われた新選組は、江戸を目指したのだった。

The battle ended with the Satsuma as the victor and the Shinsengumi who had been stationed in the lands of Kyoto went onwards to Edo.

xxxxxxx

序章——第1章 (Prologue, Chapter 1)

鳥羽伏見の戦で敗北を喫した新選組が、幕府軍と共に海路で江戸へ到着した後。

After the battle of Toba-Fushimi, the defeated Shinsengumi arrived in Edo together with the Shogunate army via sea.

近藤さんは引き続き松本先生の下で、他の負傷した隊士たちも横浜の病院で、入院を余儀なくされてしまう。

Kondo had continued to remain under Doctor Matsumoto and the other injured forces were hospitalised at the Yokohama Hospital.

さらには病状の悪化した沖由さんも、千駄ヶ谷で療養すに至り......。

Furthermore, Okita went to get medical treatment at Sendagaya due to his worsening medical condition......。

品川の宿【釜屋】に滞在中の新選組には、連日のように苦しい空気が流れていた。

The Shinsengumi who were staying at the Shinagawa’s inn【Kamaya】had a sullen air around them everyday.

何しろ局長がいない上に、副長も臣たちと協議のため不在がち。

Since there wasn’t a commander at all, the vice-captain had also tended to be absent due to consultations with the ministers.

となれば隊たちに焦燥感が募るのも、当然と言えば当然かもしれない。

It might be natural to say that everyone would naturally feel frustrated about it.

…...私たちは、新選組は、これからどうなってしまうのだろう。

…...I wonder what will happen from the shinsengumi from now on.

誰もがそんなことを考えてしまう、ある日の夜のこと——。

While everyone’s thinking of that, it had been something that happened at night one day——。

Xxxxxx

土方歳三「江戸市中の見回りをしたい、だと?」

Hijikata Toshizo「You’re saying that you want to know the surroundings of Edo?」

山南敬助「ええ、つまりは巡察です」

Sannan Keisuke「Indeed, in other words, a patrol.」

多々に釜屋へ戻った土方さんに、そんな話切り出たのは山南さんだった。

The only person who would bring up that topic to Hijikata who had returned to the Kamaya many times was none other than Sannan.

山南敬助「元より京にいた時代から、我々新選組の本分は市中の治安維持。それは江戸に来ても変わらないでしょう?」

Sannan Keisuke「From the time when we were in Kyoto, we, the Shinsengumi had been maintaining public order of the market. That won’t change even if we’ve come to Edo, no?」

土方歳三「......言いたいことはわかる。こが今はそれどころじゃねえだろ。動ける隊士もそう多くはないんだ」

Hijikata Toshizo「I know what you’re trying to say. But now’s not the time for it, is it? We don’t have much mobile units to spare」

山南敬助「いいえ。今だからこそ、ですよ」

Sannan Keisuke「No. It’s precisely now that we should.」

山南敬助「最近のここは無残な程に活気がありません。永倉君たちに至っては憂さを晴らすかのように、毎晚酒を飲み歩く始末......」

Sannan Keisuke「Recently, things here haven’t been the least bit  lively at all. Nagakura and the rest have been walking away, drinking and drinking, as if to clear up the melancholiness they feel」

山南敬助「皆、伏見奉行所での敗戦で打ちのめされ、己の道を見失いくすぶっているのです」

Sannan Keisuke「Everyone’s been overwhelmed by the defeat at the Fushimi magistrate place, lost their way of sight and are down in the dumps」

土方歳三「だから今、何か目的を与えて少しでも発散させとこうってわけか」

Hijikata Toshizo「So you’re trying to say that we should give them a purpose and distract them from it even if a little.」

山南敬助「それに江戸の民への宣伝にもなります。夜の巡察なら羅刹隊も出られますしね」

Sannan Keisuke「It’ll also serve as publicity to the people of Edo. Besides, the fury corps can also participate in the night patrols」

土方歳三「......何もしねえよりはマツか」

Hijikata Toshizo「.....It’s better than doing nothing huh.」

土方歳三「わかった。俺のほうで手筈を整えておく。山南さんは羅刹隊を頼む」

Hijikata Toshizo「Alright. I’ll prepare the arrangements on my side. I’ll be leaving the Fury Corps to you 」

渋々という感じだったけど土方さんは承諾したみたいだった。

It felt as if he had been reluctant about it but Hijikata had seemed to accept it.

脇に控えていた私は空になった湯呑みを下げ���つ、山南さんへ言葉を向けた。

As I had been beside him, I lowered the empty cup and turned to talk to Sannan.

雪村千鶴「あの、大丈夫なんですか?」

Yukimura Chizuru「Um, is that really alright?」

山南敬助「何がです?」

Sannan Keisuke「What is?」

雪村千鶴「市中の警護も大切な仕事だとは思いますけど......」

Yukimura Chizuru「I do think that maintaining security in the market is an important task but…...」

最近の山南さんは今までにも増して、仕事に精を出すようになっている。

Recently, Sannan has been getting more and more work.

今日だって昼に寝る間も小昔しんで、変若水の研究を続けていたのに。

Even though he slept a little till noon today, he’s still continuing the research on the water of life.

雪村千鶴「この上、夜に巡察まで入れたら、休む暇もないんじゃ?」

Yukimura Chizuru「If you’re going to do patrols at night too above that, won’t you have time to rest?」

山南敬助「いえ、多少の苦労など、たいしたことではありませんよ」

Sannan Keisuke「No, something like this isn’t much of a big deal 」

山南敬助「......その苦労すらできなくなってしまった人たちもいるのですから」

Sannan Keisuke「......Because there’re some people who can no longer bear this hardship」

雪村千鶴「そう......ですね」

Yukimura Chizuru「You’re…...right」

xxxxxxx

私を庇って敵に立ち向かい、そのまま帰らぬ人となった井上さん。

Inoue who had covered for me and faced the enemy had never made it home.

今際の際で変若水に手を伸ばそうとした、山崎さん。

Yamazaki-san who had tried to reach out to the water of life at the very last minute.

京の地で散ってしまった、大切な仲間たち......。

Important friends of ours who had gotten scattered all over Kyoto grounds......。

xxxxxxx

彼らのことを思い出しているのか、山南さんは目をせてつぶやいた。

Sannan had closed his eyes as he remembered them.

山南敬助「あのとき変若水があれば、二人とて助かったかもしれあい......。だから私は今後も薬の研究を続けます」

Sannan Keisuke「If there had been the water of life back then, it might have saved the both of them......。That’s why I’ll continue the research on the medicine in the future as well」

山南敬助「実際に用いるかは別の問題として、あって困るものではないはずですから」

Sannan Keisuke「It isn’t exactly a problem since whether it is actually being used is another problem in of itself」

人として死ぬか。

Whether one dies as a human.

それとも羅刹として生き、影から新選組を支え続けるのか。

Or one lives on as a fury and supports the Shinsengumi from the shadows.

それは容易に答えの出せない問題だけど、せめてその選択肢を用意できるように。

It’s not a question that can be easily answered but we can prepare that option at the very least.

そんな彼の想いが痛いほど伝わってきて、 私はふと口を開いていた。

I suddenly opened my mouth to speak as those thoughts of his transmitted painfully across.

雪村千鶴「 あの、 そういえば……。私にも協力できることがあるかもしれません」

Yukimura Chizuru「Um, come to think of it……。There might be something I can help with」

山南敬助「協力、 というと？ 」

Sannan Keisuke「 Something you can help with?」

雪村千鶴「 せっかく江戸に来たんですし、 明日にでも私の実家にご案内します」

Yukimura Chizuru「Since we came all the way to Edo, I thought that I could bring you to my home」

雪村千鶴「 ひょっとしたら変若水について、 父が家に資料を残しているかもしれませんから」

Yukimura Chizuru「There might be some notes or documents regarding the water of life that Father left behind back home 」

Xxxxxxxx

翌日の夕方——。

During the evening of the next day——。

私が京へと発ってから、 四年振りに訪れることとなった実家。

I visited the home that I’ve not returned to for 4 years since I left for Kyoto.

主が去って久しい雪村診療所は、どこか寂しげな佇まいで私を出迎えてくれた。

The Yukimura Clinic which had been abandoned for a long time greeted me with a somewhat lonely appearance.

山南敬助「 なるほど。 ここが雪村君の実家、というわけですか」

Sannan Keisuke「I see. So this is your home」

山南敬助「 女性の実家を訪れるなら手土産のひとつも持ってくるべきでしたかね」

Sannan Keisuke「Though, I’m not carrying a single gift at all even though I’m visiting a girl’s home 」

軽口を叩く山南さんに苦笑して中へ入ると、 どこか懐かしい香りが私の記憶を刺激する。

After Sannan had entered with a bitter smile on his face, a nostalgic fragrance from somewhere brought up memories within me.

うっすらと積もった埃。

Dust had piled up.

勝手気ままに顔を出す庭の雑草。

The garden was a mess of overgrown weeds

懐かしさに目を細めて歩きながら、私は室内を丁寧に巡り始めた。

I begin to carefully circle the interior as waves of nostalgia hit me.

机の引き出しを片っ端から開き。

I opened the desk-drawer on one end.

書棚の本を一冊ずつ調べ。

Searched the books on the bookshelves one by one.

押入れをかき回して。

Checked through the closets.

勝手知ったる自分の家、 いろいろと調べてはみたものの、 さしたる成果が出るわけでもない。

Even though it was my own house, I couldn’t find anything no matter how much I flipped and searched.

雪村千鶴「 蘭学の資料だったら、 数えきれないほどありますけど……」

Yukimura Chizuru「There are many documents and notes about medicines but…...」

雪村千鶴「 羅刹の研究に繋がりそうなものは、 どうにも見当たりませんね」

Yukimura Chizuru「I can’t find anything regarding the research on furies at all」

山南敬助「 となれば探すべきは......。 普段は想像もしない場所ですね」

Sannan Keisuke「If that’s so then the place we should be searching would be......。A place which one would not imagine it to be a」

山南さんは床に体重をかけながら、ゆっくりと室内を一周。

Sannan slowly went around the room while putting weight on the floorboards.

それから首を捻りつつ、 屈みこんで床へ手を掛けた。

And then he turned his neck sideways before crooking the floorboard open.

山南敬助「 なるほど。......ここですか」

Sannan Keisuke「I see。......So it was over here」

雪村千鶴「 何をするんですか！ ？ 」

Yukimura Chizuru「What are you doing!?」

山南敬助「 この部屋を歩き回ってみた時、ここだけ床板の軋む音が違ったんですよ」

Sannan Keisuke「When I had walked around the room, the sound of this floorboard sounded different from the others」

山南敬助「 外れたら修理するつもりでしたが、 私の勘も捨てたものではありませんね」

Sannan Keisuke「It might have needed mending but it seems like my intuition wasn’t wrong about it」

床板を引き剥がした先にあったのは、 床下にぽっかり空いた不自然な空洞。

When he had removed the floorboard,  there was an unusual hollow spot below the floor.

押し込められた書簡や紙の束を手に、 山南さんは薄く微笑んだ。

Sannan smiled thinly, holding a bunch of handwritten letters and papers in hand.

雪村千鶴「 こんなところに隠してあるなんて……。 自分の家なのに気付きもしませんでした」

Yukimura Chizuru「To think that it’ll be hiding in such a place……。I didn’t notice it even though it’s my own house」

山南敬助「 私も半信半疑でしたけどね。 見つかったのは沖田君のおかげですよ」

Sannan Keisuke「I was also dubious about it. It’s thanks to Okita that I found it 」

山南敬助「 彼は土方君の隠した句集を見つける度、自慢げに武勇伝を話してくれましたから」

Sannan Keisuke「He had proudly told me the tactics which he had used to prevent Hijikata from finding the phrase book that he hid」

雪村千鶴「 まさかその中に、 床下に句集を隠した話があったんですか......? 」

Yukimura Chizuru「No way, he hid the phrase book under the floorboards……?」

見つかったのは嬉しいけど、笑っていいのか呆れていいのか。

I’m glad that we found it but I didn’t know whether I should laugh or simply be amazed.

私は気を取り直すと真剣な顔で資料を手に取って目を走らせた。

He took no notice of me as he ran his eyes through the documents with serious eyes.

山南敬助「 ——変若水の素となったのは、 遥か西欧に住むという鬼の血液である」

Sannan Keisuke「——The origin of the water of life is the blood of the Onis who lived in the far west of Europe」

山南敬助「 原液の量が限られているため現在は希釈しての利用が主となるが、いずれ枯渇するのは明白」

Sannan Keisuke「Because the amount of it in stick is limited, it’s now mainly used only after dilution thought it’s obvious that it’ll eventually be depleted one day」

山南敬助「 となれば一刻も早く変若水の培養法を確立せねばならない」

Sannan Keisuke「We must find a cultivation method for the water of life as soon as possible」

山南敬助「 …… 綱道さんがいつから羅刹の研究をしていたのかはわかりませんが」

Sannan Keisuke「......I don’t know when Doctor Matsumoto had started his research on the furies but」

山南敬助「 新選組へあの薬をもたらした時には、既にある程度知識があったようですね」

Sannan Keisuke「it seems like he already had some knowledge of it when he had brought that medicine to the Shinsengumi」

山南敬助「 にも拘わらず私たちには詳細を伏せ、対処法も示すことはなかった…… 」

Sannan Keisuke「Nevertheless, we were neither given the details of it nor shown how to deal with it」

山南敬助「 私たちの羅刹を【 実験】 と呼んだのは、 そういう意味だったわけですか」

Sannan Keisuke「So our【 Experiment】for the Furies meant exactly like what it’s called?」

......頁をめくり読み進める度に、私たちの顔は険しさを深めていく。

…...Our faces darkened every time we continued reading through the pages,.

やがて資料に目を通し終えたのは、 もう完全に陽が沈んだ後のことだった。

It was only till the sun had completely set that we had finished reading through all the documents.

雪村千鶴「 …… こっちの資料に書かれているのは、 羅刹の吸血衝動を抑制する薬みたいです」

Yukimura Chizuru「......What’s written in these documents seem to be a medicine which can suppress the blood-drinking impulses of the furies」

山南敬助「 ええ。 ただしこれだけでは発作が起きた時の対症療法に過ぎません」

Sannan Keisuke「Indeed. However, it’s only a momentarily treatment once a seizure has occured」

山南敬助「 しかし、 もしもこの薬を突き詰めることができたなら……」

Sannan Keisuke「If, we can make a breakthrough with this medicine…...」

[kamenowriting]

Cry under the Moonlight Chapter 2: Enemy or Ally..?

Fandom: Hakuouki Summary: [AU/Canon]: When two enemies met such an unexpected fate, that’s how they’re starting to fall in love in oblivious. Characters: [Kazama Chikage & Saitou Hajime], [Hijikata Toshizou & Okita Souji] Pairings: Harem!Saitou(Kazama/Hijikata/onesided!Okita x Saitou) but eventually KazaSai & HijiOki Genres: Romance, angst & hurt/comfort Rated: M rated Words: 13, 659 Warnings: Grammar error, AU, OOC-ness, BL, yaoi, boyxboy, and yandere!Souji

A/N: Hello everyone. So, it’s been such a long time I haven’t posting any of my writings. I do apologize for this. Just a very popular writer’s problem; having an artist’s block and all. But, after listening my fav Saitou-hen album and osts, my mood for this trash OTP is coming once more. I call my OTP trash cuz pretty sure that this pairing is impossible to ship unless you have a kink sadistic seme x masochist uke like I am.

However, just because my mood for this pairing is back, that doesn’t mean I’ll be posting pretty often. My college life has finally over. But I’m taking a practical training this time, which is, it’s pretty much keeps me away Tumblr even more OTL But hey, I decided to continue on writing this story once more as I find this plot pretty interesting despite the summary pretty suck.

Disclaimer: Obviously I don’t own Hakuouki nor the characters especially Kazama and Saitou. But I do love Kazama’s character in Saitou route of Shinkai. His expression looks quite… exciting and sadistic-er than the previous Hakuouki.

Preview: 

"I understand." Saitou said, stood up from his place as he started to leave then. "I'll be leaving at the dusk then."

"Saitou."

The indigo-haired man stopped from mid-walking when the Vice-Commander called his name. His ocean-blue orbs took a glanced into the beautiful onyx one

"Sorry about this." Hijikata said with a regretful tone. "I always dump the nasty work on you."

"Not at all." Saitou faced away then. "Do not dwell upon it."

"Ehhh~ Don't ya think he's been relying on ya too much?"

"Why does it matter?"

There was a quiet moment between them until Souji broke a silent moment with another grin on his face.

"In that case, that would make this place feeling lonely without ya, Hajime-kun." Souji said, crossing his arms behind his head.

"I don't see any different whether my presence here or not."

"Hmm... Ya may be right.."

"I'm impressed." Kazama began. "For a bakufu dog such as you are, you have such a good manner."

"Eh...?" Blinked in confusion at the sudden of... maybe a compliment? Saitou lowered his face then, not knowing what to do anymore being alone with a demon in the isolate room.

This is an AU fic where the event of the Shinsengumi meeting the Yukimura girl were never happen,

instead it merely focus between Saitou and Kazama

If you’re against Kazama and Saitou pairing, I suggest not to read it.

One night, he's starting to dream.

Saitou Hajime walked to the hallway as silent as he is. Arriving at the destination, the indigo stood there in front of the vice-commander's room like a statue before readying himself to see the Vice-Commander.

Exhaled quietly, Saitou began to speak from outside and the indigo has to make sure that his voice could reach to the Vice-Commander’s room despite he has a quiet and stoic attitude.

"Fukuchou, it's me, Saitou Hajime."

It took several seconds then the left-handed man waiting patiently to hear the Vice-Commander's answer as if he was like a loyal dog who's waiting his master to have a permission to sit on his lap.

"Ah. You can come in, Saitou."

Hijikata finally replied inside his room, his tone was cold like an iceberg that could not melt very easily, however to Saitou's view, his voice was calm and gentle like a soft breeze at the peaceful hill. Oh how Saitou had desired of so much to hear his voiced next to his ear, whispering him of how much he loves him, wanting to kiss him and do stuff like—

..wait, where's that thoughts coming from?!

Shaking his head to leave those thoughts out from his head, Saitou begin to open the shoji door and closed it back once he had entered the raven-haired Vice-Commander's room. The first thing he saw is the strong, broad-back of Hijikata's. It look likes there are more of paperwork he has to finish, as usual. The indigo wondered when would Hijikata takes a break then..?

After he satisfied taking a secretly gazed on the Vice-Commander's back, Saitou took a very polite sit on the purple cushion that Hijikata has been prepared of despite he hasn't looked at the indigo in the eyes yet.

He is one a workaholic Oni no Fukuchou as expected.

..Well, talk about himself..

Even Saitou can be a workaholic especially if it’s an order by Hijikata.

Taking a glanced around the room, the indigo-haired man had noticed that Hijikata hasn't finished eating the sakura mochis that the indigo had prepared before he taking a day off.

He probably should lecture for not taking care of his health.. then again, would that helps him knowing that he has no place to lecture him since he's just a mere Captain of the 3rd Division.. 

For several moments neither of them starts a conversation nor trying to break of this quiet moment.

Of course, as silent as Saitou is, he has always enjoyed this quiet peacefulness. He'd never sense of awkwardness whoever he's being with. He especially enjoyed spending this atmosphere with Hijikata. Despite the raven-haired ronin can be hot-tempered, yet he does enjoy this quiet peacefulness as well.

Compared stucking with the Baka Trio for a whole day..

Just thinking about it, Hijikata would have prepared to dig his grave by now.. 

And now back to Hijikata’s perspective about the quiet atmosphere.. well, the raven-haired man was too focus on his paperwork that he even almost forget of Saitou's presence no matter how much important that indigo-haired man for him.

Knowing that this would take forever, Saitou has finally decided to break this silent moment. It's very unlike him, of course. 

Saitou began to speak first, but knowing that Hijikata was still busy.. he shouldn't stays here longer as he doesn't want to bother the Vice-Commander. "Fukuchou, I've heard from Kondou-san that you've come to see me. Is there anything I can help you with?"

After Saitou had spoken, Hijikata put down his brush on the table and faced to his captain.

Despite being a workaholic.

Ahh... Fukuchou.. Saitou still finds this man so fascinating one. Those beautiful, soft, raven strands of hair of Hijikata's. Eyes were cold like an iceberg, but behind of those orbs, there was a warmth feeling like a ray of sunlight. And those strong and muscular arms that Hijikata was born. He wondered if Saitou would've been safe if he had been embraced by those strong arms of Hijikata's.

Oh how he wished he could be with him every night, snuggling behind his broad-back, believing that everything's would be alright. As long as he could sleep next to him, everything would be—

..Ack! Those thoughts again!

Since when had he started to think this way about him..?!!

..Actually it’s been this way since he’d first joined the Roshigumi.

And yes, ladies and gentlemen, Saitou Hajime has a biggest crush on none other than the Vice-Commander.

Thankfully those thoughts didn't last longer as Hijikata's voice returned him back to reality.

"Yeah.. I've got a new mission for you, Saitou."

Saitou nodded in understanding, waiting for the raven-haired man continued to speak so that he could explain what mission should the indigo man should finish of."You've already heard the rumors about the abandon shop, right?"

That's right. Rumors had been spreading around the Kyoto that the abandon house next to the sweet shop has been haunted night after night. But from what the Shinsengumi found out from Yamazaki, it looks like it has become the members of Satsuma-han secret hideout for a meeting.

Either one of a member of Satsuma-han gave a false rumor to keep everyone away from abandon house, or there's a definitely a ghost in the abandon house.

..Of course to Hijikata, there's no such thing as a ghost. ...Unless he's the ghost.

"According from Yamazaki-san, the abandon house has become the Satsuma-han's meeting base although none of their meeting were scheming onto something dangerous, from what I've heard."

Hijikata nodded.

"Yeah, I've heard that too. However, I don't like this feeling." the Vice-Commander muttered under his breathed as he started to mumble in worriedly. "Whatever they're meeting all about, I want you to spy on them and see what's going on."

"So you want me to arrest them once we've found something like that?"

Hijikata nodded. "Ah. This way we're pretty sure we could find Kodou's whereabouts."

"I understand." Saitou said, stood up from his place as he started to leave then. "I'll be leaving at the dusk then."

"Saitou."

The indigo-haired man stopped from mid-walking when the Vice-Commander called his name. His ocean-blue orbs took a glanced into the beautiful onyx one

"Sorry about this." Hijikata said with a regretful tone. "I always dump the nasty work on you."

"Not at all." Saitou faced away then. "Do not dwell upon it."

With that, the indigo-haired closed the shoji door and walked to the hallway to find his men whom they're taking a break from their morning training.

Upon of walking on a long hallway, Saitou met a familiar captain whom leaning against a wall as if he was waiting for someone to tease.

"Yo, Hajime-kun." There was a wide playful smirk on the Captain of the First Division.

"Souji."

Saitou greeted with calling his friend's name only.

"So what does the mother hen wants from you?" Souji asked curiously, following the indigo-haired man as he tried to search his men at the backyard.

"Just another mission."

"Ehhh~ Don't ya think he's been relying on ya too much?"

"Why does it matter?"

There was a quiet moment between them until Souji broke a silent moment with another grin on his face.

"In that case, that would make this place feeling lonely without ya, Hajime-kun." Souji said, crossing his arms behind his head.

"I don't see any different whether my presence here or not."

"Hmm... Ya may be right.."

Whether Saitou's presence is exists in their dinner time or not, but the Baka Trio would almost do their stupid things as usual, while Souji would drive Hijikata crazy. Mostly in dinner, lunch or breakfast time, Saitou eating his food very quietly and disappeared his presence in the dining room as if he was a dandelion who won't stay one place too long.

Upon of continuing walked all the way to the backyard, when there's no one beside two men, Souji entrapped Saitou on the wall with his muscular arms so that the indigo won't go anywhere else. There was a happily grin on Souji's face. Emerald orbs gazed into the ocean-blue ones in a hidden of lust thankfully Saitou didn't noticed how much Souji loves this quiet man so much.

"What are you doing, Souji?" Saitou said, using his usual monotone voice as he had no time to play around with the playful captain, knowing that it's almost dusk already. But at the same time however, Saitou feels himself feeling uncomfortable entrapping by his friend.

"Mmm.... no way." Souji widen his grin then, in which, brings Saitou gazed on him in puzzled.

"What are you—"

"Hajime-kun," the mischievous captain stopped him from mid-sentence, and there was still a cat-like smirk on his face. Souji leaned to Saitou closer so that their nose were dancing together, and whispered very softly to make sure only the indigo-haired man hears his voiced: "I like you."

"What?" Saitou said stupidily, raising his left eyebrow in confused.

"Like I said," Souji whispered once more. "I like ya. I like ya for along time now." The Captain of the First Division was expecting that his friend would stunned upon of a sudden confession.

However...

Saitou replied with a sigh of... was that disgustingly Souji could sense? When their eyes gazed onto each other, Saitou put his palm of hand on Souji's chest, gesturing to move away as if that's his answer.

"I'm sorry Souji, but I do not quite understand of your words very well." Saitou spoke straightforward. "If you excuse me, I have to leave—"

Before Souji let this happening, the not-so-playful-captain-anymore gripped Saitou's wrist tightly, gesturing his friend that he wasn't joking around about it.

When Saitou noticed how unlike Souji is, Souji began to grip his friend's chin and make sure their eyes didn't turned away on elsewhere. It was very unlike to see Souji this way. His eyes were cold, similar as Hijikata's but way colder than the Vice-Commander's one. His playfully grin disappeared on his face as if he has a split personality.

"Well maybe this could make you understand."

The Captain of 1st Division began to lean to Saitou's face very closely. The indigo was still too dumb to know what does Souji intending to do.

When their lips were about inches away by now, Kami was such a cruel toward to the poor Souji.

A familiar gentle male voice brings Saitou back to himself:

"Oh there you are, Saitou."

The indigo-haired man faced to the gorgeous Vice-Commander quickly that he even forget the presence of Souji.

"I almost forgot that I need you for a moment." Hijikata said with a hidden of smile, not wanting to show his gentle side in front of other men. "Souji, I need to borrow Saitou right now. Shouldn't you suppose to train your men already?"

Souji didn't spoke anything, only groaned with filled of anger and maybe jealously as well? It took quite moment then Souji moved backward from the indigo and started to leave without any words.

Once the indigo began to walk next to Hijikata, Saitou took a glanced on the back of Souji who's still looks in a bad mood.

He wondered what he's trying to do..?

I like ya, Hajime-kun

He doesn't get of Souji's words so well..

Shaking his thoughts from his head then, Saitou began to follow the Vice-Commander and do whatever he can to be a very useful person for Hijikata

...and Hijikata only.

.

.

.

When his dream had finally starting to end, Saitou Hajime had finally regained his conscious back. Eyes fluttering opened like a butterfly, the indigo-haired man sat up and tried to take a looked around the room.

This is...

Eyes wandering the room once more, the left-handed ronin realized he wasn't in the abandon house anymore.

What.. happened to him last night..?

Trying to remember whatever happened to him before he fell into a deep unconscious, it wasn't taking longer after then his memory about yesterday have finally regain back.

Ah.. that's right.

He and his men were suppose to spy on the Satsuma-han who's intending a meeting at the abandon house next to the sweet shop. When they had failed to chase the dark figure, possibly one of a member of Satsuma-han, a certain member of Satsuma-han gave a strange medicine that brings him fall into unconscious. And after then.. he's been... r-rape by a group of Satsuma-han. Thankfully, they're not as many as Saitou has thought to be.

They're quite brutal for an enemy of Shinsengumi...

Not to mention it, he couldn't quite remember for how many rounds they've done so far but it almost look likes to be more than 5 times.

"Urrgh..." Saitou muttered under his breathed as he finds his lower body feeling sore. Untie his clothes, Saitou finds himself a little frightened to see his naked body by now. There are many deep scratches and bit all over the places; arms, hands, chest, and legs.

He wondered what does Hijikata thought once he finds out about this...

The thought of him makes him feel an urged to disappear in Kyoto by now.

Trying to caress some bruises he received on his right arm then. The next thing he knew, he could felt there's a wrapped-cloth on his upperarm.

"Eh...?"

Saitou eyed on it in confusion, didn't noticed until now that several of it it has been bandaging perfectly.

"Who did this..?"

Saitou questioned to the lonely wind.

His eyes then taking a glanced around the room once more, he finally realized that the room was filled with a sweet, and fresh scent that could make Saitou easily to breathe compared to the abandon house one. The room was so quiet that he couldn't even hear a sound of the crickets were singing anymore as if he was the only one that living in this world.

Where could he be—

Not long after then, the shoji door opened automatically, and revealed a familiar presence in the room.

"It's about time for you to awake already."

A male voiced spoke in a deep tone one that could brings Saitou shivered down in all over spine.

He couldn't helped but feels an urged to wide his eyes like a saucer, and gaped like a fish.

Of all the person he met, why here...?

The presence at the shoji door was none other than

Kazama Chikage.

A mysterious, yet powerful ronin whom is also a member of Satsuma-han, an enemy of Shinsengumi. It was revealed that he is also an Oni of the West along with Amagiri and the gunslinger, Shiranui(except he’s not a demon from the West). Kazama’s also the strongest demon in the West clan, if he wasn't mistaking hear it from him. It's already been the third times they've encountered him. The first is in Ikeda Inn, second ones at the Mount Ten'nou, and lastly, at the Nishi Hongwanji Temple.

Whatever reason he'd encountered the Shinsengumi for several times by now it was a little mysterious. However, the Demon does once warned them not to become a fake demon. And by meaning of fake demon, of course, he must have meant by the Rasetsu then...

Trying to be very cautious toward his enemy, Saitou used a defensive stance so that he wouldn't let his guard off.

He won't make a mistake this time..

Kazama gazed the indigo-haired man deeper, wondering what made him changed a posture like that."What are you doing? You do realize you've been very rude to someone who had saved you. You should be grateful."

"Eh...?"

Saitou's cold orbs soon melted away into confusion. Now that the Demon had mentioned it his injured from the last night had been aided by now. But still, don’t tell him that the Demon was the who bandaging his injuries…

Feeling guilty for being quite rude, just as the Demon had describe him of, Saitou lowered his head in apologetically, and speaking in a soft tone, to make sure the Demon accept his apologize.

"I-I'm sorry for being rude just now and... thank you.. for saving me and… aiding me as well."

As he waiting for an answer, Saitou could hear a deep chuckled on the Demon's lips. When the indigo-haired man began to raise his head, he could see just how attractive the Demon is with that wide smirk like a Cheshire cat.

Can a demon such as Kazama Chikage could make this kind expression toward his own enemy..?

"I'm impressed." Kazama began. "For a bakufu dog such as you are, you have such a good manner."

"Eh...?" Blinked in confusion at the sudden of... maybe a compliment? Saitou lowered his face then, not knowing what to do anymore being alone with a demon in the isolate room.

As he let his mind drift off on elsewhere, he hadn't realized until now that the Demon's presence had appeared just inches away of him. Before Saitou could make any movement, the Demon of the West instantly gripped the indigo's wrist very firmly, putting them above the other man's head in which, brings the stoic captain fell on the futon.

Eyes gazed into each other like a human world colliding into a demon world. Either of them hadn't faced on elsewhere as if they were having a staring competition.

The 3rd Captain of the Shinsengumi couldn't helped but to admire those beautiful, ruby orbs of Kazama’s. It reminds him of so much watching a beautiful sunset reaching down onto the horizon with the amazing and attractive Hijikata. It was one of the most cherish day he had ever have. But those eyes looked even more breathtaking than watching the sunset before night's coming.

Despite being an enemy of Shinsengumi, it's funny how Saitou amazed this man's beauty no matter how dangerous the demon is. But at the same time, the indigo couldn't sense any malevolent aura around the other man whether he's a member of Satsuma-han or not.

"I see that humans are quite sensitive one." The Demon began to whisper quietly, eyes went down to the younger man's long and curvy hips. The golden-haired man's hand started to untie Saitou’s obi, half-stripping off his black kimono, in which, the blonde-haired man could see Saitou’s naked hips even better.

Eyes widening opened because of getting stripped by his own enemy, Saitou began to struggle himself to stop at whatever the Demon is scheming of.

“W-Wait. What are you doing—?!”

Kazama ignored Saitou’s exclaimed as he put Saitou’s left hip on his shoulder while the other leave it on the futon. Pulling Saitou’s white fundoshi with his long and callous fingers, the indigo’s manhood began to react a little.

“I haven’t touching you yet but you’ve already reacting. Does getting rape really aroused you?”

The indigo-haired man didn’t spoke anything, too humiliated to think about that night as he buried his face with his muscular arms. Willing rather not to see his enemy’s expression/face.

“Well, whatever..” Kazama muttered quietly, leaning to Saitou’s pre-cum manhood, putting his cavern into it, and sucked in satisfiedly.

“A—Ahhh..!” Saitou moaned in erotically, not knowing where’s that voice coming from. Has he always had that kind of voice…?

What is this..? He had never experienced something like this before.. it’s different than how the members of the Satsuma-han treating him. It wasn’t disgusting he could felt this time. It felt so good. So good that he almost felt like he’s in heaven by now. Could it be..? Can he really say this word—

—pleasure?

“U-Ummmpgh..!” Saitou whined quietly, burying his fingers into Kazama’s gorgeous blonde hair as it doesn’t matter who’s taking a blowjob. Enemy or no, this is too much.

“C-Coming..” Saitou muttered, in which, the Demon’s eyes laid above to the lusty ocean-blue ones. “Something’s.. coming…!”

Understanding Saitou’s words, Kazama continued on taking a blowjob with a fast pace this time, while hearing the indigo’s sweet moaned close to him. When Saitou has finally reached its climax, white liquid released into the Demon’s cavern, in which, he gladly drink it all.

“You came a lot.” The Demon commented, wiping his chin to make sure he drank every last drop from his face.

“M-My deepest apologize.”

“No need. It’s natural for humans to ejaculation.”

While Saitou’s mind was filled with haze in pleasure, he hadn’t realized until now that the Demon was carrying him like a princess-like styled and started to leave the isolate room.

Where is he taking to..?

When the Demon entered to the unknown room, the room was dyed in a white colored like a radiant light. The room was also engulf with a white mist.

Is this.. bathroom…?

Kazama putting Saitou down on the floor and make sure he could stand despite his mind was still hazy. While waiting for his mind back to reality, the indigo noticed that the Demon of the West was pouring a bucket of water.

“What are you—?“

Before Saitou could finished his sentence, Kazama answered his question without hesitated while his eyes were still eyeing on the pipe.

“Cleaning you.”

“Eh..?” Saitou said stupidly, too puzzled of whatever the Demon spoke about.

Kazama sighed.

Humans are quite stupid, huh?

“What? You don’t want to clean yourself after all what happened that night. You’re reek”

…Oh. So that’s what is.

“Then.. take off your clothes.”

“Wh-what?!”

Once again, being slightly stupid, Saitou asked another stupid question. Then again, the indigo was quite surprised at the sudden of command.

“What? You want to take a bath while wearing your clothes? Is that how humans hygiene themselves?”

At that, Saitou remained quiet, not knowing what to say anymore.

Why would the demon treated him this way?

Shouldn’t they suppose to be an enemy?

“I can take a bath on my own, thank you.”

“Don’t be stubborn. With that many rounds you’ve got rape, I doubt that you can hygiene yourself.”

“Shut up…” Saitou hissed. “I’ll be fine. So just leave me—“

Before Saitou could finished it, knowing that he’s been standing up for much longer, his hips starting to shake like a leaf, without realizing it, his body was about to collapse on the floor.

Before his body could landed on the cold floor, Saitou realized that someone had held his body safely. The next thing he knew, his body were enwrapping by a very strong and muscular arms. His chest crashed into the other man’s broad chest that makes him feel an urged to flush in red already.

He eyed on whoever saved him from falling on the cold floor and it was obviously the Demon of the West.

Kazama sighed in annoyingly once again.

“See? Can’t you, human, stop being a stubborn and at least be grateful for this.”

Saitou whined quietly and finally given up himself by letting the Demon taking care of him.

The indigo started to untie his obi, letting his black kimono sliding down on his body to the floor. Still didn’t trusted his enemy, Saitou moved his hand to his private so that the Demon won’t gazed on him in hungrily.

Following the Demon’s demand by sitting on the stool, Saitou began to shiver at the touches of the Demon’s drench, callous palm of hands. He started to clean Saitou by pouring a bucket of cold water above Saitou’s indigo hair before caressing his warm hands on the younger man’s pale and pure-ish naked body.

The golden-haired man had to admit it, this was his very first time touching human’s body before, especially man. Of course, he wouldn’t dare to touch woman’s body except once he and the woman/demoness’ body had court by now.

The human’s body was so soft and fragile that the noble demon had the greatest urged in need to leave some bite marks on his body or even give some scratch marks with his long and sharp fingers. He wondered what kind of sounds would the human make once he pinch his broad back harder until a bead of red liquid started to form…

The Demon’s thought soon went away as he heard a soft whine echoed around the elegant bathroom. The next thing Kazama knew, it was none other than the younger man’s.

I see. So he’s quite sensitive despite being a stoic ronin.

Kazama couldn’t helped but to chuckle at that.

Letting the younger man’s head rested on the Demon’s broad shoulder. Putting a soap liquid on his palm hands and make sure the Demon rubbed his hands together to form a big foam, he caressed the human’s body with his coated-filled palm of hands like an ice rink.

Each reaction the indigo-haired man made brings Kazama’s smirk turned into wider than the Cheshire cat from those nonsense humans fairy-tale. Satisfiedly, the Demon stopped his long and tender fingers on the other man’s attractive right nipple, starting to pinch and rub in teasingly in which, the Shinsengumi ronin released a very sweet moan from his soft lips.

“I see that you’re quite enjoying that.” Kazama chuckled sadistically-ish, licking and biting the human’s cute earlobe.

While continuing on torturing the human’s adorable nipple bud, the other man started to mutter something.

“Y-You’re—“

“Hm? Is there anything you wanted to say?” the Demon teased him, moving on playing his other nipple.

“Y-you’re—“ panted harder. “You’re wrong.”

Slightly stunned at the human’s word. But instead of continuing on gapping like a fish, Kazama’s smug began to twist in wider one, finding amusing to see this kind of side from the member of the Shinsengumi.

“Oh? Is that so? Then, how about if I do this,” Kazama said, stopped his work on the other man’s nipples, instead, moving his hand down on the indigo’s private part, bringing the human flushed in red upon of feeling a hard grip on his manhood.

Each moan the younger man let out made even erotically than ever.

“It looks like your body is being honest to me.” Kazama whispered next to the younger’s red ear, chuckled once more. Continuing on grasping the other man’s private part once more, bobbing it up and down until the other man’s reached its climax.

It wasn’t took last long that a white liquid began to spurt out from the tip of human’s erection, releasing another loud and lewd whine from his lips.

Too hazy to think of anymore, his world started to fall into a pitch of darkness as Saitou realized that he fell into a deep unconscious once again.

Fluttering his eyes opened once he’d regained back, Saitou sat up on the soft futon and tried remember everything’s how did he ended up fainting—

“So you’re finally wake up. I was expecting you won’t be until tomorrow.” A deep male voice spoke with a chuckle.

Searching for the familiar man’s voice, Saitou found him at the windowsill with his right hip and broad-chested exposed that the younger man felt an urged to move his eyes from elsewhere, while cheeks starting to flush in a deep scarlet.

Eyeing on his body, Saitou realized he didn’t wear his usual plain and black kimono. Instead, it was a white and thin yukata.

The Demon must have changed him while he was fall into unconscious a while ago…

“Where is this?” Saitou asked when his cheeks finally turned back to normal, his blue-ocean orbs laid into the crimson’s one while the Demon took out a puff of smoke from his kiseru in elegantly.

“My manor.” Kazama replied shortly. “To put it simply, the Hidden Demon Village.”

When silent falls between Saitou felt an urged to get out of here.

No..

He shouldn’t be here. He shouldn’t be in his own enemy’s… whatever places it is, headquarter, so-called-demon world and all. There’s a higher chance that the Demon might kill without the Shisengumi known.

I have to get out of here. I can’t stay here longer.

Determined to leave this place as soon as possible, Saitou began to break their silent moment.

“Thank you for everything but I must leave now.”

“Why?”

The Demon’s simple question drivin’ the indigo crazy already. Just stuck with an enemy of the Shinsengumi brings atmosphere around here awkward and cold as well. He could felt some dark stares pierced him deep inside of his chest as if they’re watching his every little move.

“I don’t see any point living here longer when it’s obviously that I’m not welcoming here.” Saitou explained. “In fact, I need to report to the Commander and Vice-Commander about whatever news I’ve got at the abandon shop.”

…wait. Why did the indigo told his enemy everything about this? Damn… the younger man bet that the Demon was definitely going to end his life by now. …Well, it’s too late to take it back.

With a long paused, after the Demon had puffed out another smoke from his lips, eyes wandered on the night scenery of Demon Village, replying with a very unlikely quiet tone.

“There’s no point to report whatever last night to the Shinsengumi now.”

“What do you.. mean?”

Saitou narrowed his eyes deeper on the Demon’s gorgeous figure.

What does he meant by that? True that he couldn’t find Kodou’s whereabouts from them and all. The least he knew that the abandon shop was several members of Satsuma-han’s secret meeting.

“I’ve already take care everything of them. They won’t come anymore.”

“What are you trying to—“

Before the younger man could speak more, the longer he stared into the Demon’s crimson orbs, the more he understood of his words.

He killed them all.

Every single member in that place.

Why…?

Saitou wondered.

How could the blonde-haired man managed to kill them all..?

…

No.

For a powerful ronin such as Kazama Chikage, killing those ronins were like stepping on a thousand of small ants with a boot.

But more importantly is

How could he do this…?

How could he—an enemy of Shinsengumi, killed his own allies?

Wasn’t he siding along with Satsuma-han?

“Why…?” Saitou murmured quietly.

Took out another smoke from his elegant lips, Kazama spoke with a very bored and dull tone:

“Stupid humans such as them aren’t worthy to exist here.”

Stupid, huh…?

Was he included in ‘stupid human’ as well…?

“If I’m one of this ‘stupid human’, why won’t you kill me as well?”

“Hmm… who knows.” Kazama’s smirk began to form on his lips as he continuedly put the kiseru back on his lips.

When Saitou lets his head down on the floor, it took a moments then the Demon had started to leave from the windowsill then. The Demon’s figure began to come closer to the younger man. Letting the indigo’s guard down, Saitou didn’t expected received a kiss from the Demon. The indigo was expected that his lips were rough like a bark of wood. Instead, it was very soft like sakura petals that were dancing around him. His enemy’s strong arms enwrapped around Saitou’s small body very slowly as if he wants to give a permission to let his body closed to his. When the Demon licked the younger man’s lower lip, not knowing what he’s doing; Saitou opened his cavern wider and lets the Demon devoured him everything.

“U-Ummmpgh…”

The indigo jumped slightly at a strange liquid poured deep into his cavern from Kazama’s.

Since when he—

Swallowing at whatever his enemy gave him into his throat, the blonde-haired man parting his lips away from Saitou’s. Their saliva began to create a bridge between Saitou’s to the Demon’s.

His mind and vision began to blur before he could let his slumber take his control him, the indigo murmured:

“Wh-what was..”

“Medicine.” Kazama answered. “Now sleep.”

Before Saitou could reached him to ask more, the Demon’s figure started to lay down on the futon next to Saitou.

His vision has finally fell into a pitch of darkness then.

Morning came, Saitou fluttering his eyes opened upon of hearing birds tweeting in early morning in sweetly. The wind breeze his soft hair like a dancing tree.

The indigo sat up on his futon and took a glanced around the room to find the Demon’s presence. Not long after taking several glanced around the room, Saitou found him at the corner. He was wearing his usual white kimono with red and blue obi. The Demon wouldn’t forget on wearing his favourite dark-brown haori with his family crest.

When the Demon noticed the younger man has finally woke up, there was a smug on his face as if he was intending to tease the indigo in early morning such as this.

“Having a good sleep?”

“…Something like that.” Saitou murmured at that.

Kazama replied with a nod and started to speak when he lets his eyes wandered off to the door.

“The servant will prepare food for you. Try to be a good Bakufu dog.”

Before the noble demon intended to leave, the younger man stopped him.

“Where are you going?”

“To the Satsuma-han headquarter.” Kazama answered. “You might as well stay here for a few days until your injured heals.”

“Why are you.. doing this to me?”

Kazama didn’t hesitated answer while there was still his usual arrogant smirk on his face.

“Just a… demon’s instinct.”

“Wh…”

Before Saitou speak more, Kazama had already leaves the room.

The younger man sighed.

Just what the Demon is trying to scheme of anyway..? Why would he treated him as if the younger man is… some kind of special guest?

His thought soon drifted away as the servant entered the room with a knock. Despite being a servant, he’s still young, but maybe a bit older than Heisuke. He brought a tray of food with a cup of tea.

“Here’s your food ordered by Lord Kazama.”

“Ah… thank you.” Saitou nodded in politely.

It wasn’t that long after then that the servant jumped slightly at the strange smell he felt around the room. As he lets his eyes laid into Saitou’s, the indigo haired man tilted his head in confused when the servant looked at him in suspicious and maybe… feared as well?

What’s wrong with him—

Once he had finished putting the food down on the tatami, the servant bowed before taking a leave in nervously.

What was that all about…?

Gazing his eyes down on his food, Saitou couldn’t helped but having a bad feeling when the servant looked into his eyes just now.

Could it be…

He’s a bit shocked to see a human’s presence in the Demon’s World?

The younger man knew that staying a stranger place was a very bad idea. Just what the Demon’s thinking anyway?

Well.. it wouldn’t hurt to stay here a little bit longer until the Demon returning home.

Once the sun had almost reached to the horizon, the sky has turned into red-orange colored. Several demons in the village were having their usual peaceful life where they didn’t give any care about what’s gonna happened to the Human’s world.

After taking a warm bath, Saitou wears a light-green kimono with a pattern of sunflower on his lower-right part. The clothes was a little big for him, but at least it didn’t slipped off his body that easily.

Most of his time for a whole day while waiting Kazama, Saitou took a walk around the big manor so that he could remember which rooms he should go and all. The Kazama Mansion was pretty big, he has to say. It’s even bigger than the one he and the Shinsengumi stayed before Nishi Hongwanji Temple. There are several rooms in there. Some of them are guests room, dining, living and even a study room as well.

Well, he must be a noble demon or something.

Also, Saitou has to make sure to avoid from getting closer to the servants’ presence so that he won’t make the mansion turned into chaos just because the Demon of the West brought a human here.

After satisfied walking around the mansion, Saitou returned back to the chamber room where he and the Demon slept on the same futon that night. The room around here was pretty wide he has to say. At the corner of this room, there was a small table with papers and brush along with ink-bottle. Next to the Demon’s table, there’s also a bookshelf. Taking a peek on the bookshelf, most books were about history, swordsmanship and some folklore as well.

Saitou blinked. Somehow, he couldn’t really imagined to see the Demon is the kind of person who enjoyed reading especially folklore before.

Shaking his head out of those thought, Saitou intended to return back to where he usually sit. However, as his eyes laid on Kazama’s table, he noticed how the table was full of mess with papers. He couldn’t helped but reminded him of so much who’d forgot to tidy his table up after finishing his work.

He wondered why the servant didn’t clean his table up? …Or maybe the Demon wouldn’t let any servant enter his room whether they’re dusty or not…

Without realizing it, Saitou began to tidy the small table. Wiping some stain of black ink with a cloth on the table until there isn’t any single black spot on the table.

Done.

Wiping his sweat on his forehead with his back of hand, the clothes that the servant preparing him already dirty. Well, he should take another bath then..

Once he took a second time of bath, Saitou changed into a new clothes, this time, a blue yukata with a wave pattern. Entering to the Demon of the West’s chamber room, Saitou sat on the tatami very quietly while meditating.

It’s a good way to wait the Demon return in patiently then.

“Oh? What’s this?”

The Demon’s words bring Saitou back to the reality.

The indigo eyed on the man behind him as he took a glanced around the room with a hidden of amazed behind on those crimson orbs.

“I never expected you’re quite capable on cleaning up my study room. I’m impressed.”

“It’s just normal.” Saitou stated. “Since we don’t have servants compared to you, each of us has a turn to clean the headquarter.”

“So that’s how it is.” Kazama murmured softly. With that, the noble demon began to take off his dark-brown haori, and grabbed his kiseru.

The indigo was expecting that the Demon was intending to smoke on his favourite spot. However, this time, he sat next to Saitou while the younger man took a short meditating to empty his mind. It was very quiet between them. There isn’t any awkward this time as Saitou has gotten used to be next to the Demon’s presence for the second day by now. Neither Kazama intending to give an ambush attack nor trying to kill him. As for the Demon, he pretty quite enjoyed getting closer to the indigo’s presence little by little. Usually, he would like to experiment the human’s heart by being sarcastic until Saitou snapped and sometimes shows him a little interest and kind toward him.

Once Saitou decided to stop meditating, he let his eyes opened slowly and gazed to the Demon, who’s enjoying staring at the younger man in full of interested. Whatever kind of expression Kazama giving, he had no intention malice on him.

Moving his eyes on elsewhere, Saitou could hear the Demon chuckled lightly and whispered of ‘looks like he won’ from the staring competition.

When he realized he’s been fooling around in this manor, the indigo-haired man had decided it’s almost about time to leave in this village by now.

He shouldn’t be here any longer.

He’s a human.

There’s no such thing as human living in a different world except his own.

He had just break the Kami’s rule where there’s no such thing as humans and demons could live together.

Gripping his hands on his hips tightly, Saitou took out a soft sigh from his lips.

“I need to leave.” Saitou’s words were short, yet his tone was cold and hard like his blade that he often wield. Eyes were cold like an iceberg as well, but a little gentle behind on it.

As Saitou finally laid his eyes into the Demon, Kazama continuedly smoking with his kiseru for a few moments. When more than seconds had passed, the younger man was thought the noble demon didn’t heard it very well so he intended to repeat once more. But before he could open his lips, the Demon finally answered:

“Haven’t I told you that morning?” Kazama said. “You might as well stay here for a few days until your injured heals.”

“My injured already healed since yesterday. I don’t see any point someone like you to worry—“

“And what about that below part?”

“…”

The indigo-haired didn’t reply anything at that in which, brings the Demon chuckled in amusing but soon his usual sarcastic smile disappeared.

“While your body hasn’t… pure yet, you might as well stay here for a few days. I’ll take a responsible for cleaning you after all those worthless insects done to you that night.”

“Why would you do that?”

Kazama curled his lips upward, his usual sarcastic smug is back on his face again.

“Just a… demon’s instinct.”

Saitou blinked at those words. When he tried to speak, his chin getting cupped by a very strong and callous fingers.

It was Kazama’s.

Eyes gazing into each other as if those are the only thing both men could only do in this world. Moving closer to Saitou’s personal space, Kazama gave him a hungry as he dropped his kiseru on elsewhere while pinned the other man down on the futon. The Demon had always a greatest desire to devour Saitou’s lips already. It were so cute and soft that he needed to torture it until it turned red.

While busying himself with kissing the other man, Kazama used his free hand to strip Saitou’s clothes slightly so that he could give a caressed on his muscular arms in tenderly. He admired how strong and hard Saitou’s muscles are. It’s  just shows him how hardworking this man with training in non-stop. Also, he had heard rumors from all over members of Satsuma-han that a certain member of the Shinsengumi was training on waterfall while spending himself fighting a bear if he had encounter. Whoever person that training there must be Saitou then.

When the Demon noticed the indigo was about to fall into conscious, he finally parted his lips away, letting their saliva connected to each of their tongue. Gazing down on him, the younger man’s eyes filled nothing except hazy. Cheeks and ears tinted with a deep scarlet colored. Catching his breathed in erotically, the Demon of the West has the deepest urged to pawn him down on the futon by now. But not wanting to do something without the indigo’s will, Kazama gave his forehead a kiss on Saitou’s small forehead as well. The noble demon whispered quietly:

“Today, I won’t do anything that against your will.” With that, Kazama moved his body next to Saitou, as he intended to go to sleep.

As soon as the noble demon could sense a stare from the younger man, it took several moments then Saitou finally spoke with a hoarse tone.

“…Alright.”

Kazama glanced on Saitou, raising his eyebrow in confusion, in which, Saitou continued once more, “I’ll stay here.. just as you’ve asked for. But I won’t be here longer.”

He didn’t know why did he accept Kazama’s offer. Maybe it’s an opportunity to get to know of his enemy very closely. Maybe if he’d observes him, he would find out at whatever the Satsuma-han is scheming of.

With an unexpected answer, the Demon widen his eyes opened in shock. But it takes more than seconds then he replied with widening his smug.

Moving his strong hand on Saitou’s cheeks, Kazama caressed the other man’s cheek in tenderly, as Saitou looked quite pleasant getting a soft caress on his cheek. And the next thing he knew, he finally falls asleep in comfortably.

.

.

.

Ever since then, the indigo-haired man accepted the Demon’s offer and started to stay in the manor of the Demon of the West for 5 days by now as a… guest. Saitou mostly spends most of his life by following the blonde-hiared demon’s broad back as if he was one of Oni Trio group. After observing the mysteries demon of the West who was supposed to be a threat for the Shinsengumi, the indigo-haired man realized that he’s so-called enemy had no malice intention to destroy the Shinsengumi nor killing them. For 5 days in a row together with the Demon, Saitou would often sees Kazama lazing at the porch of his manor while enjoyed at the peaceful of quiet in the Demon Village despite they can still hear the sound of maniacally laughter from the abominations, that’s what Kazama described of Rasetsu. But at the same time, the blonde-haired Oni would also on continuedly on aiding the indigo like a patient and… ‘clean’ him after a horrible event happened that night at the abandon house.

Funny how the noble demon didn’t relied on his servants to clean him. But it probably because the demon didn’t want his servants to feel suspicious as to why the Demon of the West would bring a mere human such as Saitou in the Hidden Demon Village of the West. That could ruin his reputation as the Head of the Pureblooded Demon of the West by now.

When the moonlight had starting to reach at the above night sky, the indigo wondered deeper. Having living here like a home, Saitou still hasn’t found any answer as to why an enemy of the Shinsengumi such as Kazama Chikage, himself would rescue someone like him; didn’t he finds them all disgusting when they would drink the Ochimizu whether they would lose their sanity or not? So why would the noble demon becomes a savior to him?

He sighed, feeling slightly exhausting just thinking about that. When his eyes wandered to the beautiful full moon, his thought about Kazama soon changed to none other than the Vice-Commander, the gorgeous and charming Hijikata Toshizou.

The indigo-haired man couldn’t helped but to admire his beauty very truly. Everything’s about Hijikata always fascinating one. His soft and gorgeous raven hair like a streaming river. Gentle onyx orbs. And those soft lips like a sakura petal in a spring season. Oh how Saitou wished he wanted to see the Demon Vice-Commander again. Then again, he doubted that the noble demon would let him leave without a permission. But just what does he think he is, anyway? Did he thinks that the indigo is his some kind of prisoner or something? …Well, calling himself as a prisoner looks quite a bit harsh. Then again, Kazama does often see almost all humans as an insect which is, the Demon’s word was pretty much harsher than the indigo’s.

I wonder how’s Fukuchou and the others are…,Saitou thought to himself, wondered how everyone’s in the Nishi Hongwaji Temple are.

It’s already 5 days he hadn’t returned to the headquarter by now. It’s obvious that everyone in the Nishi Hongwaji Temple noticed of his disappearance by now. Especially Hijikata.

What kind of expression would Hijikata makes when he realized that the indigo had disappeared? Would he feels frustrated like a worrywart mother hen? Angry? Irritated? Or what’s worse, disappointing?

The thought of seeing Hijikata disappointing face is one of the biggest fear Saitou has ever had. He had always tried his very best to make the raven so proud so that he won’t see or hear the Vice-Commander upsetting or disappointing mumbling or groaning. Whether it’s his selfishness or not, he had always wanted Hijikata to see him a better captain compared to other captains. Until the very end, he would follow to where Hijikata go and died along next to his body, as long as what he believes is right.

“How long should I stay here?”

He questioned to the lonely wind in frustrated, sighed as loud as he could.

It’s drivin’ him crazy already!

He can’t just stay here for like forever by now.

Sitting on the tatami while waiting the Demon of the West returned back from the Satsuma-han headquarter wouldn’t helped him anything at all. Standing up from his place then, Saitou grabbed his swords at the corner of the Demon’s chamber bedroom and putting on his hips before take on his heels to leave the room.

Coincidently, as Saitou opened the shoji door, the presence of the Lord Demon of the West had appeared in front of him. That’s great.

Kazama eyed on Saitou’s swords on his hips and back to the ocean-blue orbs one, his eyes narrowed deeper onto the younger man’s eyes.

“What’s going on?”

“I need to leave.”

“Why?”

“Obviously I can’t stay here longer. Neither I want any other demons beside you finding out that there’s a living human here.”

With that, Kazama remained quiet while he’s still gazing into Saitou’s cold like an icicle orbs. Both men gazing into each other as they are too stubborn to turn away until the Demon of the West finally opened his lips with a sigh.

“Fine.” He mumbled. “You’ll be leaving by early dawn.” With that, Kazama grabbed his kiseru on the table and sat on the windowsill while watching other demons living in peaceful.

“I have a question for you.”

“And, what is?”

“Why did you saved me?” Saitou asked desperately. If the members of the Satsuma-han that raped him had been killed by the demon’s hand, why wouldn’t he ended his life as well? Wouldn’t it be easier?

“Who knows?” Kazama chuckled lightly as if he was playing the indigo’s heart. He noticed the other man began to turn his knuckle into fist, didn’t cared if Saitou had dug his nails deeper into his fragile skin until a bead of blood started to form. Kazama finds the human amusing seeing him looks frustrated and confused.

“Those kind of humans were pretty worthless and weak. Such as them shouldn’t be in an amazing human world.”

“So why won’t you end of me as well?!” Saitou didn’t realized until now that he had just raised his voice to the demon. Tears slowly began to form on his eyes by now but he tried so much not to show his weakness to his own enemy.

Kazama had been watching him since the indigo accidently raised his voice. There was an expressionless on his face as if he had starting to find the toy that he recently found is bored. Eyes wandered to the elegant window, the Demon spoke:

“Do you describe yourself as a worthless and weak insect then?”

“What..?”

When the younger man murmured that, Kazama’s eyes returned back to the indigo.

“Do you describe the Shinsengumi along with you as a worthless and weak insect, then?” Kazama repeated, but this time, adding with the Shinsengumi.

Saitou couldn’t helped but finding his heart completely shattered just hearing the Shinsengumi is worthless and weak as well.

No..

He wasn’t meant by that..

Stop..!

“I’ve heard a few rumors that you, along with Shinsengumi are one of the most strong and fearful samurai around in the Kyoto. ..I guess the rumors are fake huh?”

Stop that..!

“Who ordered you to come to those pathetic house, Hijikata? He sure has some guts despite having a title as this-so-called Oni no Fukuchou.”

D-Don’t blame Hijikata….!

“Just what is the Shinsengumi is fighting for? Money? Power? Reputation? You do realized those kind of wish are one of the most selfish desire they’ve ever had.” Smoking with his kiseru, Kazama blew out of the smoke on his lips and began to speak once more, “I don’t see a point for the Shinsengumi to spy on Satsuma-han like that. Trying to find a news by eavesdropping at the isolate room is one of the stupidiest thing has human ever done. Doesn’t they have given a better task than this?”

“Don’t blame the Shinsengumi for this! I’m the one to be at fault! I’ll let my guard down!”

At that, the indigo finds himself hard to breathe upon for raising his voice for the second times toward the Demon.

The noble demon hasn’t spoke any word yet. His eyes gazed into the the younger man who looked quite pathetic in the Shinsengumi’s point of view. But to Kazama, he finds this kind of side from Saitou is actually… cute.

“Why do you think of the Shinsengumi and Hijikata so highly?”

The indigo didn’t spoke anything, letting his cold eyes pierced deep into the crimson as he still hasn’t enough oxygen. His cheeks were in a deep scarlet colored. Sweats began to form all over his face, neck, hands and body as well.

“Don’t you think you’ve actually been fooled of yourself?” The Demon started. “You’ve been fooled by those wild dogs. Fooled by the-so-called Oni no Fukuchou. You’re just a dog who’s needs a food to survive. But once you’ve slowly die, they’re no longer needs you and you’ll get thrown away like piece of trash. Like a dying puppy who’ll slowly become a stench corpse on the street. Is that how you want your fate to be?”

“You’re wrong!” Saitou exclaimed unexpectedly. “The Shinsengumi had never wanted any of this. Neither have they fought for money or power. They’re all fighting and protecting everyone for honor.”

“Ho..? I never imagined you could speak that way before. I was expecting you’re the kind of ronin who remained silent and let people insult something terrible from the back.” Kazama said in amusing as he put his callous fingers on his chin, there was his usual smug on his face.

Saitou bit his lower lip to keep his usual stoic and quiet attitude on his mask. He can’t let himself getting so-called-exploding like Hijikata just because of the Demon’s insult and sarcastic.

“I believed the Shinsengumi.” The indigo began. “I believed of whatever they lead to me. They acknowledge of my ability and strength.” Saitou has to say, he isn’t the kind of person who would tell his past to anyone, not even Souji, Hijikata or even his trustful captains. And definitely not his own enemy. Especially Kazama Chikage. However, maybe if he told the Demon about this, he might changed his mind of how he seeing his own enemies, especially the Shinsengumi. “I wield using my left hand. I’ve trained a few dojos but either of them had accepted me for who I am or my ability. But when I met them, they never think of me cheated. Instead, they admired of my ability. They saved me, so… the only I can do to for now is to follow them wherever they go and fight for until the very end. even if it means to throw me away if I dying.”

Even if it has to die as well.

And dying like a bakufu dog just as Kazama had stated a moment ago.

As long as he’d choose the right path of bushido way,

then, he’ll willing to be with them.

“Ho… as I thought.”

Saitou laid his eyes into the Demon when he started to murmur something.

“As I thought the bakufu dogs from Shinsengumi can be quite… intriguing.”

His cold and bored expression had disappeared and soon changed into interesting and amusing back.

Saitou blinked at that part, not knowing what the heck is the Demon mumbled about. Possibly he had known the Shisengumi weren’t an ordinary ronin that the Demon often encountered.. maybe?

“As I expected, examining a quiet, yet obedient bakufu dog is… worthful.”

“What are.. you trying to say…?”

Widening his smug on his face then, Kazama moved closer to the indigo’s figure while leaving his kiseru on the windowsill.

When his enemy started to move slow, yet elegantly, Saitou felt an urged to move backward and so he did, until his back began to lean against the wall, letting himself getting entrapped by Kazama’s gorgeous figure. His strong and hard arm pinned on the wall as well as if the Demon wouldn’t let the younger man leaves him from somewhere else beside the chamber room.

There was a dark smug on the blonde-haired man’s face. But it wasn’t in malice or dangerous way actually. It was most likely to be… taken a deep interested on the younger man more and more. Using his free hand with raising Saitou’s chin to make sure their eyes collided into each other, Saitou finds his body paralyzed upon of seeing a dark expression from his enemy’s face. As if, the Demon had already put him a curse the moment he let the younger man’s eyes laid into the blonde-haired man.

When none of them make any move or speak a word, Kazama started first with tilting his head closer to Saitou so that he could taste the indigo’s soft lips once more. The Demon finds himself quite addicted on the younger man’s lips by now. The first thing Kazama ever wanted to do is obviously devoured the other man’s lips with non-stop. When Saitou finally gave the Demon a permission to deepen their kisses by opening his mouth wider, the blonde-haired man began to put his tongue into Saitou’s cavern then, tasting everything inside of the younger man’s small mouth. While he’s been focusing on kissing Saitou deeper, the indigo’s small hands began to move on his broad while the other was playing his gorgeous golden hair.

To think, a human such as Saitou would dare touch his gorgeous hair..

Parting his lips away from Saitou, hot breathes caressed on their faces each other, eyes filled with desire and lust. Once the Demon got enough air to move, he tilted his face to Saitou’s sensitive ear; lick, nibble, bite, and doing everything he can to torture Saitou’s cute and fragile ear. Each moan and whine that Saitou released often brings the Demon’s quite horny. He doesn’t usual get excited on anyone, not even a mere human or a demon woman. Though it usually depends on how deep interested the Demon of the West has toward to other person.

“K-Kazama…”

The way how the younger man moaned his name really brings Kazama excited even more. He growled under the indigo’s chin. Damn… stop seducing by whining his name as if he wants the Demon to pawn him on the tatami by now.. Reaching his limits, Kazama brings Saitou down on the futon and started to strip his yukata and so as himself. It was big enough for them to sleep together.

While watching the other man giving him a sweet pleasure, the indigo’s eyes wandered on Kazama’s free hand as he searched something in the drawer. After he finally found what he was looking for, Saitou’s eyes still gazed on a small bottle.

..Is that lubricate?

Moving down on Saitou’s private part, the Demon started licking and biting on Saitou’s curvy and attractive hip on seductively. Kissing on the bite mark that he left, in which, brings Saitou felt an urged to flush in red already. Once he has done another work on the other hip, Kazama opened the bottle to coating his fingers with jasmine-flavoured lubricate.

Putting his first finger on Saitou’s cute hole, his eyes gazed on the indigo’s lust face.

“Bakufu dog,” The Demon called. “Do you want to go a little further or not? We can stop right now.”

Stop? Now?

Is that Demon freakin crazy or something? Why at a time like this he has to stop? He should’ve stop before he stripped his clothes already..

Saitou’s answered was nothing except giving the Demon a glared of ‘Stop talking, just do it already’.

Once the blonde-haired man understood the other man’s answer, his smirk began to wide in amusing as he started to insert first finger inside Saitou’s deep hole.

The indigo replied with a soft, yet erotic moan. Not wanting to release more weird sound on his lips, Saitou put his palm of hands on his lips.

Crawling deep inside Saitou’s, Kazama began to add more when the other man has getting used to it until 3. The more fingers the Demon adding, the lewder Saitou’s voice has gotten become. As he continuedly thrusting Saitou’s inside deeper and deeper to find his prostate, not longer after then, the younger man’s mind turned white like a radiant of light, he let his voice slipped from his lips at that.

Feeling slightly confused, Saitou’s lusty eyes gazed on Kazama’s filled with curiousity.

“Wha.. what was…”

“So that’s where your prostate is.” Kazama replied with a wide smirk.

“Pro-prostate…?”

Too hazy to think of, the Demon started to thrust Saitou’s sensitive spot over and over until he can no longer moaned out anymore.

Once Kazama has taken out his fingers, he turned the indigo’s body around to make the position felt better. Exchanging his fingers to his manhood, the Demon began to insert it with a full-speed thrust.

Hearing Saitou’s half-pain and half-pleasure moaned, the Demon played his lips to distract from the pain, make sure the indigo focused on his lips only. As Saitou’s pain started to disappear slowly, Kazama started to pull out and entered it once more in a fast pace. Each thrusted gave Saitou released such a cute and sweet whine and moan.

The indigo wasn’t sure how did it happened between them. They’re meant to be enemies. And yet, this isn’t something kind of angry sex that Saitou has thought of. Instead, it was one of the most sweet and awesome sex that he’d experienced of compared to that night… he was expecting that the Demon was pretty aggressive and brutal in sex as well. But he was wrong. He was quite good on this kind of thing. He’s even a little gentle despite siding along with Satsuma-han.. …Or maybe he had slept with women that’s why he’s quite capable on it.

After several thrusted then, Saitou has finally reached his climax, giving a very last moaned on his lips, white liquid finally released. As soon as everything calmed down, he finds his body getting exhausted and not so long after this, he finds his head rested on the Demon’s muscular arm, in which, it took a right time for the Demon to put the indigo’s head on his.

Dawn’s coming. It took some times Saitou managed to wake himself up. Getting up from the futon, the indigo could hear a soft snore somewhere in the room. Taking a glanced on it, he finally found whoever snoring and it was none other than the Demon. The noble demon was having a good sleep. And Saitou couldn’t helped but finds the Demon’s sleeping look pleasant.

He still can’t believed how it turned out between them that night. There are many Demon’s words that he couldn’t figured out. Either of them doesn’t has to do with being enemies or their hatred to each other.

What could it be he wondered..?

Standing up from the futon, Saitou grabbed the yukata to warp around on his naked body before readying himself to get ready to take a shower and leave the Hidden Demon Village just as they promised.

-/-

And so, Saitou had finally changed himself into his usual black and plain kimono. Thanks to the servants from the Demon of the West’s manor, his clothes had a pleasant fragrance that reminds him of taking a break in the deep forest with a very soft breeze around him. Not wanting to cause the village in chaos, Saitou didn’t wear the Shinsengumi light-blue haori. Instead, he held it along with his headgear.

Once everything’s ready, Saitou searched the noble demon whom still enjoying a peace and quiet atmosphere at the porch while taking a sip a very strong Sake, although Kazama is not lightheaded as Hijikata is.

But still, since when had Kazama taken a shower actually..?

…

Ah… that’s right. This is a manor of course. The Demon probably own 3 or maybe 5 bathrooms actually.

While leaving those thought away, Saitou couldn’t helped but finding the Demon’s strong back quite attractive one. The longer he gazed on the other man’s back, he started realized he’s been wasting his time although he was suppose to return back to the Shinsengumi headquarter as soon as possible.

“I’m done.” Saitou spoke with his usual monotone voiced.

It took a moment then Kazama replied with muttering over something about… maybe the Sake wasn’t strong enough to drunk him? The Demon stood up from the porch and started to wear a haori with a family crest on the back.

“Should we go?”

The indigo replied with a nod as he started to walk at the back of the Demon’s in which, it reminded him of so much of following at the back of the Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi.

The thought of that man makes him eagerly to see the raven-haired man again.

Then again, what’s gonna happened to this man then…?

As the two men walked all the way to the gate of the Demon’s World, Saitou noticed how the Hidden Demon Village is a very peaceful one despite there’s going to have a war sooner or later. According from Kazama, he has to make sure the demons from the West lived in peaceful and make sure to avoid from joining a war, whether they’re warriors or no.

Beside from that, every time the Demon of the West passed to the other demons, the villagers gave him a bow in full of respected. By looking of it, there are a few villagers were quite admired the Demon, while several of them feared him as well.

So this is how being the Head of the Demon is like…

Almost like forever then, two men had finally arrived at the gate of the Demon World. A familiar red-headed man, Amagiri had been stood there since yesterday, taking a guess that it was his turn to keep an eyed on the village.

“Amagiri, I’m sending him off from this village. Keep an eyed on the village while I’m gone.”

Amagiri didn’t hesitated bowed him in full of respected as well, spoke with a very gentle that Saitou used to hear back when both of them were Hamaguri Gate.

“Of course, Kazama-sama. Saitou-kun, it’s good to see you here.”

“Ah yes… it’s good to see you as well.”

Saitou replied with his usual quiet tone, didn’t expected to speak with the red-headed man once more.

With that, Amagiri leaves the two men alone as they finally arrived at the gate of the Demon World that could reach to the Human’s World.

"Well, I think this is where we should part away by now. Times sure does flies very quickly between us," Kazama chuckled deeply at that.

Saitou nodded quietly, lowering his body slightly to show some manner, despite he is one of the most dangerous enemy in the Shinsengumi. After all, the Demon does saved him from that night. He should be grateful to have a savior such as him. Despite he can be a totally asshole and sarcastic Oni.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Kazama. I owe you for everything."

Despite the indigo spoke that, they eventually greet each other between swords rather than returning the Demon's kindness back.

Would he ever sees this kind of side from his enemy's again the next time?

...No.

There won't be next time anymore.

As much as he had a great desire to stay with the Demon longer, he knew that being someone like him is impossible. He’s a member of Satsuma-han, while the indigo’s belonged to the Shinsengumi. There’s no such thing as getting along with someone who’s from an enemy’s group.

"Your name?"

Saitou raised his face in perplexed at the sudden of question in which the noble Demon repeated once more.

"I suppose that it would be better if we introduce properly. ...Or maybe you won't mind me calling you Bakufu Dog then."

Kazama chuckled at that part. Being a sarcastic Oni as ever.

Saitou remained quiet then, tried to stand properly like an exotic statue, while his eyes were still gazed into the Demon's gorgeous figure. The indigo finally replied the Demon's question with his usual monotone voice yet hidden of gentle and determine one.

"Captain of the 3rd Division from Shinsengumi, Saitou Hajime."

"Saitou, huh?" Kazama whispered the indigo-haired man's name very softly. He couldn't helped but finds himself pleasing just whispering the younger man's name. He wondered what made him feels this way knowing that he had never take an interest on any human before.

But Saitou..

Saitou is different.

"My name is Kazama Chikage. As you may already know, I'm also a Pureblooded Demon from the West."

"You've already told me that."

Kazama replied with a smug on his face. Taking a few stepped in front of the indigo's figure and let his fingers played around Saitou's gorgeous indigo hair.

The quiet ronin couldn't helped but slightly shivered at the feeling of other man's fingers combing down his hair. None of man would ever dare played it before except

Hijikata.

And maybe Souji as well.

"The next time," Kazama began, fingers were still buried on the younger man's hair. "when our swords clash with each other, we won't be enemies from now on."

Slightly perplexed at the Demon's words, Saitou grabbed the Demon's wrist gesturing him to stop playing it, hesitatedly bowed in respectful once again before turning on his heel to leave the Demon's World.

Several steps later, his foot then stopped in stubbornly. It was as if, his selfish thought doesn’t want to leave this world yet. He wanted so much to stay with the Demon’s kind side a little longer. …or maybe forever. How could a strong enemy such as Kazama Chikage could treat him this way as if he was so special? Is there any reason why he would do that to the indigo’s

It wasn’t last long after then the Demon noticed how the younger man suddenly stopped in mid-walking.

"What's wrong?"

Saitou replied with a little hesitate and quite

"…Nothing.”

"That doesn't looks like nothing at all."

With that, the indigo remained quiet, didn't spoke anything else nor answering the Demon's question.

When the Demon’s footstep getting closer to Saitou’s, the indigo jumped slightly when the noble demon held his hand. It was as if his hand had a static.

The blonde-haired man gave his usual smug on his face as if he had read whatever behind on Saitou’s cold mask.

“I’ll take you back to the Shinsengumi headquarter.”

“Eh..?”

“What? This is what you wanted right? You’re going to miss me so much so the least you would like to see for the very last moment is bringing you to the headquarter, yes?”

“…I never said I’m going to miss you.”

“True. But what about your selfish thought?”

“…”

When Saitou didn’t replied anything, remaining silent as usual, Kazama gave a deep chuckled on his elegant lips.

“You know, you should try to be honest every once in a while, especially to me. After all, if our swords we won’t be enemies anymore.”

Being honest, huh…?

“How can you tell? You’re an ally of Satsuma-han, right? Why would you be friendly to your own enemy?”

“I have a certain reason why I’m siding with them. I won’t help the Satsuma-han that longer, however.”

At that, Saitou couldn’t helped but to blink at those words.

What..?

Does he meant, he never wanted to side Satsuma-han all this time?

Then why is he—

“Well, should we go?”

Saitou let his eyes wandered down on their feet. Biting his lower lips, he finally spoke:

“…I can’t.”

Kazama sighed. But before the noble demon could speak, Saitou began first.

“My legs are still sore from last night.”

There was a very long quiet moment between. It wasn’t awkward one actually. But the Demon was gapped like a fish to hear those words from the younger man’s soft lips. It wasn’t long after then, his shock and surprise expression on his face changed into half-wicked and amusing smirk on his gorgeous face.

“Oh? So that’s how it is.” Kazama gave a soft chuckled. “In that case, I have to carry you all the way to the Shinsengumi headquarter huh?”

Saitou replied with a nod. No words he needed to speak.

The Demon continued on smirking. Ah… so this is how Saitou’s being honest, huh?

The blonde-haired man started to carry the younger man in a bridal-styled, Kazama began to turn on his heels with his demon ability of superspeed. Despite how fast and quick the Demon is, to Saitou, it’s almost like the time between them was stop. As if the world was trying to let the indigo stays with him for a little longer whether he eventually kills him and vice versa. Snuggling his head closer on his broad-chested, Saitou couldn’t help but felt envy on him as to how the Demon had such a gorgeous body. Arms were strong and hard like a katana blade. His chest was broad and more muscular compare to himself. If the only he was born to have a same body as Kazama’s… would Hijikata ever finds him attractive by now. The thought of it it brings Saitou flushed in red from thinking the amazing Vice-Commander in his head.

It wasn’t last long after then they finally arrived at the Shinsengumi headquarter. Knowing that several members of the Shinsengumi mostly Fury Corps were taking a night shift, Kazama jumped off of the roof until they found the indigo’s room.

Putting the younger man’s body down on the wooden floor, Saitou could had a greatest desire to be closer with the Demon more and more. However, it’s impossible.

It’s unfair how both of them were meant to be enemies.

But…

“I have a certain reason why I’m siding with them”

Those words bothered Saitou slightly.

It wasn’t that long then the Demon’s voice snapped him back to the reality.

“Well then, this is our last time to see each other for today.”

“What do you mean by.. today?”

Does he meant he’s going to see him again? Here?

Kazama replied with a smirk as if Saitou asked one of a hilarious question he ever hears.

“Sort of..”

When no words express to each other then Saitou let his face gazed down on the floor, willing rather not to see the Demon disappeared in a thin of air in front of his face.

His expectation, however, was wrong. Instead of the Demon disappeared like a wind, Kazama lifted Saitou’s chin up so that their eyes could clashed each other and the next moment, their lips landed on each others.

His kisses were like a poison to him. Each kisses, nibbles and bites he received, he could felt his body, arms and legs are starting to numb. It was as if, the Demon has a special saliva that could make a human’s body weaken for several moments. It’s funny how the indigo loved how dominating the Demon is. Despite getting dominated by a sadistic demon, he enjoyed his lips getting tortured by the Demon’s aggressive lips.

There’s no doubt that Saitou’s definitely a masochist huh?

Each small whine and moan Saitou made brings Kazama excited even more as his kisses began turned into rougher and deeper than usually. His lips moved to Saitou’s sensitive ear, then sucking his chin, reached to adam’s apple. Before Kazama could untie the indigo’s obi, footsteps coming this way.

Kazama gave a growled in threatening to whoever the intruder is. But he let it be as he had satisfied devour Saitou’s fragile lips, and hearing his sweet and erotic moan.

“This world can be quite cruel, huh?” Kazama sighed. “Now then, I should take a leave by now. Let’s meet each other later and… have a sweet dream, Saitou.”

With that, the Demon presence has finally disappeared along with the winds. Although he was no longer here, Saitou could still felt the warmth feeling on his red and swollen lips. Caressed on his lips for the last time, he entered to his room and ignored other members of the Shinsengumi presence whom they gapped like a fish to see Saitou right there after all he had disappeared for almost like a week.

What matters him the most now about none other than Kazama Chikage.

Putting his head down on his pillow, his eyes gazed on the wooden ceiling above. To think, Saitou eventually no longer sees that man as an enemy anymore. Neither ally as well. He was more like… maybe between them? What might happened if Kazama hadn’t been the one that saved him? Would those members of Satsuma-han would locked him into the abandon shop for eternity? The thought of stuck with them brings Saitou’s true nightmare begins already.

“When our swords clashed into each other, we won’t be enemies anymore.”

What are those sentences meant?

Does the Demon doesn’t want to be his enemy as well? Wasn’t he despised of humans and their selfish goal? So why of all the person he chose, why him? Despite he is a mastery of iai, that doesn’t mean he’s one of an amazing soldier in Shinsengumi. The one that meant to be is none other than between Kondou and Hijikata of course. No one is better in samurai beside those two men.

Too tired of thinking too much about this, his eyes slowly fluttering closed as he started to fall into a deep sleep.

The last thing he saw before his slumber taking over him is a beautiful full moon at the night scenery with thousands of stars.

[wolfsand9]

SAITOU HAJIME Name: Saitou Hajime Race: Human, on anime still human but only in movie changed in Rasetsu Hair: Indigo Eye: Dark Blue Height: 169 cm Technique: master of the left hand sword technique Faction: Shinsengumi Rank: 3rd Division Captain Family: from samurai family Spoiler: Saito is last seen charging towards a Choushuu army, giving an Injured Hijikata a chance to escape from Aizu and flee to Ezo. It is assumed that Saito dies in that battle. In movie he dies. In other version in history he survied. Seiyū: Toriumi Kōsuke Saitou Hajime from series Hakuouki

—SAITOU HAJIME— SAITOU HAJIME Name: Saitou Hajime Race: Human, on anime still human but only in movie changed in Rasetsu…

[shinsengumi-archives]

Shinsengumi Organization

Written by Kizu  

Monday, 24 July 2006

Supplemental Notes on Shinsengumi Organization

On February the Kouyou Chibuntai was formed by the Bakufu with only 20 or so members. I’m really interested in the Kouyou Chibuntai but the only info I see is on Serizawa Kamo’s website. If you or anyone like you know more about the Kouyou Chibuntai aside from what’s on SK-sensei’s site please let me know.

The last two sections on Regimental Soldier which mentions “omission” is still being worked at. However this is quite an interesting structure if you compare it to what we know in fandom. Okita head of the small Artillery? I found Ogata Shuntarou’s footprint very interesting and of course Saitou wasn’t the 3rd Captain early on. Ne? Someone asked me whether Andou was appointed as a first Captain, I couldn’t answer so I looked up the organization, I doubt Andou was a first Captain, however he was certainly a “Fukuchou Jokin” which most of the Captains had as a concurrent title. ^__^    

This was taken from “Shinsengumi Thoroughness Guide” which used various source such as “Shinsengumi Otona na Jiten”, “Shinsengumi Taishiden”, “Shinsengumi Nisshi”, Shinsengumi Reader and “Shinsengumi Taishi” and History Reader issue “Ten Shinsengumi Leaders”. Hmmm yeah so I cheat.. But do you really think I could read all those on my own. Heh… As usual my disclaimers apply and feel free to use for whatever purposes as long as you don’t get you nor I in deep kimchi.

How Shinsengumi changed over time:

Shinsengumi Organization (3 Bunkyu March - 1863)

Kyokuchou (Bureau Chief): Serizawa Kamo / Kondou Isami / Niimi Nishiki

Fukuchou (Vice-Chief): Yamanami Keisuke / Hijikata Toshizou

Jokin (Assistant Officers): Okita Souji / Nagakura Shinpachi / Harada Sanosuke / Todou Heisuke / Inoue Genzaburou / Hirayama Gorou / Noguchi Kenji / Hirama Juusuke / Saitou Hajime / Ogata Shuntarou / Yamazaki Susumu / Tani Sanjuurou / Matsubara Chuuji / Andou Hayatarou (Satarou)

Chouyaku Nami Kansatsu (Investigation / Inspector): Kawashima Shouji / Hayashi Nobutarou

Kanteiyaku Nami Konidayaku (Clean up operations/Accounting): Kishima Yuutarou / Ozeki Yashirou /  Kawai Kisaburou / Sakai Hyougo

Shinsengumi Organization (3 Bunkyuu June - 1863)

Kyokuchou (Bureau Chief): Serizawa Kamo / Kondou Isami

Fukuchou (Vice-Chief): Yamanami Keisuke / Hijikata Toshizou / Niimi Nishiki

Fukuchou Jokin (Executive Assistants): Okita Souji / Nagakura Shinpachi / Harada Sanosuke / Todou Heisuke / Inoue Genzaburou / Hirayama Gorou / Noguchi Kenji / Hirama Juusuke / Saitou Hajime / Saeki Matasaburou / Ogata Shuntarou / Matsubara Chuuji / Andou Hayatarou (Satarou)

Roushi Chouyaku Ken Kansatsu (Investigations / Inspector): Shimada Kai / Kawashima Shouji / Hayashi Nobutarou

Kanjou Kata (Accounting): Kawai Kisaburou

Hara Taishi (Regimental Soldier): Approximately 30 names

Shinsengumi Organization (1 Genji June 1864)

Kyokuchou (Bureau Chief): Kondou Isami

Souchou (President): Yamanami Keisuke

Fukuchou (Vice-Chief): Hijikata Toshizou

Fukuchou Jokin (Executive Assistants): Okita Souji / Nagakura Shinpachi / Harada Sanosuke / Todou Heisuke / Inoue Genzaburou / Saitou Hajime / Ogata Shuntarou / Matsubara Chuuji / Andou Hayatarou (Satarou) / Takeda Kanryuusai / Tani Sanjuurou

Roushi Chouyaku Ken Kansatsu (Investigations / Inspector): Shimada Kai / Kawashima Shouji / Hayashi Nobutarou / Asano Totarou (kaoru?)

Kanjou Kata (Accounting): Kawai Kisaburou / Ozeki Yashirou / Sakai Hyougo

Hara Taishi (Regimental Soldier: Approximately 20 names

Shinsengumi Organization (1-2 Genji 1864-Spring 1865)

Kyokuchou (Bureau Chief): Kondou Isami

Fukuchou (Vice-Chief): Hijikata Toshizou

Gumigashira (Group Leader)

Ichi-ban (1st): Okita Souji

Ni-ban (2nd): Itou Kashitarou

San-ban (3rd): Inoue Genzaburou

Yo-ban (4th): Saitou Hajime

Go-ban (5th): Ogata Shuntarou

Roku-ban (6th): Takeda Kanryuusai

Nana-ban (7th): Matsubara Chuuji

Hachi-ban (8th): Tani Sanjuurou

Konida Zatsu Tomomasa (Operations): Harada Sanosuke

Hara Taishi (Regimental Soldier): 39 names

Shinsengumi Organization (1 Keio April: Nishihonganji 1865)

Souchou (President): Kondou Isami

Fukuchou (Vice-Chief): Hijikata Toshizou

Sanbou (Staff Officer): Itou Kashitarou

Kumichou (Captain)

Ichi-ban (1st): Okita Souji

Ni-ban (2nd): Nagakura Shinpachi

San-ban (3rd): Saitou Hajime

Yo-ban (4th): Matsubara Chuuji

Go-ban (5th): Takeda Kanryuusai

Roku-ban (6th): Inoue Genzaburou

Nana-ban (7th): Tani Sanjuurou

Hachi-ban (8th): Todou Heisuke

Kyuu-ban (9th): Suzuki Mikisaburou

Juu-ban (10th): Harada Sanosuke

Roushi Toriatsukaiyaku Ken Kansatsu (Discipline and Investigations):

Yamazaki Susumu / Shinohara Tainoshin / Arai Tadao / Hattori Takeo / Ashiya Nobori / Yoshimura Kan’ichirou / Ogata Shuntarou

Gochou (Corporal):

Shimada Kai / Kwashima Shouji / Hayashi Nobutarou / Okuzawa Eisuke / Maeno Gorou / Abe Juurou / Kazurayamatake Hachirou / Itou Tetsugorou / Kondou Yoshisuke / Kumebe Masachika / Kanou Washio / Nakanishi Noburu / Ohara Kinzou / Tomiyama Yahee / Nakamura Kojirou / Ikeda Kosaburou / Hashimoto Kaisuke / Ibaraki Tsukasa

Bunbu Shihan (Literary and Military Arts Instructor)

Geki Ken (Fencing):

Okita Souji / Ikeda Kosaburou / Nagakura Shinpachi / Tanaka Torazou / Arai Tadaou / Yoshimura Kan’ichirou / Saitou Hajime

Jiu-jitsu:

Shinohara Taishoshin / Matsubara Chuuji / Shinoda Satarou

Soushuu (spearmanship):

Tani Sanjuurou

Bajutsu (Horsemanship):

Yasutomi Saisuke

Houjutsu (Artillery):

Kiyohara Kiyoshi / Abe Juurou

Bungaku (Literature)

Takeda Kanryuusai / Tanba Yuuzou / Ogata Shuntarou / Mounai Arinosuke

Hoka ni Konidakata/Shoki/Torishimari Kata na do Yaku Taishi (Various positions/Clerical/Supervisory/Regimental Soldier positions): Approximately 140 names

Shinsengumi Organization (1 Keiou June - 1865)

Kyokuchou (Bureau Chief): Kondou Isami

Fukuchou (Vice-Chief): Hijikata Toshizou

Sanbou (Staff Officer): Itou Kashitarou

Kumichou (Captain)

Ichi-ban (1st): Okita Souji

Ni-ban (2nd): Nagakura Shinpachi

San-ban (3rd): Saitou Hajime

Yo-ban (4th): Matsubara Chuuji

Go-ban (5th): Takeda Kanryuusai

Roku-ban (6th): Inoue Genzaburou

Nana-ban (7th): Tani Sanjuurou

Hachi-ban (8th): Todou Heisuke

Kyuu-ban (9th): Suzuki Mikisaburou

Juu-ban (10th): Harada Sanosuke

Roushi Toriatsukaiyaku Ken Kansatsu (Discipline and Investigations):

Yamazaki Susumu / Shinohara Tainoshin / Arai Tadao / Ashiya Nobori / Yoshimura Kan’ichirou / Ogata Shuntarou

Kanjou Kata (Accounting):

Kawai Kisaburou / Ozeki Yashirou / Sakai Hyougo / Kishima Yoshitarou

Gochou (Corporal): Approximately 20 names

Hira Taishi (Regimental Soldier): Approximately 100 names

Shinsengumi Organization (1 Keio September - 1865)

Kyokuchou (Bureau Chief): Kondou Isami

Fukuchou (Vice-Chief): Hijikata Toshizou

Gun Bukyou (Army Magistrate): Itou Kashitarou / Takeda Kanryuusai

Konida Bukyou: Harada Sanosuke (Gochou Ippei Taishi)

Yari Atamo (Head of Spear): Saitou Hajime / Inoue Genzaburou (Gochou Sanhei Taishi)

Dai Tsutsu Atamo (Head of Large Gun): Tani Sanjuurou / Todou Heisuke (Gochou Ippei Taishi)

Shoujuu Atamo (Head of Small Arms): Okita Souji / Nagakura Shinpachi (Gochou Shihei Taishi)

Shinsengumi Taishi Kakushiki – Shinsengumi Regimental Soldier Status (3 Keio June - 1867)

Megurikumi Ato Atoma Kaku Taichou – Kondou Isami

(ibid) Kimosen Kaku Fukuchou – Hijikata Toshizou

Megurikumi  Kaku Kin – Okita Souji

(ibid) Nagakura Shinpachi

(ibid) Harada Sanosuke

(ibid) Inoue Genzaburou

(Ibid) Yamazaki Susumu

(ibid) Ogata Shuntarou

Megurikumi Nami Chouyaku – Ibaraki Tsukasa

(ibid) Murakami Kiyoshi

(ibid) Yoshimura Kan’ichirou

(ibid) Andou Shuhei

(ibid) Ooishi Kuwajirou

(ibid) Kondou Shuhei

Shinsengumi Organization (3 Keio June - 1867)

Kyokuchou (Bureau Chief): Kondou Isami

Fukuchou (Vice-Chief): Hijikata Toshizou

Fukuchou Jokin (Executive Assistants): Okita Souji / Nagakura Shinpachi / Harada Sanosuke / Inoue Genzaburou / Yamazaki Susumu / Ogata Shuntarou

Roushi Chouyaku Ken Kansatsu (Investigations / Inspector): Yashimura Kan’ichirou / Ooishi Kuwajirou / Yasutomi Saisuke / Kishima Yoshitarou / Andou Yuujirou / Ibaraki Tsukasa / Tani Shuuhei

Kanjou Kata – Gochou – Hara Taishi (omission)

Shinsengumi Organization (3 Keio - Late 1867 - Fudoudou Village)

Taichou (Commanding Officer): Kondou Isami

Fukuchou (Vice-Chief): Hijikata Toshizou

Fukuchou Jokin (Executive Assistants): Okita Souji / Nagakura Shinpachi / Harada Sanosuke / Inoue Genzaburou / Yamazaki Susumu / Ogata Shuntarou / Saitou Hajime

Roshi Chouyaku (Investigations): Yoshimura Kan’ichirou / Ooishi Kuwajirou / Kawamura Hayato (Rinjirou?)

Kaikei Kata (Accounting): Kijima Yoshitarou / Nakamura Gendou / Yasutomi Saisuke / Kanzaki Hibumi (Kazujizou?) / Ootani Isao / Yada (Yauchi?) Kennosuke

Gochou (Corporal): Shimada Kai / Hayashi Nobutarou / Ozeki Yashirou / Maeno Gorou / Ohara Kouzou / Itou Tetsugorou / Kondou Yoshisuke / Kumebe Masachika / Nakamura Kosaburou / Ikeda Kotarou / Shimura Musashi

Hira Taishi (Regimental Soldier): (omission) 30+ names

Shinsengumi Organization (4 Keio January 1868 – Edo)

Taichou (Commanding Officer): Kondou Isami

Fukuchou (Vice-Chief): Hijikata Toshizou

Fukuchou Jokin (Executive Assistants): Okita Souji / Nagakura Shinpachi / Harada Sanosuke / Ogata Shuntarou / Saitou Hajime

Roshi Chouyaku (Investigations): Ooishi Kuwajirou / Kawamura Hayato (Rinjirou?)

Kaikei Kata (Accounting): Kijima Yoshitarou / Nakamura Gendou / Yasutomi Saisuke / Kanzaki Hibumi (Kazujizou?) / Ootani Isao / Yada (Yauchi?) Kennosuke

Gochou (Corporal): Shimada Kai / Hayashi Nobutarou / Ozeki Yashirou / Maeno Gorou / Ohara Kouzou / Kondou Yoshisuke / Kumebe Masachika / Nakamura Kosaburou / Shimura Musashi

Hira Taishi (Regimental Soldier): (omission) 20 names

[operationrainfall]

  Idea Factory has released a large new batch of screenshots showing off two characters in Hakuoki: Edo Blossoms. The romantic visual novel is coming to the PlayStation Vita on March 13th in North America and on March 16th in Europe. It supports PlayStation TV and will be available in both physical and digital formats. Physical copies come with a reversible cover sleeve with beautiful art on the back.

This latest screenshot dump focuses on two characters. They are Hajime Saito, the quiet lone wolf, and the reserved and logical Keisuke Sanan. Hajime Saito is the captain of Shinsengumi’s 3rd Division and a man who is not big on conversation. In spite of being mocked for being left handed since it was considered a disadvantage, he went on to become a master in the sword style “iai.”

  On the other hand, Keisuke Sanan is formerly a Sendai doman warrior and now the Shinsengumi colonel. Wracked by guilt over what he did to the Fury Corps., he is now obsessed with finding an antidote for the Water of Life. He is isolated and can only move by the darkness of night. He eventually overcomes his guilt and accepts himself to be a Fury.

  Idea Factory’s Hakuoki: Edo Blossoms press release today also included the following sinopsis of the story:

Chizuru Yukimura travels from Edo to Kyoto in hopes of searching for her father who had mysteriously vanished. Along the way, she encountered the Shinsengumi, and spent the next four years working with them to locate her father. In 1868, the final year of the Bakumatsu Period, the Shinsengumi, with Chizuru at their side, took part in the Battle of Toba-Fushimi to decide the future of the  Tokugawa Shogunate against the rising tide of Imperial Nationalism. Unfortunately, defeat for the Shinsengumi came swiftly at the hands of the Imperial Army, and they retreated back to Edo in shame.

It was a bittersweet homecoming for both Chizuru and the warriors of the Shinsengumi, as the city of Edo resembled very little of its former self, engulfed by the harrowing winds of change that were sweeping through the country. As the Shinsengumi’s survival came under threat, they were faced with a choice: discard their principles, or give up their lives. Some of them had no such choice, and they cloaked themselves in darkness to protect the Shinsengumi’s greatest secret: the Furies.

This is a story about a girl who allies with the warriors of the Shinsengumi, who are struggling to uphold their faith in an era of rapid social change in Japan, and the fate of those who sought to resist that change…

New Batch of Screens and Details for Hakuoki: Edo Blossoms Idea Factory has released a large new batch of screenshots showing off two characters in Hakuoki: Edo Blossoms…