Genji Year 1 (1864)
September 9th
So, you still believe in fortune telling at your age?
How stupid.
They seriously come true, though!
He's incredible at it!
Don't make fun of it!
Look, you're probably just getting hoodwinked by the way he talks.
Besides,
why is he telling fortunes in a soba shop?
That couldn't be any more fishy.
Tetsunosuke said he'd treat me,
so what's wrong with taking him up on his offer?
Hmm?
S-Saitou-san!
What are you doing here?!
Ow.
Well, Tetsunosuke requested a stupid,
inaccurate fortune telling in exchange for soba.
Hey, if it was Saitou-san, you should've said so!
So, what would you like to know?
You're crowding me!
What'll we be doing five years from now?!
Sorry, but it's my policy not to discuss the future of individuals.
Why not? What's the point of fortune telling, then?
If I were to give you a special reading about the near future,
then know that a new leader will soon be joining the squad.
A man named Itou.
Itou?
You know him, Susumu?
He's somewhat famous.
He's a playboy well-trained in both academics and the sword.
He reveres the emperor and hates foreigners.
Reveres the emperor and hates foreigners?
Is our leadership going to get more convoluted?
Well, I've got no problem with him as long as I can stick with Hijikata-san.
Anyway...
The three of you should cherish this time you have now.
Eventually, you'll grow to miss these days.
Keiou Year 3 (1867)
November 18th
Aburano Koji Incident
It wasn't us.
It was these guys!
They're planning to crush the Shinsengumi!
Wake the soldiers!
Prepare for battle!
Oh, my.
Your look of surprise is quite lovely, too.
Itou!
Drop dead, you Mibu ronin!
Damn Mibu ronin!
I-Ichimura!
Yamazaki-sensei!
Over here, please!
A redheaded young man...
Ichimura Tetsunosuke, right?
We are the Kaientai.
Please let no one interfere with us.
We have but one objective, Ichimura Tetsunosuke.
We will kill you.
Hey,
what are you feeling right now?
As you betray every one of your friends,
and watch over it all from up high?
Tetsu!
It's your brother! I'm here to save you.
Tetsu!
Don't die, Tetsunosuke.
No way, no way.
No way!
There's no way old Ryouma would die, right?
All of them can suffer.
Why should I have to stick with you all forever?
Because we're friends!
Heisuke, how many days did it take to reach your answer?
Shinpachi-san...
At least ask me how many years.
Is truly that difficult to change whether or not
Keiou Year 3 - November 18th Itou Kashitarou, Dead, Toudou Heisuke, Dead, Mounai Arinosuke, Dead
someone lives or dies?
There's no need to feel guilty.
After all, the results won't change, right?
Tetsunosuke won't die anyway.
And you can learn of everyone's suffering,
Spirit of Sakamoto Ryouma Naonari
and suffer even more,
Tetsu!
I was the one who placed the Shinsengumi in danger.
Could you put to an end to this with your own hands for me?
Hijikata-san, don't look...
You knew it all: when I would die,
when the group would die,
and that this was going to happen tonight!
Whether I do anything or not,
the progress of history...
I don't care about that!
This is reality for you and me right now!
If you refuse to act, then I won't have any future!
There's only you!
I'm going to save Ichimura Tetsunosuke.
Only I can do that, because I'm here right now!
Kill him, Hikagami.
Sensei!
Where?
Where are you, Suzu?
You're watching me, aren't you?!
We're trying to hate each other without knowing anything about the other!
I don't want that, Suzu!
Kurogane
Listen, don't quit the Shinsengumi.
Even if that organization becomes hell in the future,
so long as you and your knowledge of the future are there with me,
then I plan to stay there, too.
Thank you.
For saving me.
That's...
That's my line.
Keiou Year 3
December
Kyoto
Shinsengumi's Fudou-dou Village Headquarters
Okay!
Ichimura Tetsunosuke
Pardon me.
Good morning, Okita-san.
Yamazaki Susumu
I've brought the coals.
Yeah, thank you very much, Yamazaki-san.
Okita Souji
It's cold again this morning.
Yes.
Did you sneak in on your own again?!
Damn pig!
Pig?!
My apologies, I didn't mean...
Still,
when he's slipping through our traps day after day like this,
it makes me hate the inferiority of my ninjutsu, though I'm retired.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I disarmed those.
Okita-san.
It's warm when I hold him while I sleep.
It's already the end of the year, huh?
Yes.
A lot has happened this year.
That must be why it feels so short.
It's been well over ten days since then, hasn't it?
Yes.
Time goes so fast.
Toudou Heisuke's Grave
Welcome!
All right, I'll have some of that tofu.
Sure!
Also, some of that.
Shinpachi-san! Sano!
Morning!
Oh, Tetsu-chan! Morning!
Nagakura Shinpachi
Morning practice while it's cold out?
Harada Sanosuke
You're sure working hard.
You're early today!
Is something up?
Just a little business.
By the way, how about it?
Want some training after all this time, Tetsu-chan?
Oh, uh, as much as I'd love for you to do that,
I'm in the middle of helping with the wood chopping.
Huh?
Why are you doing something like that?
I'm having them set aside food for Tatsu-nii, so...
Oh, I heard about that.
He's shut himself in ever since the incident?
I can't blame him when his precious younger brother nearly got killed.
Yeah.
Lately, he's been doing a lot better,
and he's able to work again.
Though he's still a night owl.
Even so...
Don't worry!
So long as you're healthy and smiling, there won't be any problem!
Yeah!
Ichimura!
Where's our firewood?!
See you later, then!
Work hard!
Yeah!
The smell of incense?
Right.
Miura-san.
Are you planning to stab the squad leaders in the back?!
Heisuke.
It's all right, Heisuke.
We'll stop the bleeding now, okay?
Captain, have I made a mistake?
No.
You tried to save our lives.
You've done nothing wrong.
But...
Miura.
If you're able to return to headquarters safely,
then send Yamazaki to us.
We'll be here until morning.
You shouldn't focus too much on the wounds of others.
Huh?
You often tend to ignore your own wounds,
Saitou Hajime
Ichimura Tetsunosuke.
So good!
So, have you managed to sort through your feelings since then?
Basically.
There are many more people suffering a lot more than I am.
Yet I see those people completing their jobs as usual.
And I think that's amazing.
But I feel like I understand now...
what it means to make an effort to smile.
I'm not really pushing myself too much,
but I'm intentionally being cheerful.
When I think about that, I realize I've seen that face several times before.
That's probably because you've grown to make the same face.
You don't need to make an effort to act cheerful.
The death of those who passed couldn't have been easy on you.
That reminds me, Saitou-san!
I heard you changed your name?
Yeah, it's now Yamaguchi Jirou.
Does that have anything to do with that calendar?
Keiou Year 3, December 7th - Miyakawa Shingo, Dead Keiou Year 4, January 3rd - Miyakawa Kazuma, Dead Keiou Year 4, January 4th - Wada Juurou, Dead
You can still see them now, right?
The names and dates of when those close to you will die.
Keiou Year 4, January 4th Wada Juurou, Dead, Inoue Genzaburou, Dead, Imai Yuujirou
No, it's not related to that.
Even if I saw my own name on that calendar,
changing my name wouldn't change the future.
I see.
It's actually a reflection of my desire to start living as new person.
Commander - Kondou Isami Vice Commander - Hijikata Toshizou Vice Commander Adjutants - Okita Souji, Nagakura Shinpachi, Yamaguchi Jirou, Harada Sanosuke
Even though I left the Shinsengumi to look into Itou and the Goryou Eiji,
I knew they couldn't simply let me back in,
Yamaguchi Jirou
so I changed my name for their records as well.
Besides, there are still a few survivors of the Goryou Eiji.
If I didn't hide my name,
my life would be in danger since I betrayed them all.
Revenge, huh?
Old Ryouma...
was killed by Suzu.
I...
I still don't understand it well.
I...
Should I hate Suzu?
Hate?
No, hatred's probably all that's left, but...
You need to be careful yourself.
There's the Goryou Eiji to worry about, too,
but the man who was wounded that night,
Yamatoya Suzu, will likely appear before you again.
I beg of you, please!
Shinsengumi Commander Kondou Isami
Please, please...
Please accept this request!
Shinsengumi Vice Commander Hijikata Toshizou
Please allow me to design and produce this pistol!
Ichimura Tatsunosuke
I heard you possessed your own gun,
but I never thought it was one you had designed your own.
I started working on the design as a hobby.
However, I believe this weapon will be useful to the Shinsengumi.
What do you think, Kondou-san?
Hmm?
Hmm...
Even if it's just for show,
carrying a few of these will make us look like a proper modern army.
I think it'll help stop people making fun of us
for being a squad without a firearm unit.
A firearm unit...
No.
True warriors must settle the score with their swords!
It doesn't matter if our enemies like Satsuma, Choushuu,
or even the emperor use squads with guns!
As a group of swordsmen, the Shinsengumi at least
must continue to maintain our strong refusal to use firearms!
N-No way...
There you have it.
As a special exception, we will allow you
to keep that gun for your personal protection.
But...
You said you designed it as a hobby,
but the moment gunpowder and bullets become involved,
we are obligated to report it.
Use it with care.
Th-That's...
That's not enough.
Huh?
Pardon me.
With all due respect, please forgive my rudeness for interjecting.
Please grant Ichimura your permission.
I, too, beg of you to do this.
Oddly enough, I, too, wish to possess a gun as your medic.
In addition...
Yamazaki-kun?
No, on the battlefield,
I must reach my patients as quickly as possible.
A gun, which would allow me to attack while maintaining my distance,
is well suited for my mission.
Furthermore, I am not a samurai myself.
Please give this more consideration!
Hmm...
I see.
If that's the case, then I have no reason to refuse.
Good for you, Ichimura.
Susumu, thank you!
Don't cry. It's annoying.
Thank you! Thank you!
It's true that I wanted my own gun anyway.
Now that you don't have to go around producing them in secret,
start showing your face around us tomorrow.
Yeah, yeah!
Shimabara
Hey, Saya!
Sorry, sorry.
I didn't mean to worry you!
Ah, I knew you'd be mad.
I couldn't help it.
I didn't have any spare time to write a letter.
Hey, Saya, don't be so upset.
I'm sorry!
I'll go shopping with you sometime, so please forgive me!
Huh?
D-Don't cry!
What is it?
I'm really sorry.
I really made you worry, didn't I?
Yes, yes! So passionate, you two!
That's quite bold of you to do in public.
Huh? Uh...
Well, shall we go?
Oh?
If it isn't the virgin couple people are talking about.
Oh?
Listen to this!
Those two still insist they're just friends!
Huh?
They've been together an awfully long time, right?
I totally thought they were...
I know, right?
Hmm?
You two both think so too, don't you?
Good grief, just watching those two together makes me jealous.
Hey, Ohana-chan?
What's wrong?
Oh, it's nothing.
You sure are great with the shamisen.
I heard from Ohana.
You'll be visiting the mansion as a performer, right?
That's amazing!
Oh...
Wh-When you do, uh...
Will you be wearing the hairpin I gave you?
Oh, this one?
I see.
It's decided for you, huh?
Oh well.
I guess it'd be a problem if the performer was prettier
than the courtesan and drawing attention away.
It's so like Tatsunosuke-san to be so happy he cried.
I bet you didn't really want to permit any guns, though.
Who knows?
Well, Kondou-san approved it,
so I'll abide by his decision.
Oh?
Hey, Hijikata-san.
If we happen to produce a lot of guns,
could you give me one, too?
What are you planning to do?
Huh?
No,
I just wanted to try holding one.
Souji!
I'm all right.
Please forget about it.
Toshi, are you okay?
Kondou-san.
Come with me for a bit.
We need to talk.
So, what do we need to talk about?
It's about Souji.
I've been debating whether or not we should send him elsewhere soon.
P-Please wait.
There's no need to isolate him.
It's not just Souji.
I think we should move him, our sick, our injured,
our families, and our concubines someplace safer.
What do you mean?
Kyoto may become a war zone.
Ever since the restoration of imperial rule,
the Tokugawa government has formally collapsed.
It sounds like the government's functions will remain in place.
However, Satsuma and Choushuu are adamant about
putting an end to the Tokugawa and their clans.
They're conspiring together and claim to be under secret orders
from the emperor to destroy the shogunate.
What?!
What kind of secret order is that?!
That means this order isn't a public command, right?
That sounds suspicious!
Besides, take down the shogunate?
The Tokugawa government's already...
Yeah, it's gone!
Effectively, it's gone!
Even so, an imperial order carries powerful effect.
Enough to grant them cause to send troops into Kyoto!
If that's true,
then this is going to be bad.
Yeah, and that infuriates me.
But what vexes me more than that
is that Tokugawa Yoshinobu-kou does nothing
when he's so certain of their revolt!
If we continue to sit here and do nothing, then we're playing into our enemy's hands!
Things are going to get quite busy.
Kondou-san.
About Souji,
do you think you could hide him away in your vacation home?
True, if we use that...
Then tomorrow, I'll...
No,
I'll find a moment to tell him myself.
Whoa, dead center!
That's amazing, Tatsu-nii!
Loading mechanism 2-3 receded one tenth.
There's a slight looseness in the targeting sight.
He's not listening!
He's so lively, it's like he's a different person.
Well, he's always been the type to enjoy detailed work like that,
and at least now he actually eats his food as well.
You there, please prepare the second row of targets.
I'm going to test how well it can fire multiple shots in this state.
Yes.
He's okay, right?
Tatsu-nii is okay now too, right?
All right! Susumu, help me out a bit.
Oh?
I've thought up something interesting!
Hey!
Even taking the wind into account, it's still off to the right.
I need to make it more precise.
Hmm?
Ichimura Tatsunosuke
What's with that target?
Tetsu!
What have you done to my fundoshi?!
Hey!
Get back here, Tetsu!
No way!
You sure have good eyes, Tatsu-nii!
You idiot!
I'd figure that out right away!
Now, now.
Yes.
This is a good day.
Make sure you wash it!
It worked well.
Bye!
What have you done?!
Hold up! Come back!
I must maintain a strong heart.
Tetsunosuke, where are you going?
To see Saya before evening practice!
Did something happen?
Keiou Year 3
December 9th
Imperial Declaration
Restoring Imperial Rule
Sorry, I don't understand at all.
In short, they want to completely abolish the Tokugawa government
and run the new government with brand new officials.
Meaning the Edo period's over?
Hey, hey, how can you be so calm about it?
They're talking about cutting out our supreme commander, you know!
Those other guys have just decided on their own that the Tokugawa family's lands
and all of those living there should be handed over to the new government.
Do they think they can get away with that?!
Calm down, Harada.
Our enemy's provoking us.
Tokugawa Yoshinobu-kou has consented to this!
Western Province Road
Settsu
Takatsuki
Kyoto Fushimi Yodo
Kawachi Eastern Plains Road
He's going to withdraw back to Osaka Castle to avoid any unnecessary conflicts.
Osaka
However, under that guise, he's summoning the Tokugawa army
and navy stationed in Edo to the west!
Oh!
Listen, all of you!
We are no longer an organization of ronin.
We're proper vassals of the shogunate recognized by the public!
Therefore...
The Shinsengumi shall also move down to Osaka,
and demonstrate our loyalty to Tokugawa Yoshinobu-kou!
It's just as Old Ryouma said.
War is starting.
So there you have it.
For now, you'll be relocating to Kondou-san's vacation home.
Are you having me stay behind in Kyoto?
Ow!
Fool.
Kondou-san's going to stir things up in Osaka.
We still don't know what city we'll be ordered to police.
Once that's decided, then come.
We still need you to work for us.
You sure are hard on people.
That's nothing new.
Still no action?
Wait until we get the order.
If we act carelessly and put our main target on guard, then it's all for nothing.
It's almost time.
Soon we should have our opportunity.
When that moment comes, we will take revenge for Itou-sensei.
Here, sir.
Whoa.
Is that girl the new performer people are talking about?
Yes.
Indeed.
She's too beautiful to leave as just a performer.
My! Cheating on me?!
Ow. Stop that, Suetsumu.
I never said she was more beautiful than you.
I don't care!
Now, now, Suetsumu.
Huh? My, sir...
Saya...
Saya!
Are you okay?
You were spacing out.
You went to the mansion yesterday, right?
Are you worn out from that?
But you weren't listening to me, right?
So, the Shinsengumi is going to be moving to Osaka.
Well, first we'll be charged with policing a place called Fushimi,
but honestly, I don't know when I'll be able to come back.
Plus, there's probably...
going to be war.
Saya, listen...
Ifー
Osaya... I mean Sachiyo-han.
Come with me.
Oh, yeah.
Saya!
Listen, this is hypothetical,
but would it be possible for you to flee from Kyoto?!
Oh, I'm sorry, Sachiyo-han,
for making such a sudden request.
That man from before told me he would like to eat with you.
Our business couldn't afford to refuse his request.
Why didn't I take her hand back back then?
This is a surprisingly nice headquarters.
Hm?
I have no complaints about our new headquarters.
Yeah.
Tetsunosuke!
What's the matter?
Huh? Uh, well...
Do you think I can make it to Shimabara and back on my days off?
Thinking about Osaya-chan again?
I thought you went and bid your farewells.
I did, but I'm worried.
In that case, you should marry Osaya.
Mar—
Wh-What are you suggesting all of a sudden?!
That's way too sudden!
It's not really sudden at all.
You peaceful fools don't realize just how tense the situation is!
Lately, Kondou-san keeps getting summoned to the castle for military meetings.
War could break out tomorrow, even today.
No one can guarantee anyone's life.
I-I know that.
But it's so sudden.
Tetsunosuke!
You should do what you can while you're still alive.
Go make your feelings clear to her, you irritating fool!
What do you mean, my feelings?
Saya's my precious friend.
In that case, you wouldn't mind, would you?
Mind what?
You wouldn't mind it if Osaya got married to someone else?
Kondou's Vacation Home
Hang in there, Okita-sensei.
Somebody!
There are people who need me.
For their sake, I...
Okita-sensei!
What are you doing?!
I need to head to Fushimi as well.
Could you hurry and procure a litter?
You can't do that!
There's no point if I'm no help in the war.
My, oh my. It's quite nerve-racking to ascend into the castle, isn't it?
Shimada Kai
Oh, right. It's your first time entering it, isn't it, Shimada?
Well, since there's a military council today, the atmosphere's a bit more tense than usual.
Still, it's all about getting used to it!
Revenge for Itou-sensei!
Enemy attack!
Protect the commander!
It's hot.
What happened?
An arrow?
No, rifles!
I won't let you!
Commander!
Hold on tight, please!
Don't let him escape!
Shoot!
Damn it! Move, move!
Kondou-san!
You were shot?!
How's the wound?!
Please rest assured, Vice Commander.
He's been shot in the right shoulder, but fortunately it missed his vitals.
His life's not in danger.
Just...
Just?
Kondou-san...
Okita-san?
Souji! Why did you...
Kondou-san!
Kondou-san, Kondou-san!
I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you.
You mean you can't extract the bullet that's in me?
No.
It's entered one of your body's joints, where several nerves are clustered.
If I try to remove it,
you might face impairment in more than your right arm.
Yamazaki-kun.
I don't know anything when it comes to rifles.
Could you tell me what kind of object is in my body?
This is a bullet we found on the scene that we believe came from the same rifle.
This?
That's incredibly small.
To Osaka Castle?
Yeah.
Out of concern for Kondou-san, the shogun has advised that we treat him,
the other wounded, and the ill in the castle.
Souji!
You go with them, too.
Hijikata-san, I'm—
It's your job.
Please make sure Kondou-san doesn't do anything else reckless.
I'm counting on you.
Yes.
Toshi...
Yes?
I'm leaving the matter we discussed about guns,
as well as everything else, up to your judgment.
Take care of the Shinsengumi.
Sure.
Here's the gun I promised,
though it's a prototype.
It's lighter than I expected.
Are you sure about not going with the commander?
My master, Matsumoto-sensei, will be there in Osaka.
I'm worried about the commander and others,
but it's better if I remain here in case of emergencies.
Besides...
Yamazaki-kun,
I know I'm prying a bit,
but I heard you'll be staying in Osaka for a few days as well?
I was planning to, but will that be a problem?
No, there's nothing wrong with that.
But if possible, I'd prefer you were here.
Also, it would be even better if you were with the Ichimura brothers.
Eventually, you'll grow to miss these days.
Look!
Nice, isn't it?
It's my gun!
Susumu...
What?
It's not good!
Huh?
There's no way it would be good if Saya got married to
someone else and I never saw her again after that!
That so?
Do you—
I've made up my mind!
I'm going to buy out Saya!
Nijou Castle
What?!
Ichimura, do you have any idea what you're saying?
I'm sorry, I know this is a dangerous time...
But because of what's going on, I...
That's not it.
I know you've been friends with the Shimabara girl for several years now.
The fact that you've fallen in love with her isn't a problem, either.
But it's a different matter when you're talking about buying her!
First of all, you need a huge sum of money.
It all depends on that girl's circumstances,
but you'll need to pay at least thirty ryou.
Th-Thirty ryou?!
Plus,
you need to prove that you'll love that girl for eternity,
that you won't ever sell her to another place,
and that you can provide enough money for her to live off of if you divorce.
In other words,
if that girl's employer doesn't believe that they can entrust her to you,
then you'll never be able to buy her.
Plus, above all,
the only ones allowed to set up homes outside of the Shinsengumi are its leaders.
There's no way a servant like you would be allowed to do that!
I don't know how serious you are about this,
but if you insist on doing this,
then you'll need to be prepared to quit the Shinsengumi.
Vice Commander,
I believe what you said was right,
but if I may say so...
Satsuma's on the move.
I wouldn't be surprised if war started at any moment.
We don't need to live with plans for the future.
Besides,
if that was enough to make him give up, then he wasn't ready.
Shimada-kun...
Sorry, but could you look into the history of Ichimura's girl, as well as her employer?
Understood.
Damn brat making more work for his superiors.
What a troublesome page.
How about it?
Do you think you'll give me a favorable reply, Sachiyo-san?
Oh, it's fine.
It's an important matter after all,
so take time to consider it.
It's just...
You've heard the rumors as well, haven't you?
A war might break out here in Kyoto.
I've been thinking of moving my home closer to Fushimi soon.
I don't care if you're doing it to escape Kyoto.
Will you leave Kyoto with me?
Would it be possible for you to flee from Kyoto?!
Curious about Fushimi?
It's a very nice place!
Of course,
there's no need to become my concubine.
If you can't bring yourself to like me,
then I won't force you.
I just want to guarantee your safety and get you out of here.
What do you think, Sachiyo-han?
He's really a nice person, isn't he?
You don't see such gracious offers very often.
Well,
I imagine you may have your own feelings.
Though you should consider your situation
and make a good decision.
Why are you thinking about it?
You were looking bored the entire time.
You never make that face when you're with Tetsu-chan.
Fushimi is where Tetsu-chan is right now, right?
Osaya...
I like who you are when you're with Tetsu-chan.
Osaya.
Osaya, is there someone you love right now?
If there is,
then you should love them with all your heart.
Don't wait for him to get you.
Forget about honor and pride, and go see him.
If you insist on doing this,
then you'll need to be prepared to quit the Shinsengumi.
Keiou, Year 4
January 3rd
Vice Commander,
all the men are prepared to move out.
Good work.
What about the Satsuma?
They've sealed off Toba Road,
and they're lying in wait for the shogun's army.
We've received reports that they've placed men
on all the other roads leading into Kyoto as well.
What about the guns I asked for five days ago?
Unfortunately, we couldn't arrange for enough.
I see.
By the way, Vice Commander...
I haven't seen Ichimura Tetsunosuke around since morning.
Yeah.
I have him running a different errand for me right now.
Huh?
His older brother's with him, too.
They'll be fine.
I see. So that's how it is.
Even so, Vice Commander,
once war breaks out, this place will be thrown into chaos.
If those two end up going missing,
it'll be difficult to find them, even for observers like us.
Could I get your acknowledgment of that ahead of time?
Yes. I owe you.
Please find some way to slip out of here, Tetsunosuke!
That was close!
They were just about to seal it off.
It's because you're slow, Tatsu-nii!
Shut up!
You're just unnaturally fast!
Besides, don't run so much in such expensive clothes!
You're wearing out your nice hakama!
Wow, the City of Flowers is really in chaos.
I thought I had joined a peaceful organization in service to the nation.
I never imagined it would turn out like this...
The one saving grace...
is that we were given a reason to avoid blame for running from the war.
Damn it, we need to hurry!
Tetsu!
Hey, Tetsu!
What is it, Tatsu-nii?
We need to hurry!
Listen!
Once we finish dealing with Hijikata-san's errand and your business,
then we're getting out of Kyoto.
My business?
Listen up,
we'll meet up back here at four.
Meet up?
Yeah.
I'll take care of Hijikata-san's errand for us.
You go to Osaya-chan's place and make your offer to buy her.
Huh?
This is an advance on your wages from Hijikata-san,
as well as his recommendation letter for you.
You know our situation.
He would never propose to leave the organization on his own.
I'm counting on you.
I don't know if this'll be enough for her employer to accept you,
but you at least make sure you show them that you're serious.
Hold on.
I wasn't planning on quitting the Shinsengumi.
He said they'll ignore it.
That having people come and go during such a busy time is a hassle.
So...
I don't know how serious you are about this, but...
You should do what you can while you're still alive.
Tatsu-nii,
thank you!
Listen, I haven't completely accepted this yet as your brother, okay?!
So let me give you a good talking to when this over.
Sachiyo-han, the litter's arrived.
To The Proprietress To The Proprietor
Sachiyo-han.
No, Osaya,
I'm sure you'll face a lot of hardship because you're mute,
but please stay well.
Osaya!
No matter where you go or what shape they take,
happiness and misfortune come in equal measure.
So no matter how you end up living your life,
at least keep your mind positive.
Saya, jump in! It feels great!
The war's about to start, and yet here I am...
I'm giving this to you, Saya.
Uh, I found it just now while I was under...
You're amazing, Saya.
Listen to me.
I love you, Saya.
I love you.
I don't want to let anyone else have you.
So I'm coming to get you now!
Path of the Heart
Genji, Year 0
Sanjou Riverbed
Masuya
Infiltrating the Masuya now will be the height of danger.
I understand that.
However, we're getting nowhere at this rate.
That doesn't mean you should act in haste.
Besides, if this won't work, then we can have the hairdresser's bow act.
This is the last time.
Failure is not an option.
The Fuuma?!
Go home and tell the shogunate dogs this:
Boorish peeping will get you burned.
I got it while escaping.
You don't need to treat it.
I'm sorry my will wasn't strong enough to follow the code.
Forget the code.
There's nothing more pathetic than abandoning your job halfway through
to go slit your stomach.
If you're going to die, then you can die after you've done a hundred
or two hundred jobs and gone through real hardships.
You aren't a samurai.
You're a shinobi, and you shouldn't confuse the two.
Go away.
Kurogane
Keiou Year 4
January 27th
Fushimi Magistrate's Office
Shinsengumi Vice Captain Hijikata Toshizou
Yamazaki Susumu
You certainly get tired of this, huh?
When it goes on for over four hours.
Yamaguchi Jirou (Saitou Hajime)
Yeah. It's already the twilight hour.
The sun's gone down, but it doesn't seem like they're breaking up for today either.
I hear it's the same for the other squads too.
I guess they're doing whatever they can to keep us from going to the capital.
Good grief.
How long is this going to keep up?
Calm down, Sano.
Nagakura Shinpachi
All the squads are being held back and staring each other down.
Whichever side decides to start something first
Harada Sanosuke
will be setting off the signal fires for war.
We're honored to have the reinforcements!
When is the firearm unit arriving?
Worry not, Hijikata. Those Satsuma peasant samurai
don't have the guts to oppose the Tokugawa.
By tomorrow, Tokugawa's forces will be calmly marching on the capital.
Gokounomiya Shrine
Fushimi Magistrate's Office
Apparently the Satsuma Army's drawing their lines at Gokounomiya.
The fact they've secured the northern high ground will hurt.
Yes.
Shimada Kai
With our Shinsengumi, the Aizu clan,
and the Tokugawa Army, we'll have roughly 15,000.
Even with the Tosa clan, the Satchou army has about four to five thousand.
Even though we have more soldiers,
I'm worried about the Tokugawa's naivety.
Looks like they fully expect there won't be any battle.
The Satsuma are likely to stick to their gunfire.
That reminds me...
You own one too, don't you?
Yes.
Here's the gun I promised,
though it's a prototype.
It's lighter than I expected.
If this is going to happen,
it needs to happen soon or they'll come back on us.
The Ichimura brothers?
I'll make one prediction.
We will see them once again on the battlefield.
But if they happen to be in danger when that time comes...
you won't need to worry about them.
I'll protect Ichimura Tetsunosuke and Ichimura Tatsunosuke with my life.
You just focus on your mission and your own safety.
I'll take your advice to heart.
Can I say one thing as well?
It used to be your policy not to talk about the future of individuals.
Yet here you are giving me a prediction and advice.
You've changed a lot.
Was Ichimura Tetsunosuke the one to change you?
Whether I do anything or not, the progress of history...
I don't care about that!
This is reality for you and me right now!
If you refuse to act, then I won't have any future!
Listen, don't quit the Shinsengumi.
Even if that organization becomes hell in the future,
so long as you and your knowledge of the future are there with me,
then I plan to stay there, too.
Thank you.
For saving me.
That's...
That's my line.
Good guess.
It's the same for me.
Which is why I'll probably take the same action as Captain Yamaguchi.
Yeah, you're already...
It's started?!
Battle of Toba-Fushimi
Toba Highway
Fushimi Highway
Shinsengumi, squad captain of unit ten, Harada Sanosuke!
Same, squad captain of unit two,
Nagakura Shinpachi.
My spear does more than just thrust!
Damn it! The tables have turned this fast?!
Yeah, there's no contest between a sword and a gun.
Maybe the age of these things is already over.
Battle's broken out in the south!
At this hour?!
If they break through at night, it'll be too terrible to watch!
Ichimura Tatsunosuke
It's started.
Tetsu!
You're late!
Wh-What happened?
What happened to buying her out?
I need to find... the litter.
I need to go after it, the litter...
Ichimura Tetsunosuke
Saya...
Saya's...
Saya's been bought out?
Yeah.
Wh-When?!
By who?!
I can't tell you that.
That would cause trouble for the family she's marrying into.
Marrying into?
Are you saying Saya is getting married?
Tetsunosuke-han, I know how things were between you and Saya.
But that girl chose realistic happiness after agonizing over it.
So please, don't stir things up any further than this.
The next time you fall in love with someone...
you shouldn't wait to make her yours.
Saya, are you there?
It's me.
Are you really gone already?
Will I never see you again?
Saya...
Saya!
The litter! Go after the litter!
Osaya only just left!
If you go after her, you might still make it in time!
Ohana?
Hey, stop.
Ohana!
South!
Go after the litter heading south!
You idiot.
You were too late in coming to get her...
Idiot.
So then you've been searching around for that litter until it got this late?
But I couldn't find it...
I need to search further south...
What are you saying?!
The battle's already started to the south!
That's all the more reason!
I have to stop her!
From heading south!
And from getting married!
All right, let's go look for her.
We're completely surrounded.
I don't care if it's a storm shutter or a tatami mat,
just bring us something to deflect bullets!
Yes, sir!
Damn it!
Come face my long weapon directly, you Satsuma bumpkins!
What?!
Cannons!
Where did they get those?!
They're bombarding us from Gokounomiya on the northern high ground!
Captain Yamaguchi,
we've fortified the rear of Gokounomiya with firearm units as well.
I don't think there's anywhere they could cut through.
Captain!
What is it, Yamazaki-kun?
It looks like some farmers were left behind under that cliff.
They can't go anywhere since they're in the enemy's firing range.
That's Mutou, isn't it?
He was late getting out?!
In that case...
let's go rescue him.
Yamazaki-sensei.
Please show me your wounds.
Thanks to your armor, the bullet stopped before before going too deep.
All that's left now is to stop the bleeding.
Can you move?
Yes.
Huh? A smoke screen?
What an old school tactic.
Fire!
Fire back!
Are you all right, Mutou?
Yes.
That's Yamazaki-sensei for you!
Thank you very much.
Keiou Year 4, January 31st - Mutou Kazunoshin, Dead Keiou, Year 4, February 4th - Yamazaki Susumu, Dead
Come on, Mutou. This way.
Careful.
Hurry up and put out the fire!
Regroup the spear troops and cut through the Satsuma at once!
Shimada, send a messenger! Retreat!
Huh?
Have you turned coward, Hijikata?!
Once we break through the dozen or so firearms in front, we'll—
A firearm...
can be used to take a soldier out of the fight with a single bullet!
If you rush in with swords and spears and no plan, you might as well be going unarmed!
Unarmed...
Do we fall back south?
To Yodo, huh?
Huh?
Yodo Castle is an impenetrable fortress.
If we regroup our ranks there and wait for reinforcements from Osaka,
we might have a chance.
January 28th
Saya's my precious friend.
In that case, you wouldn't mind, would you?
Mind what?
You wouldn't mind it if Osaya got married to someone else?
Hey! Are you okay?!
Tetsu...
What have I been doing all this time?
I had plenty of time.
Everyone even gave me the push I needed.
I thought I could always see her whenever I wanted to.
I thought things with Saya would stay that way forever...
I want to hit someone...
Oh, that's the Saitou—no, the Yamaguchi squad.
Looks like they're safe.
I thought you'd already be inside Yodo Castle a while ago.
An army magistrate's already gone ahead to request entry into the castle.
Our Shinsengumi's the rear guard.
The Satchou bastards are attacking from Toba as well as Fushimi.
On top of that, we've lost many comrades.
I doubt we'll have an easy time in Yodo Castle either.
The gunshot wound's festering, huh?
Looks awfully painful.
I can't treat it well enough here,
but once we get inside Yodo Castle, they should have the necessary supplies.
I'll keep Mutou-san going until then.
We're counting on you, Yamazaki-sensei.
Keiou Year 4
January 29th
What do you mean we can't enter the castle?!
The clan leader, Inaba, refused to grant us entry.
Why? The Yodo domain is on Tokugawa's side, right?
Did they betray us?
The brocade flag...
The Satsuma have raised the brocade flag.
Flag?
Proof they're the emperor's army.
Which makes us the villains for opposing them.
Why are we the villains?
Th-This isn't funny!
Can we survive if we've made an enemy of the emperor?
I only became a soldier to feed myself!
Me too, me too!
Where are you going?
I'm heading back to my homeland.
This battle's finished.
There's nothing we can do about the scrounged-up foot soldiers.
However, you are a vassal of the shogun,
so is it not your duty to fight for the Tokugawa even if you're the last soldier remaining?!
Duty...
I see you quite enjoy samurai skits.
You base-bred stray dogs.
Stray dogs?!
If the imperial flag's been raised, then various clans will side with the Satchou.
However, that's not betrayal.
Unlike you base-bred stray dogs,
we cannot afford to be labeled rebels and disgrace our families!
In that case,
we'll just do as we please.
D-Do what you want!
Vice Captain.
We'll have to head to Osaka.
Tokugawa Yoshinobu should be in that castle, too.
Our soldiers will be at peak morale once they're with their shogun again.
Besides, Kondou-san and Souji-san are both there too.
Whatever's going on with the imperial flag, honor is on our side in this battle.
So we can't afford to lose.
Did you hear?
Yes, just now. From Matsumoto-sensei.
Apparently the Satchou army has raised the imperial flag.
Sorry, but the people in the castle weren't able to give me an idea of
how the Shinsengumi are faring right now.
No, it's fine.
Still, this means... we're being made into rebels.
Yeah.
There's a good chance some of the Tokugawa clans will turn over this.
I hate being so useless at such a crucial time...
Kondou-dono.
Souji!
I'm okay.
We can't have my illness spreading any further.
Souji! Don't say such stupid things!
You're my cute, cute little brother,
so I'd gladly accept anything from you!
How's that for you?
Please...
Please let everyone be safe.
Come on, if you don't eat something, you're going to collapse.
You're already collapsing a bit though.
The Tokugawa were defeated?!
Apparently, they fled back to Osaka.
I heard the Satsuma raised the imperial flag.
What's that supposed to mean?
It means Tokugawa's an enemy of the emperor.
Then what about the Shinsengumi?
I heard they're running away from Satsuma's firearm units.
How uncouth.
Look at them now, after acting big all the time.
They've all gone off to go crush that gathering
of the old men you hate.
You never even said a word about going with them though.
You worked up their sympathy talking about getting revenge,
and joined the Shinsengumi begging them to make you a demon,
but when it comes down to it, you're staying behind.
Quit screwing around, you damn brat!
If you're going to be like that, then don't join the Shinsengumi!
Here's your burial clothes and sword from the vice captain.
If you're going to die,
then why don't you die fighting like a real Shinsengumi?
Tatsu-nii, I want food.
Y-Yeah!
It might be best to give up on Saya for now.
I'm going to head to Osaka and fight alongside the Shinsengumi.
No!
Hey, Tetsu, I know you're strong.
I recognize that.
But that only applies in swordfights.
Swords and spears can't stand up to guns.
You can be a master of the sword, but it won't do you any good.
So even if you go back...
The vice captain...
Vice Captain Hijikata is undoubtedly aware of that.
He'll procure guns in no time at all.
I might only be able to shoot poorly,
but so long as I have these hands, there has to be something I can do.
Then what about once those hands get blown off?
Tatsu-nii?
Hmm? What'll you do then?
When your blood's running everywhere.
Crying won't get you anywhere when bullets are flying.
You'll just find yourself lying in the dirt unable to move.
That kind of thing
happens all too easily on the battlefield!
"There has to be something you can do"?
Don't try to act tough!
Hey, Tetsu.
Let's live on with the hope that we'll see Saya-chan again someday.
If you die apart like this, you'll only regret it, right?
Regret...
That's why.
I'm going to fight because I don't want any more regrets.
If I keep stubbornly looking for Saya
and end up abandoning the comrades I haven't lost yet,
then I'll have even more regrets.
All right.
I know Tetsu's life is at stake.
I know we'll regret this.
But even now, I can't force him to stop.
Let's go back to the Shinsengumi.
Now, right this way, please.
Hey, looks like we're finally here.
I'm glad we made it safely. You must be tired from the long trip.
Welcome to the estate, Sachiyo-san.
I'm sorry for dragging you around here and there for almost two days.
There were reasons for that.
I wanted to be certain that you didn't know the location of this estate.
We're not in Fushimi.
If hating me makes you feel any better,
then hate me all you'd like.
But I'm not the one who bought you.
I've brought her here.
You don't remember me?
I don't blame you.
We only played together for a little bit several years back.
Yes, but still,
you really have become pretty.
My dear!
Suetsumu!
My dear!
You can see my reason, Sachiyo-san.
Please forgive me.
Go on. The exchange of goods is finished.
Hurry up and begone.
I want to talk to Saya.
Now, come relax.
Starting today, you'll be living here.
You, me, and these two.
Did you remember?
Did that man tell you that you wouldn't need to be a mistress,
that he'd take you out to Fushimi where Tetsu is?
You know there's no way such convenient things would be true.
I wonder how Tetsu will feel when he learns that I've obtained you?
That's enough for today.
Make sure you get some rest.
That way you can watch Tetsu struggle and suffer with me.
Keiou Year 4
January 31st
Toshi!
Hijikata Toshizou's here?!
How's our Shinsengumi?!
Kondou-san.
Sorry, Kondou-san.
You heard the report, right?
Our loss was pathetic.
That's fine! That's fine!
You did well surviving and making it here!
Souji.
Souji!
Okita-san.
We can't fight with swords and spears anymore.
The enemy's completely armed with guns.
Many of our comrades were riddled with holes before they could even display their skills.
However, the real battle starts now!
If we vassals unite under our shogun, we can defend his reign!
That's right, Vice Captain!
But for that, Kondou-san,
we'll need you and your ability to get an audience with the shogun.
I know it's a lot to ask of you...
What's the matter?
The shogun's in the castle, isn't he?
Everyone, I want you to listen calmly.
Right now, the whereabouts of Tokugawa Yoshinobu are unknown.
Kizu River
Mizu Village
Yodo River
The shogun returned to Edo on the Kaiyoumaru?!
That doesn't make sense!
What is the shogun thinking,
fleeing before the enemy when he's our commander?!
Hey, calm down!
I won't allow any further insult of the shogun!
I know this is very sudden,
but the cause lies with you and your clans
who pathetically ran away as the Satchou chased you!
Don't you all misunderstand!
The shogun has not betrayed you!
You have betrayed the shogun's faith in you!
I am captain of the Shinsengumi, Kondou Isami!
I would like to have three thousand troops!
With those men, I shall defend this castle,
Stop, Kondou-san.
silence the Satchou, and live up to our shogun's faith!
Kondou-san?!
I wondered who was shouting so loudly.
What are you saying with your body in such a state?
That's enough talk.
We're heading to Edo.
You all are to prepare for departure as well.
You're being too damn reckless.
You've agitated your wound again now.
Toshi, it's because I understand all too well.
You all have risked your lives fighting.
To call that a betrayal of faith is just...
It's frustrating, but setting the shogun aside,
it's not a bad call to withdraw to Edo.
I mean, we just need to win in the end.
And Edo is the land where our Shinsengumi was first started. Right?
Okay.
Let's head back, Toshi.
To where it all started for us.
Yeah.
Keiou Year 4, January 31st - Mutou Kazunoshin, Dead
He passed peacefully.
I'm sorry I wasn't able to do more.
Mutou managed to survive for three whole days.
That's all thanks to you.
Got it while escaping, huh?
I want to know what job Ayu-nee is doing right now.
The hairdresser's bow the vice captain mentioned is Ayu-nee, isn't it?
Don't know.
Don't lie to me.
Or do you really not know even that?
Ayu-nee... probably isn't planning on coming back anymore.
She said something weird to me...
while crying.
So?
What do you want to do about it?
Are you saying you're going to stop her if she's pulling a dangerous job?
You, some fake page brat?
Why you!
Even if she were doing something that might kill her,
if that's her job, you have no right to stop her.
And you call yourself human?!
I'll take that as a compliment.
I don't have any useless emotions like that.
A messenger for the captain!
What is it?!
Several ronin are ganging up on a lone woman.
Do you think I like being angry?
If you weren't around, I wouldn't...
Fine, I'm sure all I can do is make you angry.
Be angry however long it takes to satisfy you.
But in exchange, please, go to Ayu-nee.
You heard me, right?
Why not? She's your sister, isn't she?
I've never once thought of her that way.
Why don't you go to her?
You can go cry and listen to her final words.
She'd enjoy that more, right?
You know, Ayu-nee...
She told me...
to look out for her little brother.
She told me to take care of you!
Don't get confused.
You're not a samurai.
You're a shinobi.
You shouldn't possess any unnecessary emotions.
You don't need to think of me as an older sister.
I won't think of you as a younger brother, either.
Sis... ter...
Were you thinking of Tetsu?
Did you receive that from him?
I too
once received a gift from Tetsu.
Though I need to return it to him.
Along with all the suffering this world can offer.
Along with shame, isolation,
and despair that will last as long he lives.
Keiou Year 4
February 4th
Is this all the medical supplies?
No.
I've got an order for more,
but I doubt we'll get it before we leave port.
Susumu!
Tetsunosuke!
You.
Sai— Squad Leader Yamaguchi!
Do you know where the Shinsengumi's cargo is?
We need Yamazaki-kun's gun.
You idiots!
What are you doing back here?!
Wh-What's this all of a sudden?
Sorry, I was supposed to keep you out of the war...
But I couldn't stop you, Tetsu.
Captain?!
Tetsunosuke! Tatsunosuke!
We're under attack!
Is the Satchou?!
No.
It's men out for revenge.
Remnants of the Goryou Eiji?!
You're butting in, Saitou!
You traitor!
Saitou Hajime knows who will die and when.
He'll be able to adapt rapidly.
Which is why they'll need to take a heavily armored ship.
We don't stand a chance against guns!
We need to ready a cannon at once!
Y-Yes!
Captain Yamaguchi, that gun's...
You can withdraw.
Oh no!
We have to do something while Saitou-san holds them off, or else!
Seriously, another ship?!
Can you scatter them with the cannon already?!
We haven't received permission to fire yet!
We'll hurry to get in touch with the ship's captain!
We can't wait. I'll go.
Yamazaki-kun.
You must not take action.
No matter what may happen, you must not take action!
Keiou Year 4, January 11th - Yamazaki Susumu, Dead Keiou Year 4, January 12th - Sasaki Tadasaburou, Dead
Oh no, the ship is sinking!
Throw out the floats!
Drop anything that might float!
Grab on!
What's the matter, Tetsu?!
O-Oh no...
Oh well.
Captain Yamaguchi, no...
Captain Saitou.
Thank you.
Tetsu!
Reach out your hand!
Please!
The target is Yamazaki Susumu.
But don't kill him right away.
Try to have him die just as Ichimura Tetsunosuke shows up to save him.
I want his death burned into Tetsu's eyes.
I want him to know he died because of him.
Susumu!
Tetsunosuke!
Tatsunosuke!
In one instant?
From that distance?
That's right, Tetsu! Susumu!
Susumu!
Yamazaki-kun got shot?!
He's bleeding badly, and he's in serious condition!
We need a clean room!
I hear permission to fire the cannons
was delayed due to disruptions in the chain of command?
One failure to grant permission when the enemy's right before your eyes,
and this is what happens.
A single action for those who lead can easily lead to the deaths of others.
Some important man just sitting in his chair won't understand!
Matsumoto-sensei!
Tetsunosuke-kun, huh?
Perfect timing.
Go in.
Yamazaki-kun's calling for you.
Where's Tatsunosuke-kun?
Oh, he's probably up on deck.
I see. I'll go call for him.
S-Susumu?
Yeah.
Wh-What are you doing?
Shouldn't you be in bed?!
Idiot. I'm the Shinsengumi's doctor.
I know how my own body's doing.
Jeez, pushing yourself...
Look over there a moment.
Since I'm so kind,
I'll go ahead and let you lean on me as you act tough.
Oh, you didn't hold back.
I was really worried about you.
Don't ever do something like that again.
You shouldn't have done that.
But thank you.
Thank you, Susumu.
Listen, in the end, you were right, Susumu.
I couldn't find Saya.
I heard from the shop that someone had already bought her.
I see.
Honestly, you were right, Susumu.
I should've done what I could while I could do it.
Go away.
You know, a while back,
I was thinking about so many things that I couldn't eat my dinner.
If I recall, there was fried fish and sauteed vegetables.
Oh, I drank all the miso soup,
but I only managed to eat about half the rice.
I left the rest behind.
I left the last meal Ayu-nee cooked for us behind.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Ayu-nee.
Don't apologize.
I'm sorry.
Don't apologize. It's annoying.
Sorry. I'm sorry.
I need to apologize too.
I told myself I couldn't have any unnecessary emotions.
I lived my whole life that way so I could be a shinobi.
So what was I doing rushing over to her?
That was my...
I don't care.
Even if they call me a failure as a shinobi,
I've long been a failure as a little brother.
I was too half this, half that... like an idiot.
I got angry. I got too angry.
Everywhere hurts too much.
That's not being angry...
That's being sad.
I never once got to call her "sister."
When the time actually comes,
it's scarier than I thought.
You endured this awfully well,
Sister.
Hurry up and say it.
Thank you, Tetsunosuke.
You taught me a lot.
You taught me fun,
and happiness,
and laughter.
All the things I thought I had to cast aside as a shinobi.
So thank you very, very much.
Idiot.
What are you saying such embarrassing things for?
Susumu?
Susumu!
We were samurai ordered to "live."
Someone once told us that the age of "let your heart be in harmony,
your sword be your soul, and die nobly with honor," was over.
It was probably true.
In fact, we couldn't say those words.
And we never heard them.
There was no honor for us in treading down that path.
Our dreams were long gone too.
But even so,
we weren't allowed to stop following that path.
Kurogane
A Friend's Life