Keep Walking Forward Until You Never Look Back

by Garowyn

Moments in the life of Sasaki Tetsunosuke, as he finds his place in the Shinsengumi and at the side of Hijikata Toushirou. Complete. Timeline: post-Baragaki to pre-Silver Soul arc.

4. Chapter 4

Author's Note: Once again, I do not own Gintama or any of the series/characters/etc that I reference (when I have more time, I will go through the story again and list them all here for the sake of a proper disclaimer). I do own the original characters created from nameless Shinsengumi members and non-Shinsengumi characters. Thank you to everyone who read this story about an unpopular minor character. Much appreciated. Depending on how the Silver Soul arc ends, an epilogue is possible. This fic will feel more complete to me if I included the final arc.

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Home Is Wherever Your Family Is

After thanking the shop owner, Tetsunosuke hurried back to the outskirts of a small and somewhat rundown post-station with purchases in hand. He passed by a few outdoor vendors and inhaled roasting meat scents and sweet treats, and though his stomach rumbled relentlessly, he wouldn't stop to indulge himself. The prospect of returning to tasteless rations didn't fill him with joy, but he would endure the lack of a good hot meal for a while longer with his traveling companions. Besides, they had to budget accordingly out here before joining up with the rest of the Shinsengumi.

It had been nearly two weeks since the Shinsengumi departed Edo with the mission of stirring up revolution throughout the country – ironically after much counsel with one of their longtime foes, Katsura Koutarou. It had been a surprising sight to see Hijikata sitting across Katsura, the two of them engrossed in deep discussion over the nation's future, but they'd all be fools if they chose to disregard the advice of a famed military leader. The Shinsengumi – before they had become known as such – had skirted the Amanto War and arrived in Edo sometime afterward. Katsura had lived and fought through it, and thereby possessed valuable knowledge and experience of war and politics. Old hostilities were set aside in return for his vital counsel.

Kondou and Hijikata had agreed to this plan, taking the Shinsengumi and absorbing disbanded Mimawarigumi members and recruiting others along the way. The goal was to inform the people of the true nature of the current government, the truth behind Shige Shige's death, and the future they would all fight for. After leaving Edo with heavy hearts, the Shinsengumi spread out in all directions, promising to keep in contact with Matsudaira until the time to return to Edo arrived.

Holding the reins of two horses, Hijikata waited, also dressed like a simple farmer but in blue and grey shades, complete with a straw hat held in place by a string. The need for caution was stronger with him, as a more recognizable figure. Tetsunosuke could coast by on his ordinary looks alone – he was almost as plain as Yamazaki – so long as he didn't give out his family name.

The horses drank from a shaded trough on the outermost edge of a small stable, tails whipping about in a state of contentment.

Instead of a greeting, Hijikata said, "The posters are up. We should leave now." The posters were essentially handwritten letters to the people, detailing their anti-Bakufu sentiments and why they needed to rise up and defend their country from a government that had turned on itself and endangered the people it had sworn to protect and justly rule. For passing through small towns and villages in a hurry, these posters were all they could depend upon aside from rallies and anti-government demonstrations.

"There was no mayonnaise."

"What do you mean 'no mayonnaise?'"

"They were all out."

"How can a little general store in the boondocks run out of mayonnaise so fast?"

"I asked and they said they don't stock a lot of it, so maybe two or three bottles. The last one was sold early this morning."

"Go find out who bought it and I'll go buy it from them. Or barter. A horse ought to be good enough to exchange for a bottle."

One of the horses lifted his head and snorted.

Tetsunosuke hesitated, unsure of whether this was an official order or not. When it came to mayonnaise, he still couldn't tell half the time if Hijikata was serious when he said things like this. It was almost high noon on a hot windless day. Maybe the heat was getting to him.

Fortunately, Hijikata went on, saying, "Damn it, Kondou-san will be upset if I sell a horse. I'll just have to leave it. Did you get some razors?"

"Yes, sir! Along with some bread, apples, and more ink and paper." There'd been more perishable food items he'd wanted to buy, but their funds were limited and they couldn't afford to take too much food that would spoil easily or attract predators. Somewhere down the road they could indulge in a hot meal at Kondou's discretion.

"Don't call me 'sir' out here. How about cigarettes?"

"No Mayoboros, sir—er, Togorou-san." They had all taken to calling their superiors by their family names or nicknames in public instead of their old titles to preserve secrecy. Hijikata had chosen the name Togorou, but gave no reason as to why and no one asked. Tetsunosuke guessed it was a combination of Toushirou and Tamegorou. Either way, it was both nice and strange to refer to Hijikata on a first-name basis, however temporarily. It was also a more normal choice than some of the others, like Kondou's 'Gorizilla' and Okita's 'Himura Kenshin' or, alternatively, 'Battousai.' "I checked two places, but couldn't find any cigarette packs."

"Tch. None at all? Not even the cheap brand? How can they sell everything else but cigarettes and mayonnaise?"

"None. There were no vending machines, either. I don't think they go much for modernity here." Tetsunosuke presented him with a kiseru. "I did pick this up instead, if it will do! I also bought a small bag of tobacco to go with it."

Hijikata stared at it for a few seconds and then sighed, plucking the pipe from Tetsunosuke's hands. "I suppose it'll have to do, seeing as how this whole village is against me. I should probably quit smoking, anyway. That mountain damn near killed me."

"But at least we successfully evaded the enemy, sir," Tetsunosuke reminded him, recalling the trek halfway up a mountain to temporarily hide and cross into the next prefecture undetected. It had been awhile since they'd undertaken an outdoor excursion of such magnitude, but Tetsunosuke's stamina had benefited from the strenuous exercise. Hijikata's, however, had suffered due to his steady habit of smoking. Kondou had reminded him again to quit, even though Hijikata stubbornly insisted his momentary lapses in the march were due to old injuries. Naturally, Okita had had a field day, poking fun at Hijikata wheezing and puffing excessively at random intervals.

"I told you to stop calling me 'sir.'"

"Yes, s—Togorou-san!"

"Keep your voice down, idiot." Hijikata tucked the pipe and bag away inside his clothing. "Let's go."

Tetsunosuke mounted his horse with some difficulty, careful not to fall over the other side like he had the first time, much to the amusement of his comrades. Embarrassing himself again in front of Hijikata, who had more horse sense than he did, was not an option. Envious, Tetsunosuke watched Hijikata pull himself up with ease, as though he had been riding his entire life.

Tetsunosuke initially counted himself fortunate that he had ended up in the group that would accompany Kondou, Hijikata, and Okita across the countryside until he discovered the hardships of a life devoid of modern conveniences. Despite being born before the Amanto invasion, he had lived in the city all his life with moderate comforts, such as access to abundant food that could be bought through local markets. He had rarely given thought to how these markets were supplied, but he did now as they passed by several kinds of farms and fields, wondering what kind of life those entailed.

The core Shinsengumi members were country-born. Where they had once been awkwardly adjusting to life in Edo, they returned to a life they had known before, one often looked down upon by those in higher social classes. Out here, they were very much in their element: bathing in cold rivers without much complaint; gathering usable firewood; knowing which plants to avoid and which ones were edible; how to read the atmosphere of towns and villages and deduce their general income; and more. They had even fallen back into their natural dialects – always present in some form, somewhat suppressed due to living in Edo, but now heavily relied upon in order to blend in with the locals and remain inconspicuous.

All in all, Tetsunosuke was fascinated by how much more relaxed many members appeared to be, like they were enjoying a vacation instead of fleeing government forces on their heels.

At least he wasn't alone in his rural challenges. Yamazaki and a few others in the group also struggled to adjust to life on the run in an unfamiliar environment, but the Shinsengumi, if nothing else, were stubbornly tenacious, come what may.

They had managed to procure a few horses along with cheap-bought saddles for the journey through the lands well off the main roads. It would be hard for the government to track them down this way. They would spread the seeds of revolution within the villages on the way to larger towns and cities where they would eventually regroup with other Shinsengumi and former Mimawarigumi members who had joined them. Everyone, even those in outlying villages, needed to know the truth and what could possibly happen for the future of their country.

Riding a horse was a frightening idea in and of itself for some of the men, but Kondou had insisted on it, saying that they would cover more ground. Time was something they couldn't afford to waste. The inexperienced would receive lessons on the way. Additionally, the horses would relieve them from the burden of carrying supplies, such as rations, water, and some bedrolls in case an injured man needed to rest. As for their regular sleeping hours, Kondou expected them to tough it out against a tree or along the ground. For him, this journey doubled as an excuse for training.

"Nothing like getting back to nature and camping under the stars!" Kondou had said jovially on their first night around a campfire, sitting on a log and gazing skyward with a smile that suddenly faltered, and he shot to his feet. "Yeow!" He twisted his upper body around as much as he could, cringing as he rubbed his butt cheeks. "I think there's a splinter in my ass!"

"That might not have happened if you were wearing clothes," Hijikata had said dryly, arms crossed.

"Toushi, can you have a look for me and pull it out? I think it's wedged in deep! Here, I'll point my butt toward the fire so you can see better!"

Hijikata had winced, seemed to hesitate over how to answer.

Harada had remarked, "I didn't know there was going to be a full moon tonight," sparking laughter from the rest.

Just as he had been about to answer Kondou, Hijikata yelped when a rock thudded against his shoulder, and he glanced around quickly for the culprit. "Sougo, what the hell?"

"Kondou-san said that we should get back to nature, so I'm using rocks instead of bombs," Okita had explained, holding a pile of stones the size of baseballs in his arms, "I can't get too comfortable out here and forget my original goal of replacing you as Kondou-san's right-hand man."

"I think you have rocks in your head!" Hijikata had snapped back, rubbing his shoulder and glaring daggers at him. "Commit seppuku right now for your insolence!"

Everyone had laughed, and Tetsunosuke came to fondly anticipate and treasure these countryside nights. Tonight was sure to be no different, even though it would be one of their last nights out in the open before they reached the next city.

Hijikata led the way in a steady trot down an old road forking off from the main road, leading into the forest. Sitting tall with relaxed shoulders and hands gripping the reins at a comfortable position for guiding his horse, Hijikata looked every bit as regal as the samurai of old, riding into battle on a magnificent beast instead of a patrol car. Tetsunosuke could almost see Hijikata decked out in armour with a helmet replacing his straw hat, the splendid sight of a general on horseback.

Tetsunosuke usually opted for walking (mostly because riding was painful), but Hijikata had chosen him to come along for the ride into the nearest post-station for a few supplies. The reason was unclear, but Tetsunosuke was glad to have been personally handpicked, even if it meant having to ride a horse. Most took turns and often doubled up when they were in a hurry, partnering up with whomever was nearest, so long as they were with an experienced rider.

"Any news from Edo?" Hijikata asked, breaking Tetsunosuke's reverie.

"Nothing has changed. The newspapers still talk about how we're traitors. No major trouble except for the usual crimes. Speaking of which, I saw some wanted posters for local bandits at the post office. A few of them looked like Amanto."

"Hn."

"The post master warned me not to leave the main highway and to hide my sword if I didn't want any trouble."

"The post master is wise."

"I'm a bit surprised, sir. I thought the government had managed put a stop to the widespread thieving in rural areas."

"Unfortunately, those living far from the cities don't top the priority lists," Hijikata said, glancing at him, "The police that patrol the area can only do so much, which leads to residents forming their own security."

There had been a small police station back in the village along with a moped that seemed to be the only vehicle to exist there. They were passing through a region mostly untouched by technological advancement, whether by a yearning for the good old days or a lack of finances. Only now and then did an airship or helicopter pass overhead and they were a quite a distance away from the main railway that lined the eastern coast. It truly was a different world out here, a step back into the past before the arrival of the Amanto.

Hijikata continued, "Even then, that isn't enough. No matter how many laws you put in place or how many soldiers you distribute across the land, crime will always find a way to thrive, particularly on the weak and vulnerable."

"I noticed they were rebuilding a lot of places," Tetsunosuke remarked, "The general store owner mentioned that many people had left for larger towns and the cities, but some choose to stay because it's their home. They're trying to keep the village going for travelers, at least."

Except for the buzzing of insects and warbling of birds and the clopping of hooves, they rode in silence, surveying the land before them. All around them was endless forest, including on the foothills in the north from where they had traveled down from the last couple of days. The flat open areas gradually disappeared behind them as they wound the old road along a bend, passing a couple of dilapidated homes and overgrown fields. At least two more days of countryside traveling was still ahead of them before they reached the next largest city.

Suddenly, Tetsunosuke's horse whined and picked up the pace. "Whoa! H-Hijikata-san!"

"Stop fooling around and relax," Hijikata said, "If you're nervous, then your horse will pick up on that."

"But I'm not nervous! I feel great!" And he did, out in the fresh air next to his most admired person, but with the way his horse was acting, he guessed he would soon have a reason to worry.

Hijikata halted his horse and motioned with an arm for Tetsunosuke to do the same. The clopping of their hooves came to a standstill, agitated tails flicking about.

"Hiji—"

"Ssh!" Hijikata looked northward with a frown.

Straining his ears, Tetsunosuke heard the rustling of leaves and a few low birdcalls that resembled nothing he'd heard out here; birdcalls that could easily be a signal from one party to another across the expanse.

Then, Tetsunosuke saw them.

Five bandits approaching from the north and six from the south, trampling out of the woods, less than three hundred yards away on either side, a little farther on the south where the six were crossing a creek. Most of them were human with a few Amanto mixed in. Yelling and raising their weapons – mainly swords and spears as far as he could tell – they were moving fast and closing in, especially the three on horseback.

"Of course, they waited until we were out of sight of the village, the lousy bastards," Hijikata grumbled.

Tetsunosuke clutched the reins, heart racing. "What do we do?" They had no radio dispatchers to call for back-up from their comrades a good three to four miles away. They were alone and outnumbered.

Hijikata cursed under his breath and started his horse forward. "We're sitting ducks out here in the open. Let's go! If we can reach the forest, we might be able to lose them. Better to lead them away from the village and closer to our allies."

Fear struck Tetsunosuke's heart, as he mimicked Hijikata's movements, leaning forward and off his saddle, throwing his horse into a gallop westward to the edge of the forest. It wasn't so much fear of battle as it was fear of battle on horseback – or falling off the horse in mid-run. He only had attempted once, but now was not the time to dwell on failure. It was do or die.

Hijikata's horse kicked up dust, widening the gap between them.

"Watch for arrows!" Hijikata yelled over his shoulder. "Hurry!"

Tetsunosuke glanced behind and saw the riders gaining on him.

Looking was a mistake.

Tetsunosuke turned forward again in time to see a low-hanging branch of a single tree – the only damn tree in the open along the beaten road and it was too late to divert the horse's trajectory. He cried out and ducked low, but startled the horse into running faster, unbalancing him and throwing him off.

He hit the ground and rolled off the road into the grass, the impact blasting the wind out of his lungs and for one terrifying second he couldn't breathe. Wasting no time, he gulped down air and launched himself onto his feet, stumbling and sprinting away, ignoring the pain. The bandits' laughter burned his ears, but he kept running, determined to put some space between them before he was forced to turn around and defend himself. There was no way he'd make it to the forest in time; no choice but to stand his ground and fight.

Up ahead, his horse continued galloping down the road, dust clouding out behind.

I'm sorry, Vice-Chief! I—

Breaking through the dust was Hijikata and his horse, running straight back for them. With his hat hanging down his back and one outstretched arm bearing a sword, Hijikata's fierce expression sent chills down Tetsunosuke's spine.

Trusting in Hijikata to stop the bandit riders, Tetsunosuke drew his own sword and spun around, running past the riders and staying out of range of their swords and spears. They barely noticed him, apparently more focused on the charging vice-chief.

Instead, Tetsunosuke ran toward the first fleet-footed bandit – a pointy-eared, blue-skinned Amanto humanoid, who was at least twice Tetsunosuke's height and muscle mass.

"When you face your opponents, be fearless and dignified."

Tetsunosuke pushed away his doubts and searched for the quickest way to disarm or incapacitate.

"You're going down, tubby!" the bandit said, raising a large straight sword like an axe.

Using one's anger for one's benefit was also another lesson Hijikata had taught and Tetsunosuke was definitely incensed by the petty remark about his physical appearance. Hijikata was certainly no stranger to fighting while furious, but always allowed the emotion to fuel – not weaken – his technique. Tetsunosuke vowed to mirror his mentor's actions.

The bandit's sword crashed down and embedded itself into the ground.

Tetsunosuke thrust his sword into the bandit's mid-torso, feeling the blade break skin and muscle.

Howling in pain, the bandit sank to his knees.

Tetsunosuke swiftly pulled his sword out, shaking the blood off and focusing on his next opponent.

The second bandit attacked with a side strike.

Tetsunosuke deflected it, steel screeching against steel until he forced the bandit's sword up and kneed him in the groin. Tetsunosuke then slashed at the man's sword-bearing wrist and ran toward the next opponent.

Outnumbered, he had to keep moving and subdue each fighter long enough to defend himself against the next one until he was in a more advantageous position where he could increase the distance between each enemy instead of defending against subsequent attacks.

The third bandit was more quick-witted than the first two. They exchanged blows, neither backing off. Tetsunosuke's mind raced to strategize, as he saw the remaining five bandits catching up to the battlefield.

"So you're not just a page boy like we thought," the bandit hissed through clenched teeth, "You have some training!"

"More than you know," Tetsunosuke grunted.

"You can't win! I'm the best swordsman here!"

"No." Tetsunosuke ducked the next strike and rammed his body full into the bandit, stabbing into the man's lower abdomen. Jumping back, he winced when the man's blade slashed his cheek and shoulder, but did his best to absorb the pain and stay focused.

Crumbling to the ground, the bandit convulsed and yowled.

"I'm sorry," Tetsunosuke panted, "but I've been trained by the best swordsman and it's not you."

The bandit cursed and spat at him.

Tetsunosuke kicked away the bandit's weapon and set his own into a defensive position, awaiting the next foe.

"Wait, wait, wait!" One of the bandits dropped his sword and held his hands up in surrender. "Just hold on! We want to talk to the other guy!" The remaining five followed suit.

Reluctantly, Tetsunosuke lowered his sword and backed away, mindful of any sneak attacks, as he spared a quick glance behind him before gasping and realizing why they wanted to stop.

The enemy riders had been knocked off their horses, some groaning on the ground while others lay motionless, their horses running wild around the grassy plain.

Hijikata rode up to the group at a slow gait, sword dripping with blood and clothes splattered just the same, breathing hard with a dark glare fixated on the bandits. If their perspective was anything like Tetsunosuke's, then they all saw a demon of war advancing toward them.

Grateful that he was not Hijikata's enemy, Tetsunosuke spoke, "They want to talk to you, perhaps to negotiate their fates."

"I'm not interested in negotiating with scum," growled Hijikata, never taking his eyes off the bandits. "Tell them they're all under arrest and will be detained by the local authorities—"

"Uh, we can hear you—"

"And tell them I'll lop off their heads from here if they interrupt me again or casually address me."

By the alarmed expressions on all of their faces, Tetsunosuke was certain they understood very well, but nonetheless reiterated, "Please be advised that you are being arrested and detained, and that if you speak to him when not spoken to, you'll only be aggravating him further."

They murmured among themselves, casting suspicious glances at Tetsunosuke and Hijikata.

Finally, one of them stepped forward, saying, "Hey – what can two do against five?" This earned nods and grunts of approval that morphed into jeers and laughter. He pointed his weapon at Hijikata. "You're talking mighty big because of that high horse of yours. Clearly you're more experienced with fighting on horseback, but who's to say how you are on foot? Why don't you come on down and fight us on equal grounds?"

Tetsunosuke simply shook his head, almost pitying them and their ignorance. Had they not witnessed their riders' utter defeat? Only the insane would challenge an obviously skilled and deadly swordsman, who had emerged victorious while outnumbered.

"Fine by me!"

Their laughter abruptly ceased, as Hijikata dismounted and untied his hat, tossing it to the side. "Take the reins and watch for additional enemies," Hijikata ordered, thrusting the reins into Tetsunosuke's open hand without looking at him. "Do not interfere. This fight is all mine."

"Understood, sir!"

Glowering, Hijikata stalked toward the bandits, who shifted uneasily. He brought his bloodied sword into an offensive position. "I haven't had mayonnaise and Mayoboros for days now and it's pissing me off!"

"Mayonnaise? Mayoboros? What…?"

"Some idiots forgot to bring razors and now I'm starting to resemble a trigger-happy perverted old man!"

Actually, Hijikata was far from that stage, though he did sport a slight shadow around his mouth and chin from no razor for the past several days, and he complained daily about unwanted stubble. Even Harada was starting to grow hair again.

"On top of it all, I'm traveling with a brat who would rather see me behind bars more than the damn government does! I have to sleep with one eye open in case he decides to make me a ghost sooner than planned!

"Why are you traveling with someone who wants you dead?! Are you admitting you're that stupid?"

"Cutting all of you down will do me some fine stress relief, so come at me! All at once! I'll show you who's a half-witted, short-tempered, can't-walk-up-a-mountain-without-collapsing-his-lungs coward!"

"None of us said any of that!

Hijikata pointed his sword at the one who spoke. "Shut the hell up or I'll kill you!"

"Oiiii, why are you threatening us when we're supposed to be threatening you?! Why is the situation reversed?"

The questioning and bickering was quickly lost to cries and groans of pain, as Hijikata charged the leader with a snarl, slashing at his chest and legs and disarming him in seconds. The other four moved to surround him, but Hijikata dodged their swings and ran straight through them, as though heading back to the village.

"Oi, he's running away!"

"He is a coward!"

They didn't stand a chance.

Hijikata spun around, striking the first one to attack with dizzying speed, blocking a thrust and piercing through a shoulder in one clean sweep. Before a second bandit could replace the fallen, Hijikata ran again and turned, fending off the second attack and trading blow for blow before slashing the abdomen, all the while moving backward, sometimes kicking forward with a quick burst of an attack or grabbing an arm and twisting it around, preying upon their weaknesses. He did this again and again, creating a one-on-one situation with opponents too naïve and inexperienced to realize the trap.

Not only that – Hijikata was dragging the fight out on purpose, injuring but never fully incapacitating, allowing each bandit to continue attacking. They grew angrier and more reckless, succumbing one by one to a slow and tortuous conveyor belt of defeat.

The feral grin on Hijikata's face revealed his enjoyment.

Hijikata was, by no means, a graceful fighter, certainly never to inspire poets and songwriters seeking beautiful movements. That sort of style was for the noble-born, the prodigies with the most prestigious masters, and the elite. In contrast, Hijikata appeared untamed and ruthless, like a raging wildfire, but Hijikata was always in control of his agile movements and cultivated every gust of wind and scorching flame to his advantage from battle-honed experience. Those who sought to attack him in their overconfidence were easily reduced to ash.

Soon, the last bandit fell, unconscious or dead. It was hard to tell from where Tetsunosuke was standing.

One more tried to get up, yelling as he did, but a solid punch from Hijikata knocked him flat on his back, effectively silenced.

Chest heaving, Hijikata wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and tore off a strip of cloth from one of the bandits, using it to wipe his sword clean.

"Well done, sir!" Tetsunosuke called out.

Hijikata looked up, about to respond when he froze and cocked his head with a frown, staring off to the side.

Tetsunosuke heard the low thrum of a moped rounding the bend, coming from the direction of the village, a trail of dust clouds behind what appeared to be two riders.

Glancing around the carnage and wondering how they would explain it, Tetsunosuke bit his lip and asked, "What do we do? Run away?"

"Too late for that." Hijikata sighed and sheathed his sword. "Hand me my hat. We'll go and meet them."

Tetsunosuke followed after Hijikata, leading the horse around the fallen bodies, putting distance between them and the battlefield.

In less than a few minutes, the motorbike slowed to a stop, and they could see that the driver was a man no older than Hijikata with a goatee and close-cropped black hair, wearing blue police cap with an insignia bearing the village name. The passenger was a shaggy-haired boy wearing a sky blue yukata with a couple of different colored cloth patches sewed into it.

"That was one heck of a battle," the driver remarked, turning the ignition off and setting the kickstand. "We watched from a distance. I radioed in the police from the next town over. I reckon they'll be along shortly to take care of the mess—"

"What the hell are you doing, bringing a kid here?" Hijikata demanded sharply.

"Hey, hey, the kid insisted I take him to you, just yellin' in my ear to go," the man said, shaking his head. "We thought you were only travelin'. Didn't expect you to go wild here…"

"Pardon me," Tetsunosuke said, "but who are you exactly?"

The man lifted his cap up in greeting. "Name's Shiga, town security at your service, and the kid is—"

"Yuuto!" The kid slid off the back seat and bounded over to the two with a quick bow. "Pleased to meet you, sirs!"

"Please to meet you, too," Tetsunosuke said, returning the boy's warm smile.

"I saw both of you fight!" Yuuto continued. "It was awesome! You were outnumbered, but you took all of them down!" He looked at Hijikata, adding, "Especially you! I saw you take them down from your horse! You're amazing!"

"Why did you let him watch?" Hijikata said to Shiga, "Do you want to traumatize him?"

Before Shiga could answer, Yuuto cut in, "It's okay, sir! I've seen blood before and I watched a horse give birth!"

"This is nothing like a horse giving birth!"

"I've also watched swordfight movies, too! But I've never seen a battle in real life before! That was real cool!"

"Yeah, it's just like the movie," Shiga said, peering at the fallen bandits off in the distance, "Except instead of seven samurai, there's two." He squinted at Hijikata. "Wow, you even got Kikuchiyo's crazed eyes alright."

Hijikata glared at him. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"You're the Shinsengumi, aren't you?" Yuuto asked.

Refraining from answering immediately, Tetsunosuke glanced at Hijikata, who also said nothing. Despite their intentions in leaving behind a politically charged write-up, they couldn't freely give out their identities with the government tracking them. With more police on the way, they would have to leave the area very soon, but how would they shut down the questions of a child too curious for his own good?

"The Shinsengumi?" Shiga chuckled and ruffled Yuuto's hair. "Get real, Yuuto-kun. What would the Shinsengumi be doin' way out here? They're supposed to be in important places doin' important business. No way they're gonna come all the way out here to this backwater station just for the hell of it."

"Oi, watch your damn mouth in front of the kid," Hijikata said with a frown.

Shiga gave him a weird look. "But you cussed in front of the kid, too…"

"You are the Shinsengumi, I just know it!"

"And what makes you say that?" Tetsunosuke asked, hesitantly.

"I overheard you at the stables earlier! I was cleaning out a stall when I heard you say 'Kondou-san' – you mean Kondou Isao, the leader of the Shinsengumi, right?"

"Uh, well—"

Yuuto pointed at Hijikata. "You were asking for mayonnaise! Hijikata-sama likes mayonnaise, right? You wanted to get some for him! It's the only explanation!"

Tetsunosuke's jaw dropped, unsure of how to respond. Not only was the boy right on the money, but also somehow didn't realize he was speaking directly to Hijikata himself – who was currently frozen in place, eyes wide.

"Mayonnaise?" Shiga echoed, raising an eyebrow. "How on earth do you know somethin' like that?"

"I know because when the Yasuhiros took me to Edo once, we ate in a ramen shop and he was there, too! Well, I only saw the back of him, though, I didn't see his face," Yuuto said sadly, "But they were both wearing the Shinsengumi uniform. We saw others like them during the day and Yasuhiro-san told me they were the Shinsengumi, protectors of Edo!" He grinned. "I felt safe after hearing that."

Tetsunosuke grinned back and asked, "So, how did you know it was Hijikata-san?"

"Because!" Yuuto's excitement bubbled over, as he jumped from one foot to the other. "Because the other guy with him said, 'Hijikata-san, there isn't another moron in the entire universe who would love mayonnaise as much as you do and I'm thankful.'"

Tetsunosuke coughed to hide his chuckle and glanced over at Hijikata, who was dragging a hand down his face, muttering something about giving 'that bastard' an earful when he got back.

"I wish I could've met him because I love mayonnaise, too!" Yuuto grinned, showing one missing tooth, "Mayonnaise is delicious! If Hijikata-sama is a moron, then I'm one, too!"

"You better not say that to his face if you ever meet him, then," Shiga warned, smirking. "I've heard of him, too. They say he's a demon wearin' human skin."

The sheath cracked in Hijikata's grip.

Cringing, Tetsunosuke swiftly intervened to prevent bloodshed in front of Yuuto. "Now, now, it is true that Hijikata-san has a strict reputation, but I am certain he is fully human!"

"I don't care if he's a human or a demon," Yuuto said, "I still want to meet Hijikata-sama!"

Shiga clicked his tongue. "Well, I don't know if that's possible now…the newspapers are draggin' his name through the mud along with the rest of the Shinsengumi. They're sayin' he failed to uphold his duty or somethin' like that and escaped punishment like a coward."

Tensing up, Tetsunosuke glanced at Hijikata for the hundredth time, seeking guidance or preparing for a confrontation.

Hijikata was completely soundless and motionless. His unpredictability proved more unnerving than his angry outbursts, and Tetsunosuke feared what Shiga or Yuuto might say next.

"I heard what happened," Yuuto said quietly, "Lots of people blame the Shinsengumi for the Shogun's death…"

With the subtlest of movement, Hijikata titled his head downward, the brim of the hat covering his eyes.

"But I don't believe it. It has to be the bad guys who did it. The Shinsengumi have protected Edo for a really, really long time." Yuuto scrunched his face into a frown, thinking. "I know! Somebody wanted to get them into trouble!"

"What do your parents think of you saying that?" Tetsunosuke asked, marveling over how this boy could have such an unexpected viewpoint on a tragedy and a faith so strong that he refused to believe the Shinsengumi could be traitors. Perhaps his parents had influenced his opinion if they believed similarly.

"Yuuto-kun doesn't have any parents," Shiga explained, "He was orphaned as a baby when his village was destroyed in a mudslide. Tanaka, the old man runnin' the stable back there, has been raisin' him ever since. Yuuto reads every newspaper with the Shinsengumi in it. He really idolizes them."

Yuuto grinned. "They're my heroes, and that's why I'm gonna work real hard and earn enough money to get to Edo on my own and join them! If they'll let me that is…" His shoulders drooped, grin replaced with a grimace. "I don't know how to use a sword, but…but I can learn! I practice everyday with a good branch I found in the forest! I know I could learn real fast!"

Hijikata remained quiet.

Shiga sighed. "To be honest, I don't know what to believe. There are lots of crazy things happenin' out there with aliens comin' and goin'. The story is all twisted 'round by the time it reaches out here. Maybe they are responsible, maybe they aren't." He shrugged.

"They aren't," Yuuto insisted, shaking his head, "because they're here, protecting us just like they protect Edo. Those posters say the Shinsengumi are gonna carry out the late Shogun's will – to protect the country. And that means us because we live in the country!"

"I think they mean Japan the country," Shiga corrected him, "and not necessarily the rural countryside—"

"He's right."

All three glanced at Hijikata in surprise.

"The boy is right." Hijikata stepped forward, stopping a few feet short of the boy. "The Shinsengumi are going to protect the countryside, too. We're new recruits they've sent out here specifically for this village because they knew about your bandit problem and wanted to help you. That's why we're here."

Grinning again, Yuuto turned to Shiga. "See? See? I knew it! I told you the Shinsengumi are here to protect us!"

"Are you really or are you just pullin' my leg?" Shiga asked Tetsunosuke. "You seem more level-headed than Kikuchiyo-san here."

"Don't call me Kikuchiyo!"

"Er, it's true, Shiga-san…" Tetsunosuke replied carefully, eyes darting back and forth between Shiga and Hijikata. "As you must've read on our posters, we are not only informing the people of our objectives for the nation but we're also recruiting those who wish to join Matsudaira Katakuriko's faction."

Shiga whistled low, scratching the back of his neck. "Wow, things are gettin' crazier, I see. I guess owe you a salute," he added, and he did so in too relaxed a manner. "Never thought the famous Shinsengumi would give a damn about us out here."

Hijikata opened his mouth to speak – or scold – but Yuuto beat him to it. "They do because a lot of them were born in the country!" Yuuto turned back to Hijikata and smiled. "Just like me."

All of the animosity emanating from Hijikata for Shiga dissolved in an instant when Yuuto spoke to him. Tetsunosuke couldn't quite pinpoint the emotion in Hijikata's eyes, but his entire countenance had lost its severity, perhaps because of this boy's unwavering faith in the Shinsengumi.

Or maybe Hijikata was thinking of his past younger self.

When he said nothing, Tetsunosuke intervened, saying, "Indeed, the Shinsengumi have several country-born members! They traveled to Edo with dreams of helping and protecting the people – but not just there, of course! They never forgot their roots, so naturally, when embarking on this nation-wide mission of theirs, they planned to cross through the rural areas to bring the people news and…"

He could feel Hijikata's penetrating gaze and Tetsunosuke knew he was rambling away again, maybe too much. He quickly moved to explain that because the Shinsengumi weren't liked that much by powerful people at the moment, they would have to leave today—and before the police Shiga had called in from the larger town arrived.

"So, you see, we had just enough time to bring these villains to justice!" Tetsunosuke finished, "But now we have to go and meet with the Shinsengumi before they leave us behind."

"Aw, okay," Yuuto said with a forced smile, but then he gasped. "Oh! I almost forgot!" He reached inside his yukata and produced a familiar-looking item.

It was a bottle of mayonnaise.

Like gravity, Hijikata's eyes – which had widened a fraction – were instantly drawn to the bottle and Tetsunosuke briefly wondered if the man would start salivating.

"I bought it this morning, but when I heard you were Shinsengumi, I begged Shiga-san to take me to you." Yuuto walked over to Hijikata and held out the bottle of mayonnaise. "Sir, will you give this to Hijikata-sama? I want him to have it instead."

Hijikata glanced at the bottle and then back to the boy. "What makes you so sure I know him? I was only recently recruited. Maybe all I've seen of him is his back, too."

"I heard you say you would give a horse for a bottle of mayonnaise. I bet you're Hijikata-sama's loyal servant! Only someone desperate enough to give his great master mayonnaise would think of selling a horse! But don't worry, you don't have to give me your horse!"

Tetsunosuke was extremely glad he had been chosen to accompany Hijikata and not Okita, who would take every single chance to irritate Hijikata, including this boy's blissfully ignorant statements.

Hijikata pressed his lips together tightly before answering, "As a matter of fact, I am his loyal servant. You have sharp instincts – a good trait for a swordsman." He took the mayonnaise and held onto it. "What's your full name, kid?"

"Handa Yuuto!"

"And how old are you?"

"Ten!"

"Handa Yuuto," Hijikata said, sounding out the name slowly, as though committing it to memory, "When you grow older, come to Edo and look for Kondou Isao. He'll train you in the way of swords."

Yuuto frowned. "But what about Hijikata-sama?"

"You can be sure that wherever Kondou-san is, Hijikata-san will be with him, too," Hijikata answered with what seemed like a faint but sad smile. "Kondou-san is an excellent teacher and a great man. Hijikata-san would be happy if you learned from a samurai like him because Hijikata-san was also his pupil for a time."

"Wow, really?"

"Yes. And listen…" Like a father speaking to his son, Hijikata knelt down and – to Tetsunosuke's astonishment – placed the bottle of mayonnaise back into Yuuto hands. "I think Hijikata-san would want you to have this mayonnaise. To think there would be another person out in the world who loves it just as much as he does…well, I think he'd be overjoyed to know he isn't the only moron in the universe, after all."

"You really think so?"

Hijikata nodded. "I'm certain he'll want to share a Hijikata mayonnaise rice special with you when you meet him someday."

Yuuto's eyes shone like gold, brighter than the sun. "Thank you, sir!"

Tetsunosuke bit his lip to keep from laughing when Hijikata didn't lift his hand away from the mayonnaise ten seconds after relinquishing ownership.

"Uh, you gonna let go of that?" Shiga asked.

"Huh? Eh—of course, I am!" Hijikata scowled at him. "Like I care about mayonnaise, it's disgusting!" He lifted his hand, stared down at the bottle for a few seconds longer, and then stood up. He cleared his throat and crossed his arms, casting a stern eye on the kid. "So there you have it. Now go back home and finish cleaning those stalls. Hijikata-san doesn't approve of slacking off on the job. Work hard and maintain your health. Obey your superiors and exercise self-discipline."

Shiga half-whispered to Tetsunosuke, "Why is he talkin' to the kid like he's a soldier? I don't think Yuuto even knows what 'self-discipline' means."

Eyes gleaming dangerously, Hijikata edged his sword out with enough force to create an eerie scratch of steel, and hissed, "How about I show you the meaning of 'disciplinarian?'"

Shiga grinned sheepishly, waving both hands up in surrender. "Nah, it's alright!"

"Yes, sir, I will!" Yuuto bowed with a grin. "Thank you, sir! I hope I can see you in Edo, too! What's your name?"

"…Just call me 'Togorou.'"

"Togorou-san, maybe you'll grow to love mayonnaise as much as we do!"

"Maybe," Hijikata said, but he smiled. It was one of his rare genuine smiles that Tetsunosuke tucked away in his collection of treasured memories.

"Ah, yeah, so those bandits…" Shiga gestured with his chin. "Just leave them here, I guess, the other police are on their way—ahhh!"

The second Hijikata had walked over to the security guard and struck his head with the sword's pommel, Tetsunosuke knew it had begun. After all, Hijikata had been astoundingly calm and composed throughout most of their conversation, but his patience only stretched so thin, as experience had taught Tetsunosuke.

"Oh, did that hurt? Was that unexpected? Was your guard down?"

Clutching his head, eyes shut in pain, Shiga groaned, "What the hell—"

Hijikata whacked his scabbard against Shiga's chest and barked, "Straighten up! Slouching is unacceptable and unbefitting of a soldier."

"But I'm not a solider, I'm just a security guard!"

"I said straighten up! Don't make me tell you a third time or I'll permanently straighten your spine for you."

Shiga blanched and squared his shoulders, standing to his full height. "Y-Yes, sir! Right away, sir!"

"Tuck your shirt in! Fix that damn collar! I will not tolerate sloppy appearances in my presence. Don't you have any shred of pride left, you half-wit?"

"Yes, sir! I do, sir! I'll try to be a full-wit, sir!" Shiga hurriedly turned down his collar and rearranged his shirt into proper order.

"Quit dawdling!"

Tetsunosuke could sympathize, recalling his embarrassing behaviour in his early days with Hijikata. Now he was more than accustomed to Hijikata's expectations even if he didn't always meet those high standards. Shiga was experiencing his own rude awakening, as he stood rigid and attentive while Hijikata berated him.

"Wow…" Yuuto's mouth hung open, eyes glued to Hijikata. "Amazing! Togorou-san is really cool, too!"

"I think so, as well," Tetsunosuke said.

"What's your name, sir?"

"Uh, Tetsuya."

"I'm glad to have met you, too, Tetsuya-san! I saw you fight off those bandits before Togorou-san got to you. You were really cool, too!"

Receiving praise from a child who also idolized Hijikata resulted in the best feeling of the day. Tetsunosuke smiled and said, "Thank you, Yuuto-kun!"

Hijikata was still ranting away at a flinching Shiga. "Always be on your guard for threats of any kind, even if it's a nest of hornets! If you can't defend a village from hornets, what makes you think you'll be able to defend them from bandits and enemy soldiers?"

"Hornets don't carry swords and guns! How am I supposed to defend an entire village by myself? Be reasonable, sir!"

"It makes no difference whether you're a security guard or a stableman or the village idiot – you are responsible for the safety of that post-station. Lives depend on you, including the life of Handa Yuuto here. And mark my words—" Hijikata leaned in close, voice dropping to dangerously low levels, "If Hijikata Toushirou finds out that something has happened to that boy because of your incompetence, he will not be as merciful to you as I am being today—and only because I'm short on time and I can't stand to be around your stupidity any longer. Spend less time slacking off and more time worrying about how seppuku might not be the only punishment Hijikata inflicts on you. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Speak up!"

"SIR, YES, SIR!" Shiga all but shouted, voice echoing across the clearing.

Hijikata leaned away and crossed his arms, still regarding Shiga with disapproval. "Tch. Idiot."

"Togorou-san!" Yuuto ran over to Shiga's side and stood upright, saluting Hijikata. "Is there anything more I can do in order to become more like Hijikata-sama?"

Hijikata looked down at Yuuto for a couple of moments and then raised his eyes to Tetsunosuke. "Instead of seeking to become more like Hijikata-san…you should be more like his assistant, Tetsunosuke."

An invisible punch knocked the air out of Tetsunosuke's lungs, as he stared in shock at Hijikata.

"I've heard his name before! He was in one article, but they didn't say much about him. Do you know him, too?"

Hijikata nodded. "Enough to say that Tetsunosuke works harder than anyone else and doesn't give up when it gets tough." He glanced at Tetsunosuke again. "That's the kind of samurai you should be, the kind Hijikata-san can rely on."

Overcome by emotion, Tetsunosuke smiled with shining eyes. "Vice-Chief!"

Both Shiga and Yuuto blinked in surprise, chiming, "Huh?"

Hijikata grit his teeth, shaking his head slightly with widened eyes.

Tetsunosuke fumbled for words to recover. "That is, the Vice-Chief…of the Shinsengumi…which is Hijikata-san…who is not here…he's elsewhere, smoking mayonnaise! I mean, eating cigarettes! Ah, I mean—he is most revered by Tetsunosuke that he seeks to emulate him in every way possible!" He forced a laugh, reaching behind his head to scratch his neck, trying not to think about how scary Hijikata's eyes looked right now. "In fact, without him, Tetsunosuke would not be here today. To hear that Vice-Chief relies on him would make him happy because he has longed for approval from the person he admires more than anyone in the world."

The frightening gleam in Hijikata's eyes seconds earlier over nearly revealing his true identity had vanished, now replaced by another indecipherable emotion, but it held a measure of acknowledgment and acceptance of Tetsunosuke's words. And that was enough.

"I'll become both Tetsunosuke-san and Hijikata-sama, then!" Yuuto declared, "And Tougorou-san and Tetsuya-san, too! I want to be like all of you!"

Hijikata reached out and patted Yuuto's shoulder, saying, "I'm sure you will become great on your own." Looking to Tetsunosuke, he added, "Tetsuya, we need to leave."

"Right away, sir!"

Hijikata spoke to Shiga once more, explaining that they would bind the bandits with what rope they had and let the police deal with them.

Eager to part ways, Shiga had agreed without complaint, moving fast to start up his moped, calling for Yuuto to get on.

Yuuto bid both of them farewell and then hopped on the back seat, waving as they rode off.

For a few moments, Hijikata and Tetsunosuke watched the two villagers return eastward, the moped backfiring every once in awhile, scaring away a handful of birds off the road.

"Maybe I should have taken the mayonnaise," Hijikata muttered, sounding forlorn.

Tetsunosuke simply smiled.

Sighing, Hijikata turned around and walked to his horse to retrieve rope from a supply pack. They worked quickly to bind the unconscious bandits, but left those who had succumbed to their wounds. Then, they decided to leave the bandits' horses for the villagers to retrieve as their own. Tetsunosuke's horse, however, was trotting back to them and she wasn't alone.

Two men on horseback guided Tetsunosuke's horse along the road. One of them was easily recognized as Yamazaki, riding low and clinging to the horse's neck.

The other was a bushy-haired and bearded scarred man they couldn't identify, and that man, clearly more comfortable atop a horse, called out to them, "Oiiii!" Holding the reins of Tetsunosuke's loose horse, he rode up to them ahead of Yamazaki and offered the reins out to them. "She ran right back to us. I had Yamazaki on standby, watching from the trees for your return. When he saw there was trouble, he informed me and we rushed back here as soon as we could, but I see it's all good now!"

Tetsunosuke and Hijikata glanced at each other, mirroring confused expressions. The man's voice was familiar, but somewhat muffled by the thick moustache that covered over his upper lip.

"I decided to take Yamazaki with me so he can gain more riding experience," the man continued, "He's doing alright, but needs to work on his posture."

Yamazaki carefully straightened up, clutching his reins. "I was doing fine until you started us into a gallop!"

"Who is this?" Hijikata demanded to Yamazaki, gesturing with a nod to the other man.

"Uh, it's Kondou-san…?"

The bushy-haired man chuckled. "Don't you recognize me, Toushi?"

Hijikata gaped at him. "How the hell did you grow that much hair in an hour?"

"These last few days in the wilderness have been so relaxing, I decided to let my inner gorilla out!"

"You look more like a lion than a gorilla now!"

"'Now?' What do you mean by 'now?' Are you saying I always look like a gorilla? How mean, Toushi!"

Like a fish, Hijikata opened and closed his mouth several times, speechless.

Kondou started laughing.

Tetsunosuke couldn't help joining in, because the sight of their hairier commander throwing his head back and laughing high to the heavens made life seem so much simpler. Yamazaki chuckled, also, and their mirth must have been contagious, for they received an even more surprising sight:

Hijikata, smiling, then chuckling with his eyes closed, and then finally, joining them with a deep, resounding laugh that Tetsunosuke never believed he'd ever have the pleasure of hearing.

It didn't matter where they went or how they looked, home was wherever the Shinsengumi were, and for the first time in his life, Tetsunosuke had finally found a family to call his own.

---

Tetsunosuke rolled onto his back and stared up at a clear night sky, the glittering stars visible like he had never seen before in his life. Among the stars were blinking red and blue dots that were either satellites or space ships passing through the earth's atmosphere, bringing more Amanto in or sending more humans out into the ever expanding reaches of the galaxy.

Sleeping on the ground with his pack for a pillow and the crackling fire for warmth had been his way of life for the past week. Tonight was the last time they would camp out in the open; tomorrow they would be in a city, rendezvousing with more Shinsengumi and other allies. Instead of relief, Tetsunosuke welcomed this reality with bittersweet feelings. Out in the wilderness, it was easier to forget the past and imagine a future without war. Here, surrounded by comrades snoozing away, save for two on guard, Tetsunosuke was content to live like this a bit longer, even if the nights could be unsettling for one unused to camping outside in total isolation.

The daytime noises of insects and busy birds had quieted down, and the rustling of trees didn't hide the distant hair-raising howling of some animal he couldn't identify – or at least he hoped it was an animal and not a lonely spectre wandering the forest. They had managed to avoid bears, had successfully escaped the path of a wild boar, but if they encountered any supernatural foes, he didn't know exactly how they might fare. Some of the men believed, some didn't, but over a joke made earlier in the evening about vengeful ghosts, Tetsunosuke saw Hijikata look around the clearing with eyes as skittish as a deer's.

Whatever fears Hijikata had didn't seem to prevail in him at the moment, for he slept with his back against a tree, arms crossed with a peaceful expression, undisturbed by nightmares tonight, as he had appeared to be two nights ago. Tetsunosuke had risen for his two-hour guard shift and noticed Hijikata frowning in his sleep, waking with a breathless start minutes later, at which point Tetsunosuke pretended to be fascinated by some overgrown moss on a fallen tree. Whatever had haunted Hijikata then was showing him mercy on this calm night.

"Tetsu," came a whisper from Ishikawa, who stood over him, shadows dancing across his face. Ishikawa, one of the medics, was somebody Tetsunosuke had gotten to know better on this journey across the country and they shared the same interest in rap music. "It's time."

"Thanks," Tetsunosuke whispered back, sitting up and stretching out the kinks in his neck and arms. Standing up, he reached for his sword and stepped lightly over the snoring men sprawled out around the clearing, some leaning against logs or each other's backs for elevated comfort. Sleeping flat on uneven ground with nuisances like pebbles and roots was a last resort.

Saitou was the only who found a comfortable spot in the branches of a large tree, able to fall asleep anywhere and anytime. Tetsunosuke missed their conversations, for Saitou rarely spoke at all without his notebook or any other form of written communication, although he sometimes used a stick to write a short message in the dirt.

Kondou was the luckiest, getting to rest his head on Okita's thigh, the younger man sitting cross-legged against the same tree as Hijikata. It was a good kind of strange to see two men who bickered often trust each other to some degree to sleep next to one another, but Tetsunosuke figured it was their devotion to Kondou that kept them nearby, protecting their leader at all times.

Another soldier, Murase, relieved the other guard, and he nodded at Tetsunosuke with yawn, coming to join him a few feet away from the group to discuss their tasks in barely discernible murmurs. Murase would take a quick patrol around their perimeter while Tetsunosuke checked on the horses. Then, they would settle in with the group again, keeping out a watchful eye and ear for the unordinary.

The horses were tethered near a grassy patch and just beyond it lay the curve of a stream. Tetsunosuke drank the last of his flask and knelt down at the bank, filling it to the brim with cold water. He almost choked on another gulp of water when a rabbit scurried away from a bush. Wiping at his mouth and chin with a sigh, Tetsunosuke stood up and closed his eyes and inhaled the fresh air, wanting to remember this moment of peace, just him and the horses and the babbling stream where a small number of fireflies were gathering. It was a perfect moment that might never exist again.

The crunch of twigs and leaves beneath footsteps caused him to open his eyes, tensing up in case it was an enemy, but it was only Hijikata, walking toward him, thumbing tobacco down into the end of his pipe.

"Vice-Chief," Tetsunosuke greeted him, as Hijikata came to stand nearby, lighting the tobacco with his mayonnaise lighter, briefly illuminating his newly clean-shaven face. Of course Hijikata wouldn't leave that custom made lighter behind. "Can you not sleep?" Perhaps the nightmares had returned.

Hijikata drew in a long breath from the pipe and exhaled slowly, faint tendrils of smoke visible in the glow of their campfire that filtered through the trees. "Thinking about too many things," he answered, "and Sougo finally finished apologizing to me in his sleep."

"Apologizing?"

"About all the things he's done behind my back in the past three months alone. I've taken a mental note and will punish him in the morning and for the rest of the week – a different punishment for each individual misdeed."

"Ah…" Tetsunosuke fought a tiny smile from surfacing. Some things never changed and that was comforting.

"Brat isn't even sincere," Hijikata grumbled, "I know he's fully aware of what he's doing, annoying me on purpose…"

They stood in silence for a while, listening to the stream and watching the fireflies. A thousand thoughts ran through Tetsunosuke's mind, wondering how long Hijikata would be awake and if they would have a conversation. Soon Tetsunosuke would have to take up a perimeter patrol and Hijikata might leave to sleep, for he always took his shifts before dawn. Tetsunosuke hadn't dwelled too much on the day's events with Shiga and Yuuto, but once the traveling had slowed, he thought about Hijikata's expressed approval of his abilities and how much it had filled him with joy. It was the one thing he needed to hear most at this time.

Hijikata cleared his throat, lifting his gaze to the sky. "Tetsu, I never did get a chance to properly thank you."

"For what?"

"For talking some sense into me the day they disbanded us."

So Hijikata had taken those words to heart. "There's no need to thank me, Vice-Chief—"

"Just shut up and listen."

Tetsunosuke clamped his mouth shut.

With one arm folded into his side and the other holding the pipe away from him, Hijikata sighed and shook his head, staring down at his feet. "I'm not good at this sort of thing, but I feel it pertinent to speak before we reach the city. Contrary to general opinion, I'm not such a heartless bastard that I wouldn't acknowledge the efforts of my subordinates."

"I thought no such thing, sir!"

"I meant what I said earlier today. True, you gave me a hell of a time with your rough start. I came very close to killing you and I don't think drowning you in a vat of mayonnaise would've been enough to appease my anger."

Tetsunosuke shuddered, knowing he'd been foolishly treading the thinnest line possible back then with a terrifying man.

Hijikata paused to puff on his pipe, and then continued, "But I gave you a chance because I saw in you the potential to change. And you did. My time has not been wasted. Your loyalty and perseverance are fine qualities in a samurai. You have done well to earn your place in the Shinsengumi."

"T-Thank you, Vice-Chief!"

Hijikata gave him a stern look. "Don't think this means you can get comfortable and do whatever the hell you want. As long as you remain with us, you will follow my orders, Kondou-san's orders, and the orders of your superiors. If you don't and your actions become an impediment to the Shinsengumi, I will not hesitate to deal with you as I see fit."

Strangely enough, Tetsunosuke didn't feel any fear or discouragement in hearing these words, because they were spoken by a leader overseeing many lives and vowing to faithfully serve the highest in the command until death. "I understand, sir! I have no intention of dragging us down." He could finally say 'us' with a sense of belonging.

"I know."

That caught Tetsunosuke by surprise, however, but he didn't question it. Hijikata was an enigma and sometimes it was best to leave him at that. Instead, Tetsunosuke had something else to say in return. "Can I say something, sir?"

"What is it?"

Taking a quick gulp of water and a deep breath, Tetsunosuke focused on the circling flight of the fireflies in an attempt to ease his nerves over what he was about to share. "What I said today is true. I've done my best to earn your approval, but, as I learned from Kondou-san and from you, I know it's not a necessity. I realize now that what I have always needed most is…to believe in myself. And that whatever purpose I find in my life, I must dedicate myself fully to the cause. No half-assed efforts. Not anymore." He smiled at Hijikata. "I have learned that from you, who never does anything halfway."

Hijikata continued smoking, saying nothing, but Tetsunosuke knew that he was listening.

"I will continue to give it my all, so that you can rely on me tomorrow and the next day and the next. I understand how important your role is and that you have no time for people who drag their feet." Tetsunosuke raised his voice a notch, slipping back into formality. "Vice-Chief! Once again I, Sasaki Tetsunosuke, pledge my allegiance to the Shinsengumi. I will work hard, so that you can keep moving forward without looking back! I will be right behind you, as always, as your humble assistant until you no longer need me! I will—"

"Alright, alright! I get it!" Hijikata scowled at him. "You're so damn loud – you know that, right? Idiot."

"Sorry, sir—"

"Tch, I'm sick of apologies right now, so just shut up and follow my lead."

"I will, sir!"

Tetsunosuke didn't know how long they'd been talking, but he knew he had to make his rounds around the camp soon and check in with Murase. But before leaving, he asked one final question that was on his mind, concerning Yuuto. Just as Hijikata saw potential in Tetsunosuke, so did Tetsunosuke see the potential in the boy, who displayed the same eagerness for learning as he did after the warehouse incident with the Mimawarigumi.

Isaburou's face flashed in his mind, memories of the Kokujou Island flooding back. Tetsunosuke pushed them away, determined not to think of Isaburou until the right time to do so arrived.

"Vice-Chief, do you think Yuuto-kun will come to Edo someday?"

Hijikata brought the pipe to his lips, but not before murmuring, "Who knows?"

Watching Hijikata interact with Yuuto and treat the boy so differently than anyone else had been amazing and was something Tetsunosuke wouldn't forget anytime soon. There was a certain kind of gentleness coupled with a firm manner of instruction that made Tetsunosuke believe that Hijikata would make a fine father someday if he chose to be. He was a fine brother, after all.

"I hope he does," Tetsunosuke said softly, smiling at the thought of Yuuto one day knocking on the doors of the Shinsengumi complex – if it was still in tact – and asking for Kondou and Hijikata and receiving the surprise of his life. "Meeting Yuuto-kun was encouraging. There are still people who believe in the Shinsengumi, who believe we'll continue to protect them, just like we always have."

Hijikata stared at the fireflies in silence before quietly adding, "Well, let's not disappoint them, then."

"Yes, sir!"

---

With leftover paper and ink from Yamazaki, Tetsunosuke stole away a bit of time to himself to ponder over his letter. He would have to keep it with him until he somehow made it to Kyoto to personally deliver it, because he didn't want to rely on estranged family members to take his letter to the Sasaki family gravesite. If this first letter turned out well enough, he might write a second one whenever he returned to Edo.

Smoothing the paper with a flat palm, Tetsunosuke picked up a brush and dipped it in ink and held it there, thinking about where to begin. Writing Isaburou's name seemed like a good start and so he did just that in neat script honed by many hours of writing reports and letters on behalf of Hijikata. But afterward, nothing else came to mind. Tetsunosuke had spent the last year imagining what he might say to Isaburou face to face. Now, with a lost opportunity and only the written word to suffice, he didn't quite know what to say first or how long the letter should be.

Hijikata had written nothing to his older brother, but sending a blank letter reassured his brother that he was alive. There was something elegant about such simplicity that Tetsunosuke didn't believe he was capable of duplicating it. Isaburou had been a man of words – usually manipulative and damaging words when it came to his enemies and brother – and a lover of e-mails in which he expressed himself through many words. Words held a different weight with Isaburou and blank letters simply wouldn't do for new beginnings between them.

He supposed the key to letter-writing was its purpose. Hijikata's purpose with Tamegorou was clear and he still sent them even after Tamegorou's death. Tetsunosuke had never written a single letter to Isaburou in his life and the only purpose in doing so now was a personal journey of healing and reconciliation with his older brother.

Tetsunosuke gently set the brush down and crossed his arms, brow wrinkled over a number of topics that entered his mind. He could talk about how he had felt during childhood or when he reached adulthood. He could discuss in detail his experiences with the Shinsengumi, but maybe Isaburou wouldn't care to hear about that no matter how many anecdotes Tetsunosuke had. What would Isaburou want to know, then? How Edo fared after his death? What Nobume was doing now? Tetsunosuke didn't know about either and felt a pang of bitterness over how Isaburou had cherished Nobume more than his own half-blood brother.

"Rice balls again!" said somebody that sounded like Goda in the next room. "We ate them yesterday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the past three days. I swear I'm gonna shit rice balls soon."

Eguchi replied, "Go work at a host club like Nakashima and earn us money for more variety of food."

Goda snorted. "That's right, he was a host for a grand total of two days."

"Hey, I was making good money, you know!" broke in Nakashima with a clearly offended tone. "I was finally getting some dates!"

"Those were just your customers!"

Tetsunosuke sighed when he heard the makings of another argument, but also smiled, thinking about how the men of the Shinsengumi could be hunted and hated but not discouraged from behaving as they usually did, regardless of their circumstances.

It had been four days since they left the keep of the forest and rural regions, entering a neighbouring city and regrouping with their allies. They had sold their horses on the outside to farmers and villagers with greater need for the animals. Then, they had gradually entered the city in groups of two and three, so as not as to draw attention to themselves. The Shinsengumi then took shelter in a district home to various nightclubs and host clubs, bars and pachinko parlours, expensive restaurants, and one or two or five shady-looking people in immaculate black suits or other dressy outfits with a tattoo or three showing.

In short, it was a lot like Kabukichou.

For the most part, the Shinsengumi kept a low profile, some occasionally venturing out in the daytime to cure boredom or catch wind of any news from Edo or the current political situation in the city. At Kondou's orders, Yamazaki and a couple of other spies had been gone for the last day and a half, stationing themselves in different areas within the city and along the outskirts, gathering information and gauging the public opinion of what was happening back in Edo. Until they contacted Matsudaira or he contacted them – Kondou was still deciding – they would await further orders and continue speaking out against Hitotsubashi Nobu Nobu's government.

Tetsunosuke had gone outside a couple of times, but mostly stayed within the confines of the partially abandoned five-level apartment building where the Shinsengumi occupied the middle and upper levels, watching the streets from the windows like hawks and trading information with a variety of people – mostly the homeless and runaways who sought shelter in the building.

Most of the furniture was either gone or broken, and the hallways and rooms with faded green paint smelled musty, but for men being tracked by the government and those loyal to Nobu Nobu, it would do fine. Maybe not for Kumanaku, who was daily straightening up the remaining furniture in every room and cleaning what he could with cold water and worn old rags. But for the rest of them, Tetsunosuke included, it was tolerable, as long as they didn't think about how Matsudaira and his group were probably hiding out in a luxurious hotel.

Goda whined again, "There's a takoyaki stand down the street…"

Ishikawa's calm voice answered, "Not a chance. It's near a police station and Captain Todo was almost arrested yesterday. Most of the police here are determined to get on the good side of the government by hunting us all down."

"Well, then, we'll go to one that isn't near a police station."

"Just shut up and eat the damn rice balls I spent an hour preparing because none of you bothered to help me."

"Maybe we would if the filling wasn't always just mayonnaise! Don't you have any imagination?"

More bickering ensued until they erupted into cries of pain with loud thumps on the floor.

Another voice growled, "Shut the hell up or commit seppuku! And if you have a problem with mayonnaise, just die here and now!"

"Easy, Toushi!" broke in yet another voice. "Everyone's a little stressed because of cabin fever."

"Kondou-san, don't send Hijikata off to buy supplies again, all he came back with was rice and mayonnaise," added a monotone voice, "He might be in league with the enemy since he's trying to kill us all with mayonnaise. But don't worry, I'll dispose of the traitor right away."

"I don't want to hear that from the traitor who pushed me into the river yesterday!"

"I already told you that was an accident. I couldn't stand in the path of an elderly woman, so I made room for her and you happened to be in the way."

"Accident, my ass! You knew I was there and you pushed me with both arms! I'll kill you! I'll really kill you!"

The arguing continued despite Kondou's peace-making attempts and Tetsunosuke smiled again. He picked up the brush only to drop it with a yelp, sending splatters of ink all over the paper. "Oh! You scared me, Captain!"

Saitou was in the corner – which had been empty seconds ago – holding up a newly acquired notebook that read: We are meeting in five minutes-Z. He quickly took it down and jotted, My apologies-Z for scaring you-Z. I seem to do that a lot-Z. Saitou had also bought himself a surgical mask to cover the lower half of his face out of shyness than any illness. Having his mouth uncovered for days must've been torture.

"It's alright and thank you for informing me, Captain!"

With his free hand, Saitou slowly pulled down his mask and displayed his horrifying smile with bloodshot eyes.

Inside, Tetsunosuke wanted to run away screaming again, but he forced himself to strengthen his own smile though with beads of sweat forming on the side of his face.

In the adjacent corner apartment, which served as the main base camp for gatherings due to its larger size, most everyone was waiting to hear from Yamazaki, who munched on anpan while holding a grocery bag full of anpan. Or rather they would be waiting soon enough because most of them were holding an incensed Hijikata and smirking Okita back from attacking each other while Kondou lectured on the importance of comradeship in hideout situations.

"…And that's why you should always check for toilet paper before putting yourself in a difficult situation with your pants around your ankles," Kondou finished up with a firm nod.

Harada clapped his hands a couple of times. "Well said, Chief!"

"What does that have to do with my wanting to string Sougo up by his intestines?" a glaring Hijikata demanded, shrugging aside the arms that restrained him.

"Oh, more than you think, Toushi!" Kondou moved to sit on a chair and cleared his throat, crossing his arms. "Well, let's get this meeting started. Yamazaki, tell us what you've found out."

Everyone took a seat on the floor with the exception of Hijikata, who remained standing by Kondou, and Yamazaki, who was wiping away anpan crumbs from his mouth and preparing to speak.

Tetsunosuke quickly crossed the room along the wall and sat down near Hijikata's feet.

"Well, I was listening to a conversation at the smithy. Eavesdropping is a tool of the trade for a spy," Yamazaki explained hastily, "It's not so much a bad habit for me as it is a necessity—"

"Just get on with it," Hijikata ordered, annoyed.

"Y-Yes, Vice-Chief!" Yamazaki cleared his throat and began. "Bakufu forces have entered space in pursuit of Katsura's faction and the Kaientai, led by Sakamoto Tatsuma. Apparently, they have engaged in battle with Amanto enemy forces on the planet Rakuyou. There's a rumour that the Kiheitai may have regrouped there, and also a strong possibility of Harusame involvement."

"Damned space pirates," Harada muttered, scowling.

"Who's leading the Kiheitai?" Kondou asked, "I thought Takasugi Shinsuke was MIA."

"Officially, he still is," Yamazaki replied, "But it is possible the situation may have changed not to mention they still have leaders among them who may keep the Kiheitai going. I've also heard reports of the Yorozuya being absent from Edo, as well. Someone spotted a giant white dog some nights ago at the harbour, boarding a Kaientai vessel."

Some of the men glanced at each other in silent understanding. The only people they knew who owned a beast of a dog like that was the Yorozuya, and for them to leave Edo with the Kaientai – Sakamoto likely an old ally of Gintoki's – meant something of great significance was taking place beyond Earth; something that needed to be settled before the rebellion brewing around the country boiled over.

"There are reports of Amanto warships landing in Edo at an alarming rate," Yamazaki continued, "They're calling themselves the Liberation Army and some of their soldiers are causing trouble around the city, disrupting businesses and harassing citizens."

Tetsunosuke grimaced at this news. Edo was ripe for the taking with the Shogun occupied in space and the Shinsengumi, Edo's protectors, absent. He had no doubt that others would stand up against this Liberation Army, but with some of the strongest people currently away from Earth, Tetsunosuke couldn't shake the feeling that Edo was doomed if they didn't go back to suppress the violence and possible makings of a full-scale war.

Hijikata said to Kondou in a solemn voice, "What are your orders?"

Kondou stayed quiet at first, a closed hand covering his mouth, as he contemplated the information with a deep frown. Finally, he looked up, jaw set in a resolute expression. "I believe it is time we returned to Edo. The people need us. Yamazaki, contact Pops and tell him the Shinsengumi are ready to protect Edo once more!"

Tetsunosuke was sure everyone was feeling the same kind of thrill running through their veins as he was at these words.

Yamazaki saluted. "Yes, Chief!"

Kondou grunted his approval and turned to everyone else. "The rest of you, back to your duties! Make sure you get in more training before we leave and be sure to eat and sleep when you can, because after this, we may not get another chance to rest."

"Yes, Chief!" they all chimed together, jumping to their feet one by one and going for the rice balls Ishikawa had prepared on a table. Some ate right then and there, conversing over what was now ahead for them and how much they had missed Edo. Others filed out to continue whatever it was they were doing before.

Tetsunosuke wanted to finish his letter, but lingered behind, hoping to ask Hijikata for some counsel on letter-writing.

"After we get in touch with him," Kondou was saying to Hijikata and Okita, "we'll form our traveling plans in conjunction with his group. Last I heard he was in the middle of procuring some heavy-duty artillery in case of a war. Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

Both men nodded.

Sighing, Kondou set a worried gaze toward the ceiling. "I hope Otae-san is safe from that Liberation Army! It pains me not knowing what's going on in Kabukichou…"

Hijikata fished out a cigarette from his newly purchased Mayoboros and lit up, murmuring, "I highly doubt they'll be able to intimidate a woman like her."

"You think so, Toushi?"

"Not to worry, Kondou-san," Okita said, "As you know from firsthand experience, gorillas are known for their strength."

"Don't remind me!" Kondou's face crumpled into shame. "I'm planning to quit the stalking from this point forward!"

Hijikata glanced at Tetsunosuke, exhaling smoke. "What is it?"

Suddenly feeling self-conscious in front of the other two, Tetsunosuke swallowed and fidgeted with his hands. "Uh, pardon me for interrupting, Vice-Chief, but I wanted to ask for your advice with a personal matter."

Hijikata arched a suspicious eyebrow and asked, "How personal of a matter?"

"It's regarding a letter."

Kondou, who was still sitting down, leaned forward with a smile and turned his attention to Okita. "Let's go grab a bite to eat, Sougo!" He stood up and took Okita's arm. "Then we'll go spar together!"

"But I was planning to eavesdrop," Okita said, as he was led away by Kondou to the meal table.

Grateful for the moment alone, Tetsunosuke took a deep breath and decided to let it all tumble out. "You told me it wasn't too late to write my letter to Isaburou, and so I've decided to go through with it. But…I don't know what to say. Of course, I fully understand that you sent your letters without writing anything for a specific purpose! But with Isaburou, I feel I have to start off by saying something…because we didn't have that kind of bond you and your brother had. When I think about everything I wanted to say to him when he was alive…well, I don't know how to put it in words now. It might be too much to write a long letter, but maybe if I started from childhood, I might have a better idea of what to say—"

Hijikata sighed and dragged a hand through his hair. "Look, Tetsu, I can't tell you what to write. That's between you and that bastard—no offense."

"None taken, sir!"

"If you feel that writing an impossibly long letter that details everything you experienced, fine, write that. If you want to talk about the weather, write that, too. Write whatever the hell you want as long as it's coming from you." Hijikata gave a slight shake of his head, gazing elsewhere. "I sure had no damn idea what to write in my letters, so I wouldn't be much help, anyway."

Tetsunosuke had expected this kind of answer, but hearing it out loud gave him some reassurance that he wasn't wrong to not know what to write. It was just the kind of push he needed and there was no better person at motivating people than Hijikata, whether through aggressive or pragmatic means. Smiling, Tetsunosuke said, "Thank you, Vice-Chief! You have helped me more than you think."

Hijikata regarded him for a moment, and then turned away, but not with the tiniest upturn of the corner of his mouth. "After dinner, I want three thousand swings."

Tetsunosuke saluted. "Yes, Vice-Chief!"

Tetsunosuke watched as Hijikata walked over to the table picked up a rice ball, took out a squeeze bottle of mayonnaise, and covered the entire top part. Then, he filled his mouth with a huge bite and ate with a contented expression, oblivious to the range of whispered comments and nauseated judgmental looks from the rest.

For Hijikata, simply enjoying his favourite condiment was more than enough in a life where he could die at any time.

Later, feeling less mounting pressure than before, Tetsunosuke returned to the apartment where he had set up his writing table and materials. Replacing the spoiled paper, he smoothed out a new sheet and picked up the brush. Provided he didn't die tomorrow or in a week, there would be plenty of days in which he could gradually unravel his feelings and thoughts for Isaburou.

But for now, in this moment, where the force of his emotions were too great to convey in words, Tetsunosuke decided to keep the letter simple and short, as if they were two people beginning to get to know each other – and, quite honestly, they were. Someday they might meet again, and when they did, Tetsunosuke would already have some practice in speaking to his older brother.

Isaburou,

The rice balls with mayonnaise filling tasted especially good today.

Tetsu

---

Matsudaira Katakuriko had, indeed, procured new weaponry through his various and international contacts when the Shinsengumi, camped outside the city, prepared to march into Edo days later. The political situation had changed drastically with Nobu Nobu's capricious negotiations in space and the threat of the Liberation Army literally looming on the horizon with the arrival of many more battleships. They weren't going up against their own government now; they were going up against the potential annihilation of their country and the earth itself.

Matsudaira had assembled together all rebel groups and remnants of the Bakufu army – the latter who found that Nobu Nobu's past and present decisions clashed with their desire to protect the country. In less than a day, they would embark on what could very well be their final journey. Leading the attack would be the newly outfitted Shinsengumi.

The first thing Tetsunosuke noticed about their new uniform was the length of the coat – a little longer than the previous one although not as long as the officers' coats – with an upturned collar and redesigned vest. He had been honoured to receive one and wore it with pride.

Others had had special modifications made to their uniform for training purposes, as was the case with Kondou, who Tetsunosuke had sought out while looking for Hijikata.

Kondou pointed at his white headband. "With my weighted training equipment, every swing of my sword will come easily and swiftly when I take them off! I'll even be able to run faster than the speed of a bullet!" Kondou declared with an excited grin, as they stood in the shade of a tree, surveying the assortment of tents and artillery stationed around the camp.

"Is that so?"

Tetsunosuke jumped to attention at the sound of Matsudaira's gravelly voice, the old man coming to join them, wearing tinted glasses as always, cigarette hanging out the corner of his mouth.

Matsudaira continued, "I'm expecting that the Shinsengumi are well-primed for the battle ahead since you had all this time to train and relax while I was busy gathering together manpower and tanks with no rest whatsoever. Do you think it's easy garnering support against the government with a damn price on my head? Huh? Do you?"

The last question he directed to Tetsunosuke, who gulped nervously and shook his head. "No, sir!"

Matsudaira pulled a gun out of his coat and aimed at Kondou. "So, you think you're faster than a bullet? Let's put that to the test. Don't disappoint this old man now."

Kondou's grin disappeared and his eyes widened. "Wait, wait! I didn't take them off yet—"

"Here we go, on the count of three. One—"

There was a loud reverberating bang, as Kondou miraculously sidestepped a bullet and then two more, yelling as he danced around the area. "You didn't finish counting down to three!" he cried.

"It's tried and true advice that I have given to every man here," Matsudaira said, blowing away billowing smoke from the gun barrel. "You only need the number one to get through life and even death. Take it from me, the difference between life and death is one second, so you got to give it your best sure shot right then and there."

"That was more than one shot!"

Tetsunosuke quietly slipped away from the two men for his own safety, and continued his search for Hijikata.

Walking around the camp was a tall shaggy-haired, muscular man with a bazooka on his shoulder. Yamazaki was showing the fruits of his training, now referred to as Zakiyama. Whatever he had done to achieve spectacular results that drastically altered his appearance, Tetsunosuke wished he knew. All training they had done over their journey across the country and in the dojos they had access to – much thanks to Matsudaira for his arrangements – hadn't been any different than how they trained before. There was not much else they could add to their regimens except to have the basics fully mastered and work on their own personal techniques. In the end, they would best sharpen their skills on the battlefield.

Time was also devoted to training new and inexperienced recruits so that they survived at least one battle. It was in leading the practice swings of a group of greenhorns that Tetsunosuke truly appreciated Hijikata's role as his mentor, that he had chosen to work with Tetsunosuke on an individual basis when he didn't have much time to deviate from his responsibilities, let alone to train somebody who had neglected his own instruction in the sword. Hijikata could have left him to fend for himself, but he hadn't.

"My job to ensure you are ready for battle at a moment's notice and that you survive to the end of it."

That was why Tetsunosuke wanted to find Hijikata and speak to him, possibly one last time before they entered Edo in case one of them died. Tetsunosuke could bet his life savings on Hijikata's chances of survival, but in his own, he wasn't all that confident. The life of a Shinsengumi member meant living on the edge every day, prepared to risk death for the safety of a nation. He had long adjusted to such a reality. But up until now, Kokujou Island had been the only real mortal combat he'd faced and he had survived thanks to Hijikata's training. Knowing he was about to fight in an actual war changed his perspective and emphasized the brevity of life. He could die and might see Isaburou sooner than expected. He had come to terms with that.

And so, he needed to tell Hijikata something important before that happened.

He passed the medical tent, where he could see Otsuka and Ishikawa inside, going over the supply inventory list and directing other members to move boxes and stretchers into the medical transport vehicle. Both men nodded briefly to Tetsunosuke.

Tetsunosuke passed the battleship loading area, where Murase stood by a tank, reading off a clipboard and checking over the equipment that would be moved into the ships. He paused long enough to wave.

A short jog past the arms stockpile revealed Nakashima teaching a younger recruit how to properly position a rocket launcher on his shoulder while maintaining his balance. Nakashima and Tetsunosuke exchanged grins.

"Oi, Tetsu!"

At the sound of his name, Tetsunosuke glanced ahead and saw Goda and Eguchi walking toward him, both looking equally sharp in their new uniforms.

"We were just talking about the time Vice-Chief came back so drunk he thought Eguchi was you," Goda said when Tetsunosuke reached them.

Tetsunosuke chuckled, also recalling the incident and how he and Eguchi both favoured a shaved head. Eguchi being the taller Tetsunosuke was a running joke among the men.

"Yeah, he kept telling me to iron his jacket and write a report," Eguchi added with a laugh, but then sobered up with a frown. "Although it wasn't as funny when he punished me for failing to do either of those things."

Of course, Hijikata had been livid over his humiliation and blamed everyone for pulling a prank on him with a similarly buzzed Kondou barely able to curtail Hijikata's temper.

Another memory struck Tetsunosuke. "Remember when Captain Inoue fell into a tar pit while chasing the Joui?"

"Or when Chief had us all participate in the Naked Festival in order to strengthen our bonds?" Goda added.

The three of them shared a good laugh, as more memories surfaced, and Tetsunosuke only returned to reality when he heard a distant horn, signifying the departure of a battleship. They grew quiet, all watching as Matsudaira's flagship lifted into the air amid a bout of cheers that rang strong despite the roar of the ship's engines and the wind that rattled the trees and stirred up dust around the campsite.

"I guess this is it, then," Eguchi said, looking at each man with a sad smile.

Goda slowly nodded, face grim. "Yeah…I hope we all make it back this time."

They had all lost comrades and friends at Kokujou Island, men whom they'd unknowingly shared one last drink with before the disbandment and then a promise to make it back alive before stepping onto the island in search of their commander. It was a burden Tetsunosuke knew Kondou and Hijikata carried with them daily, as two leaders responsible for overseeing, training, and leading the Shinsengumi into battles where survival wasn't guaranteed.

They had all joined the Shinsengumi for the same purpose in the end: to fight for what they believed in under a commander who shared the same values. All knew that they might one day die in battle and had accepted that. But it didn't mean they had to live now as if their fates were already sealed.

"When the war is over," Tetsunosuke said, lifting his chin up with a confident smile, "there will be time for more memories to be made. So, until then, don't die, alright?"

Both men returned his smile and agreed to that promise.

"Take care of yourself, Tetsu," Goda said, clapping Tetsunosuke on the back.

"After all, what would Vice-Chief do without his highly devoted assistant?" Eguchi added.

Touched by the praise, Tetsunosuke nodded. "I will! The same to you both!"

He left them and resumed the hunt for Hijikata. So far, he had encountered almost every manner of personnel except for the vice-chief. He was not at the mess tent, the officers' encampment, and the training grounds. He wouldn't leave without Kondou and the Shinsengumi, so he had to be somewhere.

Vice-Chief, where are you?

Aware of his time running out before they embarked on their mission, Tetsunosuke quickened his pace, desperate to find Hijikata before the ground troops were mobilized and all chance for conversation was lost.

"Captain Okitaaaa!"

Tetsunosuke blinked, as Kamiyama sprinted past him, waving a piece of paper in the air, heading toward one place Tetsunosuke was planning to check out.

The Shinsengumi captains were gathered together underneath a larger tent, overlooking a table of maps and battle plans. Okita, Saitou, Harada, Nagakura, Sugihara, Takeda, Inoue, Oka, Todo, and Niki – all in deep discussion over the forthcoming war and whose units would provide back-up, who would flank the vanguard, and other critical strategic details.

"The Chief will be here soon," Harada was saying, when Tetsunosuke arrived within earshot, "As long as our numbers are finalized…"

"Captain!" Kamiyama burst in, rushing over to Okita and handing him the slip of paper. "Report from the scouts, sir! The Liberation Army has control of the ports and deployed troops to take the city from there. Battleships are also forming a perimeter around Edo's airspace!"

Tetsunosuke quietly approached around the side, behind Okita and Kamiyama, stomach aflutter at the unwelcome news.

"Damn, they're fast," Todo remarked, scowling, "I take it negotiations aren't going well in space…"

"That's unsurprising, considering who's helping with that," Okita said, slowly crumpling the report in his hands.

"Now, now, Sougo," said Kondou, drawing the attention of everyone, as he entered the tent, miraculously unscathed by his earlier run-in with Matsudaira. "I'm not quite sure negotiations would go smoothly if we sent you in there instead."

Okita unsheathed his sword and inspected the tip, sliding fingertips across the blade's flat surface. "They would be short and to the point."

Kondou smirked. "That's exactly what I'm saying. Let's have faith in Katsura and his ability to turn an unfavourable situation around. He helped us at Kokujou and I've no doubt he'll help us here. We have the same end goal and I know he wouldn't want to see Earth destroyed. Plus, I hear Sakamoto Tatsuma is no negotiating slouch himself!"

"Leaving Earth's fate to two idiot Joui patriots isn't very reassuring, Kondou-san." Without warning, Okita swung his blade around, its trajectory halted by the tent pole Tetsunosuke was standing in front of—or rather had, for he now crouched low, gasping for breath. Okita stared at him with those shiver-inducing deep red eyes. "Oi, Tetsu…don't stand behind me. I may have mistook you for an enemy."

Tetsunosuke gulped. "My mistake, Captain!"

"That was a close one, sir!" Kamiyama said, chuckling and pointing to the line of bare skin across his head, "You almost gave me a haircut!"

"He didn't almost give you a haircut," fourth unit captain Sugihara remarked, "He really did give you a haircut!"

Kondou sighed and looked at Tetsunosuke. "Tetsu, will you fetch Toushi? Looks like we'll be proceeding earlier than planned."

"Right away, sir, as soon as I locate him! Would you happen to know his last whereabouts?"

"Oh, you didn't find him yet?" Kondou thought for a moment and the answered, "I saw him heading out of the camp on the west side, maybe an hour ago. He mentioned something about going for a quick walk."

"Maybe he's having war jitters," Okita remarked, sheathing his sword, "So scared he had to go take a long dump before we leave."

"Nah, Toushi's not easily shaken before a battle," Kondou said, stepping to the table and adjusting a map around, so that it faced him. "His nerves are made of the best kind of steel there is."

Leaving the officers to their strategizing, Tetsunosuke dashed out of the tent and headed west, which opened into forest on the southern edge and rice fields on the northern side. He had to cross a stream and cut through a thicket before reaching a clearing where he found Hijikata at long last.

Standing alone atop a grassy hillock, Hijikata peered through binoculars, the bottom part of his coat swaying in the breeze behind him.

"Sir!" Tetsunosuke called out, puffing as he climbed the hill, "You're wanted back at the camp immediately! The Liberation Army is preparing to attack the city!"

"I know," Hijikata said, sounding calm, "I've been watching them for the past half hour." He lowered the binoculars and continued to stare at the horizon where Edo's terminal rose up, surrounded by battleships. "They've been hovering for awhile now…bastards must be waiting for orders from their general."

Tetsunosuke forced himself to look away from the disheartening sight and faced Hijikata. "So, we're going to war, then?"

Hijikata nodded, still staring ahead.

"I see…" Tetsunosuke licked his lips and took a deep breath. "Sir, if I may say something?"

"Speak."

"I want to say this in case I die out there." Just that sentence alone filled him with more fear, but he tried to stay focused. "Vice-Chief…no, Hijikata Toushirou-san…you are a man of the most excellent caliber, one that I have been so proud to serve under and be trained by. Not a day goes by where I don't cherish my life that you saved and the purpose you gave me. I will follow you and fight until my last breath for the sake of this country." He saluted, holding it. "It is a great honour to join you in battle, sir."

The ensuing silence was intimidating, especially as he thought back to how Hijikata had reacted in the forest to his sentimental speech.

But, to Tetsunosuke's pleasant surprise, Hijikata smiled.

Maybe it was the high tension and emotions permeating the camp atmosphere that compelled him to provide another one of his genuine smiles that he didn't give out like orders. His smile wasn't radiant like Kondou's or filled with an underlying mischief like Okita's. Rather, it was the simple serene smile of a proud older brother. "I'm glad to fight alongside you as well. I'll be following after Kondou-san and shielding him, so I'm entrusting my back to you. Your only order from here on out is to survive. Understood?"

Tetsunosuke could feel his whole heart and soul alight with these words that conveyed more than a simple command, for it meant he finally held Hijikata's complete trust in battle. "Yes, Vice-Chief!"

Hijikata suddenly gave a heavy sigh and rubbed his forehead with his free hand. "You're almost getting to be like Kamiyama…promise me you won't reach his level of bootlicking? I won't be able to stand it without wanting to pummel you into the ground."

"I promise!"

Hijikata reached inside his coat and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "Dispose of these," he ordered, handing them to Tetsunosuke, "I'm done with them."

"Certainly, sir." Tetsunosuke inspected the inside of the pack, noting it was half-full. "You're trying to quit for good?"

Hijikata pulled out yet another pack, but they were a different brand and of the electronic variety, designed to mimic the appearance of regular cigarettes with the latest and tiniest technology installed inside the smooth sticks. Hijikata must've picked them up during their last supply run. "I'll give it a shot with these," he answered mournfully, slipping one out and sliding a side switch upward, "But I'm going to need them to make mayonnaise-flavoured ones."

Tetsunosuke chuckled.

They hurried back to the encampment as fast they could, Tetsunosuke trailing behind, but feeling as elated as one could be prior to battle. He thought back to one particular night practice session in the dojo when Hijikata had told him that he wasn't ready yet to be entrusted with the life of the vice-chief. But after everything they had been through, after all the blood, sweat, and tears, Hijikata had subtly declared Tetsunosuke prepared enough to take on a heavy responsibility. Kondou wholeheartedly entrusted his back to Hijikata and Okita, knowing they would be right there, defending his blind spots and protecting him. Now, Hijikata had shown he could rely on Tetsunosuke to do the same and that was all he needed to squash all his doubts and fears before the battle began.

This would be another thing to write in his next letter to Isaburou.

In less than five minutes, the captains assembled their units and lined up before Kondou and Hijikata, standing at full attention. Other troops were stationed similarly, but here the Shinsengumi gathered solely for their own benefit and to receive last minute instructions from their leaders.

Kondou walked up and down in front of the lines, hands folded behind his back, calling out the strategy they would take upon entering the city, advancing toward the castle while taking out enemies they encountered along the way.

"Your two priorities are the lives of the citizens and the lives of your comrades! Watch each other's back. Protect the people. Don't let those Liberation Army bastards push you around! We are the Shinsengumi! We have been mocked, imprisoned, divided, and hunted. But we persevered and we are stronger than ever!" Kondou grinned, the wind whipping at his spiky hair and headband, the long scar a testament to all they had experienced, from facing disbandment to nearly losing their commander. "The city will not be left undefended – not while we still breathe! Men, we are returning to Edo – we are returning home!"

The Shinsengumi cheered, but did not break formation.

Kondou looked at all of them in turn. "I have the immense privilege of leading a fine bunch of hooligan cops into battle to stop rampant crime and restore justice. When we enter the city, do not let your hearts be led astray with fear. They might have bigger toys to play with, but, as you know, we don't play nice when our home is threatened. Walk with pride! Fight with pride! And make every effort to survive!"

"Yes, Chief!"

"And now, I turn it over to Toushi." Kondou backed away while Hijikata stepped forward.

"Alright, you thorny louts!" Hijikata barked out, glaring at them, "It's been a long time since we went over the Shinsengumi Codes, but that's no excuse to forget them! By now they should be engraved on your heart and soul, so that you can say them without hesitation. But if you did have the audacity to forget them, I will have you commit seppuku here and now!"

"Yes, Vice-Chief!"

Hijikata cleared his throat, squaring his shoulders and folding his hands behind his back. "Let's begin."

Reciting regulations he now knew by heart, Tetsunosuke kept his eyes on Hijikata's austere form, unable to look elsewhere, unwilling to do so. Hijikata wasn't simply an authoritative figure, mouth moving robotically. Every word that poured out of his mouth was spoken with sincere conviction from his heart. Hijikata believed in the Shinsengumi and the Shinsengumi believed in him.

Tears slipped out of the corners of Tetsunosuke's eyes, as he proclaimed as loudly and firmly, and if he was considered too noisy and superfluous, he did not care a single bit.

Hijikata's gaze continually swept over the men, and when his eyes landed on Tetsunosuke, Hijikata stared for a moment, still reciting, and then nodded once in perceived approval, like he understood everything Tetsunosuke was feeling in that moment.

When they had finished, Kondou raised a fist high above his head to the heavens and shouted, "Fight, Shinsengumi!"

Smiling and blinking away tears, Tetsunosuke joined his comrades in mirroring their leader's jubilant actions and words.

They were going to war. The Battle at Kokujou Island was a mere skirmish compared to what they were about to face in Edo, the heart of the conflict. This, now, was a conflict equal to the Amanto War, as they would fight for the continued existence of their country and Earth.

Inside, Tetsunosuke was terrified. He had been training non-stop since the day they departed Edo, continuing to learn under Hijikata's tutelage in between traveling and stirring up revolution across the land. Tetsunosuke was stronger than before, but whether he was strong enough to survive the forthcoming war, he didn't know yet.

The only certainty he had was following in the footsteps of a man he held absolute trust in. No matter where they went, to victory or to death, Tetsunosuke vowed to keep his eyes focused on Hijikata Toushirou, fighting with and dying by the side of someone who had given Tetsunosuke new purpose in life.

Hijikata-san…I will assist you for as long as I can until the day you no longer need me.

And, Isaburou, my brother…

Watch me.