Few Years Later…

Shinsengumi Headquarters…

"Good morning, Heisuke."

A small greeting from a girl that goes by the name Yukimura Chizuru speaks, while one of the Shinsengumi captains recognize her who was sweeping quietly on the open ends, and then walks to her. She was used to this already, along with her being secretive of her being an oni which she doubts and knows only to search for her father, disguising as a guy. The Shinsengumi knew that she's a woman and permitted her to be with them as much as she can, for she has already known the secrets and was considered as one of them already. She served them well and has helped much, while being on patrol with the others too.

Heisuke Toudou stiffens a small yawn while he smiles energetically. "Yoh, Chizuru!" he responds, while he sees her sweeping. "Early up you're already cleaning; did you even eat?" he asks while he receives a shook. "Eeh!? That's not how things work here." He said with a small pout and placed her broom on the other side while he proposes something. "Let's cook together. It's Sanosuke and my shift anyway this morning."

Chizuru blinks to that. "Ah, you and Sanosuke-san?" she asks while confirming then got a nod. "Mm. That's a good idea." She nods back too with a soft smile and proceeded walking, following him along.

"But I think we can walk out for awhile, I mean, everyone's still sleeping…" he said in a whisper, while she blinks more to that phrase. "Chizuru, we don't have to mention this out on the others… we'll be back immediately. It's fun walking outside the early morning…" he added even slight as she listens, still flustered of what she would respond towards him.

"It's too early and you're making a move now, how evil."

Heisuke stopped, making a large fidgety face, obviously surprised by the other voice, which was entertaining. He grunted. "Oi, Sano!" he said with a typical rant. "What? I wasn't planning anything!" he added completely denying and making a false response, Chizuru smiling a bit while she also fidgets troubled whatnot to answer.

Sanosuke Harada looked at him with a small smirk. "Well, I heard you're walking outside, without Hijikata-san's permission? This is bad." He added, making the other male fidget more. It wasn't once that he got a scold and a hit from the vice captain in charge and Shinpachi Nakahara wouldn't really back him up.

"E-Eh, fine…"

Chizuru just chuckled, continuing to watch them further. Even so, the young girl would always think of them and look after them like they were actually family. She got used to this situation already, even with the bickering despite the fact that she's the only girl taken up by the Shinsengumi them selves. She smiled to that, which made the two captains blink at her stare of silence.

Sanosuke smiles seeing her still in silence. "Good morning, Chizuru." He said firm and warm.

"Good morning…" she greeted again and smiled back.

"Looks like it's a nice morning, yes?"

"Mm."

"You're too early to flirt around, Sano…" Shinpachi spoke, ruffling his head a bit and then smiled at the girl also while yawning, his muscles flexing a bit. He got warmed up by a simple look at the eye and then followed next was Hajime Saito who quietly walked to glance at them. The last one who went out from his fine nap was Okita Souji. It was early but it looked like everyone seemed energized despite the fact that it was Sanosuke's early shift of patrol. Others like Gensaburou Inoue, Kondou Isami, Itou and Susumu Yamazaki were still on their naps for minutes, still feeling the futons.

It was always like this in their headquarters. A few months after taking in Chizuru, they had been used to her around, and also those times where she would be around the men feeling less awkward because of their closure. Everyday activity in the Shinsengumi matters a lot, since they respect each other even if they had different beliefs themselves. It wasn't already that shocking enough to show weaknesses and secrets in their campus as well.

The morning was filled will the noises of three head captains. Chizuru would always get used to saying "Everyone seems really happy" each morning that they'd wake up on. Their lieutenant known the demon vice – captain that goes by the name Hijikata Toshizou would be the last one to scowl at them and remind them of their duties, followed by a nudge of their tease about his 'horrible' poetry. It was the least they can do to defend themselves specifically with Okita grabbing around his small notebooks and his ink so he cannot write more. The rest are on smiles whenever they do that, not protesting but instead, enjoying the current scene.

"Damn it, Okita! Give me that!"

Hijikata would scold more at the first captain of the squad because of his recklessness and off with the reading. While reading he would protest on how much he grows sick of all the tasks that they were given and no short breaks were announced. Even so, their lieutenant wouldn't mind, as if it was part of their job and the rest of the squad would just sigh to it. Hence, their lieutenant gets the nickname of a demon.

It was supposed to be the same this morning, along with their only female's fidgets every now and then, until they were disturbed with sword slashing sounds a bit distant from their certain location. The Shinsengumi members, having sharp ears, also called as the Wolves of Mibu, quit their arguments and paused just to move quickly, heading on the other direction. Shinpachi went first since he was nearer followed by the other main captains, and then next the subordinates.

The sword slashes continued while the blade swung inverted, the dull edge, to avoid killing. Some subordinates of the Shinsengumi members dropped down after the piece of slashes and mere avoidance the wielder was doing, surprisingly a person in disguise. Upon arrival, the squad leaders were mesmerized for some minutes because the mysterious weapon wielder took down seven at one blow. For someone who is rare to drop by and know their headquarters, it must be a spy or an assault.

The Shinsengumi drew their swords faster just to make sure, and the others were holding back for awhile, just to look at the face of this person. The identity was hidden under a large cap and a scarf that covers the mouth too, thus giving the impression of a ninja in queer manners. Even so, it came to slash about.

"Who the heck is this?" Heisuke muttered, withdrawing his sword but didn't move to make an attack. He grunted another. "Early in the morning we're being attacked like that!"

Sanosuke held on to his spear. "Even so… with those small slashes… taking seven on one blow is not a joke." He looked at the person, but blinked his eyes because he himself was taller and buffed, the one drawing the blade was shorter, and the figure was dressed with mere male clothes. The hands held dainty and the movement was as similar to the shape of the crescent moon. He thinks quiet while he figures out the gesture of the thing. 'I have never heard of a male moving like the crescent moon accent…' he didn't give more speculations.

Chizuru blinks her eyes, wanting to know who it was but the figure turned to the other side instead, and ignored them. It was walking on the other side too while the squad captains feel ignored, and those that were hit standing up while they try to attack again. Hence, the figure evaded and hit them with the case of the sword, sending them again to the ground, making the squad leaders blink again and saw the figure walk to another direction while speaking nothing.

"I don't like this guy!" Shinpachi said grunting and attacked first, his blade swinging. He charged before anything else, but to his surprise, the figure turned and blocked him with the case again in a casual manner. It was the first weapon that was showcased before he was pushed back. "Tch!" he grunted because he didn't even recognize the face, and the figure was far shorter than him. It was disappointing as he continue to make slashes while the figure continues to evade, then followed by Heisuke's impatience. Because the two were attacking now, the figure moved to the side and pulled another weapon, a longer case for a longer blade while making an upper kick. Heisuke and Shinpachi dodged it, almost hitting them.

"Ma, this fellow looks really strong." Okita commented while he smiles but then he doesn't like those things. Seeing his two comrades dodge and almost hit made him forward, with slashes again and then successfully cut the hat, revealing the figure's blond hair and the red eyes. He blinked as he smiles. "Blond? Well, this means that we should kill him."

"He's pretty tricky though." Heisuke muttered, gritting his teeth. "Hey, what do you need anyway!?" he blurted again.

"I don't have business with you, but with your leader only. I don't want to create violence further." The figure replied blank, the voice firm. It was a genuine female's voice forced to disguise through a male, though most fell for the trap. Even so, this was a disguise and it cannot be confirmed out.

Hijikata responded. "What do you want with Kondou-san?" he asked straight. "If you are here not to offend anyone, then why did you attack the other Shinsengumi members?" he added casually so they won't be really bothered, expecting one sensible answer. The other squad members would like to know that too.

The figure closed its eyes. "I don't need to tell you that."

"Bastard replying things like that…" Shinpachi grunted while Sanosuke prepared for a move, stance so they can attack. "It's just a short kid then and whatever you need with Kondou-san means that you're after something! It's not even a reasonable excuse!" he added and went off along with some pissed squad leaders who felt the 'pain'. They even got pissed when it didn't move further, and Chizuru trying to figure out who it was.

Once they got their gauge of hate surpassing to the limit, they charged immediately, but the figure didn't move on its place. Even so, they didn't consider this, until…

"Everyone, stop!"

Kondou casually walked up on them and halted before anything else. He frowned back when he saw them and it was too early. He looked at the pissed Squad Leaders and some members of the Shinsengumi who were hurt after being hit by the figure. By the time he found space, he faced back and saw the blond. He sighed while he breathes for some scolding. "Oi, I didn't tell you to greet off my men harshly like that! Seriously, someone really needed to teach you manners!" he added.

"… Sorry, they were in my way." The figure responded and looked at the side, making a small 'tsk'. "I did my best to say that I need to speak with you and they blocked me attempting to kill me off." It added in a normal tone, yet with a child – like appeal towards the captain of the Shinsengumi.

"Ah, I forgot to warn you about that."

"Kondou-san." Hijikata asks, starting again with a brow raised. "Bringing a visitor like this who treats our men with no respect is a sin; why did you allow this to happen?" he questioned, still curious but then he got a look flashing at the figure. "Who is this person?" the same goes for the people who were hit and those that wanted to know.

The figure removed the scarf and the slashed hat off while throwing it on the floor. They saw the clear image of the short blond hair and the red eyes, making the person look like a 'demon' and the clothing that fits suitable. The height was not tall, but merely matching a bit of Chizuru's through closure, and the body wrapped in that clothing makes it look like a male. Thus, the person began to spoke again. "Kondou-sensei, I came all the way here from a far place… though I thank you for approving my request." It looked at the members. "Wow, looks like the Shinsegumi had buffed members after all."

Kondou sighed to that again. "Next time, Raion, if you make your way here, don't attack anyone… this kid… It was a relief that you're not lost after hearing out that you came by yourself. You're early though." he added another while he smiles.

"S-Shut up, I am not a kid!" Raion protested with a flushed face and puffed cheeks, seemingly doing an action of a kid, but then continued with the cool act. "How can I make a grand entrance if you keep on being pushy like this? And have you even cleaned up the place? Didn't Dr. Matsumoto advised you to clean the whole headquarters!?" added the blond person again, with eyes a bit furious and grunting, making the Captain fidget to the excuse again.

Okita was having the nerve. "You look so close since you're shouting at our captain." He said in a small mode. "Raion, eh? Named after Lion? Your parents are lazy enough to give you a name. I bet they even didn't want to name you." he added with a smirk.

Kondou blinked to that. "Souji, do not act like that to a new person." Knowing that half looked offended, Raion didn't respond to that and instead crossed the arms full while waiting for an introduction. He faced the members who were waiting for an explanation too after all, since it was beneficial. "Ah, everyone… 'he's' not an enemy." He started and gave a smile. "Pardon the attitude, he was raised roughly~ his name is Shirabuki Raion. He's a kid I have found stray while having a round trip when I was healing. I asked of him to come here as a surprise but I didn't expect the early commotion."

"Don't tell me you're hiring a kid?" Sanosuke asked, looking at the person who kept on ignoring them but eyed clearly. He smiled. "Well, a kid with slight a woman's face that is… Kondou-san, what are you planning to do?" he asked.

Raion didn't comment to that further and ignored them. Before Kondou can discuss, he already shift his way facing back. "I'm leaving." He said.

Kondou blinked. "Oi Raion! Don't be stubborn like that!"

"I didn't come here to fight over these people. As if I would have a match with the Shinsengumi. Sensei, I am glad you're doing well, but this?" he continued as he looked.

"You came here because this was your request and then you're leaving? That's practically impolite as I have given you permission. I trust you with that."

"… Kondou. Why are you damn nice…" it made the blond person look back again and walked near him while he observed the Shinsengumi. There, he started complaining. "You're going to group me with guys taller ahead of me? I think that's pretty offensive, Kondou-san…" he said another and looked at the captain who was far taller than him.

"As if we would group with you." Shinpachi said with a scoff. "We're Squad Captains and you are just a new recruit. Don't take things lightly here as you speak." He added with a low grunt and faced Kondou. "Like what Sano said, this kid? We don't even know where you got him aside from the fact that you are grateful meeting this person." He speaks further, obviously pissed.

"However…" Hijikata said, crossing the line of talk. "By the way you move your arm and the weapon case whereas you should have sliced the stomachs of our members… I can tell that you are pretty skilled." He commented.

Raion looked at him. "Thank you for noticing that." He said.

"But still you're attitude…"

"Yes, you have attitude problems." Kondou continued further and tried to calm him down. "It's just like what the kids say and the rest… you behave like a demon. Try changing that by starting to get along well with the Shinsengumi… not just with me." He requested also trying to earn the trust despite the fact that they were offended. The captain wanted to clear that.

Seeing the faces of the curious leaders made Raion halt. In fact he was probably conscious. "…" he remained silent for awhile and tried to get along as what Kondou says. "I apologize then for my rudeness." He started and gave a small bow, as taught by the elders and then faced them. He blankly gave a small deadpan face but was true with the word. For some seconds he was ashamed and looked at the other side, still not used to these kinds of things because he was more alone and perhaps with one fellow most of the time. Groups were a big problem for him based on his actions for he doesn't get along well with it.

Sanosuke smiled to that. "At least you apologized. So, it's Raion, right?" he said in a chirper mode. "I would like to thank you for a bit since you actually used the back of your blade and the case instead of your sword directly." He added but didn't receive a reply. "Tsk, you're a shy one, aren't you?"

"No I am not." Raion spoke again. "…I am not used to these kinds of things."

"I shall introduce everyone to you then to start off." Kondou proposed and moved. "This is Hijikata-san, the vice – captain, followed by Souji Okita, the first squad captain; and then Sanosuke Harada, tenth squad captain; Shinpachi Nakagura, sixth squad captain; Heisuke Toudou, Saito Hajime then Yukimura Chizuru. Oh, this is the only girl, just to be sure." He added another remembering that he didn't realized that Chizuru was a girl also that time when they got her. He gave another smile. "You're following Hijikata's orders and my orders from now on if you want to stay, you understand?"

"Understood." The response was immediate and fast while he kept on dodging the eyes, and the looks. He flinched further when he eyed at one member of the Shinsengumi who resembles someone who is he thoroughly avoiding, avoiding the eyes and all. The hair and the structure seemed so nostalgic he kept silent and minimal too…

…specifically to the one they call 'Saito Hajime' who has been looking at him for almost the whole time, saying nothing because he probably can see through him already.