Author note : For the uniforms, I chose the new ones from Edo Blossoms and not the old ones and anime ones. Reason is that I never understood why they had to put on a uniform if it was all so different ! I know the new ones aren't so popular but at least, it's a bit more homogeneous in style and I also like that they put the kamon on it that were totally absent from the old uniforms. It was more down to earth even if I need to admit, Saito in plain black was perfection.
The next day, I took my breakfast with Chizuru and the others before all captains head to the tailor, as requested by Hijikata-san. Apparently, we needed new uniforms, more western style. I didn't understand the point of this. The problem with the SatCho was their superior firepower, not their modern uniforms. The way we dressed wasn't going to change anything except maybe for the riflemen but we didn't have that many warriors trained to use firearms.
But orders were orders and so, we all obeyed, except Chizuru of course. As a woman, she wasn't supposed to wear a warrior uniform and the days when she had to disguise herself were long gone. Kondou-san too decided to stay in kimono and Hijikata-san didn't force him to comply. He was the commander and a daimyo now, Okubo-sama, even if we were all still calling him Kondou-san.
At the tailor, we were presented different designs for our attire. I frowned at each one of them. What was the problem with kimonos anyway ? These outfits seemed so impractical... and what was the point of having a uniform if we could all choose something different ? Before I could ask, all my concerns were voiced by Nagakura, apparently not eager to change his style either.
« The hell is that ? » he frowned « can't be seen in this shit ! »
« That's a direct order from the Bakufu » replied an annoyed Hijikata-san, trying on a very tight thing called a shirt and a waistcoat « this time we have a large funding and we are going to attack them with plenty of cannons and firepower. These uniforms are more appropriate to wield guns. »
« No way I use anything other than a blade ! » yelled Nagakura with Toudou supporting him « and since I intend to stay a swordsman, I'd rather keep my clothes ! »
« Enough of your bitching ! » shouted Hijikata-san « anyone who refuses isn't coming to Kofu, am I clear enough ?! »
We all fell silent, astonished. Nagakura, Harada and Toudou were all staring at one another in shock. Grudgingly, we looked back at the designs, trying to find out which outfit could be the most practical for a swordsman. I chose one with a shirt, waistcoat, pants and boots and the tailor also added a long coat to it. There were so many buttons on everything that I didn't even try to count them. I didn't know if that outfit would allow me to be more efficient on a battlefield but one thing was for sure, it would take me ages in the morning to get dressed.
« Okay, just extend your arms so I can mark where to adjust the fabric... » said the tailor and I felt like a clown with all this new impractical attire on me. « About the color... »
« Plain black. » I said firmly.
This was enough that I looked stupid with these clothes. I didn't need any flashy colors to make it worse.
« Actually, » said Hijikata-san, taking a sheet of paper from his kimono left on a nearby chair « there is a color and a kamon for each captain to help identify them on the battlefield. Saito's blue. And there will be golden lines like this » he showed on me « still to identify as a captain. We will all have golden lines. »
« This outfit will be blue and golden ? » I repeated, trying not to show how shocked I was. I was already imagining it sky blue with golden ribbons.
« No. » replied Hijikata-san with a small smile « It's black. The color will only be here on the inside collar of your coat, your shoulders and your wrists. On the collar, a kamon, and a big one in the back too for your division to follow you. »
« I don't have a division. » I muttered, remembering all my men giving their lives at Ryu'un temple.
« So we have colors too ?! » yelled Nagakura.
« Yes. Colors and kamon on a black outfit with golden lines. You can choose the shape you like best but it's a uniform for gods' sake ! A bit of cohesion ! » answered Hijikata-san « Harada, red. Nagakura, green, Heisuke, yellow, Sannan, magenta, and me, purple. »
I nodded. There was nothing I could do anyway. The Bakufu ordered us to use those uniforms and we had no other choices than to comply. I let the tailor adjust everything on my body, putting needles and marks with ink. When it was over, I was glad to put back a simple black kimono and I watched the others getting their measures as well. All the faces were frowning, showing that we all shared the desire to be anywhere except here.
When we were all finished, Hijikata-san gave us permission and I had to admit that I clearly needed a drink. Apart from Hijikata-san and Sannan, we all headed to Yoshiwara which was the equivalent district to Shimabara in Edo. We went to a pleasure house and had some drinks served by oirans. Silently, I let the alcohol confort me. It had something more than just a drink. Between the preparation of the war, my travel and now my paperwork, I didn't have a proper drink in ages. Plus, sharing that bottle with the three monkeys had something savory, like getting back to old times. I just wished Souji was there... Maybe I should visit him again before we all head to Kofu... And that would also give me an opportunity to check on Haruhi. I was missing the kid already even though I left her only yesterday morning. We really grew close during our trip, she was calling me Otousan... I wondered if Kondou-san was feeling the same heartbreak every time he had to say goodbye to his family.
« What do you think, Saito ?! » said Toudou.
« Pardon me » I apologized, confused « I wasn't listening. »
« Shin says that Kondou-san's out of his mind lately and that we'd be better off without him. »
« Hey ! » yelled Nagakura « I didn't say it that way ! You're exaggerating it ! »
« Yeah, whatever » said Toudou with a wave of the hand « So what do you think, Saito ? »
« This sounds like treason. » I answered calmly, sipping my cup.
« Eh, Saito... » smiled Nagakura, uneasy « That is really not what I meant, you know... Just... Can we all agree that this Kofu idea is shit and that these western uniforms sucks ? »
« Orders aren't meant to be discussed. » I replied.
« So uptight... » sighed Nagakura « I wonder why we asked for your opinion. »
They kept discussing it all evening and I kept drinking silently, listening to every word without commenting on any of them. I couldn't help but admit that some of them were resonating in me more than I would like them to. My sole desire was to follow Kondou-san and make his dream come true. It always has been. But now that he was a daimyo and that we were marching to get a castle, I couldn't help but feel that something was wrong. Times were changing, no doubt about that. Was Kondou-san's dream already in the past before even coming to fruition ? And if it was, then what was my purpose now ?