Their fight was like a vicious dance as they each tried to overpower the other. The Shinsengumi watched with baited breath as their 1st Unit Captain stood between them and what was likely to be an agonizing death if he lost. The Yato leader was incredibly strong, and some worried that even the great Sougo would not be able to overpower him. They fought with an agility and grace that was mesmerising to behold and both sides, human and Yato, watched with rapt attention.

Yamazaki, who stood at the back knew he wouldn't get another opportunity to leave and find where the key to the cells had been placed. His eyes narrowed slightly as he briefly wondered if they would still need the Danna's help. After all, he had never seen anyone defeat Captain Okita before.

But this is a Yato we're talking about...I'd better not take any chances.

With his mind made up, he made use of his incognito abilities and slipped away from the battle lines unnoticed.

Sougo found himself being pushed back by a brutal swipe from Kamui's umbrella. He managed to regain his footing before he could fall but instantly had to parry with his sword as the Yato was on him again with the speed of a predator hunting its prey. Kamui's eyes were practically dancing with delight as he applied more force, watching the samurai in front of him struggle to prevent his own sword from cutting into his shoulder.

'You samurai are truly interesting...' Kamui remarked offhandedly, and Sougo noted with annoyance that he didn't seem to be putting much effort into the deadlock.

'Is that so? You're very different from your sister.' He bit back, surprising the red head, who moved back. Sougo could feel his bones ache as he readied himself. Kamui cocked his head to the side slightly.

'Hmm? You know my sister? I'm jealous! I don't know how but she seems to attract strong people to her; first that silver haired samurai and now you? Probably to make up for her own weakness.' A cruel sneer spread across his lips. 'A pity she isn't here so I can wipe her out with the whole lot of you.' He remarked coldly.

Sougo could feel his hand unconsciously gripping his sword tighter, though he didn't know why. One thing he knew for certain was that he wanted nothing more than to take the bastard down.

Kamui pointed his umbrella at him and took several shots. He was impressed when Okita deflected them easily with his sword, and with a lustful expression he charged towards him with his weapon raised.

Hijikata could feel his cigarette falling out of his mouth as he watched Kamui savagely hit at Okita's katana. What a monster...can Sougo really beat this guy?!

He quickly turned to one of the men behind him.

'Get me a bazooka, quickly.' He instructed, to the man's surprise.

'Eh? But Vice Commander, if you interrupt the fight they might attack us!'

'Just do as I say!' He barked back.

The Officer seemed reluctant to comply, but he inclined his head and ran off to do as ordered. Kondo turned quizzically to his deputy, wondering at the order.

'Toshi?'

'I'm not letting that freak kill him. If I see that Sougo can't take any more I'm ending the fight.'

His Commander nodded in approval but their attention was drawn sharply back to the fight when they heard gasps coming from the men around them. They found themselves gasping as well.

Sougo and Kamui had struck each other in the chest, but whilst Kamui seemed to be handling his injury like it wasn't even there, Sougo took a few painful steps back as he clutched the affected region.

'SOUGO!'

While the Harusame was busy dealing with the Shinsengumi, the Kiheitai was taking advantage of the distraction and heading off to another section of Edo via their now flying ship. Takasugi stood out on deck, watching the city below with an incomprehensible disgust in his eye. He felt footsteps approaching from behind him though he did not bother to turn. He already knew who it was. After the footsteps had stopped Bansai began to speak.

'It seems the Young Admiral is giving us plenty of time.' He remarked, with the wind blowing at his hair.

Takasugi craned his head slightly in response, looking at him from the corner of his eye and smiled.

'Yes, but that is not what you wanted to talk about. Something has been on your mind for some time now...or rather, should I say someone?' He observed, turning back to his initial view.

Bansai shrugged and came closer until he had reached Takasugi's side. He gazed down quietly at the city below and took some time to respond.

'I'm curious as to why you wanted him to join us at such a crucial time.' He finally said. 'He has foiled our plans before, or were you perhaps hoping to keep an eye on him? Why not just kill him then like you plan on doing to Shiroyasha?' He wondered, knowing that Shinsuke knew of whom he spoke.

Takasugi didn't respond so he continued, determined to get his point across.

'I admit that he is a capable leader and an extraordinary fighter, making him a great asset if he is willing to follow our cause. But we all know he doesn't fully support your methods. And I believe he has made this known to you. If you allow him to come he will only restrain you.'

Takasugi actually snickered at this and put one hand in his yukata.

'He is welcome to try. But as to why I want him here, you already know.'

Bansai put an arm on his waist nonchalantly.

'Yes, to make sure the other Jouishishi do not interfere. That may be true but...shall I present a theory of my own on your true interest in him?'

Takasugi turned to him briefly and shrugged his shoulders carelessly, which Bansai took as permission to continue.

'You and the Shiroyasha are polar opposites of each other; he is the light to your dark. He would rather die than see a comrade of his in danger, whereas you are willing to sacrifice yours if it takes you closer to your goal. He focuses on the present, you focus on the past. He is able to live in this world whereas you can't stand it and wish to see it burn. Katsura is the bridge; he opposes the Bakufu like you but like Shiroyasha he is not willing to see the world go to ashes. It's like some tug of war between you and Sakata Gintoki, and he is the rope that is being pulled at. By having Katsura on your side, you're trying to make a point to the White devil, like you've won some great prize.'

Takasugi couldn't help the chuckle that came out of his lips at Bansai's analysis. He raised his head to look up into the sky.

'Interesting hypothesis.' He remarked. 'If only our relationship was that simple.' He added, before returning his attention to the assassin.

'It's almost time, get everyone ready.' And with that he left the deck without saying anything else. Bansai watched him go with crossed arms, though he remained silent.

Takasugi made his way down the passageways of the ship until he reached a certain door and entered unceremoniously.

Katsura looked up from what he was doing in surprise. When he saw who the intruder was, however, he sighed.

'I see you still don't remember how to knock.' He remarked, returning to what he was doing. On closer examination, Takasugi could see that he was attempting to remove the bullet that had lodged in his arm thanks to Matako's revolvers.

'And I see you aren't willing to trust our doctors.' He remarked.

Katsura only snorted in response, leaving it unsaid that he did not trust anybody on the ship. Takasugi came closer and knelt next to him.

'Allow me...' He offered, though he had already taken the pincers from his fellow patriot's hand. Katsura seemed reluctant to entrust his wound to him but he ultimately shrugged and raised his arm, resigning himself to the pain that was sure to come.

The one-eyed samurai inserted the pincers into the flesh wound slowly so as to not aggravate the wound as he went deeper into his former comrade's arm.

'Doesn't this remind you of the past? We used to do this often after battle.' He remarked, noticing Katsura grimace.

'Yes...but you were definitely more careful then-UGH!' He stifled a cry as Takasugi pressed the pincers from inside his flesh and smirked.

'Found it...try to hold still so I can bring it out.' He said, as he proceeded to bring the pincers out with the object they had captured. Katsura cringed and the pain became so bad he was afraid he would bite his own tongue off.

'Done.'

He placed the bloody bullet on the table for Katsura to see. The Joui patriot looked at it indifferently but he nodded gratefully as he proceeded to dab at the wound with some spirit.

'What was your initial reason for coming?' He finally asked, watching his childhood friend lean back at the question.

'We are getting ready to launch our assault. Get yourself ready.' Came the response as Takasugi got up from the floor and made to leave. Katsura watched him walk off with an unreadable expression on his face.

'Will you allow me to use my sword then? I'll be useless to you without a weapon.'

Takasugi came to a halt just in front of the door and turned back to look at him. His cold, piercing eye pinned his former comrade's.

'Very well. However...' A gleam came to his eye. 'If you attempt anything foolish, know that it is your friend who will suffer the consequences.' He warned, closing the door behind him.

When he was gone Katsura looked down at his arm and then at the floor, his mind full of doubts. He wasn't sure if he would survive the night.

It was amazing that with the amount of blood pouring across the field none of the two warriors had succumbed to their injuries. Sougo was still clutching his chest with one of his hands, while deflecting Kamui's blows with the other, placing him at a disadvantage. Kamui had long abandoned his umbrella and was using hand to hand against the injured samurai. He stepped back after a while and examined the Officer's exhausted state.

'Well, it looks like you can't go on much longer. As a reward for your impressive skill, allow me to make your death as quick and painless as possible!' He said, as he wiped at some blood around his mouth and charged forward with incredible speed considering the state of his injuries.

Sougo slashed at him, forcing him to somersault into the air and aim a lethal kick at his head. The Shinsengumi captain was able to dodge by jumping backwards, to the relief of his comrades. He and Kamui then engaged in a blow for blow fight, with Kamui ignoring the wounds he received in order to deal a decisive blow. With his yato strength, he aimed a massive punch at Sougo's torso, causing him to throw up blood.

Sougo gave a cry and fell to his knees, struggling to breathe. Kamui then went back and picked up his umbrella. He began walking towards him slowly, too calmly for the samurai's liking. When he got closer he stopped and gave a smile.

'It's over.' He said with cold blue eyes. He aimed his umbrella at Okita's head and prepared to fire...

But then his sharp ears caught a strange sound and he turned in shock to see a bazooka being aimed in his direction. Hijikata glared at him coldly as he held the bazooka on his shoulder.

'DIE.'

He pulled the trigger.