Shinsengumi Kekkonroku Wasurenagusa 7

Shinsengumi Kekkonroku Wasurenagusa 7 – Saitou Hajime

CV: Takahashi Naozumi

Track 1

Your stance is hesitant.

Why are you surprised? Pick up your sword.

It’s disgraceful that you let go of the hilt during training.

I thought you would have improved while I was away, but this is what I see on my return.

Come on. Think of me as your enemy and continue training.

You’re naïve! Do you think you can protect yourself like that?

Are you playing around?

Yes, that’s it.

[01:08]
Hey. I don’t remember telling you it was okay to stop.

Are you crying?

You haven’t changed. My goodness.

Even when I think you’re strong, you still look as if you’re about to cry sometimes.

On that day when we last saw each other, you were like that too.

And…

[02:01]
You were warm when I held you.

Sorry I kept you waiting.

Don’t say anything. Just stay like this for now…

What is it?

Wait?

I’m not going to wait. Let me hold you like this.

[03:17]
I can still feel that you were holding a sword.

Let me forget everything else for a while.

What’s the matter?

I’m surprised this made you cry out like that.

[04:01]
Cry out even more.

That’s not enough. Didn’t you hear me? I told you to let me forget everything else for a while.

More.

Hmm?

You’re embarrassed, but you’re not looking away.

You really are a strange woman.

I’m here now, aren’t I?

[05:13]
Do you think I’m a ghost or something?

Even though I’m beside you like this…

Well… If we keep doing this, you should feel it soon.

That I’ve definitely returned alive, to this place and to you.

Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to kiss you.

[06:10]
Or run my fingers on your wet skin like this.

Come on. Let me see your face more clearly.

Hey, why are you looking away now?

That’s no good. Look at me.

Hey.

[07:04]
Well, I don’t mind. Your lips aren’t the only place I’m going to kiss you.

My goodness! Your clothes are just getting in my way! Take them off!

Come closer to me.

[08:08]
You feel warm.

That’s right. This is your body.

I often remembered it when I was alone, but actually being able to hold you like this is the best thing.

[08:58]
Of course I’m not going to be satisfied with just holding you.

Although there were things I should have said and wanted to say if I saw you again, right now, even those things are troublesome.

[10:11]
You’ve already gotten so dirty. What a shameful woman.

What do you want me to do to you? Hmm? Tell me.

Otherwise I’m just going to have my own way, like this.

Is that alright?

I can’t be with a woman when I’m on a mission you see.

[11:04]
Tonight I’m going to make love to you until it’s too much for you to bear.

No other woman can satisfy me.

Don’t struggle too much. It’ll make me want to hold you down.

Do you like being licked there that much?

[12:03]
No. I know. You cry out like that when I bite you like this.

Let me hear it even more. There’s no need to hold back.

It’s not bad for you to be embarrassed like that.

Show me more of your indecent side.

[13:11]
Look at me. Don’t look away.

Just like that.

Watch yourself being stolen away. So that you won’t forget.

It’s not enough. I want to corrupt you even more…

Make me the only one you can feel. Alright?

[14:06]
See. You understand, don’t you? I already desire you this much.

I think it’s shameful that I’m considering corrupting you with these hands that are stained with the unfading scent of blood gained from deceiving my allies.

What? Why did you kiss my hands?

You’re saying you’ll even accept the scent of blood?

I see.

[16:07]
Come here.

I want to keep holding you.

It’s quiet, isn’t it?

I wonder how long it’s been since I last felt this calm.

Hmm? What’s the matter? Are you going to sleep for a while?

It doesn’t seem like you are. Why are you crying again?

Because I came back alive?

That’s right, I came back alive.

[17:24]
But that day when I said goodbye to you, although I said I’d definitely come back alive, I was certainly prepared to lose my life too.

I’m not going to apologise for that.

Even if I say I won’t die, I could die now if I didn’t have any strength. Strength is everything. But my promise to you that I’d definitely come back gave me the strength not to die…

No… The strength to want to live. I often felt that strength within my sword. You really are a strange woman.

Hey, let me hold you one more time.

[19:19]
The third year of the Keio era [1]. Having left the Shinsengumi, I was together with Itou Kashitaro [2] as a member of the Goryou Eji [3]. Of course, as the leader of the third troop, my sincerity lies with the Shinsengumi. Even so, there was a reason I separated from the troop. The assassination of the captain of the Shinsengumi, Kondo Isami. Of all things, Itou was secretly communicating with our old enemies, Satsuma and Choshu [4] to plan something like that. To be certain of that plan and to stop it being carried out was the mission given to me.

[20:22]
Hijikata-san wouldn’t be able to make a move. Perhaps there wouldn’t be a possibility of Okita-san making a mistake, but people would be wary of him. Therefore the choice came to me.

Even though it was only for a short time, Itou and the Goryou Eji had all been beside us as allies. However, there’s no reason to hesitate now. In the midst of the mission, there was an order from Hijikata-san. He had been planning whether Toudou, who had joined the Goryou Eji, could be brought back somehow. However, I was unable to carry out that order.

[21:23]
After that, we carried out the murder of the Goryou Eji, including Itou, at Aburanokoji. When I had completed my mission, I returned to the Shinsengumi.

[1] Keio era – An era which began during April 1865.
[2] Itou Kashitaro – He joined the Shinsengumi in 1864 and was admired by Kondo Isami at first, despite their different political views. After leaving the Shinsengumi in 1867, Itou was assassinated whilst returning from his visit to Kondo’s residence.
[3] Goryou Eji – A group created by Itou Kashitaro, after he and his allies separated from the Shinsengumi.
[4] Satsuma and Choshu – Two powerful clans which were attempting to overthrow the shogunate.

Track 2

Ah. Did I disturb you?

So what are you doing?

Making tea for me?

It’s been a while since you took good care of me.

I see. Once again, I feel that coming home alive was a good thing.

I’ll be counting on you then.

[01:08]
Have I seen the other men yet?

The only thing I need to do is see Kondo-san and Hijikata-san. Would I go to the trouble of seeing anyone else? I’ve completed my mission and come back here alive. That’s enough.

What am I doing here? I can’t tell whether you’re smart or not. A man wouldn’t be cooking here like a woman.

I certainly did tell you to fix my torn uniform, but I haven’t come to get it.

That’s not it! I didn’t come here to eat rice balls.

[02:08]
My goodness. You’re so slow. I came to see how you are. You should think more highly of yourself.

Seeing as you’ve gone to the trouble, I’ll have the tea you’re preparing.

You…! This tea is really hot…

Ah. You were cooling it because it was too hot, weren’t you?

While we wait for it to cool, will you tell me what you did while I was away?

[03:05]
I didn’t have the chance to ask that the other night, you see.

Don’t look so embarrassed. You really are an interesting woman.

Right… Before that, there’s actually something I have to tell you.

No. I’m not going to tell you here. I need to tell you now.

Let’s go out right now.

The tea? Give it to Nagakura or somebody.

Come on. Hurry up and get ready.

[04:19]
My goodness. Why do women take so long to get ready?

She could have just come as she was.

Ah! It was nothing.

Hmm?

By the way, that hairpin is the one I bought before my mission, isn’t it?

Hey. Why are you surprised? Was it unusual for me to recognise it? There’s no way I’d forget. At that time, you were so worried about which one to get.

[05:09]
When you finally found that one, you held onto it tightly all the way home, as if it were more precious than your life.

I thought it was strange, considering it was just a hairpin.

Well, that’s fine if it’s still important to you now.

Hmm? Are you that curious about where we’re going?

You’ll know when we get there. Women should keep quiet and follow men.

[06:09]
Right. The Shinsengumi men shouldn’t find us now that we’ve come to a boat.

What is it? Why do you look so tense?

Could it be that you’re nervous about being on a boat?

That’s not it? You’re curious about why I brought you here, aren’t you?

Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten why.

I haven’t forgotten it, but I…

[07:04]
Before that…

Come on. Come closer to me.

This isn’t something anyone else should hear.

Listen up. I hate troublesome things, but I hate have to repeat unnecessary things even more.

So I’ll only say this once. It won’t happen again.

Well… I don’t particularly dislike you.

[08:10]
Didn’t you hear me?

You see, I meant…

Never mind, being ambiguous isn’t like me.

I’m going to say it straight.

I love you.

I brought you here because I felt I needed to tell you that.

I know I’m not in a position to be able to say that kind of thing.

But a man wouldn’t survive in a world where he couldn’t say that kind of thing to the woman who awaited his return.

[09:03]
That’s how I felt.

Hmm? Why are you crying?

Don’t cry, smile!

Ah!

Anyway… Just don’t cry.

Even I think I’m a fool for doing this.

I thought I would say it the night I returned, but I took you all the way here instead.

Hey, don’t laugh! You’re so…

Never mind. It’s better for you to laugh like that, no matter what the reason is.

[10:04]
No… Wait a minute. Not all the time though.

Right… This is important too, so listen carefully.

I heard a rumour that the men in town call you “the flower of the Shinsengumi” or something like that.

You look surprised… So you didn’t know?

My goodness.

Remember this well, alright?

Don’t smile at men too often from now on. Even if they talk to you, just answer “yes” or “no”. That’s more than enough.

It’d also be good for you to have an unfriendly and gloomy face.

[11:06]
Try and do it. Come on.

Hmm?

No. That’s no good.

Hmm?

Oh? You heard the women in town talking about me?

They said I was manly?

Of course. I’m a man, you see.

What nonsense.

Anyway, we’re talking about you right now.

Listen up. You should…

[12:01]
What? Are you that concerned about the other women? You’re the only woman for me.

Are you dissatisfied with that?

Don’t ask such obvious things. My goodness.

So what’s your answer?

What are you confused about?

We haven’t talked about the most important thing yet.

Well, what is it?

I’m asking about your reply.

I’m sure I told you my feelings just now. But I haven’t heard your reply yet.

Since the day we first met, we’ve been together side by side like this.

[13:08]
But if that hadn’t happened, maybe you would be with another man. Perhaps you would have fallen in love with someone else. Even so, that wouldn’t be particularly strange.

You’re a grown woman. That much is natural.

Don’t expect me to know without you saying anything. Even though I can wield a sword, I can’t do something like that.

Of course, no matter what you say, my feelings won’t change. But while I can be in this place by your side, I want to clearly hear your thoughts.

[14:06]
Hey. Why are you laughing again?

Hmm?

Oh? You love me too?

It was so natural that you forgot to mention it?

Y-You idiot!

Ah… I’m sorry. I shouted without thinking.

But… I see. Right.

You’re a curious person.

I’m a man who might lose his life at any time.

You’re quite bad at choosing men.

[15:04]
You…

Don’t get me too excited. I’ll want you again.

What is it? Are you embarrassed?

Who is going to see us here?

And… If you love me, you won’t have any complaints about whatever we do and wherever we do it, will you?

Just keep quiet and let the man you love hold you. Alright?

Damn it… What are the men doing over there?

Get down. Then they won’t notice if we do.

[16:11]
Be quiet.

My goodness. Why does a captain like me have to hide?

If someone finds us, then we just have to explain we came out to relax.

But the suspicions people might have later on are no good. I don’t want anything like that to happen.

But… You actually want this too, don’t you? Be honest.

I was joking.

[17:01]
Well… Staying like this is fine, but I don’t want us to capsize and end up looking a mess.

Don’t worry. I’ll have plenty of chances to hold you once we get back to the headquarters. There’s no need to hold back anymore, you see.

Track 3

Hey. You’re still in a bad mood?

I only teased you a little.

For starters, it’s your fault for making me feel like doing that.

That wasn’t your intention? I suppose you’re the only one who doesn’t see it, hmm?

Hey, you. You still don’t realise that even now you’re challenging me?

That’s right, that sulky look on your face. Don’t let other men see it. Not even someone like Kondo-san or Hijikata-san.

No, perhaps it’d be better to say that they’re the ones who shouldn’t see it most of all?

Anyway, that’s that.

[01:04]
You’re no good. I’ll get you your favourite dango. So I want you to cheer up.

Your eyes immediately lit up. I’m relieved that your appetite is the same as usual.

Come on, let’s go.

Aren’t you coming?

I don’t mind eating alone. I’m going to eat them today for sure. Because you ate the dango before.

Hmm… What shall I have?

Oh? You’re here?

[02:02]
I thought you were standing still because you weren’t interested in dango.

I was only joking. Come on, sit next to me. Let’s eat together.

That day, I promised I’d buy you dango again if I came back, didn’t I?

So which one do you want? Pick something.

I won’t let you be shy about it.

You don’t understand? I’m telling you to depend on me on this occasion.

Don’t make me seem like a man who could only make a woman wait and cry.

Come on! Hurry up and choose!

That’s good!

But… Are you really going to eat that much?

[03:03]
No, it’s not bad to see you eating happily.

Where did all those dango disappear to?

So are you satisfied and feeling better?

Hey, why is it only now that you’re being so gentle?

You’re a strange woman.

But it’s good isn’t it?

I thought that fulfilling the promises I made to you one by one like this wasn’t so bad.

[04:00]
I can do anything like having you close enough to reach, talking to you and feeding you. And today I can wipe your messy lips again.

You really haven’t changed. I want you to stay the same.

It’s already gotten dark, hasn’t it? Times passes by so quickly when I’m with you like this. There are still some things we haven’t done yet, but we should go back soon.

[05:03]
Nagakura might say something annoying though. Well, we just have to ignore him.

What’s the matter? You don’t have to worry about him.

What is it? You want to stay like this a little longer?

You can say cute things like that too.

But that helps me. I’m the type who can’t say things like that.

Right… Shall we walk a little longer then? There’s somewhere I’d like to take you as well.

[06:04]
Even when we’re walking like this, everyone avoids the Shinsengumi, hmm? That’s because the troop has been quite tense since the remnants of the Goryou Eji targeted Kondo-san.

But you’re still together with me as usual, hmm?

Let’s go.

Here it is. Before you arrived at the headquarters, I often came to this hill by myself.

[07:05]
When I watch the sunset, I feel as if the excitement I have after wielding a sword calms down. I thought I would like to bring you here some day.

No, I felt that it would be good to have you by my side while I did this.

Hmm? Why’d you take my hand all of a sudden? Have you become able to read palms or something?

You haven’t? Well, I know that though. Could it be that you’re concerned about the people in town?

[08:02]
Their gaze seems as if they are looking at a cruel killer. That’s not even worth noticing. Forget about them.

They’re not mistaken. Because there’s no doubt that I’m a killer. At some point, I stopped counting how many I’d killed with my own hands. The nameless people I killed probably had someone waiting for them and praying for their safety.

But I keep on wielding my sword. What awaits at the end of that is…

[09:09]
No, it’s nothing. Come on, look at the sky. The sun will set soon. I think that moment is the most beautiful. So you look at it too.

Hmm? What is it? You could just keep looking at the sky. Why did you turn back this way?

Aren’t I going to look at it? I’ve seen it many times before.

[10:01]
And I’m looking at something even more beautiful right now.

What are you looking at?

I’m talking about you. Did you understand?

Why are you blushing? I don’t understand you.

Just be quiet and look at the sunset.

There’d be no point in me bringing you otherwise.

Anyway, I’m fine. If I say I’m fine, I’m fine!

Because I can come here and see it anytime.

[11:08]
However, that day did not come.

Due to the restoration of imperial rule by the 15th shogun of the Edo shogunate, Tokugawa Yoshinobu [2], the era began to change greatly. Then, due to the declaration of imperial rule, the abolition of the shogunate was announced. The new government army, centering on Satsuma and Choshu came into conflict with the former government army, including the Shinsengumi. At the same time, the new government army became the official government army and we became known as a rebel army, of all things. Amidst our despair, we ended up in defeat.

[12:04]
There were even more soldiers who deserted the prosperous Shinsengumi. But we didn’t even have the power left to stop them. During that time, we received a mission to stop the new government army from proceeding to Kofu [2]. The shogunate also called Kofu “the land of the shogunate”.

But I thought it was strange for that to be happening at this point. Now the shogunate are nowhere to be found in Japan. We’re nothing more than a rebel army. Even so, the men who remained in the troop, began to make their way to Kofu, together with the sincerity in their heart.

[13:03]
And at the time that we left, I said a certain farewell to you. I can’t let you become involved anymore. That was what I thought.

Come out! I can’t concentrate when you’re hiding there.

[14:05]
Am I angry?

Of course! What is a woman doing on the battlefield?

You’ll only be a burden. Leave now if you don’t want to end up dead.

You’re still planning on following me? I’m shocked.

You’re not mistaking the battlefield for a ridiculous game, are you?

If you are, you’re making a fool of the Shinsengumi, and also anyone who wields a sword.

Hey.

Well, what are you going to do?

[15:07]
You won’t move at all? It seems that you’ve got no intention of leaving. So this is your form of sincerity?

I thought I would reject you here. My goodness…

Come on, come here.

Be careful. It’s slippery because of the rain.

You’re so clumsy. I’m surprised you came all the way here when you can’t even walk properly on this path. Come here.

[16:01]
When I’m holding you like this, I remember the day that I got on the boat with you. At that time, I thought I had finally been reunited with you. I’ve run out of hope, but I don’t regret standing here. Even if I were to die, it would be my true desire. But you…

Hmm? The bandits followed you?

Stay back! I’ll take them on.

Is it over?

[17:04]
How ridiculous.

I carelessly got some of their blood on me. Now I won’t be able to hold you.

Hmm?

Hey! There’s no need to wipe away the blood. The sleeve of your kimono will get dirty.

What’s the matter? You held onto me all of a sudden.

You’re trembling, aren’t you?

Ah, you’re right.

You haven’t seen anyone die since that night at the Ikedaya, have you? It’s only natural that you’d be scared.

It’s okay. Cry as much as you need to.

[18:02]
But listen carefully. From now on, there’ll be so much death that you’ll tire of seeing it. Do you understand?

What? You’re going to protect me now?

You say some strange things. A woman protecting a man… I’m surprised you could think that up when you’re trembling so much.

But… Right. Even though your eyes are soaked with tears and you’ve almost closed your heart to the pain you’ve felt, you have strong eyes which seem to fight against that.

[19:19]
It’s the same as when you asked me to teach you how to fight with a sword. Now that I think about it, since then, I had been…

Come on, let’s go back. The night is still cold.

[20:08]
After that, the advancement of the troop caused us nothing but pain. The bad weather along the way wasn’t the only reason. It was because we had begun to learn that the Shinsengumi were no longer necessary in this era.

We had been defeated too. As a result of that, Nagakura and Harada left the troop. Okita had already been overcome by his illness. Kondo-san was also taken away by the new government, and when we came to Aizu, the only ally left from my days at the Shieikan [3] was Hijikata-san.

[21:06]
But Hijikata-san told us to head towards Hakodate. At that time, I decided to leave Hijikata-san. I am going to stay in Aizu. Because I thought the last people I should be faithful to is the Aizu Domain [4], who accepted us as the Shinsengumi. This land is an appropriate place for me to die.

[1] Tokugawa Yoshinobu – The last shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. He unsuccessfully tried to reform the shogunate.
[2] Kofu – A city in Yamanashi prefecture which was a stronghold of the shogunate.
[3] Shieikan – A dojo in Tokyo, where several of the major Shinsengumi members met one another.
[4] Aizu Domain – They were on the side of the shogunate and were also sponsors of the Shinsengumi. The Aizu were located in modern day Fukushima.

Track 4

Come in.

What’s the matter?

Hmm? Is there anything you can help with?

There isn’t anything.

But… Come a little closer.

Let me see your face clearly.

Hmm? That’s…

I didn’t know.

So that’s what women in Aizu do?

There’s some soot on your cheeks.

Why’d you turn your back on me all of a sudden? Look this way!

[01:02]
Yes. That’s good.

It’s no good looking away now. I’ve already seen it with my own eyes.

Well, it wasn’t such bad makeup. Because I think so, there’s no doubt about it.

So you weren’t running around helping the women, were you?

Hmm, I thought so.

You’re still the same, no matter where you go. You haven’t changed at all.

[02:00]
I really wonder why you came all this way with me.

That’s no good.

Let’s go and get some fresh air.

Hmm?

Hey. What are you doing?

You come with me.

Right.

Don’t be too cute. We’re on the battlefield, you see.

You’re interesting.

[03:43]
Aizu is a beautiful place. I’m sure I would honestly think so if I was in a different era.

You and I would…

Anyway, are you getting on well with the women of Aizu? There’s a rumour that they’re quite strong-willed, but how are things?

I see. So they’re all kind. But I think that’s because you’re kind to everyone and they like you.

[04:28]
That’s right. Even at times like this your smile doesn’t fade. You’re that kind of woman. So…

Oh? It’s raining, hmm? You’ll end up getting cold.

Come to think of it, there’s a storehouse over there. Shall we shelter from the rain under its roof?

Let’s go. Come with me.

Track 5

It’s not locked? How careless. So they didn’t even have time for that?

Well, the rain will stop soon. Let’s sit down and wait until then.

Hmm, what’s the matter?

Ah. Now that you mention it, it’s been a while since it was just the two of us like this.

I came here all the way from Kofu without having you look at my shoulder.

[01:01]
Come closer. Stay close and keep warm.

It’s strange. When we’re like this, I feel as if everything like the Shinsengumi, Aizu and the war all go further away.

It’s as if I just encountered this place on a journey with you and am stopping by here, like so.

Right, you didn’t mention anything about my dominant hand.

That’s right. Everyone is usually right-handed, but I’m left-handed, aren’t I?

[02:02]
Originally, it was considered an improper thing though.

It’s how I am and it’s good? Well, it’s not completely bad.

Everyone is usually right-handed. And so, when facing someone else, it’s normal to put your sheath on the right so the sword can’t slip out. Of course I have to do that too. But because I’m left-handed, the sword has a better reach than when kept on the right side. I withdraw it immediately and take one stroke.

There are people who die with a calm look on their faces too.

[03:03]
People die because they don’t realise that the world is a tough place for them to survive by believing white lies.

You don’t want to talk about this?

You really are curious. When I’m talking about this, I remember the first time I went to the Shieikan and met Kondo-san. He was the only one who accepted that I was left-handed.

When I was younger, I thought I was descended from the gokenin [1].

[04:00]
However, when I found out my father, who I thought was a gokenin, was actually an ashigaru [2] who bought gokenin kabu [3], everything in this world seemed so empty. I wondered what I had believed all along.

So now that I think about it, that might have been my form of rebellion, despite being so young. I definitely wasn’t going to change the hands I had been born with. I wouldn’t sacrifice myself. So I would always devote myself to training alone. At that time, I met Kondo-san, who was at the Shieikan.

[05:01]
When he accepted me, I was able to think that I had found a place where I could live for the first time. We were a collection of country people, without money, honour or a position. Even so, we had a place where we could wield our swords. I think the Shinsengumi started there.

You’re the first person I’ve talked to about this. I wonder why I did. Perhaps I wanted you to know a different side to Saito Hajime. Proof that I had lived.

[06:13]
Let me hold you like this for a while. Please.

I’m really impressed you came this far. On a path that even a man would complain about, you didn’t complain about a thing. Your strength is being able to come here as a woman. I don’t often compliment someone like this. Remember it well.

[07:04]
You’re doing well.

So I’m going to give you one very important mission. Go to Kyoto.

Don’t say anything. This is an order from someone who commands the Shinsengumi.

Don’t look so sad. Listen carefully, alright?

Go to Kyoto with this. Deliver this letter.

[08:04]
Now there are men who will fight together with us. This letter asks for their assistance. If they receive it from you, who worked at the headquarters, they will trust it and come here immediately. Then they will attack the lawless individuals who call the Shinsengumi and Aizu a rebel army from both sides.

If they do, we will surely win.

Why aren’t you agreeing to do it? I’ll say it once more. This is an order. Leave Aizu and go to Kyoto.

[09:04]
When did you become important enough to disobey my orders? I said it’s an order! I forgave you once because you’re a woman, but how can you disobey me once again?

Never mind. At this point, your will doesn’t matter.

Go. Go and take the letter right now.

Why aren’t you moving?

What are you doing?

What is it? You’re that unhappy that I asked them to care of you in the letter?

[10:05]
My goodness. You disobeyed orders and tore up the letter.

So you really are a spy!

You’re not? There’s no doubt that you are!

This is my mistake for not completely distrusting you when we first met.

I’m wrong? Then why are you disobeying me? I can’t keep a woman like you beside me any longer. I’d like to torture you and abandon you in the wild somewhere. But it would trouble my conscience to kill a woman. I’ll spare your life.

[11:02]
My sword doesn’t starve for your unclean blood. Go away right now!

You’re still not moving, which means you’re prepared to throw away your life.

Very well then.

Hey, you. I’ll let you go if you disappear right now. Or do you have something to say before I cut you down?

You want to stay here with me?

I thought you’d beg for your life, but that’s what you’re saying?

[12:04]
Know your place, woman! What good will someone like you do?

Come here!

[13:15]
Considering your skills, I’m surprised you can say you want to stay by my side. But now you understand how much of a burden you’ll be, don’t you?

You won’t just die a pitiful death, there’s no doubt you’ll endanger your allies too!

How disgraceful!

You’re still holding onto your sword? Fine then. So cut me down! I’m not going to run away or hide.

[14:10]
What’s the matter? You’re prepared to do that much, aren’t you?

What are you doing?

Come on! Ready your sword! Cut me down!

The enemy won’t wait on the battlefield.

Even if they seem to be begging for their life, they’ll use that one moment to come and cut you down.

That’s right. It’s hell. If you’re going to stay here while knowing that, then cut me down now!

[15:01]
You can’t do it, can you? You’re that type of person.

And that hesitation will lead to your death.

I won’t hesitate. Because this sword has already shed so much blood.

Give up already. On top of disobeying orders, you don’t have any strength.

Why should I leave you here when you’re suspected of being a spy anyway? If you’re still around by daytime tomorrow, then I really will kill you.

No, I’ll kill someone in your place. That’ll probably affect you more.

[16:05]
Well then…

What is it? You still want something?

You’re not going to leave my side, despite all I’ve said?

I don’t get it. What makes you do that much?

Your feelings towards me?

I wondered what it might be, and that’s what it is! Those won’t be any use at all. Abandon them now.

Anyway, why are you misunderstanding just because we slept together? I didn’t turn you away in Kofu because I thought you could become a poison taster or my personal soldier. But now there are plenty of people who can replace you.

You’re just an eyesore.

Go on and cry. Cry and cry until you know how pathetic you are, then leave this place!

What I said while were on the boat?

That was…

Shut up. Shut up!

Why don’t you understand?

[18:06]
The words I said on the boat…

You’re going to make me go as far as saying those were a lie too?

I remember your confused expressions completely.

You responded to my feelings. I won’t forget that moment. I wonder whether I had ever believed in words, which have no form, that much before.

That’s enough.

[19:01]
I had kept on taking the lives of others and I found some good fortune I didn’t deserve. That’s good enough. There’s no chance of winning any battles from now on. Rather than that, all that remains is a pitiful death. Not a proper battle. Our loss has been decided from the very beginning. But I still won’t abandon my sword. I’m going to keep on fighting until my life is over.

You should choose the path of life.

[20:05]
Women are survivors.

Please. I don’t want to make you cry anymore.

You still don’t understand?

Fine then. I’ll make you understand!

Just how much of a powerless woman you are.

[21:03]
I’m holding you down and all you can do is let me violate you.

What an interesting sight. That look in your eyes which says you definitely won’t back down makes me feel sadistic.

This is what I’m going to do!

How does it feel to be unclothed and indecent? Hmm?

[22:10]
All it takes is for me to run my fingers along here…

I can easily understand what feels good for you.

That’s right. Like…

It feels good here, doesn’t it?

Don’t breathe so hard. I’ll save this for later.

Next is…here.

You’re already this wet. When did your body end up desiring a man so much?

[23:08]
Don’t cry out. You want me to touch you more here, don’t you?

That’s right. Then bite your lip and bear it.

Your skin has become a little redder.

You really like this happening to you that much?

I’m starting to hear your cries.

[24:03]
That turns me on even more. But…

Not yet. Open wider.

I’m not patient tonight. Even if you’re not in the mood, I’m…

It seems as if you’ve been waiting for this.

[25:22]
Hey, you.

Why? Why aren’t you resisting?

Why are you trying to accept a man who defiles you like this?

Because it’s me? There’s no way that reason would make me understand!

[26:04]
Don’t make me laugh.

I… I…

I…

That’s right. You’re putting your hand on my cheek right now, but I won’t be able to do anything for you from now on.

All I’ll do is die a pathetic death and make you unhappy.

You say that doesn’t matter?

I… I don’t want that to happen.

I don’t want you to be caught up in my fate.

[27:15]
Even so…

Not being able to see your beautiful smile when I die tears my heart apart.

Even though I don’t want to let you die, I don’t want to let you go.

[28:09]
Why didn’t you leave before I said that?

We can’t go back now. Are you really okay with that?

I see. You are a truly foolish woman.

I’ve accepted that you’re prepared.

[29:05]
I’ll live and fight on this land. Tell me once more that you don’t mind my hands which are stained with the unfading scent of blood!

I’m sorry I treated you roughly.

Forgive me.

You don’t like me touching you like this now?

I see. You really are a lovely woman.

[30:11]
I can’t believe words like that are coming from me…

Let me hear your voice even more.

The voice that desires me.

I want to remember you with all of my body.

Everything, without missing a thing.

[31:16]
Your hands are beautiful. You might not have realised, but I often looked at them.

Now that I think about it, I should have held onto you like this at those times.

Right…

No matter how much I held you, I wouldn’t have been satisfied.

Then I would have held you again and again…

[32:08]
Your voice, your scent and the softness of your lips all drive me so crazy.

Let me touch you even more deeply.

Now I want to feel that I’m the closest person to you in this world.

[33:10]
Can I touch you like this?

Hey, tell me. I want to know you even better.

Don’t tease me.

Ah, my hand is completely…

What is it? I can do whatever I like because you’re mine, right?

You’re covered in sweat…

[34:04]
Everything is mine… Mine alone.

Let me hear your sweet breath even more.

You’re a complete mess. That’s good. It looks beautiful.

Don’t hide away. You look more beautiful like this.

[35:07]
Show me even more. So that there’s nothing I don’t know in this world.

It’s strange. I’ve become so unsatisfied that I end up kissing you like this. I can’t stop thinking that I want to do this over and over again.

I want to become one with you, and let our hearts and lives overlap with one another.

[36:07]
Alright?

There… There’s no need to hide anything in my heart now. I want to tell you all the feelings I have for you.

[36:55]
You’re dear to me. So dear that I can’t bear it. This much…

[37:53]
I’m going to use my life to continue protecting you.

And when my life comes to an end…

We’ll die together.

[1] Gokenin – A vassal of the shogunate.
[2] Ashigaru – Ordinary foot soldiers employed by samurai.
[3] Gokenin kabu – The status of “gokenin”, which was able to be purchased by ordinary men.

Track 6

Get out of my way!

Did I make it in time?

If the enemy has come this far, it means they’re faster than we predicted.

Damn it!

Are you… Are you hurt?

Your leg is bleeding.

[01:05]
I’m sorry. I want to treat your injury, but this isn’t the right time. Will you be able to bear it?

I see. You’re right. You’re a strong woman who wouldn’t start complaining at a time like this.

Don’t worry about me. This isn’t enough to kill me.

But we can’t hide in this shed any longer. It will soon fall into enemy hands.

You can still run, can’t you?

That’s right. Make sure not to drop your sword. Think of everyone you encounter from now on as a beast.

[02:04]
Not a human, but a beast that is starving for blood.

Come on, we’re going to run!

Clear the path!

[03:03]
Damn it! Just a little further ahead…

Let’s run!

What’s the matter?

Ah… The injury on your leg has gotten this bad?!

Leave you behind? Don’t say ridiculous things at a time like this!

I’m not going to do that. It’ll be meaningless if I’m the only one to escape. We’ll go together!

Damn it! We’re surrounded?

Be quiet. No matter how many times you say it, I’m not planning on leaving you behind.

Listen up. Sit there quietly.

[04:04]
One. Two. Three. Four.

You think you can stop me like this?

There’s no need to fear men who can’t handle a sword, unless they rely on numbers!

There isn’t anyone who doesn’t know me, the captain of the Shinsengumi’s third troop, Saito Hajime.

It would be a great achievement if you managed to take my life. But I don’t feel like dying right now.

Alright! Come at me if you don’t value your life!

Track 7

Alright. Let’s hide in this forest for a while.

Aizu… The Shinsengumi have been defeated now.

But I’ve survived.

Hey. Stay in my arms.

Make it clear to me that you’re alive.

[01:12]
Alive. You’re alive.

Yes. You really have to survive.

Listen up, alright? We’re going to stay here a little while until the sun sets. At any rate, you can’t move with your leg.

[02:06]
If we stay here, the surviving soldiers should pass by eventually. They’re good men who trust me. They definitely won’t abandon you.

Why do you look so pale? You’re alive.

Come on. Smile.

I survived and brought you this far. I think I’ve lived a good life.

[03:14]
Why do you look so confused?

You’ve seen the end of someone’s life plenty of times. My life is just another one of those. So don’t stand still here. You must go when the time comes.

[04:02]
You mustn’t follow me.

You should live. Understand?

Don’t say you can’t live without me. You’re a strong woman. The woman I loved.

I… I’m not going to die.

Everything… That’s right. I’m going to entrust it to you. The existence of Saitou Hajime from the Shinsengumi is a great one.

[05:07]
I won’t forgive you if you abandon it so easily.

Listen up. You’re going to live.

That’s right. That’s good.

And…

Enemies, hmm?

I knew it. Fine then!

[06:03]
I won’t hide or run away.

They can take everything. The Shinsengumi and my allies. I’ll even give them my life!

But I’m going to protect you!

Track 8

Looking at my wounded left arm, I realised I could no longer wield a sword.

So… So what?!

Even in my right hand, the sword would tremble.

I would abandon anything for the sake of the woman who knew why that was.

[01:00]
When I swing my sword, your smile enters my mind.

At some point, I kept on cutting down enemies, to try and bring it closer.

I no longer cared where I was and who I was. I just wanted to see that smile again.

[02:09]
I’m… I’m not dead yet…

Are you feeling cold after being soaked by the rain?

I see. You really do smile all the time, even without me around.

That’s good.

[03:21]
I’m sorry. I wanted to take you to a more peaceful place.

That’s right.

A place where the flowers bloom and where the moon is beautiful at night.

[04:14]
There you would smile at me. I don’t need anything else. Now I’ve finally realised what it was that I wanted to have when I carried out my will and wielded my sword. It was peaceful days spent with you.

The flowers. The moon. The silence we can feel is beautiful.

[05:25]
Look. It’s beautiful. Tonight was another wonderful moonlit night.

Track 9

Hey, you.

Hey.

Why are you crying?

You haven’t forgotten that I told you to smile, have you?

Come on.

Where did you learn how to smile while crying? You’re pretty clever.

[01:01]
Yes.

At last. It’s finally mine. A moment where I can do this with you.

You and I are no longer important. So no one will interrupt us.

We can finally be together. At last.

Did I keep you waiting again?

I see. I’m glad.

[01:57]
So where would you like to go?

I was always taking you around, so I’ll listen to what you say this time. We could go to your favourite dango shop or look at hairpins. If not that…

You don’t mind where you go, as long as you’re with me?

I thought you’d say that.

[02:39]
You’re right. Follow me everywhere then.

I’m not going to let go of you again.

Come on, let’s go!