March 1867
When I arrived at the temple in the late afternoon, the sun was already low on the horizon but I had to come. I got some dinner together for Souji-san and went right over, even though it was later than I usually visited. The news had reached the Yagi house – the Shinsengumi was dealing with a crisis.
Ito Kashitaro had split from the Shinsengumi, taking thirteen men with him – including two captains. The 9th captain, his brother, who never spoke to me. Some of them were ones who came with Ito-san joined the Shinsengumi. One of the pretty boys from the first troupe. Abe Juro, who is easily the rudest man I’ve ever met.
The other capitain was … Todou-san. His loss shocks me – he was so loyal to Kondou-san, to the Shinsengumi. He was one of the “original” group, who came from the Edo area together. And he was my friend, and a very good friend to Souji-san. Why him?