what?
Qingden couldn't help but widen his eyes and cast a shocked look at the masked man who was being controlled by him.
Whether it is knowledge or martial arts, he has extremely high understanding ability - Qingden clearly heard the system prompt that just sounded in his mind.
Normal people should be able to see how abnormal this talent is.
This masked man... actually possesses such a god-level talent that not even one out of ten thousand people can possess...
Qingden couldn't help but look at the masked man a few more times.
After being restrained by Qingdeng, the masked man seemed still unconvinced and twisted his body desperately, trying to break free from Qingdeng's control.
The battle between Qingneng and the masked man has been decided, and the servants of Zhuo Town no longer need to follow Qingneng's instructions just now and gather around to watch.
They rushed forward and worked together to hold the masked man down.
"Don't move! Don't move!"
"Quick! Get the rope out! Tie him up!"
…
The guards fumbled around and took out the hemp rope specially used for capturing prisoners, and tied up the masked man.
At this time, a certain servant raised his hand and took off the fox mask on the masked man's face.
The moment the fox mask separated from the person's face, low exclamations suddenly erupted from the surrounding onlookers... and from the soldiers who were arresting this person.
Under the mask is an extremely handsome face.
This masked man is actually a handsome man with an outstanding appearance.
Fair skin is full of youthful vitality.
Eyebrows are slender and long.
The bridge of the nose is straight and high.
The oral lines are beautiful.
Good-looking facial features - this is not the most outstanding appearance feature of this masked man.
The most prominent feature of this person's appearance is his calm and heroic temperament condensed between his eyebrows.
This temperament directly added to his external charm.
The masked man's outstanding appearance... made Qingdeng feel that in terms of his handsomeness alone, this man was not inferior to those first-tier male stars and first-tier male models in the entertainment industry in his previous life.
"Huh?" At this moment, a cry came out from the crowd, "Mr. Hijikata?"
The owner of this voice was a girl who seemed to be no more than 20 years old.
This girl has a rather delicate appearance, with a pair of beautiful peach blossom eyes that look forward to her. She is wearing slightly plain clothes, with an antiperspirant white towel wrapped around her forehead. She looks like an ordinary girl.
"A Jing?" The masked man raised an eyebrow at the girl, "Why are you here?"
The girl squeezed through the crowd and tried to get to the masked man, but was stopped in time by the Zhuo Town servants.
"Mr. Hijikata, what happened? Why were you arrested by the government?" The girl looked like she was about to cry in a hurry.
"It's nothing." The masked man seemed to realize at this time that he could not escape, so he gave up the struggle and said to the girl calmly, "This is not the place you should stay. You should go back quickly."
"Hijikata...?" When the masked man was persuading the girl to leave here quickly, Qingto stared at the masked man in astonishment and softly repeated what the girl had just called the masked man.
Hijikata... This is the same as Qingnobo's "Tangerine", which is not a very popular surname.
In Qingdeng's memory, there happened to be a person named Hijikata...
"...Hello. Are you Hijikata Toshizo from the Test Guard Hall in Koishikawa Kohinata Yanagi Town?"
"Huh?" The masked man looked stunned, turned away, frowned, and looked Qingdeng up and down, "You... know me?"
…
…
About 2 hours later——
Aoden led Kondo and Okita, who looked anxious, to the jailhouse located in Kodenma Town.
Gaoyashiki was the prison of Edo, where all prisoners from Edo and surrounding areas were imprisoned.
After arriving at the jailhouse and saying hello to a certain prison guard, the prison guard led Aomori and his group towards the depths of the jailhouse.
The Edo period was very hierarchical, and people of different levels were sent to different prisons.
Prisoners with "Omami" will be put into the most advanced prison: "Yangzashiki".
The so-called "imperial view" is a person who has the qualifications to directly meet the general. For example, the dead Ii Naoki belongs to the "Omokumi" category.
Yangzashiki is the highest-level prison. The layout inside the prison is luxurious, with single rooms and tatami mats on the floor. The air is not humid and smelly, and the food is good.
The samurai below "Omami" were imprisoned in the "Yangwu".
Citizens living in the city were imprisoned in "prisons."
The farmers were imprisoned in "common people's prisons".
The living conditions in large prisons and civilian prisons are very different. Generally, there are only ten or even twenty or thirty people crammed into a cell. The air is damp and smelly, and the food is terrible.
Aoto had heard bits and pieces of anecdotes about Hijikata Tozozo from Kondo and Okita before. He had always heard of his name.
Although Toshizo Hijikata has a surname, he is not a samurai.
As the saying goes: Samurai have the two privileges of "surname" and "carrying sword".
But "surname" is not actually a privilege unique to samurai. Very few local wealthy families also have their own surnames - Hijikata Toshizo falls into this category.
I heard Kondo and Okita say: Hijikata Toshizo was a rich farmer from the Tama area in northern Edo.
The Hijikata family is a big landowner at the local "local snake" level, so they also have the right to "claim their surname".
Therefore, Hijikata Shisan, who is a farmer, should be thrown into a civilian prison with the worst environment.
But Qingdeng used some of his functions as a Dingcheng Hui Tongxin to let his fellow disciple live in a single cell with a relatively good environment.
After the prisoner Tongxin led everyone outside the single cell specially opened by Qingdeng using his skills, Qingdeng and others saw Tufang who was sitting cross-legged on the ground, boredly picking at the dust between his fingernails. Year three.
"Mr. Hijikata!"
Okita took the lead and took a step forward, raised his hands to grasp the wooden bars of the cell, and put his face close to the gap between the wooden bars, showing a helpless look that hated iron but failed to make steel.
"What are you doing! Why are you causing trouble again just after you returned to Edo? You are so well behaved, why are you beating people up on the streets?"
"Akatsu, Souji?" Hijikata looked at the sudden appearance of these two close friends who were as close to him as brothers in surprise. But soon, he put away the surprise in his eyes and curled his lips at Okita, "I want to teach that Kin'emon a lesson, it's that simple."
Aoto had just told Kondo and Okita about what trouble Hijikata had caused this morning, and he also explained to them why Hijikata suddenly beat up Kinemon on the street.
After bringing Toshizo Hijikata, who had a "street fight", back to the prison, Hijikata immediately revealed all his motives for committing the crime.
The reason why he suddenly beat up Kinemon on the street was quite simple - to avenge one of his friends.
He had a friend who ran an izakaya, and one night almost 10 days ago, Kinemon visited his friend's izakaya.
That gangster Kinemon, after eating and drinking in a restaurant, saw that Hijikata's friend seemed submissive and easy to bully, so he started to have evil thoughts.
Taking advantage of his drunkenness, Kinemon refused to pay for meals and drinks.
Hijikata's friend tried to argue with Kin'emon, but was directly injured by Kin'emon.
After injuring someone, Kinemon threatened them fiercely: Don't report to the official! Even if you report it to the police, I will only live in prison for a while at most. When I come out of prison, I will definitely come to you for revenge as soon as possible!
Kinemon was not wrong about the person.
Hijikata's friend is indeed a bit timid.
Kinemon's hands are covered with many tattoos of different patterns - this is proof that this man has committed numerous crimes before.
In the Edo period, a punishment was to tattoo the hands and face of the prisoner.
Different crimes have different tattoo patterns, so just by looking at the tattoos on the hands and feet of that person, you can know what crimes the person has committed before.
After being threatened by Kin'emon with so many "criminal certificates" tattooed on his hand, Hijikata's friends really chose to swallow their anger and did not dare to pursue Kin'emon's crime of eating the King's meal and injuring him. They had no right to do so. things happen.
Hijikata's friend was willing to compromise - Hijikata was not.
When Hijikata, who had been away from Edo for a long time, came to greet his friend this morning, he noticed the bruises on his friend's face.
After some questioning, I found out what exactly happened.
Without saying a word, Hijikata rushed out of his friend's izakaya and ran to find Kinemon to settle the score.
Kin'emon was a famous person in Takucho, and Hijikata knew the places Kin'emon frequented by just asking around.
So...there was the scene this morning where "he rushed over and beat Kinemon hard without saying a word"...
"Ah Sui..." Kondo, who looked just as helpless as Okita, let out a long sigh, "Why are you so impulsive...Can't you think of some way to avenge your friend other than fighting?"
"Besides fighting, I have nothing else I'm good at." Hijikata stood up, patted the dust on his butt, and said slowly, "And - beating up that Kin'emon is all I can think of. The best way to get revenge."
"Even if he goes to report to the police, Kinemon will only be thrown into jail for a while at most. This kind of punishment is not painful at all for someone like him who makes a living by doing dirty things."
"So after thinking about it, I decided to cover my face and beat the guy hard. Only in this way can I give him a deep enough punishment."
"You...oh, forget it, this is not the place to talk now." Kondo sighed again, and then took out a small money bag from his arms.
"Tachibana-kun." Kondo smiled bitterly and handed the money bag in his hand to Qingteng, "Please hurry up and arrange for Sui to be released."
Qingden nodded, and then took the money handed over by Kondo.
Now we have found out Hijikata's motive for committing the crime, and it is confirmed that Hijikata simply wanted to avenge his friends and had nothing to do with the "masked party".
Although Hijikata was fighting on the street, the nature was not too bad. No one was beaten too badly, and no one was killed.
In view of the relatively minor nature of Hijikata's crime, Hijikata can be released today as long as he pays a fine and lets Qingnobo, an "internal person in the system" who works in the "City Police Department", work a little.
Aoto took the fine delivered by Kondo and went to the prison cell. After briefly explaining the situation to him and handing over the fine, the door of the cell where Hijikata had lived for nearly an hour and a half was finally opened.
After leaving the prison with Qingto and others, Hijikata stretched himself hard and said, "Thanks, Katsu, I will pay you back the fine later."
"Don't thank me. The person you should thank the most is Mr. Ju."
Hearing Kondo's words, Hijikata looked at Aoto who was standing beside him.
"...What a wonderful fate." Hijikata pursed his lips, and then let out a long breath, "The person who caught me turned out to be the newcomer you have been mentioning to me in your letters before, Asheng..."
When Hijikata was first captured, Seito revealed his identity as the "new disciple of the Trial Guard Hall" to Hijikata, so Hijikata already knew that the person who captured him today was his new junior brother.
Hijikata's eyes looked at Qingto, mixed with various complex emotions such as curiosity and surprise.
"Speaking of which...I haven't formally introduced myself to you yet."
Hijikata straightened his clothes and stood up straight.
"first meet."
He said sternly to Qingden.
"I am the sect member of the Imperial Guard Hall: Hijikata Toshizo."
…
…
The arresting operation of Qingnobo and Nishino this morning can be described as perfect.
While Aoto was dealing with Hijikata, Nishino smoothly and easily caught Kin'emon who was running in his direction.
Nishino is the holder of the "Catalogue" of Beichen's Itto-ryu. He took the initiative to greet Kin'emon, pulled out the Jushou from his waist, and used the Ten Hands as a sword. He knocked Kin'emon down with just one blow and successfully defeated him. He was arrested and brought to justice.
How can such a ruffian, who usually only bullies men and women, and bullies the weak, have a strong will?
After catching him back and showing him various torture instruments, he was immediately frightened out of his wits.
After using the instrument of torture to kill the person who killed him and offering the "killing stick", the prison "killer" who was specially responsible for torture handed him a "carrot": As long as you tell everything you know, You can be given an appropriate reduction in sentence.
Being so frightened and aroused by the prison guards, Kinemon immediately revealed all the crimes he had committed.
He admitted that he was a member of the "masked party" that had been doing a lot of evil recently. At the same time, the identities and addresses of his companions were also revealed.
In the afternoon, Bo Jing sent a large team of troops to capture the remaining gangs of the "Masked Party".
With the information revealed by Kinemon, it has become a matter of time to eliminate the "masked party".
Qingdeng, who did not participate in the afternoon arrest operation and had no important work to deal with since noon, "get off work" on time in the evening and returned to the trial guard hall.
Tonight, the trial hall was far more lively than usual - because there was an extra Hijikata Toshizo who came to have dinner.
Hijikata was injured in a fight with others in his hometown three years ago. It took him more than two months to recover in his hometown before he finally recovered and returned to Edo. Tonight's dinner at the Imperial Guard Hall can be regarded as a welcome feast for Hijikata. Abi specially bought some more ingredients to cook tonight's dinner more sumptuously.
As soon as dinner started, Shusuke, who was sitting in the front seat, sighed heavily and said to Hijikata in a serious voice:
"Susan, I've heard everything about today."
"It's really time for you to change your temper as a 'wicked boy of thorns'."
"Your biggest problem is that when you encounter trouble, you just want to solve it with fists and kicks."
"Indeed, some things cannot be completely solved without using fists and kicks."
"But there are also many things that cannot be solved by using violence."
…
Shusuke lectured Hijikata in a slightly chatty tone.
"Yes..." Tuxiang lowered his head to Shusuke and responded in a slightly low tone, "I have already been reflecting on it..."
Hijikata said that he was reflecting on his words, and he seemed to have a guilty look on his face - but whether he took Shusuke's words to heart or not, only he himself could know.
Zhouzhu still wanted to talk about Hijikata again, but Abi, who was sitting next to him, seemed to be tired of listening to Zhouzhu's preaching, frowning and saying:
"Okay, if you have anything else, let's talk about it after dinner!"
Zhou Zhu shrank his neck, and then quickly said: "Okay, okay, let's not talk anymore. Let's eat quickly."
Hijikata is generally a quiet person.
He is not as cheerful as Okita, who can always smile and chat with people for hours without stopping.
But he is not as taciturn as Saito, and he can't even say anything for a long time.
When sitting at the same table or having dinner with Qingdeng and others, he would also actively participate in the chat, and would also take the initiative to find topics and ask questions.
Just like now - he took the initiative to mention the fight between him and Qingdeng today.
"Your boxing and kicking skills are so amazing." Tu Xiang said calmly to Qingden, who happened to be sitting opposite him, "I haven't met a master like you in a boxing competition for a long time. Your boxing and kicking skills are all Where did you learn it?”
"The martial arts I use are all my family's inherited martial arts." Qingdeng used his all-purpose excuse, "Your fists and kicks are also very powerful. I was almost defeated by you several times today."
Qingto's words were not polite or complimentary. He sincerely felt that Hijikata's unarmed fighting skills were very high. Indeed, he was almost knocked down by Hijikata several times today.
"I see that the moves you use seem to have no origin." Qingdeng asked, "Did you figure out all these moves yourself?"
Hijikata nodded: "My moves were all discovered little by little when I was fighting with others. Although they are all wild, I think my moves are quite easy to use."
"Speaking of this, I have a question that I wanted to ask you as early as this morning when you knocked me down."
After saying that, Hijikata put down the bowls and chopsticks in his hands.
"The move you used to subdue me - the move you grabbed my right arm and twisted my arm behind my back."
Hijikata moved his hands, trying to recreate the scene where he was subdued by Aoto today.
"How did you twist my right arm behind my back? I didn't even have time to react, and you twisted my arm behind my back. How did you do that?"
This handsome man was like a schoolboy thirsty for knowledge, blinking his eyes full of curiosity at Qingdeng.
"Ah, this..." Qingto put down the miso soup he was drinking just now, "I actually used a little trick on this..."
Qingden tried his best to explain to Hijikata as concisely and concisely as possible.
Hijikata listened attentively, and his entire upper body leaned slightly forward towards Qingto's seat.
Shusuke, Kondo, Okita, and Saito, who are also martial arts practitioners, are also listening curiously.
"I see..." After listening carefully to Qingto's explanation, Hijikata nodded gently, "Did he borrow the inertia and shortcomings of the human body structure..."
After muttering, Hijikata straightened his face and said sternly to Aoden, "Tachibana, after dinner, can you spar with me and use your trick on me again?"
"Huh?" Qingden raised his eyebrows, then nodded without thinking, "Of course."
After happily deciding to have a good sparring session after dinner, Hijikata smiled happily.
Afterwards, Qingden chatted with Hijikata for a while.
Until today, Ayoto's only impression of Hijikata was that he was very strong in swordsmanship and was one of the top masters in the Imperial Guard Hall; he was as close as brothers to Kondo and Okita; he was a troublemaker who often fought and caused trouble outside and had "thorn evil" The bad reputation of "child"...
Now, through chatting with Hijikata, Qingden knows more about Hijikata.
Hijikata's home in Edo is located next door to the Imperial Guard Hall.
You can reach Hijikata's home by walking for 1 or 2 minutes from the Imperial Guard Hall.
It is reported that he rented a house very close to the Trial Guard Hall to make it easier for him to practice swordsmanship at the Trial Guard Hall.
Because of his good relationship with Kondo and the others, Hijikata would often stay and have meals with Kondo and the others. Sometimes when he was tired or late from sword practice, he would stay directly at the trial guardian hall, so Hijikata Toshizo was also considered a trial guardian. Half of the guests in the hotel.
After talking about Hijikata's residence, for some unknown reason, the topic suddenly turned to Hijikata's name for Kondo.
Hijikata calls Kondo "Katsu" - this name comes from Kondo's childhood name.
Kondo's childhood name was Katsugoro, so the native gave Kondo the nickname "Katsu".
…
Qingdeng just chatted with his senior brother whom he only officially met today.
Tonight's dinner ended in a relatively harmonious atmosphere.
Abi and Jiubingwei moved everyone's leftover dishes and dining table into the kitchen.
As soon as Zhou Zhu was full, he burped and walked to the toilet.
Hijikata, who was sitting cross-legged on the tatami, gently patted his now full stomach and grinned at Aomori:
"Tachibana, do you want to go to the dojo to spar now? Or should you take a rest?"
"Let's rest for a while first." Qingden said with a smile, "I'm very full now."
Hijikata nodded: "Then take a rest first..."
"T-Um—is Mr. Hijikata here?!"
At this time, a young woman's shout suddenly came from the entrance of the Trial Guard Hall.
The moment the female voice fell, the faces of Kondo and Okita who were still in the hall suddenly became strange.
Hijikata looked normal.
Only Aoto and Saito don't know why.
"Huh?" Qingden cast a confused look in the direction of the entrance, "Hijikata-kun, someone seems to be looking for you."
Hijikata Toishan nodded expressionlessly: "I heard it."
After saying that, Hijikata stood up, folded his hands into Haori's sleeves, and walked out of the hall unhurriedly.
"Ah..." Okita looked at Hijikata's leaving figure, "Those people are indeed here..."
"Those people?" Qingdeng's face became more confused, "Who is here?"
Okita, who looked quite strange, smiled bitterly at Qingden: "Well... I can't explain it in a few words... Just follow me and take a look."
Okita waved to Qingden.
Aoto noticed that both Kondo and Okita looked quite strange now, and couldn't help but become more curious about the "those people" Okita just mentioned, so he only thought for a moment and nodded to Okita.
After Aoto stood up and followed Okita towards the entrance, Saito also stood up silently and followed closely behind the two of them.
Okita led Aoto and Saito to a small window on the side of the entrance.
Putting his face close to the small window and looking out of the house, he could just see Hijikata standing face to face with a young girl outside the entrance.
Qingneng recognized this girl - the same girl who recognized Hijikata this morning when he captured Hijikata and took off Hijikata's mask.
The girl looked like a daughter of an ordinary town citizen, with her hands clasped in front of her chest, and she looked at Hijikata with a worried look on the verge of tears.
"Ah, Mr. Hijikata, that's great. I heard that you came out to see you immediately after you came out of the prison."
"I just went to your home and found that there was no one there, so I immediately came to the Trial Guard Hall to look for you. Finally, I found you!"
"How come you were taken away by people from the prison today? Are you okay? Were you injured? Did you encounter any abuse in the prison?"
The girl looked nervously at every inch of Hijikata's body.
"Ajing, don't worry, I'm fine."
Hijikata used... the gentle voice Qingto heard from him for the first time, and whispered to the girl he called Jing.
"Why was I arrested by the people of the observance center today... It's a long story. Now is not a good time or a good place to talk. I will explain it to you slowly when I have the opportunity later."
Having said this, Hijikata paused.
Then... the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a charming smile full of tenderness.
"Ajing, did you come here specially to see me?"
Hijifang raised his hand and caressed Ah Jing's delicate cheek.
"Thank you. You came to visit me as soon as I came out of prison. I'm so touched."
"Mr. Hijikata..." After Hijikata's big hand touched her cheek, Ah Jing's body immediately trembled a few times, and then her moist peach blossom eyes suddenly swayed, looking softly at Hijikata's charming smile.
"Ah, that's right. Since you're here, I'll just give you this little gift."
Hijikata reached into his arms and took out a peach blossom.
"I met this peach blossom by chance on the roadside when I was returning to Edo from Tama."
"This peach blossom made a deep impression on me at the time."
"Of the whole peach blossom tree, it is the only one that blooms the most prosperously and beautifully."
"Such a peach blossom reminds me of you."
"You are just like this peach blossom, charming and lovable."
After saying these affectionate words, Hijikata pinned the peach blossom in his hand to Ah Jing's ear.
"Well, this peach blossom really suits you very well."
"Mr. Hijikata...!" A Jing's eyes were trembling even more. As if she couldn't help herself, she threw herself into Hijikata's arms and tightly hugged Hijikata's waist with her two little hands.
Hijikata also took advantage of the situation and hugged Ah Jing.
A man and a woman hug each other tightly, you and me...
Aoto, who was inexplicably stuffed with dog food, asked Okita beside him: "Is that girl turned out to be the partner of Hijikata-kun's girlfriend?"
"...To be precise, he is one of Mr. Hijikata's companions." Okita twitched the corner of his mouth.
"One...?" Qingden keenly captured this word that made him pay attention...
After Hijikata and Jing chatted with each other for a while, they let go of each other.
After saying some love words to Ah Jing that Qingdeng thought were a bit disgusting, Hijikata waved goodbye to Ah Jing on the grounds that "it's getting late, you'd better go home as soon as possible. I'll find you later."
Jing, who still held the peach blossoms Hijikata had just given to her ears, waved goodbye to Hijikata vigorously and quickly disappeared into the night.
After Hijikata watched Ah Jing leave, he was about to turn around and go back to the house.
But at this moment...a young female voice sounded from the opposite direction to the direction A Jing left just now:
"Mr. Hijikata...?!"
Hijikata, as well as Qingto and others who were lying by the small window on the side of the entrance to check the situation, turned their eyes in unison - the owner of this new female voice was also a very young and beautiful girl.
But her clothes were slightly different from Ah Jing just now.
She was wearing expensive-looking, exquisite clothes, and was followed by a middle-aged samurai who looked like a bodyguard.
There is a bodyguard, and she is dressed like this... She must be the daughter of a wealthy merchant.
Hijikata looked at the new girl and was startled, then said "surprised":
"Axiang? Why are you here?"
Axiang quickly ran to Hijikata in three steps and two steps at a time.
"Mr. Hijikata, I'm here to find you!"
"Why are you standing outside the door?"
"Ah...oh, I just had a full meal, so I stood outside to enjoy the breeze." Hijikata lied without batting an eyelid... "You said - you came to see me?"
"Mr. Hijikata! I heard that you were captured by people from the execution center today!"
After Hijikata brought up the topic in this way, Axiang didn't bother to find out why Hijikata was standing outside the door, and just listened to her anxious words.
"What happened? How did you get captured by the people at the prison? Are you okay? Were you injured? Did you encounter any abuse in the prison?"
"Hahaha." Hijikata smiled freely, "So that's why you came here."
"Don't worry, I'm fine."
"I was indeed arrested by people from the execution center this morning. I will explain the specific reason to you later. Now is not a good time or a good place to talk."
After Hijikata said some words of comfort and love to Axiang, he reached into his arms and took out a...peach blossom...
"Ah, that's right. Since you're here, I'll just give you this little gift."
"I met this peach blossom by chance on the roadside when I was returning to Edo from Tama."
"This peach blossom made a deep impression on me at the time."
"Of the whole peach blossom tree, it is the only one that blooms the most prosperously and beautifully."
"Such a peach blossom reminds me of you."
"You are just like this peach blossom, charming and lovable."
After saying these familiar lines, Hijikata pinned the peach blossom in his hand to Axiang's ear...
"Mr. Hijikata...!"
Then a similar scene appeared... Axiang was moved and threw herself into Hijikata's arms, and then Hijikata hugged her back...
Axiang's bodyguard turned around very well...
After spending time with Axiang, Hijikata said to her, "It's getting late. Please go home quickly. I'll find you later." He said goodbye to Axiang.
Looking at Axiang leaving, Qingdeng's mouth... now turned into an "o" shape.
Before he could express his shock at what he just witnessed——
"Mr. Hijikata...?!"
Another female voice sounded...
The woman who appeared this time was wearing a kendo uniform and a wakizashi around her waist—she seemed to be the daughter of a samurai family.
"Huh? Aya?" Hijikata once again showed a "surprised" look.
After Aya suddenly appeared, the scene that Qingden had seen twice appeared again...
Aya said to Hijikata: I heard that you were arrested and I came here specifically to see you.
Then Hijikata said I'm fine and will explain to you in detail what's going on.
And then... Hijikata put his hand into his arms again.
"Ah, that's right. Since you're here, I'll just give you this little gift."
"I met this peach blossom by chance on the roadside when I was returning to Edo from Tama."
"This peach blossom made a deep impression on me at the time."
"Of the whole peach blossom tree, it is the only one that blooms the most prosperously and beautifully."
"Such a peach blossom reminds me of you."
"You are just like this peach blossom, charming and lovable."
After saying that, Hijikata pinned what he called "the most beautiful peach blossom" on the girl's ear for the third time...
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