In contrast, Katsura Kogorō and Kawakami Gensai were not that close; they were merely both fighting for the cause of overthrowing the shogunate.
Takasugi Shinsaku would rather believe that Katsura Kogorō had turned his back on them than believe that Nakamura Hanjirō had been persuaded to betray them and kill Saigō Takamori in less than half a day.
Combined with Nakamura Hanjirō and Kawakami Gensai's earlier mission to execute the so-called "demon fox"... Takasugi Shinsaku had every reason to believe that Nakamura Hanjirō's soul had been controlled and his will twisted by that "demon fox."
But Takasugi Shinsaku could not say that. He had to steer the subject toward an organization rather than a specific individual.
Because in Takasugi Shinsaku's mind, the demon fox was more terrifying than faraway Albion or the United States Federation.
So, to avoid inviting further retaliation from the demon fox, Takasugi Shinsaku desperately dumped the blame onto the two great powers and the shogunate.
"So, do you understand now? Nakamura Hanjirō became like this because he encountered an irresistible force."
Takasugi Shinsaku's expression was grim. "We are too weak. We have no power, so there is nothing we can do!"
"That is precisely why we must follow the path pointed out to us by our two predecessors..." Takasugi Shinsaku held out a hand. "As long as we keep moving forward on this path, we will be able to grasp the power of miracles. The flower of hope lies ahead!"
He looked at everyone with blazing eyes. "Please report this matter to your superiors. I believe the lords of Satsuma and Chōshū will surely understand."
Takasugi Shinsaku's speech was deeply stirring, but hurried footsteps suddenly came from downstairs, shattering the mood.
The Shinsengumi and Mimawarigumi were approaching from two directions at once. Fortunately, the guards of