"You two bastards, you're fighting while on duty!"
"Your hides itching again, huh?!"
Just as Hijikata and Okita's swords were about to leave their sheaths.
A thunderous roar exploded from the direction of the compound's main gate.
Everyone jolted, and even Yamazaki Sagaru nearly dropped his racket.
Kondo Isao, commander of the Shinsengumi, came charging over like an enraged gorilla.
He wore the same black uniform, though his epaulets and decorations were far more elaborate, marking his status as commander.
In the blink of an eye.
Kondo Isao had rushed in front of Hijikata and Okita.
Without another word, he swung his bowl-sized fists and hammered them down onto their heads.
[Thud! Thud!]
One punch each, without mercy.
"Argh!"
"My head, it hurts!"
Hijikata and Okita clutched their heads and cried out in pain at the same time.
Their earlier momentum instantly vanished.
"Boss Kondo!" Hijikata shouted helplessly.
"Commander, that hurt," Okita complained expressionlessly.
"If you know it hurts, then behave yourselves, damn it!"
Still fuming, Kondo Isao planted his hands on his hips. His bell-like eyes swept across the silent, trembling members around him.
"Look at the state of you!"
"You all know what's happened."
"A fleet has arrived in the sky, claiming it's going to take over this planet!
"The whole world is panicking, but that's exactly why the Shinsengumi needs to step up!"
Kondo Isao took a deep breath and glanced at the darkening sky beyond the window, his expression terrifyingly grave.
At some point, the clouds had become thick and low, as though heralding the arrival of some immense upheaval.
"Orders from Commander Matsudaira!"
Kondo Isao's voice suddenly boomed through the entire compound.
"Every squad is to immediately recall all members currently out on patrol, on leave, slacking off, taking a dump, or chasing girls!"
"In