Kondo Isao took a deep breath, straightened his uniform slightly, and strode forward.
He came to attention before Matsudaira Katakuriko and saluted. "Sir, the entire Shinsengumi has arrived under orders!"
Hijikata Toshiro and Okita Sougo, following close behind, stood at attention as well.
The rows of officers behind them held their breath in concentration.
The black formation stood silent as iron.
Matsudaira Katakuriko, their old superior who always wore a roguish grin, as though he could solve even the sky falling with a gun and a string of curses.
Now, not a trace of his usual irreverence remained on his face.
His voice sounded terribly hoarse.
Every word seemed scraped out through sandpaper.
"More than two hundred warships in the Shogunate's Self-Defense Fleet have already had their control seized by the enemy."
Kondo Isao's pupils abruptly contracted.
Hijikata Toshiro instinctively clenched the hilt of his sword.
Even Okita Sougo's usually expressionless face showed an unmistakable ripple of emotion.
With a cigarette between his lips, Matsudaira Katakuriko forced out a smile uglier than a grimace.
"We're bugs trapped inside a glass jar."
He raised his head again and looked toward the destroyer, whose details had already become clear, his eyes full of helplessness.
"All we can do now is pray that Admiral Kizaru truly doesn't do anything reckless."
Then Matsudaira Katakuriko lowered his voice even further.
So low that only Kondo, Hijikata, and Okita standing before him could barely hear it.
"Then, do everything we can to stall for time."
"Stall until the Galactic Empire's fleet gets here, damn it."
With that, he waved his hand and gave his orders in a normal voice. "Go in. The Shinsengumi will be responsible for guarding the inner city."
"You three will follow me and remain at the Shogun's side."
"Be careful. The Oto