Meanwhile,
in the clearing before Sakura Gate of Shogun Castle.
Shogun Shige Shige and the others also heard it from the north—
the increasingly violent roar of the Evil Spirit.
They could feel the sinister spiritual pressure that made their hearts tremble
within the purple pillar of light piercing straight into the storm clouds.
"In that case, could anyone lend me a sword?"
Vice Admiral Momonga's words made Tokugawa Shige Shige, Matsudaira Katakuriko, Kondo Isao, and the others exchange looks.
Then, their gazes collectively fell on the katana at his waist.
The meaning was self-evident.
Momonga paid this no mind and calmly explained, "Preferably not an overly valuable sword."
After a pause, he added something that left them puzzled:
"Because it may very well become a disposable item."
Though Shogun Shige Shige did not understand, the situation was critical.
He was about to order a Shinsengumi member to hand his sword over to Momonga.
"Use this old servant's."
At that moment, an aged yet resolute voice rang out.
Rokuten Muzō.
The one-armed shogun's retainer, who bore a striking resemblance to Onoki, strode forward.
With his only remaining right hand, he slowly untied the katana at his waist. It looked rather ancient, and even its scabbard was somewhat worn.
There was a solemn, ceremonial air to his movements.
As his fingers brushed over the scabbard, an emotion he could not bear to part with flashed through his eyes.
"This sword is named 'Allure.' Though it is not a peerless famed blade, it has accompanied this old servant for over forty years. It has weathered battles great and small and slain over a hundred enemies."
Rokuten Muzō held the sword up with one hand and offered it to Vice Admiral Momonga.
"Today, if it can contribute to protecting the shogun, Edo, and