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✦ — 誠,。
marching on with the banner of makoto held high. He was young and optimistic much like anyone would be, given the opportunity of a lifetime that granted him his one and only wish: to be a samurai in an era where such a title lost its value long ago. Leaving behind his home, his simple life, and even his identity, the young man who previously had no ambitions in life suddenly felt passionate about something. It was a rare thing to experience, but from the bottom of his heart, he knew mastering the art of the blade was exactly what he was meant for.
Saitou looked back on those memories fondly. Memories of training together with friends, creating his own techniques instead of sticking strictly to a school's teachings. Times were peaceful, too peaceful for his liking, but they were carefree. In hindsight, he was a fool. Amidst the bloodied battlefield, littered with bodies of foes and comrades alike, he realized that he had been too naive. To think life was all smooth sailing was absurd.
"This is where Saitou Hajime says goodbye," Saitou said, and despite his carefree attitude, he was serious about it. These words were directed at his Vice Commander that showed little to no reaction at first until he turned to his subordinate. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Eh, it's no fun anymore. We've lost miserably. The punishment for leaving was seppuku, right?"
"...No. That's enough. I'll take it from here."
Eyes widened in surprise. Saitou knew well that Hijikata Toshizou was more dedicated to the Shinsengumi and their cause than anyone else ever has been. He ruled over the members with an iron fist and rightfully earned himself the title of "Demon Vice Commander".
"Vice Commander— No, Hijikata. Don't you think it's enough? There's nothing but death ahead of you. Kondo and Okita-chan are dead. It's not the same anymore."
To think he could reason with a man so stubborn was not the best move, he should have known better. Hijikata seemed hardly fazed by any of it.
"It's not over yet. The Shinsengumi isn't finished yet."
"Face it, it's over!" Saitou shouted, visibly frustrated. "What's even left of the Shinsengumi?!"
 "It's me. As long as I stand and fight, the Shinsengumi will live on."Bewilderment was written all over his face, enough to make his temporary anger dissipate. He couldn't understand the way this man was thinking. Was it denial that kept him going? Was he just too stubborn to let go? Either way, Saitou could only scoff. "...Do whatever you want. You can only keep fighting until you're dead." You can only keep fighting until you're dead. These were his last words to his former Vice Commander before they parted ways. Saitou knew this goodbye was final. Peace was torn apart by war, and even as the loyal Shinsengumi were thrown away like trash by the people they swore to protect, this man continued to march on with pride and fierce determination. ...But Saitou wasn't about that. Similar to fallen leaves in autumn, the wind carried him from one place to another as life went on for him, something his comrades - and Hijikata Toshizou - didn't get to experience. He moved on to a new era, carrying the banner of sincerity in his heart.
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