Reimeiroku Okita Route Chapter 6 (Part 2) ~ End
Okita Route Ch6 (part 1)
After the Rebellion of 8/18, Roshigumi was praised for their distinguished services, and awarded the new name "Shinsengumi". On top of that, Aizu Clan will pay them salary. Their greatest problems were solved.
When coming to Yagi House for supper, Ryu saw Souji at the door, staring at the new doorplate. The doorplate reads, "Quarters of Shinsengumi, Under the Charge of Matsudaira Higonokami".
Ryu: You've been staring at it for a while. It's great, isn't it? The Shinsengumi bulit by Kondou-san and everyone was finally acknowledged.
But Souji didn't reply. He didn't show any sign of joy or being moved, but merely stared at the doorplate fixedly.
Souji: We have a much longer way to go.
He muttered to himself. Suddenly a voice came from behind.
Kondou: Souji, here you are.
Souji: Kondou-san, what is it? Do you need me for something?
Kondou: Well... um... actually...
Kondou scratched his nose, trying to find the right words.
Souji: By the way, congratulations for getting the new name from Aizu Clan.
Kondou: Ah. Yes. From what I've heard, it's a name with a long and honorable history...
Kondou: Umm... Souji, it's been a while since I have a good talk with you... I mean, have a good sword practice with you. Lately we didn't have the chance to. I really want to see how much stronger you've become.
Souji: Practice... with me?
Souji's eyes widened out of surprise, but soon he's all smiles, like an innocent child.
Souji: Of course! How could I say no to Kondou-san?
Kondou: I see. Then, let's go.
Souji: Yes!
They walked toward Mibu Temple, side by side, like brothers with disparity of age or even like father and son.
Interlude #34 - Distance Between Two Hearts
Deep in the night, Ryu heard noise in Mibu Temple. He went and saw it's Souji practicing again, swinging his wooden sword at an imaginary enemy. It's like he's wielding a real sword. After he watched for a while...
Souji: It's a bad habit to peep. You could at least say hi.
Ryu: Sorry. I thought you need to concentrate and didn't want to interrupt you.
Souji: If you want to be thoughtful, kindly don't step into the temple grounds at all.
He's being sarcastic as usual. But there's something different. He seemed to have recovered from his depression. It must be because of Kondou.
Ryu: At dusk you were practicing with Kondou-san, right? How did it go?
Souji: It was enjoyable. More than anything.
Souji: ... He said the same thing you told me before. About aiming to become an excellent swordsman, and having a noble goal. If a person can't do that, he's no different from a beast.
Ryu: ... Because you are really dear to Kondou-san.
Ryu recalled Kondou's expression when he talked about Souji.
Ryu: By the way, I heard a little about your past before.
The lighthearted expression faded from Souji's face, replaced by cautious attitude. Ryu can relate to that, since he's raised in a similar environment.
Ryu: To tell the truth, I envy you for meeting someone like Kondou-san.
Souji: What do you mean?
Ryu ignored the hostility in Souji's voice.
Ryu: Had I met someone who cared about me like that, I may not be here now.
Ryu talked about his childhood. How his father, a samurai in poverty, sold his samurai status and died with only debt lift behind. His mother couldn't forget the past glories, and still considered herself "daughter of samurai family" and "samurai's wife". She can't go out and make a living. Therefore while children of Ryu's age play all day, Ryu had to do any job a child can manage to do.
Souji listened quietly, without any empty words of compassion. Such words serve no purpose other than being irritating. Both Ryu and Souji understood that. Until Ryu finished his story...
Souji: You must've been called "what an unlovable child", "a child trying to act like a grown-up" a lot, right?
Ryu: Yep. That's what I hear all the time. Can't help it. I work among grown-ups all day. And at night I had to stop my mother's crying and committing suicide. No way can I be cute and lovable as other children.
Souji: Exactly.
Since he viewed everyone around him as enemy, and trusted no one, he became more and more self-protective. Because of that, he got even more unfriendly response. It's like a vicious circle. But as a child he couldn't have see through this. Souji looked down quietly and spoke.
Souji: You and I might have grown up in similar environments, but there's a major difference between us.
Ryu: Major difference?
Souji: You grew up a lot more straight than I am.
Souji: I don't know how much you've heard about me but... When I was a child, and weak, those older pupils beat me up all the time, just for relieving their frustration. I can't recall a day I don't have bruises all over. Sometimes I have nothing in my stomach because I threw up all of them.
His voice was surprisingly dry.
Souji: You know what I was thinking when getting beaten? Not hoping to become stronger. It's not as simple as you think. From the depth of my heart, I want to kill them that instant.
Souji: Then one day I realized. It wasn't because I was the youngest, was poor, or had no family protection. It's because when beating up someone nobody likes, nobody will stick up for him.
Souji: The first time I grabbed hold of a wooden sword, I held it like a sword made to kill.
Perhaps it's the first time Souji tells his true feelings. Ryu didn't say a thing. Although he wanted to say "that's not what Kondou-san wants to see", he felt it's better to remain silent since he can relate to Souji. Being left in a place where no one cares, and witnessed the ugly side of human behavior, anyone could think the same way.
Souji: Had I not met Kondou-san, I would live my life cursing everything in this world. Men are selfish creatures that bully the weak for no reason. They're hopeless.
Souji: But there is someone who wouldn't lie. There is someone I can trust. It's Kondou-san who showed me these.
Souji: So I want to repay him. I don't know if it'll make him sad, but it's the only thing I can do. Even if I have to become a sword that can only kill, since it's what Shinsengumi needs now, I will.
He looked up to the starry sky.
Souji: Kondou-san doesn't know this. Goals, ideology... I tried but I don't understand those things. It's too difficult for me. I don't have anything like an aim in life. All I know is, I can cut down anything that stands in Kondou-san's way. My sword is merely a tool for killing. I am no different from a beast.
Souji: Kondou-san believed I have a pure heart. He believed I can become a great swordsman like him. Pure heart? I don't have anything like that. No matter how I try, I can't become like Kondou-san.
When he laughed in self-mockery, a tear slid down his cheek.
Souji: From now on, I have no choice but to keep deceiving Kondou-san, like what I did in the practice with Kondou-san today.
His voice didn't sound like he's crying, but he must be weeping in his heart.
Even though he has no compassion, and doesn't value human life at all, the only thing he can't withstand is being disliked by Kondou-san.
He doesn't want to lie to, yet has no choice but to do so... Ryu finally knows how he felt.
Then he's back to his usual self again. It's like the sentimental moment never existed.
Souji: Both you and I don't have anything. So unlike those who are abundant, I am attached to the only treasure I have in hand. The last thing I want is for him to dislike me. I would rather die than to see him sad.
Souji: I don't know who is more fortunate? Me, who have already met someone so important? Or you, who have yet to meet one?
Souji left the temple, leaving Ryu gazing at the sky thinking over what he just heard, and wondered if he met someone important to him, will he do the same thing as Souji does? Can he keep lying and hiding his true self, so that person would not dislike him?
It's the middle of the 8th month of the year. One afternoon, Ryu was giving Serizawa shoulder massage. Serizawa was quite satisfied at how good Ryu's massage skills became, and started chatting.
Serizawa: Something peculiar happened the other day. I saw a strange man doing laundries in the yard, so I beat him up. He kept saying "I'm Hirama". But no way would Hirama be that old.
Ryu stopped massaging. The man doing laundries in the yard had to be Hirama. Ryu recalled the other night, he heard Serizawa yelling "who are you?" Was he yelling at Hirama too?
How could he not recognize Hirama? Had he drank so much that he went bonkers?
Serizawa: Dog, where is Niimi?
It's been days since Niimi escaped with all the experiment data. Serizawa should already know that. Ryu felt if he tells the truth, Serizawa's not going to believe it. So he changed the subject.
Recently, Serizawa became harder and harder to please because he lost his senses every once in a while.
A couple days later, Niimi had committed seppuku.
That's what they announced. But Ryu believed he must've been killed, most likely by Souji. And the next person in line to be cleared out of the way would be Serizawa.
On 9/15. Ryu didn't feel like eating, and was resting in his room.
Souji: It's unusual for you to skip a meal, since you never hesitated to eat all you can. Are you not feeling well?
It's more like he's here to tease Ryu, rather than concerned about his health. Souji's expression was just like the day he and Ryu first met, since he's no longer bewildered about what he should do.
Souji suddenly invited Ryu to go out and drink at night. Ryu said he can't drink, but he insisted he's coming to pick Ryu up in the evening, and left the room.
At night, it's almost like Ryu was dragged out of the quarters.
Ryu: Where are you going? Shimabara isn't in this direction.
Souji: Shimabara isn't the only place to drink. Just come along.
Their destination turned out to be the riverbank. Because of the rain last night, the river had risen and looked very dangerous.
Ryu: Hey... hey! What is this place?
Souji: Can't you see? A riverbank.
Ryu: I know. But who'd drink at a place like this?
Souji: There's no limitation on where to drink.
Suddenly, Souji looked at Ryu. His smile disappeared.
Souji: As long as it's where Serizawa-san wouldn't notice, any place would do. The stage for him to bow out is prepared somewhere else.
Ryu: You're planning to kill Serizawa-san?
Ryu's heart started beating wild. His voice was shaky. Souji didn't reply. But his expression gave away the answer.
Ryu: So you're killing me, before killing Serizawa-san?
Souji: Can't help it. You'll get in the way. After Serizawa-san is dead, you wouldn't be left behind anyway.
After spending more than half a year together, and starting to grow a sense of comradeship... Did those mean nothing to Okita? Ryu thought he should've known.
Ryu: Does Kondou-san know this?
Even though his legs were trembling in fear, Ryu felt it's absolutely necessary to confirm this.
Souji: ... Who knows?
For a moment Souji's face clouded. But soon it changed back to unreadable.
Souji: Whether he knows or not isn't my concern.
Ryu: Kondou-san doesn't know! Right? He doesn't hate Serizawa-san. And I don't think he'd be happy to end things this way... with assassination.
Souji: ... I suppose so.
Souji looked away. There's resignation in his voice. He's made up his mind.
Souji: I am Shinsengumi's sword. Therefore, I'll kill off whoever I'm ordered to kill. That's all.
Ryu: I don't want to die.
Souji: Well, that leaves you no choice but to run away from me, right?
Souji drew his sword.
With shaking hands, Ryu drew his, although he didn't think he stands a chance.
Ryu: I don't want to die here! If I die here, I don't even know for what reason I was born!
Ryu attacked first.
Souji: Whoa~
Souji blocked the attack. When they crossed blades, the force was so strong that Ryu felt numb and almost lost grip of his sword. He gripped firmly and attacked again, only to face the same situation. The difference between them was like between a grown-up and a child.
Souji: What? Lost your fighting spirit already? Then it's my turn.
Ryu tried to block the attack. But after the clash, his sword flew out of his hands.
Souji: Boring. I thought you could do better when your life is at stake.
He walked slowly toward Ryu, and dragged Ryu up by his collar.
Souji: Say, do you consider yourself lucky or unlucky?
Just get it over with. Is it that fun to tease me? Ryu thought.
Souji: I don't think you're that unlucky. You were born in a bad environment. But when Serizawa-san saved you on the way to Kyoto, don't you think that's lucky? Therefore...
Souji drew his sword back, like getting ready to pierce Ryu's throat. Ryu closed his eyes.
Souji: ... If you really want to live, trust your luck.
Puzzled, Ryu opened his eyes again, only to see Souji's big happy grin in front of him.
Ryu: What? Whoa!
The next moment, Ryu was lifted from the ground. He tried to grab something, but there's nothing within his reach.
Souji: Farewell, Ibuki-kun. I don't know if you'll survive. But either way, we won't meet again. So this is goodbye.
That's the last words Ryu heard before he's engulfed by the rapid waters.
BAD END (When friendship isn't high enough.)
Souji didn't give Ryu any chance to attack. His sword precisely pierced his heart, artery, and other fatal spots.
Sword skill which only served to kill -- that's what it's like when Okita Souji is serious.
Ryu knelt on the ground, pressing on his chest, struggling in vain. Souji looked down at him.
Souji: Had I not met Kondou-san, I might be the one being killed like this.
Souji: Hate me all you like. I will continue killing. What awaits me would only be hell.
Then he delivered the final blow.
Personal comments:
1. Souji! Q_Q It's sad that he carried out his words to the end. He deosn't want to, but he had no choice but to keep lying to the one most important to him. He played the role of "Kondou's sweet little brother" until Kondou-san died. Q_Q
Okita Souji (IRL) is traditionally portrayed as a tragic genius. And Hakuoki is no exception... In Hakuoki (the first game) his good end doesn't look so bright either. Not to mention he's got the longest bad end with extra CG.
2. In my first play though, when Souji drew his sword, I was like "wait wait wait! What did I do wrong? Aren't we friends?" I thought I stumbled into bad end, and was so shocked that I forgot I could press △ and check the friendship meter. XD
3. Be proud, Ryunosuke! Not many swordsman can cross swords with Okita Souji and live to tell the tale!
BTW, Souji was specifically ordered to "kill" Ryu, not just keep him out of the way. Compared with what happened earlier, throwing Ryu in the river is the greatest mercy he can show.
Interlude #35 - Another Possibility
After the Rebellion of 8/18, Roshigumi was praised for their distinguished services, and awarded the new name "Shinsengumi". On top of that, Aizu Clan will pay them salary. Their greatest problems were solved.
When coming to Yagi House for supper, Ryu saw Souji at the door, staring at the new doorplate. The doorplate reads, "Quarters of Shinsengumi, Under the Charge of Matsudaira Higonokami".
Ryu: You've been staring at it for a while. It's great, isn't it? The Shinsengumi bulit by Kondou-san and everyone was finally acknowledged.
But Souji didn't reply. He didn't show any sign of joy or being moved, but merely stared at the doorplate fixedly.
Souji: We have a much longer way to go.
He muttered to himself. Suddenly a voice came from behind.
Kondou: Souji, here you are.
Souji: Kondou-san, what is it? Do you need me for something?
Kondou: Well... um... actually...
Kondou scratched his nose, trying to find the right words.
Souji: By the way, congratulations for getting the new name from Aizu Clan.
Kondou: Ah. Yes. From what I've heard, it's a name with a long and honorable history...
Kondou: Umm... Souji, it's been a while since I have a good talk with you... I mean, have a good sword practice with you. Lately we didn't have the chance to. I really want to see how much stronger you've become.
Souji: Practice... with me?
Souji's eyes widened out of surprise, but soon he's all smiles, like an innocent child.
Souji: Of course! How could I say no to Kondou-san?
Kondou: I see. Then, let's go.
Souji: Yes!
They walked toward Mibu Temple, side by side, like brothers with disparity of age or even like father and son.
Interlude #34 - Distance Between Two Hearts
Deep in the night, Ryu heard noise in Mibu Temple. He went and saw it's Souji practicing again, swinging his wooden sword at an imaginary enemy. It's like he's wielding a real sword. After he watched for a while...
Souji: It's a bad habit to peep. You could at least say hi.
Ryu: Sorry. I thought you need to concentrate and didn't want to interrupt you.
Souji: If you want to be thoughtful, kindly don't step into the temple grounds at all.
He's being sarcastic as usual. But there's something different. He seemed to have recovered from his depression. It must be because of Kondou.
Ryu: At dusk you were practicing with Kondou-san, right? How did it go?
Souji: It was enjoyable. More than anything.
Souji: ... He said the same thing you told me before. About aiming to become an excellent swordsman, and having a noble goal. If a person can't do that, he's no different from a beast.
Ryu: ... Because you are really dear to Kondou-san.
Ryu recalled Kondou's expression when he talked about Souji.
Ryu: By the way, I heard a little about your past before.
The lighthearted expression faded from Souji's face, replaced by cautious attitude. Ryu can relate to that, since he's raised in a similar environment.
Ryu: To tell the truth, I envy you for meeting someone like Kondou-san.
Souji: What do you mean?
Ryu ignored the hostility in Souji's voice.
Ryu: Had I met someone who cared about me like that, I may not be here now.
Ryu talked about his childhood. How his father, a samurai in poverty, sold his samurai status and died with only debt lift behind. His mother couldn't forget the past glories, and still considered herself "daughter of samurai family" and "samurai's wife". She can't go out and make a living. Therefore while children of Ryu's age play all day, Ryu had to do any job a child can manage to do.
Souji listened quietly, without any empty words of compassion. Such words serve no purpose other than being irritating. Both Ryu and Souji understood that. Until Ryu finished his story...
Souji: You must've been called "what an unlovable child", "a child trying to act like a grown-up" a lot, right?
Ryu: Yep. That's what I hear all the time. Can't help it. I work among grown-ups all day. And at night I had to stop my mother's crying and committing suicide. No way can I be cute and lovable as other children.
Souji: Exactly.
Since he viewed everyone around him as enemy, and trusted no one, he became more and more self-protective. Because of that, he got even more unfriendly response. It's like a vicious circle. But as a child he couldn't have see through this. Souji looked down quietly and spoke.
Souji: You and I might have grown up in similar environments, but there's a major difference between us.
Ryu: Major difference?
Souji: You grew up a lot more straight than I am.
Souji: I don't know how much you've heard about me but... When I was a child, and weak, those older pupils beat me up all the time, just for relieving their frustration. I can't recall a day I don't have bruises all over. Sometimes I have nothing in my stomach because I threw up all of them.
His voice was surprisingly dry.
Souji: You know what I was thinking when getting beaten? Not hoping to become stronger. It's not as simple as you think. From the depth of my heart, I want to kill them that instant.
Souji: Then one day I realized. It wasn't because I was the youngest, was poor, or had no family protection. It's because when beating up someone nobody likes, nobody will stick up for him.
Souji: The first time I grabbed hold of a wooden sword, I held it like a sword made to kill.
Perhaps it's the first time Souji tells his true feelings. Ryu didn't say a thing. Although he wanted to say "that's not what Kondou-san wants to see", he felt it's better to remain silent since he can relate to Souji. Being left in a place where no one cares, and witnessed the ugly side of human behavior, anyone could think the same way.
Souji: Had I not met Kondou-san, I would live my life cursing everything in this world. Men are selfish creatures that bully the weak for no reason. They're hopeless.
Souji: But there is someone who wouldn't lie. There is someone I can trust. It's Kondou-san who showed me these.
Souji: So I want to repay him. I don't know if it'll make him sad, but it's the only thing I can do. Even if I have to become a sword that can only kill, since it's what Shinsengumi needs now, I will.
He looked up to the starry sky.
Souji: Kondou-san doesn't know this. Goals, ideology... I tried but I don't understand those things. It's too difficult for me. I don't have anything like an aim in life. All I know is, I can cut down anything that stands in Kondou-san's way. My sword is merely a tool for killing. I am no different from a beast.
Souji: Kondou-san believed I have a pure heart. He believed I can become a great swordsman like him. Pure heart? I don't have anything like that. No matter how I try, I can't become like Kondou-san.
When he laughed in self-mockery, a tear slid down his cheek.
Souji: From now on, I have no choice but to keep deceiving Kondou-san, like what I did in the practice with Kondou-san today.
His voice didn't sound like he's crying, but he must be weeping in his heart.
Even though he has no compassion, and doesn't value human life at all, the only thing he can't withstand is being disliked by Kondou-san.
He doesn't want to lie to, yet has no choice but to do so... Ryu finally knows how he felt.
Then he's back to his usual self again. It's like the sentimental moment never existed.
Souji: Both you and I don't have anything. So unlike those who are abundant, I am attached to the only treasure I have in hand. The last thing I want is for him to dislike me. I would rather die than to see him sad.
Souji: I don't know who is more fortunate? Me, who have already met someone so important? Or you, who have yet to meet one?
Souji left the temple, leaving Ryu gazing at the sky thinking over what he just heard, and wondered if he met someone important to him, will he do the same thing as Souji does? Can he keep lying and hiding his true self, so that person would not dislike him?
It's the middle of the 8th month of the year. One afternoon, Ryu was giving Serizawa shoulder massage. Serizawa was quite satisfied at how good Ryu's massage skills became, and started chatting.
Serizawa: Something peculiar happened the other day. I saw a strange man doing laundries in the yard, so I beat him up. He kept saying "I'm Hirama". But no way would Hirama be that old.
Ryu stopped massaging. The man doing laundries in the yard had to be Hirama. Ryu recalled the other night, he heard Serizawa yelling "who are you?" Was he yelling at Hirama too?
How could he not recognize Hirama? Had he drank so much that he went bonkers?
Serizawa: Dog, where is Niimi?
It's been days since Niimi escaped with all the experiment data. Serizawa should already know that. Ryu felt if he tells the truth, Serizawa's not going to believe it. So he changed the subject.
Recently, Serizawa became harder and harder to please because he lost his senses every once in a while.
A couple days later, Niimi had committed seppuku.
That's what they announced. But Ryu believed he must've been killed, most likely by Souji. And the next person in line to be cleared out of the way would be Serizawa.
On 9/15. Ryu didn't feel like eating, and was resting in his room.
Souji: It's unusual for you to skip a meal, since you never hesitated to eat all you can. Are you not feeling well?
It's more like he's here to tease Ryu, rather than concerned about his health. Souji's expression was just like the day he and Ryu first met, since he's no longer bewildered about what he should do.
Souji suddenly invited Ryu to go out and drink at night. Ryu said he can't drink, but he insisted he's coming to pick Ryu up in the evening, and left the room.
At night, it's almost like Ryu was dragged out of the quarters.
Ryu: Where are you going? Shimabara isn't in this direction.
Souji: Shimabara isn't the only place to drink. Just come along.
Their destination turned out to be the riverbank. Because of the rain last night, the river had risen and looked very dangerous.
Ryu: Hey... hey! What is this place?
Souji: Can't you see? A riverbank.
Ryu: I know. But who'd drink at a place like this?
Souji: There's no limitation on where to drink.
Suddenly, Souji looked at Ryu. His smile disappeared.
Souji: As long as it's where Serizawa-san wouldn't notice, any place would do. The stage for him to bow out is prepared somewhere else.
Ryu: You're planning to kill Serizawa-san?
Ryu's heart started beating wild. His voice was shaky. Souji didn't reply. But his expression gave away the answer.
Ryu: So you're killing me, before killing Serizawa-san?
Souji: Can't help it. You'll get in the way. After Serizawa-san is dead, you wouldn't be left behind anyway.
After spending more than half a year together, and starting to grow a sense of comradeship... Did those mean nothing to Okita? Ryu thought he should've known.
Ryu: Does Kondou-san know this?
Even though his legs were trembling in fear, Ryu felt it's absolutely necessary to confirm this.
Souji: ... Who knows?
For a moment Souji's face clouded. But soon it changed back to unreadable.
Souji: Whether he knows or not isn't my concern.
Ryu: Kondou-san doesn't know! Right? He doesn't hate Serizawa-san. And I don't think he'd be happy to end things this way... with assassination.
Souji: ... I suppose so.
Souji looked away. There's resignation in his voice. He's made up his mind.
Souji: I am Shinsengumi's sword. Therefore, I'll kill off whoever I'm ordered to kill. That's all.
Ryu: I don't want to die.
Souji: Well, that leaves you no choice but to run away from me, right?
Souji drew his sword.
With shaking hands, Ryu drew his, although he didn't think he stands a chance.
Ryu: I don't want to die here! If I die here, I don't even know for what reason I was born!
Ryu attacked first.
Souji: Whoa~
Souji blocked the attack. When they crossed blades, the force was so strong that Ryu felt numb and almost lost grip of his sword. He gripped firmly and attacked again, only to face the same situation. The difference between them was like between a grown-up and a child.
Souji: What? Lost your fighting spirit already? Then it's my turn.
Ryu tried to block the attack. But after the clash, his sword flew out of his hands.
Souji: Boring. I thought you could do better when your life is at stake.
He walked slowly toward Ryu, and dragged Ryu up by his collar.
Souji: Say, do you consider yourself lucky or unlucky?
Just get it over with. Is it that fun to tease me? Ryu thought.
Souji: I don't think you're that unlucky. You were born in a bad environment. But when Serizawa-san saved you on the way to Kyoto, don't you think that's lucky? Therefore...
Souji drew his sword back, like getting ready to pierce Ryu's throat. Ryu closed his eyes.
Souji: ... If you really want to live, trust your luck.
Puzzled, Ryu opened his eyes again, only to see Souji's big happy grin in front of him.
Ryu: What? Whoa!
The next moment, Ryu was lifted from the ground. He tried to grab something, but there's nothing within his reach.
Souji: Farewell, Ibuki-kun. I don't know if you'll survive. But either way, we won't meet again. So this is goodbye.
That's the last words Ryu heard before he's engulfed by the rapid waters.
BAD END (When friendship isn't high enough.)
Souji didn't give Ryu any chance to attack. His sword precisely pierced his heart, artery, and other fatal spots.
Sword skill which only served to kill -- that's what it's like when Okita Souji is serious.
Ryu knelt on the ground, pressing on his chest, struggling in vain. Souji looked down at him.
Souji: Had I not met Kondou-san, I might be the one being killed like this.
Souji: Hate me all you like. I will continue killing. What awaits me would only be hell.
Then he delivered the final blow.
Personal comments:
1. Souji! Q_Q It's sad that he carried out his words to the end. He deosn't want to, but he had no choice but to keep lying to the one most important to him. He played the role of "Kondou's sweet little brother" until Kondou-san died. Q_Q
Okita Souji (IRL) is traditionally portrayed as a tragic genius. And Hakuoki is no exception... In Hakuoki (the first game) his good end doesn't look so bright either. Not to mention he's got the longest bad end with extra CG.
2. In my first play though, when Souji drew his sword, I was like "wait wait wait! What did I do wrong? Aren't we friends?" I thought I stumbled into bad end, and was so shocked that I forgot I could press △ and check the friendship meter. XD
3. Be proud, Ryunosuke! Not many swordsman can cross swords with Okita Souji and live to tell the tale!
BTW, Souji was specifically ordered to "kill" Ryu, not just keep him out of the way. Compared with what happened earlier, throwing Ryu in the river is the greatest mercy he can show.
Interlude #35 - Another Possibility