Hakuouki Reimeiroku: A Fine Summer Day - Prologue
A Fine Summer Day, aka Konatsu Biyori, is a side story in Reimeiroku PSP/DS/PS3. Its format is like Zuisouroku, with choices that lead to short stories for every character.
This is told from Ryunosuke's POV.
This occurred on a plain day near the end of the 5th month* of the year.
*6/1 in Bunkyuu Year 3 in Japanese calendar = July 16th in Western calendar.
Ryu: Aah... It's so hot!
Without a breeze, Kyoto in summer is like a huge steaming basket. I can't sleep anymore.
The bell from Mibu Temple announced the time. It's 4 at noon.
*"4 at noon" in summer would be around 9AM, since the sun is up earlier.
Ryu: It's time for breakfast. If I don't wash my face and go to the common room soon...
Meal time in Yagi House was always like war zone. I got dressed and rushed to the common room. All the familiar faces were already there.
Heisuke: Ryunosuke! Good morning! Did you have a good sleep last night?
Ryu: As you can see, I can barely sleep. *yawn* It's cooler at night, but suddenly got so hot once the sun is up.
Shinpachi: The best way to rub the sleep from your eyes is through sword practice! Ryunosuke, why not join us starting from tomorrow? It's quite a blast.
Ryu: I'm not interested in swordsmanship. Not to mention...
Not to mention after seeing that pile of dead bodies of common soldiers! I'm not planning to become a part of it.
Ryu: Just look at them. It's only morning, yet they look like a bunch of rags you wiped the floor 3 times with. An ordinary citizen like me can't keep up with your rough practicing.
Shinpachi: Really? I don't think I'm that strict.
Heisuke: It's true that Shinpachi's teaching style is rough. But isn't there another reason why they're so run-down?
Sano: Yep. I think there's a reason behind.
Shinpachi: Ditto to that.
Ryu: Another reason why they're so run-down? What's that?
Shinpachi: You didn't notice? You're surprisingly imperceptive.
Ryu: What? I don't need to hear that from you.
Shinpachi: Look closely. Other than rice, there are merely 3 slices of pickled vegetables. What does that tell you?
I looked to the meal.
Ryu: That's... Well, under no circumstances could I say this isn't too reduced...
At this moment...
Sannan: Ahem.
Sannan-san cleared his throat. It wasn't loud, but the strong intimidation was all the same.
Heisuke: I... I didn't say anything, Sannan-san!
Shinpachi: Me neither! Whoever's on duty got up early and made this meal. No way am I complaining about it! Ryunosuke was the one talking. Don't be mistaken!
Ryu: Wait... wait! Aren't you the one who induced me to say that?
Souji: Well! Are you evading the responsibility? Even if someone induced you to, you are the one who said there's not enough to eat. Don't be so unmanly.
Ryu: No. Look. I'm not complaining about the breakfast. I'm merely stating an objective fact!
I desperately denied Okita's words, since it would be scary to have Sannan-san misunderstand me.
Sano: To tell the truth, the common soldiers are always on an empty stomach. Many of them are unsteady on their feet during practice. We can't keep ignoring their needs like this. Don't you think so? I know we don't have money, but if they can't even get fed, their dissatisfaction is going to build up.
Hijikata: I get what you mean. But without money, we can't do anything. No money, no food.
Upon Hijikata-san's words, Nagakura, Harada, and Heisuke quieted down in discontent.
"Even though it's tough, try to endure for now." Everyone in Roshigumi heard a dozen times of this. But when asking how long this hardship would last, there's no answer.
Not only me. In everyone, especially common soldiers, the dissatisfaction kept growing.
In this tension, Kondou-san, who had been listening quietly, suddenly raised his head. His words were out of the blue.
Kondou: How about... let's go fishing?
Ryu, Hijikata, Heisuke, Sano, Shinpachi: Haah?
Everyone's jaw dropped.
Hijikata: Kondou-san, what are you talking about? Why should we go fishing all of a sudden?
Kondou: Here's what I think. The reason why everyone is so edgy is food. To be specific, it's the lack of dishes to go with the rice, right? Therefore, I think fishing will help solve the problem, and get rid of the stress.
Hijikata: Firstly, I don't think we can catch that many fishes.
Sano: I agree. And even if enough is served for today, it's not really solving the problem.
Hijikata-san and Harada gave their opinion. They sounded confused, rather than really denying the idea.
Sannan: Well, at least it's more constructive than squabbling. Especially when the ones complaining "everyone is on an empty stomach" weren't even hesitating on refilling.
Sannan-san smiled and looked toward the box of steamed rice.
Heisuke: Ah! No! I wasn't gonna get refills.
Shinpachi: Yeah! I'm just saying the common soldiers should have enough to eat too.
Heisuke and Nagakura, who were aiming for the second bowl of rice, tried to smooth things out.
Hijikata: Well, like Sannan-san said, squabbling isn't helping. Souji and Yamazaki, grab whoever has free time and get prepared to go fishing.
Giving orders as usual, but...
Kondou: Nah. It's a great opportunity. Why don't we go by ourselves?
Hijikata: Heh? What do you mean by ourselves? Kondou-san, are you serious?
Kondou: Of course I am. Sometimes we should show everyone that rather than sitting in the room giving orders, the Commander and Vice Commander would work under the sun as well.
Hijikata: No. Wait. I must finish the documents for Aizu's officials today.
Souji: I think this is a good idea. Especially for Hijikata-san, since you've been driving us around with "Vice Commander's orders!!" all the time, and nobody likes you. Think of it as a chance to improve your image, even if it's just a little bit.
Hijikata: Look, I don't care if I'm loved or hated to begin with.
Sannan: What Okita-kun said makes sense. Lately, Hijikata-kun has been shutting yourself in your room all the time. Wouldn't some fresh air outside be nice? I can write the documents for Aizu in your place.
Hijikata: But...
Kondou: Come on! Both Sannan-kun and Souji said so. It's not a bad thing to get away from work and enjoy fishing for a while.
Hijikata-san finally gave up to Kondou-san's innocent smile, and sighed.
Hijikata: Fine. I'm going. You guys just don't want me to work today, right?
Kondou: No... No! I'm taking this as a part of our duties.
Hijikata: I'll ask Yagi-san to lend us a few fishing rods, since we didn't bring our own.
Hijikata-san left the room. Kondou-san suddenly turned to me.
Kondou: Ibuki-kun, would you like to join us? It'll be cooler at the riverside.
Ryu: Me? Well...
Choices:
1. Sounds good.
2. No thanks.
[Choose "No thanks."]
Ryu: Thanks but I guess not. You guys have fun.
Kondou: What is it? Don't be so modest.
Ryu: There aren't many fishing rods, right? I think it's better to save them for the ones who are good at fishing.
Kondou: If you put it this way... I see. Then, we should be leaving. Take care of the quarters, everyone!
Heisuke: Alright! Bring lots of fish! We're looking forward to it!
Kondou: That's a lot of pressure.
Hijikata: Why? Fishing isn't that hard. There are so many of us. I'm sure we can get enough for a feast.
Then he turned to Saitou.
Hijikata: Saitou, aren't you also going out for patrol today?
Saitou: Yes.
Hijikata: When we're away, look after the others so they don't go on a spree and make light of their duties. Sannan-san can't cover everything by himself.
Saitou: Yes. Understood.
Hijikata: I'm counting on you. You're the only one I can rely on.
Souji: See you later, everyone.
Kondou-san, Hijikata-san, Okita, and Yamazaki left.
Shinpachi: Alright, time to go out for the unwanted patrol.
Sano: Don't call it "unwanted". If Hijikata-san hears that, you're gonna get it.
Shinpachi: Even if you say so... Think about it! Going out in this sultry weather, with an extra coat on?
Sano: That "coat" is our uniform. What can we do about it? Quit complaining and get ready.
Shinpachi: Fine, fine. I gotcha.
Nagakura and Harada left the common room to prepare for patrolling. Heisuke, like he suddenly thought of something, stopped and turned to me.
Heisuke: Say, are you coming with us?
Ryu: Me? Why?
Heisuke: Serizawa-san wants you to buy sake, right? It'll be troublesome if you run into some lawless ronin. Wouldn't it be safer if you come with us?
Ryu: You have a point.
Choices:
1. Thanks for your consideration.
2. I don't feel like going out today.
[Choose "Thanks for your consideration."]
Ryu: Alright then. Let's go together.
Heisuke: Great! Wait a moment. I'll go tell Shinpattsuan and the others.
Heisuke ran out of the common room.
Later, we joined the others at the front door.
Shinpachi: Gah! This sultriness! Whose idea is it to patrol with this kind of uniform on?
Ryu: The one who decided to patrol the streets is Hijikata-san. The one who decided the uniform is... let's see... Wow it's Serizawa-san! Why don't you take your complaints to them?
Sano: Great idea. What should we say? "Shinpachi said no way is he patrolling in this kind of uniform", how's that?
Shinpachi: Wait! I didn't go that far! I'm only trying to say we should have attire more adequate for the weather!
Saitou: Shinpachi, Sano, Ibuki! Cut the rant, or we'll never get the job done.
Ryu: Hey wait! How come I get scolded too? I didn't do anything!
Shinpachi: And where were you looking at? Obviously the reason for this squabble is Sano...
Sano: What's that? Shinpachi, are you shoving the responsibility on me? That's quite unmanly.
Although the three of us protested...
Saitou: I said cut the pointless chat! We're supposed to set a good example to the soldiers.
Shinpachi: *whispers* Say, Saitou seems to be angry for real. He looks so serious.
Sano: *whispers* Well, can't blame him for being strained, since Hijikata-san asked him to take extra care.
Heisuke: *whispers* Anyway, isn't it a better idea to apologize now? If he tells Hijikata-san what just happened, we're gonna face Hijikata-san's wrath again.
Shinpachi: *whispers* You're right.
Shinpachi: Sorry, Saitou. I'm sorry for what I've said.
Sano: Yeah. We got a little carried away. Sorry about that. Ryunosuke, you too.
Ryu: Hey wait! I didn't do anything wrong. Why should I apologize?
Shinpachi: Just do it. If you don't, we're the ones going to suffer.
Ryu: Whatever! Don't grab my hair!
Although I resisted, Nagakura and Harada pressed my head down.
Saitou: Good. Then let's start patrolling.
Saitou nodded in content, and led the soldiers out.
Looking at his back, Heisuke whispered.
Heisuke: Hajime-kun wears a black kimono, a scarf, and a haori on top of it. How come he's not even sweating?
Shinpachi: Really. I feel like I'm getting heat rash just by looking at him. Isn't that violence to the eye?
We walked toward the commercial district while whispering to each other.
Afterwards, we caught up with the other solders and patrolled on the main street.
Townsfolk: Mi... Miburo!
Child: Mama, who are they? Their coats are funny!
Mother: Shhh. Don't look!
Upon seeing the pale blue haori, townsfolk stepped back in fear, and hid into the buildings.
Sano: Alas. We're totally hated.
Heisuke: Thanks to the commotions Serizawa-san caused. They think we're the same as him.
Shimada: Since Serizawa-san is the Head Commander of Roshigumi, that can't be helped. It's sad that the people of Kyoko would misunderstand us.
With a cheerless countenance, Heisuke and Shimada murmured.
Saitou: There's no need to be discouraged. If we keep doing the right thing, one day we'll be understood.
For the people of Kyoto to drop their prejudice? Will that day ever come? I wondered.
Saitou: Since there are so many of us today, it's inefficient to stay in one group. I think we should split up. Any ideas?
Shinpachi: I agree with Saitou. There's no need for all of us to stick together.
Heisuke: Yes. I think it's better that way.
It seems that no one disagreed with Saitou.
Saitou: Then let's each decide an area to be in charge of.
Heisuke: Shinpattsuan and I will patrol the alleys. We might run into a troublemaker or arsonist.
Sano: Then I'll take the soldiers to patrol in Shimabara. Lawless ronins might be hiding there.
Saitou: I'll ask around to see if anything unusual happened lately.
Saitou suddenly turned to me.
Saitou: Ibuki, what do you plan to do?
Ryu: What? I'm not going to help. Why do you ask?
Heisuke: I thought we agreed that you need to stay with one of us. If you run into a lawless ronin when you're alone, you can't fight.
Ryu: Umm...
Although he's right, he's being so straightforward that it's annoying. What should I do?
Choices:
1. To the alleys.
2. Ask around.
3. To Shimabara.
I'm keeping the choices so I can add other routes in the future. :)
This is told from Ryunosuke's POV.
This occurred on a plain day near the end of the 5th month* of the year.
*6/1 in Bunkyuu Year 3 in Japanese calendar = July 16th in Western calendar.
Ryu: Aah... It's so hot!
Without a breeze, Kyoto in summer is like a huge steaming basket. I can't sleep anymore.
The bell from Mibu Temple announced the time. It's 4 at noon.
*"4 at noon" in summer would be around 9AM, since the sun is up earlier.
Ryu: It's time for breakfast. If I don't wash my face and go to the common room soon...
Meal time in Yagi House was always like war zone. I got dressed and rushed to the common room. All the familiar faces were already there.
Heisuke: Ryunosuke! Good morning! Did you have a good sleep last night?
Ryu: As you can see, I can barely sleep. *yawn* It's cooler at night, but suddenly got so hot once the sun is up.
Shinpachi: The best way to rub the sleep from your eyes is through sword practice! Ryunosuke, why not join us starting from tomorrow? It's quite a blast.
Ryu: I'm not interested in swordsmanship. Not to mention...
Not to mention after seeing that pile of dead bodies of common soldiers! I'm not planning to become a part of it.
Ryu: Just look at them. It's only morning, yet they look like a bunch of rags you wiped the floor 3 times with. An ordinary citizen like me can't keep up with your rough practicing.
Shinpachi: Really? I don't think I'm that strict.
Heisuke: It's true that Shinpachi's teaching style is rough. But isn't there another reason why they're so run-down?
Sano: Yep. I think there's a reason behind.
Shinpachi: Ditto to that.
Ryu: Another reason why they're so run-down? What's that?
Shinpachi: You didn't notice? You're surprisingly imperceptive.
Ryu: What? I don't need to hear that from you.
Shinpachi: Look closely. Other than rice, there are merely 3 slices of pickled vegetables. What does that tell you?
I looked to the meal.
Ryu: That's... Well, under no circumstances could I say this isn't too reduced...
At this moment...
Sannan: Ahem.
Sannan-san cleared his throat. It wasn't loud, but the strong intimidation was all the same.
Heisuke: I... I didn't say anything, Sannan-san!
Shinpachi: Me neither! Whoever's on duty got up early and made this meal. No way am I complaining about it! Ryunosuke was the one talking. Don't be mistaken!
Ryu: Wait... wait! Aren't you the one who induced me to say that?
Souji: Well! Are you evading the responsibility? Even if someone induced you to, you are the one who said there's not enough to eat. Don't be so unmanly.
Ryu: No. Look. I'm not complaining about the breakfast. I'm merely stating an objective fact!
I desperately denied Okita's words, since it would be scary to have Sannan-san misunderstand me.
Sano: To tell the truth, the common soldiers are always on an empty stomach. Many of them are unsteady on their feet during practice. We can't keep ignoring their needs like this. Don't you think so? I know we don't have money, but if they can't even get fed, their dissatisfaction is going to build up.
Hijikata: I get what you mean. But without money, we can't do anything. No money, no food.
Upon Hijikata-san's words, Nagakura, Harada, and Heisuke quieted down in discontent.
"Even though it's tough, try to endure for now." Everyone in Roshigumi heard a dozen times of this. But when asking how long this hardship would last, there's no answer.
Not only me. In everyone, especially common soldiers, the dissatisfaction kept growing.
In this tension, Kondou-san, who had been listening quietly, suddenly raised his head. His words were out of the blue.
Kondou: How about... let's go fishing?
Ryu, Hijikata, Heisuke, Sano, Shinpachi: Haah?
Everyone's jaw dropped.
Hijikata: Kondou-san, what are you talking about? Why should we go fishing all of a sudden?
Kondou: Here's what I think. The reason why everyone is so edgy is food. To be specific, it's the lack of dishes to go with the rice, right? Therefore, I think fishing will help solve the problem, and get rid of the stress.
Hijikata: Firstly, I don't think we can catch that many fishes.
Sano: I agree. And even if enough is served for today, it's not really solving the problem.
Hijikata-san and Harada gave their opinion. They sounded confused, rather than really denying the idea.
Sannan: Well, at least it's more constructive than squabbling. Especially when the ones complaining "everyone is on an empty stomach" weren't even hesitating on refilling.
Sannan-san smiled and looked toward the box of steamed rice.
Heisuke: Ah! No! I wasn't gonna get refills.
Shinpachi: Yeah! I'm just saying the common soldiers should have enough to eat too.
Heisuke and Nagakura, who were aiming for the second bowl of rice, tried to smooth things out.
Hijikata: Well, like Sannan-san said, squabbling isn't helping. Souji and Yamazaki, grab whoever has free time and get prepared to go fishing.
Giving orders as usual, but...
Kondou: Nah. It's a great opportunity. Why don't we go by ourselves?
Hijikata: Heh? What do you mean by ourselves? Kondou-san, are you serious?
Kondou: Of course I am. Sometimes we should show everyone that rather than sitting in the room giving orders, the Commander and Vice Commander would work under the sun as well.
Hijikata: No. Wait. I must finish the documents for Aizu's officials today.
Souji: I think this is a good idea. Especially for Hijikata-san, since you've been driving us around with "Vice Commander's orders!!" all the time, and nobody likes you. Think of it as a chance to improve your image, even if it's just a little bit.
Hijikata: Look, I don't care if I'm loved or hated to begin with.
Sannan: What Okita-kun said makes sense. Lately, Hijikata-kun has been shutting yourself in your room all the time. Wouldn't some fresh air outside be nice? I can write the documents for Aizu in your place.
Hijikata: But...
Kondou: Come on! Both Sannan-kun and Souji said so. It's not a bad thing to get away from work and enjoy fishing for a while.
Hijikata-san finally gave up to Kondou-san's innocent smile, and sighed.
Hijikata: Fine. I'm going. You guys just don't want me to work today, right?
Kondou: No... No! I'm taking this as a part of our duties.
Hijikata: I'll ask Yagi-san to lend us a few fishing rods, since we didn't bring our own.
Hijikata-san left the room. Kondou-san suddenly turned to me.
Kondou: Ibuki-kun, would you like to join us? It'll be cooler at the riverside.
Ryu: Me? Well...
Choices:
1. Sounds good.
2. No thanks.
[Choose "No thanks."]
Ryu: Thanks but I guess not. You guys have fun.
Kondou: What is it? Don't be so modest.
Ryu: There aren't many fishing rods, right? I think it's better to save them for the ones who are good at fishing.
Kondou: If you put it this way... I see. Then, we should be leaving. Take care of the quarters, everyone!
Heisuke: Alright! Bring lots of fish! We're looking forward to it!
Kondou: That's a lot of pressure.
Hijikata: Why? Fishing isn't that hard. There are so many of us. I'm sure we can get enough for a feast.
Then he turned to Saitou.
Hijikata: Saitou, aren't you also going out for patrol today?
Saitou: Yes.
Hijikata: When we're away, look after the others so they don't go on a spree and make light of their duties. Sannan-san can't cover everything by himself.
Saitou: Yes. Understood.
Hijikata: I'm counting on you. You're the only one I can rely on.
Souji: See you later, everyone.
Kondou-san, Hijikata-san, Okita, and Yamazaki left.
Shinpachi: Alright, time to go out for the unwanted patrol.
Sano: Don't call it "unwanted". If Hijikata-san hears that, you're gonna get it.
Shinpachi: Even if you say so... Think about it! Going out in this sultry weather, with an extra coat on?
Sano: That "coat" is our uniform. What can we do about it? Quit complaining and get ready.
Shinpachi: Fine, fine. I gotcha.
Nagakura and Harada left the common room to prepare for patrolling. Heisuke, like he suddenly thought of something, stopped and turned to me.
Heisuke: Say, are you coming with us?
Ryu: Me? Why?
Heisuke: Serizawa-san wants you to buy sake, right? It'll be troublesome if you run into some lawless ronin. Wouldn't it be safer if you come with us?
Ryu: You have a point.
Choices:
1. Thanks for your consideration.
2. I don't feel like going out today.
[Choose "Thanks for your consideration."]
Ryu: Alright then. Let's go together.
Heisuke: Great! Wait a moment. I'll go tell Shinpattsuan and the others.
Heisuke ran out of the common room.
Later, we joined the others at the front door.
Shinpachi: Gah! This sultriness! Whose idea is it to patrol with this kind of uniform on?
Ryu: The one who decided to patrol the streets is Hijikata-san. The one who decided the uniform is... let's see... Wow it's Serizawa-san! Why don't you take your complaints to them?
Sano: Great idea. What should we say? "Shinpachi said no way is he patrolling in this kind of uniform", how's that?
Shinpachi: Wait! I didn't go that far! I'm only trying to say we should have attire more adequate for the weather!
Saitou: Shinpachi, Sano, Ibuki! Cut the rant, or we'll never get the job done.
Ryu: Hey wait! How come I get scolded too? I didn't do anything!
Shinpachi: And where were you looking at? Obviously the reason for this squabble is Sano...
Sano: What's that? Shinpachi, are you shoving the responsibility on me? That's quite unmanly.
Although the three of us protested...
Saitou: I said cut the pointless chat! We're supposed to set a good example to the soldiers.
Shinpachi: *whispers* Say, Saitou seems to be angry for real. He looks so serious.
Sano: *whispers* Well, can't blame him for being strained, since Hijikata-san asked him to take extra care.
Heisuke: *whispers* Anyway, isn't it a better idea to apologize now? If he tells Hijikata-san what just happened, we're gonna face Hijikata-san's wrath again.
Shinpachi: *whispers* You're right.
Shinpachi: Sorry, Saitou. I'm sorry for what I've said.
Sano: Yeah. We got a little carried away. Sorry about that. Ryunosuke, you too.
Ryu: Hey wait! I didn't do anything wrong. Why should I apologize?
Shinpachi: Just do it. If you don't, we're the ones going to suffer.
Ryu: Whatever! Don't grab my hair!
Although I resisted, Nagakura and Harada pressed my head down.
Saitou: Good. Then let's start patrolling.
Saitou nodded in content, and led the soldiers out.
Looking at his back, Heisuke whispered.
Heisuke: Hajime-kun wears a black kimono, a scarf, and a haori on top of it. How come he's not even sweating?
Shinpachi: Really. I feel like I'm getting heat rash just by looking at him. Isn't that violence to the eye?
We walked toward the commercial district while whispering to each other.
Afterwards, we caught up with the other solders and patrolled on the main street.
Townsfolk: Mi... Miburo!
Child: Mama, who are they? Their coats are funny!
Mother: Shhh. Don't look!
Upon seeing the pale blue haori, townsfolk stepped back in fear, and hid into the buildings.
Sano: Alas. We're totally hated.
Heisuke: Thanks to the commotions Serizawa-san caused. They think we're the same as him.
Shimada: Since Serizawa-san is the Head Commander of Roshigumi, that can't be helped. It's sad that the people of Kyoko would misunderstand us.
With a cheerless countenance, Heisuke and Shimada murmured.
Saitou: There's no need to be discouraged. If we keep doing the right thing, one day we'll be understood.
For the people of Kyoto to drop their prejudice? Will that day ever come? I wondered.
Saitou: Since there are so many of us today, it's inefficient to stay in one group. I think we should split up. Any ideas?
Shinpachi: I agree with Saitou. There's no need for all of us to stick together.
Heisuke: Yes. I think it's better that way.
It seems that no one disagreed with Saitou.
Saitou: Then let's each decide an area to be in charge of.
Heisuke: Shinpattsuan and I will patrol the alleys. We might run into a troublemaker or arsonist.
Sano: Then I'll take the soldiers to patrol in Shimabara. Lawless ronins might be hiding there.
Saitou: I'll ask around to see if anything unusual happened lately.
Saitou suddenly turned to me.
Saitou: Ibuki, what do you plan to do?
Ryu: What? I'm not going to help. Why do you ask?
Heisuke: I thought we agreed that you need to stay with one of us. If you run into a lawless ronin when you're alone, you can't fight.
Ryu: Umm...
Although he's right, he's being so straightforward that it's annoying. What should I do?
Choices:
1. To the alleys.
2. Ask around.
3. To Shimabara.
I'm keeping the choices so I can add other routes in the future. :)