Yoitsuki no Shizuku ~Bakumatsu Koi Tsudzuri~ Vol 1 Takasugi Shinsaku

Title	宵月ノ雫～幕末恋綴り～壱ノ章高杉晋作
Romaji	Yoitsuki no Shizuku Bakumatsu Koi Tsudzuri 1 nosho Takasugi Shinsaku
Eng.	Drops of Moonlight Bakumatsu Love Story Vol 1 Takasugi Shinsaku
CV	立花慎之介 Tachibana Shinnosuke

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Tracks

Return

[00:00]
Summer of Bunkyu 2 (1862) [1].

After three months in Shanghai, Qing [2], I’ve finally made it back to my hometown, Choshu. Sure, Hagi’s a real backwater compared to Edo and Kyoto, but I don’t mind that salty ocean breeze in the air.

Ahhh… It feels like forever since I’ve sat on this veranda gazing at the garden.

Hey, it’s been a while. Hope I’m not interrupting anything.

What, you had no idea I was coming? I sent your father a letter saying I’d be here today or tomorrow. Looks like he forgot to tell the one person who actually needed to know.

Ah, about your old man—he took off right after we exchanged greetings. Guess he was trying to give us some space.

[01:12]
Well, he said to make myself comfortable, so I’m taking him at his word.

Don’t be too hard on him, it probably just slipped his mind. Anyway, take a seat. My neck’s starting to hurt from looking up at you.

My, my, why are you so shy? It’s been a year since I was sent to Edo. Your fiancé finally comes back after one whole year, don’t you think I deserve a better welcome? Well, for example, maybe jumping into my arms and giving me a passionate kiss or something?

Haha, your face is bright red. Idiot, I’m just joking. Hmph, I wondered if you’d gained some charm while I was away, but I guess you’re still the same as ever.

[02:19]
Actually, hold on. Looking at you now, that’s not quite right. Yeah, you really have changed. That little tomboy who used to swing around a bamboo sword in her father’s dojo has grown into quite the wild horse.

Hahaha, I get it, I get it—don’t be mad.

It’s been over ten years since I trained at your father’s dojo. I had never expected that one day I’d call that intimidating teacher “Father.” I almost fainted when I first heard I was gonna marry his daughter.

[03:17]
Aw, quit sulking. If it bothers you that much, maybe try being a little more ladylike. Though honestly, engaged or not, you’re still the same old friend I grew up with.

Hmm, about Qing… Well, when I first got there, I was blown away by how huge and bustling everything was. But truth was—The only people walking around like they owned the place were those blue-eyed foreigners. Meanwhile, all the Qing people were just huddled in the corners. Do you know why?

Look at this.

[04:13]
Ah, it’s your first time seeing a real pistol, right? Don’t worry, it’s not loaded.

I’ve a friend in Tosa named Sakamoto. He’s kind of famous and apparently has a price on his head. I picked this up as a souvenir for him. A single bullet from this thing is deadlier than a sword.

See? The people who make weapons like this have Qing under their thumb right now. That’s what happens when you rely on foreign powers to end your civil war [3]. Now those same foreigners are devouring them whole.

[05:09]
If we keep acting like this is someone else’s problem, sooner or later this country may meet the same fate. I wonder if anyone in the shogunate, or even the higher-ups here in Choshu, actually realizes what’s coming.

Anyway, once I get back to Edo, I’m going to really get things moving.

Yeah, I’ll be heading back in just two or three days.

Why the long face? Miss me already?

Come on, that’s not cute at all. At times like this, you could at least pretend to miss me.

[06:07]
Well, I guess it’s better than you holding onto me and crying “Please don’t go!”

Alright, I should get going.

Oh, right, I almost forgot this. Here, a souvenir from Shanghai. It’s yours.

Use this to tap into your feminine charm while I’m gone. Surprise me when I get back.

See you.

[1] Dates in this CD follow the Japanese lunar calendar. For example, the Ikedaya incident happened in July (1864), and it’s written as June (of Genji 1) in this CD.
[2] 清國: Qing dynasty of imperial China (1636/1644 – 1912).
[3] Taiping Civil War (1850 – 1864).

Recluse

[00:00]
Spring of Bunkyu 3 (1863).

When I left for Edo last summer, I never expected to return to Hagi like this.

Huh, who’s there?

Oh, it’s you. Come on in.

Did your father ask you to come look after me? If so, forget it. You don’t want to take care of a retired old man for ten years.

What, you came here without knowing anything?

[00:55]
I got this letter back in February. They summoned me to serve at the Gakushuin in Kyoto. But when I got there, all I found were some wannabe patriots running their mouths about loyalty without any real conviction. Just cowards hanging around with noble kids. I told them flat out that I wouldn’t waste my time with such a position. Heh, ridiculous!

Even Lord Mori would be better off strengthening our own domain back in Choshu instead of babysitting a bunch of carefree nobles.

But of course, those conservative old men wouldn’t listen. Those high-ups said what I was proposing was too soon. “When the time comes, maybe in ten years, we’ll ask for your help. Until then, keep quiet,” they said.

[01:56]
I just hope the Choshu Clan doesn’t disappear in ten years. Heh, I almost threw in a sarcastic line like that, but it just felt pointless.

So I decided to give them exactly what they wanted—took a clean 10 years’ leave and got out of Kyoto.

If I’m going to retire, I might as well do it somewhere quiet. That’s why I rented a house in this remote place.

Got it now? You’d be better off going home.

Just leave.

Ah, you’re such a stubborn woman.

Alright, suit yourself. You’ll be fed up with it in 10 days.

(Ten days later)

[03:02]
Today is day 10. Cleaning, laundry, preparing three meals a day… You’ve been doing everything without a single complaint while I just sit here and drink.

Did your father give you a strict order?

No? Then what is it?

Nah, forget it, even if you told me, I probably wouldn’t understand.

I’m not going anywhere, I’m just taking a bath.

Huh? Hand towel? You can put it there.

Ah, wait. On second thought, put it here.

[04:14]
Thank you. Oh? Why are you blushing?

Wait—I’m not imagining things, right?

Oh, I see. Why are you getting shy? After all, this is the body of the man who will be your husband one day. Take a good look at it. Touch it if you want.

It’s no use. Your delicate arms can’t match a man’s strength. See? I can easily pin you down with one hand.

Even though we’re engaged, I still can’t believe your father would send his unmarried daughter to live alone with a man. What about you—did you prepare yourself for this possibility somewhere in your heart?

Remember this—staying silent is just as good as saying yes. Well then, let me just hug you like this.

Look how you react to just a little touch on your ear. Very good. You seem to know exactly how to please me. And also…

[06:17]
I knew it—that scent. It’s the perfume I gave you last year, right? Yeah, it blends perfectly with your skin. It’s pretty alluring.

Don’t struggle. If you don’t behave, I won’t be gentle. I can be rough if that’s what you prefer. See, your kimono is coming loose from all that struggling.

Idiot, there’s no point covering yourself up now. Let me see all your sexy parts.

Ow, you slapped me good. You really are a wild horse.

(At night)

There you are. Even in early spring, you’ll get sick staying in the garden all night. Come in.

Sit next to me.

[08:07]
When I first arrived in Edo, I was so eager to do something, anything. But in the end, I couldn’t accomplish a single meaningful thing. Pathetic, right? That’s the extent of my power for now.

It has been four years since we lost Shoin-sensei. Both Katsura-san and Kusaka are one or two steps ahead of me. And what do I do? I just stand still and watch them getting further and further away.

The thought that I might never catch up… it’s been eating at me, making me angry at myself.

I took it out on you. I’m sorry.

You’re not angry?

[09:09]
Don’t worry. I’m not going to do anything now. I am really sorry about earlier.

Believe it or not, I do care about you, in my own way. I wouldn’t force myself on you. I know you stayed because you were worried about me, and… well, thank you for that.

You seem so much smaller than I remember. Holding you like this, my arms almost feel too big. Or maybe I just got bigger.

[10:05]
Yeah, we’re not kids anymore. Things aren’t like when we could just play around and laugh—neither our bodies nor these times.

Huh? Oh, yeah, I told you about my “retirement” plan earlier, but it’s not like I’m really going to rot here for ten years. In the last few days, I’ve cooled my head a bit. I won’t rush blindly like I used to. I’ll wait for the right moment.

Soon enough, everything will start moving—not just Choshu, but the whole country.

Kiheitai

(Kiheitai: Irregular Militia)

[00:03]
I’m back.

As soon as I left Hagi, it started to rain. It feels like the rainy season has finally arrived.

I’m completely soaked through. It feels awful.

Huh? Wipe it off? Nah, don’t worry about it. It’ll dry on its own. If you come any closer, you’ll get wet too.

Oh, really? Well then, I’ll leave it up to you.

Taking off my top should be enough, right? Hah, or would you rather I take everything off?

Hahaha, don’t give me that look. Alright, alright, I’ll just sit still like a good boy.

Oh, you’re wondering about the summons? Don’t worry about it. They didn’t tell me to commit seppuku or anything like that.

Ah… where should I start? Hmm… Over the past two months, there’s been some activity in Kyoto. Basically, thanks to the efforts of Katsura-san and Kusaka, we’ve managed to get the Imperial Court on our side. The shogunate then promised Emperor Komei that they’d expel the foreigners by May 10th. Got it so far?

So on May 10th [1], right on schedule, Kusaka and his men opened fire on foreign ships as they passed through the Bakan Strait [2] at Shimonoseki.

[02:08]
Well, you probably wonder if it’s really okay to do something like that. Once the Imperial Court was stirred up, Choshu had to take the lead in expelling the foreigners, no matter what. So Kusaka demonstrated our commitment through action. There was nothing wrong with that.

However, the foreign powers struck back earlier this month [3]. Guess how it turned out?

Exactly. A crushing defeat. Our batteries were destroyed, and all our warships sank. The clan’s official troops rushed out in panic, but they were no match. We lost, but from what I heard, Kusaka’s volunteer soldiers fought far more bravely in the battle.

At his wits’ end, Lord Mori called for me himself—not in ten years, but just two months after I left. Told me to “do something about this mess.”

Right, it won’t be easy, but if I don’t do anything, I won’t be able to face Kusaka. So, my retirement’s over. I’m going to Shimonoseki.

A sword that stays in its sheath too long gets rusty and won’t cut when you really need it. Choshu’s official troops are exactly like that right now. You know who’s the angriest about it?

It’s the farmers and townspeople who’ve been supporting the samurai class for times like this. Fired up by Kusaka’s volunteer soldiers, they’re ready to defend Choshu with their own hands. So, I decided to gather these fearless men and fight together. This is the Kiheitai.

[1] May of Bunkyu 3 = June 1863.
[2] Bakan Straits (馬関海峡): Also known as Kanmon Straits (関門海峡).
[3] Battle of the Shimonoseki Straits (July 1863).

Choshu Uproar

[00:01]
About two and a half months after forming the Kiheitai, I returned to Hagi from Shimonoseki.

This place is chaotic too. Looks like word is already getting around.

Huh? That figure…

Hey. I just got here. You’re going home, right? Hop on.

I’m headed that way anyway. No trouble at all. Here, give me your hand. I’ll pull you up.

Yo, there. Whoa, easy, easy.

Hey, is it your first time riding a horse? I’m sitting behind you and supporting you like this, so you won’t fall off. Just take it easy. Alright, let’s go.

See, it isn’t that scary, right? Funny how a wild horse like you is afraid of an actual horse. Or… are you getting nervous because I’m hugging you like this?

If you keep wiggling, you’ll really fall. Good girl. Just stay calm like that.

[01:37]
Hmm… You mean this fuss? It’s not only here, the whole Choshu is in an uproar. There’s been trouble in Kyoto. Remember I told you a while ago that Katsura-san and Kusaka managed to get the Imperial Court on our side? Aizu and Satsuma, who didn’t like that, conspired and barred anyone they deemed a nuisance from entering the Imperial Palace, and ended up flipping the political situation upside down.

As a result, the nobles who sided with Choshu and other related people were left out in the cold. That was what happened on August 18th.

What happened to the people who got kicked out? Well, they retreated to Choshu for now, but obviously they won’t sit still. This chaos is going to last for a while.

(Offscreen)

[02:40]
As expected, the clan was torn between the radicals who wanted to settle things by force and the conservatives. The tension lasted into the new year. In June of Genji 1 (July 1864), many pro-expulsion samurai were killed by the Shinsengumi at the Ikedaya in Kyoto. This Ikedaya Incident enraged the radicals. In early July, they rose up and stormed the Imperial Palace but were crushed by the Aizu and Satsuma forces. This is known as the Kinmon Incident.

(Birds chirping)

[03:37]
I know you’re there. You can stop hiding now, just come out already.

How did I notice you? The only people who sneak through the back of the Takasugi house are family and you. You probably came here to find out why I’m under house arrest, right?

Thought so. You’re really a handful.

Anyway, take a seat next to me.

Look at you, you’re wearing such light clothes… You snuck out of your house without your father knowing, right?

See, you’re freezing, idiot.

Here, wear my haori.

Just stop it and listen to me. I’ve got a long story to tell. And I don’t want to feel responsible if you catch a cold.

[05:08]
After the Kinmon Incident, the Choshu Clan has been pushed to the brink. In August, the foreign powers, who hadn’t made any move since the attack last year, suddenly formed a joint fleet and attacked Shimonoseki.

Just when I thought I’d managed to talk my way into a ceasefire, now over 100k shogunate troops are marching toward us.

Why? Because we attacked the Imperial Court during the Kinmon Incident. Therefore, those who had no backbone submitted to the shogunate, going so far as to seek a complete overhaul of Choshu’s political regime. We sarcastically call them the Zokuron-to. They’re purging anyone they find inconvenient.

Yeah, exactly. I also got swept up in the purge. House arrest is just a nice way of saying confinement. They’ve made sure I’m cut off from any outside information.

[06:26]
The old me would’ve already stormed out yelling, “To hell with house arrest!” or something. However, with so many enemies right now, “dying in vain” would be a good punchline for this kind of action.

If my death would serve a purpose, I’d sacrifice myself without hesitation. However, if staying alive could achieve something, I’ll do whatever it takes to survive.

This is what Shoin-sensei told me a long time ago. I have been thinking about it these days.

Kusaka died in the Kinmon Incident. I think he already realized that it was impossible to stop the radicals from going off the rails, but he chose to fight with them anyway. At that time, he already had the resolve to die. Looking at the results alone, everyone would say that it was a meaningless death. I don’t think so. He must have found some meaning in his death.

[07:41]
Perhaps, picking up that torch from those hands is precisely my duty as the one who survives. Even though we’re heading in different directions, we share the same goal. If I died in vain, then Kusaka’s death would become meaningless. That’s why I need to endure the humiliation and stay alive. When the time comes, I’ll make my move.

[08:20]
Feeling better?

I can see how much you’ve been worrying. Alright, this is the whole story. It’s time to go home.

It’s alright. Just keep the haori. You can return it whenever. Come here.

Listen to me, don’t come here anymore. You’ll also get in trouble if they catch you sneaking in.

Well then, bye.

Oh, no, wait a minute.

Be careful on the way back. Sorry I can’t walk you home.

Good night.

Flee

[00:05]
What is it?

It’s you… idiot! Why are you here again? Didn’t I just tell you not to come here?

Huh? Run away? What do you mean? What… Inoue [1] was attacked by assassins?

Tch, those Zokuron-to punks. They finally lost patience and turned to violence. Inoue defied them to the end. Now, I’m the only one standing in their way. Which means they’ll be coming for me next… I see.

Let’s get out of here quickly. You’re coming with me. No arguments, take my hand. Let’s go!

[01:10]
We need to sneak out before dawn. It’ll be a little tough, but hang in there.

Tch, they’re after us already?

Over here!

Ugh… Tch, we’re surrounded. Though, that’s quite a crowd just for me.

Looks like you’re all itching to fight. Fine, I’ll take you all on.

Stay back a bit.

[01:58]
Well then, whoever wants to die first, come at me!

Next one!

Who is the next one?! Hey you…

You bastard! Don’t you dare lay your filthy hands on her!

Shut up. You’ll regret laying a hand on her when I send you to hell!

[03:01]
Are you alright?

No time to waste. Their reinforcements are coming. Let’s go!

(Running)

I think we’re clear… Argh…

Careful! Your legs turn jelly or something? Dropping all of a sudden…

You are shaking… Of course you’re scared… It’s my fault, I put you in danger…

(Kisses)

[04:20]
Sorry, I got a bit… carried away.

It’s all right now… it’s all right..

I’m sorry I got you into this, but… I’m just relieved that you’re fine.

What now? I’ve got some connections in Kyushu. We’ll lay low there for a while and figure things out.

[1] Probably referring to 井上馨 (Inoue Kaoru)?

A Vow in Snowflakes

[00:08]
Whoa, it’s coming down.

See, the first snow.

We’ve been hiding here for a month. From what I’ve heard, the situation in Choshu is only getting worse.

I received this letter two days ago. It seems those Zokuron-to are well on their way to submitting to the shogunate. If things continue like this, they will reshape the Choshu Clan into whatever they like, and we will never be able to rise again. I thought we could wait to get fully prepared and then fight back, but…

[00:55]
It’s time. I’m going back to Choshu [1].

Reckless…? Yeah, maybe. Shoin-sensei, who once led the way, has passed away, and the same goes for Kusaka. Katsura-san has been missing since the Kinmon Incident. Before I knew it, I was all alone, on top of that, with a lot of enemies standing in my way.

But for some reason, I don’t feel like I’m going to die. That’s why I’m going.

What’s with that look? Are you… crying?

I literally just said I’m not going to die, right?

You’ve always put up a tough front, acting like a tomboy, never showing your true feelings. You never cried in front of me.

[02:14]
I used to think this engagement arranged by our parents was just a formality. But, as I said, I do care about you in my own way. I don’t see you as just a fiancee in name or merely a childhood friend. What should I call this half-baked feeling? Honestly, I had no idea. Then, it finally hit me when we escaped from Hagi, when you were taken hostage, when I thought I might lose you… that’s when I understood. (Kisses)

[03:13]
I’m in love with you. I love you. The fact that you’ve stuck with me this far, I think you feel the same way.

Well, I did say silence is the same as affirmation, but this time, I want to hear you say it, say you love me.

Heh, I can’t hear it when you whisper it like that. No good. Say it again.

Hehe, well done. Come here, this is your reward. (Kisses)

Open your mouth. I want more of you. (Kisses)

Yeah, that’s right…

[04:30]
Uh-oh, have your legs given out already? At this rate, you’re not going to make it.

What? You really don’t get it? Or are you playing dumb?

I won’t let you go tonight, not until morning. I’ll make you mine.

Are you afraid? Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle. Just surrender to me, and let yourself feel everything.

Relax. You can’t enjoy it if you’re so tense.

See? You felt that, didn’t you? You can’t fool me. I know how sensitive your ears are. Let’s try this side too.

Idiot, there’s nothing dirty about it. Every inch of you is pure and clean.

[06:14]
Huh, are you blushing now? Actually, it’s the first time I’ve said something like this to you. Hehe, I’ve always called you a tomboy or a wild horse, when did you become so tamed?

I love you.

Hey, why are you gripping my hand like that?

Mentally preparing yourself? Haha, we don’t need that. It’s too late for that, just let me take off your clothes.

There is nothing for you to hide, just give up.

[07:16]
Embarrassed? Don’t worry, I’m the only one who can see this.

Close your eyes so tight… Well, that’s okay, but in exchange…

When you can’t see, everything feels more intense.

Why do I seem so pleased? Of course I’m happy. I get to carve myself into your innocent body. How could that not be fun?

Heh, there’s that voice. Let it out more.

[08:22]
I’m mean? You have no idea. Just looking at you now, I have to fight desperately not to lose control. Yet you call me mean?

You don’t have to apologize, I’m not mad—how could I possibly be, in front of such a sweet face? Come on, look at me. Good girl.

Don’t look away. Keep your eyes on me. I’ll hold you close like this forever.

(Morning)

[09:40]
Oh, you’re awake? You slept well.

Just rest a bit more. If you push yourself, you’ll feel it later.

It’s unusual to see you so docile. Here, come a bit closer, I’ll keep you warm.

You are being so sweet this morning…

[10:16]
As soon as the sun comes up, I’ll leave.

No, you stay here.

Heh, you’re suddenly back to your stubborn self. You’re that worried about me? Fine, if I die, bring some geishas to my grave and let them play some extravagant shamisen to mourn me.

(Slap)

Ouch, that hurts. Idiot, I was only joking! Don’t be mad. Hey, don’t sulk.

Sorry, I’m not going to die yet. I’ll finish everything and come back for you. So trust me and wait for me. Can you do that?

Yes, this is a promise. Don’t worry. I’ll show those Zokuron-to cowards the guts of Choshu men. [2]

[1] Choshu Civil War (Jan 1865 – March 1865).
[2] “長州男児の肝っ玉をお見せする” is one of Takasugi Shinsaku’s famous quotes. It’s said to have been spoken when he raised the army at Kozan-ji.

Evanescence

[00:07]
Plum blossom and warbler, huh? That’s more charming than a snowy garden.

Yo, I’m back.

Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost? Do you need some alcohol to loosen up?

Here, come closer. Feel for yourself.

Whoa. You see? I came back in one piece, just like I promised.

That’s right… I’m home. (Kisses)

This is your scent… and your lips are as soft as ever.

This is no time for tears. (Kisses)

[01:33]
Choshu? The Zokuron-to are completely wiped out, and now the entire clan is united in overthrowing the shogunate [1].

To be honest, I didn’t expect things to go so smoothly. When I gathered our forces at Kozan-ji in Shimonoseki, there were barely 80 soldiers in the middle of a heavy snowstorm. But once we got going, more and more people joined us. In the end, our forces grew to almost 2,000. There’s nothing to worry about now.

Well, that’s not quite true. There’s still one important thing left to do, so I’ll have to go back to Choshu soon–

Our wedding ceremony. We haven’t really celebrated it yet, right? I’ve made you wait too long.

Why do you look so shocked? Keep staring like that and your eyes will pop out.

Or do you not like the idea?

Then, let’s go back together, to our hometown.

(Back to Choshu)

[03:12]
The rainy season came early this year, so the frogs are out sooner, too. Remember that time?

Yeah, back when we were kids. I stuffed a toad in the lantern in the dojo to scare you. Father caught me and scolded me really hard.

Those were silly times, full of our pranks. Well, maybe I’m feeling nostalgic because things have finally settled down in Choshu. Having a proper wedding with you… it almost seems too good to be true. These days have been so peaceful.

Waking up in my own home, taking it slow through the day, and holding you in my arms at night, maybe the most ordinary life is actually the happiest.

What? That doesn’t sound like me? Well, sorry, but still, I… (Coughs)

[04:37]
It’s nothing. Just choked a little, that’s all. The room always gets dusty in the summer.

Hey, stop giving me that worried look. I said I’m fine.

Well then, I’ll just have to prove it to you.

Too sudden? Not at all. We’re already married, you know. I can do this whenever I want and no one will complain.

Tch, you never know when to stop.

Heh, still so shy after all this time? Even after all those nights crying in my arms?

No way. Now that I’m in the mood, I’m not going to stop.

Heh, you’ll probably never get used to it, no matter how many times. Well, that is what makes you so adorable.

(At night)

[06:22]
Hmm… Looks like you got tired and dozed off. What a blissful sleeping face. (Coughs)

Damn… it’s getting to me more than I thought.

At least I didn’t wake you up.

[07:34]
After leaving you alone for so long… now that I can finally be with you again, this has to happen.

Please… don’t notice yet. Just a little longer. Let me have these peaceful moments with you.

I don’t know how much time I have left, but at least for now, I don’t want to cloud your smile. (Kiss)

Heh, what a terrible man I am.

[1] The victory of the Choshu Civil War was declared in March 1865.

Dawn

[00:05]
Hey, I’m back.

… I need to tell you something. Have a seat, veranda is fine.

Today, Lord Mori appointed me as the Admiral of the Navy, do you know what that means?

Yes. War is coming again. The shogunate’s forces are advancing on Choshu from every direction—by land and sea [1]. This battle is different from the others. If we win, we can push the shogunate to its breaking point in one go. And I… (Coughs)

They’ve ordered me to take command of the fleet. (Coughs)

[01:44]
Heh, in this condition… I suppose I can’t hide it from you anymore. Ah, no…

The truth is, you’ve already known it for a while, but you were just pretending not to notice, right? Heh, I knew you.

It’s tuberculosis, affecting my lungs. Once it takes hold, there’s no cure. I don’t have much time left.

I should have at least told you that all I wanted was to spend whatever time I had left with you.

[03:00]
It’s not that I don’t feel this way. In fact, that’s probably my truest wish. But… the new era that Shoin-sensei, Kusaka, and all our fallen comrades dreamed of, is now finally within reach. That’s why… That’s why I need to see this through to the end with my own hands.

Please let me go.

Huh? This isn’t like me?

[04:05]
Haha, you’re right. I’ve always been selfish, dragging you along on my whims.

Is it okay? Even this time… follow my selfish wish…

Sorry. No, I should say… Thank you.

I’m going—to Takasugi Shinsaku’s grand finale. But I promise you this—

I will come back to you. I won’t die alone. So, wait for me, just a little longer.

I promise you. Whatever happens, I’ll find my way back to you.

(Offscreen)

[05:56]
In the summer of 1866, war broke out with the shogunate forces. It turned into a fierce all-out confrontation from the start. However, the Kiheitai and other main forces, meticulously trained for this day, overwhelmed the shogunate army. The Choshu forces claimed victory after victory.

Then, after Shogun Tokugawa Iemochi died, a ceasefire was declared. Choshu had effectively won. However, while I was in command of the whole army in this battle, which we would call a war today, my illness worsened rapidly.

By October, my condition forced me to leave the front lines. I heard the news of Choshu’s victory from my sickbed at Sakurayama. Time passed, and soon it was Keio 3 (1867).

(Scene switches)

[07:10]
Cherry blossoms bloom in the garden, and the sun feels warm. That war feels like a distant memory now.

The fall of the shogunate is inevitable now. It’ll crumble on its own, even if we just leave it there. (Coughs)

My part’s all done.

Heh… I remember some idiot once looking out over the Sea of Japan saying dawn is coming soon for this country. I laughed and told him we couldn’t see the sunrise from there.

[08:15]
But now, the real dawn is truly close.

Too bad… it seems I won’t be there to see the light of dawn.

Don’t cry. Men are weak against tears from a good woman. If I thought other men might take you away, I couldn’t rest in peace. So don’t cry, give me a smile, okay?

Hehe, what a beautiful smile. That’s the woman I love.

Seeing your face like this at the end, I have no regrets left.

[09:43]
“Make the uninteresting things interesting” [2]…

I’m not done. The next line… I can’t think of it. Ah?

“The heart is what shapes it” [3]…

[10:22]
It all comes down to the heart… That’s right. In my case, it was you who taught me this.

Ever since I got sick, I’ve felt useless, like I was just waiting to slip away into nothing. But you were always by my side. That alone filled my heart more than anything else. Thank you. (Coughs)

No, I’m alright. Just… just… hold me like this.

So I can remember the warmth of your cuddle when we’re apart.

Come closer. Let me feel your lips.

[12:32]
I love you.

Even after I fall asleep, don’t cry anymore.

You need to… grasp tomorrow with your own hands… and walk boldly into that future…

[13:10]
In my place… with your own eyes… witness… the new era…

It’s alright… I’ll always… always…

Be watching over you…

[1] The shogunate (100k+ troops) launched the Second Choshu Expedition in June 1866 against Choshu (3k+ troops). Choshu’s victory is a decisive event that led to the beginning of the Meiji Restoration (1868).
[2] “おもしろきこともなきよう面白く” The death poem of Takasugi Shinsaku.
[3] “すみなすものは心なりけり” In fact Takasugi never said the second line. It was added by Nomura Mochitoni, a female poet who was taking care of Shinsaku Takasugi.
[4] Takasugi passed away in May 1867 at the age of 27.

(Stellaworth Tokuten) Erotic Songs

[00:05]
Hey, come in.

Oh, sake? Nice.

Thanks.

Ah, this is good. Hm?

Oh, the shamisen? I guess I’ve never played it for you before. I didn’t learn it from anyone.

I just taught myself by watching others and practicing. Pretty good, right?

[01:01]
Back in Edo, we used to have drinks like this. Kusaka would write a poem, I’d improvise the melody on the shamisen, and Kutsura-san would sing along.

Well, now that Kusaka is gone, I just pick it up once in a while.

Uh? Heh, sure. Then come closer.

Why are you hesitating? I’m playing this for you, so sit closer.

Hmm? Oh, you just took a bath, huh? I can tell.

Hmm… you smell good.

I’m not lying. See? The scent is coming from here, too. It’s so sweet.

[02:16]
Hahaha… “Enough of that, just play the shamisen already”? Got it, got it.

Hm? I’m not good at singing. Come on, what a demanding girl. Fine, how about this one:

Better than the cicada crying for love,
Is the firefly burning silently for love. [1]

[03:19]
It is a dodoitsu [2], saying those who don’t speak of their feelings often burn with the fiercest passion inside. Isn’t it very romantic?

Hehe, too bad it’s not mine. It’s an old song, and the writer’s unknown. Well, the things between men and women haven’t changed much through the ages.

More? Hmm, I know a few others, but I can’t sing them in front of you.

Heh, do you want to know why? Because dodoitsu often sings about the passion between men and women. It’s a bit too much for you to listen to it sober.

Well, if you’re that curious, I could always sing it to you in bed. Don’t be shy.

Haha… Change your mind? What a shame.

Hey, pour me another.

Ahh… The sake you pour always tastes sweeter.

Oh, that’s right. Do you want to try some? Well, then, take a sip.

[05:09]
Hahaha, you choked on it. Was it a bit too strong for you?

Well, let’s try this. Here.

Does it taste sweeter now?

Your eyes are getting hazy… Are you drunk already? Your cheeks are flushed, and your skin is heating up. With such an alluring look, it’s almost like you’re trying to seduce me.

Feeling hot? Hehe, that’s no good.

Here, let me loosen your collar. Feeling cooler now?

You don’t know? Well, just stay like this for a while.

What a sight you are. The perfect companion to my sake.

[06:44]
Ah? Want to hear more? Fine, fine.

Huh? Why’re you staring at me like that? Do you want to try it? It’s not too hard.

Alright, sit on my lap, and I’ll show you.

Hold the bachi [3] with your right hand, and press the strings with your left. Yeah, just like that.

Now, give it a strum.

Hahaha, well done.

You’re pretty good at this. With a bit more practice, you might play solo soon.

What’s wrong?

[08:10]
Ahh I see, my hair tickled you? Or… was it my breath?

Haha, denying it so desperately just proves me right. Can’t you tell I’m teasing you?

You’re pouting now. That’s part of what makes you so cute. (Kisses)

This should do. Consider that payment for your shamisen lesson.

Ah, you ran off. Your face is as red as a boiled crab. Looks like getting all flustered made the sake hit you even harder.

Pouting again? You’re just too adorable.

[09:32]
Hey, I just thought of a song:

I’d kill every crow in this world,
Just to spend the morning in your arms. [4]

It’s still too early for morning? Haha, that’s not what it means.

If those annoying crows were gone, I could keep holding you forever without anyone disturbing us.

[10:26]
Morning, noon, and night, I just want to hold you, my love, forever. That’s the idea.

Umm? Shamisen? It’s done for now. Instead of strumming shamisen, I would rather make you cry out those sweet sounds.

They’re not so different. When I caress you gently like this, I can hear the most beautiful sounds.

See? Such a sweet melody.

[11:25]
Don’t worry. Even if you can’t get up tomorrow morning, I’ll shoo those pesky crows away for you.

[1] 恋に焦がれて泣く蝉よりも、泣かぬ蛍が身を焦がす。
[2] 都々逸 (Dodoitsu): A form of Japanese poetry developed towards the end of the Edo period.
[3] 撥 (Bachi): Shamisen plectrum.
[4] 三千世界の鴉を殺し、ぬしと朝寝をしてみたい。

Akaki's Otome Archive