Clashing Blades, Cross of Fate

Draft 6

At first glance, the Vice Captain of Roshigumi may appear as a scary man. At second glance, he'd also be a scary man

With a robust frame chocked full of muscle and a face that ooze of intimidation, the man would not look out of place as a character from Baki. It is a feeling you won't get to experience a second time if you get to stand in front of him

"So you are the one whom Okita has been talking about" A deep rumble escaped his mouth, shaking my senses. I blink hard to focus, trying to keep my gaze off his intimidating face

"Yes. She told me to meet you here"

In the morning, I set out to the Roshigumi's camp

Okita's talk with me yesterday allowed me to reflect on some things. For the first time since I came here, I had truly sat down and think carefully about my situation

I may have already altered history the moment I came here. A few treated patients could bring out unforeseen consequences hundreds of years in the future. In the worst case scenario, entire bloodlines could be wiped out and Japan as we know it may cease to be the same

Now that I've made contact with an organization that is a vital part of Japanese culture, there's no telling what may happen. The only way to fix it, or at least to mitigate the damage, is to join them on their journey toward Kyoto and ensure nothing happen

"Where is Okita-san?" I squint my eyes as a ray of sunlight flashed through the foliage covering us

"She's in there, training" Toshizo calmly replied. He inspct me for another while, before seemingly losing interest in me "Just wait a few minutes and they'll be done"

So we sat there for what seems like minutes

I don't know Hijikata, and it probably is the same on his end. No way a warrior who thrive in battle will pay attention to a lowly doctor like me. Thinking like that, there shouldn't be any middle ground for us

___________

The moment I entered the courtyard, I was greeted with cheerings and shouting

Looking around, there was a huge crowd of Ronin in the clearing, all forming a circle in the middle of the yard. The distinctive sound of thumping and clacking could be heard beyond that, couple with pained shout that made me wince

I jumped as a body fell before me, scattering clouds of dust in its wake.

It was a burly man holding a wooden sword in his hand, his eyes having turned white as he lost consciousness

Before I could reach for him and check his condition, a second body followed up. And a third. Three Ronin's holding practice swords were felled simultaneously

'It's a sparring match, but who is fighting against them?'

If they could take out three men in such short notice, it would either be Shinpachi or Kondo Isami, who were known for their technique and physique, respectively

However, once I actually raise my eyes, the second surprise came jus as quickly

The petite form of Okita stood amidst the circle of men. Her top has been taken off, replaced by bandages around her chest with her blue robe tied around her waist. The sight temporarily made me lose my focus

She held up the blade in her hand and bellowed

"Who wants to go next?!"

A roar came in reply as one of the men strode in with a blade of his own

She grinned, parrying his heavy swing with a flick of her wrist before stepping forward. Okita's sword moved in a blur, hitting the man's thorax in a single, decisive strike