THE LOST RACE

CHAPTER 4: The Shinsengumi or Death

Hajime had an audience with Commander Isami Kondo, Vice Commander Toshizo Hijikata and Tactical Adviser, Kei Yamanami. “This is a peeled off skin from the neck of a seemingly non-human creature. I don’t think he’s part of the Iga Clan.” explained Hajime.

            “Did you fight this man?” asked Kei, sounding concerned. Hajime shook his head, “But we have a man in our custody that fought him, barehanded.” he continued, “Soji and Shinpachi have him captive in one of our cells.”

            “Take that man to us.” commanded Isami. A short while later, Captains Hajime, Shinpachi and Soji arrived at Isami’s office, escorting the man the commander was looking for.

            “You boy, tell us everything you know.” sternly commanded Hijikata.

            “What do I know?” insolently replied Seiji.

            Shinpachi nudged him on the shoulder and whispered that it would be better that he provides the info they need. Seiji just rolled his eyes went on with his story…

            “My name is Seiji Kyuraku. I moved here a few days ago, planning to enter a dojo of some sort. I was staying in the Lotus Inn. I wasn’t connected to anyone or anything, really. I was just there, resting in my room, when suddenly your men came into the inn, fighting some guys. I just thought of staying inside my room, but this brute twice my size came in and attacked me. We were fighting when your men saw us.”

            “According to the official report, you were the one who suggested that this creature was not human. This must mean that you know something. ” Kei pointed out, sounding rather matter-of-factly.

            “Yes, I did said that. But it was because, he was way too strong and he was peculiar. He had black blood. What kind of human has black blood? Plus, he had pointy ears. That can’t be human, right?” explained Seiji.

            “You fought this person barehanded? Is there any truth to that?” clarified Toshizo. Seiji just nodded his head.

            “How in the world did he…” muttered Isami. Shinpachi then said, “Actually, he was pretty good. I’ve seen him fight twice already. I actually tried to talk to Toshi about recruiting him.” Hajime agreed with a nod. Soji, on the other hand, shook his head, put up his chin in the air and arrogantly said, “He’s not that bad but he isn’t all that either.”

            “Skills aside, how do we know if we can trust him?” asked Kei.

“We don’t!” authoritatively announced Toshizo.

“But to be complemented by Haji and Shinpanchi; that must mean he really is good.” argued Isami.

Seiji butted in, “Oi, oi…you’re already deciding. How in the world do you know that I actually want to join?”

 Toshi was getting annoyed at where the conversation is going. He stomped his foot and exclaimed, “He is not becoming a Shinsengumi, he is a witness whom we will keep in our custody until he tells us what he knows. Besides, we have more important things to talk about!”

The Captains opted to take Seiji back to his cell. As they walked along the empty corridors of the headquarters, Shinpachi asked Seiji again, “Oi, are you sure you know nothing? I mean, you didn’t appear surprised when I saw you fighting that huge man.” But Seiji just kept quiet.

“Well, it’s not like it matters. You’d still probably end up dead. Whether you talk or not, all it’s worth really, is that it will just prolong your life for a bit.” taunted Soji.