"Hahaha." Hijikata laughed heartily, "Who says I'm unrelated to Shiwei Hall?"
"Though I have no blood relations with Asheng and Toshisuke, my bond with them has long surpassed ordinary brotherhood."
"To me, they are like my brothers and...little brothers."
"As for Master and Uncle Gen, they are elders I deeply rely on."
Having said this, Hijikata switched to a half-joking tone:
"For everyone at Shiwei Hall, I am prepared to transform into the 'Hell Ghost' if necessary."
"'Hell Ghost', huh...hahaha, Mr. Hijikata, you occasionally say rather amusing things. Here, have a drink." Azao handed a freshly warmed sake to Hijikata, "So—what brings this gentleman who's willing to become a 'Hell Ghost' for Shiwei Hall to visit my humble establishment unexpectedly?"
A charming curve appeared on Hijikata's lips. After downing the cup of sake Azao gave him, he reached into his breast pocket and drew out a delicate sakura blossom.
"Azao, this is for you."
