The Fine Line Between Using and Being Used

"Although we only cooperated based on mutual interests, that guy is indeed handy," Admiral Aho said, his expression becoming slightly serious. "Officially, they are the Harusame combat troops currently in Edo on Earth, but they don't listen to commands at all. I heard that catching that fox spirit was also their doing."

Kamui, devouring his food, paused briefly but continued as usual, responding casually, "Ah, is that so."

"But there's one thing that bothers me," Admiral Aho continued, changing his tone. "I've heard they aim to overthrow the Edo government and are considered terrorists. Yet, when we exchanged secret treaties to sneak into Edo, he volunteered to draw out the government's dogs. Do you know why?" (Shinsengumi Disturbance Arc)

"Isn't that simple?" Kamui looked up and replied as if it were obvious. "It's a relationship of mutual use. He plans to use the Harusame to get close to the Shogunate and strike down the central government in one go."

"Is that so?!" Admiral Aho exclaimed, surprised, but then a thought struck him, and a vein throbbed on his forehead as he slammed his hands down on the table, "No! That's exactly it! They're planning such an audacious conspiracy! No, I noticed it too... indeed... damn it!"

After finishing the last piece of bread, Kamui chewed thoughtfully and said casually, "It was tough getting the rights to Earth with its rich resources. If they succeed, our deals will blow up."

Picking up another large chunk of meat from the table, Kamui continued, "Although I don't think Takasugi and his people can overcome the Tendoshu and our elders. But by then, our reputation will be dragged through the mud, won't it?"

"That... would mean I get scolded by the elders?!" Admiral Aho realized, his face breaking into a sweat.

"That's right, so you better work hard," Kamui said, placing the last bone on his plate and clasping his hands together, "Thanks for the meal~"

Then, Kamui stood up from the table and headed toward the restaurant exit, ignoring Admiral Aho's protests.

"Wait! Kamui!" Admiral Aho shouted, "Why do you think I called you here?"

"Wasn't it just to have a meal?" Kamui said without turning back.

"Not at all!" Admiral Aho quickly stood up and shouted as Kamui reached the door, "Isn't it your Seventh Division's job to organize purges and adjustments?"

Hearing this, Kamui stopped but didn't turn around and asked, "So, what would you have me do?"

Admiral Aho's mouth curved into a sly smile.

"Dispose of the useless tools..."

With Abuto waiting at the restaurant door, Kamui slowly walked back the way they had come.

Suddenly, a man's voice came from behind a pillar.

"Oh dear, even those who can't be counted as tools have the nerve to talk like that," the wolf-headed, one-eyed Amanto leaning against the pillar said to Kamui and Abuto as they approached, "Killing that fat pig would make us feel better, right?"

"Are you and he not both quadrupeds?" Kamui stopped, casually replying, "Try to get along, Captain Hook."

"Kamui," Hook said, stepping forward and turning to face Kamui, "All the captains of the Twelve Divisions are already on your side, ready for you to take over as Admiral. That idiot Admiral is just a puppet of the elders, always thinking about how to maintain his position. I... would rather work with someone more interesting and brutal."

Hook patted Kamui on the shoulder as he spoke.

"Why don't you become the Admiral yourself, old buddy Hook?" Abuto spoke up.

"I can't," Hook instantly refused, "I only know how to wreak havoc without thinking."

"Our captain is the same," Abuto shrugged.

"And I have one eye covered with a patch," Hook raised his hook hand, "and one hand is a hook. How suitable do I look to be a captain?"

"No, you're exactly the right type to be a captain," Abuto immediately responded, "You're aiming for the captain's position."

"In any case, I'm ready to assist you at any time," Hook told Kamui, "That guy named Bonsai, I can take care of him for you."

"Don't interfere too much, that man... must be dealt with by me," Kamui began walking forward again, cautioning and then softly instructing, "Abuto, separate the rabble and that man. Take the warship and drive his Kiheitai away, Captain Hook; if you want to help, please head over there."

"Ah, it starts again…" Abuto scratched his head, sighing in resignation.

"Sorry," Kamui stopped, his eyes widening and his expression turning fierce, "My fun isn't something anyone can interfere with..."

With that, Kamui resumed walking, thinking, "Let me see for myself then, to whom was that gift given? What exactly is it you're protecting? I'm looking forward to it~ you silly uncle!"

In the vastness of space, the Kiheitai's ship flies alone in a specific direction.

Standing at the window, "Takasugi" holds his smoking pipe, gently exhaling a puff of smoke.

"I always feel a bit uneasy about the universe," Soyo comes over, standing beside "Takasugi" and looking complicatedly out the window, "It's all so dark, and I can't tell if we're moving forward or backward. Takasugi-san, we are really moving forward, right?"

Saying this, Soyo suddenly lowers her head, her voice becoming quieter, "Sorry for saying this all of a sudden; I've just been feeling a bit uneasy lately..."

"It doesn't matter if it's forward or backward," "Takasugi's" voice arises, "If you ever lose your way, just look for my back. Whether from beneath the ground or above the clouds, I will take you to our destination. Don't worry about anything, just believe in me…"

At that moment, unable to contain her excitement, Soyo screams and suddenly throws herself at "Takasugi," closing her eyes and excitedly shouting, "Takasugi-san! I... I will follow you forever!"

"Our goals are the same; let's walk this path together. Come on! Sign here..." "Takasugi" takes out a sheet of A4 paper and a pen, extending it towards Soyo.

Soyo opens her eyes to see the document in front of her, and at the same time, "Takasugi" finally reveals his true identity. Standing in Takasugi's costume, Takechi is raising his right hand high, his left holding a "Takasugi exclusive voice changer," loudly shouting, "Oppose the 'Great Edo Youth Healthy Development Ordinance Amendment'! Instead of regulating others, learn how to master your inner methods first. Lolicon existed even in an era without manga and anime! Facing and cultivating your conscience is most crucial! By the way, I am not a lolicon; I am a feminist!"

Soyo cocks her revolver without hesitation and fires several shots towards Takechi.

Bang, bang, bang!

Annoyed, Soyo turns back and asks Van, who is sitting on the stairs strumming his shamisen, "Van-senpai, where is Takasugi-san?"

"The admiral needed him for something, so he stayed on the mothership," Van replies, "He let me and you return to Edo first."

"What could that something be?" Soyo mutters.

"There's no clue what it could be," Van tilts his head.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Soyo walks over, a worried expression on her face, "Maybe allying with Harusame was a mistake after all..."

"What are you saying now..." Van slowly responds, "You agreed to overthrow the Shogunate, didn't you?"

"But... this opponent might be too strong..." Soyo's worried look doesn't fade, and she even adds a hint of despair and reluctance, "We Kiheitai were never balanced with the galaxy's largest crime syndicate. It's only a matter of time before we go from using to being used. Given the current situation, we're just as obstructive as the pandering Earth government. Plus, now that the government and Harusame are in cahoots, our existence must just be in the way. Takasugi-san might..."

Soyo doesn't continue.

"In short, you just mean Takasugi, right?" Van replies, "Don't worry, that man won't fall before he overthrows the Shogunate. Did you forget his vow?"

Together, Soyo and Van recall what Takasugi once said...

"I just want to destroy..." "Takasugi" in the memory suddenly turns back, "The 'Great Edo Youth Healthy Development Ordinance Amendment'..."

"Don't even interrupt someone else's memories! Destroy it! Destroy it first, you bastard!" Soyo curses as she fires her gun.

Next to her, Van continuously swings his shamisen, providing support.

But at that moment, a large screen nearby suddenly lights up.

"Lord Van! There's a Harusame fleet ahead!" a Kiheitai member reports.

Van looks through the window and sees three Harusame ships slowly approaching in their direction.

"What? Could it really be that they..." Van is shocked.

"Takasugi-san—" Soyo, suddenly realizing something, anxiously calls out.

...

Meanwhile, back at Harusame headquarters.

Dressed in a long white coat, Kamui squints at Takasugi standing opposite him and waves, "Yo, nice to see you again. Sorry for being blunt, but no matter when I say it, you'll be surprised, so I'll just say it: go die."

"I wouldn't be surprised. From the first time we met, you've had that written all over your face," Takasugi replies.