Chapter 36: Silver Soul (Earth Chapter)

After leaving Transit Building No. 1, the two found a bar and sat down. Today was a festival day on Central Star, a time when all its citizens returned home to reunite, so the bar was nearly empty. Okakura and Sakamoto, two strangers from other worlds, sat in a corner with a few bottles of liquor and began to chat.

“Okamoto, you’re a girl—how did you join the Rebellion Army?” Sakamoto suddenly recalled this question.

Okakura didn’t bother to correct him about her name anymore, since he could even remember Gintoki as Kintoki. “I joined the Rebellion Army at fifteen, though I told Mr. Katsura I was sixteen. My father was in the army then—I joined to find him, but later learned he… was already dead.”

“Sorry, I brought up something painful.”

“It’s all right, it’s in the past. During those days in the Rebellion Army, I felt fulfilled every day. Though war was constant, fighting side by side with everyone was truly wonderful, so I kept my true gender hidden.”

“Come to think of it, I haven’t been back to Earth in ages. I really miss everyone, but… I wonder if they’re still alive…” Okakura’s lashes drooped as she gazed at her glass, the faces of those lost in the final battle still vivid in her mind. So many died—how many survived?

Sakamoto Tatsuma fell silent too. Though he left the battlefield early, he always followed news of the war. He knew Earth was too weak, the gap between humans and the Celestials too vast; there was never a good outcome to hope for, but he hadn’t expected defeat to be so devastating. Brothers once united now scattered, their fate unknown.

Earth—a small blue planet, their mother star. They had given so much for her, but it could never equal the lives sacrificed in her name.

“Ah, let’s not talk about this, Sakamoto. Come, drink with me.” Okakura raised her glass.

“Hahaha, yes, it’s rare to meet a fellow countryman—let’s talk about happier things.” Sakamoto lifted his glass, too.

The two glasses clinked brightly, and Okakura and Sakamoto both downed their drinks.

“Ah, that’s refreshing!” Okakura said. Now at twenty, she could finally drink openly; she loved the fiery kick of alcohol.

“Hahaha, Okamoto, how did you get to Central Star? It’s so far from Earth.”

On this topic, Okakura had plenty to say. Now that she finally had someone to talk to, she poured out her troubles.

After hearing Okakura’s story, Sakamoto clinked his glass with hers. “You’re really unlucky. I know that ultra-dangerous monster planet—can’t believe you survived there.”

“Those days were harder than during the Rebellion. At least back then we could eat proper food. On that monster planet, all I ate was beast meat and raw water. It’s a miracle I didn’t get sick,” Okakura sighed.

“But you crossed paths with the Seventh Captain of Harusame—that boy is dangerous.”

Hearing this, Okakura looked up and asked, “Eh? Sakamoto, you know Kamui?”

“No need for formality, just Sakamoto. I met him during business with Harusame. The universe is full of monsters—he may look young but gives off a dangerous vibe.” Dangerous enough that Sakamoto instinctively touched the spot where he used to carry his sword.

“Kamui is a bastard! Always with a fake smile, manipulating people while acting innocent—he’s infuriating!” Okakura slammed her glass on the table. After all these years, only Kamui could make her this angry.

===== Scene Change =====

Near Earth is a small satellite called the Moon, always orbiting nearby, the closest star to Earth. On this star, the Seventh Division of Harusame is stationed.

“Captain, the elders are furious lately,” Abuto said to the man sitting by the window.

The man, whose hair had grown wild and unruly, turned and smiled. “Oh? Is that so?”

“Recently, several shipments of Rebirth Village bound for Central Star were intercepted. The elders’ interests have suffered—they’re livid,” Abuto said lazily.

“I recall shipments to Central Star used to pass customs smoothly. Why are they being stopped now?”

“Captain, it’s someone you know.”

Kamui’s round blue eyes widened. “Someone I know?”

“Remember the girl you sent to the monster planet? Somehow, she’s connected to the prince of Central Star now. She’s captain of the royal guard and head of Central Star’s branch of the Interstellar Police Alliance.”

“Impressive, she reached that position in just three years.” Kamui smiled, still remembering Okakura—especially the sting of being bested by her.

“Captain, aren’t you worried the elders will come after you for your involvement with that Earth girl?” Abuto asked.

“Abuto, don’t worry, they won’t bother me. Those old men only target those who cost them profits. I’m still useful to them—they won’t touch me,” Kamui said with a grin. “But I wouldn’t want my prey stolen before I get to her. I hope she can survive under the elders’ hands; otherwise, I’ll kill her myself before they do.”

Watching Kamui’s bloodthirsty smile, Abuto sighed. His captain hadn’t changed at all.

Three days had passed since Okakura’s reunion with Sakamoto. When he left, he gave her his contact information, saying to call if she needed help, and promising to drink together again once they returned to Earth. Okakura agreed.

Earth—she really missed it. What had it become now? Was everyone… still all right?

Knock knock, someone was at her office door again. Okakura groaned, hoping it wasn’t another mishap with Prince Hata’s pets.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and a tall man in a crisp uniform entered, holding an envelope.

“Hello, Deputy Chief Okakura,” he drawled, making Okakura uncomfortable with his manner of speaking.

She stood and greeted him. “Hello, is there something I can help you with?”

“Deputy Chief, this is your transfer notice. Due to your excellent recent performance, the leadership has decided to transfer you to the Interstellar Police Alliance branch on Tansenbul Star. Congratulations.”

Okakura frowned, accepting the transfer notice. Tansenbul Star—she remembered it as a deserted, ultra-S dangerous planet. She was being sent there as punishment, surely.

“Thank you for your congratulations,” Okakura replied.

After the man left, Okakura sank into her chair, eyes shining as she stared at the ceiling, contemplating her imminent transfer.

Suddenly, an idea struck her. She’d been away from Earth so long—why not use this opportunity to return?

Once the thought arose, she couldn’t shake it. She was tempted; she truly wanted to go back.

If her heart called her, she would act. Okakura took her transfer notice straight to Prince Hata.

Of course, she couldn’t directly say she wanted to return to Earth. Instead, she thanked the prince for his care over the past three years, mentioned there were few animals on Tansenbul, and regretted she wouldn’t be able to catch any for him anymore. But she invited him to visit Earth, which also had many animals—though some were quite dangerous.

As expected, two days later, her transfer notice changed. She was reassigned to Earth as head of its branch. Seeing the twisted face of the man delivering the notice, Okakura secretly delighted.

Five days later, after handing over all her duties, Okakura boarded a spaceship bound for Earth, carrying only a simple bag.

It took three days to travel from Central Star to Earth. When the journey ended, Okakura finally saw her homeland—Earth.

She pressed against the window, gazing at the blue planet. This was her world. Her roots were here, and she could never forget them.

When the spaceship landed at the air terminal, she stepped off and saw a crowd of humans. Her mind was overwhelmed by a sense of being in another era; in just three years, Earth had changed so much.

After leaving the ship and collecting her luggage, Okakura saw several police cars parked at the entrance, with several men in black uniforms holding a sign with her name. She approached them and asked, “I’m Okakura. Are you here for me?”

A man with sharp eyes and short black hair glanced at her in surprise and replied, “Oh, hello, Chief Okakura. I’m Hijikata Toshizo, Vice Commander of the Shinsengumi. I was ordered to fetch you. Please, come with me.”

“All right,” Okakura said, and got into the police car with Hijikata.

As scenery flashed by outside the window, a hint of nostalgia passed through Okakura’s eyes. Seeing her fellow countrymen everywhere was a joy.

In the front seat, a seemingly ordinary young man with short black hair turned and cautiously asked Okakura, “Hello, my name is Yamazaki Sogo. May I ask, Chief Okakura, where are you from?”

Okakura smiled, and Yamazaki’s face flushed at her instant charm. “I’m from Shizuoka Prefecture.”

“Oh! Chief Okakura, you’re from Earth?” Yamazaki exclaimed. Hijikata also glanced at Okakura curiously.

“Yes, I haven’t been back in ages. Edo has changed a lot,” Okakura said, propping her chin.

The city had more skyscrapers than before, more Celestials, and men and women dressed more strangely. Okakura felt a bit lost—the era of the Rebellion was over, and the present no longer needed people like them.

The police car stopped quickly. Okakura looked out and saw the tall wooden gates bearing the Shinsengumi’s sign. Noticing her confusion, Hijikata explained, “Our commander would like to meet you.”

“Very well, please take me to see your commander.”

Thus, Okakura followed Hijikata and Yamazaki into the Shinsengumi headquarters. Along the way, many passing officers blushed when they saw her, and Yamazaki was soon pulled aside.

“Hey, Yamazaki, who’s that girl? She’s gorgeous,” one officer said, staring dreamily at Okakura.

“She’s amazing—a big shot,” Yamazaki boasted, as if her greatness reflected on him.

“Hurry up, don’t keep us in suspense,” the men urged. As Yamazaki was about to speak, another voice interrupted.

“Okakura, the new Chief of the Interstellar Police Alliance Earth Branch,” said Sougo Okita, leaning against a pillar.

“Captain, you know her?” Yamazaki asked.

“Of course,” Okita replied.

“So, what’s the Interstellar Police Alliance Earth Branch?” others asked.

Okita’s eyes sparkled as he explained, “It’s a Celestial police organization. Each planet selects some of their elite to join; the Alliance manages cross-planet crimes. Its power in the universe is considerable, though Earth’s branch is less influential because of the Tendoshu, so few know about it.”

“Wow, she’s impressive—so young and already chief,” the group marveled.

“The captain said the Alliance only picks elites, so Ms. Okakura must be really formidable,” Yamazaki said, even more puffed up.

“Hey, Yamazaki, you’re not talking about yourself, so what are you so pleased about?” the others teased.

“But…” The Captain smirked wickedly. “A woman like her would be interesting to break in.”

Everyone fell silent.

Ignoring the commotion outside, Okakura smiled at the slightly nervous man before her—Shinsengumi Commander Kondo Isao.

He was tall and sturdy, though his hair seemed a bit… abundant.

The commander behaved awkwardly after seeing her, and Okakura noticed him secretly bumping Hijikata with his arm, whispering something.

“Welcome to Earth, Chief Okakura. If you need anything, feel free to come to the Shinsengumi,” Kondo said smoothly, though his tone was official.

“Thank you, Mr. Kondo. I’ll be relying on you.”

“No need to thank me—helping you is my honor.”

After chatting with Kondo for a while, Okakura took her leave. Hijikata and Yamazaki escorted her to the Earth branch of the Police Alliance, then departed. After handing over her transfer documents, Okakura found herself with nothing to do—Earth’s branch was rarely valued and had little work. She decided to go for a walk in the city.

Her first stop was Kabukicho. The bird must return to its nest—the secret code she always remembered. Once and always, she would never forget those who died for tomorrow.