[ it does look kind of gruesome, how Hijikata literally just killed someone that looked exactly like him. it... doesn't bother him that much, to be honest. it does feel kind of weird, but he wanted that copy gone and so he finally achieved that.

but right... he decides to join Tsurumaru, and finally collapse on his knees next to him. he can only let out a sigh, and rub the side of his head -- noticing how it's still bleeding. geez... he's going to get the biggest headache later and the cause of it for once won't be the lack of caffeine.

he reaches over and gently picks Tsurumaru's limp arm to inspect it more closely. his words come out quietly and soft. ]

It said some awful things, didn't it. [ he pushes back some of the sleeve to uncover the skin. ] I'm sorry. I should've tried to do something sooner -- we need to wrap this up as soon as possible.