Clashing Blades, Cross of Fate

Draft 7

19th century Japan is a period of turmoil, marking rebellion, innovations, industrial revolutions and political upheavals in the coming of a new era courtesy of anti-isolationism. Great mind comes to war with imperialist beliefs as blood are shed in endless conflicts.

As it is, the small nation was plunged into a sea of doubts and civil unrest when, within the span of a decade, the warring clans have rekindled their fire for an all-out annihilation war

On that front, it could be said that Shinsengumi plays a central role in maintaining order within that chaotic time

A special police force established under the Shogun's directive, their mission is to monitor rebel movements within Kyoto, in which their service has prevent many uprising from destabilizing the government

There were many famous swordsman within them, as well as tacticians, leaders, and tenacious warriors like Kondo Isami, Hajime Saito, Hijikata Toshizo and Okita Souji—Together, their presence has been eternalized as Japan's image of discipline

Yet, rumors throughout the years about it's final member continued to be a hot topic of conversation

The man who was known as the "Nameless doctor", in charge of Shinsengumi's final division within the Konshu war.

Some say he's died, buried along his beloved wife in Senshoji. Others said he's still alive up until the period of 1913, wandering within Owari province with a mysterious woman by his side

The tale of their final commander is yet unknown, his records few and far inbetween, that he is regarded as a fake. It was like he has never existed at all

_______

It has been ten days since I started travelling with the Roshigumi, and I was already starting to regret it

"Thanks, doc. Couldn't have made it without you" The ronin said to me as I finished bandaging up his wounds

"Stay away from the vanguard. Avoid overexerting yourself within at least 2 days" He nodded "Your muscles could tear off again otherwise, and I don't have any painkillers to numb it"

As he left, a line of wounded swordsman moved up to receive my treatment. They looked bloody and tired, covered in dirt and grime after a long day of fighting

"Dokutah how does it look?"

"Just a scratch, fortunatey. Apply this medicine to the cut and it should be fine within the day"

"Doku, I can't move my arm"

"Closed fracture on the humerus. Transverse. Give me a piece of cloth so we can make a sling out of it"

"Dokutah—"

After each patient, I applied a little bit of [Heal] so their recovery rate is sped up. A fair bit so it can have an effect, but small enough to not be noticeable to a keen eye

It is rather cheating how this unconventional "Magecraft" can easily revolutionize the medical field should it be used in addition to modern treatment

The sun has already set when I finished treating them all. The treatment itself cost around half of my total Mana

Hijikata and Okita was waiting for me as I cleaned up my temporary medical office. I greeted them as usual

"That's the third bandit attack this week"

"We know. It must be because they thought we're carrying treasures from the amount of people guarding them"

"Or they assume we're an escort and is hoping to get ransom money from the official inside"