"...Captain Okita, when did you develop symptoms?"

"I can't remember clearly."

The general manager said calmly.

"At first it was just a cough. I just thought I had a cold, so I didn't pay much attention."

"I didn't realize something was wrong until...the saliva I coughed out was mixed with faint traces of blood."

"Because I didn't want Tachibana-kun to worry, I secretly went to see the doctor behind his back."

"Then...I knew my condition."

"The doctor prescribed some medicine for me and asked me to take it with water every day. He said it could alleviate the condition."

Hearing this, Nanjo Akizaburo immediately asked:

"What medicine? Take it out and let me see!"

The general manager obediently took out a paper bag from his arms and handed it over.

After Nanjo Akizaburo took it, he opened the paper bag and carefully looked at the medicinal powder inside:

"Well, not bad..."

He breathed a sigh of relief.

"You are a very reliable doctor. You don't prescribe medicine randomly. This powder is indeed a good medicine for relieving coughs."

It's no wonder Nanjo Akisaburo is so nervous.

In the feudal era, there were quack doctors everywhere who were seeking money and killing people.

There are even some witch doctors who rely on chanting sutras and dancing to heal diseases.

If you take bad or wrong medicine prescribed by quack doctors, not only will it fail to cure your disease, but it will also damage your body.

"Relying on this medicine, I persisted for a long time, trying hard to pretend that nothing was wrong. What a pity... I persisted until today, and I can no longer persist..."

After saying that, the director gave a self-deprecating wry smile.

Nanjo Akizaburo said solemnly:

"From the sound of your breathing, it sounds like your condition is already very serious."

"If I guessed correctly, you must have been coughing up blood a lot recently, right?"

The general manager nodded:

"Yes, that's exactly it."

"Mr. Nanjo, now that the matter is over, I won't hide it from you anymore."

"The reason why I went out just now was to avoid everyone so I could have a good cough."

Nanjo Akizaburo stopped talking.

After a moment, he said quietly.

"...Anyway, I will report it to the lord first and let you recuperate in the rear and stop going to the front line."

He said, picking up the medicine box and leaving.

"Mr. Nanjo, please stay!"

Before he could take a step, Souji reached out his hand like lightning and grabbed the other person's arm tightly.

How can a doctor who has no power to restrain a chicken defy the grasp of the heavenly sword?

He only felt that his arm was clamped by an iron pliers, unable to move.

"Mr. Nanjo, don't tell Aotobu about my true condition."

Nanjo Akizaburo was startled, with a puzzled look on his face:

"Why?"

The director-general said seriously:

"It's not time to rest yet."

"The current 'Sekigahara Battle' has not yet decided the winner."

"The rebel army is heading straight towards Kanto. Mr. Hijikata is struggling to hold on to Hachioji. Edo is in a hurry."

"I am the captain of the Shinsengumi's First Division, the 'Sky Sword' of the shogunate. If I retreat to the rear to recuperate, it will greatly affect the morale and combat effectiveness of the Shinsengumi."

"So, I can't rest yet...I have to fight!"

Although the words of the general secretary were full of strong determination, Nanjo Akizaburo did not give in easily:

"Captain Okita, you can't do this! Your condition is very serious! You must have a good rest!"

"'have a good rest'?"

As if he heard some funny joke, Souji curled up the corners of his mouth, showing a strange expression that was half a smile but not a smile.

"What's the use of lying in bed and resting? Will I be cured as long as I rest quietly?"

Nanjo Akisaburo opened his mouth, subconsciously wanting to refute.

However... his lips opened and closed repeatedly, and he couldn't say a word.

Blood cough is an incurable disease. Even if you rest quietly, it will only mean you can live a little longer. Even ordinary people know this well, and Nanjo Akizaburo, a famous doctor, knows it even better.

Taking advantage of the other party's long silence, the Souji continued:

"Mr. Nanjo, since 'blood cough' is a terminal disease that cannot be cured by any medicine, then I can't rest even more."

"While I can still move, while I can still wield the sword, I want to help Qingdeng more."

When she said this, she paused slightly, and a calm smile spread across her cheeks.

"It's been a long time now and the situation is turbulent."

"God knows how many hard battles we will have to go through before we can usher in a peaceful world of Haiyanheqing."

"Unfortunately, Mr. Shannan was seriously injured. Even if he saved his life, he would not be able to return to the front line in a short time."

"At this juncture, if I take a back seat like Mr. Shannan, I'm afraid Qingdeng will be scratching his head."

"Qingdeng needs my help."

"While I still have three inches of energy under my nose, I want to help Qingto! I want to help everyone in the Shinsengumi!"

"So, Mr. Nanjo, I'm begging you!"

The Souji raised his gaze and stared firmly at Nanjo Akizaburo.

"If the matter is exposed in the future and Qingdeng wants to blame you, I will try my best to protect you and will never let you be implicated, I promise you!"

"Qingdeng is a sensible person."

"After he learns that I coerced you, he will definitely not blame you, he will only scold me."

As her voice fell, there was only the soft sound of burning candles in the tent.

"..."

Nanjo Akisaburo lowered his head and remained silent for a long time.

A strong look of hesitation swam in his eyes.

About half a minute later, his hoarse voice finally broke the silence:

"...Captain Okita, I will prescribe you some medicine."

"This medicine is my unique secret recipe, and it has a miraculous effect on relieving coughs."

"You can eat more pears in the future. Pears have the effect of moistening the lungs and relieving coughs."

"I will do my best to provide treatment and try my best to hide it for you."

"As for the future good or bad...it all depends on your luck."

Looking at it, the director-general smiled gratefully on his cheeks and nodded vigorously:

"Yeah! Thank you very much!"

…

…

Tianman Mountain, this formation, Qingdeng’s tent——

"My lord! Mr. Nanjo, the medical chief, wants to see you!"

After Qingdeng heard this, he immediately said:

"Let him in!"

"yes!"

The guard outside the tent opened the curtain, and Nanjo Akisaburo stepped inside in three steps.
To be continued...