Personal Hakuoki Translation/Collection Masterpost
I mainly post translation practices/reviews/analyses/memes of Hakuoki special edition booklets/magazine content/artbook content on this blog.
My favorite characters are Souji, Yamazaki, and Saito. So I will prioritize the translation/collection of materials related to these three characters.
My translations are definitely not 100% accurate, so feel free to leave a comment to help me improve my Japanese skills.
My scans (as well as translated content) all come from my own copies which I purchased.
I translate/post stuff as a hobbyist learning Japanese and a passionate fan of Hakuoki. If you like my content and are new to the Hakuoki universe, please consider supporting the Hakuoki franchise. As of 2023, the franchise is still releasing new content.
An index of the stuff I have posted on this blog:
Manyo no Shou Special Edition Booklet:
Yamazaki's short story
Souji's short story
Saito's short story
Hijikata's short story
Heisuke's short story
Kazama's short story
Harada's short story
Shinpachi's short story
Sannan's short story
Iba's short story
Souma's short story
Ryoma's short story
Manyo no Shou Stellaworth Booklet
Part 1 (Okita, Saito, and Yamazaki)
Part 2 (Hijikata, Sannan, and Souma)
Part 3 (Heisuke, Sano, and Shinpachi)
Part 4 (Kazama, Iba, and Sakamoto)
Drama CDs
Manyo no Shou Bic Camera Bonus (Yamazaki, Iba and Hijikata)
Scans of Selected Pages of Artbooks/Goods I Own:
Pages from Ten'un no Shou Box Set Artbook "Hakuoki Shinkai Artbook （薄桜鬼真改絵巻）: Information magazine article illustrations （情報誌揭載イラスト）
（Translation）Sentiment of Autumn Q&A with Okita
This is a snippet from the latest issue of B's Log, where they had a cute interview with Okita.
Q1: Does autumn bring a strong sense of loneliness? Or not really? A: Nah, I never really felt lonely before, so it's not a big deal. We had Kondo-san around, with the always-complaining Hijikata-san, the chatty Sannan-san, and Hajime-kun who was always nearby, not to mention the noisy trio… Ah, that child is around too.
Q2: When was the last time you cried?
A: Crying, huh? Well, when I was a kid, there was one occasion where I was almost frustrated to tears, but of course, I didn't actually cry. Plus, I had my revenge later on, so all is good.
Q3: What do you do when you feel a surge of longing?
A: I might consider hanging out with the neighborhood kids – there is no drama with them, which is cool. Also, I would play with cats or find a cozy spot… Oh, and teasing that child might be on the agenda, too.
Q4: Any words of comfort for readers who might be facing the chilly nights of autumn alone?
A: Hey, are you feeling lonely? I've been there a few times. But trust me, someone will always be there for you. And when the loneliness hits, remember this: you're my favorite, and I'll always be by your side.
Hakuoki Shinkai Hana no Shou Animate Bonus Drama CD "Unchanging Feelings" Eng translation
Anyone happen to know where content that is probably under the title of 「土方さんの習字について」 comes from? Found it saved in my Nimble file in both JP and CN... and I have no where idea it came from. It's short exchange between Hijikata, Souji and Kondou.
Anyway, this translation is of the Hana no Shou Animate Bonus CD 「変わらぬ想い」. I actually had this on my to-do list for a while since I'm pretty sure I don't have any Iba content that's longer than two sentences (alternatively, I'm pretty sure about that?)... but I just never got around to it (or a number of other drama CDs that I want to have translated...😅). Suppose it helps that I got discouraged (again) from translating the Shimabara Disturbance drama's first track as I have to go and review some videos to fill in the gaps where text is missing for that... and doing this felt like less work despite how it felt like a pain to do.
enjoy~? Almost didn't make it because I had a hard time with one sentence...
Hakuoki Shinkai Animate Bonus Drama CD "Unchanging Feelings"
Translation by KumoriYami
Iba: As expected, the Shinsengumi's training is strict, but I also feel that the time spent has been very meaningful. And practising with the officers has been exhausting.
Toudou: Oh, isn't that Hachiro? Have you come to train?
Iba: Heisuke-kun! Yes, I've just started to rest now.
Heisuke: Speaking of which, you really do seem to like our training.
Iba: I'll take that as a compliment.
Heisuke: How was the training?
Iba：There are many people who use different techniques and styles, and it's a great learning experience. I accidently got carried away and sparred with everyone many times. If I don't properly rest, I feel that my body won't be able to keep up.
Toudou: That's because Hachiro is very popular. There are many members who want to train with you.
Iba: Truly, I'm very happy.
Toudou: That's right! Who did you train with today?
IbaL Shinpat-san was my first opponent. He's as strong as ever.
Toudou: Shinpat-san is very strong.
Iba: If we were in a tsubazeriai*[references at end], I would be the one to lose, so I tried to prevent that from happening as much as possible.
tsubazeriai can be used to describe a situation where two swordsmen are very close to each other where they both try to push forward. To simplify this would be to say that they are is when they are in "neck-and-neck" competition."
Toudou: But Shinpat-san would definitely charge ahead without any mercy, right?
Iba: Precisely.
Toudou：If that happens, it feels you'd get supressed right away. It truly feels good to know that he's companion.
Iba: That's true. Ah, after that, I sparred with Saito-kun.
Toudou: Oh, how was that?
Iba: Saito-kun's iai has great value. That being said, there's no time to think about that during training.
Toudou: Hajime-kun and Shinpat-san aren't the same when it comes to strength.
Iba: My own training is insufficient.
Toudou: Hehe, then I can't lose!
Iba: Heisuke-kun still hasn't changed at all.
Toudou: You say that, but isn't it the same for Hachiro?
Iba: Me?
Toudou: That's right, it's just like that time, as long as Hachiro showed up at Shiekan, you and everyone would engage in matches.
Iba: Yes, I previously used to train a lot.
Toudou: As long as someone challenges you, you'd accept accept it.
Iba: Isn't that the same for Heisuke-kun? Didn't you Shinpat-san used to have some pretty wild fights before?
Toudou: Ah, I miss those. They were the sort that didn't end unless someone collapsed.
Iba: Of course, the two of you were both over your heads/stubborn.
Toudou: Even though I really got beaten until I collapsed, we were scolded by Hijikata-san.
Iba: Even if we try to console him, he wouldn't listen at all.
Toudou: It's because it feels like Shinpat-san's physical strength is endless, that his attacks are relentless.
Iba: I know how you feel. It's because we know the other party is strong that we fixate on not losing.
Touodu: We surprisingly haven’t changed at all.
Iba: Indeed, even back then, Toshi-san was obsessed with victory and defeat.
Toudou: Why are you bringing up Hijikata-san now?
Iba: When mentioning things that haven't changed, the first person that comes to mind is Toshi-san.
Toudou: Hachiro, you've really admired Hijikata-san for a long time.
Iba: Yes, Ithis hasn't changed since then.
Toudou: Hey, what exactly is so good about HIjikata-san? Not that I hate him or anything.
Iba: Toshi-san is a very good person. Not only is his swordsmanship excellent, but I was attracted to his character.
Toudou: Like how/For instance/example?
Iba: For example, he's very strict but is still treats us with love.
Toudou: Love!?
Iba: On one hand, he has resolute and unwavering beliefs, but he simultaneously has a weakness to cute things.
Toudou: Was there such a thing?
Iba: Even his ability to not drink is quite charming.
Toudou: Haha, I get that!
Hijikata: Tch, you guys, what exactly is it that you know.
Heisuke: Hijikata-san?!
Iba: Tosh-san! We were just talking about Toshi-san.
Hijikata: Yeah, I figured… I could hear uncomfortable subjects from afar.
Iba: Toshi-san, you you like to talk about this too?
Hijikata: What do you want me to say?
Iba: Of course, about how outstanding Toshi-san is.
Hijikata: Spare me. Furthermore, it'd be too embarrassing if the other members heard this so please stop.
Iba: Is that so. That's a pity. Since Toshi-san has said that, I won't say anymore.
Hijikata: Geez, you. Also, Heisuke! I'm not bad at drinking!
Toudou: Ah, I get it. (Hijikata walks away). That scared me. Hijikata-san has seriously good ears, I don't know he always appears when he's mentioned.
Iba: That aspect hasn't changed at all.
Toudou: That's right. Who knows when he started listening/when his ears became so sensitive.
Iba: Hey, Heisuke-kun.
Toudou: What is it?
Iba: You, Heisuke-kun, who has since been learning from everyone else and going in the same way since the beginning/Everyone, including Heisuke-kun, who used to be shrouded in obscurity is now in Kyoto as the prestigious Shinsengumi, and I became an Okuzume. Although we're not in the same position, we all serve the shogunate. Thinking of about it all this way, always feels incredible.
Toudou: Ah, that's right.
Iba: What's wrong?
Toudou: I mean this hypothetically, but what if you questions about where you fit in/belonged?
Iba: Eh? Do you have questions about where you belong?
Toudou: Yeah.
Iba: If I had any questions, then I would be not be questioning where it was that I belonged, but myself.
Toudou: What do you mean?
Iba: I have my own beliefs about the work I do as an Okuzume. Because of that, I often get anxious about whether or not what I do is useful.
Toudou: I see. So Hachiro also feels the same way.
Iba: Yes, I have thinking of this especially lately.
Toudou: I've been thinking about some things lately. the people who've been joining the Shinsengumi, and how it's changed. In the future, when these changes become bigger and bigger, will I be able to think as I do now?
Iba: Heisuke-kun...
Toudou: Sorry, I said something weird.
Iba: Ah, no, not really.
Toudou: Forget about what I just said. It's almost time for me to go on patrol. I'll be going!
Iba: Oh, Heisuke-kun! Wait a moment!
(Heisuke runs off)
What happened to him? Ah? Toshi-san! How long have you been there?
Hijikata: Ah, you noticed me. I was just passing by. By the way, is that guy Heisuke, okay?
Iba: Ah, Toshi-san is also worried about Heisuke-kun? That's why just now.
Hijikata: We've known each other for a long time so it's hard to not notice any changes to him. Although I've been trying to keep more of an eye on him lately, that guy's been worrying about something by himself all the time.
Iba: So that's how it is. Although Heisuke-kun seems to be thinking about a number of things, I think it's best to leave him to think to himself.
Hijikata: I see.
Iba: It's fine. If Heisuke-kun really has a problem, he has a trustworthy comrade beside him.
Hijikata: Trustworthy is it, well, maybe so.
Iba: Speaking of which, Toshi-san, do you had questions about where you belong after that?
Hijikata: What, why are you suddenly asking about this sort of thing.
Iba: It just came to mind. Of course, just hypothetically.
Hijikata: The moment I suspect that the Shinsengumi is over, I think it's my responsibility to prevent that situation from happening.
Iba: : Even so, if one day the Shinsengumi really changes, and if that sort of thing really happens, will Toshi-san be able to stay the same as before?
Hijikata: As long as Kondou-san and I are alive, the Shinsengumi will not change. But if change happens, then I won't change, regardless of how large the changes are around me, I just need to stick to my beliefs.
Iba: As expected, Toshi-san is indeed the same Toshi-san from before.
Hijikata： What are you saying.
Iba: It's so great that I met Toshi-san, I've been attracted to you for a long time.
Hijikata: Hey, that's why I asked you to stop saying such embarrassing things for others to hear.
Iba: Really? Is it something embarrassing?
Hijikata: You haven't changed at all. How is it that I can be so interesting to you?
Iba: Of course that's because I respect Toshi-san.
Hijikata: As you wish, but, just don't mention this sort of thing in front of the other soldiers.
Iba: Ah, I understand.
Hijikata: Then I'll be going first.
Iba: Ah, please Toshi-san, I'll be going back to training, so please accompany me!
(footsteps)
(The current situtation is very turbulent,but even if everything changes, the ideals I have in my heart will remain unchanged. The guidance he gave just now, has clearly been engraved into my thoughts. I will just believe in what you said, Toshi-san.)
note to self: maybe use an audio translator to check over that line when Iba first mentions the Okuzume... not sure about that part since the translations of the differing tls I use are very different in that part.
sorry this is a tad late... but I ended up falling asleep for an hour longer than I anticipated. Now I gotta figure out what to do for next week...
Hakuoki Drama CD - Toudou Monologue Translation
Translation by KumoriYami
Toudou: Not worrying about the details, looking the other way when mistakes are made, and enjoying [being able to] fool around with the people you like. But, it's not strange that everyone insists that what white is white and what's black is black. In the end, I think that no one knows what is right, or who is right.
For example, the colour is forest is green. From a distance, the trees you see are all the same, but when you get closer, you'll find that there are all kinds of trees inside. There will be many types of trees, including including dead trees, young trees, thick trees, and trees so thin that they're likely to break. You naturally won't this until you look closer. Of course, sometimes being too far away to see, and sometimes being too close will make this truth difficult difficult to grasp.
In short, I only want to say that there is no one answer. I'm sure there will be as many correct answers to the questions that people have struggled with, and there will probably be equally as many mistakes made as well. I'm not trying to make excuses, but this is why I got so confused.
There were times when I wanted to quit after doing something. I was worried that I might have made mistakes. It's really not manly to regret something you have decided on. It's quite shameful, isn't it? Oh, are you trying to comfort me? Thank you.
However, among the paths I have chosen, there is only one path that I'm that I will never regret. Of course, that's, uh, me falling in love with you. As long as you're at my side, I'll be able to keep going/do my best. If it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't be where I am today. You've always been the person who has given me strength/You've always been the one who cheered me up.
Ah, but you can't live life just by following me. Walk together me. This way, it will be great if the two of us can live together like this. So, please continue to stay at my side. Please continue to support me.
They dressed Yamazaki in a shade of asagi (similar to this color) in the 15th-anniversary illustration and related merch! Yamazaki is seldom seen (at least in the main game and the FDs) in the bright blue/cyan haori like the other Shinsengumi soldiers so it's really nice to see the Hakuouki staff adding these thoughtful touches :)
The color in the (sorry about the lq) pic I took appears darker because of the lighting and the filter.
Hakuouki Drama CD: An Unexpected Prospective Recruit (Translation, Part 4)
See Part 3 here.
Hijikata: So, it's not about approving your entry. There are various complicated relationships at play, and it's impossible to let you join now.
Iba: So, what should I do? Just stand by and watch her grow closer to someone else?
Hijikata: We'll keep a close eye on that matter; you don't need to worry.
Iba: I'm also concerned about the other soldiers taking care of her.
Yamazaki: Speaking of which, Okita-san always says some harsh things 🧐, like wanting to kill her and such…
Iba: We can't let this situation continue!
Hijikata: We've already warned him about this, but you know, he's not the kind to follow orders.
Iba: Indeed, he's not someone who listens to advice. But the problem hasn't been resolved yet. If I were in Toshi-san's position, I'd have Okita's room arranged as far away from hers as possible, absolutely preventing them from interacting.
Yamazaki: I've always thought Okita-san's behavior was over the top. I've even considered setting traps in his room, but perhaps it's better to arrange Okita-san's room farther away.
Iba: Yamazaki, can you help?
Yamazaki: Okita-san's behavior has always struck me as excessive.
Hijikata: Hey, Yamazaki, don't get carried away by Hachiro.
Yamazaki: Uh, my apologies.
Iba: Besides, recently, it's not just within the Shinsengumi, even outside folks from Satsuma-han and Tosa-han seem to have taken an interest in her. What's the deal with that?
Hijikata: No, well… Where did you hear that from?
Iba: It doesn't really matter where I heard it from, does it? Information flows from various sources, and we can't expect to keep everyone's lips sealed.
Yamazaki: When it comes to information about Yukimura-kun, our observational intelligence network might be more potent than other sources.
Hijikata: Hey, Yamazaki, what's got you all philosophical here? Come on, talk some sense into Hachiro and make him give up on joining us.
Yamazaki: Sorry, I didn't mean to… Iba-san, please calm down. Just as the Vice-Commander said, we'll do everything to protect Yukimura-kun. You don't have to worry.
Iba: I heard that you, Yamazaki, are well-acquainted with Dr. Matsumoto Yoshinori and often engage in conversations with Yukimura-kun about medical matters. I guess you wouldn't be feeling anxious and worried like me.
Yamazaki: I'm not quite sure what you mean, but…
Iba: Probably when you go out to buy medicine, you find various reasons to take her with you, and later you express your daily gratitude. Then, on the way back, you might take her to a tea house, and when you're preparing medicines, you'd hold her hand under the guise of teaching her, and then… 🥺
Yamazaki: None of that has ever happened. Iba-san, how do you really see me?
Hijikata: Oh, really? You often go out together for things like buying supplies, right?
Yamazaki: Vice-Commander! Please don't add fuel to the fire! Ultimately, the one who spends the most time with Yukimura should be the Vice-Commander! Iba-san should be more concerned about the Vice-Commander, because it is he who always makes Yukimura very nervous, right?
Hijikata: Hey, don't point fingers at me 😡. I never kept Yukimura around as such an object of interest.
Iba: Is that so, Toshi-san?
Hijikata: Of course it's true! I set clear boundaries for my roles.
Yamazaki: But you often have her make tea for you. That's also quite enviable.
Hijikata: I said enough with the prying!
Iba: Well, even if it's Toshi-san, I still don't want to hand her over to someone else. Please, let me become a Shinsengumi member! 🙏
Hakuouki Drama CD: An Unexpected Prospective Recruit (Translation, Part 3)
See Part 2 here.
Yamazaki: I see. You're in quite a prestigious role now.
Iba: Indeed, but sometimes, I can't help but envy Toshi-san and everyone in the Shinsengumi.
Hijikata: What's got into you, saying that all of a sudden? You can't possibly envy us.
Iba: Being able to protect something dear to you is truly admirable. You and everyone else have not only realized your childhood dreams but also earned the gratitude of the Shogunate and the people by battling unruly Ronin, right?
Hijikata: Gratitude doesn't necessarily come from everyone. Originally, we outsiders weren't well-liked by the people. Besides, you have something to protect too.
Iba: Of course, I have no complaints about my current position, protecting the Shogun. It's just that… even though…
Hijikata: What's the matter? Is there something about your job that's bothering you? In the Shogunate, there can be all sorts of problems like scheming, backstabbing, and such.
Iba: It's not that… But, Toshi-san… Can I join the Shinsengumi?
Hijikata: Huh?! What are you suddenly talking about?!
Iba: It's not all of a sudden. If it's all about protecting something, maybe I'd be better off working here. I've been thinking about it for a while.
Hijikata: No, you need to calm down. The position and tasks of the Shogun's guards and the Shinsengumi are entirely different. How can you compare the samurai who protect the Sgogun to our group of ronin protecting common people?
Iba: What's wrong with that? And, with Kondo-san's and Toshi-san's abilities, you're bound to gain the status of Hatamoto eventually.
Hijikata: No, that's not so certain.
Yamazaki: If Commander Kondo and Vice Commander Hijikata could become samurai, that would be truly amazing.
Iba: Yamazaki, don't just admire them; please help me persuade Toshi-san!
Yamazaki: … Persuade, you say?
Iba: I want to join the Shinsengumi. You, Yamazaki-kun, joined the Shinsengumi and achieved your dream, right?
Yamazaki: Is there something about your current role as the Shogun's guard that you're dissatisfied with?
Iba: No, I'm not dissatisfied at all. In this era, protecting the Shogun is a highly honorable task, and I find it very fulfilling. The Shogun has a lot of enemies, and I feel like I should support him.
Yamazaki: So, what's the real reason?
Iba: If I become a Shinsengumi member, I can protect her and stay by her side all the time, right?
Hijikata: Hachiro, you… In the end, that's your real goal, isn't it?
Iba: Of course, but it's not just that. Working under the leadership of Kondo-san and Toshi-san, whom I deeply respect, is an immense joy in itself. If you can admit me to become a Shinsengumi soldier, I'm sure I can make a difference.
Hijikata: Even if you say that, if you really join, it's bound to raise eyebrows among the top brass of the Shogunate or even displease your father. It will definitely become a problem.
Iba: What's the point of trying to please the top brass of the Shogunate who are largely a thing of the past? Toshi-san once said that most of the shogunate's core members are corrupted.
Hijikata: I might have said something like that, but I probably misspoke.
Yamazaki: Iba-san, please calm down a bit. The Shinsengumi isn't without its complications. If Iba-san joins us, there will undoubtedly be some bumps along the way.
Iba: Are you saying my swordsmanship skills aren't sufficient?
Hijikata: No, it's not about swordsmanship. Your sword skills are more than sufficient for a unit caption.
Iba: Really? Then, please, let me join! 😣
Hakuouki Drama CD: An Unexpected Prospective Recruit (Translation, Part 2)
See part I here.
Iba: Ah, hearing that puts my mind at ease. Yes, Yamazaki-kun is someone Toshi-san trusts deeply. I'm sure he has no ulterior motives. By the way, Yamazaki-kun, did you join the Shinsengumi as soon as you heard about the formation of the Rōshigumi?
Yamazaki: Yes, when I heard the news, I felt like this was the only place for me. Back then, it wasn't called the Shinsengumi, but rather the Rōshigumi.
Hijikata: Those were nostalgic times. People from all walks of life came from far and wide to join us.
Iba: Mr. Hijikata, you as well, right? You aspired to be a samurai since you were young.
Hijikata: That's right. I was born a commoner, and my family business was going to be inherited by my older brother. When I was a child, I didn't really think about what kind of person I wanted to be. I just had this vague notion that it would be really cool to become a samurai carrying two swords. I even dabbled in merchant work for a bit, but it never felt right. However, my true desire to become a samurai blossomed only after I met Kondo-san.
Iba: And then the Shinsengumi was formed. So, in a way, Toshi-san's long-held dream came true.
Hijikata: Indeed, that's how it turned out.
Yamazaki: Yes, for me, it seems I'm better suited for covert operations rather than direct confrontations with people, which is why I'm committed to my current role within the Shinsengumi.
Hijikata: Yamazaki seems to have a liking for the ninja style, doesn't he?
Yamazaki: Vice Commander! How did you know about that?!
Hijikata: It's pretty obvious, isn't it? Even though there's no order, you often dress like a ninja.
Yamazaki: That's because I just want to be inconspicuous in the dark. It's definitely not a personal interest of mine.
Hijikata: No need to be so defensive. Wanting to be a ninja when you were a kid is pretty common.
Yamazaki: Well, that's true, but still wanting to be a ninja at this age… Isn't that a bit childish?
Hijikata: Don't worry too much about it. I'm sure the others understand you too.
Yamazaki: I hope so.
Iba: Yes, you do have quite the ninja vibe, so keep rocking that heroic look.
Yamazaki: Hmm, not sure there's a strong connection between ninjas and heroics 🧐… But speaking of which, Iba-san, are you the heir to the Shingyōtō-ryū Swordsmanship School? Have you been practicing swordsmanship since childhood?
Iba: Actually, no. I wasn't all that keen on swordsmanship when I was a kid. I preferred sitting in my room and reading books, and I even dreamed of becoming a scholar.
Yamazaki: Really? Given your current position, that's hard to imagine. Was there a special reason that led you to learn swordsmanship?
Hijikata: It seems he started learning swordsmanship because he wanted to protect someone he cared about.
Iba: Well, yes. But hearing it from Toshi-san makes me a bit shy.
Hakuouki Drama CD: An Unexpected Prospective Recruit (Translation, Part 1)
This is a translation of the store bonus drama CD of Manyo no Shou from Bic Camera. Our characters in this story are Hijikata, Iba, and Yamazaki. It's a lighthearted (and a bit goofy) tale about Iba suddenly wanting to join the Shinsengumi…for that very reason😄
Since the Tumblr post editor keeps on reporting errors if my text block is too long, this translation is split into 4 parts:
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
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Yamazaki: Vice Commander, the tea is ready.
Hijikata: Ah, Yamazaki, come on in.
Yamazaki: Thank you. (opening the shoji door) Tea for you, Iba-san.
Iba: Thank you very much.
Yamazaki: I'm still not sure if the tea suits your taste, Iba-san. Today, Yukimura-kun is also out.
Iba: I see… Why does it sound like I came here, especially for her?
Hijikata: What? Isn't that the case?
Iba: Well, I'm indeed happy to see her, as she is my childhood friend. But I mainly came here to meet Toshi-san and the other soldiers.
Hijikata: Yes, that's right. In any case, it's just as you said 😌.
Iba: What do you mean by "just as I said"? Please don't tease me like that 😭.
Yamazaki: Well then, I'll take my leave.
Iba: Um… Yamazaki-kun, if it's possible, I'd like to have a chat with you as well. Is it okay, Toshi-san?
Hijikata: Oh, that's not a problem. Yamazaki, you don't have urgent tasks, do you?
Yamazaki: No, nothing urgent. Can I talk with Iba-san?
Iba: Uh… Yamazaki-kun, you have always been very busy, so I'd appreciate it if you could stay for a chat.
Hijikata: Yamazaki is always very diligent, so we often ask him to help with various tasks, not just the Watch's regular work.
Yamazaki: As a Shinsengumi member, it's only natural to do these things.
Hijikata: There are plenty of people in the Shinsengumi who don't find these things natural, though.
Iba: When I talk with Toshi-san, I often hear about Yamazaki-kun. It seems that Yamazaki-kun has gained a lot of trust. Well… I've heard that Yamazaki-kun is a local here.
Yamazaki: Yes, I'm from a family of acupuncturists in Osaka. But I've always wanted to become a samurai since I was a child.
Iba: I see. So Yamazaki-kun always wanted to be a samurai since childhood… Maybe you have other dreams as well, like inheriting the family business or becoming a doctor?
Yamazaki: No, it's not like that. Although those experiences from my past have, in a sense, helped with my current work.
Iba: I'm sorry, I don't quite understand. How would those experiences help with your current work?
Yamazaki: It's a bit difficult to explain, but… I think it's about protecting and supporting someone important quietly in the shadows, I suppose.
Iba: I kind of understand, but kind of don't 😯.
Hijikata: Sorry, Hachiro. Yamazaki isn't very good at talking about himself.
Iba: I see. I might have asked too many questions. I'm sorry. But there's one thing I'm curious about.
Yamazaki: What is it?
Iba: The important person you mentioned that you want to protect from the shadows, are they a man or a woman?
Yamazaki: Um, well… 😣
Hijikata: Hachiro, you…
Iba: Sorry, I just couldn't help being curious. Because, typically, when it comes to protection, it usually involves guarding, like a bodyguard, and I thought you wouldn't be too interested in protecting a man.
Yamazaki: No, I don't think of it that way.
Hijikata: Whether it's protecting or taking care of a fellow comrade, gender doesn't make much of a difference, right? After all, Hachiro, you're responsible for guarding the Shogun too, aren't you?
Iba: That's true. As long as you're protecting or taking care of someone, it shouldn't be much different.
Iba: Well, that's true. But leaving that aside for now, Yamazaki, is the person you want to protect a man or a woman?
Yamazaki: (aside to Hijikata) Uh, Vice Commander, what's with that question?
Hijikata: (aside to Yamazaki) I think he's worried you might become a rival. Hachiro gets all worked up whenever Yukimura's name comes up.
Yamazaki: (aside to Hijikata) I see. (aloud to Hachiro) Mr. Iba, the people that I want to protect are the Commander and the Vice Commander, and there is no one else. You don't need to worry.
Iba: Really?
Yamazaki: Of course, I'm a Shinsengumi member.
Translation of the short conversation from post 27 of Hakuouki from Otomate old blog
It is just a small conversation between Harada and Sannan, but I like it, so I translated it.
The link is here: http://blog.otomate.jp/staffblog/2010/05/post-347.html
The sound of rain
"Oh...Harada-kun. What is the matter? If you keep sitting on the corridor during this rainy day, you are going to get wet."
"Occasionally, I think it isn't bad to listen to the sound of rain while drinking alcohol."
"That is unexpected. I thought that you disliked rain."
"Is that so? Well, it is certainly annoying when you have some business and have to go outside. But if when you just gaze at it like this, it is good... Do you dislike rain, Sannan-san?"
"...Yes. Because these heartlessly falling rains will wash away everything stagnating in this world...No matter what, I can't keep myself calm."
"Can't keep yourself calm means...?"
"If the rain truly removes stagnating things,...someday, I will be swallowed up by that flow."
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