Mm, I could see Hijikata choosing to work with an organization like yours, if he had to... as long as you didn't support the Reformists, of course. He was known for doing what was necessary to support the Shinsengumi's cause, even if it wasn't considered honorable by others.

[ it takes a moment for him to respond to the question, smile fading as his expression turns thoughtful. ]

It wasn't as bright, for one. The port had just opened about ten years before I was forged, so it was still much smaller than this. We didn’t stay long, though, so there wasn’t a chance to see much of it, anyway.