Kyoto has entered a state of martial law.
However, some rumors continue to circulate among the people and the Imperial Court.
"The Choshu Domain has raised an army!" "It's said they want to appeal to Emperor Komei about the unjust accusations against their lord."
"It seems there are differing opinions within the court."
"Prince Sanehito of the Arisugawa-no-miya seems to agree with Choshu Domain's view and wants to expel the Aizu Domain Lord, Kyoto Shugoshoku Matsudaira Katamori."
"Kyoto Imperial Palace Guard Commander Tokugawa Yoshinobu advocates repelling the Choshu Domain's troops."
"Emperor Komei is undecided about this."
The customers in the teahouse exchanged the information they had gathered; each had family or relatives working for prominent figures, so news naturally spread rapidly.
A patrol of the Shinsengumi appeared at a street corner, and the entire street quickly fell silent.
