[ Now, this might be habit but at the sudden fit of coughing Hijikata couldn't help but immediately place a hand on Souji's shoulder with another hand on his back for support. He stays silent, waiting for Souji's coughing to calm down, however a frown of concern is on his features. ]

Hey, get a hold of yourself. [ Once he calms down, though, he does retract his hands because well... This is kind of awkward. This man is technically a part of the Shinsengumi but not his... How is that suppose to work? There's a sense of responsibility he does feel but at the same time Hijikata can't help but feel some disbelief biting at the back of his thoughts.

So, back to the whole there's more than one Shinsengumi thing.]

I suppose that makes sense... [ But Hijikata shakes his head. ] I recognize some similarities but they're not completely spot on. My Souji is a pain in my ass, Harada... Well, quiet but more detached. Nagakura is childish but he tries to take care of everyone. Heisuke is childish and flirtatious, that kid... [ Well, he tries to take after Shinpachi, Kondo-san told him that. ] Saitou is strict yet mature, I can usually count on him; Spiritual powers though? That's pretty odd.

[ Okay, but... Now he's genuinely curious. ] Which means... You guys have your own Hijikata as well, huh...? [ Now, that's really hard to think about. ]