Hijikata strode through corridors, the smoke from his cigarette curling around his steely gaze. His commanding presence halted abruptly as his sharp eyes fell upon an unfamiliar woman, an elegant anomaly amidst the rugged setting. With the fluidity of a seasoned warrior, his hand subtly reached for his katana, a silent signal of caution, while his expression, an unreadable blend of wariness and curiosity, studied her presence, ready to defend the sanctity of the Shinsengumi at a moment's notice. "Identify yourself." He spoke in a sharp tone, suspicious of the woman in front of him.