"Alchemists." He repeated, testing the word on his tongue. They would be important if they could forge weaponry in a place like this, and Hijikata would be sure to remember. If Homura could introduce him to these alchemists, there would be another important bond for him to make. He began working his fingers through his hair, dispatching of knots and tangles almost absently.

He wasn't surprised by Homura's motives at all. He would have guessed as much, and this was only confirmation. Hijikata had no problems with this. The situation would benefit them both, and the information he gained would be vital come nightshift. It didn't escape Hijikata's notice that Homura had not named the place they would be visiting.

"The same can be said for anyone here, or they would be gone by now." He replied calmly. His eyes half-lidded and on Homura alone. "The two of us tonight, then. Understand that unless it is a sword, I have no interest in dead weight, and if this is a trick I will break your neck with my bare hands." His words, like Homura's, were nothing more or less than the truth. This was not so much a threat as far as Hijikata was concerned - he doubted if such things would do more than amuse the man in front of him.

"Have they begun to organize, and if so who is in charge?"