He tried to convey a confidence he did not actually feel as he approached Hijikata. He didn't want to give the older man the impression that he was having doubts, or didn't want to be there. He did, he just didn't know exactly how to act on that. Which meant he was just going to have to trust Hijikata to take the lead this time. He reached out as he drew close, letting his hand lightly brush the older man's unscarred shoulder.