[As they start leaving the area Hijikata seems surprised at something for a moment, then his expression turns deadpan before he seemingly speaks to the water.]

Because you abducted a bunch of children. What'd you do with those, eat them?

...

Yeah, right. That's exactly what a kidnapper would say.

[He turns to Keith to explain.]

Its ghost showed up.

[He should have seen that coming - however since he only killed monsters and dangerous animals during his time as a death mage their souls never attempted to talk to him.]