I formed the strongest swordsman group.

Chapter 1105 The Conflict Between Aoto and Saito Hajime! The Establishment of "Ito Juku"! [6400]

In an instant, only two expressions remained on the scene—shock and bewilderment.

So shocked were many people that they forgot to breathe.

Saito became the center of attention, with everyone present staring intently at him, their eyes questioning, "Are you still half asleep?" and "What nonsense are you spouting?"

If it weren't for Aoto's strict prohibition against making noise during the "team meeting," I'm afraid that by now, Nagakura Shinpachi, Harada Sanosuke, and other straightforward people would have already been unable to contain themselves and loudly questioned Saito Hajime.

Aside from necessary reports, Saito Hajime rarely spoke at team meetings.

His long-awaited speech, followed by such shocking remarks... was truly unexpected.

If we were to name the most sensitive issue at present, it would be whether "the accession of Prince Kazuya is legitimate."

This is a matter of great importance; the struggle is for "legitimacy" and "discourse power"... If this is shaken, it will lead to irreparable consequences!

In conclusion, no one had ever dared to mention this matter in front of Aoto before, and Saito Hajime set a precedent...

Faced with Saito Hajime's sudden attack, Aoto did not respond immediately.

But he lowered his eyelids slightly, staring intently at the other person with a deep gaze, as if he were thinking, "How should I punish him?"

The latter stared back without flinching.

Their eyes met in mid-air, radiating an invisible pressure that made the surrounding air feel heavier and more suffocating, making it hard to breathe and giving one the urge to escape.

About 10 seconds later, Qing Deng spoke calmly:

“…Ah Yi, feel free to speak your mind.”

Aoto was willing to communicate with Saito Hajime instead of directly "silencing" him and imposing severe punishment... Nagakura Shinpachi and the others couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

However, just as they relaxed, Saito's next words made their hearts leap into their throats again.

"Mr. Ju, without any evidence, to claim that the new emperor is a 'false emperor' and to forcefully enthrone the Prince of He is not only illegal and unreasonable, but also lacks any sense of righteousness!"

"In my opinion, the reason why the patriots in Kyoto cannot be completely killed or eliminated is because our side has lost its sense of righteousness! As a result, countless men have devoted themselves to Choshu!"

quiet……

Another deathly silence.

The only difference compared to before was that the expressions of shock and confusion on everyone's faces had become even more intense.

They didn't dare to breathe loudly, and could only look at Qingdeng with tense expressions, waiting for his reply.

Qingdeng's facial expression remained unchanged, devoid of any emotion, neither sad nor happy... This only made it more terrifying!
"...Ah Yi, are you too tired? Or are you drunk?"

Just as Aoto finished speaking, Harada Sanosuke, scratching the back of his head and feigning a simple-mindedness, abruptly interrupted:

"That's right! Saito is drunk!"

"Oh dear, it's all my fault, I'm so sorry!"

"As soon as Saito returned to Otsu this morning, I dragged him to taste the new wine I bought!"

"Knowing that the 'team meeting' was about to start, I still treated him to drinks and made him drunk. I feel so bad about it..."

Harada Sanosuke, who is not good with words and not very bright, has tried his best to smooth things over in order to help Saito Hajime out of the predicament.

Unfortunately, Saito Hajime did not appreciate it:

"Zanosuke, thank you for your kindness, but you don't have to do this."

"I want to take this opportunity to say everything that needs to be said!"

At this point, Saito Kazushige raised his gaze again, staring intently and resolutely into his eyes.

"Mr. Ju, I believe that to truly quell the unrest caused by the patriots who seek to revolt, swords alone are far from sufficient!"

"Blindly killing is ultimately just a stopgap measure!"

"Only by upholding righteousness can one win the hearts of the people!"

"Otherwise, even if we were to raze the two countries of Defense Minister and Minister of Defense to the ground, there would be a constant stream of patriots who resent the Shogunate, or any other patriots!"

"Please allow His Highness to return the divine artifact and end the division within the court!"

[Note: Choshu encompassed the provinces of Suō and Nagato, hence the term "Suō and Nagato provinces" was used as a synonym for Choshu.]

Qingdeng has already given them a way out; he has done everything he could to be kind and righteous.

Since Saito Hajime was unwilling to accept the way out he offered, he wouldn't hold back either:

"First of all, the reason why the turmoil caused by the veneration of patriots is difficult to eradicate has nothing to do with His Majesty's (the Empress's) ascension to the throne."

"It is all because of the behind-the-scenes manipulators that the people of Kyoto are suffering."

"Secondly, Changzhou abducted the late emperor and the crown prince, committing such a heinous act of rebellion. What legal basis is there for this?"

"Which side is more reasonable and which side is more just? I believe the eyes of the world are discerning."

Qing Deng paused for a moment, then adopted a more profound and solemn tone.

"Aichi, I entrusted you with the important task of 'protecting Kyoto.' And this is your answer?"

"Is the root cause of the unrest in Kyoto 'illegitimate' or is it your incompetence?"

Qingdeng's tone wasn't high, but every word he uttered was like a sledgehammer, striking heavily into everyone's ears and hearts, full of awe-inspiring power—this was the lofty prestige accumulated from long holding a high position!
When Aoto is serious, even the unruly Hijikata Toshizo has to sit up straight and never dare to be presumptuous.

"Ah Yi, I appreciate your courage and outspokenness."

"But your suggestion is too absurd for me to agree with."

"I will pretend to be forgetful for now and forget everything I just heard."

"Don't mention this again."

"Otherwise, even if it were you, I wouldn't let you off easily."

"If you feel that you are not capable enough to restore peace to Kyoto, you may simply say so. I will have someone else do it for you."

"That concludes today's 'team meeting,' everyone may leave."

Having said that, without waiting for Saito's response, Aoto stood up unhurriedly and left under everyone's watchful eyes.

……

……

No sooner had Saito Hajime stepped out of the conference room than he was confronted by Nagakura Shinpachi and Harada Sanosuke, who were blocking his way.

"Saito! Are you crazy! Or are you sick?"

As Harada Sanosuke spoke, he raised his hands, touching his own forehead with his left hand and Saito Hajime's forehead with his right, muttering, "Strange... his body temperature is normal..."

While Naga and Hara were holding off Saito Hajime, Hijikata Toshizo, Yamanami Keisuke, and the others surrounded him.

Even Serizawa Kamo and Niimi Nishiki, who were outside the "Shiekan faction," stood by with their arms crossed, silently acting as listeners.

Hijikata Toshizo frowned, looking at Saito Hajime with a hostile expression:

"Saito, what's wrong with you today? What kind of crazy suggestion did you just make?"

"If you really don't know how to offer advice, you can simply keep quiet as always and not speak out!"

Kondo Isami tugged at Hijikata Toshizo's sleeve:
"Ah Sui, what you said is too harsh..."

Hijikata Toshizo unceremoniously shook off Kondo Isami's hand.

"No, I have to be harsh! I have to give him a serious warning!"

"Saito, do you realize how dangerous your statement was?"

"To utter such rebellious remarks, you would be perfectly justified in being beheaded!"

"The fact that Ju didn't pursue your crime is already an act of exceptional favoritism!"

"The constant emergence of patriots and those who uphold justice, what does it have to do with the palace... or with His Majesty's ascension to the throne?"

"Right now, there's no such thing as 'righteousness,' only pure 'force'! Whoever defeats the other first possesses 'righteousness.' Don't you understand such a simple principle?"

"Besides, with His Majesty already on the throne, how could we possibly ask her to return the divine artifact?"

Have you ever heard of an emperor who, upon ascending the Takamidai (Imperial Terrace), immediately stepped down from it?

"If such a thing were to happen, we would only become a laughingstock to the world!"

Heisuke Todo looked worried.

"Brother Saito, what's wrong? Did something happen?"

Sanako demonstrated the tolerance expected of a matriarch:
"Captain Saito, if you have something difficult to say, please feel free to tell us, and we will help you."

After experiencing utter shock, everyone gradually calmed down.

As reason regained control of their minds, everyone felt utterly perplexed.

Everyone present knew that Aoto and Saito Hajime shared a very deep friendship.

Strictly speaking, Saito Kazuya was Aoto's first companion and first comrade-in-arms.

While Sanako, Souji, and others were still unfamiliar with Aoto, Saito Hajime was already fighting alongside Aoto as his "bodyguard."

This is a well-known story within the Shinsengumi—a homeless ronin finally found a lord to whom he could serve for a lifetime.

Saito Hajime has never disobeyed Seito and has always been one of Seito's sharpest "swords to defeat enemies"... This is the first time he has ever contradicted Seito in front of everyone like this.

To everyone present, Saito Kazuya was their reliable companion and comrade-in-arms who had shared life and death with them.

Therefore, everyone naturally did not want him to be punished for his words, and even less did they want to see his friendship with Qing Deng break down.

Even Hijikata Toshizo, known for his foul mouth and profanity, couldn't hide the worry in his eyes.

Unfortunately... Saito Hajime's reaction to the helping hands offered by everyone was very indifferent:
"As the captain of the third division of the Shinsengumi, don't I even have the right to express my own thoughts?"

"I have no selfish motives; I simply want the people of the world to enjoy peace as soon as possible."

"The dispute today is probably just because Mr. Ju and I have different perspectives on the 'world'."

After coldly saying "Excuse me," he said no more, spread his arms, pushed aside the crowd, and quickly left.

Todo Heisuke and Saito are the same age (both are 21 this year) and have a past friendship as former subordinates of Aoto Okabiki (Doshin's subordinate), so they have a pretty good relationship.

Seeing Saito walk away, he instinctively leaned forward to chase after him.

However, he had only taken half a step when Hijikata Toshizo grabbed his arm:

"Heisuke, come back! Don't worry about him. Saito's emotions are unstable, let him have some time to calm down!"

With a conflicted expression, Todo Heisuke looked at Saito Hajime in front of him, then at Hijikata Toshizo behind him... In the end, he chose to listen to the latter's advice.

Today's "team meeting," which should have been very boring and dull, has unexpectedly turned out like this... Although it is no longer boring or dull, it is really not a happy occasion.

The group looked at each other, exchanging glances and whispering amongst themselves.

Ah Wu raised her little hand and said weakly:
"I... I'll go talk to Aoto with Sanako. Aoto must be feeling really bad right now..."

Inoue Genzaburo nodded and echoed:

"Yes, when Tachibana-kun left just now, although he had no expression on his face, I could tell that he was in a very bad mood."

Nagakura Shinpachi sighed heavily:
“Then I’ll go talk to Saito. I’ll go alone. Saito doesn’t like noisy occasions. Too many people will make it harder for him to open up.”

Kondo Isamu nodded in agreement.

"Yes, that's right. Let Shinpachi talk to Saito alone. The others shouldn't bother Saito for now, especially you, Toshi."

Hijikata Toshizo looked displeased:
"Huh? Why?" Kondo Isami gave him a disgruntled look.

"You still have the nerve to ask 'why'? You're a sarcastic and mean-spirited person, born without the ability to 'mediate.' Sending you to see Saito will only cause trouble."

And so, after assigning tasks and exchanging bewildered and uneasy glances, everyone dispersed on the spot.

Even though everyone else had already left, one person remained standing still.

But Ito Kashitaro tilted his head, staring intently westward—the very direction Saito Hajime had gone—his eyes filled with a complex expression, as if he were deep in thought.

After a while, the thoughtful look on his face gradually faded, replaced by a meaningful smile.

As that smile appeared, he finally moved his feet, turned westward, quickened his pace, and chased straight after Saito Hajime.

……

……

That afternoon—

Otsu, Shinsengumi headquarters, a certain dojo—

[Note: The Shinsengumi headquarters was located outside Otsu, with Shinsengumi outposts in Kyoto, Osaka, and Otsu.]

Todo Heisuke stood in the center of the dojo, looking sullen, mechanically swinging the bamboo sword in his hand, practicing the soju.

In the vast dojo, he was the only one present, the rhythmic sound of his bamboo sword cutting through the wind dominating the entire arena.

Sizzle! Sizzle! Sizzle! Sizzle! Sizzle! Sizzle!
He swung his sword with force, but there was no crisp sound like a bamboo sword cutting through the air.

Upon closer inspection, it was clear that his wrists were weak, his sword strokes were crooked, and the tip of the blade trembled wildly... a visibly bad situation.

For a swordsman of Todo Heisuke's caliber, "sword chaos" has only one cause: "mental chaos."

At this moment, his mind was completely absorbed in the changes of the day, and his thoughts were in a jumbled mess, like a ball of yarn.

—What exactly is wrong with Saito-san?

—Was he so exhausted from the heavy responsibility of “defending Kyoto” that he became delirious?
—I never realized he was such a person who revered the Emperor…

—Sigh…I'll talk to him again when I have the chance…

He had intended to practice his sword and work up a sweat to relieve his inner turmoil.

However, after picking up the bamboo sword, his mood did not improve; instead, it worsened.

—I'm not feeling well today... Let's stop here.

Just as he put down his bamboo sword and was about to leave, a familiar, magnetic male voice made him freeze in place.

"Huh? Isn't this Heisuke? You're here."

With a look of surprise, Todo Heisuke turned his head to look—Ito Kashitaro was leaning against the door frame of the dojo, looking at him with a big smile.

"Master? What are you doing here?"

"I've been very busy lately, sitting all day, and my spine has become stiff. So I thought I'd take advantage of this free time to come here and stretch my muscles. I didn't expect to run into you."

As he spoke, Ito Kashitaro moved to the sword rack not far away and casually picked up a bamboo sword.

"Heisuke, since we've met here by chance, how about a long-awaited sparring match?"

Upon hearing this, Todo Heisuke's eyes immediately lit up with excitement, and he nodded hastily:
"I can't ask for it!"

Ito Kashitaro grinned:
"Very good, then hurry up and put on your protective gear! Let me see how much your swordsmanship has improved!"

After donning their protective gear, the two moved to the center of the dojo, facing each other, squatted down, and bowed to one another.

They were a very close master and disciple, and naturally they had many opportunities to practice and exchange skills.

However, after joining the Shinsengumi, due to busy work schedules and other reasons, although the two still saw each other often, the number of times they sparred decreased significantly.

Heisuke Todo couldn't remember the last time he had sparred with his master.

After performing the squatting salute, the two slowly rose, their sword tips touching as they cautiously tested each other.

Ito Kashitaro, who doesn't carry a sword, is a gentle and refined gentleman.

After picking up the sword, he seemed like a completely different person, exuding a sharp aura that made people hesitant to approach him!
Seeing this, Todo Heisuke couldn't help but sigh inwardly:

—As expected of my master, there was no opportunity for me to take advantage of him!
His opponent's perfect posture made him dare not let his guard down.

Left with no other choice, he could only resort to a "two-person show" strategy, circling around Ito Kashitaro, kicking the ground and shouting, trying to force the other party to reveal a weakness.

Unfortunately, no matter what strategy he adopted, the other side remained as steady as Mount Tai and did not waver in the slightest.

In any high-level swordsmanship contest, it's always the same – either as still as a mountain, or as swift as thunder! Once offense and defense begin, all exchanges happen in the blink of an eye!

In the blink of an eye, Toudou Heisuke, who disliked prolonged stalemates, seized the initiative:
"Drink ah ah ah!"

He shouted and his bamboo sword struck Ito Kashitaro's right wrist with lightning speed.

This is the classic tactic of the Hokushin Ittō-ryū style: chopping off hands!
As the owner of the complete manual of the Hokushin Itto-ryu style, he has mastered every "hand-chopping" technique of the Hokushin Itto-ryu style to perfection.

Unfortunately, this brilliant strike had no effect whatsoever.

Ito Kashitaro raised his sword and skillfully deflected Todo Heisuke's slash to the side.

Immediately afterwards, he skillfully twisted his wrists, causing the sword tip to leap into the air, drawing a beautiful and exquisite arc, and striking Todo Heisuke's right wrist precisely.

The one who tried to cut off another's hand ended up having his hand cut off instead.

Ito Kashitaro seemed to haven't had enough of fighting yet. After pulling the bamboo sword back to his hand, he shouted with great momentum:
"Come again!"

Just as Todo Heisuke was about to retaliate, he readily agreed, regained his footing, and gripped his bamboo sword tightly.

This time, he planned to attack Ito Kashitaro's chest.

The methods have changed, but the outcome remains the same—

Snapped!
Another dull thud followed as Ito Kashitaro's bamboo sword struck Todo Heisuke's left shoulder.

"Come again!"

……

Snapped!
"Come again!"

……

Snapped!
"Come again!"

……

Snapped!
"Come again!"

……

Sword after sword, round after round; battle after battle, defeat after defeat.

In the blink of an eye, Todo Heisuke unleashed another confident slash—he feinted, then lowered his center of gravity, his sword moving downwards, striking at Ito Kashitaro's waist and abdomen from a tricky angle.

His previous moves had all been seen through by his opponent, and this time was no exception.

Ito Kashitaro dodged to the right, causing Todo Heisuke's slash to miss. Then, he kicked off with his left foot, leaping out like a spring and crashing into Todo Heisuke with his sword. With the momentum of the lunge, he slashed hard at Todo Heisuke's head.

Snapped!
Heisuke Todo was unable to dodge in time and was knocked to the ground.

If he hadn't been wearing protective gear, Ito Kashitaro's sword strike would have easily knocked Todo Heisuke unconscious.

If it were a real weapon, Todo Heisuke's head would have been chopped in two.

"Huff...huff...huff...Master...I can't go on...I can't even move a single finger..."

Seeing the exhausted Heisuke Todo collapsed on the ground, Kashitaro Ito mimicked the motion of sheathing a sword, tucking his bamboo sword to his left hip, and loudly proclaimed:

"That's enough for today."

With difficulty, Todo Heisuke propped himself up, removed the headgear, revealing a face covered in sweat and a bright smile.

"I lost... Compared to my master, I am still far behind!"

Ito Kashitaro smiled slightly:
"Of course, I am your master, how could I let you surpass me so easily?"

"However, Heisuke, you don't need to underestimate yourself."

"Although your swordsmanship is still far from perfect, it has improved a lot compared to before, and it deserves praise."

For Heisuke Todo, the people he admired most were Aoto and Kashitaro Ito.

He respects one of these two more... To be honest, he himself can't say for sure.

The former was his idol, and the latter was his mentor; both were the most important people in his life.

After chatting for a while, the two quietly adjusted their breathing and relaxed their muscles.

Suddenly, as if struck by a sudden thought, Ito Kashitaro abruptly said to Todo Heisuke:
"Oh, right, Heisuke, there's something I almost forgot to tell you."

"I recently gained some new insights while reading 'The Great History of Japan'."

"Western science and technology are indeed impressive and worth learning from, but we cannot ultimately break away from the fundamental principle of 'using Western technology as a substitute for Japanese technology'."

"Therefore, I plan to open a private school in my residence... I'll call it 'Ito Juku', and it will be dedicated to teaching the 'Great History of Japan'."

Are you interested in participating?

Upon hearing this, Todo Heisuke's eyes lit up, and he immediately perked up.

He has always loved reading and once thought that one day when the world is at peace and there is no need to wield swords, he would devote himself to becoming a scholarly "bookworm".

The course content was "The History of Japan," which he was very interested in, and the instructor was his most respected teacher. How could he not be interested?
"Master, may I participate?"

Ito Kashitaro chuckled, somewhat annoyed.

"If you can't participate, then why am I even asking you?"

After receiving an affirmative answer, Todo Heisuke shouted almost without hesitation:

"Master, please let me participate! To be honest, I haven't studied for a long time! I find myself quite unbearable! I've been wanting to find an opportunity to settle down and study properly!"

……

……

That night--

Humming a little tune, Todo Heisuke strolled leisurely down a street in Otsu, carrying his old copy of the first volume of "Dai Nihon Shi" which he had read many times.

Just as the Ito residence came into view, he suddenly noticed a familiar figure directly in front of him and was startled.

He quickly quickened his pace and caught up with the other person, walking side by side.

After seeing the other person's face clearly, he stared in surprise, and involuntarily asked in a loud voice:

"Huh? Saito-san? What are you doing here? Where are you going?"

Saito glanced at Toudou Heisuke and said calmly:
"I'm going to attend classes at the Ito Juku."

He said this while showing what he was holding in his arms—the first volume of a brand new "Great History of Japan".

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