I formed the strongest swordsman group.

Chapter 1106 The all-new Shinsengumi, with an army exceeding ten thousand! The "Western Alliance" is established! [6100]

Todo Heisuke glanced at Saito Hajime, then at the "Great History of Japan" in his hand, unable to suppress his astonishment.

"Brother Saito, are you also going to the Ito Juku?"

Saito's gaze swept across the room, scrutinizing Todo Heisuke from head to toe:

"I'll return this question to you exactly as it is. Heisuke, are you also attending classes at 'Ito Juku'?"

Heisuke Todo nodded subconsciously:
"That's right. My master invited me to attend his class today."

Upon hearing this, Saito Hajime's lips curled into a faint smile.

"What a coincidence! We're all going to the Ito Juku for a lecture. Let's hurry up so we don't get late."

Having said that, Saito Hajime turned his gaze away from Todo Heisuke and stepped forward again.

After hesitating for a moment, Todo Heisuke quickened his pace and caught up with him.

"Brother Saito, I never expected to run into you here... Are you also interested in the 'Great History of Japan'?"

As far as Todo Heisuke knew, Saito Hajime was never a person who enjoyed reading or was passionate about learning.

The brand-new book he was holding in his arms, clearly a newly purchased copy of "The Great History of Japan," was strong evidence of his dislike of reading.

Although it may seem impolite to say this, Todo Heisuke really couldn't imagine the scene of "Saito Hajime attending classes seriously and studying diligently".

Saito Hajime said calmly:
"Like you, Ito-sensei invited me to attend his class today."

"Did your master invite you?"

"Yes. Not long after the 'team meeting' ended, Mr. Ito suddenly approached me and invited me to attend a lecture at the 'Ito Juku'."

He said that in times of turmoil and upheaval, those who aspire to "bring peace to the world" should read more history books, and perhaps they can learn from the experiences of those who came before them in governing the world.

"I thought what he said made a lot of sense, so I agreed."

"Because I have never studied 'Greater Japanese History', Professor Ito specially allowed me to attend a trial class first."

"Whether I come to class regularly or never come again is up to me; he will never force me."

Upon hearing this, Todo Heisuke subtly raised his gaze, staring thoughtfully at Saito Hajime's face, a hint of hesitation appearing between his brows.

After a moment, he finally made up his mind and cautiously began to speak:

"Brother Saito, um..."

However, before he could finish speaking, Saito Hajime interrupted him as if he had anticipated this:

“Heisuke, if you want to talk to me about ‘that matter’ today, then you can shut up.”

"Shinpachi has already come to talk to me and tried to instill a lot of high-sounding principles in me, which I found very annoying."

“I have no intention of changing my mind. I have said everything I needed to say. I don’t think I have done anything wrong. You don’t need to persuade me anymore.”

After speaking, Saito tightened his facial features, making his already expressionless face appear even colder, as if to say, "If you talk to me about this again, I'm going to turn on you."

Seeing this, Toudou Heisuke silently shut his mouth... It seemed that Nagakura Shinpachi's conversation with Saito Hajime was not going well...

Seeing the other party's resolute expression, Todo Heisuke had no choice but to sigh inwardly.

……

……

A room in the private residence of Ito Kashitaro—

Saito Hajime pushed open the door without any hesitation and stepped inside.

Heisuke Todo followed closely behind, muttering "Excuse me" as he quickly scanned the room.

Neatly arranged low tables divide the spacious room into orderly sections... just like a private school.

In this short while, quite a few students had arrived—without exception, they were all members of the Shinsengumi—some chatting in groups, others quietly flipping through books.

Upon seeing the arrival of two captains, one of whom was the renowned Third Division Captain Saito Hajime, everyone in the room immediately stopped what they were doing and rushed to stand up and pay their respects.

Heisuke Todo waved his hand and smiled amicably:

"We are not superiors and subordinates now, but classmates studying together. Since we are classmates, there is no need for formalities."

After everyone in the room was seated, Todo Heisuke and Saito Hajime sat down at two empty tables near the window, becoming tablemates.

After that, many more people arrived one after another.

Soon, all the seats in the room were filled, with no empty seats. There were a total of 24 students, including Heisuke Todo and Hajime Saito.

A moment later, steady footsteps came from the direction of the corridor—whoosh—accompanied by the sound of a door being pushed open, and Ito Kashitaro walked into the view of everyone in the room with unhurried steps.

Instantly, everyone in the room straightened their backs and sat up straight.

Ito Kashitaro settled into the main seat, a broad smile on his face, and announced in a loud voice:
Good evening, everyone!

"I am very pleased to see so many people here."

“We must read more history books to reflect on ourselves. This is especially true now that the Western barbarians are powerful. We must never forget the fundamental principle of ‘using the West as a model’ – this is the original intention of me in establishing the ‘Ito Academy’.”

As he spoke, he looked around the room, his gaze sweeping across each person's face.

When he saw Saito Hajime, his gaze lingered on him for a few moments.

"I'll skip the unnecessary pleasantries for now."

"Time is money, let's start class now."

"Before I begin my lecture, I would like to introduce the author of 'The Great History of Japan'..."

Even when he was running the Ito Dojo, Ito Kashitaro often taught his disciples in order to cultivate outstanding students who were proficient in both literature and martial arts.

He was already very skilled at imparting knowledge, teaching skills, and resolving doubts.

His unhurried voice clearly reached the ears of everyone present.

The lecture was well-organized, insightful, and easy to understand, captivating the audience.

Heisuke Todo carefully observed Hajime Saito beside him and found that the other was unusually serious, staring intently at Kazutaro Ito without blinking... He seemed to be genuinely eager to learn.

—Huh? That's strange...

At this moment, Todo Heisuke belatedly noticed something strange: many of the students present were his old acquaintances... most of them were his fellow disciples, namely, the students of Ito Kashitaro.

Heisuke Todo blinked, and soon figured it out himself:

—After all, this is a private school run by the master, and most of the students are his disciples, so it's not surprising.

With this thought in mind, Todo Heisuke stopped thinking about it, roused his spirits, and listened attentively to the lecture.

……

……

time flies……

In the blink of an eye, two months have passed.

Summer fades, autumn deepens.

If one word could describe the changes in the situation over the past two months, it would be "nothing happened".

Both the eastern and western kingdoms were unusually quiet, and nothing major had happened.

Of course, it's easy to see that this is just the calm before the storm, with both the Eastern and Western camps quietly preparing their big moves.

For ease of reference, people referred to the northern "Watari Court" as the "Northern Court" and the southern "Musikuni Court" as the "Southern Court," based on their geographical location.

The "Northern Dynasty," supported by warriors from the East, and the "Southern Dynasty," supported by warriors from the West... it's practically a classic replica of the "Northern and Southern Dynasties" from five hundred years ago!

At this moment, just like at that time... it must be said that dark humor is indeed an important aspect of history.

After two full months of "building up strength," the first camp to make a huge commotion was none other than the "Northern Court" led by Aoto—the Shinsengumi's "Second Great Conscription" has come to a successful conclusion!

In order to replenish the losses caused by a series of battles such as the "Chōshū Campaign" and the "Second Battle of Sekigahara", and in order to further expand the military force to deter and repel the western domains, Aoto launched a large-scale conscription in a vast area from Ōshu in the north to the Kyoto region in the south, known as the "Second Great Conscription".

Musketeers, artillery, and cavalry were designated as the focus of this conscription, with plans to add 4,000 new recruits, expanding the total strength of the new selection group from 6,000 to 10,000.

The number "ten thousand" was carefully researched by Qingdeng.

If the number exceeds this, there will be too many new recruits, making it impossible to form a considerable combat force in a short period of time.

If the number is less than this, the military strength is too small to contend with the Western Kingdom.

This is no longer the age of swords; the Shinsengumi already has enough swordsmen specializing in close combat, and there is no need to expand further.

Therefore, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth divisions, which were responsible for close combat, only replenished the previous battle losses and did not carry out further expansion.

The newly added 4,000 troops were basically assigned to the musketeer team, artillery, cavalry, the Ninth Division responsible for relaying orders and intelligence activities, as well as logistics departments such as the Censorate and the General Affairs Department.

Given that the size of the musketeer squad had swelled to an astonishing number, Qingdeng established two new musketeer units: the Twelfth Division and the Thirteenth Division!

With the establishment of the new unit, Qingdeng carried out sweeping adjustments to the personnel structure of the Shinsengumi.

Soma Kazue, the former vice-captain of the 6th Division, was transferred to become the captain of the 12th Division.

Yoshimura Kanichiro, the former vice-captain of the 8th Division, was transferred to become the captain of the 13th Division.

Oishi Kuwajiro, formerly the third seat of the third division, was transferred to be the vice-captain of the eighth division.

In addition, promising newcomers such as Asano Kaoru and Kawamura Hayato were promoted and appointed as vice-captains of the new unit.

Currently, the organizational structure of the Shinsengumi is as follows—

[Military Police Bureau]
Director: Isamu Kondo.

Assistant to the Director: Takeda Kanryuzai.

The total payment is 500 people.

[General Affairs Department] (In charge of administrative work)

Chief of Staff: Keisuke Yamanami.

Assistant to the Chief of Staff: Ito Kashitaro.

He commands 200 people.

[Finance Department] (In charge of financial work)

Head of the department: Elodie Angoulême.

Assistant to the head of the department: Kisaburo Kawai.

120 people were appointed.

[Refining Guild] (responsible for weapon forging and repair)

Refined headgear: Kitahara Harutaro.

There are 250 blacksmiths.

[General Affairs Department] (In charge of field engineering and civil engineering operations)
Pu Qingtou: Higashion Natsujiro.

It was passed on to 150 people.

[Medical Specialist] (In charge of medical affairs)

Medical Director: Nanjo Akizaburo.

100 medical staff.

The central government agencies and logistics departments together have a total of 1320 employees.

Next came the combat troops, namely the sword-wielding squad—

Vice-Commander: Hijikata Toshizo.

Deputy Chief Assistant: Ogata Shuntaro.

[First Division] (Elite Infantry Unit):

Captain: Tsukasa Tachibana (Okita Souji). Vice-Captain: Kai Shimada.

Troop strength: 300.

[Second Division] (Elite Infantry):

Captain: Nagakura Shinpachi.

Vice Captain: Noboru Nakajima.

Troop strength: 250.

[Third Division] (Elite Infantry):

Captain: Hajime Saito.

Vice-captain: Nakazawa Sadayoshi.

Troop strength: 250.

[Fourth Division] (Infantry Division):

Captain: Serizawa Kamo.

Vice Captain: Sanjuro Tani.

Troop strength: 550.

[Fifth Division] (Infantry Division):

Captain: Shinmi Nishiki
Vice-captain: Tani Mantaro.

Troop strength: 450.

[Squad 6] (Musketeer Squad):

Captain: Inoue Genzaburo.

Vice-captain: Hayataro Ando.

Troop strength: 1150.

[Seventh Division] (Cavalry):

Captain: Tachibana Sanako (Chiba Sanako).

Vice Captain: Nakazawa Koto

Troop strength: 600.

[Squad 8] (Musketeer Squad):

Captain: Heisuke Toudo.

Vice Captain: Oishi Kuwajiro.

Troop strength: 1150.

[Squad 9] (Ninja Squad):
Captain: Tachibana Mai (Kinoshita Mai).

Vice Captain: Yamazaki Susumu.

Troop strength: 400.

[10th Division] (Cavalry):

Captain: Harada Sanosuke.

Vice Captain: Tadashi Matsubara.

Troop strength: 600.

Eleventh Division (Artillery Unit):

Captain: Juro Abe.

Vice-captain: Toshisaburo Nomura.

Troop strength: 680.

[Squad 12] (Musketeer Squad):

Captain: Soma no Kiseki.

Vice Captain: Asano Kaoru

1150 troops
[Squad 13] (Musketeer Squad):

Captain: Kanichiro Yoshimura.

Vice Captain: Kawamura Hayato
1150 troops
800 elite infantry, 1000 regular infantry, 4600 musketeers, 1200 cavalry, 400 ninjas, and 680 artillerymen, totaling 8680 combat troops.

8680 combatants, 1320 central government and logistics personnel, total strength 10000!

Without a doubt, at a time when the military preparedness of the various vassal states was generally in a state of disrepair, this was already a powerful military force capable of determining the fate of the world!

Interestingly, because the Shinsengumi's forces have expanded to thirteen squads, many people in the city have recently jokingly referred to the Shinsengumi as the "Thirteen Guardian Squads of the Capital," meaning the thirteen units that protect the capital region.

The reason it didn't have such a nickname before was that "Team 10" had one less syllable than "Team 13," while "Team 11" had one more syllable, making it particularly difficult to pronounce.

Although the name has a mocking element, its specific connotation is undoubtedly positive, much better than the derogatory term "Mibu Wolf".

Aoto has always welcomed rumors that are beneficial to the Shinsengumi's organizational image.

Qingdeng has always attached great importance to the power of public opinion and is well aware of the principle of "reporting good news and not reporting bad news".

And so... the media machine was set in motion!
As usual, tabloids were distributed like snowflakes; members of the Ninth Division, lurking in the streets, spread the news everywhere.

Thus, the news that "the Shinsengumi has successfully expanded and its military strength has exceeded 10,000" spread like wildfire throughout the land.

The Shinsengumi was the core military force of the Northern Dynasty.

The widespread dissemination of this good news naturally boosted the morale of the people and the army of the "Northern Dynasty".

Just a few days ago, someone suggested to Qing Deng that the total strength of the Shinsengumi has exceeded 10,000, and from any perspective, it does not seem like a "gumi". Why not change its name to "Shinsengun" or reorganize the Shinsengumi into the domain army of the Hatatsu Domain?

To date, the Qin Jin Domain has remained in a state of "no army, no soldiers, and no generals." The specific reason is quite simple—with the Shinsengumi in place, what need is there for a domain army?
Qing Deng rejected the proposal without hesitation.

Admittedly, it is quite strange to use the word "group" to refer to an army of over 10,000.

However, the name "Shinsengumi" has taken root in people's hearts. Allies feel at ease when they hear it, while enemies are terrified!
With such a prestigious reputation, how could we possibly abandon it?

Therefore, with Qing Deng's approval, the name "Shinsengumi" will continue to be used and will not be changed.

Just as the Southern Dynasty was deliberately competing with the Northern Dynasty, a few days after the Northern Dynasty's rulers, officials, and people were overjoyed by the growing strength of the Shinsengumi, the Southern Dynasty also released a major announcement.

It must be admitted that the "Southern Court's" long-awaited "big move" was indeed extraordinary. As soon as it was released, it instantly overwhelmed the momentum of the "Northern Court"—the Satsuma Domain, Choshu Domain, Tosa Domain, and Hizen Domain issued a joint statement: they would form the "Western Country Alliance" to stand together and fight to the death! They would fully support Emperor Mutsuhito! And they would punish the treacherous "Southern Shogunate"!
As early as a month ago, Qingdeng had received relevant intelligence: the four powerful vassal states of the West were in close contact and there were signs of an alliance.

Qingdeng has made every effort to divide the Western Kingdom.

However, whether it was a promise of huge profits or a warning that implied coercion, all that was received were vague and evasive replies.

At that moment, Qingdeng had a bad feeling... and silently prepared for the worst.

And now, the ominous premonition has come true!

When the news of the "Western Alliance" was released... it is no exaggeration to say that the whole world was shocked!

In order not to provoke the "Northern Court", Saigo Kinosuke and Katsura Kogoro carefully kept the news secret after signing the alliance in Shimonoseki, never letting the outside world know that Satsuma and Choshu had made peace and formed an alliance.

The two factions maintained a facade of "no interaction" and "mutual hostility," successfully deceiving the spies sent by Qingdeng.

Now that the "Western Alliance" has been formed, there is no need to continue to conceal it.

All sorts of previously blocked information are now being leaked out all at once.

With the lifting of the information censorship, Qingdeng was able to learn more about the inside story.

It is said that two debaters played a very important role in the formation of the "Western Country Alliance": one was Sakamoto Ryoma, and the other was Nakaoka Shintaro, both of whom were Tosa ronin.

Qing Deng didn't know much about the latter, but he had heard of the former before.

He had heard of "Sakamoto Ryoma" when he was still an unknown Edo Doshin.

He studied at the Chiba Kenkan, where he was classmates with Sanako and Yamanami Keisuke.

His swordsmanship talent was exceptionally high. Even in the Chiba Sword Hall, where masters were numerous, he was one of the best. He once won the championship in a very high-level swordsmanship competition, which made him famous in Edo and made him a well-known genius swordsman at the time.

Chiba Sadakichi and Chiba Jutaro both held him in high regard, and even the usually arrogant Sanako respected him greatly.

After finishing his studies at the Chiba Kenkan, he returned to Tosa and never returned to Edo. He disappeared without a trace, and even Chiba Sadakichi and Sanako did not know his whereabouts.

Aoto's understanding of Sakamoto Ryoma was limited to this.

Given that Aoto is considered half a disciple of the Chiba Sword Hall, Sakamoto Ryoma is also considered half a senior disciple of him.

He never expected that he would hear that name again in this way.

Legend has it that after facilitating the "Satsuma-Choshu Alliance," Sakamoto Ryoma traveled alone to Tosa.

Through the introduction of Goto Shojiro, he met with Yamanouchi Yodo, the former lord of the Tosa Domain.

What they talked about remains unknown.

All that is known is that after the talks, Yamanouchi Dodo agreed to form an alliance with Satsuma and Choshu!

Thus, the "Sarchang Alliance" became the "Sarchang Tu Alliance".

Upon learning that Tosa had sided with Satsuma and Nagato, the Hizen Domain, which had been hesitant, immediately changed its attitude—with Tosa joining the cause, defeating the Southern Shogunate was no longer a pipe dream!
Finally, under Shintaro Nakaoka's strong persuasion, the last of the four powerful western domains also left his name and fingerprint on the alliance agreement.

Everything unfolded exactly as Saigo Kinosuke had planned: the "dominoes" were toppled, creating a chain reaction!
If Tosa is settled, then Hizen will be settled; if Hizen is settled, then the western provinces will be greatly pacified!

The establishment of the "Western Alliance" once again destabilized the world situation.

Needless to say, the Eastern Kingdom was greatly alarmed.

Encouraged, some minor, insignificant vassal states in the West rushed to join the "Western Alliance."

The various domains in western Japan were mostly outzama daimyo, who had long suffered oppression from the shogunate and could easily be subjected to severe punishments such as reduction or relocation of their fiefdoms.

Previously, they dared not speak out against the unreasonable bullying by the shogunate.

Now, an opportunity to overthrow the shogunate and rebuild the world order is right in front of them... How could they not be tempted?
Although these small domains were weak, with few soldiers and poor equipment, they could at least boost morale. Therefore, Saigo Kinosuke and others did not discriminate and accepted them all, continuously expanding the ranks of the "Western Country Alliance".

The turmoil caused by the establishment of the "Western Alliance" goes far beyond this.

Shortly after Saigo Kinosuke and others announced that the "Western Country Alliance" had been formed, the long-silent "Northern Shogunate" also made a move—Tokugawa Yoshinobu issued a statement: the "Northern Shogunate" will stand with the "Western Country Alliance" through thick and thin!
Like a double act, no sooner had Tokugawa Yoshinobu finished speaking than the "Western Alliance" responded, acknowledging the "Northern Shogunate" as the legitimate shogunate, Tokugawa Yoshinobu as the rightful and legitimate fifteenth Shogun, Tokugawa Iemochi as deceased, Tachibana Aoto as having usurped the power of the samurai class, and calling on the righteous and patriotic people of the "Southern Shogunate" to rise up against Tachibana Aoto's tyrannical rule.

It's obvious that the "Northern Shogunate" had already reached an agreement with the Western Kingdom! They were just waiting to announce it to the public!

Following the court, the western country has now acquired the right to claim the title of the samurai.

In terms of the "righteousness" they hold, the Western Kingdom is in no way inferior to the Eastern Kingdom!

The Northern Shogunate completely sided with the Southern Court; the Southern Shogunate and the Northern Court were interdependent... Thus, the spheres of influence of the two major camps in the east and west were completely divided!

The "Southern Dynasty" of "Western Alliance" + "Northern Shogunate".

The "Northern Dynasties" of "Southern Shogunate" + "Samu vassals".

Both sides have completed their war preparations... A decisive battle to determine the fate of the world, like the Battle of Sekigahara, is imminent!
……

……

The first year of Kuangtian/the first year of Meiji (1865), November 10th——

Qinjin Fan, Dajin, Judi, military conference room——

Qingdeng lowered his head and carefully read the dossier in his hand.

This file contains detailed information about Sakamoto Ryoma and Nakaoka Shintaro.

Qing Deng was very interested in how these two ronin had brought about the "Western Country Alliance," so he specifically ordered the members of the Ninth Division to collect as much information as possible about them.

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