I formed the strongest swordsman group.

Chapter 1159 The Commander Arrives! "Heavenly Sword" Joins the Battle!
Two hours ago (before dawn) —

Snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap...

Inoue Genzaburo sat on a large rock, sharpening his sword, Oshu Shirakawa Sumikane, with a whetstone.

Suddenly, two figures—Kondo Isami and Hijikata Toshizo—strode toward him from the left and right.

Inoue Genzaburo stopped sharpening his knife and smiled.

"Hmm? Little Master, Hijikata-kun, it's almost dawn, what are you doing here?"

Kondo Isami pursed his lips, then said slowly and earnestly:

"Uncle Yuan, today's battle will determine the final outcome, and it is bound to be extremely fierce."

Hijikata Toshizo continued in a similar manner:
"Uncle Yuan, let me be frank: you need to be extra careful today, and don't rush too far ahead."

As he spoke, he swept his gaze across the other person, quickly sizing them up.

“You are getting old and are not as strong as you used to be. Let us young people take on the heavy responsibility of charging into battle.”

Kondo Isami glanced sideways at Hijikata Toshizo and gave him a reproachful look, as if to say: Toshizo, you're being too direct!

Inoue Genzaburo blinked, looked at Kondo Isami, and then at Hijikata Toshizo, seemingly not understanding the current situation.

It wasn't until quite a while later that a look of half surprise and half delight appeared on his face.

"Little master, Hijikata-kun, are you... concerned about me?"

Kondo Isami chuckled to himself:
"Of course! You're family."

Hijikata Toshizo crossed his arms and said calmly:
"If anything happens to you, and Xiao Si wakes up later and starts demanding Uncle Yuan from us, we'll be in a real bind."

Inoue Genzaburo's gaze kept shifting between the two of them.

A moment later, as if recalling something pleasant, the corners of his mouth extended towards his ears, revealing a calm and warm smile.

Upon seeing this, Hijikata Toshizo couldn't help but ask:
"Uncle Yuan, what are you laughing at?"

"It's nothing. I just suddenly realized: you've all grown up."

As he spoke, he stood up, moved over to Jin and Tu, and compared his height with theirs.

They were all taller and stronger than him, and significantly larger overall.

"Your and Xiao Si's image of being 'small in stature and running around everywhere' is really too deeply ingrained in people's minds."

Inoue Genzaburo placed his right hand on his chest, indicating a rough height.

"It's made me think of you all as little kids all along. Only now, looking closely, do I realize that you've all grown up."

Upon hearing this, Hijikata Toshizo and Kondo Isami were taken aback at first, and then they both smiled in unison.

"You guys really made me suffer back then... causing me trouble every now and then."

Kondo Isami quickly raised his hand and pointed to Hijikata Toshizo beside him.

"It's all Sui's fault. Sui is such a troublemaker, he can stir up trouble even when there's no wind."

Hijikata Toshizo showed a displeased expression when he was on the verge of death.
"Ha, Ah Sheng, how dare you say that to me? You've caused plenty of trouble in the past too."

"Compared to you, you 'thorny brat,' I'm pretty well-behaved."

Watching the two suddenly start a "blame-sharing session," Inoue Genzaburo's smile became even more serene and warm.

In a daze, he seemed to see them again, small in stature and with innocent faces.

They and the commander-in-chief possessed extraordinary energy, tirelessly bouncing and causing a ruckus everywhere.

Unlike other children, they looked down on ordinary children's games such as raiding bird nests and blowing up cow dung, finding them boring.

They loved to carry bamboo swords and run around in the streets having fun.

Whether it's getting into a fight or playing the role of a chivalrous hero, they'll draw their swords to help those in need.

They once considered launching a "great expedition" to subdue the Tama mountain bandits, but fortunately, Kondo Shusuke and Inoue Genzaburo discovered and stopped them in time.

At that time, Kondo Shusuke was at the height of his career, wholeheartedly managing the Shieikan, and was very busy every day.

Kondo's stamina and energy were clearly no match for the three of them.

Thus, the heavy responsibility of looking after these three siblings naturally fell on Inoue Genzaburo's shoulders.

Whenever they caused trouble, it was usually Inoue Genzaburo who cleaned up the mess for them.

They might help them escape the "crime scene" or apologize to others on their behalf.

The three siblings ran ahead laughing and joking, while Inoue Genzaburo followed closely behind with a wry smile—this was one of the most common sights at the Shieikan back then.

For the three siblings, Inoue Genzaburo was not only their fellow disciple but also their beloved elder brother. Although not related by blood, he was closer to them than a relative.

At this moment, Inoue Genzaburo suddenly posed a seemingly nonsensical question:

"Young master, are you still reading 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' lately?"

Although Kondo Isami didn't understand, he still answered honestly:
"I've been very busy lately and haven't read for a long time. But whenever I have some free time, I still flip through a couple of pages."

Anyone familiar with Kondo Isami knows that he was a great fan of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

When he was little, he often begged his biological father to read the "Records of the Three Kingdoms" to him. He especially loved Guan Yu and once excitedly asked his biological father: Is Guan Yu still alive?
Upon learning that Guan Yu had already died, and in a humiliating way at the hands of those cowards from Jiangdong, he wept bitterly.

Inoue Genzaburo continued his discussion on the topic of the *Records of the Three Kingdoms*:

"Although we've talked about the Three Kingdoms a lot before, I've never told you about my favorite Three Kingdoms character."

Hijikata Toshizo jokingly interjected:
"What? Uncle Yuan, are you a Guan Yu fanatic like Ah Sheng?"

Inoue Genzaburo shook his head slightly, smiling meaningfully.

"Although I also admire the righteous and chivalrous Guan Yu, my favorite character from the Three Kingdoms is actually the relatively unknown Liao Hua."

The unexpected answer startled both Kondo Isami and Hijikata Toshizo.

Inoue Genzaburo looked up at the sky, a look of reminiscence on his face:
"When I first read the Records of the Three Kingdoms, I felt that I was very similar to Liao Hua."

"Although he has seniority, his abilities are mediocre. He can't shout and break through the Dangyang Bridge like Zhang Fei, nor can he break through the Changban Encirclement single-handedly like Zhao Yun."

He remained unknown until the generals of Shu Han died out, at which point he had the opportunity to shine, leading to the saying that "In Shu, there are no great generals, so Liao Hua is the vanguard."

"Although this proverb is both a sarcastic remark about the incompetence of young Shu generals like Jiang Wei and a mockery of Liao Hua's mediocrity, I actually quite like it."

“First it was you and Xiaosi, then Tachibana-kun, and later Yamanami-kun, Nagakura-kun, Saito-kun… I have gathered around me outstanding talents.”

"Compared to you geniuses, my previously proud 'Nenten Rishin-ryu Menkyo Kaiden' seems utterly unremarkable."

"Despite this, I am not upset at all; on the contrary, I am very happy."

"Limited by my natural talent, my martial arts achievements can only go this far, and I cannot go any further."

"My career is almost over. With my shallow talents, I am fortunate to be able to serve as a team leader. I dare not be greedy for more."

"Because I have reached the 'end,' I hope you can go further than me and see the magnificent scenery that I never got to experience."

"For me, being able to protect you young people is an immensely joyful and fortunate thing."

At this point, he turned his gaze and stared straight west—directly in front of him was Qing Deng's back.

"Even though the young men of the Shinsengumi are still very inexperienced, I am willing to be their vanguard, clearing obstacles and paving the way for them!"

"Little master, Hijikata-kun, please don't take away one of my few remaining sources of joy."

Kondo Isami and Hijikata Toshizo exchanged a glance as if by unspoken agreement... their complex emotions met in mid-air.

At that moment, they did feel a slight twitch deep in their chests.

Hijikata Toshizo scratched his head:

"...Then you should take it easy and do everything within your capabilities."

Genzaburo Inoue chuckled:
"Don't worry, I may not fear death, but I'm not afraid of dying either!"

After saying that, he raised his hands and solemnly patted the two of them on the shoulders.

"Young master, Hijikata-kun, I wish you a resounding victory."

They both smiled and spoke in unison.

"Uncle Yuan, I wish you great success in your first battle!"

……

……

"Huff...huff...huff...huff...huff..."

Inoue Genzaburo handed the knife to his right hand and tightly covered the wound on his side with his left hand.

Crimson blood stained his palms and seeped out through his fingers.

Having experienced countless battles, he discerned the difference between himself and his opponent in just one round—not exactly a world of difference, but certainly a vast disparity!
As expected of a top swordsman bearing the name "Man Slayer," he possesses both physical strength and skill, and his strength is no less than that of Nagakura Shinpachi, Saito Hajime, and Kondo Isami!

He was most likely sent to hunt down the Shinsengumi captains, and the murderous aura emanating from him was terrifying!

Seeing that his previous strike had failed to take Inoue Genzaburo's life, a look of surprise crossed his face. However, he quickly adjusted his stance, his figure blurring as he pounced forward like a tiger, attacking Inoue Genzaburo once more!

Inoue Genzaburo gritted his teeth, struggling to raise his sword to meet the attack, relentlessly fighting against Nakamura Hanjiro and against the desperate situation!

This scene was clearly and distinctly reflected in the eyes of Aoto, Yamanami Keisuke, and others.

Yamanami Keisuke swung his sword like a madman, trying to force back the enemies in front of him so he could go to Inoue Genzaburo's aid.

However, the vast number of enemy soldiers formed layers of obstacles, and the intersecting network of fire prevented him from advancing an inch.

Qing Deng was also heading towards Inoue Genzaburo's location.

Although some Southern soldiers stepped forward to block them, their fate was like powder meeting boiling water—it was wiped out in an instant.

However, due to the great distance, it would take him at least 5 seconds to reach Inoue Genzaburo.

Five seconds... Although it was a very short time, it was enough for Nakamura Hanjiro to kill Inoue Genzaburo!
clang!
In an instant, their swords clashed again in mid-air.

In the first round of sword fighting, Inoue Genzaburo mustered all his strength.

Because of injuries to his legs and abdomen, his speed was greatly reduced, and he was no longer able to dodge the opponent's slashes.

The Natural Rishin-ryu school is a school that advocates for strength and explosiveness.

However... when it comes to the pursuit of power and explosiveness, the Shigenryu style is even more extreme!

Nakamura Hanjiro delivered a powerful slash, and Inoue Genzaburo's sword was knocked away in less than half a second, exposing his naked midsection.

Nakamura Hanjiro skillfully raised his sword overhead, adopting a stance positioned at the upper right—a classic posture of the Jigen-ryu school.

"Waaaaaahh ...

With a piercing scream, Nakamura Hanjiro swung his sword with all his might! The blade cut through the air, heading straight for Inoue Genzaburo's chest!

Judging from the sound of the wind being cut, it's not hard to tell that if this strike lands, it will definitely cut Inoue Genzaburo in two!

As the white blade rapidly approached, a dark look first appeared on Inoue Genzaburo's face, then transformed into a serene expression that seemed to indicate he had seen through everything.

—Gentlemen, I'm sorry...this old man can no longer serve as your "vanguard".

With this thought in mind, Inoue Genzaburo furrowed his brows, his eyes flashing with resolute determination!

He abandoned his defense, adopted the Kasumi stance, lowered his waist, and gathered all his strength like a spring. The tip of his sword was pointed diagonally upward at Nakamura Hanjiro's chest, and then he lunged forward with his sword!

He decided to risk his life for his injuries!
Since we're going to die anyway, we might as well make the most of our last moments and be pioneers for everyone one last time!
In this way, when Aoto, Yamanami Keisuke, or someone else faces this guy later, it will be a little easier.

All of the above happened in an instant.

Surrounded by enemies, Yamanami Keisuke looked on incredulously as he watched Nakamura Hanjiro's sword draw ever closer to Inoue Genzaburo.

At the same moment that Nakamura Hanjiro delivered the fatal blow, Aoto, who was far away, immediately took action—he drew the wakizashi from his waist with his left hand, then flipped his left wrist, changing his grip to an inverted grip, assuming a "javelin" posture.

At the same time, a wondrous light appeared in his eyes.

Just as he channeled all his strength into his left arm, preparing to throw the wakizashi, he suddenly stopped and his expression changed as he sensed something.

Suddenly, a clang of a drawn sword shattered the sky.

A petite figure suddenly appeared from the side, swooping down on Nakamura Hanjiro like a raptor hunting its prey, displaying a fleeting moment of heroic prowess!

Nakamura Hanjiro couldn't see the other person's face clearly, but goosebumps rose all over his body as he sensed a strong aura of danger!
Without thinking, he pulled the knife back to his side and held it to his chest—

clang! !

In that instant, Nakamura Hanjiro had the illusion of being "rammed by a warhorse at full speed"—the terrifying force that could not be resisted surged along the blade! His face instantly changed color.

Even if you try your best, it will be to no avail.

He was thrown back, his feet dragging two long furrows on the ground, sliding backward for several meters before finally coming to a stop.

The sudden change in the scene caused the entire room to fall silent.

Whether it was the newly formed team or the "Southern Army," everyone present stopped what they were doing, their astonished gazes wandering in mid-air.

Unable to unleash his final, desperate attack, Inoue Genzaburo, still half-crouched, raised his gaze in a daze, looking at the petite woman standing in front of him with her back to him.

In her left hand she carried a long object tied with old strips of cloth, and in her right hand she held an ordinary katana. She wore a purple kimono, white hakama, and a light blue haori tied around her waist. Her short ponytail, tied with a purple ribbon, swayed in the wind.

Just by standing still, she exudes a chilling and heroic aura, like the winter wind!
“Little… Tsukasa…?” Inoue Genzaburo stared wide-eyed, muttering incessantly.

The shocking truth left Inoue Genzaburo stunned... No! Not only him, but also Aoto and Yamanami Keisuke.

Their brains went completely blank, and they blinked repeatedly, as if trying to confirm whether their vision was normal.

Suddenly, she moved—she turned half her face to the side and teased Inoue Genzaburo behind her:

"Uncle Yuan, how long are you going to squat here? Stand up now."

During her conversation with Inoue Genzaburo, the people around her finally recognized her.

After all, her pretty face, short ponytail tied with a purple ribbon, and superb skills are just too distinctive.

In a split second, the two sides reacted in completely different ways.

The members of the new selection were overjoyed.

The Southern soldiers were devastated!

Amidst the panic, someone screamed her name:

"It's Okita Souji, the captain of the first division of the Shinsengumi!"

Okita Souji—for the "Southern Army," this name also carries strategic-level deterrent power!

In an instant, an atmosphere of fear spread among the Southern soldiers.

They consciously stepped back, moving away from the headquarters, and the area centered on the headquarters instantly became a deserted "vacuum zone".

Nakamura Hanjiro frowned and stared straight at her.

"...You are 'Heavenly Sword' Okita Souji? As far as I know, weren't you seriously ill and recuperating?"

A look of apprehension appeared in his eyes... but besides that, there was also a gleam of eager anticipation.

Although he raised a question, Souji completely ignored him, saying nothing and only responding with a cold look.

Nakamura Hanjiro was not discouraged and continued on his own:
“Okita Souji, I have long admired your name.”

"It is said that you are the strongest swordsman in the Shinsengumi besides Tachibana Aoto."

"I believe I have some skills."

"Since we have the opportunity to meet, please do not hesitate to offer your guidance!"

The instant he finished speaking, he steadied himself and raised the tip of his knife.

"Showing Flow"

Nakamura Hanjiro

"Come on!"

As he loudly announced his home address, he strode forward and charged at the commander, knife and all.

The commander took off like a butterfly, then twirled backward.

In the instant she dodged, a sharp, swift white blade swept across.

Seeing that Souji easily dodged, Nakamura Hanjiro grinned maliciously:
"He does have some skill after all... *gulp*"

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly felt some liquid rush up his throat, rendering him unable to utter another word.

He instinctively raised his hand to touch his throat—with a soft "plop," his finger plunged directly into the wound…

The pain arrived a beat late, with intense, sharp pain shooting from the throat to the brain, repeatedly stimulating the nerves.

Pressing his aching throat, and watching the gushing blood, Nakamura Hanjiro's pupils shrank to pinpoints, his expression a mixture of horror and disbelief.

I got slashed...?
when? !

Souji looked indifferently at Nakamura Hanjiro, who was caught in the chaos.

"You didn't even realize you'd been slashed. How dare you challenge me?"

The instant she finished speaking, she placed the knife in her right hand diagonally against her left hip and slightly crouched down—

call out!
The snow-white light of the blade enveloped Nakamura Hanjiro.

It sounds like only one sound of wind being cut, but it's actually three slashes! The sound is created by the speed of the slashes combining into one!
The three consecutive slashes swept across Nakamura Hanjiro's neck, chest, and abdomen.

At that moment, he seemed to be frozen in place, as if under a "freezing spell".

The next moment, like a skyscraper collapsing, his body rapidly "collapsed"! Parts scattered and fell to the ground!
*******
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P.S.: Liao Hua in this book didn't die because Zhao Yun came. By the way, Qing Deng is Lü Bu, specifically the Lü Bu from Dynasty Warriors.

Today is Qixi Festival!
I know that all the readers of this book are incredibly successful people, so I'm updating early today so you can have a wonderful evening!

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