I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

"Tachibana-kun and Okita-kun... ah, no, I should say, everyone at the Shieikan has gotten so much stronger."

Sitting beside him, Chiba Sadakichi, who had heard his sentiments, nodded slightly in deep agreement.

Chiba Michizaburo added:

"Shieikan has ushered in an unprecedentedly glorious generation. Under Kondo Isami's leadership, the Tennen Rishin-ryu school might really create something truly unprecedented..."

Before he could finish speaking, Chiba Sadakichi asserted in a resolute tone:

"That is impossible."

Before the other party could react, Chiba Sadakichi continued speaking expressionlessly:

"Dozaburo, have you forgotten? It's no longer the age of swords."

After he finished speaking, a faint hint of loneliness flashed in his eyes.

Chiba Michizaburo's pupils contracted slightly.

Immediately afterwards, a similar look of melancholy appeared in the depths of his eyes.

"...Yes, that makes sense."

Perhaps not wanting to discuss this heavy topic further, Chiba Michizaburo changed his tune somewhat awkwardly:

"Looking back, I was able to suppress all the swordsmen of the Shieikan, including Aoto, all by myself without lifting a finger. But now... let alone Tachibana-kun, just Souji alone is enough to make me suffer."

At this moment, as if he had remembered something, he paused for a moment.

Only after a while did he speak again:

"Uncle, in your opinion, who is stronger or weaker, Tachibana-kun or Rong-xiong?"

After pondering for a moment, Chiba Sadakichi said softly:

"Eijiro probably still has a slight advantage. However, it's only a slight advantage. Tachibana-kun has unlimited potential, which is only above Eijiro's, not below his. If they were to really fight with all their might... it's really hard to say who would win and who would lose."

Upon hearing this, Chiba Michizaburo chuckled in disbelief.

"In other words... Tachibana-kun now has the qualifications to challenge for the title of 'Edo's Strongest,' right?"

Chiba Sadakichi gave an ambiguous smile.

At this moment, Chiba Michizaburo adopted a teasing tone:

"It is truly a blessing for our family to have such an outstanding son-in-law as Tachibana-kun."

His words struck Chiba Sadakichi right to the heart!

"Ha ha ha ha."

He laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying himself.

The smile on his old face now carried a hint of pride and smugness.

At the same time, he raised his gaze—his eyes clearly reflected Qingdeng's figure—and his eyes held a touch of fatherly kindness.

Even the most renowned swordsman in the world would feel gratified to see his beloved daughter find a good home.

Ever since the story of "Aoto and Sanako kissing passionately in the street" spread throughout Edo, all members of the Chiba family had already decided that Aoto would be their son-in-law—no one objected.

Qingdeng's social status today is vastly different from what it used to be.

If Aoto were still the same person who was determined to return to the town, then his marriage to Sanako would undoubtedly be a mismatch between their social standing and his family's social status.

And now, their union is still a marriage of convenience—however, this time the one making the move is no longer Aoto, but Sanako.

Although the Chiba family is currently the number one martial arts family in Japan, in feudal society, the people with the most power and influence were still the government officials.

An unparalleled swordsmanship genius, a powerful "Minister of the Military Affairs Council"... Even with countless dazzling halos, Sanako would have to bow down before Aoto, who possesses both of these identities.

The younger generation of the Chiba family all have a good relationship with Aoto.

Chiba Sadakichi, Sanako's biological father, also greatly admired Aoto.

Therefore, whether from a rational or emotional perspective, they were all very happy to see Aoto and Sanako become a couple.

In the present and foreseeable future, they probably won't find a more suitable young man for Sanako than Aoto.

"Speaking of which, why aren't Tachibana-kun and Sanako married yet? They've been in a very close relationship for over a year now, haven't they?"

"About this... I'm puzzled about it too."

Chiba Sadakichi gave a bitter smile.

“I also approached them privately to ask when they planned to hold the wedding, but they were evasive.”

"Fine, I don't want to meddle in the affairs of young people."

"As long as Tachibana-kun doesn't mistreat Sanako, I have nothing to say."

"However... although I don't want to interfere in Sanako's life, I would like to hold her child as soon as possible if possible."

"To be honest, I have long been prepared to hold a wedding banquet at any time. Everything is ready, and all that is needed is the right opportunity."

Chiba Michizaburo smiled:

“Our Sanako is the ‘most beautiful woman in Edo’, and Aoto is also a handsome man. Both of them are talented and good-looking. Their offspring will definitely be outstanding.”

"I'm only worried about one thing now—once men have money and power, they're easily led astray. I just hope that Ju-kun doesn't go down the wrong path."

Chiba Sadakichi smiled meaningfully.

"Dozaburo, you don't need to worry about this."

"Ju-kun is definitely not the kind of heartless and ungrateful person."

"If he really goes astray, I will fulfill my duty as an elder and properly persuade Qingdeng as soon as possible."

"If language is ineffective... With me, Eijiro, you, Jutaro, and Tomon Shiro—the five of us together, surely we can teach Tachibana-kun a lesson?"

Chiba Michizaburo nodded.

"Yes, that's true."

……

With his excellent hearing, Chiba Jutaro heard every word of his father's and third cousin's conversation clearly.

At that moment, he involuntarily lowered his head, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, and a guilty expression appearing on his face...

The reason why Aoto has been delaying his marriage to Sanako is that he wants to hold an unprecedented grand wedding where he will "marry three wives at the same time"—a major reason why Chiba Jutaro is unwilling to reveal this truth to his family is that he cannot imagine what kind of terrible expression his father, who is eagerly anticipating Aoto and Sanako's marriage, will show after learning about Aoto's "ambition"...

……

……

That night--

Edo, Fujiwara-ya —

"Do you know how I got this scar on my stomach? When I was still a junior officer in the Matsuyama Domain of Iyo, some scoundrel called me a 'lowly official who didn't even know the etiquette of seppuku.' I was so angry that I decided to commit seppuku on the spot to show him. Look! This is the scar left after I committed seppuku!"

[Note: The middle section refers to a servant of the samurai family.]

Hijikata Toshizo shouted impatiently:

"Zanosuke, are you ever going to stop? Every time we have a banquet, you have to tell the story of your seppuku. Don't you ever get tired of it?"

To celebrate the successful conclusion of today's succession ceremony, Kondo Shusuke spared no expense, hosting a lavish banquet at Fujiwara-ya—a renowned and top-class izakaya in Edo.

All the core members of the Shieikan were present.

As the atmosphere grew more lively, the scenes and "programs" that always appeared at banquets gradually began to emerge.

Harada Sanosuke was once again boasting about his glorious past of "surviving seppuku".

A drunken Shinpachi Nagakura started dancing in public, a dance devoid of any skill but filled with pure emotion.

Saito ate his meal quietly without making a sound.

Hijikata Toshizo effortlessly flirted with the waitress.

The souji, who was a heavy drinker but had a low alcohol tolerance, fell into a state of semi-drunkenness and confusion.

"Hey, Okita-kun? Are you alright? Are you still awake?"

Aoto, who was sitting side by side with Souji, waved his hand in front of him.

As their relationship deepened, the two showed significant improvement in both their sense of distance and their level of understanding compared to before.

Nowadays, in private, Aoto no longer calls Souji "Miss Okita," but instead, like Okita Hikaru, calls her "Koji."

Of course, in public, in order to continue to conceal Souji's true gender, he would still refer to her as "Okita-kun".

"Ugh... ugh... hmm?"

The commander, who was humming and muttering to himself, slowly opened his eyes a crack and glanced at Qing Deng.

"Huh...? How come there are 12 Tachibana-kun...?"

"Alright, that's all for you. Go to sleep."

Without saying a word, Qing Deng half-forcefully pressed Souji to the ground, then took off his haori, wrapped it up, and used it as a pillow for Souji.

Just as Qing Deng sat down at the table again, ready to continue enjoying his meal, he suddenly noticed that Kondo Isami, who was sitting at the head of the table, was acting a little... strange.

He pursed his lips, his eyes seemingly hiding a thousand thoughts, looking strangely like he wanted to be happy but couldn't.

Suddenly, he turned to the side, said something to Kondo Shusuke beside him, and then got up and left his seat.

Qingdeng's gaze followed him until his figure was blocked by the gently closing sliding door.

Looking in the direction Kondo Isami had left, Aoto blinked.

A moment later, he put down his bowl and chopsticks, pretended to go to the toilet, and quickly left the banquet hall.

No sooner had Qingdeng left than someone silently straightened his clothes and slowly stood up...

……

Kondo Isami strode down the deserted corridor, the floorboards creaking under his feet.

Suddenly, a strong voice called out from behind him.

"Kondo-kun!"

Kondo Isami paused, stopped, and turned to look back.