I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

His subordinates, dressed in light blue haori, stood in front and behind him; on his left and right sides were crowds who had come to see him off.

One after another, people called out "Lord Niou" to him, surrounding him tightly.

To be honest... it wasn't until this moment that Qingdeng truly felt that he was leading troops into battle.

For some reason, he suddenly felt an indescribable surge of pride welling up inside him.

Suddenly, he unconsciously recalled Xin Qiji's famous line:

—Back then, we were warriors with swords and horses, our spirit as fierce as a tiger that could swallow up ten thousand miles!

"Moo~~"

As if sensing its owner's thoughts, Radish turned its head and mooed.

Seeing this, Qingdeng couldn't help but smile, secretly teasing himself:

Unfortunately, I no longer have a golden spear, only a purple knife at my waist, and the mount I ride is not an iron horse, but an iron ox. I only have about a hundred soldiers under my command, and I am no longer as powerful as a tiger that can swallow up thousands of miles.

He paused for a moment after thinking about this.

Immediately afterwards, an elusive emotion surfaced on his cheeks.

—If one day the size of the troops I command on expeditions reaches more than a hundred times that of today, what kind of scene will it be?

……

……

The road from Kyoto to Nara is a long stretch of flat road with no mountains or hills to obstruct the way, allowing for a quick journey.

After leaving Kyoto, the Shinsengumi marched at full speed and arrived in Nara in just one day.

Nara is to Japan what Luoyang is to China—it was both a former national capital and an important cultural center.

The capital of Japan, Heijō-kyō, was built here in the 8th century. The period during which Nara was the capital is known as the Nara period (710-784).

After the capital was moved to Heian-kyo (present-day Kyoto), Nara was called Nanto and developed as the center of Japanese Buddhism.

With Osaka to the south and Kyoto to the north... sandwiched between two of the three major cities, Nara's awkward location makes its position rather peculiar.

In terms of economy, population, and any other aspect, Nara cannot compare with Kyoto or Osaka; it can only maintain its presence by relying on its "long history."

However, even this signature brand was ruthlessly crushed by Kyoto.

Therefore, as early as the Edo period, there were similar hellish jokes circulating: Kyoto people ranked first on the list of "the people of Nara most want to kill".

When the Shinsengumi arrived in Nara, it was already getting dark.

With a wave of his hand, Qing Deng entrusted the complicated task of "arranging for the soldiers to check into the inn in an orderly manner" to Yamanami Keisuke.

This is not because Qingdeng is lazy or wants to shirk his responsibilities.

As the head of the General Affairs Department, who oversees all internal affairs of the Shinsengumi, this was Yamanami Keisuke's job.

Riding an ox all day, Qingdeng wasn't exactly exhausted, but he did have a strong urge to lie down in a soft, spread-eagle position in his bedding.

Just as he was about to go straight back to his room to rest, Kiyokawa Hachiro suddenly approached him and suggested:

"Lord Tachibana, since you've come all the way to Nara, why don't you head to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and pray to the gods for victory?"

Kasuga Taisha Shrine – There are over a thousand Kasuga shrines throughout Japan, and the head shrine is Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara.

Built in 710 AD by Fujiwara no Fuhito, this shrine was constructed as the guardian deity of the Fujiwara clan, who held power at the time. It is also famous for its vines and is considered one of the three great shrines of Japan, along with Ise Grand Shrine and Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine. The deities enshrined within include Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, Tsutsu-no-Mikoto, Ame-no-Koyane-no-Mikoto, and Himegami.

The deity Takeo-tsubo is said to have "arrived riding a deer," so Kasuga Taisha regards the deer as a messenger of the gods.

For this reason, there are many deer kept around Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

After hearing Kiyokawa Hachiro's suggestion, Aoto paused for a moment, then looked thoughtful.

"Pray to the gods... Hmm, that's fine! Let's go to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and make a wish!"

Without hesitation, Aoto, along with his advisor Kiyokawa Hachiro, who had proposed the idea, his vice-commander Hijikata Toshizo, his chief Kondo Isami, his chief Yamanami Keisuke who had just finished his work, and the captains of the sword-drawing squad, headed straight for Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Halfway there, Hijikata Toshizo seized an opportunity and asked Aoto with a puzzled look:

"Ju, when did you become interested in gods and Buddhas? Didn't you always say you didn't believe in such things?"

Qing Deng smiled slightly.

"I still don't believe in gods or Buddhas. The reason I pray for victory is just to get good luck."

Before he could finish speaking, a meaningful glint flashed in his eyes...

……

……

After the news came that "the Governor-General of the Capital Region will come to worship and pray to the gods," the entire Kasuga Taisha Shrine was immediately bustling with activity.

The shrine priest of Kasuga Taisha personally came out to greet Aoto.

"My lord, I apologize for not greeting you properly!"

Qingdeng smiled warmly and responded enthusiastically to each of them.

Because he used to frequent the Moon Shrine, Aoto gradually gained a good understanding of Shintoism through his exposure to it.

The shrine's main building is the main hall, which is generally divided into three types: the main hall, the offering hall, and the worship hall.

The main hall, also known as the main shrine, typically houses the spirit tablet, offerings, and ceremonial coins, and is the dwelling place of the gods. It is the most sacred part of the shrine, and human entry is forbidden.

The prayer hall is a place for worship and prayer. General worship takes place outside the prayer hall, while formal worship takes place inside.

The Coin Hall, also known as the Central Hall, is a place located between the Main Hall and the Worship Hall, used for offering coins and silk.

After exchanging brief greetings, the deity led Qing Deng and the others slowly toward the worship hall.

Everyone except Qingdeng remained outside the hall.

Qingdeng and the deity entered the hall side by side.

The deity closed his eyes, faced the shrine with a respectful expression, and chanted a prayer that sounded like singing:

"By the command of the seated deity of Takamagahara, the deity of Rūki, and the deity of the Emperor's ancestor, Izanagi, the great deities of the purification rites at Awagihara of Tsukihita Tachibana-no-mon, who have cleansed themselves, humbly and respectfully report to the eight million gods of Amatsukami and Kunitsu, and humbly beseech them to listen attentively like the clattering ears of a heavenly steed..."

A few minutes later, the blessing was finished.

The priest stood quietly to the side, gesturing with his eyes that Qingdeng could pray now.

Qingdeng stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and closed his eyes.

"A descendant of the Genji clan, the Edo Shogunate's Governor of the Capital Region, I humbly and respectfully worship the Takeozu no Mikoto, Katsu no Mikoto, Ame no Koyane no Mikoto, and Hime no Kami of Kasuga Taisha Shrine."

His opening remarks were absolutely perfect.

Not only is it very elegant, but it also reveals a deep reverence for the gods between the lines.

The deity looked satisfied and nodded slightly.

However... just a moment later, the God's expression froze.

"I have to say... you guys really know how to eat a lot of rice."

As Qingdeng spoke, he lowered his clasped hands and opened his eyes, staring intently at the shrine.

“Millions of people are struggling and suffering, while you stand high above, watching all of this with your own eyes.”

“Besides shamelessly enjoying the offerings of others, I have never seen you do anything beneficial for the common people.”

"In the end, it's just a pile of clay statues and wooden carvings."

"Open your eyes wide! Look carefully!"

"I, Tachibana Moriharu, will surely accomplish a great feat that will leave you bunch of good-for-nothings speechless!"

To show his respect for the gods, Aoto specifically called out his real name, "Tachibana Moriharu".

After saying that, with a "whoosh," Qing Deng flicked his haori and walked away without looking back, heading towards the stunned crowd standing outside the hall.

"Alright, I've already prayed to the gods for victory!"

"You might not believe it, but I have already heard the gods' reply!"

At this point, Qingdeng raised his right hand, his five fingers forming an arc, and placed it beside his ear.

"They said: Brave Bando warrior, go for it! You will surely be victorious!"

"What nonsense are you spouting!"*14

Everyone, including Souji, Sanako, and Kinoshita Mai, said the same thing in unison.

"Are you praying for victory, or are you declaring war on the gods...?"

Sanako put her hand to her forehead, her pretty face filled with a helpless expression.

*******

*******

Please vote with monthly tickets! Please vote with recommendation tickets! (Leopard crying.jpg)

I originally wanted Qingdeng to go to the temple and talk nonsense in this chapter...

Chapter 636: Shouted with decaying vocal cords: They're a bunch of bastards! [4100]

Unlike Buddhism, Shintoism does not have the doctrine that "devout believers can ascend to the Western Paradise after death."

This characteristic of "no benefits" and "no advantages to converting to this religion" doomed it to failure.

As expected—after Buddhism was introduced to Japan, Shintoism collapsed instantly and was thoroughly defeated by Buddhism.

Not to mention the Warring States period when Buddhism was at its peak, even in the Edo period when Buddhism had already declined, Shintoism's influence was far less than that of Buddhism.

Today... or rather, long ago, the vast majority of Japanese people no longer believe in Shintoism.

However, despite this, the Japanese still have a deep affection for Shintoism.

After all, Shinto culture has been deeply integrated into the daily lives of Japanese people.

For modern Japanese people, Shinto New Year's shrine visits and summer festivals are less like serious religious ceremonies and more like fun cultural activities where they can naturally go out and have fun with friends.

As for the shrine maidens wearing special white-on-top and red-on-bottom uniforms, they are no longer seen as solemn clergy in the eyes of the world, but as a kind of alternative uniform allure.

Even if they do not hold deities such as Amaterasu or Inari in high esteem, they will still strictly abide by the rituals and rules of Shintoism and actively organize or participate in various Shinto activities.