I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

"'Violence' is not the best option for either side... especially for your side."

"If war breaks out, you will deeply experience the power of 'industry' and why our England became the 'empire on which the sun never sets'!"

Neil's words were filled with strong confidence and great disdain for the shogunate.

Both Katsu Rintaro and Manjiro showed expressions of indignation.

Qing Deng, however, remained calm.

He glanced at Neil without any expression of sadness or joy.

After a moment, he slowly stood up.

"Since neither side is willing to back down... let's end today's negotiations here."

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned around and walked towards the door not far away.

His sudden action not only left Rintaro Tokatsu and Manjiro at a loss, but also greatly puzzled Neil and Colonel Jocelyn.

Neil immediately asked:

"Sir, are you planning to return?"

Qing Deng replied without turning his head:

"You're unwilling to budge, and I'm unwilling to give in. There's no point in staying here any longer."

"Next, I will try to get you to accept our terms."

When Qing Deng mentioned the word "try to", he emphasized it intentionally or unintentionally—however, no one present noticed this detail.

"I will visit again at this time tomorrow."

Neil raised an eyebrow and gave a cold laugh.

He said no more, but instead raised his head and shouted to the guards outside:

"See them off!"

The guards responded, then reached out and opened the door, turning to the side and gesturing for Qingdeng to enter.

Qingdeng strode away.

Katsurin Taro and Manjiro quickly followed.

Suddenly, Neil called out to Qing Deng's retreating figure:

"Sir, don't blame me for not warning you!"

"June 12th is the deadline!"

"If we cannot be given a reasonable explanation before then, millions of shells will rain down on Edo!"

"This was a tragedy that could have been avoided."

"Please think it over!"

Qing Deng ignored Neil's "well-intentioned reminder" and left on his own.

In no time, his figure disappeared into the shadows...

……

……

Qingdeng and the others climbed the rope ladder and returned to Xianlinwan.

On the way back to the ship, both Katsura Rintaro and Manjiro kept their lips tightly pressed together, their expressions heavy.

Although it can't be said outright, Qing Deng's performance today was indeed quite disappointing to them.

At first, the unparalleled "momentum" did indeed surprise them, and at the same time, it made them think, "If it were Qingdeng, perhaps it really could work!"

However... in the subsequent formal negotiations, Qing Deng's actions were truly incomprehensible to them.

They immediately presented conditions that the British side would never agree to.

As soon as the negotiations reached a stalemate, they immediately and unilaterally announced their "withdrawal" and said they would come back the next day.

How can such an approach possibly win against the British? How can it possibly secure victory in this round of negotiations between the British and the United States?

Katsura Rintaro and Manjiro pondered ways to remedy the situation with heavy hearts.

Suddenly, Aoto, who was walking ahead of them, asked Katsura Rintaro:

"Rintaro, does that mean the ship is ruined if the keel is damaged?"

Although Qingdeng didn't know much about ships, he did know a little about navigation.

Keel – A longitudinal member that connects the bow and sternpost at the center of the hull's base; it is located at the bottom of the ship.

If Qing Deng remembers correctly, the keel is the most important component of a ship.

Although Katsurin Taro didn't understand why Seido had asked this question, he still answered politely:

"Yes, that's right. The keel is to a ship what the spine is to a human being."

When it came to his professional knowledge, Katsura Rintarou immediately perked up and began to explain with great enthusiasm.

"Shipbuilding begins with laying the keel."

"Then assemble the bow timber, stern timber, and rib timber."

"Then assemble the ribs, elbows, deck, and crossbeams."

"All components are precisely assembled with the keel as the core."

"That's how ships are made."

"The keel is the foundation of the ship's skeleton and its lifeline."

"If other parts on the ship are damaged, we can still find ways to repair them."

"But if the dragon bone is severely damaged, then there's really nothing we can do."

"The only solution is to dismantle the ship and piece together the intact parts onto the new keel—which is no different from simply replacing it with a new ship."

Qingdeng listened very attentively.

After the other person finished speaking, he asked in return:

"In other words... as long as the keel is there, the ship is there; if the keel is destroyed, the ship is destroyed—that's the idea, right?"

Katsura Rintaro nodded without hesitation:

"Yes, you could say that."

Qingdeng nodded quietly.

“Very good… If that’s the case, then things will be much easier. Rintaro, I’ll be leaving first after we get back to shore.”

"Hmm? Where are you going?"

Qingdeng chuckled a few times, a strange and intriguing smile appearing on his lips.

"I'm going to find an old friend."

……

……

somewhere in Edo—

Qingdeng walked through the streets and alleys he knew very well.

Whether it was the street scene on both sides or the road underfoot, Qingdeng felt as relaxed and joyful as if he were coming home.

Soon, he stopped under the signboard that read "Senjiya".

With a soft rustling sound, he slowly pushed open the shop door—and a frail, elderly figure with his head bowed before the desk came into view.

"Mr. Kiryu, it's been a long time."

********

********

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

Savvy readers should already know what Qingdeng is up to~ (laughing emoji)

To my shame, my knowledge of "dragon bones" comes from the "Enies Lobby arc" of One Piece. (Leopard trembling.jpg)

Chapter 695 Qingdeng Slays the Ship! A Single Blade Cuts Through the Dragon's Bones! [4500]

"Meow~! Meow~! Meow~! Meow~! Meow~!"

The big orange cat, Duoduo, recognized the newcomer and meowed as it pounced at Qingdeng's feet, gently rubbing its plump head against Qingdeng's calves.

At the same time, a gentle, aged male voice came from directly in front of Qingdeng:

"Oh? Tachibana-kun?"

Mr. Kiryu put down his calligraphy brush, closed the ledger on the counter, and pushed up his glasses, the lenses reflecting a look of surprise and delight.

He subconsciously scanned the area, carefully observing Qingdeng, chuckled a few times, and adopted a tone that was half teasing and half reproachful:

"Tachibana-kun, you've finally deigned to come see me?"

Qingdeng smiled helplessly:

"I apologize. Since returning yesterday, I have been busy with the 'Muying Negotiations' and have not had time to come and greet you. Please forgive me."

As Qing Deng spoke, he gave Kiryu a quick once-over.

Compared to four months ago, Kiryu's appearance has not changed much—which is to be expected.

The older a person gets, the less likely they are to experience significant changes in their appearance.

Kiryu smiled and waved his hand, indicating "It's alright".

"Alright, stop standing there and come in."

He turned to the side and gestured for people to come in.

Qingdeng untied the Vairocana and the spirit-stabilizing amulet from his left waist, took off his straw sandals, and stepped across the earthen path.