I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

He has a deep understanding of the various schools of swordsmanship.

After more than ten rounds of fighting, Toudou Heisuke had seen through the swordsmanship used by the shadowy figure.

—Ono Itto-ryu, Kagami Akage-ryu, and Jikushiki-ryu!

The shadowy figure's swordsmanship incorporated elements from multiple schools of martial arts.

Among the sword styles recognized by Todo Heisuke alone are Ono Itto-ryu, Kyoshin Akechi-ryu, and Jikishiki-ryu.

It is worth noting that the opponent did not mechanically apply the moves of various schools, but flexibly changed his fighting style according to the actual situation.

Every move is deadly! A moment's distraction can lead to irreversible consequences!

Todo Heisuke had no choice but to hold his breath and keep his eyes wide open, not daring to blink for fear of missing his opponent's move.

Although Todo Heisuke was reluctant to admit it... he was indeed no match for the shadow.

The shadowy figure has been relentlessly suppressing him throughout the battle!

Whether it's a stab or a slash, no matter what moves or skills Todo Heisuke uses, the shadowy figure can easily handle them, remaining calm and unmoved.

However, despite being at a disadvantage, Todo Heisuke never lost his fighting spirit.

The strength of his opponent did not intimidate him!

He gripped the hilt of his knife tightly and launched a fierce and relentless attack and defense!

Suddenly, a cry of "Heavenly Punishment!" rang out, and the two swordsmen were once again locked in battle.

The dark figure brandished a sharp blade, slashing and thrusting, one move after another.

Heisuke Todo skillfully defended himself, deflecting each attack with swift evasion and seizing every opportunity to strike back.

His ambition is commendable, but unfortunately... the power of the spirit can never make up for the gap in material wealth.

On the quiet, deserted streets, one could occasionally hear sharp, angry shouts emanating from deep within one's body, as well as the clanging sound of steel blades clashing.

Todo Heisuke was already on the defensive.

With overwhelming skill, the shadowy figure unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks, its steel blade whistling through the wind.

Heisuke Todo fought desperately, but gradually his strength was exhausted, leaving him only able to parry and with no power to retaliate.

In the blink of an eye, the black figure paused for a step, then rushed forward like an arrow released from a bow. Accompanied by a thunderous "Heavenly Punishment," a powerful slash as fierce as thunder unfolded from the tip of its blade!

Toudou Heisuke wanted to dodge, but... his steps couldn't keep up with the speed of the opponent's attacks!

The shadowy figure held the knife to his left waist, and just as he was about to pass by Toudou Heisuke, he used his waist to assist his arm, and his arm to wield the knife, swinging it in a spinning motion.

The blade sliced ​​through the air, striking Todo Heisuke squarely in the waist and abdomen, pulling from the guard to the tip!

The light blue haori and black undergarment were instantly sliced ​​apart as if they were thin paper.

However... the blade didn't spill any blood, only leaving a trail of sparks.

Using the momentum of its forward charge, the dark figure passed under Todo Heisuke's left armpit, ran a few steps, and then slowly turned around.

Almost at the same time, Toudou Heisuke swiftly turned around, faced the shadowy figure again, and assumed a fighting stance once more.

Upon closer inspection, one could see that beneath his ripped clothes lay not bloodied flesh, but a black chainmail with an extra white scratch.

The dark figure clicked its tongue heavily.

"Tsk! Chainmail... What a hassle..."

In order to improve the survival rate and combat effectiveness of his soldiers, Qingdeng specially approved a large sum of money to purchase armor, making the entire Shinsengumi "fully armored".

Chainmail, arm armor, and leg armor are all included.

The reason why the Shinsengumi was able to slaughter the mobs all over the city, making them scream and run for their lives, was largely due to the overwhelming advantage that "fully armored" forces had over "unarmored" forces.

In the era of cold weapons, armor was an absolute weapon of mass destruction.

Even someone who knows absolutely nothing about martial arts can easily take on ten or even a hundred people by wearing armor!

Without the protection of chainmail, with that attack just now, Todo Heisuke's stomach would definitely have been ripped open, with his intestines spilling out all over the ground.

The shadowy figure swung the knife with a blood-red force, twisting its neck a few times, making a sickening "crackling" sound.

"Fine, chainmail it is... Kid, let's continue."

As he spoke, he casually spread his legs, held the knife in one hand, and let his left hand hang down naturally.

Not only did he strike an extremely casual pose, but he also bluntly called him "kid"... His contempt for Todo Heisuke was palpable.

Todo Heisuke's face fell.

Although his face was filled with resentment, his hands holding the knife remained steady and powerful.

Without a second thought, the two men, swords drawn, roared and charged at each other, switching positions, shoulder to shoulder, pulling back their feet and turning around, before closing in on each other again to fight.

Heisuke Todo slashed at the chest of the shadowy figure.

The shadowy figure then swung the blade, fiercely attacking Toudou Heisuke's neck.

Both sides launched a fierce attack.

Both of them skillfully employed defensive techniques to accurately avoid risks.

It's obvious that the shadowy figure has changed its tactics.

His attack focus shifted to the unarmored areas of Todo Heisuke's body, namely his head and neck.

If these areas are hit... then it's really game over!

Having already "died" once, he had to be even more careful this time.

He was on high alert, carefully avoiding and defending against the opponent's attacks.

However... as the saying goes—spiritual strength can never bridge the gap in material wealth.

In the blink of an eye, the shadowy figure suddenly straightened up! Like a predatory beast, it lunged forward, thrusting its blade straight at Toudou Heisuke's chest!

Chainmail offers good defense against slashing attacks, or attacks along a line.

However, its effectiveness is lackluster when it comes to point attacks, such as straight thrusts.

After the shadowy figure struck, a conspicuous gap appeared on Toudou Heisuke's chainmail chest armor.

Upon closer inspection, a line of blood could be seen seeping out from the opening.

Unable to resist the immense force emanating from his chest, Todo Heisuke staggered backward several steps before crashing heavily into the wooden wall behind him.

Although he didn't fall to the ground, his center of gravity was off, and he looked just like a dilapidated house on the verge of collapse—just one hard kick and the whole building would crumble!

The shadowy figure seized the opportunity, stepped closer, raised the blade high, and pointed the tip straight at the sky.

Following the slender shadow cast by the blade, Toudou Heisuke's body was separated!

"Heaven will punish you!"

Just as he was about to swing his knife—

"team leader!"

"Damn it! Forget about orders! Go save the captain!"

"Captain! We're here!"

"Form ranks! Starve him out!"

Having received a traditional Confucian education, Todo Heisuke was a "Confucian general" type of officer.

He never mistreated his subordinates.

Even if his subordinates make mistakes, he will carefully guide them and then impose punishments based on the actual situation.

For this reason, the members of the Eighth Division all admired Toudou Heisuke.

Although Todo Heisuke had just explicitly forbidden them from participating in the battle, how could they remain indifferent when their beloved captain was in danger?

They picked up their weapons and charged menacingly towards the shadowy figure.

Almost at the same time, a flurry of footsteps came from the other side of the street—following the sound, a patchwork of light green came into view.

"Hey! What's going on? Why is it so noisy?"

"Look! It's the captain!"

"The captain is in danger! Quick! Go save the captain!"

……

It seems that the intense commotion caused by Toudou Heisuke's battle with the shadowy figure attracted the attention of the team members in the vicinity.

The vibrant light green color filled both ends of the street.

There were about 60 soldiers gathered here.

Looking at the number of people and the various weapons they held, such as spears and shields, the dark figure spat.

"Tsk... Consider yourself lucky to have escaped with your life."

The shadowy figure sheathed his sword, then darted away like a whirlwind towards Tsujiko, who was not far away. In just a moment, his figure was swallowed up by the boundless darkness…4

……

……

Kyoto, Mibu Village, Shinsengumi Garrison—

Creak, creak, creak, creak!

Qingdeng strode across the corridor, the floorboards creaking under his feet.

A short while later, he arrived at the newly built logistics facility—the medical department.

Pushing open the door, a pungent smell of medicine and alcohol assaulted his face.

At Aoto's strong insistence, the Shinsengumi's medical department introduced Western medicines such as alcohol and iodine.

Aoto looked up and immediately spotted Todo Heisuke lying on a hospital bed not far away.

Hijikata Toshizo, Nagakura Shinpachi, and Harada Sanosuke, who had arrived earlier, were standing by his bedside.

Upon seeing Qing Deng arrive, Hijikata and the others immediately made way for him.

Todo Heisuke was about to get up, but Aoto waved his hand first.