I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

Matsumoto Keido exclaimed:

"You're that slayer Yanzhai?!"

The name "Hand-Slayer Hikosai" is known to everyone in and around Kyoto!

The short samurai... namely Kawakami Gensai, said indifferently:

"I do have that nickname."

"But I dare not call myself a 'human killer'."

"In my opinion, the only samurai throughout history who is qualified to bear the name of 'Man-Slayer' is the legendary 'Eternal Sword Saint' Ogata Itsusei."

"I only killed some ungrateful shogunate lackeys; it's not worth making a fuss about."

“Even if we kill hundreds or thousands of these traitorous lackeys, it’s not worth mentioning.”

After a brief moment of surprise, Yoshimura Torataro couldn't contain his excitement and pressed on with the question:

Kawakami Gensai spoke very elegantly, not at all like a swordsman who had killed countless people, but more like a refined scholar.

"Kusaka Genzui... Choshu has sent people to support us?"

Kawakami Gensai nodded:

"Yes. To support you, Kusaka-kun dispatched 200 martial arts experts, led by myself. My comrades are not far behind me."

Kawakami Gensai's words invigorated the atmosphere.

However, after only a brief "vibration," it quickly slumped back down.

Matsumoto Kuitou frowned:

"Now that things have come to this, what use are the reinforcements from Changzhou..."

His muttering resonated with and was echoed by the others.

"Yes! Why did you take so long to arrive!"

"We've already finished the battle, and you're only just arriving late!"

"If you had arrived in time, we might not have been defeated!"

……

Faced with the accusations from the crowd, Kawakami Gensai remained unmoved, not even raising an eyebrow, and simply said:

"I heard about yesterday's crushing defeat halfway through the journey."

"It's a pity we didn't make it into this battle."

"Because I thought you might flee to Shishi County, I changed my route and came here... I thank the gods for their favor, which allowed me to find you."

"We haven't lost yet!"

“We still have Gaoqu City, don’t we?”

"Retreat into Takatori Castle immediately and engage the Shinsengumi in a siege battle—this is our only chance to turn the tide!"

*******

*******

Five thousand leopards have reappeared! They almost evolved into six thousand leopards! Leopard Leopard has been heartbroken lately and is determined to stop giving up! From today onwards, I will strive to bring back ten thousand leopards! (Powerful Leopard.jpg)

Please vote for this book with your monthly tickets, considering how hard Leopard has worked today! (Tearful Leopard head.jpg) Requesting monthly tickets! Requesting recommendation tickets! (Leopard head crying.jpg)

Chapter 741 Qingteng attacks Takatori Castle alone! 【5200】

After hearing Kawakami Gensai's words, Yoshimura Torataro's gaze became complicated and indescribable once again.

The other party continued speaking:

"Gakuri Castle is one of the most fortified castles in the world."

"With such a superior geographical position... why shouldn't we continue the fight?"

"Even with only this few troops left, as long as we are determined to fight to the death and defend the city to the death, we have a chance to turn defeat into victory!"

"That Ju Qingdeng only has three thousand soldiers under his command."

"Even if we only have a few hundred soldiers available to defend the city, it's enough to leave Ju Qingdeng at a loss!"

"If he launches a full-scale attack without regard for the consequences, I'll make him knock out all his teeth!"

"If the siege drags on and he can't break through, even if he's seething with hatred, he'll have no choice but to retreat."

"At that time, our chance of survival and victory will come!"

At this point, Kawakami Gensai paused, seemingly gathering his emotions.

"Your name is 'Yoshimura Torataro,' right?"

"Yoshimura-kun, make a decision!"

"Is this a move to consolidate forces for a decisive battle at Koya Castle?"

"Or should we just slink away and admit defeat, becoming like stray dogs?"

Instantly, everyone's eyes were focused on Yoshimura Torataro.

"..."

Yoshimura Torataro kept his head down, staring intently at his toes, making it impossible to see his expression.

About five seconds later, he slowly raised his head, revealing bloodshot eyes.

"How can we just give up like this!"

He gritted his teeth so hard they were grinding.

"Natsu-kun, Kawakami-kun, thank you."

"Thanks to you all, I'm fully awake now!"

"From the very beginning, I was determined to either succeed or die trying!"

"How can you desert your post now that things have come to this!"

"I want to fight!"

"I will fight to the very end!"

"I will fight to the very last moment!"

At this point, Yoshimura Torataro suddenly turned his head and looked at his comrades.

"And what about you? What are your thoughts?"

"If you wish to continue fighting alongside me, I warmly welcome you!"

"If you want to leave, then go ahead. I will not blame you, nor will I stop you."

"The battles to come will be extremely brutal."

"In such a brutal battle, those who lack determination will not only be of no use, but will also hold us back!"

"So if anyone wants to quit, feel free to leave!"

Matsumoto Keido, mimicking Yoshimura Torataro, gritted his teeth.

"Mr. Yoshimura, what are you saying!"

"Like you, I disregarded life and death when I decided to start the uprising!"

"I will fight! Even if I die, I will fight to the death!"

With Yoshimura Torataro and Matsumoto Keido leading the way, the atmosphere at the scene was completely ignited.

The rest of the people, in twos and threes, delivered passionate declarations:

"Me too!"

"That's right! We still have Gaoqu City! We haven't reached the end of our rope yet!"

"Even if we ultimately suffer a crushing defeat, we will make that damned Shinsengumi pay a heavy price!"

……

Looking at his comrades who had regained their spirits, Yoshimura Torataro silently clenched his fists, then looked earnestly at Kawakami Gensai:

"Kawakami-kun, could you please lend us a hand?"

Kawakami Gensai smiled slightly:

"With pleasure!"

"We came here despite the hardships to support you!"

"How can a righteous and honorable man submit to the shameless and despicable lackeys of the shogunate?"

……

……

A red flag with gold lettering bearing the character "诚" (sincerity) flutters in the wind.

On the vast land, a pale green dragon meanders forward.

With the order to "go into battle" issued, three thousand combat soldiers and four thousand auxiliary soldiers, totaling seven thousand, and an army that was said to number one hundred thousand, marched south in a mighty and imposing manner, their forces heading straight for Gaoqu City!

The 7th and 9th Divisions are the forwards.

Squads 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 are in the center.

The Fifth and Sixth Divisions followed closely behind, responsible for protecting the supply train.

The 10th Division was positioned at the very back, guarding the "backs" of the entire army.

Qingdeng continued to uphold his heroic spirit of "personally conducting reconnaissance".

He left Hijikata Toshizo to command the main army, while he himself led Kondo Isami, Yamanami Keisuke, and a small number of guards to the next battlefield ahead of schedule.

After a full day of trekking, they finally arrived at the foot of Takatori Castle.

Kondo Isami stared wide-eyed, his face blank.