I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

As for the other eight people... namely the heroes of the Calabash House led by "Undying Blood Spear" Katakura Takanobu, their reactions were much more complex and intense.

The youngest of the "Four Calabash Ghosts" all looked displeased, glaring angrily at Qing Deng as if they couldn't wait to get into battle and fight him for three hundred rounds.

Although Shimada Kanichi, known as "Thunder Slasher," Asai Moriyasu, known as "Dual-Ability Warrior," and Makimura Taichi, known as "Hatchling Dragon," also looked gloomy, their gazes toward Aoto were mainly filled with "curiosity" and "surging fighting spirit."

The oldest member, Katakura Takanobu, remained remarkably calm, his expression unchanged, not even twitching his brow, completely unmoved by Aoto's words.

Kinoshita Rin originally planned to use the "original standing" method, that is, to have Katakura Takanobu and others take turns to compete against Aoto.

Unexpectedly, Qing Deng's first words were, "Come at me all at once!"

Such a scene, such words—anyone who witnesses it would have to sincerely exclaim: Arrogant! Absolutely outrageous!

Kinoshita Rin asked in a half-joking tone:

"Tachibana Yasuki, you seem very confident in your skills."

Qingdeng said calmly, without any sadness or joy:

"I'm just stating a fact."

In an instant, the atmosphere at the scene underwent another subtle change.

Even the youngest and most impetuous of the "Four Calabash Ghosts" were intimidated by Qing Deng's swagger... ah, no, by Qing Deng's domineering attitude!

Qingdeng has never been the kind of person who likes to show off.

His high-profile behavior at this time naturally has its specific reasons.

First of all, his current identity is the lord of the Hatajin Domain and the commander-in-chief of the Shinsengumi.

Therefore, every move he made represented the Hatsu Domain and the Shinsengumi behind him.

Since they've already challenged him, he naturally can't afford to lose momentum and be looked down upon.

Secondly, as Kinoshita Rin just made it very clear—she really wanted to see for herself just how capable Kiryu's last disciple was.

In other words, he now represents not only the Hatazu Domain and the Shinsengumi, but also the face of Kiryu's boss!

Since taking Aoto as his apprentice, Kiryu has always been seen as the "perfect teacher".

He first imparted his unique skills, then presented his family heirloom sword.

It's no exaggeration to say that he truly embodied the phrase "giving his all" to the extreme! He treated Qingdeng like his own grandson!

Aoto has always been deeply grateful to Kiryu, who has given so much but never sought anything in return.

He had always wanted to repay the kindness of Mr. Kiryu, but he struggled to find the right opportunity.

And now, his time to repay the debt of gratitude has come!

He was determined to take this opportunity to make a good impression on his father!

Furthermore, setting aside his identity as "Kiryu's apprentice," he is also Kinoshita Mai's "soon-to-be husband"!

Mai Kinoshita is here!

Her grandmother is here too!

For this trip to Osaka, Aoto was determined to "achieve his goal in one fell swoop".

He needed to both promote the alliance between the Hatazu Domain and the Karasu House, and also facilitate his marriage to Kinoshita Mai.

Therefore, he didn't want to lose face in front of Kinoshita Mai's family!

In conclusion, what reason does Qingdeng have not to give it his all? What reason does he have not to perform well?

Moreover, demonstrating overwhelming and formidable strength will be a significant advantage for the upcoming talks.

As the saying goes, "Power is the reason to be king."

Let Kinoshita Rin and the heroes of the Gourd House see just how powerful "Nioh" really is!

This creates invisible pressure on them, giving them more leverage in the upcoming negotiations!

Kinoshita Rin stared intently at Aoto, pondered for a moment, and then waved her hand:

"Alright, since that's the case, then so be it!"

……

……

Qingdeng casually picked out a bamboo sword and stood upright in the very center of the dojo.

Katakura Takanobu and his men, armed with their preferred weapons, swarmed onto the field and surrounded Aoto.

They occupied the eight directions surrounding Qingdeng—east, west, south, north, northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest—ensuring a tight encirclement without leaving any gaps.

The Kiryu boss then moved to Kinoshita Rin and Kinoshita Mai's side and watched the competition with them in the "VIP seats".

It must be said that these eight people had very good eyesight and presence.

The heroes of the Gourd House... especially the "Four Gourd Ghosts," glared fiercely at Qing Deng, as if they wanted to burn holes in him with their scorching, sharp gazes.

Being among them and enduring their glares is indeed quite stressful.

However... trying to use force to intimidate Qing Deng is a bit like showing off one's limited skills before an expert.

Qingdeng smiled and slowly raised the bamboo sword in his hand.

As he raised his sword, astonishing waves of energy erupted from his body.

The release of "momentum"!

The invisible "force" spread rapidly, covering every corner of the entire dojo in the blink of an eye!

The birdsong outside the dojo suddenly disappeared.

Kinoshita Rin's face changed color, and a solemn expression appeared on her cheeks.

Katakura Takanobu's expression also changed immediately.

The expressions of Asai Moriyasu, Shimada Kanichi, and Makimura Taichi also changed drastically.

Some people... such as the youngest "Oni Ota" Eiji Ota, and "Oni Matsumoto" Shinichi Matsumoto, who was still brooding over the defeat just now, had expressions of disbelief on their faces.

Moreover, their eyes became much clearer, no longer showing the ferocity and sharpness of before, only uncontrollable astonishment and horror.

All these changes were due to Qing Deng unleashing his "power"!

They were not unaware of the power of "momentum".

However, it is truly astonishing that someone of Qingdeng's age could possess such terrifying "power"!

In that instant, they felt a tsunami hundreds of meters high crashing down on them!

Faced with a "tsunami" of this scale, people with weak willpower would probably find it difficult to even maintain their senses!

It seems that Mr. Kiryu had anticipated this situation.

He smiled slightly, his expression playful, as if to say, "Huh? Don't you know my disciple is very strong?"

Kinoshita Mai glanced around discreetly, then, as if afraid others wouldn't notice, forcefully puffed out her chest and raised her chin.

Despite her efforts to suppress it, a hint of smugness still flashed in her eyes.

While everyone was still in shock, Qing Deng silently raised the tip of his sword and began his stance.

"Natural Flow of Mind"

"Orange Green Ascent"

Please advise!

His calm gaze swept across his opponents' faces along the blade of his sword.

Standing directly in front of Qingdeng, Shimada Kanichi, the "Thunder Slasher," gritted his teeth.

The next instant, a gust of wind swept towards Qingdeng—Shimada Kanichi stepped forward! His rapidly moving limbs generated a powerful wind pressure!

As he moved, he raised the bamboo sword above his head and then brought it down!

"Thunder Slash"... truly lives up to its name!

His strikes not only had the speed of lightning, but also the power of thunder!

Before the sword even arrived, the fine hairs on Qing Deng's face had already stood on end as he sensed danger.

Logically speaking, when faced with such a powerful attack, "dodging instead of blocking" is the best strategy.

However... it seems that Qing Deng intends to confront the other party head-on!

He neither dodged nor flinched, but instead raised his sword to parry.

Then a loud "crack" was heard as the two bamboo swords clashed in mid-air.

After exchanging blows, Qing Deng remained completely still, his feet firmly planted on the floor, while Shimada Kanichi was forced back several steps by the reaction force.

In the next instant, Qingdeng launched a counterattack!

He unleashed a Kesa-zaki at Shimada Kanichi's figure.

His attack, in terms of both speed and power, far surpassed that of Shimada Kanichi!

With a single sword strike, it seemed as if even space itself was distorted!

In comparison, Qing Dengcai is more like a "thunderbolt strike"!

Shimada Kanichi's eyes widened in shock—knowing he couldn't take this attack head-on, he hurriedly dodged.

He was just like a sparrow, flapping his wings and darting away into the distance.

Just then, a new commotion came from behind Qingdeng.

"Oni Matsumoto" Shinichi Matsumoto and "Oni Ota" Eiji Ota attacked Aoto from the left and right respectively.

The former raises the upper section, while the latter holds the lower section; one attacks the upper section, and the other attacks the lower section.

A joint attack...good!

Talent "Lone Wolf +3", activated!

Suddenly, a sword flashed, and Qing Deng swept his sword horizontally, forcing Matsumoto Shinichi to stop and retreat.

Without a moment's respite, a slash ripped through the air—Eiji Ota seized the opportunity to launch a sneak attack on Aoto.

His timing for the attack was ruthless, but just as his sword was about to strike Qingdeng, Qingdeng twisted his body like a rag—his talent "Water Body +4" was activated—his upper body bent backward at an astonishing angle, cleverly dodging the attack.