I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

……

Woo-woo-woo-woo-woo-woo-woo-woo

Following the Choshu army camp, the Shinsengumi camp also echoed with increasingly loud bugle calls.

Before long, the 3300 soldiers in the camp marched out of the camp with a rumble and lined up in the field.

Qingdeng adopted a very classic formation—

The 2000 musketeers from the Sixth and Eighth Divisions were deployed in the very center.

The 300 infantrymen of the First Division were positioned on the left flank.

The 800 cavalrymen of the 7th and 10th Divisions were positioned on the right flank.

The 200 artillerymen of the 11th Division were positioned in the rear.

Behind the artillery was the main camp where Qing Deng and other generals were located.

As soon as Qingdeng gave the order, 2000 musketeers could immediately advance, supported by infantry and cavalry on their left and right flanks, and escorted by artillery from the rear—truly a versatile formation that could both attack and defend.

At this moment, within the main camp, rows of stools are neatly arranged.

Qingdeng sat upright in the main seat with his head held high.

The commanders, including the generals of the rank of Souji and Inoue Genzaburo, took their seats in order of seniority and rank.

Judging from the situation, Qingdao undoubtedly had an overwhelming advantage.

In addition to the 3300 soldiers of the Shinsengumi, there were a full 8 domain troops! The total strength was nearly eight times that of the Choshu army on the other side!

However, these 20,000 vassal troops were all positioned in the rear, serving as a backdrop.

Anyway, I didn't expect these guys to be of any help. Since they're just mascots, what difference does it make where I put them?

Therefore, Seito simply deployed the vast majority of the domain's troops to the Fushimi battlefield, placing them under his very nose for easy monitoring.

The opposing Choshu army had also set up their battle formation.

Right in the middle of the two battle lines, Yamamoto Sakuyuki showed no sign of retreating, standing tall and proud.

Just now, something interesting happened: a man rode out from the Choshu army and came to Yamamoto Sakuno's side, saying something to him.

Qingdeng guessed that he was advising the other party to stop fooling around and quickly return to the formation.

However, Yamamoto Sakuyuki's will was firm, and he was unmoved, determined to fight alone.

Seeing that his persuasion was ineffective, the man shook his head and left, leaving Yamamoto Sakunobu to continue his antics.

Seeing that no one was coming forward to fight, Yamamoto Sakuyuki raised his chin and shouted arrogantly:

"What? The prestigious Shinsengumi has no men with guts?!"

Todo Heisuke clicked his tongue, his face showing displeasure:

"Mr. Ju, my injuries are no longer serious! Please allow me to go into battle!"

The "Ikedaya Incident" happened only last month, and Todo Heisuke's forehead wound has not yet healed and is still wrapped in thick burlap.

No sooner had Heisuke Todo finished speaking than Tadashi Matsubara (the lieutenant of the 10th Division) hurriedly chimed in:

"My lord, I am willing to go! I can guarantee with my life that I will definitely cut off the bandit's head!"

As a newcomer who had only recently joined the Shinsengumi, Matsubara Tadashi was eager to prove himself by achieving merit in battle.

Coincidentally, Koto Nakazawa (the vice-captain of the 7th Division) thought the same thing.

"My lord, please let me go!"

As she spoke, Nakazawa Koto patted her chest, her voice loud and clear, full of confidence.

The Shinsengumi generals fought fiercely for this spot in the expedition.

In contrast, the generals of the vassal states... were all unusually quiet.

Although they may not have any special skills, they still possess at least basic dignity.

Seeing that all the Shinsengumi commanders were eager to take the lead, and that even Nakazawa Koto, a woman, was far more valiant than them, they all lowered their heads in shame, keeping their eyes down and their minds to themselves.

Faced with the generals' eager requests to fight, Qing Deng remained unresponsive.

After a moment of silent contemplation with a blank expression, he raised his hand to signal for quiet.

Upon seeing this, the generals all shut their mouths.

The main camp, which was noisy just a moment ago, suddenly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"Alright, all of you stop arguing."

After saying that, he slowly stood up.

"None of you need to move; I will handle this personally."

Upon hearing this, everyone present looked astonished.

Souji blinked:

"Tachibana-kun, are you going to lead the charge?"

Qingdeng smiled slightly:

"Upon closer reflection, this might not be such a bad opportunity."

"Although the 'one-man attack' tactic is an outdated and ridiculous battle strategy, it is undeniable that it is not entirely without merit."

"If we overwhelmingly defeat the enemy generals, we can greatly demoralize the enemy."

"In this way, it will actually benefit our next battle."

Having finished speaking, Qingdeng raised his head and shouted without waiting for a response from the crowd:

"Bring me the spear!"

……

……

"Moo~~Moo~~Moo~~Moo~~"

Radish raised its head high, carrying the green ox to the front of the battle, the ox leading the way.

Qingdeng carried a long spear, wore a Vairocana pendant at his waist, and had a precious bow, Isezabhara, hanging on his ox saddle.

Riding black bulls... Upon seeing this distinctive feature, many on both sides immediately recognized the identity of the fighters.

In an instant, shouts of surprise rose and fell from both sides' ranks.

Especially the Changzhou army, many of them stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with disbelief.

However, Yamamoto Sakuyuki doesn't seem to know what "Black Bull Samurai" represents.

Seeing that an enemy general was finally approaching, he immediately perked up, staring intently at Qing Deng, sizing him up from head to toe.

He was sizing up Qingdeng, and Qingdeng was sizing him up in return.

Once he got closer, he was able to see Yamamoto Sakuyuki's attire more clearly.

This person was dressed in dark red full armor, with a magnificent jinbaori over it, and wore a helmet with a shovel-shaped front. He had a thick beard on his face.

At first glance, the costume does indeed look quite convincing, reminiscent of an ancient military general.

Growing beards was not fashionable during the Edo period.

Because the Edo Shogunate believed that men growing beards was a remnant of the Warring States period and would encourage violence, it strictly prohibited men from growing beards in order to demonstrate the elegance of the new government and prevent the return of the chaotic Warring States period.

For this reason, these patriots who pursued "retro" values ​​while also intending to oppose the shogunate all grew beards to show their resolve.

After sizing up Aoto, Yamamoto Sakuyuki shouted in a strong voice:

"I am Yamamoto Nobutoyo, a descendant of Yamamoto Sodai! Who are you? State your name immediately!"

Announcing one's own identity before engaging in combat is one of the important rules of a one-man duel.

Yamamoto Sodai... I've never even heard of that name.

Qingdeng was unaware of any famous figures among his ancestors.

However, it doesn't really matter anymore.

In any case, no matter which generation of ancestors it was, their names were definitely not as famous as his!

Qing Deng said calmly:

"The Lord of Aki, the Lord of Hatazu Domain, the Governor of the Capital Region, the General of the Shinsengumi, and the thousand-strong army of Hachioji are of one heart, and the spirit of Minamoto no Mitsuki Aoto is clear and bright."

Despite having already guessed the identity of the person in question, Qing Dengzhen's announcement of his name still caused a huge stir in the Changzhou army!

"It's Tachibana Aoto! Tachibana Aoto is here!"

"Tachibana Aoto is here! I thought he would be stationed at the Yamazaki battlefield!"

"Oh no! Yamamoto Sakuno is in danger!"

"Damn it! That idiot is more of a hindrance than a help!"

"Calm down! There's no need to boost the enemy's morale and diminish our own! Yamamoto-kun is very strong! He might not lose to Tachibana Aoto!"

"That's right! Don't forget, Yamamoto-kun is known as 'Demon Yamamoto'!"

……

Seeing that "Niou" Tachibana Aoto personally led the troops into battle, many people in the Choshu army changed their expressions, becoming tense and alarmed.

However, a small group of people remain quite confident and optimistic, even claiming that "Yamamoto Sakuyuki is no less a match for Tachibana Seito".

Putting aside everything else, Yamamoto Sakuyuki himself is very confident.

Even though Qingdeng had already introduced himself and knew he was about to face King Ren, he showed no sign of panic and remained confident.

Come to think of it.

If he weren't a fearless newborn calf, how could he have come up with such a performance art piece as a lone rider in the mid-19th century?

"Hmph! So you're Tachibana Aoto! Well done!"

"I never expected to be facing the commander-in-chief of the Shinsengumi directly. This is exactly what I wanted!"

"Let me, Yamamoto Sakuyuki, take your head!"