I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

The sudden, forceful words interrupted Mr. Kiryu's speech, bringing a brief silence back to the tent.

Qingdeng took a deep breath:

"I'll be frank, I... I don't like this atmosphere!"

Upon hearing this, the Kiryu boss paused slightly, a hint of helplessness and self-deprecation appearing between his brows.

About five seconds later, he adjusted his expression and put on a gentle smile again.

“Tachibana-kun, Katsumi… is at Tenryu-ji Temple right across the street.”

"This day has finally come."

"It's time... I need to see him!"

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If all goes well, this volume should be finished by early October.

Here's a sneak peek at the title of the new volume: Volume 5 – "The Land Divided in Two"!

Chapter 852 The Final Battle at Tenryu-ji Temple, the Shinsengumi's Assault! [5000]

The tone was relaxed and casual.

It was as if he was just going for a spring outing, not going to have a life-or-death battle with his beloved disciple.

After a moment of silence, Qingdeng adopted a solemn expression.

"Kiryu, how can you be so sure that guy is at Tenryu-ji?"

The Kiryu boss smiled:

"Don't underestimate my intelligence network."

“I know this – a figure resembling Katsura Kogoro was spotted at Tenryu-ji Temple.”

"In the previous Battle of Ikedaya, Katsumi served as Katsura Kogoro's bodyguard."

"If that's the case, that guy is very likely still by Katsura Kogoro's side."

"So, I'm going."

Qingdeng hurriedly said:

"This is only a 'suspected' possibility; it's still impossible to confirm whether Katsura Kogoro is actually at Tenryu-ji!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Mr. Kiryu immediately said:

Even so, I will still go!

He raised his gaze and stared intently at Qingdeng, their eyes meeting.

Even if there's only the slightest possibility, I'm willing to go for it.

Qingdeng opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something.

However... meeting Kiryu's firm gaze, he felt a lump in his throat and couldn't say anything.

The Kiryu boss seemed to have seen through Aoto's thoughts, and smiled nonchalantly:

"Tachibana-kun, don't make that face."

"In life, there are some battles you are destined to fight."

"Whether it's victory or defeat, laughter or tears, I'm mentally prepared, and I'll accept whatever the outcome may be."

"Moreover, it's possible that Keji and I won't even fight."

“I used to study debate in Osaka.”

"Perhaps just a few words will be enough to make Keji repent and apologize to me with tears in his eyes."

After making a lighthearted joke, Kiryu raised his hand and patted Aoto's shoulder repeatedly.

"Tachibana-kun, thank you for your concern."

"Although I really don't want to make the atmosphere so heavy, I have come to say goodbye to you tonight."

"To be honest, I actually ran away from home."

"After learning of Katsura Kogoro's whereabouts, the lord immediately blocked the news, not wanting me to know."

"But she underestimated my intelligence network."

"She had just received the news when I packed my bags and sneaked out of Osaka without telling anyone."

"I originally intended to head straight to Tenryu-ji Temple."

"But for some reason, I really want to come and see you and talk to you."

"It's true that people tend to become more sentimental as they get older."

After saying that, Mr. Kiryu smiled and patted Aoto on the shoulder again.

"Although it's just some old, repetitive stuff, let me, as the mentor, say a few more words before I leave."

"You must eat well, sleep well, cultivate yourself well, avoid anxiety and impatience, and continuously improve yourself."

"You are one of the finest swordsmen I have ever seen in my life."

"I believe that one day your fame will reach far and wide, and your achievements in martial arts will reach a height that even I cannot match."

"If you encounter setbacks, bottlenecks, or doubt your own abilities in the future, you don't need to feel discouraged."

"You have the courage to overcome any difficulty—I am absolutely certain of that."

In short, don't underestimate yourself.

Even if everyone in the world betrays you and hates you, there will be an old man who considers you his greatest pride.

Upon hearing this, Qing Deng instinctively looked up at the sky, the darkness beyond the candlelight perfectly concealing his facial expression.

Kiryu's smile softened.

"Alright, let's leave the family matters here for now."

"Let's talk about business for a bit."

"After you launch a general offensive against the Changzhou army tomorrow, I will take advantage of the chaos to charge straight into the enemy's main camp and find Keji."

"So, Mr. Tachibana, I'll have to trouble you with this tomorrow."

"If we can disrupt the order of the Changzhou army and throw them into chaos, that would be even better."

"This way, I can have a much easier time."

"Tachibana-kun, I'm begging you."

Faced with Kiryu's earnest request, Aoto remained silent for a long time.

About half a minute later, Qing Deng finally spoke.

A calm sound came from the darkness.

"The enemy's defenses on the east side are relatively weak. You can try to infiltrate from this direction."

As Qing Deng spoke, he took two steps forward, getting closer to Mr. Kiryu.

Therefore, his face was freed from the cover of darkness and revealed—his expression was calm and his gaze was resolute.

"Mr. Kiryu, even if I advise you 'not to go,' it's no use, so I won't say any more useless nonsense."

"Tomorrow, I will lead the charge and crush the Changzhou army with overwhelming force. I will do everything I can to create a suitable opportunity for your infiltration as soon as possible."

"This is the battle you chose. I have no say in it, nor can I stop you."

"However, I still have to say this: remember to protect yourself, and don't die."

"If we could go and come back right away, that would be even better."

May you have great success in your military campaigns!

Seeing Aoto offer his blessings so readily, Kiryu was first taken aback, then his surprise turned into joy and relief. He chuckled and nodded vigorously.

"Okay, Tachibana-kun, I'll be right back!"

……

……

The next day, early morning—

The pale yellow morning sun slowly rose from behind the mountains.

The faint light of dawn pierced through the thin clouds and fell upon the land surrounding the capital.

Although the sun was warm, it could not warm the cold air in the Changzhou army camp.

"Ho...! Ho...! My hand...! My hand...! Ho...! Ho...! Ho...!"

"Bring over some more liquor!"

"Damn it! There are so many injured people, we can't possibly save them all!"

"Sigh... Is there any point in continuing this battle?"

"You bastard! You're boosting the enemy's morale while diminishing our own! We still have the strength to fight, of course we must continue!"

"Stop deceiving yourself! Can't you see it yet? We've already lost! We've suffered a crushing defeat! There's not a single chance of winning!"

……

Ever since the remnants of Fushimi and Yamazaki's forces poured into Tenryu-ji Temple, an atmosphere of pain and panic has permeated the temple grounds.

In fact, the Choshu generals of Tenryuji Temple had a rather heated argument about whether to accept this group of remnants of the army.

They were certainly aware of the dire consequences of accepting the remnants of the army.

A considerable number of generals were unwilling to let the remnants of their troops enter the camp.

But... these wounded soldiers who desperately need help are all their compatriots.