I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

He asked a sentry at the front, 'How is the situation?'

The sentry replied, "There is an enemy archer outside the camp. His archery skills are terrible. He has been shooting for several days without hitting a single person."

The general asked, "If that's the case, why not kill him?"

The sentry replied, "Wouldn't that be inappropriate? Are you suggesting we replace them with a more accurate archer?"

"The former Changzhou was like this archer who couldn't hit the target."

"To be honest, I would be happy to see radicals like Genzui Hisaka continue to hold real power in Choshu."

"Because they are stupid and always do foolish things, it actually makes me feel at ease."

"Look, because of their shortsightedness and recklessness, Changzhou's military strength, public morale, and prestige have been completely ruined."

"The deaths of Kusaka Genzui and others may not necessarily lead to the demise of the Zunrang faction, but they will certainly leave no place for radical elements within the Zunrang faction to stand."

“From now on, there will be no more opportunities for radicals to speak out within the Choshu Domain. The moderate faction, led by Takasugi Shinsaku and Katsura Kogoro, will take their place.”

"If anyone were to put forward any more unrealistic and radical proposals, they would be drowned in a sea of ​​spittle."

"In other words, Changju will no longer be insane, but will transform into a normal and rational country."

"This is definitely not a good thing for us."

"In conclusion, we must not be careless."

No sooner had Aoto finished speaking than Hijikata Toshizo chimed in:

"Ju is right, I think the same way."

"Takasugi Shinsaku and Katsura Kogoro are no ordinary people."

"Whether Changzhou will sink into ruin or rise from the ashes under their rule depends on their future fate."

After speaking, Hijikata Toshizo picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

Suddenly, he raised an eyebrow, then cast a questioning look at Yamanami Keisuke:

"Huh? Shannan, what's wrong? Why do you look constipated?"

Yamanami Keisuke, who was suddenly called out, was taken aback and gave a wry smile:

"I'm not constipated, I'm just...thinking about some things."

He paused for a moment, then looked up at the sky, a faint trace of melancholy on his face.

"...Recently, I have been dealing with the compensation work for fallen soldiers."

"Perhaps I'm just being sentimental, but looking at those bodies being collected and buried, I can't help but feel a little apprehensive."

"In the sixth year of the Kaei era (1853), the Black Ships attacked."

"From then on, assassinations, brawls, wars... everywhere you looked, there was blood and fire."

"If this is the only path to peace and happiness, then so be it."

"But... so many years have passed, countless people have died and been injured, and such a huge sacrifice has been made. Has anything been gained in return?"

At this point, Keisuke Yamanami paused, as if gathering his emotions.

About five seconds later, a confused voice drifted out:

"Having shed so much blood, shouldn't you get something of equal value in return?"

Yamanami Keisuke finished speaking.

A brief silence fell over the surroundings.

Kondo Isami blinked.

Hijikata Toshizo pursed his lips.

Serious questions create a somber atmosphere.

However, the silence is only temporary.

A moment later, Qingdeng broke the silence.

"...It was because we defeated the Choshu army that the people of Kyoto were spared from disaster; it was because we were stationed here that the people of Otsu were able to live and work in peace."

"For me, this reward is already more than enough."

"I dare not pursue 'equivalence,' but I will do my best to pursue 'worth it'!"

"As long as there are enemies who should be destroyed, as long as there are people who should be protected, I will continue to hold the sword firmly in my hand!"

At the end, Qing Deng raised his voice, his tone becoming firm and powerful.

Slay the enemies who should be slain, protect those who should be protected—since the battle with Prajna, Qingdeng has become even more determined in this belief and will never change it.

Upon hearing this, Yamanami Keisuke first chuckled, then his laughter gradually faded, turning into a strange expression that was neither a smile nor a frown.

He looked up and continued to gaze at the sky, lost in thought.

……

……

Many pro-shogunate figures optimistically thought: the complete elimination of the pro-shogunate faction is just around the corner!

The Shinsengumi soldiers thought happily: With "Niou" Tachibana Aoto here, no matter what kind of enemy we face next, we will surely win a great victory!

The patriots of Changzhou thought angrily: Bring it on! Changzhou will never perish!

The vast majority of ordinary people thought dejectedly: You warriors can fight however you want, just don't bother us poor people.

A variety of thoughts, too numerous to mention.

There is only one thing that the world is certain of today—the old war is over, but a new one is brewing.

The rain is coming from the wind!

……

……

Osaka, an unnamed mountain on the outskirts of the city—

It was early morning, and the faint light of dawn streamed through the woods.

It was just dawn, the temperature was very low, and fog of varying thicknesses floated in the mountains.

Logically speaking, no one should be here at this time and in this place.

However, at this very moment, an old man appeared on the mountainside.

Despite his pale, sickly complexion, he stood upright, facing a towering tree.

This old man was none other than Mr. Kiryu.

Right in front of him, near the tree roots, stands a simple tombstone.

The tombstone bears a simple inscription: Tomb of Yamada Asaemon Katsumi Nobuyasu.

Xinyan is Keji's real name.

Long ago, a master and his apprentice, who were out catching cicadas, took a short rest under this big tree.

The exhausted apprentice hugged the bamboo cage containing the cicadas, leaned on his master's shoulder, and fell into a deep sleep.

When pondering where to bury his self-discipline, the first place that came to mind for Mr. Kiryu was this big tree.

Mr. Kiryu stood quietly, gazing calmly at the tombstone.

Beside him, a middle-aged man stood quietly, waiting silently.

After a short while, Mr. Kiryu spoke:

“Ogata-kun, you not only helped me when Tachibana-kun and I both passed out, but you also helped me collect Katsumi’s body. I really don’t know how to thank you enough.”

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Chapter 866 "The Realm of Profound Understanding" and "Unity with Heaven and Man" [The End]

The middle-aged man... namely, Komaki Goro, smiled slightly:

"You're welcome. It's just a small favor for me."

The Kiryu boss turned his head and gave Komaki Goro a look that seemed to say, "I see through everything."

"Ogata-kun, if I'm not mistaken, the lord must have said something to you, right?"

His tone showed no confusion, only unwavering conviction.

Goro Komaki did not deny it, but shrugged and frankly admitted:

"Not long ago, Xiaolin suddenly came to me and asked me to lend you a hand."

"You know Xiaolin's personality."

"She was always proud and rarely lowered herself to ask for favors."

"No matter what, we're like senior and junior classmates."

"Since Senior Sister has put it this way, if I don't agree, not to mention anything else, just Atachi's reproachful look will make me so uncomfortable that I can't eat."

The Kiryu boss sighed silently, a look of guilt on his face:

"First it was my lord, then it was Tachibana-kun, and now it's you... I've really caused trouble for quite a few people this time..."

Komu Goro smiled freely:

“Mamiya, we’ve known each other for over seventy years, so let’s not waste time with these sentimental words.”

"If we're talking about 'causing trouble,' Ah-ch and I have caused you countless troubles."

His words lessened the guilt on the other person's face considerably.

After taking a deep breath and calming himself down, Mr. Kiryu changed the subject: