I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

The name written on the tombstone is none other than Kondo Shusuke.

[Note: "Zutapā" is a transliteration of a Sanskrit word, directly borrowed by Japan. Originally meaning a mausoleum or stupa, it evolved in Japan into a long, narrow wooden plaque, similar to a memorial tablet for blessings from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. It is inscribed with the name of a Buddhist scripture or ceremony, the name of the person wishing to be liberated, and information about the donor.]

The main force of the Shinsengumi arrived in Edo successfully the day before yesterday—but unfortunately, they came up empty-handed.

The Hitotsubashi Army had long since withdrawn from Edo.

Under Aoto's instructions, Harada Sanosuke led a group of elite soldiers to pursue the Hitotsubashi Army.

It must be said that the Hitotsubashi Army's retreat was planned quite well.

Harada Sanosuke led his elite troops in a fierce pursuit, winning several brilliant battles, but without damaging the main force of the Hitotsubashi Army.

The main force of the Hitotsubashi Army was able to retreat to the Fukui Domain.

Along with them, a large number of direct advisors who openly supported the "Hitotsubashi faction" were also withdrawn to the Fukui Domain.

Knowing that staying in Edo would inevitably lead to their persecution by the Nanki faction, they had no choice but to leave.

The number of direct subordinates who left Edo was not small—after all, Tokugawa Iemochi was really not popular with them.

As a result, Edo became much quieter and less and less like a "royal capital".

On the surface, the "Nanji faction" has achieved a complete victory in this civil war.

The Hitotsubashi faction fled Edo and was forced to retreat to the Fukui Domain.

However, it is clear to anyone with discerning eyes that the "Southern School" has only achieved a partial victory.

This civil war is far from over!

The Hitotsubashi faction, having retreated to the Fukui Domain, still had the strength to fight.

People who despise the "Nanki faction," Tokugawa Iemochi, and Aoto are as numerous as the cartloads.

The war continues...

Of course, at this stage, Qing Deng and the others can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

They can finally give Kondo Shusuke a decent funeral.

*******

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It's almost the end of the month again! Readers who have monthly passes, please be sure to vote for this book! (crying leopard head.jpg)

Please vote for me! Please vote for me! (Like a leopard crying.jpg) Please vote for me! Please vote for me! (Like a leopard crying.jpg)

P.S.: In Japan, the name "mi sa o" is acceptable for both boys and girls, and I think it's kind of cute. I'll let the female ninja in the next book have that name! (Leopard Hi.jpg)

Chapter 996 Launching the "Mito Expedition"! Making an example of one to deter others! [4300]

"When Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva was practicing the profound Prajnaparamita, he perceived that the five aggregates are all empty, and thus transcended all suffering and distress. Shariputra, form is not different from emptiness, emptiness is not different from form; form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Sensation, perception, volition, and consciousness are also like this..."

The monks either struck the wooden fish, rang the handbell, or fiddled with their prayer beads.

The elderly monk at the head bowed his head, clasped his hands together, and chanted the Heart Sutra to help the souls of the deceased find peace.

Qingdeng and the others, dressed in matching black mourning clothes, stood silently behind the monks.

Everyone who was related to Kondo Shusuke and was able to come attended the funeral.

Needless to say, the students of the Imperial Guard, led by Qing Deng, were also included.

Even Hijikata Toshizo and Elodie, who were still recovering from serious injuries, insisted on coming to see Kondo Shusuke off.

It has to be said, Hijikata Toshizo was incredibly lucky.

He was shot in the stomach and still survived... It was incredibly lucky, a true miracle.

Thanks to Bei Fangren's meticulous treatment, he regained consciousness three days ago.

Despite everyone's advice to rest, he stubbornly insisted on attending Kondo Shusuke's funeral.

At that time, he said this:

"To me, Kondo Shusuke is like my second father. What kind of person would I be if I didn't go to see him off?"

Since he had already said all that, no one could persuade him any further.

Apart from the chanting of monks and the sounds of ritual implements, the funeral was quiet, with occasional low sobs.

The men mostly looked blank, while the women were generally sobbing uncontrollably.

Standing next to Kondo Isami, A-Chang (Kondo Isami's legal wife) kept wiping away tears.

Souji's eldest sister, Okita Mitsuya, was also sobbing uncontrollably.

of course there are exceptions.

Kondo Shusuke's first wife, Obi, stood closest to the tombstone.

Among everyone present, she was one of the people closest to Kondo Shusuke.

Compared to the other women, she appeared remarkably calm.

But she was expressionless, her face showing neither sorrow nor regret, making it impossible to guess what she was thinking at that moment.

It is worth mentioning that, in remembrance of Kondo Shusuke's heroic sacrifice, Tenshōin also participated in today's funeral.

She did not come alone.

Behind him stood a large, dark crowd—all of them prominent figures in the shogunate.

She brought along all the high-ranking officials of the shogunate who were able to leave, including Katsurin Taro, the senior councilors, and Wakatsuki.

She also brought a "luxury lineup" to the funeral of Otani Seiichiro and Kubota Kiyone a few days ago.

Not only was the funeral extravagant, but the procession also included the Empress Dowager, Prince Ni, and other high-ranking officials of the shogunate... Kondo Shusuke's funeral was the epitome of mourning honor.

If Tokugawa Iemochi hadn't been unconscious, he would most likely have attended the funeral, making the lineup even more impressive.

This is an honor that Kondo Shusuke, Otani Seiichiro, and Kubota Kiyone deserve, and no one will object.

Soon, the monks' ritual for the deceased came to an end.

The funeral is now drawing to a close.

"Ah Chang, don't cry."

As he spoke, Kondo Isami pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Ah Chang.

"Wipe your tears."

“Father certainly wouldn’t want us to cry and whine.”

He would most likely say: "Stop crying, I don't like sad atmosphere."

Ah Chang sobbed as she took the tissues from Kondo Isami and vigorously wiped away her tears.

However, her eyes were like two gushing springs, and the more she wiped away the tears, the more they flowed.

Although Kondo Isami appeared quite calm, anyone could tell that he was only putting on a brave face.

A profound sense of grief swirled and lingered within him...

He was originally a farmer, but thanks to Kondo Shusuke's adoption, he was given the opportunity to change his life.

Without Kondo Shusuke's adoption and guidance, he could not have become a samurai, could not have become the fourth head of the Tennen Rishin-ryu main family, could not have met Seito and others, and could not be where he is today...

A true act of rebirth... This immense debt of gratitude is something he can never repay in his lifetime!

However... the child wishes to care for their parents, but they are no longer there...

Before he could repay his kindness, they were separated by death forever...

Kondo Isami's grief is beyond words...

Everyone consciously made room for Kondo Isami, allowing him to have some peace and quiet.

At this moment, Qingdeng slowly walked towards Elodie, who was not far away.

"Elodie, are you alright?"

Qing Deng knew that Elodie had always felt deeply guilty about Kondo Shusuke's death in battle.

Elodie pursed her lips, forcing an unpleasant expression:

"Master, I'm alright..."

"I just feel... empty inside."

"If I could be stronger... if I could be as strong as you, Master, maybe I could save Mr. Kondo..."

Upon hearing this, Qing Deng's expression shifted slightly.

“…Elodie, you’ve done your best.”

As he spoke, he opened his arms and gently embraced Elodie.

"No one is blaming you, so don't blame yourself anymore."

"..."

Elodie remained silent.

She lowered her head, slumped her shoulders, and buried her face in Qing Deng's arms, making it impossible to see the changes in her expression...

Suddenly, a strong female voice rang out behind her:

“...Miss Ungulem”.

Elodie was taken aback.

Although the voice was slightly unfamiliar, she immediately recognized who it was.

As if by reflex, she quickly left Qingdeng's embrace and turned around—as she turned, she quickly raised her hand to wipe her face, removing the water droplets.

Just as she expected, the visitor was none other than Abi.

Abi walked towards her with a graceful and unhurried gait.

As Abi drew closer, Elodie's expression became complex and indescribable.

"Mrs. Kondo...please accept my condolences..."