I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

As soon as Qingdeng finished speaking, Xu Fang nodded slightly and gave a simple greeting to everyone.

The group looked at Qing Deng, then at Ogata, and then exchanged bewildered glances.

Officers like Nagakura Shinpachi and Todo Heisuke, who came from the Shinsengumi, were very familiar with Seito's decisive style and his uncompromising nature, so they quickly recovered and accepted the fact.

After a moment of contemplation, Todo Heisuke said in a deep voice:

“Mr. Tachibana, the Ezo are barbarians who are not under the rule of the king. You must bring more guards.”

Qingdeng waved his hand calmly:

"No need, it's fine as long as Kazuma Mashima is with me."

Upon hearing this, everyone present changed their expressions.

Nagakura Shinpachi spoke first:

"Just the two of you? Mr. Tachibana, that's far too risky! Please bring more guards!"

Upon hearing this, Qing Deng couldn't help but chuckle to himself: "Renwang" and "Shura" traveling together, what danger could they possibly encounter?

He wanted to see for himself what kind of threat could pose to him and Ogata!

He limited the number of people to just himself and Ogata for two reasons: firstly, fewer people would make it easier to move around; secondly, the presence of outsiders would make communication between him and Ogata more difficult.

The crowd was unaware of Majima Kazuma's background and thought that Aoto was too arrogant, daring to venture into the heart of Ezo with a translator who had suffered from smallpox and looked frail!

Although they argued their case, their appeals were of no use.

As the Supreme Commander of the entire army, Qing Deng wielded unlimited power!

Without further ado, he rejected everyone's pleas and gave a firm and resounding order:

"Have Xianlin Maru prepare to set sail! We will depart in half an hour!"

*******

*******

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Chapter 1056 Swaying Camp and Bear Attack! [4700]

After careful consideration, Aoto decided to land at Washi no Ki in the northern part of Hakodate.

Faced with Qingdeng's determination, the others had no choice but to reluctantly comply.

Half an hour later, Xianlinwan spewed black smoke and carried Qingdeng, Xufang, and their respective mounts northward.

During the period when Aoto was temporarily away from his post, Katsura Rintaro took over command of the entire army.

When the Kanrin Maru set sail, the people who came to see it off on the coast, including Katsura Rintaro and Nagakura Shinpachi, were all filled with apprehension.

The enemy ships' movements are unknown; who knows if the Hamrin Maru will encounter them halfway through its voyage?

Fortunately, the trip went very smoothly.

The Kanrinmaru crossed the Tsugaru Strait without incident and arrived at Washinoki as scheduled.

Because of the risk of running aground, Hamrin Maru could not get too close to the shore. Instead, a small boat was lowered at a certain distance so that Qing Deng and the others could row ashore.

Ogata and his two mounts (Radish and a fine horse) boarded the boat first, while Aoto followed a step behind to say goodbye to the people on board.

The captain in charge of directing the Kanrinmaru and sending Aoto and the others to Washinoki was none other than John Manjiro, who had met Aoto once before and whose life story was exceptionally legendary.

John Manjiro looked directly at Aoto with a solemn expression and said seriously:

"Lord Niou, please take good care of yourself! I will be waiting for you here in 15 days!"

The agreed time was 15 days. In 15 days, Aoto and Ogata would return to Washinoki, board the ship for their return journey, and go back to the Aomori expeditionary camp.

Qingdeng smiled slightly:

"Manjiro, don't worry. The me you're depicting might be the safest person in the world."

After saying that, he glanced at Ogata on the boat without making it obvious.

After saying goodbye to Manjiro, Aoto descended the rope ladder to the opposite side of Ogata.

Ogata took the two oars and skillfully parted the water, propelling the small boat swiftly but steadily toward the shore.

Such skillful movements clearly indicate a seasoned boatman.

Seeing this, Qing Deng couldn't help but ask:

"You've also learned how to row?"

"I used to learn how to fish at sea in Tosa."

"Don't use my master's catchphrase."

"I've wanted to say Jiulang's catchphrase for a long time."

With Ogata, an experienced rower, the two quickly reached the shore and successfully landed.

Qingdeng waved to Xianlinmaru from afar, then nimbly mounted the bull, while Ogata, standing beside him, also lightly lifted himself and sat steadily on the saddle.

The two slowly made their way into the heart of Ezo, gradually disappearing at the edge of the coastline.

……

……

"Moo moo moo~~"

Radish snorted a few times, letting out a pleasant groan, its long tail swishing back and forth.

"Phew... I can finally take off this damn face mask."

Once they were away from the coastline and sure no one would see them, Ogata hurriedly pulled off his face mask and let out a long sigh of relief.

Although it is summer, the temperature in Ezo is not high due to its northern latitude.

It's neither too hot nor too cold, the air is dry, and it's very comfortable.

Qingdeng unconsciously took several deep breaths, and his mood became cheerful.

He turned his gaze with great interest, taking in the surrounding northern scenery.

Whether it was the dense forest nearby or the mountain peaks with blue ridges in the distance, everything aroused Qingdeng's strong interest.

The bright weather, beautiful scenery, and the occasional chirping of insects and birds... it had the feel of a picnic.

Upon reflection, he realized that he hadn't gone on a trip to the countryside in a long time.

If he had a choice, he really wanted to turn around and say to Ogata in a righteous and assertive manner, "Mr. Ogata, let's go on a picnic!"

Of course, while he might be indulging in wishful thinking, he wouldn't forget his duties due to momentary laziness.

"Mr. Ogata, the rest is up to you."

Ogata Kanji:

"Don't worry, I've lived in Ezo for several years, I won't cheat you."

As he spoke, he lightly nudged the horse's belly, slightly increasing its speed, and rode alongside Qingdeng.

"Mr. Orange, before we officially set off, there are two important things you must remember."

"First of all, do not mention the derogatory term 'Ezo' in front of the Ainu people, as they dislike this name."

"Please be sure to refer to them as 'Ainu'."

"In the Ainu language, 'Ainu' means 'person'."

Qingdeng nodded seriously and said softly, "Understood."

He had no ill feelings toward the Ainu people—he had never even seen them, so there was no basis for any "illness" about it.

The reason he kept using the derogatory term "Ezo" at previous military conferences was simply to cooperate with everyone and facilitate communication.

Ogata continued speaking:

"Secondly, Ezochi is a truly undeveloped area, with virgin forests everywhere."

"Never underestimate nature, no matter when or where."

"Even you and I cannot resist the power of nature."

"You must stay close to me at all times, don't wander off, and don't fall behind."

Upon hearing this, Qing Deng raised an eyebrow and adopted a half-joking tone:

“Mr. Ogata, you can rest assured about that. I’m more cautious than you think, so be prepared that I’ll follow you even to the toilet.”

Ogata smiled:

"If that's the case, then that would be perfect."

That's all I wanted to say.

“It is summer now, the most ‘mild’ season in Ezo, with no fear of wind or snow.”

"If all goes well, it will only take five days to reach the Ainu tribe where I used to live."

"Time waits for no one, let's hurry up and get on our way."

"And let me also see just how capable this famous black bull you ride really is."

Having said that, without waiting for Qingdeng's response, Xu lightly nudges the horse's belly, and it leaps off like an arrow.

Watching Ogata gradually disappear into the distance, Aoto smiled and gently patted the radish's big head:

"Radish, show him what you're capable of."

"Moo moo!"

As soon as Qing Deng finished speaking, Radish let out a "moo"—it seemed to understand Ogata's challenge, and a fighting spirit flashed in its eyes—it took off and caught up with Ogata in no time.

……

……

The next few days were not very interesting.