I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

However, it now appears that these people's concerns were completely unnecessary.

Kazumiya performed exceptionally well, or rather, excessively well! Even Aoto was taken aback!

Her facial expression, her gait... everything was impeccable! She truly resembled a queen ordained by heaven!

Those who questioned and disliked Princess Kazu were now all stunned, unable to believe that the valiant emperor before them was actually the delicate Princess Kazu!

Thus, witnessed by the courtiers, Prince Kazumi sat gracefully on the high platform and received the Kusanagi sword, one of the "Three Sacred Treasures," from the Shinto priest—the last of the sacred treasures left in Kyoto—and then received the Imperial Seal.

Although there are still many ceremonies to be held, from the moment she received the Kusanagi sword and the imperial seal, she became the rightful 122nd Emperor of Japan!

On this day, the Empress successfully ascended the throne.

On this day, the palace announced the change of era name to "Kuangtian".

On this day, Japan's Nanboku-chō (Northern and Southern Courts) period resumed!

On this day, the world situation was once again in turmoil!

……

……

Volume 6, Operation Marineford – The End!

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The final volume, Nioh, is coming soon!

Postscript to Volume 6

Hi! Dumo! Ciallo~~!

After more than two months of updates, Volume 6 has successfully concluded!

This length was within Leopard's expectations, after all, this volume was just a transitional chapter.

The title sounds impressive, "Operation Summit," but in reality, they only fought a bunch of natives... I know this is a big point, so please allow me, Leopard, to explain.

This "top" is not the same as the other "top." It doesn't mean facing an incredibly powerful enemy, but rather having god-like comrades by your side.

The sight of the young "Nioh" fighting side-by-side with the still-mature "Shura" is unlikely to be repeated in the future. Calling it "Summit" is perfectly reasonable! (Leopard.jpg)

There's not much to say about this volume, so let's focus on the next volume instead.

The next volume will be the final chapter. After defeating the French and the various vassal states of the Western Kingdom, this book will come to a perfect end.

I know some readers want to see content on "political reform" and how Aoto manages this new Japan.

Leopard hereby solemnly declares: There will be no such content!

Firstly, this book is a sword and spear novel, mainly about "slashing and hacking". When there is nothing left to slash, that will naturally be the end.

Secondly, Leopard lacks sufficient knowledge; writing this content requires extensive knowledge in various fields such as sociology and political science.

Leopard can assert with certainty: there is not a single author who can truly master this kind of content.

They either remain silent when writing, or make a fool of themselves.

Thirdly, writing this kind of content makes it easy for it to be censored.

At most, after the main story ends, Leopard will introduce the subsequent story of Qingdeng by stretching the timeline.

What did Aoto do in 18XX? What did the Shinsengumi become in 18XX? ... That's roughly how it went.

Sigh, the thought of this book ending makes me feel empty... (dejected.jpg)

Leopard is a "Shinsengumi fan," especially fond of Shinsengumi stories, and also a "Sanako fan," having developed a strong sexual desire... ah, no, love for Sanako, whom he created.

Leopard hasn't written enough about the Shinsengumi yet! He hasn't written enough about Sanako yet!

So when I have time in the future, I'd like to write another Bakumatsu story.

The new Bakumatsu anime is completely independent of the "Sword Trilogy," featuring a brand-new worldview and a completely different style.

To be honest, in the middle and later stages of this book, it is no longer a traditional sword and spear novel, but more like a novel about fighting for supremacy. Various forces are fighting each other, and Qing Deng's identity is no longer simply that of a "swordsman". The identity of "lord" is more prominent.

When I start a new Bakumatsu story in the future, I plan to return to the traditional style and have the protagonist be a pure swordsman who lives and dies for his sword.

As for the female lead, of course, it will still be played by Sanako! Let's continue the story of "Chiba Oni-Komachi" in another timeline!

Of course, all of the above is just Leopard's self-indulgence.

After the "Sword and Halberd Trilogy" ended, Leopard didn't want to touch this genre again for a while... (Leopard tired.jpg)

In other words, whether or not he will write a new Bakumatsu story is uncertain; it may only exist in his mind forever.

Instead of talking about this "new book" that may or may not appear, let's talk about the final installment of the "Sword and Halberd Trilogy" that is definitely going to happen!

As Leopard mentioned before, we will be writing stories about Shura, Nioh, and Dragon respectively.

Every now and then, new readers ask what new book Leopard is writing.

Leopard hereby gives a unified response—

The next installment will be set in San Francisco in the 1920s, featuring a Chinese American who interacts with various figures, including the Italian Mafia, Chinatown gangsters, and Japanese samurai.

The opening chapters of the new book have already received unanimous praise from the editors and chief editor.

The experienced and highly qualified editor-in-chief even gave it the evaluation that it was "very distinctive".

Not to brag, but I, Leopard, also think my new book is absolutely amazing!

Leopard can confidently assure everyone that his new book is the culmination of his extensive writing skills and rich experience, accumulated from his previous works, "I Became a Swordsman in Ancient Japan" and "I Formed the Strongest Swordsman Group."

Just by reading the first two chapters, you can tell that this author has something special and this book is worth looking forward to—that's how amazing it is.

In conclusion, the new book is worth looking forward to!

The new book will be released when this book is nearing its end, so everyone can seamlessly transition to it.

That's all I wanted to say.

This postscript has been long enough, so let's stop here.

The next time I write a postscript will be the final one... It truly leaves me feeling quite melancholic...

Since we've already come this far, let's walk to the end together with Leopard and "Nioh" Aoto Tachibana! (Tearful Leopard head.jpg)

My deepest gratitude to all the readers of this book!

……

……

Shumengshi

2025.6.25

Chapter 1100 Qingdeng's Promotion! Left Minister Kazusa-suke! [4900]

Today's main event is not just the Queen's coronation ceremony.

To boost morale and to demonstrate the grandeur of the new dynasty, Prince Kazuhiro will hold a grand ceremony to reward meritorious officials immediately after the enthronement ceremony!

The emperor did not overlook any of the meritorious officials and rewarded them all.

The person who provided this "list of heroes" was naturally Qing Deng.

In this exciting award ceremony, the person who received the most awards and attracted the most attention was Qing Deng himself.

He personally added his name to the top of the "list of heroes"... Although it was embarrassing, Qing Deng had a clear conscience.

If I don't take the credit, then who else can claim this honor?

If Qingdeng wanted to, he could easily shout to the assembled officials in the palace, "If I were not here, I wonder how many would claim to be emperor and how many would claim to be king!" and no one would dare to contradict him.

In fact, this "list of heroes" had already been leaked through various channels several days ago.

Upon learning that he was among those listed, Matsudaira Katamori went directly to Seido and expressed his deepest shame and remorse.

His reasons were quite valid—he was powerless to suppress Saigo Kichinosuke, which first caused the "Chōshū Conquest" to fail, and then lost the Emperor and the Crown Prince. It was only because of his incompetence that the situation in the country deteriorated again and again. Even if he had made some contributions before, they had long been wiped out, and he was truly ashamed to accept any reward.

Admittedly, Matsudaira Katamori's recent performance has been lackluster, but for various reasons, Aoto still added his name to the "list of heroes".

“You could have received a much greater reward; this is the best you can get after all your merits and demerits have been balanced,” Qing Deng said, trying to comfort you.

Thus, after much persuasion from Aoto, Matsudaira Katamori finally agreed to accept the Empress's reward.

The imperial court's rewards mainly consisted of promotions in official rank, much like awarding medals—a small medal might not seem worth much, but its emotional value was immense!

No one thinks they have too much money, just as no one thinks they have too many honors.

Matsudaira Katamori was promoted from Lieutenant General of the Left Guard, Rank 4, to General of the Right Guard, Rank 3. From now on, he would no longer be "Lieutenant General of Aizu," but "General of Aizu"!

Hijikata Toshizo, Yamanami Keisuke, Kondo Isami, and others also received the rewards they deserved.

Hijikata Toshizo was awarded the title of Dazaifu Doctor (Junior 7th Rank, Lower Grade).

Yamanami Keisuke was awarded the title of Junior Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat (a rank of Senior Eight).

Isamu Kondo was awarded the title of Eight Provincial Governors and Dajiebu (below the eighth rank).

From a certain perspective, all the heroes, including Matsudaira Katamori, were merely supporting characters—their only duty was to highlight the one and only "red flower."

The protagonist of today's award ceremony was predetermined long ago.

Finally... when Qing Deng got up and moved to the front of the Takamitsudai, a strange tranquility enveloped the hall.

All the officials in the hall held their breath, staring intently at that tall, slender figure.

Admiration, envy, anticipation... a variety of gazes focused on Qingdeng.

Everyone wanted to know just how amazing the honors this peerless prodigy would receive!

Under the eager gaze of everyone in the hall, the imperial envoy (the official responsible for reading the imperial edict) slowly unfolded the edict in his hand, paused briefly, and then, in a calm and measured tone, read aloud, word by word:

“敕曰：

"Your loyalty and diligence are well-known, you have assisted the court and made outstanding contributions, which pleases me greatly."

"Now, I hereby bestow upon you the surname of a court official, promote you to the position of Left Minister, and concurrently hold the position of Senior General, in recognition of your merits."