I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

Chief of Staff: Keisuke Yamanami.

Assistant to the Chief of Staff: Ito Kashitaro.

He commands 200 people.

[Finance Department] (In charge of financial work)

Head of the department: Elodie Angoulême.

Assistant to the head of the department: Kisaburo Kawai.

120 people were appointed.

[Refining Guild] (responsible for weapon forging and repair)

Refined headgear: Kitahara Harutaro.

There are 250 blacksmiths.

[General Affairs Department] (In charge of field engineering and civil engineering operations)

Pu Qingtou: Higashion Natsujiro.

It was passed on to 150 people.

[Medical Specialist] (In charge of medical affairs)

Medical Director: Nanjo Akizaburo.

100 medical staff.

The central government agencies and logistics departments together have a total of 1320 employees.

Next came the combat troops, namely the sword-wielding squad—

Vice-Commander: Hijikata Toshizo.

Deputy Chief Assistant: Ogata Shuntaro.

[First Division] (Elite Infantry Unit):

Captain: Tsukasa Tachibana (Okita Souji).

Vice-captain: Shimada Kai.

Troop strength: 300.

[Second Division] (Elite Infantry):

Captain: Nagakura Shinpachi.

Vice Captain: Noboru Nakajima.

Troop strength: 250.

[Third Division] (Elite Infantry):

Captain: Hajime Saito.

Vice-captain: Nakazawa Sadayoshi.

Troop strength: 250.

[Fourth Division] (Infantry Division):

Captain: Serizawa Kamo.

Vice Captain: Sanjuro Tani.

Troop strength: 550.

[Fifth Division] (Infantry Unit):

Captain: Shinmi Nishiki

Vice Captain: Tani Mantaro.

Troop strength: 450.

[Squad 6] (Musketeer Squad):

Captain: Inoue Genzaburo.

Vice-captain: Hayataro Ando.

Troop strength: 1150.

[Seventh Division] (Cavalry):

Captain: Tachibana Sanako (Chiba Sanako).

Vice Captain: Nakazawa Koto

Troop strength: 600.

[Squad 8] (Musketeer Squad):

Captain: Heisuke Toudo.

Vice Captain: Oishi Kuwajiro.

Troop strength: 1150.

[Squad 9] (Ninja Squad):

Captain: Tachibana Mai (Kinoshita Mai).

Vice Captain: Yamazaki Susumu.

Troop strength: 400.

[10th Division] (Cavalry):

Captain: Harada Sanosuke.

Vice Captain: Tadashi Matsubara.

Troop strength: 600.

Eleventh Division (Artillery Unit):

Captain: Juro Abe.

Vice-captain: Toshisaburo Nomura.

Troop strength: 680.

[Squad 12] (Musketeer Squad):

Captain: Soma no Kiseki.

Vice Captain: Asano Kaoru

1150 troops

[Squad 13] (Musketeer Squad):

Captain: Kanichiro Yoshimura.

Vice Captain: Kawamura Hayato

1150 troops

800 elite infantry, 1000 regular infantry, 4600 musketeers, 1200 cavalry, 400 ninjas, and 680 artillerymen, totaling 8680 combat troops.

8680 combatants, 1320 central government and logistics personnel, total strength 10000!

Without a doubt, at a time when the military preparedness of the various vassal states was generally in a state of disrepair, this was already a powerful military force capable of determining the fate of the world!

Interestingly, because the Shinsengumi's forces have expanded to thirteen squads, many people in the city have recently jokingly referred to the Shinsengumi as the "Thirteen Guardian Squads of the Capital," meaning the thirteen units that protect the capital region.

The reason it didn't have such a nickname before was that "Team 10" had one less syllable than "Team 13," while "Team 11" had one more syllable, making it particularly difficult to pronounce.

Although the name has a mocking element, its specific connotation is undoubtedly positive, much better than the derogatory term "Mibu Wolf".

Aoto has always welcomed rumors that are beneficial to the Shinsengumi's organizational image.

Qingdeng has always attached great importance to the power of public opinion and is well aware of the principle of "reporting good news and not reporting bad news".

And so... the media machine was set in motion!

As usual, tabloids were distributed like snowflakes; members of the Ninth Division, lurking in the streets, spread the news everywhere.

Thus, the news that "the Shinsengumi has successfully expanded and its military strength has exceeded 10,000" spread like wildfire throughout the land.

The Shinsengumi was the core military force of the Northern Dynasty.

The widespread dissemination of this good news naturally boosted the morale of the people and the army of the "Northern Dynasty".

Just a few days ago, someone suggested to Qing Deng that the total strength of the Shinsengumi has exceeded 10,000, and from any perspective, it does not seem like a "gumi". Why not change its name to "Shinsengun" or reorganize the Shinsengumi into the domain army of the Hatatsu Domain?

To date, the Qin Jin Domain has remained in a state of "no army, no soldiers, and no generals." The specific reason is quite simple—with the Shinsengumi in place, what need is there for a domain army?

Qing Deng rejected the proposal without hesitation.

Admittedly, it is quite strange to use the word "group" to refer to an army of over 10,000.

However, the name "Shinsengumi" has taken root in people's hearts. Allies feel at ease when they hear it, while enemies are terrified!

With such a prestigious reputation, how could we possibly abandon it?

Therefore, with Qing Deng's approval, the name "Shinsengumi" will continue to be used and will not be changed.

Just as the Southern Dynasty was deliberately competing with the Northern Dynasty, a few days after the Northern Dynasty's rulers, officials, and people were overjoyed by the growing strength of the Shinsengumi, the Southern Dynasty also released a major announcement.

It must be admitted that the "Southern Court's" long-awaited "big move" was indeed extraordinary. As soon as it was released, it instantly overwhelmed the momentum of the "Northern Court"—the Satsuma Domain, Choshu Domain, Tosa Domain, and Hizen Domain issued a joint statement: they would form the "Western Country Alliance" to stand together and fight to the death! They would fully support Emperor Mutsuhito! And they would punish the treacherous "Southern Shogunate"!

As early as a month ago, Qingdeng had received relevant intelligence: the four powerful vassal states of the West were in close contact and there were signs of an alliance.

Qingdeng has made every effort to divide the Western Kingdom.

However, whether it was a promise of huge profits or a warning that implied coercion, all that was received were vague and evasive replies.

At that moment, Qingdeng had a bad feeling... and silently prepared for the worst.

And now, the ominous premonition has come true!

When the news of the "Western Alliance" was released... it is no exaggeration to say that the whole world was shocked!