I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

Being carefree and irresponsible most of the time, but extremely reliable when it matters most—this scenario only applies to individuals, never to an entire group.

The Shinsengumi members came from all regions and social classes, with different accents and ideas. It was impossible to unite them as one by means of a considerable military salary and a plentiful diet. Only by imposing extremely strict discipline could they be restrained and controlled.

Otherwise, if there is even the slightest slackening, the combat effectiveness of the entire army will collapse!

Therefore, Aoto never relaxed his efforts in maintaining discipline within the Shinsengumi.

Unless it is wartime, the various squads of the Shinsengumi maintain an extremely high level of training every day.

That's why we won't mess things up in important situations.

Admittedly, the Shinsengumi's performance at today's parade was far from comparable to the great army that Aoto knew in his previous life, but in Japan of this era, they were definitely a formidable force with impeccable military discipline.

It's enough to shock and horrify today's onlookers!

Seeing the swords held high in front of their chests, the muskets gleaming with cold light; hearing the sound of cannons turning, the rumbling footsteps... until this moment, the concepts of "the group that kills people," "the strongest army of the shogunate," and "invincible" finally took shape in the minds of the onlookers!

At that moment, countless people on and off the stage were so shocked that their eyes widened and they were speechless for a long time.

At that moment, countless people on and off the stage were thinking: even if the entire western country attacked together, the Shinsengumi would not lose!

One nobleman excitedly wrote in his diary that day, "Even the Oda army, which was famous throughout the world three hundred years ago, cannot compare with the Shinsengumi of today!"—of course, that's another story.

Suddenly, someone started shouting "Long live 'Niou'!" and "Long live the Shinsengumi!" in unison.

The people who revered and worshipped Qingdeng shouted Qingdeng's name almost fanatically.

Qingdeng was already used to the intense scene before him, his expression calm, with only a faint, barely visible smile on his face...

……

……

As one of the Shinsengumi's high-ranking officials, Kondo Isami also enjoyed the privilege of "watching the ceremony from a high platform," and he sat next to Aoto.

At this moment, Kondo Isami stared expressionlessly at the audience.

The constant chants of "Long live 'Niou'" and "Long live the Shinsengumi" filled his ear canals, preventing him from hearing anything else.

In the past, seeing so many people supporting and rallying behind Qingdeng would have filled him with excitement and a sense of pride.

But now... he is still happy for Qingdeng's achievements.

But... for some reason, at this moment, an indescribable "emotion" is pounding wildly in his chest.

He mechanically turned his gaze, sweeping it over the enthusiastic crowd below the stage, then suddenly fixed his eyes on Qing Deng, who was sitting to his side without blinking.

In that instant, he suddenly recalled the感慨 (gǎnkǎi, deep feelings) of Emperor Gaozu of Han (Liu Bang) after witnessing the grand spectacle of Qin Shi Huang (Ying Zheng)'s procession—

As a true man, this is what you should do!

……

……

The following day (October 26th), at night—

Qinjin Domain, Otsu, Ito Residence, a certain room——

"Good evening, Director Kondo."

"Good evening, Professor Ito."

After a few brief pleasantries, Ito Kashitaro sat down meticulously in front of Kondo Isami.

After Kondo Isami became Ito Kashitaro's apprentice, whenever the two had free time, Kondo Isami would visit Ito's residence to learn more.

It must be said that Ito Koshitaro is indeed a "time management master".

While continuing to run the "Ito Juku", he still managed to find time to give Kondo Isami extra tutoring.

"Let me see...where did we leave off last time..."

As he spoke, Ito Kashitaro opened the book "Great History of Japan" in his palm.

"Oh my, you've already learned this much... Director Kondo, you're very talented. Your learning progress is much faster than I expected."

Faced with Ito Kashitaro's praise, Kondo Isami simply smiled politely and remained silent.

Although Ito Kashitaro's praise was sincere and Kondo Isami's learning speed was indeed very fast, in reality... he knew very well that his recent diligent study was just another form of escapism.

At first, he genuinely believed that as long as he read more books, he could make up for his deficiency of "only knowing how to wield swords".

But once he actually picked up a book, he was shocked to discover that studying was no easy task! It was not simply a matter of memorizing a few articles or reading a few pages of history to acquire extraordinary wisdom!

Although he was very unwilling, he had to face the truth: even if he spent day and night immersed in books, he could not possibly have the knowledge to be on par with Yamanami Keisuke, let alone acquire the unique military talent of Hijikata Toshizo!

Therefore... he was at a loss again.

What should I do?

It's one thing to be inferior to Qingdeng, but am I really not even as good as Asui and Mr. Shannan?

He has absolutely no ideas now, and can only mechanically and escapistly continue reading and seeking advice from Ito Kashitaro, creating the illusion that "I am still working hard and will surely reap the rewards in time."

Kondo Isami absentmindedly flipped through the pages of his book... unaware that Ito Kashitaro across from him was looking at him with a meaningful gaze.

Suddenly, Ito Kashitaro said quietly:

"Director Kondo, what's wrong? You don't seem to be feeling well."

Kondo Isami paused, chuckled twice, and then forced himself to stay alert:

"I'm fine, I just...didn't sleep well last night. I'm sorry to have troubled you."

Ito Kashitaro smiled slightly:

"Director Kondo, do you feel the learning progress is too slow?"

"Please don't worry or be anxious, your learning progress is already fast enough."

"I don't mean to flatter you at all, but you are truly talented."

"To be honest, after witnessing your talent firsthand, I truly feel that appointing you as the 'director' is a waste of your abilities."

"With your abilities, you are fully capable of achieving even greater and more glorious accomplishments!"

Kondo Isami was stunned.

The reason for his stunned silence wasn't that Ito Kashitaro praised his talent, but rather his last words—

(With your abilities, you are fully capable of achieving even greater and more glorious accomplishments!)

After a short while, Kondo Isami regained his senses and quickly waved his hand:

"Mr. Ito, what are you talking about? I don't have that ability at all!"

"I am just a swordsman; I have no other skills besides wielding a sword!"

"If I hadn't joined the Shinsengumi, my life's achievement would have been limited to being a dojo instructor!"

Ito Kashitaro slowly closed the book "Great History of Japan" in his palm, a strange smile appearing on his cheek.

The candlelight flickered slightly, and the elongated, dark shadow of Ito Kashitaro cast on the wall swayed with it, like a wisp of demonic mist.

"Commander Kondo, now that things have come to this, I'll be frank—would you like to leave the Shinsengumi with me and establish a completely new organization?"

Even though it was a clear night with a bright night outside the window, Kondo Isami heard a thunderclap in his ear the instant Ito Kashitaro finished speaking!

The deathly silence lasted only 3 seconds.

Three seconds later, Kondo Isami lowered his voice and threatened with a menacing expression:

"Mr. Ito, do you know what you're saying? You can't joke about something like that...!"

Ito Kashitaro said calmly:

"Of course I know that you can't joke about things like that, so I wasn't joking with you at all."

"I was serious."

“I have long been unable to agree with Tachibana Seito’s governing methods.”

"His domineering act of arbitrarily calling the new emperor a 'false emperor' and establishing the emperor under the palace has completely disappointed me."

"Therefore, I have made up my mind—I want to start my own business! I want to build a brand new organization and promote righteousness in my own way!"

At this point, Ito Kashitaro leaned forward slightly, closing the distance between himself and Kondo Isami, and uttered a whisper that sounded like a "devil's murmur":

"Director Kondo, I admire your talent and I crave your 'sword'. I sincerely hope that you can lend me a hand."

"I can assure you—if the two of us work together, you will achieve far greater feats than you have today!"

Ito Kashitaro wanted to say something more.

But Kondo Isami, his face full of impatience, roared:

"shut up!"

"Mr. Ito, I really misjudged you!"

How could I betray the Shinsengumi?

The instant he finished roaring, he grabbed Nagasone Kotetsu from beside his leg, drew his sword, and the silver-white blade drew a clean arc in mid-air before being held straight against Ito Kashitaro's neck.

The blade, sharp enough to cut a hair in two, had sunk into flesh, and beads of crimson blood seeped out, dripping down the blade... If Kondo Isami were willing, he could easily take Ito Kashitaro's life by applying just a little more force to the blade!

*******

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It rests diagonally on Ito Kashitaro's neck.

Chapter 1109 "A Life Hanging in the Balance" and "Hijikata Toshizo of a Parallel World" [6500]

Although he is not as good as Kondo Isami, with Ito Kashitaro's skills, he can easily dodge Kondo Isami's sword.

However, he did not do so.

He just sat there, letting Kondo Isami hold the knife to his neck.

"...You didn't kill me."