I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

"Even if I am caught and executed by you for violating Article 2 of the Shinsengumi Law, I will not hesitate."

[Note: Article 2 of the Shinsengumi Law: No one may leave the organization without authorization; violators will be beheaded.]

"Fortunately, I changed my mind in time and did not leave the Shinsengumi."

"Fortunately, this day has come... the day when I heard my lord speak of his great ambitions."

Yamanami Keisuke paused here.

Immediately afterwards, a resolute look gradually appeared in his eyes as he met Qingdeng's gaze.

"Ju-kun, if you can always stay true to yourself and never change your mind, then I will always be by your side and help you overcome all obstacles!"

Qingdeng cast a helpless glance at him, clearly annoyed.

"Don't say such weird and disgusting things, you're giving me goosebumps."

Yamanami Keisuke smiled and shrugged.

"In short, congratulations. You have successfully transformed the people of Otsu into highly motivated warriors."

Qingdeng gently shook his head:

"No, congratulations to us, congratulations to everyone in Otsu—now we have the strength to defend Otsu!"

As he spoke, he turned his gaze again, scanning the vast crowd in the square once more.

This time, there was a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"Jingzhu, you will personally supervise the selection of people who know martial arts and those who know nothing about martial arts. Divide the people into small groups of thirty people each..."

Qing Deng switched back to a serious tone and quickly but methodically issued each order.

Yamanami Keisuke nodded vigorously, his tone rising:

"understand!"

……

……

"The enemy will arrive soon! We can't afford to waste a moment! Run!"

"Those who have received their protective gear, go to your left! Your left hand is the hand you use to hold your bowl when you eat! Someone will teach you how to put on the armor!"

"Those in armor, run forward! Run forward!"

"Who knows martial arts? Swordsmanship, spearmanship, archery, naginata techniques, anything! Anyone who knows martial arts, step forward!"

"Women, please come this way! We have many tasks: cooking, caring for the wounded, moving supplies... We will be very busy after the war starts, so please be mentally prepared!"

"Elderly people and children, please come this way! Line up properly and don't crowd!"

"Look closely, this is a sling! It's very easy to use! Even the elderly and weak who lack strength can use it easily!"

"Remember my face! From this moment on, I am your group leader!"

……

Looking around, the city of Dajin was in a state of chaos, and it was hard to find a single person who was idle.

The night raid by the Shinsengumi cavalry would have somewhat slowed the advance of the Northern Expeditionary Army and the British army, giving the people of Otsu more time to prepare for battle—though the time left for them was still limited.

There is absolutely no time to lose! Not a single second can be wasted!

Under the direction of Aoto, Yamanami Keisuke, and others, the people of Otsu dispersed into streams and headed towards various areas.

Or to collect equipment.

Or they can line up in groups.

Or they could learn how to use weapons such as spears and slings.

Before the "Southern Army" attacked, with a simple and cautious attitude, Qing Deng spared no effort to accumulate money, food and equipment - in which the domains of Oshu provided great assistance.

Allies are meant to be used; there's no reason to form an alliance and then not make use of it.

Therefore, Qing Deng unceremoniously demanded money, food, and equipment from the various domains of Oshu.

Although the military strength of the Oshu domains was weak, they were more than capable of receiving material support.

Thanks to this, Ōtsu's treasury is very rich! It stores enough equipment to arm three or four new squads, so it is fully available for the use of the Ōtsu people!

In addition, the merchants of Otsu contributed significantly. They generously donated money and supplies to aid the war effort.

In particular, the owners of major pawnshops donated quite a few fine knives.

As is well known, with the increasing number of impoverished samurai, more and more swords were being sold in pawnshops.

So pawnshop owners lack everything except good knives.

Qingdeng personally thanked the merchants who had generously donated money and solemnly said, "I will never forget your contributions!"

Upon hearing this, the merchants were greatly encouraged.

For them, "to make Niou remember them" is far more valuable than a mere amount of money!

And so, one by one, the "small gears" turned rapidly, driving the "war machine" to run at breakneck speed!

The once somewhat lifeless city of Otsu, lacking troops, is now bursting with intense heat and soaring fighting spirit!

It is worth mentioning that some people have begun to back down.

As Heihachiro Ooshio had said beforehand: When the initial passion cools down, someone will always back down.

However, while some people were considering giving up, many more forged ahead!

……

……

"Hmm? Husband, what are you looking for?"

"I'm looking for my knife."

"A knife? Husband, where did you get a knife?"

"A year ago, a ronin came to our shop and ate and drank extravagantly. Unable to pay, he pawned me his nameless sword. Oh! Found it! Here it is! Tsk... the blade's dull... needs sharpening..."

"You...you...husband, you're not going to join the war, are you?"

"Of course!"

"No! You can't go! People die in war! What will I do if you die?"

"When you were listening to Lord Niou's speech just now, weren't you also shouting 'I want to join the war'? How come you're now advising me to back down?"

"I...I was just impulsive! A weak woman like me is no match for fighting! Lord Renwang didn't force everyone to go into battle, so you should withdraw too! This isn't called backing down! This is called acting within your capabilities!"

"No! I must join the war!"

"Husband, are you crazy! You're so skinny, you've hardly ever even touched a knife in your life. Even if you join the battle, what use will you be? To put it bluntly, you'll probably be hacked to death by the enemy the moment you see them!"

"Whether I can fight is a matter of my ability, whether I'm willing to go into battle is a matter of my attitude! These two things shouldn't be confused! In any case, I'm determined to fight this battle! Don't try to persuade me anymore!"

*******

*******

Please vote with monthly tickets! Please vote with recommendation tickets! (Leopard crying.jpg)

Chapter 1175 Ogata Itsuki, Begin the Operation!

Trying to persuade relatives and friends to withdraw from the fight with earnest words, only to be met with a firm refusal... This is not an isolated case, but rather a widespread occurrence throughout the city!

……

"Mother, please stop! This battle concerns the survival of Qin Jin; how can I stand idly by?"

……

"Without Lord Niou, there would be no Otsu today! Without Otsu today, my family's restaurant would have closed down long ago due to poor business! Even if it's just to repay Lord Niou's kindness, I cannot back down!"

……

"With so many strong people joining the fray, we don't need you!"

"That's right, we don't need you! But if everyone else is bravely stepping forward while I shrink back and fight back, I'll definitely regret it in the future!"

……

Those who earnestly offer advice are mostly mothers or wives.

This is only natural, after all, "mother" and "wife" are the opposites of "adventure".

They naturally did not want to be separated from their important sons, nor did they want to see their beloved husbands rushing off to the perilous battlefield.

However, no matter how much they talked, their sons and husbands remained unmoved and refuted them firmly—almost without exception!

Although they were ordinary people, their fighting spirit was so high that it would make even the most valiant warriors feel ashamed!

This shows that they did not choose to take up arms on a whim, but were genuinely moved by Qingdeng's words and spontaneously threw themselves into the battlefield!

Their impassioned speeches left those who were trying to persuade them to lay down their weapons speechless, blushing, or heartbroken.

Of course, Qingdeng did not think that this would solve everything.

A moving and excellent speech can indeed mobilize the people.

However, to maintain morale and fighting spirit over a long period of time, substantial material rewards are essential.

So, Aoto summoned Iwasaki Yataro and gave him a simple and straightforward order: take all the money from the national treasury!

Every soldier who volunteered to fight received a substantial reward.

If one is unfortunately killed in action, one will receive a generous pension in one go—enough to support a family of seven for thirty years, truly deserving the description "generous"!

The officers and soldiers of the Shinsengumi, the training corps, and the Aizu army also received generous bonuses as resettlement allowances.

Moreover, Qingdeng made a solemn promise: once the war begins, all those who make meritorious contributions will be rewarded, and no meritorious official will be treated unfairly.

Without a doubt, this is an astronomical expenditure.

Upon hearing Aoto's order, Iwasaki Yataro immediately gave a wry smile and said:

"My lord, if this happens, our national treasury will be completely empty."