I formed the strongest swordsman group

The weather is very good today.

The rising sun rises in the east, and thousands of rays of light stream out from the peaks of the distant mountains.

The golden-red dawn unveiled the last black veil of the night, dyeing the sky red and illuminating the earth.

The red clouds in the sky to the east are brilliant, with soft clouds scattered among them. Under the blue sky, on the vast temple land, the Shinsengumi team members are not neatly formed, but they are not out of order. phalanx.

Deputy Chief Hijikata Toshizo, Director Kondo Isamu, Chief Yamanan Keisuke, and Staff Officer Kiyokawa Hachiro—the four of them stood at the forefront of the phalanx.

Immediately following were the 10 captains of the Ba Dao Team, who were lined up in order from 1 to 10.

"Haah...it's so cold..."

Souji put his hands to his lips and took a breath, and the puff of air covered her pretty face.

Nagakura Shinpachi turned around and looked at Souji who had just returned from Aomori:

"Okita-kun, how's it going with Mr. Tachibana?"

The Director-General replied:

"He just put on his armor. That armor suits him very well. It's very powerful!"

"Is he nervous?"

"Nagakura-kun, to Tachibana-kun, today's mobilization ceremony is just a trivial scene. How could he be nervous?"

Nagakura Shinpachi laughed dumbly.

"Yeah, that's right."

"After all, Mr. Tachibana worked his way up from the bottom, one step at a time."

"I have caught thieves, fought in battles, and even sat high in the temple."

"For him, such a scene is really not worth mentioning."

Speaking of this, Nagakura Shinpachi let out a long breath, with an expression filled with emotion.

"It's funny, I'm the one who feels very nervous right now..."

"I didn't expect that I, a low-level warrior who came from a remote village, would one day be able to stand upright with a sword."

Nagakura Shinpachi was born in the Matsumae Domain.

The Matsumae Domain is located on the Oshima Island of Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido), bordering the territory of Ezo (modern-day Ainu).

In the worldview of the people of the Edo period, the Ou region north of Kanto was a desolate and barren mountainous area - and this was indeed the case.

Because of its high latitude, the climate conditions in the Ou area are far from ideal.

In addition, its topography is also mediocre. It is a veritable mountain country with few plains and very little arable land.

There is no fertile land and no good harbor. The only thing worthy of praise is the geothermal resources - hot springs.

Even the Ou area is like this, let alone the Matsumae Clan which is further north and even separated by the Tsugaru Strait.

The Matsumae Domain in the eyes of the Japanese is similar to the Great Wall in the eyes of the Chinese - a bitter cold place within a bitter cold place.

"Hahaha, Nagakura-kun, if you are nervous...I won't give in too much."

Souji raised his right arm and showed her palm to Nagakura Shinpachi - it was trembling slightly.

"This is the first time for me to stand in a venue where everyone is watching... I feel so nervous..."

As she spoke, she turned her eyes and scanned her surroundings.

The Shinsengumi's expedition ceremony - how could the Edo citizens, who had nothing to do but were depressed due to the turmoil of the current situation, not come to join in the fun and have some fun?

The chirping voices and the tinny footsteps can be heard all the time.

Because in a while, the top officials of the shogunate headed by Tokugawa Iemo and Tenjoin Atsuhime will come here.

Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of the venue, the people who came to watch were isolated to far away places.

Even though the commander-in-chief has excellent eyesight, he can only see rows of moving heads in the distance.

"Humph, it's just child's play."

Abruptly, Captain Serizawa Kamo, the captain of the Fourth Squadron, took out the iron fan he carried around his waist, and while using the fan as a hammer, he beat his shoulders and continued:

"This army is simply child's play."

He squinted his eyes and looked at Isamu Kondo and Toshizo Hijikata standing in front of him, his eyes full of disdain.

“An ‘original farmer’ and a ‘current farmer’.”

He turned his head and glanced contemptuously at Sanako and Kinoshita Mai on the left.

"There are two women... Humph! How can such an army fight with farmers and women? It's ridiculous, it's really ridiculous."

He did not lower his voice specially, but expressed his "high opinions" at a normal volume.

Because Kondo Isamu and others were standing very close to the front, they did not hear Serizawa Kamo's words.

Fortunately, Hijikata Suisan didn't hear it.

With his "thorny evil boy" bad temper, if he hears someone saying such rude words, he will definitely come to him to settle the score.

However, it wouldn't be a big deal even if Toshizo Hijikata didn't hear it.

Because someone has already come to help him find his place.

"Hey, kid, speak more clearly, or I'll kill you."

Having said that, Saitoichi - because he was the captain of the third team, so he stood on the right hand side of Serizawa Kame - moved half a step to the right, leaving enough space to create the most suitable distance for fighting, and then stretched out his hand to hold his right hand. At the waist, Ikeda Kijinmaru Kunishige lives in Sheshu.

Among the newly selected members, Saito Kazuo has the richest life experience.

To put it in modern terms... Saito Kazuo is the person with the most social experience in the Shinsengumi, besides Seito and Hijikata Toshizo.

He rarely mentioned his past to outsiders.

But since he was 16 years old... or earlier, he came out to join the society and earned money by working as a bodyguard, as well as his sharp knife skills when killing people... it is conceivable that he He used to be such a hard-core ruthless person.

Rich experience, taciturn and indifferent expression, and capable style that can kill with one sword but never swing a second sword... This cold appearance often makes people forget: he is one of the youngest people in the Shinseng group. , only 19 years old this year.

Faced with Saitoichi's verbal warning and sharp gaze, Serizawa Kamo was not afraid.

He turned sideways and faced Saito Ichi directly. He continued to hold the iron fan in his left hand and raised the knife with his right hand.

"Ah? Bring your horse over here, Yakuza."

Click—— Saito drew the knife without hesitation.

Just when he pulled out the tenon of the knife, a strong hand came out of the slant and held down his left wrist holding the knife.

At the same time, the captain of the fifth division, Niimi Nishiki, also stretched out his hand to restrain Serizawa Kamo.

"Saito-kun, Mr. Tachibana and Mr. Dashu are coming soon. Put your sword away quickly."

Nagakura Shinpachi said solemnly.

"Brother Serizawa, calm down. Fighting in this situation is no joke."

On the other side, Shinmi Nishiki is also comforting Serizawa Kamo.

The captain of the Sixth Division, Genzaburo Inoue, noticed the movement here and hurriedly said:

"Oh, don't argue."

"..."

Saitoichi was silent for a moment, and then - with a click - he put the knife back into its sheath.

Immediately afterwards, Serizawa also lowered his hand holding the knife.

Although it is not possible to carry out "physical criticism" here and now, it is not a problem to treat others in their own way.

When it comes to verbal fighting, the Chief Secretary is not inferior to anyone else.

She clasped her hands behind her back and sneered.

"You obviously look down on farmers and women, but your current status is no higher than them - you are not even as good as those two farmers, and you don't know who the person should be ashamed of?"

Hearing this, Serizawa Kamo immediately widened his eyes and glared at Souji.

However, the other party didn't take it seriously at all. He didn't even look at him and continued to look straight ahead.

"What? Are you not convinced? If you are not convinced, just draw the sword. I can knock you down in five rounds for a guy like you. Do you want to give it a try?"

As soon as Souji finished speaking, before Serizawa Kamo had time to react, Niimi Nishiki grabbed his shoulders tightly.

He didn't say much, just whispered in a sincere tone:

"Brother Serizawa..."

Serizawa turned his face sideways and looked into Shinami Nishiki's eyes.

"..."

After a while, he calmly looked away, turned his body back to the front without saying a word, and did not break out any further conflict with the General Secretary and others.

Seeing that the other party took the initiative to give in, the General Director and others, who were unwilling to let the dispute expand, also gave up.

A sudden storm subsided.

Since just now, Sanako, the captain of the seventh team, has been paying attention to the situation here.

Seeing that the storm had subsided, she straightened her head and continued to be an angel who was incompatible with the environment she was currently in.

Among a group of rough men, the graceful Sanako stands out.

In such a serious environment where soldiers are fighting, it is definitely inappropriate to wear a women's kimono that can only take small steps.

The Edo period was an era of strict etiquette, and it was common for men to dress up as women. For example, all Kabuki actors were male, and the female characters in the plays were all dressed up as women.

It is okay for a man to pretend to be a woman, but it is absolutely not okay for a woman to pretend to be a man.

Neither women's kimonos nor men's clothes can be worn... The only clothes Sanako and Kinoshita Mai can wear are kendo uniforms.

Strangely enough, Sanako was the only person in the room—except Hijikata Toshizo—who looked like a general.

She holds her head high, does not look sideways, her expression is neither humble nor overbearing, and she makes no unnecessary movements. Her high ponytail flutters in the wind. Looking from a distance, she is not angry but confident.

On the other hand, the others... although it cannot be said that they are the best, their movements reveal an aura of unconfidence and shrinking.

However, you can't blame them.

It would be too difficult to ask the middle- and lower-level samurai who until recently were a bunch of unknown people to grow into majestic heroes in a short period of time.

If the fairy in blue is the most celebrity-like among all the people, then the girl in red can be said to have gone to the other extreme.

As the only two women in the Shinsengumi (seemingly the only two), their current performance can be described as one of a kind.

At this moment, even people with normal social skills like Souji and Nagakura Shinpachi can't help but feel nervous. So it's not difficult to imagine the performance of Kinoshita Mai who is afraid of society...

As expected, she tightened her shoulders, lowered her head, looked at her nose and heart, her face was bloodless, and her eyes were unfocused.

Anyone who looks at it can tell at a glance: this girl is very nervous now.

On her left is Captain Sanosuke Harada of the 10th Division, and on her right is Heisuke Toudo, Captain of the 8th Division... They are both people she is not familiar with at all!

Kinoshita Mai has never been more hopeful than at this moment that Sanako can stand beside her.

Even though the two of them were very difficult to deal with, at least she didn't feel nervous or scared when facing Sanako.

She was surrounded by people she didn't know. If she hadn't clenched her hands hard and concentrated all her strength and attention on her palms, she would have trembled.

Don't look at me, don't pay attention to me, I want to shrink, I want to shrink - Kinoshita Mai's posture carries this message.

People who don't know about it may never imagine that such a girl is actually the captain of the Shinsengumi Division 9, on the same level as Souji, Sanako and others.

Judging from the appearance alone, this is simply a little girl who seems to have lost her way with her parents.

The captains of the Ba Dao Team were making a scene - and the officers standing in front of them were also making concessions.

"Ah... I feel so full... If I had known better, I wouldn't have eaten so much."

Isamu Kondo caressed his bulging belly.

"What did you have for breakfast?"

Hijikata Toshizo asked casually.

Kondo Isamu patted his majestic chest and grinned:

"I ate 'Katsu chestnut' and 'Kombu' before going out."

Eating winning chestnuts and kelp is a Japanese folk custom, which is a homophony of "victory" and "joy" for good omens.

"This kind of behavior is just to seek comfort and is meaningless."

As soon as he finished speaking, Hijikata Toshizo paused and then smiled slightly.

"If you think about it carefully, I don't seem to be in a position to criticize you. Just a few days ago, I had sex with my brother-in-law and sister."

Drinking a glass of water is also a Japanese folk custom to express farewell.

"Ah Sui, you don't have to be like this..."

Isamu Kondo laughed dumbly.

"It's not like we're never coming back."

"Huh, that's hard to say."

Saying that, Hijikata Toshizo put his hands on Izumi Mamoru Kanesada on his waist.

Logically speaking, Hijikata Toshizo, who was just a farmer, was not qualified to carry a sword.

However, because today's Japan has already fallen into the dilemma of broken etiquette and music, no one can care about these red tapes.

"A Sheng, we are not going on a trip, but we are going to fight."

"Maybe in half a year, three months... or maybe the day after we arrive in Kyoto, we will have to urgently join the fierce battle."

"Be prepared to be wrapped in horse leather - this is my advice to you."

After hearing this, Kondo Isamu shrugged.

"Ah Sui, I won't bother you with this. Even without your detailed explanation, I know that this trip to Kyoto will be full of dangers."

"but--"

He suddenly changed the subject.

"I will definitely survive, and I will also achieve great success!"

His words were full of high self-confidence.

On the other side, Qinghe Hachilang talked to Shannan Jingsuke very enthusiastically.

"Shannan-kun, long time no see!"

Shannan Jingshu responded politely:

"Qinghe Hachiro, long time no see."

The two came from the same sect and were both disciples of Beichen Yidao style.

The difference is that Qinghe Hachiro studied at Xuanwu Hall, while Shannan Keisuke studied at Xiaoqianba Sword Hall.

Although their home schools are different, because the two sword schools are closely related "brotherly schools" and they often interact with each other on weekdays, Shannan Keisuke and Qinghe Hachiro have known each other for a long time, but they are not very familiar with each other.

"Shannan-kun, from now on, we will be partners working together!"

Qinghe Hachiro had a hearty, unpretentious smile on his face.

"A long time ago, Shannan-kun's reputation as a 'all-rounder in both civil and military affairs' has been widely spread among our Xuanwu Temple and Xiao Qianye Sword Hall."

"With your talent, the Shinsengumi will surely prosper!"

Shannan Jingsuke smiled reservedly:

"Mr. Qinghe, you're too generous. I don't have that much ability."

"Shannan-kun, you are so humble!"

Qinghe Hachiro's initiative and enthusiasm were not exchanged for Shannan Keisuke's enthusiasm. He behaved very coldly throughout the whole process.

However, Qinghe Hachiro didn't care about this, and continued to talk and get closer to himself.

…

…

time flies.

When the sun in the sky rose a little higher and the light gradually became more intense, a dozen flag-bearers with helmets and armors and fully armed lined up in two rows and walked majestically into the field, neatly arranged in rows. Both sides of the venue.

At this time, everyone knew that the mobilization ceremony was about to begin, and they suddenly became nervous.

There was silence inside and outside the temple, except for flags of various sizes, rolling in the autumn wind, making hunting sounds.

Click, click, click, click, click...

The sound of the collision of nail plates came from far to near.

A general wearing blue-white full armor, a cloud-white formation, a spade-shaped helmet with a front-standing helmet on his head, and three swords on his waist walked into the crowd's field of vision from the back of the venue.

For a time, from the Shinsengumi queue inside the venue to the onlookers outside the venue, all kinds of eyes - admiration, envy, love, jealousy - fell on Qingto one by one.

At a time when everyone in the Western world was beginning to use giant ships and cannons, wearing thick armor that looked like something from the Warring States Period was indeed a bit exaggerated.

This kind of armor is okay for blocking swords, but in front of guns and artillery, it can only make a hole or a pile of rubbish with one shot.

However, exaggeration is exaggeration, even those who hate and hate Qingdeng have to admit at this moment: Qingdeng wearing this armor is very powerful and intimidating.

As the saying goes: People are what they wear.

On the other hand, clothing also depends on people.

Some clothes must have a certain temperament to hold up. Otherwise, it will just give people the feeling of "a child wearing adult clothes".

Having gone through hundreds of battles, slaying countless enemies, repeatedly performing extraordinary feats, and rising to great heights - such a legendary life, paired with a gorgeous armor, naturally complements each other and is awe-inspiring.

Not long after Aoden appeared, the highest authority of the Edo shogunate also appeared.

I saw Tokugawa Iemo wearing a tasseled crown and black court clothes, looking elegant and extraordinary.

If Aoshinobu is a general who emerged from the war paintings of the Sengoku period, then Tokugawa Iemo is an elegant scholar who emerged from the freehand paintings of the Heian period.

The court dress full of characteristics of the Heian period perfectly matched the majestic Tokugawa Iemo and was full of majestic spirit.

When this pair of monarchs and ministers stand together, they give people a wonderful sense of harmony.

*******

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Today is the first day of the month! And today is the first chapter that exceeds 5,000 words in a long time! Book friends who have monthly tickets on hand, please be sure to vote for this book! (Crying leopard head.jpg)

Asking for a monthly ticket! Please vote for recommendation! (Leopard head crying.jpg)

Ps: In the previous article, when Serizawa Duck first appeared, Leopard Leopard made a mistake. He wrote "with an iron fan on his waist" instead of "with an iron ruler on his waist." This has been revised.