I formed the strongest swordsman group.

Chapter 729: "Human Killer" Kawagami Hikosai goes into battle! Takatori Castle fell! 【4500】

Wenjiu three years (1863), August 8, night——

The southern suburbs of Kyoto, the position of the Choshu Army——

"Quick! Move quickly! Don't dawdle!"

"You haven't eaten? Try harder!"

"Hey! I made a few more shovels!"

"Listen to my command! One, two, three, pull! Come again! One, two, three, pull!"

"Aizu's cavalry is very powerful. We must build a barrier and a fence before dawn!"

……

Looking up, the Changzhou Army's position was bustling with activity.

Even though the sky was covered by night, they still carried torches and oil lamps and worked tirelessly to build their positions.

In addition to the sound of shoveling earth, the "construction site" will also hear passionate shouts from time to time:

"Down with the traitors and thieves!"

Whenever this burst of shouting comes out, there will be a howling like a wolf, with echoes of "ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooongs".

In the eyes of the soldiers of the Changzhou Army, the secret alliance between the Huisa Allied Forces and the rapid blockade of the Imperial Palace was a shameless sneak attack!

Such behavior naturally made them furious.

His Majesty the Emperor will never reject Choshu! It must be Aizu and Satsuma who coerced His Majesty the Emperor and forced him to issue the "Expulsion of Choshu" - most of the soldiers in the Choshu Army believed this wishfully.

In fact, only a handful of high-level people know the truth.

Due to the lack of effective channels for obtaining information and their own limited vision, the vast majority of the people in the Choshu Domain were kept in the dark.

They didn't know... Aizu and Satsuma did not hold the emperor hostage. The Chenhan announced by the emperor today was the true voice he had not made for a long time!

Changzhou, who always talks about the slogan "respect the king and repel the barbarians", is the force that least respects the king!

It's both ironic and funny.

If all the people of Choshu knew the truth, I am afraid that an extremely strong earthquake would erupt in the Choshu domain.

However, today, the soldiers of the Changzhou Army always firmly believe that they are the righteous and vow to defeat the Huisa Allied Forces! Save the Emperor!

In order to vent their hatred, they called Aizu "the traitor" and Satsuma "the traitor".

Relying on this high-spirited and unyielding momentum, defensive fortifications such as horses, fences, and trenches in the position were built at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Kusaka Genrui, wearing a helmet and whipping armor, held the saber at his waist and inspected the position.

Katsura Kogoro followed closely behind him.

The two of them said nothing...an unspeakable dull atmosphere lingered around them.

Ever since he fell out with Hisasaka Genrui, Takasugi Shinsaku returned to Choshu as if losing his temper and lived a semi-reclusive life.

Katsura Kogoro has always been the "lubricant" for both of them.

Although he and Takasugi Shinsaku are in the same camp, they can't worry about Kusaka Genzui, so they have always been by his side.

The "Three Heroes of Changzhou" who came from the same school and once talked about everything, unexpectedly met such an ending... It is really sad.

"...Kusaka-kun, do we really have to pin our hopes of victory on that unknown Tenchu ​​team?"

Katsura Kogoro asked abruptly.

Kusaka Genrui was silent for a while, and then sighed silently.

"There is nothing else we can do."

"As much as I don't want to admit it... but with our own strength alone, we have a low chance of winning against the Huisa Allied Forces with full strength and high morale."

The Aizu Army has a world-famous cavalry team.

The Satsuma Army has an organized firearms unit.

Especially the latter cannot be underestimated.

The radical reforms of the former Satsuma feudal lord Shimazu Noribin gave the Satsuma clan the highest industrial capabilities in Japan, with the ability to independently manufacture guns and warships.

Its strength is so powerful that even Kusaka Genrui, who has always advocated "spiritual theory", has to treat it with caution.

Hisaka Genrui’s words continued:

"Based on the currently known intelligence, the Tenchu ​​Group is undoubtedly our ally."

"His Majesty has declared them rebels."

"If they don't try to save themselves, they will definitely die."

"As long as they have any brains, they can't help but think that their only way to survive right now is to give it a try, go straight to Kyoto, and recapture the Imperial Palace and the Emperor!"

"Therefore, after they learn about the situation in Kyoto, they will definitely send troops north immediately."

"If we can join forces with them, we will have a chance to defeat the Huisa coalition forces!"

As soon as Gensui Kusaka finished speaking, Kogoro Katsura refuted coldly:

"Kusaka-kun, with all due respect, your plan sounds great at first glance, but in order for it to be realized, there is a major prerequisite - the Tenchu ​​team can independently defeat the Shinsengumi that has gone south!"

A simple sentence silenced Kusaka Genrui, who was still eloquent just now.

Taking advantage of this moment, Katsura Kogoro put on a serious and dignified tone:

"Kusaka-kun, don't blame me for being rude - I think... no, I'm sure that the Tenchu ​​group is no match for the Shinsengumi!"

"The Shinsengumi is no longer a weak force with only a few soldiers... In other words, they were not a weak force from the beginning."

"Today's Shinsengumi has a total strength of over three thousand."

"Except for not being equipped with firearms, they have all the necessary equipment such as chainmail, arm armor, leg armor, knives, and spears."

"Moreover, they also have a lot of cavalry."

"Even if the Tianzhu group gathered a large number of troops in a short period of time, it would still be nothing more than a pile of scattered sand."

"Although most of the current members of the Shinsengumi are newly recruited, they have been training for a period of time. They are definitely not comparable to a ragtag group of people who have no other strengths except their momentum."

"What's more... the general of the Shinsengumi is still Tachibana Aoden."

"Leaving aside Tachibana Aoden, the most important thing the Shinsengumi lacks is strong generals."

"Okita Souji, Kondo Isamu, Hijikata Toshizo, Nagakura Shinpachi, Saito Ichi... just pick one, they are all ruthless characters who can defeat a thousand people."

Speaking of this, Katsura Kogoro paused.

After hesitating for a moment, he tentatively proposed to the other party:

"Kusaka-kun... withdraw your troops."

"Withdraw to Changzhou and plan for the long term!"

"Instead of fighting this kind of war with a slim chance of winning, it is better to simply retreat and preserve the fire for future counterattacks."

"Don't waste the life of a Changzhou man in a place like this."

"I am willing to personally lead an army to serve as the rear guard for the whole army..."

Before Katsura Kogoro could finish his words, Kusaka Genrui yelled:

"no!!"

His eyes were wide open, and the corners of his eyes seemed to be torn open, and there were blood streaks in the whites of his eyes, like a gambler who lost his money.

"Gui, don't come and tell me what to do!"

"Even without you having to tell me, I know that the Shinsengumi's strength is far superior to the Tenchu's!"

"But...but...this is our only hope!"

"Instead of running away in panic, it is better to fight until the last moment!!"

"Gui, have you ever thought about how much effort it will take to return to this place in the future if we just run away?"

"So, when will our dream come true?!"

After the roar, Kusaka Genrui gasped for breath.

The noise they made attracted the attention of the surrounding soldiers who were working hard on the construction.

After discovering that it was Genrui Kusaka and Kogoro Katsura who were quarreling, they immediately withdrew their gaze and continued to focus on the work at hand, not daring to look or listen more.

The "Three Heroes of Choshu" enjoy a prestige within the Choshu domain that is unmatched by others.

No one dared to inquire about their "internal fighting", let alone intervene in it without authorization.

After taking a deep breath, Kusaka Genrui slowly lowered his face and said in a deep voice:

"Since the Tenchu ​​team is a little weaker...then we will send reinforcements!"

"Select 100... no, 200 martial arts masters with great strength to form a support team and go to support the Tenchu ​​team!"

"Also...send Kawagami Hikosai there too!"

After hearing this, Katsura Kogoro suddenly showed a surprised expression.

"Hikosai? Are you going to send Hikosai?" Hisaka Genrui nodded:

"Yan Zhai's swordsmanship...especially his sword-drawing skills have reached an advanced level. One person can defeat a thousand men."

"In this way, with the support of Yan Zhai and others, the strength of the Tenchu ​​Group will definitely increase greatly."

Kusaka Genzui's optimism did not convince Katsura Kogoro.

"Kusaka-kun, Hikosai is not a god! No matter how fast and sharp his sword is, he can't change his destiny!"

"A mere 200 reinforcements are just a drop in the bucket compared to the Shinsengumi's troops!"

Katsura Kogoro originally wanted to continue to persuade Kusaka Genrui.

however……

"Stop talking!"

Kusaka Genrui roared again.

"Gui, I have made up my mind, please stop trying to persuade me!"

"I won't retreat!"

"Fight! Or die!"

After saying that, Kusaka Genrui ignored Katsura Kogoro, quickened his pace, and threw him away as if he was running away.

"..."

Katsura Kogoro narrowed his eyes and stared at Kusaka Genrui's farther and farther back with a complicated expression.

After a moment, he slowly looked up at the sky and let out a long, long sigh.

……

……

at the same time--

In the southern suburbs of Kyoto (opposite the Choshu Army position), the Huisa Allied Forces position——

After the Changshu Army left Kyoto, the Huisa Allied Forces followed closely and arrived at the southern suburbs of Kyoto, setting up a series of military camps opposite the Changshu Army's position.

The two armies faced off again.

It's just that the location of the confrontation was changed from outside the Imperial Palace to outside Kyoto.

At this moment, the generals of the Huisa Allied Forces gathered in this formation.

The candlelight flickered, and the dim yellow light elongated the figures of the generals, making them reflected on the curtain painted with clover and maru cross.

Although Saigo Kinnosuke is the actual commander-in-chief of the Satsuma Army, in any case, he is just an ordinary samurai, not even a daimyo.

Matsudaira Yoho is the leader of a feudal clan, and he is also a powerful feudal clan. In terms of political status alone, Saigo Kinosuke cannot compare with him at all.

Therefore, Matsudaira Yongho sat in the undisputed main seat, and Saigo Kinosuke sat in the second seat.

The other generals of the coalition forces took their seats in order according to their status.

The general of the Aizu army sat on the east side of the long table, and the general of the Satsuma army sat on the west side of the long table.

A thin young man stood, holding a scroll in his hand, and read out the current battlefield situation to everyone present.

This man's name is Nakamura Hanjiro.

Compared with this popular name, his nickname - "Human Zan" Hanjiro - is more famous.

He is as famous as Kawakami Hikosai, Okada Izo, and the late Tanaka Hanbei. He is a top swordsman with outstanding swordsmanship!

He is proficient in Nodachi Gegen-ryu. Since he was a child, he has used the trees in the courtyard of his house as opponents and practiced chopping eight thousand times a day with his wooden sword.

Due to such violent exercise, all the trees in his courtyard with a diameter of three or four inches were broken.

His extremely ferocious fighting style, in which casualties are inevitable with just one strike, and his solid record earned him the well-deserved title of "man-killer".

However, compared to several others, he is not a reckless man who only knows how to wield a sword.

Although his cultural level is not high, he has a good mind and a lot of strategies.

He is the kind of compound talent who can both take the lead and make strategic plans.

For this reason, he was deeply trusted by Saigo Kinosuke and was promoted to his personal bodyguard.

Under the careful training of Saigo Kinosuke, he is no longer a simple swordsman, but has the style of a military strategist.

"Judging from the movements of the Changzhou Army, there is no doubt that they are waiting for reinforcements."

Nakamura Hanjiro's voice clearly reached the ears of everyone present.

"The only army currently able to provide them with effective assistance is the Tenchu ​​Group, which is currently causing chaos in Yamato."

"It is estimated that Changzhou is preparing to join forces with the Tenchu ​​Group and wait until the military strength grows before launching a decisive battle with us."

Nakamura Hanjiro flipped the scroll and continued to report:

"This evening, the Orange Military Department sent a letter here."

"He plans to spend five days raising supplies."

"After all the supplies are gathered, he will crush the rebellion like a storm."

After saying that, Nakamura Hanjiro put away the scroll in his hand and sat down slowly.

Saigo Kinosuke smiled "hehehe".

"We have to wait until the baggage and equipment are ready before sending out troops... It's really the style of the Orange Military Department."

Komatsu, who was sitting next to Saigo Kinnosuke, sneered a few times with his knife:

"The Choshu people think so beautifully... Do they really think that the Tenchu ​​team of Raushiko can defeat the Shinsengumi?"

Komatsu Daidao is a civilian official in charge of foreign affairs and is not responsible for military affairs.

However, there is no reason for a big shot like him (one of the Three Great Masters of Satsuma) not to be here.

As soon as Komatsu's words with the sword fell, the atmosphere inside and outside the formation was filled with joy.

Shinsengumi VS Tenchu-gumi - To be honest, the generals of the Huisa Alliance Army were not even interested in betting on the outcome of this one-sided war.

At this time, Matsudaira Yongho's calm voice suddenly sounded:

"The rebellion in the Yamato area can be left to the Orange Military Department to handle."

"We just have to focus on what's right in front of us."

Having said this, he raised his head and raised his voice:

"Strictly monitor the Changzhou Army!"

"Any change in the Changzhou Army must be reported immediately!"

"Also, send a force of 500 people to help defend the Shinsengumi's camp and beware of sneak attacks by the Choshu Army!"

Then, Matsudaira Yongho began to elaborate on his troop deployment arrangements.

Which unit is responsible for monitoring Choshu; which unit is responsible for serving as a reserve unit; which unit is responsible for protecting the Shinsengumi's camp... everything is arranged in an orderly manner.

Qingdeng has sent the seventh and tenth divisions (cavalry) to protect the baggage train.

It will never be that easy for the Choshu Army to cut off the Shinsengumi's supply of supplies.

Even so, there is no harm in adding an extra layer of insurance to the Shinsengumi's logistics line.

After announcing his order loudly, Matsudaira Yongho turned to look at Saigo Kinosuke, asking for advice and giving him full respect.

Saigo Kinosuke nodded without thinking too much.

"Well, Higo-sama, your thoughts coincide with mine."

Matsudaira Yongho nodded slightly, then raised his chin:

"Then...everyone goes to your place!"

……

……

August 8, morning——

Gyeonggi, Yamato area, Kotori domain, Kotori castle——

Looking up, there was thick smoke everywhere.

The horizon is filled with traces of dilapidation.

"Bang bang bang" gunfire sounded from time to time.

Several samurai in simple clothes climbed onto the castle tower of Takatori Castle, waving a large flag with the word "Tenchu" written on it.

"Win!"

"We win!"

"Takatori Castle has been captured!"

*******

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