Kyoto, Sanjo Bridge (west of Kamogawa River), Ikedaya——

"Back to back! Back to back! Where are you?!"

"Boss, I'm here!"

"Tainosuke, put aside the kitchen work for now. The stairs are dirty. Go wipe them quickly!"

"Yes, I'll go right away!"

As he spoke, Yamazaki Hao took off his kappo, stepped out of the kitchen in three steps and ran towards the stairs.

[Note·Kappo: A smock specially used for cooking in the Edo period]

On the surface, Yamazaki Hao still looks submissive and obedient.

But in fact, he had already cursed in his heart.

——Damn it...! There is no chance at all...!

After discovering that the meeting place of Miyabe Daizo, Katsura Kogoro and others was Ikedaya, Yamazaki Hao has been looking for opportunities to pass on this important information.

However... the endless heavy work made him completely unable to escape, and he couldn't find any chance to go out.

The Shinsengumi's long-hunted Miyabe Daizo, Katsura Kogoro and others are now right in front of them.

As long as the camp is notified, these guys can be caught in one fell swoop.

But in the end, he was trapped in this shabby hotel, and the air defense information could not be transmitted...

This indescribable feeling of suffocation made Yamazaki Hao impatient.

——Just give it a try!

——Don’t worry about the bird’s work! Just leave Ikeda House and rush back to the camp to deliver the message!

As soon as this thought arose, he immediately rejected it.

——No, no... I almost made a fool of myself...

——The hotel is busy right now. If I leave directly, the boss and others will find out immediately and become suspicious.

——Behavior like this is no different from openly announcing "I am a spy of the Samu Sect".

——If this happens, it will undoubtedly stir up trouble and make those guys on the second floor afraid to stay here anymore.

——They fled before our large force arrived.

——I must not leave this place without permission, I must think of a foolproof plan...

——Damn it! It would be great if a member of the Shinsengumi happened to be passing by outside the store right now!

Yamazaki Hao held a rag and bucket in his hand and walked towards the stairs while trying to think of a way to break the situation.

When passing by a shoji, from the corner of his eye, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a light green color shaking outside the store...

——Huh? That’s...!

At this moment, as if he was struck by lightning, he suddenly stopped, turned his head, and looked outside the store along the gap in the barrier - to be precise, he looked at the few people who were striding this way.

A familiar figure came - eyes straightened, first surprised and then happy.

…

…

Outside Ikeda's house——

"Brother Kondo, we are here."

The Souji stepped forward, glanced at the thick door plaque with the words "Ikedaya" written on it, and then turned to Isamu Kondo and nodded.

Inoue Genzaburo held the sword at his waist, moved to the side of the general manager, and murmured:

"Ikedaya... I remember that not long ago, the store's business suddenly became booming."

"In order to find out the truth, Mr. Tachibana specially ordered Vice Captain Yamazaki to lurk here."

"Thinking about it this way, this is probably the meeting place for Miyabe Daizo, Katsura Kogoro and others..."

As soon as Genzaburo Inoue finished speaking, Nagakura Shinpachi on the side smiled helplessly:

"The hotels and izakayas frequented by patriots have gone to sea. Uncle Yuan, I think you'd better not have too high expectations, lest you be disappointed again later."

Isamu Kondo took over the conversation:

"No matter what, don't be careless."

As he said that, he took a big step and was about to push open the door of Ikeda House——

"Director Kondo, wait!"

A quick voice sounded suddenly.

Immediately afterwards, a nimble figure emerged from the dark alley next to Ikeda House like a loach, and quickly ran to Kondo Isamu.

Isamu Kondo stared at this man's face, and then showed a look of realization:

"Oh, it turns out to be Yamazaki-kun."

Before Kondo Isamu could ask him about his purpose, Yamazaki Hao said quickly and impatiently:

"Director Kondo, 35 people including Miyabe Daizo and Katsura Kogoro are all in the innermost room on the second floor of Ikeda House!"

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere at the scene changed instantly!

Everyone, including Kondo Isamu, was stunned, then looked at each other in confusion - they all found strong expressions of excitement on each other's faces.

Found it!

We found the meeting place!

After a brief period of excitement, Kondo Isamu licked his lips, suppressed his surging heart, and asked in a deep voice:

"Yamazaki-kun, are you sure?"

Yamazaki Hao nodded vigorously:

"I'm sure! I took advantage of the opportunity to serve wine and observed their faces up close. I'm sure - the person sitting on the main seat is indeed Katsura Kogoro himself! In addition, I have firmly remembered Miyabe

Kanazou’s appearance!”

After hearing this, Isamu Kondo closed his eyes and let out a long breath. After exhaling the last breath, he suddenly opened his eyes, with sharp light bursting out of them.

"Yamazaki-kun...well done! You have made a great contribution!"

Yamazaki Hao’s report continues:

"I just quietly opened the back door. If necessary, I can lead you to the back door."

Nakazawa Qin swallowed hard and asked Kondo Isamu in a nervous tone:

"Director Kondo, how should we act now?"

"Are you going to attack directly?"

"Should we send someone to inform the lord and them first, and then attack them together after the two sides meet up?"

As soon as Nakazawa Qin finished speaking, Kondo Isamu replied without thinking:

"Do you still need to ask? Of course we will attack directly!"

"Those who respect people with lofty ideals have no other skills, but their escape skills are top-notch."

"If we dilly-dally, we will probably end up with complications."

"The enemy is so close, why not take action immediately?"

"Junior Jun must be notified."

"But before we wait for them to arrive, let's go make a fuss first!"

After saying that, he turned to look at Yamazaki Hao:

"Yamazaki-kun, Tachibana-kun and the others are searching along Nawate-dori east of Kamogawa. Go and notify them immediately!"

As a first-class ninja, Yamazaki Hao has the fastest feet among everyone present, and he is not a combatant. Even if he is allowed to join the attack, he will not be of much use.

Therefore, it is undoubtedly the most appropriate to choose him to inform Qingdeng and others.

Yamazaki Hao was about to nod in agreement - suddenly, a calm voice cut in:

"Director Kondo, please wait a moment."

The person who spoke was the deputy captain of the Sixth Division, Chief Accountant Souma.

Because of his calm personality and the demeanor of a general, he is currently being trained by Qingteng as a "future deputy commander".

Chief Sangma said slowly:

"None of us recognize Miyabe Daizo's appearance."

"When the fighting breaks out and Miyabe Daizo burrows into the crowd, we won't be able to find him."

"If Vice Captain Yamazaki leaves, who will lead us to identify Miyabe Daizo?"
To be continued...