The tone is relaxed and casual.

It seemed like I was just going for an outing, rather than having a fight to the death with my beloved disciple.

Qingdeng was speechless for a moment, then put on a solemn expression.

"Boss Kiryu, how are you sure that guy is at Tenryuji Temple?"

Boss Kiryu smiled:

"Don't underestimate my intelligence network."

"I know that - a figure suspected to be Katsura Kogoro was found at Tenryuji Temple."

"In the previous battle of Ikedaya, Katsumi served as Katsura Kogoro's bodyguard."

"In this case, that guy is probably still by Katsura Kogoro's side."

"So, I'm going."

Qingdeng said hurriedly:

"This is just a 'suspect'. It's not yet certain whether Katsura Kogoro is in Tenryuji Temple!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Boss Kiryu said immediately:

"Even so, I still want to go!"

He raised his gaze and looked directly at Qingdeng, their eyes meeting each other.

"Even if there is only a slight possibility, I am willing to go."

Qingdeng opened his mouth and wanted to say something else.

However... facing Boss Kiryu's firm eyes, he felt like something was stuck in his throat and he couldn't say anything.

Boss Kiryu seemed to have read through Qingdeng's thoughts and smiled freely:

"Tachibana-kun, don't show such an expression."

"In life, there are some battles that you are destined to not escape."

"Whether it's victory or defeat, whether it's laughter or howling, I'm mentally prepared. No matter what the outcome is, I'll happily accept it."

"Besides, maybe Katsumi and I won't fight at all."

"I used to study debate in Osaka."

"Maybe with just a few words, Katsuki could change his ways and apologize to me with tears."

After making a small joke in a joking tone, Boss Kiryu raised his hand and patted Qingto on the shoulder.

"Ju-kun, thank you for your concern."

"Although I really don't want to make the atmosphere so heavy, I do come to say goodbye to you tonight."

"To be honest, I actually ran away secretly."

"My lord, after learning about Katsura Kogoro's whereabouts, she blocked the news in the first place and didn't want me to know."

"But she underestimated my intelligence network."

"As soon as she received the news, I packed my luggage and sneaked out of Osaka without telling anyone."

"I originally wanted to go straight to Tenryuji Temple."

"But for some reason, I really want to come over and see you and talk to you."

"Sure enough, once people get older, they tend to become sentimental."

After saying that, Boss Kiryu smiled and patted Qingto's shoulder again.

"Although it's just some commonplace gossip, before I leave, I, as a master, would like to say a few more words."

"You must eat well, sleep well, practice well, avoid being anxious and impatient, and continue to improve yourself."

"You are one of the best swordsmen I have ever seen in my life."

"I believe that one day, your reputation will be far-reaching, and your achievements in martial arts will reach a level that even I can't reach."

"If you encounter setbacks, encounter bottlenecks, and doubt your own strength in the future, there is no need to feel depressed."

"You have the courage to overcome all difficulties - I am very sure of this."

"In short, don't belittle yourself."

"Even if everyone in the world betrays you and hates you, there will still be an old man who regards you as his greatest pride."

When Qingdeng heard this, he subconsciously looked up to the sky. The darkness that could not be illuminated by candles hid the expression on his face well.

Boss Kiryu's smile gradually softened.

"Okay, let's stop talking about my mother-in-law's affairs here."

"Let's talk about business for a moment."

"After you launch a general attack on the Changzhou Army tomorrow, I will take advantage of the chaos and rush straight to the enemy's main line to look for Katsumi."

"So, Mr. Tachibana, I will help you tomorrow."

"It would be great if we could disrupt the order of the Changzhou Army and turn them into chaos."

"This way, I can feel a lot more relaxed."

"Tachibana-kun, please."

Facing Boss Kiryu's ardent request, Aomori remained silent for a long time.

After about half a minute, Qingdeng finally spoke.

A calm voice came from the darkness.

"The defense on the east side of the bandit army is relatively weak. You can try to sneak in from this direction."

As Qingto said this, he took two steps forward and got closer to Boss Kiryu.

For this reason, his face emerged from the darkness, with a calm expression and a determined gaze.

"Boss Kiryu, even if I advise you not to go, it's useless, so I won't say such useless nonsense."

"Tomorrow, I will lead the charge and crush the Changzhou Army with thunderous force. I will do everything I can to try to open up a suitable opportunity for you to infiltrate as early as possible."

"This is a battle of your own choosing. I can't comment on it, let alone stop it."

"However, I still want to say one thing: remember to protect yourself, don't die."

"If you can go and come back, that would be great."

"I wish you good luck in martial arts!"

Looking at Qingden who was sending his blessings calmly, Boss Kiryu was surprised at first, and then his surprise turned into joy and relief. He laughed dumbly and nodded vigorously.

"Well, Tachibana-kun, I'll be right back when I go!"

…

…

The next day, early morning——

The pale yellow morning sun rises slowly from behind the mountains.

The faint dawn penetrated the thin clouds and cast towards the land of Gyeonggi.

Although the sun is warm, it cannot warm the cold air in the Changzhou Army Camp.

"Ho...! Ho...! My hand...! My hand...! Ho...! Ho...!"

"Bring more soju!"

"Damn it! There are so many injured people, there's no way they can be saved!"

"Sigh... Is it still necessary to continue this battle?"

"You bastard! You are here to boost others' morale and destroy your own prestige! We still have the strength to fight, of course we must continue the fight!"

"Stop lying to yourself! Haven't you seen it yet? We have already been defeated! A huge defeat! There is no chance of winning!"

…

Since the defeat of Fushimi and the remnant soldiers from Yamazaki's side poured into Tenryuji Temple, there has been an atmosphere of pain and panic inside and outside the temple.

In fact, a rather fierce quarrel broke out among the Changshu generals at Tenryu Temple about whether to accept this group of remnants.

Of course they knew the severe consequences of accepting remnants of soldiers.

Many generals were unwilling to let the remaining soldiers enter the camp.

But...these remnant soldiers in urgent need of rescue are all their compatriots.

Keeping compatriots out of the camp and refusing to save them until death... No one dares to give such an order!

Moreover, if they refuse to accept the remaining soldiers, it may lead to large-scale riots by the remaining soldiers.

They managed to escape the Shinsengumi's pursuit and managed to escape to the friendly camp at Tenryuji Temple, but were refused entry...
To be continued...