"Is this a male name too old-fashioned?"

Shannan Keisuke added:

"Sounds like the name of a military commander from the Heian period."

Aoto, Hijikata Toshizo, Kondo Isamu, and Shannan Keisuke were sitting side by side on the porch, drinking tea and chatting away while admiring the scenery of the courtyard.

The four highest-ranking people in the Shinsengumi gathered together... If someone who didn't know about it met, they might think they were talking about something important.

In fact, they were just chatting normally.

The recent official duties have not been so heavy, so Qingdeng invited the three of them to drink tea and chat for a long time, that's all.

Although today's tea party was just a simple gathering, mainly for leisure, but after the few of them got together, they couldn't help but talk about serious matters.

Slowly, and I don’t know who started it, the four people who had just been discussing "what should Qingdeng’s child be named" suddenly started talking about the Zunhuang sect.

"After this battle, the Zunbang faction has been exhausted. We can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Phew..."

Kondo Isamu made a vivid gesture of "taking a deep breath" as he spoke.

"Well, yes."

Shannan Keisuke echoed and nodded in agreement.

The Battle of Ikedaya resulted in the loss of important cadres such as Miyabe Daizo and Yoshida Noma.

Kyoto Summer Formation lost a large number of core members including Kurushima Matabei, Maki Izumi, and even its leader Gensui Kusaka.

The two close battles caused heavy casualties to the backbone of the Zunbang faction.

With such a tragic situation, anyone would think that the current Zunbang Sect is in the sunset and its defeat is imminent.

At this time, Qingdeng on the side suddenly said:

"...'A blessing in disguise is a blessing in disguise'."

The sudden speech attracted the attention of Isamu Kondo and others.

Facing everyone's gaze, Qingdeng took a sip of tea and said slowly:

"Although many key members have been lost, this is still a valuable opportunity for Changzhou."

"Isn't there such a joke?"

"One day, war broke out on the country's borders."

"The general went to the front line to inspect the situation in order to boost morale."

“He asked a sentry at the front: ‘How is the situation?’.”

"The sentry replied, 'There is an enemy archer outside the camp. His archery skills are terrible. He has been shooting for several days without hitting anyone.'"

"The general asked: 'In that case, why not kill him?'."

"The sentry replied: 'Isn't this bad? Do you want them to replace them with an archer who can shoot accurately?'."

"Changzhou in the past was like this archer who couldn't shoot accurately."

"To be honest, I would rather see radicals such as Kusaka Genrui continue to hold real power in Choshu."

"Because they are stupid and always do stupid things, so it actually makes me feel at ease."

"Look, just because of their short-sightedness and recklessness, Changzhou's military strength, people's support, and prestige were completely destroyed."

"The killings of Hisaka Genrui and others will not necessarily lead to the demise of the Zunhuo sect, but it will definitely make the radical elements in the Zunhuo sect no longer have a foothold."

"From now on, the radical faction in the Choshu Domain will no longer have a chance to speak out, and the moderate faction led by Takasugi Shinsaku and Katsura Kogoro will take their place."

"If anyone puts forward unrealistic and radical propositions, they will be drowned in a sea of ​​spittle."

"In other words, Changzhou will no longer be crazy and transform into a normal and sane country in the future."

"For us, this is never a good thing."

"All in all, we must not be careless."

As soon as Qingto finished speaking, Hijikata Toshisan took over:

"Tachibana is right, I think the same thing."

"Takasugi Shinsaku and Katsura Kogoro are not ordinary people."

"Under their governance, whether Changzhou will sink or rise from the ashes depends on their next destiny."

After finishing speaking, Hijikata Suisan picked up the tea cup and drank it all in one gulp.

Abruptly, he raised his eyebrows and immediately cast a doubtful glance at Shannan Keisuke:

"Huh? Shannan, what's wrong with you? Why do you look constipated?"

Shannan Keisuke, who was suddenly called out, was stunned and smiled bitterly:

"I'm not constipated, I'm just...thinking about some issues."

He paused for a moment, then looked up at the sky, with a hint of melancholy covering his cheeks.

"...Recently, I have been handling the pension work for fallen soldiers."

"Perhaps I am sentimental. Looking at the corpses being collected and buried one by one, I can't help but feel a little doubtful."

"In the sixth year of Jiayong (1853), the black ship attacked."

"Since then, there have been assassinations, armed fights, and wars...as far as the eye can see, there is nothing but blood and fire."

"If this is the only way to peace and happiness, then so be it."

"But...it has been so many years, there have been countless casualties, and for such huge sacrifices, has there been any reward?"

Having said this, Shannan Keisuke paused, as if to collect his emotions.

About 5 seconds later, a confused voice came out faintly:

"After shedding so much blood, you should get something of equal value, right?"

Shannan Keisuke finished speaking.

There was a brief silence all around.

Kondo Isamu blinked.

Hijikata Toshizo pursed his lips.

Serious questions create a dignified atmosphere.

However, the silence is only temporary.

After only a moment, Qingdeng broke the silence.

"...It is precisely because we defeated the Changshu Army that the people of Kyoto survived; it is precisely because we are stationed here that the people of Dajin can live and work in peace and contentment."

"For me, this kind of reward is rich enough."

"I dare not pursue 'equal value', but I will pursue 'worth it' with all my strength!"

"As long as there are enemies who should be destroyed, and as long as there are people who should be protected, I will continue to hold the sword in my hand!"

At the end of the speech, Qing Deng raised his voice and his tone was sonorous and powerful.

Kill the enemy who should be killed, protect the person who should be protected - after the battle with Prajna, Qingden has become more firm in this belief and will never change it.

After Shannan Keisuke heard this, he laughed dumbly at first, and then his smile gradually subsided, turning into a strange expression that was half a smile but not a smile.

He raised his head and continued to look at the sky, thinking about something.

…

…

A large number of people working under the auspices are optimistically thinking that the complete elimination of the Zunbang sect is close at hand!

The soldiers of the Shinsengumi happily thought: With the "Nioh" Tachibana Aoden here, no matter what kind of enemy they face next, they will definitely win a complete victory!

The patriots in Changzhou thought angrily: Just let your horses come over! We in Changzhou will never perish!

The vast majority of the people thought in frustration: You warriors can fight however you like, and just don't bother us poor people.

All kinds of thoughts.

There is only one thing that everyone in the world is sure of today - the old war is over, but a new war is brewing.

The rain is coming and the wind is blowing!

…

…

Osaka, an unknown mountain in the suburbs——

It was early morning, and the thin morning light was flowing among the trees.

It was just dawn, the temperature was very low, and mist of varying thicknesses was floating in the mountains.

Logically speaking, no one should be here at this time and in this place.
To be continued...