Although Nagasaki was a territory directly under the shogunate, it was deeply influenced by Satsuma due to its proximity to it.

After a brief moment of astonishment, Goto Shojiro asked:

"Why did Ryoma Sakamoto go to Nagasaki? What was he doing in Nagasaki?"

Itagaki Taisuke replied calmly:

"I don't know the specific reason."

"Currently, I only know that Ryoma Sakamoto gathered a group of people in Nagasaki, and with the help of Satsuma, he established a trading company called Kameyama Shachu, which specializes in shipping. The business seems to be very good."

Shezhong - can generally be understood as a company.

Guishan Society means "Guishan Company".

"Trading company? Shipping? What kind of goods does he transport?"

Itagaki Taisuke looked around, then lowered his voice and said in a deep voice:

"It's not clear yet."

"However, according to all the information currently known, the goods transported by his Guishan Society are most likely weapons and equipment!"

Suddenly, Goto Shojiro's pupils shrank, and a strange color appeared on his face.

"As expected of a member of the Sakamoto family, he is quite business-savvy."

After murmuring like this, Goto Shojiro slightly pursed his lips, thinking.

Itagaki Taisuke waited quietly.

About half a minute later, Itagaki Taisuke broke the silence:

"Goto-kun, I think that today's Sakamoto Ryoma has high win-win value."

Goto Shojiro didn't seem surprised by Itagaki Taisuke's suggestion, and asked calmly:

"Oh? Please tell me in detail."

Itagaki Taisuke cleared his throat and spoke:

"First of all, although the specific relationship between Sakamoto Ryoma and the Satsuma Domain has not yet been confirmed, it is certain that he is related to the Satsuma Domain."

"In this case, he can become a bridge of communication between us and Satsuma Domain."

"Satsuma is one of the most powerful vassal states today."

"Strengthening the relationship between this domain and Satsuma will bring all the benefits without any harm."

"Secondly, Ryoma Sakamoto has now transformed into a shipping businessman."

"Westerners have proven the importance of the ocean with brilliant achievements."

"Tosa is a vassal state bordering the ocean. If we want to increase our national power, we must vigorously develop maritime transportation."

"There is no harm in us making friends with more successful shipping businessmen."

"It would be better if Ryoma Sakamoto could really transport weapons and equipment. We are currently lacking advanced guns and artillery."

"All in all, compared with the value Sakamoto Ryoma possesses today, his sins such as 'breaking away from the feudal domain' and 'colluding with the Tosa Kinnoi Party' are nothing worth mentioning."

Goto Shojiro listened quietly.

After Itagaki finished speaking, he laughed:

"Itagaki-kun, you and I want to go together."

"This Sakamoto Ryoma has some abilities, much better than his little one."

The "faxiao" he refers to naturally refers to Wushi Banpingtai.

Whenever he talks about Takeshi Hanheita, a look of explicit disdain always appears on his cheeks.

"I immediately ordered people to go to Nagasaki to find Sakamoto Ryoma, try to contact him, and find out what he thinks. Is he willing to cooperate with us, or to sever ties with Tosun?"

Itagaki Taisuke nodded vigorously:

"Well, that's very good!"

After the two quickly reached a consensus, Goto Shojiro took out an exquisite pocket watch from his arms, looked at the time, and said:

"Itagaki-kun, I have something else to do, so I'll excuse you now."

"In such a hurry? I was thinking of going to have a drink with you after a long time since we rarely meet each other. Is it something big?"

Goto Shojiro twitched the corner of his mouth and sneered:

"No big deal, just going to see Takeshi Hanheita."

Itagaki Taisuke said softly, "Ah", and then looked helpless.

"Goto-kun, you are the chief prosecutor of the 'Yoshida Toyo Murder Case', so I can't comment on it."

"But I still have to say one thing: the eldest lord has recently vaguely revealed his intention to 'deal with' Takeshi Hanheita as soon as possible."

"So you'd better deal with Wushi Banpingtai as soon as possible to avoid long nights and dreams."

The great lord——that is, Shannei Tang.

Having said that, Itagaki stepped back and stood half a step aside to make way for him.

Goto Shojiro said calmly:

"Don't worry, I have my own sense of discretion."

After speaking, he raised his feet and moved forward, and soon his figure disappeared at the end of the corridor.

…

…

Tosa Domain, Kochi Castle (the feudal hall of Tosa Domain), Takeshi Hanheita's cell——

Wushi Banpingtai was sitting dignifiedly and steadily, with his eyes closed, as if in meditation.

Compared to before, he looked much more haggard.

His skin was dull, his hair was messy, his beard was unkempt, and he looked very slovenly and embarrassed.

However, even though he was a prisoner, he never gave up his pride as a samurai and never allowed his waist to bend in front of Goto Shojiro and others.

Because it is a cell specially prepared for sergeants, all facilities are complete.

The floor is paved with tatami mats, and there are bedding and tables. Although the daily meals are not rich, they are not shabby either.

For Takeichi Hanheita, the only drawback of this cell...probably is that it is too close to his companions who are being tortured.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhh-!"

"Enough, enough...I have...told you everything I know...what else do you want from me?"

"Stop...stop! I can't do it anymore! Stop...ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

One after another, miserable screams surrounded Wushi Hanpingtai from all directions.

This was Goto Shojiro's intentional move.

Although Goto Shojiro had no intention to torture Takeichi Hanheita as a "sergeant", this did not mean that he wanted to let him go.

Goto Shojiro specially made the execution site of Okada Izo and others adjacent to Takeichi Hanheita's cell.

The purpose was to allow Takeshi Hanheita to hear the pitiful screams of his companions from time to time, so that he could not rest in peace.

Just when Wu Shi Banping was closing his eyes and concentrating, the sound of footsteps coming from far and near came from outside the cell.

He opened his eyes and took a look - he saw Goto Shojiro standing upright outside the cell door with his hands behind his back, looking down at him expressionlessly, looking at each other.

"...Goto-kun, long time no see."

Takeshi Hanpingtai was the first to say hello.

Goto Shojiro showed no appreciation and said coldly:

"You must have heard about it, right? The Changzhou Army was defeated by King Ni and was completely defeated."

"..."

"The concept of 'respecting the king and rejecting the barbarians' that you have always adhered to is purely a joke. Throughout history, every time the emperor and ministers rioted, the world was bound to be in chaos. Baoyuan Pingzhi and chaos, and the chaos in the Southern and Northern Dynasties, were all caused by the court's greed for power.

Are the people all over the country having trouble living?"

"..."

"As for 'repelling the foreigners', it is even more ridiculous. Changzhou's disastrous defeat in the Xiaguan War has proved how irrational it is to go to war with the Westerners."

"..."

"Takeshi Hanheita, it's time for you to admit defeat, right? Your ideas and your actions are completely wrong. It would be good for you and me to confess as soon as possible."

This time, Wu Shi Banping did not remain silent any longer.

He replied calmly:

"...I have a clear conscience. Everything I did was for the lord and Tosa."
To be continued...