"Hijikata-kun has gone to Hachioji."

"If anything happens to you... Kondo-kun and I alone cannot command such a large-scale battle!"

Although Aoto just lamented that "the distance is too far, I can't see the details of the enemy's formation." However, as an old partner who has worked with Aoto for many years, Shannan Keisuke immediately heard what Aoto was planning, so he immediately stopped him.

Whenever there is a war, Qingden will always lead a small team to approach the enemy camp and collect intelligence - this has almost become his traditional skill!

Faced with Shannan Keisuke's quick response to dissuade him, Qingto couldn't help but look helpless and laughed dumbly:

"Kingsuke, don't worry."

"I'm not a fool."

"Of course I know that the enemy this time is very powerful and cannot be underestimated."

"So, I don't plan to go deep into the enemy's position, I just plan to conduct a 'go back quickly' reconnaissance operation."

After Shannan Jingzhu listened, the corner of his mouth twitched:

"After talking for a long time, don't you still want to get close to the enemy's position...?!"

Qingdeng curled up the corners of his mouth and showed a gentle smile as if he was pretending to be stupid:

"During my temporary absence from the camp, everything in the camp will be taken care of by you."

Shannan Keisuke opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something more.

Finally, he let out a long sigh as if giving up, his cheeks filled with helplessness and bitterness:

"Forget it...how many people do you plan to bring with you this time?"

Qingdeng stood up slowly:

"I won't bring too many people with me. I only plan to go with two experts who are agile and have some knowledge of swordsmanship."

"In fact, I have informed them in advance to come to this camp to see me."

"Count the time... they should be arriving soon."

Coincidentally, as soon as he finished speaking, a loud announcement came from outside the camp:

"Lord! First Division Captain Okita Souji and Third Division Captain Saito Ichi want to meet!"

…

…

Aoto, Souji, and Saito Kazuo—the three of them left Tenman Mountain along the path, then detoured southward to Matsuo Mountain in the south, and then headed east along the foot of Matsuo Mountain, approaching Nangong Mountain.

Because the number of accompanying people was kept to a minimum and there were dense trees covering the area, Qingdeng and others could not be seen from a distance.

Souji and Saito stood guard beside Aoto, one on the left and the other on the right. As they followed each other, they swept their eyes back and forth, alert to the surroundings.

Regarding "how to protect Aoden", Saitoichi has extremely rich experience.

When Aoto was just a nobody, Saito Kazuo was already active as his bodyguard.

Judging from the length of time he has followed Aoto... Saito Kazuo is undoubtedly Aoto's earliest companion.

They walked through the forest.

The sunlight pouring down from the gaps between the branches formed a network shape, swinging rapidly like a pendulum on the three of them.

Nangong Mountain is very conspicuous. Just keep your sights on the top of the mountain and move forward, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.

They were not here for an outing, but to explore the enemy's situation, so they rarely opened their mouths to chat, and kept their mouths shut throughout the whole process, remaining silent.

Suddenly, Souji's expression changed slightly, and then she hurriedly raised her right arm and buried half of her face in her arm——

"Cough cough... cough cough..."

A low cough sounded muffled in his arms.

Seeing this, Qingdeng couldn't help but frown slightly:

"Xiao Si, your cough is still not gone?"

In his impression, the Souji started coughing as early as the time when the commemorative photo was taken... no, it should have been earlier.

Although Souji is an extraordinary woman with extraordinary physical strength, what is incredible is that every time the seasons change, she is prone to colds and illnesses.

In severe cases, you may even be bedridden for several days.

Therefore, when he discovered that Souji was coughing, Qingden didn't pay much attention to it. He just told her to have a good rest and see a doctor if she felt really uncomfortable.

While giving more instructions, Qingden ordered the Shinsengumi medical team to prepare some cough medicine, and also asked the kitchen to cook more pear soup, which was good for the throat.

However, nowadays, Japan does not have the custom of making pear soup, so the chefs don’t know what “Snow pear soup” Aintome calls.

As a last resort, Qingdeng had no choice but to go into battle himself and cook for the first time in a long time.

In his previous life, he was born in a soup-making province and had to make soup for almost every meal.

For him, making pear soup is no problem.

At that time, after learning that the strange bowl of soup she was drinking - she had never tasted soup made from fruits - was made by Aoto, Souji was moved and speechless for a time.

But... at the same time, this also caused Sanako and Amu to look at each other strangely, as if they were expressing their dissatisfaction.

Qingden originally thought that Souji would recover soon after taking the medicine and drinking the soup.

Unexpectedly... quite a while has passed, but Souji's cough has not gotten better...

Facing Qingden's worried look, the director slowly raised his little face and chuckled a few times: "Hey, hey, hey."

"The cough this time is a little stubborn...but don't worry! It's just a minor illness and you will recover in a while!"

"...I'll go back to camp later and I'll ask Mr. Nanjo to come and see you."

Mr. Nanjo—that is, the medical head of the Shinsengumi medical side, Nanjo Akizaburo.

As a famous doctor whom Aoto hired with huge sums of money, Nanjo Akizaburo's medical skills are naturally excellent.

In order to achieve a complete victory in this battle, Seito brought almost all of his belongings - including the medical team headed by Nanjo Akizaburo.

Hearing that Aoto wanted Nanjo Akizaburo, who was the best in the Shinsengumi medical prescription to treat her, the Souji suddenly became excited and said hurriedly:

"No, no need! It's just a minor illness! Why bother Mr. Nanjo!"

"Don't hide your illness and avoid medical treatment. Even if it's a minor illness, don't take it lightly. A minor illness may worsen into a serious illness if it goes on for a long time."

Speaking of this, Qingdeng paused for a moment, and then solemnly added:

"Xiao Si, if you really feel uncomfortable, don't hold back."

After hearing this, the director's eyes flickered slightly, and a vague look of hesitation appeared on his cheeks.

Immediately afterwards, she tightened her lips, gritted her teeth, and said in a volume that only she could hear clearly:

"How can that be done...Everyone is fighting bravely, how can I lie on the bed..."

…

…

Souji's sudden cough was just a minor episode in this journey.

Afterwards, the three of them stopped talking and moved forward slowly in silence.

About half an hour later, the towering Nangong Mountain was already in front of them.

Compared with Tianman Mountain, Nangong Mountain covers a huge area!

To put it bluntly, Mount Tenman is more like a hill than a mountain.

In comparison, Nangong Mountain is the real mountain!

Qingden had already put Sekiyuan's map in his mind.

He looked around and confirmed that they were currently at Taopei Mountain at the western foot of Nangong Mountain.

Mobi Mountain - the location of Tokugawa Ieyasu's main formation 280 years ago.

Looking at the ancient battlefield beneath his feet, Qingdeng couldn't help but sigh.

After nearly three hundred years, this land is once again facing a decisive battle that will determine history!

After a brief sigh of relief, he suppressed the distracting thoughts in his heart, refocused his energy, raised his gaze, and looked at the towering mountains opposite.

He took out the telescope from his pocket and began to observe the specific scenes in Nangong Mountain. Each scene was clearly reflected in the lens.

I saw countless soldiers in the mountains wielding hoes, shovels and other tools.

They either dug trenches diligently, or meticulously cut down trees and made fences, towers and other defenses.

Qingdeng could tell at just one glance: the construction methods and layout of these fortifications were all very professional!

Those criss-crossing trenches and layers of fences can effectively deter the opponent's attack.

Those interlocking fortresses and shooting points can form a tight crossfire, giving mountain attackers a head-on blow.

The more Qingdeng looked carefully, the more he couldn't help but sink his face with a solemn expression.

At this moment, a rustling sound suddenly came from the trees not far away from him.
To be continued...