Hijikata Toshisan's words are not finished yet:

"In Tama Hino, there is a man named 'Hikoro Sato'. He is my brother-in-law and he is very famous in the local area. You can find his address by asking around."

"This is a very difficult task, please do it."

Tetsunosuke Ichimura stared blankly at the photo and hair Hijikata Toizo handed over.

"Mr. Hijikata, you, you are..."

He stammered and could not calm down for a long time.

While he was still in a daze, Hijikata Toizan smiled slightly - he rarely showed such a gentle smile.

"Tetsunosuke, thank you for always helping me. Choosing you as my nickname was indeed the right choice. Thank you for your hard work."

Since being adopted as a nickname by Hijikata Toshizo, Tetsunosuke Ichimura's intelligence and ability have been obvious to all.

He managed Toshizo Hijikata's daily life in an orderly manner, allowing Toshizo Hijikata to focus on official duties.

After following Hijikata Toizo to Hachioji, his performance still did not disappoint anyone.

Because he was too young, Hijikata Toshizo was not allowed to go to the front line.

So, he did everything he could in the rear.

Heating hot water, carrying the wounded, delivering weapons and ammunition... Even the pickiest and most ruthless person cannot deny his diligence and contribution.

At this moment, Tetsunosuke Ichimura finally reacted:

"Mr. Hijikata! Please take back your order!"

As he spoke, he knelt on the ground with a sincere look on his face.

"I won't leave! Please let me stay! I want to fight with you until the last moment!"

The front is unsustainable... Everyone knows that today is the "last day".

Obviously, Hijikata Toshizo's move was to give Ichimura Tetsunosuke a way out.

You say you are asking him to deliver something, but you are actually asking him to escape from the battlefield.

"Don't be stupid, you won't do anything if you stay here."

"Even so, I want to stay and fight! I can swing a sword! I can fight!"

Hijikata Toshizo's tone gradually became colder:

"Article 1 of the Shinsengumi Code: All actions must be followed as directed. Anyone who disobeys orders will be beheaded."

After saying that, he raised his left hand, pressed the sheath of Izumi Mamoru Kanesada on his left waist, pressed his thumb forward against the blade, and a "click" sound revealed the red copper tenon holding the scabbard.

Looking at the unsheathed Izumi Mamoru Kanesada, a flash of fear flashed in Tetsunosuke Ichimura's eyes.

But despite this, he still refused to give in:

"Mr. Hijikata, please... let me stay. As a noble samurai, how can I run away..."

"This is not an escape, you are just following my orders."

"But...but..."

"Tetsunosuke, you have more tasks than just delivering things to me."

Hearing this, Ichimura Tetsunosuke subconsciously raised his eyes in confusion.

Hijikata Toshizo continued in a calm tone:

"In order to save the folks in Edo, we stayed here for five full days and nights, intimidating the enemy and ourselves."

"We cannot let this tragic battle be buried."

"How a Thousand People Unite to Fight in Hachioji."

"How did Hijikata Tozo, the 'Deputy Commander of the Demons', Shimada Kui, the First Division Vice Captain, Elodie Angouleme, the Shinsengumi Chief, and the rest of them, gallop on the battlefield?"

"I hope you can spread these stories and make them known to the world."

"With such an important responsibility, who else can I entrust to you besides you?"

Hijikata Toshizo's tone was sonorous and powerful, full of unquestionable meaning.

Ichimura Tetsunosuke's eyes gradually became moist.

He opened his mouth and seemed to have something to say.

But facing Hijikata Toshizo's firm gaze, he couldn't say anything.

Finally... he bit his lips, lowered his head, and nodded vigorously while choking.

"Yes...I...I understand..."

Looking at Tetsunosuke Ichimura who finally nodded in agreement, that gentle smile once again hung on Hijikata Toshizo's cheek.

"Let's set out quickly before the bandits attack."

He said and handed over the photo and hair in his hand again.

Ichimura Tetsunosuke wiped away his tears, stretched out his hands, took it respectfully, then stood up and bowed solemnly to Hijikata Toshizo.

When he turned around and left the bullet shelter and walked to the entrance of the cave, he suddenly stopped, turned his head, and looked at Hijikata Toshizo reluctantly.

Hijikata Toshizo nodded at him:

"Ironosuke, have a safe journey."

He bit his lip again and pretended to be free and easy:

"Mr. Hijikata, I wish you good luck in martial arts."

After saying that, he bowed deeply... After doing all this, he turned back his eyes, lifted his feet that were stuck to the ground, and left quickly.

Hijikata Toshizo silently watched Ichimura Tetsunosuke's back.

It wasn't until the sound of his footsteps faded away that he slowly looked back.

"..."

He stared straight into the void in front of him and remained silent, not knowing what he was thinking.

After a moment, he chuckled lightly, the corners of his mouth raised slightly, and there was a hint of relief in his smile.

At this time, Kui Shimada shouted from outside the cave:

"Deputy Chief! Vice Chief!"

After a while, Shimada Kui was seen rushing into the cave, followed closely by Elodie.

Just like Hijikata Toshizo, the fierce battles for days left them looking very embarrassed and covered in blood.

Even the luster of Elodie's beautiful blond hair had become much duller.

However, one thing about them has never changed: the fighting spirit in their eyes has never faded!

Kuiyan Shimada summarizes the report in a concise and comprehensive manner:

"Deputy Commander! The thieves are attacking!"

Hijikata Toshizo nodded lightly:

"Well, I understand."

He stood up calmly as he spoke.

At this time, he seemed to remember something and turned to look at Elodie.

"Elodie, although it would be unwise to ask this question now, I still want to confirm with you: Do you really want to fight with us to the end?"

Elodie tilted her head and smiled:

"If I run away from the battlefield, I will bring shame on my status as 'The Disciple of the Nioh'."

After saying that, she specially raised the Yamato Shou'an in her hand.

When Hijikata Toshizo saw this, he responded with a look of respect and conviction.

The next moment, with a "choking" sound, he suddenly pulled out the Izumi Mamoru Kanesada from his waist and shook off the long windbreaker on his body:

"Let's go and engrave our bravery in the history books of the future!"

…

…

French-Qich coalition forces, our formation——

The Shuten boy stood with his hands behind his hands, looking at the formation of thousands of people in the distance.

Abruptly, he murmured:

"It's amazing that they were able to block us for five days... I admire them, I admire them. I underestimated them."

Although it cannot be said that the generals of the French-Qich coalition looked down upon them with regard to Thousands of People United, they did not think they were a major threat.

It is true that Toshizo Hijikata is a talented person with great influence in the world, but what can he achieve by himself?
To be continued...