Qingdeng wanted to say something to comfort his master.

But...even though I have searched my guts, I still can't think of a single word to comfort me.

You can't persuade a patient with terminal pancreatic cancer to stay optimistic.

Suddenly, Shusuke Kondo spoke again:

"Now that martial arts has reached its end, there is no point in clinging to those old red tapes anymore."

"You are my pride, the pride of the Imperial Guard Hall, and the pride of Natural Rishin-ryu. You deserve to receive the highest honor of our sect!"

"From now on, you will be officially a disciple."

"I hope you can be upright people and upright men in the future, and never do anything that is disgraceful to the sect or contrary to human ethics."

"Okay, that's it."

"You have to go back to Kyoto tomorrow, so go to bed early."

Speaking of this, Kondo Shusuke seemed to have remembered something and paused for a moment. Then he raised his finger and pointed at the few colored hair on his head, and said with a wry smile:

"It's a pity...I'm old."

"If I were 30 years younger, I might have the courage to close down the trial gym, grab my sword, and then go to Kyoto with you to make a big fuss!"

"An old man like me, who feels pain in his back and legs after walking a few steps too fast, should just stay in his one-third of an acre of land and drink tea."

"Pay attention to safety and take care of yourself."

"Don't be greedy for women, be sure to exercise moderation!"

As he spoke, he suddenly narrowed his eyes and glared at the two of them fiercely.

Aoto and Hijikata Toshizo once again looked sideways tacitly, pretending to watch the scenery.

"Don't be sick."

"Don't even want to die."

"If you feel tired and want to rest, go back to Edo... go back to the Imperial Guard Hall and sit down."

"Although I am old, I still have the energy to drink a few cups of tea with you and listen to your complaints."

"Even in your free time when there is nothing important, you can come back more often."

"To be honest, although there are more apprentices in the trial defense hall today, I still find it strangely deserted and lonely."

As Kondo Shusuke finished speaking, Aoto and Hijikata Toizan looked at each other in tacit understanding.

They all saw looks that were half funny and half moved in each other's eyes.

Although there was no prior arrangement, they seemed to have made an agreement in advance. They sat upright in no particular order, held the certificates that were passed on to each other in both hands, raised them high above their heads, and respectfully presented a gift to the master.

…

…

The next day——

Wenjiu three years (1863), June 24——

Edo, Nihonbashi, and the starting point of Tokai Street——

The 2,000 recruits of the Shinsengumi formed a neat row in two rows, from the far left end of the field of view to the far right end. What a spectacular scene!

Tokugawa Iemo led Tenshoin, Katsurin Taro and other high-ranking shogunate officials to personally see Aoto off.

The surrounding area was crowded with people either simply coming to join in the fun or wanting to say goodbye to Nioh.

Tokugawa Iemo and Tenzouin came forward and patted Aonto's shoulders enthusiastically.

Katsurin Taro and others also followed up and sent their blessings to Aoden.

"Ju Jun, have a good journey.", "Ju Qingdeng, I wish you good luck in martial arts"... are some commonplace words.

Under the bright gaze of everyone, Qingden neatly turned over and got on the cow, ready to go!

However... at this moment, he unconsciously turned his gaze and looked at Tianzhang Courtyard not far away.

In order to avoid suspicion, Tianzhangyuan wore a blue silk veil, revealing only her two beautiful eyes.

When Qingdeng looked over, she immediately sensed his gaze.

The expression on her face changed immediately.

Even through the veil, Qingdeng could clearly feel that Tianzhangyuan was smiling at him.

Both beautiful eyes are curved into a pair of crescent moons.

Qingdeng also raised the corners of his mouth and gave the other party a faint smile.

For no reason, he thought to himself unconsciously:

——It’s time to say goodbye to Tianzhang Academy again...

Strangely enough, when he thinks of this, Qingdeng feels lonely for no reason...

…

…

From Edo to Kyoto, Koshuguchi is a must-pass.

Anyway, it’s on the way, so let’s go and inspect the newly acquired army - the Eighth Prince Thousands of People with One Heart!

So, under Aomori's urging, the recruits accelerated their march at a rapid march and rushed straight to the Hachioji area.

They are indeed 2,000 warriors carefully selected from tens of thousands of people.

Not to mention anything else, his physical fitness alone is really impressive!

Probably influenced by Qingdeng's high prestige, the recruits maintained a very high degree of organization without receiving any training.

It only took them two days to reach the Hachioji area.

The first impression this place gave Qingdeng was that of tranquility and peace.

Green water, green mountains, flat cultivated fields, sweet chirping of birds, chasing and playing children... it looks like a paradise.

After visiting this place in person and carrying out careful observation, Qingnobo finally understood why thousands of people came together to support the shogunate.

Having such a fertile land in a "mountainous country" and being able to inherit it from generation to generation... is enough for thousands of people to unite and remember the shogunate's kindness at all times.

The Shikyo Shiroku of the Edo period was deeply implemented in all aspects - Hachioji's "Thousands of People Together" is no exception.

Its officer positions are mainly held by the children of 10 local wealthy families, and they are hereditary.

These 10 families are collectively called the "Ten Families of a Thousand People", and they are -

The Hara family, the Kamikata family, the Kamikubuda family, the Shimokubada family, the Ishizaka family, the Shimura family, the Ogihara family, the Nakamura family, the Kono family, and the Yamamoto family.

The heads of these 10 families knew early on that their new leader would be coming here today, so they set up a grand welcome array at the Eight Princes early.

On a certain flat field ridge, Qingdeng walked slowly with his bridle on his bridle, driving his cattle towards the welcoming array in front.

When they were about 10 steps away, Qingden got off the cow and walked instead.

Upon seeing this, the leader of the welcoming array immediately tidied up his clothes, and then took three steps at a time to greet Qingdeng.

"Nio-sama, it's our first time meeting you! I'm Shimohara Sanqi!"

Qingdeng nodded lightly, and before the other party could start the rest of the greetings, he said first:

"Let's talk as we walk. Take me to see your training ground."

*******

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It’s the end of the month again! Book friends who have monthly tickets on hand, please be sure to vote for this book! (Crying Leopard Head)
Chapter completed!