I formed the strongest swordsman group.

Chapter 910: The decisive battle that will determine the future! [5400]

Sekigahara - Located in Nobi, it is a basin four kilometers from east to west and two kilometers from north to south, surrounded by Mt. Ibuki in the north, Mt. Sasao and Mt. Tenman in the west, Mt. Matsuo in the southwest, and Mt. Nangu in the southeast.

It was an important road connecting Hokuriku Road in the northwest and Ise in the southeast, and was also an excellent venue for field battles.

The division between Kanto and Kansai in Japan is mainly based on Sekigahara. The east is called Kanto and the west is Kansai.

Therefore, from a geographical point of view, Sekigahara is the place where the world is truly divided into two!
When Qing Deng pointed to that place, everyone was so surprised because Guan Yuan was too special.

Just 1600 years ago, in the fifth year of Keicho (), a shocking battle broke out here, the famous Battle of Sekigahara!
To tell the whole story of this war, we have to start with the establishment of the Toyotomi regime.

In 1582, Akechi Mitsuhide murdered his lord Oda Nobunaga, with the intention of replacing him. However, in the end, all his efforts became a favor to Hashiba Hideyoshi.

In the Battle of Tennozan, Hashiba Hideyoshi eliminated Akechi Mitsuhide and accumulated unprecedented prestige.

In the Battle of Keigadaki, Hashiba Hideyoshi eliminated Shibata Katsuie and became the actual ruler of the Oda clan.

At this point, Hashiba Hideyoshi inherited almost all of Oda Nobunaga's political legacy.

Oda Nobunaga was just one step away from unifying the world, and Hashiba Hideyoshi gave him this final push.

Relying on the profound foundation accumulated by the Oda family over the years, as well as his own excellent military capabilities and sophisticated diplomatic means, Hashiba Hideyoshi quickly unified the whole of Japan.

At this time, Hashiba Hideyoshi was only one title away from becoming the common ruler of the world.

However, because he was not a descendant of the Minamoto clan, he was unable to establish a shogunate.

Therefore, he took a different approach and no longer insisted on the position of "Shogun". Instead, he was granted the title of "Kanpaku" and established a completely new political system.

Guanpaku originally means "to state or to report", which comes from the "Book of Han·Biography of Huo Guang and Jin Midi" which says "all matters must be reported to Guanpaku first, and then to the emperor", which means that any major event must be stated or reported to Huo Guang first, and then reported to the emperor.

The word was introduced to Japan by Tang envoys, and gradually became an important position for assisting the Japanese emperor in managing state affairs after he came of age, equivalent to the prime minister in ancient China.

After the shogunate era when the military families were in power, the regent became just like the imperial court in name only.

In 1585, Hashiba Hideyoshi was appointed as the regent and became a recognized "man of the world".

In 1586, the imperial court granted the surname "Toyotomi" to Hideyoshi Hashiba, and he changed his name to "Toyotomi Hideyoshi".

In 1591, Toyotomi Hideyoshi abdicated and handed over the position of regent to his nephew Toyotomi Hidetsugu, who called himself "Taiko" (an honorific title for the former regent).

From then on, Taiko almost became the exclusive name of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. When people talk about "Taiko", they must first think of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

As a result, the period when the Toyotomi clan was in power was simply called the "Taiko era" or the "Toyotomi Taiko era."

From a commoner to the ruler of the world... Although Toyotomi Hideyoshi had established an unprecedented feat, he had a fatal flaw, which was his fertility problem.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a famous old pervert. After he became rich, he frequently took concubines and married one wife after another.

However, no matter how many women he married, he never had offspring of his own.

The child that was finally expected died early due to backward medical technology and parenting concepts.

It was not until his later years that his concubine, Chacha Asai, finally gave birth to a healthy son, who would later become the second lord of the Toyotomi family: Toyotomi Hideyori.

However, when Toyotomi Hideyori was born, Toyotomi Hideyoshi was already very old and had only a few years left to live.

Therefore, in order to maintain the ruling status of the Toyotomi family, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, like Chai Rong in the late Five Dynasties, set up several ministers to take care of the young emperor.

He ordered the five most powerful daimyo under the Toyotomi regime to jointly assist Toyotomi Hideyori.

These five people who were entrusted with the care of the orphan are collectively called the "Five Elders".

They are Tokugawa Ieyasu, Maeda Toshiie, Ukita Hideie, Mori Terumoto, and Uesugi Kagemori.

In essence, Toyotomi Hideyoshi established the "Five Elders" to check and balance Tokugawa Ieyasu.

At that time, Tokugawa Ieyasu was the most powerful daimyo under the Toyotomi regime, without a doubt.

His powerful strength made Toyotomi Hideyoshi extremely fearful.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi attempted to subdue Tokugawa Ieyasu through military means, but was defeated in the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute (1584).

There was no other choice but to use diplomatic means to subdue Tokugawa Ieyasu.

From then on, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's attitude towards Tokugawa Ieyasu was "I wanted to kill him immediately, but I was always helpless."

Toyotomi Hideyoshi established the "Five Elders" to prevent Tokugawa Ieyasu from rebelling, so that the other party could not dominate alone.
Facts have proved that humor is indeed an important underlying color of history.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi followed Chai Rong's example and appointed several ministers to take care of the young emperor, thinking that this would be foolproof.

Unexpectedly, his final outcome was exactly the same as Chai Rong's - all his plans ended in vain.

Among the "Five Elders", the only one who could compete with Tokugawa Ieyasu was Maeda Toshiie.

The other three are either too young and have no qualifications, or they lack talent and ability.

Just the year after Toyotomi Hideyoshi's death, Maeda Toshiie passed away.

In other words, the "Five Elders" that Toyotomi Hideyoshi had high hopes for became a mere name shortly after his death.

As we all know, one of the secrets to becoming an old artist is longevity. As long as you outlive other talented people, you will naturally become an old artist. This sentence couldn't be more appropriate to apply to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Relying on his extraordinarily long life, Tokugawa Ieyasu, who outlived a number of bigwigs including Imagawa Yoshimoto, Takeda Shingen, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Maeda Toshiie, finally ushered in his own spring. There was no rival of his level in the country.

Just when Tokugawa Ieyasu began to show his wolfish ambitions, a loyal retainer of the Toyotomi family took action. His name was Ishida Mitsunari.

Ishida Mitsunari was the most loyal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's descendants and was loyal to the Toyotomi family.

After realizing that Tokugawa Ieyasu was disloyal, he immediately set about forming an anti-Tokugawa coalition.

In terms of identity and status alone, Ishida Mitsunari, whose personal territory was only 20 koku, could not be compared with Tokugawa Ieyasu.

But he managed to use various means to form an alliance that could compete with Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The conflict between Ishida Mitsunari and Tokugawa Ieyasu grew day by day.

Finally... the two major groups inevitably came to war!

In 1600, the 8-strong army led by Ishida Mitsunari and the 10-strong army led by Tokugawa Ieyasu met at Sekigahara - the Battle of Sekigahara began!
In this battle, both sides mobilized a total of nearly 200,000 troops. It was the largest civil war in Japan since the Onin War and was hailed as "the war that decided the world."

Fight a decisive battle to determine the fate of the world in a place where the world is divided into two... Fight the most special war in the most special place.

Because Ishida's army was deployed west of Sekigahara, it was simply referred to as the "West Army."

In contrast, the Tokugawa army was deployed east of Sekigahara, so it was simply referred to as the "Eastern Army."

It would not be surprising for such a decisive battle of astonishing scale to last for ten days, half a month, or even a year and a half.

Unexpectedly... the battle was decided in just one day - the Eastern Army won!
Judging from the formation alone, the Western Army had an almost overwhelming advantage.

The Western Army occupied various high ground such as Nangong Mountain and Songwei Mountain, forming an overwhelming pressure on the Eastern Army.

Anyone who knows a little about military affairs knows the importance of high ground.

Logically speaking, with such a huge advantage, we cannot say that we are sure to win, but at least we will not be defeated before even a day has passed.

It would be more accurate to say that the Western Army was defeated by itself rather than by the Eastern Army.

From the very beginning, the Western Army was a large makeshift team with serious factional disputes and divided morale within it.

Tokugawa Ieyasu cleverly took advantage of this weakness of the Western Army and successfully won over some of its generals.

Among them, the most serious damage to the Western Army was the rebellion of Kobayakawa Hideaki.

During the Battle of Sekigahara, Kobayakawa's army was deployed on Matsuo Mountain with 15000 soldiers, making it one of the most important units of the Western Army.

Soon after the war began, the Western Army gained a significant advantage and at one point overwhelmed the Eastern Army.

At this critical moment, Kobayakawa Hideaki suddenly changed sides, stabbed Ishida Mitsunari in the back, and turned around to attack his former friendly forces.

Kobayakawa Hideaki's betrayal on the battlefield caused the Western Army's flank to be wide open, directly reversing the situation on the battlefield. The Western Army quickly collapsed, and generals including Ishida Mitsunari were captured alive.

Judging from the results, Kobayakawa Hideaki played a vital role in the Eastern Army's victory in the Battle of Sekigahara.

But the funny thing is that this guy didn’t get a good price even if he “sold himself”.

Just two years after the Battle of Sekigahara, Kobayakawa Hideaki died of illness. As he had no heir, Tokugawa Ieyasu ruthlessly confiscated his territory, and the Kobayakawa family was destroyed.

Even today, "Kobayakawa Hideaki" has always been synonymous with traitor and fool.

Three years after the Battle of Sekigahara, in 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu was appointed Shogun in Edo and established the Edo Shogunate.

To sum up, the Battle of Sekigahara has a very special significance for the Tokugawa family.

After the Battle of Sekigahara, the Toyotomi family was no longer able to compete with the Tokugawa family, laying the foundation for the Tokugawa family to rule the world.

In other words, it was the victory in the Battle of Sekigahara that led to the establishment of the Edo Shogunate today.

Fighting another battle that will determine the future in the place where history was once decided... No wonder everyone on the scene was so shocked!

Interestingly, the army affiliated with the Tokugawa family became the Western Army this time, while the army opposing the Tokugawa family became the Eastern Army this time. Fujido Heisuke stared at the map in front of him, then turned his head and looked at Qing Deng, swallowing hard:
"Mr. Tachibana, are you sure? Are we really going to fight the Choshu army in Sekigahara?"

Qing Deng nodded and replied without hesitation:

"Without a doubt."

"Perhaps at this very moment, the Choshu army has received the news of 'Nio's return' and is dispatching troops to the west without stopping."

……

……

Suruga Province, the main camp of the Choshu Army—

"...What a coincidence, Shuten-doji, you and I are thinking the same thing."

Takasugi Shinsaku said suddenly.

He folded his arms and said slowly with an expressionless face:
"My thoughts agree with Shuten-doji."

"When you are the enemy of King Ren, you must not be careless."

"If we don't try to stop the Shinsengumi's advance, who knows what action the King will take next."

Now that the two big bosses of the Law and Punishment Party and the Special Forces have spoken, the rest of the people dare not say a word even if they have different opinions.

After pondering for a moment, Katsura Kogoro muttered:

"But the question is... How many troops do we need to stop the Shinsengumi? And who will lead the troops?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Takasugi Shinsaku said loudly without thinking:

"I go!"

In an instant, everyone, including the general Shuten-doji, looked at Takasugi Shinsaku in surprise.

Facing everyone's surprised gazes, Takasugi Shinsaku continued his conversation calmly:

"Select 1500 men from the special forces."

"As long as I have the 1500 men of the Qibingtai, and with the geographical advantage of Sekigahara, and if I'm lucky enough, I'm confident that I can hold off the Shinsengumi for 3 to 7 days!"

Shuten-doji blinked, looked Takasugi Shinsaku up and down several times, and then changed his tone to a half-joking one:
"Takasugi-kun, I was really surprised that you would volunteer."

Takasugi Shinsaku said calmly:
"Although I am reluctant, I have to admit that your 'Slavic Legion' of the Fazhu Party is an indispensable force for the capture of Edo."

"After weighing the pros and cons, sending the special forces to stop the Shinsengumi is the best solution at the moment."

"The Special Forces is a unit I established myself, so it's only right for me to command it personally."

"Besides, I've long wanted to compete with the Shinsengumi."

Having said this, Takasugi Shinsaku paused briefly.

When he spoke again, his tone became more powerful:
"At this point, we are all on the same boat, so there is no need to distinguish between you and me."

After hearing this, Shuten-doji nodded seriously:

"Yes, Takasugi-kun is right."

"At this point, you and I have become a close alliance where we prosper together and suffer together."

"However, I still want to confirm with you - you only have 1500 soldiers, is that enough?"

Takasugi Shinsaku grinned:
"enough!"

"If we were to go toe-to-toe with the Shinsengumi on open ground, I wouldn't dare to make such a boast."

"But if we just want to delay the Shinsengumi's advance at Sekigahara, then this force is more than enough!"

"I want to ask you, after I took away the 1500 soldiers of the Special Forces, you only have 2000 soldiers from the Slavic Legion and 500 soldiers from the Special Forces. With just this small number of soldiers, are you sure you can capture Edo Castle?"

Shuten-doji couldn't help but smile when he heard this:
"Although it may seem a little reluctant, I still have enough confidence - provided that you help me hold back the Shinsengumi for as long as possible."

……

……

Qinjin Fan, Dajin, Judi, military conference room——

"...If this happens, that's not good."

While checking the map, Nagakura Shinpachi said in a deep voice:

"It will be very difficult for us to catch up with the Choshu Army."

"Now we have to spend more time to defeat the enemy forces that come to intercept us."

"Mr. Tachibana, is there any way for us to protect Edo before the Choshu army?"

Qing Deng lowered his eyelids:

"Normally, this is really difficult."

"However... as long as Hachioji and his thousand men work together to delay the advance of the Choshu army for a long time, we still have a chance to rush to Edo's aid."

Hachioji, a thousand men united—hearing the name of this unit, everyone at the scene subconsciously turned their gazes and looked towards the Hachioji area marked on the map.

The Hachioji area is located at the border of the Kanto Plain and Kai Province, and is a must-go place along the Tokaido Highway to Edo.

In other words, as long as the Choshu army continues to move eastward, it will inevitably run into Hachioji's thousands of united troops!
If the Choshu army did not defeat the concerted efforts of Hachioji's thousand men, it would be impossible for them to get close to Edo.

Fujido Heisuke stared at the Hachioji area marked on the map. After a while, he said quietly:

"Let Hachioji's thousand men unite to stop the Choshu army... Mr. Tachibana, I'm not trying to boost the enemy's prestige or destroy our morale, but... is it too much of a burden for Hachioji's thousand men to unite?"

"..."

Qingdeng was silent.

Neither affirmed nor denied.

When thinking about how to return to Edo for assistance, Qing Deng had already realized that the unity of the thousands of people in Hachioji who guarded the key points was the key.

Therefore, long before the start of the "Second Great Return to China", Qingdeng sent fast horses to convey a message to Hachioji's thousand men, requiring them to evacuate civilians immediately and build trenches, fences and other battlefield fortifications on the spot to prepare for the upcoming war.

Even without Fujido Heisuke's reminder, Qing Deng, as the leader of the 1,000 men of Hachioji, knew that it was too much of a stretch to let this unit face the aggressive and powerful Choshu army alone...!
Although thanks to his and Tokugawa Iemochi's efforts, the Hachioji Thousand People's Army has been equipped with advanced guns and cannons, they have not yet completed the relevant training and are at best "ancient armies armed with guns and cannons."

What's more, there was no favorable terrain to rely on in the Hachioji area, and thousands of people could only confront the Choshu army head-on on the open plain.

Facing the fierce offensive of the Choshu Army... they might not be able to hold out for even half a day!
Unless... send someone who is proficient in military affairs, good at deploying troops and has enough prestige to command thousands of people to work together!

If this is done, there will be a chance to turn decay into magic, allowing thousands of people to work together to gain enough strength to hold back the Choshu army.

So, who under Qing Deng has such ability?
In fact, there is no need to think about this question at all.

When this question flashed through Qing Deng's mind, a name immediately emerged - no one else could be considered except him!

Strangely enough, at this moment, Qing Deng's thoughts seemed to be seen through by the other party.

"Ju, let me go."

He spoke seriously, enunciating each word.

Qing Deng instinctively looked in the direction of the voice and met Hijikata Toshizo's eyes.

Hijikata Toshizo stared into Qing Deng's eyes and repeated:
"Ju, let me go! Who else but me can take on this mission?"

"I am from Tama, and I am a farmer's son, so I can be considered a half-descendant of the Thousands of People."

"It's only right for me to command thousands of people to work together!"

After saying this, Hijikata Toshizo raised the corners of his mouth and smiled:

His relaxed tone...as if the mission he threatened to take was to go for an outing in the suburbs, rather than to fight a life-and-death battle.

Qing Deng looked deeply at Hijikata Toshizo, his eyes were complicated:
"Sui San, this mission is not easy. Are you prepared?"

Hijikata Toshizo chuckled a few times:
"Tachibana, who do you think I am? I am the 'Demon Vice-Captain' Hijikata Toshizo!"

"...How many people do you need to take away from me? You can choose any one you want."

"I am enough on my own. However, I'd better let Ichimura Tetsunosuke come to help me. I am used to his service. Without him, I am afraid that my daily life will be in big trouble!"

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PS: The popular science section of this chapter is a bit long, but there is nothing we can do about it. If we don’t explain clearly the uniqueness and sense of ritual of the battle at Sekigahara, it will be inconvenient to unfold the subsequent plot.