I formed the strongest swordsman group.

Chapter 918 [Second Battle of Sekigahara], the battle begins! [5200]

In addition to 100 musketeers and sufficient weapons and equipment, Boss Kiryu also brought four powerful generals of Huluya - "Young Dragon" Taichi Makimura, "Thunder Slash" Kanichi Shimada, "Bamboo-Breaking Red Tiger" Toramachi, and "Immortal Blood Spear" Katakura Takanobu.

They were all faces Qing Deng had seen before.

Back then, when Qing Deng went to Osaka for the first time and met with Kinoshita Lin, he witnessed the skills of the heroes of Huluya.

Therefore, Qing Deng naturally would not doubt the talents of these people.

Qing Deng was touched by the timely reinforcement of Hulu House, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief - at this critical juncture when every second counts, the more powerful reinforcements the better!

After reuniting with Boss Kiryu, Qing Deng succinctly revealed important information such as "Choshu and the French Party have joined forces" and "The French Party has formed a 'Slavic Legion'" - of course, he only gave a vague statement about the channel from which he obtained this information.

Miss Jin had clearly instructed in advance: Try to reduce the presence of the Great Salt Party and don't let outsiders know that this information was provided by the Great Salt Party.

Keeping a low profile - this must be one of the survival philosophies of the Great Salt Party.

Since the other party has made such a request, Qing Deng will naturally respect their opinion and keep the source of the information strictly confidential.

Since forming an alliance with Huluwu, Qingdeng has gradually seen through its strengths and weaknesses.

Although Huluwu has amazing financial resources, they also have an obvious shortcoming, that is, their intelligence capabilities are not very good.

Perhaps it is because of the lack of corresponding talents or institutional defects.

In short, after learning about these shocking information, especially after learning that Choshu was in cahoots with the Fazhu Party, Boss Kiryu could not hide his surprise.

Then, he made the same sigh as Qing Deng: "Trouble" and "thorny" combined together is really terrible.

……

……

While waiting for the army to assemble, Qing Deng, Kondo Isami, Yamanami Keisuke and others repeatedly conducted war game simulations in the general's tent and formulated a battle plan.

Finally... this evening, the last troop - the remnants of the Sixth Division - arrived at the front line!
At this point, none of the Shinsengumi teams were late, and all arrived at Sekigahara on schedule!
On the night when all the generals gathered, Qing Deng immediately convened a military meeting to convey to everyone the results of his recent work - careful position deployment and detailed battle plan!

……

……

Main formation, commander's tent——

The slightly swaying candlelight lengthened the shadows of everyone present, making the tent dim.

Qingdeng sat in the first seat with a majestic posture.

The rest of the people sat on the left and right sides of him in order of their status.

Boss Kiryu, who represented the power of Hyakusha, sat directly opposite Yamanami Keisuke - in the past, this was the seat of Hijikata Toshizo.

Sagawa Kanbei, who represented the Aizu forces, sat directly opposite Kondo Isami.

Tension, anxiety, excitement, impatience...all kinds of emotions are floating in the air.

Although some people looked pale and showed negative emotions, the vast majority of people were excited and looked eager to make a move.

There aren't many Shinsengumi, but there are plenty of militants.

After a long and anxious preparation, this war that was destined to go down in history was finally about to begin... How could they not be excited? How could they not be proud?

Seeing that everyone had gathered, Qing Deng went straight to the point without any politeness:

"Everyone, please look at this picture!"

Upon hearing this, everyone leaned forward and looked at the topographic map of Sekigahara on the table in front of them.

The location of Tianman Mountain on the Qingdeng finger map.

"Standing on the top of Mt. Tenman and looking eastward - from this perspective, Mt. Sasao in the north became the left wing of our army, and Mt. Matsuo in the south became the right wing of our army."

"Our strategy is simple - deploy the main forces on the left and right wings and attack Nangong Mountain with a powerful pincer attack!"

At this point, Qing Deng bent down, placed the chess pieces on the map, and said slowly:

"The 2nd, 4th, and 6th divisions are deployed on the left wing at Sasao Mountain."

"The First, Third, Fifth, Eighth Divisions and the reinforcements from Huluya are deployed on the right wing at Matsuo Mountain."

"The 7th Division, the 10th Division and the Aizu Cavalry will stay at the Tenmayama main camp as a reserve force."

"The 9th Squad continues to serve as a liaison unit, roaming around the battlefields."

"The 11th Division was divided into two parts, commanded by Abe-kun (Abe Juro, the captain of the 11th Division) and Nomura-kun (Nomura Risaburo, the vice-captain of the 11th Division), and deployed on the left and right wings respectively."

"You Yong will be the commander of the left wing."

"The troops on the right wing will be commanded by Keisuke and I."

"Once the battle begins, as usual, the artillery will go first!"

"The 11th Division does not need to spare any ammunition and must bomb Nangong Mountain with all their might!"

"Don't stop the bombardment until you get my signal!"

"Nangong Mountain is full of well-planned fortifications by the enemy."

"No matter how strong their fences and watchtowers are, they can't withstand the artillery shells."

"The longer and more intensely the 11th Squadron bombards, the more it will weaken the enemy's defensive capabilities."

"As you all know, Nangong Mountain is a large mountain covering a vast area."

"With our limited military strength, if we divide our forces without any scruples, we will be like a flat pancake with holes everywhere."

"Therefore, when attacking, we must always keep our forces concentrated."

"Like a sharp needle, piercing through the enemy's defenses!"

"Everyone, please look at this mound."

At this point, Qing Deng winked at Shannan Jingzhu beside him.
Shannan Jingzhu nodded in understanding, then bent down and moved something at his feet - a half-meter-high mound of earth.

At first glance, it looks like just an ordinary big ball of dirt.

But if you look closely, you can find that this mound is covered with gullies of various sizes.

This thing is more like a model of a mountain than a big ball of earth!
At this time when everyone's attention was attracted by this "mini hill", Qing Deng said calmly:
“This is the most painstaking work I have been doing in recent days.”

"Based on my naked eye observations and the introductions of nearby villagers, I used soil to restore the general appearance of Nangong Mountain. The mound in front of you is the carefully recreated 'Nangong Mountain'!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone at the scene showed surprise.

Using soil to restore the general shape of Nangong Mountain...how much work would this be?

Before everyone could recover from their shock, Qing Deng continued speaking:

“Although it’s still rough, there are signs on it indicating where you should be careful.”

“Both the north and south sides of Nangong Mountain have gentle slopes that are easy to advance on.”

"Yong, your left wing troops are going to attack along this route—"

Qing Deng explained to Kondo Isami in detail the most advantageous attack route for the left wing.

Kondo Isami listened carefully and nodded from time to time.

After explaining the attack route on the left wing, Qing Deng began to explain the attack route on the right wing.

The generals deployed on the right wing - Souji, Saito Hajime and others - listened carefully, not daring to be distracted for the moment.

With the help of talents such as "Photographic Memory" and "Fire Eyes +5", Qing Deng could memorize all the features of Nangong Mountain that he could observe with his naked eyes.

The explanation of the topography of Nangong Mountain and the attack routes on the left and right wings lasted for about half an hour.

After the explanation, Qing Deng scanned the audience with a sharp gaze:
"After the bombardment ends, all troops on the left and right wings, except for the artillery, will launch an attack!"

"The terrain on the mountain is too complex, with old trees and huge rocks everywhere."

"In such a complex terrain, it is difficult for the musketeers to form a formation, and their combat effectiveness is greatly reduced."

"However, from another perspective, one's personal bravery will be able to be fully utilized!"

"In this case, it's time for the swords at our waists to come into play!"

Having said that, Qing Deng raised his hand and patted the Bizen Osafune at his waist.

"There are trees and rocks everywhere, and we could run into the enemy if we're not careful. This is a perfect environment for us to attack with our swords!"

"In other words, the activity of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th squads will largely determine the victory, defeat, and losses of this battle!"

"The above is our army's battle plan!"

"Do you have any questions?"

After saying that, Qing Deng rolled his eyes again, his gaze sweeping across the faces of everyone present.

After only a moment, someone raised a question.

Fujido Heisuke stared at the Sekigahara map and the "Nangongshan Model" and pursed his lips:

"...Mr. Ju, Nangong Mountain is a big mountain. No matter how powerful our artillery team is, it is impossible to accurately clear all the fortifications on the mountain."

"Even if the artillery team uses up all the shells in stock, it doesn't mean we can attack the mountain without any worries."

"In that case, if we forcibly attack the mountain when the enemy's fortifications have not been completely cleared...wouldn't it result in heavy casualties?"

As soon as Toudou Heisuke finished speaking, Qing Deng nodded vigorously without hesitation:

"Yes, that's right!"

"No matter how hard the 11th Squadron fires, it is impossible to completely eliminate the enemy fortifications on Nangong Mountain."

"That is to say... this is a bloody battle!" "From the moment we start attacking the mountain, our companions will continue to fall down and sleep forever."

"Please be mentally prepared."

Instantly, the atmosphere on the scene became extremely solemn.

Even those warmongers who were looking forward to the fighting starting soon all had serious and solemn expressions on their faces.

Qing Deng paused for a moment, then changed his tone to a deep one:
“Although it is extremely difficult, we have no choice but to go ahead with it.”

"This is a battle that can only be fought quickly, not slowly."

"Come to think of it, many of you probably don't know the current situation in Edo."

Qing Deng cleared his throat and then briefly described Edo's recent situation.

After learning that Shogun Tokugawa Iemochi and Oodai Tenshoin would defend Edo to the death and never evacuate, many people were inspired and became passionate:
"here you go!"

Harada Sanosuke slapped his thigh and said excitedly:
"This is the responsibility that a samurai leader should have! With the General's courage, I, Harada Sanosuke, will rescue the General no matter what!"

A superior leader... and your immediate boss, personally leading the charge - this is a very inspiring thing no matter what era or place it is.

Read more latest popular novels at 6.9*shuba!

Since Tokugawa Ieyasu, successive generals have generally lacked military proficiency and moral integrity.

Especially since a while ago there was a "mentally retarded shogun" (Tokugawa Iesada) who had a brain problem and stayed by his wet nurse every day, making everyone forget that the Shogun was the supreme leader of the samurai family.

Tokugawa Iemochi demonstrated the demeanor of a Shogun with great responsibility... Qing Deng didn't know how the other troops were doing, but the morale of the Shinsengumi was indeed effectively boosted.

"Does anyone else have questions?"

Qingden asked.

After a moment, Nagakura Shinpachi raised his hand:

"Mr. Tachibana, you will be in charge of the right wing. Not only that, the most powerful squadron will also be deployed on the right wing... Does this mean that the right wing is the main attack direction of our army?"

Qing Deng immediately replied:

"To be precise, both the left and right wings are the main attack directions, and there is no distinction between main attack, secondary attack, or feint attack."

“There is no particular reason why I chose to sit on the right wing.”

"Whether it's the left wing or the right wing, no matter where I am, I will personally go into battle!"

"So... everyone on the right wing, please keep up with my attack speed and don't fall behind."

After hearing this, the generals on the right wing were suddenly shocked.

Everyone is no longer surprised by Qing Deng's "personal participation".

If Qing Deng stayed behind, they would be surprised instead.

"Does anyone else have questions?"

Qing Deng scanned the room again.

This time, the tent was extremely quiet.

Everyone stared at Qing Deng, their eyes burning with fighting spirit.

Even those who had looked nervous and apprehensive beforehand suppressed their fear and anxiety at this moment.

Seeing that no one asked questions, Qing Deng stood up straight, put his hand on his sword, and said calmly:

"Since no one has any questions, let's adjourn the meeting!"

"Everyone go down and rest."

"Start the attack at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning ( a.m.)!"

……

……

That night--

The head of the Shinsengumi's medical department, Aizaburou Nanjo, strode towards Souji's tent carrying his medical box.

During the day today, he was asked by Qing Deng to go see a doctor and get some medicine because the general was unwell and had been coughing.

Since it was an order from his superior, Nanjo Aizaburo naturally dared not disobey.

So, after learning that Qingdeng's military meeting had ended and the generals had returned to their respective tents, Nanjo Akizoburo immediately packed up his medicine box and ran straight to Souji's tent.

He was fully convinced that the General had not yet rested.

Unexpectedly... when he arrived at his destination, he found that Souji's tent was pitch black.

Nanjo Aizaburo frowned upon seeing this and shouted cautiously into the tent:

"Captain! Captain Okita! I'm the medical chief, Nanjo Aizaburou! I've been asked by the general to come and see you!"

Soon, the general manager's response came from inside the tent:
"Um... it's Mr. Nanjo... I'm sorry, the battle will start tomorrow and I'm a little tired, so I'm going to sleep first. Please come back later."

Upon hearing this, Nanjo Aizaburou immediately frowned.

It's a wasted trip... No one would be happy about this.

However, Nanjo Aizaburou quickly calmed down.

Captain Okita is right! Tomorrow is the day of the battle. As the captain of the first squadron, he naturally needs to rest early and conserve his energy!

No matter what, the other person has already gone to bed, and it is inappropriate to force them to get up.

Then, after a brief hesitation, Nanjo Aizaburou responded loudly:

"Well then... I'll come back later! Captain Okita, I'm sorry to disturb your rest. I'll come back later! I wish you good luck in martial arts!"

"Um... I'm sorry... I made you come here for nothing..."

"It's okay, it's not far. You can continue to rest! I'll go ahead!"

After saying this, Nanjo Aizaburo returned along the same route carrying the medicine box.

Shortly after he left, a series of rapid, faint coughs were heard from the general accountant's desk...

……

……

The next day, early in the morning, at 8: am (: am) -

Sekigahara, Mt. Matsuo——

The pale yellow morning sun slowly rises from behind the mountains in the east.

The dawn light penetrated the clouds, illuminating the sky, the mountains, and the rows of cannons on Mount Matsuo!

The Shinsengumi's cannons and the cannons supporting the Hurusha were arranged in a tight formation!

The black and ferocious muzzles of the guns were all pointing obliquely towards Nangong Mountain in the distance.

Each gun muzzle has been finely adjusted to ensure that the shells can accurately fall into Nangong Mountain after firing.

In fact, such a large goal does not require any careful adjustments.

Any gunner who has received a certain level of training can hit the target accurately!

It is not difficult to imagine an artillery array of this scale: as soon as the order is given, a rain of shells will fall directly on Nangong Mountain!
Qing Deng stood on the hillside of Songwei Mountain, gazing at Nangong Mountain in the distance, and occasionally looking down at the pocket watch in his hand.

Abe Juro stood beside him, waiting quietly.

Soon... the hour hand of the pocket watch pointed to "8" and the minute hand pointed to "12"...

Looking at the time displayed on the pocket watch, Qing Deng silently closed the watch cover, then turned his head and signaled Abe Juro with his eyes.

This was the look Abe Juro had been waiting for for a long time... He immediately stood up straight and raised the flag in his hand high -

"fire!"

The next moment, a deafening roar dominated the entire Songwei Mountain!
Boom! ...

The artillery roared, shaking the entire mountain!

One by one, balls of light that were difficult to distinguish with the naked eye rose high up, drew beautiful parabolas in the air, and slammed heavily into Nangong Mountain!
Almost at the same time when Mt. Matsuo roared, Mt. Sasao to the north also erupted with an equally powerful roar!
The artillery array on Sasawei Mountain is showing its power!

Countless balls of light poured down from two directions like raindrops!

In just a moment, waves of flames bloomed on Nangong Mountain! The flames jumped up like a fountain!
The trees disappeared.

The stone shattered.

They were smashed, crushed, and torn to pieces by the shells!

"Bombs! Give me the shells!"

"Run! Everyone, run! Bring me the shells!"

"The rain of artillery fire cannot stop!"

Whether at the artillery position on Sasao Mountain or at the artillery position on Matsuo Mountain, the soldiers of the 11th Division were busy as hell.

The person in charge of firing the cannon kept firing the cannon.

The people in charge of transporting the shells carried them without touching the ground.

Qing Deng watched all this coldly, allowing Nangong Mountain to be engulfed by rain of bullets and sea of ​​flames.

This continuous and unrelenting rain of artillery fire seemed like a signal: it symbolized the official start of a war that had attracted worldwide attention!
In the first year of Genji (1864), the Second Battle of Sekigahara began!
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