Chapter 711 Return to Kyoto! Train the Eighth Prince to unite thousands of people!
4200】
No one is allowed to pass it on - this object is not only a symbol of strength, but also a proof of honor!
Obtaining the exemption means that you can officially start teaching and be able to stand on your own.
In the Japanese swordsmanship community, there is no specific model for assessing the level of each disciple, and each school uses different methods. Since ancient times, there have been no certain regulations.
However, generally speaking, "pass without permission" is definitely the highest level of permission certification!
The upgrade that is allowed does not depend on the time spent learning, but on one's mastery of the technique.
In other words, as long as your level is up to the level and your strength is sufficient, no matter your age or the time you started, you can be granted the title without permission!
Chief Secretary, Saito Ichi and others are typical examples.
When Saito was 16 years old, he received a no-disclosure letter.
The general secretary won this honor at an even younger age.
Strangely enough, Ayoto had never been able to obtain the exemption from the natural Rishin-ryu before.
The same is true for Hijikata Toshisan.
He started school earlier than Aoto, but Kondo Shusuke has not awarded him any dan certificate.
Ayoto has mastered every move and style of Natural Rishin-ryu.
When it comes to personal strength... to put it bluntly, Aoto's current strength is far superior to Kondo Shusuke!
Although Hijikata Toshizo's skills are not as good as Aoto's, he is still one of the highest combat powers in the Shoeikan.
Whether it is their mastery of the Natural Rishin-ryu or the development of their own strength, both of them have reached an extraordinary level.
To give a vivid example - their academic level has reached the level of being able to win the Nobel Prize, but as a result, their previous university has not awarded them diplomas.
Many people complained about the "injustice" suffered by the two men.
However, Ayoto and Hijikata Toshizo, who were involved, did not take it seriously.
In Qingdeng's view, the so-called "passing on everything without permission" is nothing more than a false reputation.
It is indeed gratifying to receive this honor.
However, its actual meaning... to put it harshly, is just that.
Once upon a time, Qingdeng also thought that it was quite a great thing to be granted exemption from Xu Jie Chuan.
But now, after experiencing many things, he suddenly discovered that leaving the dojo was just... standing at the starting line.
Qing Deng has experienced hundreds of battles and has seen countless opponents.
Swordsmen who have directory permission, or even permission to pass without permission, should have outstanding strength, but turn out to be a mess in actual combat... Qingteng has seen many such guys.
Ultimately, a sword is a murderous weapon, and swordsmanship is a killing technique.
A sword skill that is difficult to kill is just a useless skill.
A swordsman who cannot win is just a weak man.
In a nutshell - as long as you can win!
It doesn't matter whether you have those false names, whether you have been granted this license or that certificate.
In the world of martial arts, the power contained in the body and the sword in the hand are the only reality!
Therefore, Qingdeng completely looked away.
Instead of pursuing these false reputations, it is better to work hard and move forward in a down-to-earth manner! Continuously improve your strength!
To be honest, if Shusuke Kondo hadn't suddenly taken out this permit, Ayoto would have almost forgotten the fact that he had not yet obtained the exemption certificate.
Qingden turned the scroll over and looked at it.
"Master, can I open it?"
Kondo Shusuke nodded gently
After getting the other party's consent, Qingdeng grabbed both ends of the scroll and slowly unfolded it.
On the nearly 2-meter-long scroll, from right to left and from top to bottom, there are graceful calligraphy of dragons and phoenixes dancing.
The first thing that caught Ayoto's eyes were all the sword skills of Tennori Shinryu.
From the most basic Sword of the Preface, Sword of Oblique Sword, to the profound Sword of Yan Sword, Lion King Sword, and Wuming, we have them all.
Immediately following the "move list" is Kondo Shusuke's comments.
This apprentice is a disciple accepted by this dojo in January of the 7th year of Ansei (1860). This student has completed all the sword skills of Natural Rishin-ryu, meets the awarding standards of the Immortal All-inclusive Discipline, and is allowed to graduate. This is hereby certified - approximately
That's the content.
Finally, at the very end of the scroll, there is written the date when this certificate was issued, which was June 23, Bunkyu 3rd Year (1863), and the signature of the person who issued it...that is, Kondo Shusuke.
Of course, the full name of the recipient Qingteng is also indispensable - Ju Qingteng Shengqing.
At the end of Hijikata Tozo's scroll, his full name is written: Hijikata Tozo Yoshitoyo.
Very standard certificate content that is not required to be passed on.
Hijikata Toshizo flattened the scroll on the floor, looked at it roughly, and suddenly asked:
"Master, why is it so sudden? I thought I would never have the chance to receive the certificate of exemption from all transmissions in my life."
Qingto then raised his eyes and cast a confused look at Shusuke Kondo in front of him.
Kondo Shusuke crossed his arms in front of his chest and sighed silently.
"To be honest... I do have the idea of 'I will never grant you immunity in this life'."
"Jijun, Suisan, do you know why?"
They both shook their heads.
Kondo Shusuke continued:
"It's not that I'm deliberately suppressing you."
"You are my favorite disciples."
"I'm proud of you."
"But... 'Only those who are proficient in Natural Rishin-ryu can be awarded Natural Rishin-ryu' - this is the rule of this sect."
"But what about you two?"
Speaking of this, Kondo Shusuke narrowed his already slender eyes and stared straight at Hijikata Toshizo.
"Suisan, you...tell yourself, can your swordsmanship still be considered natural and rational?"
"You added a mess of wild tricks to the moves of this genre."
"Poke in the eyes, kick in the crotch, choke... in your hands, everything I have has changed!"
After Hijikata Suisan heard this, he immediately lowered his head with a guilty conscience and looked at his eyes, nose and heart.
Immediately afterwards, Kondo Shusuke turned his gaze and his eyes fell on Qingto.
"Jijun, you too. You and Suisan are evenly matched."
"Suisan is a wild kid who gets involved in street fighting."
"And you are adding moves from other schools."
"Beichen's one-sword style's opening and chopping gestures, the showman style's ape cry, the Shinto's Wu Nian style's heavy slashing... your swordsmanship is totally different!"
Aoto also looked away silently, just like Hijikata Toshizo.
Randomly changing the sect's moves - in the eyes of old-school martial arts masters, this is a very taboo thing.
Speaking of this, Kondo Shusuke sighed silently again.
"The swordsmanship between the two of you can no longer be regarded as natural Rishin-ryu."
"Therefore, there is naturally no reason to grant you the full exemption of the natural Rishin-ryu."
"However……"
His conversation changed.
"Recently, my mind has changed."
As he spoke, he turned his head and looked at the distant eastern sky.
His eyes seemed to be trying to penetrate all the obstacles and reach another distant world.
"The 'British Ship Attack' not long ago made me understand one thing deeply - when the Western Yi drove the black ship to attack, the only thing we and the swordsmen could do was to look at the ocean and sigh."
"It probably won't be long before the swords... and our swordsmen will completely lose their shelter..."
A bitter look gradually spread across his cheeks.
Although he tried his best to speak in a plain tone, both Aomori and Toshizo Hijikata could clearly feel that there was a strong sense of loneliness between his words...
The two of them couldn't help but pursed their lips, their expressions heavy.
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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