Chapter 836 Otakemaru that kills Prajna instantly!5000
Changzhou, Matsushita Village School——
Looking up, I saw a lifeless atmosphere, with a dark atmosphere everywhere.
I think back then, this place was where Yoshida Shoin taught.
Takasugi Shinsaku, Hisasaka Genzui, Katsura Kogoro, Yoshida Minoru... these famous figures today were all students of this village school.
After the "Ansei Prison" incident involving Naoki Ii, Yoshida Shoin was arrested and beheaded due to his numerous criminal records.
With the death of Yoshida Shoin, the former classmates of Matsushita Village School gradually fell apart due to different beliefs.
Over time, this village school, which used to be extremely lively, gradually became deserted.
Although it still looks like it did before, it is no longer popular and looks like a haunted house.
Only very occasionally, the students who studied together under this roof would return here to reminisce about old times, or... quarrel.
At this moment, bursts of melodious music came from the village school.
Shinsaku Takasugi held the shamisen in his arms, crossed his legs, closed his eyes, and played music casually.
Opposite him was Katsura Kogoro, who was sitting upright.
Katsura Kogoro had a straight face and an unkind expression.
He stared straight at Takasugi Shinsaku and squeezed out words from between his teeth:
"Mr. Takasugi, why didn't you say a word just now?"
Let’s discuss the matter of the Eastern Expedition—this happened an hour ago.
Although he was weak alone, Katsura Kogoro still fought hard to prevent the war from happening.
His point of view is very clear: even if there is a final battle with the Samu faction, it will never be now!
No matter which angle you look at it, you don't have the conditions for a decisive battle with the Samu faction now.
Changzhou still bears the reputation of being an "enemy of the DPRK".
To attack the Samu sect in Changzhou, you can only make up your own reasons.
As for the Samu faction's attack on Changshu, they don't need to spend so much effort. They only need to use the banner of "Crunt against the Korean Enemies".
As soon as the banner of "Crunt against the Korean Enemies" is raised, many big names will definitely gather to respond.
Although most of them only work but do not contribute much, they still have the courage to send some troops to build up their momentum and show their loyalty, and they are still very big.
The Samu faction has a moral advantage - this alone is enough to make Changshu unable to resist.
Katsura Kogoro almost knelt on the ground and begged Kusaka Genrui.
But despite this, Kusaka Genrui remained unmoved and resolutely issued the order to "issue a mobilization order and prepare for the Eastern Expedition".
"That's it, Marquis." Maori Qingqin was as opinionated as ever. He would agree to whatever the minister said and would carry out the spoils to the extreme.
At this point, the decision has been made - march eastward to the capital and conquer Qin Huisa!
Those who advocated the "Eastern Expedition", "annihilation of Qin Huisa", and "Heaven punished Ju Qingdeng" were all happy and excited.
The battle hasn't started yet, but everyone seems to be returning home in triumph.
On the other hand, Katsura Kogoro seemed to have lost his soul.
He froze in place with an expressionless face.
Even though the meeting was over and Maori celebrated his marriage, Kusaka Genrui and others had all left, he still sat there motionless.
Just when Takasugi Shinsaku was about to leave, he finally made a move.
He quickly approached Takasugi Shinsaku, who had said nothing during the meeting, and coldly said: Come to Matsushita Village School!
In this way, the current scene of "the two met at the Matsushita Village Private School" came into being.
"Takasugi-kun, I really don't understand you!"
Katsura Kogoro became more and more excited as he talked.
He raised his upper body, supported the tatami with his arms, and leaned his head forward, his breath almost blowing into the other person's face.
"Takasugi-kun, if you had expressed your stance just now, you might have been able to dissuade Kusaka-kun!"
At the same time that Katsura Kogoro finished speaking, the music stopped.
Takasugi Shinsaku stopped playing, raised his eyes, and looked at each other.
His eyes were half contemptuous and half self-deprecating.
"'Dissuade Hisaka-kun'? Me?"
"Guiyo, you think too highly of me, and you underestimate Kusaka too much."
"Kusaka and I have broken up a long time ago."
"No matter how deep our friendship was before, it can't change the fact that he and I now hate each other."
"If I had spoken out just now, I am afraid that not only would I not have been able to dissuade Kusaka, but it would have further deepened the conflict and worsened the situation."
"What's more, I'm not a very eloquent person. I don't have the smooth tongue to convince Kusaka."
"Kusaka is not the kind of person who easily changes his mind and will based on a few words from others."
"To put it bluntly, Kusaka is possessed by a demon."
"Is there any way you can persuade a gambler who has gone too far to stop gambling and stop gambling in time?"
"Even if Kusaka wants to play at the gambling table, Kurishima Matabei, Maki Yasuomi and others behind him will not let him do so!"
After saying these words in one breath like a machine gun, Takasugi Shinsaku took several deep breaths, and his cheeks were filled with excitement.
Katsura Kogoro pursed his lips hard.
He seemed to want to say something to refute the other party.
The mouth can be opened several times and closed several times.
It is not difficult to see that he is at a loss for words... Even if he wants to refute the other party, he cannot think of suitable words.
Before he could say anything, Takasugi Shinsaku continued quietly:
"Gui, now that things have come to this, I will open the skylight and speak frankly."
"Honestly, I think the 'Eastern Expedition' is not entirely a bad thing."
"You should also know the proverb from Tang Dynasty - 'A blessing in disguise is a blessing in disguise'."
"'Blessing' and 'misfortune' are twins."
"It seems to be a 'disaster', but maybe it is a 'happiness'."
Speaking of this, Takasugi Shinsaku lowered his head slightly.
A dark shadow cleverly hides his face, making it difficult for people to see the changes in his expression.
"The radical elements led by Kusaka have taken control of the feudal kingdom."
"Today's Changzhou seems to have fallen into a situation of 'no destruction, no establishment'."
"The time is not yet ripe, and it is far from the time to have a decisive battle with the Samu faction."
"If we rush to the east now, we will most likely be beaten and lose our armor."
"Although there will be heavy casualties, but... in this way, Kusaka and the others may be able to wake up completely."
"In this way, Changzhou can be reborn! Get rid of the current crazy and unethical situation!"
"Or, to put it more directly...if Kusaka and the others are all killed in this Eastern Expedition, it will have the same effect!"
"Maybe the effect will be even better!"
Before Takasugi Shinsaku finished speaking, Katsura Kogoro's eyes widened.
His eyes were as wide as copper bells, and his two eyeballs seemed ready to fall out of their sockets at any time.
His mouth was slightly open, his face was pale, and his face was full of disbelief - he couldn't believe that these words came from his classmate!
Before Takasugi Shinsaku finished speaking, Katsura Kogoro jumped out, pounced on the opponent, grabbed his clothes, and pushed him to the ground.
With a thud, Takasugi Shinsaku's back came into close contact with the tatami, and the shamisen in his hand was released and rolled to the side.
"Takasugi Shinsaku! Are you crazy?!"
Katsura Kogoro raised his eyebrows and called him by his name, his expression dominated by strong excitement and anger.
"Why can you say this so lightly?!"
"Isn't Kusaka our companion?!"
"He is not only our companion in advancing and retreating together, but also a former classmate!"
"Have you forgotten the time when we studied under Mr. Yoshida together?!"
"Are you going to watch him die?!"
"We studied knowledge and practiced swordsmanship together back then. Is it just for the fights we have now?!"
Katsura Kogoro's voice gradually became higher.
At the end of the sentence, he almost shouted.
Takasugi Shinsaku, who was pinned down, looked at Katsura Kogoro coldly, without even moving his brows.
After Katsura Kogoro finished speaking, he said calmly:
"Gui, you speak beautifully..."
"Then tell me, is there any way to get Changshu out of its current predicament while preserving the friendship between classmates and the lives of Kusaka and the others?!"
Just this question made Katsura Kogoro seem to be choked.
Takasugi Shinsaku’s words continued:
"Also, stop talking about classmates who are different from each other!"
"You regard Kusaka Genrui and Yoshida Minoru as classmates, do they take you seriously?!"
"I don't need to go into details about how they treated you that night at Ikedaya, right?"
As soon as these words came out, Katsura Kogoro's expression changed several times.
Shortly after escaping from Ikedaya and returning to Choshu, Katsura Kogoro learned all the truth.
It turns out that all this was a trap carefully set up for him by Miyabe Daizo, Yoshida Minoru and others.
He was deliberately tricked into coming to Ikedaya for a meeting in order to hold him back and buy time for "burning Kyoto and kidnapping the emperor."
If the Shinsengumi hadn't arrived in time and crushed their conspiracy, a human tragedy would have happened under Katsura Kogoro's nose.
Whenever he thinks of this, Katsura Kogoro can't help but feel grateful to the Shinsengumi.
Whether or not Kusaka Genrui was involved in this conspiracy... is hard to say.
After learning the truth, Katsura Kogoro didn't say a word. He just locked himself in the room and didn't come out for a long time...
Seeing the change in Katsura Kogoro's expression, Takasugi Shinsaku had a look of unbearable expression on his face.
After a few seconds of silence, he gritted his teeth and continued:
"Gui, I don't want to say things too harshly...but you'd better wake up!"
"Teacher Shoin is dead!"
"This village school has been abandoned!"
"Kusaka has parted ways with us!"
"The time when my former classmates were studying will never come back!"
After Takasugi Shinsaku finished his roar, an audible silence suddenly fell between the two of them.
"..."
Katsura Kogoro said nothing, only lowered his head silently, with his head hanging on his chest.
About 10 seconds later, he silently let go of Takasugi Shinsaku's shirt, stood up, and turned around to leave without saying a word.
Takasugi Shinsaku was arranging the messed up clothes while looking coldly at Katsura Kogoro who was walking out of the school.
Just when his figure was about to disappear from his sight, a low, lost voice came faintly:
"... After working on it for a long time, it turns out that I am the only one who still remembers the friendship we had as classmates..."
After leaving these words, Katsura Kogoro quickened his pace slightly.
His limp and feeble steps... seemed to be floating.
The sound of gold and iron hitting each other is endless.
The criss-crossing slashes cut off the mountain wind.
Prajna holds the knife in his hand and scans his eyes left and right.
He saw two figures moving at high speed around him, either advancing forward or making deceptive moves.
These two people are none other than Master Haifang and Su Nuo!
Prajna snorted coldly and took the initiative.
In a blink of an eye, the three of them were fighting together.
Umibozu swung the Odachi sword in his hand and struck Hannya's head with a slash - Hannya raised his sword to block and bounce it away.
Su Nuo stretched out his arms, and the two swords cut out streaks of silver light in mid-air, weaving a large silver net - Prajna shattered this "silver net" with just one blow.
As soon as he said it, he lowered his upper body and rushed towards Umibozu like a whirlwind.
Master Umibo subconsciously raised the Odachi sword in his hand and struck it with all his strength, trying to force Hannya back.
Unexpectedly, Prajna advanced instead of retreating. Just when the blade was about to hit his Heavenly Spirit Cap, he nimbly twisted his body, no more, no less, to dodge, and then continued forward, approaching Umibozu in one breath.
.
He raised his right arm with his left hand, raised the tip of his left elbow, aimed at Umibozu's belly, and gave him a sharp elbow.
The "elbow strike" is one of the most brutal and powerful attacks that the human body can use.
Therefore, Umibozu, who took this blow, immediately screamed in pain, his legs went weak, and his body bent like a shrimp.
In order to make himself feel better, he had to turn over and lie on his side.
After dealing with Master Umibo, Hannya immediately turned around and pounced on Su Nuo not far away without stopping.
Su Nuo lowered his face, raised his two swords like a mantis, and took a stance.
Prajna waved his hand, and the blade drew a thrilling arc in mid-air and swept diagonally towards Su Nuo.
The blade seemed to hit Su Nuo's body, but in fact it only hit his afterimage - the opponent used exquisite footwork to duck to the side and rear of Prajna and launched a fierce attack.
Prajna calmly launched the attack.
The four rapidly sliding feet stirred up clouds of smoke and dust.
In the smoke and dust, the lights and shadows of swords are both dazzling and overwhelming.
After a while, the smoke gradually dispersed - and at the same time, the sound of fighting stopped.
After all the smoke and dust dispersed, they saw Su Nuo lying on the ground in a large shape, and his two swords flew into the air and fell into the distance.
Prajna stood upright, holding a knife in one hand, with the tip of the knife tilted towards his fingertips and his throat.
As long as he is willing, he can take his life immediately by just pushing the knife forward slightly.
"Surrender! Surrender!"
Su Nuo looked helpless and raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.
Seeing that the opponent had raised his hands to surrender, Prajna shook the knife habitually, shook off the non-existent blood on the knife, and then sheathed the knife.
At this time, suddenly, a clear male voice came from behind Prajna:
“Wonderful! Wonderful!”
Accompanied by cheers, applause and footsteps.
Hannya turned around and looked at him expressionlessly - Shuten Doji clapped his hands and took long strides towards him.
"Prajna, I haven't seen you for a while, but you have become stronger again!"
Faced with Shuten Doji's compliments, Prajna showed neither sadness nor joy on his face, and was unmoved. He didn't even say a word in response.
Shuten Doji seemed to be used to Hannya's indifference. After a brief compliment, he put his hands behind his back and said unhurriedly:
"Prajna, life is here again, go and get ready."
Prajna suddenly frowned slightly.
"What do you want me to do again?"
"As usual, go work as a bodyguard for Katsura Kogoro."
"Ah? Why do you want to be that guy's bodyguard again? Where is that guy going this time?"
"Changshu decided to launch an eastward expedition, attack the capital, and fight to the death with Qin Huisa. Katsura Kogoro is preparing to follow Kusaka Genrui and others to the east."
As soon as these words came out, everyone present changed their expressions.
Master Umibo raised an eyebrow:
"Eastern March? Isn't this too reckless?"
Su Nuo took over the conversation:
"Nowadays, Changzhou has no advantage against the Samu faction. If we rush to attack Gyeonggi, it will be a disaster."
Shuten Doji shrugged:
"For Changzhou, this Eastern Expedition is indeed a disaster. But for us, this is not a bad thing."
Umibozu and Su Nuo looked directly at Shuten Doji - their meaning was very obvious, urging Shuten Doji to continue talking and explain in detail what this "good thing" meant.
After Shuten Doji sorted out his words for a moment, he slowly said:
"The radical elements headed by Hisaka Genzui firmly controlled the feudal government of Choshu."
"They are just a bunch of lunatics who cannot understand human speech. There is absolutely no value in cooperating with them."
"Therefore, I have high hopes for Choshu's Eastern Expedition - if Kusaka Genrui and others can suffer all casualties in this Eastern Expedition, that would be great."
Speaking of this, Shuten Boyzi curled up his lips.
"In this way, we can take advantage of the situation and push Katsura Kogoro to the position, making him the actual leader of Choshu in one fell swoop."
"In this way, this will be a great benefit to our next 'plan'."
"To sum up, Katsura Kogoro is very important. Anyone in Changshu can die, but he cannot make any mistakes."
"So, Prajna, I'll trouble you to make another trip."
As soon as Shuten Dozi finished speaking, Prajna spat vigorously.
"Can't you change me to someone else? I can't get along with that guy. He's too old-fashioned. I like people who are more casual. Frankly speaking, I really don't want to be his bodyguard anymore."
Shuten Doji seemed to have expected Hannya's rejection.
He smiled slightly and put on a meaningful tone:
"Then, in order to revive your lack of motivation, I will give you a small reward - after that, I will ask Otakemaru to compete with you again."
When Prajna heard this, his eyes suddenly lit up.
"Is this true?"
Shuten Doji nodded.
"really."
"He won't hold back?"
"I'll let him try his best without killing you."
Having said this, Shuten Doji paused for a moment, and then changed into a half-joking, half-serious tone.
"But... I'll start with my ugly words. Although you are much stronger than when you first joined us, you are still no match for Otakemaru."
"If you were to face Otakemaru now... let me think about it... you might still be killed instantly by him!"
*******
*******
Please give me a monthly vote! Please give me a recommendation vote! (Leopard Head Crying.jpg) Book friends who have monthly votes on hand, please be sure to vote for this book! (Leopard Head Crying.jpg)
PS: This volume is relatively short. The main contents are only the "Ikedaya Incident" and the subsequent "Forbidden Gate Incident". After the "Forbidden Gate Incident" is over, it will be time to enter the next volume. If nothing else, it should be
