Qingdeng thought to himself with determination as he continued:

"Eijirou-kun, I knew you would definitely return to Edo after receiving my letter."

Chiba Eijiro responded with a half-joking reply:

"Faced with the letter of challenge written by King Ni, how can I ignore it?"

After saying that, he shook his shoulders and walked towards Qingdeng in a leisurely manner, with a light step like a traveler on a spring outing.

"It seems that you have defeated all the martial arts schools in Edo, including the martial arts school... If you defeat me again, you will be the nominal 'Edo Musou' and the new 'Edo Strongest'

."

"I have no interest in this kind of title. However, I would be extremely sorry if I could not compete with the current 'Edo Strongest' before leaving Edo."

Looking at the gradually approaching Chiba Eijiro, Aoto, Souji, Otani Seiichiro, Soda Kiyone, Oishi Susumu, etc., the facial expressions of a few people changed invariably.

Just when he was only three steps away from Qingden...

Choking!

In an instant, his right arm turned into a phantom and flicked out like a broken bowstring!

He pulled out the Zhenyue Changguang from his waist, and with a "whoosh" sound came the sound of the air being suddenly compressed. The light blue sword light cut through the atmosphere and attacked Qingdeng! The speed of the sword was so fast that it was breathtaking!

Almost at the same time as Chiba Eijiro drew his sword, Aomori also drew his saber.

Vairocana popped out of his sheath, and the brilliant purple sword light filled the sights of both warring parties.

Purple and blue - the blend of two lights.

clang!

The terrifying clang... can be heard from it: the two of them used a ruthless force that cannot be fooled by the word "joking".

The two opposing knives did not remain in a stalemate for a long time, but quickly staggered and then collided in the air again.

For a moment, swords and swords danced between the two people. Two rays of light, one purple and one blue, flickered non-stop.

Aoto and Eijiro Chiba were fighting fiercely, but most of the people around them looked dazed and unresponsive.

Comparing the two, there was a strange feeling that "only Aonto and Eijiro Chiba were cast with 'acceleration magic'" or "only the surrounding crowd was cast with 'deceleration magic'".

About 5 seconds later, they both retreated backwards, as if being bounced away, and their legs left four long marks on the ground.

"...Awesome, my hands are numb."

Chiba Eijiro lowered his head, glanced at his right wrist holding the sword, and then smiled at Aoto in front of him.

"Ji Jun, you have become much stronger."

Qingden smiles.

"To each other, the way you greet each other is really warm."

"You have to let me test it, right? If you can't even parry such a simple attack, then there is no need for you to start a duel with me."

"So, what are your test results?"

Chiba Eijiro grinned - his eyes and smile were filled with uncontrollable fighting spirit.

"When and where is the duel?"

"How about tomorrow?"

"I just want to fight you when you are in your prime. Let's postpone the fight a little longer. This way, you can get more adequate rest."

"The day after tomorrow then."

Chiba Eijiro nodded.

"As for the location..."

Before Aoto finished speaking, Chiba Eijiro took over the conversation:

"As for the location, I have a suggestion - if you choose a place like a dojo, it would be too boring. Choose a more exciting duel location!"

"What's your opinion?"

"Atago Mountain—it's a great place in winter. You and I can compete in the dense snow forest!"

Atago Mountain, located south of Edo Castle, is a winter snow viewing resort and is very popular among Edo citizens.

Qingdeng nodded vigorously without thinking.

"Okay! That's it! I'll be waiting for you at the top of Mount Atago at eight o'clock tomorrow morning (2 p.m.)!"

Chiba Eijiro returned the look with deep eyes.

"I'll wait for you halfway up the mountainside of Kendo!"

…

…

"Nioh" Tachibana Aoto and "Ge no Chiba" Chiba Eijiro will have a summit showdown at the top of Mount Atago the day after tomorrow - as soon as this news came out, it was like a stone that stirred up a thousand waves!

One side is the "strongest king" who has dominated the Edo martial arts world for many years, and the other side is the "strongest challenger" who has conquered all of Edo.

The actual "battle for the throne"...how can it not attract people's attention?

Both inside and outside Edo, "Aoto Fever" was set off again.

Teahouses, taverns, bathhouses, restaurants, dojos, schools...everywhere you can hear people discussing the upcoming "final battle on the top" enthusiastically.

You can imagine that when the day comes tomorrow, Mount Atago will be extremely lively and crowded with spectators coming to watch the battle.

Some vendors with a keen sense of smell have even begun to take action, preparing to set up stalls on Atago Mountain in the future to make a lot of money.

Qingdeng didn't care at all about the current external disturbances.

After all...he has to do a more important thing now.

A matter involving a man's dignity.

…

…

The next day, night——

Edo, Koishikawa Kohinata Yanagi Town, Imperial Guard Hall, General Secretary's room——

"Huh? Mr. Orange? Why are you here?"

While holding the door open, the Souji blinked his beautiful eyes and looked doubtfully at Qingden who was standing outside the door and suddenly arrived.

"Well...can you let me in first?"

As he spoke, Qingden showed a bright, harmless smile.

*******

*******

Please give me a monthly ticket! Please give me a recommendation vote! (Leopard Head Cries)

Before you know it, Volume 3 is already at Chapter 53~~ However, Aoto is still wandering around Edo and has not yet gone to Kyoto... But don't worry, everyone! After finishing fighting Eijiro Chiba, the "Kyoto Chapter" will officially begin!

When it comes to the "Kyoto Chapter", the traditional "swordsman duel" will become much less common. After all, Aoto's stage is no longer in the streets, and his opponents are no longer terrorists. A person of Yakuza's level

Enemy. Please look forward to the heroic appearance of Qingden, wielding the sword and standing up as an ox, riding a carrot to fight the national war~
Chapter completed!