The next day——
Wenjiu three years (1863), January 4——
Edo, Zhenfu Army Recruitment Venue——
Compared with yesterday, the crowd gathered around the venue today was obviously much smaller.
Firstly, it was due to the sudden drop in visitors.
Many people who heard the news and came to join in the fun had already had enough fun yesterday, so they had no interest in coming again today.
Secondly, the news spread that "the Zhenfu Army's recruitment standards are extremely strict", which had an excellent effect in dissuading them from retreating.
A large number of applicants and those who were preparing to sign up sadly withdrew because they thought they had no chance of being selected.
However, even so, there are still two to three hundred applicants today.
Qingdeng stood majestically on the high platform just like yesterday, fighting with every applicant.
On a normal day, the battle between Qingdeng and the applicants is so boring that it makes people want to sleep - what is the fun of this kind of "instantly killing and being instantly killed" battle?
Since the conscription ceremony began today, there has not yet been a person who can survive two rounds under Qingden Sword.
It didn't take long for the extremely boring battle process to persuade many spectators to leave.
However, suddenly, a sudden change occurred.
Just as another applicant who had been judged "unqualified" by Qingdeng walked down the platform with a sad face, and the officer in charge of calling names opened a new page in the thick book in his hand, he suddenly froze and his expression changed.
Get weird.
It took him a while to finally adjust his emotions. He took a deep breath and said loudly with a tone of surprise:
"Next! Chi-Chiba Sanako!"
In an instant, the bored expressions of the spectators in the audience disappeared instantly.
Instead, there was a look of disbelief.
There was a low uproar in some places.
Immediately afterwards, the noise and restlessness spread quickly.
Some people who didn't hear clearly the name called by the officer just now were also affected and raised their heads and looked at the high platform.
Then, a graceful and graceful silhouette was reflected in their eyes.
With her hair tied into a high ponytail, neat kendo uniform, and dressed as a "female warrior", Sanako strode onto the high platform with a wooden naginata in hand.
Suddenly, people were talking inside and outside the venue.
"Is she Chiba Sanako?"
"So beautiful..."
"Compared to her, Yoshiwara's courtesans are just mediocre!"
"Okay, stop going in love with her! Don't you know? Chiba Sanako is Nioh's woman!"
"Of course I know. I'm not destined to have a kiss with Fangze, so why aren't I allowed to look at her twice?"
"Even women can join the Suppressing Army..."
"Look at what you said. In terms of personal strength, Chiba Sanako is stronger than most men!"
…
Under the gaze of all kinds of eyes, Sanako stood calmly opposite Qingto.
Looking at the heroic beauty, a half-smile appeared on Qingdeng's cheeks.
"Sanako, what do Mr. Sadayoshi and others say about your decision?"
Sanako smiled.
"You'll know it when you see it."
After saying that, she turned her head sideways and raised her chin towards somewhere under the stage.
Qingden looked in the direction indicated by Sanako.
With the superior eyesight given by his talent "Fire Eyes + 5", he immediately found several familiar faces.
I saw the "Chiba Family" gathered together.
Chiba Sadayoshi, Chiba Jutaro, Chiba Michizaburo, Chiba Tamonshiro - these four "Chiba" stood in a row, and swish towards the high platform...or rather, they cast helpless expressions towards Sanako.
Depressed eyes.
A picture is worth a thousand words…
Just by looking at their expressions, Qingto could imagine how "busy" the Little Chiba Sword Hall was last night.
Let’s leave aside the open-minded Chiba Sadayoshi.
Chiba Jutaro, who would rather endure hardship himself than see his sister suffer, who is like the embodiment of the word "sister control", is definitely opposed to Sanako going to the dangerous Kyoto.
However, no matter how much they objected, it was useless.
Sanako's character... is persistent at best, and stubborn at worst!
Once she has made up her mind, even if her family and lovers try to persuade her or threaten her, her belief will not be shaken.
"I've arrived as promised. You won't regret it temporarily and won't allow me to join the Suppressing Army, right?"
"How is that possible?"
Qingdeng shrugged and smiled:
"There is no reason to take back what I said personally. Come on!"
The bamboo sword raised in the middle pointed diagonally at Sanako's eyebrows.
The corners of Sanako's mouth quirked up quietly, and Hao turned his wrist, holding the sword in front of him, assuming a fighting posture.
"Beichen Yidao Style"
"Chiba Sanako!"
The battle between Ayoto and Sanako is nothing worth mentioning.
As early as 2 years ago, Sanako was no longer Qingto's opponent.
Up to now, the strength of one side is "making rapid progress", while the strength of the other side is "stagnating"... The victory or defeat between them is even more disparate.
However, despite this, Qingto could clearly feel that Sanako's moves had become much thicker.
This is the best proof that Sanako does not want to rest on his laurels, strives for excellence, and constantly challenges himself.
Although Sanako's skills are far inferior to Aoto's.
But for ordinary people, the heroic posture she showed at this moment was really jaw-dropping.
The shadow of the knife is too fast to be seen clearly.
Simple and beautiful moves.
Even though they are far apart, the sound of breaking wind can be heard clearly.
All the above... make people dazzled and dumbfounded.
Those who had just questioned "Can even women join the Suppressing Army?" were all silent now.
As for those who just cast lewd glances at Sanako and harbored evil thoughts, their faces turned pale now and they lowered their heads, not daring to show any disrespect to Sanako anymore.
Qingdeng did not hold back.
If he shows mercy out of consideration for each other's friendship, it will definitely offend Sanako, who has a very high self-esteem.
Therefore, as soon as the battle began, Qingden attacked with all his strength.
Sanako had to go through 15 rounds under Aoto's sword before losing.
To be fair, this result is quite good.
Excluding Kamo Serizawa who went out of her way to "torture" her opponent repeatedly, Sanako is by far the applicant who has stayed on the high platform the longest.
"You are qualified. Go there to register your personal information."
To be continued...