Tokugawa Iemochi very much wanted to maintain the status quo in his heart and did not want to take risks.

But he was not that kind of timid and incompetent Conquer Barbarian General with a short-sighted view. He clearly understood that his desire to maintain the status quo was just a wishful weakness.

From inside to outside, how many people harbored such thoughts?

Everyone wanted change.

Their thoughts would ultimately force him to make a choice.

But by that point, would his choice still be meaningful?

Tokugawa Iemochi did not want to find himself without even the power to choose. He wanted to take advantage of having power in his hands to attempt to struggle and fight.

Just cutting off the Emperor's bloodline, if exposed, the political risk would be too great, causing Tokugawa Iemochi to feel worried again while waiting for his trusted aides.

He pondered.

If the world were peaceful, the Conquer Barbarian General would only see submission and devotion, and his actions would naturally be gentle.

At present, the world is unstable, and the line between loyalty and betrayal is often a fleeting thought.

If he cannot betray others first, then he will definitely be betrayed by others.

The Emperor now is willing to support the union of the court and the military, but what about the future?

Under the persuasion of others below, the Emperor might change his mind.

So he must secure his retreat before Emperor Komei changes his mind.

If the union of the court and the military cannot proceed, then the Shogunate's supremacy shall continue.

Tokugawa Iemochi quietly clenched his fists, thinking that Aozawa's proposed method was excellent.

Although he wasn't that trusting of this person of unknown origin in his heart.

But still, as they say, with spoken words and his loyal confidants accompanying, there is no evidence proving anything substantial.

In the future, if things fail or betrayal occurs, there is no worry about implicating himself.

His trusted aide soon arrived here.

The man also had a chonmage hairstyle, wearing a light blue kimono, with a katana at his waist.

His stature was not as tall as Tokugawa Iemochi, only 165 cm.

His neck was very thick, and he had bow legs, yet he didn't give a comical impression.

There was a fierce and predatory air about him between glances.

"This is Ono Toshishi; his family has served the Tokugawa clan for generations with absolute loyalty."

Tokugawa Iemochi simply introduced, then sternly said: "This is Aozawa, you will accompany him to Kyoto, meet Matsudaira Katamori together, and inform him."

Before he could finish, Aozawa interrupted: "I have heard of the rural samurai organization known as the New Shinsengumi in Kyoto, they could be utilized, let them cooperate with me."

"Good."

To Tokugawa Iemochi, the New Shinsengumi was not particularly memorable; before the Ikedaya incident, they were just a minor security squad under the Shogunate's banner.

Even though the name New Shinsengumi was granted by the Shogunate.

But Tokugawa Iemochi still didn't remember; those he had commended were not over a thousand, at least over eight hundred.

If he were to remember each one, Tokugawa Iemochi wasn't that idle.

Ono Toshishi's face changed dramatically, with murderous intent in his eyes, "Insolent man!"

His hand gripped the hilt, wanting to punish this audacious man who interrupted the Conquer Barbarian General.

The saying goes, humiliation of the lord means death to the subject!

As a samurai, how could he sit and watch his lord being insulted in front of him?

"Impudent!"

Tokugawa Iemochi shouted angrily, sternly saying: "Aozawa-san is my esteemed guest, you must treat him with the same respect as you would treat me.

After reaching Kyoto, follow his orders in everything, do not slack off, and do not question any reasons."

In his view, the matter of assassinating the Emperor ought to be of the highest level of secrecy, known by as few as possible.

"Yes."

Ono Toshishi's right hand left the hilt, and his expression became respectful again.

The contrast seems dramatic, but in fact, it isn't at all; it fully reflects the distorted loyalty of samurai to their lord, known as Bushido.

Aozawa looked down on such blind loyalty. The shadows under his feet suddenly spread, dragging Ono Toshishi and him into the Shadow World, descending at a slow pace.

Mainly because he wanted to reassure Tokugawa Iemochi a bit, saying: "Rest assured and wait for the news from Ikedaya, our true action time is next month."

"Thank you, sir."

With full respect, Tokugawa Iemochi watched Aozawa sink into the ground, the shadows retreating rapidly, and soon disappearing.

The ground revealed traces of light.

Tokugawa Iemochi took a deep breath, then walked to the window, opened it, and a gust of night wind hit his face from outside, as he watched the silent night and the lights rising from Edo Castle.

This was his kingdom!

Tokugawa Iemochi clutched the window frame; his heart was also beating with anxiety over this gamble.

Thinking that Aozawa is untrustworthy at times, yet at other times, realizing that, after all, it's a matter of life or death, why not risk it?

If Aozawa truly intended to harm him, he could easily kill him, and no one could stop it.

Take the gamble!

Tokugawa Iemochi let out a heavy breath, looking up to the sky; tonight was not a good night, the moon was not visible, which seemed to be a bad omen.

Making him feel deeply restless.

...

Ono Toshishi fell into the Shadow World.

He couldn't see left, right, front, or back. Even with the samurai's cold-blooded nature, he couldn't help but feel a little anxious, only able to clutch his sword.

He had heard of the abilities of the Demon Warrior, but never thought there would be such a Demon Warrior.

After a brief moment of vigilance, he heard Aozawa's voice: "We've arrived, let's go up."

"What?!"

Ono Toshishi's face involuntarily showed astonishment. From Edo to Kyoto, the nearest route required over four hundred kilometers.

Yet falling into the shadow, it seemed less than a cup of tea's time had passed, they had already gone from Edo to Kyoto?!

When did Demon Warriors become so powerful?

While Ono Toshishi was astounded, his body was manipulated by Aozawa, rising from the shadow.

The first thing he did was look around, no lights were lit.