If the Shogunate really collapses, he won't have a good end.

He strode out of the hall, seeing flames soaring in the far distance.

Great!

Tokugawa Yoshinobu was pleased that the Choshu Domain people set the fires, the bigger the pandemonium.

By resisting the rebel forces, he would also gain the trust of Emperor Komei and inevitably receive accolades from the Imperial Court.

More importantly, the Imperial Court will certainly not spare the wrongdoers in the aftermath.

The Conquer Barbarian General wanted to subdue the Choshu, but has hesitated for a long time!

He only needed to express his desire to subdue the Choshu in advance, earning the Shogunate's appreciated Conquer Barbarian General's favor, easing their relationship.

Two birds with one stone!

...

The fire borrowed the force of the wind, coupled with the scorching weather and wooden houses, transformed into a conflagration that swept over the ancient capital within less than a moment.

Thick smoke billowed, and there were panic-stricken people running everywhere. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

There were also greedy people who, at this critical moment, chose to loot and rob, seeking to profit from the chaos.

Yukimura Tsuruko saw someone openly wielding a knife committing murder.

"Help!"

A woman cradling a child cried out for rescue.

Only her husband had already fallen in a pool of blood, and at this moment, who would come to save her?

The face of the murderous thug looked ferocious in the firelight.

Yukimura Tsuruko's steps halted slightly, twisted, and charged forward.

A flicker of black demonic energy passed across her cheek, and the bright blade immediately severed the man's head, spraying blood onto the door, extinguishing part of the burning flames.

"Run!"

She left only this one sentence, then quickly caught up with the Shinsengumi.

Hijikata Toshizo frowned and scolded: "Yukimura! Now is not the time to worry about them, we must quickly get to the Imperial Residence to ensure His Majesty the Emperor's safety!"

"Sorry."

Yukimura Tsuruko weakly replied, her eyes lowering.

She listened to the chaotic cries for help around her, feeling as if a knife had pierced her heart.

In the distance, flames soared, and black smoke billowed and scattered.

Seeing this scene, she glanced around, and a thought involuntarily rose in her heart.

There are many people wanting to protect Emperor Komei inside the Imperial Residence.

But outside, only the Shinsengumi can be relied on.

Is it necessary for them to abandon the vicinity and rush into the Imperial Residence to protect Emperor Komei?

The recruits suddenly stopped their rapid steps.

Yukimura Tsuruko nearly crashed into Hijikata Toshizo's back, she raised her head, and a young boy stood calmly in the middle of the street where black smoke drifted.

He seemed out of place with the panic-stricken crowd around him, as though he existed in a calm, stable space of his own.

"Lord Aozawa."

With a face full of respect, Kondo Isami stepped forward and asked, "Now His Majesty the Emperor is under attack, what should we do?"

The Choshu Domain's aggression was too sudden, and Matsudaira Katamori dispatched orders to protect the Imperial Residence's safety.

But before this, the Conquer Barbarian General had given the command of the Shinsengumi to Aozawa.

Prior to Aozawa's arrival, Kondo Isami naturally could follow Matsudaira Katamori's orders to act.

With Aozawa's appearance, everything must follow Aozawa's command.

Between the Conquer Barbarian General and Matsudaira Katamori, who holds greater power?

Kondo Isami knows in his heart.

He persisted in standing on the side of the Shogunate's Conquer Barbarian General.

Satisfied, Aozawa nodded and said, "You don't need to worry about the Emperor.

The task of the Shinsengumi is to maintain Kyoto's order.

Now that Kyoto is in chaos, the populace is immersed in terror.

Your job is to assist Kyoto's population in evacuation, let them escape from Kyoto, do not remain.

This fire is feared to turn Kyoto into a scorched earth."

This is no longer a mere hint, but edging closer to a clear indication.

Kondo Isami's face changed several times, his eyes showing a hint of fear.

Perhaps he's overthinking, but everything happening now, when combined with Aozawa's words before he disappeared.

Is there really no connection between the two?

He couldn't help but gather his courage and asked, "Lord, what is the situation right now?"

"Kijima Heisuke of the Choshu Domain rebelled, set fire to Kyoto, no need to worry.

With the Imperial Court's military power, the rebellion will surely be subdued, ensuring the safety of the Emperor's family."

"Yes."

Kondo Isami said nothing, obediently nodding, then turned to his surroundings and said, "Hurry and evacuate the nearby crowd."

Yukimura Tsuruko couldn't help but step forward and asked, "Lord Aozawa, was the Choshu Domain's action within the Shogunate's expectations?"

"Yukimura Tsuruko!"

Hijikata Toshizo's face showed surprise and anger.

He truly didn't expect Yukimura Tsuruko to dare to ask such a confidential matter.

This secret's weight has already surpassed the Shinsengumi!

Aozawa glanced at Yukimura Tsuruko, he didn't give a direct answer, leisurely saying, "Yukimura, remember, across the world, there's no one who can't be killed.

You should do what you ought to do, don't bother with anything else."

With those words, Aozawa disappeared from there.

The Shinsengumi recruits only felt a chill in their hearts.

Even the dullest of recruits understood, they feared being drawn into an unimaginable conspiracy.

This fire probably was anticipated by the Shogunate long ago, it might even have been the Shogunate who silently assisted the firestarter!

If not, how could the fire have spread so fiercely?

Hijikata Toshizo coldly glared at Yukimura Tsuruko, growling low, "We were almost killed because of you!"

"Sorry."

Yukimura Tsuruko bowed, feeling that Aozawa's words weren't threatening the Shinsengumi, seeming to express another meaning.

The person wanting to be killed wasn't the Shinsengumi, then who could it be?

"Yukimura! We'll deal with you later!"

Kondo Isami interjected before Hijikata Toshizo could further express his anger, offering his own thoughts.

He internally didn't wish to punish Yukimura Tsuruko.

Because he believed Yukimura Tsuruko did excellently, asking the question he dared not ask.

"We mustn't hesitate, let's do what we're supposed to do, evacuate Kyoto's populace, save as many as possible."

Kyoto, feared, is finished."

Kondo Isami was certain.

Aozawa's statement about Kyoto burning out wasn't just a simple jest, it seemed more like a prophecy.

How many people will die as Kyoto turns to ashes? How many will be left homeless?

Presumably, neither the Conquer Barbarian General nor Aozawa cared.

And how much better could he be?

Kondo Isami's face showed a wry smile.

For one general to succeed, thousands of bones must dry up.