Chapter 574: 574

Chapter 574 Annie-ryu

Since Zhang Heng was dealing with Kirino Toshiaki, Okita Soki soon caught up with Takasugi and his gang . At the same time, only four samurai were now left beside Shinsaku Takasugi . It was true that there were numerous Tobaku Supporters in Kyoto, but none of them were reliable . So these four were the last armed personnel that Takasugi had for protection .

The Choshu Domain’s leading samurai harrumphed with conviction to Shinji Takeuchi, “Takeuchi, I will leave you now to protect the lord!”

Shinji Takeuchi gritted his teeth . “I don’t think it’s a good idea that we keep running . So let’s fight the common enemy together! He has endured a fierce battle . We might just be able to defeat him . ”

The leader shook his head . “The lord’s safety is our priority . If there’s no one to follow the litter, the group of bearers will definitely leave our lord behind!”

After hearing what the leader said, Takeuchi was speechless . In the end, he could only do what was asked of him . With him following the litter, those bearers had no choice but to continue carrying it .

But after taking a few steps, Takeuchi heard angry shouts of his allies behind him and the clash of weapons . At that time, he knew they had to be fighting the Shinsengumi kid named Okita Soki . He had been killing everyone that attempted to stop him tonight, and only one goal was in his mind-come what may, he had to send Shinsaku Takasugi to his maker tonight . Anyone who dared cross his path was an enemy .

Seeing how the three enemies from the opposing side were rushing forward, Okita did not retreat but charged at them instead . He swung his katana before the three encircled him, the sword landing on an enemy’s chest . However, the latter knew what Okita’s goal was . Not only did he not lose his combat effectiveness, but he became even more courageous .

The wounded man transformed into a wild maniac upon receiving Okita’s heavy blow, rushing towards Okita with his katana, swinging his wakizashi at the same time . “Shogunate bastard! Die!!!” His two allies also took the opportunity to attack Okita as well . Okita was extremely calm in the face of such peril, the corner of his eye-catching the trajectory of the three katana aiming at him . After that, he pulled off what was a precarious move .

He first let go of the Tachi that was stuck in the enemy’s body, then stepped half a step back to dodge the attack . Without hesitation, he charged at his enemies once again, reached out to his Tachi, swung it vigorously before his opponent’s wakizashi attacked him .

This time, he used his strength very well . Not only did his Tachi manage to cut into the enemy’s flesh, but he even cracked through a few ribs . However, there was a master samurai among the two remaining enemies . While Okita was dealing with another enemy, he stabbed him in his calf .

At this point in the battle, techniques were no longer that important anymore . Willpower and determination were the two factors that would determine the winner of this battle . The man with the knife in his chest was obviously expiring soon . He reached out and grabbed Okita Soki’s leg as he fell to the ground, trying to create an opening for his allies to kill Okita .

Presently, Okita seemed to have given up on defense . He bore the price of letting his enemy slash his left arm, rushing to stab the opponent in the throat before another enemy swung a katana at him . After that, he beheaded the man holding on to his thigh . Now, there was only one enemy left .

Okita Soki prepared himself for the final battle . The last remaining enemy was stunned by his overbearing aura, his hands trembling slightly as overwhelming fear engulfed him . Among the three enemies, this was the one with the least combat experience . After witnessing the tragic scene, he seemed to have lost all will to fight .

His allies had been ticked off one by one, causing him to lose his battle intent entirely . The strong pillar of faith in his heart was shaken to its core . Just as he hesitated, wondering if he should escape to save his life or uphold the samurai’s honor, Okita swung his katana and struck first . At that time, the winner had already been decided . Indecision was a big taboo in any battle .

Okita Soki effortlessly sent his enemy’s katana flying away . It was so easy, even he was surprised . He then swung his Tachi at the enemy for the second time, and that was when he heard the frail voice of the enemy begging for dear life . Unfortunately, the continuous onslaught of wonton violence and blood seemed to have invoked something evil buried deep within Okita Soki .

Ignoring his enemy’s pleas and cries to spare his life, Okita landed a lethal blow on his enemy with no respite . When that was done, he tended to the wound on his leg and quickly and went after the litter .

His blood-washed appearance made pedestrians scream, but General Manager Okita ignored the irrelevant guys . There was only one goal in his mind .

Soon after, Okita managed to catch up with the litter . Immediately, the bearers knelt and begged for mercy . Okita lifted the curtain with the tip of his katana, and lo and behold, discovered that no one inside . The Choshu Domain’s samurai were gone as well .

…

On the other side of the street, the battle between Zhang Heng and Kirino Toshiaki had reached its climax . To drain the enemy’s stamina more effectively, Kirino Toshiaki changed his previous valiant and fierce fighting style to a more defensive one . He skillfully executed his attack’s angles and timing, forcing Zhang Heng to make more moves than necessary . The two were fighting on the street, and it attracted the attention of many passers-by . Compared with Okita Soki’s battle, Zhang Heng’s battle was obviously a lot more elegant . After they fought for some time, neither of them got hurt . It seemed more like a gentleman battle . However, only experts could see that this battle was actually far more dangerous than Okita’s battle . There was not much difference between their strength, which meant the battle would be broken down into smaller pieces and would emphasize handling details . It was one fight too close to call .

So far, Kirino Toshiaki was undoubtedly on the winning side . One of them had the speed advantage, and the other one held the edge in power . Hence, they could be considered as standing on equal ground . However, Kirino Toshiaki had one of the five best katana in the world, and it enabled him to gain the upper hand in this battle . On the other hand, Zhang Heng’s katana was already riddled with cracks . It wouldn’t last any longer than a couple more hits .

The balance of the battle would eventually lean towards Kirino Toshiaki .

Zhang Heng seemed to be aware of this, as well . Instead of changing the way he fought, he took his offense up a notch . Finally, the katana in Zhang Heng’s hand could no longer withstand another heavy blow; one-third of it was sliced off by Juzumaru . And the broken blade flew out obliquely and stuck on the door of a nearby tea house . Kirino Toshiaki’s expressionless face finally showed a touch of joy .

Since Zhang Heng’s weapon was broken, it would definitely affect him greatly no matter what sect he was in . After that, Zhang Heng’s fighting style started to change drastically . It transformed from a Niten Ichi-ryū to something he had never seen before . There was no fixed attack pattern, and it seemed that he was just waiting for the opportunity to land a heavy strike on him . Every single strike was life-threatening .

“I have seen your sigen-ryu . Next, it’s your turn to see Annie-ryu . ”

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