Chapter 574 - Annie-ryu (1/2)

Since Zhang Heng was dealing with Kirino Tos.h.i.+aki, Okita Soki soon caught up with Takasugi and his gang. At the same time, only four samurai were now left beside s.h.i.+nsaku 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 s.h.i.+nji Takeuchi, “Takeuchi, I will leave you now to protect the lord!”

s.h.i.+nji 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 s.h.i.+nsengumi 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 s.h.i.+nsaku Takasugi to his maker tonight. Anyone who dared cross his path was an enemy.

Seeing how the three enemies from the opposing side were rus.h.i.+ng 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, rus.h.i.+ng towards Okita with his katana, swinging his wakizas.h.i.+ at the same time. “Shogunate b.a.s.t.a.r.d! 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 wakizas.h.i.+ 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, rus.h.i.+ng 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.