"Should we take a longer-term view?"

The chief retainer, Matsudaira Yoshinaga, stared at Tokugawa Yoshimune and snorted coldly, saying, "How can we plan this out? The Great Gan Kingdom already knows what we've done. Do you really think they'll let us off the hook?"

"Tokugawa Yoshimune, I advise you to give up this fantasy as soon as possible!"

"Use this time to unite the local lords as one, share a common hatred for the enemy, and build a large army to fight against the Da Gan Army."

"While the Da Gan army is formidable, they have come from afar, fighting across the sea. Our Eastern Kingdom, though weak in power, has a large number of martial artists within its borders. If we can win them all over, we might just be able to defeat the Da Gan Kingdom!"

The elder Matsudaira Yoshinaga's words made everyone present nod slightly.

Tokugawa Kosuke nodded and said, "Let's prepare for war as soon as possible! Especially in Kyushu, gather the Satsuma Domain, Hizen Domain, and other forces to form a coalition immediately. While our main force only has 20,000 men, we should immediately send troops to Hirado Domain and push them into the sea. Only in this way can we have a chance of victory!"

"The General is wise!"

The elders and retainers immediately praised it.

Immediately, Shogun Tokugawa Yasuke issued an order, calling upon the various feudal lords on Kyushu Island to form a coalition army. In particular, the Satsuma Domain, Hizen Domain, Saga Domain, and Kumamoto Domain immediately dispatched troops to attack Hirado Castle!

After the order was issued, the feudal lords on Kyushu Island also spontaneously began to form a coalition army.

After all, these powerful vassal states had also participated in last year's maritime raids.

Furthermore, the Hirado Domain's proximity to them only added to the unease among the domain's retainers.

February 22nd, the fifth year of Yanning.

Located in Saga Castle, within the Saga Domain.

A group of feudal lords from Kyushu gathered here, forming a massive force of 90,000 men.

This massive army comprised almost all the domain armies across Kyushu, including those from the Choshu Domain in the north and the Tosa Domain in the west.

After the army was formed, Kabayama Hisataka, a renowned general of the Satsuma Domain, was appointed as the commander-in-chief, leading an army of 90,000 men toward Hirado Castle.

The army set off in a grand and imposing manner.

By the time this Kyushu coalition was formed, news had already reached Hirado Castle.

Hirado Castle is now completely under the control of the Da Gan Army.

The 31st and 32nd Infantry Divisions were stationed around Hirado Castle.

Even on the streets of the city, there were troops from the 31st Infantry Division stationed.

The original vassal lord's residence also became the residence of Emperor Li Xin of the Great Gan Kingdom.

Inside the former lord's residence, Li Xi, a member of the Imperial Guard, brought news from Saga Castle.

"His Majesty,"

Li Xi cupped his hands and said, "News has come from Saga Castle that the various domain armies on Kyushu Island have assembled and are about to launch an attack on us. According to intelligence, their total strength is about 90,000 men, some of whom are equipped with bombs and old-fashioned flintlock muskets. This army has already left Saga Castle and is marching towards Hirado Castle."

"oh?"

Li Xin was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "These Japanese have actually assembled such a large force. They really think highly of us!"

"but,"

Li Xin changed the subject and said with a smile, "So what if they have 90,000 old-style troops? They think they can defeat us with their thunderbolts? How laughable!"

"Your Majesty, rest assured!"

Commander Zhao Xun of the 31st Infantry Division patted his chest and said confidently, "This humble general guarantees that these Japanese troops will not return alive!"

"And what about our 32nd Infantry Division!"

Zhang Shusen chuckled and said, "Your Majesty, please rest assured!"

"good!"

Looking at Zhao Xun and Zhang Shusen, Li Xin said, "I'm not too worried about this battle. Although our forces are relatively small, we still have the Beiyang Fleet! It's more than enough to hold off this number of troops!"

"Zhao Xun, Zhang Shusen, you two immediately construct defensive fortifications and prepare for battle!"

"As long as we can get through this battle, everything will be fine! Once the reinforcements from home arrive, we'll be able to crush Japan!"

"yes!"

Zhao Xun and Zhang Shusen quickly responded.

Immediately, the 31st and 32nd Infantry Divisions began constructing defensive fortifications in the Tahira area east of Hirado Castle.

Even ships of the Beiyang Fleet arrived in the waters off Hirado.

With a major battle imminent, the atmosphere throughout Hirado Castle became extremely tense.

Li Xi, a member of the Imperial Guard, also led his men to purge hostile elements from the city.

Just a few days later, the 90,000-strong army that set out from Saga Castle arrived in the Tahira region, east of Hirado Castle.

A massive, dark army set up camp in places like Matsuura Town.

Inside the allied forces' camp, Commander-in-Chief Hisato Kabayama sat at the head of the table, looking down at the generals below him.

In the middle of the camp, a scout knelt on one knee, clasped his hands, and said, "General, the situation in Tianping area has been thoroughly investigated. It is indeed the Da Gan Army, about 20,000 men, who have dug a trench defense system in the fields. In addition, there are also ships of the Da Gan Army's Beiyang Fleet on the sea."

"Only 20,000 people?"

Kabayama Hisataka sneered and said, "Do they really think they can stop our army's charge with these trenches? How laughable!"

Clearly, Hisataka Kabayama was completely unconcerned about the large-scale deployment of troops.

"Where are the provisions prepared by the Saga Domain lord located?"

Kabayama Hisataka turned to look at a general beside him and asked.

The general quickly stood up and replied, "General Kabayama, the supplies have arrived in Shikamachi and are expected to reach us tomorrow."

"very good!"

Kabayama Hisataka nodded with a smile and said, "The supplies have arrived, and we can fight the Da Gan army! Let's rest for the night, and when the supplies arrive tomorrow, we'll fight the Da Gan army to the death!"

"Hai!"

The generals quickly responded.

"in addition,"

Suddenly remembering something, Kabayama Hisataka continued, "I heard from the Silla people that these elite troops are extremely skilled in night fighting. We're new here, so we still need to be wary of a surprise attack from them tonight. All units must do their best in defense and not give them any opportunity to take advantage!"

"If we can get through tonight, tomorrow's battlefield will be ours!"

Hisataka Kabayama wore a smile, as if he could already see victory beckoning to him.

Under Kabayama Hisataka's orders, his 90,000 troops also dispatched personnel to stand guard around the camp.

The troops from the Satsuma Domain, in particular, cut down trees in the surrounding forests and built deer fortifications around their camp.

In some places, campfires were even set up, and the overall defense was very well done!

The night was deep, and the entire Allied camp was unusually quiet.