Noizi looked at the madness – screams, blood, and steel flew across the battlefield. An enemy platoon was headed for her leader – she and her ten soldiers being the only line of defense against it. "The first time you take a man's life," her master had told her, "will be the hardest. But after that, it becomes as simple as breathing Asura's sweet air." But did Noizi want that kind of addiction? Certainly, it would make the war end quicker, but then, would she not have lost herself? She would simply be another bloodlusting fiend, just like "that" man.
"Sir! An enemy platoon is in sight! Your orders?"
Noizi snapped back. A small crowd of red and gold in the distance, not three kilometers away – the target. In the center, a black helm was visible, signaling Noizi's mark – the enemy general, Tokusari Muramase. The platoon's leading soldier pointed towards Noizi, and the squadron turned to them. They were moving forward.
"Sir!"
Her squad looked at her for direction – the flagbearer held the company's violet flag high, waiting for orders. Focus, Noizi, she repeated in her head. We have little time, and they have manpower on their side.
"We're moving south," Noizi stated. The squad exchanged looks of confusion. "We're going to do something crazy."
"Tokusari-sama! The enemy general seems to be retreating!"
Muramase looked at the cowardly platoon, which was slowly disappearing behind a nearby hill. "We can still catch them, sir," the scout stated. "But only if we hurry!"
He had a point – while it would be simpler to ignore them, the Nagatou Army may have trouble in the future for letting them go, and that alone wouldn't be forgivable.
"Forward," Muramase roared. "Leave none alive."
"Sir!" The platoon responded, moving quickly towards their prey.
As they rounded the hill, however, they found no trace of the enemy. With rage, Muramase shouted, "Fan out! Find them immediately!"
Before his soldiers could respond, a shadow quickly encroached onto Muramase, a circular sword wrapped around his throat, and a high voice saying, "Checkmate."
Nearby bushes circled the platoon, and slowly revealed Noizi's squadron, who quickly dispatched of the Muramase platoon. They then surrounded the general, who had not a shred of fear on his face.
"Will you kill me then, young man?"
It put Noizi off – was it considered "strong" or "lordly" to kill strong soldiers? Or was it just the pride of a man?
"No," she answered, to his surprise. "I'm not a savage." Noizi then removed her hannya mask to reveal her feminine face, completely throwing Muramase off. "I'm a warrior – one who happens to be a woman." And then, there was black.