We do not own Koihime Musou or Kamen Rider Gaim. They belong to their respective creators. We just thought this idea would be fun and decided to give it a try. If you like it then that's great. If you don't then we tried. Anyway, come along and let's see what you think.
Sangokuden Armored War Gods Saga: Destiny of the Armored War Gods
Co-Written By: Ten-Faced Paladin and Kamen Rider Chrome
Chapter 4: Totaku Takes the Throne
The To Faction's base camp was set up in the middle of the desert, right in the path of the Kyoudo Army. In one of the tents, Kaku was very concerned over their chances. Fortunately, they didn't need to worry about Totaku who was sitting safely in their palace in To Province.
With Kaku were General Kayu and General Kenshin, both looking eager for a battle. Kayu was a beautiful woman with fair skin and short silver hair. She wore a purple outfit consisting on a stomach-baring halter top and a matching skirt with a slit on the side that came up all the way to her waist. She wore matching detached sleeves that were tight on her arms and brown stockings with white sandals.
Kenshin already had his SengokuDriver strapped on and twirling his Lockseed on his finger.
"According to the scout's report, the Kyoudou Army should be arriving about now," Kaku informed them.
"The men are ready to defend this border. No way those Kyoudou guys are gonna be crossing into To," spoke Kenshin confidently.
"Still, it'll be quite the fight," Kayu reminded.
"Bring them on. I'm Kurokage, Totaku's Black General. I'll strike them down with my trusty Kagematsu," Kenshin boasted confidently.
"You both are either really confident or cocky," sighed Kaku. Well, she really shouldn't have to worry. Kayu was an exceptional general and Kenshin wasn't too far behind. "Still, it would've been better if we had Ren-dono with us."
"Ren-chan's always wandering, isn't she?" Kenshin asked.
"Indeed, and she always brings back something interesting," Kayu added.
"If she brings home anymore pets, we might have to build a new wing in the palace. We're running out of room," retorted Kaku as she massaged her temples. Still, even without the aid of Ryofu and her monstrous strength, they had Kenshin and Kayu to lead the army. The presence of an Armored War God boosted the morale of the men.
Hideyoshi had to remain in To to protect Totaku. He was her bodyguard as well as an adviser. Kaku trusted the bespectacled Ultimate Hammer to protect Totaku and give her advice when she needed it.
A soldier entered the tent and reported, "They are coming! The Kyoudou Army is coming!"
"Get the men into position and prepare for battle," Kenshin ordered. He then turned to Kayu, "You ready, Miyabi?"
"You have to ask?" Kayu smirked as she punched her palm. She picked up her signature weapon and stepped out of the tent.
"Be careful," Kaku said to both generals.
"Relax, Ei. We'll be back," Kenshin promised.
The two generals joined their soldiers at the front of the formation. The Kyoudou Army was arriving.
"Alright, time to strike them down," declared Kenshin as he activated his Lockseed. "Henshin!" He then went through the transformation sequence as he locked the Lockseed into his SengokuDriver and pushed down the Cutting Blade.
[MATSUBOKKURI!]
[LOCK ON!]
[SOIYA! MATSUBOKKURI ARMS! ICHIGEKI IN THE SHADOW!]
"One of these days, you should let me try that out," remarked Kayu once the transformation was finished. The spectacle of the metal pinecone which dropped from the sky onto Kenshin's head was quite the sight before his armor formed over his body and his weapon materialized.
Kurokage gripped his Kagematsu and answered as he tapped his Driver, "Sorry, Miyabi, but this thing only works for me."
"Hmph, obviously. Divine beings always get the best stuff," Kayu huffed. He gave her a shrug before addressing their soldiers.
Kurokage spoke, "Alright, men! Remember why we are here! We are here to prevent a bunch of Kyoudo Army bastards from crossing into To and making a mess of things! We are here in the name of Totaku-sama who is with us in spirit! So, let us win for her!"
"YEAH!" the soldiers roared in agreement and Kayu smiled. Kenshin knew how to motivate the troops.
"Don't attack until you see the whites of their eyes!" ordered Kurokage. He then saw the Kyoudo Army coming closer, "OK, I can see the whites of their eyes! Everyone, attack! FOR TOTAKU-SAMA!"
"FOR TOTAKU-SAMA!" the soldiers roared the name of their lord and they charged with their generals to face the enemy.
The Imperial Court was in an uproar. Officials and nobles had met to discuss the chaos they had fallen under. Since the Han Dynasty was growing weaker, rebellion grew across the land. Warring factions were conquering territories left and right. The Imperial Court was trying to maintain order but earlier attempts to subdue the factions by assassinating the lords had failed. Now, bringing the factions to heel had become that much harder with the presence of the Armored War Gods.
The rumors of these Armored War Gods began over a year ago when the Ultimate Sword first revealed himself to fight an army of monsters. Afterwards, rumors spread that other Armored War Gods were popping up all over the place. Sousou had the Ultimate Spear serving her in Gi, Sonsaku had the Ultimate Shield serving her in Go, and the newest faction, Shoku, had the Ultimate Sword leading them with the Ultimate Eye serving as second-in-command. As for Ensho, who ruled over the Kei Province, she wasn't considered much of a threat originally. She was rich, powerful, but mostly incompetent as a military commander. However, that soon changed as the Ultimate Fist now stood at her side.
Now Gi had two in their service and their army had also grown. For now it wasn't that bad as Sousou apparently still had some loyalty towards the Hans. However, everyone was aware of her ambition and saw her as a tyrant that was threatening their very order. It didn't help that people would flock to her after she managed to gain the service of the Chou Sisters and the Armored War God of Ultimate Fury. Those girls could touch the hearts of many with their songs and rally people to Sousou's cause. Also, an innovation from Bravo had also been introduced to help with the economy. The Chou Sisters had recorded their songs onto magic talismans and then the talismans would be sold at the market. Most of the ones that bought them were fans of theirs and the money went into Sousou's treasury.
In Go, it appeared that the military might of Sonsaku's army was growing as they were using monsters and powerful machines to bolster their own forces. They had an Armored War God but rarely was he deployed. It was only during desperate times that he was summoned and when he entered the battlefield all hope of victory from the opposing forces vanished. He had been given the nickname 'White Devil of Go' as he was as systematic as he was brutal with an army of monsters.
There was also news of the faction in Shoku. At first, they chose to ignore it as it was only an army filled with volunteer soldiers made up of peasants and farmers. However, leading them were powerful generals and at the top was the Ultimate Sword himself. He was a symbol of hope for the common people and he was paving the way for prosperity. He was said to be a great warrior but otherwise peaceful as he attempted to use peaceful means to end conflict, resorting only to violence as a final solution. Reports also showed that the descendant of a royal bloodline had also joined the faction. Her name was Ryuubi Gentoku and she was a respected figure in the faction. Unlike the fake Ryuubi she was actually competent. She was said to be the one to end the Yellow Turban Rebellion and hailed as a hero for it.
They needed to do something. With the emperor gone and no heir they needed someone to sit on the throne. The only person they could think of was Totaku Chuei. Not only was she a worthy candidate, she also had two Armored War Gods. Perhaps they could persuade her to take the throne.
Just recently, the To faction had accomplished a victory during the Kyoudo Campaign. The Kyoudo Army had tried to conquer the To province in order to expand their borders and to take the land's resources. Totaku had no choice but to order her generals to defend the province. While the Kyoudo Army was twice as large as Totaku's own, Totaku had one advantage that the enemy army lacked. She had the Ultimate Hammer and the Ultimate Cutter in her service and a genius tactician at her side. She had not sent Ryofu, who was wandering at the time with Chinkyuu, so she could not lead the army. That job fell onto Kayu's shoulders. Hideyoshi stayed at the capital with Totaku as he was her bodyguard, so Kenshin volunteered to go with Kayu to confront the Kyoudo Army. Kaku acted as the military adviser and strategist.
The battle had been decisive. Kurokage was swift in his execution as he fought the enemy soldiers with Kayu, leading the To army to defeat the Kyoudo soldiers. Kaku's strategy, which took advantage of both Kayu and Kurokage's strengths was also a factor in their victory. As a result, the Kyoudo Army retreated and the To army celebrated a victory before returning home.
Currently, in To, Kaku was holding a letter in her hand and it looked to be urgent news. She went into the throne room to see Totaku and saw that she was with Hideyoshi. The two of them were laughing. Apparently, Hideyoshi had just finished telling her a very funny story.
"That truly happened?" Totaku asked.
"Yeah, it did. Really, you have to see it to believe it," he added in the midst of laughter.
"Yue!" Kaku exclaimed. "A letter! It's from the Imperial Court!" She collapsed to her knees, panting. Hideyoshi helped her up.
"You OK, Ei-san?" Hideyoshi asked his fellow advisor. "You mentioned a letter from the Imperial Court."
"Yes, an imperial messenger brought it here and after I read it I knew I had to immediately bring it here," said Kaku.
"Please, Ei-chan, let me see the letter," said Totaku. Kaku obeyed and handed the letter to her lord. Totaku read it and gasped, "This is an imperial summons." The seal was proof of that.
"We're being summoned to the capital?" asked Hideyoshi.
"It's more than that, Hideyoshi-dono," Kaku claimed. "Yue has been chosen to become the new empress!"
The doors were thrown open and Kenshin came barging in, "Yue-sama's gonna become the empress!?"
Hideyoshi looked at Kenshin and questioned, "Were you eavesdropping?"
"I kinda saw Ei running into the throne room so I followed and I was listening from behind the door," Kenshin admitted without shame or hesitation. "So, is it true?"
"The letter seems legit," Hideyoshi answered, eyeing the seal imprinted on the letter from the Imperial Court.
"Yes," Totaku confirmed. This was big news.
"What are your orders, Yue-hime?" asked Hideyoshi. Totaku looked to her officers who stared back at her expectantly. This was truly a momentous occasion. To be named empress was not something to scoff at. There was a lot of power and privilege in the position which allowed someone to run the country. It would be a lot of work, but if this position granted her absolute power over the land, then maybe the peace that she wanted to make a reality could come true.
"Make preparations. We will move to the Imperial Capital in one week," ordered Totaku. She would need to send a reply, post haste.
"By your command," Kaku and Hideyoshi bowed before they exited the throne room to make preparations. They would inform the servants that they would be moving to the imperial capital in Rakuyo.
"Wow, empress," Kenshin whistled, impressed. "Does this mean I gotta call you Your Majesty from now on?"
"No, you won't have to, Kenshin-kun," smiled Totaku. "But as the empress I can now help the people more with the new power I will be given."
"Always thinking about the good of the people," Kenshin smiled approvingly. He never regretted accepting Totaku's offer to serve her. She was the best lord he could ask for and in no way like how she was portrayed in the history books. Well, Hideyoshi paid more attention, but Kenshin knew that the Totaku they had learnt about was an evil tyrant. This girl, on the other hand, wouldn't hurt a fly and he was prepared to make sure history got it right this time.
Chinkyuu was sitting with the dogs outside as she watched Kayu sparring with Ryofu without weapons. The stoic redhead was as calm as ever as she blocked Kayu's attacks before retaliating with her own. Kayu had to admit that Ryofu was a strong opponent and was glad to have the girl on their side.
"OK, is that all you've got?" challenged Kayu. "Come, Ren. Show me what you can really do."
"Alright," Ryofu said softly as she prepared to strike when Hideyoshi came running over.
"Ladies! Ladies!" Hideyoshi called to the two generals, halting the sparring match. "We just got great news! We'll be moving!"
"Moving?" Kayu asked, confused.
"I like it here," stated Ryofu. Her face was as stoic as ever, but one could have sworn that she was almost pouting over the news.
"I know you do, Ren-chan, but hear me out," started Hideyoshi before he explained about the letter they had received. Kayu's eyes had widened in shock, but Ryofu had merely blinked which was as close to being shocked as her face ever got. Chinkyuu just frowned where she sat and sank slightly into herself. "Yue-hime even ordered everyone to get ready for the move. We'll be leaving in a week."
"We're really moving to the Imperial Palace?" asked Kayu, surprised.
"Yeah, and think of all that space for the canine unit," Hideyoshi added encouragingly.
Ryofu considered it. There were a lot of dogs and Kaku always complained that they may run out of space to keep them. She then nodded, "Alright."
"That's great," Hideyoshi smiled. He noticed Chinkyuu, "Hey, Nenene-chan, you should help get ready too."
"Alright," answered Chinkyuu.
"We may need to take a bath first," said Kayu. "All that working out really worked up a sweat."
"Well, we won't be moving right away so take your time," insisted Hideyoshi.
Chinkyuu always took a bath with Ryofu whom had always done her best to make sure the little girl felt welcomed. They were going to move and Chinkyuu was going to once again leave a place that had been her home. She had already lost one home before but at least this time the circumstances weren't so tragic.
Thinking of her home village which had been reduced to ashes, Chinkyuu shivered as she recalled the sight of the evil Armored War Gods who had summoned demons and killed all those people. That was why she hated the Armored War Gods as well as feared them. Of course, Kenshin and Hideyoshi were an exception, as long as they didn't put their armors on in her presence. She got used to them and tolerated them. If only they weren't Armored War Gods, maybe she could fully trust them.
"What's wrong, Nenene?" asked Ryofu as she shampooed the little girl's hair.
"Do we really have to leave?" Chinkyuu asked. "This is our home. I like it here."
"We will get a bigger home," Ryofu said. "Is it because you don't want to lose your home like before?"
"Yes," Chinkyuu answered honestly. "Those evil Armored War Gods destroyed it. I hate them."
"Do you hate Gridon, Kurokage and Gaim-sama?" Ryofu asked.
"Well, not really but I don't really trust them," Chinkyuu answered.
"They are all nice people. Gaim-sama is nice as well," Ryofu said.
"I guess..." Chinkyuu reluctantly agreed. Kurokage and Gridon didn't use their powers to hurt people. They did it to defend Totaku and the land she governed. Ryofu poured water all over Chinkyuu to rinse off the shampoo.
Kenshin was feeling pretty giddy, though he wouldn't admit since giddy was quite girly, "Can you believe it man? We'll be living in the Imperial Palace! Talk about a step up! I knew it was a good idea to join Yue-sama!"
Hideyoshi half-heartedly replied, "Yeah..." Kenshin noted his partner's mood and wondered what was wrong.
"What's wrong buddy? I thought you'd be excited. You were before."
Hideyoshi shook his head and confessed, "I am." He was excited when he first got the news but once the excitement wore off he started to think about it more critically, "When I think about it, it just seems so sudden."
Kenshin cocked an eyebrow and said, "OK, tell me what's wrong." When Hideyoshi had a bad feeling, more often than not he was right. It was that kind of intuition that got everyone to listen to him. Even Ei admitted he was pretty observant.
Hideyoshi reminded, "Don't you know? According to history, Totaku became a tyrant when he took over the throne."
Kenshin concluded, "I get it. So you're afraid our sweet little Yue-sama is gonna end up like that?" He laughed and slapped Hideyoshi on the back, "Get real, man!"
Hideyoshi sighed, "Just worried, you know. What if it's too much for her? Becoming Empress of China is a huge thing." The province of To, while big in its own right was actually smaller than some of the powers such as Gi and Go, and compared to all of China it was downright small. There were issues which were going on all over the country which Totaku would have to deal with and much worse than the relatively peaceful ones which To had to deal with.
Kenshin pointed confidently to himself than back at Hideyoshi, "That's why she has us to shoulder that burden with her. It'll be fine. Nothing bad will happen to Yue-sama."
"I hope you're right..." mumbled Hideyoshi. He felt a tug on his pant leg and looked down. "Huh, Sekito?" Sekito was Ryofu's dog, identified by the red bandanna tied around his neck. Ryofu named all of her canine friends, but only she seemed able to keep track of them all. Sekito was the only one they could all remember because he liked to play with everyone and not just Ryofu and Chinkyuu.
Hideyoshi picked up the dog, "Are you hungry or something?" Sekito then snatched Hideyoshi's glasses off his face with his mouth. Startled, Hideyoshi dropped the dog which ran off with his glasses. "Hey, my glasses!"
Kenshin laughed as Hideyoshi chased after Sekito. "Guess the little guy just wanted to play."
Ryofu was in her room and in her hand was an orange. She gazed at it longingly as an image of Gaim in his armor appeared in her mind. Then, Gaim removed his helmet and smiled at her. She began to blush, but she didn't understand why. Sekito came into her room and leapt onto her lap.
"Sekito?" she asked then saw the glasses that Sekito was holding in his mouth. "Glasses."
"Hey, Ren-chan!" Hideyoshi called, panting breathlessly, "Your dog has my glasses."
"Ah..." Ryofu nodded and took the glasses from Sekito. "Here." She handed them back to Hideyoshi who wiped them clean with a handkerchief.
"So, how do you feel about moving?" Hideyoshi asked the red-haired warrior.
"We're changing homes," she remarked. She had been a nomad for such a long time that the first time she ever felt at home was in Totaku's palace. Now they were going to move to a new place. She thought she could live here forever.
"I know, it's a bit sudden, but imagine all that space for your pets to roam free," he reminded. "It'll be good for them and also good for Yue-hime. She'll be a great empress." Ryofu nodded. "Anyway, you should start packing up. We'll be leaving soon."
"OK," she answered and Hideyoshi left. She looked at the orange again.
One week later, Hideyoshi made sure everyone was awake bright and early to be ready for the move. All moving preparations had finished and after breakfast it was time to go.
"Alright," Hideyoshi said after the last of the servants reported to him that everything had been put away in the wagons for transport. "OK, so all of Ren-chan's pets are in carrying cages and placed in wagons." He then eyed Chinkyuu's St. Bernard, Chouchou. "All except this one since we don't have a cage big enough." Not to mention Chinkyuu didn't want her best friend put in a cage.
"Chouchou will ride with me," said Chinkyuu. She would be riding in a carriage with her dog while the generals rode alongside on horses.
"All of our stuff has been packed and put in the wagons. We have food for the journey," Hideyoshi checked the list. "What else?"
"And we made sure to feed the horses," added Kayu.
"OK, but did everyone remember to use the bathroom before we leave?" he asked. Nobody raised their hands. "OK, just remember to not drink too much on the journey. We don't want to be making too many unscheduled pit stops before it gets dark."
"Dude, you really have to do all this?" Kenshin asked, hands to his hips.
"Preparations before a trip are essential. We can't afford to forget anything valuable," said Hideyoshi as he fixed his glasses. "Also, we can't afford to accidentally leave anyone behind, or have you forgotten that field trip when you were left behind?" Kenshin grimaced. That had been embarrassing.
Hideyoshi counted everyone and nodded, "OK, I think we're done here." He approached Totaku and bowed. "Yue-hime, may I escort you to your carriage?"
"Thank you, Hideyoshi-kun," Totaku smiled as she took his hand and he escorted her to her carriage. Kenshin rolled his as Kaku joined Totaku in her carriage. Chinkyuu got into her own carriage with Chouchou as Sekito jumped in as well. He did not want to get into a cage.
"Alright, we're all set," said Hideyoshi as he mounted his horse as Kenshin, Kayu and Ryofu did the same as they mounted their own horses. "Let's go!"
The journey was hours long but the Totaku party managed to arrive without delay. The sun was just about to set as they arrived and the gate was open to welcome them. The carriage stopped and Hideyoshi dismounted from his horse to help Totaku out of the carriage.
"Greetings, Totaku-sama and welcome to the Imperial Palace," Chojo the head eunuch greeted them with a respectable bow. She was a young girl dressed in maroon and lavender robes with a green sash around her waist. Her hair was a light lavender color and cut short with a pair of forelocks that had beads tied to them. There were also maroon streaks in her hair and on her head was a hat with purple tassels hanging from it. "I also extend my welcome to your retainers and servants as well. I am Chojo, the head eunuch here."
Hideyoshi scrutinized Chojo. According to history, eunuchs were the emperor's male retainers who had been castrated. Chojo was a girl, albeit a boyish one. Guess the definition of eunuch was different here too. He also noted that while Chojo was acting humble, there was a sort of sense of superiority around her. Granted she was close to the highest authority in the country but to have that feeling around the future empress...
"Thank you for welcoming us, Chojo-dono," Totaku greeted back.
"You must be tired from your long journey. Allow us to serve you. I'll have the palace servants take your luggage to your chambers." The eunuch smiled welcomingly as she gestured to the path to the palace itself.
"That would be nice," Totaku smiled.
"And you two," Chojo addressed Hideyoshi and Kurokage. "You must be Totaku-sama's Armored War Gods."
"Kurokage the Ultimate Cutter," Kenshin introduced himself.
"And you may call me Gridon the Ultimate Hammer," Hideyoshi introduced himself as well, fixing his glasses.
"It is truly a honor to have you here as well. Tales of the Armored War Gods' might is known throughout the capital," Chojo spoke, praise easily coming out for the pair as any good politician could do.
"Don't forget, you got Ryofu and and Kayu too, Totaku-sama's generals," Kenshin added.
"And Kaku, her adviser," reminded Hideyoshi.
"Yes, forgive me," bowed Chojo.
"I'm curious, though. What will happen to the To Province now?" Hideyoshi asked.
"If you are concerned about who will take care of the affairs of the province now with Totaku-sama taking the throne, don't be. We have already appointed someone to take her place as the governor there," Chojo assured Hideyoshi.
Ryofu opened the door of Chinkyuu's carriage and Sekito leapt into her arms. "Sekito..." She looked inside and saw Chouchou and Chinkyuu both fast asleep. She guessed they had fallen asleep during the trip and gently poked the two of them to wake them up. Chouchou woke up and yawned before licking Chinkyuu's face to wake her up.
"...Are we there yet?" Chinkyuu asked with a yawn, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"We are here," Ryofu said. "Time to come out." Chinkyuu got out of the carriage with Chouchou and marvelled at the sight of the Imperial Palace. It was much larger than Totaku's estate, that was for sure.
"Sugoi..."
"Dinner has already been prepared. Once you've settled in and made yourselves at home, you may eat," Chojo informed them.
"Now that's the kind of welcome I like! Food!" grinned Kenshin.
"Remember your manners, Kenshin," Hideyoshi chided.
Dinner wasn't just a simple meal. No, it was a feast to honor Totaku's rise to the throne. Members of Totaku's inner circle of officers sat at the table which was covered in very rich and delicious dishes. Kenshin salivated at the sight so much that Hideyoshi had to shove a napkin in his face and remind him of his manners. Chinkyuu had never seen so much food before and neither had Chouchou who was allowed to join them with Sekito.
"Please, help yourselves," Chojo said kindly as if she was the host and they were guests.
"Guess that's our cue to dig in!" Kenshin declared as he immediately filled his plate. Hideyoshi rolled his eyes at his partner's atrocious manners but then he watched as Ryofu started eating and couldn't help but gaze blissfully at how cute she looked as she ate. He then shook his head before helping himself to the food. Chinkyuu shared her food with Chouchou as Ryofu shared with Sekito. Totaku smiled as everyone enjoyed themselves.
While the move was quite sudden for them as well as Totaku being chosen to become the new empress, it wasn't an unwelcomed change. Life was always full of surprises. With her new position and power, Totaku vowed to make a difference and bring peace throughout the land which was in turmoil.
After dinner, the group was brought to the imperial throneroom. Next to the throne was a golden dragon statue which stood upon a table. It was quite a beautiful sight with a shining radiance that could only be described as otherworldly.
"Excuse me, Chojo-dono, but what is this statue?" Hideyoshi inquired.
"Oh, that is the legendary Seal of Heaven," Chojo informed him.
"The Seal of Heaven!?" Kaku gasped in surprise.
"You know what this is, Ei-san?" Hideyoshi asked.
"I've read stories of it. It is said that the Seal of Heaven was forged from gold that fell from the Heavens. Since then, the seal has been passed down from one imperial ruler to the next. It is a symbol of their imperial power and that the Heavens has chosen them to rule the land," Kaku explained.
"So, basically the physical representation of the Mandate of Heaven," Hideyoshi concluded as he fixed the Seal of Heaven with a steely gaze.
"All the emperors and empresses of the past have been inaugurated with the Seal of Heaven. All Totaku-sama needs to do is to make a vow as she holds the Seal of Heaven," Chojo explained.
Totaku looked at the Seal of Heaven which appeared quite intimidating. The dragon's eyes seemed to be staring straight into her soul and doubt started to rise in her heart. She then felt a comforting hand on both her shoulders and looked up to see both Kaku and Hideyoshi smiling at her supportingly. In fact, everyone was smiling in encouragement. Totaku's expression turned confident as she approached the throne. She then sat down on it and took hold of the Seal of Heaven which she placed on her lap.
"I, Totaku Chuei, Empress of China, vow to use my power for the happiness and prosperity of my people. I promise that under my rule this country will truly become a peaceful one," swore Totaku.
Her officers then knelt before her and Hideyoshi declared, "All hail Empress Totaku!"
Everyone repeated, "All hail Empress Totaku!"
As the Seal of Heaven was a priceless, one of a kind, imperial treasure, it was locked away at night and put inside of a cupboard which had two soldiers standing guard to make sure it was not stolen. As it was mentioned before, it was the physical representation of the right of the Imperial Family to rule. If it was stolen, the one who had it could rally the people of China to serve them instead of the Hans so keeping it safe was the highest priority.
However, what nobody knew was that the Seal of Heaven had already been stolen.
Inside her private chamber, Chojo took out a box from under her bed and opened it to gaze at the true Seal of Heaven contained with it. The one Totaku had sworn her oath with had been a very convincing fake. A crazed smile spread across her face as violet aura seemed to radiate off her.
"Having fun staring at your treasure?" Chojo heard. She swiftly closed the box before pushing it back under her bed. She then turned to address the intruder.
"Ukitsu?" she asked and the bespectacled man smiled, stepping into the low light which Chojo's lanterns cast in her room. "What are you doing here? How did you even get in here?"
"So, you placed Totaku Chuei on the throne like you planned," Ukitsu remarked, ignoring Chojo's questions.
"She's just a pawn like everyone else here," Chojo stated.
"But she also has two Armored War Gods at her side. Do you think you'll be able to control them?" Ukitsu questioned.
"Oh, I have my ways," Chojo grinned. Ukitsu eyed the eunuch as if evaluating her and her reply. After a moment, he reached into his sleeve and pulled out a Kiwi Lockseed which he tossed to Chojo. She caught it in her hand and asked, "What's this for?"
"Insurance and a way for you to take care of those Armored War Gods if they decide to meddle," Ukitsu answered simply. "Remember, Chojo. My group has invested a lot in this endeavour of yours. Try not to fail us." With that said, Ukitsu vanished into thin air. Ukitsu had actually considered giving Chojo her own Driver. However, after discussing with his comrades who were against it, he conceded that it wouldn't be a good idea.
Ushio Kenshin (Kurokage the Ultimate Cutter): The Brawn of To's Dynamic Duo, he uses the Matsubokkuri Lockseed to its fullest potential despite it being the weakest among the Lockseeds used by the Riders. While not one for tactics, as he prefers full frontal combat instead of stealth, he is a pretty decent fighter and works well with his partner Hideyoshi. He has a crush on Ryofu but he seems to spend much of his time with Kayu. One of Totaku's bodyguards and also a general of her forces.
Takada Hideyoshi (Gridon the Ultimate Hammer): The Brains of To's Dynamic Duo, Gridon uses a more higher-ranked Lockseed for his Donguri Arms. He resembles a scholar and is pretty good at math. He helps Kaku with the provinces finances and she is glad for his help. Also, he is Totaku's bodyguard, a position he shares with Kenshin, as well as one of her advisers. While he initially has a crush on Ryofu, he has grown close to the petite ruler whom he affectionately calls 'Yue-hime' and worries about her as much as Kaku.
KRC: And so Totaku takes the throne. However, nobody suspects that this is all a plot by the enemy to manipulate her position in the future. Let it be known that evil has a way of getting its claws on innocent people when they least suspect it. However, when the time comes, Chojo will get her just deserts.
TFP: And we see Totaku get closer to achieving her dream, but others are waiting in the wings with plans of their own. Chojo has her plans for seizing power for herself and Ukitsu has his own intentions for the traitorous eunuch. How he plans to use her has yet to be seen, but no doubt it will be grand.