Unmatched † Lovely Princess ~Maidenly Romance of Three Kingdoms~
Chapter 006: What do you wish to gain here…Izumi?
Disclaimer: I do not own Koihime Musou, visual novel and anime wise. There are two songs in this chapter, both of which I claim no ownership over.
The first song roughly translated as "Butterfly Float through my Dream" is from the anime series of Koihime Musou, season 2.
The second song is Fan-Dub song from One Piece series "Fight Together", opening 14 and sung by Sapphire and Y. Chang, the lyrics by Merr. The song site is found here (check it out! It's great!): watch?v=YOgpeumAljs.
Credits for the Japanese lyrics of "Fight Together" go to: wiki/Fight_Together. If translated out properly, the Japanese and English in the story don't exactly match, but both of them sound good so I kept both the original Japanese lyrics and Fan-Dub lyrics.
Turning back the clock: Several seasons ago…
In a particular city, the streets are filled with merchants and patron walking hither and thither, always shouting advertisement or running off to some congregation. However, in the midst of this sea of citizen was an unusual crowd. It was made up of mostly of children between the ages of eight to thirteen. They were enthusiastically watching three girls in their mid-teen.
They were street performers, people who perform entertainment on the street for a living. They were also sisters by blood who, aside from their cyan-colored eyes, are each unique in their own way.
The oldest was an airhead and had long flowing pink hair and large develop breast. She was singing her heart out with her beautiful nearly enchanted voice.
The mid-child was a tomboy with light blue hair tied in a green ribbon in a single ponytail that hangs down from the left side of her head and was flat-chest. She was performing street magic tricks, dazzling the crowd of children.
The youngest of the trio was quiet looking girl with a chin-long lavender hair with her bangs kept out of her face to the side with two hairpins, wore red rim glasses, and had average sizes breast. She was singing story and fable to her diligent listeners while playing various instruments depending on the tales and fable she told.
Everything was all nice and well until a band of soldiers stomped up to them.
"You three!" The lead soldier called, "Evict yourself from this area immediately!"
"What? Again?" the middle sister exclaimed.
"We just moved from the last spot just yesterday~!" the oldest sister pouted in complaint.
"Tough it," the lead soldier huffed uncaring, "you beggars do not even pay taxes and are hardly making any money! You have no right to complain!"
"The law does not state," the youngest sister began as she readjust her glasses, "that we are require paying taxes in order for us to do street performance…"
"Oh~, that is a new comeback," the lead soldier huffed arrogantly, "well, citizens are not require to do so, but the likes of you beggars aren't even considered such. So you can be evicted…"
"…That makes as much sense as stating the rights a thief has to rob!" the middle sister exclaimed.
"Whatever, the point is that we have every right to evict you from any spot we choose. That is our set law…"
"…? I thought the civil officers are the one to set the law?" the oldest sister wondered.
"Yeah, that is right!" the middle sister, "when do you suddenly start setting laws!"
"SINCE I AM THE ONE IN POWER!" the lead soldier shouted, losing his temper as he turned to his troops, "Soldiers! Remove these beggars!"
Several hours later, the three sisters found themselves sitting on the grassy banks of the city's river located nearby with most of their equipment heavily damaged after being forcefully evicted from their spot in the market.
The middle sister was screeching to herself as she fumed angrily on the spot. "Those selfish soldiers! Thinking that they could do that to us just because we are of different class! KI~~~! It makes me so mad~!"
"There is no point in complaining about it, Chiihou," the eldest sister sighed before turning to the youngest sister, "How many times has it happen already?"
"…About Forty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty-Seven times," the youngest informed before shifting her attention to their "performing gears", "But this time around was the worse yet…"
"You said it, Renhou!" the middle sister, Chiihou, grumbled as she finally settled down enough to sit down, "We were not even doing anything wrong! All we were doing was entertaining the kids around here and collect a little money from the adults who stayed long enough. Why must we get kick out time and time again?"
"It cannot be helped," the youngest sister, Renhou, sighed, "as far as those kinds of people see, we are beggars, filth, or at worse garbage. If we get popular, they think we are disrupting their control and power…"
"Us? A threat? Those people in power sure know how to use their time…"
"We are a threat?" the eldest sister wondered in comically worry.
"No, Tenhou-nee-chan," Chiihou sighed in frustration at her sister's clueless-ness, "Those people are just stupid…"
"Oh, I see," the eldest sister, Tenhou, sighed in relief before picking up what was left of knapsack, "Well, we can always try again tomorrow…"
"I suppose…"
Renhou simply nodded as they picked up what was still usable and began to move on when…
"Excuse me~, young ladies~," a voice called out from behind, "Do you have a moment~?"
The three turn to see an aging man with long straight bread and large bead necklace. He wore gown of black and yellow with yin-yang symbols decorated all over. And in his hand was a large staff with a phoenix design.
"…? …Oh!" Tenhou voiced in recognition, "You were one who was generous enough to give those few gold coins!"
"Yes~, I am~," the man smiled, "And I was not just being generous at the time~. I was fairly impressed with the performance done by the three of you~…"
"Is that so?" Chiihou beamed, "Old as you are, it would seem your eyes and ears are far from become dull it would seem…"
"Chiihou-nee," Renhou sweat dropped, "Is that really how you should have said a thank you?"
The man laughed. "I thank you for your kinds words~. Speaking of which~, I could not help but hear your conversation from earlier~…"
"Hmm?" Tenhou blinked in confusion before her mind registered what he was talking about, "Ah~, that!"
"Yes~, I have a proposition for the three of you who would entertain for the sake of bringing smiles~…"
"Ah~~~! These clothing are so cute~~!" Tenhou squeak as she twirled around in her new outfit.
The three sisters were all now wearing similar, rather exotic white clothing. Tenhou's clothing focus on exposing most of her cleavage with the addition of detached baggy forearm sleeves and a loose sheen-long skirt, all with a magenta color theme lacing. Chiihou's clothing is probably has the fewest skin expose, with nearly full-arm detach sleeves and nearly full-leg socking but does have the shortest skirt among her sisters, with lime-green being the theme of her color lacing. Renhou's clothing could be describe as being in-between her two sister, with semi-tight skirts and her turtleneck top shorter than necessary, with the base of her lacing color theme being blue.
"They are very comfortable," Chiihou noted as inspect her clothing, "Are you really willing to give this to us?"
"Yes~," the man nodded.
"…Let me get this straight," Renhou began after inspecting her clothes, "In order to help us accomplish our dreams to bring people happiness, you are going to become our manager and make all of us sing?"
"That is correct~…"
"…Why?"
"Because I saw that you three have a talent of inspiring people with your voices~…" the three girls now gave him their full attention, "Lady Tenhou's voice~, soft and cheerful~, Lady Chiihou~, strong and energetic~, and Lady Renhou~, calm and charming~; should your voice unite in a single song~, the people will flock to you like butterfly to flower~…"
"…I see…"
"Then we thank you then," Chiihou smiled, "Your eyes and ears are indeed sharp!"
"…But~," Tenhou looked at herself in a large mirror.
"…? Is there something the matter~?" wondered the man.
"Something seems to be missing…" Tenhou looked around the clothing room the old man had guided them to. After a while, Tenhou let out an "Ah~!" sound and picked up a yellow ribbon and, after a few second, had tied a bow in her hair. "Now I look dazzling~!"
"Oh~!" the two younger sister thumbed their palm in understand. After a carefully searching the room themselves, they also found some match yellow ribbons. Chiihou decided to have it tied in a bow on her right wrist while Renhou had her yellow bow tied to the front of her exotic shirt.
"Hmm~," the man slowly nodded in approval, "Most enchanting~…"
"So you say," Renhou huffed, "but the tone of your voice does not change…"
"As is yours~, Lady Renhou…"
"… … … …True…"
"Alright~!" Tenhou cheered, "We are all set to perform…"
"Indeed~… …Ah, yes~! One more gift from you~, my young children of song and happiness~…"
The three watch as he pulled out three rods of different design. The shortest had a large round shape magenta jewel on top, a "Dynamic Microphone" as it is called, which was given to Tenhou. The mid-long one had a large cylinder shape lime-green jewel on top, a "Capacitor Microphone" as it is called, which was handed to Chiihou. The last and longest had an oval-shape blue jewel with the top of the rod curve, an "Electrets Microphone" it was called, and was obviously given to Renhou.
"…? These are…?" the three muttered at once, as they inspected their new given item.
"These shall allow your voice to be spread and heard as you sing~!" the man informed.
"How?"
"…Ah, yes~! One final touch~," with that the man closed reached out at the jewels before reciting in a trance, "That which is deeper than the twilight~! That which is hotter than the flow of blood~! In your name~, the name of the great being in the flow of time~, I make a vow to heaven now~! Within your power and mine~, I shall make our dreams come true~! Let it be so~~~!"
As soon as the man was done reciting, a deep aura of violet engulf the jewels for a moment before disappearing as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving the three sister little time to be astonish by it.
"…W-What…just happen?" Chiihou finally managed.
"…Kiss the jewel and speak into it~," the man instructed, "And all shall be reveal~!"
The three gave each other a puzzling look before Chiihou gave a determined nodded.
"Alright, here I go," Chiihou gave her jewel a small peck and watch as the jewel immediately glowed with inner power. After much hesitation, Chiihou decided to say a "hello" into it, but when she did it came out as, "HELLO~~~!"
"Whoa~!" Tenhou exclaimed in surprise as she and Renhou ratter from the loud voice and echo, "Chiihou-chan's voice came out very big~!"
"It did!" Renhou managed as she readjusted her glasses.
"W-What is going on?" Chiihou blinked half shock and half fascinated, as she turned to man, "Please explain!"
"That is rather simple~, my young children~," the man mused, "I put a spell on those jewels~. If you speak into it now~, it shall amplify your voices~…"
"EEH! A spell!? Then that w-would mean you can use magic, no?"
"Why, yes~! I can indeed~!"
"A-AMAZING! I always wanted to use actual magic! Can you teach me-! No, can I be your apprentice?"
"Uh," Renhou managed slowly, "me as well, perhaps?"
"A-And me too, please~!" Tenhou cheered.
The man laughed. "I have agreed to be your manager after all~! I suppose it would not hurt to teach you young ones a thing or two~!"
"Hooray!" the three cheered.
The next day, the three found themselves in another city, under the suggestion of their manager. They were currently down under a bridge near the river bank, nervously poking their heads out nervously as they saw people just passing by unaware.
"…Um," Tenhou fidgeted as she began to tug on her skirt, suddenly aware how revealing they were, "Are these outfits a bit too revealing, after all?"
"It is too late for that now!" Chiihou sweat dropped.
"Tenhou-nee-san," Renhou muttered, "Do you remember your lines?"
"Mm~," Tenhou pouted, "yes, basically…"
"You three need not to worry~!" their manager suddenly appeared behind them, "You all have practiced really hard~! It shall be fine~!"
"But…"
"This is all of yours chance to shine~! Now go out and sing your hearts out like you always done~!"
"He is right," Chiihou nodded determinedly, "Let us do this!"
After much hesitation, Tenhou and Renhou finally nodded determinedly. With that the three race out and set up the musical instrument, with paper talisman stuck on them, around a large flat stone that, conveniently enough, looks like a stage. After get on top of the stone, the three a quick peck on their microphone's jewel, causing them glow with inner power.
"…Ahem~!" Tenhou voiced echoed, already gaining attention from those nearby, "Everyone~! The Chou Sisters are about to begin their song and dance~! If you have the time, please come and listen in~!"
Hearing that a crowd soon gathered, both curious by their ability of loud voice and their fashion senses.
Tenhou was nervous; she had performed before but never in front of such huge numbers. But, nevertheless, Tenhou was determined not to falter this time around. It was then that she remembered about the time that had her pushing for the dream to make and see people smile.
Many seasons ago, the three sisters had lived a rather carefree life within their household. They were middleclass after all, and although not rich were mostly content with their life. That is until their father, who supported their family, died of illness; which placed them in a rather harsh situation. Their mother gather all the money their family had left to get their eldest daughter, Tenhou, sent to take the exam to become a civil officer like their father. However, despite Tenhou's best effort due to corruption among the judges, her position was given to someone else. Their mother, devastated that such injustice had fell upon them, pass away soon after leaving the three homeless and orphan.
It was then that Tenhou, Chiihou, and Renhou notice that other people around them have suffered just as greatly or even worse. Hardly anyone smile, even the children. It was heartbreaking, especially to the Chou Sisters, who had lived most of their lives seeing only smiles. It was then and there that all three sisters decided on one thing: that, despite any hardship they must face, they will bring a smile to everyone's faces.
And that time has come.
Tenhou took a deep breath before exclaiming into her microphone. "I am Chou-Kaku Shinmei~, true name Tenhou~!"
"I am Chou-Hou Korekuto~," Chiihou introduced herself with a wink, "true name Chiihou~!"
"I am Chou-Ryo Wataru~," Renhou gave a smile, "true name Renhou~!"
"Please listen to our song~!" the three cheered at once, before Chiihou snapped her fingers, causing the talisman on the instrument to glow and the instrument to start playing by themselves. Their song began…
A whirlwind brushes through my bangs~!
The chosen destiny begins~!
We are more than just for show~!
We can do anything, I believe it~!
Someday we will become strong~,
Beautiful butterflies~!
Let us throw away our cocoons~,
With all the love got~!
Let us spread our flutter away~,
And awaken from the dream of a thousand years~!
Time is a kaleidoscope~,
Its afterimages are jewels~!
Even if a mischievous cloud gets our way,
We are not alone. We would not give up!
Fly towards the sky of hope~!
The butterfly floats through my dream~~!
The three sung their hearts out while dancing on stage. The voice and music echoed throughout the area, drawing even more people. By the time they were done with their song, the audience had grown five times its original sizes.
When they finally stopped singing and the music stopped playing, they stood there and waited. For a good ten seconds, the crowd just stood there, seemingly unfazed by their performance. Finally…
CHEER~~!
The audience collectively cheered and applauded, clapping and whistling. Some began shouting, asking for another song. Some began to offer coins in honor of their great performance.
As for the Chou Sisters, both shock and alarmed by this reaction, their eyes begin to wet joy as their broke into a smile.
Yet among the cheers and tears, whistle and joy, none notices the Sorcerer under the bridge. If they had, they would have probably begun tremble in fear. For the Sorcerer, who has become the manager of the Chou Sister, had smile as well…but it was wicked smile that would scare even the toughest of souls.
"We made more today than we normally make in a month," Renhou informed as she and their manager counted their earnings for the day.
"YAHOO~!" Tenhou and Chiihou cheered as they gave each other a high five.
"At last…" Tenhou cried as she gentle wiped away tears of joy from her eyes, "At last, our time has come!"
"No, we are not there yet," Chiihou sweat dropped.
"Nevertheless~," their manager mused, "you are all on your way~!'
"Yes~!"
"This is merely the beginning~!"
"Yes!" Renhou smiled.
"And you all must stop until everyone hears your songs of smiles~!"
"Uh-huh!" Tenhou nodded.
"Our journey starts…tomorrow~!" all four of them cheered.
For the next four months, under the suggestion of their manager, the Chou Sisters continue to perform and gain popularity with their singing. They even managed to incorporate some stand-up comedy, storytelling, and magic tricks into their routine. And every week they move on to another town to gain even more fame. It wasn't long before merchandise base off of them were beginning to be sold and a fan club started with new member being added to everyday.
Unfortunately, as their popularity grew the troubles that follow popular idols like themselves did as well. Such a problem came in the form of crowd control, with audience fighting from lack of personal space or other accidental misunderstanding that would lead to small fights. To counter this, their manager cast another spell on their microphone. The new spell was simply to make people, who were already enchanted by their songs and other performances, to follow a command when they spoke into the microphone. Since then, when the sign of agitation arose, all the girls had to do as activate the spell on their microphones and say something around the line of "no fighting" and their order would be abide by all their audience.
Speaking of spells, for the past four months, their manager had also diligently taught them how to perform magic on their free time. The results were astounding even for the Sorcerer. Renhou seems more skillful in magic that gears towards dazzling and foretelling types, allowing her storytelling to become more "illustrative". Chiihou, the most persistent of the three, was adept in illusion and mystifying type of magic, making her magic tricks more realistic. Tenhou, though not as passionate as the other two, master powerful magic like weather control and even offensive/defensive magic simple because she found them "so cool~!" By the end of the fourth month, they were fully capable of performing magic of their specialized field.
Anyway, after four months of traveling all around the northern region of the country, entertain city folks, villager, and occasionally rich nobles and governmental officers, the Chou Sisters finally return to the town where they had first met their manager.
Though they were nervous, partly because of the bad experience they had in this town and partly because their manager had things to take care off on their performing days so he won't be there, the three were determine to do what they had been doing best for the past four months. They were different from before, this time around they would have all the right to do as they pleases…
…At least that was what it should have been.
"…No one move~!" In the middle of their usual performance, an arrogant called was heard throughout the area. Halting their performance, the three turn to see a small band of soldiers walking up their stage towards them. And the one leading them was a rather familiar face.
"Ah-! You~!" Chiihou exclaimed in recognition, as she pointed an accusing finger at the soldier leader. It was none other than the lead soldier that had chased them off so many times in the past.
"Hmm~, so we meet again," the lead soldier smirked, before with a snap of his finger some of the soldiers surround them, pointing their spears at them, "We have come to stop this performance. I suggest you comply…this time around!"
"Stop our performance? Now?" Renhou questioned, suspicious of the circumstances, "Why?"
"Because you have to!"
"And why is that?" Chiihou exclaimed in protest, "If it is an issue of money, we have it this time around! We can pay for it!"
"…That is not the case this time around," the lead soldier smirked, "Large events like this need government permits…"
"W-What?" Tenhou exclaimed, alarmed by the declaration, "But our manager, before he left on his errand, had already gotten the permission!"
"I have not heard anything about that~!"
"T-That cannot be…" Renhou frowned.
"T-That cannot be right," Chiihou exclaimed, "Manager got the permission early in the morning-! Ah, is see~!" Chiihou suddenly gave the soldier an anger scowl. "You DID receive words of it! You are just PRETEND not to ever receive it and then cover it all up later! You are just doing this to pick on us again!"
"Now, now~! Do not go making false accusation about people~!" The lead soldiers noted before smirking, "…But, suppose that is the case, do you have any proof of it? By any chance you can prove you have permission to do this~?"
"That…"
"And even if I am doing this for some…hidden agenda…what does it matter~?" the lead soldier spat out arrogantly, "so what if you gain a little charity and false fame? In the end, you are all nothing but commoners anyway~! To get so arrogant after just tasting a little bit of reputation…pathetic~!"
Chiihou and Renhou growled on the spot in disbelief at the lead soldier's way of thinking.
"Please!" Tenhou suddenly called, "Just this once, let us finishes our performance! Everyone was looking forward to it!"
As if to show their favor for Tenhou's option, the audience, a vast majority who had travel with them to continue seeing their performance, shouted out in agreement.
The lead soldier gazed at the audience for a moment before smirking at the sisters.
"Hmm~," he began as he drew in closer, "Well, I suppose we could work something out…But, since this a favor that could get me into a lot of trouble later on…" The lead soldier suddenly grabbed Renhou, who was closest, from behind and began to grope one of her breast. "…The payment must be around this level, at least~!"
Renhou's face immediately pale as she resisted the urge to scream. Tenhou and Chiihou were also taken aback by his action as they suddenly became aware of the other soldiers wicked glares.
"Hey! What are you doing to Renhou-chan?" one of the audience suddenly shouted.
"Get your hands off of Renhou-chan!" another one shout as others began to voice in agreement.
Some the audience in the front, closest to the stage, angered by the action tries to get onto the stage to stop it. But the soldiers promptly force them away with their spears. As the audience continues in the effort to stop the harassment the soldiers became more violent in their attempt to keep them away.
"Ah-! Hey," Tenhou exclaimed as she saw this, "No violence! Please~!"
Tenhou went to stop one of the soldiers only to knock roughly aside. The act only enraged the crowd even more. Still the lead soldier continued to grope the paralyzed Renhou as he smirked and laughed at the crowd foolish attempt.
What he didn't notice, however, was that Chiihou trembling on the spot, trying her hardest to suppress her rage. But it didn't last; something finally snapped in her as she suddenly glared piercingly at the lead soldier.
"…You will pay for this~!" Chiihou hissed as she suddenly activate her microphone's second function and shouted angrily into it, "EVERYONE, PLEASE~! KILL THE OFFICER~!"
Her command echoed and traveled throughout the area, reaching the ears of all of their audience in the immediate vicinity.
Since everyone was already enchanted by the Chou Sisters before the soldiers' arrival, the effect was instantaneous. Immediately, the crowd's eyes flare in anger, their fists balled, their voiced harden as they began to chant in unison the same thing:
"Kill! Kill~! KILL~!"
"…! What the heck is this?" the lead soldier shuttered as he back up in fear in the sudden change of atmosphere. Even his soldiers sense the change. But none of them had the time to prepare for as the crowd surge forward with bloodlust.
"Kill! Kill~! KILL~!"
"…AH~! MOU~!" Tenhou cried, "Why did this happen?"
"…'Why?' you asked," Renhou sweat dropped with an uncomfortable frown, "Well…" Renhou pointed an accusing finger at Chiihou, who stood there playing with her ponytail uncomfortably.
"…! Are you saying it was my fault!?" Chiihou exclaimed in denial.
"IT IS! You told the crowd to get the officer-!"
"Yeah! But I did not think they would run all over the town and get rid of ALL the officer-!"
"That is why you need to be more careful when you are making commands with that spell! Did the manager not say that!? You are really careless with it!"
"Do not blame everything on me~!" Chiihou shouted back in defiant, "The whole time, you two were screaming 'Great~!' and 'Get Him!' were you not?"
"Uh, well, that was because…"
"Both of you, this is not the time for fighting!" Tenhou finally exclaimed, so loudly that Chiihou and Renhou was knocked over by the force of the shout.
The Chou Sister found themselves in what's left of a wreaked mansion that HAD belonged to a wealthy government official. As you readers could probably guess from their conversation, things had not gone exactly as planned.
With the spell that was casted on their microphones, Chiihou had ordered their crowd of already enchanted audience to attack and kill the lead officer and his soldiers. They did that, but then start a wild search throughout the town and start killing ALL other people that was even associated with an officer position. Civil officer and Magistrate officer were but a few of victims I would care to list, and many people who unfortunate enough to be in their path were severely injured as well. By the morning of the next day, the town was now totally wreaked, with damages ranging from broken windows to burn downed building.
"Now we are wanted fugitives!" Tenhou cried, "If we are caught, we shall be thrown in jail!"
"…I hope that is all…" Renhou muttered.
"…Eh? What do you mean?"
"… …In other words," Chiihou groveled as ran her hand passed her neck like a sword.
"…EEEHH~~~! What should we do!?" Tenhou exclaimed in panic as she began to comically shake Renhou on the spot, "We are too young to die~~~!"
"The simplest thing for us to do would be to pack up and run," Chiihou sighed.
"No, we cannot do that!"
"Huh?" Renhou frowned, confused, "But if we do that, we may be able to hide until things calm down…"
"NO~~! We cannot~! What about everyone else!?"
"…Huh?"
"What?" Chiihou tilted her head in confusion, "What do you mean Tenhou-nee-san?"
"…You two," Tenhou sweat dropped, "Have you forgotten that while we may be the 'mastermind' it was OUR audience that did ALL of this!?"
"… … … … …Ah-!" Renhou slapped her face in shame, "That is right. They are wanted criminals too now!"
"…If we leave them," Chiihou frowned, "They will be punished in our place…"
"That is right!" Tenhou nodded as she stared out of the damaged window to see the massive mob of now calmed people, who had just realized what they had just done and are groveling over what was going to happen to them, "We cannot just abandon them!"
"But…" Renhou frowned, torn between her heart and her survival, "Then what should we-?"
"Oh, Please do not ask me what to do~! I have never made a good decision in times of crisis in my life!"
"Damn it all~!" Chiihou screeched, as she scratch her head in frustration, "What are we going to do~~!?"
"…I seem to have the knack of showing up in times of needs~, it would seems~," a voice called out from behind them.
Startled, the three turn to find their manager, along with two other who were dress similarly to him. One had bushy beard and carry a staff with a tiger theme while the other had braided beard with a dragon theme staff.
"Manager~!" Tenhou cried, "You have returned!"
"So I have~," the Sorcerer muttered as he gazed around, "And my~, this is a fine mess you gotten yourself into~…"
"Ugh…sorry…"
Afterwards the three explain to their manager about what had happen and the predicament they were in.
"…I see~," the Sorcerer stroked his beard, "if that is the case~, I have a method that may work~…."
"You do!" Renhou blinked.
"Wow," Chiihou awed, "That is our manager…"
"So what is the plan?" Tenhou wondered.
"The method is simple really~," the Sorcerer muttered, "There many why to stop a forest fire~. One is to simply stop it which require hard work~. Another is to simple let run its course. The method I propose is to simply make it bigger~…"
"…Huh?" the Chou Sisters tilted their head in wonder.
"What I mean is this~," the Sorcerer smiled cunningly, "I say you should go ALL the way~! Continue to perform as you always have every day~, bringing in more and more people~! Ten Thousand~, Twenty Thousand~….No~, even more~! If you have One- or Two-Hundred Thousand~, even the imperial army would be too scared to fight you~!"
"Eh! What are you saying!?" Tenhou gasped, "Are you saying we should use our song to gather an army to fight!?"
"I did not propose that~. I simply propose you should gather many people so that even the imperial army would not wish to fight or chase after you~…"
"That is crazy talk!" Chiihou exclaimed.
"Not exactly~," the Sorcerer wave his index finger back and forth, "Have you not heard of the religion of the land Kan-Chuu to the west~?"
"Kan-Chuu of the west?" Renhou pondered for a moment as she raked her memory, since she was the only one of the three would had bother looking into the history of magic, "If I recalled correctly, it is called the Way of the Five Grains. I have heard they have members in tens of thousands, and the lords of the area cannot touch them…"
"Exactly~! If you were to do the same and get more people and find some place to stay~…"
"… …I see, just maybe…"
"That is perfect~!" Chiihou chimed, "That is exactly the kind of result we need at the moment! Manger, you truly are a genius~!"
The Sorcerer laughed. "It is my duty as your manager to support you in times of need after all~…"
"Right! Let do this!" Chiihou cheered as she offer hand to her sisters, "Shall we?"
"…Alright!" Renhou nodded as she place her hand on top of Chiihou, "Let us do it!"
They both turn to Tenhou, waiting for decision.
"… … … … …Well," Tenhou sighed before placing her hand on top of her sisters, "I guess we have no choice then~!"
The three cheered, not noticing the wicked smirk on their manager, the Sorcerer's, face.
Sometime later, in a dark and spooky place, the Sorcerer and the other two were having a meeting.
"Honestly~, Exalted Brother~," the Sorcerer with the Tiger Staff hummed, "You never cease to amaze me with your cunningness~…"
"Indeed~," the Sorcerer with the Dragon Staff nodded in agreement, "I must admit~, however~, I was a little skeptical about the entire plan~…"
"Indeed~. I could not simply believe that using those little girls could have such a fine result in a matter of months~!"
"Surely none of the other worlds had thought of this before~!"
"And because of that~, the girls shall foolishly gather an army for us~! How simply delightful~!"
"You truly outdone yourself this time~, Exalted Brother~!"
The Sorcerer with the Phoenix Staff laughed. "Yes~, a most ingenious plot if I do say so myself~! It is just as simple as gravity~! All you need is a little push~!"
The three laughed into the night sky.
In the months that follow, The Chou Sisters continue to perform and gather more and more followers. It wasn't long before they had amassed an army of tens of thousands. And in a sign that they were in support of the Chou Sisters, the followers wore yellow scarves around themselves. It wasn't long before people began to dub them the Yellow Scarves and their movements, "The Yellow Scarves Rebellion".
Of course, amassing such large numbers meant that they would need a lot of supplies. And the Yellow Scarves in response to this, attacked towns, broke into their storehouses, and took the food and other supplies before moving on to the next one. When they did this, obviously the local government official also got involve and when they try to stop it, they were attack themselves.
Soon even those form the capital became alarmed by this, and the Imperial Court send out an order to wipe them out. However, over the many years of Kan peace, the Imperial Army had become too weak to even stop them, so with every fail attempt to stop them, the number of Yellow Scarves began to grow. Things just keep getting better for the Yellow Scarves.
…Or at least that is as it should be.
We now find the Chou Sister sitting comfortably in a large dining room of the city of Ei-Sen, a city they had easily conquered as their base of operation after many months of camping outdoors. They were just finishing up dinner when Tenhou sighed.
"…? Why the long face, Tenhou-nee-san?" Renhou wondered.
"…You know, I was just thinking," Tenhou began, "Are we really doing the right thing?"
"What do you mean?" Chiihou wondered.
"Well, despite how many we gather, the Imperial Court is still sending troops to fight us…"
"That is true, but that is only because they are idiots, I guess. Just wait, when we get even more-!"
"BUT!" Tenhou suddenly shouted, startling the two, "the way I see it, we are just getting more people to fight other people! Just more violence! To be honest, now I feel as if the voices of the dead are always bothering me at night and all! All I want is for them to leave us alone, but we end up getting ourselves into even more trouble!"
"Tenhou-nee-san," Renhou managed.
"And just the other day, I heard that some of our followers slaughter a whole family when they were looking for food! They did not even spare a baby of two month old! How can I not possibly not reflect after hearing something like that!?"
"I-It cannot be help," Chiihou frowned, "We cannot be everywhere and tell people not to do that…"
"…But I agree with Tenhou-nee-san," Renhou frowned, "When did things get this far?"
"… … …I suppose you do bring up a good point…"
"… … … … … …Hey, Chiihou, Renhou?" Tenhou finally began after lowering her head, "Let us go to Manager…"
"…? What for?" Renhou wondered.
"… …To tell him… … …to ask him to think of a way to stop this…"
"Eh?"
"What are you saying, Tenhou-nee-san?" Chiihou exclaimed, "If we stop then our dream would-!"
"No," Tenhou raised her head to show tears forming in her eyes, "This not what I, what WE, dreamed of! We dream of bringing smiles to people faces, but we are only causing more suffering and frown…are we not?"
Chiihou and Renhou widen their eyes in realization before their eyes began to tear up too. It wasn't long before three hugged each other in comfort before they began to cry in unison.
"… … …You want to stop~?" the Sorcerer repeated from his chair as he stared at the Chou Sisters who stood before them.
"That is right!" Tenhou affirmed, "We do not want to die, but do not want others to die in our places…"
"That is right!" Chiihou nodded in agreement, "We did this only because we thought we can get away from the trouble. But the trouble instead just kept growing!"
"That is why we are asking you to come up with something to end this," Renhou exclaimed, "You must know of a way, right?"
The Sorcerer stared at them for a moment before falling back into his chair, palming his face and sigh. After about a minute, he finally spoke.
"…You Three do realize that if stop now~, death is the only path left~, yes~?"
The three sisters stiffed before Tenhou stepped forward. "We are ready for that possibility as well. But you stuck with us through thick and thin, manager. We would not make you follow us through it. That much we can guarantee we want…"
"… … … … … …I see~. Then I guess I have no choice~," the Sorcerer removed his hands from his face, showing them that he was now glaring at them, "And it was going just so well as well~…"
"…!? M-Manager?" Tenhou wonder shakily as she stepped back.
Before the three could react, the Sorcerer snapped his fingers and immediately several cloaked white and yellow Taoist appeared, surrounding and restraining them.
"M-Manager!" Chiihou exclaimed, "What is this!?"
"What is going on!?" Renhou exclaimed as well as she try to break free to no avail.
"So~, in the end~, your hearts remain true~. As impressive as it is~, I cannot allow any of this to stop~! Nothing can stop it now~! The age of the Yellow Scarves has just begun~!"
"W-What are you saying, Manager?" Tenhou exclaimed in confusion.
"It would appear that you have outlive your purpose in this movement that I have mastermind~! However~, since you have yet to outlive your usefulness, I shall keep you alive~. Lock them up~!"
"W-W-Wait, this cannot be-!" Tenhou exclaimed in horror as she and her sisters were dragged out, "MANAGER~~~!"
The Chou Sisters were promptly locked up in their own room, caged as symbols of the Yellow Scarves. The Sorcerer, in turn, took over as the leader and began to lead the Yellow Scarves under the assumption that the Chou Sisters had fallen ill and that they only way to help them is to bring an end to the Kan Dynasty.
In the months that follow, the Sorcerer became the General of the Heaven, the Tiger Staff Sorcerer became the General of the Land, and the Dragon Staff Sorcerer became the General of the People. And although these two last sorcerers didn't have the magic capability as the Phoenix Staff Sorcerer, they were clever and skillful leaders.
All the meanwhile, the actions of the Yellow Scarves became more violent and less gear to needs. They began pillaging towns of not just their foods and supplies but also their wealth. Violence now ranged from killing people for fun to raping women and torturing children.
As this was happening, all the Chou Sisters could do was watch, as they sometime began to cry in their sleeps. Unable to die, but was living an unbearable life.
Fast-forward the clock: Present Day…
Several days ago, Sou-Sou the future Heroine of Chaos was informed of the whereabouts of the Yellow Scarves main base of operation. After making the much need preparation, she set out to end the conflict that plagued the land. Joining her are two cousin, Kakou-Ton and Kakou-En, her two bodyguards, Ten-I and Kyo-Cho, and her newly added strategist, Shiba Izumi. They marched their army of Ten Thousand towards the Yellow Scarves' city. Despite the report that the city had at least Twenty Thousand to spare, both Karin (true name of Sou-Sou) and Izumi knew that Ten Thousand elite soldiers of Kyo-Shou were more than enough to eliminate the Yellow Scarves.
However, the vanguard of One Thousand that had went ahead, had gotten themselves cornered in small narrow pathway they had set up camp in are holding out as Yellow Scarves in number of Four Thousand try to destroyed them.
This was the scene that Izumi found them in when her intuition told her to direct Karin up a different path. The army of Nine Thousand now stands above the battle, unbeknownst to the soldiers and bandits below.
"Well," Shuuran huffed as she down at the sight, "This looks bad. Our men are surrounded by Yellow Scarves…"
"My word," Karin shook her head at the sad sight, "It is the height of foolishness to set up camp on such a narrow path, when you have such numbers…"
"Yes," Ruru nodded as she turn to Izumi, "If it were not for Shiba-san, we would have gotten involved in this mess in a bad way…"
"Indeed," Karin smirked in Izumi's direction, "It would appear your intuitions are rather impressive…"
"Or so I have been told," Izumi sighed, "At the very least, now we are in a better position to help our vanguard…"
"Yes, but this is such a pain to deal with…"
"Well, look on the bright side, Karin-sama," Kii smirked as she ready her chained and metal ball, "Now we get to rescue them~!"
Karin blinked before smirking with excitement. "Yes~! That is true…"
"…Is everyone finished talking?" Shunran huff impatiently; it doesn't take a genius to see that Shunran is etching to fight already.
"We are," Izumi huffed as she turn to Karin, "Sou-Sou-sama, shall I give the order?"
"…Do this right now," Karin warned, "Show me the wisdom that you seem adept to…"
"As you wish, Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi bowed before turning to Ruru and Kii, "Ten-I-dono, Kyo-Cho-dono! Take your force and maneuver down the north side of these hill. Attack hard and chase them down for a while before heading south. We shall regroup at the end of the passageway…"
"Yes, madam!" Ruru and Kii nodded as they head off to do as Izumi instructed.
"Kakou-Ton-dono and Kakou-En-dono, you shall wait here before charging down the center and continue on to the end of the passage…"
"Very well," Shuuran nodded.
"Let us get on with it, Shuuran," Shunran nodded.
"Sou-Sou-sama, we shall maneuver down the south side of the hill. Attacking enough to grab their attention before heading north, before regrouping at the end of the passageway…"
"Hmm~, interesting," Karin smirked, "Very well, let us do it…"
Following Izumi's strategy, Ruru and Kii practically obliterated the group of Yellow Scarves on their side before heading southward, Shunran and Shuuran charged down the middle and slowly fought down through the path, and Karin's group battle for a little while on her side before heading northward with the Yellow Scarves hot on their trail. Of course as the Yellow Scarves gave chase, they soon found themselves confronted by Shunran's group and Kii's group and were wiped out without even realizing what had happen.
When the rest of the Yellow Scarves saw this, they began to panic and retreat only to get chase down from behind by all three groups as they made their way to the end of the passage with the vanguard following up Shunran's group.
In less than an hour, Four Thousand Yellow Scarves were wiped out with Karin's still leading a force of around a little under Ten Thousand.
"…Ah-ha-ha-ha!" Karin laughed as they continued towards Ei-Sen, "Shunran, Shuuran, Kii, and Ruru! Did you see the looks on their face when we started to get the better of them? Priceless~!"
"I agree, Karin-sama," Shuuran smiled, "It is obvious from the way they responded that they are but simple common people running amok…"
"Nevertheless, for us to emerge nearly unscratched," Kii awed, "Even I am baffled…"
"You need not be, Kyo-Cho-dono," Izumi huffed, "Their numbers of Four Thousand attacking recklessly in such a narrow passage was a clear sign that they had no inspiring leader to direct them. Had they did, they would instead strike our vanguard as they left the passage. They obviously thought as long they corner the enemy inside the passage, they would have nothing to fear…"
"…I see," Ruru exclaimed, "so when they saw how we were destroying their leading forces, they began to lose confident in their ability against us…"
"Not necessarily. They lose it as soon as they saw it. Like a flock of sparrow suddenly ambushed by a snake…"
"…Huh?" Shunran comically tilted her head in confusion.
"In other words," Karin clarified, "when they saw how one of them was taken down, they fear the same fate and fled. Impressive, Shiba Izumi. To recognize enemies' response to an action like that…"
"Mere common sense, Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi waved it off in boredom, "But not worth a praise. Against the likes of those kinds, if one not minds the value of numbers, a general like Kakou-Ton-dono can finish them off just the same…"
"Ha-Ha, I see," Karin laughed before giving Shunran an amusing glance, "Shunran huh?"
"Ah! I see Shiba-san certainly realize those Yellow Scarves are incapable," Shunran nodded, before noticing her comrades trying hard to suppress their laughter, "Uh, what is so funny?"
"Sister," Shuuran managed, "do you not see the meaning in Shiba-san's words?"
"Huh?"
"What I mean is that you are much like bull when you see a red object, caring little about the fact it had a spear place behind it which was meant to kill you, Kakou-Ton-dono," Izumi offered.
"… … … … … … … … … … … …HEY!"
"Too slow, Shunran-nee-sama," Kii giggled.
"Silence, Kii! Shiba Izumi, what are you implying? I am no bull!"
"…That is what you are worry about?" Kii sweat dropped.
"Dear me," Izumi sighed, "a diamond among the rouge…"
"…Huh?"
"I find your stupidity as admirable as your strength…"
"Oh, thank you. … … … … … …Wait a minute! WHAT!?"
"Sad, but amusing," Karin chuckled as she shook her head in disbelief.
At long last, they reached the outskirts of the city of Ei-Sen. However, even from a distance, they could already tell that something was wrong. According to earlier reports, the city of Ei-Sen was crawling with Yellow Scarves ranging to at least Twenty Thousand. But now, not only was the city flying the flags of the Yellow Scarves, but surrounding the city were various camping tents. Adding those into the equation, there was at least Sixty Thousand in total.
"There are so many!" Kii awed, "How and when did this occur?"
"Hmm," Shuuran hummed to herself, "could it be that somehow the Yellow Scarves became aware of our assault plans?"
"Impossible!" Shunran exclaimed, "For them to gather this much in the matter of days since we receive the news, it is just not possible!"
"But then how would one explain this?" Ruru fidgeted.
"…Hmm~," Karin hummed before turning to Izumi, "Do you have any thoughts, Shiba Izumi?"
"I do," Izumi responded instantly.
"Already!?" Kii sweat dropped, "But how…?"
"Simple logic," Izumi began, "The Yellow Scarves are but mindless mobs, unable to organize properly to survive. Yet for several months, they not only maintain their existence but also had grown vast in numbers. Form that I can conclude that at the least they had some capable leaders at their disposal. Excluding the detached forces found here and there all over the continent, large group can be formed because of leader figures. Being as how we had found the city where the ringleader is, the fact that there is a sudden increase in Yellow Scarves population in area, and that the tents farther from the city shows signs that they set in haste I gather that the Yellow Scarves days had finally been numbered…"
"Numbered?" Karin questioned.
"Yes, Sou-Sou-sama, it would seem some of the major figures of the Yellow Scarves have fallen and in turn they retreat to their remaining leaders. This battle we will soon enter may just as well be one of the final conflicts we'll have against them…"
"…Ah~! Now I see. It would seem I am not the only one in the land capable of handling these locusts…"
"Are you saying if we are victorious here, the conflict shall finally cease?" Ruru exclaimed excitedly.
"… … …For this conflict, yes…" Izumi simply stated before turning to Karin, who had given Izumi a knowingly look, "Sou-Sou-sama, if I may?"
"Yes, go ahead," Karin nodded, "If this is indeed the final battle, I want it to end quickly…"
"Karin-sama," Shuuran voiced, "Not to sound like a coward or anything, but we have around Ten Thousand troops to spare and the Yellow Scarves have at least Sixty Thousand. In terms of numeric advantages, we are at a huge disadvantage…"
"…I hate to say it," Shunran frowned as she stared at the land ahead that seems to have endless numbers of tents, "but this battle may not be one we can emerge from without backup…"
"…Hmm~, so even Shunran feels uncomfortable about charging in like always huh?" Karin hummed, "Then this IS a problem…"
"And I have a solution, Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi noted, catching everyone's attention, "If it were to be successful, we may not need to worry about losing any more of our troops…"
"Seriously?" Kii exclaimed, "That is amazing!"
"Incredible!" Ruru awed.
"Is that so~?" Karin smirked, showing growing interest, "Tell me…"
"I rather show than tell, Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi replied, "And also, I would need one whole day to carry out the plan…alone…"
"Oh~? You say that you alone can have our army emerge unscratched? Hmm~, this I must bear witness to. Very well," Sou-Sou turned back to her waiting army, "Everyone set up camp; we shall rest for the day!"
As everyone went about setting up camp, Izumi called Shuuran and Ruru to the side.
"Shiba Izumi-san," Shuuran called, "I know that you called us, but I must ponder something first, if you do not mind…"
"By all means," Izumi simply stated.
"…Well, I understand that your plan requires us to wait a full day for completion, but… …will the plan still succeed by then?"
"What do you mean, Shuuran?" Ruru asked in puzzlement.
"If what Shiba Izumi-san state is true, then it is possible that all the other supposed leaders of the Yellow Scarves have been eliminated one way or another and now only the ringleader is left. Should that be the case, the Yellow Scarves would have by tomorrow increase their numbers even more…"
"Ah-! That is true…"
"So have you taken that into account yet, Shiba Izumi-san?"
"I have already taken that into account as well, Kakou-En-dono," Izumi simply informed, "though I appreciate your concern. Additional numbers would mean very little to the plan…It would actually be better, if it is as I surmised…"
"…? What do you mean, Shiba-san?" Ruru questioned.
"…I have a theory about this entire Yellow Scarves Rebellion. And I intend to prove it correct in this one day…"
"And what theory would that be?" Shuuran asked.
"All in good times, Kakou-En-dono. For now," Izumi then pulled out two sets of yellow clothing, "let us infiltrate the enemies' forces…"
"… … … … …Eh?" Ruru and Shuuran blinked.
"… … … … … … … … … … … … …This is…nerve wreaking~!" Ruru moaned quietly as she continued walking.
"Ruru, remain calm," Shuuran comforted quietly, "so far everything Shiba-san has spoken had remain undeniable…"
"I know that, it is just-…"
"Remain calm you two," Izumi noted as she causally walked on with the two in toll, "do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself…"
"… …Okay~…"
"As you wish," Shuuran nodded before glancing around, "Still, I did not expect to infiltrate their ranks so easily…"
I think it's about to tell you readers, those who aren't quite getting it yet, what is going on. For those of you who are wondering, YES, Izumi had taken both Shuuran and Ruru along to infiltrate the Yellow Scarves' rankings. They were now wearing yellow clothing over their original clothing and a yellow bandana over their heads.
"I did not think we could bribe the 'guards' with simple food," Ruru sweat dropped, remembering how the guards were gorging themselves on the food that Izumi had offered.
"The Yellow Scarves once had attack cities and villages for food," Izumi explained, "As their numbers grow so did their need for subsistence. If not gold, food is the obvious substitute. I would not be surprise if I were to toss a piece of bread between them and see them fight to the death for it, really…"
Shuuran and Ruru sweat dropped at the absurdity but had to admit mentally that it could easily be imagined.
"Anyhow, we must remain vigilant until the task is finish…"
"What is our task?" Ruru wondered as they continued onward towards the city, "Could it be that we are to assassinate the ringleader ourselves?"
"No," Izumi answered immediately, "it is the height of foolishness to try doing so…"
"Then are we meant to locate him?" Shuuran offered.
"No," Izumi answered immediately again before slight turn around to them, "We are going to escort them back to the camp…"
"… … … … …Eh?" Ruru and Shuuran blinked.
Somehow or another, though both Shuuran and Ruru were unsure how despite witnessing it themselves, Izumi manages to get them inside the main castle of the city of Ei-Sen.
"Amazing~," Ruru awed as she continues to follow Izumi, "Shiba-san walks in here as if the Yellow Scarves do not even exist…"
"…Getting out may prove a bit difficult though," Izumi muttered, "Be ready to do so if necessary…"
"…Understood," Shuuran muttered. By now, Shuuran was no longer trying to figure out what it is that Izumi was plotting. Rather, even if she tried, she would only end up even more confused than she was before. All she can do now is to place her trust into Izumi and hope that her impression on her when they first met would not be false.
As they journey on through the corridors, continuing to go further up as they did, they ran into single guard.
"Hey you!" he called as he closed in, glaring suspiciously at them, "You are not allow to be here. What is your business here? Are you trying to see the Chou Sisters as well?"
"…Huh?" Ruru let out unintentionally, confused by the names he presented.
Shuuran on the other hand notice that Izumi had calmly walked up to the guard. Curious what she was up to, she was surprise to suddenly see Izumi smile brightly at the guard, making him blush and blabber on the spot before…
CONK~!
…She kicked him hard in the groin, causing his face to pale extensively, his eyes to bulge out comically, his mouth to hang comically, double over and pass out.
"Whoa!" Ruru exclaimed in shock, "So fast! …And without hesitation!"
"…Merciless," Shuuran sweat dropped.
"…Hey you two," Izumi called, as she began to tie up the guard's wrist, ankle, and mouth, "Help me hide this man. It is vital that we are not discovered before we finish our task…"
"R-Right," Shuuran and Ruru nodded.
Fortunately for any other Yellow Scarves Guards that may have been around, the three no longer had any run-ins all the way until they came up to an elegant door. The strange part about the door was the fact that it was sealed with two paper talisman.
"We have reached our destination," Izumi informed.
"Are you saying that the ringleader is in here?" Shuuran blinked as she inspects the door.
"No," Izumi replied immediately, "But they are people of even greater importance to the majority of the Yellow Scarves Rebels…"
"…Is that so?"
"Well, let us see who they are," Ruru suggested as she proceeds to open the door only to have her hand repelled away by an invisible barrier, "WHOA! What is this?"
"…?" Shuuran move to touch the door only to have her hands knocked away by the same barrier, "A barrier? So the Yellow Scarves are using sorcery?"
"…Impressive," Izumi smirked, "so there are beings here in this world that can use supernatural powers…"
"…And here I thought such sorceries are only found in fairy tales," Ruru muttered in worry.
"But why would they-?" Shuuran began before widening her eyes in realization, "I see now! Shiba-san said that whoever is behind these door holds great value to the Yellow Scarves Rebellion. Meaning if they lose that something behind this door…"
"The meaning of the rebellion would weaken," Izumi nodded, "What irony; we are able to easily find this place only because they kept it so nicely locked up…"
"…Even so," Ruru frowned as she stared at the door, "How are we going to bypass this sorcery?"
Izumi thought for a moment before getting close to the door and blow on the talisman gently. After a moment, Izumi smiled and turn back to her two companions.
"Kakou-En-dono," Izumi began, "Ten-I-dono, when I break this seal, we are to rush inside and sealed the door from inside, understood?"
"Uh, yes," Shuuran nodded, "As you wish…"
"Okay!" Ruru nodded determinedly, "…But, how are you going to break it? This sorcery…"
"There are many ways to skin a cat, Ten-I-dono," Izumi smirked as she turned back to the door and put on her razor-tip finger-gloves for the first time in a while (Shuuran and Ruru gave her "choice of weapon" a startling look), "Now then, a little logic lesson [one-o-one], Ten-I-dono…"
"Huh? Won-of-won…?"
"Tell me, how would go around killing a turtle with a powerful shell?"
"… … …Uh, I would wait until the turtle stick out its soft vulnerable neck so I can kill it…"
"That is one way to do it. But there is another way, without actually waiting…"
"And what is that?"
"A turtle's shell is an elegant and superb defense that had ever been produce by nature. However, a turtle is still a reptile and an animal; there is always a weak point. Simply attacking the areas where the turtle's legs and head come from is sufficient enough…"
"Are you saying that we should attack the weak point of this seal?"
"Correct. Now for you Kakou-En-dono…"
"Uh, yes?" Shuuran blinked as to how Izumi could be calmly asking them question at a time like this.
"This room is in the very center of the building, so obviously there are no doors or windows. A perfectly sealed room thanks to the sorcery, is it?"
"Uh, yes?"
"Wrong," Izumi replied immediately, "If this is truly a sealed-off room as you implied, what would be the problem for people kept inside?"
"…?" Shuuran thought for a moment before widening her eyes in realization, "I see, if it is truly sealed off, then not even air we need to breath could enter…"
"Exactly. And seeing as how my breathe did not cause the barrier to erect," Izumi crossed her arm before slicing the air so fast that a cutting wind was formed, cutting the talismans, "a distant, wind-base attack would be enough…"
As soon as the talismans were ripped to shreds, Shuuran and Ruru were on the move. As per Izumi's instruction, the two immediately force open the door and, after taking care to see that Izumi had entered as well, shut the door and began to barricade it with all the nearby objects in reach. As soon as they secured the door, running footsteps could be heard coming from the other side. It was only in a matter of second later did someone started pounding on the door, trying to force open the door.
"Phew," Ruru wiped the sweat off her forehead, "Shiba-san must have anticipated this. Amazing…"
"But they came running almost instantly," Shuuran muttered, "How did they know that we broke in so quickly?"
"I wonder…"
Izumi, meanwhile, had turned her attention to observing the bedroom. It was very spacious and in a circular design with thin walls of paper creating five rooms. The center leading to the rooms had a single circular table on it, with empty dishes and score notes. Aside from the "entrance room" they were in, just adjacent of the room was what Izumi presumed to be the washroom. The remaining three were bedrooms, each were unique aside from the single bed place in the center of them.
"…What is this place?" Ruru wondered finally realizing where they were.
"It is pretty fancy…and girly," Shuuran noted as she stared at each of the individual rooms, noticing that the theme of the rooms were all decorated in a girly fashion, "Not exactly what I expected from the people inspiring the Yellow Scarves…"
"Of course not," Izumi huffed knowingly before walking towards one of the bedrooms, "The Yellow Scarves, after all, did not become a rebel army from the start after all…"
"It was not?" Ruru questioned in shock.
"No, it began as a mere group of fans who were in support for three street-performing sisters who made a name for themselves all over the northern part of the continent in the world of entertainment. However, after a mishap involving abusive government officials, the group since began to become somewhat a group of rioters. They cause trouble to the land, but mostly only in terms of public damages and stolen rations. All the meanwhile, those three girls were the leaders of that growing sect, continuing to inspire them with their performance until one day they just stop performing and appearing all together. Since then, that sect became an even more violent group of misguided followers, which led to today's current condition…" Izumi finally halted her steps in front of the bed of the room. "…Isn't that right? Chou Sisters?"
"…Huh?" Shuuran and Ruru noted as they stared at the bed that Izumi had stopped in front of.
Then, before their very eyes, from behind the bed three girls slowly rose. They were none other than Tenhou, Chiihou, and Renhou; better known as the famous feudal idols The Chou Sisters.
"… … … …Yes," Tenhou nodded sadly; all them were wearing a gloomy expression on their face, "It is just as you stated…"
"As I thought," Izumi smiled before bowing a little to them, "Pardon me for the late introduction. I am Shiba Izumi, a recruit strategist of the Kyo-Shou Army. Those two," Izumi indicated Shuuran and Ruru respectively, "are General Kakou-En-dono and General Ten-I-dono…"
"Uh, hi!" Ruru waved to kindly.
Shuuran, on the other hand, glared at them before whispering into Izumi's ear. "In other words, they were the one who began the uprising, am I correct?"
Izumi shrugged. "…More or less, seeing how things had escalated…"
"…I see," Shuuran nodded before aiming her bow and arrow at the three, "In other words, thee three began this conflict that brought death and blood in this land! The True Ringleader of the Yellow Scarves Rebellion! If thee three art slain here and now, the Yellow Scarves will lose it momentum! Thee three have nothing to complain about if I place judgment to kill thee right now, correct?"
The sisters stared at Shuuran, startled for a moment, before their downcast expression return.
"…No, we do not," Tenhou shook her head sadly.
"…So this is it after all," Chiihou moaned, "either way we could not escape death…"
"…Yeah," Renhou nodded sadly, before looking at Shuuran, "Please do it…"
"Gladly!" Shuuran replied immediately, but before she could release her arrow, Izumi grabbed the arrow. "…! What are you doing, Shiba-san? This is why we came is it not?"
"I don't recalling saying anything around that line, Kakou-En-dono," Izumi simply stated, "I told the two of you, did I not? We've come here not to assassinate anybody…"
"But-!"
"But if you must shoot," Izumi added, as she move into Shuuran's line-of-fire, "Then you must shoot me first!"
"What!?" Ruru exclaimed in shock.
"What is this all of a sudden, Shiba Izumi-san?" Shuuran blinked, "Why are you willing to give your life to save theirs?"
"Because they are essential to my plans!" Izumi noted lowly but clearly, "If they are to be lost, then my plan that is set in a day would be forfeit! Should that happen, Sou-Sou-sama will charge me with obscuring her and execute me! Besides, lease you forget, General Kakou-En-dono, you are the soldier of this mission and I am the strategist! If you aren't going to listen to me now, I doubt you will ever will. As it would seem I'm not need, you might as well just kill me now!"
Shuuran blinked at Izumi's conviction before lowering her bow and her head in shame. "…Shiba-san, forgive me for my impudence. You are right, if I kill them now, you are the one to suffer the most since they are vital to your plans…"
Izumi smiled. "I knew you would understand, General Kakou-En-dono. Though, I must admit, I can only now cast away my doubts about you and Kakou-Ton-dono being sisters…"
"Ugh…"
"Yeah~," Ruru teased, "I actually thought for a moment that you and Shunran had switch place for a small moment…"
"Ugh…if that were to happen again, Ruru, please bring me back to sense by any means possible please~?"
"Roger~!"
Izumi smiled at the sight before turning to the stun Chou Sisters. "Anyhow, back to business. Chou Sisters, I need you to fill me in on the events I was unable to piece together myself. Please corporate…"
Tenhou thought about it for a moment before nodding. "Very well, we shall tell you everything we know…"
"…Since then," Tenhou finalized her story, "We have been kept confined in this room, in our own room. Food just magically appeared on the table and we had no means of escaping so…"
"…I see," Izumi nodded, "Now it all makes sense…"
"So you three were just being used," Ruru frowned, "Shuuran nearly killed the wrong people…"
"Ugh, yes I almost did," Shuuran sighed, disappointed in herself, "Had I did, that manager of yours would have inspired the Yellow Scarves outside to act on vengeances…"
"…T-That is a possibility…"
"…So what will you do now?" Renhou murmured, "We told you what we know…"
"Yes, you did," Izumi nodded, "Now we can get out of here…ALL of us…"
"Huh?" The Chou Sisters blinked in unison before pointing to themselves, "Us too?"
"Yes~. I believe I made that clear…"
"…To do what?" Chiihou sighed, "Execute us in public instead-?"
"That would defeat the purpose of coming here and talking to you…"
"…Then…what is it you want with us? Are you going to use us as a mean to make the Yellow Scarves surrender?"
"In a sense, yes…"
"Wait a minute!" Tenhou suddenly exclaimed, "I do not care what happens to me, but as for those people, please! Can I ask that you not to punish them?"
"Not punish them?" Shuuran narrowed her eyes.
"Yes! This all happen because of us! They were just being used! I must admit that they may have done some things wrong but-…"
"This is not really our place to decide. It is Sou-Sou-sama's place to do so. And the Yellow Scarves had done a lot of damages to not only fellow countrymen but to the Kan Dynasty as well…"
"…No way…Then that means-…"
"But!" Izumi voiced loudly, catching everyone's attention immediately, "If they are going have any chance at not being punish, it will all comes down to your decisions, Chou Sisters…"
"Eh?" Everyone else blinked.
"…We are running short on time, for now," Izumi noted as peered at the door, noticing that it had gotten quiet, "Chou Sisters, I need you to make the decision now! Are you willing to wait here and die? Or…will you once again be a beckon that can save your poor misguided followers?"
The Chou Sisters blinked at this before staring at each other in thought. After a while, Tenhou suddenly nodded.
"…Alright," Tenhou managed, "I am ready for judgment and if I can save their lives while I am still alive, then I shall do it!"
"Good!" Izumi nodded before heading to one of the nearby walls, farthest from the door, before turning to Ruru, "Ten-I-dono…"
"…Uh, yes?" Ruru stood in attention.
"Is a wooden wall too much for your strength?"
Ruru blinked before smiling in understanding.
Two Yellow Scarves Guards were guarding the stairways of the floor, which was located on the other side of the Chou Sisters' door. Their comrades were busy getting ready to confront the enemies that will come out of the room. Or at least that is what they thought.
Before the two could even react, the wall in front of the stairway exploded the flying pieces that were sent flying knocking out the slow guards. The explosion created a hole in the wall, allowing Izumi, Ruru, Shuuran, and the Chou Sister to step out of the room.
"…I thought for sure we could not break out with brute force," Shuuran blinked at this.
"I'll explained later," Izumi rushed, "General Kakou-En, General Ten-I, the Chou Sisters are counting on us to lead them out the camp and back to Sou-Sou-sama's camp. Can you do it…is what I should be asking…"
"But," Shuuran huff a chuckle before preparing her bow, "you already know the answer to that, right?"
"Precisely. Asking it would be foolish…"
"Ready to go, Chou Sisters?" Ruru asked as she turned to them, readying her rather large yo-yo weapon.
The Chou Sisters glanced down at their microphones, which conveniently enough was found in the room they just busted out from after busting out of their own room. After a brief moment to sigh, the three looked up with determination in their eyes and nodded.
"Very well," Izumi nodded at this as her ears picked up the running footsteps of the Yellow Scarves closing in, "let's make haste!"
As Izumi had expected, the trip out of the Yellow Scarves' building wasn't an easy trip. The whole place was crawling with Yellow Scarves and they going in to kill. They did not even bother holding back at attacking the Chou Sisters. In fact, they were also madly targeting them.
"Why would they attack the Chou Sisters?" Shuuran wondered as she launched another arrow at a Yellow Scarves Bandit, ending his life, "Do these people not admire them?"
"No, not these ones," Izumi informed, "Not the ones in the building at least. The reason is simple and obvious. As a learned person, why would one use people who are inspired by them as guards to prevent them from escaping?"
"…You have a point…"
"Therefore," Ruru huffed as she swung her Yo-Yo around, knocking them away, "These people did not join for the sake of the Chou Sisters, rather they are here as they directly work for their Manager?"
"That's correct," Izumi nodded, "You are beginning to get the hang of this, Ten-I-dono…"
"…! Heh-Heh," Ruru blushed greatly as she blow away a vast amount of Yellow Scarves in her embarrassment, "I have been praise…"
"Are you okay?" Tenhou blinked before she clumsy swung her microphone at an approaching bandit.
"Eh? Oh! I am fine! Really!"
"…If you say so," Chiihou sweat dropped before she began staring over at where Izumi is and sweat dropped even more, "Excuse me, uh General Kakou-En?"
"…Shuuran is fine, Chou-Hou-san," Shuuran stated as she continue to fire at the charging Yellow Scarves.
"Oh, then you can call me Chiihou! Anyway, there is something I want to ask you…"
"And what may that be, Chiihou-san?"
"… … …Is that really a strategist of your army?"
Chiihou pointed at Izumi who had equipped both of her hands with razor-tip finger-gloves. She was "dancing" in and out of the Yellow Scarves' rankings, slicing and shredding more than just clothes. Blood seems to fly in arcs in the air, and the Yellow Scarves Bandits fell like dead corpse, mostly because most of them did end up as corpse. Some of them had horrible scars across their face or arms, some had lost an arm or a leg, some had their throat cut open, and rarely some of them were either pierce through the body or loss their heads. All the meanwhile, Izumi's viper eyes remain as cold as calculative as ever.
"… …Yes, she is," Shuuran managed, "Though this is the first time I have witness her in combat…"
"Amazing~!" Ruru awed, "I cannot tell if she is fighting or dancing…"
"…Both, I think…" Renhou muttered as she bitch-slapped one of the approaching bandits with her microphone.
It took them a while but they manage to escape from the building complex. Once outside, Izumi immediately had the Chou Sisters disguise (with prepared clothing from who-knows-where, startling even Shuuran and Ruru).
"…Is it really necessary to wear a disguise?" Tenhou questioned as they ran through the crowd of confused Yellow Scarves, with a cloth covering most of head, as was her sisters.
"It is essential to ensure that you three are not recognized as of yet by them," Izumi explained, "Should they recognize you now, they will only hinder our path to our camp and cause unnecessary casualty…"
"But would it not bad if those other bandits working for Manager use them to capture us instead?" Chiihou wondered.
"No, they won't do that! It will only confuse these misguided followers even more and it will be very complicate for them to resolve later if their targets were identified by them…"
"I see," Shuuran nodded as she peered back as they draw farther and farther away from their pursuer, "That would explain why they had not done so yet…"
"…Uh, Shiba-san," Tenhou called, "About saving the people that joined us, is it really possible to do so if we come with you to your camp?"
"Yes, I can guarantee it," Izumi smiled back at them, "But once again, it shall all depend on your ability and courage. We shall all soon see if you truly hold true to your commitment to your desire to bring people happiness…"
Tenhou blinked at this before nodding with a smile.
"…You have no idea where Shuuran or Ruru had gone off to?" Shunran questioned a soldier.
"N-N-No General," the soldier managed under Shunran's stern glared, "Not only that, but it would seem even Master Shiba has been missing as well…"
"… … …I see. Very well, you are dismissed…"
"Y-Y-Yes General…" And with that soldier left with a sigh of relief.
It has been several hours since Karin had order a camp to be set up. Once the camp was set up, it was only then did they notice Izumi, Shuuran, and Ruru was nowhere to be found. Shunran and Kii had order for an immediate search for the three, but for two hours not even a single hair could be found.
Shunran sighed before turning to Kii, who was walking up to her with a frown as well. It was obvious that her troops didn't find the three either.
"If they are playing hide-and-seek, they just won," Kii sighed in frustration.
"Honestly, my sister," Shunran grumbled, "It is so unlike her to just disappear like that…"
"The same can be said of Ruru-chan! She and I are supposed to be Karin-sama's bodyguards. To not be here is…"
"Yes. More concerning is the fact that Shiba-san is also missing. Rather suspicious for saying that she had a plan to utterly defeat the Yellow Scarves…"
"…You do not think she ran away because she suddenly realized her plan was not going to succeed, do you think?"
"Hmm~," Shunran hummed in thought, "It is possible…And maybe, Shuuran and Ruru caught on and are currently in pursuit…"
"Oh~! That makes sense~!"
"… … ~hey," a voice called out, "Shunran-nee-san!"
"…!" Shunran and Ruru turned to the entrance of the camp to see Izumi, Shuuran, Ruru, and three other cloaked girls approaching, all wearing yellow clothing.
"…We apologize for disappearing~!" Ruru chimed as well.
"Shuuran-nee-sama," Kii cried out as she ran over, "Ruru-chan! Where were you two?"
"With Shiba-san," Shuuran huff a chuckled, "On a mission…"
"… …A mission?" Shunran blinked, "So… … … …Shiba-san did not flee?"
"…Flee? No, we were accompanying Shiba-san as she penetrated and escape the Yellow Scarves' base of operation…"
"…WHAT?" Kii and Shuuran exclaimed.
We now find Izumi standing in front of the seated Karin, standing alongside the Chou Sisters, in the main tent. She, along with Shuuran and Ruru, had just finished informing everyone the circumstances of their leaving and returning, from the moment Izumi had pulled Shuuran and Ruru to the side to the point where they just return.
"…To say that I am amused by your tale would be an understatement," Karin chuckled on her seat, "To think that you, Shiba Izumi, our newly and unofficial recruited strategist, would put together a three person team with you yourself in it, made your way into the very heart of the Yellow Scarves' base, made a ruckus, and escape all the way back out with no apparent injury. A normal strategist would not be so daring or lucky…"
"But if I were not, Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi smirked, "I wouldn't have been so useful to you, no?"
Karin chuckled. "Indeed~, most impressive. Perhaps you shall remain useful to me…"
"…It is not fair," Shunran suddenly grumbled, "Why was I left out? Surely I could have been a better company to have in the midst of the Yellow Scarves!"
"Simply because I knew you wouldn't have been able to restrain yourself from taking unnecessary lives during the operation," Izumi coolly informed, "Nor did I expect we would have succeeded so well if you were involve…"
"Say what!?"
"Then what of me?" Kii pouted, "Why take Ruru-chan instead?"
"To be blunt," Izumi immediately began, "Both you and General Kakou-Ton-dono are not adept to do anything that would require stealth, Kyo-Cho-dono. Nor were either of you are obedient enough to listen to my words, let alone listen to my orders. General Kakou-En-dono and Ten-I-dono were the only other option…unless of course you would allow me to borrow our Sou-Sou-sama instead…"
"SAY WHAT!?" Everyone else exclaimed, except for Karin who just laughed from her seat.
"So you would have even used me in order to further the plan, huh?" Karin laughed, "Interesting~! Please, do include me in any of your future attempt of such manner if possible…"
"KARIN-SAMA!"
"I shall keep that in mind, Sou-Sou-sama…"
"SHIBA-SAN!"
"Anyway, back to the topic at hand," Karin reverted back to her serious mode as stared down at the kneeing Chou Sisters, "So~, you three are, or were, the cause behind this rebellion, huh~?"
"…Yes, that is correct," Tenhou managed.
"Humph, if I was just any warlord in this land I would not hesitate to order your execution right this instant!" The Chou Sisters didn't even flinched at the rather predictable outburst, though they did hung their head even further in despair, "…However, it would seem Shiba-san here need you to fulfill her strategy, so I am force to not let my better judgment say otherwise…" The Chou Sister looked up hopefully as Karin turn to Izumi. "So, Shiba Izumi, is it not time that you tell us your marvelous plan that would enable us to emerge from this upcoming battle virtually unscratched?"
Izumi smiled as began to speak. "Most certainly, Sou-Sou-sama. But it is hardly anything fancy. The strategy is simply gaining troops that are not ours to begin with and have them fight the enemy off for us. So in a sense, we will win the battle without losing any of our own troops…"
"Oh~? And where exactly ARE we going to get this army that is not ours?"
"The key to that, Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi began before pointing to the Chou Sisters, "is them…"
"Hmm?"
"Say what!?" Everyone else blinked, including the Chou Sisters.
"The majority of the Yellow Scarves," Izumi explained, "are composed of ordinary people who mostly joined in support of the Chou Sisters. Only a small percentage, such as those who were guarding the Chou Sisters are truly involve for the escalating the chaos. All the Chou Sisters have to do is have those who support them turn against the ones on their manager's side and victory will be assured…Wouldn't it?"
"…Hmm~," Karin hummed in amusement, "That is true, but how will the Chou Sisters do that?"
"Yes, how?" Chiihou exclaimed in confusion.
"It is rather simple, Chou-Hou-dono," Izumi smirked, "with your songs…"
"… … …HUH?" The Chou Sisters exclaimed.
"Your songs are what drew them to you in the first place. I see no reason to not have it happen again…"
"But-!"
"Also, if they were the ones who help Sou-Sou-sama here put an end to the conflict cause by your manager, their accomplishments will make up for some of their past error. And you three, for your part, can have some of your error erased as well. And this time, you can do the right thing, wouldn't you agree?"
"… … …Is it possible, uh, Sou-Sou-sama?" the Chou Sisters wondered hopeful as they cautiously question the warlord.
"…Hmm, yes," Karin nodded, "it would. But that is only if we can end this…"
"T-T-Then we shall do it!" Tenhou exclaimed, determinedly, "We shall make the Yellow Scarves do so!"
"…Hmm~, very well then. Show me that you can turn our enemies against each other~!"
"Yes, Sou-Sou-sama!" The Chou Sisters bowed in respect and gratitude.
The next day, The Kyo-Shou Army had hastily but efficiently created a huge moving open stage for the Chou Sisters to perform on. Izumi had instruct on its construction so that not only was it meant to amplify and direct the sounds of the Chou Sisters' performance but it was light enough to be pulled by only four horses.
The Yellow Scarves were still unaware of their presences, even now due to their laid back attitude, so they hardly paid attention when the stage was moved up top of a hill that situated to overlook the area where the Yellow Scarves had camped.
"This is it, Chou Sisters," Izumi informed as she approach the three as they prepared themselves, "The lives of these poor misguided souls now rest with you all…"
"We understand," Renhou nodded.
"Then go [break a leg]…"
"… … …Huh?" The Chou Sisters blinked, "braid-a-lake…?"
"Ah, yes~," Izumi backtracked, "this world is unfamiliar with such a metaphor, let alone the language. I apologies, what that expression meant was perform to point where everyone is dazzle by it…"
"Ah~!" the Chou Sisters nodded in understanding, "Very well, we shall!"
And with that, they got onto stage.
"You think this will work, Ruru-chan?" Kii wondered as she and everyone else situated themselves, under Karin's suggestion, in box seats so that they could "enjoy the show".
"It will work!" Ruru replied back with much confident, "Shiba-san has never been wrong before!"
"True," Shunran huffed, "But that does not mean she will not make a mistake…"
"… … … …Most impressive, Sister," Shuuran chuckled, "I did not expect such words of wisdom coming from you…"
"Hah! I am not such an idiot to not realize such a simple thing now, Shuuran!"
Everyone sweat dropped at Shunran's claim just as Izumi enter the box seat area.
"Well?" Karin asked, "Are they having second thoughts about this~?"
Izumi smiled knowingly as she sat herself in-between Karin and Ruru.
"Just sit back and watch, Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi simply stated, "the show is about to begin…"
Back on stage, the Chou Sister peered out and viewed the area where the Yellow Scarves had camped. They all took a deep breath before kissing their microphone, activating the magic within them.
"Attention everyone~!" Tenhou's voice echoed loudly through the area, thanks to the stage design, "Please listen as we sing the song, "Fight Together"~!"
Tenhou's voiced was heard throughout the area, as those who recognize her voiced immediately began to make their ways closer to the hill where the stage was.
"Let our performance begin~!" Chiihou winked before snapping her fingers, causing the magic in the talisman she had prepared the night before to start and background music to play.
And so, they began…
夜が明ける前に旅立とう [Get up and go~, got to greet the rising sun]
まだ見ぬ明日を迎えに行こう [No way to know what tomorrow has in store but]
そう決めたこと悔いはない [They ain't ever going to shatter our pride]
(Now I know what I'm supposed to do~)
どんな試練が待ち受けていようと [Through every storm, every trial that lies ahead]
高鳴る鼓動 止められはしない [You can be sure if our hearts still beat we will fight and]
目指す場所はただひとつ [We will soar until the edge of the world]
(Fly to the light)
たたかいの果てに得た絆 [I'm going strong~ 'cause I got you by my side]
(That's right)
誰にも傷つけさせはしない [And, baby, I will protect you till the end of time]
(That's right)
握り締めた手 開けば [So take your hand~, throw it up to the sky]
そこに力が宿る [There it is, right~ there is your power]
さあ始めよう [Get ready to go!]
新しい世界が呼んでいる [A brand new world is waiting there, can you feel it?]
ほら見てごらん [Wherever you are though]
いくつの海 隔てていたとしても [A million miles of deep blue sea won't break the bonds we share]
いつだって支えている [And I'll be here, I'll stand by you]
恐れずに前へ [No need to fear, just make your move]
忘れないで [Baby, remember]
We fight together
風を受け鳥が羽ばたく [And way up high in a place where eagles soar]
あの虹をくぐった先には [Over the sky's where you'll find the things you've looked for]
希望という花が咲く [All you need to do is open your eyes]
(There's a strength that never dies)
真っ直ぐに伸びてくその想い [Way down inside there's a passion you forgot]
心にしまい込んだままじゃ [No need to hide, time to show them all that you still got]
窮屈すぎはしないかい [What it takes to be the king of the world]
(Fly to the light)
偽りで何が守れる [Don't be afraid~ not to live on the safe side]
(That's right)
膝をつくことは恥ではない [You got to learn how to fall before you learn to fly]
(That's right)
立ち上がるさ何度でもきっと [So this is it~. Will you lie down and die?]
また会えるから [Or admit right~ now that you're stronger?]
さあ始めよう [Get ready to go!]
新しい世界が呼んでいる [A brand new world is waiting there, can you feel it?]
ほら見てごらん [Wherever you are though]
いくつの海 隔てていたとしても [A million miles of deep blue sea won't break the bonds we share]
いつだって支えている [And I'll be here, I'll stand by you]
恐れずに前へ [No need to fear, just make your move]
忘れないで [Baby, remember]
We fight together
穢したことはない [We've come too far to turn back now]
あの日見上げたどこまでも高く広い空 [And I can still remember every little moment I shared with you on the way]
ずいぶんと遠くまで来た [And even now there may be things that I regret]
それぞれの誓いを胸に [But there's a promise that I never will forget]
迷いなどない [I swear to you, oh]
背負うものがある [I will always remember]
陽が昇り [Get ready to go]
悲しみさえ等しく照らす [A brand new day is waiting~ there, I believe it]
信じてるんだ [I finally know though]
いつかひとつに繋がる未来を [With all we've got we just might find that one piece we still need]
一緒に見つけにいこう [So come with me it's up to you]
君の代わりはいない [Just wait and see we'll make it through]
忘れないで [Baby, remember]
We fight together
(Life goes on)
(Life goes on)
(Life goes on)
(Life goes on)
(Life goes on)
(Life goes on)
忘れないで [Baby, remember]
We fight together
When the song finally concluded, there was a silent. The Chou Sisters waited to see if the magic of joy that they have always been able to give still works.
CHEER~~~! Finally, a loud cheer erupted from the crowd of Yellow Scarves, wooing and crying out to show their approval of their performance.
Even the Kyo-Shou Army was clapping in amazement. Ruru and Kii, in the box seat area were cheering in excitement.
"Amazing!" Shuuran noted all the cheering she found around her, "A mere song, yet they have such a powerful impact…"
"Indeed~," Karin huffed, "Now all the Yellow Scarves had become enchanted by the Chou Sisters…"
"Just as Shiba-san predicted," Shunran blinked in realization.
Izumi in the meanwhile made eye-contact with the Chou Sisters, who had glance down at her waiting for her approval. When she nodded, Tenhou activated her microphone's second ability and began to speak to the crowd.
"Everyone~!" Tenhou began as spell of her microphone began to work their magic, "There are people in the city of Ei-Sen right now~! They are our Manager and his followers~! Please go and take them out for us~!"
The effect was immediate. No sooner did Tenhou finish her command, the Yellow Scarves roared in acknowledgement and began to charge towards the city, nearly Fifty Thousand strong.
"Around Fifty Thousand had been converted," Shuuran blinked, "Meaning those who is truly our enemy is number in at most Ten Thousand…"
"…I suddenly feel sorry for those people," Kii sweat dropped.
"Now THIS is entertainment," Karin laughed, "Fine work, Shiba Izumi…"
"…The excitement is not over yet, Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi informed as she rose from her seat.
"…? It is not?"
"Come everyone," Izumi began to make her way to the city, "Let's witness the final climax of this play…"
Obviously, no matter how you looked at it, a battle between Ten Thousand against Fifty Thousand the obvious winner is the one with more numbers since there wasn't a strong leadership among the True Yellow Scarves Bandits' ranking. In less than an hour, the city was overrun by the Converted Yellow Scarves. That was the sight that Karin and her Kyo-Shou Army bare witness when they finally arrived at the city.
"Most impressive," Karin managed as she scanned around, "I feel like that is all I am able to say recently…"
"Fight fire with fire," Shuuran muttered, "Certainly in situation like this it would enable our army to emerge unscratched…"
"We hardly did anything though," Kii frowned, "Was there any meaning on coming here?"
"No," Izumi informed rather bluntly, "Certainly there is no physical meaning for the four generals Sou-Sou-sama had brought for this battle…"
Shunran and Kii grumbled on the spot, while Shuuran and Ruru sweat dropped with a sigh.
"…However, having four influential generals being here does hold a purpose, nonetheless…"
"And what may that be?" Ruru wondered.
Izumi smiled. "After witnessing this turn of event, although I've not fully erase your doubts about me, you all certainly know how capable I am now, correct?"
The four blinked at this, clearly not quite getting yet, that is until they notice Izumi's almost wicked-looking smirked.
"You have just witness my vast intellect that was able to quickly and coolly outclass, outmaneuver, and outdone my enemies as easily as killing an ant. Should all of you be wise, it would do you no good to be my enemy, wouldn't you all agree, oh loyal vassal of Sou-Sou-sama?"
The four shivered at Izumi's declaration, but Karin just simply laughed at it.
"That is true," Karin smirked, "After truly witnessing it first-hand, if you want it so even I may find myself at your mercy one day…"
"WHAT?" the four exclaimed before instinctively putting themselves in-between Karin and Izumi.
Izumi blinked at this but gave a small chuckle. "Identifying a threat, and you all move immediately move to cover your Lord, your dedication is admirable. But rest assure, I have no interest in replacing Sou-Sou-sama…I am simply stating that I have the ability to do so…"
"Naturally," Karin smirked as she went up to Izumi, glaring into Izumi's unfazed gaze, "Otherwise you would not be worth it…"
Izumi simply bow as the other four trade questionable look between each other, lost in the conversation.
Just then, a soldier came up with a report to make.
"I bring news, My Lord," the soldier claimed, "It would seem the enemy's commander had been located, but the Converted Yellow Scarves cannot approach him due to his sorcery!"
"I see," Karin smirked, "Tell those Yellow Scarves to stand aside. We shall take over from here…"
"Huh!? Karin-sama!?" Shunran exclaimed as the soldier ran off, "You are not saying that you are intending to fight him yourself, are you?"
"Humph...and what if I am? Do you have a problem with that, Shunran?"
"… …Uh, no. But…"
"If Sou-Sou-sama is going to face the enemy in person," Izumi noted, "Then it is our duty to ensure no harm will befall on Sou-Sou-sama, wouldn't you agree, General Kakou-Ton-dono?"
"…! … …Uh, yes! Indeed!"
Following the soldier, they were guide up the stairs of an altar. Once there, they found a lone man there, dress like a Taoist and held a staff with a phoenix design.
Upon seeing them approach, the Taoist glared at them but did little more.
"…So he was the manager of the Chou Sisters," Shuuran ready her bow, "and the actual leading figure of the Yellow Scarves Rebellion…"
"Rather calm for a defeated leader…" Ruru noted.
"Not for long!" Shunran stated and, before anyone could do anything else, she race forward with her black willow-leaf saber ready to swing at the Taoist.
But before she could even come close, or before anyone could compliment on her typical "strike first and ask later" approach, a column of flames suddenly burst out from the ground before her. Thanks to her reflects Shunran managed to jump back out of harm's way. But she was left stun by what had just happen, as was everyone else.
"…What was that!?" Shunran finally managed.
"It is nothing to be surprise about, General Kakou-Ton-dono," Izumi simply stated, being the only one who wasn't taken aback by what just happen, "Why else would he be so calm in this situation?"
"B-But flames just shot from the ground!" Kii exclaimed.
"Should you not have at least expected that he is capable of doing that at least? Considering this is the person that taught the Chou Sisters how to use magic…"
Kii and Shunran grumbled on the spot, only to refocus on the Taoist as he began to float upward into the air.
"…The Kan has already burned out~!" the Taoist proclaimed, as more flame columns erupted around Izumi's group, "Fools who would defy heaven's will~…feel its fiery fury~!"
As on cue, a blast front of flame erupted out him, covering him in an aura of fire as return to the ground.
"Humph! What a hothead…" Shunran rolled her eyes at the display.
Everyone else, on the other hand, sweat dropped at Shunran's choice of description.
"Sister," Shuuran began nervously, "You among all others have very little right to ridicule another for being a hothead…"
"Huh?" Shunran frowned, "Shuuran, if you have time to say something, use that time instead to slay this Sorcerer!"
"True," Karin mused as she ready her war scythe, "We shall joke more about Shunran's ironic choices of words later…"
"Yes… … …Huh!?"
"For Karin-sama," Ruru exclaimed as she readies her large yo-yo and Kii readies her mourning star, "We, loyal Bodyguards of Karin-sama, shall stand our ground!"
"Yeah!" Kii shouted in agreement, swinging her weapon around above her.
"Humph," Izumi huffed in amusement as she equipped herself with her razor-tip finger-gloves, "My, how reliable…"
"…? Are you planning to fight too, Shiba Izumi?" Karin noted in interest.
"Yes; I rather carry out my own plans rather than to leave it in someone else's hands…"
"…Intriguing, you are full of surprises. Very well, show me your prowess…"
"As you wish, Sou-Sou-sama…"
With that they charge forward, with Shuuran remaining behind to cover for them in the distant with her arrows.
But no matter what they did, the Taoist remained unharmed. The aura of flames that surrounds him was keeping him rather invulnerable.
"Burn~, flames of judgment~!" The Taoist would sometime called, causing columns of fire to erupt randomly around the area, "Turn the infidels to ashes~!"
They were about two minutes into the fight when a column of flame erupted too close to where Karin had stood. That got everyone's attention on the importance of ending the battle soon.
"While I enjoy this very showy performance," Shuuran stated as she dodged the fiery columns and continuingly fire a shower of arrows towards the Sorcerer, "It is beginning to try even my patient…"
"Indeed," Karin stated, "There must be a way to extinguish his little fire show…"
"But how?" Kii hissed as she narrowly avoided a fire column.
Izumi glanced around the arena and spotted four rather suspicious cauldrons situate in four corners, seemingly having no significant uses. But Izumi was well aware that, while she may not fully believe in sorcery, everything in vicinity of a sorcerer's battleground serves a purpose.
"It would seems that 'magic' here follows the principle of using catalyst to empower them," Izumi quickly informed her comrades, "destroy those cauldrons, Sou-Sou-sama! They should be the catalyst to this fire attacks…"
"I see," Karin smirked, "Shunran, Shuuran, Kii and Ruru, do as Izumi suggested!"
"Understood!" And without a moment of hesitation, the four went and destroy the cauldrons. The effect was immediate; the fire columns cease to erupt.
"Impossible~!" the Taoist exclaimed, "To see through my Sorcery~…This must be another trial~!"
"No," Karin huffed as she swung her war scythe at him, "Fate is just not on your side this time around…"
But as expect, the Taoist remains unharmed. "Heaven has not abandon me yet~! But~…it has abandon you~!"
The Taoist swung down his staff at Karin's head, aiming to take her life.
"Karin-sama!" Shunran exclaimed as she and the other rush to her defense, but they were too far…
SLAM! SLASH! SLASH!
The sounds echoed throughout the area. Karin blinked, but her eyes didn't deceive her. Izumi had place herself in the path of the descending staff, which slammed into her left shoulder. But instead of grunting in pain, as if her body had suddenly became a leaf, Izumi's body absorb the force of impact and using its momentum to make herself spin around. As she did, she destroyed the staff with her right claws and, as her left claw came around, critically wounded the sorcerer across the chest. Blood arced in the air as some small chunks of cloth and flesh followed.
"UGH~!" the Taoist cried as he stumble backward and fell to one knee.
"…Are you alright, Sou-Sou-sama?" Izumi asked as she turns to the Heroine of Chaos, uninjured.
"…Hmm, overall," Karin simply stated.
"That was amazing!" Ruru exclaimed as the other four approach, "You are unhurt, Shiba-san!"
"I had merely nullified the force of the attack and redirected back at the source, nothing special…"
"I would beg to differ," Shuuran spoke as Shunran and Kii anxiously worried over Karin, "You save Our Lady…"
"And you would not, Kakou-En-dono…"
"…I suppose you are right…"
"…How~," the Taoist suddenly managed, catching everyone's attention, "How is it that you-?"
"Simple logic," Izumi answered, "Firstly, when a predator is most certain of victory is when its weakness is exposed. Secondly, as a sorcerer would need some sort of catalyst to perform your spell of invulnerability just as you had used those cauldrons to conjure those fire pillars; your staff is an obvious and traditional candidate for being a catalyst. With these two logics alone, even I can slay you…"
"… … …I see~, you are quite a tactician~! But~," the Taoist got up and began to approach, "what is it~… that you wish to achieve by defeating me~?"
Seeing him approach, Shunran pointed her blade into his face as Shuuran aimed her arrow to be ready to fire into the Taoist face. The action stopped his advance.
"…An end to the conflict," Izumi answered unfazed by anything else that happens around her, "Nothing more…"
At that, the Taoist laughed out hysterically, creeping out all but Izumi and Karin. "You fool~! The days of the Kan are over~! Defeating me will not stop anything at all~!"
"Such nonsense!" Shunran hissed, trying to intimidate the Taoist.
"Who gave you the right to say such a thing!?" Shuuran hollered.
The Taoist ignored the two and awaited Izumi's answer, as did Karin.
Izumi, in turn huffed with a knowing smile. "I am well aware of it. In fact I welcome it…"
"…! Shiba-san!?" Ruru blinked.
"…For I am planning to use those events to come to allow Sou-Sou-sama to thrive and grow. Besides, it is not my task to read the future. All I need, at the moment, is to focus on following Sou-Sou-sama…"
Karin smirked at this, but she was interrupted as the Taoist laughed out more hysterically than he did before.
"You blind~, pathetic fool~!" the Taoist crackled, "All of you~! You may find your loyalty is rewarded with heartless betrayal-…"
"Generals, if you please?" Izumi interrupted, calling to Shunran and Shuuran.
Understanding, Shuuran fired her arrow…SPLAT…which lodged into the Taoist forehead as Shunran…WHOOSH…slashed him across the body with her black willow saber. The Taoist, with shock still within his eyes, was sent flying back and fell down to the ground, dead as dead could be. And within moments, his body burst into flames and disappeared into ashes.
"Good riddance," Shunran huffed.
"Should have done this much sooner," Shuuran sighed, with Ruru and Kii nodding in agreement.
Meanwhile, Izumi turned to Karin. "He has been dealt with. This conflict is over…"
Izumi gave her a respectable bow before beginning to walk off. But as she walked pass, Karin's hand grabbed her firmly by the shoulder, catching everyone's attention.
"Shiba Izumi," Karin began in a neutral tone, "Despite what you said to that man, I believe you have already read the future, have you not?"
Izumi blinked at this but smile knowingly. "More than you realize, Sou-Sou-sama…"
Hearing that, Karin continued ominously. "Shiba Izumi. This battle had shown me your worth as a strategist and as a warrior so to speak. But it has also shown me just how dangerously capable you are to me…if not to this world. Truly you are one to be feared. Despite all that fact that you may one day use me as a stepping stone for own ideas, however," At this Karin smirked in full confidence. "I will continue to rely on you…"
Izumi blinked at this, before smirking just as confidently.
We now fast forward to the day after. Setting: Kyo-Shou.
It has been three days since Karin and her force of Ten Thousand embark to the city of Ei-Sen to eliminate the Yellow Scarves' base of operation and the ringleader of the Rebellion.
Just as Izumi had predicted, the mass of Twelve Thousand Yellow Scarves were hardly a challenge against Keifa's strategy and the combine might of Nagi, Maou, and Sawa. With only a thousand soldiers, they destroyed the rebel forces on their first day. In the meantime, Rin and Fuu strengthen their remaining army even further as well as worked on improving Kyo-Shou economically. Now everyone waited patiently for the time Karin and her force to return home.
…Well, most of them were at least.
"It has been three days since they had left," Keifa huffed restlessly as she pace back and forth impatiently, "the elimination of the Yellow Scarves in Ei-Sen should not have taken more than two though. What could possibly slow Karin-sama down?"
"Calm down, Keifa-dono," Rin sweat dropped as she watched her fellow strategist pace back and forth, "Karin-sama is late by only a day. There is no need to be so alarm…"
"And how can I NOT? Karin-sama is going into battle with a suspicious new strategist… and an amateur who has no war experience of all things. How can I NOT worry?"
"Shiba-dono seems more than capable if you ask me," Fuu (or rather Hou-Kei) muttered, "I see that as well…"
"Are you all REALLY that blind!? She is dangerous! I can tell just by looking at her! Those unnerving defiant viper glares she always has on her face prove beyond a doubt that she is truly a viper that strike out when the opportunity presence itself!"
"… …Well, that I can agree on," Nagi nodded after some thought.
"Ah! Someone who under-…"
"But Keifa-dono, as far as I can see, while she may present a threat it does not necessarily means she will act upon on as you guess now…"
"Now you listen to me here-…"
"Furthermore," Sawa added, "Even if she does, I am pretty sure Karin-sama is well aware of it even without Keifa-dono telling all of us so…"
"… … … …That is true. Karin-sama does see farther than any of us do. But that woman…"
"Poison her mind with her enchanted talents?" Maou joked.
"Exactly!"
"Oh come on, Keifa-dono. This Karin-sama we are talking about. The moment she sense something as ominous she would immediately deal with it…"
"Well, yes, but…"
"Keifa-dono," Fuu began, "perhaps you should stop while you are ahead…" "After all we are all aware of your personal grudge against Shiba-dono…"
"Uh, no! This is not about my own per-…"
"There is no point in hiding it, Keifa-dono," Rin sighed, "it is easier to see than the formation of an enemy rank…"
Keifa grumbled but did little else. To her, no one else seems to understand her. To her, this isn't about the fact that Izumi had humiliated her pride or the fact that she lost to her twice. Keifa wasn't that petty. This was about the future of her precious Karin's future.
From the beginning since they had met, Keifa had seen the great potential that Karin possess. Karin was a calculative person who has a dream…or rather ambition…that could shake the fabric of the Heaven itself. She was also the first person she met that wouldn't look down on someone just because of their background. All that really matters to Karin was the person's talent and their uses. Once hers, she would carefully mold and sharpen them close to perfection.
But for Keifa, she was attracted to Karin for another reason. Whenever she is within her presence, a nearly uncontrollable lust would rush all around within her. It was a feeling that was new, exotic, and…not really unpleasant to her. Whenever she has that feeling, it did not matter whether Karin compliment her or tease her, she would always enjoy them. To Keifa, Karin was her first and last love she will ever have. Standing by Karin, she needs nothing else. Friends, family, comrades? Don't need them~! Only Karin matters to her. Sure she can engage a conversation with Rin and Fuu sometimes or at worse Nagi and Shuuran, being at least close to her intellect, but only out of necessity. She only belongs to Karin, and as long as she needs her, Keifa has no complaints.
Then came along that woman, Shiba Izumi. Keifa did not like her one bit. And it is not because she has faults; it was the exact opposite. She was perfect, too perfect. She was a combination of advance intellect, wicked cunning, graceful and dazzling elegance, a mysterious profile and a calm demeanor all in one formidable package. No matter how hard she would try to find an error in her character, Keifa couldn't find anything that did not have some insurance behind it.
To Keifa, that was the problem. To Keifa, Izumi was everything she would expect from some hero that CAN change the land… …a far greater hero than what Karin can be. The threat lies there; Keifa knew that as long as Izumi live she has all the opportunity in the world to easily replace Karin. Izumi was capable of that, and Keifa realize it instantly.
Yet, no one else seems to be able to see that, not even Rin and Fuu who even Keifa admit has some intellect she has. Were they really all that foolish? Had Izumi already deceive them so well? Keifa couldn't stop herself from thinking all of this as continue to grumble on the spot.
Just then, a soldier came in with a report.
"I bring news from the boarder!" He began, "Sou-Sou-sama has been sighted and is returning with an army of nearly Sixty Thousand in toll…"
"…! Sixty Thousand?" Keifa yelped, "How is that possible? Karin-sama only left with Ten Thousand!"
"I do not know, Master Jun-Iku. The report is sketchy at best, but it would seem that the majority are wearing yellow scarves around their heads…"
"Yellow scarves?" Rin pondered, "As in the ones wore by the Yellow Scarves Bandits?"
"According to the reports that seems to be the case, Master Kaku-Ka…"
"… …Understood," Fuu nodded, "you are dismissed…"
"Yes, madam!" With that, the soldier left.
"W-What do you suppose that was all about?" Maou wondered nervously.
"…We shall soon find out," Rin muttered.
"…And thus the Yellow Scarves Rebellion is quell," Shuuran finalized her report to everyone, "also, the remaining Yellow Scarves end up coming with us as well…"
"… … … …So, let me get this straight~," Nagi began as she supported her head dizzied with hand, "You are telling us that Karin-sama went there with only Ten Thousand to start with, once arriving at Ei-Sen discovered that the Yellow Scarves were actually numbering in Sixty Thousand, then Shiba-san had you and Ruru come along with her as she snuck into the very heart of the Yellow Scarves' main base, find and escort these three girls, The Chou Sisters…" Nagi pointed at the three who were nervously kneeing in respect. "…back to Karin-sama's camp, had them enchant the majority of the Yellow Scarves with their song, causing them to convert and go after the remaining Yellow Scarves that were not, eliminating the Yellow Scarves Rebellion, and returning here with not only a relatively unscratched Kyo-Shou Army along with the about Fifty Thousand former Yellow Scarves bandits?"
"… …Pretty much…"
"That is exactly what happen," Shunran nodded.
"Except for the fact that you forget to add in the part where we slay the Taoist," Kii grinned.
"…And the fact that the majority of it was part of Shiba-san's plan," Ruru added.
"… … …Well," Maou sweat dropped nervously, "That would certainly explain the suddenly flood of added soldiers…but to bring them all back here…"
"Indeed," Rin readjust her glasses as she turn to Karin who sat on her throne, "Karin-sama, what should we do with them now?"
Karin gave the question a thought for a moment before giving a smirk and shrugged.
"…? Karin-sama?"
Karin rest her head in on hand and went into a relax posture that was clearly displaying she had a sly scheme in mind. "…What do you all think I should do?"
"…! Karin-sama?" Everyone (except Izumi) voiced in confusion. Normally, Karin would already have made such a decision in time such as this regardless of what anyone else would think. For her to allow her followers to speak their minds was extreme unusual if not rare.
"…What seems to the matter?" Karin smirked, "Must I be the only one to do all the thinking? Are you all really that incapable of thinking for yourselves?"
"Uh, no not at all, Karin-sama," Rin shook her head in panic denial.
"Well then, how should we handle the Yellow Scarves…?" Karin then glared at the still kneeing Chou Sisters, causing them to flinch a bit. "…and the Chou Sisters?"
"…Well, to begin with," Keifa began as she glared at the Chou Sisters, "while it may be true that they were being manipulated by some sorcerer, they still committed a crime. I believe it would be in Karin-sama's best interest to punish them to deter others…"
"Please wait a moment!" Tenhou suddenly exclaimed, "We, the Chou Sisters, are the one who initiate the crime! As for the Yellow Scarves—our followers—they all now realize what they done was wrong and surrender willingly!"
"As the supposed ringleaders of this whole mess," Renhou added, "we shall accept any form of punishment with no right to say otherwise but…"
"As for those people who only got involve because of us," Chiihou begged, "Is it not possible to make their punishment as light as possible?"
"… …I-I petition as well!" Ruru suddenly added, "Had it not been for those people, would we have managed to quell the rebellion so easily?"
"…Whether the rebellion was easily quelled or not," Keifa began sternly, "the rebellion would have been quelled either way. The Converted Yellow Scarves were but a small extra bonus in this situation…" Keifa then glared at the three sisters. "…And thy punishments has yet to be decided, Chou Sisters. It is far too early to be making demands for others' sakes."
"…B-But…"
"…? Do have something to say, Ten-I?"
"… …N-No…"
Karin quietly observes on in amusement. It was quite entertaining to see her minions shared their conflicting opinions with each only to have someone else shoot it down with their opinion. But the opinion that Karin was interested in the most was…
"If I may speak my thoughts, Jun-Iku-dono," Izumi inquired. Speak of the devil.
"…What dost thou have to say?" Keifa grumbled, clearly not liking the fact that Izumi had decided to join.
"…If I am translating your suggestion correctly, you wish to make the Converted Yellow Scarves and the Chou Sisters an example to anyone else that would try to stir up something?"
"That is correct…"
"Then in what manner would Jun-Iku-dono like them to pay for their crimes?"
Keifa narrow her eyes. "Obviously, as the supposed leaders of the incident, the Chou Sisters would be publicly executed. As for the Yellow Scarves they shall be punish by at least lashing or at most exile…"
"…I see," Izumi chuckled, though there was no hint of humor in it, "So under Jun-Iku-dono's logic, a herd of sheep led by a single dangerous ram should be punish in such a similar manner…"
"Huh?"
"That is what you are implying, am I not wrong, Jun-Iku-dono? Though we have rid ourselves of the ram, you wish to either beat the sheep or throw them away, no? While it may be effective in its own way, the results would not be wholly beneficial to our Lord."
"What art thee implying!?"
"The Chou Sisters and the Converted Yellow Scarves are in this case the sheep of this situation, with the sorcerer being the ram. Personally, while the sheep had cause a lot of problem, they still have their uses. Getting rid of them before we even harvest those uses would be a waste…"
"…Huh?" Fuu blinked in confusion, "What the heck is she talking about?" "I have no idea…"
"…Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi directed to Karin, "I have a different suggest that may prove more valuable to your ambition…"
"Is that right?" Karin raised an eyebrow in curiosity, "And what would that be?"
"Simply put, I believe we should place all the Converted Yellow Scarves under our command, in the name of keeping them from further evil. In peacetime, we can use them to work the fields, and should another rebellion or conflict arise, we can use them to quell it. If we instead follow Jun-Iku-dono's method, the Converted Yellow Scarves will just resent us for punishing them and will have more reason to lash out upon given the chance. Exiling them would allow other more devious minds to use them again…"
"…Hmm, that is possible," Shuuran nodded in thought.
"As for the Chou Sisters, they should be made to visit and perform for our armies stationed around our territory, collecting donation for the poor, in atonement for their actions. Least we all forget the Chou Sisters are adored by the Converted Yellow Scarves. If we punish them strictly according to the law, it would simply increase the number of criminals in the land perform by the Converted Yellow Scarves should we follow what Jun-Iku-dono suggested. My alternate method however strengthens the army, the country, and Karin-sama's ideas…"
"Hmm~," Karin hummed in amusement, "It is not a bad proposal…"
"I believe it may also improve Karin-sama's reputation as well," Rin added.
"You are right," Karin nodded, "However it will take lots of training to transform those bandits into real soldiers…"
"…Karin-sama," Sawa suddenly called, "let I handle that task then!"
"Oh? What is this all of a sudden, U-Kin-chan?"
"Well, aside from believing what Shiba-san stated, I also like the idea that we can give those people a chance to repent. Plus, I am sure the Chou Sisters would be willing to help with that as well…"
"Yes," Tenhou nodded eagerly, "we are willing to do so if necessary!"
"We shall help as well," Maou stepped up as well as Nagi. "It is not as if the plan would not benefit us. Rather it would strengthen us to aid Karin-sama…"
Karin blinked at this before letting out a small chuckle. "Very well, we shall follow plan of Shiba-san. I shall leave the task of training those bandits to all of you then…"
"Yes, Karin-sama," Nagi, Sawa, and Maou voiced in acknowledgement.
"Chou Sisters…"
"Y-Yes!?" the three sisters managed.
Karin smirked. "Bear in mind that you have not yet been pardon form your crime. From now on, you shall be living to repent that crime, understand? Should I catch a hit that you are no longer capable of repenting honestly, we shall do it by law…"
"Yes, madam!"
Karin nodded at this before turning back to Izumi. "By the way, Shiba Izumi, was all this your intent from the start? You appear to have all of that ready to be announced…"
Everyone turn to Izumi, wondering if it were true. Izumi in turn simply smile. "Who can say? It could have been so, or it could have been a spur of the moment. I shall let everyone else decide that for themselves…"
"Ha, good answer," Karin chuckled and then turn to Keifa, "Keifa?"
"Y-Yes?" Keifa stumbled, recently just brought out of thought. Ever since Izumi ridicule her idea by pointing out its flaws, she silently cursing Izumi under her breath, something like "there she goes again, showing off" or "why can she not shut that annoyingly smart-taking mouth of hers?". "What is that I can do for you, Karin-sama?"
"Make arrangements to officially recognize Shiba Izumi a member of the Kyo-Shou army…"
"…Huh? Uh, I mean… …as you wish…Karin-sama," Keifa managed before glaring at Izumi, "You! Come with me!"
"If you insist, Jun-Iku dono…" Izumi nodded before calmly following the stomping strategist.
It was only minutes later that the whole throne room was once again filled with all the high-ranking Generals of Kyo-Shou. And for some reason, the Chou Sisters were also present there, fidgeting nervously.
Karin sat patiently on her throne with Ruru and Kii on either of her side. Throughout the room, she could clearly see that her Generals were split into three groups. One group were clearly showing their resentment at the idea that Izumi would be official recognize as one of them. Another group shows concern about the whole ordeal. And the last shows signs of interest, wondering how things would turn out with Izumi involve. The majority falling under the resentment group, followed by the concerned group, and lastly the curious group with only a few in number.
The curious group consisted of mostly her female generals. Speaking of which, compare to the traditional male generals she has working for her, the female generals are far more capable and a lot less hopeless. All of the male Generals are like sheep; they only do what they are told and when the situation gets out of hand they are quick to panic. Sure there were those who had some good quality, but those were common traits and mostly gets overshadow by their bad quality.
On the other hand, her female generals were on a different unreachable level in comparison. They each had unique quirks about them that are greater in diversity and were not so easily swayed…no, they were incorruptible altogether. But most importantly, unlike the vast majority of the male generals who gain their titles through multiple deeds, Karin personally chooses the female generals for their position.
First there were cousins, Shunran and Shuuran. She has known them since childhood. As far as she is concerned, they were her minions. Shunran is a thickhead but her straightforwardness keeps her extremely loyal to her. Her sister Shuuran is always calm and collective, somewhat like herself.
Kii came in soon afterward. Though Karin did not find anything sexually appealing about her, her great strength and childish frankness easily made up for it. Of course, being a former traveling food-eating competitor, it was not easy filling Kii's belly every meal but Shunran and Shuuran, both whom had taken quite a liking into the young bodyguard, had been slowly disciplining her. And as a fellow food gourmand, Karin understood her need at least.
Keifa was the next in line. Karin came across her during a royal gathering where Keifa was working as a service maid. Recognizing her talent in intellect, Karin literally bought her from the owner and installed Keifa as her strategist. It was later where she discovered that Keifa was a masochists; in turn finding another "valuable" use for her.
Fuu and Rin were the next in the line of female generals she chosen personally. By this time, the name of Sou-Sou Moutoku had spread far as one who would accept anyone with talent regardless of their background or upbringing. The two had come just for that reason. Both were well-capable strategist but they found their talent wasting away from where they came from, so they came to Karin. Fuu was always calm and would ruthlessly carry out any means to please her without hesitation; even Karin had to admit she has no idea what she is think and is not sure sometime if she is willing to know given the chance. Rin was extremely amusing for a strategist, both on the battlefield where she demonstrate her ability to exploit enemy's weakness effectively and in bed for which her great nosebleed was always a refreshing sight to brighten the mood.
Ruru was next to being personally chosen, though she was probably the most unique to come under her service. At first, it began as a rumor of some monster hunting tigers in the area, of which after some careful investigation done by her three strategists the culprit turn out to be Ruru, who was hunting tigers as ingredients for her food. After tasting her cooking and considering her immense strength, Karin decided to hire her as not only her personal cook but also as her bodyguard alongside Kii. While Ruru is more timid outside the field of cooking, she is well manner and loyal to Karin for giving her such an honorable task.
Nagi, Maou, and Sawa came later after hearing about Karin's conducts. All three of them had skills that were unique even among warriors. Nagi is an expert in hand-to-hand combat, relying only on her arm and leg guards as a form of defense; this is difficult to do since she would have shorter range so she must use her great skill to balance it. Maou is an inventor on a different level; her weapon of choice, the Drill Spear, is something Karin never seen before, using both deadly piercing and shredding capability. It is also thanks to Maou that her palace defenses have greatly increased; the Deadly Maze hidden in the palace courtyard is a prime example, meant to repel enemies' infiltration in times of need. Sawa is a timid person even when compare to Ruru, but her skill at training and inspiring the army surprise even Keifa; perhaps due to her inferior awareness compare to her two companion, she could better communicate with and guide the troops in ways even Karin had no concept about. Karin had also recognized their coordinated corporation which is rare among comrades of three, so she chose to accept them.
Time and time again, those she chose never fail to meet her expectation. And if things were to persist as well as they have been, she is expecting the same thing from Shiba Izumi. Speaking of which, here comes Karin's new mysterious strategist now. Following Keifa only three steps behind with her head held high and confident with her movement as graceful as ever, Izumi came in wearing a blue and silver Gao-Shan Guan with a long drape that cover most of her hair and back, and a flashy and elaborate tight robe of dark-azure and silver linings.
(Normama: information on "Gao-Shan Guan" provided form this website; credit to this site as well: hanfu/hanfu-history/list/)
Upon entering many halted their conversation and stared at Shiba Izumi, dazzled by her appearance that seems to have been enhanced by the clothing she wore.
"Oh~!" Karin wowed with an eyebrow raised and turned to Keifa who took her position next to her, "An exquisite outfit fitting for our new strategist. Well done Keifa, I shall reward you later…"
"…! Karin-sama~!" Keifa's mood immediately brightened.
Karin smirked at this and rose from throne, catching everyone's attention, ready to address her subjects and to formally introduce Izumi into her ranks.
…Meanwhile, in a dark eerie setting, shadowy figure gossip haughtily among each other.
"…As it is, now all three of these outside factors has found a place~!" one shadow commented, a hint of frustration in the voice.
"…It shall now be difficult to remove them…" Another noted.
"…Fear not," a shadow claimed, "for it would seem they have taken roles that the history of this world have left blank for…"
"Yes, but…" a shadowy figure grudgingly mumbled, "one of them possess no role in history at all; that one is the most dangerous…"
"…Agree. Such a failure on your part…"
"Shut it!" a shadowy figure, the shortest of the lot, hissed in disgust, "Your puppets did little to fix it anyhow!"
"…But had you completed your task as you should have…"
"I know that! Must you find joy in pointing that out?"
"Now, now, everyone," a shrewd shadow spoke up, "It is our duty to insure that history must not change in situation such as this. We should be glad that his first mission had ended in failure, otherwise our existence would be rather pointless…"
"…"
"…Perhaps you are right," the third shadow nodded indifferently, "But we are not allowed to drastically interfere until this alternate history has been change drastically. And usually by then, it will be too late…"
"We need not to worry about that," the shrewd shadow smirked confidently, "After all your puppets had done some good…"
All the shadows turn to gaze upon a single paperback manuscript. It was tile "Crucial Keys to the Way of Peace" and had seven star marks on it, all of which are currently glowing in an eerie violet-black.
"Surely you do not mean to use the Crucial Keys to the Way of Peace, do you~? It is a weapon of last resort~!" the first shadow frowned in discomfort.
"…Well, what better way to reverse the effect of the factors?"
"…You may have point," the short shadowy figure commented, "However I do not think we will require it! They can all be easily dealt with!"
"And how do you suppose we do that?" the third shadow asked.
"By simply accelerating the story ourselves. We have the power to do that, no?"
"…Ah~! I see," the second one smirked, "Very well, allow me to put that in motion…"
"You~?" the first shadow commented, "You think you can handle such a task~?"
"Easily~!"
"Very well then~! To avoid using the Crucial Key, O-In you must not fail as Sen-Sei Rou had~…"
The second shadow chuckle. "Leave it to me~!"
Another chapter complete~~~!
Ah~! A message for Tsun, Kazuto ISN'T fine with killing or ordering the killing of others. And yes, the last few battles were dull…but what can you expect from fighting the Yellow Scarves? And please keep in mind that I'm not a war veteran, not a real strategist, not a martial artist, not a first-class writer, and I'm only writing this to share how I want to modify the Visual Novel; I am not trying to make a better Visual Novel. But nevertheless, thank you for being so critical about my story. I don't know when but I'll try to make the story more exciting later on and have Kazuto participate in significant events more often…though I personally find the VN general direct fine so I won't diverge too far from its plotline… …not yet at least.
Chou-Kaku: "Shinmei" in Japanese means "Name of God"; if this isn't obvious already then I'll illuminate further, her historical figure had proclaimed himself God-sent, so giving her such a name seem suitable to me.
Chou-Hou: "Korekuto" in Japanese roughly means "Rallying Highly"; in the anime, Chou-Hou accidentally rally her fans to fan the flames of the Yellow Scarves Movement, and since has been ordering the fans rather aggressively.
Chou-Ryo: "Wataru" in Japanese means "Let Pass"; no matter how good or bad the situation may be, Chou-Ryo remain heavily neutral in reaction and expression, as if it was something that simply pass her.
Sorry if these Common Name aren't to your taste.
Next time, the big gathering of many historical figures occurs; how will they far gathering and meeting their potential rivals!? Stay tune and R&R~!