CHAPTER VII
"Word has been received from Evireth. It appears as though Commander Tsuji Kogin will be more bothersome than we initially thought. It was soldiers under her command who kept us from taking Senthal - and she has already deployed countermeasures to ensure that we cannot move without alerting her in the process."
"I thought we all agreed that she would be no trouble?"
"We did. But the situation's changed. While the details of Aishin's latest report is still being deciphered, it seems like Commander Tsuji is aware of the security breach and is attempting to flush out the mole by feeding everyone different information. Aishin is not completely certain the information he has is accurate, nor will he be able to confirm it without raising suspicion."
"She is already on our trail? Well, this is playing out very differently than you said it would. I believe you claimed capturing Senthal would be quick and easy, in comparison to the other provinces I recomended."
"Yes, well, Aishin did however point us towards Commander Tsuji's most trusted subordinate. He is certain she does not merely have the Commander's utmost trust, but also complete access to all information Commander Tsuji has ever gathered, including, perhaps information about you-know-who."
"Who is it?"
"Though I've come across her name before, she has never before distinguished herself enough to warrant any closer investigation - something that I've naturally already rectified. Her name, is Sakura Mikan - granddaughter of Sakura Oshirou. She volunteered for military service to keep her adopted, younger brother from the war, and has been under Commander Tsuji's command ever since. She has no official role or title, and during the two years since her conscription she has never been vacant from Commander Tsuji's side for any prolonged period. She does not appear to be an Alice, nor was there anything special about her other abilities recorded in the information Aishin was able to get his hands on - though, of course, the records could be falsified."
"So, for Senthal to fall, we need to get our hands on this Sakura Mikan?"
"Yes. It does appear so."
"Well, ain't this perfect. For us to succeed, we need to have Sakura Mikan. But for us to get Sakura Mikan, we need to get close enough, which essentially entails taking Senthal. Good plan."
"Well, we are in luck. Aishin also confirms that Sakura Mikan has been assigned as Depudy Commander of a small scouting party. The target appears to be our forces stationed at Merka. With permission, Your Highness, we will take her."
"And you believe she is the key?"
"Yes."
"Then do it."
Author's note
As you've probably noticed, it's been a while since I last updated. I've found myself completely unable to find a way to proceed with the story line that feel natural and fitting. This chapter, and the following, I've rewritten and revised probably about five times each. (I am also aware that this one is short, thought why it is should be pretty self explanatory, and the next chapter will be longer again.)
The main reason I am writing this though, is to thank everyone who has shown interest in this story - either by leaving a review, or just reading or following it - because it honestly motivates me to continue soooo much more than I thought it would when I first started uploading (which, I know, wasn't that long ago).
Really, thank you!
I hope to be able to update more often from now on, and not get hit with another writer's block!