We do not own Koihime Musou or Kamen Rider Gaim. They belong to their respective creators. We just thought this idea would be fun and decided to give it a try. If you like it then that's great. If you don't then we tried. Anyway, come along and let's see what you think.

Sangokuden Armored War Gods Saga: Alliance of the Armored War Gods

Co-Written By: Ten-Faced Paladin and Kamen Rider Chrome

Chapter 10: Reunions

In front of the gate of Touka Village, the guards were in the middle of a conversation with Iori. It wasn't always that they got to the chance be so casual with their revered Armored War Gods. Sometimes, Ryugen would even have to stick with them while off duty.

"Hey, you know, there's this girl I'm thinking of courting," Guard A said to Guard B.

"Is she cute?" Guard B asked.

"Definitely, but I can't really do anything because her father is really protective of her," Guard A replied.

"Must be rough," remarked Guard B. He turned to ask Iori, "Ryugen-sama, whaddya think?"

"I think the two of you should get back to work," he said sternly, causing the guards to gulp, but then he smiled pleasantly, "But I think the best chance you have in courting the girl is to appeal to her father. Try to make friends with him."

"You really think that'll work, Ryugen-sama?" Guard A asked.

"Come on, man! This is Ryugen-sama! Don't you know he's married to General Kochu Kansho, the most beautiful archer in the land?" Guard B asked.

"Oh, right. Forgive me for doubting you, Ryugen-sama," Guard A apologized.

"It's fine, Ah Lee (Guard A). Also, Bito (Guard B), don't assume I didn't have any trouble courting my wife," explained Iori. He then looked to the distance and saw several familiar faces. "Looks like they've returned." He spotted Ryuubi, Chouhi and Komei. He also saw Batai with them. That would explain her absence. They were accompanied by Gien and…

Iori's eyes widened at the sight of the others who came with them. It wasn't the little children that made him gawk. It was the man with them who he never thought he would be seeing here.

The group arrived at the gate and was greeted by the guards. Iori was frozen as he saw his brother for the first time in what he felt was a long time.

"Onii-san?" Iori stared in disbelief. He almost couldn't recognize his brother. The last time he saw him, Ichiro was wearing suits and had properly cared for his hair. Now, he was dressed in a tiger pelt turned into clothes and his hair was growing freely. Iori almost couldn't recognize him until they got closer.

"Yo, how have you been, Iori?" Ichiro greeted his little brother.

"You're Onii-sama's little brother?" King Mokaku asked. "Nice to meet ya! So, where are the oppai?"

"...What?" Iori responded flatly. He looked up at Ichiro for answers.

"They are obsessed with big breasts. Don't give me that look. This isn't my fault," Ichiro defended. Iori turned away from his brother. "Iori?"

"You must be tired from your long journey, Onii-san. Come with me back to the castle," Iori instructed before he walked towards the direction of the castle.

"That was odd," Komei remarked at Iori's behavior. "I would've thought Ryugen-sama would welcome his brother more warmly."

"Iori..." Ichiro whispered as he watched his little brother's back. They followed Iori towards the castle. As they entered, they were greeted by Kochu who was happy to see everyone had arrived safe and sound. With her was Riri who was happy to see her Onee-chans again.

"Looks like you came back. I suppose your mission was a success?" Kochu asked.

"We got the Nanban Elephant's belly button lint!" said Chouhi, pointing to Paya Paya who was riding on Mokaku's head.

"Wow! You have big oppai!" Mokaku spoke boldly, pointing at Kochu and Ichiro facepalmed himself. Iori cocked an eyebrow.

"Did you teach them...?" Iori asked.

"I swear, they were like this way before I met them," Ichiro defended.

"Oh, and who are your little friends?" Kochu asked.

"I'm King Mokaku!" Mokaku introduced herself.

"Mike!" declared the bluenette.

"Tora!" declared the brunette.

"Shamu!" declared the pinkette.

"And this is our Onii-sama!" the Nanban Barbarians introduced.

"Hello, I'm Ichiro Tokugawa. Nice to finally meet you."

"Ichiro?" Iori had mentioned his brother to her once. "So, you're my husband's elder brother. Welcome," Kochu greeted. However, Ichiro's eyes wandered and he looked down to see her breasts. He thought that painting had just exaggerated but her breasts were really as huge as depicted. However, he then felt a chill and felt a hand squeezing his shoulder.

"Onii-san, you know it's rude to not make eye contact when greeting someone," Iori reminded/warned and Ichiro gulped. Somehow, his little brother could be pretty scary.

"And this must be little Riri!" Ichiro swiftly switched his attention towards his little niece. She was indeed as cute as her picture. No wonder Iori doted on her so much.

"Hi!" Riri beamed. "Are you my uncle?"

"Well, my brother is your daddy, so yeah," Ichiro smiled.

"Uncle!" Riri hugged his legs.

"She's very cute," Ichiro smiled at Iori who didn't return the smile. "Iori?"

"Koi, do you mind entertaining our guests while I speak to my brother in private?" Iori asked. Kochu noted the grave tone in her husband's voice and nodded. Whatever it was, she knew it was something important. "Come on, Onii-san."

"Oh, OK," Ichiro nodded. Ichiro followed his brother to someplace private. Iori didn't speak a word and Ichiro wasn't sure what to say. They finally came to Iori's room, which he shared with Kochu. Iori closed the door and turned to face his brother.

"You know, it looks like you're living well. You got a beautiful wife, a cute daughter, and found a great place to call home. Still, Mom and Dad are gonna freak since we disappeared," spoke Ichiro.

"Maybe they'll panic because you're gone," scoffed Iori. "I doubt they would notice if I wasn't around."

"Mom and Dad do care about you, Iori," defended Ichiro.

"Of course you'd stick up for them."

"Iori..."

"So, what made you come all the way here to the Three Kingdoms era?" Iori asked.

"I was worried about you."

"I'm not a little boy anymore, Onii-san. I can take care of myself."

"I can see that. You got a family and life here."

"A family that actually notices me and cares, for better or for worse."

Ichiro sighed. He could see the resolve in his little brother's gaze. He wasn't a kid anymore. "Guess the thought of going back never once occurred to you, huh?"

"Choosing to come here should've been a clear enough message. Since I met Shion and Riri, this place has become my home. It's warm and full of people that care about each other." Iori then pointed to the tiger pelt his brother was wearing, "So, care to tell me where you got that tiger pelt you're wearing?"

"Oh, this thing?" Ichiro patted on the pelt he wore. "Funny story, really. I actually killed a tiger to get it." Iori saw the scars across his brother's bare chest and cringed.

"I'm glad you only got out of that fight with just a few scars, Onii-san," Iori said sincerely.

"Yeah, my wife likes it too," Ichiro grinned.

Iori blinked when he heard that, "Excuse me, but did you say you have a wife?"

"Yeah, she's the leader of the barbarian tribe in Hu and she came to visit. Apparently, according to their customs, if you serve a woman deer meat you're basically proposing to her," Ichiro answered, causing Iori to blink again.

"Wait, so all you did was serve her deer meat and you got married?" Iori asked in disbelief.

"It was a very good deer meat."

"How does that even work!?"

"They've got a different culture with different customs," Ichiro defended.

"And you're OK with this?"

"Iori, have you ever seen me with a girlfriend?" Ichiro questioned.

"Well, our parents always tried to set you up with their friends' daughters," recalled Iori.

"I never liked any of them. They were either arrogant, bitchy, spoiled brats, or any combination of very unpleasant traits," Ichiro said, "And the ones I did like, well, they actually had their eye on someone else or our parents didn't approve." Shamoke was definitely not the type of woman they wanted to be married to Ichiro, that was for sure. She was intelligent, independent, and ambitious. Definitely not the demure little housewife that they wanted for their eldest son.

"And you're OK with being married like this?" Iori repeated.

"It's not bad. I don't hate it. Plus..." Ichiro blushed. 'The sex is fantastic.' Of course, he wasn't about to say that out loud. Iori did catch on his faraway look and nodded sagely. His nights with Kochu were fantastic too.

Iori sighed. He had mixed feelings about having his brother here, but he was mostly glad to see that his brother cared about him enough to come all the way here. He didn't question how. He knew Chosen was involved.

"Daddy!" Riri ran over to Iori, followed by Mokaku, Tora, Mike and Shamu.

"Hey, Riri," Iori smiled.

"I'm going to play with my new friends!" Riri pointed to the Nanban Barbarians.

"Alright, have fun," Iori smiled as he gently patted her head.

"Remember, girls. Nothing too rough," advised Ichiro.

"Hai, Onii-sama!" the Nanban Barbarians saluted before they followed Riri out to play.

"So, you became their babysitter, huh?" Iori asked.

"Well, I found them when I first arrived. It didn't feel right to leave them alone so I stuck around until your friends showed up," Ichiro answered.

"I see. They seem very fond of you," Iori remarked. "So anything else I need to know?"

"Well, there's this," Ichiro revealed his GenesisDriver, causing Iori's eyes to widen.

"How...?"

"Now that is a very wild story," Ichiro grinned.

Meanwhile, while on their way back, Kanu and Nagata were facing some obstacles.

"Looks like we're in a bit of a bind, Aisha," Nagata said calmly as he and Kanu were surrounded by bandits.

"Filthy bandits. They sprout like weeds," Kanu hissed in disgust.

"Not gonna lie to you, Aisha. Low crime doesn't mean no crime," Nagata agreed. He could already see what these guys wanted. They were going to kill him, take their money and take Kanu away to have their fun. She was a beautiful woman and there was both lust and greed in these bandits' eyes.

The bandit leader shouted, "Get them!" The bandits charged and Nagata moved. He drew one of his katana and struck the closest bandit down, killing him before he even fell. Kanu also used her Green Dragon Crescent Blade to strike down a couple of bandits. Now the bandits were wary after seeing some of them being killed.

"You..." the lead bandit growled. "You idiots! Take them down! Kill that bastard and take his bitch!"

Nagata's eyes narrowed dangerously as he heard this and he drew his secondary katana. He then assumed his stance and Kanu smiled. Nagata was one of the finest sword fighters who preferred to dual-wield rather than rely on a single blade. Nagata looked back at Kanu who nodded back before they charged at the bandits.

Nagata and Kanu were trained warriors while bandits relied on numbers and brute force. So, it was no contest between both groups. The bandits tried but both warriors of the Shoku Faction were more skilled with their weapons. Any bandit they struck fell, dead or injured. Nagata then stopped and turned to face the surviving bandits.

"So?" Nagata asked dangerously as he pointed a blood-stained sword at the remaining bandits. "Who's next?" The wounded bandits fled in fright, leaving the dead bodies of the others with Kanu and Nagata. The Blue King of Shoku sighed as he flicked the blood off his swords.

"Should we go after them?" Kanu asked, referring to the fleeing bandits.

"Not right now. We can go after them later," Nagata shook his head. If these bandits were smart, they would stop committing crimes as it would mean they wouldn't die by his blade. However, he was realistic enough to believe that these bandits would just be at their own tricks again once they recovered. Once they returned to the village, he would send out soldiers to hunt the bandits down and capture them. "For now, let's just keep going."

Nagata looked at his blood-stained swords. In the modern era, he wouldn't be allowed to carry such dangerous weapons and using them for self-defense would be seen as being excessive. However, in this era, it was necessary to be armed and ready to kill to defend oneself and others. This was further proof that he needed to bring peace to the land.

Nagata hated killing, he really did. He really would've preferred it if the bandits just left them alone. However, the bandits weren't just going to let them go without taking something from them. Nagata only killed them because he had been left with no choice. This era had indeed changed him as he had to adapt and do what needed to be done.

Kanu noticed this as well and nodded in sympathy. While killing bandits required one to harden their own heart, Nagata couldn't do that for long. He wasn't some unfeeling killer. He didn't take joy in killing another human being, even if they were bandits. However, he felt satisfaction as he prevented these bandits from committing their crimes.

Kanu noted that compassion and respected him for that trait. It was one of the qualities that people admired about him. He sheathed his swords and walked on with Kanu, leaving the dead bandits behind to rot on the path.

Bacho and Chou'un returned with the rare herb that they handed over to Komei.

"I sure hope this is the right herb. We nearly froze to death up on that mountain," grumbled Bacho.

"I told you to pack warmer clothes. It's a good thing you listened," reminded Iori.

"Fine, you told us so. Happy? Now I'm going to warm myself with some wine and menma," Chou'un replied.

"So, what's happened since we were gone?" Bacho asked.

"Your cousin snuck off and my brother came to visit," Iori answered.

"Dammit, Tanpopo..." Bacho growled and then she blinked. "Wait, your brother?"

"Can we meet him?" Chou'un asked, interested.

"He's in the meeting room with the others. I'll introduce you," Iori said.

Nagata and Kanu arrived a couple of hours after Bacho and Chou'un. When the guards saw the couple, they immediately saluted the Armored War God and his general.

"Welcome back, Gaim-sama, General Kanu!" the guards greeted.

"At ease, men. I'm just glad to be back," Nagata told the guards.

"Well, it's just good to have you back, the both of you," Ah Li spoke gratefully with a smile.

"It's good to be back. Anyway, I just wanna go and rest after my journey," said Nagata.

"Should I report your arrival, Gaim-sama?" Bito asked.

"Nah," Nagata shook his head. "We feel like surprising our friends."

"It will be nice to see them," added Kanu.

"Nagata-niichan!" Chouhi hugged Nagata tightly once he arrived to the castle.

"Whoa there, Rinrin! Not too tight!" Nagata replied, patting her shoulders. She gave really tight hugs.

"I'm sorry, Nii-chan. I just missed you a lot," Chouhi answered with a blush and he patted her head.

"I know. I missed you too," Nagata smiled.

Chouhi then went and hugged Kanu as well and the black-haired young woman returned the hug. This made Nagata smile further.

"So, Shuri," Nagata held the box with the Koto Pill inside and handed it to her. "Here's the Koto Pill."

"Thank you, Nagata-sama," Komei accepted the box. "I will get to work right away."

"So, how did you girls do on your quest?" Nagata asked curiously.

"Oh, we managed to find the Nanban Elephant's belly button lint. We even met the Nanban Barbarians and Iori-sama's brother!" Ryuubi told him.

"Wait, what was that last part?" Nagata asked.

"Iori-sama's brother is here!"

The Nanban Barbarians weren't exactly what Nagata expected. They were just little girls. However, their appearance wasn't the most surprising. It was the presence of Ichiro's brother which really surprised Nagata. He had not expected to see Ichiro here at all.

"It's nice to see you again, Ichiro. This is really unexpected," Nagata greeted.

"The pleasure is all mine. I'm just glad to see my brother is well taken care of," Ichiro replied.

"Of course. We're a team. We watch out for each other," Nagata said reasonably.

"He even told me you're the governor for an entire province. That's impressive," Ichiro praised.

"Well, I can't take all the credit. I don't know much about governing but Shuri sure helps me a lot. Plus, a leader is nothing without people who believe in him and everyone here has been a great help to me. I mean, I gotta face the worst opponent of all."

"Which is?" Ichiro prompted.

"Paperwork," Nagata grumbled. Ichiro nodded in sympathy. Paperwork was the eternal bane of those in charge.

"So, is this your wife? She's very lovely," Ichiro complimented Kanu.

"Oh, we're not married," Kanu and Nagata answered in unison. Though, they might as well be with how close they were.

"Really? Well, guess it's just a matter of time then," Ichiro shrugged. "So, what's your name, Miss...?"

"I am Kanu Unchou." Ichiro's eyes widened at the name. Then again, he'd come to expect this was an alternate version of Ancient China.

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Kanu Unchou."

"So, where's Kashin-dono?" Kanu asked.

"Down here-nya!"

Nagata and Kanu looked down and their jaws dropped as they gaped speechlessly.

"Kashin-dono...?" Kanu assumed. It looked like Kashin, but now she was smaller than Riri and wearing a bright yellow dress meant for a toddler.

"Who else do you think!?" Kashin snapped. Not only did she still have her cat ears but her hands had turned into paws and she had a tail. She was basically a chibi catgirl.

"Oh...my...god," Nagata exhaled at the sight.

"She began shrinking a while back and now the only clothes we got that can fit her are Riri's old baby clothes," Iori explained.

"I...don't even know how to respond to this..."

"You didn't have to see it happen. It was freaky."

"I didn't know there were others like us all the way out here! Hiya!" Mokaku greeted Kashin.

"Don't lump me together with you barbarians!" Kashin turned away, crossing her arms. However, she just looked cute doing that. "Now, do you have the cure for me or not?"

"Shuri's in the middle of making it. She should be done soon," Nagata informed.

"Good! I don't want to remain like this any longer!"

"Kashin-chan kawaii!" Riri said and Kashin growled.

"So, what's the deal here?" Ichiro asked.

"She got poisoned by an Imperial Eunuch and would eventually turn into a cat. The others were away to get ingredients for a cure which Shuri is making right now," Iori explained.

"Alright, it's ready," said Komei. She was wearing a cloth mask to cover her mouth and nose while carrying a tray with a cup and teapot on it. She put the tray on the table. Everyone wondered if the cure would work. They had traveled far and wide to get the ingredients.

Komei poured the cure into the cup, causing the others to recoil and immediately retreat to the other side of the room. They pinched their nostrils close to prevent the smell from entering their noses.

"What a horrible smell!" exclaimed Kochu.

"Smells like a rotten fish cooking in a frying pan," gagged Iori.

"More like a skunk that just rolled around in its own feces," added Nagata as he stuck his tongue out in disgust.

"Spoiled menma doesn't even smell that bad," Chou'un commented.

"Someone open a window, please!" Ichiro begged.

"Maybe it tastes better than it smells, right?" Bacho asked and everyone shook their heads in negative. "I didn't think so."

Kashin stared down at the cup with dread. She was holding her breath just so that she wouldn't smell it. However, if she ever wanted to go back to normal, she had no choice but to drink it. She took hold of the cup with both hands and quickly downed the entire thing in one gulp. The Shoku Faction gagged as they watched her drink the horribly smelling medicine.

"So, do you think it'll work?" Ryuubi asked.

Suddenly, Kashin transformed before her eyes as her body grew back to its original proportions. The paws and tail vanished before finally she was back to normal. The clothes she wore were now just too tight and revealing far too much skin. The childish panties also didn't seem very appropriate on a woman with such a mature figure.

"That was fast," Nagata remarked in surprise. He thought the medicine's effect would be gradual, not immediate.

"Oh, I've missed this! I'm back! No more cravings for fish or urges to nap everywhere! I am back!" Kashin cheered. Indeed, she was back to normal, except for one thing.

"So, what's with the cat ears?" Ichiro asked.

"What?" Kashin asked as she reached up to her head and touched the cats ears which were still there. "WHAT!?" She yelled at Komei, "I thought you said this would cure me!"

"Hawawawa! It's probably because it's been too long! You should be back to normal if you keep taking the medicine!" Komei answered as she recoiled from Kashin's verbal lashing.

Kashin growled but then she yelped as she was suddenly glomped by the Nanban Barbarians who yelled, "OPPAI!" They started to fondle her, much to her displeasure, as she tried to fight them off. However, the Nanban Barbarians could not be swayed from their obsessive love of big boobs.

"Um...shouldn't we do something?" Bacho asked.

"Do you seriously want to get in the middle of that?" Nagata pointed. Bacho looked back at the Nanban Barbarians vigorously molesting Kashin.

"Good point," Bacho nodded.

"I want to see where this is headed," Chou'un smirked.

"Onii-san, could you make them stop?" Iori urged his brother.

"Girls! Girls! It's rude to do that! Stop! Stop!" Ichiro yelled at the Nanban Barbarians.

"Does Onii-sama wanna play with the oppai too?" Mokaku asked.

"Oh, this is so much better than I thought," Chou'un grinned.

"Where's a spray bottle when you need one?" mumbled Nagata as they continued to watch the chaos unfold before them.

After they managed to pry the Nanban girls off Kashin, the general was instructed to rest since the medicine would make her drowsy. Afterwards, everyone relocated to the meeting room to meet and greet their new arrival.

Everyone was seated at the round table in the meeting room. King Mokaku was seated in Ichiro's lap while Mike, Tora and Shamu were seated in Ryuubi, Aisha and Kochu's laps respectively.

"Hm, a round table," Ichiro commented with King Mokaku, "You're familiar with the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of Camelot then."

"Well, I just thought a round table was a nice touch. We're all equals when we sit at this table so veryone can speak their mind," Nagata replied.

"That's very progressive of you, Oda-kun. It's not often that a leader would sit at the same level as their subordinates," Ichiro admired.

"Thank you. Anyway, I'd like to welcome our new guests. I see some old faces and some new ones as well," Nagata spoke. "So, Gien-san, are you thinking of joining the Shoku Army?"

"I do," spoke Gien, "And I wish to be Touka-san's bodyguard."

"OK," Nagata accepted.

"That's it?" Gien asked, blinking. She had not expected him to agree so quickly.

Nagata replied, "If Touka trusts you then I trust you too."

"Thank you," Gien nodded gratefully. Now she could be around Ryuubi a lot more often.

"Also, I'd like to welcome the Nanban Barbarians. Honestly, you girls aren't exactly what I expected," Nagata said.

"Don't let our appearances fool ya. We're strong," claimed King Mokaku.

"We're strong!" cheered her retainers as they pumped their fists.

"Anyway, we need to talk about something important here. What Shuri has told me matches up with a lot that I've heard. There's something going on in Rakuyo."

"We heard rumors that misery and suffering has spread in the Imperial Capital. People are being overtaxed and losing their homes if they don't pay. Everyone says it's Totaku's doing," said Kanu.

"Just like in the history books," muttered Iori.

"I don't believe it's Totaku's doing, though," countered Nagata. "Kashin told us she was poisoned by Chojo."

"Who's Chojo?" Ichiro asked.

"She's a eunuch we met working in the Imperial Court, but I bet she has something to do with what's going on in the Imperial Capital. Why else would she get rid of Kashin?" Nagata replied. Say what you like about Kashin, but there was no doubting her loyalty to the Imperial House. She would never have turned traitor, which meant that someone wanted her out of the way. Likely Chojo if she was the one who tried to get rid of her.

"Something must've happened to Totaku then," assumed Ryuubi.

"But Tonton has her generals to protect her," Chouhi pointed out. "They won't let anything bad happen to her."

"I know and that's what worries me," Nagata spoke. He doubted that Kenshin and Hideyoshi would allow anything bad to happen to her. However, with all the rumors surrounding her, something bad had happened and they needed to help her. "If we want to get to the bottom of this, we have to go see Totaku."

"There's no way we can just enter the capital. The gates are locked preventing anyone from entering or leaving," Komei stated.

"We can always force our way in," suggested Iori. "However, that would make us look like an enemy attempting to invade."

"So, we need to move cautiously then," Nagata responded.

"By the way. While you were gone, something came for you," Iori informed Nagata.

"Really? What is it?"

"I'll show it to you. It's in the main hall."

"Main hall? You mean that big room we never really use?" Nagata asked.

"Yes, that room. Now follow me."

"Iori, what is this?" Nagata asked, referring to the chair now placed in the castle's main hall.

"It's a throne, Nagata," Iori replied.

"I see that. I just want to know why there's a throne in here," he pointed.

"Isn't it obvious? It's yours," Iori replied.

Nagata felt another headache coming, "I never asked for a throne."

"It was a gift from the villagers. They had it made and sent here while you were away," Iori replied.

"And you accepted it without asking me?" Nagata asked.

"And just how was I supposed to contact you? If you haven't noticed, we don't have telephones here," Iori retorted, hands to his hips.

"...Good point." Nagata stared at the throne and rubbed his temples, "Damn...why did they do this? First the shrines and now this?"

"You do know what they call you, right? You're the 'Blue King of Shoku'."

"I know that, but still..." Nagata sighed. "There's nothing I can do about this, right?"

"It depends. Do you want them to think you're an ungrateful jerk?" Iori replied.

"I...guess not," Nagata relented.

"They did go to a lot of trouble to make this for you. At least sit on it and see how it feels," Iori encouraged.

"Oh, fine..." Nagata went up and sat down on the throne. "Hm...not bad." He leaned back against it. "The cushion feels nice too."

"So, is it really so bad?" asked Iori.

"I guess not," Nagata shrugged.

"Well, then I'll leave you to break that throne in, Your Majesty," Iori bowed with a grin.

"Oi! I'll have none of that!" Nagata yelled as Iori snickered on his way out of the main hall, which could now be called the throne room.

"It's been awhile since we had a drink together," Chou'un offered as she poured Kanu a saucer of wine.

"Should we really be drinking?" Kanu asked as she reluctantly accepted the saucer.

"We just got back after our quests. We deserve to relax," defended Chou'un.

"I suppose you're right. One drink wouldn't hurt," agreed Kanu as she took a sip.

"So, how was it?" Chou'un asked with interest.

"What do you mean, Sei? How was what?" Kanu asked, confused.

"Don't play innocent with me, Aisha. I can tell. You're not a virgin anymore so that means you've consummated your love with Nagata-sama." Kanu's entire face went red as she gasped and Chou'un smirked as she got confirmation that her friend has made love with their lord. "So, I repeat myself: how was it?"

"Must we talk about something so private?" Kanu asked shyly.

"Between female friends, it's necessary. So, first of all, how big is he and was he gentle or rough?"

"It's very nice here, Touka-san," Gien regarded as she looked around the village. "It's peaceful too."

"Oh, you should thank Gaim-sama for that. It's because of him that this province no longer has any problems with bandits," Ryuubi smiled.

"Touka-neechan!" The village children crowded around Touka and Gien.

"Eh!? Eh!?" Gien exclaimed in shock.

"Touka-neechan, you're back!"

"Where did you go?"

"Did you have another adventure?"

"Tell us! Tell us!"

"I'll tell you all about my journey once you settle down, children," placated Ryuubi. Gien watched Ryuubi's interaction with the children and couldn't help but smile.

'She's so much like my sister...' Gien blushed.

Meanwhile, in the residence of Ensho Honsho...

"What are these? Gifts for me?" Ensho asked as she saw the wagon filled with various gifts.

"Actually, Reiha-sama, all of these are gifts and offerings to Haru-sama," Bunshu explained.

"For my darling?" Ensho blinked. Well, her fiance was an Armored War God. Also, there were shrines erected in his honor. One actually had a statue of him and people would pray to it for his protection. Ensho couldn't help but feel proud of the man that would be her husband. While she was once disgusted by the thought of him mixing with commoners and doing their work like tilling fields or helping out with construction projects, it was this aspect of him which had earned him such respect and worship from her citizens.

"Yeah, and there's a lot. Mostly it's food," Ganryo added. It was noted that Haru loved to eat, but he always exercised to burn off the calories after. Sometimes, Ganryo would peep on him as he exercised and drooled over his shirtless form. Just watching him made her want to masturbate in her room.

"Hm, my Haru-sama is certainly popular," Ensho nodded. "I can't really blame him for his worshippers to have their gifts delivered right to our doorstep."

"Yeah, he's really a great guy," Bunshu agreed.

"So, where is he now?" asked Ensho.

"Oh, he's in town right now giving his lessons," Ganryo informed.

"That's right, kids! Just punch, punch and block! Punch, punch and block!" Haru instructed as he performed the steps and the children followed. Haru had opened a dojo to train anyone who was interested in his fighting style. While mostly self-taught, he emulated Western boxing styles and techniques. He also made the lessons free so anyone who wanted could come. Right now he was doing a lesson for kids between the ages of 7-12.

Haru set different times for different ages. He knew people were sensitive about things like pride. So, he made sure to set up lessons for adults, teenagers and children at different times.

What Haru was doing was showing the people how to defend themselves. Also, it was good exercise and fun too. The children were definitely enjoying themselves, and the parents didn't have to worry since all the lessons were free. Haru had to thank Ensho. When he told her he wanted to open a dojo, she immediately had builders get to work.

"To give up his time for the people. He is indeed a noble soul. I am indeed fortunate to have met him," Ensho smiled. Ensho actually allowed him to do as he wished since he had nothing but the best intentions. His charitable nature also reflected well on her.

"Oh, and a messenger from the Imperial Capital came and delivered this," Bunshu added as she handed the letter to Ensho.

"Oh, a message from the Imperial Court?" Ensho asked as she unfolded the letter and read it. Her eyes narrowed as the letter was an order for her to hand her entire army over to the Imperial Court. "My entire army? What an unreasonable demand!" She handed the letter back to Bunshu. "Write a reply and tell the Imperial Court that I refuse!"

"You're refusing the empress?" Ganryo questioned.

"After all the rumors I've heard, about how Empress Totaku is causing suffering in Rakuyo? I would not swear my loyalty to such a person! Now, write the reply and tell her my army is staying!"

KRC: And now we're about to enter the final arc of this season. A lot of highlights here. We see Iori's reaction to his brother's arrival. Not quite the warm welcome Ichiro was expecting. Also, Kanu and Nagata were accosted by bandits. Still, at least, Kashin got better. Well, mostly. However, Ensho is now challenging an order from the Imperial Court. Will there be consequences? Well, duh!

TFP: Well now Nagata discovers that the situation in Rakuyo was not as he first believed. Something is now seriously wrong and it went on practically under his nose. Ensho is also up in arms from Totaku's supposed cruelty. Tensions are rising and in such an era it won't be long before they come to a head. Can cooler minds prevail or will the fires of war rise again?

Next Time...

"A leader does give commands. However, a leader must not be afraid to fight on the frontlines with his men. A true leader does not sit safely back in their tent and make their soldiers do their dirty work for them. A true leader will be at the front of their army, leading their soldiers into battle."

Everyone paid attention to Nagata's words and presence. It seemed that he was generating an aura of superiority. He cared for his men and he wanted peace more than anyone in this room.

Nagata continued, "I would never give an order I wasn't willing to carry out myself. My soldiers are my responsibility. When I order my men to fight, I fight alongside them. If they take risks, I take the same risks. I will not order my men to die but I will order them to win."

Nagata addressed the rest who attended the meeting, "I understand that many of you are reluctant to give command to someone else. However, we must set our differences and individual goals aside to work together. We want to overthrow a corrupt government and bring peace to the land but we can only do that as a team. We all came together to fight a common foe, so let us not argue or fight amongst ourselves in deciding on who should be the leader. Let us work together, not against each other, to make sure we can win. A wise man once said: 'united we stand, divided we fall'. If we fall apart right now before facing the enemy, we will lose."