On arrival to one of the border camps the scouts that had been there, inactive, were deployed almost immediately along with the shinobi. The ones that had followed the army would have as long as it took them to return to rest. The cavalries would depart along with them, sweeping the province, closing the siege, followed by the soldiers. Takeda's heavy cavalry would play a supporting role to Date's light and mobile units, creating a disorienting pattern with one attack and locking them in the conflict with the other's advance. Supported then by the soldiers on foot it would help guide conflicts to the most advantageous areas while keeping the civilians out of the way.
Lighter war machines were being assembled, ready to be moved. Chosokabe Motochika's inventions joined and powered some, under the man's supervision. He barely had arrived and was already making the round and ready to go to the next camp, and the next, and the next to do the same.
There were less people in the group than when they had started. Units had broken away in the roads to go to other camps, bulking numbers and skills.
Timing was essential as the ring had to move roughly at the same pace. But the shinobi would give the signs as the fastest members of any of the groups and also those able to communicate stealthily through the distances.
Yumi walked around, watching and listening, watching. Not one of those that had seen war seemed concerned or frightened. She was growing restless, feeling her chest tight and heartbeat sharp. Excitement, hope, fear. The challenge was being met.
"You seem overwhelmed." Kojuro stated, approaching, standing by her side.
"I am. Haven't you ever felt like that?" Yumi nodded.
"When we began, yes." The Right Eye of the Dragon admitted. "Everything was untested, different. Masamune-sama was untested, reckless. And what I knew had never been challenged either." He smiled slightly, the expression crossing his lips and vanishing, allowing only her to glimpse it. "Come. At this time only those that are assembling, repairing or building have to stay focused. We can rest. It had been a long journey and it won't be long until we have to be on the move once more."
"So what does an army do when there is a lull in battle?" Yumi asked, following. She saw gambling, drinking, eating and dancing. Some were telling stories. Others were bragging about weapons and armour. Not even a handful ere training. From the preparations to the field it looked as if all had grown lax.
"Seek entertainment." Kojuro answered. "Training would tire them. The tasks that need to be done to be ready for combat are done first though." he stopped to answer a toast, gulping the sake and nodding. "Not one of these men would be caught off guard."
"We trained and moved constantly. Very few moments were not focused on surviving or escaping." Yumi commented. "If we had booze it was either a gift or stolen."
"How much can you drink?"
Yumi hesitated for a moment, watching him before allowing the challenge to make her smile.
"Let's find out."
There was a commotion in the camp.
Yumi sat up, out of her armour, blinking, looking around. Alone… Calmed by that she sighed.
In the end they hadn't drunk that much but the evening had been spent companionably, celebrating the arrival of the boss and settling bets through cups.
The noise was disturbing though, she thought, getting up, looking.
A group of familiar faces was arguing with Kojuro in angry voices a few feet away from her tent.
"Everyone…" Yumi called out, voice stern, silencing her outlaw group. Kojuro lowered his head to her, stepping back, letting her retake the leading role to the people that had gathered first to fight against the injustice the ruler had not known about. "You should not be this angry because of a name, especially because you know what has been done to mine." Relief coloured their faces. Smiles sprouted here and there. "He did bring us the support he promised…" Her eyes narrowed slowly as she counted, recognizing each by name, keeping her voice from trembling before asking. "Where is Tadao?"