Zhuge Liang's "Borrowing the Eastern Wind"
Extracted from TheSpring-Autumn Annal of Master Luu Buwei (Luu Shi Chun Qiu) on the Almanacs for the first month of Winter;
During the first month of winter, the sun is moving to the same place as Wei (group of seven stars belonging to Scorpion constellation). At twilight, Wei (a group of three stars including alpha part of Aquarius and theta and sigma part of Pegasus constellation) is in the south of the sky and at dawn of Seven Stars (group of stars including alpha part of Hydra constellation) is also in the south.
The correlates of this month are: the heavenly stems of the days are ren and gui (which corresponded to the element of water/ Yin ether according to the sexagenary cycle), the sovereign (ruling deities of this month) Zhuanxu his assisting spirit Xuanming. The representing creatures of this times are shell covered creatures (crustaceans). The notes used during the rites shall be the notes of Yu (the Great). The corresponding pitch is according to the note of B Major (B#). The representing number is six (the petal of snowflakes and element of water represented by this number)
…
If the edict of the spring season are issued during the first month of winter, the ground will not totally freeze up and the vitality of Earth will leak out and people will flee to other areas in thousand.
If the edicts of summer season are issued, there will be severe storm and fierce wind blowing, it will not become cold during the winter and dormant creature will still be active.
XXX
Since morning, the wind has ceased from blowing…
On the other hand, birds are flying back to avoid the incoming winter and among those migratory birds, messenger pigeons are mixed with their flocks. On the other shore of the great river, Zhou Tai of Danyang warriors are standing there waiting for the return of her red feet pigeons. Unlike the other species, this one being released are the fastest even amonst its peer.. hence scouts and stealthy warriors like Danyang, Ninjas and Shinobi used them (or maybe. I am just bullshitting anyway. Who the fuck you think am i? Steve Irwin?) to relay messages due to their animalistic instinct to return to their nest without being lost (except if it was own by Nobi Nobita).
On the other hand, as Zhou Tai grabbed the returning pigeon, she notices that due to its inherent instinct also to detect changing weather and seeing the flocks of those migratory birds on the sky, She deduced that there shall be a changing of weather.
"And the water temperature hasn't stop rising either…" Minmei checked as she scooped the water with her hands and pouring them down. She sighed and gazed to afar on the direction where the Red Cliff lies.
"Today is the twenty-third day of the eleventh month…" Minmei muttered, as there is feeling of anxiety for the long awaited day to arrive. "By dusk…"
The wind is coming…
XXX
Heaven, please tell me… is fate unchangeable?
Because I have faith that men's existence is never without a meaning
At the Cao Cao's naval fleet in the middle of Changjiang river… spanning from Wulin to Red Cliff, the process to transport additional military logistics, supplies, and reinforcement to Cao Hong's expeditionary troops at Yuzhang were only fulfilled 20% from their prearranged plan. Even the effort to sped up did not help too much.
"All ships assembled! Supplies on board!" supervising officers shouted, calling for another batch to be sent to another shore before loading the new batch from Wulin.
"Yosh! Alright… that is enough!" The other officer calls as they stopped additional transfer from Wulin. Some which were already aboard the ship bridge assembly part were stopped and forced to stay onboard in the cargo and prevented from moving from prow to stern due to maximum capacity allowed.
"What the hell was that!?" The other officer who recorded the process yelled as he get information from opposing shore who were tasked to survey the river situation.
"The river current are getting stronger!" the surveying field officer reported "to continue more will hinder the movement process from each ships, risking our whole operation into jeopardy! Dare you to take responsibility!?" the recording officer gritted his teeth.
"Calm down." The sly advisor who was informed spoke calmly. "Haste make waste. We have done everything we can… what can we do if there is change in the river surface?" The sly advisor then decided "The time for second batch transfer shall be announced later -send words to Cao Hong about it!" the scout immediately leave with his supervisor to make preparation to relay this important message.
"What a pity we can't send more to General Cao Hong…." The sly advisor sighed.
"No problem." Karin spoke as she also gaze at the logistic transfer process. Her sudden appearance made everyone looked surprised. They quickly greeted her in respecting gesture.
"I'm sure that those amounts alone was quite sufficient to take Haihun at least; then that will left for a siege against Sun Clan's capital at Chaisang; a single direct hit right toward the enemy heart as the finishing blow!"
"My Lord…" The sly advisor looked taken back seeing her confidence. It is there is nothing worrying her. Cao Cao then gestured her to leave her as there is nothing they can do with the task prematurely halted. Understanding her wish to be alone, Xun You slowly left her… not before giving her last respect as she went away to take care of logistic at each warships which shall acted as the fleets of bridge of ships' protection.
As the group of riders has reached the shore and successfully crossing the river without any obstacle, there is feeling of pride swelling inside Karin's heart, for this scene was like as if she already conquer the Yangzi river.
Though the air seems unsuitable for her, no matter how thick she wore her coats while she was standing atop the prow of the warships while gazing at the distance of the opposing shore at Red Cliff… as she coughed feeling unwell of the changing air of this place.
She covered her lips, feeling tangy sensation as she notices a glimmering dark rogue color running from her hands.. for a second she was taken back… yet she clenched her hand into fist with a feeling of amusement inside her, as her lips turned into a serene smile onward to this beautiful eerie panorama… right before the Red Cliff…
For a second, she felt like as if being all alone in this world not realizing the presence of someone lurking from the shadow peeping at her figure who alone reminiscing her happiest moment from past to present… without feeling downhearted anymore.
Then, with feeling of pride inside becoming restless, she called out her real feeling;
"Kazuto, we've done it! Not even the great river Changjiang can stand in the way before our noble aspiration!"
There is feeling of yearning arose inside which can not be stopped anymore as sorrow mixed with her rejoice that this moment had finally arrived. The cheerfulness in her voice as if reminding her innocence when she first met him as her true self.
"Finally… we can really be reunited!"
Please wait for me…
Wait for Karin's arrival at the other shore of the flowing nine rivers!
XXX
Bravery or timidity is determined by the success or failure of stratagem and the strength or weakness by whether the situation is favorable or not.
If a stratagem is well designed and a favorable situation takes shape, it will make those who are timid to be the bravest.
However, if there is lack of stratagem and the loss of favorable situation, even the bravest will become timid. - Taibai Yinjing, on the chapter 'No Courageous or Timid Men'
Huang Gai was in her deep thought. She was recalling her parting words to Renfa. Unknowingly witnessing her resolve to replace her elder sister (Sun Ce) and lead the Sun clan fleet on this battle made her own resolve and devotion to be unfaltered and there is no doubt left anymore…
Only an innocent wish that her sacrifice would not be in vain. "Heaven… please guide our Sun Clan's future." As she whispered to herself seeing the menacing sight of Cao Cao's floating mobile naval fortress.
The sailing reconnaisance ships flies of its signalling banner to the other ships reporting the sight of incoming Huang Gai's mutinous fleet. They immediately sailed toward Huang Gai to stop them. Checking on them. Huang Gai quickly ordered to show no resistance as it was usual inspection as usual. Seeing there is no problem with identification and the sailing black dragon banner which acted as their communication sign.. they immediately flies off another banner and signaled other ships.
The other ships who received the signal immediately lowered their battle station alertness and recognizing Huang Gai's ships as friendly unit. "Apologize general Huang for the rough treatment." The supervising officer of this reconnaissance ship spoke to her. "I presume you will now want to have audience with Prime Minister Cao Darren and Chief Advisor Xun Darren."
"I feel thankful for the warm welcoming." Huang Gai spoke as the other subordinate help her, this prompted the officer to take pity on her condition.
"Then, I shall not dally anymore. Please allow me to guide your ship to see the Chief Advisor first hand." The officer spoke, and Huang Gai lowered her head in gratitude. As her ship were moving, suddenly when the other fleet under her command want to follow her flagship, they were stopped. "Apologize. We are only instructed to guide General Huang's flagship. Beside the battle will soon began…. I hope you understand our situation."
"I don't mind." Huang Gai spoke, although her teeth gritted. Too cautious.
And this commotion finally reached Xun You's flagships. After getting informed of the situation. She nodded. "I see… they have really kept up with their end of deal." The officers and soldiers surrounding her was already expecting this very moment.
"They really risking it even with their poor condition of their vessel." One of the soldiers who witness this scene before hand was perplexed. "What a fellow! The men of Sun clan really doesn't fear death!"
"They have arrived on time, Advisor Xun!" The seamen spoke as he identify Huang Gai's flagship entering their vicinity. "What shall it be?"
"I see… proceed according to the plan. Notify them our previous instruction before they are making contact! All vessel standby!" Xun You announced. This was another signal given by the sly advisor of the prearranged plan.
"Advisor Xun! They are requesting permission to board on your vessel!" the officer shouted as he notices the fired banner signal to their position. Xun You calmly spoke 'granted.' As her reply which prompted the boarding process to occur.
As the process are ongoing, they recognized and identified the presence of Sun clan's veteran naval commander; Huang Gai who claimed to express her desire to defect. They gasped unable to believe it even now. "She… she really came! There is no mistake about it!" Cai Mao and Zhang Yun who are near gasped.
"Haha… such sincerity!" even Xun You was quite surprised by her presence. She notices Huang Gai's condition as she was being helped to move by her deputy and several soldiers who aided her in moving to her flagship. Seeing that they finally moved her, Xun You saluted and clasped her hand to make greeting.
"Advisor Xun You of the Cao army is here to welcome the courageous General Huang Gai."
Huang Gai hurriedly asked her deputy subordinate to help her kneeling.
"Former Eastern Region Naval Commander Huang Gai is here as promised…" Huang Gai spoke though she looked exhausted, seems that she is forcing her condition. "My apologize for my shabby appearance. Seems that my wound hasn't gone better… please forgive my disrespecting posture."
"No, our lord has heard of your devotion to the greater good… and she had instructed the imperial doctor help in your treatment, shall we start the process?"
"That is very considerate of her. I feel grateful that I already became your burden."
"Don't say about that… General Huang is a renowned brave commander… your exploit has been world renowned." Xun You kindly spoke. "Ah, I apologize. the battle will start soon, hence we need to resume and restore our battle station to its initial alert level. Hope you don't mind."
"No… you are right… we should not dally anymore." Huang Gai spoke "I hope we can be of help." Though they are way too cautious.- she thought.
"Sure you do." Xun You smiled as she spoke. At once she waved her hand which the other officer accepted this for another signal for the commencement of the next phase of this plan. Swiftly the stillness of the previous relaxed atmosphere among Cao Cao's fleet vanished. The call for the raised battle station alertness was sounded. They quickly maneuvered along the other ship for defensive formation.
Yu Jin shouted to him own fleet "Chained ships! Deploy in defensive maneuver!" followed by Mao Jie who helped him. "Expand ! there will be no opened net available for them to break through!"
Cai Mao's fleet also sailed outside to be part of naval formation. "Set out! My fellow soldiers! Don't bring shame to our name as the famed Jingzhou navy!"
"You hear what my bro said! Set up the formation! Don't let those northerner seized all the good part!" Zhang Yun also roused her own fleet. These movement were also followed by the other general. But Cai Mao and Zhang Yun's presence seems to be quite a sight as Huang Gai recognized his banner, fleet and even his face.
"Isn't that… isn't that Jingzhou's admiral Cai Mao?" Huang Gai feeling shocked "But I thought…. He was…"
"Dead, I presume?" Xun You calmly spoke "That was the information we deliberately leaked to Jiangnan… the Eastern River Sun clan."
"I see… he is still the commanding officer for this whole fleet, not general Yu Jin I presume?"
"Nope. The new Supreme Admiral for the whole fleet isn't either Cai Mao or Yu Jin." Xun You cooly spoke. "Speak of the devil… here he is… along with his newly reinforced naval fleet which was secretly manufactured from Jiangling's shipyard."
"That… that ships…?" Huang Gai looked confused with the newly deployed ships sailing toward the outside of the line of their defensive formation. Unlike the previous naval fleet which she had already familiar and known before these newly deployed ships which the sly advisor claimed to be commanded by the real supreme admiral made her stunned due to its striking presence.
There is strange contraption attached to this newly arrived ships and with new painting scheme on their ships structure. It looks menacing with its strong looking frame and appearance. Even Huang Gai who has long served in navy never seen such awe inspiring looking. Now we can imagine what those Japs felt when they see the presence of Pery's armada. Though one should always take notes on how Lin Zexu takes Hollandia Fort in Taiwan :P. Seeing this expression from this guest of honor made the Sly advisor looked amused.
"Ah.. you must be confused by their presence which was never known and not included in the intel spread around Jiangnan… those fleets are.." Xun You calmly spoke, raising her hand in motion as if giving permission to take sail to the outer ring of the defense. The commander in it seems to notice and wordlessly answered this gesture with respecting salute. Huang Gai for a moment felt that she seen that fellow somewhere… "The fleets who usually guarded the territorial water around Han river which were transferred here for this decisive battle at Red Cliff." And noticing Huang Gai was struggling to recall that new admiral name and face, she can't help but gave a small laughter.
"When we subjugate Jingzhou, they are the first line of defense who had submitted before our mighty army… quite a noble fellow if I have to evaluate him." The moment those ships are positioned outside at the outer rings, they are deploying those contraption and metal mast/pillars down toward the river … like a rampart guarding a fortress.
"Prime Minister Cao always say; 'Don't question the employed and don't employ the questionable." Xun You remarked.. "quite a doctrine if I have to say." She sighed with calm sentence as she oversees the situation.
"This new supreme admiral of the imperial Han navy is Wen Ping." Xun You continue her introduction as Wen Ping saluted and reported that his fleet in he is in charge for is ready for battle and all preparation is complete. "Wen Ping has a renowned background and is more capable than Cai Mao himself. I am sure even a veteran naval commander like yourself has also heard of his name and fame as a capable naval commander…. And this new supreme admiral strategy is different than before."
Huang Gai looked shock by this unexpected news she deliver. She was at loss of words. That name was even more famous only to be rivaled by Jiangxia's three big name of Huang Zhong, Gan Ning and Wei Yan.
"Cai Mao was a bait to give the Sun clan's false sense of security, while Wen Ping himself was the real commander." Xun You clapped, finishing her explanation. Now the atmosphere become more chilling around them. Her expression changes into a cold sneering face like interrogating a convict.
"Are you that naïve, General Huang to think that our lord would assigned such important role as the Supreme Admiral of the Imperial Han Navy to someone like Cai Mao or an amateur like general Yu Jin ?" she was sneering, because she has seen through something in this scheme planned by Mei Zhou Lang.
"And general Cai Mao's false death was as false as your false submission." Xun You smiled as Huang Gai felt horrified that all her farce are in vain. Like a magician whose trick was already revealed. "Hence we used them to bait Sun clan into a false sense of security to be more careless and decide hastily to march for a full scale counter offensive maneuver…. And lure the whole Sun clan navy which shall be led personally by their sovereign into their destruction …. At the decisive battle at Red Cliff!"
Indeed, the wholesome preparation… these naval fortress and Wen Ping's navy wasn't considered in their plan… and those shifting mast deployed around the broad side of the whole Wen Ping's fleet are to keep things at bay; away from their effective distance and triggered premature implosion before they reach their own fleet.
"Hence, even if the Sun clan tried to ram their fire ship at them, they won't easily budged. We are prepared for this decisive battle at Red Cliff… and defeat that Divine Fire; Mei Zhou Lang."
Huang Gai looked paled.. but no, there is one thing… a single hope which kept her strong…
"Everything is within our calculation, General Huang Gai." Xun You spoke. "Including the incoming Eastern Wind at the 23rd days of this eleventh month of the thirteenth years of Jian' an (208 AD); at the first day of jiazi of the sexagenary cycle…. During the evening of the Winter Solistice…" Huang Gai was shocked. Even this last part of this scheme was already revealed.
"Which means… today." Xun You once again spoke "The day, the whole Sun clan navy will sail for the decisive battle… here; at The Battle of Red Cliff!"
With this, Huang Gai's resolve was shattered and she lost all her strength and her expression looked dead pale after hearing this whole revelation; nothing amiss and escape Cao Cao's army scheme. The same moment, Xun You considered this act as her confession admitting everything she said and she swiftly ordered her soldier to arrest everyone in her flagships including Huang Gai who is treated as the guest of honor to witness the destruction of the Sun clan in Chi Bi.
"The showdown is about to begin then…."
XXX
To observe those hidden sentiments by observing what is physically manifested is what we say the tactics to fathom the secrecy of the mind, the innermost feeling. Even if you have the canon of previous kings in running the state and the teaching of men of wisdom at hand, you will not be able to accomplish your great cause of lording it over without the tactics to tap the mind. - Taibai Yinjing, on the chapter 'The Tactics in knowing the hearts of People."
The time for battle is coming near, and people were confounded with these sight of the bridge ships as they are already a bit gloomy due to nervous feeling arising among the soldier. Though it was tried to be concealed, the rumor about Huang Gai's defection to Cao Cao's army spread among the soldiers and Zhou Yu has not spoken any words about it.
Yet, preparation for sailing has been seen in every port at Lukou. But the uneasiness before departing for battle; some are fearing for their own safety, well being and even about the family they left behind in their home…
Can we really win? Can we return alive?
Those were the feeling shared by the common soldiers, and even the officers was a bit influenced even with a calm composed presence of the Grand Commander in Chief who are still waiting aboard the ship; as if waiting for something. And Zhou Yu herself also noticed these feeling surfacing on her soldiers. But she had decided to go on the battle and all her mind is concentrated solely for this decisive battle at Red Cliff.
The first line armada shall be led by her and all her subordinate officers and the second line naval armada shall be led by her lord; Sun Quan who had decided to stand in place of the Little Conqueror who is bed ridden due to her wound at the previous ambush in Yuzhang.
With Renfa herself resolving and determined to fight her battle personally, she was growing restless and for the first time in her life, she only wished for the satisfying outcome and her lord's safety. And she can only self assured herself with a tinge of feeling that all her plan is complete. There will be no mistake.
The sky turned dark, the wind is still blowing from north to east… and this feeling of uneasiness almost broke her spirit. But she kept it deep in her heart. How strange, she is usually very confident… but yet, seems without the presence of her oath sister; Sheren… she felt very fragile and helpless….
In the end, I still depended on you…eh? Sheren?
Then, she turned away her gaze toward someone who are still deep in her prayer at the top of the tower erected at Nanping hill. Here at the top of Nanping hill, a nine story tower with an altar established on top of it has been erected. This is all the preparation which Shuri requested from Zhou Yu who fulfill it without any objection.
Here, at the bottom… 120 people dressed in their Daoist attire were surrounding below, with wooden sword in their hand stabbing the paper talisman, flying around the scenery. Flies and banner prepared to praise the Heaven and spiritual deity were waving around the bottom of the altar and chants of magical mantra sounded with ethnical musical instrument sounded. This eerie mystical sight was felt out of place compared to the naval preparation of the Lukou's port.
Amongst the superstitious soldiers, rumor were spreading that Zhou Yu invited Zhuge Liang as a sorceress to ask Heaven to send them a wind to guide their victory. Some who are more rational was a little affected by this rumor due to the feeling of helplessness and desperation to seek a miracle. At the same time, they are only asking for a miracle.
Shuri, at the top of the seven star altar is deeply in silent prayer. Though below them are daoist witch doctor, priest and shaman praying in their orthodox way… Shuri herself was atop praying in her knees, with hand cupping before her lips; like a Christian prayers (fuck you. PSP Koihime CG draw her like that. I know that is unrealistic). What a strange way of praying… considering this era… did she take this from Kazuto who is a former St. Francesca academy student?
She was kneeling still, as if undisturbed… hence it would not be strange if she doesn't feel the presence of another due to how absorbed she was in the prayer to call for the wind.
The seven lantern surrounding her altar was flickering, burning away its fragrant incense. Finally it is almost dusk, yet the presence of the wind has not came… everyone below are more restless and desperate.. but Shuri only praying more quietly… because she is certain…
Because…
Today is the 23rd days of the eleventh month –winter- of the thirteenth years of Jian'An (208 AD); the first day of jiazi according to the sexagenary cycle. The day of winter solstice… and dark clouds are rising at the east, finally enshrouding the sun which everyone seems to mistakes as the coming night.
Then, by dusk….. Cometh the breeze!
The fire flickers and glows more, as if being disturbed. The wind ceased and suddenly blows violently from the opposing usual cycle! Indeed! The temperature is rising! The time has finally come!
According to modern science, it was known that wind is a phenomena which occurred due to the difference found at the air pressure and it shall act like water; flows from the high (pressure) to low (pressure).
During a warm winter clouds are enshrouding the sun; the ground temperature will decrease while the river water's temperature rising. Then along the Yangzi river, unseasonal rare wind shall blow from unusual direction.
A warm eastern wind blowing from southeast to northwest.
Shuri, noticing that the long awaited moment had finally came opened her eyes looking at the flickering fire of the seven lantern, looking satisfied and rose from her knees. A single flaps from her crane feather fan toward the direction where Chi Bi …. the Red Cliff reside, as she declared;
"Come…. Here comes the Eastern wind!"
XXX
Those things about heavenly way and the supernatural beings are something you can hardly see, hardly hear even hardly touch; they are virtually visionary. They cannot decide the war nor can they determine man's life and death. So, the wise generals do not believe in it while the mediocre general will do. - Taibai Yinjing, on the chapter 'The Heaven has no Yin and Yang'
At the top of the altar tower at Nanping Hill, Shuri looked visibly pleased that she has accomplished her duty. And from afar, she notices that Zhou Yu did not waste this opportunity and immediately sailed from Lukou the moment the eastern wind blows. She took a moment to rest, smiling that everything is according to the plan… except….
"The wind has come… that means I have fulfilled my purpose…" Shuri spoke ominously as she turned to the lurking shadow behind her who has patiently hiding and waited here "Isn't this the moment that you are waiting for… Master?"
The ominous creepy figure lurked out from his hiding, revealing himself before Shuri as he climbed to the altar and stand behind several steps from Shuri, kneeling with his hand remain atop the sword sheathed at his waist. "Are you going to do the deed by yourself then ?"
This figure sighed. It was Lu Su. "Apologize, Shuri-chan… I'm on razor edge. Really… I never wished for this to happen. But…"
"I understand." Shuri knowingly nodded. "That Mei Zhou Lang; Zhou Gongjin was not as forgiving as she look indeed. It seems that she consider me as a potential threat for the future." Shuri sighed, feeling resigned to her fate. "Below here, those 120 men who posed as daoist priest, witch doctor and shamans are also acting as the assassins for me.. I have known it for long… She is really a masterful strategist; as expected of the Divine Fire… true to her title; No failure in fire attack."
"Sighed…" Shuri raised her face toward the sky with bitter expression on her face, as she gazed on the heaven above. "She had seen through that the whole setting; that the whole battle at Red Cliff will not just be a grand engagement between Sun clan and Cao Cao; the South and North I presume."
"Precisely, Meirin was no fool." Lu Su admitted "She has seen through all your intention. She realized that since the beginning that this battle of Red Cliff as actually a triangular conflict… hence why she made the preemptive measure and made the first call to silence the first potential obstacle in the opposition played between Cao-Sun-Liu."
"What is beyond my calculation is…. That it shall be you the one who shall do the deed, Master." Shuri felt that it was sad and hurtful, though there is a serene feeling of acceptance that there is no lingering regret left, here.
The sword was drawn and pointed toward Shuri, which prompted Shuri to forfeit to her fate. She sighed, and showed an undimmed bright expression as if accepting this outcome with rejoiced feeling.
"At least…to die in my beloved Kazuto-san's hand…"
Shuri dropped her feather fan and reached out her hand toward Kazuto's direction as if embracing death itself. No tears of regrets only tears of happiness falling.
"Isn't this Shuri's most happiest moment?"
XXX
Extracted fromTheQuestion and Replies between Emperor Tang Taizong and Duke Li of Wei (Tang Taizong Li Weigong Wendui) on chapter 3 :
Tang Taizong asked "Can the practices of Yin and Yang be abandoned?"
Li Jing said "No they can not. Deception is important for warfare. With Yin and Yang practices, we can manipulate the greedy and stupid, so they can not be abandoned."
Tang Taizong said "But, you once said that selecting astrologically auspicious seasons and days is not the method of wise general. Only stupid ones stick to that sort of practices that it should be abandoned. Why?"
…ommited…
Li Jing said "They are alike in grasping the opportunities and keeping the troops unruffled with one doing away with superstition and one taking advantage of superstition …ommited… When I previously stated that Yin and Yang practices should not be abandoned, it was meant that these practices could be used for psychological control over our men before things have begun to manifest themselves. But whether one will be successful or not depend on his own efforts."
"You've done well… although you shouldn't have shown it to Meirin who can really evaluate people's character… and she saw you as the greatest threat; even surpassing Cao Cao herself." Lu Su spoke as he brandished the sword from his waist pointing toward Shuri.
The glimmering beautiful shades of his cursed artifact Muramasa glows brilliantly. Unfalteringly, Shuri stared straight toward Lu Su who are about to land a vital blow to her tiny figure. There is no sense of fear from her expression, only a small feeling of wanting it to be done quick and ended painlessly.
The sword were swung… a violent breeze cleaving the air, serene and quiet like a tranquility of enlightenment.
"Khu…Khu…Khu…" the quite laugh of amusement seeing each other expression… and even Lu Su can't hold it anymore keeping his expression straight. "But I don't think that you will given up that easily right?" Lu Su… no, Kazuto was just cutting an empty air and swiftly sheathed his own Muramasa. He was making gleeful expression, and gave a judging expression with his hand placed in his chin as if wanting to prove his own expectation of this girl named Shuri.
Shuri expression relaxed, and only left with widened eyes. Seeing Kazuto's peculiar expression.
"Tell me now. I don't think that you've really been cornered and have outplayed your bags of tricks right?" No air of hostility rise from Kazuto. Hence Shuri pouted, looking annoyed a bit. Kazuto sighed, seeing that Shuri seems to really fall to his farce. He softly laugh in amusement. "How unexpected that you will given up so quickly. Why don't you reveal your last trick to me , Shuri… no." Kazuto showed a serious expression befitting of seasoned warrior strategist as he usually is in the battlefield "The great military strategist, Zhuge Liang Kongming?"
"Muu…~ I was really thinking that Master no;… Kazuto-san is really serious!" Shuri burst out in anger. She is complaining "I know that those warriors below are instructed to take care of me… it just that although I expected Kazuto-san's appearance… I would never dreamt of Kazuto-san to do such horrible thing to this Shuri!"
"Sorry.. sorry…" Kazuto smiled as caressed Shuri's body in his embrace. "But you know what Shuri… we are really trapped atop here… this place is too narrow, and those assassins below… who knows what they shall do if they got impatient with us for hanging in here and refuse to comply." Kazuto looked down, noticing Ding Feng and Xu Sheng among them. Shaking his head, grumbling "Meirin… you don't have to force those helpless girls … really! What are you Kojima platoon?" or whoever they are who forced Shiro Amada's lackey of the MS 08th team to watch over Shiro and execute him if he is trying to betray EFSF. At below, Ding Feng and Xu Sheng were waiting below with several groups of men…. Surrounding the altar without any place to get away. Kazuto sighed, accepting the fact that his own close subordinate were coerced to collaborate in seize Shuri as political hostage. "Those poor girls are too honest on their own… Meirin, your way of doing are too despicable…"
"Mu…~ to scare this helpless Shuri this much, Kazuto san is horrible! Wicked ! mischievous! I don't want to know you anymore!" Shuri complained even during this dire moment "I will never forgive you… except please leave the Sun clan and go with me from now on."
"..hahaha… I am Sun clan's retainer… it is a bit difficult.." Kazuto sheepishly talk.
"So as long as you are not Sun Clan's retainer, it is okay then.." Shuri contemplated. "Let see… why don't we start by leaving this place now?"
"Err… Shuri? This place is…."
"Daijobu~…!" Shuri exclaimed, looking proud with herself "This high elevated narrow altar itself was the last trick I had prepared to escape from the Sun clan's clutches." Seeing her cheerful expression made Kazuto to be unknowingly feeling confident. It is funny… it is as if he lost his doubt. "I was preparing for those guy below anyway… good thing that Kazuto-san is with me." Shuri gave a playful smile which made Kazuto for a second to be attracted to her.
WAIT A SECOND! SHE IS TOO YOUNG, DAMN IT! AM I A PEDO!? (well… what about Yue…?) YUE IS A SPECIAL EXCEPTION DUMB ASS! SHE IS HOT! AY CHIHUAHUA!
That was going on inside the turmoil of Hongou Kazuto's moral conscience. You now see his true character. But it is not important because Shuri seems to be already finishing her preparation to escape from this place. Shuri has knocked and flipped the Seven Star Altar and unveiled the device to escape from here.
"The showdown at the Red Cliff is about to begun… can't afford to be left out, right?" Shuri raised those stuff, and showed them off to Kazuto. Kazuto was feeling astounded and amazed with Shuri's escape plan. This stuff… he smiled and pet Shuri's head.
"Hawawawa…~" Shuri flustered by his treatment. Kazuto himself was feeling amused that her way is not bound by orthodox means… she really knows her way even though it was tad childish and bit innocent. Those stuff is a hang glider. A hang glider is a flight instrument usually for extreme sport. It worked a bit same way of a flying kite flies; depended on the movement of the wind. With the eastern wind guiding them, it shall flies them easily… it just… Did Shuri considered that this was not as easy as it seems that this was still considered as one of the extreme dangerous sport which requires rigorous training to perform well?
Ah… Shuri…! Shuri….! Really, Had you considered that it was still dangerous to perform it alone, especially considering how clumsy you are… even Minmei need tens of years of training to flies atop the giant kite like some stupid infiltrating Ninjas. One mistake and you might ended up breaking your neck… and those thought wasn't really wrong considering how Shuri was having difficulty installing those device on herself. Seems that she want to show off before Kazuto.
Feeling this is too amusing, seeing Shuri almost entangled herself, Kazuto quickly intervened. "Here let me do it myself… you can join me in tandem… you don't mind right?" Shuri blushed and helped Kazuto after releasing herself. Kazuto easily fitted them on himself as he had once seen how to perform Hang glider sport in Discovery Channel and read about it in several magazine like Reader's Digest and National Geographic.
"There finished !" Kazuto spoke, checking how the hang glider was attached to himself. Then he spoke to Shuri "Hold on tight, Shuri… Never loose your grip." Kazuto embraced Shuri from the front which made Shuri unknowingly blushed in embarrassment considering how intimate and romantic this escape plan turned out to be.
"Are you ready?" Kazuto smiled to Shuri, looking brilliant before maiden's eye… perhaps it was the estrogen which made her feel this was so romantic and Kazuto looks so kewl…. (geez even I start to get hives writing this). "The wind is good… oh, and almost forgot." Kazuto kicked the seven lantern, starting a fire atop of the seven altar tower. This commotion attracted to everyone below who looked shocked by this scene. Smoke arising and fire are spreading.
"NOW…!" Kazuto yelled, flies off to the distance with Shuri gripping his body tightly. Her mind spaced out but she doesn't want to fell unconscious.. "Kazuto-san … I love you..~" but the wind blows too violently, drowning those conveyed words and Kazuto's mind were concentrated at the right direction… where Shuri's entourage was supposed to be waiting for them… to help them escorting to Red Cliff..
Everyone surprised become a shock as they notice some kind of thing flying from the top of the altar tower… escaping with their life, away from this peril… they are floored losing their strength, down to their knees… fearing that they almost tried to kill a God. A sudden realization came to their mind seeing this; perhaps influenced by the fear or their superstitious mind.
HEAVEN! That girl is not a human… She is a rising dragon! The crouching dragon has finally resolved to enter the stage of conflict of this era!
THE GREAT WIND RISE, AWAKENING THE DRAGON FROM ITS LONG SLUMBER…
THE DRAGON TAKES FLIGHT AND SOARED HIGH TO THE SKY…!
Author Note:
Next chapter; The Battle of Red Cliff officially begin! Finally, the climax of this Red Cliff Arc. I hope you will enjoy it.
The opening chapter; 'The Wind of Change' soon.
