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: Age of the Armored War Gods

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

Chapter 7: Black-Winged Shinigami

Sonken had gathered her people again to inform them of the good news. She told them that their Armored War God had returned to them and that he had gained the power of one of the Sovereigns, the White Tiger. The people celebrated when they heard this and were grateful to the Heavens for returning their Armored War God to them.

When Masataka returned to his room, he found it ransacked. It was an absolute mess. Shuyu quickly apologized. She admitted that when she believed he was a traitor that she had the guards search his room for anything incriminating. Fortunately, Masataka forgave her. He understood where she was coming from. She had been deeply in love with Sonsaku and her death had pushed her towards grief and anger. She just needed a target to vent.

His office was in a similar state as well. As a way to make it up to him, she had the servants to clean up the mess. He also offered to join her when she went to visit Sonsaku's grave. She appreciated the support. Right now, everyone needed to stick together in these trying times.

When Masataka later visited Sonsaku's grave, he swore in her name that he would protect the Son Clan. He also swore that he would make Son Go a great kingdom. Being chosen by the Seal of Heaven to carry a Sovereign's power made him believe that now he had true power to change the world.

Finally, he swore to avenge Sonsaku's death. Their enemies weren't going to get away with this. Now that he had the power of the White Tiger, their enemies should watch out because he wasn't going to be showing them any mercy. He was going to show them the White Devil's wrath.

Meanwhile, in Shoku, life continued on as Nagata experienced his daily life with his friends. He had just received a letter from Son Go, informing him that Masataka had returned, alive and well.

Sonsaku's death was a tragedy and so was Masataka's. But then he came back, bringing hope back to the people of Son Go. They mourned over the death of their previous queen, but they could not grieve forever. Life goes on and they needed to band together now more than ever.

As one queen passes on, another would take their place, and while they mourned the fall of the previous ruler, they celebrated the rise of another.

Sonken was now Queen of Son Go and with Masataka, along with everyone in her family, at her side, she would continue to fight for the prosperity of her kingdom and its people.

Nagata was also informed that Masataka had awakened the power of another one of the Sovereigns, the White Tiger.

"So that makes two Sovereigns. Meaning two more will appear soon..." Nagata mused. When Gridon first awakened the power of the Black Turtle, he became invincible. Now Masataka too had gained that power, and two more would soon follow.

They needed that power-the power of the Sovereigns. Their enemies were growing bolder now and in this war all sides wanted victory, using every advantage they could find. If the prophecy was correct then four Armored War Gods with the power of the Celestial Sovereigns would rise to defeat the RinJyuKen for good, and bring about a new age of peace.

It was what he was aiming for since he decided to stay in this world as its Messenger of Heaven. It may not be intention when he first arrived here but, after all the people he had met and all he had learnt and experienced, turning his back on this world to leave its fate to the RinJyuKen would be wrong.

Nagata stood in front of a memorial shrine he had set up to honor his late biological parents. Inside the cabinet stood two memorial tablets with his parents' names on them. His mother's name was Ruby Oda and his father's was Nagato Oda.

"Hey, Okaasan, Otousan. It's been a long time, hasn't it? Sorry that I haven't talked to you in a while. Things have been pretty busy here in Shoku. Oh, yeah, I never told you this. I'm the ruler of my own kingdom and leader of my own faction. It's a lot of work, let me tell you that. Don't worry. I'm eating well and I've made a lot of friends. It's like what you said, Okaasan: 'True friends are just like extra members to the family and you can never have enough of them'."

He continued, "Well, things haven't been too easy. I have to fight a lot of bad guys and I got a whole lot of paperwork to go through. Okaasan, before you ask, being a hero also means doing paperwork, especially when you're also the guy in charge. It involves a lot of patience and diplomacy. I'm just amazed that I haven't gotten a papercut yet. Oh, I'm also training a girl named Touka. You'd like her a lot. Oh, and you'd definitely love Aisha. She's my girlfriend. Believe it or not, she's actually the legendary Kanu Unchou."

Nagata saw Kanu standing in the doorway and smiled.

"Oh, right. Aisha's waiting for me. I got a lot to do today so I have to go. It's been nice talking to you," Nagata smiled as he wiped the tears from his eyes. "I miss the two of you, very much. I just hope I can make you both proud."

After closing the cabinet, Nagata stepped out of the office. Before the two of them left for morning patrol, Kanu glanced at the memorial shrine as she promised, "I swear that I will always protect him."


Following morning patrol with Kanu, Nagata returned to the castle to relax. Walking around and making sure the village was running smoothly was not his idea of a good time, but his job was to make sure his kingdom was safe, hence the patrols. Besides, at least he got to spend time with Kanu during his patrols. The patrol also gave him a chance to meet and greet the villagers. They always appreciated seeing him working hard for them.

"Nagata-niichan!"

GLOMP!

"Whoa!" Nagata cried out as Chouhi jumped onto his back. "Hey, Rinrin! Don't surprise me like that!"

"Don't you remember, Nagata-niichan? You promised to spend time with me today."

Nagata thought back and snapped his fingers. He did promise to hang out with Chouhi today. With all the work, training, and fighting against the RinJyuKen to maintain peace, he had neglected the most important thing: spending time with his loved ones.

"Sorry, I've just been busy," Nagata apologized. "So, what do you want to do first?"

"Piggyback ride! Onward ho!" Chouhi pointed forward and Nagata laughed as he took Chouhi on a piggyback ride.

Chouhi was like the little sister he never had and every moment with her was precious. She was adorable, sweet and also a strong fighter. While the battlefield was no place for a child, Chouhi was not exactly a normal child. She was a warrior, and the best he could do for her was to support her and always have her back. Though right now, she had his back in a firm grip as he gave her a piggyback ride.

"Why is he slacking off again?" frowned Kaku as she watched Nagata run by with Chouhi on his back.

"I think it's sweet," Totaku smiled.

"Of course you would," Kaku sighed. Nagata was a good man, which she had to admit to herself. She had seen how he interacted with his officers and how they got along together. He was also loved by his people. In many ways, he was the ideal leader.

"Now come, Ei-chan. We still have work to do."

"Yes, Yue."

After the piggyback ride, Kanu picked Chouhi up for her lessons. She really took her job as a teacher to the village children seriously. She was offering them a good education and he had to admit that she was a good teacher from his observation of her classes. She was kind, supportive, and made sure the kids were attentive. One time he caught Chouhi falling asleep but Kanu managed to wake her back up.


As Nagata was on his way to his next appointment, he saw an old woman with her groceries. He helped her carry them to her house. She thanked him before offering him something to drink, but he politely declined since he had an important appointment.

He was going to hang out with Ryofu and Chinkyuu.

He found Ryofu and Chinkyuu, sitting by the river with Ryofu's pets. All of the cats and dogs were playing together. Well, not all of them. Sekito was lying on Ryofu's lap as Chouchou took a nap next to Chinkyuu.

"Hey, Ren! Nenene!" Nagata called as he approached and sat down next to them. "Hey, Chouchou." He gently petted the sleeping dog. It cracked an eye open and then licked his face before going back to sleep. A dog that reminded Nagata of his pet Zweiss barked and jumped onto his lap after he sat down. It gave his face a few affectionate licks before making itself comfortable.

"Hello, Nagata-sama," Ryofu greeted.

"Hey, Nagata-sama," Chinkyuu saluted.

"So, anyway. I was in town and someone gave me a bag of free nikuman. You two want any?" he offered. Ryofu accepted and began to nibble on it. The sight of her eating was just too cute that Nagata couldn't help but feel blissful.

Truly, Ryofu did not deserve the title 'Insane Warrior'. The only thing abnormal about her was her strength, but she was no monster. She was a sweet young woman who loved her pets and friends like family. It was why she decided to stay in Touka Village with Chinkyuu, Totaku and Kaku while Kenshin, Kayu and Hideyoshi had gone elsewhere. She didn't want to be alone ever again.

"Stop staring at Ren-dono like that. It's creepy," Chinkyuu warned.

"I wasn't staring!" Nagata denied as he bit into his nikuman. He took a bit of the meat from his bun and fed it to the Zweiss look-a-like on his lap.

"Suuuuure you weren't." Chinkyuu wasn't fooled. Many times when Ryofu ate, people would just stare at her as just the sight of her eating was the most beautiful thing in the world. She had to admit that she herself had fallen under the charm of Ryofu's 'Adorable Eating Face', but she had grown out of it. She just stayed around so Ryofu wasn't taken advantage of. The tanned and tattooed warrior wasn't very smart and could be a bit naive at times. At least now she was serving Nagata who wasn't such a bad ruler. He might have a different style compared to Totaku, but since the people loved him so much, he had to be doing something right.

"Come on, kid. You know Ren and I are just friends," Nagata told the mint-haired girl.

"...Just friends?" Ryofu whispered. There was a hint of disappointment in her tone.


Later, Nagata was out in the field with Bacho and a group of soldiers. They had their horses with them and were prepping up for their race.

"Alright, we know the rules, right?" Nagata asked.

"First one who grabs a flag and comes back first wins," Bacho nodded.

Nagata looked at the soldiers who had already started betting and got on his horse as Bacho got on hers.

"Alright, ready..." Batai started and then she shouted, "GO!"

"Hyah!" Bacho shouted.

"Let's ride!" Nagata snapped the reins.

Both horses took off and the soldiers cheered out for Nagata or Bacho to win. The flags hung on poles 500 meters in front of them and the horses were galloping fast towards their riders' goals.

Nagata narrowed his eyes as he snapped the reins some more to get his horse to go faster, but Bacho was the more experienced rider as she was ahead of him already. She saw her flag was within range, and she reached out to snatch it before she turned her horse around to head back towards the starting line.

"Dammit!" Nagata cursed as he grabbed his flag a few seconds later, but he was already far behind Bacho. "Come on! Giddyup!" The horse whinnied and chased down Bacho's horse as Nagata wore an expression filled with determination.

Now both horses were neck and neck as they raced towards the finish line. It was a very close race between the Blue King Nagata and Bacho the Splendid. Bacho looked to Nagata and gave him a wink before she sped up right ahead close to the finish line.

And she won as she reached it seconds before he did.

"Better luck next time, Nagata-sama!" Bacho laughed. Nagata smiled. He lost but he had fun as he gave Bacho a high five.

"You know, if I had ridden my Sakura Hurricane, you would be eating my dust," he told her.

"Oh, save it, sore loser. Now, you owe me lunch," Bacho reminded.

"Right, loser buys lunch," Nagata agreed.

"Hope you got enough money," Bacho grinned wider.

"Uh...right," Nagata chuckled weakly. With Bacho's appetite, he would end up with a very light money pouch after paying for her meal.


Meanwhile, Iori and Kochu were both having tea in the garden as they sat on the grass. Riri was with them, having fun drawing. Sneaking a peek, he saw that it was another picture of himself as Ryugen holding hands with Kochu.

"You know, I was thinking about something," Kochu started.

"Oh, really?" Iori asked as he took a sip.

"Let's have a baby," she suggested and Iori choked on his tea. "Airen, are you alright?"

"Fine! I'm fine!" he coughed as he pounded his chest. "Did you just say 'baby'?"

"That's right. A little brother or sister for Riri to love and a child of our own," Kochu explained. She had mentioned this before, her wish to have his baby. Yet, Iori still wasn't so sure. He loved Kochu and did want to have a child with her, but he was afraid that he may neglect Riri in favor of his own biological child. He didn't want to turn into his parents who provided for him only in material things. However, he didn't want to disappoint Kochu either.

"A-Are you sure?" Iori stuttered.

"If you want to. I'm merely suggesting," Kochu said.

Iori spoke in a hushed tone, "I'm just afraid that..." He glanced at Riri who was oblivious to their conversation.

"Airen, if you're afraid that you'll act like your parents, then you have nothing to fear. You have a good heart and from what I have seen nothing will ever stop you from loving Riri," she told him.

"You think so...?"

"I know so," Kochu giggled.

Iori thought back. When Riri needed him, he was there. He would stay with her when she was sick. He always made sure Riri felt loved and that she was always the most important thing in his life. His parents just left him in the care of the servants while providing him with material things. They thought that was enough.

"You are already a good father to Riri, I'm sure another child wouldn't hurt," she added reassuringly.

"Well, as long as I have you to remind me, I guess I got nothing to fear," Iori replied.

"I've already sewn a lot of baby clothes. It would be a waste not to use them," she whispered.

"Wow...you don't waste time," Iori sweatdropped.

"Well, I do love children and having your child is something I've dreamt about for a while now."

"I have no doubt about that," Iori chuckled. He sobered up and added, "Well, right now, I don't feel ready yet. With the RinJyuKen, Inves, and Armored War Devils still on the loose..."

"It's not safe for us to have a child yet," she finished sadly. She was a general in the Shoku Faction and a baby in the womb would be dangerous.

"I'm sorry Shion, it's just..."

Kochu put a finger to his lips and smiled. "We may not be able to have a baby yet, but we can still practice making one, over and over."

Iori blushed madly at that. "Really? I mean, not that I mind, but...uh..." He trailed off, looking away a bit.

"Ufufufufu...Oh Airen, you're so cute when you blush like that," Kochu giggled.

Iori regained his composure. "You know, it's been quite some time since we last saw my brother. Perhaps we could go and visit him soon."

"Ara, that would be a wonderful idea! We can take Riri and make it a family vacation!" Kochu smiled.

"Riri, do you want to visit your Uncle Ichiro and the Nanban girls again?" Iori asked his stepdaughter. Riri beamed and nodded as she showed the picture she had drawn. It showed what he could identify as himself, Kochu, Riri, the Nanban girls and his brother Ichiro.


"And as the White Hero and Black Knight locked blades, the White Hero said, 'You killed my father!' The Black Knight's response was one the White Hero did not expect...'I am your father!'"

Nagata's audience gasped in shock at the twist. Nagata was sitting with the children in the castle's garden as he told them a story. Ryuubi and Gien were also in the audience as they listened, enraptured.

"And the White Hero was shocked! He claimed the Black Knight was lying! The Black Knight implored the White Hero, 'Search your feelings! You know this to be true!'"

The audience was at the edge of their seats as he told the story.

"Well, that's it for the story for now," Nagata finished and the children cried out in disappointment.

"But Gaim-niisama! You can't just end it like that!"

"Tell us more!"

"How does it end?"

Nagata apologized, "Sorry, kids. But that's it for today. Now, run along. Your parents must be waiting for you."

As the children went back home, Ryuubi and Gien stood up as the latter praised him, "That was a very shocking twist, Nagata-sama."

"Awww, mou~ but it was getting good too," Ryuubi pouted.

"Good stories need to build up to a point and end at a point where they always want to come back for more," Nagata shrugged shamelessly.

"But to think, the Black Knight was the White Hero's own father. I did not see that coming," Ryuubi replied.

"It's truly upsetting when one's father turns out to be your enemy." Gien crossed her arms.

"Well, to be honest, the Black Knight wasn't always evil," Nagata said. "He was once on the side of good, but his fears of losing the one he loved and the Black Emperor who coerced and seduced him to the dark side were what caused him to fall into evil's embrace."

"So tragic..." Ryuubi wiped a tear from her eye.

"Could he be saved?" Gien asked.

"Now, that would be telling Enya. What did I tell you about spoilers?" Nagata winked. He addressed Ryuubi, "Anyway, Touka. We have to go. Komei's waiting for us."

Ryuubi sighed, disappointed. "Alright, let's go. We can't keep her waiting."


"And so, Sun Tzu once said..." Komei continued to lecture and then she saw Nagata was fast asleep. "Wake up, Nagata-sama!" She smacked the cane on his desk. He jumped awake.

"Mom! That porn isn't mine! I was holding it for a friend!" Nagata yelped.

Komei sighed. "Nagata-sama, you really need to learn all this if you want to become a better ruler."

"Sorry, Komei-sensei," Nagata apologized. "It's just I've had a long day."

"No doubt, but you insisted that I tutor you so you can polish up on your knowledge." She turned to Ryuubi who was napping. "Touka, you too." She smacked Ryuubi's desk too.

"Kya! Mother! Don't throw me in the lake again!" Ryuubi shouted as she jumped awake.

Komei sighed again before she asked her 'students', "Alright. Now then, can any of you tell me about one of the lessons Sun Tzu's the Art of War taught us?"

Ryuubi raised her hand. "That to know thy enemy, you must first know thyself."

"Correct," Komei smiled. "Now, what does it mean when 'an army marches on its stomach'?"

"A hungry army is a weak army," Nagata translated. "Food provides energy for the army. If they are hungry, they won't have the strength to fight. Alternatively, we can also add something to the enemy's food so they won't be able to fight. By taking advantage of their basic needs, we can turn things in our favor."

"Correct, Nagata-sama," Komei beamed.

"Well, you've been a great teacher, Shuri," Nagata smiled and suddenly Komei's vision changed as Nagata was framed in flowers and sparkles surrounded him. "You are as intelligent as you are beautiful..."

Komei blushed bright red. "Hawawawawa!"

"Hm? Is something wrong Shuri?" Touka tilted her head in confusion.

"It's nothing! Nothing at all!" Komei denied. She really needed to stop reading those books. The latest one she had gotten was about a young lord who fell in love with his teacher who he then seduced. "That is enough for today! Class dismissed!"


Nagata was in the kitchen supervising as Kaku and Totaku prepared dinner. Totaku filled up a tasting saucer with soup and offered it to Nagata.

"What do you think, Nagata-sama?" Totaku asked and he sipped on it.

"Not bad," he said as he smacked his lips. Totaku smiled at the praise.

"Well, you should know. You are a cook yourself," Kaku remarked.

"And proud of it. My dad taught me that being able to cook is as important as being able to swing a sword, both can save lives," Nagata told her.

"Ah, those are wise words," Totaku approved.

"Anyway, we're gonna have some hungry friends so let's get this ramen ready for them," Nagata encouraged.

"Extra menma for Sei?" Kaku asked.

"You know it," Nagata winked, causing Kaku to blush a bit. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but her opinion of the young lord had changed significantly. She originally had the perception that he was some kind of skirt chaser like Sousou. She believed this because his court was filled with some of the most gorgeous women in the land. She was almost afraid that he would take advantage of her and Totaku.

However, none of that happened. Surprisingly, he was in a devoted relationship with Kanu. That in itself was unusual. People in power like Nagata couldn't just be satisfied with one lover. She had seen nobles with mistresses and even concubines since they were insatiable and always wanted more. Nagata just didn't fit into the mold and she didn't know what to think.

What she knew for sure was that Nagata was a good lord. He was loved and respected by his people and his officers. She was even starting to respect him, even if he could be a bit of a slacker at times when he was supposed to be doing work.


It was nighttime and Nagata climbed up onto the roof. Chou'un had invited him to spend some time with her and he couldn't refuse an invitation from a good friend.

"You made it," Chou'un smiled as she offered him a cup of wine. Sitting next to her was a jar of menma and a bottle of wine. He grimaced at the sight of the menma. He believed that menma was to be added as a garnish to a meal and it was not exactly a snack, but Chou'un seemed to enjoy it.

"You did ask if I wanted to watch the stars and have wine," he reminded as he took the cup.

"You have been stressed and I just thought drinking with a beautiful lady on a beautiful night would be just what you need to relax," Chou'un smirked.

"Yeah, I've been way, way busy," he agreed as he took a sip of wine.

"So all work and no play? Hm~?" Chou'un asked slyly.

"Yeah, you can say that. It's hard to find time to really relax with all that's happening," he told her.

"I can't deny that," Chou'un agreed. "Our enemies are getting stronger and wiser."

"That just means we need to be ready for anything. They are up to something. If only we knew what their endgame is. It can't just be random chaos," Nagata frowned in thought.

"Knowing you, you'll be able to handle anything they throw at us," she spoke encouragingly.

"You mean we'll be able to handle anything they throw at us," Nagata corrected.

"Oh of course, you're right. How silly of me," Chou'un chuckled.

Nagata smiled. While he missed his homeworld, this place was his home now. The people here were precious to him and they became his reason to stay. He couldn't just abandon them, not when they needed him the most. With an enemy like the RinJyuKen at large, along with the Armored War Devils aiding them, it was important that the Armored War Gods remained in this world and stand united along with the Three Great Kingdoms.

He felt Chou'un tug on his sleeve and he turned to look at her. He blinked as he saw her with her lips puckered and a piece of menma held between them. He let out a chuckle at the funny face she was making.

"Cut it out, Sei! If I laugh too much I might fall off the roof!" Nagata laughed. Chou'un slurped up the menma and grinned teasingly.

"Well, I'm just happy I managed to make you laugh, Nagata-sama," Chou'un smiled.

"Sei, you crack me up," Nagata replied as he took a sip of wine. He didn't notice the look of longing Chou'un was giving him before she sighed and looked up at the moon. She just sat next to him, quietly enjoying his company.


With the fall of the Imperial Government, many villages and towns had to go without the protection of the imperial soldiers and the least moral of soldiers became bandits, using the skills they had learnt to fight for the government to now fulfil their own desires. They robbed, killed and raped wherever they went, pillaging towns that could not fight back.

However, tonight they would be punished for their crimes. Upon a cliff stood a cloaked female figure with a crow on her shoulder. As she looked down upon the bandit camp, she decided it was time for them to receive retribution for their crimes.

She was silent when she entered the camp and impaled her sword into the first bandit, alerting the others of her presence. When they saw her, they felt confident since it was only one woman. However, she had one advantage that they sorely lacked.

She could transform.

When the bandits saw this, they stepped back in shock.

"It's an Armored War God!"

"Don't you mean 'goddess'?" corrected the female Rider as she drew her sword. The bandits believed that their numbers would allow them to win and charged at her, but she just sighed and cut them down with a swing of her sword. Once the bandits realized how unmatched they were, they tried to flee.

"You can't escape death. It's time to splatter your guts," she spoke coldly while grinning wickedly at her fleeing prey.

The murder of crows that appeared overshadowed the slaughter of the bandits. Screams of terror and agony rang through the air as the bloodbath began.

It was a good night.


Bandit activity had increased in the neighboring provinces. With the fall of the Imperial Government, officials of the now fallen government were trying to scavenge as much power and wealth that they possibly could. This left the smaller, less important provinces in their eyes to fend for themselves. These smaller provinces fell victim to bandit attacks as they no longer had the protection of the government.

A bandit gang of 400 members had made a valley their home and were performing raids on close villages. A messenger managed to reach Shoku to tell them of the plight. The situation finally got Nagata's attention.

Nagata led his group which consisted of himself, Kanu, Ryofu and Chouhi to attack the bandit camp. Ryofu and Chouhi were their heavy hitters while Kanu and he had the skill and power to take on the bandits. Nagata had his SengokuDriver and Lockseeds to help him and 400 bandits didn't seem like such tough odds considering he would be attacking them with the help of Ryofu Hosen who had the strength to rival thousands of warriors, the beautiful Black-Haired Bandit Hunter Kanu Unchou, and the small yet powerful Chouhi Yokutoku.

They decided to ambush the bandit camp in the dead of night. However, once they neared the camp, Nagata noted the complete lack of sound.

"I don't hear anything," Nagata frowned suspiciously.

"It's quiet," assessed Ryofu.

"Too quiet," Nagata agreed.

"I never knew bandits to be so quiet," Kanu remarked.

"Maybe they're heavy sleepers," Chouhi suggested.

"They should have guards put on watch," Nagata frowned. "Be careful, everyone. Something's not right. It could be a trap."

They carefully snuck into the camp, expecting to see bandits. Well, they did see bandits only there were very dead bandits.

The entire campground was littered with bodies and stained in blood. Body parts were scattered around the campgrounds and blood splattered all over the tents. Crows had started to flock over the corpses and it made for quite a gruesome sight. Fortunately, Nagata and his friends were used to such an aftermath as they had fought in many battles in the past.

"Who or what did this...?" Kanu asked, stunned.

"Aisha-neechan, Onii-chan! Look!" Chouhi pointed and everyone looked to see a single figure standing amongst the bodies.

While it was dark, the torches provided enough lighting to give them details of the figure. However, they were completely concealed under a red cloak and their hood was up, hiding their appearance. As they looked at the figure, the figure dropped the cloak to reveal their full appearance.

The figure was female and dressed in a short, blood red kimono that stopped at mid-thigh. She wore black stockings that reached up to her mid-thigh as well, leaving only a strip of flesh exposed between the skirt and stockings. She also wore knee high boots. Her sleeves came down to her elbows, revealing black gloves with metal plates on the forearms. On her sleeves were patterns resembling black crow wings. Her hair was long, dark and wavy. The torches revealed that she wore a mask which resembled a crow on her face, leaving only the lower half of her face and her mouth exposed. Finally, hanging from her back was a scabbard with a sword in it.

"Dangerous and strong," Ryofu assessed, tightening her grip on the Heaven Piercer. The mystery woman had to be strong to take out all of the bandits so easily. A crow flew over and landed on the female figure's shoulder. She then turned her gaze towards the group and they tensed up. She strode towards them and drew her blade.

"Nagata-sama, stay behind me," Kanu instructed as she stood in front of him protectively with her Green Dragon Crescent Blade pointed at the approaching figure.

"Aisha, I can-watch out!" started Nagata only to shout immediately when the woman sprinted towards them with a fully drawn blade. Kanu immediately reacted, parrying the sword with her Green Dragon Crescent Blade. In that moment, Nagata saw what kind of sword it was and his eyes widened.

It was a Japanese odachi.

"Ren, Rinrin, protect Nagata-sama! Leave this to me!" Kanu ordered. She pushed back against the assailant who backpedaled so she and Kanu could fight far from the spectating group.

"Aisha!" Nagata cried.

"Protect Nagata-sama," Ryofu insisted.

"Aisha-neechan, you can beat her! Smash her butt!" Chouhi cheered. However, Nagata had his doubts about that.

The mystery woman slashed at Kanu and Nagata's first vassal blocked it with her polearm. Sparks flew from the impact. The woman quickly thrust forward but Kanu dodged to the side.

"Kanu Unchou," the woman stated, her voice was cold and emotionless.

"So, you know who I am," Kanu remarked.

"You are one of Gaim's general," continued the mysterious woman.

"Indeed. I am Gaim-sama first vassal and general," answered Kanu proudly. "And who are you?"

The woman didn't answer as she increased her striking speed, landing slash after slash upon Kanu. The female martial artist parried the blows but her arms tingled from the force of each strike. The woman then spun on her heel and landed a kick that knocked Kanu to the ground. She then leapt up and spun her sword into a reverse grip to impale Kanu.

Swiftly, Kanu rolled to the side and returned to her feet. She struck, thrusting her Green Dragon Crescent Blade at the red-clad woman who managed to parry with her odachi. However, the masked woman managed to recover to slash at Kanu, making a cut across her blouse.

"Die," the woman stated as she scraped the blade of her odachi against her steel forearm guard. She then slashed at Kanu who blocked but then she had to avoid the blade when it was aimed for her heart. The two clashed swiftly and violently with their audience watching in awe.

"She's strong," Chouhi pointed out. "She's almost as good as Onee-chan."

"Strong and dangerous," Ryofu added.

Nagata, however, didn't say anything. There was something eerily familiar about the other woman's sword technique. He gasped as Kanu's weapon was kicked away and the woman performed a sweep kick that knocked Kanu to the ground. She raised her sword, ready to bring it down.

That was when Nagata reacted.

"Henshin!"

[SOIYA! BLUEBERRY ARMS! ALLONS-Y, EN GARDE!]

In a burst of speed, Gaim sprinted in the middle of his transformation. He managed to reach them in time and block the mystery woman's odachi with his Berrapier and Blue Gauche. The woman blinked as she looked into Gaim's visor.

"That is enough," Gaim commanded and surprisingly the woman backed off. He turned to Kanu and helped her up. "Aisha, are you OK?"

"I'm fine, Nagata-sama," Kanu smiled, grateful for his help. "Though I could've handled it."

"I know," Gaim acknowledged and returned his attention to the mystery woman who had sheathed her sword. "Look, we're not here to fight you. We came here to deal with the bandits but it looks like you dealt with them already."

"They were weak," the woman told him. "Their blood wasn't enough to quench my blade's thirst."

'Another battle maniac. Fantastic,' thought Gaim sarcastically. "Could you tell us your name?" The woman then smiled, actually smiled.

"Are you really that dense not to recognize me yet, Naga-kun?" the woman teased. This enraged Kanu.

"Don't you dare use my lord's name in such a familiar manner!" Kanu snapped. Gaim, however, was shocked and speechless. He closed his Lockseed and deactivated his armor.

"What...what did you call me?" Nagata asked to confirm. The woman rolled her eyes before she removed her mask, showing her amber eyes clearly.

"Hello, Naga-kun," the woman greeted.

Nagata's eyes widened and he whispered, "Kara...chan...?"

"Nagata-sama, do you know her?" Kanu asked, surprised that they knew each other.

"Of course Naga-kun knows me. I'm his wife," the woman answered.

And you could hear a pin drop from the silence.

"WIFE!?" shrieked Kanu in shock. The mystery woman started to laugh and Nagata chuckled as well. "What's so funny!?"

"Kara-chan, please. You were only my 'wife' when we played House as kids," Nagata reminded.

"But I was a good wife," pouted the woman.

Kanu didn't understand. She was confused and she demanded, "Nagata-sama, please explain!"

"Oh, Aisha. This is Karasu Oda, my second cousin," Nagata introduced. Kanu's eyes widened further in shock. Her lord's cousin?

"Nice to meet you," Karasu greeted, but without a smile this time.

"Look, since you're apparently done here, would you like to come with us back to Touka Village?" Nagata invited his second cousin who smiled back at him.

"That would be nice."

"Nagata-sama, is that wise?" Kanu asked.

"Aisha, Kara-chan's my cousin. Just relax, OK?" Nagata advised.

Kanu sighed and deferred to his decision. Still, she couldn't help but be wary of this woman. During their fight, Kanu could sense Karasu's killing intent. Although maybe she shouldn't judge Karasu too quickly. After killing all those bandits, the killing intent would still be lingering.

Nagata reminded himself to have the soldiers come here and gather all the bodies to be buried. They might've been bandits, but even they still deserved a proper burial. He would make a note to tell his men not to eat anything before they came. He didn't want any of them throwing up at the scene.

After putting her cloak back on, Karasu went with the group back to Touka Village. Once home, everyone was gathered at the Round Table to meet with their guest. Kochu and Iori were both absent as they had taken Riri with them to go on a family vacation. They were going to go visit Iori's brother in Nanban.

"I like what you've done with the place. And I like the Round Table, Naga-kun. Very Arthurian," Karasu praised.

"Well, we do need a meeting room where everyone's voices would be heard," Nagata told her.

"Very fair of you."

Nagata addressed his vassals who were wondering who Karasu was.

"Alright, everyone. I would like to introduce you all to my second cousin, Karasu Oda," Nagata introduced. "Please, make her feel welcomed." His officers were surprised when he told them that Karasu was a relative of his. They had not expected to meet a member of his family.

Nagata's officers decided to get to know Karasu. As she was their leader's second cousin, that would mean she might be staying with them.

Nagata told them how they had found Karasu while on a mission to take of a gang of bandits, only for the bandits to be already taken care of. Kanu also supported Nagata's story.

"So, you wiped out an entire gang of bandits by yourself, huh? You must be really strong, Karasu," Bacho praised.

"Please, don't speak so familiarly with me. If you wish to refer to me, call me 'Oda-san'," Karasu advised coldly.

"Oh, OK..." Bacho deflated, not expecting such a cold response.

"Kara-chan, you don't have to be so rude," Nagata scolded.

"They might be your friends, Naga-kun, but they aren't mine so they can't use my name so freely," Karasu argued. Nagata sighed. Karasu had trouble making friends because of her cold personality. She was nice enough to him and family, but otherwise she wasn't very friendly to others.

"So, Oda-san, how did you arrive here?" Ryuubi asked curiously.

"I was wondering that myself," added Nagata. Coming to this world wasn't as easy as getting on a plane. It was another era altogether. "How did you get here?"

"Well, Auntie told me that you were in the Gaim suit that it just had to be you. So I went to the spot. I demanded to be allowed to follow and…poof!"

"Poof?"

"I was suddenly being lifted into the air," Karasu shrugged. "Whatever force took you guys away must have been lingering. Don't ask me how or why. It just happened."

"I see," Nagata frowned. Well, a lot of cross-dimensional crap went down in that spot with the Kenma, Legend Rider Lockseeds, and then their departure.

"Still, taking on 400 bandits on your own, you must be really strong," praised Chou'un.

"Those bandits were just weak scum. They were no match for me," boasted Karasu with a proud smile.

"Then it was a shame that we missed the entire thing."

"You did manage to wield that odachi easily with one hand," Nagata said, recalling her brief duel with Kanu.

"Is it really that hard?" Komei asked.

"An odachi is designed to be a two-handed sword because of its length and weight. Wielding it with only one hand takes a considerable amount of strength, control and skill," Nagata told his strategist.

"I had a good teacher," shrugged Karasu.

"That reminds me. How is Kuro-jisan since I last saw him?" Nagata asked.

"Still trying to find me a husband," Karasu sighed.

"He's still on that?"

"I am the next head of the Oda Clan, Naga-kun. According to him I need to get a husband." As the clan's heiress, she was expected to find a husband to sire an heir in order to continue the family line. Realizing that this was a sore subject for her, Nagata decided to change the subject.

"So, anyway, I was gonna ask you about the mask..." started Nagata.

"Oh, this little thing? It just seems pretty effective in striking fear in the hearts of those bandits," Karasu answered as she lifted the mask to her face.

"It's a really scary mask," Nagata admitted honestly.

"Woman in red, black hair, black mask, long sword..." Komei listed before she gasped. "You're the Shinigami!"

Nagata repeated, "Shinigami?"

"Nagata-sama, haven't you heard? There's been stories of a masked woman in red who strikes down bandits in the dead of night. Wherever she goes, crows follow. Witnesses call her the 'Black-Winged Shinigami'."

"A nice title, don't you think?" Karasu smiled.

"I see you've made a name for yourself then," Nagata commented.

"I needed to put my skills to good use. I even took all their spoils for myself."

"No wonder you can afford to live on your own."

"Well, in this era, while it's more primitive compared to how we used to live, it all still comes down to money. I needed a way to support myself and since I know how to fight with a sword, killing bandits and taking their loot seemed like the best use for my skills," Karasu grinned.

Kanu was disturbed by Karasu's grin. While their army took the spoils after defeating bandits, they never took any pleasure in it. It was all for the sake of justice. Karasu, however, appeared to be the type to enjoy the act of killing. She wondered how such a woman could be related to her kind and peace-loving lord.

There was just something off about her, something Kanu didn't like. She might be Nagata's second cousin, and thus family, but Kanu couldn't help but feel that this woman was dangerous. Ryofu could sense it too.

Chouhi's stomach growled as she groaned, "So hungry..."

"Oh, right. We haven't had dinner yet," Nagata remembered.

"You should order your cooks to prepare a meal for us then," suggested Karasu.

"No need. I can do it myself. You just wait a bit and I'll have it done," Nagata told her.


Karasu sat down with them for a meal prepared by Nagata and she smiled as she took a bite.

"Oishii~! Oh, I've truly missed this taste," Karasu smiled as she held her blushing cheeks. All she had to eat while on the road were inferior meals and whatever she could find in the forest. What she truly desired was to taste a real meal prepared by Nagata.

"So how are things back home since I left?" asked Nagata.

"Well, Auntie and Uncle seemed resigned to your decision to leave for this place," Karasu explained. "What is on everyone's tongue was that big brawl you and your friends had with those monsters in the streets. People were sure it was a publicity stunt, but the people from that Gaim series have been denying it up and down. Witnesses confirmed that the monsters and the fight were indeed real, which scared everybody."

"Oh," Nagata blinked. Hopefully the Kamen Rider Franchise wouldn't suffer because of the incident.

"I saw you on television, Naga-kun. You were amazing," Karasu praised in amazement.

"I didn't do it alone. I had help," he replied humbly.

"Don't be so modest. You confronted those monsters bravely. As expected of my dear cousin."

When she saw it, she could barely believe what she was seeing. But she knew it had to be real. Her Naga-kun had become a real superhero. It was like his childhood dream came true.


Later that night, it was time for bed. Nagata offered her a room to sleep in but she had other ideas.

"I'll sleep in Naga-kun's room with him," Karasu insisted.

"Then we'll get you a spare sleeping mat," Kanu added.

"No, I'll sleep in the same bed with him. We slept together as children. It should be alright."

"Yeah, but we were kids then," Nagata argued.

"We even bathed as children."

"Please don't join me in bath," Nagata grimaced.

"Why don't you want to sleep with me, Naga-kun?" She glared coldly at Kanu. "Is it because of her?"

"Well...Aisha and I...we're kinda...sorta..." Nagata stammered with his explanation.

"We're lovers," Kanu confirmed and Karasu's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"I see. Lovers." She eyed Ryofu suspiciously. "What about her?"

"Bodyguard," Ryofu answered.

"A lover and a bodyguard. You're very important to everyone here, aren't you, Naga-kun?" Karasu asked.

"We're friends. We're all important to one another," he answered.

"Well, then I shall bid you goodnight. Sleep well, Naga-kun." Karasu walked away from the couple and Ryofu as she headed to the room she had been given. Once Karasu was out of earshot, Kanu decided to voice her concerns.

"Nagata-sama, are you sure it's safe to let your relative stay with us?" Kanu asked.

"Why wouldn't it be safe?" he asked.

Kanu wanted to come up with an explanation, but her words died in her throat. What could she tell her lord without making it sound like an insult?

Fortunately, Ryofu was there to save her. "She's dangerous."

"Yeah, I can see that. She did kill all those bandits, but she only did what she had to do," Nagata defended.

"But is it safe for her to be here?" Kanu asked worriedly.

Nagata reassured them, "It's fine. Kara-chan's a bit socially awkward, but she's a good person. Trust me. She's not so bad once you get to know her."

"Alright, I'll try to get to know her a bit better before I pass judgment," Kanu agreed and Nagata smiled. He turned to Ryofu who nodded back in response.

"Don't worry. By tomorrow, we'll all be good friends. Trust me," Nagata insisted.


The following morning, after breakfast, it was time for everyone to go on duty.

Out in the training area, Karasu observed Nagata who was teaching Ryuubi swordsmanship. Her eyes narrowed at the way they looked at each and she clenched her fists in irritation. Making her decision, Karasu stepped onto the training area to confront them.

"Ah, Kara-chan," Nagata greeted his cousin. "I was just training Touka."

"I can see that," agreed Karasu and she addressed Ryuubi, "Ryuubi-san, you're very lucky. Naga-kun is very skilled and a good teacher."

"Indeed. I'm learning so much from him," agreed Ryuubi with a smile.

"Though you still have much to learn," Karasu added, causing Ryuubi's smile to turn upside down. Karasu returned her attention to Nagata. "Naga-kun, it has been quite some time since we last sparred. Do you mind? Your student can use this chance to observe us."

"Ah, alright," Nagata accepted the challenge.

Ryuubi stood on the sidelines as both Odas stood facing each other. Nagata was armed with two shinai for his dual-wielding skill while Karasu wielded one in her right hand. Karasu smiled. Her Naga-kun was quite proficient in dual-wielding. She just hoped that his skills hadn't dulled since the last time they sparred.

"Touka, start us off!" Nagata ordered.

"Hajime!" Ryuubi declared.

Both Odas yelled and rushed each other. They swung their training swords and loud 'thwacks' could be heard as the bamboo swords struck each other. Ryuubi watched as Nagata skillfully wielded his two swords, but she was amazed at how easily Karasu was parrying his blows with only a single sword, literally single handedly.

The bamboo swords continued to clash as the two sparred and from Ryuubi's viewpoint, it looked like the two of them were dancing. Soon the spar drew the attention of the soldiers who were also training that day and they started to cheer loudly.

As Karasu and Nagata locked blades, the former suggested, "Looks like we've got a huge audience."

"Looks like it," he agreed.

"Then let's give them a show," Karasu grinned as she kicked Nagata backwards and swung for his head. He ducked and jabbed a sword into her stomach, sending her skidding backwards. She grunted as her grin widened.

Karasu shot towards Nagata as she thrust her sword forward and hit Nagata in the middle of the chest, knocking the wind out of him as she sent him tumbling. Ryuubi gasped at the sight.

"Nagata-sama!"

Nagata quickly recovered to parry another strike aimed at his side before bringing his other shinai onto her shoulder. Karasu let out a grunt in response before performing a spin kick that knocked Nagata backwards. As Nagata pulled back to swing at her, Karasu caught the bamboo sword with her free hand before using the momentum to flip Nagata onto his back. He groaned and gasped as the tip of the bamboo sword was pointed at him.

"And you're dead," Karasu smirked.

"I surrender." Nagata released his swords as Karasu offered him her hand. He took it and she helped him to his feet. "You're still better than me, as always."

"You've actually improved, to be honest," Karasu countered.

"Yeah, but no matter how much I improve, you keep getting better and better," Nagata praised, causing Karasu to blush.

"Oh, please. I still have ways to go before I can officially become a master, Naga-kun."

"Well, you're definitely on the right track," he added and she giggled. Nagata blinked at the foreign sound and Karasu cleared her throat.

"Anyway, how about we go a few more rounds?" Karasu offered. "Maybe Ryuubi-san can take some notes."

"You know, I think that would be fun," Nagata smiled.


After going a few more rounds with Nagata, Karasu decided to take a walk around the village. She saw how peaceful it was and had to admit that her Naga-kun was doing a good job at running this place.

Since coming to this world, Karasu made sure to keep her ear to the ground as she listened for any stories about her second cousin. She had heard about his victory at the Siege of Korou Fortress as he led the Anti-Tyrant Alliance. She also heard how he managed to prevent Son Go and Sou Gi from going to war. She also heard about how he courageously defended Touka Village from an army of bandits, saving many lives.

Karasu remembered his birthday wish from many years ago as he wanted to be a hero when he grew up.

"You've made your wish come true, Naga-kun," Karasu smiled proudly.

Karasu spotted Ryofu taking all her pets out for a walk. It boggled her that a girl who shared the name of the infamous Treacherous Phoenix General could be so good with animals. Walking alongside Ryofu was her advisor and adopted little sister Chinkyuu.

"Ryofu Hosen," Karasu spoke evenly. "I thought you were Naga-kun's bodyguard. What are you doing out here?"

"Taking my pets for a walk," Ryofu answered. The dogs and cats all glared at Karasu, hissing and barking at her threateningly. "They don't seem to like you."

"Well, I've never been good with animals," Karasu shrugged. "Anyway, according to rumor, you are supposed to be strong. I want to test those claims."

"You're challenging me?" Ryofu asked and Karasu nodded. "Very well. Time and place."

"Right here," Karasu drew her odachi, "Right now."


"Stupid paperwork..." grumbled Nagata as he massaged his shoulders while he took a walk with Kanu in the village.

"It is necessary work, Nagata-sama," Kanu reminded.

"I know, but still, I really need a break from reading and signing so much," Nagata told her.

Suddenly, several soldiers ran past them, accidentally bumping into Nagata.

"Stop! Apologize at once!" Kanu ordered. The soldiers stopped and bowed apologetically.

"We're sorry, Gaim-sama, Kanu-dono!" the soldiers hastily apologized.

"Why do you seem to be in a hurry?" Nagata asked. He spotted Bacho who was running in the same direction. "Hey, Sui. What's going on?"

"Your cousin challenged Ren to a fight. We're going to go and watch," Bacho stated before she went.

"Kara-chan and Ren? In the middle of the village?" Nagata asked surprisingly.

"We should go, Nagata-sama," Kanu suggested.

"Yeah, you don't have to tell me twice," Nagata agreed. He needed to see this too and stop it before things escalated.


Karasu and Ryofu were in the middle of their duel. Surrounding them were villagers and the soldiers who were watching. Nagata pushed his way through the crowd to get to the front so he could see what was happening. He could see that Ryofu was carrying her signature Heaven Piercing Halberd and Karasu was armed with her odachi that she named "Black Blood Spiller".

Besides Bacho, Batai and Chouhi were also watching the duel as both Ryofu and Karasu continued to fight, cheering loudly for the redhead to win. Nagata was speechless as he watched as well. Sparks flew as the Heaven Piercer and Black Blood Spiller repeatedly collided with each other.

Karasu jumped back from an overhead strike, causing Ryofu to make a crater in the ground. Karasu realized that Ryofu's strength wasn't the stuff of rumors. She truly was a monster in human skin.

Karasu's bloodthirsty grin just widened as she became even more excited. Bandits were weak, and even with their numbers they were no challenge. Ryofu, however, was the real deal with the strength to match thousands.

With a loud battle cry, Karasu shot at Ryofu with her sword poised to stab. Ryofu parried but Karasu recovered and swung her sword, aiming for Ryofu's head. Ryofu dodged and swung at Karasu who simply ducked before she aimed to slash Ryofu's midsection. The tanned girl jumped back to avoid the attack but Karasu used this chance to close the distance again as they resumed their clash.

"Kick her butt, Ren!" cheered Batai.

"Show her why you're called the Insane Warrior!" added Bacho.

"Yeah! Go Ren! Smash her butt!" Chouhi yelled.

"Nagata-sama, this is getting out of hand," Kanu spoke worriedly.

"I know," Nagata agreed as he decided to put an end to this duel.

"ALRIGHT, STOP! STOP THIS AT ONCE!" Nagata ordered. In all the excitement, nobody even noticed him until he raised his voice. The audience went silent as Ryofu and Karasu stopped their duel.

"Nagata-sama..." Ryofu whispered as she lowered her weapon.

"Naga-kun..." Karasu quietly uttered as Nagata approached them.

Nagata glared at the soldiers. "Don't you guys have work to do?" The soldiers bowed apologetically and dispersed as did the villagers. "Bacho, Batai, Chouhi. Stay where you are."

The three officers gulped as Nagata addressed them. He was serious if he wasn't calling them by their true names.

"What's the problem, Naga-kun?" Karasu asked as Nagata looked at her disapprovingly.

"Why were you fighting Ren?" Nagata asked.

"I just wanted to see if the claims of her strength were true," Karasu shrugged.

"So this was just to prove your might?" Nagata asked. He turned to Ryofu. "And why did you have to accept?"

"Never back down," Ryofu answered and Nagata sighed.

"You gotta learn to pick your battles."

"Pets did not like her," she added. Nagata did not expect that answer.

"Wait, what? You know what, never mind. If you wanted to spar, you could do it in the training area." He then turned to face Bacho, Batai and Chouhi. "As for you three, you're high-ranking officers of our military force. You should all be setting a good example for the soldiers and put a stop to this instead of encouraging it."

"Sorry, Onii-chan..." Chouhi frowned.

"We apologize as well," Bacho apologized as she and Batai bowed in front of him.

"Just make sure it doesn't happen again," Nagata advised them. Kanu didn't need to add anything. He had said everything that was on her mind. Still, her fellow officers needed a lesson in discipline. She would be glad to administer it later.

Suddenly, a villager came running towards him. He looked absolutely frightened, so it couldn't be anything good.

"Gaim-sama! Gaim-sama! There's trouble! Trouble in the marketplace!"

Nagata's eyes widened in alarm and he turned to everyone. "Come on, let's go."


When Nagata and his friends arrived, they found the source of the trouble. It was an attack by the RinJyuKen Akugata. Villagers were already fleeing the scene with the help of the soldiers. Several soldiers had tried to fight the Rinrinshi, only ending up getting injured by the monster instead.

"Yes, run! Run away from Goki-sama!" cackled the RinJyuKen Beastman. Resembling a cockroach, he truly was a disgusting sight. His body was covered in leather armor that resembled the exoskeleton of the insect he was based on and he also wore a cloak resembling cockroach wings. On his chest was a big cockroach head with the antennae stretching up before curving over his shoulders. His face resembled a human's with a black cockroach-like mask covering the upper half of his face.

"Stop this at once!" Nagata commanded as he confronted the Rinrinshi, joined by his officers.

"Ah, so Gaim-sama and the Shoku Warriors have decided to honor Goki-sama with their presence! Goki-sama is pleased!" Goki laughed.

"He has a high opinion of himself, Nagata-sama," Kanu said in disgust.

"Yes, so let's knock him down a peg," agreed Nagata as he prepared to strap on his SengokuDriver. However, Karasu put up her arm in front of him, stopping him.

"Naga-kun, you don't need to waste your time on such an insignificant opponent," Karasu told him.

"What did you call Goki-sama, bitch!?" demanded Goki.

"Insignificant. No, you're less than that. You're just a piece of trash to grind under my foot," Karasu taunted as she reached into her kimono and pulled out a SengokuDriver of her own, shocking everyone.

"Kara-chan...?" uttered Nagata in shock and disbelief.

Karasu placed the Driver to her waist, causing the belt to materialize. The Rider Indicator on the left side displayed the illustration of a helmet which resembled Gaim's, only in red with short fin-like extensions from the top. She then took out a Lockseed which had a red apple in front and marked with the code L.S.-TABOO.

"Henshin," Karasu said softly as she unlocked the Lockseed.

[RINGO!]

A Helheim portal zipped open above her, allowing a red apple Armor Part to descend as it hovered over her head. She swiftly locked her Lockseed into the SengokuDriver and hit the Cutting Blade.

[LOCK ON! COME ON!]

The Ringo Armor Part dropped on her head, forming her Ride Wear suit. The Armor Part quickly disassembled to form her armor. It opened and folded like the other Apple Armor Parts, sporting spiked shoulders and a chestplate with two sharp upward points in front.

[RINGO ARMS! DESIRE FORBIDDEN FRUITS!]

Everyone studied Karasu's armored form once it finished forming. The helmet resembled Gaim's, only it was red with fins shaped like bat ears framing the pale yellow visor. Her Ride Wear suit was silver with black sides on the torso and black boots that were trimmed in red. She had red and black armor plating on her forearms as well as a skirt and loin cloth combo hanging from her waist. She wielded a shield which was the Apple Reflecter, similar to Mars' signature Arms Weapon. Sheathed in the shield was the Sword Bringer.

"Who are you?" Goki demanded.

"Kamen Rider...No, I guess you can call me Armored War Goddess of Forbidden Desire, Idunn!" Idunn declared as she drew her Sword Bringer. "Now, I'll splatter your guts!"

"Rinshi!" Goki called as he summoned the RinJyuKen footsoldiers. "Get her!" The Rinshi brandished their spears and literally hopped into action. They charged towards her, but the zombies were intercepted instead by Nagata and his officers.

"Kara-chan, you handle their boss! We'll handle the cannon fodder!" Nagata told her as he slashed a Rinshi with his katanas.

"I'll fight as well, Nagata-sama!" declared Kanu loyally.

"Oi-ryah!" Chouhi sent several Rinshi flying with her Viper Spear. Bacho and Batai struck them down with their cross yari. Ryofu instantly turned them to dust with her Heaven Piercer.

Idunn smiled as Nagata barked orders and coordinated his generals. She narrowed her eyes and focused them on Goki.

Goki rushed at Idunn but then she surprised him and shocked all the others by opening a Helheim portal next to her before she jumped inside of it. Then, a moment later, another portal opened up behind Goki and Idunn jumped out of it to land a slash across his back. He whirled around to strike her, but she jumped back into the closing portal before a new one opened above Goki and she dropped down to slash him in the face.

"She's creating portals at will..." Kanu's eyes were wide in surprise. Nagata was speechless as he witnessed Idunn using this mysterious power. As far as he knew, the only way a Rider could open Helheim portals was through the use of a Lockseed to summon Inves or by using a Lockvehicle. He could already see the tactical advantage of having someone with such ability on their side.

Another slash from Idunn sent Goki tumbling across the ground. He groaned in pain from the strike.

"You're finished," Idunn declared as she raised her sword to land the finishing blow.

Goki panicked and quickly called forth his special technique.

"Ringi! Gokiburi Mure!"

The Sword Bringer came down, but did no damage as Goki's body broke apart into a swarm of cockroaches. Idunn recoiled in disgust as the swarm surrounded her before they latched onto her body.

"Get off me! Get off me!" shouted Idunn as she flailed about. The cockroaches on her body clung on stubbornly as she tried to shake them off. She then felt her energy being slowly drained by the cockroaches before they got off her and reformed into Goki.

"Ah, that's some delicious energy," Goki uttered contently. He then reached into his cloak and pulled out balls of garbage. They smelled utterly foul and could induce vomiting with just a whiff.

"Take this! Ringi! Haihin Nageru!"

Idunn was repeatedly pelted by balls of horrible garbage. The stench made her sick and she could feel herself being overwhelmed by the horrifying odor.

"Oh, hell!" Idunn gagged as the horrible fumes invaded her nose. "If I end up vomiting in my helmet, it will be the worst!"

"Kara-chan!" cried Nagata as he slashed a Rinshi across the chest. He immediately strapped on his SengokuDriver and activated his default Lockseed to aid her.

"ORANGE!"

Idunn was on her hands and knees as she was covered by Goki's garbage. She could barely stand due to the overwhelming stench and Goki was coming towards her. He took out a rusty sword from his cloak and raised it over his head.

"Zaijian, Armored War Goddess!" crowed Goki as he brought it down on Idunn.

CLANG!

The rusted blade connected, but not with its target. It was parried by an orange sword and Goki looked up to see Gaim glaring at him.

[ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!]

"Uh-oh," Goki gulped.

POW!

A punch to his face sent the disgusting Rinrinshi flying and tumbling.

"Kara-chan, are you OK?" Gaim asked in concern. The smell got into his nose and he recoiled. "Gah! You stink!"

"I know..." gasped Idunn. "I can...I can barely breathe."

"Use your Sparking function. The energy wave should disperse the trash," Gaim suggested.

Idunn gripped her Cutting Blade and slowly brought it down over her Lockseed. It sliced once, twice, and finally thrice over it.

[COME ON! RINGO SPARKING!]

Idunn's Ringo Arms returned to its fruit-like Armor Part shape and spun. It glowed brightly as the trash on her body was thrown off and dispersed, leaving her Ride Wear suit unstained. Her armor then folded back onto her body as she rose to her feet, completely reenergized.

"Arigato, Naga-kun," Idunn said gratefully.

Meanwhile, Goki was recovering from the punch Gaim had given him. He saw his Rinshi fall to the Shoku Warriors and grimaced. Reaching into his cloak, he took out an A-Class Lockseed and unlocked it.

This caused a Helheim portal to open and allow a Lion Inves to come out. This was the stronger version of the Lion Inves with wings on its back. Ferocious and wild, even for Inves, the Lion Inves was covered in red organic armor with an orange mane and long sharp claws.

Goki gave the order, "Get them!"

The Lion Inves roared and lunged towards Idunn and Gaim, but the orange-clad Armored War God quickly intercepted the Lion Inves.

"Kara-chan, let me handle this! The dirty cockroach is all yours!"

"Thank you," Idunn nodded and she turned to glare coldly at Goki. He was going to pay for humiliating her and covering her in garbage.

The Lion Inves threw Gaim off and it slashed him repeatedly with its claws. Sparks flew with each strike as Gaim backpedaled. It then struck him with a violent slash across the chest and sent him tumbling.

"Ugh..." Gaim grunted as he lay on the ground. The Lion Inves stood over him but then Ryofu came and struck it with a punch, knocking it 50 feet backwards.

"Nagata-sama," Ryofu said to Gaim as she helped him up to his feet.

"Thanks, Ren," Gaim nodded and he returned his attention to the Lion Inves.

Meanwhile, Idunn was slashing the Cockroach Rinrinshi furiously as sparks flew with each strike. Goki's sword was broken when he tried to hit her but ended up hitting the Apple Reflecter instead. The Armored War Goddess then landed a brutal strike across his chest, sending him flying.

"Ah! Goki-sama is down! Goki-sama is down!" panicked Goki as he was on his back and unable to get back up.

"This is where your story ends," Idunn declared as she hit her Cutting Blade.

[COME ON! RINGO SQUASH!]

Goki managed to roll back onto his front and pick himself up. "Ah, Goki-sama is up." However, it was already too late for him as Idunn was prepared to finish him off.

Idunn shot towards Goki with incredible speed. Her sword glowed and she ran it through Goki's chest. Instantly, she withdrew her blade and brought it down to execute a vertical slash, slicing Goki from the top of his head down to his groin. Spinning on her heel, she cut him with a horizontal slash before she turned her back to Goki as she sheathed her sword. Goki fell to pieces before the disgusting Rinrinshi exploded.

Back with Gaim, he and Ryofu were working together to fight the Lion Inves. As Ryofu kept the Inves at bay with her strength and Heaven Piercer, Gaim switched Lockseeds.

[KACHIDOKI! LOCK ON! SOIYA! KACHIDOKI ARMS! IZA SHUTSUJIN! EI, EI, OH!]

The Lion Inves roared as it tried to run past Ryofu and get to Gaim. As an Inves, its first instinct was to eat Lockseeds and attack anything that got in its way. Ryofu was proving to be quite the troublesome obstacle as her strength prevented it from getting past her. The scent of Gaim's Lockseeds was driving it mad with hunger and it wanted to devour them all to gain more power and perhaps evolve.

Gaim took out his DJ Gun and ordered, "Ren! Send it flying!"

Ryofu obeyed and used her Heaven Piercer to throw the Lion Inves into the sky. It went flying before it caught itself and hovered in the air. With a roar, it dove straight towards Gaim.

[LOCK ON!]

The Kachidoki Lockseed was loaded into the DJ Gun and aimed at the Lion Inves as it was coming at him. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger.

[KACHIDOKI CHARGE!]

The DJ Gun fired like a cannon, shooting a large ball of energy at the Lion Inves. Unable to dodge it in time, the Inves' eyes widened in panic before it was hit, causing it to explode.

With the destruction of Goki, the Rinshi and the Inves, the Shoku Warriors were victorious.

Gaim removed the Kachidoki Lockseed from his DJ Gun and closed it, causing his armor to vanish. He approached Ryofu with a smile and raised his hand to her.

"High five, Ren!"

Ryofu, familiar with the gesture from witnessing Hideyoshi and Kenshin doing it, smacked her palm against Nagata's. He winced before he flapped his hand to shake off the pain. He then turned his gaze towards Idunn who was walking towards them after having defeated her opponent.

"Kara-chan..." Nagata had questions and Idunn knew he wanted to know how she was able to become a Rider. Knowing this, she closed her Lockseed and unlocked it from her SengokuDriver, causing the armor to flash and vanish from her body.

Karasu explained, "Before I came here, I acquired the Driver and Lockseed. I just knew it was a good idea since you had yours."

"And you didn't tell us, because...?"

"I just wanted to surprise you, Naga-kun."

"I'm surprised, alright. Very surprised. Well, this actually explains how you were able to take on 400 bandits by yourself. Even your skills aren't enough to take on those odds without a boost."

Cheers erupted from the villagers as Karasu looked at them curiously. "Why are they cheering?"

"They're cheering for you, Kara-chan. You're a hero and it looks like they recognize you as an Armored War Goddess."

"That was awesome, Idunn-chan!" Bacho smacked her back excitedly. Karasu frowned in response but then she looked at Nagata's face and smiled. Perhaps involving herself in this short celebration wouldn't be such a bad idea.


Afterwards, the officers of the Shoku Faction had a feast to celebrate Karasu's induction into their ranks. As an Armored War Goddess, she would make a great addition to their team, and would make sure that Shoku was a much safer place because of her power. The feast was prepared by Kochu and Nagata who made everyone's favorites. Karasu recognized the dishes made by Nagata instantly and smiled as she enjoyed them with Nagata and everyone.

Nagata was pretty happy to be reunited with someone from his family. To be honest, he was feeling a little homesick, but Karasu's arrival lifted his spirits. Karasu would be a great addition and there was no question about where her loyalties lay. She already had his trust.

After the feast, Karasu returned to her new bedroom. As all her belongings included only her equipment and the clothes on her back, she really didn't have much to unpack. She noticed the eyes of her mask glow and went to pick it up. She sat down on her new bed and put the mask on before she spoke.

"They've started to trust me. It wasn't very difficult. All I did to earn their trust was to kill a useless Rinrinshi. Just remember your end of the deal. When this is all over, you will send me and Naga-kun home. Until then, you will have my cooperation."

When she was finished talking, she smiled in a way that lacked any sort of warmth.

When she was little, everyone always praised her, pampered her to no end. Many girls envied her, but they didn't know the reality of it: isolation. She could never have anything she wanted and was forced to obey the rules. As the clan's heiress, it was expected.

That was until her Naga-kun came. Karasu wanted to fly free ever since Nagata showed her that she could be just that. Although he would get in trouble, Nagata didn't care. He showed her the true beauty of this world. Sometimes even nobles wished to be free. They were always bound by obligations and responsibility, some before they were even ready. Now, right here, she could be free and be with her beloved second cousin.

She had always loved Nagata. Always! In fact, she loved him so much that she had always tried to protect him! All those other girls who wanted to get to know him were all just selfish, superficial hussies who would only hurt him in the end! Only she could truly protect him! Only she could truly appreciate him as she knew how wonderful he was.

Now her Nagata's heart had been stolen by another girl! Not only that, he was also surrounded by other girls who admired him as well!

They were all just shallow! Shallow! None of them could truly understand how wonderful he actually was! They didn't know him like she did!

She took her odachi and drew it out before she stabbed the floor repeatedly as she bit her lower lip, drawing blood as she broke the skin.

"He's mine. He's mine. He's mine. He's mine. He's MINE...!"

As she continued to chant and stab the floor, her eyes glowed an unnatural blood red.


ARMORED WAR GODS BIO TIME!

Name: Karasu Oda

Alter-Ego: Armored War Goddess Idunn

Epithet(s): The Forbidden Desire, Black-Winged Shinigami

Faction: Shoku

Karasu Oda is the heiress of the Oda Clan. She attends a private all-girls school and as such is rarely able to see her beloved second cousin, Nagata whom she affectionately addresses as 'Naga-kun'. While her beauty, intelligence and skills have earned her admirers, she doesn't know how to make friends. Her father is Kurogane Oda, whom Nagata knows as Uncle Kuro. As heiress, Karasu is expected to take over as head of the Oda Clan and as such she also needs a husband. While she has many suitors, she has her heart set on Nagata becoming her husband someday.

She is completely in love with Nagata to the point of obsession. She's mostly responsible for him not getting a girlfriend as she somehow made sure no girl approached him so she could have him all to herself. She is rather possessive and has a scary temper when triggered. Nagata is oblivious to her true feelings for him and sees her as a sister and not as a potential romantic partner.

As she is the heiress of the Oda Clan, she is treated with respect from a young age. She was always treated kindly. However, she later discovered that they were only nice to her because of her title. Her mother also left her when she was young, leaving her under the care of her father who was rather neglectful as he left her care with the caretakers. The only real family she felt she had was her Aunt Ruby who treated her like a human being and also her second cousin Nagata. After Ruby's death, she focuses all her love onto Nagata, giving birth to her obsession.

In combat, Karasu wields an odachi singlehandedly with brutal efficiency. She is capable of striking with incredible force and speed, defeating multiple opponents at once. As Idunn, this combat proficiency is further enhanced with the Sword Bringer and Apple Reflecter. She also takes advantage of her unique ability to open and close Helheim portals at will to dodge and ambush her opponents. Due to her bloodthirsty nature, this ability just makes her deadlier than before.


Fruits of the Tree, Yggdrasil

Ringo Arms: Accessed through the Forbidden Ringo Lockseed (L.S.-TABOO). This is another example of the apple-based Lockseeds which are used by Son Go's Kamuro and Mars. The equipment is identical to Mars' as Idunn is armed with both the Sword Bringer and Apple Reflecter Arms Weapons. Idunn is unique among the Armored War Gods as she has the ability to open Helheim portals at will, an ability that has not been demonstrated by Mars or Kamuro. She uses this ability while transformed and in battle, using the portals to avoid attacks and launch sneak attacks from any direction. It shows she can open the portal from both sides and this makes Idunn a dangerously unpredictable opponent as you can't tell where her attack will come from next.


Lost Scrolls of the RinJyuKen

Cockroach-Ken: Utilized by Goki, the technique utilizes techniques that cause disgust. The practitioners smell horrible and the odor is so distracting it allows the practitioner to attack unhindered. Though, it is rendered ineffective against opponents who lack a sense of smell.

Gokiburi Mure: Cockroach Swarm is a technique that allows the user to turn into a swarm of cockroaches that envelop the opponent. As people are normally grossed out by cockroaches, being enveloped by the disgusting insects is a horrible feeling. The cockroaches also drain energy from the target, rendering them weak while the Cockroach-Ken user is able to regain their strength at the same time.

Haihin Nageru: Garbage Throw is another disgusting technique used by Goki. He throws balls of garbage at his opponent, covering them with it. The stench is so foul that they begin to suffocate. This incapacitates them so that the Cockroach-Ken user can attack them.


KRC: Alright, so to address the reviewers of the previous chapter, I thank you for taking the time to comment. Now, while most of you enjoyed the 'Baihu Arc', there were a few of you disappointed by how anticlimactic it was. Especially since Zangetsu-Shin is once again...Nise. I agree. Nise is not the most competent or intimidating. He even flopped Bujin Gaim. I also got alternate ideas that could've worked instead, but by that time the chapters were online, revising them again would not be right. I mean, I write what I wanna write because I like to write. That's it. I'm not aiming to make a book deal or movie deal. I just enjoy telling a story and sharing it. It is to be expected that not everyone will enjoy it. Some will take issue and dislike points of the story, and have their own complaints, and say something ruins it for them. But, it doesn't have to. Still, something small can have huge consequences. I can't argue with that. I just hope I will be able to improve so I can satisfy, impress, and have more people enjoy reading this story as much as I do writing it.

Now, going back to this chapter...

And this chapter debuts a new Rider and possible ally. She seems to have a real vicious streak and lust for battle. However, it seems Karasu isn't exactly all she seems as noted by Ryofu's pets. She also seems to display yandere tendencies based on the final scene. Just what is her true agenda? BTW, I based Karasu's appearance on Raven Branwen from RWBY, but I gave her amber eyes instead of red eyes. It seemed appropriate as his adopted mother is based on Yang from the same show. Now Shoku has three Armored War Gods. However, is she truly the one they need?

TFP: Well, a new face enters the fray and at first glance she's on Gaim's side. However, it seems that she's playing her own game and has no desire to have Nagata stay with the people he has grown so close to. It seems like there is a yandere in the house. Brrr…Scary!

BL92: Well, looks like there's a new Armored War God in town. And that God is the Goddess of Forbidden Desire. Although I thought Karasu will have red eyes like Raven from RWBY and make her official debut in S6, but Chrome says that he wanted her to be more like a mirror version of Nagata's aunt with amber eyes and to make her appearance early in S5. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers. But the real question is, who is she talking to beneath her mask and what is her true allegiance? Oh and one more thing, on the bright side, Chrome made Karasu's eyes turned red like Yang from RWBY whenever she's angry, which at least it wasn't a total loss and it turns out better than I thought.