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 9: The Crimson Knight Takes Charge

Saito was sitting in his prison cell. He was bored out of his mind and he hoped, "Wish something interesting would happen."

That was when a strange zipper suddenly appeared in the middle of his cell's wall. It came down, revealing a portal before a man stepped out of it.

"Who the fuck are you?" Saito demanded, shocked by the sight. The guy who was standing in his cell looked like someone completely out of this time, judging by his white and black robes. His dark blue hair was chin-length and he wore glasses.

"I am Ukitsu and I am someone with keen interest in you," Ukitsu answered.

"Well, go back through that fucking portal thing. I've got no time for weird dreams tonight," grumbled Saito.

"I can assure you that this is no dream. I'm here because you and I have a mutual acquaintance."

"And who would that be?"

"Mitsuki Akechi."

That piqued Saito's interest as he stood up. "Mitsuki?"

"So, you do know him. Good. You see, he has become quite a problem to me and my compatriots."

"Oh? Guess he's acting like a bleeding heart again."

"Indeed. I need someone who knows him inside and out in order to properly deal with him." Ukitsu went into detail of the life Mitsuki now had.

Saito scowled in irritation. "So, he's living it up as some hotshot general while I'm stuck in prison? And after all I did for him?"

Ukitsu replied, "Not fair, is it? After all, you are his mentor. You have as much right to his rewards."

"Well, too bad I'm stuck here in prison and can't get out," frowned Saito.

"Actually, I have something that can help you with that," Ukitsu smiled as he handed Saito a SengokuDriver and a Red Banana Lockseed.

"Toys?" Saito cocked an eyebrow. "Are you messing with me?"

Ukitsu smiled reassuringly. "I assure you that these are not toys. In fact, they will give you power. More power than you can possibly imagine."

"What's in it for me?" Saito asked. This kind of deal was too good to be true.

"Freedom, but it's your choice. Do you want to leave this place or stay in this small cell before they decide to release you?" Saito's eyes narrowed. He didn't need to think long and hard on his decision as he took both the Driver and Lockseed. He put on the SengokuDriver, causing the belt to materialize as it strapped the device on. In a flash, his Rider Indicator depicted an image that was similar to Baron's helmet, except that it was darker.

Saito smirked, "Lead the way."


Back to the main story...

Using their Rose Attackers, Marcus and Mitsuki, with Shibai riding with the latter, returned to the Crimson Guard's temporary fortress. Once they arrived, Gakushin immediately went to greet them.

Mitsuki removed his helmet and saw that the entire place looked like it had been through a battle. The aftermath was a grisly one as bodies lay on the ground with grievous wounds. There were also wounded survivors among the Crimson Guard.

"What happened here?" Mitsuki asked.

"While you were gone, we were attacked by these guys in white." Gakushin pointed towards the bodies of white-clad soldiers. "They came without warning so we had to scramble to defend ourselves. Fortunately, after a heated battle, we managed to drive most of them away."

Mitsuki saw the ground was littered with the bodies of white-clad soldiers along with members of his Crimson Guard. He closed his eyes and took a moment of silence in respect for their sacrifice. Instead of running, they had stood their ground against the enemy.

It couldn't be a coincidence that these White Clothes had attacked his men during his absence. They were probably sent by Ukitsu.

"Damn it, I should've been here," Mitsuki cursed under his breath as he clenched his fists. His presence would've prevented this.

"Indeed, how unfortunate," agreed Marcus sympathetically.

"So, how did your meeting with Sousou-sama go, Boss?" Gakushin asked. She noted his expression. It wasn't good.

"There's a situation in the capital. The palace and city have been occupied by the Armored War Devils," answered Mitsuki and Gakushin's eyes widened in shock.

"And what of Sousou-sama?"

"She's been taken as a hostage by the enemy, along with the rest of our comrades," Mitsuki answered. He remembered seeing their blank eyes and he hated the fact that he couldn't do anything for them. 'Karin, Shuran, Shunran, Keifa...I promise to save you and everyone else.'

"We need to retake the capital as soon as we can," Gakushin urged.

"We will, in due time. We just need a plan," Mitsuki told her.

"You look like you lost a lot of men here," Marcus frowned sadly as the Crimson Guard began to gather their fallen comrades to be buried.

"They can be replaced but their sacrifice will not be in vain," Mitsuki said promptly.

"Well, then allow my Yellow Turbans to help bolster your ranks," offered Marcus.

"Those weaklings?" Mitsuki raised an eyebrow. As far as he was concerned, the Yellow Turbans were just a bunch of glorified fanboys for the Chou Sisters. He didn't consider them real warriors. Even if Marcus had trained them, they weren't as strong as the Crimson Guard, Black Knights or Black Cavalry.

"Oh, you have no idea how far they would go to protect my little angels. If it's for them, they will give it their all."

"They are obsessed enough."

"And believe me, they can fight. They just need motivation," Marcus said. "And what better way than having my little angels do just that?"

"I agree with him, Baron-sama. We do not know how many soldiers the enemy has but they may believe this is all we have left of our own forces. Perhaps by adding our numbers with the Yellow Turbans, we could surprise them," suggested Gakushin.

Mitsuki frowned. The Yellow Turbans and remaining Crimson Guard would give them a pretty huge fighting force, but they didn't know the total number of White Clothes that the Armored War Devils had in their own army. They could end up facing a force that was twice, even three times their own size. However, he couldn't concern himself with what-ifs.

He needed information.

"If only we had someone we could question." Mitsuki crossed his arms.

"Actually, we managed to capture one of them alive," Gakushin answered.

"Why the Hell didn't you tell me? Never mind. Take me to him. I want to ask him a few questions."

Gakushin bowed and led Mitsuki towards a tent. They went in and Mitsuki looked at the man sitting in a chair, tied up with rope. He was dressed in a white robe with black pants and his hood was down, revealing his average appearance. He was also gagged.

"Why is he gagged?" Mitsuki asked.

"He wouldn't shut up. He claims that his masters would come for him and punish us," Gakushin answered.

"Well, take it off him. I want to ask him a few questions," Mitsuki ordered. Gakushin untied the cloth gag and removed it from the prisoner. Once it was off, he started screaming.

"HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME!? YOU FALSE GODS WILL GET WHAT'S COMING TO YOU! DUKE-SAMA AND SIGURD-SAMA WILL RAIN BLOODY VENGEANCE ON YOU ALL! YOU'LL SEE! NOTHING CAN ESCAPE THEIR-!"

Mitsuki punched him across the face to shut him up.

"Crap, I accidentally knocked him out," Mitsuki grimaced.

"You did hit him pretty hard," Gakushin responded.

"Well, he was shouting like a maniac. What else was I supposed to do? No wonder you gagged him."

"Actually, it was Mao's idea. When he started insulting you, I wanted to beat him up too, but we knew we needed him to give us information. Unfortunately, I doubt he'll give us anything useful in the state he's in."

"It's like he's from a cult from the way he was spouting all that crap," Mitsuki frowned. Cults were the worst. They were fanatical in their beliefs and would go completely overboard in order to enforce their beliefs onto others, recruiting more members and taking advantage of them. He had seen the end result of some cults that believed in their crazy faith. They generally ended in mass suicides.

At least Mitsuki managed to confirm that the White Clothes had been sent by Ukitsu and Saji.

Mitsuki ordered, "Grab a bucket of water. We're going to need to wake him up to get him to talk."

"Understood, Boss."


Marcus went to fetch the Chou Sisters to bring them to the fortress. Their caravan wasn't hard to spot as it was colorfully decorated. Leaning against it was Chouryou. Nearby, the Chou Sisters were tending to the wounded.

A messenger was sent to call all the available Yellow Turbans. They were all spread out, promoting the Chou Sisters across the land. Now they were being summoned to prepare for battle.

Shibai, Ukin, Teiiku and Riten were standing outside the tent. They had heard shouting and the sound of something being hit repeatedly.

"TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW!" Gakushin yelled.

"WHY WON'T YOU TALK!?" Mitsuki yelled.

This was followed by the sound of more hitting.

"They're getting a little frustrated, aren't they?" Ukin asked nervously.

"Sounds like it," Riten agreed.

"How long has it been?"

"I think it's been a few hours since they started."

"That is a very stubborn prisoner," Teiiku added with a nod.

Mitsuki stepped out of the tent with Gakushin. The two of them had been interrogating their prisoner with very little success. They had threatened him, shouted at him, and even tried to beat the information out of him. Unfortunately, he still wasn't telling them what they wanted to know, frustrating the commander of the Crimson Guard and his second-in-command.

"He didn't talk, did he?" Riten asked, but she already knew the answer to that question when she saw the look on their faces.

Mitsuki folded his arms crossly. "He was doing a lot of talking actually, just not giving us anything useful."

"He spent most of the time insulting Baron-sama. I wanted to kill him after the first five minutes," swore Gakushin angrily as she cracked her knuckles. Her commander, Baron-sama, was a great man. Sure, he was abrasive, tough on his men and at times could be a bit of a battle maniac, but he was loyal to Sousou and she had seen his kind and noble side. How dare that swine in white spit out such horrible words towards him?

"How is he now?" Ukin inquired.

"We knocked him out again. Now we're trying to figure out a way to get him to talk," Mitsuki grumbled.

"We need a different approach in our interrogation. Beating the information out of him was not very successful," added Gakushin.

"It was fun for awhile though," Mitsuki replied. On that, Gakushin could agree.

"Would you mind if I tried something?" Shibai offered.

"What are you going to do? Talk him to death?" Riten joked.

"Oh, I have my ways. I just need him stripped to his underwear and tied to a bed," Shibai answered, earning puzzled looks from Mitsuki's lieutenants.

"What do you plan to do?" Teiiku asked.

"Oh, just a delicate procedure that will be sure to make him talk," Shibai promised with a smile. For some reason, that smile really unnerved them.

"Well, what else do we have to lose? Prepare the prisoner for interrogation according to Shibai's instruction," Mitsuki ordered.


The prisoner was stripped to his underwear and tied to a bed when Shibai came in. He had bruises all over his body and face from Mitsuki and Gakushin's earlier interrogation session. When Shibai entered the tent, the prisoner just leered at her. The woman was easy on the eyes and had nice curves. If he wasn't tied to the bed, he would sure to show her a good time.

"Who are you supposed to be? If you're here to make me talk, then you won't get anything from me! I am loyal to Duke-sama and Sigurd-sama! I will never betray them!" the prisoner sneered and Shibai cocked an eyebrow as she put down a box on a nearby table.

"While I was out gathering knowledge and wisdom, one of the skills I picked up was acupuncture," she told the prisoner casually as she opened the box to reveal folded cloth. She unfolded the cloth to reveal a set of needles.

She continued, "Now, acupuncture is meant to promote comfort and healing. However, I learnt of another way to use acupuncture."

She turned to him and smiled pleasantly. "Would you like a demonstration?"


Outside, Mitsuki and his lieutenants heard nothing from inside the tent. Teiiku was with them as well as she calmly nibbled on her lollipop.

"So, think she can get any vital information from our prisoner?" Gakushin asked.

"It's up to her. I want to see what she can do," Mitsuki answered.

"Well she is really trying to impress you, Baron-sama," Riten commented.

"At least she's not trying to get me in bed," Mitsuki retorted. At that remark, Ukin and Gakushin cast accusatory glances towards Riten.

"What?" Riten asked, offended.

"You have been shamelessly propositioning Baron-sama," reminded Gakushin.

"Yes, Mao. You always tell him about how you will 'rock his world'," added Ukin, doing air quotes.

"Hey, I know that he wants me. He's just playing hard to get," answered Riten as she casually cupped her breasts.

"Keep telling yourself that. Also-" started Mitsuki only to be cut off by sudden screams.

"OH GOOD HEAVENS! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"Sacre bleu! What in the world is that noise!?" Marcus cried as he walked over after hearing the scream.

"That, Marcus, just happens to be the sound of my new strategist trying to convince our prisoner to cooperate," Mitsuki answered after recovering from the shock.

"PLEASE STOP! I'LL TELL YOU ANYTHING! ANYTHING!"

"It sounds like he's being tortured," Marcus observed.

"NOT THERE! NOT THERE! NOT THEEEEEEERE!"

Then, there was silence, and moments later Shibai exited the tent with a bright smile.

"Please tell me you didn't accidentally torture him to death," requested Mitsuki. They needed their prisoner alive to give them information.

Shibai answered, "Oh no, he's very much alive and willing to cooperate now."

"You're kidding," Mitsuki replied skeptically, sharing the same incredulous look as his lieutenants.

"Oh, no! He's ready to give us all the information we want!" Shibai confirmed happily. "Just let me gather my needles." Shibai went back inside the tent. This was followed by a loud cry of fright from their prisoner.

"Well, she seems...charming," Marcus said, attempting to sound sincere but failing.

"I'm scared," Ukin whimpered as she clung onto Riten.

"Me too, but I'm glad she's on our side," added Riten.

"What's your verdict, Baron-sama?" Gakushin asked.

"I'm going to need to be careful around her," Mitsuki remarked. Shibai was able to convince their prisoner to cooperate in a matter of minutes while he and Gakushin had failed even after working him over for several hours. "Come on, Nagi."

"Right," Gakushin nodded as she followed the Crimson Enforcer into the tent.

"Oh, thank Heavens! Get this crazy woman away from me!" the prisoner shouted as he frantically looked at Shibai. He looked utterly terrified.

"Who's the crazy woman?" Shibai asked sweetly and the prisoner paled as he screamed in fright. A wet spot appeared on his crotch. He had just peed himself.

"Right, thank you, Shibai. You can go now," Mitsuki instructed. She bowed and left the tent. "OK, now are you ready to talk?"

"Alright, just please don't let her touch me again!" the prisoner begged.

"OK, let's start from the beginning. What are Duke and Sigurd planning?" Mitsuki asked.

The prisoner did not hesitate to answer, "They plan to use Sousou to lead an attack on Shoku."

"An attack on our allies?" Gakushin questioned. "That would lead to a war." Mitsuki frowned. He recalled the results of the last war he was in. The deaths in Rakuyo still haunted him.

"That's right. First Shoku will fall and then Son Go. They'll wipe each other out and soon the true Armored War Gods will rule," claimed the prisoner.

"Do you really believe that?" Mitsuki asked.

"Of course! You false Armored War Gods may claim you want peace, but you are all divided and all trying to conquer this land! Our true Armored War Gods will purge you and your kingdoms and start anew!"

Mitsuki's frown hardened at the crazy rantings he was hearing. But he still needed to know more.

"What is their route?" Mitsuki asked.

"What? I cannot tell you the route they will take! I will not betray my gods!"

Mitsuki threatened, "Tell me or I'll give you back to Shibai."

"Did somebody call?" Shibai poked her head into the tent and smiled sweetly.

"ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT!" the prisoner screamed at the sight of Shibai. "I'll tell you where the route is! They'll be taking the canyon in a week's time! But knowing this will do you no good! We will be victorious and you will all rot in-!"

POW!

The prisoner was knocked out by Gakushin's punch.

"He already told us what we needed to know, Nagi. That was no longer necessary," Mitsuki informed his second-in-command.

"Yes, I know, but I got tired of hearing him talk like that to you," Gakushin defended. She hated it whenever someone spoke disrespectfully towards her commanding officer. Mitsuki smiled and Gakushin blushed as she turned away.

Mitsuki ordered, "Come on. We better tell the others what we've just learnt."


Mitsuki had everyone gathered in his tent for a meeting. Sitting at the table were his lieutenants, along with Teiiku, Marcus and the Chou Sisters. He told them everything that the prisoner had told them. It was not good news.

Mitsuki summarized, "So, basically, they want to use Karin to start a war with Shoku and Son Go."

"This is terrible, Monsieur Mitsuki. We need to get help," Marcus pleaded.

"No," Mitsuki flatly objected.

"What do you mean, 'no'?" Marcus was aghast.

"I mean we can handle this ourselves. We don't need to call for help."

"Monsieur, sometimes, the better man is the one who forsakes his pride for the sake of others."

Mitsuki glared as he repeated, firmly, "We can handle this ourselves, Marcus. End of discussion. Now, we need a plan to undo their mind control."

Choho explained, "I think I know how to break Ukitsu's mind control."

"You do?" Mitsuki asked.

"It was in the book. I memorized it and also the counter-spell for it. My sisters and I can cast it with our singing."

"And will it work?" Mitsuki asked. Choho's supposedly infallible magical security system was not able to protect Sousou. That could only be attributed to Ukitsu's skill as the superior sorcerer. Still, Mitsuki wasn't about to reject a plan that could save Sousou, even if the chances were slim.

"Chii-chan's been practicing her magic and she's getting really good at spells," Chokaku boasted.

"All we need is the right song for it," added Choryo.

The Chou Sisters looked expectantly at Marcus for his input. He really thought they should ask for help. But since Sousou had been compromised, Mitsuki was in charge now, and he wasn't going to go to Shoku or Son Go for help. Begging for their help would make Sou Gi look weak and damage their reputation. In this era, pride and reputation were very important.

"I think I can come up with a song to cast the spell with," Marcus sighed.

"Then get to work on that. Now we need to get everyone prepared to intercept the enemy," Mitsuki ordered. He felt a tug on his sleeve and looked to Teiiku. "What is it?"

"We need to speak, in private," Teiiku insisted.


Teiiku and Mitsuki sat alone in his tent after everyone had left. The sleepy-eyed blonde looked at the Crimson Enforcer.

"What is this about, Teiiku?" Mitsuki asked.

"Call me Fuu, Mitsuki-niichan," Teiiku replied and Mitsuki's cheeks turned pink.

"Alright, Fuu."

"Why do you refuse to ask Gaim for help?" she asked. Mitsuki sighed. He knew this question would come up.

"Because I can't ask for his help. This is a Sou Gi affair and we need to handle it ourselves," he answered.

"The Armored War Devils and the RinJyuKen Akugata are our common enemy. We are in an alliance. The point of an alliance is to be able to help each other," Teiiku explained.

"I know they're our allies, unfortunately Karin hasn't been making a very good impression with either Son Go or Shoku," Mitsuki answered. "We can't just ask them for help when this happens. It will make us look weak."

"Is this a matter of pride?" Teiiku asked.

"Yes, Fuu. It is. After I lost everything, pride was all I had left," he told her. Teiiku closed her eyes.

"Baka," Houkei 'said'. Mitsuki glared at the doll. He knew it was Teiiku saying that, but he had a much easier time glaring at the puppet than at the cute girl whose head it was sitting on.

Mitsuki had a soft spot for children, little girls especially. It was because they reminded him of his little sister. It was why he got along well with Ten'i, Kyocho and Teiiku. Though they weren't mere children. Ten'i and Kyocho were surprisingly strong despite their small stature and Teiiku was a strategist. Underestimating them would be a fatal mistake.

Mitsuki understood Teiiku's concerns. Her best friend Kakuka was also under enemy control. She just wanted to save her as much as he wanted to save Sousou and the others.

"You're worried about Kakuka, aren't you?" he asked and she nodded to confirm this.

"She's my best friend, and I know you're worried about Sousou-sama and the others too. There's so much that can go wrong. We can't leave everything to chance," she argued.

"I know it's risky, but this is Sou Gi's problem, and we need to deal with it ourselves or we'll lose face and influence in the alliance," he rebutted.

"There are things far more important things than pride and honor..."

Mitsuki sighed. He could not disagree with her on that. But in order for their plan to work, he needed Teiiku's support.

"Alright, how about we make a deal? If we get in over our head, we will ask for Oda's help," Mitsuki compromised.

Teiiku smiled as she accepted that. "Alright, but not a moment later, Onii-chan~"

Mitsuki turned away. 'It has to be illegal to be this cute!'

Mitsuki didn't want to ask for help because this was personal for several reasons. First of all, Sou Gi was his kingdom and it was up to him to protect it. Second of all, Saito was someone from his past. The two had been as close as brothers, until one day they had a falling out.

Mitsuki remembered that day as if it was yesterday.


Mitsuki watched as Saito beat up some executive types. He didn't seem to care though. According to Saito, these types of people only cared about money while kicking down the little guy. These were the same type of people who caused Mitsuki's father to lose his job and later his life.

Then one day, Mitsuki started to see a darker side of Saito.

"You like that, you son of a bitch!?" Saito shouted as he started to beat up another executive they managed to corner.

"Please! Stop! I have a family!" the man begged as Saito continued to kick him.

"Yeah. That's what they all say! I bet you're hiding a mistress, you piece of shit!" Saito continued to kick the man in the stomach. He started to vomit blood from the hard blow. The other thugs laughed, jeered and encouraged Saito. Mitsuki, however, was not amused as he went and placed a hand on Saito's shoulder.

"Alright, Saito. He's had enough," Mitsuki told him.

"No." Saito shrugged Mitsuki's hand away. "This is just the beginning."

"I said that's enough!" Mitsuki shouted as he pulled Saito away and punched him across the face. The members of the Nega Gang fell silent.

Mitsuki knelt down near the man who was whimpering in pain and told him, "Get up and get out of here." The man painfully picked himself up and stumbled away. The other thugs were about to go after him but Mitsuki's glare made them back off.

In his short time with the gang, he had gone up to become Saito's second-in-command. A lot of the members who had been in the gang for much longer protested. Saito had them all fight and Mitsuki ended up winning so they had no choice but to let him have the position.

As Saito rubbed his sore cheek, he just stared at his protege. It was Mitsuki's eyes. There was just something about them. They were far different from the eyes of the kid he had met not too long ago.

"I'm done," decided Mitsuki before he turned away and left. That was the last time they saw each other.


Since that day, he severed his ties and stopped hanging out with Saito and the Nega Gang. While Mitsuki hated corporate executives since someone like that had led to his father losing his job and then his life, he wasn't about to beat up every one of them. He wasn't the type to enjoy the pain of others. That day, he saw how sadistic Saito was and no longer wanted any part of it. Payback was one thing, but to attack even those that had nothing to do with your own suffering was even worse.

Then, one day, Mitsuki met with Officer Chitoge Dosan. It was after he was suspected of a crime he did not commit.


Mitsuki sat in the interrogation room of the police station. He was playing with a pen that was left on the table. He was supposed to fill out some kind of confession for the police. However, he was in no mood to write anything. He just wanted to wait for the officer who had arrested him.

The door opened and the lovely young blonde cop who had taken him in entered.

"Mitsuki Akechi, you have quite a rap sheet for a kid your age," said the woman.

Mitsuki shrugged. "Lady, teens like me always have a sheet."

"Yeah, but you got a real long one. So, according to this, you're a member of the Nega Gang."

"I was a member. I left that group behind," Mitsuki dismissed.

"Why? Had a falling out or something?"

"None of your business."

"Fine, fine. Anyway, the name's Chitoge Dosan. Nice to meet you, kid."


Mitsuki had been suspected of murder. Apparently, the murder victim was the same guy who caused his father to lose his job. That gave Mitsuki motive. Mitsuki claimed he didn't do it. Unfortunately due to his rap sheet and former affiliation with the Nega Gang, nobody believed his claims.

However, Chitoge Dosan believed that he was innocent and set out to prove it. Eventually, the real killer was found and Mitsuki's name was cleared. Normally, that would mean Mitsuki wouldn't have any reason to see Chitoge again. Yet, they would always end up bumping into each other and she would treat him to a meal.


"I take it back, this has to be the best one yet," mused Chitoge after taking a bite from another piece of cake. After interrogation, Chitoge decided to take the young Mitsuki to a cake shop owned by a friend of hers. Nothing unusual about it until he witnessed her appetite.

Mitsuki's eyes were twitching. He had just witnessed the blonde officer eating a ton of cake. Was this woman a black hole or something?

Chitoge noticed Mitsuki staring at her. "Hey, you should be eating your cake or else it'll be wasted."

"I've never been one for sweets, officer."

"Well, take it from me, kid. Life's got a lot of bitterness in it. Being on the beat as long as I have, I've seen a lot of shit. It's moments like this where I can appreciate the sweetness in the world."

"Cake?"

"Cake, good cake especially, reminds me there's something at least still good in the world."

"Keep eating cake like that and you'll end up a fatass," Mitsuki teased.

Chitoge retorted, "Nuh-uh! I got a fast metabolism! I can eat as much cake as I want and as long as I keep exercising regularly I won't ever gain a pound. Plus, being a cop means I do a lot of running."

"Well, since you're paying, I guess I'll indulge you," Mitsuki replied as he took a bite out of his cake.


Chitoge became the big sister he never had. He would never tell this to her face though. She even joked about adopting him as her little brother, but that never happened. Still, Mitsuki was grateful to have her around. She helped to set him straight and was there for him in case he needed help. She was also the one who inspired him and it showed how he ran the Crimson Guard. In a way, he was following in her footsteps as a cop.


As they needed to be ready in a week, they had a lot to do. They needed to count how many men were ready and able to fight. Obviously, the injured claimed they would be able to join in the battle, but Mitsuki wasn't going to let them join until they fully recovered. The White Clothes' raid on them had come without warning, so a lot of men were injured or killed before they managed to drive off their assailants.

The Yellow Turbans managed to assemble at the fortress. While he had doubts about them being nothing more than glorified groupies, he couldn't deny that they looked ready to fight. The size of their group was huge, huge enough to give them a fighting chance.

Mitsuki checked in on Marcus regularly to see the progress he and the Chou Sisters were making. The song needed to have a strong effect in order to break Ukitsu's mind control spell. Marcus had written the song and the girls practiced every day to get it right. Even the music had to be perfect.

The Chou Sisters also helped by performing for the soldiers to boost their morale. While Mitsuki didn't consider it much of a contribution, he saw how the Chou Sisters' singing boosted his men's morale. He was aware that their songs were laced with a bit of magic, so perhaps that was the reason.

Now in Mitsuki's tent, they were gathered as a map was laid out on the table. Mitsuki's lieutenants, Shibai, Marcus, the Chou Sisters and Teiiku were gathered around it as he explained the plan.

"We'll set up archers on the canyon walls right here and here. They'll make sure our enemy won't be able to advance lest they risk taking arrows to the face," Mitsuki explained. "Also, the rest of our forces will stand in their path. If they retreat, we'll be able to chase them and pick them off with the archers until they reach Sou Gi.

"But what if they come with their Riders?" Marcus asked.

"If they come with Duke, Sigurd and Black Baron, we'll be ready for them," said Mitsuki. His GenesisDriver may be gone, but he managed to salvage a piece of it during their escape. The Genesis Core. As long as it was intact, it could still be used.

"Sousou-sama will no doubt be put in front of their formation so we can't risk a full frontal assault lest we hurt her and our friends," Teiiku added. Mitsuki grimaced. He didn't look forward to seeing Sousou on the battlefield, especially now that she would only be acting as a puppet ruler and not the proud queen he served.

Shibai put in, "If our enemy realizes they are outmatched, they will attempt to escape. We should block all their exits and box them in. Then we can destroy them at our own leisure."

After they learnt how she had 'convinced' their prisoner to cooperate, they quickly realized she had a sadistic streak. As the Crimson Guard was one of the most aggressive units in the Sou Gi army, she fit right in. Her suggestion was accepted as Mitsuki nodded. Their enemy needed to pay and did not deserve mercy.

Mitsuki instructed, "Marcus, you and the Chou Sisters will start singing but only after I defeat the enemy's Riders."

"Understood, General Baron," Marcus nodded.

"So, everyone clear on the plan? We can't afford to fail no matter what."

"We won't fail. In fact, we will succeed spectacularly!" Marcus smiled.

"But do you think you will be strong enough, Onii-chan?" Teiiku asked Mitsuki.

"It's not whether I think I'm strong or not, Fuu. I have to be strong if we want to succeed," Mitsuki swore.


The Crimson Guard, together with the Yellow Turbans, was now a significant battalion. While he had his doubts about the Chou Sisters' fanboys, he did not doubt Marcus' faith in them. Marcus also trained his men hard to make sure they could fight and defend the Chou Sisters and Sou Gi.

Mitsuki stood before his army and spoke into the microphone he held to enhance his voice, "Crimson Guard and Yellow Turbans, today we will be fighting against Sou Gi! No, it is more precise that we will be fighting an army that has taken control of Sou Gi! They are using Sousou to wage wars on our allies, manipulating her so they have a false sense of power! Let's show them what true power looks like!"

The soldiers all cheered loudly. Among the soldiers were the bandits that Mitsuki had coerced into joining the Crimson Guard. He could tell them apart from his own soldiers and made them know that his attention was on them.

"Former imperial soldiers! This is also your lucky day! This time you will be using whatever training you have been given and skills you have gained to fight! Once Sousou has learnt that you have joined me and assisted in Sou Gi's liberation, you will be rewarded! Once more you will be able to hold your heads high as soldiers instead of scavenging around like lowly rats! This is your chance to prove yourselves worthy! You call yourselves soldiers, so prove it to me! Prove that you are warriors and not common crooks!"

The former bandits exchanged looks as they listened to Mitsuki's words. The fall of Rakuyo and the Imperial Government had left them destitute and without a home to return to. They were forced to become bandits, but they still maintained a code of honor. They never harmed any women, children or the elderly and only took what they needed. While they reveled in the act of committing crimes and not answering to anyone but themselves, a part of them missed what it was like to fight for a cause. They recalled why they had joined the Imperial Army. Mitsuki's words reminded them that they were soldiers.

"Now I ask you! Are you men or are you trash?" Mitsuki asked.

The former bandits, now turned back into soldiers, roared out, "WE ARE MEN, BARON-SAMA!"

Mitsuki nodded in approval. He could sense their spirits and their willingness to follow him. The next confrontation would then show him if they truly meant to change.

Mitsuki concluded, "Alright, and one last thing: once we've saved Sousou and the others, I want you to punish our enemies! Take no prisoners! I want you to kill them! Obliterate them! Wipe them out! Show none of them mercy!"

The cheering grew louder from the assembled soldiers as they cheered, "FOR SOU GI! FOR SOUSOU-SAMA! FOR BARON-SAMA! KILL THEM ALL! TAKE NO PRISONERS! WIPE THEM OUT!"

"He sure knows how to motivate a crowd," Shibai noted. Mitsuki's words had stirred the men's spirits, including the bandits they had captured. That was an impressive feat.

"Oui, he is a man that can pump them up, as we say," Marcus agreed.

"He is also very persuasive," added Teiiku in agreement. Mitsuki was strong and these men followed him because of his strength. By following him they were able to awaken their own strength as well. He only asked them for one thing in return: to fight under his command.

Mitsuki looked at the marble bracelet he wore around his right wrist. He balled his fist as he vowed, "Karin, this time I'm going to save you."


The White Cloth army marched through the canyon with Sousou and her officers in front of their formation. The flags of Sou Gi were raised proudly to indicate their faction. The Queen of Sou Gi wore a blank expression as she rode on a palanquin, supported by four White Cloth members. Her own officers wore similar blank expressions as they rode their horses.

Saito was riding a black horse of his own and he was looking forward to the upcoming war. Flanking him were Ukitsu and Saji, the latter not wanting to miss a damn thing. Ukitsu's instructions were clear. They were going to attack Shoku and destroy it, starting with the very first village they came across before finally attacking Touka Village. Nagata's army would no doubt respond to the threat and a bloody war would begin.

Suddenly, their march was halted as arrows fell in their path. Looking up, they saw archers had perched themselves upon the canyon walls with their crossbows aimed at the White Clothes. Saito narrowed his eyes at the sight of the archers but they weren't the one who were standing in their way.

Saito's eyes narrowed as he identified the obstacle. "Mitsuki..."

Mitsuki stood before the procession with his lieutenants at his side. Standing behind him were the Crimson Guard and Yellow Turbans, armed and ready to fight. Held up proudly were the flags of both military groups. Red flags bore Baron's emblem while yellow flags bore the emblem for Bravo.

Saji's eyes narrowed furiously at the sight of Mitsuki standing defiantly before them while Ukitsu watched him with mild interest.

Saito dismounted and glared at Mitsuki. "So, is this another futile attempt to stop us?"

"It's exactly that," Mitsuki confirmed.

"So you really will go against your master," Saito scoffed.

"No." Mitsuki shook his head. "I'm going to save Karin." He looked to Sousou's blank face and he clenched his fists tightly.

Saito smirked. "Well, then I guess there's no choice but for both of our armies to fight, right here, right now."

"Or we can decide this with a duel," Mitsuki challenged.

Saito cocked an eyebrow. "A duel?"

"Yes, one-on-one. Just you and me, Saito," Mitsuki clarified.

Saito smirked again. "Alright. We'll duel. As the challenged party, I get to decide the terms, right? Then the loser's army must surrender."

"Very well," Mitsuki agreed.

"Be careful, Boss," Gakushin said to Mitsuki.

"I don't want to lose you after I've just started serving you," added Shibai.

"You can do it, Baron-sama," Riten encouraged.

"We believe in you," said Ukin.

Mitsuki nodded and smiled at them before he steeled his features. He approached Saito who came towards him. They met halfway as their armies stood back to watch a duel between Barons.

"Are we actually going to let this happen?" Saji asked Ukitsu.

"Relax, my friend. I want to enjoy the show," Ukitsu smiled.

"One shall stand…" started Mitsuki.

"One shall fall," finished Saito.

"Henshin!" they shouted together.

[BANANA! LOCK ON! COME ON! BANANA ARMS! KNIGHT OF SPEAR!]

[RED BANANA! LOCK ON! COME ON! RED BANANA ARMS! SPEAR OF BLOOD!]


ARMORED WAR GODS BIO TIME!

Name: Ushio Kenshin

Alter-Ego: Armored War God Kurokage

Epithet(s): Ultimate Cutter, Black Spear

Faction: To (formerly), Shoku

The brawn of the duo, in a lot of ways he is very similar to Mitsuki as he enjoys a good fight. However, one thing sets them apart: Kenshin isn't very smart. In fact, you can say he's a bit of an idiot and being a battle maniac as well really means that he can get himself in a lot of trouble. That is why he needs Hideyoshi to provide him with strategy. Unfortunately, even that doesn't always work as Kenshin would forego any strategy and just start attacking with reckless abandon. This is probably why he gets along well with Kayu who enjoys a good fight just as much as he does.

While he's currently part of the Shoku Faction, his loyalties ultimately lie with Totaku. He is also very good friends with Kayu and Ryofu (though he wishes he was more than just a friend to the latter). While Kaku respects his fighting abilities, she doesn't trust his intelligence very much.

Name: Takada Hideyoshi

Alter-Ego: Armored War God Gridon

Epithet(s): Ultimate Hammer, Wise Hammer

Faction: To (formerly), Shoku

Hideyoshi is the first to earn the power of the Sovereign and carries the Xuanwu Lockseed as a result. Together with Kenshin, he makes up the 'brains' of the duo, but don't think this makes him weak. While his fighting skills are not as formidable as his comrades, his tenacity and determination still make him a force to be reckoned with. With Kaku, he creates plans and strategies for battle and actively executes them. Unfortunately, he isn't very good at improvising on the spot and this result in him just attacking randomly in hopes of hitting something. The Xuanwu Arms does make him stronger and he is quite skilled at using it. However, he sometimes doubts his worthiness of inheriting the power of the Sovereigns.

While currently part of the Shoku Faction, his loyalty ultimately lies with Totaku. It's also clear that he has romantic feelings for her, which are mutual. He is good friends with Kayu, Ryofu and Kaku. He and Kaku get along pretty well as the intellectuals of their group. Hideyoshi appreciates her company as she's the only person besides Totaku that he can have an intelligent conversation with. Kaku also trusts him to keep Kayu and Kenshin in line as the two warriors can get into trouble due to their impulsiveness.


KRC: And I ended this chapter with a cliffhanger. Sorry to all who wanted to see a big fight here, but looks like you need to wait a bit longer for the conclusion. Don't worry. This will give you time to anticipate the upcoming fight and hopefully give me time to make the best chapter I can. I mean, it's not like I will just publish them once they're done. There's revisions, proofreading...Oh, you don't wanna hear about that. Originally, this was going to be the full chapter, including the fight, but with all the content added, it just got so long so I felt it was best to split up the chapter. Hopefully, you don't mind.

BL92: Will Baron defeat Black Baron this time and save Sousou? Will he stop Sou Gi from causing a war against the two kingdoms? Find out next time for the next exciting chapter of the Age of the Armored War Gods!

TFP: Well, things have come to a head. It's Baron vs. Black Baron. Mitsuki seems like he has a plan, but it will be a difficult one. The fate of Sou Gi hangs in the balance and Baron isn't going to let Sousou's ambitions be thwarted by the Armored War Devils.