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.

KRC: Happy Birthday to me! Yes, by the time this chapter is published, it will be my birthday, the 14th March.

Well, the last chapter didn't have a huge turnout in terms of reviews, but I still thank you all for telling me your thoughts. But, don't be afraid to be critical or even write an essay for the chapter/series. Believe me. It's interesting to see what your deep thoughts are about the chapter. I mean, I appreciate the support but where's the critical analysis part of the review? Well, anyway, once again I'm sorry for the delay. BTW, this chapter is going to be a lot longer than you're used to and the real action is only going to be near the end. Also, if you've read the title since you clicked on this chapter you should know who's going to show up.

Here's a hint: It ain't Saver.

Also, one thing I noticed is that the TV Tropes page for this fic, as well as for my other fic Double Trouble, hasn't been updated in quite a while now. I'm wondering why and I'm hoping for someone to update it with information on the fic up to this point. I enjoy reading the tropes which allow me to analyze the small tropes and elements I use for my stories and characters.

Also, I am sorry about the delay for this chapter as well. I try to make sure they come out once a week, but I have other obligations and I usually just spend a few minutes adding stuff to the draft before I proofreading. Proofreading is just as important as writing and I'm ashamed of myself because it wasn't a few years after I started being a writer that I decided to proofread my work. Thankfully, I have fewer errors in spelling and grammar. I also have a good beta reader who is my second pair of eyes. You know who he is. He's called Busterleader92. But you can call him Buster for short. It's just too bad I can't repay him or give him a reward for putting up with my constant revisions as he tries to proofread.

Now, let's get the show on the road!


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

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

Chapter 14: Tyrant of Retribution

"Thank you for your hospitality," Nagata said to Bacho's sisters before he got on his horse as Batai and Bacho mounted theirs.

After saving Bacho's village, they were celebrated as heroes. However, as much as Nagata enjoyed the praises, cheers and applauds, he still needed to return to Touka Village. There was much work to do and Nagata couldn't run away from his paperwork forever, no matter how much he would like to. The last time he left the village for an extended excursion, he had stacks and stacks of paperwork waiting for him upon his return. He got so many papercuts that day.

Since the RinJyuKen had targeted Ryoushou, Nagata promised to send reinforcements to protect it. If a Rinrinshi or any of their enemies decided to target this place again, he would race to the rescue.

"Take care of yourself, Aneue," Bakyu said to Bacho.

"I will Ruo, and you make sure you take care of yourself and So-chan while I'm away while you keep up with your training," Bacho returned.

"You know I will, Aneue." Bakyu turned to address Batai, "And make sure to train hard, Tanpopo. The next time we spar, I expect a challenge."

"I'll beat you yet, Ruo-neesan!" challenged Batai.

"We'll see about that," Bakyu smirked right back.

"We'll visit Touka Village someday too!" Batetsu beamed. "And I'll be rooting for you, Sui-neechan!"

Perplexed by that statement, Nagata turned to Bacho and curiously asked, "What does she mean by 'rooting for you'?"

Bacho blushed as she quickly replied, "Ah, it's n-nothing! Now come on, Nagata-sama! We need to go! We have a lot of work to do back home!" Bacho sped on ahead, leaving Batai and Nagata behind.

"Hey, Sui! Slow down! Wait for me!" Nagata called as he gave chase on his horse. Nagata wasn't aware, but the reason for Bacho being embarrassed was because, last night, Batetsu had asked her eldest sister if she was in love with Nagata. The reason for this was because Batetsu thought the two of them would make a cute couple. Their father would've wanted Bacho to get married someday, and the Blue King was the kind of man he would approve of to be his daughter's husband. Bacho denied, citing that Nagata already had a lover. Batetsu wasn't fazed by this news. It didn't matter to her that Nagata was supposedly taken. That just meant Bacho needed to fight hard in order to win his heart.

Batai rolled her eyes with an amused smile before she went to catch up with them. As amusing as it was to watch Bacho spaz out like that, she just wished her cousin to be a bit more honest with herself.

As Bakyu and Batetsu watched the trio leave for their journey home, the latter smiled.

"You know, it looks like it might be fun to serve Gaim-sama," Batetsu commented.

"Perhaps. It should prove to be an interesting experience," agreed Bakyu.

"And maybe we can help Sui-neechan and Gaim-sama become a couple," smiled Batetsu with eager excitement. Bakyu sighed. She just didn't understand her baby sister's fixation on romance. While she agreed their father would've loved to have Nagata as his son-in-law, Bacho had the right to choose her own husband.

"Wait up, Sui! Tell me what's wrong!" Nagata cried out.

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" Bacho shouted back.

And Batai just laughed.


It was a couple of days since she, Batai and Nagata had returned from her hometown. Right now, Bacho was on border patrol.

Things were pretty awkward between the two of them, at least for her. While visiting her sisters, Batetsu insistently teased her about her feelings for Nagata. That was why Bacho volunteered for border patrol. She needed a way to avoid him while trying to reassess her feelings for him.

She remembered speaking to Chou'un the night before about the possibility of her having feelings for Nagata. It went like this:


Bacho and Chou'un were both sitting on the roof, watching the stars and drinking wine. Well Chou'un was drinking wine, and listening while Bacho spoke to her. Bacho started ranting at first, trying to get Chou'un to understand her troubles. Chou'un listened patiently until Bacho ran out of steam.

"So, let me get this straight. You're a bit confused about your feelings towards Nagata-sama, am I right?" Chou'un concluded.

"Yeah, that's pretty much the gist of it," Bacho confessed.

"Well, if you did have romantic feelings for Nagata-sama-"

"Which I don't," interrupted Bacho, denying what Chou'un was implying.

Chou'un continued, unabashed, "You kind of have some stiff competition. For instance, there is Aisha."

Bacho paled. "She'll kill me if I try to get close to Nagata-sama like that."

"Then there's Touka," Chou'un listed off next. Bacho grimaced. She really couldn't compete with Ryuubi in terms of beauty, femininity and honesty.

"There's also Ren," Chou'un continued.

Bacho blinked. "Really? Ren likes him too?"

"She volunteered to be his bodyguard. She's practically his shadow if he doesn't try to shake her off," Chou'un reminded. "And then there's me."

"What? You?" Bacho uttered in disbelief.

"Of course. Remember, I've kissed him too."

"Yeah, I know, but to be honest we all thought you were just teasing him."

Chou'un sighed as she swirled the wine in her cup and popped a piece of menma into her mouth. "So does he. He doesn't take my feelings seriously, even though he doesn't mean to."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Bacho responded sympathetically. It seemed it wasn't just she who had trouble with trying to come to terms with her feelings towards her lord.

"It's fine. He may not reciprocate my feelings for him, but at least he hasn't turned me away," Chou'un replied optimistically. She might've been a wanderer, but it was nice to have a home and people to come back to.

"So, what do you recommend I do?" Bacho asked.

"Give him a big fat kiss the next time you see him," Chou'un suggested with a smile.

"SEI!"


"Give Nagata-sama a big fat kiss? As if I could do something so shameful!" Bacho cried to herself as she rode her horse by the border. She let out a sigh. "I wish I could do something like that." She looked at the back of her hand and puckered her lips before she slowly pressed her lips against the surface. Kissing should be easy, but her heart just wasn't ready to do something like that. She wasn't emotionally prepared yet, dammit!

"Father, I really wish you were here right now. You always knew what to say when I needed your advice," Bacho whispered as she looked at the sky. Bacho enjoyed the silence for a moment. Silence was good. It gave her the peace to think clearly.

"SOMEONE! HELP ME!"

Bacho suddenly jumped in shock when she heard the cry for help. Instantly going into 'battle mode', she quickly snapped her reins and kicked the saddle.

"Hyah! Let's go!" commanded Bacho and her horse took off at top speed. They found the source of the scream as a nobleman was being harassed by a gang of six bandits as he and his servants were being held at spearpoint. The bandits had surrounded their carriage and forced them out.

The nobleman was dressed in the typical fashion of his station. He wore royal purple robes with yellow trim and a black coat over it. He had dark hair and a soul patch. He was also in his early forties with a portly belly and dots for eyebrows. On his head he wore a headdress, but a bandit tore it off his head, revealing the nobleman's hair which he kept in a bun.

"Hey, look at me! I'm a high-class noble snob!" the bandit jeered as he put on the hat.

"Please, I'll give you all my valuables! Just please let me go!" the nobleman begged.

"Alright, hand us all your money, your clothes and your horses!" the bandit leader demanded.

"My clothes and horses!?" cried out the nobleman. "What about me!?" He recoiled as a spear was pointed at his face.

"You get to live, unless you have anything else-"

"Hey!" Bacho shouted as she came upon the scene. She didn't stop her horse as it galloped towards the bandits. She swung her cross yari at the bandits, driving them back from the nobleman.

"Who's this bitch!?" one of the bandits yelled.

Another bandit, this one with glasses, identified her, "Boss, it's Bacho the Splendid! This isn't good!"

The bandit boss laughed. "There's just one of her and six of us! We can take her!" He leered at her. "And let's take her back to the camp for some fun too! Get her off that horse!"

Bacho let out a furious battle cry and jumped off her horse, swinging her Silver Flash. The bandits yelled as they rushed towards her. The nobleman and his servants squeezed their eyes shut from the violence.

The fight didn't even last five minutes as Bacho stood victoriously over the bandits. She shouldered her spear and wiped the sweat off her brow.

"I really needed that," Bacho said with satisfaction. Fighting always helped with her stress. She then turned to the people she had saved and asked, "Are you all OK?"

"Oh, thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You saved my life!" said the nobleman as he vigorously and gratefully shook her hand.

"It's no problem, sir. I'm just doing my job," Bacho smiled.

"I must repay you somehow! You courageously saved my life, Bacho the Splendid! Oh, I've heard stories of you, but none of the tales described how lovely you were!" the nobleman praised. Bacho blushed from the praise. Not many had commented on her looks.

"Like I said, just doing my job."

"Please, allow me to repay you! Come to my home for lunch!" the nobleman invited.

"I really shouldn't. I really need to get back to-" Bacho's sentence was cut off as her stomach growled, causing her to blush. She had skipped breakfast earlier since she didn't want to see Nagata this morning due to how awkward it would be.

The nobleman heard her stomach growl. "Oh, you sound famished. I must insist."

Bacho smiled, rubbing the back of her head. "Well, if you insist, I guess I'll take you up on your offer. By the way, I didn't get your name."

"Oh, my name is Lord Feng Zhong, and the pleasure is all mine," Lord Zhong smiled.


Bacho groaned and rubbed her head. She felt like she had gotten into some kind of drinking game with the soldiers again. She had sworn that she would never do that again after the last time someone saw her try to make out with a broom thinking it was Nagata!

The last thing she remembered was saving a noble from some bandits and he had invited her to his home to repay her for her actions with a delicious meal. She remembered eating, drinking and then falling asleep.

Shaking her head, she sat up and was thankful for the soft bed she was in.

"Water?" asked a female voice.

"Please," Bacho nodded, sounding a bit hoarse. A cup was placed in her hands and she drank of the pleasingly cold water. Sighing, she handed the cup back and waited for her head to stop throbbing. "Thanks."

"Our pleasure, Mistress."

"Mistress?" Bacho frowned. The servants and soldiers back in Shoku never called her that before. Blinking, she looked up to see who had helped her and saw two girls who were dressed as servants, obviously deferring to her even though she didn't recognize them. Very confused, she couldn't help but ask, "Uh...who are you two?"

"We are your servants, Mistress," one of the two answered. "We are here to see to your every need. It is our duty to ensure you remain healthy, happy, and beautiful at all times."

"Wh-What?" Bacho cried, standing up in shock, but then halted when she felt her chest bounce in a way she wasn't used to and a bit of a draft. Looking down at herself, she found that rather than her regular clothes she was wearing a cheongsam which was sky blue and fit almost like a second skin on her. There were no sleeves, but she wore black gloves which reached up her elbows and the skirt was only two flaps to conceal her front and rear while her legs were clad only in dark stockings. She patted her chest and crotch, paling when she discovered something she did not like.

"WHERE'S MY UNDERWEAR?!" Bacho shrieked.

"The lord wishes you to be garbed in more flattering and befitting clothes for your honored position," one of the servants explained. "And as our lord's concubine, you will find that undergarments will only get in the way of your duties in pleasing him. As you are the new girl, there is no doubt that you will be called upon often for some time."

"C-C-C-CONCUBINE?!" Bacho shrieked. She gritted her teeth, already seeing who was behind this sudden act. "Oh, that...that…that PIG! I'll gut him for this!"

The servant gasped. "Mistress, please do not use such language! You are a woman of status now and anything you say or do will reflect on our lord! Please control yourself!"

"Screw that! I'm a general in the Shoku Army! How I act is perfectly fine!" Nagata never had issues with her brashness, and she wasn't about to change her behavior to be some sleazy noble's pleasure toy.

"Regardless, you are an honored mistress here," the servant woman retorted, shaking her head like a child was back talking her. "I'm sure the Shoku Army will get along fine without you. Please, you are a woman of stature now so please do not fight this. You will be treated very well here. It is in your best interests to accept our lord's favor."

Bacho grunted. "Are you serious? You just want me to accept being kidnapped and made into a plaything?"

"What woman wouldn't want to be treated like a queen?" asked the servant. "In any case, you just need time to adjust so why don't you explore the concubines' quarters and familiarize yourself with the other girls? I'm sure they can better explain all the wonderful benefits of serving our lord than I can. I am confident you will come to love being here like they do."

"Not likely," Bacho gritted behind her teeth. She was going to give Zhong a piece of her mind, demand where he put her clothes and weapon, and walk out of this place.

Following the servant's suggestion, Bacho did go out to explore her new surroundings, if only to learn what she was up against. What she found was what seemed like a palace, all of it populated by beautiful women who were garbed much like she was. Unlike her though, they all seemed to be enjoying being doted upon by servants while partaking in sweets, beauty treatments, and finery. In all, to Bacho, the girls seemed to be the largest collection of hussies and lazy layabouts she had ever seen in her life. Everything around her seemed like such a waste of money which could have gone towards more deserving projects.

Nagata would use the money to help the poor, not to create a harem chamber for himself.

"Hey, welcome back new girl!" one girl dressed in a red cheongsam with midnight black hair in a braid greeted warmly. "Glad to see you awake. Maybe now we can doll up that pretty face of yours before Zhong-sama calls on you tonight. He always wants the new girls right after he gets them."

Bacho almost hissed, but she didn't lash out, "Look, your so-called lord drugged me and had me dragged here! I don't want to be here!"

"Ah," the braided woman nodded. "You're one of those huh? Well, you're probably mad now, but you may as well get used to it. No one's likely going to look for you since the lord will probably just throw a ton of money in your family's way to make them not ask questions. So if you want my advice, just sit back and relax. It's pretty good living here and the lord is a wonderful lover. You could do a lot worse."

Bacho sniffed, "You don't know Gaim-sama."

"I thought I knew my father, but after Zhong-sama paid him he forgot my name," the braided woman smirked. "Now let's get you looking your best before you get called to our lord's bedroom. I'm Suki, by the way. Now, are you a virgin or have you had experience with a man already?"

Bacho's face turned beet red. "WHAT DO YOU-?!"

Her rant was cut off when the main doors to the room opened. A pair of guards walked inside before a man in robes followed them. He seemed like a regular errand boy for the lord, someone who looked important to collect or receive messages for his master.

He cleared his throat and spoke loudly, "The Lady Bacho is hereby requested to join the master in his bedchamber tonight to consummate their bond."

"Oh! There's your cue!" Suki giggled. "Good luck!"

Bacho steadily felt her discipline and patience, both trained extensively through her teachings and life experiences, crumbling at her current treatment and how everyone seemed to expect her to be happy about it. The guards, seeing her as reluctant, began to approach her to 'escort' her to their master's bedroom. Coming within arm's reach, they prepared to grab her, not noticing her fists clenching.

"I don't think so," muttered Bacho before she angrily lashed out.


Lord Zhong waited with anticipation for his newest concubine to arrive. Bacho was a beauty and he was especially pleased that she was now his. Sheer fortune allowed him to find her when she attacked a bandit group attempting to rob him. Offering thanks with a little sleeping powder in her food and she was all his.

She would be a little upset over it all to be sure, but once she received his full affection and tasted his bedroom talents while enjoying the finery of her new station, she'd love him soon enough. After all, what woman wouldn't want the chance to be treated like a noblewoman and be on the receiving end of extensive carnal knowledge?

He was positive once he sated her body, she would desire no other. The Shoku Army might raise a slight fuss, but how important could one female officer be? He had heard of the extensive harem Gaim had gathered. Surely he wouldn't miss one, and if he did, Zhong could just pay for her or cement a new alliance by keeping her as a gift.

The sound of his door opening made Zhong grin in anticipation. Oh, he couldn't wait to see what she was wearing before he took it off of her! The door opened and he saw...his retainer with his head bowed?

"Well?" Zhong asked impatiently. "Where is my new woman?"

"Uh…" the retainer looked up, revealing one heck of a shiner. "She has...declined...your invitation to join you tonight."

"What?!" Zhong gasped. "Even if she was resentful it can't be hard to bring one waif of a woman to my bedchamber!"

"She is anything but a waif," the retainer replied as he shook his head. "Ask your two guards who are dragging themselves to the infirmary."

Zhong scowled. How was he supposed to take Bacho for himself when she was just playing hard-to-get? Every woman he had taken to be his concubine would never reject him. He treated them well and Bacho should be able to see that she would be well taken care of as long as she served him in bed. Unfortunately, she was rejecting his kind offer.

Zhong sighed and rationalized, "She's probably just shy. Give her time to get used to her new situation."

"Zhong-sama, there's also still the issue of Gaim-dono. As you are well aware, Bacho Moki is one of his generals. He would be sure to notice her absence and come looking for her," the retainer stated.

That would be a problem. If Gaim came looking for Bacho, only to find her in his estate, then that would be big trouble for Zhong. However, if Gaim was convinced that this was what Bacho wanted, then perhaps he would allow Zhong to keep her. After all, Gaim had plenty of beautiful women serving him. He wasn't going to miss just one when he had other lovely ladies to entertain him.

"I'll simply invite Gaim-dono over for a dinner party and let him know the situation," Zhong said calmly.

"But Zhong-sama-!"

"That would be all. Now, please write a letter inviting Gaim-dono for dinner tomorrow."

The retainer grimaced but bowed as he obeyed Zhong's command. He then stepped out of the room, leaving Zhong to his thoughts.

Bacho was a stubborn and headstrong girl, his guards and retainers also warned her that the girl was dangerous. Well, that was what Zhong liked about her. Unfortunately, she did not appreciate his hospitality and was resistant to his charm. There had to be a way for him to make her one of his willing concubines. If he could convince Gaim to give him Bacho, then he could have her all to himself.

"I see you're having trouble."

Zhong gasped and spun around to see Ukitsu standing in his bedchamber with him.

"Guards! Guards!" Zhong called.

"Don't bother trying to call your guards. They can't help you right now," Ukitsu informed him.

"Who are you!? How did you get past my guards!?" Zhong demanded as he backed away in fright.

"Just a man who knows what it's like to have his plans thwarted, time and again," Ukitsu answered as he adjusted his glasses. "I hear you are having trouble with your latest concubine."

"How do you know that?"

"I hear things. Tell me, what's wrong?" Ukitsu's eyes flashed purple and the same glow appeared in Zhong's eyes, compelling him to answer.

"She has yet to accept her new position. All I want is to shower her with my affection, but she rejects me," Zhong frowned.

Ukitsu responded sympathetically, "A pity. All you are offering is a life of luxury, where she would no longer need to fight."

"Exactly! Why would she need to fight anymore when she can have so much more by staying with me?"

"Don't worry though. I can help make her very agreeable."

"You can?" Lord Zhong asked hopefully.

"I can be very persuasive," Ukitsu smiled as his eyes momentarily flashed purple.


"I can't believe you did that!" Suki cried, watching as Bacho dusted off her hands from the truly epic beatdown she had unleashed on the two guards. "How could you do that?"

"You saw how I did it," Bacho replied, heading over to a fruit bowl for something to eat. Examining a cluster of grapes closely, she began snacking on them. At least she felt better from the indignities piled on her. The gaping stares from the other concubines just made it amusing.

"I mean why would you do it?!" cried the woman. "You were summoned to Lord Zhong's bedchamber! You can't just refuse him!"

"I just did," Bacho retorted, gulping down a grape.

"You're being too noisy..." another woman complained. Suki and Bacho looked to see who had spoken to them. The woman was beautiful, proving once again that Zhong had good tastes in women. She was also dressed in a way that fit Zhong's preference. She wore a dark red kimono, but the front was open and hung off her shoulders, nearly exposing her chest. The edges of the fabric were lined with soft brown fur that could tickle with a touch. The sleeves of the kimono were long as they hung down from her arms, hiding her hands with more fur on the ends of the sleeves. The bottom half of the kimono was also wide open, revealing her legs. She wore lacy dark stockings that were held up with a garter belt that was barely hidden from view. She also wore thigh-high boots with high heels which had a number of belts keeping them tight around her legs. She wore a black choker around her neck with a purple stone in the centre. Her face was beautiful with lush red lips and tasteful purple-black mascara around her eyes. Her hair was dark, the front coming over her left eye while the rest was tied back into a bun that was braided up and held with needles. Topping it all off was the beauty mark near her lips adding a bit of sexiness to her face.

"Excuse me?" Bacho asked.

"I said you're being too noisy," the woman repeated. "New girl, you really should just accept what's happening, make the most of the situation and enjoy it. Not make so much noise about it."

"How can you say that?" Bacho demanded.

"I can because I like the way things are. I get to eat as much as I want and I get a good place to sleep, and all I need to do is sleep with him. Now, if you don't mind, I need to take a nap. I didn't get much sleep last night," she answered.

"We're sorry for disturbing you, Nana-chan," Suki apologized.

"Just don't be too noisy, OK? I need my beauty sleep," said 'Nana-chan' before she turned towards a pile of pillows and then collapsed on top of it. In a matter of seconds, she was snoring away.

"Er...who's that?" Bacho asked, looking at the snoring woman oddly with a tilt of her head.

"That's Nanamomo, but we all call her 'Nana-chan', or 'Momo-chan', or 'Namo-chan'," Suki explained. "She's been here for a few weeks now and was the new girl before you."

"She sure sleeps a lot, doesn't she?" Bacho noted.

"She's one of Zhong-sama's favorites since she gives good massages and knows the best ways to please him," Suki answered.

Bacho grimaced in disgust. "I still can't believe you're all willing to go to bed with that man."

Suki shook her head. "Honestly, it isn't that bad! Lord Zhong is a rich and powerful man! He's handsome and strong! He's also an incredible lover! You could do a lot worse for a man to be bedded by him! You're practically a queen now!"

Nanamomo threw a pillow at Suki's face, shutting her up.

"Shut up! You're being noisy!" Nanamomo snapped before she returned to sleep.

Bacho scowled at Suki, almost making her flinch. "I will not be some perv's sex toy! I am a general in the Shoku Army and you can bet when Gaim-sama learns about this that there will be hell to pay!"

Suki shook her head again. "Sister, I am sorry, but if your Gaim-sama is any sort of politician, he will let you go in a heartbeat for the rewards of staying on Lord Zhong's good side."

At this Bacho began to smirk. "And what could he offer to an Armored War God known for being fiercely protective of the people of his kingdom?"

Nagata wasn't the type of man to demand anything unless it was the safety of those under his protection. While Bacho could enjoy a life of luxury here while people served her on hand and foot, this just wasn't her. She preferred having breakfast with all her friends and Nagata at the table, eating a meal together with her sisters-in-arms and their leader. She actually regretted skipping out on breakfast earlier.

She was not about to wait for Nagata to come to her rescue. She was going to leave herself.

"Where are you going?" Suki asked as Bacho stepped out of the harem chamber.

"I'm getting out of here," Bacho resolved as she pushed the doors open and stepped out. She would need to find the stables to grab her horse so she could make her escape. Unfortunately, that would mean leaving behind her precious Silver Flash. Zhong had it taken away so she wouldn't have access to such a dangerous weapon. Apparently, concubines had no need for weapons.

She went to look for an exit while trying to sneak past the guards. Zhong no doubt had commanded them to make sure she would not escape. Well, if all of his guards were like the ones she had beaten, then they would not be able to handle her. She was proud of her strength and skill.

"Going somewhere?"

Bacho gasped and spun around only to freeze as her eyes glowed purple. Ukitsu smiled as they locked eyes. She was unable to move. In fact, she was powerless to do anything as he started to brainwash her.


Nagata was once again training Ryuubi, with Karasu and Gien as their audience. Ryuubi was truly improving, so Nagata was going to assess her progress with another one-on-one spar.

Last night, Bacho did not return from her patrol and he had gotten worried. He recalled how Kanu had been kidnapped and feared that the same fate had befallen Bacho. He had sent out a search party for Bacho and waited for further news. Meanwhile, he just needed to remain calm and hope for the best.

He noticed how Bacho had been avoiding him. She didn't come down for breakfast the previous day, and now she was missing and he really needed to know what was wrong. It all started after they returned from Bacho's hometown.

What happened? What made her want to avoid him?

"Nagata-sama? Nagata-sama?" Ryuubi called his name again.

"Oh, sorry, Touka. I was just zoned out," he apologized.

"Are you OK?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Alright, Touka. For today's lesson, all you have to do is to land a blow on me," Nagata instructed as he stood before Ryuubi with his hands behind his back. Ryuubi never questioned his instructions and complied.

"Hai, Nagata-sama!" Ryuubi gripped her shinai. Nearby, Karasu watched with a critical gaze and arms crossed. Next to her stood Gien who was watching over Ryuubi's training.

"I don't think she stands a chance," commented Karasu.

"You can't be sure. Touka-sama has been improving," defended Gien.

"We'll see about that. Naga-kun's pretty good at dodging from amateurs."

"Hajime!" Nagata ordered. Ryuubi darted forward and thrust her shinai at his chest. He sidestepped the blow. Recovering, Ryuubi swung at him but he managed to dodge again. Ryuubi jabbed and swung repeatedly, trying to land a hit. However, Nagata was just too agile and his reflexes were too sharp for her.

"Come on, Touka! Stop trying to hit me and hit me already!" taunted Nagata. Ryuubi became frustrated as she tried to land blows but ended up failing as he evaded. She frowned deeply as she continued to try and land a blow on him.

Nagata could see that Ryuubi was improving. In time, she should become an incredible swordswoman. However, she just didn't have the years of training or experience the others had. She needed this training to be a strong leader. She needed to be worthy of the sword she was gifted with.

"Gaim-sama!" Komei called out suddenly. Momentarily distracted, Nagata inadvertently gave Ryuubi the opening she needed to land a blow.

THWACK!

"OW!" yelled Nagata.

"Naga-kun!" cried Karasu.

"Nagata-sama, I'm so sorry!" Ryuubi gasped and apologized as she dropped her shinai.

"No, no. It's fine Touka," Nagata reassured her while nursing the goose egg on his head. "I got distracted, that's all." He turned to Komei. "Shuri, what's up?"

"My apologies, Nagata-sama, but a message came for you," Komei said as she handed the letter to Nagata. As soon as he received it, he read its contents and immediately his anger began to boil.

The letter read as such:

Dear Armored War God Gaim-dono,

Salutations. I am Lord Feng Zhong of the Zu Province. I believe we share a border on the eastern side of things.

I am writing in regards to one Lady Bacho Moki who was patrolling the borders if what I am told is correct. No doubt you worry that she hasn't reported in. Well, my letter is in regards to that matter.

You see, Lady Bacho has accepted my offer to join my house and we are deeply fond of one another. So she has decided to resign from the Shoku Army to live with me. Please be assured her decision is completely voluntary. Lady Bacho is enjoying herself here and I will do my best to please her every desire.

Of course you likely do not believe me. So I hereby invite you to my home so that you may see Lady Bacho yourself and how happy she is to be here with me. Then we may discuss compensation for losing such a talented woman or other political issues over dinner.

Sincerely, Lord Feng Zhong

Nagata angrily crumpled the letter in his hands.

"What's wrong, Nagata-sama?" Komei asked, unused to seeing Nagata so angry about anything.

"Shuri, how far is the Zu Province from here?" he asked. While his tone was calm, Komei shivered under his gaze.

"Hawawawa. The Zu Province isn't too far from here. If we leave now and travel on horseback, we should make it there by evening," she answered.

"Good. I want you to cancel the rest of my appointments for today and assemble everyone. We're going to get Sui back," ordered Nagata. He knew the letter was bullshit. For one thing, if Bacho wanted to retire, she could've told him herself. Another thing was that Bacho wasn't the type of girl who would become anyone's concubine to live an easy life. She was a warrior and she had sworn on her father's name that she would honor his teachings.

Komei nodded as she went to inform everyone and make the arrangement. Nagata took a deep breath to cool down. If they were coming as guests, then it was only right to bring gifts. Nagata was tempted to give Zhong a knuckle sandwich once they arrived, but he needed to be diplomatic. Zhong probably wasn't even a fighter.

Accompanied by his officers, Nagata led the group towards Zhong's estate in the Zu Province. He wasn't wearing his white haori. Instead, he was wearing his Triumph Coat which he usually wore when he went into battle. They were going to confront Zhong and get their friend back.


The land of China was known for its natural beauty, even in such turbulent times of the Three Kingdoms, also dubbed as the Age of the Armored War Gods by the locals. Despite the number of provinces and ambitious lords looking to take advantage of the natural resources, much of the land was unspoiled and truly a sight to behold.

Sadly, many were still worried about the state of things and it came down to one thing: the Armored War Gods. Although the En Clan had the Ultimate Fist which soothed a lot of worries, they only had one Armored War God. Sou Gi had the Ultimate Spear and Ultimate Fury, feared warriors all around. Shoku had the Ultimate Sword and Ultimate Eye, benevolent and beloved rulers that many flocked to them and would do anything for them. They were recently joined by a new Armored War Goddess who called herself the Goddess of Forbidden Desire. Then Son Go actually revealed that they had three Armored War Gods with the Ultimate Shield, Ultimate Magic, and Ultimate Steel, all of them bringing such strange new technology and creatures to assist in their campaigns.

But at the moment, this land, this city in particular was not in the area which was ruled by one who had or was an Armored War God. It was an independent province that was large enough to be considered prosperous but was out of the way enough to not be considered a target worth taking and kept to itself so as to not be noticed. It was in this city which a familiar face was exploring, simply enjoying some of her free time among the growing festivities.

Gengan hummed as she walked through the streets. Naturally, she caused some eyes to turn her way as she did so, but she didn't care. She liked to dress the way she did and if others didn't like it then it was their problem. She was supremely confident in her body and if her looks managed to turn negotiations her way during her duties then who was she to complain? If others did about deals made that did not favor them, then maybe they could have paid more attention to the proposals instead of her cleavage.

Truly, Epic Boobs could turn anybody her way.

As for what she was doing, Gengan was attending a huge horse racing event. It was a yearly festival in which racers and breeders from all over the country would be competing in a number of races over the next few days for prizes and prestige. The best from all over China would be competing, literally putting forth horses that were bred and groomed to compete in that particular competition. The winners would have the favor from many powerful nobles looking for proper steeds. It was high stakes all around, doubly so for the gamblers since fortunes could be made or lost on the races, not just for riders or breeders.

Quite frankly, there was no way Gengan would not be there. It had been quiet since Gien left. The girl needed to experience more of the world before she could really learn true restraint and compassion. There was just too much anger in the girl to deal with through simple teachings. With not much else to do though besides her duties as a feudal lord, Gengan wanted to indulge in her vices for a while and just relax. Gambling, sake, and handsome men were her primary ones, the first two easily satisfied. It was a little harder to get the third though. She had high standards for men and the lechers who had their gazes stuck to her cleavage always failed to meet it.

"Mou, all out again?" she huffed, tilting the sake bottle tied at her hip, sadly finding it to be empty. "Ah well, it can't be helped. Hopefully someone has some of the good stuff for sale here."

Then she heard the most beautiful song being played on a flute. Interested to locate its origin, she followed the music and found that it came from an eating establishment further down the street. While at first there didn't seem to be anything special about the building itself, there was a crowd of women all clamoring around it, eager to see inside. Officially interested, Gengan headed down the street to check it out.

Coming closer to the building, Gengan heard an utterly enchanting music coming from inside. She could also hear all the women tittering and giggling over whoever was playing the flute inside. Many of them had blushes on their faces as they admired the musician.

All of the tables were packed, mainly by women who were looking to the far end of the room with the same adoration on their faces. Some seemed to have had several plates of food, ordering more just so they could stay to watch the show. There were even more standing at some of the walls with cups of tea or using improvised seats just so they could watch.

At the far end of the room was a young man. Gengan had to admit the musician was talented and also quite good looking. The black clothes he wore were average, but tastefully decorated with red accents. Over his right shoulder was the image of an imperial-looking dragon as its body was coiled while it hovered above a tree that was placed over his heart. His hair was deep red, a shade fit for blood, and it hung down his back in a ponytail tied with leather strips. His bangs framed his face, almost shadowing his features as he blew into a polished black and silver flute. His features were masculine and quite handsome, but etched in deep concentration as he played his song. He was sitting at a lone table with a cup of tea sitting untouched in front of him.

His music was something else entirely. It was a soothing sound which sounded gentle and pleasant, like lying down on a grassy hill, watching the clouds roll by while a summer breeze blew over your body. Of course, many of the women were picturing such an image, but they all fantasized about having the same man next to them, enjoying the endearing scene with them. It would play as quite the romantic scene many poets would dream of writing about. Of course, that would be up to the point that it got raunchier in some of their minds.

"Now who is this I wonder?" Gengan asked out loud.

"Well, his name is Sasuke," the proprietress answered. "He just came in one day and asked if I was interested in letting him play his flute for tips. I figured it couldn't hurt but now I'm glad he did. He's been reeling in the customers like nobody's business. I'll be sad when he moves on, but plenty of ladies here have been plotting on trying to convince him to stay." She grinned in the direction of several women who were whispering in strategic huddles. "We'd sure love to have him for various reasons."

The show continued on for several more minutes, prompting more giggling, cooing and women conspiring to nab the musician. The sound of horses galloping could be heard next and the musician stopped playing his flute. His audience gave out sounds of disappointment. The crowds soon parted as a group of soldiers for the local lord approached the building.

"Excuse me, but we were told that there was a talented musician here," said one of the soldiers. "He has red hair and dressed in clothes with a tree and dragon embroidered on them."

"That is I," the musician known as Sasuke answered, confirming his identity.

"Lord Zhong requires your services for a party he is hosting tonight. You will perform for him and be paid accordingly."

Sasuke considered the offer. Playing for a lord would surely fill his pockets quickly. He packed up his things into his bag and slung it over his shoulder.

"Lead the way then," he accepted.

His fans began to protest at him for leaving just like that. They didn't want him to stop playing. He paid them no mind as he followed the soldiers to Zhong's estate.


"I'm so happy that you accepted my invitation, Gaim-dono," Lord Zhong smiled as he welcomed Nagata and his entourage into his home. Nagata kept his expression neutral. He came here to rescue Bacho and he wasn't going to allow some sweet-talker get in his way. The last time he did, he ended up tied up and locked in a basement.

"Well, when you said you had something important to discuss with me, I came as fast as I could," Nagata answered.

"Well, come inside. I have food and beverages prepared for you and all your retainers."

"FOOD!" Chouhi cheered. Their trip was long and she was hungry.

"Chouhi, behave," Nagata scolded and Chouhi's shoulders slumped. She didn't like it when Nagata was all serious, but this was important. They were here to get Bacho back.

Nagata and his entourage sat in Lord Zhong's banquet hall. The food was good and so was the entertainment. Lord Zhong certainly knew how to be hospitable to his guests. He was also a pleasant conversationalist. However, Nagata wasn't in the mood to hear him prattle on. His friends knew why they were here and they were ready to support him.

Placing his chopsticks down, Nagata spoke, "That was a very delicious meal, Lord Zhong."

"Thank you. My chefs are the best in the land," Lord Zhong boasted.

"If you say so. Now, how about we get to business?" Nagata asked, getting straight to the point.

"Oh, what business could that be?"

"Bacho Moki. I've come to take her back," Nagata answered sharply.

"Well, as I've told you, she is very happy here," Lord Zhong smiled.

"Well, I came to confirm your claims. As you said in your letter, I could check to see for myself," Nagata countered.

"Very well," Lord Zhong complied. He clapped his hands to call his servants and instructed them to bring out Bacho. "Once you see her, you'll see that what I'm telling you is true."

"We'll see about that."

When Bacho was brought, she was in the outfit Lord Zhong had put her in. Batai looked outraged and was about to get up to give Lord Zhong a piece of her mind, but Nagata stopped her from making a scene.

"Bacho-chan, please tell Gaim-dono that you're happy here," Lord Zhong instructed.

"I'm very happy here, Gaim-sama," Bacho said.

Nagata's eyes narrowed when he heard that. "Really? You're happy to be a concubine? What about your duties as a general?"

"I believe that I need to live a peaceful life," Bacho answered. Bacho's friends could only look at her in shock. While it was true that she fought for peace, she wasn't one to give up her duties just to become someone's concubine. Something was very wrong here.

Batai couldn't take it anymore and stood up as she shouted accusingly, "That's not Sui-neesan!"

"What!?" gaped Zhong.

"That's not Sui-neesan at all! Sui-neesan would never dress like that or act like that!" Batai shouted.

"Gaim-dono, please ask your officer to behave," Lord Zhong requested as he wiped the sweat off his brow.

"No, I don't think I will. She's actually making some pretty good points," Nagata rebutted.

"She's making wild accusations!" Lord Zhong cried out.

"No, I don't think so. You see, this is Batai and she happens to be Bacho Moki's cousin. If anyone knows her better than anyone it's a member of her family."

Lord Zhong began to pale further.

"Lord Zhong, if Bacho Moki is happy here, can you answer a simple question?" Nagata asked.

"O-oh, but of course," Lord Zhong replied shakily.

"What's her real name?"

Lord Zhong's smile fell. "Excuse me?"

"What is Bacho Moki's true name?" Lord Zhong fell silent and Nagata smiled victoriously. "You don't know, do you? In fact, you never even bothered to ask, did you?"

"A lord should know their concubine's true name," Kanu agreed. She looked at her friend, her fellow general, and asked, "Sui, you made a promise to your father. What was the promise?"

Bacho blinked. "My...promise...?"

"Yes, the oath you swore to him. The one thing you promised him. What was it?"

"Sui-neesan, remember the promise you made to Bato-jisan!" pleaded Batai.

"I...I promised..." Bacho held her head. It hurt so much. Her head was pounding as she tried to remember so she could answer the question.

"You told me what you promised him. Now, tell me what you promised him," Kanu prompted.

Bacho answered as her eyes turned back to normal, "...I promised to always fight...for justice. For the people. I promised to honor his teachings and use the skills given to me to fight for what's right." She groaned, "...What's going on?" She looked to see her friends and Nagata. "Nagata-sama, everyone, what are you all doing here?"

"We came to take you home, Sui," Ryuubi told her friend, relieved to have her back.

"And it's a good thing we did," added Chou'un as she turned her hardened gaze towards Lord Zhong.

Lord Zhong began to break out in a cold sweat as Nagata and his officers all glared angrily at him. Instantly, the atmosphere changed. His officers noticed this as Nagata stood up. He was usually calm and easy to get along with. He wasn't one to become angry so easily. Very few things made him angry.

Taking advantage of his friends was one of those things, and his fury was apparent as his silver gaze was focused upon Lord Zhong. There was fury burning behind those eyes and Zhong felt the sharp piercing gaze upon him. It was as if those silver eyes were like swords themselves and they had him pinned. He couldn't move at all. He was frozen.

Back in his own world, Nagata lacked the intimidating presence he had now. Back then he was just an average teenager. However, since he came to this world, he began to grow and change. He developed a Spirit of Steel that was forged into a blade. Everything he'd seen, everyone he had met, everything he had done, everything he had experienced, had shaped him into the man he was today.

He was a leader, a friend, a brother, a hero, a savior, a guardian, and a lover.

He had made friends and also enemies, and had dealt with them accordingly. Now Zhong had fallen in the latter category and would be dealt with just like any other enemy.

"Lord Zhong, it would appear that you have been lying to me. It seems that Sui isn't really happy here or here of her own free will. You drugged her, didn't you?" Nagata accused as his hardened eyes reflected his fury.

Lord Zhong began to sweat from his pale skin. "Well...I...I..."

Nagata growled and Zhong yelped in response.

Nagata told Zhong, "You know, since coming to this world, I've learnt what it means to really hate someone. I didn't use to hate anyone. I disliked a few people, but I never truly hated them. However, I now know what it feels like to hate someone and in fact you've just made it to the list."

"Please, Gaim-dono. If...if it's money you want, then perhaps we can make a deal?" Lord Zhong offered.

Kanu, offended, stood up and shouted, "How dare you!? Do you truly believe that Gaim-sama can be so easily bribed!?"

"What? But she's just one girl! How special can she be!? Please, Gaim-dono, how much do you want for her?" Lord Zhong shouted, not understanding that he was digging himself deeper into trouble.

Nagata glared. Did Lord Zhong really think he could buy Bacho from him like she was some kind of object? Did he really think he could just treat her as property? No way.

From the way Zhong talked about Bacho, Nagata was reminded of Nise and how he wanted Kanu for himself. With how Zhong talked about Bacho like she was an object, there was no way he was going to let this man off scot-free. With his power and authority, he was going to make Zhong suffer the consequences of harming the people he loved.

Nagata was about to open his mouth to tell Lord Zhong where he could put that money but was curtly interrupted.

"I've heard enough," said Sasuke as he stood up and stopped playing his flute. "I cannot allow any woman to have her freedom stripped away to satisfy a man's wanton lust," Sasuke declared as he strapped on, to Nagata's surprise, a GenesisDriver.

Sasuke flicked his wrist and a Lockseed dropped out of his sleeve and into his hand. It was an Energy Lockseed, but rather than sapphire blue like the Energy Lockseeds Nagata had seen before, it was ruby red instead. The front was decorated with a red dragon fruit which was accented with gold. Written in black on the front was its designation code, E.L.S.-HEX, marking the Lockseed as an irregular one.

"Allow me to show you how freedom is something worth fighting for," Sasuke said before he unlocked the Energy Lockseed.

[DRAGON FRUIT ENERGY!]

Above him, a portal to Helheim opened. It dropped a large dragon fruit made of metal and colored blood red like the one on the Lockseed, accented with gold on the protrusions. Twirling the Lockseed, he placed it inside his Driver before he locked it into place.

"Henshin."

[LOCK ON!]

He then pushed the Seaboll Compressor, cracking the dragon fruit down the middle, making both sides tilt away to reveal a pale blue core with black seeds. Underneath, the 'juice' of the Lockseed was captured in the Concentrate Pod.

[SODA! DRAGON ENERGY ARMS!]

The Dragon Energy Arms began to drop, cracking open before revealing a folded chest and shoulders which landed on Tyrant's head. Energy flew, covering his body in a black bodysuit with a silver top. His gauntlets and greaves were silver, taking a similar style to Baron or Mars' Ride Wear suits. The outside of the dragon fruit then folded onto his back, forming a cape. The other pieces of the armor then folded, the shoulders starting as red plates, but ended in gold. The chestplate seemed to have two pectorals shaped like eyes, the one on the right being white while the other was red like the rest of the armor. On his abdomen was a smaller plate, giving the entire chestpiece a dragon-like image. His helmet was also intimidating. The mouthpiece was silver, shaped like sharp jaws, while the visor was comprised of four slits with crimson eyepieces while the rest of the helmet was black. From the forehead rose two draconic horns and running on the very top was a reptilian ridge, enhancing the draconic appearance. His helmet attachment was red with a set of horns rising from the sides, beginning as the crimson red, but lightening into gold. A splash of juice then summoned a Sonic Arrow into his hands.

Lord Zhong stared in shock at the Armored War God that now stood before him. Even Nagata and his officers were stunned by this Genesis Rider they had never seen before.

"Who...who are you...?" Lord Zhong uttered in shock.

"You may call me Tyrant, the Armored War God of Ultimate Retribution." Tyrant aimed his Sonic Arrow at Lord Zhong and drew back the shaft to stretch the string and prepare his shot.

"Die," Tyrant declared as he fired his Sonic Arrow at Lord Zhong. Screaming hysterically, Lord Zhong dropped to the floor and the arrow safely sailed over him, exploding against the wall. Petrified and frozen in fear, Lord Zhong was unable to do anything else as Tyrant approached him.

"G-Guards! GUARDS! Seize him!" Lord Zhong commanded.

Nagata panicked. "Wait, don't!"

The guards obeyed and attacked Tyrant. Unfortunately, they never managed to get close as he fired his Sonic Arrow. They all went down when they were hit and then Tyrant turned his gaze towards Lord Zhong.

"Your turn," Tyrant threatened.

"Wait! I can give you anything! Money! Land! A title! Women!" pleaded Lord Zhong.

"Silence," Tyrant ordered as he raised his Sonic Arrow to strike Lord Zhong down.

"Stop!" Nagata called.

[SOIYA! ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!]

Tyrant grunted as sparks flew from where Gaim struck him with the Daidaimaru. The blade was now resting against Tyrant's back as Gaim had struck him. Annoyed, Tyrant spun around and swung at Gaim who leapt back to avoid the strike.

"Don't get in my way!" Tyrant shouted.

"I'm not going to let you kill him!" denied Gaim.

"Yes, Gaim-dono! Please save me!" pleaded Lord Zhong.

"SHUT UP!" Gaim and Tyrant shouted at Lord Zhong in unison, causing him to recoil in fright.

"Get Lord Zhong to safety!" Gaim ordered his officers who immediately went into action. They began to escort Lord Zhong out of the banquet hall, leaving Gaim to face Tyrant on his own. Karasu looked over her shoulder, silently vowing to return and aid him.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you!" Lord Zhong said gratefully as he was being escorted down the hallway to safety. He thought he was safe, but he was wrong.

Suddenly, Batai attacked and pinned him against the wall. He cried out in shock as he slumped to the ground and froze as he looked up at the furious girl.

Batai was shaking, her fists clenched tight as her knuckles turned white. She glared at him with hatred for what he did to her beloved cousin. Right now she wanted to kill him.

"You bastard!" Batai yelled as she grabbed Zhong by the front of his clothing. "I'll kill you!"

"Tanpopo!" Ryuubi gasped.

"Go ahead, do it," Karasu encouraged.

"Idunn-sama!?" Ryuubi cried as everyone turned to look at Nagata's cousin.

Karasu stood next to Batai and whispered into her ear, "Remember, this guy planned to turn your cousin into another one of his obedient little sex slaves. That's rape, and he planned to rape her over and over until he grows tired of her. Then he'll throw her away and turn his attention to some other poor girl. He's just a big piece of filth that doesn't deserve to live. So, just go and kill him."

"Kill him?" Batai replied.

"Use your fists. Beat him to a bloody pulp. Don't make it quick. Make it slow so you can make him suffer," Karasu insisted.

"Idunn-sama, that's enough!" Kanu protested. Karasu turned to glare at Kanu before returning her attention to Batai. She produced her sheathed dagger, pulled it out of its scabbard, and offered it to the younger girl.

"Or better yet, end it right here," Karasu suggested. Batai released Zhong and took the offered blade. As Batai studied the dagger, she considered Karasu's words. She was right. This man wanted to rape Bacho, her cousin. He wanted to defile her and use her for his own sick pleasure.

That was unforgivable.

Batai and Bacho may not always get along, and the latter could be a bit of a slave driver during training, but Batai loved her cousin and what this man had intended for her was just sick.

Zhong stared at the girl in front of him as she held the dagger that she intended to use to take his life. He was so terrified that he could not utter a word. He was completely speechless and frozen out of fear.

"Tanpopo!" yelled Bacho. "Don't do it!"

"How can you say that, Sui-neesan!? This man wanted to take you away from us! He wanted to use you like some kind of plaything! Why don't you want me to kill him!?" Batai demanded.

"Because killing him like this wouldn't be right," Bacho answered, attempting to reason with her cousin. "I want to punish him too, but this isn't the way to do it. So please, Tanpopo. Drop the dagger."

Batai trembled with rage as her grip tightened on the dagger. She looked back at Bacho who wanted her to show mercy, then at Karasu who was encouraging her to kill Zhong, then back at Zhong who was staring at her in terror.

"Yes, listen to her! Please...I beg of you...don't kill me..." Zhong pleaded.

"Don't listen to him!" Karasu shouted, cutting off his pathetic pleas for mercy. "If Naga-kun hadn't been suspicious of the letter and brought us here to see your cousin, that man would've had his way with her and would continue to have his way with many other woman who struck him fancy! He should be used as an example to all nobles to show them that their money and influence aren't enough to keep them away from retribution! Now stop hesitating and bury that damn dagger into his head!"

Holding the dagger in a reverse grip and roaring with rage, Batai brought the dagger forward.

"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" Zhong screamed in terror as he saw the dagger coming towards him. There was a loud 'thunk' and he froze as Batai buried Karasu's dagger into the wall next to his head. The others were surprised, even Karasu.

Lord Zhong passed out soon after, his eyes rolling up into his head as he relieved himself on the floor and wet himself. The smell of urine was thick as Batai backed away from Zhong.

Everyone looked at Batai in surprise and relief. They were worried that she would've killed Zhong, but was glad that she decided not to. But then they looked at Karasu warily. She had tried urging Batai into killing Zhong in cold blood. That was truly disturbing.

Karasu casually went to take her dagger and pulled it out of the wall. She looked to Batai who was breathing hard as she glared at Zhong.

"Why didn't you kill him?" Karasu asked curiously.

"He's not worth it," Batai answered simply, breathing heavily. "And my Sui-neesan wouldn't want me to become a murderer, even if it's for her sake."

Bacho hugged her cousin proudly. "You did the right thing."

Karasu looked at Zhong as she held her dagger. It would be so easy for her to do what Batai could not, but she had better things to do than execute a piece of shit like him.

"Take care of this mess. I have to go," said Karasu.

"Wait a minute, we're not done here!" Bacho grabbed Karasu's shoulder but the Shinigami slapped her hand away.

"I have no time for this," Karasu hissed as she continued to walk away.

"Where do you think you're going?" Kanu asked sharply.

"To help my cousin. Remember, he's fighting a Genesis Rider and you know how tricky they can get. Now stay here and take care of this yourselves."

As Karasu left, Chou'un decided to lighten the mood and comment on Bacho's dress.

"You know, if you wore that when you went to see Nagata-sama, I'm sure he wouldn't be able to resist," Chou'un teased.

"Really? You can make jokes at a time like this?" Bacho glared as she pulled down the back and front of her skirt. She was still not wearing any underwear under her outfit and didn't want to accidentally flash her friends.


Meanwhile, a Rinrinshi approached Lord Zhong's estate. Without waiting another moment, the Rinrinshi entered. Guards stood in its way, but the Rinrinshi knocked them out with quick blows before it continued on its way inside. Something interesting was happening inside and it didn't want to miss a moment.


Back in the banquet hall, Tyrant and Gaim were still engaged in combat. So far, Gaim was holding his own against his opponent. After fighting so many Genesis Riders before, he knew how to handle himself in a fight with one of them.

What neither of them realized was that they were being watched. Cloaked, Duke observed the fight between Gaim and Tyrant while focusing on the latter's combat prowess.

"Why are you protecting this piece of filth?" Tyrant spat as he and Gaim locked blades.

"Look, he's a jerk. I get that. But that's no reason to kill him," Gaim argued.

"I beg to differ. He forces himself on all women. That makes him a rapist and rapists deserve to die."

"This isn't how we decide these things!" Gaim retorted. "We aren't brutes and barbarians! The law exists for a reason and as the Blue King of Shoku, I will enforce the law!"

"He laughs in the face of your laws!" Tyrant shot back. "His money and connections have allowed him to bypass the law again and again! No doubt even with all this evidence, he'll just slide around the law again!"

"No he will not," Gaim countered as he shook his head, his voice was firm and absolute. "There are things that no amount of money or connections can remove. Crimes that cannot be covered up no matter how hard someone tries. I don't care about his money or connections. He broke the law and he will face punishment for it!"

"Bold words, but I have seen precious few take them seriously," Tyrant huffed. "You have the power to enforce your laws, but how can I be sure you will punish him in the face of everything that piece of filth can provide? He didn't get this rich on his own merits."

"I don't give a damn about his connections! They can go hang if they support this kind of crimes!" Gaim roared. "He committed a crime against one of my officers! He is in my court now and money and lineage hold no value there!"

"You should listen to him," interjected Karasu as she returned to the banquet hall with her SengokuDriver strapped to her waist.

"Kara-chan?" Gaim blinked as he saw her.

"Don't worry. The others have taken Lord Zhong to safety. Though how long he'll remain safe is debatable." Bacho's friends were angry and now that they had Lord Zhong to themselves. Gaim had a feeling the man would be traumatized by all the angry female attention he was about to receive. They wouldn't be satisfied until they each got a pound of flesh from him.

Tyrant pushed Gaim back and sent him tumbling with a slash of his Sonic Arrow. Seeing this, Karasu coldly narrowed her eyes and activated her Ringo Lockseed.

[RINGO!]

"Henshin."

[LOCK ON! COME ON! RINGO ARMS! DESIRE FORBIDDEN FRUITS!]

Tyrant was about to go looking for Lord Zhong, when Idunn knocked him backwards with a bash of her Apple Reflecter.

"Ugh, why are you getting in my way? That bastard has it coming!" Tyrant snapped in irritation.

Idunn replied, "You're right. He's a piece of trash that's not worth saving. Personally, I'd just let you kill him."

"Then why do you still insist on protecting him?"

"Because Naga-kun said so!"

She swung her Sword Bringer at him and he parried with his Sonic Arrow. He jumped back to dodge a stab and fired at her. She blocked with her Apple Reflecter before she created a Helheim portal under her feet and vanished into it.

"Huh?" Tyrant blinked in confusion before a Helheim portal opened behind him and Idunn slashed him across the back, sending him staggering. He turned to slash at her but was blocked by Gaim. Idunn then slashed Tyrant across the chest before Gaim landed his own blow. Together, the Oda Cousins attacked Tyrant, keeping him from retaliating before they knocked him down to the ground with a unified strike.

Tyrant grunted and glared at both Riders before picking himself up.

"Do you really think you can stop me from delivering justice?" Tyrant challenged. "Haven't you ever killed bandits before?"

Was it hypocritical for Nagata to protect Lord Zhong while he had killed bandits? No, the bandits were dangerous. Even if they had been forced to a life of crime due to desperation, he had seen some of them enjoy the pain they inflicted on others. Some of them were just doing it because of greed and lust. Families were torn apart, homes broken and lives were destroyed by bandits.

He killed bandits to protect the innocent and to prevent further bloodshed. And yet, he had to shed blood in order to do so. His hands were no longer clean.

"I've killed, but only when I had no other choice. Right now, I have a choice, and that is to make sure justice is served," decided Gaim as he took out his Grapefruit Energy Lockseed.

"Then show me the strength of your conviction," Tyrant challenged.

[GRAPEFRUIT ENERGY!]

"I intend to," Gaim responded as he loaded the Grapefruit Energy Lockseed into his Genesis Core and pushed down the Cutting Blade.

[LOCK ON! SOIYA! MIX! JIMBER GRAPEFRUIT! HA-HA!]

Once Gaim was adorned in his Jimber Grapefruit Arms, the two Riders began furiously exchanging shots as they fired at each other with their Sonic Arrows. Their arrows cancelled each other out as Tyrant's shots were intercepted by Gaim's curving energy arrows. Ceasing their exchange, the two then charged at each other to get close and personal.

Gaim put away his Sonic Arrow and drew his Musou Saber. Their weapons clanged as they connected and sparks flew from their clash. The two began to exchange blows, swinging at each other. Tyrant gritted his teeth as he swung down but was parried as Gaim swung his Musou Saber upwards to counter. Tyrant was pushed back before Gaim slashed him across the chest, knocking him backwards. As he flew backwards, Tyrant shot Gaim with his Sonic Arrow but Idunn jumped in the path of the arrows and blocked them with her shield, protecting Gaim.

Annoyed and deciding to finish this once and for all, Tyrant gripped his GenesisDriver's Seaboll Compressor and gave it a push.

[DRAGON FRUIT ENERGY SQUASH!]

In response, Gaim pushed down his SengokuDriver's Cutting Blade.

[SOIYA! ORANGE SQUASH! JIMBER GRAPEFRUIT SQUASH!]

Energy pooled into their legs before they jumped into the air. Energy spiraled around Tyrant's boots as he performed a corkscrew kick while Gaim performed the traditional Rider Kick, a flying side kick.

"SEI-YAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Gaim yelled.

"HEI-YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Tyrant roared.

The two Riders collided with explosive force as Idunn witnessed the impact. The explosion threw the two Riders backwards in opposite directions, colliding with the wall behind them. They then dropped to the ground, panting heavily as they glared at one another.

"Give up yet?" Gaim asked as Tyrant rose to his feet and brandished his Sonic Arrow. "Heh, didn't think so."

Gaim and Tyrant stared each other down before rushed forward to resume their battle. Idunn hung back to watch when all of a sudden, a black blur rushed towards both combatants and forcibly separated them. Gaim cried out as sparks blasted from his chest and he was sent tumbling along the floor.

"Naga-kun!" Idunn cried as she rushed to Gaim's side.

"What hit me?" Gaim groaned and he then saw what had gotten between him and Tyrant.

It was a female Rinrinshi in Beastman form. She was clad in black and looked to be wearing a sleeveless leotard with a panther skin cloak draped over her body. The animal's head was on her right shoulder. Her arms and legs were covered in chainmail with black armored boots that reached up to her knees. Her arms were covered in gauntlets with sharp fingertips that looked like claws. Her chest was covered with a breastplate that had a slash pattern across its surface. Finally, her head was covered by a helmet that was shaped like a panther's head. Long white hair spilled out of the opening in the back. Her yellow, cat-like eyes were visible through the open 'jaws' of the helmet. From the looks of it, she was a Panther Rinrinshi.

At the sight of the Panther Rinrinshi, Duke decided it was time to vacate the premises. He had seen everything he needed to see here.

"Who are you!?" Tyrant loudly demanded. When he did not get an answer, he charged towards her to land a slash, but she easily caught his Sonic Arrow with her hand. He withdrew his weapon and repeatedly swung at her, but the Panther Rinrinshi's cat-like reflexes allowed her to evade his strikes before she found the opening she needed.

"Ringi. Neko Zan," the Panther Rinrinshi spoke softly before she struck Tyrant violently across the chest with her claws. Tyrant howled as sparks erupted from the impact as her claws ripped into him. Scowling, Tyrant attacked the Panther Rinrinshi, but she easily dodged his blows before she used the opening she left to hit him across the jaw with a kick.

"Ringi. Neko Ryuusei Zan," the Panther Rinrinshi called as her claws glowed and she executed a series of lighting fast slashes that connected with Tyrant. Tyrant screamed as a series of explosions burst from his chestplate each time the Panther Rinrinshi slashed him.

As Idunn helped Gaim up, he said, "He needs help."

Frowning, Idunn asked, "Why? He's the enemy."

"No, the RinJyuKen is the enemy, and I'm not going to let any of them take another life!" Gaim took aim and fired at the Panther Rinrinshi but she managed to jump out of the way as Tyrant collapsed. Gaim quickly went over to Tyrant's side to check up on him.

"Are you OK?" Gaim asked as he held a hand to Tyrant.

"Why are you helping me?" Tyrant asked, confused. They had been fighting against each other earlier so there was no reason for Gaim to be so concerned about him.

"We're Riders. We're supposed to look out for each other. Plus, the enemy of my enemy is my friend," Gaim told him. Tyrant stared at Gaim's hand before taking it, letting him get back up to his feet.

"Be careful, she's fast with those claws of hers," warned Tyrant.

"Don't worry, I got a plan," Gaim told him and turned his gaze to Idunn. He gave her a nod and she nodded back. "Alright, let's make this our stage now."

"Ringi. Neko Kage Zan," called the Panther Rinrinshi. The shadow under her feet expanded before it rose up from the ground to become a solid silhouette of the Panther Rinrinshi. The Panther Rinrinshi and her shadow then lunged at both Gaim and Tyrant, attacking them together. The two Riders fired their weapons, but missed as the Panther Rinrinshi and her shadow dodged. The original slammed her knee into Gaim's chest as the shadow did the same to Tyrant.

The Panther Rinrinshi and her shadow were completely in sync as they attacked both Gaim and Tyrant. Their claws clashed with the Riders' weapons, forcing both of them on the defensive. Fighting the Rinrinshi was frustrating for both Riders as she kept dodging them. The Panther Rinrinshi disarmed Gaim, sending his Musou Saber flying out of his hands, before striking him violently across the chest.

Gaim was sent tumbling as he drew his Sonic Arrow. Focusing his eyes, his visor glowed and he fired a set of energy arrows that curved through the air. The Panther Rinrinshi and her shadow avoided the arrows, but they curved again towards their targets. The Panther Rinrinshi and her shadow continued to try and evade the arrows, but they continued to pursue the Rinrinshi and her shadow. The arrows ignored the shadow and focused on the original, striking her in the back. She tumbled along the ground as her shadow dissipated into nothing.

The Panther Rinrinshi rose to her feet as her claws glowed. "Neko Ryuusei Zan." She became a black blur as she sped towards both Riders. She slashed them across the chest with all her might, knocking them down as she raced past them. She then ran along the walls before she leapt off the surface and rolled through the air to land another slash across their chests, just as they were getting back up. The Panther Rinrinshi continued to ricochet all over the room, relentless attacking the two Riders from all directions.

"She's too fast!" Tyrant shouted as he tried to follow the Panther Rinrinshi's movements, but she was just a blur as she was moving too fast. However, unlike Tyrant, Gaim's Jimber Grapefruit Arms granted him several advantageous visual enhancements.

Gaim's visor glowed as he followed the Panther Rinrinshi's trail. His eyes narrowed in concentration as he took aim and pulled on the Sonic Arrow's shaft to charge up a shot. As the Panther Rinrinshi lunged for them, Gaim fired his Sonic Arrow and got a direct hit to the chest that sent her tumbling to the ground.

"Todomeda!" Gaim shouted as he hit the Cutting Blade three times and Tyrant pushed in his Seaboll Compressor twice.

[SOIYA! ORANGE SPARKING! JIMBER GRAPEFRUIT SPARKING!]

[DRAGON FRUIT ENERGY SPARKING!]

Yelling together, Gaim and Tyrant leapt into the air to execute their finishers. Like before, Gaim performed a flying side kick as Tyrant performed a flying corkscrew kick. Reddish flames surrounded Tyrant as orange flames blazed around Gaim.

Both Riders collided with their target and Idunn had to shield her eyes as the impact caused a bright explosion. The two Riders pass through the explosion and performed a perfect three-point landing together.

"They won," Idunn smiled but something in the smoke caught her attention as she saw a silhouette standing in the curtain of smoke. As the smoke and fire cleared, the Panther Rinrinshi was revealed to be completely unharmed, shocking the Riders.

The Panther Rinrinshi pointed at Gaim and before performing a cut-throat gesture. Idunn, angered by the threatening gesture, rushed towards the Panther Rinrinshi to cut her down. The Panther Rinrinshi suddenly sank into a dark shadow portal under her feet, vanishing from sight.

"Dammit!" Idunn cursed as she failed to strike down their enemy. She then glared at Tyrant, ready to attack if he dared to do anything towards Gaim. After a moment, the two deactivated their Lockseeds and reverted to their civilian forms.

"Naga-kun?" Idunn asked.

"Kara-chan, it's OK. You can cancel your transformation," Nagata reassured her. Idunn frowned but obeyed as she followed his instruction.

"Thanks for your help. I doubt either of us would be able to beat her on our own," Nagata said to Sasuke.

"I only helped you because she was trying to kill me too. I did it for myself," Sasuke defended. Karasu scowled at Sasuke's rudeness.

"Don't be rude! Naga-kun practically saved your life!" Karasu snapped as she reached for her odachi.

"Kara-chan, don't," Nagata warned her and she sighed before she forced herself to relax. "I have some questions for you."

"Very well. Ask away," Sasuke responded.

"Could you give us your name? I'm sure 'Tyrant' isn't your real name," Nagata asked.

"It's Sasuke. Sasuke Takeda."

"Are you from Tokyo, Takeda-san?"

"Yes."

"So how did you manage to come to this world?" Nagata pressed on.

"A strange man approached me and gave me the Driver and Lockseed. He told me that they were the keys to a grand adventure," Sasuke answered. Nagata assumed that the strange man Sasuke was talking about was Chosen.

"And you just accepted them?" Karasu asked skeptically.

"After what I saw on the news, of real Kamen Riders, it seemed like too good of an opportunity to pass up. Besides, I was...tired," Sasuke answered.

"Tired of what?" Nagata asked.

"Tired of how corrupt and dirty our world has become. Since I couldn't do anything to change things there, I decided I wanted a fresh start elsewhere," Sasuke answered.

"And you chose to come to this world?" Karasu questioned.

"You came to this world too, Kara-chan," Nagata reminded.

"To be with you," she defended. "It just seems like an odd choice for him to make. Who would willingly come to a world that is being threatened by war and monsters?"

"I did," Nagata reminded again.

Karasu countered, "Out of a sense of duty and moral obligation."

"Are we done here?" Sasuke asked.

"Not just yet. The way you wanted to kill Zhong, I assume that something happened to you involving people in power," Nagata said to Sasuke.

"I just hate it when people like him abuse their power like that and get away with it. Since you've shown me your resolve, I'll leave Zhong's punishment to you."

"I'll make sure he is punished accordingly," Nagata promised.

"Be sure that you do. Now it's time for me to go," said Sasuke.

"Where do you think you're going?" Karasu demanded.

"The road is vast and free. I'll go where it leads me. See you around, Blue King," Sasuke replied before he walked away.

"Wait-!" Karasu attempted to stop Sasuke.

"Let him go, Kara-chan." Nagata stopped her.

"But don't you have any more questions for him?" Karasu demanded.

"I do, but we've just met and I don't think he'll appreciate us asking him about his whole life story. Besides, I have a feeling we'll be meeting him again," Nagata replied. "Now come on, let's go and check up on the others and make sure they haven't killed Lord Zhong."

"Would you have cared if they did?" Karasu asked as she followed him. He didn't answer. To be honest, he was on the fence about leaving Zhong dead or alive.

When they found the others in the hallway, Lord Zhong had regained consciousness but was kept in place by both his fear and the angry glares pointed at him. He was still grateful that Nagata had saved his life. However, when Nagata brought up the nobleman's crimes, he tried to beg for mercy. He even attempted to bribe Nagata again and was willing to return Bacho to him as long as the Blue King looked the other way.

That was the last nail in Lord Zhong's coffin. As the Governor of Shoku and the Blue King, he had absolute authority over his territory and all lands within his border.

Nagata's judgment was swift.

Zhong was charged for kidnapping and slavery. Not only did he have Lord Zhong stripped of his noble status, but all his assets, property and land were seized as well. Nagata also had him imprisoned for his crimes. Once he served his time, he would be released and be nothing more than a commoner.

The women that Zhong kept as his concubines were freed. While some of them did like being his concubines, there were more than a few that he had kept drugged to keep them docile and subservient. They seemed to be suffering from the long term effects of whatever drugs Zhong had used to keep them obedient and submissive. Hopefully, they would recover and be returned to their homes once they received the proper care and treatment.

Unlike them, Bacho was not drugged nor was she there willingly. While she had been drugged at first by Zhong, she had not been drugged at the dinner party. She learnt quickly that accepting any food or drink from her captor was dangerous, so she refused to eat or drink anything brought to her. If the guards forced the issue, she would show her displeasure with her fists. Even without her weapon, she was still quite formidable.

But what had happened to Bacho if she hadn't been drugged to be subservient to Zhong? Nagata got the answer when he questioned Zhong. He confessed that he had accepted the aid of a sorcerer who went by the name of Ukitsu. Once again, the Armored War Devils had gotten themselves involved in this situation. Nagata knew that, while at large, the group of Genesis Riders would continue to cause trouble. He would need to deal with them permanently.

"What a day..." Nagata dropped into the chair in his office as he returned from that particular trial. It had been a long one since there had been so many witnesses and testimonies to Zhong's crimes that had to be examined. He was just glad it was over.

Justice had been served, and Nagata was glad for that. Tired, but glad.

"I'm glad to be in my own clothes again," Bacho smiled as she adjusted her collar, following Nagata into his office. It just felt so wrong to be dressed up as some concubine.

"I don't know, Bacho. You actually looked pretty sexy in the outfit Zhong gave you," Nagata joked.

"Excuse me!?" Bacho yelled at him.

He gulped as she glared at him. "Just kidding, Sui!"

"Ugh, that isn't funny, Nagata-sama!" Bacho cried. Sometimes, he made her want to smack him. She knew it would be disrespectful, but Nagata was so laidback he wouldn't have minded. Besides, he deserved it for such a bad joke, but she refrained herself. It was just a joke. He didn't mean anything malicious by it.

Nagata got off his chair and walked up to Bacho. "I'm just glad you're OK, Sui. What that man did to you, it wasn't right."

"I know. It was terrible. I felt trapped in my own body, doing and saying things against my will. For someone to have that kind of power over me, it's frightening," Bacho confessed as she hugged herself. She was proud of her strength. To be made to feel so weak was scary. Zhong had taken something that was a fundamental part of her, and she felt violated. Fortunately, he never did anything to her. Not yet at least.

Nagata frowned and gently pulled Bacho into a hug. She gasped but didn't resist. She needed this, even if she was too proud to admit it. Her father taught her to be strong, but sometimes she could use a hug from a friend.

Sometimes Bacho couldn't understand Nagata. Sometimes she found him frustrating. But most of the time, and usually, she found him dependable as a leader. She was someone she admired ever since she met him, and not just because of his power and status as an Armored War God. The more she got to know him, the more she realized that he was just as human as the rest of them, a human with his own virtues and his flaws. He wasn't a snobbish, cowardly noble or an arrogant nobleman. The title and position he got was earned through his own actions.

The fact that he came for her truly spoke out how much he valued her not only as a general, but as a friend. He would do the same for any of his friends. He would fight any odds to save them, and he came to her rescue just like she believed.

Besides admiration and respect, new feelings began to manifest in Bacho's heart. Feelings towards Nagata. She tried to ignore these feelings, and if that didn't work she would deny and squash them. Batai's teasing didn't make things any easier. It got harder to deny these feelings when Batetsu joined in.

She really didn't want there to be any complications between Nagata and herself in their relationship. He was her lord and she was his general. That was it. They couldn't be more than that. And yet, these romantic feelings towards him just grew and grew as they spent more time together. He would hang out with her, ride horses with her, race with her. It was even bad when she was asleep as she had dreams about herself and Nagata, vividly intimate dreams. She remembered waking up, covered in sweat, before she went to splash her face with cold water just to calm herself down.

She was aware that Nagata was in love with Kanu, everyone was, but Bacho Moki could no longer deny her feelings any longer.

She was in love with Nagata Oda.

"Nagata-sama..." Bacho blushed as she looked at Nagata. "I'm...I'm really glad you came for me."

Nagata smiled back. "You're one of my best friends, Sui. Of course you can count on me to come get you whenever you're in trou-"

He didn't get to finish his sentence as Bacho grabbed him by his coat and pulled him into a deep kiss. Her eyes were closed but his eyes were wide open in surprise as she pressed her lips against his in a deep passionate kiss. He did not expect this. He came to expect it from Ryofu, Ryuubi and Chou'un, and had also kissed Kanu many times. He never thought in a million years that Bacho would ever kiss him.

After a few more seconds, Bacho released Nagata. She looked at his expression. His eyes were wide open and his mouth was agape. It was a really funny expression and she wanted to chuckle. Only the realization of what she had done prevented that as she blushed bright red.

"Ah, Nagata-sama! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I don't know what came over me!" Bacho frantically apologized, but she got no response from her frozen lord. "Nagata-sama! Nagata-sama!"

Nagata shook his head back and forth and blinked as he looked at Bacho. She averted her eyes, her face flushed.

"Sui..." he uttered as he tried to find the words.

"Excuse me! I gotta go! I have training to do! See you later!" Bacho yelled as she fled his office. Nagata didn't go after her. He just stood there for a few minutes before he mechanically went back to his chair and sat down.

"What the heck just happened?" he asked himself out loud. Bacho had kissed him, and not on the cheek. She had kissed him right on the mouth. It was definitely her first kiss as she gripped his coat so tight with trembling hands and he tasted a bit of her sweat on his lips, but he had not expected her to kiss him like that. Besides Kanu, who was his girlfriend, he had already been kissed by Ryuubi, Chou'un, Ryofu and now Bacho. He was never this popular back in school, but now he had girls kissing him out of nowhere.

Wow...talk about a huge change in the status quo. His old friends back in school would probably die of jealousy if they knew that he had a girlfriend and had more girls attracted to him.

Nagata rubbed his temples as he tried to concentrate and make sense of what had happened. He wished his mom was here. She could offer him some advice on his current situation.

"Just go for it!" he imagined Yang saying.

"That sounds like her alright..." he mused.

"Follow your heart," he imagined Ruby saying.

He smiled. "Okaasan..."

He then heard another voice in his head, a strong male voice with a commanding presence, "Never falter! No matter what stands in your way, move forward to achieve your dream!"

Nagata blinked as he wondered out loud, "What the hell was that?"

And then there was a knock at the door.

Nagata wasn't expecting anymore company, but his door was always open to his friends.

"Come in," he permitted. The door opened and Kanu entered. His eyes widened when he saw her. Oh, how would she react when she learnt that Bacho had kissed him? Should he tell her? He shelved the matter for later. It seemed that Kanu's visit wasn't a social call. She looked serious.

"Hey, Aisha. What's up?" he asked.

"It's about your cousin. There's something that we think you might want to know about her," said Kanu seriously.

OK, now Kanu had his attention.

"What about Kara-chan?" he asked.

"While you told us to take Zhong to safety, Tanpopo wanted to kill him for what he did to Sui," Kanu started to explain. That was understandable. They were family after all and Batai wanted to get back at Zhong for what he had done. "That was when Idunn-sama encouraged Tanpopo to kill him."

"She what?"

"She even provided the dagger. Luckily, Sui was there to talk her out of it. I understand if you find this hard to believe, Nagata-sama. After all, she is of your blood. If you have doubts of my claims then the others will tell you the same." Karasu's actions had witnesses so Kanu had plenty of people to support her story, like her sisters-in-arms.

Nagata thought deeply about what Kanu had just told him. He didn't want to believe it, but he trusted Kanu. She was honorable and would have no reason to lie to him about something as serious as this.

"I believe you. You've never had a reason to lie to me so thanks for coming to me with your concerns," Nagata replied. Kanu smiled, glad that Nagata would not dismiss her words since this was about a member of his family. Family was important and she understood that he did not want to think ill of his only blood relative.

Kanu was just disturbed by how Karasu casual was about killing someone and how easily she tempted Batai into committing murder. They knew how ruthless she could be since they found her standing in the middle of the aftermath of a bandit massacre, but they didn't know how cold she could be until they witnessed her casually persuade someone to take the life of another who couldn't even defend themselves.

"I'll go speak with her," Nagata promised. He really needed to understand what Karasu was thinking. He may have changed in this era and had grown accustomed to using his blade to cut down his enemies, but he would never resort to murder. Killing in the heat of battle was one thing, but to take a defenseless life was another matter entirely.

"I'll leave you to return to your work then," Kanu replied as she politely bowed and turned towards the door.

"Wait, Aisha," Nagata called as he stood up and approached her.

"Yes, Nagata-sama?" Kanu asked. Nagata gently put his arms around her and pulled her towards him so he could kiss her. She was surprised by the suddenness but she welcomed it as she kissed back.

Nagata broke the kiss and said, "Actually, I think I would like to take a break." He picked up Kanu and sat her down on his desk before putting his arms around her.

Kanu blushed and asked, "Nagata-sama, what if someone catches us like this?"

Nagata smirked as he whispered, "Well, doesn't that just make things a bit more thrilling?"

Kanu only replied by kissing him deeply. They continued to kiss and then kissed again, and again, and again...and Nagata didn't get any more work done that day.


"I can't believe I kissed him!" Bacho wailed as she covered her face in embarrassment. She was sitting in the kitchen with Chou'un, sharing a bottle of rice wine. After what had occurred, she really needed a drink and someone to talk to. With everyone else being out of the question due to one reason or another, Bacho's only option was Chou'un.

Chou'un recalled having advised Bacho to kiss Nagata, but she did not expect the brunette to actually do it.

"I can't believe you actually did it," Chou'un commented. She gave her friend a thumbs-up and a wink of approval. "Good job."

Bacho just moaned in mortification.

"Did you enjoy the kiss?" Chou'un asked with a sly grin.

Bacho removed her hands from her blushing face and confessed, "...I did." She was still feeling ashamed that she had stolen a kiss from Nagata.

"Did he enjoy the kiss?"

"I don't know. I ran out the door before he could react. What am I going to do? I won't be able to look him in the eye after this."

"Knowing him, I doubt he'd be upset about a kiss. He'd be surprised, but not upset," Chou'un replied. "Besides, you're not the only one who's kissed him."

"Right, you kissed him too," Bacho recalled.

"There's also Aisha, but that's a given since they're lovers, and then there's Touka and we can't forget about Ren," Chou'un listed.

"Wait. Ren kissed him too? How do you know?" Bacho asked, surprised and curious.

"I have my ways," Chou'un answered mysteriously. She actually saw them kiss that night in the garden as Kachou Kamen when she returned from her nightly patrol. "But my point is that you're not the only one who has developed romantic feelings for Nagata-sama. You just acted on impulse."

"It was in the heat of the moment and all I did was followed your advice," Bacho defended.

"About kissing him? You do know I was just joking about that, right?" Chou'un replied.

"Well, now there's nothing funny about it! So what should I do?"

Chou'un reassured her friend, "Nagata-sama will still treat you the same as he normally does, but if you avoid this issue, you'll probably damage the relationship you have with Nagata-sama. You should use the next chance you can get to talk to him."

"Right, you're right," Bacho agreed before she downed another cup of wine.

"You know, after Nagata-sama received that letter from Zhong, he was absolutely furious. He knew something was wrong and rallied us all together to come rescue you. It was a good thing he knew something wasn't right. Otherwise, you would still be in Zhong's harem as one of his concubines," Chou'un informed Bacho.

"He would do the same for any of us if we were in trouble," Bacho argued.

"Exactly. He cares for all of us. That's what we love about him, isn't it?"

"Yes, that's what we love about him," Bacho agreed with a smile. She respected Nagata, admired him even, but now she could admit to herself that besides respect and admiration that she had fallen in love with her lord.

"So, about that kiss. How was it? Was there tongue play involve? Did you grab his butt while you were kissing him? Did he grab your butt?" Chou'un teased.

"Sei!" Bacho shouted with a crimson blush now covering her face.

"Come on, Sui! We're friends! You can kiss and tell with me!" Chou'un urged.


Meanwhile, Karasu's dagger sliced off the head of Bacho's ragdoll and she watched with grim satisfaction as stuffing fell out while the head dropped at her feet. Her pet crow Poe had watched them from outside the window of Nagata's office and thanks to her mask she could see it all. She normally used Poe to watch Nagata. It was her favorite past time. Every moment watching Nagata was always blissful.

But what ruined each moment was when she saw the girls getting too close to him, way too close for her taste. On the floor was Kanu's doll and she stomped on it repeatedly.

"He's mine...you thieves! Mine! Mine! Mine!"


"Tanpopo."

Batai cracked an eye open as she spotted Gien standing in front of her. The younger girl was lounging in the garden with her legs crossed, her back against a tree, and her hands resting behind her head. Her spear lay beside her.

"Oh. Hey, Enya," Batai greeted her friend and patted the spot next to her. "Take a seat. It's really nice under the shade here."

Gien took the offered seat next to her friend. While they had not gotten along during their initial meeting, they managed to find common ground to become friends. Though, like any other pair of friends, they still had their differences and would argue from time to time.

"You know, if I was in your place, I would've probably acted the same way," Gien said. Batai sighed. She knew this was going to be about what had happened at Zhong's place earlier. Gien continued, "I had an older sister who I loved very much. So, I can understand why you would get angry like that."

"My parents died when I was young," Batai confessed. "It was Sui-neesan's parents, my aunt and uncle, who took me in and raised me along with their daughters. We get on each other's cases, but we still love each other. When I found out what that guy wanted to do to Sui-neesan, I got so mad that I wanted to kill him."

"But you didn't go through with it, even with Idunn-sama's urging," Gien reminded.

"I'm a warrior. I'm not a murderer," affirmed Batai. "Besides, it just wouldn't feel right to kill him like that without him getting his rightful punishment. At least now he'll have to live with the shame of his crimes after losing everything."

"So, are you just going to just lounge here or do you want to have a spar with me?" Gien challenged. Batai opened both her eyes and grinned.

"You're on, but loser has to buy the winner a snack," accepted Batai as she picked up her spear. Gien smiled as she picked up her kanabo. They stood opposite each other and faced each other off.

As they clashed, there was no malice. This was just another bonding activity between friends.


"Finally home," Iori smiled as he, Kochu and Riri arrived at the gate of Touka Village. While they had enjoyed their stay with the Nanban Barbarians, for the most part, they still needed to go back to their lives and friends in Touka Village. Iori couldn't just leave Nagata to protect Shoku all on his own.

"I know we haven't been away for very long, but I've missed this place," Kochu stated.

"Me too," Riri beamed. She had fun with the Nanban Barbarians. She hoped to visit them again and hoped they could come visit Touka Village again too.

As they approached the castle, they saw Nagata stepping out to greet them with a young woman that the family of three did not recognize.

"Welcome home, buddy!" Nagata greeted with a smile as he bowed and shook hands with Iori. "And welcome back, Shion and Riri. How was your vacation?"

"It was great," Iori smiled.

"And very relaxing," added Kochu as she held Iori's hand. Oh, it was relaxing alright, and she and Iori had a lot of fun as they made love near the river and under a waterfall. There was some kind of thrill of making love, right outside, where anyone could catch them.

"I'm glad to hear it." Nagata smiled at Riri. "So, did you have fun with the Nanban Barbarians, Riri?"

"Yes! We played a lot of games together, like tag, hide and seek, and blind man's bluff!" Riri answered.

"I'm glad you had fun." Karasu made a sound of clearing her throat to get her second cousin's attention. "Oh, right. Iori, Shion, Riri, I want you all to meet my second cousin, Karasu Oda."

"It's nice to meet you. You may call me Armored War Goddess Idunn," Karasu told them.

Iori's eyes opened slightly in surprise. "She's your second cousin?"

"An Armored War Goddess?" gasped Kochu.

"Yeah, it's true," Nagata confirmed. "I'll tell you all about it later."

"It's nice to meet you, Idunn-sama," Kochu greeted the dark-haired young woman. "I'm Kochu Kansho, and this little one is our daughter Riri."

"Hiya, Onee-chan!" Riri beamed at Karasu. The corners of Karasu's lips quirked upwards at the sight of the cute little girl smiling at her.

"I'm Iori, Armored War God Ryugen," Iori introduced himself. "I look forward to working with you in the future, Idunn."

"Same here, Ryugen," Karasu returned.

"Come inside. Everyone can't wait to hear about your vacation," Nagata told the family. As the group headed back inside, Karasu glanced at Iori, Kochu and Riri. She wasn't threatened by Kochu or Riri. The woman was married and the little girl was just a child. Still, she wondered how she could get a bust size as ample as Kochu's.

"So, what has been going on since we were gone?" Iori asked.

"A whole lot, Iori. A whole lot," Nagata answered.


"So much for that arrangement," the Sloth Rinrinshi known as Nanamomo yawned as she walked away from Lord Zhong's estate. She had been staying in Lord Zhong's place as one of his concubines for several weeks now. It seemed like a pretty easy job. All she had to do was to pleasure the man in bed and she would be able to stay for as long as she wanted. She got good food, a comfortable place to sleep, and a roof over her head. What else could she possibly want?

She was so glad that her human form was so attractive. He had sought her out personally after first laying eyes on her. Her red kimono was worn in such a way that it was indecent and she instantly caught his eye.

Nanamomo was very proud of her human form. It was desirable and irresistible. Despite her looks and attitude, she was still a Rinrinshi of the RinJyuKen Akugata. As a Rinrinshi, her mission was to gather Rinki generated from the negative emotions of humans, and as far as she knew lust was a negative emotion.

While heading towards the next town, the female Rinrinshi bumped into an acquaintance of hers.

"Ah, Diaochan," Nanamomo identified the female Genesis Rider as she strode over. Diaochan was a woman who was legendary for her beauty. She had reddish brown hair done up in a ponytail with a flowery hairpin. Her outfit consisted of a sleeveless and backless purple top with a pink silk skirt that flowed down to the floor. The skirt had a slit up the side to expose a shapely leg. Covering her arms were pink, detached sleeves which were made of silk and had gold trim around the cuffs. She wore gold earrings shaped like cicadas.

"When I heard about your mission, I couldn't believe what I was hearing," said Diaochan. Obviously, she wasn't happy.

"What's wrong?" Nanamomo asked. Diaochan's narrowed eyes met with Nanamomo's sleepy eyes.

"How could you debase yourself like some common whore?" Diaochan asked hotly.

"Wow, you sound like a hypocrite," Nanamomo commented. "Don't you sleep with men to gain information from them?"

"No, I never always go that far," defended Diaochan. She would drug their wine so they would answer her questions before she put them to sleep.

"...I see..." Nanamomo nodded. "Well, it's alright. Gaim took care of Zhong so now I'm just looking for a place to sleep."

"Come with me then," Diaochan insisted.

"OK, Diaochan," Nanamomo smiled as she walked with the female Genesis Rider. It wasn't long before they found their path blocked by a gang of bandits. A pair of beautiful women, traveling on an isolated path together, was an attractive target for bandits. The women were clad in fine clothing, and from this piece of evidence alone they believed the two women were rich. Of course, even if these women had no valuables, the way the bandits were leering at them with hungry, lecherous grins told Diaochan all she needed to know of their intentions.

As Diaochan prepared to reach for her GenesisDriver, a black blur came out of nowhere and attacked the bandits. It happened so fast that the bandits didn't even realize they were in danger before it was too late. They fell to the ground as blood pooled around their bodies.

"Oh, it's you," identified Diaochan as the Rinrinshi stood before them. It was the Panther Rinrinshi that Gaim and Tyrant had fought earlier. The Rinrinshi soon morphed into her human form, revealing herself to be Hyohime of the Five Femme Fatales. She had yellow panther-like eyes, but those were the only facial features she revealed since the rest was hidden under a black mask. She had long black hair which was braided on the front with a ponytail at the back. A black velvet scarf was wrapped around her neck. She wore a dark top with white ties and black pants with thigh high buckled brown boots. Her arms were bare and tattooed with black spots like a jungle cat.

"Hello," Hyohime greeted in monotone.

"Hyohime-sama," Nanamomo greeted with a respectful bow.

"Not to sound ungrateful, but I could've handled them," Diaochan remarked.

"Bored," Hyohime responded.

"Pardon me?" Diaochan asked.

"Hyohime-sama says she killed the bandits out of boredom," Nanamomo translated.

"Come with me. Go bandit hunting," Hyohime invited.

"I just wanna sleep," whined Nanamomo as she yawned.

"Nanamomo, your powers can help make it more fun," Hyohime told her.

"Fine, but I'm taking a nap later."

"Acceptable."

"How about we find the new girl? I heard she loves killing bandits," Diaochan suggested.

"She's busy. Undercover mission," Hyohime informed her.

"Ah, right. She already infiltrated one of the kingdoms and nobody suspects a thing. It's fortunate that we found a spy related to their leader."

Hyohime nodded before the three women went down the road to either find or attract bandits. Their appearance would be a great lure for their prey. None of the bandits would ever suspect that they would be walking to their doom.


Sasuke was once again sitting in the eating establishment where he made his living. He had his eyes closed as he focused on his music. While playing his flute, his fans all gathered around him to listen to his music. After a few moments, he noticed the gradual silence that surrounded him, with the only sound coming from his flute. That wasn't odd to him, most of the time. Sometimes he was so engrossed in playing his flute, that his focus on his surroundings was significantly dampened.

Opening his eyes, he finally noticed the reason for the silence.

The entire restaurant had become empty. Not just empty. It had become deserted. In the time he had spent playing his flute, the entire place had been cleared out. There were no customers, no serving staff, and even the proprietress running the place was gone.

Wait, the place wasn't totally deserted. Sitting alone at a table was a man with chin-length blue hair and glasses, dressed in elaborate robes. He applauded as he looked at Sasuke.

"That was beautiful," Ukitsu said. Sasuke's eyes narrowed. There was something not right about this gentleman.

"It's not for free. Anyone who wants to listen has to pay," Sasuke informed as he pointed to the pile of coins on his table.

Ukitsu smiled as he stood up and reached into his sleeve. He left a money pouch on top of the pile of coins. Sasuke's eyebrow rose at the generous offering.

"My name is Ukitsu, and I'm looking for certain individuals with skills that might be useful to my cause," Ukitsu told him.

"Pass. I'm not interested in affiliating myself with anyone," Sasuke declined on the spot.

"Oh, I'm sure we can reach an agreement. All we ask is for a moment of your time," said Ukitsu with a pleasant smile as two more men walked into the restaurant. They were Ukitsu's associates, Saji Genpou and Shishi Ouin. They both smiled menacingly at Sasuke. What got the musician's attention were the GenesisDrivers they wore. Sasuke noted the subtle threat in Ukitsu's gaze. For a moment, there was an evil purple gleam in his eyes.


Zhong, the former noble, sat miserably in his cell as he stared at his food. It was a meager bowl of porridge. Instead of fine fabrics, he was forced to wear dull grey clothing like the rest of the inmates. The clothes, the food and the cell truly showed him how far he had fallen as it finally dawned upon him. No longer would he be able to enjoy his life of luxury and the company of his mistresses. His servants and guards had abandoned him and left him to his fate. His estate and assets had all been taken from him, and now he was just a lowly prisoner sitting in a prison cell where he would most likely die, all alone.

As he stared down at his bowl of porridge, a small black locust slipped between the bars of his cell to land on his shoulder. He did not notice the insect as he was too deep in thought nor did he notice how the insect's red eyes gleamed.


ARMORED WAR GODS BIO TIME!

Name: Sasuke Takeda

Alter-Ego: Armored War God Tyrant

Epithet(s): Ultimate Retribution

Faction: Neutral

Sasuke Takeda is another displaced Japanese citizen who ended up in Ancient China. However, he is anything but helpless. Along with his flute, he also possesses a GenesisDriver and Dragon Fruit Energy Lockseed. As his title implies, Sasuke uses his powers to punish the wicked for their sins. However, he can go a bit extreme with his idea of justice and won't let anything stop him.

Outside of combat, he is a peaceful person as he enjoys playing his flute. Using his skills, he earns money as a traveling musician. While he doesn't earn very much, he earns enough to get by every day. In addition, he also uses his powers as Tyrant to stop bandits. He has a strong sense of justice, dislikes oppression in any shape or form, loathes slavery, and hates it when people are victimized by people in power.

As of now, Sasuke is not interested in joining any faction. However, he may not have a choice in the future...


Lost Scrolls of the RinJyuKen

Panther-Ken: A JyuKen style that utilizes speed and ferocity. It's the perfect style for Hyohime who is the most silent of the Femme Fatales, only speaking when she needs to. The style fits her quiet nature as she strikes fast and evades counters to fight effectively. A truly dangerous style for a silent killer.

Neko Zan: Cat Slash. Hyohime extends energy claws from her fingertips to slice into her opponents.

Neko Ryuusei Zan: Meteor Cat Slash. This is a variant of the Neko Zan that employs lightning fast speeds. She also performs a variant where she ricochets all over the interior of the room to land quick strikes.

Neko Kage Zan: Shadow Cat Slash. Hyohime creates a corporeal shadow of herself and together they attack their opponents. Hyohime works completely in sync with her shadow as it mirrors her every move.


Fruits of the Tree, Yggdrasil

Dragon Energy Arms: Produced by the Dragon Fruit Energy Lockseed (E.L.S.-HEX), this Arms is Tyrant's default form. Like all Genesis Riders, he carries a Sonic Arrow in combat. A unique thing about his Energy Lockseed is that its body is red instead of blue like every other Energy Lockseed. This may suggest it has unique capabilities that no other Energy Lockseed possesses. As of now, the full power of the Dragon Energy Arms is still a mystery.


KRC: Again, I apologize once more for the delay, but I did manage to proofread the chapter and that takes time. 2-3 hours, depending on length. It also requires me to be repetitive and to go through the chapter like a fine comb looking for head lice.

OK, as you can see, this was another Bacho chapter. Nagata comes to her rescue. I would like to apologize in advance if I made Bacho look like a helpless damsel in distress in this chapter. True, she is a strong warrior but if Zhong sent all his guards to subdue Bacho, she would still not be able to get away or get far without a horse.

Also, this chapter includes the debut of a new Rider. While I know some viewers of the Gaim Gaiden might feel cheated since Tyrant is an anti-hero instead of a villain, that may not be the case any longer since Ukitsu has come for him with an offer. Will Sasuke refuse it? Will he be allowed to refuse it? Well, the answer to that question will come to you in the next chapter.

Anyway, yes Nagata is building a harem but not on purpose. It's also clear how Karasu feels about the situation and we find out there is a spy in one of the Three Kingdoms, a female spy who loves to kill bandits. Doesn't that sound a bit familiar?

And speaking of Karasu, she tried to tempt Batai into committing murder. That's not really a good thing. Zhong deserves the punishment but there is a right way of doing things. Karasu's manipulative nature is revealed here.

Anyway, after I finished this chapter, I realized that Zhong could have just kept Bacho drugged and not let Nagata know where she was instead of inviting him over for a dinner party. But then again, Zhong is used to paying people off to look the other way and perhaps believed the same method would work on Nagata. Guess he was wrong this time and this caused him to get caught. Greed, Lust and Pride...the sins that usually bring us down. Oh, and well, something has paid Zhong a visit, a tiny black locust which I find it to be not good for him.

Well, next chapter will have some surprises and perhaps this chapter could be counted as a filler, but I still enjoyed writing it and introducing more characters. And with this chapter, all the Femme Fatales have been seen in Beastman form! I really didn't want to end this season without them all showing their true forms.

Well, that's all I can say. Oh, and guys, if you wanna be fanfic writers, don't let what others say discourage you. Whatever you write, you do it from the heart.

Peace out. Sincerely, KRC.

TFP: Bacho got some limelight and ended up falling even harder for Nagata since he came to rescue her like a prince on a white stallion. Seems like he's collecting quite the harem without even trying, isn't he? Also he got a kiss from Bacho as well.

BL92: Seems to me that Bacho had stolen a kiss from Nagata after he saved her from being raped by a fat pig lord. Looks like Nagata became very popular with ladies and he's making a harem without even trying, but not on purpose. Also looks like we get to see Tyrant's debut in the chapter and I hope that he won't joined the Genesis Riders, although I had a bad feeling that they won't take no for an answer. And one other thing, Happy 30th Birthday to my bestest pal and partner in crime Chrome! Wish I could give him a present but he's too far away to send him one and I still can't think of a good present for him to show how awesome he is as a great fanfic writer and how he rock like a hurricane.