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Sangokuden Armored War Gods Saga: End of the Armored War Gods
Co-Written By: Kamen Rider Chrome and Ten-Faced Paladin
Beta Reader/Editor: Busterleader92
Interlude: Post-Battle Meeting
The Round Table of Shoku was Nagata's meeting place for himself and his generals. It also acted as a conference table for diplomatic meetings or meetings with allies.
A couple of weeks following Braco's defeat, Nagata called for an important meeting and requested the presence of their allies. Nagata was hosting this meeting. He, along with Komei and Ryuubi, represented Shoku. Sousou, Juniku, and Mitsuki represented Sou Gi as they sat to Nagata's left while Sonken, Ryomo and Masataka represented Son Go as they sat at Nagata's right.
Shoku, Son Go and Sou Gi, the Three Great Kingdoms of the Age of the Armored War Gods.
Ensho and Kosonsan were also invited to sit at the meeting, representing their own territories and factions. As Hideyoshi was presently working under Kosonsan, he sat with her as her advisor. Ensho came with Haru, Bunshu, and Ganryo.
"Thank you all for coming," Nagata greeted his allies. "You must be wondering why I've called you here."
"You sounded urgent," Sonken agreed.
"So, what's so important that you needed to speak with us?" Sousou asked.
"As you all know, the RinJyuKen Akugata now possess the Seal of Heaven," Nagata informed them.
"WHAT!?" Ensho shrieked in shock.
Sonken, Sousou and Kosonsan weren't surprised by this revelation. They had been informed by their Armored War Gods. Only Haru alone had failed to mention this to Ensho.
"Haru-sama, did you know about this!?" Ensho demanded.
"Yeah, I kinda did. Must've slipped my mind after everything that happened. Sorry, Reiha-chan," Haru answered apologetically.
"The Seal of Heaven...the physical proof of the Mandate of Heaven...in enemy hands..." Ensho paled at the terrifying thought. She was freaking out. Luckily, she had Haru with her to help calm her down.
"The RinJyuKen Akugata may have the Seal of Heaven, but that doesn't make us powerless," Mitsuki remarked. "We have the power of the Sovereigns at our command."
Nagata answered, "Akechi's right. I think it's more important that we focus on what we need to do about this. If Chojo and Braco's use of its power is any indication, our enemies have just gotten their hands on an artifact that will spell doom for us all."
"A huge understatement," muttered Juniku.
"That's why we need to find out where they are and stop them for good. Our best lead right now is Braco's army."
"When they traveled all the way to attack Shoku, they were coming from the East. We sent trackers to find their route and we think we have a clue where we could find their base," Komei said.
"So now we know where they are, right?" Ensho asked hopefully.
"It's not that easy. We only have a general area. Nothing specific," Komei answered with a discouraging frown.
"I might be able to help with that," offered Masataka as he unrolled a map.
"What have you got for us, Zangetsu?" Sousou asked, interested.
"I've been keeping track of all our enemy's activities. On this map, I've marked all the spots where there have been reported sightings. There is a pattern here and it appears that at the very centre of it is Mt. Tai. I suspect our enemy's secret headquarters is within that area."
"On one of the tallest mountains in China?" Ensho asked skeptically.
"It would be a good hiding place for them. Mt. Tai is very high and nobody will notice anything strange going on up there," said Ryuubi.
"So now we know where our enemy is hiding. Let's stop wasting time and storm the place now," Mitsuki eagerly suggested. He could already imagine himself burning the place to the ground.
"That may not be a wise move," Masataka cautioned. "We have a possible location but we have no knowledge of their defenses. If we go in without proper preparations, we might end up on the wrong end of a slaughter. We need a plan."
"What other plan do we need? The four of us already have access to the Power of the Four Sovereigns! And Ryugen has some kind of power that puts him on equal footing! The five of us can storm the gates and put a stop to them for good!" Mitsuki argued as he banged his fist on the table.
"A surprise attack would be good right about now," Nagata responded thoughtfully. "But without knowledge of the enemy's defenses, we could end up stumbling into a trap."
"So you expect us to just wait it out, Oda?" Mitsuki demanded.
"I just want us to be ready for what we might be facing. We've faced an army of Rinshi many times, but what if we end up facing an army of Rinrinshi?"
"We'll just crush them like all our enemies," Mitsuki proclaimed.
"And how many people will die once they decide to retaliate?" Nagata countered.
The two glared at each other. Sousou smirked, agreeing with Mitsuki, while Ryuubi looked worried. Juniku just sighed.
"While I may not agree with the idea of storming their base, I have to agree with Baron actually," said Masataka. "They've been allowed to get away with their actions for far too long. It's time we destroyed them for good."
"And Son Go will be ready to take the fight to them," added Sonken. "We have a large supply of Lockseeds that can be used to bolster our military might."
"So does the RinJyuKen since they're allied with the Armored War Devils, and I have the feeling they're trying to find a way to maintain better control over the Inves. There's also the fact that they also have an army of Kurokages," Sousou argued.
"How about we just keep an eye on the mountain for now?" Komei suggested.
"You mean to set up some kind of surveillance outpost?" Kosonsan asked.
"So we're just going to watch the mountain?" Ensho cocked an eyebrow.
"Well, we haven't completely confirmed our enemy's exact location. Maybe a surveillance outpost there could help us," said Nagata.
"And if it gets attacked by the enemy?" Ryuubi asked worriedly.
"If the outpost is destroyed by the RinJyuKen, then we'll know we're onto something," Sousou answered.
Discussions continued on where to place the outpost for quick reference and the best way for anyone who was actually there to evacuate. They knew if the RinJyuKen were stationed nearby, the outpost would be attacked and Nagata had no desire to waste lives. Masataka agreed, outvoting Mitsuki who merely felt all operations in a war carried a risk and they couldn't balk at it. Still, a location and assigned personnel were decided upon and the matter was settled.
Seeing one issue out of the way, Nagata brought up another.
"As you all remember, Rakuyo is now an abandoned city and stands as a grim reminder of a terrible tragedy," Nagata started. They all remembered the fire that took the former Imperial Capital and the lives of its citizens. While the buildings still stood, the damage was too severe, and it remained in such a state ever since.
"So, why should we care? It's just a bunch of ruins now," Mitsuki remarked dismissively.
Nagata continued, "The people of China once looked to Rakuyo as a symbol of strength and stability. They believed in the empire to always be there to protect them. But after the fall of the empire, things have just gotten worse. All of us are trying to make things better by offering aid to the former imperial territories, or by absorbing them into our own territory. Still, I don't think this is enough. That is why I propose that we restore Rakuyo to its former glory."
"You seriously want to fix Rakuyo?" Sousou asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"Do you really think it's worthwhile? The cost for new materials and hiring carpenters and builders will be staggering," Masataka added. "You'll have to raise taxes to cover those costs."
"It is worthwhile. Rakuyo is now just standing there as some kind of depressing reminder. However, by restoring it, the city can stand as a symbol of hope for a brighter tomorrow," Ryuubi spoke.
"It's a waste of time and money, but for the sake of the people, perhaps rebuilding Rakuyo is a good idea. It could give people a new place to live," Sousou agreed. While her plans for expansion could only go so far thanks to the war effort against the RinJyuKen, this offered a chance to spread her name further, influencing more provinces to join under her banner.
"That is if people will agree to live in a place with such a bloody history," Sonken argued.
"I think that, as long as people believe it has the blessing of the Armored War Gods, that they will not have any misgivings in living in Rakuyo," Nagata countered. "I also feel that the palace can be used as a base for our alliance, which brings me to my next point: Ukitsu's new cult."
"Let me begin by saying this: when we find the bastard who tried to turn me into a puppet, I will rip out his tongue and watch him bleed dry," Sousou stated threateningly.
"And I'll burn him right after Shibai's done squeezing every ounce of information out of him," supported Mitsuki. The two shared a mutual fist-bump, making Nagata shiver. It was scary and worrying how they always seem to be on the same wavelength.
"Well, since you both have had experience with this cult of his, you may have the floor," Nagata permitted.
Sousou nodded as all eyes turned to her. "It came as a surprise attack the likes I've never experienced before. Ukitsu stormed my palace in the dead of night, subduing all my guards. He then came to me and made me look into his eyes. That's the last thing I remembered before I woke up on a palanquin."
Mitsuki continued, "I returned after a raid on a bandit base to find the city empty. When I got there, Ukitsu was waiting for me. I was outmatched by his new comrade and forced to retreat. I had to return to my temporary base only to find it was attacked by Ukitsu's White Clothes. Fortunately, my Crimson Guard took care of the problem and managed to capture a prisoner. My new strategist Shibai was able to make him talk. We found out plenty from him."
"Ukitsu's trying to raise an army, correct?" Nagata asked.
"Yeah, an army of delusional fanatics who believe that Ukitsu and his group are the 'rightful' Armored War Gods and that we're the 'phonies'," Mitsuki confirmed.
"How could they believe that?" Ryuubi asked.
"Rakuyo," Masataka answered. When all eyes fell on him, he elaborated, "It's just a theory, but maybe it's about what happened in Rakuyo. Many people believe real gods should have been able to stop the fire. Because a lot of innocents died, there are people who have lost their faith in us. Ukitsu's probably using that as an excuse to recruit people into being part of his cult. The more people who lose their faith in us, the more he can recruit into his White Clothes cult."
"That makes sense. The foundation of every religion is to give people something to believe in. The same goes for cults," Hideyoshi agreed. "People can become vulnerable after a tragedy and are easily influenced."
"And I doubt it will end anytime soon. The people's faith is shaken right now. When the citizens of Son Go believed I was the one who killed Sonsaku-sama, they felt betrayed and lost faith in me. We're still working on restoring that faith," Masataka added.
"We can't allow this to continue!" Kosonsan proclaimed.
"Well, no need to worry about the En Clan's territory! My people's faith is still strong!" Ensho boasted.
"Don't be so sure about that, Ensho. You're not all seeing. Maybe they're hidden in plain sight," Sousou retorted. It happened to her after all. "For now, we should consider this cult a hostile force and deal with them accordingly."
"You mean kill them, right?" Nagata asked, knowing Sousou's preferred methods of dealing with threats.
"What other way is there?" Sousou shrugged. "This cult is as much as a threat to us as the RinJyuKen Akugata, especially since they are led by the Armored War Devils. This cult is turning our own people into traitors and causing them to rebel against us, an act that is only punishable by death. "
"I do not agree!" Ryuubi shouted as she stood up. "They're just people who were manipulated into joining Ukitsu's cult! You can't just kill them because of that!"
Mitsuki stood up and glared back at her. "When I joined up with Karin, I swore to protect her and her kingdom at all cost! If it means killing a bunch of crazy fanatics, so be it!"
"But they're just innocent people! They're victims too!" Ryuubi argued.
"So you recommend we find a way to help them?" Mitsuki asked.
"Yes!"
"And if they refuse our help?" Mitsuki challenged. "Are you just going to force them into accepting your help?"
"I..." Ryuubi hesitated.
"It's a waste of time to try to help someone who doesn't want your help."
"That's enough. Calm down," Nagata ordered and Mitsuki scoffed before sitting down. Ryuubi was still upset as she sat down as well. Kosonsan gave her best friend a comforting pat on the shoulder and smiled proudly at how Ryuubi was willing to stand up for her beliefs.
"All I'm saying is that we may not have the means to help them," Mitsuki put in.
Nagata replied, "I can see where Ryuubi is going with this. Cultists are usually innocent people who are manipulated by the leader to commit acts that may go against their original nature, but that doesn't make them completely innocent since they willingly joined the cult. I don't recommend killing them unless there are other options." Nagata knew this wasn't going to be easy. A unanimous agreement was rare, but they could at least settle for a compromise one, something that all the parties involved could agree with. Komei taught him that compromise was just another part of diplomacy.
"So what's your plan to deal with them?" Sousou challenged.
"If they surrender, we'll take them prisoner and treat them humanely," Nagata recommended.
"So, we're allowed to take prisoners then?" Sousou asked.
"And have them dealt with accordingly and fairly," Nagata added, looking directly at Mitsuki and Sousou. They were the most war-minded members of this Alliance.
"Then we will deal with the White Clothes our way," Sousou stated.
Just because they were part of an Alliance, it didn't mean they had to play by the same rules. Sou Gi was her domain, and she would deal with the enemy her way. Her retainers all supported her and Mitsuki did as well. Despite coming from the same place as Nagata, Mitsuki was a lot like her. They would deal with any enemy with the appropriate and proportionate use of force.
"No, we need to come out with a solution we can all agree with. I can't have you executing them because they happen to fall in your hands. We are in an Alliance here and we need to decide this together," Nagata reaffirmed.
"Oh, really?" Sousou challenged and the two leaders had a stare down.
"Yes, really. If I wanted to decide their fate by myself, I would not have called you all for a meeting. We're all equal here, and we all have a voice."
Sousou and Nagata stared each other down. Next to her Mitsuki was prepared to say or do something, but he knew this was Sousou's battle. He abhorred politics and such things, but the petite conqueror knew that particular pit of vipers well. That aside, he was glad to see that Nagata still retained his will and spine after his near-death experience. Some people would have been broken by such an experience.
"Hmm," Sousou pondered before sitting back. "Very well then. Our methods of at least capturing them should be at our own discretion, but once we have them, we can coordinate what we learn from them. However, we all know fanatics don't usually turn so easily no matter how well you treat them."
"Treating them harshly would just reinforce their stance against us," Nagata retorted. "We simply show them that they can still have faith in us, can still believe in us. Is it impractical? Maybe, but I see it as being more effective. What better way to destroy an enemy than to make them our ally?"
Sousou conceded the point. After all, she had done the same thing with the Yellow Turbans and the Chou Sisters. "Still, I will reserve that treatment depending on how receptive they are to it. I will not coddle anyone who is so firmly against me."
"I agree," Sonken nodded. "While I have no qualms about trying to win hearts and minds of these...disillusioned people, I will not spare them punishment if they remain steadfast against us."
Nagata nodded. While he didn't like the idea of torture, interrogation, or executions, he knew that Sonken and Sousou were willing to resort to those methods. The Ukitsu's cult was at war with them and such practices were needed. Still, he had gotten his point across. The cultists were not going to be recklessly slaughtered, which was what Nagata had been hoping for. Death in battle was one thing, but execution afterward was another matter entirely.
"I wish to say something." Ensho raised her hand, bringing all attention to herself. "A long time ago I may have agreed with Sousou. However, recent events have allowed me to see things from a different perspective." Ensho held Haru's hand as she continued, "I believe we need to deal with this threat, but we can't treat every member of the threat as monsters. They're just people who lost their way and Ukitsu played on that."
Sousou was surprised and asked after a brief pause, "...Okay, who are you and what have you done with the real Ensho?" There was no way Ensho would say something so wise unless it was something she rehearsed for a speech.
"It's just that I learnt that people are important. There are casualties in a war, true, but what will it mean if we just slaughter them just for being on the other side? It would just prove that we can't be trusted. Monsters, yes, should be killed. But these people just need something to believe in," Ensho finished.
Everyone was speechless while Bunshu and Ganryo applauded their leader. Haru even grinned and cheered.
"...OK, that was unexpected," mumbled Nagata. Had Haru's influence on Ensho been more than he expected? He just thought Haru would help Ensho to be a better person, not smarter and more humble.
"That was beautiful," Ryuubi smiled approvingly.
"I don't believe it and I heard it straight from Ensho's mouth," commented Kosonsan.
Mitsuki rolled his eyes. He was surrounded by bleeding hearts.
"But how should we deal with them as a whole?" Sonken asked.
"We cut off the head: Ukitsu and the Armored War Devils. Without them, the cult will fall into disarray. Then, we can focus on helping them," Nagata suggested.
"Provided they want our help," Sousou rebutted.
"Look, whatever Ukitsu's plan is, we will stop it. Theirs and the RinJyuKen's," Ryuubi strongly argued.
"Agreed," Nagata relented. "Anyone who wishes otherwise?"
"Nay," came the unanimous agreement.
"Matter closed then," Nagata nodded. "Any other business?"
"I'd like to bring a matter up," Hideyoshi volunteered. "Since this is a new stage in our conflict, we need to keep our connections with each other strong so we can share intelligence. To that end, we should all have a more efficient means to keep in touch."
"We already have the crystal balls and our helmet communicators, what more do we need?" Mitsuki asked.
"This," said Hideyoshi as he showed them a common Lockseed. The only thing that set it apart from other common Lockseed was that the front displayed his personal insignia.
"A Lockseed?" Mitsuki deadpanned.
"Observe," Hideyoshi said as he unlocked the Lockseed. The front flipped open like a clamshell to reveal a screen in the core and a keypad. Instead of numbers, each of the keys had the personal insignia of the Armored War Gods. The screen lit up to display Hideyoshi's personal Rider emblem.
Now this got everyone's attention, but Hideyoshi wasn't done quite yet. He tapped Kurokage's symbol and the screen changed to display the same emblem. A moment later, the device began to ring before the screen changed to show Kenshin's face on it.
"Hello?" Kenshin responded.
"Ta-da!" Hideyoshi showed off.
"What in the world!?" Ensho gasped as she jumped out of her seat in shock. "Is that magic!?"
"Is that a phone?" Nagata pointed in surprised disbelief.
"What's a phone?" Ryuubi asked.
"A communication device from our world," Nagata answered.
"And my own Armored War God discovered it," Kosonsan boasted.
"Where did you get that?" Masataka questioned as he examined the device.
"Funny story, really..." started Hideyoshi. "It all started one day while I was in Helheim, examining the flora..."
Hideyoshi was in Helheim to harvest Lockseeds. As he examined them, he took out his smartphone to take a picture of the Helheim Fruit. He picked a fruit off its vine and held his smartphone close to it, trying to get the right angle. As he watched the fruit beginning to morph through the phone's camera, the fruit suddenly merged with his phone.
He reflexively dropped his phone as the merger took place. Once it was done, Hideyoshi carefully picked up the item and studied it.
It was a Lockseed with his emblem in front. He then unlocked it. This caused the front lid to flip open like a clamshell, revealing a keypad on the lid's backside and the core had a screen on it. It didn't display anything, but from the look of it he managed to conclude that the Helheim Fruit had merged with his phone to make a Lockseed Phone.
"I gotta show this to Kenshin!"
"And that's how I acquired this baby!" Hideyoshi finished.
The Armored War Gods were speechless as Hideyoshi proudly finished his tale.
"Your phone merged with a Helheim Fruit to make that?" Masataka asked incredulously.
Nagata questioned, "Your phone still works here?" Nagata had all but given up his phone for being useless. The battery had died ages ago and he only carried it out of habit half the time. He didn't think he'd get a use out of it anymore.
Hideyoshi answered, "When we got here, it only worked for taking pictures and other apps. There are no cellphone towers so no reception. And you can forget about getting WiFi too." He held up the Lockseed Phone and added, "But now that it's like this, it can be used as a communication device again."
"How did you keep it charged for so long?"
"Kenshin's dad modified it for me and built-in solar panels for charging. Voided the warranty but now it runs on solar energy."
"The idiot's father was able to do that?" Mitsuki asked skeptically.
Hideyoshi scowled and was about to defend Kenshin's family when Kenshin did it instead as he shouted from Hideyoshi's Lockseed Phone, "I CAN STILL HEAR YOU, SO WATCH YOUR MOUTH, BARON! MY DAD'S A FUCKING GENIUS!"
"Thank you, Kenshin," responded Hideyoshi before he shut his Lockseed Phone. "Anyway, if you guys brought your smartphones with you, go to Helheim and do what I did. Instant Lockseed Phone! With this, we can keep in touch while on the move and without our armor."
"A useful device for coordinating ourselves," Masataka realized.
"Beats carrying a crystal ball wherever I go," Mitsuki remarked.
"Hm, Lockseed Phone sounds like a mouthful. How about we call it the 'LockPhone' instead?" Nagata suggested.
"Not a bad suggestion," Hideyoshi agreed. The name had a nice ring to it.
"It's too bad we don't have the materials to mass produce something like this," Masataka said with disappointment. With each soldier holding one, it would allow for better coordination on the battlefield.
"Yeah, but it already solves quick communication issues between us," Hideyoshi shrugged.
"Okay, we'll each get right on that," Nagata nodded. "Alright, does anyone else have anything to say about the subjects of our meeting? The Seal, the White Clothes, anything?"
Ensho immediately raised her hand again, this time sounding rather girlish rather than the serious leader she was a few minutes ago. "Before we end this meeting, we have an announcement to make. Haru-sama and I will be getting married."
"Oh, my! Congratulations!" Ryuubi cheered.
"So, when's the wedding?" Nagata asked.
"We haven't set a date yet, but you'll know. We'll send invitations," Haru grinned as he rubbed the back of his head.
"And you're all invited. Just remember to bring me plenty of gifts when you show up," Ensho smiled.
"Now that's the Ensho I know," quipped Sousou.
Nagata shook his head and looked to his allies. "So, with no further business to discuss, I'll adjourn this meeting. Now, how about we all go and enjoy the festivities?"
The meeting broke as everyone went to explore the Harvest Festival and meet with their friends. Among them all, Sousou walked alongside Mitsuki and commented, "You seemed oddly contemplative."
"Oda's gotten stronger. He needs to be watched."
"And you still think his compassion is a weakness that's holding him back."
Mitsuki recalled Chitoge and answered, "No, but misplaced compassion can lead to trouble. Only when it bears fruit is when it has value."
"Doesn't that require faith?" Sousou inquired. "After all, you can't always predict the outcome."
"Perhaps not, and that is why we need to hold all the cards."
Meanwhile, Nagata and Ryuubi were exploring the festival grounds.
"You seemed at odds with Sousou-san and Baron-san, Nagata-sama," Ryuubi observed as she and Nagata walked through the grounds of the festival.
"Just worried about what they will do after the RinJyuKen Akugata is no longer a threat," replied Nagata.
"Won't we have peace?"
"I wish I could be as optimistic as you, Touka. Unfortunately, we can't always trust our allies. You know how ambitious Sousou is. The only reason she's working with us is so an obstacle to her ambition can be eliminated."
"So she's just using us."
"If you think about it, we are all just using each other. But what I want is to prevent another war from starting right after ending one."
Nagata needed a way to make Sousou understand. They could be united just not in the way she wanted. He knew what her alternate did from the history books. If she was anything like Cao Cao then she would try to conquer China and unite it under her banner, by force if necessary. They would have another war, and Nagata refused to let that happen.
KRC: This is our first interlude chapter for Season 6, and I liked how it went. We got the views of all the leaders, and we also introduced the LockPhone. I know that there can be more in their discussion, but I wasn't going to dedicate a LONG chapter to the meeting. Also, if you want to place this meeting, it takes place between the time everyone was recovering after the fight with Braco and the start of the Harvest Festival.
TFP: And so our interlude chapter is done. The meeting between the leaders in the aftermath brings everyone up to speed. They each have their different methods, but they all know that they have to work together if they're going to bring down the Armored War Devils and the RinJyuKen. Now that the enemy has the Seal of Heaven, though, that task just got much more difficult.
