The Tigers of Chi-Ha-Tan ReRise Volume 0: The Veil Before Glory

by Nazz11

They say our past defines our future while shaping some in the fires of conflict. From a young lady who must forge a bloody path with her sword and bow to the save her clan, while birthing the true Nishizumi style, to a team whose warrior code is facing the twlight of its era, but will press on to whatever end. They all have thier stories to tell, as the fall comes before the rise.

7. The Downfall and The Choice

Authors Thought:

Hello dear readers, sorry for the long delay, but this chapter prove the most difficult to write out while turning into one of the longest so far of this prequel, so again sorry for the long wait, but finally got it done much to my relief. With this also being highpoint for this first arc with only one more chapter to go before we say goodbye to Nakano and move onto the next arc I hope I can get done by the end of the month.

Again thank you for your constant reading, it means the world to me, and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Till the next Authors Thought.

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The dawn had come, the sun slowly peeking over the hills to the countryside casting a reddish glow over the sky with streaks of clouds here and there. It was the promise of a new day coming again, a promise of gorgeous one at that. Though the reddish glow could be seen as an ominous forewarning of the day's coming event, as this crimson dawn was like a promise that blood would be spilled. The blood of invaders who had desecrated the land for a past grudge, for which the defenders would pay them back tenfold.

As standing in the shade of trees was none other than these proud defenders who had been sitting in the saddles of their horses for some hours, waiting for the dawn to peek over the land, to which was to be their signal for the attack on the enemy armies camp, the Kawahara camp that was, that was sleeping soundly, having this sense of security in their victory over their enemies.

The Shimada clan.

Though this sense of security was due to their army numbering in the 30,000. With such a large force, any would feel victory is ensured, especially knowing how few the enemy was. It was because of this invincible feeling, these very men had gone on a drinking rampage the night before, as they were only a day's march from the Shimada's main castle that would stand no chance to their overwhelming numbers, with the Kawahara men themselves already picturing the spoils they would take from castle once they sack it.

These dreams of their spoils fuel the Kawahara men to no end but also had made them complacent, as much as their very own leader, Hitoroka Kawahara, the new lord of the clan after killing his father in a duel. With this very lord leading the campaign not for any strategic value in the end, but only to sate his own honor after having the Shimada family reject his marriage to their only daughter. Now finally having immense power to wield against them with no one to stop him, this mad young lord would start his rise to prominence by butchering this proud family for good.

This narrow-minded thinking is what had placed this very lord into this precarious spot.

His blind need for vengeance had brought his men to the gates of their demise.

Just as the Shimada's had wanted.

Under the shade of trees facing the flank of the Kawahara army camp, the very Shimada who had come up with this bold strategy, while also being the one to reject the marriage proposal was Akina Shimada herself, she was quite a beauty with her pale skin, her long light brown hair that looks almost like silver tied into a neat bun, with light brown eyes that added to her loveliness. Though her beauty was covered up by her samurai armor and helmet.

Don't be nervous Akina, we got this far, now all we need to do is scatter them and will save our clan and home

The young Shimada thought as she petted the side of her horse's face she sat atop of. Her horse was restless and a little unhappy as well, but Akina knew that was because they had been sitting in place since the middle of the night, while there was a cloth tightly secure around the muzzle of her horse, so to keep him quiet. Several times her horse bobbed his head up and down, practically telling Akina he wanted to ride and get this obscuration off his face.

With a smile, Akina leans forward to speak to her horse. "There, there, will get that thing off you soon enough. Just bear it a little longer boy."

Her soft words seem to quiet her horse's internal rage, as he stop stamping his feet and sat still. Though Akina could tell if they didn't do something soon, he be right back at it. Turing over her shoulder, Akina took in the sight of the seemingly endless lines of her Shimada mounted warriors behind her, even if they in actuality number only 5,000, from the ground level it looks like more.

They as well had wrapped cloths around their horse's muzzles to keep them quiet, but the Shimada warriors were just as restless as their horses, ready to get into the action as well. They had to endure allowing these invaders to do as they please for an entire month engaging only in small skirmishes to buy time, yet now they were ready to deliver something back to them to end the blight to their land.

"Sister, it's time," Tetsuzan, Akina's brother said.

Looking to her brother, Akina didn't speak but simply nod knowing they were waiting on her command. Then she turn back to her front and took a deep breath. For this would be the first time she was going into battle, as she had mostly stayed in the rear, looking things over, mostly because her father didn't want her in the thick of combat. Yet Akina wanted to prove to the clan of her commitment to their people's safety, wanting to prove it through actions, rather than empty words, or shouting commands from the rear.

She was here now, without her father's knowledge. He be angry for sure when news got out of her fighting, but that was something Akina could endure. For this was also personal for her, knowing these invaders were here for the sole reason to quench their man young lords need for vengeance as petty as it was.

Feeling as ready as ever, with her men chaffing at the bit to get underway, Akina brought her hand down to draw her katana slowly from her saya, this was followed by all the other Shimada horseman matching her, save for the hundred or so who were going into battle with short bows which were easy to use on horseback. Though again, Akina hope they didn't run into the Nisizumi warriors, as she could attest from the reports of skirmishes fought with them, that they were greatly skilled with archery, more so than them.

"Alright, let us begin," Akina said, as she reach down to take the cloth of her horse muzzle, as there was no need to be quiet anymore.

Taking one last look to her left and right, Akina raise her sword in the air, then lower it to point at the camp across from them. Nothing laid before them but a flat open grassy field, with the need for speed as the thunderous hooves of their horses, would alert the enemy to their presence, but there was no choice, they would have to push past this little obstacle. Akina's only element that could rectify this was the fact it was dawn and the enemy was drunk from the night before.

With no word and no more need to stall, Akina gave her horse a small kick to its flanks, making it begin to walk slowly forward, this was followed by the rest of the Shimada horseman doing the same. As one the seemingly endless lines of Shimada horseman trotted out of the woods, with their grey armor and Shimada clan banners attach to their backs.

The horses now without their muzzles being shut by cloths being tied around them, began to neigh as they could feel the excitement of what was to happen, wanting to be put through their paces by their riders as the slow pace was not to their liking. Yet they kept the slow trout going never stopping their forward push to the invader's camp, as they crush the grass under their hooves.

For I am a Shimada, and duty to my family is all that matters to me…

And to destroy all those who would harm us…

That is our style…the Shimada style...

Akina thought using her family's creed to harden her resolve, then turn her attention to the enemy camp in front of her, seeing the small campfires still lit, endless tents scattered about, with everything still silent. Which made her grin as the enemy still was unaware that they were about to be assaulted. This fuel the young Shimada's heart as a month of lulling the enemy was paying off, with the time to right the wrongs they had done to them.

With the distance close enough, Akina raise her voice to the sky. "Come Shimada warriors! Cleanse our lands of these demons who wish to harm our people!"

"HOOOOOOUUUUUAAAHHHHH!" The Shimada horseman roar after their leader.

Then as one, they all gave a hard kick to their horse's flank, giving them the ok to go into a full gallop. A sudden thundering of hooves filled the air after the battle cry, with the horses neighing with excitement as they were running now with one another. Their riders were just as excited, holding their katana's tightly in their hands, hungry to use them on the Kawahara men who were about to get the taste of the Shimda clan's fury.

"Come on boy, show us speed," Akina said quickly, though careful to not bite her tongue off with the constant bobbing in the saddle she was doing.

Her horse follow the command, pulling ahead of the pack, making Akina's brother call to her to slow down, but was drowned out by the thunderous hooves of their men. Even if Akina heard him, she would not slow down, as the camp came closer and closer, with Akina just able to make out that some tent flaps were beginning to open, with some Kawahara footmen wondering what was making such a raucous so early in the morning.

Their wonderment turn to horror as the sight of the enemy coming to attack them became very evident. Making them scramble to get their weapons and armor on, but some opted to save their own skin by running, as from their perspective it look like a large army attacking instead of mere 5,000 Shimada horsemen compare to the 30,000 Kawahara men in the camp.

Watching this from the saddle, still charging hard, Akina grin wider as from her angle it look like someone had kicked an ant nest over, with its occupants scrambling to find out what the danger was. Yet there was no effort to rally the Kawahara men to fight, with many acting on their own, which only added to the chaos of the situation in the camp and they hadn't even crossed swords yet.

It didn't take long for the crossing of swords, as Akina was the first to break into the camp with katana in hand. Her first victim was a man running, who she cut down with swing down on her right side as she passed him, and he went down without a scream, dead before he hit the soft earth

That was the first man I've ever killed, I did it without hesitation

Akina thought, looking down for a moment at the dead Kawahara footmen, as even amid the chaos, she was reflecting on killing someone. It seem easier to say she was going to defend her land with her sword and cut down any who were in her path, but the reality was different to her now. This man might have been a father, husband, brother, or someone's son. Yet she just kill him as if he was nothing but an obstacle in the way.

Maybe this is why my father didn't want me on the battlefield, to do such things…but I can't hesitate now, my duty is to my family…to whatever end…

Akina thought once more, then suddenly felt a hand on her arm holding the reigns. Turning she takes in the sight of a Kawahara footman trying to rip her from the saddle, he was shirtless with only his hakama on, with an angry look on his face.

"Bastard, that was my friend!" The Kawahara footmen roar at her, still trying to rip her from the saddle.

"Let go!" Akina struggle, as he was too close for her to properly swing her sword.

Just as he was about to completely rip her from the saddle, a sword flash across the Kawahara footmen's back, making him jerk from the sudden pain, then slump down onto the ground near Akina's horse's feet. Looking up, Akina took in the sight of her brother who had saved her from the enemy.

"Damn, if I didn't tell you not to be reckless," Tetsuzan said with a shake of the head, as all around them their warriors rode into the camp, causing chaos as their swords went to work butchering their enemy with no mercy in their hearts, for they had had none on the common people of the Shimada's land.

"Sorry, didn't mean to get reckless like that," Akina said bashfully.

"It's fine, just remember to be aware of your surroundings," Tetsuzan said, then rode his horse deeper into the camp.

Akina nodded at him as he rode on, then turn to check her said surroundings. Everything was in an uproar, as the Shimada horsemen rode through the camp, some lit torches from the enemy campfires to throw into the tents, setting them ablaze that was part of the plan to add to the panic of the Kawahara army. Even from the ground level, Akina could see everything was working out as she hope, as the enemy wasn't putting up much of a fight, save for maybe thier samurai, who were honor bound to fight to the end, but for the common footmen, there was little to gain when they were being beaten so abruptly.

Their great confidence that victory was to be obtained easily, was all but shattered in this one moment. As the Shimada's tore them to pieces, but there was no way for a mere 5,000 men could kill all of them, yet the chaos was causing them to flood out of the camp in a panic, with one on able to regroup them to get back into the fight.

"Push forward!" Akina yell to her men, giving her horse another confident kick to its flanks to charge forward.

Riding hard through the camp, something caught Akina's attention, it was a woman running towards her in a frightened state. Her kimono was hanging loosely off her, having unable to get it properly on when the attack started, behind her a Kawahara footman was chasing her, seeming to care little for how the battle was going against his side, his only concern was the women.

Pulling her reins to the left, Akina push her horse past the fleeing enemies and her own horseman at work. She got halted by another Kawahara footman who try to rip her from the saddle too, but this time she was focus, as she pull the reins to the right making her horse turn into him, making the man stop as he didn't want to get run over, but also was push to Akina's right, with her katana in hand, with a quick downward slice to end him.

Before the Kawahara man fell dead on the floor, Akina was already pulling her horse away to get back to her main task. She just caught sight of the woman who had trip in her attempt to get away, with the Kawahara footman now straddling her, then pull out a small knife from his belt. Seeing this only made Akina push her horse harder, not about to let this young woman die in front of her, but couldn't do anything from the saddle, so she had to wait till she got close, then stood up in the saddle and jump off her horse.

Her target was the man, crashing into him and getting him off the women. Akina and the man went down in a tangle of flesh together, but they were quickly trying to get the upper hand on one another on the ground, wrestling for dominance. In the battle of strength, the Kawahara man rip her helmet off, revealing Akina's long sliver brownish hair that shine in the morning light. The Kawahara man let a shocking look across his face, as it was revealed he was fighting a woman.

Yet this shock didn't last long, as the Kawahara man finally got the upper hand while pinning Akina down with his hands around her throat. With airwaves cut off, there was nothing left but to struggle for Akina against the man, but couldn't break his hold on her windpipe, with her vision starting to fade. Knowing she had to act quickly, Akina brought her hands up to rip at the eyes of her attacker, who howl at gouging of his eyes.

This cause the man to let up, giving Akina the chance to fight back, as twisted her body while on her back, jerking the man off her. Then got to her feet in a flash, her mind still dizzy from regaining her breath, but focus on finding her katana she had lost when she jump on the man, which she quickly found lying not too far from her. To her relief, she began to run to grab it but was tripped up when something grabbed at her ankle making her fall face forward into the grass.

Looking back, she caught sight of the man she was already wrestling with not giving up, his face had angry red marks from her scratching. Which only made him angrier ready to give this woman some payback, as he crawl to her, ready to begin a second round of choking her, but was stopped when Akina kick in the face crushing his nose, causing another howl of pain.

"Bitch! You broke my nose, now I'm gonna really enjoy killing you!" The angry Kawahara footman said, bringing his hands down to look upon his foe with a bloody face.

Not wasting time with words, Akina crawl to her feet, making for her sword once more, with the Kawahara footman right behind her. It was just as she was reaching her sword, did she feel the man make another grab at her, but this time she was quicker, sidestepping it while bringing her blade across the man's stomach, making him howl for a third and final time while falling to the grass in pain.

Watching him whimper in pain didn't get any sympathy from Akina, as she then turn to find the women he had been assaulting earlier coming to her.

"Are you ok?" Akina asks the woman as she walk up to her.

"I should be asking you that, he almost kill you," the women ask.

A small chuckle follow the statement by Akina, who then spoke. "Yes, he almost did, but he closer to killing you than me, miss?..."

"I'm Suko," the woman said.

"Well you are safe now Suko, please find a place to hide till we eradicate the rest of this army," Akina said, then made a move to mount her horse.

Yet stopped, when Suko grab her arm, making Akina turn back to her, as Suko spoke. "Please, you have to save the other women. They kept them all near that Kawahara Lord's tent, to be entertainment."

Hearing that made Akina growl, as she spoke. "Alright, mount up with me and direct me to the lord's tent."

"Certainly," Suko said, then soon both were mounted, riding into the sill hectic struggle, as the Shimada horseman kept the pressure up, and Kawahara ran for their lives from the enemy. Smoke rose into the air, the smell of death clung with it, as there were constant sounds of pleas, screams of pain, and curses.

As the Shimada prove to gain their land back from these invaders.

XxxxX

"Run! Run!" A Kawahara footmen yell.

This was echo in different ways by other men as well, each shouting for their comrades to flee from the butchering happening. The butchering being done by the foe they had so scoff at for being cowards for continuously never meeting them in the field of battle, yet had launched an attack at dawn at their camp, catching them completely off guard and now the proud Kawahara army was in flight, though their samurai compatriots were doing their best to rally the footmen, there was no stopping the panic now that had become infectious.

Like a human wave, these men wash out of camp that was burning down as Shimada horseman ran down any they found or resisted. Most made a break down the dirt road that they had so proudly marched down just the past day, but now we're running down it, doing their best to get away from the battle.

Even though these very men were comrades in arms, the unbridle need to save their own skin came to the forefront, shoving and pushing one another to get away as fast as they could. Some took the advantage to get off the road and run in their own direction hoping the enemy would waste time killing their comrades on the road giving them a chance to escape and save themselves.

One such Kawahara footman, who hadn't even reached his 17th name day was one of these who took the very path off the main dirt road to try to get back home. The young boy had no weapons, only his kimono and hakama pants on, having only time to get them on when the attack started. He still remember the very group of men he had spent the night before, joking about their coming victory, who had scattered fast and left him behind. They were to look after themselves and not some boy who they barely knew.

"Those cowards," the boy said, tears in his eyes, feeling such humiliation that he couldn't fight back. He had dreams that this was the start of their path of unification for Japan, having been brought up on stories of the Nobunaga and his ambition to end the fighting.

Yet that dream was now dead, as the very army that was supposed to have gained this unification was running. Though the boy was running along with them, seeing no point to stick around for the slaughter, even with the will burning to fight, but with no one standing to hold back the Shimada clan only prove to the boy that his own life was what was most important. To get back to his family who was waiting for his return, there be no care for his battle honors he might have achieved, just glad their son was home.

This belief push the boy to run faster and faster over the grassland, his legs burning from the exertion with every step, but he force down any desire for rest because of this need for survival. In the distance, he saw a small patch of woods that could be his hiding place till things cool down and then made his way back to the Kawahara territory, which now became his sole obsession to get there.

A sudden cry of distress from behind the boy made him look over his shoulder to see some Shimada horseman come riding out of the burning camp and descend on the packed mass of panic Kawahara footmen. Even though they outnumber their foe, most of the Kawahara footmen had no weapons, leaving them behind in their rush to safety, making them scatter more before the horseman who went to work cutting down any within reach.

Watching his comrades be cut down like nothing, only fuel the boy's want to reach the patch of woods so as not to join those dead or dying. He didn't get close enough before a Shimada horseman spotted him and pull his horse in the direction of the fleeing boy to add to his katana's kill count. The excitement of battle fed the Shimada warrior's heart, seeing their proud foe fall so easily to them, that he cared little that his target was just a boy because he too participated in the invasion of their lands.

"Oh kami, I'm going to die," the boy said to himself, looking over his shoulder constantly to see the enemy horseman was getting close.

"Die invader, enjoy the taste of choking on your blood," the Shimada horseman said, his katana raise high to bring down with great fury.

The boy felt everything slow down, as he could almost feel the jaws of death closing on him, and nothing was going to save him. He would die in this place, with no one caring or remembering him. His family back home he so wanted to see once again would grieve when the news of defeat gets to them. He only hope they forgive him for so readily joining this crusade against their wishes.

Closing his eyes, the boy accepted his death.

Yet death would not take him, not this day.

An arrow flew out of the shadow of the woods the boy had been trying to flee to, flying true over the space, it found a home in the Shimada horseman's chest, which made him gasp in surprise at the sharp arrow tip piercing his armor. Slowly he slump out of the saddle as he felt his blood seep through his lips, but his face still contorted in anger looking to the tree line where the arrow came from, seeing a line of black and gray-clad armor samurai come flying out, the banners attach to their backs proudly displaying their clan, a tiger roaring its defiance.

The sigil of the Nishizumi clan.

Damn, to think I die to them, but guess theirs honor in meeting an actual honorable warrior on this battlefield

The Shimada horseman thought as his breath left him, as he left this world, but with a smile on his face knowing he had done his duty.

While this was happening the boy who had been facing his death, now turn to see the Shimada horseman fall from his saddle dead, then turn to look to his savior, being the Nishizumi clan samurais riding towards him. At the front, the boy could see their leader, A young girl, looking to be just passing their 18th name day. Her smooth skin was graceful pale that shine with the early morning light, only enhancing her beauty. Long black hair, that seems to have a blue shade with the morning light, and large greenish eyes.

Nakano Nishizumi

The boy thought, remembering seeing her ride into the camp the night before, being captivated by her beauty and her aura. She carry herself as a warrior along with her men, unlike the Kawahara, for which the boy had gained a secret admiration. Now he gets to see them in action and prove their exceptional warrior skills was more than rumors, but a reality.

XxxxX

Bobbing up and down in the saddle, Nakano push her horse faster with her short bow in her hand with an arrow ready to nock, press forward to the battle, or better put as a massacre that was happening at present. It still boggles her mind how the Kawahara army was so unprepared, but then again the previous night Nakano had tried to get through to the Kawahara leader Hirotaka of the impending danger, but he was so drunk on sake and his ego that nothing had gotten through to him, and now is men were paying the price.

Focusing herself, Nakano brought her eyes to the small host of Shimada horsemen, who had been cutting down the fleeing Kawahara footmen but were no reigning their horses in to focus in on her and her men. In total, she counted maybe 30 at most, but as the battle in the camp die down, more would come to finish off any stragglers left. Nakano's main objective had been to try and join to give the Kawahara army some reprieve, but thier was no stopping what was happening, the best thing she could do now was get her men home safe, but she needed to buy some time for her own footmen.

"Men! The Nishizumi clan calls on you to honor your oath this day!" Nakano said, looking back at her men.

"My lady!" the contingent said back to her.

"Your bow is you, the arrow is your will!" Nakano call back to them.

"Make its aim true and never miss!" Her men roar back to her.

That made Nakano smile, then focus back to her front, as she loosen her grip on the reigns, to begin the process of leveling the bow, pulling the string back as she focus on her target. The bobbing in the saddle didn't hinder her aim, as a true Nishizumi, she was one with her horse when she rode. Finally settling on a Shimada horseman, she took a silent breath through her nose, then loose her arrow at the foe.

Its aim was true, puncturing right into the upper chest of the Shimada horseman, who jerk in surprise by the sudden arrow piercing him, then slump out of the saddle. Nakano's men follow suit, loosing arrows at the Shimada horseman who was to be given the same deadly accuracy their comrade had gotten, being knocked of their saddles by the precise aim that they had come to fear of the Nishizumi warriors.

Nakano had another arrow nock in no time, loosing it just as quickly catching another Shimada horseman, but this one slump back in the saddle for a moment, then regain his hands on the reigns to rise back up. Then wounded warrior urge his horse forward to meet her, to which Nakano honored this enemy warrior, by drawing her katana from her saya, coming forward to meet him, as her warriors continue to loose arrows at other Shimada horseman as more seem to be arriving to aid their distress comrades.

"AHH!" The Shimada horsemen said, shouting his war cry while taking a swipe at Nakano as their horses passed one another.

Though Nakano remain quiet, sensing his sideswipe to which she met with her blade in right hand checking it away, then rose in her stirrups to perform a cross slash that caught the wounded Shimada horseman in the back as they passed each other, making him grunt as the katana pierce his armor cutting in his flesh which was to be the end of this warrior as he slump out of the saddle and onto the soft grass below, never to rise again.

Letting out a small breath, Nakano look at the dead man for a moment, then turn her attention back to her front. It was then she saw a young boy running towards her, dressed in the colors of the Kawahara, but was weaponless, as Nakano's guard continue to fight off the ever-increasing Shimada horseman now seeming to focus on them.

"My lady! Please take me with you!" the young boy pleaded, coming up side of her horse.

"Don't get so close to Lady Nishizumi!" Okabe, Nakano's personal guard said, coming up with his horse to bar the young boy's path.

"Okabe, it's alright," Nakano said with a wave of the hand.

"My lady?" Okabe ask.

"What's your name boy?" Nakano ask.

"Isa Kinmochi, my lady," The boy said back.

Nakano nodded, then turn to Okabe. "We need to begin our retreat back home. Take Kinmochi on your horse and get back to our men."

"My lady, if we retreat, we are leaving the Kawahara to their fate. If their lord survives, he will seek vengeance," Okabe said.

Turning to look at the chaos before her, Nakano watch as the proud Kawahara army dissolve before her very eye's with no resolve to fight. Sure they might regroup later on, but with the Shimada clan possibly wanting to invade their foe for some payback, that might buy Nakano's clan the time they needed to regain their strength to stand on their own once more, give back the proud fighting spirit the Nishizumi clan once had. There was no need to die here, no need to fight for a mad lord, for a tomorrow was being given to them.

"They'll have to deal with the Shimada clan before they could ever come after us, so let us take this opportunity to get back home," Nakano reply, then turn to the young boy. "Kinmochi, do you wish to stay here?"

The boy quickly reply. "No my lady, please allow me to travel with you. I wish to go home back to my farm and family."

"Good, Okabe hurry and take him," Nakano order.

Okabe nodded then held his hand out to the boy, who took it gratefully while being lifted onto the horse. Nakano then call loudly over the chaos for her men to regroup, to which they quickly comply, disengaging from combat, while other Nishizumi horsemen loose arrows into their foes to dissuade them from pursuing. Watching all this, Nakano could see they were out of time, as a second wave of Shimada horseman came riding over a hill out of the burning camp coming for them, seemingly to be solely focused on meeting the Nishizumi warriors instead of cutting down anymore Kawahara fleeing footmen.

Guess they must want us bad

Nakano thought, then wave her sword to order her men back to the cover of woods, hoping to lose their pursuers and make it back to their footmen and leave this battlefield. Sheathing her katana, Nakano look over her shoulder several times to see the Shimida horseman coming after them, their gray armor shining in the morning light, their face mask making them look ferocious, but Nakano already knew that from crossing blades in the campaign already.

Soon the Nishizumi horsemen reach the woods, which now slow down their pace, wanting to keep their horses steady so as not to trip over a root that might kill their steed and them as well if they fell over. With the Shimada hot on their heels, looking to cut them down, but were also having to slow their pace so as not to suffer a fall pushing their horses too hard.

Needing to buy some more time and maybe dissuade their pursuers, Nakano nock another arrow, then twisted her upper body all the way around with ease due to her flexibility. Pulling the string back with an arrow ready, she pick out an enemy horseman pushing his horse hard to get to her to which she sent an arrow his way. It was deadly accurate, catching him in the neck, making him grab at it fruitlessly as he fell off his horse, which cause his comrades to curse Nakano for killing him while pushing their horse harder to get to her.

"My lady! Please ride ahead of us!" One of Nakano's men call to her.

"No, keep riding! No one is dying in this godforsaken place," Nakano order, keeping to the rear to protect her men.

"Pl-," the same man try to persuade his leader, but an arrow caught him in the back, making him gasp in surprise and then fell off his horse dead.

"No!" Nakano shouted, riding past his corpse, remembering his name was Usui Suketsune, he had two sons, who now be fatherless because of her.

Steeling her heart, while her teeth clench tight, Nakano perform the same action as before as she rode on. Nocking an arrow, then twisting her body around to find the horse archer, who she found quickly trying to nock his own arrow, but notice he was being aimed at by Nakano and try to hurry up the procedure.

That was a mistake

Nakano thought, her internal anger over the death of her comrade making her focus. Everything seem clear to her as if her body was moving but she was just watching it happen, not doing it herself. Part of this was down to long hours on the practice grounds with Hachiro drilling her hard to turn her into a warrior, to which she honor all that hard work now.

She loose the arrow.

It found its home.

With the man dead before he ever hit the ground.

Watching him fall lifelessly onto the ground, Nakano felt no pity, no hesitation, and had no mercy. This was war, she understood that as this campaign wore on. She watch her men die under her orders, which always tug on her heart while making her want vengeance on those Shimada warriors, while she knew in turn they wanted to kill her and her warriors for their own transgressions.

Maybe this is why father dream of a land without war, without this needless anger and hate

Nakano thought, then felt danger screaming in her mind. Quickly she grab the handle of her katana and drew it out, then with a flash of unmatched speed, swung it to catch an arrow that had been aimed at her. The metal of her blade caught the arrow tip, sending it away and onto the forest ground. Turning she try to find the one who fire the arrow, but then felt danger again beat against her mind like someone was pounding on her head, making her flash her sword again to deflect another arrow that had been aimed for her, then another, and another.

The strenuous effort to keep the arrows at bay wore on her nerves, as the Shimada's archers were on par with their own men. They fire with deadly precision, not just mindlessly aiming like Kawahara men, every arrow aimed for a weak point in her armor Nakano knew, making her once again respect these skill enemy warriors, though she needed to focus or she be one of the dead on the field too.

A sudden splashing of water, brought Nakano's attention to the front as the her men were crossing the creek that ran through the woods, that was not too deep, allowing their horses to quickly navigate it and get to the other side. While on the other side of the creek there were foot archers she had place to cover her men as they cross ahead of time in case they were pursued.

Being the last one to cross was Nakano who just got her horse into the water when her archers unleash a volley across the creek to cover her. While she respected the Shimada horseman's archery skill, they were no match for the accuracy of the Nishizumi whose volley had a devastating effect, as a loud cries of anguish and curses rang out as many Shimada horsemen were knocked out of their saddles.

Good, now we just need to get back to our men and go ho-

Nakano began to think but was to pay for her small loosening of her guard, as an arrow pierce the hind leg of her horse from behind, by a Shimada horseman who hadn't gone down from the initial volley. Nakano's horse let out a painful neigh, then lost its footing throwing its rider into the water forcefully.

Everything happen in a flash as Nakano hit the water, being under the water for a moment, before rising for a gasp of air feeling some pain in her shoulder. Her bow and katana were gone from her hand as well, most likely lost when she was thrown. Even her distorted state, Nakano reach down to touch the second katana on her hip, her late brother's katana and was glad to find she hadn't lost it.

"My lady!" Okabe yell, turning his horse around to see his leader sitting in the creek.

One of the Nishizumi archers broke from the cover of trees to try an assist his leader, but caught an arrow in the chest for his brave act, then fell dead in the water, making Nakano gasp, then turn to see the Shimada horseman coming up to the edge of the tree line on the opposite bank, dismounting and firing arrows at their foe, with more arriving with each passing moment.

Watching with horror, Nakano saw her men were getting overwhelmed by the number of arrows from their foe, several being hit in the trade. With Nakano laying in the creek, with no way to help anymore, though she knew the order she have to give to save her men. An order that made her heart clench because she was afraid.

Afraid to die here, in another clan's land, away from her home she wish to see once more.

I'm sorry father, Hachiro…and Toshikasu, and Shoda, please forgive me for breaking my promise…

For I am not coming home…

For I am a Nishizumi...I must honor my clan till the very end...

With the steeling of her resolve, Nakano yell over the chaos of arrows being traded. "Okabe, get the men out! Get them home!"

Okabe who sat atop of his horse with Kinmochi leaning around to watch what was unfolding, felt great shame wash over him. The proud samurai had an oath to keep Nakano safe, that was his duty given to him by his lord. A duty that had been his for two long years of keeping her safe while hunting down bandits in their land and then with this war. Yet he was about to fail his duty seeing there was no way to save his lady with more Shimada warriors coming up to the other side of the bank.

Clenching the reigns tightly, Okabe did as his lady ordered. "All men retreat! Back now, back, back!"

The Nishizumi warriors all turn around in awe, unable to fathom the order to leave their leader behind. Though they fear dying, they knew their duty to the clan. While Nakano had earned their loyalty over the duration of this campaign, so leaving her behind was something they wouldn't do, with several staying where they were to keep loosing arrows across the creek at their foe, knowing they were going to die here, but they were resolved to protect their lady to the end.

"Did you not hear me!? I said retreat!" Okabe bark, but again the men didn't listen, even as they were slowly picked off.

"So this is the Nishizumi way, the true way of the warrior," Kinmochi said, the young boy inspired by this selflessness that his own band he knew had none of.

Bravery grip the young boy who jump off Okabe's horse, then pick up a sword from a fallen Nishizumi warrior, then charge into the creek to get at the Shimada's who still firing. Even though this young boy desire to see his home again, his passion to fight burn too bright to stop now.

Other Nishizumi warriors watch the brave boy's charge, which inspire them to drop their bows and draw their katanas to join the charge, which those mounted samurai urge their horse to charge forward as well.

Okabe watching all of this just shook his head, knowing there was no stopping them. If anything this was what he wanted to meet his end while protecting his lady that was his oath that he honor with his death to his lord. Then gave a kick to his horse's flank, then charge forward with his men to meet their destiny on this field.

"No! I said retreat!" Nakano yell, but to no avail, as her men came forward with no fear.

Despite her order, Nakano's men didn't listen coming forward across the creek, prompting Nakano into action as she stood up, with her hand brushing across the hilt of her katana in the water. Making her pick it up, while drawing her brother's katana as well from her hip, then charge forward at the Shimada forces, ready to meet their end on this field this day.

Watching this mad brave charge, the Shimada warriors stop firing arrows in complete awe that their foe was coming on with no fear to meet their larger force. Again the Nishizumi steel will was being displayed to them, even with the odds all against them. These were the warriors the Shimada wish to meet on the field, not the cowards of the Kawahara army who had ran from the fight. To honor these brave foes, the Shimada warriors drop their bows and charge forward as well.

Both sides met in the creek.

Cruses rang out.

Steel was traded.

And red became the color of the creek, as the bloodbath ensued.

XxxxX

Smoke floated into the air, carrying the scent of burnt wood and death with it. The once-proud Kawahara camp lay in ruins, tents rip down or burn down. Kawahara samurai and common footmen lay everywhere, most unable to even get into their full armor on, having tried to fight shirtless or practically naked, if they even fought at all. Many of the footmen who couldn't make it out of the camp simply lay down to surrender, who were now being herded in by the Shimada warriors to be taken as prisoners as war.

Watching over the proceedings as her men went about looking for any of their own comrades who might be wounded or dead, spearing any Kawahara wounded men, and gathering any of the women who had been kidnapped was Akina Shimada, now resting near the Kawahara lords tent itself. Having been led earlier by the women she save, that led her to rescue other captive women held in the main lord's tent. Though part of herself was hoping to find Hirotaka, he had long since fled much to the irritation of the young Shimda who had wanted to end him personally for bringing so much suffering to their land.

Yet, they had done the impossible. The small Shimada army had scattered the large Kawahara army, ending the blight to their land and its people. Even now, reports were coming in from riders about the Kawahara army in complete ruin, barely putting up a fight as their horseman kept the pursuit up. However, a problem was starting to rear its ugly head was their horse's stamina.

They were spent from the charge into the camp and now pursuit, with the need for rest coming becoming paramount or the kill their horses from overwork. Making Akina curse herself for not bringing footmen into the battle to use as reserve to keep the pressure up, but then again that might have not have help in the slightest as men would become just as tired trying to run their enemy down, so she accept that they had done significant amount damage to the invaders, enough to make them run home and let that be the end of this war.

"My lady?" a voice call out.

Akina turn her head to the Suko, the woman she had saved during the initial charge into the camp. Behind her were other saved women who had been taken captive by the Kawahara army. The very thought of what they had to endure made Akina's blood boil, but cool herself knowing they were safe now, and hopefully could put this ugly chapter behind them and return to their families.

"Yes, what can I do for you?" Akina said with a warm smile.

The ladies look to one another, then collectively nod to one another, follow up by all of them bowing to Akina in gratitude.

"What's this?" Akina asks a little baffle.

"We are grateful for you saving us my lady," Suko said, which was voice by the other women as well.

Akina smile with a wave of her hand. "It was nothing, I did only my duty to see you safe. I'm sorry we let these invaders take you from your homes in the first place."

"Either way, we are grateful to you and your warriors for saving us," Suko said, then shoo the other women away to give the Shimada some space.

"You did well little sister," Tetsuzan, Akina's brother said while coming up to her side.

"We did great as well brother," Akina said turning to look at him, then look back to the destruction of the enemy army camp that lay before them. "To think they were so ready to run."

"Cowards really, but will take this victory as it is. We even suffer very minor casualties as well," Tetsuzan said with an approving look.

"Yet for all this, we only push the enemy back the way they came. At most we inflicted maybe two thousand or maybe three thousand losses on the Kawahara," Akina said in an annoy tone.

Tetsuzan just shrugged, then spoke. "Not all plans go smoothly, at most we bought time to regroup ourselves to fend off the next invasion."

That statement made Akina contort her face in frustration as she spoke. "Is that all we can do? Just survive against this constant splashing tide, till eventually, we are wither down to nothing."

"Again, I think you make a good philosopher dear little sister, not a warrior," Tetsuzan couldn't help but tease.

"Ah, don't mock me," Akina whine, causing her brother to chuckle, loving to get a rise out of her.

"Message! Message!" Someone shouted.

Both Shimda's turn their heads to see a rider coming towards them, in haste that spoke to the horseman's frantic nature. He quickly reign his horse in front of his leaders, breathing just as hard as his horse was panting from the exerting ride his master had put him through.

"Message, we push the Kawahara army further back, but a large contingent of our men got sidetrack from the pursuit," the messenger said.

"Sidetrack?" Tetsuzan said, his face becoming serious.

"We ran into the Nishizumi warriors, who gave us fight before they fled toward a wood so we follow. Then we got drawn into battle with them across a creek, even though we outnumber them. It's a bloodbath, and our men keep pouring into it to fight with them so rapidly that we lost control of the pursuit force," the messenger said.

"The Nishizumi warriors, eh? Guess it's time to go see what the fuss is all about," Tetsuzan said with a wide smirk, speaking to his excitement of the fight coming.

"Brother, we should try to make them stand down," Akina said.

Tetsuzan look at his sister, then shook his head. "Their warrior's little sister, they fight to the end. That's the way of their clan, to give everything to this field of battle, like I said before we should honor that side of them with our own fighting prowess."

"There is one other thing," the messenger said, making both siblings look to him. "That woman is with them, their leader."

That made Tetsuzan grin wider. "Nakano Nishizumi, now we got a fight, come, dear sister, let us see this Tigress for ourselves."

XxxxX

The shade of woods gave a little reprieve from the heat of summer day that was coming on, shedding the cool dawn that had started it. Making Akina glad for the shade, as her armor was becoming stifling in the heat, with sweat dripping down every part of her body, with her hope that soon she could take it off for a simple kimono, but she still had a duty to finish.

Riding with her brother and a contingent of guards, they were riding at a steady pace, being led by the messenger to the battle with the Nishizumi warriors, wanting to meet this Nakano Nishizumi who had been a thorn in their sides since the start of the war, constantly thwarting their flanking movements on the Kawahara army, yet they were now going to come face to face with her on this field.

"Not far now," the messenger said, urging his horse on.

As they continue on, Akina made note of the bodies of her clan's warriors who laid dead as they rode by, with arrows protruding from their bodies that had punctured at the weak points in their armor once more speaking to the deadly precision of the Nishizumi archery. It made Akina give a quiet gulp in fear that now they would be facing these warriors up close, but she push down her anxiety as far as she could and steel her resolve to win this day.

The sound of a clash of blades was becoming louder as they got close, but a line of their men block the path, some were mounted, others standing seeming to want to get a peek at what was going on. Quickly Tetsuzan order them to make way, to which they comply, making a human walkway for the Shimada siblings to get to the front.

Soon they reach the edge of the woods to the small creek that split through the woods, with the tree line of the Shimada warriors not participating in the fight in said creek, but simply watching on in awe and dread. Akina was greeted by the sight that had dumbstruck her men, making her cover her mouth in horror.

A sight that invoke fear and trepidation in her heart, as the once clean clear water that ran down this creek, was now the color of crimson from the dead bodies that floated lifelessly in it. Though just from a glance, Akina could tell the body count of her own clan's warriors outweigh the Nishizumi black-clad warriors, which sent a shiver up her back. The next sight was just as dreadful as the dead bodies.

For all the Nishizumi warriors were dead, save for one, struggling against a host of Shimda warriors. Their armor was wretch and tatter, practically down to just their kimono and hakama they were fighting in. Long black hair wave as the figure moved like a whirlwind in this bloody creak, swinging two swords like she was in a dance with her foes who could not keep up with her performance, and they made them pay for being behind a step.

"Is that Nakano Nishizumi?" Akina ask herself, watching from atop of her horse as the scene play out before her.

The Nishizumi lady was being assaulted by 5 Shimada warriors arm with katana's, who came at her from all sides, hoping to finally cut down this tenacious opponent, but like many of their comrades before them, they were to meet the same dreadful faith as they were no match for this warrior who seem to move as if she knew their movements before they even made them.

One Shimada warrior came forward with a downward slash from behind, to which Nakano spun around with a low cut across the stomach sending him crashing back into the crimson creek, to add to its color, while another came with a low slash aim at her leg. Nakano twisted one of her swords into a reverse grip and check the swing, then brought her other sword in hand across the man's throat sending him to his knees trying to keep his life force in with his hands at his neck but was a fruitless endeavor.

The last three Shimada warriors hands began to shake in fright at their opponent, as her speed and precision weren't just down to archery, but also her swordplay. This woman they knew was far beyond their skills, having cut down not just these men, but many when the battle in this very creek began and was only the last one because no one could get close enough to seriously wound her, at most just chip away at her armor.

"Enough!" Tetsuzan yell from his horse, getting everyone's attention. "Back away, I will deal with her myself."

"Brother," Akina said in a whisper of concern.

"She's dangerous, more so than I can ever believe. Don't interfere, I will handle her myself," Tetsuzan said while climbing down his horse, then handed the reigns off to one of his men.

Akina obey, watching her brother climb down from the creek bed and into the crimson water itself. He made sure to mind the bodies of the dead, while coming forward, he wave his remaining warriors off coming to meet this Tigress while drawing his katana from his saya. Though as he approach, he notice the woman wasn't even looking at him, her swords lower, while looking at her dead comrades lying in the creek, seeming one in particular, a boy who was dressed in the Kawahara clan armor colors, for what reason he didn't know why.

Feeling he was close enough, Tetsuzan spoke. "Lady Nishizumi, I see your clan's fighting prowess is not to be taken for granted. Know I plan to fight you as one warrior to another, don't disappoint me."

A cheer from the Shimada warriors went up for their lord's son, who they knew was going to finally be a match for this woman who had been butchering their comrades since the start of the battle. Now they could rest easy knowing Tetsuzan would make short work of her.

Yet Akina couldn't relax, her heart was pounding in her chest. A sense of danger was washing over every fiber of her being, and she didn't know why. It felt like all they have done was back a tiger into a corner, but some say that was when it was most dangerous, and right now this Tigress was back into said corner ready to mangle any who approach it to survive.

"Come let us see this Nishizumi style can best the Shimada style," Tetsuzan said, getting himself into a ready stance.

Yet Nakano didn't ready up herself, just continue to stare at the dead boy, making Tetsuzan once again wonder what her deal was. Then he got a shock when he saw tears slowly roll down her eyes, yet she didn't sniffle or show any emotion.

"Why do you keep staring at that Kawahara corpse? Why shed tears over him, when you have a battle in front of you, my lady?" Tetsuzan now ask.

Once again, silence grip Nakano, then she turn to him, and for the first time taking in the sight of the Shimada warrior, then spoke. "His name was Isa Kinmochi, all he wanted to do was go back to his farm and family. Yet he died here, for no other reason other to protect me."

Tetsuzan said nothing, lowering his guard for a moment.

"Okabe, Chiura, Kotaro, Koyasu, Chuichi…" Nakano began to rattle off more names.

Now Tetsuzan went wide eye, seeing her tears become a torrent, yet still, no emotion was on her face.

Is she naming all the men under her command who've died here…that's insane…maybe she's lost her mind in this bloodbath…may be better to end her torment with my sword.

"Aonuma, Takeru, Ozaki, Mamoru," Nakano continue to rattle off names.

Having enough of hearing these names, Tetsuzan press forward with his blade in hand, while in his mind he look to end this womens' suffering here and now. Yet was surprised when Nakano quickly stop talking, jerking her head to him in quick succession while bringing up her swords to fight.

Their blades cross with the high ring of the metal clashing in the air, Tetsuzan gritted his teeth in agitation that his initial swing hadn't caught her out, then back off to give himself some space. Then let loose a flurry of swings at range, hoping to outdo this women's guard, but every time she check him with both her blades, switching each one from foregrip and then reverse grip to match him. The odd fighting style was throwing Tetsuzan's rhythm off as he couldn't find the weak point in her defense as their blades clash faster and faster.

She's matching Tetsuzan?...I've never seen anyone keep pace with his sword play…

Akina thought, watching on from her horse as her brother kept up his flurry of attacks, along with the other Shimada warriors.

"Damn, your good," Tetsuzan praise, as he disengaged, needing to regroup himself.

Yet wasn't given the chance, as Nakano came forward now, seeming to be untired even after fighting so many warriors earlier. Looking at her face Tetsuzan saw no emotion, just those large greenish eyes that had a predators look to them and he was the prey. A feeling of dismay grip him, as he check the initial swings of this razor focus woman.

"She's driving Tetsuzan back?"

"No way, I've never seen anyone do that!"

"She really is a Tigress like they said."

"No, she is a demon."

"Should we help?"

"That would disgrace our lord's son, he must carry out this duel to the end."

The voices of the Shimada warriors rang out along the tree line, watching the duel carry on, with Nakano swinging faster and faster at Tetsuzan who could barely keep up to the duel sword assault, having no room to counter as Nakano got in closer and closer.

Nakano kept one sword in a reverse grip, using it for attack and defense. It was unorthodox for sure, never before had she fought like this, but her mind was blank at the moment. All she was doing was fighting on instinct to defeat her opponent and defeat him, nothing else mattered, not going home, not surviving, just one thing occupying her thoughts.

Victory at all cost.

She's fighting like death isn't possible for her, I need to do something before she cuts me down

Tetsuzan thought in desperation, knowing he was on the back foot now. Then he notice even in the swordplay, that Nakano's blades were chip, a result of cutting flesh and bone, that would make swords become blunt after such a long use in battle. Giving Tetsuzan an idea, as he now fully allow Nakano to keep striking at him, seeing how her movements were losing momentum and was swinging wildly at this point, but was still a dangerous opponent.

As their blades cross once more, they became locked as Tetsuzan brought his face close. "You grieve for men under your command, yet how many of my comrades did you send to their graves. How many widows and orphans have you made?"

"Shut up! I did my duty to protect my people!" Nakano said, her face losing its netural state becoming angry at the words.

"You're no protector! You're a monster!" Tetsuzan said, doing his best to antagonize his foe so his plan could work.

"No I am not…" Nakano said, her teeth clenching like she was trying to show off her fangs.

"You demon!"

"I am no demon…"

"You spout of protecting your people, but you kill others so easily for your own sake!"

"Stop!"

"So let us dance demon tigress!"

"Stop.."

"Murder!"

"I only did my duty…"

"Your so cold!"

"That's not true…"

"So unwavering!"

"Stop…"

"You are truly a Nishizumi!"

"No…I only want to prote…pro…"

"You only take!"

"No…I protect…"

"You destroy!"

Nakano had enough, as she roar back. "No!"

She push forward vigorously, throwing Tetsuzan back a bit, then brought her blade down in a wild overhead strike wanting to end this man. Make him shut up and stop eating at her mind with his accusations, no longer wanting to believe that she might be the villain here, the very thing she had hunted down in her own lands, but now she might have just become that evil.

Is this war? Is this what father wanted me to so avoid?

Nakano thought, bringing her blade down with such force that she had fallen right into the Shimada's plan. Pressing back, Tetsuzan swung upward in a diagonal swing to meet his opponent's downswing, with the resulting force making the steel ring loudly. Then it happen, a small crack in Nakano's blade began, then it snap entirely in half having been blunted down by so many men she had killed.

Surprise wash over her face, as time seem to slow down for Nakano who watch Tetsuzan now bring his blade in a side swing. Quickly she threw her broken katana away in the crimson river, now down only to her brother's katana to aid her, as she move to check the swing. Now she was on the defensive having to block every swing that was aimed to end her for good, with fatigue now catching up to Nakano as her opponent was not letting up as the moment was with Tetsuzan now and he wasn't about to relinquish it.

Nakano's grip on her blade became too loose in her beleaguered state, as she try to check another swing, but the strength behind it was strong enough to send the blade out of her and into the crimson water as well. Before she could react, she felt the point of the Shimada's blade cup under her chin, so close it might cut her throat if she made the slightest movement.

"It's over my lady. You fought valiantly, yet now I ask for you to surrender," Tetsuzan said, though large gulps for air, as he was at his end too now.

Nakano said nothing back, breathing hard as well. Her body felt so sluggish, while sharp pains were beginning to sprout up, telling her of the soreness to come on later, that's if she live through this, as the will to fight on was burning in her heart. For she knew this was the leader of the Shimada army in front of her and the longer he struggle with her, was more time the rest of her men would be granted to escape back home.

A home I'll never see again, but I'll gladly fight for to the end

Nakano thought, then took a deep breath to steady herself with closed eyes. Then open her eyes to take in the sight of the Shimada warrior before her, who cock his head to the side, seeing his opponent was not broken, and look ready to keep fighting even with a blade so close to her throat.

"You Shimada's do a lot of talking in battle," Nakano said in an emotionless voice.

"Well, that stuff I said earlier, I didn't mea…" Tetsuzan try to explain himself.

"You should never doubt how far a warrior will go to win, here let me show you," Nakano said, making the Shimada balk at her statement.

With no fear and unmatched speed, Nakano brought both hands up to grip the blade with her glove hands, she felt the cut of the sharp blade into her fingers, with warm blood seeping between them. Yet, Nakano push this down, as she wretch the blade away from her, then before her opponent could react she got close, throwing a solid jab across his jaw causing him to lose balance and fall into the crimson creek while losing grip on her own blade.

Quickly Tetsuzan got his bearings while checking on his jaw to make sure it wasn't broken. Then look up to see Nakano standing over him, with his blade in hand with an overhead swing ready to be brought down on him, and end the heir of the Shimada clan for good.

"Brother!"

The feeling of danger screamed at Nakano who quickly brought her blade up to deflect an arrow away. Then look to the source its flight, with her eyes catching the sight of the women coming down into the creek, throwing away her bow she had just loose an arrow from, while drawing her katana to meet the foe.

A women?

Nakano thought, now herself being surprised to see an opponent of the same sex for the first time. Quickly their blades met, as the fated two met on this field of battle, each eye the other with intensity as the excitement of battle washed over them.

"Lay down your arms! There is no reason to fight anymore the battle is over!" Akina said, wanting this to stop, having watched the savage affair from afar long enough and wanted to end this meaningless bloodshed.

"I will not, as long as breath remains in my lungs, I will fight to the last," Nakano said back with anger.

Yet Akina wasn't going to be deterred. "For what? For who? Don't you have family who wishes to see you once more?!"

"It's for that family that I wish to sell my very life for!" Nakano said.

"Is that what life is worth to you!?" Akina roar back.

"Wah…"

Akina press forward. "You were crying earlier for your men because they had died, their life snuff out for nothing other than a mad lord's ambition, am I right?"

Nakano said nothing back, as their katana's continue to grind in their deadlock.

"You wish they had lived, not be part of the wheel of death we are in. I can see that, you've fought with the honor of your clan that can't be ever questioned, your honor is has been upheld, so please lay down your blade," Akina press once more hoping to make her opponent see reason.

"I…I…I…No your just tricking me like your brother did earlier, I won't be fool!" Nakano said, returning to her bloodlust state, breaking the deadlock by pressing forward shoving Akina back some, then brought her blade in a side swing to kill her opponent.

"Damn," Akina curse, matching the side swing, then the following strikes.

Yet she was no match for the superior swordplay of Nakano who drove her further back with precise and strong strikes. Akina began to feel dread thinking she was going to die, as she miss a parry and felt Nakano's blade slice at her forearm that Akina's gauntlet didn't protect her from, with the searing pain of her flesh being cut open.

"Ahhh!" Akina cry out falling back into the crimson creek dropping her sword, then saw Nakano come forward to end her.

Akina look into her eyes and saw no emotion, just pure focus to kill her.

It was just as the blade was about to come down that Nakano stop to turn around to stop Tetsuzan strike, as the older Shimada sibling hadn't been idle, having pick up the blade from a fallen warrior in haste to come to his sister aid, but once again was surprised by Nakano's ability to sense when she was about to strike, it was an unnatural instinct to Tetsuzan eye's.

Their blades grinded as the two were now in a deadlock once more, but this was as Tetezun wanted as he nodded to someone past Nakano as his men nock arrows to fire at the young women, with the need to honor this duel being thrown out, and the need to put this Tigress down for good was now what was needed now before she kill anyone else.

Nakano once again feeling danger flood her mind, turn over her shoulder just in time to see the volley of arrows being sent to her. There was little time to react, but she move as fast as humanly possible, shoving Tetsuzan away, she turn quickly to deflect the arrows, but it was too late as she only had enough time to knock 2 away before 2 others found their home.

A white-hot pain shot through Nakano's body, as she look down to see one arrow embedded just under her left breast and another had pierced her right forearm. The pain became hotter as her body sway feeling her breaths come in short, as her life force began to leave her body. Yet she remain on her feet, using her left arm to raise the katana to her foe's standing on the creek bank.

"I am a Nishizumi, victory is all that matters to me, so come take my life, for that is the only way I leave this field!" Nakano roar her defiance.

Every Shimada warrior and their leaders flinch to see this Tigress even with arrows in her, still ready to fight. Akina most of all watching Nakano show off all the traits that made a warrior, even with death's door standing in front of her, Nakano was ready to lay her life down for her clan.

Then why would she fight for the Kawahara? She's wasted on that man…unless it wasn't by choice…

Akina thought, then felt a realization come over her as she rose to her feet with the crimson water dripping off her hakama, then without words press forward splashing water with every step, though she sheath her katana as she didn't want to kill this Nishizumi member, as a plan form in her head for the future if her theory was right that might end this feud with Kawahara for good.

Seeing the young girl coming at her, Nakano ready her sword, but was wary of the other Shimada sibling at her back who came forward to. Though she was more concerned with the sister since for some odd reason she had sheath her blade. Yet turn to meet the brother as she brought his sword down in a downward swing, but Nakano checked it even in her injured state as the white pain grew as she move with arrows embedded into her.

With her mind muddled by the loss of blood, Nakano couldn't react when she felt arms from behind secure themselves around her throat, making her gasp for air, and swing her blade widely trying to get the figure off her back. Yet Tetsuzan slap the blade from her hand with a hard swing, as Nakano's vision began to fade with the loss of air.

"It's ok, let go. You didn't join this war because you wanted to, I can see that now," Akina whisper into Nakano's ear, as she kept a tight hold on her opponent's throat not trying to kill her, but incapacitate her.

"I…wanted to…pro…protect my family," Nakano struggle, as her body went limp and began to slump down with Akina going down with her.

"I want to protect my family too, and that might mean we have a common enemy. So sleep now and will figure this out together," Akina whisper once more.

It was the last statement Nakano heard before she lost consciousness, with her thoughts of her home, and the loved ones she wish to see once more.

Lying on her knees in the crimson water, Akina let out a sigh of relief as she held Nakano close to her, glad to have stopped the fighting between them, that might have turned deadly if it had continued any further than it needed to.

Her brother follow suit, letting out a breath of relief, then turn to his sister. "Why do you do that? She is our enemy you know."

"I get the feeling it wasn't by choice," Akina said, stroking some loose hair from Nakano's face.

"Meaning?"

"Meaning we might have a chance to end the Kawahara once and for all," Akina said with a knowing smile.

That made Tetsuzan cock his head, then began to laugh. "Well once again, my little sister is becoming quite the strategist, fine let's get her back to the castle."

The older Shimada sibling then order his men to look for any wounded in the creek, while others help Akina get Nakano out of the creek and back to their own camp, with Akina at her side holding the Nishizumi's hand, as she hope the two could come together in the end if their clans were to survive, that was the wish of this young women.

For both their sakes.

XxxxX

A Fortnight later….

"Dead?" Masahiko, Daimyo of the Nishizumi said in a baffled tone.

"Yes, she is dead. Staying behind I hear from my men to guard our retreat," a dejected Hirotaka said, sitting on his knees in the hall of the Nishizumi castle. Though he wasn't dejected by the loss of Nakano, but more so because of the humiliating defeat that had been laid down to his army.

The hall was empty save for the two lords who were discussing the recent defeat handed down to the Kawahara army by the surprise assault by the Shimada forces. It was shocking for sure for both men, who had thought the campaign would be short facing such a small force, but that had proven wishful thinking as the Shimada had driven the invasion back, with the Kawahara army being broken but was regaining its strength slowly.

"My…my…daughter….no…not again," Masahiko said, bringing his hand up to his mouth, feeling that he might be sick, as he had to stomach the loss of another child, his last child.

A part of him knew this outcome was a possibility as this was the nature of war, but he pray that might not be the case. While a great belief in his daughter's fighting prowess had filled him resolve that she would come out on top when all was said and done. Yet now Nakano, his sweet girl turn warrior, who had vow to uphold the clan's honor was dead, her body rotting in some mass grave most likely, instead of resting in her home, next to her let mother and brothers graves.

Honor had killed her.

Masahiko's inability to be the one to protect the clan had killed her.

His mind began to pound these self-loathing thoughts hard into his mind. With the thoughts of performing the ritual of seppuku to join his family in the afterlife, not wanting to be left alone in this world without them. For how was he to go on now?

Yet press on he would do, struggle against all challenges, even alone in this world.

"Lord Nishizumi, we need to stay the course," Hirotaka said, turning his eyes to Masahiko.

That got the Nishizumi lord's attention, who spoke in a perplexed tone. "Stay the course, after all of this. There is no course, are armies are in ruin, what small contingent I sent along was widdle down."

"Yet they fought so tenaciously that even a small number of them made the Shimada's sweat. Now I know of legendary skill of these men who fight under the Nishizumi banner and I need them to deal with the Shimada before they finish me and clan," Hirotaka said with great determination in his eye's.

"You are mad to think we will have any more dealings, my last child lays dead on the battlefield, yet you expect me to still support you," Masahiko said, no longer caring for decorum between lords, wanting to see this man young man off.

"Nakano honor the way of the Nishizumi clan to the last breath, yet she doesn't need to die in vain," Hirotaka said.

Masahiko felt his rage cool for the moment, as he was curious about what the Kawahara lord was going to say. "Go on."

"How about I grant you a way to bring another son into this world?" Hirotaka said his face serious.

"What do you mean?"

"Remember my lord, I have a sister of age. We could cement our two clans to one another while creating an alliance to enhance our clan's strength," Hirotaka said.

At first, Mashaikko said nothing back to this simply staring at Hirotaka, though he wanted to argue against even the thought of taking a wife when he had just received news of Nonaka's death, another part of him took this proposal into deep consideration. As of now there were no heirs to the Nishizumi clan, save Toshikasu and Shoda, his late sister's children who could take up the mantel.

Didn't I say to Nakano that I consider Toshikasu for the role of Daimyo, I should honor her memory by keeping that promise, even if my desire is to raise another son of my own

Mashiko thought, then steel his fortitude and look to the Kawahara lord. "I am grateful for the offer of your sister's hand, but I have heirs to the clan already, though I will honor our alliance still to hold back the Shimada clan at least."

Hirotaka said nothing back at first, eyeing the Nishiuzmi lord as if he was studying him, making Mashiko feel some unease that he might incur the wrath of the Kawahara. Though Mashiko was playing on the fact the Kawahara army was in no position to fight on two fronts and Hirotaka would just accept this and move on.

Yet that was far from how the Kawahara lord was going to retaliate, as a smirk cross his face as he spoke. "My lord, you would entrust the role of Daimyo on children who would be your downfall."

"I don't get your meaning," Mashiko said, his voice becoming hard at the insinuation of his nephews.

"I can see your trust in me is little, you speak of a continue alliance, but I can see you want me dead," Hirotaka said, his smirk growing wider.

"You presume too much," Mashiko, feeling a sense of danger coming on, with one hand slowly pulling towards the sword that lay beside him.

"Yet what if the enemy you so fear is right here in your own clan, and those children you wish to protect might just be the ones who are going to kill you in the end, though not by their hands per se," Hirotaka said.

Mashiko's face became bewildered. "If you have something to say, then out with it."

"What I am saying is why protect those sons who are not yours? Why protect that which leads to your downfall?" Hirotaka said once more, feeling excitement flowing through him.

Anger now grip the Nishizumi lord. "Stop speaking in riddles and out with it!"

"I think seeing the truth for yourself will be better, lord Nishizumi," Hirotaka said, then turn to nod to one of the Nishizumi guards near the sliding door.

The guard nodded back, then open the sliding door. Mashiko turn his eyes to the sight coming into the hall, being in the form of a host of his samurai in full dress armor coming in, with a Council Elder with them, the older man who was an advisor and in charge of the administration of Nishizumi clan was bruised and bloody. Barely unable to keep his feet, having to be dragged into the room by two samurai on either side who wore angry faces as well.

Soon the Council Elder was drag before his lord, then drop onto the polished wood floor. Hirotaka stood now, with a full smirk on his face, as if he knew everything, while Mashoko was completely disconcerted by what was happening as he too got to his feet.

"What is the meaning of this?" Masahiko spoke in a hotly tone to his retainers.

One of the Nishizumi samurai came forward, then kneel to his lord, his face downcast as he spoke. "Treachery my lord."

"Treachery?" Mashiko said in a frustrated tone.

"Yes, Lord Kawahara has uncovered a plot that your Council of Elders had means to assassinate you and place young Toshikasu in the role of Daimyo so they could control him," the samurai said.

"This…this…this cannot be," Mashiko said feeling even more sick than before, knowing his own council was looking to kill him.

"It's not true my lord, we made no plot, this is all a mis-," the bruise Council Elder try to plead, but a backhand from one of the samurai silence him, while adding another bruise to his face.

The Nishizumi samurai kneeling before his lord, then reach into his gauntlet and pull out a small sheet of roll paper, that he extended to his lord. "This was found in his room when we search it."

Mashiko walk down to take the piece of paper in hand, opening it to read it contents. After he was done reading it, he simply let the paper fall to the ground in complete shock as he couldn't fathom what he had just read. The letter was detailed instruction to kill Mashaiko with poison, then put Toshikasu into the Daimyo role no soon after, while convincing then young lord to marry the daughter of the neighboring Oyakawa clan to secure their clans future.

Unbridled anger took over Mashiko as he turn to the council elder. "You would do away with your lord so easy, just to marry him off to some clan just for the sake of safety."

"No my lord, this a mistake. I would do no treachery, my duty is to serve the Nishizumi clan," the council elder pleaded.

Yet his pleas fell on death ears, as Mashiko, his mind clouded by guilt over the loss of his children and the need to uphold the Nishizumi family name that his father Tora Nishizumi had raised by his own hands that Mashiko needed to emulate, made this once proud lord turn cold. No longer constrain by emotions that once made him hesitate before using brutal methods, as he was the last true Nishizumi and he would make sure the name was carry on.

For that to happen he needed to get his house in order.

"My lord, what shall we do with this traitor," the Nishizumi samurai ask.

With cold eyes, Mashiko locking on to the council elder who squirm in fear of his lord wrath.

"Kill him, then display his body outside the castle to let others know the price of treachery, now leave me alone with Lord Kawahara," Mashiko said.

The order made the Council Elder wail in despair, pleading over and over for his life, the echoes carrying through the hall, but no one was caring for the pleas. All the while Hirotaka just smirked widely, watching the man be dragged off knowing his small plot was working out nicely.

Turning back to Mashiko, Hirotaka spoke with a neutral face. "I'm sorry to see you surrounded by enemies, but I am confident this show of force will cause any other conspirators to be silent. Though you are still left with a small problem."

"I have no heir," Mashiko said.

"A true heir, a true-blooded Nishizumi to take over the clan and secure its future. Again, I offer my sister as a chance to rectify this matter, though I have conditions," Hirotaka said.

A small huff of annoyance passed the Nishizumi lord's lips, then spoke. "Of course you have conditions, what are they?"

"Those boys, they could very well be poison by others to turn against you when they come of age," Hirotaka said, knowing he was treading on dangerous grounds, but this was the essential part of his plan.

"They can be handled," Mashiko said, in a tone that said it was final.

Though this did not dissuade Hirotaka who press on. "Can they? I hear the young Toshikasu and Shoda were quite attached to your daughter, almost seeing her as a mother. Who do you think they will blame when news of her death comes to light?"

Masahiko said nothing back, making Hirotaka know he was getting through as press ever further.

"They will blame me undoubtedly for causing this war, but how are they going to feel when they see you sitting next to my sister? The sister of the clan's lord who in their minds kill their dear Nayako. Watching you raise your newborn son, while they are further pushed aside. I tell you that resentment will brew as they grow older, till one day they will want revenge," Hirotaka explain.

"You speak madness, they are loyal to this family," Masahiko fought back.

"Mmm, whose family? Who in their mind is their family? Do you believe it's you, my lord? A man who held them at arm's length for how long? Does a dog not still bite his owner's hand if he is mistreated?" Hirotaka said, playing on the man's mind.

Masahiko open his mouth to argue, then felt himself stop as doubt began to creep in his mind, as much as he hated to admit it, he still held both of his late sister's son's at arm's length and had never really gotten close. Nakano though, was always by their sides, taking care of them at almost every waking moment, but now she was dead, and he could only imagine how they react.

"What are you suggesting?" Masahiko ask, though in his mind he knew the answer, he only wanted to hear it out loud.

"Simple, I care for my sister's well-being and that of her children that are to come. I can't rightly feel safe knowing those two boys are walking around this castle and might one day mean her and her children harm. So simply remove the problem and you can have my sister," Hirotaka said casually.

Mashiko's hands clenched at his side as he spoke. "You ask me to harm children while bringing more into this world."

"Do you want to fear for your childrens' future when you pass from this world? That of your wife? That was only one conspirator I rooted out when I came to your castle, did you know he actually came to me asking me if I kill you personally so I could absorb the Nishizumi clan into mine," Hirotaka said.

Now becoming defensive, Mashiko reach down for his blade, but Hirotaka raise his hands to show he wasn't going to harm the Nishizumi lord.

"Of course, I refuse, for I wasn't about to kill you because of that man's whims and wants," Hirotaka said with a shrug.

"Yet you so easily turn on your own father," Masahiko challenge.

"Oh, that bit of nasty business. Well, my father was content by the status quo, yet I wanted more. I and him never saw eye to eye in the end, but my clan values strength, so at least I challenge him for the right to rule, of all people, you should understand wanting to show strength as a means to be worthy of leading," Hirotaka shot right back.

A tired sigh escape Masahiko's mouth, feeling older than he should. "Fine, I don't wish for any more back and forth."

"So do you accept my proposal?" Hirotaka said, feeling internal giddiness that everything was going to work out.

"I will marry your sister," Masahiko said, though almost seeming to choke them out.

"And the boy's?" Hirotaka ask, wanting to make sure every detail was covered.

"I will take care of it," Masahiko said in a sad tone.

A wide smile cross Hirotaka's face. "Then we are in agreement, I will head for home at first light and my sister will be in your arms in a fortnight."

"We are in agreement, please leave me," Masahiko said in a clip tone.

Hirotaka just smile, then bow to the Nishizumi lord. Then spun around on heel to leave the hall, as a wicked smile cross his face knowing he had all but secured his clan's future, with the Nishizumi's at his side, he would get his revenge for the humiliating defeat the Shimda clan had laid on him and nothing would be sweeter than that.

Even if he had to play dirty to convince the Nishizumi lord.

XxxxX

The halls were dark and lightly illuminated by the small lanterns spread evenly out. While the Nishizumi castle was quiet at the moment, as its occupants slept, besides the guards who were out on their patrols, vigilant for any threats to their lord's castle. Though their lord himself was not sleeping at the present moment, walking along the polished wood floor in slow steps to his goal, one that made him sick, but he had a duty to see this through to the end.

Masahiko walk alone, with no guards at his side, for he needed to be alone when he committed this sin. Yet for the future of his family, he needed to do this, or maybe that was just how he would justify himself when all was said and done. It is how he can live with this guilt till the end of his days, will be how he can hold his another son in his arms and not feel the shame of what he had to do to be granted another son.

I am a Nishizumi, victory is all that matters…yes that's what I'll tell myself at night, that the creed is why I did what I did…

The Nishizumi lord thought, continuing to shuffle along, with his steps seeming to become slower and slower as he knew he was coming close to his objective. Toshikasu and Shoda slept in the same room, which would be a problem if one of them woke up as he walk in, yet he plan to make it quick so they feel no pain, he own them that much.

As he rounded the corner and to the hall that led to their sleeping chambers, he was greeted by a sight that he hadn't expected. As there, sitting in the hallway on his knees, head down in deep meditation was none other than, Hachiro Morikawa, dressed in a light kimono and hakama. His hair was white as snow speaking to his advanced age, with it tied back.

Hearing the soft footsteps, the old man raised his head to his lord standing some ways from him. Even from a distance, Masahiko could tell there were tears rolling down his cheek, which were obvious for Nakano, with the news of her death must have been spread by the guards, with everyone would know when dawn came.

"My lord, allow me to give you condolences on the loss of Nakano, my heart aches for her, for she was like a daughter to me as well with all the time we spent together," Hachiro said in a mournful tone, his sounding on the edge of breaking.

Masahiko though felt nothing, too numb now to show any tears for his lost daughter knowing what he must do now to secure his families future.

"I grieve as well. She and I had our differences for many years, but no matter what, I could always see that sweet little girl who would always be the first to greet me when I came home from a campaign, making sure I was alright," Masahiko said, feeling small smile form on his face at the pleasant memory.

"As a little girl, she always pray for your safety at night, then by dawn would be outside my door with a practice sword in hand ready to train. Even when she grew up, her tenacity and persistence only increase, I will miss our training sessions and having a meal together afterward," Hachiro said, also letting the pleasant memories of Nakano pass through his mind.

Silence then ensue between the two men, each not daring to say the words that both fear to say.

Yet Masahiko was the first to break. "If you know of Nakano's death, then you know also why I am here."

Hachiro's face contorted into displeasure but composed himself. "I do, which is why I am here to stop you from doing something that will damn your soul."

"I do what I must," Masahiko said.

"You do as that boy lord want's you to do," Hachiro shot back.

"Then what would you have me do? My council wishes me dead so those boys you protect can take my place, we already dealt with one conspirator," Masahiko said.

"My lord, we don't know the details. Think about it, this plot just happens to be found when Lord Kawahara arrives, the timing is too coincidental," Hachiro argue hoping to make his lord see reason.

Yet Masahiko wasn't thrown off. "We've known for some time that the council of elders has been wanting those boys to take my place. If anything my suspicions are justified thanks to Lord Kawahara, who is also granting me another chance to lift a son in my arms."

"You have two boys who need a father," Hachiro gestures to the room.

"They are not my son's, they can never replace Kojiro," Masahiko said, his anger rising with the argument.

"I never said they would, but they are capable if they are molded. Please, my lord, do not take this course of action," Hachiro pleaded with all his might, his heart aching that things had come to this.

For a moment Masaihko thought over his most trusted confidant's plea, a man who had been at the Nishizumi family's side since Tora Nishizumi had taken the title of lord by the sword. Yet that had been the golden age of the family, while Masahiko's rule had been one of decline since his son's death, now coupled with his daughter's death leaving him with no options but to choose between one path or the other, each that might end with the Nishizumi name if he chose incorrectly.

"My lord, no, Masahiko listen. You are Tora Nishizumi's son, you are strong, you have endured much pain to be here when all others have left. This storm that surrounds the name Nishizumi is one you can weather and be made stronger at its end, but by killing Toshikasu and Shoda you will only enhance this storm that will destroy you in the end," Hachiro explain.

Silence envelop the hall, as the tension thicken as a choice was to be made, one that would define the Nishizumi name.

And a choice was made.

"Move Hachiro, I will not say it again," Masahiko said, his voice cold and emotionless, forgoing any more hesitation for he was focused on the path he had chosen.

Hachiro lower his head, with silent tears running down his cheek, then dripping onto the floor. This old man had witnessed the horrors of the battlefield, seen many comrades die, having to hold Tora Nishizumi's hand as he let his last breath in this world go, and then doing the same when his wife had died as well.

Yet none of those tragic events hurt more than this moment, having seen that he had lost his lord's light, unable to bring it back. The shadows had completely enveloped Masahiko and nothing Hachiro could do would push those shadows back, and in a way had lost another loved one.

"If this is the path you wish to take, I will not follow, but I will also not move," Hachiro said, his voice quivering with each word.

"You will draw steel against your lord," Masahiko said, his hand reaching over to grab the hilt of his katana.

"I will draw steel only in defense of the Nishizumi name that I serve," Hachiro said, rising to his feet while drawing his katana from its saya.

"I am a Nishizumi," Masahiko said, his anger quiet, like a tiger's low growl before it pounce, as he too drew his katana.

"Not to me," was all Hachiro said, taking a stance with his blade.

Then the two men eye one another, gone was the role of advisor and lord, gone was the bond of kinship they had shared through all the troubling years. Only the desire to protect what they believe was right in each other's mind, and kill their enemy who stood in their path.

Next, it happen, both men came forward across the wooden floor, their steps so light they were barely heard in the quiet hall. Closing the distance each ready their swings, looking for the precise cut that would end this duel that would be quick, each knowing the other's fighting style because they had practiced it together for years.

Three swings were all it took.

Their blades connected only two times, the ringing of steel echoing in the hall.

The third found flesh, with blood spilling onto the polished floor.

Falling to his knees, Hachiro gasp for air as he was cut from shoulder to hip, with his life force leaving him. He was going to die by the very hand he had trained and molded for years, it only made sense that his opponent had found the perfect counter for the old man, whose age had slowed his reactions some but not diminished his technique, yet unable to meet the counter.

Looking up, Hachiro took in the sight of his former pupil looking down at him with a face so cold he could not believe he was looking at the same man. There was no emotion, no fear, no regret, just iron resolve that Hachiro couldn't match.

As his vision began to fade and the need for the long sleep started to take over, Hachiro said one last words to his lord. "I go to see your father, I hope he can forgive me for not taking care of his son…esp…es…espically…at…at..at..at…at the end."

Then the proud servant of the Nishizumi clan fell forward onto the wooden floor, falling into a puddle of his own blood that was spreading rapidly.

Masahiko eye his old friend for a moment, then something warm ran down his cheeks, as tears over what he had done washed over him. Yet he press on, flicking his katana to get his former friend's blood off it, then walk around his dead body without a second look, for he had more blood to spill this night.

As well as more tears.

For the lord of the Nishizumi clan would not waiver on his path….

To whatever end…