A couple of days had passed since then. Mitsuko began to take up more responsibilities by organising the defences of the castle and the garrison, overlooking the training of soldiers. Once LingQi realised this she took a step back careful to not get in the way or confront Mitsuko at all. Not because she didn't want to do it herself but because she figured that this would help Mitsuko in the long run, especially if she wants to be considered as a prominent general in her father's army. Though the majority of the forces stationed here were Mitsuko's men anyway, for LingQi leading them when they were led by Mitsuko felt weird, wrong almost. She was patrolling the interior of the castle making sure everyone did their jobs and spotted Mitsuko leaning on the wall watching her soldiers train hard under Wu Zi and Zang Ba.

'I see they're working hard' Mitsuko glances behind her to see LingQi standing behind her. She turns back towards her troopers and smirked.

'Damn right they are, this castle isn't going to defend itself you know.'

'You're correct but do be careful to make sure they're not pushed too hard. We can't have them feeling exhausted for if an attack does happen.' Mitsuko turns around and looks at LingQi with a bewildered expression on her face.

'Really? This coming from you of all people?'

'Of course. Because I know the dangers of over exertion all too well, wouldn't it make sense that only I'm the one capable of giving them such advice?' LingQi wears a lopsided smirk as Mitsuko went to open her mouth but realised that she may have had a point there. She simply growled before returning to watch her troopers get dismissed by her two officers.

'You may have a point…still you should really take your own advice.' Mitsuko advised her, concern present in her voice.

'Perhaps, though you should do the same. I heard that you overdid it the day the main army left and was left exhausted.' Mitsuko did not dare to answer out of embarrassment. She didn't know that LingQi would know about that. She didn't dare tell her that she wanted to be busy to prevent herself from thinking about the potential wedding.

'Ah shit. I just had to think about that didn't I?' Mitsuko mentally curses herself.

'Well…I at least learned myself and won't do that much again. You should do the same.' Mitsuko replied.

'Hmm…maybe you're right about that.' LingQi remembers the conversation with Pang Tong the other night all too well. Though it is still difficult for her to refrain from training in the night even with his words clinging onto the walls of her mind.

'I am? I mean of course I am.' Mitsuko attempted to change her tone from bewilderment of her statement to confidence however it didn't work as LingQi couldn't help but stifle a laugh. She went silent though once Wu Zi and Zang Ba walked over to Mitsuko.

'So lady Mitsuko what do you think of your troops now then? Think they're strong?'

'Erm…sure. But not sure why you're asking me. You're the ones training them I'm just here making sure they're ok.'

'Of course but you must have some opinion since they are your troops after all.' Zang Ba remarked.

'Well sure but seems like they're doing fine, can't really comment on more than that.' LingQi seeing that Mitsuko is having a little trouble forming words wanted to help her.

'I must agree, they are much stronger than they were initially. You must be proud of your troopers Mitsuko. But I do wonder though, which one of you two is the main cause of that?'

'Me!' they both point to themselves, they look at each other in confusion followed by anger.

'You? Please you just stand there and be silent while I push them until they collapse.'

'Yeah? Well at least I actually help them improve their combat skills instead of just barking orders like a pompous noble trying to make himself feel important.'

'To use your skills you need strength!' The two of them bickered with each other. Mitsuko wasn't quite used to this and wasn't sure how to react.

'Guys, calm down its not that important.' However her words are ignored as the two officers still argue.

'Or just you know, ignore your commanding officer that's another option.' Mitsuko throws her hands up in the air and gives up. She just watches the two argue some more.

'You know how we're going to settle this?'

'How?'

'A duel! Come lets go to the courtyard right now and fight.' Zang Ba declares the challenger to Wu Zi who smirked in confidence as he unsheathed his sword.

'Very well, you have just sealed your defeat!'

'Ha! Bring it on!' They both sprint towards the courtyard weapons in hand eager to battle the other. Mitsuko just sighed.

'Honestly...'

'They're quite…energetic aren't they?'

'Oh you have no idea.' Mitsuko shakes her head while LingQi stifles another laugh.

'My apologies, I did not think they would take that so seriously.'

'Don't worry, at least that will keep them pre-occupied for a while.' Mitsuko chuckled.

'Indeed. Well at least they shall provide a spectacle in any event, shall we observe them?' LingQi suggested.

'Sure, I've got nothing better to do. Who do you think will win?'

'Hmm, I hear Wu Zi is pretty skilled with a sword.'

'True, but Zang Ba has strength with his glaive.' The two converse in small talk as they walk towards the courtyard to watch the duel. The two officers engage in a standard duel, neither of whom backed down and was eventually concluded as a draw to their dismay. As everyone scatters after the duel Mitsuko also walks away alone due to LingQi has some duties herself she needs to deal with. Her mind start to linger on what if scenarios she makes up in her head. Such as what would happen if Cao Cao's forces attacked now. What would happen if there was a wedding, would she be able to do anything about it? What would happen…if she had her own army? That question surprised Mitsuko herself, she never considered herself to be the ambitious type though she figures a lot has changed since she became a warrior of this world. Still she shakes that idea out of her head. A preposterous notion, she serves Lu Bu after all. Yet something that brought her pride before now brought her hatred, after realising what a leader he actually was.

Some time had passed since then and the sun was starting to set. The final patrol shifts of the day time started as the people who were getting ready for their night patrol on the wall was just waking up. Mitsuko was patrolling on the wall accompanied by Pang Tong.

'I must say my lady despite our lack of numbers our forces seemed to have grown stronger. If we keep up this pace our men will be the strongest in our lords army.' Mitsuko stayed silent, her mind wondered off.

'My lady?' Pang Tong stands in front of Mitsuko who stopped before she bumped into him.

'Oh sorry about that.'

'Are you ok? You've been absent minded lately.' Pang Tong noticed as Mitsuko growls slightly, cursing the fact she didn't realise this was the case.

'Have I? Sorry didn't notice.' Mitsuko attempted to feign ignorance though Pang Tong knew her well.

'Is it about the wedding?' He questions, hearing Mitsuko's sighs confirms his suspicions.

'Kind of, I've just been thinking is all.'

'Oh really? Like what may I ask?' Mitsuko stays silent as a soldier on patrol walks past them.

'Do you think its wise to speak about this now?' Pang Tong replied with his signature chuckle at this.

'As long as you're not declaring it to the heavens I do not forsee many problems, the night patrols are normally thin and most of these troops are under your command. As such they are loyal only to you.' He attempted to ease Mitsuko' understandable nerves however he knew that his troops would follow her due to her abilities in battle and unlike lord Lu Bu treated her troops with respect.

'I suppose. I just…what do you think I should do?'

'About the potential wedding? I can't really advise you on that I'm afraid. That's something you need to decide for yourself.'

'Not just that. I mean like our general circumstances…who we serve and all that you know?' It was difficult for Mitsuko to convey what she was talking about without explicitly saying it but Pang Tong knew what she was talking about.

'Oh really? And just what brought this on if I may ask?'

'I don't know…I've just started to wonder about this recently but if we're being honest…I've felt this way for the while. The circumstances we're in is just the tipping point.'

'Really? And what caused the sudden shift?' Pang Tong questioned getting Mitsuko to open up and hear her reasons.

'I don't really know but I know it pretty much happened at once. I didn't mind serving him and was proud to do so…however lately. Its like my eyes have opened to what kind of man he truly is.'

'Which would be?'

'A contemptible one! The man only seems to care about himself. If it wasn't for him being the way he was we'd control more of the land by now. We'd have more allies willing to fight for us. Wouldn't have both Liu Bei and Cao Cao against us.' Mitsuko glances LingQi as she orders the men to go on patrol and where they're assigned to and tightens the grasp on her scythe. Though afterwards she sighs and loosens it soon after.

'And a shit father to boot. However, I know its silly to even consider doing anything against him. After all he is the strongest man in the land so I can't really do anything. If he's not listening to Chen Gong he sure as hell won't listen to me.' Mitsuko sighed though she heard Pang Tong laugh heartily.

'My lady, do you really believe that a man like him can't be beaten? Dingtao is a clear example of a man of his calibre can be beaten. He is only human and last time I checked humans can bleed.' The underlying menacing undertone in his voice made Mitsuko confused.

'Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?' She whispers trying to not get the attention of the other troops.

'Oh heavens no my lady. I am merely suggesting, the option is available should you wish to proceed with it.' Mitsuko does admit, the idea of Lu Bu dying is tempting. However, before she focuses too far into that she glances again at LingQi organising the troops. She looks up to find Mitsuko and waves at her, she reciprocates it.

'Even so…I don't think I can do it.' Mitsuko informs Pang Tong who nods in response knowing full well the reason.

'That's understandable my lady, you have no need to rush your decision about this. Though if you do feel strongly about this…I do believe it is something to consider. After all we can't have you feeling unhappy about things you can change right?' Pang Tong chuckled while Mitsuko was still unsure about what to do.

'Theoretically…if I do decide to go down that path…how would I even succeed?'

'Hehe leave that to me my lady I'll make everything work out.' Pang Tong chuckled as the two walked in silence across the wall. The longer the silence continued, the more Mitsuko could feel the temptation beckoning her like a siren singing a melodic song for their victims. Thankfully she didn't have to listen to the call for much longer as Pang Tong points something out in the distance.

'That's quite a bit of yellow they're wearing.' He points towards a yellow blur slowly moving towards them. When they got closer they realised that they were a force of yellow turbans.

'Yellow Turbans? What are they doing here!?'

'Probably trying to find a home and hearing of our lords exit thought this castle was ripe for the taking.' Pang Tong

'We're going to need let everyone know. Hey LingQi!' LingQi looks up to see Mitsuko looking down at her with a worried expression on her face

'What is it? What's wrong?'

'We got yellow turbans who seemed to want our castle!' She yelled. LingQi's eyes grow wide in shock.

'What!? I'm coming up, everyone prepare for battle!' LingQi announces as the soldier run around frantically attempting to prepare as quick as possible. lingQi sprints up the flight of stairs to join Mitsuko and Pang Tong on top of the wall. All three of them look at the impending force.

'That's quite a force for nothing more than mere bandits.' LingQi stated. While their force was not a large army it was enough to conquer a lightly garrisoned castle.

'Indeed, judging by the lack of yellow turban officers still around and the lack of leadership since the instigator had died this could just be a bunch of desperate survivors gathered together haphazardly. More than likely led by someone either who just wants a home or wants to continue a pointless fight against the Han that's already dead.' Pang Tong noted.

'Whatever their reasons they're not taking the castle from us. I'll make sure of it.' LingQi declares as she readies herself for combat.

'I'm with you there, so how are we going to do this then?' Mitsuko looks to LingQi who glances at Pang Tong and back at Mitsuko. She smiled at her when she thought of something.'

'Actually I was thinking you should be the one to lead this fight Mitsuko.'

'Good idea, I'll be right behind…I'm sorry what?' Mitsuko questioned unsure if what she just heard was correct.

'I said you should lead this battle.'

'Me? Are you sure? I mean you're their lords daughter, shouldn't you be the one commanding them?' Mitsuko inquired unsure why she's giving her command.

'That maybe true but the majority of these men are under your command. It would feel…wrong to lead them in your stead. So I'll relinquish battle to you, please command them as you see fit.' LingQi puts her palm in her fist and bows respectfully at Mitsuko who didn't know what to say.

'I erm…I…thanks. Well then…I suppose then we should come up with a strategy, what do you think Pang Tong?'

'You should probably just charge into the fray my lady.'

'Sure a pi-again what!?' Pang Tong just performed his signature chuckle at Mitsuko's surprised exclamation.

'In this circumstance it would be good to show the land just how strong you and your men actually are. After all, they do not know how many are in the castle, they may believe it to be completely deserted. As an army consisting of desperate peasants, the sight of armed and trained troops may shake their morale even more, forcing them to flee.' Pang Tong explained

'You think they'll flee just like that?' Mitsuko questioned, sceptical of this claim.

'Not quite, cornered and desperate animals are the ones that are the deadliest. But if you slay the enemy commander and give them considerable losses they'll lose their desperation and flee for their lives. Especially since it is my belief that the enemy commander is only barely keeping this army together with false promises and the like.' Mitsuko was silent as she looks upon the yellow turban forces. LingQi could sense her hesitation and anxiety as she noticed Mitsuko tightening the grip of her scythe. She grasps the hand with hers making Mitsuko loosen it. LingQi gives her a warm smile as Mitsuko turns around to face her.

'Do not worry I know you will be able to lead us to victory Mitsuko. And if you do require assistance I will be at your side and I'm sure Pang Tong will also be ready to assist you.' Pang Tong chuckled.

'Lady LingQi knows me well my lady. My services are always at your disposal.' Mitsuko inhales sharply before promptly exhaling to help calm her nerves.

'Thanks guys. Well we better prepare for their arrival. Don't want to keep them waiting after all.'

By the time the yellow turbans arrived in the vicinity of the castle it was nightfall. They were getting rowdier as they closed in on it.

'Finally we're here! Finally we have a castle to regroup with!' one soldier exclaims.

'Yeah, no more of this wandering nonsense. The Han will be quaking in their boots in not time soon enough.'

'Are we sure the castle is empty? It's not smart of Lu Bu to empty the castle entirely.' A sceptical soldier remarked.

'Lu Bu is nothing but a beast of the Han! Intelligence is not his strong suit.' A fanatical yellow turban exclaims.

'But, what happens if he comes back? What can we do against such a demon?' The one next to him asked, clearly afraid.

'He'll be like all the others who go against us. He will join us or be slain. Do not lose heart my brothers!' The commander yelled. He was equipped with a sword and more expensive armour. His helmet had a yellow turban wrapped around it with the symbol of the yellow turbans displayed proudly on the front. His garments underneath his armour was more luxurious than that of the simple clothes that the turbans themselves were wearing.

'The grand teacher may be gone but we will never forget his teachings! We may be scattered but once we claim this castle, our other brothers will find out that we still live on and we can achieve his dream of a new world!'

'Hey if you wouldn't mind keeping it down that'd be great!' a voice called out as they reached the front gates which surprises the yellow turbans who were quick to get their weapons ready.

'Keep calm my brothers. Who's there!?' The commander calls out as Mitsuko jumps down from the wall and lands in directly in front of the gates. She stands up and rests her crescent blade on the back of her neck.

'The name's Mitsuko but you may know me better as "the serpent."' Whispers started make their way through to the yellow turban ranks.

'The serpent!?'

'It really is her.'

'I heard she slaughtered an ambush party leaving no survivors.'

'Ok enough!' The commander raises his fist to silence the whispers.

'I'm Zhang Rao! The commander of the yellow turban remnants. You're the one that slayed Guan Hai am I right?' He pointed his sword at Mitsuko who struggled to remember Guan Hai.

'Guan Hai…Guan Hai…oh yeah now I remember him!'

'Do not dare try to insult his memory!' Zhang Rao interrupted her. Mitsuko was slightly taken aback by the sudden interruption but continued.

'Well then, I'll just ask what you're all doing here. You do know this castle is under the control of lord Lu Bu.'

'That maybe but we will claim this fortress and send a message to the servants of the blue dragon. The yellow dragon lives on in all of us! We will use this to once again reorganise the yellow turbans and take down the oppressive Han once and for all!' He declares in which the ranks of the yellow turbans cheer loudly. Mitsuko wore a demonic lopsided smirk on her face knowing all too well they won't back down.

'Is that so? Well that's a shame since this castle is under my protection. Looks like I'm going to have to kill you.' Zhang Rao started to laugh arrogantly joined in by some members of the yellow turbans.

'You!? While you have made a name for yourself, I doubt you will be able to defeat all of us! How!? How will you kill us? You and what army!?' He arrogantly smirked, though just as he was about to give the order to his troops to slay Mitsuko and take the castle, the gates start to open. He widens his eyes in shock as he sees Zang Ba, Wu Zi, LingQi and Mitsuko's troops start to emerge like a never-ending tide. Mitsuko sadistically laughs as she sees the grin wiped off his face. Her pupils turn slit shaped and her eyes colours change with the left eye becoming bright purple and her right eye blood red. It was her turn to point her weapon at her enemy as she sees them start to take several steps back including the commander, retreating further into the ranks of his men.

'My army!' She rushed forward, leading her forces against the enemy.