After obtaining the supplies from the bandit camp Mitsuko and her forces stay at the bandit camp while they make their next move. The soldiers are in high spirits that they don't have to worry about starving as they start eating hungrily. The generals meet up in a tent along with Mitsuko gathered around a table as they talk about what their next move should be. Though Gyuki sticks his head in the entranceway the rest of his body is hanging outside.

'You are the one that suggested going south in the first place, now you're saying we should change course?' Mitsuko asked Pang Tong who chuckled.

'Only for a brief moment, while going south to make allies with the sun family is overall what we should aim for we should also consider allies in places where people wouldn't know where to look.'

'What do you mean, what allies would we find north?' LingQi questioned. Unsure what he was talking about.

'Do you really think bandits tribes are far away form each other?'

'Wait…do you mean of allying ourselves with bandits!?' Mitsuko exclaimed.

'I do indeed.' He stated simply.

'Why would we need to do that, what do we gain from allying ourselves with scum like that.' LingQi questioned, sceptical of Pang Tong's idea.

'Allying may be the incorrect term, think more…integrating.'

'What are you talking about strategist?' Dodomeki asked.

'Its all well and good going south however once we cross the river with our current situation and strength, we won't have any allies in the north and we'll be blind when it comes to Cao Cao so he may strike us when we're unprepared which is bad. However if we ally ourselves with one of the bandit tribes they'll be able to keep an eye out for us. Also giving us potential to get more troops and supplies which always are good when you're trying to raise an army.' Pang Tong explained.

'What makes you think they'll continue to be loyal? These are not common soldiers we're dealing with here. We're dealing with thieves and backstabbers. What makes you think they'll continue to be loyal?' Dodomeki inquired. Not agreeing to this plan.

'Are you saying our black turbans are not loyal?' Diamondback asked, turning his head at Dodomeki, almost insulted at the idea that his men are not loyal to Mitsuko.

'Not at all, you trained them and had time with them which made them disciplined. The ones in the mountain are less so and are more self-conceited and don't know the meaning of the word loyalty.' Dodomeki defended.

'He has a point, the only reason why these black turbans follow you is that you had a lot of time to make them into what you wanted, there's not much of a guarantee that they'll do the same thing.' Gyuki interjects. Both demons assuming the worst.

'Our black turbans are proof that they can change though, there's no reason why we can't train and discipline them if need be. We can always show them what happens when they become disloyal.' Diamondback extends his halberd in front.

'Not to mention that the increase in banditry is due to our glorious Han Empire is crumbling and they don't know what they can do. That's why the yellow turbans are still around to this day in such a large number as bandits. They're doing what they have to do in order to survive and that just happens to be in their eyes banditry. If we do show them that there is another path and a leader worth following much like what Diamondback did then they'll quickly pledge their allegiance.' Pang Tong explained.

'What if they don't, what if when we leave they turn to their own ways or give us false information to mess with us? There's quite a substantial risk of recruiting bandits that you don't seem to be addressing. Once we turn our backs on them they won't hesitate to backstab us for a quick profit.' Dodomeki replied.

'Perhaps however trusting me was quite a risk to Lady Mitsuko, was it not?' He faces LingQi who has been keeping silent since the disagreement started.

'It was.' LingQi admitted nodding her head and crossing her arms.

'And some of these demons may consider yourself a risk to Lady Mitsuko. Am I correct?' He looks to the demonic generals for answers.

'There's always risks when someone wants to join lor-Lady Mitsuko's forces.' Dodomeki responded almost like he's justifying himself.

'Exactly, yet here we are. All working together to help Lady Mitsuko. Besides I wouldn't have brought this up if I didn't think the risks would be worth it in the long run. Once we secure our bandit allies' loyalty it would be very beneficial to lady Mitsuko.'

'You said yourself though that bandits never stray too far away from each other, what makes you think this Zhang Yan won't come after for slaughtering their people or if we're dragged into their petty disputes? I'm sure Lady Mitsuko is above settling petty arguments.' Dodomeki argued.

'Ahh but with our current situation there's nothing stopping us from simply walking away. If our lady decides that it is too troublesome or dangerous our lady can give the order to abandon them. They won't pursue us due to them being opportunistic to a fault. They'll know we'll be able to defend against them so they wouldn't bother us.' Pang Tong chuckled.

'Tch, I don't like this. There's too many variables and nothing good can come out of dealing with bandits.'

'In his defence when was he wrong?' LingQi defended the strategist which annoyed Dodomeki.

'Are you telling me you're actually for this?'

'Don't mistake me, I don't like trusting bandits anymore than you do. However I'm willing to trust our strategist on this, if he thinks this is the best thing to do then we should go about doing this.' She glanced at Pang Tong who closed his eyes and nodded at her while chuckling.

'Either way, its up to lady Mitsuko to see what we should do.' Diamondback states as everyone looks to Mitsuko who crosses her arms with her eyes shut, contemplating. She considered both options carefully. Dealing with the bandits is risky, she understood Dodomeki's hesitations and what he was saying. After all, she just slaughtered a whole band of them under this 'Zhang Yan.' If she goes to more bandits he may spot them which…Mitsuko didn't really mind but the unnecessary deaths of her army wouldn't be ideal. Though keeping an eye on Cao Cao would be very beneficial for them. He may not go down that particular river to invade Wu later on or he may send a force out to her. She couldn't really predict what he was going to do now. More supplies and soldiers would also be good, though as Dodomeki said these are bandits not common soldiers. Though again Pang Tong was confident in saying she could just walk away if it gets too dangerous without much resistance. If you display any sort of power they will not attack, its as he says they're opportunistic.

'Pang Tong do you think dealing with these people is the best course?'

'I do indeed. There are risks in trusting these bandits however I believe what they can bring would be worth it and if they do decided to betray us you'll be able to make them regret it.' Pang Tong chuckled as Mitsuko looks down.

'Alright, that's what we'll do. As long as we get to walk away when we want the risk should be minimised, any that dare oppose us will be slain like the others. Lets make our preparations.' Mitsuko ordered as everyone else bowed.

'Yes my lady.' They all say in unison before leaving the tent. When they all left Mitsuko sighed loudly. She hoped she made the right decision, last thing they all need are even more fuck ups because of her. Meanwhile as they all exit the camp, Dodomeki and Gyuki went in one direction while LingQi, Pang Tong and Diamondback went to the other. Dodomeki glanced at the other three generals for a brief moment before a giant club casually blocks his view.

'I think its best if you just walk away for the time being.' Gyuki advised. Dodomeki growled at him but he complied.

'You seem to be getting more and more worked up. Want to talk about it?' Gyuki questioned Dodomeki, concerned for his blood brother.

'Its nothing.'

'Its not nothing though is it?' Gyuki stated, surprising Dodomeki.

'There's clearly something wrong if you're getting this agitated over something. You never had a prejudice for humans before, you never agitated your allies in the previous cycles. So why now? Why LingQi?' Gyuki interrogated. He wanted to get to the bottom of why his blood brother has been acting like this ever since they joined up formally with their ladies forces. Dodomeki looks away to the ground, almost ashamedly while snarling quietly. He stayed silent as he couldn't give Gyuki a proper answer because he himself didn't know either. That human girl…there was something about her that just rubbed him the wrong way. Ideally there shouldn't be…but her relationship with Lady Mitsuko…unnerved him for some reason. The way that she was with Mitsuko was more…casual than others. It could be to do with how Mitsuko is however…her casual relationship with Mitsuko made him naturally distrust her more than perhaps is warranted. Gyuki sighed at his silence.

'You will have to open up about this sooner or later you know.'

'If there's anything that I need to "open up" about you'll be the first to know.' Dodomeki stated as he and Gyuki walked away.

'My apologies about Dodomeki, I'm not sure what has gotten into him lately.' Diamondback apologised to the two humans.

'Ahh please, do not worry about that it is not your fault in the slightest and I'm sure he has his reasons. What they are I have no idea but I'm sure he has them.' Pang Tong chuckled. LingQi on the other hand looked the other way in annoyance.

'Tch, I have no care for what he says or does. Though…I do understand his hesitation though.' LingQi admitted as she looked at the ground.

'Quite however this is better for the long term. Information can be a very powerful ally. Plus this will help increase her recognition and reputation. Which means we will be able to have something of value when negotiating any kind of deals. Particularly with villagers and the more common people. When they hear Mitsuko dealing with bandits, it'll make them feel safer and thus more appreciative of her. Which means they would be more generous towards her.' Pang Tong chuckled.

'Nevertheless do you think Lady Mitsuko will remain if it proves to be dangerous?' Diamondback asked.

'Of course, she's not the type to run away if she can help it. If she decided on this action she'll see it through to the end.' LingQi responded almost trying to instinctively defend her.

'Lady LingQi is right, Lady Mitsuko is not the type to run away if she can help it. Which will help get the bandits respect easier, plus those of the common people. Now lets go prepare to get to the move, we got quite a way to go.' Pang Tong chuckled as all three helped preparations to pack up the camp and leave. They travel north west towards the mountains where a large number of bandits have made their home. They travel for a few weeks where for the most part nothing much of event happened. One night they setup camp next to the entrance way of a ravine between two large mountains. Unbeknownst to them they're being watched. In the mountains there lies a single bandit, though unarmed and quite young is eager. He spies on Mitsuko's forces from above, he laughs quietly to himself as he sees the soldiers begin to fall asleep.

'Excellent, they're going to rest any minute. I should report back and tell his comrades to commence with the attack. However when he turns around the last thing he sees is a metal gauntlet in the shape of a fist coming to him in the face. Knocking him out cold. Sometime later Dodomeki drops the bandit in the camp when he wakes up. He lands on his backside, he looks around to see all the soldiers surrounding them him in a circle. He looks up to see Dodomeki's single golden eye which terrifies him as he tries to crawl back. Though when he does he hits the legs of Diamondback. He looks back to terrifying lizardmen who licks his top part of his mouth with his forked tongue. He shrieks in terror as he finds there's no way to escape and retreats to the middle. Sweat falls down his face. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. He frantically looked around him, desperately trying to find a way to escape. Though they don't leave any room for openings. Diamondback subdues by grabbing his shoulder and forcing him to his knees with his strength.

'Stay there, Lady Mitsuko will want to have a word with you.' Diamondback states as he moves his left hand form his shoulder to the back of his neck, having a tighter grasp. Dodomeki stands on the opposite side of him. His heart rapidly beats as he anticipates what may happen to him. Loud metallic boots could be heard traversing the earth. As they got closer the bandit tries to struggles to break free however after Diamondback revealed his halberd while pushing his head down the bandit quickly stopped, not wanting to have his life taken away. He saw soldiers start to move to the side, as they all did they revealed Mitsuko, LingQi and pang Tong with Mitsuko leading them. He started to hyperventilate; the situation being almost being too much to bear. The metallic rustling of the armour stops before he hears their voices.

'So…can you tell me who is this? I assume he wasn't just a random stray you picked up.' Mitsuko asked.

'Not quite, I came upon him as I was scouting the mountains overlooking our camp. Must belong to that group coming from the ravine.' Dodomeki responded.

'Shit they found us.' The young man thought to himself.

'I see. Well then.' Mitsuko crouched down and grabs the young bandits chin and brought him eye level with her. He was terrified as the reptilian demonic eyes start to visibly appear before him.

'Mind telling me what you were doing?'

'N-no never, I won't tell you anything!' The bandit defiantly replied. Even though he was terrified he wasn't about to betray his comrades that easy. Though he did have second thoughts as he saw the sadistic glint of excitement in her eyes. She stood up and nods to both of her demon generals to forcefully stand him up while keeping a tight grip on his shoulders. Mitsuko was inches from his face before smirking.

'Are we really going to do this? You can just tell me you know.' Something about the way she said that unnerved the bandit to his core, his legs start wobbling however he's still going to not betray his comrades.

'I-I won't tell you anything. Y-y-you'll have to k-k-k-kill me.' He stuttered, trying to come across as fearless though as her malicious grin grew he regretted what he just said.

'Oh that can be arranged!' Mitsuko stated before raising her scythe high and dropping it on his leg just above his knee. The crescent blade drenched in blood as he quickly crashed to the ground, screaming in agony as the demons quickly let him go. Mitsuko withdrew the scythes the bandit quickly grasped his leg, writhing around in severe pain. His stained his face as he never felt anything like this before. LingQi noticed Mitsuko demonic smile on her face which unnerved her. She knew Mitsuko loved a fight and thought that was that, she didn't mind that. She's getting used to that idea aswell. Though the more she examined her more the more it seemed that her eyes expressed the feeling of…that of relief. Its like…this helps her somehow. She knew she needs to know what's going on with her. Its not like she minded her loving a fight, she too doesn't like the idea of just sitting, waiting around while wars are being waged. However the glee Mitsuko is expressing is something else, that's relief from pain. What is it that makes her feel that? She needed to know. Although she didn't interfere this time, its not like the bandits life is worth defending anyway but she knew she had to do something soon. She was scared of Mitsuko becoming like her father, she wanted to avoid that at all costs.

'So lets try this again. Can you tell me what you were doing? Baring in mind I have other limbs to make you suffer.' Mitsuko threatened as she raised her scythe up again. The bandit quickly held out his right arm out to her.

'Don't please! I'll talk just don't hurt me again!' He begged, Mitsuko lowered her scythe. The bandit winces and groans in pain but is grateful she's willing to not do that again.

'Lord Zhang Yan, king of the black mountain bandits heard what you did to his men and he's not happy. He sent a vanguard force to slit your throats in your sleep. I was sent to scout you out and then give the signal for my brothers in arms to rush you. Even if you have captured me and if you beat them Zhang Yan won't stop until he has your head on a pike. His forces are rumoured to be a million strong you have no hope of victory.' The bandit confessed, the soldiers start whispering to themselves, some panic while some dismiss his words as empty threats.

'Is that all?' Mitsuko questioned. The bandit nodded as he winced in agony.

'Good. Well then I say Let. Them. Come.' Mitsuko yelled out to all her forces who agreed. Let them come indeed, let them come to get slaughtered they all thought as Mitsuko raises her scythe up high.

'Thank you for that information though we can't let you do this to us again now can we?' Mitsuko laughs as she's about to drop the scythe on him Though Pang Tong extends his fan out in front of her to stop her.

'My lady I believe there is still a use for him alive.' Pang Tong chuckled. Mitsuko looked upon him quizzingly.

'And what use is that?'

'Well you see I've done a little light reading of my scroll and I would like to try something I found in there.' Pang Tong chuckled as he revealed his shadow hand and flexes his fingers. The bandits eyes widen his shock. It was one thing to see all these demons and soldiers from afar however at this close proximity he just couldn't believe who Zhang Yan picked a fight with. He should've just let them go he thought to himself. He should've just forgave her, now he knows why she's known as the serpent. She sinisterly laughs quietly

'Hehe, well in that case he's all yours. Though I do hope you can come up with a strategy for the attack?'

'Hehe, I already have one in mind my lady. And you my friend.' The bandit meets Pang Tong's gaze. Though he wishes he hadn't. Those sinister yet jolly eyes pierce his soul without even trying. Pang Tong did his signature chuckle as he reaches out to him.

'You're going to help me.'