Sakura Taisen: Heart Of Blades
By Shirogami

Legends
(As guides for those who rarely understand the phrase used within this fiction):

Kouma
Name for the monster-type enemy who endanger Teito.
Teikoku Kagekidan
A secret unit of Teito army formed by Yoneda under the "Teikoku Defensive Project"
Hanagumi
"Floral" Assault Team of Teikoku Kegekidan which in charge of fighting against whoever endanger the safety of Teito.
Member of Hanagumi
Sakura, Sumire, Maria, Kanna, Kohran, Iris.
Kobu / Jinbu
Name for the weapon of Teikoku Kagekidan, which is a robot who use the steam engine & its pilot's spirit energy as its main source of power.
Teigeki Sannin Muzume
A nickname for group of three girls who work for Teigeki theater, formed by Kasumi, Yuri & Tsubaki. They are also the members of Kazegumi, which in charge for the transportation for Hanagumi.
han
Kohran usually call her friends with this phrase, due to her kansai tone.
san
A phrase mostly use to call either elder / more respectable / not-so-close people in polite way.
kun
A phrase mostly use to call either similar age/ close people in polite way.

Prologue

After the last battle against their new enemy - Kouma, Teikoku Kagekidan is not only lost their only weapon - Kobu, but also their self-confidence in fighting the improved enemy in future. Every member of the team: Sakura, Sumire, Maria, Kanna, Kohran, Iris feels like falling into a deep pit in facing their defeat. As their captain, Oogami Ichiro is called upon to submit the report of that battle to his superior, Commander Yoneda.

"So, how is everyone? Oogami." Yoneda asked with the serious tone.
"Not good, Sir. everyone has not back in their own shape, I don't know what can I do already, especially Maria, although she does seems like usual, but I know she's pretending to be. I¡K I am sorry for that battle, Sir, it's all because of my misjudgment upon our enemies." Oogami cannot forgive his mistake and apologize to Yoneda. Among the member of Teikoku Kagekidan, he is the most upset person, ever since he is in charge of ordering everyone in the battle.
"No, Oogami, it is not your fault upon this defeat, I had read the Ayame's report. In fact, I should thank you for trying your best of bringing all my daughters back. If not, I won't forgive myself." Yoneda try to comfort Oogami, so he will not blame himself again.
"Sir Yoneda... thank you..." Oogami try to pull himself together in return of his officer's understanding and forgiveness. He holds his knuckle hard, then replies Yoneda, "I... I will try to get them back in normal again, I promise you, Sir."
"Good! That's what I want to hear from you." Yoneda feel glad to hear the answer he wants. "Then, excuse me, Sir." Oogami salutes and walks out from the door with a determined face.
"I am counting on you, Oogami." Yoneda whispers to himself.

Author's note:
Greeting to everyone, I am Shirogami and this is my first fan-fic for the Sakura Taisen. I don't own the characters of Sakura Taisen but I hope all of you enjoy the story.

I took this story as alternative route for the game Sakura Taisen 1's storyline, which is after the first time the Hanagumi encountered the Koumas.
Please R&R, no matter good or bad, Thank you.

Next chapter will out soon, please enjoy it too.