Chapter 6
The Next Morning
Having followed Sei to the throne room as Shun Bun Kun had sent a messenger that they had received new information.
"We've obtained the mastermind's name from the mouths of the captured Kensen and Gouma clans." Heki began after everyone had gathered and Sei had been seated."Ryo Fui."
Shin had to stop himself from fidgeting as the silence dragged on until he decided to break it."Well, ain't this a good thing? With this, You'll be able to execute him and His Majesty can take complete control over the state."
"If only it were that easy," Heki said after a moment.
"Forgive me but I've been focused on training my men and furthering my studies but is his faction that strong?" Shin said.
"While the opposing Ketsu faction still exists, Currently they are not capable of withstanding even a stiff breeze. As of right now, It could be said the Royal court is completely under Ryo Fui's thumb. To trial and punish him in these circumstances is impossible. Besides, Even if we were to trial him, It's not as if he would just admit it. If the Ryo faction were truly to rebel against us, It would be nothing like Sei Kyou's revolt. Not to mention, Our forces number only a pittance... It is as if we are fighting an army of ten thousand with merely ten men."
Shin was shocked at the fact that the Ryo faction was so strong."It ain't about numbers. Battles aren't about numbers. They're about the people."
All the officials couldn't help but be surprised by this seemingly low-born boy.
"To have realized this in only one battle, Your observation skills aren't bad. However, Shin the quality of the people on the other side is also far above that of ours." Shun Bun Kun said.
'You sure know how to pick'em don't you, Sei' Shin said as he grinned at the King.
"It won't break out into a war yet... It's still too early." Heki said.
"I won't allow such whining." Sei spoke up for the first time."Because the war has already begun."
"It is as his Majesty says." Shun Bun Kun said."First, We should consider how to wrap up this incident. The opposition will also be observing our reaction. If we do not read ahead of what they're planning, Then we'll-"
Everyone spun to the door as it was thrown open and a man rushed in. Shin re-sheathed his sword as he had begun to pull the blade free as soon as the door opened.
"Your Majesty! My Lord!"
"What is it!?" Heki yelled as he stood.
"Tr-Trouble, Sir! Just... Just now...Chancellor Ryo Fui has arrived!"
"Wha-WHAT DID YOU SAY!"
"No time to waste, Everyone into position. Now!" Sei said jolting the officials. Quickly formed two groups on each side as Sei took the throne.
'So that Ryo Fui guy is finally making his appearance. Not only has he been doing whatever he wants because of Sei's young age. He's even secretly targeted Sei's life. I'll never forgive him.' Shin thought once he had sat behind Shun Bun Kun but looking around it was clear the others had been spooked.
"Do not waver and let us see what kind of face this shitty backstabbing bastard's gonna show us! It's time to show our resolve." Shin said putting as much strength as possible into his words.
'Everyone's eyes have changed. That's right, Why do we need to cower? The one who is about to appear is our enemy.' Heki sat straighter and projected as much presence as he could.
"Your Majesty, Chancellor Ryo Fui has arrived." An attendant said after cracking open the door.
"...Enter." Sei Replied.
Shin watched as the Ryo faction walked into the throne room, Taking in all their faces until he froze on one person in the group.'SENSEI!' He never knew that Shun Hei Kun was in the Ryo Fui faction but he would deal with that later. After a moment Shin was able to continue remembering their faces.'What's the meaning of this? Only a few of them have the feel of a warrior. Huh, Just like those who climb the ranks in the military, Those that climb to the top of the bureaucratic ladder too must face fierce battles because every single one of them has an aura on par with a general on the battlefield'
Shin could tell that Ryo Fui had yet to enter the room. He didn't know why, He just knew that none of the men in front of him was Ryo Fui. Hearing steps getting closer to the door Shin turned to the sound and this was his first look at Ryo Fui as he walked into the room and through his men and stood before Sei.
The Ryo Fui faction went to one knee and saluted Sei as Ryo Fui spoke."Firstly, Allow me to say there is nothing more important than seeing you unharmed, Your Majesty."
'What a huge presence. It would be comparable to General Ou Ki's.' Shin couldn't help but chuckle just to himself at the realization of the magnitude of the enemy they faced.
"This might be abrupt, Your Majesty, But the one behind the assassination attempt last night... Is none other than myself."
'He admitted it? What a set on this guy' Shin thought.
"Enough of your jests, Chancellor. Such a thing as that would be unthinkable."
'So that's how big the gap between Sei and Ryo Fui is'
"Hahahahaha truly, It was a jest. I was hoping to lighten up the mood. Please forgive my impudence. Well, then I shall have my vassals personally investigate the matter of the assassins. Please rest assured, Your Majesty."
"I'll leave it to you."
Shin's fists clenched tight, As he tried to suppress his killing intent. Shun Bun Kun's hand landed on his head breaking him out of his murderous thoughts.
"Endure it, Shin. For now, You must endure it." Nodding his head and relaxing his hands back on his lap, Shin's attention was drawn back to the front as an old man moved to the front of the Ryo faction.
"Hyohyohyo are we finished with the charade?"
"Hahah, What do you mean by charade, Sensei?" Ryo Fui said to the old man.
"Hyohyohyo it has been a long time, Your Majesty. It is good to see you are well."
"...Is that Sai Taku? A long time indeed."
"Sai Taku! It's that old man!?" Heki said.
"You know about him, Heki-bro?"
"A chancellor... Sai Taku-sama was a chancellor from three generations ago... Back in the time of king Sho's reign."
"He used to be a chancellor? So Ryo Fui even has someone like that under him."
"He's currently Qin's highest-ranked diplomat. I had heard that he was stationed to the state of Yan, To the far east." Heki whispered to Shin.
"When did you get back?" Shin again began listening to Sei.
"A few days ago. I'll be heading back east very soon." Sai Taku said.
"Thank you for your work. Take care of yourself." Sei said.
"Hyohyohyo, I appreciate your concern."
"Heki, That old man seems pretty close to Sei. Is he really an enemy?"
"Sau Taku-sama isn't one to make light of the king, He's just-"
"Please hurry and mature, Your majesty. This Sai Taku will serve only those who are strong." For a moment Sei and Sai Taku stare into the eyes of each other before Sai Taku turned and began walking away."Hyohyohyo. Well then, Excuse me."
"Hahah, What a troublesome man." Ryo Fui spoke up." Well, Your Majesty, It's time we took our leave too-"
"Wait." Said a man of a large statue in the Ryo group."I didn't come here just to play around with this charade either."
'Arrogant' Shin first thought about him.
"Hyohyohyo... Mou Bu then for what did you come?"
"I came for a royal hearing."
"!?" That shocked the whole room, Even most of the men of the Ryo faction spun to stare at this man named Mou Bu.
'That Mou Bu wants a Royal hearing!?' Shun Bun Kun raged in his thoughts.
"Do you have any idea what you're talking about?" Said the man sitting next to Mou Bu."A Royal hearing is to discuss matters of the state and politics. What would someone like you who only knows how to fight be able to offer?"
"Who do you think you're talking to, You petty little pencil pusher? I'll wring your neck." Mou Bu glared at the one next to him.
"What did you say!?"
"...Hahahah. It certainly is quite intriguing for a warrior like Mou Bu to request a hearing." Ryo Fui said before turning back to Sei."By your leave, Your Majesty?"
"Very well. Speak, Mou Bu." Sei said after a moment.
'I have a bad feeling' Shun Bun Kun's eyes narrowed.
"The six generals. The Six Great Generals of Qin I want to revive that system." Mou Bu said.
'Arrogant and an idiot.' Shin had studied the most recent heroes of the state of Qin and knew that there was no general truly loyal to Sei yet. After all, Shin had to know the history of those he seeks to surpass.
"Wha-WHAT!?" Shun Bun Kun roared.
"Just what is that man talking about. If we were to revive that system now... Our Kingdom would collapse." Heki said having gone pale.
"Just what are you planning, Mou Bu?" The man sitting next to Mou Bu said.
"Three generations ago during the reign of the god of war, King Sho, There is no doubt that Qin was considered to be the most dangerous state in all of China. It is said that the moment Qin sent out its armies, All our enemies would immediately lock down their gates for fear of attack. Just why was the state of Qin such a threat to all other states? ...Because of the Six Generals. These Six Great Generals, personally appointed by King Sho himself, Were crammed into China together and would ravage all the lands. At the time, The various states of China feared Qin from the bottom of their hearts. However, now that we no longer have King Sho or the Six General systems, It is clear that we have lost that level of military intimidation."
"Hyohyohyo, Who would have thought you would bring up the Six Generals? Truly, You are fierce, Mou Bu. It is as you say, As of recent years, Our might has certainly declined. Such as the last battle with Wei, Where we suffered a counteroffensive despite targeting Keiyou. There are also various other incidents where our borders have been invaded. Which is why you wish to revive the Six General system and obtain that right for yourself?" Sai Taku said after Mou Bu had finished.
"That's right."
"However, There is one glaring problem with that."
"The fear of revolt, Huh?" Mou Bu said.
'Maybe not a total idiot' Shin had to smother a chuckle at the thought.
"Hyohyo, Good answer."
"Don't look down on me. My way of life does not involve anything as foolish as betrayal."
"Hoh? Then what does it involve?"
"The proving of my might. I AM THE STRONGEST IN ALL OF CHINA! APART FROM PROVING THIS, I HAVE NO INTEREST IN ANYTHING ELSE!"
'Kakakakaka, What an interesting man, This Mou Bu' Shin couldn't contain his grin at his words.'Still an idiot tho'
"Hyohyohyo, as usual, you speak big words, Mou Bu. Strongest of all China, You say? Hyohyo but that is quite odd, Isn't there already someone stronger than you right here? Isn't that right, Shou Hei Kun?"
'Sensei's that strong?' Shin gave Shou Hei Kun a challenging look.
"That's going too far for a joke, Sai Taku-dono." Shou Hei Kun said.
"...My apologies. Let's pretend I said nothing. Well, There's still one more person. What will you do about that man Mou Bu? The only surviving member of the Six Great Generals, General Ou Ki, The monstrous Bird."
Shin felt a shiver run up his spine. While the Ryo faction had proven stronger than he thought, Compared to the pressure that General Ou Ki gave off just standing there, It was like standing before a huge mountain unable to grasp the extent of its height.
"If you were to bring up the Six Generals, It is unthinkable that he would remain silent." Sai Taku continued.
"It doesn't matter. His era has already ended long ago. At this point, If he were to butt in, I would pulverise him with my own hands."
'That would be impossible' Shin glared at Mou Bu.
"Your Majesty. I shall show you the sight of a Qin military even mightier than that of the time of King Sho! I ask you to grant me the title of great general and the privilege to war freely right now!" Mou Bu said.
Silence took the chamber as everyone gathered their thoughts on what Mou Bu had said.
"That's enough out of you." Ryo Fui said."Even if you are a soldier, There is a limit to how much disrespect you can show the King." Ryo Fui changed the way he was sitting and began to stretch his legs."Besides, You've talked far too long. Now my legs have gotten numb."
"!?" Shin was starting to think this was all a joke to the Ryo Fui faction.
"Hyohyohyo! True, You've talked too long." Sai Taku said while chuckling.
"You also riled him up too much." Ryo Fui reprimanded Sai Taku.
"Ah, Apologies."
"Your Majesty, Please forgive my retainers for their disrespect." Ryo Fui said bowing to Sei.
"Ryo Fui has stopped Mou Bu's Royal hearing," Heki whispered to himself.
"Of course." Shun Bun Kun said from next to Heki."The Six Generals are a strong independent force. Currently, Ryo Fui is holding the reins to the kingdom by himself, He would not risk creating something like that, Of course, The same goes for us."
"Unfortunately the Six Great Generals would require a constant resupply of soldiers and rations, Doing so would put a great strain on our state. This is a matter that concerns all our policies, Not something that should be decided carelessly by the words of one military officer."
"...However." Ryo Fui continued."There is no doubt that reinstating the Six General system would go a long way to cowing the other states and it is clear that the system would also strengthen our military. As expected, The concern is the fear of revolt. If we can closely monitor the generals just like King Sho, Then it should not be a problem. That being said, To have Your Majesty shoulder this burden at such a young age would be far too pitiful." Sei and those in his faction tensed at this.
"Which is why I shall present an alternative. I will pick six talented military men from my entourage that have sworn their loyalty to me to fulfil the roles of the Six Generals. What do you say to this, Your Majesty?" Ryo Fui said as finished everyone was surprised that he would say such a thing.
"Hahahahah, Well, Even if I say that, The Six Generals really isn't a trivial matter. We should take our time when it comes to deciding upon this. Listen, Mou Bu. To begin with, This visit was to celebrate his Majesty's well being. As for your hearing... Let's call it a day for now, Okay?"
"...I understand." Replied Mou Bu.
"Well then, Your Majesty. We shall take our leave!" Ryo Fui said saluting Sei before standing and walking through his men and out the door.
"DAMN IT!" Roared Heki as soon as he thought they wouldn't hear him and punch his fist at the ground.
BANG!
Heki froze, Fist just above the wooden floor as he turned to the sound and found Sei had Kicked the throne.
"Your Majesty!?" Shun Bun Kun said.
"..." BANG!
"Please stop, Your Majesty!"
BANG!
BANG!
"Oi." Shin said grabbing Sei's arm."Let's go outside and get some air."
It was a short walk, Taking a side door and a short hallway to the palace wall.
"Kakaka! Man, That was surprising. So even you have times when you want to hit things." Shin said after they had arrived and jumped up and sitting on the parapet.
"...You think I can keep calm after going through that?" Sei replied.
"Kakaka, That guy who went after your life's right in front of you but you can't say a thing! Kakaka, What a complete defeat." Shin continued to tease Sei, Trying to lighten the mood.
"Hmph. If you think it's funny then go ahead and laugh. This is the reality of the current King of Qin."
"...Those are some damn powerful enemies." Shin said after a moment of silence.
Sei joins Shin by standing on the parapet."Ri Shi of legalism."
'Oh, That was his name.'
"For military affairs, There's Shou Hei Kun, Your sensei, and Mou Bu. Sai Taku for diplomatic and other general issues. These four men are known as the four pillars and are the cornerstones of the Ryo faction."
"You can tell they aren't normal just by looking. But the really dangerous one has gotta be that guy." Shin said recalling the meeting.
"That's right. The man who rules above all of them. Chancellor Ryo Fui. Up until 12-13 years ago, Ryo Fui was just a merchant from a foreign state."
"He's done well for himself to have climbed so far. Money?"
"Indeed, Ryo Fui invested a large sum of his fortune into my father who wasn't originally a successor to the throne. Thanks to Ryo Fui's money and schemes, He became king of Qin. As his reward, Ryo Fui was given the position of chancellor. That's the short of it, anyway. However, It's impossible to ascend from a commoner to the leader of a nation with only money and small tricks. That's something you should also be aware of." Sei explained.
"...Yeah. That geezers the real thing."
"Including me, There is a large difference in strength between our two camps."
"You can judge a man by the enemies he's made."
"Ryo Fui is a worthwhile opponent."
"Heheh, You feeling a bit better now?"
"..."
"To think you would be worried about me. This is the worst." Sei said turning his head away from Shin and pretending to sulk.
"Ah!?" Shin grumbled as he looked around the wall."Hm? Wait a second." Taking a second look around Shin realized something."Ah, I get it. This is the same place as that night."
Shin and Sei both recalled that night."Somehow, That rebellion's really nostalgic now. I wonder if the captain and the others are doing well?" Shin said breaking the silence.
"They're making a 'bang' right now." Sei replied.
"Huh?"
"After returning to the mountain realms, They've once again thrown themselves into battle. With the king of the mountain, Yo Tan Wa personally leading her forces, They've continued to defeat all their rivals, Tribe after tribe. With that, Her influence has steadily increased in size. As of now, Most of the mountain lands to the west of Qin have fallen under her control. As Yo Tan Wa follows the mountain ranges north. They've started picking fights with the Kyou Do horsemen tribe that has long threatened Qin's northern borders."
"Kakaka, That's the king of the mountains for ya! Damn! Those guys are ploughing on ahead too! We can't lose to them, Sei."
Sei noted that there was real strength in Shin's voice when he spoke just now."Heh. You've been talking about other people for a while now but it's almost time for your turn."
"The next war? You heard anything, Sei?"
"I don't know when, Nor do I know who we'll be fighting. But I'm certain that somewhere out there preparation have already begun."
"After meeting the enemies face to face, I know we need to grow our strength far more to stand against the Ryo faction. I promise to rise through the ranks and become a general as quick as possible, For that purpose, I must not sit idle. I will absolutely not miss this chance to advance." Shin said as he jumped down from the parapet and took a few steps back to the palace before stopping."Don't fall behind, Sei."
"Of course."
Shin just nodded and began walking back to the door and leaving Sei there on the wall.
Taking the long way back to his compound after he had left the palace gave Shin time to think through the idea he had come to after the meeting. It was risky but the information he gained in the meeting had given him the confidence to pursue the thought.
Shin took a deep breath as he opened the doors to his home and was welcome to the site of all of his men drilling with the spear as they followed Shou Sa's instructions. He stood and watched for a while, A pride for the hard work his men had put in to achieve a fair level of skill with the spear, Bubbled up in his chest.
"Shou Sa, I need a word with the men." Shin said as he walked toward Shou Sa.
"Shin!" Shou Sa gave a shout at hearing the voice just behind him before spinning around and saluting Shin."I'm glad to see you are unharmed. We were unsure what had happened even after a messenger said for us to stand down."
"Don't worry everything worked out in the end." Shin said clasping Shou Sa's shoulder."MEN!" The rest of the unit froze at the voice before as one turning to Shin. Planting their spear they saluted Shin.
"CAPTAIN!"
"Relax. I must thank you for being on standby in case you were needed. But in the last few hours, I've come to realize that I'm not strong enough, That we aren't strong enough." Shin said making eye contact with his men."To remedy that I have come up with a plan to seek further training."
Shin took a moment to let the men gather themselves before continuing."Hai Rou! Your squad is in charge of rations."
"Yes, Captain!"
"Shou Sa, Suu Gen I want you to ready the wagons and make sure the horses are fed and watered for tomorrow."
"Yes, Sir" "Yes, Sir" Both men replied.
"Taku Kei, Please see that the barracks is cleaned and that everyone has something to sleep on and find some tents. Speak to En-san or Ten if you need help."
"Of course, Sir."
"Good, The other sixteen squads split in half. I want one half to check the armoury, Make sure everyone has a spear and sword. Load just the body armour and a dozen bows, As well as arrows. Take a count of what we have and make sure it's in good condition, If not make a list and then pass it to En-san, He'll see to replacements. Den Ei take seven other squads and see to it"
"Captain." Den Ei saluted.
"The other half, Once Taku Kei is done in the barracks get some rest, You lot are pulling security through the night. Den Yuu's in charge. Any questions?"
"Ah, Shin?"
"Yes, Bi Hei?"
"Where are we going?"
"Surprise." Shin gave a savage grin to his men."Let's get to it! En-san a word."
En nodded and walked up to Shin."Sir?"
"I want you to oversee the men and ensure we're ready to leave first light tomorrow."
"Yes, Sir but what will you be doing?" En said.
"Sleeping." Shin said patting En on the shoulder as he walked into the house.
After letting Ten know what he planned to do and sending a message to Shun Bun Kun, As well as sensei. They set out in the morning with the men reporting nothing happened in the night.
Taking the chance to see how his men faired at a quick march, Shin set a punishing pace for half the day and let the men rest at lunch before setting off again.
It was only a few days before a city began to appear on the horizon. As they got closer and closer and the walls got higher and higher, the men were in awe of the huge city.
"En-san, Tell the men to stop here and have them rest. I'll go on ahead and see if anyone is home." Shin said before taking his horse and riding to the closed gate."So inside this is General Ou Ki's city." After waiting a moment and getting no reaction, Shin rode up to the gate and smash his fist against it.
Only about a minute had passed before the gate began to open. Once the gate had raised up, Shin saw a familiar face."Lieutenant Tou!" Shin saluted as he came face to face with Tou.
"Youngster Shin?"
"Lieutenant Tou, Sir would it be possible to spe-"
"What's this?" Shin turned at the unexpected voice."Well, Well. If it isn't youngster Shin." General Ou Ki said having ridden up behind Shin."And what would you be doing here? Nfufufu."
"Welcome back, My Lord." Lieutenant Tou said.
"General Ou Ki, May I please have a word with you? And If possible may my men enter the city?" Shin said turning his horse to General Ou Ki and saluting.
It took almost everything Shin had just to maintain eye contact with General Ou Ki as he seem to size Shin up.
"Very well." General Ou Ki said before riding passed Shin and into the city.
Waving the men over and telling them to find somewhere to stay in the city and putting En in charge. Catching up to General Ou Ki and riding through the city. It seemed they were heading to the inner city.
"You must be tired, How was practice?" A servant asked Ou Ki after they had dismounted and entered an estate in the inner city.
"Nfufu, It was average."
'At any rate, It's a good sign that I've managed to meet with the man himself already since I came here playing it by ear and all. The important part starts here but first, What's with this hard to breathe aura? I've already met him before but I'm still getting overwhelmed by it right now. So this is the *Dignity* of General Ou Ki, The man who was once part of the Six Great Generals that were feared by all under the heavens.'
As they walk up a stairway, Shin got a full view of the city.'And this is the general's city. Haha, Are you seeing this, Hyou? The Great General of the Heavens we're aiming for, Whether it's the person or their castle, Both of them are friggin' huge!' Shin could only grin at the thought.
Before long Shin found himself in a hot spring with General Ou Ki and his men.
"Nfufufu, This is our first meeting since on the Wei general's hill, Isn't, Youngster Shin?"
"That's right."
"Now then for what reason do you seek me? We'll be starting the second part of training soon so please make it short."
"I came to ask you to teach me how to become stronger."
"Kokoko, Is that so? I thought for certain that you had come to ask me to bed you. Kokokoko, Not that I would bed you, I'm telling the truth! Right, Tou?."
"Yes, Sir!" Tou said as he swam by.
"...But what is the meaning of this change? You were brimming with so much confidence before, Yet now you've become quite meek."
"For what reason does a man forsake his pride?" Shin said, arms crossed and staring into General Ou Ki's eyes."After meeting the Ryo faction for the first time, It's become clear that I must take every chance I can to be stronger, For our enemies are powerful. For the sake of my friend, I would forsake my pride and ask for a chance. I will start at the bottom, I will clean the stables, Shine your men's armour." Saluting and bowing his head to General Ou Ki, Shin said."For the man that believes in me, I will become a Great General of the Heavens!"
'That look in his eyes is similar to that of King Sho, A dream chaser' The General's smile grew a touch.'It's true youngster Shin has potential and the fact he has developed this much in just three months is a surprise I must see for myself worth of the man known as Shin. Maybe it will be a good chance to have an effect on the next era and not just watch as it arrives.'
"Nfufufu, A test then youngster Shin. You may gather your men by the gate we entered and wait for me."
"Yes, Sir!"
Climbing out of the hot spring, Shin quickly got dressed before bowing again and making his way out of General Ou Ki's residents. Just when he was about to walk out of the inner castle, Shin facepalmed as he realized that he had no way to find his men. Resigned to running around the city to find his men in time to meet General Ou Ki.
"Shin!"
Shin's head snapped to the shout and saw that Hai Rou was leaning against the wall with his squad."Hai Rou?"
"Lieutenant En sent us to wait for you. He said once you had joined the others than as a unit we'll find a place to stay." Hai Rou said walking up to Shin
"So, The unit's still by the gate we arrived at?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, Let's go." Shin began walking back to the gate.
"So, What happened in there, Shin?"
"I explain once everyone is gathered."
A few minutes later they were walking out of the gate. Shin spotted his men off to the right getting some rest and getting lunch ready.
"MEN! Form up!" Shin was proud to see his men react immediately, Grabbing their weapons and rushing to get into formation. It took only a moment for the men to be ready."No doubt you all have questions. I've come to seek training from General Ou Ki who has stated that he has a test for me and the unit. Eat something quickly and be ready to move as soon as General Ou Ki arrives."
As his men went back to their meal, Shin took a moment to collect his thoughts. He honestly couldn't believe that General Ou Ki was giving him a chance, After all, he had no obligation to accept Shin. But he couldn't waste this opportunity.
Shin made sure to eat something before getting his men to begin doing some drills, Nothing that would tax them, Wanting to make sure the men weren't tired out when the general showed up but with no idea how long General Ou Ki would be, Shin had to continue their training.
A most an hour must have passed before General Ou Ki thundered out of the gate and stop near Shin."Nfufufu, Keep up, Youngster Shin." General Ou Ki rode off again with Lieutenant Tou.
"Men! Marching formation! We're following General Ou Ki, Don't fall behind!" Shin yelled. They were quickly in formation and running behind General Ou Ki's men. They had left the city far behind in short order. Shin was proud that his men had only just started to tire.
A few moments later Shin could hear the clash of weapons and shouts of combat as they near a small hill where General Ou Ki had come to a stop on top.
"En-san, See that the men get a short rest before we move out again." Shin said as he continued on to stand beside the general."General Ou Ki?"
Ou Ki glanced at Shin before pointing down the hill.
Turning to look down the hill, Shin saw what looked like a clash between two armies.
"That is a clash between my first army Commander, Roku O Mi and second army Commander, Ryuu Koku."Ou Ki said as Shin continued to obverse the battle, Taking in as many details as possible."I wish for you to tip the battle in favour of Ryuu Koku."
"!" Shin's head snapped to Ou Ki, Eyes wide.'What! He wants me to help the second army win the battle!' Focusing back on the battle below, Shin took a moment to study it further. After a few minutes of watching the Roku O Mi army formation, He had a plan.
"Yes, Sir!" Shin saluted General Ou Ki before turning around and walking over to his men as they overlooked the battle.
"We've got orders!" Shin got the unit's attention with a shout."We're to enter the battle below and help the right army secure a victory."
"WHAT!"
"How are we meant to do that Shin-dono?" En asked.
Shin made sure to make eye contact with as many men as possible."Do you trust me?"
The men looked at one another and shifted nervously for a moment before their resolve hardened. "Yes, Captain!" They responded as one.
"Good, Follow me!" Shin began moving down the hill."Shou Sa, Take your 30 man unit and attack the left flank left unit. Suu Gen, take your men and attack the left flack right unit. I want you both to find the officer in charge of those units, Engage them and pin them down. Once you see our flag-waving about eliminate your targets and pull back."
"Yes, Sir! Shou Sa unit on me!"
"Yes, Sir! Suu Gen unit on me!"
Both units separated from the rest and make their way to their respective sides of the left flank. Shin moved to the rear centre of the Ryuu Koku army, Waiting a moment to make sure that Shou Sa and Suu Gen were in position.
Once he had seen that, Shin began to push his way to the front of the army and stopped just about 15 paces from the fighting. "Ryuu Sen, Den Yuu move to the front. I want you to smash through the men in the front, Then widen the gap as much as possible. Yuu Gi, San Ka you will then take the front with me and we'll cut our way to the enemy's left-wing Commander. Clear!"
"Yes, Sir!"
"Sure thing, Boss!"
"Gotcha!"
"Yes, Captain!"
Shin was drawn to shouting on his left and saw that Shou Sa had punched through the enemies in front of him and had engaged the unit officer. Also allowing Ryuu Koku soldiers to widen the gap and push through. Looking at Suu Gen's position, He too had managed to get into the enemy's formation but had yet to find the officer.
Keeping a close eye on both of his men. It was just a few minutes later that Suu Gen seemed to find the officer. Now his attention focused on the left-wing Commander's unit towards the rear and waiting for the right moment.
Watching his men press the left and right units of the left wing, His moment came not too long after. Seeing men from the rear move to support the two units his men had attacked weakening the centre.
"Now! Give the signal!" Shin said. Holding off attacking until his men had knocked the officer out of the training. Hearing, A roar from the right and not a second later from the left, Shin gave a grin."Attack!"
Den Yuu and Ryuu Sen forced their way to the front and with wide swings smashed the Roku O Mi men aside. In a flash, Shin was passed both of them, Smacking the enemy away with the flat of his blade. Yuu Gi and San Ka followed closely behind with their squads, Fighting as a Go. With Shin in front, they blitzed through the uncoordinated front units and because the enemy commander had sent men to the left and right the centre was a bit lighter on men, Making it easy for Shin to plough through them.
"Ahhh!" A unit of cavalry appeared before Shin, One rider thrusting his spear at Shin. Parrying to the side and grabbing the horseman's arm, pulling him from his horse and with a quick tap to his helmet eliminated him. Looking around, Shin found most of his men had fended off the horseman and he spotted the officer in charge, Realizing that this was the left-wing commander.
"Den Ei! Help me clear a path towards the commander!"
"Right!"
Together they cleared a path to the officer and once next to him, Shin blocked a glaive swing from the enemy officer. Taking the chance, With a riposte, Shin's blade stopped just at the commander's throat.
"Dead." Shin said.
"Well shit."
"Fall back to the main army!" Shin yelled before helping his men disengage and pulled back to the main army.
"Shin!" Shou Sa and Suu Gen yelled once they saw him and the rest of his men emerge from the Ryuu Koku army.
"Shou Sa, Suu Gen well done. How many men did you lose?"
"7 men, Lost the most when we had to pull out." Suu Gen said
"11, The officer had some real tough soldiers around him."
"Again, Good work. Now let's see if that was enough to tip the balance."
Shin and his men walked a bit up the hill before turning and watching the battle. Quickly the left flank Ryuu Koku army commander was able to take advantage of the lack of overall strategy on the enemy's left flank and was able to crush the enemy left flank and swing around to attack the Roku O Mi centre resulting in a victory for Ryuu Koku.
"You have achieved the mission I gave you splendidly, Right Tou?"
Shin jumped at the voice and spun to find General Ou Ki sitting on his horse just behind them.
"Yes, Sir. Most impressive."
"It seems you have passed my test. Training will begin immediately, Lieutenant Tou will see to your men's training. While I will personally oversee Youngster Shin's training."
Shin was filled with dread from the look in General Ou Ki's eyes.