Il Cielo dei Tre Regni
by Lunar Wave

Disclaimer: This story borrows the setting and characters of the Koihime†Musou series and borrows multiple elements from Katekyo Hitman Reborn. I own neither series as they both belong to their respective owners. Also, considering Koihime†Musou could be considered a fanfic of the Three Kingdoms, I'd like to say I don't own anything related to the stories of the Three Kingdoms.

A/N: I watch too much CGP Grey. I'm already apologizing in advance. I'm sorry.

-()-

Leading the Alliance

-()-

"… Since Fuyurugi-san is currently absent due to food poisoning, it's been decided that Hongou-san will take the mantle of the leader during the exhibition match tomorrow."

"What exactly did Fuyurugi-senpai eat?" Kazuto asked as he felt something wrong with this situation.

"That is unknown, I am afraid." The kendo advisor shook his head. "Other than her entire family being in the hospital right now, they did not disclose anything else."

"… I propose that we organize a fruit basket to send to Fuyurugi-senpai." Kazuto immediately said, already feeling the machinations of Reborn in this incident.

"Sounds like a good idea, but what do you have in mind for the exhibition match?" The advisor patiently asked.

"Follow what Fuyurugi told us to do yesterday. Also, just keep our wits about… we need to get another player in too…" Kazuto sighed. "Who do you think is good?"

"How about Munakata-kun?"

"I'm already on the team." A boy scolded from the side. "I'm fighting second."

"Well, you're fighting third now," Kazuto replied. "You and Mikazuki-san are the next best kendoka compared to me and Fuyurugi-senpai. And we need someone there that can make sure we get at least one win."

"Understood."

"Mikazuki-san, can you take up the vice-captain fight?" Kazuto asked.

"Understood, Hongou-san." A girl bowed to her reply.

"As for substituting… Sawano-san, can I count on you?"

"M-me? But I'm just a freshman! There are other more-"

"If that's what Hongou decided, then we're counting on you."

"I-is it really fine?"

"It's just an exhibition match. You'll be fine. Besides, you aren't exactly weaker than anyone here."

"B-but!"

"So, no one going to argue against me doing the captain's match?"

"Hongou-kun, you're the only one here who can make Fuyurugi-senpai sweat. Fuyurugi-senpai's the best, but there's a reason you're vice-captain."

"Gee, thanks. Okay. Someone warm Sawano-san up and teach her the ropes. Minaka-san, can I count on you?"

"Of course." The girl bows and walks over to the younger girl.

By the end of the day, they hashed out a simple plan. They managed to win the exhibition match, fortunately enough. Fuyurugi came back the next day and congratulated them. The circumstances of her food poisoning are clearly suspect. Kazuto simply scolded Reborn in secret, before having to run from a hail of bullets.

Being volunteered to be the leader of a group is something of a trend with Kazuto. It's something that has been with him since his birth, even. But he wasn't one to shirk responsibility. He doesn't feel worried about that.

He'll just do it as he always does: ram himself at it with his dying will.

-()-

The base of the Ryuubi Faction didn't seem like much. It's neat and organized, as Kan'u Unchou had already finished the preparations for camping here. It's been hours since their commanders and advisor had left to meet Enshou. As afternoon arrives, three figures were seen walking towards the camp, and the three generals, Kan'u, Chouhi, and Chouun walked over to greet them.

"Welcome back, Touka-sama, Kazuto-sama, Shuri." Aisha warmly welcomed the arrival. "Do we have our marching orders? I presume Enshou-dono has already given out roles."

"Is it the vanguard?" Rinrin asked excitedly. "Are we part of the vanguard!?"

"Rinrin!" Aisha scolded. "I highly doubt that we'll be in any position to be placed at the vanguard."

"Then somewhere in the middle?" Rinrin asked.

"No." Shuri replied, "We're the rearguard."

"Boo! Doesn't that mean we won't see any action at all!?" Rinrin grumbled.

"I agree with Rinrin-dono. Could we not have at least been placed…" Sei started saying before pausing as she spotted something, "Kazuto-sama, what is that banner on you?"

"We've been put in charge as the figurehead of the coalition," Kazuto replied in false cheer. The smile on his face clearly shows a deadness that none of them expected. Touka sighed, before moving to cover her ears. Shuri mirrored her actions.

And the words suddenly sunk in.

"""E-EEEEEEEEEHHHH!?""" The combat trio yelled as the realization hit them like a hammer.

-()-

"I nominate Hongou Kazuto as the leader of the Anti-Toutaku Coalition."

Sonken's declaration shocked the entire room. Kazuto and Touka could only stare at them. Kousonsan was equally shocked and had no idea how to react.

"Wh-what are you saying, Sonken!?" Enjutsu was the first to speak. "Are you going against us, the En Family?"

"Of course not, Enjutsu-chan." Bundai laughed, "However, consider this. People claim the reason that the empire is falling is that the imperial court has lost the Mandate of Heaven. If the leader is a messenger from heaven, then wouldn't that be useful to bring about the rumor that the Mandate of Heaven has come to aid the Emperor?"

"… I knew that stupid title would haunt me." Kazuto dully said.

"You dislike the title?"

"I hate the idea of relying on a nebulous title that I received but not earned," Kazuto grunted out. "For instance, you are considered the Tiger of Koutou, correct?"

"It seems you are more aware than I give you credit."

"You earned that by being someone who worked for it. Compare that to that annoying title. Heavenly Messenger. It says nothing about who I am, what I stand for, or what pushes me forward. I don't have some magical message from heaven to give to people. I'm just here. And because I came here, I received that title. I've done nothing to earn it. Thus, I consider it more burden than a boon." Kazuto sighed, "But fine, I'll put my name on," Kazuto grumbled, as he wrote his name down. "Any other nominations?"

"Enshou, Kousonsan, and Hongou, huh…" Sousou muttered. "I believe three is enough. So how will we vote?"

Kazuto simply tore a few pages from his notebook, surprising everyone. He continued tearing them till he had twenty pieces of paper.

"Anonymous voting," Kazuto replied. "Everyone in this room will receive a piece of paper. I will pass this pen around for you to write with. Please choose two candidates. One that you prefer, and the second that you would rather if the first does not become the leader."

"Oh, why is that?" Koushuu asked.

"It's to make sure that a majority votes for the leader." Kazuto nodded. "If a majority of us do not choose the leader, then there might be dissent from the others…" Well, the one person that clearly wants it. Neither he nor Kousonsan seems to care for the position. He almost feels sorry for Kousonsan. "The first name on your paper will be counted first. If a majority has not voted for the first person, we'll take the votes of the ones who chose the one with the least votes and consider that person's second choice instead."

"That's a strange way to decide."

Kazuto sweatdropped. He may have been watching too many videos on alternative voting methods. He always wanted to test it out somewhere. Fortunately, no one here has any experience with other voting methods. Or rather, they generally don't care as long as they understand how it works. "Besides, there's only twenty of us here… and nineteen qualified voters."

"Nineteen?"

"Touka's my equal. She's the only one who will vote between the two of us." Touka looked surprised at this before nodding.

"Don't you think people will find out with just their handwriting?"

"None of you have written with a pen yet, correct?" Kazuto grinned. "Your handwriting will be different when using a brush versus a pen."

"Before we vote, shouldn't we have the three candidates make their case."

"Enshou can, but since neither Kousonsan nor I even care about the position… I'll let Touka speak for Kousonsan, and Sonken can speak for me." Kazuto shrugged. "I think that's fair considering who nominated who."

"Why not just pull out?" Enshou growled.

"Because I'm not against being the leader." Kazuto grimaced. "If I became leader, I'd have a better chance at accomplishing the goals our group has set out to do. So, to defend Enshou's position as a candidate, Koushuu-san, can you take the stand?"

"I doubt people need to explain why Enshou is a candidate." Koushuu scoffed, "Kousonsan is a decent one, I'll give her that, but Hongou is still an unknown. Enshou's pedigree is proven. The En Family is one of the pillars of this empire. No one would question it if she were to hold the position of leader. Besides, she is also the one who contacted most of us here in the first place. I see no reason not to place my life in her hands."

"Unless you're willing to suffer under poor decisions, be my guest." Sousou shrugged. "Unlike you, I've known Reiha for a long time. And her escapade at the capital recently just proves how incompetent she is as a strategist. Some of us want our armies intact by the end of this."

"How dare you!" Enshou said in shock.

"Need I remind you of your poor performance when fighting the Eunuch Faction, which resulted in Kataigou and Kashin's ousting from the court? That is still quite fresh in our minds."

"You…"

"If you had succeeded in your defense, then Toutaku would not have gotten this far. They were merely called for security of the capital in the first place." Sousou continued.

When Touka heard that, she grimaced. "I don't think Enshou would be a good leader…" She whispers into Kazuto's ear.

"She doesn't seem the type, yes," Kazuto grunted. "Well then, I suppose you should speak for Kousonsan then."

Touka nodded, standing up, "I've known Kousonsan for years. She's a good person, and smart. We studied under Roshoku-sensei together, and yet, she's already a governor of her own territory, while I'm only beginning my own rise. I know that she won't be a bad leader. She's the one who gave me advice as a leader of my own army, and she's leading a strong cavalry, so I think it's alright to consider her."

Everyone in the room looked at her with surprise. Kousonsan couldn't help but blush, unused to the single burst of praise that Touka lavished on her.

Sousou then smirked, "… For something off the cuff, you spoke better than I thought. Your speech could be better, but you didn't hesitate at all."

"Thank you." Ryuubi bowed, before taking her seat.

"Then, I suppose it's my turn?" Sonken waved her hand. "Let's be frank. It's simple. I've already explained the motivational aspect of it. Since he's the Heavenly Messenger, we can call our movement an action by Heaven to secure the Imperial Kan. The rumors have already spread far enough that it would help. His connection with Ryuubi Gentoku is also meaningful. I doubt everyone here missed the fact that the Imperial Court acknowledged Ryuubi Gentoku's heritage as Imperial Descendant." She smiled, "Next, his advisor."

"E-eh?" Shuri squeaked, before clamping her mouth closed.

"You wear those clothes with pride, young girl. Shokatsuryou Koumei, correct?"

"Y-yes-desu." Shuri meekly replied.

"This girl's a student of Suikyou. I don't think there is a need to explain why that is impressive in itself. But even though Suikyou's base of operations is in the southwest, this girl found herself in the service of these two. What do you think that says about their capacity? That a student of Suikyou would leave and travel for a long time, just to be in their service?"

"What's so special about this Suikyou?" Enjutsu demanded.

Sonken patiently smiled at the younger girl, which came off more condescending to Kazuto, "She's a hermit that is also known for being a well-learned individual. Unfortunately, due to her status as a hermit, she is hard to pinpoint. However, her students are easily identifiable. Those clothes are remarkably distinct, after all." Kazuto now wonders what a male student of Suikyou would be like.

"Hawawa… I'm honored that you would be able to recognize me by just my clothes…"

"How many other students are in your group?" Sousou asked, her eyes shining brightly.

"There are three of us…" Shuri replied. "Myself, Houtou Shigen, and Josho Genchoku."

Sousou nodded, having a smile, no, a smirk on her face. She hummed and said, "Thank you." Shuri nodded, stepping back from the table, indicating that she was no longer part of this conversation.

"Why did you reveal their names?" Kazuto asked, silently.

"It helps spread our names. If only I will get achievements in this campaign, then I'd like the other two to at least get their own recognition."

"Hmm… you do realize that now they will headhunt others, right? Hinari, I can protect, but Josho is not under our flag."

"Genchoku-chan will be fine." Shuri firmly nodded. And Kazuto felt no hesitation in Shuri's tone, so he silently nodded back.

"Is that all, then Bundai-san?" Kazuto asked.

"I believe that what I said is sufficient."

"Very well, voting time." Kazuto sighed, passing the pen to Touka next to him. "Ten votes are needed for you to become the leader."

-()-

Touka looked at the piece of paper before thinking calmly.

Kazuto-kun expects her to vote for Pairen-chan. She knows that. But… she thinks Kazuto-kun is better for it. Kazuto's not looking at her paper, as he's busy distributing the paper to the other members, which results in him having to explain that he does not know how the paper was made. Please stop asking him.

So, she scribbles down Kazuto's name as her first choice… and Kousonsan's name as her second. Hopefully, her sworn elder brother could forgive her for this. She finished quickly, before passing the pen to Kousonsan, seated next to her.

"Oh, you're done, Touka-chan? Shuri-chan, can I borrow your hat?"

"Oh, umm, okay." Shuri handed her beret over, and Kazuto placed it on the table.

"Put it in here," Kazuto replied. Touka nodded, placing the piece of paper inside Shuri's hat, which he left in the middle of the table. He seems to be fine. He doesn't suspect a thing.

-()-

Kousonsan grumbled. No. She isn't suited to this role. Best nip this in the bud.

She almost puts Enshou's name first… but decides to just put Hongou. Serve him right for volunteering her. Besides, Sonken's speech about Hongou clearly shows that Sonken wants Hongou to win. 'Why' is the question and they'll get their answer if Sonken gets what she wants. So she scribbles down Hongou's name, then let the second choice be Enshou.

She places the paper inside the hat in the middle, before calmly sitting back. Hongou wasn't kidding when he said that the pen is difficult to use for someone unused to it. Although Touka-chan seems to have had an easy time. Most likely, Hongou had taught her how to use it.

She passes the pen on.

-()-

It took a while for the pen to come to Sousou's hand. She quickly adopted the usual way she holds a brush, before switching it to the form Hongou was using to write. It felt completely different, but she adapted quickly and wrote Kousonsan's name first, and… after a bit of hesitation, she puts Hongou's name second.

Whatever Sonken's goal is, the two are still some of the smaller armies here. She can make use of that to influence them. Doubtless, there will be interesting warlords in their camps, that might be interested in joining her. Enshou's camp is already clean and barren of anyone who would leave her side. Ganryou and Bunshuu are the only ones of note, and those two are loyal. If the other two had their camps to serve as command centers, then she could visit whenever she wanted.

Placing the paper in the hat in the middle of the table and passing the pen over, she allowed her mind to wander a bit. Maybe she could find someone who can re-engineer that pen. It wrote without needing an inkwell, making it remarkably efficient. She had examined it thoroughly. There seemed to be a metal ball at the end that becomes wet with ink when she rubs it over a surface. Inside was what appeared to be a tube of ink.

"Hongou, is that pen refillable?"

"In theory?" Kazuto replied. "The ball on the end of the pen is connected to a tube of ink. If you can refill that tube, then yes? But that's difficult on its own because that pen isn't made to BE refillable. At most, you just buy another pen."

"Interesting." Sousou nodded. "Are you saying that pen is cheap enough to be replaced so easily?"

"Yup. Although, since I'm cut off from my source, I need to be frugal with its use." Kazuto sighed. Sousou noted the mix of formal and informality in the boy's tone. It's as if the boy is trying to remain formal, but his natural informality just peeks through naturally.

"So, can this be washed off?" Sousou raised her finger, where a few marks were left by her experimentation.

"It will eventually." Kazuto shrugged. "It's by no means permanent."

"I see."

Kazuto nodded, as he went back to passing on the hat to Choubaku for her to put her vote in.

Sousou frowned. It felt nice talking to him. He didn't seem condescending, but he didn't act subservient either. The casualness of his tone is so rare for her. Her subordinates all adore her, and she adores them in turn. Others fear her, and she, in turn, acts aloof. It is the first that she spoke to a man that seems to not care about her status, and she found that she liked it.

She doesn't know what to feel about this revelation.

-()-

Sonken smiled as the pen found its way to her. She's the last person. After this, the vote will be tallied, and the winner will become known. Enshou had tried to look at each voter as much as she can when they were writing, but they were so concentrated on just using the pen, that they ignored everything else.

She grabbed the pen as she usually does a brush, and wrote the name of Hongou, followed by Kousonsan. It was a bit difficult, but it worked out fine.

And with this, as she places the paper in the bin, she's done.

-()-

"I'm counting the votes," Kazuto called, shaking Shuri's hat a bit. And he pulls out each vote.

"Enshou." Kazuto put down the paper in a pile. "Hongou."

And so, he continued piling papers up. Enshou was elated as papers came into her stack more but Hongou seems to match her.

After a while, Kousonsan heaved a sigh of relief. She wasn't called enough.

The last paper. Kazuto sighed. The current count is 3 Kousonsan, 8 Enshou, and 7 Hongou. He grumbled as he pulled it out. He recoiled at the name.

"It's my name, isn't it?" Enshou smirked, raising her hand to just below her chin, as though she was about to laugh. "That's why you have such a sorry face. Now, then I-"

"Hongou." Kazuto sighed, putting the last paper down. And Enshou's mood dropped. "So that's eight for me, eight for Enshou, and three for Kousonsan."

"A tie?" Touka asked.

"I said first to ten. Neither of us reached ten votes." Kazuto replied. "So now…" He pulled the three papers on Kousonsan's pile. "It's safe to say that Kousonsan is no longer in the running."

"Thank heavens for that." Kousonsan breathed.

"Although you'll find that most of the second choices are you." Kazuto grinned, causing Kousonsan to recoil and look at the second choice of the other votes. And it was clear that he was right. Most of the second choices are indeed her. "So the three votes for Kousonsan will be turned into votes for their second choices."

Sousou nodded impatiently. "It's just three papers. Finish it already."

"Alright." Kazuto nodded. Before looking at the papers and sighing. "One vote for Enshou, and two votes for me."

"Wh-what!?" Enshou exclaimed.

"So that's ten votes for me. And nine votes for Enshou." Kazuto sighed once more.

"So, we have our winner," Sonken smiled.

"I hoped this method will produce a different person…" Kazuto sighed. "I don't know what you people want for me, but I'll do my best to live up to your expectations," Kazuto said.

"Hold on, are you sure you didn't miscount!?" Enshou cried out. "That shouldn't be possible!"

"Sousou-san. Can I leave it to you to recount it?" Kazuto sighed, passing the pile of paper to the girl, who nods. She quickly sorts the papers out again, before shrugging. In the meantime, Kazuto puts Shuri's hat back on her head, taking the chance to rub her head. Shuri seems to enjoy him doing this.

"Unfortunately, it seems there is no miscount." Sousou sighed. "Hongou does win, based on the rules he put on. And even if it was a simple first-choice vote, there would've been a tie."

"I explained the rules to you fairly," Kazuto replied. "If anything, I'd like to ask if people would mind terribly if I voted for Enshou at this point?"

"Follow your rules, Hongou." Sonken smiled. "Or should I say, Coalition Commander?"

"I am against this!" Enshou cried out. "There has to be a trick. Why would…"

"If it's all the same to you, Reiha, but you agreed to this method as well." Sousou rebuked, "Or at least, you did not deny this method. And there was no trick. The papers were in the girl's hat the entire time. Those who have finished voting were always making sure the hat's contents were never touched at any point in time."

"Plus, I don't have such horrible handwriting," Kazuto called out. "My teacher would've shot me if I write that horribly."

"… Shot you?" Kousonsan asked, confused.

"Don't worry about it." Kazuto sighed. "Does anyone else want to confirm the votes?"

"I will." Enjutsu raised her hand. "I'll…" Kazuto freely passed the papers to the girl.

"… This is the last one," Kazuto grumbled. So they silently watched Enjutsu pour over the papers, slowly counting and recounting before sighing.

"… sorry cousin, but they're right."

"Guuh…." Enshou grumbled.

"Now that the vote is done with, does anyone else have an objection to the results?"

No one else objected.

"Good. Then I'll be burning these papers now." Kazuto sighed, lighting his ring up and setting the papers ablaze. Everyone was shocked as the papers turned into ash, as the ring on his finger stopped burning as well. "What? I said this was an anonymous vote. The votes were counted properly already."

"I think they were more surprised about your ring catching on fire," Kousonsan replied.

"It does that. It's a very fancy lighter." Kazuto replied, causing both Touka and Shuri to feel slightly offended at that reply. They consider the rings to have much more worth than that.

"First order of business is to make this clear: I'm not the leader of your armies. I'm the leader of the coalition. In other words, I'm the one in charge of the meetings." Kazuto replied.

"What's the difference?" Enshou scoffed.

"You all do your own rallying cries. I'm not appearing in front of any of your army and introducing myself as the leader. As far as they're concerned, the twenty of us are a single homogenized unit. When we leave this room, we'll do the job tasked to us, not because I told you to, but because all of us decided it."

"So basically, you're running away from responsibility?" Sousou scoffed.

"No. I'm getting rid of unnecessary responsibility." Kazuto corrected. "As in, I'm not dealing with your armies. Your armies are yours. The only things I'm keeping under my thumb are these meetings. However, Enjutsu, I expect you to cooperate with us, seeing as you're our supplier."

"Who are you to just…"

"Enjutsu, we need your help. Otherwise, this whole campaign is over. Same with Enshou. Your army is the biggest factor that the enemy needs to be wary of. You two are lynchpins to our success. So I expect you two to cooperate with me as much as possible."

"Why should I have to work with the commoner?" Enshou sulked.

"Are you going against the decision of the majority?" Kazuto waved. "More people decided I should be the leader. Ten out of nineteen. Please, take this seriously. You called us here to fight a war. We're not here to fight petty squabbles. Enshou, your cooperation is more important now, especially since it's your group that has the most information on our enemy. Is the noble En Family going to renege on their duty to the empire?"

"W-what? How dare you!" Enshou stood up, "Of course, I will not! I will cooperate! While I find this situation annoying, that doesn't mean I will back down now. Besides, if you were to fall, then I'm the one who will take the position next, correct?"

"… Sure." Kazuto replied, "Now, that that's done with, let's talk strategy."

-()-

"And that's how it is. I put our group as a rearguard to make us an enticing target for our enemy. And everyone just drew lots as to who goes where. Well, the ones who had no preference for the position at the very least. Batou-san and Kousonsan each took a flanking position, due to their superior cavalry."

"Just because we didn't interrupt you, doesn't mean we don't have questions, Kazuto-sama," Aisha said.

"Nyahahaha! This means Rinrin is the best, right~?"

"No. At best we're figureheads." Kazuto grunted, "At worst, set up to be false targets for the enemy."

"False targets?" Sei asked. "Why?"

"We have the commander position, but that doesn't mean any of them would protect us. If anything, the votes showed them that Enshou would work just fine as their commander as well. So they won't work any harder to protect us. If we die off, then that's it. We can't expect anything but the minimum of protection."

"But they'll still show that minimum right?"

"They have to. Lip Service."

"Who do you think is likely to protect us more than others?" Aisha asked, "And who should we be careful with our backs?"

"It really depends on their strategists at the end of the day." Kazuto shrugged. "Kousonsan, obviously. Batou looks honorable, so she might stand at our side too. Touken seems tolerant. Of course, looks can be deceiving. Other than that, I believe everyone else is ambivalent."

"Really? But there were eight votes for you." Touka asked, twiddling her fingers a bit.

"I think that stems more from not wanting Enshou to lead. The mishap that Sousou mentioned seems to have struck a nerve with everyone there. Sonken's support of me also draws more to think I'm better than Kousonsan. After all, Touka's exact words were I think it's alright to consider her. Not the most convincing line, Touka-chan."

"Ahahaha." Touka chuckled nervously.

"You've made better off-the-cuff speeches before, too." Kazuto sighed. "Stagefright?"

"Yes," Touka replied instantly, and Kazuto just nodded. Touka seems jumpy, but that is probably just nerves from the leadership role, he reasoned.

"As for people who we should be most careful of, Enshou and Enjutsu are the only ones. I know for a fact that we slighted their egos quite a bit, and people tend to act irrationally when their egos are hurt."

"Yeah, Enshou and Enjutsu were not smiling at all by the end of that meeting." Touka nodded.

"I tried to stress how valuable they are to the coalition, to stroke their egos a bit, but… can't be helped." Kazuto sighed.

"I'm back," Shuri called, as she approached the group.

"Welcome back, Shuri. What exactly did you do?" Touka asked.

"I… I have begun sending out a few spies to check out Shisui Pass and Kouro Gate. The lack of information coming from the capital has been worrying me for some time."

Kazuto nodded, smiling, "Thank you, Shuri."

"Umm… Are you sure we shouldn't call Hinari-chan here?" Shuri asked.

"Hmm? But wasn't Hinari-chan adamant about developing the territory?" Touka asked.

"If it had just been our army, and maybe Kousonsan's army, I think I'd have been fine. But now that I'm technically the strategist of the entire force… I think two strategists would be helpful." Shuri looked away.

"Shuri," Kazuto smiled, "I think you'll do just fine. Besides, it's not as if you'll be taking command of any of the other armies. None of them really care to follow except the letter of our word. We just need to focus on our own army after we decide the big picture."

"I know that but…" Shuri breathed as Kazuto lifted her hat off, "Hawawa!" She felt the boy rub her head.

"Calm down. Nothing has changed. Don't be so hard on yourself. I know you can take care of everything."

"That's right~" Touka smiled, "Shuri-chan just needs to do her best as usual. I'm sure Hinari-chan will say the same thing."

"So for now, let's decide our policy… huh?" Kazuto looks to the side to see a messenger coming. "Yes?"

"Sir, a messenger from Batou-sama's camp has arrived… with an entire platoon of soldiers. Their leader is Bachou-sama."

"Bachou the Splendid?" Aisha asks, in shock, before recomposing herself. She coughed, before formally nodding. "Let her in."

The messenger left, and they immediately oriented themselves properly, each to their places. Kazuto and Touka are at the head of the table. Aisha and Rinrin are on each side. Shuri sits in a kneeling position diagonally right and behind Kazuto, a small table placed near her where her own writing utensils were found. Sei seats next to Aisha, closer to the entrance of the tent.

"Announcing, Bachou Mouki, from Batou-sama's camp." The messenger says, and a young woman, wearing a red headband, entered. She leaves her weapon, a spear with a cross tip, with the messenger, and she greets them plainly.

"It's an honor to meet you, commander of the coalition, Hongou Kazuto. I'm here to be da-ow…"

"… You bit your tongue." Rinrin stated the obvious.

"I'm remembering two kids who were in a tree for some reason…" Kazuto said in amusement. Shuri blushes before pouting at Kazuto's back.

"Well, sorry about that! I'm not used to speaking formally yet…" Bachou exclaimed at Rinrin, before, "Ah, sorry. I was rude."

"It's fine." Kazuto sighed. "If you're not used to it, you're not used to it. Besides, your mother's station is higher than mine. Just speak frankly."

"Really? Thank you." Bachou sighed, her formal tone dropping in an instant.

"Kazuto-sama. You shouldn't make people drop formalities with you so much!" Aisha rebuked her sworn brother.

"I won't force someone who's suffering just trying to be formal to do formality," Kazuto replied. "So why are you here, Bachou-san?"

"Ah yes. Mother said that you didn't have a cavalry unit, so he instructed me to serve under your banner for the duration of the coalition."

"Eh, is that alright?" Touka asked worriedly, "Won't your mother be in danger if you aren't there?"

"My mother is strong." Bachou nonchalantly replied. "Besides, it's her orders so I'm just following it."

"Thank you for your aid, Bachou-san. It'll be an honor to work with you." Kazuto smiled. "For as long as you are under our banner, you'll be treated as one of our own. Please, feel free to set up camp wherever."

"Thank you." Bachou nodded, and she stood up with a smile and took her spear back as she left the room.

"Well, that was interesting," Sei noted.

"Do you believe the other camps will send their own forces to us as well?" Aisha asked.

"If a few more do, sure. But if they all start sending forces, I'm afraid our own soldiers will be overwhelmed." Kazuto sighed. "I don't know what Batou-san is planning, but I hope the others don't follow her example."

"Yeah. We don't want our army to be overtaken by others." Aisha grimaced.

"As long as the soldiers will follow our orders then it's fine." Kazuto nodded. "But we can't just take everyone."

"Why not?" Touka asked.

"Simply put? Sabotage." Kazuto sighed. "If Enshou were to say, send a platoon here, they would be in a prime spot to say… accidentally shoot someone." Everyone felt danger from those words.

"That's not good at all. That's definitely not good at all!" Touka refused. "Do you think Bachou-san is dangerous?"

"From what I can tell? No." Kazuto shook her head. "She's too frank. Too honest."

"I agree, but for a different reason," Shuri added. "She's the daughter of the leader. She's too valuable to be thrown away for a stupid plot like that. Furthermore, she leads a cavalry unit. Her value as a commander is too valuable. In fact, she brought roughly a few hundred soldiers with her… but considering her rank…"

"She's probably used to leading a thousand men." Aisha nodded.

"That's still less than ours, right?" Rinrin asked.

"It's likely that her mother placed most of the men under her personal command for the time being and sent Bachou with elite soldiers she can trust to protect her." Shuri nodded. "However, we can conclude one thing about this."

"What?" Rinrin asked.

"Batou-san trusts us, as the commander of the coalition."

"Eh?"

"Bachou-san would've been safer if she was with the main force of Batou's army. But instead, she sent her over. That's a sign of trust that is rarely shown. Bachou is no doubt a capable general. Her achievements prove that; even receiving an epithet. But the risk is greater, especially in a smaller army like ours, even worse since we're the commanders."

"Not for the first or last time do I wish Enshou just took the title long before we arrived here." Kazuto groaned.

"It can't be helped I suppose." Touka weakly smiled.

"So, our job is to make full use of Bachou, while ensuring her safety." Kazuto sighed. "After all, if Bachou becomes successful under our banner, she'll gain more achievements too."

"Yes!" Shuri nodded. "Aisha, can we leave her to you?"

"Understood."

"Remember to assert your position as commander of the army, while avoiding being too overbearing," Kazuto called. "She's subordinate to you, but she still technically outranks you."

"It'll be fine, Kazuto-sama." Aisha smiled, and soon she left the room, to speak with Bachou.

Kazuto sighed, finally feeling some light-headedness. This was a long and exhausting day. He should take a nap. They march tomorrow after all. The plans have all been set up. Everyone has their role. He just needs to send a soldier over to Enjutsu to ensure the supply chain will remain intact.

Not for the last time, he wonders why Sonken pushed for his position. And the thing is, Sonken was most insistent about it. Even though he should've been an outsider. He should've been an unknown.

What are you playing at, Sonken Bundai?

-()-

"What are you playing at, Sonken Bundai?"

Sonken Bundai looked surprised at the question that her fellow warlord, Sousou Moutoku asked.

"Oho? You came here, asking for an audience, and that's the first question you ask?"

"What did you say to Karin-sama!?" The tall black-haired girl moved over threateningly, hand reaching to her hand.

"Talk your guard dog down." A white-purplish-haired, brown-skinned, mature woman looked at the girl with a coy smirk. "Before she gets an arrow in her eye." Her bow at her side, but not ready.

"Peace, Shunran." Sousou waved her hand. The girl deflated.

"This must be Kakouton, then? Your subordinates need to better control their temper."

"Don't distract me. Why did you push for Hongou Kazuto to be the leader?"

"Hmm? But didn't you vote for him?"

"Hardly." Sousou shrugged.

"So you're one of the two people who pushed the boy to ten."

Sousou glared, "Again, stop distracting me. What do you gain from pushing him to the leader role?"

"I simply thought it would be interesting," Bundai replied. "What would a supposed heavenly messenger do when put into a leadership role? Would he make mistakes? Would he bring divine judgment? Or will he just be a normal boy who does nothing? Either way, after the first week of him leading, we'll know which it is. And if he is not worth it, we can just drop him, by claiming his title to be a lie."

"Hoooh? And you will risk everyone's lives for it?"

"Do you really think that we'll be wiped off by the end of the week? Of course not. Besides, the boy still gave us full autonomy over our armies. All he did was give us the roles we need to fulfill. He never said not to do anything outside the role, as long as we fulfill our job."

"Is that really all there is to it?" Sousou asked, turning away.

"But of course." Bundai smirked, "Even I am not foolish enough to let an outsider risk the lives of my countrymen. But better Hongou than anyone from the current En Family."

"If that's all you have to say, then fine. I'll leave." Sousou nodded, "May the tides of battle be in your favor." And so Sousou left, Kakouton giving a bow before leaving the room after her.

Bundai hummed, as another pink-haired woman entered the tent, bearing a close resemblance to herself. Younger than Bundai, the woman walked in with hardly any forewarning.

"Ah, Sheren." Bundai greeted.

The archer on Bundai's side smiled. "Sheren-sama."

"Dear Mother, Sai." Sheren smiled, "What did Sousou want?"

"Hmm? Nothing important. She was just here to poke at my brain." Bundai dismissed, "Now then, we've been placed in the vanguard. I say we try and see if that Kayuu still remembers the humiliation I gave her a few days ago." Sonken savagely grinned.

"Would that really be fine?" Another woman, with white-powder blue hair, asked, crossing her arms. "Your little stunt has earned us the ire of Enjutsu. Don't you think she'll retaliate against us?"

"And the commander of the coalition is fangless against those proud cousins." Added Sai, adding her own opinion. "Was it wise to let them take the lead here?"

Sonken sighed, "Raika, Sai, calm down. I'm aware that the leaders I personally pushed up have no fangs. That's the point. Even if we were to do something counter to their decision, their objections will not have merit. If it had been Enshou, her sheer numbers would have put us all at a disadvantage, where only a roll of a die will decide who she will inconvenience that day. With Hongou, well?"

"His numbers mean he can't do anything against us." Raika finished. "Seriously, you should've just left me to handle the internal affairs back home." Raika sighed, "I'm just getting stressed being here. Besides, that Shuuyu is here, is she not?"

"Ah, but Shuuyu is Sheren's advisor," Sonken said. "You're mine. And this is my campaign. So naturally, my advisor should be here to see me off."

"Now, now, mother. Both Renfa and I are here as per your orders. Please don't take too much of the glory from us?"

"Why not try and take said glory, then, dear daughter?" Sonken smirked. "This campaign will likely be long and grueling. I've no doubt that you'll get your war."

"If my dear mother doesn't take it first, I suppose." Sheren challenged.

"… So where's Suirei?" Raika asked. "I would've thought she'd be here at this point."

"I was simply seeing off our two visitors," Suirei said. "I've returned, milady."

"Oh? And are they headed back to their base?"

Suirei shook her head, "They seem to be heading for the Ryuubi Camp."

"Hooh? Interesting. Sheren, can you contact Renfa?"

Sheren asked, "Hmm? What do you want me to tell her?"

"I'd like Renfa to pay a visit to our new coalition leader if you will."

Sheren nodded, and left the tent, opening to reveal that a black-haired glasses-wearing woman was there to greet her. "Let's go Meirin. Renfa should be at her tent, yes?"

"Yes." Meirin nodded following the woman.

Silence echoed in the room, as Sonken smiled silently. "I wonder how things will fair then."

-()-

"If you're here to convince me to make a speech for everyone, I will not. I'm the leader of the coalition, not the leader of the entire army. My job is to preside over the meetings." Kazuto dully said. "Every leader handles their own speech for their own armies. I believe we discussed this."

"You're a lot more uncaring for respect when outside the public eye, Hongou."

"More like, I've had to deal with a dozen and a half lords jostling for positions, and I wanted some quiet and peace, here in this back area that no one was supposed to be" Kazuto grunted. "No one wants the vanguard. No one wants the rearguard. Give me a break, Sousou. I was never supposed to be the leader of this group."

"And you're spending that peace and quiet swinging a wooden sword," Sousou said amused. "You're a confusing individual to be sure, Hongou."

"Coming from the girl, who sneaked into this obscure spot in the camp. You even snuck in, instead of announcing your entrance."

"You should get better guards or relax in a place that's actually within your camp, and not at the outskirts of it."

"So, if it's not the speech, what did you want?" Kazuto sighed.

"I wanted to see your camp, but then you turned up in my sight, so I suppose I was obliged to meet you."

"You literally could've walked through the front and people would just call me to be there."

"Seeing as neither of our guards is here…"

"A lie. Your archer over there is getting twitchy. Tell her to keep her arrows in her quiver; I only have a wooden sword, and you have your… a scythe? Interesting choice of weapon, Sousou." Sousou chuckled, before waving behind her with her weapon. Kazuto relaxed ever so slightly, finally no longer feeling the gaze of a sniper on his side.

"As I said, since neither of us has any intention of hurting the other, would you like to spar?"

"You'll beat me," Kazuto grunted. "I can tell that you have superior martial combat skills than me."

"Oh? And you would not try to challenge me regardless? How boring."

"I'm a leader. My job is to lead people. I'm not supposed to be a fighter. I learned to fight so that I can run away from a fight, or deal with threats that might pass through my protectors."

"Sounds like an excuse to not fight."

"If you win, you'll dishearten any soldiers I have that is in the area. I'm not stupid. I'll need to give my best to fight you and this wooden stick is not it."

"But if you win?"

"I'll demand that you follow the spirit of my orders, and not just the words." Kazuto scoffed.

"Quite a heavy trade for my side. What about I demand…"

"You demand nothing. We're not fighting, Sousou." Kazuto sighed. "Look, I just want to spend my time swinging a sword to calm my nerves from all the things that you people pushed me in."

"You were the one who suggested the vote."

"I expected to lose. I expected people to prefer Enshou over me. I gain nothing from winning that situation. Our agenda could have easily been achieved just by being Kousonsan's lackey. Now, my army has a big red target shouting to the world to destroy us."

"Then you should've been more prudent."

"If I had, we'd have Enshou as a leader, and her using Kousonsan's words to make our lives miserable. Kousonsan said it's fine to treat our armies as separate. Enshou would most likely have made our army, a significantly smaller army, their gofer, especially if Touka's exclamation had been considered a nomination."

"So you caught on to that ploy?"

"I figured that that's what Enshou was aiming for." Kazuto sighed, skirting over the bad feeling he felt when he saw Enshou's face light up upon Touka's declaration. "Why else would she not have taken the leading role when she assembled the coalition? Why was she so fixated on the nominations? It's obvious that she wanted a nomination, so she doesn't have to risk her army. If I had kept quiet… my army would've fallen to the clutches of a greedy individual whose selfishness is apparent even amongst equals." Of course, these were all things he thought of in hindsight. It's easy to discern reasons once he wasn't in the heat of things.

"Smart. That was the exact reason no one else nominated her. Her insistence on bringing it up ironically made everyone wary."

"And yet, Koushuu brought it up anyway."

"I only said 'wary'. I never said they cottoned on to the actual reason." Sousou scoffed. "It seems that you're not just a normal man."

"I feel deep derision for the word 'man' in your tone. Bad experiences?" Kazuto asked.

"Hardly." Sousou shrugged. "I just find that most men are either traditionalist old people who look down on others or men who can't seem to keep it in their pants long enough to make decent conversation."

"You've been hanging out with the wrong crowd then." Kazuto shrugged.

"Give me one man in that room that was worth the title they wear."

"You could've just said that you prefer girls and I'd respect it." Kazuto shrugged.

"I'm not the kind to dispose of options just because of my bias. If an exceptional man appears before me, I'll properly make use of him." Sousou scoffed. "I may prefer girls in my bed, but I'm not stupid."

"You're remarkably open about your sexual activities," Kazuto said, slightly blushing, hiding it with a laugh.

"Oh? Are you still a virgin, coalition commander?" Sousou smirked.

"I don't have lovers hanging from my arm, Sousou. I have friends, who happen to be girls."

"And if they ever ask to be your lover?"

"And why are you so interested in my love life, Sousou?" Kazuto turned the tables, "You're not making me your exception, I hope?"

"Don't flatter yourself." Sousou scoffed. "You are hardly the best-looking man in the world."

"I suppose so. But let's get back to what you actually want from here." Kazuto nodded, finally lowering his bokken. "If you're here to poach members, I will allow you to talk to them, but you can only speak to them once. The first rejection is final. That's for the entire campaign. Whether you start your poaching now, or at the end, once is enough." Kazuto seems to relax, as he started wrapping the bokken up again, to put on his back.

Sousou blinked slowly, surprised at the sudden segue, before laughing, "You really aren't normal. Most would just stop me."

"I will give the freedom of choice to my subordinates. If they wish to leave, they will leave. All they need to know is that I'm their friend, even if they do." Kazuto walked back to the camp. "Besides… I don't think you would find a single answer you'll be happy with."

"We'll see about that." Sousou laughed.

-()-

"I refuse."

"I apologize, but I will stay here."

"You didn't ask me, but I also refuse-nanoda."

Aisha, Shuri, and Rinrin's responses were quick, on point, and decisive. Sousou came to ask for Aisha and Shuri to join her group.

"So how much did you listen in?" Kazuto whispered to Sei, who was drinking tea.

"Enough to know that Sousou-dono would make the offer." Sei hummed. "I left as soon as I confirmed that Sousou-dono was here to do so."

"And you immediately told Aisha, Rinrin, and Shuri."

"They're some of our top members. I figured that if anyone is going to be poached by Sousou, then it's those three."

"You were off by one though."

"Apparently, Rinrin-dono doesn't have as much clout as I expected." Sei shrugged.

"Or Sousou believes that Aisha is enough."

"I suppose sheer strength doesn't appeal as much for the lord." Sei nodded. "Shouldn't we stop that spat?" Sei nodded towards the animosity that was triggered by the near-instant rejection. The black-haired woman, Kakouton Genjou, immediately pulled her sword out, while the light blue-haired woman, Kakouen Myousai, tried to hold her older sister back.

"Touka's there. I trust you told her that I only allowed Sousou one offer and to accept the first rejection as final, right?" Kazuto sipped tea.

"But of course."

Touka just ahead has begun defusing the situation, while firmly putting her foot down and politely asking the three to leave.

"Man, you two are just too relaxed. Aren't things a bit tense over there?" The brunette next to them, Bachou, sighed as she sipped her own tea. "They look like they're about to fight."

"Sousou's not dumb. She won't start anything, especially in the command camp." Kazuto shrugged.

-()-

"Please leave, Sousou-san," Touka said firmly. "You've made your proposition and it was rejected. There is no reason why you have to stay here anymore."

"Those two's talents are wasted in such a small group." Sousou pointed out. "They are better used in a group already established."

"It is their choice to place their talents in my service. You are belittling their choice here, Sousou-san." Touka kept her voice firm. "You were only allowed to ask them once, you may not ask again."

"And for what purpose would you use their talents, Ryuubi?" Sousou asked.

"To the betterment of the realm, to protect the lives of the people, and to end this age of war." Ryuubi shortly replied.

"Lofty goals but lacking in substance. Do you have a concrete plan, other than just doing your best?" Sousou scoffed.

"I…" Ryuubi hesitantly said. "And what of yourself? What do you seek?"

"The same as any other warlord. For the sake of the empire." Sousou shrugged.

"I see. However, I see no difference between our goals." Ryuubi replied. "If anything, I feel like you are still hiding something from me by that reply."

"Oh?" Sousou arched her eyebrow in response. "And what basis do you have for this?"

"Enough." Touka sighed. "You've had your piece. There's no reason for you to remain here. Unless you wish to partake in tea and leisure chat, please leave."

"I can see I'm not wanted." Sousou sighed. "Very well, I'll take my leave." Sousou then turned to Aisha and Shuri. The two looked back, still on guard. "I personally believe that you are betting on a foolish horse, but you are still welcome to come to my camp whenever you wish."

"My loyalty remains unchanged," Aisha replied.

"I made my choice long ago." Shuri nodded.

"Do not regret it then." Sousou nodded. She directed her group to walk out with her. Kakouton only looked borderline scandalized at their refusal but acquiesced and followed her commander. Kakouen only nodded politely as she too walked away.

"She seems to have a need to get the last word, don't you think?" Kazuto laughed, as Sei stood up to follow after the group and make sure they leave the premises quickly.

"You could've at least helped, Kazuto-kun." Touka sighed, walking over to her place, and pouring her own cup of tea. "It was hard dealing with that all by myself; Sousou-san is scary."

"Really?" Kazuto said, amused, "She looked more like a kid who really wanted a toy someone else had to me. At least she didn't throw a temper tantrum, like an actual child." Well, she did get to a heated argument with Touka, but she didn't resort to physical violence, so Kazuto considers that a win.

"You really would've been fine if we left, Master?" Aisha asked.

"Of course not," Kazuto replied. "I would feel betrayed. I'm just giving you the option to betray me." Aisha and Rinrin nodded and smiled.

"Good," Shuri said, a soft smile on her face, reaching for the cup of tea she left earlier. "Because we won't leave you. Not when we got this far."

"That's right. We're a family now!" Touka cheerfully said. "We can't just… what now?" As another messenger comes in.

"… I'm sorry, Ryuubi-sama. But Sonken Chuubou, daughter of Sonken Bundai, has arrived with a message."

"… Should we offer her some tea, while we're at it?" Kazuto asked.

"Might as well…" Touka nodded.

"Announcing Sonken Chuubou, and her adjutant Kannei Kouha!"

"It seems the commanding camp is a lot more relaxed than it should be."

"I was volunteered by your mother. I'm entitled to some time to calm my nerves." Kazuto replied. "So want some tea? The tea leaves will go bad soon."

"It seems your group is not taking this seriously." Sonken Chuubou replied.

"If you think we're not, then you're looking for a fight. I don't think you realize that we literally just arrived here, and the amount of work needed to be done just setting up this camp. We've only just finished about an hour ago. We're allowed at least a few minutes of relaxation." Kazuto sighed, putting down his cup, everyone else was about to finish soon as well. "But if you wish for serious conversation, let's have it." Kazuto put away the teacup and looked at the girl, clasping his hands together before setting his chin onto his knuckle. "What does Sonken-san want?"

"I don't really…" It seems that the girl was caught so flat-footed by the sudden tonal shift by Kazuto that she made a distinct mistake that by the time she's of her age should really be able to distinguish.

"I meant Bundai-san." Kazuto corrected. In Chinese, Sun Jian and Sun Qian are distinct but they're both pronounced Sonken in Japanese. This is annoyingly confusing. "Chuubou-san, I believe you came here with a message from your mother."

"I, yes." She seemed to steel her nerves, clamping on the emotions she just revealed. "Mother wishes to make use of a previous altercation between herself and the general of Shisui Pass, Kayuu to draw the woman out, allowing us to take this gate without problem."

"Previous altercation?" He vaguely recalled Sonken mentioning being attacked beforehand.

"Yes. Our Son Army has already engaged Kayuu previously a few days ago, before your arrival. It ended in Kayuu's retreat. A humiliating defeat from what mother claims to be a proud individual."

"What happened, exactly?" Kazuto said in surprise.

"Kayuu was aiming to take out Enjutsu-san. She set up an ambush on our way." Chuubou sighed, "Although we claim it's a humiliating defeat for her, Kayuu proved to be a very formidable adversary. Even though we had successfully cornered her, she was able to break through our forces and retreat. But that retreat seems to have damaged the woman's pride. We aim to use it as a method."

"Was her goal to cut off our supply?"

"I don't know how she came to the conclusion that Enjutsu-san would be our supply officer, but that was her stated goal." The nod from the tan-skinned woman only made Kazuto frown.

"Shuri, do you have any thoughts on this matter?"

Shuri nodded, as she put down her teacup. "If Sonken-san were to successfully draw out Kayuu, what does your group intend to do?"

"I believe what any other army would do. Try and cut her off from the gate." Sonken replied. "Afterwards, take the enemy camp, and make it our next checkpoint."

"I see." Shuri nodded, "But there would still be soldiers in camp. Will you ask any of the other soldiers of the other camps to aid you? Your numbers won't be able to accomplish both luring the general out and taking the camp."

"I don't think any of the other vanguards will be too keen on letting us take all the glory," Sonken replied.

"… What about your soldiers' lives?" Shuri asked sharply, and Kazuto saw a recoil in Sonken's countenance. "Your plan will risk their lives, making your group the target. The plan decided at the meeting was to use our camp as the target. Despite everything, the original plan is safer for you than us."

"My mother believes that the plan should be shelved for the greater threat, Ryofu. Besides… my… I mean our army is strong enough to deal with it."

Shuri nodded, before walking over to Kazuto, "… This is an advantageous plan, Kazuto-sama…" Shuri whispered.

Kazuto looked at her and nodded, turning to Chuubou, "… I got it. Very well. I'll approve of your plan. We'll send a message to the other camps for them to be made aware of your goal. But be careful. While I've no doubt that Bundai-san would win in a fight against Kayuu, the battlefield is constantly shifting. Even if you think you have an advantage, you might suddenly be blindsided."

"I'll keep your warning in mind… Thank you." Sonken nodded, as she stood. "Do you have anything you wish to tell my mother?"

"…Is your army having any issues with supplies?"

"Eh? I don't think so." Sonken replied.

"Then, be careful. I don't think Enjutsu took kindly to your mother's little stunt." Kazuto grimaced, as Sonken recoiled at the reply. "If you suddenly are lacking supplies, I want you to immediately contact my camp. I will not allow your camp to be lost because of some schism in the ranks."

"A… I see." Sonken nodded, "Yes, I suppose Enjutsu would be very interested in getting back at my mother's perceived slight. And her position as the one in charge of supplies makes it easy to guess what she would do… I'll make sure to inform mother of the possibility. Although considering we did save her life, I doubt it'll be an issue."

"Unless, of course, she believes that it's only natural that you save her life." Kazuto pointed out. "But you know Enjutsu better than us. So, for now, just tell Sonken-san this," Kazuto nodded. "As long as we're fighting on the same side, your army and mine are allies." Kazuto punctuated that with a smile. "Be careful, and rely on us, as unreliable as we may look. You don't need to do everything on your own."

"I… I… Okay." Sonken nodded, as she walked out the door, her silent bodyguard leaving alongside her.

"Well, that's that." Kazuto stretched. "Seeing, as our kind benefactors have decided to make a plan, let's start planning our strategy and disseminating the information down the ladder."

-()-

"Sheesh, those two are quite the handful." Chihou asked as Hinari hummed as she wrote her letter.

"You mean Rairai-san and Denden-san?" Hinari asked. "They certainly are…"

"They're one of a kind, aren't they? They took to managing me quite quickly… Or rather, Denden is relatively decent in keeping everything in line, while Rairai does the usual protection duties. I'm almost sorry that they're on the grunt level."

"It can't be helped… Aisha doesn't really trust the two. Or rather, she seems wary of Bihou in particular." Bihou and Bijiku. They are sisters who were recruited during the lull between the announcement of Kentei as emperor and the Coalition's formation. But they climbed the ranks soon enough, becoming squad leaders while proving handy with their knowledge.

"So how long do you think Aisha can keep those two down as just soldiers?"

"… Touka-sama already promised. If they do well while they're gone, they'll be promoted." Hinari sighed. "They're some of our stronger soldiers, and I'm grateful that they can do what Aisha and the others do for you, Chihou-chan."

"I know. But do you think Chouseihei or Kouhei would deny their letter?"

"I… doubt it. Chouseihei-san likes them because they help with his mercantile affairs. Kouhei might be the hardest one, but the two are strong enough and loyal enough that Kouhei would probably feel obligated to help them."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure." Hinari placed her brush down to let the ink dry. "Speaking of, did you come here at their request?"

"They've been bugging me recently, yes. But they try not to be too annoying when I'm busy." Chihou shrugged.

"You shouldn't let the soldiers' complaints bother you too much. You're not part of the military, after all." Hinari shook her head.

"Of course." Chihou sighed, "It's just that when Touka-sama made that promise, they've been working really hard to impress me."

"Chihou-chan should also work hard so that she can be Lightning Guardian too." Hinari replied.

"But I don't fight…" Chihou sighed. "Guardians are supposed to protect the Sky, right? You and Shuri can protect Kazuto-niisan and Touka-neesan because you're strategists. Visions of Deceit and all that. But all I do is sing. I want the ring, yes, but I think someone else should be Guardian."

"… I see… Maybe so, but it wouldn't hurt to try, right?"

"It's fine, it's fine. I'm happy just being their Idol." Chihou grinned, "By the way, you're speaking more than usual… You're actually very worried about them, aren't you? Why don't you go on then? I'm sure with just Rairai and Denden, I can at least keep this place long enough that we don't crash."

"We'll stick with the plan. We can't leave the territory behind now."

"If that's the case, then we'll just have to do our best then, right?" Chihou nodded.

"Right." Hinari nodded, standing up.

Hinari looked at the night sky outside. Take care, everyone. Come back home safe.

-()-

"So this Heavenly Messenger leads the Anti-Toutaku Coalition… What an outrage!" A bespectacled girl threw the first thing she can grab onto the ground. An inkwell that has now stained the carpet of the room of the Chancellor of the State. "Why would heaven go against Yue!? He must be a sham! A complete false priest! Making a mockery of heaven itself! We are the ones at the side of the Emperor who has the Mandate of Heaven at her side! Even after all we do, and we get to have our names muddied!" This is Kaku Bunwa, strategist of the Chancellor of State, Toutaku Chuuei.

"Calm down, Ei-chan…" The girl sitting behind the seat of the Chancellor said, worriedly. She wears a white translucent veil, her periwinkle hair peeking through, and a gentle face. This is Toutaku Chuuei, the Chancellor of State.

"Yue…" Kaku gritted. "I know, I know… But we can't just be like this…"

"Paitan-sama would be worried, you know…"

"Then she should stand up, summon them here, and tell them everything! Not be an in-"

"Ei-chan! Don't say more than that! You know what's going on."

"… Damn that Choujou. Damn her and her stupid magic, and her stupid army of white robes watching our every move."

"Now that the Anti-…Toutaku Coalition has been formed… maybe they'll come and take back the capital… and they'll see the truth."

"But the slander that it puts you in! We can't just… You'll be executed!" Kaku half-screamed, careful to control her own tone, "There's no way around that! Unless this Heavenly Messenger is somehow capable of overturning the rumors that Choujou made, we're still at fault for all the stupid things that those white-robed people did to the capital!"

"Maybe we should pretend to let the gates be taken?" Toutaku offered. "If we just let them come here… maybe they'll see the truth?"

"And risk your death?" Kaku asked before shaking her head, "No. That's unacceptable. I'm your strategist. My job is to get you out of this with the best possible outcome. Our best hope is If the three were to win and repel the forces of the Anti-Toutaku Coalition. That way we'll have some leeway to do things. I have some plans. Nothing concrete but… Yue, you should visit Kentei-sama. See how she's doing…"

"Okay, Ei-chan." Toutaku nodded, standing up, and stepping around the broken inkwell. She hugged her strategist from behind. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine…" She smiled, as she walked away, although her friend did not see the gesture.

Kaku quietly waited. The doors, out of her view, opened and closed, indicating that Toutaku had left. She turned, looking at the doors that her friend had walked through. She turned to the inkwell on the floor, as it dried into a stain that no amount of cleaning will be able to remove.

"… I won't let anyone kill you. You won't die. Even if I have to risk my life for it." Ei vowed. "Kayuu, Ren, Shia, you better win!"

-()-

"Final preparations," Kazuto said. "Has Enjutsu reported on the supply chain?"

"Enjutsu said there are no problems." Shuri nodded. "Or rather, her general, Choukun said so."

"Okay. We'll take her word for it." Kazuto nodded, "Let's review the positions of each of the eighteen armies. It would've been seventeen if we had remained in Kousonsan's group but, eh."

"Do we need to do this?" Rinrin asked, yawning. "Don't we already all know this?"

"It's better to know where the others are positioned and what their tasks are." Kazuto shrugged.

Aisha nodded, adding her own comment, "It's always good to review things. Now that the plan is changed, it's best to make it clear what we're planning to do." They've already contacted the other armies, and each has sent a message back, acknowledging the change. "If we can hammer down the details now, we can go in without bumbling through the process again. We're not going to change the positions, but we'll need to hammer down their positions. Actually, I'm honestly surprised that no one in the vanguard gave complaints that the position they're in is suddenly the target."

"They might be happy for a chance to prove themselves," Sei added. "The vanguard has always been more dangerous than the other positions. They should be aware of what they're getting into."

"Yeah. Most people will be happy to be able to say that they clashed with the enemy general. It gives more credibility that their contributions made an impact on the campaign." Bachou shrugged.

"Fair enough. Shuri, the rundown please."

Shuri nodded, "Our army is stationed in the rear. We're more exposed than normal for a commander position, but we have the cavalry unit of Bachou-san with us now. Our numbers are a bit above five thousand soldiers."

"Which is still small for a commander army," Bachou added. "Even my mother's army is greater than yours…"

"We're the smallest, we get it." Rinrin sulked. "Just you wait! We'll be the strongest army, without needing to be big!"

"Bring it, kid." Bachou chuckled.

"Nya! You're mocking me-nanoda!" Rinrin yelled.

"Calm down, you two." Kazuto sighed, "Shuri, continue."

"Right. Let's start at the vanguard. Sonken's Army, Choubaku's Army, and Kanhyoku's Army. Behind them are Enshou's Army, Enjutsu's Army, and a couple of others." Left unsaid is that Sousou is one of the commanders in Choubaku's army.

"Enshou and Enjutsu were compelled to be vanguard due to the sizes of their armies… We compromised by letting them be behind the other three…" Touka said. "Also wasn't Kanhyoku really, really confident when she said she'll be in the vanguard?"

"Her exact words were, 'There's no way my Hanhou and Choukou will lose.', yes." Kazuto replied. Hanhou would be Pan Feng, and Kazuto has no idea what she was in either the Romance or the Records of the Three Kingdoms. As for Choukou, that is Zhang He Junyi, a person who would eventually become one of the Five Elite Generals of Gi. "To be honest, I kind of pegged her to be a quieter Hinari, but apparently she has a massive amount of pride for her generals."

"Umm, who were you talking about?" Bachou asked. "I know Kanhyoku, but…"

"Hinari-chan's a friend that we left behind to govern the commandery." Touka replied, "But I know what you mean, Kazuto-kun. She wasn't exactly talking a lot during the votes, but when she started talking about her generals, she went on and on…"

"We did warn the group in front that there's a chance that Kayuu will ignore attacking us, and focus on defending the keep, making the vanguard the actual more dangerous position, right?" Kazuto asked. "The original plan hinged on Kayuu being reckless enough…"

"Yes. Logically, she has the advantage in a siege…" Shuri nodded, "There's no reason for anyone to leave the keep."

"Sonken-san's plan to lure her out of hiding by attacking her pride is a much more welcome improvement to the original plan." Kazuto finished.

"To answer Master's original question. Yes, they should be aware of the possibility when they made their decision. Changing the plans should not affect their positioning in the army." Shuri nodded.

"Hauu…" Touka grumbled, "And the rest are?"

"Armies composed primarily of cavalry troops, like Kousonsan-san and Batou-san are relegated to the flanks, along with some of the other warlords. As for other rearguards… Because the plan hinged on making our army look defenseless despite being the command camp, we could only have one other army join us, which is Touken-san's army."

"Good to know we have backup." Aisha nodded.

"Let's hope everything goes well." Kazuto nodded. "I'd hate to lose someone so early into the fight…"

Touka frowned, "You're not allowed in the frontlines, Kazuto-kun."

"I'm not planning on it!" Kazuto complained. "Isn't that why I agreed to let Shuri keep my Dying Will Pills?"

"It's just to make sure that you won't go too reckless. You said the same thing during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, and yet you still took to the front. You're a lot more reckless when you use those." Aisha sighed.

Essentially Shuri keeps the pillbox, and Kazuto has to literally ask her for them to be able to use Hyper Dying Will Mode. Kazuto didn't really complain; he knows how reckless he got. If he didn't have his pills, he probably wouldn't have gone off to fight during the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

"What's this about pills?" Bachou just looked confused by the conversation.

"A-anyway!" Kazuto coughed. "Just in case…" Kazuto pulled out the ring box from his bag. "Aisha, Rinrin, Shuri, Sei."

""""Yes."""" All four replied, walking over.

Aisha, Rinrin, and Shuri's hands automatically reached for the red, yellow, and indigo rings respectively, and they placed them on their fingers, feeling a strange vibrancy at the touch.

"Now, Sei. This is the first time you're going to be holding a ring, right?"

"I suppose so." Sei nodded, looking at the last three. Blue, green, and purple rings shone in the box.

"Which do you want then?"

"Eh?" Sei said confused.

"You already know the roles of the Rain Guardian, Lightning Guardian, and Cloud Guardian. Personally, I see you suited to any of them. So all you need to do is choose."

"Choose, milord?"

"Unlike the others, whose positions are significantly more solid, I have no preference for which guardian position you take. Whether it be Lighting, Rain, or Cloud, Chouun Shiryuu will do well in any of these positions equally."

"Maybe we should wait then. Maybe another two will be better for those positions. I can wait." Sei argued, pulling her hand back. "Besides, I don't need a ring to be special." Sei chuckled.

"Neither do the others." Kazuto replied back, as the other three almost flinched at that, "If their rings were to break today, I will still give them the positions. If you think something like 'I have a ring, therefore, I'm a guardian', then you're wrong. The guardians are not a position decided by the rings. If Aisha spontaneously uses Rain Flames today, we'll still consider her a Storm Guardian Candidate because we think she's good for it." That particular example stung Aisha a bit. She's the only one in the group with rings that haven't manifested a flame yet, after all. Of course, Hinari's the same, but she's not here right now. And even she seems to have made some progress.

Sei looked at him, before nodding, "Then I'll take care of…" She extended her fingers. It hovers over the purple ring for a bit before it moved to… "… the Rain Guardian Ring." She plucked the blue ring from its perch.

"Eh?" Aisha said, surprised.

"Eh?" Touka asked in surprise. "You seemed to like the Cloud Guardian role."

"I do. But I have no intention of being an outsider." Sei coyly replied. "The role of Rain is much more… romantic, don't you think? Besides, blue is more my color." As if to emphasize, she swayed her hair a bit.

Kazuto laughed, "Very well. Do your best, Rain Guardian Candidate, Chouun Shiryuu, Sei." She nodded, as she put the ring on her right middle finger. It resized itself, snugly fitting it.

"Yup. Do your best, Sei-chan~" Touka nodded.

"Ummm… what's all this about?" Bachou asked, feeling very left out.

"It's fine, don't worry about it." Touka laughed. "Just think of this as something our group has. Something special."

"I see…" Bachou nodded slowly, unsure what to say to that.

"We're a family after all." Kazuto cheerfully said. "This small family of mismatched individuals." Bachou nodded, not really sure about that statement. A family? But all of them said none of them are related to each other… right?

Touka nodded, taking her cup and raising it above, "Tomorrow, we march! Let's end the tyranny of Toutaku!"

"Oooooooo!" Everyone raised their cups, and they prepared for tomorrow. In that place, six rings, two orange, one red, one yellow, one indigo, and one blue glowed brightly.

-()-

Somewhere dark, somewhere no one knows the existence of, a strange hall filled with various contraptions hummed. Tables lined up with bodies on top, all alive judging by the breathing. A light-brown-haired male that looks at the end of his teenage years walked up to another, older bespectacled man, with hair reaching his chin. The man was gazing at the room, studying contraption after contraption. Both of them were wearing clothes more akin to a monk's, white in shade.

The brown-haired male spoke, "It's been almost a year. Are the preparations done, Ukitsu? Have you studied this place enough yet?"

"Unfortunately not. This place is much more intricate than I thought it would be. But why, Saji, you seem tense. You want to fight your rival so soon?"

"Rival? That worthless idiot who knows nothing? How can that man be any sort of rival for me? Besides, I'd like to end this soon! This was the prime opportunity, and we're just wasting it!"

"We can't be hasty about these things. Besides, that man that you want to kill so much is still alive. We can't do anything as long as he is. This hub will do nothing as long as he's alive."

"I'll take his head, with my bare hands if I have to. You need not worry."

"Those flames of his are quite dazzling. Do you believe them to be the flames of deathperation as well?"

"Are there not only seven types? I've no recollection of a flame type that's just orange flame. There's no way that his flames are deathperation. Must be ki, or aura."

"Fair enough." The man hummed. "Indeed, his flames do not match any of the known flame types."

"What happened to her, anyway?" Saji scoffed.

"Oh, are you worried? Not to worry, the girl has fully integrated into our cause. She's aiming to destroy this world just as much as the other members." Ukitsu hummed, "Thanks to her, we did gain quite a few pawns. Courtesy of Toutaku's little murder spree, of course. Her capacity for pulling strings is impressive for a non-Desert Flame user."

"Is that so? Do you wish to use those fools? Truly conniving of you, Ukitsu."

"It's a shame that we didn't get any of the finer specimens. Like the old emperor, or the new one."

"The old emperor got away, while the new one is being used by us, is she not?"

"I must say that my little trick is working well. A shame that it's so difficult to use. Swamp Flame is not one of the flames I can wield, but its curse is potent. If only our Swamp Flame user is more… ah, pliable."

"Then why not take her mind just like the rest? Is that not what your Desert Flame does?"

"That's how I use it, yes. But for now, she's useful as she is. At the very least, she's ensuring that Toutaku will help us drag the boy to death's door."

"Ch, foolish roundabout methods. If I had it my way, that man would already be dust on my heels. No need for indirect attacks."

"And risk you failing and exposing us? That boy is strong enough to fend you off for so long, without a scratch. Don't be foolish, Saji."

"I was holding back!" Saji growled at Ukitsu's rebuttal.

"On such an important occasion as that? Sure you were. Maybe you did not use your flames, but you were most certainly not holding back." Ukitsu shook his head, "No. We have to use those whose connection to us is small to strike at him." He waved his hand, waking a man from his slumber. His dark-brown eyes looked around, uncertain.

"W-where am I?" The man asked, confused, before sand suddenly flew into the air, "Wh-what is that!?" The sand then entered his open mouth, causing him to gag. Soundless yells roared, as Ukitsu laughed mockingly.

"He could've said something else. Why is it all our subjects say such silly words? Where am I? What is going on? Always so boring." All the while the man rolled around, falling off onto the floor. He tries screaming, but no sound echoes, not even a muffle, his eyes bulging out. He reaches out, trying to grab the hem of Ukitsu's robes. Ukitsu merely walked further. Soon enough, the man stopped squirming. He merely remained still, silently looking at nothing.

"So, Eunuch Sahou…" Ukitsu smiled, as the man pushed himself up. "You who pinned crimes upon Roshoku for your greed. Why not follow our orders? Let's see where your talents lie."

"… Yes!" The man saluted, his eyes glazed over, now the color of sand, sandy and dirty. "I will follow your will, Lord Ukitsu!"

-()-

Chapter End

-()-

Chapter Release Date: November 29, 2019
Last Edited: June 11, 2022

-()-

Beta Reader: Seraphius

I think the voting thing just added to the already large number of words. MS Word says around thirteen thousand. There was absolutely no need for me to have forced the voting thing. I just thought Kazuto would do his hardest to try and get out of something, but, at the same time, try to make it look fair. But hey, next chapter's in a week. VS Kayuu!

Ah, the plot of the villains has arrived. I'm not heavily involved in the Koihime Musou community (at most I edit the wiki), but a stray comment here once groaned at their inclusion. I personally find them fascinating, in a dystopic sort of way. I just find them a really, really fascinating bunch. We'll talk more about them if we ever get to that point. That should be in another five years down the line? It depends on how much hiatus I go through. (This is a joke. I have no clue how long my current fascination with writing KHR crossovers will last.) But yes, they are here.

There's an in-story reason why the enemies have access to Dying Will Flames. This isn't a pure "Since hobbits have a lightsaber, give Sauron a Death Star" deal. Sure, it's to even the playing field, but I have plans. And those plans come with reasons. Like why the White Clothes have Dying Will Flames. I don't really want to write a rehash of KM just with Kazuto having flames.

I have a list of votes. But it really doesn't matter. It ended the way I wanted it to, although the votes really are decided individually, with no post-editing of votes. This means the vote up there is genuine, which I was pleasantly surprised about.