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.
-()-
Encounter with Evil
-()-
"Fail Faster. That's something people say a lot."
"Really?"
BANG! "But that's a stupid idea, especially in our world." Reborn shot at him again.
"Agh, why!?"
"Can't you even think of why? What a stupid student I have."
"I meant: why shoot me? Not…" BANG! "As I said, WHY!?"
"Why don't you give me the answer, then, Bakazuto?"
"… Because a single mistake is a life or death scenario for us. Especially on our side of the law. The people on the right side of the law can afford to make a few screw-ups." BANG! "WHAT? I answered your question!"
"You make it sound like only people on our side of the law can be ruined by a single mistake. Those in the spotlight of the world, those in the eyes of everyone, also can't afford any screw-ups. And, if you're really unlucky, sometimes that mistake can be just your very existence."
"That's hardly fair…"
"The world is not fair. Anyone who tries to make it is deluded and insane. Proof of point? You are the Vongola Heir. If the world was fair, then Xanxus would be Vongola now, and you probably would never have been born. That's how worthless your father was before he became Vongola." Implication: Sawada Tsunayoshi would never have gotten with his mother if he had not been Vongola Heir.
"The more you tell of my father's exploits in his childhood, the more I'm convinced you are making fun of me."
"I don't do jokes, Bakazuto. I thought you'd learn by now." Reborn scoffed. "Back on topic. Fail Faster is a dumb idea. That means you're doing your best to just fail. No. If you want to succeed in life? Don't fail. Don't even attempt to fail. Aim to succeed. Always keep your target in sight. And, if you ever do fail, make sure your failures will not drag you down. Endeavor to make sure you are always able to get back up from your failures. That way, you will be able to learn from it."
"… Now that you made that speech, does that mean you'll blow me up even worse if I get this quiz wrong?"
"Silly Bakazuto," Reborn smirked, pulling out a trigger. "Why do you keep asking questions that you know the answer to?"
When the consequence of failure is your literal life, Kazuto learned to abhor his failures. With teachers like Reborn, he has no choice but to strive for success. So he pushes forward, trying to trip as few landmines as possible, both literal and figurative. He has yet to experience a major failure in his life. But… he'll forever dread the day it comes.
-()-
"Hurry, get her out of the battlefield!"
Kazuto's cry echoed on the battlefield; his burning sword raised, a flame burning on his brow. The soldiers worked hard to slow the advance of the enemy. Both Sonken's soldiers and Ryuubi's soldiers worked in tandem to defend the hasty retreat being pulled by the army.
"Kanhyoku-chan! You need to command your army to move! Hurry!" Touka's desperate plea seems to fall on deaf ears. "Choukou-san, please!"
Kanhyoku struggled in the arms of the older female, "But, but! Hanhou! Hanhou's still there! I!"
"Milady, Hanhou wouldn't have wanted you to act this way!" Choukou yelled as she swung her claws, to throw the enemy away. "Dammit, the hell is with these leaves on these annoying soldiers!? How the hell do leaves make these people so strong!?"
"But Choukou! I, Hanhou's still! We can save her, so please!"
"Dammit, milady!" Choukou growled, "I promised to protect you!"
"Sonken's soldiers are not even listening anymore… They're just…" Touka grimaced.
"Sonsaku!" Kazuto roared, "Do something about your soldiers! We're not making any progress at all!" The woman, who picked up her mother's sword merely raised her own voice, making her declaration, but Kazuto did not hear any of it. His ears were pounding. No voices reached his ears.
How did this situation come about? The plan was solid. They even double-checked with everyone about the change in the plan. No one objected back then. So why is this situation so… Kazuto growled, as his sword lit up, and… He plunged his sword into the first soldier who had leaves covering his armor. The feeling of a sword plunging into skin surged through Kazuto, making him feel nauseated and angry.
Let's turn back the time, back to before this battle began.
-()-
"Are you sure everyone agreed to the plan change, Shuri?"
"Yes. All seventeen agreed." Shuri nodded.
"It changed nothing in the formations, which was the bulk of the discussion in the war council." Kazuto grimaced. "We're still rearguards. Sonken-san is still in the vanguard. We just changed who will hold the big red target. Sonken-san is better equipped to do it anyway."
To be honest, Kazuto was iffy with the original plan. Their army is ill-equipped to handle Kayuu's army. So the suggestion by Sonken is actually welcome.
This is why Kazuto has been pacing in worry. Why is it that everything feels like it's going too well? And why does that feel like a bad thing? Fortunately, the only ones who can see him do this are Touka and Shuri.
"Kazuto-kun. Everything will be fine."
"Who's the one person from the eighteen that didn't agree?"
"Umm… Sousou-san was on the table, but she's technically subordinate to Choubaku-san so Choubaku-san simply answered for both of them."
"Okay. Got it." Kazuto breathed. "Let's go."
Even then, the nagging feeling in his gut just refused to go away.
-()-
"You know, mother told me to go to you because he expected this army to be the bait, you know?"
"Of course we did, Bachou-san." Touka nodded. "But Sonken-san volunteered, and we can't really deny that she's better suited for it…"
"Yeah, your army is a bit weak compared to the rest of us, huh…" Bachou sympathetically replied. "But this is good, though… we don't have to risk the lives of the commander of the coalition. Is that not a good thing?"
"Of course it is." Aisha nodded. "Sonken should inform us if the battle has begun. That way we can coordinate the other armies to march."
"I wish we had been in the vanguard…" Rinrin muttered.
"No, Rinrin. Just… no." Kazuto said, "We'll be wiped if we fight anything more than a disorganized mob."
"So how strong is Kayuu?"
"To be honest, we believe her to be a fairly strong individual."
"Rinrin won't lose to her!" Rinrin declared.
"You're not the one fighting her, so that's a moot point, Rinrin."
"Then, uh… Who's going to be fighting Kayuu?"
"Probably Sonken Bundai herself or one of her generals." Kazuto shrugged. History has already changed. Liu Bei was never supposed to have been in the Campaign against Dong Zhuo… But… if this world was based on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, then the answer is Kan'u. And there's strong evidence that it's based on the Romance. However, many key features have already been proven false. Their position as the leader of the coalition for one. Enshou should've been the leader. He recalled that Yuan Shao was apparently reluctant to take the leadership spot and the other armies pushed him into the role. But in this world, it was the opposite. Enshou wanted to be the leader, but the others supported someone else.
Ultimately, this world has already diverged. There's no point in believing that the path of the Romance would remain true.
They continued this silent wait, as Sonken Bundai continued her vigil in the vanguard. And it remained silent for all three days.
-()-
"Sonken Bundai!" Kayuu roared. "To think that she would go so far as to ridicule me!"
"General, didn't Kaku-sama tell you not to leave the keep?"
"Do you not see this? The coalition is making a fool of me! First Sonken humiliates me in their first attack to cut off our supplies. Then they chose a no-name to be the leader of the coalition and placed said no-name at their back, with barely any other rearguards, almost begging me to strike them from the rear. And now, this!? Sonken Bundai at the vanguard making me look like a fool by reciting all the things that she has done." Kayuu growled. "I've had to deal with this for three days! Three days! Screw the orders! My pride is at stake. Open the gates! We're charging at them now!"
"I, but that will be a direct violation of Kaku-sama's orders!"
"I don't care if it is! If they'll make a mockery of my pride, I'll make them pay the price." Kayuu declared, "Fetch me my horse and poleaxe!"
Kayuu walked away from the balcony that oversaw the keep before almost running into… someone not in a Tou Army Armor. Instead, he wore a white robe, ill-suited for the battlefield in any way.
"Who are you?" Kayuu asked.
"Ah… I am… Sahou, a Eunuch." The man replied dully.
"A eunuch?" Kayuu blinked, "It's not often I see any of you. I don't remember your name among the people the emperor spared from the purge."
"I'm a new appointment." The man bowed.
"So what does an old man who doesn't even have a spear, let alone use one, want from me?"
"You are planning on charging at the enemy, yes?"
"What of it?"
"May I suggest a… few remedies?" The man pulled out a few leaves. "If you were to say, stick this onto your armor, you'll find that your power will become even greater." He hands the leaves to Kayuu.
Kayuu growled, smacking the hand away. "Don't make fun of me!" Kayuu growled, "I don't need cheap tricks to win. I'll fight these people fairly. I'll take Sonken's head without your silly little leaves!" Kayuu dismissively marched away, as she walked away.
"Ah. What a shame… but what about you, adjutant?"
"Wh-what?"
"Surely you know that your commander is leading you to your graves. So, will you not take my offer?"
Kayuu's adjutant looked forlornly at the leaves then at the door his commander left. He breathed out, "If I take that, I'll be able to ensure my commander's life?"
"I can assure you that you'll be able to win!" Sahou laughed.
"All I need to do is stick those leaves in my armor?"
"Yes."
"How many do I need?"
"More leaves are always better."
"And… how many do you have?"
"As many as there are leaves on the trees." Sahou savagely grinned.
"Then…"
-()-
"Have you gone cowardly, Kayuu?" Sonken Bundai announced. "Come out! Face me!"
"It seems our mutual friend has turned chicken." Kougai Koufuku laughed. "Shall we go back for today?"
Teifu Tokubou frowned, "There's still a bit of time before…"
"The gate is opening! It seems General Kayuu is coming out."
"Finally! Announce to the others that the plan is a success." Sonken grinned, "Koutou army, prepare to meet the enemy head-on!"
"Yenren-sama… we're supposed to lure them away from the gates, remember?" Kougai sighed.
"But are we not at a distance good enough for the forces of the other armies to take charge?" Sonken asked. "But, very well. Let's do a slow retreat, before taking Kayuu's head."
"General Kayuu is on her horse and is charging forward! Her men are close behind!"
"Let's begin!" Sonken laughed. "The blood in me is boiling!"
"My goodness, Yenren-sama…" Teifu sighed as she turned around and declared as well, "Fall back! Draw them to the main army!"
None of them noticed how the soldiers of Kayuu each had leaves on their armor. None of Kayuu's soldiers noticed that the leaves were slowly fusing with their armor. And almost certainly, none of them saw the man standing at the lookout of the keep, with a sinister smirk on his face.
"Let's go… 'Root of all Evil'" The man laughed. "Your little play in this world is already at its end!" His eyes were dirty light brown, as though sand was staining them.
-()-
Standing at the rear, they can feel the tense atmosphere building up from all the wait. Kazuto's impatient heart could barely handle the situation. He fiddled slightly with the tie of his suit, hoping to calm himself down. He would've grasped his sword, but that would send the entirely wrong message right now.
"Master! The messengers from Sonken-san have come!" Shuri ran over to them, as they stood at the rear looking ahead.
"I see. So Sonken-san is now fighting Kayuu?" Kazuto nodded. It took the woman three days to cave in.
"Yes." Shuri nodded, "H-however… something's odd."
"Eh?"
"Kayuu's forces seem to be wearing some sort of leaves on their clothes. No one understands why they're there but…"
"Maybe it's just a fashion statement?" Kazuto asked. "Some way to distinguish her troops from others?"
"… I don't know. I guess so…" Shuri nodded.
"So what do we do? Charge?" Rinrin asked. "I mean we should, right?"
"That's not good, Rinrin. We're still the commander army, and not only that but part of the rearguard. We can't just take the offensive. At best, we need to remain on guard in case our enemy decides to take us by surprise and attack from the rear…" Aisha said.
"Yeah, our job is to be the rearguard." Kazuto nodded. "We can't just go [Leeroy Jenkins] here."
"Rii-Roi Jenkinzu?" Touka asked, "Is that someone's name?"
"Ah… Sorry. Obscure reference." Kazuto chuckled. "A group of people on a mission made an intricate plan to deal with their enemy. However, this one person, Leeroy, ran in, screaming his name. This forced everyone to go after him. All of them died."
"… That's not funny." Shuri said after a while. "Why are you laughing at that, Master?"
"Sorry, but it is considered a joke back home." Kazuto opted not to tell them about how video games work. It's not worth the headache. If anything, they'll just seem more like gods who can manipulate entire lives just by pressing a few buttons. "So now, anyone who ignores plans and opts to just go in sword-swinging is known as being a Leeroy Jenkins." Well, in video games.
"Immortalized for the absolute worst mistake you can ever make, huh…" Aisha said, disgusted. "A shame to all warriors."
"Ah, yeah, I don't want to be like that." Rinrin sheepishly nodded, "I'll wait."
"Yeah, that does sound bad, being a Riiroi." Bachou nodded. "I'd hate to be remembered for causing the death of everyone."
"What was his aim?" Sei asked. "Defending his pride? Honor on the battlefield?"
"First, he wasn't there during the planning session so that does explain a little bit. He arrived during it and then did his infamous run into the enemy camp." Everyone else winced, feeling the amount of stupidity from that sentence. "Second, the entire plan was for Leeroy's sake in the first place. Apparently, there's something Leeroy needed."
"What did he need?" Touka asked. "Maybe he was desperate."
"It's not a hostage if that's what you're asking. He could live without it." Kazuto shrugged. "At the very least, it was a stupid move, regardless of motivation." Nope. This is where he draws the line of explaining Leeroy Jenkins to people with no Video Game knowledge. He really should stop making obscure references. "People forget that it's not just your victories that make you famous. Your most fantastic screw-ups can just as easily be immortalized." Kazuto smiled. The original video could also be interpreted as a satire against overly intricate plans, but that didn't matter all that much in the long run.
"How did people know about this event if everyone died?" Shuri asked confused.
"Well… let's just say they left behind their memory of the event." Kazuto off-handedly held out his phone.
"Heaven Tools?"
"Technically yes." Kazuto nodded.
"I see…" Shuri nodded. "Comparing this situation to that, is Kayuu not acting like a Riiroi now?" Shuri asked.
"Eh?" Everyone asked surprised. "O-oh…" They realized it as they look in the direction of the keep.
"True, we targeted her insecurities, and prodded her to make the decision, but she would've had the advantage had she merely stayed in the keep. If Toutaku has a competent strategist, they would've instructed Kayuu so."
"Huh, that makes this a strangely appropriate conversation." Sei chuckled. "Well, it'll end just as poorly for Kayuu. After all, it's that Tiger of Koutou, after all."
"Milord!" A soldier rushed forward towards Kazuto.
"Eh?" Shuri asked, walking forward, "What is it?"
"S… Sonken Bundai-sama has been severely injured!"
"W-what!?" Kazuto said in shock. "Did Kayuu do it?" He didn't think Kayuu would be able to accomplish that.
"I, I don't really know what happened. During the duel between Kayuu-dono and Sonken-sama, someone shot an arrow and hit Sonken-dono."
"They… they interrupted a duel!?" Aisha said, shocked. To Kazuto, it was not a surprising result. Why would anyone follow the conventions set, if they can just take a win?
"It seems Kayuu's more conniving than I thought." Kazuto grimaced.
Touka asked, "What about the other armies? Choubaku's army, Sousou's army, and Kanhyoku's army should be there!"
"That's… they're still there but… Enshou and Enjutsu are retreating."
"Did they get hit? They're just behind the other three." Enjutsu would normally have been placed a bit further due to her position as the supply officer, but she refused a position not close to the strongest army, Enshou.
"No, sir… it's because they fear that a sorcerer is in the enemy ranks."
That struck a nerve with Kazuto. "A… a sorcerer? The last sorcerer we met only made their voice louder. What makes them so special?"
"… The enemy won't die."
"Eh?"
"They keep standing up. They look dead. They have arrows through their bodies. Slashes by swords. But they refuse to stay down."
"Zombies." Kazuto dully said. Kazuto thought this was supposed to be a (loosely) historical world, not a post-apocalyptic one! Who decided this was a good idea!?
"Zon-bi?" Touka asked.
"Corpses still capable of movement. Incapable of thought, only driven by instinct."
"… that seems an accurate descriptor. But the enemy seems to be able to direct them regardless. So…"
"The sorcerer is still there…" Kazuto grimaced. "Everyone. We're charging in."
"W-what!?" Aisha asked, "But it's a sorcerer, right? That's a dangerous opponent no matter what!? Should we not retreat now?"
"That's the smart idea." Bachou nodded. "Sorcery is dangerous because no one knows what's going on."
"I only need to take one look at the enemy. I need to know exactly how they're doing it. Otherwise next time we'll be fighting just as blind as we are now." Kazuto grimaced. "You don't have to come with me."
"No! We're coming with you!" Touka hardened her tone, before spinning around to all her soldiers, "Ryuubi Army!" Everyone immediately went to attention. "Our enemy has shown itself! Sonken Bundai, one of our allies, has fallen to the hands of our enemies! We will now charge!"
"Messenger." Shuri looked at the man, "Give the message to everyone ahead of us, who are retreating. Either charge with us or make way for us. The Ryuubi Army will be taking to the frontlines."
"Understood!" The man nodded, before sprinting away back to where he came.
"Hahh… I suppose I signed up for this." Bachou hefted her spear, and onto her horse. "Although… they're not ghosts… right?" The frightened tone that she took only made Kazuto look sharply at her. She flinched slightly.
"We'll know when we get there. There might be some sort of trick that they're using. We don't know." Kazuto jumped on his horse. "Let's get there as soon as possible."
-()-
"Charge with us or make way?" Enshou doubted her ears when she heard the words of the messenger.
"That is the message given by the Ryuubi camp." Ganryou nodded.
"Whoa, that's a challenge if I ever heard one." Bunshuu chuckled. "Let's take it! Let's about-face and charge!"
"No! This is a sorcerer we're dealing with, Iishe." Enshou scowled. "The wise thing to do is to retreat and strategize again!"
"Maybe there's a reason why the Commander Camp is charging?" Ganryou asked. "I failed to ask since he was in such a hurry…"
"That total neophyte is just being stupid." Enshou scoffed, "I knew it was foolish to leave things to him. We'll make way for them if that's what he wants. If he dies, we can just take command and plan properly."
"… wasn't the original plan to march into Rakuyou, with no plan whatsoever, Toshi?" Bunshuu asked. They had discussed with Enshou briefly what the plan was. After all, Enshou had expected to be the leader.
"… yes, Bun-chan." Ganryou nodded. "Yes, it was."
After all, their army is large. What need do they have for creative strategies? Or at least, that was Enshou's rebuttal for everything.
-()-
"… Enshou-sama and Enjutsu-sama have agreed to move aside. Batou-sama, Kousonsan-sama, Houshin-sama, and Ryuutai-sama have agreed to charge alongside us." The messenger finished his report. Needless to say, Sonken, Sousou, Choubaku, and Kanhyoku were already in the fray.
"Furthermore, Touken-sama and Koushuu-sama have pledged some soldiers to march with us, while their main bulk will retreat."
"Thank you." Kazuto nodded, and the messenger saluted before moving his horse ahead, to leave the commanders on their horses alone.
"I'm surprised. I thought Koushuu was against us." Touka muttered.
"He was more suspecting of us, than against." Kazuto shrugged.
"Cowards. For the ten of them to remain behind." Aisha said, disgusted.
"Don't say that. If I had it my way, I would remain behind too. We were in the rearguard. We should not be charging." Kazuto replied. "But the commander role demands that I at least remedy something before it all goes downhill. Sonken was our biggest supporter during the vote. If we leave her alone, we'll be seen as a heartless army who would use and discard people on a whim."
"I don't hold anything against the others, either." Touka shook her head, "They are making their decision for the sake of their army. Wanting to keep their army safe from unknown threats… it's only natural, right?"
"That's…" Aisha said, at a loss. "But they should all have been here ready to risk their lives for the empire's sake."
Kazuto looked at her, before smiling. "That would be nice, right? Now chin-up, we're getting there soon."
Ahead they found two groups, distinct in the flags, who began marching alongside their army.
"Hail! I'm the leader of this platoon! I'm from Touken-sama's camp."
"I'm here from Koushuu-sama's camp." The other says. Kazuto nodded, noting their flags.
"Do either of you know the situation up ahead?" Touka asked.
"Sonken-sama has relinquished command to Sonsaku-sama, but they haven't been able to retreat as of yet. Choubaku-sama's group has begun trying to take the keep, in the absence of Kayuu. Kanhyoku-sama is fending off Kayuu. Or rather, one of her general's Hanhou is doing so."
"Why has Sonken not been removed from the battlefield?" Kazuto asked, "With two armies there, they should've been able to retreat."
"The enemy army is… the sorcerer keeps animating the bodies of the enemies."
"Animating them… huh… Thank you. I want both of you to reinforce Sonken's army and help them retreat." They both saluted before began moving ahead of the group.
"Zombies…" Kazuto grimaced. "To be honest, that's not a familiar trick."
"What do you mean?"
"Among the fourteen flames I know, I've never seen something like animating the dead." Kazuto grimaced. "I don't remember anyone accomplishing something like that. Regenerating entire arms and legs? Daisy-san does that as a party trick. But the dead stay dead, no matter who it is."
"Maybe they discovered an unorthodox way of doing so?" Sei asked.
"Maybe. Sun Flame's Activation attribute would theoretically be able to do it, but that requires a bit too much investment for not a lot of payoff." Activating a dead body's mind is a possibility or at least very specific portions of it.
"So you're saying that our opponent has the same flame as me?" Rinrin said excitedly. "Then, Rinrin will show them why I'm stronger!"
"You deal with sorcerers a lot?" Bachou asked. "You seem used to it."
"I've dealt with many things. Genuine sorcery is a rare one." As an example, anything Uncle Mukuro or Mammon does. Also, Aunt Chrome has literal illusions for internal organs. "In all honesty, I don't know if what we're dealing with is really sorcery." Kazuto shook his head. "The world is a big place… Although…"
"Touka-chan!"
"Pairen-chan!" Touka greeted her friend.
"Any orders for us, commander?" Batou asked.
"Mother!" Bachou exclaimed upon seeing who has arrived. Batou only replied with a smile and a nod as an acknowledgment, before hardening her face once more, looking at Kazuto.
"Ryuutai Army, here."
"Ah, Houshin Army, here."
"Any reports?" Kazuto asked.
Batou shook her head. "Ahead are two armies. Sonken to the left, Kanhyoku just a bit ahead and right of them. It seems Sonken has begun retreating."
Houshin then said, "Uhh… Choubaku and Sousou are nearer to the gate and dealing with the bulk of the army."
"Any sign of Kayuu?" Kazuto asked.
"Kanhyoku's army is dealing with her." Houshin replied.
"Then I want the four of you to circle around the battleground and support Choubaku and Sousou."
"I see. And what about yourself?" Kousonsan asked.
"We'll be providing aid to Sonken. After aiding Sonken, we'll proceed to aid Kanhyoku."
"Would you need our help?"
"Ideally, we would ask for at least one of you, but Choubaku's group is shortchanged as is. They need reinforcements now. With Enshou and Enjutsu retreating…"
"Cowards." Batou spat, looking scornfully behind her, making it clear who she was referring to. "Very well. I'll leave my daughter with you as agreed earlier. Batou Army! Follow me!"
"Kousonsan Army, circle around the enemy and flank them!"
Ryuutai and Houshin sketched quick bows and then began marching their own soldiers, splitting from the Ryuubi Army a ways away. Good. This way Choubaku will have aid.
"What do we do now?" Touka asked.
"Aisha, Bachou, you are the fastest in our group. Head towards Kanhyoku. Rinrin, Sei, both of you are with me and Touka, and we'll head towards Sonken's group."
"Understood!"
-()-
"What's the commander doing rushing in like this?" Sonken Chuubou muttered as she directed her soldiers in retreat.
"Maybe he wants to atone for his mistake?" Shuuyu Koukin growled as she watched a pink-haired woman slice through enemies with a sword that wasn't on her person originally. No, Sonsaku Hakufu is currently wielding her mother's blade, as Sonken Bundai grimaced on her horse.
"I doubt anyone can genuinely predict sorcery, Meirin-chan," Bundai replied.
"Was he not supposed to be a Heavenly Messenger? Did heaven not whisper in his ear that…"
"I'm so glad you're alright, Sonken-san. I feared the worst." A male voice entered the conversation, "And as for whether heaven whispers sweet nothings in my ears, no. No, it doesn't. My Heavenly Messenger title is a meaningless title. Don't attach stupid ideas about it."
"Ah, Hongou. Ryuubi. You've come from the rear just to reinforce us." Bundai greeted. "I'd bow, but my current status is…" An arrow was pierced through her dominant arm, Kazuto noted. It must hurt. The shaft was broken off, but the arrow was still in the arm. Judging by the severity of the injury, it'll take a miracle for that arm to function anymore. He can tell that that arrow was more damaging than a simple hit. Bundai herself seemed staggered. She shows a brave face, but Kazuto can tell it's forced.
"Kazuto-kun, the zombies!" Touka's voice cried out. Kazuto turned and saw the sudden rising of fallen soldiers who are replenishing the ranks of their enemies.
Then Kazuto noticed something odd, "Wait… why do those zombies have a bunch of leaves on their person?"
"Eh?" Sonken's and Kanhyoku's men were confused by the term zombies, but his forces are… genuinely confused by the leaves.
"Are you familiar with this spell?" Chuubou sharply asked.
"Yeah, plant manipulation," Kazuto grumbled. "Very creative way of using it too. Most people I've seen using it just send out a bunch of flying leaves that make their enemies suffer death by a thousand cuts. Personally, that's a better use of it than that, but to each their own."
"Why?" Rinrin asked. "More soldiers would be fighting right?"
"Imagine each leaf to be a flying arrow, sharp enough to cut skin. Then imagine them slashing at any exposed skin you have. Your arms, your legs. Your face. That's the normal and more efficient way to use that spell." Kazuto shrugged. "It seems our opponent just decided to wrap leaves and stuff on a bunch of humans to move like puppets. Intimidating, yes, but completely inefficient in comparison. If he can't make the leaves sharper, then why not just grab the weapons instead and have those fly around?" Kazuto sighed.
"… I am suddenly grateful for animated cadavers." Shuuyu grimaced. "To think that if the enemy was smarter, it would be worse."
"Yeah, that kind of spell would be worse for your group in particular, huh," Kazuto muttered.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Everyone looked at him in confusion.
Kazuto looked away, "Your clothes expose more skin than advisable." Now that he looks at the future Go Army, there is no doubt about it: all of them expose skin so naturally, it makes him queasy. Those are the kinds of clothes that would be decried as improper by any normal individual from the modern era.
"Kazuto-kun, stop looking," Touka said, and Kazuto held back his knee-jerk reply. "How do we deal with them?"
"Find the prick who is manipulating them. He can't possibly be able to do this automatically. He needs to be looking from somewhere high." Kazuto looked at the keep ahead. "Does anyone have a bow that could reach the keep from here?"
"Sai!" Sonken Bundai ordered. The woman with the bow next to her nodded, moving next to Kazuto.
"Got it." Kougai looked at the distant building. "Sorry. I can see someone on the balcony, but he's nowhere in striking range."
Kazuto nodded, "Where?" Pulling out his sword, in its blade form.
"Eh?"
"Where is he?"
"That tower," Kougai replied. "He's completely exposed too."
Kazuto nodded, spying the location. Then he did something no one predicted. None of his friends have seen him use it before. The only time he's ever used this technique is against the Yellow Turbans, but he doesn't particularly care to hide it, anyway. His sword dropped from his hand, still burning bright. And then, tripping forward, he proceeded to use his technique. "Shigure Souen Ryu, 3rd Form, Offensive. Yarazu no Ame." He muttered under his breath.
A flash of flame burst through the battlefield, ending at the keep. Almost immediately, all the bodies of their enemies fell to the ground, suddenly lifeless once more. The only ones left are the suddenly stunned members of the Tou army, who apparently were also being manipulated under strain.
"You kicked it!? And you hit him!?" Sonken Chuubou gasped. Kougai looked surprised.
"N-no. He didn't. He hit the wall." Kougai hated that she stuttered right there, but her own disbelief defeated that need. He managed to hit a target that is beyond Kougai's range.
Kazuto shrugged, as he tapped the box on his side with his ring, and a burst of flame came from that direction. "If my teacher had been here, he would've shot me for missing." Kazuto sighed.
"… Shot you?" Sonken Chuubou asked, worried.
"He's one of the most capable hitmen in the world. Sniping that distance is barely worth anything for him." Kazuto sighed. Of course, Reborn has guns so his range automatically goes above most archers. But that never really stopped Reborn's stupidly high expectations of him.
"Hit-to-man?"
"Assassin for hire," Kazuto replied. "Then he switched jobs to being my home tutor."
"That's…" There are too many words Sonken Chuubou could use, but she couldn't articulate any of them.
"This is not the time nor the place. Now that the zombie army's gone, is it possible for you people to retreat?" Kazuto looked around, as he pulled his sword out again from the box.
"Not while nee-sama is…" Sonken Chuubou looked at the still-fighting Sonsaku. "Meirin-san."
The black-haired woman sighed, "Sheren hasn't listened to me the entire fight. You think she'll stop now?"
"Sheren!" Sonken Bundai yelled, "Stop playing with dead bodies that already collapsed!" The woman on the battlefield sighed as she made her way back. The woman had been busy severing legs to keep them from being able to stand again.
"So speaking of… where's Kayuu?" She should've been here, right?
"Kayuu was fighting me." Bundai grimaced, "But then the whole animated bodies thing happened, and my injury… we began retreating, and Kayuu pursued." Bundai gripped her arm, wincing at the movement. "I managed to get the leaf off the arrow quickly enough, but…" That explains why the injury looks worse than it should be. "Eventually, it turned out Kayuu ended up running into the Kanhyoku army instead of ours. The only things following us were bodies."
"… Let's hope Aisha arrives quickly, then." Kazuto grimaced, "Sonken, retreat. We're going to help Kanhyoku!" Kazuto ordered.
"I'll retreat on my own. The rest will go with you. We will not leave empty-handed after we lost so much." Son Bundai replied. "Sheren, take command and go with the Ryuubi Army. I'll go back to Raika."
"Understood." Sonsaku nodded, "So are you the one who sent that big gigantic flame at the wall?" Sonsaku asked with a smirk.
"Yes." Kazuto shrugged.
"I don't think Choubaku's party appreciated the sudden attack. Probably looked like another sorcerer appearing. But now it seems they're occupied by making sure our mutual friend does not… try again."
"… Well…" Kazuto winced at the accusation, looking towards where Choubaku and her group were. "That's fortunate, I suppose?"
-()-
"Shuuran, do you see him?"
"Not yet, Karin-sama. And we'll know immediately if the bodies start moving."
"Moutaku, do you know where that flame came from?"
Choubaku hummed, looking at the keep. "Hardly, Moutoku. Maybe being led by the Heavenly Messenger gave us a blessing. Now we know that there's a person on top of this keep that is controlling the bodies."
"And most of the remainders we're fighting are said bodies. If we can get a few more reinforcements, we can take the keep."
"Kakouton-chan seems really eager to take the keep."
"Not yet. Not until we can actually pin the sorcerer down." Sousou grimaced. "Who knows what other abilities he can use, especially if we're in his direct territory? Shuuran, I'll leave that to you."
"That's a lot of faith I have to deal with." Kakouen smiled, as she nodded.
"I'll give you a reward once we're done." Sousou smiled back.
"Then I'll do my best." Kakouen nodded.
"Your relationship with your subordinates is as strange as ever." Choubaku sighed. "Please tell me that that girl that's been following Kakouen around is also not one of your… special friends?" Choubaku turned, referring to the light-green-haired girl carrying what appears to be a large drum object, attached to a rope.
"Not yet." Sousou shrugged.
"… Good to know." Choubaku nodded, ignoring the 'yet', immediately switching topics. "But what will happen if the sorcerer were to hide the entire time?"
"Then we'll just take the keep." Sousou nodded. The bodies started stirring, Standing up unnaturally… "Shuuran?"
"Found him. Aiming." Kakouen shot an arrow. "Hit him in his arm." The bodies started falling again. The only ones left are the living guards. There were still many of them, though…
"Charge!" Sousou ordered. "We'll take the glory of being the ones who take the keep!"
The only other glory that can be taken this day will be the glory of defeating General Kayuu. And it will be interesting to see who would be the one to do so.
"Karin-sama! Kousonsan Army and Batou Army have arrived and are striking the flanks of the enemy!" A hooded girl announced.
"Thank you, Keifa."
"Ryuutai and Houshin are not far behind and are planning on reinforcing us." Choubaku said.
"Good. With that many, we'll be sure to be able to get in. Let's go!" Sousou smirked, pulling out her scythe.
Regardless of what happens, Sousou and her soldiers will come out on top.
-()-
"Out of my way!" Kayuu roared, slicing at her opponents. "After I deal with you, I will take that Sahou's head myself! How dare he, how dare he!" Her pride was damaged. She was fighting off two people at once. One was a woman wielding a pair of claws. The other was an injured girl with barely her arms left. Whatever weapon she had is already gone. They declared their names to be Choukou Shungai and Hanhou. If it had just been Hanhou as it had been earlier, this would've ended already. A single swing from her poleaxe would've been enough, as she had already broken Hanhou's arms with her mighty swing. But then Choukou showed up and blocked the hit, with a pair of claws. But eventually, even Choukou would fall, she can tell that much. This Choukou was no Sonken Bundai.
In glorious battle, she had been fighting Sonken Bundai, who had humiliated her heavily in a previous battle. And the two were matched well. Kayuu's excitement had been strong. But then an arrow. An arrow appeared and hit Sonken's arm, causing her to drop her sword. The arrow then started erratically moving, before Sonken broke off the shaft. On that shaft was a single leaf, and she recognized that leaf. It was the same that Sahou approached her with. Sorcery where he manipulated an arrow to hit Sonken, she concluded. He interfered with her battle!
"It's clear that you do not care for the life of that sorcerer." Choukou coldly said, "But regardless of who this Sahou is, I will not allow you to kill Hanhou."
"You think you can beat me?" Kayuu swung her poleaxe, and Choukou blocked it with a grunt from the exertion, obviously weakened from receiving Kayuu's mighty swings. But this time, it seems Choukou finally had her strength worn out. With a swing, Choukou's death is assured. Then she can move to Hanhou. "And…"
Hanhou pushes Choukou out of the way and takes the blow with her shield.
"H-hanhou!?" Choukou gasped.
"Pr-protect, Bunsetsu-chan… You need to keep our lord safe. Promise me, Choukou…"
"I… I promise," Choukou growled as she stood up, to face Kayuu once more. She then spun and ran, heading back to her forces, "RETREAT!"
"Choukou!? W-where's Hanhou!?" Kanhyoku asked. "Hanhou's still there!"
"We can't beat Kayuu! Let's go! We need to retreat!"
"But Hanhou… Hanhou is!"
The army began turning back, despite the protests of their leader, marching away.
"You are truly an annoying individual! Not only did you delay my revenge against Sonken, but you are also getting in my way of glory! Get out of my way, you half-dead runt!"
"I… I won't… I won't let you… kill Bunsetsu-chan…"
Then suddenly a single platoon, with Kan on its flag entered the fray, delaying the Kayuu's own soldiers once more. Next to her is a platoon with Ba on its flag.
"What now!?" Kayuu yelled as she swung her poleaxe to block an incoming slash from a crescent blade. Hanhou once more narrowly escaped certain death. Although the amount of damage she received is still life-threatening. The woman holding the crescent blade jumped off her horse's back and made her declaration.
"Kayuu! Your dishonorable act has gone too far! Now I, Kan'u Unchou, shall be your opponent!"
That voice, noble and judgmental, stung Kayuu. Her? Dishonorable? She, who is among the strongest in the empire?
"Don't make me laugh! Dishonorable? I did not order the bastard of a eunuch to use leaves of all things to use my men!" Kayuu growled. "For insulting me so, you shall be my opponent, Kan'u Unchou!"
"A eunuch? So this eunuch is our sorcerer then." Kan'u nodded.
"Huh?" Kayuu growled at being ignored.
"No matter. Bachou-san, tend to the injured general, I'll deal with her."
"Of course." The identified Bachou nodded, as she ordered her men.
Kan'u nodded, preparing her crescent blade. "As for you, Kayuu, prepare yourself."
"With pleasure," Kayuu growled.
-()-
As Aisha engaged Kayuu, the Ryuubi Army and Sonken Army quickly made their way to Kanhyoku's group.
"Kanhyoku-san!" Touka called.
A girl that Kazuto recognized as Kanhyoku exclaimed at their sight, desperate tears in her eyes. "R-Ryuubi? Hongou? Hongou, please, save Hanhou! She's, she's!"
Choukou immediately stood forward, bowing to the two lords. "Lord Hongou. To think you'd arrive to aid us. I believe it's your soldier that's fighting Kayuu right now, yes?" Kazuto saw slight fear in her words. Likely worried about someone, probably that Hanhou they were talking about.
"That would be Kan'u." Kazuto nodded. "I believe you are in retreat?"
"Yes." Choukou nodded.
"But, Hanhou's still!"
Kazuto looked at the pink-haired woman on his side, "Sonsaku, do you wish to engage Kayuu's men?"
"After what she's done?" Sonsaku smirked, "I'll take Kayuu's head myself if it weren't for Kan'u. I'll make do with her soldiers."
"Don't push yourself." Touka nodded. "The other armies should be here soon."
"It would be wiser to not take to the field so freely. Let's pick our battles." Shuuyu said.
"We can't be rushing into fights, neesama." Sonken Chuubou said.
"Sheesh, everyone here's already banding together against me." Sonsaku sighed.
"We won't let you go alone." Touka replied, already willing to help, "Take Rinrin and…" A sudden burst of forest green… what appears like flames in the shape of leaves… came from the keep. Amid that forest green, a man floats, covered head to toe in leaves.
"Well… that's not good," Kazuto said lamely. "Looks like our sorcerer just got a bit too pissed at being denied…"
"Sai-san!" Sonsaku sharply said.
"I won't miss this time." Kougai nodded, aiming for the person, but the flames bounce off the incoming arrow.
"Screw it, we need to retreat." Kazuto grimaced. "Get Kanhyoku, Sonsaku, and Sonken out of here."
Touka grimaced, "That would be nice… But…" And Kazuto saw what his co-leader is seeing.
The bodies all around them began standing up unnaturally. They each held weapons, spears, swords, shields, and bows. And they are all looking at them. Or rather, their weapons were pointed in their vague direction.
Kazuto held his hand out to Shuri, who complied by giving him two pills from the pillbox she kept on her person. Only 18 left.
Kazuto's eyes gleamed orange, as a flame burst from his brow. "Let's go."
-()-
Sousou scowled, looking at the man, as her archers tried to shoot him out before the strange green flames around him repelled the attack. "That sorcerer doesn't seem to notice us anymore and is headed straight for the people behind us."
"That's a good thing, right?" Choubaku asked. "That means the keep is now completely undefended."
"Taking the keep is meaningless if the other armies fail to arrive here."
"He's just one person. The other armies will certainly arrive."
"I suppose so. And this coalition can function without Hongou." Sousou sighed, "Shunran, begin taking the keep."
"Understood!"
"Hope those idiots know how to defeat a sorcerer," Sousou muttered under her breath. "Otherwise…"
They'll be down their commander and will have to deal with Enshou being obnoxious the rest of the way.
-()-
And so, the desperate battle has begun.
"Hurry, get her out of the battlefield!" Kazuto's cried out as he raised his burning sword. He was, of course, referring to Kanhyoku who became an inconsolable mess as she desperately tries to get out of Touka's arms.
"Kanhyoku-chan! You need to command your army to move! Hurry!" Touka's desperate plea seems to fall on deaf ears. "Choukou-san, please!"
"But, but! Hanhou! Hanhou's still there! I!"
"Milady, Hanhou wouldn't have wanted you to act this way!" Choukou yelled as she swung her claws, to throw the enemy away. "Dammit, the hell is with these leaves on these annoying soldiers!? How the hell do leaves make these people so strong!?"
"But Choukou! I, Hanhou's still! We can save her, so please!"
"Dammit, milady!" Choukou growled, "I promised to protect you!"
Touka looked at the battlefield, "Sonken's soldiers are not even listening anymore… They're just…"
"Sonsaku!" Kazuto roared, "Do something about your soldiers! We're not making progress at all!" Their anger at the sight of the manipulated soldiers made the Sonken Army a bit more aggressive, especially seeing Kayuu not just far behind. Kazuto can see Bachou working hard at keeping the battle between Kayuu and Kan'u uninterrupted, fending off the other soldiers on Kayuu's side as much as she can. The sound of war did not allow his voice to reach anyone. He couldn't even hear if Sonsaku heard his order. All he can see is her raise her sword. Kazuto growled in frustration and he plunged his sword into the first soldier who had leaves covering his armor. The feeling of a sword plunging into skin surged through Kazuto, making him feel both nauseated and angry. The man may have already been dead, but that did nothing for his mood.
This is all his fault. He should have tried harder. He should have avoided the leader role. A dying will flame user that he couldn't deal with. If he could at least reach the person, maybe but…
Touka then took a deep breath. A determined look on her face. It seems no one of her allies is thinking of retreating anymore. She then raised her voice, "All armies! Do not be afraid! Our enemies are not invincible!" As if to emphasize that, her sword shone brightly in flame, pointing at the enemy, and cutting one down. It stayed down.
The girl's voice resounded in his ears. It reached him. How, he couldn't tell. The sound of steel and screaming soldiers has drowned out most of his own allies' voices. But… he knew: Touka has not given up. No, if anything… Her dying will is shining brighter than before. They could…
Kazuto, following her lead, roared out his own speech. "Do not panic! Follow your commander's lead! We will win!" Now's no longer the time for retreat. "These cowards will not win today! We'll win, with our dying will!" He won't retreat anymore. He can't let the girl down, the girl that stood at his side from the very beginning. So, he raised his voice. Their voices echoed, resonating, harmonizing, even as the earth roared in the sounds of war. Their voices carried through, their dying wills resounded, and all around them heard them.
-()-
Clashing steel on steel. Each using the hilts of their weapon to block attacks that could easily be fatal. Of course, Aisha dodged more than she blocked. The powerful poleaxe reminds her sorely of Rinrin. It's weaker in comparison, but power is still power, and it's best that she doesn't receive any of it. Meanwhile, Kayuu, who has been in battle for long, fighting Sonken Bundai, Hanhou, and Choukou in quick succession, is running on fumes. Aisha, however, is fresh, having fought no one intensely for the past hours or so.
Regardless, both Kayuu and Kan'u fought fiercely. All the while, they conversed, wanting to know the other's motivation.
"You're saying that you were not using the sorcerer?"
Kayuu rebuked, "Why would I? The man took everything from me! My pride, my battle, my soldiers. That Sahou knows no bounds to what he will destroy. War is about the honor on the battlefield! And the foolish nonsense of sorcery has no place in it!" Kayuu roared and gave a horizontal strike.
Aisha grimaced, taking the blow and feeling the strength of that attack. It's clear that Kayuu is no weakling. "War is not something as personal as that! You who disregarded your own orders to seek honor, while noble, is foolish! Do you not realize that the lives of your comrades would be the one in peril if you were to fall here?" The story of Kazuto was still in her mind. The story of the fool that rushed in, ignoring strategy, and had all his allies, his friends, wiped out.
"Sonken challenged me! Why should I not take her challenge!? I am a proud warrior. I live by the laws of the battlefield, and I'll die by them. If Kaku can't see that her plan to tuck her head like a turtle is foolish, then I need not follow her."
"So you really were instructed to remain in the keep." Aisha sighed, forlorn. For the sake of pride, for the sake of glory, she disregarded the will of her leader. "Then, all I can give you is a loss you can be proud of." Aisha can see beyond the flame of leaves. Sousou has already begun planting her flag onto the balconies of the keep. Kayuu has nowhere to go back to now. If Kayuu wishes to fall honorably, then Aisha will grant her wish.
"Give me a loss? How proud! Come! I am one of the strongest warriors in all the land!" Kayuu grinned excitedly. "I can tell that you're stronger than all the people I fought before me. Let's see if you can back it up!" There was no blaming the fact that she had battled Sonken Bundai, Hanhou, and Choukou Shungai back to back. Only proud words, words that carried power, not weakness, were on the general's lips.
Aisha breathed, and stared at the red ring on her finger. The words of her sworn brother echoed in her mind. Do it with her dying will. Aisha opened it once more, and she swung her blade. Kayuu laughed and blocked, only to be blindsided by Kan'u reaching for her poleaxe's handle with her free hand and swinging her blade again. Kazuto's Samidare, which she adapted to suit her needs.
Kan'u then struck Kayuu in the head with her spear, knocking the woman down. Her poleaxe lay on the ground, and Kan'u's crescent blade at her neck.
"This is my victory."
"Yeah. Now kill me!" Kayuu scoffed, as a bleeding wound on her head opened from the strike. "Don't prolong the inevitable. This is your win, Kan'u Unchou."
Kan'u nodded solemnly, her spear raised. Before, a hurricane of leaves appeared in the area, attaching itself to anything it could touch.
"Guh!" Kan'u growled as she swung her spear, striking at the leaves.
"Even now, that Sahou denies me!" Kayuu snarled, taking up her poleaxe. "I wi-" Whatever she had to say next, was lost in the sound of leaves pummeling them. Kan'u lost sight of Kayuu in the leaf storm. She swings her crescent blade wildly, trying to remove all of them.
A cut on her arm. Kan'u felt cuts on her body. No… she can't die here… she needs to… go back to… Touka-sama… and Kazuto-sama… She won! So, now she wanted to see them and report! She has to…
"All armies! Do not be afraid! Our enemies are not invincible!"
"… We'll win, with our dying will!"
Their voices entered her ears. How it reached from so far, she doesn't know but she heard them. She dug deep in herself, plunging her blade into the ground. She remembered. The orange flame blazing on the ring, held by Sawada Kazuto. Her lord. Her sworn brother. Her… Ignoring the pain, she picked up her spear once more and took another swing. And another. And…
Her next swing suddenly burst in red. Aisha gasped, looking at her guandao. For all the world to see, the dragon on her blade is now spewing a red flame to cover the blade of her weapon, wilder than Kazuto's orange flame, but less chaotic than Rinrin's yellow flame. Storm flame. The ring on her finger burns its own flame. That's right… she was…
"I, Kan'u Unchou, swear to always be at the heart of attack… to be the furious storm that never rests…" Aisha softly says under her breath. She then swung her blade, erasing all the leaves around her. And this time, the red flame destroyed them, leaving no trace, spreading to the other leaves, and eventually burning all of them to the ground. Only her soldiers remained, who cheered as she brandished her burning crescent blade.
"She ran away." Aisha grimaced. There is no one left here, only her and Bachou's soldiers.
"Sorry. The leaves were suddenly all over the place." Bachou sighed. "You want me to chase her?"
"Leave her be." Aisha sighed, "Wherever she heads off to, we'll worry about that later. And even if she was headed back to the others, the things she has done here will not be forgiven so easily."
"Kouro Gate, huh…" Bachou nodded. "That red flame. What is it?"
Aisha shook her head, refusing to answer. She looked at her body and saw small minuscule cuts on some portions of her arms and legs. They're not even bleeding. She mentally laughed, thinking she would die during that scenario. But it doesn't matter anymore. This was the first time she lit her ring. Proof of her worth to her masters. "How's the girl?" Aisha asked.
"You mean Hanhou?" Bachou asked. "She'll live. Whether she recovers is a different story, though." Bachou helplessly shrugged. "I'm guessing her time on the battlefield is over, with how deep her wounds go." Aisha nodded. From what she saw, Hanhou's arms were badly ruined. Most likely, Hanhou spent more time blocking hits than she should have. Kayuu's power is the real thing. She should have dodged. However, it's still…
"A shame. It was by her help that Kayuu was defeated." Aisha sighed. "Let's go, Bachou, back to Kazuto-sama."
"Understood." Bachou nodded, "I'll take the girl with me then. I'm guessing Kanhyoku will be grateful for that. By the way, you're impressive, you know? Kayuu might've been weakened, but you still defeated her that quickly."
"Thank you for that." Aisha laughed, "And I saw you fight. You are not bad with your spear, Bachou. It would be an honor to face you in a spar."
"Thanks. Hey, get on. We're going to meet up with your lord." Bachou hoisted the girl up onto the back of her horse.
"Y-yes." Hanhou coughed. "Th-thank you…"
"Well then, let's go! Kan'u Platoon! Back to the side of our lord and lady!" A roar of cheers echoed.
-()-
Kazuto calmly gazed at the sight of his enemy, looking at the man in front of him, leaves circling all around them, as he laughed in amusement. White clothes covered his body, making him look more like a monk.
"Care to introduce yourself, Sorcerer? Or should I say, Forest Flame User?"
"Why should I? You'll be dead by the end of this, Root of All Evil." The grass at his feet grew violently, the leaves seeming sharper than they should be. Kazuto simply extended his sword, Sky Flames burning bright upon it.
"Then I too, shall not name myself, Forest Flame Sorcerer. I must say, this is a very creative way to use your power." Kazuto sidestepped the whole Root of All Evil comment. He was just spouting propaganda. His body language clearly didn't believe it. "Inefficient, but creative."
Shuri pointed her crossbow at the man. Kougai trains her own bow at the man's head. Both were waiting for their shot. Around him were Sonken Chuubou, Touka, and Kanhyoku. Touka hovered protectively over Kanhyoku, while Sonken glared with a regular sword. The others were beyond the wall of leaves. Kazuto could barely see their attempts to pierce through to no avail. It seems the man's target was the five of them when he descended from the sky. Which was probably a use of leaves by making himself fly. It was rather awkward in Kazuto's opinion, but it gets the job done.
"That flame on your brow, that flame on your sword. That is an interesting manipulation of Ki." The man said in amusement, as the leaves attach to various objects in the area. Arrows, swords, spears, dead bodies.
"You overcharged your flames. You're going to die if you don't lower your nonsense."
"Ah, so you're familiar with the Deathperation Flames? Certainly an interesting person."
Did he just combine the words Death and Desperation? Is that even a thing? Dying Will is much more convenient to say. Not only that, English? But that's not all. Kazuto notes the sand in his eyes. The cocky smile on his face. The… unnatural positioning of his body, in comparison to the body type of the person. It's as if a tall skinny man was put in the body of an older man. The older man's body is straining to stand straight, but the person doesn't seem to notice it. In conclusion… "Coming from the man who is possessing another? Don't make me laugh, Desert Flame User." Kazuto scoffed.
"Possessing?" Sonken Chuubou asked.
"A cowardly technique where the user enters another's mind. I wasn't aware that Desert Flame Users can accomplish that feat." Today, he learns something new about the Seven Flames of Earth again. Possession… Of course, his Uncle Mukuro can also do so without Flames, just his special magic eye. But Desert Flames should only be capable of hallucinations, right? How is this man doing this?
"Cowardly? Coming from the root of all evil?"
"What does cowardice have to do with evil?" Kazuto scoffed, "And 'root of all evil'? What are you, an eight-year-old? You actually believe there's something like a 'root of all evil'?" A spark of irritation vibrated through the man's body, though it didn't reach his face. Impressive acting, he'll give him that. He soldiered on, "I'm guessing you're just saying that because you think it'll shake my friends up. You don't believe it in the slightest."
"… Interesting choice of words. You do not deny it?"
"Sure, kid. Stop baiting me." Kazuto scoffed, condescending in his tone, "The idea of a single person who can be defined as the root of all evil is childish. Anyone who tries to push that is just trying to make a scapegoat to blame others. Cowards who can't accept responsibility for their own decisions. And only fools will believe anyone can be called that." Ah, he's getting more irritated. Good. He hides it well, but all the words Kazuto is saying are very much hurting him. "If you think calling me evil will make me question myself long enough for you to kill me, then you are clearly mistaken. Besides, all you did was call me the 'root of evil'. You haven't even given me any evidence to back your claim."
"And what about your friends there?" Kazuto only neutrally looked at him straight. The mocking way the man said friends struck a nerve with Touka and Shuri, Touka lighting her sword in flame just to prove her point, while Shuri fired a single shot from her crossbow, which was promptly deflected by the shield. As for the other two that are not an inconsolable mess in Touka's arms:
"You attacked my mother." Sonken Chuubou said in anger.
"Evil? Aren't you the evil one in this scenario? I doubt what you're doing with that body is something good people do." Kougai laughed.
Kazuto grinned, "Anyway, it's obvious that you have no intention of being straightforward. You just want to be a prick and sow discord among allies. There is nothing worth listening to you about." Kazuto shrugged, as he prepared his sword.
"Ahahaha! You certainly are interesting. Goodbye, fool." The man savagely grinned as…
Wait… is the reason for this nonsense to stall for time… to build up more flame… and…
"Dammit!" Kazuto yelled, "Everyone behind me!" Touka and Shuri immediately moved, the former dragging Kanhyoku with her. While Sonken and Kougai only hesitated for a second before immediately moving. Kazuto quickly summoned torrents of flame to surround all four of them, Shigure Souen Ryu, 2nd Form, Defensive! "Sakamaku Ame!"
An explosion of leaves erupted, a man roaring in agony beyond the flames. The voice was older, but curses seem to exit. Cursing a devil. And Kazuto could tell, the curses were not directed to anyone, but the possessor. He could only pray for the man's peace.
When the flames defending them disappeared, only a bloody puddle and torn skin remained on the ground.
"… A coward who would kill the body he's possessing. And who's the 'root of all evil' in this situation again?" Kazuto scoffed, and the five others could only nod. They could tell. The man was not going to die from that trick. The only one who died was the man who he was manipulating.
"Milord!" Sei ran forward, protectively moving toward them.
"Kazuto-niichan!" Rinrin said.
"Wh-what happened here!?" Choukou gasped. "Who is this!?"
"It's the sorcerer." Kazuto grimaced. "When he realized that we've won, he decided to essentially commit suicide in a blaze of green glory." He doesn't know how prevalent explosives are at this point in time. They should be around if he recalled correctly, but best not to make analogies that make no sense.
"And you survived?" Choukou asked, trying to poke holes in that sentence.
"I have my own tricks." Kazuto shrugged. "I dislike the title, but there's a reason why I'm the Heavenly Messenger. My ability to use Sky Flames is chief among them."
"Is what he said true, Renfa?" Sonsaku asked.
"Yes, Sheren-neesama." Sonken nodded, before realizing something. "Umm… that flame is called Sky Flame, yes? But why is Ryuubi also capable of such?"
Ryuubi recoiled before stammering, "Th-that's!"
"I taught her. Sky Flame is not inherently from heaven. Anyone alive at this moment in time has the chance to be able to use it." Kazuto shrugged. "If I have to say, if I had appeared before you, Sonken, instead of Ryuubi, I likely would have taught you how to use Sky Flames as well." Sun Quan, Sonken's historical counterpart, is the leader of the Sun Wu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms Era, alongside Liu Bei's Shu Han, and Cao Cao's Cao Wei. If he had ever appeared before the Sun Wu Group instead, it was only logical he would've been at Sonken's side then.
"W-what!?" Sonken blushed, "You, I?"
"A shame that you had appeared before Ryuubi then." Sonsaku sighed. "The ability to use heaven's flames is most certainly enticing, to say the least."
"Not everyone can use the same flame as me. Others have different properties. And our opponent was not using a flame from the same seven attributes I'm used to." Kazuto replied. "Our opponent was using Forest Flame, a Flame from the Seven Flames of Earth. Its nature is the manipulation of plant life." He'll leave out the Desert Flame for now. Only Kougai and Sonken Chuubou saw it, after all, and they mostly saw Forest.
"Seven Flames… of Earth?" Touka asked. "But ours is from the Seven Flames of Sky, correct?"
"Yes," Kazuto replied. "I am more familiar with the Seven Flames of Sky, that's why I only ever talked about that side."
"Seems you are full of surprises." Sonsaku laughed.
"I won't teach outsiders if that's what you're asking," Kazuto grumbled. "Consider your silence as payment for saving Kougai and Sonken's lives." The officers of Sonken's army only nodded. "Same with you, Choukou-san."
"I understand." Choukou nodded, as she walked over to Kanhyoku. "Thank you for protecting Kanhyoku-sama, Lady Ryuubi, Lord Hongou."
"It's fine." Touka nodded. "Although she seems quiet now…"
"Touka-sama, Kazuto-sama! What happened?"
"Aisha?" Touka said in surprise.
"Bachou-san." Kazuto greeted.
Bachou waved back, "I brought a present." Bachou smiled.
"H-hanhou!" Kanhyoku gasped.
"Is she alright?" Choukou asked, worriedly.
"Her injuries are severe. She'll probably live… but I doubt she'll be able to fight properly again." Bachou sighed. Choukou only nodded.
"Can I see her?" Kazuto asked, "I do have some knowledge of first aid if it helps…"
"First aid?"
"Just let me see her." Kazuto looked. "… Ah, a few of her arms' bones broke…" Kazuto grimaced. "But they haven't been dislocated, nor are they sticking out of her. That's good. Then there's a good chance it'll heal up eventually, provided it's taken care of properly."
"R-really?" Hanhou coughed.
"As long as you don't do anything too stupid in the process, yes… Simply put, we need to make sure your arm isn't disturbed too much as it's being healed." There isn't really casting technology available though, so they'll have to make do with a whole bunch of cloth.
"Th-that's good." Hanhou shakily replied. "I can still be useful to Bunsetsu-chan…"
"Put her arm in a sling for now."
Seeing everyone look at him in confusion, he sighed and began ordering people around for some spare bits of cloth.
Choukou looked gratefully at his actions before turning to Kan'u. "What happened to Kayuu?"
"I beat her in the duel," Aisha replied. "But then the sorcerer intervened and had his leaves assault us. Kayuu then fled in the confusion."
"All that posturing and she runs?" Choukou scoffed, "Can't even take her death honorably."
"No matter, the keep is ours now, thanks to Choubaku's group."
"Shame we can't kill her." Sonsaku sighed. "Mother would be disappointed."
"It really can't be helped in this case." Touka smiled, "But we won, right?"
"Yup." Kazuto nodded, as he finished binding the sling onto Hanhou. "This is most certainly a victory. Although there will probably be a war council soon."
"This time, we'll do it at your camp, right, Coalition Commander?" Sonsaku asked, coyly.
"I guess so." Kazuto sighed. "Aisha, make your declaration now so that we can head over to where Choubaku is."
"Oh, of course." Aisha nodded. Before turning to the soldiers, who were confused by the lull of the fight. There was no longer anyone left to fight. All they can do is look blankly at the bodies, hoping they don't stand up anymore. Aisha then looked at everyone before declaring:
"I, Kan'u Unchou have defeated Kayuu in single combat! The general of Shisui Pass has fled! The sorcerer has been slain by Hongou Kazuto! The keep is under Choubaku and Sousou's flags! This is the Anti-Toutaku Coalition's victory! Now men! Start making way to the keep and begin occupation!" She raised her spear and a chorus of roars from all around.
Aisha's declaration ended the battle of Shisui Pass, and the rejoicing of many soldiers as well.
Kazuto breathed a sigh of relief. The day is done, and they even managed to take the keep so quickly. Certainly, there will be repercussions for what happened here, the introduction of what appears to be genuine sorcery… and the fallout during the war council.
-()-
"Not bad," Sousou smirked, as she watched the other armies proceed forward. "The sorcerer was a surprise. But, it seems Hongou managed just fine. And it seems I was right in my assessment that Kan'u is someone of worth. Too bad that she's loyal to the commoner girl."
"But Karin-sama… surely I'm stronger than that Kan'u!" Kakouton complained. "You shouldn't focus on someone like that so much…"
"Neesama, your jealousy is showing." Kakouen sighed. "Besides, you're the one who will be receiving Karin-sama's reward for the capture of the keep. Shouldn't you be a bit happier?" Kakouen seems disappointed, as she failed to kill the sorcerer in any shape or form.
"But…"
"Shunran, Shuuran, that's enough. I'll love you both just the same. Let's go set up camp now."
""Yes, Karin-sama,"" both smiled walking after the lord.
"W-what about me!?" A hooded girl asked.
"But of course, Keifa." Sousou nodded. "I'll play with you later."
"Thank you, Karin-sama!" The hooded girl smiled, walking after the three as they headed for where their soldiers have begun setting camp up.
-()-
Only the sounds of horses filled the grasslands. Running away. To live on as mercenaries. Most certainly they will no longer be welcome in any of the locations the twenty leaders of the coalition belonged to, but they'd still survive at the least. Many others would be willing to conscript them.
Their leader is silent. Not speaking. The bandage on her head was secured rather horribly, but it would have to do for now. First, they need to go to a place far beyond Shisui Pass.
"Hey… why did you save me?"
Those were the first words that Kayuu said. Her adjutant looked at her.
"I… I apologize for stepping on your pride, milady… but… we follow you because we think you're worth following. We wouldn't have any other leader. I apologize for the use of the leaves. For distributing them to the other soldiers… but it was the only way… We wouldn't have survived a direct confrontation with them…"
"… maybe I should have ambushed from behind. That would've been a better use of my time. Then I could've fought the Commander and took his head."
"… That Kan'u Unchou is the servant of that Heavenly Messenger… I know you were exhausted from battling three warriors in a row, but do you believe you could've…"
"… No." Kayuu laughed. "I was in top shape. You're right. It would probably have ended the same." Kayuu smirked, "But I swear, I'll get strong enough to challenge her again. And next time, I'll win."
"Understood, Kayuu-taichou."
And so, the group continued forward. To where, no one knows, not even themselves.
-()-
In a dark room filled with contraptions of all sorts, a boy walked in, ire on his face, as he looked at his fellow.
"Ukitsu. Your little plan was a failure." Saji scoffed. "The reports show that the boy is still alive. That last suicide attack didn't even scratch him."
"A shame. And I put so much power into that too. His ki is stronger than expected." Ukitsu suffered a sigh. "The way Sahou used his flame is so worthless. He didn't even think to use the leaves themselves as weapons. The idiot did not think that his flames could make leaves stronger. So he merely used it for puppetry instead." Ukitsu shrugged, "And then he began cowering the moment he realized he's in danger, especially with both the flaming sword and the archer of Sousou's, Kakouen. And when I realized that the cowering eunuch will no longer do anything else, no matter what, and just snivel in the corner… well…"
"You decided to just blow that Hongou up with an overcharge of flame." Basically, Ukitsu used the Desert Flame to make Sahou burst with flames. And then push him just a bit more.
"I tried to plant seeds of doubt in his allies' minds first. Whether it takes root or not is a different story." Ukitsu shrugged. "Well, no matter. His next opponent is that Ryofu. Even if we do not intervene, he won't survive that."
"The one said by those books to betray all the masters he's ever served? I suppose you'll be right." Saji shrugged. "You will not intervene?"
"We tipped our hand a bit just now. They now know we use Deathperation Flames. And the boy showed that he knows about it too. A surprise he doesn't use them as well, all considering." Ukitsu yawned. "Maybe he's part of the population that is ill-suited to Deathperation."
"Whatever. Just don't screw up again." Saji growled, turning away, and marching out the room.
"That boy's obsession with Hongou is quite frankly more irritating than it should be." Ukitsu sighed. "Well then, let's finish this up now. A shame. It's been about a year since the Yellow Turban nonsense, huh… The next time this place opens will be…"
Ukitsu smirks slightly as he holds a strange tool.
"When the Empire flies under a single banner once more."
-()-
Chapter End
-()-
Chapter Release Date: December 6, 2019
Last Edited: June 11, 2022
-()-
Beta Reader: Seraphius
From here on out, I'll be using "Seven Flames of Sky", rather than just "Flames of the Sky", simply to prevent confusion with "Sky Flames".
When I first started writing this story, and even before I wrote this arc, I never planned for zombies. But it was an amusing idea that I couldn't get rid of, so I wrote it, it amused me, I sent it to my Beta Reader, and he gave me the go-ahead, so here it is. I have plenty of reasons for this method, but still, I'm sorry, for anyone expecting that much groundedness from someone who is spending his time writing a crossover of KHR and KM that no one asked for. Sheesh, I'm apologizing a lot for this story. I spent four hours meandering on whether to post this chapter or not, when I already decided to do it. As a side note, how did you find this story, reader? My main reason for even writing this story is because it fuels my imagination of stories that come far AFTER this story ends.
Character Introductions: Han Fu/Kanhyoku Army
Kanhyoku Bunsetsu: Original Counterpart: Han Fu Wenjie. Technically I sort of introduced her last chapter, but this chapter sort of marks her first official "I'm slightly more important than other OCs" appearance, so it bears repeating. Her appearance is based on her appearance in "Don't Tell Me This is the True History of the Three Kingdoms!" I'd link the image, but this website doesn't like links (even its own), and text highlighting, so just search it if you're interested. Her main identifying mark is actually wearing armor and a ribbon on the back of her head.
Hanhou: Original Counterpart: Pan Feng. I made her a spear user because I'm not creative enough and I sort of imagine Hanhou as a sort of female generic warrior. Served under Kanhyoku and is apparently killed by Kayuu. She survives here, but I sort of wanted to kill her though. But my plans for Kanhyoku precede my wishes. I could've made her male. It would've been easy, especially since I have no plans on adding any of these people to the harem.
Choukou Shungai: Original Counterpart: Zhang He Junyi. Her appearance is, like Kanhyoku, based off of her "Don't Tell Me This is the True History of the Three Kingdoms!" appearance. I'd link it, but I find that a tedious thing to do. She's a claw user in this story, a weapon inspired by her Koei Tecmo counterpart. Serves under Kanhyoku (Han Fu). Eventually joined Wei, becoming one of Cao Wei's Five Elite Generals. And is the only member of that group that never got introduced to Koihime Musou. I would've made Choukou male if it wasn't for the fact that she joins Gi. I am open to male recruits in Shoku or Go, but Gi shall remain an Amazon brigade for named high-ranking characters, because "Karin-sama". The others are, in order of appearance in KM, Chouryou Bun'en (Shia), Gakushin Bunken (Nagi), Ukin Bunsoku (Sawa), and Jokou Koumei (Shanfuu).
My Faction Bias in Koihime Musou:
Fifteen chapters in. Wow, I've been writing for so long. I guess I should probably list my biases now. That way, readers understand where I stand on various things. All of this is based on personal feelings.
Well here's my list, from most preferred to least preferred:
Shoku. I like Shoku a lot. I came into Koihime Musou with the original VN, so my bias will always be with them. I disliked the Shoku Ending of SKM though. It's probably the canon one, due to Moeshouden, but… that really changes nothing.
Tou. For all intents and purposes, they joined Shoku, so I instantly like them more than others.
Go. They're nice in my opinion. But they generally feel like a third wheel to Shoku and Gi.
Gi. They're better in the sequels, in the Gi Route. But that doesn't really change their initial impression on me from KM.
En. Ah… They're stupid, and I never really saw Kazuto's interaction with them. They never interacted beyond the main story fight scenes.
If I ever finish this story, would I go on to write a version of Sengoku Koihime?
I've currently no plans to. I just have no interest in watching Sengoku Koihime right now, so the plot of that is a bit beyond me. The translator on YouTube tends to rag on Koihime Musou a lot in the subtitles, so I'm currently actively avoiding it. Not because I dislike his opinion, but because I agree with them more than I'd like, and if I read too much of the translator's negative commentary on Koihime Musou, I might suddenly lose interest in finishing this story.
Maybe when I'm done with this story, completely, I'll finally watch Akumu Ryuu's translation of what he seems to consider a superior version of Koihime Musou. But until then, I'm staying far from that as possible.
The only way I'll see Sengoku Koihime while writing this story is if I can play it myself because someone finally translated it, and I could afford to get it. It's unlikely, but I can hope. I started writing this story when people were translating SKM, and, from what I know, they're still not done.