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.
-()-
The Right to Leadership
-()-
"… Are you mad, papa?"
"It's fine." Tsuna rubbed the boy's head. "It's not as if you meant to do what you did."
"W-what's going to happen with that group?"
"If they actually get offended by a kid of all things, then they're trying too hard to find reasons to get angry about. I doubt that they even liked the Vongola that much in the first place."
"Huh?"
"That group keeps finding ways to nitpick at us in the first place. Looking for ways to drag our image through the dirt." Tsuna shrugged, "I'm pretty sure we have more than a few things that they could use, but we're still mafia. Most things that they can use against us end up just making our image better. Anything else… is either lies or people making assumptions that we've become… ah, weaker… and well…"
"Well?"
"If Xanxus so much as hears that sort of whispering happen, well…let's just say he'll prove the words 'Varia Quality' is not just a Vongola boast. "Tsuna laughed, "Then he'll come after me for letting that sort of rumor happen, even if it's a deliberate rumor."
"But you beat him, right papa?"
"Y… yeah…" Tsuna sighed. "I win for the most part. But then I have to do the paperwork for the damages. So I lose at the very end." Tsuna sighed.
"But Uncle Xanxus is strong, right? How do you beat him?"
"Luck, better aerial maneuverability, having the Vongola Gear, and Zero Point Breakthrough." Tsuna replied.
"So… if what they say are lies… why do they say them at all?"
"People want to sow discord in Vongola. That is one thing we can't allow." Tsuna firmly replied." The only one who will sow discord in Vongola is Vongola. They're simply trying to break the behemoth known as Vongola apart. Make us weaker. They saw a chance to divide us. So they tried." Tsuna chuckled as he rubbed the boy's head, "They can try all they want, but your words were the truth. It's not Sawada Yoshiko that I chose to be the next head of Vongola. It will be you who is the Eleventh Vongola. It's Sawada Kazuto. You simply told them the truth. They can list all the slew of reasons that Yoshiko is a better heir, but they can't change what I decided."
"Y-yeah…" Kazuto shakily replied, before affirming himself." I'll do my best! If you can't finish making Vongola the good guys, I promise to make Vongola the good guys. And if you do finish making us good guys, then I'll make sure everyone remains good guys! After all, I'm going to be the leader!"
"… I'm sorry. Kazuto."
"Eh?"
"That I'm pushing this burden onto you." Tsuna smiled sadly, "You're still young. Yet you now have to live a life so full of danger, just because you were born with me as your dad. Even if you had wanted to do something else in your life, the Vongola Rings require the blood of Vongola to be the wearer. You and Yoshiko are the only ones who can wear the ring now."
"It's fine!" Kazuto replied. "I love the Vongola right now! My uncles are all funny even though they're all strong. They work hard to keep everyone good people! People might think we're bad guys but we're good now and I'll make sure we're good! Eventually, I'm going to make my own group just like you! Guardians who will protect me, and I'll protect them!"
Tsuna could only show a smile that is tinged with a sadness that he didn't know, "Thank you, Kazuto. I'll make sure… that when I place the Vongola in your hands, you won't have to deal with everything in its full. I'll make sure of it with my dying will."
This oath they made still echoes in his mind. They're already faded, old as the memories are, but they are among his first childhood memories. Maybe people will feel pity for the fact that he had no choice in his future. Maybe people think Sawada Tsunayoshi forced him into it. Maybe they think he's doing it out of obligation so that his younger sister doesn't have to bear that weight. If they think that, then they couldn't be further from the truth. He chose this path. He could've been a kendo star. A baseball star. But he chose the Vongola. Even if his path had been set from the very beginning, he doesn't regret nor reject it. His bond with Vongola is genuine, more genuine than anyone could possibly believe.
-()-
Silence filled the Ryuubi Camp. Outside, soldiers from other camps stood nearby, looking down on the soldiers that are within the camp, but Kazuto had ordered them not to speak to anyone who looks down on them. Ignore the idiots, as he said. Only retaliate if they attempt an attack, or ready their weapon. Unless they surrender their weapon, they're not allowed anywhere within the camp.
The meeting place is not a tent. The Ryuubi camp could ill-afford a tent large enough to hold the number of people necessary. Instead, a makeshift bordered area was made, guarded by Ryuubi's soldiers. In that bordered area, twenty seats were put in a circular position, and each had a table provided. All twenty seats were filled, as the leaders of the Coalition gathered together. The eighteen leaders of the other camps, each had one or two of their own subordinates, whether it be bodyguards or advisors.
Hongou Kazuto and Ryuubi Gentoku sat closer to each other than the other members, and just behind them were Kan'u Unchou, Chouhi Yokutoku, and Shokatsuryou Koumei. Bachou Mouki sat behind Batou Jusei.
One notable difference this time, however, is that it was not Sonken Bundai who sat at this meeting, but Sonsaku Hakufu. Behind her sat Shuuyu Koukin and Sonken Chuubou.
"… So, let's begin planning how to take Kouro Gate." Kazuto cheerfully started.
"No! First, we're discussing what happened back in that fight against Kayuu!" Enshou argued.
"We won. Any discussion about it is wasting time. We've struck the first blow now. Now we need to move fast enough that they can't recover from it." Kazuto replied. "A punch to the face is only distracting for a few seconds. Unless we hash out the plan now then, it's best if…"
"What about your sorcery?"
"I can light my sword on fire." Kazuto replied dryly. "I don't know what else to tell you. I'm pretty sure I showed it off to all of you before." Kazuto waved his ring, which blazed orange.
"… So, it was sorcery and not the ring?" One warlord cautiously asked.
"If the ring was unnecessary, he wouldn't even bother wearing it." Sousou scoffed. "So it must be important to his sorcery."
"More like: I need the ring to use it. But if someone is sufficiently talented enough, they can do it with just their fist." Kazuto replied, thinking of Uncle Xanxus as an example. "In short, the ring is a crutch for me to use."
"And that's all you can do?" Sousou pressed.
"Basically." Kazuto replied. He resisted the urge to just end the conversation. He can't keep dodging. Let them ask questions.
"And the big flame arrow trick?" Choubaku asked.
"I lit my sword on fire, then I kicked it into a wall." Kazuto replied.
"The sword on your back?"
"Yes."
"We finally meet a sorcerer, and you're one of the most boring ones I've ever met." Enjutsu scoffed. "Our enemy sorcerer was using leaves and animating bodies."
"Said enemy sorcerer is also dead." Kazuto shrugged. And that ended that quickly, with others awkwardly laughing, conceding the point to him.
"How many other sorceries are there?" Batou asked.
"I don't know." Kazuto replied. "Have you counted how many different weapons in the world can be used to kill you?"
"What kinds of sorcery are there?" Sonsaku asked.
"It's called sorcery for a reason." Kazuto sighed. "No one knows what they could be until they actually encounter it. But if you ever encounter a person using the same one as before? Rush through the hail of leaves and beat the user up."
"And if they use flames like you?"
"Do you regularly coat your armor and clothes with flammable oils? Or use oils in your hair to keep it smooth?" All the girls in this room had such beautiful hair, that it's surprising that they've been fighting for so long. Do they use some sort of hair product to keep their hair good? He knows Touka and Aisha don't use any fancy products. However, Touka's hair has always been like that since her peasant days, funnily enough. Her hair somehow is radiant, even without too much fretting over it. And…
"OW! What is it, Touka?"
"You were thinking something rude." Touka sighed.
"I was just wondering if all the girls here use… ow, ow, ow." Touka continued to pinch him. WHY!?
"For all your experience with sorcery, it's clear you don't have much experience with the fairer sex." Batou chuckled.
"… It's a valid question…" Kazuto sulked.
Sousou sighed, "With all these interruptions, it's clear that you're not interested in telling us."
Kazuto could only wince. The accusation is clear as day, but he can't really back down. "Sorcery is a ridiculous thing to deal with in the first place. It's all situational, and you have to deal with them on a case-by-case basis. There really is no catch-all solution to dealing with literal magic."
"Is that so… then are you prepared to take responsibility for it?" Sousou smirked at him.
"What do you mean?" Kazuto asked.
"If the enemy has sorcery, we need you to be there to overcome it. I propose that your Ryuubi Army joins the frontlines as well."
"Wh-what!?" Aisha scowled, "Are you…"
"Calm down, Aisha-chan." Touka said, "As for Sousou-san's suggestion, is that truly wise?"
"Hmm?"
"You are asking the commander of the coalition to take the frontline. I trust that means you'll be willing to stand aside us as well?" Touka smiled. "Regardless of your achievements."
"What do you mean?" Sousou asked.
"I request that, if my Ryuubi Army is to be placed in front against the strongest known General, Ryofu, that the Sousou army, who have valiantly aided Choubaku take this keep, to provide equal aid to us on the frontlines."
"You…" Sousou looked shocked at Ryuubi's sudden intervention.
"… I don't think Touka took kindly to Sousou's recruitment attempts." Kazuto said in amusement.
"You weren't even part of that conversation." Aisha accused, reminding Kazuto that he had been drinking tea, "But yes. This is the first time I've seen Touka-sama act this harsh to someone else."
"Ano… Ryuubi-chan, right?" Choubaku intervened. "But Moutoku is my subordinate… are you…"
"Sousou-san challenged my army to stand at the front," Ryuubi replied.
"Oh, is the little girl starting to get cold feet now? Oh-hohohohoho!" Enshou laughed.
"Coming from the coward with the largest army of chickens?" Sousou snapped back.
"Hoy, what's that supposed to mean!?" The light blue-haired girl barked back. "Are you calling us cowards?"
"You all ran at the first sign of danger. As a reminder, only three armies remained at the front. Choubaku, Sonken, and Kanhyoku. All three armies suffered damages that are more significant than others. I give credit to Ryuutai, Houshin, Kousonsan, and Batou's armies. They rushed to aid our groups at that crucial moment. If they had not shown up, the keep would've remained strong." Sousou scoffed.
"Bold words, for a subordinate." Koushuu scowled.
"In Koushuu's and Touken's defense, they sent some troops to reinforce us, during our charge from the rear. Touken is also the only one left in the rearguard, and if he had left alongside us, an attack from the rear would have blindsided the rest of us." Kazuto added.
"Koushuu was already at the frontlines. He should've remained with us in the first place." Sousou scoffed. "Although I'll give credit to Touken if what you say is true," Touken nodded back, "but all the rest, what are you still doing here if you will just run away when a stray arrow hits your shield?"
"How dare you!"
"Then prove your worth!" Sousou replied. "Are you not proud soldiers of this empire!? If any of you so much as run then…"
"Please, Sousou." Kazuto sighed. "This group is already disjointed enough being composed of eighteen armies." Sousou nodded, disgruntled, but acceding, "As for the other armies, I understand the need for self-preservation. But, if you wanted to keep yourselves safe at all times, you should've remained in your territories." Everyone felt that accusation much more deeply than the rest. Upstart or not, he was the designated commander. And he had been on the frontlines during the last battle. "But if Sousou wishes for it, then I will allow the Ryuubi Army to be placed in front. However, as my co-leader said, Sousou, you will stand at our side if that is the case."
"… Considering the considerable amount of damage our army received, do you think it's wise to put our army with you on the front?" Sousou asked.
"But our Ryuubi Army is no worse than yours when it comes to damage, don't you think? We might have fought less, but we are also significantly smaller, and any damage we receive is much more significant, compared to the large armies everyone else has."
"… I suppose you're right." Sousou sighed.
"Umm…" Kanhyoku timidly raised her hand. "I propose to place my army with the Ryuubi Army."
Everyone stared at her in shock, including her general, Choukou.
"What are you saying, Kanhyoku?" Enshou scowled, "You're the imperial protector of Kishuu! Why are you…"
"Because Hanhou's life was saved by the Ryuubi Army. I'm grateful to them… also… I hate to say this, but I admit I'm not the best at commanding an army. So I'll entrust my soldiers to the commanding army." Kanhyoku said.
"They can put your soldiers in the frontlines and let them die just to protect their own!" Enshou replied.
Touka glared at Enshou but said nothing. Kazuto equally said nothing, more focused on the young girl in armor's movements.
"… I am certain of my choice." Kanhyoku replied. "If it's soldiers that Ryuubi Army lacks, then I can provide soldiers. That is the least I can do for how they made sure Hanhou could return to me alive."
"My daughter, Bachou, will continue supporting the Ryuubi Army. Regardless of their positioning." Batou interrupted. Bachou bowed before waving at the two leaders of the Ryuubi Army.
"Enjutsu, I expect any army on the frontline to have their supplies kept consistent." Sonsaku smiled.
"… Geh." Enjutsu grimaced. "I got it, already… I won't do that…"
"I apologize but I can't, in good faith, place my army on the frontlines." Sonsaku apologized. "We're already rather damaged with mother's crippling injury, as well as that… zonbi army. However…" Sonsaku then waved to her sister, "I believe my dear Renfa could provide the same service that Bachou is rendering to you."
"W-what?" Sonken Chuubou said in surprise. "Neesama!"
"What?" Sonsaku asked. "This is an order from mother."
"M-mother did!?" Sonken Chuubou said, deflating. "V-very well…"
"Kanhyoku, Batou, Sonsaku, why would the three of you risk so much of your armies to this no-name?" A warlord asked. "Your army, your daughter, your sister? You realize that they'll be on the frontlines with Hongou, yes?"
"""We're sure."""
"That's that." Kazuto sighed. "Well, Sousou? Do you still insist on us being in front?"
"… I agree to stand at your side as a separate army from Moutaku-chan." Sousou nodded. "It seems you have gained more friends than one expects."
"Well then, let's discuss our opponents now. First of all, our opponent is Ryofu and Chouryou." Kazuto paused, noticing the name, and thought of something. "I know this Chouryou is different from the Chouryou of the Yellow Turbans but still…" Kazuto sighed while sneaking a peek at Sousou's countenance. Kazuto smirked at the sight. She didn't show anything on her face, but she recognized the name. "Oh right, was it not you who slew that Chouryou, Sousou?"
"Yes. It's your group that slew Chouhou if I recall correctly." Sousou asked. Yup, now she's prodding them in turn, glancing at their reactions. Kazuto couldn't tell if anyone behind or next to him was provoked, but he got all he wanted. She wouldn't need to prod if she wasn't interested in something about them concerning Chouhou. Interesting. Either she wants to know if they really killed Chouhou, or if they have the microphone. Her eyes narrowed at his gaze, and she neutrally looked away, "Anyway, was it not you who said we couldn't delay? Why are you bringing trivial nonsense like that up?" Ah, so she noticed.
"The name is just interesting. For now, let's refer to this general as Bun'en. It would not do to imagine this general as a yellow bandanna wearing punk."
"Get to the point." Enshou irately said.
"Ryofu is known as the strongest general. Is there any basis for that?" Kazuto asked.
"She's a halberd user, using Houtengeki (Sky Piercer)." Sousou shrugged. "Other than that… I know that she's undefeated."
"Undefeated? No matter what?" Ryuubi exclaimed.
"Does she have a horse?" Kazuto asked. Red Hare, a horse just as infamous as its rider. But, even after all this time, he hasn't heard hide nor hair from it.
"She rides one on occasion."
"… Well then." Kazuto said in surprise. Didn't think that would be changed. "I'll take your warnings into consideration. Aisha, Rinrin, Sei. You're not allowed to fight her one on one."
"What!?"
"Kazuto-sama!"
"Niichan, why are you!"
"You three fight together or not fight at all." Kazuto replied. "As for you people. If we're going to fight someone that is literally undefeated, while keeping Bachou, Sonken, and a majority of Kanhyoku's army alive, I expect you to do your best to get through that gate. Sousou, your group will deal with Bun'en."
"You're actually volunteering to fight the general now?"
"If the only thing you people can say about the enemy is that their generals are strong… that sounds as if you people believe that the soldiers are a non-issue. I trust everyone here in this hall can take care of the enemy as long as Ryofu and Chouryou are out of the way?"
"And you believe you can delay those two for that long?"
"I believe that they're just two people. Besides, I have faith Aisha and Rinrin can at the very least delay Ryofu. The question is whether we can get the other armies beyond Ryofu and Chouryou before they notice."
"I see… how do you plan to do that?" One of the warlords asked.
"Shuri?" Kazuto called.
Shuri nodded, stepping forward.
"Ah, you're Koumei-dono, correct?" Touken hummed.
"Then, following that the positions listed before, Ryuubi Army, with Kanhyoku's forces, Sousou Army, and Enshou Army standing at the frontlines…"
"Wait a minute! Since when did I agree to be in the front?" Enshou asked.
"Chicken. Bawk, bawk." Kazuto replied in a deadpan manner. "For someone with the literal largest army in this room, you're not very willing to make use of it. That's your literal only claim in this room. Everyone else has some form of achievement. Your big army has done nothing but retreat. Did you even make contact with the enemy?"
"H-how rude!"
"What were you doing while Sonken was fighting the zombies? What were you doing when Kayuu broke Kanhyoku's General's arms? What were you doing when Sousou was struggling at the keep? You retreated at the first sign something was going wrong."
"I did what I thought was right! A sorcerer is dangerous! How was I supposed to know that it was so easy to defeat them!" Enshou angrily answered, "If I was aware of what the situation is, even I would not have retreated!"
"Good to know, but I think you're failing to see my point, Enshou." Kazuto's face hardened, "I am angry at you. This entire operation? This coalition? It was your idea. This is your cause, that you championed from the first day. And what did you do? Retreat. You didn't even make sure the other armies are safely retreating alongside you. You didn't think twice to abandon Choubaku and Sousou, who were your co-founders of this coalition. You didn't think twice to abandon Sonken, who came here as an ally to Enjutsu, your cousin. You didn't think twice to abandon Kanhyoku, who's the Imperial Protector of Kishuu, where your home territory is located at. And you have the largest army here." Kazuto snarled. "Now stop acting like you're more important than you actually are. We're going to Rakuyou to save this empire's ruler from a tyrant. Unless you suddenly became more important than the emperor, start making use of that large army of yours, and maybe, just maybe, I'll tell the emperor, as representative of this coalition, that you were a useful ally. Are we clear?"
"Are you…"
"Everyone here? Our lives? You who spurred us into action are at fault if we die! Naturally, some blame will go to me, but you are one of the three organizers! Choubaku and Sousou were in the frontlines! So give me one! One good reason why I should allow you to make decisions about where to place you."
"… I… And who are you to intimidate me into doing as you please!?" Enshou stood up, defiantly looking at the boy. "You're just an upstart that's letting the title of Heavenly Messenger get to your head! Why do I have to listen to you!?"
"Then why haven't you left?" Ryuubi asked. "Why haven't you taken your army and abandoned everyone, like you abandoned those three armies? Enshou-san, I want to believe that you're a good person, but…" Ryuubi trailed off.
"I…"
"Or you can stay. We'll put you on the side and be the most threatening reeds." Kazuto scoffed. "Looking so tall and mighty, but a gust of wind will send everyone bending over backward scrambling to get away."
"… Fine. I'll fight on the frontlines! However. If I do, I'll be the leader of this coalition from then on!"
"… Really?" Kazuto sighed. "What say you, everyone? Do you agree to this condition?"
"I'm against it." Sonsaku yawned. "Fighting in the frontlines is no big issue. We've done it and it was against a sorcerer. By that logic, I should be the leader of the alliance now."
"No." Sousou scoffed. "I already made my stance clear during the previous war council, and it won't change. There's also the fact that Reiha's army is one of the few here that does not have a dedicated strategist.
"I'll agree with Moutoku-chan." Choubaku shrugged, "Reiha's a good friend, but she's never been the best strategist."
"I don't know… our current commander has already taken the responsibility of dealing with Ryofu." Ryuutai shrugged, "I mean if Enshou manages something more impressive than holding Ryofu down, maybe? What about taking the keep by herself?"
"That's too much, Ryuutai-chan." Houshin sighed.
"Really? I don't think so." Ryuutai shrugged.
Touken smiled. "If, for whatever reason, Hongou-kun falls and we can prove that Enshou was not involved, and Enshou tried her best to save him… Then I'll trust her."
"… I stand by the heavenly messenger."
"Wh-what!? But weren't you supportive of me being a leader last time, Koushuu?"
"I merely wanted that conversation to end. Hongou was unproven. Now, he is most certainly proven. He has, in the face of a sorcerer, brought our coalition an undeniable victory. While some may argue that Kayuu was already weakened by Sonken, Hanhou, and Choukou, it was the Ryuubi army's Kan'u that drove her away. I am now content with Hongou."
"Even though I was not able to plan for it? Everything that happened was me reacting to the situation." Kazuto asked.
"You still dealt with the situation brilliantly. Certainly, we have three armies battered heavily, but they are still definitively armies. We didn't lose anyone important. Even that Hanhou, while no longer able to work as a general, lived. Certainly, many soldiers perished, and I mourn for the loss of those brave souls, but now that we have this keep, our progress is secure." Koushuu nodded. "The reason I sent you those troops is because of your declaration to aid the frontline. A commander that is willing to risk themselves for others? That is a brave and bold decision. And a remarkably dangerous one. Now I'm certain that you will not leave us to die. So I will follow your will." Koushuu shrugged.
"Th-that's…"
"Us old men, are starting to get too old for this." One of the warlords rumbled. "Might as well start passing the torch on to the younger generation, eh? Hongou. Sorry for running away before. Sorcery is a scary business, eh? What do you plan to do when you meet one again?"
Kazuto looked at him before shaking his head. "I need to see it first, or at least receive reports on its use. As long as I have that, I can possibly devise a way to counter them." No certainties. Just facts. "But that also means I need to be there in the first place."
"Can I do that too?" Ryuubi asked.
"Yes. But… I'll explain later." Kazuto sighed. Now's not the time to discuss the abilities of Dying Will Flames. He turned to everyone. "I'll be honest, I expected more backlash. All of you are more willing to cooperate with me than before. I expected everyone to be asking me to step down or something."
"You acted as the leader of the coalition. Even if you had failed and had retreated, the way you reacted during the battle was commendable." One warlord huffed. "Now stop begging for sympathy from us. You have this group's support. Tell us what you need us to do."
"Enshou. No doubt your family name holds great significance to this country. But that doesn't excuse poor leadership. If you wish to lead armies, you need more than just numbers." Another hummed. "I think that's it."
"… I'll show all of you." Enshou growled, "I'll show you why Enshou Honsho is worth respecting! Very well, I'll cooperate!" She placed her hand below her chin and laughed, "Ohohohohohoho! Poor commoner man, misplaced commoner descendant, I, Enshou Honsho, swear upon my family name to follow your commands during the next battle."
"E-even my cousin…" Enjutsu sweatdropped. "Nanano… what happened to her?"
"Hmm… what about our group, Miu-sama?" Her aide, who Enjutsu called Nanano, merely asked.
"I… I request to be moved to the rear!"
"That is fine. You are our supply chain officer. We expect your group to provide us our basic needs. If anything, your original positioning is more difficult for us." Kazuto nodded, and Enjutsu could only stare dully at him as if she had expected a rejection. Kazuto ignored her and turned to his side, "Now, Shuri, continue."
"Yes. Shuuyu-san, Jun'iku-san, and other strategists here, I would like your input as well." Shuri nodded. Shuuyu nodded easily, and the rest of the strategists there are also doing so. Jun'iku first looked at Sousou, who merely nodded, and she nodded as well. "Then. As we stated, our Ryuubi Army will stand at the frontlines, alongside Sousou Army, the Kanhyoku Army, and the Enshou Army. However, due to numbers at Kouro Gate, we need more people to stand aside us."
"I'll volunteer."
"I as well."
"Good. We have six armies there now. That's enough to ensure everyone can fight safely."
"Sonsaku, Choubaku, Touken, and Enjutsu will stand at the rear, and protect our supply chain."
"Thank you." Sonsaku nodded.
"Okay."
"Very well."
"Nyuu…" Enjutsu said deflating.
"Kousonsan, Batou. Same as before. Flanking."
"Of course."
"Ryuutai, follow Kousonsan. Houshin, follow Batou."
"And the rest of us? That's five armies left unaccounted for…"
As Shuri began answering the question, Kazuto breathed a sigh of relief. It looks like the other men at this table are now willing to cooperate. And so, the coalition is going strong. Kazuto felt his worries of retribution slip away. No one seems against Shuri's plan. Basic it seems, and it would inconvenience more than a few members of the coalition. And so, the planning went smoothly. Hopefully, by the end of the day, they'll get through this.
-()-
As the other generals of the armies start trickling out of the area, Kazuto breathed a sigh of relief.
"Good work, Hongou. That went better than you'd expect."
"Thanks, Chuubou-san," Kazuto replied to the new member of their little command camp army. Koutou Representative and future King of Go, Sonken Chuubou. "But I think many of them are just worried about their lack of achievements. A bunch of young nobles managed to achieve things before they did, despite their tenure. That says a lot about how they're not accomplishing enough."
"Our army did not have a significant impact either." Chuubou shook her head. "I think if you had ordered my sister to take the frontline with you, she would've accepted."
"But I doubt you would've." Kazuto smiled. Chuubou blushed, before shaking her head.
"I… I would've been obligated to do so. You are the commander."
"Don't be silly." Kazuto scoffed, "If you didn't want to, then I can't pressure you into it. Your army's rank is still higher than mine, after all. Any number of reasons would've shot us down."
"And yet Sousou was pressured in."
"That's a combination of Touka pressing Sousou's buttons, and people wanting us in the frontlines in the first place." He didn't exactly miss the lack of apprehension at Sousou's suggestion to put them on the frontlines. "Sousou joining us in front is a small price to pay for them."
"The way you speak, it's like you think your commander title isn't worth much." Chuubou frowned. "It's the most powerful title in the coalition, you know?"
"Our commander status is by name, at best." Kazuto remarked, "I doubt Son… Bundai-san believed that we'll get so much respect."
"The way Mother thinks is still a bit unclear to me." Chuubou confessed, before raising her eyebrow at him, "But if you think your commander status is by name, why do you think they follow your orders?"
"Because I don't ever give orders unless the decision is finalized." Kazuto shrugged. "I just give as many sound suggestions and I let them accept or reject them as they please. If I can't make a suggestion, I let them make the suggestion. And when people can, at the very least, grudgingly accept it, Then I make it into an order."
"I see." Chuubou nodded, "That makes sense. But what do you think about being in the front? It's not exactly a position for a commander to be in?"
"What would you have felt if you were in my position?" Kazuto sighed.
"I… I would've rejected doing so." Chuubou awkwardly nodded, "It's a dangerous position, after all, no matter the circumstances."
"Yeah, I don't like it either, being in the frontlines, but I can't overturn consensus." Kazuto sighed.
"You're the only one who has experience dealing with sorceries, after all." Chuubou pointed out.
"Most people who claim to be 'sorcerers' tend to be shams, though." Kazuto laughed.
"Although with two clear examples given to me, can I really deny their existence at this point?" Chuubou helplessly laughed.
"I'm not a sorcerer." Kazuto shrugged. "I just use something that people could call magic."
"What's the difference?"
"It's the difference between someone who picked up and swings a sword versus someone who studied a sword style." Kazuto smiled.
"Makes sense." Chuubou nodded, understanding the analogy. "It's the same as fishing. Anyone can fish, but actual fishermen know the best place and time to cast their nets."
"That's right." Kazuto laughed, "Well then, is there anything you'd like to tell me?" Kazuto asked as he felt Touka's unwavering smile as she looked at the two of them. Yes, Touka, he is most certainly not looking anywhere else but her face.
"I… Thank you. For protecting me during the battle."
"Is that so… You're welcome." Kazuto nodded. "I suppose I'll be in your care from today onwards. Or at least till Sonsaku-san or Son Bundai-san retracts their offer."
"And I in yours." Son Chuubou nodded. "I'll be heading back to my camp to retrieve my forces."
"Thank you. Take care."
"I doubt Ryofu will suddenly appear on my way there, Hongou." Son Chuubou smiled. She walked away.
"That was a nice atmosphere you had going on there." Touka finally let a small pout appear on her face.
"How did Kanhyoku's issue go?" Kazuto prompted. "It's rather surprising that she'd be so willing to lend us her forces like that."
"She agreed to be subordinate to our army."
"This is probably a first where the bigger army subordinates itself to the smaller one." Kazuto chuckled. "What do you think is the problem?"
"I think Kanhyoku-chan wants to focus on taking care of Hanhou." Touka smiled sadly.
"Does she plan on sending Hanhou home?" Kazuto asked. After the fight, Kazuto had given Kanhyoku and Hanhou a few tips to help Hanhou heal properly, and hopefully let her use her arms again, even if that could take months.
"I don't think so. She can't leave since she's the leader of the army, even if Choukou could fulfill her role better. But she also wants to make sure Hanhou survives. I think she plans to remain in camp with the rearguard while we take the reins of Choukou and her soldiers.
"To be honest, I expected the worst backlash to come from her." Kazuto sighed. "Kanhyoku is probably one of the more naïve leaders in this coalition. The general that she held such pride for, however, was hurt the most."
"But she lived. I think Kanhyoku-chan was very grateful for that one part." Touka smiled at him.
"… I suppose so." Kazuto nodded, "And I can tell that she's truly and sincerely fine with letting us take charge of her forces."
"Mmhmm," Touka murmured.
"It's getting late." Kazuto looked up. "We need to go to sleep."
"It's my turn tonight." Touka impishly smiled.
"Of course it is." Kazuto sighed. "I thought I asked you not to go do your nightly visits during the campaign, but of course, it still continues." Kazuto could list several effects if such a thing were to ever be spotted by anyone. None of them are particularly positive.
"Kazuto-kun… no one here blames you for things you couldn't control."
"Eh?"
"You went into this meeting expecting people to get angry at you, or at least blame you for things." Touka pointed out.
"Eh, that's…" Kazuto recoiled. "H-how did you know?"
"The way you tried to redirect the conversation. The way you prodded people who were pledging loyalty. The way you were relieved when people were volunteering for positions."
Kazuto thought he had all his emotions controlled. That he didn't show anything on his face. But it seems Touka noticed, even though she was sitting directly beside him, and she didn't really have that much luxury to look at him the entire time so… dammit. It seems his poker face is worse than he believed.
"I guess I was just looking out for who could potentially hold a grudge against us. It's dangerous to make enemies, right now…"
"Anyway, no one blames you. Or, at the very least, I don't think any of the leaders do. Maybe their soldiers, their subordinates, maybe the people friends with those who died, maybe they'll get mad. But this world is one where war is ever-present. Peace is a fleeting thing. Unlike your world, we don't need to seek out conflict for conflict's sake."
"I shouldn't have told you about the more annoying topics in my world." Kazuto sighed.
"But you did. And I'm grateful for it. You are opening up to us more and more." Touka smiled.
"Yeah… Thanks, Touka."
"Hmm? For what?"
"For staying by my side. Even though I've been mucking about too much. If I didn't come off so strong, we might not be forced to take so many risks. Commander role, now frontline. But you always supported me."
"We promised, did we not?" Touka asked. "I'm just more worried that I can't contribute as much as you do. But I can't really just talk… I'm not as versed in war as anyone on that table."
"Yeah, probably was the smart thing to do." Kazuto laughed. "I should've just kept my mouth shut too."
"Come on, let's get some rest." Touka smiled, dragging the boy back with her. Kazuto silently walked after her, letting her pull him. The two eventually reach Kazuto's tent, passing by Shuri's tent, where a small candle's light burned.
"Hmm?" Kazuto was surprised at the fact that Shuri was, oh right… "Go ahead, Touka."
"Eh? But Shuri-chan's always reading something even late at night."
"Well, we can't have our strategist wasting so many candles for personal enjoyment." Kazuto chuckled.
"Eh? Then can I come with you?" Touka hummed.
"I thought you were tired?"
"Well, a sky's job is to take charge of her attributes, right? So we should properly scold Shuri-chan together."
"Hmm. Fine." Kazuto chuckled before together they walked towards the tent.
"Shuri-chan~" Touka voiced into the tent, and an eep of surprise was heard.
"Touka-sama? And Kazuto-sama!?" Shuri said in surprise, "Wh-what are you doing here?"
"We have a rather limited stock of candles, Shuri. You really shouldn't be reading into the night." Touka scolded.
"I'm not! I'm just recording the plan and writing it on a letter to forward to the other armies so that we can all be on the same page!" Shuri denied.
"Aww…" Touka sighed, "I thought we finally found you doing something naughty."
"N-n-naughty? Eh? I don't…" Kazuto could only barely see Shuri's face in the light of starlight, but he could imagine that her face went a few shades of red.
"That's enough Touka." Kazuto sighed. "I didn't really come here to scold her."
"But you thought that she was reading one of her books too…"
"I did, but I wasn't going to scold her over it."
"I'm not going to read books right now! It was fine during the travel because, other than dealing with my informants, there was nothing else I need to do. But…"
"That's enough. I get it." Kazuto chuckled, rubbing the girl's bare head. It seems her hat is left on her desk. "As for what I was going to tell you… why not use your flames instead of candlelight?"
Both girls were surprised at the suggestion.
"Th-that's! But I…" Shuri's left hand numbly reached towards the ring on her middle finger on her right hand. The indigo jewel on it slightly shined as if the mere reminder of its existence was enough to nearly light it.
"That's a brilliant idea! Then she can train her flames and read her books without needing a candle!"
"I, I'll try it out." Shuri nodded, as she fell deep in thought. "A-also, Kazuto-sama!"
"Yes?"
"I think you should go see Aisha-san before heading off to bed."
"Eh? Why?"
"Well…"
-()-
Aisha's eyes were closed. However, she wasn't lying down on her bed. Instead, she was kneeling, facing the opening of the tent. Held out is her right hand, where the red ring on her middle finger was directly situated.
She tried to remember. The feeling that she had during the fight. She tried to remember what it felt like as the leaves were surrounding her but…
Nothing. Aisha groaned in frustration as she sat down exhausted. Why was this so difficult? She already did it once! There's no reason why it cannot be repeated. Just what triggered the flames to burn? Now that she is confident that she was a Storm Flame user, she thought that she'd be able to do it again but her trials so far have ended in failure.
"Aisha-chan?"
"T-Touka-sama!?" Aisha said surprised. "Is something the matter?"
"Oh, uhh… Shuri-chan told u- I mean me that you asked her for tips on how to light your flame?"
"I," Aisha felt reluctant to admit anything, feeling slightly betrayed by Shuri, "I did…"
"Well… So uhh, what's the problem?"
"I just can't seem to light it again." Aisha sighed, exhausted. "I just can't seem to draw the same thoughts that I had during the fight to let me light the ring again."
"Well, even after Shuri-chan and I lit our rings, we still had to train to make lighting it happen all the time. You just have a late start compared to the rest of us. You'll get there soon enough."
"Why were Rinrin and I brought in late to the rings?" Aisha asked, finally breaking a topic that she really wished she had the courage to ask a long time ago. She was just afraid of what Kazuto's answer would be. But with just Touka here…
"Well, to be honest, we didn't plan on bringing others until I at least manage to do it well enough… Or when we officially give out the Guardian Positions." Touka shrugged. "But then Shuri-chan wanted to learn how to fight, and well… we brought her into the training, and she brought in Hinari-chan, though not to light the ring, just to observe. That was also the time when you and Rinrin were really busy so we couldn't bring you in till much later."
Hinari started learning around the same time as Aisha and Rinrin. But Hinari had always been in the know.
"It just feels… like you don't trust us, even though we've been at your side the entire time." Aisha sighed.
"Do you believe so?" Touka asked. "Because I trust you a lot. We wouldn't have given you the Storm Guardian position if we didn't trust you. No… We wouldn't have given you the position of our right hand if we didn't trust you wholeheartedly."
"I, of course." Aisha conceded that. The value of the right hand, the weight and burden of that title. That's not something you give to someone you don't trust wholeheartedly. The right hand can't afford to act completely independent of the leader, but they are entrusted to do things in their name, in their honor. It is a privilege that no one can deny.
"Then there's also the fact that you and Rinrin are already warriors. You didn't need to learn how to use flames to be strong on the battlefield. Shuri-chan and Hinari-chan do. But I guess that's all excuses. To be honest, neither of us was sure when to bring it up to you, so it took a while. Sorry."
"… Apology accepted." Aisha nodded, smiling at her sworn sister. The two looked at each other in silence, before Touka fidgeted in awkwardness.
"… Hey. So, uhh… what were you thinking when you were lighting the ring?"
"The time when I first lit it of course."
"Really? What was it like?"
"I don't really know how to describe it. I was being attacked by leaves all over the place and well and I was desperate… So I was trying to remember that desperation."
"Maybe…" Touka hummed, "maybe you are remembering the wrong part? Because when I light the ring, what I remember is not desperation. What I think of is my wish. To reach out to those in need. To protect those that would stand under my banner. And… to stay at his side. Any of those, and it feels like my wish is flowing through my body. And then, my ring lights up."
"That's…" Aisha said awkwardly. "I suppose I can try?"
"No, like I said, you might be remembering the wrong part. I think you're already on the right track! After all, it worked fine for you before. I think it's not the desperation that you need to remember!" Touka smiled.
"Not the desperation?"
"If desperation alone was enough, then Shuri-chan and I would have lit our rings a long time ago." The anxiety of not being able to light the ring still haunted both of them. They still feared the day that they suddenly forget how to light the ring. To the point that neither of them enjoys the feeling of removing the ring. Shuri still needs to do so to return it to her (although now that Shuri has been seen wearing it in public, that's not an issue anymore), and Touka herself needs to do it to take a bath. "A-anyway! Try to remember more, what else do you remember?"
"… Your voices. Telling us to never give up." Aisha awkwardly replied.
"What did you feel?"
"I felt… I felt as if… I needed to stand at your side. That I shouldn't die th- Wait." Aisha's eyes brightened before they closed. She held out her hand.
The flames are Dying Will Flames. They are fueled by someone's wish, their resolution, that is so strong that it can defy death. The Dying Will Flames aren't fueled by desperation, but… hope. Hope that burns so bright it would burn even the fate of death and…
The storm flame burst through the ring, blazing brightly. The red flame burned bright.
"See, you did just fine, didn't you?" Touka smiled.
"Yes. Thanks, Touka-sama." Aisha smiled back.
-()-
Outside the tent, Kazuto chuckled, before dusting himself off and returning back to his tent. He had gone to Sei's tent instead, trusting Touka to handle Aisha on her own terms. He needed to inform Sei about an arrangement to learn how to use flames, and if it's possible to clear out a tent for it for at least an hour a day. Sei agreed, eager to put into practice what she only heard through whispers. Well, eager in a way that she played coy for the most part, but her body language clearly showed anticipation. After dealing with that, he was there just in time to hear Touka coach Aisha.
He planned to intervene if the flames were to ever go out of control, although his grasp on Zero Point Breakthrough is limited without Hyper Dying Will Mode. But with this…
"Why don't you sleep with Aisha this time, Touka?" Kazuto voiced.
"Eh, Kazuto-kun? Were you there the entire time?"
"I'll be fine for one night." Kazuto yawned as he walked back to the tent.
"Just wait for us, okay? Come on, Aisha-chan!"
"H-hold on? Milady? What are you-? I can't go out like this!"
Kazuto could only feel dread. A dread that his body seems to be anticipating, as much as his logical mind denies it.
Ah, whatever. What happens, happens.
-()-
In the capital of the empire, Rakuyou, in the office of the Chancellor of State, Kaku stared at a piece of paper that reached her desk just this morning. And she couldn't help but sigh.
"Kayuu lost." Kaku grumbled.
"I… Is she alright?" The young girl behind the seat of the Chancellor of State, Toutaku, asked.
"Dunno. Reports say she got away. But it seems she decided to abandon us. She didn't even get to where Ren and Shia are." Kaku replied before sighing, "And after all her boasting, she goes and loses us that keep. Now our only protection left is Kouro Gate. If that falls… A force of eighteen armies will be at our doorstep."
Kaku slumped into her seat, about to scream again. She controlled herself, not wanting to show so much weakness in front of Toutaku.
"Do… you have a plan?"
"… what?"
"I… I think I can… do something about Paitan-sama." Toutaku replied. "It's a bit risky but… Then…"
"… You sure?" Kaku asked, worried.
"Yes." Toutaku replied decisively.
"… Shelve it for now. Despite everything, Ren is strong." Kaku replied, warily looking at the doors, as she picked up a brush, turning over the report. "There's no need for it. As long as Ryofu remains there, we're secure."
"Are… you sure?" Toutaku asked, uncertain why Kaku would deny her. She usually doesn't.
"Yeah, no need to worry." Kaku replied, standing from her chair, and casually placing what she had just been writing onto Toutaku's desk. Toutaku looked confused as she looked at it, before nodding silently. She picked up her own brush and began writing something down. Kaku simply took it up again. "At the very least, this report is unacceptable. It's too lacking in detail. It doesn't say who beat back Kayuu, or what their movements are like. I can't work with this." Kaku sighed, and she tore the report apart before chucking the pieces into the fireplace. "If only our observers were, I don't know, loyal to us, maybe I can do something. Like my job. As a strategist." Kaku sighed, jabbing at the fire with a poker.
"Umm… Ei-chan. I'm done with this."
Kaku nodded, walking over, carefully picking up what Toutaku was writing. She rolled it up and secured it in her pocket. "You should go see Paitan, for now… I'll go get some rest."
"Take care, Ei-chan." Toutaku replied, standing up before walking out. Kaku nodded, as she turned to leave the room.
She walked past two guards, wearing the clothes of the Imperial Kan. She ignored them, but she could tell that they are staring at her back. She turned a corner, and, for a brief second, she noticed them enter the room. Even though, normally, they wouldn't even have been allowed in there. No one has given them permission to enter the Chancellor of State's office. And they didn't even bother to wait for her to leave their view. Eunuch Loyalists. Even though Choujou isn't allowed anywhere in there, she couldn't just keep well away.
Plans in secret should be kept secret. She doesn't know all her enemies' plans or goals. All she can do is speculate on them. What do they gain for making Yue out to be a tyrant? Why not directly influence the emperor? And why use Choujou to do it? Choujou was supposed to have died during what is now referred to as "Toutaku's Eunuch Purge", much to both their dismay. Granted, no body was found in the first place, so it could all be just a ruse. Then there's Choujou's sudden ability with sorcery.
Kaku arrived at her room. She picked up the pieces of paper from her pocket and began, one by one, setting them aflame. In the meanwhile, using the candlelight to read Toutaku's message. Toutaku's method to get Kentei and them out of this.
Yes… she can work with this. Kaku began hatching a plan. A plan to get out of this mess that Choujou is clearly just a pawn of. Whatever reason they have for ruining her dear friend's name, for dragging her through the dirt, Kaku will deny them. Because Kaku Bunwa is Toutaku Chuuei's Strategist. Come hell or high water, Toutaku will not die as long as Kaku breathes.
-()-
Chapter End
-()-
Chapter Release Date: December 13, 2019
Last Edited: June 12, 2022
-()-
Beta Reader: Seraphius
Take care, everyone. Unlike previous chapters, I'm not gonna put a long ending paragraph. Feel free to ask questions… but I think the only questions I'll actively answer are from PMs. I don't really want to reply to reviews. Not because I dislike them but because, sometimes, they're just reactions to something that happens in the chapter. I get a bit spoil-happy when people ask me questions. If you have any questions that you want an answer to, either mention them in the review that you want answers to or PM me. Just be prepared for spoilers.
I don't really want to clarify so much here in the Author's notes. Because "Death of the Author" is a thing that I actually do subscribe to, and I want my story to be able to stand on its own without the ANs.