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 Sky against the Strongest Warrior
-()-
"Stand up. That man's child cannot possibly be this weak."
"Guuuh…"
"Pathetic. An herbivore to your core, huh?"
"Now, now, Hibari." Uncle Yamamoto smiled, "Not everyone can keep up with you. Least of all a kid who just learned Hyper Dying Will Mode."
"He dodges too slowly." Uncle Hibari scoffed. "Very well. Go get your rest. I'll go back to patrolling."
"Sheesh, we just came to Namimori just to sightsee and the first thing he does is patrol the place." Yamamoto laughed. "Well, second thing, after this…"
"But it was good training for Kazuto," Reborn smirked.
"Really?" Yamamoto wondered. "From what I saw, I think that kouhai really should've learned a different style than Shigure Souen Ryu." It was only due to Kazuto's exhaustion that he couldn't retort to that. It hurt to hear someone he trusted disregard him.
"Hoh?"
"A lot of Shigure Souen Ryu's techniques are focused on fighting on the ground, after all. He needs to be able to do the same stuff Tsuna does. You know, fly more."
"I see. Instead of a 2d battle, he should've approached a three-dimensional one."
"Yeah! That. Only less smart!" Yamamoto cheerfully said.
"But the boy learned Shigure Souen Ryu of his own volition. I won't tell him to switch styles."
The last Kazuto heard before he finally succumbed to exhaustion was the laugh of Uncle Yamamoto. "I didn't…"
Uncle Yamamoto never did tell him directly what he meant by what he said at the end. Either he assumed that he heard everything or that Kazuto could figure it out on his own. After that particularly disastrous sparring match with his father's Cloud Guardian, he tentatively approached Uncle Yamamoto one day. He didn't know how to breach the topic again. If he shows that he's doubting the style that he worked hard in learning, it feels like something in him would shatter. So he decided to make a simple question: "What weaknesses does the Shigure Souen Ryu have?"
Uncle Yamamoto's answer was worse than his ambiguous question. A simple laugh followed by a single sentence: "The Shigure Souen Ryu is an invincible sword style." This only confused Kazuto more, but something told him that any questions asking for clarifications would just be ignored. So all he could do is ponder. If the Shigure Souen Ryu is invincible, then why does Uncle Yamamoto think he should've learned a different style?
-()-
Chouryou grimaced, as she watched the field. The enemy has been harassing them every day for nearly two weeks. Their soldiers are getting restless. There is no end to the massive army at their fronts. They've been repelling them neatly, but they're still standing.
Chouryou could only sigh and look at Ren. "I don't think this is such a good idea, after all… There's still too many of them."
"Charge."
"You're the general, I guess…" Chouryou sighed. "Chinkyuu-chan should be able to take care of the keep, right?"
"Un."
"Got it, Nene will make sure that Enshou doesn't get in." Chinkyuu nodded.
Chouryou nodded, before hesitating. "Hey, listen… Kaku said to protect the keep, you know? Are you sure you can take care of it on your own?"
"Does Nene have a choice?" Chinkyuu asked, "Kayuu's not here anymore. And while Ren-sama can handle fighting anything, she needs you there to direct the other soldiers. Nene'd do it, but you are better on the battlefield than I would be."
"Well, you're short enough that most swords would just pass by you…"
"You're pushing it," Chinkyuu growled, although her voice just makes it sound like a cat snarling angrily. Fearsome, in an adorable way.
"Enough." Ren shook her head. Chinkyuu whined as a result of the admonishment but Ren paid no heed to that, jumping onto her horse.
"Anyway," Chinkyuu coughed, trying to salvage her situation. "The reason why the enemy can be so confident is that they are being led by someone calling themselves the Heavenly Messenger, right? Cut his head off and the enemy would at least be disoriented enough that they would have to be delayed massively. Then we can cut off Enshou's head and then they would just leave, right? With Ren-sama, it should be impossible for you to lose!"
"… Alright then. I can see that I'm outvoted. Let's go." Chouryou nodded looking at the place, "Ready, Ryochin?"
"Un."
-()-
"Kan'u-taichou! Ryofu and Chouryou have been spotted! They're charging straight for us!"
The quiver of fear in the report's voice just made it all the more real but disheartening to the general. People are afraid. Ryofu is certainly a very imposing person on the battlefield to deal with, but acting fearful now might spread like wildfire.
"Everyone, begin retreating!"
"Aisha! I'll take over from here!" Sei called. "All soldiers, begin retreating, steadily!
"Thanks, Sei!" Aisha nodded and she began retreating with everyone.
"I'm here too!" Bachou called out, half complaining, before turning to the imposing presence.
"Choukou! Begin the plan!" Aisha called, and the claw-wielder nodded and began directing her army.
"Where is Chouhi?" Bachou asked as the army began steadily retreating from Ryofu's charge.
"She should be where Kazuto-sama and the others are. The retreat should signal to her that…"
"Rinrin is here!" Rinrin excitedly declared as she arrived at their side.
"Rinrin! You should be conserving your flames!" Aisha scolded.
"I am!" Rinrin replied, before looking at the enemy. "Shuri told me that I have to be here soon."
"Oh… right, sorry, Rinrin." Aisha sheepishly said, having mistakenly assumed Rinrin's quick arrival had been due to her using her flames.
The four of them watched patiently as their soldiers marched past them steadily retreating, slowly moving the frontlines to their location, further and further from Kouro Gate. Ryofu remained in hot pursuit.
"Considering their fearsome reputation, you would think they would've realized this plan by now," Sei noted. "Choubaku, Sousou, and Choukou are beginning to encircle them easily…"
"You're right, this is significantly more reckless than Shuri predicted," Aisha said, worried. "Is this another instance of Kayuu?"
"Maybe so." Bachou grimaced. "But that just makes this a bit harder for us."
"Eh, why?" Rinrin asked.
"A cornered wild horse with no way out… is more dangerous than a wild horse who can see a path out."
"Rinrin don't get it. You already caught the horse, right?"
"Yeah… but, instead of wasting its energy to run… the horse will have enough energy to harm its captors instead."
"Regardless," Aisha interrupted, "this is still an opportune moment. Sei, Bachou-san, deal with the soldiers."
"Understood." Sei nodded.
"Got it, but Chouryou's still there," Bachou argued. "It's not going to be easy."
"We may not enjoy Sousou's company, but we are at least aware that all of her generals are highly skilled," Aisha replied. "They will not fail their task."
"Maybe not the chibi on their side," Rinrin added.
"No antagonizing, Rinrin."
"What? It's not like she's here to hear me."
"Even still, you mustn't do so." Aisha sighed, "In the meantime, we should remain prepared."
-()-
"We're being surrounded! Ryochin! We need to turn back!" Chouryou called.
"Continue."
"Dammit, Ryochin!" Chouryou growled. "Chinkyuu will not be able to handle the keep for that long!"
"Believe Nenene."
"Do you really think we can kill the Heavenly Messenger before the gate falls?" Chouryou asked. "I was fine with charging before because I thought we could just turn back!"
"It's fine."
"Guh, fine! You lead your soldiers to kill the Heavenly Messenger, I'll make sure our path back isn't crawling with soldiers. Chouryou Platoon, about-face! We will keep our backs clear!"
"… Ren believes in Shia."
"… yeah, thanks, Ryochii." Chouryou nodded, as she began fighting.
Ryofu had long since pierced through the battlefield. And headed straight for the army's commander.
-()-
Choukou breathed as she directed the soldiers to cut off Ryofu from the rest of her soldiers. Ryofu seems to not care as she continued on. The fact that Ryofu had been delayed for this long is only a testament to Shokatsuryou's skill… or that Ryofu is especially motivated today. Most likely the latter.
A prospect that in and of itself is most scary. Not to demean the strategist, but Ryofu's reputation as the strongest general only grows greater with each passing day.
"Choukou."
"Hmm? Oh, Sousou-san? What did you want?"
"Kakouton will challenge Bun'en."
"Eh? There's really no need though? Regardless of how skilled Bun'en is, she won't pierce through this blockade." Chouryou might be considered a fierce fighter as well, but she's no Ryofu.
"Hmm? And if I were to say I desire her?"
"Recruiting the enemy commander? Pardon me, but there are safer ways to self-destruct, Sousou-san."
"You don't need to worry about that." Sousou smirked, "Hongou won't do anything to me for this."
"I'm not worried about Hongou." Choukou scoffed. "I'm worried about everyone else."
"And that's what's Hongou's there for."
"You and I both know that Hongou can't protect you if people turn against you. The main reason everyone here is following his orders is that his orders make sense and are clearly aimed towards victory for the group, and don't actively disadvantage anyone… aside from you when you pushed too far." Choukou's light accusation was simply shrugged off by Sousou. "Regardless. If you wish to recruit Chouryou, my army will focus on Ryofu's soldiers."
"Seems you are the smart member of your army." Sousou praised.
"Someone has to be." Choukou smiled back, brandishing her claws once more.
"I see." Sousou nodded, her smile only widening, "Shunran!"
"By your will!" Kakouton nodded, "Begin encircling Bun'en!" She commanded her army, before grumbling, "… Gnnnununu, why do I have to recruit someone who could be my rival?"
-()-
Ryofu Housen mindlessly rushed through the Hongou Army's soldiers. Many chose to not challenge her. She spared those. Those who stubbornly stood in her way were knocked down. Those who stood up again, Houtengeki ensured their demise. Now that she has committed to the offensive, any blockade the enemy musters would just fall apart in her face. A truly unstoppable force.
There is only one enemy. The Heavenly Messenger. If she kills the Heavenly Messenger, she wins. Yue wins. Nothing else matters.
"Ryofu! Your path ends here!" Another soldier stands in her way. A girl this time. Wielding a crescent blade.
"That's right-nanoda!" A smaller soldier stands in front of her. A small cute animal. But an enemy regardless. She carries a pike, thrice larger than her body.
She swings Houtengeki. However…
The pike in the smaller girl's hands blocked the blow, and the girl barely held on. Yellow Flame burst into life, surrounding the spear. The larger girl takes a stab at her.
Ryofu dodges, grunting, finally forced to jump off her horse. The first time her forward momentum has been stopped when she truly wanted to move forward.
"Strong."
She already thought that the defenses mustered before during her ten days were difficult, but…
"Thanks for the compliment. But the fact remains the same: you will not pass." The taller girl stood up. She breathed out calmly, and she swung her crescent blade. The red ring on her finger glinted.
Ryofu grimaced, blocking the blow with Houtengeki. The weight and feel of the strike were plain to see, and the smaller girl's actions cannot be taken any more lightly either, as a strong sweeping blow came from the pike. This will be difficult. But.
She took a stance, and they too took their own. Two on one, but Ryofu was calm. Two words came to mind to her about this situation:
Not impossible.
-()-
"General Kan'u and General Chouhi have successfully halted Ryofu in her tracks! Sousou-sama and General Choukou have successfully surrounded Chouryou and the rest of Ryofu's soldiers!"
Shuri nodded, "Inform Enshou at once. The path to the gate is clear." The messenger nodded and he left quickly. Shuri turned to Kazuto who was frowning at the front lines.
"Are you worried?" Touka asked, at his side.
"Of course I am," Kazuto grumbled. "Aisha and Rinrin might be certain of things, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily right. Especially seeing just how far Ryofu has come."
"It's likely that Ryofu had actually been holding back before." Shuri grimaced. "And I thought I managed to get her to go all out too…"
"The formation you made was fine. But sometimes there exist absurdities that can topple even the most basic fundamentals of war." Like Uncle Hibari, Kazuto silently added in his mind. The Cloud Guardian of the Vongola Tenth is a powerhouse that defies all conventions and guidelines. A singular person capable of mowing down entire armies. If rumors were to be believed, he actually did. Making it all the more impressive that Kazuto's father, the Vongola Tenth, managed to even get him to accept the position of Vongola Cloud Guardian.
Uncle Hibari had once mentioned that Sawada Tsunayoshi is one of the few people in the world that can make him feel excited in combat. So he continues to follow. Until the day the Cloud bites the Sky to death.
"Kazuto-kun?" Touka woke him up from his reverie.
"Ah, sorry." Kazuto sheepishly scratched his head. "Got lost in thought there. Anyway, we just need to keep this up, yes?" He can't take to the frontlines. It makes no sense for the one leading to spearhead the charge in the first place. His bouts of recklessness during the Volunteer Army days are now, after months worth of hindsight, things he considered failings. Certainly, he came out on top, but… he entrusted Aisha with the job of Storm, the heart of attack. Rinrin is entrusted with Sun, as well as serving as the leader of the family's vanguard. If he enters the frontlines, it's like saying he doesn't trust them to serve their purpose.
So no. He has to trust that they'll win out in the end. For that's… what a good leader would do. Trust his comrades to come out on top… right?
"Are you sure we can't watch, Shuri-chan?" Touka asked, worried, voicing out one of Kazuto's idle thoughts. Certainly, if they could oversee Aisha and Rinrin's battle, they could make better judgment calls, like calling Sei back to aid the fight. Or get Bachou to do it.
"It's more dangerous to do that!" Shuri remarked, "We can't just have our leaders in range of the enemy archers!"
"Sorry, sorry, but just staying here is just… Being safe while everyone else is in danger just…"
"The leader shouldn't be courting danger in the first place." And an imaginary arrow pierced Kazuto's heart, his mind reeling back to his first foray against the Yellow Turban Rebellion as leader of the Volunteer Army. Yeah, in hindsight, it was really, really stupid. "The leader is the symbol of the army! As long as Touka-sama and Kazuto-sama remain safe, our army would be able to move forward no matter the danger. But if even one of you were to fall, our army would just…"
"We get it." Kazuto calmed the girl down. "Sorry for worrying you. We won't rush into battle. Especially not against the greatest warrior of the era." To be honest, this is the main reason why Kazuto hasn't taken the reins as he had the last time. Against the Yellow Turbans, whose martial skill is just plain bad, he was fine. Against flame users, he was in his element. But Ryofu… A person whose prowess is known throughout the land. She scares Kazuto. Someone who could potentially just straight up beat Aisha and Rinrin, when he, even in Hyper Dying Will Mode, could barely match them.
"Yeah, sorry, Shuri-chan." Touka apologized. "I'm just worried."
Shuri nodded, as she took deep breaths, calming from hyperventilating. "Please trust us to do our job and protect you. We're guardians, after all." Shuri smiled.
"But you can't protect anything if you're dead," Kazuto replied. "None of you are allowed to die. At the very least, you three can't die. The moment you become Guardians, you've already sworn your life to us. No matter how ugly it is, you must stand by our side at the end."
"Understood." Shuri smiled at him, trying to reassure him. "I'll tell everyone later."
And so the three stood there, overseeing the battle from the back row with their archers, waiting for news. Any news. Their conversation was mostly just a distraction. But in the end, they still prayed for the success of their three friends.
-()-
Chinkyuu kicked over a chair in rage. Then curled up as she felt her foot's pain, quite forgetting that she hadn't been wearing her shoes.
"Uuuuu…"
The anger that had stemmed from her kick is not from anger against the enemy… or rather, it is related to the coalition, but not completely because of them. It is from anger at herself. Anger, for not realizing something that has been staring at her for ten days.
All three of them were operating under the basic assumption that the leader is the one who is in charge of the decisions. Hell, from the correspondences they've been having with Kaku, Kaku seems to be acting under that assumption too. In conclusion, if they could kill the Heavenly Messenger, then they'd cause great distress among the coalition members. Great enough for Ryofu to drive the army away.
But now that the enemy's plan has unfurled in front of her, she could see exactly just how vital the Heavenly Messenger is to the Coalition. Basically? Nothing of value, at all. That's why they allowed Ryofu to get as far as she did, why they dangle the Coalition Commander in front of them so freely. It's not because of recklessness or taunting. It's just that they didn't care enough about him. If he dies, then they can either push up a new leader from their list of warlords and march on.
A failure. An oversight. No wonder they had such a strange formation.
So who is the leader? Was it Enshou? No. If it had been Enshou, then she would've made it known to the world. During the Eunuch Rebellion, Chinkyuu had seen Enshou. Her proud haughty behavior practically exudes from her body whenever she walks, let alone talks. Enshou wasn't the kind for this subterfuge.
How about Sousou? Chinkyuu had only briefly met the Shishi of Kyoshou, but that single moment was enough for Chinkyuu to know what kind of person she was. Unlike Enshou, Sousou is most certainly an intelligent individual, and Chinkyuu can respect the girl's mind, even during her brief interaction with her. It might just be her. It's underhanded enough that Chinkyuu can just imagine Sousou doing so.
"Chinkyuu-dono! Enshou's army is fast approaching!"
But regardless, it doesn't change what they had to do. Chinkyuu needs to protect the keep. She needs to do so long enough so that Ryofu can return to the keep and safeguard it.
"Keep firing arrows at her!" Chinkyuu replied. "Make sure she can't reach the gates!"
Everything hinges on Ryofu's success. And Ryofu has always delivered. No matter how insurmountable the odds, Ryofu Housen has overcome them and delivered victory. She began preparing to properly supervise the battle.
"Chinkyuu-dono!"
"What now!?" Chinkyuu complained as she grabbed her shoes.
"A message from the capital!"
"Huh?" Chinkyuu blinked, looking at the message. The seal is the seal of Toutaku. The only one with access to that seal right now is Kaku. New orders? But it's a bit too late, isn't it? Chinkyuu grumbled as she opened the message.
"E-eh?" Only surprise marred Chinkyuu's face as she continued reading the message. "The hell is this!?"
"Is, is something the matter, Chinkyuu-dono?"
"That Kaku! Did she forget who Ren-sama is!? A plan in the event we lose this gate?" Chinkyuu growled throwing the message to the ground. "Is she underestimating Ren-sama?"
"What was said?"
"Nothing of value!" Chinkyuu replied. "… However…"
Chinkyuu looked out the door, the rushing of guards around it plain to hear.
"If there is ever news of Ren-sama losing…" Chinkyuu breathed out, trying to calm herself from her rage. "Confirm it. And if it's confirmed…"
Chinkyuu began wearing her shoes to walk out of the room.
"Give up immediately." Surprise appeared on the messenger's face, as Chinkyuu's face scrunched up, a mere shadow of her earlier anger, but her annoyance is plain to see. "But that won't happen. Since Ren-sama won't lose."
And with that, Chinkyuu left fuming in anger. The messenger remained, at a loss for words.
"… wait, did I just get a promotion?" The messenger said in surprise. After all, he just got assigned the role of telling people what to do… in the absolute worst possible moment of his life, since he'll be surrendering… Which likely means he'll be held responsible for going against the enemy army…
The man sobbed in silence, just realizing what kind of task the diminutive strategist just left him.
-()-
Ryofu may have slightly underestimated the two. Their teamwork is flawless, clearly a sign that the two have been fighting together for a long time. Oh no, they're not impossible to beat. Ryofu could see exactly how to maneuver around the two. But she's not beating them fast enough.
The plan was to rush in and kill the Heavenly Messenger. Being held back means time is being wasted. But the two refuse to relent.
"You are an impressive opponent, Ryofu!" The taller one said as she backed off.
"Un," Ryofu replied. "You too." She was about to compliment the two, but she realized that there is a lack of introductions from the two, "Your name?"
"Ah, right of course. I am Kan'u Unchou. Storm Guardian of Ryuubi and Hongou Kazuto."
Ryofu nodded, turning to the smaller girl, who merely grinned.
"Rinrin's name is Chouhi Yokutoku! Sun Guardian of Touka-neechan and Kazuto-niichan!"
"Guardian…"
"That's right, and we will prevent you from reaching our leaders. Now, let's continue."
"No," Ryofu replied.
"No?" Chouhi asked, confused. "What do you mean, no?"
Ryofu merely adjusted her stance. There's no reason to face these two. All she needed to know was where the commander of the army is. If these two, his guardians, were here, then they weren't near him. She kicked the horse that had been waiting patiently and it jumped over the two.
"W-what!?" Kan'u gasped, but Ryofu jumped onto the horse before starting to rush through once more.
"W-wait!" Yellow flame burst from Chouhi's pike and it was swung, faster than it had been the entire battle.
Those two were strong, yes. But, the greatest weakness of theirs is that they're the only ones who are strong. Everyone else could only be considered weak. That is what she thought when she first charged through the first time, and that is what she thought now.
Her horse eventually dies from inflicted wounds, a parting gift, but she simply jumped off and continued her progress that way.
She can finally see it. A boy and a girl standing side by side. Both have their swords drawn. Flame burst from both blades, and the sword in the boy's hand shifted to a steel blade.
She was getting closer. To their side and a bit behind was a young girl, holding a feather fan, which was burning in indigo flame. It matters not. Carry on. The two are her target.
And so, Houtengeki is swung… and hit the boy's body. There was no resistance in the swing. That's not natural. No matter how weak her opponent, there's always a tangible sensation that would stop her swing. And her instincts screamed to her. Her body was already moving out of the way. Two blades swung, one ornately designed double-edged straight sword, the other a single-edged curved sword. She blocked the hits and to her surprise, the image in front of her, the boy and girl faded, leaving only the blonde girl holding the feather fan, collapsing onto the ground.
The brown-haired boy and the rose-haired girl were holding their respective blades. The boy had jumped over the girl, in the two's synchronous swings. Both blades burned a bright orange. The boy faced her, and a similar orange flame burned in the center of the boy's forehead. His eyes shone bright orange.
"Hello, Ryofu Housen. Fancy seeing you here." The boy smiled. "I am Hongou Kazuto, one of the two leaders of this army." The smile quickly faded to a neutral expression, as he took a stance.
"And I am Ryuubi Gentoku." The rose-haired girl frowned, calm anger on her face, "And you will not be killing either of us."
"… Which of you is the Heavenly Messenger?"
"Either or neither. Flip a coin." Hongou flippantly responded. "But know that you won't win this battle."
"Why?"
"Because Chouryou Bun'en already lost."
Ryofu grimaced. She didn't turn to where she last saw Shia. There's no trace of a lie on Hongou's face. Regardless of if he's a really good liar or he's telling the truth, it really didn't matter.
"I'll beat you."
Both Hongou and Ryuubi tensed up at that declaration.
-()-
"You sure she's alright?" Chouryou asked. "She needs to get medical attention for that eye."
"General Shunran insists on remaining on the battlefield." The little girl leading her replied. "Although I also hoped she would come back with us…" She mumbled.
"What was your name again?"
"Kyocho Chuukou."
"Chuuchin, then!"
"Eh?"
"So, Chuuchin, I heard that Kan'u is in the coalition, yes?"
"Hmm? I suppose so." Kyocho replied, confused. "I think she's part of the Coalition Commander's camp…"
"Eh? So this Sousou that Genchan is so proud of isn't even the commander of the coalition?"
"I don't really get it, but somehow that's how it all happened," Kyocho replied, herself relatively confused, but couldn't be bothered to find out more.
"Well, I don't really care anymore…" Chouryou shrugged, "Hey, I know that I'm supposed to be… you know, your captive, but can we go see Kan'u's fight with Ryochin?"
"Eh, but you might just run away…" Kyocho frowned. "If you suddenly decide to help Ryofu, I'll be in trouble…"
"You already confiscated my weapon. So pleeeeease?"
"… We'll need to tell Sousou-sama."
"Figures." Unfortunately for both of them, Sousou is currently busy directing the army and trying to convince Kakouton to get her eye looked at. So no aid there…
"Then why don't both of you just come with me then." Sousou voiced from behind them.
"Sousou-sama?"
"I need to get Shunran looked at, and Hongou probably has some idea how to treat her," Sousou said, as she looked at the girl at her side, who was still itching to fight. "Shunran."
"I got it already, Karin-sama…"
"Ah, Sousou-san… Can I call you Mouchan instead?"
"Why are you just suddenly giving nicknames to someone you just met!?" Shunran hotly said, before wincing as she clutched where her eye used to be. "Guuuhh…"
"Calm down, Gen-chan~ I do that to everyone!"
"It's fine. Do as you will." Sousou replied, settling that conversation. "Also, Kii, didn't I say you may use my True Name?"
"O-of course, Sou… I mean Karin-sama." Kyocho scratched her head. "I'm still not used to being on this rank, to be honest…"
"You're already stronger than the common elite soldier of Sousou's Army." Shunran scoffed, "Don't let something like that hold you down."
"Regardless, if you wish to spectate Kan'u's performance against Ryofu, then feel free to come with us." Sousou finished.
"Of course~ Thanks, Mou-chan!"
-()-
Well, this battle is going horribly.
That was Kazuto's conclusion as he blocks a hit from Ryofu and was sent flying. Again. Fortunately for him, he's been able to at least get a decent read on Ryofu's strikes and blocking the fatal hits, but… His arms were starting to rebel against him.
It's like he's fighting against Uncle Hibari all over again.
"Kazuto-kun!"
"Focus, Touka!" Kazuto cried back, as Ryofu rushed towards him. Hooray. Seems that Ryofu is bent on at least attacking him, ignoring everyone else. Kazuto pushed himself up, and blocked the next hit, causing a slight indentation into the earth, and his arms once more felt great strain from the strike.
Touka quickly made a slash at Ryofu's back, only for the general to dodge. Kazuto pushed himself up once more. A quick flame slashes through the battlefield from his blade, only for Ryofu to merely swipe at it to dispel it.
Shuri is already exhausted from the first illusion she ever had to conjure in her life. A mere visual manipulation technique, with no tangible feel. A single look would instantly clue in people that it was a mere optical illusion. Shuri merely moved the image of him and Touka onto the front while they stood at the sides. It sounds simple in principle but, for a beginner illusionist, Shuri's trick is actually fairly impressive, especially for someone who never made an illusion before. It would still be found out by people who know what to look for, but the trick worked for the second they needed it.
Now, she's busy coordinating… something. Kazuto and Touka didn't know what she wanted to do, but they didn't mind it much. After all… they were in direct line of fire.
Arrows from their archers are dodged or deflected with a swing from her halberd. Any spear user that attacks just gets pummeled away. The shield users are swiftly dodged, and they weren't mobile enough to block the strike of the halberd.
Such is the difference in skill between the strongest general in the world, and what is probably the least trained soldiers in the empire. They were barely nuisances.
"Ryuubi-san, Hongou-san!" Sonken shouted as she rushed to their aid, raising her own blade, only for Ryofu to swing in her direction, forcing her to directly switch to a defensive form. Kannei, Sonken's adjutant, quickly moved to protect her lord, her own blade raised to protect Sonken.
"Chuubou-san!" Touka cried out, as she raised her own sword again.
Ryofu grimaced as the number of people she had to deal with increased. No, she needs to kill the boy. The Heavenly Messenger. Ryofu raised her halberd once more to take her strike.
"FINALLY CAUGHT UP TO YOU!" A loud young voice cried out, and a snake-headed pike reached out and came barreling towards Ryofu. Ryofu could only grunt as she blocked the blow, this time being her turn to sink slightly into the ground at the weight of the blow. "RUNNING AWAY IS NOT FAIR!"
"Rinrin!"
"… Chouhi." Ryofu frowned.
And so it was. The young girl with the aura of a tiger. Yellow flame wreathed her visage. Enhito Chouhi growled, clearly upset and angry. It was only a scant few minutes since Kazuto and Touka began fighting Ryofu, but those few minutes were more than what Rinrin could tolerate.
"Aneja is on her way," Chouhi said, as she jumped to a position in-between Kazuto and Ryofu. Before turning to Ryofu, "This time, you're not getting away."
"… Fine." Ryofu narrowed her eyes, preparing her own weapon.
"Sonken, Kannei, please stand back," Kazuto replied as he stood.
"We are not allowing the Coalition Commander to die," Sonken complained but Kannei merely nodded as she stood in front of her lord. Kannei's priority is to protect Sonken Chuubou. Kazuto nodded gratefully. It would not do for Sonken Chuubou to die here, or even be injured. Besides, he could tell the hit she had to block from Ryofu stung her a lot more than she is showing.
Ryofu then took a charge, still aiming at Kazuto.
"WHERE ARE YOU LOOKING!?" Chouhi roared, as she blocked her path with a swing. Kazuto then slipped past.
Shigure Souen Ryuu. Fourth Form, Defensive. Gofuu Juuu.He matched his breathing with Ryofu's.
Ryofu frowned as her eyes darted around, as Kazuto slipped out of sight. However, Chouhi merely took a strike for her trouble. Ryofu frowned, letting go and allowing her instincts to take over. She dodged the first blow from Ryuubi, but before she could retaliate, Chouhi intercepted once more.
"Rinrin is the Sun Guardian! The one who destroys the misfortune of the family, using my own body!" Rinrin roared. "You will not touch Touka-neechan and Kazuto-niichan as long as Rinrin is here!"
Ryofu grimaced before she had to dodge a strike from Hongou Kazuto, who had struck from behind. But before she could try and hit him back, Kannei took a stab at her. Ryofu blocked and smashed Kannei away. Sonken rushed to her adjutant's aid.
Ryofu grimaced. She needed to kill at least a few of them, but they each were making it difficult. Fortunately, they were also having a difficult time taking any risks.
Hongou Kazuto and Ryuubi are the targets. Any risk they take is double the danger on their part. Chouhi, the only one there who is fully capable of at least keeping pace with her, is making sure that Hongou Kazuto and Ryuubi are not in danger.
Ryofu grimaced. It's still not unwinnable. Hongou Kazuto seems perfectly willing to take risks. If she could strike him then…
"Incoming!" A friendly voice called. Bachou Mouki galloped into view, as she swung her spear at Ryofu, forcing the girl back, and a person jumped from her horse, a beacon of red rushing down onto the Peerless General.
"RYOFU!" The blazing red flame on the Seiryuu Engetsuto burst into view, as Kan'u Unchou struck. Ryofu could only dodge the strike, her instincts telling her to not let the flame so much as touch her.
It was at this point, Ryofu decided, that she won't be able to complete her objective. Not with two people who were already delaying her earlier, now angry and incensed, as well as four other people, who, while not as dangerous to her as Chouhi and Kan'u, were also capable of distracting her. She needs to cut her losses soon.
However. To give up at this point?
"… Hongou Kazuto."
"Yeah?" The addressed responded.
"Die." Ryofu took her swing. Two polearms were quickly in her path, lit red and yellow respectively.
"Refused," Kazuto replied with a smile, as his two Guardians struck away Houtengeki. He then made his attack, his sword blazing in orange. Another orange-flame-coated sword joined his. Ryofu jumped back from the synchronized strike from two sides.
Assessment. Her opponents are: Chouhi Yokutoku: whose speed and strength are both beyond what could be expected of her size. Kan'u Unchou: skilled and quick, with a flame that screams danger to her. Hongou Kazuto: a flaming sword and has techniques that let him disappear from her view. Ryuubi Gentoku: probably the least skilled of the four but difficult all the same.
Sonken Chuubou and Kannei have withdrawn, as Sonken tended to her adjutant, and are merely spectators now. The horserider from earlier had already left.
It was just four against one.
But… she's won against worse odds. Ryofu took a stance, more than prepared to take all of them on.
-()-
Watching from the sidelines, Sousou can't help but be enamored by the deadly dance the sworn siblings waged against the Peerless General. It was clear that Ryofu is actually superior in skill compared to any of the four, but the four together, dancing with flames of red, orange, and yellow all over, just seemed to mesh too well that Ryofu is being driven back.
"… That annoying girl is actually amazing…" Kyocho grumbled as she watched her. And indeed, Chouhi was moving fast. Faster than anyone could expect.
But that speed brought openings. Sometimes she swung too widely. Which Ryofu tried to capitalize on. But Kan'u merely closed the opening, with a quick strike from her own weapon.
Ryofu avoids the strike, as the red flames lapped the blade, making the Seiryuu Engetsuto appear to be breathing red flames.
"She's a lot more amazing than I thought!" Chouryou said as she looked enamored by Kan'u's movements.
Sousou merely nodded, as she continued to evaluate the group.
Hongou Kazuto was quick on his feet, but it was clear that he was not contributing to pressuring Ryofu as much. He was there to serve as a distraction, as Ryofu is clearly intent on taking him out. A misguided attempt at cutting the head of the coalition. But one that is being capitalized on right now by Kazuto as he takes strikes on occasion, which forces Ryofu to see an opening that she has to risk to win. Which fails as Ryuubi takes her shot.
Ryuubi is probably the one who is contributing the least to the fight. She simply takes swings when she finds openings, which sometimes forces one of the other three to cover for her… which is surprisingly working amazingly for them. Ryuubi's amateurish movements broke the monotony of skill the other three are giving. If it had all been skilled members, Ryofu might've been able to adapt to the situation. But Ryofu doesn't have that luxury when Ryuubi keeps disrupting the flow of the battle.
"Those four work well together," Sousou concluded.
"Really? All I see are two good fighters and two weak fighters teaming up against a strong one, though…" Shunran muttered, an ebb of jealousy in her tone.
Sousou ignored her. After all, there is one other person in that place that Sousou was looking for. The strategist. There is no doubt that she would play into this somewhere.
… And she found her, training her crossbow from a relative distance. Soldiers were walking towards the fight, wary of nearing it. Holding something.
Something that makes Sousou near laugh at the absurdity. "I suppose to catch a wild beast, that is what must be done, huh?" Sousou smiled.
"Eh? What are you talking about, Mou-chan?"
-()-
A crossbow bolt flew and Ryofu dodged it, easily. Ryofu turned to spy a young girl training her crossbow on her. Then sudden whiplash was felt.
"HERE WE GO!" Hongou Kazuto then lit his boots on fire, and he grabbed her stomach and carried her into the air.
For a single instant, Ryofu found herself looking at the clouds in the blue sky. They move peacefully through the air, seeming as though the chaos beneath it did not even exist. But that instant was soon over as she felt someone grasp her weapon.
Hongou Kazuto had thrown her into the air and then maneuvered around her to be in a position to hold her weapon. But Ryofu is a warrior through and through. She won't just so easily let go of her wea-
"Guuuh!" Ryofu was forced to let go as Hongou struck her, and she found herself hurtling to the ground quickly. The boy spun in the air, righting himself as he held Houtengeki. He must have spun in the air and delivered a kick, to dislodge her from her own weapon. Ryofu quickly shook herself out of the pain and reflexively turned in the air, like a cat, to find the perfect position to land and begin fighting once more… Even without Houtengeki, all Ryofu needs is a weapon. Whether it be a bow, a spear, or a sword, Ryofu will be able to fight just fine with anything…
Ryofu then found herself looking at a group of soldiers holding a net. Ryofu might have been able to turn in the air, but she could not move through it so freely as the boy does. So she could only helplessly watch as the crossbow user, having dropped it in favor of her fan, directed her soldiers.
"Throw the net!" Her command sounded like a death sentence and Ryofu closed her eyes. Her first loss. It felt strange, annoying even. But a loss is a loss, as the net enclosed her body.
And thus ended the battle against Ryofu.
-()-
Kazuto held Houtengeki in his hands as he watched Ryofu be tied up. She seems already resigned to being captured and is not even struggling. She patiently allowed her hands to be tied. The soldiers were then directed by Shuri, although with her own exhaustion from creating that illusion, she was pretty much struggling the entire way through. Kazuto would've offered to help her but even he had to rest with all the hammering his arms had received. His entire body was practically screaming for him to get some rest.
It was a haphazard decision, that plan. When reports of Ryofu rampaging through the camp were going on, Kazuto quickly requested Shuri to project an illusion where the two of them were standing, so that he and Touka can hide and do a surprise attack. Shuri obliged. But the construction was shoddy, some of the proportions were off, and they weren't even breathing. Someone with high observation skills would be able to tell how fake the illusions were. However, for the purpose of a decoy, where the enemy's goal is simply to kill them as quickly as possible, it was enough.
The ambush was a failure, however, and the two were then in a defensive battle against the strongest general. Fortunately, Shokatsuryou Koumei was their friend, and, even in her exhausted state, she managed to concoct a plan using a net… that Kazuto does not know where she got, but he's not going to question it yet. Or ever, if he's being honest. He just didn't really care all that much.
"Hongou."
Oh good, a distraction. Now he doesn't have to think roundabout thoughts all for the sake of keeping his mind busy and awake. Too bad it's Sousou, though. He's really not in the mood for advanced mind games right now.
"Yo, Sousou… what the hell happened to Kakouton-san?" Kazuto said surprised upon seeing the woman covering one eye with her hand. Blood was flowing slowly, so there was no risk of bleeding out, but… Now that he remembered it, Xiahou Dun was known as Blind Xiahou due to an arrow. "Did… did she get hit by an arrow in the eye?"
"Yes. Rather impressive of you to find out." Kazuto did not miss the sarcasm.
"Where is the eye?" Touka asked, worried.
"I ate it." Kakouton replied.
"… What!?" Rinrin said in shock. Kazuto echoed the words in his mind, as he blinked at the general, who proudly declared what seems to be universally considered a stupid idea by everyone who heard it, including the sighing Sousou at the side.
"Why would you even consider that!?" Aisha said in shock. Even Kannei and Sonken could barely stand the whole nonsense, the former even losing her calm façade to blink in surprise at the pure ridiculousness of the statement.
"This is the body that was given to my beloved parents. Naturally, it'll remain with me!"
"Sure… let's go with that." Kazuto sighed, not going to even bother mentioning how the digestive track works. "So, what did you come here for?"
"Do you have a sorcery of some kind that can heal her eye?"
"No," Kazuto replied easily. "I can close the wound so that she doesn't bleed out, but restoring her eye is beyond anyone's ability right now."
"That will have to be enough." Sousou sighed. "What would it cost us?"
"… Rinrin, come over here. I'll see if I can teach you how to heal people's wounds." Kazuto sighed. "As for cost, discuss with Touka." Kazuto waved her off, "Kakouton-san, can you walk?"
"Of course!" Her body language said otherwise.
"Right. Then Rinrin, point your spear at her injury. Don't let the spear touch her."
"Wait, wait, I thought you're the one who's going to do the procedure?" Sousou remarked.
"Unless you want me to stick my finger in her eyesocket, sure," Kazuto replied. He does have a first aid kit. "But I haven't washed my hands yet so that's a bad idea anyway. Safer to let someone who can use Sun Flames do it than me doing things that could make the injury worse. If it helps your case, have someone hold back Rinrin's spear."
Rinrin grumbled as… "Ahhh! It's the chibi!"
"I'm the same size as you!" The pink-haired girl exclaimed as she walked over to touch the girl's spear. "And it's Kyocho! Why can't you remember that!?"
"Kyocho-san," Kazuto sighed, "Sorry about my youngest sworn sibling. She can be a handful."
"Why are you apologizing, Oniichan!?" Rinrin complained.
"Enough banter. Point your spear, light the flames." Kazuto rubbed the girl's head. Rinrin only sulked a bit before doing so. Flames suddenly burst at the end of the spear.
"Whoa-whoa-whoa!" Kakouton said, starting to back off, covering her eye once more, but Aisha simply stood behind her. "Let me go, Kan'u!"
"We won't hurt you." Aisha frowned.
"Now, Rinrin. You know how, when you get injured, eventually the injury closes up after a while? You need to imagine that." Rinrin nodded silently, focusing on the flames. "Now that you've thought it, just send the flames gently to her eye. That should stop the bleeding."
Yellow flames burst from the speartip and hit the woman, who was struggling in Kan'u's grasp. Kazuto watched as the blood that was spilling from her eyes started drying up.
"Stop. That should be enough." Rinrin quickly withdrew her spear, as Kyocho quickly rushed to Kakouton's aid.
"That's it?" Everyone there could only echo the words that Sousou said in surprise. "I thought it would be more complicated than that."
"Well, some things are simpler than most people expect." He shrugged, "Anyway, now that Kakouton's healed, get her on a bed and make her sleep for a few hours. She lost a lot of blood, after all. Try not to let her move about too much." Kazuto sighed. Kyocho nodded, and she started helping her commander back to where Sousou's main camp is. "So how're negotiations?" Kazuto turned to Touka and Sousou, who were only awkwardly looking at each other.
"… Sousou-san was more interested in watching the healing process."
"You taught sorcery to your allies?" Sousou asked.
"I'm honestly getting tired of people calling what I do sorcery, but sure, let's go with that. I taught them." Kazuto shrugged.
"Then what would you call it?"
"Dying Will Flames," Kazuto replied easily.
"… Sorcery is easier to say." Sousou pointed out.
"I know. But I know genuine people who do unexplainable nonsense, who I would call sorcerers. " Uncle Mukuro's magic eyeball, everything Mammon does. There was this old man who learned how to genuinely stop their heart and make themselves seem like a corpse for an hour. "My flames are studied, mastered, and used by many people I know. I generally reserve the term sorcery for anything I don't understand."
"Then. What do you want from us?" Sousou nodded, getting impatient.
"… I suppose a 'you owe us' won't be enough?" Kazuto offered, and Sousou could only witheringly glare at him. "Fair enough." A blank check is bad, especially for declared rivals. "Then just support us through the rest of the campaign."
"That's it?" Sousou said in surprise. "That's surprisingly quite little."
"Sousou-san, we both know that's about all we can ask of you at this point. I'm tired. I'm not in the mood for long-winded conversations on things we both don't want to talk about here of all places. Just having another solid ally on that table would be more than enough for us."
"I see." Kazuto's solid allies on the Coalition are Kousonsan, Sonken (or Sonsaku now), Batou, and Kanhyoku. Enshou's the only one that serves as their opposition, but the others are simply going with the flow right now. Having at least one more swayed to his side would benefit him immensely. Although, just how much that support would serve…
"But how much would that support serve you now?" Sousou chuckled, "After all, the capital is the next and final area we need to face. I doubt there's anyone on the table anymore who would go against the army that stopped both Kayuu and Ryofu in their tracks."
"Never discount human stupidity," Kazuto replied cheerfully. "Now, then… I believe I've rested on my legs enough." Kazuto hefted the heavy Houtengeki. "Let's end this battle for real."
Sousou nodded.
Touka looked between the two before frowning and moving to secure a spot next to Kazuto. Touka looked towards the army. "Ryofu is secure now, right?"
"Yes." Shuri said, exhausted. "She's unusually cooperative, but we simply took that as a sign that she's accepted her loss."
"The first loss for the peerless general." Sousou said, amused, "Delivered by the weakest army in the coalition."
"Then let's end it." Sonken Chuubou said, patting her clothes to clean them.
At that place, four people stood in front of each other. The three people destined to be Emperors of their own Kingdoms and the Heavenly Messenger. The four faced each other, acknowledging each other's efforts.
"Well then, let's march on up to the gate and show up with Ryofu's weapon, shall we?" Kazuto grinned.
"Ryuubi Army! Forward!" Touka excitedly nodded.
"Son Chuubou Platoon, follow the Ryuubi Army!" Sonken exclaimed.
"Deliver the message. We too shall advance." Sousou gave her command to one of the soldiers that have followed her there, and, with a salute, he sprinted to where the Sousou Army's vanguard was located.
-()-
Enshou could scarcely believe what happened. Before the coalition's armies could breach the gates, gong sounds were heard and whispers of Ryofu's defeat resounded.
The enemy hesitated but continued defending the gate. It was only upon the Ryuubi Army's arrival, bearing the weapon of Ryofu that the enemies surrendered the gate.
She failed to secure the keep before Ryofu was defeated. She failed. She can only growl in frustration, as she commanded her soldiers to begin entering the gate and taking prisoner the soldiers that were keeping them there. No executions were ordered: they were merely doing their jobs. They had been allowed, of course, to kill anyone who would retaliate or try to harm someone as they were tied up.
Ryofu is the strongest general in the era, bar none. Enshou expected Ryofu to take the boorish man's head, but, by that time, it'll be too late as her army would've already secured the keep. That was the plan. But whoever was leading the keep's garrison (a Chinkyuu Koudai, according to one prisoner), was more impressive than she thought. A strategist. This Chinkyuu was not among the prisoners, so she must have fled. But regardless of that, there is one thing she can conclude:
… "I should find a strategist." Enshou decided. One like Shokatsuryou Koumei, whose intelligence was on full display during the meeting. One like Jun'iku Bunjaku, one like Shuuyu Koukin. Both are loyal to their lords and capable of matching wits with Shokatsuryou. One like this Chinkyuu, who held the gate for as long as possible, even without a general at hand.
And, after securing a strategist that would be loyal to her, then she'll exact her revenge on Hongou and the rest. But not now, during the coalition. She's already lost that chance. They're already at the cusp of victory. The capital is just ahead…
But her soldiers are tired. Frankly speaking, this particular battle is more troublesome to her than any battle before. Her army had their numbers dip rather badly. Not bad enough of course; they're still the largest army in the coalition by far, but the number is nowhere near as imposing as before.
Maybe she'll find a suitable strategist at the capital.
-()-
Hours passed since her capture. And now, Ryofu quietly awaited judgment in a special prison in Kouro Gate. In all honesty, it would be better for the group to have executed her on the spot. Wasting time here at Kouro Gate is time spent not going to the capital. But time was still needed to take care of the injured, at the request of Sousou, as her right-hand woman had suffered a near-crippling injury. Enshou had also supported resting here for at least a day, so that they may completely secure the gate. So for now, they decided to let her live. She was also moved to a separate cell, fearing what she could accomplish if she was allowed near allies.
And so, it was the middle of the night. The guards watching her have just left, leaving only the guard outside the door. The barrel at the side of the room, which the guards have been using as a makeshift table, now seemed remarkably restless for an inanimate object, having made a few sounds throughout the time she's been here. Why a barrel was in this room at all was suspect in its own right, but they had left it alone, seeing as the keep is only a temporary base of operations until they start moving to the capital.
But before anything could happen, a small clang of metal on stone was heard, and the barrel stopped making sounds. The clanging sound came from the window, which was strange considering how high up the keep the room is. Ryofu looked at it and saw a familiar halberd enter the room. It was Houtengeki.
Ryofu could only look at it in surprise. However, it was on the wrong side of the cell. She wouldn't be able to take it or use it for anything. But soon another figure entered. A person. And one quite familiar to her. After all, it was he who put her into this situation in the first place.
And so, she found herself looking at the man who she was trying to kill just hours ago. He grasped Houtengeki on his way in. They awkwardly looked at each other, not sure where to start.
Eventually, it was Hongou Kazuto who broke the ice.
"… I should be resting. Your attacks are powerful and I'm only barely awake at this point."
"Un," Ryofu replied in acknowledgment.
"So… uh… how're the accommodations?"
"… It's fine." Ryofu shrugged. Her arms are a bit sore from the ropes, but she's otherwise perfectly fine. A bit hungry, she supposed.
An awkward pause between the two. Hongou scratched his head. It seems that he was a bit thrown off by her demeanor. They stay in silence as if waiting for the other to break it.
Ryofu decides to do it, an admitted rarity for herself. "… Why?"
"Why, what?"
"Why do you not kill me?"
"Do you seek death?"
Ryofu shakes her head.
"Then there's no real meaning to killing you then. We worked hard to catch you. It's pointless to kill you at this point."
"… Liar." Ryofu pointed out. For morale. For glory. For revenge for the ones she killed. The number of people she slew in the army is not a small amount. Not easily replaced. Any of those reasons could be valid excuses.
"… Fair enough. I suppose I am lying to myself. We can make up any number of excuses to execute you and they would all be rather valid." Hongou shrugged. "But I honestly don't want to."
Ryofu neutrally looked at the boy.
The boy breathed in and out as if calming himself down, trying to find the words. And when he finally opened his eyes to look at her, he gave her a smile.
"Thank you for being alive."
Ryofu can only tilt her head in confusion. Why would he?
"The last two people I fought, a bandit and a sorcerer, died." Hongou continued. "I killed the first, and the second died before I could try to save him. And I… don't think I was even considering saving him." He held Houtengeki before sitting down, "You are the first person I fought truly and personally since my first kill, that is alive."
Ryofu could only look at him. She really doesn't know where he was going with this.
"… My father… is someone who wants to end the era of blood that my family has been entrenched in for decades. And I, as his heir, am the one who is destined to take that mantle on." He was rambling, seemingly unsure of his own words, "I just… I want to… If I want to continue Sawada Tsunayoshi's legacy, I shouldn't be so callous with life. I shouldn't kill so freely, so cheaply. Killing can only lead down a spiral of revenge and pain."
"… I'm your enemy."
"But you're not evil," Hongou replied. "You are simply doing what you were told to do. It just happens to be in the way of what we believe is right."
Ryofu could only look at the boy. "Why talk?"
"Hmm? Why did I decide to talk to you, you mean?" A nod is given and a nod is returned. "It's partly to thank you, but at the same time, to ask you some things."
Ryofu tilted her head once more, a sign to let him keep going.
"Well first, I suppose is… Why do you fight for Toutaku?"
"… Yue is a good person."
"I see." Hongou frowned. "Then what of the rumors of a tyranny?"
"Not Yue." Ryofu sharply replied.
"Then who?" Hongou asked patiently, raising his hand to show he meant no insult.
"Lies."
"Who?" Hongou repeated.
"… Don't know." Ryofu admitted. She never really did bother to know the name of the conspirators against Toutaku. All she knows is that there's an enemy within and an enemy outside. It's difficult for her to deal with those within, so she focused on the enemies outside, the Anti-Toutaku Coalition.
"Fair enough." Hongou shrugged, pulling out a messenger scroll. "I found this in your… well, room, I suppose. I appropriated it for the night. It was addressed to you." Ryofu tilted her head in confusion. A small bump could be heard from a barrel that was stored in the room. Both Hongou and herself looked but didn't comment on it. Hongou slipped the scroll to Ryofu, who carefully unfurled it with her feet before peering at it in the dim light of the cell. Orange light lit up from outside the cell, and she could see the boy's face lit by the same light, originating from the ring on his right hand. His face was calm and gentle. Not angry or bitter or frightened. He wasn't smiling either, just patiently waiting. She looked back at the scroll and read.
After a few seconds, she frowned before nodding, eyeing her halberd. In the meantime, Hongou pulled out a violet ring.
"What do you plan to do?" He asked.
"… Escape." If her friends need her help, then she would provide it. Besides, she still has her animals to retrieve.
"With this Chinkyuu that was mentioned in the note?"
Ryofu nodded, her eyes flitting toward the barrel. Chinkyuu must have known that this is the room where they'd try to contain her and snuck into a barrel to wait ever since the surrender. No one would suspect someone of Chinkyuu's size to be her strategist, after all.
"I see. I have no doubt that you'll be able to get out, especially since my soldiers seem to have forgotten to check this room out before putting you inside." Hongou sighed, looking at the barrel as well. "You can come out if you want, Chinkyuu. I won't do anything. However, I am armed, so please be wary of that."
A few small noises were heard from the barrel, but no movement came. It seems Chinkyuu chose not to come out. That or she's a bit too cramped up from being inside for so long. Either way, Hongou decided to simply continue.
"Where do you intend to go after saving them?"
Ryofu shook her head. It's not her job to think of the plan. Kaku and Chinkyuu are there to do the job just fine.
"Is that so…" Hongou nodded, turning to her, "Promise me something," Hongou said. "When you escape, kill no one. I know you are strong enough to do that." Surprise appeared on Ryofu's face and Hongou continued, clarifying, "If you do so… if you show my soldiers this flag and ring, they should let you in."
Ryofu nodded. He smiled awkwardly as he placed both the halberd and the ring down onto the side of the cell. It is still far beyond her reach right now. He also pulled out a small banner of the Ryuubi Army. "Take care. Ryofu. I'd love to meet your friends soon."
"Ren."
"Hmm?"
"True Name. Ren."
"… Kazuto." He responded with a smile. With that, he left the room through the window. Orange light burst for a brief instant.
"… Nenene. No one's here."
The barrel burst open and Chinkyuu Koudai breathed the first gulp of fresh air she's had since storing herself away in this room.
"Ren-sama!" Chinkyuu said as she… waddled across the floor and knocked the halberd down onto the ground. It seems she was still cramped up from being in that barrel for at least hours. It seems it will take a bit before Ryofu could escape.
Chinkyuu soon righted herself up and pushed the halberd into the cell. Ryofu's arms are still bound, but with a bit of creative movement, Ryofu managed to cut the ropes on the blade.
Ren grasped the halberd and cut the cell apart. It was merely a wood gate, after all.
"We're leaving."
"You're… not considering what he said, right?" Chinkyuu asked looking at the ring and banner. Ryofu looked at the two objects before she put the ring on her right middle finger, the same way the two Guardians did… and the third one too if she remembered correctly. And the two leaders wore similar rings, but orange.
"Violet's not really your color though…" Chinkyuu frowned, as she picked up the scroll, angry at herself for having forgotten it in her haste to survey the entire gatehouse for places where people could potentially lock up Ryofu, and then move a barrel in each of them. "Oh, Ren-sama, I put some food in the barrel with me!"
Ren looked at her before nodding. Ren then took up the banner and looked at the wall. "This leads outside."
"Ah, yes."
"Okay." And so, quick slashes were made, and Ryofu, carrying Chinkyuu, who was returned inside the barrel as well as Houtengeki, made off in the dark of night.
This escape would only be learned of, much, much later. A burst of orange flame appeared in the room and a boy had scaled back into the cell, through the hole that Ryofu left behind.
"How absurdly strong is she…? And why did she need to destroy the wall?" Kazuto winced, as he took in the destruction of the wall. Looking to where he had left both the flag and ring, he quickly departed.
-()-
Hongou Kazuto sighed, as he scrambled back in through the open window leading into the room that he has been assigned to for the night. He quickly spotted a young girl lying down on one of the two beds, already in her nightclothes.
"Thanks, Shuri, for indulging me."
"I had to negotiate with Touka-sama to take her turn though…" Shuri grumbled. In turn, she gave up her next turn, which gives Touka two nights in a row with Kazuto. She was, of course, ecstatic at the prospect. Besides, Touka wanted to sleep with Aisha and Rinrin that night. A three sworn sisters' night out, especially since they actually have rooms instead of tents. "But… is this really the right decision?"
"Which one? Letting Ryofu go save Toutaku?"
"That's not the problem." Shuri shook her head. "I already agreed with you. I'm talking about not telling Touka-sama, Aisha-san, Rinrin-san, or anyone else about the messenger's note."
Kazuto finished changing, and he sat on the bed across from Shuri. He silently looked at her before shaking his head, "Best not let them become accomplices. As long as it's just us who know who allowed Ryofu to escape, no one will suspect them. Besides, the guard detail was very sloppy; with Chinkyuu right there, they'd have been able to get out, with or without Houtengeki."
"Hawawa… I'll work on that soon." Shuri murmured. Their soldiers are still relative newbies with little experience, especially with high-profile prisoners. This situation should show them how much they need to learn.
Kazuto switched to his night clothes as he collapsed on the bed that was probably Ryofu's, and Shuri took up the bed that Kazuto presumed was Chinkyuu's.
"Thanks for indulging me with the illusion halberd." Kazuto smiled. "Sorry to push you so much, despite only just learning how to use illusions."
Shuri had stayed near the weapons storage after a bit of rest and kept people from realizing that the halberd wasn't there, being stored away in Kazuto's room the entire time. Shuri used the excuse of an inventory check as well as crossbow maintenance to stick around for a while and put up an image of Houtengeki onto the substitute halberd that was up there when anyone walked in.
"I'm the Mist Guardian. To create visions of deceit is my job." Shuri nodded. "But this is probably the first time that we're hiding things from everyone, and not just outsiders."
"It won't be forever. Just till the coalition breaks apart and we head home." Kazuto smiled. "Preferably before we see Ryofu knocking on our door." Kazuto shrugged, "Besides, I'm the one with a criminal family background; me being in charge of the dirty stuff only makes sense."
"Criminal background?" Shuri asked in surprise.
"Criminal family background." Kazuto corrected. "I personally don't have a criminal record, but I am going to inherit a family that historically was of a criminal background."
"Ah, I see…" Shuri nodded.
Kazuto looked at the strategist and asked, "Shuri, what do you think? Do you think it was wise to let Ryofu leave?"
"No." Shuri shook her head. "But the decision was already made, wasn't it? You thought that Ryofu wasn't lying about Toutaku's character, so you left her weapon with her."
"Toutaku could still have been a tyrant and Ryofu just doesn't know about it."
"Are you doubting your decisions? Didn't we already discuss it at length?" Just the two of them, when Kazuto had opened the room looking for a place to rest. He found the scroll on the ground and immediately headed to where Shuri was. Why Shuri? Because everyone else has their code of honor a bit more hard-wired into them, and Shuri has illusion abilities, as underdeveloped as they are. Sei would've been a close second as a confidant for this sort of thing, but the fewer people in the know the better. Besides, while Sei doesn't outwardly express it, she still follows the same code that Aisha does. Sei does have the tendency to agree with Aisha most of the time, even if they butt heads for small things. A more easy-going Aisha would probably be what Sei would be.
"This is all impulse. I'm just doing what I think is right." Kazuto grimaced. "I don't know if what I think is right would bring danger to us…"
"We already did all we needed to mitigate the danger. As long as both of us don't show knowledge of the event, then the only thing our army is at fault for is negligence."
"But that danger would be completely gone if we hadn't let her leave." Kazuto shrugged.
"Chinkyuu-san would've let Ryofu out anyway." Shuri pointed out. The strategist was right there, after all.
"… Yeah, you're right."
"Why all the doubt?"
"I just don't know how right my actions are. Just what consequences will it lead to. And is this the best decision at all? There's just too much for me to think over, analyze, and bang my head at that I am losing sight of where I should go."
"That just means you're a good leader." Shuri smiled.
"I let the killer of many of our soldiers free."
"It's enough, Kazuto-sama. You aren't wrong for deciding things like this. For making these decisions. You do remember just why exactly we decided on this path, right? To secretly return her weapon to her, to allow her to leave, to give her a ring so that she'll choose to come to our territory."
"… Because it's the only way to keep Toutaku safe from execution." Kazuto replied. If Toutaku, for whatever reason, is still in the capital when the coalition arrives, then, no matter how innocent she is, she'll have to be executed. After all, the entire reason why the Coalition was formed is because of her tyranny. She'll have no way to escape execution unless they pull the same trick they did with Chihou, and frankly, that's a gamble, with so many perceptive people in the room and his friends aren't exactly capable liars. Chihou worked because they only needed to lie to Kousonsan, who trusted Touka implicitly. They are also the leaders of the coalition; anything they do that could make it seem like they're working for the other side is bad news. They could be branded as traitors and be executed as such.
The only downside to this method is that Toutaku and Kaku could just as easily escape westward instead and go to their old territory. Or to Chouan.
"… Before anything else, I want to meet Toutaku myself, without needing to be afraid of what the other members of the coalition might think. I just can't trust that Enshou and Sousou truly did do their due diligence. Enshou seems more jealous of Toutaku's attention and Sousou has her own agenda." Sousou, in history, took control of the emperor and became the shadow ruler of the empire for a good chunk of time, with legitimacy firmly in her pocket.
"Un." Shuri nodded. "I hope… that Toutaku is as good a person as Ryofu believes."
"I don't know the answer to that." Kazuto sighed. "Anyway, we should get some sleep soon, so that we'll have the excuse of being too sleepy when we have dull reactions to everyone waking up to Ryofu's escape."
"Of course." Shuri laughed silently, as she lay there. "… Kazuto-sama?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for trusting me."
"Eh?"
"You approached me first before anyone else. Even before Touka-sama."
"You're going to be the Mist Guardian, right? If I want to deceive people, then the Mist Guardian, whose duty is deception, should know what I'm planning to do. Besides. Touka's not exactly the best liar." If she had been a good liar, then Kazuto would not even second guess pulling her into this conspiracy.
"Still. Thank you."
"… You're welcome, Shuri."
And so night fell, with a promise of a chaotic morning.
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Chapter End
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Chapter Release Date: December 27, 2019
Last Edited: June 13, 2022
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Beta Reader: Seraphius
Fight scenes really are the bane of my writing career, aren't they? How long did I spend writing this chapter? I don't even remember anymore, but it was a lot longer than you'd expect. So, now that this chapter ended, how many more chapters of the Toutaku Arc do you think there are?