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.
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Choices
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"Welcome back Eika." Sousou Moutoku leaned on the throne of Kyoshou, looking even more tight-lipped than anytime Soukou Shiren remembered her being.
"It's been a while, dear cousin." Soukou bowed to her.
"Eika!" Soujun Shiwa rushed over and hugged her.
"Sorry for worrying you, Ruurin." Soukou greeted her other cousin. "Karin. You ended the fight against Choubaku rather quickly." It's been barely a couple of weeks.
"Yes," Sousou projected the face of one who merely swatted a fly off, but her fist clearly was clenched rather hard. "She was of no consequence."
"… Why did she attack us?" Soukou asked. Why did she betray you? is the question she's asking.
"Must you ruin this reunion by bringing up such a dull conversation?" Sousou sighed.
"It's been two weeks, Karin, and I wasn't here. I need to know." Soukou frowned.
"… We don't know." Soujun frowned. "On the last day of the fight, we managed to reach the throne room and Choubaku was here… and…"
Kakouen took over with a nod, "Karin-sama fought her and defeated her in combat. However, a surge of sorcery appeared and every one of Choubaku's Army disappeared, without a trace."
"That's…" Soukou blinked. Absurd? Ridiculous? "Sorcery?"
"A sorcery that summoned sand," Kakouen confirmed. "Sand blocked everything, and when it's over, no one was left."
"Our treasury was raided too." Soujun sighed, "We don't know what was taken, so…"
"That'll be your job, Treasurer," Karin told her.
Soukou nodded, frowning. "… Doesn't that sound like what happened to the capital during the coalition?"
"We made that connection ourselves, Eika." Sousou dismissed. "It's clear that whoever was behind Choubaku was behind that incident as well. However, unlike last time, they left most of our citizenry alone. So the question is why. Why did they incite Choubaku to attack?"
"And since when did Choubaku have an in with the sorcerers…" Soukou frowned.
"… It matters little." Sousou replied, "All that matters now is that we recuperate our forces."
"… Are you seriously not going to pursue Touken any further, Karin?"
Kakouen winced, "We… can't afford to. Not anymore. While our fight with Choubaku was short, it was not cheap. Many of our men's lives were lost in the war. And with Enshou annexing Yuushuu, Enshou is starting to become a problem that none of us can realistically ignore without preparation." That's… fair… But that doesn't answer everything. If Sousou decided it, they'd do it.
"Speaking of, what of the Ryuubi-Hongou Army? What was their status when you left?" Sousou asked.
"Touken has retired from his position as Imperial Protector of Joshuu and made Ryuubi and Hongou his regents until the day his child becomes old enough to take the position." Although, historically speaking, such a thing just winds up with the child never taking the position.
"They sure bounced back quickly," Kakouen noted.
"I know, right?" Soukou grumbled, "Feels like Touken asked help from them specifically so that they can take over." Soukou then looked up, "Also, Joshuu is a rich state; they'll be able to bide their time and build up their forces much better than when they were in Yuushuu."
"Then it's even more meaningless to strike at Touken." Sousou sighed, "Touken no longer has a reason to take to the frontlines, and Hongou and Ryuubi have made their stance clear. If we want to take Touken's head, we'll have to invade Joshuu itself."
"Considering what they accomplished as just extra muscle for Joshuu, I feel as though we need to build up more to match them," Soukou admitted.
"And, as much as I'd like to take vengeance for my father… I cannot fight a battle knowing that it would ruin my prospects for the future." Sousou frowned. "Instead, I'll honor my father by taking this country as its ruler. And for that, I need to bide my time." Sousou resolutely looked at Soukou. "Now then, are there any other things that you managed to glean from your stay with them?"
"… In my opinion? They'll never be any form of competition for us." Soukou waved them off. "They're too nice. The only way they're conquering another land is if someone attacks them first, gets too cocky, and dies for it. Or surrenders their land to them. You can simply attack them, and, if they turn out too strong to attack before, then just build up your own strength and attack them later. I doubt that they'd even care to meddle with someone else's affairs after the blind-siding that Enshou did to them. Speaking of, Enshou's unlikely to take them lying down."
Sousou sighed. "I appreciate the analysis, but I was asking if you found any information that they're keeping mum about."
"Not really, no." Soukou shrugged. "After I became an 'honored guest' they basically put me in a good room. But no one was talking around me. When I got escorted to the state capital, they mostly just kept me separate from everyone, and then I got into another what's basically a jail cell without any bars. The only one actively talking to me the entire time was Sawada, and in his case, he's a bit of a prick." Soukou grumbled.
"Hoh?" Sousou raised an eyebrow, making a gesture for her to elaborate.
"I try prodding him for information, he winds up just… mind-reading me or something and then answering my mental questions. Getting anything out of him feels more like an interrogation for me than the other way around… like he can see through me."
"So you dislike him?" Kakouen asked, almost hoping for a no. They did not need more rivalries between them and Ryuubi and Hongou's staff.
"He's a plain-looking man. I've no interest in him." Soukou scoffed, "But to say I hate him? Hardly. He's decent conversation, for what it's worth. He talked about how he was once locked in a room with a mountain of paperwork as training for the future. Unless someone messed up, such training is so pointless it makes me cry thinking about it. He also brought some of his… arithmetic training exercises to keep me from getting too bored. Although for the life of me, I have no idea what an integral or a derivative could be used for. I get how it works but still…" Soukou grumbled.
"Sounds as though you had a fun time," Sousou smirked.
"Don't get me started. If only he wasn't such a flirt." Soukou grumbled, "Every little thing I do, he winds up saying is cute or something… and then he just ignores it all like he didn't even say anything!"
"… If you got nothing from speaking with others, surely you've overheard them talk?" Sousou asked, not bothering with Soukou's tirade of denial. It seems that she actually got some form of attachment to Hongou. Likely a result of him being her only conversation partner.
"The soldiers usually just talked about Chouhou." Soukou grumbled, "About her merchandise, and if she's going to perform anytime soon. She hasn't apparently done any performances since she arrived in Joshuu."
"Performances, huh?" Sousou hummed, "I see, so that's how they use Chouhou before the war." To line their pockets with money by having her perform for the masses. It enriches them through a method separate from taxation and lets them build-up a base easily. "If we can convince Chouhou to remain here with us, we can make use of their momentum and begin our own performances." This time with all three sisters. Sousou smirked. "… Speaking of, Eika, what of Chouhou?"
"They are in the waiting hall. I… assumed you wanted to talk to them first before you let them meet Tenhou and Renhou." Soukou replied.
"Well, I suppose so. Then can you start working on the inventory? Unless you're too tired from the journey?"
"I'll take a small nap and start working once I wake." Soukou stretched her back before looking around, "Where are Shan and the others?" There's an audible tone of disappointment there. While she didn't expect a grand welcome from the rest, she did expect a bit more than just Sousou, Kakouen, and Soujun.
"They're busy, of course. With the war still fresh in the minds of the masses, they're busy running around keeping peace."
"Fair enough. Then, can I?"
"You may take your rest." Sousou nodded. Soukou gracefully bowed and, with Soujun fretting over her, she left for the residential hall. Sousou turned to Kakouen, "Can you call in Chouhou? Preferably without the bodyguard, but if they're insistent then I'll allow it."
"Understood." Kakouen moved quickly.
Sousou sighed. For this brief time, she was truly alone. Speaking of Choubaku is a souring experience for her, no matter what. Fortunately, Soukou let it be quickly enough. But still… in her mind's eye, she can see it happen in front of her…
Sousou and Choubaku clashed in the throne room, vastly empty for what is supposed to be the Choubaku's last-ditch attempt at a victory. Sousou danced through the room, an enraged glare was on her face as she struck Choubaku blow after blow after blow. Eventually, Choubaku crumpled as Sousou's reinforcements managed to pierce through the guard. There was never any doubt that Sousou was the better fighter between the two. Which makes it even further strange that Choubaku would rely on a one-on-one battle with her as the last strike.
"… Any last words, old friend?"
"I'm glad… you're safe, Moutoku-chan… I'm sorry."
"Huh? What are you talking about, you traitor!? You…"
That was the last she managed to get out as a strong sandstorm surrounded them, and Choubaku disappeared.
That girl's last words made no sense. What's going on here… why did she attack? So Sousou immediately had runners look into Choubaku's home base. They soon found a letter of alliance from Enshou on Choubaku's desk. It's even as official as it can be, with Enshou's seal on the note. Choubaku and Enshou allied to take over Kyoshou… is the conclusion one could take from it. But that in itself is suspicious, as Enshou struck Yuushuu, not Kyoshou. Did Enshou betray Choubaku last minute? Or did Enshou merely incite Choubaku to attack, to prevent Sousou from taking advantage of Enshou's current absence from her own territory to take it over? And what of the sorcery?
This entire incident left her with more questions than when it started, and she doesn't like it. The only upside is the strange girl that they encountered, sleeping on the way. She introduced herself as Shibai, however, she lacked any certification as a member of the Shiba clan, so she's a mystery in and of itself. She proved herself a capable fighter with her sword during combat, however, and so Sousou invited her to join her army. She accepted.
So many things to think about, so many inconsistencies, so many riddles. But she'll have to solve them soon if she wants to become the ruler of this country. To achieve her ambition.
It didn't take too much time for Kakouen to return, with a nervous-looking Chouhou and an alert Chouun. Naturally, Chouun carries no weapon, as is right in this hall, but if need be, she's prepared to grab Chouhou and run through, come what may.
"Hello, there, Chouun, your sudden appearance last time was something not one of us expected."
"Ah, Sousou. Glad to see you're up and about." Chouun waved. "Dunno what your deal was, really. We were running from Enshou, so we didn't expect we had to fight you anyway. You leaving was convenient if nothing else."
"What did you say, Chou Shiryuu!?" Kakouton growled.
"Shunran, if you must yell, please go to the barracks." Sousou frowned.
"… I'll be good." Kakouton whimpered.
"Puppy." Chouun laughed. Kakouton glared at her.
"So the army you led from Yuushuu had no intention of fighting us?"
"It would've been dangerous for the civilians we were bringing with us, so we would've avoided it."
"I suppose I made an error of judgment. An unusual event, but I'll simply endeavor for it to not happen again." Sousou shrugged. "Now then, so this is…"
"I!" Chiihou exclaimed, interrupting Sousou. She then breathed a bit more to let out the nervous energy that's built up.
"… Must you interrupt…"
"Neesan, please hold it."
"I am Chiihou, the minstrel, who Chouhou, the General of the Land, intended on making a slave." Chiihou impishly said with a grin.
"… Very well, Chiihou." Sousou nodded. "I've already asked for Tenhou and Renhou to be brought here. Although… considering you were present during the previous war, I presume you are aware that they're safe."
"I didn't come here to ask if they're safe. I'm here to see and talk to them." Chiihou replied, in a way that made it sound oddly rehearsed. No doubt Hongou had her memorize and recite a few lines to prepare for whatever happens here. This is slightly problematic; it makes it clear that she naturally has loyalty towards them. Only time and some coaxing will let Sousou make Chiihou another valuable pawn.
"Yes, of course. I don't mind." Sousou shrugged. "Would you be willing to do so in front of us?"
"That's… fine." Chiihou sulked.
Sousou turned to Kakouen, and with a simple nod, Kakouen left to get the two. Sousou turned back to Chiihou, "Then, let's speak of you. How did you manage to make your tool work for others as well as yourself?"
"…" Chiihou stayed silent.
"Answer Karin-sama!" Kakouton demanded.
"Shunran. Leave." Sousou ordered. Kakouton's willingness to jump to her defense here is not conducive to the atmosphere she's trying to create between her and Chiihou. If she wants to take Chiihou for herself, then Kakouton's outbursts are unnecessary.
"… I'm sorry." Kakouton begged to remain.
"Leave and tell Karon to take your place. Don't make me repeat myself, Shunran."
"… Understood."
"Mutt." Chouun coughed behind her hand, hiding a smile. Kakouton made a glare at her, but complied and took her leave. Soujin soon entered the room, slightly apologetic for Kakouton.
"So you will not answer, then, Chiihou?"
"I'm here to meet my sisters, Sousou-san," Chiihou replied, "not be interrogated by you." Sousou merely made a wry smile, seeing the reflection of Hongou on her for the moment that she spoke. Yes, these are definitely things that she memorized for the purpose of diplomatic relations. She's rather stiff in her delivery, but the fact that she can memorize those lines in itself could be useful.
"Will you not indulge me?"
"No." Chiihou quickly replied.
"A shame. But a deal is a deal, you will meet your sisters. I just want to know a bit more about the sister of Choukaku and Chouryou."
"Tenhou and Renhou. Those are my sisters' names."
"Hongou gave you quite a lot of lines to remember."
"…"
"I see that I won't get anything until you join us." Sousou sighed, "Shuuran."
Kakouen nodded, bowing before moving aside to allow two girls to run past her. Or rather, a pink-haired girl pushing the purple-haired one as they blitzed past them.
"Chiiiiihouuuu!" Choukaku bowled past everyone and Chiihou wound up in a dogpile with them.
"Tenhou-nee, Renhou… it's been a long time."
"It's nice… but please tell neesan to get off…" Chouryou muttered, muffled into Chiihou.
"Right, off you get. Can't have you crushing our minstrel~" Chouun cheerfully pulled Choukaku off. "Sheesh, you're about as heavy as Touka."
"Thanks." Chouryou coughed. "I'm Renhou."
"Tenhou!" Choukaku said as she stood up. "Ah, Chiihou, those are cute clothes! Can you make them for us too!?"
"Ah, I guess?" Chiihou winced, as she pulled herself up. "Did the two of you get heavier…?"
"Ah, how cruel! We've been…" Tenhou mumbled.
"Well, when the only things the two of us can do is sit in a room all day or be escorted around, it's kind of hard to get much exercise." Renhou sighed, "But we've been keeping track! We're not unhealthy… yet."
"So that's what Sousou-san is having you do?"
"Eh, uh…" Tenhou poked her fingers. "Not really, she's been-"
"Neesan, Karin-sama is right there!" Renhou hissed, "We can't tell people about what we do!"
"That is appreciated Renhou." Sousou nodded from her throne. "Right now, Chiihou is still not part of us. No military secrets should be revealed, especially when there's a person here from the army that we've been fighting before."
"Who, me?" Chouun chuckled, "I'm not part of Choubaku's army."
"You know what I mean, Hongou-Ryuubi Army General," Sousou replied, unimpressed by Chouun's deflection. "So now that you've met, what will you do, Chiihou?"
Chiihou looked at her sisters, "I…"
"Nee, nee, Chiihou! Let's be together again!" Tenhou insisted, "It's not the same if the three of us are not together! We'll have fun! Karin-sama is really nice once you ignore how serious she is. She knows a lot of good food places to eat too! She sometimes lets us have some that she cooks! Then, then…"
"… I also miss you." Renhou nodded.
"… How long can I stay here before I make a decision?" Chiihou looked at Sousou.
"No more than an hour." Sousou gave her reply.
"How cruel." Chouun scoffed, "Not even giving her a chance to think about or talk things through with her sisters."
"Minstrels have always been a good choice for a spy. If I allow either of you to remain here for far too long, you might find things that are disadvantageous to me."
"We expected as much." Chouun sighed, "You're still recovering from the Choubaku Occupation after all." She immediately pinpoints exactly why Sousou doesn't want them here.
"… Don't even think of running with the three of them, Chouun." Kakouen said as she pulled her bow out.
"I'm not. I even disarmed, you know?" Chouun raised her hands in mock surrender. Kakouen nodded, pulling her bow back. Chouun waved it off, turning to Chiihou, "Chiihou. You already know what we think."
Chiihou looked conflicted before turning to Tenhou and Renhou.
"You're… not gonna leave us, are you?" Tenhou asked, half-tearing up, "It's been so hard without you!"
"… Chii-nee…" Renhou hesitantly grimaced, "I… uh… are you going to stay?"
Chiihou does not answer; instead turning to Sousou. "… If I join you, what will you do with me?"
"Hmm?"
"Would you let me move freely, or will you just make me another prisoner?" Chiihou asked.
"I'll likely have you perform the same activities you have done as part of the Hongou-Ryuubi Army. Performing for the masses and earning us back a bit of cash."
"There's no guarantee it'll go the same way, you know?" Chiihou pointed out, "We've had some off-days too where we lost more money than earned."
"Oh? But you learned how it works, right?"
"Kazuto-san took care of it for the most part. I just sing and dance." Chiihou replied. "Someone else also handled the merchandise, so you're gonna have to find someone who can do that too."
"I'm sure we can handle it." Sousou shrugged.
"How often will you make me do things?" Chiihou asked.
"… Depends on how much we need." Sousou shrugged.
"Can I refuse when I want?" Chiihou asked.
"As long as it's not unreasonably too often."
"And my sisters?"
"They'll join you in your activities."
"Then my activities won't just be about money, is it? You want to recruit people to the army too."
"That is indeed a prospect I'm hoping for."
"What…" Here she struggled a bit, as if trying to remember something, "… guarantee…" she nodded before looking at Sousou in the eye again, "… do I have that I'll be safe?"
"I take care of my own."
"Even though you know I like Touka-sama and Kazuto-sama?" Chiihou looked at her. She used the suffix 'sama', boldly declaring that she considers them her lords.
"I will have to ask you to not make contact with them if you join."
"Even if I let you read my letters before I send them?" Chiihou asked.
"I don't know what sorcery you learned under Hongou that might let you put hidden messages."
"Then I'll dictate for someone to write it?"
"Eh, since when can you write, Chiihou!?" Tenhou yelped.
"Not now, Ten-neesan!" Renhou hissed.
Sousou ignored them, "… We'll keep it in consideration."
"That's not a guarantee, Sousou-san." Chiihou frowned.
"I do not work with absolutes."
"I'm not here to be your loyal minion, Sousou-san. I want my freedoms too." Chiihou replied.
"And what guarantee do I have that you wouldn't sabotage us?" Sousou asked. It honestly feels like talking to Hongou again. It seems Hongou drilled her everything that she needed to figure out first before accepting any conditions.
"Apart from my sisters' safety?" Chiihou pointed out.
"You chose to remain in Hongou's territory for months since the coalition. You could've just as easily come here if you truly cared about your sisters' safety."
"I'm not stupid, Sousou-san! I know that you are more than willing to execute us if you find that we've done something wrong! So the only time it's safe to join you is when you want me to come here to join you!" It seems her casual mention of that possibility during the coalition has come to bite her. Hongou is wary of her for that. Still, she'll stand by her statement. You should always be wary of people who "failed" the job assigned to them, as there's a chance that they didn't do it accidentally. "If I'm staying here, it's not because of loyalty to you, or your cause! It's because my sisters are here! And if we run, then you can easily declare that the Chou sisters have escaped and taken refuge… wherever. We can't run because you have that on our backs!"
"… So you finally admit it?" Sousou pointed out, "That you are the wanted criminal Chouhou?"
"You're going to call me that anyway if we run, so does it matter at this point?"
"And what guarantee do I have that your group won't do the same to me?" Sousou asked. "Hongou could easily claim the same once you're in my employ."
"Aside from us being guaranteed execution if he does?" Chiihou frowned. That is the likely choice to make if he does denounce her for housing the trio. Public execution of liabilities. "He likes me. He's not gonna let me die."
"That is not a guarantee for me."
"… Then, a trade." Chouun interrupted, pulling out a scroll from… somewhere.
"Wh-huh?" Soujin blinked, "But we patted you down! There was nothing on you!"
"A woman has her secrets, Soujin-chan~" Chouun pulled out the scroll. "When we got Chiihou, naturally we looked into how we would save her. So…" Chouun, unfurled the scroll and showed it to them. "Ta-da, a pardon for the Chou Sisters, signed by Emperor Ken herself!"
The scroll looked a few months old, with some wear here and there. No tear; the scroll was kept in pristine condition. Sousou saw the seal and it looked genuine.
"… I see. So that's why your group is so confident about harboring Chouhou and revealing it to me." Sousou sighed. "If I had tried to indict you, you'd pull that out to keep her immune from danger. To think you had such a trump card." Considering the apparent age of the scroll, it's likely from before the coalition.
"If it's an imperial edict, why have you not revealed it sooner?" Kakouen asked, pointing a hole.
"An interesting point." Sousou conceded.
"Because it's not sealed with the Imperial Seal," Chouun replied. "It seems Emperor Rei had taken the Imperial Seal with her and Emperor Ken was forced to seal it with her personal seal instead."
"… I see. Someone might claim that it has no weight behind it." Sousou accepted that answer. So there's no point in revealing the edict if Chouhou remains "dead" as it were. "And what will you do with this?"
"If you allow Chiihou her conditions, we'll hand this scroll to you. After all, once Chiihou leaves, it's useless to us. But you could most certainly make use of it."
"This is the genuine article?" Sousou asked. "This is genuinely Kentei's seal?"
"Is it not the same as the seal that was used to declare Toutaku as the Chancellor of State?" Chouun pointed out, "And the same handwriting? Surely you still have that lying around."
"Shuuran. Also, have Shunran call for Shia." Kakouen nodded and ran to the archives.
A few minutes later, she soon returned with the edict and a violet-haired girl, cheerily looking.
"Hey, boss~ Whadya want from me?" Chouryou Bun'en waved. "Ah, Renhou's in the same room as me… Geh…"
"…" Renhou shrunk back from her attitude. It wouldn't do for her to insult a general.
"What's your problem with my sister, huh?" Chiihou moved between the two.
"Chiihou-nee, it's fine!"
"Nothing." Chou Bun'en shrugged, "It's just that with both of us in a room, we're both Chouryou, you know?"
Sousou quickly chose to interrupt this tangent and getting to the point. "Shia, can you confirm to me that what Shuuran's holding is not Toutaku or Kaku's handwriting?"
"Hmm… Ah, that thing. Yeah, that's written by Kentei." The cavalry general shrugged. "I already told you about the white clothes that hijacked the capital before, right? Yue and Ei did nothing wrong. Kentei liked Yue, so she made her Chancellor of State."
"I'm just confirming." Sousou told her, turning to Chouun, "Then, Chouun?"
Chouun shrugged walked over and held the scroll, not letting it go. Kakouen followed suit. Sousou looked at the two scrolls, comparing as much as she can, and nodded.
"It's real then." Sousou hummed as she looked at the scroll itself. The words, the scroll, any hidden meanings, she looked through it before nodding in satisfaction. If she has this, then they can openly use the Chou Sisters and not fear the rumors that sprout from it. A veritable gold mine of potential. "And there's no signs of modification."
"Huh, that an edict from Kentei, huh?" Chouryou shrugged.
"You don't recognize it? According to Chouun's story, they requested this when Kentei got into office."
"We did have to gather some evidence, besides just Chiihou's word." Chouun whimsically stated. In the meantime, Chiihou was smirking, as if triumphant. (In reality, Chiihou was nervous, but hiding that nervousness with a smile is something she's well-practiced in).
"Hmm… Eh? I'm a general. Not really my place to deal with all the diplomatic hoo-has of the empire, ya know? More in the barracks than anything." Chouryou shrugged. "Wasn't as close to Kentei as Yue is."
"Ah… that's rather useless…" Soujin said.
"Oh, shut up. Point is, it could've happened." Chouryou said, "Besides, it's Kentei's handwriting and sealed by Kentei's seal right? Thing must be real."
"So, are you done verifying the thing?" Chouun rolled the scroll up again, "Will you listen to Chiihou?" Chiihou's face shuttered to a serious one again, as she mumbled under her breath as if reciting a mantra of sorts.
"The conditions have to be reasonable. I'm not allowing her to serve as your spy without punishment."
"That's fine." Chouun shrugged, stepping back, as she passed the scroll to Chiihou, who hugged it into her chest.
"Very well." Sousou looked at Chiihou. "And if I do, you will give me that scroll?"
"Only if she chooses to join you. We sort of want to keep this thing if she comes back home." Chouun emphasized home. That Chiihou's home is with them, not her.
"If she does return with you, if Tenhou and Renhou are revealed, will you allow us to use the scroll as well?" It doesn't matter how Chiihou chooses now; they know the scroll exists. If they know it exists, they can naturally use it, even if it's not in their grasp. Simply by declaring that Chiihou is alive in their territory, and the scroll will be used.
"Depends on Chiihou-chan. It's her scroll." And since Chiihou cares about her sisters, she'll likely let them. Still, she'd rather have all the cards in her grasp. She wants Chiihou.
"I…" Chiihou breathed in before looking at her, "I want a guarantee on me and my sisters' safety." Chiihou replied, "You will not kill us. You will not hurt us. And you will let us do as we want."
"… The first, provided you don't attack or hurt others."
"Define hurt. Because I'm not exactly…" Chiihou bit her tongue with annoyance. "Kazuto is cruel to say this about me but… I don't have a filter when I talk so… I might hurt people's feelings if I do."
Sousou laughed slightly, as Chiihou casually revealed the source of her seeming ability to make these conditions. However, the fact that Chiihou could communicate all these things naturally means that she's quite the talent herself. The older sister is charismatic, the youngest sister is intelligent, and the middle sister is communicative. A useful set of abilities. "Deliberate, physical, life-threatening injury." She clarified for her.
"That means…"
"You hurt someone with the intent to kill or permanently injure them." Chouun translated.
"That's fine, then!" Chiihou nodded.
"Your second condition, I will not kill you. That I will not hurt you." Sousou hummed.
"No. That's two different conditions!" Chiihou pointed out.
"What's the difference?" Soujin tilted her head. "If you're killed, you hurt them, right?"
Chouryou shrugged, "There are ways to kill someone without necessarily hurting them. Forcing them to drink a fast-acting poison. Or cutting their head off so quickly that they won't feel it till it's too late."
"That still sounds painful, Bun'en-san!" Chiihou pointed out, as she held her neck.
"And what punishment is applicable if you were to deliberately sabotage us?" Sousou frowned, "That's too broad."
"… I won't." Chiihou replied. "If I do that, then my sisters are the ones in danger."
"I'll agree to both conditions, provided that it is only if you do not sabotage us."
"Okay." Chiihou nodded.
"That is all I ask." Sousou shrugged. "As for the fourth condition, there will be limits. You will live in the city. You will sleep in the residential hall. And if you want to leave, you will ask me for permission. Otherwise, the streets are free for you to roam. None of you will be treated as slaves but just another official in my court." Which means pay.
"It's fine then?"
"If you agree to my terms, then I see no reason not to accept it." Sousou nodded. "The conditions are reasonable enough. If you stay, then your safety will be assured, provided you don't break the laws of my land."
Chiihou nodded, as she looked up. She turned to Chouun, who merely nodded. A sad smile appeared on Chiihou's face in response, as she turned to Sousou. "… Then… I'll stay. Sorry, Sei…"
"It's fine. You're family. You were gonna leave the nest sooner or later." Chouun smiled sadly. "Then, I'll take my leave. Need to give Master and Touka-sama the bad news."
"I…"
"Don't worry about it." Chouun waved off. "Hey, Soujin, you got my spear, right? Gonna need it back before I leave, you know?"
"I'll write as much as I can!" Chiihou called.
"That would be appreciated~." Chouun smiled, as she stepped out the door, followed closely by Soujin. Seeing her back disappear as the door to the hall closed… and Chiihou can't help but feel truly abandoned.
["We're together again!" Tenhou cheered next to her.]
The promise that Kazuto made to her is that she will be protected as long as she's with them.
["Not only that, but we're not slaves anymore." Renhou sighed gratefully. "We'll get a salary now, right, Karin-sama?"]
Chiihou's no longer with them. So Kazuto no longer has to protect her.
["Yes, of course. Provided you three do the work, I'll pay you."]
She chose to leave them of her own accord.
["We can eat out in town~!" Tenhou cheered.]
But if she had left with Sei, wouldn't her sisters be worse off?
["That's a bit exaggerated, isn't it?" Kakouen chuckled. "It's not like we treated you badly."]
Chiihou could see the fun things she did with everyone flash before her eyes.
["But you only let us out once every two weeks!"]
The times she snuck out with Rinrin, Rairai, and Denden and had fun in town.
["Oh my? If you had such problems, you should've just said so." Sousou laughed in amusement.]
Only for Aisha to find them and chase them around telling them to stop goofing off so much.
["We were afraid you were gonna cut off our heads!"]
The rehearsals that Paitan would attend every once or twice, as she gave criticisms seriously, as Sosou scrambles around, trying to get inspiration for the next merchandise.
["What did you just say about Karin-sama!? Karin-sama is not a bad-" "Shunran." "Sorry."]
Listening to the songs on Kazuto's phone, as she gazed at him working on paperwork. Occasionally standing up and dancing to the tunes if she particularly enjoyed it.
["Ah, it's the head executioner herself!" "Neesan, your delusions are getting the better of you. Please ignore what Tenhou-neechan said, Chiihou-nee."]
When she's done dancing, she'll sometimes hear applause from Kazuto and Touka, who had taken a break to watch her perform. She'll cheekily grin at them, and flirt a bit with Kazuto.
["Chiihou-nee?"]
The rowdy mealtimes where everyone is telling their stories for that day.
["Chiihou?"]
All of that, from today on… she won't be able to experience anymore.
Now that she thought of it, she wanted to reunite with Tenhou and Renhou, her family but… she had to abandon the family that had taken her in to do so. Why…
She felt someone grasp her shoulders as she was shaken about, "Wh-wh-what!? Tenhou-nee?"
"Chiihou! Why are you crying!?" Tenhou blubbered. "Tell Neesama who hurt you!"
Chiihou looked around her, as Renhou also looked concerned for her. Sousou looked from above with a frown, while Kakouen gave a small smile, trying to comfort her a bit.
"How dare you cry in front of Kar-"
"Shunran."
"… I'm fine." Chiihou wiped her eyes. "I'm fine." She then gave a confident grin, as if she's on stage once more. "After all, I'm Everyone's Little Sister, Chii-chan!"
This wedge in her heart… for how long will she have to live with it?
-()-
"Chiihou's going to choose her sisters."
"Eh?" Touka blinked.
"She's been trying to distance herself from us. Holding back. While she's grateful for what we've done for her, she misses her sisters."
"But…"
"If she could choose both, she would, there's no doubt, but Chiihou has spent months without her sisters, the sole constants of her life. It's a strange dependency that she has, really… I wouldn't call it healthy either. Regardless, Sousou will surely give Chiihou every reason to stay, while we are actively telling her that she is free to make her choices and that we'll help her keep her freedom… If she stays with her sisters, we wouldn't hate her. But… if she stays with us, her sisters will feel abandoned and betrayed. The path where the least people would be sad… the answer's obvious, right?"
"We'll be sad too, but we'll also be happy for her. That she found her sisters and are safe with them. But her sisters don't know us. If she leaves them for us…"
"It's possible that she'll be hated."
"Should we… tell her to stay?" And not go at all?
"If we do, she'll stay, but she'll hate knowing that her sisters are out there and she's not doing anything to save them."
"So what should we do?"
"See her off with a smile, and hope we meet again." Kazuto stood up, "I'm going to spend a bit of time prepping her the questions she needs to ask Sousou. Even if I can't be there to protect her, I'll give her everything she needs to protect herself."
"… I wish we could just take Chiihou's sisters and keep them here." That way both Chiihou and they'll be happy.
"I do too…" He sighed, "Anyway, I could just be projecting how I would feel in her place. So she might surprise us and choose a completely different path."
"I don't think you're wrong. And that's sad itself…"
"Well, I suppose it's a good thing Sosou chose to not come with us. He would be devastated that his most lucrative source of income is leaving."
"Always looking at the bright side?"
"Sometimes, it's the best way to live in this world. Otherwise, you'll just see all the cracks."
"Mmhmm."
-()-
Enshou tapped her foot in impatience as she sat in Kousonsan's base. It's not as luxuriously decorated as her own base, and it's starting to grate on her. Ah, she misses her soft bed in Kahoku…
"Reichen-san… is the Emperor still not here yet?"
"No." Kataigou shrugged. At this point, she seems to have given up on the chance that Reitei would come. She's just waiting for Enshou to give up and move on. Maybe restart the search. There might be quite a few rumors of her whereabouts if she's not in Yuushuu.
"And where's Kei-san?"
"Out fighting bandits. Again." Kataigou sighed. Guilt-free targets, really, those bandits. And Kashin has been getting antsy.
"Why are there so many bandit attacks up here!?" Enshou complained. "This is why Yuushuu is such a backwater…"
"It's natural considering the geography." Denhou said, "Yuushuu is one of the most northernmost states of the empire, neighboring the territories of the barbarians from the north. Since it's winter, they'll be trying to get food from somewhere. They don't farm so the best way to get it is…"
"Raiding places with farms. And that means the Empire." Kataigou nodded.
"Then we'll beat them back as many times as we can!" Enshou declared, "Anything to keep this land safe for Kuutan-sama to come here! Oh-hohohoho!"
And with that laugh, both Denhou and Kataigou left her to her own devices.
"… She seems to be under the impression that the reason Reitei-sama hasn't come is that it's unsafe here…" Denhou sighed.
"It's rather interesting how… foolish she can be." Kataigou shrugged. "Well, it matters little to me." She's basically just piggybacking off her at this point. As long as Enshou remains the strongest warlord of the era, there is nothing to worry about in her future. Enshou truly believes that both she and her sister have value.
"The Heavenly Messenger and the Imperial Descendant are no longer in Yuushuu," Denhou said. "Where they are… I haven't the time to send any scouts yet." All their scouts are out busy looking for information on Reitei.
"Leave it. If the two of them just vanished from the face of the earth, it's not a problem for us." Kataigou stood up. "Didn't you say it? Reiha-san doesn't care about anything than just getting dear Kuutan into the throne once more."
With Reitei on the throne and Enshou the one putting her there, Enshou would become the premier warlord of the generation. There is no doubt that Enshou will be able to influence the flow of the country, and making her the single most important figure of history!
And so, Enshou's (futile) quest continues.
-()-
"So, Hongou's group wound up being the regents of Joshuu."
"Hmm… they bounced back quick." Sonsaku hummed, "A shame. We were going to welcome them with open arms if they came here."
"I'm more surprised they managed to get Touken's confidence enough to take charge of his state."
"I suppose so. What are we doing now?"
"Well… we're done here, I believe," Sonsaku said, as she stared at the battlefield. "So, Taishiji."
"Sheesh, call me Rian, Sheren~"
"Ah, right, of course, got used to calling you that from… you know~" Sonsaku smiled. "So, how does it feel to fight by my side instead of against?"
"Hmm? Well… It's fun. And the way we're winning is actually amazing! But none of them is as strong as you so it's a bit… Well, I'm throwing my lot in with you so I hope I get some fun times~"
"Yeah, so Meirin, if we win this fight, we've won, right?" Sonsaku grinned. "We can go straight home to a nice warm bed?"
"That should be the case, yes."
"Then let's go wild!" Sonsaku grinned, as she walked forward, "All forces, charge!"
And so, the legend of the genius of war begins. The Little Conqueror roars into battle, and tales of her battle prowess begins spreading across the nation.
-()-
As winter rolls in, every army has its goals for the next year to come. Each and every one of them is preparing.
Soon enough, snow falls in the empire, gently coming down. However, few can truly appreciate the winter. Usually, those who are well-situated enough that they can escape from the winter ails. It's hard to see the appeal of snow if you're house is now cold enough to freeze your nose off, nor is it great when you try pushing your door open only to find that a large snowfall the previous night wound up firmly locking you inside. Snow piling up on roads is a problem too, as storefronts and homes wind up getting blocked in. But humans are hardy people who can deal with something that regularly happens anyway, and there are methods to work around these issues.
Of course, Reborn treated it as training for them to use their flames and try to keep the roads clear of snow, by simply walking through it and holding their weapons out. A method of training to push their ability to bring out their flames no matter the weather. Eventually, Rinrin did it as a matter of course, especially since she's the one who needs access to a higher amount of flame to accommodate for her fighting style. Touka sometimes helps out, but her duties mean she can't do it often enough. As for Kazuto… well it's Reborn; Kazuto is expected to do it on top of his normal jobs, unlike the others.
Aisha eventually succeeded in the task Reborn had set for her, destroying only specific portions of the training dummies. It was really a matter of time for her, as far as most of them are concerned. Her next training would be using it against people with training weapons and aiming to destroy them. Few warriors are capable of combat without weapons, as her brief fight against Kakouen can attest to.
Sei and Ren barely did anything themselves, as they only resort to their flames in sporadic circumstances. Ren's already strong without it, and Sei doesn't need it. Still, Kazuto would sometimes see Sei "train" it by sitting outside in the cold and moon-watching with a plate of food. Ren used it to keep her pets warm. The amount of times Kazuto saw Ren sleeping in a pile of dogs has increased ever since.
Shuri and Hinari… have hit the limit of what they could do on their own, unfortunately, as their illusions are only as good as their mental image. They've hit a dead end, but while Reborn frowned at this, he told them not to mind it.
Still, no one was particularly expecting the next person who appears through the communicator.
-()-
"You'll owe me for this, Sawada Kazuto."
"We didn't ask you to come, Mammon-san," Kazuto told the Mist Arcobaleno as the illusionist appeared from out of nowhere at the breakfast table, the usual time Reborn shows up, although today was supposed to be Reborn's day off. Like Reborn, the Varia Mist appeared as a toddler. Why exactly is Aunt Uni the only one that's not a baby again?
"Umm… hello?" Touka asked, unsure. "Were we… expecting a guest?"
"… So what did Reborn pay you to do?" Kazuto sighed.
"Hmm? If you want I can leave."
"You are a professional, Mammon-san. You're not going to leave without doing what you're being paid for."
"And if I've yet to receive payment?"
"Then you would've told me what you want from me," Kazuto replied.
"Didn't I say it? You'll owe me."
"That's worse than being told to pay straight-up cash, Mammon. An IOU from one of the most elite people in the world is not one I'd like on my head."
"And it will be cash that you will pay me with when I'm done." Mammon scoffed, "There is no problem with that."
"Oh, then how much?" Kazuto asked.
"Depends on the hourly rate."
"I'll pay original world hours." Kazuto quickly replied. Mammon looked displeased by this.
"Nine times."
"Spending a day here means eight there. Once you're done with whatever you want here, you have an extra sixteen to do your other jobs."
"Mental exhaustion is a thing, and to an illusionist, our minds are our most valuable asset."
"Then I'll bump it to twice." There's no way he's paying nine times.
"Are you testing me? Five times is the lowest I'll go. I have to spend the time here in this cursed form, after all."
"Triple."
"I'll leave."
"… Triple, and you're allowed to use them in your boasting contests against Uncle Mukuro."
"Quadruple, with the same condition."
"Deal." Kazuto held out his hand, and Mammon shook it. "Shuri, Hinari, you have a teacher." The two jumped up, once they realized exactly what he meant. Honestly, he preferred Aunt Chrome as a teacher, but Mammon is the only one who can come through, so he'll take what he can get. Besides… Aunt Chrome has her daughter.
"I don't care what you choose to address me by, but from here on out, I will be pushing you to my standards. I do not do things by halves. That is what it means to be Varia Quality." Mammon floated over to them.
""Yes!"" The two squeaked.
"Kazuto-kun. Introductions." Touka interrupted.
"Mammon, one of the greatest illusionists in the world. Loves money more than people, and will do anything for it, even the most dubious of deeds as long as you can pay the right price. A member of the Varia, an elite assassination task force. Of course, they won't do any job that has less than a 90% success rate. And before any of you ask, I don't know what Mammon's gender is. Calling Mammon by either will just wind up with you being proven the other."
"That's… interesting…" Touka nodded, slightly disturbed. "An assassin…"
"Our hands aren't clean either." Kazuto reminded her. Being the leader of an army means that there is no one here that could truly be called innocent of the death of others.
"I know, I know…" Touka nodded, grimacing at the reminder.
"Are you done with breakfast, the two of you?" Mammon turned to the two. "Because we're wasting time here."
"Ah, yes!" Shuri stood up.
"W-we'll take you to the… training room…"
"Can I watch these lessons?' Josho asked. "If it's the same to you?"
"You have a medium to use Mist Flames with?" Mammon asked sharply.
"No…"
"Fine, you can come. You'll only learn basic illusions and not solid ones." Mammon then turned to the rest of them. "My lessons are secrets, so I will not allow any observers."
"In that case, Josho, bring your sword," Kazuto told her.
"Will do." Josho nodded seriously.
"I will appear during every other time Reborn is not present. You will accommodate my schedule. If a single one of these three isn't available during that time, I will not teach anything. Well, the sword girl can be absent for all I care, but I'll teach these two simultaneously." Well, it's winter, so there's no real problem with that. "I will not be bringing a mountain of books with me when I come, so do not expect Reborn's book fort."
Book fort? "At this point, the only ones interested in reading are the three you're teaching and Paitan, so…" Kazuto shrugged. Some of them already got sick of it, and just focus on things that they're interested in. Like Health Journals for Touka.
"Then I'll take my leave." Mammon floated after the Suikyou Student Trio, who were speed-walking to wherever they plan on training.
… Thinking about it, considering what Mist Flames are capable of… isn't Mammon capable of doing exactly what Reborn can't? That is, physically affect this world? An idle thought, but one he's not really willing to voice in Mammon's presence. No, wait… only a set amount of flames can be sent through the communicator at a given time if he recalled from Reborn's descriptions. Just enough to make a semi-tangible apparition. While Mammon could likely manipulate the flames that come through, it would likely not be enough to accomplish major…, no, a needle in someone's eye is major damage. That was all just wishful thinking. Well, now he doesn't regret telling Josho to bring her sword.
Regardless, it seems Reborn managed to secure an illusionist tutor for them. Now if only said tutor wasn't so greedy, that the illusionist took up the name of a demon of greed. Kazuto hopes that the trio, some of the brightest minds in this era, will absorb Mammon's lessons quickly enough that his future finances won't be too impacted. He won't rush them, but he'll definitely cry once the bill comes in.
-()-
"Oh my, hello there, Master."
"I don't remember you being anywhere close to me to deserve a pet name, Chinkei." It was indeed the woman who, right now should still be an archivist under Fuurin. It seems she has been rather lax with her work ethic, as Fuurin never mentions anything about her at all. Or rather, Fuurin actively avoids the topic. Considering how nice Fuurin-sensei is, it says a lot about Chinkei's character.
"But aren't you the Master? Everyone seems to call you so."
"You're just mocking me at this point. Kindly refrain from it, before I tell Fuurin-sensei about this incident." Which would lower her evaluation quickly.
"How cruel~ Even though you exchanged True Names with my daughter."
"Because Suu is a nice girl who was born with the unfortunate circumstance of being related to you."
"You do realize that Suu is just as likely to betray you if the time comes?"
"As long as we're the regents of Joshuu, I don't see that being a problem. You, on the other hand, are someone that should be under constant watch, and the only reason we don't is that we don't care enough to."
"If you suspect me of treason, then why not put someone to watch me?"
"Have you done something that needs us to do so?"
"I do not believe so? I've just been in the archives as you wanted me to be." She lied to his face.
"You've been doing absolutely nothing, haven't you?" Kazuto asked.
"… And what exactly was I supposed to do in the archives?"
"You really are a politician through and through, I see." Kazuto scoffed, "Having absolutely no respect for documentation unless it benefits them in some regard."
"That's a rather cruel stereotype." She did not deny it.
"So what do you want from me? And if the next sentence isn't direct, I'm going to ignore you for the rest of the day."
"Mind moving me to a better job? One that suits my skills better?"
Kazuto frowned, almost going for the kneejerk reaction. However, an idea came to mind, as he was reading the report on Sousou's territory that Josho passed onto him earlier. "… Do your job in the archives properly for a week. If Fuurin says that you're being good, I'll make you our delegate to Sousou."
"Oh my, now you're just gift-wrapping me for Karin~"
"We need people who would report to us the state of the capital right now, and the more official we can make it, the better. If you're really friends with Sousou way back, you'll be the best for the job."
"And if I were to lie in the report?"
"I already said the words. You can either work hard in the archives for the next week so that you don't have to spend so much time in the cold basement or do nothing and just live off of your daughter's salary for as long as we're in control of Joshuu." Privately, it's because as important-sounding as Kazuto made the job sound, it's not a priority for them. Her reports will be taken with every grain of salt that they can afford. Rakuyou and Kyoshou are among the first places that they planted their spies in. Even if Chinkei were to betray them, it wouldn't be a big loss. It will be a loss for sure, but not big enough that it would sink them. It also removes the chance of Chinkei snooping around them so much and accidentally finding out about Paitan and Kuutan's real names. So far, seeing as Chinkei has not inquired on the two, but it's a matter of time. Worse is if Chinkei finds their biggest secret, Yue's true identity. The further Chinkei is from their end, the better, really.
"Then, I'll take you up on your offer~" Chinkei smiled. "So, if I do it, who'll be my direct superior?"
"Me," Kazuto replied. After all, he was the one who decided to spring this to mind.
"Oh, how bold~ Then, it's only fitting I call you Master too, now right, Master?"
"I can hear the mocking in your tone, so no."
"Ah, very well, Kazuto-sama. Then please, refer to me as Tou. After all, you're already my daughter's friend, yes?" Her offer seems genuine. She doesn't trust him, not in the slightest, but even she wouldn't entrust her True Name to someone she doesn't see value in. What brought this on?
"… Fine, Tou." Kazuto acquiesced.
"So when am I getting in your bed?"
"Never. Also, you have a daughter, Tou. Please mind your advances."
"Still haven't slept with one of your girls? Then if you'd like, I could tell Suu to-"
"That is the last thing I want." Kazuto harshly rebuked her. "If Suu does not want it, then you don't get to force her to do it. And trust me, I'll know if the other party doesn't want anything to do with what's going on."
"So, have you, or have you not?"
"What?"
"Slept with one of your girls."
"And why should I tell you anything?" Kazuto pointed out, "just because you entrusted your True Name to me, doesn't make us best friends. Even then, I wouldn't even talk about such things with my actual best friends." That's just rude and makes it seem as though the girl is just a prize to claim. Kazuto refuses to think of the girls as anything like that.
"Oh, then… want me to be your first experience? So that you'll be able to satisfy your girl? Teach you a thing or two?"
Kazuto sighed, "Is it necessary for you to leverage your body so? Take care of yourself better. If not for your own dignity, then for your daughter's."
And with that Kazuto left, a bit faster paced than is probably necessary.
…
"Fufufu…" Tou laughed, "So, that's what they see in him." He's hardly perfect, not like Sousou, the ideal ruler. He tries to portray a mask of confidence and strength, but he is easily flustered once you strike him from an angle he did not expect. Despite that, his intuition is solid, and he has a good head on his shoulders. If Tou had to pinpoint him, he would probably be a great second to any ruler, but not the ruler himself. His charisma only applies to those he directly interacts with, not with the masses. If it's him alone, he won't be able to make armies move. It is Ryuubi's influence that helps with that, but that one is naturally flawed through her ideals. An ideal of helping others, to save others from pain is a laudable, praise-worthy ideal, but it's not one that would unite the continent. No, only Sousou has both the charisma and the ideals to make a mark in this world. Still, she's currently the two's subordinate, so she'll do her job properly.
Well, Tou might not go above and beyond her station, but they'll get what is to be expected of someone of her pedigree. If her work helps them see the beauty of Sousou's future, maybe they'd agree to subordinate themselves to the true king. It's not as if they hate Karin. They just don't understand her.
As for what she thinks about the job that Kazuto seemingly offered her out of nowhere, it is secretly a masterstroke. A delegate to Sousou's land? Sending any other officer would be like signing that officer's death sentence. She alone, among the many officials in Joshuu's employ, could fulfill that role perfectly. As for the job itself, she can't deny that the role is a valuable one. As useful as spies are, an official representative's information would be a more reliable insight on the goings-on in Sousou's territory. There is also a morale aspect to this as well. Regardless of what her reports will send back to them; the mere existence of a delegate is a show of strength, that Sousou can't easily ignore. A delegate from Joshuu is a reminder to Sousou that she failed to take Joshuu down. A rather deliberate thumbing of the nose to Sousou. Well, as long as she appeals her stance as Sousou's ally, it won't come down to it.
Now then, she should get to work, having extracted a promise of an actual job out of him. Granted there's a chance that Kazuto would betray her and not do anything once the times up or that Roshoku would report a good status. Well, if he does betray her, then she'll betray him in turn. If Roshoku doesn't report, she'll just appeal to him again.
To play politics is Chinkei's greatest skill. She knows the ins and outs. Now then, every army has its skeletons. The minstrel Chiihou was one that she didn't manage to capitalize on before she was sent to Sousou's side. But there's likely more here… Having a few trump cards on hand before she goes to Karin would be nice. It wouldn't do for her to head out without a few of those.
So, whose secrets are the most interesting? The secret to their sorcery would be a good start. Seeing the ones who are known to be able to use it, it's likely related to those rings. It is a strange thing for warriors to be so willing to wear rings after all, as those bands have a tendency to mess up the handling of their weapons. And the colors of the gems are similar to the color of the flames each use. It would be unlikely for her to be allowed access to the rings, and Suu wouldn't want one either, since it'll get in the way of her job, she'll say. A shame.
There are more than a few people in the army that are suspicious. The ones that are probably the most interesting are Ryuubi's cousin, Ryuukyou, who both Ryuubi and Kazuto trust in their work, and her sister and the personal servant, whose True Names are Kuutan and Fan. Unfortunately, even though she has a method of identifying them, those are True Names, which is honestly a bit troublesome. The culture around True Names means that she might lose her head for using it without being entrusted, and trying to look for someone who would recognize those names is just difficult if you don't have explicit permission, and saying it to a random person, hoping they would recognize it… well if they recognize it and they like Kuutan and Fan, whether she's entrusted with it or not, she's dead. And the two barely leave the residential hall anyway, so getting permission to use it is unlikely. So that is a dead-end. So Ryuukyou is the only option… but would anyone recognize the name? Hopefully, Karin would be able to put out some feelers.
Another option is Josho Genchoku, explicitly the only member of the inner circle to not have entrusted her True Name to anyone. There are the servants, Yue and Ei, but they don't seem to have much of value. They're Ryuukyou's servants, but that's it. It's hard to imagine something of value from Yue, who happily does her job. Ei is a bit more interesting, but complain she might, she does her job just as efficiently. Hard to imagine them being anything more than servants.
Tou smiled, as she reached the archives. The most ideal end for her is for Ryuubi and Hongou's group to become Sousou's subordinates. Because with their support, Sousou would undoubtedly be unstoppable.
-()-
The winter comes, and the winter goes, and soon enough spring will come. And with that comes new beginnings. One of which is…
"Are you sure about this, Sheren-neesama?"
"Is there something wrong, Renfa? Didn't you say it yourself? It's better for us if we lose this thing as soon as possible. What better way than this?"
"But still… we've been holding onto it for so long…"
"By giving this up, we'll be putting our beloved Go into a position where we're no longer under the rule of a fool. Isn't that a good thing?"
"… Very well."
"Now then, let's watch how Enjutsu will react once presented with the Imperial Seal~"
-()-
Chapter End
-()-
Chapter Release Date: December 18, 2020
-()-
Beta Reader: Seraphius
Special Thanks to: ZGMF-X13A Providence, for giving me the idea of bringing Mammon in to teach Shuri and Hinari how to use Mist Flames.
So yes, Chiihou leaves. There's just no way for me to justify Chiihou staying that would feel natural to the story.
As for Chinkei, I honestly have no idea what to do with her. I don't even know all that much about her personality. I'm just making things up as I go.
It's been a while since I last wrote my review policy: I do not reply to reviews, generally. If you want a reply, either add: Pls. Reply or some variant of that statement in the review. Or just directly PM me. Whichever works. I am… unaware if this website has decided to start sending PM messages to Emails, but I will try to reply as soon as I can. Be wary: MOST answers will probably be correct at the time. However, I cannot speak for future me. The only things set in stone in this story are the chapters that I posted. For instance: if you asked me when I started about what Kazuto's Box Animal is: I would've answered: a Sky Lion named Kuu. Things change between planning and writing.
Stay safe~