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.
-()-
Kan vs Chuu: Reinforcement
-()-
"This is getting us nowhere." Reborn frowned, as he stood at one of the many Vongola Bases that they have scattered in Italy. "I'm spending far too much time here than with my student. We better get some payoff here soon or else I'm shooting something to make this worth my while."
The mafioso next to him nervously grimaced, "The White Clothes have been attacking various Vongola Bases in hopes of finding where the artifact is. This is one of the locations that they haven't hit just yet."
"Hmph." Reborn scoffed, as he received a message from Viper. The Illusionist more commonly known as Mammon is currently Shokatsuryou, Houtou, and Josho's teacher in Illusions. Fortunately, Mammon was willing to be paid the standard amount for work like this, if only so that Kazuto's Mist Guardian, trained by Mammon, can match up with Yoshiko's Mist Guardian, who is the daughter of Mukuro and Chrome. Still a bit annoyed that the title of Strongest Illusionist is contested, the Varia Mist accepted the job, to prove that Varia Quality can raise a better Mist Guardian than the Tenth Generation Mist Guardian. Likely, Mammon is still salty about the loss at the Mist Ring Conflict.
"… Seems, that Kazuto is going on war." Reborn frowned. "Che. I should be there to keep progress on his growth, not waiting for an enemy that might or might not show up."
An explosion was heard at the side.
"… I think that's the target." The mafioso said.
"Finally, something to shoot." Reborn strolled towards the path. "Chaos Shot."
"Mr. Reborn, we need them alive!"
"Oh, they'll be alive; I'll just make them suffer for not coming faster."
-()-
"… We made it…" Touka sighed, as she settles into the command tent, as Rinrin and Aisha sat next to her. They finished all their preparations for their base camp. There were no convenient forts in-between Joshuu and Enjutsu's Territory, so they'll have to make do with tents and a barricade. They did, however, bring a bunch of siege engines that Hinari had commissioned during the interim. "Honestly, I was scared that Enjutsu would be right there when we come… You know, like with Sousou?"
"Seems she was slower to act than we expected." Aisha nodded. "She must still be on the march. Hinari has sent out scouts to see where they went."
"Mmhmm…" Touka nodded. "… It feels weird to enter a war without Kazuto…"
"You're right…" Rinrin nodded, "Usually, Kazuto-niichan would be with us on the way here…"
"… Maybe so, but we can't keep relying on him." Aisha replied.
"How long will he be gone, you think?"
"Travel time through Sousou territory… and however long he has to deal with Sonsaku… then travel back… it'll take at least three weeks." Aisha promptly replied. "That's assuming that Sonsaku doesn't make things difficult, and a smooth journey."
"Mmhmm…" Touka nodded. "… How long are we going to be staying in this camp? I doubt Kazuto-kun expected us to remain simply defending."
"We're allowed to move our frontlines as far as we can, but we must not be greedy and allow Hinari to decide how far we go, as according to the plan." Aisha nodded. "If we move too far forward, we might end up being surrounded."
"Then, let's show Kazuto-kun how far we can handle things without him then." Touka stood up. "Paitan must be exhausted from travel, but we can't rest yet. Let's look at our terrain as much as we can and see if we can use it to our advantage."
"Of course." Aisha nodded, as she unfurled a copy of the map that Paitan got as her gift from Reborn. This is one of the many spares that they created. "From here up until Enjutsu's capital, we're dealing mostly plains with some rivers crossing through. The rivers should be a useful source of water, however, they would also present challenges in bringing our supply wagons and siege engines. There are some villages on the way, but since we aren't aiming to charge into Enjutsu's territory, they're a non-concern for now."
"Make sure to not trample them, okay? We aren't here to ruin the lives of Enjutsu's people."
"Of course." Aisha smiled.
A flutter of the tent's opening and Hinari stepped in, "Aisha-san, you're here?"
"Hinari? What is it?"
"According to our scouts, the Enjutsu army is a couple of days away," Hinari told her. "The reports don't indicate any heavy machinery, and the army is mostly comprised of light infantry and archers. There are heavy infantry, but there is no cavalry."
"She doesn't have horses?"
"They're mostly to pull their supply wagons," Hinari replied.
"… If that's the case we can prepare a volley of arrows to meet them." Aisha frowned. "How many arrows do we have in stock?"
"I believe we have enough." Hinari nodded.
"Are the siege engines working?"
"Our soldiers are somewhat trained to build them if need be."
"Keep them disassembled for now." Aisha nodded. They don't need to deal with calibrating a siege engine in the middle of combat. It took Kazuto and Reborn to calibrate the ones back in Joshuu to hit precisely where they want them to hit. With neither present, and Hinari barely understanding the mechanics behind it, it's kind of pointless. In the end, siege engines should be used for sieges, not straight-up war.
"I agree." Hinari nodded. "So, is there anything we should do? With a couple of days between them and us, I think we'll be prepared to take them on."
"Hmm… let's move our base a bit more forward tomorrow." Aisha nodded.
"Understood." Hinari nodded.
"… Let's rest for the night then." Touka stood up. "If nothing else, we'll be better rested than Enjutsu's army."
The three sworn sisters nodded to each other, and all four left the tent, heading to their tent.
-()-
"Nice to see you in much more peaceful times, Sousou."
"Seems you're moving up in the world, Hongou. Taking care of the Emperor for all this time."
"If you say so."
"I suppose you have been taking care of the Emperor the entire time since the Anti-Toutaku Coalition, of course. This is hardly new for you." Sousou nodded the accusation light but clear.
"Well, you all left before I could introduce her, now didn't you?"
"And people say my relationship with you is weird, Hongou, but you can casually exchange greetings with the person you've been at war with mere months ago," Tou remarked.
"Sousou's a… good person, once you get past all the pride and the I-only-care-about-people-who-are-useful-to-me attitude." Kazuto shrugged.
"Hongou! Just because we're allied doesn't mean I'll let that slide!"
"Nice to see you too, Kakouton. Your exploits at Joshuu has started getting the rumor mills calling you by an epithet." Kazuto cheerfully told her.
"Really? Hah! What?"
"Blind Kakou."
"I'm not blind! I only lost one eye!"
Kazuto chuckled. He may have had a hand in spreading that particular epithet, or rather, it existed among the soldiers, and Kazuto may have propagated that throughout the land. It should be a fairly well-known epithet by this point. A little revenge for the events of the Sousou-Touken War.
Sousou sighed, "Must you antagonize my generals, Hongou?"
"Just telling the truth." Kazuto shrugged. "… So I assume you're expecting a reward for your alliance?"
"I wonder…" Sousou shrugged. "There are things that you could give me for it."
"Mmhmm… if you say so." Kazuto shrugged, "But you're the one who offered your aid; don't expect anything big."
"Of course." Sousou smiled. "At most, I expect a title and some accolades."
"We'll see about it. I'm not the Emperor, after all; I can't decide that sort of thing."
"Is that so?" Sousou raised an eyebrow. Kazuto shrugged. She likely believed that Paitan is a puppet, rather than a decision-maker herself. Fair enough. That's what she would've done, after all. Unfortunately, Kazuto can't really deny it either; Paitan usually left all the decision-making to him and Touka, and he had to coax her to do it herself. Honestly, it seemed as if her confidence in herself got shot due to the various misfortunes that she experienced through her brief time as a proper emperor. That or their general seniority to her. It's good that she is aware of her own immaturity, but that leaves her vulnerable to being manipulated by those who would claim they "know better".
"So, I assume you're going to let us pass?' Kazuto asked.
"You're going to lend aid to Keishuu, correct?" Sousou asked.
"Yup."
"Then I'll lend you some of my soldiers."
"That would be helpful."
"Nagi, Mao, Sawa!" Sousou called, and three girls separated from the pack behind her.
"Gakushin Bunken." A grey-haired, tanned girl, body covered with scars, with no visible weapon, introduced herself. Yue Jin Wenqian. Likely a martial artist, from what Kazuto can tell from her armor and clothing. It's honestly pretty interesting to meet a martial artist in this world of war. She's the most conservatively dressed of the three… which is saying a lot since she's not dressed heavily. She's also wearing a breastplate, metal gauntlets, and metal greaves, making her significantly more armored than any other general Kazuto has met… save Choukou.
"Ukin Bunsoku! Nice to meet you~" an orange-brown-haired, freckled, bespectacled girl introduced herself. Yu Jin Wenze. She carries two decorated sabers; a dual wielder. Interesting. Of the three, she's probably the… least covered one. A motif of hers seem to be pink skulls, and Kazuto can't help but compare said skulls to Sousou's silver. Sheesh, with the skull imagery of the Sousou Army, are they trying to be the bad guys? That or they're fans of Uncle Hayato. Still, she wears a short, short skirt, barely covering her pelvis, absolutely no protection on her midriff, and her breasts are covered by what is basically a two-inch ribbon of a bra, and her jacket does nothing to hide her assets. It succeeds more in covering her neck if anything.
Notably, the two of them are part of Gi's Five Elite Generals if Kazuto recalled correctly. The last one, however, was apparently not one though.
"Riten Mansei!" the violet-haired girl greeted him. Li Dian Mancheng. She carried a…
"Is that a [drill]?" Kazuto asked with a blink. "Is that a drill that you put at the end of a stick like a spear!?"
"Do-rii-ru? Is this what this thing is called?" The violet-haired girl asked pouting, "I've just been calling it the Rasensou (Drill Spear)."
"Nah, Drill Spear works fine," Kazuto replied, not in the mood to deal with it. What's with the schizo tech? Clothes that are far, far too modern to be natural, dyes of every single color, crops that should probably not exist in this era here in China, and now a Drill on a Stick.
"Hongou reacted the same to my Gotenhou (Great Heaven Cannon)." Gengan helpfully reminded him of the other schizo-tech weapon.
"So how is it working for you?" Kazuto asked. "I imagine it's probably doing as much as a normal spear." Kazuto conversationally said to Riten who shrugged. Now that he's looking, she's just as badly covered up as Ukin. Her midriff is just as open, and her bra, a triangle bra with black and yellow stripes, is the only thing covering her torso. Her skirt is basically two leather belts. Hanging on her neck are goggles… Yeah, Kazuto's not sorry about introducing flames to this world with all this schizo tech.
"I'm more interested in how you can fly, really. You can right? Shan told me about it."
"… And who would be this…?"
"… Fly." A silent girl walked over.
"Yo, Shan!" Sei greeted.
"Sei." She nodded.
"Milord, this is Jokou Koumei, one of my erstwhile travel companions when I left Enshou." Xu Huang Gongming. The last of Cao Wei's Five Elite Generals. So four of five are now currently members of Sousou's Army… the only one left is Choukou Shungai, who is currently in Kanhyoku's service. "Where's Fuu, Shan?" Jokou pointed behind her to a girl who appears to be snoozing while standing. "The same as ever. Still, both of you are members of the Sousou Army now, huh?" Jokou nodded in response. A silent type as well, like Ren.
"Well met, I suppose. You tried to slice me in half with an ax, last we met." Kazuto nodded. Jokou nodded slightly, a bit put out by the reminder. She likely really wanted to know about how he flies.
Sei blinked at that, "She did, now did she?"
"She was our night raider." Kazuto shrugged.
"Ah." Sei nodded, having heard of the story.
"… How to fly?" Shan tilted her head at him.
"Depends on how much you want to fly," Kazuto replied. "Anyway, now's not really the time for this, I think… We have a schedule to keep. I'll need to head off soon."
"Not going to take a rest?" Sousou asked.
"As long as there's still daylight, best not." Kazuto shrugged. "The sooner we're close enough to Keishuu" and the less time spent in Sousou's territory "the better."
"Is that so… Nagi," Gakushin nodded, "Mao", Riten saluted, "Sawa", Ukin nodded. "You three will escort this group to Keishuu."
"… can Shan come?" Jokou asked.
Sousou blinked at that request. As she processed it, she turned towards Kazuto, "… Hongou?"
"You're wondering if her presence during the war matters all that much? It's fine; working with people who tried to kill me before is hardly a new thing for me."
"Hah!?" Jun'iku balked, "What are you blabbering on about? Who would work with you after trying to kill you?"
"Ryofu." Kazuto pointed out. Ren, seemingly having an instinct for when her name is called, turned towards them, from where everyone else is. Kazuto shook his head towards her, and a small wave. Ren nodded. Ren, once upon a time, was an enemy who actively swung her halberd to cut his head off. He made friends with her the same night.
"… I swear, I cannot understand you one bit…" Jun'iku grumbled.
Sousou meanwhile just looked dubiously at him, "… Very well. If it's of no concern, then will you accommodate her? It's not often she asks for things from me."
"Sure." Kazuto shrugged. "She might be useful."
Sousou nodded. "Then Shanfuu will also be escorting you. I'll send a few soldiers with you as well. We'll give you some extra supplies for the trip."
"Thank you." Kazuto nodded. "Then we'll be heading off. Where will you be heading, Sousou?"
"Hmm… I'll be forming a blockade between Enjutsu and my territory. I presume that you'll give us the signal to charge soon?"
"I'll give a signal for an all-out charge after dealing with Sonsaku, but you are free to act according to your situation. If you see an opening, take it. If you believe to be in more danger than you can handle, retreat." Kazuto nodded. "You've prepared for the chance that Enshou would come to help her cousin?"
"Reiha is of no issue." Sousou dismissed the threat of the biggest army in the empire. "Good luck then; even with Ryofu, I doubt that will be an easy battle."
"Maybe not." Kazuto shrugged, "I'll leave Tou in your care then." Kazuto, Gengan, and Sei all nodded and walked back towards where the other members of the army are at. Gakushin, Riten, Ukin, and Jokou all followed after him, alongside the troops that Sousou kindly provided them.
"Master." Shuri greeted him upon arrival. "Did you finish?"
"Sousou's letting us pass. These four are our escorts for the trip. Gakushin, Ukin, Riten, and Jokou." Kazuto introduced each and every one of them. "Now then, let's pick up the pace."
-()-
When the army of Enjutsu arrived near the Joshuu border, it was only with trepidation as they see an army barricade of shields, horsemen, and spears. Spying the flags raised behind them, they could see an assortment of flags; of note are the two flags most prominent among the enemy troops: the Flag of Ryuubi and the Flag of the Kan Dynasty.
"… Ryuubi Army!" A general roared, "You are trespassing upon the territory of Emperor Enjutsu! Fall back, and fall in line!"
A girl, with rose-pink hair, appeared among the crowd as if parting it for a mere moment. Flanking her is a black-haired girl with a guandao and a little redhead girl with a pike. The rose-pink haired girl put a small funnel-like object to her lips and spoke: "… General of Enjutsu. If you surrender now, then no lives will need to be lost." The girl replied, "The Emperor of the Kan Dynasty, Kentei, lives on; Enjutsu's declaration as Emperor will be ignored as a child's folly if you give up here. However, if you do not, you will be met as rebels, and will suffer the consequences as such."
"Lass, I can hear your hesitation from all the way here! If you cannot fight a war, then you should go back home to your mother and cry!"
Alongside the General's mockery, Enjutsu's army roared in defiance.
Touka grimaced at the response, and she could only sigh. This isn't her strong suit. Ultimately, she can't really call Enjutsu's soldiers monsters, unjustified for their actions. They're just people, who are following the orders from up above. However… if she allows this army to trample over her, then how will she face those back home? How can she face her mother? How can she face Kazuto? If she doesn't get a grip here, Kentei will surely be killed in the onslaught. Steeling her resolve, she pulled out her sword from its sheath. "So be it. If you would throw my mercy away, then I'll bring forth the blade." She turned to her army, throwing away the makeshift megaphone; she has no need for it now. "My friends, my brave soldiers, my beloved family! Let the Heavens see our battle and judge us righteous!"
"For Ryuubi! For the Heavenly Messenger! For Kentei! For the Kan!" Aisha roared.
"For Ryuubi! For the Heavenly Messenger! For Kentei! For the Kan!" Rairai and Denden echoed, and soon the entire army was chanting.
""FOR RYUUBI! FOR THE HEAVENLY MESSENGER! FOR KENTEI! FOR THE KAN!"" The battlefield reverberated as the cheer was heard across the army, each soldier pitching in their voices, drowning out the jeering of the Enjutsu Army.
Touka nodded, turning back to the enemy, "Archers!" She pointed her blazing sword towards the Enjutsu Army.
"Archers, aim!" Rairai called.
"Aiming!" Denden replied.
""FIRE!"" The two simultaneously roared, and the first volley was shot.
Enjutsu's Army charged into the fray, as infantry with their shields up tried to block the arrows, however, not all were successful at this. Many soldiers died in the volley. Soon the volley ended. Enjutsu's Army sent forward their infantry to charge.
"Cavalry!" Aisha roared.
"You got it!" Bachou nodded, "Can you keep up, Kousonsan!"
"You need not ask, Bachou!"
"Then, Ruo! Sou! Follow me!"
""Alright, Sister!"" The two replied as they readied their horses, and the two flanks charged in.
"Infantry!" Aisha yelled, and Rinrin moved forward as well, her Viper Spear in hand.
"CHARGE! CRUSH! THEN VICTORY!" Rinrin roared, and they moved forward. A full assault, to show them the power of the Kan. To show them exactly what they had brought upon themselves.
Touka watched as every soldier moved past her. Soon enough, only the archers remained behind. A maid-like woman appeared next to her, with a small gourd filled with water, "Touka-sama, good work."
"Mmhmm." Touka nodded, as she took the gourd and took a sip, soothing her strained throat. She sighed as she rubbed her throat. How she missed Chiihou's mic. She doesn't need to strain her voice at all to be heard with it. Still, she needed to make do with what she got. "Thanks, Mifa."
"Information from Josho said that Master has passed by Sousou and is heading towards Keishuu now. He should arrive in a couple of days."
"Thank you." Touka nodded, as she watched the war unfold in front of her. Almost predictably, the only advantage the Enjutsu army had was numbers. With a majority of their army being conscripts, facing trained soldiers is a bit of a high bar to jump. A sort of policy that they took is to not force conscript new soldiers for this war. Recruiting new soldiers, fine, but forced conscription is… in their opinion, unnecessary for this; especially considering that they have allies. Still, that does mean that their numbers are a bit on the low end to deal with the enemy army. However, simply defending their position is hardly a difficult thing to do, seeing as they're, for the most part, better equipped than the enemy. Most of Joshuu's soldiers are infantry and they could afford to buy armor and shields for quite a sizable chunk of their soldiers. With Bachou's cavalry, barring unforeseen events such as an ambush from behind, they should be prepared to hold the line.
"… So this is war…"
"Paitan?" Touka blinked at the Emperor's appearance. Flanking her are Yue and Ei. All three were looking at the battle.
"… It's assuring to see that we're winning despite the numbers disadvantage." Ei remarked.
"Aim!" Rairai's voice interrupted them.
Denden called out after, "Fire!"
"… Are there archers in Enjutsu's Army?" Yue asked, concerned. "Couldn't they return fire?"
"According to reports, the majority of their trained soldiers are archers." Hinari walked over and nodded, "However, it seems that a lot of them aren't here… I'll have our scouts look into it."
"It's concerning, huh?" Ei frowned. "Wonder where Enjutsu's elites are? Aside from the loudmouth general."
"… Is that Aisha-san fighting that general?" Paitan spied the black-haired warrior fighting… and…
-()-
"For the Chuu Dynasty!"
"For mocking Touka-sama, your death will be swift, cur!"
"Why don't you go play with your-"
Aisha's blade burned red, and it swung through her enemy's spear, his armor, then his body.
"GAAAAAHHH!"
"… Your mouth will sully Touka-sama's honor no further." Aisha scoffed, turning to the other soldiers. "If any of you are brave enough to face me, come and meet your deaths!"
The soldiers looked hesitant at that, as the General's body burned away to nothing, not leaving even his bones.
"If you will not come, then I shall do so! I am Kan Unchou! The Storm Guardian of Sawada Hongou and Ryuu Gentoku! You who chose to fight for the army of a false Emperor, either run away and be cut down or face me and be cut down!"
-()-
"Aisha-chan's angry." Touka winced at the sight. The cavalry was pretty much mowing through enemy lines, as Bachou and her sisters' spears swung. Pairen was also following suit. Rinrin's form is clear, although there's no sign of Yellow Flame. However, considering the wide berth the enemy is affording her, to account for the length of her Viper Spear. None could even approach them without getting cut down. Rouan is also doing a great job leading the infantry.
"Seeing as the General's been defeated, the enemy is in a panic. Likely they'll retreat and regroup elsewhere." Ei pointed out, and there were many calls to retreat.
"… Then advance the army. The closer we can get to Enjutsu, the sooner we can end this war." Touka decided.
"Mmhmm… Very well." Hinari nodded. "But I'm still worried about the lack of elite soldiers here. Then there's also the lack of Enjutsu's subordinate lords. I'll advance the army, but we must remain cautious."
"That's fine."
"Do as you will, Hinari." Paitan nodded. "… So… this is war…" Many bodies were scattered across the battlefield, as Enjutsu forces regrouped back. Ryuubi Army soldiers were checking each body that they come across so that there isn't any chance of a backstab. "It's… not…"
"It doesn't look as honorable or noble as the stories would have you believe." Touka sadly smiled. "No matter what someone says, this is the wanton loss of life… that I can never abide by." She said this, but it seemed that she was mostly saying it to herself. "A world of peace, a world where no one has to die, has to suffer, due to the selfishness of others." The dream that she held in her heart. "Let's keep going."
Right now, ensuring the stability of the Imperial Kan is probably the best way she can reach that dream. If Chuu is allowed to continue existing, it would show too much of a weakness, destabilizing the fragile balance that is currently being upheld. That's why they can't let this Kingdom of Chuu remain as is.
-()-
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but borrowing my shoes won't help you learn to fly." Kazuto wryly smiled as Jokou disappointedly looked at the one boot she's holding. "Also, I didn't lend you my shoes for you to dismantle it, Riten-san. Please put away the pliers." Riten pouted, as she put it away.
"But, I wanted to see what makes it work!"
"It's shoes that have a place for fire to burst from its soles. It's made of a material that channels my flames. I fail to see why that's so difficult to understand."
"How does your sorcery work in the first place?"
"Family secret. You are not family; therefore you may not know the secret."
"I'm friends with Chiihou?"
"Then needle the answer out of Chiihou." Kazuto rolled his eyes. "She knows how my flames work."
"Then I'll tell her you told me to do it! Thanks~"
"Good luck with that," Kazuto replied with a shrug.
"I'll have the secret to spontaneous combustion, just you wait!" Riten declared as she returned to examining the boot.
Gakushin looked at him, "… You did something didn't you?"
"Eh, she's free to reveal what she knows; it's just a matter of if she's willing to do it." Kazuto shrugged. "I literally have no ability to stop her from doing it." What he's not mentioning is the fact that, as long as Chiihou is loyal to them, Chiihou will probably never reveal that secret. Not without written notification from Kazuto.
"… I see." Gakushin nodded.
"Niichan!" Batai called as she arrived with two bowls of food. "Here~"
"Thanks, Batai." Kazuto smiled, as he took the bowl and started eating the soup that was served to him.
"We're back!" Sei laughed, as Shuri, Ren, and Nenene trailed behind her, all carrying their own bowls.
"Mmhmm. Where's Kouchuu and the others?" Kazuto asked, noticing the lack of the Keishuu group this time around.
"I think Kouchuu and Gengan are off to their own thing." Batai shrugged, "As for the idiot, she was dragged along with Gengan."
"I see…" Kazuto chuckled a bit.
"Hey? You mind if you call me Tanpopo instead?" Batai asked.
"That's fine I suppose." Kazuto nodded. "Very well, Tanpopo."
"Thanks, Kazuto-niichan!"
Shuri looked a bit perplexed but seeing as Kazuto is not flinching from Tanpopo's closeness… "Batai-san… please at least remember that you're still part of the Seiryou Army."
"I remember, of course! But our time at Joshuu was so fun, that I feel as if I'm right at home even though we're lis away from home."
"Ehh?" Ukin spoke up, "You've been staying at Joshuu, Batai-san?"
"Hmm?" Batai tilted her head at the new voice before nodding, "Yeah! Since the start of spring, actually."
"Same with us, of course."
"Ah, Kouchuu-san, Gengan-san, Gien-san. It's nice to see you." Shuri greeted them, "I thought you were going to be eating on your own?"
"Eh, seemed more fun to stick by your group." Gengan chuckled, "Hope you don't mind I brought this one!"
"Hongou, I want a duel!" Gien declared again.
"No." Kazuto shot her down. "This is not the time or the place. Find a better venue!"
"I need to see your worth as a man for Ryuubi-sama! And by the time this campaign ends, I won't have an opportunity again."
"… I think you should indulge her, just this once." Tanpopo sighed. "Dealing with her is starting to get annoying."
"… And I just ate too…" Kazuto grumbled as he picked up his wooden sword.
"Finally!" Gien grinned, as she pulled out her spiked steel club.
"… Gofuu Juuu."
Gien blinked and suddenly. "Huh, where'd he go!? Coward, show yourse-"
"Behind you, you idiot." Tanpopo laughed. Gien whipped around only for…
"Shinotsuku Ame." Kazuto's declaration is followed by two slashes crossing each other hitting Gien's unprotected back, sending her flying over the campfire and into the dirt behind Gakushin, who, credit where credit's due, didn't even flinch at the sight of a woman with a big steel club flying above her. "Huh… wow, didn't think I've gotten strong enough to do that." Kazuto blinked as he set down his still wooden sword.
Gien pulled herself out of the ground and glared at him, "Such a cowardly trick! Fight me fairly!"
Cowardly? Is that her excuse for losing a proper fight? "I'm not facing a person casually carrying a big steel bat head-on. What do you think I am, suicidal?" Kazuto dryly said.
"Yeah, only idiots or people who are actually strong would do that," Tanpopo added cheekily.
"You too! You should fight me fairly as well!" Gien rounded on Tanpopo.
"Didn't Niichan just say it? It's stupid to fight someone like you head-on!"
"… Tell you what. I'll fight you head-on tonight." Kazuto said but, before Gien could react, he raised a finger. "IF! You could last a minute against Ren."
"…?" Ren tilted her head at the sudden mention, as she put away her bowl, her speed at eating blasting past everyone.
"Then, Ryofu! A duel!" Gien pointed her weapon at Ren, only for it to be sent flying in an instant, as Ren's Houtengageki whipped up from her side.
"… Oh no. That was less than a minute. How sad." Kazuto dryly said.
"Guess that means you won't be fighting Kazuto-niichan tonight." Tanpopo laughed.
"… Th-th-th-…"
"Here's your reward, Ren." Kazuto passed the rest of his meal to the silent redhead, who took it gratefully and began scarfing it down.
"You know… we're going into war, right?" Gakushin hesitantly said. "Why are you all so relaxed?"
"That's just how it is." Shuri shrugged helplessly.
"We know that war is just around the corner, of course," Sei shrugged, "But if you're too stressed out, you'll wind up not being able to do anything when the time comes."
"It is important to relax when the time calls for it." Kouchuu nodded. "As long as you don't grow too lax that you become sloppy. Relax in moderation."
"Exactly!" Gengan laughed, clearly already drunk. No, she's pretty much been drunk since they've camped.
"This one, however, is the exact opposite of in moderation," Kouchuu said, without skipping a beat. Gengan merely laughed more as a response.
"See, Nagi? Just relax~" Riten laughed, as she passed the shoe she was examining to Jokou who immediately put it on her other leg. She quickly tried jumping up and down… to no success.
"… Yeah… sorry, Jokou." Kazuto winced at the sight. "It takes a lot of training to light a ring on your hand. Even more so something at the sole of your feet." Jokou looked at him teary-eyed. "Hands tied. Even if you turn those eyes on me, there's very little I can do."
"Don't worry, Shan~" Riten turned to her, "I'll recreate the shoes for you! Just you wait!"
"Just so we're clear, if the shoe is too heavy, you'll never achieve take off," Kazuto told her.
"I'll do the impossible if I have to!" Riten replied.
Gakushin winced. "I'll see that she doesn't go too far."
"Yeah, wouldn't want to have Jokou's feet blow up." Kazuto nodded.
Jokou looked alarmed at that and looked at Riten shaking her head quickly. "… Need feet to fly." Likely, she now believes that flying requires his shoes… An inaccurate impression, but if it keeps her from trying to fly without special equipment, he'll just be happy about it.
"I'm not going to blow your feet up, don't worry~!"
"That is not the tone of someone who's assuring them that they definitely will not do something." Kazuto pointed out, "That's the tone of someone who, while not planning on doing it, will not care if it happens accidentally." Like Aster. Or his father, Uncle Byakuran. On some level, Aster's just a Byakuran that people can push around a lot.
"How rude! I make my contraptions with the utmost care!" Riten huffed.
"… And the users?" Kazuto pointed out the hole in Riten's argument.
"They're fine!" Riten insisted.
"… And why don't I believe that?" Kazuto asked with an amused smile, as he saw that Riten's two friends were not jumping to her defense.
"Say something, you two!" Riten pleaded.
Gakushin gave a dull look towards her, "… The number of times I've been caught up in your antics is more than enough proof for me that you can't be trusted with anyone's safety, Mao."
Sawa fake-sobbed into her arm, "I don't want to be the test dummy anymore~"
"Guh." Seems her two foremost test subjects have given their thoughts on the matter. Riten is on her own here. "You two are mean! How are we friends!?"
"Stop blowing things up in our room!" Ukin rebuked, "My clothes get dirty!"
"Stop testing your toys on us too!" Gakushin answered.
The three wound up in a squabble of raised voices, but since no fists or weapons were being raised, Kazuto decided that it's not worth interfering in.
"Shuri." Kazuto turned to the girl, who was silently looking at the proceedings, a bit unsure how to interject. Ren and Nenene seem perfectly fine not to contribute as Nenene catered to Ren's needs. Kouchuu largely seems content with just warmly watching the proceedings like a mother watching the antics of her children. Sei's drinking it up with Gengan, while Batai's still teasing the fallen Gien. He should probably break that last one up soon, but… priorities.
"Yes, Master?' Shuri asked.
"We'll be reaching the Keishuu battlefield soon, right?"
"By noon, we should have met with Keishuu, yes," Shuri confirmed.
"Kouchuu?"
The woman turned to him and nodded, "We have entered Keishuu proper." Kouchuu nodded. "If the battlefield reported is correct then; at our pace, we should reach there quickly enough."
"Then, now that we're done eating, let's go to sleep." Kazuto smiled, tapping the box on his side, pulling the flame boots back into his box, much to the disappointment of Jokou. "Sei, Gengan, don't stay too long awake. I sort of need you at your best tomorrow. Kouchuu, can you make sure they don't get too plastered?"
"""Understood, Milord/Master~"""
"Ignoring Gengan, are you drunk as well, Kouchuu?" Kazuto dryly noted, "I'm not your Master, Kouchuu, Gengan." The two laughed in response. Kazuto sighed, choosing to ignore all of them at this point, standing up.
Ren followed suit, "… Turn."
"… I'm coming so that you don't do anything to Ren-dono!"
"Yes, yes, let's go already, I'm already sleepy."
-()-
"…" Sonshoukou looked at her opponent with a frown.
"…" Riri politely nodded.
"…" Sonshoukou continued looking before finally saying: "Do you have any threes?"
"Go fish."
"Gah!"
"It was nice of Denden to lend us her gift, but be careful not to rip them or ruin them, alright?" Josho told the two, looking up from the stacks of reports she was filing through.
""Haaaiii.""
"My turn?"
"Not yet, Kuutan-sama." Josho patiently told her. "I believe it's Shuutai-san's turn."
"… Shao-sama… do you have any threes?"
"Traitor!" Sonshoukou pouted, as she held out the card. Shuutai apologized profusely as she took the card.
-()-
Sonsaku grimaced. "Seems Kouso is much more difficult than expected."
"You think?" Shuuyu scowled. "She would've taken you out the first day if you didn't get lucky with that sword swing!"
"Still, we managed to close the gap!" Taishiji pointed out. "One last push and we'll be in that fort and BAM! We win!"
"Unfortunately, we'll have to move quickly; our sources say that Hongou has arrived." Shuuyu pointed out. "They'll be here soon enough."
"They couldn't take a longer route?" Taishiji sighed. "Does that mean we have to stop?"
"No." Sonsaku scoffed. "If a single push is all we need, then we'll take it."
"And if we get surrounded?" Shuuyu asked. "What will you do then?"
"I'll leave that to you, of course!"
"Of course." Shuuyu sighed, as she picked up her whip. "Then, let's finish this."
"Now you're talking, Meirin!" Sonsaku grinned, as she pulled her sword out from its sheath. "Let's go, Rian!"
Taishiji nodded, as she readied her trident. "Let's go wild!"
"My, my, the younger generation is growing more and more reckless…" Kougai sighed to their side. "Well then, let's go!" Kougai laughed as she pulled her bow.
"Very well." Teifu said, as she drew her own weapon, a big spear… whose end is more like a club. A clubbing spear.
"Let's go!" Sonsaku laughed.
"Yeeeeah, I don't know about that."
A male voice interfered with their cheer, and they all looked up to see Hongou Kazuto standing above them with his sword out.
"Sonsaku Army, you are fighting the army of the Emperor (Son of Heaven). Fall back now or be considered conspirators for Enjutsu." Kazuto told them.
"Ah, did you have to hurry all the way here, Hongou?" Sonsaku sighed, as she stilled everyone's weapons. "We were just about to take the head of the one who killed Mother."
Kazuto blinked at that, "… Kouso did that…?" Kazuto turned to the fort behind him.
"Oh? Not going to call us out for attacking for vengeance? I thought that was the reason you defended Touken?"
"… Yeeeah, I'm just going to go to Kouso and confirm her side of the story before I deal with your mess." Kazuto grumbled. Kazuto took flight and started flying towards the direction of the fort.
"… Well, Sheren?" Shuuyu asked.
"I have a clear shot?" Kougai offered.
"You won't hit him." Sonsaku shook her head, "Renfa's told me enough to know that much. Let's just charge in before he turns around and changes his mind."
-()-
"You really did do it? You killed Sonken Bundai, Kouso?" Kazuto dryly asked.
"What will you do about it, Hongou?" Kouso scoffed as she looked at the charging army.
"I just want a straight answer, Kouso. Did you, or did you not kill Son Bundai?" Kazuto replied dryly. "If you did not, I will do all I can to prevent Sonsaku from charging here before my army arrives."
"And if I did?" Kouso asked.
"I'd ask why you did it."
"Hmm… Then I'll give you a simple answer; I did." Kouso smirked, "I killed Sonken Bundai. I've had a grudge against her since the beginning, so when I was informed of a chance to kill her, I took it."
"… Is that so?" Kazuto sighed. "But if you are seriously going with that story; do you have a plan?"
"What?" Kouso asked.
"I'm not about to let an innocent get caught in the crossfire."
"You need not worry about me, foolish Heavenly Messenger; I'm prepared to take on the daughter of that fool." Kouso scoffed. "Go on and fly back to your army. Next time we meet, it'll be a long time to come."
"… Give my regards to the white-clothed assholes, then." If Kouso truly received a tip-off on a good time to take Sonken on, considering the timing of everything… it's a safe guess to think that it was them. There is no other group that Kazuto knew that loved working in the shadows yet be so condescendingly overt about it as they have in this world.
"Hah! Seems that Heaven's Messengers are capable after all if you saw through me so easily!" Kouso scoffed, "Go on, leave!" So, his guess was on the money then. Greeat…
Kazuto nodded, before, jumping off the platform, and speeding away to the north.
Kouso sighed before turning to the Son Army pressing ever forward. She then smirked, pulling her bow, "Still. Don't believe I'll make it easy for you, Sonsaku! I've no sympathy for the children of a fool! Come to take my head? Don't be too surprised if you lose yours instead!" She laughed like a villain, about to face a hero straight on.
-()-
"Retreat, retreat!"
Near the border of Enjutsu's territory and Sousou's, the elite army of Sousou entered with barely any resistance. And by barely…
"GAAAH!"
"Enemies of Sousou, beware my blade! For I am Kakou Genjou, the Great Sword of Sousou!"
"It's Blind Kakou!" One soldier exclaimed, "Leave before she gouges out our eyes and eats them too!"
"Why would I want any of your eyes?" Kakou exclaimed, "And! I'M! NOT! BLIND!"
"Seems that Hongou's information is correct." Kakouen laughed a bit, "That epithet truly is spreading…"
"Yes." Sousou chuckled, as she casually walked alongside the archer. "Still, for a supposed Emperor, this is such a piss-poor defense. You'd think she would have shored up as many defenses as she could before declaring herself one." Sousou watched as the plains before her clear out.
"If we charge now, won't we get ahead of everyone and reach Enjutsu's Capital?" Chouryou asked. "We could win this war without their help!"
"A tempting thought, but remember what our army composition is: we're brought mostly the career soldiers and no conscripts. We've traded away numbers. Any loss we take is a loss of a life that was trained to be an elite. No. No matter what we gain from this war, if our army is devastated to the point where we become weak and helpless, then there is no point in our participation. We'll just wind up being fools who can be defeated easily by Reiha. At this point in time, think of this as an extension of the Anti-Toutaku Coalition: We joined this war, not for some patriotic loyalty, but to gain the honor of being able to claim to have worked for the Emperor."
"Why is it so necessary for us to work with the emperor?" Chouryou asked, "We all know that your eventual goal is to be the emperor."
"You'll see," Sousou smirked. "But, for now, we'll work with Joshuu and follow their lead. Who knows? Maybe they'll be the fools who moved their army too far forward and winds up devastated to the point that it is unsafe for the Emperor to stay with them. And then?"
"We can appeal to the Emperor that we can protect her far better than they could." Kakouen nodded. "We can take Kentei and place her under our protection." And control.
"That is all just a wishful fantasy, of course." Sousou scoffed. "Say what you will about the soldiers of Ryuubi and Hongou; their officers are all high-quality, leagues above the riffraff that surround all other lords. And the loyalty each holds is a tough nut to break." Sousou then simply smirked, "But! All that means is that it is all the sweeter once I claim them for myself, as I climb my way to the top. Now, let's go on, and take back the country."
-()-
"The Sonsaku Army has successfully occupied the fort."
"Thank you," Shuri said, as she accepted the report from the scout. "… We're too late."
"Sonsaku really moved quick," Kazuto grumbled. "That was like two to three hours ago, and she managed to take an entire fort down."
"Still… what does that mean for us?" Kouchuu asked. "… Is Kouso safe?"
"That one is like a cockroach." Gengan dismissed, "Likely she got out before the fort fell."
"She should've known that we're coming though!" Shuri pointed out. "If she retreated, she could have retreated towards our location instead!"
"Maybe she retreated all the way to Ryuuhyou?" Tanpopo offered an alternative.
Kazuto silently contemplated what Tanpopo said. His last conversation with Kouso confirmed it for him. Whoever had Kouso aim to kill Sonken, was the same group who have been manipulating the events. How far is their reach? Who are these white-clothed group, and what are they trying to accomplish here? Kouso, who clearly hated the idea of being manipulated more than she hates Sonken (and Kazuto can feel the vitriol in Kouso whenever she has to refer to Sonken and her family), she's giving up her status to try and hunt them down… likely with the help of Sonken Bundai herself. Kouso is a capable liar, but he managed to get that much out of her… still…
"Kazuto-sama?" Shuri nudged him.
"Ah, sorry. Got distracted." Kazuto shook his head. "At the very least, if the fort's fallen, send a messenger to Ryuuhyou for reinforcements."
"I suppose one of us will have to go." Kouchuu frowned.
"Hah, the kid can handle it! Go Gien!"
"Wait, what? Why me? I'm not even a respected general like you two! I'm just another soldier!"
"Quit your bellyaching and move it, kid." Gengan scoffed.
Gien grimaced before nodding. She took a horse and started moving.
"… Seeing as you sent her and not yourselves, the ones that Ryuuhyou's likely to listen to… I'm guessing I know the answer already?" Kazuto asked.
"Ryuuhyou is, quite frankly, a coward." Gengan scoffed. "Now that Kouso apparently has fallen, he'll shore up his defenses, and not go on the offense."
"Great… A siege battle with troops less than the enemies. That's definitely going to go poorly." Kazuto grumbled, "Then I'll recap who is in Sonsaku's camp for now, cause we're likely going to end up fighting them."
"Got it."
"Sonsaku, Shuuyu, and a warrior wielding a trident. She looks like she's the same age, and also from the same general area. The three seemed close, for what it's worth."
"That must be Taishiji Shigi," Kouchuu remarked. "An impressive general whose lord recently lost to Sonsaku."
Kazuto nodded, a bit amused. Seems that they're not the only ones who make a habit of befriending enemies to become allies. "Then there's Sonken Bundai's generals that we saw during our time in the coalition. Kougai Koufuku and Teifu Tokubou. No sign of Choushou Shifu, however, from what I know, she's more a civil official than a military one. Still, those two are veterans, people you can't underestimate."
"Yep. 'Veterans' is the right word for them. Been Sonken Bundai's arms in the military for years. Around the same age as us, really." Gengan nodded. "Seems that, even though their master died, they're still kicking around, taking names."
"Other than that, no one else of note. Or at least, if they were there then they weren't in my view. Sonken Chuubou and Kannei Kouha were nowhere to be found, for instance."
"… Our lineup, however…" From Joshuu: Kazuto, Sei, Ren, Shuri. From Seiryou: Batai. From Enshuu: Gakushin, Riten, Ukin, and Jokou. From Keishuu: Kouchuu and Gengan. A soldier force that's traveling light for the most part, and has no siege engines, attempting a siege. "It's not as if we're helpless, but our number of soldiers is clearly far too few to mount a proper siege to this fort."
"Then, what do we do?" Kouchuu asked.
Honestly, Kazuto doesn't know. Maybe if he gave it some more thought but… "… Shuri."
"Mmhmm… then, let's go with this…" Shuri nodded and laid out her plan.
-()-
Chapter End
-()-
Chapter Release Date: January 22, 2021
-()-
Beta Reader: Seraphius
See you next week~