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: Unfaithful Allies
-()-
"…"
"…"
The meeting room in the fort near the edge of Keishuu is suffocating. Not many of them can relax, as they look down the planning table, where Shuri laid out a map of the country. Still…
"So let's exchange information for now, and get this over with." Kazuto sighed.
"Let's start from the beginning and work our way from there." Kouchuu nodded, a bit displeased by this turn of events.
"Alright." Kazuto nodded. "When Enjutsu started making plans, our group sent out alliance requests for three others: Batou's Seiryou" Tanpopo raised her hand up in response, "Kanhyoku's Kishuu and Ryuuhyou's Keishuu." Here he nodded to Kouchuu and Gengan. "We did not contact the Son Family for this alliance; they're too much of a wild card for us to consider it."
"But allied you are." Kouchuu nodded. "I presume this has to do with Sonshoukou's arrival in Joshuu?"
"If we're starting from the beginning, I say let Sonsaku speak for herself here?" Kazuto turned to the brightly smiling pink-haired woman.
"Very well!" Sonsaku didn't seem to mind the redirect as she began speaking, "As Hongou knows, we acquired the Imperial Seal during the Coalition against Toutaku."
"Before anyone asks, we were not going to fight the Son Family over something as trivial as a carved piece of jade." Kazuto shook his head, "So we decided against bringing it up. Paitan was not in our group at the time. She joined us after the Son Army has left the capital."
"On our way home, we were ambushed by Kouso and her men." Sonsaku nodded, continuing from her story. "My mother was killed in action during that event."
"… Yeah, let's go with that." Kazuto nodded.
"… Do you know something, Hongou?" Shuuyu sharply asked.
"I can only guess. However, Kouso did not act like a person who killed her greatest nemesis when we talked about it. If anything she was rather frustrated when it was brought up."
"I can concur there." Kouchuu nodded. How Kouso acted contradicted her own words.
"I'll third it, for what it's worth." Gengan nodded. "But, if Sonken Bundai remains alive, then why would she not return to the Son Territory? That doesn't make sense."
"As I said, I can only guess." Kazuto shook his head, "Maybe Sonken Bundai truly died that day, but Kouso did not like the way she killed her. In the end, it might just be that I find it hard to believe that Sonken actually died from something like an ambush at the time she should be most wary of one." He'll keep his guess of the white clothes' involvement out for now. It's not worth bringing up conspiracy theories.
"It might be hard to believe, but it's the truth." Sonsaku frowned.
"Did you find a body?" Kazuto sharply asked, and with the widening eyes of everyone. "Yeah, I figured."
"She fell off the boat and into the river. The search proved fruitless." Kougai said although the uncertainty in her eyes was telling to Kazuto. There is hope there. That Sonken Bundai is alive.
"I was not there when it happened, so you'll have to forgive me for having a bit more faith in Sonken's survival than you do." Kazuto just couldn't fathom her death. "Unless, of course, if you can show me either a body or testify to me distinctly that you saw her body, that's probably the only way I'll completely believe it." Kazuto sighed. "Without a body, I'd categorize Sonken Bundai as Missing in Action, rather than Killed In Action."
"She was struck by an arrow in her chest!" Teifu argued.
Kazuto sighed, "We aren't here to talk about Sonken Bundai's status. Move on, now."
"… You started it." Shuuyu grumbled.
"You prodded me for it."
"… You've given me much to think about, but for now, I'll assume my mother died." Sonsaku said, her body a well of both positive and negative emotions from that conversation.
"Feel free to do so."
"After a fruitless search, we returned to our territory. Enjutsu then sent us a message, demanding that we begin taking the territories near her."
"You're talking about the now-legendary conquests of the Little Conqueror." Kazuto nodded.
"Is that my epithet now? I may have to get it revised to remove the 'Little' part." Sonsaku smirked. "Anyway, that would be where I met Rian here." Taishiji waved a bit at the mention. "After our success, we decided that enough is enough, and returned home, and gave the Imperial Seal to Enjutsu."
"And so, Enjutsu started plans to declare herself the Emperor of the Chuu Dynasty." Kazuto nodded.
"After Spring started, we began our own personal campaign to take territory for ourselves," Sonsaku smirked. "That was when Enjutsu sent me a message to witness her coronation as Emperor of the Chuu Dynasty. That was when I got the brilliant idea of sending Shao to Joshuu with a letter of alliance against Enjutsu."
"Which was really surprising to us, since we were preparing for whatever Enjutsu was planning as well at the time. Kouchuu-san and Bachou-san were already in the city at the time."
"At the time, we didn't even know of the Emperor's presence in Joshuu, but Joshuu has been diligently providing us quite a bit of information about our enemies, so our pseudo-alliance of information exchange was clearly still being honored. We trusted that Hongou's group would accommodate us." Sonsaku triumphantly nodded.
"If you were our ally from the beginning, why attack Keishuu?" Kouchuu frowned.
"To keep us from being in the frontlines with Joshuu, of course." Sonsaku chuckled. "By attacking Keishuu, we'll be opposite Joshuu. And by attacking as soon as possible, Enjutsu loses any chance to gather forces and troops after her declaration as Emperor. And we avoided causing heavy casualties if you hadn't noticed."
"Probably the only reason there was enough time for us to hear of the news and march here, all told." Kazuto shrugged.
"… And Kouso?" Kouchuu frowned.
Sonsaku shrugged, "Needed a good excuse to hound Keishuu."
Kazuto, all this time, so badly wanted to ask: how much of that is an excuse, and how much of that is her genuine reason? But that's just creating a needless schism among allies, no matter how nominal one is. Let her weave her web of lies for now. "So!" he interjected, "Sonsaku attacked Keishuu." Kazuto sighed, "Which really, really annoyed all of us back home. Touka, Paitan, and I were the only ones who knew about your message and we really, really didn't like that you went out of your way to attack an ally after you chose to ally with us. It's just a bad look, overall."
"Normally, people would decide to call them traitors at that point." Gengan pointed out.
"We were not willing to brand them that at that point. That's just making enemies without confirmation. For all we knew, it was just Enjutsu wising up to Sonsaku's plot and spreading rumors to break our alliance." Kazuto admitted. "Which is why we led an army through Sousou Territory to get here." Kazuto pointed out. "If Sonsaku truly betrayed us, then I have the role of destroying this declaration." He tapped the scroll.
"Thank you for waiting then~"
"Shut up, Miss My-Thirst-For-Blood-Hasn't-Been-Sated-Yet-So-I-Want-To-Pick-a Fight-With-The-Closest-Army." Kazuto let out his ire for a bit. Most everyone looked surprised at this. It seems Sonsaku has tweaked him quite a bit. The Son Army Officials winced a bit.
Except for Sonsaku, who merely chuckled, "An accurate assessment of how I was yesterday, indeed," Sonsaku smirked. "Although, I didn't get to kill anyone last night either…" Ren's group moved too quickly that Sonsaku was barely on their tails when they showed up that night.
"Aside from Kouso's soldiers?" Kazuto rolled his eyes. "Still, so now that you know the circumstances, any questions, Kouchuu, Gengan?"
"Hmm… If we didn't stay in Joshuu for months and know what kind of person you are, we might've been a bit cross about this." Kouchuu sighed before shrugging, "Considering how you were treating Sonshoukou, we could infer that you were somewhat allied with Sonsaku. Nonetheless, If Kouso died, we might be a bit angrier, but she got away anyway so I'm not too worried. Ryuuhyou-sama, however… is a different story."
"Eh, let him stew in it." Gengan scoffed, "He chose not to pop up at the Anti-Toutaku Coalition, and the only reason why he let us be delegates in the first place is that Enjutsu is his neighbor and, if Sousou and Ryuubi were to align to fight the common enemy, he'd be Enjutsu's only viable target."
"That's… something we didn't know." Kazuto blinked.
"Kikyou, that was too much info." Kouchuu sighed.
"I like the boy more than that coward." Gengan shrugged.
"… Can't say I disagree." Kouchuu sighed.
"So how did she do it, huh?" Gengan asked, taking a gulp. "Getting away from you?"
"We still don't know." Shuuyu sighed, "We had this fort surrounded. We've found no passageways either. If Hongou did not carry her away…"
"And I didn't."
"and he didn't," Shuuyu agreed, "then the path is a mystery."
Kazuto blinked at them before sighing and standing up. He then used his wooden sword to lever up a tile of the flooring he was sitting on, revealing a tunnel. "… Can't beat the classics."
The Son Army Officials blinked at the sight of that…
"How did we not see…" Shuuyu blinked. They turned this place practically upside-down!
"Likely because no one expects the passageway to be in the heart of the fort, I'd wager?"
"… Y-yes… I suppose so." Shuuyu coughed.
"Hey, Hongou, can I…" Sonsaku began.
"You're officially an ally now. There will be no more murder of Keishuu Generals for you. Direct your bloodlust east now."
Sonsaku pouted at being denied. "Fine."
"Besides, judging by the staleness of the air, I think Kouso caved this thing in after she went through." Kazuto shrugged, putting back the tile so that he can sit on it again.
"Fair enough." Sonsaku nodded. "So, what's our plan?"
"Where's the Keishuu Army, Gien?" Kazuto asked the tomboy. "You arrived pretty quickly."
Gien blushed a bit, awkwardly scratching her head. "Uhh… that…" Gien stifled a yawn. "Ah, sorry, I'm still a bit…"
"She did spend an entire night chasing down that Son Army girl." Gengan smirked, "Good job, by the way."
"Uuuuu…" Roshuku Shikei glared at the sleepy girl. "If she wasn't there, I could've…"
"You should've disembarked on the south side." Shuuyu frowned. "If the enemy army hasn't crossed yet, you would be able to cut down the bridge. If the enemy army has crossed, you'd be on the right side to pursue. Your inexperience was a detriment to us."
"How was I supposed to know they'd build a dam!?" Roshuku complained.
"… Speaking of…" Shuuyu turned to Shokatsuryou, then to Kazuto. "Why is your primary strategist here, Hongou? Are you that confident you can beat Enjutsu without her being present?"
"Good thing we have two serving as primary strategists, huh?" Kazuto smirked.
"Considering how difficult it is to recruit talented generals, you managed to recruit a strategist that is on par with Shokatsuryou?" Shuuyu blinked.
Kazuto merely smiled back in response.
"That's, umm… Hawawa…" Shuri mumbled, unused to praise from an outsider. Or an ally either; she may be more outgoing than Hinari but she's still an introvert.
"… Seeing as Shokatsuryou is not denying it… I suppose I can assume it's the truth. I'll keep that in mind next time." Shuuyu sighed, turning to Shokatsuryou, "If I knew you'd be present, I'd have come up with more elaborate strategies. Next time, I will not make the same mistake."
"… Next time, we won't be randomly approaching your group with a minimum amount of soldiers, expecting an alliance." Shuri replied with a frown.
"Maybe not." Shuuyu bowed to the girl. "Nonetheless, this was my loss, and I will make sure that it will be my last."
"…" Shuri silently nodded.
Kazuto turned to Gien, "Gien, answer the question? Where's the Keishuu Army?"
"… I… uh… didn't go to Keishuu capital." Gien winced.
"… Even though that was our explicit order?" Kazuto asked dryly.
"I found a naval fort nearby! They had boats and… so, I just… told them that this base needs help?"
"I'm surprised they lent you their boats at all." Kouchuu blinked.
"… I also found Shion-dono and Kikyou-dono's troops on the way?"
"Gien, give us a straight answer." Kazuto glared.
"Okay, okay!" Gien sighed, "So on my way, I found the Kouchuu and Gengan Platoons headed here! I told them the situation and they told me that there's a bunch of naval ships nearby that we could borrow. We went to the fort. We tried convincing the guards to come help, but we had to concede to just the boats! Then we traveled here! That's all, I swear!"
"… Better. Gien, you may have not followed orders, but you still did well," Kazuto sighed, "I'm guessing our runner managed to make it there quickly enough." Kazuto nodded.
"So wait! Doesn't that mean sending me was unnecessary?"
"No, Gien. We sent you to ask for reinforcements. Our runner was sent to inform Ryuuhyou of our arrival. Those are two different tasks." Kazuto told her.
"R-right…"
"So the 'Keishuu Army' that is currently manning the ships are Kouchuu and Gengan's platoons?"
"Y-yes…"
"Kouchuu, what's the status of Kouso's soldiers?"
"A bit angry at the Son Army," which is understandable, "so we're keeping them stationed here." Kouchuu winced. "They understand the circumstances, but…"
"I'd feel angry too." Kazuto sighed. "If only a certain lord wasn't so war-hungry."
"Sue me." Sonsaku scoffed.
""Gladly."" Kazuto and Kouchuu replied at the same time. Kouchuu blinked at Kazuto for this little echo. She wasn't too sure if she should laugh.
Kazuto then turned away from Sonsaku, "Shuri, have you come up with a plan?"
"To be honest, with the current set-up, the only thing we need to be wary about is Enjutsu's escape." Shuri frowned. "With the Sonsaku Elite and Navy, the Keishuu Navy Boats and Archer divisions, and our combined forces, we should be enough to strike a blow into Enjutsu from her southwest. It would've been more helpful if Ryuuhyou had sent us all his troops but…" Shuri shook her head, "No. Now's not the time to worry about things like that."
"So, what's our plan?"
Shuri nodded. "… Sonsaku-san, you will 'retreat' towards where your army is located, while we, alongside the Keishuu Navy, will 'pursue' you. Once you are back at Enjutsu's station, unite forces and begin a siege on Enjutsu's capital. By that point, we'd have both Sousou-san and our army in front of the enemy camp."
"And you?" Shuuyu asked.
"We'll be joining up with our main army. We'll pass by Sousou Army on the way. Gakushin, Riten, Ukin, what will you three do?"
"Depends on Sousou-sama's orders." Gakushin nodded. "If she tells us to stay, we'll stay. If she tells us to go with you, we'll go."
"That's no problem." Shuri nodded. "Kouchuu-san, Gengan-san, Gien-san, will you three be alright leading the navy?"
"That is a bit of an insult, Shokatsuryou." Kouchuu chuckled, "Despite our appearances, we are veterans. We know our ways with war."
"Leave it to us." Gengan nodded.
"I… uh…" Gien stammered a bit.
"Enya, we still need to show you the ropes on how to lead a naval fleet, right? You're not going anywhere!" Gengan barked.
"I apologize, Kouchuu-san. I mean no insult." Shuri bowed, but Kouchuu merely waved it off. "Then we'll leave it to you." Shuri then turned to Shuuyu, "Considering the circumstances, it's likely that you will arrive at your destination first. Please wait for Sousou's Army to be close enough to support."
"What will become of the Imperial Seal?" Sonsaku asked.
"The answer should be kind of obvious," Kazuto sighed, "If you find it, please hand it over to Kentei-sama when she starts giving accolades to each member who aided in the battle… If you find it and decide to keep it, then pray to the heavens that no one figures it out."
"Acceptable~" Sonsaku smirked.
Kazuto was not impressed at that response, "… I'll see through bullshit, Sonsaku. Don't say I didn't warn you."
"I'll keep it in mind," Sonsaku smirked.
"Hey, can I say something?" Taishiji raised her voice. "I know I'm not supposed to talk when not directly addressed, but… isn't this a bit much?"
"Hmm?" Kazuto blinked.
"Would Enjutsu even put up a decent fight?" Taishiji frowned. "Won't she just run away, once the tides have turned?"
"Ideally speaking, we don't want her to put up a fight," Kazuto replied. "At all." That's the ideal method of fighting wars, after all. To win without having to fight.
"She'll try," Sonsaku told them. "Enjutsu is a member of the En Clan, through and through; she won't admit defeat until it's right in her face."
"And when it is, she'll make a break for it," Shuuyu smirked.
Kazuto nodded with a grimace, "… I believe we overstayed our welcome here in this fort. Let's go."
Preparations were done, and Sonsaku's Army, mounted into boats, headed out first. The others made a show of pursuing them. The plan for the fall of the Chuu Dynasty, which hasn't even lasted a full season, has begun.
-()-
"Nah? Sonsaku's coming back?" Enjutsu blinked. "Finally! When she gets back, tell her to deal with the Joshuu Army immediately!"
The situation for Enjutsu's brand new empire is dire. She's being double-teamed by the two armies that, just months ago, were warring with each other. The only thing Enjutsu or, rather, Choukun, can do is to move the army back as much as possible. They tried launching an offensive against Joshuu when rumors of the Emperor personally being present on the battlefield and moving alongside Joshuu were made clear. That… was quickly and completely turned against them, losing many, many of their elites. Apparently, a Houtou Shigen is currently serving as the head strategist, and she devised a strategy that absolutely demolished the attacking Chuu Forces. Ever since the Chuu has been pushed further and further back with little hopes of recovery.
So Enjutsu (Choukun) made the executive decision to abandon their surrounding towns and focus on defending their capital. Their most elite forces are all within the city, prepared to defend it to the last.
"How could this be happening!?" Enjutsu groaned, "Wasn't holding the Imperial Seal proof of the Mandate of Heaven? Shouldn't I be an Emperor? Why is everyone in the empire going against me!? I thought it'd just be Reiha!"
"That's right, that's right!" Choukun said, her smile like a mother coddling their child, "Who cares if Kentei is still alive!"
"That's right! Who cares if Kentei's alive! I have the Imperial Seal, so I should be the Emperor!"
"Understood, Enjutsu-sama!"
There was no one to stop Choukun there. There hasn't been anyone to stop Choukun ever since Choukun became Enjutsu's sole caretaker and friend. Choukun's indulgent words, to coax the most spoiled of words from her master, her extravagant actions to try and give Enjutsu all that she wanted, her constant presence, all to bring out the worst in Enjutsu; all to see the spoiled sweet that Choukun loves so much.
Enjutsu has no idea. Enjutsu has no idea that every single person around her is an enemy. That the Son Clan is planning on betraying her. That Choukun is coaxing her to do wrong. In the end, Enjutsu is still childish. And that childish little girl could only act like the child she is; to throw tantrums, to complain, to demand the things that she wants. For there was no one around her with the authority to deny her what she wants.
Enjutsu's greatest ally, Choukun, from an objective point of view, is probably her greatest enemy. More than the Kan Dynasty moving forward. More than the betraying Son Family, ironically enough. If the girl had been raised properly without such a bad influence egging her on… would this situation have turned out differently?
-()-
"It's honestly rather nice to meet you on a battlefield where we aren't enemies, Sousou." Kazuto greeted. "You arrived here pretty quickly." Kazuto chuckled. Enjutsu's Capital, and thus her army, is just beyond the horizon.
"You're much more chipper than expected of one who dueled a titled Warlord and survived." Sousou scoffed. "A shame your battle is so low-profile that no one would remember it."
"I think people giving me the credit for defeating Ren is more than enough for me." Kazuto honestly winced. "Fighting Sonsaku was no joke; she's… not as scary as Ren to fight, but she's still pretty up there." Like a starving wild tiger, looking at him like a pound of meat that's just been dangled in her face.
"I'd love to cross blades with her myself," Sousou smirked. "So, what is it?"
"Hmm… I'm going to be passing through towards Joshuu Army. Consider this my signal to charge in. Or you could wait for us to charge in before you do. Your call. Just know that we expect you to at least be there by the time we get Paitan to make a big speech."
"We'll be there. Although… do you want a minstrel for your troubles? I can't imagine that broadcasting a voice in this environment would be easy."
"You did not bring Chiihou, Sousou."
"Who said anything about Chiihou?" Sousou smirked. "Renhou." She called, without turning around. Renhou walked over with a quiet nod. Kazuto looked at her.
"… I'm guessing you're Chiihou's younger sister." Kazuto nodded.
"I am Renhou, youngest of the three sisters of the… Kazoe Yakuman Shi-su-taa-zu." She said, clearly uncertain of what the last word meant.
"So Chiihou really did go for that as an idol group name." Kazuto chuckled. "It was one of many names we were throwing around a lot. I think Sei slipped some alcohol into our drinks somewhere, and we wound up talking about Mahjong." Sei, silent as she is standing behind him, did not refute it, merely smirking.
"… That's… why Chii-neesan called us that!?" Renhou blinked.
"And so, your life continues to be plagued by important decisions done under the influence of alcohol," Kazuto shrugged helplessly.
"… Chii-neesan… why?" Renhou groaned.
"As interesting as it is to know the origins of why Chiihou named the group the way it is, well?" Sousou smirked at him, "Will you take her with you?"
"I'm more surprised that you haven't gotten Chiihou to tell you how the mics work." Kazuto then chuckled, first from seeing the look of slight annoyance at his accurate assessment of the situation, then a flit of confusion in Sousou's eyes when he said mic. "I meant the magic tools. We call it a mic back home since it has the same shape and function. Unfortunately, someone doing it for the first time might have a problem with keeping it consistent… Wouldn't want Paitan's sentences to be cut off in the middle of her speech, to be honest. It's better to be not heard than to be misheard. So… I'll take a pass this time."
"Hmm… A shame indeed." Sousou shrugged, acting as if this isn't a problem. Way, way, too late for that, in Kazuto's opinion. He'll keep that to himself, though.
"Still, the whole voice thing is Chiihou's secret, not mine. While I did instruct her somewhat to get started, she figured out the rest on her own. She'll be a better teacher to her sisters than I ever could be."
"Hmm… very well. I suppose I'll just have to accept that." Sousou nodded. "Nagi, Mao, Sawa, continue accompanying Hongou back to his camp… Shan, what about you?"
"… Going as well."
"Very well." Sousou nodded.
"While I don't mind the four coming with, I don't think my soldiers will appreciate the Sou Flag anywhere near us at the moment," Kazuto warned. "The war is still a bit too fresh."
"What will you do with these four then?"
"Plonk them in my platoon," he kindly ignored the coughing fits of the various people around him for using the word 'plonk', "which will be delegated as Paitan's personal guard for the rest of the campaign after accomplishing our goal of… meeting Sonsaku."
"Sonsaku was an ally of ours since the beginning of this war, wasn't she?" Sousou smirked. Likely she inferred that from Tou's report.
"Shh!" Kazuto playfully put a finger to his lips. "Enjutsu still doesn't know!" He mock-whispered.
"Ahahahaha!" Sousou laughed out loud, although it was much more controlled than her inadvertent cough from earlier, "Then go on ahead. Don't keep us too much in suspense."
"Hah, your habit of wanting the last word is still there, I see. I'll get right on it," Kazuto laughed, "Take care."
"Try not to get the Emperor killed, Hongou." She just couldn't resist a parting shot, Kazuto notes.
And so the splinter-group of Ryuubi-Hongou Army marched towards their frontline, aiming to reunite once more.
Watching their march, Sousou's face returned to a neutral one. It's time for her to make her prepa-
"… It's so unfair."
"Keifa?" Sousou blinked.
"Why does Karin-sama show more of herself to him than us…" Jun'iku muttered, apparently having not heard Sousou.
"…" Sousou has no idea what to say about that. She's pretty sure that all she did was act as naturally as she usually was. Was she truly acting strangely? "… Shuuran."
"Yes, Karin-sama?"
She debated asking the question but… decided against it, "… Prepare the army. We march in the hour."
"Very well, Karin-sama."
Now then, ignoring her self-musings, she focused on the present. Let's end this battle.
-()-
"Welcome back, Master!" "Welcome back, Kazuto-san." "Welcome back, Kazuto-kun." "Welcome back, Kazuto-niichan." "Shuri-chan, welcome back!" "Sei." "Ren, Nenene! Thank goodness." "Tanpopo! You didn't give them too much trouble, right?"
The girls all chorused greetings one after the other, as the group that headed to Keishuu returned.
"We're fine," Kazuto answered for all of them. "A bit beat up, but that's what happens when you deal with a wild animal."
"So Sonsaku-san really did fight you." Touka sighed.
"It's about as expected, really," Aisha grumbled, before spotting the newcomers. "Hmm, who are these?"
"Sousou's really obvious spies," Kazuto replied so quickly that the four Sou Army members felt whiplash as the sense of unease washed over them. Kazuto didn't want to put them through this, honestly, but laying that out first is important so that everyone would be aware to try not to talk about sensitive topics in their presence. Still, the four were uncomfortable as the Ryuubi-Hongou Officials all scrutinized them… Including the girl wearing what is clearly Imperial Robes. Making her the Emperor.
"I…"
"They've been sent by Sousou to scope out our officials and figure out the most valuable members of our officials. Don't know why she needs it; Tou is doing an excellent job of that on her own. I guess that she also wants information on our war tactics." Kazuto sighed. "… Also, you four, don't act like that's not what Sousou wants from you. The moment she gets you back, she's going to grill each and every one of you for any info you can give her about us." Kazuto sighed.
"… That's…" None of them can refute that. While there are no explicit orders, there really is no need to send anyone from their camp to the Ryuubi Camp if not to be spies.
Kazuto turning to the others, "Officially speaking, they're extra bodyguards for Paitan. Please get along with them."
"… If they're here to bring trouble to you, I don't want them." Paitan said with a frown. Her eyes flitted to Yue and Ei, who had quickly retreated from view. Her worries are obvious: Yue's discovery. They did make a pardon for Toutaku, but just about anyone can, if they want to, refute that.
"… Then I'll just put them in my platoon. No problem." Kazuto shrugged. "Not a problem for you four, right?" Which was the plan that he laid out from the start.
"It's a bit mean of you to open with that, don't you think?" Riten said, trying to get some semblance of humor from this atmosphere. She's rather uncomfortable from the staring they've been getting.
"Deal with it. That's what happens when you enter a camp of your former enemies…" Kazuto sighed. "Don't think we didn't notice the pointed weapons when we were at Sousou Camp." The four blinked before they too winced. They didn't pay much heed at the time, but the soldiers were indeed all wary of Hongou. They were all prepared to attack.
Sei chuckled, "You four are overall really great companions, but we do have our limits." Sei shrugged. "And Sousou Camp wasn't exactly the most hospitable environment for us, so let's call it fair? At least we told you that we find you a tad suspicious. Sousou didn't even give us that courtesy."
"Mmhmm…" Gakushin looked away.
"Umm… hey~ I'm a friend of Chiihou's?" Ukin winced as that last word seems to have spiked some annoyance in many of them, particularly the younger-looking crowd, "Ukin Bunsoku…"
"… Jokou Koumei." Jokou said, seemingly the same as usual.
"Gakushin Bunken."
"Riten Mansei." The mechanic said.. "… Hey! What's that catapult? It's different than the ones I've seen! What makes that one work?"
"That is something that you're not going to get the chance to examine up close." Kazuto grinned, "Figure it out from this distance."
"Oh come on!" Riten pouted.
"Don't mind it," Kazuto said so light-heartedly that, it left everyone else in a bit of a confused state. "I'm more surprised to see it constructed, even though we're still a bit far." Kazuto hummed.
"That was… well…" Hinari awkwardly coughed, looking at the Sou Army. Ah, so it was some sort of secret plan, that Kazuto wasn't here for, and they don't want to be revealed to an outsider.
"Umm… are we supposed to be wary of them, or welcoming them?" Touka asked, confused. "You're not…" He's not treating them like he does Tou. The way he treats Tou is: cold, annoyed, and wary. But them? He's treating them like… Bachou or Sonshoukou. Like friends who just happen to be from a different faction.
"These four are good people; they just happen to work for Sousou." Kazuto shrugged, turning to the Sou Army group. "I mean no disrespect. I don't believe Sousou to be evil or anything. We did, however, go through a war with her, and it's not as if we're ever going to hand Touken over to her on a silver platter." Seeing as that was used as the reason for war before, there's precedent for her to use it again once she's better situated.
"… I apologize for the curt treatment." Touka bowed her head to them.
"… We'll… accept it, for what it's worth." Gakushin nodded. "It's understandable for you to be wary."
"Yeah, you guys did take Chiihou from us, after all." Rinrin off-handedly commented.
"Took?" Ukin blinked.
"If you gave her the option to return here with her sisters, would she stay with you or come home?" Rinrin asked pointedly. "Well, it can't be helped that Chiihou's staying with you though. Sousou is too scary."
"…" Again, none of them could refute that. Gakushin took over once more, "I suppose it can't be helped. Still… we'll be working with you for this battle."
"Then, please work well with us, and we'll treat you with the same level of respect as you do us. As long as the four of you don't do anything to stab us in the back, we're good." Kazuto chuckled, "Jokou."
"Nn?" Jokou tilted her head at being addressed. It seems she mostly tuned out all of them.
"You'll be with Sei at the frontlines. I trust that both of you can handle that?"
"Good to work with you again, Shan~" Sei nodded. Jokou nodded.
"Like I said, you three are with me. Our job is to keep the Emperor safe from harm as we head to Enjutsu's Capital." Kazuto cheerfully told them.
"Understood."
"Okay~"
"Can't you put me in the siege engines group?"
"No, Riten. You had your fun already."
"Awww… But ladders aren't as fun as a catapult though…"
Aisha sighed, "Seems that they're going to be just fine with us."
"So, Hinari? What's the plan?" Kazuto asked.
"Eh, umm… Shuri-chan is…" Hinari blinked at the question.
Kazuto shook his head, "You've been on the battlefield the entire time. You know the situation better than Shuri right now. So?"
"What's the plan, Hinari-chan?" Shuri smiled.
Hinari looked at the two before nodding. "… Understood." She held the brim of her hat as she looked at the situation. "… Then, let's go with…"
After this brief planning session, they started marching.
-()-
"Renfa-sama." Kannei Kouha, head of Sonken Chuubou's bodyguards, appeared before her liege, with a bow. "Enjutsu has ordered us to attack the Joshuu Army. It appears that they have appeared."
"Understood. I'll tell my sister." Son Chuubou nodded, her nervousness preventing her from giving a smile of gratitude to her. So. This is it. It's time to end Enjutsu once and for all. The first step to them reaching the dream of Sonken Bundai, the Kingdom of Son Go.
The thing about Enjutsu, incompetent as she is, she is filthy rich. Her money is on par with Enshou, built upon generations of En Clan Rule. And her position right next to them means that any prospective soldiers and generals would prefer to be in her employ than theirs. The same curse that plagued the Ryuubi-Hongou Army when they were based in Yuushuu. If anything, it's a testament to the leaders' abilities that both armies managed to recruit great and loyal officers despite such a drawback.
No… The Ryuubi-Hongou Army is more impressive: they're a relatively new army that began in a fairly remote part of the country and yet they did so anyway. The Son Family had generations to build up their reputation, and their many veteran generals are testaments to that.
Ignoring that tangent, Enjutsu's wealth has saved them once upon a time when they asked for a loan from her. However, that left them in a debt that took Sonken Bundai's entire career to pay off. Their once-great budding nation was put into her palms, almost consigning it to obscurity, further sowing discontent among them and their vassals. This debt even further sucked away all but the most loyal of soldiers. Still, they survived and can recover from these setbacks. Regardless, if the Son Family wishes to grow and become a kingdom, Enjutsu's presence is a roadblock that they can ill afford to ignore. So they planned, and planned, and planned. How do they get out of debt, and be in a position to remove Enjutsu completely?
When the unexpected windfall came in the form of the Imperial Seal and the basically prophetic warning of the Heavenly Messenger, they devised a simple plan: why not use it to get out of debt? What consequences would it have? The most obvious is that Enjutsu would use it to declare herself the Emperor… which was exactly what they wanted and expected. By declaring herself the Emperor, Enjutsu declared herself the enemy of every ambitious warlord in the country. At the very least, Sousou will not allow it, and likely will rally her forces to fight her. However, the problem is that Sousou cannot be trusted to have a standing army; she's just been through two wars back to back. And, like it or not, the Imperial Seal had power. Letting it fall in the hands of Sousou would be a disaster. Simply put, they needed a guaranteed ally and so, they approached Ryuubi and Hongou with a message through Sonshoukou. Considering how their declared ambitions have no bearing on ruling the country, theoretically, they're the best to ally with.
In the hypothetical scenario where Ryuubi and Hongou's Joshuu attacks from the north, their Son Army can strike Enjutsu from the south before she even realizes their betrayal. They'd gain the Enjutsu territory, and they can give Ryuubi the reparations for their losses from Enjutsu's coffers. A fair trade. They might even be able to snag the Imperial Seal in the chaos and hide it, under the guise that Enjutsu 'ran away' with it.
This plan hit a snag when Ryuubi and Hongou announced that the Emperor is under their protection and that they've been preparing for war against Enjutsu since the end of winter. This announcement did mean that Enjutsu would immediately want them on the frontlines, which means they'll have to declare their fealty to Ryuubi's group when they weren't ready to invade and take the Enjutsu capital with no warning. They want to be in the prime position to enter Enjutsu's Capital, and not share it with the others. If the others succeed in conquering the capital before them, then their claim to the territory would be put in question. Still, it wasn't like the plan was unsalvageable. So they planned an attack on Keishuu. Honestly, that attack was more just an excuse to hunt down Kouso as vengeance for their mother's death. It still worked to their benefit; with Sonsaku out of the picture with their most elite soldiers, Son Chuubou, left with the task of managing their territory and standing army, was able to use that excuse to not enter the frontlines, and simply stationed their forces to bide for time.
Now they're stationed at the perfect place to turn their blades at Enjutsu. All that waits is for Enjutsu to focus her forces northward, to the Sousou and Ryuubi-Hongou Armies, leaving her south vulnerable, believing that they'll defend it from the Keishuu Army. They might have flubbed the reported numbers though, inflating it to make it seem that the Keishuu Army are all there, when, really, it's just a few boats full of soldiers.
"Neesama." Son Chuubou reached the tent. "The Joshuu Army has appeared. Enjutsu wants us there."
"Then we have our signal," Sonsaku Hakufu smirked, standing, pulling out her mother's sword from where it leaned. "We're ready, right, Meirin?"
"But of course." Shuuyu adjusted her glasses. "Let's go."
Sonsaku smirked, walking out of the tent. Aligned in front of her are the greatest that the Son Family has gathered over the years. Sonsaku smirked, drawing her blade.
"Dear Brothers-in-Arms!" She roared. "My dear mother, the former Lord of this Army, had a dream! That we will be the ruling power of this world! That we can rise up in the chaos and become a kingdom! However, she was gone before that dream is fulfilled! For now, however, let's take the first step! The first step to the foundation of Son Go! Raise your arms, for it is time to declare our independence from the tyrannical rule of Enjutsu!"
Great roars were heard all over that camp. It matters little that her declaration pretty much blatantly denied the rule of the Kan Dynasty. All that matters is that all their hearts are united. If there's one silver lining in Enjutsu's taking of the talents away from them, it means that the ones that remained, and the ones who joined them, are all heavily loyal. This is something that no other army in this country can claim. Not Ryuubi, not Sousou, not Enshou, and definitely not Enjutsu. Their soldiers are both strong and loyal, and they'll fight for the dream that Sonken Bundai left behind.
Sonsaku smirked, as those roars resounded. "All soldiers, prepare for attack!"
-()-
"For the honor of Sousou-sama!" Kakouton roared, "Trample all that stands in the way of her ambition! For I am the Great Sword of Sousou! Make way!"
Kakouton's roar resounds as the Sousou Army charges down the path. Just behind is Sousou, on her steed, at the thick of things. There is no need for her to make a grand speech. Instead, it's best to use this time to look to the future. The plans to be made. This farce of a battle was already over before even Enjutsu realized it. It was over the moment she allowed herself to be so unprotected from an attack from Sonsaku. Instead, she looked east, as the green flags of Ryuu and Hongou waved, now clearly visible. Plumes of flame were bursting on occasion from the battlefield: blue, yellow, red, purple. No orange; it seems that neither Hongou nor Ryuubi deigned it necessary to enter the battle.
A bunch of boats waving the Keishuu Flag passed by earlier. It seems that Keishuu had some last-minute reinforcements for them. It mattered little.
The Sou Army had no need for reinforcements. They were strong on their own. For she picked out the best of the best among all the recruits. Leading them were those that she personally handpicked. This was the strength of Sousou's Army. They were an army of elites. Trained, professional elites. They moved like pieces on a board, all in Sousou's design. They charged when the plan called for a charge. They retreated when the plan called for a retreat. Using the most modern training methods, with the best weapons out of anyone on this battlefield. Nothing left to chance. She had already calculated the best course of action for their army.
The greatest strength of the Sou Army is that they followed Sousou's orders to the letter.
And that was all Sousou could ask for.
-()-
"Weren't you three going to be dealing with the south?" Kazuto asked, amused at the sight of the three Keishuu Officers. Gien awkwardly scratched her head. Kouchuu and Gengan shrugged in turn.
"After a few unproductive skirmishes, when we received information that you've reached Sousou's location," meaning that their arrival to where the rest of the Joshuu Army is can't be too far off, "Sonsaku sent a messenger, insisting we serve as additional bodyguards to Kentei," Kouchuu replied. "We pretended to retreat to regroup, but instead…"
"Took the river downstream to reach where we are as soon as you could," Kazuto nodded. "… Are you sure that Sonsaku isn't just pulling something behind your back?"
"If she was, it's still better to be with a real army than a couple of platoons manning the ships." Gengan shrugged.
"… Then align behind us, for now. We're here." Kazuto nodded. Within sight of Enjutsu's capital. There was a seemingly strong defense of soldiers at the walls, prepared to defend it to its last. "We should have enough time for a speech, Paitan."
"Mmm…" Paitan nodded, awkwardly turning to the army, who all lowered themselves so that all can see her. "I…" Paitan awkwardly turned to Kazuto and Touka, who stood next to her. "… Touka-san?"
Touka nodded, grabbing her hand for a brief moment before stepping forward, "… Many, many towns we've passed through. Each of them gave us a simple request; end the war quickly. Free them from the tyranny of Enjutsu. And that's what we shall do."
"To return this world to an era of peace," Paitan spoke again. Now that Touka has given her a sort of gateway, all she needed to do is bridge the gap, "To restore the Kan. To prove that the blue sky has not fallen just yet. Please, everyone! Let's defeat Enjutsu here and now! Let not another day pass before her tyranny is dealt with."
"Let's take it all back!" Kazuto roared. "If this world so desires war, let us be the ones to end them! Stand firm, all of you! Stand your ground! Let us return home with our heads held high! Now, all soldiers, rise! Prepare for war!"
"All soldiers, bear arms!" Aisha roared. "Raise your blades!"
"And finally…" Rinrin smirked, before turning around, her Viper Spear pointed towards the walls of Enjutsu's capital. "CHARGE! SMASH! THEN VICTORY!" Rinrin's roar echoed, as she swung her Viper Spear.
"All forces, charge!" Aisha roared after her.
"Ba Army, follow!" Bachou roared.
"Kouchuu Platoons, Gengan Platoons, follow!"
Their battlefield promises to be the most dangerous of the three. With the Emperor on their side, there's no doubt that Enjutsu will be pushing to have her most elite focus on them. Still, they're undaunted. They might not have the most elite soldiers or an army whose sheer loyalty topples all else, what they have is the will to persevere through this battle. Their promise, their oath to end this war as soon as they could…
And so, the three armies that would eventually form the Three Kingdoms Era, entered the battlefield.
-()-
"Both Sousou and Ryuubi are attacking."
"Wh-wh-wh… WHERE'S SONSAKU!?" Enjutsu cried out. "She should deal with the problem already!"
"That's…"
"Attack from the south!" A runner approached. "Sonsaku has betrayed us!"
"WHAT!?" Enjutsu cried out.
"The defenses at the south aren't holding at all! We need to leave!"
"To where!?" Enjutsu cried out. "W-what about the other lords? Shouldn't they…"
"The other lords were all conquered by Sonsaku in the first place," Choukun noted. "In the end, their loyalty has always been with Sonsaku, never us."
"That's! But… I'm the Emperor! Right, Nanano! I have the Imperial Seal, I'm!"
"Of course, Miu-sama~" Choukun smiled. "Still. We need to go befo-"
"Before what?"
"W-w-w… Sonsaku!?" Enjutsu jumped at the sight of the girl, whose blade is drawn. "You traitor! Why, how did you get here!?"
"My, my… I can hardly be a traitor if I was never on your side in the first place, Enjutsu~" Sonsaku smirked. "As for how I got here, your soldiers were more than willing to open the gates for us to pass through."
"Wh-wh-why!? What did I do for you to…"
"How many times have you been a thorn in our side, Enjutsu?"
"What, that…"
"Now it's time for you to disappear from the stage." Sonsaku smirk widened, her blade pointed towards Enjutsu.
"Miu-sama!" Choukun cried out, her blade drawn.
"Out of my way, fool." Sonsaku scoffed, smacking her away with barely a glance. "Now then… let's end this war, Enjutsu."
-()-
About as expected, with three armies charging in, the capital fell quickly. Most soldiers even gave up quickly once the flag of Son began flying on the walls. Before the day is out, the Kan Army has occupied Enjutsu's capital. Enjutsu was nowhere to be found, and the Imperial Seal with her. According to Sonsaku, at least.
Kentei sat on the former throne of Enjutsu. Before her are the five people representing the territories that aided her in the battle, all kneeling. Ryuubi Gentoku, Bachou Mouki, Kouchuu Kanshou, Sousou Moutoku, and Sonsaku Hakufu.
"Shouldn't you be there as well, Master?" Shuri asked.
"… No." Kazuto shook his head. "This time, it was Touka who made strides in this battle, more so than me. It was her who stood on our frontlines. Besides, if I'm there, it might make it appear as if we're receiving special treatment." Two representatives, compared to the one that everyone else had.
"Maybe so, but…" Shuri looked ahead as Kentei read off the list of accolades that is to be given to each member. Mostly just titles, and recognition of the lands that they may or may not have conquered as their own. "Still, this was a very decisive victory."
"Yup." Kazuto chuckled. "Some would say anti-climactic. We may have over-prepared, I guess."
"Defeating Enjutsu so decisively should show the country that the Kan Dynasty is alive and well…"
"… Maybe." Kazuto nodded. "It's better than not, at least."
"Are you worried about something?" Shuri asked, concerned.
"… Whatever it is that I'm feeling, it can wait. I'll either get my answers here, or we can discuss it later. It's time."
"… Right." Shuri nodded. Now that the empty titles have been passed onto each of the members… it's time.
"… Ryuubi Gentoku, as my Protector of the West, as the one who protected me through all these months while I recovered from the curse placed upon me, is there anything you'd like to request?"
Yes, it was time for the individual requests. No warlord would join this alliance for free. It's simply a fact of life. There are limits to what one can request but this is simply preferential treatment for those who aided the Emperor in battle.
"… There is no need." Touka announced. "The mere fact that you recognize me as your family is an honor that I can never repay."
"Still. I must insist, Ryuubi." Paitan shook her head. "You've done far too much for me that it would be a disgrace to me as the emperor if I did nothing to recognize your efforts."
Kazuto nodded. This was still going well. While not exactly scripted, they sort of agreed to this little play.
"Then I… may I be allowed to look through Enjutsu's treasury?" Ryuubi asked.
"The treasures are meant to be split among the armies that contributed to this war, with enough left to ensure that the territory does not go hungry. However, I will allow you first pick."
"That is more than enough. Thank you."
This is their small compromise. Considering Enjutsu's wealth, there's a chance that she managed to collect jewelry… gemstones that they could use to make Dying Will Tools. This request also hinders all other armies from requesting any more than that. Ryuubi and Hongou's Group were quite easily the ones that contributed the most to Kentei ever since the Coalition Days, being pretty much her bodyguards ever since. Now all other armies can't ask for more than what Ryuubi got.
"Bachou Mouki. As the representative of your mother, who I've just conferred the title of Protector of the West, is there anything you'd like to request?"
"The share of the treasures that will be given to us is more than enough, Kentei-sama," Bachou bowed. "It is an honor for us to serve you."
"… Very well." Paitan nodded. She notably did not insist, as she did Touka. For all the contributions that the Bachou Family did, they weren't exactly as involved with Kentei as Touka and Kazuto were. Paitan turned to the other alliance member who also was introduced all those months ago. "Kouchuu Kanshou, representative of Ryuuhyou, who I've conferred the title of Protector of the South, what of you?"
"Keishuu did not leave unscathed in this war, Emperor," Kouchuu nodded, "Due to Sonsaku's stunt at the beginning of the war, we appeared to have lost one of our top generals."
"… What will you say to that, Sonsaku?"
"I will gladly part with our share of the treasures to Keishuu." Sonsaku bowed. It was such a generous offer that most of them could only barely control their reaction to gasp at it.
Paitan recovered quickly enough, "… Would that be enough, Kouchuu?"
"No amount could repay the loss of one of our Generals. However, I am aware that war has consequences and the loss of life is merely one of them. We will graciously accept." Kouchuu nodded.
"… Kishuu's Kanhyoku and our allied lords in Seishuu will also be allotted a portion, despite her not being a participant of the battle here. While no reports of a battle happened up north, she still served a vital role. Are there any objections?"
"Only that the portion be smaller, on account of their lack of activity," Sousou spoke.
"Sousou-san…" Ryuubi reproached her.
Sousou merely shrugged. "Consider it the tax of the lives that we all lost in the battle. We deserve more, for risking more."
"… Very well." Paitan nodded. "I'll accept Sousou's statement. However, we will not be counting the heads of how many perished in combat. There will be no arguing for getting more for losing more soldiers."
"Understood." Sousou nodded. "We had all the advantages in this war. There was no need to fight aggressively. At that point, if you have greater casualties, that's just your failing as a lord."
None of them can disagree, but there was no one happy with how she put that.
"Sonsaku Hakufu, as the next to ally with us, albeit in secret. What is your request?"
"As the army that managed to infiltrate and take Enjutsu's capital, we'd like your blessing for my Son Family to govern over it."
"So that's your play," Sousou smirked. That's why Sonsaku was so willing to give up her share of the profits. She'll just get the city as well as the leftovers meant to be used for the city.
"… You will lower the tax rate for the citizenry if you do so, right, Sonsaku? The current one is far too much for the population to handle."
"I will treat the citizenry as my own, of course." Sonsaku nodded with a smirk.
There was no history of tyranny in Koutou. They cannot, in good conscience, deny it, seeing as she did take the city. "… We'll grant it to you then, as long as you govern it well.," Paitan nodded. She then turned to the last lord.
Kazuto tensed at this. What will Sousou do here?
"Sousou Moutoku, you who I've conferred the title of Protector of the North. What of you?"
"Kentei-sama. This might sound presumptuous, however…" Sousou looked at her with a smirk, "What are your plans for after?"
"I intend to return with Ryuubi back to Joshuu." Paitan frowned.
"And? What of the capital? You've not considered returning?"
"Sousou-san, I am aware that no repairs are being done in Rakuyou for the Imperial Palace. There is simply no place for me to return to."
Kazuto can see the clanging gears spinning in Sousou's head, even from behind. She likely didn't expect Kentei's survival, and thus never considered repairs. Still…
"Furthermore, its position makes it far, far too difficult for me to feel safe in. It is due to the protection of Ryuubi that I survived all this time."
"Is that not due to you being anonymous for the past few months? Now that you are exposed, would your current protector's defenses hold?"
"I do not like what you are implying, Sousou."
"… Very well. My request for the Emperor is rather simple. Would you not come with me to Kyoshou?" Sousou gave all the charisma she can muster and directed it at her. A commanding presence.
"Sousou! You…" Touka almost rose before she spotted Kazuto shaking his head. She can't interrupt here. She grimaced returning to her position.
"… I…" Paitan frowned, before shaking her head, "There's nothing for me to gain by coming with you. Your protection is meaningless if I lose the protections I already have."
"… And how well-protected are you in Joshuu? With the army that turned tail the moment Enshou even turned their gaze towards them?"
"Sousou." Paitan frowned. "While I am grateful to your contributions to this war, I have my limits. Mocking the ones who have been protecting me for months…"
"Ah, my bad. I apologize for my words. Please ignore them then. I am more than happy with what has been allotted to me."
It was clear to everyone that Sousou was not in the least bit apologetic. To Kazuto however, it was clear that Sousou seems to have "succeeded" in whatever she was aiming for, judging by the smirk on her face.
"… If that is all, then I believe a feast has been prepared?" Paitan said, trying to gain back some dignity and to just… not deal with this anymore. "Thank you, all of you! So please, let's celebrate tonight."
And so, the brief existence of the Chuu Dynasty ended as abruptly as it started.
-()-
"I believe I've wasted enough time here."
"Reborn-san?"
The fedora-wearing hitman scoffed, "I have a student to teach, and me being here is starting to become quite unproductive."
He stepped away from the base, stepping over the white-clothed bodies of the fools that show no sign of giving up or stopping.
"Bakazuto. You better have grown up a bit more by the time I get back. Or else…" Reborn smirked, "I might have to double your training."
-()-
Chapter End
-()-
Chapter Release Date: February 5, 2021
-()-
Beta Reader: Seraphius
And so the war ended! All that's left is the Aftermath Chapter!
Only as I'm typing this end notes that I realized: this chapter has a lot of betrayals, doesn't it? From something really minor (like introducing allies as potential enemies) to something that's pretty much treasonous (Son Go stabbing Enjutsu's Army in the back). So I almost titled this chapter that. But that felt a bit… too strong? So I compromised with "Unfaithful Allies". How many betrayals can you count? *hahaha*
To be honest, I'd have wanted to make Enjutsu more a credible threat, but… things were just stacked up against her. Or rather… I just didn't feel like giving Enjutsu that much credit. That she had an actual winning shot when Ryuubi, Sousou, and Sonsaku were all on the offensive. Maybe next war arc, we'll have something more substantial… Nah, can't promise that. Still, hope you had fun reading!
Unfortunately, unless the muse comes to me and blesses me with how to *REDACTED FOR SPOILERS*, I don't think I'll be able to finish the next arc within the next two weeks. At least, not without rushing it.
Anyway, I'll save my thoughts for this arc as a whole next week (if I have anything I'd want to clarify). Thank you for reading. See you then!