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.
-()-
Path to the Most Elegant Victory
-()-
"This is… you are sure that it was Ryofu who attacked?" Kayuu demanded.
The poor sap that Kayuu was shaking was a supply chain guard, who managed to get out of the battle with some light scrapes. Never mind his injuries or his trauma from being almost slain by the Flying General. "Y-yes." He managed to respond.
"How did you not stop her!?"
"E-e-excuse me!?" The guard was slightly indignant, even though Kayuu was so close to choking the life out of him, "It was General Ryofu who attacked! How could I possibly have stopped her!? She showed up, killed everyone in her way, lit everything on fire, and then left!"
"Silence!" Kayuu growled and threw him back. "Ryofu! We were supposed to fight face-to-face next! Attacking our supply lines from behind like a coward is beneath you!"
"… Didn't General Kayuu do the same thing during the fight against the Coalition?" One of her personal troops asked from behind her.
Kayuu gave a glare at the soldier, who merely turned away. "… Ryofu is the so-called strongest warrior of the era! Dirty tactics like these… She should be among the frontlines, waiting for me to fight! Not wasting her time with these sorts of games!"
"According to our scouts, General Kan'u is leading the frontlines at Toukan." One soldier offered, "Maybe they thought her enough?"
"… I see." Kayuu nodded, "… Then it'll be time for me to get my revenge for my sullied honor. Once I kill Kan'u, Ryofu will have no choice but to join the frontlines as well." Kayuu growled, "Let us return to the frontlines!"
Kayuu marched away.
"… Umm… what are we going to do for supplies?" The soldier that Kayuu had manhandled asked.
"… I don't know." Another asked as they looked at the burnt wagons. Ryofu's strike was clearly meant to cripple them. Their horses meant for pulling supplies were killed, the wheels were struck, and the supplies inside had a fire burn for about a few minutes, which took quite a while to put out, burning most of the cargo. "… but there should be more coming soon, so…"
As if karma struck, a soldier was rushing behind them on a horse, only to stop to see the wreckage, "Here too?"
"… What?"
"… No… this is a lot more disastrous." The soldier grimaced, seeing the wrecked wagons.
"What happened?" The injured guard asked, dreading the answer.
"Someone shot burning arrows on our supplies at the back. Then everything just caught on fire! Which was weird since the wood used for the wagons shouldn't burn so easily, and yet they still did. The flames didn't destroy much, but they spread really fast too!"
"So basically the same here, except you got shot by arrows."
"The fire was all weird and purple too, but it still burned like fire… Anyway, what happened here?"
"Ryofu went for a full-on assault. She was swinging a burning halberd, brought an army of soldiers with torches, killed all the guards, and then burnt as much as they could before we could get reinforcements. That was about an hour ago…" And it took that long to send a message to the frontline and get a higher-up to look at their problems.
"Must've been rough…"
"No mercy, more like." The man grimaced, "We're going to have to dump these wagons onto the side of the road. That's how much damage she dealt with that strike." The wheels were broken at the axle, the cart itself was so burnt that it was doubtful, even if they do get new wheels for it, that it could even hold any cargo worth carrying.
"Damn. Hey, can you pass on the message for me? I need to warn the back. If the enemy army is resorting to these sorts of tactics… it would be good to get our guard up sooner than later."
"Sure thing." The soldier nodded. "General Kayuu just left, so we might be able to send a runner to catch up."
"Thanks. I owe ya a drink for this."
"… Try not to die then, so I can collect."
"Sure, sure." The man waved off.
The injured guard sighed, turning to the soldier next to him who could only quietly digest the conversation. It is a harrowing thought, after all. Regardless, he nudged him to chase down General Kayuu. Considering Kayuu was on a horse, only a cavalry person can possibly catch up. As for him personally, never was a fan of riding. His days as part of the Yuushuu Army always put him on infantry more than anything. He had the opportunity, of course, to have fled with the Ryuubi Army. But they were retreating through Enshou territory, which was the height of risky when their enemy that was attacking was Enshou. If Enshou caught wind of it, not only would he die, but so too would his family. So he rejected the offer and stayed in Yuushuu. Besides. His family had lived in Yuushuu for generations now; giving that up to follow an uncertain future with a warlord who lost their home seemed like a gamble. He thought he chose right.
And so, he realized just how messed up the situation is now. The once reliable sight of the generals of Ryuubi and Hongou… were now his worst nightmares. He personally witnessed Kan'u dance in battle during one raid on a bunch of Yellow Turban remnants that was near his town. Chouhi… there was never even any doubt of her strength. Small she may be, but the sight of a girl her size carrying those wooden beams to help with the reconstruction of buildings engrained in his mind just how strong she was. Chouun, though he never personally witnessed her skill, was apparently those two's equals. And Ryofu? Ryofu straight-up beat all of them. A single glimpse of a sparring match between the four would tell you that.
Ryofu is the strongest general in the country, no, in the entire world. And the soldiers who followed her are no slouches either. They had to be just as skilled to match up to the legend that is Ryofu. And that Ryofu is doing raids on their supply chain. Meanwhile, their strongest soldiers that could possibly match up with that are in the frontlines.
"… This is bad…"
He suddenly remembered what the Guard Captain, Kouhei told them. The guard captain should've been good enough to get a promotion, but chose to remain the captain of the guard of the city. When he appeared before them soon after, he told them:
"The Enshou Army is recruiting. For those who wish to get a bit more money, you may join them. They pay well, after all. However, I'll warn you here. The most likely next enemy of the Enshou Army will be the Ryuubi-Hongou Army. While they seem peaceful when you're on their side, do not forget they are no strangers to war. And likely, they've only grown stronger since. Even if the Enshou Army wins… it is doubtful that they won't make it hurt."
Many of them, however, young and foolish, decided to take the chance. Besides, their skill level means that Enshou would never really field them on the frontlines… right? But now, he realized: the backline was not immune to war. And worse… their enemy is Ryofu Housen…
He would never be able to get his one drink, as the very next day, news of another raid on one of their supply trains, unfortunately, and the man who promised him that drink died during it.
-()-
"So they'd even stoop to attacking us in Seishuu." Kashin grimaced. "Has any scout unit found Ryofu?"
"If they did find her, wouldn't we know already?" Bunshuu waved it off. "The question is, what do we do about it?"
"… Should we send some of our forces to protect our supply chain?" Ganryou asked.
"We've received reports that their head commander, Kan'u Unchou, is in Toukan." Kataigou pointed out, "If we can defeat her quickly, then Ryuubi's Army will lose their will to fight."
"They still have Ryofu." Bunshuu pointed out.
"Besides, one shipment of supplies is hardly a problem. We have so many sources of supplies, and it'll take forever for them to be able to do anything about it." Kataigou pointed out.
"And if we need more, we can just get it from their villages." Kashin nodded.
"So, we should focus on attacking them as soon as we can?" Ganryou confirmed although she seemed resigned as she said it.
"Is there any more that need be said?" Kataigou frowned.
"… Nothing." Ganryou shrugged, "I'll tell Reiha-sama then." Ganryou stood up.
"Eh, Toshi! But Reiha-sama said…" But before Bunshuu could finish her sentence, Ganryou exited the command tent, "to not disturb her…" She lamely finished.
"Hoy, Iishe." Kashin frowned, "Is something the matter with Ganryou?"
"Hmm? Ah, she's fine, she'll get over it." Bunshuu shrugged, getting over it quickly, "She's always like this anyway~ I'll cheer her up later, and we'll be done!"
"… Is that so…" Kataigou frowned. "… She was fairly close with that Denhou though?"
"Hmm? Eh, we'll get her back when we beat the Ryuubi Army. Does it matter?"
"Why bother? She gave up, didn't she?" Kashin pointed out.
"I figured that she gave up so that we can have an opening to escape through." Bunshuu shrugged. "Machi's smart, so she probably thought that was the best choice." There was no trace of doubt in Bunshuu's words. She truly believed what she just said.
"… I see." Kataigou nodded. "… If that is the case, then we'll have to work hard to get her back then."
"Yep." Bunshuu nodded. "We'll get her back. Anyway, what's the plan?"
-()-
Ganryou meandered away from camp a bit, carrying only a sword, leaving behind even her hammer. To be fair… that thing has always been far too awkward for her to use anyway.
"Why do you use it then?"
"Bun-chan wanted me to."
"That's it?"
"Well… yeah."
"… You probably shouldn't let people walk all over you like that, Toshi-san."
"It's fine, Machi-san. Besides, I can fight just fine with it."
"But I can tell you'd probably rank higher as a warrior if you fought with a lighter weapon. Then again, I suppose I'm just a strategist, I don't know anything about combat."
"Besides, I still scold Reiha-sama and Bun-chan."
"Only when they're willing to listen. And more often than not, they're not. That's not really scolding, Toshi. That's just complaining to a stone wall."
Ganryou knew that. But Reiha-sama and Bun-chan have always been her most constant companions. She can't even imagine a life without them. Surely, as a friend, it's only right for her to look past their faults, right? Denhou's presence… cannot possibly match up to them.
Ganryou chose not to say anything about the Denhou's matter, to let them draw their own conclusions. She'll just bear with it as usual. After all, she's had plenty of experience doing that.
-()-
Denhou Genkou blearily looked up at her room (prison). Honestly, this was probably the best reception she could possibly have asked for given the circumstances. She wasn't allowed anywhere outside of the palace, even outside the building, at least without an escort. And she isn't allowed to roam in the archives, the offices, or the throne room. But even then, she was given the job of secretary to the Heavenly Messenger.
"… Denhou-san."
"Ah, Chuutaku-san." Denhou waved, upon seeing the girl in… strange clothing, although she did understand that it was servant-wear. "And, Bunku-san." She acknowledged the supposed servant's constant companion.
"Please, call me Yue."
"… It's improper for a prisoner to treat you as a friend, Chuutaku." Denhou shook her head, "What if people hear me and make you my accomplices?"
"Master will see through lies easily." Yue smiled, "There's nothing to worry about."
"… You really have a lot of faith in him…"
"He saved me." Yue nodded. "And he saved you too."
Denhou knew that, of course. There were some talks of execution for her when she was brought in front of the Emperor. Kazuto basically spoke up for her. There really is nothing Denhou could say to that, so, instead, she chose to change topics, "… So is it that time?"
"Yeah," Ei replied. "Actually, there's going to be a speech at the front of the palace… You can come with us if you want."
"… What would it be about?"
"The war against Enshou."
"… I see…"
"Still not gonna tell us anything about Enshou?"
"… I owe her that much." Denhou shook her head.
"Fair enough. It's hard to switch loyalties so quickly." Ei shrugged. "We're here. We'll just be watching from the sidelines, so…"
"It's fine." Denhou nodded, and so she looked in front, where Kazuto stood in front of a crowd. "… Should I be doing something?"
"Remember it, so that you can write it down. That's your job as a secretary, right?" Ei pointed out.
"Right." Denhou nodded. Basically, a secretary is a glorified personal scribe, from Kazuto's descriptions of the job. Or rather, that's the job that he assigned to her. He awkwardly added that there are other aspects of the job, but Yue and Shuri handle those jobs too, so there's no point in doubling down on it.
As for why she was given the job… it has to do with Yue, Ei, and Josho, who all vouched for her…
"I see… if the three of you think she's worth a second chance, then I'll do something about it. How about… you're from Rakuyou, right? You know a lot about noble politics… plus you're a scholar so… I know, how about you work as my [secretary]?"
And with that, her fate was sealed. She didn't even get a chance to reject the position. And now…
Emperor Ken… Kentei-sama exited the palace, alongside Ryuubi. Kazuto stepped to the side with seemingly practiced ease as Kentei appeared in front of the crowd.
Kentei breathed out slightly. A nervousness in her gait. Still, she looked at the crowd with a serious face.
"… Citizens of Joshuu. Enshou Honsho has returned upon our lands, bearing a great army to ravage our lands. She has betrayed the Empire and seeks to overthrow the order that has been preserved for centuries. Unfortunately, her army is greater than our own. No one in Joshuu's Northern Border is safe. However, so that she cannot sink her teeth deep into Joshuu… we intend to wage war against Enshou as best as we can."
"What's going on?" Denhou asked. "Why does she need to address something like this?"
"… Because the strategy we're implementing can only be considered cruel to all involved." Yue sadly shook her head.
"So it's necessary that the people understand the situation as best as they can." Ei nodded.
"Eh… what are you two talking about…"
"Our army is outnumbered two to one! However, we can win! We can drive away Enshou!" Kentei told them.
Ryuubi moved forward, "As for those with family at the outskirts, please do not worry. Their lives are of great importance to us. You can rebuild houses, you can regrow crops, you can begin anew, but only if you have your lives. Lives cannot be replaced. After this war, we intend to help with the reconstruction of those whose livelihoods will be stolen by the war, so…" Ryuubi closed her eyes before looking back, "Please believe in us. That we can win. That we can defeat Enshou. As long as the people believe, this war is far from over. No… it's just begun! We'll take back the peace that Enshou has stolen from us!"
Cheers were heard among the crowd, as everyone yelled their patriotic support. Denhou didn't really know why they needed to emphasize this… She supposed it just highlighted the kindness that is pretty characteristic of the Ryuubi Army, offering to replace and rebuild all the damage that the war will cause. Although Enshou never did strike Denhou as the type to destroy village homes and fields. But still…
"… The people here really love Ryuubi and Kentei…" Denhou murmured.
"Could probably say that that's the one thing that Touka-sama has always been good at." Ei nodded. "How is it with Enshou?"
"I… don't really know… we usually don't talk to citizens… not like this." Enshou had always been the type to selfishly decide things with no consultation. And she believed that it was only natural for the citizens to follow suit.
"… Then I don't think this war would end as Enshou believes it to then." Ei nodded. "Our strategy… after all…" Ei merely smirked, "is that…"
"… You're still being coy about this…"
"You're still a prisoner, after all," Ei repeated her own words back at her. "Can't really expect everything to be told to you."
"Right." Denhou nodded, as the speech continued, for a bit, with Kazuto stepping up to tell them of a few policy changes now that war has entered the state. Transit in and out of the capital will be monitored heavily. Merchants will not be allowed to make transactions with states north of Joshuu, aside from Seishuu's southernmost commandery and, even then, that would be heavily scrutinized. He gave explanations for each of course: the chance of a spy that will report things to Enshou, the chance of a betrayer, the possibility of death for any merchant who accidentally comes across soldiers from either side… There is no institutionalized curfew, but those outside still better be prepared for any soldiers coming and questioning their motivations for being out and about late at night.
Denhou took all this info to heart, memorizing them so that she can write them down later. It is important that all these things be written down so that people can reference them later. That was what Kazuto had said as the purpose of her new duty. And so, immersing herself into the new role she's been put into, Denhou observed the Ryuubi-Hongou Army's leadership, as they made impassioned speeches with the city roaring in support. All the while, she compared and contrasted her new employers to her last.
-()-
"Is this the best they could muster?" Kayuu frowned as she looked at the defenses of the village. Or rather… it's like they barely even tried.
"That just means we can overrun them quicker, right?" Kashin impatiently asked.
"Since when were you the boss?" Kayuu frowned, "Last I checked, it was Enshou who I should be listening to, not you."
"I am still the Great General of the Kan Dynasty!"
"Not anymore you're not. Now you're just another rebel against the Kan Dynasty."
"How dare you mouth off like that to m-"
"Maybe if you can beat Joshuu without help from me, I'll respect your position."
"Grrr… Then you can stay behi-"
"Now, now, you two calm down." Kataigou approached them with a serene-ish smile, "Kayuu, while you'd be correct if we lose, if we win, then we'll be the Kan Dynasty, and not them, you know?"
"… Fair enough." Kayuu nodded. History is written by the victors and all that nonsense. Still, Kayuu refused to give in to the delusions of these idiots. She knows what she is. She is a merc hired by a very rich rebellion. They can all quibble on the semantics, but the truth is still the truth.
"And oneesama?" Kataigou patiently turned to Kashin, "Kayuu's field expertise is crucial for our strategy. Please don't let her provoke you so much."
"But she…"
"I believe, even if Kayuu helps or not, she'll respect you if we can do this, correct?"
"Just so we're clear, I only care about fighting Kan'u and Ryofu." Kayuu replied shortly. "If you take that from me…"
"Kan'u and Ryofu's heads are yours." Kataigou nodded. "Now then, why don't you get along and…"
"Fire!"
"Hmm?" Kataigou blinked at the interruption as a soldier declared.
"A red fire has appeared in the village! The houses and the fields are all…" None of them even bothered continuing listening. All three of them looked towards the village… A red flame is burning across the village.
"… And the enemy?"
"R… retreating?"
"… Dammit! No wonder their defenses were so small…" Kayuu growled, "… KAN'U! DON'T RUN AND FIGHT ME!" Kayuu began braying her horse for a charge…
"Kayuu-san." Kayuu wheeled around to give a glare to the new voice. In turn, Ganryou merely held her ground, "Enshou-sama hasn't given the order to attack." Although she sounded brave, her voice betrayed a slight nervousness and hesitation. Still…
"Where the hell is she in the first place!? How long does it take for her to get up!?" Kayuu snarled.
"… Bun-chan hasn't woken up either…"
"Reiha-chan really has no sense of urgency when it comes to these matters, doesn't she…" Kataigou sighed.
"What would they gain from destroying their own village!?" Kayuu growled.
"Drumming up support from their constituents, by lying that we did it?" Kashin asked.
"… No. Ryuubi and Hongou aren't the type." Ganryou shook her head. "There must be another reason."
"Oh, and you can confidently say so?" Kataigou asked.
"No. But…"
"If they're going to be burning down their own villages, then there's no point in taking them." Kataigou decided. "Let's just march straight down the river."
"… Right…" Ganryou nodded. "… I'll go wake Reiha-sama."
"She's still not awake!?" Kayuu growled. "This is infuriating! That's it! We'll charge now! With or without her! I will take Kan'u's head!"
And with that, Kayuu left.
"No one follow her!" Kashin roared. "Let the merc do as she wants!"
"… There must be another reason…" Ganryou mumbled. "… I know Ryuubi and Hongou aren't the type…" Unfortunately, the answer to that… is still murky.
-()-
Kayuu charged on ahead, as she chased what appeared to be a retreating army. "KAN'U! FACE ME! LET ME REPAY THE HUMILIATION YOU GAVE ME ALL THOSE MONTHS AGO!"
However, the enemy army showed no signs of faltering from their retreat. They continued their steady pace west.
"COWARD!" Kayuu roared. She turned away with her army, to march back sullenly towards the rest of the army. In her rage, in her anger, she failed to see a soldier peek their head out, before running west, after the retreating army.
-()-
"We will continue south!" Enshou declared easily.
"Hey! The meeting just started and you're already making decisions!?" Kashin argued.
"Is that really fine? Not taking Toukan?" Bunshuu asked. "I mean, I'm not against it. Less work for us."
"We will elegantly march down and take their capital!" Enshou nodded.
"Is that fine, Kataigou?" Ganryou directed the question at their 'strategist'.
"… Well, I don't see what's the problem?" Kataigou shrugged.
"Is something the matter, Toshi?" Bunshuu asked.
"Have you all forgotten already?" Ganryou sighed, "Ryofu's attacking our supply line, right?"
"Finally fucking remembered?" Kayuu asked. "An army as big as ours… our food costs are also large." She would know; she had to maintain a rather sizable troop of mercs for a few months.
"Ryofu cannot possibly cut off all our supplies. Not without major losses to herself." Kataigou frowned. "… Unfortunately, due to the destruction of the village, we can't replenish here. And looking through the food storage…"
"Pretty much all of it was either destroyed or taken away." Bunshuu frowned.
"We decided to ignore Ryofu because we were confident that Kan'u would face us directly." Ganryou nodded, "However…"
"Didn't I say I have decided!?" Enshou frowned, "Kan'u is clearly planning on taking us on in Toukan's Main City! That's why she did that provocative action earlier! So, it must be a trap! Let us march south and take…"
"Don't be stupid!" Kayuu growled. "If Kan'u truly is here in Toukan, then if we march south they could cut us off from our supply line! That's a death sentence for all of us! Isn't that right, Ganryou!?"
Ganryou nodded, "It's dangerous."
"Which means they wouldn't know until we hit them…"
"Reiha-chan?" Kataigou frowned, "I'm starting to think that it really is best that we do take Toukan. I'm all for ending this war quickly. But high risks like that aren't really worth it."
"…" Enshou glowered slightly. Before she raised her head, "It…" She then slammed her hands down. "MATTERS NOT!"
""""EH!?""""
"We have an army greater than they do! Even if our army is thinned out, there is nothing that commoner girl can do!"
"Kan'u is no pushover!" Kayuu growled.
"And even if they do so, then we can simply take from the villages on the way!"
"Are you saying that we should act like common bandits and take Joshuu's food for ourselves?" Kashin boggled at the thought.
"How droll of you, Kei-dono, comparing us to mere bandits." Enshou frowned, "What we are merely doing is taking from them what is rightfully the empire's! Joshuu's wealth, surely it can't be natural! They must have leveraged their Imperial authority to get so wealthy! As you are the Great General of this Empire and the brother to the Empress, is it not your right to take such blessings as well?"
"Even though they only announced Kentei's existence a few months ago?" Ganryou pointed out.
Enshou didn't seem to hear her, "Besides! Their battle with Miu lasted merely months! If we take longer than that, wouldn't we look like incompetents if we fail to take them down in the same amount of time?"
"Aside from the fact that Enjutsu-sama was surrounded by enemies on all fronts?" Ganryou pointed out again. Enshou continued ignoring her.
"If we take the heads of Ryuubi, Hongou, and that powerless little sister, we would win in the most elegant way possible! As expected of En Honsho! Oh-hohohoho!"
"… You do realize that we'll be specifically aiming for the head of the little sister of Reitei-sama, correct?" Ganryou made her voice heard once more, this time even louder.
"An unfilial little sister who remained on the throne despite her older sister's return!" Enshou argued back. "Kuutan-sama will be glad for her removal!"
Ganryou looked at Kataigou and Kashin.
Kataigou merely shrugged. Kashin didn't even notice her look.
"… You two are from her court. Surely you know the relationship of the siblings? Not only that, but she's your sister-in-law."
"Young Paitan has always been a bit of a wallflower. I barely even noticed her." Kataigou shrugged.
"I was busy." Kashin replied.
"Anyway, I'm hungry, so I say our agenda is finished." Enshou stood up. "And so, it is decided!" She then walked out the command tent. "OH-HOHOHOHO!"
And so, their plans were finalized. Enshou Army will march south, ignoring Toukan's main city, and headed straight to Rouja.
-()-
"And who predicted this would happen? A show of hands?" Kayuu sarcastically said. "Oh, just me? And maybe Ganryou?" Who merely gave a small sigh. "Dammit, Ganryou, you should speak up more before things get this bad!"
"Shut up, Kayuu!" Kashin growled. "Didn't see you do anything about it!"
"I'm pretty sure we did." Kayuu rolled her eyes. "If anything, all of you were the ones who did nothing. Now we're wasting time marching back to get control of our route back!"
"To recap… for the confused Bun-chan." Ganryou sighed.
"That will be a big help, Toshi!" Bunshuu nodded.
"We received a report from our rear that Kan'u has begun earnestly attacking our rear. She has about ten thousand soldiers with her, and she is apparently liberally using sorcery to destroy our supply chain. If we do not retreat soon, we'll be completely cut off from our supplies. Our vanguard, namely us, are running out of supplies and we can barely keep up with demand. If we don't want to start actually foraging for food, we need our supply chain."
"Is our food not ready?" Enshou demanded.
"… Someone's not listening." Kayuu grimaced, "WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH FOOD! SURVIVE OFF OF ONE MEAL TODAY! WE CAN EAT PLENTY ONCE WE RESECURE OUR SUPPLY CHAIN!"
"How rude!" Enshou said, shocked. "Besides… didn't I give a solution for our food supply? Why was that not…"
Ganryou shook her head, "The granaries, the food warehouses, the stores… Every village we visited had them cleared up of all supplies. Likely a mass evacuation."
"So they evacuated the food stores too!?" Enshou said flabbergasted, "Why would they go so fa-…" Enshou then shook her head, "The fields?"
"Harvest time is still quite a bit away." Ganryou shook her head. "And with no farmers to tend to those fields, they likely will perish away anyway." Unless they're willing to work their soldiers to take care of said fields.
"We should've attacked at harvest." Bunshuu grimaced.
"… It can't be helped." Ganryou remembered the state of the fields.
"So unless you're able to convince the army to eat grass instead, we need to ration." Kayuu replied. "For now, we march back and deal with Kan'u! Like we should've done a week ago!"
"Guh…"
"Report! Report! An attack from the south!"
"Huh? Wasn't Kan'u supposed to be north?" Bunshuu blinked.
"I'll go out and meet them. Continue the retreat!" Kayuu growled. "Ganryou, you're with me!"
"Huh, me?"
"I can't trust anyone else in this damn council but you! Now move!"
"… Hah…" Ganryou nodded, "I'll get my ha-"
"Leave it! Bring a sword! We're going to cover our retreat and if you have to be slowed down by bringing something like that, I'll just leave you!"
"I'm coming too!" Bunshuu declared.
"Bunshuu, we need a general to lead the army back forward." Kataigou frowned.
"Ehh… can't Kashin-sama do that?"
"Like it or not, Oneesama is still considered an outsider, and will largely be ignored by the soldiers." Kataigou shrugged.
"… Fine…" Bunshuu sighed. "Hoy, Kayuu! You better take care of…" But the one she was addressing has long left.
-()-
"Who do you think it could be, Ganryou? Do you think it could be Kan'u?"
"Maybe Chouhi or Chouun." Ganryou replied with some concern.
"I've only ever crossed blades with Kan'u. How strong are they compared to her?"
"From what the reports say? They're her equals."
Kayuu smirked, "A worthy opponent then?"
"Remember that we're only intending on defending our rear…"
"I'm not a fool, Ganryou. I know what I'm supposed to do." Kayuu grumbled. "… Now at least."
"Hmm?"
"I am strong, and I know it. But I'm also a muscle-brain. Once I get the blood pumping in my head, I can't think straight and just want a fight. Which is why… Ganryou, I'm leaving army strategy to you. Leave leading the army to me. You keep an eye on the flow of battle. If you tell me to retreat then I'll trust that that's the right thing to do."
"… Got it." Ganryou nodded. "We're entering the battlefield."
"What gave it away? The sound of clashing swords? Or the scent of blood?" Kayuu scoffed. "What flag?"
"Chou. Whether that be Chouun or Chouhi… I don't know."
"Either way, I'm heading out." Kayuu then roared, "The Kayuu Platoon has arrived! FACE MY BLADE!" Kayuu charged into the fray, leaving Ganryou to watch and wait.
"… All soldiers, fall back!" Ganryou yelled out. They'll get through this mess of a war. That still feels as though the end is still not within sight.
-()-
"I am Kayuu! Name yourself, Imperial General!"
"Rinrin is Chouhi! Enhito Chouhi!" The defiant reply by the child-like general came easily, as she blocked the strike by Kayuu. "Kayuu! You really are as strong as Aisha-neechan said! I'll beat you right here, right now!"
"Don't get cocky, Enhito Chouhi!" Kayuu smirked, "I am not so weak as to lose to you! I've still yet to reclaim my honor from Kan'u, after all!"
"Nya? You need to beat Rinrin first!" Chouhi replied with a scoff. "And Rinrin won't lose to someone who lost to Aisha-neechan!"
"Then let's go!" Kayuu roared ferally.
Their polearms fearlessly swung around them, creating a practical zone where no other soldier dared enter. Chouhi's long pike pretty much ensured that, but Kayuu was no slouch as well with her poleaxe. Anyone weaker than them cannot even hope to interrupt, even if they had wanted to.
"Grr!" Kayuu growled, realizing that she was, somehow, even though her enemy's weapon was more cumbersome than hers, losing!? How!? Kayuu's on the defensive more often than not. Is it the length? Was Chouhi using the length of the weapon, plus her body size to keep Kayuu at a distance where her ax couldn't reach? Her skill in battle cannot be underestimated.
"What's wrong, Kayuu!? Rinrin's just getting warmed up here!"
"Don't get cocky, cheeky brat!" Kayuu lunged her free hand out to try and catch the weapon. It will be heavy but…
"Ah! Don't think you can grab Rinrin's weapon so easily!" Chouhi easily moved her weapon out of range. Faster than one would expect for someone her size. "Let's see you take this!"
Her movements are fast! Far, far too fast! Kayuu growled, dodging the strike. "So the rumors that you were as strong as Kan'u is no exaggeration then." Kayuu smirked, "Your movements… you're definitely a worthy opponent, Chouhi!"
"Just figuring that out!?" Chouhi scoffed. "Let's see you underestimate this!"
Her pike swung sideways, Kayuu narrowly blocking it before getting sent back a bit by the strike…
"Kayuu! Retreat!"Ganryou's voice rings out in her ear.
Kayuu grimaced. How badly she dearly wanted to keep the fight going. But she knows the risks, and the risks aren't worth it. She'll have her fight later anyway. If Enshou wants to stand toe-to-toe with the monsters of the Imperial Army, she'll have to field her, Kayuu, for it. After all, Kayuu is no doubt the strongest current general in Enshou's Army. This isn't even an if or but about it. She may retreat now, but she'll get her chance. "We'll continue this next time then, Chouhi!"
"Ahh! Running away!?" Chouhi yelled after them.
"I'm not going to be the reason my side loses again, you brat!" Kayuu roared back.
…
"… General Chouhi." One soldier asked. "Should we pursue?"
"What did Genchoku say?" Chouhi asked.
"Josho-sama said that we better give up here for now."
"Eh? Even though they're right in front of us?" Chouhi frowned, "Well fine. If she says so, we'll retreat. And Bachou?"
"She'll chase them from a safe distance, to make it seem as though the Imperial Army is still chasing them down."
"Got it." Chouhi stretched. "Let's get back then." She rested her spear on her shoulder, "Still… hoped to have at least gotten Kayuu out of the picture…"
"Can't be helped."
"Yo, Josho."
"Let's get back, in case we somehow get blind-sided."
"It's a bit unfair that I'm left to deal with that." Chouhi sighed stretching away. "Aisha, don't lose!"
-()-
"Grr… how dare they run us off…" Enshou bit a handkerchief in anger.
"It can't be helped. We needed to get our supply line in order." Ganryou consoled her lord, "We'll get them back. Let's just do this properly. Let's take Toukan first, and then move on to Rouja."
"But Toshi-san…" Enshou grumbled. "If we move slowly…" Enshou's frustration boiled over as she trailed off. Her head slammed into the desk that was set up for their strategy meeting.
"Still think this would be a cakewalk?" Kayuu sarcastically asked Kataigou, "We are not dealing with some two-bit upstart commoner. You all need to stop thinking that. This is, for all intents and purposes the Imperial Army. We are dealing with an army that represents the Empire and its power. Take them lightly at your own peril."
"If they truly are the Imperial Army, why have no other warlords joined the fight?" Kataigou pointed out.
"Because Warlords are a greedy bunch. They won't move if there's nothing for them." Kayuu scoffed. "You out of all of us should know this."
"They don't seem to be too concerned with keeping us away from our supply line, however. They retreated before we even made contact." Kashin pointed out.
"A lot of damage still happened." Ganryou shook her head. "And likely, the move is more of a warning. To not get ahead of ourselves."
"Pretty bold statement." Kataigou frowned. "Do they think there will be anyone who will come save them?"
"I said to stop underestimating them!" Kayuu growled, "Ganryou! Imagine if Kan'u had succeeded in her attack! What would've happened? We would have lost our valuable supplies. We will be stranded in enemy territory with no food to eat! Maybe you're right that it's a warning, but if they had succeeded we would not just be setback like we are now! We would have lost, period!" Ganryou flinched, knowing the truth in her statement.
"That is if we don't take food from their villages." Kashin pointed out.
"And how much food would we be able to get out of those small villages? Not enough to fuel an army of our size, that's for sure!" Kayuu pointed out. "Not to mention… you saw that all the food in the villages we encountered were pretty much all gone! They must've evacuated them alongside their villagers! They want us to be stranded with no supplies!"
"K-Kayuu…" Bunshuu blinked, "… Are you…"
"What!?" Kayuu impatiently turned at the only other general that could actually fight.
"Actually smart?"
Kayuu was so damn close to snapping then. "… Screw this. Where's the damn booze? I need something to drown out all this nonsense."
"We're rationing them as well." Ganryou apologized.
"I swear… So? What the hell are we doing now?"
"If you're so smart, why don't you come up with the answer?" Kataigou asked.
"Let's attack Toukan," Kayuu replied with no hesitation. "I'll meet Kan'u and beat her soundly."
"You already lost once before." Kataigou pointed out. "That is not a viable plan."
"The hell I will!" Kayuu growled back, "And ignoring Kan'u was already proven to be a fool's move." Kayuu pointed out.
"It is clear from how they're moving that the Imperial Army, as you call them, is wary of casualties on their part. Chouhi did not pursue us further, and Kan'u retreated the moment we arrived. It makes sense, of course; their numbers are far too few for them to consider wasting their soldiers' lives."
"Then? What would you do?"
"Certainly, we'll attack Toukan to get a base of operations running. Likely their stores of food are stored in the main hubs of their commanderies. Let's just overrun them with our numbers."
"And Kan'u?"
"Even Kan'u can't overturn numbers."
"Then let me fight her!"
"Fine, you get your fight. I couldn't care less about you anyway."
"Good. Then I'll be sharpening my blade." Kayuu gave a quick scoff, and left, stomping out the door.
"A ruffian to the end." Kataigou sighed.
Ganryou nodded, before merely smiling. "Now, Reiha-sama, let's get you rested. We'll march tomorrow."
"Is that Bachou the Splendid not hounding us now?" Bunshuu asked.
Kataigou nodded, "The rumors that Batou has joined hands with Ryuubi are not for nothing."
"I guess we're lucky that Batou isn't a neighbor or something." Batou is all the way in the west, after all.
"Even if Batou is close by, I doubt that he'd have the strength to overturn the Enshou Army."
"Fair enough." Bunshuu shrugged.
Ganryou gave an awkward laugh, as she left the tent. In her mind, she asked, 'Aren't we already being overturned by a smaller army?'
-()-
After reorganizing their supply chain, the Enshou Army marched to the main city of Toukan Commandery, also named Toukan.
However…
"… The hell is this!?" Kayuu balked. "That is not the Imperial Army!?"
And it wasn't.
Raised proud and high were not the green flag of "Ryuu" nor the blue "Kan". No, the flags raised were violet.
The voices raised were that of an army with blue-tinted armor with skulls as their motif.
The character on the raised flags was "Sou". Arrogant and proud, the character defied all their expectations.
Enshou looked at the field in shock and surprise.
"… Why is KARIN-SAN HERE!?"
-()-
Chapter End
-()-
Chapter Release Date: June 11, 2021
-()-
Beta Reader: Seraphius
And so ends this chapter. A chapter dedicated to Enshou's invasion! All from the perspective of Enshou's side (including the basically defected Denhou).