I want to let you guys know I want to hear back from all of you on you thoughts on a recent chapter or if you are new and read up to this point tell me how you think of things so far. It is always good to know if the story is living up to your expectations or not.
But I do know quite a bit of you like the series. We have almost 50 followers and favorites in under 5 chapters! I sound dumb for saying that but I'm just excited that people enjoy this story.(Some don't but regardless)
Anyways sorry in advance if the length of this chapter is short in your eyes. (I say this as I have not even typed up the chapter yet)
Anyways onto the chapter!
Sokudo Satori
White Dragon Palace – Oshu
Sokudo breathed in the air of a brand new day as his servants were running about making preparations for his trip. He would be making the trip alone with a few of his own men along with White Ninjas secretly coming along with him on his trip. He is having Baku stand in as Shogun for him while he is away, the rest of the Great Lords and Ladys have headed back to their homes except for Kami who would be their escort to the ships for the trip.
One of the Great Ladys stayed though much to his dismay as it was none other than Oichi Oda herself with her brother who came to visit him at his great hall before the trip happened.
"Sokudo... Your doing something very dangerous you know." Oichi stated.
Sokudo sighed knowing this was going to happen eventually. Oichi agreed with the alliance but not the plan he proposed. "This is all for the sake of both of our kingdoms Oichi." Sokudo stated.
"At the very least take Nobunaga with you or something. You are going to a territory you don't know much about with a dark game in the background of it all. Why would you go into all of that chaos?" Oichi asked.
"W-Wait me? Why me sister?!" Nobunaga asked pointing at himself.
"Only if you want Nobunaga but in order to gain Robert's and Ned's trust I have to thrown myself face first into that said chaos. The only way for chaos to end is to break the natural cycle of chaos by causing more chaos to negate it." Sokudo simple stated from experience.
"You mean... Like the unification of Rokugai?" Nobunaga asked.
"Yes... Before we united this land this land was just filled with chaos: crime, famine, disorder, even the lands grew tired of our constant fighting. That why I threw myself face first into the chaos and promised a sense of change that brought the people to my side. Eventually everyone else joined with him as well." Sokudo stated looking at Oichi.
"If only father was here to see this." Oichi stated pausing silently with sadness.
"Yes if only he was here that is for sure." Sokudo stated simply. "But now we have the royal priestess as the head of the Oda Clan. The symbol of free trade and the symbol of peace for our nation. Not to mention the power of your grand prayers."
"My prayers... Right the Color Gods I should set up a prayer for the White God for your safe travel Sokudo." Oichi stated.
"Ah that is not really needed Oichi I will be fine." Sokudo stated.
"Nonesense! I'll be doing it regardless of your command Sokudo." Oichi stated getting a laugh from Nobunaga.
"Give up now Shogun she will be like this until she gets what she wants. I'll be going with him sister so thrown in a prayer to the Black God for me as well." Nobunaga stated.
"Right right... Honestly you boys are always so much trouble." Oichi stated before leaving to go prepare for the prayer.
"So.. You wanted me to come Shogun?" Nobunaga asked.
"Yes... I figured it would be the perfect time for you to start learning to become as great as your father was. Oichi is the family head but you can be something greater than even a Great Lord." Sokudo stated as he looked out the window then was silent then stepped back.
"Nobunaga your blade is needed." Sokudo stated.
"Huh? What do you mean S-" Nobunaga is cut off by the sudden appearance of a rags wearing assassin appearing from the window and launching at Sokudo. Sokudo was quick to avoid a lazy stab of the assassin's dagger that seemed to be dripping of something.
"He has poison!" Sokudo stated getting a nod from Nobunaga as he quickly drew his blade shocking the assassin before the assassin launched at Nobunaga at this time King Robert walked in to check on Sokudo with Tywin and Jaime Lannister but were shocked to see what was going on inside the great hall.
"Sokudo what in blazes is-" Robert shouted but Sokudo puts a hand out to stop him.
Nobunaga breathed in then shifted the stance of his draw blade using the face to block the point of the dagger and quickly disarm the assassin with the shift of the blade before quickly creating an upward slash to cut the assassin's arm and shoulder. The assassin is shocked and falls on the ground on his back gripping his wound.
"My word... Such a mess before we even started our journey." Jaime stated.
"Who would want to kill the Shogun?" Tywin asked.
"W-Well.." Robert began but Sokudo cuts in.
"Whoever it was... They won't be getting my head anytime soon I can promise you that. Great job with your technique Nobunaga your training paid off." Sokudo stated.
"Ah ha ha! You flatter me Shogun. I am simply doing my duty as one under your banner of unification!" Nobunaga stated then stared at the dagger.
"Isn't that dagger... Valyrin Steel Shogun?" Nobunaga quickly observes making Sokudo look at the dagger noticing looks of surprise from Jaime and Tywin.
"Yes that appears to be the case..." Sokudo walks over and picks up the dagger observing it. "Ah this is a very potent poison too... Too bad for them we learned cures for the many poisons in this world this one is no different."
Sokudo walked over to Tywin handing the blade. "This is from your family yes?" Sokudo bluntly stated.
Tywin observed the blade silently then nodded. "It is sadly. Honestly that kid of yours Robert."
"Joffery is behind this?" Robert asked.
"I heard him talking about teaching the Shogun a lesson saying he should be taught a lesson to show respect to someone... Of higher status of him." Tywin stated.
"Prince Joffery sure has ego problems huh." Nobunaga stated.
Sokudo stared at the assassin who died from the wound it seems. "Your Darksteel Blade is much sharper than I thought Nobunaga."
"It happens Shogun. All Darksteel weapons are sharper than they appear." Nobunaga stated waving his blade quickly to get rid of the blood on the blade before sheathing it.
"Darksteel is the rare resource that you were talking about?" Tywin asked.
"Yes the one used for making weapons for the Great Lords and Ladys along with their relatives when they are of age." Sokudo stated.
Tywin looks at the dagger slowly Sokudo observed Tywin a bit before stepping back. "I'll have my servants clean up this mess and hold a prayer for the dead man." Sokudo stated.
"A prayer? Why?" Jaime asked scoffing at such an idea.
"Because this man most likely had a family and just did this to help support his family. Thus a prayer is needed for such a soul to die for the selfish reasons of another. Joffery will get a warning from me for this incident." Sokudo kneels down then closed the assassin's opened eyelids.
"Your.. Pardoning him from this?" Tywin asked.
"Yes... I want to give him a chance to learn and change his ways Tywin. I'm sure you will teach him a lesson during our trip to the North yes?" Sokudo asked.
"Yes. Thank you for you forgiveness Shogun." Tywin stated.
"I will forgive him but his family won't. Be sure to compensate them for the loss of their family member that will probably ease the load a bit and you won't have karma hanging over your family." Sokudo stated.
Tywin learning from history nodded. "Right I will do that."
Sokudo nodded then points to Nobunaga. "This is Nobunaga Oda. He will be my personal bodyguard during our trip."
"Nice to meet you Nobunaga I hope to test that blade of yours in a duel someday." Jaime stated.
"Same with me Sir Jaime I heard many things about you from your nephew." Nobunaga stated.
"Joffery?" Jaime asked.
"Yes mostly about how you are a kingslayer. Very impressive feat I say so myself." Nobunaga praising Jaime which shocked the man.
"Wait your praising me for what I did?" Jaime asked.
"Why not? The man was crazy and was hindering your kingdom yes?" Nobunaga asked.
The room was silent as Robert, Tywin, and Jaime just look at Nobunaga, Jaime rubs the back of his head with a sigh. "You have a point but still feels wrong to kill the man you serve."
Nobunaga smiled then closed his eyes. "Shogun what is the first law you put into power?" He got the room's attention with this question.
Sokudo smirked. "If the Shogun were to ever attempt to betray the land or take full control of the lands he is thus put onto deaths row and a new shogun will be voted into power." This surprised Jaime a bit.
Sokudo stared at Jaime. "So you see? Yes you killed the man you served but he did questionable things regardless. What you did is considered to be for the good of your kingdom Jaime."
Jaime thought about this then nodded. "Right thank you for sharing that Shogun." Sokudo chuckle waving off the thank.
"Don't mention it, just doing apart of what I need to do. Now then Nobunaga let the others knows we are getting ready to leave, let them know of the incident and to be careful." Sokudo stared at Tywin. "Our carriage should be ready by now."
Tywin nodded. "Right, I'm surprised your joining us for our trip to the North." Sokudo began to leave the hall letting his servants take care of the mess.
"I wanted to see a part of Westeros with my own eyes anyways. Baku will be in charge while I am away." Sokudo stated as he walked with Tywin and Robert to leave the castle.
"You are very smart despite how young you are. You would thrive in Westeros I bet." Tywin stated.
"Yes.. I had that feeling Tywin, I just hope Westeros can last and stay connected long enough for us to strengthen your own kingdom's bonds." Sokudo stated referring to the debt. "Money seems to be fully in control of the Seven Kingdoms at this point for now."
"You have to pay your soldiers somehow Shogun. But you seem to have a better solution to that problem." Tywin stated, Robert being silent and listening looking around the castle along with Tywin. "Quality warriors with set wages. Seems like a good solution compared to how I use my funds."
"The only thing tying you to those soldiers is money Tywin." Sokudo cuts in making Tywin stare, "If you don't train and win their loyalty they will not stand with you in the end. They can be bought off or leave at the face of danger."
Tywin stared at Sokudo as in creating a profile of him, the shogun was smart he thought and his soldiers could not be swayed they follow him while he himself was strong in character and mental fortitude. "I am glad my daughter has no swayed you. You have impressed me greatly Shogun."
Sokudo smirked. "It will take more than what she or her son tries to sway my ideals and being. If I did I wouldn't be here now after all or have an army as loyal that money could never buy." He walks off to the carriages with Nobunaga.
"Robert I think we made a good decision to come here." Tywin stated.
"I have to agree to that. I really thought Joffery ruined everything." Robert stated.
"The Shogun is smart, to unite a land at such an age and getting everyone around you to follow your lead. Lessons to be learned Your Grace." Tywin joked.
"Hush you... Though I can't deny the kid sure as heck impressed me. I think Ned will like him." Robert stated before going to the carriages himself. Tywin stood there looking back at the castle rubbing his chin a bit before walking to the carriages himself.
Ruei Fukaze
White Dragon Palace – Oshu
Ruei observed the forest that was past the wall in her light armor her bowmen right next to her as she waited for the forest raiders to appear only to see they didn't. She kept watch and waited wondering if the forest raiders would attempt a night assault today instead of the middle of the day.
If they did, it would be good practice to test their night combat abilities on the forest raiders. "Lady Fukaze!" Ruei came out of her trance of thought and looked to the voice seeing the lookout on one of the towers pointing. She looked to see that forest raiders charging the wall with a set of horses moving fast along the forest for cover against their arrows.
"Prefer Volley! Aim high and fire on my command. 40 degrees up precisely!" Ruei commanded as her bowmen on the wall followed the order as she drew her own bow and aimed high not watching the movements of the horses or the troops just focused on one thing: The Wind.
There was a small breeze for a moment before Ruei shouted. "Now!" She lets her arrow loose along with the others all at the same time hearing the whistle of the arrows going through up in the air before slowly falling down into the forest and striking the horseman right off their horses.
The bowmen were impressed. "Just follow the wind, it can you things faster than your eyes can when it is obscured." Ruei taught the bowmen.
"But what about if there is no wind?" Asked a bowman.
Ruei smiled. "Then you focus on sound, the wind and sound are your friends in this style of archery I am teaching you. So make note of it!" Ruei shout getting a cheer from the bowmen.
"Lady Fukaze they are still coming!" The lookout warned making Ruei refocus and turn to the forest. "Archers at the ready! Prepare volley number two!" She stated and drew her bow back and waited. "Follow the plan and hold you fire until I say let go! Aim at 60 degrees!"
As Ruei states this the wall's gates open up surprising the forest raiders as a row of horsemen lead by Neimi the soldiers on the horses wearing silver armor in a mobile spear wall prepared to charge down the Forest Raiders. "Lets end the raiders! May the Stallion guide us!" Neimi shout getting a cheer from her men before they charged forward scaring the forest raiders.
The forest raiders turned trying to run back but they were outmatched by the Kishu's home bred horses that were as fast as the wind mowing down the retreating forces or thrusting through their bodies with spears as the horsemen charge. The forest raiders at the very back of their forces seeing this attempt the run but arrows suddenly rain down on them blocking off the forest raiders in between the volley of arrows and the horsemen.
The forest raiders look on in fear then turn to the Kishu horsemen before they were most mowed down and taken out by the powerful horse and the soldiers that carried them. In a span of thirty minutes the wall was not only protected but the forest raiders were taken out completely and swiftly.
A few moments later Neimi returns with her soldiers having a few surviving forest raiders tied up in rope mainly to question on the whereabouts of their home before sending them back.
Ruei walked up to Neimi smiling. "Nice work, the plan worked flawlessly." Ruei commented making Neimi blush.
"Aww you flatter me Lady Fukaze, you came up with it, plus without your bowmen we probably wouldn't have gotten to this stage." Neimi stated being modest then looked to the tied up raiders. "so your going to question them?"
"Yes... I want to learn where their home is so we can negotiate with them." Ruei stated.
"Think they will though after our little show?" Neimi asked.
"Who knows... But worth a shot." Ruei stated as the raiders were taken away for later questioning, for now the great clans had won a major battle against the forest raiders.
Sokudo Satori
White Dragon Palace – Oshu
Sokudo stood at the dock with Kami who escorted him and the royal family back down to Blue Dolphin territory. Sokudo observed the sailors and soldiers boxing things up for the sail back to Westeros getting everything on the ships. He has his own for his trip with Robert to the North while Tywin was sailing back to Lannisport in a different ship.
"I wish I was going to the North but I spent to much time away from the battlefield already." Tywin stated walking up to Kami and Sokudo.
"Its understandable Tywin, I'm sorry to pull you away on such short notice to begin with." Sokudo stated.
"It is quite alright Shogun. I hope we meet again is all, Lannisport isn't as amazing as King's Landing but it works." Tywin stated.
"I'll be sure to visit whenever possible. But for now I have to focus on helping your kingdom first." Sokudo stated.
"My ships are the best around, so Robert and your children will be fine Tywin." Kami stated.
"I have confidence that they will be. Now then I will head out now. See you again Shogun." Tywin stated as he went to his ship.
"Split up by a sea... Just be safe Shogun." Kami told Sokudo.
"I will be fine. Ying will be protecting me on my journey cross the seas along with Nobunaga." He stared at Kami then sighed. "I'll be sure she stays safe around Joffery I've seen his eyes around her."
Kami was silent then smiled. "Shes my daughter, that boy can't do a thing to her... But I appreciate the added protection Shogun. I know Mirai might be jealous though."
Sokudo laughed. "Mirai is still sick she would only get worse at sea. I'm not taking that risk." Sokudo stated.
"True. But you still have white ninjas stations on the ship and some implanting themselves at Winterfell and the route your taking to it." Kami whispered.
"Of course. Baku wouldn't let me go unprotected after all. I have no fears anyways." Sokudo looked at his sword, a katana to be more precise with a smile. "Besides I have my trusted katana with me."
Kami smirked nodding. "Right. Just be safe, use my troops well."
Sokudo began to walk to the ship. "I'll put your Blue Spears to good use!" He stated with a wave back to Kami before boarding the ship.
Kami puts his hand at his side with a sigh. "Crazy shogun..."
Sokudo was at the railing observing his land in the distance or the direction it was at as it was no longer in view by now. Nobunaga was by his side doing the same. "Never thought I would see our homeland like this. Makes you proud of your accomplishments right Shogun?"
Sokudo chuckled. "Yeah... Still can't believe I unified it all myself, not entirely myself but I had help."
"My father right?" Nobunaga asked.
"Yes.. Your father was a noble man. He may have passed but he was an important part as to why we achieved what she did." Sokudo stated then noticed Ying coming over. "Oh Ying how are things with the children?"
"Its fine Shogun, just wanted to come by and make sure you were okay." Ying stated Sokudo noticing a couple of kids following Ying making him chuckle.
"I am fine, just as you are it seems." Sokudo crossed his arms. "You seem to have some admirers."
Ying blinked then turned blushing a bit seeing Tommen and Myrcella. "O-Oh, Tommen and Myrcella what wrong.?" She asked seeing the two getting caught but the two ran over.
"Ying can we go play please?" Myrcella and Tommen asked at the same time getting a giggle from Ying.
"Honestly you two. We are on a ship what do you think we can do?" Ying asked.
Both of Cersei's kids think trying to come up with an idea as Sokudo smiled at the sight then noticed Cersei herself walking. "Having fun you two?"
Tommen and Myrcella look to Cersei surprised. "Oh mother. Not really we are just trying to figure out what to do." Tommen stated honestly.
Cersei looked to Ying then the two and nodded. "Well not much you can do on a ship. Ying do you mind going around the ship and finding something to do with them?" Cersei asked.
Ying thought for a minute then smiled. "Then how about we play a game of Shogi then?" Ying stated to the two of them.
"Shogi? Never heard of it." Myrcella stated.
"Its a game we play, its fun and can make you very smart and strong if your good at it. Lets go play it theres a set on the ship we can use." Ying stated running off to lead the two children.
"Don't hurt their feelings to badly Ying! They are beginners after all!" Nobunaga teased Ying who stuck her tongue out at Nobunaga like a child before giggling and disappearing.
Nobunaga sighed as Sokudo looked to Cersei. "You have lovely children Cersei." Sokudo stated.
"Don't flatter me Shogun, I know you don't think kindly of at least one of them." Cersei said defensively.
Sokudo chuckled. "Joffery simply made a mistake is it. If one doesn't make mistakes they can never learn and become a better person." He looked to where Ying once stood. "Children are innocent things after all, the most prone to make mistakes since they don't know and are confused. They haven't lived life like we have."
Cersei stared at Sokudo still defensive but relaxed a bit. "True. My own experiences clouded my judgment of your actions, I thought you were evil due to your actions."
Sokudo smiled. "I was only looking after my servant. Humans can't be replaced Cersei." He looked out to the water a bit. "Once you take a life you have the blood of that person in your hands and it will weigh on your mind for life. Thus why you can't speak of death lightly. The best course of action is to change one's mind and make them better so they don't repeat their mistakes."
Sokudo looked back to Cersei. "If your still skeptical that is fine. But I only wish for the best for the many around me. Joffery can be as well, so long as he is taught right, that can only be done through the work of his mother though." He started staring at Cersei.
Cersei was silent walking to the railing to watch the sea. "For someone who never had children you sure are smarter than most men I've seen."
Sokudo chuckled. "You flatter me, yes I don't have children but I have the next best thing." He closed his eyes. "Being the symbol of a nation and carrying everything on my back with my life on the line." He opened them staring at the sea. "The clans are my children to me in a sense. So I have to be the best I can be."
Cersei was silent before turning and walking away. "I'll make sure Joffery behaves around Ying." Cersei stated before she disappeared.
Nobunaga stared at Cersei then looked to Sokudo. "Not sure if she is impressed or not."
"Who knows, not looking to impress just giving my honest opinions of the matter." Sokudo stated to Nobunaga before crossing his arms watching the sea for most of the trip.