Hello!
I am back with the second chapter of this fic. I've completed my first-year exams. I am on my vacation, so I decided to update this fic. I suggest reading this chapter properly because this adds a lot of basis to the forthcoming chapters. Hope everyone is doing well.
Thanks to AquilaTempestas and Black Eilla for their reviews, and thanks to Black Eilla for adding this to your favorites and following the story.
Glossary
[1] Amituofo: Greetings in Buddhism.
CHAPTER 1: Betrothed ~
Within a couple of years, Akiyama Haruto wanted to bring all the Kingdoms of Japan under the Yamashita clan's control. He sent a letter to all the Kingdoms as an order from Sasaki.
According to Young Emperor Yamashita's order, within one month, your Kingdom shall be granted under the control of the Yamashita clan. You have to cooperate and act with kindness. Above that, to follow the rules of the Yamashitas with the teachings of Buddhism. Opposing or not following these conditions might subject anyone to the Young Emperor's anger. Such acts will be considered a crime! The Kingdom, family members, and the people will meet their fates! Order of our Young Emperor, Yamashita Sasaki!
-x-
"Tell your King that none of us will be his slaves!" the King of Nagasaki yelled at the messenger.
-x-
"Nobody will be superior to our blood!" King of Osaka exclaimed.
-x-
King Himura Fuyuki of Kyoto said he requires time to think about this.
-x-
"We… accept your conditions." Hokaido's King assured the messenger.
-x-
"We will also accept a few conditions." Sapporo's young King partially agreed.
-x-
"Our Nagoya won't kneel!"
-x-
"Chase him out!"
-x-
The King of Fukuoka tore the scroll and shamelessly threw it on the messenger.
.
.
.
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The dressers bought a waist sash, spaulders, a pair of cuirass, a gauntlet, armored sleeves, an auxiliary armored waistcoat, greaves, and helmet brim with a helmet. The Karuta armor clad the Blunette.
"Get ready to charge."
All the soldiers followed him to the battlefield on their stallions. Yamashita halted his horse aside Haruto.
"Are all the preparations done, uncle Akiyama?"
"Sasaki, the troops are waiting for your order."
The serious eyes glanced at the battlefield for once. "Have you allowed our foes to avoid this war?"
The messenger to Fukuoka stepped forward, "Shun!"
"Dear Young Emperor, they haven't accepted our conditions."
Yamashita stared at the torn scroll and looked forward. He closed his eyes and silently muttered a few words. He signaled to release the round shoots from the cannons. Each of them exploded smaller parts of the field. The enemies started to launch back, and the battle persisted with blasts of round shoots from both sides.
Soon, the soldiers clashed. Only the slashing sounds of Katanas and the growls of the soldiers were audible for a while. Yamashita's tender side could not take all of the violence. He looked to see the birds fluttering their wings and flying in the vicinity.
When his troops advanced toward the King of Fukuoka, they'd have to defeat the guarding soldiers before getting any closer. Soon, the King himself had to back down. He knelt on the battleground.
"Chop his head off, Sasaki."
"I can't, uncle Akiyama. We'll have to show compassion to the defeated King. It's useless and methodless to kill him."
"I'll have to apologize, Young Emperor! As the guardian of this majestic Kingdom, I'll have to commit this act for its safety! Aah!"
The raged blunette immediately stopped him.
"Enough, Uncle Akiyama! Please stop this." He pushed him back.
"Sasaki!"
Akiyama's eyes turned red out of fury.
"Have you forgotten that you are the heart of the Yamashita Kingdom? I am the blood that runs inside it! I've taken plenty of effort to build its fortress, but you are trying to demolish it."
"It is not advisable for a human being to have too much involvement in these matters. It will lead them to turn frenzy, and I have seen such a terrible example in your eyes in several wars. I've stopped you for the first time. Do you know why? From this day onwards, I will make decisions. Listen well! We can kill our enemies in a war! But we should show compassion to enemies who surrender to us. From today, all war prisoners will not get treated as slaves! I will strictly implicate this rule, and this is my order! Instead of ruling this state with blood, I will administer with kindness."
He turned to the surrendered King and helped him to get up, "I've misunderstood you. Today, I understood your generosity. I have no issues ruling my Kingdom under your flag."
"Shun."
Shun guided the King to his directions. "Come, dear King."
Yamashita turned to the helpless Haruto, "I will give you a solution. You have finished your duties successfully. Hence, take a rest. Follow the five paths of Buddha."
He dropped his Katana in awe.
-x-
The blunette entered the camp with Shun. A map of Japan was widespread.
"One more Kingdom has come under our rule, dear Emperor!"
"What is the state of the chain of Kingdoms by Himuras?"
"They have rejected our superiority."
Yamashita's blue eyes fixed on the Kyoto region. "The Himuras, the Shintoists who live their lives with pride running in their blood. Very powerful and valor." He gently smiled.
-x-
In the practice arena of the fortress of Kyoto, two Katanas continuously slashed. A swordfight ensued between the Princess and her cousin. They dressed in white Hakamas with cloths covering their faces, with their eyes revealed.
Her dark black diamonds fixated on his brown eyes. Both of them easily flaunted their skills with dancing movements. She left him on guard, and he immediately somersaulted to get back and fight. The fight continued until a young boy interrupted.
"I have to apologize."
The Prince got distracted. Using this chance, the Princess quickly grabbed his Katana by its handle and rotated it with her Katana's tip.
"Aah."
He smiled at her and held his hands on his hips. "What's the matter? What's the need to hurry? Is it an emergency?"
"I have to apologize. The Queen has ordered to bring the Princess."
Sarima stopped rotating the swords and replied, "Tell her I will come soon."
"As you say, dear Princess."
Kusou uncovered his face, followed by Sarima.
"Sarima, this is not fair. The boy interfered when I had the edge."
"Don't give excuses. I won. That's it." She smirked. She handed over his sword, "Remember this, big brother Kusou. When you are distracted, a victory can lead to defeat. Not only that, death can occur too, right?" she said sarcastically. "You've taught me this." she gleamed.
"Yeah! That's true. But, my student started to teach me now." He started to walk off.
Sarima laughed and followed him, "I didn't teach, just reminding."
She removed her helmet, revealing her long-fiery scarlet hair, loosely braided past her hips. They started to walk to the hall.
"I understand that. I am very proud of you. Apart from observing, you are implicating everything in a manner. Yes. You are my best student."
"Really? That's true. But that's because you are the best sensei."
"Your new sensei is like that too."
"New sensei? Who?"
"The Queen." Both of them placed their Katanas on the big holder.
"Just like how you learned skills in warfare from me, now, you will learn from your mother."
Sarima looked confused.
"Soon, your marriage will come, right?"
She got angry, "Then, remember this. I won't marry unless you become the crown, Prince."
"Why?"
She walked away from him, "Don't console me. My decisions won't change." She stood a handful of meters with her back turned towards him.
"Sarima? Don't fix this condition for your wedding."
She faced him and yelled, "I don't tell this with justification. Several times, I've told you how my father praises your skills! It seems you are a great warrior. You have won many games involving combat skills. Hence you rightfully deserve to be the crown prince. You don't need to worry, right?" she smiled again.
He nodded, "Yes."
-x-
The rituals for the Gion Matsuri festival were happening.
Lanterns were hanging from carts.
The performers dragged them in the streets.
The royal people were in the Kuse shrine, seated for further arrangements.
The King and the Queen of Kyoto were worshipping Kami. Sarima was seated with her peers and lady cousins, whereas Kusou was with Sachihiro. The ladies covered their faces with transparent veils. The Queen sat beside her daughter.
"During this auspicious day of Gion Matsuri, the King is willing to make some important announcements!"
Fuyuki got up from his seat and announced to his followers, "The first announcement of this occasion would be…."
They were waiting for him to proceed.
"Himura Sachihiro would be crowned the King of Kyoto after me."
The men started to whisper among themselves. Kusou was shocked.
"The second announcement is; Kusou should be under the dominance of Sachihiro." Kusou's eyes started to redden. Salima was awestruck and got up from her place. Kusou's eyes were tearful, without the tears strolling down.
"Now, I will announce the most important one. With the grace of the god Kotoamatsukami, Princess Sarima and Prince Akira will get married. The elders will confirm the date."
"Long live King Fuyuki Himura! Long live Princess Sarima! Long live Prince Akira!"
"You are happy, right?" King Fuyuki hugged Akira's father.
"Princess, you have to act shy." Sarima barely paid attention to her friends. She quickly ran away from the vicinity of the rituals. Two of her friends followed her.
"Princess! What are you doing? They will search for you." one of them asked.
"Give your overcoat and veil to me, quick!"
Sarima handed over her yellow one to the friend and took the green one. The other helped them.
"Go sit, and act in my place. Don't make any noise."
"Okay."
Sarima ran to her cousin Kusou, who was preparing his stallion. Her other friend followed her.
"Big brother Kusou! I got a panic attack after I heard my father's announcement! Did he tell that due to compulsion?"
He turned to her with his bloodshot eyes, "Compulsion? These happened due to situations and positions! I don't have any of these, Sarima. I don't have any problem sharing this Kingdom with Sachihiro and Akira's father. But here, myself, my honor, and the authority has been declined!"
He breathed heavily.
"Remember this, Sarima! Even a rising sun will have scorching heat that can burn anything!"
After staring at her for once, he returned to his stallion and rode it. He directed toward the gateway of the Kingdom.
"Big brother, please don't leave!" she yelled tearfully.
-x-
All of Kusou's followers marched to the court of Warabi. Crown Prince Saruto Suzuki was listening to Kusou's problem. He was also a Buddhist, just like the Yamashita.
"I'll explain this to the Emperor at the right time. Your foster father took away the throne that rightfully belongs to you. I will help you get that back."
"I owe you so much, Suzuki Saruto-"
He raised his hand, "What shall I get in return?"
"What do you want? Please, tell me!"
"I want Edo."
Kusou's cerise turned redder, "What are you telling me? You want Edo?"
"After you get the throne of Kyoto, I need you to help me seize the throne of Edo."
"Aren't you the brother-in-law of the Emperor? How can I do this?"
Saruto stood suddenly and walked back and forth in the chamber, "Yes! I've indeed married the Emperor's younger sister Yamashita Kanami. At this moment, I've also accepted to administer parts of the chain of Shinto Kingdoms too. Know this well, Kusou. A large raging flood that is approaching is no different from a wish. That will grow in no time. The whole of Japan should come under my control."
Kusou thought for a while. He bent his gaze down and agreed to his condition, "Sure. I don't have any issue."
Then, he looked straight into his face, "But during my period as the King, I don't want our people affected."
-x-
Fuyuki and his men were in awe. He was in a heated discussion with their commander and the leader of the Minamoto group, who are distant relatives of the Himuras.
"This is something unexpected for all of us! Kusou allied with Saruto Suzuki to take my position as the King of Kyoto!"
"Yes, dear King."
"Huh, if there is another war, our Kingdom will be shattered. He is very selfish in this regard. Does he want the people affected for a throne? Is he a fool? Thousands of women get widowed, and children get orphaned! My chest aches when I think about it," Fuyuki halted his walk.
Fuyuki thought, "Dear Minister, would it be right if we develop a friendship with Sasaki?"
-x-
All the rulers of the Himura group planned for a meeting. They were bashing Fuyuki's idea, considering it a shame for the Shinto ruling group. They viewed him as a traitor and broke ties with him. However, Fuyuki still decided to go with his plan to avoid the poverty and deaths of his innocent people.
Fuyuki planned a visit to Kanto, where Sasaki trains for warfare.
"We wholeheartedly welcome Emperor Fuyuki Himura to Kanto. He is training inside. Please come with us." Shun greeted the Kyoto King.
Shun guided him to Sasaki's place. He couldn't find him at all.
"Where is Tennō?" Fuyuki asked.
"He is there!" Shun pointed towards the sand ground where the blunette in white was training with an elephant. One of the warriors was also there. The elephant was trumpeting with rage, swapping its trunk abruptly.
"Training and riding on elephants is his hobby. He feels entertained by such activities.
Fuyuki was entirely distracted by the show. The blunette attempted to climb on the elephant but failed without tripping on the floor. He dodged the wild creature's trunk, but his comrade was hit and stumbled on the floor. They got separated from each other. The elephant tried to make a move on the warrior, but Yamashita immediately came for his aid and dragged him away from the elephant.
"Don't come near! Halt!" He pulled his comrade towards the exit and hid him from the raging beast. He hid behind the pillar, dodged his head from the elephant's trunk, and came out. He skillfully rolled from the exit to the ground, went a few feet backward, and immediately moved from the elephant's feet. He advanced towards another pillar with a couple of spiked shields. He took one of them for his defense.
"Halt!"
He moved to face the elephant, almost towards its direction and caught its trunk. But it pushed him away, and the shield slipped from him.
Yamashita got up, passed between the elephant's legs, jumped on the pillar, and finally climbed tangentially to get seated on the elephant. It reduced its trumpeting, and Yamashita patted its rough skin to calm the creature. The elephant took him to Shun and others who were witnessing the game. They were enthralled to see the skills of the young Emperor.
"Deat Emperor, the leader of the Minamoto clan, the most talented commander of Himuras, and the King of Kyoto are waiting to see you."
Dust clung to Sasaki's Hakama and sash with golden sand grains. He smiled and greeted the guests, "A warm welcome."
"Greetings, dear Emperor. We are praising your valor. You showcased the best example of masculinity." Fuyuki acknowledged.
"My happiness knew no ends after your arrival here! We will meet in my tents."
"As you wish, King."
-x-
A group of white tents with lace curtains were hanging freely.
"To the attention of all the courtiers! The Yamashitas Crown, Tennō is making his arrival!"
The blunette Emperor sat on his throne placed inside the main tent. All of his followers and guests were present there.
"A warm welcome to my guests here. I am acknowledging you for coming from afar. So, what's the objective of your arrival here?"
"It's my willingness to bring my kingdom under your control, dear Emperor."
"I am glad to see your minor Kingdom come under our administration."
"I am willing to address something else to the beloved Emperor."
"Tell me."
Fuyuki requested, "Can we have a private talk?"
Yamashita nodded and ordered his courtiers to leave the place.
"Now, you can tell."
"For our friendship to persist, I humbly place an application on your shrine. Will you, the Emperor of the Yamashita clan, be able to tie the knot with Princess Sarima of Kyoto?"
The Emperor was alarmed for a moment. Then, he calmed and looked down to think.
Fuyuki lowered his tone and said, "I can't understand your silence. Are you-"
"Kindly wait. I appreciate you being open-minded and straightforward about the marriage proposal. I thank you for giving me this honor. However, I need some time to think about this. I might be able to answer this after I visit the Senso-ji Buddhist monastery in Taito."
"Do as you wish, sir."
-x-
The Emperor of Japan was seated facing the statue of Buddha in the red-toned monastery. The blunette dressed in a pale green Hakama crossed his legs with bare feet and sat under a tree.
Please help me,
Beloved Buddha.
I have come to seek you with an application.
It's my dream to make a complete Japan.
Please bless me, and let my wish come true
Oh, The precious Buddha,
The precious Dharma,
The Precious Sangha.
After he finished with the prayers, he met Saruto and Uncle Yamato, a messenger.
"Amituofo."
"Greetings, Yamashita-san."
"Amitufo," the minister greeted the blunette.
"I hope you are doing well, Saruto."
"Upon your glory, I've been well, dear Tennō."
"What's the matter, Uncle Yamato?"
They walked during their conversation.
"Sasaki, the Himuras aren't allowing the Buddhist pilgrims to enter Uji. I witnessed this during my journey. This issue will turn out to be a riot. We need to seek a way to bring an end to this."
"Do we need a lot of protection on the way to Uji?"
"Yes, Tennō. I will make the preparations for it." Saruto offered to help.
"How can you do that, Saruto?" the minister asked.
They halted for a while before the minister conversed with Sasaki.
"It's not only in Uji, a lot of riots and chaos are happening in regions near Hiroshima and Nagasaki too."
"Who has the roads to Uji under control, Uncle Yamato?" Sasaki asked the minister.
"They are under the control of Himura Fuyuki, the King of Kyoto."
Suddenly, a thought struck the Emperor's mind. "Uncle Yamato, please convey this message to King Fuyuki. I will marry his daughter Sarima as he requested me in person."
Both of them were shocked.
"Tell him that I am accepting this wedding with contentment; for the unity between us and the well-being of people in Japan."
"Tennō, please think twice before you take a decision. She is one of the daughters of the Himuras. She follows Shintoism. Your match won't come out well, and tell this to the King immediately," Saruto intervened.
"Saruto, I've taken this decision after a deep thought."
He faced Yamato and walked further without them.
"You know this very well, Uncle Yamato. Sir Haruto built this Kingdom and protected it using my name for years. Given that, why couldn't our ancestors establish an efficient Kingdom? My mind is lingering with such thoughts. My confusion lasted longer. How can I make my dreams come true? I saw the aim and ambition but not the path."
Sasaki turned back to them and continued, "The Precious Buddha guided me to the path when I was in my darkness. I owe Lord Buddha for giving a quality life to millions of people. Uncle Yamato, kindly convey this message."
A/N: Hope this wasn't messy and bad.
I know that there might be a lot of OCs like parents, relatives, and so on, but they don't add much relevance to the story except for a few. Such irrelevant characters won't appear frequently. So I hope I won't bring in many confusions :'D
This story will have more focus between Kane and Salima's relationship in the next chapter and onwards.
Thanks for reading!
-Naini.