We do not own Koihime Musou or Kamen Rider Gaim. They belong to their respective creators. We just thought this idea would be fun and decided to give it a try. If you like it then that's great. If you don't then we tried. Anyway, come along and let's see what you think.

Sangokuden Armored War Gods Saga: Legends of the Armored War Gods

Co-Written By: Ten-Faced Paladin and Kamen Rider Chrome

Chapter 4: New Recruits to Sousou's Army

Another day had come and gone for the group of travelers in their quest to reach Enjutsu's city in order to reclaim Ryuubi's stolen sword. As the group continued on their travels, the sun was already starting to set, casting the sky in an orange glow. They were traveling down a path in the middle of the forest. No signs of civilization were in sight which meant they were in the middle of nowhere as far as they knew.

"It looks like we won't make it to the next town before it gets dark," said Nagata. "We might have to make camp out here."

"It appears so, Gaim-sama," Kanu agreed, turning to glare at her little sister. "Rinrin, your method to choose our path at the fork of the road wasn't right at all." There had been a fork in the road, branching out in two paths. Rinrin had the good idea of using luck to decide their way. She simply dropped her Viper Spear and where it pointed when it landed would be the path they chose. Unfortunately, they had taken a wrong turn. Kanu didn't get a response from their usually boisterous companion. In fact, Rinrin hadn't been singing one of her silly songs for quite a while now. This was a cause for concern. "Rinrin?"

Trailing behind, Chouhi wasn't paying attention or even singing one of her silly traveling songs. Instead, she was trying not to groan too much while she rubbed her stomach, "...I don't feel too good."

Nagata immediately stopped and kneeled down to examine Chouhi. She seemed a little pale and sweaty. Worried, he asked, "Rinrin, are you OK?"

"My stomach hurts..." she whined. She then clenched her stomach and collapsed to her knees. "It hurts..." she moaned and Nagata caught her before she collapsed to the ground.

"Rinrin!" panicked Kanu.

"Rinrin-chan, are you OK?" Komei asked.

"Oi, Rinrin!" Nagata cradled her as she started to tremble and sweat more profusely. He grimaced. This was bad. It was getting dark and the nearest town was miles away. He could take her to a doctor on the Sakura Hurricane, but he was afraid he might accidentally drop her in his haste. Komei was also out of supplies so she couldn't make any medicines to deal with it. What were they supposed to do? Deciding quickly, Nagata lifted Chouhi up and carried her in his arms. "We need to get her help."

With Kanu's help, he hefted Chouhi onto his back so they could carry her and they began to head down the path to try and get to the next town sooner before Chouhi could get any worse. Day had turned into night as the group kept going, trying not to run too fast since they were afraid of making Chouhi's illness worse. Nagata was being especially careful since he didn't want her throwing up on him.

As they moved, they saw a light in the forest. Hoping it was someone that could help them, they approached the light to see that it was a small campfire and someone tending to it. He was a man with red hair, wearing a furred white coat with a black shirt marked with a white cross. He also wore trousers with black chaps covering his legs with white and red cowboy-like boots. As the group came closer, he blinked in surprise to see them

"We're sorry to bother you, but our friend here is sick. Could she rest by your fire?" Kanu asked.

"Your friend is sick?" he asked, standing up. He looked at Chouhi who was on Nagata's back.

"She's got a really bad stomach ache," Nagata replied, upset that he couldn't do anything. If Komei had any equipment or supplies she might be able to whip up something but she didn't.

"Please, let me take a look at her," the red-haired man offered. "I'm a doctor. I can help," he added. He gestured over to an empty portion of the clearing. "Just lay her down here."

A straw mat was laid out for Chouhi to lie on and the doctor examined. "Does it hurt here?" he asked as he gently pressed his hands on her stomach. He was checking over portions of her body where the pain could be coming from.

"Yeah...it hurts really bad," she said as he poked a certain spot.

"What did you eat last?" he asked.

"Rice and lots of eel with a big melon for dessert," she answered. She had been in rare form that night. The man scanned her and finally found the source. Narrowing his eyes, he raised his hands and produced acupuncture needles from hidden spots in his gloves.

"Wh-what are you going to do?" asked Kanu

"I'm going to strike points on her body which are connected to the source of her illness and push my ki through it," the doctor explained.

"So you're an acupuncture specialist?" asked Nagata.

"Yes. It's completely safe. Nothing to worry about," the man assured. Looking back down at Chouhi, his eyes seemed to focus on specific points of her body, mainly on her right hand and under her right knee. "My souls and my needles are one! This is my full power! Destroy the demons of illness! Become Healthy!"

The chant wasn't entirely a spell, but a special concentration ritual so the doctor could concentrate his energy into his treatment. Plenty of athletes, fighters, and such people had a means of focusing before they went out into the field. The doctor jabbed with his needles directly into the back of Chouhi's right hand and just below her right kneecap.

There was an explosion of light that nearly blinded everyone. Chouhi gasped as it happened, feeling some kind of energy pulse through her. The doctor wasn't finished, pulling the needles out with a cry of "Demons begone!" which made Chouhi gasp and fall still before the light show ended.

"Rinrin, are you OK?" Nagata asked, kneeling at her side.

Chouhi opened her eyes and smiled, "I'm fine!" She sat up. "It doesn't hurt anymore!"

"Thank you," Nagata said to the doctor gratefully. "I know we barged in on your camp abruptly, but you still managed to help us when we needed it."

"It's my duty as a doctor," the doctor said with a smile. "If I had to state an opinion, she just ate a bad combination of foods in too big of portions and it made her stomach convulse. Now that the pain's gone, she'll be fine."

"I'm Gaim. These are my friends, Kanu, Chou'un, Ryuubi, and Komei. The one you helped is Chouhi," Nagata introduced himself and the group.

"My name is Kada followed by Genka, a simple traveling doctor from THE WAY OF THE FIVE GRAINS!" He actually yelled the title of the group and pointed into the air like some kind of dramatic introduction.

"Way of the Five Grains?" everyone repeated.

"No. It's THE WAY OF THE FIVE GRAINS!" Kada corrected, repeating his shouting and posing. "You need to put more emphasis."

"I'm sure," Nagata sweatdropped.

"So, what is a doctor from THE WAY OF THE FIVE GRAINS doing all the way out here?" Ryuubi asked.

"Do we really have to shout the whole thing?" Nagata wondered out loud. "And just who are these guys?"

"THE WAY OF FIVE GRAINS is a Taoist sect of healers and doctors who tend to the sick and poor who need medical attention," Komei explained, actually enjoying shouting the name out. "They're prominent all over the country and Kada-san is one of the best from what I've heard."

"Ah, you flatter me," Kada smiled. "Well, since you've all gotten this far, you're welcome to share the fire with me."

It was an offer which they all agreed to. Chouhi was sleeping on the mat as the others took seats around the fire. Nagata was relieved. Kada told them that she needed to rest to continue her recovery.

"So what brings you out this way Kada-san?" asked Kanu. "I do not know of any places which would need someone of your caliber. No major battles have taken place up here and I have not heard of any natural disasters either."

"Well, I'm actually in search of a book," Kada replied.

"A book?" Chou'un questioned.

"Yes, a very dangerous book. It's called 'The Crucial Keys to the Way of Peace'," Kada told them. He explained, "You see, I was sent by my order to find the book and seal it. In the wrong hands, it could prove devastating."

"Why is the book so dangerous?" Nagata asked. If this thing was so dangerous, then maybe he and his friends should know. He had seen enough examples of forbidden knowledge causing a lot of damage. Granted it was in anime, but in his current situation is was a rather likely outcome.

"The book contains its own magic," Kada told them.

"It contains magic?" asked Kanu.

Kada nodded, "Normally, in magic, even if a person has knowledge but lacks the power they cannot perform it."

"Like martial arts. Even if the person is knowledgeable in the theory of the style, it's all but useless if they don't have the stamina or skill," Chou'un translated.

"Yes, that's about right. As the book contains magic, anything with the slightest bit of talent will be able to perform spells. What fuels this magic is the cries of hatred from the oppressed people in the land," Kada continued. Nagata grimaced. That didn't sound any different from the fuel for Rinki. Was there a link or was it coincidental? "For there is no stronger power than the hatred for a turbulent world and those crying for peace because of it."

Ryuubi spoke up, "I don't know much about magic, but is that a bad thing?" She continued, "I mean if it uses the people's hatred for oppression, couldn't it be used to make the world better?"

"If only it were that simple, Ryuubi-san," Nagata replied. "When people become oppressed, they turn desperate and in their desperation they become violent and when they become violent, everyone else suffers."

"But if we understand why they feel oppressed, we could help them," she argued.

"Yeah, that's right," Nagata agreed. Ryuubi sounded compassionate. Perhaps she did have potential, despite her sometimes ditzy moments. "So, Kada-san, you were saying."

"Yes, right. Ryuubi-san was right about one thing. The Crucial Keys was originally created for the purpose of peace. It used all that negative energy to help the suffering people. However, it soon became corrupted and gained a life of its own," Kada continued. Nagata frowned. Of course, if something absorbed negative emotions, it would become corrupted. "It seems to use the darkness in one's heart to gain more power, influencing them to do evil deeds and plunge the world into chaos."

"So, the more hatred the people feel, the more power it gains," Chou'un concluded.

"Such a dangerous thing," Komei grimaced. She loved books but this book was evil.

"It sounds like something the RinJyuKen Akugata may want," remarked Nagata, concerned about the existence of the book.

"RinJyuKen Akugata?" Kada repeated, familiar with the name.

"You've heard about it, Kada-san?" Kanu asked.

"My order has been following the movements of this group for quite some time now," Kada answered. "As far as we know, they are an underground martial arts school who mimic the movements of animals to create their fighting styles and cause chaos to the people for their own gain. You know about them too?"

"We've run into them from time to time," Nagata replied. "So, if you've heard about them, you know what they're planning?"

"I assume it was to bring harm to this land," Kada answered.

"You're about right. You see, the RinJyuKen Akugata use an energy called Rinki to power their martial arts style. Rinki is born from the negative emotions humans possess like fear, anger, sorrow, jealousy, and hatred. They want to harvest these negative emotions by causing destruction and pain. They collect it to gain more power and spread their influence to create a world where it is survival of the fittest like in the animal kingdom," Nagata informed Kada. "The way you describe the Crucial Keys, it seems like something they would want to get their hands on."

"Then it is more important now that we seal it!" Kada proclaimed. If a group such as the RinJyuken got the Crucial Keys then the amount of destruction they could cause would be immense!"

"Is that why you're here?" Kanu asked. "You believe the book is nearby?"

"Yes, I heard that Sousou is looking for it. If she has gained possession of the book, I must ask her to hand it over," Kada told them.

"That might not be so easy," muttered Nagata. "Sousou's not the kind of person to hand over something so easily if she wants it." How often she gunned for Kanu as a bed partner sure showed how determined she was to get something she wanted. She would likely be even more fierce in keeping it.

"Oh, so you know her?" Kada sounded optimistic at this revelation.

"We have met," Kanu confirmed. "But she's not the type of person to rely on such a thing."

"I see. However, perhaps, we should still go and see her. Maybe we can get some clues on its whereabouts."

"Before that, I think we should all sleep," Nagata suggested as he yawned. "It's late and we need to get moving in the morning."

The following morning, the group was on their way to Sousou's capital in Gi. It was a small detour in the path of getting Ryuubi's sword, but Kada's quest in finding his book was incredibly important if what he said about it was true. Finding and sealing that book was a top priority over a sword. Keeping their spirits high though was Chouhi who was once again energetic and singing alongside Ryuubi.

"Looks like she's all better," Komei smiled. She was relieved. It had been worrisome when Chouhi had gotten ill.

"Yeah, she is. You probably couldn't tell she was sick yesterday," Nagata agreed. If Chouhi wasn't cheerful or energetic then there was something seriously wrong.

"Children should be energetic and cheerful," Kada added as he looked at both Kanu and Nagata. "I'm sure as her parents the both of you feel relieved too."

"Eh?" Kanu and Nagata responded. "Her parents?"

"Am I wrong?" Kada asked. From their interaction, he assumed Nagata and Kanu were Chouhi's parents.

"We've only sworn a pact of sisterhood," Kanu insisted.

"And she adopted me as her older brother," defended Nagata.

"And we haven't done anything that would lead to a child!" finished Kanu, blushing.

"Aisha, he didn't need to know that," Nagata responded, blushing as much as his girlfriend.

"Oh, I see..." Kada nodded.

"They are just innocent virgins," added Chou'un.

"Thank you, Sei. Now stop helping," Nagata ordered but she still smirked.

Muttering over perverted friends, Nagata wondered if he could get Kada's help for Touka Village. If he remembered his history right, Kada was a renowned surgeon among other medical practices. He was actually the first to use anesthesia in his surgical practices. He was notably neutral in the Three Kingdoms, but having his skills for the Touka Village Army would be a huge asset in their bandit-busting activities. He'd probably say no, but it was worth a try.

"Hey, Kada-san," Nagata spoke up.

"Yes, Gaim-dono?" Kada replied.

"We're part of a small army in a village in Shoku. It's called Touka Village. We command the Volunteer Army to help keep the lands safe from the bandits who keep thinking the province is easy pickings. I was wondering if you'd be interested to join as our army's physician?" Nagata requested. In an army, soldiers got injured and sick, and while Komei was knowledgeable, she was still just a child and would need help. Perhaps Kada could offer his help in their army.

"That is quite an honorable request, but I must decline. As a member of the WAY OF THE FIVE GRAINS I must not be tied down to one place," Kada told him.

"Well, if that's your decision, I guess I can't force you." It was a shame. Kada could be a great help. "But if you change your mind..."

Suddenly, they heard Ryuubi gasp. Looking up ahead, they saw her at a crossroads which split into the woods with Chouhi. "What is it, Ryuubi-san?" Nagata asked.

"There's someone lying over there! I think she's hurt!" Ryuubi told him. Quickly, the group ran over. Nagata froze. It was a young woman lying in a pool of her own blood. She had brown hair tied in a bun and wore glasses. She also wore a dark blue sleeveless coat with a short skirt. The edge to her garters was revealed as well as the straps to a garter belt that she used to hold them up. She was laying on her back with a pool of blood near her head.

"Damn," Nagata cursed. Had she been ambushed by bandits and then killed by them? Kada went to check on her and put his ear against her chest.

"Well?" Kanu asked. Kada gasped. "What is it?"

"She's..." Kada paused dramatically, "Perfectly healthy." Everyone facefaulted.

"You didn't need to make a dramatic pause!" snapped Nagata.

"But where did all that blood come from?" Kanu questioned.

"It's alright. This is normal," the group heard and then spotted a young girl with long blonde hair with droopy eyes, and a gold band on her forehead. She also wore long blue robes, hinting at a noble upbringing. Oddly enough, she had a doll holding a lollipop on her head. Unlike everyone else, she seemed completely at ease with the situation "It's just a nosebleed." She then went and knelt down before gently lifting up the bespectacled woman. "I-chan, wakey-wakey. I have a wet towel for you." She started to clean her friend's face.

"Uh...what?" Kanu blinked.

The group relocated to the river with their new acquaintances. The bespectacled girl had regained consciousness and sat across from them with the blonde, taking only a moment to clean up her face with the ease of someone with lots of practice.

"My name is Kakuka followed by Houkou," the bespectacled girl introduced herself.

"I'm Teiiku," the petite blonde introduced herself before pointing up to the doll on her head, "And this is Houkei."

Houkei then 'spoke' as Teiiku wiggled his arm like a wave, "It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too!" Chouhi greeted cheerfully.

"Oh, you greeted a doll?" Houkei 'replied'.

"Houkei, be nice," Teiiku scolded.

"It's just odd she'd talk normally to a doll."

"Wow, the doll talks!" Chouhi applauded.

Chou'un frowned, feeling like she had been upstaged, 'OK, I knew I should've said something sarcastic that time.'

"So, Teiiku-san and Kakuka-san, what are you doing out here?" asked Nagata.

"We're actually on our way to Gi to join Sousou's army as strategists," Kakuka admitted. "We've been looking for a lord who shared our ideals and we finally managed to find one in Sousou! We heard she has a strong army and wished to offer our services. Fuu here has even read Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War'. Besides, we've heard that Sousou is a Talented Ruler in Peacetime and a Deadly Fighter in Wartime!"

"Also, I-chan is Sousou's fan," Teiiku added.

"Well, it's not like I'm a fan," blushed Kakuka as she wiggled in her seat. "I just admire her, that's all. It's not like I'm offering myself up or anything. Although, if she were to ask, I'd happily give myself to her! Oh, no! What am I thinking? I'm supposed to be a strategist! Not that!" She squealed then moaned, touching herself as she acted out some fantasy. Nagata instinctively covered Komei and Chouhi's eyes, making them even more confused. "Yes, I did say I'd offer myself body and soul but I couldn't do that! Oh, Sousou-sama, you're so forceful!"

The group sweatdropped as they watched Kakuka squirming about in the midst of a very violent erotic fantasy. Nagata spoke up, "Shouldn't someone stop-!" Suddenly, blood gushed out of Kakuka's nose like a geyser. "DEAR KAMI!" yelled Nagata as everyone jumped before Kakuka collapsed again.

"Well...that explains the blood we saw..." Kanu commented.

Kakuka recovered and apologized, Teiiku offering her a tissue to stick up one nostril, "Sorry, I embarrassed myself again just now."

"That can't be healthy," Nagata remarked. "I mean losing all that blood, it's a miracle you're not suffering from anemia."

"Indeed, but she's still quite healthy despite the loss of blood," Kada defended.

"Not if that keeps happening," Nagata remarked. He had never seen explosive nosebleeds like that before. Usually, it was guys in anime that did that. He didn't know that it could happen to girls!

"Putting that aside, I'm sure Sousou-dono will accept you if you're this passionate and as talented as you say," Kanu said. "She always has her eye out for talented people who can contribute greatly to her army."

"Well, I don't know if I could contribute much but I will serve her the best I can," Kakuka nodded. Nagata was almost afraid she was going to go into another fantasy but sighed in relief when she remained focused.

"You sound like you know her," Teiiku stated, picking up on the context of Kanu's words.

"Yeah, we know her," Nagata replied. "We've met her a few times and she's definitely the type to not pass up on talented people. I'm sure you'll do fine." He glanced at Kakuka, 'You...I'm not so sure....'

"Not only do they know her, but Sousou has personally rubbed Aisha's luscious, glossy hair from under-" Chou'un began.

"Sei, finish that sentence, and I'm kicking you into Helheim," warned Nagata. It was sadly too late to stop what happened next. Kakuka heard and immediately fell into another fantasy about Sousou again. She gushed out excitedly with blood, launching her tissue like a small missile. "Seriously, I think you need to see a doctor about that!" Nagata exclaimed. He turned to Kada for help. He just shrugged helplessly. It seemed that he didn't have any idea why Kakuka had such explosive nosebleeds.

"Anyway, I guess it's our luck that we ran into acquaintances of hers," Kakuka smiled, jabbing tissue up both her nostrils.

"Yes, maybe you could introduce us to her," added Teiiku hopefully.

"Well, we're all heading the same way so I don't mind," said Kanu.

"Me either," Nagata added. "What about you, Ryuubi-san?"

"It's alright," Ryuubi smiled.

"Thank you guys," 'said' Houkei.

The group continued their way into Gi's capital where Sousou ruled. For Nagata, this would be the first time they visited Sousou's city. It was definitely bustling with activity. Obviously, despite going on campaigns often, Sousou knew how to make sure everything ran smoothly if she was there or not.

"It looks like everyone is happy under Sousou's rule," remarked Nagata in admiration. He spotted a few soldiers clad in red and black, but what really got his attention was Baron's personal coat of arms on their backs. The symbols were of a helm inside of a shield. 'Seems like Akechi is moving up in the world if he's making his own Team Baron here.'

"I'm going straight to the palace to speak with Sousou," Kada said to Kakuka and Teiiku, "Would you like to come along with me?"

"Actually, I think we should get something to eat first," declined Kakuka politely yet nervously, "After all, they say we can't fight on an empty stomach."

"Oh, you're afraid now, aren't you?" 'said' Houkei.

"Houkei," Teiiku scolded her doll. "When you see something really obvious like that you shouldn't say it out loud where everyone can hear it."

"Then I guess we can stop for food first," Kanu nodded. "We'll meet you at the palace later Kada-dono."

"Okay. Well, I'll see you later," Kada said before he went towards Sousou's residence.

"You know, I did notice a place where we could stop for some lunch. We should go there," Nagata suggested.

"Yeah, let's eat!" Chouhi cheered.

At the restaurant, the party ordered their meal. Of course, in the middle of the meal, something interesting was happening.

"Gaim-sama, here," Ryuubi said as she picked up some food with her chopsticks, offering some to him. "Say, 'aaah'."

"Um, Ryuubi-san," Nagata sweatdropped, "What are you doing?" Oh, he knew what she was doing but he was hoping he was wrong. It didn't seem like his luck would be good in that regard though.

Ryuubi blushed and said, "Oh, I just wanted to share some of my meal with you. Would you like a taste?"

"Ryuubi-san..." Kanu started, nearly growling as she gripped her chopsticks tightly, "Gaim-sama is perfectly capable of feeding himself." Now, Nagata was in a bit of a bind. Declining Ryuubi's offer would upset the rosette but accepting it would make Kanu angry with him. So, he decided to take a deep breath and do the right thing.

"I need the bathroom!" he said quickly as he stood up before escaping the situation.

He could do the right thing later. Right now, it was best to avoid it and hope that things blew over.

Sousou sighed as she sat on her throne. Her Armored War God Baron was in a bad mood. No, he wasn't angry or irritated. He was just bored and whenever he was bored he had a habit of doing things to rid himself of his boredom even if was at the expense of others.

Over a year ago he had come into her service and made into an enforcer. Because he had never failed to please her, he had been promoted. He was still an enforcer but now he had the rank of Enforcer General. Also, like Kakoen and Kakoton who had their own units, the Black Cavalry and Black Knights respectfully, Mitsuki was now in charge of his own unit which he named the Crimson Guard. They were in charge of enforcing the rules and peace within her territory and Mitsuki was given the honor of training them as well.

Well, he called it training but the recruits called it torture. However, Mitsuki explained that he was just weeding out the weak and would only choose those who had the strength and resolve to continue until the very end. As usual, Sousou trusted him and left him to his own devices. They were his unit after all and he had the final say.

But now he was bored and the men had to suffer for it.

But that wasn't all. For some reason, he had been avoiding Kakoton. Something was up and Sousou took notice. It all happened right after a banquet to celebrate another victorious campaign...

No, it couldn't be that, could it?

A Crimson Guard recruit was knocked painfully to the ground before the tip of a metal lance was aimed at his throat.

"Hesitate for a second and you're dead," Mitsuki growled. While he was automatically armed once transformed, Mitsuki decided he would still require a weapon in civilian form. So, he went to the blacksmith who helped to forge the weapons in Sousou's army and made an order for a weapon that resembled his Banaspear. It wasn't as ornate as his Arms weapon but the lance he received did get the job done. It was lightweight yet durable, perfect for him. While he was a civilian before coming to work for Sousou, after becoming Baron he had gained some fighting experience and could fight like the best of them. He still trained to keep his skills sharp, though.

His attire hadn't changed much but he now sported a red chestplate which wrapped across his torso and with twin pauldrons decorated by skulls. The chestplate and pauldrons were a gift from Sousou upon his promotion, identifying him as the Enforcer General. He wore the armor to show his rank and where he stood in the army as well as when on a campaign. Other times he went without it.

"Hai, sir," the recruit said as he got up and gripped his spear. Mitsuki and the recruit exchanged bows before the recruit returned to join the others. Mitsuki scowled. Another group of fresh recruits. Perhaps they were trying to leech off the fame he had earned as an Armored War God. Well, if that were the case, then their career was going to be a short one.

"Men," Mitsuki started, shouldering his lance, "You are all in this unit for one thing and one thing only; to enforce the peace and rules in Sousou's name. However, remember that while she is your ruler, I am your Boss so whether you are able to stay in this unit is up to me!" He pointed his lance at them, "I see here are a bunch of kids who think that by joining my unit that you might become prestigious and gain fame. If that is what you're thinking then you might as well leave! This unit is no place for sycophants! Flattery will get you nowhere! If you want to impress me then you better work for my approval! That means I want only the best, the brightest, and the strongest! Do you understand?"

"SIR, YES, SIR!"

"Alright! Continue the drills as I've told you!" ordered Mitsuki.

Mitsuki was on his way to report to Sousou and ask if he could go out and maybe hunt for bandits since nothing was going on. Not like he needed permission, but she would need to know where he went because he didn't want to deal with her temper. Then, he looked up and saw Kakoton and froze. Kakoton saw him too and similarly froze, a blush on her face as well.

"Hey, Kakoton!" he greeted awkwardly, unable to meet her gaze. "Gonna go and meet Sousou, huh?"

"...Ah, yes," she answered.

"Well, I guess, you should go first then. Seniority and all that," he said before he did an about-face and walked away, increasing his pace as he took off.

"Wait..." Kakoton futilely tried to call before she bit her lower lip.

"He avoided you again?" Kakoton blinked and turned to see Kakoen approaching her. "You two have been dancing around each other for some time now. Care to explain what has been going on?"

"Well…" Kakoton grimaced. She really should talk to someone about what happened since she wasn't making much progress herself, "Very well. Let us go this in my room though. I do not wish for anyone to overhear."

"Very well," Kakoen agreed. Both women headed down the hallways to Kakoton's room where they entered. Muffled voices could be heard, likely Kakoton speaking about what happened to cause someone like Mitsuki to be so jittery around her. Things were silent for a few moments before Kakoen's scream broke out, startling a few nearby servants.

"YOU SLEPT WITH BARON-DONO!?" Kakoen screamed in shock at her fellow general and sister sitting at a small table.

"Shout louder Shuran, I don't think the whole palace heard you," Kakoton hissed, blushing.

"S-sorry, but I was unprepared for such a confession. How did it happen?" Kakoen asked, quite shocked. Granted Sousou slept with her generals and strategist all the time but Mitsuki never once showed much of a passing interest in courting any women. Then to just sleep with Kakoton?

"Remember that banquet we had to celebrate another successful campaign?" asked Kakoton.

"Yes, you had a bit too much to drink. The both of you did," recalled Kakoen. It had been somewhat amusing to see both of her usually serious co-generals be so tipsy and stumbling all over.

"Well…" Kakoton bit her lip. "I...I mistook Baron-dono's room for mine and well...you know how I prefer to sleep with nothing on and..."

"Oh yes," Kakoen nodded. "I assume he got a pleasant surprise."

"He...didn't notice me at first," Kakoton admitted. "He just rolled over and...w-w-wrapped his arms around me," Kakoton's face turned bright red. "He held me. It...it…"

"It?" asked Kakoen.

"It felt...so nice," Kakoton shook her head, remembering. "For how brutal a man he is on the battlefield he...he is quite gentle when in private. He wrapped me in his arms and just...ran his fingers across my stomach."

"Oh…" Kakoen blinked. She hadn't expected a drunk Baron to be so...intimate. She expected him to be a raging drunk who picked fights, not the romantic drunk type.

"I think I may have thought it was Karin-sama come to surprise me and I responded by rubbing against him," Kakoton blushed harder, a hand on her cheek. "He...um...tended to be quite...uh…"

"He was nude as well?" Kakoen blushed. While she was quite firmly a lover of women, that didn't mean she couldn't appreciate a fine man and Baron had proven himself to be one. She had been wondering what his body was like under his armor and clothing. No woman in their faction had managed to see it and plenty had tried hoping to court his favor.

Kakoton nodded, bright red, "He began responding and when his...um...uh...thingy...began poking me I think was when I figured it out. But he was playing with my breasts by that point and he was going rather low so I was simply too aroused to care. We simply got excited and were too far into the act to care and…"

"You allowed him to storm the fortress as it were," Kakoen nodded, making Kakoton blush but nod. "My, no wonder you two were so awkward around each other. Was it truly that bad?"

"No! It was wonderful!" Kakoton cried, but then choked on her words.

"More pleasurable than with Karin-sama? That I do not believe," Kakoen huffed.

"Well, no but it was just as good in a different way," Kakoton muttered. "I was filled as if I was empty but did not know it. His touch was firm yet gentle. He pressed me down onto the mattress and the feeling of his warmth and weight on top of me just made me want to-!"

"Okay! Enough!" Kokoen gulped. Any more and she'd hunt down Sousou like a tigress on the prowl. "So you clearly enjoyed yourself and made it quite a pleasurable experience. Why so awkward around each other now? We wake up with each other and get walked in on or even after a night of drinking all the time."

"Because I am with Karin-sama, just like you!" Kakoton hissed. "And Mitsuki-kun believes he has in his own way forced me into infidelity! I want to ease his concerns but I do not know how! And what would Karin-sama say if she found out?"

"Well, she did say he was welcome to us if she was not busy with us," Kakoen pondered, remembering what may have been Sousou teasing Mitsuki in the past. "He has made it clear that he is attracted to both of us. I'm surprised he hasn't taken her up on that offer."

"Because Mitsuki-kun is honorable and does not wish to ruin the feelings we have for Karin-sama with petty lust," Kakoton frowned. "He honestly believes he never had a chance with us."

Kakoen nodded. It was easy for someone to think that way, considering how Sousou liked to carry on with her trusted generals. Many were wondering if she was doing the same to Mitsuki considering she made him a general when all the others were women. Mitsuki no doubt thought his affections were doomed and decided not to pursue them.

"Well, I would not say he never had a chance," Kakoen shrugged. "Although I much prefer a woman's touch, I am not adverse to the idea of a man if he proved himself to be of the right sort. The same with you. Since you had your chance, perhaps I could have mine and we can see where it leads. It would prevent us from being lonely those times Karin-sama decides to go on one of her trips and leaves one of us behind."

"Shuran this isn't a game!" Kakoton snapped. "Mitsuki-kun really believes he dishonored me!"

"So tell him otherwise," Kakoen shrugged.

"He will not believe it! He'll merely think I am trying to make him feel better about it!" Kakoton snapped.

"Then sleep with him again, sober, willingly, responsibly. Show him that you do not consider what you did a mistake and that you thoroughly enjoyed it. The way you walked bow-legged and with a smile makes me think you did anyway. Funny, I thought Karin-sama snuck into your room that night."

"Shuran," Kakoton frowned.

"Still, teasing aside," Kakoen continued. "How did it feel? Being with a man?"

"What?" Kakoton gulped.

"Was there a difference between being with a man rather than another woman?" asked Kakoen quite seriously. "I'm curious."

Kakoton gulped, looking for a quick exit but the room only had one way out and Kakoen was blocking it. Seeing no real chance to escape, she decided that she would have to answer. Blushing again, she chewed her lip as she recalled her past trysts with Sousou and compared it to her one with Mitsuki, "It was...quite different in ways. Being with Karin-sama, it was like hugging a soft pillow you just wish to sink into and cuddle. A softness pressing against softness. With Mitsuki-kun it...it was like being pressed into a firm mattress and wrapped in a warm security blanket. Firm and strong, like nothing could ever harm you and I could just sit back and bask in it. I could just wrap my arms around him and...Shuran?"

"Jiiiiiii," Kakoen began to drool as she fantasized about the sensation of being pressed down by a warm muscled body that could cover her own. Sousou was just so petite she never considered the idea of being intimate in such a way. Hearing it from Kakoton...it sounded delicious…

"God, I need a drink...too bad that's what caused this..." grumbled Mitsuki as he sat in his personal quarters in Sousou's palace. He had taken off his armor to relax but with nothing to do his mind tended to wander.

Mitsuki was fine with drinking in celebration. Well, he used to be. Now he was pretty sure drinking too much alcohol led to nothing but trouble, no matter the situation. He was in the mood that some wine could help but decided against it. It reminded him too much of the alcoholic wreck his dad had turned into after losing his job. He hadn't been violent or abusive, which was good, but he was just so depressed and always had a bottle in hand and Mitsuki refused to turn into that sort of person. He would face his problems like a real man. The problem was that even Mitsuki wasn't sure how to deal with a problem when the solution didn't involve hitting it enough times.

He heard a knock and answered, "I'm busy! Go away!" The knocking repeated itself, more insistently this time. Scowling, Mitsuki got up and threw the door open, "I said I was busy-URK!" Then he choked as he saw who it was.

"We need to talk," said Kakoen firmly.

'Well, shit,' Mitsuki thought. There was only one possible reason she would come down here to see him. "Alright, you can come in," he relented. If he didn't let her in then they'd be arguing about it in his doorway and he really didn't want things to escalate further with everyone knowing and gossiping about it.

"Shunran told me about what happened," started Kakoen.

"Well, you are sisters," Mitsuki shrugged.

"And you're being an idiot," she added.

OK, that had sounded a bit harsh but he accepted it too, "I know. It shouldn't have happened and it's probably best that we forget it did and pretend it never happened."

"Was it so horrible for you that you'd rather not remember?" she questioned, frowning slightly as if daring him to say it was.

He scoffed, "If only it were that easy. And no, it wasn't horrible, but it shouldn't have happened." He took a deep breath and exhaled before he continued, "You girls mean a lot to me. We've fought together, celebrated together, and respect each other. However, when Kakoton and I slept together, I crossed the line, especially since we were drunk."

"And you assume you took advantage of her," she concluded.

"If she was sober then she would've kicked my ass then let me do that to her," he retorted. "I messed up, didn't I?"

"Yes, but not on the way you believe," she replied. "She didn't think it was a bad thing."

"Are you just trying to make me feel better?" he frowned suspiciously. He had seen Kakoton interact with Sousou. The woman adored the short conquerer. Why would she risk that kind of relationship by having flings with him?

"Is it that difficult to believe that she sincerely enjoyed it?" Kakoen questioned.

"We were drunk. It wasn't right," he said, and then she slapped him across the face. He didn't try to defend himself.

"Stop your whining and get over it," she ordered. "We all work for Karin-sama and we can't let such petty awkwardness come between us."

"You know, you tend to forget something. You and Kakoton like women. I am a man. Why the hell would she want to entertain the thought of being intimate with me?" Mitsuki frowned. "As much as I care about you two, no matter how hard I try, there is no way either of you would willingly go that far with me. Your relationship with Sousou aside, men don't interest you."

"Oh? You're so sure of that? Then why don't you ask her?" Kakoen turned back to the door and opened it, revealing Kakoton standing with her arms crossed.

"Urk!" Mitsuki gulped.

"Mitsuki-kun," Kakoton stepped into the room. "Enough is enough. We have been dancing around each other for too long...so I am going to say it now," she inhaled to steel herself. "That night was wonderful. You were gentle, affectionate, and loving. You made a most pleasurable partner. I very much enjoyed myself. Despite my affection for Karin-sama, I am not immune to the charms of a man. I had merely never met a man I considered worthy of my attention beyond that of general and soldier."

"And I am?" Mitsuki sighed, "After a drunken fling?"

"You proved worthy of that affection long before, but you respected our relationship with Karin-sama and did not try anything," She stepped up to him and forced his arms around her while pressing her body up against his chest. He blushed but did not fight it. Seeing no resistance, she grabbed his face and brought it down for a strong kiss, the kind which in a more romantic setting would have made them tumbling onto the bed for a night of passion. Drawing back, she smiled at his stunned face, "You see? I am not disgusted. I am not angry. I enjoy your touch and I would not turn down the chance to experience it again."

"What about Sousou?" Mitsuki blinked. "You're in a relationship with her and-!"

"Ara ara, so this is what all the tension is about?"

The three generals' eyes widened in shock and they all turned to see Sousou leaning in the doorway, looking most amused. Juniku was with her, looking most shocked. In the midst of all of the shock, Mitsuki and Kakoton hadn't released each other. Still smirking, Sousou walked into the room.

"Karin-sama! I...uh…" Kakoton gulped.

"This is…! Uh…" Mitsuki sputtered.

"Do not panic. I heard enough," Sousou waved her hand. "I am honestly surprised that it took you this long to take me up on my offer given your affection for Shuran and Shunran."

"Affection?" Kakoton looked to Mitsuki and Kakoen had to blink.

"Oh? You did not know?" Sousou crossed her arms, looking like she was watching a particularly interesting drama unfold. "Baron is quite smitten with the two of you, being strong independent women who rely on their strength instead of their looks to advance themselves. However, he felt that since you were both sharing my bed that he was forbidden from ever laying a hand on either of you, not that he thought you would feel that way since he thought you two enjoy women to the exclusion of the other gender like I do."

"He is?" the two generals blinked before looking to a now bright red Baron. They knew he was attracted to them, but to have genuine romantic feelings? It made both women blush lightly at the idea.

"Mmm-hmm," Sousou nodded. "Although he seems to have forgotten that I am a strong believer in free love. I bring new women to my bed all the time after all. So long as I approve of their choices and perhaps am willing to share, I have to qualms about them finding lovers to occupy them when I cannot. I may be a warlord, but I am no hypocrite."

"Wait," Mitsuki blinked. "So when you said…"

"I gave you my blessing to pursue them," Sousou nodded. "When I accepted you as my enforcer and now as one of my generals, I accepted you into my circle. You proved yourself worthy of my generals' attentions so should they like to pursue you then they are most welcome to you. Of course, hurt them and I shall punish you in a most horrible manner," Sousou finished, her face looking particularly dark.

"I'd never hurt them," Mitsuki swore.

"Good, that's all I needed to hear," Sousou smiled in approval. "Oh, and Baron, you can already call us by our private names. You've earned that right."

"So...Karin, Shuran, Shunran and..." He eyed Juniku, "Keifa?"

"Hmph!" Juniku huffed.

"Well, I guess you all can call me by my real name too," Mitsuki smirked. For some reason, this made them a little bit closer.

"Mitsuki then," Karin smiled. "You know, I still don't think that name fits you, but it is your name so I can't really judge." She gave a shrug at that.

"So...are we having a moment here?" Mitsuki asked.

"Yes," Kakoton nodded. "We are." she then gave his chest a push and knocked him back onto his bed with a huff. Approaching, she climbed atop of him and pinned him down. Looking over to the others, she asked in an even tone that did not match the grin on her lips, "Karin-sama, Shunran, Keifa, would you be so kind as to give us some time alone? I believe I need to some time to affirm Mitsuki-kun's standing in our circle."

"Of course," Sousou smirked. Turning, she took Juniku's hand, who was blushing at the sight and left. "Have fun and share some stories when you're finished."

"Ah, I love a romantic ending," Kakoen smirked. "Leave some for me would you? Good men are so hard to find."

"I will," Kakoton smiled. When the three were gone, closing the door behind them, she trailed Mitsuki's hands up her body. "Now Mitsuki-kun, my memory of that night is a little fuzzy. I would like to revisit them." Once his hands were on her breasts, he began to undo the ties on her dress. "And I will not take no for an answer."

Mitsuki believed he found Heaven on Earth.

Kakoton smiled as she pressed herself against Mitsuki's chest. It felt so good to finally be rid of that horrible tension between them. Of course, now sharing his bed as well as Karin's made for quite the delicious resolution to it all. She was able to get the best of both worlds and enjoy the affections of two people she had come to respect and love. Sousou had that soft touch and of course, knew the perfect ways to please another woman. Mitsuki on the other hand was the strong push she liked and was able to penetrate her and fill her in ways only a man could, causing her to bask in an aspect of feminine pleasure she hadn't before.

And now, pillow talk.

"Mitsuki-kun," Kakoton whispered, running her fingers along her lover's chest while he stroked her back, sometimes grabbing teasing touches to her rear. He was such a man sometimes, eternally fascinated with her curves.

"Mn?" Mitsuki showed he was still awake, resting his face in her har.

"I am curious about one thing. You mentioned once that there were prophecies about us in Heaven. Predictions of the future?" she asked.

"Yes, but coming here I'm not sure how accurate they would be. It was generally interpreted that Sousou was a man and generally a greedy warmonger," Mitsuki nodded. "Although meeting her, I can get why they would think that latter part was how it was supposed to go. They merely talked about how she was constantly going on campaigns and such. People just drew interpretations from that."

"Yes," Kakoton sighed. Sousou had a bad reputation as a warmonger fueled by greed, especially by some of the soldiers from conquered armies. "What...did those prophecies say about me?" Mitsuki stopped his touches, causing Kakoton to blink, "Mitsuki-kun?"

"I…" Mitsuki frowned. "Those prophecies state you were going to lose an eye. You would become known for being the blind general or something along those lines. You'd hate it something fierce too."

Kakoton looked up, "L-lose my eye? H-how?"

"An arrow," he answered.

"An arrow?" she repeated and then she remembered their first meeting. "That day. It was that day, wasn't it? When you blocked that arrow heading straight for me."

"Likely," Mitsuki nodded. No arrow had gotten close to Kakoton since that battle as unlikely as that sounded. "You...you would have survived. Though...to inspire fear in the enemies you would have plucked that arrow out with your eye and all and ate it."

Kakoton's eyes bulged, but then she realized she likely would have really done that considering how many advantages the enemy had over them that day. Any edge would have been crucial, even a psychological one. Well, she didn't lose an eye and they had gained an edge in the form of Armored War God Baron.

Leaning in, she kissed Mitsuki, "Then it seems I have even more to be grateful for since you came into our lives."

"Well, I couldn't let you lose one of your beautiful eyes to some lousy arrow," Mitsuki grinned, taking a quick grope of Kakoton's rear while pressing his forehead against hers. They both laughed and shared another kiss. Sighing he released her. "Come on, as nice as this is, we can't just lie in bed all day. We have soldiers to whip into shape,"

"Oh once we go on vacation again, I can show you we can spend all day in bed, although not just lying down," Kakoton sat up and stretched, exposing herself entirely. Before she didn't care if Mitsuki saw her, having earned her respect and knowledge he was not some perverted degenerate. Now she luxuriated in his glances, knowing he found her beautiful and desirable. It did her feminine confidence wonders.

Kada got himself an audience with Sousou and explained the reason why he was here. All he had to say was that he was a doctor and he was let in. He was inquiring about the Crucial Keys to the Way of Peace. He then explained to her why it was a dangerous book to pursue. Finding his argument logical, she relented and accepted his request.

"So, that's how it is..." Sousou nodded reasonably. "I had no idea that book could be so dangerous. Fine, I'll stop looking for it."

"Thank you," Kada bowed. "By the way, why were you looking for it in the first place? Kanu-dono said you weren't the kind of person to rely on magic."

"You've met Kanu?" Sousou asked in surprise.

"Yes, I met her in the middle of my travels," he answered. "She would be coming here shortly."

"That will be fun..." Sousou began to grin. Another chance to make the Beautiful Black-Haired Bandit Hunter hers. This time she wouldn't let Kanu get away until she spent the night in her bed. She found negotiations were much more relaxing in that atmosphere...

But there was something else she needed to take care of.

"So, regarding my question earlier..." Kada prompted. He had asked why Sousou was pursuing the book but she hadn't given him an answer.

"Well..." Sousou blushed. "You're a doctor, right? I haven't been well recently. I've tried a lot of different medicines and remedies, but so far nothing has worked. And so, as a last hope..."

"You decided to resort to magic?"

"Yes."

"But you don't seem to be terribly ill."

"It's...it's not happening..."

"Hm? What isn't happening?"

"It!"

"It's not happening?" Kada seemed contemplative and then he got the answer, if Sousou wasn't having something regular happening then it must have been something akin to her monthly cycle. Why would she think of it as not being well? "Don't worry. You're not sick. Actually, it's a good thing-"

"That's not it!" Sousou snapped. "I only allow women into my bed! How could I get pregnant!? That's...that's not what I meant."

"Then what is it?" Kada urged. "It's OK, you can tell me. I'm a doctor.

"Well, you see...I've been having trouble with...number 2..."

"Oh, you're constipated!" he concluded.

"Don't shout about it!" she snapped again, angrily and embarrassed.

"But it's no big deal," Kada added.

"Still, don't shout about it. It's been a month already. I can't eat properly and my skin's getting rough, and above all, it makes me cranky, irritable, and unable to concentrate!"

"I see. It sounds pretty bad," nodded Kada. He recommended, "How about I cut you open and squeeze it all out for you?"

"If you do that, I'll surely die!"

"It's OK! I've created a medicine that can put you to sleep! You won't even feel a thing. I can set straight to work and open you up, empty you, and then close you back up. There won't even be any noticeable scars!" Kada explained.

"So, it will really work?" she asked. There was a noticeable pause.

"...Of course it will," Kada said.

"What was with that pause?!" Sousou shouted, not liking how suspicious that pause sounded to her.

"If you're worried about me cutting you open, we can use acupuncture instead," he suggested, giving her another option.

"Ah, something sensible," Sousou relaxed. "How would the procedure work?"

Kada then went into a long explanation of the process. Sadly, he did not choose his words wisely. The curse of being educated in one field while the one you were talking to was not. Whatever he said was causing Sousou to grow angrier and angrier as she misunderstood what it was that he was talking about. What was being explained in purely medical terms was being misconstrued as something completely perverted.

"Finally, we insert this golden needle to channel Ki into the area," finished Kada.

"LIKE HELL I'M DOING THAT!" Sousou yelled in outrage before she threw Kada out of her throne room. She stood menacingly over him with her scythe brandished and ready to kill. "How...how dare you!?" she screamed, a blazing aura surrounding her.

"Wait, you misunderstand! I didn't mean anything inappropriate!" Kada yelled but then he heard the sound of more footsteps, running.

"Karin-sama, what's wrong?" Kakoton asked as she and Mitsuki ran over, behind them were members of the Black Knights and Crimson Guard.

"Shunran! Mitsuki! Capture this disgusting man and chop off his head!" Sousou ordered.

"You got it, Boss! Men, get that guy for Sousou!" Mitsuki yelled.

"SIR, YES, SIR!"

Mitsuki might have teased Sousou from time to time but he didn't like it when someone else did, plus he never went too far. If this guy had done something to offend Sousou then he deserved what was coming. Kada was smart enough to know he couldn't talk his way out of this. So, he bolted and ran down the stairs with Shunran, the Black Knights, and Crimson Guard after him.

Sousou looked up to see Mitsuki standing next to her, not giving chase, "Why aren't you going after him?"

"My men can catch him. Besides, he doesn't look tough. Shunran and the men will be able to catch him, easily," Mitsuki replied as he shouldered his lance. "So what exactly did he do? He was that doctor you wanted for that uh...backup problem you got, right?"

"SHUT UP!" Sousou screamed. Juniku approached them. Sousou relaxed and asked, "Keifa, what is it?"

"Kanu-dono and Gaim-dono have come to see you," Juniku reported.

"Oh, Oda and Kanu are here?" Mitsuki smirked. "Karin, it looks like you got your chance to get Kanu." Sousou smiled. It seemed that getting him to become intimate with Shunran was doing wonders for his mood. "So, what exactly are they here for? I doubt it's for a social visit."

Juniku ignored him and told Sousou, "They're here bringing a couple of people she recommends to become officers in your army."

"New recruits, hm?" Sousou smiled. "Well, invite them in. I'm sure that anyone Kanu-dono approves of has potential. Have they come to my throne room." Juniku turned to leave but then Sousou changed her mind, "Wait, I have a better idea."

Nagata waited inside one of the formal sitting rooms inside the palace while servants offered him tea and refreshments. Sousou had asked Kanu, Kakuka, and Teiiku to meet her in another part of the palace for the meeting. Nagata was not able to attend, making him believe that it was taking place in someplace intimate like the bathing room or Sousou's bedroom. The woman had hit the ground running with her next attempt to seduce Kanu.

"She'll crash and burn somehow like always," Nagata tried to comfort himself. It didn't work. Sighing, he heard the door open, and expecting a servant to check on him he was somewhat surprised to see Mitsuki entering with of all things a friendly grin on his face.

"Hey, Oda. How have you been?" Mitsuki greeted and Nagata recoiled a bit as if weirded out. "What?"

"There's something different about you," Nagata remarked then shook his head. "Anyway, how have you been?"

"Oh, same old, same old. Sousou's been putting me to work doing what I do best," Mitsuki answered with a grin.

"Sounds good."

"So, on the road again?" Mitsuki asked.

"We're actually heading to Enjutsu's to get Ryuubi-san's sword back," Nagata answered.

"Ryuubi? He's still with you?" asked Mitsuki, confused. He wondered why Nagata was traveling with that guy. He wasn't exactly useful. That awful attack on the rebels in the mountain sure proved that. Honestly, the man should have planned not to have Kanu or Bacho with him in case something happened. Expect the unexpected and all that.

"Him? He was an imposter. I'm talking about the real one, a woman," Nagata replied. "Turns out the guy who called himself that was just some no-name thief. He stole Ryuubi-san's name and sword and tried to kill her to cover it up. He purposefully tried to stir up chaos so he could quell it and look like a hero so he could get into the Imperial Court. When he got found out by Iori's wife, he ran for the hills."

"Hah, I knew he was a slimy snake."

"Anyway, we met a pair of hopeful strategists who wanted to join up with Sousou. Kanu figured with her recommendation Sousou would at least give them a chance considering how nuts she is over Kanu."

"True," Mitsuki nodded. "But if they don't have what it takes, they're gone."

"Oh, they have it. It's Kakuka and Teiiku after all," Nagata replied.

"Those two? Damn, we lucked out after all," Mitsuki grinned.

"But don't forget, we've got Komei," Nagata smirked back. "Say, I spotted some soldiers in the city that had Baron's coat of arms on their uniforms. What's up with that?"

"Those are my Crimson Guard, my own personal soldier unit," Mitsuki answered.

"Your own unit? But I thought you'd have to be a general to have your own unit," Nagata remarked. Mitsuki smirked. "What, you became a general?"

"Got promoted a while back," Mitsuki boasted. "A reward for my loyal service. Still, I heard you got made the leader of your own army. You're climbing up in the world. Pretty soon you might even become like Nobunaga."

"I may be an Oda, but Nobunaga I am not," Nagata shook his head. "Of course, I may not have a choice since that fake left us high and dry. Someone had to take over."

"Well, now you have the real Ryuubi with you. If things play out like they're supposed to, then she's going to be the ruler of the last of the Three Kingdoms," Mitsuki replied.

"I'm almost afraid of that," Nagata frowned.

"If you're afraid of the day all three kingdoms will clash then you're forgetting one thing. We still have the RinJyuKen to deal with," Mitsuki reminded.

"And after that, then what? War?" Nagata didn't approve. He approved of fighting to defend others but not war.

"We're already living in a time of war. Go and Gi have started a long time ago. If Shoku rises, it will have to take a path. You can either stick to defending or head out and conquer," Mitsuki advised. "The strong will crush the weak, Oda. Just remember that."

"Defending others I have no problem with," Nagata shook his head. "As far as I'm concerned if they attack me and mine they deserve to get crushed. It's attacking people who have done nothing to me or I have no problem with that bothers me. What did they do to deserve being attacked by armies like ours?"

"It's about conquest and unity, Oda," Mitsuki said sternly. "The Han Dynasty is on its last leg. It's time for new management. Sousou's policies and ideals are what this chaotic country needs."

"Zangetsu says the same thing about Sonsaku and Go," Nagata replied. Sighing, he scratched his head. "Man, as much as reality is punching me in the gut about it I still don't like it."

"I don't either, but that's just the way the world is," Mitsuki shrugged. "I just accepted it a whole lot sooner. Still, if it comes down to it, could you do it?"

"If I had to? Like if the life of Shoku depended on it?" asked Nagata. "Well, I guess if there was no other option then I would have to, wouldn't I? Still, ideally, I'd want to bring victory without ruin, and domination without disgrace. I want to win, but there's no point in winning if I destroy everything worth fighting over. And doing it the way the people wouldn't feel like I'm crushing them underfoot like dogs, where they can keep their pride."

"In an ideal world, that's possible. However, in this world, you are either the victor or the conquered," Mitsuki argued.

"Alexander the Great did it, so can I," Nagata retorted. "People praised him, revered him, respected him even in the countries that he conquered. If he could walk that perilous path, so can I."

"So, you'll do it that way, huh? Fine. I can't say if it's right or wrong. It's your life. However..." Mitsuki narrowed his eyes dangerously, "One day we will meet on the battlefield. I just hope you will give me your all."

"For the sake of me and mine, you'll get that and more," Nagata swore. He was going to protect Touka Village and his friends. There was no doubt about it. He was going to fight the RinJyuKen Akugata and stop their plans. He was going to make sure that this land wouldn't plunge into chaos.

"So, how much are you gonna bet that Sousou's having a lesbian orgy in the bath right now?" Mitsuki asked.

Nagata blushed; so much for the mood, "She won't get Kanu. She's taken now. Kakuka will be all for it if she doesn't break out into one of her nosebleeds."

"Oh?" Nagata raised an eyebrow. "Ah, so you and the bandit hunter, eh? Sousou's gonna be pissed about that. As if the whole mess with that doctor guy didn't already piss her off."

"Huh?" Nagata blinked. "What happened?"

"Ah, Sousou's been having a bit of a medical problem lately. Nothing serious but it's been bugging her," Mitsuki explained. "We brought in a doctor, but the guy must have been a quack or something and propositioned her. Pissed her off something fierce let me tell you. Sousou hates it when men try to cozy up with her."

"A doctor? Wait, did he have red hair and a white coat?" Nagata asked.

"Yeah, he did," Mitsuki confirmed. "Last time I saw him, he was being chased by Shunran and our soldiers. I doubt he'd have the nerve to show his face here ever again."

Nagata had to blink. What did Kada do to piss off Sousou, one of the mellowest people he met outside of her skirt-chasing?

In the bath, Sousou was waiting for Kanu and the two people she was recommending to join her army. This was a good place for an interview. There would be no barriers between them and as an added bonus she would get to admire Kanu's natural beauty. As the door opened, she smiled in anticipation as Kanu, Kakuka and Teiiku came in wearing only their towels and nothing else. Teiiku still had Houkei on her head, but with a small blindfold covering the puppet's eyes.

"Long time no see, Kanu," Sousou greeted.

"Sousou-dono, why are we meeting here?" Kanu asked nervously. No doubt Sousou wanted another chance at her. Kanu may be innocent in terms of sex but she was not naive.

"Are these the ones who wish to serve me?" Sousou questioned.

"Th-thank you for allowing us an audience with you," Kakuka greeted, trying and failing to be confident. The steam in the bath was causing her glasses to fog up, hiding her eyes. It actually served to save her from her nosebleeds since she couldn't see the nude Sousou. "My-my name is Kakuka."

Teiiku was more mellow and composed, "I'm Teiiku."

"Kanu, by meeting with them here without a shred of clothing, I will be able to judge their character without the influence of finery," Sousou explained reasonably.

"I-I see..." Kanu accepted. Still, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Sousou still intended to take her to bed but Kanu was saving herself for her beloved master, Nagata. The thought made her blush a bit. They had only started their courtship. Such impure thoughts were too soon.

"Please, join me in my bath," Sousou invited. "But take off your towels first. It's simple etiquette to not take a towel while taking a bath."

"But..." Kanu blushed, wishing to decline.

"But if you can't be polite then we're done here," Sousou added. "So, what will it be?" Sousou watched as they removed their towels and smiled in approval. So far her plan was working. She swam over with a smile and started the interview, "So, let us begin with Teiiku."

"Hm, so Bravo's shown his face and he's following those Chou Sister idols?" Mitsuki blinked. "Of all people he could have hooked up with, he wastes his time with an idol group?"

"Don't look at me. I just saw him there and with how he praised them I assume he's following the troupe," Nagata shrugged. "Don't ask me why. Maybe he's not interested in politics and focuses on art? I don't know."

"A bloody waste considering his suit," Mitsuki shook his head. "Chou Sisters though...wasn't the Yellow Turban Rebellion led by three brothers who were called Chou or something?"

"Not sure. I only know their Chinese names, Zhang," Nagata shrugged. "You seriously can't be thinking that three Pop idols are going to inspire the peasants to take up arms and go fight in a rebellion against all the kingdoms, are you? As warped as this universe has been for the Three Kingdoms we know, even that's pushing it."

Mitsuki chuckled, "Yeah, it is a pretty wild idea even for all the crap that goes on around here. I guess knowing it's bound to happen with rebellions popping up now and then makes me jumpy for anything colored yellow in large groups."

"I'll deal with it as it comes. The RinJyuKen and whoever brought them here worry me more," Nagata shrugged.

"AAAAAHHHH!"

*BLOOSH*

"The hell-?" Mitsuki blinked, hearing the scream.

"Aisha!" Nagata gasped.

Both Armored War Gods took off running for the hot spring room and quickly burst inside with their SongokuDrivers and Lockseeds at the ready. They both halted when they saw what was going on. At one end of the pool was Teiiku looking as cool as ever while a beet-red Kakuka was making weird noises as Sousou hugged their naked bodies together. Kanu had a woman dressed entirely in black and her face and chest covered in blood unconscious on the floor...and butt naked.

"Holy," Mitsuki raised an eyebrow. "When you hold a bath party you go all out don't you?"

"Eh?" Kanu looked up from the assassin and saw her lover. She immediately blushed and struggled to cover her naughty bits with just her arms. "N-Nagata-sama! Don't look!"

"Sorry! Sorry!" he quickly apologized and turned away. "Oi, Akechi! Turn away!"

"Why? It's not like anything I haven't seen before," Mitsuki remarked.

"Wait, what!?"

Sousou was in a bathrobe and sitting on her throne, explaining to Mitsuki what had happened. He wasn't too surprised but he wasn't exactly pleased about it. It turned out the assassin had hidden in the bath, knowing Sousou's habit of entertaining her lovers there regularly. Once they were comfortable, she struck but missed the first shot. Sousou had moved to protect Kakuka and Teiiku, hugging the former to her body. Naturally, Kakuka's nosebleeds kicked in again just as the assassin moved to strike. She shot off another geyser-like nosebleed which splashed the assassin's face and allowed Kanu to take her down. It was the most unique assassin takedown to date.

"You mean another assassin snuck in?" Mitsuki groaned. "Dammit woman, that's the third one this month! How many people have you pissed off to the point they would regularly hire assassins to kill you?"

"A risk of being a conquering ruler," Sousou shrugged, apparently uncaring of how many assassins had come for her in the past. Mitsuki just grumbled under his breath. He cared about her, no doubt. The idea of a lot of people wanting her dead offended him. Fortunately, they had the assassin in custody to be interrogated. They'd get the name of her client even if they had to torture her for the information.

"I've never heard of a nosebleed foiling an assassin before though," Nagata couldn't help but chuckle, causing Kakuka to blush in shame.

Sousou agreed, "Yes, indeed, but it was effective. Kakuka, was it?"

"Hai!" Kakuka responded, standing ramrod straight.

"As you've proven yourself, you will become my bodyguard," Sousou announced, causing Kakuka to begin sputtering in shock. Kanu and Nagata winced, knowing Kakuka wished to be a strategist. Sousou just thought she was so moved she could not speak and continued. "Teiiku, you have impressed me with how well-spoken you are and your insights. You shall be one of my strategists."

"Ah, thank you," Teiiku bowed lightly, motioning her doll to do the same.

After Kanu and Nagata left, allowing Teiiku and Kakuka some time to get accustomed to their new stations, Sousou and Mitsuki were having their own private conversation.

"Hey, Karin. I've got some interesting information for you," Mitsuki said to Sousou. "It's about Kanu and Gaim."

"What is it?" Sousou asked in interest.

"Apparently, the two of them are an item now," he told her.

"Are they?" Sousou cocked an eyebrow.

"So, it looks like Kanu's off the market," Mitsuki shook his head.

"Hardly. This just makes me want her more," Sousou smirked, encouraged by the challenge. Kanu was now forbidden fruit and that was the kind that tasted the sweetest. "You know, I was about to do my monthly cooking performance for my officers. We have a few seats still open, don't we?"

"That we do, loli skirt-chaser," Mitsuki nodded, making Sousou huff and flick his ear.

It was late in the evening when Nagata and Kanu went to find the inn where their friends were staying. Looking up, Kanu saw Komei's hat hanging from a familiar spear and knew that was where their friends were. It was a welcome sight as the pair came to the room where their friends were staying. Inside, Ryuubi was showing Chouhi and Komei her skills at Cat's Cradle. She was so good at it, she was able to make shapes from the strings which entertained the children to no end.

"Wow, you're really good at this!" Komei applauded.

"Well, it just comes naturally since I've had a lot of practice weaving mats," Ryuubi smiled. The door to the room suddenly opened, catching everyone's attention. Entering were of course the familiar faces of Kanu and Nagata as they returned from their task at Sousou's palace.

"Yo, we're back!" Nagata greeted.

"So, how did it go?" Komei asked.

"Well, they got what they wanted and now are serving as members of Sousou's court," Nagata reported. He didn't go into detail. Nude assassination attempts foiled by explosive nosebleeds were not something one really needed to share with children. Komei had enough dirty thoughts running around her head from time to time.

"Hold on," Chou'un sniffed Kanu. "Hm, did you take a bath?"

"Yes, at Sousou's place," Kanu answered.

"Ah, so you took a bath to wash off the sweat you worked up in bed," Chou'un grinned. Komei blushed at the implication but Chouhi was innocently oblivious to Chou'un innuendo.

"Sei..." Nagata warned.

"Oh, what about Kada-san?" asked Ryuubi, stopping Nagata's scolding before it began.

"He apparently pissed Sousou off. I don't think he'll be able to show his face around these parts," Nagata said. He hoped Kada didn't get caught. He liked the guy and didn't want anything terrible to happen to him." So, anyway, whaddya guys wanna do?"

"Let's eat! I'm so hungry my belly button might fly off!" Chouhi announced loudly.

"I don't think that will actually happen but it is time for dinner," added Komei.

"Right, let's get some dinner," Nagata agreed. He and Kanu had left Sousou's without a meal after all so he was feeling a bit hungry.

The group had dinner at the same place where they had lunch earlier. Chou'un, Komei, and Chouhi made the same orders as before. Chouhi absolutely enjoyed the lamb stir fry. Komei particularly liked the mapo doufu. Chou'un, predictably, loved the menma and she had a huge stack of it. Ryuubi Kanu and Nagata had their own modest meals. Ryuubi had some noodles, Kanu had some beef cooked in ginger with a bowl of rice while Nagata had a plate of fried rice.

"You must really like the lamb stir fry here if you ordered it again, Rinrin," Nagata observed.

"Yeah, it's really good, Nagata-niichan!" beamed Chouhi before she resumed shoveling the food into her mouth.

"The menma here is especially good," admitted Chou'un as she savored each bite.

"And so is the mapo doufu," added Komei as she scooped more into her bowl.

"Well, eat up," he encouraged.

The group indeed continued to eat. Soon, all of their plates were empty and they were all leaning back in their chairs to just enjoy the feeling of being full of good food. So deep into their food comas, they didn't quite notice someone trying to get their attention until they were actually right next to their table trying to speak. "Um, excuse me," spoke up a petite girl with light green hair. She also wore an orange blouse and a red skirt. Despite her green hair, she didn't seem like she would stand out too much. "I couldn't help but notice how much you're enjoying the food here. I'm Ten'i, the chef here."

Nagata blinked. 'Ten'i?' That was another familiar name in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Ten'i was an officer in Sousou's army that was famed for possessing enormous strength. Looking Ten'i over, he couldn't believe that this petite girl could be a fearsome figure. However, looks could be deceiving. Ryofu had possessed monstrous strength despite being a lithe girl. But why was Ten'i a chef? There were no mentions of that in the history books.

"So, you were the one who made this food?" Kanu asked.

"Yes, and I'm happy to hear you say such nice things about it. Anyway, I wanted to ask you to try something for me," said Ten'i. She served them a nikuman each.

"Nikuman?" Nagata asked.

"Please, try it and tell me what you think. I was hoping to add it to the menu," Ten'i said. Nagata took a bite and he was amazed. The exotic blend of spices was like a celebration in his mouth. It was also a familiar flavor.

'Chicken,' he thought but then he looked to his friends.

"This is good, but what kind of meat is it?" Kanu asked.

"Oh, the meat I used came from a two-legged, warm-blooded animal," said Ten'i. This made everyone, save for Chouhi and Nagata, freeze in apprehension. Chouhi just wanted to keep eating the food while Nagata could already guess what animal Ten'i was talking about and thus wasn't bothered by it.

"Two-legged and warm-blooded?" Komei asked fearfully and Kanu paled as she looked at what she had eaten.

"The one thing that comes to mind is..." Kanu started.

"It's chicken, isn't it?" Nagata concluded.

"Yes, that's right!" Ten'i confirmed cheerfully. Everyone let out a sigh of relief. "Huh?"

After dinner, everyone returned to the inn for some rest. Their stomachs were all full and although in the case of good food they could have gotten more, the scare with the nikuman ended the appetites of many of the friends. Nagata was the only one who had his own room, being a man while the rest were girls so he was not present with the others when their visitor came.

"Eh?" Kanu blinked after she opened the door. "Kakoen-san?"

"Good evening," Kakoen bowed respectfully. "I was hoping to catch you before you turned in. Karin-sama has asked me to extend you all an invitation."

"An invitation?" asked Chou'un, surprised by the sudden offer.

"Yes, Karin-sama is inviting you all to a gourmet food tasting party tomorrow afternoon," Kakoen clarified. "She wishes you thank you for bringing us two accomplished officers as well as saving her life by defeating that assassin."

"What's 'gourmet'?" asked Chouhi.

"Oh, gourmet just means high-class food and a gourmet food tasting party is where people try out new dishes," Komei explained.

"Yay, food!"

"Once a month, Karin-sama would cook gourmet dishes and she's extending an invitation to you," Kakoen explained. "She would be especially delighted to see you all arrive."

"I guess we could come over," Kanu accepted.

"Wonderful. Karin-sama would be happy to hear that." Kakoen smiled. "Please send my regards to Gaim-dono. The invitation of course extends to him as well."

"We will let him know," Kanu nodded. "Good night."

The girls had to share one two-person room while Nagata himself rented a single-person room. When all the girls were asleep, Kanu decided to sneak out to see her lover. They had agreed to make out for a bit and enjoy each other's company while the others slept. However, just as Kanu was about to step out of the room, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned and almost screamed as it was Chou'un who quickly covered her mouth.

"Shh..." Chou'un put her finger against her lips and Kanu nodded before Chou'un removed her hand. "So, where are you off to in the middle of the night?"

"Oh...I just needed to go and use the bathroom..." Kanu lied.

"Liar," smirked Chou'un. "You're headed to Gaim-sama's room." Kanu's eyes widened and she blushed which confirmed Chou'un suspicion. Kanu dragged her out into the hallway, closing the door to glare at her blue-haired friend.

"What do you know?" Kanu asked.

"That you and Gaim-sama have become pretty intimate," Chou'un answered. "I found a strand of your hair on his shoulder. It couldn't have gotten there any other way." Kanu grimaced. "So, am I right?"

"...Yes," Kanu mumbled.

"You know, you're the last person I'd expect to go for him," Chou'un stated. "What changed?" she asked.

"When the fake Ryuubi lied to me about Nagata-sama leaving to Heaven, I felt heartbroken. That was when I realized that I had fallen in love with him," Kanu answered. "When he returned...I just couldn't hold back any longer."

"So, it's Nagata-sama now?" Chou'un asked, a smile on her lips. "Guess you really are close now that he allows you to call him by his real name. I'm impressed."

"Well, we're still just starting out," Kanu defended. "We're still new to this but..." Kanu enjoyed kissing him and being in his arms. It just felt safe to let her vulnerable side out with him. She didn't have to be so strong when in private with him.

"I understand," Chou'un nodded. "Well, if all goes well, you won't have to deny being husband and wife," she teased.

"Please don't tell the others..." Kanu begged. "Shion-dono already knows but she's sworn to secrecy. Please, Sei..."

"Fine, but I'm not surprised about Shion. She's got a sharp eye," Chou'un agreed. She could have warned that eventually, it was going to come out, but the teasing potential was just too good to pass up. If only Kanu realized what she had given Chou'un in exchange for her silence.

"Thank you." Kanu hugged Chou'un and went to Nagata's room.

"Oh, I won't tell anyone, but you can't say I can't hint," grinned Chou'un.

Kanu knocked on the door and it opened, allowing her access. Nagata then surprised her by grabbing her behind in an embrace. However, her warrior instincts kicked in and she flipped him onto his back to the floor.

"Itai..." Nagata groaned.

"Ah, Nagata-sama!" Kanu gasped as she helped him up. "Forgive me! You surprised me and I acted on reflex!"

"Yeah...I can feel that," Nagata grunted. "Guess I shouldn't surprise you like that anymore to avoid injury," he joked and she giggled. "Now, what did you come to see me for in the middle of the night?"

"Oh, you should know..." Kanu looped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.

The group arrived at Sousou's palace the next afternoon and were taken to the dining hall which had been furnished elaborately. There was a curtain hiding a back room and two tables and a set of chairs for the diners. On one side were the officers of the Gi faction and on the other side was the group from Touka Village. A cooking area was set up on the floor between them, making Nagata feel like he was on an episode of Iron Chef or something. Sousou came out in a cloak and looked up at everyone.

"She so loves to be dramatic," mused Mitsuki in amusement.

"Everyone," Sousou began before casting a sultry look at Kanu, "And Kanu, thank you for coming to this gourmet food tasting party. Today you will have the honor of enjoying rare and rich delicacies from all across the land, cooked by me. So, let us begin." She bit into a sour plum and trembled a bit with her eyes screwed shut at the sour taste.

"The look on Karin-sama's face when she bit into that plum...just remembering it makes me drool," Juniku swooned.

"You drool over Karin all the time, Keifa," commented Mitsuki.

"Hmph, you just don't understand Karin-sama's charm," she huffed.

"Of course not. I'm not into lolis," Mitsuki shrugged, causing Juniku to snarl at him.

As Karin started preparing the first dish, a maid came and served drinks. She explained, "Here is wine made out of oranges."

The guests received their drinks and found them to be delicious. However, the two youngest out of their number quickly discovered that they didn't get the same kind of beverage that everyone else had received.

"Hey, why do we get goat's milk?" Chouhi asked as she and Komei weren't given wine. Chouhi wanted wine, not milk!

"It's an adult thing," Komei answered simply.

Mitsuki sipped on the wine and smiled. He then heard Keifa comment, "Um...this flavor and aroma...I can almost imagine it." She went into a fantasy of Sousou stomping on oranges in a large wooden bucket. "Yes, I can imagine it. Karin-sama's feet stomp on the oranges as her sweat mixes in with the juice. Then, then I would lick it off. Or...or maybe perhaps, instead of the oranges, she can step on me~! More, Karin-sama! Step on me more! More!" Karin was wiggling in her seat, back and forth, her hands on her cheeks as her fantasy got the better of her. Mitsuki laughed at the display as everyone gawked. Nagata watched and he could understand why Mitsuki was enjoying himself. There was definitely not a dull moment in Sousou's army.

"I heard that Sousou-sama's army was very yuri but I didn't expect this," Teiiku said, looking at the swooning Juniku with her droopy eyes.

"Teiiku, you'll get used to this," Mitsuki spoke to the new strategist.

"Shouldn't someone stop her?" Houkei 'asked.' Nobody tried to stop Juniku, hoping she'd stop soon.

Next, they were served with an appetizer. They each received a bowl with a hot-spring cooked egg. Juniku took a bite and was amazed, making her own analysis of the appetizer.

The main dishes then came. First was sea bass sashimi. Next was bear paw preserved in honey and boiled in soy. Following that was bird's nest soup with pickled sturgeon eggs. After that was lightly broiled goose liver with mushrooms imported from the west. Nagata had to admit that Sousou had incredible culinary skills to cook up such dishes. Even the bear paw, which he never thought he would ever eat, tasted good. These sort of dishes, in his time, would be pretty expensive since they used gourmet ingredients. However, Sousou was making cooking them and serving them for free. Of course, Chouhi complained over the size of the portions. She was used to eating large quantities of food. He couldn't blame her. She didn't have the maturity to appreciate gourmet food, unlike Komei.

But when Chouhi compared Sousou's cooking to Ten'i's, stating the latter's cooking was better, that was when Sousou decided she couldn't ignore Chouhi any longer.

"Well, if such a great chef lives in my city then I want to know how good she is," Sousou spoke. She ordered, "Shuran, fetch me this Ten'i."

"As you wish, Karin-sama!" Kakoen obeyed before going off to follow Sousou's orders.

Kanu and Nagata groaned, sure that once again Chouhi's brash attitude was about to get someone in trouble again.

Ten'i was summoned to the palace. She appeared unsure as to why she had been brought here and Nagata felt some pity for the petite chef. Kakoen had just told her that Sousou had asked for her attendance. So the timid chef came, sent to the cooking area where everyone was still seated for the gourmet tasting.

"Um...what is this about?" Ten'i asked, looking up at everyone. Nagata couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Sousou could be so impulsive sometimes.

Sousou, who was seated with her officers, explained to her, "I was told you were a great chef so I wanted to see for myself. I would like you to make something for us."

"Make something...?" murmured Ten'i. She spotted Nagata's group and got an idea. "Ah, I got it!" She then set to work on preparing her dish. Nagata watched her work and so did everybody. She didn't let the looks she was receiving compromise her concentration.

Once she was finished, the maids served the food to everyone. They were big nikuman, a pretty common dish.

"Nikuman?" asked Sousou. It wasn't exactly gourmet. It was pretty common in her opinion. How could something like this be considered so much better than her gourmet cooking? Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a cheer from Chouhi.

"Wow! This is so good!" Chouhi exclaimed as she continued to eat.

"Yeah, it is," Nagata agreed.

"That's lamb, isn't it?" Ryuubi questioned.

"And I taste the spiciness of mapo," added Kanu.

"And there's even a crunch of menma," continued Chou'un.

Sousou, however, was giving her own critical scrutiny as she gave it a bite. It wasn't bad. However, all the spices and flavors seemed to cancel each other out. It was tasty, but it was self-defeating in its execution. Again, she just couldn't understand why her guests were considering the simple nikuman better than her own cooking.

"Wait..." Komei blinked. "Lamb, mapo, and menma." She gasped in realization, "This is...!"

"Yes, the dishes you enjoyed at the restaurant!" Ten'i confirmed. Nagata was impressed. She was able to mix all the flavors together. "You ordered those dishes twice for lunch and dinner so I knew you would enjoy them. Since it was so sudden, I didn't know what to make, so I resorted to the nikuman to put them all together. Still, it's new so I haven't perfected it yet."

"Indeed, a good attempt but Karin-sama is definitely the winner," said Juniku.

"No, this is my loss," confessed Sousou.

"Karin-sama?" Juniku was surprised. How could Sousou confess that this common chef was better?

"I invited Kanu and her friends over here to enjoy a meal I prepared for them. However, I failed to consider what they would enjoy. Instead, I was just showing off. As I failed to consider my guests' tastes, I was clearly being a bad host," Sousou admitted. "Ten'i here considered her guests' preferences above all else. So, that is why I said this is my loss."

"You know, that's pretty big of you to admit when you've lost," Mitsuki smiled in approval. Sometimes Sousou would throw a tantrum but she knew how to accept a loss and move on. She could be humble. Either on the battlefield or in the kitchen, Sousou understood humility and that she couldn't always win. Quite the opposite of the attitude that history back home tagged to her name. However, that just motivated her to try better so she could be victorious the next time.

"Actually, I'm not so sure about that," Ryuubi spoke up, catching everyone's attention. "It's obvious that all you wanted to do was to please Kanu-san so you made all this wonderful food for her. When you cook for someone you like or care about, you only want to make what you feel is best and try your best to please them. That's pretty commendable itself."

"That's not a bad speech, Ryuubi-san," complimented Nagata and Ryuubi blushed at the praise.

"You know, Ryuubi's right," Mitsuki agreed as well. "Sure, Karin didn't really ask us what we wanted but what she made she made it from her heart. It shows that even if she can be a bit of a hardass, she's compassionate as well."

"How dare you refer to Karin-sama like that, you brute?" frowned Juniku.

"What? A hardass? That's a compliment. Sometimes big badasses come in small packages-OW!" Mitsuki was then knocked down to the floor when Sousou punched him for commenting on her size. "Ow...damn you, loli..."

Ryuubi gasped and Nagata chuckled. This was the dynamic of their relationship.

Suddenly, the servant girl from earlier came through the curtain, panicking, "Big trouble! The bull we kept to be cooked has gone loose and-AAAHH!" She was knocked away as the bull came out, looking angry.

"Kakuka, blind it with your blood!" Sousou ordered. "Mitsuki, subdue it!"

"I don't think showing it anything red will be good! It'll make things worse!" Kakuka argued. The bull looked around then glared at Ten'i who wore a red apron. Nagata and Mitsuki both gaped. They were ready to jump in as the bull charged when all of a sudden the unexpected happen.

Ten'i, the little chef, actually caught the bull by the horns. She struggled for a moment as the bull was trying to push but then she threw the bull straight up into the air. There was a crash as the bull went through the ceiling and out the roof.

Everyone was speechless.

"Ah, that was scary..." Ten'i sighed with relief causing everyone to facefault.

"That scared all of us!" yelled Juniku.

"Holy cow..." Mitsuki just shook his head. He shouldn't be surprised if anything like this happened but he couldn't help but be impressed by the strength Ten'i possessed. It proved his earlier statement that big badasses came in small packages. Nagata now had no doubts that this was the same Ten'i as written in the history books.

After the scare of the bull running wild, there was a huge hole in Sousou's ceiling and roof. Hopefully, the builders could fix it or at least cover it up before it rained. Still, there was something else to address.

"You know, Ten'i, you've impressed me quite well. How about you come work for me as my personal chef and bodyguard?" Sousou offered Ten'i.

Nagata whispered to Kanu, "Did we just indirectly give Sousou another new recruit?" Kanu shrugged in response.

"But I already have a job at the restaurant!" Ten'i replied. "I can't just leave."

"Kid, you threw a bull straight up hundreds of feet into the air!" Mitsuki pointed at the ceiling which now had a huge hole in it. "The Gi Faction needs people like you!"

"My Enforcer General is correct," Sousou agreed. "Also, I could pay you more than that restaurant ever could for your skills."

"I guess I could speak with the manager..." Ten'i nervously grasped her apron.

Mitsuki whispered to Sousou, "Looks like you're in luck. Three new girls in your harem." Sousou elbowed him in the gut for that comment and he grunted before adding, "Loli." She elbowed him again, harder.

"You must have big brass ones to talk to Sousou-sama that way," Houkei 'chuckled' from his perch on Teiiku's head.

"Houkei, don't be rude," Teiiku scolded.

"Well," Ryuubi smiled uncertainly. "All's well that ends well I suppose."

"I'm kinda worried about where that bull will drop and on who," remarked Nagata.

Meanwhile, a Rinrinshi was in town and was grinning. His mission was to cause as much chaos as possible. As it was a population center, the potential Rinki he could harvest was immense. If the local Armored War God interfered, then he was authorized to destroy them.

"Alright! Let's start!" the Rinrinshi began eagerly when all of a sudden he heard a noise. It sounded like a cow mooing. He noted that first it was coming closer but it was nowhere in sight. He then realized, too late, that it was coming from above right before the bull crashed right on top of him.

"...Ow!"

KRC: For this chapter, the two episodes that make it up were pretty much back-to-back, so we decided to put them together as one. It works for us. Also, a bit of funny at the end. Rinrinshi, beaten, by beef!

TFP: We combined the two episodes since they were so close together timewise. Still, Sousou has gained a bunch of new recruits and it seems Mitsuki is really moving up in the world. Some may complain how Kakoton and Kakoen picked him so quick, but he has been interacting with them for over a year and in the VN Kazuto does it in less time.