Days later
Royal palace
A group of mount dwellers suddenly appeared at the Westgate. How many." Jie says.
Yes sir. Between 2000 to 3000. They're all wearing strange clothing and appear to be mounted in carrying weapons, but do not appear to be planning to attack us." The messenger says.
Have they made any demands or sent a message?" Jie says.
We received a message from them stating that their leader has come to offer their aid for the sake of reviving our ancient alliance." The man says.
Ou Ki residents
So they are going to make their move." Bai Zi says.
Kuku, let's be patient and see where this is going to go before we get involved." Ou Ki says.
Of course." Bai Zi says.
How are your commanders doing?" Ou Ki asks.
5000 commander Gaku'in is going to be a star point soon and will be a general level threat, Jou Hen is already a general but he will be a lieutenant to Sou Ma they work great together and Ton Kan is a 5000 man commander and will be one of my Adjutants." Bai Zi says. "General Sou Ma is my right hand and the balance to my more savage side, the First Star Point."
Ah, have you thought about who would fill the other positions?" Ou Ki asks.
I have and I have been testing the other commanders but none seem to have them have the mentality to lead when they get the opportunities and while training some is possible and I am doing one. Training someone doesn't have the drive to do the job and is used to being subservient to whoever is a recipe for disaster, that and it's not like they haven't seen the previous three that we talked about rising through the ranks this whole time off of their own merit not me wanting them to be promoted. I was not the driving force behind them getting promoted ever. somebody saw their skill and their ability and said yes and put in the paperwork to promoted them up the ranks." Bai Zi says.
Ah I see.." Ou Ki started.
In the courtroom
To receive such reinforcements before a battle with chancellor Lu is a stroke of fortune! if they're the same warriors from the story of horse and liquor they will be extremely powerful allies even if they only number 3000. you should open the gates and invite them in at once." Some advisors say.
Wait for how many years have the mountain transcript to themselves why do they suddenly want an alliance. They must be scamming something? Even if you say that they're already waiting outside the gates. Come to think of it, why didn't no one spot them until now." Others say.
The west gate has not been attacked in centuries; the sentry must've slacked off. He should be executed for his negligence. As if we could join hands with a pack of mountain monkeys. Send a force of 30,000 men out to the West gate and massacre them to the last man. Oh that's a good idea, it will be a nice warm up before we do battle with Lu forces!" More input.
20 minutes later after all hell broke loose
On a rooftop overlooking the battle between the mountain folk and Sh Shi forces.
They haven't been doing half bad but that's going to change as soon as reinforcements arrive." Bai Zi says watching Shou Bun Kun almost unhorse a General.
Mmm, Shou Bun Kun certainly is dependable as always." Ou Ki says. "however it's quite a shame that there is one area that we cannot observe from here is Tou around?"
Sir, did you call for me?" Said Tou, Ou Ki's second in command.
I'd like you to go check the situation inside the right dragon corridor for me." Ou Ki says.
Oi I need somebody to go head to the right dragon…" Tou starts.
I asked you to go, Tou." Ou Ki says?
But isn't Sa Ji the one guarding that passage? Their infiltration team is probably already been completely wiped out by him." Tou says.
If they break through the Corredor there's nothing that stands between them in the Throne room." Bai Zi says.
Minister Shi must have absolute confidence in that man to hold the ground if he assigned him there. However, Shou Bun Kun it's no fool. He must be aware of this as well yet he still decided to split his forces and attack the Corridors." Ou Ki says.
Do you think they believe it can defeat Sa Ji!?" Tou asks.
Who can say? The only ones who know the answer are inside the quarter right now. Were undoubtably the most trusted fighters from both sides are currently engaging in battle." Ou Ki says.
Minutes later
Are you here, Tou?" Ou Ki says looking at Bai Zi.
Sir! Right here. Tou says.
Have you already been to the right corridor yet?" Ou Ki asks.
I'm about to head over right now sir!" Tou says.
Never mind that. Instead there's somewhere else I would like you to go." Ou Ki says.
Yes sir. Acknowledged!" Tou says.
Gaku'in go with him and make sure nothing bad happens." Bai Zi says.
Yes sir." Gaku'in says.
You two must depart immediately." Ou Ki says.
Yes sir." Both answer.
A bit later in the court
I'm not finished yet. I still got an army of 80,000 men waiting for me outside the city! Why won't this damn door open!" Jie Shi screamed."
Then the door gave way a bit and he saw an eye staring at him and duct just barely missing Tou's sword cleaving off the head of everyone else who was close to the door.
Our condolences but we cannot allow you to pass through here. As per our general's orders we shall strike anyone down who approaches the door." Tou says as Gaku'in appeared holding a sword and with more men.
This caused an absolute shit fest and the court officials proceeded to try and run away in different directions.
That Ou Ki's second in command!? And Bai Zi's third in command!? Why are they here? No, that doesn't matter right now, do not worry about them." Heki says.
Jie Shi ran to the other door but was stopped by a little girl shooting something into his eyes, then slammed into the side of the door. Then two of the mountain men slashed the chancellor's body and neck while Gaku'in who had moved, cut his head off. Then a advisor stabbed the girl which was met with the death of a couple others, while the prince ran outside.
Outside
Chenjiao suddenly appeared out of nowhere throwing the battle into chaos, then two figures dropped from the roof one leaned back against the wall with a glaive while the other just stood there with a glaive as well. Cause everyone to drop a brick in their pants. Then a bunch of ladders dropped and soldiers climbed down with Jou Hen.
The generals since win did they arrive at the palace they're supposed to be at their compounds. Oh yeah more importantly why are they here?" Shi Shi thought. "When you consider not only did they deceive us I'm just thinking Shou Bun Kun was dead but also protected his family. and it's clear they're not allies of ours if they come to assist the king? If that's the case I choose to not stand a chance against either of their personal armies."
Then Gi Kou rode in front of the two men.
Do you want him?" Ou Ki asks.
"No he's too brash he will get killed the first time I sent him to do something important and then I'll be back where I started." Bai Zi says.
General Ou Ki , Bai Zi there's one question I would like to ask you. Why did you deceive us by presenting a fake head? I hope that you have an acceptable explanation for your actions. Otherwise I will take your lives in exchange." Gi Kou says.
Well done Gi Kou as expected of my left hand man. The only chance we have of winning against their armies is by defeating the two of them! Sorry right now he has the mounted advantage there's not even the slightest chance of him losing to them well even if the enemies generals there is no need to hold back kill them." Shi Shi thought.
Then Bai Zi yawned and Ou Ki proceeded to cut Gi Kou in half. The two then walked forward towards the king.
This sort of cloudy weather where you can't tell if it will rain or not I don't dislike it actually." Ou Ki says.
Because you're an absolutely bastard who can battle in any bloody climate." Bai Zi poked.
What have you come for Ouki? By killing Gi Kou, have you decided to betray Chenjiao and side with us?" Shou Bun Kun says.
Oh please stop with the jokes. I simply could not resist coming and stirring up some trouble after watching this cute little play fight continuing on and on." Ou Ki says.
What did you say, you bastard!?" Shou Bun Kun says.
Generals if you have come to say something then hurry up and say it we are currently quite busy. We do not have time to waste on the likes of you." Ei Sei says.
Ha ha ha. Ou Ki you aren't lying when you said that. Very well then we would like for you to answer a question. Just what kind of king are you aiming to become?" Bai Zi says.
Please consider your answer carefully, O King, our treasure blades will not allow empty words of arrogance no matter who speaks them." Ou Ki says.
The one and only King of China." Ei Sei says.
Such an immediate answer, the one and only king of China?" Shi Shi thought.
Setting these last 500 years of chaos I only know of one other king who has spoken words as foolish as that. The very same man who was renowned as the God of War." Ou Ki says.
Never speak the name of king Sho again! That for your own sake." Sei says.
Please wait your majesty to speak. To speak of king Sho in front of this man is exceedingly dangerous!" Shou Bun Kun thought.
It is already been seven years since the death of king Sho! General Oki after losing your beloved mast you become an empty vessel of the birds struggling to find a place to touch down on the ground again. As long as you continue to chase after the kings shadow there will never be a place for you to rest your feet. Of course I do not have even the slightest intention of becoming some driftwood for you to cling onto! however if you ever wish to fight alongside me you must finally come to terms with the death of king Sho and set foot on the ground once more." Sei says. "And you must let go of whatever happened to your father. You didn't know the king for long but I'm guessing you too had a connection to him. You too have been hiding away for too long. Only after you have done these things will you be able to begin soaring and run across China O "Monstrous Bird and Savage Lion of Qin".
"To soar across China" Ou Ki thought.
Flashback
On a mountain with an army overlooking a valley of forest and other hills.
"Cough cough cough. So I have run out of time. As expected China is truly vast. I'll be pressing my dream onto you two, Ou Ki and Bai Zi." The old King Sho said.
Ou Ki and Shou Bun Kun were standing on either side of him and Bai Zi was sitting down on the ledge beside Ou Ki.
Please do not joke, sire. Once I have lost you I will never fly again." Ou Ki said.
Now now, don't say such depressing things. just because I die doesn't mean that wars will disappear, cough." Sho said
But the battlefield of those who feverishly chase dreams will disappear." Ou Ki said.
Is that so? There should be plenty of other kings that will wish to conquer all of China." Sho said.
They're all just talk. You can tell from looking into their eyes whether or not they are sincere about fulfilling a dream like that." Bai Zi said.
On the eyes like your majesty's which shine with you for exuberance or truly genuine." Ou Ki said. "The reality is that there is not a single other king that truly wishes to unite all of China. A king that is already content with what he has will not go out of his way to seek a thorny path. They have all come to except and embrace the perpetual struggling for territory between each other in this chaotic era."
"That is a bit harsh don't you think? I'm sure all the other kings are doing their best too." Sho said.
"Not at all I do not believe that there's any other as unique as your majesty would dedicate their entire life to realizing a dream of unification. And there will never be another." Ou Ki said.
Unique you say. After all I am the God of war. However even if they call me the God of war it does not mean I am a mortal. Even if my eyes are youthful, my body is already an old man. What a shame if only I had 20 more years I might've been able to grasp that dream." Sho said. " hear me Ou Ki even if you cease to fly in the sky you two must keep your fangs sharp. I will not allow a man of your caliber to just waste away. Even if there is none now, another king with my dream may very well appear in the future. When that time comes Ou Ki then you must soar even higher and further than you've ever done before."
Flashback end
Ou Ki and Bai Zi looked at the king.
After his Majesty passed away we received numerous invitations from various Kings to join their court. However every single one of them spoke of China and all under The heavens as in merely empty words there is not a single genuine voice." Ou Ki thought. " and however the China uttered by this young king carries with it a most extraordinary weight. And those eyes of his they shine with a radiant light without even a hint of cloudiness. Not bad those eyes may be different from those of king Sho but they're not bad at all. Are the king had the eyes of a dream chaser infatuated with China. However this young kings eyes do not possess even a speck of naivety. His eyes have completely captured the path to China. Even know you could say that it is simply the arrogance of youth at the same time there's never been a king who wished to reign over China was such as those."
So this is the 31st king of Qin, Ei Sei!" Bai Zi thought as well.
Nfufufu." Ou Ki laughed."Shou Bun Kun, I am beginning to understand why you have been acting so hot headed, like an idiot. Well I believe we shall withdraw from here for today."
Shocking everyone.
You are planning on joining this battle!?" Shou Bun Kun says.
He already told you we simply came to stir things up a bit. If you truly believe that we wish to fight alongside you then you're overestimating yourselves too much." Bai Zi says. "If you are to make such outrageous claims then you should have the strength to back up your words. This is not the time for you to be fighting with your brother. Well then you guys heard him all troops withdraw!"
Yes Sir." The men said.
Tou you too." Ou Ki says.
Sir!" Tou says.
Two days later.
Some random hill and forest
25,000 men were at the bottom of a hill.
"All right boys you know the drill absolutely smack them something fierce and destroy them Sou Ma has command Gaku'in has second." Bai Zi says going to the hill overlooking the battlefield he and Ou Ki choose.
On a hill opposite.
Crush him, we have a bet. Tou you lead and Roku O Mi has second." Ou Ki says heading for the hill.
A few months later
Gan castle
Go Kei was standing in front of a tied up Koku Gou.
You have no idea how much trouble I've gone to keep you alive so I don't have to deal with another threat during this war." Go Kei said. "Your former lord's son made a plea to keep you alive or I would have to deal with his army. And I am not going to be the person that brings the Savage Lion out again. When the war is over you will be delivered to him and he can decide what to do with you."