Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Kamen Rider and Koihime Musou. I only own my OCs and my plot twists.

Chapter 20: Counterattack

The room was poorly lit since the torches placed on the pillars could only light so much of it with the covers placed around them, giving the room a mysterious vibe. Standing in the middle of the room was Saji with a neutral look on his face, though internally he was bored to the bone. Sitting around him on elevated tables were people wearing the same white robes like the one he wore. They were the higher ups that he worked for, or at least on paper. They had no real idea of who's controlling who. They thought they were in power when their role has been decided from the very beginning.

"So, Sou Gi launched their first strike on Shoku…A little surprising I have to say," one of the elders spoke up.

"Considering who their Empress is, it is not surprising," another chimed in.

Another elder snorted. "Does it matter? In the end, we shall reign supreme above all. Not even Shoku, Sou Gi, and Son Go can stop us."

Saji internally snorted at that. 'These puppets…They don't know they're doomed to fail from the beginning.'

"What of your front, Saji? How is the progress with this…'Forest of the Death'?" A different man asked.

"Our progress is stalling with the Forest Guardian, becoming more active to protect it. We have lost some of our men in the last raid. It would be best if we halt our ventures there for the moment. We have more than enough Lockseeds for us as of now," Saji answered, holding back the smirk that threatened to form on his face. What he referred as the Forest Guardian was none other than Zangetsu himself. He became more proactive to prevent the power of Helheim from spreading upon this world, which was troublesome to Saji. He knew that not even he could match him. But these puppets never knew that, and would probably waste all their resources to defeat Zangetsu, which was impossible as he was the God of his realm.

"What about those Emissaries you worked with? Don't you and Ukitsu possess stronger versions of the tools they and those Messengers of Heaven use?" a female member spoke up.

"Having stronger tools doesn't mean we have a guaranteed victory. The person who uses the tool contributes even more than the tools themselves," Saji admitted somewhat reluctantly, his fist clenched as he recalled his defeat at the hands of Kusanagi. To think that all this time he was holding back… It made him angry. He swore on his pride he would defeat him in their next encounter. "However, the advantage is on our side at the moment."

"What do you mean, Saji?" another female member of the cult asked.

"I managed to understand the means behind the manufacturing of these belts. We can now produce them in large numbers, though it is still somewhat costly and those mass-produced belts will be somewhat inferior to the originals, though still making the user stronger than regular soldiers. Also, we are restricted to one model suit only, which is Kurokage," Saji reported to his 'superiors'.

"That is good news, at the very least. Now we are only a step closer to our goal," a member spoke up. "Good work on your front, Saji."

"Yes, with the power of our Emissaries, we shall rule the land in no time," another spoke up up with a smirk.

Again, Saji resisted the urge to snort. The foolishness of these people…they thought they were something special when they are only scripted existences, much like the rest of the world. He was included in that, unfortunately but it would change soon. He had to thank Kusanagi and his friends for creating an even bigger distortion that allowed him to be free of his 'role'. Saji Genpou would show his gratitude by killing them.

"Perhaps a test of the mass-produced belts is in order. Saji, you are to lead as many men as you wish that are equipped with the mass-produced belts and attack the Shoku outpost in the borders of Shoku, Gi, and Go," one of the Superiors spoke up. "The words we received is that it had fallen to the hands of Sou Gi. With Son Go now allied to Shoku, they would also attack that outpost to help their ally. This is a chance to see if those mass-produced belts are capable against the warriors of the Three Kingdoms."

Saji bowed and left. "Very well, I shall make preparations and depart soon." The brunette then walked out of the chamber. As he walked away from the chamber, he saw Ukitsu, Sebastian, Sasuke and Keiichi there.

"So, how did those puppets react to your report?" Ukitsu asked.

"As expected. They want me to move out with the Kurokage Troopers," Saji answered.

"Good. Things are progressing as we expected them to be," Ukitsu smirked coldly in reply.

"Take me with you, Saji. I have a score to settle with Kusanagi and his ilk," Sasuke practically demanded.

"You are not the only one, Monsieur Kageyama," Sebastian added and Keiichi nodded.

"You don't need to come with me. I'll take care of Kusanagi by myself," Saji told them, much to their disappointment.

"Why? It's not like you can win the last time you fought him," Keiichi remarked snidely, only for Saji to glare at him.

"Kusanagi isn't the only one who's been holding back." He then smirked mockingly. "It's not like any of you have better records than I do in your battles with Kusanagi."

"You sonnuva…!" Sasuke growled angrily and was about to deck Saji when Sebastian stopped him.

"Enough, Monsieur Kageyama. As hard it was to accept, what Monsieur Saji said was true. We still haven't beaten Kusanagi even just once. Pushed him to the corner yes, but we never defeated him just yet," the blonde said calmly.

"He mocked us, Sebastian! How come you're not angry at that!?" Sasuke asked.

"Because a real man accepts his flaws as pointed by others around him. From those flaws, he strives to be a better and stronger person," the Frenchman answered with an amused smile, causing Sasuke to look thoughtful for a moment.

"That's a good way on how to take critics," Keiichi nodded.

"If you indeed want to fight, then I can give you something to fight," Ukitsu remarked. "There are several outposts and villages in the borders of the Shoku, Sou Gi, and Son Go Kingdoms. Pick any of them and attack. Go all out if it is necessary." The blue-haired man paused before he added, "Perhaps we can ask another friend in this. He, without a doubt is waiting for this moment."

Keiichi looked alarmed at that. "Wait, you're serious!? I thought we were having him for later!"

"I know I'm a battle maniac, but that man seriously rubbed me the wrong way," Sebastian shuddered.

"Even I think that guy is a Problem, with a capital P," Sasuke finished.

"As much as I want to have him wreaking havoc, to send him out now is detrimental for our plan," Saji frowned.

Ukitsu sighed at that. "Very well. It seems his debut will have to wait."

Unknown to the five, someone heard them from the shadows where he was hiding. He growled angrily before punched the wall in frustration. He then walked away to clear his mind, but not before taking out a Lockseed from his pocket.

A blood red orange-based Lockseed with the code LS-07 written on the cover.

'I will have my vengeance soon, Kusanagi…Soon…'

The atmosphere in the war council was tense, incredibly so. Yamato took a deep breath to calm himself and looked at everyone present. It was hard to believe that it was less than fifteen minutes ago that the mood was light and jovial. Then again, this was the time of war so mood whiplashes were to be expected. Everyone looked grim and determined to win this war. Everyone, but Yuki who tried to appear strong, even with tears-stained cheeks. Her trembling shoulder really didn't help her case.

"It looks like Sousou has launched her first attack…and she had Baron to do it by himself," Sheren started with a serious tone, her arms crossed under her bust. "Either she wants to lower your morale by having your best friend attack or Baron did it by his own choice."

Yuki's breath hitched while Yamato sighed, "It's probably the latter than the former if what he said to me in our last meeting was true." He then closed his eyes for a moment before opening them, showing the steel-clad determination that his generals and allies were familiar with. Even Sheren was impressed with the looks in his eyes. "We will begin our counterattack against Sou Gi. It's time to settle this with Karin and her generals. Shuri, Hinari, please formulate our counterattack plan."

"Y-Yes, Yamato-sama," the Sleeping Dragon and Fledgling Phoenix replied.

Shuri then started out as she pointed at the outpost's location on the map, "As we can see, our former outpost is located strategically between our borders, Sou Gi's, and Son Go's. The terrain around there is flat plains and there is a river not too far from there, therefore we have no real terrain advantage. And without further intelligence about who is in charge of the outpost, there's nothing much we can do beside preparing our army to the best we could."

"However, our ally in Son Go provides us an advantage in terms of manpower and overall combat prowess," Hinari interjected before turning to Renfa. "Sonken-dono, your bodyguard, Kannei Kouha was a pirate, was she not?"

"She was. Her ability to navigate through rivers and getting close to her target is second to none," Renfa affirmed.

Hinari nodded before she pointed at a river on the map. "The river goes around the outpost from Son Go's territory, so your naval armada can course through the river and catch the Sou Gi army in a two-pronged-attack. The distance between the outpost and the river is not too far, and with a small woods located between them, we can hide our naval reinforcements there."

"We can also have Son Go's archers hide in the woods to fire from distance. One of your generals, Kougai Koufuku is also an archer on par with Shion-san, so like Hinari-chan said, we have the advantage in our combat prowess against Sou Gi," Shuri added in. "However, we need to make sure that we've covered our weaknesses if we are going to retaliate against Sou Gi."

That was when Yamato realized something. "If we are going to invade Sou Gi, we will be an expeditionary force and thus we will be relying on our supplies to continue fighting."

"That is correct. I know you will catch up soon, Yamato-sama," Shuri smiled. "So yes, we will need to look out for our supply lines and since Sousou-dono is smart, she will attempt to tamper with our supply lines. Therefore, we can not send everyone to invade Sou Gi territories."

"That said, we need to split our army in shifts for our frontline fighting force and reserve army that will guard our supply lines," Hinari finished.

"I see…" Yamato's brows furrowed in concentration as the gears in his mind begin to work.

"Hmm…So this is how the famous Dragon and Phoenix Strategists of Shoku works…Impressive," Sheren nodded as she beamed at them. "Cute and adorable, yet so wise and intelligent! No wonder you have obtained victory many times, Yamato-kun."

Shuri and Hinari blushed at the praise they received.

"H-Hawawa…"

"A-Awawa…W-We still have a lot more to learn…"

"A king is only as strong as those who support him," Yamato quoted as he smiled at his strategist duo, whose blush got intensified but still managed to smile back at their lord.

"Eloquently put, Yamato-kun," Sheren smiled approvingly. "Well, I guess I will have to do the same. I will send the word to Meirin, Shuuyu that is, about this arrangement."

"Please do, Sheren," Yamato nodded. "Is there any questions before we conclude this war council?"

"Just one Yamato-sama," Ruo replied as she raised her hand. "Who will go as the invasion force and the one who stays behind to protect the supply line?"

Yamato's brow furrowed as he thought about it. "Hmm…good question."

"A-Ano, Yamato-sama, might I suggest something?" Hinari asked. "Perhaps we could leave half of our strongest forces to protect the supply line while the other half goes as the invasion forces."

Yamato nodded as he began to think. A moment later he spoke up, "Alright. So this is the set up for now: Aisha, Sei, Shion, Sui, Tanpopo, Rinrin, Kikyou, and En'ya will go with me along with Touka, Shuri, Hinari and the Son Go contingent as the invasion force. Meanwhile, the rest of you stay to protect the supply line when they mobilize."

"Wait a second, why I can't go with the invasion force?" Ruo protested than questioned.

"Look Ruo, I know you're eager to fight against Sou Gi, so do your sisters and cousin, but we can't go all out just yet, like Shuri pointed out. Be patient, I will have you and your family participate in the attack on Luoyang," Yamato replied assuringly.

Ruo was silent for a moment as she thought about it, "You promise?"

"Promise," Yamato nodded.

"Very well, I'll stay with the supply force,"Ruo replied and Yamato smiled at her.

"Ano, Yamato-sama?" Yue raised her hand. "Will it be alright to have Ei-chan join as one of your strategists?"

That got everyone's attention as they looked at the former Empress of Luoyang in surprise, "Yue?" Ei gasped.

"May I ask why?" Yamato raised an eyebrow.

"WIth both Shuri-chan and Hinari-chan going with you as a part of the invasion force, someone will have to manage the soldiers who stay behind. While Nenene-chan can do it, Ei-chan is more efficient in managing our soldiers," Yue reasoned.

"B-But what about my duty as a maid? Who will look over Enshou if she messes up again?" Ei asked.

"Hey!" Enshou called out indignantly.

"Don't worry, I can handle it," Yue smiled assuringly at her elder sister figure.

"Are you sure about it, Yue?" Yamato inquired.

"Yes, please leave it to me," the gentle girl affirmed.

"Alright then. Ei, I will be counting on you to manage things here on our leave," Yamato replied.

"H-Hai!" Ei got out, gulping nervously.

"Oh, we can help too!" Tenhou waved her hand. "During our…'revolutionary' days, Renhou helped me to manage the resources. Sure what we have was somewhat limited back then, but I still say it helped a lot."

"Really?" Sei arched an eyebrow in question.

"Yes. Though isn't much, I'd like to help out. I can't just sit around while the others work so hard," Renhou answered.

"Me too. I can help with anything necessary," Chiihou added.

Yamato nodded. "Alright. The Chou Sisters will help Ei to manage our soldiers and resources for the supply line. I'll leave it to you three."

"Hai!" the Chou Sisters replied as one. They would not fail Yamato with the task entrusted to them, not after everything he had done for them.

"Okay, if that's all, then this council is dismissed." Yamato said.

Everyone then left to make their own preparation. Meanwhile, Touka who had been glancing at Yamato during the war council, was internally debating on something. She had just made her decision and was about to approach him when someone beat her to it.

"Yamato, are you alright?" Renfa asked in concern.

"I'll manage. Don't worry about it," Yamato answered.

"Are you sure? You look so stressed," Renfa insisted.

"I'm fine. Don't worry." Yamato replied.

"It's about your friend…Baron-dono…isn't it?" Renfa guessed.

Yamato sighed at that, "It's that obvious huh?"

"Do you… want to talk about it?" Renfa asked.

"…" Yamato was silent for a while pondering on what he should say.

"If you don't want to, then that's fine. I understand," Renfa nodded.

"No…you need to know," Yamato shook his head. "I've been thinking about what he said during our last meeting. He said that I have to give it my all or his victory would mean nothing."

"No wonder Yuki took it so hard…Her nightmare is almost becoming real," Renfa said sadly.

"So you know huh? She told me that last night."

"Yes. She told me and Onee-sama sometime ago."

"What gets me is that the idiot is making her cry. I need to have him see that. I know deep down that he wants to surpass me, but it wasn't to supposed to be like this." Yamato gritted, clenching his fist.

Renfa held his clenched hand on hers, much to his surprise. "I know you are a good person, Yamato. You always look out for your friends and do everything you can to keep them safe and happy. And that's why… I believe you will win against Baron-dono."

"Thank you, Renfa," Yamato smiled at her and she smiled back. "By the way, where is Yuki?"

"Onee-sama is comforting her right now. Poor girl, she is nearly unconsolable right now," Renfa sighed sadly.

"Do you think I have to leave her behind to guard the supply line?"

"To be honest, I don't know," Renfa answered. "You may have to ask her yourself."

"Alright, I'll see her after this. Do you want to come along?"

"Yes. Please lead the way."

Yamato and Renfa left to see Sheren and Yuki while Touka was looking at them with barely concealed jealousy and disappointment.

"Aaah, I wish I was the one who comforted Yamato-sama." Touka jumped a little when she heard that. Turning around, she saw Sei was standing behind her with an amused smirk.

"Mou~, Sei-chan! You surprised me!" Touka pouted.

Sei only chuckled in response. "My bad. So, what's stopping you, Touka?"

Touka looked down in shame. "I…I did something very naughty last night…"

The blue-haired girl arched an eyebrow questioningly before realization hit her, "Ah, so you eavesdropped on Yamato-sama and Aisha last night, huh?"

"Mhmm…" Touka nodded with her head bowed down while turning red. "And…I…well you know…played with myself. I…I also imagined myself in Aisha-chan's place."

"Ah, so Yamato-sama is really good to make you do that," Sei smiled like the cat who got the canary.

"B-But it's wrong! I-I mean, Yamato-sama and Aisha-chan deserved their privacy, b-but what I have done is violating that privacy!" Touka rebutted ashamedly. "And…and…I want to talk to Yamato-sama, but…"

"Yes, yes, I understand," Sei chuckled sympathetically before placing her hands on Touka's shoulders. "Calm down."

"I-I'm sorry… it's just…" Touka sniffled as she started to tear up.

"Then speak to him. As soon as you can, but not now. Perhaps once we retake the outpost is the best chance to do it," Sei advised.

"Really?" Touka sniffed.

"Yes. And don't worry, if someone else tries to get his attention, I'll step in," Sei smiled genuinely.

"Thank you, Sei," Touka said as she hugged the other girl.

Sei returned her hug and said, "Don't think about it." She then released her hug, "Alright, let's make our preparation for the battle. We can't let Yamato-sama down, can we?"

"Hai," Touka nodded before the two went on their way.

The allied army of Shoku and Son Go had marched from Xizang at noon and they reached the outpost sometime at midnight. The reason for their slow pace was because they have to coordinate their attack with Son Go's naval armada led by Kougai before she handed it to Kannei who went to rejoin them. It was agreed that the allied army would attack the outpost after sunrise.

Once the soldiers were well rested and had what may be their Last Meal, they made their final preparations for the battle. All last minutes preparations were done and all checklists cleared. The soldiers were ready to depart to the frontline.

Yamato watched the outpost with a spyglass he borrowed from Shuri before he set it down with a frown. It looked like the Sou Gi Army was ready for them and he wouldn't have it the other way around. He turned to face his generals and soldiers, all who had grim determination set into their features. Even Yuki, who was nearly unconsolable yesterday, looked ready to fight. Although the stern, neutral look on her face worried Yamato a little. She might be repressing what she felt right now and he knew it wasn't healthy.

Taking a deep breath, Yamato then addressed to his army, "Brave soldiers of Shoku and my honored allies of Son Go! Yesterday Sou Gi had launched their first attack against us in attempt to invade our home. However, if they think the feats of one man can scare us, then they are dead wrong! Today we will show them why they should not mess with us! We will retaliate and strike back, not just twice, thrice, or ten times harder, but one hundred times fold! Today Sou Gi will learn to never awake the sleeping dragon that is Shoku! Our fangs will dig deeply into their heart! Our claws will tear into any defense they have! Our scales will never give in to their swords and spears! And our flame of justice shall extinguish their flames of ambition! Now let me hear your roar of resolve! Heaven shall tremble before us!"

"UWHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOA!"

"Ara, that was really something," Sheren muttered with wide eyes. This was the first time she got exposed to Yamato's charisma up close. And she had to admit, it was just as the rumors said about him.

"I told you before, right Sheren-neesama? Yamato is one of a kind leader," Renfa smiled.

"It was like he was born to be a leader," Sheren commented before she chuckled. "And I am happy to have him as a brother-in-law in the future."

"…I am not going to reply to that," Renfa muttered with a blush.

"Alright, Yuki, En'ya. Let's go!" Yamato said as he strapped on his Sengoku Driver.

The girls followed his example and strapped on their Drivers. They then took out their Lockseeds and activated it.

"HENSHIN!"

"ORANGE!"

"BUDOU!"

"KURUMI!"

"LOCK ON!"

"SOIYA! ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!"

"HAI! BUDOU ARMS! RYU, HOU, HA-HA-HA!

"KURUMI ARMS! MISTER KNUCKLEMAN!"

"Let's advance as planned!" Gaim ordered as he unsheathed Musou Saber and pointed it at the outpost. "CHARGE!"

The infantry and cavlary units surged forward like an unstoppable tidal wave, led by their respective generals.

"Kan'u Squad! Take the point with Yamato-sama's squad!"

"Chouhi Squad, advance! We can't let them have all the fun to themselves!"

"Chou'un Squad, rally forward! Take the left flank and encircle the enemy!"

"Bachou Cavalry Squad! Let's show them why Sou Gi should leave us alone!"

"Brave soldiers of Son Go, don't fall behind our allies! Onward to victory!"

"Kouchuu Archer Squad, prepare for opening barrage. First Eagle Formation."

"Ryugen Archers! Fire on my mark!" Ryugen then sliced her Lockseed three times.

"HAI! BUDOU SPARKING!"

Ryugen leveled Budou Ryuhou to the sky as energy gathered into it, forming a large, swirling energy sphere on the end of the barrel. Adjusting her aim a little more, Ryugen barked out at the same time as Shion.

"FIRE!"

Mass of swirling purple energy rose high to the sky before exploding into several dragon-shaped projectiles at its apex, raining down at Sou Gi army. The Sou Gi Army responded with firing salvos of arrows of their own at the allied army.

Gaim saw the arrows incoming to his army and made a snap moment decision.

"SOIYA! ORANGE SPARKING!"

"HAH! HYAH! TAH!" Gaim fired several energy slashes at the arrows, cutting through them and minimized the casualty on his side.

The same though, couldn't be said to Sou Gi army who had no way to block the volley of arrows and Ryugen's finisher shot. The dragon-shaped projectiles exploded against the ground, sending soldiers flying or blown to smithereens while the arrows struck true to their targets who weren't able to block them with their shield or got out of the way.

"Kuh…! Those bastards!" Kakouton snarled as he protected herself from the dirts and chunks of earth with her arm.

"Aneja, we need to reorganize our army fast," Kakouen advised.

"I know!" Kakouton retorted as she barked, "Regroup and return to your formations! Quick before those Shoku and Go dogs get here!"

The Sou Gi army did as she ordered, quickly regrouping to their formation, but Gaim was already there, Musou Saber and Daidaimaru spilled blood as it cut into the into the body of unsuspecting Sou Gi soldiers.

"Gaim! You bastard!" Kakouton howled angrily at the sight of the Armored Rider.

"You're one to talk," Gaim shot back as he spun around and struck the soldiers around him.

"I will defeat you for Karin-sama! Say your prayers!" Kakouton then charged at Gaim, ignoring her sister's plea.

"Aneja, wait!" Kakouen called for her. Clicking her tongue in annoyance, she then fired several arrows at some soldiers who tried to blindside her bullheaded sister.

"HAAAAAAAAAAH!" Kakouton executed a jumping slash which Gaim dodged easily. Undeterred, she rushed forward and launched a series of furious slashes at her armored opponent.

Gaim weaved and parried her slashes with ease. He then crossed his swords together to block Kakouton's Seven Star Hungry Wolf Sword. He easily pushed Kakouton back despite her attempt to push him.

"You have quite a swordsmanship. It appeared to be wild and unrefined, but your control says otherwise," Gaim remarked.

"Shut up! Flattery won't get you anywhere!" Kakouton snarled and tried to push Gaim back, only for the Armored Rider stood firm on his place and repelled her back. "What!?"

"My turn!" Gaim then launched his chain of attacks, starting with quick one-two slash, followed by wide slash with Musou Saber and powerful chop with Daidaimaru, cross slash, and spinning diagonal slash before ending the chain with even more powerful cross slash.

Kakouton gritted her teeth as she tried to block Gaim's blow per blow, though it was somewhat hasty with her poor positioning and the speed of the blows that rained upon her defense. The final hit from Gaim's chain broke through her defense and sent the elder Kakou Twin staggering. Gaim lunged with his Musou Saber, but Kakouton quickly recovered and redirected his blade away from her. The one-eyed warrior spun on her place as she slashed her weapon, only for Daidaimaru to intercept her blow before she hit her intended target.

"Nice try," Gaim smirked behind his mask, causing Kakouton to growl angrily.

"Why, you—! I'll wipe that smug smirk off of your face, along with your head!" the elder Kakou Twin roared as she once more launched an aggressive combo that intended to take Gaim's head.

The Armored Rider parried and blocked her blows while sometimes redirected them if they came a little too close to comfort. When Kakouton over extended her blow, Gaim ducked low and shoulder-checked her in the chest. Kakouton gasped as she went reeling from the unexpected blow and hurriedly blocked a double downward slash with Musou Saber and Daidaimaru with her Seven Star Hungry Wolf Sword held horizontally and one of her hand placed on the back of the blade.

"Bastard! That was a low blow!" Kakouton snarled.

"I am warrior and every inch of my body is a weapon. You should know it better," Gaim retorted and kicked her in the stomach. He sheathed his Musou Saber and activating another Lockseed.

"PINE!"

In her anger Kakouton didn't realize it before it was too late. His Orange Arms reassembled, repelling her as she charged at him before it vanished.

"LOCK ON!"

"SOIYA! PINE ARMS! FUNSAI DESTROY!"

The Pine Armor Parts dropped down and disassembled to form Pine Arms. As soon as the transformation completed, Gaim threw the Pine Iron at Kakouton who blocked with her sword. He then took another swing, hammering through her defense with his enhanced strength. Gaim spun on his place several time before he bashed the Pine Iron once more, sending Kakouton tumbling away as it smashed against her sword.

"Aaagghh!"

"Aneja!" Kakouen called out worriedly before she leveled her bow at Gaim and shot several arrows in succession. "Stay away from her!"

Gaim heard the arrows incoming and dodged them, even if knowing his armor could took them on.

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" he heard a feminine yell from above and rolled out of the way as a giant flail smashed the ground where he stood not a moment ago.

Looking up, he saw the furious visage of Kyouchou Chuukou, dressed in her battle outfit which had some armors added, a blue sleeve on her left arm and blue duster cloak on her waist.

In this world, looks could be deceiving. Even a petite little girl could be dangerous. Just look at Rinrin and this girl, whose weapon was giant kendama with massive spiked ball that acted like a flail.

"I won't let you to bully Shunran!" Kyouchou declared angrily.

"Kii…" Kakouton grunted as she stood up. "Stay back, he's mine."

"Nuh uh, he hurt you and he's gonna pay!" Kyouchou retorted before lifting her spiked ball above her and twirled it by its chain. "I'm gonna smash you!" She swung it at Gaim who dodged at the last moment.

Kyouchou pulled her flail back to her as Gaim threw his Pine Iron at the petite girl. Kyouchou dodged it before bashing her spiked flail at him once more, only for Gaim to quickly parry the weapon with his flail. The weapons bashed against each other, causing sparks to fly before returning their wielder's hand. Despite the size of her weapon, Kyouchou had no difficulties to recover her flail and moved aside as Pine Iron slammed to the ground where she stood before. The tanned, pink-haired girl then retaliated with a powerful swing which Gaim blocked with his own swing.

"This is getting nowhere," Gaim clicked his tongue before he connected the handle of his Pine Iron to Musou Saber's hilt. Unsheathing his sword, Gaim charged forward, twirling Pine Iron on his side. "Let's see if you like this!"

"Bring it on!" Kyouchou retorted, stretching the chains of her flail.

Gaim threw Pine Iron at the abnormally powerful petite rosette, which she dodged and retaliated with a swing that she hoped would hit Gaim, but the armored Rider quickly pulled the chains of his weapon and quickly swung it to ensnare the chains of his enemy's flail.

"What?" Kyouchou blinked before Gaim pulled hard with the full strength of his Pine Arms. The little girl resisted by yanking her own chain, but she found herself pulled little by little.

This was as Gaim had planned, but before he could follow through a familiar war cry made him to abandon his plan and forcefully disengaged from Kyouchou.

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Kakouton swung her sword down hard and fast but missed her target as Gaim quickly rolled to the side.

"Really? A surprise attack and you shouted like that?" Gaim taunted with a smirk behind his mask.

"Be quiet!" Kakouton snarled angrily in return.

"By the way, watch your step."

"Huh? What are you—" before Kakouton could finish her question, she yelped in surprise as she was suddenly lifted off of her feet and hit the ground painfully as Gaim pulled the chains of his Pine Iron.

"Shunran!" Kii called out before she angrily swung her flail at Gaim."How dare you!"

Gaim backstepped to avoid getting smashed by the flail before throwing his Musou Saber at Kyouchou. The rosette dodged, but Gaim quickly maneuvered his weapon by manipulating its chains and changed its flight path. Kyouchou quickly got out of the way, but Gaim didn't let her go just like that and yanked and twisted his chains so his sword changed direction once more and scored a cut on Kyouchou's arm. It wasn't deep enough, but enough to hinder her to a degree.

Kyouchou hissed in pain as she held her bleeding wound as Gaim pulled his sword back to his waiting hand.

"Kii!" Kakouton called out before she charged at Gaim, roaring out, "YOU BASTARD!"

However her charge was stopped as Sui stood between Shunran and Gaim. She swung her Silver Flash at the one-eyed warrior who blocked it with her sword.

"Don't get in my way!" Kakouton snapped.

"Your fight now is with me, Blind Kakou!" Sui retorted, causing the elder Kakou Twins to bristle.

"You…You are Batou's elder daughter, are you not?" Kakouton inquired.

"Yeah, I am!" Sui declared as she shoved Kakouton back. "And today….Ryoushou and everyone of my clan will be avenged!"

Kakouton scoffed, "Ha, big words! Let's see if you can back them up!"

"That's what I intend to do!" Sui retorted before she charged at Kakouton, Silver Flash brandished to strike.

"Sui!" Gaim called out.

"Hey! Don't forget about me now!" Kyouchou said as she swung her flail at him, only for Rinrin suddenly barging in and batted her weapon with a perfect baseball swing with her Viper Spear. "What the—!"

"Nuh uh! You can't bully my Onii-chan you midget!" Rinrin grinned.

"Hey! Who are you calling midget!? Aren't you also one?" Kyouchou shot back, feeling insulted. "And who are you anyway, midget?"

"Nyahaha, Rinrin is Chouhi Yokutoku and Rinrin still a growing girl~!" Rinrin replied before she smirked challengingly as she brandished her Viper Spear. "I still can get bigger, unlike you who will stay as a midget!"

"Ooooh...! You're going to so get it!" Kyouchou growled as she twirled her kendama-like flail above her head.

"Onii-chan, go! Rinrin will handle her and Sui-neechan will deal with Kakouton-neechan!" Rinrin told Gaim.

"Are you sure?" Gaim asked.

"Yeah! Leave them to us and retake the outpost!" Sui answered as she quickly parried a slash from Kakouton.

"Alright, I'll leave it to you then!" Gaim said as he withdrew from the battle.

"I won't let you get away, Gaim!" Kakouton tried to give chase but was blocked by Sui. "Damn it! Out of my way!"

"I told you I'm your opponent!" Sui snapped at her as she swung her Silver Flash down at Kakouton who blocked her blow.

"Ha! You think you can defeat me!?" Kakouton sneered. "Didn't you run away back then in Ryoushou when you should have helped your father?"

Sui growled angrily at the one-eyed warrior. "Don't you dare to call me a coward! It was my father's wish for me to escape along with any survivors of our clan when that bitch you call your lady invaded our home!"

"Don't you dare call Karin-sama that!" Kakouton snarled as she slashed her sword several times furiously, but Sui was able to block them all with a little problem. Angrily, Kakouton slashed her Seven Star Hungry Wolf Sword downward but Sui managed to jump backward to gain some distance from the Gi General.

"I won't let you, Sousou or anyone else caused the same pain I felt to others! I, no, we will stop Sou Gi's ambition of conquest!" Sui declared resolutely.

"Ha! I'd like to see you try!" Kakouton replied, brandishing her sword ready. "For the glory of Sou Gi and Karin-sama!"

Sui took a deep breath before she intercepted Kakouton, with the intent to win. Nothing less would do to her.

Kakouen narrowed her eyes as she saw her sister and Kyouchou were engaged in combat with Gaim's generals while the said warrior was advancing in alarming rate as he cut down any kind of resistance with ease. Following behind him was Aisha, Sei, and Sheren who surprisingly could work together with the Shoku Generals even if today was her first time fighting alongside them. The same could be said with their soldiers who obviously while not as in synergy as their generals, still could work together in a manner that should be impossible for an alliance that worked together for the first time.

Well, technically it was the second time if she counted the Anti-Toutaku Alliance, but still…

It was awe inspiring and terrible for her forces. Now she also had to deal with any surprises that Shoku-Go alliance had in their sleeves.

"Something is off," Tei'iku noted. Despite her unchanging expression, Kakouen knew her enough that she was concerned about something.

"What is it Fuu?" Kakouen asked in concern.

"The number of Son Go army is less than I expected," the sleepy-looking blonde observed.

Kakouen then turned to battlefield once more and noted the same oddity as her comrade. "That is right. I thought there would be more of them. It is not like Sonsaku-dono to let her ally to do most of the fighting."

Tei'iku's eyes narrowed slightly as a thought came to her mind. "...Look out for oddities. They have something else planned."

"Understood," Kakouen nodded before she barked out an order, "Archers, suppression fire, spreading shot! Heavy infantries, charge ahead as soon as archers finished firing! Light infantries, follow the heavy infantries and cavalries will advance ahead flank our enemies!"

The Sou Gi archers unleashed their spreading barrage at the advancing Shoku soldiers led by Gaim. However, before the arrows could struck their targets something else intercepted them.

"HAI! BUDOU AU LAIT!"

A barrage of purple fireballs flew and shot the arrows out of the air. While a few of the shots continued on and attempted to barrage their intended target, only for Gaim, Aisha, and Sei to struck them out, reducing the causality on their side.

Seeing the heavy infantry soldiers incoming upfront, Gaim decided to smash through them. He removed his Pine Lockseed from his Sengoku Driver and locked it into his Musou Saber.

"LOCK ON! 1, 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000!"

"Haaaah!" Gaim jumped up high as the Pine Iron glowed furiously. He then swung down his energized weapon as he rapidly descending toward the ranks of soldiers.

"PINE CHARGE!"

There was a yellow explosion, similar to pine juice, as the Pine Iron struck the ground that sent the infantries flying in all direction. The cavalry units tried to pincer Gaim, but he extended the chains of Pine Iron and swung the weapon around, smashing through the horses and their riders. Deciding to wrap things up quickly, Gaim swapped his arms once more.

"ICHIGO!"

"LOCK ON!"

"SOIYA! ICHIGO ARMS! SHUSHUTTO SPARK!"

Clad in considerably faster Ichigo Arms, Gaim then blitzed around with Musou Saber in one hand and the Ichigo Kunai in another. Both weapons flashed around, spilling blood in each swing. Gaim struck down a soldier with Musou Saber before deflecting a spear and killed the spearman with his sword. He then threw his kunai at an incoming soldier before he threw a cluster of them at a cavalry.

"Haaaaaaaah!" Sheren let out a battle cry as she tore through the ranks of Sou Gi soldiers with ease. In fact, saying she was 'tearing through' the ranks of soldier would be putting it rather crudely. Her movements were like as if she was dancing as she struck down any soldiers in her path. It was so beautiful, yet very deadly, befitting her position as the Empress of Son Go.

She then found herself back to back with Gaim and let out a chuckle. "Ara, the first major battle since my recovery and I found myself fighting against so many Sou Gi soldiers. I don't know that I should be happy or not with this."

"Are you alright, Sheren-dono? Do you need to rest?" Gaim asked with concern.

"I am alright, Yamato-kun. Thank you for asking," Sheren laughed slightly. Her expression then turned into a grin tinted with bloodlust, "I need some practice after being in bed rest for a while and these gentlemen volunteered themselves to be my dancing partner. Who am I to refuse?"

"If you say so," Gaim chuckled understandingly. "Where are our surprise party?"

"Knowing Shishun and Sai, they would be here soon. Meanwhile, why don't we indulge ourselves?"

"Very well. Shall we dance, Sheren-dono?"

"That we shall, giri no otouto," Sheren smiled at him, referring Gaim as her brother-in-law.

Gaim just sighed before he readied himself and declared loudly, "Now, let's dance on our stage!"

Sheren then charged ahead with her sword held ready and she slashed the incoming soldiers. Gaim provided support for her with Ichigo Kunai thrown in pinpoint accuracy, thanks to his improved accuracy from the archery training with Shion. Drawing his Musou Saber, Gaim then blurred around with the maximum speed of Ichigo Arms, slashing any Sou Gi soldiers he encountered before throwing his a handful of Ichigo Kunai at a group of soldiers.

"Don't let up! Reinforce the defense line! Archer squad, suppression fire! Cavalry squad, hit and run tactic!" he heard Kakouen barking specific orders which he immediately retaliated against.

"Chou'un squad and Kan'u squad! Break through their defense line with twin spearhead formation! Bachou cavalry squad, intercept their cavalry and don't let up!" Gaim ordered.

"Ryugen and Kouchuu archer squad, please provide support fire to the left flank. Sonken squad, please reinforce the right flank. The enemy can break through from there," Shuri ordered out.

"Understood! You all hear what Koumei-dono said! Reinforce the right flank!" Renfa said.

Ryugen fired her gun to stop several infantries that were coming at them. She pulled the hammer of her gun and fired again at some horse riders that was harassing their middle line. She then clicked her tongue as enemy archers fired another volley at the Shoku-Go alliance army and retaliated with another finisher.

"HAI! BUDOU SQUASH!"

Ryugen aimed her Budou Ryuhou at the incoming volleys before firing several far flying energy bullets that intercepted the arrows before they could struck.

"This is going nowhere…!" Ryugen gritted her teeth in annoyance.

"Ryugen-san, please go ahead and help the vanguard break through," Shion told her.

"Are you sure?" Ryugen asked.

"Yes, I have things handled here. Please go," Shion nodded.

Ryugen was hesitant for a moment before nodding, "Understood, I'll leave things to you then," She then left to help the vanguard and swapped her Arms into a more appropriate one for the occasion.

"KIWI!"

"LOCK ON!"

"HAI! KIWI ARMS! GEKI, RIN, SEIYA-HA!"

"En'ya, please go with Ryugen-san. Make sure she doesn't do anything reckless," Kikyou told her disciple.

"Eh? But what about you, Shishou?" Knuckle asked as she punched a soldier to submission.

"These guys are hardly a fight," Kikyou replied as she slashed a soldier with her gunblade and swung it widely, felling several infantries in one swipe. She then took aim and fired a single bolt at a horse rider. Another soldier tried to attack from behind, but Kikyou smashed the butt of her weapon to his face, jarring his head before crushing his chest with another smash. "I can handle them just fine. Leave protecting Shion and the archers to me! Now go and help Ryugen!"

"Yes, Shishou!" Knuckle saluted before she left, bashing any Sou Gi soldiers she encountered along the way.

"Looks like it's just the two of us again, ne Kikyou?" Shion smiled as she loaded an arrow to her bow.

"Yep, just like old times," Kikyou smiled back. "Ready to do this old friend?"

"Hai," Shion nodded before aiming her arrow at a horseman and fired. The arrow hit his throat and he fell to the ground, dead.

"Alright, you Sou Gi swines! Let's see if you are as good as your empress boasted!" Kikyou challenged them as she held her weapon ready.

Meanwhile, Son Go's naval armada led by Kannei and Kougai had landed and now was hiding themselves in the woods near the outpost. The archers and the infantry units were hidden behind the foliages of the woods. Using her superior eyesight, Kougai saw how the battle was going.

"It looks like Shoku and Gi are about equal, even with Sheren-sama and Renfa-sama's help," the archer noted with narrowed eyesight.

"That will change soon, however," Kannei added as she readied her sword, a single-edged curved sword called Clear Bell.

"That it will," Kougai nodded before she ordered to her soldiers. "As soon as we fire opening barrage, sound the war horn. The infantry units will charge ahead wit Shishun. Is that clear?"

"Yes, ma'am," the Son Go captain replied for his unit.

Kougai then barked out an order, "Archers, prepare for opening barrage, focus fire on the middle defense line of enemy formation. On my mark…"

The Son Go archers loaded their arrows into their bow and aimed at where Kougai told them to.

"Fire!"

The archers fired and it was hailing arrows from the woods. The Sou Gi soldiers reacted too late and they were struck down by the arrow barrage.

"What in the world…!?" Kakouen gasped before the war horn sounded from the woods.

"It looks like Kannei-san and the others are here," Gaim noted with a smile after he struck down a group of soldiers with a blitzkrieg.

"Indeed. Shishun-chan is punctual as always," Sheren nodded.

As soon as the war horn sounded, the Son Go naval infantries charged at the outpost led by Kannei who was sprinting full tilt, her gaze set on Kakouen and Tei'iku.

"Stop her!" Kakouen ordered when she noticed Kannei's gaze on her. Her intent was clear for the younger Kakou sister.

The Sou Gi infantries rushed up to intercept Kannei, but she was too quick and too agile for them. She slit the throat of any soldiers she encountered and nimbly dodged the spears and swords coming at her. Kannei was too fast and she could pull almost impossible aerobatic maneuvers with ease as she beheaded the Sou Gi soldiers. A soldier attempted to attack her as she landed, but she snapped her left leg out, kicking him in the stomach. Another tried to help his comrade, but Kannei blocked his sword and led it away before she slashed his chest.

The downed soldier from before tried to attack again, but an Ichigo Kunai to his skull ended his effort.

Kannei turned to see Gaim who had thrown the explosive dagger. "Thank you," the purple-haired warrior nodded.

"You're welcome," Gaim nodded back as he drew a fresh Ichigo Kunai and rallied out to his army. "Alright men, this it! Our reinforcement allies of Son Go is here! Let's take them down now!"

"UWHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOA!" His soldiers yelled as their morale suddenly boosted up significantly.

"Shuuran…" Tei'iku muttered in worry. She had expected the reinforcement from Son Go, but to think they were pushed this far even before the reinforcement arrive was unprecedented.

"I know…!" Kakouen gritted her teeth in anger.

With Kakouton and Kyouchou, the both of them were having their hands full with Sui and Rinrin.

"Shunran! This is bad!" Kyouchou called out worriedly.

"You think I don't know that?!" Kakouton snapped as she looked around, seeing the Sou Gi Army being devastated. "At this rate we're…"

And just as the tide was turning and hope was seemingly lost for Kakouton and her army…

CHERRY ENERGY!

A giant glowing cherry appeared, floating in the sky as it spun around fast.

"GET BACK!" Gaim yelled.

The glowing cherry then burst into multiple energy arrows that rained down upon the Shoku-Son Go Alliance and Sou Gi soldiers alike. As the explosion died out, Gaim turned to see Sigurd was the one who attacked them, with Sonic Arrow raised up. Standing behind him were the White Clothes Cult soldiers, armed for battle. Some of them even had the Mass-Produced Sengoku Drivers strapped on their waists.

"Saji…!" Gaim said upon seeing the Genesis Rider.

"Yamato-kun…Those belts are…!" Sheren noted with alarmed voice when she noticed the belts strapped on the cultists' waist..

"But how!? How did they mass-produced the Sengoku Driver!?" Ryugen questioned in shock.

"Do you like them, Kusanagi?" Sigurd asked with a grin behind his mask. "Now with this, our goal…No, my goal will come to fruition! It is all thanks to you and your friends!"

"Just what are you planning, Saji!?" Gaim demanded.

"Does it matter to you? You are about to die so why bother?" Sigurd retorted before he gestured to his men to transform. "Now transform and show our power to them!"

The cultists readied their Matsubokkuri Lockseed and opened them at the same time, "HENSHIN!"

"MATSUBOKKURI!"

A Crack opened over each of the White Clothes soldiers and the Matsubokkuri Armor Parts descended. They then locked in their Lockseeds and slashed them open with their Cutting Blades.

"LOCK ON!"

"SOIYA! MATSUBOKKURI ARMS! ICHIGEKI IN THE SHADOWS!"

The White Clothes had transformed into an army of Kurokage Troopers. Gaim clenched his fists at the sight. This was going to be a much harder fight.

"Attack! Leave none of them alive!" Sigurd ordered as the Kurokage Troopers charged.

The soldiers were understandably deterred in the prospect to fight the Kurokage Troopers, but Gaim's words shook them out of it, "Don't be afraid! What they wear are nothing but cheap copies! It is nowhere as strong as the original belt! Don't give in and keep fighting! Let's show them that wearing those belts doesn't mean they are a True Rider!"

Gaim's words roused the soldiers and they roared their approval. They were not afraid of facing these counterfeits anymore.

"Shuuran!" Tei'iku said in alarm upon seeing the army of Kurokage Troopers.

"I know!" Kakouen replied. "Sound the horns! We're retreating now!"

The horn bearer nodded shakily before he blew the horn to signal their retreat.

"Shunran! They're sounding the horn to retreat!" Kyouchou told Kakouton as she smashed a Kurokage Trooper.

"Kuh…! To think we have to retreat here…!" Kakouton growled before she barked out with slight hesitance. "Retreat now! We can't continue to fight in situation like this!"

"Wait, don't you dare to run!" Sui tried to stop Kakouton after she put down a Kurokage Trooper, but his comrades immediately replaced his place. "Damn it! Get out of my way!"

"Always the one with words, aren't you Kusanagi?" Sigurd asked darkly as he leveled his Sonic Arrow at Gaim. "Then I will just have to shut you up!"

Sigurd fired several arrows at Gaim who performed a dodge roll to avoid them before the Genesis Rider charged at him. Gaim threw several Ichigo Kunai at Sigurd who barely stopped to bat them out before slashed at Gaim who blocked with his Musou Saber. The strength difference between the two Riders were quite visible as the Sengoku Rider was struggling to put Sigurd at bay.

"What's wrong? Don't tell me this is all you got?" Sigurd sneered before he shoved Gaim and slashed him twice on the chest.

"Yamato-kun!" Sheren tried to help him, but several Kurokage Troopers got in her way.

"Yamato-sama!" Aisha also tried to help him, but several Kurokage Troopers also got in the way.

"Gh!" Gaim gritted as he regained his composure but Sigurd got him in a deadlock and they struggled to push the other back.

"I'm disappointed in you. And here I thought you're much stronger than that. Then again, you're just a scripted existence like the rest of them."

"What are you talking about!?" Gaim demanded.

"Nothing of importance since you're about to die!" Sigurd snarled and shoved Gaim again, only for Kiwi Gekirin slashed him on the back. Turning he saw Ryugen caught the returning Kiwi Gekirin. "You…!"

"I won't let you to lay another hand on Yamato!" Ryugen declared boldly.

"Ha! Big words from you! Do you really think you can defeat me!?" Sigurd retorted.

"We'll see about that," Ryugen replied as she sent a barely perceivable nod to Gaim. Seeing it, Gaim got his cue and took several steps back as Sigurd was completely focused on Ryugen.

"You also tried to stop me on the museum, didn't you Satonaka? Then do a favor to me and DIE!" Sigurd roared as he charged at Ryugen, Sonic Arrow brandished to attack.

Ryugen dodged the slashes sent at her and retaliated with a swing which Saji blocked with his Sonic Arrow. The two continued to exchange blows and while that wash happening, Gaim managed to recover and switched his Rider Indicator with the Genesis Core and took out an Energy Lockseed.

"MATSUBOKKURI ENERGY!"

"LOCK ON!"

"SOIYA! MIX! JIMBER MATSUBOKKURI! HA-HA!"

Finishing his Arms change, Gaim then charged at Sigurd who saw him coming and fired an energy arrow at him. But the Energy Lockseed-enhanced Sengoku Rider swapped himself with a substitution log which surprised Sigurd.

"What!?" he managed to exclaim before Gaim suddenly appeared behind him and struck him with the Kagematsu Shin.

"Your fight is with me!" Gaim declared before he turned to Ryugen. "Go help the others with the Kurokage Troopers. Leave him to me."

"Got it. And stay safe," Ryugen nodded before leaving to help their allies dealing with the Kurokage Troopers.

"Guh…! You think your tricks can defeat me!?" Sigurd growled before he took a swing at Gaim.

The Azure War God blocked the incoming blow with the Kagematsu Shin before taking a potshot with the normal end of the Arms Weapon. He then continued with rapid jabs and slashed widely, staggering his opponent.

"Teme…!" Sigurd then fired several energy arrows at Gaim who dodged and batted them away before using the special ability of his Arms to summon his clones. "Don't think your number means anything to me! I'll defeat you no matter how many you are!"

"We will see about that, Saji," Gaim replied as he and his clones attacked.

The clones began spreading out attacking Saji from two different fronts alongside Gaim. One attempting a downward slash on Sigurd's right while another clone on the left slashed his weapon towards Sigurd's stomach region. Sigurd managed to somehow block them and slashed them away, dispelling the clones. The other two attacked Sigurd in synchronized tandem, stabbing and thrusting their weapon at two different places at the same time. Using his Sonic Arrow and limbs, Sigurd managed to block them somewhat and retaliated with a wide slash, followed by a snap kick. Unlike the first two clones, these Gaim clones managed to dodge them just in time before they attacked again. Again, Sigurd blocked their blows before dispelling them with a solid kick to the one clone's chest and straight to the face for another.

"Where are you, Kusanagi!? Don't tell me you are chickening out!" Sigurd called out, only for suddenly Gaim to jump out of his shadows and caught Sigurd on the chest.

The Genesis Rider staggered from the blow and Gaim didn't relent as he rained slashes and stabs at Sigurd. Summoning his clones once more, Gaim had them rushing on recovering Sigurd only for several Kurokage Troopers to come to aid for their commander.

"Tsk…! I can't believe these puppets saved me…" Sigurd growled in discontent.

Riders they might be, but the Kurokage Troopers were simply no match for a real Kamen Rider. They were strong against the normal soldiers but more seasoned and stronger warriors such as Aisha, Sei, and Sheren were able to defeat them.

"Yamato-sama, deal with Sigurd! Leave these mockeries to us!" Sei told him as she moved in to support Gaim.

"Understood!" Gaim nodded before focusing on Sigurd. "Come, Saji! It's time for the final dance!"

"Heh, I thought I couldn't agree more with you!" Sigurd responded in kind as he charged on Gaim.

Kagematsu Shin and Sonic Arrow clashed against each other with sparks flying on each contact. Sigurd slashed low and Gaim jumped over his attack and jabbed his spear which the Viking-themed Rider dodged by tilting his head aside. They then swung their weapon at the same time, sparks erupted on collision as they pushed against each other for dominance. They broke the deadlock and carefully watched their opponent's move before they clashed again. Gaim took the first initiative with a wide swing which Sigurd dodged and retaliated with flurry of kicks which Gaim blocked with his spear. Sigurd then snapped another kick which his opponent blocked again, but this time the Genesis Rider used it as a leverage to jump and fired his Sonic Arrow mid air. To his dismay, Gaim batted away the incoming arrows with his weapon.

"Graaaaaaaaaaaah! Why!? Why do you refuse to go down!?" Sigurd yelled in frustration as he landed on the ground.

"It should be obvious. I'm one stubborn guy," Gaim replied with a smirk. "Besides, as long as there are people like you who harmed innocents for your gain, I will keep fighting!"

"You think you're someone special!?" Sigurd snapped as he locked his Cherry Energy Lockseed to his Sonic Arrow.

"LOCK ON!"

"Your role here in this world is already decided from the beginning! Then why are you keep fighting even if you know what waits you in the end!?" Saji demanded as he pulled the shaft of his Sonic Arrow to the fullest.

"You really are close-minded aren't you?" Gaim frowned as he sliced his Lockseed thrice.

"SOIYA! ORANGE SPARKING! JIMBER MATSUBOKKURI SPARKING!"

"One, the future is not set in stone! And two, I never thought of myself as someone special! I'm just an ordinary human being doing what's right! I never asked to be a hero, yet here I am, answering the call to those who can't fight for themselves. I will do whatever it takes to protect them from people like you!" Gaim then moved into a throwing stance as rows of orange slices appeared before him and the Kagematsu Shin in his hands crackled with brownish energy.

"KUSANAGI!" Sigurd roared as he fired his Sonic Arrow.

"CHERRY ENERGY!"

An energy arrow with two cherries flew from Sigurd's weapon, heading toward Gaim as he threw his weapon. His spear leapt through the orange slices, shrouding itself with orange aura as it passed each slice. The spear and the energy arrow collided in spectacular explosion, forcing Sigurd to shield himself from the wind caused by the explosion. His action however, made him never saw what coming next.

"SOIYA! ORANGE SQUASH! JIMBER MATSUBOKKURI SQUASH!"

Gaim leapt out of the explosion, his right leg extended for the trademark Rider Kick and wreathed in orange and brown aura. Sigurd reacted too late as the Rider Kick connected with his chest plate explosively.

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGHHH!" Sigurd howled in pain as he sent flying backwards with his transformation cancelled mid air. And to add insult to his injury, the Cherry Energy Lockseed was thrown out of his Genesis Driver and Gaim caught it swiftly with his hand.

"And that's your curtain call," Gaim spoke up.

"Kisama…!" Saji writhed and snarled as he struggled to get up. "Give me back my Lockseed!"

"Sorry, but I think this Energy Lockseed is in better hands like myself," Gaim retorted.

"Grrrrrrrrrrrrr…!" Saji growled as he staggered up. "You think you've won… but you couldn't be more wrong. This battle has already been foretold… already scripted to fall at your hands! And soon… you will fall at Baron's hand!"

"It's not going to happen," Gaim said.

"Believe what you want, but that's how it's going to go. You're going to fall to Baron's might. He will finally surpass you and be out of your shadow. And then he'll fall just like the rest of these puppets in this alternate history!"

Gaim scowled behind his mask as he drew out his Musou Saber and pointed at Saji. "I'm not going to die anytime soon because I already made promise to not just myself, but also my precious people. So stop sputtering nonsenses and accept your loss like a man. Or are you going to continue to moan and groan like a loser?"

"You… Don't act so cocky just because you've won this battle! Mark my words, Kusanagi! Your fall is nigh and there's nothing you can do to stop it!" Saji snarled before he snapped his finger and teleported away.

Gaim looked at the place where Saji stood before and said, "If you believe in that destiny, then I will defy it with all of my might."

"Yamato-sama!" Gaim turned to see Aisha and the others approaching.

"Everyone…" Gaim said as he put away the Cherry Energy Lockseed for safekeeping and cancelled his transformation.

"Thank goodness you're okay!" Aisha said before tackle hugging him to the ground.

"Ooft! Easy…" Yamato chuckled. "I'm okay Aisha, relax."

"That does not mean that I can not stop worrying about you." Aisha pouted cutely.

"Yes, yes," Yamato then kissed her forehead. "Come on, let's get debriefed first." Aisha then stood up and offered her hand to Yamato who gratefully took it. "What happened to Sou Gi Army?"

"They have retreated in the chaos of battle against the White Clothes. It look like they took quite a beating in the battle," Sheren told him.

"Not that I can blame them. They were already in a bad position before the White Clothes arrived and staying around in that condition is a suicidal move," Shion added.

"How about our loss?" Yamato asked in grave tone.

"We too have lost many of our men no thanks to those Kurokages," Sui reported grimly.

"We are still tallying them at the moment, but our number of losses are less than Sou Gi's," Shuri answered.

"How can those people manufacture those Drivers? I mean, they have no means to at least produce and manufacture one save for those used by Kageyama and the others," Yuki pondered with a frown.

"They are not that strong, though," En'ya noted.

"We'll worry about that later," Yamato sighed. "Right now, we have to bury our dead and get this outpost reinforced and running. Shuri, Hinari, please make sure that everyone in the army helps out. Also, please send word to Ei to update our current situation."

"Hai," Shuri and Hinari nodded before leaving to do their job.

"Alright everyone, we got work to do, so let's make this quick," Yamato told everyone. "We can't stick around for long and Karin will definitely take measures to make a plan for a counterattack."

"Hai, Yamato-sama!" They replied as one before setting to work. This was only the beginning but Yamato would make sure that he ended it.

A/N: That's wrap for Chapter 20. I can't say much, but I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I do when I wrote this chapter. And Gaim and Baron's duel will be for later, a la Gaim Finale, but with a twist. Please look forward for it. Read and Review, people. Goodnight.