Soaring of the Doukugan Ryu! Orimura Ichika! Chapter 16 The Banquet of the Kings 1, an infinite stratos/is<インフィニット・ストラトス> fanfic

AND…I AM BACK FOR MORE! Man oh man dealing with multiple fics are rough, but I just couldn't help it. This chapter is a small part of a larger arc. While it is small compare to my regular update, but trust me, the whole banquet business used to be over 80 pages long monster. You will not be disappointed. This whole banquet thing is an original idea based on Fate/Zero, but the execution was done by yours truly and refined by xTenchix. Some parts might seem confusing to you such as OC character, but bare with me. My other parts for this small arc will explain everything.

IS16 The Banquet of the Kings part1

"…"

"…Hey, Mi-chan, why is nobody talking?"

We are now sitting down at a table in a small café. The mall cops have returned and they were told/threatened by the two males to shut up. It seems that the remaining mall cops and the mall's director understood that disobeying our words is unwise. Most likely because of our…reputation. They cleaned up the mess that our very brief fight caused and left us alone…But we can feel their stares as they watched us from a distance.

Throughout the whole thing Chifuyu-Nee said nothing but glared a hole into our heads. Normally I would do everything I could to please my sister, however this is something outside of the family or IS…This is related to gangs and the dirty side of my life.

The three of us, Yosida Hide the second Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the second coming of the same name sake and finally myself, Orimura Ichika, the second coming of Doukugan Ryu, Date Masamune were staring at each other with fierce glares…Well, Ieyasu was sitting on Miya's lap and playing with Miya's hair instead of glaring, but Miya is doing the staring for her.

I decided to break the ice.

"Well…Here we are, the so called ShitenOh… Whose bright idea was it to name us like this anyway?"

"Oh oh Ieyasu did it! Praise Yasu-chan, Ichi-chan!" shouted the younger girl who raised her hands up like she was in a class to get the teacher's attention.

I raised my eye brow at her words…So she was the one who made that title?

ShitenOh is a title that was made less than a year ago to add me to the fold. In a way it was made for my sake.

ShitenOh means Four Heavenly Kings…A title that represent the three of us here and another person who holds it as an honorary spot…It was a title made to replace the SanShogun to include me into the big league among the fighters and warlords.

"So it was you huh…That title…Nobuyuki is included right?"

The little girl nodded her head.

"That's right! Yuki-Yuki may have done a lot of bad things before Ichi-chan beat him up, however Yasu-chan thought that it would be unfair for Yuki-Yuki if we simply kick him out."

Bad things huh…I guess that is one way of explaining what Nobuyuki did...

The title was made to fit all four of us, despite the fact Nobuyuki, who can no longer fight…It is kind of like Ieyasu, however it seems cruel as well. It is a title Nobuyuki has no use of, now that he can't fight anymore…It must seem like a consolation prize to him…

Nobuyuki was a fellow fighter and a gang leader of his own group. HE was a rising star among us, for he gained power very quickly. It was a mystery for us, because Nobuyuki was a gentle leader, but his method changed around a year ago…The brutal beatings…Hostile take overs…It was like the nightmare of the real Oda Nobunaga and his military rule to control Japan.

Nobuyuki's rise to power among all the fighters and leaders relied on his suddenly violent actions. He managed to subdue a vast amount of groups and actually made some of them submit to him or 'retire'…With crippling or permanent injuries.

For many months…The entire gangster world was shivering in fear.

The Oda faction had a lot of power that many other groups lacked…They had heritage, connections and moneys to spend. If they turned as enemy, they were a deadly bunch.

Nobuyuki however, never relied on it…Until he changed a year ago.

To stop his madness I faced him in a duel. It was the most effective way at the time. We were friends, but I couldn't let him do as he pleased. We both knew in a way…That we would fight for real one day.

We fought…

We fought hard…

We fought to the point of making our own legend.

We were friends who sparred many times, so we knew each other very well, however…From that fight I learned why he would use such brutal ways to get power and expand his influence…Why he would suddenly try so desperately try to take over the entire nation of Japanese gangs.

Heaven envies the talented men…That saying couldn't be more true…

As I was deep in my thought about my defeated friend, Hide broke the silence.

The Giant Conqueror snorted as he dug into his shopping bad and produced several large bottles of sake. He also took out three sake cups and passed it around to us. He opened the bottle and poured himself a drink. I asked Ran and Charl to help out as the drink pourer in this meeting, but Hide refused. Charl stood next to me and pour me a drink from another sake bottle. Ran was standing on my other side and poured Ieyasu a cup of sake as well…Well, honestly Ieyasu got a juice box, but Honda took the cup with the sake.

"To talk about Oda is meaningless…I didn't ask for this meeting just so we could chatter."

I nodded to the giant's word and picked up the cup with sake that Charl poured me…It seems this little meeting can move on now. By the way Charl was blushing as she poured the drink…I am a bad friend, asking my friends to do something like this. Good thing I bought that sliver bracelet to appeal to her. As for Ran…I can beg and bow.

Normally in Japanese culture it is manner to pour each other drinks. But all three of us here while respect each other we must never show any sign of weakness. To pour Hide or Ieyasu a drink means that I must do it first and it is in a way, a sign of submission.

Sometimes two enemy generals may share a drink and fight another day, but for kings it is different. Only time a king receives a drink poured by another king is when two events has happened. One is when the two kings swear an oath of brotherhood, a noble and honorable gesture. Second condition is…less happy. The second condition is when one lord defeated the other and forced the former king to submit to him.

This is the reason I had to ask my friends to do this for me…Ina meeting like this, not even I can afford to show any weakness.

I hope they are not too offended.

(Charl POV)

Charl's heart was beating wildly as she poured Ichika a drink. After pouring the water of fire and lift the bottle of sake to her chest. She stood next to Ichika and quietly tried to ignore the oppressive presence of the three lords of Japan.

"Ichika no baka…Asking me to pour him a drink. From what I know in Japan one of the roles a wife plays is to serve her husband is pouring him a drink! WHAT DO I DO! WHAT DO I DO!"

She looked up slightly to see Ichika lift the sake cup to his lips and drown the fire water with one gulp…She thought it looked very manly.

"Ichika…Looked very cool just now. He feels little different now…More mature and…Manly. Oh my god, his posture is so intimidating, but it is so cool!"

On contrary…It seems Charl rather misunderstood and was happy.

(Ran POV)

"Charl-san is lucky…I wish I could serve Ichika-san…"

Ran was crying inside as she poured the current most powerful girl fighter in Japan, who even outmatches Takeda Shime, Urahana Kenshin, and Sanada Yukihana…Honda Miya, the Right Hand of the Tokugawa. The silent tall girl said nothing as she fearlessly drank down the sake in broad daylight.

Ran knows how serving drinks in a meeting or a festive may seem like a lowly thing for servants, however it also shows sign of trust and value. To pour a drink to their lord or leader means a great deal of honor for the ancient samurais and retainers.

If only…If only she could stand next to Ichika-san…

She works in her family restaurant and was taught the value of wife's role from her mother Ran and ancient tradition from her grandfather Gen. To be picked by Ichika-san…and serve him a drink….Wuahh…

"Charl-san…Please switch places with me~"

Ran whined in her heart as Charl couldn't hear her plea.

(Ichika POV)

"I am asking you two to join me in this meeting, to in away, to see where the two of you stand."

"Huh?" it seems Ieyasu is confused as well.

"…"

"The Current Japan is weak! The nation relies on these tools that brought women a great deal of prestige and power, but it made the men of this nation a pathetic mockery of the past. They are spineless and weak. HE fails to rise up in society and is willing to bow down without a fight! The power of the nations all around the world doesn't belong to a powerful leader or the heroes of the generations…it belongs that damned windup toys made by the cursed Shinonono no Majo(Witch of Shinonono)!"

By side note, many men who had a grudge against IS, calls Tabane-nee a Witch of Shinonono.

"To make a strong nation, strength is needed, however with current lack of men willing to strive for greatness and the arrogance of women chokes the spirit out of the nation. Japan will not be able to advance further into the new stage of an era."

I listened to his words and nodded as some of them made sense…In current society; to see men like myself or Hide was rare…In an era where women ruled everything…It is hard for men to fight back against their presence.

A nation's power is determined by military power and now determined by the amount of IS it has…It is a weapon that only women can use. I can understand that Hide is frustrated by the lack of power for men and the lack of means for the male species to balance the scale to our favor.

Even with all the power, skill, and will he gathered…Men have no say in the world as it is now.

Hide turned to face me.

"Orimura, in a way I know you agree with my words. I without doubt believe that you agree to the fact that strength moves the nation and the world. I like to ask both of you here…Join me in my quest to conquer Japan and turn this nation into even more prosperous nation."

His words are…Rather effective. Truly a charismatic leader.

It makes perfect sense too, I am after all a male IS user.

I have the power to tip the scale of gender power, because I am capable of facing any women piloting an IS with my own. My record speaks for itself that I can and able to beat the powerful women who have the backing of their country.

My advancement and success reflects the chance for men's standing in the world…I am in a way the necessary ticket for men to rise again.

By having my support, Hide can lead a crusade to give men their powers back.

In the background my class mates, friends, and teacher frowned at the atmosphere.

"What did her say! It sounds like we women are the cause of problem for this country!" said Cecilia in an angry tone.

"My wife willing to serve another? That is insulting!" muttered Laura as she narrowed her eye to glare at the sliver haired giant.

"Hawawawawa…Orimura-sensei what should we do? They are underage, but they are drinking. We should stop them right? We are teachers after all."

Before Yamada-sensei could step in she was stopped by a vice grip on her shoulder. She turned around to see Orimura Chifuyu's controlled, but obvious angry face. The aura rolling off of her was oppressing, but she knows that this aura was actually the suppressed version.

…Just imagine the hell that is the unrestrained version.

"…I'll have long talk with him later about this…the legal drinking age is 20 and I didn't even brought him to my favorite bar before…I was hoping to celebrate his first official legal drinking day with me…That brother of mine…"

She seems upset alright, but she seems more upset about not having his 'first time' instead of drinking.

And NO! She is not talking about THAT 'first time'…Yet.

Yama-Pi paled as Chifuyu's grip on her shoulder tightened and the cold aura of Chifuyu became very, very sharp.

"Someone save me!"

Surprisingly the most emotional member of this group said nothing.

Rin simply stared at the three people sitting across one another.

"Yoshida Hide…One of the few men that Ichika respects and unable to get a clear win…And one of the few men that never bows to the change in the society and the man that also hounds at Ichika to join him…This meeting, I hope it goes off without a fight."

She was in such deep worried thoughts that she didn't notice her other middle school friend approaching her.

"I guess you are worried as well."

Rin turned to find her old friend Gotanda Dan. His face held a small smile, but it was a fake smile for she could tell that his facial muscles were stiff with worry. It wasn't surprising at all. After all he spent a great deal of time following Ichika's adventure and met Yoshida Hide many times. He of all people knows what a complicated relationship the two men sitting and drinking sake have…A relationship of respect, conflict, and disapproval.

"Dan…Long time no see." Said Rin as she tried to ease the tension.

"Ah…Good to see you again."

The two turned to the kings of their era and gulped…They can tell that while this so called meeting is going smoothly…They are still rivals and enemies…There is no promise that this will not turn violent.

Each of those three kings has a presence to be respected and awed. It is something they felt when they met Chifuyu-san for the first time. The overwhelming aura…posture that spoke volume, character that make them stands out among the crowd, and finally…Ambition that makes mortal men shake in fear and in awe.

A true gathering of warlords.

(Ichika POV)

I took another sip from my cup and tried to ignore my sister's glare for my underage drinking, but she was being respectful.

She never liked my social activities, but knows enough about the respect of martial artist and leaders to not to smack me around…In public anyway.

"You surely jest Toyotomi. A general bows to the king to be accepted by him, even an enemy general may sometimes are accepted by the enemy warlord who desires their talent…However…"

I narrowed my remaining eye to stare a hole into Hide's forehead.

"A king must never surrender to another king. They should seek death for failing to protect what is their own. A true king is never taken to the enemy lord bound in chains. If they want him the only thing they can get is his corpse!"

Hideyoshi's expression was still solid as a rock as he pours himself another drink. The giant picked up his sake cup and swallowed the liquid and looked toward the One Eyed Dragon of Oshu.

"What I desire are strong individuals. I seek and see no kings."

"What?"

That word just now was an undeniable refusal and rejection to my kingship.

"Orimura…You have the making of a dragon and a true conqueror, however you are no king."

I tried so hard just then, not to lash out like an animal.

"Cool thoughts…Cool thoughts…" I muttered in my head. I turned to focus on Hide again.

"A true king seeks out people to gain a nation, however a fool who gathers nations for a person is ridiculous, a pinnacle of madness. How can I acknowledge such fool as a king? You are a faker who pretends to be a king."

I bang the table with my fist and stare right at Hide's eyes.

"Are you questioning my path! My Hadou? My path as a king!"

"THEN, ARE YOU TRYING TO TELL ME THAT YOUR PATH IS A PATH OF A KING? IT IS ABSURD! IT IS FOOLISH! A KING MUST BE THE ABSOLUTE POINT OF POWER! AS A KING YOU ARE TO CONQUER THE NATION WITH AN IRON FIST AND AN ARMY OF STRONG FOLLOWERS! HOWEVER, YOU ARE SEEKING A TWISTED PATH! A PATH THAT DOES NOT LEAD TO CONQUEST AND EXPANSION OF POWER, BUT INSTEAD TO A DELUSIONAL HOPE AND DREAM!"

Hide's roaring voice held all other captive in a cold grasp of power. His passionate words dug into all those around him to listen.

"Your path is no king's path! It is a path of a fool! Why? Why are you seeking this path? You have what it takes to be a king! Why are you taking the path of a servant, blinded by servitude? You seek to be that one person's slave for eternity and are willing to throw away the power and chance to reach the throne that is so close to you!"

I put down the sake cup roughly to show my displeasure.

"You are full of shit Yoshida Hide! What the hell do you mean my path is that of a fool! My path is my own to make! My path is a path of king! I aim to not only restrain to this Land of Rising Sun, but even beyond that! How dare you call my goal a fool's dream!"

"And yet you are serving another! How can you call yourself a king when you serve another?"

HIdeyoshi's rant was cut off as Ieyasu spoke up with her soft voice.

"Booo…Hide-chan is being a bully! Ichi-chan isn't a fool! A king serves too! A good king serves the people and sacrifice themselves for the nation and the citizens. A king is a servant of the people and his subjects are the servant of the king in order to serve the people. Ichi-chan is not wrong to serve another Hi-chan! Don't be mean to Ichi-chan."

Ieyasu's sudden serious words in such innocent tone showed her wisdom and perhaps potential of a ruler. She is, but a little girl, but her ability to talk among these two men was a proof of her potential.

All the spectators from IS Gakuen's teachers, students, and friends were impressed by Ieyasu's word. Her words were description of an ideal and kind ruler. She speaks about a king that seeks to help his people and sacrifice himself for the people. A view of a wonderful and benevolent leader that is perfect in time of peace.

However…

There were those who disagreed.

The two male warlords stopped their argument and listened to the words of their fellow ShitenOh and sat there in silence…Until Hide break the silence with a barrel of laughter.

"MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! WHAT A LAUGH! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA…"

The man crowned as the second Toyotomi Hideyoshi couldn't help himself and banged the table with his giant fist as he tried to settle himself. Ieyasu, who was still sitting on Honda Miya's lap pouted as she narrowed her pinkish red eyes in anger.

"What's so funny! I was being serious! Tell them Mi-chan!"

The Strongest Woman in Japan, Honda Miya said nothing as she glared at the laughing giant. Her frosty glare was bone chilling as Dan felt weak in his knees, even thou he was not the target of the glare. Yoshida Hide on the other hand ignored the cold stare as he slowly settled down.

"Ieyasu…let me ask you. Do you mean to say, that is your view of a king?" I asked the little girl in a serious tone. My face was devoid of laughter or anger from my heated argument with Hide. My single remaining eye stared into Ieyasu with a silent disbelief and a hint of disappointment.

"Of course! I don't understand what is there to be laughing about. As kings, we should naturally sacrifice ourselves, and strive to create a better country!" answered little Ieyasu with her small arms around her chest in a pout.

"No, you're wrong."

In a firm, rock-like voice, I objected. My presence was subtle, it was not like my normal fury and fire like presence. This presence was something against my nature as a 'Dou' user…This was a presence of a 'Sei.'

"It's not the king sacrificing himself for the nation. It's the nation and the people sacrificing their lives for the king. You got it backwards Ieyasu."

"What-?" Ieyasu shouted loudly.

"Ichi-chan! What you are saying is not a king, but a tyrant! That is not a proper king at all!"

"True. We are tyrants; therefore we are the true heroes."

I answered without so much as a change in my facial expression.

"What are you saying Ichi-chan? A tyrant is not a hero. A hero is those who are righteous, those who are good!"

"No Ieyasu! Don't confuse a true hero with such childish idea of superhero. Such heroes are nothing but clowns, not a hero. A hero is who carve his or her name in history by changing or affecting the very world in a vast change. A hero is neither good nor bad, a hero are those who use any method to accomplish a great deed that all others before him or her failed. A true testament of hero is in their deed to shake the world in awe and in fear."

Ieyasu shook her head in denial.

"A hero is nothing like that! A hero is someone that helps people!"

Before I am answer, Hide took over the conversation for me.

"Then let me ask you this. What should a king do?" asked the giant as he too got a stony expression on his face.

Ieyasu's eyes focused on him with furious fire in them.

"A good ruler governs with fairness and justice. They uphold a lawful society and serve the people. They are the first to act upon the laws they set and first to be punished if the law is breached. They are those who inspire justice and peace to bring the people joy! You asked me what should a king do? Hide-chan this is my answer. A king should be selfless and loyal to the people he governs and serve them with all his heart and soul!" answered the little girl with a firm tone.

Her words spoke of wisdom of someone far older than her, but she spoke of it like it is normal, a truly a king in making, however…She is wrong.

Such an idea is good to hear and good to say, however it is impossible to act on it. To act on it means the destruction of his nation.

"Then are you a slave to that salvation? Wrong Ieyasu! A true king must be selfish! He must be selfish to fulfill his own goal and no one else's!" lectured Hide as he pointed his finger at her.

"Then you are nothing but a bully! Hide-chan, what you are saying is something so selfish that is unfitting of a king! You will just be a bully and a tyrant who will only strive for what he desires in his greed!"

This time I took over the talk.

"A king that has no desire! A king that has no greed! A king that is not selfish! And finally! A king who doesn't fight for what he wants is not even a king! Such a faker is not even worth being a called a follower. There is no king that is so kind and selfless for a king is always selfish!"

I gestured Charl to pour me another drink, which she slowly did. It seems she is shaken up by the pressure of this conversation. But this is a very important conversation.

I emptied my cup once again and ignored the glare from the other girls and my sister…This is more important.

"Ieyasu, a king that saves and serves his people in his rule is a saint. However will the people love that saint? No! The people will never understand that saint, for the people are selfish! Such selflessness is foreign and unrealistic to them. How can they understand selflessness when all they understand is selfishness and desire? Your idea Ieyasu will allow you to comfort the people, but never lead them as a king! You are a saint, but not a king!"

I lift one hand up in the air.

"People are shaken when they are given freedom. They do not understand how to live without a system to bind them to a certain role. Even if they tell themselves that they are free to do how they wish, but they subconsciously bonded themselves in a system and society that the only difference between monarchies are reduced to small details."

I lift the other hand.

"People are confused when power is given to them. They are not used to power and when they do use it is causes disasters that with not have happened if they didn't get the power in the first place. People are more comfortable when all they have to do is obey those who are in power…This is sad, but the truth. A fact that one has no power to change for this is the reason why the system that is called royalty still exists.

My eye widened as my voice got louder, but no one flinched as they were either too shocked or agreeing with me…I think only Hide and perhaps Nee-chan understand me right now.

(Other's POV)

"What is Ichika-san talking about? Politics?"

"Why is Orimura-kun being like this? Orimura sensei, is Orimura-kun…simply violent?"

"No…That foolish brother of mine is being realistic. It seems he matured far more than I realized…His words are that of someone who intends to accomplish a goal, but not caring about what people will say about him…It is a posture of heroes in the past. He follows an idea that will create an epic and tragic tale like those in the past."

Chifuyu's seldom words chilled the girls' very being, however they somewhat able to see what Ichika was talking about.

"However that is also a path that historians portray as evil of the generation…Ichika, your effort may deface you not as who you truly are. Are you truly willing to accept such an ending?"

What Ichika was saying was nothing like a fairy tale's hero, but a true hero of the world. He aims not to be a fictional heroes like Superman or Batman, heroes who are bounded by unrealistic rules that can never be followed forever, but seek to be a hero who shock the world, such as Sousou Makoto(Cao Cao) of Wei, Genghis Khan of Mongol Empire, Alexander the Great of Macedon, and Perhaps even the Three Grand Shoguns of Japan.

A hero that truly leaves his trace in history…A hero who is neither good nor evil. A hero that accomplishes great deeds that could save a nation or completely destroy it…A realistic hero that will create an impact that will scar the world in his attempt.

Laura nodded her head as she too somewhat understood Ichika's view.

A nation's power is based in military might. If a major nation threatens with nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction, they hold the card to determine victory. Only nation that hold power can ignore another nation's will and stomp down any opposition.

Even if that deed is viewed as wrong or abuse of power…Victors write the history…Losers can only weep in sorrow and regret.

Only those who are resolved to tear into this kind of truth can leave a lasting impression in the record of men. Only those who tear through them can write the history in their image.

Rin and Dan said nothing as they watched the meeting. They are Ichika's old friends. They know more about Ichika's mentality than some of others. They are confident enough to say that they know Ichika better than even Houki…Who by the way isn't here.

Ichika's major change occurred when he lost his eye…However the loss of half of his vision came with a gift and a curse…Maturity beyond his age and thirst for power to suppress, destroy, and overpower any foes who harms him and his precious people.

This is something that they can't talk him out of…It is something they can only support and comfort him for.

Their best friend was perhaps born under a star of hero and he is destined to be a legend…Whether that legend will make him shine as a noble hero or scorn him as a tragic anti-hero is unclear, but they will never regret supporting him.

(End of Group POV)

"As king, you must have stronger desires than anyone else. You must be greedier than any other. You must be more magnificent, more easily angered than everyone else! He must be more selfish than any other in the land! He should be both pure and chaotic, a man who is more real than any other man. He must be hungry for all that is precious in the world. A king must desire something he views as precious and claim it as his own…With force and violence if he must."

I lift my fist up to my face in a gesture of power and might.

"A king must be able to convince his subject that their lord's desire is rightful and just. They must feel that fulfilling his desire and to help out with their body and heart as normal and as a honor! Only than the king's worth is realized! It can be wealth, power, land or even money! If the king desires it, he must take it!"

'Yeah! I mean look at Orimura, he has a nice set of women to himself right? That is a right form of tyrant's conquest!" said Hideyoshi as he looked at me. I was confused at his words.

"What are you saying? My friends are not my spoils!"

The second Toyotomi Hideyoshi frowned at my word and smacked his face with his large palm.

"Are you still that dense! What good are you when you don't recognize your own talent!"

"Are you picking a fight with me!" I questioned Hideyoshi, but the giant ape was fearless as he sneered at me.

"Maybe I am! What are you going to do about it? A man that is unable to see his gift and talent might well as be dead under the dirt! You might as remove the goods and be a eunuch!"

Oh he just did not say what I thought he said…This is war.

"What did you said you damned boss monkey!'

""You heard me you one eyed lizard!"

The two of us got into a fierce glaring match. It looked as if Dan and Rin's worst fear was about of occur.

The two of us were a second before standing up to duke it out like a man until…

"…is wrong."

Ieyasu's soft word got us out of our funk and turned our attention to our younger warlord.

Ieyasu's face was showing her discomfort at our words and she looked very sad…Oh god, please don't let her cry or throw the puppy eyes.

"Such a way of kingship… where on earth is the justice? Ichi-chan…Where is justice in your kingship?" asked Ieyasu in an unhappy tone and shaggy shoulders that lost its strength.

I raised my brow as I answered that easy question.

"It doesn't exist. Justice is unnecessary in the principles of a king. A king must never regret his law and action. A king must always be right and just. He must be devoid of remorse and regret for king must always be right. A system of justice is needed and wanted by the people for they sometimes can't get their justice, but a king is always right and just!"

Ieyasu's eyes came back to life as she shook her head in denial at my word. It seems my attitude toward her idea and her disagreement to mine ignited her flames anew. It was brighter than before.

"But you fight for someone else right? That is why Hide-chan was angry at you. You are not selfish Ichi-chan, you are selflessly fighting for someone else!" yelled Ieyasu as she pointed out my 'flaw.'

Hideyoshi laughed out loud as he drank down his sake.

"That is why I am annoyed with this fool. He has the right mindset as a king, but his action is not that of a king. He conquers not for himself, but for another. He wages war with other and spills blood in selflessness. He is willing to abandon his empire for a single person! What a fool."

I snort in annoyance.

"I am a worthy tyrant, Yoshida Hide. A tyrant who might rival the greatest of tyrants: Iskander the King of Conquest, Hero of Chao Sousou Makoto, and Genghis Khan the Grand Conqueror! …And I am not being a hypocrite! My action is not selfless for I am doing this for myself!"

Ieyasu raised her eye brows in confusion and Hide simply snorted. I better convince them otherwise.

"I don't give a damn about the nation that I conquer. I desire the nations as a stepping stone. I want the tittle, but not the land. I desire the power of it, but not the responsibility! My selfish desire is to get the right to have that one person and that one person alone. If I must conquer the world to claim that person, than I will conquer them all! I will invade, destroy, and leave all those who opposed me in ruin."

"What could you possibly want that requires the world?" asked Hide while rolling his eyes.

"What I desire to hold in my hand is a treasure that is grander than world conquest. A treasure that only he who has the title of strongest in the world, the Tenka Saikyo can hold. A treasure so precious and powerful that no lesser men can hold it…If any dares I will tear them to pieces before they can even think about laying their hands on it. This is my worth as a king! I desire something only being the strongest in the world can grant, so I conquer all those in my way to get it. A truly worthy prize for the strongest tyrant in the world!" I shouted out loud in a victorious voice.

I dared not to face Nee-chan as I said this…My selfish desire…The prize I want that is only few feet away, but unattainable as I am now. A holy treasure that tempts me to hold her…An ultimate warrior that I intend to surpass to attain…Can anyone disagree that this is a selfish action? An action that fits a greedy tyrant?

It seems my classmates all started to ponder what is this prize that I desire. I watched their face turned into deep thought as they tried to figure out my ultimate desire. A treasure that only the strongest in the world…Peerless and matchless can have.

"This is why I can't agree with you Doukugan Ryu! A tyrant is still a king and a king's job is to expand and control the land to form an empire that is grander than any other in history! By abandoning your nation, your empire for a single person! A delusion of conquering the world for a single person is a ridiculous motive! A king must be selfish. That is true! However, a king or a tyrant must collect talented people in order to conquer and expand, not to conquer and expand in order to acquire a single person!"

"Why is it foolish? It is my desire so I will do it my way! You spoke of selfishness is the path of a king so here is my selfish desire!"

"How can you let that what you have conquered fall and walk away? You must subjugate those you have defeated and make them part of your own territory! You must think of ways to make your empire an everlasting legacy! How is a king supposed to rule when he doesn't command any land? Why does one conquer if he doesn't want to rule? You got your motives and reasons backwards! You are as foolish as the little girl here!"

"HEY! IEYASU IS A BIG GIRL!"

"AND I AM NOT DELUSIONAL! IF I ACCOMPLISH MY GOAL, MY WAY, THEN MY METHOD WILL CHANGE FROM IMPOSSIBLE TO POSSIBLE! MY PATH WILL BE THAT OF AN ULTIMATE TYRANT AND YOUR WAYS ARE OLD AND DAMN BORING CRAP!" I yelled alongside the little ruler next to me

"Like I said many times Doukugan Ryu, Your path to gain a nation for a single person is dangerous thought and a foolish idea. A king collects talented people to gain a nation. He doesn't gather nations for a talented person! He especially doesn't conquer the world to serve a single person! He must not conquer for another, but for himself!"

"Didn't I just explained it was for my own desire to gain this person I am doing this? How is this not legit?"

"Because your path is not that of a king nor a tyrant!"

"A path is made when a path is made! If I stand as a tyrant and accomplish this goal, then it is the work of a tyrant! A legit work of a king! A legacy of a conquest that shines brighter than any other!"

"FINE! But how the hell do you intend to do that? No sane warlords will follow you foolish, backward motive to conquer!"

I smirked as I stared at the two fellow warlords. I folded my arms across my chest as I held my head high. I am confident about this part…My method of accomplishing the so called 'impossible goal.'

"It is simple! What I desire is not dirt, but title. So I will defeat the strongest and the finest warrior this globe has to offer."

Hide raised his eye brow as he looked at me with confusion. Not only him, but all other who were listening was confused as well.

"And how will you do that? Challenge them one by one? This is why it is impossible! You are not thinking straight!"

"Perhaps for other warlords this plan is impossible, but not for me! A plan only I Orimura Ichika can par take. A single conquest in a single arena. A crusade that will determine everything in one place."

"One…Place?" questioned Hide and Ieyasu as they and everyone else were confused.

"I intend to be the victor of a tournament…A contest where the strongest heroes of the nation compete for a prize that is the title of the strongest."

"And that contest is?"

I raised the cup that Charl filled few moments ago and took a deep drink. The Sake tasted rather empty now that I am so hyped up.

"…The Mondo Grosso." I answered him.

""!""

"N-Nani?"

"I intend to destroy all competitions in the Mondo Grosso to attain the title of the strongest like the last strongest woman in the world did." I declared as I turned to stare at my sister. By then all those who heard me, understood my method for my mad conquest.

The Mondo Grosso Tournament…The battle ground for the finest Infinite Stratos among the Infinite Stratos.

The place Nee-chan gained the title of the Strongest and lost her title in the second one for me…A perfect place to claim my title as the strongest…The place where I can wash away the taint of failure and disgrace I forced upon my sister.

"Hmm…Only you can desire that Orimura." Said Hide as he crossed his arms across his chest and closed his eyes in wary exhaustion.

"Perhaps…If I was like all other men I would have taken the long way around, but I intend to take full advantage of my power and Masurao and I will attain the title."

This is the advantage I hold that no other men have. The reason I can dream of such delusional desires and still be willing to accomplish it. All other tyrants will have to stick to the idea Hide has, but not I for I can afford to think otherwise. This is why my way of king is different for all others. Mine is very unique to myself and myself alone.

"So you intend to conquer the world by beating up girls…You must be really proud."

"Ah! Hide-chan, that sounds insulting!"

"Don't worry Hide, I intend to gain my title in the Mondo Grosso, but I don't mind beating all they guys who have the nerve to challenge me. I can take you on with or without IS."

The giant warlord's eyes narrowed as his ki spiked slightly in aggravation. He may be a calm individual, but he is still a 'Dou' fighter and 'Dou' fighters always prefer fists over words. For example, they will use any small excuse to settle an argument with their fists and brawn.

"Now you've done it! Despite how much we are alike, you still manage to piss me off! Let finish this right here right now!" roared the Ape King as he stood up with his battle aura flaring like a beacon in a sea.

"Nozomu Dori!(Just how I want it!)" I shout back as I too stood up.

"Ichi-chan and Hide-chan are baka! Boys are not as strong as girls so Ieyasu-chan wins!" Yelled Ieyasu as she hopped off Miya's lap and pointed her finger at us.

""Don't expect us to be like other spineless worms you see!"" the two of us roared.

The three of us glared at each other as the tension sky rocket. I motioned Ran and Charl to back off to my sister. This might get ugly really soon.

The tension between the three most powerful gang leaders in Japan raised to a new level as all on lookers dashed away as their instinct told them to not get between a fight between tigers.

Any experienced fighters will be able to see our aura glowing and swirling into the air as three of us flared our aura like how a male peacock scares away competition. Too bad…These three are no ordinary peacocks.

Yoshida Hide…Toyotomi Hideyoshi broke the tension with a mighty roar.

"OHHHHH! My path is the path of the strong nation! If you dare, then challenge me!" roared the giant as he raised his fist.

"KKKOOOORRRAAAA! My path is the path of conquest that no men as ever tried! I intend to make this so called impossible dream into reality, so don't get in my way!" I proudly declared as I too raised my hands in claw like form over my eye-patch.

"BOOOO! A king needs to be kind and gentle! Ieyasu-chan and Mi-chan will show you dumb boys that girls are better than boys! Even Papa said that mommy is always right, even if she is wrong!" pouted Ieyasu as she waved her arms up and down in a cute manner.

Hideyoshi and I sweat dropped at the last bit, but regardless to that, all three of us including Honda Miya got up and face each-others. The two males present released our aggressive and furious 'Dou' ki and allowed the burning energy to shroud us in a cloak only a fighter can see.

Honda Miya on the other hand, who was silent during the whole meeting, but she flared her silent fighting aura of 'Sei' as she stood in front of Ieyasu to avoid any harm to her master.

The three of us not including Ieyasu-chan got into a fighting stance and released our restrained fighting spirits and ready to fight again, however…It seems we might have to put that on hold.

"Nani? Mi-chan!"

This sound, it's….

"Huh? This is...Damn."

There is no mistaking it…

"Hmm?"

The familiar sound of an army moving…it was…

"Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!"

It was a sound of large group of people that were hiding until now bursting into action in order to surround us in the café.

"Oh dear."

"…Troublesome."

"Foolish."

It seems we are surrounded by a small army of thug. They were thugs and gangsters of all kind, from Yakuza to street punks, however they are not like other trash that the three of us can deal with our eyes closed…These guys were more special.

They carried a flag with the symbol of five petal flower…the sign of Sakura…But that sign meant one thing.

They are the retainers of…

…Oda.

So? So? Are you excited? I think this filler arc is going to be great. Please leave your review ok? Also please thank xTenchix for another awesome beta reading. Some of the confusion will be cleared in later chapters such as Who is Oda Nobuyuki.