Unmatched † Lovely Princess ~Maidenly Romance of Three Kingdoms~
Chapter 003: Proving Her Intellectual Worth
Disclaimer: I do not own Koihime Musou. Also, a small part of the Atsumori Dance, a favorite of Nobunaga Oda will be added in later on. That doesn't belong to me either.
In a lush green mountain region, among the few scatter trees, Izumi Shiba calmly wanders east. She was careful to watch where her steps landed and that nothing was too dangerous nearby when they did landed.
Izumi had woken up only a few hours ago to find herself among a few shrubs of trees in an unfamiliar mountain terrain. Though she was puzzled by her new situation, she calmly deduces that her best option was to head east where the smell of faint fire had come from.
"Oh!" Izumi stubble out of the trees to find a trail that clearly wasn't naturally made, "My hunch was right. Heading east towards the faint smell of fire would lead me to civilization. A road of some sort would have appeared eventually to indicate it…"
With a smile, Izumi began to travel on the path. But she didn't even get half of a mile before she sense malicious presences had begun to appear around her, out of sight.
"I know you are there," Izumi called out calmly, stopping in her tracks, "If you call yourselves men, show yourself…"
About five seconds later, forty-seven people came out from behind their hiding place. They were all dress in yellow armor with yellow bandana of some sort covering their heads. They were carrying shoddy swords as well. These people, forty-seven strong, surrounded Izumi, chuckling and sneering confidently.
"Hey there, little lady," one of them step forward, acting as leader, "You look lost…"
"Excellent guess," Izumi simply stated.
"As I thought, but do not worry, we shall gladly escort you…"
"Is that so? But I have a feeling that the destination you wish to take me to is nowhere close to mine…"
"That is not true at all~. It is a destination every girl wants…a trip to pleasure city~!"
"As I thought, that is not the destination I'm heading for. It would appear you people are of no use to me…"
"Now, now, there is no need to get nasty now. But if you insisted on playing nasty," On cue, the other draw in closer, "Then we shall treat you roughly~!"
"Is that so? Well then," Izumi cross her arms in front of her before revealing her razor-sharp fingertip gloves, "I shall counter appropriately…"
A few minutes later, every single one of the bandits was on the ground, scarred and bleeding all over. Among them, standing tall was Izumi with her gloves riddled with blood splatter.
"Humph," Izumi sighed as stared down at the bandits who were barely alive, "Not even worth the effort…"
"Damn it!" the "leader" choked, "Who, the hell, ARE you?"
"That really isn't your concern..." Izumi crouched down and cupped the leader's chin menacingly, "What you should be concern about is your next choice of words…"
"M-My next…?"
"Depending on your answers," Izumi flexed her fingers, displaying how sharp the razor blades still are, "you and your comrades may either live…or die…"
"…He didn't seem to be lying," Izumi pondered to herself as she continued down the path, "But if what he said was true, then I somehow ended up 1800 years into the past. Even more so, I have somehow ended up a few events away from the end of the Kan Dynasty and the beginning of the Era of the Three Kingdoms. What an unexpected twist of events…"
As she continues to ponder to herself, she spotted a city a little way off.
"Ah~! Just as those Yellow Scarves Bandits reported. The city of Kyo-Shou, the future capital of Sou-Gi, one of the most powerful regions in the early stage of the Three Kingdom…"
Izumi entered the city to find herself soon in the midst of crowds of people. She could tell that it was a very prosperous as she watched the smiles of the people all around her, the children running hither and thither, and merchants selling all types products. Like she had expected, everything was feudal style. Horse with carts traveled the street instead of automobile. Buildings were built unnecessarily large and stylish. Food Booth used fire and coal to cook instead of electric stoves and oven. And instead of police officers roaming the city, soldiers in feudal armor and armed with pikes and spear patrol the city street.
"Where light shine brightest lies an even deeper darkness," Izumi stated as she eyes the passing soldiers, "Those soldier are a constant reminder that it is still a troubling time…"
Her attention then caught sight of a large crowd that surround what seems to be a restaurant table.
"What's going on over there?"
Izumi drew closer, making her way through the crowd towards the center of attention. Once there, she saw that there was an old man struggling in a game of Japanese Chess (though she wondered why it was doing in Feudal China). His opponent was a young light-brunette girl dress in a pea-green dress, brown skirt, blue frilled overcoat, and cat-ear hood covering most of her head. Her bluish-green eyes were arrogant and her smile was in a smug as she watch the old man struggled.
"Your move," she taunt, "Old~ man~!"
"… … … …Ugh," the old man moaned. Even Izumi could see that the game had already been decided, "I concede my defeat…"
"I beg your pardon~?"
"I admit my defeat…"
"What is this," the girl huffed arrogantly, "thou wasted my time and thou dare call yourself Chess Master? Thou art a joke…"
"…Yes you are correct," The Old man sighed, "no matter how skill I am, I can never hope to best the Strategist Jun-Iku of the Kyo-Shou army…"
"Jun-Iku?" Izumi repeated to herself, "That would be…"
What Izumi had just realized was that the old man was referring to one of the famous strategist under Sou-Sou Moutoku, Jun-Iku Bunjaku. It was said that Jun-Iku was a strategist who recommended many other renowned and skillful strategist to the "Hero of Chaos" and had been one of the leading mind of Sou-Gi Kingdom.
"Humph," Jun-Iku huffed arrogantly, "And yet thou dare claim such a title? Thou neither have the skill or ability to claim that…"
Izumi took another look at the game board. She noticed that despite the fact that Jun-Iku had won, it must have taken a lot of move for her to get that far. The old man was indeed a capable chess player. Yet Jun-Iku doesn't see the significance of it. It would seem to her that there are only winners and losers in a game.
"I came out here expecting a challenge, but all I got is a shriveling old man who does not know his place-…"
"That's quite enough," Izumi suddenly voiced, catching everyone's attention, "No one can win a hundred battles out of a hundred. There's no need to downgrade someone just because you've won."
"…Excuse me?" Jun-Iku huffed, staring the emotionless Izumi down, "What give thou the right to lecture I, Jun-Iku Bunjaku? Who dost thou think you are?"
By now the people around Izumi had scooted away in fear.
"It matters not who I am," Izumi simply stated, "what matter is the fact you are acting so much like an Imbecile…"
"What!?" Jun-Iku shouted in anger as everyone's mouth hang in shock and horror, "Thou dare call me an imbecile!?"
"I dare. When battling an opponent, one must show the utmost manner as one expect in return…"
"Please young lady..." the old man whimpered in worry, "there is no need to get yourself in this mess for my sake…"
"…Even after the battle concluded with your victory, it does not give you any humane right to insult and ridicule the losing side," Izumi continued, unfazed by the old man interruption, "I may not have been here long enough to see the entire battle, but just looking at the game board I can see that the old man had put up a well-praise fight. You simply can't ignore the fact and claim that he's not expert at the game. Those who do, truly is, an Imbecile…"
"How dare thou!" the two soldiers that were standing guard behind Jun-Iku step forward, aiming their spears at Izumi's neck.
Izumi didn't even blink as she continued. "Even you, Bunjaku-dono, cannot win all the battles you are task with. And as one who is in the superior position, you are setting a bad example for the civilian under your Lord's rule…"
"WHAT!?"
"Is this how the official under Sou-Sou Moutoku operates? Showing off their skills, picking fights with those who stood no chance against you, insulting them for being as you claim inferior, and in moments someone stood up to correct your mistake you use your position to oppress your ways onto them? Is that what your Sou-Sou-sama taught the subordinate to do? If that's so, I will have to question your superior…"
"…! T-Thou DARE insult Sou-Sou-sama!? Thy Curl!" Jun-Iku waved the soldiers away, "I cannot ignore such impudence towards my beloved Sou-Sou-sama! Sit down! If thou art so confident in what thou preach, then let us see if thou truly have the right to do so!"
Without a hint of hesitation, Izumi sat across from Jun-Iku as the soldiers reposition the chess pieces. Once it was done, Jun-Iku immediately made the first move. The game began.
"Thou shall pay for insulting me!" Jun-Iku smirked arrogantly as Izumi made her move.
"We shall see," Izumi calmly stated, as Jun-Iku made her move.
"Thou shall pay even more for insulting Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi made her move.
"We shall see," Jun-Iku made another move.
"And when that happens, I shall make thee suffer so much that thou wish thou art dead!"
"So be it," Izumi made her move, slapping her piece firmly on the chessboard, "Check…"
"… … …Huh?" Jun-Iku looked down at the board to find that she has been corner in three different ways, "Shit, when did this happen?"
"Your move, Jun-Iku-dono," Izumi spoke politely, despite the fact that Jun-Iku frowned angrily on the spot wondering what would be the best counter move.
"How about this!?" Jun-Iku finally made her move.
"Brave," Izumi commented before making her move, "but still futile, checkmate…"
"Ugh-!" Jun-Iku realized her mistake a tad too late, her king has already been taken by a disguise forth check.
"My victory," Izumi stated as she got up, "Nevertheless, it was a decent battle…"
"-up!"
"…? I beg your pardon?"
"SHUT UP!" Jun-Iku slammed her hands on the chessboard, sending the pieces into disarray, "How dare thou humiliate me! Soldier, arrest her!"
Complying almost immediately, the soldiers once again pointed their weapons at Izumi's neck. Izumi on the other hand, remained calm.
"First a sore winner," Izumi huffed in disbelief, "and now a sore loser? Truly, you are an Imbecile…"
"…! SHUT UP!" Jun-Iku growled, "Soldier, take her head this instant-!"
"Hold your blades, soldiers of Kyo-Shou!" a voice called from behind Jun-Iku.
Everyone turn to the source of the order. The order belongs to turquoise-hair beauty with some of the hair slightly covering her right golden eye. She wore a one-piece blue traditional long-sleeve dress, ending only just below the pelvis region, under some mauve armor, which only covered her left shoulder, the left side of her chest region, and only partially her belly region. She was also carried a war bow and also has a small regiment of troops with her.
"Shuuran, do not interfere!" Jun-Iku frowned, "She dare insulted me, and Karin-sama!"
"Karin?" Izumi muttered quietly to herself in confusion. She had expected Jun-Iku to say 'Sou-Sou' instead, but how did this name come into play? "Could it be that, besides just the common name, there is another name for Sou-Sou-sama?"
"Keifa-dono," Shuuran calmly responded to Jun-Iku outburst, "if you go any further than what you have already done, then you will only soiled Karin-sama even more…"
"Ugh," Jun-Iku did a double take, "But…"
"Plus, the girl has a point, by insulting and not respecting the old man just because you won will only make the people wonder about how Karin-sama operates…"
"Ugh-! You were-?"
"From start to finish…"
Jun-Iku fell silent afterwards, and with a wave Shuuran had the soldiers lower their spears from Izumi's neck.
"Though, I must admit," Shuuran addressed Izumi, "For you, a total stranger, to be able to put Keifa in her place and not show the slightest hint of fear in the face of death. You are either very virtuous or very naïve…"
"Judge as you wish," Izumi simply responded, "I base my confidence in one fact only…"
"Oh? And that would be?"
"That I had done no wrong. For one who has done no wrong, why fear unjust death?"
"Hmm," Shuuran huffed in amusement, "I see. You know how to pick your words…"
Izumi simply bow at the compliment.
"Then in place of Keifa-dono, who is now too self-absorb to do so, I apologized to the two of you," Shuuran gave a respectable bow to Izumi and the old man, "for the inconvenience…"
"Oh," the old man shivered in nervousness, "General Kakou-En, there is no need to bow to a commoner like I…"
"…? Kakou-En?" Izumi raised an eyebrow in mild-shock. Kakou-En Myousai was the name of one of Sou-Gi famous general, known for never missing the enemy with an arrow and for being one of the founder of the Gi Kingdom. "Kakou-En-dono is, like Jun-Iku-dono, also a female now. How odd…could it be that some of the heroes of the Three Kingdoms had been transformed into females due to my presence here? Or have I entered an alternate version of the Three Kingdoms?"
"But I have to admit," Shuuran smiled as her gaze return to Izumi, "For you to be able to defeat Jun-Iku-dono with such ease in such a short time; you have talent that exists only in a certain few…"
"Compliments of such degree, I do not deserve such…"
"It is well deserved. So much in fact… … …would you not mind traveling with us to meet Sou-Sou-sama?"
"… … … … … …I beg your pardon?"
"…! General Kakou-En!" Keifa exclaimed as she comically pulled Shuuran aside with unbelievable strength.
"Is there a problem, Keifa-dono?" Shuuran wondered innocently.
"What ARE you doing!?" Keifa hissed back, not bothering to lower her voice.
"… … …If it really was that unclear, than I shall clear it. I am asking her to come and meet Karin-sama…"
"And why would you need to do that!?"
"Keifa-dono, Karin-sama has an eye for talented people remember?"
Keifa blinked. "Shuuran! Are you saying you wish to present her to Karin-sama as a possible general to take in!?"
"I am…"
"That is INSANE! Shuuran, had it not occur to you that she had openly insulted Karin-sama not a moment ago!?"
"I am aware. I am also aware that it was Keifa-dono who had given her reason to say so…"
"Uh, but-!"
"A talented person is a talented person. And Karin-sama had already decree the need for the talented. Who is worthy enough to enter the ranks rest solely on decision Karin-sama makes herself…"
This time Keifa remain silent. With a satisfying smile, Shuuran turn back to Izumi.
"… …But," Keifa hissed to herself as she glared irately at Izumi, "no matter what happens, I will NEVER accept her as one of us!"
Izumi couldn't help but to think to herself: how did the situation ended up like this? A simple act of justification became a one way ticket to meet the Hero of Chaos of the Three Kingdom Era. Being lead there by two of the Hero of Chaos' famous figures no less.
Despite her repeated declines, the woman who claims the alias of Kakou-En Myousai had been insistent and Izumi eventually but reluctantly agreed. Kakou-En had then order horses for them to ride to the palace of Kyo-Shou and before long they have crossed the outer wall.
Izumi sighed to herself. Her intention upon coming to Kyo-Shou was solely to gather information on the possible route that she could take to return to her timeline and if possible find the other two that was possibly sent to this world as well. But now it would seem her plans are going to be postponed for a long time.
"Evidently," Izumi spoke to herself, "there are only two paths I can take upon meeting Sou-Sou. One, I must serve the warlord until the entire land is conquered under the rule of Sou-Gi. Or two, I refuse and meet possible death…"
Izumi sighed once again. She was more than aware what kind of person she was expecting of Sou-Sou from what she has learned from history. Historically, Sou-Sou Moutoku was an ambitious warlord whose power and influence began to grow as the chaos grew in the land. But the warlord was also strict and does not let his emotion or reputation stands in the way of his goal. He was classified later by many as a villainous hero who would not shed tears for the death of his soldier or hesitate to order the death of thousand.
Izumi knew that if this world's Sou-Sou was the same, the warlord would take proper care to insure that her intellect was used for Gi and Gi alone… …even if it means putting her to death to prevent her from being used by others. But if there was one thing that Izumi is aware of about the Hero of Chaos is the fact that Sou-Sou has respect for the talented people. In the history she knew, Sou-Sou was also famously known for going to great length to please those kinds of people, ridiculously as some may imply. A fine example was with the famous General Kan-U, the God of War. Sou-Sou had performed numerous acts of kindness and generosity in order to sway the General to his side. In the end, however, Kan-U return to his Lord, Ryuu-Bi Gentoku and so, in an act of respect, Sou-Sou offer a farewell in good term. This act eventually saved him when he later faces the General again, but that's another story all-together.
In other words, for her to survive, Izumi must utilize all of her vast skill and knowledge in order to impress the future leader of Sou-Gi or be beheaded, which will evidently be suggested by the girl who goes by the alias of Jun-Iku Bunjaku.
"My destination is clear," Izumi pondered to herself, "Now all I need is to find the right path I should take…"
"Scheming something, art thou?" Jun-Iku scoffed coldly as she glare at Izumi, "Keep in mind that I got my eye on thou. Pull any tricks, and thee head flies…"
"Humph," Izumi huffed, unfazed, "I am not here out of my own full freewill, so it is only nature you should be wary of me. But I suggest as a strategist you focus elsewhere as well or you end up like our game earlier…"
"…! Thy…!"
"Keifa-dono," Kakou-En calmly called as they came to a halt in front of the palace steps, "Please refrains from losing your cool, especially now of all time…"
Keifa grumbled but nevertheless complied as they dismount from their horse and climb the stairs.
Meanwhile, walking diligently yet hastily down the royal hall of the palace, an armored Kakou-Ton Genjou finally arrived at the door of her Lord. She cleared her throat before gently knocking on the door.
"Karin-sama," She called in a brisk voice, "I have return from my patrol and there is something I wish to report…"
"… …Enter," a proud yet tiring voice echoed from inside after a few moments.
Kakou-Ton entered the chamber upon hearing the consent but did not see her Lord immediately. After looking around, Kakou-Ton finally spotted Sou-Sou Moutoku sitting diligently on the bed, with several scrolls on her lap, staring aimlessly out the window.
"…Karin-sama?" Kakou-Ton wondered worryingly, tilting her head in confusion.
It was extremely rare to see Sou-Sou looking so distracted. It was even more rare that Sou-Sou would have allowed anyone to see her like that, ever.
Karin must have realized this as she gave Kakou-Ton an arrogant smile. "Heh, did that façade managed to fool you, Shunran?"
Shunran blinked before giving a huge sigh of relief. "Karin-sama, please do not tease me so…"
"My apologies," Karin giggled, "Now, what is it you wish to report?"
"Yes, Karin-sama. The situation is this: the Yellow Scarves that had been sighted just outside our borders have just again grown in number. Their numbers now exceed Twelve Hundred. They have yet to realize that we have notice them…"
"I see," Karin hummed to herself, "And how are our preparations coming?"
"We have draft the middle-aged married men and I am having Gaku-Shin, Ri-Ten, and U-Kin drilling the war knowledge into them…"
"And about the ringleader of this rebellion?"
"…We are still searching for the whereabouts of the ringleader, unfortunately…"
"…Is that so?"
"… … …My apologies, Karin-sama," Shunran kneeled in guilt, "for not finding the vital key to end the conflict despite the rumor that the ringleader is in the vicinity…"
"Shunran," Karin huffed, "no rats are so easily found so quickly. Had they are, there would be no need for mouse traps. You are excused…"
"Karin-sama…"
"Well, the longer they hide the stronger we can become in the meantime so there are some merits to not finding the ringleader…yet!"
"Agree, Karin-sama! Next time for sure I shall find the whereabouts of the ringleader!"
"I am counting on you," Karin huffed with a smile, "Well now, if that is all, you are dismissed…"
"As you wish," Shunran bowed before turning around to leave. That is until she suddenly stops and turned back to Karin.
"…? What is it Shunran?"
"… … …Karin-sama, forgive me for prying into business that have no part of, but… … …is something bothering you, Karin-sama?"
"Bothering me?" Karin responded, a surprise and curious look appeared on her face, "Now what had leaded you to that conclusion, Shunran?"
"…Forgive me for being blunt, but I have never seen Karin-sama so distracted…"
"Oh? Are you saying that I had shown signs of weakness?"
"No, of course not, but…for a small moment, I thought that Karin-sama had reason to allow me to see it so…"
"Huh~," Karin gave a smirked, but inside she curse the heaven for allowing one of her tools actually see her in her moment of weakness. Still, if Shunran hadn't been able to see it then she wasn't worthy of being by her side. "Brilliant deduction, Shunran. I should have been wiser in knowing that you of all people could see through it…"
"Oh, not at all Karin-sama. I am sure that you would not make such a mistake on purpose…"
Karin rolled her eyes. Sometimes being idolized has more humorous effect than benefits. "Well, either way, you are correct. Something has been bothering me…"
"Such a something cannot be allowed to further exist to bother Karin-sama. Give the order, Karin-sama, and I shall cut it down with my prowess!"
Karin chuckled at Shunran's declaration. "I am glad that you are so willing to do so, but I am afraid this is a concern that cannot be solved with your blade, at least not yet…"
"Karin-sama?"
"Do you remember the Oracle that had visited the other day?"
"The Oracle? Ah~, the famous Kan-Ro that had spoken those soiled implications of the fall of the Kan Dynasty and Messengers from Heaven? Karin-sama, with all due respect, you need not concern yourself with words of the old diviner. Even Karin-sama had stated that what he spoke of is rubbish and had immediately evicted him from your presence…"
"Well, I am not so sure about it anymore…"
"…! Karin-sama!"
"No need to be so startled, Shunran," Karin chuckled at Shunran's reaction, before once again staring out the window, "You see, last night as I was watching the stars in the heaven above, as I gaze at the star of the Kan it suddenly disappear. Not a second afterwards, it reappeared only for it zooms so fast across the sky like an arrow fired form Shuuran's bow. The star of the Imperial Kan falling from heaven; an obvious bad omen…"
"Hmm, when Karin-sama says it, it does indeed have some truth in it…"
"Ouch," Karin smirked jokingly, knowing Shunran hadn't said it as an insult.
"But still, Karin-sama, what he spoke about the coming of a Messenger from Heaven is still far fetching at best. Karin-sama has always stated that it is the duty of ours to govern our own realm while everything else is governs by the Heaven. Why so suddenly must Heaven send down one of their emissary to aid us in govern our realm?"
"Who can say what the heaven had decree," Karin shrugged, "Perhaps the Heaven view the corruption of the Imperial Court as a stain that can only be remove with assistances of Heaven. Or the Heaven had decree that we are no longer worthy to govern our own realm as we see fit…"
"Karin-sama…" Shunran was getting worried. In her living memory Karin had never such a negative statement.
"But," Karin's eyes suddenly narrowed into a sneer as she continued, "even if Heaven has say it so, Shunran, I Sou Moutoku will not yield so easily. I shall demonstrate to the Heaven that our world had not yet lost its favor for us…or the Imperial Kan. Even if I have to correct the mistake while others see me as a villain…"
"Karin-sama," Shunran blinked before bowing deeply to Karin, "Even if the world would turn on you, know that I Kakou Genjou and my sister Kakou Myousai will be one of the few who will never abandon our loyalty to Karin-sama, even if it defies the Heaven itself!"
Karin chuckled at Shunran's declaration. "My, how wholehearted you are, Shunran. But I shall hold you those words…"
Shunran smiled as she straightened herself up. No sooner did she did, a soldier called from outside the room.
"Lord Sou-Sou," the soldier called, "General Kakou-En and Master Jun-Iku has return and has request to meet with my Lord in the throne chamber!"
"Shuuran did?" Karin wondered to herself before calling to the soldier outside, "Has she given a reason?"
"Yes, Lord Sou-Sou, General Kakou-En stated that she and Master Jun-Iku had found a quote 'rare find' and wish to have my Lord judged it…"
"A rare find?" Shunran mumbled before turning to Karin knowingly, "That would only mean Shuuran and Keifa had found another talented person and is recommending this person…"
"Indeed," Karin simply stated as she step off her bed, "Soldier, inform General Kakou-En to wait for my arrival. Also notify all the Generals to be in the throne chamber to be present by the time I arrive!"
"Yes my Lord," the soldier called before his running footsteps were heard moving away.
"Shunran," Karin addressed as she allowed the nightgown that had loosely cover her to slide off her small figure and onto the ground, "Help me dress…"
Shunran hesitated as her face reddened upon see Karin's nude body, but she quickly shook off.
"A-As you command!" Shunran responded as Karin chuckled at her subordinate's flushed face.
Izumi stared lazily around the spacey hall that Kakou-En and Jun-Iku had guided her into. It was obviously the throne chamber, seeing how numerous decorated pillars held up the ceiling and the only well-decorated chair in the large chamber was position to have the sitter remain above others.
Up until a moment ago, the three of them were the only one in the throne chamber. Now there were over twenty or so high-rank-looking people in the chamber. That had all came flooding in, some had gave Izumi a curious glance.
They were mostly men, though through Izumi's eyes she could tell almost instantly that they were nothing more than sheep, easily led around by other with more authority. However, among the men in typical war armors were a few females and, in comparison to the weak-will men, they gave her the impression of being actual leading figures.
The first one to catch her eyes was a brunette glasses-wearing girl with most of her hair braided and tuck under the backside of her head in a neat bundle. She wore mostly navy teal-color dress and had long black stockings to match her black boots. Her blue eyes were unwavering she stood alongside a shorter girl, her arms crossed tight around her chest. Kakou-En kindly identified her as Kaku-Ka Houkou, one of Sou-Sou strategists and, historically, one of the Hero of Chaos' most trusted and favorite.
The other mention girl was a blonde with hair stretching down to her knee. She wore overall an aqua-blue color dress with ridiculously long sleeves, a golden head ring band that barely visible due to it being hidden by her hair, and, strangest yet, a crude looking doll perch on top of her head. Her dull green eyes glance momentarily in her direction before turning away just as quickly, obviously uninterested in Izumi as she continue lick away at her pink swirl lollypop. When asked, Kakou-En told her that she was Tei-Iku Chuutoku, another strategist under Sou-Sou who was probably one of the most dedicated yet radical tactician because, historically speaking, in order to please Sou-Sou by feeding Sou-Gi army he butcher his own home village to turn the residence to army rations!
(Normama: This information was presented on on wiki/Cheng_Yu so I'm so sure if it's true or not. I pray that it isn't so and that someone wrote it in as a joke!)
A group of three girls were the next to catch her attention. The first gave the most serious aura of the three, with her sharp glaring lilac eyes. She had messy faded silver hair braided in a single pigtail, in a common stereotypical Chinese queue, with bells tied nears its end and slightly tanned skin. Old scars decorated her expose skin, evidences of harsh battle experiences, and wore armor over her chest, forearm, and shin area. Kakou-En identified her as Gaku-Shin Bunken, a Ki-Kou Martial Art General, who historically was considered one of Sou-Gi Five Elite General.
The second of the three was a cheery girl with blue lightheartedly eyes. She had her messy violet hair in two short bushy ponytails on either side of her head, one held in place with skull-like ornaments, and goggles that hang loosely around her neck. She wore a stripe yellow-and-black bikini top that did little to hide most of her large breast, a blue mantle hanging loosely from her detached sleeves of matching color, and two belts with pockets fill with tools. She, like many others, was carrying a weapon though it strikes Izumi dumb seeing how her weapon was a spear with its blade replaced with a massive and intimidating drill (how was such a thing even possible to invent during this era she has no idea). She was identified by Kakou-En as being Ri-Ten Mansei, historically a military general who was more adaptive in official/interior affairs rather than war affairs.
The last one had light-orange hair braided in a single ponytail that limped off the topside of her head with skull-like ornaments holding it in place and wore glasses over her gentle green eyes. She wore a tight tank top with her breast barely expose on the bottom and a double skirt with the top most being longer and draped like a cape. She had with her twin swords that resembles closely like western basket-hilted swords. According to Kakou-En, she is known as U-Kin Bunsoku who despite her frail feature was historically consider one of Sou-Gi Five Elite General who consequentially surrender to Sho-Ku in the Battle of Fan Castle.
Two little girls, no doubt just reaching their early teen, were also present and Izumi had given each of them a good long observation. The first to catch her eyes was the green haired, brown eyes girl in orange armor, carrying a large Yo-Yo with a yin-yang symbol. She wore a blue ribbon on her head, a small orange furred mini-vest that was sleeveless, and tight shorts. Izumi had to raise an eyebrow when she learned from Kakou-En that she was Ten-I Shiman, the famous bodyguard of the Hero of Chaos who was known historically for his immense strength and for dying still standing while protect his lord.
The second girl was also armored and armed with a weapon that seems like a cross between a large morning star and a flail with a ken-da-ma as the handle. She had brown bright eyes that matched Ten-I and had her pink hair in two spring-rolls sticking up on the sides of her head. Aside from the blue armor, she wore a pinkish silky top and very skimpy skirt (skimpy because it didn't hide her panties well). Kakou-En informed her that she was Sou-Sou second most trusted bodyguard, Kyo-Cho Chuukou, historically the only other person who would have given his life for the Hero of Chaos, like Ten-I, given the chance.
It was a while before the last two people entered the chamber. The first was a girl who had long black hair and wore the same kind of armor that Kakou-En wore only on reverse side over her red dress. Her lilac eyes were focus and stern as she held the hilt of her black willow-leaf saber. Even before Kakou-En spoke, Izumi easily guessed that she was none other than Kakou-Ton Genjou, the famous General of Sou-Gi who ferocity was legendary even after shortly losing an eye to the enemy.
The last to enter made everyone quiet down and they positioned themselves appropriately in the chamber. It didn't even a nanosecond for Izumi to realize that the last girl to enter that sat herself on the throne was the Hero of Chaos Sou-Sou Moutoku. She was a short blonde with her hair in two corkscrew style pigtails each held in place on either side of her head by silver skulls and purple ribbons. She wore a short dark-blue dress that empathizes on drawing attention to her small breast, long white socking with silver armored boots, detached violet-color sleeves with white frill lining, a violet-color sleeveless vest that remained open, and a short split dark-blue mantle attached on her waist from behind. She was also decorated in silver and violet armor around her body, thigh, and at the top end of her detached sleeves.
Although all her features were impressive, what really caught Izumi's attention were her eyes. Her eyes were clear blue, proud and unwavering. They were eyes of visions, eyes that focus on a future many were not yet ready to face, a future that was nevertheless coming (considering the world Izumi had come from). They were the eyes of a conqueror in the making, and even Izumi had to admit that she was impressed, thinking for a small moment that it may still be possible for Sou-Gi to triumph in the Three Kingdom struggle.
It would be interesting, to see such an ambitious warlord prevails, but that was beside the point at the moment. It would amount to nothing if Sou-Sou doesn't see her fit to serve on her side, with such an outcome that would result only in death under the suggestion of Jun-Iku once given the chance. So for the time being, Izumi must focus on gaining the Hero of Chaos' favor.
"Sou Moutoku-sama," Every single general greeted with the utmost respect.
"Raise my loyal subjects," Sou-Sou smirked confidently, accepting their respect.
Kakou-En stepped forward. "Sou-Sou-sama," she began, "I have come before My Lordship today bringing forth a person with exceptional talents…"
"Have you now," Sou-Sou gazed passed Kakou-En at the unfamiliar face.
It was a girl in strange sparkling clothes that consists of a wide-shoulder navy-blue collar-poncho that covers of her shoulder blade regions, long-sleeve white blouse with navy blue cuff, a golden-yellow triangular scarf tied at the front with most of it hidden underneath her collar-cape, an ankle-long light-blue pleated skirt, and a white headband on her forehead with the character "Wisdom" printed on it. She has lengthy silver hairs that began braided at the top before falling freely behind her. She also has viper-like crimson eyes that her rectangular blue-rim glasses were unable to hide, remaining calm and calculative despite her situation.
The girl gave Sou-Sou a long good gaze before bowing, with one arm across her body.
"I greet thee Sou Moutoku, warlord of Kyo-Shou," She spoke in a soft but proud voice, "My family name is Shiba, my name being Izumi…"
"Shiba Izumi, is it?" Sou-Sou wondered speaking to Izumi's in a traditional way, "How strange, a famous scholar Shiba-Ki Suikyou also shares your family name. Are you by chance related?"
"Alas, I am not…"
"I see," Sou-Sou huffed, impressed with the girl's immediate sincerity. Sou-Sou was sure that if the girl wanted to prove herself foolishly she would have carelessly claimed to be related to Scholar Suikyou. Green Flag. "Then tell me, Shuuran, what made you think that she was worthy of serving I Sou Moutoku?"
"Yes, Sou-Sou-sama," Kakou-En spoke, unfazed by the fact Sou-Sou had addressed her by her true name, "The situation in which we met was when Jun-Iku-dono challenged Shiba-san here to a game of chess when Shiba-san pointed out a flaw that Keifa-dono had made. The duel ended as suddenly as it began, with Shiba-san winning without much effort in just five moves…"
Many of the General in the room began to mutter to each or at least giving each other a surprised glance. They were all familiar with Jun-Iku Bunjaku and the reputation she had gain for dominancy in all field of strategic-base game, rivaled only by Kaku-Ka Houkou and Tei-Iku Chuutoku. To hear that she beaten so swiftly and easily by a mere commoner was unheard of.
"In a fit rage cause by her lose, Jun-Iku-dono aim to take Shiba-san life. Not only did Shiba-san approach this with great calmness, but even when Keifa had her guards point their blades only centimeters away from her neck she calmly ridicule Keifa for her short temper and lack of reasoning. When I question her later about this, asking her what had made her brave in the face of possible death, she answered-…"
"I based my confidence in one fact," Izumi suddenly recited tiredly, "That I had done nothing wrong. For one who has done no wrong why fear unjust death…"
Sou-Sou inwardly smiled. Normally, you were either foolishly brave or stupid to speak without being address to first. Especially when one of her subordinate was speaking. But Izumi had not spoken in an attempt to boast; rather she spoke indifferently as if it wasn't something worth to prove her worth. With a hint of boredom, as if past actions doesn't justify her reason for being here. Two green flags.
"Curse Thou," Jun-Iku suddenly voiced, "Karin-sama had not yet address thee and yet thou dare speak with a smug?"
Izumi didn't even flinch as she ignored Keifa to favor of waiting for Sou-Sou to respond.
"At ease, Keifa," Sou-Sou chuckled. Jun-Iku was being hypocritical and she had yet to realize it yet, whereas Izumi already has but had silently let Jun-Iku dig herself deeper. Another green flag. "The explanation involves her anyhow; she has the right to speak her part…"
"Ugh…" Jun-Iku did a double-take, "As you decree, Karin-sama…"
"Anyhow, Shiba Izumi," Sou-Sou narrowed her eyes as she returned her attention back to Izumi, "It would appear that you have some talents, being able to outwit Keifa with such ease, but do you really believe that it is enough to make you worthy of serving by my side…"
"Obviously not, Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi calmly replied, before giving Sou-Sou a knowing smug, "But if I am not mistaken, Sou-Sou-sama has found four other points that had already put me on your favor list yourself…"
At that, Sou-Sou widened her eyes but nothing more. Did Izumi see through her that easily?
"Curse thou!" Jun-Iku once again intervened, "Enough of your accusations towards Karin-sama!"
"…Accusation? Or truth? I know it is the second, for Sou-Sou-sama had yet spoken in denial…"
Everyone in the room began to stare angrily at Izumi as Sou-Sou merely watched on. It was apparent by the way Izumi had spoken that she has initiate the argument for a purpose, and Sou-Sou wanted to see the reason for it.
"Curse thou," one of the male officer, "How dare thee speaks as if thou can easily read through people, especially that of Sou-Sou-sama!"
Izumi glance at the officer before giving huff as she pointed accusingly at the general. "Reading through people is not such a simple task now, sir! It requires careful observation and logical deduction in order to draw up a clear conclusion. By merely speaking to or hearing the words of a person, followed by observing the person's behavior, and other evidences that you have no understanding in, a learned person can create a clear profile of their speaking partner. You are a General, who's task includes understanding an enemy General to aid you in emerging victorious, should understand this even if you yourself could not do so. If you cannot even understand this logic, you have no right to criticize or judge those who supposedly can, especially those who you have no knowledge of!"
The officer, having been shot down horribly by Izumi's logic and unable to find a way to counter, shrank back.
"Even so," another male officer spoke up after a brief moment of silent, "That does not give thee the right to speak about Sou-Sou-sama!"
Izumi glance at the officer and it wasn't long before she pointed an accusing finger at him. "I speak of Sou-Sou-sama in beneficial to the conversation. I have spoken my mind in turn for Sou-Sou-sama to properly judge me for whom I am. I would even speak of my distaste for the situation so that Sou-Sou-sama can analyze me and allow her herself to decide what to do with me. Now if you can say you are truly willing to tell all of your true thoughts about Sou-Sou-sama to everyone in this room right here and now, both the good and the bad, without hesitation, then and only then may have any rights to speak such. Otherwise remain silent and step aside!"
The officer shrank back quickly, unable to argue any further.
"Do not dare insult us," an officer claimed as he pointed his blade at Izumi's neck, "Thou art the one at fault!"
Izumi glared at the man, unfazed by the sword that is mere centimeters from her expose neck, as she pointed an accusing finger at the General. "You, who have no reason behind your opinion, who has no words to support your claim, who result to violence to get what you desire, who does not know when to talk or when to fight, has absolutely no rights to claim I am the at fault! It is you, who is at fault…go know your place or are you going to prove to everyone here that you are a shameless brute?"
The officer, hesitant as he was, broke as he dropped his sword and shrank back.
Izumi scanned around, as if daring someone else to speak up in retaliation. No one dares say a word as many became afraid of being verbally shot down.
"Humph," Jun-Iku suddenly huffed, "Now I see what thou art trying to do now! Thou initiate these arguments so thou can just blow them off and prove that thou have what it takes to outwit opponents verbally so that thou can serve Karin-sama, is it not so?
"It is so," Izumi replied with a smile, "It comes to no surprise that you Jun-Iku-dono were able to recognize my strategy…"
"Naturally," Jun-Iku huffed arrogantly before sneering knowingly at Izumi, "But all in all, thou art still only proving that thou art just talk. Sure thou may demonstrate bravery by not even flinching when a sword is place dangerous closes to thou, but in a real battle the swords would not halt at thy neck…it will continue through thy neck! How thou shall truly act under such a situation, I wonder?"
Izumi raised an eyebrow, but smirked knowingly. "Jun-Iku-dono, are you by chance implying you wish to challenge me again, this time in an actual battle?"
"Precisely," Jun-Iku smirked evilly before turning to Sou-Sou, "Karin-sama, before you pass judgment to accept this person I seek permission to engage her in a mock battle!"
"A mock battle huh?" Sou-Sou hummed in thought, "Interesting…"
"If she wins," Jun-Iku explained, "Then she would have the right to join our ranks, however if she fails…"
"I would be deemed unworthy," Izumi calmly stated with a smile, "And for wasting the precious time of Sou-Sou-sama, you will have me executed, am I correct Jun-Iku-dono?"
Jun-Iku stumbled a bit, since that was exactly what she was going to say, but quickly recover and smirked arrogantly at Izumi. "That is correct. I shall show thee the true difference of our brilliance!"
"Indeed, the battle would show the difference…"
Sou-Sou snickered in amusement as she watch sparks fly between Keifa arrogant glare and Izumi's unfazed viper stare.
"Very well then," Sou-Sou rise from her seat, "So it shall be done…!"
"The battle shall be held four days from today in the palace court in the afternoon," Shuuran repeated in wondered, "each side is allowed to gather at most five hundred personnel as a sizable army. The objective of the battle is to stain your enemy in ink. The winner would be determined if every single member of one side is mark in ink or if the commander is douse with ink. Anything else goes…"
The meeting had long since died out and only the female general remains in the throne chamber with Karin. Izumi had asked for a guide around the city, so Karin has given a soldier permission to guide her around the city.
"That is the setup," Karin shrugged, "Heh, I am getting excited…"
"Karin-sama," Shunran wondered after a while, "Have you really shown interest in this girl?"
"And what if I have?"
"…! Karin-sama!" Keifa exclaimed, "Do not be fooled by her! She is just in this for herself, I just know it! She thinks she had me beaten just because she won once! You shall see Karin-sama, when the day of the battle finally arrives it will also be the day I shall peel away her arrogance and sentence her to death for wasting your time!"
"That is also another reason I am looking forward to it," Karin smirked, "It is a chance to either gain another talent under my wing or to witness the good judgment of my faithful strategist…"
"Karin-sama~," Keifa stated dreamily.
"Ahem," Gaku-Shin coughed, "Keifa-dono, I suppose you have already formulate a plan to defeat this Shiba Izumi?"
"Naturally," Keifa huffed as she brushed some of the hair out of her face, "I shall gather around three hundred troops to do battle. No matter what soldier of Kyo-Shou she will use, the thing she lacks is trust among the soldiers. She would not be able to coordinate them properly even if she did spend the next four days training them to obey her. Afterwards I shall just allow Shunran and Shuuran to-…"
"Huh?" Shunran backtracked, "Since when did Shuuran and I gotten involved in this?"
"Aside from the objective and the number of people we can have, there are no rules that say I cannot use experience and capable generals like the two of you right?"
"…Evil!" Ten-I sweat dropped.
"A cruel plan that will utterly destroy the enemy," Kyo-Cho sweat dropped as well, "That is our Keifa…"
"It would be interesting if actual weapons were involved though," Tei-Iku muttered before making the little puppet on her head wobble, "Yes, so we can see actual blood instead of imagining blood in place of the ink." "Hey now Hou-Kei, there was no need to tell them that part." "Just thought we should be truthful…"
(Normama: whenever Tei-Iku (Fuu) dialogue is bolded, the one talking is Hou-Kei)
Kaku-Ka sweat dropped at her companion as she talked to herself. "When are you ever not saying those disturbing comments every now and then?"
"Oh~ that is true as well…" Hou-Kei wobble in embarrassment, at least it would seems to be how Tei-Iku had intended to make it act, causing almost everyone to sweat drop.
"That just makes it worse when you admit it like that," U-Kin shivered.
"Either way," Ri-Ten wondered, "letting her challenge Keifa-dono as the final test, is it a bit too much? I mean, looking at the situation, Keifa-dono definitely has more obvious advantage than the newbie…"
"That what makes it the final test," Sou-Sou chuckled, "this way I can see the full extent of her capability…"
"I see," Shuuran nodded, "Still her chances of winning are slim at best…"
"She does not have a chance at all," Keifa huffed, "the only way she could possibly win is if she has as much support from the Heaven itself as Karin-sama herself…"
"The odds are stake against that girl," Ri-Ten mumbled to herself as she, Gaku-Shin, and U-Kin made their way outside the palace after they were dismiss, "Would you not agree, Nagi?"
"I will have to concur, yes," Gaku-Shin nodded, "Still, if Shiba Izumi truly is as intelligent as she claims to be, then she must have a decent plan at least…"
"If she did not though," U-Kin frowned sadly, "I feel sorry for her then. She has no idea who she is dealing with then…"
"I concur to that as well, Sawa. But that is life; a simple mistake could end your life earlier than you think…"
"Think we could aid Shiba-san a little at least?" Ri-Ten wondered, "I mean, to make it look good enough that her life would be spared at least?"
"I do not think Keifa-dono will let this one off so easily, given how she seems bent on destroying Shiba-san for some reason, Maou. Besides, we have no right to help unless she asked us to…"
"Excellent," A voice called from behind them, "that would mean I can have your assistance then…"
The three jumped and turn to find that Izumi leaning casually on a building pillar they pass a little while ago.
"What the-!?" Sawa exclaimed, "Shiba-san? How long have you been there?"
"For about six minutes, two seconds, and thirty eight nanoseconds since you asked that," Izumi informed calmly, "I was just observing the nice weather we are having…"
"Nice weather?" Maou sweat dropped as she gazed at the sky, "It has been steaming hot for three days already! Sunny, yes, but nearly dry and hot! I would not consider this exactly 'good weather'!"
"It is perfect weather," Izumi smirked confidently, "for the battle that will take place four days from now…"
"Is that so?" Nagi wondered, "Well, anyhow, it would seem you require our assistance in the upcoming battle…"
"I do," Izumi replied as she walked up to them.
"Well, what is?" Maou wondered.
Izumi pulled out what looks like rolled up paper and hand it to Maou. "I need you, General Ri-Ten, to create these items for me with three more of these one located on the bottom. Is it possible?"
Maou blinked before unrolling the paper and looking at the detail instruction found on it. "Uh, yeah, I can make something like these. But…what made you think I could?"
"Elementary, General Ri-Ten," Izumi calmly informed, "To begin with, the toolset around your waist are clearly not for show and if you can create a weapon like that…" Izumi indicated the Drill Spear. "…this should be simple task…"
"Well," Maou scratched the back of her neck in embarrassment, "It certainly is…"
"But what of the two of us then?" Sawa wondered.
"Tell me, General Gaku-Shin and General U-Kin, how good are the two of you with kids?"
"… … … … … … … …EH~?" Nagi and Sawa blinked in confusion.
"…If she counter this way," Jun-Iku muttered to herself as she stared at a crudely drawn map, "Then I shall counter this way! And when she moves to defend herself like this I shall strike her here-…"
"My," Shunran awed as she, Tei-Iku, Kaku-Ka, and her sister watch as Keifa continue scheming, "Keifa seems rather passionate about this… … …Shuuran, was there something else that happen when you encounter Shiba-san?"
"Indeed," Tei-Iku added, "Keifa-chan was always against just bringing people into the ranks, but never this far…" "It is almost scary!" "Agreed…"
"Well," Shuuran whispered so that only the group of onlookers could here, "truth to be told, Keifa-dono initially went out to challenge a chess master, an old man, to see whether he deserve the title at all. Obviously the old man loss but the game had gone on for an hour. When the man concede his defeat, Keifa-dono began to insult the old man…that was when Shiba-san came in and began to lecture her about setting an example as the one in power. That was when Shiba-san questioned Karin-sama and how she instructed her subordinates…"
"She WHAT?" Shunran exclaimed, "She dares-!?"
"Keifa-dono thought the same, after that it was the story I told in the throne chamber, but," Shuuran hesitated, making sure everyone was paying attention, "The thing was, Keifa-dono's conduct at the time would have indeed insulted Karin-sama's reputation even further. I believe that Shiba-san was putting Keifa-dono back in her place partly for Karin-sama's sake…"
"What makes you say that?" Kaku-Ka wondered.
"Well," Shuuran frowned in thought, "That I cannot say for sure yet, that was the impression I got upon observing her…"
"Just a guess, huh?" Tei-Iku summed up, "Though, I do not blame Shuuran for believing so. I too sense no malice from Shiba-san whenever she addresses Karin-sama."
"Is that so, Fuu?" Kaku-Ka wondered.
"Yes…" "Rather than malice, it was more of deep respect and admiration…in a good way…"
"In a good way?"
"Yes, the 'I am happy in bed' kind~!" "Hey now, Hou-Kei that is a bit exaggerating…" "I know... I just wanted to see it again." "It…?" "Wait for it…"
No sooner did Hou-Kei finish Kaku-Ka began blabbering on the spot, about some crazy sexual fantasy, before a huge stream of blood spray out of her nostril.
"Ah~, Rin-chan!" "Never get tired of that…"
Shunran and Shuuran sweat drop as Fuu attend to Rin who had collapse from her nosebleed.
"Ah, you are here at last," Keifa suddenly voiced, catching the onlookers' attention. Keifa was speaking to a soldier that had walked in when they weren't paying attention. "So, tell me, what did that woman do as you guide her through the city?"
"Uh, yes Jun-Iku-dono," the soldier began nervously, "Uh, well…"
"What? Did she order you not to tell me?"
"Uh, no…actually she told me to in quote, 'pay close attention so you may report all the details to Jun-Iku-dono'…is what she said…"
The onlookers gave each other a puzzling stare as Keifa frowned. "Well then, what did she do?"
"Uh, first I took her around the market area where she casually talked lengthy to some of the peasants and shop keepers. It took nearly thirty minutes before we managed to exit the market area. When we did, we came across some children as they were playing with a ball. When the ball came in our direction, Shiba Izumi dribbled it back to the kids and began playing with them. The kids were at awe as she demonstrating tremendous ball control. After about another thirty minutes playing with the children, she promise to come back to play with them the next day before we went off. I then led her to the elder of city and she had a long hourly talk with the elder, earning the elder's trust and friendship. Before we left she asked the elder for a brush and a long piece of paper and began to write down something really fast. When we left and return to the palace, she told me to give the paper she wrote on to Jun-Iku-dono when you called upon me to ask about her…"
Keifa widen her eyes as the soldier handed to her the rolled up paper. Opening it up and reading it, she realize that it was accurate recount of what she had been doing from the moment she was leaving the palace to the moment she wrote it all down, down to the significant hour, minutes, and seconds. Even more accurate and detailed than what the soldier reported.
"…That bi-ARG!" Keifa exclaimed in anger as she crumple up the paper into a huge wad, threw down on the ground, and began to stomp repeatedly on it, "Is she trying to mock me? Is she saying that she has no worries even if I investigate her? Curse thou! I swear on the name of Jun-Iku Bunjaku that I shall make thou pay for this in blood~!"
Keifa stomped off after she was done, leaving the onlookers confused and frighten; the soldier was scare to the point that he fainted standing. It took the four a long minute before Shuuran regain enough of her confidence back to retrieve the wad of paper and careful restore it to read it. What was on the paper only filled the four of them with more question than answers as they began to wonder: what is Shiba Izumi scheming?
"Try to catch me, General Gaku-Shin!" a little girl glee as she waddle hurryingly through the water she was waist deep in.
"I know, I know," Nagi sighed as she began to chase the girl, only to be doused in water by two boys from her right, "Ah-Hey!"
"Do not forget us, General Gaku-Shin," the two boys chimed as they turn to waddle quickly away in the water.
"You mischievous kids," Nagi huffed as she began to chase them, unable to hide the fact that she was also enjoying herself.
"Clap, clap, stomp," Sawa instructed as she demonstrate to the watching children a rhyme as they copy the rhyme, "Clap, clap, stomp. Clap, chap, stomp…BANG~!"
"Clap, clap, stomp," the children copied with enthusiasm, "Clap, clap, stomp. Clap, clap, stomp…BANG~!"
"That's good! Okay, now let us try a harder one~!"
"Yah~!"
"Those two are enjoying themselves pretty well," Izumi commented as she kicked the ball she was dribbling over her head to avoid having the children she was playing with from stealing it.
"Whoa," one of girls gasped, "Shiba-san is amazing! You can see what General Gaku-Shin and General U-Kin are doing while still keeping the ball away from us!"
"A true tactician observes both the big and the small picture," Izumi simply replied as she expertly dribbled the ball in and out the crowd of kids, "learn at least that and one day you all as well will be formidable…"
"Really?" another girl wondered fill with hope.
"Indeed, but for now you must enjoy your youth, because you only get be kids once in your life…"
"Okay~!" a boy chimed, "and then when I grow up, I study hard so I can serve Sou-Sou-sama and Shiba-san!"
"Now you are looking at the big picture…oops," Izumi purposely kicked the ball over to a child, "I slipped…"
"Yay~," the child glee as she began to dribble away, "I got the ball~!"
The rest of the children began to give chase as Izumi slowly follow.
"Hah," Nagi sighed to herself as she, Sawa, and Izumi walked towards the palace, "I, General Gaku-Shin of the Kyo-Shou Army and in charge of training an entire army, wiped out in exhaustion from playing with children in just three hours. How pathetic…"
"If the entire Kyo-Shou army had those children's stamina and enthusiasm, no other army can match it…" Sawa humored.
"If that was so, then I am afraid I would be retiring much earlier in my career than I expected…"
Sawa giggled at Nagi's comment as if it was a joke.
"Anyhow," Nagi turn her attention to Izumi, who didn't even look tired, "Shiba-san, how is playing with those children help in your battle in the next four days?"
"All in good times," Izumi simply answered, "For now, if you truly wish to help me please continue to help me play with the children for the next three days…"
"Oh, sure!" Sawa chimed at the proposal.
"Ugh," Nagi paled but nodded nevertheless, "But…"
"Now if you two excuse me," Izumi began to walk off, "I must go see how General Ri-Ten is doing with the items I requested before heading out once again to visit the city elder for a nice long chat…"
"Ah-! Shiba-san!" Nagi called but Izumi continue to walk off, "… … …Sawa, is it just me, or does it not seem that Shiba-san is not even a bit concern about her upcoming match?"
"Umm," Sawa sweat dropped, "Yes, it is not just Nagi who feels that way…"
"Ah, I almost forgot," Izumi called back suddenly, "In a few moments, a soldier will summon you to Jun-Iku-dono for questioning. Be sure to be ready to answer truthfully and brace your ears…"
"… … …Huh?" Nagi and Sawa voiced their confusion as Izumi walked out of sight. No sooner did she did, a soldier walked up to the two.
"Excuse me, General Gaku-Shin and General U-Kin," the soldier saluted, "Jun-Iku-dono request your immediate presence…"
"…! Uh, yes…Understood," Sawa nodded as both of the dumbfounded Generals follow the soldier.
"… … … … …That was all she did?" Keifa questioned, her eyebrow twitching, with a hint of suppressed anger in her voice.
"Uh, yes," Nagi carefully clarified, noticing that Sawa was preparing to cover her ears (as Izumi had warn to) on a moment's notice, "For three hours, we did nothing but entertaining the children by the river…"
"… …She…did not do anything suspicious?"
"No, not at the very least…"
"… … … …Why would she waste precious time playing with the city kids?" Keifa muttered to herself as she rapped the table she was sitting next to irately.
Just then, Maou stepped into the room, humming off with no care in the world.
"Ah, General Ri-Ten," Keifa took notice immediately, "just in time…"
"Yo, Keifa-dono!" Maou greeted, "You wanted to see me?"
"Yes, I believe that not so long ago, that woman Shiba Izumi visited you…"
"Ah-!"
"…? What is wrong?"
"Uh, nothing…it is just that you are saying exactly as Shiba-san had predicted…"
"…I beg your pardon…?"
"Ah, hold on," Maou began to dig around in her pockets, "if you are going to ask me to retell you everything I did with Shiba-san, you got to give me a minute Keifa-dono. Shiba-san suggested that I should write it all down since I was terrible at recalling things… I wonder how she knew that…"
After several more seconds, Maou finally fished out the paper she was looking for.
"Ah, let me see… … … … …Right, she came to check on the product I was asked of by her. I told that her that I-…"
"Give me that!" Keifa roared, and quickly snatched the paper out of Maou's hand. After a few seconds of reading the paper, she screamed in rage, crumpled up the paper, threw the paper wad onto the floor, and began to shout insanely to herself. "That wh*re! That bit*h! That impudent-! GAAAAH~~~! I shall kill her, I swear on the name of Jun-Iku Bunjaku! I will see thou wither and die~~~…!"
Fortunately for Maou, Sawa, and Nagi they were all well prepare evident to the fact that their hands had covered their ears long before Keifa began to rant away with an ear-piercing scream, no doubt due to Izumi's earlier warning.
"…PFFT-! Ha, ha, ha!" Karin laughed to herself.
Not so long ago, she had order Nagi, Maou, and Sawa to come and inform her what had cause the loud screaming ranting that had rattle the castle. Almost every one of the female general and strategist was present and accounted for except for Keifa.
"My," Shuuran sweat dropped, "that would explains why Keifa-dono is not among us right now…"
"Where is she?" Shunran wondered.
"She is currently in her room," Rin informed, "But I did not dare peeked in when I felt that oppressing black aura emitting from it…"
"She was really pissed," Fuu (speaking through Hou-Kei) replied, "I think she is performing a dark ritual in there or something…" "That is not a nice thing to say, Hou-Kei…" "You cannot deny the possibility…"
Karin continues to laugh to herself before finally speaking. "This is getting more interesting. It has been a while since I have seen Keifa so out of character…"
"With all due respect I do not see the humor in this, Karin-sama," Shunran sighed, "With the growing number of Yellow Scarves just beyond our boarder and this internal conflict happening in here, would we not be vulnerable at this point?"
"True," Fuu nodded in agreement, "But the decree of Karin-sama is absolute and cannot be undone so easily… … … …especially now that Keifa-chan is fire up to do so…"
"Keifa may be, but according to reports, Shiba-san had hardly done anything that would inspire confidence in her winning the trial. All she had ever done was visiting the market, playing with the children, talking with the city elder, and making Keifa angrier by the passing hour. Not only that, but she deliberately had Nagi, Maou, and Sawa do menial tasks while they should be concentrating in training the new recruited soldiers…"
"Hmm~," Kyo-Cho hummed to herself, "Shunran-nee-sama has a point…"
"The whole ordeal does seem to be pointless if we consider the threat the Yellow Scarves are presenting…" Ten-I nodded in agreement.
"Perhaps, at the moment," Karin huffed confidently, "but I shall allow the game to play out as it is…"
"Karin-sama?" Shunran gave Karin a questionable look.
"To hide the truth among the truth," Karin simply stated, "the answer would be clear on the day of the ordeal…"
Three days has pass since then, and the day of the mock battle will finally be held. It was a cloudy morning that day, with high winds and little sunlight. This was the day that Izumi will prove her intellect or be dealt with death, the most stressful of any days for Izumi… … …or at least it should be…
"Shiba-sensei~!" A little girl glee as she held firmly onto a kite string she had in her hand, "Look, look! My kite is so high in the sky~!"
"Mine is even higher~!" A boy chimed as he directed his kite so that it would not crash and tangle with the other kites in the sky.
"The wind is strong today," a girl noted with a smile, "but Shiba-sensei's technique is superb~! It flies as I want even with the wind this strong~!"
"Yeah~!" another body laughed, "And they go higher too~!"
"… … … …" Nagi blinked once, twice, before finally… "AAAGH~! Shiba-san~~!"
"My, General Gaku-Shin," Izumi responded calmly as she aid one of the child that was having a little problem controlling his kite, "What seems to be the matter?"
"What seems to be the matter!?" Nagi repeated, astonished that Izumi could still speak so calmly, "Have you-?"
"Forgotten that today is the day of the mock battle? No, I have not. Am I aware that today would be the day of reckoning for me? Yes I am aware. Then why, you are asking, I am 'wasting' my time and yours playing here? The answer is simple: I have nothing to worry about…"
"Nothing to-!?" Sawa sweat dropped, "Shiba-san! You did not even gather a force of a hundred yet! Nor have you train them to obey your commands! All you have been doing was visiting the market, talking to the city elder, and playing with these children!"
"And," Maou added in, "there is only two hours at most before the battle begins! Time is running out, yet you are here still having us play with these kids! You have not even told us your battle plans!"
"The plan has been in motion from the very beginning," Izumi simply stated, "and fear not, in no more than an hour we will have battle with a capable and enthusiastic platoon…"
"Huh!?" Nagi, Sawa, and Maou frowned in confusion.
"Please now," Izumi directed their attention to the playing children, "I ask that you play along for another hour. Afterwards, it will be clear…"
"… … … … …Sigh~!" the three sighed in defeat as they went over to aid the kids.
"Is she really aware that we are trying to help her?" Maou wondered as she readjust one the kids' grip on his kite string.
"I think so," Sawa muttered back.
"Either way," Nagi sighed, "I sure hope Shiba-san knows what she is doing…"
A hand slammed down on a table, scattering any paper that happen to be on the table at the time.
"She is STILL playing at this time?" Keifa yelled in frustration.
"Y-Yes, Jun-Iku-dono," the soldier who was reporting to her cautiously confirmed.
After a couple of tense second, Jun-Iku sat roughly down in her seat. "Get out!"
"Y-Yes, Jun-Iku-dono," the soldier responded before leaving the room in a hurry.
Seconds after the soldier left, Keifa began to laugh to herself. "I have no idea what thou were planning, woman, but the curtains are about to be drawn. Thou have but mere hours before the battle commences. Whatever thou have plan, cannot possibly help thou now…"
After about another hour playing with the children, Izumi suddenly called for everyone's attention.
"General Gaku-Shin," Izumi began, "General Ri-Ten, and General U-Kin…it is time we head on back…"
"Finally," Nagi sighed, "It sounds like at last that you are in serious mode…"
"But," Maou sighed, "We only got an hour left before the battle begins…"
"And we still do not have a standing army," Sawa finalized, "How are we going to win like this…?"
"EEEHH~!" the children cried out loud, startling the three Kyo-Shou General, "Shiba-sensei are going already~? You would usually play with us for another two hours!"
"It is unfortunate," Izumi smiled kindly to them, "But I am afraid it must be so. I must attend to a game now with my life at stake, and I hardly doubt that I would be leaving alive…"
"EEEHH~!?"
"Huh?" Nagi sweat dropped, "What is this sudden negativity?"
"In order for me to succeed in the game I am about to play in, I need trusted and talented Generals to aid me and at least a small band of equally trusted and talented soldiers," Izumi explained to the children, "Should I be missing even one of these, my fate is sealed…"
"EEEHH~!?" the children gasped.
"I am sorry, my young friends," Izumi gave them a small smile, "But this will be the last time I would be able to play with you. Forgive me…"
Izumi gave them a small bow before walking away. The three General, confused by this sudden turn of events, ran after her.
"Hold on, Shiba-san!" Nagi exclaimed, "I thought you claim you had a plan for this up-coming battle!"
"I did," Izumi simply replied.
"And you said that once we played with the children for another hour, it will all be clear," Sawa added.
"So what happen to it!?" Maou exclaimed, "Sounds to me like you have just given up!"
Izumi stared silently at the three. That is until a sudden noise cause them to turn and find that the children had followed them.
"W-What is it kids?" Sawa asked.
"…Shiba-sensei!" a boy stepped forward, "If you had a small band of trusted and talented soldiers, will Shiba-sensei be able to win the game?"
"Yes, I can," Izumi nodded.
"… …Then," a girl stepped forward, "Let us be your soldiers!"
"… … … … … … …EEH~~~!?" the three General exclaimed, "You want to be WHAT!?"
"We will be Shiba-sensei personal army," the boy from earlier spoke up, "All thirty of us!"
"Whoa, whoa," Nagi tried to halt them, "Hold on a minute! This is not a simple game now! You all will be facing three-hundred Kyo-Shou soldiers! Not to mention the possibility that other Kyo-Shou General like Kakou-Ton and Kakou-En may be over there-…"
"We do not care!" a little girl spoke up, "Shiba-sensei is the nicest person we know! She really smart too! She can become a great strategist for Sou-Sou-sama!"
"She cannot die like this!" a little boy joined, "just yesterday, I told Shiba-sensei that when I grow up I will join the army and help Shiba-sensei out in helping Sou-Sou-sama!"
"We want to help as much as we can! We like Shiba-sensei!"
Nagi, Maou, and Sawa stared around in amazement as they watch as one by one every single spoke up to voice their wish to help Izumi.
"…Settle down now, children," Izumi calmly called, "It would appear somehow you have all come to respect me in some way, and it would be unwise of me to refuse your dedication. But I will tell you now that if you do wish to play the role of soldiers, you must obey my ever command along with the commands of these three General who wish to help me here…" Izumi referred to Nagi, Maou, and Sawa. "Can I expect that from you all?"
"Yeah~!" the children cheered, causing Izumi to smile confidently.
"Very well then," Izumi nodded in satisfaction, before turning to the three General, "Well, it seems I now have a standing army…would you all not agree?"
Blink. Blink. Blink.
"…You mean," Sawa began, as she pointed to the children, "THIS is your idea of an army?"
"Yes, quite so…"
"WHAT!?" the three screamed at once just as an old merchant enter the scene.
"Ah, Shiba-dono!" the old merchant called.
"Ah, Ink-Seller Merchant-san," Izumi greeted respectfully, "What brings you here?"
"I was just on my way here to tell you that your eight barrel full of ink has arrived. I had the liberty of sending it to the palace already…"
"EEEHH!? Eight barrels!?" the three Generals exclaimed, "that must have been worth a lot!"
"It was," the merchant chuckled, "But do not worry, Shiba-dono, I had it for you free of charge…"
"EEEHH!?"
"That is very kind of Ink-Seller Merchant-san, to keep your end of the bargain," Izumi respectfully bowed, "Is there anything else?"
"Why yes," the merchant nodded as he held out a bundle, "On my way to inform you, I ran into a couple of other merchant and folks that wish for me to deliver these to you as well. Also, many of them told me to pass on a message to you…"
"Is that so?" Izumi accepted the bundle, "And what is the message?"
"The message is 'we shall be waiting for your success and to proceed with our end of the deal'…"
"I see... I thank you, dear Ink-Selling Merchant-san…"
"You are welcome. Well, I got to get going. Good luck now…" And with that, the merchant went off.
"Well now, everyone," Izumi turn back to her group, "The game's afoot…"
We pass forward to nearly hour later and find that the Kyo-Shou Palace's large courtyard is riddle with activities.
On one side of the courtyard, a vast of army of three hundred well-trained soldiers stood in attention. Keifa sat proudly on her horse as she scan her arrange of soldiers, split equally among the officers that she had hand pick; a perfect setup.
In the center, but away from the battlefield sat Karin and the few female officers that had remain out of the mock battle. Various tables and veranda were set to allow Karin and the rest of the spectators enjoy the battle in comfort and safety.
On the other side of the courtyard, in oppose to Keifa's side, was the most tranquil and unusual scene…something that wasn't supposed to be present on the courtyard today.
No one could believe what they were seeing on Izumi's side. Place between the two side (closer to Izumi's side) were four strange objects, identical to each other and place evenly apart from each other. The objects in question were all wooden boxes crafted with a funnel of some sort in the front (pointing at Keifa's side), leverage on the side of the box, a large object that was transparent enough to allow people some metal wire to be seen inside it with the addition of a hooding of some sort covering the backside of the object, and a metal prod sticking out of the backside of the box. When Karin questioned their contents, she discovered that each was filled with two barrel worth of ink.
A wooden rod that stood five meters in the air was present not two to three meters behind these contraption. It was unique in the fact that on its top was a metal platform that had several long small chains, four which ran and connected with the metal prod on the boxes and four others connect to metal keys that were tied on the ropes of kites.
There was also a small stage that was set up not too far behind the wooden rod, as if made for a single dancer. Cauldrons lit with fire cover the stages four corners.
But the most peculiar part of Izumi's side of the battlefield was Izumi's choice of soldiers. These surprise Karin, Keifa, and all the other generals to no ends. Izumi's army consist of children, with the youngest being eight and the oldest being twelve. Some were attending the contraptions; listen to Maou's every instruction. Some were gleefully talking about their kites they were given, occasionally looking up to listen to Nagi's orders. And other held musical instruments as some tune their instruments per Sawa's suggestion as she checked them.
All the meanwhile, Izumi has disappeared into a tent that was set up next to the stage with a couple of girls, unseen since she told her party of her plan and its procedure. One can only wonder what Izumi is doing in there.
Finally, the time has come. At least to Karin. Since there were no clocks to speak in this era, time can be defined according to one's interpretation. In Karin's case, though she cannot see the sun that was hidden by the thick clouds, the same cloud told her that possible rain was coming and she isn't the type to like getting soak even on her most pleasant days.
Karin stood up and immediately all attention fell on the warlord of Kyo-Shou.
"The time has come," Karin spoke in her usual tone as she made sure her voice was heard throughout the courtyard, "The battle will commence as soon as both commander are present! And let the mock battle begin!"
With a roar, Keifa's assembly gave a war cry that sounded like thunder. Keifa, as well as many officers under her banner, smirked to themselves. This was a chance to show their prowess, to show they have what it takes to be part of Kyo-Shou army, even if the playfield isn't exactly set the way they want.
Some curse their luck for not facing a worthier army (what could they expect from a bunch of kids). Some of them snicker to themselves thinking it would be an overkill win; they were an army of three hundred strong against a pitiful army of children that was roughly thirty in numbers. Others, like Shuuran and Shunran, just sighed to themselves as they gaze at their "enemies".
On Izumi's side, though not a match in terms of loudness, they were showing enthusiasm that easily rivals the Kyo-Shou army. Some giggle mischievously, as if they knew something their enemy did not. Some made some last minute adjustment to their kites, instrument, or contraptions. And some, like Nagi, Maou, and Sawa, alert everyone else to be ready but they too cannot maintain their poker face.
From where Karin sat, she could tell that they all seem to know something. Something that allowed them to be so confident despite their overwhelming disadvantages. What it was, though, was beyond her.
"It would appear," Karin noted, "that this battle may prove intriguing after all…"
"At long last," Keifa smirked, "The day has arrived when I can expose the fraud you are…!"
"… … … …Sigh," Kyo-Cho groaned, "I thought the battle would be interesting since Shiba-nee-san seem so smart and all, but…"
"Kii," Ten-I sweat dropped at her friend's comment, "There's no need for you get that upset. It is not as if we are truly fighting. After all, we are using brushes to ink the opponent, remember?"
"Ruru is right, Kii," Shunran stepped in, "But nevertheless, you must still treat this as an actual battle. Think of it as a warm-up for the time we take down the Yellow Scarves…"
"Nyah?" Kii suddenly jump in excitement, "Does that mean Shunran-nee-sama managed to find the Headquarter of the Yellow Scarves?"
"… … … …No…"
"…Boo~!"
Ruru sweat dropped at Kii's quick change of attitude.
"Hey, you three!" Keifa suddenly addressed, "Focus! The pride of Kyo-Shou is at risk here!"
"Pride of-? Keifa-dono," Ruru tilted her head in confusion, "Nothing like that is at risk-…"
"That is a foolish thought!" Keifa huffed, "Think about it! That woman is arrogant, selfish, and has no loyalty to Karin-sama whatsoever! If we allow such a person to join our ranks, who knows what the damage she can cause to Karin-sama and her plans!"
"Maybe-," Ruru began, only to be cut off short when a messenger ran up to them.
"Reporting!" the soldier spoke, "It would appear that Shiba Izumi is about to come out into the open…"
"At last," Keifa smirked wickedly as stared at the tent as a person began to step out, "Now the games begin-! … … … … …W-WHAT!?"
"… … …Well what do we have here?" Karin spoke, her eyebrows raise to their limit, almost entice by what she saw.
Izumi had finally left the tent in a brand new look. What was once an odd shiny uniform was now replace with a sky-blue kimono held around her by a purple sash. Her headband and glasses was gone and her hair was now outfitted with golden hairpins. She also held in her right hand a classic fold-up paper fan.
As everyone stared on, enchanted, aside from her team who oddly enough did nothing more than gave a quick glance before returning to their work, Izumi and the girls that she was with walked up onto the stage. The girls quietly slip to their position near the cauldrons before doing what looks like praying while Izumi continue to the center of the stage before stopping. As soon as Sawa and the instrument-holding children began to play their instruments in a slow mystifying melody, Izumi open her fan and began to perform a slow mystifying dance on the spot.
"Twenty years~ spent in the realm of men~…" Izumi chanted, her voice seem to echo throughout the courtyard, "Are not even worth a single day~…"
"…What the hell?" Keifa suddenly growled tightening her grip on her Short Rod, "What is she doing during the midst of the battle? Is she trying to mock me?"
"…As seen in the realm of heaven~!"
"I do not think so," Shuuran noted, "the way her camp is set up, it would appear that it is more likely that she is conducting some sort of ritual…"
"…Are there no man born each day~…"
"Ritual! That is ridiculous," Keifa exclaimed, "That is it! She is trying to fool us into thinking that she has some sort of magical powers, weakening our morality! Ha, so obvious! If that how she wishes to play things, then I know the perfect way to counter it! All forces, prepare to charge!"
"…who are not destined to come upon the door of death~…"
"Please wait a moment-!" Shuuran began, only to fall short since she realizes that Keifa was not listening to her.
"…to meet their end someday~~~?"
"All forces, charge-!" Keifa called out only to stop short when lightning struck the ground between the two armies, "EEK!"
Karin stood up from her seat faster than she would have calmly usually done. No sooner did she did, several more lightning strikes riddled the courtyard none of which has cause any harm…yet.
"Lightning struck as soon as Shiba-san completed her dance?" Rin exclaimed, not believing what she had witnessed, "Has she really performed a ritual to summon lightning?"
"Or…" Fuu began, her widen eyes being the only hint of her being shock by what she herself had witness, "Was all that just a coincidence?" "I do not think so~…" "But Shiba-san never struck me as the type to believe in rituals and magic…" "Maybe she does not have to…" "What do you mean, Hou-Kei?" "I am saying that she may have been aided by the Heaven directly…" "The Heaven…?"
Karin heard none of this as her mind flashed back to a few days ago…
"…Throw this old coot out," Karin bellowed as several guards rush to lead an old cloaked man out, "I have heard enough!"
"…Sou Moutoku-sama," the man spoke in a rasped whisper, "All I have spoken holds no lies…"
"Humph, as if! Do you expect I, Sou Moutoku, would believe such a ridiculous prophecy? The fall of the Imperial Kan? The messengers sent from Heaven? The reincarnation of the great sovereigns of many eras past? A brave story, true, but do you really believe that anyone will believe that?"
"My duty is not to make a believer out of anyone; my duty is to merely foretell a future that is to come…"
"And you say that one of these 'Messengers from Heaven' who houses the 'Soul of the Sun Inspiring Phoenix Sovereign' shall appear here to prove her worth and would be rather helpful to in rebuilding the world? Please~! Like such a thing can happen…"
"Oh, Sou Moutoku-sama, I shall assure you that it will. And when that day comes, you shall witness the Messenger's power…"
"Power?" Karin repeated, pretending to show interest, "What kind of power would this Messenger from Heaven have? The power to command an army of thousand, or the power to utterly destroy the enemy?"
"…Neither…"
"… … … …Huh?" Karin blinked, "Then what kind of power is it?"
"…It is a power that, if mere mortal could wield properly, is a power to be fear. The Power of Wisdom…"
"A power to be fear, huh?" Karin mumbled, "I thought her clothing were strange, but…"
"Karin-sama?" Rin questioned in confusion when she and Fuu notice that Karin looked distraught.
"…Could that old coot have been telling the truth all this time…?"
"Karin-sama?" Fuu tilted her head in confusion.
Lightning struck again, this time much closer to Izumi's camp.
"No way!" Shunran exclaimed, "Why is that lightning raining down when Shiba-san finish her dance? She could not have possibly-?"
"No, it is not possible!" Keifa suddenly shouted in defiant, "This is all just a coincidence! Nothing more! Now we are wasting time-!"
"Keifa, please wait a moment!" Shuuran halted, louder than she would have usually be which caught everyone's attention immediately.
"What is it?"
"Take a closer look at the pattern of the lightning strike," Shuuran pointed out. As if on cue, another lightning bolt touched the ground even closer to Izumi's camp. "As you can see, the lightning are begin to focus their effort towards the enemy's camp. Should we allow it to continue…?"
Keifa thought for a moment before smirking. "Ah~! The camp would be struck by lightning and their camp would be thrown into chaos! That is brilliant!"
"Wow!" Kii exclaimed, impress, "You are so smart, Shuuran-nee-sama!"
"Alright! All troops move forward! Let us position ourselves so that we can end this the moment they run in panic!"
Another bolt of lightning pierced the sky, but Keifa's troops continue to move closer to Izumi's camp. However, no one in Izumi's camp showed signs of worries even Nagi could not help but nod at the situation.
"Just as Izumi had said it would happen," Nagi noted before turning to the children who held the kites, "Alright, young ones, let the kites fly!"
"Yeah~!" the children exclaimed and in short time thanks to the high winds and excellent teamwork, four kites sailed beautifully up towards the heaven.
"Huh?" Ruru voiced in concern, "Are they…flying kites?"
"What did you say?" Keifa exclaimed as she peer into the sky to find four kites high in the sky.
That was when another lightning bolt descended.
The lightning bolt normally would have hit the ground within Izumi's camp. But instead the lightning bolt went straight for one of the kites…or more precisely the metallic key that was dangling on the kite's string. And since the key was connected to metallic chain as well, the energy of the bolt traveled on the chain…down to where it connects to the metal plating on the pole. The energy then found its way down four more chains…each connected to the four contraptions that was place in front of the camp.
Once the electrical power made it the contraption, a bizarre thing happened. The transparent object on the contraptions lit up brightly, and since there was a shade behind them, the lights were focus forward…towards Keifa's army.
"AAAHH~!" a soldier screamed as he and many other halted their march to cover their eyes, "My eyes~!"
"What the-!" Shunran managed as she try to see pass the lights, "What is this?"
"So bright~!" Kii shrieked, "I am unable to see~!"
"How can this be?" Ruru wondered as she shields her eyes, "How could Shiba-san harness such light to rival the glare of the sun?"
"S-Such a thing is impossible!" Keifa managed, trying to uncover her eyes.
Then, without warning, a barrage of ink blotch, each the size of an orange, ripped through the army, spattering the troops with ink spots. A second barrage came before a third one. One by one, the soldier began to turn black, some collapsing from the force of the impact of the flying ink blotch.
"What is happening?" Shuuran called out.
"Jun-Iku-dono!" a soldier reported, "the army had been reduced to 78 percent by a rain of ink!"
"What!" Keifa exclaimed, before the blinding light final fade…but not for long. Another lightning bolt soon struck another key and before long the blinding light was back. "AAGH~!"
While Keifa's army had been thrown into chaos unable to determine what was going on, the spectators on the other hand were slowly piecing together what was happening. For someone like Karin, once she saw it she understood, even if not completely.
By some logic unknown to Karin, Izumi somehow manage to use the very power of Heaven itself to her own end. She had somehow manage it so that her strange contraptions not only produce a small "suns" so bright that it temporarily blinded Keifa's army but also to allow the contraptions to fire a bombardment of ink at them. Izumi's method had not only confused Keifa's army but had also left them clueless to what and how it was done. Only those watching the battle from the outside would have any idea.
"This should not be possible," Karin muttered lowly to herself before widening her eyes at a sudden thought, "Unless…"
"…Our army is now less than fifty strong!" A soldier reported before he too was hit in the face by an oncoming wad of ink.
"Curse it!" Keifa cursed as she did her best to avoid the oncoming projectile of ink.
She had long since dismounted from her horse to seek shelter behind a wall of soldier armed with shields. But because of the force behind each pellet, the wall of troops was slowly diminishing.
"…To think that both Kii and Shunran got knocked out as well," Shuuran muttered unbelievably.
Not too long ago, when the mayhem began to occur, Kii was hit full in the face by an ink pellet. Shunran followed soon after when she try to slice the ink pellet (which did absolutely nothing to help). Those, who were already spattered with ink, had then made their way off the field, per instruct by the rules stated in the beginning of the game.
"W-What do we do, Keifa-dono?" Ruru wondered nervously, "we have no idea how Shiba-san manage to send such a barrage of ink due to the blinding light and due the same blinding light we are unable to move!"
"Do you not think I know that?" Keifa hissed harshly, making Ruru shrink on the spot.
Suddenly, the barrage of ink wads and the blinding light suddenly stop for a full minute.
"… … …Huh?" Keifa wondered in confusion as she stared over her wall of soldiers, now reduce to fifteen.
"Jun-Iku Bunjaku-dono," a voice called from the other side; it was Izumi who had made her way to the front near the contraption, "the battle has already concluded. Please surrender and avoid further humiliation!"
"What!" Keifa hissed, "She dare ask me, Jun-Iku Bunjaku, to surrender?"
"Keifa," Shuuran spoke up, "Perhaps it is for best that we surrender…"
"…What?"
"Shuuran-sama is right," Ruru nodded in agreement, "It is well obvious now who would emerge victorious…"
"Have you two lost your minds?" Keifa exclaimed at them angrily, "Is that how you are going to act in the face of overwhelming odds? You two should be ashamed of yourselves!"
"T-That is not it-!" Ruru wept at being scolded at so harshly as Keifa turn back to Izumi.
"Thou ask for my surrender, Shiba Izumi? Thy can forget it! I will never submit to thy!"
"… … …Enough already, Jun-Iku-dono. You will gain nothing from continuing this pointless struggle. This battle is to merely prove my worth and I for one would rather not add unnecessary bloodshed on my hands…"
Keifa suddenly laughed upon hearing those words. "As I thought, you do not have the courage to do evil for sake of the greater good! For Karin-sama, I would do anything to please her. But you? Your hesitation will only slow her down!"
"…For Sou-Sou-sama, you shall sacrifice even your own person to please her," Izumi suddenly stated coldly, "But what of I? I, Shiba Izumi, would continue to live to carry out the will of Sou-Sou-sama! I shall live not only for myself, but for the sake of fulfilling the ambition of Sou-Sou-sama, that is the true task of all who follows Sou Moutoku. Jun-Iku Bunjaku-dono, you are an integral part of the ambition! Let us work together to bring the ideas of Sou-Sou-sama to reality!"
"…W-WHAT?" Keifa backtracked, shock by what Izumi claimed.
Everyone else meanwhile gave each other puzzling looks…all except Karin who could not help but to smile a bit.
"Instead of dying for me," Karin muttered to herself, "she would live for my dreams and ambition, eh?"
"…? Karin-sama?" Fuu tilted her head in confusion.
Suddenly, without warning whatsoever, Karin burst out laughing on the spot shocking everyone.
"Heh-Heh," Karin began after she managed to calm down, "My, Shiba Izumi, you will indeed go far…"
"Such absurdity!" Keifa suddenly screamed, "I knew it! Thou art far too dangerous! All troops charge!"
"Wait a min-!" Ruru began only to shrink back when Keifa glared at her.
"Fear not, soldiers!" Keifa called, "By whatever means Shiba Izumi had used to reduce our numbers, it all seems to depend on the lightning strike! The lighting storm had pass, which is the reason she no longer attack us! It is also because of that she asked for our surrender! She had clearly lost her edge! Even if they outnumber us by two, they are still mostly children! A platoon of fifteen is more than enough to finish this in our victory! Now charge and ink that worthless whore!"
The remaining soldiers tired as they are for whatever reason obeyed Keifa's command and began to charge.
Ruru and Shuuran, in turn, soon follow. They were still under Keifa's command for the battle after all.
"Shiba-san, get back!" Maou called as she made her way to the front with a rather large brush douse in ink, "You will get ink at this rate-!"
Izumi suddenly raised her hand, signaling Maou to stop in her tracks.
"Shiba-sensei?" A child, who pilot on of the contraption, wonder as Izumi suddenly turn skyward with her hands spread out.
"Hear me, Heaven and Earth!" Izumi suddenly cried out towards the sky, "I have determined the path that I shall take and I no longer hold my own fate as of great importance! Should my end come now, remain silent as you have always been for all I care. Should you depict that I shall live but my path is wrong, strike your bolt of power down so I may end this! But if I am in any way correct in my deduction of my path and my destiny, may you bring rain to end this fight! My fate; I now leave it to the will of the cosmos~!"
As the soldier grows dangerously close, the sky flash and rumble but no lightning came down. Instead, a small drizzle started over the area before a large downpour cover the battlefield.
Everyone, even the denying Keifa, halted at whatever they were doing and stared between the rain sky and Izumi.
"D-Did the heaven answer her call?" Rin exclaimed in shock as attendance held umbrellas over Karin's and everyone else head.
"…It would…appear so," Karin nodded before calling out into the battlefield, "This Mock Battle is over! By the decree of both mine own and that of the Heaven, I declare this match goes to Shiba Izumi!"
And no sooner did Karin finish, the rain cease as quickly and suddenly as it had appeared.
"We won~!" the children cheered as they began to celebrate on the spot, some hugging the three Generals who kindly accepted the offer. Despite being wet from the rain, they were all pretty happy that they manage to win against impossible odds.
"Unbelievable, Shiba-sensei!" a child cheered, "Everything turn out as you had stated! We really did use the power of the Heaven! We really did win against Kyo-Shou army of Three Hundred! And not only that, but the Heaven itself answer to Shiba-sensei's call~!"
Izumi smiled down at the child, before kneeing down to the child's level, staring deeply into the kid's eye and holding her shoulder tightly.
"Listen, young one, there is a truth that every single one of you must realize!" Izumi began, as everyone turned their attention to her, "Everything up to this point was hardly luck, it was logic and deduction! I personally knew that a lightning storm would happen today, not because of some divine insight, but because I learn from the city elder that every year on this very day that lightning always struck. I also learn from the city elder that after every lightning storm, a surprising short raining would occur. There is no divine help in all of this…"
"…? Really?" the child tilted her head at the realization.
"Yes. I also knew how Jun-Iku-dono would act because over the past four days I have been discretely jarring at her nerves of steel. An angry opponent who lets their emotion overtake their better judgment can be easily predicted…"
"…Oh~!" Maou exclaimed, thumping her palm, "Now I see why you told us to report every single detail when Keifa-dono was to ask!"
Izumi nodded at Maou without turning. "I tell you all this now because you all must understand something: in this world or in any worlds the only one you can truly place your trust in is your own skill and being! To gain anything in this world, instead of praying to the Heaven, improve yourself so that one day you shall gain what you want with your own hands! If Heaven does exist, they only support those who have the skill and the courage to move forward through their own power!" Izumi stood up and turn to everyone. "From this point on, remember what I said and fight hard for your future! What shapes our world is not some unseen supernatural superior being…!" Izumi gave a tug at the sash, loosening it enough so that Kimono came loose, before dramatically removing the kimono with ease revealing to all that she still wore her school uniform underneath. "…but by the hands of mortal humans who does not stop moving towards the future no matter who or what stand in their way!"
A second after Izumi was finish, all thirty children cheered in acknowledgment.
"Yeah~!" a boy shouted, "I got it! I shall work hard so that when I grow up I will become a scholar to be recognized!"
"I shall work to become famous tailor!" a little girl cried.
"I shall study hard so that I shall be worthy enough to serve Sou-Sou-sama and Shiba-sensei!" another boy cried.
"Same here!" a girl declared.
"You can all do that!" the eldest boy among the group smirked, "I shall train to grow stronger so that I can fight FOR Sou-Sou-sama and Shiba-sensei!"
"I am going to do that as well!" the eldest girl nodded in glee.
Izumi smile as the children ramble among themselves.
"Well said there, Shiba Izumi," a voice spoke up from behind. Izumi turn to find that the voice had belonged to the Future "Heroine" of Chaos, Sou-Sou Moutoku. "As expect from the 'Messenger from Heaven'…"
"…? Messenger from Heaven?" Izumi inquired.
Karin smirked. "Some time ago, Kan-Ro the Oracle claimed that Imperial Kan would fall and that the world would soon fall into chaos. But he also stated that three 'Messenger from Heaven' shall descend to aid this world. I had my doubts at first when he spoke that I shall gain the assistance of one such Messenger…but, after witnessing your wisdom at work, I find myself a believer now…"
"…! Karin-sama!" Keifa exclaimed as she approaches them along with every other General in rank, "What are you-?"
"That is enough, Keifa," Karin sternly ordered, "Shiba Izumi has already proven her worth to me in more ways than one…"
"Ugh…" Keifa began, but fell back.
"Shiba Izumi," Karin readdressed Izumi, "I have not been truly convinced yet on your origin; be it an ordinary stranger or a heavenly deity, but I do know now that your 'Power of Wisdom' is real and that I shall need it. Just as Keifa is an integral part of my ambition, so now is you. Join me, Shiba Izumi, and together we shall warp our realm as we see fit!"
Izumi gave Karin a good long stare into her eyes, as if measuring the sincerity in her words, before giving the Ruler of Kyo-Shou a respectable bow.
"It shall be a great honor and pleasure to aid you Sou-Sou-sama," Izumi declared
Karin nodded in satisfaction, before turning to the children. "I shall be looking forward to seeing how all of you shall improve our world…"
"Y-Yes, Sou-Sou-sama!" The children declare respectfully.
Karin nodded at them before noticing a soldier hurrying to her. "What is it soldier?"
"S-Sou-Sou-sama," the soldier managed, "A-At the front gate, a huge crowd of people had gather, armored and armed from top to bottom, flying the flag of Sou!"
"…! What was that?"
"When we asked them what was going on, they replied that they gather to serve under you, Sou-Sou-sama! They number around Three Thousands and they even brought a huge amount of supplies!"
"…Ah~! So they arrive," Izumi simply stated, catching everyone's attention.
"Shiba-san?" Nagi spoke up, "Are you behind this?"
"That is correct," Izumi replied, "I had this arrange during my trips into the market for the last four days…"
"Oh~?" Karin raised an eyebrow, "And why is that? Were you planning on the worst case scenario that you lost the Mock Battle?"
"No, Sou-Sou-sama, the army is to deal with the Yellow Scarves Rebellion in Ei-Sen…"
"Ei-Sen?" Rin blinked, "is that not a city not Twenty Li south-east from here?"
"That is correct," Izumi informed, "It is there where we shall find the Yellow Scarves Rebellion base of operation…"
"W-What did you say!?" Shunran exclaimed, "How could you have known that when you had hardly set one foot outside Kyo-Shou since four days ago?"
"I simply used my ears and my brain, General Kakou-Ton. Ears; from the reports made from passing merchants and travelers, the Yellow Scarves are increasing in numbers yet their camps are nowhere to found. Brains; since camping out in mountain region is too harsh and camping in the forest risked the danger of ambush the Rebellion must have a large area to call their own. Ears; from what I heard from General Gaku-Shin the Yellow Scarves' leader is among the ranks. Brain; in order to lead such a large Rebellion such as this the leader must be rather clever and well learned. Ears; from passing merchant I learn that many supply are being bought up from Ei-Sen in surplus. Brains; since Ei-Sen does not have a large population, the reason for the sudden demand for supply is that a vast number of people had moved in without known record from other major area. When you put all this together, a picture of the situation is form: The Yellow Scarves' leader, being a learned man who is foolishly unable to let go of life of wealth, took over the city and used it as their base of operation…"
"T-That is all conjuncture!" Keifa shouted, obviously still holding a grudge against Izumi, "Who had ever heard of a city being used as a base of operation?"
"It is not completely impossible, Jun-Iku-dono. If you wish to verify my claim, all you simply need to do is wait for the scout I sent out two days ago to return which should be right about now-…"
"R-Reporting," a soldier suddenly called as he rode up, climbing off his horse, stumbling as he did, and kneeled in respect in front of Karin.
"Huh, excellent timing," Karin chuckled in amusement at Izumi's timing, "Well, what did you find, soldier?"
"B-By order of Shiba-dono, I went to scout the city of Ei-Sen and discover the city is crawling with Yellow Scarves! There are about Twenty Thousand of them there…"
"W-What did you say?" Keifa exclaimed in shock.
"A-Amazing!" Ruru exclaimed, "It is just as Shiba-san said!"
"Indeed," Fuu nodded, "Then what are we waiting for?" "…Hou-Kei is correct, Karin-sama. Now that we have the location of the leader…" "Let us hunt!"
"W-Whoa, whoa! Hold on a minute!" Keifa exclaimed, "What of the Twelve hundred just outside out border?"
"We need not to worry too much about them, Jun-Iku-dono," Izumi informed, "As to my knowledge, there are no significant General among their ranks for them to lead a proper battle. And all in all, the Yellow Scarves forces are merely common folks with very little battle experience. A skill General and a patience Strategist along with a thousand soldiers should be more than enough to eliminate the threat…"
"…Hmm," Karin hummed to herself before nodding, "I agree with Shiba Izumi's reasoning. Very well, Keifa!"
"Y-Yes, Karin-sama!" Keifa replied.
"You shall remain her along with Nagi, Maou, and Sawa and eliminate the Yellow Scarves on our border!"
"As you wish, Karin-sama!"
"Rin and Fuu!"
"Yes!" Rin and Fuu stood in alert.
"You two remain here in the city! You two are in charge of maintaining the city and to defend the city in necessary from any Yellow Scarves forces that we may have missed!"
"Yes, Karin-sama!"
"Shiba Izumi," Karin turned back to Izumi, "You will accompany me to Ei-Sen with Shuuran, Shunran, Kii, and Ruru to end this Yellow Scarves Rebellion. I shall now test your skill in an actual battle!"
"As you wish…" Izumi bowed.
Karin nodded before turning to everyone in all. "Force of Kyo-Shou, the time has come to fight and end the chaos set by the Yellow Scarves! There are lots of preparations that must be made before setting off, so there is no time to waste. When we complete the groundwork, we march at once, crush the enemy swiftly, and return! And when we do…" Karin turned back to Izumi with a smirk. "We shall welcome the 'Messenger from Heaven' properly!"
Everyone cheered as some began to rush off to prepare themselves.
"…Humph!" Keifa scoffed as she glared at Izumi, "It would appear that things have gone according to your plan for now. But be warned! If you dare betray Karin-sama, I shall chase you to the far corners of the world to chop your head off!"
With that, Keifa stomped off.
"Oh dear, this could be troublesome…" Izumi sighed, before noticing Ruru approaching.
"Uh," Ruru began before bowing in respect to Izumi, "I-I am looking forward to working with you, Shiba-san…"
Izumi smiled at Ruru. "Yes, same here General Ten-I…"
"…Still, I am impress," Shuuran spoke up causing Izumi to turn her, not noticing the faint blush on Ruru's cheek, "To be able to defeat Keifa-dono not once but twice. Against such vast intelligence, I do not think there is a soul out there that you cannot outwit…"
"… … …Sigh~…"
"…? What seems to the matter?" Shunran noted, "My sister had meant it as a compliment…"
"Yeah!" Kii nodded eagerly, "Did you not appreciate Shuuran-nee-sama's compliment?"
"No, I do appreciate it," Izumi shook her head in denial, "It is just that I could not help but disagree with the statement…"
"…? Why?"
"…Because despite my vast intellect, there was always that one person I could never fully outwit…"
"What?" Sawa exclaimed, "Such a person exists?"
"What is he or she like?" Maou asked curiously.
"… … … … …An idiot…"
"… …Huh?" Everyone tilted their head at the word.
"An idiot that defies common sense in place for self-righteous. Such a man I find impossible to have survive so long…"
Sorry for not updating this chapter much earlier in the day. I got a busy schedule this month and possibly next month too, but I'll see if I can update the next chapter early next month. For the next chapter, we'll go back and check out how Kazuto is doing. For those who played Koihime Musou, the next chapter's scenario may be familiar…with a little twist~!
Oh, and for those of you who are wondering if there will be any lesbian-relationship happen Izumi… … …sorry~! I didn't make her character to be like that. Instead, I'll have her be-… …You know what? Never mind; I'll keep it a secret and no spoilers~!
Also, I've decided to post all the "Home Events" into another another Fanfic Story…One which I may post soon, depending on whether I am satisfy with my corrupt-I mean, modify version of the Home Events. It will be Rated M, I can guarantee you that~! Rated M for "Adult" contents, mind you, so when I do posted it, keep that story away from anyone below eighteen, please…I will NOT be censoring any vulgar language! If you got a problem with it, then you don't read it when it comes out! … …And no, I'm not a pervert or a s*x maniac! To me, those scenes are just fan-service that keeps the story interesting!
So until next time, please review~! Normama, out!