Unmatched Lovely Princess: Formatting the Three Kingdom Chapter 007: Here We Gather…For a Common, a koihime†musō/恋姫†無双 fanfic

Unmatched † Lovely Princess ~Maidenly Romance of Three Kingdoms~

Chapter 007: Here We Gather…For a Common Goal?

Disclaimer: If there are any rumor about Normama claiming ownership over Koihime Musou, visual novel or anime, please ignore it~! They are not true! This chapter shall be told in Kazuto, Taiki, or Izumi's point of view whenever indicated.

Kazuto P.O.V.

During the previous battle, we eliminated most of the Yellow Scarves in the Yuu-Shu vicinity. As a result one city after another has come seeking our protection, and now over half of all Yuu-Shu had joined our side. I'm glad that we've become so adored, but my responsibility, and that of Touka-chan's, has grown even greater with the additional people we have to protect now.

"It is My Lord and My Lady's unique virtue…" That's what Aisha kept telling us, but no offense to her…we were both feeling the pressure. Touka-chan, who has lived most of her lives weaving straw mats and sandals, nearly collapse every time the workload ended and dread alongside me when the next day approach. However…Everyone is counting on us, so we can't disappoint them.

Anyway, both Touka-chan and I now govern more than half of Yuu-Shu, which meant we had to start looking at foreign affairs as well as internal issues. We still weren't used to doing our jobs, but Shuri and Hinari, both whom had establish their role firmly as our strategist, gave us suggestions and now we had spies dispatched throughout the continent.

While all of this of this was still going on, a major incident shook the entire continent. Emperor Rei-Tei, the emperor of the Kan Dynasty, passed away. An emperor was a ruler who appointed both generals and magistrates for the entire land, making him the most important person on the continent. He rules the entire country, so while it was no surprise that his death was big news, it shouldn't have been such a major incident. The major incident was actually the revolt which took place following the death of Emperor Rei-Tei. Emperor Rei-Tei passed away without naming a successor, so the Imperial Court began to compete for succession to the throne. On one side were Empress Ka, mother of one successor, Prince Ryuu-Ben, and her sibling, The Great General Ka-Shin Suikyou, the commander-in-chief. On the other side was Prince Ryuu-Ben's half-sibling, Prince Ryuu-Kyou, supported by the mother of Emperor Rei-Tei, Empress Dowager Tou, and Emperor Rei-Tei trusted servants the Ten Eunuch led by Chou-Jou.

The two factions clashed, trying to seize the late Emperor's throne. For a while, the Ka-Shin faction rose to predominance, and Prince Ryuu-Ben became an unofficial emperor. However, the eunuchs of the faction belonging to Ryuu-Kyou came to fear retribution from Ka-Shin, so they had the General assassinated. Thereafter, the eunuchs called upon Tou-Taku, who had been summoned to the capital from Hei-Shuu by Chou-Jou, to supply their military strength and protect them.

However, since the eunuchs had no means to protect themselves, Tou-Taku Chuuei, the Hero of the West, was not about to be used at their whim. With a large military force behind them, the Hei-Shuu Force overthrew the unofficial Emperor and Tou-Taku stole the throne for Prince Ryuu-Kyou, declaring as Chancellor of the State and monopolizing the Imperial Court. With the Imperial Court under the reign of fear and violence, it split into two new factions: the faction who catered to Tou-Taku, and the faction who opposed the tyrant. The conflict began to spread, and sparks of rebellion erupted all over the continent. Reports of this were coming in from all directions.

Finally, a group of rulers allied together to overthrow Tou-Taku. A messenger from En-Shou Honsho, the ruler of Kei-Shuu, came all the way to our land of Yuu-Shu, requesting our participation in the "Coalition of Rulers against the Tou-Taku Faction".

"So anyway," I began, "what should we do?"

"What do you mean, 'what do we do'?" Aisha rolled her eyes, "How can we ignore this? People are already exhausted from the Yellow Scarves Rebellion, and now they must suffer this tyranny!"

"That is right!" Rinrin nodded, "Rinrin want to join!"

"So you two agree to join, huh?" I nodded in acknowledgement before turning to Shuri and Hinari, "What about you two, Shuri, Hinari?"

"Hmm~…" Hinari and Shuri shared a glance at each other before Shuri decided to speak, "It is a difficult decision…"

"What are you saying?" Aisha snapped in disbelief, "Between Rinrin, Hinari, you, and myself we can easily defeat Tou-Taku and her army-!"

"A-Aisha, calm down," Touka halted, "Shuri did not mean much by sharing her opinion…"

"And, uh," Hinari began, "that is not what we meant…"

"Then what do you mean?" Rinrin wondered.

"A coalition of rulers against the Tou-Taku Faction," Shuri began before sweat dropping at the complicated name she recited, "uh, let us called it the 'Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition' from now on, desu…"

"…Agree," Touka agree with a sweat drop.

"Anyway, the rulers we know who shall be participating in it is Sou-Sou Moutoku of Kyo-Shou…"

"Son-Saku Hakufu of Kou-Tou…" Hinari added in.

"En-Shou Honsho of Kei-Shuu…"

"And many other, each whose countries have outstanding military and economic strength…"

"But we have neither. Our army and our revenue are both small, desu. I think that rather than forcing ourselves to join the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition, we should focus on what comes after the revolt, desu…"

"What do you mean 'after the revolt'?" Touka asked. I had a pretty good idea what the topic being spoken is about but kept quiet and let Shuri and Hinari explained.

"No matter which side wins, the Kan Dynasty is ruined and has lost its power, desu…"

"As a result," Hinari continued, "we shall be entering an era of rival warlords…"

"Indeed," I spoke up, "those with strong sense of independence aren't going to follow some powerless dynasty after all…"

"So are you saying that is likely?" Touka questioned in concern.

"Not just 'likely'; it is highly likely, practically definitely…"

"Yes," Shuri nodded, "When that happens, many rulers will likely start waging war to expand their territories…"

"As a result," Hinari picked up, "countries with less financial and military might will be swallowed up one after another…"

"To prevent that from happening to us, I believe we should prioritize strengthening our own country first, desu…"

"Hmm~," Touka hummed, "they have a point…"

"Yes, they do…" Aisha began with a sad face, "but…"

"But we cannot just ignore people who are suffering…" Rinrin moaned.

"Ugh," Touka face contracted, torn between the decisions, "That is also a good point~…"

Shuri and Hinari also look as if they are at a lost as well. All five of them were caught in a dilemma between reality and idealism.

I too was pondering on this, but one thing immediately came to mind that quickly dispel my doubts. It was the resolve I made about this world I'm in, about how I was going to work hard for those who had accepted me, those who need me, and those who are suffering.

I looked straight at them and gave them my decision. "…Why don't we join them? Shuri and Hinari do have a point. Realistically speaking, I think it's better to follow their suggestion. However…I don't think that's the right thing to do. What is happening on this continent right now? What are those rulers thinking? How will they take action? … …I don't think we'll be able to understand any of that without actually meeting those rulers and speaking to them. Also, this might be a good opportunity for us. The six of us can't protect this region and its people on our own forever. Don't you think it's a good idea to take this opportunity to speak with these prominent rulers and form a cooperative relationship?"

The five of them share glances at each other before smiling.

"My Lord is correct," Hinari nodded in understanding, "I think it is a good idea to befriend them so they would not attack us…"

"Right?" I smiled, "Beside…we have to do it. We cannot just ignore the suffering masses. That is the principle we must follow in order to bring forth a benevolent land; it is not the easiest choice, but the right one. I don't want to become that heartless by forgetting what we are fighting for…"

Touka nodded in agreement and then spoke with confidence. "That is right! I do not expect us to be able to save everyone… …but if our strength can help any of them, then I want to help those we can!"

"Agree, I want to lend them our strength… …so that the people of the capital can spend their days smiling like ours do…"

Aisha eyes almost wet themselves as listen to the two of us. "… …I knew it!" Aisha began, "I knew My Lord and Lady would agree!"

"You two are great, Onii-chan, Touka-nee-chan!" Rinrin grinned brightly at our combine resolve.

"Thanks," I smiled as Touka simply laugh nervously, "But I shouldn't say things like that, really…"

"…Do you want to save the people who are suffering?" Hinari asked abruptly.

"Yeah. When I was thrown into this unknown world, other people protected and supported me. I want to help them in return…"

"… …Understood!" Shuri smiled brightly as Hinari simply giggled, "My Lord, if that is your wish, we shall do everything in our power to help make it happen, desu!"

"I too," Aisha nodded in agreement, "I feel the same way as Shuri and Hinari…"

"Rinrin too!" Rinrin chimed.

"I do not know how much I can help," Touka smiled at me, "But I shall support you all the way, Kazuto-kun!"

"Thanks, Touka-chan," I gave my thanks to Touka-chan before turning the other four, "Thank you all…" I was truly grateful for my comrades.

"Now that we have agreed to join the Anti-Tou-Taku Alliance," Hinari coughed and got us back on track, "I would like to discuss the organization of our army. I believe that Aisha-san, Rinrin-chan, My Lord, My Lady, and Shuri-chan must participate in the Coalition…"

"Of course," Aisha nodded before blinking in confusion, "Wait a minute, what about Hinari-dono?"

"I shall remain here to maintain our realm," Hinari explained, "I believe we can still improve our country's military strength and economy, but it will require either I or Shuri-chan to remain here to do so…"

"True," Shuri nodded in agreement, "But Hinari, I have already made some accomplishments and the army has already acknowledged me; you should take this opportunity to gain the same amount of acknowledgements…"

"While that may be true, I do not possess the confidence yet to enter the battlefield without you, Shuri-chan. Also, you are more familiar with military working than I am. Economic is my specialty, so I am much more suited here. This is also another way to earn acknowledgement, no? Protecting and improving our realm?"

"She has a point," I laughed, "With Shuri at the front and Hinari at our rear, or vice-versa, we can go without too much worry…"

"Agree," Touka chuckled, "but leaving Hinari behind by herself is a little, well…"

"Please do not worry about me," Hinari stated, "the two sisters, Bi-Jaku-san and Bi-Hou-san, who are doing well lately are people I know and trust. They shall aid me well…"

"…Bi-Hou?" Aisha repeated, an unusual concern expression appearing on her face, "Hmm~…are you sure she can do it?"

"Bi-Hou is well versed in our governmental affairs, and she has talent in leading in an army," Shuri listed out, also noticing Aisha's odd expression, "I believe she will do fine…"

"Hmm~…well if you say so, Shuri…"

"Is there something wrong with Bi-Hou-san?" Touka wondered, but she too showed concern for Aisha's unusual worry.

"No… there is not, really…" Aisha answered, though it didn't inspire confidence.

"…?" Touka blinked in concern. I, on the other hand, had a faint but irrational guess at Aisha's odd behavior. While there was nothing wrong with Bi-Jaku, Bi-Hou in history was one the Generals who deflect to the enemy side, causing the historical Kan-U to lose his life in the process. But I didn't bring that up; this Bi-Hou hadn't done anything wrong yet and this world is vastly different from history so there is a chance the betrayal of Bi-Hou may not happen. Still, for some reason or another, Aisha seems to have a natural distrust for the young general; could she have in a way sense that Bi-Hou was a natural enemy due to what happen in actual history?

"Something about this bothers me… …No, it is nothing after all. Please do not worry. …Moreover, after we join the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition…"

"Yeah~," I rush to move the subject elsewhere, "What happens after that?"

"We fight!" Rinrin chimed; it would seems only Rinrin had not notices Aisha's distress.

Touka chuckled. "That is right…"

"That is true," Shuri sweat dropped, "But first there will be introductions, followed by a war council. That is when our stations will be decided…"

"I see," I nodded, "Since our strategy will be discussed then, please begin preparations for the campaign…"

"Leave it to me, desu!"

"Alright~!" Rinrin chimed, "Rinrin is going to get nice and ready too!"

"Just do not get too excited and forget your Viper Spear," Aisha chided.

Hinari chuckled. "That is actually good advice in Rinrin-chan's case…"

Rinrin comically puffed her cheek in annoyance. "Boo~! You are both making fun of Rinrin! That is mean~!"

Shuri chuckled as everyone hurried to get ready.

… … … …Despite what I thought before about Bi-Hou, I couldn't get the possibility out of my mind.

"Hey, Hinari-chan," I called after our shy strategist, even though she is getting better.

Hinari, in turn, glance back as I approach. "Yes, My Lord?"

"Uh, about Bi-Hou…is it alright if you, uh, keep an eye on her?"

"…? Why so, My Lord?"

"Uh, even if you ask…" I stumbled, before glancing around to make sure no one else was around, "Actually, it's about Aisha…"

"…? Ah~, about how Aisha-san shows concern about Bi-Hou?"

"Yeah~, I think I have a good idea why…"

"Really, w-what would that be then?"

I pause for a moment; sure, every one of my close comrades knows that I not really a Messenger from Heaven, but even Touka-chan express her lack of belief in the fact that I came from the future, or something close to a future timeline. Even if I explain, it could take a while to explain my explanation and even then I'm not sure I gave the correct message I intended. Still, I'm worry about Aisha and the future; I got to at least try.

"…To be truthful," I began slowly, "from where I came from, there was a character in history that greatly resemble Aisha who was betray by a general that greatly resemble Bi-Hou, leading to the person's, that Aisha resemble, death. Though I don't think it would happen as well in this world, Aisha and that person she resemble may somehow be linked so…"

Hinari gave a questionable look before humming to herself. "Is My Lord saying that in Aisha-san's past life she had been betrayed by Bi-Hou-san's past life, so now Aisha has a premonition about Bi-Hou-san?"

"…Uh, something like, I guess. I'm not saying that there is something wrong with Bi-Hou, she might be just fine. So…"

"My Lord is worry that 'history' may repeat itself?"

"… (Close, very close) Yeah, something like…"

"…I understand," Hinari smiled, "During the time everyone is away, I shall judge Bi-Hou and her intention…"

"Thanks. And sorry…"

"…? F-For what, My Lord?"

"…Well, it seems you trust Bi-Hou a lot and here I am suspecting her so…"

"Do not think much upon it, My Lord," Hinari reassured me, "You spoke to me about Bi-Hou-san not because you distrust her but rather you want to prevent future distrust among comrades, right? That is part of your personal virtue, so I am not offended…"

"…I see; you read me better than I read myself…"

"U-Uh, n-n-no! I did nothing so offensive-!"

"No, it's not offensive, really. I'm glad you can understand…"

"Oh~!"

"So, about what we talked about…"

"It shall remain just between us, My Lord?"

"Yeah…"

"As you wish, My Lord," Hinari bowed before walking off. I smile as I watch her retreating figure. In the beginning, she could hardly talk to anyone aside from Shuri. Now she has open up to us so easily, even to Rinrin. She is even starting to bite…Scary, but pleasant.

Izumi's P.O.V.

Long past its, peak, the Kan Dynasty had nowhere to go but down. From the information I manage to gather, corruption in the Imperial Court has vastly weakened it holds on the warlords of the land. It has become worse since the Emperor Rei-Tei passed away.

In the ensuring chaos, the Kan finally lost the last vestige of their power when the tyrant Tou-Taku of Hei-Shuu came and took control of the Imperial Court, replacing the unofficial Emperor, Prince Ryuu-Ben, with a supposedly more fitting one, Prince Ryuu-Kyou.

A month has pass since news of the takeover reach Kyo-Shou, and here in Kyo-Shou I found herself standing in the courtroom with all the other Generals and Strategists present. The reason?

"I have just received a message from En-Shou," Sou-Sou-sama declared.

"A message from En-Shou?" Kakou-Ton-dono wondered, "That is rare…"

"Indeed," Kakou-En-dono nodded, signs of discomfort etched on her face, "is it a letter to belittle us or to boast about herself this time?"

"…Neither," Sou-Sou-sama huffed, causing everyone to give each other a questionable look.

"Judging from all of this," I ponder to myself, "En-Shou must not a well-like topic in Kyo-Shou…"

Ten-I-dono, who was apparently nearby and therefore was able to hear me, spoke up, "Sou-Sou-sama and En-Shou had been at each other's throats since they were young, as I heard. They compete in almost anything, from military power to reputation. Whenever they meet, it would not be two minutes before they broke into a childlike argument. Even over messages…"

"I see," I nodded in understanding, "A struggle between a pack of wolves and a bear…" Simply speaking, it was a rivalry between the wild and intelligent canines (Sou-Sou-sama and her subordinates) and an impulsive large bear who's only advantage is its sizes (En-Shou).

"She asked if we have the will to stand with her," Sou-Sou-sama continued to inform, "against the traitor Tou-Taku, in this 'Coalition between rulers against the Tou-Taku Faction'…"

"What a long and unfavorable name," Kyo-Cho-dono sweat dropped, causing Sou-Sou-dono to chuckle.

"Agree…"

"Then I see no reason to keep the name this fool En-Shou had chosen," I shrugged at the irrelevant chitchat, "Let's just simply call it the 'Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition' then…"

"Much better," Sou-Sou-dono nodded.

"And what will we do, Karin-sama?" Kakou-En-dono wondered.

"I wondered," Sou-Sou-dono shrugged, before noticing Kaku-Ka-dono stepping up, "Do you have something to say, Kaku-Ka?"

"Yes, Karin-sama," Kaku-Ka-dono began, "The evil deeds of Tou-Taku is certain. It would be in accordance with the Mandate of Heaven, and for the benefit of the people, to dispose that tyrant. I believe this would be an excellent chance for you to gain fame among the populace…"

"However," Tei-Iku-dono intervened, "We must also remember that it is En-Shou who summoned us. Meaning she would probably use this as a chance for fame just for herself…"

"I see," Jun-Iku-dono muttered, "Know that pathetic woman she will make everyone else do all the hard work while she shall simply take the credit. Judging from just that, I see no merit for joining such a Coalition…"

Other General began to voice in agreement. They were either saying stuff like "We should not let En-Shou use Sou-Sou-sama", "Let En-Shou die by herself", "We have more important things to worry about", or "Going will only make things worse for us".

…Imbeciles. They fail to see the large picture as usual. So I decided to speak my part.

"Sou-Sou-sama," I began, "May I say a few words?"

"By all means," Sou-Sou-sama smirked, "What is your opinion on the subject?"

"While it may be true that we stand to gain by not participating in this outrageous gathering set up by this En-Shou, I believe Sou-Sou-sama has more to gain by attending…"

"Oh?"

"Hey now," Jun-Iku-dono snapped, "Just what exactly can we gain from joining something that En-Shou set up?"

"Many gains," I replied calmly despite being snapped at, "For example, since all other warlords who would be joining will use this chance to show off their might, Sou-Sou-sama can go and judge for herself who shall stand in her path of conquest and who will give the most trouble; know thyself and know thy enemies and in a hundred battle thou shall not face perils. Sou-Sou-sama can also use this as a mean to gain a powerful position in the Imperial Court if the mission is a success and the current Emperor is saved. Actually, it could be insisted that Sou-Sou-sama must participate…"

"…What do you mean?" Gaku-Shin-dono wondered.

"Whether this Alliance succeeds or fails, the fact remains that the days of the Kan are over…"

As expected, the moment those words escape from my mouth, every sheep general and strategist began to whisper negatively among themselves.

"Do not speak such an unfavorable opinion!" Jun-Iku-dono hissed at me.

"It isn't an opinion, Jun-Iku-dono," I calmly replied back, "It is a FACT! The Ten Eunuchs' corruption, The Yellow Scarves Rebellion, and now this Tou-Taku Tyranny. Would a dynasty in its prime have such catastrophe happening one after another? Are they all not signs that the Dynasty is about to wither and die out? Surely, deep in all of your hearts…" I glared at the sheep generals. "You have already considered it, no?"

The generals and strategist immediately silent themselves. By now they know there was no point in denying it.

"However, we should rejoice instead, especially for Sou-Sou-sama…" It was apparent that I had received everyone's full attention by then as I can feel all their eyes glaring upon me. "A death of a dynasty means the rise of a new one. Does this not coincide with Sou-Sou-sama's ambition? Since it is, why not let history mark such a climatic event as when Sou-Sou-sama rises to power, no?"

As soon as I was finish, the room was once again a buzz of whispers, this time considering what I had stated.

"Hmm~!" Sou-Sou-sama hummed, "Indeed, this is an excellent opportunity to let the world know about my ambition. Is that what you are trying to say I should do, Shiba Izumi?"

"No," I replied immediately, startling everyone, "I am not saying Sou-Sou-sama should or shouldn't do anything…"

"But you just-!" Jun-Iku-dono stamped before Tei-Iku-dono jumped in.

"She was merely giving her opinion on the matter," she began, "is that right?"

"Indeed," I replied with a smile.

"Then why not tell me your suggestion then, Shiba Izumi?" Karin wondered.

"It is simply because the role of a strategist is to offer advice when the lord is undecided. When the lord has decided, there is nothing for the strategist to say…"

Everyone, aside from the other three top strategist (Jun-Iku-dono, Kaku-Ka-dono, and Tei-Iku-dono), trade questionable glances at each other before Sou-Sou-sama burst out laughing.

"So you already concluded that I was to head out to war already," Sou-Sou-dono smirked, "I thought it was strange that you spoke everything on my mind…"

I gave a bow, indicating that she too has seen right through me. Sou-Sou-sama, meanwhile, turn back towards her subjects.

"It is just as Shiba Izumi stated, I have already made up my mind to go. So, everyone, be ready! Shunran, Shuuran, Kii, Ruru, Keifa, and Shiba Izumi shall be accompanying me in this battle along with other a few other selective. The rest of you shall remain here and continue to strengthen the might of Kyo-Shou. Dismiss!"

Taiki's P.O.V.

"Yawn~!" I couldn't help but yawn out loud as Sai and I headed towards the courtroom.

"My," Sai chuckled, "You certainly are carefree as usual, Taiki…"

"Nah, just sleepy. I wonder what is so important that even I, not good with politics as everyone could have guess, need to go attend this meeting…"

Sai laughed. "Normally, I wonder myself. But this time, it is different…"

"How so?" I asked as we reach the doors to the courtroom.

"You shall see," Sai simply stated, confusing me and we enter the room. Immediately upon entering…

"…Please wait, Nee-sama!" I could already hear Renfa's voice shout in a weak protest, "Is it not a bit too early for that? With quelling the Yellow Scarves in Ju-Shun I can understand, but we need not to participate in this battle to keep Kou-Tou safe! It took us a long time recover some of our strength and now we must enter this Coalition that will surely weaken us by sending our fresh troops all the way to Raku-You? It is too risky, even if we return with fame. Fortifying our own position should come first!"

"That is right," I heard Sheren stated, "It is just as you say…"

"Then-…?"

"However, Renfa, some things cannot be obtained by following the proper path!"

"Nee-sama…" Renfa managed before in a matter of seconds dashing out of the room, flying pass me.

"Wow, did I come at the wrong time?" I asked.

"Ah, Taiki, perfect timing," Sheren immediately brighten upon seeing me before handing me a long piece of scroll, "Take a look at this…"

"Huh~, let's see," I began as I scan through the scroll, "Imperial Court being tyrannize~…the one behind it is Tou-Taku~…the message is calling other warlords~…the one who sent it is someone name En-Shou~…gather to fight Tou-Taku…blah, blah, blah…"

"…Please read it seriously, General Taiki Sonoma…" Meirin hissed in frustration as Sheren, Sai, and Non suppress their giggles. Shishun was doing a better job, but nevertheless I could still see some uncomfortable blushes.

"So basically, we're going to fight some bad guys with a bunch of other supposed good guys, right?"

"…That is the jest of it, yes," Sheren chuckled, "Do have an objection?"

"Nope," I simply replied, "I'm only a bodyguard. It's not my place to decide where you should go or not, Sheren. I'm just here to make sure you stay safe no matter where you go…"

Sheren laughed. "I thought you might say that. But there is another reason for you come here…"

"You want me to be the mediator between you and Renfa, huh?"

"Exactly, can you do that for me?"

"I can try…"

"Then please do…"

"…What a simple yet fast pace conversation~," Non sweat dropped.

"… …It is because Taiki does not waste time with small talks," Shishun noted as I left to find Renfa.

It wasn't long before I came across her lean against one of the pillars outside.

"…Yo, Renfa!" I called as soon as I was close enough.

Renfa jumped a bit before turning to me in shock. "Taiki! Sheesh, please do not do that!"

"Why not? It's not like you wouldn't notice me unless you were trouble…"

"Please do not act as if you do not know. I saw you in the courtroom before I ran out…"

"Was I that obvious?"

Renfa chuckled at my question. "What do you want, Taiki?"

"Nothing really, Sheren just told me to do something about the friction between you two…"

"You are too honest… … …Taiki, share with me some of your thoughts…"

"Sure, about what?"

"… … …Am I too naïve?"

"… …HUH~~!?"

"Because no matter what I say, Sister Sheren remains unwavering in her decision. When that happens, I began to wonder if Sister Sheren's methods are the wrong ones or mine…"

"Whoa, slow down, Renfa," I halted the distress princess, "This isn't a question of whether who is right or wrong, rather it is a question of who has more reason or not…"

"…Huh?"

"Well, think about it for a moment. Sure if we stay and defend ourselves it will mean our survival, but what about the Kan Dynasty that your mother worked so hard to protect?"

"…! Uh…"

"And worse, we don't know what other warlords are thinking. If we join them to beat Tou-Taku, don't we also get to know some the people we will be fighting?"

"…I-I suppose…"

"And another thing, we can't protect Kou-Tou by ourselves no matter how hard we try. Shouldn't we go and see if there are potential allies?"

"…I never thought about it like that," Renfa sulked, ashamed, "truly, it is still to our greater benefit if we join this coalition. I am such a fool…"

"Nah, you're not," I added, catching Renfa's attention, "You just didn't think far enough. Beside I made up most of what I just said anyway. The way I see it, both of your ideas are great, but for now Sheren is the one in charge, that's all…"

"…I see…" Renfa smiled, "Thank you, I am glad we had this talk. Otherwise I could end up resenting Sister Sheren unconsciously…"

"Wouldn't want that to happen, right?"

Renfa laughed. "Alright, let us return back…"

"EH~!? Do we have to go back~?"

"Yes~," Renfa rolled her eyes, "After all, I think it is in your best interest that you hear who is going and who isn't…"

"…Hmm~~~! Fair enough," I nodded and step aside to allow Renfa to go first, "Ladies first…"

"Goodness," Renfa huff a laugh before proceeding on.

It wasn't long before we reentered the courtroom, with almost everyone I knew there.

"Yo, we're back!" I called, catching everyone's attention.

"Ah-, that was fast," Non sweat dropped in shock.

"Finally," Shaoren huffed, "now we can decide who is going and who is staying…"

"Agree," Sheren chuckled before straightening, "Alright, I decide that the one who are definitely going is me, of course, along with Meirin, Non, Shishun, and Sai…"

"Me too right?" I asked eagerly.

"Of course you!" Meirin snapped; never get used to that, "What use is a bodyguard if you are not going?"

"Just making sure…"

"… …! You-!"

"…Uh, Sister Sheren," Renfa suddenly voiced, "May I make a request?"

"…? Yes, you may Renfa," Sheren nodded, unsurely, "What is it?"

"… … …Is it possible for me to accompany Sister as well?"

"… … … … … …I beg your pardon?"

"I wish to accompany you, Sister…"

"…WHAT?" Everyone else exclaimed.

"R-R-Renfa-nee-sama," Shaoren panicked, "Are you alright? Do you have a fever?"

Renfa sweat dropped. "I am in good health, Shaoren…"

"But what is this all of a sudden, Renfa-sama?" Ashe pondered, "Normally, Renfa-sama would be against violence, let alone actually participating in one…"

"…This isn't a battle for violence I am entering," Renfa began, smiling straight at Sheren, "This is a battle that the Son Family must fight in, no?"

Sheren blinked at this before bursting out laughing. "I see, very well, Renfa shall also join as well…"

"Ah-! What about me?" Shaoren asked desperately.

"Sorry, Shaoren, but can I asked that you remain behind to guard Chou-Sa-?"

"But that's BORING~!"

"Not really," I stated, going into daydream mode, "You get to sit on the throne and order people around. You can play all night and sleep all day long. You can also eat all your favorite food without worrying about someone stealing your food; to be honest I'm jealous…"

"… …Hmm, then again, okay I shall remain here and keep the place clean until you all get back then…"

"…Goodness," Meirin palmed her face, "normally it would take hours to make Shaoren-sama agree to something…yet that man…"

"Most impressive negotiation Taiki," Sheren chuckled, "Are you sure you do not have skill in argument?"

"… …! Ah-!" Shaoren froze, "Did I just get tricked?"

"Huh? What you're talking about?" I wondered, "I am seriously jealous of Shaoren staying here…"

For some reason, everyone comically fell, some chuckling nervously.

Meanwhile, in the palace of Raku-You, several people were speaking to each other.

One wore a short, long-sleeve, peach-color Chinese dress with a wide-shoulder black collar attachment, a black skirt underneath the flaps of her dress, black stockings cover lower torso, black sheen-high boots, and a black Jin-Xian Guan. She has long green hair that was tied into two long pigtails that fell down her front. She wore small violet rim oval glasses over her glaring, strong-will tea-color eyes and her mouth was in a frown.

Another one was a child who wore an unbutton oversized black swallow-tail coat with a large white collar rim, white-color Chinese dress instead of peach; jean-like ripped shorts, orange-and-white stripe thigh-high socks, and black stage shoes. She wore an officer's cap with a panda symbol on it over her cyan-colored hair that was tied in two waist-length ponytails held in place by red orb hair ornaments, which goes well with her bright brown eyes.

The third was a woman who wore a stereotypical Japanese gangster outfit, complete blue overcoat that hang loosely on her shoulders, a dark hakama that cover most of her legs, wooden sandals, and bandages wrapped around her breast. Her lavender hair is tied up in a bundle behind her head, held in place by a spiky hair band and has sharp and confident green eyes.

The fourth one has neck-length gray hair confident golden eyes. She wore an armor choker with a long maroon-color ribbon tied in the back, armor-like sleeves, an armor bra, a patterned dark blue sarong, and thigh-high stocking under her silver boots.

"It seems the ruler of this land have allied against us," the glasses-wearing girl noted.

"To fight against us?" the gangster-like girl spoke in a Kansai dialect, "… …Someone has got too much time on their hands…"

"I know. But I heard Sou-Sou and Son-Saku are with them. They will be strong opponents…"

"You are right. Sou-Sou has those sisters, the fierce generals Kakou-Ton and Kakou-En. Son-Saku has Kan-Nei and Shuu-Yu. Those up-and-coming Hongou and Ryuu-Bi seems to have good generals too. They are strong opponents or maybe formidable foes…"

"Humph!" the silver beauty huffed unimpressed, "What do we have to fear? They are just a mish-mash of soldiers. No matter how many tens of thousands there are, they are nothing but a mob…"

"A mob, huh…"

"That is right. Besides, Shi-Sui Pass and Kou-Ran Pass block the road to Raku-You. If we mobilize our forces to fight there, we shall have nothing to fear from this 'Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition'…

"Do you think it shall be that simple?" the little girl puffed her cheek, "Both their generals and their soldiers gained experience in the war against the Yellow Scarves. Nenene think it shall be a hard fight for us…"

"Do not be a coward. Let Kakou-Ton or Kan-Nei come. If Ryo-Fu and I are together, we can easily crush them! Why do we need to fear them!?"

"…Nenene is not afraid of them! Unlike you though, I am aware what we need to be fighting for!"

"What!?"

"Calm down you two," the glasses-wearing girl sighed.

"Well," the gangster girl hummed, "I would like to fight a strong opponent myself. But still…"

"I know what Chou-Ryou and Chin-Kyuu is trying to say, but we cannot afford to lose against the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition…"

"Of course not," the little girl, Chin-Kyuu, stated, "I do not want to lose either…"

"Then quit nitpicking!" the silver haired beauty finalized.

"…Fine," Chin-Kyuu mumbled.

"Right," the gangster girl, Chou-Ryou, hummed, "Okay, we shall follow your orders without complaints. Ka-Ku, do what you want…"

"Good," the glasses-wearing girl, Ka-Ku, nodded, "Then Chou-Ryou and Chin-Kyuu, tell Ryo-Fu we are deploying her. I am having the three of you guard Kou-Ran Pass…"

"Yes madam," Chin-Kyuu nodded excitedly.

"… …So who is the General?" Chou-Ryou wondered.

"Ryo-Fu shall be the General, with you and Chin-Kyuu as her advisors…"

"You want ME to advise Ryo-Fu-chin? … …That's not going to be easy…"

"I know, but do your best anyway…"

"And do not worry," Chin-Kyuu thumped her chest confidently, "If you cannot do it, I can! I am Ryo-Fu-dono's strategist!"

Chou-Ryou laughed. "I am counting on you then…"

"General Ka-Yuu Hokorini, meet the Coalition at Shi-Sui Pass," Ka-Ku instructed to the silver-haired beauty, "However, refrain from attacking…"

"What!?" Ka-Yuu exclaimed in disbelief, "Do you want me to just defend?"

"Yes. The Anti-Tou-Taku Alliance's one weakness on this campaign is their supplies. Confine them in Shi-Sui Pass and wait for their provisions to run low. Without a supply chain, the Anti-Tou-Taku Alliance will be force to-…"

"I refuse! Why must I sit still like a turtle hiding its head in its shell!? I am a warrior! What warrior can go without displaying their prowess to enemy and ally alike!? My pride as a warrior will not allow me to stay confined in some fortress!"

"But the enemy is-…"

"The Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition is powerless before my prowess! Or what is it? Are you underestimating my power, Ka-Ku!?

Ka-Ku remained silent for a while before sighing in frustration. "…Alright. I know how powerful you are. … …I shall leave it all up to you then…"

"Humph! Of course. …Now, this meeting is over, right? Excuse me…"

"Ka-Yuu Hokorini," Chin-Kyuu suddenly called, halting the General, "keep in mind that there is more at stake than just your warrior's pride if you lose!"

Ka-Yuu glared back before leaving with confident huff.

Ka-Ku sighed at the sight of Ka-Yuu retreating back.

"The biggest fault of people like her, who think they are the greatest," Chou-Ryou sighed, "is that they never listen to anyone else. …So, what are we going to do?"

"Our strategy stands. We defend both Shi-Sui Pass and Kou-Ran Pass," Ka-Ku informed, "…We have an overwhelming disadvantage in numbers, so we cannot beat them head on…"

"True," Chin-Kyuu moaned, "If we really were tyrannizing Raku-You like they say, we could at least conscript some soldiers to help fight them off, as that Chou-Jou suggested…"

"… …I know that would be best, too, but Yue would not let that happen…"

"Tou-Taku-chan is too nice," Chou-Ryou sighed, though her words neither carry bitter or resentment, "But what do you think they will say?"

"Who knows? I doubt Chou-Jou thought this through. And about those guys? I doubt they are thinking about driving away the Coalition. Their goals are…"

"They are just focused on one thing, huh?" Chou-Ryou hummed in thought, "… … …Ka-Ku-chin…"

"What?"

"It is stupid to die for them, do you not think so? Be ready to take Yue-chan and run, okay?"

Ka-Ku blinked at this before noticing Chin-Kyuu also giving a confident look.

"We shall make sure to give you enough time for that," Chin-Kyuu proclaimed, "… …Well, you will still have to figure out what to do with the hostages on your own if that time comes…"

"… … … …Yeah, I know. I am counting on you two…"

"Sure, we can buy us some time," Chou-Ryou chimed, "…Okay~! It is about time we got ready, Chin-Kyuu. We have to find Ryo-Fu-chin too…"

"That is right," Ka-Ku nodded at the two, "Please let Ryo-Fu know, okay?"

"Sure thing, Ka-Ku-sama," Chin-Kyuu chimed as she began to walk out with Chou-Ryou.

"Alright," Chou-Ryou waved back, "We shall see you later…"

With that, the two left to find Ryo-Fu, leaving Ka-Ku alone.

"Yue…" Ka-Ku muttered to herself as she stared off, "…I shall make sure to protect Yue…"

We find Chou-Ryou and Chin-Kyuu wandering around outside, searching for Ryo-Fu Housen.

"Let me see," Chou-Ryou chimed as she scanned the area, "Where is she?"

"She is usually around here," Chin-Kyuu scratched her head in frustration.

"Yeah," that was when she spotted a familiar tuff of red hair with two prominent strands standing up, seemingly defying gravity, "Oh, there she is! Hey~, Ryo-Fu-chin~!"

"…?" the redhead sounded as she stood up from where she crouch and turn to the two. She had calm crimson-color eyes to couple with her emotionless expression. She wore a black-and-white halter top with a long plum-color scarf tied loosely around her neck and collar. She had long white sleeve attachment covering her left arms and a black one on her right with bandages wrapped around her hands. She wears a short white pleated-skirt with a ripped black mantle held around her waist by a red belt. Covering most of her legs are black stockings and metal-plated combat boots.

"Ryo-Fu-dono~!" Chin-Kyuu pounce into Ryo-Fu, who promptly embrace her in a tight huge. Unfortunately, she caught her in an awkward way, so now Chin-Kyuu is now suffocating in her breast region. "Mm-! Mm, mm-mm-mm~! Mm…Mm…Mm~~!"

"Uh, Ryo-Fu-chin," Chou-Ryou sweat dropped, "Chin-Kyuu cannot breath…"

"…?" Ryo-Fu titled her head in confusion, as Chin-Kyuu began to go limp.

"… … …Just let her go, Ryo-Fu-chin…"

"…Okay," Ryo-Fu immediately released Chin-Kyuu who immediately gasped for breath.

"BWAH~!" Chin-Kyuu gasped, "…I-I-I thought I was going to die~!"

"… … …Sorry…Chin-Kyuu…"

"Nah, it is okay, Ryo-Fu-dono…"

"Well," Chou-Ryou chimed, "Putting that aside…"

"Ah-! Hey! Do not 'put me aside'-!"

"Ryo-Fu-chin, we are being deployed. Ka-Ku said to get ready…"

Ryo-Fu remained silent for a moment before nodding.

"Mm~? What is wrong, Ryo-Fu-dono?" Chin-Kyuu blinked, "Ryo-Fu-dono is being absentminded…"

"…A butterfly…"

"Hmm? " Chou-Ryou wondered before noticing a butterfly fluttering above them, "Oh, that…"

"…Strange…"

"What is strange?"

"…Shia…"

Chin-Kyuu tried her best to suppress her laughter as Chou-Ryou fumed on the spot, absolutely embarrass. "HUH? I am the strange one? How rude of you, Ryo-Fu-chin~!"

"…Strange…" This time around Chin-Kyuu burst out laughing, hard.

"Are you still saying that? And Chin-Kyuu-chin, do not laugh so hard!" Chou-Ryou sulked as she glared at Chin-Kyuu, "Forget about it and get ready…"

"…A battle?"

"That is right, Ryo-Fu-dono," Chin-Kyuu stated, finally stop laughing, "The enemy is already in Raku-You. It is our job to chase them away…"

Ryo-Fu nodded.

"You know your job, now go get ready," Chou-Ryou huffed with a smile, "We are guarding Kou-Ran Pass. You have been assigned as the general, Ryo-Fu-chin…"

"Yeah, Ryo-Fu-dono," Chin-Kyuu nodded in agreement, "Nenene and Chou-Ryou are your advisors…"

Ryo-Fu thought about it for a moment before shaking her head.

"… …Hmm?" Chou-Ryou tilted her head, "No?"

Ryo-Fu responded with one head shake.

"Hmm~. But it is order from Ka-Ku-chin…"

"…Shia…"

"Ryo-Fu-dono wants Chou-Ryou to be General?" Chin-Kyuu sweat dropped.

"No way!" Chou-Ryou sighed in frustration, "We cannot break ranks…"

Upon hearing this, Ryo-Fu looked at Chou-Ryou and Chin-Kyuu with sad pleading eyes.

"Ugh-! Please do not look at me with those sad puppy eyes~…"

Chin-Kyuu, on the other hand, snapped. "…As you wish then, Ryo-Fu-dono! Chou-Ryou, you shall be General now!"

"Ah-! Hey, Chin-Kyuu-chin! Who sides are you on?"

Ryo-Fu continued to look at Chou-Ryou with sad puppy eyes.

At last, as if she snapped, Chou-Ryou bowed her head in defeat. "…Alright. Alright! ALRIGHT! I shall take care of your job, but you are still the general, okay?"

"…?"

"In other words, Ryo-Fu-dono," Chin-Kyuu explained, "Ryo-Fu-dono is the general, but Chou-Ryou shall take care of all the minor tasks for Ryo-Fu-dono…"

Ryo-Fu hummed for a long while before nodding.

"Boy," Chou-Ryou sweat dropped nervously, "it took you a long time to nod… Fine, I am going to get ready. You just wait here. Okay, Ryo-Fu-chin?"

Ryo-Fu nodded in understanding.

"See you in a little while then," Chou-Ryou then turned to Chin-Kyuu, "Make sure Ryo-Fu quit looking at the butterflies eventually and that she get her weapons ready…"

"I do not need you to remind me!" Chin-Kyuu puffed her cheek comically as Chou-Ryou walked off.

Kazuto's P.O.V.

Several days after our meeting. We joined the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition, and now we were going to attend a war council with all the prominent figures in the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition.

"Ah~," I shivered as I walked alongside Touka and Shuri towards the main tent of the Coalition Camp, "…I'm so nervous…"

"Hawa~," Shuri also shivered, "I am nervous about this as well~…"

Touka nodded in agreement as I looked towards Shuri. "Touka and I will probably be asking you lots of things during the war council…

"We are counting on you, Shuri-chan…" Touka added.

"S-Sure! I shall do my farthest!" Shuri nervously nodded.

Touka and I couldn't help but sweat drop. "You messed up again. You must be really nervous…"

"Hawa~…I apologize…"

"No need to apologize," Touka kindly stated.

"We both are really nervous," I admitted, "just like you are…"

"It sure is nerve wracking, is it not?" Shuri giggled nervously.

I chuckled in the same manner. "It sure is… But we can't run. We just have to do it…"

Shuri gave a determine nod.

Taiki's P.O.V.

I followed Sheren and here impressively assemble army all the way to the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition camp. I guess Sheren had really wanted to demonstrate the Kou-Tou army's strength to this Coalition. When we arrived, I found myself waiting with Sai, Shishun, and Non, as Sheren, Renfa, and Meirin had gone off to meet up in a counseling meeting.

"I am surprise, Taiki," Non spoke up as she approached me, "I thought you would have gone with Sheren-sama…"

I chuckled nervous. "I'm pretty useless in meeting anyways. Plus, I'd probably fall asleep before it can actually begin…"

"Hmm~, that does sound a lot like you~…"

"… … …Uh, sure…" I managed; all the nerves and instincts I had in me were telling me to get the hell away already.

"Taiki!" That voice belonged to Shishun as she approach.

"Oh, good, I'm saved," I noted unintentionally, confusing the two, "Uh, I mean, what is it Shishun?"

"Sai-dono is calling for you. She is over where we place our horses…"

"Oh, Sai, huh? Right, I better get going…"

"…Do not fool around too much, okay~?" Non chuckled, "Or Meirin-sensei will throw another fit~…"

"Right~, got it…"

Izumi's P.O.V.

We arrived at the Coalition Camp right on schedule as plan. Despite the vast army that Sou-Sou-sama had assembled, they were well discipline and had marched for several days with little rest and no complaints. It is admirable, but inefficient on numerous levels. There is no merit in tiring the soldiers out before the actual battle had begun. Even Sou-Sou-sama knew that.

I have been thinking, though it is centuries early, I should probably introduce efficient carriages for military purpose. They have been proven useful even in the modern times and here where most soldiers needs the vast majority of their stamina to confront their opposing force the carriages are valuable assets.

Either way, that will have to wait for another time. I doubt my ideas would so easily pass on good notes, especially with the hateful Jun-Iku-dono ready to claw at my throat at a moment's notice. I expected as much, after humiliating her thrice if I count my overwhelming accomplishment over the Yellow Scarves Rebellion which went against all her expectation. That could prove to be problem later on if I leave it unchecked.

Both she and Sou-Sou-sama have by now already gone to attend meeting in the Coalition main tent; I have decline joining them. Reason is the fact that I have heard many reliable facts about the organizer, En-Shou Honsho. From the reliable information I gather, the person was an incompetent warlord who relies on the prestige influence of past generation to justify her status and action. With the addition of the fact that she is also spoiled and possess an ego the size of a mountain, I can clearly predict the outcome of the meeting.

Therefore, with no merit to gain I have chosen to remain behind and attend to more meaningful task… … …such as helping Kakou-Ton-dono with properly organize her troops. Her units would not last a single hour even against the least trained enemies in such a formation; Kyo-Cho-dono was no better off with her units.

Fortunately, Kakou-En-dono and Ten-I-dono seems at least more aware of the situation as they made a better effort in organization. In fact, in terms of general and bodyguard position, Kakou-En-don and Ten-I-dono had earned my trust in that. Pity that history had it that both would eventually perish in their line of duty to Sou-Sou-sama in later separate campaign; nothing can be done about that…or can it?

My effort had allowed the survival of the Chou Sisters, whereas in actual history their life perish with the end of the Yellow Scarves Rebellion; they are now working their sins off back in Kyo-Shou under the watchful eyes of Kaku-Ka-dono and Tei-Iku-dono, inspiring and raising the moral of the resident. History dictated that had died, but instead they survive in this alternate world. If they can escape their fate, is it not possible that there is a way for both Kakou-En-dono and Ten-I-dono? When the time comes, will I be able to change this world's course of history?

… …Well, I suppose dwelling on "can or cannot do" is pointless at the moment; I cannot forget the true purpose for being here. Sou-Sou-sama must make an official name for herself here; this shall be where history will officially recognize her worth. And if history can be altered, here is a good place to do so. I shall change history to favor Sou-Sou-sama's ambition.

I swear I shall make it possible in the name of Izumi Shiba!

Kazuto's P.O.V.

As soon as we enter the tent, it seems like all eyes in the room flew in our direction. As I expected, a lot of prominent-looking people were waiting for us; several of them stood out above the rest however.

At the center, sitting in the most noteworthy place in the tent, was what could have been mistaken as a celebrity with a prideful smirk on her face. She had long curly blond hair in massive corkscrews and green eyes that match her fulsome smirk. She seems to be wearing a red short-dress, a blue ribbon around her midsection, white skirt, and the same kind shoes that Touka-chan wears. That's all I could tell since she wore various golden armors on her body, not enough to make her look like a European knight but enough to not only present her model-like appearance but also to (unnecessarily) show she has enough money to spare for making such a flashy armory. She also seems to possess a rapier, though seeing how elaborate the sheath is made; it makes me wonder if it was even a reliable weapon.

Sitting alongside the woman was someone with similar appearance, only shorter and less geared for battle or war. If anything, she was dress as if she was going to attend some royal ball. Shuri quietly informed me that these two were En-Shou Honsho and En-Jutsu Kouro respectively. While surprise, even as females their appearances certainly fit their respective characters.

There was another blonde in the tent, but unlike En-Shou and En-Jutsu the short blond-hair girl with her hair in two short corkscrews held on the sides of her head with skull-like ornaments and blue eyes that seems to be able to pierce armor gave off a greater presence then most of the people in the room so far. Dress mostly in dark blue-and-purple with silver skull-theme armor, she was also accompany by cunning-looking aid. I didn't even need Shuri to confirm to me that she is Sou-Sou Moutoku, the future ruler of Sou-Gi.

Two other figures also stood out above the rest, and since they were both wearing reddish clothing and matching cherry-color hair they were probably from the same army if not members of the same family. The eldest of the two had her hair grown out longer and had much more confidant blue eyes while the younger of the two had shorter hair and unsecured blue eyes. Shuri informed me that they were Son-Saku Hakufu, the Little Conqueror of Kou-Tou, and Son-Ken Chuubou, the future ruler of Son-Go, respectively.

So here I was, standing next to two important figures of the Sho-Ku later on, if not the Era of the Three Kingdoms, being glared upon by five other significant people. They weren't the only one, but the other only looked at me with a hint of curiosity or boredom. Plus, they weren't giving their full attention like how those five are doing.

"(Ugh~,)" I mentally shivered, "(They're staring at me… …They're totally sizing me up…)"

"… …Ahem," After a long agonizing minute, En-Shou cleared her voice, catching everyone's attention, and began to address me, "So~, you are the 'messenger from heaven' of Yuu-Shu that the rumors spoke of…"

"…I guess so…" It didn't sound like a question, but I answered regardless.

Sou-Sou glared at me when I said this before huffing arrogantly. "What an ugly guy…"

"What…?" I couldn't stop myself from voicing that much when Sou-Sou said that. Future conqueror she may be, even I couldn't help but get angry with that. "(W-What did you say, shrimp!?)"

"…A 'messenger from heaven', huh?" Son-Saku giggled as she glared at me with what would appear to be knowingly eyes, "…It must have been rough for you putting on such a front…"

"…Huh?" Hey, hey! Don't tell me she saw right through our deception! This is bad.

"… … …Humph," Son-Ken turned her cheek in disinterest. … …Well, better than some insults, or suggestive speculations.

"…A fraud," En-Jutsu shrugged, "there is no way he is a 'messenger from heaven'…"

"Uh…" No need to say it so bluntly! Now everyone will be questioning. It hasn't even been two minutes an already I'm in trouble; even Touka-chan and Shuri were feeling the heat. But just as the odd mood was settling over the war council…

"…Hey, Hongou, Touka! Good to see you again!" …the three of us heard a familiar voice. Sure enough, when we turn to see who it was, it was none other than the White Horse General of the Ryou-Sei Prefecture Kouson-San Hakukei.

"Hakukei-chan!" Touka greeted and would have gone to hug the general if Shuri hadn't held her back.

"Ah… Kouson-San…" I greeted.

"No need to be so formal," Kouson-San laughed, "You can call me Hakukei, like Touka has. How have you two been?"

"Not bad…"

En-Shou blinked at our exchange before addressing Kouson-San. "… …Hakukei-san, are you a friend of this man they call the Messenger from Heaven from Yuu-Shu?"

"You can put it that way," Kouson-San informed, "We fought together…"

"I see. How nice to see two people of low breeding become good friends. Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho~!" The way you say makes me wonder how many friends you manage to gain with such an attitude.

Kouson-San sighed with a sweat drop. "…I am used to it by now, but I see you still like boasting about your lineage…"

"Oh~, but I am not boasting at all. The En Family is an aristocratic line and that is a fact~!" That's what you call "boasting".

"Yes, yes…enough of that. Let us move on to the war council…"

"…You need not tell me that, Hakukei-san. Could you please not steal my lines?" En-Shou pouted before muttering in compliant quietly, "Good grief, you sure enjoy butting in…"

"Hey," En-Jutsu called in our direction, mostly to Touka-chan, "Are you the one that claims to be the Descendant of Imperial Royalty?"

"Uh, yes," Touka confirmed with a polite bow to everyone, "Ryuu-Bi Gentoku, it is a pleasure to make all of your acquaintances…"

"And just to let you all know," Kouson-San added, "there is no need to doubt her; I can vouch for her heritage…"

"…Humph," Sou-Sou arrogantly smirked, "Another person ready to boast about her lineage, eh?"

"Uh, no!" Touka shook her head in denial, "Not at it at all…!"

"…Sure…" She certainly didn't sound convince.

"Now then, everyone," En-Shou coughed for attention, "The reason you have all gathered here today before me is none other than to put an end to Tou-Taku-san…" Finally, we were getting to the issue. "The rube known as Tou-Taku-san has ignored her social standing and used the authority of the Emperor as her owns, an atrocity beyond no other, as I am sure all of those gathered here are already aware…"

Many heads bobbled their heads in agreement; even Sou-Sou and Son-Saku were doing so. I guess it was a fact we could all agree on.

"I wonder if you would all lend me—yes, me! The head of the most distinguished family in all the land—your strength, in order to chastise this Tou-Taku-san?"

Many of the other distinguish people voiced their approval, except for me, Touka, Shuri, Sou-Sou and her company, Son-Saku and her companions, and Kouson-San.

"…Humph!" Sou-Sou arrogantly huffed, catching everyone's attention, "Thou art one to talk. Thou art just making use of Tou-Taku to spread thy own name throughout the land…"

"Oh~?" En-Shou glared at Sou-Sou, "Did thou just say something, midget-san? Thy voice was so tiny as thy body, so I could not hear thee…" Then how did you catch her words in the first place?

"Art thou losing thy hearing as well as thy looks, thou old hag?" Ouch! I heard two forbidden phrases in that!

En-Shou fumed on the spot as her glare became sharper; a comical vein could be seen as well. "… …I see the midget hast a sharp tongue as well…"

"So dost thou, hag!" Sou-Sou retorted calmly.

Again, another comical vein can be seen growing on En-Shou. "… …! AH~~! I cannot stand this midget any longer!"

"…Quit calling me 'midget'," Sou-Sou hissed as she glared at En-Shou, flexing her war scythe in warning. "Dost thou want to die?"

"I shall direct those exact same words right back at thee!" En-Shou was already ready to draw her rapier. I suppose it wasn't just for show after all.

I could see sparks from their glares. Even Touka and Shuri were beginning to fidget at the hostile atmosphere. Son-Saku just giggled from where she sat; to her, this was probably nothing more than some sort of live drama being played. Son-Ken sighed next to her sister, shaking her head every now-and-then. En-Jutsu yawned to herself, though her eyes clearly shined with anticipation of a fight.

"…Ah~~! Enough! En-Shou, Sou-Sou, calm down!" Kouson-San finally exclaimed tiredly, "This is not the time to be fighting each other over personal rivalries!"

En-Shou and Sou-Sou continued to fume at each other, neither willing to drop their weapon first.

"…Are you ignoring me?" Kouson-San comically cried before turning to Son-Saku, "Son-Saku, are you not going to get involve?"

"…Why should I?" Son-Saku chuckled, "This is entertaining~!"

"…Hey, Son-Ken, how about you saying something? You are proactive about peace, right?"

Son-Ken stared helplessly between the two arguing blonde before sighing. "…I doubt my words would reach them…"

"Hey! Do not say that! … … …En-Jutsu, YOU do something!"

"…I have nothing to do with it…" En-Jutsu just shrugged before preparing to fall asleep.

"…Not you too~…" En-Jutsu, in turn, huffed uncaring; she is totally unperturbed by Kouson-San. Kouson-San finally decided to give up on asking for help and sighed before she began explaining the present situation to get the meeting moving along again. "… …Look, we are here to talk about how we are going to wage war on Tou-Taku, who controls the Emperor, right? How do we come up with a justifiable cause for action in the first place? And how will we overcome the impregnable Shi-Sui Pass and Kou-Ran Gate? … …But more importantly, we have to decide how we will organize and command this Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition, right?"

Finally, as if Kouson-San finally raised the right event flag to move conversation on, En-Shou finally sighed with a smile.

"…That is right," En-Shou admitted before putting away her weapon, "Hakukei-san is correct. Heh…How could I do that? I nearly forgot the nature of council, thanks to a homely midget…"

"…You did not 'almost' forget," Kouson-San sighed again with a sweat drop, "you 'completely' forgot about it…" That's the understatement of the day.

"Humph," Sou-Sou huffed as she lower her war scythe, "Fine. I shall step back for now, so continue with the war council…"

"…Step back?" En-Shou grumbled at Sou-Sou choice of words.

"AH~! Enough!" Kouson-San yelled out in frustration, "Quit nitpicking already!" Well put, Kouson-San, I wish I could say that. Unfortunately with our weak position, neither Touka-chan nor I have a right or strength to do so.

"…Oh-ho-ho, you are right. As a member of the most prestigious family of the land, I should not get angry with a mere eunuch, or my dignity will come into question. So for now, I shall be the one to step back and save Hakukei-san's ugly face…"

Kouson-San sweat dropped. "…You just do not quit, do you?"

"Now then, everyone…"

"…You switch back and forth quickly too…"

En-Shou ignored each of Kouson-San's complaints and continued with the war council. "…There is one thing that our Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition lacks… …Yes, we have an army of elites, beginning with the En Family's soldiers, and with the exception of Yuu-Shu army, plenty of weaponry and provisions, as well as the spirit to fight. There is only one thing we lack…" Without warning, she suddenly turned to me. "Do you know what that is, Messenger from Heaven?"

"Eh?" I was completely caught off-guard so I couldn't help but let that helpless noise out. Though it was embarrassing, I came here not to be made a fool so I straighten myself out. "Are you talking to me?"

"Of course I am talking to you. You are the only one who has a reputation as the 'Messenger from Heaven'…"

Right~, point taken. I thought about it for a moment; seeing how En-Shou will be trying to shine the most among the coalition she's probably thinking on the line of selecting a "leader" for the coalition. I could say that, but perhaps to keep En-Shou as featherbrain about us as possible, I better play ignorant. "…Let's see… …I don't know. What is it?"

"Well now~…You do not even know that much? … …Goodness, the rumor that you were the Messenger from Heaven was just a rumor, was it not?"

"Yep. That is just a rumor. I agree with you…" Even though Touka-chan and Shuri looked at me with worry, all I could do was smile helplessly back. There's no point on trying to argue with her about something she is, miraculously, right about.

"Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho~! You understand your position well, it would seem. My impression of you has improved by an eyelash… Very well. Then allow me to teach someone of your standing what it is that our Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition lacks…"

"Sure. Go right ahead…"

"Are you ready? What our Anti-Tou-Taku Alliance lacks is…"

"Lack is…?"

Sou-Sou huffed, rolling her eyes at the suspense. Son-Saku lazily waited for En-Shou to continue. Son-Ken just sighed. En-Jutsu yawned. Kouson-San tapped her foot, preparing to do a "straight man" act if necessary. Only the other warlords in the tent showed any signs of anxiousness and/or genuine obliviousness, some of them even gulp from the suspense.

As everyone held their tongue in silence, En-Shou confidently looked around with an air of importance, finally speaking after she gathered enough attention.

"…A superior commander," En-Shou finally announced.

"… … …A commander," I repeated in false surprise. I totally saw this coming.

"Yes. This army is a collection of rulers' private armies. To rally these armies together for one just purpose, we need a superior commander…"

"…I see…" Playing ignorant may be one of my best traits, since I usually truthfully was, but it's not easy.

"Someone who is strong, beautiful, noble, and of proud lineage…Yes, someone like myself, a descendent of the most distinguished family in all the lands, is necessary as our supreme commander!"

This time, I simply nodded.

Sou-Sou, Son-Saku, Son-Ken, En-Jutsu, and Kouson-San all the same expression on their face; it's obvious that all saw this coming. Even the other warlords now had their face in a death pan for being lead on.

"Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho~!" En-Shou continued, "So here is a question for you all. Who is strong, beautiful, noble, and from the most prestigious family in all the land? Who is suitable to lead this army?"

Sou-Sou sighed loudly. "…This is ridiculous…"

"What a waste of time," Kouson-San rolled her eyes.

"It was entertaining," Son-Saku shrugged as Son-Ken just sighed.

"…That is my cousin for you all," En-Jutsu sighed, shaking her head with a shrug.

"Oh~ my~? Are there no objections?" En-Shou arrogantly proclaimed, "Then we all agree upon me…Yes! I, En Honsho, of the most distinguished family in all the land, shall take command of this Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition!"

"… …Do what thee want," Sou-Sou waved it off.

"I have no objection," Son-Saku smiled, before glaring dangerous at everyone else, "However I shall do what I want with my own army…"

"…Well," Kouson-San shook her head with a shrug, "I guess that is alright…"

"…You have your own army do that then, cousin," En-Jutsu shrugged, "I shall focus my army on the coalition ration then…"

After En-Shou declaration ruined the atmosphere, the four of them each left their seats and headed their own way, with their followers in toll. It wasn't long before the other warlords follow their example.

"…Ah…" I managed at last once the last remaining warlord left. Nothing had been decided yet, though I can hardly blame them with En-Shou's attitude. All Touka-chan and I could do is stared helplessly at En-Shou.

"… …What is it?" En-Shou asked, once she noticed our stares, "Why are both of your eyes filled with pity? Is there something you two would like to say?"

"No, not really," I shrugged. I guess she was expecting some sort of congratulation or something. "Good luck…"

"Humph. I have never asked a commoner like you to encourage me…" Arrogant as always.

"No, I guess not," Touka-chan laughed a bit, "You are a very distinguished person, right? Well, we shall help you in any way that we can…"

"Yeah," I nodded, "so cheer up…"

"…Of course you two will," En-Shou arrogantly blurted out, "I am the leader of this Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition, after all…"

"That's right…"

"The others are simply jealous of me and my noble birth. That is why I am not at all, not in the slightest, not a tiny smidgeon lonesome…"

"…" We didn't ask her if she was lonesome.

"… … …Humph, how long are you going to stay here? Why do you not hurry up and go back to your camp already?"

"Oh, yeah. But…"

"What about our posts?" Touka-chan wondered.

"I shall let you all know later…"

"But…" Touka-chan tried again, but I place my hand on her shoulder, signaling her to give up.

"Okay," I nodded and began to make my way out of the tent with Shuri and Touka-chan, "Anyway…good luck…"

En-Shou replied with a simple arrogant huffed.

"Oh boy," Shuri moaned in exhaustion, "…that was something…"

"You said it," I chuckled, equally exhausted for a different reason.

"…Do you think," Touka-chan began with worry, "we can win against the Hei-Shuu Army when things are as such within the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition?"

"I do not know," Shuri admitted, with a hint of uneasiness, "The Hei-Shuu Army is shrouded in mystery to begin with. I cannot estimate whether we can win or not, desu …"

"You're right," I nodded in understanding, "We don't even know what Tou-Taku is like or how big her army is…"

"Indeed. No matter how many spies we send, nobody returns, desu. They have probably been…"

"Taken prisoner?" Touka-chan rushed to say. It's optimistic, really, though. The only other possibility is that they were all eliminated.

"Yes, desu. That is why I am scared. I do not know how this war or our future will turn out, desu …"

"You are right," Touka-chan nodded gravely, "We have no information on the scale of our enemy or their armaments, which is necessary information for a battle…"

"Yeah," I agreed, "It is disturbing…"

"Anyway," Shuri continued, "We must try to get as much information as possible for now. Otherwise it shall be too dangerous…"

"That's true," I nodded before looking guiltily at our strategist, "Sorry to depend on you all the time, but please work on that…"

"Yes," Touka-chan smiled brightly at Shuri, "We are counting on you, Shuri-chan…"

"Gladly!" Shuri nodded with a smile, and we thank her as we made our way back to the Yuu-Shu Army's camp where everyone is waiting for us.

Izumi's P.O.V.

"…Welcome back, Sou-Sou-sama," I greeted with a polite and professional bow as the mention and her company entered the tent, "…I trust that the meeting proved mostly fruitless?"

"And how~," the one to answer was Jun-Iku-dono huffed impatiently as she angrily threw the cup of tea that Ten-I-dono had offer after gulping it all, shattering it on the ground, "As a vassal, I could not voice my opinion during the meeting, but I must say it now: IT WAS A COMPLETE WASTE OF KARIN-SAMA'S TIME! All that was accomplished was extinguishing Karin-sama's patient…"

"Oh~?" My interest was perked immediately. It was extremely rare that Sou-Sou-sama would lose her cool so easily as Jun-Iku-dono described it, "The level of stupidity that En-Shou demonstrated must have surpassed my expectation more than what I expected…"

"…She never fails at that!" Jun-Iku-dono huffed, practically forgetting her displeasure for me, "She also never fails at insulting my lovely Karin-sama…"

"So I've heard," I replied halfheartedly because my attention was suddenly occupied by Sou-Sou-sama, how was serious deep in thought, "May I inquire as to what seems to trouble you, Sou-Sou-sama?"

That question immediately caught everyone's attention as they stop either bickering or fuming to gaze at Sou-Sou-sama.

Sou-Sou-sama gave a small chuckle. "As usual, you can see right through me, Shiba Izumi… …Yes, I am trouble, a bit…"

"Impossible!" Kakou-Ton-dono exclaimed in worry.

"And may I inquire as what would trouble one such as yourself, Sou-Sou-sama," I continued.

"…This, Shiba Izumi," Sou-Sou-sama began, "There are problems. Things will not go as easily as I had hoped they would. First, as much as I hate to admit, there is En-Shou, who despite not being a fit general in any field will have the greatest influences once this battle comes to an end; her name alone gives her strength. Son-Saku, who holds an ambition which rivals my own. Son-Ken, a star on the rise and capable warlord as she is already. En-Jutsu, who has as much prestigious as her cousin and she would no doubt used that to her advantage…"

"…And?" I pressed, "Surely, those they are a threat, but none of them so far should trouble you, yes…"

Sou-Sou-sama huffed in agreement before continuing. "…And finally, there is that duo. The naïve Ryuu-Bi and her 'Messenger from Heaven'…"

"…Messenger from Heaven, Sou-Sou-sama?" I was a bit shock, admittedly. Up to this point I've only heard the phrase "Messenger from Heaven" once, and it was address to me. But even I never mention it again. To think that there was someone out there that would actually use the title and attend the meeting.

"Yeah, those two. The Messenger is an ugly man, but it would seem that he can think on his feet at least…"

"…And Ryuu-Bi…" I know that name. It is a name that, hand-in-hand with Sou-Sou-sama, can easily embody a coin's head and tail. Historically, the era of the Three Kingdoms was a struggle between, in actuality, Sou-Sou and Ryuu-Bi. Sou-Sou seeks absolute control to maintain peace; Ryuu-Bi seeks peace by method of easing the people's hearts. While Sou-Sou was feared, Ryuu-Bi was loved by the common folks. For the majority of each of their campaigns, they spent more than half of it fighting each other.

"Yeah, her… She is beginning to draw people to her…"

Though she did not mention it, Sou-Sou-sama must be referring to how Ryuu-Bi is now in possession of Kan-U. It would appear even now, Sou-Sou-sama has her eyes and ear set for the general, though personally I see nothing wrong with it. Tales of the great deeds from the Yuu-Shu Army had spread to Kyo-Shou, most notably tales of Kan-U Unchou. Hearing about her ability, and her beauty, Sou-Sou-sama has been eager to see her for some time.

A little off topic, but I should mention first that I discover something recently about Sou-Sou-sama that I REALLY did not appreciate her having. Sou-Sou-sama…has a sexual interest in the same gender. And because of that, aside from Kyo-Cho-dono, she makes advancements on every female general she has. The others didn't seem to have a problem with it though, but it gives ME the shivers. And my attempts to avoid Sou-Sou-sama's advancements seem only to entice her. There was not a single day that passed that I cannot check my surrounding twice as much as I usually do to ensure my purity.

Anyway, THAT was off topic. I shall speak more about that later if I have time.

"…Is that so, Karin-sama?" Kakou-En-dono muttered, to which Sou-Sou-sama nodded.

"…But what should that matter," I simply shrugged, "It does not make Sou-Sou-sama falter from the path she chose, does it?"

"No! Of course not," Sou-Sou-sama replied immediately, "… …But it tells us, that I am going to have to build up my strength after this all over to forge my path…"

"…We all knew that from the start, Sou-Sou-sama…"

At that, Sou-Sou-sama laughed before preparing to leave the tent. "Indeed. … …On that note, I think I shall stop over at the Yuu-Shu army for the moment…"

"…! K-Karin-sama!" Kakou-Ton-dono exclaimed in worry, "You cannot just wander into other's camp unprotected-!"

"Then why don't you Kakou-Ton-dono accompany Sou-Sou-sama already?" I suggested, "It is not like you can't…"

"Uh, right!" Kakou-Ton rushed after Sou-Sou-sama, "Karin-sama! I shall escort you!"

"My, my," Kakou-En-dono sighed with a smile before going after her sister.

"Well now," Jun-Iku-dono huffed, "While those two are off with Karin-sama, we should get our troops ready…"

"Agreed," I nodded, earning a glare from Jun-Iku-dono.

Taiki's P.O.V.

"…We have return!" I heard Sheren's voice called as she, Renfa, and Meirin reenter the camp.

"Yo!" I called out to greet as everyone else came over, "How did it go?"

Sheren laughed. "It was most entertaining~…"

"…? Is it? I thought it would be boring…"

"Well, in a sense, it was," Meirin sighed, "The meeting end up turning from live comedy drama into selfish declaration made by En-Shou…"

I couldn't help but scratch my head in confusion. "What happen? Did En-Shou act as if she had a stick up her ass or something?"

At my question, Meirin comically caught herself from falling over while Sheren, Non, and Sai did their best to suppress their laughter. Renfa and Shishun just sweat dropped.

"General Taiki Sonoma! Such a vulgar thing to say!"

"What? Don't tell that was actually the case-…"

"It was not!"

"B-Basically," Renfa rushed to say, "En-Shou just selfishly declare herself the leader of the coalition and nothing else was accomplished…"

"… … …Oh~, seriously~?" I stroke my chin.

"Seriously…"

"…Huh, boy, are we going to suffer badly…"

"Indeed," Sai shook her head in disappointment, "with things like this at the start of the campaign, it is no doubt a bad omen…"

"…Think we can win like this?" Non wondered.

"Well," Meirin sighed, "even if we realize it now, it is too late to withdraw. The Coalition will just simply turn on us…"

"… …Speaking of which," Sheren hummed as she suddenly turned to me, "Taiki, what do you think of the Coalition so far, without adding En-Shou into the fact?"

"…Not a great deal at a glance, Sheren," I replied after thinking for a while, "Most of them sound like people without honor, lacking in courage. I'm sure that Tou-Taku would be quaking in her slippers right about now…"

"…That sarcasm strikes harder than I thought," Shishun sweat dropped.

Sheren chuckled. "Indeed, I do not trust any of them. Now can any of you blame me? I have only myself and you all to trust and, of course, the great strength of Kou-Tou…"

"Wasn't that your intent from the start?" I wondered.

Sheren chuckled once again. "Naturally…"

"…But Nee-sama," Renfa pondered, "While I can understand the likes of Sou-Sou and En-Shou, perhaps the ones from the Yuu-Shu Army are worth considering to trust?"

"…You mean Ryuu-Bi and that 'Messenger from Heaven'?"

"…? Oh?" I blinked with a chuckle, "Someone else besides me is called a 'Messenger from Heaven', and is attending the Coalition?"

"… …As disturbing as it is, yes," Meirin grumbled.

"Really now~? Is he strong?"

"… … …Uh," Renfa thought for a moment before giving an unsure answer, "At the very least he is not weak, I guess. But he does not look strong either…"

"Though he seems to be a capable boy at most," Sheren chuckled, "The way he played ignorant in front of En-Shou…priceless…"

"Is that right?" I nodded, "Sound like someone I could get along with…"

"Sure you could," Meirin rolled her eyes.

"Well then," Sheren stretched herself before walking off toward the army, "I shall go say a few things to the soldiers and get their spirits up. They are going to need it…"

"I shall accompany you, Sheren," Meirin stated before following.

"… …Taiki," Sai spoke to me as soon as Sheren and Meirin are out of earshot, "When we actually enter the battlefield, please watch after Sheren extra carefully. She has no subtlety in war, like a wild boar…"

"I am sure that is not what Sai-dono means," Renfa sweat dropped, before her sweat drop grew even bigger, "The part about Nee-sama being a wild boar, of course…"

I couldn't help but chuckled. "No problem~! Those enemies of ours wouldn't even touch her…"

"…Taiki, please be careful yourself. You may be one of the strongest warriors of the land right now, but you are not invincible…"

"That what makes battle like this fun…"

"Ugh…you are impossible," Shishun sighed.

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't…"

"That is not exactly what Shishun means~…" Non sweat dropped.

Sai gazed at us bickering, and I could have sworn that I heard her say under her breath, "The confidence of youth. Ah, to be young again…"

Kazuto's P.O.V.

"…Welcome back, My Lord and Lady," Aisha greeted warmly once she saw us enter the tent.

"Welcome back!" Rinrin chimed as well.

"We have return!" Touka-chan smiled at their greeting.

I puffed a sighed. "I'm exhausted…"

"You must want a rest," Aisha stated as she offer both Touka-chan and I a seat, at which we gladly accept and seated ourselves down. Shuri was tried too, but she went to pour us some tea before seating herself down, "… …How did the war council go?"

"Well…" I managed before noticing that Touka-chan and Shuri flinching as well.

At last, Shuri decided to speak up in our place. "…Nothing really happened… I guess that is all I can say…"

"Nyah?" Rinrin tilted her head in confusion, "What do you mean?"

"…En-Shou-san and Sou-Sou-san got into a fight," Touka-chan sighed, "and while Hakukei-chan mediated and continued the war council, En-Shou-san selfishly decided everything herself, so everyone left…"

"What the heck? I do not get it…"

"I don't get it either," I huffed humorless chuckle.

"…En-Shou-san said she would let us know about our posts later," Touka-chan continued, "Basically, hardly anything was decided in the war council…"

"Yes, to put it simply…" Shuri confirmed.

"…!" Aisha face distorted into rage once Touka-chan and Shuri finished, "Why are you wasting our time? How can we fight like this!?"

"Hawa~!" Shuri yelped at Aisha's loud and angry words as she and Touka-chan shrunk back.

"…I know how you feel, Aisha," I sighed; I was so exhausted I didn't even shrink away from Aisha's unreasonable rage, "But there's no need to get angry with us…"

Blinking at my calm words, Aisha suddenly realized what she was doing and looked down in shame. "Ah…S-Sorry…"

"It's okay. We can understand why you're angry, right?" I directed that question to Touka-chan and Shuri, both nodding in agreement, "Anyways, I want to send out a spy to gather information on the Tou-Taku Army…"

"We have picked a few men who can run fast and who are clever," Shuri informed, "We shall send them right away…"

"Where should we send them?" Aisha wondered.

"To Shi-Sui Pass and Kou-Ran Pass…I believe it shall be difficult to break into their fortresses, but we should be able to get a look at them from afar…"

"I hope they can find something out," Rinrin mumbled.

We felt uneasy about our lack of intelligence on the Tou-Taku Army, but we put our heads together to come up with something anyhow. Just then…

"…Excuse me!" a brisk voice resounded throughout the camp, catching our attention. We peered outside to see three heavily equipped people coming into the camp, "Our Lord, Sou Moutoku needs to see General Kan. Where is General Kan?"

While the rest of us trade questionable glances at each other, Aisha walked up angrily to the three intruders, one who was definitely Sou-Sou, who we met back in the Coalition Tent.

"How dare thee rudely barge in like this and ask for someone!" Aisha hollered at the rudeness.

The one who shouted out early glared at Aisha. "Who art thee?"

"My name is Kan-U! I am the first vassal of the Messenger from Heaven and the Descendant of Imperial Royalty, the Green Dragon Blade of Yuu-Shu! Thou hast no right to talk to me that way!"

"Watch thy mouth! Art thou trying to mock me, Kakou-Ton Genjou?"

"Stop, Shunran," Sou-Sou suddenly ordered.

"Ah… Karin-sama…" With that, Kakou-Ton, who I presume to be her aide-de-camp, quieted down and made way for Sou-Sou.

Sou-Sou looked at Aisha with eyes full of confidence and pride.

"Nice to meet you, I should say, Kan-U. My name is Sou Moutoku, the one who will rule this land someday," She announced her name with an arrogant smile, "I heard of your reputation. They say you are a just and brave general with beautiful black hair who easily wields the Green Dragon Crescent Blade. That is wonderful. Your technique, your power, and your will to sacrifice yourself for your ideals. That is beautiful…" There was so much compliments in there I thought she was advertising.

"Beautiful…?" Aisha blinked at, to her, strange compliments, "You make it sound like I am weak…"

"Your existence is worthwhile because you are beautiful. Ugly men are not worth existing…" …Somehow, I feel like those words were directed to me. My hunch was confirmed when she gave me a nasty glance.

"Why are you looking at me?" Nevertheless, I played ignorant, though I'm not sure how much that would fool her.

"That is because thou art ugly, of course…"

"What!?" I didn't expect her to affirm it.

"Even if Heaven allows a general as beautiful as Kan-U serve such an ugly man, I will not," Sou-Sou returned her attention to Aisha, "…Kan-U…why do you not become mine?"

"…!?" Aisha blinked at this.

"If you become mine, you can realize your ideals using my elite army, not some destitute militia such as this army. Superior talent, ample soldiers, abundant war funds; all of these will be at your disposal as you pursue your ideals, if you become mine…"

Aisha continued to listen, but her face remained neutral, neither entices or disgusted by Sou-Sou proposal.

"What do you think? I do not think it is a bad deal-…"

"Do not be ridiculous!" Aisha suddenly declared, actually shocking Sou-Sou, "My only Lord and Lady are Kazuto-sama and Touka-sama. My Lord and Lady and I will realize my ideas without relying on thou!"

"How rude of thee!" Kakou-Ton growled angrily, "How dare thee speak to Karin-sama in such a manner!"

"Art thou not the ones who mocked me without even understanding what my true wishes were!?"

"I will listen no more!" Kakou-Ton roared as she drew her blade, "I will not allow thee to ridicule Karin-sama!"

"Oh~…Do thou wish to fight?" Aisha angrily retorted as she ready her Crescent Blade, "Then if thou art prepared to face my blows, come at me!"

Aisha and Kakou-Ton were pointing their weapons at each other. This was quickly becoming a volatile situation.

"Hey, wait, wait!" I hastily stepped in to defuse it, "This not the time for personal duels!"

"But-!" Aisha began but this time Touka-chan stepped in, literally, between the two.

"T-This is the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition's encampment!" Touka-chan pleaded, reminding the two of their position, "If the soldiers found out we were having internal conflicts, our whole army would lose confidence in command! Please think about that!"

Aisha clicked her tongue in displeasure, but she nevertheless understood Touka-chan's point and tried to hide her frustration as she lowered her blade.

"…You too, Shunran," Sou-Sou commanded her aide-de-camp.

"B-But-!" Kakou-Ton began only to fall short when she saw her lord's glare.

"…Shunran…"

"Yes, Karin-sama…" At the rebuke made by Sou-Sou, Kakou-Ton reluctantly lowered her weapon.

"Whew~," I sighed in relief. At least we avoided the worst case scenario. But, as expected, the nearest soldiers were growing restless.

Sou-Sou spoke, once again addressing Aisha, after a quick glance at them. "I shall withdraw for now. But remember, I will always get what I want; no matter what means necessary. Then, once I make you mine, I would not be gentle anymore. I shall take such good care of you that the ropes and whips leave bright red marks on your fair skin~!"

Her tone was frighteningly seductive, even Touka-chan shivered a bit. Then she glared at me and Touka-chan with eyes brimming with disgust.

"I shall leave Kan-U in thy hands for now. But remember, I will do anything to make Kan-U mine. Until that time comes, enjoy thy little game of 'comrades'…"

Normally, I would refrain from pick fights or declaring war, but this Sou-Sou went too far with her assumption of our bonds.

"…We won't let you have Kan-U," I declared to her in the most neutral voice I could muster, "It's no game; if we are not partners we are family!"

"…Our bonds are much stronger than your desire for my sister, Sou-Sou-san," Touka determinedly informed, "It will take more than anything you can say or do to break that…"

"My Lord," Aisha blinked at our declaration, touched, "My Lady…"

Sou-Sou blinked at our combined response, before huffing arrogantly. "Oh~, is that so? However, both of thy determination means nothing. After all, Heaven is on my side. Heaven has decided that Kan-U will be mine! Heh-Heh…"

Sou-Sou smiled with composure before addressing her subordinates. "Shunran and Shuuran. I am done here. We are leaving…"

"Yes, ma'am!" Kakou-Ton immediately replied.

"As you wish," the other one with short light-blue hair nodded calmly.

And with that, they left as arrogantly as they came in.

Izumi's P.O.V.

We were all in the middle of planning our assault patterns, obviously since the Supreme Commander is an incompetent mercenary, when Sou-Sou-sama return from her trip to the Yuu-Shu Faction's camp. It didn't take long though, even for one as low level of thinking such as Kyo-Cho-dono, to see that Sou-Sou-sama's mood has become foul.

"Karin-sama! Why does Karin-sama have such a displeasing face?" Jun-Iku-dono inclined.

"…Ugh," Kakou-Ton-dono huffed as she drank down a cup of refreshments that Ten-I-dono had provided, "Even Karin-sama should not know where to begin!"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Basically," Kakou-En-dono began, "Karin-sama got rejected, rather harshly might I add…"

"…! R-Rejected!? Harshly!?"

"In other words," I sighed knowingly, "Sou-Sou-sama failed to obtain General Kan-U-dono, I presume?"

"… …So you already have foreseen this, Shiba Izumi," Sou-Sou-sama chuckled haughtily at my words, "Was my intent that obvious?"

"Sou-Sou-sama's reputation for obtaining talented warriors is not commonly unheard of, Sou-Sou-sama…"

"True," Sou-Sou-sama sighed.

"…Kan-U Unchou," Kakou-Ton-dono hissed, "How dare she, belittle Karin-sama in such a way. Had it not been for Karin-sama's mercy I would have looped her head off for her insolences. Does she not know what sort of privilege it is for Karin-sama herself to come and personally invite her?"

"Evidently not," Jun-Iku-dono huffed and joined maligning Kan-U, "She must have been some arrogant fool, obviously not worth Karin-sama's time-…"

"I beg to differ, Jun-Iku-dono," I stepped in, "perhaps it would be more accurate to say she has yet to learn of Karin-sama's true greatness…"

"What are you implying, Shiba Izumi! Karin-sama has demonstrated her greatness during the Yellow Scarves Rebellion-…"

"So have Son-Saku, Kouson-San, and even the leaders of Yuu-Shu. Besides, we can hardly call rounding up a bunch of misguided peasants as something worth mentioning to anyone…"

"But then there is-…"

"Like I have stated, Jun-Iku-dono, anything related to the Yellow Scarves Rebellion is nothing worth mentioning. Be it that Sou-Sou-sama was the one responsible for locating and eradicating the one behind the rebellion, the rebellion itself was a mere warm-up for Sou-Sou-sama…"

"Indeed," Sou-Sou-sama laughed, this time with her mood lighten considerably, "So, Shiba Izumi, how do you propose I obtain Kan-U then?"

"It will not be easy, though then again if it were it will be too dull…"

"There is truth in that…so?"

"We can start by taking care of the traitor of the Imperial Court…"

Karin-sama laughed. "My, what a coincidence that is exactly what we are doing…"

"…Even I could easily come up with something like that," Jun-Iku-dono mumbled to herself as she glared at me with eyes fill with animosity.

Kazuto's P.O.V.

"Who do they think they are!?" Aisha angrily managed later.

"Now, now, calm down," I tried to defuse her anger, but that only seem to serve as fuel for the fire.

"How can I possibly be calm!?"

"A-Aisha, please do not direct that at us," Touka-chan nervously asked.

"So that is Sou-Sou…" Rinrin hummed with some interest, "She is tiny!"

I could help but sweat dropped at her choice of comments. "T-Tiny isn't exactly the word I would use, Rinrin…"

"But her ambition is extraordinary," Shuri complimented, "No wonder people extol her as a hero…"

"How can you calmly judge her like that!?" Aisha exclaimed in shock, "Ah~, jeez! 'I want you'! How creepy!"

"I can kind of understand her, though," I chuckled. Sou-Sou historically wanted Kan-U as well, but it would appear in this alternate world Sou-Sou seeks Kan-U in a totally unexpected way.

"My Lord!" Aisha took my words the wrong way.

"Uh, no! That's not what I meant…"

"… …Aisha," Touka suddenly voiced, "Are you sure about declining?"

"…? Decline what?" Aisha pondered in return.

"Sou-Sou-san's offer… …Unfortunately, she is right. Our army is poor. If you want to realize your ideals, then maybe you should-…"

"My Exalted Sister…" Uh-oh, that phrase. Whenever she addresses me or Touka-chan as "My Exalted Brother/Sister", it is a warning that Aisha was about to lose her temper completely. Touka immediately froze her speech. "I shall be angry if you say anymore…"

"B-But…"

"No buts about it! Both of you are my only Lord and Lady. I vowed that would never change, no matter what happened. Or…am I not needed here anymore?"

"N-N-No, no! Not at all like so, Aisha!"

"Of course you are needed!" I added in, "I personally want you to be with me forever, Aisha!"

"…!? M-My Lord?"

"Hey~," Rinrin booed cutely, "Onii-chan, what about Rinrin?"

"Of course you too, Rinrin," I patted her on the head.

"… … …Hawa~," Shuri glance at me nervously.

"Of course I want you to be with me too, Shuri!" I smiled as I patted her on the head. When her smile didn't appear, I sighed. "I meant it for Hinari as well…"

Finally, Shuri giggled… …while Touka-chan pouted, pinching her index fingers together.

"…I don't mean any less for you either, Touka-chan," I sighed, "…Hey, wait a minute, if this happen again are you all implying that I have to comfort all of you like this?"

The girls laughed nervously.

"…The same for me, My Lord," Aisha smiled, "I want to be with you forever, My Lord…"

I know I said something like that in a similar manner, but I still couldn't help but blush upon hearing that. "O-Okay. I'm glad…"

"Onii-chan," Rinrin glee, "You are blushing~!"

"Hee-Hee," Shuri giggled, "She is right…"

"Sure, of course I'm a little embarrassed," I admitted shyly, "I didn't think she'd say that…"

"But Kazuto-kun," Touka-chan giggled, "You said the same thing~!"

"Uh, well…"

"But I am surprise, Aisha," Touka glanced mischievously at Aisha, "I was not aware Aisha would also say something that sounds like a proposal~…"

"…!" Aisha froze on the spot, before blushing like crazy, "M-My Lady! I-If you say that, then you shall make me embarrassed too~!"

"You are both beet red," Rinrin teased.

"R-R-R-Rinrin! Anymore, and I shall be angry!"

"Rinrin is not afraid when Aisha is like this~!" Rinrin stuck her tongue out to tease Aisha.

"Oh~, you all seem to be having fun!" a voice which seems to belong to a bright and cheerful girl suddenly commented.

We turn to see two girls entering the camp and walking towards us. The one in lead was a brunette with long hair tied in a single ponytail with two long hair strands, each held black hair warps, hanging down the side of her face that was cheerful as her violet-color eyes. She wore a short green dress with black long sleeves, white triangular flaps covering the topmost part of her body, and a black ribbon on her front near the neck on her hourglass-shape body. She wore a short white pleated skirt that did not help hide her long legs, though they only still made her as tall as Aisha, which are covered in thigh-high white boots. On hand she carries a Cross Spear.

The one following really did look like European Knight, with the armor obviously are feminine. She was armored from head to toe except for her thighs with dull gray armor, wore a knight helmet with only her mouth region exposed, long golden hair flowed down her back, sharp green eyes glowed from the dark slits of the helmet's mask, and possess Duel Halberd. Both of them were girls we'd never seen before.

"Who art thou?" Aisha questioned immediately, fuming as she remember her previous uninvited guest, "Why art thee here in our camp-?"

"Hey, Aisha," I cut in with a sweat drop, "Don't be rude to her because of what just happened…"

"Ah-! S-Sorry…" Aisha bowed in apology.

"…?" the brunette tilted her head in confusion as she inquire with the same voice we heard earlier, "Did something happen?"

"No, nothing!" Rinrin answered, "By the way, who are you two?"

"Us? I'm Ba-Chou," the girl introduced before pointing to her companion, "And this is our camp's aid-de-camp, Hou-Taku. Nice to meet you!"

"Nice to meet you two too!"

"…Pleasure," the armor girl replied with a polite bow and a smile.

"…Ba-Chou? Hou-Taku?" I repeated in shock, "They're…"

Just like Kan-U and the others, Ba-Chou Mouki was historically a brave general who served Ryuu-Bi in his later years. Whereas Hou-Taku Reimei was a general under Ba-Chou who later join forces with Sou-Sou and Sou-Gi. … …Does this mean that these girls are eventually joining us and Sou-Sou respectively?

"Is there not a daughter of Ba-Tou-san, the feudal lord of the Sei-Ryou District, who has the same name?" Shuri inquired.

"That is I," Ba-Chou held her head up proudly, "Ba-Tou is my father and our commander…"

"…Indeed," Hou-Taku nodded to confirm.

"Oh~!" Aisha awed, "Then she must be the renowned 'Ba-Chou the Splendid', yes?"

"…That is correct…"

"Aw~, do not be so polite, you are all making me itch all over," Ba-Chou lightly scratched her cheek in embarrassment, "Just call Ba-Chou…"

"…You cannot be so carefree, Princess Ba-Chou…"

"Hey~, Kimi, please do not call me that here~…!"

"…Understood…"

"Did you really?"

"Alright," Aisha giggled at the two's exchange, "then I shall call you Ba-Chou then. My name is Kan-U…"

"Rinrin name is Chou-Hi…" Rinrin chimed.

"Ryuu-Bi Gentoku," Touka-chan bowed politely, "it is a pleasure to meet you two…"

"I am Shokatsu-Ryou," Shuri introduce herself, "My common name is Koumei. Nice to meet you!"

"Same here," Ba-Chou smiled brightly.

"… … …Uh, hey?" I raised my hand for attention, "Did you all forget about me?"

"HAWA~!?" Shuri exclaimed, "That is right!"

"You did, didn't you…?" I grumbled.

"Nyah-ha-ha!" Rinrin chuckled in a tease, "Onii-chan is always overshadowed!"

"Maybe you're right, but…" I began before giving up with a sigh, "…I'm Kazuto Hongou, nice to meet you…"

"Oh~~!" Ba-Chou exclaimed with interested, "So you are the Messenger from Heaven, huh?"

"Yeah, I guess…"

"I see. But…hmm…I do not mean to be rude, but you do not look so strong…"

"…How is that not being rude, Ba-Chou-sama?" Hou-Taku sweat dropped.

"Of course not!" I pouted, "Compared to Kan-U and Chou-Hi, I'm not strong at all…"

"Is that right?" Ba-Chou tilted her head.

"No, that is not true," Touka-chan denied before winking at me, "Kazuto-kun here save me from a group of bandits all by himself. There is no way he is weak…"

"She is being too kind," I muttered, "I'm not really strong at all…"

"But, My Lord," Shuri chimed, "you and Our Lady has the strength to be a leader…"

"Onii-chan and Touka-nee-chan can just let us do the fighting!" Rinrin stated.

"I see," Ba-Chou nodded in understanding, "So that is the kind of strength you have…"

"…It would seems the rumor is not completely false, then," Hou-Taku stated.

"Of course not!" Aisha beamed proudly, "He IS Our Lord, after all!"

"No, honestly…" I scratch the back of my head, embarrassed, "You are too kind…"

"Hmm~?" Ba-Chou teased, "Are you being bashful?"

"Ah~…Shut up!"

Ba-Chou laughed. "I am just kidding!"

"How can I believe you're just kidding when you're laughing like that?"

"…He is right, you know," Hou-Taku noted.

"Well, maybe," Ba-Chou nervously laughed, "But really, I do not mean to tease him…"

"Then what do you mean?" I wondered.

"Let me see… I can see you have a good relationship as lord, lady, and their retainer, and that makes me want to smile…"

"You're still teasing me in a way…"

"No, really, I do not mean to!"

"…It is not manly of you to be stuck on it," Hou-Taku advised me.

"…You're right, thanks," I bow apologetically, "By the way…why are you two here, Ba-Chou and Hou-Taku?"

"Huh?" Ba-Chou blinked before thumping her palm, "Ah, I received a message from En-Shou to let all the armies know about the deployment formations. That is what we have come to do…"

"Deployment formations?" Aisha repeated, "Are we finally preparing to attack?"

"…It would seem so," Hou-Taku nodded, "You are all be bringing up as rear guard, since you do not possess many soldiers…"

"… …Ugh. Our soldiers are all matchless men of valor though…"

"That's true," I sighed, "but with our numbers, I don't want to be the vanguard…"

"Agreed," Touka-chan sighed as well.

"The rear guard has its own way to fighting," Shuri stated, "With Aisha-san and Rinrin-chan, I am sure our army will do a great job, desu!"

"Leave it to us!" Rinrin thumped her undeveloped chest, "So where are Ba-Chou and Hou-Taku stationed?"

"We—or rather my father—are placed on the left flank," Ba-Chou informed, "so I shall be there too…"

"Is that so? It is too bad we cannot fight together…"

"I know. I wish I could fight with the famous Kan-U and Chou-Hi…Well, just watch me fight from the rear guard, okay? I shall settle with fighting alongside Kimi-san for now…"

"…Ah-! …That is mean," Hou-Taku comically sulked.

"We will," Aisha nodded, "Be safe, okay?"

"Of course," Ba-Chou nodded with determination, "I would not die in a battle like this. See you all later…"

"…Farewell," Hou-Taku bowed politely.

"Okay," I smiled, "Be careful…"

"And good luck," Touka-chan smiled as well.

"Same to you," Ba-Chou said, waving her hand as she and Hou-Taku left.

"Well," I coughed, "shall we get ready to depart for the front?"

After a collective "Yeah~!" we immediately set to action.

Another updated and done~!

Only one new Common Name; that's Ka-Yuu. Her Commone name is "Hokorini" which means "Proud". As you have read, Ka-Yuu is proud of her ability as a warrior, up to the point that she see herself no lesser than the strongest in the land. If have seen the VN already, we all know what that led up to. I was going for reckless, but none of the Japanese translation sounds right to me so I went with proud.

Next Chapter, the battle begins at Shi-Sui Pass. How will the heavily divided Coalition deal with the General that has absolute confidences in her skills? R&R please~!