Unmatched † Lovely Princess ~Maidenly Romance of Three Kingdoms~
Chapter 008: The Battle of Shi-Sui Pass
Disclaimer: I do not own Koihime Musou, visual novel or anime. I heard a manga version exist as well, but I don't own that either. So far, the only thing I do have some minor ownership over is the new OC that officially appeared in the last chapter, Hou-Taku Reimei. This OC is new in the Koihime Musou universe. Please do not sue me!
Aisha and Rinrin gave commands to our units and began preparations for battle. In the middle of that, Shuri had the presence of mind to procure plenty of weapons from the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition…or should I say filched them. We handed them out to each of our units, raising our own fighting strength. …This is the sad thing about our poor army. I'm thankful for the rulers who prepared more than enough weapons and supplies. We had to swipe so many things it was hard to believe we were a proper army, but we finally arrayed and waited for the signal to depart.
Later, En-Shou appeared before everyone and began to give out orders. "Sou-Sou and Son-Saku, you have your Kyo-Shou Army and Kou-Tou Army along with four others take the vanguard. Sei-Ryou Army, led by Ba-Tou-san, shall be our left flank with two other armies. Hakukei-san and her Ryou-Sei Army will be our right flank also with two other armies. The En Family, my Ki-Shuu army and Miu-chan's Ju-Shun army, shall be the main force, with the poor, weak and worthless Yuu-Shu Army positioned as our rear guard. First, our vanguard will lead the advance, followed by our left and right flanks; we shall intimidate the troops at Shi-Sui Pass with our overwhelming numbers! Alright, everyone! We are breaking through Shi-Sui Pass~!"
After the gallant cry made by En-Shou, the entire army let out a cheer and began marching towards Shi-Sui Pass.
We marched for several hours. Eventually we entered a wide ravine with very steep cliff-faces on either side. In the center if the ravine, we encountered a gateway rising in the way of our march.
"Is that Shi-Sui Pass?" I wondered.
Shuri nodded in confirmation. "Yes, desu. It is one of the two forts that protect the capital, Raku-You, desu…"
Aisha couldn't help but give an unease frown as she noted that the march shows no sign of slowing down. "Attacking a stronghold like Shi-Sui Pass with a frontal assault is an insane idea…"
"I completely agree with Aisha," Touka-chan added, also giving an unease frown at the pass.
"But…" Shuri sighed, "I do not think En-Shou is the type to adopt any strategy, so once the army is ranked up, I imagine she shall give the order to charge…"
"Mm~…" Rinrin pouted, "En-Shou is stupid…"
Touka-chan comically stopped herself from falling over. "You are too direct, Rinrin-chan…"
"It is only the truth…"
"Yeah, you're right," I huffed in agreement, "But…we have to follow that stupid command…"
"We cannot sabotage the endeavor," Shuri nodded with a sigh.
"However," Aisha's face strained at the thought of the consequences, "if we attack without any strategy, does she have any idea how heavy the losses would be?"
"You are absolutely right. We are the rear guard, so we are actually in a relatively good position…"
"Rinrin feel sorry for the vanguard," Rinrin frowned in sympathy, "Rinrin hope Ba-Chou will be okay…"
"I am sure she will be fine," Touka-chan smiled in reassurance, "I may not be as skill of a martial artist such as Rinrin-chan or Aisha, but I can still tell that Ba-Chou-san is strong. Ordinary soldiers are no matched for her…"
"I hope so," I admitted, "I'm a little worried though. With even Ba-Chou and her army following this stupid command…"
"…Yes," Touka-chan sweat dropped, "I see your point…"
Just then, a messenger arrived and kneed in respect. "A message for General Kan!"
"Yes!" Aisha professionally spoke up, "Speak up!"
"We now know the leaders of the enemy! The General is Ka-Yuu! The aide-de-camps are Ri-Shu-Ku, Ko-Shin, and Chou-Shin!"
"Thank you. Return to your post and rest for a while…"
"Yes, ma'am…" And with that he rushed off.
"Ka-Yuu is the General, huh…?" Shuri noted in worry.
"Have you heard of her, Shuri," Touka-chan wondered.
"Yes. Ka-Yuu Hokorini, a well-known General of the Hei-Shuu Army, the army led by Tou-Taku. In Hei-Shuu, she was praised as a worthy General of great prowess…"
"What is she like?" I questioned further, "Is she strong?"
"She will be a tough General," Aisha answered with both worry and anticipation. Aisha must be feeling excited at the perception of fighting a strong adversary.
"But it shall be a catwalk once Rinrin goes up against her!" Rinrin smirked irresponsibly.
"It will not be that easy…We should not overestimate ourselves…"
"That's right," I nodded in agreement, "Though since we're the in the rear, it doesn't have much to do with us…"
Suddenly, an alarm broke out among our ranks and loud war cries can be heard even further behind us.
"W-What is happening!?" Touka-chan managed though she was startled.
"T-There is an enemy army behind us!" a soldier shouted in response, "It is an ambush by the Hei-Shuu Army!"
"HAWA!?" Shuri exclaimed in shock, "M-My Lord and Lady! We must prepare to intercept them quickly! Aisha-san, Rinrin-chan!"
"Leave it to Rinrin!" Rinrin declared as she ready her Viper Spear.
"Yes!" Aisha tightened her grip on her Green Dragon Crescent Blade before calling to the Army, "All units, about face! We are more than enough to intercept the enemy!"
"I'm counting on you, Aisha!" I noted as I ready my wooden sword, "Everyone, be careful!"
"Yeah!" a huge a valiant war cry broke out among our ranks.
"Everyone let us begin!" Rinrin bellowed.
"Yuu-Shu Army of the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition," Touka called out as she drew her swords and pointed Virtue at the charging enemy, "Charge~~!"
Izumi's P.O.V
We have yet to reach the gate when battle roars echoed out from behind the Coalition Army.
"What has happen," I called out and immediately a soldier ran up with a report.
"Shiba-dono! The rear guard, the Yuu-Shu Army, have engage an Enemy Ambush!"
"…! An Enemy Ambush?" Jun-Iku-dono blinked in shock, "Here in this ravine, with almost no ambush position?"
"Now that is a shock," Sou-Sou-sama mumbled.
"Not necessarily," I informed after a second in thought, "If the General in charge anticipated the Coalition Army's movements beforehand, all they really need to do is wait a good distance outside the ravine and move in when the Coalition enter…"
"Impossible!" Jun-Iku-dono exclaimed at my reasoning, "It is unthinkable to lay such an ambush! The one in charge of the ambush must be confident in their strength and decision just as well as the leading General of Shi-Sui Gate!"
"How about if the General herself led the ambush?"
"…! …T-That is absurd! Who ever heard of a General of a fortress abandoning the fort to lead an ambush unit!?"
"How else would you explain the coincidental timing of the ambush, Jun-Iku-dono?"
"… …That…"
A soldier suddenly rushed up to us. "We have just made confirmation! It would seem the one leading the ambush is none other than General Ka-Yuu!"
"…! She really did lead the ambush!"
"I though as much," I noted, earning a glare from Jun-Iku-dono, before turning to Sou-Sou-sama, "Still this is an excellent opportunity, Sou-Sou-sama…"
"Oh~?" Sou-Sou-sama raised an eyebrow in interest, "How so?"
"Since General Ka-Yuu herself had chosen to lead the ambush herself, it means there are no other capable Generals that she could use. Therefore the only ones guarding the fort are not as strategically dangerous even while we follow the insane order lay out by En-Shou…"
"…Hmmm~, yes~!" Sou-Sou-sama immediately turned to the Kakou Sisters, "Shunran, Shuuran, begin the assault! We must make effort to capture the fort while Ka-Yuu is away!"
"Understood!" the Kakou Sister saluted before order the army to charge.
Taiki's P.O.V.
"…Talk about a sneak attack," I sweat dropped after hearing the report made by a soldier, "So the General of Shi-Sui Pass herself had decided to attack our coalition a*s…"
"Do not put it such a vulgar manner, Taiki Sonoma!" Meirin lectured.
Sheren laughed. "Well, there are some truths in his words, nevertheless…"
"…Will the rear guard be alright?" Renfa asked anxiously, "They have a meager army at best. If the Yuu-Shu army fails their duty, the Coalition will be destroyed from behind…"
"There is truth in that~," Non chimed, "But the first to be harmed after the Yuu-Shu Army would be either the Ki-Shuu Army or the Ju-Shun Army; their armies should be able to repel the ambush force…"
Meirin nodded. "Yes, even if one of them falls we can still continue the fight. En-Shou had it coming to her after all…"
"Whoa, hold on," I blinked, "What if it's not En-Shou but Miu-chan that is target first?"
"… … …I see no reason to worry. Knowing En-Jutsu she shall use her forces to keep herself relatively safe-…"
"Sheren," I turn to Sheren, bowing in respect (I think), "excuse me for a moment while I'll go keep Miu-chan safe…"
"Huh? Ah-!" Before she could reply I dashed off towards the rear of the Coalition. "T-Taiki! Wait a min-!"
"General Taiki Sonoma!" I could hear Meirin scream at me from the behind me, "Get back here!"
"Can't do that~!" I called back, "My job is make sure no one sneaks up on Sheren anyhow, no matter which direction they come from~! Besides, I can't abandon a friend~!"
"Get back you hear!" Meirin exclaimed at the top of her lungs, "I do not care what your excuse is, this is-!"
"That is enough, Meirin," Sheren quieted her friend, "Perhaps it is wise that Taiki went…"
"How can you say that? He is going off to defend someone else!"
"But," Sai noted, "in this battle, only General Ka-Yuu posed as the greatest threat to Sheren-sama. We can defend Sheren against those lackeys who remain in Shi-Sui Pass easily. Protecting En-Jutsu, who is a friend of our previous Lord, is just a side job…"
"Well…yes, but…"
"Meirin," Sheren chuckled as she pointed towards Shi-Sui Pass, "If you do not hurry and tell the army what to do, Sou-Sou and those other Warlords will take all the glory…"
"…! Uh…" Meirin looked back to see that the Kyo-Shou Army were already attacking the pass relentlessly, "Right… …All forces, engage Shi-Sui Pass! We must be the first to take it to bring glory to the Kou-Tou Army!"
The army roared as they charged at the pass.
Sheren was about to go as well, when she notice Renfa giving a relieved sigh as she stared after Taiki's retreating figure.
"You seem happy, Renfa," Sheren inquired, "Was Taiki's action the cause of it?"
Renfa nodded. "Yes. He once spoke how he would defend the weak no matter who they may be. Personally, I find myself smiling seeing that Taiki remain true to his words even after accepting the position in the Kou-Tou Army…"
Sheren giggled. "Yes, he is a good man…"
"What did you say!?" En-Shou exclaimed, bewildered by the news she just receive, "those traitors dare to use such an underhanded trick against the justify Coalition!?"
"It would appear so, Princess-sama," the soldier confirmed.
"…Well, we shouldn't really be surprise," a cyan-color haired girl with a blue ribbon in her cropped short messy hair, acting like a headband, and cocky blue eyes shrugged. She wore green and purple long-sleeves short dress with a deep-red ribbon tied around her waist and pleated white skirt, her stocking is white, and wore ankle-high white boots. She possesses golden armor covering her small breast and one shoulder and has a Great Sword for a weapon. "They are the bad guys…"
En-Shou clicked her tongue. "For once, Bun-Shuu-san, I must agree with you…"
"What should we do, Princess-sama?" a girl with shoulder-length well-combed dark-blue hair and concerned dark-red eyes questioned. She wore similar clothing to Bun-Shuu except in blue theme with the ribbon being light-green; her legs thigh high stocking and shin-high white boots. And unlike Bun-Shuu, she has golden-color armor covering her leg from knee down to her ankle, breast, shoulders, and her entire arm; she also carries a large golden war hammer with a long handle. "The Yuu-Shu Army is now engaging them but it could only be a matter of time before they break through and assault us!"
"Ah~, let Ka-Yuu come," Bun-Shuu Kanarion smirked, "when she does, we can just clobber her…"
En-Shou laughed her monarch laugh. "That is an excellent answer, Bun-Shuu-san. You are right; the Yuu-Shu Army is nothing significant to worry about. When the Hei-Shuu Ambush Unit comes, we shall show them our true glorious strength! Right, Gan-Ryou-san?"
Gan-Ryou Miruni sweat dropped at her companions' overconfidence. "…Uh, before thinking about our glory, should we not send reinforcement to the Ju-Shun Army at least? En-Jutsu-sama is not as well equipped as our force, remember?"
"Oh yes, I suppose I should," En-Shou nodded and turn to Bun-Shuu, "Bun-Shuu-san, go look after my adorable little cousin would you? And take out Ka-Yuu while you are at it…"
"No problem," Bun-Shuu smirked and began to make her way out, "See you two later then…"
"Please be careful!" Gan-Ryou called after.
"I shall be fine," Bun-Shuu called back, "You worry too much!"
Kazuto's P.O.V.
Yuu-Shu Army of Five Thousand against Eighteen Thousand enemy soldiers. Yielding Shuri's advice about the lack of manpower, we took a defensive formation to meet the Hei-Shuu Army's direct frontal attack head on.
I was expecting it, but an actual battle really was tougher to handle. Unlike when we were fighting the Yellow Scarves, who just about anyone can eliminate in matters of hours, here in a real war battles expands over a period of days. Perhaps it's due to the quick exhaustion of troops, but each army was only capable of charging in seriously only once a day, with the remaining time of the day spent eating, resting, and guarding. During those times, we had to be wary of the enemy's sneak attacks and night raid attacks. But perhaps due to the fact that Ka-Yuu was such a prideful warrior, she never made any such attempts, which was good for us but we are left with hardly any strength to do so ourselves if we need to.
The Hei-Shuu Army seems to lack any strategist since they charged without even a hint of formation. But leading them was Ka-Yuu Hokorini, the General of the Shi-Sui who was a mighty warrior. Although we are using the defensive formation, to ensure that we can gain the most out of it we chose to have Rinrin lead the attack, Shuri was obviously the strategist, and our chosen formation was [Twin Column] with commands at Intercept.
Speaking of formation, I didn't realize that there were different formations to choose from. Offensive formations are [Spearhead], [Solid Wedge], [Rotating Charge], [Gated Corral], and [Feint & Ambush]. Defensive Formations are [Inverted Wedge], [Twin Column], [Echelon], [Double Echelon], and [Infantry Square]. They all have merits, and if the right capable general and strategist used them properly, no matter how powerful the enemies may be we still had a chance at victory.
No matter what kind of formation we used though, we had to decide the number soldiers for each division in the army. Those divisions are as the following: [Light Infantry], [Heavy Infantry], and [Archers]. [Light Infantry] units are the division within the army that charges to the army to deal damages. [Heavy Infantry] units are the division within the army that is armed with armors and powerful shields; they are meant to march and break through enemies' formation while dealing damages or more than often intercept the opposing enemy's charges. [Archers] units are the division that obviously fires rains of arrows into the enemies' formation, causing minor but moral-depleting damages. Since we were going for [Twin Column] formation which specializes in defense, we had more soldiers geared up to be [Heavy Infantry].
We chose Rinrin to be the vanguard leader because not only were we trying to keep as many of our troops alive as possible, we also want to take as many out as we can as well. Rinrin has great strength and can easily mow down lots of soldiers with just a single swing, so with a huge army as our opponent plenty could be taken out. We were there too, but Touka-chan and I place our hopes on the might of Chou-Hi Yokutoku, the [Heavy Infantry], and the [Twin Column] Formation to bring us a desirable outcome.
According to Shuri, General Ka-Yuu may be powerful but if we can outlast her oncoming assault for some time, even she would realize that there is no merit on continuing and would be force to retreat. But it wasn't easy. Generals hardly every enter the battlefield themselves, but when they do they can hit hard! Shuri surmise that we should outlast for at least Ten Days, but General Ka-Yuu would ride out to battle herself every three days or so and inflict damages to our forces; she was capable of taking out at most Two-Hundred and Fifty soldiers with every coming.
But General Ka-Yuu charge pales in comparison to Rinrin's charge; she took out around a Thousand and Eight-Hundred soldiers with her charge, though throughout our battle she only went out only twice (in other words, once every five days). Our [Heavy Infantry] were also taking out around Four to Five Hundred with each engagement while their charging [Light Infantry] only scarred us by around Sixty to Fifty at most, their attempts getting weaker and weaker with every engagement.
By the end of the Ten Days, we manage to maintain at most Thirty-Seven Hundred of our Five Thousand while our opposing force numbers in roughly a bit above Ten Thousand of their Eighteen Thousand. In a sense, we maintain 74% of our army while Ka-Yuu only maintained about 57% of her army. We loss roughly 26% (a fourth) while they loss 43% (nearly half). Seeing this, Ka-Yuu must be now realizing that her efforts won't hold anymore merits for her, after all even if she did manage to turn it around she won't be able to take on the Main Forces afterward…
As I guessed it, Ka-Yuu had now just realized it as well.
"…Shit," Ka-Yuu clicked her tongue in annoyance, "We could not overcome them. … …All units, about face! Return to Shi-Sui Pass!"
"…I will not allow thee to escape!" Aisha suddenly declared as she charge her way towards Ka-Yuu.
Seeing her coming, Ka-Yuu swung her Pole Axe…WHOOSH! …at Aisha, who…CLASH! …could only block in the midst of her charge. This of course knocks her back though not off her feet.
"…! Hmm?" Ka-Yuu pondered once she got a good look at Aisha, "A Green Dragon Crescent Blade? Ho~, so you must be the rumor Kan Unchou…"
"So thou know my name?" Aisha bared her teeth readying her weapon, "That makes things simple. General Ka-Yuu, face me fair and square!"
"Humph! You may be making a name for yourself, but there is no point in defeating the General of a small army," Ka-Yuu then shouted toward her troops, "Make a swift retreat!"
"Hold it!" Once again, Aisha charged at Ka-Yuu.
"Be gone!" Ka-Yuu exclaimed before swinging her Pole Axe at Aisha …WHOOSH! CLASH! …who was once again pushed back when she blocked. Using the opening, Ka-Yuu began to make her getaway. "Humph! If fortune wills it, we shall meet again…"
Aisha clicked her tongue in disappointment as she watch Ka-Yuu sped off with her army. "…She got away…"
Ka-Yuu had her forces charge towards Shi-Sui Pass. She plans to go right through the Coalition Army itself to retreat, perhaps she could take an important General or two while she was at it. As it just so happen, her army first came in contact with the Ju-Shun Army first.
"…? The flag of this camp flies that of Ju-Shun," Ka-Yuu noted before smirking, "I heard the leader of this Coalition is En-Shou and that her cousin, En-Jutsu, is among the ranks. This mean she should be in Ju-Shun camp. This is perfect. While I cannot take the commander's head, I can at least incur her recklessness by taking her beloved cousin's head instead…"
With that that in mind, she directed her army of Ten Thousand to charge at the Ju-Shun Army camp.
In the camp itself, the soldiers were rushing to get themselves organized. The Ju-Shun Army camp had been informed hours ago about the enemy's ambush, but had not bother to make preparation until reports came in about the enemies possibly retreating through the camp. As one could expect, En-Jutsu was panicking, personally telling the soldiers to get to their stations immediately though her effort did very little to help.
"T-T-They can be here any minutes~!" En-Jutsu stammered in worry, "Y-Y-You got to get ready, or t-t-they shall slay u-u-us easily~!"
Chou-Kun sweat dropped as she watches Miu panic until she notice dust clouds in the distant.
"… …! Miu-sama!" Chou-Kun cried in warning after her eyes confirmed what she'd feared.
"Huh?" En-Jutsu managed before a war cry echoed from the dust cloud, made by the charging Hei-Shuu Army.
"I am mighty General Ka-Yuu Hokorini of the Hei-Shuu Army," Ka-Yuu bellowed out confidently, "I have come to take the head of the En-Jutsu Kouro of the Ju-Shun Army!"
"…! EEEK~!" En-Jutsu screeched in horror as she lose her footing and fell on her rear, "S-S-She has come to kill me~!"
"Miu-sama!" Chou-Kun exclaimed as she positioned herself in front of Miu, readying her sword, "You must make your escape, hurry!"
"Ho~?" Ka-Yuu smirked when she saw En-Jutsu on the ground, "You must be the Warlord of Ju-Shun. Your head now belongs to me now…"
"EEK~!" En-Jutsu screeched helpless as her body refuses to move as she wanted.
"Y-You shall not touch our Princess!" Several brave soldiers declared as they stood between Ka-Yuu and En-Jutsu.
"Pathetic loots! Out of my way!" Ka-Yuu roared in mockery as she swung her War Axe, cutting down the soldiers easily.
En-Jutsu stared in horror as Ka-Yuu did this. It was then that she felt something wet and warmed hit several places on her face. Touching those areas, En-Jutsu found out they was blood; they were from the soldiers that had just died defending her. When that thought entered her mind, she screamed in even greater horror than she had felt when Ka-Yuu declared she was aiming for her head.
"…! M-Miu-sama?" Chou-Kun exclaimed in worry when she saw En-Jutsu in her panic-stricken state.
"…Humph! What a weak-willed warlord," Ka-Yuu insulted, "Panicking from a few splatter droplets of soldier's blood…"
"W-Watch your tongue," several more soldiers position themselves in front of En-Jutsu and Chou-Kun, "Y-You cannot insult our Lord as you please…"
"Fools!" Once again, Ka-Yuu slays them with a swing of War Axe, only to see more soldiers stand in her way. "So you all want to die, eh? Very well!"
Ka-Yuu continued to slash at the soldiers as they gather to protect En-Jutsu. As this was going on, En-Jutsu stopped her screaming when she heard her troops dying one by one.
"… …Stop," En-Jutsu managed, "…Stop. Stop! Stop! Stop! STOP!"
"Miu-sama?" Chou-Kun blinked at Miu's unusual behavior.
"Do not kill anymore! Stop killing my soldiers!"
"Oh you will not have to worry about that any longer," Ka-Yuu smirked and used the opening among the soldiers to make her way over to where En-Jutsu and Chou-Kun were, "Because I shall claim your life now!"
"Oh no! Miu-sama!" Chou-Kun, in her haste, shielded her Lady and brought up her sword in an effort to block the attack. But even she knew that it was a futile attempt. All Chou-Kun could do now was shut her eyes, knowing that any second now, the War Axe would be swung and take both hers and her Lord's life.
WHOOSH! … …CLASH!
"…? Huh?" Chou-Kun let out, hearing the unexpected sound. She slowly opened to find her vision blocked by a red cape with a tiger design embodied on it. The War Axe had been stopped; its full swing attack was halted by a metallic weapon that had no sharpness to it texture.
"…! What is this?" Ka-Yuu exclaimed as her new opponent shifted his weight and heavily forced her back, causing her to stumble a bit, "Ugh-! W-Who dares stand in my way now?"
The man rises and lean his weapon, a metallic baseball bat, on his shoulder and gave a certain smirk at Ka-Yuu.
"The Young Tiger of Kou-Tou, Taiki Sonoma," Taiki introduced himself, "You must be the fleeing wolf that was trying to bite our rear~…"
"…I am NOT fleeing!" Ka-Yuu roared as she swung at Taiki, "I am General Ka-Yuu of Hei-Shuu!" WHOOSH!
Taiki duck from the attack before swinging his baseball bat up at Ka-Yuu. WHOOSH! CLASH!
"Ugh-!?" Ka-Yuu managed as the force of the swing pushed her back a good distance, "Such a powerful swing!"
"Well, duh~!" Taiki smirked confidently as he dash at Ka-Yuu to continue to push her away.
"Miu-sama! Please look," Chou-Kun, meanwhile, shook En-Jutsu out of her horror stuck daze, "It is General Taiki-dono! He is here! He has come to save us!"
"… …Taiki-onii-chan?" En-Jutsu managed before staring at the fight between Ka-Yuu and Taiki, "Taiki-onii-chan…is here?"
Back in the battle, Ka-Yuu found herself guarding from Taiki's heavy swings.
"Damn it!" Ka-Yuu cursed under her breath, "I did not realize that the Coalition Army had such a warrior…"
"…You know," Taiki noted, "I would retreat if I were you…"
"…! Do not be absurd! You cannot defeat me in your wildest dreams!" Ka-Yuu finally found an opening and took a swing. However…CLASH! SHATTER!
"Maybe," Taiki chuckled, as Ka-Yuu War Axe's shatter pieces fell to the ground, "But I can force you to retreat…"
"…! My War Axe!"
"Better get moving…"
"… …Damn you!" Ka-Yuu fumed on the spot before signaling her forces, who were preoccupied with the rest of the Ju-Shun Army, to make a full retreat, "You were just lucky this time around! I shall return though, remember that! For yours shall be the first head I shall seek!"
With that, Ka-Yuu led her troops off. With the Hei-Shuu Army on full retreat this time, Taiki was confident they wouldn't bother stopping anytime soon to cause any other army trouble. So, he turned back to Chou-Kun and En-Jutsu, who were still on the ground.
"Yo, Miu," Taiki called as he walked up, only to notice the various blood splatter on Miu's face, "Wow! What happen here?"
"Uh," Chou-Kun began, only to cut short when Taiki bend down and used his cape to carefully clean off the blood splatter on her Lady's face.
"Your face is too pretty to be cover in blood…" After a few more seconds, Taiki has successfully wiped off every trance of the blood. "There, that should do it. Now, are you hurt anywhere?"
En-Jutsu blinked for a couple seconds before her eyes began to tear up.
"EH!? Wow, wow, wow! What's with the waterworks-?"
"WAAAH~!" Miu finally broke out in tears as she embraces Taiki for comfort, "WAAAH~! WAAAH~!"
"Holy crap! Miu, what's wrong? Hey, hold the [phone]-err, I mean…Oh, what am I saying? Hey, Miu, get a hold of yourself!"
"…Dear me," Chou-Kun sweat dropped as she watch Taiki try his best to comfort her crying Lady.
"… …Now this is a rare sight," a voice interrupted. Both Chou-Kun and Taiki turn to see Bun-Shuu and her unit arrival in the camp. "Did I miss something?"
"Ah-! General Bun-Shuu! What are you doing here?"
"What am I doing here? To reinforce the Ju-Shun Army of course in the event that the Hei-Shuu ambush units arrive, of course…"
Chou-Kun sweat dropped upon hearing the reason. "… …Then I am sorry to be the one to inform you that the Hei-Shuu Army has already come and gone…"
"… … …Say WHAT?"
"They were just recently driven by this General here," Chou-Kun directed to Taiki.
"…Him?" Bun-Shuu inspected Taiki from head to toe, "…And where do you hail from?"
"From the Kou-Tou Army," Taiki saluted casually, "Taiki Sonoma, the Young Tiger of Kou-Tou, at your service~!"
Bun-Shuu smirked back at him; she likes his attitude. "Well, it is a pleasure to meet you to, General Taiki-dono…"
"Ah, Taiki is fine. There's no need for honorifics or titles…"
Bun-Shuu laughed. "Not one of formality huh? No problem. Anyway then, Taiki, you drove off the Hei-Shuu Units?"
"Yep! And I also broke the General's weapon. I think her name is Ka-Yuu…"
"…What!?" Bun-Shuu stole a quick glance at Taiki's weapon of choice, "Get out~! Are you saying you destroyed the weapon of General Ka-Yuu… …with THAT~!?"
"What? This?" Taiki indicated his baseball bat, "Yeah! I'm not kidding. Ask the troops around in this camp, they all saw it…"
"But with such a bladeless weapon?"
"It's not the tool's strength that matters, it's how one use it, Bun-Shuu…"
Bun-Shuu blinked at this before laughing out loud. "You know what? I think I like you; that is, you and your style! Tell you what, when this all over, let us have a drink together! My treat…"
"That really generous of you, Bun-Shuu..."
"Ah, it is nothing. Oh, you can call be Iishe by the way…"
"Ah, no problem, Iishe…"
"Uh," Chou-Kun sweat dropped as cough to intervene, "General Bun-Shuu, should you not be giving chase to the fleeing Enemy General?'
"… …Huh?" Bun-Shuu blinked in confusion until reality sunk back into her head, "Oh right~! I got caught up in the moment there. With that said, I shall see you later then, Taiki!"
"Same to you Iishe!" Taiki wave as Iishe had units follow her after Ka-Yuu.
Once she was gone, Chou-Kun gave Taiki a skeptical look.
"… … …? What?"
"… …It seems you can make friends with just about anybody…" Chou-Kun sweat dropped.
"Heh, I get that a lot…"
"…-ha, Aisha!" Touka-chan and Rinrin called out as we ran up to Aisha in worry.
"Aisha!" I exclaimed, "Are you okay?"
"My Lord and Lady, Rinrin," Aisha greeted before frowning, "It is unfortunate. I failed to capture Ka-Yuu…"
"Yeah. It's okay. As long as you're safe, that's okay…"
Aisha couldn't help but blush at my worry. "My lord…"
"Hey, Aisha," Rinrin spoke up, "was Ka-Yuu strong?"
"Yes. She predicted how the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition would act and laid an ambush in our rear at the base of the mountains. She is a good general. And judging from her attack…She truly is one of great prowess herself…"
"I see… AH~, Rinrin is getting excited!"
"Excited?" Touka-chan sweat dropped, "This is not a game, Rinrin…"
As Touka-chan was rebuking Rinrin… "My Lord! My Lady!" Shuri called out as she ran up to us in a hurry, "General Ka-Yuu and her detached force has broken through our blockade and entered Shi-Sui Pass!"
"W-What?" Touka-chan exclaimed in disbelief, "Did no one try to help stop her?"
"It would seem En-Shou and En-Jutsu was caught completely off guard and didn't have their troops ready. I heard, though, someone had stood in Ka-Yuu and her army's way and broke her Pole Axe which cause her to completely focus on retreating. As for the other forces, they were too busy with taking the pass that they completely overlook the detached force…"
Aisha sighed in disappointment. "…What are the allied armies doing? How could they let them rejoin the main force?"
Rinrin gave a weary smile. "That is because En-Shou is the supreme commander…"
"Hey, be nice," I lectured, "Anyway, I guess it'll come down to a battle to break through the fortress's gates…"
"Yes," Aisha nodded, "However the enemy is in an impregnable fortress with high spirits and their General is superb. … …It will take time to break through…"
"If you let Rinrin, I would break through with a BAM and KABOOM!"
"Well," I thought about it for a moment, "let's observe for a little bit. If the front lines come to a stalemate, we may need both of your abilities…"
Shuri nodded. "That is right. We shall let the soldiers rest for a while…"
"Yes," Touka-chan nodded wholeheartedly, "please do that…"
With that, we decided to watch over the battle and reorganize our formation.
Meanwhile…in the Ki-Shuu Army, otherwise known as the Coalition Main Force Camp…
"Hey, Gan-Ryou-san!" En-Shou called impatiently, "Have we not broken through the gate yet?"
"Kyo-Shou Army is leading the offensive as we speak, so we should break through very soon," Gan-Ryou answered.
"Princess, calm down a little," Bun-Shuu sighed in annoyance, both for her Lord's complaints and from failing to capture Ka-Yuu.
"I cannot be as carefree as you, Bun-Shuu-san!" En-Shou rebuked at the light-green haired girl's responds, "How many days do you think have passed since our Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition started the attack!?"
"It has only been ten days or so, right? Barely under two weeks, no? If that is all it took, then it would not be much of a fortress…"
Gan-Ryou nodded. "Yes, yes, she is right…"
"AAAHH~~~!" En-Shou screeched like a child that had loss her patience, "You are figureheads of the prestigious En Family! How can you be so calm!? Can you two not say something more valiant, like, 'I shall go break through that gate for you!' or something?"
"If we were the vanguard, then sure, I would have said that, but we are the Main Force, right?" Bun-Shuu countered with a shrug, "So what is the rush?"
"She is right," Gan-Ryou smiled, "Let us just wait, Princess…"
En-Shou grumbled but nevertheless sighed in defeat. "…If you both say so, I shall wait. But I can only wait for another hour!"
Gan-Ryou sweat dropped. "…Princess…You are being unreasonable…"
Bun-Shuu sighed as well before humming in thought. "Hmm, then how about this? Why do we not put the Yuu-Shu Army in front? It is better to have more soldiers in the assault…"
"Wait-! Bun-chan, that is dangerous. The battle is already hectic. If we send another army into the fray, the battle will just become more chaotic…"
"It will be alright. Neither the Kyo-Shou Armies nor the Kou-Tou Armies are the type that would get confused because of something like that," Bun-Shuu countered with carefree grin, "As long as those two in the vanguard do not panic, the others would be fine as well…"
"You may be right, but…"
"Even if it gets confusing, it will all work out somehow! A battle is like a gamble! Somehow it will work out…"
Gan-Ryou frowned in frustration. "Oh~~! …You are as haphazard as ever~!"
"I wish you would say 'I am leaving our fate up to Heaven', rather than being haphazard," Bun-Shuu comically pouted, before turning to En-Shou, "… …Princess, what do you think of my plan?"
En-Shou thought about it for a moment before giving a nod. "Well, it is a good idea coming from you, Bun-Shuu-san. Perhaps I should slightly revise my opinion of you…"
"Yay~, I am happy~," Bun-Shuu cheered sarcastically, "So, since the Supreme Commander of the Coalition agreed, that is the plan. Toshi, you will be the messenger…"
"Ugh," Gan-Ryou, or Toshi, frowned in disproval, "Are you really okay with this?"
"Of course. You worry too much, Toshi…"
"…You and the Princess are too laid back…" Toshi mumbled.
"Hmm? Did you say something?"
"Uh-…no, I did not," Toshi rushed to say, "Anyway, I shall go over to the Yuu-Shu Army. Bun-chan, you guard the Princess…"
"Okay…"
"Hey, Gan-Ryou-san!" En-Shou tapped her feet impatiently, "Why are you dilly-dallying? Hurry up and give the Yuu-Shu Army their orders!"
"Okay, okay," Toshi replied as she rushed off, "I am going~!"
It was only a matter of minutes before she came upon the Yuu-Shu camp, mainly because she decided to use a horse to do so.
"Excuse me~~~!" Toshi called out.
"…Yes~?" From the camp, Shuri came running up with a reply.
"Ah, are you from the Yuu-Shuu Army?" Toshi greeted with a smile, "I am here to give a message. Is there someone in charge here?"
"Ah, yes," Shuri nodded hesitantly, "If it is an order, I can take it…"
"Huh? Um…you?" Toshi asked in surprise as she now examined Shuri from top to bottom out of curiosity.
"Yes! I am Shokatsu-Ryou," Shuri bowed in respect, "I am the strategist attending in this campaign of the Yuu-Shu Army. It is nice to meet you!"
"Ha-ha-ha," Toshi giggled in amusement, "It is nice to meet you too. Okay, Shokatsu-Ryou-chan, can you take a message to your Lord and Lady? Please tell them that their army is to advance and assist the Vanguard in breaking through the pass…"
"Eh?" Shuri blinked before frowning in worry, "Right now, in the middle of this hectic battle? I think that is dangerous…"
"…Well, I think so too," Toshi admitted with a nervous frown, "but the Princess-…I mean En-Shou-sama says so…"
Shuri thought about it in dread before turning a hopeful glance to Toshi, "Is this an order?"
"…Yes, it is an order," Toshi frown in guilt, "Sorry…"
Shuri downcast frown remain for a moment before brightening. "I understand. We shall do our best. … …Uh…"
"Oh, my name is Gan-Ryou. Nice to meet you…"
"Yes! Nice to meet you too! Gan-Ryou-san, please tell En-Shou-san that the army of Yuu-Shu will move forward as ordered…"
"Roger," Toshi nodded, "Good luck!"
"Thank you!"
With a final smile to Shuri, Toshi mounted her horse again and rode of back to the Main Camp.
"…My Lord and Lady!" A little while later, Shuri came into our main tent with a somewhat grim look on her face as we were eating some of our rations.
"Yes?" Touka-chan answered with a meat bun in her mouth, "What is it?"
After a bit of hesitation, Shuri began. "We have received a message from the main army. They said, 'The Army of Yuu-Shu is to advance and aid the Vanguard in breaking through the pass…'"
"Eh!" Touka-chan and I exclaimed in unison, nearly choking on the food in our mouth.
"Wait a-! Advance into that hectic battle?" Aisha exclaimed just as shock as we were, carefully making sure that she had swallowed everything properly before speaking, "If we do that, things will become even more chaotic! What is En-Shou thinking!?"
"En-Shou is not thinking anything at all," Rinrin comment before nudging me, "and pass two meat buns!"
"How can you think about getting more helpings at a time like this, Rinrin?" Aisha rebuked, causing Rinrin to shrink back.
"Rinrin-chan is right," Shuri gravely, "But this is an order from the supreme commander…"
"It's not like we can disobey," I added.
"Yes," Shuri nodded in agreement as laid out a large map of the current area. She then marked the map with key pieces that were indicating the enemy's forces and our Coalition army including each of the individual army position (ours is the one obviously situated in the rear). "Anyway, to avoid the confusion our advance is likely to cause, let us avoid the areas where they are already engaged…"
We watched as Shuri pointed out some areas that were close to the right and left flank. This could only mean we were going to advance toward the main vanguard, the Kyo-Shou Army and the Kou-Tou Army.
"What about aiding them?" Aisha pondered.
"I do not think Sou-Sou-san and Son-Saku-san need our aid for their army," Shuri replied, "we shall obey the command, but at the same time, we shall try to keep our losses to a minimum…"
"We do not want everyone to get injured in some idiot's battle," Rinrin pointed out.
"That is right. Then, once Sou-Sou-san and Son-Saku-san break through the gates, let us go in with them…"
Aisha frowned at the idea. "Hmm…I do not like that plan…"
"Because it's cowardly?" I guessed.
"Cowardly…no, but it is like we are trying to avoid battle…"
"That's because we are trying to avoid battle. … …However, it's just like Rinrin said. If we follow this thoughtless strategy, then we'll just be putting our troops in danger…"
"… …I guess you are right. I suppose this a matter of strategy as well?"
"There you go," I smiled and patted Aisha on the shoulder, "Anyway, let's go with Shuri's plan and advance…"
"Agreed," Touka-chan nodded, "Aisha, Rinrin, and Shuri. Give our troops the command…"
"Yes, My Lord and Lady!" Aisha, Rinrin, and Shuri nodded before proceeding as order.
"Can you not break through yet?" Sou-Sou questioned.
"No," Kakou-Ton replied regrettably, "Shuuran's unit is engaged at the gates, but the enemy resistance is fierce and they cannot attack very well…"
"I see…What about Son-Saku and her Kou-Tou Army?"
"They appear to be having trouble as well," Izumi noted, "I do not think we will have to worry about them breaking through first, though we are no better…"
"Even Son Hakufu is having trouble, huh? Damn. We are wasting soldiers thanks to that stupid En-Shou…"
"Sou-Sou-sama is absolutely right," Kakou-Ton huffed in agreement, "Charging the citadel straight on… …There is a limit to how reckless one can be…"
"While that is true," Izumi sighed, "It is the utmost ironic that Kakou-Ton-dono is the one to be pointing that out…"
"… … … … …HUH? What is that supposed to mean!?"
"Well, putting that aside," Sou-Sou sighed, not even in the mood to tease Kakou-Ton, "Does anyone have a plan?"
"There is no method to kill a turtle that is retreated into its shell," Jun-Iku voiced eagerly, "We must get it to stick out its head. However, to lure its head out, we need bait. … …Luckily the foolish Yuu-Shu Army, the one that showed utmost disrespect for Karin-sama, has begun to move. I believe we should use them…"
Izumi turn to see the flags of the Yuu-Shu Army approaching. "…While that may be so-…"
"Shiba Izumi," Jun-Iku narrowed her eyes, "If you are going to say anything that would disprove my method, then do not bother. The Yuu-Shu Army is weak and few in numbers. To be part of the plan that will take down Shi-Sui Pass is more than they can ever hope for…"
"I'm not belittling your proposal, Jun-Iku-dono, but-…"
"What could possibly be wrong, Shiba-san?" Kakou-Ton frowned, "I think it is a good idea, especially if we are to use those disrespecting Yuu-Shu Army…"
"General Kakou-Ton-dono please cast away your animosity for them; do some thinking for once in your life-…"
"Karin-sama, time is of the essences," Jun-Iku rushed, "There is no other way…"
"…Hmm…Using that ugly man and insolent brat as bait, huh?" Sou-Sou thought for a moment before chuckling evilly, "That sounds fun…"
"Sou-Sou-sama, please wait-…" Izumi tried to regain control, but Jun-Iku continues over her.
"Yes," Jun-Iku voiced over Izumi, "As the Yuu-Shu Army advances we shall split our army in two and make a swift retreat…"
"…What!" Kakou-Ton exclaimed in surprise, "I thought we were going to use them. Why do you suddenly want to hand over the vanguard!?"
"Getting results is more important than intangible honor now. Once we have let the Yuu-Shu Army eliminate Ka-Yuu, we shall seize the opportunity and push forward to break through the gate…"
"I am okay with using them as bait, but why use such a cowardly tactic? Shuuran will break through the castle gate soon enough!"
"Are we not using this plan because we cannot wait for that?"
"Shunran," Sou-Sou spoke up, "obey Keifa for now…"
"But, Karin-sama!" Kakou-Ton began before Sou-Sou gave her a threatening glare.
"Shunran… …Do you mean to disobey me?"
Kakou-Ton hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "… …No, I understand. I will follow the command of Jun-Iku…"
Sou-Sou giggled. "Good girl. That is why I like you, Shunran…"
"…!? K-Karin-sama-…"
"Shunran!" Jun-Iku voiced loudly, "Before you become fascinated by Karin-sama, send a message to Shuuran!"
Kakou-Ton did a double-take before huffing. "…I know that…"
"…Jeez~! When it comes to Karin-sama, she completely forgets about her position as General," Jun-Iku muttered as Kakou-Ton went off to do her duty.
Sou-Sou giggled. "That is just shows how much she loves me…"
Jun-Iku blinked at this before pinching her index fingers together. "…Karin-sama…Um, I-I also, uh…"
"Do you love me too?"
"Yes!"
"Thank you, I love you too, Keifa. … …I shall love you a lot today…"
"Ah~! …Karin-sama," Jun-Iku managed dreamily until she noticing Izumi sighing to herself, "What is it? Do not tell me that there is a flaw in my plan, Shiba Izumi!"
"… …Not at all," Izumi sighed, "The plan is brilliant and it is the only way to achieve victory in this battle…"
"I see," Jun-Iku smirked, feeling as if she had won, "Glad that you can realize that much…"
Sou-Sou giggled at this. "How cute…"
As Sou-Sou and Jun-Iku head off, Izumi once again sighed to herself.
"Don't do onto others how you don't want others to do onto you," Izumi sighed, "The Yuu-Shu Army may be weak, but they have capable Generals. I have a feeling this is going to return and haunt us…"
"Yo, everyone, I am back," Taiki called as he casually enter the strategy tent, where almost everyone was present in.
"General Taiki Sonoma!" Shuu-Yu hissed as soon as she saw him enter, "How dare you left your post during such an important battle!"
"Jeez, sorry. I just went to make sure Miu was okay, that's all…"
"And what was the point of bringing you here in the first place!?"
"Yeah~! I know. Look, would it make you happy if I join the front now?"
"That could hardly make a difference now Taiki," Son-Ken spoke up, "Ka-Yuu managed to reenter the fortress and is putting up a solid defense…"
"Indeed~," Riku-Son hummed, "I do not think Taiki jumping into battle will help~…"
"Yes," Kou-Gai nodded, "It will probably get more chaotic than it already is…"
"Son-Saku-sama!" Just then, Kan-Nei came in to report, "The army of Kyo-Shou is retreating. It would seem that the other army close to them is doing the same!"
"What?" Son-Saku blinked, "That is not like Sou-Sou. What is going on?"
Shuu-Yu thought about for a moment before huffing with a smirk. "I see…how despicable of them…"
"Despicable?" Son-Ken wondered before noticing Shuu-Yu taking a peek outside, which seems to confirm her suspicion as she nodded slightly.
"Sheren, please look over there," Shuu-Yu gestured, to which everyone could see the flags of the Yuu-Shu Army approaching.
"Oh~?" Sheren smirked, "The Yuu-Shu Army from the Rear Guard is moving forward, huh?"
"It appears that way," Riku-Son chimed.
"I have a feeling En-Shou told them to advance," Kou-Gai shook her head in dissatisfaction.
"Maybe, considering what I heard about En-Shou from Miu," Taiki scratched his head, "But why is the Kyo-Shou Army retreating then?"
"Use your head General Taiki Sonoma," Shuu-Yu rolled her eyes, "It is obvious that they are planning to use the Yuu-Shu Army as bait to lure General Ka-Yuu out…"
"… …I see," Son-Ken muttered to herself, "Letting a rabbit play in front of a hibernating bear's den, huh? Cruel, but effective…"
"That is right~!" Riku-Son chimed, "Good job, Renfa-sama~!"
"No doubt the other army caught on and are following in suite," Kou-Gai added.
"Ah~! I get, I think," Taiki thumped his palm, "So what will our army do?"
Son-Saku thought for a moment before turning to Kan-Nei. "Kouha, tell the army to retreat as well…"
"As you wish," Kan-Nei saluted before rushing off.
"Eh? Why are we retreating?" Taiki blinked.
"Obviously so that General Ka-Yuu can come out and attack the Yuu-Shu Army of course…"
"… …HUH!? Wow, hold on! If we retreat, the other army near us will retreat too! If that happens, who is going to back up the Yuu-Shu Army when they become the vanguard?"
"…Obviously, they will be wiped out, Taiki," Kou-Gai informed, "But that will give us the chance to-…"
"No, no, no, no, no, no! This isn't about taking the Shi-Sui Pass anymore! We're killing one of us off so that we can achieve victory here! We can't do that!"
"We can and we will, General Taiki Sonoma," Shuu-Yu curtly retorted, "It is not your place to decide what the Army should do now…"
Taiki grumbled, not liking the idea, but eventually sighed in defeat. "Fine~~~! But when you do that, I'm not participating in the takeover…"
"…! T-Taiki?" Son-Ken managed before Taiki turn and left without a word.
"…Fool," Shuu-Yu huffed, "Did he honestly expect everything to go his way?"
"Leave him be, Meirin," Son-Saku giggled, "he is just upset that he is going to participate in something that goes against his principle…"
"… …I will bet…"
Meanwhile, in the Shi-Sui Pass Fortress, Ka-Yuu sat tiredly in her seat as she drank down the well-needed water she was handed.
"…Phew…" Ka-Yuu exhaled after she gulped down the liquid, "I had needed that…"
"…General," a soldier began, "Are you alright? I have never seen you look so tired…"
"Who is tired!?" Ka-Yuu exclaimed in irritation, throwing the cup at the soldier who narrowly dodged it, "I am not tired; not even a bit tired! … …And where is the replacement for my War Axe!? Do you expect me to go to battle with no weapons!?"
"O-Of course not! It is being brought here as we speak…"
"Good!" Ka-Yuu huffed before growling to herself, "That bastard of Kou-Tou; how dare he make a fool out of me. Still, he is going to be a problem. There may actually be a chance that he could restrain me long enough to capture me. How should I handle this?"
Just then, a soldier entered with a report. "General Ka-Yuu, the vanguard armies are retreating!"
"…They are WHAT?"
"And in their place, the Yuu-Shu army has now taken the vanguard…"
"…The Yuu-Shu Army?" Ka-Yuu muttered before laughing out triumphantly, "Those fools! Just because the Yuu-Shu Army managed to stall me out to force me into retreat, they sent them up alone to fight me? The Coalition truly is a joke! They shall soon regret underestimating me!"
"General!" the first soldier began as another soldier rushed in with Ka-Yuu replacement War Axe, "Awaiting your orders…"
"Yes," Ka-Yuu smirked as she took her new weapon, "Prepare to charge and crush the Yuu-Shu Army. Afterward, we shall seize the chance to attack the Kou-Tou Army…I shall pay that man back for what he done soon…"
"As you wish!"
As we continue to march towards the front, Shuri suddenly widen her eyes in shock.
"Kyo-Shou and Kou-Tou are both retreating!" She exclaimed in horror, "and the other armies with them are doing the same!"
"What!?" Touka-chan and Aisha exclaimed in the same manner.
"What is going on!?" Rinrin frantically exclaimed, even she could tell what the situation meant, "This will leave us as the vanguard now!"
"My Lord and Lady!" Shuri exclaimed to me and Touka-chan, "The enemy is going to focus their attack on us! We must retreat!"
"O-Okay!" Touka-chan managed and turned to address the soldiers, "All unit retreat-!"
Before she could finish, a soldier suddenly cried out in alarm, "The gates are opening! The enemy is sallying forth!"
"What!?" I managed before noticing that it was indeed true, "Damn, we need to retreat immediately-! Ah, we can't do that either! An army on the march can't about face that quickly! Ah crud, what do we do…?"
After a moment in thought, Aisha gave a determine nod before turning to Shuri and Rinrin.
"Rinrin," Aisha began in a commanding tone as she prepared to charge forward, "Shuri! Take care of our Lord and Lady!"
"Eh-? Wait!" Touka-chan blinked nervously when she saw Aisha readying herself, "Aisha, where do you think you are going?"
"My personal guards and I shall serve as our rear guard. Please fall back, My Lord and Lady!"
"Our Rear Guard? No way, that is too dangerous!"
Aisha blinked at the statement, before she huff a chuckle with a confident smile. "My Lady, have you forgotten my name?"
"…Eh?"
"My name is Kan-U. I am the strongest spear hailing form Yuu-Shu, upholder of virtue. …This spear will never be daunted by any soldiers!"
"…Aisha…" I managed at Aisha's, no Kan-U Unchou, confidences.
"Let me take care of this," Aisha repeated before turning to Rinrin, "Go, Rinrin!"
"Okay!" Rinrin nodded and started to run, pulling me and Touka-chan along with Shuri close behind.
"W-Wait, Rinrin!" Touka-chan managed as she and was getting dragged off, "Aisha is…!"
"Do not worry, Touka-nee-chan! Aisha will surely be back safely!"
"Rinrin-chan is right, desu," Shuri supported, "Please rest assured and retreat, My Lady!"
"But…!" Touka-chan managed until I put a firm grip on her shoulder, catching her attention.
"Don't worry, really," I smiled at her, "Aisha will be fine; I know it…"
"…Really?"
"Yeah!" I nodded. Actually I already knew that. Why, you ask? Just look at history…
"That is right," Shuri chimed, "If My Lord, who hailed from the Heaven, say so, then Aisha will be alright. In the meantime, once we have retreated, My Lord and Lady, we shall quickly prepare to counterattack, so please do not worry!"
"… …Alright," Touka-chan finally nodded, "We are counting on you two, Shuri, Rinrin…"
"You can count on us!" Rinrin declared.
"Yes," Shuri nodded before calling towards the army, "Everyone on both flanks, all soldiers with bows, nock your arrows, and prepare to fire on my mark!"
The soldiers wasted no time doing so and within five seconds, they had their arrows ready.
"Three, two, one…FIRE!"
Aisha saw the rain of arrows flying in support towards the enemy vanguard and tightened her grip on her weapon.
"This must be Shuri's order. I am thankful for the support. This should slow down the enemy's advance a little…" Aisha nodded before eying closely at the charging force, "One, two, and three…Hmm, I guess there are about Three Thousands of them…"
"General Kan-U-sama," one of her elite guards shouted as he pointed towards the enemy forces, "The enemy flag is…!"
"Yes. General Ka-Yuu has come to the fore herself, it seems," Aisha affirmed, with a hint of disappointment, "… …I thought she was an excellent General, but it looks like I guessed wrong…"
"What should we do?"
"Our only aim is the Enemy General, Ka-Yuu Hokorini. Once we engage the enemy, begin the retreat. I shall aim directly for the head of Ka-Yuu. I leave the troops in your command…"
"Understood. Then we shall cover you so you can focus on your duel, General…"
Aisha smiled at this and nodded in approval. "I am counting on you…"
"Yes!" The soldiers soon formed in tight ranks under Aisha, all waited for the order to charge with intrepid faces…
"Then shall we go? … …Everyone, entrust your lives to me!"
"Yeah!" the soldiers cheered.
"All units, charge! Our aim is the Enemy General's head!"
With a roar, Aisha and her units sailed forward with tremendous forces.
"General!" one of Ka-Yuu soldier called, "we have spotted several soldiers on horses! Their flag carries the character of 'Kan'!"
"So the Yuu-Shu Army's Rear Guard is Kan-U, eh?" Ka-Yuu smirked confidently, "Then it is time to pay back the debt we made! All units speed up! Trample them under hoof like the small impudent force they are!"
The army immediately obeyed and sped up.
"General Kan-U-sama!" the soldier began, "The Hei-Shuu Army has sped up!"
"Fine!" Aisha nodded, "We shall speed up as well!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
The sound of galloping horses resounded loudly over the battlefield, as the two armies drew together and near the moment of their clash.
"Kan Unchou!" Ka-Yuu roared as she headed straight towards Aisha, "Your blood will be rust on my War Axe!"
"Ridiculous, Ka Hokorini!" Aisha declared as she too sailed straight at Ka-Yuu, "My name is Kan Unchou! Know that my strike is the decree of Heaven!"
"Shut up, Kan-U!"
"Ka-Yuu~!" Aisha roared as she swung her Crescent Blade at Ka-Yuu.
WHOOSH! CLASH! The attack stumble Ka-Yuu a bit, but not enough to knock her down.
"I have now come to collect the life I spared!" Aisha declared.
"That is my line!" Ka-Yuu declared right back and swung her War Axe at Aisha, "Do not underestimate me!"
WHOOSH! CLASH! The attack stumble Aisha, but like Ka-Yuu she did not fall from the attack.
WHOOSH! CLASH! WHOOSH! CLASH! This time Ka-Yuu struck twice, but Aisha managed to block them.
"What is wrong, Kan-U," Ka-Yuu smirked in mockery, "Are you saying Heaven issues decrees as pitiful as that?"
"I shall show you pitiful!" Aisha roared as she swung her Crescent Blade with one mighty swing, "Taste the power of my blade!"
WHOOSH! CLASH! The force of the attack this time send Ka-Yuu back a good distance, causing her to stumble quite a bit before finally managed to catch herself. Her arms now shook with stress and pain from withstanding the attack.
"…N-Not bad!" Ka-Yuu managed in an exhausted voiced.
"Here comes more!" Aisha forewarned as she charged and swung at Ka-Yuu.
WHOOSH! CLASH! WHOOSH! CLASH-CREEK! The force of the two strikes sent Ka-Yuu another good distance. The second strike even managed to deform the handle of the War Axe. All of the air in Ka-Yuu lungs seems to have been knocked out of her as she nearly fell in fatigue.
"What is wrong, Ka-Yuu?" Aisha called, barely tired, "Is your weapon just for decoration?"
Ka-Yuu hissed through her gritted teeth, sweating like crazy. "…Do not think you have won, Kan-U!"
"Why not? My opponent is pretty weak!"
"…!" Upon hearing that blunt comment, something in Ka-Yuu snapped. Her mouth curled and a dull sound escaped. "…You will pay for that…pay. Pay! PAY! How dare thou mock me as a warrior! My ability as a warrior is unparalleled! My technique is peerless! Thou shalt never overcome this Ka-Yuu Hokorini!"
Aisha merely huff uninterested, angering Ka-Yuu even further.
"DO NOT LAUGH AT ME~~~!" Ka-Yuu howled in senseless rage, trying to protect her pride, as she charge at Aisha in madness.
"How foolish to let yourself be provoked so easily…" Aisha sighed, but nevertheless ready her Crescent Blade, "However, your attitude tells me that you are a true warrior. In honor of your splendid soul as a warrior, I will strike you with everything I have behind it…"
"KAN-U~~~!" Ka-Yuu roared as she closed in.
"Yes! My name is Kan-U, the peerless warrior of Yuu-Shu who wields the Green Dragon Crescent Blade!"
"WAAH!" With that howl, Ka-Yuu raised her War Axe and swung at Aisha.
"Know that my strike is the decree of the HEAVEN!" Aisha shouted as she swung her Crescent Blade with great force.
WHOOSH! CLASH-SHATTER! When the Crescent Blade and the War Axe collided, the blade of the War Axe shattered into pieces, and Ka-Yuu from the force of the impact, was sent back, hitting the dirt head first, nearly knocking her out.
"UGH!" Ka-Yuu managed as she steadily tries to rise only to stop short when Aisha brought tip of her Crescent Blade close to her neck.
"Ka-Yuu…you were a good General and a good Soldier," Aisha commented, "But this battle is mine, if there is any part of you who still holds pride as a warrior, admit defeat and give up. Your life now belongs to the Coalition!"
Ka-Yuu growled for a good minute through her teeth before lowering her head in shame and defeat. Her warrior's pride, dictating that the winner obeys the loser, accepted her defeat.
Aisha nodded at this before filling her lungs with the smell of the battlefield. "This General Ka-Yuu Hokorini of the Hei-Shuu Army. I, Kan-U Unchou, first retainer of the Messenger from Heaven and the Descendant of Imperial Royalty, have won against and capture her~~~!"
Izumi's P.O.V.
"Karin-sama!" Kakou-Ton-dono came up with a report to make, "The Yuu-Shu Army has capture Ka-Yuu! The flag bears the character of 'Kan'!"
Upon hearing that, Sou-Sou-sama giggled in approval. "As might be expected of Kan-U, I suppose?"
"Indeed," I nodded in agreement.
Sou-Sou-sama giggled once again. "That is good. I want that girl even more, now…"
Kakou-Ton-dono sighed as I decided to speak up. "Sou-Sou-sama, Jun-Iku-dono, and Kakou-Ton-dono, may I advise you three go and retired then. I shall deal with the rest…"
"Eh?" Jun-Iku-dono blinked suspiciously, "And why would we do that?"
"…Jun-Iku-dono. One does not need a silver sword to smash a turtle's shell after you cut its head off, right?"
"…! …True, I suppose…"
"Then you three enjoy yourself," I began to walk off, "I shall inform Kakou-En-dono, Ten-I-dono, and Kyo-Cho-dono as well. I will handle the rest of this easy task on my own…"
"Well said, Shiba Izumi," Sou-Sou-sama nodded, "Send Ruru and Shuuran to my room later on. … …Keifa, Shunran, I am leaving, come serve me in our tent…"
"Ah…Y-Yes!" Both Jun-Iku-dono and Kakou-Ton-dono nodded excitedly as they began to follow Sou-Sou-sama.
I on the other hand sighed in relief.
Taiki's P.O.V.
"It seems Kan-U has capture Ka-Yuu," Meirin informed.
"Yes," Sheren nodded, "She may become a formidable enemy to Kou-Tou later on…"
"Exactly…"
I heard the exchange but I remained quiet. I was still very pissed about them using a cowardly move like that.
"T-Taiki," Renfa tired, "Please do not be angry anymore…"
"Y-Yes," Sai added, "Why not join us as we raid Shi-Sui Pass?"
"No," I immediately replied, "I told you guys, I'm not participating in this Pass' takeover…"
"Well," Sheren sweat dropped at my bluntness, "I see you are a man true to his words…Kouha!"
"Yes!" Shishun stood attention.
"I leave the rest to you. Keep the siege of Kou-Ran Gate in mind, and do not waste soldiers…"
"As you wish!"
"…? You are not going, Sister Sheren?" Renfa inquired.
"What~?" Sheren smiled, "Does the army need my command to sweep up ordinary soldiers?"
"…No, I suppose not," Renfa frowned, "Then can I take command for the remainder?"
"Oh?"
"I will one day help lead Kou-Tou, no? I must at least be able to do that much…"
"I see," Sheren chuckled before turning to Meirin and Non, "Non, remain with Renfa. Meirin, I am leaving accompany me please~?"
"Sure thing~!" Non chimed.
"…Yes," Meirin nodded.
"Please rest well, Sheren-sama," Sai expressed as I just simply bow.
Sheren giggled before leaving with Meirin.
Kazuto's P.O.V.
"… …I have now returned," Aisha called as she and her units enter the camp.
"…A-A-A-Aisha!" Touka-chan exclaimed in joy as she literally dive at Aisha, nearly knocking Aisha off her feet as she hugged her, "Welcome back! I am glad…you are safe…!"
Even I had to admit that when I saw Aisha standing there, safe yet tired, I felt all my tension disappear. True I knew that Aisha would fare well against Ka-Yuu, but even so that small shred of doubt was growing until I saw Aisha again. I was so relieved that I nearly collapse to my knee; fortunately, I managed to stop myself before anyone notices.
"I'm glad too," I commented, "that you're safe, Aisha!"
"Of course," the one who gave that blunt response, regardless of Touka-chan and I, was Rinrin as she smiled at our relief, "Aisha is super strong!"
I couldn't help but laugh as I smiled back at Rinrin, holding back my own tears. "That's right…"
"I am so glad…you're safe, desu," Shuri expressed her relief as well to Aisha.
"Thank you, Shuri, everyone," Aisha welcomed the relief as she gently escapes from Touka-chan's hug, before frowning in guilt, "But…In the end, another army stole the credit for seizing the fortress…"
"Who cares?" I retorted rhetorically, "I'm just happy that you're safe…"
"…My Lord…"
"Your eyes are red," Rinrin teasingly pointed out, snapping Aisha back to reality.
"Ugh-…I-It is not as if I am crying because I am happy My Lord was worried about me!"
"Ah-Ha-Ha, Aisha-san," Shuri laughed, as did Touka-chan, "You just confessed your own feelings!"
"So that how you felt, eh Aisha?" Touka-chan added to the tease.
"…Ugh…" Aisha grumbled at her blunder.
"Well," I jumped in with a laugh, "of course I'm crying. One of our dear partners came back safely!"
Touka-chan nodded. "I feel like crying too…"
That's when we heard a fierce roar that shook our stomachs coming from the gate.
"They have broken through the gate," Aisha noted, using the uproar to escape from the embarrassing predicament.
"Their general is capture," Shuri noted as well, "It was only a matter of time before the fortress was ours…"
"Ah~…" Rinrin moaned comically and cutely, "Rinrin did not get to do anything…"
"What are you talking about Rinrin?" Touka-chan laughed, "Did you not lead the vanguard against Hei-Shuu Army's ambush?"
"That was ages ago, Touka-nee-chan…"
"Don't worry," I laughed, "There will be plenty of chances for you later…"
"That is right, Rinrin," Aisha informed, "Our next destination is Kou-Ran Pass. It is an impregnable fortress that is even stronger than Shi-Sui Pass…"
"Oh~, I see!" Rinrin glee with renewed excitement, "Okay~, Rinrin is getting excited~!"
"That's the spirit!" I laughed at Rinrin's excitement.
"But…" Shuri cupped her chin in discomfort, "I am a little worried…"
"Worried about what?" Touka-chan wondered.
"We lost a lot of time and soldiers just trying to take Shi-Sui Pass. To take Kou-Ran Pass…"
"There will be more casualties?" Aisha finished.
"Yes. There definitely will be," Shuri nodded before a huge sweat drop formed on her head, "… …After all, En-Shou-san is our supreme commander…"
"Oh…" Touka-chan sweat dropped, "that is true…"
I, too, quickly nodded to Shuri.
"…I have a message for the Yuu-Shu Army," a messenger from the Ki-Shuu Army, evident to the fact he wore golden armory, suddenly came into our camp to report, "Proceed through Shi-Sui Pass and advance to Kou-Ran Pass immediately!"
"Speak of the devil," I sighed.
"… …Shuri, can we do it?" Touka-chan pondered in worry as she stared at our somewhat exhausted army.
"Yes," Shuri informed, "I shall move the injured soldiers to the back, so please give me a little time…"
"Got it," I nodded before turning to the soldier, "Then please go tell En-Shou we'll depart as commanded once that task is finished…"
"Very well," the soldier nodded with a salute before excusing himself and rushed off towards the next camp.
"Now then… …We'll have to make sure we're not put in another jam at Kou-Ran Gate…"
"Absolutely. However…" Aisha smiled, but not a hint on her face show signs of humor as she chuckled haughtily, her expression darken a bit despite the smile, "I shall need to exact my revenge upon the Kou-Tou Army and Kyo-Shou Army someday. Heh-Heh-Heh…"
That dark smile that drew across Aisha's face sent chills down my spine, and no doubt Touka-chan also felt the same way.
"…Does Aisha always get like this when she is greatly angered?" I whispered to Rinrin when Touka-chan, Rinrin, Shuri, and I comically huddled together in a corner away from Aisha, who was lost temporarily in her own world.
"She is scary~~~!" Rinrin whispered back comically, "I bet she could easily curse someone to death! That is how scary she can be…"
"…Hawa," Shuri moaned in whisper, "I better be careful…"
"…Me as well," Touka-chan agreed in whisper, "I do not wish to be cursed…"
"Well then!" Aisha suddenly called, causing us to jump a bit with a yelp, "…? Is something wrong?"
"Ah-no! No, nothing!" I managed, trying to hide the fact that we were scared by her.
"Aisha shouted all of a sudden," Touka-chan helped, "and we were surprised, that is all!"
"Oh, pardon me," Aisha bowed apologetically, "But My Lord and Lady; we cannot waste any more time here. Once we finish repositioning the injured soldiers, we must depart at once…"
"You're right," I nodded, fully calmed down, and turn to Shuri, "Please take care of the logistics during the breaks, okay?"
"Yes!" Shuri responded with a bright smile.
"Okay, everyone!" Rinrin called out to the troops, "we are taking a break for a while!"
At Rinrin's signal, the soldiers quickly entered their break and sat down to rest where they could… About an hour later…
"My Lord," Shuri called, "The preparations are complete!"
"Alright," I nodded and stood up from where I rested, "Let's make way for Kou-Ran Gate!"
"Line up, men!" Aisha ordered, "Our army marches for Kou-Ran Gate! Do not fall behind!"
"Let us go, everyone!" Rinrin called out enthusiastically, "Follow Rinrin!"
Rinrin and Touka-chan took the lead, full of energy, and our army passed through the subjugated fortress of Shi-Sui Pass. Thanks to Shuri's wit, our army took in soldiers that had strayed from the other armies, as well as the soldiers who surrendered, expanding our own forces, and we were able to arrange them in formation, although it was hastily formed.
Whether that proves to be good or bad fortune…Has yet to be seen.
One more chapter updated~!
There are two new Common Names in this chapter: One for Bun-Shuu and one for Gan-Ryou.
The first is Bun-Shuu's; her common name is "Kanarion" which roughly translate to "Pretty Noisy". Bun-Shuu, in my view, is loud and outgoing and doesn't try to hide it either…traits of a tomboy. I had want to give her a name that makes that clear, but I had difficulties finding one girly enough for her, so i suck with one that best demonstrate that personality of hers.
The second is Gan-Ryou's; her common name is "Miruni" which translate as either "To See" or "To Watch". Gan-Ryou is pretty much the only levelheaded of the three in the En Force currently, but because her companions don't paid heed to her all she really do is be a bystander in whatever they come up with…even when she knew better. Her common name therefore is meant to demonstrate that if she had a choice, she wouldn't participate in her comrades' antics but has no power to do anything else… …so all she could do is watch.
Next chapter, the legendary battle at Kou-Ran Pass begins. With the Coalition getting even more divided, how can they hope to match the Peerless Flying General of the Hei-Shuu Force in the famously impregnable fortress? By the way, the long awaited reunion will take place at long last…with some badass moments; can this be the key to victory? R&R Please for now and look forward to next time~!