Unmatched † Lovely Princess ~Maidenly Romance of Three Kingdoms~

Chapter 009: The Battle of Kou-Ran Gate

Disclaimer: I do not own Koihime Musou or the plotline of this story. I do not wish this story to be accused of plagiarism so I shall say this again:

I DO NOT OWN KOIHIME MUSOU, VIRTUAL NOVEL OR LIKEWISE THE ANIME!

I do own a new OC, to the Koihime Musou series, that is about to enter in this Chapter, though. It going to be a significant homage to an important character of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Though it is not a warrior it does appear on the battlefield. Confused? Read and find out who I am talking about!

In the high palace of the Capital City, Raku-You, Kaka Bunwa finds herself in a nearly pitch black office making her report to Chou-Jou, the Leader of the Ten Eunuch. She was short with short silver hair that had two thick red bang strands, wore standard red Chinese royal attendant uniform with a Small-Guan headwear on top, and has heavy makeup on her.

"…! What!?" Chou-Jou exclaimed in rage, nearly jumping out from her chair, "Shi-Sui Pass has been taken!?"

"Yes," Ka-Ku nodded, "According to reports, despite General Ka-Yuu and her aids' best attempt, they were eventually overwhelmed by the Coalition Force. Ka-Yuu was capture and the pass fell soon afterwards…"

"Curse it all!" Chou-Jou roughly return back to her seat, "How dare those fools, defying Imperial Will! And that Ka-Yuu! That useless and incompetent Common Foot Soldier! All that boast of her Prowess and yet she get herself tied up in such a weak enemy forces…"

"… …I have already sent Ryo-Fu, Chou-Ryou, and Chin-Kyuu to Kou-Ran Pass as a countermeasure," Ka-Ku informed, "so I believe there is nothing to worry about now…"

"… …No," Chou-Jou suddenly stated, "make preparation to move all the rest of the Hei-Shuu Force to Kou-Ran Pass!"

"…! But then Raku-You will be ill-defended-…"

"I do not care," Chou-Jou smirked evilly, "The Royal Guard protect the Court, and as long as Kou-Ran Pass does not fall, no massive army can attack us. With those three Generals at Kou-Ran Gate, it is obvious that the Coalition will not make it here…"

"… …No one could have expected General Ka-Yuu to fall to the Coalition. And in terms of capability, Ka-Yuu is much more of a General than Ryo-Fu, who is more of a berserk warrior than a General. By the offset Kou-Ran Pass would fall, we should-…"

"Or so you say~," Chou-Jou sneered, "Or perhaps you do not wish for your own force to move beyond your reach?"

Ka-Ku stiffened a bit at this before slightly hanging her head. "…No...That is not it…"

"Then get them going," Chou-Jou ordered sweetly, "…Understood?"

"… … …Understood," Ka-Ku gave one more before leaving the room.

Once she was gone, Chou-Jou huffed confidently. "That fool; she thought she could outsmart me? What a joke; I had outsmart her once and that is all I need to know how inferior she is to me!"

Ka-Ku, meanwhile, continue to walk down the gloomy palace hall. That is, until she suddenly stopped in her tracks and slammed her fist into the wall in frustration.

"…How did come to this?" Ka-Ku muttered to herself, "We did as the Imperial Court order obediently and Yue became the Hero of the West after we successfully eradicate the Yellow Scarves Force that was growing in our region. However, we were terribly weakened by the campaign as a result when the Head of the Ten Eunuchs, Chou-Jou, offered us a spot in the capital in return for protection against those who threaten them. Yue, who has relation to the Empress Dowager Tou, decided to take the offer in the name of supporting the New Emperor. By then, it was no secret that the Ten Eunuchs were the ones responsible of the disposal of the Commander-in-Chief, Ka-Shin. I knew that after Chou-Jou had disposed of her long-time enemy, Ka-Shin, she truly intended to use us, in her place, as pawns…"

Ka-Ku suddenly found herself back in time, looking at her past self to see her smirking after reading the letter sent by Chou-Jou. Remembering that, Ka-Ku began to seethe.

"…At the time I thought, 'Very well. If she was going to use us, we would use her, as well.' But I realize too late that she had foreseen that. Once at the capital, Yue was suddenly summoned to the palace supposedly by the New Emperor, then was captured and imprisoned. And now we are forced to do that Eunuch's bidding, with no alternative, while she and her fellow Eunuchs retreated from the public eye, as if we had disposed of them. They began to take all that is stolen from a suffering populace for themselves, and forces the blame for their policies onto Yue…"

Before she even knew it, Ka-Ku has become so frustrated with herself that blood was oozing from her lower lip, where she had bitten furiously.

"… …This was her aim from the beginning. And yet I unknowingly thought I could make benefits out of it for Yue! I was such a fool!" Ka-Ku hyperventilated on the spot. It took her a full minute to calm herself down before she gave a small smile. "However, after countless, nearly unbearable, days working here, I finally found an opening that I need. … … …Chou-Jou, I admit that I have been outsmarted by you once, but you are sadly and fatally mistaken if you thought you are always on top. Your mysterious allies have their hands tied with their goal and you are blinded by your own confidence. You shall realize that soon enough…!"

Kazuto's P.O.V.

We continued to march for a day or two and, after however many nights it had been, we began to see a structure that closely resemble the far off Shi-Sui Pass in the distance.

"Is that…Kou-Ran Pass?" Touka-chan and I wondered in synch.

"Yes," Shuri answered, "That is the entrance to the capital, the final gateway protecting Raku-You. Kou-Ran Pass: inexpugnable, pernicious, and harrowing…"

"T-That is a lot of big words," Touka-chan sweat dropped.

"She just means it is going to be that hard of a fortress to take down," Aisha simplified.

"Then how are we attack it?" Rinrin wondered.

"You tell me," I sighed with a sweat drop, "I hope we're not ordered to charge in again…"

"Unfortunately," Aisha frowned in the same manner, "the supreme commander is En-Shou…"

"That possibility is extremely high…" Shuri moaned.

Just then a golden armor soldiers (maybe the same one that had reported to us before?) rushed up to us. "I bring a message from headquarters!"

"Ugh, speak of the devil," I managed, "…So, what are our orders?"

"Sir! In just a moment, a war council will be held at headquarters! Please send a representative or two of the Yuu-Shu Army to the command tent!"

"A war council, huh? Alright. Tell them I'll be there…"

"Understood!" The messenger saluted and ran off towards the next camp.

"…How strange for En-Shou-san to hold a war council," Touka-chan spoke my thought, "I wonder what En-Shou-san is thinking…"

"Maybe she realized she will need a strategy to take down Kou-Ran Gate?" Aisha suggested hopefully.

"That would be nice~…" Rinrin sighed sarcastically.

"But Sou-Sou-san and Son-Saku-san will be there at the council as well," Shuri noted sadly.

"I hope it doesn't get too complicated…" I sighed.

…That is what I said to Aisha and the others. But as soon as Touka-chan and I enter the main tent…I regretted being so optimistic earlier…

"…I was thinking that too," Touka-chan managed.

She read my mind, though obviously from what she just stated she had that conventional thought too so it was easy for her to guess what was on my mind. Why we thought the same thing you ask? Because a heated argument had already unfolded under the tent.

"Hold on, Sou-Sou-san!" En-Shou roared as she stared unbelievably at the shorter blonde in front of her, "What do you mean you are pulling your army to the rear!?"

Sou-Sou huffed as she glared crossly at the taller blonde in front of her. "Why would I not? If we follow our incompetent leader, we will only lose our soldiers in vain. I will not go along with that…"

"…!? Incompetent…? Are you telling me I am incompetent!?"

"Do I really have to affirm that for you to understand? You really are incompetent, are you not?"

"…! Argh~! This little girl offends me~!"

"That is my line. My dear soldiers are getting hurt because your incompetence. I wish you would pull yourself together…"

"That is not my fault! Is it not your soldiers who are incompetent?"

"My people, incompetent!? Hah! What a funny joke!"

"Are they not? If you had skillfully carried out my commands, there would not have been any casualties-…"

"What command!?" En-Jutsu yelled in astonishment, "Charge straight at an enemy fortress!? Even a bull would not have run straight into a wall!"

"Eh-? Miu-chan!?"

"Soldiers only know how to obey and protect their commander! The soldiers are incompetent when the commander is incompetent! Reiha-nee-sama is the supreme commander, so fault falls on you!"

"Miu-chan! Who side are you on!?"

"Humph," Sou-Sou huffed, "Even your own cousin could see that…"

"… …Allow me to interrupt with my objection," Son-Saku suddenly voiced.

"Ah, me too," Kouson-San (Hakukei) also noted.

"…! Hakufu-san and Hakukei-san too?" En-Shou frowned uncomfortably, "Are you telling me I am incompetent as well?"

"While my sister here would say that, I personally do not care," Son-Saku commented as Son-Ken just glares at En-Shou, "But we suffered heavy losses in the battle at Shi-Sui Pass. That is a fact…"

En-Shou grumbled, unable to come up with anything to counter Son-Saku remark.

"Beside," Hakukei added, "Kou-Ran Pass is guarded by Ryo-Fu, right? We face an impregnable fortress and a crazy General. … …To be blunt, I do not wish to fight her now…"

"Then what do you suggest?"

"…Thinking about that answer is the purpose of our war council," Son-Ken noted, "Is it not?"

"That is right," En-Jutsu nodded.

"So," Sou-Sou smirked at En-Shou, "does the Coalition incompetent Supreme Commander have a plan? If not, I shall be placing my army as rear guard…"

"Same here," Son-Saku agreed, "I do not wish to waste my soldiers… …if not for my sister's sake…"

"D-Do you not have any patriotism or a desire to save the Kan Dynasty from its suffering!?" En-Shou managed in desperation.

"Then as Supreme Commander of the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition, you should demonstrate that patriotism," Sou-Sou replied back harshly.

"I have patriotism!" En-Jutsu exclaimed, "But that does not mean I shall be stupid enough to waste my soldiers! I bet everyone else is like that too!"

En-Shou only grumbled in response.

"Well?" Sou-Sou pressed mercilessly, "Say something you bride thief…"

"…! Y-You have no right to say anything about that!"

"Yes I do. Allow me to say it here and now. That girl was born to be loved by me from the beginning. And who was the one who had an illicit affair and tried to steal her?" Sou-Sou huffed tiredly, "Seriously…you should know your place. …You have always interfered with me since back then…"

"That is exactly how I feel about you! If you did not exist, my childhood would have been wonderful! But the moment I had to sit next to a twisted person like you…all the light vanished from my life!"

"Could you stop blaming others? Besides, your existence-…"

"Okay, OKAY!" I finally had enough with their endless argument and made Touka-chan's and mine presences known to all by stepping in between them, "Let's stop arguing about that for now…"

"Yes," Touka-chan noted, "I do not know why you two do not get along, but right now, our priority is Kou-Ran Pass…"

"Hongou and Touka-chan is right," Though taken aback by our 'sudden' appearance, Hakukei nevertheless agreed with us, "What are we going to do, En-Shou?"

"Humph!" En-Shou huffed arrogantly, returning to her characteristic self-center self, "I have already come up with a solution to that. This little girl interrupted me, so I simply have not been able to announce it…"

"Oh," Sou-Sou inquired with sarcasm, "did you come up with some inane plan?"

"Yes~, of course-," En-Shou began arrogantly before the words finally register in her mind, "…-Hey! An inane plan!?"

"Okay, okay," Hakukei rolled her eyes, "Do not be angry…"

En-Shou grumbled. "W-Well, alright then. To save Hakukei-san's ugly face-…"

"That is one word too many!"

"Whatever!" En-Jutsu waved it off, "Hurry up and tell us about your plan, Reiha-nee-sama!"

"Hey~, what do you mean 'whatever'?" Hakukei managed before sighing in defeat.

"Very well. Here is my plan…" En-Shou began before turning to Touka-chan and I, "The Yuu-Shu Army!"

"… … … … … … … … … … …Huh?" Touka-chan and I managed in synch.

"Both of your pitiful army has this little girl's favorite hero, Kan-U, right? Then if you have that hero take the head of Ryo-Fu, this battle will be ours~!"

"Oh~," Sou-Sou cheered with sarcasm, "what a wonderful inane plan…"

"Do you not think so-? Hey! How many times do I have to tell you it is not an inane plan, you wound up little girl!"

"…My army will take the rear guard," Son-Saku sighed before getting up with her sister and leaving before anyone could say otherwise.

"W-Wait, Hakufu-san, Chuubou-san! You cannot decide that on your own!"

A huff from both Son Sisters was their only response.

"Wow," Hakukei wowed, "They ignored her…"

Sou-Sou huffed as well and prepared to leave. "If Son-Ken and Son-Saku is taking the rear guard, then so will we. You take care of the rest, okay?"

With that Sou-Sou left.

"You too, Sou-Sou?" Hakukei called after hopelessly, "What are we going to do, Honsho?"

"…Now that it has come to this," En-Shou growled before turning to Touka-chan and me, "you two will just have to take care of it!"

"U-Us?" Touka-chan exclaimed as she pointed to herself and me. I just sighed.

"That is right! Your retainer is the one who capture Ka-Yuu for me at Shi-Sui Pass, right!? Then she can easily capture or even kill Ryo-Fu as well!"

"That is absurd!" Touka-chan cried out, "Ryo-Fu is the most powerful General they have! We cannot do something so dangerous!"

"Sou-Sou and Son-Saku pulled out, so you two will have to do it yourselves," En-Shou responded irresponsibly.

"How can you say that as Supreme Commander!?"

"I am saying that precisely because I am Supreme Commander! I order the Yuu-Shu Army to take the Vanguard and attack Kou-Ran Pass! Take the head of Ryo-Fu if necessary and end this battle!"

"I refuse!" Touka roared back in defiant, "I came here to serve my nation, the nation that my ancestor built! I did not come to follow through some suicidal orders! Especially with such a plan that will endanger my comrades!"

"OH~? You will not obey the Supreme Commander? Fine, then I will have no choice but to exterminate your army with the Coalition Army!"

Touka-chan reeled back in alarm. "…A-Are you threatening us now?"

"Please do not use such a violent term," En-Shou deviously smiled, "This is called negotiating…"

Touka-chan balled her fist but that was all she could do. Even she knew that En-Shou had that kind of power as a Supreme Commander. And with the other army not willing to take the vanguard they will no doubt aid En-Shou in doing so.

"Now, what will you do? Will you head to Kou-Ran Gate, or will you make an enemy out of the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition? I do not care which you choose…"

"…You…" Touka-chan practically chokes those words out, tears already forming in her eyes as she glared at En-Shou.

"Your glare does not frighten me. In these turbulent times, might is right!"

"…Okay," I finally answered calmly in Touka-chan's place, comforting Touka-chan with firm but gentle pat on Touka-chan's shoulder.

En-Shou giggled approvingly at my response. "I knew you would agree. As expect of the one person here who knows their place-…"

"But…I have conditions…"

En-Shou blinked. "What are they?"

"As you know, we have only a small number of soldiers. It's suicidal to fight like that, so I want soldiers from each camp…"

"Are you going to include them in your army?" En-Jutsu wondered; it would seem she is generally worried about us to some extent.

"… …Very well," En-Shou nodded after giving it a thought, "I can issue that order to everyone for you-…"

"There is one more," I spoke before she could launch into another speech of egoism.

"You have more? You are greedy, are you not?"

"Say what you want. My partners' lives are at risk…"

"He is right," Hakukei nodded in agreement, "What is the other one?"

"While we draw out the enemy's attention, make sure you have the other armies move in…"

"…Do you want us to create a diversion?" En-Shou inquired, not understanding the meaning behind my request.

"No, the opposite. Our attack will be the diversion. While we engage them, I want you all to attack Kou-Ran Pass…"

"What do you mean?"

"Like I said, our army is small. If we fight them head on, we'll never take Kou-Ran Pass. Most likely, drawing out the enemy's main force will be the best we can do. That is why I want you all to attack Kou-Ran Pass while we occupy them. If all goes well, the enemy's forces will become confused, or perhaps split in two. Either way, it will then give us a chance to win…"

"Do you think that will work?" En-Jutsu wondered. The other warlords who had remain mostly silent mutter similar question as well.

"I don't know," I replied truthfully, "…But it is better than nothing. And if it doesn't, we'll retreat immediately…"

"Oh my~," En-Shou frowned in disapproval, "Do you not think that is a little irresponsible of you?"

I glared at En-Shou; I'm not one to get angry often, but she had been acting like a total jerk the entire time and had even made Touka-chan cried. That was the last straw. "… …To be blunt, you're the last person I want calling me irresponsible, En-Shou…"

"Well," Hakukei chuckled, along with some other warlords, "he has got a point…"

"Why are you saying that?" En-Shou exclaimed in defiant, "I simply came up with the best plan I could think of-!"

"No! I came up with a plan!" I noted harshly, causing everyone in the tent, even Touka-chan next to me, to flinched back, "En-Shou, if I were to see a plan as body, all you did was provide the meat part of it, at the most. You missed the backbone, the structure, and brain of it. The meat is the general goal of the plan; the backbone is the insurance; the structure is the organization of the plan; the brain is all the little details in between. Seventy-Five Percent of this is my contribution. How can you even call what you came up with as the best plan? If you really think that's the best plan, then why don't you carry it out yourself? HUH!?"

En-Shou opened her mouth to speak but slowly and hesitantly closed it.

"See? You don't even think that's the best plan…"

"M-My job is to direct all the armies from the rear as the Supreme Commander of the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition…"

"Wow~!" Hakukei wowed in disgust, "That is pretty blatant, Honsho…"

"C-Can you be quiet, Hakukei-san?"

"Sure, sure," Hakukei waved it off before turning to me, "…Hey, Hongou…"

"Yes?" I noted.

"Do not push yourself too hard, okay? I shall do my best to aid both of you as soon as I can…"

"Yeah…I'm counting on you…more than I can count on a certain somebody here…"

"Leave it to me!" Hakukei then turn to Touka-chan, "Be strong, Touka-chan…"

"…Sure," Touka-chan nodded as she wiped away some of the tears.

"We are returning to our camp, "I informed En-Shou.

"Yes, you may," En-Shou smiled, "… …We shall deploy our forces momentarily. Have your men ready by then…"

"Understood…" I inclined and began to head out with Touka-chan before turning back to En-Shou once more, "By the way, En-Shou, please ask yourself this: Where is the patriotism you so boldly speak of if you are content on remaining in the rear?"

Without waiting for response or a reaction, Touka-chan and I left.

"Ah, Touka-nee-chan," Rinrin called out as she saw us coming, "Onii-chan, welcome back!"

"Hi…" I greeted tiredly with Touka-chan only managing a small nod.

"…? My Lord," Shuri began in worry once she notices our upset mood, "My Lady, what is wrong? You both do not look good, desu…"

"Well…" Touka-chan began.

"My Lady?" Aisha blinked and went to take a closer look at Touka-chan, "…! What is this? My Lady's eyes are all red! Did something happen at the war council?"

"Yeah," I sighed in responds, "…Our army got stuck as the vanguard in the assault on Kou-Ran Pass…"

"What-!?"

"That is going to be impossible!" Rinrin exclaimed in shock; even someone like Rinrin could see the absurdity of the idea.

"Yeah, I know," I shook my head tiredly, "but…if we refuse the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition will turn against us…"

"…I try to argue back," Touka-chan began, tears welling up in her eyes again, "But when En-Shou cruelly threaten us with that… …I could not do anything…"

"… …So En-Shou issues that threat, huh…?" Aisha spoke in disgust.

"Yes…I am sorry. We had to accept it…"

"No…That is not your fault, My Lady. Nor is it My Lord's fault…"

"That is right," Shuri nodded, "Under the circumstances, how could anyone disobey En-Shou-san?"

"But," Touka-chan looked up with eyes full of guilt, "you all will be in danger…"

"All battles are dangerous!" Rinrin chimed, "It is dangerous, but we have to do it anyway! Hmm~~! Rinrin is getting excited!"

I could help but give a small chuckle. "Oh, Rinrin…"

"Yes," Aisha gave us a confident smile, "Rinrin is right. We just have to do it. Humph, I am getting excited too…"

"That is the spirit, desu!" Shuri thumped her small chest, "Let us all get fired up! We shall get excited and show that En-Shou-san what we can do!"

"Everyone…" Touka-chan blinked at this show of excitement.

"You guys…" I smiled proudly at my brave comrades.

"Hawa, My Lord and Lady," Shuri fidget at Touka-chan's touched expression and my awed expression, "please do not make those faces. Do not worry…I have a plan!"

"A plan?"

"Yes! …Oh, but, My Lord and Lady, before that, could you tell me every word that was said at the council? Just what you can remember is enough…"

"Every word? Sure. Let's see…" From there, I told every bit of the conversations I could remember with Touka-chan filling in the blanks that I couldn't.

All the meanwhile, Shuri nodded to herself as she absorbs the information we provided, like how a sponge absorbing water. "…So to get it all straight, first My Lord requested more soldiers, and then My Lord asked that the other armies take action once the time is right…correct?"

"Yes," Touka-chan nodded, "When she forced us to take the vanguard, while I was distraught, Kazuto-kun put out lots of conditions…"

"I had to," I admitted, "I put out as many conditions as I could think of to help minimize our losses…"

Shuri then gave me a blossoming smile, as if she had receive the most wonderful birthday present she had ever gotten. "Good job, My Lord! My Lord did wonderfully, desu!"

"Huh? Well…will they be of any use?" I had to admit, the majority of the condition I proposed were a spur of the moment.

"Yes! Not only will they be of use, we have a chance of winning now!"

"W-Winning…?" Touka-chan awed, "In what way?"

"We shall use this to take revenge for what happened at the Shi-Sui Pass, desu!"

"…I see," Aisha smirked, apparently understanding what was on Shuri's mind, "That is a great idea…"

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

"In other words," Shuri explained, "we shall lure out the enemy as the vanguard, and when the other armies take action, we make a swift retreat…"

"Isn't that what happen to us back at-…?" I began in confusion until the answered hit both me and Touka-chan with the force of a truck, "OH~~~!"

"Yes," Aisha began with a smile, "So we shall shift everything to Sou-Sou, Son-Saku, and those other armies that will move. We shall give them exactly what they gave us at Shi-Sui Pass…"

"Wow!" Rinrin wowed, now also understanding, "I get it!"

Shuri smiled proudly at me. "Since My Lord requested more soldiers, our odds of winning have greatly improved desu!"

"But…" Touka-chan began unsure, "…Do you think it will work?"

"We shall do fine, do not worry!" Rinrin glee in excitement like a child setting up a prank, "Leave it to Rinrin!"

"Rinrin cannot do it alone," Aisha reprieved, causing Rinrin to give a small comical pout, "but we have Shuri. I am sure she shall do a great job…"

"Hawa," Shuri shrunk a bit from what Aisha said, "That is a huge responsibility, desu… But I shall my best!"

"Now, with that as our basic strategy, how shall we arrange our forces?"

"Let me see…Even with the extra soldiers, the enemy holed up in the fortress still outnumbers us. But we shall still get close to the fortress… …Just like we done at Shi-Sui Pass…"

"And lure out the beast?" Touka-chan offered.

"Yes! Once the beast takes our bait, we shall stave them off while we begin to retreat. Then…"

"We will shove them over onto Sou-Sou and Son-Saku!" Rinrin smirked.

Shuri giggled. "That is correct, desu!"

"The problem," Aisha began in worry, "will lie in how long we can stave off the enemy…"

"If all we need to do is stave them off," Rinrin began, "it will be easy…"

"I suppose you are right, Rinrin," Aisha complimented, rubbing Rinrin's head making the said girl to meow in affection (yes, meow), "How long will we have to hold out?"

Shuri gave it a thought. "…Probably about ten days at longest…"

"Ten days… That is difficult, but not impossible…"

"Ten days will be easy!" Rinrin claimed.

Aisha giggled and responded to Rinrin's confidence with a reassuring smile. "That is the spirit, Rinrin…"

Just then, a messenger from the Ki-Shuu Army arrived (I swear he was the same one from all those other times). "Message from headquarters! Troops are being transfer to the Yuu-Shu Army! Once the process is complete, deploy immediately!"

"Tell her we understand!" I replied.

"Yes! …Good luck!" With that last, obviously unneeded unless you've met a couple of times and had grown fond of them, comment, he rushed off. I guess it was the same guy.

"Are you sure about this?" Touka-chan wondered to everyone.

Aisha giggled. "You worry too much, My Lord and Lady…"

"Hey," I blinked, "I didn't say anything…"

Aisha giggled again. "I know My Lord and Lady well enough by now to know that when either My Lord or Lady is worry the other will worry too…"

"…I suppose," I sighed in defeat, "well, of course I am worry. I can't help it…"

"Do not worry," Shuri reassured, "Everything will be just fine, desu…"

"Onii-chan and Touka-nee-chan," Rinrin added, "just beat your chest with pride like always…"

"…Okay" I smiled.

"Then shall we go?" Touka-chan offered.

"Let us go and have reprisal on those who ridiculed us!" Aisha haughtily giggled.

The penetrating chill caused by her majestic smile was very reassuring now. With that thought in mind, Touka-chan and I ordered our units to prepare for deployment.

An hour later… Once we were ready, we departed—or rather, were forces to depart—for the front, with the Coalition threatening our backs.

"A tiger at the front gate," I frowned as Touka-chan peeked behind us.

"…and a wolf at the rear gate, huh?" Touka-chan finished.

"This is so unfair of them," Rinrin pouted in discomfort, "Look, the Ki-Shuu Army are ready to shoot at us…"

"How shameful," Aisha hissed with a frown as she glared back at our 'allies', "They are a disgrace to all warriors…"

"…Bear with it for now, desu," Shuri informed, "But once Our Lord and Lady becomes bigger and stronger, we shall beat them black and blue…"

"Well said, Shuri! You are absolutely right. When that time comes, we would not hesitate to wipe the floor with them!"

"Rinrin is going to beat them to a pulp!" Rinrin vowed.

"Yeah!" Shuri cheered, before her expression shifted back to Kou-Ran Pass, "But…we have to think about the task at hand for now…"

"That is right," Aisha nodded, "We should concentrate on defense and buy time. That is our basic plan, correct?"

"But we have to fight a little," Rinrin reminded, "because otherwise Sou-Sou and Son-Saku would not do anything…"

"And if they would not move," Touka-chan added, "the other armies would not move either, correct?"

"Yes…that is the tricky part," Aisha turned to Shuri, "You observe the movement of the Kyo-Shou and Kou-Tou Armies, Shuri…"

"Yes," Shuri nodded, "When it is the time to retreat, I shall send a messenger with a signal. Please retreat immediately once you get the signal…"

"Got it!" Rinrin nodded.

"Now that we know the plan…"

"Yes, let us go," Aisha smiled, "…We shall overcome this difficult battle, and let Our Lord and Lady's name spread across the land!"

"Oh yeah!" Rinrin cheered.

"Now, My Lord and Lady. Give us the signal to depart!"

"Yeah," I nodded as Touka-chan and I stepped forward to face the soldiers, "Brave and valiant soldiers of Yuu-Shu…"

"Maybe this war to defeat Tou-Taku," Touka-chan picked up, "does not have much to do with us from Yuu-Shu…"

"But, we believe that if we lose this war, then one day Yuu-Shu will become involved in an even greater war…"

"We believe this battle will be difficult. But as long as we follow Aisha, Rinrin-chan, and Shuri-chan as well, then we can win…"

"We can survive…"

"Let us do our best to protect our realm…"

"…We entrust our lives to all of you…"

"So entrust your lives to I, Ryuu-Bi Gentoku, to the Messenger from Heaven, Kazuto-kun, to Aisha, to Rinrin-chan, and to Shuri-chan!"

There was a moment of silence. Then…CHEER…the soldiers erupted in a cheer. Each and every soldier released their strength with that cheer and turned their eyes on the battle ahead. Even the extra soldiers were affected.

"I will take care of your lives!" Aisha proclaimed loudly, "Now let us go! Our stage waits!"

"Left flank, Chou-Hi units!" Shuri organized, "Right flank, Kan-U units! Main force, front and center, My Lady and I, Shokatsu-Ryou, shall lead!"

"Once the enemy army starts to move," Rinrin added, "all units are to halt. After we endure their first attack, we begin our counter attack!"

"We shall move once we receive the signal from our main force!" Aisha picked up, "Do not lose sight of my flag! Do not miss the sound of the gong! Battles are won by seizing opportunity!"

Just then one of the soldiers shout out, "The gate of Kou-Ran is opening up! The flag's mark is 'Ryo'! It is the enemy's main forces!"

"Understood," Shuri noted the soldiers after seeing the truth with her own eyes before, turning to us, "Get the entire army ready!"

"Draw your bows!" Aisha ordered her archer units. The archers followed Aisha's orders and nock their arrows to fire.

"Three," Touka-chan gave the countdown, "two, one…fire~!"

It was our Yuu-Shu Army of Ten Thousand against the Hei-Shuu Army of Twenty-Five Thousand. According to our scout's reports, the Enemy General of this battle would be Ryo-Fu Housen herself, the most powerful warrior they had to offer, with their enemy strategist being Chou-Ryou Bunen, a very capable general in her own rights.

Leaving aside the enemy's numbers, Ryo-Fu herself is capable of mowing down a whole battalion with a single charge. However according to Shuri, if deprived the chance to charge, Ryo-Fu becomes a mere reckless cavalry soldier. Chou-Ryou for her part is wise and agile, commanding her army with excellent skill and speed. However, though not recklessly prideful as Ka-Yuu, she is known to follow a code of honor and would most likely organize the Hei-Shuu Army for direct attacks rather than ambush attacks as her skill support. According to Shuri, as long as we do not directly confront the enemy, we should suffer much.

For this battle, which would need to at least last for ten days so that we can entice the army of Kyo-Shou and Kou-Tou in, Shuri made herself the General of the vanguard with Aisha as the strategist. From what Shuri explain, if she can be the army general she can direct the soldiers in a formation that could render enemy's devastating attack ineffective. That is vital in our situation if we need to neutralize any attacks made by Ryo-Fu herself. Aisha can organize the army to be better suited for any type of formation, while Touka-chan can only organize the army to be better suited for defense and Rinrin only for ambush attacks. Aisha also has wisdom on her side so no matter what type of formation we used we can easily outmatch other formation advantage.

We armed our forces with mostly Heavy Infantry; we used the [Infantry Square] Formation with [Intercept] as our primary plan of attack. Using the [Infantry Square] Formation allows our defense to heighten since it is one of our strongest defensive formations. Using [Intercept] attack pattern increase our defenses even more, allowing little casualties on our side and more so on our enemy's side.

Thus the battle began, with us utilizing the [Infantry Square] Formation and the Hei-Shuu Army using [Spearhead] Formation. Shuri watch the battle carefully throughout the entire Ten Days. True to her words, whenever she notice Ryo-Fu charging into the battle, Shuri quickly rearrange the troops into an impregnable wall of soldiers, confusing Ryo-Fu to the point that she retreats and would not charge so suddenly for a while. In that Ten Days, Ryo-Fu charged every Three Days, with Shuri nullifying all three encounters.

As for our armies effort, with every clash our army takes out about Three-Hundred-and-Seventy to Four-Hundred-and-Fifty enemy soldiers at highest while the Enemy Force take out between A Hundred-and-Thirty to a Hundred-and-Sixty. At the end of those grueling Ten Days, we retain about Eight-Thousand-and Five-Hundred while the Hei-Shuu Army has Twenty-Thousand-and-Nine-Hundred remaining. In short, we lost about 15% of our army while the Hei-Shuu Army lost about 16%. The differences aren't great but our goal here isn't to fully decrease the enemy's number after all and we did preserve more than 80% of the army so I suppose we could call it a victory.

Finally, the sound of gongs erupted throughout the battlefield.

GONG! GONG! GONG!

"That is signal from the main force!" Rinrin called excitedly.

"Okay," Aisha nodded in acknowledgement directing the army, "All troops! Defensive retreat!"

Obeying the stern command, the army began to slowly but steadily break away from the battle.

Meanwhile, in the Hei-Shuu Army, Chin-Kyuu had just noticed the odd movements of the enemy forces.

"…The enemy forces are making a steady retreat now," Chin-Kyuu informed.

"Aw~, we just needed one more push," Chou-Ryou sighed as Ryo-Fu simply clicked her tongue in annoyance, "…Ryo-Fu-chin, what should we do?"

"… …Pursue," Ryo-Fu simply answered.

"Pursue?" Chin-Kyuu exclaimed, "Is it not a bad idea to pursue them now?"

"I agree," Chou-Ryou glared out into the terrain in front of them, "Sure, we can handle the Yuu-Shu Army in their Vanguard, but are not Sou-Sou and Son-Ken pulling up behind them?"

"… …Pursue," Ryo-Fu adamantly contended.

Chou-Ryou sighed. "…Well, I cannot say I am not happy to fight against those generals of the Yuu-Shu Army…They are both pretty strong. They will make good game…"

"…Well," Chin-Kyuu huffed, "If you are both going, then Nenene shall maintain the fortress from here then, okay?"

"That should work," Chou-Ryou smirked before turning to Ryo-Fu, "Shall we go?"

Ryo-Fu simply nodded and the two began the pursuit.

"… …Ah-!" Chin-Kyuu suddenly slapped her forehead, "Ryo-Fu-dono forgot to take Red Hound again… … …Well, Nenene suppose Ryo-Fu-dono wouldn't need him for something like this…"

Back in the Yuu-Shu Army, a messenger suddenly cried out. "The enemy has started to fight with our Rear Guards!"

"Good!" Rinrin nodded in approval, "Okay, everyone, we shall continue to pull back!"

Meanwhile over in the marching army of Kyo-Shou, Kakou-Ton finally notices the peril the Kyo-Shou Army now has to face.

"Karin-sama!" Kakou-Ton exclaimed, "The Yuu-Shu Army is-!"

"T-T-They…They are retreating!?" Jun-Iku exclaimed in confusion.

"…I expected as much," Izumi sighed, "At this rate, our own vanguard shall get involved…"

"…Oh? You anticipate this!? Then why-?"

"I had tried to state my opinion before; you didn't want to hear it when it could have made a difference and had wanted to focus on the glory, so now here we are…"

Jun-Iku opened her mouth to speak but hesitantly shut them in frustration.

"… …Not bad for an ugly man," Sou-Sou sighed, "I suppose I neglect Shiba Izumi's wisdom too much in this battle. … …Shunran, Shuuran, reorganize our formation…"

"Yes ma'am!" The Kakou Sister saluted.

Likewise with the Kou-Tou Army, the generals has also realize the position they're now in.

"Well, well… …The Yuu-Shu Army had pulled a fine tactic, no?" Shuu-Yu huffed, mildly impressed.

"Yes," Son-Saku sweat dropped, "They seem to have some good tacticians…"

"Awa~!" Riku-Son shivered in worry, "At this rate…our army will have no choice but to engage…"

"Damn it," Son-Ken cursed before turning to her sister, "Sister! We must hurry and organize our army in a spearhead formation. If we do so, we can flank the enemy…"

Son-Saku thought about it for a moment before nodding. "Yes, we might as well make the best of it… …Not bad, Renfa…"

"…Well, if we twiddle our thumbs, we shall suffer more casualties. After we flank them, we shall use that momentum as an impetus to break through the gate, no?"

Son-Saku giggled. "I could not have put it better myself…"

"I believe that is an effective plan, given the situation," Shuu-Yu noted, "…Son-Ken-sama has study well…"

"Then we shall execute it… …Kouha, Taiki…"

"Yeah?" Taiki responded as Kan-Nei stood attention.

"Kouha, organize the army in accordance to what Renfa suggested. Taiki, since we are short on hands, please lead the army in this flanking…"

"Unless of course," Shuu-Yu smirked, "you wish to sit out on this as well, General Taiki Sonoma…"

"I'm meant to clean up messes anyway," Taiki huff a smile, "So I got no reason to stay out of this one…"

"…? …! Are you implying you knew this was going to happen!?"

"Not exactly," Taiki shrugged as he set off toward the front, "I just figure the Yuu-Shu Army isn't going to obediently take all the whipping that we had ran away from…"

With those final words, Taiki left with Kan-Nei.

"…So that is why," Son-Saku sighed, "I suppose he realize that our action back at Shi-Sui Pass was going to come back and bite us. Since he knew that was going to happen, he is now cleaning up our own mess…"

Shuu-Yu grumbled. "… …I suppose the glory of taking Shi-Sui Pass is now hardly worth the effort…"

"Well, what has been done is done. Let us focus on making the best of it…"

"As you wish… …"

"My Lord!" Shuri suddenly called, "My Lady! The Kyo-Shou Army and the Kou-Tou Army are moving! Our strategy worked!"

"That is wonderful!" Touka-chan cheered.

"Then we shall begin the counterattack!" Aisha huff a satisfied smile.

"All units," Rinrin roared to the army as she turned around, "follow Rinrin to victory!"

With a collective roar, our army followed Rinrin as we return to battle.

Meanwhile, in the Ki-Shuu Army, En-Shou was having a tea party with her cousin En-Jutsu when she notices the progress the Coalition has done in the front.

"Oh my?" En-Shou blinked, before slowly growing a smile, "My, my, my!? Is our Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition doing surprisingly well?"

"…What does cousin mean 'surprisingly'?" En-Jutsu sneered, "Are we not ALWAYS doing well under YOUR leadership?"

"Uh, yes… …Silly me~! Of course, we are always doing well…"

"…The Yuu-Shu Army did a great job luring out the enemy troops," Gan-Ryou commented with an impressed smile, "the armies of Kyo-Shou and Kou-Tou are taking advantage of the situation and beating them to a pulp…"

"That was cruel of Sou-Sou and Son-Saku," Bun-Shuu sighed.

"I know," En-Shou nodded in agreement, "That was heartless…"

Chou-Kun, En-Jutsu, and Gan-Ryou sweat dropped.

"I think the Princess is far more heartless though… …" Gan-Ryou muttered, loud enough for only En-Jutsu and Chou-Kun to hear.

"…Agree," Chou-Kun muttered back.

"She dare say that?" En-Jutsu pouted in a whisper, "After forcing the Yuu-Shu Army to the front with spear toward their backs? What a hypocrite…"

"Indeed…"

"…What is it, Gan-Ryou-san, Miu-chan?" En-Shou sounded, noticing the two stared with a frown at her, "Is there something on my face?"

"No, nothing~!" Gan-Ryou and En-Jutsu replied with a strain smile.

"By the way, En-Shou-sama," Chou-Kun noted, "Do you not think now is the time to throw in the reserve troops?"

"Oh, you are right," En-Shou nodded, before turning to her aids, "Bun-Shuu-san, Gan-Ryou-san, hurry up and go beat up Ryo-Fu…"

"Okay, okay," Bun-Shuu nodded and turn to her companion, "Toshi, let us go…"

"Yes, let us go, Bun-chan…" Gan-Ryou smiled.

"…We better send out our forces as well, Miu-sama," Chou-Kun chimed one the two left.

"… … …Yeah, at least to back up Taiki-onii-chan," En-Jutsu nodded after a moment of hesitation before heading off back to her camp with Chou-Kun in toll.

"… … … … …Well," En-Shou noted a moment to notice that she is left alone, "I suppose I can have a tea party with myself…"

In other news, the Hei-Shuu army now found themselves in a huge dilemma. They had chased the Yuu-Shu Army only to find themselves engaging the army of Kou-Tou and Kyo-Shou. Chou-Ryou and Ryo-Fu were separated in the confusion as they try to fend off their new opponents. The Yuu-Shu army for their effort had ceased their retreat and had turn to attack as well.

"Shit…" Chou-Ryou cursed as she notices movements in the Coalition main force, "The Ki-Shuu and Ju-Shun Army have started to move. We had better retreat before it is too late…"

Chou-Ryou called out to one of her aid, who rushed up to her.

"The Coalition's main troop has started to move. We shall return to Kou-Ran Pass for now. Be ready!"

"But what about General Ryo-Fu?" the aid asked in worry.

"We shall have to leave her be," Chou-Ryou sighed, "…We cannot put our whole army in danger for Ryo-Fu-chin…"

"Yes, ma'am…"

"Anyways, try and avoid the Coalition's counter attack and fall back to Kou-Ran Pass!"

Before the aid could respond, another soldier rushed up to report.

"What is it?"

"Ma'am," the soldier began, "Part of the Kyo-Shou and Kou-Tou armies has started attacking the gates of Kou-Ran! The garrison is having a tough fight and holding them off, but it is only a matter of time before they break through even with Chin-Kyuu-dono there!"

"Ah, shit~! Are you kidding me~!?" Chou-Ryou hissed to herself before sighing, "That is it then. We have lost this battle…"

"Y-…No," the Aid exclaimed, "Our army is still burning with the desire to win!"

"It does not matter if you are burning or starving," Chou-Ryou huffed, "once the enemy reaches your base you have lost the battle…"

"But General Ryo-Fu is-…"

Chou-Ryou sighed before directing the aid's attention to the front. "…Why not you look at the front line?"

The aid did as Chou-Ryou suggest and saw the front was a complete mess with numbers of army.

"That is where Ryo-Fu-chin is, somewhere in that mess. The army of Kyo-Shou and Kou-Tou are out there, plus the Yuu-Shu Army. To top it off, the army of Ki-Shuu and Ju-Shun is in the back…"

"… … …Yes…"

"What messenger wants to go up to that swarm of enemies and tell Ryo-Fu and her units we are retreating?"

The aid remained silent in realization.

"Is that clear? Unfortunately, we will have to abandon Ryo-Fu-chin. Also…we are not going back to Kou-Ran Pass, either…"

"What?"

"Even if we went back now, we wouldn't be able to go back inside, what with our enemy at the castle gate. We shall try to break through the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition's blockade together. If we are lucky, maybe we can rescue Ryo-Fu-chin too. …If not, we have already served our purpose by giving them enough time to escape…"

"To escape…?"

"That is right. … …Well, the rest is up to them now. To be honest, I cannot look after them that much…"

After a moment, the aid nodded in understanding. "I see… …"

"Anyway, go ahead and gather the rest of the troops. The Kyo-Shou Army's blockade is thinning out in one spot. We shall try to break through there…"

"Yes, ma'am," With that, the aid and the soldier rushed off to rally the rest of the soldiers.

Once they were gone however, Chou-Ryou pondered to herself. "A part of Kyo-Shou Army is thinning out? That is ridiculous. That is not possible with Sou-Sou. She must be scheming something…

Back among the Kyo-Shou Army ranks, Kakou-Ton observed as one of the Hei-Shuu Unit began focusing on the thinner area of their blockade.

"Part of the enemy troops appears to be attacking the region where the blockade is thin," Kakou-Ton informed Sou-Sou.

"Oh~?" Sou-Sou noted in interest, "One of the enemy units found the section of the blockade we made to thin on purpose, huh?"

"Considering how camouflage it has been set up in," Izumi huffed, "I must say they have a capable General leading them…"

"Yes," Kakou-Ton nodded, "The unit must have been General Chou-Ryou…"

Izumi blink in mild shock. "Chou-Ryou? Kakou-Ton-dono, are you referring to the one called Chou-Ryou Bunen?"

"…? Yes, the same…"

"I see…" Izumi knows that name well. At the peak of Sou-Gi history in the early stage of the Three Kingdom, Sou-Gi possesses a mighty General known as Chou-Ryou Bunen. Chou-Ryou had been one the General of Ryo-Fu until he deflected to Sou-Gi. Since then, Chou-Ryou served as one of their mightiest of the General, and was charged with protecting the eastern borders of Sou-Gi from Son-Go, being successful in more than one occasion. Chou-Ryou was also famous as being labeled as one of Sou-Gi Elite General.

"Chou-Ryou," Sou-Sou repeated the name, "… …I have heard about her. She is brave and lives to fight against strong soldiers I thought she was just a daredevil, but I guess she is a good General. … …I want her…"

"… …Oh dear," Izumi sighed, a tad disturb once again by her Lord's craving.

"Boy…" Kakou-Ton sighed as well, "…There you go again, Karin-sama…"

"Oh? Is it not only natural for those who rule to seek out good talent?" Sou-Sou smiled innocently.

"Not as how Sou-Sou-sama displays it," Izumi sweat dropped.

"… …What if," Kakou-Ton began, "Chou-Ryou is ugly?"

"I shall kill her," Sou-Sou answered without hesitation.

"… …What if she is cute?"

"I shall take sweet care of her in my bedroom…" Once again, without hesitation.

"… …My point exactly…" Izumi sweat dropped with a sigh while Kakou-Ton just simply sighed.

"… …Is there something you want to say, Shunran?"

"No, nothing ma'am!" Kakou-Ton grumbled.

"Are you… …jealous?"

"No, I am not! Not at all! Not even a bit!"

Izumi sweat dropped. "Kakou-Ton-dono. Affirming your claim in such a way only has the opposite effect…"

"Shiba-san, I do not need your words of wisdom!"

Sou-Sou giggled as Kakou-Ton continues to redden. "…In that case, Shunran, why do you not capture Chou-Ryou?"

"…Eh…?"

"Why do you not capture the girl I desire with your own hands and present her to me?"

Kakou-Ton frowned with a pout. "Karin-sama is mean…"

"Do you think so? I think it shall be fun. I wonder how you will present Chou-Ryou to me. Or will you not listen to my request?"

Kakou-Ton grumbled on the spot.

Sou-Sou giggled upon seeing Kakou-Ton in such a state. "You look lovely when you are troubled too…"

"Oh, Karin-sama, stop that… …" Kakou-Ton huffed with a small smile.

"Get going, Shunran…"

"Yes ma'am…"

Sometime later, we find Chou-Ryou and her units still trying to flee the battlefield by breaking through the thinning in Kyo-Shou Army's blockade. That is until her aid suddenly spoke up.

"Chou-Ryou-sama! Look ahead of you!" the aid called.

"Hmm?" Chou-Ryou narrowed her eyes to see a single person coming towards them; it was Kakou-Ton, "Oh, who is that? She is pretty brave to come face us alone!"

"What should we do?"

"Gang up on her! …Is what I would like to say, but I cannot agree to beating down someone who came alone through a mass of soldiers. I shall take her on myself…"

"No, you cannot! What if something happen to you?"

"Fool! We are almost through; use your head to do the rest!"

"But… …"

"What are you trying to say? While she and I fight, the enemy's attention will be on us. Use that opportunity to escape. That is the last thing I can do for you all…"

"C-Chou-Ryou-sama… …"

"Stop sniveling like that," Chou-Ryou heartily patted her aid on the back, "Come on, go and take care of everyone for me, okay?"

"Yes!" the aid saluted before directing the unit to continue to break through.

"…Make sure you survive, okay?" Chou-Ryou spoke silently as stare after her unit one last time before turning back to her approaching opponent.

"Did you stay to let your people escape?" Kakou-Ton noted as soon she was in talking range.

"Are you kidding? I'm not that nice. I just wanted to fight against you without interruption…"

Kakou-Ton huffed with a smile. "You are not being honest…"

"Whatever. What is your name?"

"My family name is Kakou, my given name is Ton. My common name is Genjou…"

"I am Chou-Ryou. My common name is Bunen. … …Shall we?"

"Yeah," Kakou-Ton smirked as she ready her black willow-leaf saber.

"… …Nice, Gen-chan," Chou-Ryou complimented as she ready her weapon, a Crescent Blade, "You look good…"

Kakou-Ton remained silent.

"Your eyes, your stance… …absolutely fascinating…"

"You talk too much… …"

"My mouth is not the only thing that moves a lot…" Chou-Ryou smirked as she rushed up to Kakou-Ton and swung her Crescent Blade down at her, "Here!" WHOOSH! CLASH!

Kakou-Ton huffed as she blocked the attack.

"Wow, pretty good!" Chou-Ryou complimented as she jumped back to get some distance.

"Don't underestimate me," But that did little because Kakou-Ton suddenly rushed up and swung her saber down at her. WHOOSH! CLASH!

"Hey-, no warning!?" Chou-Ryou exclaimed as she had barely block the incoming attack.

Kakou-Ton didn't hesitate to deliver another downward swing before striking sideways at Chou-Ryou left side. WHOOSH! CLASH! WHOOSH! CLASH!

All Chou-Ryou could do was block both attacks by a hairline as she clicked her tongue in frustration.

"… …Oh?" Kakou-Ton mused, impressed that Chou-Ryou managed to deflect her attack.

"What do you mean 'oh'?" Chou-Ryou huffed, "It is not fair to attack when I am not paying attention!"

"Who cares?" Kakou-Ton simply stated before taking another sudden swing downward at her. WHOOSH! CLASH!

"Wow, again!?" Chou-Ryou hissed.

Kakou-Ton clicked her tongue, frustrated that she could not bypass her defense. "You are pretty good, too… …"

"Of course! I cannot lose here!"

Kakou-Ton smirked. "…Then why do you not surrender? If you do not, not only you, but your soldiers will die too…"

"Do not be ridiculous! They are already gone!"

"… …Do you really think the army of Kyo-Shou is letting them escape?"

Chou-Ryou grumbled, realizing the meaning behind her opponent's knowingly words. "Man… …So the blockade was thinned out on purpose, huh?"

"Of course. Do you think the elite soldiers would leave a hole in the blockade by accident?"

"Then why did you do that?"

"To limit the body counts. Also to capture any General good enough to notice a sparse section of the blockade…"

"Heh~?" Chou-Ryou smirked, now understanding the reason why Kakou-Ton is here, "So I am a girl after your Lord's own heart, huh?"

"That is right. I am here to capture you…"

"Do you think I shall let you?"

"Of course not. You and I are equally matched. One of us will die before the other is captured…"

"You understand well. So then why did you come?"

"I have other means to win…" Kakou-Ton smiled knowingly.

Chou-Ryou understood immediately and frowned in disproval. "… …Taking soldiers hostage is cowardly…"

"If taking a thousand soldiers hostage results in capturing a General that can lead ten thousands soldiers, then being called cowardly is a cheap price to pay…"

Chou-Ryou hummed in amusement. "…That is pretty amazing…"

"Hmm? What is?"

"Your ability. And also your Lord's ability to use you well…"

Kakou-Ton huffed, but chuckled at the compliment.

"I want to ask you one thing…"

"Ask it…"

"What does Sou-Sou want?"

"Only one thing. The world!"

"That is great. Her strong spirit… …I like it," Chou-Ryou smiled in approval before nodding, "I shall surrender to Sou-Sou. So I can fight with strong people. However, there is one condition… …"

"Very well. … …What is it?"

At that, Chou-Ryou gave an uncomfortable frown. "Your Lord's tastes are famous, so I already know about them. However, I am a warrior. I will not have any of that…"

Kakou-Ton blinked before sighing…in relief. "That is… …more than I could ask for…"

"…? What do you mean… …?"

"…One less rival…"

"Eh~…" Chou-Ryou sneered teasingly, "…You are just a cute little girl, huh Gen-chan!"

"S-Shut up!" Kakou-Ton blushed furiously.

Chou-Ryou giggled mischievously; she looked like a curious kitty taunting her pursuer. "Do not be shy~!"

"I am not shy!"

"You are beet red, though~…"

"That is, well…that is because my body is still flush from our duel, that is all!"

"… 'Flush'?" Chou-Ryou laughed, "It is okay. It is okay. Gen-Chan, you are a lovely maiden too~!"

Kakou-Ton grumbled. "…If you continue to joke around like that, then…Chou-Ryou! Fight me once again!"

"No thanks! I cannot beat a girl in love~!"

"Are you EVER going give it a rest!?" Kakou-Ton screeched in frustration.

"Of course not! I shall keep saying it forever~! Hey, we shall be friends from now on, so let me tease you~!"

Kakou-Ton grumbled. "Chou-Ryou… …"

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Are you sure… …that you have no interest in sharing a bed with Karin-sama?"

"No way!" Chou-Ryou huff a reply immediately, "I have absolutely no interest. If Sou-Sou tries to force me, I'll place my pride as a warrior on the line and resist with everything I have. Be sure to let Sou-Sou know that…"

"Okay. I believe you. I shall let Karin-sama know…"

"I am counting on you…"

"Yeah. I am sure Karin-sama will understand. She loves good generals most of all…"

"If you say so, I believe you, Gen-chan. Anyway, we shall have fun together…"

"Yeah, we will…"

"Ah-! What about my soldiers… …?"

"Do not worry. I shall send a messenger…"

"Thanks… …whew…"

"What's wrong? Are you relieved?"

"I am. It's not like me. … …At least I fulfilled my duty…"

"Fulfilled your duty? What do you mean?"

"Hmm… … …given the right chance, I shall tell you one day. For now, do not mind it. Just think of it as a joke from a surrendered general…"

"… …Okay…I will not inquire it then…"

"Thanks. Well, I better go greet Sou-Sou-I mean, my new Lord…"

"Okay, I shall get someone to take you to her…"

"Eh? Aren't you coming with me, Gen-chan?"

"I have to continue to Kou-Ran Pass with the troops. I shall let the messenger know about your condition, so do not worry…"

"Well, I am not worried about that… …"

"What is it?"

Chou-Ryou gave Kakou-Ton a sad frown. "… …They were my people up until now. It will not be easy to watch them being attacked… …"

"That is how it goes in battle. If you do not want to watch, why do you not step back and close your eyes?"

"… …No!" Chou-Ryou shook her head firmly, "I cannot do that. I cannot pick up a spear and fight against them but I have to watch the battle…"

Kakou-Ton huffed. "You are difficult… …"

"That is how generals should be…"

"That is true," Kakou-Ton nodded in approval, "… …I changed my mind. Chou-Ryou, you come with me…"

"Eh?"

"You do not need to pick up a spear. You watch your soldiers die as a defeated general. That will make you a bigger person in the future…"

Chou-Ryou laughed. "…You say some tough things, do you not Gen-chan?"

"I only say that because you are a talented general…"

"I see… …Okay, I shall go with you. I shall watch my soldiers die behind you, Gen-chan…"

"… …Shall we go?"

"Yeah!"

Meanwhile, as Chou-Ryou and Kakou-Ton dueled, Ryo-Fu and her units were making a slow a steady progress against incredible odds towards the Coalition's Main Headquarter. She has loss many of her soldiers by now, but still Ryo-Fu charged forward slaughtering hundreds in her path.

At the first, the Coalition Army's soldiers, with high moral, eagerly got in her way in the hopes of obtaining glory for themselves. But it wasn't long before Ryo-Fu put their ego back in their place. Now, while a few remain foolish, the vast majority either cringed in fear or ran for their lives when Ryo-Fu advanced closer.

Ryo-Fu was still in the process of doing this when Bun-Shuu and her units from the Ki-Shuu Army, Kouson-San and her Ryou-Sei Army, Ba-Chou and her personal units from the Sei-Ryou Army, and the Ju-Shun Army led by En-Jutsu arrived on the scene.

"Whoa, Whoa!" En-Jutsu exclaimed in shock as she witness the carnage in front of her, "What is happening here?"

"It would appear that an enemy General has managed to come all the way here, Miu-sama," Chou-Kun informed, "…Though, with the General Flag missing from their unit, I do not know who it is…"

"Hah," Bun-Shuu huffed confidently as she rushed forward, "They come alone in this chaos? They must be a fool! I, Bun-Shuu Kanarion, shall take that fool's head!"

"Ah-! Wait, General Bun-Shuu," Kouson-San called, "We do not know who our enemy is! To rush in-…"

"There is no better way to find out then to go see ourselves," Ba-Chou smirked before turning to Hou-Taku, "Let us ride, Kimi-chan!"

"…Ah-!" Hou-Taku began only to watch Ba-Chou sped off before she could say anything, "…Bother…" With that, Hou-Taku sped after…

"All forces!" Chou-Kun called, "Charge and crush that Enemy Unit! We cannot waste time here!"

With a collective roar, the Ju-Shun Army surged forward, leaving Kouson-San and her army wondering what to do next.

"… …Sigh~!" Kouson-San sighed before giving the command to her army, "Army of Ryou-Sei, let us make haste to join them, if not to possibly back them up!"

With a roar, the Ryou-Sei army marched forward with Kouson-San riding her White Stallion in front.

By now, Bun-Shuu has made her way up to the Enemy Unit. Readying her Great Sword, she called out loudly, "I am Bun-Shuu Kanarion! The Mighty and Noble General of the Ki-Shuu Army, the Main Force of the Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition! I am not interest in some unnamed foot soldier; I have come for the Head of the General of this unit. Where is the General!? Come and face me!"

"… …?" Ryo-Fu tilted her head in confusion before stepping forward.

"…? Are you the General of this unit?"

Ryo-Fu nodded mutely.

"… …Right~! Do you take me as a fool? Do not go around claiming yourself the General!"

"…?"

Bun-Shuu sweat dropped from the lack of response. "…Fine! If you are so insistent then I shall take your head then!"

"…?"

"Prepare yourself!" Bun-Shuu proclaimed before taking a swing with her Great Sword, "HAH~!"

"…Humph," Ryo-Fu huffed before lifting her weapon to block it. WHOOSH-CLASH!

"Eh?" Bun-Shuu blinked, startled, "Are you serious!? Block my attack…with one hand holding your weapon!?"

"… ….Humph," Ryo-Fu huffed before…WHOOSH-BANG~!…knocking Bun-Shuu aside with one great swing.

"KYAH~!" Bun-Shuu screamed before landing a good distance away on her behind…right as Ba-Chou and Hou-Taku pulled up, "…Ugh… …Ouch~~!"

"Whoa, General Bun-Shuu," Ba-Chou exclaimed in worry, "Are you alright?"

"…Ugh…Uh, yes," Bun-Shuu managed before shakily standing up, leaning on her Great Sword for support, "…I think…"

"Good," Ba-Chou nodded before turning her glare towards to Ryo-Fu, "You seem strong! Let I, Ba-Chou the Splendid, test your worth!"

Without waiting for a response, Ba-Chou galloped up to her on her horse and swung her Cross-Shaped Spear at Ryo-Fu.

WHOOSH! CLASH! Ryo-Fu clicked her tongue as she blocked the attack.

"It is not over yet!" Ba-Chou roared as she took several more swings.

WHOOSH! CLASH! WHOOSH! CLASH! WHOOSH! CLASH! This around Ryo-Fu remained silent as she repelled all of her opponent attack.

Ba-Chou clicked her teeth in annoyance. "Hey! At least fight back!"

"… …Alright," Ryo-Fu nodded before sending a powerful swing at Ba-Chou. WHOOSH-BANG~!

"Whoa-!" Ba-Chou exclaimed as she struggle to regain control of her stead, who had reel back from the shock of the impact resulting from Ba-Chou blocking the attack.

But before she could recover…WHOOSH-BANG~!

"Ah-Hey!" Ba-Chou exclaimed again as she block the attack that nearly knocked her off her horse, "Hold on a second-!"

WHOOSH-BANG~!

"Argh-!" Ba-Chou managed as her horse screeched before collapsing from the force of the impact, with Ba-Chou pinned under her horse.

"…! …Princess!" Seeing this, Hou-Tou charged forward and swung one of her Dual Halberd at Ryo-Fu before she could begin another strike.

WHOOSH! CLASH! Ryo-Fu clicked her tongue from blocking the attack, allowing Ba-Chou enough time to direct her horse back to its feet.

"Thanks, Kimi-chan," Ba-Chou managed, "You save me-!"

"…Princess! …Incoming!" Hou-Taku warned just as Ryo-Fu prepared another swing.

"…! Oh~ no! Not this time!" Ba-Chou declared as she and Hou-Taku swung at Ryo-Fu together. WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

"…Humph," Ryo-Fu merely huffed as she swung her Halberd, this time with both hands. WHOOSH! BOOM~~~!

"Argh-!" Ba-Chou yelped as she felt the force behind her opponent's strike. Ryo-Fu took on both of their attacks at once, yet it was they who end up nearly sent flying off their horses.

"…! …Such strength!" Hou-Taku managed.

"… …Weak," Ryo-Fu commented, igniting Ba-Chou rage.

"HAH!?" Ba-Chou shouted, "Who art thou calling 'weak'?"

"… …Weak…"

"…! How dare thou-!"

"Calm yourself or you shall be blindsided!" an approaching voice called from behind the two. It was Kouson-San as she galloped rapidly pass the two in short time flat with her White Stallion and swung her sword at Ryo-Fu. "HAH~!"

WHOOSH! Caught off-guard by the attack and its speed boosted by the charge, Ryo-Fu dodge both the attack and horse before it could collide with her.

"Ah!" Ba-Chou exclaimed, "General Kouson-San!"

Without replying, Kouson-San quickly maneuvered her stallion back towards Ryo-Fu and swung again.

WHOOSH! CLASH! Ryo-Fu clicked her tongue as she blocked the attempt.

"…! Such skill!" Kouson-San managed as her horse continued to gallop back to where Ba-Chou and Hou-Taku were.

"…Hey, not bad," Ba-Chou commented as Kouson-San halted next to her, "I can now see why you are known as the White Horse General…"

"Thanks…but this is hardly the time for that! This one is strong!"

"…Yes," Hou-Taku nodded, carefully watching her opponent's movement, "…She counter both of our attacks with her own…"

"Yeah," Ba-Chou frowned, "The Ju-Shun Army and our own army got it nice dealing with the soldiers in comparison…"

"…Ugh, this is humiliating," Bun-Shuu, who managed to overcome her shock by now, grumbled as she jogged up next to her allies to join the stalemate.

"… …All Generals?" Ryo-Fu softy asked.

"Huh!? Who do you think you were fighting all this time!?"

"…Takedown…"

"… …Eh-?" Bun-Shuu managed before Ryo-Fu, as if she had teleported, dashed up to them ready to strike, "Uh-! Wait a-!"

WHOOSH! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! "KYAH~!" All four managed as they were sent flying to the ground, knock off their stead if they had one.

"Ugh," Bun-Shuu managed as she steadily right herself, "W-W-What is with that abominable strength~?"

"…Good question," Ba-Chou mumbled before noticing that her attacker was towering over her and her allies, "Oh crap…"

"… …Bye," Ryo-Fu finalized before raising her weapon to deliver the finishing blow. But before she could, her instincts alerted her to move. She quickly dived to away from her position…ZOOM~~~!…just as something was sent rocketing through her previously held position. "…?"

"…Huh?" Kouson-San managed before catching sight of someone cover in shiny red armor sprinting toward them. It was…

"Ah-! Taiki!" Bun-Shuu exclaimed in shock, identifying her recently made friend from the Kou-Tou Army.

"Hey~!" Taiki called as soon arrive next to them, "Are you all alright?"

"Uh," Ba-Chou blinked, "Yes, thank you, um…"

"Eh? … …Oh, right~! The name is Taiki Sonoma! I'm from the Kou-Tou Army!"

"Is that right?" Kouson-San acknowledged.

"…An enemy?" Ryo-Fu muttered in confusion, tilting her head at the newcomer…plus again when she saw En-Jutsu and Chou-Kun run up next to Taiki.

"General Bun-Shuu," Chou-Kun voiced, "You heard your cry of distress! Thank goodness, it would appear we made it in time!"

"…! I-It was a cry of distress!" Bun-Shuu blushed.

"Whatever," En-Jutsu waved it off, "just be gladded that Taiki-onii-chan here came over here to help us clean up this mess and in time to come help you all…"

"I appreciate that," Kouson-San smiled.

"… …Now then," En-Jutsu turn to see the still confused Ryo-Fu, "Who were you fighting that was giving you such a hard time?"

"…Uh, to be honest, I never got the chance to ask…"

En-Jutsu sweat dropped. "Are you serious?"

"Hey, give us a break," Ba-Chou frowned only to notice Taiki positioning himself between them and their Enemy General, "General Sonoma?"

"Taiki's just fine," Taiki called back before focusing all of his attention on Ryo-Fu, "Looks like you all were up against a big prey…"

"Huh?"

"Hey," Taiki called to Ryo-Fu, "I'm Taiki Sonoma; what's your name?"

Ryo-Fu remain silent for a moment before answering, "… …Ryo-Fu…Housen…Hei-Shuu General…"

"…! Eh-!?" Bun-Shuu gasped, "R-Ryo-Fu Housen!? Hei-Shuu Army's strongest warrior!?"

"Ugh," Kouson-San palmed her face in exasperation, "That would explain everything~…"

"…No wonder," Hou-Taku sighed.

"So you're Ryo-Fu Housen," Taiki hummed as he took a better look at her, "… …Somehow, I imagine you to be…well, more fearsome…"

"…?" Ryo-Fu tilted her head in confusion.

"… …Silent but deadly, huh? Well, whatever~! Anyway, your unit has been wiped out by now; it's just you. So, maybe~, can you call it quits and simply retreat?"

Ryo-Fu thought about it for a long~~~ moment before nodding.

Everyone sweat dropped, from either the long wait or from her answer.

"That's it!?" Bun-Shuu exclaimed, "She's okay with retreating just like that!?"

"Uh," Kouson-San began, "W-What about surrendering instead, General Ryo-Fu?"

Again, Ryo-Fu thought for a long~~~ moment before shaking her head, earning another round of sweat dropping.

"…I did not think so…"

"Well, good luck then on retreating!" Taiki waved pleasantly.

En-Jutsu sweat dropped. "How can Taiki-onii-chan be so relax-…no, why is Taiki-onii-chan letting her go!?"

"… …Strange," Ryo-Fu commented.

"…HUH~~!?" Taiki frowned comically, "Who's strange!?"

"…Taiki…"

Taiki comically pointed to himself. "I'M strange~!?"

"Why are you are you so concern about that!?" Kouson-San comically chopped Taiki on the head, "And YES, you are strange! Even I who just met you can say that!"

"Ah-! A stir-rate-man act," En-Jutsu blinked at what Kouson-San did.

Chou-Kun sweat dropped. "Miu-sama, what are you talking about?"

"…Bye…" Ryo-Fu noted one last time before retreating.

"Ah-! She got away!?" Ba-Chou exclaimed.

"…It appears so," Hou-Taku nodded, "…It will be impossible to pursue her as we are, Ba-Chou-sama…"

"Yeah~," Ba-Chou sighed before turning with a smile to Taiki, "Anyway, thanks for saving us back there, Taiki…"

"Ah~, no problem," Taiki grinned, "We've got to look after each other, right?"

Kouson-San laughed at Taiki's friendliness. "Yes, you are right…"

Bun-Shuu laughed as well. "I owe a big one this time, Taiki! How about it? Would you care to follow me back so I can offer you that drink now?"

"Uh, sorry Iishe, I can't," Taiki frowned, "I was sent over to eliminate the unit that was dangerously getting close to the Coalition's Headquarter. Since that is taken care of, I got get back otherwise Meirin is going to give me another earful…"

"Meirin?" Kouson-San pondered before the name registered in her head, "Ah~! You must be referring to Shuu-Yu the Fair…"

"…Ouch," Bun-Shuu comically frowned, "Shuu-Yu the Fair giving you an earful? You have my sympathy…"

"Thanks," Taiki laughed, "But she ain't that bad… …Anyway, as much as I love to, I can't say any longer. I got to run now…"

"Aw~!" En-Jutsu frowned, "Already~?"

"Ah, don't worry Miu," Taiki grinned rubbing the young noble's head in affection (shocking those who had yet to hear about their predicament), "We'll have time to chat later on…"

En-Jutsu, in turn, giggled under the rub shocking even Chou-Kun. "Eh-Heh-Heh~! I should be mad at this, but it feels nice~…"

"Glad to hear," Taiki nodded before turning to leave, "Well see you all! Take care~!"

And with that Taiki was gone.

"…Ugh," Kouson-San sighed, supporting her aching head, "One surprise after another…"

"…Eh?" En-Jutsu noted when she notices all attention was on her, "What is wrong?"

"… …En-Jutsu-sama," Bun-Shuu began, "Do you know Taiki well?"

"Yeah, I met him during the time the Yellow Scarves were infesting Ju-Shun. Is there something wrong?"

"… …No, not at all…"

"Well, the guy sure seem friendly," Ba-Chou huffed, "But I did not think anyone could make one of the member of the En Family giggle like that…"

"…! What is that supposed to mean!?" En-Jutsu glared at Ba-Chou.

"… …Uh, nothing…"

"…Ba-Chou-sama," Hou-Taku voiced, "…Should we not organized our troops to start again towards the front now?"

"Huh? … …Oh, right!"

"Agree," Kouson-San nodded as she got back on her White Stallion, "I was on my way to assist the Yuu-Shu Army when I got side-tracked…"

"Ugh," Bun-Shuu sighed, rubbing the sores on her arm, "Unfortunately, I must head back and recover a bit from my wounds. Therefore I shall wish for the rest of you good luck. I shall head back with my division…"

"Very well then," Chou-Kun nodded as Bun-Shuu began to wander off before turning to En-Jutsu, "Miu-sama, shall we?"

"Yeah!" En-Jutsu firmly nodded.

Kazuto's P.O.V.

"Is it going well?" I wondered to Shuri.

"Yes," Shuri nodded with confidences, "Since the counterattack was a success, most of the allied armies have started the attack to break through the gates. It shall only be a matter of time…"

"Oh, thank goodness," Touka-chan sighed in relief.

"We can let En-Shou and the others take care of the rest," Rinrin grinned.

"Not really," Shuri informed.

"That is right," Aisha nodded in agreement, "We must be the first through the gate otherwise our hard fight was meaningless…"

"Are we going to fight more?" Rinrin wondered.

"That is right. Shuri, Rinrin and I shall head to the gate with our troops. You stay behind with Our Lord and Lady-…"

"Ah-Wait," Shuri halted, "Our Lord and Lady, along with I, will go to the gate too…"

"Us as well?" Touka-chan repeated in confusion.

"Wait a moment!" Aisha protested, "That is far too dangerous!"

"I am well aware of that," Shuri informed, but her eyes remain firm to the decision she made, like a wildcat ready to pounce its victim, "But unless Our Lord and Lady takes the front now, the wind will not blow for us, desu…"

"…The wind?" Rinrin frowned uncomfortably in confusion.

"Yes. We have to let the wind carry rumors to all corners of the land. From time immemorial, Heroes have always become famous with a rumor. For Our Lord and Lady's sakes, they have to appear in public, even if it is dangerous…"

"…I see," I hummed in thought, "For me and Touka-chan to be known for our deeds, we have to personally accomplish something in public…"

"Which will help further our strength," Touka-chan followed up.

"But," Aisha frown, still skeptical, "it is still too dangerous-…"

"But Shuri is right," I told Aisha firmly, "That's why I'll make an appearance. When you're all in danger, I can't stay back where it's safe…"

"Neither can I," Touka-chan added, "We swore to live and fight together, do you not remember Aisha?"

"… …That may be," Aisha hesitantly began, "But, My Lord and Lady…"

"Don't worry," I reassured Aisha, "I know I can't as well as you two. If it gets dangerous, I'll drag Touka-chan with me and step back…"

"But… …" Aisha began again in worry, only to stop short when Touka-chan suddenly gave her comforting and gentle hug.

"Do not worry," Touka-chan hummed soothingly, "Everything is going to be alright…"

"…I won't do any fighting myself if I have to," I began, grabbing everyone's attention, "As a man, that's pathetic, but I know you'll all protect us. I have faith in you…"

Hearing that, the determination in Aisha's eyes flare up. "I shall protect you, My Lord and Lady. I shall protect you both with my life!"

"Let us protect you!" Rinrin added as Shuri nodded in agreement.

"…If Hinari-chan was here," Shuri voiced, "She would have stated the exact same words, desu…"

"Yes," Touka-chan nodded as she (after releasing Aisha from her hug) and I looked at each of our comrades, "Because you all are here, I have faith that we shall be safe, and therefore we will take to the front…"

"… …Understood," Aisha nodded, "I shall answer My Lord and Lady's expectations with my heart and soul. But if either of you feel you are in danger, please retreat, okay?"

"Of course," Touka-chan chimed.

"But if Onii-chan and Touka-nee-chan are to step forward…" Rinrin began (in what I assume to be worry), "…Rinrin is bothered that we do not know where Ryo-Fu is…"

"I know," Shuri pondered with worry, "She came charging for our Headquarters, but I believe she was intercepted by the Kou-Tou Army…"

"Is she still after us?" Aisha wondered.

"Most likely. … …Perhaps she may have returned to Kou-Ran Pass…"

"Ryo-Fu returning to Kou-Ran Gate?" Touka-chan skeptically repeated as she stared out into the hectic battle. She wasn't the only one.

"With this blockade?" Rinrin mouthed with a frown, "That is impossible…"

"It would be impossible with her troops," Shuri nodded, but her frown remains, "… …but if she was alone, there are plenty of ways she could have…"

"She is called an insane warrior," Aisha sighed, "I would not be surprised if she did go back in such a way… …"

"Exactly… …Anyway, the Yuu-Shu Army will head to the gate where the army of Kou-Tou and Kyo-Shou are engaged and join the attack…"

"Understood," Aisha nodded before turning to Rinrin, "Rinrin, you take the vanguard…"

"Leave it to Rinrin!" Rinrin cheered with excitement, "Finally~, Rinrin has a job!"

"This is not a game, so keep that in mind…" Aisha sternly reminded before turning to Touka and me, "Now, My Lord and Lady…"

"Yeah," I nodded alongside Touka-chan, "let's go…"

"Yes," Shuri nodded.

"All unit of Yuu-Shu!" Touka-chan called to troops, "Advance~~!"

With a collective clopping of hooves and the stomping of marching boots, the Yuu-Shu army moved forward as command.

Meanwhile, the Kyo-Shou Army was still trying to break through Kou-Ran Gate's tough defenses when Kakou-En noticed another army beginning to move.

"Sister," Kakou-En called to her sister, Kakou-Ton, "The Yuu-Shu Army has started to move…"

"I see…" Kakou-Ton sighed, "…They sure tricked us…"

"They are a pretty good army…"

"Indeed, but… …They may interfere with Karin-sama later so we should eliminate them as soon as possible… …"

Kakou-En huff a small chuckle. "You are always thinking about Karin-sama…"

"Ugh… …W-What is wrong with that?"

"Nothing. It is nice to have a single-minded sister like that…"

Kakou-Ton grumbled. "…You are making me mad, Shuuran…"

"That is scary…"

Kakou-Ton grumbled even more when she saw that her sister's expression said otherwise. "…Are you teasing me?"

"I do not know… …Anyway, for now, we need to think about breaking through the gates of Kou-Ran Pass…"

"Says you, the one who started it…"

Kakou-En giggled slightly. "Well that is fine… …So, Sister, what are we going to do?"

"Actually, at this point, we just have to force our way through the castle gate…"

"That means we shall suffer more losses…"

"Yeah. But we have to…"

"… …Okay. Then I shall go to the front line and command the soldiers. You and Chou-Ryou wait for Karin-sama's troops to arrive…"

"No… …I shall go to the front as well. My honor demands we take the gate before Karin-sama arrives…"

"Are you not being a little too eager?"

"To be honest with you, I think so as well. But for the sake of Karin-sama's supremacy, we must be the first to set foot in Kou-Ran Pass and spread our reputation…"

Kakou-En huffed with a smile. "How single-minded of you…"

"Humph… …Say what you want…"

Kakou-En giggled. "I feel the same way, Shunran…"

"Then do not argue! …Honestly…"

"It is fun giving you a hard time…"

"Shut up! Kii!"

"Yes~!" Kyo-Cho called as she came in running upon hearing her name, "What is it, Shunran-sama?"

"Shuuran and I will go to the front. Why do you and Chou-Ryou not wait for Karin-sama's troops to arrive?"

"Eh? Shunran-sama does not need to go to the front. I can command the soldiers…"

"No… …I want to fight for Karin-sama…"

"… …Have a little consideration for her feelings, Kii," Kakou-En noted.

"Okay~…" Kyo-Cho sighed in a sulk, "…Karin-sama has it nice. She is loved by Shunran-sama…"

Kakou-En giggled. "Both Shunran and I love you just as much as we love Karin-sama…"

"…! Nyah-Ha~! If Shuuran-sama say that, I shall start falling for Shuuran-sama again~!"

Kakou-Ton grumbled uncomfortably as she listened to Kyo-Cho. "… …Stop saying stupid things and get to your position!"

"Alright~!" Kyo-Cho chimed before turning to Chou-Ryou, "Okay Chou-Ryou-san, let us go together~!"

"Yeah…" Chou-Ryou nodded before turning to Kakou-Ton, "…Gen-chan, be careful…"

"I will," Kakou-Ton nodded before calling out to the troops, "Units of Kakou-Ton and Kakou-En shall move to the front line! We shall take down Kou-Ran Gate no matter what!"

"Let us show the world what we have got!" Kakou-En exclaimed as well, "Charge~!"

With a collective roar, their forces charged forward.

"The Yuu-Shu Army and Kyo-Shou Army have started to move forward~," Riku-Son informed.

"They are going to attack all together, huh?" Son-Saku hummed.

"At this point, opening the gate cannot be part of any sane plan~," Riku-Son sighed.

"Indeed," Son-Ken sighed.

Son-Saku remained quiet as she glared at the carnage near the gates of Kou-Ran.

"… …What is wrong, Sheren?" Meirin wondered.

"… …I am pondering on whether to advance or pull back," Son-Saku answered.

"Eh?" Riku-Son blinked, "Son-Saku-sama, I thought for sure you would not hesitate to join the battle for the fortress gate~…"

"Yes," Son-Ken blinked as well, "Not that I am complaining. It is true that we had suffered too many casualties. We can pull back for, and see how things will go…"

"… …Sheren," Shuu-Yu halted, "This is a great chance to spread your name and the name of the Son Family throughout the world. Are you going to waste that chance?"

"Meirin," Son-Ken intervened, "Sister should rather think about reality than fame at this point. That is what the Son Family does…"

"True, but Lady Bundai, if not Sheren if she remembered her goal at hand, would have chosen fame in this instance. That is because if Sheren continue to be a minor ruler in a local area, she shall be swallowed by the changing times. If Sheren is thinking about the future of Kou-Tou, she needs to think about fame now…"

"…That is true," Son-Saku sighed, "But Mother will also worry about the lives of our soldiers…"

"Of course!" Son-Ken affirmed, "So what if we gain fame now? We brought our entire army from Kou-Tou here. There are still too many soldiers who have seen too little winters than they should have. For the price of fame, we end up weakening our military strength. Then, we would not be able to even fight the changing time…"

"But if do not gain fame," Shuu-Yu intervened, "None of the local surrounding areas would even beginning to think we are worth joining peacefully. Rather, it is possible they shall see Kou-Tou as a stepping stone for their own gain. If we abandon obtaining fame, we shall loss strength found beyond just military power. We shall be swallowed up for sure; after all, most wars can be won without even fighting…"

"…True," Kou-Gai stepped in, "But nevertheless, all wars are won by soldiers. If we do not have enough of them, no amount of fame can shield us from the changing time…"

"Soldiers can only take us so far, Sai-dono. If anything, fame will attract more soldiers for us. Well-known people are magnets for power and fame gain from taking the impregnable Kou-Ran Fortress can help us with that. We must obtain such power now before someone else makes uses of it. The Army of Kyo-Shou and Yuu-Shu understand that concept, which is why despite the casualty number they persist. They do not wish to be swallowed up, just like us…"

"We are not going to be swallowed," Son-Ken argued, "So long as Taiki and the rest of us-…"

"We cannot rely on THAT man for this! Even for General Taiki Sonoma, it is impossible-…"

"What's impossible for me?" a voice called from behind Shuu-Yu.

Jumping in shock, Shuu-Yu turned angrily to Taiki. "Would you PLEASE refrain from these practical jokes!?"

"What practical joke?" Taiki wondered in confusion.

"…! You-!"

"Now calm down, Meirin," Son-Saku calmed her friend before turning to Taiki, "Taiki, you have arrived just in time. There is something I wish to ask you about…"

"…?" Taiki gave a curious look, "What is it?"

"…As causal as always…" Meirin grumbled under her breath.

"What do you think the Kou-Tou Army should do?" Sheren asked, "Should we do as my sister suggest and retreat for the sake of conserving soldiers? Or should we go with what Meirin wants and have our army join in on trying to take down the fortress for glory?"

"…Retreat for soldiers' lives," Taiki repeated in his own way, "or fight for Kou-Tou glory… … … …Hmm~~~!"

"… …Well?" Shuu-Yu huffed impatiently.

"…Both of them are reasonable, given the situation, I guess. … …So why don't we do both?"

"… … … … … …EH~!?" Everyone exclaimed, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN!?"

"What I'm saying is that we can still attack the fortress…just not all of us. Probably a unit or three would work. That way, we can conserve soldiers and gain fame at the same time~! It's perfect…"

"… …There is," Riku-Son hummed, "truth in that type of plan~…"

"But sending only at most three units!?" Shuu-Yu frowned, "That is like asking for a death wish!"

"Isn't attack Kou-Ran Pass as we've been doing suicidal as is already?" Taiki pointed out.

"Well…yes," Kou-Gai sweat dropped, "but what can we gain from just sending three?"

"Maneuverability, speed, less complication, less death…"

Kou-Gai sweat dropped from Taiki's instant, quick, and simple answers.

"…And," Shuu-Yu began, "What if they fail?"

"Low casualty," Taiki began to listed instantly like before, "Kou-Tou still has a standing army, have fame from aiding in the capture of Kou-Ran Pass, fame for emerging from the campaign as still one of the strongest, fame for still being strong despite defeat…"

Shuu-Yu opened her mouth to protest, but after Taiki's words register in her mind, she closed them hesitantly.

Son-Saku, on the other hand, laughed.

"Well, I am convince," Son-Saku giggled, "Very well, Kouha!"

"Yes My Ladyship?" Kan-Nei stood attention.

"Lead three units at most and attack Kou-Ran Pass. Be sure to try to snatch some glory for us before retreating if you can…"

"Yes, ma'am-!"

"Ah," Taiki voiced, "I'll join her too…"

"Eh?" Son-Ken blinked, "But Taiki-!"

"No buts. I suggested the plan so I have to take responsibility by leading one of the units in the assault at least…"

"… …My~," Shuu-Yu huffed sarcastically, "How honorable of you…"

"In that case," Kou-Gai stepped forward, "Allow me to assist the attack as well…"

"…! Sai-dono?"

"Three units are going at most, no? Then, if we are looking for the most result, three capable General must take the lead. Shishun, Taiki, and now I…"

"…True," Son-Saku nodded, "Very well then. The rest of us shall pull back then…"

"… …As you wish," Shuu-Yu nodded.

"Yes, ma'am~!" Riku-Son chimed.

"…Taiki," Son-Ken addressed.

"Hmm? Yeah, Renfa?"

"Take care of Sai-dono and Shishun, okay?"

"Understood~!" Taiki gave a salute.

Son-Ken smiled before following her sister.

"Taiki," Kan-Nei called, "Let us go now!"

"Yeah," Taiki nodded.

"The gate will come down any moment!" Aisha roared to the troops, "Attack!"

"Come on everyone!" Rinrin called in encouragement, "We can do it!"

CHEER! The soldiers roar in response to Aisha and Rinrin's encouragements.

"A little more…" Shuri chanted away, as if her words would somehow make the gate fall faster, and was clenching her fists and glaring at the gate, "…a little more… …!"

The soldiers aimed for the gate, protecting themselves from the rain of arrows above with their shields, and slamming the giant, wooden battering ram against the iron doors.

BAM! BAM! The deep sound that shook our stomachs slowly changed with each blow. Finally…

BAM-CREAK~! BOOM! The iron door shook the ground as it fell.

CHEER! The soldiers cheered, and started pouring into Kou-Ran Gate.

"Kazuto-kun!" Touka-chan cheered as she embraced me in joy, "They broke through! They broke through!"

"Yeah!" I managed, "They did…"

"Good," Aisha nodded in approval before turning to Rinrin, "Rinrin, we are going as well!"

"Got it!" Rinrin nodded and began to follow Aisha.

"Everyone!" Touka-chan called to the troops, "Victory is upon us! Follow Aisha and Rinrin to Victory~~!"

Izumi's P.O.V.

The sight of battle is all around us, even here in the Main Camp. …Yet, within the Main Tent, Sou-Sou-sama is "enjoying" herself with Jun-Iku-dono and Ten-I-dono. Disturbing as it, I must admit I admire Sou-Sou-sama's ability to be calm enough on the battle to be able to perform illicit acts of such. But then again, it also means that I must remain wary of the possibility she would drag me into her "happy place" one day.

Fortunately, Sou-Sou-sama had respected my wish so far to not mingle with me. Of course, that does not stop her from trying…

So here I was, waiting in the meeting tent, sipping tea, and listening uncomfortably as since this area and the bedroom are adjacent to each other and was separated by a sheet, a makeshift wall, I am able to hear all the sensual moaning and groaning that is transpiring. If I could, I would wish to go elsewhere. But the vanguard does not need me and I must also ensure that no perverted idiot decided to break ranks and sneak a peek. I must also be here to relay any messages that may come as well. In short, I have no good reason to use to escape this predicament.

That is…CRACK! …until I heard a quick and almost inaudible noise sound coming from somewhere close to me. It did not take me long to find out that the noise was from one of the tea cup, which had somehow crack a bit at the top.

As I continue to inspect the cup, I felt something wet creeping down from the left side of my face. Touching the area where the feeling came from, around my cheek area, I discovered it to be tears. That was unusual, I knew for a fact that I never cried for no apparent reason at my age; in fact, this is the first time I had shed a single tear in many years.

But before I could make sense of it, however, something compelled me to look at the cracked cup again. The crack tea cup, I now remember, had belonged to Kakou-Ton-dono. As I continue to stare at it, another sensation just like a tear crept down my cheek. But before I even touched it, I knew there was one significant difference: it was warm. Once I touched it, I found that it was dyed red…it was blood.

Now I was even more confused. Not only am I stun by the fact that I had shed even a single tear, now I must ponder why a single drop of blood was shed from my left eye, where they both came from. Then there was Kakou-Ton-dono's tea cup. It was not filled with hot tea; in fact, it was empty! The tea cup was deprived of any means for cracking on its own!

That was when I remember that during the Era of Three Kingdom, there were other cases like this where things break or animal behaved strangely. In these cases, someone would go interpret it as a warning from the Heaven about possible events or disaster to come. And more than once in the Era of Three Kingdom, those omens are spot on.

I personally do not believe such superstition. With animal maybe to an extent, but I will remain skeptical. However, that was before I was warped into this world. I have seen and experience magic first hand in this world so I must have consideration about these possible omen that has been given to me.

Let me see, Kakou-Ton-don's tea cup cracked. And upon looking at it, my left eye expel one drop of tear. Upon looking at the cup again, my left eye spilled one drop of blood. Could it mean something is going to happen to Kakou-Ton-dono that involves her left eye-…?

The moment that thought hit my mind, I understood immediately. Ignoring my displeasure, I launched myself into the Sou-Sou-sama's bedroom.

"Sou-Sou-sama!" I cried out desperately, immediately grabbing all attention from the three people in the room.

"Oh~!" Sou-Sou-sama awed at my bold entrance, "Shiba-san…"

"…Disgust as you may be by Sou-Sou-sama's wonderful hobby," Jun-Iku-dono grumbled in anger, "Must you really-…!?"

"Sou-Sou-sama," I interrupted, putting enough urgency in my tone to stress the importance of my next grim words, "I have just received a grim omen! Kakou-Ton-dono is in danger!"

"…!" That got Sou-Sou-sama's full attention, "What do you mean-?"

"I have no time to explain! I request that Sou-Sou-sama allow me to head to the front with a swift unit! I must also require Ten-I-dono and one of our doctors to accompany me immediately!"

"…! …Fine, permission granted!" Even Sou-Sou-sama could tell I was dead serious.

"Ten-I-dono!" I called to Ten-I-dono, who had covered herself with the bed sheet on impulse upon my sudden entrance.

"Y-Yes!?" Ten-I-dono asked uneasily.

"Quit cowering and dress yourself! We must reach the vanguard soon! Be ready in thirty seconds, or I shall leave you!"

"Y-Y-Yes-!" I did not wait for her replied as I rushed out of the Main Tent to give orders to the swiftest looking people in sight. I also took the first doctor that I came across.

I was foolish! I was careless! I could not believe I did not foresee this! I could not believe I did not interpret the omen sooner. But I have no time to dwell on my failure. If possible, I can still prevent it. If I go now, it might be done! I was rushing admittedly, but I must. If I do not, Kakou-Ton-dono would be…

Meanwhile, Kakou-Ton-dono and Kakou-En-dono were having their forces try to break down their gate when a soldier ran up with a report.

"General Kakou-Ton!" the soldier began, "The Yuu-Shu Army broke the gate of Kou-Ran!"

"What!?" Kakou-Ton-dono exclaimed, "They did it before us?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Damn it! We fought so hard, only to let the Yuu-Shu Army take the credit!?"

"What should we do, sister?" Kakou-En-dono asked her sister.

"… …Forget about arriving first, then. We shall take the credit for securing Kou-Ran Pass completely…"

"But our soldiers are worn out from the lengthy attack, and morale has fallen…"

"But we cannot let the Yuu-Shu Army take the credit alone!" Kakou-Ton-dono declared before turning to the troops, "Everyone, line up! We shall pass the Yuu-Shu Army and secure Kou-Ran Pass!"

"Wait, Shunran!" Kakou-En halted her sister as the troops prepared themselves, "We do not have a plan!"

"Then what do you want me to do? We must take Kou-Ran Pass for Karin-sama-…!"

But before she could continue anymore, a single arrow appeared out of nowhere and… STAB! …embedded itself right into Kakou-Ton-dono's left eye.

"Ugh-!" Kakou-Ton-dono began to yell, but caught herself before she could let anymore out. The pain, however, was too much and she end up collapsing to her knee, coving her now bloody left eye socket with her hand. One could still see the body of the arrow sticking out still.

"Sister!?" Kakou-En exclaimed in horror only to notice a fleeing enemy archer trying to make his getaway. He must have gotten down from the fortress to make the shot. "Damn you~! Die by my godly arrow!"

With a mighty tug, Kakou-En-dono expertly loaded her bow with an arrow and fired…WHOOSH! …The arrow flew like a bullet right into the back of the enemy archer's skull… STAB! …With a simple "Ugh-!" the soldier fell dead.

Once Kakou-En-dono saw the corpse drop, she immediately returned her attention back to her sister. "Shunran!"

Kakou-Ton-dono grunted, groaned, and even hissed in pain as she squeezes the area of her wound in an attempt to numb the pain.

"General Kakou-Ton is down," Kakou-Ton-dono suddenly heard one of the soldier screamed in horror.

"Has she been killed!?" Another asked in terror.

"What will happen to us…?" Another wailed in panic.

"(…! This is bad!)" Kakou-Ton thought in worry, despite the pain, "(The soldiers are starting to panic!)"

"…!? Are you alright, Sister?" Kakou-En-dono worryingly asked when Kakou-Ton-dono suddenly fell silent and was about to move closer to see what is wrong when…

"Stay away, Shunran!" Kakou-Ton-dono exclaimed loudly, full of energy. So loud she yelled that Kakou-En jumped back in shock. So loud that everyone in their units heard her and fell silent. They watch as Kakou-Ton strongly got back up and stood tall. "Listen, gallant, elite soldier of Kyo-Shou! My Spirit will never be crushed by something like this! My fierce heart will never falter at the wounds to my body! I refuse to let our honor be wounded! Soldiers of Kyo-Shou! Behold my valiant courage! Feel the spirit of a true warrior of Kyo-Shou!"

In one swift movement and a determine grunt, Kakou-Ton-dono without a single hint of hesitation gripped the arrow and yanked it out…SPLURT! …and covering the tip of the arrow was her now useless eyes. She had pulled out her own eye!

"This body I received from my parents! Even the loss of an eye will not quiet my warrior's rage! The burning desire to crush the enemy fills my heart! Behold your General! Behold a woman of valor! Let us drink a cup to my eye and this feeble flesh, and then let us proudly announce the valor of Kyo-Shou to Heaven! Heaven is with us! Know that my eye is but an offering unto Heaven!"

Without a single hesitation yet again, she shoved her eyeball into her mouth and began to swallow it…GULP! …Once it was done, she threw aside the arrow with all her might and glared with her one good eye at the awed troops.

"…The sacrifice has been offered! Know that I am a heaven-sent warrior! Rise, Generals! Rise, Warriors! We shall quickly break through Kou-Ran Pass, and then on to the Imperial Capital, Raku-You!"

"Yeah!" the soldiers called out, fully inspired by Kakou-Ton-dono.

"That is our General Kakou-Ton!" Another shouted.

"We shall fight! We can do it!" Another cheered.

"Then stand up!" Kakou-Ton-dono ordered strongly, "Pick up your swords! Get your arrows ready! Annihilate the enemy soldiers in Kou-Ran Pass!"

"Yeah!"

"Line up, men! Charge into the fortress! Let the world know how strong the soldier of Kyo-Shou are~!"

With a collective roar, the soldiers of Kyo-Shou surge forwards. Kakou-Ton-don watched this happen with a smile, before collapsing back to her knee. She has spent much of her energy…and it paid off.

Meanwhile…in the Ki-Shuu Army…

"Oh," En-Shou noted as she stared out into the battle near the fortress, "that little girl's army nearly crumbled for just a moment, huh?"

"Wow, you are sharp, Princess," Bun-Shuu, who has by now recover from her encounter with Ryo-Fu, awed, "You are absolutely right. The Kyo-Shou Army's advance guard panicked just for a moment…"

"Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho~!" En-Shou gave her monarch-like laugh, "That much was clear to me~!"

"But…" Gan-Ryou wondered in concern, "…I wonder what happened?"

"I do not know," Bun-Shuu shrugged, "Maybe something happened to the General…"

"But they recovered pretty quickly…"

"Either she did not die and encouraged the soldiers, or someone else took command…"

"Maybe… …Oh, the Kyo-Shou Army has breached the gate as well!"

"Yeah, you are right. Princess, do you think we should go out there again?"

"Maybe so," En-Shou nodded, "Toshi-san, Iishe-san, why do you two not go with the soldiers?"

"Got it, got it~! Well, let us now go loot the burning building…"

"I do not wish to take away credit from other people though…" Gan-Ryou frowned.

"Oh, do not say that. Come on, Toshi…"

"…Okay~…" Gan-Ryou sighed.

With a swift unit and General Ten-I in toll, I rushed to the frontline as fast as I am allowed to. On the way, we bumped into Kyo-Cho-dono's units, who was with, as I was informed, our newly acquire General, Chou-Ryou-dono. I cast aside all chances for pleasantry and immediate inform them of the urgency of my trip to the front.

Understanding quickly, they let me pass and also decided to accompany us out of worry. As we moved, I notice the grim movements of the advance guard as they began to panic. Fortunately, it disappeared rather quickly and I soon spotted them as they began to charge with full force at the fortress. But that did little to ease my apprehension.

"It looks as if everything is fine, Shiba-san," Kyo-Cho noted.

"Everything is not fine until I have Kakou-Ton-dono in my sight," I sternly replied as I pressed forward. It wasn't long before I found the two Kakou Sister Generals, but my heart sank just as quickly. Kakou-Ton-dono…has collapse to her knee, with the worry Kakou-En-dono crouch next to her. "Oh no…"

"…! Shunran-sama!?" Kyo-Cho-dono exclaimed in worry as she, Chou-Ryou-dono, and Ten-I-dono rushed forward, with me and the unit not far behind, "Shunran-sama!"

"…! Kii?" Kakou-En-dono turned to see us coming, "Ruru? Chou-Ryou-dono? Shiba-san? What are you all doing-?"

"Shunran-sama!" Kyo-Cho-dono ignored Kakou-En-dono and immediately went to Kakou-Ton-dono's side, "Are you okay!?"

"…! Gen-chan!" Chou-Ryou-dono managed, noticing as well as I did her wound, "Your eye!"

"…! Shunran-sama! Your eye! Where is your eye!?"

"…Kii," Kakou-Ton-dono managed, breathing hard in exhaustion, "…I…am… …alright… …Do not… …worry yourself…"

"Sister," Kakou-En-dono made a sad frown.

"Aside all of you!" I gave the command, startling them all.

"Shiba-san!" Kyo-Cho-dono exclaimed at me, "Can you not show-…!?"

"I said ASIDE!" I sternly repeated, causing everyone to move out of the way, opening a path to Kakou-Ton-dono. I then turn to the paramedic I brought along, "You, doctor! Get to work!"

"Eh?" the doctor managed, "But it is a missing eye-…"

"Use your head! I am not asking you to fix it! I'm telling you to clean the wound!"

"Y-Yes, ma'am!" With that, the paramedic got to work to insure that Kakou-Ton-dono's wound doesn't get infected.

"Ten-I-dono," I called, "Kyo-Cho-dono! Now is not the time to be gripped in despair! Join the advance guard and lead them to the takeover of the fortress! We cannot allow Kakou-Ton-dono's effort be in vain! GO!"

"Y-Yes, ma'am!" They both saluted before heading off to do I told them.

"The rest of you!" I called to the unit I brought along, "form a perimeter around this area and stand guard. I want nothing coming through, not even a single enemy boot! If I see even one arrow penetrate this area, I'll have you all executed, UNDERSTAND!?"

"Y-Y-Yes, ma'am!" the soldiers saluted before rush off.

Kakou-En-dono blinked at my actions and remained so for a while as I heavily breathed after I was done giving orders.

"… …I am," Kakou-En-dono began, "…speechless. You seem so…well, passionate all of a sudden…"

"…Perhaps," I sighed and turn to the paramedic, who was done, "Well?"

"I have disinfected and dress the wound to the best of my ability," the paramedic informed, "But General Kakou-Ton loss quite an amount of blood. I do not think she can properly fight for now…"

"I see… …good work. You are dismissed…"

"Yes ma'am," the paramedic step back to allow me to get to Kakou-Ton-dono.

"…Shiba-san," Kakou-Ton-dono managed a smile; her left eye socket was heavily wrinkled, swollen, and flat, "I am… …surprise to see you here…"

I gave a sigh. "I caught sight of some bad omen that told me something was going to happen to you, Kakou-Ton-dono. Unfortunately, I interpret it too late. Please for forgive me…"

"…No, Shiba-san…I was the one who was careless…"

"But had I interpret the omen sooner… If I had gotten here earlier… Kakou-Ton-dono, your eye, could have…"

"…Humph, it is only an eye…" Kakou-Ton-dono huffed as she managed to return to her feet, though she was still shaky, "…I will not accept any form of pity, even from you, Shiba-san…"

Seeing no point of apologizing to Kakou-Ton-dono anymore, I gave a sigh and went up to Kakou-En-dono. Once close enough, I secretly gave her an eye-patch, uniquely design as a black butterfly.

Kakou-En-dono was confused at first, but after she followed my eyes to her sister, she smiled and nodded in understanding before heading over to her sister.

"Sister," Kakou-En-dono called, catching her sister's attention, "take this… …"

Kakou-Ton blinked at it but smile nevertheless. "Thank you, Shuuran… …"

It took her a moment to put on the eye-patch, but once it was on, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"…About what you did earlier, Sister," Kakou-En-dono smiled proudly, "That was great. You revived our soldiers' plummeting morale and gave them courage…"

"…Yeah… …" Kakou-Ton-dono frowned.

"Are you okay…?"

"I am fine. This wound is nothing. But… …"

"Kakou-Ton-dono," I sighed, in what I would consider disbelief, "Sou-Sou-sama is not the type to abandon you for any reason after what you have done…"

Kakou-Ton-dono did a double-take. "I-I did not say anything…"

"We know what you want to say, Shunran," Kakou-En-dono softly informed, "You are worried because your face was injured, right?"

"… …Humph…" Kakou-Ton-don sulked as she turned away.

"Karin-sama will love you, even with that injury…"

"…I hope so… …"

I watch this for a moment, against my better judgment, I coughed. "As bold as I am to say this, I know Sou-Sou-sama well. I am absolutely certain that Sou-Sou-sama will cherish Kakou-Ton-dono more so after this…"

"…Shiba-san…"

"Of course she would," Kakou-En-dono smiled in agreement before addressing to her sister once again, "Can you move?"

"Yes, I am fine. I shall go back to the frontline and command the soldiers. It would help if you could stay with me, Shuuran…"

"Of course. You and I are always together. I would never leave you…"

"Thank you…"

I smiled at this and began to walk ahead of them. "Well then, since the General herself said so, let us move… …I presume you are coming too, Chou-Ryou-dono…"

"Of course!" Chou-Ryou nodded before turning to Kakou-Ton-dono, "Gen-chan, shall we go?"

"Yeah," Kakou-Ton-dono agreed and Kakou-En-dono simply nodded.

Kazuto's P.O.V.

The soldiers broke through the gate and entered Kou-Ran Pass, but because of the enemy's organized resistance, they were now gradually retreating.

"Come on, push it! Push it!" Aisha encouraged, "Our enemy is almost down!"

"Nyah~! We have to hang in there!" Rinrin called out, "Come on everyone!"

Aisha and Rinrin encouraged the soldiers, mowing down one enemy after another.

"…It is taking a long time," Touka-chan mumbled in worry.

"Not exactly what you expect from a nearly defeated army, huh?" I hummed as well. Normally, with an enemy on their last leg, you would expect them to put up a resistant. But to be pushed back?

"…They must have a capable strategist among their ranks," Shuri hummed in thought, "It is amazing that there is someone who is capable of organizing the troops in a way to repel the enemy forces despite being cornered…"

"It sure is," Touka-chan nodded.

"…But, at this rate, it will take quite some time to secure the fortress…"

"You're right," I hummed, "I hope they'll surrendered soon…"

"To the Hei-Shuu Army's soldiers, we are villains who are trying to attack Raku-You… …so I do not think they will surrender that easily…"

"That is true," Touka-chan sighed, "If I was up against villain, I would rather die rather than to surrender to the enemy in shame…"

"… …Do you have any ideas, Shuri?" I pondered, "In order for them to accept surrendering?"

"… …When things are this messy," Shuri frowned sadly, "there is no point in having a plan. We just have to hope that our soldiers do a good job, desu… …"

"…I see… …"

"I apologize that I cannot help… …"

"Don't apologize. I'm self-righteous for hoping that there will be minimal damage on both sides…"

"…You are kind, My Lord…"

"He certainly is," Touka-chan giggled.

"No, I'm not," I sighed, "I just don't want to see my people die, that's all… …"

"My Lord," Shuri blushed as Touka-chan laid a reassuring hand on my shoulder. Both of them seem to understand my feelings.

Shuri was about to say something more when screams of agony and death echoed out from the battlefield ahead of us. Some were calling for help and there were even some that was begging for their lives. All the meanwhile the sound of hacking and slaughtering accompany each scream. The brave soldiers panicked in the face of those sounds and the frontline slowly began to retreat.

"What is it?" Aisha called out, asking for a report, "What is happening?"

"General Kan-U!" a soldier reported, "R-R-Ryo-Fu has appeared!"

"What!?"

"She is spearing one soldier after another all by herself and making a pile of dead bodies! The frontline will be destroyed soon!"

Aisha growled to herself for a moment before charging toward the source of the carnage. "Then I shall stop Ryo-Fu!"

"…! Aisha!" Touka-chan called after as she ran after Aisha, "Wait up!"

"Ah-! Wait Touka-chan!" I called after, "You can't fight Ryo-Fu! Touka-chan!"

"Sisters!" Rinrin called as she ran after them, "Wait for Rinrin! Rinrin shall fight too~!"

"Ah-! Rinrin! No, get Touka-chan back, you hear me!? Rinrin!"

"Hawawa~!" Shuri exclaimed as I ran after my sworn sisters. "My Lord, not you as well~! Please come back~! My Lord~! … …Hawa~, at least wait for me as well, desu~!"

As this was going on, Ryo-Fu continued to cut down any that was in range.

WHOOSH! SLASH! SLASH!

"… …Too weak," Ryo-Fu commented as she swung her Halberd, cutting down two crying soldiers at once.

WHOOSH! SLASH! SLASH!

"… …Boring…"

WHOOSH! SLASH! SLASH! WHOOSH! SLASH! SLASH! Ryo-Fu was unstoppable. Everyone began to run in the opposite direct…except for one…

"Curse thou!" Aisha roared as she came to a halt before Ryo-Fu, "I shall not allow thee lay hands upon more of my people!"

"…? …Who?" Ryo-Fu pondered.

"I am Kan-U! The first retainer of the virtuous Yuu-Shu! I am the Green Dragon Crescent Blade that crushes evil!"

"… …So…you are…Kan-U…"

"I cannot allow thee to hurt any more of my soldiers! Stand and fight me!"

"… …Okay," Ryo-Fu nodded, readying her weapon without changing her constant dull expression, "… …Come…"

"Thou dost not have to ask!" Aisha roared as she charged forward with two swings. WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

Seeing the attack, Ryo-Fu skillfully launched an attack of her own. WHOOSH! BAM!

Aisha was sent flying back from the force of the counterattack; her attacks nullify by only one strike from Ryo-Fu.

"What!?" Aisha managed, her hands quivering from the shock of the attack, "She repelled my attacks!?"

"… …Done?" Ryo-Fu wondered.

Aisha growled before charging again. "No way!" WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

"… …Too easy," Ryo-Fu commented before launching two powerful swings.

WHOOSH! BAM! WHOOSH! BOOM! This time Aisha was sent hurling back, only to land and collapse to her knee.

"… …Too weak," Ryo-Fu commented.

"What!?" Aisha exclaimed, immediately rising back to her feet, "Are you telling me I am weak?"

Ryo-Fu nodded. "Too weak… …"

Aisha growled before preparing to strike again until Ryo-Fu called out pass her.

"… …I…fight…all three…at once…"

"Three of us…?" Aisha turned to see Rinrin and Touka-chan entering the scene.

"Nyah-ha," Rinrin meowed with a weak smile, "She noticed us…"

"Rinrin? …!? My Lady!? What are you both doing here?"

"We came to help of course!" Touka-chan claimed as she armed herself with Virtue and Ryuu-Tei-Ken.

"Yeah~!" Rinrin affirmed, readying her Viper Spear.

"…I do not need help!" Aisha stubbornly replied, "Rinrin, take My Lady and return back to Our Lord to guard both of them!"

"No, Rinrin cannot do that. Besides… …you know it yourself. This one is powerful…"

"Yes," Touka-chan glared cautiously at the waiting Ryo-Fu, "She is too dangerous unless we fight together…"

"… …Fine. All three…come," Ryo-Fu commented, still deprive from any visible expression, as she prepare her Halberd, "… …I…no…defeated…"

"You think so, huh?" Aisha growled as she ready her Crescent Blade, "I would not say you cannot lose until after you have tasted our prowess!"

"Nyah-Ha," Rinrin meowed, "Do you not who Rinrin is? Rinrin is the mighty Chou-Hi!"

"Sisters!" Touka-chan called out, "Together we shall overcome this difficult obstacle!"

And so the legendary battle between the Three Sister and Ryo-Fu begins.

"Hah!" Touka-chan sounded as she swung her two swords at Ryo-Fu. WHOOSH-WHOOSH! CLASH! CLASH!

Ryo-Fu blocked the quick fencing as expertly as she did with Aisha's.

"Take this," Rinrin charge and unleash a mighty swing. WHOOSH! CLASH!

"…!" Ryo-Fu strained from blocking Rinrin's attack, which was packed with raw brute strength.

"Nyah!" Rinrin blinked as she jumped back, "Wow! She stopped me!"

"True," Touka-chan noticed Ryo-Fu quivering, "But it would appear that against Rinrin-chan's raw strength, even Ryo-Fu must flinch…"

"It does not matter much now," Aisha informed her sisters, "Right now, we must stop Ryo-Fu to prevent any further casualties!"

Touka-chan and Rinrin nodded as they prepared themselves.

"…Aisha-san, Rinrin-chan, and My Lady are fighting against Ryo-Fu!" Shuri informed as we closed in.

"Yeah," I nodded with a frown. I was so pathetic. Earlier when I chased after my sworn sisters, I end up getting held back by enemy soldiers. I fought hard, but because of my slow start, I had to rely of the troops that Shuri took charge of to break through. Admittedly, I did pretty well all by myself, but in the end I couldn't go join my sisters. "Do you think they'll be alright?"

"They will be alright, I know it…" Although Shuri was saying that, the tension in her eyes spoke otherwise. I understand her worries though. We are taking about Ryo-Fu after all.

"Yeah… …We just have to believe that…" As a man, sending and relying on girls to fight my battles without even helping them is vexing. But I knew that if I join now, it will only complicate the situation even more. Those three has the best coordination skills, even in history, so that should be more than enough, right? They should be able to at least keep Ryo-Fu at bay, right?

"Yes," Shuri nodded at my reply before turning to the troops, "The rest of you, please try to secure Kou-Ran Pass as soon as you can!"

"Yeah!" While still fearful, as long as they didn't have to face Ryo-Fu our soldiers can still put up a brave face and charge forward.

"Please hurry, while My Lady, Aisha-san, and Rinrin-chan hold off the Enemy General!"

"Come on everyone…!" I called to the troops as I lead the way. I can't help Aisha, Touka-chan, and Rinrin for now, but at the very least I can lead the troops while they are providing the time we need.

"Yah~!" Aisha called as she sends her Crescent Blade at Ryo-Fu, trying to pierce her. WHOOSH!

"… …Humph," With a huff, Ryo-Fu swung powerfully…WHOOSH! BAM! …intercepting Aisha's and knocking her back as well.

"Hah~!" Touka-chan went next immediately, trying to catch Ryo-Fu off guard with a succession of chain attacks. WHOOSH! FLASH! FLASH! WHOOSH!

But, as fast as she may be, Ryo-Fu was faster as she struck the attack with her own…WHOOSH! BAM! …Knocking Touka-chan back with an "Eek~!"

"A-TA-TA-TA~!" Rinrin roared as she went to strike. WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

"… …Loud," Ryo-Fu commented and repelled Rinrin's attack with a series of attacks of her own. WHOOSH-WHOOSH! BAM!

"GYAH-!" Rinrin exclaimed as blocked the attack, which sent her flying back to her sisters, "Oh~, shit~!"

"… …Done?"

"Not even close!" Aisha proclaimed as went to strike again. WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

"… …Humph," Ryo-Fu sent one attack at the onslaught…WHOOSH! BAM! …pushing Aisha back.

But Aisha immediately sprang forth again and struck…WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

Caught by surprise, Ryo-Fu launches an equal number of strikes in retaliation….WHOOSH! CLASH! WHOOSH! CLASH-BAM!

Aisha clicked her tongue as she was sent back once again.

"Aisha!" Touka-chan exclaimed running to her side as Rinrin took over in the meantime.

"I am unhurt," Aisha reassured just as Rinrin joined them after being shoved back.

"…She is strong," Rinrin growled in frustration.

"Yes. She is holding her own against the three of us… …Shit, are we that weak?"

"…Maybe," Touka-chan hummed, "But what if instead of just coordinating our attacks, we strike at once…?"

"…! That is an unfair thought, My Lady!"

"Against the likes of Ryo-Fu, do we have much choice? She fights as well as five warriors at least…"

"Touka-nee-chan may be right, Aisha," Rinrin panted, "We cannot fight her as we always have…"

"… …You are right," Aisha nodded, "as much I cherish an honorable fight, we have to insure Ryo-Fu does not interfere with our goal; we must do this…"

"… …What…wrong?" Ryo-Fu asked, pondering what was taking them so long to attack again, "… …Come…"

"Oh~!" Rinrin growled as they prepare to attack together, "You laughed at us! Rinrin swear, Rinrin swear you shall pay for that~!"

"Now sisters!" Touka-chan called and all three race forward at once. Touka-chan aimed for a stab….FLASH!

"Yah~!" Aisha aimed to cut Ryo-Fu down from above…WHOOSH!

"A-TA~!" Rinrin intended to slash at Ryo-Fu from below…WHOOSH!

Caught off-guard, Ryo-Fu could only make it to block the three synchronized attacks…CLASH! CLASH! CLASH-BAM! …The last attack sent her flying back, a good distance.

"How about that!?" Touka-chan smirked; she and her sisters smiled seeing how they finally managed to push Ryo-Fu back.

"… …Pretty good," Ryo-Fu commented as she recovered her stance, still as emotionless as always.

"Heh-Heh," Rinrin chuckled confidently, "How do you like that?"

"… …Next…me," Ryo-Fu crouched, ready to pounce forward.

"Fine! We shall take you on!"

"… …I…come," Ryo-Fu warned and then rushed forward to deliver her attacks…WHOOSH! BAM! CLASH! CLASH-BAM! …the force of the attack sent all three flying back.

Touka-chan managed to remain standing, but after a moment of staggering, she fell on her behind. Aisha managed to remain standing, but Rinrin despite being as strong as Aisha was handicapped by her small weight and thus could not recover from being force back so strongly, rolling back on the ground next to Touka.

"My Lady," Aisha called in worry, "Rinrin!"

"…R-Rinrin is okay," Rinrin managed as she and Touka-chan got up, "But it was so heavy…"

"Ah~~," Touka-chan moaned as she raised her shaking hands, "my hands are numb…"

"… …Continue?" Ryo-Fu wondered.

"Of course," Aisha declared as her sisters join next to her again, "we have no intention of stopping until we have crushed thou!"

"… …Okay," Ryo-Fu nodded in acknowledgment, "… …continue…"

The Three Sisters grunted as they got into their stance.

"… …Serious…now…"

"Very well!" Aisha roared, "I, Kan-U, will splendidly withstand thy attack! Come!"

Izumi's P.O.V.

We move as swift as we could, but all we managed to do was break through one of the gates. The Kou-Tou Army has appeared to given up most of their attempts to taking the fortress, but the Yuu-Shu Army are still ahead of us. The fortress defenses are tough as well, so it didn't help further our capturing.

"Increase your effort," Kakou-Ton-dono called out, "Let the enemy know that your strength cannot be overcome by some worthless blockade!"

"Yeah!" The Soldiers shouted in acknowledgment. But the tide of the battle did not turn.

"Ugh," Kakou-Ton-dono growled, "Why are we having such difficulty?"

"…A proper plan can stop a charging herd," I quoted, "I say they have a strategist at least capable of that much on their side…"

"Huh~?" Kyo-Cho-dono frowned comically, "Man~! Can they not just drop dead or something?"

"A corner rat will definitely bite back, General Kyo-Cho-dono. Even you would resist to the end against an enemy force, wouldn't you?"

"…Ugh, well…"

"Besides, as far as the Hei-Shuu Army is concern, we are the evil ones for going against the Imperial Court. They obviously not wish to lose to villains…"

"We are the villains?" Kakou-Ton-dono roared at me, "We are the righteous one!"

"Anybody can claim that, General Kakou-Ton-dono. Unfortunately, reality dictate that reasons such as right or wrong does not exist during battle or war. Things such as right or wrong are determine afterwards…"

"…Uh…"

"…I apologize. Was I being too philosophical?"

"C-Confusing, rather than…" Kyo-Cho-dono sweat dropped, "…Never mind that for now. Anyway, what are we going to do?"

"…Well, even if I were to come up with a plan, I first need to know who it is we are dealing with…"

"That can be arranged," Kakou-Ton-dono smiled knowingly and turn to Chou-Ryou-dono, "Chou-Ryou, do you know any strategist worthy enough to be responsible for this?"

"Ah yeah," Chou-Ryou-dono chuckled, "That would be Chin-Kyuu-chin…'

"…Chin-Kyuu," I noted, "As in Chin-Kyuu Koudai?"

"Yeah. You know her, Shiba-san?"

"…In a way," I answered vaguely. Chin-Kyuu Koudai is one of the few people with enough fame to be noted as a follower of Ryo-Fu. According to the history I know, Chin-Kyuu was also the one responsible for allowing Sou-Sou, who had tried to assassinate Tou-Taku, to escape. In the end, however, it was his connect to Ryo-Fu that ended him.

"What is she like, Chou-Ryou?" Kakou-En-dono wondered.

"…Well~," Chou-Ryou-dono began in a way that seems she is conflicted where to begin, "She is a fussy one, I suppose. Very childish in any area outside of strategy and is not afraid of doing things her own way given the chance, I guess. She and I never really got along that much, so that is just about as much as I can tell you, really…"

"So, in other words," Ten-I-dono began, "we are dealing with an unorthodox strategist, no?"

"That would explain how we are being pushed back by a losing army," Kakou-En-dono hummed…until her warrior instinct caused her quickly bend back…WHOOSH! …just as something zoomed pass, "Whoa!"

It was Chained Sickle. I watch as it was tugged back to its owner's hand; the owner being a small girl.

"Eh?' Kyo-Cho-dono exclaimed as we took our fighting stance on instinct, "A child?"

"Hey! How rude!" the girl hissed, twirling her Chained Sickle, before glaring at Chou-Ryou-dono, "And Chou-Ryou! What are you doing!? Have you already deflected!?"

"Uh," Chou-Ryou-dono frowned uncomfortably, "…Yeah~! Sorry, Chin-Kyuu-chin…"

"…! She is the strategist, Chin-Kyuu Koudai?" Kakou-Ton-dono blinked.

"Somehow," Ten-I-dono sweat dropped, "I had imagined her to be…uh, younger…"

"Mm~," Chin-Kyuu-dono growled with an angry pout, "Chou-Ryou, what load of crap had you told them about Nenene…?"

"Only my opinion~," Chou-Ryou-dono chimed, causing Chin-Kyuu to fume even more so.

"So," Kakou-En-dono huffed, "What is the Enemy Strategist doing all the way out here?"

"That is obvious!" Chin-Kyuu-dono replied as she sent her sickle at Ten-I-dono, who managed to dodge out of the way, "Nenene is here to take your heads!"

"…All by yourself?" Kyo-Cho-dono laughed, "Are you kidding me? You are only a strategist-Whoa!" Chin-Kyuu-dono had launched her Chained Sickle at Kyo-Cho-dono's head, ending her words as she dodged. "Ah-! Hey! That was dangerous!"

Chin-Kyuu-dono remained silent as she glared at us with eyes that clearly told us her earlier words were entirely not a bluff.

"…Foolish as it may be," Kakou-En-dono huffed with a smile, "it is commendable foolishness. Very well, since her coming out here means she is prepare to face death, then I shall-…"

"Kakou-En-dono," I called as she was about to fire an arrow from her bow, "Allow me to fight her…"

"… …Eh?"

"Had it been a General, by all means Kakou-En-dono may do as she pleases," I explained as I stepped forward, "But she is a strategist. Warriors should end by the blade of another warrior; schemers should end by the skill of another schemer. At least that is how I think it should be…"

Kakou-En-dono blinked at my words before lowering her bow.

Chin-Kyuu-dono glared at me suspiciously. "…Who are you?"

"Shiba Izumi, strategist of Sou-Sou-sama of the Kyo-Shou Army," I traditionally introduce myself with a bow, "In response to your bravery as a strategist, I shall be your opponent…"

"…Fine! It does not matter which one comes up first! Nenene plan to take all of your heads. Nenene swear by the name of Chin-Kyuu Koudai!"

"…According to your scheme," I chuckled as I armed myself with my razor-tipped gloves, "But I have a scheme of my own I must fulfill. Let's see which one among us had better prepared, shall we?"

"Let us see then!" Chin-Kyuu-dono cried out as she launched her Chained Sickle at me.

Dodging the attack, but not stopping, I rushed forward as Chin-Kyuu-dono expertly pulled back her Chained Sickle. Catching the Sickle's handle, she swung down her weapon, intending to pierce my head. Foreseeing this, I shot backwards just as the Sickle came down and kicked the weapon sending Chin-Kyuu-dono back.

"Shit!" Chin-Kyuu-dono cursed, "You are a slippery one!"

"Schemers should behave like nothing else," I commented and launched myself at Chin-Kyuu-dono with the intent on slicing her.

Seeing that, Chin-Kyuu-dono used the chain part of her weapon to block my attacks.

"Impressive," I commented, before raising my free arm, "But what will you do now?"

"This!" With all her might…WHOOSH! …she aimed her sickle at my face, causing me to jump back.

"Always an insurance huh?"

"Of course!" Chin-Kyuu-dono huffed, "Nenene is a strategist!"

"Oh? Then why is it now you are surrounded?"

"…Eh?" Chin-Kyuu-dono glanced around to see that there were several soldiers aiming their spears at her, "…! Shit-! When did this happen?"

"You need to learn to mind your opponent and your surroundings, Chin-Kyuu-dono. The only time a strategist makes a move themselves should be mainly when they are moving as a distraction…"

"Mm~~! You cheated!"

"Strategist battle with their minds, not solely in strength…"

"… …True…but Nenene is not going to be caught here!" Chin-Kyuu-dono performed an impressive backward flip over the soldiers and raced back to the fortress.

"Ah-! She is getting away!" Kakou-Ton-dono exclaimed.

"…Let's not forget our true objective, now Kakou-Ton-dono," I called to remind everyone, "If anything, it is possible Chin-Kyuu-dono only came out here to distract us from leading the army. We must, therefore, return to our duty…"

"Uh-yes! Right!" Kakou-Ton-dono nodded. But before she could make the command, a soldier ran up with a report.

"General Kakou-Ton!" the soldier began, "Ryo-Fu is fighting against Ryuu-Bi, Kan-U, and Chou-Hi in front of the castle gate…!"

"What?" Kakou-Ton-dono exclaimed, "How are they fairing?"

"It would seem they are doing only just enough to keep Ryo-Fu busy…"

"I see…I cannot believe Kan-U and Chou-Hi together are not enough to stop them. And even with the addition of that girl, Ryuu-Bi, they could only keep her busy…"

"Ryo-Fu is a monster…" Kakou-En-dono muttered in worry.

"Yes, I suppose," I waved it off, "but no matter how strong she is, it won't affect her troops or the situation. There's no meaning to her strength…"

"You are right. Kou-Ran is about 80% taken. We just have to take down Ryo-Fu…"

"We shall let Ryuu-Bi, Kan-U, and Chou-Hi take on the foolish role of presenting themselves before that hungry beast," Kakou-Ton-dono smoothly suggested, "Meanwhile, we shall secure Kou-Ran Pass…"

"Okay. Who will be commanding the soldiers?"

Kakou-Ton-dono turned with a smile to Ten-I-dono and Kyo-Cho-dono. "We shall let Ruru and Kii do that. It will be a good experience for both of them too…"

"…U-Us?" Ten-I-dono pointed to herself and Kyo-Cho-dono.

"Yes! We are counting on you. Surely, you two can do it, no?"

"Of course we can!" Kyo-Cho-dono beat her chest with pride, "It is but a simple task, right Ruru?"

"Huh? Oh, well," Ten-I-dono hesitated before taking a small glance in my direction. I, in turn, gave a silent nod, which seems to be what her confidence need. "Uh, yeah! Definitely!"

"That is reassuring," Kakou-En-dono smiled as the two head off to do their task, "Then that will leave the rest of us to watch Ryo-Fu, Ryuu-Bi, Kan-U, and Chou-Hi fight…"

"Yeah, let us do that~!" Chou-Ryou-dono exclaimed, as we made our way to the front of the gate to watch the battle, before sighing in a way that was quite similar to how Sou-Sou-sama and Jun-Iku-dono sigh when they are love struck.

"W-What is it?" Kakou-Ton-dono blinked at Chou-Ryou-dono's strange reaction, "What is that creepy sigh for?"

"H-How rude, Gen-chan. I am fascinated~…"

"…Fascinated?"

"Yes…"

"…Let me take a wild guess," I began fearfully, "Is it about Kan-U-dono?"

"Whoa, Shiba-san! Good guess! That is right, when I was battling the Yuu-Shu Army early, I caught sight of her. She is beautiful~! And now she is fighting Ryo-Fu, no?"

"…Beautiful?" Kakou-Ton-dono tilted her head in confusion as I palmed my face with an annoyed sigh, "I do not understand…"

"You do not? That is too bad. Kan-U is amazingly beautiful. Her black hair dances when she swings her weapon. Mm~~… …beautiful~…"

As if she finally understood, Kakou-Ton-dono sweat dropped. "… …I thought you were not interest in that sort of thing…"

"I thought so too… …but maybe I am love with Kan-U…"

"… …I will not let have Karin-sama…"

"Oh, do not worry~! I will not touch Mou-chan…"

"…!? How dare you called Karin-sama 'M-Mou-chan'! Call her 'Moutoku-sama'…!"

"No way~. If I call her that politely, I shall get itchy all over…"

"…Humph," Kakou-En-dono huffed with a smile, "You are a very forthright person, are you not?"

"I do not like being polite. You all will just have to live with it ~…"

"…That is not for us to decide," I sighed, remembering somebody else just like Chou-Ryou-dono, "You must consult Sou-Sou-sama directly…"

"Okay~, I will~…"

"…My goodness," Kakou-Ton-dono exclaimed. We had just reach an area close enough to see the battle between the Hei-Shuu Army's mightiest warrior and three of Yuu-Shu Army's Generals. "Ryo-Fu! She does not even look tired while fighting against those three…"

"She really is a monster," Kakou-En-dono agreed, "But it will never and at this rate. What are we going to do with those four?"

"I still want to watch Kan-U fight…" Chou-Ryou-dono moaned, before noticed the movement of the Yuu-Shu Army, "…Oh, but I guess it is almost over, huh? The Yuu-Shu Army Main Force is moving…"

"Hmmm~?" Kakou-Ton-dono noted, "I wonder what they are going to do…?"

"…Shiba-san," Kakou-En-dono motioned, "Do you have any idea what they are up to?"

"…I honestly don't know," I admitted, "…We'll just have to see and hope they put up a good show…"

Kazuto's P.O.V.

The Hei-Shuu Army stubbornly defended the gate, but their resistance weakened over time and our army began pushing onward.

I had somehow leaded my units deep within the fortress walls. The Hei-Shuu soldiers charged at us in an effort to drive us out, but my unit supported me as I pushed forward. Touka-chan, Aisha and Rinrin are risking their lives out there fighting Ryo-Fu. In comparison, I was task with something as simple as capturing the fortress. We are so close too! I can't let my sworn sisters' effort be in vain.

Anyway, although I speak as if I am willing to do anything to repay their trust in me, I was still not taking people's lives. I went a little way ahead of my units and proceed to knocking every soldier that I came across out. I was using a wooden sword, but I was skillful enough to use the fewest of moves and energy to take them down. My unit would then find them and, as instructed by me earlier, tied them up and take them prisoner. Yeah~, I know, I'm being naïve in the midst of war, but that's how I am.

As I continue onward, the sounds of other army units could be heard. It would appear someone, probably the Kyo-Shou Army, has finally managed to break in themselves. That means I got to double my effort. It is important that the Army of Yuu-Shu is the one that takes the most credit for the capture of Kou-Ran Pass; otherwise I could never show myself to my sworn sisters.

As I thought this, out from one of the corridor doors, a little girl tripped and fell into my path.

"Whoa!" I exclaimed in startle as I went to help the girl up, "Are you alright?"

"…Ugh, yes," the girl managed until she got a good look at me, "…uh, who are you?"

"I'm Kazuto Hongou; I lead the Yuu-Shu Army of the Coalition force…"

"…The Coalition…!"

"Yeah," I nodded just as I saw a soldier running up to us, ready to strike, "Look out!"

Positioning myself in front of the girl, I went and attack the soldier, knocking him out immediately. Another soldier saw this and tries to attack me, but I easily sidestep the attack and whacked the back of the soldier's head, knocking him out to.

"It's dangerous here," I called to the girl, "You better get out of here!"

"…Huh?" the girl blinked at what I said as if surprise that I said that, "But Nenene is-…"

"Just go! Head down that corridor I came from and you come across my troops. They can take you out of here and to safety if you want…"

"… …Alright, thanks!" the girl nodded and ran off.

"…Now then…" I ran forward to continue capturing the fortress.

"…What a complete idiot!" Chin-Kyuu huffed as she rushes through the corridor, "He did not even think for a small moment that Nenene was one of the Hei-Shuu army. Well, Nenene suppose it does not really matter. As long as Nenene can get him to Ryo-Fu-dono, Nenene can-…!"

Chin-Kyuu paused in her monologue when she heard footsteps ahead of her. She quickly ducked into another corridor just as the soldiers of Yuu-Shu rushed by.

"Hurry and follow Our Lord!" One of them called out.

"Yeah! Oh, but do not forget to tie up those soldiers!" Anther called.

"Of course! Our Lord ordered us not to kill anybody if we can!"

"I have to wonder, why is Our Lord showing kindness to them?"

"That is Our Lord's personal virtue!"

"I suppose so…"

It wasn't long before the troops were gone, allowing Chin-Kyuu to step out.

"… …He ordered his troops to not kill anyone if possible?" Chin-Kyuu frowned in confusion as she ran on, "…Is he really that much of an idiot?"

Taiki's P.O.V.

We finally arrived at Kou-Ran Pass, and boy what a mess we found it in. The fortress was practically crawling with soldiers from the Coalition. Flags reading Yuu-Shu and Kyo-Shou hung the most abundant among others.

"It would appear our effort to get here was in vain," Shishun sighed, "Even if we enter now, there would hardly be anything to help take over…"

"And if it was not for the fact that we had brought only three units," Sai sighed, "I cannot imagine the embarrassment the Kou-Tou Army would suffer…"

"Yeah," I laughed, until I heard the distant sound of weapon clashing that were much louder than the noise of the battlefield, "Hey, sounds like a really good battle is going on down there~!"

"Yes," Shishun nodded in agreement, "The scout I sent ahead should return any time now to report on what is going on…"

True to her words, a soldier came up to us from the battlefield up ahead.

"What do you have to report?"

"General Kan-Nei," the soldier began, "Ryo-Fu is currently battling Ryuu-Bi, Kan-U, and Chou-Hi from the Yuu-Shu Army. They seem to be locked in battle…"

"Whoa, seriously~?" I asked excitedly. In tales of the Three Kingdom, the battle between the Three Brothers, later founders of Sho-Ku, and Ryo-Fu was the most epic confrontation in the Battle of Kou-Ran Pass. I had always wanted to see that ever since I knew I came to this world.

"…I know that look, Taiki," Sai chuckled, "You want to go see the battle, do you not?"

"Hell yeah~!"

Sai sighed. "Well, we came all the here. Although we got nothing left to gain, I suppose it would not hurt to see what Ryo-Fu is like…"

"Ah! I kind of already met her…"

"… … …Huh?"

"Yeah~, I met her when I went to check on Miu-chan as she was advancing forward. We didn't get to duel though since she decided to retreat…"

"… … …I…see…"

"…? Something wrong?" Sai looked as if she had heard that her life was going to expire tomorrow or something.

"Uh, no! Nothing…"

"…So, Taiki," Shishun called, "Are we going to watch or not?"

"We are definitely going!" I declared as I jogged ahead, with everyone else in toll.

Kazuto's P.O.V.

My unit and I finally managed to clear the last bit of enemy resistance in the fortress. We were general successful since about 65% of the fortress became ours with the other forces gain at most 8%. This is a big leap for the Yuu-Shu Army, who had up until now done plenty but gain few.

Anyway, once the fortress is taken care of, I return to Shuri's side and began to steadily move our frontline closer to where Touka-chan, Aisha, and Rinrin were fighting.

"Touka-chan, Aisha, Rinrin!" I called out to them as soon as I saw them. They didn't seem to even hear me probably due to the small band of resistance that were still battle some of our units around the area, but more likely because they were focusing 100% on fighting Ryo-Fu.

I was tempted to run up to them because they were having trouble fighting a single general, but I stopped myself. They probably not just didn't hear me, but also didn't even notice me. They were desperately parrying Ryo-Fu as she sent one attack after another, with them attacking her whenever they could find an opening. However, their attacks never worked, and every time she brushed them aside they faced a counter-attack.

"They are having such a tough time…"

"Aisha-san and Rinrin-chan may be in danger," Shuri informed, "Even more so for My Lady…"

I nodded. I could tell how exhausted and frustrated they were, too. Touka-chan is the worse among them since she doesn't have the same stamina as the other two. But somehow, what she showed on her face didn't affect her movements. Maybe adrenalines rush? Either way, at one point or another, someone is going to slow down long enough to be put in danger.

"… …Shuri," I began, "I know they'll be angry later, but let's go help them!"

"Yes," Shuri nodded, "I have been waiting for My Lord to say that!"

"What? You've been waiting…? Do you have a plan?"

"Of course!" Shuri nodded firmly before issuing a few commands. The soldiers promptly spread out, surrounding Ryo-Fu the best they could and lifting something big in their hands.

"What are you doing?"

"Ryo-Fu, My Lady, Aisha-san, and Rinrin-chan cannot pay attention to anything that happens around them now. We are going to use that opening to position our soldiers around Ryo-Fu and throw this on her…"

I took a careful look at what the soldiers were carrying. "Is that… …a net?"

"Yes. This is a casting net that people use to catch fish in rivers. The soldiers I sent in were fishermen before, so using this is their specialty…"

"Are you going to capture her with that?" I find it ironic that we're going to use a net to catch a wild beast (Ryo-Fu), should that be the case.

"Yes!" I rest my case.

"…I see… …then we'll execute the plan once Touka-chan, Aisha, and Rinrin are separated from Ryo-Fu…"

"Yes. Shall I leave the signal to My Lord then?"

"Okay… …That's a big responsibility…" I nodded to Shuri, and then turned my gaze back to my Sisters fight with Ryo-Fu. Though, at the same time, I can't help but think Shuri gave me such responsibility so that she won't get the brunt of the criticisms I'M going receive later on. Well, that's okay I guess; I'm sure they'll understand.

All four of them were still fighting. All three of my sworn sisters were steadily becoming exhausted from the fierce back-and-forth battle.

"Hah~!" Aisha bellowed as she went in for the attack…WHOOSH! CLASH!

Ryo-Fu blocked the attack with annoyed tongue click.

"Now!" Rinrin saw an opening. She and Touka-chan immediately dive in to attack, "A-TA-TA-TA-TA~!" WHOOSH! CLASH!

"Yah~!" Touka-chan cried as she brought down both swords. WHOOSH! CLASH!

Somehow, Ryo-Fu managed to block both of their attacks, but she was now growling in annoyance. Not giving any of them to attack, Ryo-Fu took the opportunity and moved in with a brutal strike that could reap their lives…WHOOSH!

Fortunately, all three managed to leap back in time to dodge the attack.

"…Shit!" Rinrin panted, "How can you be so energetic?"

"… …Wrong…" Ryo-Fu replied to Rinrin's rhetorical question.

"…Huh?" Touka-chan managed, panting even more so than either Rinrin or Aisha, "Are you saying we are wrong?"

"… …Tired…"

"O-Of course you are!" Aisha groaned in exhaustion, "How could you still look unfazed after continuing to receive attacks from all three of us!?"

"That is right!" Rinrin panted in agreement, "Though you should be more tired…"

"I do not think that matters, Rinrin-chan," Touka-chan sweat dropped at Rinrin's last comment.

"… …Almost over…" Ryo-Fu noted.

"…Hey," Aisha sweat dropped tiredly, "can you not say more than just a few words?"

"Over?" Rinrin mouth in annoyance, "That is our line! Touka-chan, Aisha, let us finish her up!"

"Yeah, I am getting tired too…"

"Let us finish up…" Touka-chan nodded, before looking to her sisters, "… …Whoever dies, do not hold a grudge, okay?"

"And whoever survives will protect and aid Our Lo-Brother…is that okay?'

"Sure," Rinrin nodded, "All or nothing, this is it!"

Both Aisha and Touka-chan nodded as they all prepare for what could be their final moments, readying their weapons and distancing themselves from Ryo-Fu.

This was it! They are now separate from Ryo-Fu and a good distance as well. The time has come. I was about to give the signal when…

"HOWL~~~!"

A frightening howl erupted from behind Ryo-Fu. It was an otherworldly howl that sent shivers down my spine. In fact, I think everyone on the battlefield felt the same way. It wasn't long before the question on everyone's mind was answered.

From behind Ryo-Fu, something large and red had leapt over our frightened soldiers' head and had landed skillfully next to the Hei-Shuu General. It was a wolf, but not just any kind of wolf. No matter how I look at it, or how much I thought they should not be here, that is a Dire Wolf, an extinct relative of the North American Grey Wolf.

It was larger than any modern-day wolves, with its shoulder stood a little above Ryo-Fu waistline. It was broader and stockier than any wolf I ever seen, with rows of sharp teeth seen as it growls at Touka-chan, Aisha, and Rinrin. Everything about the wolf is particularly larger, from its paw to its tail. But its most unique feature was its fur coat; it was flame-red with the fur at the top lighter than the furs near the bottom.

Ryo-Fu, for a moment, was taken aback by the creature's sudden arrival, but soon smiled as she stroke its flame-red fur. The wolf, in turn and to everyone's surprise, growled in affection but it didn't remove its glare from Touka-chan, Aisha, and Rinrin for even a second.

"… …Red Hound," Ryo-Fu smiled, her expressionless finally show the color of emotion, in this case friendliness, "…You came…for me…"

"…W-W-What in name of great Heaven is that!" Touka-chan managed as she, Aisha, and Rinrin became alarmingly cautious immediately.

"…I have no idea!" Aisha managed.

"…! That is…!" Shuri gasped right next to me in terror.

"…? Shuri! You know what that is?" I exclaimed.

"Yes! …Although, only in rumors. About Ryo-Fu. It is said that Ryo-Fu had mysterious appeared in Hei-Shuu accompany by what many describe as 'the ultimate hunting beast'. Its body was like flames and its speed and ferocity matches that to a deadly wild fire, consuming everything it touches…"

"…You think they were referring to that wolf…Red Hound as Ryo-Fu called it?"

"Yes! Since both of their appearance, people began speaking of three peerless being in the land: 'Among warriors, there is Ryo-Fu; among horse, there is Red Hare; among hunters, there is Red Hound'. Ryo-Fu has a trident Halberd, which she plays with supernatural skills. The fable horse of Tou-Taku, Red Hare, runs for thousands of Li in a day and faster than lightning. The beast companion of Ryo-Fu, Red Hound, can run equally alongside Red Hare and armed with dagger-like teeth and claws. Ryo-Fu holds all warriors in the world in disdain. To Red Hare, running over mountains and rivers is no different than galloping over flat lands. To Red Hound, an army is but easy preys…"

"…Seriously?"

"As I heard, My Lord. By obtaining just Ryo-Fu, the Hei-Shuu Army has gain more than if they had gained a Hundred-Thousand soldiers. What is most dreadful is that now two of those three peerless beings can become one…"

"Ryo-Fu…and Red Hound…"

Shuri nodded nervously as we watch Ryo-Fu mounting Red Hound. Red Hound, already having a saddle on its back, didn't seem faze by the new weight on its back.

"…! S-She is using that wolf," Rinrin nervously muttered, "as a steed!?"

"This is bad," Aisha grunted, "A General strength can at least double while on a steed. A wolf can already difficult to approach. If we must fight both at once…!"

"We do not stand a chance!" Touka-chan summed in dread, "Aisha, what do we do?"

"I-…"

"… …Red Hound," Ryo-Fu muttered as she pointed her Halberd at the Three Sisters, "… …Hunting time…"

With a snarl, Red Hound sprint forward and was upon all three in a matter of seconds. They hardly had time to put up their defenses as Red Hound swept them with Ryo-Fu swinging her Halberd at them. WHOOSH! SWEEP! BAM! BAM! CLASH!

The combine attack from both Ryo-Fu and Red Hound was too much for any of them to withstand perfectly as they end up getting knock away. Aisha and Rinrin managed to land on their feet, but it seems they no longer had the strength to hold it soon collapse to their knees. Touka-chan wasn't so lucky, having suffered from the bulk of Ryo-Fu attack and end up crashing on her back.

"KYA~!" Touka-chan managed as she slid on the ground for a few meters before coming to a halt only several good meters in front of Shuri and me.

"My Lady!" Aisha called as Touka-chan struggled to return to right herself.

But just as she managed to get up into a sitting position, Red Hound charged at her. Like any predator, it is the weakest and most vulnerable of prey they will target first. With Touka-chan barely able to right herself, she was most appealing target of choice.

"Touka-chan!" I exclaimed, as I rushed forward, my wooden sword in hand. There was no way that I, even if I tried my hardest, could ever hope to compete with a wolf head on even to divert its attention; even more so its supposedly extinct stronger relative the Dire Wolf. I do, however, have the strength to do something else…

"HAH~!" With a bellow, I dive at Touka-chan and took her with me as I zoom by, doing so just as Red Hound clamped it fearsome jaws at the spot Touka-chan had been.

"…! Kazuto-kun!?" Touka-chan managed as we rolled to a stop. By then, Aisha and Rinrin had managed to find the strength they need to get over.

"My Lord!" Aisha exclaimed, almost tripping as she rushed worryingly to our side, "My Lady!"

"Are you two alright!?" Rinrin asked, equally worried.

"…Yes," Touka-chan managed, "I believe so…"

I on the other hand didn't reply as I took my stance between my Sworn Sisters and the Peerless Threats in front of us.

"… …Who?" Ryo-Fu pondered.

For a moment, I began to regret my actions. Here before me was the Peerless Warrior Ryo-Fu Housen with her equally Peerless Steed, the Hyper-Carnivore Dire Wolf Red Hound, ready to pounce and devour me as soon as the chance presents itself. Heck, even if a chance didn't come, they could still devour me easily. A few weeks ago, I would never imagine myself suddenly facing the jaws of death itself like this.

But the thought of regret, I banish it just as immediately as it enter my head. My Sworn Sisters were in danger. I save Touka-chan. And now, I must save them all by facing Ryo-Fu and Red Hound. This is what an older brother should be doing for his sisters, risk or no risk and no exception.

"I'm Kazuto Hongou!" I named myself as bravely and loudly as I could possibly muster, "Joint Leader of Yuu-Shu Army, Joint Warlord of Yuu-Shu Province, Sworn Older Brother of Ryuu-Bi, Kan-U, and Chou-Hi, and The Messenger from Heaven! Face me, Ryo-Fu Housen~!"

Izumi's P.O.V.

"…!" I straighten myself almost immediately. I was shock to see a live Dire Wolf in the flesh and fur. I was surprise even more when Chou-Ryou-dono informed me of the relationship between the Dire Wolf, Red Hound, and Ryo-Fu. I was even shock to see Ryo-Fu riding and fighting on Red Hound like how any General would on their steed.

But what gave me the greatest of shock was the voice I heard from the battle arena. It was a voice I knew all too well. A voice from my old world. A voice from my childhood. A voice I had become accustom to for more than ten years of my life.

"…? Shiba-san?" Kakou-En-dono noted, noticing my uncharacteristic reaction.

I hardly even register her words of concern, however, as I gaze out into the battlefield. I could not have mistaken that voice. That idiotic voice full of groundless hope and foolish courage. There couldn't be any other people who had spoken like that!

And then I saw him. He was a distant away, but regardless I recognize him. He was still wearing that school uniform! That spiky brown-colored hair was still midway between neat and uncombed! His Kendo Stance was the same due to years practice. He's even STILL using that worn-out wooden sword!

"…That…" I found myself muttering in capped rage, but just seeing him standing there ready to face Ryo-Fu…something in my mind snapped, something that hadn't happen for a long while now, "…THAT TOTAL IMBECILE~!"

"…!?" Kakou-Ton-dono stared at me as if I've gone mad, which in a matter of speaking is exactly what happen, "S-Shiba-san-!?"

Before either she or her equally stunned sister could question any further, I had already rushed ahead towards the battle zone. Rage had just nearly clouded my judgment. I mean, sure, I have given it a thought or two to the possibility that he was here in this world as well, but to think he would show up like THIS! That incompetent Imbecile~!

Taiki's P.O.V.

"… …Wait, what!?" I mouthed, "Was that Kazuto I just heard!?"

"Kazuto?" Sai repeated in confusion, "Taiki, who are you referring to?"

"I'm referring to guy who just challenged Ryo-Fu!" I answered as I glared at the battle zone to get a better look, "… … …! Now that I mention it! That guy looks like him too! Ah-! That stance, his favorite stance! It IS him! What the hell he's doing down there!?"

"…?" Shishun glared at the battle zone as well, "…Ah~. That is the Yuu-Shu Army's Joint Commander. The one they called the Messenger from Heaven…"

"… … …Wait, say WHAT~~~~!?"

"…!? Why are you so startled, Taiki!?" Sai managed as she stared at me as if I had loss my mind, "Did he not state his title in that shout?"

"That's NOT the problem! Are you telling one my friends was here the ENTIRE time!?"

"Eh!?"

"Ah-! Shit~! What am I doing, I'm wasting time here~!"

"Huh!? Ah-Taiki!?" Sai called as I sprinted forward, "Where are you-!?"

"Going to save my friend's a**~~!"

Kazuto's P.O.V.

"… …Messenger from Heaven…?" Ryo-Fu tilted her head in confusion, "… …You…?"

"Yeah, that's right," I confirmed as I struck the air with my wooden sword, partly to warm up a bit and partly to show her how serious I am, "I shall be your opponent!"

"… …Okay…" Ryo-Fu simply nodded and Red Hound lowered its body and began to creep towards me, getting into pouncing range.

"…!? My Lord!" Aisha exclaimed despite her weaken state, "What are you doing!? You are not a match for Ryo-Fu!"

"Yeah," Rinrin exclaimed as well, "Let alone Ryo-Fu WITH that beast! Even Rinrin cannot match either or both alone!"

"…Kazuto-kun," Touka-chan cried still a bit weak from the attack earlier, "Please… …Do not do it…"

"I must!" I called back to them, unable to turn to see their faces since I was carefully watching both Ryo-Fu and Red Hound; it was probably for the best that I couldn't see them at this point, "If I don't, you three would be killed…"

"But if you fight, My Lord shall be killed as well!" Aisha exclaimed in desperation, "What kind of vassal would allow their own Lord to face death in their place…"

"…What kind of person would let his closest comrades be killed and do nothing…?"

"…!?"

"Aisha, Touka-chan, Rinrin. I remember that day. The day we sworn an oath of siblinghood with each other. I remember clearly…what we swore about. I remember it all. …But I'm going to ask for your forgiveness on that matter…"

"…?"

"…It looks like, I won't be able to keep that promise we made together about life and death. Sorry, but when I remember back to that day, I also remember something else…" Without a single hint of hesitation, I suddenly charge forward, "And that's before I'm anyone's Lord, I'm your Sworn Big Brother and it's MY duty to save you with all my might~!"

"…! My Lord~~~!"

I raced on, ignoring Aisha's plead that was soon joined by Rinrin and Touka-chan's. I rushed on, mapping out my targets. Red Hound. Its eyes, its nose, its jaws, its leg joints! They're my target, I must get at least one of them. It is a general concept that if you want to take out the General aim for their steed. I'll follow that concept. Ryo-Fu is still there of course; she can interrupt me at any given moment; she could even stop my attempts from even beginning. But I have to try anyway! Not for myself, no! Even if I perish, if I can somehow weaken Red Hound even a little bit I can give other people a chance to win. Maybe just a small increase of chance, but anyone skill enough could use it.

…This was it. Somehow, I'm completely at ease despite knowing whether I succeed or fail I'll have my life end right in this battle. There I was, aiming my wooden sword at Red Hound's eyes, aiming to blind it. But my movement must have seem slow to Ryo-Fu because with a simple twist in her wrist, her Halberd knocked aside my wooden sword before raising it high above her head to chop me with it.

The end was upon me. I knew I couldn't possibly dodge in time, but I continue to resist. I raised my wooden sword in an attempt to block the strike. Red Hound had flinched a bit when it realized that I was attempting to take its eyes, so I was in no immediate danger of being attack by it for a while. But it won't matter. I knew my trusty wooden sword couldn't withstand the powerful blow that Ryo-Fu will use. But it was my final defiant against her. I shut my eye, waiting for it to come. Any second now, I would hear the sound of cracked wood. Following that the Halberd will slice me right down the middle, spilling my blood and ending me…

WHOOSH…!

…

… …

… … …

CLASH-CLASH!

…Huh? What is this? I should be dead by now. What were those sounds of parrying I heard? Could it be that…somehow I blocked the attack with my wooden sword? No, that can't be right. Even if I could have block the attack, my sword isn't made of metal so it couldn't have made that kind of sound. Could it have been either Aisha or Rinrin, or even Touka-chan, have found some strength left in them to come to my aid? That seems likely, but at the same time I couldn't help but think it wasn't them.

I shot my eyes open, wanting to know the answer. Ryo-Fu had indeed struck, but her Halberd didn't even reach my Wooden Sword. She was trying to make it strike, but no matter how much she tried she could bring down the Halberd any further.

The reason? Two people are preventing that from happening. One was a man dress in red armor. The other was a girl wearing a Gao-Shan Guan and tight dark-azure robe. Somehow, they seem awfully familiar. That was when I notice the man's messy yet strangely tamed soft-cherry hair and the metal baseball bat in his hand. At the same time, I took notice to the girl's lengthy silver hair that was braided at the top before falling freely down her back and the razor-tip gloves she had on.

"…Phew~!" the man exhaled in a strangely familiar childish tone, "Man~, that was a close one! But hey, didn't expect to meet you here as well, Izumi-chan…"

"…Do NOT call me in such a friendly manner, Sonoma-senpai!" the girl hissed in a strangely familiar intelligent tone, "…Honestly, how is that I meet BOTH of you here at the same time!?"

I blinked. This kind of conversation, I experience it before. And these two people! … …I know them!

"…Taiki!?" I widen my eyes at the man before setting my eyes on the girl, "…Shiba-san!?"

"Yo~! Kazuto~!" Taiki smirked as he suddenly pushed back the Halberd, allowing Ryo-Fu to direct Red Hound to scurry to a safe distance, "Long time~!"

"…Argh~!" Shiba-san sighed in disbelief when she looked at my face as she massaged her hand. She must have helped slow down Halberd so that Taiki could have easily halted it with his metal baseball bat. "Look at your vacant gaze~. Your stupidity is boundless~!"

I sweat dropped at Shiba-san's comment; how nostalgic.

"And your attempts to fight Ryo-Fu head on like that! It just proves your stupidity!" Shiba-san sighed until she notices I was chuckling, "…Mind telling us what you find about this situation funny, Hongou-san!?"

"…Taiki, Shiba-san," I laughed, "It's good to see you two again as well…"

"…Imbecile," Shiba-san sweat dropped, "How can you be thinking about greeting at a time like this…?"

"The same old Kazuto," Taiki laughed, before turning to Shiba-san with a smirk, "And I see you're not honest as usual…"

"What-!?"

"Come on, Izumi-chan, we all know that you're glad to see us again~!"

"SHIBA-SAN! And no, I have no time to be glad about seeing either of you!"

"Sure~!"

Shiba-san grumbled before redirecting her attention back to Ryo-Fu and Red Hound. "We'll talk more later! Right now…!"

"Yeah," Taiki tightened his grip on his metal baseball bat, "let's take care of the silent girl and her puppy…"

"…That's not a puppy, Taiki," I sweat dropped with chuckled as I got back into my stance.

"…You're still going to use that stance?"

"Something wrong with it?"

"No, you imbecile," Izumi sighed, "Is just that in a fight like this, how can you expect that stance to help you…with a wooden sword nevertheless…?"

"I just somehow knew, I guess. It keeps me calm at least…"

"… …Imbecile…"

I laughed with a sweat dropped until I notice my soldiers still waiting with the net. Ryo-Fu and even Red Hound, who flew pass them earlier, seem to have either still not notice them or forgotten them. Could Shuri's plan still work? It was worth a shot.

"Taiki, Shiba-san," I called quietly, catching both of their attention, "Could you two help move both Ryo-Fu and Red Hound over there…?"

I used my eyes to point and once they saw the troops with the net, they both smirked with a smile.

"Oh~!" Taiki chuckled, "This could be interesting~…"

"You must have a good tactician for sure," Izumi smirked dangerously, "Obviously because you are incapable of doing so otherwise…"

I chuckled before I glare at Ryo-Fu and Red Hound with a purpose. "Let's do this!"

The other two nodded and along with me charged forward. Normally, that would be suicidal for me (Just like what nearly happen last time), but with Taiki and Shiba-san by my side, I was sure everything would be fine.

And by some miraculous fate, it was.

"Hey, batter-batter-batter…swing~!" Taiki chattered as he swung wildly with his metallic baseball bat. That is Taiki's style…or rather lack of style. He has the physical strength that is probably the envy of any martial artists, but he lacks the discipline to practice any martial arts form…

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! …And to be honest, I'm glad Taiki didn't even want to learn martial arts. Due to the fact Ryo-Fu and Red Hound dodge the attack, Taiki ended up creating deep impression in the ground, with cracks decorating its edge and debris flying in every direction. Just thinking about what would Taiki be like if he had learned martial art was scary.

"…Humph!" Shiba-san gracefully but deadly clawed at Ryo-Fu and Red Hound in a "Dance of Death". Shiba-san isn't, despite popular belief, a strong person like me (someone normal) and so she is obviously nowhere even close to Taiki's level. But the one physical advantage she had over both of us is speed. I don't how she accomplish it, but she has always been faster than me or Taiki whether it is simply writing a reports to outpacing us in a simple race she rarely participate in, even while wearing ankle-long skirts. She doesn't practice martial art to the extent of being an expert (only to the point of bodily heath)…

FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! …And I'm actually grateful a bit that Shiba-san doesn't have interest in actual fighting techniques. Even when she isn't a martial artist, Ryo-Fu and Red Hound still look as if they are trying their hardest to avoid being hit directly by her razor-tipped claws, which Shiba-san managed to graze a bit on each of them; I seriously spotted small specks of fur scattering off of Red Hound after it narrowly dodge Shiba-san's onslaughts.

"Hah~!" I cried as I took a swing at Ryo-Fu and Red Hound. I once had confidence in my skills, but after seeing Taiki and Shiba-san in action for the first time many weeks ago, I now know better; even more so after coming into this world. I'm nowhere near strong as Taiki or fast as Shiba-san; if anything, compare to them, I'm average. But I am flexible on the battlefield, any battlefield I find myself in actually; I discover this since fighting alongside my three sworn sisters. My instincts in most time of crisis are usually spot on, allowing me to dodge and counterattack my challenger(s) easily. And, as I also discover, even when my instincts don't kick in, like here while battling Ryo-Fu and Red Hound, I ironically do the right on impulse…

WHOOSH! …For example. While I tried to strike Ryo-Fu and Red Hound, they easily dodge my attempt. But that serve to distract them long enough for either Taiki or Shiba-san to use the opening to strike. I think Shiba-san called it 'dumb luck' once after I defeated a stronger senpai in a tournament when it should been impossible at the time.

That was pretty much how I fought alongside Shiba-san and Taiki, acting as support when I can and a distraction when I could. Taiki and Shiba-san used or coordinate with me well in return.

To anybody that was watching, they probably couldn't believe what they were seeing. Ryo-Fu, despite being a peerless warrior that can sentence hundreds to death with a single attack with her Halberd, and Red Hound, the Flying General's peerless hunter and acting steed whom when combine with Ryo-Fu should be invincible, were in a sense now fighting for their lives.

There was Taiki, who recklessly attack them. He left himself pretty wide open for time, but the force behind his attack were so great they didn't dare risk injury to take a shot at it. There was Shiba-san, who attacks with a mixture of calculative moves and grace. She would take advantage of any opportunity to blindside the Flying General and her steed, even so much as expertly catching and hanging off of her swinging Halberd; I think Ryo-Fu is extremely wary of Shiba-san out of all of us. And then there was me, an ordinary guy fighting alongside two extraordinary gift people with nothing but guts and spirit to show. Both Ryo-Fu and Red Hound didn't seem to mind me being there at first, but they quickly learn that Taiki and Shiba-san would purposely use that and gave me the opportunity to blindside them whenever they could; since they focus mostly on warding off my two friends, my skills in Kendo helped dodge and counterattack them easily.

The battle raged on for some time, with Taiki breaking a lot of ground rocks, Shiba-san scraping off small scraps of clothing and fur, and me adding to the frustration. Finally…

"… …You all," Ryo-Fu commented as she panted in exhaustion, as did Red Hound; as for me, Taiki, and Shiba-san we had place some distance between them and us, panting as well a bit. "… …Together…Strong…"

"Well, duh~!" Taiki smirked confidently; only Taiki would have the confident to smirk at Ryo-Fu even now.

"Divide we are but weak ones," Shiba-san commented; only Shiba-san would lecture Ryo-Fu even now, "Together and our power level quadrupled…"

"…Give up yet, Ryo-Fu?" I asked, panting the most among the three of us; only I would be crazy enough to say something like that to Ryo-Fu despite nothing to show next to my two friends.

Ryo-Fu hummed in thought for a long while before she shook her head.

I couldn't help but sweat dropped. "… …S-She actually thought about it…"

"…That, itself, is even more shocking then meeting either of you two," Shiba-san sweat dropped as well; I guess even she didn't see that coming.

"What do we do now?" Taiki pouted.

"…We don't have to do anything anymore…"

"…Huh? … … … …Oh, right~!"

"…?" Ryo-Fu blinked at our sudden calmness.

"Now, Shuri!" I signaled.

"Yes!" Shuri called from where I had left her. She immediately signaled the soldiers that had not moved from their strategic position. They threw the net onto Ryo-Fu and Red Hound.

"…!?" Since Ryo-Fu was concentrating so much on us, she couldn't do anything but act surprised as the black mass suddenly spread out over her. Caught completely off-guard, Ryo-Fu and Red Hound struggle to remove the large net that covered them. But the more they struggle, the more entangle they became. It wasn't long before they even stop them from even being able to struggle.

"Sorry, Ryo-Fu," I called, "But you fell into our trap!"

"… …Coward!" Ryo-Fu managed as she glared at us from inside the net.

"Maybe I am. But unfortunately, I can't afford to lose my comrades…" I sadly replied before calling to the soldiers that threw the nets, "…Take her to our base. I'll talk to her again later…"

"Yes, sir!" the soldiers saluted. But before they could even move, they were force to duck away when a Chained Sickle nearly looped their head off, "GAH~!"

"…!? Who's there!?"

As if answering my call, the little girl I met in the fortress earlier leapt in front the tangled Ryo-Fu and Red Hound, positioning herself between us and Ryo-Fu.

"Nenene will not allow thee to capture Ryo-Fu-dono!" she claimed.

"…!? You're that girl from inside the fortress!" I exclaimed in shock.

"…!? Ah!?" the girl exclaimed as she pointed at me, but then also to Shiba-san, "You are that idiot that let me off! …And you are that slippery strategist from before!"

"…Ah," Shiba-san blinked, "Chin-Kyuu-dono. So you're still alive…"

"…Eh!?" I blinked, "Chin-Kyuu!? As in THAT Chin-Kyuu Koudai!?"

"Yes… … …! …Wait! You met her before and didn't know!?"

"Uh…yeah~. I, kind of, let her get away…"

"… … …IMBECILE!"

"GAH-! Sorry! I didn't know! Honest!"

"Did it not occur to you that there would not be any civilian here in the first place at least!?"

"… … …Uh…"

"Wow~," Taiki laughed, "Kazuto. You're too carefree~!"

"What-? I don't want to hear that coming from you, Taiki!"

"You have no right to label others as 'carefree', Sonoma-senpai…" Shiba-san informed.

"Ah-! That's cruel~~~!" Taiki comically cried

"… … …Uh," Chin-Kyuu sweat dropped as she paused twirling her Chained Sickle, "…Hello~? Nenene is still here~!"

"Ah-! That's right!"

"Hey! Do not forget that Nenene is here!"

"Sorry, Chin-Kyuu-dono," Shiba-san smoothly apologized, "These two idiots distracted me…"

"I didn't think you could be distracted," Taiki stupidly commented.

"Anybody can become distracted by you!"

"Huh~!?"

"Do not 'Huh~!?' me! How could not realize that!?"

"Because I thought I couldn't do that…"

"Don't respond like it's true!"

"It isn't?"

"NO!"

"Hey~!" Chin-Kyuu puffed her cheek in frustration, "Do not ignore Nenene again-!"

SMACK! While everyone's attention was on Taiki and Shiba-san, I had crept over and swatted the Chained Sickle out of Chin-Kyuu-chan's hand.

"KYAH-!?"

"Got you!" I exclaimed, picking her up from the back of her collar.

"…!" Chin-Kyuu desperately tried to free herself from my grip as she struggle furiously in my grip, waving her arms and kicking aimlessly, to no avail. "Wah~! I got caught by an idiot~!"

"…Sorry for being an idiot," I sweat dropped, "But since I made the mistake of letting you go, I got to corrected it by catching you, right?"

"Wah~! No fair~! Cheater~!"

"Okay, okay," I sighed before noticing Shiba-san and Taiki's displease face, "…? What?"

"…You dare use me as part of the distraction to capture the prey I let off," Shiba-san grumbled.

"Kazuto," Taiki dramatically frowned, "You've become devious…"

"… …Hey come on, you two," I sweat dropped, "I thought you guys were arguing on purpose so I could do this…"

Taiki sweat dropped. "Ah! You've became a clever smooth talker too now!"

"You are a hundred years too early to read that deep into the situation," Shiba-san growled.

Seeing as how they aren't going to believe me, I just nervously laugh.

"…Kazuto-kun~!" I heard someone called. I turn to see Touka-chan, Aisha, and Rinrin rushing over to me.

"Touka-chan!" I called, as one of the soldiers took the liberty of taking Chin-Kyuu-chan off my hand, "Aisha! Rinrin!"

"My Lord!" Aisha exclaimed as immediately came over and start checking me from top to bottom, "Are you alright!? Are you injured!?"

"Calm down, Aisha! I'm fine, really!"

"…Thank goodness," Aisha sighed in relief.

"…But, that was amazing!" Touka-chan cheered, "You fought so well against Ryo-Fu!"

Rinrin grumbled a bit though. "Rinrin did not like how this ended, though…"

"Please don't say that…" I sighed. She must've referred how I, in a warrior's eye, used a petty trick to beat Ryo-Fu.

"… …Well, Rinrin forgive Onii-chan. Rinrin knows Onii-chan was thinking about us…"

"That is true. However!" Aisha began in understanding until she return strongly in disproval, "My Exhaled Brother…!"

"GEH-!" I squeaked weakly.

"…Please refrain from any further action of the sort again. Fighting Ryo-Fu was dangerous!"

"Y-Yeah, I knew that, but I couldn't-…"

"Understand, My Exhaled Brother~!?"

"… …Yes, ma'am…"

"Good!" Aisha finally smiled before turning to Shuri, "Shuri!"

"Y-Yes!" Shuri managed.

"Kou-Ran Pass. Has it been secured?'

"Y-Yes! With both Ryo-Fu and Chin-Kyuu capture, our forces now control Kou-Ran Pass…"

"I see. Very well, if that is the case, let us set up base camp…"

"Yes!"

Aisha nodded one final time before shouting out for all to hear. "Kou-Ran Pass has fallen! The battle here has ended~~~!"

With that declaration, all participating army roared in cheer. And so…We successfully capture Ryo-Fu thanks to Shuri's clever plan and the timely intervention of my two good friends I never imagine seeing again, and we safely occupied Kou-Ran Pass. Though impress with my performance alongside Taiki and Shiba-san, Aisha and Rinrin weren't happy about how I end it, but I think they understood why I did it. I don't care if they think I'm a coward. I was already resigned to that, but…

"But…" I sighed, "I'm just glad we're all safe… …"

That was the truth. And to aid a bit to my confidence, both Taiki and Shiba-san insure me that my action was acceptable if not brilliant. I had to smile and accept their compliment. Despite the circumstances, I was glad to see my two friends again…

This is probably my longest and most exciting battle chapter I've typed so far.

No new Common Names for this chapter though. Instead, I introduce a nonhuman character that is an OC for the Koihime Musou Series but not for the Romance of Three Kingdoms. He is Red Hound, a nod to Red Hare who is Lu Bu and Guan Yu's mighty steed. Yes, I know, in the Koihime Musou Series Red Hare is depicted as that tiny dog with the scarf, Sekitou, whic is great… … …expect he's useless in battle.

That's why I went out of my way to create another homage to the "demon horse" to act as Ryo-Fu's steed. And yes, I know by the era of the Three Kingdoms teh Dire Wolves are long dead but I wanted Ryo-Fu's steed to be special and powerful yet can still fall under her passion for animals. If you had paid attention, I've also mention the actual Red Hare exsisting in this version of the Koihime Musou story; I have my own special plans for that one so I couldn't give it to Ryo-Fu. And if any of you got a complaint about Red Hound's name…I'm going to be selfish this time and ignore those; I personally think "Red Hound" has a pretty nice ring to it.

Anyhow, next time the Coalition moves on to Raku-You… …but not before Kazuto, Taiki and Izumi is given a chance to catch up with each other. And how will Chou-Jou respond to the capture of Kou-Ran Pass? R&R for now and find out on the next chapter~!