Unmatched Lovely Princess: Formatting the Three Kingdom

by Normama

What if Kazuto wasn't the only one sent to the Koihime Universe? Will he still be able to unite the land and create his Harem? Lots of action and love...please read. Plenty of OCs too, some with very recognizable by name !

13. Chapter 012: Three Different Paths to Wa

Unmatched † Lovely Princess ~Maidenly Romance of Three Kingdoms~

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Chapter 012: Three Different Paths to Walk

Disclaimer: Still no ownership of Koihime Musou. Any and all references to other works related to the Three Kingdoms that I added here are not mine either. Full credits go to each rightful source. I do not have the time to list each and every one of them. So please, I'm BEGIGING you, don't sue me for them~!

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Kazuto's P.O.V.

The White Clothes Sect didn't appear again, therefore making the Coalition Armies' takeover a swift one without any further incidents. The Kou-Tou Army, while the Sei-Ryou, Ryou-Sei, and Yuu-Shu army were busy securing the city, had gone ahead and secures the Imperial Palace.

Amazingly, if not ominously, all the corpse of the White Clothes army had mysteriously vanished, not even a single white cap remained behind. That was bad, because we no longer had any visual evidence to alert En-Shou about their presence… …Well, then again, I doubt telling En-Shou about the White Clothes would help us. Rather, it's possible that it could harm us. So we decided to keep it a secret.

With the takeover of Raku-You completed, it was only then did we learn that Chou-Jou had fled to Chou-Ann, which was further west from Raku-You. I thought, for sure this time, En-Shou would have the Coalition move immediately, to the actual final battle, but she disappoints me once again.

En-Shou had decided to call off anymore chase 'for the time being' to allow our armies time to rest before moving out. While it sounded logical, some of the more notable armies, including our own, are reluctant about this decision. Our goal was to eliminate the tyranny that fell upon the people of Raku-You; to do that, we aim for Tou-Taku but then switch our target to Chou-Jou once we realize it was that Eunuch that was pulling the strings. But we couldn't take out Chou-Jou and Chou-Jou had decided to continue to make people suffer by bring them with her to Chou-Ann. And now, we are once again force to let that suffering continue.

However, En-Shou is the Coalition's Supreme Commander, with her army virtually unscratched during the entire campaign. The rest has suffered major damages, or were too small of a force (like us). Even if we gang up, the Ki-Shuu army still outnumbered us. So unless we had a death wish, we had to obey the orders of En-Shou. The only two armies with any confidence to oppose her decision are the Kou-Tou Army and the Kyo-Shou Army. But the Kou-Tou Army doesn't look like they are going to oppose any time soon, and the Kyo-Shou Army's Elite Cavalry Units has already left ahead to try to take out Chou-Jou.

When we heard about this, Touka-chan had asked En-Shou permission for the Yuu-Shu Army to set out to reinforce the Kyo-Shou army, but En-Shou didn't want to hear it.

"…Even if you go now, what can a small army such as yourself possibly do?" En-Shou reasoned while obviously belittling us, "Besides, with Chou-Jou leaving Raku-You on such a slow pace, she must have a plan ready to deal with the pursuers. Even with that midget's proud cavalry units, I doubt they would have succeeded…"

That was all the reasons she was willing to give us. As frustrating as it is, we tiredly obey. It was not as if we want to, but if we cause anymore ruckus, it's possible that the people we were sheltering, Ka-Ku and the 'supposed tyrant' Tou-Taku, would be found and we could end up being ganged up on by the Coalition for sheltering 'traitors of the Kan'.

Anyhow, since we couldn't pursued the idea of going to aid the Kyo-Shou Army any further, we used the chance to report to En-Shou about the demise of Tou-Taku and Ka-Ku. They're currently in our camp at Ren's residence, where she, Nenene, and Shuri are guarding while the rest of us are away. Under Shuri's suggestion, we told En-Shou that we encounter Tou-Taku and Ka-Ku still looting the city and they had try to escape but ended up cornered in a small house. Out of defiance, the two lighted the house on fire and committed suicide together so by the time we manage to put out the flames, they were reduce to ashes.

That was the general story we followed, elaborating many part of it to make it as flashy as possible. As Shuri predicted, En-Shou took the bait and believed it.

"…Hah, I knew that foolish woman would choose such a defiance," En-Shou gloated, "Well~, all the same. It is a pity that I could not personally hold her public execution, but nevertheless, that is now one less problem to deal with from now on! Good job, Yuu-Shu Army, you perform a wondrous task in the name of the Noble En Family…"

She gloated to us more afterwards before she allowed Touka-chan and I to leave and explore the Imperial Palace with Aisha and Rinrin… … …Or what was left of it at least…

My comrades and I knew that it was bad, but not this bad. The palace, while most had remained standing in some way, was charred black from the fire that Chou-Jou had started. The smell of burnt wood that had once been doors, window frames, chairs, and even beds still linger in the air. Rubbles of all shapes and sizes decorated the floor to help sadden the scenery. That was not a single inch in the Imperial Palace that was not scorched and damage beyond imaginable.

"…Had my family linage not fallen out," Touka-chan commented sadly, "I could have been walking on these steps in its heyday…"

I glanced at Touka-chan who was walking along side me as we toured around. Touka-chan was definitely of royal descent; among all those who had fought in the Coalition, Touka-chan would have been the most connected to the service of the Kan Dynasty. Aside from helping the suffering people, that must have been another reason why Touka-chan could have wanted to join, even if it had been in the smallest corner of her mind.

Deep down, I think Touka-chan had thoughts, and possibly dreamed, of returning here, where her family line had once belonged in. A small part of her had yearned for life of royalty, is what I think.

"…! Ah!" Touka-chan suddenly stopped in her tracks and stared at what looks like a small temple shrine, "The Shrine of the Imperial Family…"

"…My Lady's…family shrine as well, I presume?" Aisha pondered.

"Leaving aside the fact it is all burnt," Rinrin mumbled, "all the memorial tablets are in shambles…"

"I doubt that this place had anything valuable either," I sighed in sympathy, "They didn't need to wreck this place too…"

Touka-chan continues to stare at the temple shrine for a moment before heading over.

"…? Touka-chan?"

"…Excuse me for a moment, everyone," Touka-chan turned to us with a small sad smile, "Carry on, please. I shall join after rearranging my ancestral shrine…"

Touka-chan continued into the temple shrine and began to reorganize it. But I didn't need to wait five seconds before I went in to join her.

"…? Kazuto-kun?"

"We're sworn siblings, remember?" I reasoned, "Moreover, I'm your sworn big brother. I can't let my little sister do this kind of task alone, can I?"

"…Kazuto-kun," Touka-chan blinked in wonder at my reasoning until she notice Rinrin and Aisha were also helping, "…? Aisha? Rinrin-chan?"

"The Imperial Family Temple Shrine may be in somewhat ruins," Aisha smiled as she began helping collect the fallen and scatter memorial tablets, "But it is far from being unfixable…What vassal would not help their Lord at such a simple task?"

"Nyah~!" Rinrin chimed as she reposition or replace the scatter table, "We shall help Touka-nee-chan reset the temple shrine…"

Touka-chan blinked at all their replies before smiling and giving us a grateful bow. "…Thank you…"

---

With us working together, we managed to rearrange the temple shrine as best as we can. Not too shabby of a work if I say so myself I guess; at least the temple shrine only looks burnt instead of being plundered as well. Once those were done, the four of us kneed in respect and silently pray before the shrine.

"…Your servant, Ryuu-Bi Gentoku, desire to respect the spirits of Your Late Majesties," Touka-chan began after we paid our silent respect to the memorial tablets, "The traitor Chou-Jou has brought turmoil to the land and defiled the court. She burned the ancestral temples and desecrated the imperial tombs. Your servant, though being an imperial scion, was neither able to exterminate the rebels nor defend the land and protect the people…I am ashamed… …I kneed guilty before Your Late Majesties…"

We watch as Touka-chan bowed so deeply from where she kneed, her forehead touched the floor.

"…Mm~, Touka-nee-chan," Rinrin hesitantly chimed. Seeing her Big Sister like this didn't sit too well with her. "That is probably enough. Who knows if Their Late Majesties can hear Touka-nee-chan or not?"

"Rinrin! Be silent!" Aisha harshly forewarn, causing Rinrin to shrink back.

"I understand what you're trying to do, Rinrin," I patted Rinrin's head in comfort, "But from this point, it's just Touka-chan and her ancestor…"

"…Mm~," Rinrin frowned in understanding…I think, "Okay, Rinrin get it. Rinrin will stay quiet for now…"

I smiled thankfully at Rinrin before turning back to Touka-chan, who spoke up once she raised her head.

"…Today," Touka-chan began to declare, "I, Ryuu-Bi Gentoku, vow thus before my ancestors and the sovereigns: in this life, your servant will exterminate the rebels, bring peace to the land, restore the ancestral temple, and help rebuild the glory of the Imperial House…"

At last she stood up and turned to us, done with her vows.

"…To do that though, freeing the people from suffering comes first…"

"Indeed," Aisha nodded as the rest of us got up as well, "My Lady, we shall work to not only create a benevolent world for the people to live happily in, but also reclaim the honor of your Imperial Relatives…"

"Count on us, Touka-nee-chan," Rinrin grinned as she always grinned.

"…I'll do what I can to help as well," I smiled.

"…Thank you everyone," Touka-chan thanked us with a slight bow, "for supporting my desire to save the Dynasty of my relatives. It is now one of my ambitions, I guess…"

"It's okay to have lots of ambition, Touka-chan, so long as you don't let them be the only things you focus on…"

Touka-chan nodded. "Understood…"

"So can we go back now?" Rinrin asked eagerly.

"Rinrin~!" Aisha huffed as she lightly hit Rinrin on the head, "We have yet to tour the rest of the palace to Our Lady's content yet…"

"Nyah~!" Rinrin meowed in pain.

"I-It is alright," Touka-chan managed, comforting Rinrin as she did, "I believe I have seen more than enough for my part…"

"Are you sure?" I wondered.

"Yes…Besides, En-Shou-san has invited us to join the 'celebration party' that is about to take place. I do not think it is wise to be late…if only to spare us from anymore humiliation…"

"…I agree," Aisha sighed, "It feels as if that is all the treatment we have been getting since joining the Coalition…"

"Rinrin does not feel like celebrating either," Rinrin pouted, "We did not get to save anyone, yet En-Shou party as if we did…"

"…Well, that's not entirely true," I mentioned after a moment to think about what Rinrin said, "We did save Yue, Ei, Ren, and Nenene…"

"…True," Aisha sighed, "But that is so few compare to the mass that were taken to Chou-Ann we could have save…"

"…It is all the fault of Idiot En-Shou," Rinrin pouted again.

"We can only hope that Sou-Sou-san managed to at least slay Chou-Jou," Touka-chan admitted.

We all nodded solemnly before began to make our way to where the Celebration was being held.

---

Taiki's P.O.V.

"… …Are all preparation complete?" Sheren asked Meirin as we made our way to the throne hall of the Imperial Palace.

"Yes, Sheren," Meirin informed back, "As we speak, our troops have already reloading all our supplies and tents for the long journey back…"

"Good…"

We were summoned to Imperial Throne Hall by an invitation from En-Shou. There was a bunch of other stuff that was in that fancy and long~ message the Ki-Shuu Army's messenger gave us, but it basically stated that we had to attend the party before we can do as we wish.

"…En-Shou sure knows how to keep people busy with useless stuff," I sighed.

"That she does," Sai huffed in annoyance, "And of all the places that she could host a party in, why must it be the Imperial Palace's Throne Hall!? It is such a disgrace…"

"…Well," Non hummed nervously, "Not saying I am speaking in favor of En-Shou, but the Throne Hall is one of the few places that was not damage too greatly by the fire and the only place in the palace that can house all of the warlords and their generals… …En-Shou must have base her stupid idea of hosting a party there for that reason…"

"Reason or no reason, it is still unthinkable! Hosting a party in the hall where some of the greatest decision in the History of Imperial Kan. She might as well crown herself Emperor-…!"

"Sai-dono," Shishun interrupted, "Do not say such words. It could jeopardize everything we, as supporters of the Imperial Kan, stand for…"

Sai's face strained but nodded apologetically.

"Well~, I can kind of understand what Sai-dono means," Sheren sighed, before smirking cunningly, "But that makes it easier to determine her loyalty…"

"There is truth in that," Renfa nodded, "But En-Shou is now currently a powerful figure in the land. If our timing is wrong, we may end up being swallowed ourselves…"

"I am not worried," Sheren waved it off, "En-Shou is a wild boar, always hungry and never completely satisfy. While it may be true she shall trample anything that stands in her path to quell her thirst, I never before heard of a boar outmatching a tiger in a confrontation…"

"…Would it really work out like that?"

"As long as Taiki is here," Sheren smirked towards me, "It is possible, no?"

"Definitely," I laughed.

"…We shall require more than just Taiki Sonoma's strength to fight En-Shou though," Meirin growled, partly at me and partly at who she just mentioned, "That which we cannot find here, but back in Kou-Tou…"

"This is part of the reason why we are to leave as soon as we are done with business at the party," Sheren reminded, "Also…"

"…? Also what?"

"…I get the feeling that this gather… …will end in any way but peaceful…"

---

Izumi's P.O.V.

Our trip back to Raku-You took much longer than I thought it would. I suppose I should expect that much, considering it was on Jun-Iku-dono's order. She had done so in order for Sou-Sou-sama to have an easier time on the move; she is injured so I did not object. The sky was nearly completely dark, with some stars already dotting the night sky, by the time we closed in to the outer wall of Raku-You.

"…Karin-sama," Jun-Iku-dono inquired for the fifty-seventh time, "How is Karin-sama's wounds?"

"I am fine, really," Sou-Sou-sama responded once again, "It would seem they will not open so easily now…"

"Or so that wandering doctor stated," Ten-I-dono added, "But can we really trust his words?"

"There is no reason not to," I replied, "If Ka-Da-dono had intended to kill us, it would have been done so long ago. So long as we heed his word and not agitate Sou-Sou-sama, she will make a full recovery in due time…"

"Let us hope so," Sou-Sou-sama huffed before lightly patting the Shi-Chi-Sei-Ken in its makeshift sheathe by her hip, "The Shi-Chi-Sei-Ken, an instrument that shall help me cut and forge my strength and path! I cannot wait to properly use it…"

"And for that, it's necessary for Sou-Sou-sama to heal quickly…"

"Indeed… … …By the way…"

"…? Karin-sama?" Jun-Iku-dono tilted her head in confusion as Sou-Sou-sama's eyes narrowed.

"By any chance," I noted as I too glare at Raku-You, the Imperial Palace to be precise, "Sou-Sou-sama is questioning the livelihood that is now present in the formerly empty palace of Raku-You?"

"… …I am," Sou-Sou-sama managed as calmly as she could.

"…-in-sama! Karin-sama!" Several voices called out ahead of us before I could settle Sou-Sou-sama's question.

"…!? Oh! Shunran, Shuuran, Kii, and Shia!" Sou-Sou-sama gave a genuine smile of delight as she watches Kakou-Ton-dono, Kakou-En-dono, Kyo-Cho-dono and Chou-Ryou-dono approached, obviously pleased to see Sou-Sou-sama.

"…We humbly greet you, Karin-sama!" Kakou-En-dono declared as she, Kyo-Cho-dono, and Kakou-Ton-dono bow in respect.

"Yo, Mou-Chan!" Chou-Ryou-dono chimed casually, "Welcome back!"

"…!? Shia!" Kakou-Ton-dono snapped at the Kyo-Shou Army's newly recruited General, "Can you not at least call Karin-sama 'Sou-Sou-sama' at least?"

"What~? It is not like Mou-chan said I could not~; she said so when we first met~…"

"Well, that may be true, but…"

Sou-Sou-sama chuckled slightly at the exchange. "At ease, my loyal vassals…And Shunran, pardon Shia already; you know that I had already allowed it…"

Kakou-Ton-dono grumbled a bit but nevertheless nodded obediently. "If that is how it is, Karin-sama, I shall press the issue no more…"

"Nyah-Ha~!" Chou-Ryou meowed teasingly, "Gen-chan is so cute when she is jealous~! Does Gen-chan wish to call her 'Mou-chan' too~?"

"N-No! I do not!"

"Nyah-Ha! Do not be shy~!"

"I am NOT!"

Sou-Sou-sama chuckled at this until her face strained a bit as she instinctively places her hand on her injured abdomen. It was only then did the four Generals notice that Sou-Sou-sama was no longer wearing her armors…and that she was covered with bandages.

Kakou-Ton-dono's expression twisted into horror when she finally notices this. "Karin-sama! What has happen to you!? Why are you injured like so!?"

"… …!? N-Now that you mention it," Kyo-Cho-dono managed agitatedly as she took notice my condition, "W-What happen to Shiba-san!? What happen to Shiba-san's arms; why are they bandaged up like Spring Roll!? What happen to your robe and hat; why are you wearing some worn-out cloak!? Shiba-san, what happen to you!? You look worse off than Karin-sama!"

"Be glad that it is so," I simply waved it off, ignoring the stings in my arms as I did, "Unless you were expecting Sou-Sou-sama being the one most injured…"

"Yea-Ah-! No!"

"What exactly happen?" Kakou-En-dono inquired, "Judging from the low number of returning cavalry…"

"…Yes," Jun-Iku-dono sighed in dismay, "We have failed…"

I took over at that point and filled in on all the details from the moment we began the attack to the moment we part ways with Ka-Da-dono.

"So that was how it is," Chou-Ryou-dono awed at my briefing.

"Curse it all!" Kakou-Ton-dono steamed on the spot, "I should have gone along as well! I could have been able to prevent that disaster from happening…!"

"Perhaps," Sou-Sou-sama suddenly smirked in my direction, "But had you did, I would not have grown greater… …let alone enjoying Shiba Izumi-san's exquisite body~!"

"…!" I jolted a bit when Sou-Sou-sama stated that. She was referring to when I had strip myself down to my underwear; my greatest embarrassment in my current line of work. I unconsciously averted my eyes from Sou-Sou-sama's lustful gaze, which obviously had the adverse effect on everyone else.

"E-E-E-Exquisite…? B-B-Body!?" Ten-I-dono exclaimed, blushing greatly as she did.

"…!? It cannot be…!" Jun-Iku-dono glared at me, horrified, "I was fool by thy lack of interest in the concept, but…!"

"Ho~?" Chou-Ryou-dono meowed, teasingly, "So Shiba-san swings that way, does she~?"

"I still remember the smoothness of her back," Sou-Sou-sama continued on mercilessly, "The fragrant smell in her long, silver hair; her C-Cup size breast…"

"…!?" Kakou-Ton-dono stepped back in shock, "K-Karin-sama and Shiba-san went that far!?"

"…I was simply carrying the injured Sou-Sou-sama as we swam through the river," I finally informed, "I lost conscious not long after reaching the shores and entrusting Ka-Da-dono with Sou-Sou-sama's injuries…"

"…Oh~," Ten-I-dono breathed a sigh of relief, "So that is why-…"

"As to what took place between the time I was out and the time I came to, only Ka-Da-dono and Sou-Sou-sama can answered…"

Ten-I-dono, if not everyone else, could not help but sweat dropped as they all turn to Sou-Sou-sama questionably.

"… …Obviously I did not take advantage of her ill condition," Sou-Sou-sama admitted, allowing her generals to breathe a sigh of relief, before glaring once again at the palace of Raku-You, "Speaking of 'ill condition', I was under the impression that the palace was even more worse off; what is with the sudden liveliness…?"

Kakou-Ton-dono, Kakou-En-dono, Kyo-Cho-dono, and Chou-Ryou-dono exchange nervous and uncomfortable glances at each other before Kakou-En-dono step forward with her report.

"… …En-Shou is currently hosting a celebration for the victory of capturing Raku-You and the Imperial Palace," Kakou-En-dono informed cautiously.

"… … …Is that so?" Sou-Sou-sama managed rather neutrally.

"We obviously objected to it!" Kakou-Ton-dono quickly included, "and we had wanted rush after Karin-sama as soon as the Palace was secured, but En-Shou denied our request to do so…"

"The Yuu-Shu Army had tried to gain permission as well," Kyo-Cho-dono added, "But they too were denied…"

"… …I see," Sou-Sou-sama's voice was still neutral, but I could tell she was far from not being angry, "… … …I presume they are currently in the palaces…"

"All the warlords and some of their generals," Kakou-En-dono informed, "I believe they are celebrating in what is left of the throne hall…"

"…Is that right~?" Sou-Sou-sama smiled dangerously before demounting her horse and turning to me, "Shiba Izumi, my chief strategist, let us all attend the celebration, shall we?"

"…Be it perhaps to tarnish good wine, My Lady," I rhetorically asked.

Sou-Sou-sama gave me an even scarier smile. "I do wish to 'congratulate' everyone after all…"

"…Understood…" With that, everyone made their way towards the palace, a step behind our leader who despite her injuries walks on with malicious intent. And to be honest, simply walking slightly behind the current Sou-Sou Moutoku is excruciating.

---

Kazuto's P.O.V.

"…Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho~!" En-Shou laughed from where she sat, raising her cup fill with wine into the air, "Everyone, I thank you for all of your hard work up to this point~! Because you obediently followed my orders—yes, the orders of the head of the most distinguished family of all the lands—we easily recapture the Imperial Palace from the hands of those who had used it to their own ends. This party is but a small token of my gratitude for all of your hard work. Enjoy yourself~! You all deserve it…"

While many of the other warlords cheered in response, Touka-chan and I only gave halfhearted ones.

We weren't the only. Kouson-San looks like she was on the verge of getting depress as she meekly held up her cup.

The distinctive person, guarded by Ba-Chou and Hou-Tou, Ba-Tou Jusei the leader of the Sei-Ryou Army didn't even smile upon raising his cup.

En-Jutsu didn't even lift her cup. She just sat there lazily, yawning a bit, if not interacting pleasantly with Taiki.

On that note, the Kou-Tou Army Generals were all putting on, clearly, a front. They were all smiling pleasantly, even raising their cups, but they gave off the feeling that just want to hurry up and leave so they don't have to put up with this party anymore. I could tell because Taiki wasn't really trying hard to hide that face he makes when he's bored unless he was conversation with En-Jutsu or Bun-Shuu, whom came over a few times before the speech made by En-Shou to drink with him.

It was pretty easy to guess why some of those I mention would not really be in the mood to celebrate. Though En-Shou said that we are victorious, in actuality all of our hard work was wasted and fruitless. Sure we dispatch the Hei-Shuu Army at Shi-Sui Pass and Kou-Ran Pass, but our overall goal, saving the citizens of Raku-You and retrieving the Emperor, wasn't accomplished. We all knew that—well maybe not En-Jutsu as much as everyone else—even En-Shou should know that.

But En-Shou, given, doesn't seem to be concern about it. I bet to her, just simply being the 'leader' of the Coalition that broke through Shi-Sui Pass and Kou-Ran Pass, causing Chou-Jou to fled with the Emperor and all the citizen of Raku-You, and taking over the capital was more than enough. The lesser warlords, blinded by the small victory 'we' accomplished, don't seem to care either as they went on celebrating for real.

Overshadowed by the numerous lesser warlords, their generals whom they brought along, and En-Shou arrogant claim for victory, even with our present there it still looks like a joyous party.

That is, until Sou-Sou and her generals stepped into the Court Room. She looked a bit exhausted and covered with bandages, specifically around her body region. She seems to have made an attempt to come in dignifying, but seems to have given up and was leaning on Shiba-san as support. Shiba-san was, by far, in a more terrible condition than Sou-Sou was in: she no longer wore her exquisite robe and civil officer hat and now whore just a beat up cloak, both of her arms were wrapped in bandages, and her face was cover with small cuts.

"…! Sou-Sou-san!?" Touka-chan exclaimed, being one of the first one to take notice the Kyo-Shou Generals' arrival.

"Whoa!?" Taiki exclaimed, abruptly cutting off his conversation with En-Jutsu when he notice Shiba-san's condition, "Izumi-I mean, Shiba-san! What happen to you!?"

"Oh my~! The midget has return?" En-Shou eyed Sou-Sou with mockery, "So~, how did it go? It must be a complete victory~? Have you retrieved Her Majesty~?"

Sou-Sou ignored all of her sarcastic words as she left Shiba-san's side, grabbed the nearest filled wine cup in her reach and drank it down soundlessly. The other warlords watch restlessly as Sou-Sou continued drinking, feeling a growing amount of tension from the Warlord of Kyo-Shou.

"…Phew," Sou-Sou exhaled tiredly after her drink before glaring at En-Shou, "I did not emerge victorious! I have returned in defeat, and a seriously tragic defeat at that!" Sou-Sou spoke out every word with pride and humility, ignoring the "I-told-you-so-face" face En-Shou gave. "I rode for hours to pursue Chou-Jou. However, I was ambushed at Shi-Na. Over half of my army and horses were killed or injured, and I nearly lost my life. If Shiba Izumi had not been there and given trust to a wandering doctor, I would have perished…"

"My~, how fortunate of you. Well, now you cannot say I did not tell you so," En-Shou shrugged arrogantly, "Nevertheless, you and your Kyo-Shou Army's solitary pursuit of Chou-Jou is, I suppose, a valiant deed above all deeds. I suppose there is glory even in defeat-…"

"REALLY~?" Sou-Sou impatiently interrupted before breaking out some sarcastic chuckled, "Well then, let me inform thee of something from the depths of the agony of my heart…"

"U-Uh sure!" En-Shou managed, startled by the now obvious (to her at least) lack of characteristic attitude in Sou-Sou, "Please, tell us…"

"…THOU ART BUNCH OF STUPID AND UNWORTHY CRETINS~!" Sou-Sou roared at the top of her lungs and smashing the wine cup that had still been in her hand into the ground, shattering it to pieces. Evidently, this shocks everyone in the room; even Shiba-san had flinched a bit. "HOW CAN I PLAN GREAT THINGS WITH THEE!?"

"S-Sou-Sou-san," En-Jutsu began carefully, "what do you mean by that?"

Sou-Sou seems to ignore En-Jutsu and continue to glare at En-Shou. "En-Shou! Coalition Supreme Commander! Since we gathered, we have had at least three chances to destroy Chou-Jou, even while Tou-Taku had been the one frame! However, thou missed out on all of them for no good reason!"

"…Oh~?" En-Shou regained her arrogant bearing by then and glared back at Sou-Sou, "And what were they, oh-so-clever midget?"

"The first was at the beginning of the Coalition. When General Ka-Yuu failed in her attempt to ambush our rear and while the majority of us were busy in the front, thou failed to even bother putting up a decent blockade to capture her. Had that been done properly, we would have flown through Shi-Sui Pass, even when following thy inane plan, charge at Kou-Ran Gate, just as we did, and gotten here much sooner!"

There was truth in her words. When Ka-Yuu returned to Shi-Sui Pass, it took us even longer to break through. And all the Ki-Shuu and Ju-Shun Army, the armies that could have capture or eliminate Ka-Yuu as she was retreating, did was panic or ignore them, allowing them to reenter the pass.

"…The second was when thou erected that celebration after the fall of Kou-Ran Gate. Had we continue instead of wasting our time, allowing news of Kou-Ran Gate fall to reach the capital, Raku-You, we would have been at least able to surround the city and corner Chou-Jou!"

That one was a given. Despite all the reason En-Shou gave at the time, if we had arrive at Raku-You perhaps even an hour or two earlier, we could have at least seen their rear guard and attack them. Even En-Shou wouldn't have let that pass if they were right in front of her.

"The third was when Chou-Jou fled and I pursued her. Thou should have sent all thy elite cavalry and commanders to rush to reinforce me! But thou held thy troops back, and cause me to lose greatly…"

"Hey now, midget!" En-Shou suddenly exclaimed in defiant, "I fear thee may be belittling me beyond reasoning now. Why did thou give pursuit to Chou-Jou? That is because thou were too keen for glory and went too far into enemy territory. And why is that? Thou wanted to take the Emperor for thyself. Then what? Thee fell for trap set by Chou-Jou, and that is why thee lost greatly-…"

"You are correct," Shiba-san interrupted, stepping forward, "Sou-Sou-sama was a bit reckless and we fell into an ambush set by Chou-Jou. However, if, after the Kyo-Shou Army was ambushed, there were Ten Thousand elite horsemen continuing the pursuit, we would certainly have killed Chou-Jou and retrieved Her Majesty. Because, after one ambush, there will never be a second ambush! That is because after Chou-Jou was successful with the ambush, she'd feel accomplished and satisfied; her army would become arrogant. She'd think we wouldn't dare to continue. Not in her wildest dreams could she imagine that there would be a second force in pursuit…"

"…What the Strategist Shiba Izumi stated," Kouson-San spoke up after nodding to herself in consideration, "is in accordance with military principles…"

En-Shou grumbled uncomfortably on the spot.

"…Regretfully, after I was defeated," Sou-Sou continued as she continue to glared into the no-longer-quite-so-arrogant face of En-Shou, "I had no more strength to continue. But when I came back, I saw the warlords slaughtering and cooking meat here, drinking and enjoying themselves. After this grave defeat, I have come to see thy true motives, En-Shou Honsho, and it is just as I expected. Thou speak of saving the nation, but in reality thou all art after private profit. I am deeply ashamed by this. Therefore, I shall soon take my leave of this Coalition and thee…"

With that, with her arms around Ten-I for support this time, she began to walk out with her Generals. But after hearing what Sou-Sou spoke of, Touka and I finally couldn't take it anymore either and stood up, indicating that we were about to follow.

"…? Ryuu-Bi and Hongou!" En-Shou voiced in surprise, drawing attention to us. Even Sou-Sou halted her departure to turn to us in curiosity. "Are you two planning on leaving as well!?"

"…Yes, we are," Touka replied sternly, sending out a wave of authority that everyone in the room seems to have felt, and turn to glare back into Coalition Supreme Commander's eyes, "We linger only because I still dream about serving my nation. But since you asked, En-Shou-san, I shall speak frankly…" Touka's glare was so frightening now even Shiba-san would have flinched a bit. "Ever since we and our Yuu-Shu Army joined the Coalition, we have accomplished deed after deed. However, not only did we not receive any rewards, but you had things made difficult for us at every turn. Today, I will be so bold as to ask En-Shou-san and all the other Warlords present here this: Do you truly wish to eliminate the traitor and restore the Kan, or are you only using it as an excuse for your own conquests?"

"With that question in mind," I added, "We would rather live in obscurity than to shame ourselves in your company…"

From the corner of my eyes, I could have sworn I saw Shiba-san and Sou-Sou give a small smile of approval. The other warlords, except for Kouson-San who smile meaningfully at us and Son-Saku who had went deep in thought, gave us bewilder look. We were about to turn to leave when we caught Son-Saku, her sister Son-Ken, and Taiki rising to their feet as well.

"Ever since I, Son-Saku Hakufu, joined the Coalition," Son-Saku began before anyone could make a sound, "The Army of Kou-Tou has serve as one of the important roles in the army aside from the army of Yuu-Shu and Kyo-Shou as I see it. We aided in conquering both Shi-Sui Pass and Kou-Ran Gate. My guardian, General Taiki Sonoma, has even serve as one of the three driving force that led to the capture of Ryo-Fu. And yet, we have not once been reinforced by the main camp; I dare say the main camp hardly did anything at all! This causes the loss of many of my fellow brave Kou-Tou men under my command! How am I to explain this to their fathers and mothers!? How can I explain this to my late mother who chariest the lives of her people!? True it was my decision to remain and fight for our nation, but the bulk of this falls in your hands, En-Shou…" Son-Saku glared dangerously at En-Shou, "…not for giving inane plans or not planning at all…But for practically doing NOTHING as our forces engage in every battle!"

"…From what you are saying," En-Shou gave an uncomfortable frown, "it sounds like you are leaving as well, Son-Saku-san…"

"Correct!" Son-Saku replied immediately, "Honorable comrades sever their friendship without speaking words of blame. My army's battle wounds are afflicting us. We can fight no more. I plan to lead my troops back to the Southland tomorrow…"

With a nod of final respect to En-Shou, Son-Saku signaled her group to begin following Sou-Sou and us. That is until En-Shou spoke up again…

"Son-Saku-san," En-Shou smirked knowingly, "it is not your army's wounds that ail you, I presume?" The words of En-Shou stopped the Kou-Tou Generals in their tracks. "Perhaps it is the Imperial Seal instead?"

"…I beg your pardon?" Son-Saku noted in what I assume to be genuine confusion, as the other warlords else gave each other startling glances before all eyes fell on the Kou-Tou group.

"Son-Saku-san, as the saying goes, 'what you do not want others to know, you should not do it in the first place'. That golden seal is the soul of the imperial rule and a great treasure of the court. No vassal is permitted to keep it privately or they fall under suspicion of disloyalty and treason. Since you obtain the Imperial Seal, you should keep it here with me—yes, I En-Shou Honsho the Coalition Supreme Commander—to avoid all suspicion from other warlords. And in the future, I will be able to present it to the Imperial Court and return it to Her Majesty, while reporting on the services you rendered the nation or else, every warlord present here might say: We risked our lives to fight the rebel. But where is the rebel? Could it be that within our very camp is a rebel who dares to dream about usurping the throne?"

To everyone's surprise, Son-Saku laughed out loud. "True, that would the case…if the Imperial Seal is truly in my hands. But as you can see…" Son-Saku twirled herself around, showing off her body. "…I have no place to hide the Imperial Seal on me. Therefore I do not have it…"

"Hmm, true," En-Jutsu chimed with a nod.

"…And even if I did," Son-Saku smiled wickedly at everyone, "I would not hand it over, especially not after what both Sou-Sou and Ryuu-Bi had enlighten me upon. Me, a rebel? Should the Imperial Seal fall in any of your hands En-Shou truly indeed one has right to complain. Sou-Sou, Ryuu-Bi, Kouson-San, and maybe En-Jutsu I may consider, but never any of you all…especially you, Anti-Tou-Taku Coalition Supreme Commander!" It was then when I heard scuffling just beyond the doors and locked eye with both Shiba-san and Taiki, who understood immediately and we each made secret and quiet command. "So what is it? Has En-Shou laid an ambush for me regardless of your lack of evidence or reason? Does she wish to have me killed?"

"Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho~!" En-Shou gave her monarchy laugh, "How could that be possible? However, as the Coalition Supreme Commander, I must see to justice being carried out and the Imperial Seal be returned to the court. Son-Saku-san, I hope you can understand and forgive me…"

"Oh, so it is now that you act," Son-Saku gave En-Shou a pity look, "Where was that when the Coalition REALLY need it?"

"That would be quite enough! Men! Take the Kou-Tou Army Generals!"

On cue, an assembly of golden-armor soldiers rushed into the room ready to do as they were told. But they weren't quick enough…

"Think again!" Taiki declared, signaling those who were ready to act. In a second flat, Aisha and Rinrin held their blade towards the troops entering from the front door, Touka-chan and I covered the right flank of the room when the troop came in from there, Shiba-san shredded any that managed to bypass the two of us, the Kou-Tou and Kyo-Shou Army secured the warlords, and Taiki had ran up to En-Shou before either Gan-Ryou and Bun-Shuu could move and pointed his drawn blade at En-Shou face.

Kouson-San and En-Jutsu cooperate quietly while many of the other Warlord trade uneasy glances at each other. Ba-Chou and Hou-Taku made sure that no one got close to their leader, but their group did little else. En-Shou on the other hand seems to have frozen completely in fright before staring pass Taiki and address Son-Saku.

"Son-Saku-san," En-Shou began carefully as she sheathe what little of her rapier she had manage to pull out, "No misunderstandings please. We can work this out together…"

"…Sorry~!" Son-Saku smiled mischievously, "But I am not the one pointing the sword at you, En-Shou. You should really speak with Taiki~; he is the one in control now…"

At that, Taiki smirked as he brought the blade a little closer to her face. "A definite answer please, Lady Coalition Supreme Commander. Did my Lady, Son-Saku Hakufu, take and hide the Imperial Seal~?"

En-Shou nervously glanced at the dangerously close sword near her face before replying carefully. "…No, no, definitely no…"

"Is my Lady, Son-Saku Hakufu, a rebel who dreams of usurping the throne~?"

"No, no, definitely no…"

"Good~. Then, what will be your explanation to the other warlords? And when the warlords speak about us, what should we hear?"

"…I shall say and the warlords shall gossip, that the Kou-Tou Army's battle wounds are afflicted them and they have returned to the Kou-Tou to rest and recover…"

Taiki nodded, almost satisfy. "And were there any accomplices to this non-existing negotiation?"

Shiba-san and I gave curious but grateful look. "No, no, definitely no…"

With one final nod, Taiki lower his blade a bit. "…So can I ask why the Ki-Shuu Army is here then?"

En-Shou grumbled a bit before waving her hand, signaling the golden-armor soldiers to retreat.

"…Well then," Taiki casually huffed as he turned to me and Shiba-san, "[Let's bail], shall we?"

"…I couldn't agree more," Shiba-san huffed.

With Sou-Sou in the lead, Touka-chan and I followed the Kou-Tou and Kyo-Shou Army out of the Imperial Court. As we did, I could faintly hear En-Shou grumbling a few words.

"…Broken up and splintered," En-Shou hissed to herself, "ties of loyalty severed, allies becoming enemies…"

---

"…That was quite a bold display we were all part of," Touka-chan sighed in reminisce, "Nevertheless, I do not regret one bit of it…"

"Indeed," Son-Saku chuckled, "But personally, I find your speech to be the most nerve-wreaking, Gentoku…"

"…You are not such a naïve girl after all," Sou-Sou added with a slight smirk.

"P-Please, Sou-Sou-san, Son-Saku-san," Touka-chan managed, "It is nothing to be impressed about…"

"No. I admit in the beginning I have foolishly assumed that you are or will become someone like En-Shou, relying on your family's origins as your reason to gain power. But now I know otherwise… …I can…understand…why someone like Kan-U refuse to deflect from you now…"

"And it is quite impressive, Gentoku," Son-Saku smirked, "I would not be surprise if a warlord with power to spare would say that, but for someone who is practically on the bottom to make such a speech…I find that person the most extraordinary…"

"Only because either only the fool-hearted or the brave would do so, Hakufu-san?"

"Exactly, Moutoku-san…"

"…Mm…When you two say it like that, I am not sure whether you two are complimenting me or making fun of me," Touka-chan comically pouted, causing the two other warlords to slightly laugh at her reaction.

It was already the next day, morning time-wise, and the Yuu-Shu Army and I find ourselves on the outskirts of Raku-You. The Kyo-Shou and Kou-Tou Army are also there, having spent the night in the same general area. Once morning came as the armies began to prepare themselves to move out back to our individual home region, Touka-chan used this chance to speak with Son-Saku and Sou-Sou, both who are now admired greatly by Touka-chan after what happen the other day.

At first, I thought they would refuse…especially Sou-Sou since we had a rocky first impression for each other. But to my surprise, both seem eager to have this one final chance to talk to each other. Perhaps what we all did together yesterday in the Imperial Court Room change all of our opinions about each other. Perhaps we all understand that we are all not too different from each other, in terms of our final goal that is. It's a small step for now, but that could mean big changes in the future.

Anyway, I find myself seated next to Touka-chan at a table in what I assume to be a feudal-like veranda, with Son-Saku and Son-Ken sitting right across from us and Sou-Sou to our right (Clockwise: me, Touka-chan, Sou-Sou, Son-Saku, and Son-Ken). Behind each of us are a few of our generals: Aisha and Rinrin with Touka-chan and me, Shiba-san and Kakou Sisters with Sou-Sou, Taiki and Kou-Gai with Son-Saku and Son-Ken.

"…Sigh," Sou-Sou sighed regretfully, "Who knows when we will meet again, after we part today. And when we meet again, who knows if we will be friends or foes?"

"…No matter what happens from now on," Son-Saku began, "I will not treat either of you, Sou-Sou Moutoku and Ryuu-Bi Gentoku, as an enemy…"

"…Anyone loyal to the Imperial Kan with good intention," Touka-chan offered, "is a friend of mine. Anyone who is a traitor and a rebel, regardless of who they are, will be my enemy…"

"Well said," Sou-Sou huffed a chuckled, "Where are planning to go from here, Gentoku?"

"I plan to return to my region, build up strength and continue to protect the people around me. Once we are strong enough, hopefully we can rejoin the attempt to bring back the Emperor… …What about you, Sou-Sou-san and Son-Saku-san?"

"…I too shall return to my region and look for another way to save the realm…"

"…And I, of course," Son-Saku began with a small smile, "will be returning to my home in Kou-Tou to rest. And once I have recovered… …Heh, I suppose I shall just be defending my land and people. If fate allows it, I shall build up more of my strength as well…"

"I suppose with the Imperial Seal?"

"…?"

"Rest assured, Hakufu-san. I do not mind entrusting the Imperial Seal with you; better you than any of those others in the Coalition. But for your sake, I shall say this: be wary. It is an object that draws in enemies of all sorts. If you use it unwisely, it shall become poison. Before that happens, if fate dictates it, throw it away…"

"Yes," Touka-chan nodded, "The Imperial Seal is not worth your life, Son-Saku-san. When I next hear of you, I hope it would not be that of dreaded news…"

Son-Saku blinked at this before smiling. "…You two really are not disloyal to the Imperial Kan. That is good… …And I thank you two for your advices; I shall keep it in mind…"

Touka-chan nodded in relief before sighing. "What a pity…"

"…? What is, Gentoku?"

"…Fifteen heroes and lords have just gathered for a noble purpose, and so soon they sunder apart. And hereafter the Kan Dynasty shall see more turmoil without pause and without an end…"

"…Ryuu-Bi-dono," Shiba-san suddenly spoke up, "There is a flaw in what you said…"

"…? A flaw?" Taiki blinked at Shiba-san words.

"To be honest, among the fifteen warlords, only Sou-Sou-sama, Son-Saku-dono, Son-Ken-dono, Ryuu-Bi-dono, and even to a certain extent Hongou-san can rightfully be call heroes. The rest are no heroes, but either weak relic ready to perish in time or ruthless warlords of unjust ambition. By my calculation, it would not take long before they start fighting each other to the death. Therefore, our choosing to leave as soon as we could is the best course of action…"

"Yeah," I sighed, "No point in getting into anymore stupid fights immediately after all of this…"

"I admit to that," Sou-Sou smirked a bit at my responses, "You are quite perceptive for an ugly man…"

"Thanks, I guess… …by the way, Sou-Sou, there's something I've been meaning to ask you for some time…"

"…? What would that be? Did you want to question my ambition?"

"Not that, it's… …am I really that ugly?"

The reactions I receive were all diverse: Shiba-san palmed her face in exasperation. The Kakou Sisters had a comical speechless face. Aisha sweat dropped. Rinrin nervously chuckled on the spot. Kou-Gai sighed as if amused at my childlike question. Taiki practically broke down in uncontrollable laughter. And as for all those sitting at the table with me, they tried to suppress giggles but eventually let them all out.

"W-What!? Why you're all laughing!?"

"How can we not laugh at that!?" Sou-Sou managed in-between her giggles, "Did you actually take my words serious!?"

"It can't be help…"

"I-It cannot be help…?" Son-Saku managed.

"Well, yeah. I am a normal healthy guy. When a girl says that I'm ugly, I obviously get worry…"

"…Is that right~?" Sou-Sou smirked, to which I meekly nodded, "…Well, alright. You certainly are an amusing man. In respect of that and the fact you took part in standing up to En-Shou several times, I shall retract my insult…"

"Really?"

"Yes. If anything, you are just average…"

"Ugh…I suppose I can live with that…"

"Imbecile," Shiba-san rolled her eyes, "Worrying yourself over petty things and such…"

"He is Kazuto," Taiki managed after recollecting himself from his laughter, "We should have all seen that coming, Izumi-chan…"

"Shiba-san~! Is that too hard for you say, Sonoma-sempai!?"

"Yeah…"

"…No hesitation," Aisha sweat dropped at Taiki's quick response.

"…More like it was impulsive," Kakou-Ton replied before turning to Aisha, "Kan-U. As long as you continue to live in this world, we shall cross path again. When we do, only our sword shall speak…"

"…Understood," Aisha nodded back, "When that happens, know that I shall be looking forward to it…we shall settle who is stronger of us two…"

"We shall…"

"…It appears they are getting along," Son-Ken noted.

"There's no dagger in their exchange," I added.

"…Well then," Touka-chan and I stood up, which was followed the Son Sister and Sou-Sou, "We humbly take our leave of you three…"

"Gentoku," Sou-Sou nodded, "farewell…"

"Journey safely and cautiously," Son-Saku added, "See to it that your 'guests' does not slow you down…"

"…!? You two know!?"

"The rumors may have fool En-Shou and many others," Sou-Sou smirked, "But it shall not fool Son-Saku, Shiba-san, and I…"

"Your guests are victims, no?" Son-Ken added, "I for one see no reason to persecute them…"

"…I see," I smiled, "Thank you for [turning a blind eye] then…"

"…? Huh?"

"Kazuto just simply said thanks for keeping it a secret as well," Taiki informed.

"…Humph," Sou-Sou huffed, "Words of the Heavens, huh…"

"Close enough, I suppose," Shiba-san sighed.

"…Sou-Sou-san, Son-Saku-san, Son-Ken-san," Touka-chan listed out before bowing one final time, "Farewell…"

---

"…Sou-Sou-dono seems to have change greatly," Aisha commented, "Hint of her arrogances remains still but I sense a hint of respect from her now…"

"Yes," Touka-chan nodded, "She is a good person after all…"

"…Yes. I can see why warriors such as Kakou-Ton-dono and Shiba-dono flock to her side now…"

"You've gained a newfound respect for her?" I suggested.

"Yes… …Though no matter how much, I would not betray you, My Lord…"

"I wasn't questioning your loyalty, Aisha…"

"I know. I just thought I should say it…"

"Nyah-Ha~," Rinrin chuckled, "Aisha worries that Onii-chan was going to doubt her…"

"…!? R-Rinrin! That is not the case! I did not state that because I was afraid that My Lord would think I have second thoughts about joining Sou-Sou-dono! Not a single bit!"

"Aisha," Touka-chan giggled, "You need not blurt out your concern now…"

"…!? … …Ugh…"

"O~ Kay," I chuckled, "Let's stop teasing Aisha now…"

"Agreed," Touka-chan nodded before waving ahead to Shuri, who was waving to us, "Shuri-chan!"

"My Lord," Shuri called, "My Lady! The Army is ready to return to our region now…"

"Good," I nodded, "How's our guests?"

"HAWA!? M-My Lord! Others would-!"

"Don't worry," I sighed, "Sou-Sou and Son-Saku didn't buy the story to begin with, but they have no intention to [rat] on us, so it's okay…"

"…? Ra-At?" Ka-Ku repeated my English word as she and the rest of the former Hei-Shuu General came forward, "What are you sprouting now…"

"…Ah~! It just means they won't tell anybody about you all," I informed, cursing myself for letting that English word slip out, before stroking my chin in amusement as I stared at Ka-Ka and Tou-Taku, "…Hey~, it turn out better than I thought…"

"Indeed," Aisha blinked at the two and their 'new looks', "No one can really believe that they used to be civil officers now…"

"They look pretty~!" Rinrin added.

"…! S-Shut up!" Ka-Ku exclaimed in embarrassment, "Speaking of which! Hongou! What is the meaning of this!? What kind of clothing are these!? They are so frilly~!"

At the moment, I could only laugh nervously. Both Tou-Taku and Ka-Ku were now wearing modern day maid outfits that I had a few tailors that were among the troops make for them. The idea came to me when Shuri had suggested that I make them my attendant; the thought of them being my maids came inevitably.

"…U-Umm~," Tou-Taku began, fidgeting on the spot with a large blush, "M-My Lord…?"

"…? Is there something wrong?" I asked in worry. I did kind of force them into those outfits, so I'm not really surprise that she would have some complaints.

"That is right, Yue!" Ka-Ku smirked, "Tell that man just how ridiculous these outfits are!"

"…They are not ridiculous," Touka-chan shook her head, "Both of you are really cute…"

"Cute my ***! Maybe on Yue, but these outfit does not suite me! Especially if he…" Ka-Ku glared at me, "…is the one who had it made in such a way! I bet this is his fetish or something and he is making us live it for his own pleasure!"

"T-That's kind of rude," I comically cried, but I had to admit that there was a part of me that kind of like this.

"… … …Thank you," Tou-Taku suddenly whispered.

"… … …Huh!?" Ka-Ku and I sounded in a mixture of surprise, shock, and confusion.

"…These clothing," Tou-Taku smiled as she held her maid skirt by her fingertips, presenting the drape beautifully, "…I love them…"

"…Oh," I scratched my head in embarrassment since her display was extremely cute, "…Uh, well, I'm glad you like them-…"

"YUE~!" Ka-Ku exclaimed as she comically wept, "Do not fall for this man's trickery~! Do not be decisive~! Come back to me, Yue~~!"

"… …Cute," Ren mumbled as she suddenly cuddle Tou-Taku from behind.

"Ah-! Ren-san," Tou-Taku exclaimed in shock, though she didn't sound offended by the action; quite the contrary actually, "…Thank you…"

"… …N-Nenene thinks so too," Nenene managed before peeking at Ka-Ku, "…You too, Ei-sensei. I think it suites you…"

Ka-Ku grumbled in response, turning away with a blush, but she didn't look offended either.

"… …Well, I guess it is alright then," Ka-Ku mumbled.

"…? Did you say something?" I questioned, despite already hearing her.

"No! Nothing! … …A-Anyway! Can we go now!?"

"U-Uh, yes!' Touka-chan nodded before turning to the army, "Everyone, let us return to our home now! Everyone march!"

---

Meanwhile, back in the palace of Raku-You…

"…With our supply running low and troops from each armies completely exhausted," Gan-Ryou reported, "Many of the other Warlords are requesting permission to leave the Coalition, Reiha-sama…"

"…Is that right?" En-Shou frowned, "Honestly, these lowbred certainly have no backbone… … …So, how many are asking for that?"

"Excluding the Yuu-Shu Army, the Kyo-Shou Army, and the Kou-Tou Army there are in total of Ten Warlords…"

"…! T-T-T-Ten!? That means aside from the Noble Army of mine, there is only one other army willing to continue on!?"

"Yeah~, about that, Reiha-sama," Bun-Shuu frowned, "The last army is showing signs that they are about to make a request to leave as well…"

"…!? What was that!? Then that means we are the only ones, no?"

"I am afraid so," Gan-Ryou comically wept, "it seems what Sou-Sou, Son-Saku, Ryuu-Bi and Hongou did yesterday impact everyone greatly…"

"…W-What about Miu-chan!? Or Hakukei-san!?"

"They were among those that had wanted to leave…they were among the first actually…"

"That cannot be! What happen to all the loyalty they have to the Imperial Kan!?"

"Even if they have that, Reiha-sama," Bun-Shuu sighed, "with supply low as they are already, no one has the strength to continue…"

En-Shou grumbled on the spot.

"What do we do now, Reiha-sama?" Gan-Ryou wondered.

"… … …I suppose we have no choice but to disband the Coalition then…"

"…EH~~~!?"

"… …I suppose we have to bear with the fact that Chou-Jou will have a chance to continue living for now. Our battle with her was getting boring too. We will just have to put aside taking out Chou-Jou for later…"

"…Is Reiha-sama saying we should give up?" Bun-Shuu exclaimed.

"Of course~…NOT! I, En-Shou Honsho, do not give up on anything! I am just simply putting this boring task aside until it gets interesting again…"

"B-But Reiha-sama!" Gan-Ryou exclaimed, "What about the Emperor!? Chou-Jou still has the Emperor!"

"…Gan-Ryou-san~. Are you implying that I am forsaking the Emperor?"

"…U-Uh, no! Of course not…"

"Exactly! Chou-Jou is but a mere pest that even the Heaven despise! While on the other hand, the Emperor is blessed by the Mandate of Heaven~; protect from all evil no matter how vile the world around the Emperor is! Chou-Jou would not dare touch the Emperor! Logically, it does not matter how long it takes, the Emperor shall be rescue by my hands; I guarantee that! So for now, I must expand my power and once I achieve eliminating all other annoying obstacle, THEN we shall rescue the Emperor!"

"… … … … ….Uh, sure?"

"Well, if you understand that, then go tell everyone to pack up and go home for now…"

"… … …Okay," With a sigh, Gan-Ryou left to give the report.

"Humph, Gan-Ryou-san is surprisingly slow when it comes to stuff like this…"

"Maybe," Bun-Shuu laughed.

"… … …By the way, where is the Kou-Tou Army at this moment?"

"Hmm? You are still interest in them, Reiha-sama?"

"Of course I am! Those rebel-…ahem…anti-loyalist took the Imperial Seal and then threatened my life! How could I NOT be upset about them!?"

"… …But Reiha-sama, you gave your word that you no longer press the issue about the Imperial Seal…"

"Only about the Imperial Seal! I do not recall saying I shall forgive their attempt to threaten my life!"

"… …Well, that is true, but what can we do about it?"

En-Shou stroked her chin in deep thought before smirking cunningly. "Bun-Shuu-san, prepare to send a message to Ryuu-Pyou-san…"

"…? Ryuu-Pyou? You mean that geezer in Kei-Shuu? What for?"

"I know for a fact that it shall take the Kou-Tou Army many days just to return to their region. I also know that the Kei-Shuu region has border problems with that of Kou-Tou. Pyou-san has been very concern about this…"

"I guess, but what does that has to do with the Kou-Tou Army?"

"Oh my, Bun-Shuu-san, can you not figure it out yourself? Well, I shall tell you what I mean then… …I shall send a message to Pyou-san and tell him to take care of the Kou-Tou Army while retrieving the Imperial Seal…"

"…EH~!?" Bun-Shuu exclaimed in shock.

"What is wrong, Bun-Shuu-san? Shock by how brilliant my plan is?"

"W-Wait a moment, Reiha-sama! Why do we need to do that!?"

"Is it not obvious? Pyou-san has his Kei-Shuu Army still virtually unscratched since he did not participate in the Coalition, while the Kou-Tou Army is already exhausted by being in it. I am obviously giving him the chance to eliminate the Kou-Tou Region's military power, which Pyou-san always had problems with due to boarder issue. And in return for giving him this grand opportunity, he can also take back the Imperial Seal by chance…"

"… …But would he actually do it?"

"Of course he would. I shall persuade him with the note I shall be sending. So while I write it up, Bun-Shuu-san, go get me a decent messenger to deliver it…"

"… …Yes, Reiha-sama," Bun-Shuu hesitantly nodded before heading off to find a fast messenger. After all, after having a drink with Taiki from Kou-Tou she has become rather fond of him. Suddenly being part of a conspiracy to take down the remaining Kou-Tou Army left a bitter taste on her tongue.

Both En-Shou and Bun-Shuu, however, fail to notice that a particular person had heard the entire conversation.

---

"… … …Mou~~!" En-Jutsu whined as she sat impatiently on her personal chair, "How long does it take for Nanano to tell Reiha-nee-sama that I want to leave already?"

En-Jutsu huffed as she rapped the armrest on her chair before Chou-Kun came rushing in a panic, though En-Jutsu failed to notice.

"Well, it is about time~! So, Nanano, did you get permission from Reiha-nee-sama for us to-…"

"…M-M-Miu-sama," Chou-Kun managed, cutting off the question, "It is terrible! Just terrible!"

"…? What is terrible? …Do not tell me Reiha-nee-sama is not giving us permission-?"

"It is worse than that!"

"…? W-What is it?" En-Jutsu blinked in confusion, finally noticing Chou-Kun's distress expression.

"…I-I had just overheard what En-Shou is scheming…"

"Hmm? Scheming?"

"Yes! She is planning to eliminate the Kou-Tou Force as they are heading back home!"

En-Jutsu immediately straightened up in her chair in shock. "…! W-W-What did you say~~~~!?"

"It is true! I heard it myself! She is planning to force Ryuu-Pyou of Kei-Shuu to take advantage of the situation!"

"W-W-Wait a minute! Ryuu-Pyou!? That old geezer!? He would not have the guts to attack the Kou-Tou Army…"

"But the old geezer would not dare more so to disappoint En-Shou!"

"…!?" En-Jutsu hummed to herself for a moment before her face paled, "T-That is right! Now that I think about it, some of the Generals in Kei-Shuu had always view the Kou-Tou Army as a nuisance! I would not put it pass them to convince that old geezer to act on Reiha-nee-sama's 'orders'…"

"I know how much Miu-sama is fond with General Taiki, so I came back in a hurry to tell you this…"

"G-Good job, Nanano!" En-Jutsu nodded before frowning in dread, "…B-But, what can I do!? The Kou-Tou Army had already left and there is no way I can back them up with my army!"

"At the very least, Miu-sama, you can send them a message to warn them…"

"…! R-Right!" En-Jutsu literally leapt out of her throne, grabbed the nearness paper, ink and brush, and began to write quickly but carefully to avoid making a mistake. After about two minutes of thinking and writing, En-Jutsu gave the note to Nanano. "Have our fastest messenger deliver this! Hurry!"

"Understood," Chou-Kun nodded and began out before stopping and turning to En-Jutsu with a smile, "… …Miu-sama, you have change greatly…"

"…? What do you mean?"

"…Well, it just that, I am glad Miu-sama had become so attach to General Taiki…"

"… … …!? N-N-N-N-No! This has little to do with my action!" En-Jutsu exclaimed with a blush, "…T-That is right! The Son Family and I have always been on good term, so…"

Chou-Kun giggled at her reaction. "I understand, Miu-sama. As long as you are happy, that is all I need to know…"

"… …Mou~," En-Jutsu pouted in embarrassment as Chou-Kun left, "Nanano is such a Meanie~…"

---

Meanwhile in Kei-Shuu Region…

An old man dressed in noble clothing was having a meeting with his most trusted Generals in his throne room. He is Ryuu-Pyou, the lord of Kei-Shuu.

"… …En-Shou sent me a secret message," Ryuu-Pyou sighed, "Proposing that we intercept the Kou-Tou Army as they make their way back to their home region. As we destroyed the weaken army of Kou-Tou, we should also do En-Shou the favor of taking the Imperial Seal…"

The Generals of Ryuu-Pyou began to mumble quietly among themselves as they listen on.

"…At the successful completion, she is willing to give me three cities in Ki-Shuu and a reward of Five Thousand gold and Three Thousand steeds…"

Some of the General awed at the proposition. With that much gold and steed at their disposal, with an additional three city, the influence of Kei-Shuu would expand both economically and military-wise.

Ryuu-Pyou sighed. "Why is En-Shou making me intercept the Kou-Tou Army? Does she not know that it would go against my province's spirit of righteousness?"

Under his rule, Kei-Shuu has remained relatively peaceful and plentiful. With the exception of border issue with the Kou-Tou region and the smaller region that became independent from Kou-Tou, it is one of the few place in the land that has suffer the least in this turbulent times, even during the Yellow Scarves Rebellion.

"…Is she not putting me in a difficult spot?"

"…My Lord," Sai-Bao, the top General of Ryuu-Pyou, stepped forward with a smirk, "En-Shou and her Ki-Shuu Army is much stronger than that of the Kou-Tou. The fact that she covets the Imperial Seal speaks to her ambition to become Emperor. If My Lord would lend her this help, as much as I hate to say it, then not only would Kei-Shuu remain secure, we could also use the power of En-Shou in the future to expand our territory towards Sei-Shou and Ki-Shuu. That way, My Lord's future potential will be virtually limitless…"

Ryuu-Pyou carefully listened to Sai-Bao. He is his most influential officer in his domain after all, but Ryuu-Pyou knows that Sai-Bao is darker than he is letting on.

"…In addition, the Kou-Tou Army's former leader, Son Bundai, has always held My Lord in contempt. With her dead, it is no doubt that her child, Son-Saku, inherit that contempt. Kou-Tou warships raid our borders frequently as well. Therefore, I am in favor of allying with En-Shou and intercepting the forces of Kou-Tou! And used the power of En-Shou to eliminate a source of trouble for Kei-Shuu!"

Many of the other Generals began to, predictably, voice their agreement.

"…But Son-Saku is valiant beyond measure, equal that to her decease mother," Ryuu-Pyou sighed before glancing worryingly at Sai-Bao, "And, honestly, are you her match?"

Sai-Bao staggered a bit at the unexpected question. Many of the other Generals were beginning to cast worries of their own.

"…That is what I thought. Also, while Son Bundai had contempt against me, by virtues' will I never held contempt to her family. The borders have been indeed raided, but by bandits unassociated with the Kou-Tou Army. With lack of reasons, strong virtue, and no warriors mighty enough to battle the Little Conquer-…"

"My Lord," Sai-Bao spoke up again with a smirked, "Son Hakufu may be valiant, but she is not wise. I have a plan. If My Lord would consent to it, we can certainly eliminate Son Hakufu!"

"…Oh?"

---

Taiki's P.O.V.

"… …There is nothing like the good feeling of going home after fighting in a war," I sighed in content as we made our way back home.

"…Seriously, General Taiki Sonoma," Meirin sighed with a sweat dropped, "If thou become any more lay back, thou shall fall off thy horse…"

"Hmm? Meirin, are you worried about me?"

"I AM NOT! I am just simply applauded by thy ability to ruin the tension!"

"You are just too stiff, Meirin," Sai giggled, "It is not as if we are going into battle…"

"It is irrelevant if we are going into a battle or not! The point is that as a General he should be an example to all our soldiers who had fought bravely with us…"

"Taiki displays that on the battlefield alone, Meirin. You should know that by now…"

"…And it is not as if he is offending anyone by being like that on our way home," Renfa added.

"Perhaps on an overall scale," Meirin huffed, "but…"

"Now, now, Meirin," Sheren chuckled, "There is no need to get mad at every little detail that Taiki present. Especially when they do not endanger us…"

At that, Meirin just grumbled tiredly and kept silent. Just then, one of our scouts that we sent ahead came back with news.

"My Ladyship!" The scout began, "a person claiming to be a messenger from the Ju-Shun Army is waiting for your arrival just up ahead…"

"…? A messenger from the Ju-Shun Army? What does En-Jutsu wish to convey to us?"

"Who can say," I shrugged, "There isn't much choice but to see the guy ourselves…"

"Taiki has a point," Non nodded.

"… …Very well," Sheren nodded, "Where is the messenger?"

"He should be-," The soldier began as he turned only to see a man in silver robes approaching a distant away, "-right there? He came despite our instruction to wait…"

"…It would appear that he is in a hurry," Shishun noted the messenger's hurrying pace.

Once the messenger came up to us, he bowed in respect. "I greet the Lady of Kou-Tou with utmost respect! I am a messenger from Ju-Shun bearing a secret message from My Lady…"

"Oh~?" Sheren hummed, "A secret message, huh?"

"Yes!" the messenger nodded before revealing a scroll and presenting it to Sheren, "Please take a look…"

Sheren hesitated for a moment before taking the scroll, which she handed over to Meirin.

"…'I present my humble greeting to you, Sheren-nee-dono,'" Meirin read, "'In the past, I could not offer you any helpful support in your cause in the Coalition; it hurts me greatly knowing that not only have you rescue me on several occasion but also because our families are old friends in arm. I write this message to you as a warning. My cousin, En-Shou has long coveted the throne; she intended on using the alliance to increase her power to replace Chou-Jou and become the hegemony ruler of the realm. This greed has cause her to already sent a secret missive to Ryuu-Pyou of Kei-Shuu, promising him lavish rewards, and asking him to set an ambush on your path in order to intercept the Imperial Seal. Sheren-nee-dono, be very wary…En-Jutsu Kouro of Ju-Shun…'…is what it says…"

"So En-Shou went back on her words," Renfa gritted her teeth, "Her cowardliness knows no limit!"

"I expected as much," Meirin sighed, "Even when compare to En-Jutsu, she is even more devious…"

"…Messenger," Sheren turned back to the Ju-Shun Messenger, "Do you know why Lady Kouro would tell me such confidential matters? Is she not a cousin to En-Shou?"

"…Those of the same family may not be of the same mind," the messenger answered proudly, "My Lady is a true lady of honor and justice, while En-Shou only pretends to be one; her words are like honey but there is murder in her heart. My Lady cannot bear to see you, Lady General Son, come to harm…nothing more I believe…"

"…I see," Sheren smiled, "Return and tell Lady Kouro that I humbly thank her for her concern and warning…"

"As you wish!" the messenger bowed before heading off.

---

A while later, the Kou-Tou Army came to a rest within a cave. Sheren immediately called together an urgent meeting.

"…In the letter," Meirin grumbled, "En-Jutsu heaped words of praise and respect on Sheren. I have little doubt that with this she wants us to become eternal allies and achieve glory together… …Ha, the two appear to be fraternal towards each other, but their hearts each schemes against the other…"

"…From what I can see," Shishun added, "both of them covert the Imperial Seal…"

"… …I don't think so," I mumbled, having read the letter that Sheren allowed me to read myself.

"…? What makes you say that, Taiki?" Renfa turned to me in surprise.

"…Well, I'm no interpreter; I can't tell what is in people's desire. But just looking at these words on the letter, even I could tell that her words were honest…"

"…I sense that too," Non backed me up, having read the letter over my shoulder, "All of her words were written with great care and from the heart. As one whom has seen many types of writings, that much I can tell…"

"…Hmm~," Sheren hummed before turning to everyone else, "Say we do believe the warning sent by En-Jutsu, what you all think we should do…"

"I think En-Jutsu is more of a villain than En-Shou," Meirin answered, "She betrays even her own cousin!"

Sheren chuckled. "Perhaps, but that is beside the point, Meirin…"

"…Just saying…"

"…I am thinking," Renfa began, "Our troops have just suffered great losses. We did not exactly escape all injures. We must not engage Ryuu-Pyou and his army until it is inevitable to do so. We must find a different way without using the route we are on…"

"Agreed," Shishun nodded, "…But, the route we are using has a river that is a key route back to the Southland, back to Kou-Tou; we have already ordered ferries to wait for us there. If we bypass the route, not only would the ferries have waited in vain, but we also would have to add some Twenty Days to our journey…"

"…Doing that," Sheren ran some calculation in her head, "Our provision has been exhausted in every division; we were to be supplied by those ferries…"

"…In that case, I have an idea," Sai began before looking at Sheren worryingly, "But I beseech Sheren-sama not to be angry…"

"…What is it?"

"…All these calamities stemmed from the Imperial Seal. Ever since Sheren obtained the seal, almost all the warlords of the realm have their eyes wide open like hungry dogs. If anything, both En-Shou and possibly even En-Jutsu lust after the seal. Perhaps it would be best, to throw the Seal away and have the warlords fight over it?"

"…Indeed~," Non sighed, "It is just as Taiki said, the Legend of the Imperial Seal is indeed talk of fools yet many, even us before Taiki pointed it out, foolishly believe it. If we throw it away now, we will secure the peace of the Kou-Tou…"

"Sai-dono, Non, we cannot do that," Meirin argued, "The Imperial Seal has other used for Sheren's caused as well as to the entire Son Family's objective: eliminating traitors and uniting the lands of Kou-Tou. We cannot simply just hand over such an opportunity to serve the Kan Dynasty…"

"But what should we do instead?" Renfa pondered, "Engage Ryuu-Pyou and his forces?"

"…We might as well," Shishun noted, "Ryou-Pyou is old and senile. He is, without a doubt, no match for us. We can easily take even their base as we are we are. I say we may only require Five Thousand veterans to do so, and half a day, to capture Ryuu-Pyou and conquer Kei-Shuu; we have always considered Kei-Shuu part of the Kou-Tou region after all…"

"…It is not as if I am underestimating our strength, Shishun. It is just that Kei-Shuu has thick walls protecting their cities and tens of thousands soldiers guarding them. We have been weakened greatly during our campaign in the Coalition while the forces of Kei-Shuu are in good condition for staying out of the campaign. There is no way we can take it in a hurry…"

Sheren hummed at everyone's bickering before turning to me. "What about you, Taiki? What do think we should do?"

I thought about it for a moment before answering. "…I'm thinking about just going home. Little Princess Shaoren, Dai-Kyou and Shou-Kyou are waiting for us with a big victory feast and they'll get mad if we're late…"

Sheren blinked at my comment before giggling. "Yes, I agree…"

"…? Nee-sama?" Renfa tilted her head in confusion at Sheren before turned to everyone.

"Sai! Shishun!"

"…! Here!" Sai and Shishun stood in attention.

"Lead the troops of your respective divisions to create a diversion north of the route!"

"Understood!"

"Renfa!"

"Y-Yes?" Renfa stood in attention.

"You and Non shall lead Two Thousand veterans to ambush in the south!"

"Understood!"

"Yes ma'am~!" Non chimed.

"If Ryuu-Pyou dares to use military force," Sheren smirked in anticipation, "you two shall look for an opening and charge out; make straight for the head of Ryuu-Pyou!"

Renfa nodded, before a face of concern appeared. "…But, Nee-sama, what about you?"

At that, Sheren smirked confidently. "Well~, is Ryuu-Pyou not coming after me~? So I shall lead a few hundreds of our weakest troops and see what he is up to…"

"…!? T-That is extremely risky, Nee-sama!"

"That is right!" Meirin added, "Even if it is Ryuu-Pyou…"

"…Meirin," Sheren smirked at Meirin, "You have always doubt Taiki's ability to protect me, no?"

Meirin blinked at this, before glaring at me. "… …I have…"

"Well then this is an excellent chance to see if you are right," Sheren then turned to me, "Taiki!"

"Yeah?" I saluted.

"You and Meirin shall accompany me as we head out. I am counting on you to shield me…"

"No~ Problem~!"

---

A while later, Sheren, Meirin and I were leading our division onward as everyone else followed the plan Sheren previously organized. It wasn't long before we came across a barricade of heavily armored soldiers with shields. A single old man in high-class gown was among them.

Upon seeing the old man, Sheren smirked and laughed in mockery. "Ryuu-Pyou! Do you desire my head?"

In response, the old man laughed out loud and began to walk forward.

"…What's he's doing?" I wondered.

"…It would appear," Meirin began, as we followed Sheren as she went forward towards the old man, "he has something to say…"

"…Not exactly what I expected from someone who is sent to kill us…"

"…You have a point. Be on guard and protect Sheren, Taiki Sonoma! I sense something amidst…"

I nodded as the three of us came to a stop in front of the old man.

"Little Hakufu," the old man greeted, "I trust you have been well?"

"…Elder Ryuu," Sheren huffed in greeting, "What is the purpose of this trip?"

"I have come expressly to give you a small gift," The old man chuckled before handing over a piece of paper, "A secret message from En-Shou…"

"Oh~?" Sheren blinked at this before taking reading the content of the paper before handing it to me, "Take a look Taiki…"

"Hmm~? Let's see," I took the paper and read the content, "Message from En-Shou~…want Ryuu-Pyou to intercept us~…rewarding if successful~…retrieve the Imperial Seal~…blah, blah, blah~…"

"…General Taiki Sonoma~," Meirin grumbled in annoyance, "Please take this seriously~!"

Sheren giggled at this. "So it is true. En-Shou wants you to intercept me…"

The old man nodded. "Little Hakufu, you know me best. I am advanced in age; weak and sickly; no ambition or talents. All I care about is protecting the nine Commandries of Kei-Shuu, so that I may repay the kindness of His Majesty and do my duty to the people. However, En-Shou wants to have me ambush you here and to have you killed. That youngster really put me between a rock and a hard place…"

Sheren nodded in understanding. "May I ask then, Elder Ryuu, what you have decided to do?"

To that, the old gesture the return of the paper. Once I handed it back, without a single hesitation and in front of our eyes, he ripped up the paper and threw it away.

"…I have thought it over and over again," the old man stated, "the only thing to do is to set a formation here in the pretense of intercepting you. Thus I will deceive people and be answerable toward En-Shou. Little Hakufu, you may lead your troops to charge through my formation and make straight for river. Rest assured. Once you sound your horns, my troops from Kei-Shuu will withdraw immediately and not put up a fight. After this, I will report back to En-Shou, saying that I was useless and was unable to stop you. On the contrary, my Kei-Shuu Army suffered losses instead. That way, I will neither offend the youngster nor you, Little Hakufu. That is my plan to satisfy both sides, Little Hakufu…what do you think?"

Sheren and Meirin glanced at each other, stunned at the logic and benefit of the plan.

"…Honestly?" Sheren managed in admiration.

"Of course!" The old man replied immediately, "…However, I do have a request…"

"… …And that would be?"

"From now on, we will coexist in harmony. Ensure that your people of Kou-Tou no longer raid our borders…"

Sheren thought about it for a moment before smiling. "Elder Ryuu, from today on, the troops of Kou-Tou shall not set foot within the borders of Kei-Shuu. In contrary, we shall insure that any crime committed by our people on your borders shall be dealt by us personally!"

"If that is so, I offer you my thanks," The old man bowed, "Little Hakufu, you may charge now…"

Once Sheren nodded, the old man began to return to his formation.

"… …Meirin," Sheren frowned, "What do you think about all of this?"

Meirin hummed in deep thought. "…Our Former Lady had always held Ryuu-Pyou in disdain, but in contrast Ryuu-Pyou never took offence to them. Seeing how he made such a plan that benefits us greatly, his reputation in virtue is true after all. I do not think he is lying…"

"…I sense that too…Ryuu-Pyou is not such a bad person after all…"

I, on the other hand, frowned suspiciously. True, Ryuu-Pyou is considered a decent man in this turbulent time, but historically his force was the one responsible in putting an end to Son-Ken Bundai. Not to mention, most of the Kei-Shuu forces have been known to see the people of Kou-Tou as life-long enemies. No matter how virtuous Ryuu-Pyou may be, unlike Ryuu-Bi and his historical forces, the most of the Generals of Kei-Shuu are best known for not being as virtuous. I doubt they would let a chance to kill Sheren slip by.

Still, there is nothing else besides my suspicion. All I can do is just go with the flow and protect Sheren. That is all I should be doing.

"Sheren," I called, "Ready to charge…"

Sheren nodded before calling to the troops. "Warriors of Kou-Tou, charge! Do not fight so hard and just pass them by~!"

---

True to his words, the Old Man and his army allowed us to sail through their ranks without any resistance. It wasn't long before we reached the river where the ferries were waiting. Once we were all loaded, we quickly began to sail south back towards Kou-Tou.

"…Ryuu-Pyou truly bears his royal name well," Sheren commented with a smile, "He is true to his words, righteous and generous. My mother was great in many aspect, but I suppose even she can accidentally misjudge people; we have treated him unjustly…"

"Indeed we have," Renfa nodded, "I had never thought before that he could be so noble…"

Non nodded happily, "The kindness Ryuu-Pyou showed us today—we must repay doubly in the future, right Sheren-sama?"

Sheren nodded before turning to Meirin. "Once we return to Kou-Tou, Meirin, gather all the troops and horses that we have taken from Kei-Shuu when they became stranded in our territory and return them to him! We shall also offer Two Thousand measure of grains and Five Hundred bolts of silk! In the future, on all festive occasions, we must send him gifts as well!"

"Understood," Meirin smiled.

"… …That's a bit much, isn't it?" I awed at Sheren's proclamation, "Are you that grateful?"

"We are," Renfa smiled, "We from Kou-Tou have always held Kei-Shuu in disrespect, ashamedly more often than reasonable. Despite all of that, Ryuu-Pyou held nothing against us and gave us this blessing…"

"To repay one's kindness," Meirin lectured, "You must offer something of greater value in return. Everything that Sheren has suggested is in that accordance…"

"Uh-Huh~," I nodded in understanding.

Sai chuckled to herself. "Lady Bundai-sama, most of all, had wrong Ryuu-Pyou…"

"… …Why is that, Sai? Did the Old Man do something to her?"

"Not really, no. It is just that she thought that you can tell a lot about someone by the quality of their vassal…"

"Vassal?"

"Yes. Lady Bundai-sama was especially wary of Sai-Bao, the top General under the command of Ryuu-Pyou…"

"…Wait! Sai-Bao!? He's among the Old Man's ranks?"

"…? Yes. Have you heard of him, Taiki?"

I certainly did. Sai-Bao was very capable Naval Commander in Kei-Shuu…but also a rather scheming one. He was one of the General that favor the attack on the Kou-Tou Forces as they were heading back to Kou-Tou. He was also a very influential figure among the Kei-Shuu Generals, much greater than that of Ryuu-Pyou. He later joined the forces of Sou-Sou but ended up being executed due to a conspiracy during the Battle of Seki-Heki.

Either way, that guy is bad news. Now that I think about it, I've been having bad vibes since meeting the Old Man. They've only gotten worse since we were sailing on the river. Now that I know Sai-Bao is involved, I finally got why…

"Everyone!" I suddenly called, catching everyone's attention, "Inside the ship! NOW!"

"Eh!?" Sheren managed in shock and confusion as I began to forcefully shove everyone into the ferries' cabin, "W-Wait, Taiki!"

"Taiki Sonoma! What is the meaning of this!?" Meirin screeched at me.

"No time to explain!" I hurryingly answered as I made quick glances to the cliffs on either sides of the river, trying to catch any sign of what my gut feeling is warning me, "Just get inside!"

"Not without an explanation!"

"…Taiki, is something the matter?" Sai questioned, "I have never seen you with such a worried-…"

"Not NOW~! Just get inside!" I roared hurryingly before calling to the other ferries, "All soldiers either ready your shields or take cover! Arrows from all sides!"

"What-!?" Shishun managed as she watched all the soldiers obey my orders without hesitation, "What arrows, Taiki?"

"Just what is the matter with you!?" Meirin hissed at me.

"Look Meirin, I don't have time-!" I began before my instinct warned me of… "Meirin, Sheren! Look out~!"

"What-!?" Sheren managed before I pushed both of them away, causing them to land on their backs inside the cabin, "Ouch! Taiki, what is-!?"

WHOOSH-STAB!

"…! GAH~!" I roared out in pain. An arrow has pierced my forearms, right where Sheren and Meirin have been.

"…!? T-Taiki!" Sai exclaimed.

But I didn't stop my body, even as I screamed. In an instant, I quickly shoved Renfa and Non into the cabin before throwing Sai and Shishun into the cabin as well. And not a moment too soon because a shower of arrows soon came down from both sides of the cliffs. Already, arrows were bouncing off of the shields of the soldiers I have earlier order them to ready, so they were safe.

As for me, because I was insuring everyone else's safety, I was delayed on taking out my baseball bat. By the time I did, several more arrows had lodged into various places on my body and I was screaming in pain.

"An ambush from the Kei-Shuu troops!" A soldier called nearby before being shot to death by the rain of arrows.

"Everyone!" I shouted as I defend myself from the rain of arrows, "Those not defending focus on rowing the bow as fast as you can-!" WHOOSH-STAB! "Ugh-!"

"Taiki!" I could hear Sai screaming; I took a chance to glance over to see Non restraining Sai from rushing to my aid.

"Non! Keep her from getting out-!" WHOOSH-STAB! "Argh-! Son of a-!"

"Taiki~!"

I no longer took a chance to glance at my comrades as I now focus intensely on defending myself. But as I did so, the boat suddenly jerked to a halt, causing me to lose my balance…

WHOOSH! STAB! STAB! STAB!

"GAH~!" I screamed as I fell onto my back when three arrows lodge into my chest. Even then I was doing my best to guard against the onslaught.

"All ship has stopped!" Someone called from afar, "The Kei-Shuu Troops must have liter the river bottom with boulders!"

Upon hearing that, I quickly got back to my feet and grabbed a baseball from my pack. The enemy archers seem to have delayed…just the opening I had needed.

"Eat leather~!" I shouted as I began to send one baseball after another at the cliffs where the armies of archers were.

With several great BOOMS, I caught sight of the cliffs exploding and dozens of soldiers thrown off the cliffs into the river below. But I didn't stop there. I quickly reached into my pack once again and pulled out a shot-put ball as I went over to the side of the boat. After thinking about it carefully, I swat the shot-put ball with my baseball bat into the water underneath the bow of the ship.

BOOM! The ship jerked upward as a great splash erupted from where I sent the shot-put ball, pushing the ship a bit ways back. I repeated the procedure with the other boats, taking careful aims in order to free the boats without harming them.

"We're free now!" I called, "Get the boats moving-!" WHOOSH-STAB! "GAH-!?"

The rain of arrows started again and I found myself on the defense once again. But coupling the wound got with amount of blood I'm losing, I'm getting slower by the second.

"Taiki, hang on!" I heard a voice call me, but I was so busy defending myself, I can't turn to see who it is, "I am on my way!"

"Huh!? Whoa, wait!" I managed before Shishun appeared next to me, her kukri knife in her hand and slashing away at the arrows. Once she found an opening, she grabbed my arm and began dragging me towards the cabin. "Whoa-Wait! What are you-!?"

"Soldiers!" Shishun called to the soldiers on our ships that were shielding themselves, "Help protect Taiki! Now!"

"Ah-! No!" I called as several armored soldiers began shielding me and Shishun with their shields, causing some to die as a result, "Defend yourselves-!"

"Can you not be so selfless at a time like this!?" It wasn't long before I was escorted into the cabin of the ship.

"Taiki!" Renfa exclaimed with a gasp once she saw how damaged I was, "By the sovereign! Look at you!"

"Yeah," I managed with a causal joke, despite feeling my strength beginning to waver, "I look like [Swiss Cheese]…"

"I have no idea what strange word you have spoken this time around, but how can you joke at a time like this!?" Sai exclaimed as she looked over my wounds, "It is a miracle you are still alive!"

"…Well," I managed before noticing some of the nearby soldiers gossiping in worry, "(Oh great, morale is down. I got to get them back up or we'll never get out of this!) Whatever. Let's just get these arrows out, shall we?"

"Eh?" Sheren managed as I reached up to one of the arrows that were lodged into my chest, "Wait-! Taiki!? What are you-!?"

"GAH~!" I roared…SPLURT! …as I yanked the arrow out. Quickly throwing it aside, I went on to the other two. "GAH~!" SPLURT! "…GAH~!" SPLURT! "… …Whew, just a few more…"

"Taiki! Stop!" Sai exclaimed in horror as she tries to stop me from removing anymore arrows, but even while wounded she couldn't compete with my strength, "You are killing yourself!"

SPLURT!

"S-Stop it, Taiki~!" Non whimpered…SPLURT! …as I continued to pull out…SPLURT! …One arrow at a time, "T-That has got to hurt!"

SPLURT!

"T-Taiki Sonoma!" Meirin exclaimed in panic, "C-Cease taking those arrows out!" SPLURT! "L-Let actual doctor do that!" SPLURT! "… …Are you even listening!?"

"…Yep," I smirked weakly as I began to my feet, despite Sai's protest, "I heard you, Meirin…"

"Taiki!" Sai exclaimed, "You should not stand up in your-…"

"Men~!" I called out suddenly to all the soldiers rowing the ship, "Paddle the ship like you mean it! If you get tired… …I'll take over!"

"… … …WHAT!?" the soldiers, along with my comrades, exclaimed.

"Art thou insane!?" Meirin lectured, "In your condition-!?"

"Yeah, I know, I won't last," I admitted before grinning at the soldiers, "But if it means all of you can survive…it's worth it…"

The soldiers gawked in comical shock at my words, like my words had pierced their heart or something. Only seconds later, with fire burning in their eyes they soldiers began to paddle the boat like crazy.

"WE SHALL ANSWER TO THE GENERAL'S KINDNESS~!" The soldiers voiced their determination; tears comically spray from their eyes.

"That's great," I chuckled with a smirked, before the strength in my leg suddenly left me, "W-Whoa-!"

"Taiki!" Sai managed before catching me, allowing me to lean on her, "Are you alright?"

"…Yeah…I think…"

---

"…Ryuu-Pyou!" Sheren hissed in anger, "How dare he set such an ambush for us!"

"…I am ashamed of myself," Meirin grumbled, "I was completely leaded astray by the Old Man's speech. I should have realized that it was all a hoax…"

I chuckled. "Guess the Old Man must really be something for even fooling Meirin, huh…"

"…Shuu-Yu! Or Koukin, at the very least, General Taiki Sonoma!"

I laughed at her words before I instinctively squeezed my chest in pain. "Ow! That stung~!"

"Taiki! Please do not move!" Sai ordered as she and Non dressed my wounds with bandages, "You shall only cause unnecessary pain~!"

"That is right~," Non added, "Laughing with such wounds for that matter…"

"Sorry," I nervously smiled, scratching my head in embarrassment.

It has been a good two hours since we managed to escape our predicament back at the river. Once we cleared from danger, Sheren insist that I have my injuries checked on. The doctor we had among our ranks made a bunch of conclusion which I didn't really pay attention to, but judging from everyone's reaction they were surprise I survive up to this point.

"…Are you not even a bit angry, Taiki?" Renfa questioned as Non and Sai continued to apply bandages to me, "You were almost killed…"

"I was almost killed hundreds of times already," I shrugged at her choice of reasoning, "So I'm pretty much used to it by now…"

"…Almost killed hundreds of times, you say," Shishun sweat dropped, "Just what kind of life-…no, never mind…"

"Rest assured, Taiki," Sheren glared off into the distance, "Ryuu-Pyou shall pay for this…"

"If you're talking about getting back at the Old Man for me, you don't have to," I waved off her offer, "He's a nice Old Man…"

"…Nice~?" Sheren glared at me, "He deceive all of us! Laid an ambush for us! Killed many of our soldiers! Nearly took my life and your life! What part of him was 'nice' in your eyes?"

"The fact that he managed to deceive us was the nice part," I chuckled, "Because he was a nice guy, he allowed us to reach the boats and get home fast. If he wasn't, he wouldn't be able to deceive us…"

"What kind of logic art thou sprouting?" Meirin sweat dropped.

"The real evil guy was that Sai-Bao Guy. I bet he plan the whole thing…"

"…? Sai-Bao? If I recalled correctly, the name thou art mention is the name of the General under Ryuu-Pyou…"

"That's the one. The Old Man was too nice, so that b**t**d took it upon himself to do the dirty work. Sai did say that Son-Ken Bundai wasn't really fond of Ryuu-Pyou because of Sai-Bao, after all…"

"…That makes more sense, I suppose~," Non hummed at my reasoning, "That was probably how Ryuu-Pyou-dono was able to deceive both Sheren-sama and Meirin-sensei…"

Meirin grimaced at Non's words.

"So are you saying we remain quiet about this?" Sheren grinded her teeth in suppressed rage.

"… …Well, no," I hummed before the light bulb in my head lit up, "Oh! I got an idea…"

"…What idea is that?" Renfa wondered, "Are you planning to launch a sneak attack?"

"Naw, that's not my style," I chuckled, "I say we go do what we originally plan to do with the Old Man…"

"…? … …!? Are you saying we should act as if none of this happen and do as Nee-sama was planning to do to honor Ryuu-Pyou?"

"WHAT!?" Everyone exclaimed.

"Ouch, my eardrums~!" I comically wept as I comically plugged my ears.

"You expect me to release all the captive horses and troops?" Sheren exclaimed in astonishment, "Along with offer Two Thousand measure of grains, Five Hundred bolts of silk, and sending gifts on every festive occasions as well!?"

"Yeah, pretty much-…"

"Art thou INSANE!?" Meirin screamed into my ears, "Is thy brain working in thither!? Why should we do something like that for a man like HIM!?"

"Ouch~! My ears~! … …Anyway, this is called [Reverse Psychology]…Izumi-chan taught me that…"

"… …? Re-a-veer-saw Sigh-call-let-gee?" Renfa strained on trying to make out my English word, "Another Heavenly word?"

"…It is long and unpleasant," Shishun commented with a sweat drop.

I chuckled nervously with a sweat drop. "…Basically, it means to make someone do something you want without actually saying you want to…"

"… …Huh?"

"Okay, here's what I got in mind. Despite what the Old Man and his Kei-Shuu Army try to do, we shall still send those gifts and tokens of gratitude to him, along with some words of praise to the Old Man. You know, like what you were all taking about on the ferries. Because he's a nice guy, he'll think, after seeing all of this, 'The Son Family kept true to their end, yet I did something terrible to them. Oh~, woe is me~!' or something along that line. He'll feel so guilty about it, he may end up doing the same thing we did, offering gifts and stuff, maybe even more since he realize he did such a bad thing. See?"

"…I have no idea what thou art saying," Meirin sweat dropped, along with almost everyone else.

"… … …Oh~!" Non suddenly exclaimed, finally getting what I was saying, "I get it~!"

"What do you get, Non?" Renfa questioned.

"Heh-Heh, Taiki is rather merciless and thoughtful at the same time~!"

"…Merciless~?" I comically wept, "Is that how it sounds like?"

"Non, what are you saying?" Meirin huffed impatiently.

"Taiki's logic is rather simple~," Non began, "Basically we are telling Ryuu-Pyou three things: First, we are honorable people who keep their end of the bargain despite others betrayal. Second, we are far more virtuous people than he is by letting bygones-be-bygones. And third, his plan has fail and everyone will now everyone shall see him in a different shade. We are destroying Ryuu-Pyou by attacking his sense of virtue, pride, and reasoning which cause him to be agonized by this for years to come~!"

"… …! Oh~!" Everyone thumped their palmed.

"That is brilliant!" Sheren glee, "To torture a righteous man without torturing him is to lay out his evilness that he denies being part right into his face!"

"Just like how an honorable warrior will feel guilty for using an underhanded trick to win," Sai added, "A virtuous man will feel guilty for committing evil to another good person…"

"Hitting Ryuu-Pyou where it shall hurt the most without violence," Renfa hummed, "I do not know whether to be impressed or frighten…"

Meirin grumbled a bit to herself before turning to Sheren. "… …As much as I hate to say this, Taiki Sonoma's plan does have its appeal. I advise to act on it…"

Sheren giggled. "Alright! If that is what our prime strategist believes we should do, we shall act on it. We shall begin the operation as soon as we return to Chou-Sa, understand everyone?"

"Yeah!" We all cheered.

---

Meanwhile in Chou-Ann and its newly and hastily constructed palace…

"…What was that!?" Chou-Jou exclaimed excitedly, "Not only has the Coalition disband, but now they are fighting over each other!?"

"That is correct," O-In chimed, "En-Shou, for example has already attempt to take the lives of the Kou-Tou Forces, though she made Ryuu-Pyou of Kei-Shuu do so…"

"The Kou-Tou?" Chou-Jou smirked, "The Son Family leads that Force. They are a family of heroes, so among the Coalition only the Son Family was my greatest threat…"

"Well, there is no need to worry about them anymore…"

"Yes, at the very least, the Kou-Tou Army is now greatly weakened. It shall take them many years to secure strength to once again pursue us. By then, of course, I would have gotten much stronger…"

O-In giggled as the other Eunuch gossiped happily amongst each other.

"…Soon I shall be able to assume the throne for real! Wealth and luxury life waiting for the Ten Eunuch in times to come! When that happens, all the other warlords will have no choice but to follow! For now, of course, I shall obediently serve Our Majesty, building up our strength again in secret. If I continue to power up the Crucial Key, it shall be possible. Then I shall be done with being the lapdog!"

The other Eunuch squeal excitedly amongst themselves. Soon, the luxurious life that Chou-Jou promises to share with them will come true.

"…Speaking of people we are done with~," O-In suddenly intervened with an evil smile, "I believe it is about time for you too, Chou-Jou…"

"…What?" Chou-Jou stopped celebrating with the other members of her Ten Eunuchs and turned to O-In in confusion.

"You know, right? Just as you were using Tou-Taku to take all the blame, we've been using you all, the Ten Eunuch, as tools, as well…"

"… …O-In, what are you saying?" Chou-Jou managed as the rest of the Ten Eunuch glanced questionably among each other.

"…Bind!" O-In echoed, making several hand gestures as she did. Almost instantly, the Ten Eunuch fell to the ground, as if numb and can no longer control their body. Only their eyes and mouths still function as their eyes danced around in mixture of panic and shock, exclaiming words of surprise and fear.

"…? W-What are you-!?" Chou-Jou exclaimed as she eyes O-In.

"Such a pity~," O-In bent down and stroke the paralyzed Head Eunuch cheek, "You were such a useful puppet, allowing us to lure them to us. Sadly~, not only did we fail to eliminate them but your role in history has also ended long ago~…"

"What is the meaning of this, O-In," Chou-Jou shouted in defiant, "Release us from this spell you cast. We are allies-!"

"Allies~!?" O-In giggled like a maniac, shocking the Ten Eunuch to silences, "What allies~!? I never said that we shall be partners in crime~! You all just assumed that~! We are allies of justice! We just simply doing our job~…"

"…What?" Chou-Jou managed before O-In snapped her fingers. In an instant, several White Clothes man appeared in the room. They were all chuckling evilly as they stared hungrily at the defenseless girls on the floor.

"Heh-Heh~! Is it not logical for a villain to be punish~?"

"…!?" Chou-Jou suddenly heard some of her comrades screamed in fear, accompany by sounds of ripping clothes.

"…Clean up when you are all done~!" O-In chimed as she began to leave the room, with some of the White Clothes descending on Chou-Jou.

"W-Wait! Wait! O-In!" Chou-Jou cried towards the retreating figure of O-In, as the men began ripping off her clothes, the sounds of whimpering and despair heard all around her, "What is the meaning of this!? You cannot do this to me! You cannot do this to me~~~~~! NO~~~!"

---

Thus one chapter of History came to a close. As it did, the sound of crying and pleading could be heard for five days coming from the palace. For the duration of those five days, the people of Chou-Ann slept in fear and dread as the scream continued almost nonstop. Once the five days were up, Chou-Jou and the rest of the Ten Eunuchs were never heard from again…

---

Chapter end!

Also, I have a VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! In the coming months, I will be very very busy with matters of my own personal life. As such, I will be unable to update any of my fanfics for at least three months! I will be back by May though, so until then I'm sorry for the inconvenience, my loyal readers. See you then~!