Intro: welp 19 chapters added in 2 months, that's nice… before I continue on my daily normal life atleast there will be a good read and somehow a cliff hanger since I won't be able to write again as normal you will have to wait longer again hahaha…
Disclaimer: I do not own Touken Ranbu and Cardfight! Vanguard and other material which came from the said Game/Anime, they are owned by its original creators. The making of this story and this story is made for the fans and the writer XD. Although the plot and some changes in the story are from me ^_^.
Chapter 48: Siege of Osaka
"Let me guess you are still a burden to hi-" Ren gasped and stopped on his words as Aichi heard footsteps from behind him.
"On the contrary in another area we are the burden." A voice from behind said but Aichi instantly recognizes the owner of the voice.
Instantly looking behind him "Miwa-kun, Misaki-san, Kamui-kun, and Kai-kun!" who came to the rescue and the owner of the voice is Kai and Aichi couldn't feel any better as he felt relief seeing them.
"I don't see him being someone superior." Ren shrugged belittling Aichi.
Miwa snickered at his comment "That is because you don't know anything." Kai retorted back.
Ren frowns "Alright then, I just hope that he can live up to your expectation though." Aichi frowns as it is true that he can't still match them.
"That is precisely why I said you don't know anything." Kai's tone became different as they all understood that part, in contrast with his ice cold tone this one is warmer than normal.
Ren frowns and so does Asaka at this point "I don't even see anyone in your group getting stronger." This time it was Asaka who fought back with words as she is looking at Misaki.
"I can't believe I hear someone barking." Misaki squinted her eyes as Miwa could seriously see lighting flashes between the two.
"I don't think we should waste any more time here." Kai closed his eyes as he started walking.
Noticing that there is no more to say and hear Kamui and Miwa pushed Aichi from behind to leave the area as Misaki started walking too.
"I hope you can show me if you do make it in the tournament next time." Ren tries his best to get onto Aichi and it is somewhat working.
"Then prepare to lose." Is Kai's last statement as Aichi's heart fluttered at his words as Misaki, Kamui and even Miwa agreed that next time it will be their comeback.
~At the Citadel~
"Oh my…" Mikazuki spoke as he felt the mixed emotions from Aichi.
~Back at Aichi and the others~
"I thought you were coming back on Monday?" Aichi asked while walking back towards the citadel.
"Well you see… I think we would be able to relax much better in the citadel than at home." Scratching his cheeks Miwa started.
"I just thought that it would be nice to come back earlier." Kamui.
"Shin-san said that he would finally have someone with him to help with the shop…" Misaki paused as she looked away before she sees the eyes of shock from them.
Lastly there is Kai, but they didn't dare ask Kai as they would know they will get no answer, but the truth is even funnier if they could have just known, but there is now way he could say something that embarrassing, he mused to himself.
They continued on having small talks as they walk the path back to the citadel.
~Mina and Yasusada~
As the two went out on their way to the film shop Mina tries her best as possible not to show him that something is amiss from her usual demeanor. Although she did try she just can't.
"Oh Mina-nee look at that!" Yasusada pointed out at the store with traditional pastries.
Mina blushed as Yasusada held her hand and pulled her towards the shop to see various pastries such as dango, mochi, dorayaki and so on as far as the eye can see.
Mina smiled as she noticed that he also likes them "They are the same after all…" she thought to herself, thinking back it felt very nostalgic and sad at the same time.
"They all look so delicious." Yasusada gawks at the food in front of him.
Mina chuckled "Is there anything that you like?"
Yasusada shook his head in affirmation as he pointed out on the colorful dangos.
Smiling at the ball of sunshine in front of her, Mina proceeded into buying Dango for the both of them.
As she gave the other to Yasusada she can imagine him as if giving a treat to a puppy, adding to the fact that his ponytail looks like a Pomeranian for her she imagines him into one Pomeranian a cute fluppy one, fluppy for fluffy plus puppy.
As the two continued on and ate they were now nearing the shop Mina smiles as she watches that Yasusada enjoys their little trip.
"That shop's dango were good." Yasusada started up a conversation as Mina almost jumped from nervousness and surprise.
"Y-yeah, it is worth to recommend." Mina nervously smiled trying her hardest to compose herself.
"I should recommend it to Aichi-sama, I'm sure he would like it too." Yasusada beams at the thought as Mina's smile gradually turns into a frown.
"Yeah…" Mina "Are they different after all?" She thought as she contradicts her earlier statement.
~Monday -Noon-~
Konnosuke ran hastily in the halls as he tries to reach the training hall.
"Aichi!" Konnosuke lunged out as the others were caught off guard by the sudden call.
"What is the matter Konnosuke?" Jumping towards Aichi he successfully caught the panicking Konnosuke.
The toudans in the area and the guardian all listen close to their conversation.
"This is bad! This is what Kon-san was talking about, a large number of enemies has manifested at Osaka, the new location!" Konnosuke informs Aichi and Mina.
"Copy, alright Aichi compose a team for this mission call out everybody to inform them." Mina instructs as Aichi nods in affirmation.
All the toudans bell chimed and glowed as Aichi starts his announcement "Everyone gather here at the training hall at once." With his current skill he can either make others hear his voice as he communicate with the target or communicate only through their thoughts.
Since most of the toudans are gathered at the training hall either training themselves or training the others Aichi decided to call them out at this area.
A few moments later when everyone has gathered.
"Alright everyone, it appears that what Kon-san has warned us about has come." All the toudans prepares themselves as Aichi continues on "The Historical Revisionists has started to act again and with it a large number of enemies as they resurfaced again. According to Konnosuke a large number of History Retrograding Force are making a move at the area and timeline of the Siege of Osaka"
Yagen, Midare, Gokotai, and Hakata look a little bit displeased at hearing the area they will be dispatch if ever they get chose.
"I have already decided on which Touken Danshi will accompany me to the area with Konnosuke." The toudans prepare as Aichi scanned through them.
Mina and Konnosuke thought of the same while watching and that is Aichi is slowly growing.
"As always I will call on the captain last. Tantou- Yagen Toushiro, Wakizashi- Horikawa Kunihiro, Tachi- Tsurumaru Kuninaga and Mikazuki Munechika, Ootachi- Taroutachi." Everyone waits for the last call. "Uchigatana" The Uchigatanas wait "Kashuu Kiyomitsu"
Kiyomitsu grins at the call of his name.
"Prepare within 30 minutes and assemble at the center, we will be dispatching at Tokugawa Period year 1614 at the Siege of Osaka!" Aichi
"Yes!" the six toudans roared.
~At the Center~
"This will be the first time I will be dispatched at the front lines." Taroutachi spoke to the others.
"And at the most crucial one too." Tsurumaru spoke.
"I'm sure Aichi-sama knows that you will be essential to this mission." Horikawa encouraged him.
"With this kind of line-up I don't doubt it." With that Yagen joined in as they all stare at Mikazuki.
"Is something the matter?" Mikazuki has his usual carefree smile as he felt the stares from the others.
The other toudans stares at him too as they know what he is capable of even the guardians.
"Everyone is here early as always." Aichi said as he entered the area.
Everyone were in awe at what Aichi is wearing as he entered, he is wearing a blue yukata with cloud patterns and gray hakama with white cape with sakura petals underneath with red linings.
Waking them back to their senses "Alright this mission is a guaranteed boss battle so be prepared, also this mission is a guaranteed large number of enemies at every nodes." Konnosuke said as he jumps to Aichi's shoulder while Aichi walks toward the six.
Aichi "Are you all ready?"
"Yes!" Although they were ready, hearing that this is a dangerous mission they must prepare themselves for the worst.
"Don't worry Aichi-sama, we will protect you." Kiyomitsu said moving forward next to him to ease him a little.
"Although it is unfortunate that we couldn't come to aid in this battle, rest assured that we will pray for everyone's safe return." Hasebe started though surprisingly he wasn't throwing a fit, maybe he understood the situation or he is just restraining himself, nonetheless they agree with him.
"If ever something bad happens, retreat." Mina said "Your safety is your top priority, not the mission, we could just get back and gather a different line up to battle while the others are healing, do you understand?" Mina added.
As Aichi nodded he released a number of talisman to take them to their destination as the ones left behind prayed for the success of the mission.
~Siege of Osaka~
As they were successfully transported to the area Mikazuki moves forward to Aichi.
"Aichi-sama…" Mikazuki called his attention.
Aichi noticing that his smile has faded Mikazuki proceeded to speak "Somehow upon being transported here I find that this mission will not let anyone of us leave unscathed, even you, so I hope you are prepared for the worst of also getting injured."
"Oi, what are you saying Mikazuki!" Kiyomitsu wasn't very pleased with it, but Aichi shook his head to tell him that it is alright.
Aichi lips formed into a smile but his eyes weren't smiling "From the start I understand that I would have to experience something like that again, since this is a battlefield." This time he smiled with determination in his eyes which surprised them "Sooner or later I will need to understand and accept what I am doing and what I am thrown at. I know this is something that is inevitable but I trust that everyone won't leave me hence I would do the same."
He takes a short glanced at everyone "Let's get back home without medium injury at most!"
"Yes!" Somehow with this they were geared up as if blood was rushing into them.
~First Node~
"Hmmm…" Kiyomitsu scouts the area while the others help him "There I found them, they are coming from the hills." He points out.
While waiting for the enemies to come they hid their presence from the enemies they hid behind bushes and trees to ambush them as they know that their number are twice as large as normal.
As the enemies set foot in the area Aichi readies his talisman formed arrow as he aims above as he angles it towards the enemies. The talismans he used were filled with three elements earth, ice and fire, when Aichi released the arrow it rained down with fire and ice piercing most of the enemies while the earth elements either hits the ground and sprouted plants or hits the enemies and sprouted plants that bound the enemies.
"Alright, let's get this party started!" Kiyomitsu said as the six charged forward.
The first ones they took down were the ones burning, stricken with the ice and those bound by the plants minimizing the amount of enemies to even a half.
"We reduced their numbers, that was surprising Aichi-sama!" Tsurumaru commended as he strikes the remaining bound enemies.
"There are a few things I learned too!" Holding out five talismans in his hands the six toudans readies themselves where it would land.
Aichi successfully attached four talismans unfortunately for the other one an enemy Uchigatana was able to slash it to half but since it still touched the sword all the five enemies were struck with blue lightning.
All of them gaped at what Aichi is capable of right now "Alright everyone, focus on the enemies!" Nodding to his command they continued to strike at the immobile enemies though the one that sliced the lightning talisman was still able to move and deflect their attacks.
"I think I need to make the output more powerful." Aichi said as he noticed that it didn't effect that one that much.
"I think that one is the captain" Kiyomitsu said as he runs toward the enemy that was able to withstand the lightning.
"With Aichi-sama's additional support and his archery, things really do get easier!" Horikawa said as he jumps behind a striking enemy and slash it behind.
"Aichi-sama has come a long way, let's not lose face in front of him!" Yagen said as he deflects an enemy and strikes back.
Three enemies are coming near Aichi "Aichi incoming!" Konnosuke warned.
"You shall not come near!" thankfully Taroutachi did not leave his side and successfully strikes the three incoming enemies in one swipe.
"Aichi-sama do not waste too much talismans." Mikazuki said pointing out not to waste energy as they were not at the boss fight yet.
"It's alright no worries, Thank you Taroutachi!" Aichi said as he readies his bow and arrow to help the others.
After the battle they were able to continue on to the next location with no injuries.
~Next Node~
"Weird, they have just the normal amount of enemies." Kiyomitsu said as he checks once again at the area.
"Maybe they thought that they would be able to subdue us in the first location so they just had minimum defense here." Horikawa speculated.
"That could possibly be another reason but what if they had intel that we have subdued the first node enemies and decided for them to retreat" Taroutachi pointed out.
"I think I get it, it's so that they would have more forces on the last node." Yagen maximized that it could be a possibility.
"But how do they get the intel for that though." Tsurumaru doubted the idea.
"Maybe when we get to the last node we could find out." Kiyomitsu said "I think I know why there are few." He throws the scope to Yagen.
"Their aura is the violet hue, I get it, they may be little in number but they are the same amount of strength as the first one." Yagen smiled.
"I don't doubt Taroutachi's idea though." Konnosuke said interrupting them.
"So they do have a means of communication?" Tsurumaru was surprised.
"Of course, they wouldn't be able to fight that way if they don't, I'm sure they get commands somewhere also." Konnosuke added.
"That is possible especially that the stronger enemies the more intelligent they are." Horikawa pointed out as he added "Remember the enemy Captain Uchigatana? Where it was able to know that Aichi-sama's talismans were a threat" they all pondered for a while.
"I guess we should be careful then." Taroutachi said that ended their conversation.
"So, let's get going then?" Kiyomitsu smiles as they ready their swords and then initiates for the attack with Aichi's approval.
~2nd to the last node~
Once again they were fortunate in successfully finishing it without injuries.
"Somehow I get the feeling that we are not going to be lucky this time." Tsurumaru shrugged.
"I agree, this two consecutive success without mishaps." Taroutachi said as they wait for Kiyomitsu with the scouting.
"Kashuu-san?" Horikawa noticed a sweating Kiyomitsu.
"The enemies are twice the number as before and they all have purple aura's…" Kiyomitsu smiles.
"I guess we really are nearing the end of this mission." Yagen said.
Mikazuki and Aichi looked at each other, somehow both of them without needing to read the others feelings, they understood that this next battle won't be the same as the other two earlier.
"Is everyone ready?" Aichi moved forward as he readies his talisman imbued arrow but this time there is three of them.
"I haven't learned a simultaneous releasing arrows." He started as they all silently listened "So first I'm going to release the lightning, after a little while the ice and after that the plant." He prepares the first one as the six toudans noticed and felt the power of the blue lightning surrounding the arrow Aichi is holding, although they knew their master nor they wouldn't be harmed by it, they know that once released, it won't know who the enemy or the ally is "As I release the first one be ready to attack, after a while I will get the second ready, and then the third so be prepared for my command through the bell for a heads up to deflect any raining down arrows from mine." They knew that much that Aichi doesn't have that much control over it yet.
"Why did you made them separate though?" Horikawa curiously asked.
"It is so I could concentrate and maximize the power in one shot, since I don't think I have that much confidence yet to create them powerful enough if mixed elements unlike if they are composed in just to one, also I can make more of the same element with this." Aichi smiles but his eyebrows were in a frown.
"You really did come a long way." Yagen smiled back.
"I'm surprised that you have now a lot of tricks up your sleeve, that's impressive as always Aichi-sama!" Tsurumaru commended.
"Always showing us new things, in no time I think we would be invincible." Kiyomitsu said as the others agree with him.
"Don't be too conceited though." Mikazuki said as he moves near Aichi as Kiyomitsu glared at Mikazuki while the others agreed that they should not be too arrogant.
"Will you be alright by yourself here?" Mikazuki asked Aichi understanding his plan which they all got alarmed.
"With everyone helping out there I'm sure we could finish this faster as I support from behind." Aichi said with it the five readies themselves but it couldn't be the same with Kiyomitsu.
Aichi shots his first arrow as it rained down fast because of its element and paralyzed those that successfully hits the enemy "Go!"
The toudans jump out of their hiding place as they charged at the enemies.
Horikawa and Yagen were the first to spring out "They are tougher than before!" Yagen slashes an enemy but it wasn't the same from those ones with green hue that he can slice easily.
"I can't take out their arm!" Horikawa said as he sometimes aim for them to immobilize them.
"Oi, Kashuu!" Tsurumaru said as he successfully pierced an enemy who was aiming for Kiyomitsu.
"Hey, focus!" Yagen scolded at Kiyomitsu who looked back as he deflected an enemy attack but it was able to throw him clicking his tongue Mikazuki helps him.
Annoyed he pierced through the body of his attacker and tries his best to slash it with force but the sword won't move much as Kiyomitsu struggles, thankfully Tsurumaru was still in the area and hits Kiyomitsu's sword that is piercing the enemy and helped him with additional force as they successfully defeated it.
"Thanks…" Kiyomitsu thanks as he got himself back and continues to attack.
Although they were successfully hitting and defeating the enemy, it was taking a while than before because of the number and toughness of the enemy.
"That's a surprise they are indeed tougher than before." Tsurumaru said as an incoming enemy from the bushes showed up.
Without moment's notice it successfully strikes Tsurumaru's shoulder "Oh, you were over there?" Tsurumaru said as he fall back. The bell on his wrists rang once indicating he has an injury.
"Tsurumaru!" Aichi and Konnosuke shouted.
"Don't look!" Tsurumaru said as he tries to hide his shoulders from him as it bled.
"Tsurumaru!" The others called out to him.
"I will be fine be careful some are still hiding he shouted!" Tsurumaru said as his beautiful white cape and yukata drenches in blood "Kh!"
"Wait, if it means there are some in the bushes…" Horikawa started.
"Then does that mean that this is not the real number of the enemy!?" Yagen added as he and Taroutachi teams up this time to eliminate an enemy as they wait for other enemy that will come out while defending themselves.
As Yagen was just about to land on his feet an enemy Tachi swooshes from the bushes as it slashed forward to Yagen although he was able to deflect it but he flew to the tree with a huge impact "Che…" Yagen's bell rang once as he struggles to stand up.
"Yagen!" Aichi shouted as he readies his next wave of attack.
"I'm fine!" Yagen tries to ease Aichi and focus.
Aichi communicates through the bell as he noticed another wave of enemies were coming it was his time to give support again "Get ready for my next wave!" He warned the toudans as he released an icicle arrow which is made from the talisman.
As it rain downwards they either deflect it with swords or dodge the icicles successfully decreasing the number again by eliminating the impaled enemies.
"Guessing from how they just added a reinforcement, they do have intel." Taroutachi's unsettlement from before has him thinking that it really might be possible.
"Ahahahah…"
A voice resounds the whole area as a gust of wind blew surprising them that the enemies stopped moving.
"Who's there?!" Kiyomitsu shouted.
"I don't think it is time to show myself, but maybe if you successfully defeat us in the last node, I might give a hint…"
"Why not tell us now! You will be defeated in the end!" Kiyomitsu retorted.
"Nah, its fine watching for now I don't think it will be fun anymore if I gave out myself that fast, though I will commend you for learning that they are also intelligent creatures, but the obedient type that is." The voice laughed in a sinister way "that's all, so… Good luck…" The voice laughed continuously as the wind slowly blows away the laughter with it.
"Hey! Come back!" Kiyomitsu shouts as the enemies now continues on to attacking.
"I hope this will be their last wave." Horikawa said as Kiyomitsu and he initiates a double attack on an enemy.
"This is getting troublesome, we will get fatigued before we could even go to the last location." Taroutachi said as he used his sword to deflect an attack.
"The numbers increased because of their reinforcements." Horikawa said as an enemy strikes from behind but then as he dodges as enemy was able to slash on his thigh as his bell rang this time.
"Horikawa!" Aichi shouted as he readies his next support in panic.
"They really know where to strike…" Tsurumaru said as he helps by deflecting attack for Horikawa while he collect himself.
"I noticed that even Mikazuki-san is having a hard time." Horikawa said as he noticed blood coming out of it his injury and because of the color of the pants it will be harder to move and hid it from Aichi's view.
Tsurumaru and Horikawa tries their hardest to hide their blood stained clothes, somehow Tsurumaru, Yagen and Horikawa noticed that Mikazuki has not been talking for a while and thought that something is amiss.
As Aichi readies to release the next talisman he heard a rustling from the bushes as he reaches for a talisman and then like a flash of light something hits the barrier he hurried to make with force sending him flying and hitting onto a tree "Aichi-sama!"
Outro: I'm getting through the climax of the story! OH YEAH! Good luck to me in my normal days again, I will miss the days were I am only at house and just doing what not T_T
I'm very sorry for my lack of vocabulary and wrong grammars and wrong spellings, but I hope you like the story nonetheless, and thank you for everyone's continuous support!
Thank you for reading! Please review or pm for any suggestions or problems on the story.