Sou Ma hasn't sent Tou his promised rewards." Ou Ki says.
Tell Tou he will get it when pays back Gaku'in from before. And you sure that we will be hidden from sight." Bai Zi says.
You're the one who said you were bored again so come watch this then you can get back to whatever you want." Ou Ki says.
Alright, what is the situation?" Bai Zi says seriously.
The Duke moved out properly but someone was watching and as soon as the army started heading in the general direction of their attack. The said person moved before the Duke could and attacked Koku Gou's castle and won, killing everyone but him and his family. Apparently he gave them hell." Ou Ki says.
Then Go Kie went back to the castle we were planning on attacking first and took the army ahead to meet them in battle so they could use the chariots, am I right?" Bai Zi asked.
Correct by the time we get there one of the army should be about to get into conflict with Wei's forces." Ou Ki says.
Since it's Duke Biao who is commanding I'm guessing that, Gaku Ga, Baku Koshin, Gaku Rai, and Hyou Kou as commanders Koku Gou would have been his Deputy and some other commanders. Who are the others and the enemies commanders." Bai Zi says while thinking. "We must be on alert for heavenly shenanigans."
Well Go Kei as Supreme Commander which you know, Kyuu Gen and Bai Gui Xi as deputies, some pair called the Hunters and a Ten Bow. The rest of ours that are note able are Heki of the royal faction, and Shou Kaku, his friend." Ou Ki says.
"The Dakan Plains have three major hills depending on who gets there first; it will be an initial deciding factor on which army will have an advantage in this part of the war." Bai Zi says.
Minutes later they arrived at the plains.
Well it looks like Wei has the advantage of the hills." Ou Ki says.
Go Kie's army is behind the other two armies the one directly in front of is Kyuu Gen's and behind him is Bai Gui Xi. The third army is about to fight with Kyuu Gen's army, Ton Kan go see where the Duke is positioned." Bai Zi says.
The man left immediately to find the man. Then they watched the third army attack the hill and proceed to get decimated for the next 30 minutes. Then they saw the fourth army and it's Calvary arrive.
My Lord, the Duke first army has entered battle at least half of the infantry has from what I could see they're Calvary is waiting behind with his main cavalry unit that is headquarters the other armies are waiting to be moved into battle position the second army is fighting not far from here between the two armies. The other armies have yet to arrive which means that we do not have the numerical advantage." Ton Kan said.
Well the third army is no more and it looks like the fourth army is about to attack as well." Tou says.
Who has command?" Ou Ki asked.
Baku Koshin and the two new commanders from the capital. Apparently that boy you told my lord about is in the army as well." Ton Kan says.
Oh there they go." Tou said.
Then they watched the infantry charge and said the said boy went ahead of the main charging force and opened a hole for the army to charge through. Then the Wei army got pushed back very far before they realized something that scared lesser men, the war chariots would be used next.
They are extremely screwed if they don't figure out how to deal with what's about to happen next." Bai Zi says incredulously.
They watched as the cavalry unit from way low key decimated the army but just as they were coming around they saw that the infantry had put up barriers made of bodies, shields and spears. The barriers ended up working and the boy got himself a horse and started absolutely wrecking shit.
What will the duke's next move be?" Bai Zi asked.
It depends on how long it takes him to realize the change or when he finally sees his fire but honestly who knows a fire might show up somewhere else as well." Ou Ki says.
Feels about right and you're right about the flame there are multiple areas where one could be started." Bai Zi says.
After a few minutes they saw a signal and saw the fourths army cavalry charge into the battle against a reinforcing army that came down the hill.
He's going to move multiple other cavalry units to force Go Kie's army to move. The flame is growing but it isn't the blaze he usually acts on." Bai Zi says.
Another a few minutes later they saw the first and second army cavalry's charge into the fight as well. Then they saw a cavalry and infantry units starting to go up the hill attacking each outpost on their way up but they were followed by infantry units from the Wei army that broke off from the fight to stop them. Then the units reached the top where they heard some screaming and realized both commanders of each army had been killed.
He's making his move, why don't we move to a different point as well let's go shall we." Ou Ki said.
Very well let's go have some fun." Bai Zi said.
On the battlefield
We are to immediately ascend that hill to secure it for ourselves! I repeat we are to immediately capture that hill and assume battle formation on it!" A commander from the headquarters yelled to all the other commanders.
What we already have our hands full fighting the enemy infantry here there's no way we will be able to reach the bottom of the hill in this situation, much less ascend it." Shou Kaku said. "What is it Heki you're facing in the wrong way? Oi Heki!"
Heki I was looking at the hill behind them and seeing two figures was shocked.
What is the meaning of this? What are they doing in a place like this? Generals Ou Ki and Bai Zi!" Heki thought.
On said hill
Not that I get a closer look, it's official his battles certainly are screwed as always? That Duke Biao. Kokoko." Ou Ki says.
Alright boys let's get ready to wreck some absolute shit." Bai Zi says.
Few minutes later
Oh boy that situation on the front line sure has become absurd. It can't be helped, Heki . We should join them. Otherwise we will be violating orders and all." Shou Kaku said.
Hold on a moment Shou Kaku!" Heki said.
Then Shou Kaku saw it.
The generals have appeared. Something is about to happen." Heki thought.
Are you done thinking of an excuse Ou Ki." Bai Zi said.
It seems the view from top that hill over there will be most splendid. Wouldn't you agree, Tou?" Ou Ki said.
Sirs, you are absolutely correct, my Lord. But Lord to participate in a battle without permission would be a crime. Unfortunately this is as far as we will be allowed to set foot." Tou said.
But no one said anything about joining the battle. All I want to do is simply climb atop that hill although I might have to eliminate some obstacles in my way." Ou Ki says.
As expected of my Lord what perfect reasoning." Tou said.
Then they proceeded to charge down the hill.
Is that cavalry!? Amazing they're running down that steep cliff exactly what unit are they." Shou Kaku said.
That is General Ou Ki and Bai Zi and their personal guards." Heki said.
Those two you say!? That impossible wasn't Ou Ki supposed to have retired many years ago. And Bai Zi, he's been inactive since his father died. It really is a General Ou Ki and Bai Zi so they have returned to dance up on the battlefield once again? The Monstrous Bird and Savage Lion of Qin!" Shou Kaku says.
Heki unit! Follow those allied cavalry and break through the enemy infantry!" Heki yelled.
The Shou Kaku unit! Let's go!" Shou Kaku says. "It goes without saying that the generals are strong but even the soldiers are. I heard the rumors but I didn't think their armies were this strong!"
No this is different across sorts with their soldiers when we were escaping before. however they did not have the same amount of ferocity as they do now. The difference is clear to me when we fought. Neither of them were really in the battle but right now. Just as Lord Shou Bun Kun told me when they personally lead their soldiers from the front they become an army of demigods." Heki thought.
On the top of the hill some guy had just cut the head of Kyuu Gen.
Baku Koshin sir we're going to descend from the hill on the opposite side of Gokei's army Will be forced to engage the enemy on the way please bear with it." A soldier said.
Don't be stupid leave me and go." Baku Koshin said.
We will not abandon you in a place where the enemy will arrive. Besides, if you are to die then please do it on our shoulders." The soldier said.
Lemme help carry.." Shin started before a head was strapped into his hands. This is that general's head."
That's right. This is the fruit of our Baku Koshin unit's labor. He must take it back to the Qin headquarters at all costs! Failure is not acceptable!" Another said.
Why me?
Those were Baku Koshin orders, we have no objection either!" The man said.
"Leave it to me! All right, let's get moving, everyone going down the hill is way easier than climbing up." Shin shouted.
Oh what is this? You're leaving already? Even though things were finally getting interesting." Ou Ki said as he arrived with Bai Zi.
What the hell are these guys? He doesn't seem to be an enemy judging from everyone's reactions. but neither does it feel like he's an ally I can't understand. Whether it's his strength or this fear, these guys their so damn huge I can't understand anything at all." Shin thought as looked at the two Generals.
What's this? would you perhaps be the youngster that Shou Bun Kun spoke of?" Bai Zi said.
Your old man Shou Bun Kun's comrade?" Shin said.
I'm not just saying? If anything… nfufufufu.. I'm his Lover." Ou Ki said shocking Shin. "That was a joke an Ou Ki joke. I see that would explain why you stick out like a sore thumb from even far away. However you're not exactly what we were expecting after hearing his words of praise. To be honest I am quite disappointed." Ou Ki says.
The hell did you say old man? are you saying I'm weak?" Shin said.
Correct." Bai Zi says.
Well then why don't you just train you giant queer!" Shin shouted.
Giant queer. This treasure blade of mine is cut in half every single person who has dared to turn their sword against me. Knowing this, do you still want to have a go?" Ou Ki said.
When I kill you'll be able to hit me with something as big as that I'm pretty damn fast." Shin shouted.
So you're saying you have greater initiative but did you know you've been standing on the brink of death for a while right now, hmm?" Ou Ki said.
Shin then realized that the glaive was next to his neck. He jumped away and began to charge again.
Hold it! Please forgive our footsoldier for his rudeness! General Ou Ki and Bai Zi!" Heki said.
By the way, Heki, did you hear anything about the General's joining this battle?" Shou Kaku said.
Not at all." Heki said while thinking. " chances are he didn't even receive permission. But that doesn't matter right now. Right now we have to use their power to our advantage!"
General Ou Ki, Bai Zi! Extremely grateful for your assistance! For you to have appeared before us in the situation as a gift from the heavens! As the ranking officer on this hill all of our soldiers here at your command. General Ou Ki please take command of our forces and lead us on a charge against Wei General Go Kei's troop! Not only will we have a train advantage from this hill but with you I personally leading us as well our victory is all but certain." Heki said.
I see you're as serious as usual Lieutenant Heki. Unfortunately however I did not come as reinforcements. I simply wish to climb this hill. Right, Tou?" Ou Ki says.
Yes sir! The scenery is most amazing!" Tou says.
Besides lieutenant Heki, just now you said that victory would be certain. But that would be underestimating General Go Kei far too much." Ouki says.
Below
Deploy the nine-fold spear wall!" Go Kei said.
On the hill
The Wei army they've changed their formation!" Gaku'in said.
Reform the men." Bai Zi says.
A Meticulous eye for subtle change, extremely cautious yet acts boldly when it is time to take action. Go Kei, a man Who is known as Shin Ryou Kun bastion of knowledge, naturally, his military knowledge is the greatest in Wei. Furthermore as shown at Gan castle, he is also a valorous general fully capable of leading from the vanguard. Great General Go Kei of Wei is undoubtably a most dangerous threat to all of the neighboring states of Wei." Ou Ki says.
Oh crap they don't only have numbers and their general's incredible too." Shin says.
The difference in numbers does not matter. From the beginning this was not a battle about the amount of soldiers." Bai Zi says. "Right Tou?"
Yes, sir! You are absolutely correct!" Tou said.
I believe that there are two types of generals. The first is like Go Kei the strategical type, while the others fight battles with intuition of a wild beast the instinctive type. Youngster Shin, will you make a bet with me? What strategy win? Or will instinct?." Ou Ki says.
Instinct?" Shin said.
Of course he is referring to the Qin's Commander in Chief, my mentor Duke Biao." Bai Zi says.
So you're asking me whether the enemy general or our general will win?" Shin said.
Correct." Ou Ki says.
Forget this Shin. Get back into formation. for now we should concentrate on how we can kill the Wei general right below us! Please stop with these jokes, General Ou Ki!" Heki said.
Like I said I will not be participating in this battle. I am shocked that you haven't asked my colleague what his intentions here are and that you would call it a joke though." Ou Ki says. "After all, the subject of strategy against instinct is an eternal theme amongst generals."
Everyone realized something very interesting: a cavalry unit appeared out of nowhere between the two hills.
Commander Heki! A cavalry unit! There is a Qin cavalry unit sprinting past below us."
What!" Heki yelled.
That's quite a few. There are 5000! Which unit is that!?" Some soldiers said.
Bai Zi smiled.
"Duke Biao."
It's the Duke!" Heki yelled.
Biao never changes, seems he's never satisfied unless he's right in the center of the great blaze at the end." Bai Zi says.
"Over the course of this long era of warfare, the size of armies has continuously increased year after year all the way till now where we are at war with hundreds of thousands of men. However as the armies have grown larger the talents of the generals have also become more and more crucial as to whether when is victorious or is defeated. Ultimately the war belongs to its generals." Ou Ki says.
Duke Biao approaches war in a unique way, while Go Kei perceives war as a board game of logic. By contrast the Dukes war is a great blazing fire, and now this great fire has reached the height of its strength, Duke Biao Will definitely not let this chance escape." Bai Zi says.
You do not comprehend? Go Kei cannot understand the Duke's war either. How at the same time, Duke Biao cannot see through Go Kei's intricate strategy. The battle has already progressed this far but we still cannot tell whose version of war is correct." Ou Ki says. "Which is right? Which is wrong? We will not know the answer until one of their heads goes flying. This is the battle between a 'knowledgeable general' and a 'ferocious general'."
Below the hill
Enemy unit sighted to our left! 5000 to 6000 men strong!" A messenger said.
Is it Duke Biao?" Go Kei said.
They've almost reached us!" The driver of his carriage said.
What a buffoon! Surprise attacks will not work against this Go Kei army!" Go Kei said.
Look at that! The Wei soldiers are changing formation again. So fast. This isn't good! They managed to finish switching formations before the Duke reached them!" The Qin soldiers said.
He's gonna hit them!" Shin screamed.
The cavalry broke right through the infantry, shocking everyone who wasn't expecting it.
"This must be quite a big shock for Go Kei. Duke Biao's strength is far above what Go Kei had anticipated. After all, the dukes fighting prowess is enough to give me a run for my money. Not to mention the soldiers of his army are slightly stronger than even my men." Ou Ki says. " he will easily be able to smash through one or two formations. However, even the duke won't be able to predict what Go Kei's next move will be."
Below
Get me Ma Ki and Shu Ki, tell them it's time to hunt." Go Kei says.
Yes sir!" A man said.
War belongs only to its generals, you say? Then what hell are we for? What did all our men die for? For what purpose did Baku Koshin die!?" Heki thought.
Heki you look like you want to get involved with the fight, you're not going to understand what we mean until you get more experience and lead more men. Prepare for battle. I do have the ability to get involved since the Duke said I could always be involved if he was in charge. Prepare your men. Drill formation." Bai Zi said.
Heki unit assault formations! We're going to assist Duke Biao! You're so most likely be the final engagement of this battle! Give it your all, men!"
Heki." Shin said.
Both Ou Ki and Bai Zi smiled.
CHARGE!" Bai Zi said.
"It seems that Lieutenant Heki has jumped to the wrong conclusion. Why has Duke Biao continued to send the soldiers out in reckless engagements up until now? It's precisely because of the changes wrought by those reckless engagements that Go Kei has decided to descend his hill where he held the terrain advantage to stand right before us. To Duke Biao, those seemingly pointless soldiers' deaths from earlier are actually honorable sacrifices for the sake of victory. However the one who ordered these sacrifices was none other than Duke Biao himself. In other words a war.." Ou Ki says.
Depends on its Generals." Shin finished.
"That's right." Ou Ki said.
Listen well, youngster Shin. Right now. Everything that has happened up until now, and everything that is still happening, all of it. Was brought about by those two men for the sake of achieving victory!" Ou Ki
Just two men are what caused this huge battle.." Shin says.
Indeed after all that is, what is known as a General.
At the bottom of the hill
We can't stop Duke Biao at all! He's easily blown right through our heavy infantry!" A soldier says..
Who is the killer rampaging bowl you cannot immediately aim for the head. First name is seal the source of its impetus the legs." Go Kei say.
Hill
The Wei formations changing again. Hmm. What is this. I thought they would strengthen the guard in front of the Duke instead they clear the area to the left and right of the Duke." Tou says.
Nfufufu Go Kei, it seems that your head will not be easily task. He's already seen through the gimmick of the Dukes destructive charging power. So that's why he decided to get involved." Ou Ki says.
With Duke Biao
Chariot unit approaching from our left." A Duke soldiers said.
The right as well. Here they come!" Another said.
They're not targeting Duke Biao but his soldiers?" Tou asks.
Nfufufu. Normally when a general does something bizarre as leading a charge himself, it's an evitable that the enemy will target him as the highest priority. Since obviously if they are able to slay him then they will have won the battle. However they will not be able to slay Duke Biao. To stand before Duke Biao is to stand before his entire army. It's to be assaulted by the entire army's fighting spirit. The spirit that has been worked up to the limit by the Duke leading the charge personally will concentrate into a single mass and overwhelm the enemy." Ou Ki says. " To be faced with this spirit the enemy soldiers become so terrified that they cannot even move. Of course the Dukes on fighting pause plays a part in this amazing charging power. A power that lets him easily smash his side enemies however the soldiers that follow behind in the wake of their general are the biggest factor in that strength. it would not be an exaggeration to say that the pressure released by those men is the best source of the duke's army strength."
I see and Go Kei has noticed this as well so he has split his troops to the sides instead of taking him head on." Tou says.
Indeed. he's planning on killing the troops behind the Duke." Ou Ki says.
Below
Grind them down." Go Kei says.
With Ou Ki
They're being chipped away." Tou says watch Go Kei plan work so far.
The reason for their high morale it's because they're determined to protect the duke. But once they become targeted themselves they can only rely on their ordinary strength. Duke Biao at this rate you will be left completely alone in a sea of Wei soldiers." Ou Ki thought.
With Heki
Now Commander Heki think of what we can do to help your Commander? What is your plan?" Bai Zi says.
I made sure to observe their army thoroughly from atop the hill. Even if it's General Go Kei main army with these numbers. There's bound to be a few flimsy units! We'll break through these weak units and make our way to Duke Biao!" Heki says.
Very good, take 100 men along with your units and lead the charge." Bai Zi says.
Yes, General Bai Zi." Heki moving forward.
After they had been moving through the weaker forces with relative ease. A stronger commander appeared in front of Heki, until Shin appeared and cut his head off.
Heki, this horse I borrowed from General Ouki, is freaking awesome. It's so fast I feel like I'm flying!" Shin says.
I see good marital might." Bai Zi says. "Gaku'in, Ton Kan move forward with 200 new men and send the First charge soldiers back, leave Heki where he is unless he doesn't want to."
Come with us Shin we're going to hit the left side of the enemies forces that are surrounding the Duke's army." Heki says.
With Ou Ki
It's become quite one sided." Tou says.
That's because to attacking from multiple fronts like this is the worst possible situation on a battlefield.." Ou Ki says.
With Go Kei
We have reduced the Dukes unit to half their numbers. There is only 3000 of them left. The fifth unit has just joined up with the left army with this our troops have become even more formidable." A messenger says.
Did you call for us, Go Kei sir?" A man says.
It won't be long before Duke Biao troops are annihilated leaving only the Duke himself. Bring me his head so that we may draw a curtain over this bottle. Shu Ki. Ma Ki." Go Kei says.
Easily done." The men said.
With Bai Zi
He was watching Shin and Heki's units tearing through the enemies units.
Ahead
We through." Shou Kaku said.
I don't even feel anything from these guys. The soldiers are even weaker than the other Wei General's the hill." Shin says.
That's because we're aiming specifically for the weak ones, if you get too cocky you'll be killed, Shin!" Heki says.
Look at that, Heki! It's Duke Biao troops!" Shou Kaku says.
On the hill
By the way my lord. Even though we only passed through here because we're on our way to a different errand is it ok if we just stay here without doing anything?" Tou says.
Standing here is enough. Because simply staying on top of this hill we are creating a huge diversion against the Wei army. Besides, don't you want to see for yourself? Even Bai Zi not getting too involved, he just lending his men and using his presence, we both want to strength of the emerging faction." Ou said.
Emerging faction?" Tou asked.
The kings personal faction led by Shou Bun Kun. A third new power in the state of kin in which until now only the Jie Shi and Lu Buie factions existed. Although the difference in strength compared to Lu's faction is like a child and an adult. It's essentially that Shou Bun Kun's faction grow in strength to support the king if he is to have true authority over Qin. And the one who stands at the top of the military in that faction is none other than Lieutenant Heki. If he does not begin to show his worth then there will not be a future for them, Bai Zi is having a stretch and testing the men from what I have seen." Ou Ki says.
Below
Cavalry unit has been sighted ! A cavalry unit separate from the Duke troops has appeared! Its number is about 600. It appears that they're about to engage the right army." Messenger says.
All right, let's go help the Duke Biao army right now." Shin says.
Wait Shin, that won't be necessary!" Heki says.
The new cavalry unit isn't attacking; they're running alongside her right army." The messenger says.
What why, Heki. Where the heck aren't we attacking? I thought we came to assist them?" Shin says.
With our troops numbers even if we fight then we just lose unless the general takes the front which I don't think he's going to do that yet. If anything we can help the Duke soldiers just by running alongside them like this providing a psychological effect." Heki says.
Psychological affect?" Shin asks.
This is the pincer attack when you are attacked by enemies on two sides like this it causes you to feel pressure and lowers your morale. This is why the Duke's men are struggling. But now we're here and the situation has changed so that our unit and the Dukes are sandwiching One of the enemy armies as well. Although our numbers are only a few their army should feel at least somewhat pressured due to being pincered like this. if that is the case then this sort of indirect assistance should be plenty." Heki says.
The Left!" Duke Biao says.
Yes sir. Smash the Wei soldiers to our left" A commander says.
Drivers, Wheels. Don't send too many at once. I'm taking 200 with me, my role isn't here" Bai Zi says
Yes sir." Gaku'in says.
This causes the Wei left army to absolutely crumble.
The Duke's soldiers have switched to attacking? Any chance some of the generals' further back forces are harassing the army as well."
The Duke's unit is about to reach our final defense line! The gathering momentum again, this is bad!" The messenger calls.
Shu Ki and Ma Ki are slain the same way as the manga.
Shu Ki and Ma Ki have been slain. The Duke has engaged their armies he's coming. The Duke is coming, all troops prepare for combat. General, the leader of the second charge is a simple commander but behind him is Bai Zi flags he doesn't seem to have gotten very involved." The messenger says.
Enough get a grip on yourselves! Our soldiers outnumber the Duke and Bai forces by more than twice the amount. Not to mention with Go Kei leading us we will have access to no less than 100 different tactics. Go Kei sama your orders please. If I may offer a suggestion I do not believe it is necessary to face the Duke here when it's only due to luck and momentum that he was able to make it this far. We should simply retreat back to the hill and regroup our forces then we can carefully exterminate the Qin army." A commander says.
The Go Kei laughed shocking everyone.
This is exactly why I can't ever quit the business. The Business of War!" Go Kei says.
As the Dukes forces blow through the final on a defense they are met with nothing except the enemy general Go Kei waiting for them.
Beginning with the massacre at Gan Castle the blood that has been spilled by both our armies Go Kei. Finally we meet face to face." The Duke says
The duel between the Duke and the General remains the same if you want to see it go read the chapters it amazes.
Bai Gui Xi had moved forward to aid with the battle but.
It's been quite a long time since I saw something as entertaining as today. To drag this battle out any further would be fairly pointless now that the climax has passed. Or perhaps you have the confidence to hold an even more exciting duel with this Ou Ki than the one just now. Maybe, perhaps you would like to deal with my associate when he gets here and trust me he's heading in this direction." Ou Ki says as Bai Zi appears next to him.
Ou Ki the Monstrous Bird of Qin. Bai Zi the Savage Lion of Qin." Bai Gui Xi thinks Shocked.
The Wei army retreats.
Later
It's been a while, Duke Biao." Ou Ki says.
Oh if it isn't Ou Ki. Yes, all thanks to you glaring down at us from the top of that hill . You were a great help. Ah and my former Lieutenant, I see you have gotten better with your instincts." Duke Biao says.
Thank you Duke." Bai Zi says humbly.
Oh no not at all. I just happened to be passing through the area and decided to stay and watch. By the way, Duke. What are you planning to do now?" Ou Ki says.
There is no task more difficult than attempting to immediately reignite at fire that has been extinguished. Send word to all troops! We're going home!" Biao says.
Ou Ki, Bai Zi come with us to Asui. Let's have a few drinks together and I can send back Bai to the capital so I don't have to deal with those snakes." The Duke says.
Unfortunately I have some other business to attend to. So if you'll excuse me.." Ou Ki tries.
Ou Ki. Let's Drink." Biao says.