Kunzite found herself preparing for what's worst. She didn't expect this day would come. Well she should, considering Senkuu's arrival made the balance of their village change into something more… Intense.

Days passed since Kunzite had first approached Senkuu in his makeshift lab. She found herself drawn more and more to his experiments, fascinated by the practical applications of science in their primitive world after he cured Ruri's illness. In addition that Senkuu is the 100th Tale passed through their village's tradition, Kunzite appreciated Senkuu's knowledge more, although his sense of motivation sometimes confuses her into thinking what exactly his goal through all of this.

Not until these peaceful moments shattered by the strange man announcing the arrival of Senkuu's enemy, Tsukasa.

"They're coming. Tsukasa and the others."

"But the ones that are really dangerous are Tsukasa, and a man called Hyouga who was recently awakened," The man informed, "If either of them are on their way—…"

"… Honestly, our only option is to run. Every one of us."

As Kunzite meticulously prepared medicinal herbs in the quiet of Senkuu's makeshift laboratory, her mind swirled with concerns and uncertainties. The revelation by Gen about Tsukasa and Hyouga's imminent approach had cast a shadow over the village's newfound peace. Despite the festive atmosphere of the banquet celebrating Ruri's recovery, Kunzite couldn't shake the weight of impending conflict.

She glanced over at the children playing joyfully, their laughter echoing through the village square. They were blissfully unaware of the danger lurking on near them. Should she inform Senkuu that it is much better to tell everyone what is going to happen? A war? But it might just result in more conflict and chaos.

Lost in her thoughts, Kunzite didn't notice Senkuu's approach until he placed a reassuringly cold palm on her shoulder. Startled, she turned to find his steady gaze fixed on her, his expression a mix of determination and concern.

"Kunzite," Senkuu began, his voice a calm amidst the storm brewing within her. "I heard what Gen said."

Kunzite nodded slowly, her eyes flickering with a blend of apprehension and resolve. "Tsukasa and Hyouga. I don't know them, but they sound strong."

Senkuu's grip on her shoulder tightened ever so slightly. "I knew they are," he acknowledged, his tone resolute. "But we won't run. Running means abandoning everything we've fought so hard to build, so calm down for me, I've been watching you preparing with furrowed eyebrows."

Kunzite met Senkuu's unwavering gaze, her doubts momentarily stilled by his conviction. She understood his stance, rooted in a belief that their village's principles of science and progress must prevail against the brute strength.

"But the village," Kunzite hesitated. "They don't know what's coming. Shouldn't we prepare them?"

Senkuu paused and nodded thoughtfully, releasing her shoulder and pacing a few steps away. "Yes. They deserve to know the truth," he agreed, his mind already racing through strategies. "We'll gather everyone after the banquet. We'll tell them about what is going to happen, and we'll prepare for their arrival."

Relief washed over Kunzite as she watched Senkuu take charge with his characteristic determination. She admired his ability to lead with clarity and purpose, even in the face of problems.

As the evening wore on, Senkuu addressed the villagers gathered in the square, his voice steady and unwavering. He spoke of Tsukasa's ideals and the threat posed by his return. The atmosphere shifted from celebration to apprehension as the situation sank in.

Kunzite stood beside Senkuu, her presence a silent support as he outlined their defensive strategies and rallied the villagers to action. She watched as faces turned from confusion to determination, each person finding strength in Senkuu's words and the solidarity of their community.

"We'll divide into groups," Senkuu continued, his voice projecting clearly across the square. "Those who are skilled in combat will form our defense perimeter. Kinrou, Ginrou," he nodded to the brothers who stood among the crowd, their stoic expressions reflecting their readiness, "I need you to lead the men. Protect the children and the elderly first."

Kinrou stepped forward, his broad shoulders squared with determination. "Understood, Senkuu," Kinrou replied, his voice unwavering as he exchanged a meaningful glance with his worried brother.

Ginrou, usually more shaken, nodded. "We won't let anyone through," he vowed, his eyes flashing with fear and hidden resolve.

Senkuu nodded in approval, acknowledging their commitment. "Good. Kohaku, you'll lead a scouting party to keep an eye on their movements. Keep us informed of any changes."

Kohaku stepped forward, her expression fierce yet focused. "You can count on me, Senkuu," she affirmed, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade.

Turning his attention to another group of villagers, Senkuu continued, "Those with knowledge of medicine and herbs, gather your supplies. We need to be prepared for injuries and illness." His gaze lingered on Kunzite, silently conveying his trust in her expertise.

Kunzite nodded in acknowledgment, her mind already racing with plans to ensure they had enough medicinal supplies stocked and ready.

As Senkuu distributed tasks and responsibilities, the villagers responded with a sense of purpose, each person finding their place in the preparations. Some began reinforcing the village's defenses with makeshift barriers and fortifications, while others organized provisions and essential supplies.

Throughout it all, Senkuu moved among the villagers with an air of calm determination, offering guidance and encouragement where needed. His leadership inspired confidence, galvanizing the villagers to work together as a unified force against the impending threat.

Once the initial instructions were given, Senkuu gathered a smaller group of trusted individuals, including Kohaku, Kinrou, Ginrou, even Magma under Kohaku's binds, for a final strategy meeting near the river.

Ginrou approached the group, eyeing Magma warily. "Why is Magma here? I thought he was our enemy."

Senkuu looked up from his work, calm and composed. "Magma has skills we need. His strength can be useful for our plans."

Magma growled, struggling against his ropes. "I'm not here to be your tool, Senkuu!"

Before he could do more, Kohaku stepped in, tightening the ropes and making him wince. "Behave yourself, Magma. You're only here because Senkuu believes you can help."

Magma grumbled but fell silent, glaring at her.

Ginrou looked confused. "But how can we trust him?"

Senkuu nodded. "Trust is earned, Ginrou. Magma has agreed to help under Kohaku's orders, and that's enough for now. Kohaku will keep him in line."

Kohaku nodded firmly. "Exactly. Any trouble, and he won't get another chance."

Magma scowled but nodded. "Fine. I'll play along. But I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart."

"Of course not. We all have our reasons. Just stick to the plan." Senkuu looked behind him, signaling Gen to talk.

Gen, hidden among the bushes, stepped forward, his expression grinning yet composed. "Hyouga is no ordinary," he began, his voice low. "He's not just strong; he's cunning. Hyouga's skills as a tracker and his ruthless tactics make him a difficult opponent."

Kohaku frowned, her hand instinctively drifting to the hilt of her blade. "How do we counter someone like him?"

"We play to our strengths," Senkuu answered, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group. "And we exploit their assumptions."

Magma shifted uncomfortably, glaring at Kohaku but stood firm. "What's the plan?" he interjected, his voice gruff yet hell-bent.

Senkuu turned to Magma, a calculating gleam in his eyes. "We use your skills to our advantage," he explained, his voice measured. "We'll make them think we have guns."

Magma furrowed his brow. "Guns? What are guns?"

Senkuu's face lit up with enthusiasm as he began his explanation. "A gun is a weapon that uses the force of an explosive propellant to launch a projectile at high speeds. Picture this: you have a long tube called the barrel. Inside this barrel, you place a small, metal object called a bullet."

He picked up a stick and started sketching on the ground. "Behind the bullet, you put gunpowder or another explosive material. When you ignite the gunpowder, it creates a rapid expansion of gases. This explosion generates a huge amount of pressure in a very short time. The pressure forces the bullet down the barrel and out the other end at incredible speeds."

Kinrou, Ginrou, Kohaku, and Magma all stared at him, their expressions blank and uncomprehending.

Senkuu continued, undeterred. "The barrel has spiral grooves inside, called rifling, which spin the bullet and stabilize it for better accuracy. When you pull the trigger, it releases a hammer or firing pin that strikes a primer, igniting the gunpowder and propelling the bullet."

They continued to stare, nodding slowly but clearly not fully grasping the concept.

Gen, who had been listening intently, stepped forward with a knowing smile. "Alright, everyone, let me simplify this."

He turned to the group, gesturing with his hands for emphasis. "Imagine a bamboo tube. You put a small rock inside it. At the back of the tube, you have some kind of explosive powder, it's like a super-strong version of the stuff we use to start fires. When it burns, it makes a big boom and a lot of pressure very quickly. So in guns, when you light the powder, it creates a big Bang! and the rock shoots out of the tube really fast."

Kinrou, Ginrou, Kohaku, and Magma's eyes lit up with understanding.

"Oh, so it's like using a slingshot, but with an explosion to make it faster!" Ginrou exclaimed.

Gen nodded. "Exactly! And the reason we want them to think we have these 'guns' is because they'll be scared of the big bang and the fast-moving rock. It's a way to use science to our advantage without actually having the real thing."

Magma grinned, finally grasping the idea. "Got it. We make them think we have these explosive slingshots."

Senkuu smirked, satisfied with the outcome. "Precisely. And with that fear, we gain the upper hand. Just a simple bang will make them back down. After all, guns are way more efficient than spears that we currently have," he added. "I will ready the gun, you Magma, your strength is unmatched, only behind of Kohaku's and par with Kinrou. I want you to use your strength with this plan."

As dawn broke over Ishigami Village, tension thickened the air like the morning mist. The villagers, standing in a practiced formation, braced themselves for the impending clash with Hyouga's forces. Senkuu's meticulous preparations were about to be put to the ultimate test.

From her vantage point atop a rocky outcrop, Kohaku scanned the forested path leading to the village. Her keen eyes caught the first signs of movement—a rustling of leaves, followed by the low murmur of approaching footsteps. She signaled silently to the village below, her movements precise and deliberate.

In the heart of Ishigami Village, Senkuu stood alongside Kinrou, Ginrou, and Magma, their expressions set with resolve. "Stay sharp," Senkuu reminded them quietly, his voice carrying the weight of their strategy. "We need to make them believe we're armed."

Kinrou nodded firmly, his grip tightening on his spear. "Leave it to us," he affirmed, steeling himself for the confrontation ahead.

Magma, positioned nearby with a pile of makeshift projectiles, clenched his fists in determination. "I'll make sure they think twice," he vowed, readying his strength.

Meanwhile, Chrome and Kunzite moved swiftly among the villagers, guiding them into secure locations and preparing those capable of assisting in the defense. Chrome's infectious enthusiasm and Kunzite's reassuring presence bolstered the villagers' spirits, ensuring they were as prepared as possible for what was to come.

Hyouga's group emerged from the trees, their numbers daunting but their resolve clear. Hyouga, with his calculating gaze and masked appearance, led the charge with a determination to crush their resistance.

The battle erupted with a fierce intensity. Kinrou engaged Hyouga in a flurry of spear strikes and evasive maneuvers. Their clash was swift and precise, each move calculated to gain the upper hand. Just as Hyouga aimed a decisive strike at Kinrou, Kohaku leaped into the fray, deflecting the blow with her own weapon. Kinrou, seizing the opportunity, redirected his focus to the men behind Hyouga, targeting their vulnerabilities with precise strikes. Ginrou, though typically hesitant in battle, found his courage bolstered by his brother's bravery. He provided support from the sidelines, readying himself with his spear.

Hyouga stepped back for momentum, before he launched again, movements were a blur as he clashed with Kohaku, his spear slicing through the air with deadly precision. Kohaku, agile and fierce, met his attacks with calculated blocks and swift counterstrikes.

"You're quick, but not quick enough!" Hyouga taunted, his voice dripping with confidence as he feinted a thrust toward Kohaku's side.

Kohaku spun away, narrowly avoiding the strike, her eyes narrowed in concentration. "You talk too much!" she retorted, launching a series of rapid strikes aimed at Hyouga's defenses.

Hyouga parried each blow with ease, his spear weaving a defensive web that forced Kohaku to constantly adjust her strategy. Their dance of combat was intense, each fighter testing the other's limits with every clash.

"You're skilled," Hyouga acknowledged with a smirk, his gaze locked onto Kohaku's every move. "But skill alone won't save you."

Senkuu, hidden behind cover, couldn't help but grin at their defenses. He fired a carefully crafted projectile—a harmless dud—towards the enemy, the resulting explosion startling and disorienting them further. Magma, seizing the moment, hurled a rock with astonishing force, its trajectory mimicking that of a bullet.

Gen catching on quickly, hauled himself toward the commotion and to Senkuu, shouting, "Hold it right there, Hyouga! This village has achieved guns!"

The men following Hyouga froze, eyes wide with shock. Hyouga himself jumped back, instinctively going on the defensive. His men, gripped by fear, turned and fled into the forest, leaving Hyouga standing firm.

"Guns in this era?" Hyouga's eyes narrowed as he processed the revelation. "Which means you are..."

Senkuu's grin widened. "You suckers were just too damn slow. We completed this long ago. The Kingdom of Science did."

Hyouga's shock was palpable, but he quickly regained his composure. "Oh really? Well, I'm sure we'll all be over the moon. Tsukasa surely will, too."

"Yeah, yeah," Senkuu replied, waving his hand dismissively. "Go and tell Tsukasa that Ishigami Senkuu is alive and well."

Hyouga's eyes lingered on Senkuu for a moment longer before he turned and disappeared into the trees. The village defenders watched as the forest swallowed him up, the tension in the air slowly dissipating.

As the dust settled and the enemy forces disappeared into the forest, Ishigami Village erupted into cheers of victory and relief. Senkuu, his gaze sweeping over the village and its resilient inhabitants, felt a swell of pride and gratitude.