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After we defeated allied forces of Ryofu and Enjutsu, we somehow managed to pursuade Ryofu and Chinkyu to join us.
They understood our ideal and became our allies. (I'm not sure which word to use. Nakama can mean friends, allies, comrades)
Kazuto: ...Though, saying it now sounds kinda dubious.
...Well, anyway.
And on the opposite of victorious us, who got new allies, Enjutsu-tachi has gone missing.
It seems that when she picked a fight with us, Sonsaku behind her made an armed uprising and captured her main camp.
It's kinda ironic to lose your own land while trying to capture another. (Nah, balance of defense and offense is a serious business and failing it is natural)
Crap happens... is what I think, but I can't get too happy.
The fact that Sonsaku captured a land means that neighboring countries will being to move too.
Just what'll happen from now on?
Even though I'm worried about it, we still managed to get powerful allies.
It'll work out somehow... Even though I said that to myself, we should always be at our best condition in case something happens.
As we were recovering wounds of war with a positive thinking, one of the scouts we sent north has returned, bearing news.
Those important news were a defeat of Enshou.
It appears that while we were fighting Enjutsu, Sousou fought Enshou at the north.
A battle, famous as a Battle of Kanto. (Battle of Guandu)
That kinda surprised me, but what surprised me even more is Enshou's custody. (So, that's where it happened? I thought it was only after this arc)
After losing a war against Sousou, she tried to hide in our country with Bunshu and Ganryo only to be found by Rinrin.
We considered giving them to Sousou, but that's a bit cruel, right? So, we ended up taking them in our custody.
...Though, to be fair, I kinda regret that. In a selfish way. (Reiha can be annoying and not understand her position, after all)
Well, at least they're now in our debt and all three of them are being relatively obedient, so that's kinda okay too.
And, even though she complained, Pairen has also agreed to accepting Enshou-tachi... She's a good girl after all, Pairen.
Though Aisha-tachi were saying that it's mine and Touka's influence.
...And, before we noticed it, we've grown into quite a big family, becoming one of rather large forces on the continent.
Even though I say that, compared to Sousou, having around 60% of the land to the north and Sonsaku, who's been expanding her land, we're still small.
Still, we produced arms and raised funds... we became able to defend our own country ourself.
But... Turbulent history didn't give us even a short time of peace.
One day... one of the borderguards has arrived wounded.
Soldier A: R, reporting! Near the northern border a large army has appeared! They've broken through the checkpoint and are heading here!
Eh!? Large army, but whose!?
Touka-sama, that's a pointless question. There's only one force to the north left.
Ah, that's right.
Kazuto: Sousou. So, she finally made a move...
Ugh... I approve of her capturing the north to uphold order there, but why is she seeking for more war?
It's probably to fulfil her ideal, capturing continent as an Overlord.
If she starts moving seriously, continent will be in warring state again...
But, since she's attacking, we'll have to fight.
Rinrin's correct... So, do you know their force?
Soldier A: Well, that's...
Hm? Is something wrong?
Soldier A: ...Yes. Enemy force is approximately 500 thousand soldiers.
500 thousand!?
Soldier A: Yes. A wave of people, reaching to the horizon, has approached the border and swallowed the checkpoint in a moment, like some locust.
Kazuto: 5, 500 thousand...
Is that around how many gather at that famous summer and winter events?
Our army's scale is around 30 thousand. If we recruit militia, we might be able to reach around 50, but...
...That's not even a challenge for them.
Having more soldiers than the enemy is a basis of strategy, after all...
But, we have to stop Sousou army to protect our citizens...!
Kazuto: That might be so, but we have no chance for victory in a fair fight. We need to think of something.
There's no way we'll find a way to beat 500 thousands with only 50 of them.
Kazuto: That's true, but... if we give up, it's all over, right? (There's only one decent solution right now...)
Exactly. We need to think of something.
Plan... plan... plan... plan...
It's impossible to fight that amount normally. But, we at least need to show our resolve to the people.
Aisha. What's the point of sacrificing yourself now? It's too early to be thinking of that.
But! Since there's this difference in power, that's our only option! (Sigh. How is letting soldiers, who are also your people die, an option?)
That's our last resort. We have to do all we can to think of a way to win, while the outcome is not decided yet...
A way to win... Where would it exist? All we can do is either show our resolve to Sousou or abandon the country and run...
Then, let's run.
Huh!? T, Touka-sama!? (I'd surrender and join Sousou instead, that's fine too)
We don't have a force to fight Sousou-san right now. Then, I suppose running is one of our options, no?
No way...! If we escape, how should people of this country protect themselves!? (As if Karin's going to hurt them... They're always treating enemies as pure evil)
How, you ask. Sousou-san will protect them for sure.
...Just what are you planning, Touka-sama?
What, you ask... with this overwhelming difference there's no hope for victory, so I don't want to involve soldiers and citizens in it.
...So you're running?
Yeah. It's frustrating... but, I don't want to involve citizens into a hopeless war... though, if we had a chance, we'd fight together.
If we fight, there will be casualities... and you want to avoid that?
...If we could win, I want to believe our method is correct, and would fight... But, this time is different, right?
Force and information, Sousou-san is superior on both, after all...
Since they made the first move too, we won't even be able to survive for at least five minutes.
Then, to run is to win! If we pull soldiers with us, I don't think Sousou-san will be violent with civilians in towns and villages.
Sousou army's discipline is famous after all.
It'll probably be like Touka-sama said.
Kazuto: Considering that all, our choice is to run, huh...
Really... is that really okay? Even though we developed this country...
Kazuto: I know how you're feeling, but us being in this country right now is what's putting this country in danger.
Kazuto: So, instead of fighting impossible battle, escaping to have a chance for counterattack is a good choice of actions.
Escape to counterattack later, huh.
Kazuto: That's right.
But, Sousou is to the north, Sonsaku's to the south, where to escape?
Kazuto: That's... Shuri, do you have an idea?
Right... then, heading southwest is an option. (That's how it went historically and that's where Kochu and Gengan resides)
Southwest you say... You mean around Keishu?
Yes. To the north of there is a land called Shoku. A person named Ryuen-san was the ruler there, but due to inheritance problems there's an internal conflict happening there.
Using that opportunity to invade is a good option.
Hmm... But, I somewhat don't like that...
But, internal conflict leads to the bloodshed. If we use that opportunity to invade, the amount of bloodshed will be lower.
Also, lord's Ryusho-san's popularity isn't that great. (Ryusho's also known as Liu Zhang)
For example?
High taxes and he's living luxurious life, without noticing officials' misdeeds.
Hm... Then, there's no reason to hold back on attacking them.
...Touka-sama, are you convinced yet?
...Yeah, considering the situation. We can't really be picky.
It might be selfish... but let's intrude Ryusho-san's land.
Kazuto: Good. Then, policy is decided. Send messengers to mobilize soldiers.
Your will.
Kazuto: Order all squads to gather. Also, order distribution of accumulated funds and provision to civilians.
Are you going to bestow benefits to villagers?
Kazuto: That too. But, if we keep it stored, it'll be taken by Sousou, right? On the other hand, if it's distributed to citizens, she won't be able to get it.
Ah... Amazing. You even considered something like that.
Kazuto: I've learned a lot from Shuri and Hinari after all... After that, let's wait for soldiers to return and leave this place.
We need to explain our situation to the elders while we're waiting.
Kazuto: Right. I'll leave it to Touka and Shuri. Aisha and Sei, organize soldiers. Hinari, Rinrin and me will gather documents so we can carry them.
Your will.
Also, I'll leave babysitting Enshou-tachi to Pairen. (Great role... and great liability team they have there)
Whoa... are you serious?
Kazuto: Yeah. Everyone else is busy, after all... I know you don't like that, but I'm counting on you.
Ugh... I got the short end of the stick...
Will Pairen-oneechan be okay on her own?
Kazuto: Hmm... you might be right, but she'll have to manage somehow.
It's an emergency. Enshou-tachi don't have much of a choice.
Well... I'll do my best.
Kazuto: Please do.
Well, policy is decided... Then, Shuri-chan, let's visit the elders.
Yes!
We'll organize military. I'll organize soldiers.
Then I'll be in charge of logistics.
Please do... well then, Master.
Kazuto: Yeah. Everyone... yoroshiku!