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After suppressing the capital, we've spread information about it around the state.
By doing that, we managed to make previous administration, that was centered around Ryusho into our allies.
And as a result... I'm repeating myself, but it's super effective.
Good or bad, people follow those who have power. The results were fitting that description well.
It's kinda sad... but that's the reality. We can talk big all we want, but it won't have any meaning.
It seems my allies shared the same impression... so there was no reason to have a discussions, so we began unification of Ekishu.
That's what will lead to making this country stronger... or so I believe.
But the reality was nothing but the reality. (You don't say?)
Military and domestic affairs. As we kept that balance well, two messengers brought news from directions we weren't expecting.
One from south... a country called Nanban(southern barbarians)... And the other one from a country called Goko(Wu Hu).
Both Nanban and Goko sent something like advance squads through Ekishu borders and vandalized our towns.
Kazuto: ...Well then. As everyone knows, enemies are attacking from south and west. We need to take some counter-measures against them...
Sadly, we don't have enough military to fight on two fronts yet.
But, if we take too long to take care of it, all people who welcomed us until now will all turn away from us...
It's obvious, since they accepted us so we could protect them.
It's not like everyone accepted Touka's ideal completely, huh...
There's nothing you can do about it. Commoners desire to live peacefully... And those who cannot even protect that simple desire are not needed.
It's all about benefit, huh... Well, that's the harsh reality.
Benefit is a force that makes people act. Is there a benefit for them. Is there a benefit for those around them... that's how important benefit is.
But, if you drown in a benefit, you'll be nothing but a selfish living dead... That's not something to be impressed with.
That's what Kikyo-san, who lived with pride, can say. Commoners want to survive, even if they become living dead... that's all they're thinking.
Kazuto: There's a difference in ambition, huh... Anyway, we cannot ignore the situation. We need to think of a measures to take.
Right... Hinari-chan, what kind of a report arrived from the borders?
Situation at the attacked places and report of first act of enemy.
Kazuto: First act?
You can understand the enemy intention from what they first did when they arrived... not knowing that, you're an idiot after all.
Kazuto: I see. That was educating... Thanks, Nene. (Can't get angry with her insults, huh? Well, indeed, they don't sound offensive)
Ugh... I, I did nothing to be thanked for. Hmm... He's really confusing me...
Kazuto: So, what was the enemy's first act? Anything clear from it?
The invaders from Nanban retreated back to Nanban after attacking bordering villages. It's clear from that that they are not interested in taking our territory, but their goal is just a raid.
What about casualities...?
There was a difference in power, so guards gave up on resisting and fortified themself at the nearby fortress to protect civilians. Right now there's nothing but property damage.
I see. I'm glad... (Well, Mii is generally a good girl anyway)
Kazuto: What about those from the west?
Those from the west occupied a village and used it as base to damage nearby villages... We should prioritize them.
Kazuto: Right...
If Shuri's report is correct, should we head west right away?
But it's not like we can ignore the south too, right? We should probably split our troops in two.
Wasn't Hakukei-dono listening to Shuri's explanation? We can't seperate our army in two right now. That would be like chasing two rabbits.
Hmm. Then, how about we send a single officer and five thousand soldiers to the fortress where guards fortified and go on defensive?
That's probably our only option.
Whoa, how unusual! Sui's opinion was accepted.
Hehe. I can do what's needed sometimes too.
Even though it's a rare occasion.
Leave me alone.
But, well. Who should we sent south?... Tanpopo doesn't want to. It's hot there.
Don't be so selfish. Touka-sama is the one to decide. We just obey that. (But sending cavalry to defensive... some archer like Shion works best)
Here it comes again, Touka-sama devotion... Then, how about you go.
You don't need to tell me, I'll gladly go, if ordered. Don't group me with you.
Then it's decided. I'm glad, I'm glad, everything's solved. (Infantry in defense still inferior to archers)
Don't say what's you're not asked for. Master and Touka-sama are deciding the policy. Understand that much, fool.
Mumumu... Onee-sama hit me.
Oh, good girl. Sui sure is violent.
Hehe, Sei-oneesama's so gentle. (Double troll combo)
Hey, stop making me the villian here!
As we were soothed by the fussing trio...
Kazuto: Then, let's adopt Sui's suggestion. To the base... who should we send?
I'll head there. Young people are not suited for defensive battle. (That, and you're an archer commander. Best choice there)
Yeah. Shion can drag that battle for a long time. Oyakata-sama. I can vouch for her.
Kazuto: Kikyo's vouch is reassuring. Then, let's leave it to Shion. As for the second in command...
...Ren will go. (Not best defensive choice there. I'd send Nene.)
Kazuto: Eh!?
Hm. That's a suitable person too. (Really? If you say so...)
Kazuto: ...Is that so? (Don't think so, but if Kikyo said so...)
I kinda don't think that Ryofu is capable of defensive battle... Well, I know historical Ryofu and Ren are absolutely different though.
Oyakata-sama. Don't judge officers as officers alone. Officers are someone who lead the troops, right?
Kazuto: I know that well... (And they have different aptitude... morale reasoning then?)
Defensive battle change a lot, depending on loyality to the officer... There are no problem with Shion's command, but if you add a hero at the top of martial prowness, morale will increase greatly.
If you keep being on defensive, soldiers will eventually understand the situation... But if there's an officer that overwhelms enemies, soldiers will be able to imagine a bright future for themself.
Kazuto: ...I see. (Makes sense indeed)
If you just maintain the situation, your imagination will keep leaning to the worse.
Kazuto: Understood. Then, Ren... I'll be counting on you.
...(nod)
If Ren-dono is going, Nene will also go! (Yeah, her fire arrows would be useful there)
Kazuto: Yeah. Then, Nene, help those two.
Leave it to me!
...Ren work hard. Master work hard too.
Kazuto: Yeah, I'll work hard for Ren-tachi's share too... Then, Touka, how about those arrangements?
No problem. Then, Aisha-chan, Sei-chan. Take care of the preparations to deploy.
Your will.
Shion and Ren, as well as Nene, yoroshiku too... We'll solve the situation as fast as possible and head to assist you. Endure until then.
Heh, we'll be waiting for you, Master.
...I'll wait.
Kazuto: Yeah, wait for us... then, everyone, disperse! I'm counting on you for the preparations!
Yeah!
After leaving the castle, we headed to the designated locations, sending scouts in all directions.
Kazuto: Come to think of it... What kind of country is that Goko? (Last boss and something that replaces Saji here, I think)
Goko is an alliance of five tribes: Kyodo, Senpi, Ketsu, Tei, Kyo. (Their invasion historically happened around 200 years later though)
Goko is a country that appeared to the west at the later period of Han Dynasty. They lately scattered near the border.
All lands are wary of them and some sent scouts to gather information, but there were no news of them, so they were most likely killed.
Kazuto: ...Eh? I don't know how many scouts were there, but somehow none of them returned with information?
Yes...
Kazuto: ...What a scary country.
I've heard a phrase Satsuma Express before, but this surpasses it. (Not sure what it means, some proverb... probably mistranslated)
We were to the east of continent, so it's the first time we are going to fight them... we need to be careful.
Right... But, now that our fight Sousou or Sonsaku is on hold, this situation is troublesome.
Sei, don't think of the situation. Just protect everything... All you have to think about is that.
Right. Kikyo is correct. We'll think about it later.
Well... It won't be fun if we act slow because of overthinking everything.
That's true... However.
What?
...I never expected to be lectured by our army's battle-mania kamikaze officers.
Sei.
Hm? What?
...Don't group me with Sui.
Right, right.
Hey! What was that! Making it look as if it has nothing to do with you! Don't you think it's a bit too cruel?
Haha, Sui-chan has a role of being teased by everyone.
That just means she's liked by everyone.
I, I don't really like such expression of affection.
Kazuto: That's one of those expressions though... Anyway, how far is the enemy?
The attacked village is four li to the west from here... It'll be soon.
Understood. Then, everyone, let's take battle positons! Shuri-chan, take care of commanding the scouts.
Yes!
Kazuto: It won't be exaggeration to say that the enemy are unknown soldiers... Everyone, be prepared!
In response to my words, reliable cries could be heard everywhere.
The enemy is Goko... An eerie country we know nothing about.
But we cannot lose at a place like this.
As I confirmed the sword at my waist, I gave orders.
Kazuto: Let's go, everyone! To protect our country!