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Shortly after we succeeded in suppressing Nanban, a message from our scouts to the north has arrived.
It appears the giant force of the north is undergoing massive mobilization, issuing mobilization orders to all regions.
Because it was kinda sudden, a tension has appeared within us.
In case of emergency, Shuri-tachi has notified regions of our land about the situation.
It appears their target is the east, Sonsaku's territory.
It might be a relief of a sort, but out opponent is that Sousou. (Yeah, if Sonsaku loses, you're the next target)
Making it look as if she's attacking Sonsaku... and then attacking Shoku's borders is possible for her.
We mustn't drop our guard... Telling ourselves that, we made preparations for the day of battle, by managing domestic affairs.
A power is needed for the showdown. This is a truth I learned from those troubled times.
Recruiting soldiers, training them, stockpiling provisions, raising the war chest... A lot of things to be done.
We gradually did what we could, while watching out for north and east.
...To prepare for the eventual battle.
A war of dragon and tiger...
A dragon, leading army, using north as her base, broke through the borders of the east like a lightning.
And Little Conqueror of Koutou, opposing her, made a mobilization fast like the wind, taking a stance of do-or-die resistance.
And this grand situation was not something that doesn't involve us.
Kazuto: Scouts has arrived from the north and the east. Gi and Go, the two forces are starting all-out war.
So the time to fight is finally here.
Kazuto: The Gi's attacking force is rumored to be over one million. (Kazuto, what does the scout... err... scout, says about their force level?)
M, Million!? What's with this ridiculous number... (And Tanpopo's Nappa, huh... what a cute Nappa)
...And the Go army's strength?
I heard it's around 400 thousand.
That's all, even after mobilizing. An overwhelming difference.
Yes. Those estimations are merely based on rumors, but that doesn't change that the difference is overwhelming.
Hmm... Then, Go's actions interest me more than Gi's right now.
They call it do-or-die resistance... but who knows how long they'll last.
Rinrin's correct. No matter how much they call Go's king a hero, the difference in troops is absolute.
Gather more troops than the enemy. A basis of strategy. In that meaning, Gi sticks to that basis and Go doesn't...
To overcome that different you need to have some kind of plan.
Or increase the amount of soldiers. (Mass-draft is an instant self-destruction though)
Increase the amount... But they cannot do that, right? They mobilized all they can at the current stage, after all.
Their own army is not the only army existing... And Go has their Beautiful Shu (Shuuyu's nickname, I guess)
Kazuto: Involve other countries... is what you mean?
Think about it. It's impossible to stop dragon of the north, Sousou-san.
And after Go falls, the destination Sousou-san will head in is...
Us, I suppose.
That's correct. Someone as great as Beautiful Shu, won't overlook that.
And since we've seen through this situation as well... There's only one possible answer.
Kazuto: For us to ally with Go. (Shokugo alliance. Happened in first game too, right?)
Indeed, to stand against giant of the north, Sousou, outnumbered forces need to join hands.
If you just look at the history, it's obvious we'll get destroyed, unless we do that.
If we don't make a decision here, we'll only be able to wait for our death.
That means the situation on the continent is that critical...
That's obvious. This war, that started from Anti-Toutaku Alliance now only has us, Sousou and Sonsaku... now it's all about the who is last one standing.
For all three of us to keep standing... I suppose it's not possible after all... (Actually, not really. More like, it's the only good solution)
That kind of a conversation again...
I... can't give up. We all have different methods, but the place where we aim is the same. Then, if we cooperate, this country's future will always be a bright one, is what I think.
I understand what Onee-chan means, but people cannot change their methods that easily.
Exactly... Everyone who survived through this chaotic war... they are bearing the memory of those who died on their backs.
Kazuto: Right...
...Sui's correct. Everyone's holding a memory of someone in their heart.
Touka-sama. If you keep being naive, you'll lose your way someday.
...I see, so everyone's against it.
No, I'm not against it. (Good girl Shuri knows the way to the best ending)
Kazuto: Shuri? What do you mean?
After hearing Touka-sama's words, I tried thinking about it... There might be one option.
Option?
Yes... As Sei-san said earlier, there are only three forces left on this continent.
Sousou, Sonsaku. And we, under Touka-sama. (You don't say, Enya? I didn't know that, yeah)
Exactly. And the only one who has any ambition to increase her land is Sousou-san.
Eh? But, Sonsaku also added the land to the south of her to her territory, right? Isn't that because she has an ambition?
It's the opposite. Sonsaku wanted to go to farms of the north, but there's Sousou there... so her only option was to expand south.
There are farms to the south too, even though they're smaller, there's a sea too, so it increases their trade revenue a lot.
To support the country you need to prepare provision for civilians.
So she invaded south out of necessity?
Yes. So I don't think... she went there for conquest.
But, Sonsaku is a hero, called Koto's Little Conqueror, right? I can't really imagine her not having an ambition for conquest.
...I think she might've had that ambition during Anti-Toutaku Alliance. But, she probably realized she can't match Sousou-san anymore.
Kazuto: She gave up on the conquest... Then, what's Sonsaku thinking?
From king's perspective, the second goal after conquest is the safety of the land... If she's thinking of making a country that won't lose against invaders, invading south, gathering talented people and soldiers, increasing war fund and provision stockpiles... everything matches.
In truth, after capturing south, Sonsaku-san didn't challenge Sousou-san to the north or us, she just spent time in peace...
...But, how does this connect with Touka-sama's ideal?
Exactly because she doesn't have that ambition, she'll be willing to listen to Touka-sama, who desires world peace.
But... Everyone would have their own country...
Their own country...? What do you mean?
We have a country called Shoku. Sonsaku-san has a country called Go... And, we'll have Sousou-san be satisfied with a country called Gi.
With everyone observing each other, if we manage to agree on non-interference, we'll be able to uphold a peace with three countries.
This is... a Three Kingdom strategy I thought of. (Historically it existed, but was a bit different)
Ah... So there was that way of thinking...
Hmm... Unlike Han Dynasty or Yellow Turban Rebellion, the forces that are left are not those of villians... in other words, if the conflict between three forces ends, world won't be disturbed.
To make everyone living on this continent happy... Such an ideal, that Touka-sama has, I find it irreplaceable and wonderful.
But, if that dream cannot be achieved, splitting world in three and everyone aiming for their own ideal is more realistic.
Kazuto: A Three Kingdom strategy, huh... (Also, if one force goes berserk, other two unite and punish it)
That famous Three Kingdom strategy indeed sounds attractive in the current situation, but...
Kazuto: Even if we go with that strategy, there's no point unless we deal with Sousou, who holds great force, right?
Exactly. That's why we need to reduce Sousou-san's force... To uphold the balance of the Three Kingdoms.
A Shokugo alliance for that purpose, huh.
Yes. And now's the best time to form that alliance.
Kazuto: Indeed...
If Sonsaku could protect her own country on her own, bringing up this plan would achieve nothing.
And now that she's facing a crisis, this strategy would shine brightly.
Kazuto: ...Touka.
Yeah... Ideal and reality. We cannot fill the gap between the, but right now I understand Shuri-chan's plan is the best.
Kazuto: Thanks, Touka... Then, everyone. Shuri's Three Kingdom strategy. We'll make it our basic policy from now on.
Ideal and reality. We're not in position to choose... (Peaceful solution is obviously better than conquest for Touka)
We cannot carry everything... It might sound pathetic though. (Or actually, I'd surrender and join Sousou. No difference who wins)
...So, Oyakata-sama. What should we do?
Kazuto: Make preparations to depart... me and Shuri will go to Sonsaku.
M, Master will!? You mustn't!
Exactly! It's too dangerous!
Kazuto: But someone should go to Sonsaku and explain our strategy.
Then I'll go!
Kazuto: Rejected. Touka is this country's representative. Who's going to lead the army after the alliance is formed?
Then, should I go instead?
Kazuto: Rejected. Sui needs to assist Touka.
Then, Rinrin will go!
Kazuto: I'm happy you suggested, but Rinrin probably cannot match Sonsaku in speech... There'll be a need to risk, when negotiating.
...I'll go with you, no matter what you say. Even if you reject it.
Kazuto: Umm... Aisha should also assist Touka...
It'll be okay if we leave it to Sei.
...Heh. Well, sure, I'll do it.
I'll go. With you...
Kazuto: ...Understood. Then, I'll have Aisha as my escort... and Ren. (Good choice there. I think Shuri went alone in Gi route)
...(nod)
...Ren will go too.
Kazuto: I'm counting on you. (Take Ren with you on everything you do and all will be cool)
...Then, let's make preparations to depart.
Shuri. Make preparations for six people.
Eh?
I've witnessed Oyakata-sama's resolve well. I'll protect him with my life. (Take ALL the epic warlords)
Kazuto: No, but...
No talking back, Oyakata-sama. I'll leave babysitting to Shion.
Oh my. But I want to go with Master too.
I see, too bad about that. I'll accompany Oyakata-sama, so Shion will need to watch the house.
Heh... Sure, sure.
I'm counting on you... Enya. You're coming too. (Do not want. Leave her here, take... Mii instead)
Eh!? I'll stay by Touka-sama's side... (The only member who doesn't want to go with Kazuto)
Shut up. It's my order. Go with us. (FFFUUUU. Look, she doesn't want to. Take anyone else)
N, no way...
Haha, see you later.
Ugh... Prepare yourself for when I'm back, Tanpopo. (Oh, calling by mana already? Since when, I wonder)
I refuse.
Giggling, Tanpopo hides behind Kikyo... She understands everything well, really.
Kazuto: Anyway. We need to talk to Sonsaku somehow... make preparations so you can deploy right away after recieving message from us.
...Understood. But, no matter what... return safely, Master.
Kazuto: Yeah. I promise.
...Those words were probably nothing but self-satisfaction... Probably both me and Touka understood that well.
But we needed to say them to ourself.
That we'll return to our friends no matter what.
And...
Along with escort of six people, including Aisha, we've departed to Go with our squads.
And meanwhile...