Through the Eyes of the Dragon

Chapter 24

Chapter 24 -  The Plan

In total, about one month of peace proceded the Invasion of Aeros, also deemed ‘the Aerosian Massacre’ due to the massive casualties in the outer ring. From it, those who rallied under Oda’s name began to waver, fearing his aggressive tactics and hence nicknaming him ‘the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven.’ Simultaneously, the Saika’s influence spread throughout the south at dangerous speeds, encouraging the Herbans to back down and the Acquans to rally to their name. Ignis citizens were completely repressed, forced to work the mines for the sake of firearm production.

It was during that time that Shiwawamu Kurora began to resist her general’s pleas for battle, determined to maintain the well being of her state for as long as possible. To her, nothing was worse than a massacre, seeing as such events had occurred in the past... One of which had stolen the lives of both her fiance and father. Hence, she took the invasion as a warning and refused all calls to arms.

“Should we attack, what then? What if they come for us next? I’d rather kneel down at the Demon King’s feet then risk the lives of my people!” she snapped during a meeting debating Herba’s position in the war. Her declaration made it quite clear to the movement resisting Oda that they had run out of time, and could no longer abide to the Herban leader’s rulings.

A fiery divide erupted throughout Herba, splitting her up into two groups: those who wished to submit, and those still determined to resist. Such a divide, spurred by Saika agents, soon evolved into a full-scale civil war, leaving Herba’s co-leader distraught. Poor Kanetsugu was torn between his loyalty to his leader Kurora, and his personal wants to aid the resisting forces.

“I-I’m very, very sorry... but... as we speak, Herba is at war with herself. For me, the commander of the Ninja corp., to declare my support for the radical movement... it would be catastrophic no matter how you look at it,” the ninja confessed. A frustrated Tōdō Takatora and Daichi, who had hoped that he could aid them in their struggles, were pressing him, trying desperately to force him to pick a side rather than run and hide in the cover of the trees.

“But we need your support! Hell, we need every ounce we can manage at this rate!” the red-head tactician hissed, his voice strained as he forced himself to stay relatively calm.

Kanetsugu shook his head sadly, slowly backing away from the duo and towards the comfort of the trees behind him. “My apologies... but I’m afraid that I cannot help you. Please, you must understand my position! Just... if you can keep quiet for a little longer-”

“We don’t have any more time! It’s been a month already; Oda’s forces are most likely beyond prepared for another attack!” Daichi stepped in, narrowing his eyes at the Herban. How could they make him change his mind? If they could gain access to the Ninja Corp’ vast supply of information, then later the Saika’s...

“I am so, truly sorry... I really, sincerely do want to help... but I have to place the state first! You two... have never held such high a position...” Bowing his head, Kanetsugu glanced at the two of them one last time, before turning and darting up a tree.

Stabbing a random tree in his frustration, Takatora muttered a few curses in the Gaian tongue, leaving Daichi to flinch at his vulgarities, “Dammit! We can’t lose like this! Not to Oda!”

“Taka... you... have to relax. We’ll... think of something...” Lightly hugging his shoulders, the mercenary tried to reassure his partner with a warm smile, but failed.

“There’s nothing left to think about! Yes, we have options, but what good is that when we don’t even have the manpower to execute them?!” Takatora snapped, wriggling away from him to glare down a tree.