Volume 11 - Yamata no Orochi: Chapter 16 The Turning Point

Minamoto no Yoritomos abrupt escape was a significant departure from the honor-bound principles typically upheld by warriors in the Kanto Region. While retreat in the face of a stronger adversary might be acceptable, fleeing from an initially underestimated opponent was regarded as a disgrace worse than death. Even Hojo Dijon, known for his villainous nature, had chosen to face Lily with full force.

Yoritomos decision to flee, however, wasnt entirely unexpected. In his hasty retreat, he went so far as to exploit Lilys vulnerability by targeting her sisters, an act reflecting his ruthless prioritization of survival over honor.

The demon commanders from Yomi, who didnt hold any such codes in high regard, naturally followed Yoritomos lead and withdrew. In their wake, Lily swiftly took down several of the fleeing commanders. Ayaka managed to eliminate one as well.

Interestingly, many of the undead samurai, bound by their past as honorable warriors, continued to fight even after their commanders departure. The non-samurai undead, however, quickly lost their resolve and scattered.

Lily, Ayaka, s.h.i.+mizu, and Rei methodically swept through the battlefield, dedicating over a day to completely eliminate all the resisting undead soldiers. The Blade Maidens fierce onslaught ensured that those they vanquished were obliterated, both body and soul. Ayaka, however, employed her spells to allow a minority of these undead soldiers to shed their Resentment Energy and transition peacefully to the afterlife.

The undead, summoned forcefully by Yoritomo, met diverse fates utter destruction or purification based purely on the whims of chance, underscoring the inherent cruelty of war.

As the fog gradually lifted, it became evident that no adversaries remained outside Cherry Blossom Valley. Yet, the battlefield, now home to the souls of nearly a hundred thousand fallen, was saturated with intense Resentment Energy. This energy mingled with the maze formation, augmenting its already overbearing presence.

Here and there, among the foggy forest, injured undead soldiers could still be seen, their red eyes burning with undiminished malice. The task of clearing the remaining undead forces, dispersed across hundreds of miles, loomed largea daunting endeavor in a world already strained by tension. For now, these matters were set aside, as more pressing concerns demanded attention.

Surveying the mountain forest, now a landscape of ashes and charred trees, Lily stood in stark contrast. Her pale skin, visible beneath slightly torn clothing, added to her grace and allure, making her seem like a beacon of hope in a world turned to ash.

We won she muttered, her voice heavy with fatigue and sweat glistening on her brow. Yet, she knew all too well this was merely the onset of a much larger, catastrophic war

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. She had triumphed over Yoritomos clone, but greater challenges loomed aheadthe original form of Lord Kamakura, Daitengu, and the vast armies of demons Yoritomo had summoned from Yomi, all waiting for her in the Kansai Region.

Lily and her sisters might be able to hold their ground for now, but what if the entire world crumbled into ruin? Could Cherry Blossom Valley retain its purity and beauty in a world transformed into a h.e.l.lish landscape? The answer was a resounding no. Lily never prioritized saving the world, but she was acutely aware that survival in a world engulfed by destruction was implausible.

Life, emotions, the world, and memories were intertwined with existence itself. How could one claim to be alive if everything was submerged in darkness and stillness? Lilys heart ached at the thought of those who had aided her and the innocent lives across the world succ.u.mbing to a painful demisethe elderly swordsmith who sold her her first sword, the woman in Takes.h.i.+ta who offered beautiful clothes, the unnamed senior sister from the Genji Clans dojo

And her earliest benefactorsHojo Ujizane, the Brothers in Tenba, the racc.o.o.nsthey wouldnt survive in a world plunged into darkness. Lily had always considered herself indifferent, yet these thoughts stirred emotions she struggled to contain. Kindness welled up from within, not out of a sense of duty, but as a balm to her soul.

How could she find solace if the entire world was steeped in sorrow? This wasnt about morality; it was about following her heart. Regardless of the worlds fate, she was determined to confront Yoritomo to her last breath, for her senior sister and her destiny as a Mirror Girl. Unwavering, she resolved to forge ahead.

News of the battles outcome rapidly spread among the n.o.bility. First, it reached the Kanto Regions territoriesTokugawa, Takeda, Imagawa, As.h.i.+kaga. Then, it radiated across the entire Heian Dynasty, eventually reaching the surrounding three islands. Kagami Lilys name resonated globally, elevating her from a legendary female warrior to a symbol of hope in a world shrouded in darkness. Her victory over Minamoto no Yoritomos invading army near Cherry Blossom Valley became a beacon for those who had lost all hope.

The previous battle, despite resulting in the decimation of half a million troops, didnt gain widespread attention until Tamamo-no-Maes grievous injury. Yoritomo managed to portray the conflict as a battle between humanity and an Archdemon, leading to widespread fury over the defeat.

Lilys actions in raiding the execution platform, viewed as an act of treason due to her alliance with demons, further complicated her public image. While her ability to create miracles impressed many n.o.bles, a lack of clear information led them to perceive her as a newly emerged villainess.

Lilys triumph over Shuten Doji was a turning point. Word of her defeating the demon, a feat that eluded even half a million soldiers, spread rapidly. This reshaped her image in the eyes of the n.o.bility. Doubts began to surface about the validity of the accusations against her by the imperial court.

Rumors about her being merely lucky were overshadowed by her undeniable victory. Lower-cla.s.s samurai, in particular, began to view Lily as a heroic figure, challenging the prevailing narrative. Taira no s.h.i.+zuru and Ijuin used their influence among the n.o.bles to further reveal the imperial courts machinations: holding the Emperor hostage, the Shogun and Cloistered Emperors power grab, and the slander against Ayaka and Lily. Such revelations caused a wave of skepticism and distrust among various clans and n.o.bles.

The Heian Dynasty was in a state of upheaval. Martial clans that once maintained a semblance of autonomy were now facing existential threats as the world descended into chaos. The new policies and ideologies pushed by Yoritomo and the Cloistered Emperor only heightened the sense of fear and uncertainty.

Many reluctantly submitted to the imperial courts draconian demands, despite the grim prospect of transforming their loved ones into bizarre demons. The threat of death hung heavily, coercing even the most reluctant into compliance.

In this climate of despair and coercion, Lilys open victory against Lord Kamakura outside Cherry Blossom Valley sparked a glimmer of hope. Unaware of Yoritomos ability to create clones, the n.o.bles and clans widely believed that Lily had defeated Yoritomo himself and that he had subsequently fled. This a.s.sumption, coupled with the widespread fear of the imperial courts harsh policies, significantly bolstered morale across the land.

Additionally, during the battle, conversations were overheard that reignited discussions about the mysterious death of the legendary hero, Minamoto no Yos.h.i.+tsune. These rumors spread rapidly, beyond the control of the imperial court.

In a world where affluent clans had long refrained from opposing Yoritomo, Lilys defiance stood out starkly. She not only dared to challenge him but also emerged victorious. Yoritomo, known for his dominance over the Emperor and his control of the imperial court, was rumored to be responsible for Yos.h.i.+tsunes demise. This man, who had led the world into darkness, had been bested by Lily.

The implications were monumental. If Lily were to raise a banner of rebellion against Yoritomo, what would be the worlds response?

Retreating to Cherry Blossom Valley, Lily and her companions took a well-deserved rest. During this time, a flurry of secret letters from various clans began to arrive. These messages, borne through connections with Taira no s.h.i.+zurus information network and the families of the Tsunaga Sisters, revealed a growing dissent against the imperial court. The Tsunaga Sisters families, having previously resisted the court in secrecy, were central to this communication network.

Inside the grand hall of the expanded Yamagami Temple, Ijuin directed Lilys attention to a box filled with correspondence. Sister Lily, take a look at this, she indicated, as a female ninja presented the box of doc.u.ments. These letters reveal much. Various clans have acknowledged the deteriorating state of the world, their discontent with the imperial courts latest policies, and the growing dread for humanitys future. Theyre ready to back us if we choose to confront Minamoto no Yoritomo. Some are even prepared to pledge their allegiance, offering resources and treasures for our protection.

Lily, reflecting on the battles aftermath, hadnt antic.i.p.ated such a strong reaction from the wider world. Her victory seemed to have catalyzed a s.h.i.+ft in the global landscape, akin to a snowflake triggering an avalanche.

Among those offering a.s.sistance were many clans Lily had never encountered, some possibly even having opposed her or her sisters in the past. Yet, now they all sought her aid.

In the heart of the lobby, s.h.i.+na Airi, donning her distinctive purple armor, expressed her scorn. Its ironic, isnt it? These clans and officials, once so pa.s.sive, are now wringing their hands in fear as the world teeters on the brink. The imperial courts drastic policies have finally hit their own interests. And now, upon hearing of Lady Lilys triumph over Minamoto no Yoritomo, they flock to us, seeking aid. But where were their loyalties when Lady Ayaka faced execution, and when Lady Lily bravely ventured alone to Heian-kyo?

Footnotes:

Robinxen: Having momentum this early is a significant advantage though.