Volume 11 - Yamata no Orochi: Chapter 4 What is True, What is False

The kunoichi elaborated, Our sources indicate that Suno is also a target in Minamoto no Yoritomos campaign.

Can we trust this report? Lily inquired.

Its sourced from a racc.o.o.n named Yuuta.

The mention of Yuutas name instilled confidence in the sisters, yet it also brought a wave of concern. If Yuuta relayed the information, its reliability was beyond doubt. Despite Ayakas captivity and the communication barriers erected, Yuutas group found a way, aided by the Mita Temple, to relay messages. The temple was a sanctuary exclusive to racc.o.o.ns. Even the Imperial Courts forces were barred, unless they yearned for conflict with the Taira clan. Yoritomo, calculating the balance of power, steered clear of antagonizing the Taira for the moment.

Minamoto no Yoritomo, Kotoka sighed, her forehead creased in a frown, as expected, hes relentless.

Ayaka sought further clarity. Do we know where they are ama.s.sing their forces, the number, or their potency?

The kunoichi hesitated, prompting Kotoka to command an immediate investigation.

Young Kimiko, although deep in thought, portrayed a naive innocence, contrasting her usual cunning demeanor. Perched on Lilys lap, she blinked, absorbing the conversation around her.

So, were uncertain about Minamoto no Yoritomos primary objective, Lily mused.

Yoritomo had once dispatched an army to besiege Cherry Blossom Valley. However, thanks to Lilys timely intervention, the a.s.sault was thwarted. With Ayakas addition of a labyrinthine formation, Cherry Blossom Valley had become virtually untraceable to the outside world. Subsequent to that event, the valley had been left undisturbed. But Yoritomo, being the shrewd strategist that he was, never forgot about the valley.

Mayumi shared, From what the reports say, when Lily managed to free Ayaka from Minamoto no Yoritomos clutches in Heian-kyo, it wasnt just a minor setback for him. He later orchestrated Shuten Dojis a.s.sault on Suno, but to his surprise, Shuten met his demise. Since then, hes treaded with caution

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Yukiko interjected, Subsequent to those events, Minamoto no Yoritomos main body disappeared for a period. His whereabouts remain unknown. Strangely, the world began to s.h.i.+ft after he vanished. Not only did the native monsters grow more potent due to a surge in dark energy, but numerous monsters and demons from the underworld also emerged in As.h.i.+hara, sowing chaos and devastation.

Haihime had ascended to lead the kunoichis, with Mayumi and Yukiko as her deputies. Together, they compiled reports from the kunoichi network. However, due to the gravity of Yoritomos impending onslaught, this particular information was relayed directly.

The global alterations are undeniably linked to Minamoto no Yoritomo! Lily declared with conviction.

Deep in thought, Ayaka remarked, Minamoto no Yoritomo is enigmatic and inscrutable. While he lacks the power to influence the heavens or reshape the world, he is unquestionably connected to these changes in some manner.

Where could he have vanished to? And to what end? A concerned Lily pondered aloud. She knew the man wouldnt simply ignore them. The lack of any recent moves from Yoritomo since Shutens demise indicated he was occupied with something far more significant than confronting them.

Could he have altered the world?

Lily inquired of Yukiko and Mayumi, By the way, wheres sister Haihime? Her absence since their arrival puzzled Lily.

Mayumi replied, Sister Haihime has embarked on a mission.

Lily, filled with concern, pressed, Now? Where to?

Both Yukiko and Mayumi were in the dark regarding Haihimes whereabouts. An uneasy silence enveloped the chamber.

Seeking to rea.s.sure her, Ayaka said, Lily, if Haihime ventured out, she would have prepared adequately. She isnt someone to act recklessly. You neednt worry.

With a reluctant nod, Lily accepted her words.

Ijuin, seeking clarity, posed, What should be our course of action?

Ayaka glanced at little Kimiko, and with a touch of exasperation, explained, The paths to both Suno and Cherry Blossom Valley are intertwined through the formation. Our best strategy is to hold our ground and decipher Minamoto no Yoritomos true intentions.

Rei weighed in gravely, The reason for this impending a.s.sault likely hinges on two factors: his prior engagements and the news of Lilys return to As.h.i.+hara. Had Lily and Ayaka not returned, Cherry Blossom Valley might have been overlooked. But with their presence, the true threats to him are Lily, Ayaka, and Kimiko.

The sisters nodded in agreement with Reis a.s.sessment.

Rei added, I surmise that Minamoto no Yoritomo is unaware of Lilys exact location and the formation that links the two regions.

Ayaka instructed, Alert Suno to be on high alert. If Minamoto no Yoritomos forces strike, we will mutually support based on the circ.u.mstances.

All nodded in agreement. Given the uncertainty of the enemys maneuvers, they resolved to remain reactive. For the time being, little Kimiko would stay in Cherry Blossom Valley alongside Nariaki. Sunos defenses were mainly composed of local demon foxes and monsters, while communication was overseen by the kunoichis. The primary defensive bastion remained Cherry Blossom Valley.

In Heian-kyos Shogun Palace, Minamoto no Yoritomo studied a map of As.h.i.+hara, deep in thought.

Kagami Lily, after returning to As.h.i.+hara, it seems she headed to Suno. But after that, theres been no news. Where could she be? Suno, Cherry Blossom Valley, or someplace else?

A few days later, news arrived. An army of twenty-thousand black-armored troops had set out from the Musas.h.i.+ Province, journeying north. By now, they had reached the forests and mountains of the Kai Province, making their way towards Cherry Blossom Valley. The vanguard, however, lost their way in the maze as they neared the valley. It took them days to find their way out. Once they did, they hesitated to get closer, setting up camp in the nearby forests instead.

In Lilys residence, a meeting was convened. Present were Rei, Ayaka, Kotoka, Yukiko, and Ijuin.

So, Cherry Blossom Valley is the target after all? Rei pondered.

Yukiko added, The leading general is Kato Keiren, commanding an army of twenty-thousand black-armored elites.

Rei snorted dismissively, Kato Keiren is just a throned monarch. I could easily defeat him. By sending him, Minamoto no Yoritomo is probably unsure of Lilys whereabouts and is testing our mettle.

Ayaka weighed in, If theyre testing the waters, lets give them a challenge. The maze formation isnt easily broken. Though now that they know about it, with Yoritomos expertise, he might deduce the valleys location within the formation. If he decides to go all out, the formation wont hold.

Lily nodded in agreement, her thoughts racing, Madam s.h.i.+zuka Gozen, when will you arrive? Are we to merely defend the valley? Or should we confront Minamoto no Yoritomo directly? We cant possibly match him unless both Ayaka and Kimiko regain their full powers.

Suddenly, a kunoichi burst in with news, Lyn-hime, she has arrived!

Who has arrived? Could it be s.h.i.+zuka Gozen? The door swung open to reveal Haihime, dressed in a female bar uniform. It was evident shed been in disguise.

Sister Haihime! While it wasnt s.h.i.+zuka Gozen, Lilys face lit up in joy. Haihime, without changing her clothes, still carried the scent of alcohol. Lily, I first went to Suno. After setting up a teleportation talisman, I infiltrated Heian-kyo.

Sister Haihime, Heian-kyo is perilous now. Why venture there? Lily expressed her concern.

Haihime, please sit and then discuss, Ayaka interjected, offering Haihime a cup of tea.

Haihimes stern expression suggested she wasnt in the mood for tea. There are things you cant grasp from mere reports. One has to witness them personally.

Rei inquired, How dire is the situation?

Its worse than I imagined in Heian-kyo. Many officials, samurai, and even ordinary civilians have transformed into monsters.

The group gasped. Recent reports had only highlighted Yoritomos movements. The anomalies in Heian-kyo were mentioned in pa.s.sing, noting only their severity. Perhaps Yuuta, being a demon, was more concerned about Lily and her company than the ordinary residents of Heian-kyo. And Lily, for her part, hadnt pressed for specifics.

The Imperial Court distributes a peculiar medicine to the ma.s.ses, Haihime continued, her eyes reflecting her distress. Days after its consumption, individuals undergo grotesque mutations. Some become more terrifying than actual monsters. Theyre no longer recognizable as humans.

Lily, her voice filled with frustration, exclaimed, Minamoto no Yoritomo, what have you done?

I secured a sample of this medicine. Haihime handed a pouch to Ayaka, elaborating, The court claims this medicine helps people adapt to the worlds changes, bolstering their vitality and resilience. While it might alter their appearance, without it, they might not live to witness the forthcoming era.

Footnotes:

Robinxen: I would be cautious if I was facing a protagonist too. But Id much rather not face them at all.