Kujou Encampment

"Jason!"

Inside the army camp, a visibly excited Uchikoshi ran over.

"What's the matter? Why are you-"

"Sheesh." The officer looked slyly around and pulled him to one corner. "I've got some good stuff for you."

The fellow pushed a few books into his hands.

"You actually got it!" Jason's eyes lit up as he saw a book with a green cover. "That's the latest one written by Kaeya Alberich!"

The erotic novels written by the Author Kaeya were all hotsellers. To top it off, they would have really good illustrations inside them as well. As one would expect of a master of the trade. He was too busy to sneak out alone to buy such items. So he had to trouble his friend.

"Hehe, however, the really good ones would be the ones written by Peanut. What a pity though about it …"

Jason flicked his finger and sent the books into his magic pouch. He would have time later at his leisure to enjoy them. If other soldiers saw an officer of the Shogun Army reading such material in broad daylight, his reputation would be done for.

"Peanut?"

"How can you not know him! He's the most notorious author in all of Inazuma! The one who published the Purple Scriptures."

"If I recall, it was banned due to it containing blasphemy against the Raiden Shogun." Jason pressed a finger to his chin.

Upon becoming an officer of the Shogunate Army, he had naturally read through the rules and regulations of the Inazuma Army. The intentional possession and consumption of the Purple Scripture were classified as a Grade S crime, which meant it was a very serious offence, however, the military rulebook did not offer any description of Purple Scripture's contents.

"Yes. The Purple Scriptures are a series of erotic light novels based on the Narukami Ogosho herself. It even has drawings of the Almighty Shogun in extremely suggestive poses inside it."

Some uncontrolled fantasies took a few trips around Jason's mind before his friend's voice snapped him out of it.

"Lewd photos of the Raiden Shogun … are punishable by execution in the worst-case scenario!" Uchikoshi's said. "Especially since we are under General Sara … I heard there were a few soldiers who were caught in possession of it. Trust me, you don't want to know what happened to the-"

"Jason."

The Tengu General had made her way over upon spotting her aide earlier. They had just returned from the Naganohara fireworks festival a few hours earlier. Her beautiful eyebrows pressed together. She couldn't believe this fellow was already slacking off!

"G-general!" Uchikoshi hurriedly bowed, his face had turned paler than the legendary ghosts of Tsurumi Island.

Sara waved it away and looked at Jason, whose heart was also pounding madly. They were nearly done for! The general had almost overheard their conversation.

"Jason. There is still some paperwork in the main tent that needs to be cleared. See that it is completed before the army departs."

She glanced at them with a strange look in her eyes, seemingly sensing something was off.

"At once, general." Jason bowed his head, trying his best not to let his nervousness show.

However, he could not help but wonder...

Who was this Peanut? To think he actually dared to draw the Electro Archon in such a manner inside his books? He truly was taking one for the team ...

===

The next morning,

A long group of soldiers could be seen marching along a road. At its head, two figures could be seen.

They were none other than Sara and Jason, who had been transported earlier with their army across sea from Inazuma City to Kujou Encampment by one of the Inazuma Shogunate's Navy.

"Oh yes, General Sara. Regarding the military matters you mentioned during the Naganohara Fireworks Festival, you have yet to let me know what they were."

"A-ah" The girl was flustered. Before Jason had a chance to probe further, he heard the girl murmur "I just didn't want to spoil the atmosphere …"

The response caused Jason to have some thoughts, but Sara continued on quickly.

"It's regarding your previous report. Since our army's fighting strength has been weakened severely by the previous battle, I have requested the Tenryou Commission for reinforcements then."

"That would be a great help. I'd imagine we want to bring all the troops we can get to the Kujou Encampment."

"A messenger sent by them had informed me of their decision. My father and the other generals agreed on the necessity, but we don't have time to wait for the other troops to arrive from the garrisons in the neighboring cities. I've requested for them to mobilize a portion of the First Army but that was rejected."

"Not even the slightest compromise on the capital's security. I'd imagine we don't want to bring any more new recruits either. Integrating them would take far too much time."

"Actually, there's another reason as well. The latest report by the messenger said that the forces at Kujou Encampment have apparently managed to secure a string of success recently and pushed the rebels back to Nazuhi Beach. It's the first few victories the Shogunate has ever had so far. So the threat of the fort falling has been removed."

"That's surprising. From the battle reports I studied, the rebel leader appears to be an incredibly capable and intelligent leader - someone not to be taken lightly. It does come across as quite a bit of a shock that she would lose a succession of battles …"

"Maybe their supply lines have been stretched too much. Advancing at such a fast pace has its downsides as well. They also have to be wary of the forces stationed at Mikage Furnace flanking them." Sara said. "The Kujou Encampment forces are currently led by my uncle - General Kujou Yoshihiro, who also serves as commander for all the forces based in Kannazuka. He is a courageous person, but incredibly proud and … oh! His devotion to the Almighty Shogun is truly inspiring."

"Inspiring?"

"Mhm. He has fifteen lacquerware carvings of the statue of Her Excellency, the Almighty Shogun, in his home." Sara said dejectedly. "I have only five … "

Jason could help but be taken aback. The Kujou Clan was truly a paragon example in their loyalty towards the Electro Archon.

The conversation continued on, he learned from Sara as well about the story surrounding the Kujou Encampment. The place was said to be built by the legendary general Shigeyori Kujou to battle against the forces of darkness during the Cataclysm. As they were talking, a samurai strode out of the camp towards them bearing the flag with the Electro Mitsudomoe.

"That's one of my uncle's personal guards," Sara whispered.

"I come bearing orders from General Yoshihiro! The war council shall convene at once. General Sara, you are to make your way to the encampment's main tent with your aide. The rest of your troops shall stay outside of the camp and are forbidden from entering."

"Wait. What?" Jason couldn't believe how absurd the orders were.

Sara stretched a hand "Leave it, Jason. I know my uncle's personality all too well." she turned to the messenger. "Forgive my subordinate's rudeness. We will be there in an hour's time. Please pass on the message."

"I will." The samurai stood and inspected the soldiers behind them.. "It seems that the 5th Army who defeated the infamous Taheiji are quite underwhelming."

At once, Sara's grip tightened on her sword, her eyes narrowing. Jason couldn't help but wonder why Yoshihiro was treating his allies - or rather Sara's army, in such a disrespectful manner. Having a conflict between themselves was the last thing they needed right now in face of the rebel threat.

"Did the general order you to give your opinion about our army as well?"

"... I hope your swordsmanship is as good as your tongue, Hero of Yatari."

Jason smiled back. "I will be happy to let you verify that … personally once the opportunity arises."

"Hmph," the messenger stood; gave a half-hearted bow then retreated back to the encampment.

"Thank You, Jason."

"I'm starting to understand now why the Shogunate Army, with all its superior manpower and resources, has been suffering so many defeats when the war began." he sighed. "How pathetic, to think we traveled all the way here just for this."

"My uncle has always been the proud type. However, it must be said that he treats his own men well and that his loyalty to the Almighty Shogun is second to none. He probably feels that having reinforcements is a show of weakness and perhaps … a sign that he has failed the Almighty Shogun in his duty."

Jason was left speechless by the insecurity being displayed. How did such a person manage to actually win against the rebels?

=====

"Welcome, General Sara."

Yoshihiro said, seated in the middle of a huge round table. A huge map was laid out on it, and there were scribblings and various drawings and items scattered across.

"As per the orders of the Tenryou Commissioner, I have come to reinforce your troops."

"Hmm? I thought I have made it clear to Takayuki repeatedly that I do not require any help. The cowering rebels have already retreated all the way to Nazuhi Beach; and in a few days my troops shall take control of the Musoujin Gorge once I begin the offensive."

"It is better to be careful," Sara replied. "Sangonomiya Kokomi is a crafty strategist. The Massacre at Serpent's Head has proven that."

"I'm not the same as that fool Igarashi. The 9th Army got wiped out due to the leader's incompetence. I will make no such mistake. Is the fear you are showing befitting of a general of the Almighty Shogun? You give far too much credit to the enemy's commander."

Sara lowered her head, keeping quiet.

An old officer then stepped forward to give a report. "The 2nd Fleet led by Admiral Shingen has also been keeping the Watatsumi Fleet in a deadlock. The rebels have no hope of ambushing us from the sea if they wish to do so."

"Do you hear that? Your worry is for naught. General Sara. "

"I don't think so …"

Jason's murmur immediately drew the attention of all the officers around him.

He cursed inwardly at the slip of the tongue.

"You have something to add? Officer Jason? Your rank may be the lowest here, but rest assured, I always welcome all opinions."

Jason gritted his teeth. He was well aware that even though he was an officer, his standing was the lowest in the hierarchy as someone new.

"With all due respect, great general. Based on the battle reports I have studied thus far, the enemy strategist is extremely cunning and cannot be taken lightly. The rout of the 9th Army at Serpent Head was the result of an extremely intricately planned stratagem. Not only did the enemy strategist make use of the weather and terrain to their advantage, the opposition has also displayed an incredible amount of skill at manipulating and concealing information."

"So what is your point? Are you telling me I should retreat now?"

"No. But we should wait a while longer before engaging the rebels at Nazuhi Beach. There is a chance that the enemy has other information hidden from us, like troops hidden somewhere. All warfare is based on deception, we should be doubly cautious when dealing with any enemy who is skilled in that."

"You don't need to state the obvious, I'm well aware that an ambush by the rebels is the only way they can hope to prevail against us. My scouts have been keeping track of the retreating rebel army ever since we pushed them back. It is impossible for them to have made such a large movement without us noticing."

"But-"

"Silence. Your cowardice has irked me long enough. How dare you call yourself an officer of the Shogunate Army?" Yoshihiro glared at him. "Tomorrow in the morning, the 3rd, 4th and 6th Armies shall launch a full-scale offensive at the rebels on Nazuhi Beach. We shall charge straight toward our foes, and vanquish these rebels in the name of our Almighty Shogun!"

Having been reprimanded, Jason could say no more.

He was concerned that the rebels may have hidden troops in Kannazuka way before they laid siege to the Kujou Encampment and Mikage Furnace and pushed back.

In that case, it was only natural that the shogunate scouts who kept track of the retreating troops didn't notice it - because the soldiers lying in ambush had never been part of the rebel's offensive force in the first place. The whole initial offensive by the resistance was just a huge set-up to bait the Shogunate forces out into an ambush.

Jason could only hope he was overthinking things.

Another officer stepped forward. "General, I have also received distressing intelligence - rebels have destroyed the local Narukami Shrines while retreating along the way, burning them to the ground …"

"What!"

"How dare they disrespect the Almighty Shogun!"

"Unforgivable." Yoshihiro slammed his fist on the table. "The Raiden Shogun is one and only true God in Inazuma worthy of worship. How dare those filthy lowlifes desecrate her temples!"

"Death to the heretics!"

"Hear, hear!" another cried.

"The civil war has lasted already for two months. As subjects of Her Eternal Excellency, it is our sacred duty to bring this conflict to a swift end … and to rain forth Her Divine Wrath upon those rebels." From there, Yoshihiro called each of the officers by name, assigning them their roles in the upcoming battle tomorrow. It soon became clear that he had no intention of involving the Fifth Army in battle.

Sara's name was the last to be called.

"General Sara, your Fifth Army shall remain here at the outskirts of Kujou Encampment. We will be counting on you to guard the perimeter of the camp against any surprise attacks. Take the opportunity to learn how to defend a camp in battle. Rest assured, despite your army's insignificant contribution, I shall allow them to partake in the subsequent victory banquet we will be having."

"Understood." Sara bowed her head.

Soon, the discussion shifted to the victory banquet and the type of wine they should be drinking. In the eyes of the Shogunate officers, the battle was as good as won. The rebel army was severely outnumbered, and the string of victories they recently had boosted their confidence.

Furthermore, the commander of the Shogunate army was the great general Yoshihiro, a veteran renowned for his bravery and loyalty. He had the respect of his men and had the extreme honor of being granted an audience with the Almighty Shogun herself once before.

But as far Jason was concerned, bravery and courage alone weren't enough to win a battle, not at least against such a cunning enemy.

He turned to Sara. "General Yoshihiro is acting too hastily, I fear things are not as simple as they seem."

"If uncle's army does end up in trouble … I won't hesitate to intervene, despite his earlier orders." She spoke softly. "However, he is a capable general in his own right. All that is left for us to trust in his abilities."

(2.4k words)