Chapter 20: Nazuhi Beach(1)
On the following day, as the Shogunate Army departed, Sara's Army stood as the sole force at the Kujou Encampment.
"General Sara, something still does not sit right with me. Nazuhi Beach has a very narrow entrance and exit, and I fear the rebels may be trying to lure the attacking armies into the area so they can launch a pincer attack once they have entered. Please permit me to scout out the area ahead," Jason suggested.
Doubts and strategies swirled in Jason's mind. The potential dangers of Nazuhi Beach loomed large, and he became more convinced by the passing second that if he did not take action, the Shogunate could lose the entirety of Kannazuka.
"But General Yoshihiro's scouts have been monitoring the retreating rebel troops. While his attitude can be difficult to deal with, my uncle is not the type to exaggerate matters," Sara said.
"It is entirely possible the enemy has hidden and smuggled troops to Tatarasuna when they previously pushed the frontlines to Kujou Encampment. In the first place, it comes across as odd how eager they were to advance and how easily they were defeated and pushed back as well. It's almost as if that was intentional."
"Now that you mention it… you have a point. But it's too dangerous for you to go alone. You should take a squad with you at least."
"No, it would be too obvious, and it would cause trouble for you if your Uncle finds out," he shook his head. "Besides, it is also possible the camp might come under attack."
Jason was confident in his abilities. The battle at Yatari City had given him a rough idea of where he stood in the power hierarchy. There probably weren't too many people who could pose a threat to him.
Yoriichi's Sun Breathing Techniques were, after all, not for show; they were able to leave a powerful demon like Muzan with such severe PTSD that he got triggered just by seeing Tanjiro's earrings.
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Meanwhile, the forces led by the great general Yoshihiro finally arrived at Nazuhi Beach. Aside from the 6th Army, which was made up of conscripted recruits, the 3rd and 4th armies were well-trained veteran soldiers.
As such, he had intentionally placed the recruits in the rear to protect them. Given how little time he had to train them, the civilian conscripts would be ill-placed to carry out the offensive maneuvers and drills required in the opening stages of battle.
In the center, Yoshihiro was dressed in heavy armor, surrounded by his guards and officers.
"General, the enemy is assuming a strange formation at the exit."
"Hmph. I expected as much. Making use of a chokepoint to minimize their numerical disadvantage so that we cannot bring our superior numbers to bear. Have the vanguard assume the Houshi formation."
"As you command."
"Our men are in position."
"Good. Begin the assa-"
Boom
"... a firework?"
"It's forming the shape of a fish in the sky. What's going o-"
Before they could understand what was going on, the general watched in horror as cries came from his back.
"An enemy fleet has appeared to our right!"
"Rebel soldiers have appeared behind us! We're under attack from the rear!"
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On a hill, a young serene lady observed the unfolding chaos before her.
Kokomi gave an approving nod. Everything according to plan.
"... The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him."
"Another wise teaching! I will bear it in mind, your Excellency. Is that a quote from Teyvat's Art of War?" Gorou asked.
"Yes. The author got the inspiration from Grandmaster Varka's battles," Kokomi replied, her gaze fixed on the battlefield, scanning and taking in every detail.
"I remember our merchant previously mentioned that he has been preparing to lead an expedition out of Mondstadt. What a pity, I heard that he would be gone for a long time. I had hoped to make a trip there after the war is over to meet him."
"Gorou, the defensive formation the Shogunate is trying to assume is known as the Houen. It's a defensive formation from the Kujou Art of War. Their commander will be located at the center back." Kokomi's gaze turned to the general. "Sorry for entrusting you with such a dangerous task… but I need you and your strike force to take him out."
"Rest assured, your Excellency. I will surely slay the enemy general without fail."
The furry general thumped his chest and left to gather the other elite members of his strike force to strike at the disarrayed enemy.
When their figures had disappeared from Kokomi's sight, the girl motioned to one of the guards beside her.
"Seta, fire the signal. It's time our forces hidden around the Kujou Encampment to make their move."
"As you command, my lady!"
With a tug, another firework was unleashed from a tube.
As Kokomi watched on, a dangerous glint flashed across her beautiful eyes. She had learned from the defeat at the hands of a Shogunate Samurai in chess when she was in Inazuma City. This time, she would be bolder and grasp victory within her hands. However, she couldn't help but wonder about where that man was right now.
She would have a rematch with him one day and have her revenge!
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