A system notification popped up.
[You have obtained: Bow ×1]
[Arrow Price: One bundle (five arrows): $0.25/12,500 Mora]
Shao Yun glanced at the two messages. He hadn't expected that just casually demonstrating some archery would earn him a bow.
Looks like he could start playing with explosive arrows later.
…
After a walk around the camp, Teppei came to a stop and said to him, "Mr. Shao Yun, that's the tour of the camp. For now, there's nothing else that needs doing—you can take some time to rest."
Shao Yun looked around in confusion. Shouldn't there be a Shogunate ambush now, leading to the camp being built up afterward? Why hasn't that triggered yet? That's strange.
Still, no ambush meant saving energy for more critical parts of the story.
"Alright, I'm going to find Lumine first." With that, Shao Yun turned and left while Teppei went about his own tasks.
…
When Shao Yun returned to the temporary shelter for the wounded, he found Gorou standing in front of Lumine and Paimon, speaking with them.
Inside the tent, Gorou stroked his chin and, after a moment of consideration, nodded in agreement.
"Miss Lumine, Miss Paimon, I understand that you both want to join the resistance. But please focus on recovering first—then you can decide."
Wrapped in a blanket, Lumine smiled and thanked him.
"Alright, then it's settled."
At that moment, Shao Yun approached, looking curiously at the three.
"What are you all talking about?"
Lumine turned her head, answering proudly, "I was discussing with Gorou about joining the resistance. Once I'm fully recovered, I'll be a resistance fighter just like you."
Shao Yun nodded helplessly. Well, it's fine. You'll need time to recover anyway—that gives me plenty of room to maneuver.
"Alright, got it."
Then, Gorou subtly motioned with his lips, indicating he had something important to discuss with Shao Yun.
Shao Yun got the hint and followed him out of the tent.
They walked a short distance away, just enough to keep their conversation private.
Only then did Gorou stop and turn to him, sighing with a heavy tone. "Mr. Shao Yun, I have a very thorny matter I need to discuss with you."
Seeing Gorou's troubled expression, Shao Yun wondered, What's wrong? Are they going to kick me out of the resistance? No way, right?
"What happened?"
Gorou furrowed his brows and rubbed his temples. "According to the latest intel, the Shogunate army is massing troops and preparing to advance from Kujou Encampment along Tatarasuna toward Nazuchi Beach. Right now, we're severely undermanned…"
Saying that had taken a lot of courage—especially after he'd just claimed there wouldn't be any assignments for Shao Yun. And now, the Shogunate was attacking. What a slap in the face.
Shao Yun instantly understood—Gorou was asking for reinforcements.
So, the plot skipped the cliffside ambush straight to the Kujou Sara offensive…
Time to show them what I can do. Time to earn their trust—and move forward with my plan!
He agreed to Gorou's request without hesitation, using a solid excuse.
"Say no more, let's go. If the Shogunate attacks, Lumine could be in danger. We'll kill those bastards and make sure they don't come back!"
Gorou hadn't expected Shao Yun to agree so readily—he hadn't even asked for details before deciding. If not for Shao Yun's reasoning, he might've seriously doubted him.
Gorou thanked him earnestly. "Thank you for your help, Mr. Shao Yun. We'll regroup at the camp gate shortly."
He turned to rally the resistance troops, while Shao Yun returned to speak with Lumine.
Lumine looked at him, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Shao Yun, what did Gorou say to you?"
Shao Yun rubbed his shoulder and said softly, "The Shogunate is preparing to attack. The resistance is short on fighters, so I've decided to go help. If they attack and we're not ready, the consequences will be terrible."
Worried she might object, he quickly added, "Like I said before—helping Watatsumi Island is helping ourselves. Otherwise, we'll be the ones getting pushed into the sea."
Lumine gave a small nod, showing her understanding.
Given the urgency of the situation, there wasn't much else to say. She simply reminded him, "Alright. Just be careful."
Shao Yun gently stroked her hair, reassuring her. "Don't worry. You and Paimon stay put in the camp, okay? No wandering around."
Lumine nodded obediently. "I understand."
…
Following a messenger's orders, the camp retained only basic defenses. All remaining combat-capable personnel regrouped at Nazuchi Beach under Gorou's lead.
At the camp gate, everyone who could fight had gathered. The air was solemn—they were ready for war.
Teppei spotted Shao Yun and excitedly waved him over. "Mr. Shao Yun! Over here!"
Shao Yun looked toward the voice and strode over, eyeing Teppei's high spirits with curiosity. "We're about to go to battle—why are you so excited?"
Teppei, fists clenched and eyes bright, replied with passion, "Like I said before, I used to be in logistics. I've always wanted to see real combat. Now I finally get the chance to fight on the front lines. Who wouldn't want to take down a few Shogunate samurai themselves?"
He leaned in and whispered awkwardly, "Though, yeah… our first meeting, I was a complete mess. You probably laughed at me. But this time—with General Gorou here—we'll smash the Shogunate to pieces!"
Just then, Gorou waved at Shao Yun to come over.
Shao Yun gave Teppei an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Teppei. Gorou's calling me."
He turned and walked over to Gorou.
Gorou, his face serious, handed Shao Yun a note.
"This was sent back by our scouts via carrier pigeon. Please take a look, Mr. Shao Yun."
Shao Yun unfolded it. The report clearly stated the number of Shogunate soldiers advancing on the front—three thousand. Not one more, not one less.
Why is it always "three"?!
Gorou looked worried. "The Shogunate's deployed significant forces. Lady Sangonomiya's strategic plans have all been used up. I only have about five hundred troops with me now. It seems we'll have to make a final stand here."
Shao Yun handed the note back. Sure, three thousand sounded like a lot—but he had plenty of snake oil and chewing tobacco.
Unless he literally dropped dead, he could probably take them all out.
He raised an eyebrow at Gorou, smiling.
"General Gorou, have you ever heard the saying 'one force breaks ten thousand techniques'?"
Gorou was stunned. "Are you saying…?"
Shao Yun licked his lips and grinned. "I want to see if I can take on all three thousand by myself."
Back in the day, Xiang Yu killed hundreds of Han soldiers with just a sword. Today, Shao Yun had modern firepower—it was worth a try.
Gorou was shocked. "That's insane! You're not serious, are you?!"
He knew Shao Yun had once taken down the Raiden Shogun—but that was a fake Raiden Shogun, right?
And with no solid intel to confirm that feat, Gorou often subconsciously saw Shao Yun as just a normal Vision bearer.
Shao Yun laughed at Gorou's flustered expression, gently patting his shoulder.
"Hahaha, think of it as a joke. But trust me—once this battle is over, the Shogunate will be forced to slow or even halt their advance. After that, Watatsumi Island will have a chance to counterattack—maybe even reach Narukami Island!"
To Gorou and the others, it sounded like empty encouragement.
He sighed softly. "If we can just hold the line, I'll be satisfied. Once Lady Sangonomiya returns, things will surely improve."
Shao Yun kept up his morale-boosting.
"Gorou, believe in yourself—and in us. Defeating the Shogunate and marching on Narukami Island isn't a dream."
He whistled sharply. A moment later, the sound of hoofbeats echoed.
A strong, chestnut-colored steed galloped into view.
Gorou stared in astonishment. "Mr. Shao Yun, is this your horse? I've heard about it around the camp. It looks so healthy! If we weren't going into battle, I'd want a closer look."
Shao Yun proudly patted the horse. "This is my best horse—Boadicea."
Gorou nodded in admiration. "Such an exceptional steed—truly rare."
Shao Yun pointed to the gathered resistance troops. "Alright, enough horse talk. Gorou, it's time to say something to rally the troops. Inspire them!"
"Because let's be honest—five hundred against three thousand? You're going to need legendary morale."
Gorou turned to face the troops, cleared his throat, and spoke loud and clear.
"Warriors of the resistance—we stand here not just for ourselves, but for our homes and our future."
"Every battle is a defense of what we hold dear. Our strength comes from unity. Do not fear. Do not retreat. Each act of courage brings us closer to victory."
His words flowed like a clear stream, resonating with the soldiers. Their eyes gleamed with resolve—their morale soared.
They raised their weapons and shouted in unison: "Victory!"
The chant surged like a tidal wave, raising the whole army's spirit.
Shao Yun stood quietly, listening. Not bad… but it still feels like it's missing something.
When Gorou finished, Shao Yun stepped forward, clapped him on the shoulder, and smiled.
"Great speech. Mind if I give it a shot too?"
Gorou was surprised but nodded. "Huh? Sure."
Shao Yun mounted Boadicea, drew his saber, and raised it high.
Sunlight glinted off the blade, flashing a brilliant arc—a symbol of victory to come.
He took a deep breath and shouted with all his might.
"Now, under General Gorou's command—we're going to wipe out those damn Shogunate bastards! We'll drain their blood dry! Let them witness the power of Watatsumi Island!"
His tone and presence carried a strange magic. Instantly, the resistance's battle cry roared louder than ever!
They waved their weapons, unleashing thunderous shouts that seemed to tear through the sky.
Shao Yun raised his voice once more. "Let the Shogunate see what we're made of—we are unbeatable!"
His voice echoed through the air—full of might.
As soon as the words left his lips, the entire force erupted. Wave after wave of deafening cries surged upward, as if to engulf the entire camp.
Gorou hadn't seen morale this high in ages. With this kind of spirit, half the battle was already won.
He didn't care if Shao Yun had "stolen" his spotlight—because this wasn't about personal glory. It was about the resistance's pride.
Shao Yun reminded him, "General Gorou, while morale is at its peak—give the order to march!"
Gorou nodded, drew a deep breath, and shouted with resolve.
"Move out!"
His voice echoed over the camp gates, driving every soldier forward as they followed Gorou toward Nazuchi Beach.