Suzuki Makoto led the thirty chosen individuals away, leaving the others standing in place, exchanging bewildered glances.
"So, should we head back?"
"We can only go back for now."
"Then what do we tell the higher-ups?"
"We'll just say that guy ordered us to split up and act independently, so we returned. Let's all get our stories straight and tell the same version."
The group discussed their plan, then dispersed, each using their own channels to report back to their bosses.
Only Eiju watched Suzuki Makoto's disappearing figure, a sense of unease settling in his mind.
"Boss Eiju, what's wrong? What are you thinking about?"
"I'm wondering, Suzuki Makoto can't be a madman. What kind of assurance does he have to stay here?"
"Heh, he's trying to be a good guy in Zaraki District. Could anyone be crazier than that?"
His remark drew a burst of laughter.
"Alright, since you all know he's the only truly good person, stop mocking him. Once he's dead, there won't be any good people left in Zaraki District."
The others fell silent as well.
Following rules didn't mean they couldn't discern right from wrong. Being chosen as spies inherently meant they were quite clever individuals, capable of independent thought.
But against an army of over ten thousand, what could one man truly do?
On the plain nestled within the valley—the most open space, yet also the most unsuitable for a decisive battle—Suzuki Makoto led everyone here.
"Now, I will face their army right here. If any of you wish to leave, I will not stop you."
"Sir, here the enemy can fully deploy their formation, maximizing their numerical advantage. This is entirely unfavorable to us. Shouldn't we instead hide in the mountains and employ guerrilla tactics?"
"Indeed, while they're marching through narrow roads, with your strength, you could lead us in repeated night raids and ambushes on their columns, harass their supply lines, and completely throw that army into disarray!"
Eiju's assertion was somewhat biased, because Suzuki Makoto was not a madman—but the thirty individuals he brought with him were. For example, one was seriously pondering tactics despite facing a three-hundred-to-one numerical disadvantage.
But Suzuki Makoto did not seek that kind of victory. Such a win would not sufficiently spread his and the Yellow Turban's renown, nor would it truly change Zaraki District.
"No, I will defeat their allied forces head-on right here. Only then will they truly grasp my resolve, understand my power, and only then can I genuinely plant the Yellow Turban flag in the center of every village in Zaraki District."
Suzuki Makoto calmly articulated his vision.
"I know that none of you are truly following me solely for this vision of peaceful living. Therefore, this is something I intend to do alone. You are not required to stand here for my ideals. My decision is not fair to you. However, if you still choose to stand here, I guarantee you: I, Suzuki Makoto, will never let any of you down."
He scanned the group. Not a single person chose to leave.
"Sir, to be honest, though I am a scoundrel, I also know what is right and what is wrong. Only by following you can I truly enjoy the purity of battle—not fighting to snatch water bags or food, not worrying about filling my belly tomorrow while dreading injury, not drawing my blade bound by such conflicting thoughts."
Shota scratched his head. He might not have spoken eloquently, but every word came from the heart.
"I know you're a truly capable man, boss, and I know what your actions will invite. But it's precisely because I realized that, that I'm willing to follow you—because it means there will be endless enemies to kill."
Ken burst into boisterous laughter.
The others, too, laughed heartily, sharing their reasons for following Suzuki Makoto. They undoubtedly loved battle and knew that death would end it, but they also hoped their struggles could be imbued with true meaning.
"Very well, then. Display the banner. Let us form ranks and welcome those fellows."
"Oh!"
When the allied army was guided to the valley floor, they were met with such an eerie sight.
Thirty individuals encircled a small dirt mound, establishing a defensive camp where the Master flag was planted. Suzuki Makoto stood alone, a hundred paces in front of the mound, as straight and imposing as a pine.
"Tch, so he truly is a madman, choosing to face us in a decisive battle right here?"
One of the allied leaders scoffed.
"Ah... what an elegant man. For the sake of a grand death, he has fashioned such a poetic and magnificent spectacle. I absolutely must record this scene in haiku!"
Another leader, with the appearance of an effeminate strategist, greatly admired Suzuki Makoto's choice.
"Why record such a thing? It should be destroyed outright! To prevent other madmen from imitating him. Pass the order: attack! Whoever cuts off that man's head will receive all bounties we have offered!"
The bounties alone were already enough to make eyes red with greed. Now, they would all fall to one lucky individual?
Some were even already scheming darkly about how to deal with the people around them. After all,
In their eyes, with such a terrifying military force assembled, the most difficult part was clearly not killing the man, but rather...
...how to seize his head!
The massive army began to stir with unrest, and this agitation quickly spread to the very front lines.
The thugs drew their weapons, howling as they charged towards Suzuki Makoto.
Suzuki Makoto moved as well. Like taking a stroll, he advanced calmly until the first individual approached within a hundred paces.
Slash!
The first head hit the ground, only to be quickly kicked aside as an inconvenient obstacle. Those behind continued to surge forward eagerly.
What awaited them was the coldest storm of blood and gore.
There was no mercy, no pity. Suzuki Makoto's blade swept through, often sending dozens of heads and even more limbs soaring into the air. Before they could fall, more heads and limbs flew skyward once again.
The frenzy incited by the bounties rapidly receded. The gruesome scene shocked their hearts more directly than any as-yet-unclaimed wealth. Soon, no one dared to charge forward further.
But Suzuki Makoto's advance never faltered.
Those standing on the hill behind witnessed it clearly: the surging tide of the crowd crashed against the solitary reef that was one man. The tide shattered instantly. And as that reef advanced into the tide, the collapse was even swifter and more dramatic than their assault.
A ten-thousand-strong army was left utterly reeling by one man.
By this point, Suzuki Makoto had advanced to within roughly a hundred paces of the enemy leaders.
____
New Story: Stardew Valley: What Do You Mean They All Became My Servants
🔥We're handing out that '25% bonus' that makes your wallet smile. 😄
✅ Unlock a 40-chapter backlog for ALL my series.
✅ Receive exclusive content and regular updates!
Help us reach these goals:
🎯 100 Powerstones = +1 universal bonus chapter
🚀 180 MEMBERS = +5 extra chapters for ALL STORIES!
👻 P - Walnutchan