Chapter One Hundred Fifty-Seven: The First Confrontation

The wind was gentle and the sun shone brightly, not a cloud in sight, and the Lake Capital City shimmered with dazzling whiteness. A light breeze blew over Lake Texcoco, causing gentle ripples to form on the water's surface.

To the southeast of the Great Lake, dozens of boats of various sizes formed a squadron, encircling seven or eight smaller boats. In the center of the fleet floated an especially magnificent large boat, with a vibrant Commander flag standing tall. On either side of the flag, guards waved smaller signal flags, and the fleet moved accordingly, as if directed by a guiding hand.

Heeding the command, the sailors rowed their oars, approaching the encircled smaller boats and turning to the side. Following, the Samurai raised their longbows, mounted with fire arrows, aiming and ready to shoot.