Appointment

"Issue the order to retreat."

Fort Fujitou had served as the Sangonmiya's Resistance Encampment ever since the civil war erupted a month ago. Located on an elevated plateau on Yashiori Island, it was an ideal place for defending against attacks, and also close to a small port for the resistance to transport manpower and supplies to and fro from their Watatsumi Island - their true base.

In the middle of it was a blue pavilion, and inside was Kokomi - giving out her next set of directives on how the war should proceed. She was the reason why the resistance had against all odds, prevailed and survived so far against the Shogunate Army; winning victory one after another against seemingly impossible odds.

Serving as their commander in chief, the young girl wore a navy blue kimono with wave light white accents. Her light salmon colored hair flowed down beautifully, and she had endearing features - but no one dared to not regard her. Beneath her calm and gentle appearance was also a keen eye for strategy proven by the results so far.

Kokomi sat in the middle of a circular table, and around her were the other senior officials of the resistance army. One of them, a short and slender man, spoke up.

"I do not think that would be a wise move. We have finally managed to extend our battle lines far enough to threaten the Kujou Encampment. The 6th Army led by the famed General Sara will take some time before she can rendezvous with them, considering the battle they just had at Yatari City. We should strike their encampment now before that happens! And capitalize upon the momentum of victories we have built thus far."

Another large, plump man, with a huge build nodded.

"I agree as well, we should not let the sacrifices of our brothers be in vain so far. To retreat now when victory is within grasp, would make a mockery of their sacrifices."

"The stockpile of supplies we have for the current offensive will also not favor us in a prolonged war. It is urgent that we secure the Kujou Encampment as soon as possible and place the territory of Kannazuka under our control." A third person interjected.

"Comrades, I ask for your trust in this matter. Every one of my directives … are to lead us to an absolute victory." Kokomi looked at them, placing a hand to her heart.

"Trust Her Excellency!" A young short man with pointy ears stood up. "The only reason why we have made it so far is all due to her schemes and strategies." the person then turned to face her. "I have full faith and confidence in Her Excellency's decision, it will surely lead us to another overwhelming victory against the Shogunate Forces!"

"Thank you, General Gorou. I appreciate your trust." Kokomi gave a gentle smile in the general's direction, causing his pointy ears to show a little movement.

There were some noises and murmurings among the other commanders as they turned to each other. After some time, they stood up in unison.

"General Gorou is right. We will comply with your directive, Your Excellency." Giving a bow, they began to leave the meeting.

"General Gorou, please wait."

The man stopped in his tracks, turning around quickly to face her. "Do you have further instructions for me?"

"Yes." Kokomi waited until everyone else had left the tent, then signaled the man to come closer to her before she spoke. "I have a request to make of you … could you prepare a small boat and have it ready by tonight?"

"Of course, your Excell-"

"I told you this many times, you don't have to call me that when we're alone together. Just my name will do."

"Yeah. I forgot about that again … it's become a habit." Gorou scratched the back of his neck. "But … what are you planning to do with it?"

"I will tell you when the time comes. For now, let no one know of this matter. I'm sorry to have to impose on you once again. But could you act as my escort? There is somewhere I have to go."

"O-of course! I swear to protect you with my life!" the general thumped a fist to his chest. "Do you require me to get a swordfish squad to accompany us?"

Kokomi shook her head.

"No. it will be just ... the two of us."

The general's pointy ears were now twitching uncontrollably.

-------------------------------------

A few days had passed since the battle of Yatari City had concluded. Upon leaving some troops to guard the location, most of the 5th Army were now making their way back to Inazuma City.

It was night time and the Shogunate Troops had set up their encampment to rest. Jason was lying on his bed, reading the light novels while his roommate wasn't around.

"Hero of Yatari!"

His friend and regiment leader, Uchikoshi walked into their shared tent.

"Come on ..." he replied in an exasperated tone. "Not that nickname again."

"Hahaha, you really are a strange guy. People normally would revel in getting fame, but yet you show almost no sign of interest in that at all. Are reading light novels seriously the only hobby you have?"

"These books are … ahem. A wealth of knowledge and treasure. You won't understand. The latest one written by Noya Kenzo - Reborn as Rex Lapis: Building the Qixing Harem, is really good. Apparently, it's one of the hot sellers. I just got the part where how the protagonist revealed his identity to a girl called Keqing and sh-"

"Alright enough … enough." Uchikoshi held up his hand. "I don't want to hear you go on blabbering about it. I have absolutely no interest in this kind of wish-fulfillment story. The general has summoned you. I'm guessing she's going to hand you your rewards for your contribution in the battle."

Jason stood up, pulling at his attire to straighten out the creases.

"Oh, General Sara normally gives the reward personally?"

"Yup. At least that's how I heard from some of my friends who used to serve under her when they were going around to subdue the pirates years ago. She metes out both punishment and reward based on merit, and visited each wounded soldier personally. The best part is - she's a real beauty and incredibly strong as well! I would say she is the most popular and respected general in the entire Shogunate Army." the man lifted his head, staring at the roof. "I wouldn't mind being injured if I could have her tend to my wounds. How I wish I could marry her ..."

Jason chuckled. "I'm going to tell your wife you said that."

"H-hey! Is that how you treat a brother?"

Upon tidying up his attire, Jason bid Uchikoshi goodbye and made his way to the general tent. While doing so, he passed by a few shogunate soldiers - who would murmur to each other and point fingers at him. He wasn't someone used to receiving so much attention, and the sudden newfound fame added to his discomfort.

He soon found himself standing in front of a familiar tent.

"General Sara, it is me - Jason. May I enter?"

"Please do." came a soft reply.

Stepping in, he saw the commander scribbling away on her desk, a pile of papers neatly stacked beside her; along with the familiar fragrant smell of sakura tea in the air.

"Have a drink, I brewed too much again and can't finish it on my own." The general motioned for him to take a seat, then pushed a cup over to him.

"Oh sure …"

Jason lifted the cup, noticing the sakura symbols that adorned it's edges - he counted five. When he brought it to his lips and slowly took a sip, the floral and cherry-like taste spread through his mouth. It tasted slightly different from what he drank previously, probably because his sense of taste was dulled by the fever back then.

"Thank you. It's excellent."

The general's face broke into a thin smile for a moment, before she reverted back to her usual cold and studious expression. "I've called you here today to discuss the matter of your rewards for the previous battle. As promised, the respective mora according to your performance will be credited into your bank account soon. Your combat ability was outstanding … Where did you learn your sword skills from? Who was your master?"

Jason had already long prepared an explanation, knowing that the general was sure to enquire about it. There was no way he could tell her that an unknown God was the one who gave him these powers after he reincarnated; no one would believe him anyway.

"My master was a samurai by the name of Yoriichi Tsugikuni. I studied the way of the sword under him, unfortunately one day he said he had to go on an important journey somewhere and left me. I have no idea about his whereabouts."

"Yoriichi Tsugikuni? I … have never heard of this person. Was he a vision bearer?"

"Indeed. He was a Pyro Vision Holder."

"There's no such name in the single and double digits vision wielders of the shogunate army … I suppose that means he wasn't affiliated with the military at all." The general rested a hand on her forehead, muttering softly.

Before he could ask what the general meant by the digits, she continued with her questions.

"So he was the one who taught you how to wield elemental energy without a vision?"

"No. I have no idea why I am able to do so as well."

He didn't think it was wise to let people know that breathing techniques could be learned by even people without a vision. There might be individuals in this world who would go after him for unscrupulous reasons if they found out. It would be better to tell a tale that his ability was something unique to him - this was something he would never expose to anyone unless they could be absolutely trusted.

"I see. You've been fighting hard in the Shogunate Army, and truth to be told … skilled soldiers like you are very valuable in realizing Her Excellency's dream for Inazuma."

"That's a relief. I was already prepared for the possibility of being punished for this matter."

"I would never allow it!" Sara stood up, slamming her palms on the desk. "I mean, you've done no wrong and not violated the vision hunt decree - since you do not have a vision. Punishment and rewards in the army should be fairly meted out."

Jason found himself taken aback by the general's sudden outburst. She truly was indeed an excellent general, to think she would attach such importance to handling the army's matters in a strict merit-based manner.

"Slaying Taheiji is an amazing feat, and it would be unfair to go by purely mora alone to recognize it. Therefore I have decided to grant you a special reward." the general looked away, her index fingers pressing against each other.

His eyes lit up. A special reward from the general? That was sure to be something great.

"I'm promoting you to the rank of a Yoriki, and your new appointment will be as my a-aide. So from now on, you can consider yourself an officer of the Shogunate Army."

"Eh?"

Jason tilted his head in confusion, trying to process what the new responsibilities meant.

"Just to be clear! This isn't because I'm favoring you or anything, I simply have too much work on my hands and I need some help. It is also because of your skills too. Our future battles from here on will be against the Sangonimya Resistance, and I need a strong soldier to guard me in case they attempt a sneak attack. I've heard the leader of the resistance forces is a very shrewd strategist, w-we need to be prepared against all possibilities."

"What?! I may be slightly skilled in combat but ... such a position. I'm only a new soldier in the army too … are you sure?"

It was definitely a great thing to have a promotion in rank. However, Jason felt like the shoes he had to fit in were too big for him this time and was trying to find a way out of it. He could keep his rank and get higher pay while avoiding the need to serve as the general's assistant. Surely there were other appointments available.

"I believe you're someone trustworthy … but I won't force you. Will you accept it?"

Their gazes met once again; and Jason gave the two eye-catching breasts resting on top of her folded hands a brief glance. Working directly under a beautiful general definitely had its perks … but he was afraid he couldn't meet the expectations required of him.

If this was during peacetime, he would have definitely accepted it. However, the flames of civil war had been lit - which meant that it was very likely any mistakes in his decisions or work could lead to someone dying down the line. The repercussions would be huge.

Could someone like him, who never achieved anything in his previous life; actually shoulder this position?

After closing his eyes for a moment. He made his choice.

"General Sara." he said. "I accept your offer."

"Excellent. Our army should be reaching Inazuma City in two days, then towards Kujou Encampment once the resupply is done. Starting tomorrow, I expect you to report to me at 5:55am each day in the morning sharp - and I will brief you on your responsibilities and tasks for each day accordingly. But before that …" the general passed a piece of paper over to him and continued to speak.

"I would have preferred to carry out your appointment in a formal ceremony for officers. Since Inazuma is in a state of war, things are different now. Nonetheless, it has always been part of the tradition for newly appointed officers to recite the officer's creed … Bow the knee."

Complying, Jason half-kneeled and began to read out the sentences one after another until it reached the end.

"Rise. So you do solemnly and sincerely swear and affirm once again, that you will bear true faith and allegiance towards the Nation of Inazuma and to guard and defend it?"

"I do."

"And to promise to serve her Eternal Excellency by excelling in everything you do with Pride, Honor, and Integrity."

"I do."

"And finally …" the general took a step forward toward him. "Are you willing to dedicate your life to the Raiden Shogun? To be her blade, the tip of her spear, and the instrument of her will in realizing the dream of eternity for Inazuma. Do you affirm that you do swear undying fealty to her henceforth?"

Jason took a deep breath. That was quite the way to put it … the military really worshipped and held the Raiden Shogun in extremely high regard. How did she look like in person? At least from the lacquerware figurines, she seemed to have a great figure and assets like General Sara.

"I do."

(2503 Words)