Yatari City(1)

"Yatari City?" Jason asked.

"Yes, that's where you're headed tomorrow. It's been occupied by the rebels, and from what I have heard. The situation there is ridiculously bad." Sosuke passed a set of rations over to him. "Remember to get enough rest tonight. That's the best advice I can give for newcomers like you to survive on the battlefield. You want to be in peak condition; I've seen too many fellas lose their wits just before entering their first battle, and they end up never returning."

"Y-yeah"

Jason sent the supplies into his magic bag and walked out of his regiment's supplies depot. It was only a week since he had been conscripted into the shogunate army, and they were already going to see action. He had instructed Akane to stay in a hotel in Inazuma City for the time being, instead of returning to his house. It was too dangerous for a beautiful young girl like her to live in a secluded area without his protection.

That also meant additional expense … and he had only five thousand mora left. This was an extremely serious problem - he wouldn't be able to afford light novels from the Yae Publishing House soon. He needed mora, and lots of it.

While he continued to ponder over what he could do to resolve his financial difficulty, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Jason! Up for a drink?"

He turned to see a person waving at him. It was Uchikoshi.

Unlike himself, Uchikoshi was someone who had served in the Shogunate Army for many years and had risen to a rank of Yoriki - a Middle Ranked Samurai. He served as the officer in charge of his battalion, and was a very caring person towards his men; always speaking and having meals with them together.

But what he appreciated most was that he wasn't someone that put on airs and abused his authority. Jason hated those types of people, even back in his previous world.

"Can't hurt." He smiled and sat down opposite him, then took out a bottle of wine from his magic pouch as well.

"You nervous about the campaign tomorrow?"

"Not exactly … I've killed my fair share of rogue ronins over the years." He took a small sip from his bottle. "My home is in a secluded area in Chinju forest, and I do come across a few of them once in a while."

"Is that so? I could tell from the training sessions that you're pretty skilled in the way of the sword. Hah! But you know …"

"You know?"

Uchikoshi shook his head. "The rogue ronins we are dealing with this time are on a completely different level. I overheard some of the other Yoriki discussing it earlier over dinner. The bandits that took over the city have vision bearers in their ranks supposedly."

"Hmm, but aren't vision holders just people who can wield the power of elements? I accept that would mean they would be more powerful than others, but it shouldn't be to the point where they can influence the battlefield so wantonly. Vision holder or not, a blade through the heart should settle the matter, no?"

"I can tell you've never fought one before. Have you?"

"Well …"

Uchikoshi gave his back a pat and let out a burst of loud laughter. "I won't claim to know everything about them. But what I do know is this, those who possess visions are acknowledged by the Gods. Not only can they wield the power of elements, they can also wield special elemental abilities as their control and mastery over the element improve - some of them tend to be game-changers in battle. I've heard stories of how certain vision bearers can turn acres of fields into flames, summon a giant flaming phoenix from their sword strike, and even bring forth a meteor from the sky ."

Jason was a rare loss for words. He wondered how his sun-breathing techniques would match up with those vision holders if he ever fought against one.

"The more scary part is how they're incredibly hard to kill." The officer's tone turned heavy. "When I was a young soldier years ago, my regiment was sent to eliminate a rogue vision bearer that had defected from the Shogunate Army and waas terrorizing the countryside. Out of a hundred men, only ten returned. For some reason vision bearers tend to possess incredibly strong physique compared to others, our katanas had struck the traitor many times, before they could finally pierce his body."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't be. That's the reality of war. The sooner you learn to accept loss as something inevitable, the quicker you move on. Our regiment's part of the 5th Army, and General Sara's going to be leading us for the battle, so there's nothing to worry about. She's an incredibly skilled vision bearer herself."

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The leader of the largest bandit group on Narukami Island had been the same for ten years.

Sujimoto Taheiji would turn forty-five this year and was once a seasoned fighter who was highly valued in the shogunate army. However, his excessive bloodlust and disdain for command was frowned upon, particularly his cruel treatment of defeated foes that went against the military rules.

When the Tenryou Commission finally decided to throw him in prison for his actions, he killed his commanding officer and had been living his life as a bandit since - robbing, killing, and taking whatever he wanted. Being a cyro vision bearer, he had united several bandit groups through his incredible strength, forming them into a cohesive force with help from the outside.

Now, he was truly living the life of his dreams. After overpowering the forces at Yatari City, the two hundred thousand inhabitants there were his property. He was currently seated on a high-backed chair inside the former Daimyo's room, and being served food by the female slaves he had chosen from among the inhabitants.

About five paces from the chair where Taheiji was seated was a man in short stature. He wore a black shorts and shirt, and a large upward hat with hooks along its circumference.

"The shogunate seems to have moved rather quickly this time. Will you be retreating?"

The man gave a little smirk as he informed Tajheiji of the reports his agents had gathered.

"Retreat? Hahaha …" Tajheiji took another bite of the chicken from the female slave standing beside him. "The Tenryou Commission is really looking down on me, sending a force of new recruits to battle."

"That might be, but their general this time is the Crowfeather Kaburaya. You would be wise to not underestimate her."

Taheiji stood up and glared at the man; his crystal blue eyes as sharp as knives."It is only because of your special status, Balladeer, that I shall overlook your remark earlier. Are you perhaps suggesting I would lose to a dog of the shogun, and a female one at that?"

"Oh dear … I definitely did not imply that. I just simply wanted to avoid any unexpected circumstances. With the supplies and equipment we have been providing your forces with, it would all be for nought if your ambition were to be stopped here." He chuckled.

"Hmph, she will just become one of my playthings - just like the girls here once I have defeated her." Tajeheiji growled, then squeezed the chest of the young lady standing near him; eliciting a gasp. "It would be such a waste if I killed her by accident."

"Since you're so confident, I shall say no more." The man turned to face the door, then quietly mumbled as the corner of his lips curved upwards. "The show should be quite entertaining this time … don't disappoint me."

(1334 Words)

- Edits made on 8th Feb 2022