Chapter 113: Lelouch’s Gambit – The Revolutionary Army's Declaration

Lelouch stood in front of the grand map laid out across the room, fingers tracing the borders of the Land of Rain. His expression was as calm as ever, but his mind was already racing three steps ahead, strategizing, calculating. Beside him, C.C. leaned against the wall, her signature amused smile in place as she munched lazily on a pizza slice.

"Lelouch," she began, her voice soft but laced with curiosity, "what do you plan to do about Yuta and Gilgamesh taking away the trio? Surely you aren't just going to let them run off with our little pawns?"

Lelouch didn't look up from the map as he replied, his voice as cool as ever. "Isn't it obvious?"

C.C. raised an eyebrow. "No, it's really not. Humor me."

Lelouch's violet eyes glinted as he straightened, his fingers curling into a fist above the map. "Although both Gilgamesh and I were summoned to this world by Yuta and we cannot openly rebel against him, it doesn't mean we are bound to be mere allies. We can still have conflicts among ourselves, and this is one that's long overdue."

C.C. blinked slowly, still lounging against the wall. "Conflicts, huh? So, you're going to go after them? Careful, Lelouch. Gilgamesh isn't exactly a pushover. The guy's got a god complex and a treasure vault the size of an entire village."

Lelouch smirked, unbothered by her warning. "Oh, I'm fully aware of Gilgamesh's capabilities, C.C. In fact, I'm counting on them." His tone shifted, becoming colder. "Prepare the army for an expedition. A big battle is going to take place soon."

At this, C.C. finally pushed off the wall, her half-eaten pizza slice forgotten. "Are you sure you want to do this, Lelouch? Taking on Gilgamesh head-on will expose the Land of Rain's current condition to the entire ninja world. All eyes will be on us, and that's going to be detrimental to our plans."

Lelouch's expression didn't falter, his voice steady as always. "No, C.C., it won't be detrimental. In fact, it's exactly what we need."

She crossed her arms, watching him carefully. "Care to explain your grand plan this time? You know I enjoy hearing about your convoluted schemes."

Lelouch turned to face her fully, his eyes narrowing with determination. "We have already grown to the point where we no longer need to hide in the shadows. We've established control over the Land of Rain, and I now have the confidence to force the Great Ninja Villages to sit down at the negotiation table. If anyone dares to provoke us, we will answer with overwhelming strength and seek a peaceful solution on our terms."

C.C. tilted her head. "Peaceful solution? Since when are you the diplomat?"

"Since we have the power to dictate the terms of peace," Lelouch replied sharply. "The only reason we were still hiding was because the Revolutionary Army needed a battle to prove its strength to the world. And who better to serve as our opponent than someone as notorious as Gilgamesh?"

She let out a small chuckle. "So, this is all just a stage for your army to shine?"

Lelouch's smirk grew. "Precisely. Gilgamesh is planning to establish a kingdom—aggressively, no doubt. This will undoubtedly be seen as a provocation by the daimyos of the various countries, and they'll make their moves. When they do, Gilgamesh's strength will become apparent to the world."

C.C. frowned. "So, you're using Gilgamesh to draw the attention of the daimyos?"

"Exactly," Lelouch said, nodding. "When the time comes, I'll ensure that the Revolutionary Army's power is displayed for all to see. This battle with Gilgamesh will be our grand unveiling. Once the world sees our strength, no one will dare to challenge us."

C.C. smiled, though her expression was tinged with skepticism. "Sounds risky, as usual. But I know better than to doubt you."

Lelouch returned to the map, his mind already calculating the next steps. "Risk is inevitable. But the payoff is worth it."

Gathering the Army – Lelouch's Call to Arms

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the courtyard where Lelouch stood, watching his army gather. Thousands of soldiers, all loyal to the Revolutionary cause, stood in perfect formation, their eyes trained on their leader. At the front of the group stood key figures of the army—trusted generals, elite tacticians, and the most formidable warriors Lelouch had personally recruited.

C.C. stood beside Lelouch, her arms casually crossed as she surveyed the scene. "Impressive turnout," she remarked. "Seems like they're ready to die for you, Lelouch."

He smiled, his gaze unwavering as he addressed the army. "They won't have to die. Not today. Today, they will fight for something greater than death. Today, we march to show the world that we no longer fear their oppression. Today, we take our place at the top."

His voice carried over the crowd, firm and filled with conviction. Every soldier stood at attention, their spirits lifted by the sheer confidence radiating from their leader.

One of the generals, a burly man with a scar running down his face, stepped forward. "What's our target, Lord Lelouch?"

Lelouch's eyes gleamed. "Our target is Gilgamesh, and through him, the Great Ninja Villages."

A murmur ran through the crowd. Gilgamesh's name was known far and wide—a king who commanded unimaginable power. But the murmurs soon faded as Lelouch's voice cut through the noise once again.

"Do not fear Gilgamesh," Lelouch said, his tone commanding. "For too long, we have hidden in the shadows, waiting for the right moment. That moment is now. We will face Gilgamesh head-on, and when we emerge victorious, the entire ninja world will tremble at the might of the Revolutionary Army!"

The soldiers roared in response, their fear giving way to determination.

C.C. smiled, impressed despite herself. "You really know how to rile them up, don't you?"

Lelouch turned to her, his smirk never faltering. "It's a necessary skill for a leader. If they believe in me, they will believe in our victory."

C.C. chuckled softly. "And here I thought you were doing this for the sake of peace."

Lelouch's expression didn't change, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Peace is the ultimate goal. But before that, we must ensure that we are the ones dictating the terms."

The March Toward Destiny – Lelouch's Strategy

As the army set out, the rain began to fall—fitting, considering they were marching through the Land of Rain. The sound of boots sloshing through the muddy ground was accompanied by the occasional flash of lightning in the distance.

Lelouch rode at the front of the army, a black cloak billowing behind him, his face hidden by the hood. C.C. walked beside him, seemingly unbothered by the weather.

"You sure about this?" she asked, glancing up at the dark clouds overhead. "Marching in the rain doesn't exactly scream 'epic battle'."

Lelouch smirked. "It's poetic, don't you think? The rain will wash away the remnants of the old world, and from the storm, we will emerge victorious."

C.C. rolled her eyes but didn't argue. "Just don't slip and fall in the mud. That wouldn't be a very leaderly thing to do."

"Your concern is touching," Lelouch replied dryly.

The army continued its march, moving ever closer to the border where Gilgamesh's forces were rumored to be stationed. Lelouch knew that the moment they crossed into enemy territory, the game would begin. And Lelouch was always ready for a game of chess.

Lelouch vs. Gilgamesh – The First Encounter

As they approached the border, Lelouch's scouts returned with news.

"Lord Lelouch," one of the scouts reported, bowing low. "We've spotted Gilgamesh's forces ahead. They've set up camp just beyond the river."

Lelouch nodded, his expression calm and calculated. "As expected. He's prepared for us."

C.C. leaned closer, her voice low. "So, what's the plan, oh brilliant strategist? Charge in and hope for the best?"

Lelouch smiled, but there was a sharpness to it. "Hardly. Gilgamesh is expecting a direct confrontation. But I intend to hit him where he least expects it."

C.C. raised an eyebrow. "And where's that?"

"His pride," Lelouch replied simply. "He believes himself to be invincible, untouchable. We'll use that arrogance against him."

C.C. chuckled. "I do love it when you get all devious."

Lelouch turned to the army behind him. "Prepare for battle! Tonight, we make history!"

The soldiers cheered, their weapons at the ready.

As the army moved forward, Lelouch allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. Gilgamesh may have been powerful, but Lelouch had never lost a game of chess. And this was just another move in the grand scheme of things.

The Storm Before the Battle

As Lelouch's forces moved into position, the tension in the air was palpable. The rain continued to pour, but the soldiers of the Revolutionary Army stood firm, awaiting their leader's signal.

Lelouch stood at the edge of the battlefield, his gaze fixed on the enemy camp in the distance. Gilgamesh's forces were visible even from afar, their golden armor glinting in the dim light of the storm.

"Ready, C.C.?" Lelouch asked, his voice low but steady.

She smirked, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Always."

Lelouch raised his hand, the signal for the battle to begin. "Let's show Gilgamesh what true power looks like."

And with that, the battle for the Land of Rain began.