"Among the three clans in Aira Village, the Tsukuguni Clan has a more strategic approach to warfare," Yoriichi explained, drawing two circles on the ground. "They divide their army into two groups. The first is led by a commander, and the second is led by the war general…"
"Michikatsu," I interjected.
"Yes," Yoriichi confirmed. "Elder Brother will command the second group on the front lines. Though smaller in size, this group is not to be underestimated. It consists of the most elite fighters from all three clans."
"And your brother is their leader… That's encouraging to hear," I said dryly.
Yoriichi stood up, his expression serious. "Elder Brother was made a war general not solely because of his strength, though that was certainly a factor. What truly sets him apart is his tactical brilliance and strategic mind."
From what I had read, Michikatsu was indeed a master strategist. He had never lost a battle, and I was certain he was the driving force behind the Tsukuguni Clan's recent victories.
"So, what's your plan?" I asked.
"I don't intend to engage with the first group of warriors," Yoriichi replied. "I'll circle around the forest and confront Elder Brother directly. I need to speak with him."
"That sounds reasonable. I'll focus on keeping the first group occupied—"
"Occupied?" Yoriichi raised an eyebrow.
"Not in a violent way," I clarified quickly. "I won't kill anyone. I'll just subdue them through restraint, that's all."
I doubted my explanation was enough to convince him, but Yoriichi nodded.
"If you truly are a slayer, then you must understand the gravity of taking a human life," he said.
"I do, and I have no intention of crossing that line," I assured him.
"Very well," Yoriichi said. "Focus on restraining them as you said. I'll do my best to convince Elder Brother."
With that, Yoriichi turned and left, leaving a trail of dust in his wake.
I walked over to a nearby tree and leaned against it, cracking my neck and shoulders. It had been days since I'd had a proper rest. Funny how I missed my days in the mountains—by this time of day, I'd usually be waking up and preparing for the day's hunt. What a life.
I glanced at the fugitive mark on my arm, now covered with a white cloth. I had come here hoping to defeat a creature and return home, but instead, I found myself in an anime world, caught up in the middle of a war. Instead of fighting demons, I was now trying to stop a conflict between humans. And to make matters more complicated, this would be my first time facing human opponents with genuine intent to kill.
The demons I had fought in the mountains were tough, but they lacked the discipline and skill of trained warriors. This would be a different challenge altogether.
As I peered deeper into the forest, I could see the flickering light of torches in the distance, casting long, dark shadows on the ground. The enemy was approaching.
"I hope Yoriichi made it past the first group," I muttered to myself.
I stood up and unsheathed the katana I had taken from one of the Himori Clan samurai. Unlike my dagger, this blade had one blunt edge, which would make it easier to subdue without killing.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward and vanished into the shadows.
---
The samurai moved cautiously through the forest, their torches providing the only light as the moon had yet to rise. Their faces were grim, a reflection of the toll the war had taken on them. They had been on the move for days, and not long ago, they had fought a battle that secured another victory for Aira Village.
"Hey, did you hear?" one samurai whispered to his companion. "After this village, we finally get to go off duty and return home."
"Seriously?" the other replied, his eyes widening.
"Yeah, I overheard the general discussing it with the commanders. I can't wait to see my wife and kids again."
Tears welled up in the other man's eyes. "I might finally get to see my fiancée. I thought I'd die out here before that could happen."
"We still have another battle ahead of us," the first samurai said solemnly. "Let's pray we survive this one."
Suddenly, a chilling scream shattered the silence of the night. The samurai froze, their eyes darting around as they tried to locate the source of the sound. But all they found was confusion and terror.
"What was that?" someone whispered.
Before anyone could answer, another scream echoed through the forest, followed by another, and another. The entire troop was thrown into chaos.
For some reason, I found their panic amusing. It was almost… fun.
I appeared behind another samurai, clamping a hand over his mouth and dragging him into the shadows. I dislocated his elbow with a swift motion, and he let out a muffled scream.
By now, the entire group had drawn their katanas, their eyes scanning the darkness for their unseen assailant.
"Why do you all look so confused?" I called out, standing atop a tree branch. My voice echoed through the forest, momentarily silencing the chaos. "Your opponent is right in front of you."
I leaped down from the tree, landing in a cloud of dust. As it settled, I found myself surrounded by a sea of armed samurai, their blades glinting in the torchlight.
"Get him!" someone shouted.
They charged at me. I clenched my fists and raised them, ready to fight. My goal wasn't to kill, so I aimed for non-lethal strikes—though with enough force, even these could be deadly.
The first samurai swung his blade at me horizontally. I sidestepped and countered with a punch to his chin, knocking him out cold. I felt his bone crack beneath my fist and hoped it wasn't his spine.
One by one, they attacked, and I dodged, landing precise blows that left them unconscious. Their numbers dwindled, and I was grateful for that.
"What's all this commotion?" a commanding voice rang out.
The samurai immediately stopped and parted, revealing a man in his late twenties. He had a strong jawline, a well-groomed mustache, and a goatee. He wore a brown hakama with a blue haori draped over it.
"Commander Ueda!" the samurai exclaimed.
The man surveyed the scene with a look of disdain. "Oh? It's just a kid," he said, glancing at his subordinates. "You're having trouble with a child–?"
I kicked forward, appearing before him. My fist millimeters away from his nose.
I didn't appreciate being called a kid. In fact, I was technically old enough to be his elder brother.
My punch sent him flying and crashed into a tree. But something felt off. I looked at my fist—it was red and throbbing.
"That wasn't human flesh… That was steel," I muttered.
As the dust settled, the commander came into view. He had drawn his katana in the blink of an eye, using the flat side of the blade to block my punch.
"Impressive," I said under my breath. "His reaction speed is insane."
The commander smirked. "You're good, kid. I underestimated you. I think I'll take you more seriously now."
"Funny," I replied, cracking my knuckles. "I was just thinking the same thing."
This man might be the real deal. I'll use him to test how strong I am.