A Matter of Pride [Amakusa/Takeda]

[Amakusa Takehiro]

[OoC: Directly after the events of Thieves' Town. Open to any/all Amakusa and Takeda faction PCs, or any mercs who have relevance. Be warned, if you are a merc or Takeda player and you try to keep Takehiro from his goal, he will end you.]

Takehiro, with Toshi at his side, would lead an army of 300 mounted men onto Kofu. On each saddle, the soldiers would have crates of materials that would be unknown to the Takeda until they were used, and the unconscious body of Sanada Yukimura lay on the back of Yamada Toshi's. Any guards who would attempt to stop the Amakusa advancement would be incapacitated with little effort, as he was intent on leading his troops straight to the Takeda main camp.

"I seek an audience with Takeda Shingen!" There would be very little tone of a request in his voice. In fact, it sounded purely like a demand.

Yukimura would be pulled off of Toshi's horse and onto a makeshift stretcher, of bamboo and silk. He would then be brought to the gates of the main camp.

[Murai Ryuusei]

The commotion outside had woken up Ryuusei from where he was sleeping within the main camp of the Takeda. It had seemed that there was something large going on, and he must be alert of whatever may go on in this scenario. Putting on his customary armor and equipping his odachi, he went out of the camp, only to see numerous soldiers marching towards the camp, and they are not Takeda soldiers. Upon close inspection, the soldiers were bearing the Mon of the Amakusa, which shared a border with the Takeda. Things, as it were, might get out of hand if not handled properly.

From the main camp, he approached the force, half frightened, half composed, and said, "What is it you wish that the Daimyo was needed to present himself to you? And why this amount of force?"

[Sanada Yukimura]

Coming up from behind Ryuusei, having appeared out of nowhere, Sarutobi Sasuke could be seen lazily scratching the back of his head as he walked over to the entrance, having been woken up too by the commotion. Stopping behind Ryuusei, he would yawn and then seeing Yukimura knocked the fuck out on the stretcher, would immediately halt in mid-yawn.

"Oh great, what did that idiot Yukimura do to piss off the Daimyo of Totomi and have him march on Kofu with his army? How troublesome. If you want to see Lord Shingen, we'll have to let him know first."

[Amakusa Takehiro]

"Then let him know."

The unconscious body of the Takeda general would be laid down and Takehiro's men would return to his side. It would be evident he wasn't in any life-threatening harm. His skin appeared rather dry from Toshi's musou, and he'd have some bruises from their scuffle, but otherwise, he would be in better condition than any would have expected.

"This is an issue I'd like to settle between your Lord and myself. If he refuses to comply, the actions of your army will be seen as a declaration of war."

[Sanada Yukimura]

"You heard the Daimyo, inform Lord Shingen immediately."

One soldier running off towards the tent of Shingen, motioning with his head, four more soldiers would quickly run over to the stretcher and hoisting it up, would quickly carry Yukimura off to the medical tent for treatment. Sasuke letting out an exasperated sigh while continuing to lazily scratch the back of his head, Yukimura really got himself into some trouble here.

"I can't say for sure Lord Shingen will refuse to comply, so you'll have to wait and see if he comes or not. Most likely he will though. Seriously Yukimura, what did you get yourself into anyways..."

Hearing the sound of loud thumping footsteps come up from behind him a few minutes later, turning around, Sasuke would see Lord Takeda Shingen come walking towards him, his giant axe on his back, Sanada Masayuki accompanying him.

"I guess there's your answer Lord Amakusa."

[Yamabara Shou]

Shou would be going about his day, planning to go meet Koboyashi in order to speak about the unit. When a small number of troops carrying a stretcher rushed past. Looking down, Shou saw who it was. "Sanada-san!" He exclaimed in shock not getting in the men's way, and letting him be carried off to get aid. A breif flash of anger welled up, while he didn't know Yukimura that well, he was respected to some extent. Dashing off in the direction they came from.

Shou would see the Takeda men gathering, and beyond them he would see the Amakusa. "Amakusa-san?" Shou said loudly confused pushing himself forward. The situation suddenly seemed odd. Yukimura was injured but it was Takehiro here, with from the look of it a army. "What is going on here?" He asked the anger from seeing Yukimura hurt, replaced with curiosity. 

[Takeda Shingen]

Shingen coming to a stop beside Sasuke, the lazy and aloof ninja leader of the Sanada Ten Braves would nod to his lord and leader, before stepping back and beside Masayuki, who would have a visible frown on his face. Folding his large, rippling (lolol) muscular arms across his chest, Shingen would regard the Daimyo of the Amakusa clan with a stern, but not unfriendly look.

"What brings you to Kofu, Lord Amakusa? And what did that idiot General of mine, Yukimura, do?"

(OOC:

Sarutobi Sasuke

Str: 35 (40)
Dex: 40
Con: 35
Wis: 40
Spr: 40

Sanada Masayuki

Str: 30 (35)
Dex: 35
Con: 35
Wis: 50
Spr: 40)

[Amakusa Takehiro]

Takehiro's eyes would fall to Shou, and a frown would fall onto his face. He considered the man a friend, and the fact he was here today in matters that were far from friendship ate at him. But then, he considered Yukimura a friend as well, and he betrayed the new Daimyo. While he wanted to believe not all Takeda were like this, they needed to be held accountable for what they did.

"I would like for you to explain why a general in your army was found in my territory, beating down the villagers. Few lives were lost, only that of a single merchant, but I would assert that any loss is one too many." Takehiro kept his voice firm and strong, his eyes never leaving those of the Daimyo of the Takeda.

"We would ask that you do not feign ignorance. One insult is enough."]

[Yamabara Shou]

Shou would listen to the story. Face twisting at the idea of it. No wonder Yukimura was in such a state, he obviously had been punished for the death. It was good that they had been nice enough to leave him alive. Shou face would turn from Takehiro and look over towards Lord Shingen. 

It had to be a misunderstanding, there was no way that Lord Shingen would order such a thing. It couldn't be. However Takehiro also had no reason to lie. Shou remembered the dream he had given, to lead in peace. He would not go out to war like this, not unless it had been justified. 

[Takeda Shingen]

Closing his eyes, Shingen would listen to Takehiro, only opening them when the Daimyo and his companion had finished speaking, that stern expression still upon his face. This was grave news indeed. As a result of Masayuki's orders, Yukimura had effectively declared war on the Amakusa faction, and this was one war Shingen did not wish to happen, if at all possible.

"He was ordered to infiltrate and eliminate the bandits and bandit chief in a hideout recently discovered on the border of Kofu. That was my fault, for not informing him that the former bandits and bandit chief were now innocent villagers. You are right though Lord Amakusa, one life is one loss too many. I do not deny the grave mistake made, nor will I feign ignorance on the matter. You have every right to be angry, and I understand completely if you take such an action as a declaration of war from the Takeda faction."

Raising a hand up as Masayuki would begin to speak, only to shut up immediately, Shingen would continue to look straight at Takehiro, as Masayuki would fall silent, a frown on his face.

"I have no desire to wage war on Totomi, not after it has been torn apart by the Tokugawa and Imegawa factions, but as a Daimyo, it is clear defending your people is your greatest concern, Lord Amakusa. I would be the same if Kofu had been attacked without any clear reason why. There is no justification for this unprovoked attack and betrayal on Totomi, and it would be well within your right to fight and protect those under your rule and right the wrong wrought upon you. What happens from here on out is your move Lord Amakusa."

[Amakusa Takehiro]

[OoC: No offense to Ryu, just want to get this moving.]

"You should have researched your opponent," Takehiro spoke with a biting anger in his voice. Stepping off his horse, Takehiro would take his glaive in his hand and begin to approach Shingen. Toshi held Takehiro's crossbow in his hands, which was armed with two fire bolts, and each soldier on their horse opened up the container on their horses. They were filled with bottles of sake, with rags fastened to them. Molotovs, in other words, or sake bombs.

"I challenge you to a duel between Daimyo. You and me, right here, right now. If you decline, your actions will be seen as an act of war, and my men will take Kofu for our own and drive out all Takeda forces." Takehiro's eyes narrowed, and he turned to Shou. For a moment, his gaze fell to the ground, but he quickly refocused on Shingen. "You and your men must be held accountable for your act against the people of Totomi."

With that, Takehiro's glaive would be pointed at Shingen. He had to make a decision.

[Takeda Shingen]

"Yes, I should've. And that was my one fatal mistake. I accept your challenge Lord Amakusa. As the Daimyo of the Takeda faction, and of Kofu, we will be held accountable for the actions against Totomi."

Once more raising his hand up as Masayuki and Sasuke would begin to protest, both would immediately fall silent as Shingen shot the both of them a stern glare, before they would step back, giving the Daimyo's a wide area to duel, as well as gently moving any Takeda soldiers nearby away from the duel area. Pulling his axe off his back, Shingen would hold it in both hands, his blade at his waist just in case.

"General Sanada! Ensure no one interferes with this duel, or I will personally punish those that do, understood!?"

"Y-yes Lord Shingen!"

Gesturing at Takehiro, he would allow the Daimyo to make the first move. This was his mistake, and he would correct the wrongs made.

[Yamabara Shou]

Shou watched the unfolding events mind shocked. Shou along with the generals present would start to voice their opinions on the matter at hand, but even Shou couldn't bring himself to continue to do so when Lord Shingen gestured for silence. Right now Shou wasn't unsure how to feel. Ahead of him his Lord and his friend were about to start fighting over a misunderstanding. A bad misunderstanding, but a misunderstanding nevertheless. 

Shou would back off, a hand reaching up to the handle of his sword on his back. Gripping it in anger but not drawing it. He wanted so badly to stop this but even Lord Shingen had agreed. Letting go of the sword, he bow to both Daimyo before walking father away in order to remain out of the way of the dull that was about to occur. 

[Amakusa Takehiro]

With no warning, Takehiro threw his glaive high into the air, the sound of its force ripping through the wind apparent. He would reach down, taking his weighted anklets from his legs, and he would hold them at his side. As his glaive began its descent from the sky, he dropped his anklets, and they would leave massive holes in the ground where they landed. A strong cloud of dust would quickly envelope the entire area, and Takehiro would use this to show exactly what the Daimyo of Totomi was capable of.

With the cloud of dust hiding him, Takehiro would leap into the sky, taking his glaive in his hands. He would spin in the air, gaining momentum, and as he was just above Shingen, he would slam the end of the shaft into the larger man's chest, seeking to crush it and send him crashing into the ground in a single blow if it hit.

[OoC: Weights removed: Takehiro's Dex is 96.]

[Murai Ryuusei]

Ryuusei watched as the Daimyo of Totomi challenged Lord Shingen into a duel. Ryuusei was about to react, drawing the odachi with his right hand, but as Lord Shingen glared at the other people who dared protest, he re-sheathed the odachi back. He was really against Lord Shingen deciding to go with the duel, but he also thought that if he said so, he had no confidence that his Daimyo would win. And so, with a scowl, Ryuusei just watched as the two made preparations for duel, but at the event that Lord Shingen would be killed by this opponent, he would charge in and kill that Daimyo. No one should dare kill Lord Shingen.

[Takeda Shingen]

The Daimyo of Totomi was fast, that much was apparent to Shingen. But Shingen had fought in just as many fights as Takehiro, and had seen nearly every trick in the book of war. He didn't need his sight to react to Takehiro, using his Musou, Shingen would search for Takehiro's heat signature, and locking onto it, would quickly dive and roll to the side and come up in a standing position as Takehiro came crashing down from the sky, his glaive slamming into the ground and the spot that Shingen had been standing at previously.

He had managed to avoid being sent crushed into the ground, but the Daimyo of Kofu was not fazed by it, if anything, he was rather calm about it. Amakusa Takehiro was not a Daimyo for nothing after all. With an almighty swing of his axe, Shingen would send the flat, broad side of the head hurtling towards Takehiro, to send the man flying backwards. Though Takehiro had the right to avenge the betrayal on his people, Shingen would not let the man take his life so easily. He too had to protect his people, and would fight with all he had for them.

[Amakusa Takehiro]

Shingen moving out of the way was not something Takehiro did not expect. If the Daimyo of the Takeda were crushed so easily, then he would not have been worthy of his title, and his lands would be taken for the Amakusa. The fact that he could avoid a simple attack was nothing surprising.

When Shingen went for his swing, Takehiro reacted quickly, shooting out with one sabaton to slam into the flat of the ax. There would be enough force behind the kick to shoot the weapon way off its initial course, which would be enough to show that Takehiro was a force to be reckoned with.

Using the change in velocity Shingen would suffer to his advantage, Takehiro would swing his enormous glaive in a wide arc in front of himself aimed at Shingen's waist. This was to get the man to move back or suffer a devastating wound that would be likely to maim him if he did not avoid it. If he did step back, though, Takehiro would step forward and thrust the blade forward.

[Yamabara Shou]

Shou couldn't believe his eyes. He had always expected the Lord Shingen would be a strong and fast man. Not in his prime, but experience in fighting and with skill beyond most men including himself, he had expected that of his Lord. But to see Takehiro do the same. 

To see Takehiro, move so fast and be able to cause so much damage to the ground. Shou had to wonder why the man ever didn't think he would be too strong to lead. He obviously was strong enough, and he was leading as well now. Already the man had furfil the smaller 2/3 of his dream.

Shou wondered could the man go further could he really  bring the land to peace through intimidation and negotiation. Possibly if he hadn't already failed that. He was fighting not negotiating, not just intimidating but fighting against Shou own lord over a singles man death. Did Shou expect that of Lord Shingen if he was to die, if things had been flipped....No. And Shou couldn't decided if that was a good thing or a bad thing. 

[Takeda Shingen]

With the force of Takehiro's kick sending Shingen's axe off-course, though he suffered a change in velocity, Shingen was not discouraged, and would yank his axe upwards to compensate for the loss while simultaneously leaping backwards to avoid Takehiro's wide horizontal swing of his enormous glaive. He'd then simply bring his axe down in a simple vertical swing and use the large flat head of his axe to block Takehiro's thrust.

With a quick shove of his axe forward, to push Takehiro back slightly, keeping his axe held in front of him, like a giant shield, Shingen would watch the Daimyo of Totomi carefully, waiting for him to make a move.

[Amakusa Takehiro]

With the blade of Takehiro's glaive hitting the ground, the weapon would be at an angle, ideal for preventing Shingen's attack from connecting. Takehiro would tilt the handle of his glaive upward, which would cause Shingen's ax to strike that, and due to the force Takehiro applied it would launch itself upward along the handle of his weapon. He would then push forward, causing Shingen to lose control of his ax unless he moved it, while the blade of Takehiro's glaive tore through the gravel and launched it up at the Daimyo of the Takeda. After taking a few steps forward and continuing his assault, Takehiro would act quickly rather than take his time, to prevent a swift counter-attack from Shingen. With the blade of his 10 foot glaive directly underneath the larger man, Takehiro would heave it upward, threatening to cut him in half. He was aware Shingen was likely to dodge, in which case he was still likely to be injured due to the gravel shooting up from the ground from Takehiro's attack.

[Takeda Shingen]

With his axe hitting the handle of Takehiro's glaive, Shingen would indeed move his axe to avoid losing control of it, but as he did so, he would move back to avoid the glaive as it was launched upwards. With the angle of one of his arms protecting his face, Shingen would block some of the gravel launched, but not all of it, and some of it would leave a few cuts on his face, but would quickly cauterize from his Musou. Quickly darting back to avoid the glaive from vertically bisecting him, as the glaive reached the apex of the upwards arc, Shingen would quickly swing his own axe in a tight and controlled arc in the brief moment Takehiro was unprotected by it, aiming not to hit him, but force him to move backwards to avoid being sliced by the axe, a thin layer of fire constantly engulfing the axe head visible.

[Amakusa Takehiro]

Takehiro would use his strong upward momentum to avoid being struck by Shingen's ax. He kicked off of the ground, leaping high enough into the air that the ax would pass directly under him, and the blade of his own weapon would dig into the ground behind himself. Once Shingen's ax passed, he would rip the glaive from the ground and aim to slam it atop Shingen, right between the horns. All of his force would be used to put his opponent on the defensive.

[Takeda Shingen]

There was a reason Shingen kept his swing tight and controlled, instead of just swinging it widely. It allowed him to react quickly, and as Takehiro's glaive came hurtling down towards him, Shingen would quickly raise his axe above his head, blocking the strike and preventing the Daimyo from slamming his glaive into Shingen, directly between the horns of his helmet. The force behind the colliding weapons causing not only Shingen's feet to sink a little into the ground, but also generate a shockwave spreading outwards that would hit anyone close by and send them off-balance slightly, he would then shove Takehiro's glaive to the side and then slam his horned helmet into the Daimyo's head, not to knock him out, but to give him a headache.

[Amakusa Takehiro]

Takehiro wasn't intending for this hit to land. In fact, it was going sort of in the direction he wanted it to. When Shingen redirected Takehiro's glaive, he would find that weight and strength made it difficult for him, so by the time he moved in for his headbutt, Takehiro would already be prepared for a counter. As Shingen brought his head forward, Takehiro's right fist sailed toward his forehead, aiming to strike into it with explosive repercussions. His glaive, meanwhile, would have its blade in the gravel, and would currently be out of use.

[Takeda Shingen]

Unable to avoid the fist sailing for his forehead, in preparation for the incoming impact, Shingen would shift his head to the side while engulfing himself in a protective layer of fire, still taking the fist, but not full-on to his forehead. As he would undoubtedly be sent flying backwards, he would slam his axe into the ground, to slow and eventually halt his descent, a trail of blood running down his forehead before the wound was eventually cauterized as he landed on both feet, sliding backwards for a bit. No matter how badly Takehiro intended to beat him, he would fight on, for his family, for his men, for his people, and for that General of his, Yukimura, who had only been following orders.