Chapter 24: The Serpent in the City
The dust of Ei Sei's triumphant return to the throne was still settling in Kanyou, but for Alex and his companions, a new horizon beckoned: Tonryuu City. With the Ring of Royal now a familiar weight on his finger, the Royal Decree secured, and his new title as Count of Tonryuu firmly bestowed, Alex had the mandate to claim and govern this strategic stronghold. Their journey from the heart of Qin to Tonryuu was underway, a path not without its own set of challenges. The 5 level ups had honed their abilities, making each of them a formidable force, and the 17 elite soldiers accompanying them formed a loyal, if small, core contingent.
A Detour of Despair
A week into their journey, the contingent was making good time. The roads, while occasionally showing signs of recent conflict, were largely clear. Then, their scouts reported a grim sight: a desperate group of refugees, fleeing from a small, isolated village. They were starving, injured, and terrified, their pleas for assistance echoing in the crisp morning air. They spoke of a well-organized bandit group operating from a seemingly unassailable mountain hideout, systematically raiding their village, taking food, supplies, and even young men and women.
Alex's initial dilemma was clear: his primary mission was to reach Tonryuu City and establish control. Diverting now could delay their arrival and risk his limited contingent. However, turning a blind eye went against his evolving sense of justice. A quick consultation revealed a critical detail: this raided village was only one day's journey from Tonryuu City itself, placing it squarely within the sphere of Alex's future responsibility as its Count. This wasn't just a random act of banditry; it was a direct threat to his people and his city's security.
Recognizing the gravity, Alex settled the refugees in a secure, hidden spot near their current encampment, providing what meager supplies he could spare. Olvia immediately began tending to their wounds and providing comfort, her scholarly mind already cataloging their stories for any overlooked details. Kaelen and Erza (now confirmed as Alex's Military Head) worked together, their warrior instincts and defensive skills evident as they reinforced the temporary defenses. Akane, with her assassin's keen senses, remained on perimeter watch.
For the crucial intelligence gathering, Alex turned to Tsunade, leveraging her unique ninja training and unparalleled stealth. He briefed her on the need for precise information: numbers, leadership, defenses, and any potential hostages. He stressed absolute discretion and avoiding direct engagement.
Tsunade departed under the cover of dusk, moving with the near-supernatural silence of a seasoned ninja. Hours later, just before dawn, she returned, her expression calm but her eyes holding a wealth of information. Her report was chilling.
"The stronghold is a complex of natural caves, reinforced with crude but effective barricades at the entrances," Tsunade began, her voice low. "Their numbers are roughly 200 to 250, but they're well-armed with a mix of stolen Qin military surplus and what looks like blacksmith-forged weapons. Their leader is a man they call 'The Iron Hand,' known for his cruelty."
"The most pressing issue: they have indeed taken many villagers captive. I estimate over fifty, including women and children. They are confined in the largest central cave system, which also serves as their main storehouse for stolen goods and provisions. It's heavily guarded, but the guards seem to be primarily focused on preventing escape, not necessarily on defending against an external assault."
Then, her voice dropped slightly, "More disturbingly, I observed couriers arriving and departing, bearing distinctive seals. I managed to intercept one. The messages indicate a network of communication with individuals within Tonryuu City. They speak of 'sympathizers' and 'prepared routes' for moving goods and, more ominously, 'information' once we arrive. It appears some elements within the city's current administration are either colluding with these bandits or are actively disloyal to Ei Sei's new decree."
This intelligence, combined with Alex's prior knowledge of Ho Kaku – the temporary ruler secretly placed by Ryo Fui, who had bribed high-ranking officials – painted a clear picture. The bandits were likely an extension of Ho Kaku's regional influence, perhaps even acting under his indirect command. A direct assault on them now would alert Ho Kaku and might compromise any loyalists within Tonryuu.
The Serpent's Lair: Tonryuu City
Alex held a hushed council with his trusted companions. "We cannot afford to tip our hand," he stated, his voice low and firm. "Ho Kaku is a snake, and his roots run deeper than we anticipated. A direct attack on the bandits now would alert him and might compromise any loyalists within Tonryuu before we even set foot in the city."
He turned to Tsunade. "Your report confirms a connection. The bandits are an extension of his power. We will deal with them, but not yet. First, we secure Tonryuu."
The plan was set:
Feigned Ignorance: They would continue their journey to Tonryuu as planned, showing no sign of their knowledge of the bandit stronghold or Ho Kaku's treachery.Alex would present himself as the new, eager Count of Tonryuu, ready to take up his post.
Rescue Delayed, Not Forgotten: The refugees were a heavy burden on Alex's conscience, but he knew a premature move could endanger far more.
He assured them that help is coming and provided them with as many provisions as his contingent could spare, sending them to a secure, more distant village known to be loyal to Qin.
Covert Intelligence Gathering: Upon arrival in Tonryuu, Olvia would assume her role as Alex's territorial manager.Under the guise of streamlining administration and assessing city resources, she would meticulously review all records, personnel files, and financial accounts, looking for irregularities and identifying individuals linked to Ho Kaku's corruption. Her goal was to map out his entire network.
Prepared Strike Force: Alex would discreetly train his companions and the 17 elite soldiers. They would be his core strike force, ready to act at a moment's notice.
Erza, as Military Head, would oversee their combat readiness, while Akane would focus on urban stealth and infiltration techniques.
Tsunade's Dual Role: Tsunade would maintain her reconnaissance role, focusing on both the bandit stronghold and any suspicious movements or individuals within Tonryuu itself. She would be Alex's eyes and ears in the shadows.
Kaelen's Vigilance: Kaelen would be responsible for security within Alex's immediate quarters and for keeping a watchful eye on any potential threats or provocations from Ho Kaku's faction.
The journey resumed, but now with a heavy undercurrent of strategic deception. Alex knew the clock is ticking, and the lives of the captured villagers and the stability of Tonryuu hang in the balance.
The midday sun beat down on the approaching contingent as Alex, at the head of his companions and the 17 elite soldiers, finally sighted the impressive walls of Tonryyu City. The gates were open, but an unsettling quiet hung in the air. Instead of the expected bustle of a major city's entrance, there was a hushed stillness, broken only by the chirping of cicadas.
As they drew closer, a figure emerged from the gatehouse, flanked by a modest retinue of guards and officials. This was Ho Kaku, the temporary manager. He was a man of plump build, with an unctuous smile plastered across his face and eyes that held a calculating gleam.
Ho Kaku strode forward, arms outstretched in a theatrical gesture of welcome. "Count Alex! A most joyous day for Tonryuu City! We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival, by His Majesty Ei Sei's most esteemed decree. I, Ho Kaku, Temporary Governor, welcome you to your new command!" His voice was smooth as silk, dripping with an almost cloying cordiality. He launched into a lengthy, flowery speech, extolling the city's "flourishing prosperity" under his "diligent stewardship" and emphasizing the "seamless transition" of power that was about to occur. He spoke of the city's "robust defenses" and "loyal populace," painting a picture of perfect order.
But beneath Ho Kaku's oratorical performance, Alex and his observant companions immediately picked up on the discrepancies.
Olvia, ever the keen observer, noted the lack of foot traffic on the main road, far less than a strategic city should have. Her eyes meticulously scanned the architecture, noting recent repairs that seemed superficial, masking deeper structural neglect. She subtly observed the faces of the few common folk near the gate, seeing not prosperity, but a subtle undercurrent of weariness and suspicion.
Erza, as the military head, felt a cold knot of apprehension. Ho Kaku spoke of robust defenses, but her knightly eye immediately recognized the skeletal guard postings on the walls. She counted them: perhaps two dozen men where there should have been hundreds. The soldiers present looked ill-disciplined, their uniforms unkempt, their postures lazy. She saw no evidence of active patrols, no drills, nothing to suggest a prepared military force. The "robust defenses" were a paper-thin facade.
Tsunade's ninja senses went into overdrive. She felt a subtle tension in the air, not of excitement for a new commander, but of apprehension. Her ears picked up hushed whispers from the few gate guards, their glances furtive and nervous. She noticed the small number of guards with Ho Kaku – too few for his supposed status, hinting at a lack of true loyalty even within his immediate circle.
Akane, ever attuned to threats, subtly scanned the surrounding rooftops and hidden vantage points. While Ho Kaku prattled on, she detected no concealed archers, no hidden ambushes – yet the absence of proper security was itself a red flag. It suggested either supreme overconfidence or a deliberate dismantling of defenses, both dangerous in their own ways. She focused on the faces of Ho Kaku's personal retinue, noting their expressions, their subtle movements, looking for signs of unease or deceit.
Alex, outwardly, played the part perfectly. He offered a polite, respectful bow to Ho Kaku, his smile unwavering. "Ho Kaku, it is an honor. I am eager to learn from your wisdom as I assume my new responsibilities." He listened patiently to the lengthy speech, nodding occasionally, offering carefully phrased acknowledgments that committed him to nothing. His eyes, however, subtly darted between Ho Kaku's face, the sparse guards, and the silent city beyond the gates. He conveyed enthusiasm, a touch of youthful inexperience, and deference, all designed to disarm Ho Kaku and encourage him to underestimate the new commander.