Volume 11 - Yamata no Orochi: Chapter 16 – The Turning Point

Volume 11 - Yamata no Orochi: Chapter 16 – The Turning Point

Minamoto no Yoritomo’s abrupt escape was a significant departure from the honor-bound principles typically upheld by warriors in the Kanto Region. While retreat in the face of a stronger adversary might be acceptable, fleeing from an initially underestimated opponent was regarded as a disgrace worse than death. Even Hojo Dijon, known for his villainous nature, had chosen to face Lily with full force. FOlloow newest stories at no(v)el/bi/n(.)com

Yoritomo’s decision to flee, however, wasn’t entirely unexpected. In his hasty retreat, he went so far as to exploit Lily’s vulnerability by targeting her sisters, an act reflecting his ruthless prioritization of survival over honor.

The demon commanders from Yomi, who didn’t hold any such codes in high regard, naturally followed Yoritomo’s lead and withdrew. In their wake, Lily swiftly took down several of the fleeing commanders. Ayaka managed to eliminate one as well.

Interestingly, many of the undead samurai, bound by their past as honorable warriors, continued to fight even after their commander’s departure. The non-samurai undead, however, quickly lost their resolve and scattered.

Lily, Ayaka, Shimizu, and Rei methodically swept through the battlefield, dedicating over a day to completely eliminate all the resisting undead soldiers. The Blade Maidens’ fierce onslaught ensured that those they vanquished were obliterated, both body and soul. Ayaka, however, employed her spells to allow a minority of these undead soldiers to shed their Resentment Energy and transition peacefully to the afterlife.

The undead, summoned forcefully by Yoritomo, met diverse fates —utter destruction or purification— based purely on the whims of chance, underscoring the inherent cruelty of war.

As the fog gradually lifted, it became evident that no adversaries remained outside Cherry Blossom Valley. Yet, the battlefield, now home to the souls of nearly a hundred thousand fallen, was saturated with intense Resentment Energy. This energy mingled with the maze formation, augmenting its already overbearing presence.

Here and there, among the foggy forest, injured undead soldiers could still be seen, their red eyes burning with undiminished malice. The task of clearing the remaining undead forces, dispersed across hundreds of miles, loomed large—a daunting endeavor in a world already strained by tension. For now, these matters were set aside, as more pressing concerns demanded attention.

Surveying the mountain forest, now a landscape of ashes and charred trees, Lily stood in stark contrast. Her pale skin, visible beneath slightly torn clothing, added to her grace and allure, making her seem like a beacon of hope in a world turned to ash.

“We won...” she muttered, her voice heavy with fatigue and sweat glistening on her brow. Yet, she knew all too well this was merely the onset of a much larger, catastrophic war

1. She had triumphed over Yoritomo’s clone, but greater challenges loomed ahead—the original form of Lord Kamakura, Daitengu, and the vast armies of demons Yoritomo had summoned from Yomi, all waiting for her in the Kansai Region.

In this climate of despair and coercion, Lily’s open victory against Lord Kamakura outside Cherry Blossom Valley sparked a glimmer of hope. Unaware of Yoritomo’s ability to create clones, the nobles and clans widely believed that Lily had defeated Yoritomo himself and that he had subsequently fled. This assumption, coupled with the widespread fear of the imperial court’s harsh policies, significantly bolstered morale across the land.

Additionally, during the battle, conversations were overheard that reignited discussions about the mysterious death of the legendary hero, Minamoto no Yoshitsune. These rumors spread rapidly, beyond the control of the imperial court.

In a world where affluent clans had long refrained from opposing Yoritomo, Lily’s defiance stood out starkly. She not only dared to challenge him but also emerged victorious. Yoritomo, known for his dominance over the Emperor and his control of the imperial court, was rumored to be responsible for Yoshitsune’s demise. This man, who had led the world into darkness, had been bested by Lily.

The implications were monumental. If Lily were to raise a banner of rebellion against Yoritomo, what would be the world’s response?

Retreating to Cherry Blossom Valley, Lily and her companions took a well-deserved rest. During this time, a flurry of secret letters from various clans began to arrive. These messages, borne through connections with Taira no Shizuru’s information network and the families of the Tsunaga Sisters, revealed a growing dissent against the imperial court. The Tsunaga Sisters’ families, having previously resisted the court in secrecy, were central to this communication network.

Inside the grand hall of the expanded Yamagami Temple, Ijuin directed Lily’s attention to a box filled with correspondence. “Sister Lily, take a look at this,” she indicated, as a female ninja presented the box of documents. “These letters reveal much. Various clans have acknowledged the deteriorating state of the world, their discontent with the imperial court’s latest policies, and the growing dread for humanity’s future. They’re ready to back us if we choose to confront Minamoto no Yoritomo. Some are even prepared to pledge their allegiance, offering resources and treasures for our protection.”

Lily, reflecting on the battle’s aftermath, hadn’t anticipated such a strong reaction from the wider world. Her victory seemed to have catalyzed a shift in the global landscape, akin to a snowflake triggering an avalanche.

Among those offering assistance were many clans Lily had never encountered, some possibly even having opposed her or her sisters in the past. Yet, now they all sought her aid.

In the heart of the lobby, Shiina Airi, donning her distinctive purple armor, expressed her scorn. “It’s ironic, isn’t it? These clans and officials, once so passive, are now wringing their hands in fear as the world teeters on the brink. The imperial court’s drastic policies have finally hit their own interests. And now, upon hearing of Lady Lily’s triumph over Minamoto no Yoritomo, they flock to us, seeking aid. But where were their loyalties when Lady Ayaka faced execution, and when Lady Lily bravely ventured alone to Heian-kyo?”

Ayaka, reflecting thoughtfully on Airi’s words, responded, “You have a point, Airi. Yet, we must consider the bigger picture. To erect the thirty-six prayer altars across the world, we’ll need every bit of help we can get, even from those who previously remained on the sidelines.”

Footnotes:

Robinxen: Having momentum this early is a significant advantage though.