Chapter 140: To Invite The North Yamanashi Stronghold Leader Into The Kazuichi Stronghold
With the fall of the Ice Wing Stronghold, it was only a matter of time before the neighboring strongholds were hit by the gigantic Omega Zombie. Of course, the Scarlet Blood Stronghold also faced the threat of that powerful zombie, and they knew that they were bound to have a face-off with it in the near future.
Since the only ones who were left guarding the Scarlet Blood Stronghold were the elite force (right now, Mizunochi Ayaka is accompanying Kazuichi and his group on their way to the Kazuichi Stronghold), it was up to them to prepare for the face-off against the Omega Zombie.
They hoped that their stronghold leader would return soon. But right now, their only prayer was for the Omega Zombie to postpone its attacks until she came back.
— — —
There was a great development in the war between the four strongholds in Yamanashi Prefecture. Then again, no one was surprised about this— not even the small shelters that were scattered all over the prefecture. In fact, they were already expecting something like this to happen, and what surprised them even more was the fact the war happened a little later than expected.
Ever since the four strongholds were established— North, South, East, and West Yamanashi Strongholds— there was already an existing friction between the four of them. Of course, the contest for power couldn't be helped since they were notable strongholds that were close to each other.
In the past few months, there would be small-scale attacks and exchanged threats here and there, but nothing noteworthy had happened. Clearly, every stronghold was looking for an opening— a gap that they could utilize in order to win against another stronghold.
Although it wasn't mentioned, obviously the stronghold leaders of these four prefectures were greedy to the bone. That's why they wanted to gain the upper hand and invade the other strongholds so they would have a larger territory in and of itself.
However, they still had a modicum of concern over their people. That's why these stronghold leaders didn't just attack willy-nilly. They waited and waited until an opportunity presented itself.
Aside from the small-scale attacks to test the neighboring strongholds, and the threats they sent and exchanged with each other, the stronghold leaders also spied on other strongholds, trying to figure out each other's weaknesses while fortifying their strongholds.
It didn't take long before they realized who the weakest link was. It was none other than Kurosaki Hinokami, the Stronghold Leader of the North Yamanashi Stronghold. Not only was he spontaneous, but he also lost his temper easily, making him the easiest target.
When he displayed his foolishness during the auction, the three stronghold leaders knew that it was time for them to formulate an attack. They wanted to get the edge out of the situation and made a mental note to attack the stronghold and take over it as soon as possible.
However, the South Yamanashi Stronghold was the quickest, and they managed to attack the North Yamanashi Stronghold at its weakest. That time, Hinokami was absent, and only a handful of Hybrids were left to guard the stronghold. Seizing her chance, the Stronghold Leader of the South Yamanashi Stronghold mobilized her army, and they felled the North Yamanashi Stronghold in record time.
Time and speed were essential in this invasion since she couldn't leave her stronghold for too long. Of course, if news spread that she left her stronghold to attack the North Yamanashi Stronghold... the East and West Yamanashi Stronghold might gang up on her and destroy her stronghold as well.
Fortunately, everything worked out in the end, and she managed to take over the North Yamanashi Stronghold. There were a lot of casualties on both ends, but she achieved her goals and that was what's important.
Still, that wasn't the end of it. After realizing that the North Yamanashi Stronghold had been taken over, the East and West Yamanashi Stronghold instantly realized who was behind it. If it weren't the two of them, then the only one left is South Yamanashi Stronghold, right?
Because of that, an alliance was born, and the East and West ganged up and combined their 'military might' in order to attack the South. They also decided that if they were to take over the South Yamanashi Stronghold, the two of them would take over the strongholds and they would have equal territories.
It wasn't such a bad deal, and judging from how powerful their combined forces were, it was clear that they were bound to win the fight against the South Yamanashi Stronghold.
Still, the South Yamanashi Stronghold wouldn't just take this sitting down. They would also grow their army and prepare for the upcoming engagement.
— — —
After hearing what had happened, and piecing everything together, Kazuichi paced back and forth while he tried to think of a solution. He knew he couldn't just turn a blind eye to this since there were many casualties. Adding to that, if the Yamanashi Stronghold turned even more chaotic, then there was a good chance that Tokyo would be affected by it as well.
"So the first thing that we have to do is stop the East and West, then we have to talk it out with the South... or practically force them into submission." Kazuichi let out after much contemplation. However, something didn't sit right with what he said, he just couldn't quite put a finger around it.
"But if we were to do that, then the Yamanashi Prefecture would ally themselves together, and they might even try to invade our stronghold. Also, our stronghold would be dragged into this as well, and the last thing I want to deal with is a war between strongholds." Ayaka commented.
"I see... I guess it wouldn't be that easy, huh." Kazuichi said, heaving a sigh.
"In any case... we have to stop the Stronghold Wars, otherwise, our Kazuichi Stronghold would be threatened as well." Kazuichi exhaled. "And here I was, thinking that I could finally get some rest at home."
"I'm sorry... it was all my fault. If only I didn't..." Hinokami sniffled as tears continuously streamed down his cheeks.
"All right. I've decided." Kazuichi nodded his head as he placed a hand on Hinokami's shoulders. "You're going with us. We're returning to Kazuichi Stronghold, and then we can regroup from there."
"Great idea." Ayaka seconded, flashing a thumbs up at Kazuichi.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone