I do not own Koihime Musou or Kamen Rider Gaim. They belong to their respective creators. Chrome and I just thought this idea would be fun and I decided to give it a try. If you like it then that's great. If you don't then we tried. Anyway, come along and let's see what you think.

Sangokuden Armored War Gods Saga: Tales of the Armored War Gods

Co-Written By Ten-Faced Paladin and Kamen Rider Chrome

Chapter 12: True Colors.

As more time passed, the reputation of the Volunteer Army defending Touka Village and surrounding area grew and grew. The army itself also grew as more and more people, inspired by their achievements, signed on to help out. With every victory the army also took the spoils from the bandits to fund themselves. Their reputation was made even greater as the Armored War God of the Ultimate Sword was one of its generals, working alongside Ryuubi Gentoku who was descended from Prince Jing of Zhongshan. Kanu's participation in the army had also become well-known since she was the famed Beautiful Black-Haired Bandit Hunter. Not to mention Bacho and Chouhi who also participated in battle. Finally, Komei was given the title of 'Genius Tactician'. She felt embarrassed by it but Nagata encouraged her to take pride in all of her accomplishments. It was her strategies which made sure they were victorious. Their reputation had even grown to the point that they received a request from the imperial army to join them in battle.

"The government is actually asking us for help?" asked Kanu as the group convened in Ryuubi's office to discuss the request which had been passed to them.

"Yes," Ryuubi nodded, sitting at a desk stacked with paperwork. "It seems at the borders of the province the citizens have began an uprising. Punitive forces have been sent in the past but they were apparently unsuccessful. So they are sending General Kashin and her men to deal with it, but it seems that they have heard of our actions and are asking for our assistance and service to the Imperial Court."

"So the Han Dynasty has to admit how incredible we are!" Chouhi huffed in pride.

"Maybe showing them how its done will get those Han Dynasty soldiers off their butts!" Bacho grinned.

"What do you think Shuri?" asked Kanu of their tiny strategist.

"Well," Komei pondered. "There have been many uprisings going on in the country. Although we've been told that General Kashin will be coming with her men, I don't think that it will be a very big unit."

"So that's why they came to us," Nagata nodded. If he recalled his history right, the Han Dynasty was crumbling, struggling to hold onto its power and rebuild. That weakness was how the Three Kingdoms rose up since the country was degrading into chaos. It probably explained why there were so many uprisings; not enough control. People and villages were slipping through the cracks or officials were taking advantage of it all to run their areas like personal kingdoms.

"In any case, this is the opportunity of a lifetime!" Ryuubi grinned, standing up. "If we can get support from the general and then the imperial family, we can gain greater influence and build and even bigger army!" He saw the looks he drew, unused to seeing him get so excited over something. "Of course so we can spread our protection over more villages."

"It's true. With the government's support we won't need to rely on the spoils we've taken from the bandits either," Nagata agreed. "We'll be able to spread it around the villages that are under our protection that need it."

"It's another step towards achieving peace," Kanu smiled. Nagata returned the smile. It seemed that Kanu's dream was well within reach.

"Alright!" Ryuubi grinned. "Let's prepare and leave tomorrow!"


It was spring once again, prompting Nagata to reflect that it had been a whole year since he had arrived in the era of the Three Kingdoms. One year since that fateful day at the museum where stopping a thief brought about one of the biggest adventures of his life. He had become an icon to many people not as Kamen Rider Gaim, but as the Armored War God of the Ultimate Sword. To the people, he was a facet of their religious beliefs and proof that Heaven existed. Taking part in the battles against the bandits, the soldiers rallied to him as a leader much like they did to Kanu or Ryuubi. He was just a high school student back home, only a year or so away from graduating. Where he was now, a leader of soldiers and something of a crusader against bandits and monsters. He had become a symbol of hope and strength.

Nagata was currently overseeing the training of the men. Originally, their numbers had been few, made up of peasants and farmers who had grown fed up with the bandits and wanted to make a change. Ryuubi had brought them together but their numbers had grown with more and more volunteers who came and joined up. While they had been amateur fighters, their skills had improved under his training. Bacho even helped as well from time to time. Her training had really helped step up the men's performance.

As the men were sparring with practice weapons, Ryuubi approached Nagata. "I see you're once again hard at work, Gaim-dono," observed Ryuubi. "They've become stronger with your help."

"They were just a bit rough around the edges, Ryuubi-san," Nagata replied. "I mean they were just peasants and farmers. However, anyone can become strong with enough hard work." He gave Ryuubi a look, "Though it's a bit odd that I've never seen you train."

"Well, I normally train in private. I'm a bit self-conscious and I prefer people didn't see me train," Ryuubi replied. A leader's image was important and if people caught him training and heaven forbid being bad at it, that image would suffer. He continued, "The men really respect you. Then again that's not so surprising. You are an Armored War God. They would follow you into battle without question."

"Really wished they didn't have to. I don't really like fighting," Nagata admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I see..." Ryuubi seemed deep in thought. "Anyway, I actually want you to help me with something."

"What is it?" Nagata asked.

"Just come with me and I'll show you."

Ryuubi brought Nagata inside the castle and down to the basement. He confessed that he had some records to go over which he liked a second opinion about. Nagata merely assumed that it meant that they had discovered something about the latest bandit groups they had beaten down which needed to be considered. After all, if the bandits were sporting similar tactics or had goods from a common source, then it meant another village was being constantly victimized and would need the Volunteer Army's protection to fend them off. Since Nagata was considered one of the leaders, he was one of the people who often had to consider such things when they came up. So he entered the documents room, wondering which one Ryuubi wanted him to see.

Suddenly, he received a blow to the back of the head, knocking him out.


Tied up, Nagata was pushed into the basement. He hit the wall and groaned, bringing him back to his senses. He shook his head before he glared up at Ryuubi. They were in Ryuubi's storeroom where he kept the spoils from the battles with the bandits. Nobody ever came down there without his permission so it was the perfect place to keep Nagata until Ryuubi figured out what to do with him.

"I knew there was something fishy about you," growled Nagata.

"Indeed," Ryuubi agreed. He then held up Nagata's SengokuDriver and Lockseeds, having removed them from Nagata's pockets earlier. "Such power in the palm of your hand and it's all just wasted wandering and helping the odd peasant with their problems."

"Better in my hands than in yours," Nagata shot back. Ryuubi knelt down and gagged Nagata's mouth. Anything Nagata wanted to say was muffled but obviously wasn't pleasant.

"Well this power is going to be put towards what it should be doing: taking a place of power in the country. Now, all I need to do is convince Kanu-dono that you've abandoned her," Ryuubi smirked and Nagata's eyes widened. "Well, goodnight, Gaim-dono." Ryuubi exited and locked the door behind him. Nagata growled under his gag and thrashed, but the knots were too tight and any movement he could make was quite minimal.


The next day, Chouhi had caught a cold. She had kicked off the covers on her bed in her sleep and the chilly spring air did the rest. The little redhead insisted that she was fine and that she could continue to help, but it was obvious that she did not feel well and she was unstable on her feet. Fortunately, Kanu had the insight to order Chouhi to protect the village while they were gone. It soothed Chouhi and she finally allowed herself to begin to rest. Komei also volunteered to stay so they could better manage their resources in case something happened. It also served to let her look after Chouhi, but the excitable girl didn't need to know that.

"Hey, isn't Gaim-sama coming with us?" asked Bacho as the group heading to meet with Kashin prepared to leave.

"Unfortunately, we heard rumors of a small bandit group causing a bit of trouble," Ryuubi explained. "He took a unit of men and went to see if there was anything to it. He said he'd stay behind afterwards to make sure that in case it was true there wouldn't be any trouble for the village while we were gone."

"I see…" Kanu nodded, although she felt a little disappointed. This would be the first time she would be separated for a great length of time from Chouhi and Nagata. That hadn't happened since they met. At most, it had only been a day that they were apart and Kanu wasn't too sure how to feel about that. She should have remained at Nagata's side, but he could take care of himself and Ryuubi would need the support to get Kashin's favor to support the Volunteer Army and expand their operations.

"Well then, shall we?" asked Ryuubi, mounting his horse.


Meeting General Kashin was...interesting. She was a woman with long gray hair who wore a black kimono with purple accents. She was also rather flashy since her kimono was always falling from her shoulders, revealing her chest save for the strapless bra she wore. The whole time Kanu had seen her, she was always laying down and smoking her pipe. Decadence wafted off of her in waves. Rumor had it she was one of the last people actively trying to keep the Han Dynasty together, but with her attitude and lavish lifestyle, it brought into question just how serious she was about it.

She had several generals invited to assist in the campaign against the uprisers. Even Sousou of all people was there with Kakoton and Mitsuki (Baron), her Armored War God. It made the other generals jumpy, considering his reputation but some of them were shooting him mean looks, as if trying to goad him into a fight. At the far end of the room sat Kanu and Ryuubi, obviously attendees, but since they did not have the same pedigree as the other generals, they were obviously being snubbed.

"So we've all arrived?" asked Kashin, seeing all her invitees were in attendance. "Good. We can begin our military conference. Sousou, would you be so kind?"

Sousou stood up to make her report, glancing at Kanu only when she could before making eye contact with Kashin, "The mountain that the rebels have fortified themselves in is a natural fortress. Going on a frontal assault will only bring needless casualties. I suggest we surround the mountain and cut off their supply lines."

"Hmm," Kashin considered the strategy. "Starve them out, eh?"

"Furthermore, intel we've gathered says that this rebellion started because of unfair and harsh taxation," Sousou continued. "So after we starve them for a while, we can begin negotiations by admitting this flaw and offering forgiveness to those who lay down their arms and surrender peacefully. That should bring them down out of the mountain."

"Too lenient," Kashin frowned in distaste. "To simply forgive those who rose up in rebellion against the imperial government? That is simply much too lenient. If we take too much time it will only make the imperial court look weak. We will destroy them all in one fell swoop like the mighty body we are, not starve them out like lazy fools!"

"And you wonder why so many uprisings are happening," Mitsuki snickered, shaking his head.

"What was that?!" Kashin snapped.

"The government just takes and takes without consideration. Why else would the people rebel?" he retorted. "These people aren't rebelling out of greed or treason. They're doing it because the government taxed them so heavily, they couldn't feed their families anymore. You attack them like this, you'll only prove every other rebel right, inciting them further. To them, the government is a monster that knows no compassion and doesn't care about the people and is just plain greedy, decadent to the point of corruption with no sense of the outside world. Considering how you languish here in finery despite it being a military campaign, you only add fuel to the fire General Kashin."

"You...!" Kashin was furious by Mitsuki's words.

"A sharp tongue as always, huh, Baron?" Sousou asked her Armored War God. She didn't like Kashin much either so she was hardly offended by the man's words. "You speak as if you have been through the same experience as the people."

"To an extent, I have," Mitsuki admitted. "People who are content have no reason to fight. Give them what they need to survive and they will abide by your rules. Take it away, especially for frivolous reasons, and they will fight you to their dying breath to ensure that they keep it. These rebellions are for the most part large scale examples of it. The government officials here couldn't control their greed and so the people did something about it, but those same corrupt slimeballs went whining to the General, whining rebellion and traitors, hoping that Kashin here would wipe them out so they can go back to rolling in their undeserved and indulgent finery like pigs in mud."

"Those are treacherous words!" Kashin accused.

"Treacherous? It's only treacherous if I hold any loyalty to this government, which I don't," Mitsuki retorted.

"True," Sousou agreed. "You only joined my army to prove your strength and for your love of combat."

"I wanted the chance to have a good fight whenever I want. Using my power against these peasant rebels is just a waste," the Armored War God huffed.

Kashin growled, but she bit her tongue. When she first heard that Sousou had gained the services of an Armored War God, she thought it would be the key needed to put the Han Dynasty back into full power. However, Baron quickly reported otherwise. He wasn't loyal to the Han, but to Sousou merely because she proved capable of giving him what he wanted: the chance to do battle and grow stronger with each campaign. So long as Sousou stayed her path he would stand with her, but only her. Not with the Han, not with the Emperor, not with anybody else. Kashin knew she couldn't do anything about his sharp tongue either since he was an Armored War God of all things. He was assisting on a whim and so long as it pleased him, he would stay. She couldn't afford to alienate him and drive him away. Not when the likes of Go still had one of their own who was granting them all sorts of advantages in battle.

Kanu had to admire Mistuki for saying such words to someone like Kashin. She had to admit though that the red Armored War God had a point. If the government officials were abusing their taxation policies then of course the people were going to rebel. If the officials were corrupt enough, then they would run to Kashin to clean up their mess for them and hide the evidence of their abuse of authority. Kashin was loyal to the Imperial Court, but she also had a strict belief that officers in it could do no wrong. She wasn't even considering the fact that the government officials drove the rebels to rise up with their unfair policies.

Ryuubi kept his silence, but he kept glancing at Mitsuki while clutching at something inside of his clothes.

"Enough!" Kashin finally ordered. "We will attack from the front! Who here will lead the charge and bring back the head of this unruly mob?" None of the generals answered, all having the experience to know that such an assault would cause heavy casualties, if not be considered outright suicide. "Will anyone not take this challenge? This once in a lifetime chance for fame and prestige?"

"I will!" Ryuubi volunteered, causing everyone in the room to look at him.

Kashin raised an eyebrow, "You're Ryuubi Gentoku from that Volunteer Army, correct?"

"Yes, that is I!" Ryuubi began approaching Kashin. "I have come here to prove my loyalty to the Imperial Court. I do not fear arrows or swords so I shall take the lead in this campaign. I will not fail you and I will bring back the rebel commander's head!"

"Ah, such bold words," Kashin purred, obviously taken in by Ryuubi's confidence as well as his good looks. "Well, do a good job and I might make you an imperial general and my personal aide. I expect good news."

"It would be my honor, General Kashin!"

"That poor sap is going to get his men killed," Mitsuki hissed under his breath.

"Agreed. A bad end for a brave group of men such as his followers," Kakoton nodded. While the Volunteer Army were just peasants, they had the courage to take up arms to ensure the peace and prosperity of their province. Kakoton would never speak ill about such brave men when she had seen too many soldiers, trained and prepared for war, turn back and run in cowardice at the first sign of battle.

Mitsuki could also see that this Ryuubi guy was pretty eager to kiss up to Kashin. He was disgusted by people like that. Suck-ups, sycophants and brown-nosers were people he couldn't stand. They were all talk with no real power with their only skills being in flattery. It sickened him. It was like how his dad was passed over for a promotion and then lost his job despite being more skilled all because the other guy could charm and flatter the boss with words. Such a man was really Ryuubi Gentoku, the future leader of the Shoku Faction, the third great kingdom of the Three Kingdoms era? Once again he had to marvel at how the world he was in differed from the history he had been told.


Kanu was out to look at the moon. She remembered her brother who wanted to change the world, and now she believed that she had found the means of doing it. Looking up at the moon, she saw her brother's face. Then, the face she saw was Nagata's. "Gaim-sama, I wish you were here..." she whispered.

"Kanu, let's begin the conference for tomorrow's plan," Ryuubi said to her, surprising her. Noticing she looked a little uncomfortable, he asked,"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she denied. He walked over to stand before her, putting his hand against the tree she was leaning against.

"I'm glad you're here with me. You are my only hope." He put a hand on her shoulder. She felt weak and unable to do anything. As Ryuubi leaned in to steal a kiss from Kanu, memories of Nagata flashed in her mind before she pushed Ryuubi away. "What's wrong?"

"I...I need to use the bathroom!" she lied and ran off. As she went, his eyes narrowed in irritation. What he wasn't aware of was that Bacho had been watching.


Back at the village, Komei had made some medicine for Chouhi. The redhead was bedridden thanks to her cold. Thankfully, she wasn't kicking up a fuss like she normally would if Kanu wasn't there.

"What's this?" asked Chouhi as Komei presented a cup of tea to her.

"It's brewed Three-Day Grass," Komei answered. "It's excellent for lowering fevers."

Chouhi sniffed at the liquid and cringed, "It smells funny!"

"I know," Komei nodded. "However, it was brewed with the Three-Day Grass that grew from Bacho's head with the last bits of her life. So if you don't drink it thankfully you'll get haunted!" She spoke as if Bacho was dead, which she almost was considering the nature of the plant growing from dead bodies and the state that they found Bacho in before they saved her.

"Mnnn!" Chouhi mumbled before she gulped down the tea in one fell swoop. "Bleh! It tastes awful! One more cup!"

"Okay!" Komei beamed.


Although the mood at the castle was in high spirits, things were not so good elsewhere. While the Volunteer Army had managed to cut down on bandits, they weren't able to capture all of them. Their numbers were fewer than before but there was still a lot of them. They were the ones who had managed to escape. They all had one thing in common. They had been systematically defeated by the Volunteer Army. Originally, the Volunteer Army hadn't been much of a threat. However, since they had recruited an Armored War God and some competent fighters, the bandits had suffered defeat after defeat, losing all their stolen loot.

After their defeats, the bandits started banding together in one single camp. All of them were stewing in their defeat and although they were quickly making a sizable group to attack the settlement, they didn't have the strategy or the supplies. With the power of the Armored War God and his women, they wouldn't be able to stand up to the raw power. Then add the small girl with the genius tactics, they would get outmaneuvered easily enough and then beaten all over again. They were lucky enough to escape the first time, but they weren't about to try for a second time unless they knew they were in for a sure win. Bandits they may have been, but they weren't stupid.

"At this rate we might as well go into honest work," one bandit complained, he wore chinese armor and had long hair. He had been the leader of the bandit group who had holed up in the abandoned fort, the first real victory of the Volunteer Army.

"Bah! Stupid Volunteer Army! How could a bunch of farmers beat us?" a large musclebound man with dark hair and a beard grunted. He wore thick armor and a helmet with horns, but one of them had been cut short. He had been leading a group of bandits raiding almost unimpeded until the Volunteer Army lured them into a trap with a fake merchant transport in the night. He had fought Kanu and she cut off one of his horns as his men were beaten.

"It's all because of that damn Armored War God!" a third man grumped. He was bald with tattoos on his chest and arm. He had been the leader of a group of bandits who were using the canyons as their territory, raiding and then hiding in the extensive caves. His group had been crushed with a bait trap and then he and his best were smashed down by Chouhi as she rode through on her pig. Beaten by a kid. Humiliating! "We had it made before he and his women came around!"

"It seems to me that you gentlemen require some help."

The three bandit leaders stiffened and drew their weapons as the voice spoke. Coming out of the darkness into the firelight was the crimson-clad forms of a pair of Rinrinshi, followed by a contingent of Rinshi that were hopping behind them. As far as Rinrinshi went, the pair looked the norm. The only difference was that the pair sported metal caps with an alligator on one and a crocodile on the other. The other difference between them was that the alligator cap was tilted to the left while the crocodile one leaned to the right.

"Who are you? What are you?" demanded the armored bandit.

"Before I answer that, can I ask you all a question? Have you all been thwarted by an Armored War God?" asked the crocodile Rinrinshi. The bandits looked to each other before they slowly nodded. "Well, then so have many in our group. It looks like we have a common enemy."

"So, what do you want to do? Team up?" asked the tattooed bandit leader.

"It just so happens I've come across some interesting information. Kanu Unchou and Bacho Moki have left Touka Village. In addition, the Armored War God of the Ultimate Sword is nowhere to be seen," reported the alligator Rinrinshi reported. That news surprised the bandits then made them smile. "As for members of the Volunteer Army, most of them had also gone along with their generals so there are only guards and the villagers remaining. If you strike the village now you will be able to restore your pride and also rob and plunder to your black hearts' content."

"Now that's some good news!" laughed the muscled bandit.

"Finally some payback!" grinned the armored bandit.

"Rally the boys! We're gonna go on a raid!" yelled the tattooed bandit.

"And we will help you along the way," the crocodile Rinrinshi nodded.

"We'll handle the Armored War God if he shows up," the alligator Rinrinshi offered.

"Go right ahead!" the tattooed bandit nodded. "You guys can probably handle him! Just save some stabs for us when you get him!"

The crocodile Rinrinshi laughed, "Oh, I think that can be arranged."


Ryuubi, Kanu, and Bacho met together in their tent to discuss the strategy of the assault on the rebels' fort. He was following Kashin's orders to the letter, not offering anything but still going on ahead for a frontal assault. He offered some variations, having Bacho and Kanu take up units to bring the fight from different angles. His strategy was rather basic though. It was based more on brute strength than the actual strategy that Komei had used to make the Volunteer Army held in such regard. He may have sat in with many of the strategy meetings, but many such as Bacho would say he didn't seem to learn all that much during the many campaigns, relying more on Komei to make the strategies than working on them while they were being made. Of course, Bacho was pretty critical over his style of leadership even if she didn't really say anything out loud.

Their strategizing was interrupted when a soldier came into the tent, bringing dire news.

"Bandits are attacking the village!?" Kanu cried out.

"That is right," the messenger confirmed, "The latest messengers from the village said that a massive group of bandits are attacking. It is suspected that they are remnants from the other bandit groups we defeated teaming up. Worse yet, there are reports of creatures called Rinshi assisting them. Komei-dono is asking for assistance.

"But where is Gaim-sama?" Kanu asked. Ryuubi had told her that he had gone on patrol with some men. If he learnt that bandits were attacking, he would've returned to the village immediately.

"He has not been seen since yesterday," the messenger shook his head.

Kanu gasped, becoming afraid. Seeing this, Ryuubi sighed and shook his head, feigning regret in front of the pair, "Looks like it's time I told you the truth. When I told you that Gaim-dono had gone to take care of a bandit problem he had heard about, it was a lie. He asked me to tell that to you so you wouldn't be hurt by him leaving. However, now it's time you knew. Kanu-dono, he has returned to Heaven."

Bacho and Kanu gasped, looking at Ryuubi in shock. Kanu seemed to be stricken the most as she went pale and her eyes went wide in disbelief, "No, Gaim-sama would never do that!" Even if Nagata came from Heaven and spoke of going back, Kanu hoped that he would stay. Even if he did manage to return, there was no way he would've gone without at least saying goodbye.

"It's true," said Ryuubi. "He has returned to Heaven. I don't understand why he did. Perhaps his task was finished. I do not know. However, he made sure to leave me this." He held up the SengokuDriver. "He entrusted it to me so I may fight in his stead."

"Then we must return to the village!" urged Kanu. If Nagata had gone back there was no use spilling tears over it. However, if he had given his power to Ryuubi then that meant he trusted the man to continue his mission on Earth. With Ryuubi using Gaim's powers they would be able to save the village.

"But what about the fight here?" Ryuubi questioned. "General Kashin is trusting us to remain here and deal with the uprising."

"There are enough soldiers here but the village needs us more!" The villagers and the children there needed them. Chouhi and Komei needed them right now. If they didn't go now then they would perish and Kanu would've once again lost her family.

"If we run back to the village we'll be called cowards!" Ryuubi continued to argue.

"I refuse to let the village fall!"

"It's just one village! If we run back now we lose the chance to gain a much greater reputation here! Think of how much the government will rely on us and support us! I even have a chance to become a great general! We can't run back for one village when the entire country is in chaos!" Ryuubi snapped.

Kanu was taken aback by this. Ryuubi had been talking about saving people but now he was going to let Touka Village suffer in Gaim's absence. Nagata would never do that. When they discussed about protecting people, he told her that everyone deserved that chance, especially those who were helpless, whether big or small. Even if one village was a small piece in the grand scheme of things, that didn't make it any less important. All life was precious and each life was priceless. Hearing Ryuubi's words, it sounded like he was willing to abandon Touka Village as long as he could become an aide to Kashin and a general in the imperial army. It was like Touka Village was a mere stepping stone for his own selfish ambition.

This made Kanu leer at him in suspicion. He claimed that Nagata had given him the SengokuDriver and thus recognized him as being worthy. However, with the way Ryuubi was acting, it didn't add up. Nagata had made it clear that although he could work alongside Ryuubi, he didn't like the man entirely. She then remembered that the SengokuDriver locked onto its user. If Gaim had given Ryuubi the belt, then the belt would recognize Ryuubi and accept him. Time to put that to the test.

"You said that Gaim-sama gave you the belt." Kanu looked at the black belt buckle then back up at Ryuubi with suspicion, "Prove it then." She needed confirmation. Up until now, Ryuubi had been pretty charismatic. The men looked up to him but the way he was acting clearly showed they meant nothing to him. She just needed proof.

Ryuubi was taken aback by this, not expecting her to question his claim, "Ex-excuse me?"

"Prove that Gaim-sama had entrusted his power to you. Put the belt on," she challenged.

"Kanu-dono, don't you trust me?" he pleaded.

"Put on the belt, that is if you can't," she dared. Ryuubi's eyes narrowed.

"Fine, I'll prove it!" Ryuubi answered and he slapped on the SengokuDriver onto his waist like he had seen Nagata demonstrate. However, nothing happened. The belt didn't automatically strap the buckle on. He tried again and again, desperately demanding, "Latch on! Latch on you stupid thing!" Kanu suddenly lashed out and punched Ryuubi across the face, knocking the SengokuDriver out of his hands. He was stunned as Kanu stood over him, a glare on her pretty face.

"I knew it couldn't be true," she realized before she kicked him in the face, knocking him out. She picked up the SengokuDriver and searched his clothes for Nagata's Lockseeds. "If Gaim-sama had truly given you his power then the belt would've accepted you without question."

"What's the plan now?" Bacho asked, now strongly suspecting that Ryuubi was not a guy she would want to follow. Some sneaky moves was one thing, but it looked more like Ryuubi had stolen Nagata's gear.

"I'm returning to the village," Kanu said as she went to grab a horse. "I need to find Gaim-sama."

"Are you sure he'll be there?" Bacho questioned.

"He has to be."

Bacho followed Kanu as the latter found a horse and got on. She shouted and snapped the reins, "Hah!" and the horse galloped away.

As Bacho watched her friend go, she turned back to the camp, "There's no way she can do this alone."


Back in Touka Village, the battle was not going well for them. The outside moat had been breached and the outside of the castle had been conquered. As the guards and civilians retreated back into the castle, Komei ordered them to fortify the defences. However, Chouhi wasn't idle as she dressed herself and got ready to fight. Touka Village had become their home. She had made friends here. She wasn't going to allow these bandits to take it away like they had her parents. She was still sick, but thanks to the brew Komei made she was feeling much better. She wasn't at her absolute best, but she was going to have to do her best anyway or else everyone was going to be killed or worse.

As the bandits outside tried to take down the door using a battering ram, the door swung open and something grabbed the battering ram before lifting it into the air. It was Chouhi and she looked mad.

"You guys..." she growled and she threw the battering ram as hard as she could. "I won't let you through!"

"It's Chouhi Yokutoku!"

"She's all alone! Get her!"


Nagata struggled with his bindings but Ryuubi had tied him up tight. He couldn't get up since Ryuubi saw fit to tie his legs together, rendering him immobile. He heard noises and they didn't sound good. It sounded like the entire place was under attack. Even if he lacked his SengokuDriver, he wasn't just going to lie here and let it happen. That meant getting out of here. Unfortunately, that was going to happen anytime soon. Then he heard the door unlatch and open. He felt someone flip him over and gazed up at a familiar figure in white with a mask.

"What would you do without me, Gaim-sama?" she asked as she removed the gag and untied him.

"Chou'un-"

"Kachou Kamen!" she corrected.

"Right, Kachou Kamen," he agreed. Why was she so insistent on this when she was already busted? "What's going on?"

"The village is under attack by bandits and Rinshi. The men are fighting them but I'm not sure how long they can last," Kachou Kamen explained. "The rest of the Volunteer Army is off dealing with rebels."

"That moron, taking so many," Nagata growled. Ryuubi proved he wasn't so hot at tactics, but this was just an exemplary stupid move. "And here I am without my SengokuDriver..."

"Then you'll need a weapon," said Kachou Kamen, finishing up with the last of the rope. Nagata stood up, rubbing his wrists to get the feeling back into his body after being tied up for so long.

"Make it a couple of swords then." Kacho Kamen smiled at his request.

"I think I saw a couple that might be of use to you."

"Good," Nagata nodded. "I may not have my Driver, but that doesn't mean that without it I'm helpless." Kachou Kamen smiled as she exited the basement with him to help everyone.


Kanu had taken a horse to ride back to Touka Village as Bacho stayed behind at the army camp. Kanu might be a skilled and powerful warrior, but she would be vastly outnumbered and outmatched by the combined forces of the bandits and Rinshi. There was only one thing she could do. She immediately went to Sousou's tent to beg for her help. Bacho remembered how she had tried to kill Sousou over a misunderstanding. She just hoped the warlord would be merciful enough to give her help.

Meanwhile, Mitsuki and Sousou were in her tent talking about the meeting.

"Is it just me or was that Ryuubi guy trying a bit too hard to kiss up to General Kashin's ass?" asked Mitsuki.

"It appears that he was really happy that she would make him her aide. A bit too happy," Sousou agreed. She easily recognized the signs of someone who was trying to gain credit off the merits of others. From reports, the man wasn't a very successful leader until Nagata and his friends joined up. Since then, the man lapped up praise as if it were all by his plan.

"Yeah, I admit she's hot but she's not exactly someone I see myself serving, ever."

"True. She does have a strong reputation but even so there is a limit to what one can do. She's trying to maintain the old order."

"And we both know how long that is going to last," he replied. The Han were on their way out. With more and more provinces breaking off to begin campaigns to grasp power, the Imperial Court was losing its power and influence. It was only a matter of time before it collapsed despite Kashin's best efforts.

"Well, I only joined up because I was bored and just to humor her. It has been awhile since we went on a campaign," Sousou admitted.

"Yeah, but it seems pretty pointless too," he argued. "She's just going to kick up more rebellion and inspire the already existing groups with this blatant show of force trying to make people think the Imperial Court is as strong as ever."

"Indeed and you have a point. However, there isn't much we can do. The rebels refuse to calm down and the government refuses to give in," Sousou replied. "It disgusts you, doesn't it?"

"When people in the higher-ups forget that they are supposed to serve the people instead of the other way around, that's just asking for trouble," he said. He then heard a commotion from outside, sounding like people shouting and getting in a brawl. "Oi, who's making that noise?" Bacho suddenly burst into the tent with Kakoton struggling to hold her back. "Oh, it's you."

"Karin-sama, I apologize!" Kakoton apologized, "But she insisted to see you!"

"Oh? Bacho Moki, was it? I remember you," Sousou recalled as she crossed her legs and rested her chin against her knuckles, "So what do I owe the pleasure of this interruption?"

Bacho bowed with her fist in her hand, "We've received word that Touka Village is under attack! Kanu has gone on ahead but she'll be outnumbered since the bandits have teamed up with Rinshi! She could get killed!"

"So what does that have to do with us?" Mitsuki asked.

"I am asking for your assistance!"

"Why are you asking us for help? Where's Gaim?" Mitsuki asked. Shouldn't Nagata be at the village right now? That was what Mitsuki assumed since he was absent.

"He's gone missing!" Bacho answered. "That's why we need your help! Please, give us some of your men!" She then did something that stunned them. She went down on her knees and bowed before Sousou, "Please!"

Sousou seemed contemplative as she tapped on her throne's armrest. She replied, "I can't just send my men away now without looking like a deserter to Kashin-dono. However, I have no real control over my Armored War God. If he decides that the situation is well in hand here and explores to quell other uprisings, who am I to stop him?"

Bacho rose up, her eyes widened as hope returned to her, "Then you will help?"

"It's his decision," Sousou turned to Mitsuki, "Well, Baron?"

Mitsuki asked, "So does this means I have your permission, Sousou?"

"Do as you please," Sousou allowed.

"Works for me! This sounds way more fun than dealing with rebels!" Mitsuki grinned. Bacho and he left the tent.

"General Kashin won't like this," Kakoton told Sousou.

"Like I said, I can't really control what our Armored War God does," Sousou defended with a smile.


Nagata joined the battle to protect Touka Village, dual-wielding a pair of swords, relieving pressure on Chouhi at the drawbridge. He knew that this was going to be a brutal fight and he would be forced to kill. However, these bandits weren't going to be holding back so why should he share the same courtesy? While he knew kendo, his experience while fighting as Gaim had sharpened his own skills. Kanu had also taught him plenty. Now he could dual-wield swords expertly.

Nagata fought against the bandits with all his might. However, the Rinshi were pushing back, picking up the slack as more bandits began to fall, and many of the remaining members of the Volunteer Army were wounded. Still, he couldn't just give up right now. He may not have his SengokuDriver or Lockseeds, but that didn't mean he couldn't fight. A bandit swung for the kill and he parried before retaliating, spilling blood. He hated this but he knew that there was no way around it. It was about survival. It was either the bandits or Touka Village and he would never turn his back on a village of innocent people to save his own skin.

He could admit he was not as skilled as Kanu or as strong as Chouhi without his armor but he was not going to retreat. These people had taken them in, calling them their protectors, and Nagata was going to stand his ground until his dying breath. It was hard to believe that about a year ago he had just been a high school student and all he had to worry about were his grades. However, thinking back, he had been a bit bored with his life. He just didn't have much of a purpose before coming to this alternate world.

As the bandits ganged up on him with sadistic grins of delight, they were knocked down by a blur who shielded him. Nagata blinked and then recognized the girl who had come to her aid.

"Aisha?" Nagata asked.

"Gaim-sama!" Kanu ran over to Nagata She was so relieved to see him.

"Hey, Aisha," he smiled, glad to see her.

She fretted over him and then asked, "Are you uninjured? Where were you?"

"That jerk Ryuubi tied me up and put me in the basement," Nagata answered. Kanu's eyes narrowed. Maybe she should've done more to punish the man. "I think he wanted to use my SengokuDriver to impress Kashin and gain more backup for the army as an Armored War God."

"So how did you get free?" she asked.

"Kachou Kamen rescued me," he answered.

"She did, huh?" Kanu smiled. "We should thank her then."

"Yes, we should," he agreed. Kanu then held up the SengokuDriver and Lockseeds to him. "My stuff!"

"Ryuubi had these with him. He claimed you gave them to him. He also claimed you had returned to Heaven. However, I knew it couldn't be true," she said. "I knew you would never abandon us."

"Thanks, Aisha," he said as he took back his equipment. "Now, let's save the village." He sheathed the swords and strapped on the SengokuDrive before unlocking his Orange Lockseed, "Henshin!"

[ORANGE!]

The Lockseed was clipped to the SengokuDriver.

[LOCK ON!]

Then the Cutting Blade came down the front.

[SOIYA! ORANGE ARMS! HANAMICHI ON STAGE!]

A metal orange fell.

In mid-transformation, Gaim and Kanu charged at the bandits and Rinshi. One large bandit tried to club at Gaim but he knocked his weapon out of his hands and punched him in the stomach before tossing him into the air. The Rinshi attacked next but he summoned the Daidaimaru and drew the Musou Saber. A few slashes was all it took to take down the jumping zombies. One charged at him but Gaim charged back and jumped up, using its head as springboard. In the air, he fired with his Musou Saber, taking out more enemies.

Kanu swung wide and thrust furiously with her Dragon Crescent Blade. She twirled it around and again countered attacks from bandits and Rinshi alike. A few slashes took down the bandits and the Rinshi crumbled into purple dust. They aided each other like partners, fighting back-to-back.

"You should go and help Rinrin. I'll deal with the guys here," Gaim ordered Kanu. He watched her go, obeying his order, then turned his attention back to the enemy. "I am Kamen Rider Gaim and I am Arriving on Stage!" Gaim declared. The Rinshi attacked with spears but he hit the Cutting Blade twice.

[SOIYA! ORANGE AU LAIT!]

A swing from his Daidaimaru destroyed their weapons and additional swing sent out a wave of energy that destroyed the Rinshi.


"Archers form up! We'll take them out from afar!" shouted the armored bandit leader. Several bandits lined up and began pulling back arrows to fire at the defenders, but they all stopped and cried in pain as arrows started piercing their arms, ruining their shots. Several eyes looked up at the guard tower where the shots had come from and they faced Kochu's eagle gaze as she stared down at them, loading another arrow.

"Bandits who know only of stealing, I, Kochu, shall be your opponent!" With her, hiding out of sight, was Riri who was supplying her with arrows. Several of the Rinshi leaped at the tower, digging their fingers into the sides with their undead strength and began climbing up to try and reach her and stop the assaults.

[HAI~! BUDOU SQUASH!]

However, purple energy shots hit the Rinshi, reducing them to purple smoke as they were gunned down. Standing on the ground beneath the tower was Ryugen in his full green and purple armored glory.

"I, Ryugen of the Ultimate Eye, shall not let you come forward!" Ryugen declared with his Budou Ryuhou levelled at the bandit and Rinshi alliance. He looked up at his wife who blew him a kiss and he caught it before putting his hand to his heart. He turned his attention back to the enemy, "Now, come at me if you dare!"

Riri poked her head up and waved, "Daddy, good luck!"


"Damn, this is bad!" one bandit cursed, seeing that their assault was starting to crumble.

"Yeah! I heard the Armored War God was gone but now we have to deal with two of them!" another agreed. However, he would soon need to check his math.

Men from the back of the units started screaming and yelling, turning attention to their rears. Bacho was with Baron were seen riding into battle together. The girl was on a warhorse while Baron was on his Rose Attacker Lockvehicle, the bike roaring loudly and frightening the bandits who were witnessing the machine in action. Some of the men tried to steel their courage, using mob mentality and pure greed to keep up the attack. Baron only had one reply to that...

[COME ON! BANANA AU LAIT!]

Baron leapt off his Rose Attacker and thrust his Banaspear into the ground. Giant bananas exploded from the ground, sending bandits and Rinshi flying with loud screams. Landing on one knee, he rose up and brandished his Banaspear threateningly.

"Hey, make sure I enjoy this, OK?" he said to the bandits and Rinshi before charging forward. Rinshi were destroyed as he thrust forward, running them through and bandits were knocked painfully to the ground. He then landed a few punches and clenched his fist, trembling with excitement. He challenged, loudly, "Come on! Try and take me down!"

The ranks of the bandits quickly began to fold as the Armored War God and Bacho brazenly passed through them before coming out at the drawbridge where Ryugen and Gaim had teamed up to defend it.

"You're late!" Gaim called.

"Fashionably late," Baron huffed, turning to face the remaining bandits and Rinshi. "Besides, I see that there is plenty of party favors left."

"Do not forget about me!" Kachou Kamen called boldly. Her spear reflected in the moonlight as she stood on the roof of a nearby house which the bandits hadn't plundered. She still wore her 'disguise' as all eyes turned to her. "I was once known as a menma-loving travelling martial artist. Many know me as the face of beauty and justice Kachou Kamen, but my true identity is Chou'un Shiryuu!" She took off her mask, 'revealing' her true identity. She then leapt off the roof and landed with weapon in hand.

"Trying for a flashy entrance?" Gaim asked Chou'un.

"Thought I'd give it a try," she shrugged.

Gaim looked around. Kanu Unchou, Chouhi Yokutoku, Bacho Moki, Chou'un Shiryuu and Kochu Kansho were together. The Five Legendary Tiger Generals were now assembled. Not only that, they also had the strategist Shokatsuryo Komei to guide them in battle. Finally, not forgetting, there was the Armored War Gods.

Gaim of the Ultimate Sword.

Ryugen of the Ultimate Eye.

And finally Baron of the Ultimate Spear.

Gaim could already tell this was just the beginning of the third of the Three Kingdoms. This was the birth of the Kingdom of Shoku.

"Arriving on Stage, Armored War God Gaim!"

"Always Hitting my Mark, Armored War God Ryugen!"

"Advancing, Armored War God Baron!"


The bandit leaders who had been watching with the two Rinrinshi witnessed as the three Riders fought. Their forces were being decimated by the Volunteer Army's reinforcements.

"You said the Ultimate Sword was gone! Now the Ultimate Spear and Ultimate Eye have joined the fight!" the armored bandit leader shouted.

"Hmph," the crocodile Rinrinshi snorted, "If this is all it takes to scare you then it's time we did something."

"Agreed, brother," the alligator Rinrinshi nodded before the two of them leapt to battle with the Armored War Gods. The War Gods had thwarted the RinJyuKen time and again but this was where those so-called Heavenly Messengers would fall.


Gaim ordered, "MINNA! IKUZE!" The group engaged the enemy furiously. Bandits and Rinshi were beaten and destroyed, clearing the drawbridge and slowly taking back territory as the number of fight-capable opponents steadily dropped. The people inside were starting to feel hope as they witnessed their saviors crushing the bandits and Rinshi. If it kept going in such a way, they might just be able to…

"Crocodile-ken!"

"Alligator-Ken!"

"Ringi! Desudō Ori: Tsū!"

The area behind the bandits was suddenly erupting with flying bodies as twin horizontal twisters cut through the ranks before approaching the three Riders. They were hit as one, causing flying sparks before they all landed on their backs. The twin tornadoes stopped and landed on their feet, revealing their forms.

Both of them had chests which looked like the bottom jaws of a crocodile or an alligator while their faces were hidden in the top halves which rose up from their backs. Their faces were surrounded in visors lined with teeth, concealing their faces. Their arms were bare while their forearms were covered in gauntlets which was styled after the reptilian backs of their Beast Fists. Their legs were covered in short ragged pants while their shins and feet were bare, showing scales and clawed feet. The only footwear the both of them had was geta which clopped ominously as they walked. The only difference between the two was that the crocodile one was brown and bronze in color while the alligator was dark green and light green in his coloration.

"Master of RinJyu Crocodile-Ken: Niwa!"

"Master of RinJyu Alligator-Ken: Bawa!"

"Rinrinshi!" exclaimed Ryugen.

"I've been waiting for them to show their ugly mugs," scoffed Baron. "Hey, I hope you can give me a better challenge than your mooks."

"Ha! For the Chompa-Chomp Brothers, three Armored War Gods are an appetizer!" Niwa snorted.

"Chompa-chomp?" Ryugen snickered. That sounded like a name that Riri may have thought up for the two.

For Gaim, he was taking them a little more seriously, "Niwa? How are you here? The Gekirangers took you down before you could even use the Jashin Goten Hen!"

"Bah! They got lucky!" Niwa snapped. "Fortunately, our masters cultivated the Madoku in order to revive all of the Rinrinshi they felt would be able to help them in their campaigns."

"The what?" asked Baron.

"The Madoku is probably the most secret Ringi that the RinJyuKen Akugata has," Gaim frowned, now growing more concerned. "It's a sure-kill poison that nothing can survive. But it also has the power to revive the dead. Only Braco of the Five Venomous Fists is able to use it, but these guys must have him generating more of it to use on their soldiers."

"Baka!" Bawa snapped at his brother. "You weren't supposed to say that to them!"

"Hmph, whatever," Baron responded uncaringly, as he pointed his Banaspear at the Chompa-Chomp Brothers, "If you wanted to come back to life then it's only fair we bury you again."

"You think you can?" chuckled Niwa.

"Of course, because I said so," Baron retorted confidently. He charged at both Rinrinshi Beastmen.

"Hey, wait!" Gaim followed Baron, brandishing both swords. Ryugen hung back, providing long-ranged support.

Niwa and Bawa met the charge, but they didn't try to defend themselves. Instead, the Banaspear and the Daidaimaru sparked harmlessly off of their hides before they both began unleashing powerful and downright reckless strikes which smashed heavily against the Riders' armor, knocking them back and forth before dual kicks sent Gaim and Ryugen tumbling backwards from the strikes.

"Gaim-sama!" Kanu cried out.

"Holy cow! Watch those guys go!" laughed one bandit. "Those freaks have won this!"

"Kill those three!" another yelled.

"Yeah! Kill them!"

"KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL!"

"Seems the crowd is on our side, Brother," Bawa snickered.

"So they are. Let's give them what they want," Niwa cracked his knuckles.

Baron growled and stood up, "Thick-skinned eh? I've got that covered." he plucked a Lockseed from his belt and held it up before unlocking it.

[MANGO!]

He removed his Banana Lockseed and placed the Mango Lockseed in before locking it in place.

[LOCK ON![

He cut the Lockseed open.

[COME ON! MANGO ARMS! FIGHT OF HAMMER!]

The Mango Arms came down and wrapped around Baron, completing his change. The Mango Punisher appeared in his hand before he picked up the charge again on the two brothers.

"Ha! We know that trick!" Bawa snorted as he ran at Baron. The two clashed again, Barons winging wide and smashing Bawa's side in a splash of sparks. However, the Alligator-Ken user didn't flinch before he grabbed Baron by the shoulders. "Desudō Ori!" Bawa leaped into the air with Baron before spinning at a sickening speed, actually blurring in the air before throwing Baron away like a human shuriken, causing him to smash into the ground, tearing it up a trench in the impact.

"Akechi!" Gaim ran to Baron's side, but was pushed away as he forced himself up with the Mango Punisher.

"How are they kicking our butts!?" Baron demanded. He never expected to get out of a fight unscathed, but the pair had countered him way too easily! He was up for a challenge but these guys were pissing him off.

"The RinJyuKen must've been studying us thoroughly and developed counters in response," theorized Ryugen. "None of us have exactly been subtle with our movements and all of us have been fighting Rinrinshi since we got here."

"Very astute!" praised Niwa. "Ever since we learned you were the Armored War Gods, we've been having spies analyze your fighting styles as well as the weapons you all use. My brother and I have trained our bodies to resist any attack that you guys can throw at us! Today is the day the legend of the Armored War Gods ends!"

"And when you perish, Gaim, the Kingdom of Shoku will die before it can begin!" Bawa agreed. Gaim paused. According to these two, the RinJyuKen knew all about how they fought. With their naturally tough bodies trained to take on their weapons, they were nigh unbreakable with the Arms they had at their disposal.

"So, you've studied all our fighting styles, right? Weapons, armors and all, huh?" Gaim asked. "Well, then here's something new!" He glanced over at Kanu, "Aisha! I need your Lockseed!"

"Yes Gaim-sama!" Kanu nodded, pulling out her Lockseed before throwing it to Gaim's waiting hand. Catching the Carambola Lockseed, he unlocked it.

[CARAMBOLA!]

Above him a portal opened and a giant starfruit floating horizontally lowered from the portal. Baron and Ryugen both blinked at the new Arms, looking much like the possible ace they could use to fight.

"Let's see what this things does!" Gaim replaced the Orange Lockseed with the Carambola Lockseed before slicing it open with the belt's Cutting Blade.

[LOCK ON! SOIYA! CARAMBOLA ARMS! KIRA KIRA SUPERSTAR!]

The orange starfruit fell on on top of Gaim's shoulders and head before opening up and folding onto his body. The sides locked onto his shoulders as the front folded forward, decorated with a star. The top and back of the fruit folded onto his back. His visor also turned golden orange with lines making a faint star shape. In a flash of light, a pair of chakrams appeared in his hands. They were circular blades with stars on the inside and handles in holes in the middle of the stars so he could grip them. These were the Carambola Stars.

"A new Arms Change?" Baron question, but then smacked his head. "Oh duh! It's always the simple answer!"

"Don't suppose you can share, can you?" asked Ryugen. "I've never been to Helheim myself."

"You're lucky it's an emergency," Baron shook his head. Reaching to his side, he plucked off two Lockseeds. One was an oval-like fruit which was pink with green leaves coming out of it, marked with the code L.S.-17. The other was depicting a pumpkin with the code of L.S.-18. "You want pumpkin or dragon fruit?"

"Dragon fruit please," Ryugen nodded. Baron tossed the Lockseed to his ally who quickly unlocked it. Baron took his Pumpkin Lockseed and unlocked it as well.

[PITAYA!]

[PUMPKIN!]

Above the pair, two more portals appeared, lowering a large pumpkin and a pitaya above the pair. Unlocking their Banana and Budou Lockseeds, they placed the new ones in their places and locked them in.

"LOCK ON!

The pair didn't hesitate to hit the Cutting Blade and slice the Lockseeds open. The Pitaya Lockseed opened to reveal a red inside with the bottom half depicting a Chinese dragon-themed cannon. The Pumpkin Lockseed opened to reveal the insides; dark orange and the bottom half depicting a large scythe with a chain on its end connected to a pumpkin-shaped counterweight.

[COME ON! PUMPKIN ARMS! HAPPY HARVESTING~!]

[HAI~! PITAYA ARMS! RYUJIN, HOU, HOH! HOH! HOH!]

The Pitaya Arms came down on Ryugen with a splash of energy. Inside, a pink chinese-themed helmet lowered down on Ryugen's head with green leaf curls at the edge. On top, a green tassel rose to accent the helmet. His eyes turned the same color as a Pitaya. The Arms then opened, the front folding together, forming a red chestplate with green leaves sticking from the sides like spikes. The sides landed on his shoulders with the tips being tucked inside, making the shoulders look like bulky battlements. A splash of juice summoned a long red cannon with the barrel shaped like a dragon's neck with the end a wide open dragon's mouth. Sections had rings of green leaves while the back end sported a pitaya-shaped ammo case. It was called the Pitaya Ryujin Hou.

The Pumpkin Arms came down on Baron. Inside, the back of his helmet was adorned with an orange-pumpkin like armor which was adorned with orange spikes, making it look like a lion's mane. His visor turned bright orange like the insides of a pumpkin, but darker in the centre as it turned lighter around the edges. The Arms then broke apart, the sides splitting perfectly to land on his shoulders, like aerodynamic disc armor with bronze rings around them. The front folded together, but the top half was jagged like the mouth of a jack-o-lantern while the rest landed on his back. Raising his hand, a large scythe appeared with the pumpkin counterweight and chain resting over his shoulders. This was the Pumpkin Kusarigama.

The girls' eyes widened at the new Arms Changes and then smile. It seemed that the Armored War Gods still had plenty of tricks up their sleeves.

"Mommy, look! Daddy changed again!" Riri pointed excitedly.

"I can see that sweetie," Kochu smiled, a hand on her cheek as she blushed. "Ohhhh…"

The Chompa-Chomp Brothers, however, started to feel a bit intimidated. They didn't know that the Riders were able to get more Lockseeds in order to get different suits and weapons. It was something they definitely weren't prepared for and were a little out of their depth. Still, like any RinJyuKen Akugata warrior, they weren't going to let little surprises stop their mission!

"Hah! So what if you've changed forms!? You still won't beat us!" Niwa challenged.

"Oh? Are you sure?" Gaim retorted. "You've only seen our other armors but this is the first time we are using these."

"I'm up to give them a field test," Baron eagerly added, tugging on the chain of his weapons.

"But first we need to get them as far away from the castle," Ryugen concluded as he aimed his Pitaya Ryujin Hou at the twin Rinrinshi and hit the Cutting Blade.

[HAI~! PITAYA SQUASH!]

A holographic target appeared on the enemy and Ryugen's eyes glowed. The front of his cannon glowed as it charged up.

"RYUJIN HOU! FIRE!" he barked as he unleashed its payload. It released a roar like a dragon followed by a loud boom, shooting an energy sphere that looked like a giant pitaya at the pair. The sheer recoil from the shot sent Ryugen skidding backwards, leaving trenches where his feet were. The two Rinrinshi Beastmen were hit and sent flying by the explosion.

"Gaim! Baron! They're all yours!" Ryugen told them. "I'll stay to fortify the defences!"

"Thanks!" Gaim nodded before giving chase after the two.

"Hmph!" Baron huffed before he did the same.

The bandits parted like the red sea for the Riders, afraid of making them angrier than they were. They turned their attention back to the front of the castle, seeing Ryugen standing there with his cannon and the girls all in battle stances, ready to take them on.

"Feeling lucky, punks?" asked the green Rider ominously. The bandits had seen him use that weapon on the Rinrinshi and gulped, not eager to be on its business end.


Bawa and Niwa crashed down on the main street of the village far away from the battle. The homes were already destroyed, raided by bandits who were looking for a quick payoff. Some of them remained, either running for their lives when the battle turned sour and wanted to get what spoils they could, or hung back to get first dibs. Either way, they ran away screaming when the two Rinrinshi came crashing down in smoking craters. Their naturally tough hides allowed them to survive the cannonfire, but it was still incredibly painful to take an attack like that.

"What the hell was that!?" Bawa shouted as he struggled to get back to his feet.

"Ugh, this is starting to look much harder than we originally assumed, Brother," Niwa grunted.

"You got that right!" Gaim shouted as he threw the Carambola Stars. The chakrams flew true and struck several times, causing the brothers to groan in pain. It was like taking a papercut to them, but with their hides supposedly unbreakable to the Riders' weapons that was significant enough! The Carambola Stars returned to Gaim as Baron followed up with his own attack. Running up to the pair, he swung his scythe and slashed the pair of them across the torsos, making a screeching noise not unlike shredding steel as they were both knocked back by the attacks.

"They're making mockeries of us!" Bawa snarled.

"Not for long!" Niwa growled, making for another charge at Baron.

"Hah!" Baron called, slashing at Niwa again. The Crocodile-Ken user however played it smart. He worked the angle and managed to dip just outside of the range of the blade. With a smirk, he moved forward again to strike Baron down, but was swiftly interrupted when the counterweight, pulled along the path by Baron's swinging came up unexpectedly and smashed into Niwa's face. The Rinrinshi cried in pain as the force of the attack knocked him down, clutching his face.

"Handy," Baron nodded, catching the counterweight in his hand.

"Brother!" Bawa yelled, taking up the charge. Gaim quickly met him, throwing his stars which collided near his face and causing him to stop. With the opening, Gaim charged closer with a leap kick, smashing Bawa's face further and knocking him back much like his brother. Raising his hands, he caught his weapons again.

Gaim cheered, "Nothing to it!"

The Chompa-Chomp Brothers grumbled and rolled over, growling as they prepared another technique, "Ringi! Bankou Seki!" They than slammed their fists into the ground, causing the street to all but explode, taking the houses around it as rubble and other pieces fell on the Riders, forcing them to dodge or swat the pieces away.

"Ringi! Bankou Seki!" the pair shouted again, firing off the technique and more rubble at the two Riders a second time.

"Dammit!" Baron cursed, using both his scythe and chain to keep the pieces away. Unless he missed his guess, the Chompa-Chomp brothers were trying to wear them out, get them tired by forcing them to make lots of moves while they only used up some energy to make the simple attacks in the first place. "You got an idea Gaim?"

"Just cover me!" Gaim retorted. Baron nodded and Gaim stepped back, swinging to keep the dirt, wood, and everything else from striking them as Gaim went through with his idea. The blue Rider unclipped his Lockseed before drawing the Musou Saber and locking it into place.

[LOCK ON!]

"Here goes!" Gaim shouted, prompting Baron to move.

[1, 10, 100!]

The sword chanted as Gaim pointed it at the brothers. In front of it, the energy formed into a large Carambola which turned from green to orange as it grew and 'ripened'. When it was finally big enough, Gaim drew back his sword and slashed through it, causing the fruit to explode into a cloud of juice.

[CARAMBOLA CHARGE!]

From the juice cloud, several energy versions of the Carambola Stars flew out like a swarm of mad bees. All of them cut through the air, easily slicing through the debris the brothers were trying to kick up. The pair of them saw the oncoming attack and were stunned by its approach. It was Bawa that moved first, pushing his brother out of the way, "Look out!" Niwa was knocked aside before the Carambola Stars flew, cutting through Bawa's reinforced hide and leaving orange lines to show the cuts before Bawa fell back screaming. He exploded in a blaze of purple fire.

"Brother!" Niwa bellowed. Snarling, he turned to the Riders. "You…you…!" a blast of dark blue Rinki exploded from his body like geyser vents, making Niwa snarl as his eyes flash with sheer rage at the pair. Gaim tensed, fearing that he was looking at the birth of a Rinrinshi using Dorinki, a power which could cause the user to go insane with rage. Stomping towards the pair, the Dorinki continued to explode from his body, "Jashin Gochi Hen!"

Niwa's body almost seemed to explode on itself from the Dorinki passing through him before it reformed into a giant bronze crocodile. The beast bellowed before charging at the pair, its tail thrashing and destroying the last of the remaining looted houses.

"The hell-?!" Baron gaped. "Don't the guys turn into giants when they pull that move instead of animals?"

"No, it's a variation of the technique. He said Gochi not Goten. It means an earthly change instead of a heavenly one," Gaim frowned, taking another stance. "They dig deep into their Beast Fists, turning into more of an animal than a man!"

"Talk later!" Baron snapped as both Riders dove to avoid the chomping mouth of the RinJyu Crocodile. "Dammit! Any ideas?"

"Just one!" Gaim whipped out a familiar green Lockseed and clicked it.

[SUIKA!]

He put the Suika Lockseed into his SengokuDriver before locking it in and slicing it open with the Cutting Blade.

[LOCK ON! SOIYA! SUIKA ARMS! ODAMA BIG BANG!]

The Carambola Arms vanished as the Suika Arms dropped behind Gaim. Jumping up to avoid a vicious chomp from the Crocodile Beast, he backflipped and entered the Suika Arms from the top.

[YOROI MODE!]

A massive green fist smashed into the Crocodile Beast's snout and sent it skidding backwards. Gaim then twirled the Suika Sojinto and struck a pose. He then dashed towards the Crocodile Beast as Baron watched.

"I gotta get me one of those," Baron remarked, impressed.

The Crocodile Beast lunged and bit down on Gaim's weapon-wielding arm, digging its teeth into the green armor. Gaim raised his arm and bashed the Crocodile Beast repeatedly to the ground but the Crocodile Beast just tightened its hold. Fed up, Gaim decided to take things up.

[GYRO MODE!]

Gaim took to the air with his unwilling passenger and spun around, and around, and around, and around. The Crocodile Beast went dizzy and let go before crashing to the ground.

[ODAMA MODE!]

The Suika Arms resumed its original watermelon-like form and crashed upon the Crocodile Beast before rolling off its body. He then rolled back over the Crocodile Beast, going back and forth before he resumed the Suika Arms' humanoid configuration.

[YOROI MODE!]

The Crocodile Beast snarled and lunged for Gaim.

[SOIYA! SUIKA SQUASH!]

Gaim twirled his weapon and trapped the Crocodile Beast inside a sphere of green energy shaped like a watermelon.

"Let's smash this watermelon!" Gaim called as he tossed the sphere up and jumped after it before bashing it with his fist. There was an explosion and chunks of watermelon flew in all directions before vanishing. Gaim landed and the Suika Arms vanished before Gaim returned to his default Orange Arms.

Gaim dusted off his hands when the sound of warhorns were heard. That sounded like victory horns.

"Looks like they won," Gaim remarked. "Come on, Akechi!"

"Hey, don't order me around!" snapped Baron as he followed Gaim back to the castle.

It was certainly a welcome sight to see. The last of the bandits were running away, their will broken utterly by the destruction of their two allies and the defenders willing to take them. The bandits were smart enough to know they stood no chance, especially in the face of three Armored War Gods.

"Minna!" Gaim called as he jogged over to the girls with Baron following close behind.

"Gaim-sama!" Kanu waved as the Riders approached. "We've won! All of the bandits are defeated and we've beaten the remaining Rinshi! No enemies remain!"

"We kicked so much butt!" Chouhi cheered.

"That was easy!" Bacho laughed.

"Flawless victory," Chou'un nodded.

"Airen!" Ryugen turned before he was engulfed in a happy hug from his wife, forcing him to drop his cannon before his stepdaughter joined, hugging his leg. "Oh Airen you looked so heroic during the fight! I could barely look away! Oh just take this armor off so I can ravish you already!"

"A-ah! K-Koi! Wait! Not in front of the kids! Think of their innocence!" Ryugen sputtered.

"Wait a minute," Baron started, looking at Kochu and Ryugen, "What's with you two? You act like you're married or something!"

"They are," Gaim chuckled.

"Wait, seriously!?" Baron exclaimed in disbelief. He turned to Ryugen, "How did you end up getting married to her!?"

"My devious good looks and my natural charm!" Ryugen laughed before Kochu hugged him tighter, causing her breasts to squeeze against him in very interesting ways. "Woah!"

Baron sighed, "You know what, nevermind. If that's it then I'm gonna go back to Sousou."

"Wait, Akechi," Gaim stopped him. "You really helped us out when you really didn't have to. Can't you stay for a bit to celebrate with us?"

"I could but Sousou only let me go to help you guys. Now that there isn't a crisis anymore I gotta go. Besides there's nobody left to fight," Baron crossed his arms.

"Ah, Right. The taskmaster must be obeyed and all that," Gaim nodded. "Well, for what it's worth, thanks for the help. I'd probably have been crushed by those two if you didn't decide to lend a hand."

"Whatever," Baron shrugged, turning to walk away from the group as he searched for his Rose Attacker. "Just make sure you don't do something stupid like getting that brown-noser Gentoku to trick you again."

"Oh, I've got a warm welcome planned for him!" Gaim grinned, eagerly awaiting Ryuubi's return. The group watched Baron walk away.

"Bye-bye, Baron-ojisan!" Riri waved as Baron walked away.

Unexpectedly, Baron turned back and gave her a wave back, which seemed to tickle Riri pink in delight, "See you later, little one. You take care of your mom and pop, got it?"

Riri nodded and continued to wave. As Baron continued on his way, Gaim remarked, "You know, sometimes he acts like a jerk, but he's not all that bad."

"Despite his crudeness, I can see why he was chosen to be an Armored War God," Kanu nodded. Smiling, she took Gaim's arm as the turned to enter the castle again, "Now it's been a long night and we still have much to do. Let's begin so we can have breakfast."

"Oh, does that sound like a treat," Gaim nodded.


As the sun rose and a new day came upon Touka Village, the villagers were starting to rebuild after the raid. However, they did so in high spirits. Their Armored War God had once again brought them victory. What more, another Armored War God had joined their village.

Ryuubi returned to the village utterly humiliated and dirty three days after the attempted raid by the bandits. As expected, he tried to push through with Kashin's foolhardy plan. His men were demoralized as it was, hearing their hometown was under attack. Then with Kanu and Bacho not participating, he was as expected defeated by the rebels. Kashin had been furious with him for making the Imperial Court look bad. Even worse, Sousou's plan of first starving and then negotiating with the rebels proved to be a resounding success.

He wasn't exactly given the warm welcome that he had been expecting. As he dismounted at the gate, he went to greet the girls, "I'm so glad to see all of you are alright." He then froze when he saw Nagata standing amongst them. Nagata ran at him and punched him right in the face, sending him sprawling on the ground. "Ow!" Ryuubi cried.

"That was for tying me up and locking me in the basement!" Nagata shouted. He then picked up Ryuubi and punched him again, "That was for abandoning the village!" He punched Ryuubi again, "And that was for flirting with Kanu!"

Riri blinked in recognition, "Ah, it's him!"

"What is it, Riri?" Iori asked.

"That's the bad man!" Riri identified.

"What do you mean?" Kochu asked and Riri whispered to her. "Really?" She then glared at Ryuubi.

"What did she say?" Iori asked.

"She said this was the man who had her kidnapped," Kochu told her husband angrily. His eyes widened slightly with a dangerous glint in them.

"I...see..." Iori put on his SengokuDriver and Ryuubi now knew he was screwed. Ryuubi quickly got on his horse and fled to the hills. The common people blinked in confusion, watching him run away with his tail between his legs. "Come back here you coward!" Iori shouted, running after the kidnapper. He had just gotten out his Lockseed, ready to punish the bastard who had kidnapped Riri.

"Dude, chill. He's not worth it," Nagata said, catching up to his friend

"Says you! You got to punch him!" Iori retorted. He didn't like the idea of letting Ryuubi go scot free after everything he had done.

"How about the next time we see him, I'll hold him down and you get to hit him in the face?" Nagata offered.

"Gaim, I like the way you think." Iori grinned. Looking back where Ryuubi fled, he scowled slightly. "That guy though...he must have been trying to gain fame with all this conflict going on. He must have thought having that official assassinated in Go would have kicked up chaos and would have allowed him to look like a hero when he moved in. Then you, Kanu, and the others ruined that plan so he came here to Shoku to start over again. I would bet he probably lured so many bandit groups here just to take advantage of the chaos."

"He's definitely not the same as the Ryuubi Gentoku we learnt about," Nagata nodded. "Well, it doesn't matter. After what happened, I doubt he'll be able to show his face in public again. He's disgraced the Imperial Court and proven he's incompetent. No army will want to touch him with a ten-foot pole."

"Everyone!" Komei called, running out to the group, ending the tension and dark thoughts. "The cherry blossom viewing is ready! Let's go before all the good spots are taken!"

"Right away Shuri!" Kanu smiled. "Shall we, everyone?"

"YEAH!"


-Play: Fripside - Flower of Bravery-

The hills outside of Touka Village was alive with laughter and good cheer. People brought out blankets which their friends and family would sit on while they enjoyed the sight of dozens trees filled with pink flowers spreading their petals. The familiar group of friends claimed a spot of their own as they enjoyed the festivities. Nagata sat between Chou'un and Kanu as the bluenette tried to offer food to her sworn master in a suggestive manner, causing Kanu to growl at her, much to her amusement. Bacho just laughed at all the teasing, enjoying the good company. Kochu sat in her husband's lap, hand feeding him and planting a kiss or two just to surprise him. Komei simply relaxed for the first time in what felt like forever, glad that she had surrounded herself with such good friends. Chouhi had reconnected with her friends in the Rinrin Volunteer Army and was riding around on her pig with Riri as an excited passenger. Despite a number of the men being from the defeated contingent, even they were in good spirits knowing that their homes and families were safe and sound. Looking at Chouhi play, Kanu and Nagata shared a glance before laughing at her antics.


In Gi, Kakoton was sitting at her desk, a scene with wooden figurines of her leader, fellow general, herself, and her strategist frollicking in the cherry blossoms forgotten. She was leaning back in her chair with sighs of bliss coming from her lips as Baron gave her a shoulder massage. The Armored War God of the Ultimate Spear seemed almost shy as he tended to Kakoton's aches. The general was especially appreciative, judging by the soft look in her eyes as she gazed up at him.

Elsewhere, Sousou had a private bed inside a grove of the cherry blossom trees as she lay back with Kakoen and Juniku. All three girls had their blouses loosened and revealing more than a little skin, indicating that Sousou had taken the opportunity to frolic a little with her lovely court. Kakoen seemed to be in a pleasurable daze as she simply lay back and enjoyed the spring air and the petals falling onto her body. Juniku on the other hand was hand feeding Sousou a springtime snack, delighting in how much Sousou was enjoying it.


The mood was a little somber in Go despite the time of season. The docks were emptying as Sonsaku headed off on another campaign. Her family was there to see her off, Sonken looking especially sad. Masataka stood next to her, hand on her shoulder to show his support as Rikuson waved goodbye to her teacher. Sonken then turned red before she hugged Masataka's right arm and buried her face into his shoulder. The bespectacled boy flushed and blinked as his glasses slipped, but he didn't push Sonken away. In the midst of their moment, they didn't notice Shokyo and Daikyo chasing Sonshoko who had childishly doodled on their faces while they had been sleeping. Only now did they realize the prank and sought retribution.

On their own boat, Sonsaku and Shuyu cuddled in her bed, satisfied in their love and the knowledge that their efforts would help Go grow stronger and bring them one step closer to ending the chaos. They also knew that the kingdom would be safe in the hands of Sonken who had Rikuson and Masataka there to help guide her when she would need it.


In To, Totaku and Kaku were sitting on a blanket, looking up at the cherry blossom trees in the estate and enjoying the moment. It wasn't peaceful though as numerous puppies and other dogs rested around them. Totaku adored the company, holding a particularly small puppy in her lap. The number of dogs had grown since Ryofu joined the household. Everytime she went out, a dog would somehow find her and come back with her. It was fortunate that Totaku loved the dogs so much otherwise Ryofu may not have been allowed to keep them. Kaku kept complaining though but her leader managed to guilt her into accepting the dogs with application of her special puppy dog eyes.

Hideyoshi and Kenshin both had a blanket of their own, inviting Ryofu to sit with them. The quiet girl did, but despite their best efforts they couldn't get the romantic moment that they wanted with her. As soon as they settled down, the remaining dogs came to sit with them, making any flirting awkward. So Hideyoshi was left pouting as he ate sweets while Kenshin was out cold, having drunk enough sweet sake to put down five men his size. Ryofu though continued to pamper her dogs and with a smile before she looked to the skies. With a whisper, she gave thanks to all the good things that happened to her and also made a silent request that she could once again meet the Armored War God that helped lead her to such a wonderful home.


Ensho, Bunshu, and Ganryo were hard at work on that day of rest. All three were riding atop a large black bear being led by a leash held by Haru. The Armored War God had beaten the bear down while the girls returned to the area to try and find that hidden treasure which alluded them the last time they had passed through. Ganryo was barking out directions and Haru waved her off, making her upset while Bunshu tried to calm her down. Ensho sat on the back end of the bear, sneaking a look at her own underwear to make sure it was the lacy stuff she planned to jump Haru in when they bedded down at their camp for the night.

Suddenly, the bear noticed a rabbit in the road and gave chase, forcing the women to be unwilling passengers. Haru groaned and took off after them, wondering if he would have to beat the bear up again.


All the way back in Kei where Nagata's adventure first began a year ago, Kosonsan slept at her desk, dreaming of righteous battle and expanding her territory with all the Armored War Gods backing her up. Her advisor only shook his head as he removed the documents she already signed and placed another stack of unsigned ones on her desk. A ruler's work was never done.


In the capital of Kei, the city at large was enjoying all sorts of festivities. At one particular maid cafe, they were undergoing an eating contest. Two big burly men were passed out over their tables with swirly eyes, but standing triumphant as she finished the last of her plate was Kyocho, as thin and trim as she ever was despite the massive amount of food she ate.

The doors rang as another customer entered, prompting the next maid on duty to go greet him. Surprisingly, it was none other than Chouryou Bun'en continuing her journey and needed a little bit of cash to continue on her way. She greeted the new customer with a smile and a big bounce of her chest. She wasn't wearing the top of the maid uniform for some reason, allowing her bound breasts to be free. Naturally, nobody saw fit to complain about this.

Her new customer, a young man in green and purple with blonde hair and his own chest exposed only smiled at the greeting. It wasn't in lust though, but apparently in artistic appreciation. He began smothering Chouryou in compliments which caused the normally tough tomboy of a martial artist to flush and giggle as she tried to wave him off.


In the misty mountains of Go, Suikyo smiled as she read the letter she received from Komei. It almost made her cry to hear how her little apprentice was growing up and she wasn't there to see it. Still, she was proud of how Komei was experiencing so many things. She had made so many wonderful friends and was enjoying herself immensely.

A sakura petal enclosed in the letter became caught on the wind and fluttered away, making Suikyo smile as she considered it a sign of good things to come.

-End Song-


Back at Touka Village as the celebration continued, Kanu and Nagata were alone together. With their friends gabbing together and the children distracted with play, they stole off to have a relaxing stroll through the woods, surrounded by the soft pink petals and gentle sunlight. Both were silent, unsure of really what to say at first. A lot had happened during the last few days and some emotional extremes were touched. After several moments of insecurity, Kanu decided to say what she felt needed to be said for some time.

"When Ryuubi told me that you had returned to Heaven, I was heartbroken. There was so much I wanted to tell you, Gaim-sama," Kanu said with a blush on her face.

"Aisha, I could never leave you. Not without saying goodbye at least," he told her honestly. When Ryuubi said he would tell Kanu that Nagata had abandoned her, it made his heart clench. He didn't want to make Kanu ever think he would just abandon her like that.

"I know that. That is why I knew he was lying. You would never be so uncaring as to leave without a word," she agreed. "I know one day you may need to return to your home. Is it selfish of me to ask you to always stay...with me?"

"Aisha..."

"I...I..." Kanu wasn't sure what to say in this situation as she had never been put in one like this. She had thought she had cast away her identity as a woman for the sake of defeating bandits, but ever since meeting Nagata she found it returning with a vengeance. However, she decided to be direct and show him what she wanted to say. With that thought in mind, the Beautiful Black-Haired Bandit Hunter leaned up to the Armored War God of the Ultimate Sword and kissed him on the lips. It was a sweet and tender kiss, one that both sides got into despite their mutual lack of experience. As it ended, Kanu found her arms wrapped behind Nagata's neck and Nagata's own wrapped around her waist. Among the cherry blossoms, the two found each other almost hypnotic.

"Aisha."

"Yes...?"

"Call me by my real name."

"Yes...Nagata-sama."

The two leaned in and shared another kiss...


The mood was not so good in the days to come for the one calling himself Ryuubi Gentoku. He was dragged through a dark cavern by a pair of Rinshi before coming into a dark throne room like in the palaces. An elevated stage stood before any visitors with the back being draped by the mark of the RinJyuKen Akugata and flanked by statues wearing beetle-like armor. Sitting where the throne should have been were five women, each beautiful and exotic in appearance, but exuding malice and dark intentions.

Ryuubi was thrown at the foot of the stairs and forced to bow by the Rinshi.

"That's enough," Shirokumahime ordered. "Let him rise."

Ryuubi coughed and sat up, looking like a true wreck. His armor and expensive clothes were dirty, torn and/or dented. His pristine blue sword was also missing, likely pawned off somewhere or stolen. He had become something of a famous name, but not in the role he wanted. Since the disastrous assault, he was considered a complete fool of a leader for so eagerly following orders and being so incompetent he couldn't create a half-decent strategy. No army or village in Shoku would touch him and no leader in any province wanted to have a man who failed so epically in such an important campaign. Any chance for glory was effectively gone.

"Finally pinned you down," Hebihime hissed. "You are a very naughty man, causing so much trouble for us."

"I...I…" Ryuubi tried to argue.

"It was you who begged for our help in your little plots wasn't it?" Takahime scowled. "You said if your plan succeeded, you could get us into the Imperial Courts, make the RinJyuKen a legitimate power in this nation and not an underground martial arts school. You said so long as we allied with you, you would be able to grant us all this and more."

"But I could!" Ryuubi argued.

"Your first plan to assassinate that noble and then situate yourself in the resulting chaos was a spectacular failure," Shachihime frowned. "We had to get the brat so that archer would participate, but that was acceptable since her father is an Armored War God. However, we entrusted her to you to guard from any do-gooders and you utterly failed that. Honestly! Keeping her anywhere near civilization was a mistake waiting to happen and it did! You lost the child, you lost that excellent assassin, and we lost the chance to have an Armored War God in our pocket!"

"But...it was out of my hands at the time! I was busy trying to establish myself!" Ryuubi cried out.

"Which is why we didn't kill you," Hebihime replied. "Mistakes happen, especially when things are done by incompetents. So when you said there was still a chance we decided to let you continue. The prize was just that enticing. You went to Shoku and we helped funnel the bandit groups there to up the chaos. What did you do then? Hm?"

"I…" Ryuubi gulped.

"...lost 7 times…" Hyohime spoke up.

"Yes. You proved completely incapable of fighting or strategizing, causing you to lose seven battles in a row," Shirokumahime scowled. "We in the RinJyuKen do not tolerate defeat. That is why we sent Niwa and Bawa to dispatch you, but then to our surprise you managed to recruit Kanu Unchou, Shokatsuryo Komei , Chouhi Yokutoku, Bacho Moki, and their pet Armored War God and managed to turn your act around. So we held Bawa and Niwa back for the moment to see how far you could go."

"Your big chance then came up. Kashin called for your assistance," Takahime crossed her arms."You had even disabled the Armored War God and left him all trussed up and waiting for us to take out. It was all perfect, but then what did you do?"

"I tried to earn Kashin-dono's favor!" Ryuubi cried out.

"No, you little brown-noser! You sucked up to her and turned into her little lapdog not once considering how stupid her plan was!" Shachihime slammed her fist onto the ground, causing her rinki to surge like water. "There was a reason why none of the other generals volunteered! You took her word as gospel like a good little dog and then just planned one of the worst assaults I have ever seen and completely ruined your chances at getting into the Imperial Court!"

"We would have done it if your two scaled freaks didn't decide to attack the village!" Ryuubi snapped back. "With Kanu and Bacho I know we could have won! They had the brute strength and skill to turn the whole thing around! It's your fault for letting that messenger get to them!"

"We sent Niwa and Bawa as you assured us the Armored War God was incapacitated. Did you expect us not to take the chance to destroy one of our enemies? You simply had to stall Kanu and Bacho but you couldn't even do that! You could have just said that the Armored War God was on his way back as he had to have learned about the assault and was returning with the so-called men he took that day for patrol. But no, you had to grab for more glory and take his belt, giving Kanu the chance to prove you were lying and tear apart your whole plan!" Hebihime snarled.

"Sisters, I think I know what we must do," Shirokumahime slapped her hand on the ground, focusing her icy Rinki. "All in favor?"

"Aye!" the four remaining Femme Fatale Fists nodded.

"Unanimous then," Shirokumahime nodded, not bothering to see who may have been opposed to her next course of action. "Ryuubi Gentoku, as if you could live up to that name, you are hereby found guilty of failing the RinJyuKen Akugata with your gross negligence. We the Five Femme Fatale Fists hereby sentence you to death."

"No!" the man cried out.

"After you are dead, we will revive your body as a Rinshi who will be our new chore boy," Shirokumahime continued. "You will be our eternal slave, unable to die no matter how much abuse we put you through. That will be your eternal punishment for striking a deal with us and being too weak to come through on your end."

"Don't worry though," Hebihime giggled. "You can always advance with the Chamber of Trials. You just have to defeat 1000 opponents in one go. Simple, no?"

"...take him away...' Hyohime waved to the Rinshi.

"NO! No you can't do this! I can still make it work! I'm still somebody! I can! I can!" Ryuubi cried before the Rinshi took his arms and began dragging him out of the room."NOOOOOOOOOooooooooo~!"

"A pretty face but completely lacking where it counts. So, sisters. What shall we do for our next plan?" asked Shachihime.

"...Braco…" said Hyohime.

"Yes," Takahime nodded. "Our usual forces are coming up short against the Armored War Gods. Perhaps its time we get Braco and his band of misfits on the stage now. They've been picking and selecting special forces to train have they not?"

"Do we want to risk the Madoku?" asked Shirokumahime. "That is key in making our soldiers after the Rinshi get destroyed."

"We won't send them personally. Just their students for now," Takahime explained. "It will be the test to see if the Venom Branch of the RinJyuKen Akugata is ready to call itself part of the school as a whole or not."

To be Continued in Season Two!

KRC: And so ends the first season of "Sangokuden Armored War Gods Saga". We will continue with season 2. Until then, I'm glad you guys stuck around until the end. I'm surprised I stuck around until the very end. Now, unlike the anime we used for the basis, we decided to show Ryuubi's fate. Well, at least in this timeline. Also, Kanu and Nagata are beginning a romantic relationship. Will things go smoothly for them? Well, you just gotta wait until season 2.

TFP: Whew! Season one is done, but the deeper threats are far from finished. The RyinJyuKen is as strong as ever and even seemed to have branched off to create a minor school based off the Five Venomous Fists if what the five princesses are saying is right. How will this affect our heroes? Will the Armored War Gods be up to the fight? How did the RinJyuKen even appear in the Three Kingdoms era? So many questions, but many answers to come!


(CHECK IT OUT! OMAKE CORNER!)

Lost Scrolls of the RinJyuKen Akugata

Crocodile-Ken: A purely aggressive style which recklessly goes forward in battle much like how the crocodile remains a supreme predator with only one creature standing above it. Defensive techniques do not exist for this style because the body is already hardened against attacks through sheer endurance and repeated exposure to injury and pain. Any user of this JyuKen will only find themselves likely hard-pressed to find rivals.

Alligator-Ken: the brother style to Crocodile-Ken. There is not too much difference between the two styles save perhaps one being slightly faster or more agile than the other. It's too difficult to say without extensive study and JyuKen users of this type tend to be secretive about the inner workings of their styles.

Bankōseki: Ten Thousand Stones Descend is a particularly destructive Ringi which involves smashing the ground and causing large portions of it to fly through the air before crashing down. It isn't a move meant for one on on ebattle, but for one on many or for the RinJyuKen, terrorizing people for the sake of collecting Rinki.

Desudō Ori: Mudbank Torso Snapping is a technique which emulates the famous death roll that crocodiles and alligators do when they capture prey in their jaws. The user spins through the air with their target in hand at high speeds before throwing they away, causing pain, disorientation, and more damage once the victim hits something.

Desudō Ori Tsū: Mudbank Torso Snapping: Authority is an advanced version of the previous technique. Rather than grabbing the target and moving into a spiral, the user instead leaps and begins the death spiral before using their Rinki to launch themselves at the target. With the right armor, this can create a damaging drill effect on the victim.


Fruits of the Tree, Yggdrasil

Carambola Arms: Generated by the Carambola Lockseed (L.S.-14), this armor grants Gaim with long-ranged fighting capabilities similar to Ichigo Arms. It is defensively stronger compared to Ichigo Arms and just as strong as Orange Arms. The personal Arms weapon of this form are the Carambola Stars, a pair of chakrams which will return to his hands automatically.

Pitaya Arms: Generated by the Pitaya Lockseed (L.S.-17), this form boosts Ryugen's destructive power as it arms him with the Pitaya Ryujin Hou, a powerful dragon-themed cannon. However, this form also heavily decreases his speed. This form is mostly used to tank hits and support from long-ranged with the cannon. The defensive power of this armor however cannot be denied, drastically dropping effectiveness of weaker weapons.

Pumpkin Arms: Generated by the Pumpkn Lockseed (L.S.-18), this form grants Baron with more speed and a longer reach with the Pumpkin Kusarigama. It's defense and strength is somewhere between the Banana Arms and Mango Arms. The weapon can be awkward to use to the inexperienced, but that appearance of lack of functionality can at the same time prove to be a boon. The blade is capable of cutting many different materials to a high degree, but the counterweight is also a strong weapon since with proper use of the Pumpkin Kusarigama, the counterweight can be an effective weapon as well.