Aoteru Misumi clarifies that he doesn’t actual want a real withdrawal. He wants the Emperor to grant him a “Imperial Decree of Withdrawal”. Aoteru wants the military to use the withdrawal as a feint. The army will use it to ambush Seii and wipe them out. They will use Oda’s basin as it’s surrounded by mountains on all sides. With the scrapped cars they will form an “encirclement.”
Taira agrees that the plan is good but calls it “too mild.” However, Aoteru cautions against using more troops as Buo would likely exploit the opportunity an invade. The officials present seem excited at the prospect of a three front war but Aoteru challenges their eagerness. Despite their relative safety, war is expensive and will harm agriculture, resulting in starvation, internal conflicts, and death.
The decree delivered
The goal is to overwhelm Seii and avoid unnecessary death. The Emperor thinks for second but Taira reminds Aoteru that the Emperor is “only,” allies with the Taira clan. However, the Emperor issues the decree and orders it delivered to Ryumon. Later, Office Strategist Toyota Maguro and Taira Denki discuss the ambush, Taira calls strategist Kaku as “genius.” They are aware that Kaku’s health is declining and he hopes to pass his role to Aoteru.
Tiara is concerned that Aoteru has now awaken the Emperor as a ruler. Toyota asks if he’s considered poisoning him like the last Emperor? The short answer is yes, however, Tiara has another plan that requires Ryumon and the others to win the battle. The Seii army prepares to push through, meanwhile, Tsune arrives with the decree.
