At the Seii’s Military Camp, in Okuetsu, Seii’s Chief Commander Wajima Ouga gives a speech to her soldiers. She thanks them for their service and prepares them for the war ahead. Ouga takes her army to the Kuzuryu River, invading Sakai. She divides her forces to block bridges across the river in an effort to “contain,” Yamato’s army. This results in supply lines being cut off, trapping them in the Seii’s Daishoji territory.
Ryumon and Kaku debate what to do about the Seii’s army. Kaku has a plan and if Aoteru can understand it, Kaku believes that they can “capture Seii’s entire army”. Ryumon heads to the Kuzuryu River to buy them some time. Ryumon doesn’t fear death. Ouga is informed that has appeared alone. She rides out with he army and meets with Ryumon for tea.
The Empty Fort Strategem
Wajima Ouga is leery of Ryumon’s intention. Her adviser describes this as the “Empty Fort Stratagem,” by deliberately “drawing the enemy into your own army’s position,” “provoking their wariness, aiming for their retreat.” They conclude that Ryumon doesn’t have any other plan and is desperate. Wajima tells Yayakichi to inform the army that “we move forward.” He encourages her to “slay,” Ryumon with her own hands, in hopes to demonstrate her “authority.”
When Ouga draws her bow and gust of wind throws off her shot. She manages to only hit Ryumon in the shoulder. However, the light Ryumon was using is knock over and a fire breaks out. Ryumon becomes engulfed in flames. Witnessing a wounded Ryumon burning while remaining so calmed, stuns her. Wajima concludes that he must have an ambush waiting and withdraws her forces. Lucky for Ryumon it begins to rain. His stratagem worked for now.
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