For Unification (Battle)

[Shang Yue]

Motochika Chosokabe was surely putting his name on the pages of history. His cunning and sense of opportunity had won the day for him at Nakamura and Sanuki, and his charisma always approached someone able to the ranks of his army. His family was joining him, and he had the aid of the great Zhuge Liang, who proved to be an invaluable asset in the previous battles.

In this scenario, only two forces in Shikoku still refused to surrender to the Chosokabe: the Kono of Iyo and the Miyoshi of Awa. The Miyoshi had been a great clan, with emperors and nobles on their blood line, but since the days of Nagayoshi, they haven't attained much. Forced back from their former land, their last bastion of defense was Awa, but then again, they were still easy prey.

At least that was what Chikayasu thought when he approached the city. He was hoping to have a quick victory so after the battle he could go to Iyo reinforce the army that Motochika was leading against the Kono. Both he and his son Chikauji were thinking about how great Motochika had become, and how much influence did he have on the mainland.

Back to the battle, Chikayasu ordered Chikauji to find a safe place and lay in wait with the 600 archers under his control. He then made a quick drill with his soldiers, ordering them to hide in the forest. After that, he wrote a fake letter to the Miyoshi telling about a bandit group who would soon arrive at the city gates. His intentions were clear: he wanted to lure the enemy out and surprise them with two ambushes, one from the archers and another from the ashigaru under Chikayasu.

"Listen up! The strategy we decided to make use of can leave serious holes in our formation, and ultimately cause us to lose this battle. But we must take this chance, for the rewards will be greater than that! Hide in the forests and come out on my signal! Today, the Kösokabe shall win the day!" The troops cheered and Chikayasu turned to his son. "My son, are you sure you will be safe? They can come with much larger numbers that yours." Chikauji tilted his head up and down and smiled, before retreating in preparation for the ambush.

Okay, so Chikauji will hide with his 600 archers along the road and Chikayasu will hide with his 3000 ashigaru in the forest. Just to clear things up.

[Admin]

Turn Results:
With their recent success and the island of Shikoku almost united under the Chosokabe banner, they set their eyes on Awa. Chosokabe Motochika dispatched Chikayasu Kosokabe to claim this land from the Miyoshi. Kosokabe also brought his son, Chikauji. As he ordered his son to wait on the road to ambush the enemy with his archers. So, Kosokabe awaited within the woods with the Ashigaru. While Kosokabe sent a letter to the Miyoshi warning of a possible raid, but this was a trap.

The Miyoshi advanced out from the safety of their fort, expecting a raid of bandits. Instead of waiting, they sent out all of their forces. It would take time for the majority of them to pass the single gate, but it would work in the favor of Kosokabe. Seeing as how Chikauji is basically in plain sight.


Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner-

Chikayasu Kosokabe- 3,000 Ashigaru

Chikauji- 600 Archers


Miyoshi Banner-
Miyoshi- 5,000 Ashigaru

[Shang Yue]

Chikayasu could see from the woods where he was hidden the vast unit of Miyoshi soldiers that advanced in the direction of the bait. Their troops probably would be outnumbered, but they had in their advantage the fact that the enemy was expecting a simple bandit raid, while in fact something much bigger and stronger was waiting for them. It wouldn't by all means be an easy battle, but they shouldn't have much trouble as well.

Chikayasu ordered his troops to follow the movements of the Miyoshi army, as they would probably engage the archers in melee battle, and this coud prove to be the decisive factor of the battle. They had to surround the enemy before they had the chance to attack Chikauji.

Chikayasu's unit follow the Miyoshi movements and are ready to surround them when Chikauji comes into their sight. This would mean Chikauji's archers will stay behind the ashigaru, in safety.

[Admin]

Turn Results:
As the Miyoshi units passed through the gate and marched down the path, Chikauji's unit would come into view. The Miyoshi would begin a full charge towards them, although the archers under Chikauji begin to open fire and many fall. While Kosokabe's unit splits and a handful move to defend the archers while the majority attack from the rear of the enemy. Slaying many instantly and in turn they have the enemy pincered.


Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner-

Chikayasu Kosokabe- 2,982 Ashigaru

Chikauji- 595 Archers


Miyoshi Banner-
Miyoshi- 4,400 Ashigaru

[Shang Yue]

The pincer attack had worked. Now it was just a matter of wearing the enemy down and picking up the province for themselves. Many of the enemy soldiers had fallen, and the battle was starting to get balanced as Chikayasu charged with his men right into their ranks, in an attempt to deal even more damage and leave the battle much more easier. Meanwhile, Chikauji orders his archers to fire at will at the enemy, his unit protected by the wall of ashigaru that surrounded the Miyoshi forces.

Chikayasu will use his Critical Strike and retreat to circle around the units to rendezvous with his son, whether it is successful or not. And just to clear things up, he is on the opposite side of the archers. Chikauji's unit will just keep firing to wear the enemy down.

[Admin]

Turn Results:
Unfortunately, Kosokabe's unit will take damage this turn from their own Archers. The enemy ranks starting to thin out, the Chosokabe's own Archers would now be firing through and hit their own men. While Kosokabe uses his Critical Strike. Spins his chain around in a circular fashion as many sickle shadows appear in the trajectory of the chain, killing a handful of enemy men. While he advances and tries to reach Chikauji's position.


Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner-

Chikayasu Kosokabe- 2,982 Ashigaru

Chikauji- 595 Archers


Miyoshi Banner-
Miyoshi- 4,392 Ashigaru

[Shang Yue]

Chikauji's archers ended up hitting allies in their fire, and that made him order his troops to fall back, but not much, enough to let things cool down for some time. Upon doing it, they would resume the attack. By now, Motochika should have been taking Iyo from the Kono, and when that happened, reinforcements should be on the way. Until then, they had to endure with their own numbers and try to set the stage for when their lord arrived.

Chikayasu was still in his attempt to rendezvous with his son, he managed to get through some enemy soldiers by whipping his sickle around, but not much. They still had a dense and solid unit, and it would be hard to break through it. But anyway, he ordered his troops to keep on the pincer attack and push to the center of the enemy formation, attempting to split their unit in two, while he himself would retreat and circle them to unite with his son.

[Admin]

Turn Results:
Kosokabe's unit withdraws for a moment to let the enemy form up a bit to prevent anymore friendly fire. While he himself advances even further into the enemy unit, around the edges and has arrived at Chikauji's unit. The enemy unit then splits in two and attacks both of the Chosokabe units.


Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner-

Chikayasu Kosokabe- 2,982 Ashigaru

Chikauji- 595 Archers


Miyoshi Banner-
Miyoshi- 4,392 Ashigaru

[Shang Yue]

The situation was slowly getting dire for the Chosokabe forces. Chikayasu managed to reach his son's side, for he believed his safety wasn't guaranteed, but now the Miyoshi had split their forces and started attacking both units, as the archers reached the front line. Isolated from his unit, Chikayasu's only hope was to feign a retreat with his son and order part of his troops to occupy the city while he and Chikauji tried to return to their original position and spring an ambush.

Chikayasu and Chikauji will retreat with the archers. If the enemy follows them, they will keep running around the area and will fire if they manage to get a good distance. If not, they will make a detour to the city while the ashigaru will hinder the enemy progress.

[Admin]

Turn Results:
Kosokabe decides to feign a retreat. Seeing as how the current situation was not looking to good for him. As his archers and his son retreated with him, the Ashigaru would hinder the enemy movements. Also Chosokabe Motochika will be arriving with his forces from the recent victory at Iyo.


Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner-

Chikayasu Kosokabe- 2,982 Ashigaru

Chikauji- 595 Archers

Reinforcements: (will arrive next turn)
Chosokabe Motochika- 6,156 Ashigaru, 500 Chosokabe Archers, 497 ninja, 1 Siege Ramp, 300 Engineers, 260 Archers


Miyoshi Banner-
Miyoshi- 4,392 Ashigaru

[Shang Yue]

Word within the Chosokabe troops was that Motochika had emerged victorious from the battle at Iyo and was coming to reinforce the Chikayasu-Chikauji portion of the army. Chikayasu was very embarrassed that he could not attain victory against a weak and fallen clan like the Miyoshi, and maybe confronting his brother would dip him deeper in the shame. But the time was ill, they were feigning retreat against a not much larger army and their archers were proving no efficiency at all.

Chikauji suddenly had an idea. With bright eyes, he said, "Father, how about we split into two? You go in one direction, I go on the opposite. Whoever they don't attack will go help the other. What do you say?" It was a very risky strategy. They could just split their forces as well and pursue both units, and this would make the situation even more difficult. But with Motochika's reinforcements on their way and not much to do but to keep running, they didn't have much of a choice. "Very well, but take care. And remember to never do this in a real battle", as he turned left into the woods again. This could help slow their progress if they followed him, and eventually bring the opportunity to ambush them with Chikauji's archers when they came out.

Chikayasu will head to the woods and Chikauji will go in the opposite direction. If troops follow Chikayasu, they will circle around the woods and go back to the road. If they follow Chikauji, he will keep running about until Motochika arrives.

[Admin]

Turn Results:
Chikauji suggests splitting their forces once again as he heads off. While Kosokabe proceeds into the woods and the enemy follow him. The archers under Chikauji now have clear shots and begin picking off the enemy units.


Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner-

Chikayasu Kosokabe- 2,977 Ashigaru

Chikauji- 593 Archers

Reinforcements: (Arrive this turn)
Chosokabe Motochika- 6,156 Ashigaru, 500 Chosokabe Archers, 497 ninja, 1 Siege Ramp, 300 Engineers, 260 Archers


Miyoshi Banner-
Miyoshi- 4,302 Ashigaru

[Simon]

They had arrived.

"Infront of us.....is Awa, held by the Miyoshi clan. The Miyoshi are our last obstacle, until we seize control of ALL Shikoku. History shall remember this day, as the day that Shikoku has been united once again!", as he lifted up his shamisen as the men behind him cheered.

He had thought, that this would be his last battle. To unite Shikoku, and end there, but fate had bigger things instore for Motochika. One thing was for sure, that once this was done, Shikoku would be under his control, Shikoku will grow, and he'd make sure, that his home is united and protected from the rising tides and the rushing billows dashing against Shikoku's shores, only to be flung back again.

He moved to the front of army, before holding his hand out to halt them as he moved forwards a bit more as he looked up towards the heavens and muttered, "History. Do you hear the cries of those who have no voices?", closing his eyes as a smile spread across his face. All the men that had fought for him and died for him, their goal was achieved, their death not in vain. Just how his troops cheered for what would soon be reality, the men who perished would be cheering also, even if their voices could not be heard.

"It is time to make this dream, a reality! Let's move out!", raising his voice again, before initiating orders. As the troops began moving, Motochika remained seated as he followed behind, as his eyes closed, remembering that day.....

".......it is now your time....Motochika. You must complete.....what I have started, and bring (cough) glory to...the Chosokabe (cough) Regain our homeland and..(cough)".

"Father. I vow that the Chosokabe name will be remembered for Generations to come. History will not forget me, nor you, nor what either of us have accomplished. I will make you proud, father. I will prove to all, that the Chosokabe are strong, when many saw us defeated, and I shall unite the people of Shikoku all togeth-".

"(chuckle) I see, you have it all planned out Motochika. I trust you will not fail in your path (cough). Someday, this dream of yours, may just be a reality...".

"It will father, it will", as his eyes reopened, as his forces moved southwards, sending word to his brother that aid has arrived.

[Shang Yue]

With his plan working, there wasn't much Chikayasu could do now but run around the woods. Probably his son had managed to score himself some kills when the Miyoshi unit followed his own, but it wasn't something that would decide the battle. Running away from a fallen clan's soldiers wasn't something to be proud of as well. But he trusted that this would be his last struggle, and also the last battle Shikoku would have to deal with. The blood from the fights that emerged was slowly turning his mother land into a wasteland, but he wouldn't allow that. Western Japan was in a struggle for too long now, and his plans included not only Shikoku, but Kyüshü as well. As such, he couldn't lose this battle.

Not now, that Chikauji was by his side and ready to learn. All his life he tried his best to help his son find his way, but success didn't come and he decided to see his son like a maverick. He gave up on him when he turned 16, but one year later, there he was, fighting by his side in Awa. This made Chikayasu very proud. Family was something that he considered to be very important, and he always said: "A family debt is something you have to pay with great haste." In this case, Chikauji was the indebted one, but of course he wouldn't press his son in such a moment.

Control of Shikoku was slowly sliding into the Chosokabe's hands. When it was finally united under one banner, they could advance onto the mainland and/or Kyüshü, to further seize control of western Japan. Chikayasu considered Nobunaga Oda one minor annoyance in their path, even though he held many lands and had an impressive army. The Chosokabe was more than able to crush them where they stand.

All this passed by his head whilst running around the woods, trying to find the best route back to the road. He didn't think highly of anyone but his faimily and associates, and this is why he considered Zhuge Liang one of the greatest men to ever step on those lands. He quickly imagined a giant firefight in a big plain, with cannons firing everywhere... Just a delight. Nothing to worry about. At least for now.



Chikauji was the first to see the Chosokabe banner far, far away. For him, it was just a banner, as it was too far to say it was his uncle. But who else could that be? The Oda, invading from the mainland? Maybe Zhuge Liang and Nobuchika, coming back from their expedition? Enemy reinforcements? Surely not, what were they doing there? It had to be Motochika. He gave a quick smile and concentrated on attacking the enemies in front of him before they entered the woods completely. If they fired after that, they would maybe hit their own army. They would just lie in wait for the next signal.

[Admin]

Turn Results:
Siege Ramp, Engineers, Archers(normal) and 500 Ashigaru they are Ordered as followed; to take the castle from the East side (West wall), then gather peasants, aswell as 10 disguised Ashigaru, to report Motochika's arrival and the fact Awa is taken, to the Miyoshi. While this is occurring, the Archers, Ashigaru and Engineers will rejoin the Main Force. They shall arrive at the fort next turn.

3000 Ashigaru, from Motochika's, are to detach themselves from Main Forces and proceed into the woods, as close to where Chikayasu/Chikauji are, in order for Ambush to succeed. They have the aid of a scout who Motochika sends before them to report their location and where enemy are. They will initiate ambush when time is right. Once Ambush forces ready, same scout will take a message to Chikayasu Kosokabe. 497 are to follow Main Unit till they reach the front of the castle, and then conceal themselves in woods near to them and remaining hidden.

Motochika, 2656 Ashigaru, 500 Chosokabe Archers are to proceed to the Front of the castle, then when Engineers join, the Main unit and Archer Unit separates a bit, with the Main Unit infront and Archer Unit behind, as the Engineers dig a pit in front of the Main Unit.

Chikayasu Kosokabe and his son, Chikauji, turn around and see the Chosokabe banners off in the distance. Unfortunately, no enemy units are around them and their Ashigaru units are fighting back the enemy on the road.


Troop Counts:
Chosokabe Banner-

Chikayasu Kosokabe- 2,943 Ashigaru

Chikauji- 593 Archers

Reinforcements:
Chosokabe Motochika- 5,656 Ashigaru, 500 Chosokabe Archers, 497 ninja

Siege Party-
1 Siege Ramp, 300 Engineers, 260 Archers, 500 Ashigaru


Miyoshi Banner-
Miyoshi- 4,212 Ashigaru