The mountains of Kai were cruel and wild, their jagged peaks cutting the heavens like blades. Few dared to dwell in their high valleys, where wolves howled and snow lingered long into spring. But for Eugene, such a place was perfect.
To build a kingdom, one must first carve a heart, he thought as he surveyed the rugged cliffs and forests before him. And hearts are best hidden, beating where no enemy expects.
Hiroshi trudged behind him, cloak heavy with dew. "My lord, this place is barren. Even bandits do not stay long here. What do you see in these cursed mountains?"
Eugene knelt, brushing snow from the earth to reveal firm rock. His eyes gleamed. "Strength. Concealment. This valley is narrow, its entrance easily fortified. The river below gives water, the forest gives wood, and the caves within the cliffside…" He paused, a smile forming. "…the caves give us shelter unseen."
The AI whispered, its voice like a strategist unrolling a map inside his mind.
[Analysis: Location optimal. Fortification potential high. Estimated construction time with 300 laborers: 14 months. Defensive rating: 87/100 if properly reinforced. Risk of discovery: low, provided secrecy is maintained.]
"Yes," Eugene murmured. "This shall be the seed of our future. A fortress of shadows."
The work began in secret.
By day, Eugene fulfilled his duties as Hatamoto, training troops, attending councils, and maintaining the façade of loyalty to Lord Takeda. By night, he sent trusted men—ronin, peasants, and the remnants of the Fifty Spears—into the mountains.
Trees fell under quiet axes. Stones were hauled from riverbeds. The caves were carved deeper with hammer and chisel, transforming darkness into halls.
To hide the truth, Eugene told the daimyo and his rivals that he was establishing a forward garrison to deter bandits on the border. None questioned too closely; after all, no one cared about peasants in a remote valley.
Weeks bled into months. The valley slowly transformed.
A wooden palisade rose at its mouth, disguised as little more than a watchpost. Behind it, the caves widened into barracks and storerooms. Hidden forges were established where smiths crafted spears and arrows by torchlight. Even a shrine was built, so that the peasants and soldiers might believe the gods themselves blessed their cause.
The AI's updates marked every milestone.
[Barracks capacity: 200 men complete.][Hidden armory: operational.][Supply reserve: three months' grain secured.]
And yet Eugene demanded more. "Not a camp," he told Hiroshi as they walked the half-built corridors. "A fortress. Strong enough to withstand the wrath of daimyo and shogun alike. Someday, this place will be more than stone—it will be the heart of my kingdom."
Hiroshi frowned. "If Takeda discovers your true intent…"
Eugene's gaze sharpened. "Then Takeda will face a rival, not a servant."
But secrecy was a fragile thing.
One night, as torches flickered in the caves, a scout rushed in, face pale. "My lord! Riders approach the valley. Banners of General Ishida!"
Hiroshi cursed. "He knows!"
Eugene's mind raced, but the AI was calm.
[Recommendation: feigned compliance. Present fortress as bandit-suppression outpost. Neutralize enemy scouts discreetly. Delay full revelation until strength sufficient.]
Eugene strode outside, where Ishida and thirty samurai entered the valley. Their eyes scanned the half-built palisade, the peasants laboring under torchlight.
"So," Ishida sneered, "this is your little project. Hiding men and supplies in the mountains like some schemer. Do you think Lord Takeda will not hear of this?"
Eugene bowed smoothly. "On the contrary, General. This is all for Lord Takeda. A watchpost to crush the bandits who plague our borders. Would you prefer I let them fester until they gnaw at the heart of Kai?"
Some of Ishida's men murmured agreement, for indeed bandits had been a scourge in recent months. Ishida's sneer faltered, but his eyes burned with hate.
"Careful, boy," he hissed. "One mistake, and I will cut you down myself."
Eugene's smile was thin as steel. "Then I must make no mistakes."
That night, as Ishida departed, Hiroshi spat into the dirt. "Snake. He will not let this rest."
"Let him plot," Eugene said, his voice low. "Every day he wastes in envy is another stone laid in my fortress. When the storm breaks, Hiroshi, this place will be unshakable."
The AI confirmed quietly:
[Projected timeline: Fortress fully operational in 12 months. Current troop loyalty: 82%. Growth trajectory: stable.]
Eugene gazed at the shadowed walls, the torchlight flickering like stars against stone.
"This is no mere garrison," he whispered. "This is the first stronghold of the Rising Sun. And when it is complete… Japan itself will tremble."