The valley fortress rumbled with labor by day and with steel by night. But even walls of stone could not stop the tide Ishida was preparing. Eugene knew this truth better than any: no fortress was invincible without allies.
And so, while Ishida sent messengers to clans like Satomi, Imagawa, and Hojo, Eugene prepared to send his own.
In the candlelit chamber of his fortress, Eugene sat cross-legged before a spread of maps, Hiroshi at his side. Tiny wooden markers dotted the parchment: wolves for hostile clans, shields for potential friends.
"Satomi," Hiroshi said grimly. "They fear Kai's strength growing too great. Ishida's lies will sway them easily."
"Yes," Eugene replied, fingers tracing the rivers between territories. "But Satomi also fear the Uesugi to their north. If I offer aid against that threat, their ears may open."
"And the Imagawa?" Hiroshi asked.
"They are merchants before they are warriors," Eugene said. "They crave wealth. Gold and trade routes will weigh heavier than Ishida's whispers."
Hiroshi frowned. "And the Hojo?"
A small smile curved Eugene's lips. "The Hojo respect only strength. To them, I will offer not words, but proof—victory carved in blood."
The next dawn, three messengers departed under secret orders. One carried a scroll bound in black lacquer, destined for the Uesugi. Another bore silver coins and trade contracts, bound for the Imagawa. The last carried only Eugene's seal, to be delivered directly to the Hojo warlord.
Each rode as though the fate of the fortress lay on their shoulders—because it did.
Days later, Eugene himself rode north with Hiroshi and a small escort, disguised as a traveling retainer. His target was the mountain stronghold of the Kiso clan, rivals of both Satomi and Imagawa.
The Kiso were hard men, forged in snow and stone. Their lord, Kiso Yoshinobu, was broad-shouldered, his beard thick with gray, his hands calloused like a warrior's despite his age. He received Eugene in a modest hall, lit only by braziers.
"You come from Kai," Yoshinobu said, voice low and suspicious. "Why should I not slit your throat and send your head to Satomi as a gift?"
Eugene bowed deeply. "Because Satomi would smile, but tomorrow they would still march on your borders. Ishida promises them war only against me. But when I fall, do you think they will stop at my valley? No. Their armies will hunger, and your lands will be next."
Yoshinobu's eyes narrowed. "And what do you offer instead?"
"Steel," Eugene said simply. "When Satomi marches, my Spears will strike their flank. Your enemy will become my enemy. Together, we break them before they break us."
The old lord studied him for a long moment, then chuckled. "A boy speaks like a warlord. Perhaps you are more dangerous than Ishida claims."
He extended a hand. "Very well. The Kiso will not join Ishida's alliance. We will watch—and if Satomi moves, we will move against them."
As Eugene rode back through the mountain passes, Hiroshi looked at him with awe.
"My lord, you turned an enemy into a shield with words alone."
Eugene's expression was calm, but his mind burned with strategy. One shield. Soon, I will need swords as well.
The AI's voice hummed coldly in his thoughts:
[Diplomatic success: alliance with Kiso secured. Risk of Satomi attack reduced by 31%. Pending responses from Uesugi, Imagawa, and Hojo. Probability of enemy coalition collapse: increasing.]
Meanwhile, in Kai Castle, Ishida received his first reply. A Satomi envoy bowed before him.
"My lord Ishida, the Satomi agree—this Eugene grows too dangerous. If you march, we will march."
Ishida's smile was thin, his eyes sharp. "Good. Then soon, the fortress will burn, and the boy with it."
But even as he celebrated, another message rode unseen through the night—one carrying Eugene's promises into the heart of Satomi's rivals.
Back in the valley, Eugene stood upon the half-built walls of his fortress, watching his Spears drill with tireless precision. The air was thick with the scent of pine and sweat, the rhythm of war drums echoing in the distance.
Hiroshi approached, bowing. "My lord, the messengers to Uesugi and Imagawa have not yet returned. Shall we prepare for war regardless?"
Eugene nodded, his gaze never leaving the horizon.
"War comes whether we wish it or not. But when Ishida's wolves arrive, they will find we have already tamed their rivals into hounds at our side."
The AI whispered, its tone colder than steel:
[Alliance web forming. Fortress completion: 79%. Troop recruitment accelerating. Next phase imminent: direct confrontation with Ishida's coalition.]
Eugene's eyes narrowed, his hand resting on his sword.
Let Ishida weave his net. Mine will strangle his before the first arrow flies.