If we can make it past this checkpoint, we'll be entering the castle town.

And through that town awaits the palace with Genba inside.

Oh hey, you can even kind of see the palace in the distance from here!

Still, even though we're getting closer...

...it sure doesn't seem like the security is tight.

Since we beat that man in black who was working for Genba...

...they should definitely know that we're heading for the palace.

Just to be safe, let's take a lightly-defended route.

I will guide you!

Please do, Sakunoshin.

This way. The security here should be light, and...

I've been waiting for you, Lady Suzune.

Genba!

It has been quite some time, Lady Suzune.

*Fwip* *fwip* *fwip!*

I can sense people all around us!

Are we surrounded?!

Not yet!

We can break through for now, since they're not all in formation!

It's time for a temporary retreat.

Genba, you monster! I won't let you lay a finger on the princess!

Take this!

No, you idiot!

Heh...

Urgh!

Sakunoshin!

...... He's okay. He's just unconscious.

But now we've lost the option of retreating.

Genba, why did you take the palace?

And moreover, why do you continue to fight foolish battles one after the other?

Foolish, you say?

Well, I suppose my actions might seem foolish to you...

...given your pattern of bowing to the Tenmu-do's every whim.

That's...

I have realized the need to...reconsider my position on the Tenmu-do.

However, if you had just spoken with me before taking these actions...

I can no longer leave this country in the hands of weaklings like yourself!

......

Before my control of the nation is complete, I'm afraid I can't have you doing anything...rash.

I do not intend to take your life, but I will require your silence for the moment.

*Fwip* *fwip!*

Wh-What do we do?!

We're completely surrounded.

That means...we have only one option.

Huh? There's still a way to make it out of this?

Yeah...

If we can't run away, then we just have to fight!

And in a stroke of luck, the enemy leader is right here!

Oh, so you're the group who drove of Kage's men.

Very well. Allow me to test that strength of yours myself!