The Dream Tree

Kanoru opened his eyes and looked at the group still deep in discussion. He spoke, "Sir Shikichi, what do you know about the five villages?" 

Shikichi glanced at the map, noting the five villages around the forest bordering the Eastern Hills. He admitted, "I don't know much about them," then turned to someone in the group. "Fuma, aren't you from one of these villages?" 

Fuma nodded. "Yes, I'm from Koji Village." 

Kanoru continued, "I want to know about all five villages—how they live and how many people reside in each." 

Fuma explained, "The villages are quite similar. People farm from spring to autumn, and in winter, they rely on hunting. Each village has about 200 to 300 residents." 

Kanoru asked, "There may be retired samurai living there, correct?" 

Fuma confirmed, "Yes, but only apprentices and lower-ranked samurai. All of them are retired and over 30 years old." 

Kanoru nodded. "But they're skilled in archery, aren't they?" 

Fuma responded, "Most villagers hunt regularly and are highly skilled with a bow." 

Kanoru continued, "They hunt in the Eastern Hills and the surrounding forest, which means they know the terrain well." 

Fuma agreed. "Yes." 

Shikichi interjected, "We cannot involve ordinary villagers in military matters without the lord's permission." 

Tasuo added, "It's our duty as samurai to protect them, not drag them into war." Some other samurai echoed his sentiment. 

Kanoru's expression remained calm as he said, "Who said I want them to fight the Niwais?" 

Shikichi frowned. "Then what are you planning?" 

Kanoru replied, "The area north of the river makes up only a quarter of the entire Eastern Hills, but it's still large enough to hide a 150-man army." 

The others nodded in agreement with his assessment. 

Kanoru continued, "If we enter the Eastern Hills to search for them or set up a blockade inside the forest, they could simply slip out through another route, putting the five villages in immediate danger." He paused, letting his words sink in. 

Shikichi said, "Go on." 

Kanoru continued, "My plan is to turn the five villages into fortresses. We'll divide our forces into five teams, each guarding and patrolling a village. This way, we can effectively contain the Niwais within the Eastern Hills." 

The samurai exchanged looks, nodding. Kanoru's plan might not lead to an immediate victory, but it was the safest and most effective way to block the Niwais from attacking Entori with minimal risk. 

Shikichi said, "Then at dawn, we divide our forces into five groups, each heading to a village to fortify it." 

Kanoru added, "One team should leave immediately for Nisi Village." 

Shikichi frowned. "Why?" 

Kanoru gestured toward the map. "Look at its location." 

Shikichi studied the map. "It's near the river." 

"Exactly," Kanoru confirmed. "The Niwais only need to cross at a narrow point and follow the riverbank to exit the forest, bringing them straight to Nisi Village. We should send two teams there—each consisting of two middle-ranked samurai and 20 lower-ranked samurai." 

Shikichi hesitated. "Then one village will be left unguarded." 

"That would be Konai Village," Kanoru said. "It's the furthest away, and if the Niwais go through the hills and forest, it'll take them a day to reach it. It'll be their last option." 

Kanoru continued, "The second team at Nisi Village will help build defenses there, then after some rest, they'll head to Konai Village." 

Shikichi stood. "Yukei, Chi, and Yuto, come with me. Gather 40 lower-ranked warriors—we leave in an hour." 

Turning to Kanoru, he added, "You assign the remaining teams to their villages." With that, he and his chosen officers left to gather their forces. 

Kanoru turned to another samurai. "Sir Fuma, you're assigned to Koji Village. Choose one middle-ranked samurai and 20 lower-ranked samurai." Koji Village was the closest to Nisi Village. 

Fuma nodded and stood. He turned to another samurai. "Takenaka, will you join my team?" 

Takenaka stood. "Yes, Sir Fuma, I'd be glad to." 

Tasuo silently followed them as they left to gather their warriors. 

Kanoru then turned to Lady Riko. "You'll take command of Toru Village. Choose your second-in-command and your squad." 

Lady Riko glanced at Asuna. "Asuna, will you join me?" 

Asuna shook her head. "No, sorry, Lady Riko. I'm following Kanoru." 

Lady Riko nodded in understanding and stood up, walking away to assemble her team. 

Kanoru turned to the two middle-ranked samurai still seated. "Sir Ryohi, Sir Akozo, you will both follow me." 

Ryohi smiled. "Of course." 

Akozo added, "We are at your service, Deputy Captain Kanoru." 

Kanoru smiled awkwardly. "Sir Ryohi, Sir Akozo, there's no need for formalities. You are my seniors—please offer me your guidance." 

With that, Kanoru went to find Shikichi, as he had yet to select lower-ranked samurai for his team. The remaining warriors would automatically join him. 

He stayed awake until Shikichi and his team departed, then finally went to rest. 

An hour before dawn, he woke and began packing up his tent. Around him, the temporary camp slowly stirred to life. After gathering his belongings, he walked to the lake, washed himself, and ate a quick meal from their supplies. 

Afterward, he headed to where his horse was tethered and fed it. Once everyone was ready, they mounted their horses and rode together for an hour before Fuma and his team separated, heading south toward Koji Village. 

Since Toru Village lay straight ahead, they continued their journey. After another two hours, Kanoru and his team parted ways with Lady Riko and her squad, who turned toward Toru Village while he led his group toward Mani Village. 

A few hours before noon, Kanoru and his team reached the outskirts of Mani Village.

As they approached, villagers working in the fields paused to stare at them. The harvest season was nearing, and Karonu's gaze swept over the golden paddy fields. A thought crossed his mind: *They need to harvest quickly. If the Niwais attack, their crops will become the enemy's food supply.* 

As they entered the village, the villagers and children gathered, watching them with cautious eyes. 

Karonu spoke firmly, "Where is the village chief?" 

The villagers exchanged glances and murmured among themselves. Then a voice called out, "I am the village chief!" 

An old man ran toward them, slightly out of breath. "I am the chief of Mani Village. Samurai, what can I do for you?" 

Karonu got straight to the point. "A force of Niwais is crossing into our land through the Eastern Hills." 

A ripple of panic spread through the villagers. Murmurs turned into worried whispers, fear evident on their faces. 

Karonu raised his voice to reassure them. "Do not worry. We are here to protect you and will fortify your village." 

The village chief bowed deeply. "Thank you, Samurai. Thank you." 

"But for that, we need your cooperation," Karonu added. 

The village chief nodded. "Yes, Samurai. We will do whatever is needed." He turned to his people. "Right, my fellow villagers?" 

A chorus of voices responded, "Yes!" 

Karonu wasted no time. "Chief, gather all available villagers and dig a trench—half a meter wide and two meters deep—ten meters around the village perimeter." 

The village chief nodded. "Yes, we will begin immediately." 

Karonu turned to his samurai. "Asuna, Mika—you will stay behind to help and oversee the work." Then he looked at the rest of his warriors. "Drop your luggage and follow me to the forest. We need timber." 

Asuna nodded. "Understood." The samurai began unstrapping their gear, placing it under a large tree. 

Karonu turned back to the chief. "Do you have anything in the village to transport large fallen trees?" 

The chief thought for a moment. "We have two ox carts." 

"Good," Karonu said. "Once we leave, send them after us toward the forest." 

With that, Karonu rode toward the nearest tree, dismounted to drop his luggage, then mounted again. With his team following close behind, he galloped east toward the forest.