Tōkaidō Road

A couple of days passed, and their forces remained stationary. The men of the Special Forces unit stayed in good spirits, especially after having received 2 gold each from their leader.

And then two mornings hence, as they sat around the fire, sharing breakfast, and attempting to break free from the morning drowsiness, a messenger rode into camp.

He rode one stallion – that was breathing mightily – at a borderline gallop, whilst he lead the other by the reigns. Clearly, he had been riding rather hard, which warranted the two horses, so that he could give one a chance to rest whilst he rode the other.

He jumped down and headed straight for Imagawa's tent, before kneeling by the entrance, and announcing himself loudly.

"Marune has fallen! Victory goes to Matsudaira-sama, and to the Imagawa forces!"

This shout attracted the attention of the majority of the camp, as whispers broke out.