The Warring States From Now On is the 401st chapter of the Kingdom manga, written and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara.
Summary
Shin slays Rei Ou in a single slash, as the Fire Dragon didn't have enough time to defend himself due to it being a surprise attack. This event shocks Go Hou Mei and the remaining Wei commanders around them as they then both fall to the ground. Shin, because of the momentum of the thrust, and Rei Ou's corpse, because of being slain.
The Hi Shin Unit then comes behind as their commander pulls ahead, while some of Rei Ou's soldiers attempt to take revenge on Shin. With this, the Wei retreat once again. As they silently ride away, Rei Ou's remaining commanders, who are visibly enraged, demand to know the reason behind Go Hou Mei's actions, to which Hou Mei responds that it was for the sake of Wei. While angry at him, Go Hou Mei claims that he will be at the same level as him in one year and then eventually surpass him. He then asks for the name of one of Rei Ou's soldiers, and he responds with Shuu Kou. He tells him that he will now be his master as the highest-ranking officer in the Wei military, and to be mindful of how he addresses him going forward. Hou Mei then orders a message to be sent to Ran Bi Haku to retreat. While still retreating, Go Hou Mei tells that he will take over Rei Ou's assets, beginning with Ran Bi Haku.
The Wei army, in disarray and with no hope of reinforcements, retreats. With this, the Qin win the battle. Ou Hon, along with Shin's unit, are happy with this victory and start helping the wounded. While the taking of Choyou is now Qin territory, Shin walks to the Commander in Chief Tou.
They are stunned to hear that Shin mistook Rei Ou for Go Hou Mei and slew him instead. Both Kan Ou and Tou consider Rei Ou's death as a greater bonus, especially with Earl Shi being taken down as well. Shin, however, is disappointed that he couldn't defeat Gai Mou outright but feels lucky to have gotten Rei Ou's head. Roku O Mi can't believe that Shin managed to slay Rei Ou, as even his master Ou Ki and even Lady Kyou acknowledged his strength, especially because this was just an accident.
Shin asks where Ou Hon is, and Kan Ou says that he is badly wounded and is resting in bed. His battle with Earl Shi has taken its toll.
Ryuu Koku is happy because Wei has suffered a significant blow this time. The Qin commanders then ask what the plan is for now, as Tou responds that it is too early to invade deeper into Wei's lands. Tou says that the orders he received state that they will set up a base and use the natural terrain to construct a fortress. He believes that this will take about a year. This is Qin's attempt to weaken the state of Wei. Tou stating that the time has arrived to start taking out kingdoms.
Characters
Qin
- Royal Palace
- Ryo Fui Faction
- Shou Hei Kun indirect (Mentioned)
- Ryo Fui Faction
- Tou Army
- Tou
- Unnamed members
- Hi Shin Unit
- Gyoku Hou Unit
- Roku O Mi Army
- Roku O Mi
- Unnamed officers
- Unnamed members
- Ryuu Koku Army
- Kan Ou Army
Wei
- Go Hou Mei Army
- Go Hou Mei (Flashback)/main story)
- Unnamed officers
- Rei Ou Army
- Rei Ou (Flashback)/main story)
- Ran Bi Haku
- Shuu Kou
- Unnamed officers
- Unnamed members
- Gai Mou Army
- Earl Shi Army
- Earl Shi (Mentioned)
- Rei Ou Army
- Unnamed others
High Points
- Shin slays Rei Ou, the strategic mastermind of the Wei Fire Dragons.
- Go Hou Mei learns Shin's name. He retreats and takes over Rei Ou's remaining assets, vessels like Shuu Kou and Ran Bi Haku.
- The entirety of the Wei army's retreat.
- Qin is victorious and Choyou is now Qin territory.
- Qin will begin constructing a fortress in Choyou in attempt to weaken the state of Wei.
- Tou states that the time has arrived to start destroying kingdoms.
Characters Introduce
- Shuu Kou
- Koku
Trivia
- Shin kills his very first Great General in the form of Rei Ou.
- Rei Ou's abilities were acknowledged by both Ou Ki and Kyou.
- Shuu Kou is identified by his name for the first time.