The Atsuyo Army is the 845th chapter of the Kingdom manga, written and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara.
Summary
Thirty days prior to Tou stepping down as one of Qin's Six Great Generals, Kanyou receives the report that Shintei had fallen. Shintei had surrendered without bloodshed, and Qin had received Han's unconditional surrender with its forces unharmed.
Shou Bun Kun, Fuu Kyou, and several officials bring reports from Ri Shi in Shintei to Ei Sei. Ei Sei says to leave them for him to read later, Shou Bun Kun pauses for a moment before respectfully reminding his king that he and the other officials were examining the reports in detail, and that there was no need for him to read every single one, but hears Ei Sei insist on reading every single report, valuing each precious result earned by men of Qin staking their lives. They take a moment to reminisce about the single night of celebration, before turning their attention back to the situation with Han.
Shou Bun Kun wonders if leaving Han's royal family in place was the right decision, noting the reports of their cooperation. Fuu Kyou agrees it is fine but wonders if in one or two years' time, rebels unable to adapt to becoming Qin's citizens would rally around them as a figurehead. They recall Shou Hei Kun's refusal to allow the Han royal family from being removed, even willing to offer to bear the full responsibility if a rebellion arises.
Fuu Kyou wonders out loud if Shou Hei Kun's comments were because of his origins but is met with a gentle reproach by Ei Sei to not disrespect Shou Hei Kun with irresponsible speculations.
Ei Sei turns the topic to when he could go to Shintei. Shou Bun Kun lets him know that Ri Shi had requested he wait a while longer, to not risk any mishaps before public order was stable. Ei Sei assents to this, but asks that Ri Shi be informed that he would set out on his own if it was put off for too long. Fuu Kyou asks Ei Sei what he would do in Shintei, and after pondering for a moment, Ei Sei answers that he would like to meet the King of Han and speak with him, even though it would probably be a great nuisance to him.
Fuu Kyou asks what a victorious king would say to the vanquished king, and Ei Sei answers that he would begin by praising his efforts, them both bearing burdens only a king could understand.
Ei Sei adds that he would also like to see Shin and hears from Shou Bun Kun that the Hi Shin Unit were yet unable to leave Shintei, hurrying to train the men of Han to serve as Qin soldiers. Shou Bun Kun also restates Shou Hei Kun's final words before departing for Shintei, that the "Decisive Battle" with Zhao would be early the next year. Shou Bun Kun mentions that the Gyoku Hou Army and the Gaku Ka Army were both proceeding to rebuild, and that an order had come from Shou Hei Kun to once again form an army of 50,000.
Other reports mention that General Tou would remain to pacify Shintei, and that the army there would absorb Han soldiers to become a massive force and head north next year to attack Zhao. Furthermore, the Yo Tan Wa Army had decided to absorb the entire Quanrong army from Ryouyou and begun drills, and that the Ou Sen Army had begun reviving.
In Atsuyo, Ou Sen has Jun Gaku summon his "Five Generals". First General Na Raku, Second General An Kai, Third General Shin Shou, Fourth General Sou'Ou, and Fifth General Ri Ju arrive and all together kneel in front of their lord. Ou Sen shares the contents of a report from Shou Hei Kun in Shintei, briefly mentioning that Tou had stepped down from the Six Greats, before saying that Qin would attack Zhao the next year.
He lets them know of reinforcements from the vanquished Han making their way to Atsuyo, and stresses that they are an expendable force, allowing them to employ more daring tactics. He orders Shin Shou and Ri Ju to formulate ten such strategies and report to him whil having the other three generals to begin mock battles and more closely simulate real combat.
As the five Generals take their leave, Ou Sen calls Sou'Ou to stay back and asks him for his opinion of the current five generals. Sou'Ou praises their talent and his lord's efforts in constantly keeping an eye out for new talent. Ou Sen chides Sou'Ou and reminds him to move on, warning him that the next battle would be the final, decisive battle with Ri Boku.
Characters
Qin
- Royal Palace
- Ei Sei
- Shou Bun Kun
- Shou Hei Kun
- Ri Shi (Mentioned)
- Fuu Kyou
- Unnamed officials
Han
Zhao
- Ri Boku (Mentioned)
High Points
- The Yo Tan Wa Army fully incorporates the Quanrong of Ryouyou into their army.
- The new military commanders of the reborn Ou Sen Army are introduced.
- Na Raku, the new 1st commander
- An Ka, the new 2nd commander
- Shin Sou, the new 3rd commander
- Ri Ju, the new 5th commander
Trivia
- Fuu Kyou shows some passing suspicion against Shou Hei Kun.