Summoning Our Country - NHS Kai

Chapter 3.5: A Long Path

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As of April 22, 2022, this chapter has been rewritten

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Central Calendar 19/04/1639, Amanoki, Kingdom of Fenn, 16:00

"As requested by His Majesty, the Sword King Shihan, we will be conducting a demonstration of one of our weapons: our standard issue Smith & Wesson Model 5906 pistols."

A man in blue overalls projected his voice towards the crowd of onlookers as the demonstration was starting.

The crowd that had gathered in the wide expanse of the shooting range at the Fennese capital Amanoki was of a variety of faces from all walks of life: Fennese guardsmen, blacksmiths, traders, palace officials, and several Japanese men in snappy, black suits and uninspiring haircuts. One of these suits exuded a relaxed appearance, on top of a face that said "get on with it!". This man was diplomat Tanaka Noboru, whose acute sleepiness was causing his now sluggish appearance to become even laxer.

Ah, fuck. Why am I here again?

He knows that they were demonstrating one of their pistols, a trivial weapon in the grand scheme of things, to a literal Edo Japan knockoff. Sure, it was going to impress them, but does it matter? Isn't the cat already in the bag when it comes to diplomatic relations? Tanaka, despite his teeth gnashing, just couldn't seem to remember. In the midst of his soft groaning, his eyes drifted to his left, and he caught sight of the marvelous red coat of the man standing next to him. His hands were in a proper, neutral position crossed in front of his person, and looking up, Tanaka saw the man's face from the side. A long, well-groomed beard of grays and blacks grew from his jawline down to the chin, and his eyes were laser-sharp in watching the demonstration unfold. A slight smile was visible on what could be seen of his lips, as if eager and impatient for the show to "get on with it."

Ah, right. His Majesty, Shihan, invited us to "show our power".

Despite being given the title of "Sword King", the man next to Tanaka was devoid of any blades on his person, at least from what was visible to everyone.

As the blue overall-dressed personnel of the Japan Coast Guard took their positions at the range, Tanaka revisited the events of earlier.

After being assured assistance by the lord of Higashinohate, Amaya in their diplomatic mission to see the Sword King, Tanaka and his delegation made their way to the capital, Amanoki, situated several dozen kilometers to the west. With Tanaka insisting on a meeting on the same day, they opted for using their ship, the Yashima, to get to the capital with speed. Amaya came along with them, and as such his banner was flown high on the Yashima's mast to let the kingdom know that they were a friendly vessel.

Upon arriving at the capital, Tanaka remembers being greeted with unwelcome hostility, as the Yashima faced warning shots from the capital's fortress, as well as a buildup of troops at the harbor. Accompanied by Amaya, Tanaka and his delegation made their way to the harbor through a patrol boat, brandishing Amaya's banner high for the Fennese defenders to see. He remembers the anxiety he felt as their boat neared the point-blank range of the capital's massive cannons, who thankfully withdrew their fiery roars in recognition of Amaya's presence. Once at the harbor, they were greeted by the steel blades and guns of the Fennese troops, but Amaya's diplomatic tone ensured a bloodless de-escalation. To their surprise, the malevolent figure of the Sword King, Shihan, had personally come to greet them.

"I have... a shitton of respect for foreigners daring to face the brunt of our capital's defenses. You are to proceed to the castle at once, as my guests!"