Road to Ruin

In the Shinomen, the Shahadet, the primary commander of the Naga army, meticulously orchestrates an ambush for Daigotsu Endo's troops. Despite having heard rumors about the Naga's presence, Endo gravely underestimates the true scale of their awakening. As his forces venture deeper into the enigmatic Shinomen, they are met with a devastating defeat that nearly annihilates them. Meanwhile, the Qamar remains steadfast in her commitment to provide sanctuary in the Shinomen for refugees fleeing the Empire, including numerous members of the Kitsune family. 

However, this benevolent policy encounters opposition from within the Naga community. A faction led by a charismatic traditionalist leader known as the Ijathilu vehemently opposes the coexistence of humans with the Naga. The Qamar resolutely reiterates her determination to protect and shelter all refugees, yet she firmly states her intent not to engage in the ongoing conflict initiated by Kanpeki. In her view, this is a 'human's war,' and she is unwilling to jeopardize her still-fragile people in the midst of this turmoil, a stance that temporarily pacifies the followers of Ijathilu.

In the Crab lands, the relentless Shadowlands assault is repelled, but not without incurring a tremendous cost. The formidable Crimson Mountain Oni inflicts a grievous injury on Hida Kisada, leaving him mortally wounded. However, The Little Bear manages to retaliate, delivering a serious blow to the creature in return. The final blow to the Oni is struck by Hida Toranosuke, leading a determined assault that culminates in the Oni's demise. As a macabre trophy, he mounts the Oni's skull at Kyuden Hida for Kisada to witness from his deathbed.

With this pressing threat addressed, Kisada places his unwavering trust in Hida Toranosuke, his most skilled field commander who is still alive. He issues a resolute command for Toranosuke to march northward and confront Kanpeki once the Crab lands are secure, regardless of the cost. In a symbolic gesture, Kisada implores him to "place Kanpeki’s heart on my ashes," emphasizing the paramount importance of defeating their relentless adversary.

Doji Natsuyo arrives in the Second City, seeking a better understanding of the city's dire situation. She turns to her lover, Bayushi Fuyuko, who had ventured to the city earlier in the conflict, for insights. What she discovers is disheartening— the city's defenses are lackluster, manned by largely untested or disreputable defenders.

As the representative of the Crane Clan, Natsuyo manages to secure an audience with Otomo Suikihime, the determined governor of the Second City. Her resolute demeanor leaves a lasting impression on Natsuyo. During the city's siege, Natsuyo distinguishes herself by not only rallying defenders on the walls but also sustaining an arrow wound while remaining at the front lines, providing medical support and comfort to her fellow defenders. Amid the chaos, she encounters a group of Fudoists tending to the wounded, among them a young Asahina girl named Tsienko. Tsienko explains that Suikihime's brother, Takama, had restrained his sister's purges, leading the Fudoists to offer their assistance in defending the city as a way of repaying his apparent kindness. The news of Takama's subsequent death only strengthens their resolve, and many Fudoists go on to distinguish themselves in the fierce battles near the city gate, thereby rehabilitating their reputation in the Colonies. Impressed by the courage of the young Asahina, Natsuyo takes her under her wing.

Back on the home front, Daidoji Akeha takes control of the Crane Clan upon the discovery of Doji Makoto's headless body in the gardens of Kyuden Doji. Fully committed to the cause, she leads her forces in an aggressive guerrilla campaign against the Spider Clan, even authorizing the use of black powder weapons that were sourced from the colonies by a relatively unknown courtier named Kakita Misaki. These tactics, though effective, draw objections from many within the Crane Clan, who view them as disreputable and dishonorable. Among these critics is Doji Meiji, who appears to be rising through the ranks of the depleted Crane political structure. During the Spider Clan's advance through the Crane lands, a tainted duelist, Daigotsu Atsushi, challenges the renowned duelist Kakita Daitsu. In a deadly duel, Atsushi mortally wounds Daitsu, ultimately leaving him to be found by his brother, Shinichi, shortly before succumbing to his injuries.

Mirumoto Shikei's policy of isolation is causing internal issues for the Dragon Clan. The decision to seal their cities has resulted in samurai from other Great Clans being trapped within Dragon lands, with no means of returning home. Tensions escalate to the point of a near riot breaking out in one of the larger Dragon cities, necessitating military intervention and the expulsion of the more vocal instigators into the mountains.

Privately, Togashi Noboru criticizes Shikei's policies as cowardly, pushing for the Dragon Clan to take a more assertive stance against Kanpeki. Togashi Higaru receives reports from late arrivals from the Empire, which indicate that the Chuda are actively attacking and desecrating Brotherhood temples. In response, Higaru seeks Shikei's permission to lead a volunteer force into the Empire with the mission of rescuing Brotherhood members and safeguarding their writings and relics. Shikei grants his approval, and Higaru assembles a robust force that successfully aids many Brotherhood members in finding refuge.

Shikei's willingness to allow Higaru to act against Kanpeki further frustrates Noboru, deepening the internal divisions within the Dragon Clan. A Dragon samurai returning home from the Unicorn lands brings Shikei disturbing rumors that Moto Naleesh has not been seen in some time, and many are starting to wonder aloud if she is perhaps dead.

Dairuko entrusts Kano with the Ancestral Lion sword as he prepares for his march to rendezvous with Bayushi Nitoshi, signifying that he is entrusted to speak on her behalf. Both acknowledge that this act serves as a contingency plan to safeguard the sword should Kanpeki's forces swiftly overwhelm her position before Kano can arrive.

Kano embarks on his forced march to the designated meeting place, only to find no Scorpion forces waiting to join him. Instead, he encounters delays in rejoining Dairuko's ranks due to Scorpion forces obstructing his progress, forcing him to navigate around them.

During the climactic battle at Shamate Pass, Dairuko engages Kanpeki in single combat, inflicting a disfiguring wound on his face. In a Shadowlands-fueled rage, Kanpeki brutally kills her, breaking her back over his knee. Regaining his composure and, perhaps, recognizing the consequences of his loss of control, Kanpeki refuses to allow the Chuda to raise or desecrate Dairuko's body. Instead, he orders a proper burial and allows her defeated forces to withdraw south, a decision that triggers dissent among some of his more aggressive commanders.

In the Shinomen, Yoritomo Minoko increasingly finds herself in a leadership role among the refugees, a significant number of whom are former Mantis clan members. Rumors circulate about Yoritomo Yashinko's attempts to rally loyal Mantis, yet her call receives little response from the predominantly younger generation. Minoko is disheartened to learn that some of her former comrades have resorted to banditry or even aligned themselves with the Spider Clan. Notably, a man who claims to be the sole survivor of the Sons of Gusai, and a veteran of the harrowing events known as "The Scouring," has earned a reputation as a sellsword willing to fight for any cause, even if it aligns with the Spider.

Meanwhile, in the Colonies, the Mantis population assembled at the Second City becomes influenced by a charismatic figure named Yoritomo Seiki, a prominent and prosperous merchant. He surprises many with his adept and courageous leadership during the city's siege, displaying both formidable combat skills on the front lines and tactical prowess. In the face of significant losses and devastation, Seiki's emergence inspires the despondent Mantis, who begin referring to him as the "Young Thunder" and look to him as a symbol of hope.

An Imperial missive summons Isawa Shunryu and Isawa Kaname to the Imperial City to prepare for the implementation of Nitoshi's plan to evacuate the Imperial family. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Clan continues to repel Yobanjin attacks in the north, where refugees, primarily those deemed too young or too old for active warfare, are being driven west. As these diverse groups of refugees venture through treacherous territories, they eventually cross paths with the Unicorn lands. Here, Isawa Hibana's journey converges with that of Moto Chinua, who, under the authority of the Emperor's decree, conscripts them into his forces for the onward voyage to the Colonies. Although initial conflicts arise between Hibana and Chinua, their cooperation in battling the hordes of Shadowlands creatures plaguing their path fosters a grudging mutual respect.

Arriving at a pivotal moment, the "Unicorn Expedition" and its allies from the Phoenix Clan play a pivotal role in turning the tide of the siege at the Second City. Simultaneously, the Master of Air delivers unsettling news to Isawa Koiso, the sole remaining Elemental Master in Isawa's City: the discovery of Shiba Tsukimi's death poem.

Bayushi Nitoshi, as anticipated, receives word that the Goju have captured his family. Implicit threats loom, suggesting that harm may befall his child if he supports Dairuko's forces at Shamate. Nitoshi sends a reply acquiescing to Kanpeki's demands and requesting a personal meeting with the Spider Champion at Shamate. 

Meanwhile, he transfers the bulk of his forces to Ryoko Owari, the new focal point of Scorpion authority since the devastating loss of Kyuden Bayushi, but also orders a faction of his troops to obstruct Kano's forces as they attempt to rejoin the battle at Shamate. Nitoshi believes this endeavor to be ill-fated and seeks to ensure that a portion of the Lion forces remains intact for potential future use. This decision is also influenced by his lingering resentment for the Lion due to their past conflicts, and he takes a measure of satisfaction in witnessing Dairuko's demise shortly after his arrival, then meets with Kanpeki to pledge his 'loyalty.' 

In the Colonies, Shosuro Hotaka ascends to a position of significant authority within the Second City. He serves as Suikihime's right-hand figure and plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the city's defenses. Notably, Hotaka thwarts an assassination attempt on Suikihime during the battle, although he sustains a severe arm injury from a concealed blade. Subsequently, Ivory Champion Shinjo Tselu executes the would-be assassin.

Daigotsu Shikenuro's surprise attack catches the ill-prepared defenders of the Second City off guard, pushing the city to the brink of falling despite their valiant defense. Leading an unconventional military campaign is Akodo Atsutane, whose non-traditional tactics and inspirational leadership, along with the efforts of political figures like Suikihime, contribute to the city's remarkable resilience. Tragically, during the battle, one of Suikihime's brothers, Takama, falls victim to an assassin's blade, adding to the city's mounting losses.

The situation takes a turn for the better for the Colonials with the timely arrival of Moto Chinua and Isawa Hibana's forces, which helps tip the balance in favor of the defenders just as the city teeters on the brink of collapse. Despite these setbacks, Kanpeki remains determined. He learns of heavy losses in his southern expeditionary force due to the Naga, and reports indicate that the Crab Clan, although severely weakened, has managed to survive, though Hida Kisada's condition is dire.

Eager to maintain his momentum, Kanpeki launches an assault on Shamate after believing he secured Nitoshi's compliance by kidnapping his family. In the confrontation, Dairuko meets her end at Kanpeki's hand, though he is grievously wounded, forcing him to adopt a mask reminiscent of his father's. Unyielding in his pursuit, Kanpeki presses on, setting his sights on his ultimate goal: Toshi Ranbo. His intention is clear—to compel Iweko II to abdicate the throne or face the consequences.

Moto Chinua leads his forces through Unicorn lands, diligently conscripting several Unicorn to accompany him to the Colonies as ordered. In addition, he gathers a substantial group of Phoenix refugees, which includes several talented shugenja who add to their numbers. Seeking an audience with Moto Naleesh, Chinua is finally told the truth by Shinjo Min-Hee that Naleesh has been missing since before the final seals fell, which greatly troubles him. Min-Hee tells him that many of the Unicorn’s forces still in their lands are mostly operating under the leadership of her lieutenant, Shinjo Saeki, until Moto Taigo returns from the capitol, or Naleesh is found. Chinua pledges he will return as soon as his orders allow him to do so to help his clan in this difficult time.

As his group enters the Western Wastes, the overland route to the Colonies, Chinua and the leader of the Phoenix clan group, Isawa Hibana, frequently clash. However, they manage to set aside their differences and cooperate in combating the Shadowlands creatures that Kanpeki has strategically positioned to cut off the Colonies from the Empire in preparation for his impending siege.

After the "Unicorn Expedition" plays a pivotal role in turning the tide of a pitched battle, Chinua has an audience with Shinjo Tselu. During their conversation, Chinua conveys his belief that the Emperor intends to abandon the mainland and seek refuge in the Colonies, which his forces are meant to be a preparation for. This sensitive information is inadvertently overheard by a servant in the employ of Shosuro Hotaka, who promptly relays it to Suikihime.