Seven days later, the central army reached Chiba Pass, the final barrier outside Iron City.
This was the gateway to the Daimyo Mansion. Steep cliffs rose on both sides of the pass, leaving only a narrow path through.
The Land of Iron had assembled its last fifty thousand samurai here, commanded by the Daimyo's younger brother, Mōri Katsumasa.
"By my brother's order, defend Chiba Pass to the death!"
Standing atop the gate tower, Mōri Katsumasa waved his family's banner. "Behind us lies the Daimyo Mansion—our homeland. There is no retreat!"
Yasuke gazed at the treacherous pass ahead, his brow furrowing slightly.
He knew that a frontal assault would inevitably bring enormous casualties.
"Send ten Chunin over," Yasuke ordered.
Before long, ten Chunin clad in fitted black uniforms arrived before the formation and dropped to one knee.
"Awaiting your orders, Commander!"
Yasuke pointed toward the cliffs on either side. "Circle around the pass from both cliffs and launch a surprise attack from behind at the third quarter of noon. Disrupt their formation. The frontal forces will attack with full strength at the same time. Strike them from both sides and take Chiba Pass in one blow!"
"Yes!" The ten Chunin accepted their orders, flashed away, and vanished into the mountain forest.
At the third quarter of noon, before Chiba Pass.
Mōri Katsumasa was tensely watching the Great Yan army formation ahead when cries of battle suddenly erupted behind him.
He whirled around and saw ten Great Yan ninjas appear behind the pass like phantoms. Their kunai flashed coldly as they cut down dozens of guards in an instant.
"Enemy attack! We're under attack!"
Chaos immediately erupted within the pass as the samurai turned back in panic to meet the enemy.
"Now!" A sharp glint flashed through Yasuke's eyes. He raised his