Nathan and Yukihime reached the hills overlooking Minami Kyoto shortly before noon.
From there, the city spread across the plain below them.
Its walls were high and dark, built from old stone that had endured generations of war, storms, and sieges. The main western gate stood at the center of the outer wall, reinforced with thick wood and iron bands. Above it, Norihiro's banners still moved in the wind.
But the city was no longer peaceful.
Smoke rose from the ground before its walls.
Thousands of red armored soldiers stood across the open field, their banners bearing the mark of the Urakami Clan. Rows of spearmen waited at the front. Archers had taken positions farther back. Mounted samurai formed groups along both flanks, ready to move the instant the command was given.
Urakami had truly sent a large part of his army here.
