The Cho-Senju Confrontation

### Outcome:

The conflict would end in a victory for the Cho Alliance, with the Cho gaining land and profits from the Senju clan.

> '*"*War* does not *determine who is right* - only who is left."*
>
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***The Cho-Senju Conflict, also sometimes called*** **'The Cho-Senju Confrontation**, is one of the largest conflict dating out of the Warring Clans. A large number of clans participated in this conflict which set the stage for various developments for the participating clans. Some scholars even debate that this conflict had a bigger impact than the Great War on the region and its people.

## The Cause of the Conflict

The cause of the conflict is attributed to various reasons according to scholars. The cause of the conflict is attributed to various reasons according to scholars. And it is still to this date debated among scholars and other people on who actually started to the war. There are two main theories so far. One of them argues that the Cho instructed as paid the Sarutobi of Gwade to engage in executing mass raids all over the conflicted region. This weakened the minor clans in the area. Once sufficiently weakened, the Cho marched in and would give protection in return for loyalty. Despite some of these clans independence guaranteed by the Senju clan. This sparked the Senju to call out on the Cho and started the war.

However, the other theory is supported by scholars who theorize that the Sarutobi acted independent and not because they were coerced by the Cho clan. After the damage dealt by the Sarutobi, the Cho decided to move in to stabilise the region. Only for the Senju to become envious and fabricating lies that they were guaranteeing the independence of those minor clans. Despite doing little to protect them against raids of others.

## The Participants

Due to the nature and accusations made in the past, that started the war many scholars have agreed to dub both sides as the ‘*Cho Alliance*’ and the ‘*Senju Coalition*’.

### Cho Alliance

#### Cho Clan

* **Clan Leader, Brandr Cho of the Vyd Lineage**

With the age of thirty-eight, Brandr only recently had succeeded his father - the late lord Eadwulf. His early years of reign were considered peaceful and prosperous. He established his rule before he decided to look on other ways to cement his power. Recognising the profit that could be gained from subjugating the minor Taika clans just north of his border, Brandr would start the expense of the Cho clan's might.

* **Jarl Asvaldr, from the Dagny Lineage**

Being at the respectful age of forty-one at the outbreak of the conflict, jarl Asvaldry was responsible for making sure that the first advance into the minor Taika clans would go without any error. Despite the Tashigi being his thegns, the jarl of Dagny didn't take too much active part in the military aspect of the campaign. He did make sure that his subjects did what was required, supporting them with ample resources and finances.

* **Thegn Brynjar, from the Beckett lineage**

Brynjar was around thirty-five years old. In the service of the Jarl of Dagny, he was a competent leader and fighter. Despite not being the smartest or cunning of Cho leaders, he was an active political opponent of the Tashigi lineage. Considering the Tashigi to be mere Taika turncoats, Brynjar would utilise his own few success to attempt to outdo his political rival. Gaining renown and respect, he didn't accomplish his goals in the end to cripple the Tasighi lineage.

* **Jarl Sigeweard, from the lineage of Birgir**

Being at the age of thirty-three, Sigeweard was a prominent contributor to the campaign against the Senju Coalition. Raising a large force, composed out of his own retinue as that of his various thegns, the most competent fighting force of Sigeweards troops were the Vanguri cavalry. Capable horsemen, the Vanguri force would aid both on and outside the battlefields.

* **Thegn Arne, from the Vanguri people and of the Cenric lineage**

Arne was twenty-five when the war occured. He was one of the leaders of the Vanguri who led his people to fight against the Senju coalition. Most like his kin and other Vanguri, he wasn't a big fan of Taika. Despite being painted by Cho literature as a chivalrous man, he was most cruel and unforgiving to his Taika opponents. He was a thegn in the service of Jarl Sigeweard.

#### Tokugawa Clan

* **Clan Leader, Ynnir Tokugawa**

Being at the age of thirty-seven when the war started, it came at quite the opportunity.

* **Megalodon, Lianshi Ning/Hon**

Lianshi was thirty-six when the war started.

* **Dire Shark General, Assur Hon from the Agnarr Lineage**

Assur was thirty-eight when he was called upon to enter the war.

* **General, Tadanaga Honda**

Being twenty-five years of age when the war started, this would be his first war as a general. Having been a soldier in the Tokugawa Conquest and leading a group of men to victory. Also surviving on the front that claimed his father Tadakatsu’s life in the war that followed the Tokugawa Conquest.

#### Sarutobi Factions

Blackroot Vale

* **Lord Torgy Blackroot, from the lineage of Blackroot**

Torgy was forty-six when the war broke out. The Blackroot lord was said to be obeyed by his warriors without ever being questioned. Known for his cruelty towards outsiders that got caught in his tactics, the Blackroot lord didn't seem to consider the Senju as anything but Taika heathens. Various harsh raids conducted by the Blackroots would see the numbers of civilians caught in the fires of war rise higher at the eastern front than the other fronts.

Gwade

* **Lord Pórfedr of Gwade, from the lineage of Eadwulf.**

Being at the age of forty-two, the lord of Gwade didn't enjoy the benefits that men in their prime do. Being still a proud man, he didn't shy away from the promise of glory and riches won in battle and war. Leading the initial raids into the minor clans, he would then rally his forces to combat the Senju Coalition at the southern front.

Edani

* Chosen General Steinn of Edani, from the lineage of Sigesteinn

Being at the age of thirty-three, Steinn was a ruthless and cold leader. Despite caring for his people, he is known for willing to sacrifice the minor Taika clans as the Asiske Cho. This to weaken the Senju before the rest of the forces would drive the Senju back to their home and perhaps further beyond.

#### Hon Houses

House of Magnhild

* **Leader Atli Hon of the Atsushi Lineage**

The leader of the House of Magnhild was 53 years old at the dawn of the conflict. He was reputed to be a leader with an iron will as an iron fist. Despite his advanced age and the troubles that it started to bring for Atli, the leader wasn't fazed by the outbreak of war. To some tales about Atli, the man apparently had once more found some youth when the Cho asked if the House of Magnhild was willing to fight the Senju. However, Atli wouldn't survive the war and would be succeeded by his son, Torvald.

* **Atli’s Successor, Torvald Hon of the Atsushi Lineage**

The eldest son of Atli was 22 years old when the war broke out. Much like his kin, Torvald was more than eager to test his steel against the Senju and their allies. Leading a hird (warband) of his own, he managed to gain enough fame and respect of his own to succeed his father during the war. Leading the House of Magnhild, he was considered to be even harsher and demanding than his father had been.

**General, Asvald Hon of the Armod Lineage**

The most trusted general that was enlisted by the House of Magnhild. Asvald was forty years by the outbreak of the conflict. Being a confidante of Atli, Asvald had a large influence on the politics within the Magnhild jarldom. During the war, he died at the side of his lord and leader, Atli Hon. A statue would be erected, in Magnhild, to honour the brave general.

**General, Ulfr Hon of the Armod Lineage**

Being thirty-two at the outbreak of the war, Ulfr was just a close companion of Torvald. Having fought during the Tokugawa Conquest and being on various raid expeditions, Ulfr wasn't like many of his clan or kinsmen. Cold and calculated, he valued strategy above brute strength. His guile in developing tactics and stratagems proved most useful when Torvald promoted Ulfr to general.

**House of Dowhon**

* **Leader Gudbrand Hon**

Gudbrand was forty-one years old but some legends around the mysterious leader stated him to be as old as a century. A man that was reputed to love his fellow Chonobi but harbouring a deep-seeded hatred towards Taika, after the death of his father at the hands of some Taika during the very first raid expedition of Gudbrand. Despite the rumours that he was an actual bear, due to his size and strength, Gudbrand was a most competent as a patient leader. Despite his desires, he took a defensive position against the Hanta, instead of attempting to attack them right at the outbreak of war.

House of Ecla

* **Leader Hallr Hon**

Hallr was thirty-three when the conflict broke out. Just recently claiming as solidifying his rule over the House of Ecla, Hallr was a veteran of military expeditions. Having fought in the conflict between the Hanta and Hon, he wasn't secretive about his disdain towards his Taika neighbour. Despite this, he wouldn't be on the offensive but remained calm and collective during this conflict.

### Senju Coalition

#### **Senju Clan**

* **Senju Council Leader, Lord Gou Senju**

At the age of 34, Gou was still considered a young, brave but also a bit of an overly eager leader. He wanted to show everyone that the Senju were even more than what they had appeared to be. While he saw little use in looking over the minor clans, the moment the Cho presence became known, he saw a chance, and he grasped it. Many would call him “The Fallen Gou”, as he would pass away just before the conflict’s end, and from how the conflict was lost while under his leadership.

* **Great General, Danuja Senju**

At the age of 61, Danuja had a reputation that preceded him as a man who looked at every soldier with honor, regardless of where they had come from. When he reached the age of 57 with over 35 years in the service of the Senju Military, he received a special honor by being given a title of Great General. The role allowed him to serve in the military until his own time of choosing, and also make choices in war that could bypass ones of the Leader. He chose to accompany his protege, Chikao, throughout the conflict, but still use his title if he thought Gou was making wrong calls.

* **General, Chikao Senju**

At the age of 27, Chikao showed great tactical wisdom, which was the reason he was taken by Danuja as a protege.When the war begun, Chikao saw it as a war of arrogance rather than a war that could serve any proper cause for the Senju, yet with his mentor at his side, he felt like failure was not an option. Along with his mentor, they both overlooked the southern front, against the Cho and the Sarutobi.

* **General, Haku Senju**

 At the start of the conflict, when he was 46 years old, Haku took an oath that no Hon or Sarutobi would step on the Senju lands as long as he overlooked the eastern front. Many people in the capital of Mu Xin and in Detres viewed him as the man responsible for making that front safer for them than what could’ve been, as his choices throughout the conflict always had the Senju people and lands in mind, never seeking to push forward into the unknown enemy territory.

* **General, Ryoto Senju**

45 years old at the beginning of the conflict, Ryoto was the only one among the generals who saw the same chance as the Leader. As he was in the western settlement of Taelious at the beginning, he would gain the permission to travel with his men to go aid his brethren in the Eastern and Southern fronts. Ryoto himself would eventually admit that if he had acted on his own accord and without listening to his fellow generals, Danuja and Chikao, then the conflict would’ve most likely ended in a much worse manner.

#### **Hanta Clan**

* **Clan Leader, Ken Hanta-Okami**

At 24 years old, Ken was new to leading the Hanta clan when it came time to support their Taika allies against the Cho’s aggression. Young and eager to prove himself as a leader by finally seeing the defeat of Chonobi forces, Ken was eager to march to war. Though it was also his decision, greatly influenced by his advisors, to hold back from joining the battle until the Uchiha called upon them and thus giving his armies time to rebuild at least some of their forces. However, it was also under his leadership that the Hanta added another loss to their military campaigns, and as such he is not fondly remembered among the people. Ken would also lose his life in this conflict, not to a blade but to disease from a wound. Ken had no children and as such his wife, Shirori Hanta-Okami, would become the leader of the clan in the final months of the conflict.

* **General, Shin Hanta-Bobukyatto**

Aged 50 years old, Shin was a veteran of the Tokugawa’s aggression and the conflict with the Hons. Having seen the enemy in battle twice before, the general was more than eager for the third round to show them his strength. Shin would be the vanguard of the Hanta forces assigned to this war, though he was also known for being cautious in moving troops and battle strategy. Opting instead to ensure as many troops survived as he could while still achieving the goal. Shin was also known for having adapted some tactics the Chonobi forces had used in previous conflicts, having seen their effectiveness already. The man was known for being a firm believer that one must know their enemy in order to defeat them.

* **General, Ryo Hanta-Moukin**

The childhood friend of Ken, Ryo was a young general who had yet to fully experience leadership in a true conflict. Having only been promoted due to the need for strength in the military at these times. As such, Ryo was a much more aggressive fighter as if he had a need to show the clan exactly what he could do. However, while he would be remembered for brave displays of courage, such tactics were generally looked down upon by the more experienced soldiers. As the conflict raged, Ryo would eventually start heeding the advice of those with more experience.

* **Hantagado Commander, Izumi Hanta-Okami**

Daughter of one of the founders of the Hantagado, and veteran of the Tokugawa conflict, Izumi assumed the role of commander of the Hantagado when her mother fell during said conflict. Izumi herself specialized in interrogation and intelligence gathering, thus needing two trusted aides to handle other aspects of the Hantagado. She was known for being utterly ruthless with the enemy, though not much else is mentioned of the woman. It is unknown whether or not she survived this conflict.

## Minor Clans

Various minor clans were involved directly in this conflict. The Cho Alliance claimed that they liberated as protected these clans where as the Senju Coalition accused the Cho from subjugating those clans. Six most prominent minor clans that were involved are:

### Loyal to the Senju Coalition

* 5 **Monobe Clan**, led by: Arato Monobe (26 years old )
* 6 **Soga Clan**, led by:  Gekkin Soga (45 years old )

**Reason:**

 The Monobe Clan didn’t buy into the Cho clan’s intentions. Located at the edge of the targeted minor clans, they had more time to prepare their small but dedicated force in order to try to withstand the Cho forces.
The Soga Clan’s leader, Gekkin Soga, didn’t desire to requinlish the connection between him and the Senju. Considering the Asiske Cho as turncoats, he would execute one of the diplomats send to him - thus raising his small own force to rally against the impending Cho forces advancing.

### Loyal to the Cho Alliance

* **1, Toyotomi Clan**, led by: Genta Gento ( 31 years old )
* **2 Tamura Clan,** led by: Hakaru Tamura ( 37 years old )
* **3 Akechi Clan,** led by: Jikan Akechi ( 52 years old )
* **4 Sakai Clan**, led by: Norihito Sakai ( 24 years old)

**Reason:**

Toyotomi Clan were hit hard by the quick and sudden raids led by the Sarutobi of Gwade. With little resources to offer decent resistance to the advancing Cho, they surrendered and decided to cooperate with the Cho.

The Tamura Clan was taken by surprise with the Sarutobi raids. Unable to respond properly, they faced some internal strife. As the Cho advanced, they had no way to offer any resistance and decided to cooperate with the Cho.

The Akechi Clan was hit not as hard as the other four clans. But the fact that the Sarutobi were able to hit them hard and unexpected angered Jikan Akechi. Deciding that the Cho would be able to help his clan and kin, Jikan Akechi decided to accept the Cho.
The Sakai Clan tried to counter the Sarutobi raids. This resulted into various prominent nobles dying with almost no halt being put to the Sarutobi. With their leadership severely weakened, the Sakai clan decided to accept as cooperate with the Cho clan.

## Start of the Conflict

The conflict began with many raids from the east, by the Sarutobi. Lightning fast, the Sarutobi attacked where it hurted in the prior years before the actual conflict. Granaries and other places that stockpiled resources for the colder seasons, the various Taika clans in the conflicted region were soon facing famine and other problems that dwindled their strength.

In the year of 313, the situation was bad for the Taika clans. The damage done by the Sarutobi had weakened them significantly. When a large host of Cho marched into the region in various detachments, there wasn’t much resistance. This Cho vanguard was under the command of the grandson of Tashigi and under his leadership the raids of the Sarutobi came to a halt.

The various Taika clans and lordships were promised protection in trade for loyalty. The presence of the large amount of Cho forces kept the peace while supplies were brought into the region. Food and medicines were shared with the locals as the disciplined forces of the Tashigi’s leadership behaved themselves. Winning the trust and cooperation of various of the minor Taika clans, the Cho attempted to advance to convince the last two remaining Taika clans of Monobe and Soga. These two clans, however, decided to not cooperate with the Cho and called in the Senju.
Upon getting the call of the Monobe and Soga clans, the Senju would bring forth some of their forces into the area of those clans, as part of an existing promise to all the local Taika clans to help protect them. Hearing of the raids the Sarutobi had performed, and the way the Cho went in, the Senju decided it was no more than a deceitful act on the Chonobi side.
They called out to the Cho clan, claiming they were giving empty promises to the small Taika clans as they had orchestrated the whole thing with their Chonobi allies from the Sarutobi, and then coming in and ‘saving the day’ from what was nothing more than a false threat aimed to lure all the clans to believing they had been saved. Without anyway to prove this, however, the Taika clans that had already taken up the offer for the protection of the Cho clan elected to stay with the Cho. The Senju would stick to their accusation, however, and claim the Monobe and Soga clans were under their protection.

The accusations of the Senju were rejected by the Cho clan. Despite the apathetic attitude of the Cho towards the Senju, the former were certain that the Senju clan weren’t a joke. Because of this, the Cho clan decided to move more troops to the region. Though some thegns and other Cho leadership didn’t want to advance any further, wanting to avoid a conflict with the Senju, the clan leader Brandr Cho didn’t want to appear weak. Some scholars even argue that Brandr was eager to lure the Senju into a conflict to gain more prestige as wealth. Brandr thus ordered the first detachments to advance slowly and eliminate any resistance from the Monobe and Soga clan.
Seeing the sudden increase in forces from the Cho clan side, more forces would be brought onto the Monobe and Soga clan lands. Once the first actions were taken against the smaller clans, the Senju clan would declare that since they have taken actions against the Monobe and Soga clans, they have taken action against the Senju clan, and thus served as a declaration of war. While many on the Senju clan deemed this action to be rash, the current clan Leader, Gou Senju, felt he had a lot to prove, and thus was greatly in favor of militaristic actions.
The movement of more Senju forces drove the various detachments of the Cho back from the Monobe and Soga clan. Calling the Senju out for being warmongers, the Cho would send out messages, to call in their allies within the Gwade and Edani Sarutobi, as preparing for the inevitable clash between the Cho and Senju.

## First Blood

The war had begun. The Cho clan would mobilise more of their forces as they started to turn their attention on the new and more dangerous foe, the Senju. Seeing that this large behemoth of a Taika clan had decided to halt them, there weren't many within the Cho leadership that weren't eager to once more prove their value in war. Many thegns and hersirs raised their warbands as the jarls would start to focus on moving their troops. Emissaries would ride out to more Sarutobi clans, to the Hon Houses and to the Tokugawa clan. It is written that Brandr, the leader of the Cho, was more than eager to ride out. Understanding, however, how much of a threat the Senju formed, Brandr decided to not hastily move out and lose troops.

The first months of the war were minor skirmishes as the Cho called upon her allies while mobilising their full might to face off against the Senju.

As the Cho made their own preparations, Gou Senju, then leader of the clan, immediately called for a rise to arms among all those who were in the military forces, and ordered them to go and fortify the Southern border, where the Cho threat appeared ever imminent in his eyes. Gou, not having any experience in war himself, was often found consulting retired military generals as to what actions to take next, something which was somewhat frowned upon. Many believed he should’ve simply delegated handling the war to the then Great General, Danuja Senju, who everyone agreed was much more suitable.

While the first few months were mostly skirmishes between the Cho and the Senju, Gou was confident that once the allies he called in would come aid them, then the war would be easily won. However, he quickly heard of some Sarutobi raids that were being prevented in the eastern front. Not wanting to risk the live of his people, he ordered for more troops to be assigned to the eastern front, securing that front further. He also ordered the forces from the west of their territories to arrive with haste to the southern border, as he believed this would allow him to go on the offensive with ease.

At the same time, Danuja Senju was sending out small scouting parties, shinobi with Wood techniques, to try and get a better grasp of the Cho forces. He hoped the Cho would not expect for the nature to listen in, thus giving them a slight edge.

In return, the Cho enlisted their Guard in order to conduct counterintelligence operations while the military at the front would be under the command of the Jarls Asvaldr of Dagny and his thegns. Their objective was to ready the defences and to withhold their warriors from venturing out to raid the nearby enemies.  While reinforcements arrived from over land and water, Jarl Asvaldr of Dagny would become forced to assemble a host to face the Senju in the first major confrontation of the war. Near the village of Watahaba, both sides would face each other in the first key-battle of the conflict.

The forces of the Southern border, led by the Great General Danuja and his disciple, General Chikao Senju, had made their way to where the first key-battle of the conflict will take place. Using the knowledge scouts gave them, the two generals formed a plan as to how to try and secure their ground, while also attempting to push the Cho back. However, with the Cho having an effective counterintelligence operation, they did have a difficulty anticipating exactly how the Cho would operate on the battlefield. But without letting another moment of doubt pass, the two generals decided to call the orders, once they saw the enemy forces arrive.

### The Battle of Watahaba

The first key battle of the war would be a grim matter. The Senju would have the advantage of more soldiers being present. The battlefield would encompass many miles over grasslands, fields of agriculture, meadow and hills. Providing little to boost either sides chances for victory. The only advantage for the Cho would be the fact that their force would be more rested and formed up from various experienced warbands.

Several days, the two armies would engage in skirmishes as they tried to get the better of each other. Only on the 7th of August, in the year 324, would the bulk of both forces assemble for the defining moment. This battle would only wind up in a stalemate with death claiming many Senju as Cho warriors with its icy grip. The Cho would proclaim that they won as more reinforcements would drive the Senju to a more favourable position while the opposition would proclaim that they had halted a Cho force advancing further. Preventing them from murder, rape and pillaging the countryside further.

### The Battle of Kumayama

After the previous battle, both sides would start to assess the situation better. The Cho would attempt to launch several raids into the Senju held lands. Only for the majority of the raids being effectively repulsed, resulting into losses for the Cho clan. One source claims that it would allow the Senju to hold a Thegn captive, for which the Taika tried to ransom him - as per usual with captured nobles. But before both sides could come to an agreement, this unnamed thegn would save his own honour by starving himself to death. To once more rejoin his kin and fallen brothers in the afterlife.

It was during this time that the Senju would experience some failures as well. Their scouting parties had began to return injured, or not return at all, indicating that the Cho were managing to prevent them from bringing back more information that could easily be critical to them. Gou wanted to send even more scouting parties, but the Great General overruled his decision, electing to wait before sending more. He believed that if the scouts were being intercepted, then it meant that their patterns were studied. With that knowledge in mind, he gave new instructions to the scouting parties, before sending them out once more. He also elected to change the instructions of the scouting party on a regular basis, to ensure a much lessened risk of interception.

The conflict at the southern front would continue to be at a stalemate, with neither side being eager to sacrifice more of their men to gain some ground. Eventually, the Cho would make a bold move. Reinforcements had arrived and after managing to study some of their opposition, they decided to conduct an attack. A large host would be dispatched in order to try to take a key fort in the region. This attacking force would be under the command of the thegn Brynjar, a subject of the jarl of Dagny. He was aiming to deliver a hard blow to the Senju. Not only to progress the war but also to curb in the growing influence of his political rival, the Tashigi lineage. While the initial phases of his plan went well, overwhelming some Senju patrols and small resistance of local forces, his army would become entrenched at the fort of Kumayama. While many leading men advised Brynjar to fall back as they wouldn’t have the supplies or troops for a prolonged siege, Brynjar was fully convinced that they would be able to repel the Taika forces if they would dare to lift the siege. Preparations would be made but at the time that they were direly needed, they were only halfway done.

Seeing the siege of Kumayama as an opportunity, Danuja had instructed his disciple, General Chikao, to take some forces and ensure that no further support from the Cho can arrive, which the young general did by stationing his forces on a hill that overlooked both the fort and the direction from which the Cho initially came from, allowing him a proper cover of the area. Danuja, in the meanwhile, maintained a firm hold of the siege for a period of time, hoping to deplete the resources the Cho army inside had, before making a push into the fort. They managed to overcome the Cho forces and earn a victory in the Senju’s name. Danuja, however, had noted that the Cho forces leader was not accounted for among the bodies of the Cho.

### The Battle of Sounai

After the last defeat, the Cho would quickly attempt to reinforce their defences. Frustrated with the slow pace on which the conflict was advancing, with no clear victor yet emerging, the clan leader Brandr decided for more aggressive methods. While the war was engulfing other parts of the known world, Brandr would manage to start recruiting warriors from the Hon Houses and Sarutobi Clans. Amassing a large force, he would decide to lead the new host himself, deciding to march towards another key-fort. That of Sounai, which would provide the Cho with access to attack into Senju held land.

On the opposing side, the Senju wouldn’t remain idle either. Amassing a force of their own, their spies and scouts would be quick to inform their leaders of the approaching threat. Due to the large force that was marching towards Sounai as rumours of vicious wretches of the Hon and Sarutobi, the Senju would begin to recruit elsewhere as well. Soldiers would be given by some Taika neighbours but soon enough, the Senju would find themselves capable of hiring Yakimara mercenaries. Capable warriors who were more than willing to shed any blood for the right amount of coin. Both forces would start to march towards Sounai, which would become one of the largest battles in the conflict.

There are sources that conflict with one another regarding the details of number of combatants on each side, the strategy but one thing they all agree: it became eighteen dreadful days in which many would die. Both sides were unwilling to surrender their positions and many times both Senju as Cho would attempt to drive the other off. At the end, the Senju had suffered a terrible blow. More than half of their assembled force had died in the skirmishes and battles. However, the Cho had paid dearly for this advancement. For they hadn’t only lost a good number of warriors as well but on the eighteenth day, Brandr himself would suffer a blow to the skull. If it weren’t for his helmet, the glaive would have likely pierced his skull and ended his life.
On the Senju’s side, General Chikao had also been severely injured, and nearly lost his right leg during the battle.

This with some other claimed factors, by the Cho clan, made it that the Cho decided to fall back while the Senju would do the same, in an attempt to recover and ready for what would follow.

### Battle of Iwayako Fields

Following the devastating battle, Danuja, while being worried for the life of his disciple, felt like this could be the best time to attack. However, having suffered many losses, it was clear that such a move would be hard to achieve. After checking with the scouts, he discovered that the fields next to the town of Iwayako could serve as a spot to ambush Cho forces. Taking some men with him, Danuja made way to the fields, and waited for nightfall, aiming to take the passing Cho forces by surprise using the darkness.

Once the stars shined over their heads, Danuja knew it was only a matter of time. And indeed, the Cho forces came marching by, but to Danuja’s dismay, the force was bigger than he initially anticipated. Not wanting to let the opportunity go, he gave the orders, and the Cho forces were attacked from the dark fields. The advantage of the darkness did not last long, as the Cho forces scorched the fields in order to be able to see their attackers, and it soon turned into an even field battle.

While Danuja and his force fought the Cho to the best of their capabilities, Danuja determined the Cho had suffered enough casualties from the operation and called to a retreat. Not all of the Senju force had returned with him, but in the Great General’s opinion, the operation had been a success, even if it escalated into a full blown battle.

## The Stalemate

More battles and sieges would follow. Both sides would continue to suffer losses in men, leaders and resources. Various tactics would be deployed in order to gain an advantage but neither the Cho or the Senju would be able to gain a cutting edge over another. This troublesome state could likely have been ended but continued for several years. Several factors weighed into this matter of constant bloodshed and fighting without many gains for either side.

The Cho were more than determined to make the Senju pay for the losses and fact they almost managed to kill their clan leader. They claimed that the Senju were out for a genocide, which sparked more of their kin and allies to rally to the conflict. Furthermore, omens by various prominent priests were seen that the war would end within a few years, in a victory for the Cho. Willing to push on, the Cho would attempt to bolster her might and continue to ram at the defences of the Senju.

The Senju wouldn’t be an easy defence to batter down. For each Senju slain, there would be a dozen enemies wounded or dead, according to some sources. There were signs, reported by spies and informants, that the Cho wouldn’t be able to continue on for much longer. That they were dismayed and fearing the Senju. Of course, this would bolster the morale of the Senju forces, that tried to cope with their own losses while their enemy remained vicious.

Though this period would see much more death and battles, large key battles would remain void. Various scholars would contribute this to the growing caution of Senju and Cho leaders. That desired to avoid more losses and not be the first to cave into to sign a peace treaty. A few historians that have both witnessed and studied the conflict, made the claim that the war at this point didn’t revolve around the expansion of the Cho and their subjugation over some minor Taika. It had became a power struggle between two Great Clans, ready to continue fighting over what would slowly become a desolation of a war torn land.

A couple of scholars, who were close to the court of the Senju leader Gou, were quick to note that the longer the war laster, the more bloodthirsty the man had become. His actions had started to become more radical, and the same scholars made the assumptions that this was due to him not actually being present in the battlefields, only hearing of the losses of the Cho and wanting to take them down. The scholars believe that this was, without a shred of doubt, only cause for alarm, for both the Senju leadership, and for Gou himself. However, no one saw the signs.

When the Senju leader finally arrived at the battlefields, the sight of the bodies, the bloodshed, all the ruins and shattered lives appeared to be too much for him. The man, having never picked up a weapon, collapsed on the remains of a battlefield, and died on the spot.

## The Treaty of Sounai

The war would eventually be concluded near the fort of Sounai. After both the Senju and Cho pulled back, each clan would send a delegation with a small retinue. It would still take twelve days before both sides would come to an agreement. And even then, hostilities almost continued as both sides hadn’t forgiven each other for their past losses. In the peace treaty of Sounai, the victory would go for the Cho clan. They would gain rulership over the six small Taika clans and their lands. The Senju would vow to not attempt to move into these lands to dispute the Cho rulership. A truce for thirty years would be made. Though some sources do state that hostages and wards from both sides were exchanged, to ensure that this truce would hold, it is highly unlikely and disputed by others that have studied or written about the conflict.

The peace treaty of Sounai would also conclude the conflicts on the other fronts, effectively bringing a period of peace between the clans that had partaken in the bloody conflict.

## Aftermath

### The Senju

For the Senju, who lost the conflict, the aftermath was split. On the one hand, the Taika clans that were still free looked at the Senju with a much higher view, for having held the Cho back from taking any further land than what the Cho claimed and for making the Cho clan suffer heavy losses. Support for the Senju from the Taika clan would be on the rise, and the Senju would also gain some more respect from the Yakimara clans.

On the other hand, the Senju suffered internally, when it came to the political structure. With their leader dead and no immediate heir, blood or otherwise, a power struggle had begun. Fortunately for the clan, it would not last long, only a few months, but the new leadership would bring the rise of doubt in the clan, and with that, the beginning of the Senju decline.

### The Cho

There would be a period of joy and briefly there would be signs of prosperity. Despite crippled and maimed, the Cho clan would attempt to rebuild itself and try to enjoy their newfound prizes. Influence over the newly gained subjects and lands would go rather smoothly, as none could raise a large enough resistance to withstand the rulership of the Cho. To make matters smoother, Brandr would assign the newly gained subjects to become under the watch of the jarl of Dagny. Who instructed the present Asiske Cho to make sure that these clans would integrate in more peaceful method than it would have been done otherwise.

Peace, however, wouldn’t last long. Though still feared by many, the Cho clan had become weakened. Its military wasn’t as large as before and it didn’t take long for their southern neighbours to take note of this. It is argued by many that the costly war against the Senju led to the terrible onslaught of the Third Wakumi-Cho war. And eventually giving the first stepstone to the period of decline of the Cho clan.