Back in Kanyou, they've realized that Ousen has discarded Retsubi, They know that this means that Ousen has abandoned the stategy that was laid out by Shouheikun. They're confused and upset over this - even Sei is visibly uneasy. Upon asking what is happening with the army now, they get the answer that the Yotanwa army of 50000 is currently fightning a Zhao army of 50000 and that the army has attacked a smaller city. No one in the room understands what it is Ousen is trying to do.
Back to Shin & co. Shin's expaserated, wondering out loud what the point of what they're doing is.
Scene shows Ousen, who says things are going well.
Back to Shin and co again, who are getting closer to where Ousen is, Shin complains out loud to Ousen (though it's implied Ousen is not present the moment Shin does it), saying "Hey, General Ousen, what are we doing here, really!? Shouldn't we be trying to reach Gyou as soon as possible!? Isn't that why the mountain people are fightning, acting as our shield!?". Ten panickingly tries to make Shin stop it and Mouten says to no one in particular that what Shin's doing is really is the 'idiot's privilege' (because not everyone could speak their disapproval so freely, as such).
Ousen appear before Shin & co, shocking and pressuring them with his mere presence, not saying anything but just looking at them. Ousen's gaze falls upon Ouki's glaive, much to the shock of those present, including Mouten and Ouhon. Ousen speaks, saying "It'll take one at least one more day for Riboku to arrive at Kantan. Then one more day for him to take control of and setting out with it's army. And then one more day to prepare the defenses of Gyou. Until then, we need to 'set things up' on our end." Shin and Ten are surprised/shocked. Ousen goes on "There are still 7 more castles/cities between here and Gyou. The Ousen army, the Kanki army, the Gakuka, Gyouku Hou and Hi Shin Units will be dividing into three armies, moving westwards and taking these castles/cities as they do so. The modus operandi will be the same as before. Take all the food supplies and drive the people towards the east." Those present are shocked/surprised at this.
Right then, a messenger appears, saying that a Zhao army of 50000 has taken Retsubi. Everyone present realizes what this means - the Qin army has now lost it's 'exit'. Ousen orders for a message to be sent to Yotanwa, to 'keep up with the pace of the main force'. Ousen notes that now they're in a hurry.
Scene changes to the Yotanwa army facing the Kousonryuu army. The zhao are irritated because they're making no progress, that a 'bunch of mountain monkeys' have managed to slow them down them. Kousonryuu says that with Retsubi retaken, it is the Qin that have been slowed down, as they're now on a time limit and that the noose will now tighten around their throat. Kousonryuu receives a report that the enemy is moving bit by bit (abit unclear here, though I read it as that they're moving part of their force, not the entire force at once) towards the east. Kousonryuu says it changes nothing, giving the order to go after them while keeping the distance.
Back with the Qin army, the narration notes that the Qin army has split up into three as per Ousens orders and are now taking the small and middle-sized cities on their way to Retsubi. We're shown the refugees, who are getting hungry now.
Scen shows Shin, Mouten, Ouhon, Kyoukai, Ten and some others. Kyoukai suddenly says "Ah, I get it" with a dispirited sigh as she looks at the people. The others asks what she means. Kyoukai says one word: "Locusts". Ouhon and Mouten then realizes something. Looking at the people from above the castle/city, they resemble a swarm of locusts.
The narration notes that as this great wave of refugees has appeared in the royal capital zone, Riboku arrives at Kantan. End of the chapter.
