The Battle of Toogasaki

This battle marked the first armed conflict in the Second War for Succession, taking it from a war of Words and Ideas, and making it a war of Blood as well.

This was the first armed conflict where Genetically Enhanced Super Soldiers, and Newtypes saw use.

The Battle, which was more of a Massacre, left the Matsu Family, and by extension the Lion as a whole, with crippling losses which they would struggle to recoup for the rest of the war.

One week prior to the official wedding of Hida Souji, and Doji Reiko, an Assassination attempt nearly succeeds on the life of Reiko, but is thwarted by her body guard Daidoji Kasumi.

While the assassins are unmarked, evidence arises implicating Shiba Fumiko, a Phoenix currently at the Lion Garrison of Tougahara.

This serves as a major outpost for the Matsu family, and is where Matsu Daimyo, Matsu Hibiki was stationed.

The Phoenix view this as an affront to their honor, and accuse the Crab instead. The Lion refuse to release Fumiko into the Crane’s custody.

Unbeknownst to all parties involved, the incident was orchestrated by Daidoji Kasumi, secretly an agent of Scorpion Champion Bayushi 暗[An].

Souji leads an army of Genetically Enhanced Bushi against the garrison alongside Kasumi. The Lion and Phoenix, outnumbering their foes nearly 8:1, view this as a suicide charge, and are taken by surprise when the Genetic Enhancements results in massive success for the Crab and Crane.

Matsu Hibiki is killed in a duel with Daidoji Kasumi, and her successor, Matsu Karen nearly dies as well.

At the last moment, a small fleet arrives, commanded by a Masked warrior named 陽[Kiyoshi], who was secretly Toturi Tadashi in disguise. The fleet consists of War Hungry Mantis, alongside Newtypes and Psionics who Tadashi/Kiyoshi had befriended.

The fleet, and experimental Mechanized Cavalry do not succeed in repelling the invasion, but do provide a vehicle to escape the carnage which Karen reluctantly accepts, alongside the surviving Matsu.

Shiba Fumiko is captured, and taken prisoner by Kasumi.

—>Hida Souji and Doji Reiko are wed solidifying the Crab-Crane Alliance

—>The Power of Genetic Enhancements is demonstrated, and further polarizes the great clans.

—>Matsu Family Crippled due to heavy casualties

—>Heir Apparent Toturi Sara refuses to condemn the actions of the Crab Clan, in-spite of requests from the Lion Clan.

—>Questions arise as to who 陽[Kiyoshi] is, and what motive they had in aiding the Lion.