"Gai, Great General Tenjin has been called to the Imperial Palace. We will probably have new orders soon." Shion told Gaileo.
"Yeah I know, plus they requisitioned us enough provisions for a long campaign. I wonder where they're going to send us." Gaileo replied.
"I think we're about to find out, we just got orders. The Tenjin Army has orders to gather and prepare to set out on campaign. The entire army." Benji said as he approached them with a paper detailing their orders.
The Tenjin Army was 145,000 strong, but the true strength of a Great General's army was its ability to divide and conquer. It was rare for a Great General's army to be concentrated in one place. Though Tenjin's army would start the campaign together, they would eventually split up as the generals under Tenjin would be given different objectives, allowing the army to take large swathes of land quickly.
"To mobilize the entire Tenjin Army, our objective this time around ought to be quite beautiful." Shion said as he twirled a rose in his hand.
"Yeah it is, we have two objectives this time around. The first is to retake the city of Shuangfeng which we lost to the Galeans around five years ago. The second is to take their city of Hideg. Naturally we'll want to take all of the surrounding castles and fortresses as well." Gaileo replied as the army has setting out on their march.
"That's a lot of ground to cover, it'll be difficult for even the entire Tenjin Army to do quickly. The more time we take during our offensive, the more time they have to gather a large army to counterattack. The Galeans are known for their powerful warriors, if they're given enough time to prepare their defenses we'll be in for a tough time of it." Shion said.
"As usual you worry too much Shion. It doesn't matter how many they send to fight against us, I'll crush them all." Gaileo confidently declared, crushing his fist into his hand.
"And as usual you don't worry enough. You know it's not very beautiful to be too carefree." Shion said.
"Duly noted." Gaileo replied.
"Neither of you guys actually have to worry at all. Because I just got word that the Tenjin Army isn't the only army going on this campaign. The Mutembo Army will be joining us as well." Benji said.
"The Mutembo Army? They're sending the armies of two of the Great Generals? They really mean business this time." Gaileo said in surprise.
"Having a second Great General's army would definitely tip the scales significantly in our favor. With his men we should be able to complete our campaign quickly and cleanly. Yes, a swift victory is much more beautiful after all." Shion said.
"I've never met Great General Mutembo before, what's he like General?" Benji asked Gaileo.
"I remember seeing him a few times growing up, but to be honest nothing really stood out about him. Out of the seven Great Generals he's one of ones I know the least about." Gaileo replied. "I've heard that he doesn't take credit for any of his achievements, even though he's been one of the most successful generals in the Empire for over a decade."
"I've heard that he's the most brilliant strategist among the Great Generals, but like you said most people have never seen him in person so it's hard to say what he's really like." Shion added.
As the three were discussing Great General Mutembo, General Shimizu approached them on horseback. General Shimizu was the commander of Tenjin's first division and his right hand man. Gaileo and his army were technically part of Shimizu's first division army but given his status as an imperial prince Tenjin gave Gaileo much more freedom than a typical deputy general would have.
"General Shimizu, we were just talking about Great General Mutembo. Do you know anything about him?" Gaileo asked as he gave him a salute.
"It's not exactly as if the Great Generals all get together and have tea parties. They're all stationed around the continent fighting their own battles. That being said, I have heard some rumors about him. Anyway if you have questions about him, you'll have an opportunity soon. His army should be joining our march shortly." Shimizu replied.
"Perhaps even a bit shorter than you expect." A booming voice shouted from behind them.
When they turned around they saw a massive man with dark skin wearing golden armor that was covered in jewels. He was so huge that he had to ride two horses at the same time. One leg in the stirrup on one horse and the other in the stirrup on the other horse.
"Great General Mutembo, I didn't expect you to arrive so early. My apologies for not greeting you properly." Shimizu replied.
"Oh, it's nothing. I did sneak up on you a bit after all." Great General Mutembo replied jovially. He wore a gentle simile that contrasted his intimidating appearance.
"This guy is Great General Mutembo? I thought Gaileo said that nothing about this guy stood out? Literally everything about this guy stands out!" Benji thought to himself.
"Great General Mutembo, if you're already here then I should go ahead and bring you to Great General Tenjin. He requests your presence in order to go over our strategy for this campaign." General Shimizu told him.
"Certainly I will, but if you don't mind I was hoping to have a moment to talk with young Gaileo here." Mutembo replied.
"Huh? Me?" Gaileo asked.
"Yes I showed up early ahead of my army just so I could spare some time to chat with him. I hope you don't mind Shimazu." Mutembo said cheerfully.
"As you wish general." Shimazu said with a salute.
The rest of the group rode ahead and Great General Mutembo rode up next to Gaileo.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" Gaileo asked, unsure of what he could possibly want to say.
"It's not much. I just wanted to say that I've been watching your career for some time now. I was especially impressed by your victory over the rebel Ma Chong. I hear that he was incredibly strong."
"Oh, thank you sir." Gaileo said with a salute. He was thrown off because in the 13 years he'd been in the Imperial Army no superior officer had ever complemented his efforts before.
"It may be uncouth for me to say this but, with all due respect, I think that Great General Tenjin is wasting your talents. I think you would be better utilized in my army."
"Oh, really?" Gaileo responded, trying to not to sound too flattered by the general's comments.
"If you were a part of my army I would promote you to General immediately. It's a promotion you've deserved for quite some time. Of course that would come with a complement of 50,000 troops. I think you deserve much more accolades and rewards than you've been given, and if you joined my army I would make sure that you received them."
"I don't know what to say." Gaileo said as he contemplated the offer.
"Please don't say anything yet. After all, we still have this campaign to fight. I would like for you to think my offer over and give me your answer after the battles are over." Great General Mutembo said as he rode ahead.
As the battle against the Galeans loomed ahead, Gaileo now had a lot to think about.