Ryuga: Ok, so that's how it is huh. That old man, did he setup this scheme knowing he was dying? But then, Hayami won't be able to rule this territory if all of these shinobis came to attack her. So Why? Did he had a plan to send Hayami away before the attack happens? May be he died before he could send her away.
Ryuga right now has taken out 8 more shinobis and one right now was in a Genjutsu and restraint by a snake coming out of his sleeve. Ryuga was gathering information by him.
Ryuga: Ok, you are not needed anymore.
CRACK
Ryuga's snake wrapped around the shinobis neck and dislocated it, killing him.
[Ryuga inner thought: I have to go back and tell Hikari. Also, with this many shinobis attacking, even I can't guarantee her safety. I need to get her out of here.]
The sun was setting as Ryuga got close to the castle stealthily so that the shinobis around won't notice. He found a direction in which only 4 enemy shinobis were keeping watch, he took them out and from there he was able to enter the castle.
...
Ryuga: This is how it is Hikari. You need to leave right now. I believe those shinobis outside will attack tonight.
Hikari was shocked when she was told about her grand father's scheme. She never thought that her grand father would be so decisive and would put such a scheme in place. If she didn't have Ryuga then her chances of survival would have been zero.
Hikari: THAT OLD BASTARD!
she punched the table in front of her.
Hikari: I never thought that bastard would try to kill me this way. If I want to survive then I have to sacrifice all the shinobis that came along with me. It is a big hit to my forces even if I survive. I thought he was still my grand father but he was only thinking about Hayami. Bring Hayami here.
...
Hikari: This is the scheme our grand father cooked up. He wanted to let you run away and have me face my death against such a high number of shinobis. I am sure he had a good plan to send you away, unfortunately, he died before he could.
Hayami was standing in the room and Hikari was telling her everything. Hayami had a angry look on her face.
Hayami: This wouldn't have happened if you weren't so power hungry. Our grand father knew your true nature. Well, I hope you die a gruesome death. Dying by his scheme means you died by grand father's hands.
Hikari: HAHAHAHA, cute. I never knew you can become so angry.
Hayami: I never knew as well. Unfortunately, both of us have changed.
Hikari: Why do you think I am so calm even though this castle is surrounded? It is because...
Hikari got up from her seat and approached Hayami. She put her finger on Hayami's chin and have her looked in her eyes.
Hikari: I am leaving before the attack starts. Unfortunately for you, you won't be. That old man wanted me dead and you to survive, I will mock him by surviving and having you stay here to die. I am sure he would be weeping in the afterlife.
Hayami became more angry hearing this.
Hayami: YOU BITCH! YOU MONSTER! I HOPE YOU FOLLOW ME SOON IN DEATH IF THIS IS HOW I AM DYING. I HOPE YOUR DEATH IS MORE GRUESOME THAN MINE.
As Hayami was screaming, she was dragged away by two shinobis.
Hikari: It is a big hit for my forces but unfortunately, I have to survive and leave the shinobi and samurai I brought to their fate. Ryuga how would you allow me to escape?
Ryuga: I have already sent a mud clone away from this place while I was coming back. He should be getting a good distance away from here. I will summon a big snake and unfortunately, you have to get inside its mouth. I will then un-summon it. My clone has a snake that will inform him that you are inside a snake's mouth. He will then summon that snake and you will be far away from this place.
Hikari: What about you?
Ryuga: I have a plan. I will wait here and see it through.
Hikari: Isn't that dangerous?
Ryuga: You know me. Don't worry. I have this strange feeling that I will see something today that is important for our future.
Hikari: Do you want me and Akira to leave right now.
Ryuga: Yes, but bring 3-6 shinobis or samurais with you. Those you can trust. In the unlikely scenario that my clone is killed by someone, you need to have some protection.
Hearing this Hikari started thinking.
Hikari: At this stage, I don't trust anyone aside from you or Akira.
Ryuga: What about that heir from the Hatake clan? I can vouch for him. I don't think he is an enemy. His clan needs a strong diamyo.
Hikari: Would he be able to protect me if I am in danger?
Ryuga: He is stronger than your average shinobi that much I can guarantee, but whether he can protect you or not, that depends on how many are attacking you and what strategy they are using.
Hikari: What are the chances of me getting ambushed when I am summoned far from here.
Ryuga: My clone will do its best but after you get summoned you will probably have to move. I don't know during that whether you might get attacked or not. So chances are close to zero but definitely not zero.
Hikari: Hmm...Fine. I and Akira will change into civilian clothing. That Hatake heir will change into civilian clothing as well. We will move as civilians. That should decrease our chances of getting recognised by any enemy shinobi even if we were to encounter a group through pure coincidence.
Ryuga: Beautiful civilian girls are captured and unspeakable happen to them, both of you would have to smear dirt and hide your beauty to convince the passerby.
Hikari: Ara, are you flirting with me? even in these circumstances?
Ryuga: I have earned the right, No? I believe I have proven my love to you already at this point.
Hikari got close to Ryuga and put her hands around his neck.
Hikari: So tell me, what do you desire for all the danger you took and are taking now?
Ryuga looked into her eyes lovingly.
Ryuga: I wish your hand in marriage. I believe I have done enough for that.
Hikari smiles seductively.
Hikari: Hmm...Not enough for marriage but you have definitely done enough for an engagement.
Ryuga: Would that allow me access to your bed and chambers?
Hikari: No, but, It would allow you to go on more dates with me without asking them for as a reward. Is that enough?
Ryuga: Fine. For now, it is enough.
Hikari gave him a peck on his cheeks and separated from him.
Hikari: Now then negotiations are done. Shall we move?
...
Between the most outer wall and the castle, there are 2 more walls. One has to go through 3 walls to reach the castle itself. In the courtyard, between the castle and the most inner wall, Hikari, Akira and Mugito Hatake were standing. They are in civilian clothing and the girls have smeared dirt to hide their beauty. They have took some supplies and money.
Ryuga: Mugito, protect her in my place.
Mugito: I will.
Hikari: Mugito, If you succeed in escorting me and Akira to my domain, I will start the negotiations with your clan head for your services.
Mugito: I promise you Hikari-sama, I will safely escort both you and your maid.
Hikari: While in disguise, drop the "-sama".
Mugito: Hah.
Ryuga: Are you all ready?
Hikari: Wait.
Hikari stopped Ryuga and got close to him. Then she gave him a kiss on his lips.
Hikari: I forgot to mention, once our engagement happens, you are allowed to hold my hand and kiss me. Of course, in a limited capacity.
Ryuga was shocked and standing there like a stone. Even he did not expect a kiss. He has been with her for several years but he expected 1-2 more years before he thought Hikari would allow him to kiss her. So, having this happen so suddenly shook him.
Hikari: Haha, I never thought I would see you like this. Looks like even you never expected that I will kiss you.
Ryuga: Truthfully, I did not expected this to happen for at least a year more.
Hikari: Then when you come back, you have more things to look forward to. Okay, now I am done.
Hikari got back to her previous position.
Ryuga: You should go and start preparing for our engagement. Now...
[Summoning Jutsu]
Poof
A big snake appeared and it opened its mouth.
Hikari: I will start preparing then.
Hikari, Akira and Mugito got inside the snake mouth and the snake closed it.
Poof
The snake disappeared in smoke. The shinobis outside did not see it happen because the snake was close to the ground the whole time and its head did not elongated to the height over walls, so nobody from outside could see it, also this wasn't a full sized giant snake that Orochimaru could summon to even destroy a castle. It was just big enough that humans could enter its mouth while crouching.
Ryuga: Now then, let's see what is this feeling that I am having for a few days that something really important will happen tonight.
...
As soon as sun was set completely, all the shinobis and samurai in the castle were put on high security. Only the leaders were told of a potential attack, the word potential was used because Ryuga didn't want to tell them the whole truth. He knew that many shinobis would either leave or choose to betray if they knew just how many of enemy shinobis might attack today. Samurai are more honourable but that doesn't mean they are not affected by fear and death. Some samurai might also run away if they knew the truth.
Meanwhile, the real Sasuke was sleeping like a baby in his jail cell. While his clone was busy implementing his plans, when he saw the serious faces of the shinobi and samurais, it knew something is wrong. Unfortunately, he can't start sensing, that would burn his sealing tag, although he has more sealing tags, but there is a chance someone might sense his chakra. So he was in the dark as well about what is about to go down.
...
At close to 2 am, explosions and sound of weapon clashing resonated from outside the castle walls. The shinobis started attacking and as this is a team battle royale, if a shinobi team found another from a different diamyo, then battle took place between them.
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM
That does not mean no shinobis were able to reach the castle, no, some did reach the outer castle walls from multiple directions and conquering the castle, finding the old diamyo, interrogating him for the locations of the mines, finding and killing Hikari were their main objectives.
===
Author's Comments:
If you like the story then give me power stones. It helps in motivating me. Also, write a good review and give a good rating as well. I see that many are reading and commenting on the chapters that they like the story but haven't left a good review on the novel itself or a good rating.