#🌙 ᴄɪᴠɪʟɪᴢᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍɪɴᴅ ʙᴜᴛ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ sᴀᴠᴀɢᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴅʏ║ 𝐌υ𝗌𝗂𐓣𝗀𝗌

[crescent-blades]

Michikatsu Tsugikuni in a Sengoku Era Battlefield

Warnings⌇ Violence, mentions of beheading

𖤐ˎˊ˗ Masterlist || Full ver. on AO3 || Previously

▪︎In the battleground, Michikatsu would be positioned on horseback, flanked by about two foot soldiers [in accordance to my previous theory posts]. It is also worth mentioning that warfare during the Sengoku period did not involve immediate charges; rather, it initially commenced at a gradual pace.

▪︎The two rival armies would steadily move towards each other, accompanied by the rhythm of war drums echoing throughout. As the adversaries neared, it fell to Michikatsu to uphold discipline within his troops, skillfully guiding them and directing their movements.

▪︎Michikatsu would ensure that none of his more tender-hearted or inexperienced soldiers succumbed to fear; he would bolster their resolve. With a firm and authoritative voice, he would motivate them, ensuring that none would flee before the battle even commenced.

▪︎As the adversaries closed in, the front line of ashigaru would engage in combat with precision and coordination, while the yari samurai provided support to the yari ashigaru. Should the Ashigaru succeed in holding their position, the samurai would then advance from both flanks to strike at the enemy.  

It is alo important to note that during these wars, capturing the heads of high-ranking individuals was rewarded. This became a common practice among the samurai during that era.

▪︎Michikatsu would be present, equipped, and ready to assist his troops if necessary. Should he decide to engage, he would move forward to confront the enemy in close combat. At this point, the drums would resonate with full intensity, mirroring the tense atmosphere of the battle. 

▪︎Michikatsu would then be locked in with another high ranking samurai; their weapons would clash and clash to get a strike, soon ditching their weapons and wrestling each other to the mud where Michikatsu dominates him; discarding his sword to draw out a dagger instead to ensure the grim task at hand-- ▪︎Pinning him down with his full body weight, ensuring the warrior beneath was completing caged under his imposing form--yanking of the man's head guard as he'd wrap his hand in his hair, pulling at it as he would start working on his neck using his dagger

▪︎As Michikatsu conducted his affairs, his men would stand guard around him, ready to tackle and kill off any intruders who dared to come near. 

▪︎Once an enemy head would be taken, Michikatsu would promptly remount on his horse, with his infantry shielding his retreat. This pattern would continue; with Michikatsu chosing to engage any high-ranking or formidable adversary he believed his soldiers could not manage, taking control of the situation himself.

▪︎Ultimately, the opposing army would face a humiliating defeat, leaving them with no other option but to retreat.

▪︎The surviving warriors would gather to present the heads, or at the very least, the upper lips or noses of their befallen foes, as they assembled along with Michikatsu before the taisho [commander], who awaited their arrival in full armor for inspection.

▪︎With a deep bow, Michikatsu would declare his achievements, offering the head of a high-ranking samurai to the lord, and possibly presenting a prestigious sword he might have picked up as part of his tribute. 

▪︎ With all the formalities set aside, the night would then ensue in celebrations, and lots and lots of drinking—Michikatsu and his fellow comrades getting drunk before gathering for a big meal