After several large battles, the side with the three tribes that included the Green Claws emerged victorious, leaving the defeated two tribes so destitute they became unable to sustain themselves and were forced to scatter. These remnants were then absorbed by the Dragon Tusk tribe who didn't participate in the war.
Ironically, since the number of lizardmen had been greatly reduced, the food shortage which had originally sparked the conflict had been solved as well. The staple diet of fish could now be distributed to everybody.
“What of it?”
“Think about the words which that person left behind. He said that this village was the second, which also means that he has left a similar message at the other villages.”
“Ah.”
Numerous voices that agreed with Zaryusu’s words arose.
“It means we need to form another alliance!”
“Could it be that…”
“Yes, we should form an alliance.”
“Just like in the previous war.”
“In that case, perhaps we may yet win?”
The small mutterings between the Lizardmen soon evolved into a big commotion. The entire hut was discussing Zaryusu’s opinion, yet Clan Head Shasuryu maintained his silence. The chief’s eyes looked as if he was gazing into the depths of his heart, rendering Zaryusu unable to turn his face to him.
After allowing ample time for discussion, Zaryusu spoke again.
“Don’t be mistaken. The alliance I spoke of includes all of the tribes.”
“What?”
At that suggestion, the second person to understand its meaning was the Head Hunter, who let out an astounded sound. Zaryusu’s eyes locked onto Shasuryu and Lizardmen in his line of sight subconsciously parted to either side.
“Clan Head, I also suggest forming an alliance with Dragon Tusk and Red Eye.”
The surrounding erupted in an enormous commotion, as if a grenade went off in the room. They had no communications with Dragon Tooth and Red Eye who did not take part in the war. Furthermore, Dragon Tooth took in the remnants of Yellow Speckle and Sharp Edge, the refugees of their enemy tribes.
To form an alliance with those two tribes, forming a five tribe alliance.
If that were possible then it might be possible to win. As everyone held this faint hope, Shasuryu suddenly spoke out:
“Who shall be the representative?”
“I will go.”
Shasuryu was not surprised by Zaryusu’s immediate answer. The surrounding lizardmen reckoned that it was because he understood his younger brother’s character and had anticipated this response. Letting out sounds of empathy, they also thought that there was no candidate more suitable to be selected. However there was one who was of an opposing opinion.
“— Sending a traveler?”
It was Shasuryu. His ice-like gaze pierced directly through Zaryusu.
“That is true, Clan Head. However we are at trying times. If the other side is unwilling to listen to my words merely because I am a traveler, then they have no worth as an ally.”
Zaryusu easily repelled the cold stare. After the two glared at one another for a brief moment, Shasuryu let out a lonely smile. It was either because he gave up, or because of his helplessness in stopping his brother, or perhaps internally ridiculing himself for agreeing. It was a smile without gloom.
“Bring along the seal of the Clan Head.”
That had the meaning of being the Clan Head’s representative. Several elders which wished to express the view that ‘this is not something a traveler should possess’ were silenced under Shasuryu’s powerful glare.
“My extreme gratitude.”
Zaryusu bowed. Accepting his gratitude, Shasuryu continued speaking:
“...I shall select the representatives who will head to the other tribes. First is…”
Cold wind blew at night. Because it was the wetlands, high humidity and the summery heat combined together to give people excruciating pain, however at night this heat mellowed and the gusts of wind would even be considered freezing. Of course for the lizardmen with sturdy skin, this hardly registered as a significant change.
Zaryusu stamped along the wetlands, his target being his pet Rororo’s hut.
Although there was still some time, it could not be said for certain that nothing unexpected would suddenly happen, and more so it was not known if the enemy would abide by their declared schedule, or perhaps hinder Zaryusu’s movements. With all these considerations, riding through the wetlands on Rororo was still the most appropriate.
The stamping footsteps slowed down and stopped. The bag on his back which was filled with various items also shook. The reason for stopping was because the moonlight illuminated the sight of a familiar lizardman leaving Rororo’s hut.
Both individuals staggered at the sight of each other, and the confused Zaryusu crooked his neck in a bow. The black scaled lizardman drew himself closer and closed the distance.
“... I reckon that you are the one more suitable to take the mantle of Clan Head.”
Those were the only words of Shasuryu who had approached to within two meters.
“...What are you saying older brother.”
“Still remember the previous large war?”
“Of course.”
Since Zaryusu had raised this question during the meeting, there was no way he would not remember. Of course this was not the main point of Shasuryu’s question.
“...After the war you became a traveler. At that time when you had the insignia burned upon your chest, you have no idea how much I regretted it. Even if I had to use my fists, I should have stopped you.”
Zaryusu fiercely shook his head. His brother’s expression at that time still remained a thorn in his heart.
“...It is all thanks to older brother’s permission that I was able to learn the ability to raise fish.”
“If it were you, even if you remained in the village you would be able to come up with that method. Such an intelligent man as you should be able to be the supporting pillar of this village.”
“Older brother.”
The past was the past, therefore any hypothetical discussions starting with ‘what if...’ were pointless. The past was already set in stone, but to ponder over such events were these two men’s weakness.