Tsushima Conquest (Part 2)
The rugged outline of Tsushima emerged over the horizon around the time the sun passed its zenith. The island's landscape, blending sheer cliffs and dense forests, was breathtakingly beautiful—yet a palpable murderous aura lurked beneath the surface.
Yi Si-woo leaned against the railing of the panokseon, pressing a telescope to his eye and slowly scanning the coastline. Through the lens, Sasuna Harbor had already transformed into a massive fortress.
"The flags are thick," Si-woo murmured softly.
The crest of the So clan, lords of the island, mingled with the crossed emblems of the Shimazu forces that had fled across the sea. They fluttered wildly in the sea breeze, emitting a frenzied howl. The terror relayed by the four escaped flagships seemed to have driven the enemy into a venomous defensive posture.
Hasty wooden barricades lined the shoreline, and matchlock troops had already taken positions atop the cliffs' strategic points, glaring down at the Joseon fleet. At the harbor entrance, small Japanese ships were chained together, forming a wall across the sea.
Yu Jeon-gan approached Si-woo, his face grim as he surveyed the enemy lines.
"They've prepared faster than expected. They know their necks are on the chopping block."
"The moment their flagships arrived, it must've lit a fire under their feet. Those barricades haven't been up for more than three or four hours. It's a rushed defensive line."
Si-woo lowered the telescope and added, "But charging straight in now would rack up heavy losses for the panokseons. As we pass under the cliffs within matchlock range, our navy would be sitting ducks."
"So, what's your plan? Shall we overwhelm them with the firepower you've crafted and turn the harbor to ash?"
"No. We wait for nightfall."
Yu Jeon-gan crossed his arms, eyeing Si-woo with puzzlement.
"Night landing... The only safe spot for the fleet is the eastern harbor. Breaking through those chains and barricades in the dark would be a gamble."
"The east is where they've poured the most effort into defenses. But if we swing west, there's a stretch of coast they believe is utterly impossible to land on."
Si-woo unrolled a map on the deck and jabbed a rough finger at one spot.
"Here. It's narrow, riddled with reefs—big ships can't even approach. They won't spare it a thought."
Yu Jeon-gan's eyes narrowed.
"I'll lead Baek Dong-su and a hundred Jangyongyeong troops in a few small boats to punch through the western coast first. Once we collapse their rear defenses and send up the signal, swing the fleet east and hit them head-on. The moment they turn to look back, Your Excellency can cut off their windpipe."
Yu Jeon-gan stared piercingly at Si-woo for a moment. Even on the rocking ship, Si-woo's gaze held steady without a flicker.
"Small boats through the western reefs... at night, with barely any moonlight? Do you have multiple lives to spare?"
"I've only got one life, so I don't make losing calculations."
"...And you're going personally, of course."
Yu Jeon-gan let out a hollow chuckle and adjusted his helmet.
"Fine. I'll trust your reckless math. But if no signal comes in two hours, I'll bulldoze the east my way. If you want your corpse recovered, don't be late."
Si-woo smiled faintly in response.
"That won't happen. Two hours from now, when a red flare lights the eastern sky, that's your move."
The sun had set, and even the moon hid behind clouds in the pitch-black night. Si-woo divided a hundred Jangyongyeong troops across five small boats.
Baek Dong-su sat at the prow, quietly eyeing the oarsmen.
"These small boats rock hard. If you're prone to seasickness, speak up now. Vomiting mid-battle would be a problem."
A low chuckle rippled through the men before fading quickly.
Si-woo stared ahead and said, "Muffle the oar strokes. Minimize water splashes too."
The small boats glided silently into the darkness. The western coast was every bit as treacherous as rumored. Hidden reefs lurked just below the surface everywhere, and waves crashing against rocks sprayed white foam with each break.
Standing at the prow, Si-woo read the subtle shifts in the water's sheen, gesturing directions with his hands. Chil-bok whispered from behind him, holding his breath.
"Your Excellency, something ahead."
Two bonfires blazed atop the coastal cliffs. Japanese sentries—two, maybe three at most.
Baek Dong-su sidled up to Si-woo.
"I'll handle it."
Si-woo nodded. As the boat reached the rock shadows, Baek Dong-su slipped soundlessly into the water. He scaled the cliff, blending with the wave crashes. Two Jangyongyeong followed.
Then it happened. One sentry atop the cliff suddenly turned. His gaze, sweeping the darkness, locked onto the rocks below.
"...What the—"
The Japanese soldier leaned out, mouth opening.
"—Enemy—"
Before the word finished, Baek Dong-su's hand shot from the shadows, clamping over his mouth. Thud—a short, dull sound, and the sentry crumpled limply. At the same instant, the other two throats were slit almost simultaneously. Slash—the scent of blood dispersed on the sea wind.
Moments later, the bonfires winked out. Baek Dong-su signaled as he descended.
Seeing it, Si-woo ordered, "All Jangyongyeong, disembark."
Climbing up, Si-woo found the three sentries sprawled silently. Rummaging the outpost nearby, Baek Dong-su asked, "Looking for something?"
"Sailing charts. Guards like these would've mapped the reefs."
Chil-bok pulled a scroll from a wooden crate inside the outpost.
"This?"
Si-woo unrolled it. A detailed map of the western coast's reefs and safe passages.
"Got it."
Si-woo beckoned one Jangyongyeong.
"Take the fastest small boat to the fleet. Tell Commander Yu Jeon-gan to come west."
"Yes, sir!"
One boat slipped away into the dark. Si-woo turned to Baek Dong-su.
"Now, east."
Baek Dong-su narrowed his eyes.
"East? That's where the Tsushima main force is."
"Exactly why we're going. We need to pin their attention while the fleet slips in from the west."
Baek Dong-su eyed Si-woo a moment, then smirked.
"Luring the main force with a hundred men?"
"Precisely."
The hundred Jangyongyeong pushed east along dark mountain paths. Reaching a ridgeline overlooking the eastern coast, Si-woo lit a fire arrow.
Whoosh!—A red signal flare sliced the night sky.
At the same time, Si-woo shouted, "Fire!"
Boom-boom-boom!—The Jangyongyeong's volley tore through the darkness. The Japanese guarding the eastern harbor panicked at the gunfire from the ridge.
"Joseon troops—! Eastern ridge—!"
The enemy surged toward the shots. Si-woo gazed down impassively.
"Now hit and run from the mountains to keep them tied up. The west should be wide open by now."
Baek Dong-su glanced at the gathering foes below.
"Tch... I wanna dive in right now."
"Hold for one more hour. Once the main force arrives, you can fight to your heart's content."
"One hour it is."
Si-woo led Baek Dong-su and the hundred Jangyongyeong deeper into the mountains, harrying the enemy with hit-and-run tactics to keep them pinned.
When utter blackness swallowed Tsushima whole, a thunderous cheer shattered the silence from the western coast.
"Western landing complete—! All forces, advance on the eastern harbor—!"
Yu Jeon-gan's thousands of main naval troops, having pierced the reefs and landed successfully, were surging forward. From the ridge, Baek Dong-su's eyes gleamed.
"They're here. Gigi-cheong Chief, time to move?"
Si-woo lowered his telescope and nodded.
"Right on schedule. Fight away. Chil-bok, full charge!"
"Yes, sir! Jangyongyeong, descend! Let none escape!"
No sooner had the order fallen than the hundred ambushed on the ridge roared downhill. Baek Dong-su led the vanguard.
He slid down the slope like lightning, plunging straight into the dense enemy ranks without hesitation. The first pirate's blade aimed for his shoulder, but Baek Dong-su twisted aside by a paper's width, deflecting the momentum. His reflexive counter-slash carved open the foe's chest.
A second thrust a spear, but Baek Dong-su stepped back, seized the shaft, and hurled it spear and all into a third enemy.
"Hahaha! Now this is a real fight!"
Baek Dong-su's booming laugh echoed across the field. Jangyongyeong gunfire rained from above, while Yu Jeon-gan's navy pressed with spears from below—the enemy formation crumbled in moments. Fleeing foes met Jangyongyeong muzzles; those who stood were felled by Baek Dong-su's blade.
Si-woo surveyed the field, advancing slowly. Trapped Japanese began tossing down weapons and kneeling one by one.
Chil-bok ran up, panting heavily.
"Your Excellency! Surrendering enemies everywhere. What now?"
"Bind them and corral in one spot. No killing."
"Yes, sir!"
Baek Dong-su parried the last resisting pirate's sword in one stroke and sheathed his blade. His sleeve was speckled with enemy blood, but his steps were light.
"Refreshing. You alright?"
"Yes, unharmed."
Baek Dong-su bellowed a laugh. Si-woo scanned the surroundings. Joseon flags were advancing to the harbor. But his eyes remained sharp.
Raising the telescope again, he focused on the eastern fortress. Too quick a collapse. Shimazu elites wouldn't break this easily.
Through the lens, the Tsushima lord's main force wasn't joining the harbor defense—they were retreating swiftly into the fortress. Shimazu-crest troops blocked the retreat path, holding the line desperately.
Si-woo lowered the telescope.
"We enter before the gates close."
Baek Dong-su narrowed his eyes.
"Those Shimazu bastards?"
"We bypass. The navy main force will handle them."
Chil-bok interjected, flustered.
"B-bypass? Leaving our flank exposed?"
"Once the gates fully shut, it's a siege. Move now!"
Si-woo turned to Yu Jeon-gan.
"Commander, take the Shimazu remnants. I'll lead the Jangyongyeong and Baek Dong-su straight to the gates."
Yu Jeon-gan eyed the gates. Still open as troops funneled in, but they'd slam shut once empty. Less than an hour left.
"...Got it. We'll hold the main force. Hurry."
Si-woo wheeled around.
"All Jangyongyeong, follow me. Fast march to the gates."
"Yes, sir!"
Si-woo broke into a run; Baek Dong-su matched pace, fifty Jangyongyeong behind. A few Shimazu stragglers tried blocking, but Jangyongyeong guns spoke first.
Boom!—The obstructors fell, clearing the path.
"Sixty paces ahead!"
Distance to gates: down to twenty paces. Half-open still, but soldiers inside pushed to close them.
Baek Dong-su accelerated, shouting, "I'll take point!"
Spears jabbed from the gate crack, but he twisted, yanked one free, then shoulder-slammed the gate.
Bang!—It crashed against the inner wall, flinging wide. The Japanese shoving it tumbled back.
Si-woo yelled, "Jangyongyeong, clear the way!"
With Baek Dong-su leading, the hundred stormed through. Guns blazed, shoving back resistors. Si-woo followed, stepping into the fortress.