Back at Raigad, two names waited for him.
Not nobles.
Not courtiers.
Warriors.
The first stepped forward.
Eyes sharp.
Posture carved from discipline.
Hambirrao Mohite
The second stood slightly behind.
Younger.
Quieter.
But the System trembled faintly around him.
Santaji Ghorpade
Sambhaji did not greet them as subjects.
He spoke as a commander.
"I do not want large armies marching loudly into Mughal traps."
"I want shadows that move faster than rumours."
The System projected a silent map in his vision.
Supply arteries.
Fort junctions.
Horse relay points.
Weak communication seams.
🗡️ Strategic Module – Shadow Warfare
Unlocked.
Santaji looked at the marked lines.
And smiled faintly.
Not with excitement.
With understanding.
"Give me permission," Santaji said quietly.
"Not orders."
Sambhaji nodded.
"You will not answer to the court."
"You will answer only to Swarajya."
🔔 Hidden Force Created
Unit Codename: Vanrakshak Network
Leader Node: Santaji
Operational Control: Sambhaji
That night, three Mughal intelligence carriers vanished.
No bodies.
No panic.
Only silence.
The war had entered its invisible phase.