Final Fight=Far more badass than Ryu and co? Part 1: Cody

Note: The names/terms would be used in according to the Japanese context. b/c I really hate the way localization works in the worst case scenario.

Okay, this is NOT for trollage. Simply put, its all abt what I've discovered on all things Final Fight. First things first, trying to pinpoint Mike Haggar's capabilities is really tricky. Like yeah, he and Zangief are rivals, but that's all. Screw the ambiguity called Muscle Bomber. :S

Disclaimer! Anything called the canon sources isn't down to my efforts. Credit should go to Vasili and Tiamat who made the SF plot guide together with guys like Saiki as well.

Cody

Just a few statements of truth:

1. He's the one who knocked Belger out of the window in Final Fight 1. OP sequence of FF2 confirmed just as much.

2. Poison framing him for her crimes is speculative at best. Barring the inconceivable called Capcom stating Final Fight Revenge is canon, we can only know that Cody got thrown into jail due to picking up fights and owning wannabe-hobos by random.

3. It's triple confirmed. Donkey ages back as well. Cody CAN smash through a 50 cm thick concrete wall. This was the reason why he's able to jailbreak in his SSF4 intro.

4. Amazingly enough, Zero 3 was a case of dumb luck where Cody just slipped out due to a big-ass prison riot. Case in point: Wall got implicated. -.-'

5. If there's anything to go by from Juni's winning quote against him in Zero 3, he's pretty much of a... wild card I guess. Supposedly his fighting ability hinges greatly on his emotional state. The fact that he's always picking up fights for the thrill seems to reinforce this possibility. Of course given that he's living in Metro City ever since dunno-when, such a quality is a no-brainer in this type of criminal cesspit.

6. Its said that he CAN take hits ridiculously well.

7. He's the one who took down Abigail as well if there's anything to go from the Nintendo DS Final Fight One (Upon playing as Zero Cody. Which is outright absurd srsly since Zero 3 was like 1990 compared to Final Fight 1 taking place in 1987).

8. No talk on Final Fight Streetwise will be done here since we don't even know whether the storyline is legit or not. Yet another FFR clone so as to speak. -.-'

So now let's get onto that one thing: Metro City. How insane is this area? If there's anything to go by via Cody's winning quote against Fei Long, then quite obviously it's an outright hell.

Case in point: Cody only stated Fei Long will be eaten alive in Metro City; nothing was said on the power level.

Simply put, felony knows no honour. Of course he's not the only one messing around with Mad Gear. Guy and Haggar were present as well.

But still being able take down Abigail together with Belger soon afterwards=badass.

And apparently, cops don't like badass vigilantes b/c they can't arrest them bar dirty means. Case in point: Edi.E.

So now let's jump straight into SSF4 since this is the one that matters most. Simply put, out of all the characters' endings, Cody's was the only one that required a direct gimping of Seth (i.e. Guy has NO reason to bullshit anything and Cody affirmed it just as much). Interestingly enough, Blanka's ending required S.I.N to go bust as well. Yet, NO direct references were done in any way or form. Unless you all want to say the news media is reliable. Then I've got nothing to say. -.-'

Juri's ending only requires a beaten Seth while Vega's ending doesn't really make much of a sense since that will mean an outright retcon from his SF4 ending. Or MAYBE Juri's ending shouldn't be legit (Note: Juri was all alone with Seth in her ending while Vega wouldn't hesitate to kill her without a sweat in his ending. Again more canon bullshitting). Interestingly enough, given the timing of Rose's SF4 ending, it's impossible for Vega to incapacitate her first, then leaving off to deal with Seth (i.e. Guy would have bailed her out straightaway. Period). Simply put, nowhere in Vega's ending was Seth being shown getting owned whereas its vice-versa for Cody. Juri's ending required nobody else around while Guy's storyline was actually tied in together with that of Rose and Cody as well.

So how do I see things? Very simple: Cody's ending ---> Juri's ending ----> Blanka's ending (i.e. the aftermath which C.Viper might have a hand in the whole cover-up. Read: She's part of the CIA for crying out loud! Vega's part was just mere bullshitting.)

Potential shipping (bullshit)

Cody x Chunli:
Because SSF4 might have destroyed the hopes of every Ryu-Chun shipper.

Cody x Maki:
My ideal pairing due to the fact that I'm no sucker for sweet romance lol!

Cody x Cammy:
I do this 4 teh lolz...

Cody x Leona Heidern:
(The King of Fighters series)
Believe it or not, my first go at crossover fanfiction is due to release this until I gave up the ghost.

Cody x Lili Rochefort:
(Tekken)
Jailbird x Jailbait. Ok, that's a shitty pun.

Character Concept: Guy Cody

Part 2 of the cast concept outed now. So erm yeah, guess we should just skip the tea and scones. ;)

Inspiration: 

A foil to Aeranath. That's my original plan here and truth to be spoken, it hasn't change a dime. Or maybe I should say the idiocy ante got upped. We all know the standard shonen-manga hero. And yeah this is what you'll get here. Interestingly enough, while his qualities set him on good stead to play the main character, it actually turns out that the one most legit to be the Lancer has snagged the role. In a very twisted sense, I do enjoy doing this stereotypical jock/lad character. Simply put, Guy Cody is an idiot. And quite frankly, I truly doubt no one will be dumb enough to wager a bet on him snagging Alestrial. :D

Note: The original name was actually Wheater Downs. Due to unprecedented incidents pertaining to a certain ex-pro-player-turned-sucky-manager, a certain David Wheater left us for Bolton. Apparently, Mogga was right in saying that things will never go well by default for any of lower flight players destined to reach top flight football. Again, I blame it on this fella.

On the naming: Its just a case of me being a Final Fight fan. Yes I know... Guy is badass and so is Cody. Interestingly enough, we might not have even seen the tip of the iceberg. Whatever that means anyway. ;)


Appearance: An average looking lad standing tall with an athletic build, his sandy blonde hair were cropped and spiked upwards. His eyes were the deepest blue with an everlasting fire stowed within which somehow had an alluring effect on other girls. (Not that he realize it anyway)


Garb: A mundane commoner's garb when off-duty. Yet upon times of deployment, he would be decked in a suit of leather scales combined with garments of green.Such was the standard uniform of any given Support troops within the Red Lions' ranks.

Concepts

Cody

Abel (Not from SF)

Lancer

Gae Buidhe & Gae Dearg
Outright absurd?

Maybe not...

Houston, we might have a problem here... 

 Okay, guess it's double confirmed?

How ridiculous can you go?!! :S

This?

Seriously, I feel really bad...

Okay, I take back my words... all of it.

一身是胆

(No prizes for guessing right.)

Persona

Never to yield, yet not knowing the time of defeat

Reckless youth be the cause of death, mayhap smiled upon by Fate after all

A fool who can unite all under his banner upon merit unrivaled

Mocked as a toothless cub, yet a lion amongst men

A lion is a lion. Intrude upon it's territory and one will gaze at fury never seen

"People tend to feedback to me that they prefer this bloke to the other one" ~ Me

Quotes most quote-worthy

"Wait a sec... so you're saying that I end up bashing a hobo where in fact I got the wrong target?"

"But that doesn't seem right. I noticed a glint... crap! He scooted off! You laid on the wrong bet, So-dumb!"

"Erm, what do you mean by expendable energy? Surely that doesn't bode well for my future with Alestrial?"

"Yeah I know she's a Cinha. A False Noble upon the rights as an adopted. Plus I'm no righteous goody-two shoes as well because I'm gonna shaft my boot straight into your ass. Plurally speaking of course."

"So how long have our promise been made? Feels really weird  to imagine that the moment being neither far nor near. Bah! Who am I trying to kid? Erm Alestrial? Am I drunk by the way?"

"Dammit! You got scammed, Alestrial! Why? Why is it that you choose to believe in that murderer? You know its a mistake yet..."

"Oh no you don't! You're not gonna get away with this. Not if I can help it. Not by a long shot."

"Erm okay... so let me get this clear, Uncle Parky. That looney sod I've tripped down the ditch was really an escaped felon? Wow dumbass luck again..."

"Take a look at this bloke before you. For I'm nothing more than a lion seeking it's hunt..."

"What does the Church want with me? I don't remember any promise made to some wonky clergy..."

"Draft me under your wings? In exchange for? Wait a sec... you're saying you know the truth behind the years I never had? Stop talking in riddles damn you!"

"Don't give me that empty look. I've yet to settle my score with you. Until that day, you better keep yourself alive."

"A life you never had? Hah! Don't be a hidden moron! I'm not gonna buy that lie. Or am I right to say that dumb luck had saved me yet again?"

"One of theses days, I will return what is rightfully yours. Because I will never owe any favours to an asshole."

"Dammit! Fight it, Mayweather! You're a Pure Noble for crapsack's sake!"

"So here's my weapon... never considered myself as an accomplished fighter yet I end up being a Lancer? My life's a joke for good now..."

"Why is it that I feel at ease with a spear in hand? I used to ask myself this question whenever I fumbled with one and now I might not even need to know the answer."

Seriously we can't believe our ears...

"Erm Gaffer Sir?"

 "What, Southgate? I'm feeling damned stressed out now. Get to the point."

"The Second Support Command are at it again."

"Please don't tell me its a buff poker all over again..."

"And Guy Cody floored ninety percent of the Wearsider lads. In nothing bar a pair of boxers no less... permission to summon, Sir?"

"That's it! I'm gonna bray him twice the force now! Summon that cretin into my office. Immediately!"

)0(

"Let's make a promise by the park, shall we? You will marry me upon our eighteenth birthday, right?"

"You're far better off than me. Or just about anyone around me. Guess that's the reason why I forced both of us to make that childish promise when we're merely twelve..."

"Living as if tomorrow's the end. It takes a fool to carry through such a simple truth. Will I end up the same way as well, Guy?"

)0(

"Damn you! Crap wasn't supposed to turn out this way! If anything happens to that kid, I'll skin you bloody good, get me?"

"You suck, That's the cold hard truth. Unfortunately, it will take a subhuman far worse off than an idiot to stay stagnant or worse. Have a go at me again until you can't stand up anymore for the day."

"The spear of gold and crimson... guess we're in a for an interesting ride, huh? Maybe it wasn't down to dumb fate that you survived the roasting back then..."

)0(

We no speak Engrish...

Guy Cody's way of self addressing is pretty much interesting to say the least. Under normal circumstances, he will use "boku", yet under certain conditions, "ware"/"waga" will be used. "ore" is usually used when he's on a high or really pissed off. If he used "omae", it means you're just an average fella not in danger of setting him off. To those close to him, "anta" will be used. If you managed to piss him off, you'll end up hearing "temee" (i.e. a more hostile version of "temae" that is used by Aeranath) or if you think you're some big shot, "kisama". When addressing a junior/kid, "kika" is the way to go. Generally he will spam "yarou" at times. "baka" is used towards people whom he deem as stupid despite his brain not really that bright. (Those around him tend to call him "boke") Yet "sugoi" is a word used at premium due to personal reasons. To show his everyday excitement, he will express it in normal words.

Ideal Seiyuu

)0(

P.S: A sign of things to come?

The song I'll associate with him:

A Welcome Gift to Mr Granite Leadbiter...

Okay, I apologize if Grant Leadbitter (if he truly has the free time to go random Google ala 1 out of 10000 million chances) feels offended on me doing naming liberties, but...

Granite=Grant, you're a lad made of... well granite I guess. Got high hopes of you going gungho for us. You know you're in good hands. (read: Mogga) We all know you'll be Mr Bailey's 2nd in Command if you get what I mean. I'd like to say Stonewall Jackson, but the ppl across the Atlantic will crucify me on the spot. x.x

Leadbiter: Bite the bullet and soldier on. You know what North East football is all about. If Roy Keane can end up praising you, I think it truly says something. Esp if we're talking abt some random bloke who used to play for City and got twated for good as the result. Semi-literally if I wanna be kind. Truly doubt Keano will be that soft tho. -.-;

Moral of the story: If you can bite the bullet, you can shoot it as well. If you can prove yourself to be a granite, then we might end up having the great wall of North East. Positively speaking ofc. ;)

P.S: ppl will ask me what abt Bailey then? Well, interestingly enough, he can go offensive or defensive mid. Mogga, you one old pops of a gun. I know you'll have contingencies in force. DM: Bailey. Creative Mid: Zemmama. Martin: Impact shotgun. And now we've got Leadbiter as a potential wild card where I believe he could easily go DM or offensive mid. Finally Bailey can forget abt that post-crocked nightmare last season. With Rhys securing a new deal, will we end up seeing Mr Aussie back into the centerback? Better so. Bates is starting to have me worried for the crocked reason. Hines is starting to mature, but still... 

Final P.S: Now if only someone can do something abt Mike Ashley. Chris Hughton, my greatest regrets. You should deserve something better. Let's see how Pardew will turn out next season. I know what I'm talking abt here. Better than Souness, but still will have that funny post-first season stigma. Plus potential vultures above. Cabaye, mind that bird pls. Thank you.

Just figured I should do something abt cyber-knavery

Knave: An unprincipled, untrustworthy or dishonest person.

~Dictionary.com

Simply put, what has transpired in the latest trollololol in our very own island culture has hit the skies. Nope, not that Xiaxue's backlash debacle, but rather the more recent one. -.- To all the cyber-knaves, you all ought to be ashamed of yourselves. You know who you are, I'm not gonna hunt you all down. (Although its more on me not having the kind of resources to do the tracking. I would be the Chief Of Anonymous if I can play the shaming game.) But still, to know a knave is to know what is truly badass.

 

Phase GAR: Finale

“杀千刀的。。。贼国蜀汉本应可取之。。。” ~曹真。子丹

"Curse them all... We should have taken down the lands of Shu Han..." ~Cao Zhen. Zidan

Note: Text formatting has hit a major glitch. So if the fonts look funny, you all know why. T_T

五年，随诸葛亮驻汉中。明年，亮出军，扬声由斜谷道，曹真遣大众当之。亮令云与邓芝往拒，而身攻祁山。云、芝兵弱敌强，失利于箕谷，然敛众固守，不至大败。

《赵云本传》

Fifth year (of Jianxing). Yun followed Zhuge Liang unto Hanzhong. The following year, Liand raised his army and declared an invasion via Xie Valley. Cao Zhen sent his men in response, Liang attacked via Mount Qi  with Yun and Deng Zhi under the orders to repel the enemies. Alas Yun and Zhi's soldiers are weak compared to the enemy troops, hence losing the fight at the Ji Valley. However via regrouping and mounting a stubborn defence, a catastrophe was avoided.

(Orignal Account of Zhao Yun)

Analysis: Remember what I've said in the previous part? That only Chencang and Xie Valley are the key routes to Hanzhong? Somehow or another, things went wrong here. So now comes the big question: How did everything get salvaged in the end?

至有街亭违命之阙，箕谷不戒之失。。。臣明不知人。。。[大军在祁山、箕谷，皆多于贼，而不能破贼为贼所破者，则此病不在兵少也，在一人耳。]

《诸葛亮传引[汉晋春秋]》

前赵子龙退军，烧坏赤崖以北，阁道缘谷一百余里。。。时赵子龙与邓伯苗，一戍赤崖屯田，一戍赤崖口，但得绿崖与伯苗相闻而已。

《与兄瑾书》

Hence causing disobedience of orders at Jieting and the defeat at Ji Valley due to lack of caution... Indeed I have a poor eye for the appropriate people... [The forces at Mount Qi and Ji Valley far outweighed the enemy. To be defeated and not defeat, its not down to a lack of numbers but rather that one person.]

(Account of Zhuge Liang with annotations from the [Annals of Han and Jin])

Back then, when Zhao Zilong had retreated, he destroyed the bridge north of Chiya as the fires raged across a li of hundred plus... At that time Zhao Zilong and Deng Bomiao (Zhi) were stationed at the fields (for military agriculture) and the entrance respectively, yet Yun was far from Bomiao.

(Letters to beloved Brother Jin)

Analysis: Part 1 was actually Zhuge Liang's account to Liu Shan in terms of the debacle at Jieting. As it turns out, Zhao Yun's forces were meant as decoys. But a lot of trolls failed to mention (or even remember) that the decoy soldiers suck. Plainly. So now comes the biggest question of them all. Who should be blamed? In the accounts, Zhuge Liang stated that the fault lies in one man, but its not Zhao Yun. Or even Deng Zhi for that manner. The main forces were at the enemy territory of Longxi. （陇西） Which was pretty far flung to the west from Hanzhong to be honest. The key area has always been Jieting. Simply put, Ma Su lost the plot. (马谡失街亭) 

Part 2 is all about what went wrong at Zhao Yun's end. Simply put, if the first part indicated the process of retreat, then the latter part is all about Deng Zhi and his commander in chief outdistanced from each other. Simply put, Zhao Yun was in charge of overseeing the military agriculture while the other was stationed at the entrance. To effectively deploy the dummy troops, its strategically logical to say that Ji Valley was extremely near to the Hanzhong borders. In fact Chiya was indeed situated within that area. (Note: Exact location of Ji Valley has yet to be known. I'm speaking this via military commonsense.) So its a deployment problem coming from Kongming. i.e. he's the one in charge of task delegation for crying out loud! Now remember what I've said on Xie Valley and Chencang being the key routes in the previous post? Yet its still possible for Cao Zhen to launch a sneak attack via other routes that will otherwise be impossible to move an army. (Read: A small number of elite troops will do the trick while organizing the main troops can be intended as diversionary.) [凡战者，以正合，以奇胜。。。奇正之变，不可胜穷也。《孙子兵法：兵势第五》]

Romance of the Three Kingdoms = Truth or Lies

 

曹真字子丹，太祖族子也。。。常猎，为虎所逐，顾射虎，应声而倒。太祖壮其鸷勇，使将虎豹骑。

以偏将军将兵击刘备别将于下辩，破之，拜中坚将军。从至长安，领中领军。是时，夏侯渊没于阳平，太祖忧之。以真为征蜀护军，督徐晃等破刘备别将高详于阳平。

明帝即位。。。迁大将军。

安定民杨条等略吏民保月支城，真进军围之。条谓其众曰：“大将军自来，吾原早降耳。”遂自缚出。

真以亮惩于祁山，后出必从陈仓，乃使将军郝昭、王生守陈仓，治其城。明年春，亮果围陈仓，已有备而不能克。

《曹真传》

Cao Zhen, styled Zidan, part of Taizu's clan... Often hunting, he was pursued by a tiger. Upon a single shot, the beast was felled. Seeing the bravery in him, Taizu made him a leader within the Panthera Cavalry,

Leading his forces as a Brigadier General, he defeated Liu Bei's general upon Xiabian. Upon routing the enemy, he was made General of the Middle Fort. Unto Chang An, he was made Commander of the Central Army. At first when Xiahou Yuan was killed at Yangping, Taizu was worried. As the Army Protector who Conquered Shu, he supervised Xu Huang and the rest in defeating Liu Bei's general Gao Xiang at Yangping.

Upon Ming Emperor's ascension... was promoted to the Grand General.

As citizens of Anding led by Yang Tiao held fort in the city of Yuezhi, Zhen deployed his army to surround them. Tiao told all before him, "I have intended to surrender ever since news of the Grand General's arrival." Hence binding himself in front of the gates.

Zhen assumed Liang to attack via Chencang upon his earlier defeat at Mout Qi. Hence he deployed Hao Zhao, Wang Sheng to defend Chencang and maintain order from within. Upon the following Spring, Liang indeed laid siege on Chencang yet foiled due to preparations beforehand.

(Account of Cao Zhen)

Analysis Part 1: Headshot the tiger=Badass. Being drafted to the highest elite forces as a leader=3x badass.

Part 2: Liu Bei got owned twice in a row+Commanding your central military operations+Bossing the likes of Xu Huang=Profound Badness.

Part 3: Highest ranked in the Cao Wei military hierarchy=Baddest proof of a S.O.B.

Part 4: Post-Jieting=Its good to be bad.

Part 5: Zhuge Liang got owned. The novels are lying after all! O_O

Extreme situation calls for extreme measures...

Have to take a break from my intended monster of 三国志. Just had a blast playing the politically incorrect bastard. Weirdly enough, I dunno why I'm doing this post barring the latest trollololol in my dear little tropical country of island culture. -.-'

You've been warned

Phase GAR: 3

”孤纵横兵场无数，竟不及儒将一人邪？“ ~曹操。孟德 

Nishiyama Yuriko=Artist/author of the manga Harlem Beat. No j/k.

“I have been through countless battles, yet to think that I'm no match for a Confucian general..."

~Cao Cao. Mengde

[夏侯渊败，曹公争汉中地，运米北山下， 数千万囊。黄忠以为可取，云兵随忠取米。忠过期不还，云将数十骑轻行出围，迎视忠等。值曹公扬兵大出，云为公前锋所击，方战，其大众至，势逼，遂前突其陈，且斗且却。公军散，已复合，云陷敌，还趣围。将张著被创，云复驰马还营迎著。公军追至围，此时沔阳长张翼在云围内，翼欲闭门拒守，而云入营，更大开门，偃旗息鼓。公军疑云有伏兵，引去。云雷鼓震天，惟以戎弩于后射公军，公军惊骇，自相蹂践，堕汉水中死者甚多。先主明旦自来至云营围视昨战处，曰：“子 龙一身都是胆也。”作乐饮宴至暝，军中号云为虎威将军。]

《云别传》

[Upon Xiahou Yuan's demise, Duke Cao entered the fray to fight for Hanzhong. Upon reaching Mount North, a massive amount of rations were gathered under the mountain's foot. Huang Zhong deemed it possible to take the supplies as Yun's soldiers accompanied him for the mission. As Zhong had yet to return after the appointed time, Yun led mere scores of light cavalry out of the encampment in order to look out for Zhong. 

Beset by the forces led by Duke Cao, Yun chose to do battle. Yet no sooner had he engaged the vanguard, the rest swiftly closed in. Pinned against the ropes, Yun disrupted the formation lines continuously as he retreated along the way. Cao's army had recovered by that time, yet Yun managed to break their ranks as he raced back to the camp. The general Zhang Zhu was left injured, yet Yun returned with urgency to escort him back. 

As the Duke's army continued their pursuit, the Chief of Mianyang Zhang Yi attempted to defend the camp by closing the gates. However when Yun entered the fort, the gates were left open with flags lowered and drums silenced. Upon suspecting an ambush, the enemy retreated. Suddenly the drums thundered as Yun merely gave orders to snipe the forces from behind. The Duke's soldiers panicked and trampled against each other as countless were left dead in the Han River. Upon supervising the battleground come the next morn, Liu Bei said: "Zilong is indeed full of valour!" As they wined and made merry unto sunfall, the army lauded Yun as General of the Tiger's Might.]

(Tales of Zhao Yun)

Point 1:

山林、险阻、沮泽，凡难行之道者，为泛地。。。

《孙子兵法：九地第十一》

Mountains and forests, hard ground, impassable marshes... all terrain hard to cross are deemed as treacherous... 

(Sun Zi's Art of War: Chapter 11, The Nine Grounds)

Analysis: The former statement refers to Hanzhong as a terrain. Simply put, only a moron will try to force a cavalry battle where the conditions WON'T allow you to do so. In fact due to Xiahou Yuan's expertise in cavalry tactics, he would have sent Liu Bei packing home if he's able to. But unfortunately, he lost and died for a very good reason. Bar faulting Fa Zheng aside of course.

Point 2:

。。。疾战则存，不疾战则亡者，为死地。

《孙子兵法：九地第十一》 

...the ground where swift battle ensures survival while inability to do so will spell death is deemed as critical.

(Sun Zi's Art of War: Chapter 11, The Nine Grounds)

Analysis: This statement refers to the given combat situation where Zhao Yun must engage the enemy or die. Now given what has been implied above, there's a need to create a limited space between the main forces and the vanguard for Cao Cao's case since joining forces together would always be key in any given battle, let alone this one. In fact, Zhao Yun could have bailed out to defend, but would it be a viable option? His guys has scooted off with Grandpa Huang on his very own Mission Possible. Simply put, there's not much of a big ass number left holding fort. Simply put, fleeing was NOT an option in this case. 

Point 3:

斗众如斗寡，形名是也。。。 故善动敌者，形之，敌必从之。。。

《孙子兵法： 兵势第五》

Combating many akin to fighting little in numbers, such is shaping the battle... hence those adept in disrupting the enemy will be able to control the war by such means.

(Sun Zi's Art of War: Chapter 5, Momentum)

Analysis: Now given what's been said on Hanzhong, its only natural for any big ass army to hit snail mode upon crossing the ground. And excruciating as well if you're the commander in charge. At least you won't die from a laggy PC barring that self-inflicting torture called WoW. For Zhao Yun's case, its not an issue. Those having a layman's knowledge in terrain warfare can tell you that guerrilla warfare is legit for a very good reason. With smaller numbers per unit, the mobility will increase accordingly. And in any form of terrain combat, disruption is the key and no prizes for guessing the crux. Alpha strike, anyone?

Point 4:

能使敌人自至者，利之也。。。

《孙子兵法：虚实第六》

故知胜有五：知可以战与不可以战者胜。识众寡之用者胜。上下同欲者胜。以虞待不虞者胜。将能而君不御者胜。此五者，知胜之道也。

《孙子兵法：谋攻第三》

To lead the enemy unwittingly is an advantage gained...

(Sun Zi's Art of War: Chapter 6, Manipulation)

Know there are five keys to winning: Understanding when to fight a battle, knowledge of utilizing all at your disposal, unified under a common cause, deceiving the unsuspecting and having capability interfered by none. Hence the five being the knowledge to victory.

(Sun Zi's Art of War: Chapter 3, Strategy)

Analysis: The Hanshui screwjob - Mental emasculation since AD 219. The greatest evidence ever?

[三月，王自长安出斜谷，军遮要以临汉中，遂至阳平。备因险拒守。九州春秋曰：时王欲还，出令曰“鸡肋”，官属不知所谓。主簿杨脩便自严装，人惊问脩：“何以知之？”脩曰：“夫鸡肋，弃之如可惜，食之无所得，以比汉中，知王欲还也。”夏五月，引军还长安。 ]

《武帝纪》

[曹公自长安举众南征。先主遥策之曰：“曹公虽来，无能为也，我必有汉川矣。”及曹公至，先主敛众拒险，终不交锋，积月不拔，亡者日多。]

《先主传》

[Come March, The Lord set off from the Xie Valley via Chang An unto Yangping of Hanzhong. Hence Liu Bei ordered an all out defence. The Spring and Autumn of Nine Lands: Back then, Cao Cao contemplated on retreating with the words "chicken ribs" mumbled. His subordinates knew not what he meant while the Chief Scribe Yang Xiu began to pack up his own belongings. Upon being question, Xiu stated: "A chicken rib will seem a pity to throw aside, yet there is no meat on it. By comparing it with Hanzhong, Our lord's intention is clear." In the summer of fifth year, Cao Cao ordered a retreat back to Chang An.]

(Records of the Wu Emperor) aka Cao Cao's biography.

[The Duke Cao came south from Chang An, yet the First Lord stated: "Even with his might, Duke Cao won't be able to do anything. Hanchuan (i.e. the entire Hanzhong territory) will be mine for sure. Indeed the First Lord ordered an all out defence in response to Cao Cao's arrival. With little engagement in combat, the dead accumulated within months.]

(Account of the First Lord)

Additional info: There are only two main routes to Hanzhong: the Xie Valley and via Chencang itself. （陈仓道） Cao Cao's route was the former due to the very fact that Chencang was way too far flung towards the west from Chang An itself. In fact the former route would be the most direct way down south with Yangping as the focal junction between two.

Moral of the Story: