“ Did you realize that what happening is a strategy of Sultan Pajang to make you angry.   Did you see that this strategy is also a part of war between Pajang against Jipang.   And then if you had gotten angry then you wouldn't had been able to differentiate between bad way and good way to fight Sultan Pajang.” Said Patih Matahun.

Adipati Aryo Penangsang being silent for a moment; he thought what Patih Matahun saying was right,  “ yes that is true, he is right, this is a part of war”

“ Do you want to hear my advice, Nik Mas Adipati?” asked Patih Matuhun.

“ What do you think?” asked Adipati Aryo Penangsang.

“ I think Sultan Pajang and his soldiers had been prepared to receive your coming in the border,” said Patih Matahun.   “ And I want to say that this problem is not a simple thing, that I suggest you to pay a visit to Sunan Kudus,for asking his advice.”

“ You are right Matahun, but I warn you don’t say him a King, just say Karebet since he is not a King, but I am the right King of Demak.” Said Aryo Penangsang.

“ Yes Nik Mas Adipati, I know you will be a King soon; I support you, but this job is not easy, so I suggest you meet Sunan Kudus once more to ask his support and also his guideline.  I believe he would support us,” said Matahun.

After a while Aryo Penangsang became calm again, seemed he realize that Patih Matahun had a good opinion to solve the problem;   “ You are my best staff Matahun; right then we will go to Kudus again,” said Aryo Penangsang.

“ Yes Nik Mas Adipati, we will go to Kudus with all of our soldiers, Hulubalang, Tamtama and also full of our logistics,” said Patih Matuhun.

“ Why?”

“ If Sunan Kudus had given us his support then we could had been able to declare war against Pajang, so we would had gone direct to Pajang to fight Karebet and his friends,” said Patih Matahun.

“ You are smart and also brave soldier Matahun; I agree, so let us prepare our army; the day after tomorrow we will go to Kudus,” said Aryo Penangsang.

Adipati Aryo Penangsang rode a horse in front of his soldiers; He led the large army behind him to Kudus.

When they reached closer the institution of Kasunanan, they made an army's camp for a rest.     Sunan Kudus surprised what Penangsang did.

“ Hi Penangsang, what would you do to us with all of your large army? said Sunan.

“ I am not suppose to do bad things to your institution teacher,” said Aryo Penangsang.

“ But you make frighten all of my pupils, what your aim really?” said Sunan Kudus.

Aryo Penangsang told the entire story that he had tried to kill Karebet but failed.          "Adimas Karebet knew that I have sent killers to kill him, so soon or latter the war between Jipang and Pajang could not be avoided,” said Aryo Penangsang.

“ Before Pajang had initiated to attacked, we would had attacked first,” he added.

“ So you will attacked Pajang, no I disagree with you,” said Sunan Kudus.

“ Why my grandpa Sunan?  I know that Karebet’s army is good, but I am not afraid since our soldiers have an ability to be the winner, I believe that,” said Aryo Penangsang.

“ The problem is not afraid or unafraid, winner or loser, but your opinion is narrow-minded,” said Sunan Kudus.

“ Why grandpa, loser or winner is the out-come of a war, we can look soon.” Said Aryo Penangsang.

“ Right, for instance you come as a winner of this war, but your army is no more intact since you lose thousands of soldier, hundreds of Hulubalang and also few of your best Tamtama.    So even though you come as a winner you will have a weak army.     Then did you think the allied of Pajang as Jepara, Kalinyamat, Kediri, Cirebon, Banten and much the other country will keep silent upon your action?    I think they also will declare war against you; Could you be able to hold out of their attacked?” said Sunan Kudus.     He added, “ If you come as a loser, no more question, that is meant finish,”

“ But grandpa, Jipang also has his allied,” said Penangsang.

“ Yes my grandson, in the big war as you preparing will involve thousands of soldier. Divine power or bravery of the commander only has a little role in the war.   But the strategy of a commander cause to win the war is needed.   That is why we need a brilliance brain of the commander,” said Sunan Kudus.

“ Well grandpa Sunan, so what I must do?” said Penangsang.

“ Penangsang, I am teacher of Sultan Pajang.   Karebet also has others teacher as Ki Ageng Sela, Ki Ageng Banyu Biru, Ki Butuh, Ki Ngenis and also Sunan Kali Jaga.    I know how strong Karebet is but you are as strong as Karebet.   So I don’t know who will be the winner if both of you fighting.      I will invite Hadiwioyo in a couple of days then I will confront him with you.   It is up to you how to solve this problem,” said Sunan.

Sunan Kudus went away follow by two of his staff.  After Sunan Kudus adviced his grandson,    he made a letter to Sultan Pajang to invite him to Kudus but Sunan didn’t mention what purpose; then his messenger rode a horse to Pajang with his letter.

Aryo Penangsang thought, “ Sunan let me solve this problem by my way.  And so  If I had killed Karebet, I would had been King of Demak, no more obstacle,”

Mean while Sultan Hadiwijoyo had been meeting with the entire of his staff when the messenger from Kudus came.

Among presenter of the meeting was Patih of Pajang, Tumenggung Amancanegara, Ki Pamananhan, Ki Panjawi, Juru Martani, Bupati Wilamarta and Ki Wuragil and also Prince Banawa and Danang Sutawijaya.

“ My teacher Sunan Kudus invite me to Kudus; I don’t know what purpose, so I ask you to give your opinion,” said Sultan Hadiwijoyo.

Mancanegara said, “ I want to report that according to our guards at the border, a large army of Jipang moved to Kudus.   Has the invitation interconnected with the present of this army?  That must be discuses so far.”

“ Yes I agree with you, I certainly believe that the two things has been related and also has been interconnected with the assassinate trial of me before.   But I can’t refuse this invitation.” Said Sunan Kudus.

“ You may go Master, but you must being accompany since the attitude of Adipati Jipang is really be enemies.    Who knows Arya Adipati Jipang has a trick to make a harm to you Master.” Said Mancanegara.

“ Benawa, Sutawijaya give an instruction to all of Panglima to prepare all of their soldiers.  We will go the day after tomorrow to Kudus,” said Sultan Hadiwijoyo.

“ Sendika Gusti Rama, yes father,” said Prince Banawa.

The large army of Pajang went to Kudus led by Sultan himself along with Prince Benawa, Sutawijaya, Patih Mancanegara, and the others.    Because of Sultan will face the critical situation in Kudus, so he brought two daggers Keris, named Kiai Cerubuk and Kiai Metir that it has supernatural power.   

They reached the bank of a river name Sore River and made an army camping.  Accidently Aryo Penangsang also made a camping on the east bank of this river, while the Pajang army on the west bank of the river.   When dusk came, Sultan went to Kasunanan along his follower to face Sunan Kudus.   They didn’t found Sunan Kudus but Aryo Penangsang along with tens of his follower.   

Sultan Hadiwijoyo stepped close to Aryo penangsang until three meter in front of Aryo Penagsang then stopped.  They looked staring at each other with sharpen expression; look like two tigers will fight.   The room of Pendopo quiet since no body spoke or whispered.    But at last Aryo Penangsang spoke to make cool the critical situation.  

“ Welcome to Kudus Dimas Sultan, Grandpa Sunan kudus still in his class but he will come soon to meet us.”

“ Thank you Kakang Adipati.” Said Sultan.

They sat on his chair each and the situation seemed relaxed.

“ It is a long time that we never meet, so forgive me that I couldn’t come to your inauguration as a King at Pajang.” Said Aryo Penangsang.

“ Never mind Adipati, I know how busy are you recently.” Said Sultan.

“ What your purpose to come to Kudus any way? “ said Aryo Penangsang.

“ Just fulfill the invitation from Sunan, and you?” said Sultan.

“ Same as you to fulfill the invitation of Sunan,’ said Aryo Penangsang.   “ Any way, I had news that you had a supernatural dagger power of Keris, will you show me that thing?”

“ The People just talked, it is hoax; it can’t be compared with yours, Kiai Setan Kober,” said Sultan. 

“Don’t lower yourself Dimas Sultan, can I see your keris?” said Aryo Penangsang.

Mancanegara whispered to Sultan, “ Don’t do it Sultan, be careful this must be a trick”.

“ Don’t worry, I understand,” whisper Sultan to Mancanegara.

“ This is my keris, but don’t laugh at, since his appearance is not as beautiful as Kiai Setan Kober,” said Sultan, gave his keris to Aryo Penangsang.   But Sultan prepared his other keris on his back, if Penangsang had moved to stab him, he would had stabbed again with his other keris.

Aryo Penangsang terdiam sejenak, dia berpikir, " memang benar apa yang dikatakan oleh Patih Matahun, ini adalah bagian dari perang,"

" Apakah engkau mau mendengarkan nasihat saya, Nik Mas Adipati?, tanya Patih Matahun.

" Apa menurut pendapatmu?, tanya Penangsang.

" Saya kira, Sultan Pajang sedang atau sudah menyiapkan semua laskarnya diperbatasan untuk menyambut kamu.  Dan ini buklan soal kecil, jadi sebaiknya kita berkunjung ke Sunan Kudus dan meminta nasihatnya," kata Patih Matahun.

" Kamu benar Matahun, tapi saya peringatkan kamu, jangan kamu menyebut dia Raja,sebut saja dia Karebet, karena saya Raja Demak sebenarnya, bukan dia." kata Penangsang.

" Ya Nik Mas Adipati, kamu akan menjadi Raja segera, tetapi pekerjaan ini tidaklah mudah.  Saya sarankan agar Nik Mas menghadap sekali lagi Sunan Kudus untuk mendapatkan dukungannya dan juga petunjuknya, saya yakin beliau akan mendukung kita," kata Patih Matahun.

Setelah beberapa saat Aryo Penangsang menjadi tenang lagi, pendapat Patih Matahun memang benar adanya " Kamu adalah satu stafku yang terbaik, baik kita pergi ke Kudus lagi," kata Aryp Penangsang.

" Ya Nik Mas Adipati, kita akan pergi ke Kudus dengan semua perajurit, Tamtama, Hulubalang dan juga dengan logistik yang penuh," kata Patih Matuhun.

" Mengapa?," tanya Penangsang.

" Jika Sunan Kudus mendukung kita, kita akan langsung pergi Ke Pajang untuk melawan Karebet dan kawan-kawannya."

Adipaty Aryo Penangsang memimpin laskarnya dengan naik kuda dimuka barisan, menuju Kudus.

Pada waktu mereka sampai dipinggir Kasunanan, kampus Sunan, mereka membuat tenda-tenda untuk tentara.  Sunan Kudus terkejut meliha tindakan Penangsang.

" Hai Penangsang akan dapakan kami dengan tentara kamu sebanyak ini?, tanya Sunan Kudus.

" Eyang Guru, kami tidak bermaksud jelek terhadap institusi Guru," kata Penangsang.

" Tetapi kamu telah membuat takut semua murid muridku; Sebetulnya kamu bermaksud apa?, " Tanya Sunan Kudus.

Aryo Penangsang menceritakan apa adanya bahwa dia telah mengirim pembunuh untuk melenyapkan Karebet, tetapi gagal.  "Adi Mas Karebet tahu bahwa saya mengirim pembunuh untuknya, jadi peperangan antara Jipang dan Pajang sudah tidak bisa dihindari lagi" kata Aryo Penangsang.

" Sebelum dia menyerang, saya akan menyerang lebih dulu," katanya

" Jadi kamu mau menyerang Pajang?, tidak Penangsang, saya tidak setuju itu," kata Sunan Kudus.

" Mengapa Kakek Sunan?, saya tahu bahwa tentara si Karebet terlatih baik, tetapi saya tidak takut karena tentara saya mempunyai kemampuan untuk tampil sebagai pemenang, saya percaya itu, " kata Aryo Penangsang.

" Masalahnya bukanlah takut atau tidak takut, menang atau tidak menang, tetapi engkau mempunyai pikiran yang sempit," kata Sunan Kudus.

" Mengapa kakek?, menang atau kalah adalah hasil akhir dari suaru pertempuran, kita akan lihat nanti," kata Penangsang.

"Baik, dimisalkan engkau sebagai pemenang, apakah engkau kira engkau masih mempunyai tentara yang utuh?, Engkau akan kehilangan ribuan perajurit, ratusan hulu balang dan puluhan Tantama.  Dan apakah kamu kira sekutu Pajang akan diam saja? seprti Jepara, Kalinyamat, Cirebon, Banten dan masih banyak lagi negeri yang lain; Sanggupkah engkau menghadapi mereka?  Sementara itu jika engkau kalah, itu berarti tidak ada cerita lagi, selesai.

" Tapi Kakek, Jipang juga mempunyai sekutu," kata Penangsang.

" Anakku, didalam peperangan yang engkau siapkan menyangkut ribuan tentara seperti ini, keberanian dan kesaktian komander hanyalah memainkan peran yang kecil, tetapi strategi komander untuk memenangkan pertempuran adalah sangat diperlukan; Oleh sebab itulah kami memerlukan komander yang briliant pandai," kata Sunan Kudus.

" Jadi apa yang harus saya lakukan Kakek?

" Penangsang, saya adalah gurunya si Karebet.  Karebet juga mempunyai guru-guru yang lain, diantaranya Ki Ageng Sela, Ki Ageng Banyu Biru, Ki Ngenis, Ki Butuh dan Sunan Kali Jaga.   Betapa kuatnya si Karebet itu, tetapi engkau juga sama kuatnya dengan dia, saya tidak tahu siapa yang akan keluar sebagai pemenang andai kata engkau diadu berkelahi melawan si Karebet.  Jadi saya akan mengundang Sultan Pajang datang kesini dan saya akan konfrontasikan kepadamu, kemudian terserah sama kamu mau guna memecahkan masalah ini," Kata Sunan.

Sunan Kudus pergi diiringi oleh dua orang stafnya, kemudian dia membuat surat undangan kepada Sultan Pajang, meminta dia datang tetapi tidak disebutkan untuk apa.  Utusan segera pergi ke Pajang memakai kuda mengantar surat tersebut.

Aryo Penangsang berpikir, " Sunan mengatakan saya harus menyelesaikan masalah ini dengan cara saya, jadi kalau saya bunuh si Karebet, saya akan segera menjadi Raja.

Sementara itu Sultan Hadiwijoyo sedang mengadakan rapat dengan seluruh staf sewaktu utusan dari Sunan Kudus datang.

Diantara yang hadir didalam rapat itu adalah, Tumenggung Ki Macanegara, Ki Pemanahan, Bupati Ki Wilamarta, Bupati Ki Wuragil, Pangeran Benawa, Ki Panjawi, Pangeran Danang Sutawijaya.

" Guruku Sunan Kudus mengundangku ke Kasuhunan, saya tidak tahu dengan maksud apa, dapatkah saudara-saudara memberikan pendapat?" kata Sultan.

Mancanegara berkata, " Saya mendapat laporan bahwa terlihat pergerakan pasukan Jipang ke arah Kudus dalam jumlah yang besar; apakah ada hubungannya dengan undangan Sunan Kudus kepada Sultan dengan peristiwa ini, kita perlu mengkajinya,"

" Ya saya setuju dengan pendapat anda bahwa kedua peristiwa itu ada hubungannya dan terkait juga dengan percobaan pembunuhan kepada saya baru-baru ini; Tetapi saya tidak dapat menolak undangan ini," kata Sultan.

" Baginda dapat pergi, tetapi harus ditemani disebabkan tingkah Adipati Jipang sudah menunjukan sikap bermusuhan, siapa tahu dia membuat trik trik yang membahayakan baginda," kata Mancanegara.

" Benawa dan Sutawijaya, perintahkan kepada semua perajurit-perajurit kita untuk bersiap-siap, kita akan berangkat ke Kudus dua hari kemudian," perintah Sultan.

" Sandika Gusti Rama," kata Pangeran Benawa.

Pasukan Pajang dalam jumlah besar berangkat keKudus dipimpin langsung oleh Sultan Hadiwijoyo sendiri diiringi oleh Pangeran Benawa, Sutawijaya, Patih Mancanegara dan lainnya.  Karena Sultan akan menghadapi saat saat yang genting di Kasunanan Kudus maka dia membawa keris yang bernama Kiai Cerubuk dan Kiai Metir yang mempunyai daya kesaktian. Meraka sampai di tepi sungai yang dinamai sungai Sore dan mendirikan kemah-kemah.  Sewaktu senja menjelang, Sultan datang ke Kasunanan beserta rombongan guna menghadap Sunan Kudus. Sultan tidak menemukan Sunan Kudus tetapi didapati Aryo Penangsang beserta sepuluh orang pengawalnya.  Sultan Hadiwijoyo melangkah menuju Aryo Penangsang hingga berjarak tiga meter dimuka dia, kemudian berhenti.  Mereka saling pandang menatap dengan pandangan tajam; seperti dua harimau yang akan berkelahi.   Ruangan pendopo menjadi sunyi disebabkan tidak ada orang yang bercakap atau berbisik.  Tetapi pada akhirnya Aryo Penangsang berbicara guna mendinginkan suasana yang tegang itu.

" Selamat datang di Kudus Dimas Sultan, Kakek Sunan Kudus masih ada dikelasnya tetapi dia akan datang segera menemui kita," kata Aryo Penagsang.

" Terimakasih kakang Adipati," kata Sultan.

Mereka duduk dikursi masing-masing dan situasinya lebih tenang.

" Sudah lama kita tidak pernah bertemu, jadi maafkan saya yang mana saya tidak dapat datang pada saat pelantikan anda sebagai Raja di Pajang," kata Aryo Penangsang.

" Tidak mengapa Adipati, saya tau betapa sibuknya anda belakangan ini," kata Sultan.

" Apa maksud kedatangan anda kesini?" tanya Aryo Penangsang.

" Hanya memenuhi undangan Sunan, dan kamu?," kata Sultan.

" Sama seperti kamu, memenuhi undangan Sunan; jika tidak salah anda mempunyai keris yang bagus sekali, bolehkah saya melihat keris itu? pinta Aryo Penangsang.

" Orang-orang hanya omong saja, itu bohong semua, tidak bisa dibandingkan dengan keris kamu, kiai Setan Kober," kata Sultan.

" Jangan merendahkan diri Dimas, bolehkah saya melihatnya?, pinta Aryo Penangsang.

Mancanegara berbisik," jangan lakukan itu Sultan, ini adalah trik,"

" Jangan takut, saya mengerti," jawab Sultan.

" Inilah kerisku tetapi rupanya tidak lah sama dengan kerismu, si Kiai Setan Kober", kata Sultan sambil memberikan kerisnya.  Sementara itu Sultan juga bersiap-siap dengan kerisnya yang lain di punggungnya; Jika dia menusuk dengan kerisnya, dia akan membalas menusuk dengan kerisnya yang lain.