Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 13 - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - The Country of Sagara Yoshiharu 

“Land! I see land! I’m saved!” 

How many days has it been since I drifted on the sea? 

Sagara Yoshiharu fell into the sea after having been attacked by Chosokabe Motochika and being separated from Kanbei Kuroda and the rest while surviving vigorously by fishing fishes and collecting raindrops for drinking. 

It was all thanks to the training as a pirate under the Murakami Navy. Yet to handle the incident with the experience of a pirate, Niwa Nagahide scored it 50 points. 

‘It’s weird that the ship didn’t change its course even after I rowed it for many times, but I have finally arrived on a land. But where is this place?”  

The boat that Sagara Yoshiharu used slipped between larger Japanese-styled ships and docked in the harbor. 

“How strange it is that the spear stuck on the deck…if I pulled it, the seawater would have leaked in; but it’s too rusty to be used as a weapon, yet…” 

If he pulled out the spear, an inscription written on its tip stating, “_____ which this boat will drift to,” would have been visible. But Yoshiharu didn’t know that. 

Sagara Yoshiharu disembarked the ship and then was suddenly surrounded by fishermen and merchants. 

“Are you a Namban missionary?” 

“No, he is not a missionary! He looks like a monkey! He must be an intruder from the country of monkeys!” 

“He’s a spy from another country! Seize him!” 

“No! Wait, please, I may look like one but I am actually-” 

“What did you say? If there is an unexpected outsider who came to this place then it’d be natural to capture them!” 

“That’s quite a sturdy body, suitable enough to pass as a fisherman.” 

“Wait, I’m not a spy. I have a proof to vindicate it!”

“Take him to the market; they sell a collar for monkeys.” 

Sagara Yoshiharu tried to take the letter of negotiation from Nobuna for Otomo Sorin from his bosom. But I just have noticed it! I don’t have the letter with me! It was on Kanbei. 

“How suspicious. But I think I have seen this man before.” 

“His skin is tanned just like a pirate. Did you come to this harbor for scouting? You are going to be a slave then.” 

“I’m not a pirate; I’m a messenger from the Oda Clan. Because I got drifted on the sea, my skin is tanned. Please bring me to your lord.” 

Yoshiharu desperately pleaded to them. Fishermen were hostile against foreigners, but that was only because there was a war erupting here and there. In fact, they were actually a good-natured people. They were willing to talk with good faith. 

“You want to see the princess? What do you want to do?” 

“If you are a messenger from the Oda Clan then tell us your name!” It seems my plea has worked. Yoshiharu breathed a sigh of relieve. 

“Hehehe. Don’t get surprise. My name is Sagara Yoshiharu. I have the honorary title “Chikuzen no Kami.” I am a general of the Oda Clan.” 

“Yoshiharu…?” 

“Yes, I am Sagara Yoshiharu! I’m not a monkey.” 

“GO TO HELL, YOU FAKE!” 

The angry fishermen simultaneously attacked Yoshiharu from all sides. 

“Ouch, ouch! Hey, I’m not a fake! I am the real Sagara Yoshiharu!” 

“STILL DARE BEING SO STUBBORN?!” 

“HOW COULD A BANDIT ASSUME THE NAME OF OUR HIME-SAMA!” 

“HIME-SAMA WHOM WE LOOK UP TO DOES NOT HAVE A MONKEY FACE LIKE YOU!” 

“Wait? Hime-sama? Who?” 

“It’s our Hime-sama, a beautiful person who is both noble and more beautiful than anyone else.” 

“Why say beautiful twice?” 

“Because it is important, we said it twice!” 

“Everyone respects our Hime-sama, Sagara Yoshiharu.” 

“Eh, wait a second. Sagara… Yoshiharu? She has the same name as mine?! Does that mean that, because of the time slip, I was born as a girl? Me?” 

[Mario-san: Saru’s Yoshiharu = ????, which can also be read as Yoshihi or Yoshiaki, but with different kanji spelling] 

“Nonsense again?” 

If you try to imitate Hime-sama then at least wear a female clothing! You made a mess to our Hime-sama’s image! But when the fisherman cried and was about to throw Yoshiharu to the sea, 

“Oh-oh oh-oh oh!” 

“Wait! Everyone, please wait. That man is not my sister’s imposter; he is a general of the Oda Clan. When Imano-Iwato opened, I saw his face.” 

A girl with a bamboo spear in one hand while riding a small black Asian bear protected him. 

She looked about the same age as Yoshiharu. Because she was a princess general, her hair was cut short about the same length as Yoshiharu’s. She dressed up with clothes  

appropriate to be worn by a wild child just like Inuchiyo, only with bear skin instead.  

She was an attractive girl who had a light brown hair with bright eyes and wore a cheerful smile like a sunflower. 

“Muu! A mountain bear has come out with a mountain monkey!” 

“It’s the person who secluded herself in the mountain to practice with a bear!” 

“Shoo, shoo! We will give you fish so please don’t make a ruckus in the harbor.” 

“Not anymore. Please don’t mistake me as a bear. I don’t attack violently unless there is an enemy or when I’m starved to death.” 

“The fact is, to constantly act violently when starving…”  

“How should we put it, the fact that you are riding a bear is…”   

 “I’m not a mountain monkey. Ah my name is Tokuchiyo.” In front of the fishermen, she made a cheerful laugh. 

“Everyone, listen up. A traveler shouldn’t be captured and tortured in my sister’s country; it would tarnish my sister reputation. That’s why I shall bring him to my sister.”    

Oh! The mountain monkey intruded into another person’s problem and sent him to talk with Hime-sama… The trembling fishermen left Yoshiharu behind and returned to fishing. 

Yoshiharu was saved at last by the wild girl. 

“Well, that was a dangerous one. They are actually good people. But the recent war has made them grow angry. Please forgive them.” 

“No, thank you instead. So your name is Tokuchiyo-chan, is it?” 

“Yes. And this one over here is Inuwarashi. I became his friend when he was still a baby bear back then in the mountain. I was starving and was forced to fight with other bears. I’m sorry that I could only cry when eating the bear’s meat. But this child came from a different bear. So I took him as my family.” [the translator took his liberty on altering the sentence to the general public’s understanding]  

“Ah!” 

It seemed to have taken a liking to humans so Inuwarashi just wanted to pat Yoshiharu for once. Even though it was just a light tap, Yoshiharu’s shoulder seemed to have been dislocated as the result. 

“You gave him a dog’s name even though it’s a bear? Nevertheless, to fight other powerful competitors just to survive; is the law of the wild this harsh?” 

“Even though I secluded myself in order to train at the Yatsuhiro Mountain, I’m actually the younger sister of the princess who rules this country. Sagara Yoshiharu-san, welcome to Sagara Yoshiharu’s country!!” [check the previous note about their orthographic difference] 

“Sagara Yoshiharu’s country?”  

“Yes. And this place is located in Southern Higo. My elder sister rules from the Hitoyoshi Castle in the Kuma District. She is the eighteenth head of the Sagara Clan, Sagara Yoshihi. 

She is both a beautiful and noble princess who is adored as a bright sun in the Higo and Kuma Regions. It is also a coincidence that I was born in the same day as her.” 

“So you both are twins?” 

“Wrong! She is the previous lord’s legitimate daughter. I was an illegitimate child born from the lord’s concubine. But I was born in the same day as her. This must be fate!” 

“Oh, I see. She is another “Sagara Yoshiharu” then. Her name Yoshi is written as “Sense of Honor” from “Righteousness” and Haru as “Solar” from “Sun;” together they form Sagara Yoshiharu. Sagara YO.SHI.HA.RU. then!” 

“It can also be read as Yoshihi but the people here call her Yoshiharu. So then, are you a messenger to Otomo Sorin?”  

“Yes, although I met an accident and got drifted to West Kyushu.” 

“Good. My sister is allied with Otomo Sorin. If you ask her, you might meet Otomo Sorin safely. So now. I will take you to Hitoyoshi Castle. By escorting you, I can meet my sister now.” 

“Meet?”  

“I am forbidden from seeing my sister. Although I am a monk, sister was angry that I took training in using a spear and selfishly left to seclude myself from others. But if I bring you with me, she would be happy.” 

Because there was a legitimate elder sister born to succeed the family heritage, the illegitimate younger sister was not needed and thus was sent to the mountain. But she was a cheerful child; Yoshiharu could feel his heart get healed just by seeing her smile. 

(I wonder if Inuchiyo is healthy. Back then she got starved after being exiled from the Oda Clan and wandered around the mountain. And then she just came back while wearing tiger clothing.) 

Although it is our first meeting, does she know who I was after watching Amano-Iwato? 

Tokuchiyo laughed on top of her bear along the Kuma River. Yoshiharu tilted his head, “Even though it is my first time meeting her, I feel like I have known her for a long time. But where have I meet her before?”  

Back then in the harbor when Yoshiharu saw Tokuchiyo’s “monkey smile,” he felt some familiarity from that smile and thus felt so confused right now. [note it for the possibility of being a foreshadowing to a revelation in the future] 

Hitoyoshi Castle is the residence of the Sagara Clan and is located on the upper stream of Kuma River. 

After walking from Yatsuhiro Port and advancing through the banks of Kuma Mountain’s river, the Hitoyoshi Castle finally came into view. 

“Oh, there is a monkey riding on top of a bear……geeeh, it’s Tokuchiyo?!” 

“Hime-sama is in a bad mood now but you still look energetic!” 

“…So did you get into a trouble after picking up a traveler again?” 

“Even though I am a child of the Sagara Clan, I am still just an illegitimate child. Even so, I still adore my sister. Aah, my sister is so amazing!” 

“I feel relieved just by seeing this smile which is like a sunflower.” 

Even though Tokuchiyo seemed to be neglected by her elder sister, she did not seem to mind much about it. All of the surrounding vassals got attracted to her naïve personality. 

“Everyone, thank you for your hard work! I have come to meet my elder sister! I have brought an important guest from the Oda Clan. Please quickly make the preparation for an audience.” 

Yoshiharu and Tokuchiyo were brought into the “Audience Room” of the Hitoyoshi Castle. Inuwarashi was kept outside of course. 

“Tokuchiyo-san brought upon an impostor in front of Hime-sama,”  

the vassals felt troubled about this, but giving courteous treatment to a guest was a tradition in this Shura country, Kyushu, and thus began to prepare a feast immediately. 

Yoshiharu asked, “Although there are still many people fighting, is Kyushu actually a peaceful country?” Tokuchiyo answered with a smile. 

“Even though it may appear like this, the people in Hitoyoshi Castle are tensed right now, since there is an important battle ahead of us!” 

“Battle?” 

“The Sagara Clan is currently in a fierce feud with the Shimazu Clan. So my sister made an alliance with the Ito Clan from Hyuga Province whom we had been previously hostile against. The Ito Clan and Shimazu Clan have been hostile to each other for almost 150 years.” 

“Forming an alliance with the Ito Clan to fight against the Shimazu Clan?” 

“Yes. Thanks to the technology of mass producing Tanegashima, the Shimazu Clan’s power has increased rapidly. Some territories in Satsuma that we used to own have been taken by the Shimazu. If we do not ally ourselves with the Ito Clan to suppress their invasion, we would be annexed by the Shimazu Clan.” 

“They have been battling each other for 150 years? The history of this Shura country is very different indeed. They have begun even before the Onin War…” 

“Ah, my hands are itching. If only I can come out as the general – although I have no other skills, I have had s?jutsu training from the mountain – how I wish I could help my sister.” 

Tokuchiyo laughed and clenched her fist, “I’m eager to try!” The old retainer from the back shouted loudly. 

“Hime-sama has arrived!” 

“Ahh, elder sister, long time no see!” 

“…Tokuchiyo, I have already said it many times that you could not set foot upon the Hitoyoshi Castle ever again. Grandfather has forbidden you to become a samurai. Go back and continue your monk training in Yatsuhiro.” 

“Indeed, grandfather has told me so. But I still wish to become a general. I have trained my spear skill and can search for my own supplies. So please let me go to the battlefield!”

“You are still a foolish imoutou. Rejected! I dislike your request. Grandfather’s will is absolute. You should just go back and spend your remaining years back at Yatsushiro. War in Kyushu is not some kind of a game.” 

“Because it isn’t a game that I wish to help you, elder sister.” 

“I refuse. I don’t like it at all. In fact, I don’t trust the clan and my family. Since you were born from a different mother, isn’t it obvious that you wish to revolt against me someday?” 

“Uuh, elder sister…” 

Sagara Yoshihi lazily sat upon the head seat while lowering her back and looked down at both her sister and Yoshiharu. 

“Welcome, the fake Sagara Yoshiharu who came from the future. I am the lord of the Southern Higo Province. I am the real Sagara Yoshiharu.” 

Sagara Yoshihi was a beautiful and noble princess general. It was surprising to see that she had a thin waist and arm with a fair body. 

She was a beautiful princess whose manners were elegant and beautiful-looking just like Nobuna’s. As expected from the 18th head of a distinguished clan in Kyushu. 

Even though she was an elegant and neat girl who extremely contrasted her sister Tokuchiyo who looked like a wild child, they still had some resemblances to each other as sisters. She and Tokuchiyo were quite similar. 

Thanks to the heritage of the Kumaso, Hayato, and Satsuma people blood in their lineage, many beautiful women in Kyushu had beautiful eyes and good-looking face, Yoshiharu suddenly realized this. 

“Are you Sagara Yoshihi? You are quite different from the one whom I know. I expected you to be more like a general-looking type just like Tokuchiyo.” 

“Wait. You are being rude. Do not call my name like that. Call me Yoshihi-sama.” 

Elder sister has always appeared proud when meeting someone for the first time to avoid bad impression, Tokuchiyo suddenly remembered. 

“Even if we are a small feudal clan which is a vassal to the Otomo Clan, the Sagara Clan is the descendant of the distinguished Kamakura Noble Family. However, this person doesn't know anything like this at all. Tokuchiyo, a messenger from a clan shouldn’t be this impolite. It is execution for him!” 

“Execution… Please wait; sister, Yoshiharu-san is not useless. Please bow to my sister, please!” 

“I understand, I will try. Cough-cough. *The Curse of Goemon*… Ahh, it’s useless! It feels as if I were possessed by Goemon.” 

Seeing that when Tokuchiyo lined up, the number of monkeys seemed to have been increased by two; Sagara Yoshihi sighed in dejection. 

“Elder sister. He also used the same tone when he was speaking to Oda Nobuna. Since he was born as a commoner, he does not understand etiquette. Kinda similar to me, hahaha.” 

“Now that when you mentioned it, I have yet to receive a serious scolding from Nobuna when I use this kind of tone. But if I make her angry, my head would still be cut off immediately.” 

“Hmph. So you were spoiled by your master? It can’t be helped; I shall allow you to speak with that tone of yours. Seriously. What on earth did the Oda Clan educate you with…” 

“Well, I was just a high school student before.” 

“Wow. To think that you would use such a carefree tone without hesitation. Oh, yes, I remembered it. When Amano-Iwato was opened, were you the one who got romantically involved with Oda Nobuna? Let alone being a commoner, your status as a man from the future is doubtful. You also look like a monkey. But this noble me will never be in a relationship with a man. In other words, you came from the lineage of my stupid younger sister.”  

“You have a sharp tongue, don’t you? Putting me aside, you use the same way of talking to Tokuchiyo, your own sister?” 

“What is it? Do you feel unsatisfied of it? As for me, I agree with being lenient to your vassal and the people of your territory while being strict to the person who calls himself Sagara or anyone whose birth came from our family. Especially to Tokuchiyo. Take note of this.” 

“Why be so strict with your family?” 

“Such thing does not concern you. Even if you impolitely introduce yourself as a Sagara, you are not one of us.” 

“But Tokuchiyo-chan admires you. Why can’t you stop pushing her away?” 

“Shut up. A mere guest should not interrupt a problem of our clan. Sagara Yoshiharu, you and Tokuchiyo are similar. Both of you are loud and like to intrude into other people’s businesses without realizing your own situation. It feels unpleasant.” 

If you did belong to our clan, I would behead you immediately. Sagara Yoshihi narrowed her eyes. 

“By the way, Tokuchiyo, how long are you going to keep staying in here?” 

“Well. The soldiers have gathered at the castle in preparation against the Shimazu Clan. Sister, please let me participate in the war.” 

“Don’t be stupid. Go back to Yatsushiro. I will protect grandfather’s will as the 18th head of the clan. You will never be allowed to live as a samurai. If you enter the war without permission, I will break our relationship as siblings and exile you from Yatsushiro. Do you want it?” 

Elder sister… Tokuchiyo dropped her shoulder for the first time since they had arrived. 

“Yoshiharu-san, because I am here, your conversation with my sister won’t continue. I will go back to Yatsushiro. See you again. Will we ever see each other again?” 

“Oh, oh, I’m sorry. Even though you are being so kind to me, I cannot help you at all.” 

“No, it’s alright. If you ever have a problem, just visit Yatsushiro. Strange isn’t it? Even though we just have known each other, it does not feel like this is our first time meeting each other.” 

“Tokuchiyo. Even though I don’t understand the circumstances of the Sagara clan; your elder sister does not dislike you seriously. If she did, she would’ve exiled you or beheaded you in the worst cases. She sent you back to Yatsushiro to avoid losing you while keeping her true feelings.” 

“I see…so that’s how it is! Thank you, Yoshiharu-san! To be honest, I was feeling depressed just now but your words have given me strength.” 

“A mere guest. Don’t say such unnecessary things to my sister because you’ll make this foolish sister get worked up. You are saying that you can understand what I feel even though it is our first time meeting each other. It’s disgusting.” 

“I’m off, sister, and Yoshiharu-san.” Tokuchiyo smiled and went away from the hall. She is really such a good child, but her sister despises her so much? Yoshiharu felt puzzled. 

“…You were saying that I actually did not want to let Tokuchiyo go away? It’s ridiculous that I am attached to the sister who was born from a different woman. You are being so rude!” 

The fan Sagara Yoshihi had held had been shaking, and her hands had been trembling until Tokuchiyo went away. After her figure had faded away, Yoshihi started to talk in a loud voice. 

“Now then. I understand that you are the man who appeared when Amano-Iwato was opened. I also know that you are the messenger Oda Nobuna sent to Otomo Sorin.” 

Why do you have the same name as mine? Even if it is a coincidence, I don’t like it at all. Sagara Yoshihi felt like vomiting, her body shaking. 

But, because you are a stranger, it’s easier to trust you than the Sagara Clan who keeps seeking to betray me. Yoshihi helplessly laughed.  

Yoshiharu sighed when seeing Yoshihi’s lonely smile. 

It’s just like that. Back then, when the Oda Clan was facing an internal rebellion, Nobuna also wore the same lonely expression when she was about to execute her brother. 

“You do not seem to have a good relationship with Tokuchiyo-chan. Did something happen in the past?” 

“You are asking something so bluntly, aren’t you? I feel nothing about the circumstances of the Sagara Clan. I have neither my father nor my mother. Both of them are already dead. After my father died, my grandfather who looked after me when I was still young and brought me to succeed the family leadership also died. The people who were backing my uncle attacked me when my grandfather died. They did so to destroy the Sagara Clan, though I have purged them all. When my younger sister was born as an illegitimate child, we drove her out from the clan to become a monk. All because of my grandfather’s will. Even though she is a concubine’s child, she was born in the same day as mine. It is feared that, someday, it will be the cause of a future revolt in the clan.” 

“Purge?” 

“It is so. Even though I am the current head of the clan, no one would complain if I am killed. In fact this is only natural.” 

“Even if they share the same blood with your family?” 

“So what? Because they have the same blood as mine, it is only natural that they would kill me to become the next head out of greed? It is so. The connection of blood is troublesome for me. Even though it’s our first time meeting each other, don’t think that you can understand what I have in my mind!” 

 “…. I'm sorry. Tokuchiyo adores you as an elder sister, and you have the same surname as mine. So I just feel a bit bothered by it.” 

“So wasn’t it just a coincidence? First of all, I have no intention to search for a husband and bear a child. Increasing the number of my family will bring trouble to the clan. In other words, I won’t have any descendant. Therefore, I have no blood connection with you who came from the future.” 

That is right. Nobuna also used to be merciless when it came to dealing with her brother’s revolt. Yoshiharu remembered a certain event of the Sengoku Period. If I did not come to this world, Nobuna would have killed Nobukatsu according to the real history. 

Among the clans in the Sengoku era, there were clans whose members were fighting each other to obtain the clan’s power. There were also those who united their families’ power for the sake of the clan. The Oda and Saito Clan belonged to the former while Mori to the latter.  

It seemed that the circumstances in the Sagara Clan were more extreme in terms of internal revolt. 

However, there was a reason behind the dispute between Nobuna and Nobukatsu. Nobuna’s mother favored Nobukatsu more than the eldest sister. Because it was easier to incite Nobusumi, the rebellion happened many times over. 

However, in the Sagara Family, Tokuchiyo respected her elder sister Sagara Yoshihi, so there should be no reason for the sisters to quarrel against each other. 

“Listen, fake Sagara Yoshiharu! There had also been a small internal problem before the four sisters of the Shimazu united. There is a rumor that Otomo Sorin was the mastermind behind the strange incident of father, stepmother, and younger brother being killed at the same time. Because Kyushu is the country of Shura, internal revolts caused by a family member are not uncommon. Do you think that because Tokuchiyo was born in the same day as mine, she could not possibly be a concubine’s child? There is a rumor that she was actually born slightly earlier than me.” 

“So in reality, Tokuchiyo is the eldest while you are the youngest?” 

“Hmph. It’s just a rumor that was spread around to push me away. However, the person in question is a simple, uncouth person. In other words, a fool. Because of that, there is no guarantee that no one would take it seriously and try to deceive her.” 

“But then-” 

“But then what? I told you not to speak so bluntly; but I have a change of heart. Speak out your mind clearly. Because you are the messenger of the Oda Clan, I’ll make this special treatment for you.” 

Yoshihi disliked people who kept interfering in other people’s problems, but Yoshiharu couldn’t keep silent and said. 

“Giving birth and bringing a successor; I thought it was the most important thing to do for the present head of a feudal family.” 

Huh? Yoshihi expressed the disgust from her heart and frowned. Just for a moment, her elegance collapsed, and her expression reverted to a normal girl like Tokuchiyo. 

“W-W-What the hell are you talking about? You are not my retainer! I don’t wanna hear any talk about me finding a husband! I don’t want to hear it!” 

“That is to say, ‘to hear like an octopus?’”  

“Don’t say such confusing thing to me!”    

“Listen to me. Back then, Uesugi Kenshin who fights for justice as the incarnation of Bishamonten declared that she would live as a virgin.” 

“Hmph. So someone like Uesugi Kenshin has withdrawn her eternal vow for a celibate life?” 

“However, even if you cannot trust your family… even if you do not have a family, you should not abandon your motivation for living.” 

Yoshihi’s lips trembled at this statement, and her hand was shaking on top of her knees unconsciously. 

“How disrespectful! For me…to find a motivation to survive in this country of Shura. I have yet to find it…but how am I supposed to find it without surviving in this place first. I live and live and keep living, and I should have found it by now, but I haven’t. This war torn country in Kyushu is different from the place you lived in the future; the only thing that matters is that you need to keep surviving.” 

“No, that is true. The dead has no dream. Therefore you need to survive first.” 

“Why? You are being awfully frank. Like a vassal who has served me for a long time.”  

Feeling weird, Yoshihi got embarrassed. 

“However, I can no longer see my father and mother anymore. Both of them are still alive in the future, but I cannot see them ever again. Therefore your way of living…it’s such a waste. Why did you reject your sister and try to live alone in this world?” 

“Your family? You refused to get back when Amano-Iwato was opened. Doesn’t that mean that you were abandoning them?” 

“I did not abandon them. In a way, I became independent from the family who had raised me until then. Because I have finally found my reason to live. That is why I don’t want to go back to the future.” 

Yoshihi unconsciously looked at Yoshiharu’s face. 

“…the meaning of life…” 

Why am I reacting to these words so strongly? 

“That is called ambition.” 

“…Is there any reason for these ambitions to exist other than just a reason to avoid death and to survive? I kept searching for it yet I have not found it. There is nothing that remains after you die. After you die, everything else like ambition will vanish completely.” 

“No, it will not vanish. My important companion Takenaka Hanbei taught me this: even if I die, my will shall be inherited by my friends and family. So even if I die, my life would not be wasted. The meaning of life and death…what about yours?” 

“…No, it is just an opinion from someone who was born into a happy family life. It’s something that cannot be applied to me. As the 18th head of my clan, how much blood do you think that I’ve shed to keep on living until now?” 

“Maybe there would a contention between families. But if anything, that is not about the struggle for power. These feelings in the families stem from misunderstanding and lack of understanding. I think that the intervention of the surrounding vassals’ ambitions made the fight intense. I have seen it so many times. However, it is possible for you and Tokuchiyo-chan to reach mutual understanding between each other, especially because she is your sister by blood. So you shouldn’t judge that girl one-sidedly.” 

“…It's too late. The people who rebel against me will be purged. My sister is not an exception. If the thing you said were true, then it would just hurt me more. For me, there is no ‘meaning of life.’” 

“I’m sorry; I have said too much.” 

“It’s alright. I forgive you because you do not belong to our clan. Now let’s just eat. There is a hot bear meat stew. Fake Sagara Yoshiharu, is this the first time you’ve visited Kyushu?” 

“When I was trained as a pirate by the Murakami Navy, I went to Hakata, Nagasaki, and Ryukyu to buy magnets. But this is the first time I’ve visited Higo.” 

“Is that so? But why is a messenger like you going to Otomo Sorin by yourself? You should have met Otomo Sorin in Bungo in the east, right?” 

“I was attacked by the Shikkoku Pirates. It was an accident. It was lucky that I didn’t end up with the Shimazu.” 

“Ah, if you got drifted to Shimazu’s land and introduced yourself as Sagara Yoshiharu, you’d be beheaded immediately. Anyway, the Sagara and Shimazu Clans shall go to battle against each other soon. Are you going to join the battle?” 

“I want to stop this war. I’ll request the Otomo Clan to attack Mori from behind. So can you declare a truce with Shimazu?” 

“It’s alright. Otomo Sorin will not participate in this battle. It is the Ito Clan that is at war against the Shimazu Clan. When Ito asks for my help, I will send out reinforcements. The place where Shimazu will invade is Hyuga which is adjacent to Higo Province. Shimazu intends to conquer both Hyuga and two of Higo Province. If we cannot hold against Shimazu then the Sagara Clan would be forced to become their vassal. I don’t want to serve someone like them. It is better to be a subordinate to the Otomo Clan since they treat us well, and…”   

“And?” 

“If we win this battle, the Shimazu wouldn’t be able to advance north. Wouldn’t that be favorable to the Oda Clan?” 

“Indeed. But in the history that I know, it is impossible to win against the Shimazu Clan.” 

“Why? Certainly, I did lose to Shimazu in a big battle before. But Shimazu is not invincible. When you lose, it simply means that you lose one battle.” 

“That is because back then, Shimazu still has not gained the technology to mass-produce Tanegashima yet. In the future, Shimazu without a doubt will be an enemy without equal.” 

“Why do you think so? The Ito Clan certainly has grown weaker, but behind our back, isn’t Otomo Sorin also preparing her army? Though she does not have the motivation, she is still a powerful daimyo who was able to gain support from the Namban battleships. She even repelled the Mori Clan before.” 

“But the Shimazu have the technology from Namban too. And the thing that the Shimazu has over the OtomoCclan is the unity of the four sisters of Shimazu.” 

“…So which among them will conquer Kyushu? Otomo Sorin has an arrogant personality and favors the Christians which have resulted to discord within her own clan and vassals. Even so, she still emerged victorious against Mori. Even the Shimazu Sisters, there is a difference in personality and age, so they should have not united yet. No, it is precisely that they are sisters that there should be a discord among them. The second sister Shimazu Yoshihiro has better capabilities than the present head, the eldest sister Yoshihisa. Even in Kyushu, she is regarded as the War Maiden. She can’t possibly serve her elder sister for too long.” 

Yoshihi repeated, “That is only natural,” while wearing a lonely smile. 

“Hmph. Even though I’m usually calm, but when it comes to you, Sagara Yoshiharu, I always feel fired up. You are a strange man, Sagara Yoshiharu. You have the same feeling as Tokuchiyo. Perhaps you are my natural enemy.” 

“Shimazu Yoshihisa has the capability as a leader rather than a brave warrior. There is no relation between being the head and being a powerful general. For example, like you who has a frail-looking body unfit to be a general, you still became the head of the clan.” 

“Oh, are you flattering me now? The Sagara Clan does not have a strategist. Why don’t you just leave the Oda Clan and serve me instead?” 

“I would restrain doing so. If I did, Nobuna would send an assassin to Higo.” 

“Hmph. It does sound interesting. For Oda Nobuna to get involved in such a bloody drama. Though I do not care for some country bumpkin, it may be interesting to see such disaster to happen.” 

“So as to say, you do not wish to have your son-in-law be taken away?” 

“What? My son-in-law? How foolish are you? Listen. There is no way that a beautiful and noble person such as myself could have a monkey like you as my son in law. First of all, I don’t have a family to begin with. You should keep yourself in a hut with a bear.” 

“You mean a zoo?” 

“Listen, Sagara Yoshiharu. If you said that you were my son in law, even if you were the messenger from the Oda clan, I would immediately kill you. I don’t need any family nor do I want someone to come around and declare themself as my family, okay?” 

Sagara Yoshihi stubbornly rejected that idea. 

She already rejected Tokuchiyo. That must be the reason. If I continue, I might hurt Yoshihi even more. “I understand,” Yoshiharu bowed. 

“Anyway, can’t you propose a truce with Shimazu? It is too dangerous now.” 

“Hmph. You are only saying this for the sake of Oda Nobuna. There is no guarantee that I will lose in this battle!” 

“Isn’t it because you thought that there was a possibility of losing that you drove Tokuchiyo away?”     

Yoshiharu is racking his head hard, trying to find a way to prevent the war, then suddenly a middle-aged monk entered the hall. 

A large man with a height of nearly two meters tall, with shaved head and wearing black Namban sunglasses. 

With a visage of a strong man, Yoshiharu subconsciously stared at him. 

He must be a war veteran with about 30 years difference in age between him and Yoshihi. 

“Who are you? A chief retainer of the Sagara Clan?” 

“…” 

DONG. 

The large monk, still being silent, swung his sword cane in his hand towards Yoshiharu’s head. 

If “Dodgeball Yoshiharu” didn’t have his innate super reflexes of evading any strike, the cane would’ve immediately hit his head and made him faint or even die. 

“Woah! That’s dangerous?! What the hell are you doing?” 

“…” 

Without listening to Yoshiharu’s protest. The dark-glassed monk slowly walked on the floor while still being silent. Yoshiharu kept trying to run away from his second and third attacks.   

Yoshiharu dodged a slash that came from the back of his head by rolling horizontally. Later, a heel kick came straight to his jaw. 

The man’s foot is right in the front of Yoshiharu. Yoshiharu shouted loudly in his mind, “An assassin? No, a ninja,” and put both of his arms crossed. 

However, just as before Yoshiharu could try to block this attack, his instinct told him, “If I take his kick, I will die.”  

Yoshiharu had been trained as a pirate by the Murakami Navy. Ever since he came to this Sengoku era, his physical abilities had improved significantly and thus grew as a different man from who he had used to be. That was why he was able to react to this attack within the span of his breath. 

I cannot keep running away from this person’s rapid attacks. The only way out is to go forward while avoiding his attacks. 

Yoshiharu extended his crossed arm and held the man’s heel. He managed to avoid it by changing the kick’s trajectory. 

ZUUUN. 

A sharp blade extending from the shaved black glassed monk’s shoes touched the tatami mat and tore it to 2 pieces. 

If he receive that attack with his arm, Yoshiharu’s hand would have been cut from his arm. 

Seeing that, Yoshiharu successfully avoided his attack, then the black-glassed monk spoke for the first time. 

“… How did you know that my shoes had a blade in it? Are you a Koga ninja?” 

“Ha ha. Well, the only thing I’m good at is avoiding things. I had a feeling that if I receive your kick I would die so I held your feet instead.” 

“… I see. Then die.” 

“Please wait, esteemed uncle! You cannot kill this man!” 

Thanks to Sagara Yoshihi’s plea, the man stopped his attacks. 

The man calmed his posture, and his killing intent vanished. 

“…Yoshihi. This man is a pretender who uses your name. He is most likely an assassin. We should kill him immediately.” 

“Wrong; he is just a person who happened to have the same name as mine. Furthermore, he is a messenger from the Oda Clan in the capital who came to negotiate with the Otomo Clan.” 

“…It might be a lie too. As long as there is a possibility that he is a spy from Shimazu clan, killing him is the best option” 

“It’s not a lie. Back when I saw Amano-Iwato opening, I saw his face.” 

“…” 

The man stretched out his foot, struck Yoshiharu with his toes, and pushed him back. If the man poured more force and killing intent into it, Yoshiharu would have died instantly. 

Yoshiharu was saved at last. But after facing continuous attacks like that, he was lucky that he was not yet dead. Yoshiharu, finally realizing that the country of Shura was such an unpredictable place, couldn’t stop his trembling body. 

“Urrgh… If I couldn’t predict where an attack would come from, I would have been long since dead already.” 

“I’m sorry, Sagara Yoshiharu. This person here is the esteemed uncle Soun. He serves as the prime minister of the neighboring Aso Clan.” 

“Is he a warrior too?” 

“Yes. The Sagara Clan is an ally to Aso Clan. Back then, during the time I succeeded the position of the clan’s head, esteemed uncle always supported me. He is a good person.” 

“My first impression of him is that he is a brutal and violent man. He possesses a caliber greater than an ordinary warrior.” 

“I’m sorry. It’s uncle’s habit to kill a man silently if he finds that that person threatens my life.” 

“So that means that he is the one who purged all those who rebelled against you?” 

“ 

“Yes. Uncle is the one who purged the traitors of the Sagara Clan when they sought for my life.” 

“… If the Sagara Clan perished then the Aso clan would also be ruined. Since both clans are surrounded by the Otomo, Shimazu and Ryuzoji Clans, we can’t survive alone. That is why I’m protecting Yoshihi, that’s all.” 

Soun sat next to Yoshiharu and whispered to him with a sour look. 

“I’m watching you. If you ever do something strange to Yoshihi, I will kill you.” 

Kai Soun released a murderous intent whilst being silent. 

If I become careless, I will die for sure, Yoshiharu broke out a cold sweat. 

“Both I and Uncle Soun signed an oath of renunciation war at Aso Shrine in Myouken. We decided to cooperated in order to defend ourselves from the other aggressive clans of this Shura country, especially the Shimazu Clan. Before, there was an earnest wish to have a tripartite pacification of Kyushu, but now, all of them are seeking to unify Kyushu by themselves.” 

Kai Soun nodded his head slowly. 

“Exchanging an oath with a little girl, could this person be a lolicon?” 

Yoshiharu thoughtlessly let out such nonsense. 

Inside his black sunglasses, Kai Soun’s eyes began to shape like those belonging to a demon, ready to burst out. 

“…Don’t insult me with that future language of yours. I’m not a lolicon. All of this is for the sake of the Higo and Aso Clans.” 

“I know that you are not a lolicon! So don’t brandish your sword cane like that.” 

“It’s unusual for uncle to get worked up over jokes. How cute it is to see uncle getting embarrassed.” 

“…” 

When Yoshihi smiled, Soun lowered his killing intent and pulled his sword cane back silently. 

Ah, their relationship is just like one between a father and daughter. I was wrong to think that he was a lolicon, Yoshiharu understood. 

For Yoshihi who did not trust his family, Kai Soun, despite not being related by blood, was perhaps the only one whom she could consider as a real “family.” 

“…Yoshihi. The Ito Clan is weak. The current head of the clan Ito Yoshisuke indulged himself in Kyoto’s culture and forgot the soul of a Shura. He is just like Imagawa Yoshimoto who was defeated by Oda Nobuna at Okehazama. On the other hand, the four Shimazu sisters mutually complement each other’s abilities, making them a force of Shura among many Shura. Yoshihi, you shouldn’t send any reinforcement to them.” 

Perhaps Soun was opposed to Yoshihi’s sending any troops. 

“…Furthermore, the Aso Clan needs to repel the Ryuzoji Clan’s invasion from the north. Ryuzoji conspired with Shimazu to restrict my movements. Shimazu is a tough enemy to face against with only the Ito Clan and you, Yoshihi.” 

“Ah ah. But I have already made a promise with the Ito Clan. I cannot break that promise now. The most important thing for a Sengoku warlord to have is faith. This is what Uncle Soun has taught me, right? To keep your oath until death awaits us. Faith is more important than a samurai’s way of life. I think that faith is something that we can choose for ourselves and is more trustworthy than a bond of blood.” 

“…It depends on the situation.” 

“Then if the situation changed, would uncle forget the oath you made with me?” 

“…Such thing will never happen.” 

“Right? So I will keep my promise with the Ito Clan. Although uncle might hate them, our enemy right now is the Shimazu Clan. So please endure it.” 

“…I don’t hate the Ito Clan as an enemy. But Yoshihi, the Shimazu Clan has made a key point at Masaki which is adjacent to Satsuma, Higo, and Hyuga. For Shimazu Yoshihiro, it is all for making a bait to ensnare the Ito Clan. Ever since the eldest sister Shimazu Yoshihisa became the clan head, the Shimazu Clan’s power has increased rapidly. This is the result of the four sisters’ unity. Such unity is something that has never existed in Kyushu before. There is a chance that you will die.” 

Yoshiharu thought, Soun must be wary about the “Four Sisters’ Unity” and prompted Yoshihi to defeat Shimazu at any cost. The unity between the sisters is something that is akin to an impossibility to exist in this Shura country of Kyushu. 

“It’s alright. I have a rule to not fight an impossible fight. When it is necessary, I will run away. Although I am inexperienced, I am still a Sengoku daimyo.” 

“…But, stop helping the Ito Clan. You will lose. If you die before leaving a child, there wouldn’t be any heir.” 

Uncle, that topic is already over. Yoshihi turned a deaf ear. 

“The number of troops under Shimazu Yoshihiro’s command estimates to 300 against the Ito Clan who has 3000 soldiers plus our Sagara Clan’s 500 men. Even if we do not win, we would not lose badly either, Uncle Soun. Besides, I have already prepared a plan to escape.” 

“…Things would have been different if I were to take command. But Shimazu Yoshiharu is famed as a Valkyrie, a monster among Shuras. She positioned herself in a weak position to lure the Ito Clan. Unlike you whom I trained in military tactics, that head of the Ito Clan who indulges himself in his hobbies wouldn’t stand a chance against that demon.” 

“It is alright. I am also a princess general.” 

“…Yoshihi. You slowly have become an independent person now.” 

Kai Soun silently watched Yoshihi’s bright smile for a while before he finally rose from his seat, muttering,  “Do not die, You must live on,” and then left the place. 

Yoshiharu suddenly remembered the day when Nobuna quarreled against her foster father Saito Dousan. Saito Dousan loved Nobuna more than his own daughter. The relationship between Kai Soun and Yoshihi were similar to theirs.  

Every young princess general must grow into adulthood eventually. But along the process, someone needed to give them paternal love just like what Dousan and Soun did – of course a true father would have been better. Until the day they became independent, someone needed to support them from the back. Yoshiharu thought so.  

I have a mission to support Nobuna until the day she can stand on her own feet. But can I do that? I am not her father and do I have what it takes to be her companion? [Yes, you are. You are Toyotomi Hideyoshi after all] 

But when Soun was about to leave, he said some words to Yoshiharu. 

“…Kid. I am a killer in Higo who has done many inhuman acts for the sake of the Aso Clan. Once, I killed three sons of the Aso Clan who secretly communicated with the Ito Clan without mercy. I may look generous in front of Yoshihi, but should you pose a threat to the Aso Clan, I will kill you without question.” 

“Such thing to happen, you really killed those three sons?” 

“…It is so. It is necessary to kill any rebel who is against the clan. Even if that person is my son, it is necessary to do everything to protect your master’s life. The way men of Shura live is different from the samurai of Honshuu. Countless men of Kyushu have gone through countless wars. Don’t forget this boy; if you do, you will die.” 

“If the thing you said is true, then you really are a true Shura. But Kai Soun, why do you act very nice in front of Yoshihi?” 

“…Women and children are different. I only kill male warriors. However, if both the rebels are a man and his child then I will kill them immediately. Without emotion. In silence. With one strike. That is my role in the Aso Clan. For me, the future is all about the continuation of the Aso Clan. I have no interest for a man who came from the future like you, whether it is about what you are planning for or your reason for coming here. But I warn you: do not play around with Yoshihi’s fate.”  

Kai Soun who made Yoshiharu tremble from the bottom of his heart disappeared to the hallway. Even after he left, Yoshiharu still found himself trembling.  

Even the Viper of Mino, Saito Dousan, did not kill his own son Yoshitatsu and Ukita Naoie who was notorious for his repeated acts of betrayal, murder, and poisoning, doting on his only daughter Hideie. 

However Kai Soun was different 

. 

When Kai Soun appeared to him for the first time, Yoshiharu felt his presence radiated the aura of a genuine “killer.” In front of that bloodlust of a professional killer, Yoshiharu could only feel fear and terror. 

“What kind of person is he? There is neither hostility nor malice in him. Yet to indifferently kill rebels for the sake of his master, even if that person is his son. Does such person exist in Kyushu? This is really a place where you can die at any minute, second.” [This guy is definitely an imperial agent of the Galactic Empire.] 

“Uncle Soun is not an evil person; it’s just that he holds too much loyalty. To kill his own son who rebelled against the Aso Clan under his master’s order, I feel sorry for him. But even though he is reluctant to kill his own son, he still loves me.” 

“It is good that he does not kill women and children. If he did, he would be no longer called a human; he would be a true demon.” 

“It is alright. Uncle won’t do such extreme act.” 

“That’s right. I’m sorry. He is just like a second father to you, Yoshihi.” 

 “Ah. If uncle did not support me, I would have been dead long ago. The reason why the Sagara Clan is able to survive until now is all thanks to uncle’s support. He is actually a very gentle person. I don’t want you to think that he is a bad person, Yoshiharu.” 

“I wish that you would give a bit of that kindness to Tokuchiyo-chan as well.” 

“…Even if it’s not much, she also inherited the same blood of the Sagara Clan within her. But I do not wish to talk about it again. Don’t talk about Tokuchiyo in front me.” 

The time is near. It’s almost the time to face against Shimazu, Yoshihi stood up. 

“Do you really wish to go? Please stop! Even Soun does not want you to go.” 

Yoshihi shook her head in disapproval. The expression that she made, indeed. It was the expression of a princess general who was ready to stake her life and fight, Yoshiharu thought. 

“I will absolutely fulfill the promises that I made. Because I lost my father, I took up the position as the clan head when I was still a child. Because of the rebellion plotted by my family, I had to stay away from the castle to run away. I was approached by pursuers endlessly and, when the situation had become hopeless, I sought help from the neighboring country. Back then, even though Uncle Soun could take advantage of the confusion and plunder the Sagara Clan for his own good, he chose to help me. When the rebels were subjugated, I was able to return back to Hitoyoshi Castle. For a samurai, trust is the most important thing to have. The relationship between the Aso Clan and Sagara Clan must be supported so that we can bring peace to Higo. And so, together with Uncle Soun, I exchanged an oath of renunciation of war in order to keep supporting each other. Uncle vowed to protect me because I had no family that I could trust. That is why I will never break any promises that I made.” 

The province of Higo was divided into two parts; the northern area was ruled by the Aso Clan while the south was governed by the Sagara Clan.

Furthermore, each clan controlled a section of their territory on their own. And it was not uncommon for any of these parts of the province to be invaded by the neighboring countries. 

After Sagara Yoshihi reached her coming-of-age, she inherited the position of the head of the Sagara Clan subsequently as her father died. All of this happened when she was still a 10-year old girl. 

Moreover, just as Yoshihi attained the position of the clan head, her grandfather who held the real power within the clan who kept supporting her also died.  

The Sagara Clan lost two of their supporting pillars. 

It was also impossible for the young Sagara Yoshihi who still couldn’t handle a spear straight to go to a battle. 

Also, Yoshihi’s real uncles “The Three Kin of Sagara” also schemed together to assassinate the young princess general. 

Because Yoshihi’s half sister Tokuchiyo was ordered by her grandfather to become a monk, Tokuchiyo did not have the qualification to become the next head. As such, the rebels did not aim for her life 

. 

The only one that mattered was Yoshihi’s life. And so, a rebellion was carried out at one night. 

Under the cover of the heavy rain, Sagara Yoshihi managed to escape from Hitoyoshi Castle. Just as she wanted to escape from Higo by using a ship from Yatsushiro, her uncles had already occupied Yatsushiro Harbor. 

Tokuchiyo was supposed to be in Yatsushiro Mountain but Yoshihi did not come to her sister. Tokuchiyo was a monk now and did not belong to the Sagara Family anymore. Without neither any troops nor the power as the head of the clan, Yoshihi deliberated in her mind. 

I cannot rely on my sister Tokuchiyo. There is no place left in the Sagara Clan’s territory for me to hide in for I have been chased out by my family.  

That is why, goodbye, sister. 

When Tokuchiyo learnt about the rebellion, Yoshihi had already fled through the mountain range of Northern Higo and had escaped to Mifune Castle in the Aso Clan’s territory. Tokuchiyo shut herself in the temple and lamented her inability to save her elder sister simply due to her not having any military power.  

But even so, Yoshihi never tried to rely on her sister at all. Because Tokuchiyo did not belong to the Sagara Clan anymore, and, even if she did have any military power, Yoshihi would never go to ask for her sister’s help.  

At the stormy sky on midnight, Yoshihi cried, standing in front of Mifune Castle. 

She never drank nor ate anything ever since she came there. She did not even have any chance to rest. Because behind her, the pursuers were approaching to “kill Yoshihi before she could take refuge in the Aso Clan’s territory” led by three people on horseback. 

This was the Shura country of Kyushu. There wasn’t any law that exempted princesses from being killed. If Yoshihi were to be caught by the three pursuers, her life would be forfeited without question.  

However, no matter how hard she knocked on the door, it did not open. 

If there was a family discord happening, the Sagara Clan’s power would weaken without doubt. If the Sagara Clan were divided by a rebellion, then it would be advantageous for the Aso Clan. If they could annex the Sagara Clan, they could pacify all parts of Higo. 

Of course the head of the Aso Clan would rather prefer that Yoshihi be killed. There was no benefit for the Aso Clan in helping a young and helpless princess general. Such was the law of the samurai in this Sengoku era, or rather in this country of Shura. Even the young and clever Yoshihi understood that fact. However, with her hand covered with blood, she desperately kept hitting the door hard. 

Even when the fierce storm was battering her, she still continued to shout. 

“…Help…Help me… I want to live…I do not want to die yet!” 

At that time From the other side of the gate, the voice of a cold man which was not filled with any emotion entered her ears. 

“…Sagara Yoshihi. Do you wish to live? Your father and grandfather had already died. Your half-sister is banished to a temple. Your three uncles are seeking to kill you. In this world of Shura, do you have any hope of survival? Where is your hope?” 

It was the voice of the lord of Mifune Castle, Kai Soun. 

When Sagara clan was allied to the Aso Clan, she had met him several times. 

He was an unrivaled, undefeated brave general who supported the Aso Clan until now. He also held the reputation of an assassin who would kill any rebel without mercy. 

A tall man with the appearance of a monk, wearing black Namban sunglasses.  

He gave out the impression of an extraordinary and terrifying man, whose hands were covered with the blood of countless men in battlefield. 

Even so, there was no other person whom she could call out for help. 

“Please help me. Even though I am still a kid and does not have anything to return your favor, please help me…” 

“…I am the man who killed three sons of the clan who secretly plotted with the Ito Clan under the order of the clan head. I have no regrets even if tears were to be shed. This is simply my job. Do you think that I will save the current head of the Sagara Clan who is pursued by her own clan? Even my lord would think that it is better to leave you to die in order for a chance to annex the Sagara Clan present itself.” 

Even though Yoshihi was desperately begging for her life, Soun did not change his cold-hearted reply. 

Looking back, the three men were closing in. 

Yoshihi was prepared for death to embrace her. 

But in the end, she simply wished for someone to hear her last desire. 

Therefore, in front of death with her mind completely free of hesitation, she shouted, 

“I am still young and even though I want to do anything, I still have done nothing. I do not want to die young because I have yet to find my dream. At least allow me to find my purpose in life before dying!” 

At this moment, a Miracle happened in front of Yoshihi. 

The door of Mifune Castle which had been closed tight opened. 

A monk with a large build riding a black-tinged horse was standing tall in the middle of the storm while holding his spear tightly. 

There stood a person with an expressionless face wearing a pair of black Namban sunglasses. 

With a visage that no one would ever forget, full of murderous intent and bloodlust. 

That person was Kai Soun. 

“Ah ah.” 

Yoshihi understood from her heart that this person would protect her. If someone looked closely, Soun were staring at the crying Yoshihi. 

“…If you wish to find a reason to live, then keep living. Take up the spear and get on behind. A person who can survive is a person who is willing to fight for his life. I will only lend you a hand.” 

At this night, Yoshihi noticed that this cold-hearted invicible Shura looked like a tragic hero. In the country of Shura where betrayals occurred endlessly, he had killed countless men and even his own child for the sake of his master. The soul that had been repeatedly wounded and the pain that had been inflicted were kept in solitude and made him a tragic hero. 

Soun grabbed Yoshihi’s hand and brought her to his horse.  

The three men shouted, “It’s useless even if you receive help. We will kill you, Sagara Yoshihi,” 

”If anyone gets in our way, we will kill them as well!”  

Behind them, there are 300 men. 

“Kai Soun! You who killed his own son wish to save a girl who is not even related by blood? Someone like you can never escape from the sin of killing your own child!” 

“Give us Yoshihi’s neck!” 

“You do not have the right to meddle with our clan’s problem without your master’s permission!” 

Kai Soun rode his black horse without saying anything. 

The three men rushed in as Soun brandished his spear 

. 

The men shouted, “What can a single person do against three people,” and took a step back while preparing their bows and arrows. 

The tip of Soun’s spear which was spun into many directions protracted. It lengthened into incredible lengths. 

There was a chain hidden within the spear. The chain was manipulated by Soun’s subtle finger movements. It undulated in the air like a snake. 

“You train yourself in using this kind of spear?” 

“You bastard, are you trying to use this heretic weapon?!” 

“A true samurai will never use such a foul technique!” 

As if it were a creature with its own will, it dodged every arrow and knife that was thrown at it. 

The three men continuously insulted Soun for using such a disgraceful weapon that ignored the wars of samurai. But before they could finish insulting him, the men’s heads had flown to the air after being severed from their bodies. 

Even with blood gushing out like a waterfall, Kai Soun’s face remained expressionless. 

Because of the black Namban glasses protecting his vision from being obstructed by the splash of blood. 

“…What I value the most is trust. If there is any disloyal vassal that rebels against their master, they must be killed. Such is my job.” 

The three men were killed in one swing. The soldiers of the rebel army quickly retreated in confusion. 

But Kai Soun gave chase, killing them one by one. 

“…Sagara Yoshihi. You must wield your spear. Kill the remaining ninety-seven soldiers.” 

“Wait. They are only men ordered by my uncle. Most of them are also my family. Please stop,” Yoshihi begged for Soun to stop. 

“Futile. I decided to protect because of the faith that I held. I cannot allow anyone to rebel against their master, and I will never break that faith. Even if it’s my family. Even if it is my own son. It is precisely that, in this Shura country, fights between families are happening that I will stick to my faith until the end. That is the meaning of my life. If I break that faith, everyone whom I have murdered would die for nothing. That is the thing that I cannot allow.” 

“No! This life that you have saved will never go to waste! So please stop killing everyone!” 

“No. Seeds of trouble need to be cut before it grows. You must kill every person who is involved in the rebellion. Even your younger sister Tokuchiyo will turn into a traitor someday. I will kill her.” 

“…No, you cannot kill Tokuchiyo! Because that girl is no longer related to the Sagara Clan. She is a total stranger now. She will never come back nor will she become a samurai. If you insist on killing Tokuchiyo, then you must kill me first!” 

Yoshihi pulled out the short sword behind Soun’s back. 

At that moment, Soun stopped moving. 

At that moment, the storm that had fallen so heavy stopped. 

Soun’s lips loosened in front of Yoshihi who was clinging on his back. 

“…Too naïve. But back then when you were ready to seriously take my life, you had good eyes. When I killed those sons, they too revealed courage just like yours.” 

“…Ah…I…I’m sorry…” 

“Sagara Yoshihi, to survive in this Shura country is to find the meaning of your life. If it’s you then you will find it.” 

“Yes, I will find it, Uncle Soun.” 

Soun did not try to take advantage of the rebellion to snatch the Sagara Clan’s power. 

“The Aso Clan is an ally to the Sagara Clan. To take advantage of this problem will contradict with my beliefs,” and by declaring so, he helped Yoshihi reclaim her position. 

A vow was exchanged between Soun and the young Yoshihi. Held within Aso Shrine located at Myouken, the two of them exchanged an oath of renunciation of wars to each other. 

As a result, the vassals and the family members who had plotted the rebellion against Yoshihi were wiped out. It was said that Yoshihi knew that if someone were to violate the oath, Soun would kill them immediately. 

And so, Yoshihi returned as the clan head to Hitoyoshi Castle while guarded by Soun. Moreover, he also continued to purge all those who were related to the rebellion. Yoshihi herself tried to save the vassals who were targeted by Soun as much as possible. 

In all of Higo Province, only Yoshihi was not afraid of Kai Soun. People found it hard to believe. 

However, after this debacle was over, Tokuchiyo who had withdrawn herself from priesthood to become a princess general without permission was prohibited by Yoshihi to enter Hitoyoshi Castle. The retainers did not know that the reason why Yoshihi did such thing was to prevent Tokuchiyo from being killed by Soun, not because she feared the possibility of her instigating a revolt in the future. However, because she was once betrayed by her family, Yoshihi did not let anyone realise this. 

However, even Yoshihi did not kill Tokuchiyo. It was well-known within the clan that Tokuchiyo sincerely adored her elder sister Yoshihi, and they loved and called the self-proclaimed princess general as the “monkey of Mt. Yatsushiro.” Yoshihi slowly began to grow as a noble daimyo both physically and mentally. Following this, most of the Sagara Clan retainers eventually pledged their loyalty to her. 

“So, you have decided not to break any promises ever?” 

“Indeed. Absolutely. Promises that are made must not be broken. Back then, if Uncle Soun broke our promises, I would have been dead. I decided to keep my promises since I was still young.” 

“But, did you try to protect Tokuchyio from Soun? Perhaps you really are a good elder sister to your younger sister. But why didn’t you tell her this?” 

“Because it was a secret between me and uncle. Don’t tell Tokuchiyo. I do not wish to be misunderstood. Afterall, she is no longer a part of the Sagara Clan so just leave it at that.” 

Yoshihi did not trust her family and insisted that she do not any, but Yoshiharu noticed that there must be a reason why she rejected Tokuchiyo. But I should not implore further about it. Yoshihi must have a lot in her mind. I should just wait for the time when she reveals it herself. 

“…I have never talked about this with anyone before. Yet I talked about it with you even though it is the first time we’ve met each other. You really are a strange person.” [Wincest yay! Maybe?] 

“Then why did you talk to me about it?” 

“It was all because you said about the “meaning of life” to me. I have a feeling that your circumstances are similar to mine. Although I hold faith within me, it will all vanish when I die.” 

I see, then I shall participate in this battle as the strategist in place of Soun. “Please send me to Otomo Sorin after this,” Yoshiharu nodded. 

“Are you? Do you really want to head out to Otomo Sorin that quickly?” 

“I cannot neglect the debt of providing me a meal and place to stay with you. Although I am not a good strategist, but compared to Soun, my knowledge can definitely help you. If Shimazu beats the Ito Clan and claims Hyuga Province, their border would directly face the Otomo Clan’s territory. If the Shimazu and Otomo Clans ever get caught in a battle, the Oda Clan would be in danger.” 

“But didn’t you lead the Murakami Navy in Kizugawaguchi and defeat Oda Nobuna? Knowledge from the future is surprisingly fickle. Say, is it okay if I put all the blame to you if we lose this battle? Hahahaha.” [Editor’s note: As you can see, I’m not good with laughter.] 

“No, the future is never set in stone. Also Nobuna is an extraordinary person too.” 

“Muu. You speak fondly of her, don’t you?” 

“N-No such thing!” 

“When I saw Oda Nobuna back when Amano-Iwato was opened, I certainly thought that she was beautiful. But my personality and noble looks are much better than Oda Nobuna.” 

“I think Nobuna is still better. But why are you comparing yourself to her?” 

“This is a matter of self-esteem for us princess generals. You must admit that I am much nobler than Oda Nobuna.” 

“Let’s talk about this matter later. The problem is the Shimazu Clan. Shimazu’s power is extraordinary. Shimazu will win against the Ito Clan and claim Hyuga Province. Though I do not know what will happen in this war, a single misjudgment will lead to our defeat.” 

“Oh, although you said such unreliable words, you showed me a face of a good warrior. You must not die in this battle, Sagara Yoshiharu. Make sure that you will survive.” 

It was a gentle smile. Yoshiharu thought that Kai Soun who lived in this country of Shura and had committed infanticide filicide decided to protect Yoshihi for her smile. It was not simply for the sake of the Aso Clan but also to make sure that Yoshihi survived. 

Even if it was for the sake of his master’s clan, no man would still remain the same after killing his own son after another person. While they were counted among the Three Great Evils of Sengoku period who had committed many wicked deeds, both Dousan and Hisahide loved Nobuna with compassion just like a Bodhisattva. Kai Soun probably saved the last remaining humanity he had by protecting Yoshihi. Perhaps, back then when Yoshihi declared that she would protect her sister, he regained a bit of his humanity from looking at her innocent eyes. 

Indeed…Dousan and Hisahide acted as her stepfather and stepmother, and in order to protect Nobuna, they died for her. This is the same for Usami Sadamitsu who protected Uesugi Kenshin. Yamamoto Kansuke with Takeda Shingen. Kobayakawa and her elder brother Mori Takamoto. All of these men of Sengoku era died for the sake of protecting the princess generals who fought in the battlefield. In the history I know, it is the men who fight in the battlefield, but this world is different and much harsher. 

I wonder if Nobuna who is fighting Kenshin is still safe. Meanwhile, as I was drifted to Higo, has the defense in Tamba where Juubei is isolated been broken through yet? Thinking of all of these, Yoshiharu felt restless.     

And yet, at the same time, Yoshihi was living in solitude in this merciless country of Shura. She too couldn’t be abandoned thoughtlessly. 

“If Yoshihi believed that Kai Soun were not an evil person, then I too shall believe in him.” 

Seeing Yoshiharu’s face which involuntarily showed that he had decided to protect her, Yoshihi laughed like a mischievous child. 

“Your lord is currently in Honshuu, right, Yoshiharu? Have you made a child with your lover already?” 

“Eh? N-no, such thing is impossible.” 

“Oh? Is that so? But it looks like you already did it with her.” 

Well, I am thinking about making a child already, Yoshiharu scratched his head. 

“I’m not in a position where I can marry her, and the Oda Clan is currently surrounded by many enemies in all sides so it’s impossible.” 

“Hee, so you still are not regarded as Oda Nobuna’s official husband? That is surprising. Perhaps from her viewpoint, you are a late bloomer as a male lover. Maybe Oda Nobuna was disgusted by you?” 

Hearing those words, Yoshiharu’s shoulders dropped in dejection. 

“…Maybe…So as to say…I am…Useless as a man…” 

“You are too pitiful. You should do some training to gain experience. Shall I help you with that? But of course, I am still a virgin.” 

“W-W-What the hell are you saying?! I cannot do such an absurd thing! If I lay a hand on you, Kai Soun will put his sword on my head!” 

“It’s a joke, you idiot. Why would I who holds antipathy against my family make a child? And you are not a human but a monkey, hahaha!” 

“Although my stress is gone now, I beg you not to make that kind of joke again. It is bad for my heart.” 

However, because we can’t lose this battle, a defeat like that time in Kizugawaguchi must not be allowed. 

“The problem right now is the quality and morale of the Ito Clan’s army. Just because their army is 10 times larger than the enemy’s, they underestimated the Shimazu Clan.”  

“Yoshiharu, here at Hitoyoshi Castle gathered 500 Sagara Clan’s soldiers. They are all soldiers who match the strength of a thousand men. Across our mountain stands a place named Masaki Temple; Masaki is a key point which is adjacent to the Provinces of Higo, Satsuma and Hyuga. We’ll definitely drive Shimazu Yoshihiro out of Masaki.” [I took my luxury of searching stuff from the game Nobunaga’s Ambition as the reference] 

The location where the battle would take was in Masaki Temple located near the border of Higo and Hyuga Provinces. It was close to Hitoyoshi Castle. 

Whilst crossing the road along the mountain, Yoshihi taught several things to Yoshiharu. 

The Four Sisters of Shimazu. 

The head of the clan was the eldest sister, Shimazu Yoshihisa, who had the capability of a great leader. 

The second daughter of Shimazu Family, Shimazu Yoshihiro, was the strongest general who was nicknamed “Valkyrie.” She was currently in Masaki in order to fight the Ito Clan in the front. 

The third daughter who was in charge in schemes and plots was the resourceful general Shimazu Toshihisa. 

And finally, the fourth daughter who was the genius in military arts and tactics, The “Heaven-Sent Child” Shimazu Iehisa. 

Previously, Yoshihi suffered a crushing defeat at Satsuma’s territory because of Iehisa. 

Yoshiharu had been an acquaintance with the last daughter Iehisa before. 

“I have met Iehisa previously. She came to Kyoto for sightseeing and was welcomed by Juubei-chan and me before.” 

“Indeed. You know a lot of people don’t you? Did you use that shameless face of you to seduce Iehisa?” 

“I did not! She is still a young child! Although she does have an impression of being the youngest child.” 

Thanks to Nobuna’s reconstruction of the capital, tourists rapidly came to Kyoto. When high-ranking officials came for sightseeing, the retainers from Oda clan would be entrusted with the task of welcoming these people for the sake of diplomacy. In the capital, there was a chance to deepen relationships with various daimyo within the country. This was the advantage of someone who had the capital under their control. When Iehisa came to Kyoto, both Mitsuhide and Yoshiharu were free, so they were entrusted with the task of welcoming her. 

When Shimazu Iehisa came, she took off her Satsuma dialect and turned into a simple and innocent young girl. She was a girl who wanted to fall in love with someone and came to Kyoto because she was attracted by the “Tale of Genji.” However, if a “bad influence” were to be shown, then a fight would soon erupt with many military men fighting each other including the Shimazu’s ogre. 

Yoshiharu recalled Iehisa’s smile back then in Kyoto, “Must I fight the Shimazu,” and thought of the severity of this Sengoku period. 

“Although Iehisa looks like a sweet girl, you must be careful since that girl is also a Shura. Even I have suffered defeat at her hands. However, the enemy that we are facing now is Shimazu Yoshihiro. She is feared as a ferocious ogre in the battlefield. The people of Satsuma respect her as a brave general and are even going as far as to revere her as the “God of Military Arts” (Takegami). However, we still hold the advantage in terms of troop quantity.” 

“No, according to the history I know, there is a record showing that Shimazu Yoshihiro led 7,000 men to victory against an enemy of 20,000 soldiers, though I think that it’s a bit exaggerated. It is also said that she has won against enemies with armies 30 times her own. Her strength seemed to lack any common sense for sure.” 

“How could that be? To repel 20,000 soldiers with only 7,000 men. Even if she is regarded as a “Valkyrie,” there should be a limit for exaggerated stories like that. Perhaps that is just a made-up story.” 

At the same time that they passed Masaki Temple, “I am a soldier in charge of scouting sent by Lord Kai Soun,” a person suddenly appeared and prostrated in front of Yoshihi and Yoshiharu. 

“A ninja sent by Soun?” 

The threat of the Shimazu Clan was not that big compared to the relationship between the Ito and Aso Clans. Back then, Soun killed the three sons who secretly communicated with the Ito Clan. But due to an invasion by the Ryuzoji Clan from the north, the Aso Clan sent out help to the Ito Clan. Even so, Lord Soun sent scouts because he was worried of the Sagara Clan. 

“Uncle did?” 

“Yes. Shimazu Yoshihiro has set herself along with her 300 men in Lino Castle at Masaki. They are probably planning to lure out both the Ito and Sagara Clans’ armies there. We are also expecting an ambush from Shimazu at Mt. Suwa. There are countless banners hanging out in there. All of them bear the insignia of a cross inside a circle.” 

The ninja withdrew himself. 

The sunset came and the surroundings was dark. Thankfully, the ambush hidden in Mt. Suwa was seen through by the ninja’s eyesight. 

“The total number of troops under the Ito Clan is 3,000. The Ito Clan has successfully mustered a main force which is ten times of the Shimazu Army. However, the supreme commander Ito Sukeyasu did not attack Shimazu Yoshihiro who had confined herself in Lino Castle and instead surrounded the Kakuto Castle, which is a dangerous move.” 

“What? You will win this if you take Lino Castle from Oshiro, but Kakuto Castle is the bait for the Ito Clan placed by Shimazu Yoshihiro.” 

“Right.” 

The ninja disappeared again 

Yoshihi put absolute trust in Kai Soun. In addition, the Shimazu had never launched a full scale invasion to Higo before. It was all because they were wary against the Aso Clan’s prime minister, Kai Soun. 

As long as Kai Soun was alive, not even the most progressive combat-oriented Shimazu Clan could conquer the Higo Provinces. Other clans in Kyushu were also afraid of facing Kai Soun. 

“Ito Sukeyasu is still a greenhorn. Against Uncle Soun and Shimazu Yoshihiro, his military is indeed not even worthy of comparison.” 

To comply to the Ito Clan’s request to break the ambush in Masaki. 

Or to listen to Soun’s advice and retreat? Yoshihi was shaken. 

“Yoshiharu. How do you see this situation? You know the future right?” 

Yoshihi was currently at a critical crosspoint. 

Yoshiharu’s knowledge about the Sengoku period was mostly about the regions of Chugoku to the central Honshuu, Japan. From Oda, Saito, Matsudaira, Asai-Asakura, Hisahide Matsunaga, Takeda and Uesugi to Mori and Saika-Ikki – although not all of the most important battles had happened yet, he at least knew most of it. 

Shikoku, Kyushu and northern part of Oshuu were outside his range. 

However Kyushu was a considerably famous province during the Sengoku period. Therefore Yoshiharu had some knowledge about the important battles and events in Kyushu. 

Yeah. The next battle is the famous battle that became the starting point of Shimazu’s ambition of conquering Kyushu. Isn’t it the so-called “Okehazama of Kyushu?” 

When Yoshiharu remembered this fact, his body trembled from nervousness. 

“Yoshihi. I cannot directly see the future but is there any field called Kizaki Plain beside Masaki Temple?” 

“Yes there is. But the people from Honshuu call it as “Kizakihara.” 

The knowledge about the Sengoku period from the future flowed into Yoshiharu’s mind, and he recalled about the Battle of Okehazama immediately. Yoshiharu remembered the history. Back then, Imagawa Yoshimoto took a rest at Okehazama. There, he was able to gain the most important information needed for Nobuna’s surprise attack. 

But this battle, the Battle of Kizakihara, was a losing battle. Shimazu exterminated the Ito Clan’s army that numbered ten times that of their own. The Sagara Clan did not participate in the battle. They were deceived by Shimazu’s fake troops and withdrew. 

“It is so Yoshihi. The troops at Mt. Suwa are fake. There is no ambush there. Shimazu put their ambush at a different location. To exterminate their enemy’s 3,000-men army, they only need 300 men, and it is not possible for the Sagara Clan to send any troops. They don’t have enough military power.” 

“Aren’t you making a mistake? Didn’t uncle send the ninja to observe the camped place and look for an ambush?” 

“That was Shimazu’s ninja. They replaced the real ones to report the status of an ambush. Because they used Soun’s name, you got shaken and unconditionally believed in their words. You do not trust other people easily but give some exceptions to people whom you approve of. The Shimazu Clan does not only have a brave warrior but also a tactician.” 

“…How despicable. The one who can come up with this sinister tactic is certainly the third sister, Shimazu Toshihisa. I have decided our destination, Yoshiharu. I will go forward to the battlefield. I cannot turn back and leave Shimazu after they used uncle’s name.” 

“Wait a second, Yoshihi. Shimazu is wary of Soun. Even if the Ito Clan gets defeated, they will not invade Higo immediately.” 

“If I turn back here, Ito will be defeated, right? Is that the future that you know?” 

“Yes. Ito will lose this battle. Their clan will perish and Hyuga will fall to Shimazu’s hands.” 

“Ito deceived uncle’s son and brought tragedy to his family. I do not sympathize with them even if they perish. But a promise is still a promise. That’s why.” 

Yoshihi flew to rage when she learned that they used Soun’s important name to deceive her and so resolved to fight the Shimazu Clan tonight. 

“Yoshiharu. If you know more about Shimazu’s next strategy, then tell me. I was directly taught by Uncle Soun about military knowledge. If I can read what Shimazu’s next move is then I could win.” 

“It’s Tsuri no Buse (Hidden Fishing Field). The Shimazu will purposefully show that they are overwhelmed by the Ito Clan’s army in numerical superiority, while actually, the Shimazu will have already prepared some sacrifices as they retreat to Kizakihara and show the real “defeat.” Naturally, Ito shall take the momentum to attack and pursue the retreating Shimazu Army. At that time, they will be ambushed from behind, and the main army that has retreated will turn in reverse and start attacking the Ito Clan’s army simultaneously. Since the enemy is attacked at both sides on top of a plain, they will have no way to retreat. Even so, the enemy is numbered 10 times of their own. But the Shimazu is willing to sacrifice a lot of men and officers in order to achieve victory. This Shimazu’s honorable suicide tactic shall bring more victories to them in the future.” 

“I have never heard about such crazy tactic like this even in this country of Shura, Kyushu!” Yoshihi was screaming while trembling. 

“If there is a slight mistake, won’t the whole army suffer an honorable death?” 

“It is so. This crazy tactic can be completed simply because it was used in this Shura country. Perhaps in this battle, the Tsuri no Buse will be accomplished.” 

“Shimazu will not invade Higo immediately after you return. Instead they will leave Hyuga and attack Otomo Sorin,” Yoshiharu repeated. 

“Yoshihi. If you want to compete with Shimazu, you have to devise a countermeasure against Tsuri no Buse.” 

“No, Yoshiharu. You have already seen through Tsuri no Buse. Simply put, they need to place a separate army outside the premise of the battlefield where the ambush shall take place. Won’t I be able to send out the troop to repel them?” 

“It certainly seems so.” 

“The 500 troops shall move across Mt. Suwa and attack the Shimazu Army that has gathered at Kizakihara. There will be 3,000 men in Ito’s armies with 500 Sagara troops. I will pincer the Shimazu in reverse! The enemy only numbers 300. It is highly unlikely even for a demon god to break through this numerical inferiority.” 

It couldn’t be stopped anymore. Yoshihi needed to win no matter what. 

Yoshiharu, It’s strange. No matter what, I feel like we still can’t win for some reason, was hit by a strange anxiety and rode his horse alongside Yoshihi. 

The situation of war had changed. 

When the Ito Clan proceeded to attack the vulnerable Kakuto Castle, Shimazu Yoshihiro led her troop to move behind them. Dawn came, the Ito Clan abandoned the idea of conquering Kakuto Castle and proceeded to retreat from Shimazu ‘s sudden attack by crossing through and build firm defenses at Mt. Shiratori 

. 

However, Shimazu’s fake troops at Mt.Suwa had already predicted their movement beforehand and waited for their arrival. The Ito forces believed that these fake troops as an ambush, threw away the choice to jump into a trap, fought with reduced visibility at Shiratoriyama, and chose an open battle in Kizakihara. 

That was because they could use their superior number of troops more effectively in an open field battle. However, due to their rushed movement, they were on the verge of exhaustion as they faced against Shimazu’s armies. 

Sagara’s armies should have installed more difference in their military power. 

Moreover, with their armies numbering 10 times more than Shimazu’s armies, the latter started to retreat from Kizakihara. The young nobleman, Ito Sukeyasu, was convinced of their victory and began to give chase to the retreating Shimazu’s armies.  

At the same time the battle entered its decisive moment at Kizakihara, the report, “The Sagara Armies have passed through Mt.Suwa and proceed to go straight to Kizakihara,” came to Ito Sukeyasu.   

The outcome of this battle should be decided depending on whether Hitoyoshi’s armies could come on time. Even though Ito Sukeyasu was a young nobleman, but since he was born in the country of Shura, his blood began to boil in excitement. 

Once he found his chance of victory, he grasped his spear after he had gottem over his confusion. 

“Win. We can win this. Our long battle with the Shimazu Clan shall end at last! Head out for Shimazu’s number one general, Shimazu Yoshihiro! Go and take Shimazu Yoshihisa’s right hand man. Shimazu is not worth being feared once Shimazu Yoshihiro gets taken down.” 

However, as the supreme commander’s boiling blood of Shura reached out to Yoshihi and Yoshiharu, an unexpected result contrary to their belief came to them. 

This time, Shimazu Yoshihiro who led the retreating troops from the Ito Clan’s armies suddenly took a turn and went straight to Ito’s armies. 

All of the men under Shimazu’s banner, who had clashed against the armies with 10 times the amount of their own with their body soaked with their enemies’ blood and had suffered many injuries, were gasping for breath. 

Half of their soldiers had been killed and fallen. However their hearts did not waver and their morale was still high. It was all done just to lure the enemies out to Kizakihara. 

Everyone in Shimazu’s armies including the second daughter, Shimazu Yoshihiro, was willing to discard their own life in order to bring victory to their clan. There was no other troops left that could be used to help them anymore. Shimazu Yoshihiro personally appeared in front of the Shimazu Clan’s armies. 

Almond eyes (slit or Tsurime eyes). White skin. 

Long, glossy, straight hair. 

The second sister, Shimazu Yoshihiro, of the Shimazu’s Four Sisters. 

In respect to her late grandfather Shimazu Jisshinsai, she declared thus: 

“All of you people. The distinguished noble Ito Sukeyasu. Furthermore, Sagara Yoshihi who has seen through our trap. Because the Shimazu clan cannot win in this situation, I’ve personally appeared in the front.” 

“Please don’t, Hime-sama.” 

“I will not be easily killed just like that, for I am Shimazu Yoshihiro.” 

The 3rd sister Shimazu Toshihisa and 4th sister Shimazu Iehisa. These extraordinary strategist and tactician worked together to complete this plan. The tactic of using a small unit of troops to perform an honorable death to eliminate armies with 10 times of their own troops known as the “Tsuri no Buze” should have been successful. 

However, Sagara Yoshihi had found out about the fake troops at Mt. Suwa and proceeded to rush to Kizakihara. 

A flag bearing the symbol of a long sword and umebachi (Japanese apricot flower),”  The armies under Sagara clan finally came into Yoshihiro’s sight. 

At the time that the ambush would take place, Shimazu would turn around in order to surround the Ito Clan to complete Tsuri no Buse. But at the same time, Sagara’s armies rushed in and attacked Shimazu’s flank at Kizakihara. 

Toshihisa even asked for the help of the Ryuzoji Clan at Hizen so that the Aso couldn’t move. Kai Soun can’t enter the war. The only one who can see through Toshihisa’s schemes to delay Kai Soun is Nabeshima of Ryuzoji Iekane. Something must have happened. Some mysterious thing that we have not expected. But this is a battle. One must expect a battle when they advance to the country of Shura. In a case where we fall unto an unpredictable situation, I told the soldier to be prepared to discard their life and find their determination in their death. 

Yoshihiro let out a fearless smile as her sharp eyes were filled with fighting spirit. Even at the face of death, she would not let her breath go into disorder. Shura’s touki (fighting spirit) that couldn’t be concealed from her body flowed out. 

Everyone in Shimazu Army believed that this beautiful Shura and princess general Yoshihiro was a genuine Valkyrie. 

As long as they could protect Yoshihiro, they would gladly sacrifice their lives and die with satisfaction. Such was the determination of the samurai of Satsuma. 

They did not worship her as just an idol. Yoshihiro lived in the unpleasant milieu with the soldiers and even ate from the same bowl of rice. She shed tears for those who were wounded, and so the soldiers came to love this princess general who was overflowing with compassion as a human being. 

Shimazu Yoshihiro did not treat a soldier as a disposable piece even if she put them in front of death to find the resolution of dying an honorable death. The soldiers were respected and loved as the people of Satsuma by the Shimazu Clan. They fought together, spent joy together, and wept together. That was why they could die with satisfaction for Yoshihiro’s sake. 

“Once Hyuga is captured, the three states of Satsuma, Osumi and Hyuga that once belonged to Shimazu clan shall be united again. This is the long-cherished wish of my grandfather Jisshinsai and my father Takahisa. That wish shall be fulfilled tonight. Everyone, be ready to throw away your life. Every man takes on ten men. The men of Satsuma Hayato have always protected Japan from foreign forces. The soldiers that serve Shimazu are all Shura who match thousands of men. Give your life to me and to the others!” 

I shall meet my death here! All for death! Yoshihiro sternly screamed. “Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh,”  all of Shimazu’s soldiers let out a mad war cry like crazy apes on the battlefield. Shimazu’s ambush soldiers proceeded to attack Ito’s armies from behind. 

At the same time, a vanguard of the Sagara’s armies collided and swallowed Shimazu’s main armies. Yoshihiro divided the 300 soldiers in half and left the middle for an ambush.  

At the same time, the total number of the soldiers who survived in Yoshihiro's hands was already less than 100 people. 

There were 3000 soldiers of the Ito Clan’s army in the front and 500 soldiers of the Sagara Clan’s army from their side. This Sagara Army who should have been deceived by the false military information and fled back to Hitoyoshi Castle came as an unexpected enemy. 

“Sagara Yoshihi! How unexpected! You were able to give out a reasonable military order and also inspired your soldier as well” 

To put things in logical thinking, Shimazu Yoshihiro and her remaining 100 troops should have perished in an instant. Yet the elite 100 men remained to resist stubbornly, and then Yoshihiro grasped a spear and dove towards the overwhelming amount of enemy soldiers. 

Sagara Yoshihi, even if you just came here, I will not let the Shimazu’s troops to compete in the number of troops anymore. [She meant that she would fight the general instead of troop confrontation] 

At this time, the supreme commander Ito Sukeyasu came out in the front of his army with full vigor. Yoshihiro finally found a chance to reverse the situation. 

“Shimazu Yoshihiro, I am the supreme commander of this army! This battle has resulted in our victory! If you do not retreat then I will take your neck!” 

“Hmph. To grab your spear only after being intoxicated by victory. You are still too young.” 

“How rude. You are obviously in the same age as I am, Shimazu Yoshihiro.” 

Shimazu Yoshihiro was a maiden who had never fallen in love before; but she had witnessed many deaths on the battlefield, and the death of many retainers with her own eyes since the age of seven.  

Yoshihiro herself was not afraid even if death approached her. 

All men would simply turn to ashes once they die. She rationally thought so. 

However, even if they were on the same age, Ito Sukeyasu had less war experience compared to Yoshihiro. “I have won against the Valkyrie Shimazu Yoshihiro! I am the strongest Shura of Kyushu,” he roared loudly in mad excitement. 

No. It could be said that Ito Sukeyasu was rather normal; it’s just that Shimazu Yoshihiro was an abnormal princess general.  

“A son of a noble family cannot be a match against ‘Takegami.’” 

“We shall help Master Sukeyasu.” 

In order to protect Ito Sukeyasu who was blinded by his overexcitement, famous generals of Ito Clan rushed over. They combined with Ito Sukeyasu and surrounded Yoshihiro. 

The second in command, Ito Sukenobu. 

The best master spearman in Kyushu, Yuukisaki Masaie. 

“3 to 1? That’s perfect.” 

At this time, due to the Sagara Clan’s armies who had penetrated towards the center of the Shimazu Clan’s armies – the latter finally falling to confusion – there was no spare troop that Shimazu’s army could send to aid Yoshihiro. Sagara Yoshihi who commanded the army alongside Yoshiharu shouted, “It is the victory of the combined forces of the Ito and Sagara Clans.” 

“Shimazu Yoshihiro. It does not matter whether you are a princess general or a warlord in the country of Shura. Your head is ours.”  

Yuukisaki Masaie let out an arrow aimed towards Yoshihiro’s neck while blocking her escape route. Ito Sukenobu brandished his spear and thrust it towards her chest. 

“Hisatsuki Kurige!” [Yoshihiro’s steed] 

Yoshihiro who was standing in front of death managed to avoid the onslaught. Yoshihiro’s beloved war horse, as if it had already become a part of her own body, bent its knees and twisted its back. 

Yoshihiro managed to dodge both attacks in the nick of time. 

“Back Sword Defense Art!” 

When Yoshihiro avoided the barrage, “Kill Shimazu Yoshihiro,” Ito Sukeyasu swung his sword and lowered it towards her neck while shouting, “You managed to dodge it? You monster!” A moment later, a heavy kick struck Yuukisaki Masaie’s body, and he fell from his horse. At that moment, Ito Sukenobu who was standing dumbfounded while holding his spear received a short sword stabbed on his forehead. 

It was frighteningly fast. Like a flowing water faster than one person’s breath, the second in command as well as the strongest spear master of the Ito Clan fell. 

“General of the Ito army, I will kill you! Your time of death is here! Prepare yourself!” 

Uooooo, Yoshihiro Hime-sama! Shimazu’s soldiers roared loudly. 

The Ito Army was not able to understand what had happened for a while. They managed to regain their senses when they saw Yoshihiro rush in with an expression like a demon accompanied by her vassals. Though they did not want to accept the reality, panic soon began to spread among them. 

Shimazu’s main unit had been gradually getting almost destroyed by the Sagara Army. No matter how many famous generals were killed, as long as the supreme commander Ito Sukeyasu was still alive, the Ito Clan should still be able to win. 

However, because Ito Sukeyasu had received a report, “Sagara’s forces have come,” his premonition of defeat became a soaring feeling of victory. Or perhaps the fate of the Ito Clan’s defeat simply couldn’t be changed. 

The main unit of Ito’s armies that numbered 3,000 men began to collapse and continuously be routed. They also couldn’t hold Sagara’s army safe.  

On the contrary, the panicking Ito’s armies fled to various directions and blocked the Sagara Army’s path of retreat. 

The Sagara Army was trapped under the situation where they couldn’t advance nor retreat. 

Because the commander and second-in-command had been killed, there was no other person who could maintain the army from collapsing. 

At the moment, Sagara’s 500 soldiers got trapped under the formation of Tsuri no Buse instantly. 

“That is. Shimazu Yoshihiro… To kill 3 people instantly without mercy…” 

“That woman. Her swordmanship has become stronger than before! To think that Marume would teach that sword technique to the bitter enemy of the Sagara Clan!” 

“What’s going on, Yoshihi? 

“Marume Kurando, the founder of that sword technique, was once a vassal of the Sagara Clan! Although he spread his teachings to every part of Kyushu, there was a certain princess general who was able to master it in such a short time. That Shimazu Yoshihiro is truly a Valkyrie.” 

Yoshiharu realized it for the first time the differences of the samurai in Kyushu at this battlefield. 

“Could the general and his second in command be easily killed like this? A princess could easily lift her hands to kill enemies? This is really different from the battle in Honshuu!”  

But it was too late. 

The Sagara troops had been swallowed by the crowd of the retreating Ito Army. 

The lives of the 500 soldiers and Sagara Yoshihi were already in a precarious situation. 

I see. This is Kyushu. If this continues, Yoshihi will be killed! I can’t let this happen.  

It is because I couldn’t convince Yoshihi to retreat. Or rather, I naively believed that we could still win. I thought too light about the people of Kyushu. 

While Yoshiharu was grinding his teeth in shame, thinking of how sorry he felt after Soun had warned him, a lone horseman came charging through in suicide attack. It was Shimazu Yoshihiro. 

Shimazu Yoshihiro was a princess general of the Shura country. In the battlefield, she did not give any mercy unlike Uesugi Kenshin. 

The chances were in ten out of ten, they will be killed. But whatever happens, I must protect Yoshihi. “Always protect a woman without fail,” along with other reasons, Yoshiharu felt determined. 

“Yoshihi, I will protect the rear. Because I have changed the history by bringing the Sagara Army to the battlefield that the commander of the Ito Clan was slain. I will open a way to retreat. You must escape now!” 

“Yoshiharu, it is not your fault. Because the military commander was slain, the Ito Army fell into confusion. This is the weakness of a joint battle. The Sagara Army did not lose.” 

“Idiot, do not follow me!” 

“I won’t let you go! I do not know why, but I will protect you.” 

“Isn’t that my line? Hurry and go back to Higo!” 

“It’s useless! If you get caught, the possibility of your survival will disappear. The same thing can be said to me, but if we stick together, we could have a chance to survive.” 

“Yoshihi, what the heck are you talking about?” 

“For me, I hold a different belief from the other Shura that when I die, I will have no regret. Didn’t I tell you? ‘Living’ is a principle. Both the meaning and will to live will be gone if people do not survive while searching for it. That is why I always found a way to survive.” 

Yoshihi put down her spear and stepped down from her horse. 

Sagara’s 500-men army was personally trained in military arts by Soun. They understood, “Even if we run or fight here, the result will always be my death.” 

Yoshihi was adored by her vassals and her people, so the 500 men were ready to share their fate with the commander and throw away their weapons along with Yoshihi. 

Although as a Shura of Kyushu, this was considered as a shameful act. Rather than to save oneself and abandon their leader, it was better to improve Shimazu’s impression of them by surrendering, it was what Yoshihi thought It showed just how much they wanted to save Yoshihi. 

“I surrender. If wished so, then behead me. But this person is an unrelated traveler. I want you to spare him along with the soldiers.” 

Sagara Yoshihi was accustomed to this situation. Even when she was held by the Shimazu Army, her determination did not waver in protecting Yoshiharu. 

Yoshiharu also, “It is different! I incited Yoshihi to join this war; she should have returned to Hitoyoshi Castle! That is how it was supposed to be,” begged Yoshihi. 

“Sagara Yoshihi, it has been quite a while. It is your misfortune that you kept your promise with the Ito Clan. And you who is standing next to Sagara Yoshihi, who are you?” 

The voice of the princess general was clear and stern. 

Yoshiharu looked up. 

“I am Sagara Yoshiharu. I am a vassal of the Oda Clan and the man who came from the future.” 

Even after defeating Ito Army and virtually conquering Hyuga, Shimazu Yoshihiro had yet to shed any drop of sweat. 

She possessed burning, sharp, and intense eyes comparable to Nobuna. 

“The male Sagara Yoshiharu? When Iehisa came to the capital, were you the one who took care of her? But you said such a strange thing. A man who came from the future should not exist! All instances of human life happened at this moment. The things about the past and the future are just made up by people’s mind.” 

The fighting spirit that Yoshihiro let out when she had been killing enemies and ending the war couldn’t be felt from her body anymore. 

On the contrary, when she looked at the mountain of her enemies’ and allies’ corpses, Yoshihiro clenched her lips, and tears accumulated on her eyes. 

Without cursing destiny and dreaming of a peaceful world which hadn’t been seen yet while rejecting the beliefs in miracles. Every anguish and grief born from the burden of being a princess general from the country of Shura was shouldered by her will. And without wavering in front of that great burden, she moved and carried out her role without hesitation. 

Those eyes said it all. 

Yoshiharu thought that everyone in Shimazu Army was willing to offer their life for her. 

“Another Sagara Yoshiharu. Although miracles were said to happen when Amano-Iwato opened, I do not believe in it. When that miracle happened, the ash of Sakurajima covered the sky of Satsuma and blurred the view. It was said to be the blessing of the Inari god.” 

Though her eyes turned wet when she looked at the dead bodies of her enemies and allies, it turned cold as soon as she saw Yoshiharu. 

“This Shimazu Yoshihiro does not believe in any miracles nor myth. People can only live in the present and only in that moment. Thoughts of future that come from the distant past are merely the product of people’s minds. It is impossible for me to go into the past, and there is no eternal life in the future. We live only at this moment now. Things like your entering an eternal life after your death are just things made up by Namban missionaries and confuse me. As such, I will rather kill you now.” 

“Say what you want that I am just a liar. But I did come from the future. It is not a lie nor trickery.” 

“I do not believe it. But even though you claim that you came from the future, I see no benefit in keeping you alive. This world here is just a past for you and if it were to be interfered by your hands, it would create an error. Because you try to interfere with the lives that we have gone through until now, you are much more arrogant than the Namban missionary.”  

It is a good point, Yoshiharu thought so. 

“Such wickedness! The history will be created by us who live here and now! I do not want a clairvoyant who came from the future to interfere with our life! We the Shimazu Clan have been fighting over this land, spilling our blood for 400 years! An unknown traveler like you has no right to interfere with our life!” 

Yoshiharu blinked his eyes. 

The princess general known as Shimazu Yoshihiro was an embodiment of pure crystal strong will. Oda Nobuna also possessed the same strong will, not believing in prophecies and personally trying to open the possibilities with her own hands. On the other hand, Shimazu Yoshihiro was a lot extremer than her. The Japanese should decide the fate of Japan. It was stubborn yet it was also fastidious. 

So this is Shimazu Yoshihiro, Yoshiharu forgot his own situation and sighed in admiration. 

“Shimazu Yoshihiro. It seems that no matter what I will say, you will not listen to it. You have good eyes. They’re the eyes of a hero. You probably have beaten me in terms of will and determination.” 

“Are you praising me? Even so, I will not say thanks.” 

“Please spare Yoshihi’s life. It’s just like what you have said. If I didn’t interfere with this matter, Yoshihi wouldn’t have entered this war. Let the history return to the way it once was.” 

“I will not listen to your request. Sagara Yoshihi’s fate shall be decided by my decision.” 

Shimazu Yoshihiro…pulled out the Odachi from her waist. 

“Stop! Don’t kill Yoshiharu! He is not a Shura!” Yoshihi was screaming. 

“Shimazu Yoshihiro. On what basis can you say that a man from the future like him has no right to intervene in our problem? No matter whether if he lives in the present or the future, he is still a Japanese. He is no different from us. On the contrary, we and Yoshiharu are connected by both blood and heart for several hundred years.” 

“Sagara Yoshihi, you who does not trust her own family and relatives, why are you speaking this nonsense now? The curse of a Shura is born from family bloodline; didn’t you hold antipathy against it because it was disgusting for you?” 

“I don’t know. I don’t even know what I should say to you. Although he is not my retainer, he shouldered the responsibility of this loss and to die in this battle, all to make sure that I will survive. As the 18th head of my clan, I must respond to his help with good faith.” 

“Even if the Sagara Clan would end at its 18th generation?” 

“I have just met Yoshiharu, and I do not understand much about his personality. But he was willing to abandon his chance to go back to the future and chose to stay in this world. Even so, to say that he is not qualified to intervene with history. Only those words that you must take back, Shimazu Yoshihiro!” 

“Yoshihi? What happened to your plan to survive? The words that you were screaming now, they don’t seem to be an act,” her elegant expression as the head of Sagara Clan fell off and exposed an emotional and tearful face. Yoshiharu was surprised. 

Yoshiharu thought, I regret not being able to see Nobuna’s Tenka Fubu be achieved, but to think that there is someone who can understand my heart like this. It feels so rewarding. 

Yoshihiro blushed and whispered, “I know that. I take back my words, it was stupid.” 

Yoshiharu felt admiration for a second time. This time to Shimazu Yoshihiro. 

Yoshihi’s affection and reason were transmitted to me. At the same time, I feel like apologizing. It seems that princess generals aren’t all about being good at military. 

“Very well. I will treat this as an exception. I also don’t want to kill two people who are desperately partial to one another. As I’ve promised, I will let one person live. But the people of Satsuma Hayato are not so lenient to let you two be spared.” 

Yoshiharu had faced so many impeded deaths, and yet he had always been able to miraculously survive until now. Goemon, Inuchiyo, Hanbei, Juubei and many other princess generals had rescued his life.  

Until this time, he had always boasted about bringing out the best result, while in truth, I have always been saved by them, Yoshiharu noticed. 

At the end of my trip, the end of my life is too abrupt. To perish at Kyushu because of things unrelated to the Oda Clan. However, this is the life during the Sengoku era. Despite being a princess general whom he had just met, exchanging his life for Sagara Yoshihi did not feel so bad. Perhaps Kai Soun who lives as a Shura and massacred many people has finally found hope and future in that innocent young girl. A princess general who shares the same name as mine. Perhaps this is what is called ‘fate.’ 

Yoshiharu prepared his mind and looked up. 

The promise made with Kai Soun, there was no intention of betraying his trust. 

“If there is a person whom you should kill, it should be me. Whether I am a man from the future or not is nothing but a trivial thing. If a man and a woman were to stand together at the battlefield and face death, it should be the man to have it.”  

“Wait, Yoshiharu! I am just a bit too brave! The words that I let out were just an accident! Here is the solution! Let me negotiate!” 

“Yoshihi. If I let you die and beg for my life, then I can no longer call myself as Sagara Yoshiharu. Even if I live, I would be nothing but a walking corpse.” 

Shimazu Yoshihiro nodded. 

“Well said. I acknowledge you as a warrior now. So write your death poem.” 

“I don’t think I could. Please just do it.” 

“Please wait for what I am going to say!” 

“Sagara Yoshiharu, I shall send you back to where you belong.” 

With her blade poised as if it would split the heaven and earth to halves, Yoshihiro swung it downward towards Yoshiharu’s neck with a monkey-like clamor.