Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 14 - Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Nishikoku Musou - Tachibana Muneshige 

Otomo Sorin started the last crusade in order to build kingdom of Christians at Hyuga. A place at Hyuga which has been set as Otomo army main headquarter is called “Mushiga” – (Musica).

Its not the kingdom of Otomo clan, rather it’s the kingdom of Otomo Sorin. Its an eternal kingdom which being put together by passionate Christians girl who will never betray her. It’s the long cherished dream of the princess generals and Sorin who is tired from the retainers betrayal, internal discord within the clan and endless rivalry against the foreign enemies. 

After leaving Taka castle, Sagara Yoshiharu and Sagara Yoshihi who continued their forced march without taking any time to rest finally arrived at Mushiga at midnight. That place is a perfect namban town. Not only a cathedral but also a church. Every building that lined up is built using the namban style. There is a Hail Mary sung by female choirs group without being paused. Flags of Lily cross hanged over the roadway. 

But the strange things is that throughout the whole town, jack o’lantern – which were pumpkin decorated as a lantern by carving out a mouth and eyes socket from it. Recently Sorin seems to be absorbed with a new vegetable from namban called pumpkin. The orange helmet that the female soldiers guarding the town were also uniformly designed in human faced pumpkin style. There is also female soldiers who wear the human faced pumpkin that completely cover her head, making her eyesight bad and difficult to walk. 

The complete lights and festivity reminds one of Azuchi’s Bon festival. Sorin resembled Nobuna for having similar sense of beauty. Bu there something distorted there. 

“Yoshiharu. Mushiga looked just like a namban’s capital. A uniformed townscape of namban’s construction without any sight of Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines. It seem that the temples have been completely dismantled to be used as materials for the buildings. Sorin has built a country different from japan” 

“there is no complete westernized town in 21st century of japan. its completely like an amusement park……uuuh, that is Yoshihi-Neesan, this is not a complete town of Christians” 

“then, what kind of town is it?” 

“though its a town that the Christian build, its closer for being the town of ancient pagan European. That is the town of Halloween” 

“hmph. Aren’t the namban’s religion is the Christianity?” 

“at Europe, there was syncretic ancient local belief before their fight with the emerging Christianity. It’s the same with Shinbutsu-Shugo that formerly established in japan. Halloween itself, is a festival of an old animism that survive by blending with Christianity. Speaking of japan……its similar to Bon festival. This world is connected to the underworld. Each person is under supervision of ghost and witches. It’s the days when the soul of dead return” 

“is that so……be its japan or namban. The foundation of a person’s heart is the same” 

“however, its the story of later times that  pumpkin are being adopted in Halloween. Although, its certain that Otomo Sorin popularized the pumpkin imported from namban to japan, Sorin herself shouldn’t have heard any anecdotes about Halloween. Sorin may not see any differences between Christianity and ancient paganism in European. If Frois watched the scenery of this town full of ancient paganism flavors, she will surely faint” 

“Gaspard himself seem to be suspected under heresy by Dominus association. He seems to be able to adapting himself to Sorin’s likeness” 

“but the gate is strictly guarded. “all except residents of Mushiga is prohibited and “Shimazu army are prohibited for coming closer”. All the female soldiers repeatedly saying that……it doesn’t seem that we can pass through silently” 

“should we go over the wall, Yoshiharu?” 

At any rate, if they want to have an audience with Sorin soon, they need to go pass through the wall... 

Tsuun-! 

A sudden arrow were repeatedly shot at Yoshiharu and Yoshihi 

At a terrific speed. 

“uwaa?! That’s dangerous. Yoshihi-Neesan!” 

“heeey Yoshiharu! You want to protect your Ane while standing? Get away!” 

Yoshiharu quickly push away Yoshihi to squat down. Yoshihi’s body is now out of range. 

“its alright! The time for the nicknamed Dodgeball Yoshiharu has come! I will avoid all of them!” 

And so by hanging one hand at the wall, he avoid a bunch of arrow that coming to him by swaying his torso flutteringly, but… 

In the air, gun-tsun-!, the trajectory of the arrows bend in succession. 

“giyaaa?! The shoot is curved like a forked slide?! That’s a lie right?!” 

Dosu, dosu, dosu ,dosun~! 

“Y-Yoshiharu?! What do you mean with Dodgeball Yoshiharu! All of them hit you right? You moron!” 

“……i-iyaa, its not that they hit us……the archer seem to delicately removes the arrows/wedge on purpose. Right now my limbs and head stuck between large amount of arrows. I am stuck at the wall. It’s a miracle……my special skill of dodging cannot be used at all……eh, aree……!” 

“I am the one who shoot it. My deepest apology. Otomo army has already made preparation to fight against Shimazu army. they have departed at morning. Anyone are not allowed to enter Mushiga town without permission. please state your name” 

A handsome samurai boy with clear expression and posture with a tightly drawn bow make his gallant entrance in front of those two. “I don’t like unnecessary killing” his tone is polite yet Yoshiharu and Yoshihi were held by his firm expression. 

“isn’t he just a child?! You bastard, doing this to my Otouto!” 

“Yoshihi-Neesan! That’s no good, this young samurai is a strong master of bow and sword!” 

Yoshiharu remove his limbs and head out from between the arrows and descended to the ground while holding on to Yoshihi’s sleeves. 

Yoshiharu seem to recognize the helmet that the samurai boy was wearing. 

In contrast of Date Masamune favorite crescent moon kabuto, it was decorated with full wheel inserted on top of its head “Oowanuki Torige Head Shaped Kabuto”. 

“Yoshihi-Neesan. This samurai boy, though he is still young, is a hero who cannot be rivaled by anyone other than Shimazu Yoshihiro or Kai Soun” 

“hoo. This child is a Shura comparable to uncle Soun? You seem to know everything don’t you? as expected from Tokuchiyo’s offspring” 

“uum, visitor-san? Do you know anything about me? Though I am a novice who just entered his first campaign, if you praise me like that, I-I will be embarrassed……” 

This honest samurai boy. Yoshiharu whose fondness with women is comparable with Hashiba Hideyoshi, is unconsciously fascinated by his handsome……or it could be said as extraordinary cuteness. Although he doesn’t disguise himself as a girl, he emitted a strong aura of tomboyish girl. Yoshihi who immediately sensed Yoshiharu’s subtle excitement “Yoshiharu. Your Onee-chan will get angry if you run into that kind of hobby. You are the descendant of the prestigious Sagara clan which are full of glorious tradition. You must not become a hentai. If you are in such anguish until that degree, in that case I as your Onee-chan will crawl to your bedroom at night. I will calm you down”  came and whispered it to him. As for Yoshiharu (the sensitivity of Yoshihi-Neesan’s “Onee-chan Sensor” is abnormal. What should I do……things will be in chaos once I bring her in front of Nobuna) he broke in cold sweat. 

Yoshiharu himself “we were trying to cross over the wall, my bad. I am the commander in charge over Chugoku region of Oda clan. Sagara Yoshiharu. My official rank is Chikuzen-no-Kami. There is some complication that make me indebted to Shimazu clan right now but I come as diplomatic messenger from Oda clan. I wished to see Sorin” make a self-introduction and now Yoshihi also introduces herself. 

Because Yoshihi has high pride…… 

“……I am the original lord of Hitoyoshi castle and the predecessor of Sagara clan. And right now are taking care of her disgraceful Otouto, I am the sun of Higo – Sagara Yoshihi. Although I accompanied my Otouto in order to fulfill the commands of the master, there is no way that I am Shimazu’s errand dog!” 

“rather than being humble, it seem that she intended to compete with Muneshige, she still being admirable. That’s how Yoshihi-Neesan really is, huh.” Yoshiharu thought so.     

“so that’s how it is. U-uum, when I think about that the famous Sagara Yoshiharu-dono would appear in front of me, I-I have become nervous. I will introduce myself. I am the new head of personal guards of Lily Crusade that serve our master Otomo Sorin-sama, I am Tachibana Muneshige” 

“Tachibana Muneshige! I knew it, it just like what I thought! Yoshihi-Neesan, he is the stepson of the Raijin Tachibana Dosetsu. Because I wasn’t able to avoid his arrow, I can understand it. His bowmanship and sword skills are top-notch. Our Sagara family combo cannot rival him” 

“is that true? His appearance is similar to a feminine girl” 

“f-for the time being, I have obtained the Menkyo Kaiden of Taisha-Ryuu Kenjutsu. I am also had obtained the Menkyo Kaiden of Heki-Ryuu Kyujutsu. As well as Menkyo Kaiden of Kemari - Asukai-Ryuu Mari-Dou. But in fact this is my first battle. Menkyo Kaiden doesn’t mean anything in actual combat. The “Retreat at Kanegasaki” are counted as among many rising military exploits. I-in front of the legendary military commander Sagara Yoshiharu-dono, I am just a greenhorn…… I-I am so embarrassed” 

“ugee. What on earth is this guy? isn’t he a literal perfect superman? Since I am weak from birth and poor in martial arts, I always face horrible sarcastic remarks but its strangely irritating no to hear any sarcasm since he is too modest. He is truly is a well-bred” Yoshihi frowned. 

“I get it. Since it was said that Takahashi Shoun’s son is fiercely talented, the Raijin Tachibana Dosetsu forcefully asking Shoun to take the latter’s son to marry the former’s daughter and make him his stepson. So its this guy huh? But his looks like a girl……T-this guy is, even though look like this, is already a m-married man? I-its impossible to imagine” 

“m-my wife Ginchiyo is still 7 years old! I-I am still a greenhorn boy who still has a long way to go. I don’t know how to deal with my wife. Of course, I don’t have any experience of making children” 

“what’s that? A 7 years old bride? Yoshiharu, isn’t this what they call as the soul of lolicon?” 

In Otomo clan, there two major generals who became the pillars for military affairs that substitutes Sorin who is weak to stand at the frontline. 

Tachibana Dosetsu who is a veteran general who rides upon a palanquin on the battlefield. The loyal warrior who is the embodiment of valor of Otomo clan – the Raijin. He slice a lightning once and now has half of his body paralyzed. He miraculously survived and became a legend. A Shura who achieved victory at numerous battlefield. Otomo Sorin who is poor at fighting was able to become the queen of the six countries of Kyushu thanks to Tachibana Dosetsu’s achievement. Dosetsu who held deep faith to Usa Hachiman opposed this reckless religious war and should’ve stayed at Tachibanayama castle now. 

Another person is the lord of Homanzan castle and Iwaya castle who protect the Dazaifu of Chikuzen – Takahashi Shoun. The strongest partner and sword friend of Tachibana Dosetsu for his prideful fighting spirit and persistent loyalty. Although the age differences with the two are like father and son, he is a legendary Gishou who is not inferior to Dosetsu. Shoun should’ve stayed at the castle as well. 

This Tachibana Muneshige is the biological child of the Gishou Takahashi Shoun. He is the husband of Tachibana Dosetsu’s daughter Ginchiyo and welcomed as the noble stepson of Tachibana clan. He was trained at early age by the two most elite general – Shoun and Dosetsu to support the Otomo clan. He is the hybrid of elite Shura. 

As far as Yoshiharu are aware of, there isn’t any single flaw within his morality, martial prowess and personality. He is a samurai among samurai whose existence itself is considered as a cheat. The samurai of Sengoku era of japan called the “Last Perfect System” or “Ultimate System”. 

He is renowned as “Chinzei Musou” also known as “Nishikoku Musou”. 

Its said that he has a discord with his wife Ginchiyo and a young waster who has zero vitality in growing up. Other than that there isn’t any single flaw in him. He is a general of Sengoku era who boasted incredible talent and personality. 

“but that’s strange. In the history I know, Tachibana Muneshige shouldn’t have participated in this battle. Muneshige’s first battle still a long way to go. I also never heard about Muneshige converting into Christianity. Why are you participating in Lily Crusade?” 

“yes. Both Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono lamented that there isn’t any geographical advantage, opportunity from the heaven or harmony between the people in this battle. Furthermore, our master has no experience to stand in front of the battlefield personally. Each of Shimazu 4 sisters are experienced in actual fighting and they all are in harmony. However, bot Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono are in dark and cannot move out from Chikuzen. It is to restrain sneaky movement from Ryuzoji Takanobu at Hizen. Therefore, even though I am a greenhorn, at the very least this Muneshige will become the office for the sake of master’s dream. Be it becoming the shield for defending master from the arrows or bullets of Shimazu, I have my determination when the circumstances need it” 

“both Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono brought severe training to hardens my heart in order to eventually make me the brother-in-law of master. Its only natural that the Otouto fight for the sake of protecting his Ane” Muneshige nodded. Although his eyes is calm, its shining brightly. There isn’t any speck of filth in his heart. He is a noble boy who is raised as a pure person. 

“Sagara Yoshiharu-dono has served as the rear guard for Oda Nobuna-sama’s sake at Kanegasaki as well as becoming a shield for Nobuna-sama at Tenno-ji. I as well, carried out loyalty for my master and am determined to sacrifice my life” 

“w-w-well, Muneshige. I wasn’t born in a samurai family. If I had to say it then actually my loyalty to my master is something came out from my feeling as an individual. I am not a man who can be used as a role model for Bushido, right? In fact, it was a love relationship between the lord and the retainer. It was a foolish act of the retainer supplanting his lord which is considered as a taboo” 

“I don’t have any knowledge in romance but……Yoshiharu-dono love relationship with Nobuna-sama is the result of your selfless and loyal heart that you carried out. Such deep trust is the reason why it exceed the taboo with Nobuna-sama. I as well, am making desperate efforts to be recognized as true Otouto for master” 

This Muneshige has no choice but to die fighting for the sake of Otomo clan in the future……although the Otomo clan is a superpower, but internally, Sorin’s admiration to Christianity made the clan to decline steadily. Muneshige was expected as the “Ultimate Weapon of Otomo clan” by his two father. He has been raised severely from his childhood. Yoshiharu sympathized with Muneshige’s way of life. but such easy sympathy…would be considered rude for Muneshige who lived for the sake of loyalty. 

“but, why are you becoming an Otouto?” 

“both Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono considered that for the sake of master who is poor at fighting and scared of war, an Otouto is need to directly command the Otomo army and serves as her sword on the battlefield. Therefore, I am tasked with that important role. For that reason, I have been spending everyday with severe training in life and death until now. even if I were to walk  upon a stepping stone, I would still have to walk down that path. I took upon Gifu-jo’s words upon my heart” 

“eh? your heart? What kind of training is that? Well, good luck with that” 

On the other hand, Yoshihi’s tongue is relentless. 

“Otomo Sorin’s dream is, let alone a Christians kingdom, is a kingdom of pumpkin in japan which deviated from the faith of Christians? If I have to say it, since Sorin is tired of rebellion from the retainers and the death of her family, she tries to gather passionate believers who will never betray her and keep being a hikikomori at Hyuga. Sorin doesn’t hold any prospect beyond that. For Sorin’s personal flowery dream, is it worth for a loyal subject such as yourself to lose your life for? It is the result of being discreetly used by the ambition of that namban missionary Gaspard as usual” 

Yoshihi herself, in order to protect her only Imouto Tokuchiyo, has submitted her life to Kai Soun. Sorin’s weakness that had led her Otouto to die in the past. Yoshihi who harbor a deep love for her family in her heart. There is something that Yoshihi felt about the former’s thinking. The prideful Yoshihi accepted her fate of being a subordinate to Shimazu clan, was done in order to rescue Yoshiharu. Not only that, wasn’t it also because she found respect in the firm unity of Shimazu 4 sisters. 

 But Yoshiharu think that the weakness itself is not evil. Strength and weakness coexisted within human’s heart. Yoshiharu as well. If he didn’t meet Nobuna, Yoshiharu would have been scared of his fate at this Sengoku era and would’ve died at some place on the corner of the battlefields. Sorin is the opposite of Nobuna’s strength. By the insane wheel of history, she fell into the dark fate of having to execute her biological Otouto. One could see from the outlook of the peculiar Mushiga town. Sorin was born as an artisan. She has talent in constructing towns. There is no quality of a soldier within her to fight at the field of Shura. That is the difference with Nobuna. Yoshiharu thought that it was a misfortune that Sorin succeed the Otomo clan of Kyushu which is the most prominent site of bloody battle during Sengoku era. 

“its presumptuous for a retainer to question his lord’s dream. To fight and die for our lord is the greatest honor for the Shura of Otomo clan. Oyaji-dono has been taught everything about vanity from Gifu-jo……any more than that is something that I don’t know about, since I am still but a greenhorn” although Muneshige was tilting his head, he still answered honestly. 

“as I thought, my lord will surely be defeated by Shimazu army, right? Yoshiharu-dono?” 

Muneshige is wrapped in countless pumpkin and while looking at the street of Mushiga with sorrowful gaze, he asked it to Yoshiharu. 

“if Kanbei and Shimazu 4 sisters are going to clash against each other with the current miserable military differences between the two army, victory or defeat cannot be decided easily. If at one point Tachibana Muneshige entered the war, the chance of victory will go slightly for the Otomo army but is probably still difficult to win. Muneshige is a renowned hero who carried the nickname “Nishikoku Musou” in the future. unfortunately, no else including Shimazu men of Satsuma Hayato except me know about Muneshige’s military fame” 

“if my Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono whose military fame were known through the whole nation of Kyushu are to participate in this war, then the condition of the war would also change. It’s a regrettable thing” 

“it can’t be helped that Tachibana Dosetsu and Takahashi Shoun weren’t able to participate in this battle. At any rate, the existence of Ryuzoji Takanobu who will steal the hegemony of Kyushu once both sides are damaged and collapsed are the biggest problem. Those two brave generals are able to foresee that Ryuzoji Takanobu would immediately rebel once Otomo army collapses, that’s why they aren’t able to leave Chikuzen easily” 

“Ryuzoji Takanobu are known to be a literal Oni in personality who aim to become the supreme ruler of Kyushu. But with the fact that the man from the future like are you are saying…in the future that you know, the last battle over the supremacy of Kyushu will be carried between Shimazu clan and Ryuzoji clan. This mean that our lord, at this battle…will fall from the seat of queen of 6 countries of Kyushu, right?......” 

“indeed, that’s why we as the messenger of negotiating peace are here to stop you from doing this battle. Me and Yoshihi are going to see Sorin” 

“aren’t you praising Muneshige too much Yoshiharu? Between me and this boy who look like a girl, which one of us are more famous in the future?” Yoshihi sulked for being half ignored by Yoshiharu. “aah. Muneshige is about 10 times more famous than Yoshihi-Neesan” Yoshiharu let his tongue carelessly slip out. “what do you mean 10 times more than me? Don’t joke!! Can’t you pay more attention to your Onee-chan? You blockhead!!” the highly prideful Yoshihi pinched Yoshiharu’s cheek in fury……”that is the truth, I’m telling you! an enthusiast of Sengoku game won’t lie! There is a magnificent battle about Tachibana Muneshige in Oda Nobunaga no Yabou. Its unfortunate that “The Battle of Hibikinohara” weren’t transformed as a characteristic event for Sagara Yoshihi and thus it has that much differences in popularity!” Yoshiharu pinched Yoshihi’s cheek in retort. 

“fufu. In this chaotic time of Kyushu, this is the first time that I see such close brother and sister. How enviable. Would there be a time that there will be a siblings quarrel between me and master……” 

Muneshige smiles wryly, at that time. 

“an opening~! Osuu!” 

While shouting, a young princess……Tachibana Ginchiyo plunged to those three from the darkness. 

And then. 

“tha-that’s no good you know! I am working right know, Ginchiyo-dono” 

 At Muneshige’s stomach who lowered his eyebrow in troubled look, 

“Muneshige~! Take this~! Return the family inheritance~!” 

Doboo, she made a daring and ruthless head-butt. 

Furthermore. 

“a covering attack~! Ginchiyo’s new servant Tocco has appeared! Attack Muneshige with your beak~!” 

“koke~!” 

Ginchiyo seem to have kept a familiar. No, it was just a casual chicken. She started an attack by throwing its beak at Muneshige’s face. 

“to use food as weapon, how stingy Ginchiyo-dono! Please stop!” 

“fuwawa! Hyuga’s chicken is delicious! It lay eggs too! Besides, the extremely well-bred Muneshige wouldn’t be able to handle foods roughly! Therefore its impossible to counter-attacked a chicken! More, charge!” 

“koke~!” 

“eeh? Muneshige’s young wife Ginchiyo is seriously attacking her husband? Don’t tell me that Gaspard’s brainwashing is dead? is it for inciting discord within Tachibana family?” Yoshiharu got confused. Muneshige who caught the chicken at one side and holding down Ginchiyo’s tackle at one hand, “my apologies. Ginchiyo-dono always attacked me whenever she find me” and floated a wry smile. 

No matter how much the litte Ginchiyo seriously attacked, she doesn’t seem to be able to give any damage to Muneshige who is a prodigy of martial arts. For that reason, “damn you!” Ginchiyo had her face reddened and didn’t loosen down her attack. 

But the problem was……Tachibana Muneshige who is the very picture of ideal, noble and virtuous human being and also Ginchiyo’s husband, blood rushes up to his head. “doing this your husband, prostate yourself! This is the only that I will forgive you today!” he grabbed Ginchiyo’s small body and turn it around. 

“what? Muneshige?” Yoshiharu called out to him. It doesn’t seems that both Muneshige and Ginchiyo weren’t able to show any beautiful good and beautiful relationship. Even if the person himself is a superman, it seems that there are still some partners that he won’t have patience with. “do they have compatibility……”Yoshiharu closes his eyes. 

“Ginchiyo-dono! I am angry that I am robbed from my family inheritance – Tachibanayama castle for being a stepson from Takahashi family. But this is for the sake of Otomo clan! Be more reasonable! Can’t you serve obediently as my wife?” 

“no way! Because Muneshige, aren’t you actually a woman? a woman marrying another woman is strange! Why does Ginchiyo need to hand over the family inheritance of Tachibana castle to a woman?! go back to your family Muneshige! Return Tachibanayama castle as well!” 

“koke~!” 

“y-y…………..you are a GIRL?????!!!!!” 

“TACHIBANA MUNESHIGE IS ACTUALLY A GIIIIIIRL?????!!!!!” 

“not only that, Ginchiyo is her young bride???” 

“is it allowed for a girl to marry another girl????!!!” 

“”WHY. WHY????”” 

Yoshiharu and Yoshihi whose cheeks are twisted looked at each other. They both are lost in words. 

“d-d-d-don’t say it like that Ginchiyo-dono! Certainly its unfortunate that I am a girl, despite that I am just barely manly enough to act as a husband, I’m sorry!” 

“alright, I forgive you~!” 

“I will grow up to an ideal husband for Ginchiyo-dono someday!” 

“how much training would it take to make a girl be an ideal husband?! I mean, how are you going to make Ginchiyo conceive children?” 

“its possible! Although right now I am still too immature as a man, it would be possible somehow if I use guts and fighting spirits! Recently, I have been reading the principle of married couples in Tales of Genji at every night! Someday, I will definitely make Ginchiyo-dono conceive children for sure! I will show you!” 

Tachibana Muneshige is a boy (or a girl?) who is one of the best in kyushu for being a prodigy and accomplished in both literal and martial arts. 

He has been trained in severe, life threatening and yet secular training for both literal and martial arts. He is a super noble child who is raised in a completely pure environment. 

And yet, he still doesn’t know the method of making children during marriages. 

“can you do it?! Everytime I meet you, your stupid boobs are keep growing! Its useless even if hiding it behind the armor! Is that a sarcasm for flat-chested Ginchiyo?! Is that a sarcasm?! Then eat this!!!” 

“hurt, hurt, it hurt! Recently, my chest is hurting! Please stop hurting my chest Ginchiyo-dono! If keep doing that, I will throw you far away to the sky of at Mushiga with all of my strength!” 

“Ginchiyo know it-tsu! You keep doing “training for chest problem” so that you can finally become a man~! You changed your name to Muneshige since your boobs keep growing-tsu! Return to your original name before you were adopted!” 

“certainly I want to be a man, but I don’t want to throw away my chest which I have received from my parents! Therefore, at the very least my chest is the only part that seems to a girl. That’s why I changed my name to “Muneshige” 

“nyandatto? You still have lingering feeling about the boobs? This, immature person!” 

Muneshige who seems to have exceed her limit of patience, throw Ginchiyo away in a large swing. “aree. I will remember this” Ginchiyo disappear unto the night sky while shouting out a curse. 

“what, Muneshige?! You throw away Ginchiyo like a fireworks display?!” 

“its alright Yoshiharu-dono. It’s a shame but the discord between me and Ginchiyo-dono is because of our forced marriage. When we meet each other it would develop into a duel….you might not think so but she is a full-fledged princess general who was raised in severe training by Gifu-jo and soon she will come back” 

Muneshige sighed “haa” and gently patted the chicken who is being violent and kindly let it run to pursue its owner. 

“Muneshige. If this bloodthirsty marital relationship keep continuing then it would develop into exchanging one own life soon. Right now Ginchiyo’s body is small but soon when her body grow, her strength will also improves. Furthermore, since this is Hyuga, she is only finished with handling a chicken if it in Higo she will start controlling a bear” 

“there is no problem since my mind is always ready for combat! This is also training! Why must I a woman need to be Ginchiyo-dono’s husband? Even now I still cannot understand Gifu-jo’s absurdity……haa……when I think that the two of us will be in discord for a lifetime, its feels depressing, right? Afterall Ginchiyo-dono aren’t tolerant about this things……” 

“certainly. This is too unreasonable. It would be a discord” Yoshiharu sympathizes with those two people. 

“just what the heck is it……Yoshiharu didn’t awaken any  preference towards a children, it’s a relief that the perception of his fondness with woman has been strangely supported with Muneshige, but……wait a second. Now that we found out that she is a charming and beautiful princess general that disguises herself as a man, I can’t feel relieved at all. Hey Yoshiharu! Let alone Iehisa and Yoshihiro, you aren’t supposed to increase your local wife even more! When I take my eyes from you for a while, you keep grasping a maiden’s hearts one after another like Genji. I am worried” 

“please stop being jealous for an unseen future on your own, Yoshihi-Neesan! To begin with, there is no such thing as local wives!” 

In Tachibana clan, Ginchiyo is the biological child who is being trained as a princess general to succeed the clan at first. Later on, the girl Muneshige was taken from Takahashi clan to become a boy and later stepson to succeed their family inheritance. Perhaps, it’s the rule of Tachibana clan that a boy must be the one who succeed the family inheritance. At Sengoku era where a princess generals is a common things, this could be said as uncommon case. The fact that even Yoshihi is surprised mean that’s a strange case that are uncommon in Kyushu. And then, this Tachibana clan strict law is the reason which create a distortion where a girl would marry another little girl as married couple. When one think about it, the flags of lily cross that were hung alongside Mushiga’s roadways seem to have deeper meaning to Yoshiharu’s eyes now. 

“aah? That’s right, since I was attacked by Ginchiyo-dono, I forgot about it……my mission is the defense of Mushiga. You two are arrested and will be taken to the strategist –Kuroda Kanbei-dono!” 

“just how many restriction is there for a diplomatic messenger? Just how outrageous Kyushu can be? Can’t you let us meet Sorin?!” 

“m-my apologies! In case that Sagara Yoshiharu arrived at Mushige, at that time he must be arrested. That is the order from the strategist! B-because you two are “Sagara Yoshiharu”, you two are recognized as the target for arrest” 

“eii. I change my name to Yoshihi. This crossdressing girl doesn’t have any flexibility” 

“I’m sorry! Because strategist-dono stated that its simple for someone to impersonate a general by using their name but be especially careful with a suspicious princess general that excel in strategy. That’s the command!” 

“huuh! What’s that about……how unexpectedly convincing!” 

… 

… 

… 

After being his arm bounded together with Yoshihi, Yoshiharu who was taken out to the cathedral “that reminds me, what happened to Konoe-ossan?” asked it out. The thoughtless Konoe Sakihisa “Maro will persuade them de-ojaru!” charge ahead as a messenger for peace under Otomo Sorin without permission. he is missing ever since then. 

“K-kampaku-sama has been detained by strategist-dono. T-that person was, doing Yobai to lord Sorin. Because he was planning to use romantic love advocate a renunciation of war, it was inevitable that this Muneshige was present. Since Kampaku-sama weren’t carrying any killing intent, he was full of opening and I beat him half to death…master who was nearly persuaded by Kampaku-sama “this Kampaku-san underestimates Sorin. Though my mind is similar like tofu, e-even so, it’s a big mistake if you thought that I will fall in love with anyone. Punish him”  so I was ordered to repel him……to be so ambition over doing a task faithfully…...I, I am still immature” 

“it wasn’t necessary to beat him half to dead. You capture me and Yoshiharu because we share the same name. don’t you think that you took orders too seriously?” 

“but that was a big failure back at Shimazu clan, don’t tell me he is using the same tmethod again? There is no helping it, that maro” 

“fufufu. Nice to meet you people of Sagara clan. I have been waiting for you. the time has come to prove that Kurokan Ichiryuu. Please don’t be a nuisance peoples. It would be a problem if you peoples loitering around the camp. You are going to accompanies the forces attacking Taka castle as hostages” 

The cathedral’s gate opened and a lively girl with familiar voice barge in…... 

“Kanbei!” Yoshiharu shouted while having his arms restrained. 

However, Kanbei who should’ve make a reunion after a long time, has a word “Akukan” literally painted in black ink under the forehead and eyes. Her eyes also aren’t adjusted to Yoshiharu. “hmph. So you are alive huh? Sagara Yoshiharu. Even if you have arrived at Mushiga, its too late now” she was twisting her mouth and smile wickedly. 

That Kanbei was dragging around a chain which were extended from the neck of a prisoner with an iron mask on his face while groaning “fogu fogu”. “don’t tell me, is that Konoe Sakihisa? Apparently Konoe’s absolute weapon against girls “the ultimate beautiful man’s face” has been sealed. To treat Konoe-ossan who is the Kampaku like this even for an instant, just how much did you not consider the consequences? Truly Akukan” Yoshiharu was at his wits end. 

“Kanbei! You seem to have rejected the dark future that Gaspard told you but listen to me! You are being manipulated by Gaspard! Didn’t I say it before at Harima? The future is never truly fixed!” 

“hmph. Sagara Yoshiharu. You know about Simon’s future as a second rate yet you are being silent about it” 

“it was my fault that I was being silent. But I never realized that you would actually become a second rate in the future! even though you have a habit of behaving recklessly, you always give me advice beforehand……like that time when I charging into Ukita Naoie” 

“hmph” Kanbei snorted. 

“even if you are talking about that old story and try to appeal to Simon’s feeling, its useless” 

“I don’t have that intention, Kanbei. If you have some kind of plan, please consult with me” 

“fufu. Don’t worry. As for the plan that I prepared for this battle is three plans that is the good, medium and bad plan. Any of those will certainly succeed. Don’t disturb it. Don’t interfere in it. Now that Oda and Mori are fighting at Honshu, this is the last and first chance of my life that Simon got. if you do even a slightly useless struggling, Simon’s grand strategy will be bounced back and back and collapse” 

“Kanbei! At the very least, removes my and Yoshihi-Neesan’s handcuff! Let us meet Sorin!” 

“shut up. Stop it. Don’t make complain like a red-nosed lord! What’s with Yoshihi-Neesan?! At the time you brought a local wife to Mushiga, you credibility has gone downfall! I stop serving as your strategist anymore, now I am spreading the name of Kurokan Ichiryuu as the strategist of Otomo clan” 

“Yoshihi is not a local wife but my sister. Its Sagara corps long awaited vice general! It would be a problem if the strategist and vice general doesn’t get along” 

“mufu. I will praise your crafty strategy that excel in increasing the number of local wives one after another as well as Ane and Imoutos. Rather to say it for Otomo clan, its outrageous to flirt with Shimazu 4 sisters who is the enemy of Oda clan! Its detestable but all of Shimazu 4 sisters must be buried at the battlefield of Taka castle” 

“Shimazu and Oda aren’t in hostile relationship. If Gaspard urged Sorin to build a kingdom of god then its not necessary that both Shimazu and Otomo clan to bet their fate on a decisive battle at Hyuga. Remember that our mission wasn’t to make both sides to fight each other but to make peace between the two clans!” 

“this is the country of Shura – Kyushu, Sagara Yoshiharu. There is no way for the two clans to understand each other except through fist to fist. Of course if both side were to clash against each other with full power, either side would certainly collapse but its Shimazu clan that would fall. This Simon shall change her life as a second rate from now on. I thank Gaspard who told Simon’s future. fufufu” 

“what are we going to do with Nobuna who fall at predicament at Honshu?” 

“to make Simon’s flag of Kurokan Ichiryuu flutters in the world, they have to hold out a bit more. While Oda army are fighting against Kanto faction and Mori clan, Simon will suppress Kyushu by using the power from Otomo army. then I will take Mori’s Chugoku region while they are away. 1 month is enough. The western countries will belong to Simon! At the time that Mori’s territories got taken, Oda, Takeda and Uesugi will be exhausted. Well, Oda clan may perish…but anyway, Simon will take 1/3 part of the world. Indeed, this Simon will accomplished Tenka Fubu” 

“oii Kanbei?! You, actually…saying that? Are you seriously saying that?” 

“Sagara Yoshiharu. You should’ve known. Simon’s ambition is only one. Its to show my tactical genius to the world. This is first and last chance to achieve that ambition” 

“its not like that. Didn’t you want to go the world beyond the sea Kanbei?” 

“shut up! The hell with crossing over the sea, if I got a second rate life where my talent will be wasted until the end! Simon realized that it’s the best shortcut if Simon take the world herself!” 

“you are being manipulated by Gaspard. If you can’t let us meet Sorin then at least let us meet Gaspard!” Yoshiharu approach Kanbei but she shook her head in disapproval. 

“Gaspard has already led a detached force and are on his way to Taka castle through mountains from Takachiho. He is not in Mushiga. Frois are going together with Gaspard on behalf of restraining his actions” 

“a detached force?!” 

“Sagara Yoshiharu. Everyone think that Otomo’s detached force that choose a severe path of crossing the mountain will not be in time for the battle. But Simon got a plan. Fufufu. Kurokan Ichiryuu!” 

The whole army will leave Mushiga tomorrow. It will march towards Mimigawa after crossing Hyuga highway at full speed and surround Shimazu Iehisa who shut herself inside Taka castle! 

The most important place at Taka castle is Neshirosaka which is located on top of a hill where one could view the whole battlefield. The side that obtained Neshirosaka first would obtain overwhelming advantage! There is no time to waste. Quickly march! The provisions are enough for 3 days! There is no need to be worried about the food! 

If Taka castle falls, we will survive. If it doesn’t fall, there will only be destruction for Otomo clan! The biggest weakness of Otomo army is that it wasn’t possible to control the big army since the current head of the clan – Otomo Sorin herself didn’t come out in the frontline! That was the reason why Otomo Sorin’s Otouto who is the head of Ouchi clan were helplessly destroyed by Mori clan. Its also the reason why they lost at battle of Imayama where they weren’t able to destroy Ryuzoji clan who shut themselves at Saga castle despite the former has overwhelming advantage. And finally it’s the reason of defeat for the battle of Mimigawa that would start now. but this time, Sorin herself personally led 20000 soldiers to the front. This Simon takes over the whole army. any person who defied Simon’s order will be judged under the military law without mercy! Even if that person is Kampaku! 

Kanbei was being gleeful to Muneshige and notified the pumpkin soldier girl. 

For the soldier girl who worship Sorin, she has been fascinated by the Kanbei’s flowing speech and she was charmed by the sparkling genius strategist. Even Muneshige “this person is born as a strategist. There is no stopping her now…” has her face flushed and blushed. 

“……Yoshiharu. Is this alright?” 

Yoshihi who had her arms in handcuff frowned but for Yoshiharu, his intention to stop Kanbei has disappeared. 

“……I guess so……Kanbei and I got along with each other until recently. Ever since the battle at Harima, we have been pass through the verge of death many time together. We are lifelong friends. Kanbei’s sorrow and shock after being informed about her future, I understand it completely. Even though she is a genius, its precisely that she is a genius that in her life, she were feared by powerful men and were avoided by central political power. its impossible for Kanbei to contently accept her future where she will be buried in the corner of Kyushu without being able to demonstrate her ability” 

“hmph, it useless for you to say that you understand it in order to raise my sympathy, Sagara Yoshiharu” Kanbei laughed. 

“……for a lifetime, this Simon wasn’t able to demonstrate her resourcefulness as a strategist. For a lifetime, this talent is being neglected by men of power. My ambition was in doubt. I was destined to die at Nakatsu without being able to use my talent to the fullest. Even after taking advantage from a big battle at Honshu in order to do a last decisive match at Kyushu, it was laughably ended in vain……what the hell with Josui! Simon aren’t a hermit like Takenaka Hanbei! But! That miserable future will not come anymore! Since Simon has knew her future, I will change everything! The biggest tragedy for those who live as a strategist is to be defeated in a fight of resourcefulness rather than battles. It is to die without being able to demonstrate their tactical talent! Simon will give every ability as a strategist for this battle that weren’t originally given to her! Even if I die in battle, there will be no regrets!” 

“As Takenaka Hanbei has overcome her fate, Simon will overcome her own fate as well…!”. Kanbei were talking joyfully while pulling the chain linked to Konoe’s neck who were shouting“this, this impertinent fellow! That, to treat this Maro so roughly like Sagara Yoshiharu, I will get my revenge even if you won the war de-ojaru! Removes this iron mask de-ojaru!”. 

At this time, one of the soldier girls who wildly respect Sorin forgot something after being excited by Kanbei’s speech. “Strategist-sama, under Sorim-sama order, the prisoner - Sagara Yoshiharu’s neck will be beheaded at this place!” 

“Sorin-sama will offer it to namban’s god – Deus-sama whom she worship!” 

“I think so. Although it’s a little cruel, but a sacrifice is necessary for the holy war!” 

The soldiers girls who were covered in pumpkin headgear approached Yoshiharu who were handcuffed. Muneshige and Yoshihi “that’s no good!”, “they are in state of religious euphoria, this is bad!” they are trying to hold back the girls but their number are too many. Yoshiharu is encircled and confronted by spears at all sides while struggling to avoid it. 

“quit it. The prisoner is an important trump card suitable for bargaining with Shimazu clan. You must not kill him. Any person who harmed Sagara Yoshiharu and Sagara Yoshihi will be executed without mercy” 

Kanbei restrained the girls. But her expression remained that of a cold strategist. 

“send those two to jail. Otomo Sorin may unreasonably want to talk with those two. As for Sorin, there is one princess general…never let Sagara Yoshihi free. I will order Tachibana Muneshige tomorrow morning to bring those two to Taka castle” 

After Kanbei left the room, Yoshihi is worried about Yoshiharu’s body. 

“Yoshiharu. Weren’t you going to discuss things directly with Kuroda Kanbei somehow? Its impossible to approach her for questioning! With this, it means we just nonchalantly came to Mushiga and become easy prisoners. In the first place, are you two really a friend to each other?” 

“at-at the very least, she recognized our value as hostage. Its unlikely that me and Yoshihi-Neesan were to be killed suddenly……” 

“conversely, once we deemed useless, we will be disposed!” 

“how could it be, Kanbei?! No that’s not it. Gaspard should’ve only just brainwashed her or something, originally she wasn’t such Akukan! But no, in the history, Kanbei use the chance to steal Kyushu during the confusion of the battle of Sekigahara……but, that happened in the world where Kanbei didn’t meet me! Since Hanbei is alive, Kanbei couldn’t do such betrayal” 

“she were saying there is local wives here and then. Could it be that she were disgusted by you who keep snatching princess general’s maiden love at Kyushu even though Oda Nobuna is in dilemma? 

“that’s why I told you it’s a misunderstanding! Kanbei, please return, listen to what I am saying!” 

“i-its alright. I will guarantee the safety of you two” Muneshige said some comforting words to Yoshiharu, while all troops are preparing for departure. 

Suddenly, a namban girls band lined up in the cathedral and begun to perform some lively namban music performance. 

“something like a “wedding march” or like TokyoOOOOLand Parade…” Yoshiharu thought so. The queen of Bungo appeared while being surrounded by music and riding a beast imported from namban – the elephant. 

“at last, because Simon has leave the room, I was able to meet Sagara Yoshiharu-kun. I was being noisy about meeting you, right? I am Otomo Sorin. Its been while right? Sagara Yoshihi. As for Sagara Yoshiharu-kun, how do you do?...this helmet which look like a pointy hat is a custom made item for Sorin. As Frois say, Christianity has become popular in Sorin’s Mushiga, but its slightly different from orthodox catholic. If Vatican would judge it, Sorin would be deemed as heretic…I would be called a witch. If its japan then it should be demoness right? Against Oda Nobuna who is nicknamed “Dairokuten Maou”, Sorin would called herself as “Namban Witch” 

Otomo Sorin who appeared at the cathedral in Mushiga has an appearance completely like a magical girl. The lightweight helmet has a golden leaf shaped thin layer that were strangely pointed out. It had bizarre length just like the tower of this cathedral. It just like a witch’s cone shaped hat. 

But she didn’t wear armor since her body is weak. She is wearing a black namban mantle. She is holding a thin cane in her hands instead of a Japanese sword. 

Of course, it goes without saying that Sorin’s pumpkin that were flashed out as human faced pumpkin decorate her gorgeous mantle and her headgear along with her various elaborate props. 

Although she is a bit older than Nobuna, she attended a Halloween party “trick or treat!”. Despite being the supreme commander for a decisive battle against Shimazu army tomorrow morning, she makes a noise and expression like an innocent child. There is no resolution of a queen of country of Shura who is ready to contend for a battle could be felt within Sorin. 

She may actually lose sight of the difference between dream and reality. 

“I borrow the sacred tree of Usa-Hachiman shrine and had finished shaping it as a cane for talisman. Because I dismantled many shrine and temples and use it to build Mushiga town, I have incurred many people’s grudge. However, when priest and monks are attacking Sorin, I can disperse them by brandishing this cane” 

“as expected, Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono fainted when they find out that the sacred tree was cut down to be made as a pagan magic wand” Muneshige whispered softly to Yoshiharu. 

“Usa-Hachiman shrine is……is it the head temple of all Hachiman shrine at japan?” 

“yes. Aside from the princess generals who were still young, all of the old retainers are in uproar” 

With this, its impossible for Otomo clan to be harmonious. 

“Sorin-sama is wonderful”, “ she is not scared with divine punishment”, “Sorin-sama’s witch appearance is cute” But, soldiers girl who were assigned to protect Sorin and wearing pumpkin headgear, are being excited when seeing Sorin brandished her cane ecstatically. For the princess generals and soldier girls who just met their puberty, Sorin who introduced Christianity and western culture to Bungo and continuing dressing like a Kabuki despite the protest from old retainers, Sorin is viewed as an existence like an idol. 

There is also a charismatic like aspect of Kabuki’s girl found in Nobuna. But Nobuna’s Kabuki appearance is the result of pursuing functionality for battle. In a manner of speaking, its combining practicality. But, as for Sorin who is not interested in actual battle at all, it was clear that she want to become a witch for the sake of being submerged in the world of dream. Making a cane out of the sacred tree of Usa-Hachiman shrine is completely over the top. 

“its proved in the historical battle of Mimigawa where they got completely defeated. On the other hand, Shimazu army is a pure battle group that completely devote themselves in pragmatism. Their sense of battle is too different…” Yoshiharu thought so. 

Rather, it makes one wonder that Sorin was once a wise ruler who repel Mori Motonari’s invasion of Kyushu. If Sorin ever get serious, she would possessed an intellect that are on equal term even with Mori Motonari. However, right now Sorin is exhausted from successive battle in the country of Shura and she hoped to shut herself in the country of dream – Mushiga. 

The eyes of Sorin seemed to be wandering in a dream. When she opened her eyes, she didn’t see the real world at all. 

Tomorrow morning, Otomo army would depart to the frontline from Mushiga towards Taka castle. 

Is it possible to dissuade the outbreak of war tonight? 

“I am the official messenger from the Oda clan, Sagara Yoshiharu. As for Yoshihi, since she once was allied to Sorin, I will skip the introduction. Right now the Sagara clan are the subordinates to Shimazu clan after the family inheritance is being succeeded by Yoshihi’s Imouto Tokuchiyo. Tokuchiyo protect the Hitoyoshi castle and didn’t participate in battle of Taka castle. As such, Yoshihi should be regarded as a messenger for peace from Shimazu clan” 

“kyaa. Its Sagara Yoshiharu-kun who opened the Amano-Iwato! The real thing is much cooler than the shadow that rose in the sky!” 

“c-cool?! Y-You mean me?” 

 Those words, isn’t it the first time I ever hear that on my life? did she possess a peculiar aesthetic sense? Because she is a girl who like to mass produced human faced pumpkin, could it be slightly different? 

(what the heck happened?) Yoshiharu is confused and Sorin pressed further. 

“Sorin has decided from the beginning that you are the only one who can be my lover! If I live through the path of faith that Gaspard-sama show me, then I will remain a virgin maiden. But its hard to abandon the path love right? But, its no good if the partner is the Maro of Yamato Gosho, right? Because Sorin like every new things, old fashioned gentlemen are useless! Because I’m scared of men of bloody Shuras of Kyushu, its also useless! There is only you who came from the future! but certainly, since you were stolen first by Oda Nobuna in Honshu, I was half-giving up. Yet, you came all the way to Mushiga to meet Sorin. This certainly an encounter of destiny, isn’t it?” 

“Eh? Eh? Eh?” 

“really, what the heck is happened? I haven’t set up any flag at all! This is my first time meeting with Sorin” Yoshiharu dannot understand the reason. 

“you came here to become Sorin’s lover, right? Welcome!!!” 

The elephant cries “paoo”. All of the namban girl band started to play a wedding march in high volume. 

In the hands of pumpkin soldier girls, “we passionately welcome you, Sagara Yoshiharu-kun” and “Oh, the love of my soul!” there are incomprehensible flags stretched behind Sorin. 

“tonight, it will be a bridal night for the two of us, Yoshiharu-kun! I’m looking forward to it. To steal the lover of the ruler of world, there is a burning sense of immorality. Haaa! Your handcuff aren’t being removed. Restrained person are cute, right? Fufu, fufufufufu!” 

“eh eh eh eh?! No, th-that’s wrong! I came here to negotiate for a cease fire! Why are you making Nobuna as your sworn enemy?! Yoshihi-Neesan too! Please don’t glare at Sorin with squinted eye! Please say something!” 

“hmph. Is that so…you had a favorable opportunity to steadily use the Crusade to build a kingdom of pumpkin, Sorin. But……if you want to associate yourself with my Yoshiharu then you need to obtain my permission as his Ane!” 

“I told you, that’s not what are we talking about! Its the negotiation! Negotiation!” 

“negotiation? Aah, that’s right huh, Yoshiharu. Listen Sorin! The 4 sisters of Shimazu clan likes Yoshiharu. It come to such extent that they welcome him to become the son-in-law for Shimazu clan. You can say that both Iehisa and Yoshihiro are scrambling to get rid each other for my Yoshiharu. Therefore, the 4 sisters thinking about making temporary peace with you in order to rescue Oda Nobuna who has fall into difficult situation. Even if a permanent peace is impossible, when the Otomo army send their soldiers to Chugoku region to prevent Mori’s advancement to the capital, then Shimazu clan would stop their advance to the north. Also, remove mine and my Otouto’s handcuff immediately!” 

“uwaa. What the heck? Scrambling for Sagara Yoshiharu? Shimazu 4 sisters is the worst! They should be killed!” 

“listen to me! Right now, Oda Nobuna is being surrounded from 3 sides by Mori army, Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen. If we spend time leisurely at Taka castle, Oda clan will perish. Kanbei seriously has self-confidence that she can defeat Shimazu clan but Shimazu army aren’t weak! Its necessary to avoid this war to save Oda Nobuna. Most of all, stop troubling my Otouto!” 

“what should I do? Things will not end well if Sorin trust those alluring words and got stabbed in the back. If there is at least one hostage from Shimazu 4 sisters, its possible to trusted them. After all, Iehisa stayed at Taka castle and didn’t come over here to Mushiga. As expected, Shimazu clan want to make war with Sorin. As for Yoshihi, I like her when she was having a discord with her Imouto. Now I hate it!” Sorin puffed her cheeks. 

“wh-wha-what are you saying?!” 

“after all Yoshihi, aren’t you having a discord with Tokuchiyo? To hand over the family inheritance to your Imouto whom you had treated so cruelly until now, its impossible!” 

“…guh…that was…there was a lot of circumstances in the first place. Why do I must get scolded even though I have reconciled with my Imouto. Usually its should be the reverse” 

“I also hate Yoshihi’s Oji-sama. I certainly thought that Tokuchiyo is being bullied, but he put her in Yatsushiro to protect Tokuchiyo from problems about family inheritance. Sorin thinks that Sagara clan is unbelievable. Things like Yoshihi letting Kai Soun to cut her neck in order to protect Tokuchiyo is out of question” 

“you. why do you come into that kind of conclusion?” 

“Shimazu 4 sister as well, I hate them from the beginning since they were so intimate to each other. The 4 sisters should’ve scrambled to kill each other for the family inheritance and Sagara Yoshiharu right? Why does Yoshihiro who is so strong and loved by the retainers and men pointlessly serve the block-headed Yoshihisa who can’t decide on anything without using fortune slips?” 

“she really hate families that has good relationship with each other” Yoshiharu sighed. 

“Sorin and I were supposed to be a good friend but now Sorin is looking at me with cold eyes. It seems that the reason is because I have reconciled with Tokuchiyo. This is bad” the usually calm Yoshihi begun to become a bit impatient. 

“nee, Muneshige. I expect success from you in this Crusade. You are the Ultimate Weapon of Otomo clan that has been raised personally by Dosetsu and Shoun. With the latest weapon from namban given by Gaspard-sama – The Kunikuzushi – Simon’s resourcefulness and lastly Muneshige bravery, isn’t it possible to oppose the powerful and unparalleled Shimazu army? the mistakes from the battle of Imayama will not be repeated right?” 

“yes! I’m thankful for your words. This Muneshige will work by Funkotsusaishin so that I would be accepted as lord’s Otouto!” 

Muneshige was brought and trained with the purpose of supporting the Otomo clan. She moved in tears in deep emotion as she were given such expectation from her master. If its Sorin’s order, Muneshige would even commit seppuku at this place. 

But, Sorin frowned when she hear the word “Otouto” from Muneshige. 

“……its not Otouto! After all, Muneshige is a girl right? How long are you going to keep crossdressing as a boy? Even after having Ginchiyo as you bride, why are you so fixated on being a male warrior?” 

“th-that’s, I also don’t understand that. This is something that Gifu-jo deeply thought about” 

“I don’t understand it. Things like a samurai clan must be succeeded by a man is too old fashioned, right? Its not how its done nowadays. Mou, that’s already a 300 years old way thinking!” 

“…as for becoming a married couple with a girl, I also doesn’t understand it. But this is Gifu-jo’s strong demand…its unavoidable. I am still immature since I cannot love Ginchiyo as a wife and instead acted upon Ginchiyo severely” 

“since Ginchiyo is unbearably cute, isn’t it normal to flirt out? Not being possible to fall in love with gentlemen, that’s a poor thing, right? But Gaspard-sama also forbid Sorin to fall in love. Even though I am already in marriageable age, how difficult” 

“…falling in love with a g-gentleman is…for me, that’s an irrelevant story…” 

The shaking Muneshige glanced at Yoshiharu and immediately averted her eyes since she was embarrassed. 

“Muneshige doesn’t live in worries and hesitation. I envy you. there is no such thing as “myself” in you” 

“yes! Both Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono has taught me to carried out my loyalty by fighting and die for my lord. Certainly, its true that I have never hesitate for even once” 

“……hmph. I never hold any problem about that absurd way of training. Muneshige is a splendid retainer but she isn’t suitable for Sorin’s Otouto, right? There is resemblance to Sorin at all” 

“…i-is that so? This Muneshige will do anything in order to get to know about the lord’s heart. What should I do?” 

“I don’t know. Have ever thought of it yourself? At least, Sorin doesn’t have preferences of marrying a girl” 

Muneshige sorrowfully lowered her eyebrows “uuh”. Even if Muneshige are evaluated as a general. She doesn’t seem to be accepted as a candidate for an Otouto by Sorin. Yoshiharu felt sorry for Muneshige. However, Tachibana clan’s intention to make a girl to become an Otouto for Sorin is certainly a mystery. If they wanted to make Muneshige as a family for Sorin for the sake of helping Sorin then wouldn’t it be alright to make her an Imouto instead? If the flawless Muneshige who has three combination of loyalty, peerless might and virtue are received as a step-sister, then Sorin would be pleased with that…… 

“Sagara Yoshiharu. You will be guided to Sorin’s bedroom. Tonight in Mushiga, there is no Gaspard-sama who is strict about a Christians queen shouldn’t be concerned with a man. for Sorin, there is no two opportunities to be able to spend night the heroic man from the future who opened Amano-Iwato. Now that I personally go to the battlefield as a general, I would die if I got defeated by Shimazu clan, right? Because the path of retreat, Mimigawa has risen due to heavy rain, I would die by drowning when I retreat at Mimigawa” 

“you want to spend all night together? With me?” 

“uhun. I mean, aren’t the two of us already lovers?” 

“no, I don’t remember of having such kind of relationship” 

“Yoshiharu. Be careful. The Sorin right now is somehow different from the past Sorin who has overflowing clear intelligence. She was originally a delicate princess general. She seems to be exhausted by continuous battles that would never stop and has her heart broken. She is literally a witch. Being alone with her is dangerous” Yoshihi who is worried about Yoshiharu’s body whispered to him while being paled. “I know Yoshihi-Neesan. But there is no other way to prevent the war anymore. I will lose the opportunity to persuade Sorin if I don’t go to her bedroom tonight” Yoshiharu shook his head. 

“Yoshiharu? Only to this woman that you don’t have any conviction to understand all about the truth? Don’t tell me, you aren’t suggesting to accept Sorin’s demand of making you her lovers?” 

“its not like that Yoshihi-Neesan. But, if Sorin needs me, then I want to see how much can I do about it. I am, as I would say it……have always respected the princess generals of Sengoku era” 

“you are still being too generous. Just remember how much severe the world of Kyushu is!” 

“aah. Sorin hate a figure of Ane and Otouto flirting together! Since I have a headache, couldn’t you guys stop it? Hey Muneshige. Guide Yoshihi to the jail! Let her spend the night there!” 

“hey, Tachibana Muneshige! Let me go! I refuse to stay at a separate room from my Otouto! Now that Sorin and Yoshiharu will spend a night together, its no joke! Its too dangerous!” 

“b-but. The lord’s order is absolute. My apology!” 

After Yoshihi dragged by Muneshige. 

“now then, Sagara Yoshiharu. You will be taken to my bedroom where Sorin had never specially invite anyone in. can you change Sorin’s fate?” 

Her expression and voices are different from the earlier Sorin that acted like a clown. 

“……at any rate, it wouldn’t be able to be changed” 

It is not an eyes of a girl who fall in love with Yoshiharu. 

“oh, yes! Please don’t disappoint Sorin. If you become a monkey while we are on our way to the room and attacked me, I will be disappointed and so I won’t remove the handcuff yet” 

It was frozen. 

Its different from Kobayakawa-san who lost her beloved Oni-san in the past or Uesugi Kenshin who is tired of solitude of living as the incarnation of Bishamonten………the thing that covered Sorin’s eyes is deep and bottomless. It was a pitch-black darkness. Until now, Yoshiharu has never seen a girl whose heart are damaged and suffered. 

“Otomo Sorin wished that I will grant her love that she always imagined but not only that she wanted to tell me something that she doesn’t want to convey to other person” Yoshiharu thought. Would it be the missionary Gaspard who has the power to predict the future or would it be the man from the future Sagara Yoshiharu who came to this world and opened the Amano-Iwato? After Xavier’s death, is there any other person who can support her breaking heart? Even Sorin aren’t sure about it herself. Therefore, on the night before the decisive battles, it needs to be ascertain as soon as possible. Otomo Sorin who keep act like a clown, decorating the town of Mushiga with pumpkin herself and making a magic wand, her heart is the most dangerous area….Yoshiharu try to break into it. 

“if you make Sorin disappointed, then there is no need to keep dreaming about the path of romantic love. Sorin would choose the path of belief that Gaspard-sama showed me without reserve” 

“if Goemon is at this place right now,……“that’s why, it just like what I’ve said de-gozaru. Sagara-shi has only one heart and body. Trying to know all the truth, that’s impossible Sagara-shi de-gozaru” she might bit her tongue while scolding me” Yoshiharu thought. 

“I don’t know if I can meet with your expectation. But, you as the queen of the six countries of Kyushu is a princess general who survives through Kyushu of Sengoku era, I cannot afford to make you disappointed” 

“before dawn comes, Sorin would hate it. Certainly, such woman is hard to associate with. So give up, things about Sorin, the witch who kill her Otouto………even if it just once, she is a terrible Ane who never fight to protect her Otouto. For you who has a close relationship with Yoshihi, I am the worst woman” 

“……rumors about peoples are always exaggerated. Please let me hear the truth. Why are you being called as Otouto Killer” 

For a moment, Sorin’s eyes that look like it was praying to god, looked at Yoshiharu in just an instant. 

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