Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 14 - Chapter 3

Chapter 3: The Prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin 
Sorin’s mansion is built deep hidden inside Mushiga and designed in circular shape. It’s completely done in namban style, reflecting Sorin’s preference.

Sorin removed Yoshiharu’s handcuff. She removes it and the two sat by side on top of the namban bed. 

In Otomo Sorin’s bed, there is a human faced pumpkin lantern with a cross……several boys portraits were displayed and it seem that it has been drawn by namban painters. 

“they are Sorin’s Otouto. The youngest one – Shioichimaru was killed during “Nikaikuzurenohen”. This child is a dim-witted but cheerful boy, he inherited the Ouchi clan and was defeated by Mori Motonari and commit seppuku. His name is Shiootomaru. That cheerful boy over there is Otomo Chikasada whose real name is Hachiro. Hachiro wasn’t Sorin’s true Otouto but a nephew who is related by blood. All of the children of Otomo clan main family are given the name “Shio”. Because Hachiro aren’t a child from the main branch, he doesn’t have “Shio” added to his name. but……the head of Hachiro who has defeated by Ryuzoji Takanobu at the battle of Imayama, were pickled in salt inside a bucket and sent to Sorin……if Hachiro weren’t adopted as Sorin’s Otouto, his head wouldn’t be salted” 

“every night, Sorin hold a funeral for her Otoutos who were killed during this chaotic times in this secret room” Yoshiharu understand. 

“everyone, died before even reaching 20 years old. Sorin become the queen of Bungo and was destined to become the queen of six countries of Kyushu. But as the price, I lost my Otoutos. I let my Otoutos die without help. As long as I live, I can’t save my Otoutos……”Otouto-Goroshi no Ane”. Such is Sorin’s fate” 

“……fate?” 

“Sorin received a prophecy from the messenger of Usa Hachiman-jin when I was young. From that day, although Sorin feared the future that would surely come days by days, I had to be alive. The prophecy came true one after another. To overcome this fear, I devote myself in searching enlightenment in Buddhism, but it was useless. Xavier-sama who brought the story of salvation from the namban leaves the Bungo and die as it is. The one who will save Sorin from this fear tied by prophecy of this long, long nightmare, will it be the namban missionary Gaspard-sama who succeeded Xavier-sama dying wish…or will it be Sagara Yoshiharu who came from the future? you are one of the possibility” 

There is no one else except Sorin and Yoshiharu in this bedroom. Sorin who abandon her foolish expression of a clown that she show in front of her retainers were watching the moon while standing at the balcony covered with lily flower. 

“Gaspard-sama preached about the love for mankind and neighborhood to Sorin. Because an attachment to one’s family is the root of Sorin’s suffering, that attachment must be abandoned. But, I wasn’t able to consent about it. Its because I saw the Amano-Iwato. Sagara Yoshiharu. The kiss shared between you and Oda Nobuna when you both were completely encircled by enemies at Tennoji and determined to face death, because when I see that figure……at that moment, you and Oda Nobuna were certainly saved. Assuming that she would die anyway, Oda Nobuna’s soul should’ve saved. In the same way, Jesus Christ died at the cross but Jesus might be lonely when he was on the cross. But, there is a man for shares the last moment with Oda Nobuna. After all, rather than a love for mankind, Sorin loves romance even more……” 

“Gaspard-sama wanted to allied with Oda Nobuna and be her close associate, and so Sorin will be saved but to obtain Sagara Yoshiharu, Oda Nobuna would be a hindrance. After all love for mankind and romance can’t co-exist. Nothing can be gained unless either of them is discarded” Sorin muttered. 

“right now, Sorin is Gaspard-sama’s puppet. I am moved to build a Christians kingdom at Hyuga and re-organize japan into Christians nation. Sorin doesn’t actually believe in god called Deus. But, if I don’t devote myself in this dream called “Crusade”, Sorin’s heart won’t last any longer. The power of Usa Hachiman-jin doesn’t extend to Hyuga. Sorin would be able to escape the prophecy if I can make a heathen namban country. Sagara Yoshiharu. If you want to prevent the crusade at Taka castle……then save Sorin from this suffering now. right now” 

“the ominous prophecy from the messenger of Usa Hachiman-jin. It was the trigger that let Sorin falls into Christianity and namban culture to seek salvation from the namban’s pagan god” Yoshiharu understood. 

“what is your fate? What is the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin?” 

Yoshiharu asked Sorin. 

“that is, a story the none of the retainers can know. If the prophecy leaked and many people shares that prophecy, the fate will be closer to being fulfilled. Because I’m scared for such thing to happen, I conceal it for a long time. There is only few people whom I revealed the content of the prophecy. Except for one person, everyone else has died. Only Gaspard-sama who is still alive. “the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin is fake. Those words are just curse to you. there is a person in Zipang who can foresee the future accurately. That person is me” Gaspard-sama  encouraged Sorin denied the truth about the prophecy……but, you came from the future. another man who can foresee the future has appeared. Its has been acknowledged that Gaspard-sama isn’t the only one who can foresee the future. your appearance making Sorin confused. If you didn’t appeared, Sorin would believe in the Christians story brought by the namban from the bottom of her hearts. But, I would most likely be buried in an eternal dream world where the all of the works are being concluded” 

“I who came from the future don’t think that salvation would come by closing one’s eyes and keep on dreaming” Yoshiharu thought so. 

And thus. 

“it might be a cruel thing to say, Otomo Sorin. You are not a person who can devote yourself to religion and its doctrine from the bottom of your heart. You are too self-willed and moreover intelligent to abandon yourself. No matter how much you behaves like a religious fanatic, you shares the same root as a human with Nobuna” 

“……but, I can’t escape the fear from the prophecy for even one day either! If it was Oda Nobuna, she would burn Usa Hachiman shrine and everything will end! Its impossible for Sorin! Its unpleasant to be confused by the prophecy every day. Even if Usa Hachimangu is burned, its not possible to be free from the prophecy that has stuck into my ear…” 

Sorin looked back at Yoshiharu…… with a gun ready on her flowery hand. 

It’s a small gun imported from namban. 

Even if Sorin is physically weak, its possible shot another person to dead by using gun…… 

“why didn’t you serve under Sorin, why did you serve Oda Nobuna? Why didn’t you save any of Sorin’s Otouto? Why Oda Nobuna’s Otouto was saved…? By saving Oda Nobuna’s Otouto, you greatly changed that woman’s fate. You changed it, Sagara Yoshiharu. Why didn’t you come to Bungo but to Owari instead? Even though Sorin keep praying for help until this much, why didn’t you descend here at Takachiho?” 

“…certainly, the Amano-Iwato that me and Nobuna opened at Tennoji was connected to path to return to the future. but I don’t remember why I came to Sengoku era in the first place. The fact that I was summoned in the border of Owari and Mikawa…I don’t know whose will it was. Or, it might be completely an accident. At that time, if one single different thing happened, I might serve the Imagawa clan rather than Oda clan. Perhaps, Imagawa Yoshimoto’s destined defeat at Okehazama would be changed” 

“it might be a coincidence? Why? You saved Oda Nobuna from her destiny of killing her Otouto……you saved her from future of anguish, despair and ruin, didn’t you?’ 

“that was, something I decided on my own. By my own free will. Sorin. The human destiny and future aren’t completely decided. No matter what kind foundation that a future prediction has……there are no cases of prophecies that are fulfilled with 100% probability. Not to mention, if I am informed about the fate beforehand, the possibility that I could evade it by my action and choices will rise” 

“that’s right. Catholicism also accepted human’s free will too. But the god who absolutely doesn’t believe in human’s free will seems to be more powerful. Now then, have you decided to save Sorin by your own free will from now on? If you refuse…just like the princess Salome who felled John the Baptist’s head…your head will be lined up together with the pumpkin lantern after I shot you to death” 

“the answer after hearing the prophecy” Yoshiharu nodded. 

“you really doesn’t know? Sagara Yoshiharu. It wasn’t told in the future?” 

“no, it wasn’t told” 

“I see. The partner whom Sorin revealed about the prophecy, would die immediately because the prophecy is cursed…but, there is time to leave a note to Gaspard-sama and talk to Frois. That Frois had a habit of writing down a lot about what she had observed in japan” 

“although, I have never met him directly, I am aware of a homonymous missionary Gaspard who appears in Sengoku era in the real history. As for this Gaspard, I think that he is somewhat different. I can’t say it well, but there is an uncomfortable feeling regarding his behavior. Could he be an existence that originally shouldn’t be in this world……” 

“even you would said such thing Sagara Yoshiharu? A man who came from the future, what is that mean?” 

The reason why Otomo Sorin doesn’t have calm mental condition was already known. The reason why this town was called Mushiga wasn’t because it’s a town of pumpkin. In the real history, Otomo Sorin partly ignores the fact that he is a Sengoku daimyo when he began building Mushiga. He single mindedly build a dreamlike country called Mushiga and shut himself there. but, the moment he hear that the Otomo army who came to Taka castle has been annihilated by Shimazu army, Sorin run away from the country of dream – Mushiga at full speed. The real Otomo Sorin wasn’t able to leave and personally stand in the frontline in the decisive battle that gambled the fate of Otomo clan. He weren’t able to remain at Mushiga for the sake of defending his faith. That wasn’t because Otomo Sorin is a coward who cannot be a true faithful person by nature but because he has strong self-consciousness. 

A person called Otomo Sorin was an intelligent and passionate person. Since she has his feeling and intelligent intensely contradict each other, she always wavered between dream and reality. Since she is frightened because of the prophecy, she cannot completely become a pragmatist who denied any irrational prophecy. On the other hand, she also cannot be a fatalist who say that the future cannot be changed by human’s will. 

“Gaspard-sama said that if I killed you by my own hand, the technique of predicting the future will be nullified. Now I have understand the reason why Gaspard-sama wanted to prevented you Sagara Yoshiharu from coming to Mushiga and led a detached force to Takachiho. Because in this way, Sorin and you were able to meet in a secret place without anyone disturbing the two of us……how about you? whether its Sorin or Oda Nobuna, which one is your choice? Its because Sorin doesn’t want to receive half-happiness from someone. If you choose Oda Nobuna……Sorin would probably shot you reflectively. However, even if it becomes like that, its only the result of Sorin selfishly throwing a tantrum. There is no malicious intent nor any intent to kill Gaspard-sama for this chance for Sorin and you to be alone just the two of us” 

(I see. So I have fell to Gaspard’s trap once again) Yoshiharu noticed and bit his lip. 

“Gaspard-sama is really a smart person. However, he has no heart…one cannot think him as a living person but rather a cold man. if possible Sorin want to choose a lifestyle appropriate as a girl rather than a life of a virgin queen who abandon the live of a human” 

While trembling, Sorin put the muzzle of the gun to Yoshiharu’s chest who sat upon a namban chair. With one of her finger from her free hand, she stroke Yoshiharu’s cheek quietly. 

“the story that Sorin told until now…… especially about the prophecy……is useless to reveal it to other people, Sagara Yoshiharu. Not only to Simon but also Sagara Yoshihi” 

“I understand. I promise” 

“after you finish hearing it……then save Sorin……abandon Oda Nobuna, serve Sorin now, swore that you will become Sorin’s lover. Declare that you came from the future to save Sorin. If you don’t do that, then” 

“unfortunately, love is different from faith. A person cannot easily change their religion as they changed their mind, Sorin” 

“then? If its possible to die without falling down to Sorin for the sake of your love to Oda Nobuna, isn’t that a wonderful belief? Despite having opened the Amano-Iwato, despite showing a path of salvation that are more preferable than Christianity to Sorin, I don’t permit such excuse now” 

… 

… 

… 

There was a little girl with a clever eyes that stood at the other side of the sea from the beach in the region. She was named Shiohoshimaru. 

Shiohoshimaru was the legitimate child of Otomo clan of Bungo that has lasted for 20 generation. 

Being introvert by nature, Shiohoshimaru was naturally charmed by arts. She doesn’t like fighting for one’s own life as samurai that transform into Shuras. Despite this however, she was a princess that will succeed Otomo clan and become the queen of Bungo eventually because she is the legitimate child. 

If she becomes the queen of Bungo, it would be necessary to spend every day devoting herself to battles and plots at Kyushu of Shura. Shiohoshimaru weren’t delightful with that kind of rule. 

However, some things happened… 

The real mother who loved Shiohoshimaru died of illness. A Gibu marry her father – Otomo Yoshiaki……after being replaced by a stepmother, Shiohoshimaru was separated from her father and chased out from Otomo clan mansion where she spent time with her real mother. 

The stepmother give birth to a son and before long, Shioichimaru was born. 

He is the 2nd Otouto for Shiohoshimaru. 

Soon after Otomo Yoshihaki and his wife disinherited the legitimate child – Shiohoshimaru, the whole Otomo clan start making Shioichimaru as the heir. Such rumors began to flow...… 

A feud for succession of clan of the same family was fated in samurai clan in Sengoku era. Especially with daimyos that governed countries, a feud for succession of the clan directly linked with the clan’s life and death crisis. Therefore, because the custom of legitimate child succession and princess generals were half-institutionalized, it were possible for certain to disinherited Shiohoshimaru who lost her real mother. 

“why is it……” 

Shiohoshimaru murmured while looking at the sea of Bungo. 

“……my Oka-sama came from the other side of this sea……she is a bride from Ouchi clan of Yamaguchi……” 

The conqueror of Chugoku of the other side of the sea is Ouchi clan. They are an old enemy of Otomo clan. To put it simply, it was political marriage. As her mother dies, the alliance between the two clan were in half-cancelation state. The time for battle is approaching. Her father who is the head of Otomo clan were pestered by her Gibu to make her own son to succeed the Otomo clan. There was a possibility that Shiohoshimaru who shares a blood lineage with the enemy nation would be judged as “unnecessary”. Right now, the Otomo clan retainers with the faction that thoroughly recommend Shioichimaru to be the legitimate child combined as a faction that would disinherit Shiohoshimaru who descended from Ouchi clan. 

(I wonder if Otou-san will kill me) 

Shiohoshimaru was too clever to reign over the country of Shura – Kyushu as a daimyo. Her mind doesn’t match with her age and are also exceedingly sensitive. Since her stepmother think of herself as unpleasant, she understood that she will be driven out from the mansion. 

A way of life through a battle for the family inheritance during chaotic times. A way of life where one will be disinherited and killed by the hand of their father. Both seemed to be a thorny path. 

(I hate both of those future. I’m scared……why was I born in the clan of the king of Bungo? Rather than inside of this sea. Which is where my real mother entered the land of dead) 

However, it wasn’t possible to sink herself into the sea. Shiohoshimaru doesn’t have any courage to take her own life. Live. She want to live, nevertheless. Even if she doesn’t have any wish for the future at all, she doesn’t want to die in such world of Shura. its scary to die. She want to live and see her own happiness. 

As such, for that time, Shiohoshimaru met 3 old women who looked like a mirage across the sea. Perhaps it was a coincidence? 

Those old women. Are the real or an illusion?’ 

A demoness. Or is it a Seko that travels around the mountain and the rivers. It was an embodiment of people’s spirits that were called as Kawahime. 

“””Ojou-chan. We are the messenger of Usa Hachiman-jin. We will foretell Ojou-chan’s future””” 

I shouldn’t listen. If I listen, my soul will be tied by the old women’s prophecy for lifetime. This is black arts. A curse. These three person are people who weld grudge with Otomo clan. Perhaps, a shaman who destroyed Otomo’s mansion. A demoness. “Kotodama-Tsukai”.  No, It could be a spy from Ouchi clan. Its likely to deceive and manipulate me who descend from Ouchi clan. To make me usurp the family inheritance of Otomo clan and make Otomo clan as a puppet to Ouchi clan. The head temple of Usa Hachiman-jin – Usa Hachimangu is hostile to Otomo clan and joined under the jurisdiction of Ouchi clan. 

The intelligent Shiohoshimaru reasoned so. But for some reason, she couldn’t take off her eyes and ears and weren’t able to leave the place. 

(even though there may be a political scheme behind these old women, the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin are certainly true. For some reason, I have a hunch like that. Aah. I shouldn’t listen. The moment I heard it, this prophecy will begun to live inside me) 

Ever since I lost my Oka-sama, I have live in anxiety all this time 

What would happen to me tomorrow. One year after that. Five years later. Ten years later. For the princess such as me who was born during the chaotic era, there is only a future of ignorant darkness. 

Rather being scared by an invisible future, I should’ve known it beforehand, so that I can prepare for it no matter what kind of heinous the future will be. If I can prepare for it, I can tolerate it. That’s why. 

I want to know my future. 

The prophecy of the 3 old women has penetrated the gap within the heart. 

“listen. When the second floor of the mansion collapses…Ojou-chan will, after Chichi-oya, Gibu and Otouto who doesn’t love Ojou-chan will be killed, you will become the queen of Bungo” 

“your Otouto who threaten Ojou-chan’s family inheritance, all of them will be killed. The sea of this region, the town and the mansion, all of them shall become Ojou-chan’s possessions” 

“the future will turn into what Ojou-chan hoped for” 

It wasn’t possible to raise her voice. it was a shock that grabs her hearts. Murder? I will? Ochichi-sama? Ogibu-sama? All of my Otoutos? That was……really……my wish? 

From this moment, the childish heart of Shiohoshimaru withered because of the fate that are more scary than a future of ignorant darkness…... 

“it wasn’t only Bungo. Ojou-chan will become the conqueror of Kyushu who rules six countries of Kyushu – Buzen, Bungo, Chikuzen, Chikugo, Hizen and Higo. You completely live in great luxury as the queen of this world” 

“that fame even came to the far namban countries. Its destiny that Ojou-chan can’t avoid” 

“there is no limit in what Ojou-chan hold in you small heart” 

She is caught by the Kotodama and tied up. 

It wasn’t just a simple words. Even if she want to shake off the Kotodama, it wasn’t possible to escape the irreparable despair from being imprisoned by the fate of that prophecy. A new terror appeared on Shiohoshimaru’s expression. And it make her heart frozen. 

“however, the glorious day will come to an end. When the forest of Hyuga start attacking, Ojou-chan’s glory upon the earth will come to an end there” 

“if that is so, even with snow fallen on the fiery battlefield, as long as there is no Otouto submerged in the water as a sacrifice, Ojou-chan wouldn’t be able to escape from that calamitous destiny” 

“in the ancient era of mythology, in order to save Yamato Takeru in his expedition to Togoku that are cursed by Watatsumi, his wife Ototachibanahime jump into the water herself and calmed Watatsumi down……” 

Shiohoshimaru denied the old women’s prophecy while crying. She thought that she doesn’t need such dark future. 

“I……absolutely never……killed my own family! If I commit such grave sin……my heart would never feel at ease anymore! In spite of being alive, that is merely a foolish imitation of being damned into hell eternally. No matter who told me that, I would not do it! Its better to be killed by my Otou-san……! Because being killed will last for a moment. If I murder them, I will keep suffering for a long time! To say nothing of killing my Otouto as a sacrifice. I would never do such thing……!” 

The old women disappeared gradually while shaking like a mirage and laughed “kukuku”…… 

“you are resisting the fate. Even if you didn’t kill your family. Even if you protect all of your Otoutos” 

“after all you yourself will become the very same thing you wish to suppress” 

“that is destiny, it’s the future. the future is established by the karma from the past……it cannot be changed by human’s power” 

And soon…… 

“Nikaikuzurenohen” occurred. 

At the end of factional dispute over the disinheritance of Shiohoshimaru……Shiohoshimaru’s father and stepmother, Shioichimaru whom her mother bore, every one of them, was murdered by the rebels who attacked the Otomo clan mansion. 

The murder occurred at the 2nd floor of the Otomo mansion. Therefore, it was called “Nikaikuzurenohen”. 

When this coup d’etat occurred and while Shiohoshimaru was trembling in fear due to the forthcoming future, she was separated from Otomo mansion by the order of her father. She was in panic and shut herself inside Beppu hotspring. The prophecy were proved right. “I myself didn’t try to stop the future even though I had known about it. I didn’t fight to change the future. it’s the same as murdering my Ochichi-sama” Shiohoshimaru blame her own cowardice. 

Shiohoshimaru who is the legitimate child has survived and were given the family inheritance of Otomo clan and became the young queen of Bungo. 

Shiohoshimaru who became the present master of 21st generation of Otomo clan had her named changed into Otomo Yoshishige. 

Hetsugi Akitsura of warrior faction who is the loyal retainer among the loyal retainers that serve Otomo clan, pitied upon this poor princess who shouldered such severe destiny “as long as I still have my life, Hime-sama doesn’t need to worry anything!” cheering her and he take her under his protection. Every disloyal retainers who scheme for rebellion and disdained Yoshishige who seem unreliable and burdened with rumors as the “Chichi-Goroshi”, he suppresses them one by one by using military might. 

However, Yoshishige cannot trust Hetsugi Akitsura from the bottom of her heart. 

I cannot believe in myself. I cannot believe that there is goodness inside my heart. I let my Chichi, Gibo and Otouto to death in order to survive, that’s the kind of person I am. A retainers won’t love such lord. Hetsugi Akitsura as well, will be disgusted with me and soon decided to betray me eventually. 

Besides……there is one person, an Otouto is left for me. My Otouto called Shiootomaru. This child own a great luck that made him escaped from the fate of that prophecy and survived. He is also brave. Sooner or later, Hetsugi Akitsura and all retainers will brought Shiootomaru as the new lord and force me to retirement. Perhaps, I might be killed. In fact, it’s a last moment that is suitable for me. Its impossible for me to become the queen of six countries of Kyushu. 

(if its like that, then so be it. I will throw away my position as the queen of Bungo for the sake of Shiootomaru. And then, my sin will be absolved…) 

But it was decided that fate will swoop down upon Shiootomaru. 

The real mother of Yoshishige and Shiootomaru came from the conqueror of Chugoku region – the Ouchi clan. 

In the first place, the movement that come from Otomo’s own clan to disinherit Yoshishige was because Yoshishige descended from their old enemy – Ouchi clan. 

But all of the anti-Yoshishige faction which became disadvantageous because of “Nikaikuzurenohen” has lost their position after being completely suppressed by Hetsugi Akitsura. 

Yoshishige who became the present head of Otomo clan ought to stabilize the relationship between Otomo clan and Ouchi clan that were in sharp conflict over the years regarding the dominion over Hakata which is the largest trade port of Kyushu. There is no expectation that both clan would fight each other already. Yoshishige believed in it at least. 

However, the Sengoku era was the age of usurpation. 

Even the lord….even the conqueror of Chugoku region……would have lost their life tomorrow. 

The present head of Ouchi clan – Ouchi Yoshitaka was suddenly…betrayed by a retainer called Sue Harukata and was murdered. 

Sue Harukata who committed the crime of murdering her master offered to put Yoshishige’s Otouto – Shiootomaru who inherit the lineage of Ouchi clan to become the present head of the new Ouchi clan, all in order to usurp the Ouchi clan. 

“if Sue Harukata’s request is rejected, then a battle against Sue clan will begin. There is no such time for the current Otomo clan” 

“however Sue Harukata is a murderer of her own master. If we let such person to deceive Shiootomaru-sama, Shiootomaru-sama will be used as a puppet. In Chugoku region, there is generals who keep appearing one after another with an ambition to become the new conqueror by defeating Sue clan. If its like that then Shiootomaru-sama life will be in danger’ 

“wait a moment. If Sue Harukata welcomes Shiootomaru-sama into Ouchi clan then she will offered to cede Hakata port in Chikuzen that Ouchi clan own to Otomo clan” 

“if Hakata is obtained, Otomo clan will get enormous wealth by trade!” 

“Ouchi clan who has lost their number one commander of Nishikoku – Ouchi Yoshitaka has no any reserve energy to dispatched troops to Kyushu. Hakata can be stolen anytime!” 

“however……our lord……she hates battles” 

The Otomo retainers group was thrown into commotion once again. 

Then someone unexpected came to Otomo clan who is swallowed up by wars and whirlpool of usurpation. 

It was a stranger. 

Missionary of Dominus association who came across the seven seas from the far away Europe to visit the missionary works in Zipang. 

He is Francis Xavier. 

Yoshishige who keep frightened by the prophecy of the 3 old women who call themselves the messenger of Usa Hachiman-jin, devote herself into Zen Buddhism……Buddhism – the religion of japan since ancient times……a religion where samurai has converted into since the time of Kamakura period. she was desperate to continued studying Zen meditation and reaching enlightenment. The Zen Buddhism in certain meaning is a religion of aiding oneself. The Mikkyo that focuses on the art of exorcism and curses which the noble aristocrat are devoting themselves into, the Jodo-shufaction of the new religion that believe that Amitabha Buddha wholeheartedly try to save the people (Honbyo temple is derived from this Jodo-shu as well), none of them match Yoshishige’s character who respected intelligent. As for Zen Buddhism that seeks enlightenment inside oneself, seem to be suitable for Yoshishige but Zen Buddhism didn’t save her as well. 

Certainly Yoshishige has high intelligence and sharp sensitivity. She has overflowing talent as a cultured person rather than a warrior. However at the same time, her experience when she was going to be avoided by her father and disinherited when she was young and then inside Yoshishige there is a scar that would not heal with a sense of guilt of letting her Otouto and father die without fighting against the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin, these intense emotion cannot stop swirled around her heart and cannot be keep in check. That is “I want to be approved by someone, I want to be loved” it may be said as her earnest desire. The desire to be approved. its not possible to be found inside oneself. 

But Yoshishige has yet to know about Xavier about Christianity. The official reason why Yoshishige had an audience with Xavier was because of her interest with Tanegashimas and salt peter brought by namban trade. 

Xavier who visited Otomo clan mansion was a slender young man with handsome features. He was probably an aristocrat in namban country. But, he is awfully older than his actual age. 

Naturally, he was not a man with a strong body. The long sea voyage and the strange climate of japan seem to beaten up his body. 

Besides, he is a handsome man. a person who own a different characteristic with the people of japan. the color of his skin and eyes is different from the people of japan. “he own a sorrowful expression……perhaps he is a vagrant” Yoshishige intuitively knew. 

“Otomo-sama. My name is Francis Xavier. For the sake of king of Portugal, I cross over by ship from western Europe to India through Africa, then to Malacca and then to this island of Zipangu of far east in order to do Christian missionary works” 

“you are a Portuguese?” 

“no. my father was a noble of Basque. He serve as the prime minister of Navarra kingdom……as for the kingdom where I was born and raised, they are no longer exist. It has been in ruin. I am a person of an extinct country. Perhaps the reason I becoming a Christian missionary and roamed around the earth is because I am aware that a kingdom above the earth is like a fleeting mirage. That is why I am fascinated by the kingdom of the heaven – the kingdom of souls……and then at the same time, I am attracted to this golden country Zipangu that stood on the boundaries of the world across the end of far east seas where none has seen before. There is a legendary king of Christians in the kingdom Prester John in the far east. I wanted to know the truth behind the legendary oriental savior – Prester John who led a large army to free Europe from the menace of the pagan country – Ottoman Empire” 

(over the seas of Hakata, not only Ming china and Ryukyu but there is a wide open world in the distance) Yoshishige are aware of that astounding truth. 

“Xavier-sama. Unfortunately japan is not a golden country. You must have already known that the Shogunate has lost its authority. Samurai keep killing each other from Kyushu to Oashuu. The retainers try to kill their master through usurpation. Especially at Kyushu of japan, parents, children and their brothers tried to kill each other without questions. It’s the country of Shuras……can these chaotic age be brought to an end by the power of namban god that you brought in?” 

“the thing that god protect is silence. He doesn’t directly build a kingdom above the earth. But I am inspired by hero that brought up European civilization. Is possibly appear in Zipangu” Xavier smiles. 

“at first I landed at Satsuma and begun missionary works in the territory of Shimazu clan but the influence of Buddhist monk in Shimazu clan is strong so missionary works was impossible. Next I go to Ouchi-sama of Yamaguchi who is the supreme ruler of western japan. I sails from Yamaguchi though the Setouchi and to Sakai. And finally from Sakai to Kyoto” 

“but there is no heroes at Kyoto. Be it Yamato-Gosho or the Ashikaga shogunate……” 

“……to our regret. There is only ruin beyond recognition. The golden capital was a burning field. But in Sakai, I found a young princess general who has a capacity to become a hero. That person is the legitimate child of Oda clan of Owari. Otomo-sama, she was somewhat similar to you. her soul is violent, it was dried and thirst for love, full of anger and sorrow to this chaotic era. That person is possibly the person who will become the hero who brought the wars in Zipang to and end” 

“the Oda clan of Owari is just a small daimyo. Is it impossible for me to unify the whole country?” Yoshishige unintentionally got angry. 

“a battle is something that stole the lives of allies and enemies. Be it vassal or families, its necessary to scatter the live of the population. The gentle and delicate Otomo-sama wouldn’t be able to endure the penance to offer of her lives to war until its exhausted” 

“ever since I became a princess daimyo, I keep endure intolerable things. Because if I don’t fight, I can’t survive. Moreover……that legitimate child of Oda clan, are able to endure a lifetime of boundless battle. Is she more superior in being a military commander than me?” 

“although she is a very strong person, she is the same with Otomo-sama to the point that her true character is that of a gentle person. Sooner or later, her heart will fall at the end of wars. However, if another person would appear as the shield to support her heart, then……” 

“nee, Xavier-sama. You are a saint right? Can you predict the future? I can understand from a glance that you are an owner of noble character. But do you have ability to predict the future?” 

“prophecy…is it? Certainly in religion there is omen of goodness and misfortune along with concept of god. The thing we called religion is to bring peace to the people’s hearts by pointing out the path to those who doesn’t know what will happen tomorrow. Usa Hachiman-jin has passed on oracles to an extent that it greatly affected the histories, Jewish prophet are also left many prophecies. As for the human’s hearts, we desire to be dominated by fate while on the other way around there is who pursue freedom and not being tied with fate” 

“that is logical. When I’m young, there is 3 old women who claim as the messenger of Usa Hachiman-jin and told me a prophecy. Half of it has already been fulfilled. As for me, the content of the prophecy……I have been frightened all this time by the destiny that has been given to me. The content of that prediction hasn’t been to anyone. If its known to someone, the words would circulate through the retainers group of Otomo clan. Perhaps it would actually happened……But, if its Xavier-sama, I could tell you” 

“……let’s hear it. I promise that I would not leak it to anybody” 

Thus, Yoshishige told the entire content of the prophecy to Xavier. 

Because of “Nikaikuzurenohen”, her father, stepmother and her younger stepbrother were killed by the retainers and Yoshishige who should’ve disinherited from the Otomo clan has become the queen of Bungo. 

Regardless of what Yoshishige wanted, she will become the queen of six countries that is half of the entire of Kyushu eventually. She would prosper above the earth but when the forest of Hyuga start advancing then Yoshishige’s prosperity above the earth will end right there. 

Yoshishige herself didn’t hope for the glory above the earth as the queen of six countries. 

She was only wishing for a peace for her heart. 

“Xavier-sama. I left my Ochichi-sama to die even though I know the prophecy. Is this a crime?” 

“no. Otomo-sama has already suffered enough. My lord Jesus shouldered the sins of humankind because he receives the punishment at the cross” 

“one of the reason why I am interested in Christianity is because when Jesus is caught, there is a passage that predicted his student – Peter’s betrayal. “tonight, before the chicken cries, you would say that you don’t  know me thrice”. And Peter really did betray Jesus who has been captured. Peter was questioned by people three times and he said that didn’t know about Jesus…….when the chicken cries, Peter remembered Jesus’s prophecy and he cried intensely……the cowardly traitor Peter. I felt like I am totally like him. Its similar to how I seclude myself at Beppu hotsprings while letting my Ochichi-sama and Otouto even though I knew about the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin. Tell me Xavier-sama. Is it possible for the Christians prophecy to overtun Usa Hachiman-jin prophecy?” 

“Otomo-sama. The prophecy is something that only oneself can found within one’s own mind. The word that has been given is only the trigger. Both Peter and you…....have found the conscience within oneself. And you both grieved for your weakness for not being able to fulfill that conscience and cried. If there is no conscience, then both Peter and you wouldn’t felt grieve nor hurt” 

“……the prophecy that he betrayed 3 times before the chicken cries is very scary. Furthermore, it feels like the same thing will happened again. For me there is only one person, there is an Otouto who escaped the prophecy and survives. That child’s name is Shiootomaru. Right now, Shiootomaru are being requested to become the present head of Ouchi clan of Yamaguchi……Sue Harukata who killed the lord of Yamaguchi – Ouchi Yoshitaka are going to make that child as a puppet. Should part with my Otouto? Or should I continue keeping him without releasing him?” 

“Otomo-sama. Unfortunately, I have no power to predict the future. I also can’t foretell the fate of Shiootomaru-sama……whether destiny is being set by the god or it can be changed by human’s will and action, this is a difficult problem that hasn’t been solved by Christendom as well. ancient catholic believe in the value of human’s free will. But the reformist who denied the authority of catholic church, the one so called protestant……are also the person who advocates “predestination”. The human’s destiny about whom is saved and whom is not has been decided beforehand” 

“……which one is the truth?!”  

“unfortunately, human being cannot understand that. Its because a human being are not omniscience or omnipotence. There is no choice but to choose it ourselves. But I……believed that there should be a free will choose our own fate, be it good or evil for human being, the fate that awaits human being that are established without end shouldn’t be completely fixed. Not only Dominus association where do I belong since I am a catholic……I myself want to believe the power of human will” 

“human’s own will fighting each other to determine the fate. That is the law of this nature, as what Xavier-sama is saying, right? Then where is the peace at my heart?” 

“Otomo-sama. A human’s life is but a split second dream when compared to this whole vast universe. In terms of the oriental anecdote, its like a dream of a butterfly. Therefore……because it was only a transient dream, we must keep on fighting and resist fate, as long as we have our life, both you and me. From now on, no matter what kind of religion or gods or human being that you believe in, you mustn’t abandon your will. A human being is not a puppet” 

“……its better to become a puppet……they might be happy” 

Xavier spoke quietly to Yoshishige who keep suffering from the prophecy and her sense of guilt. 

“Shiootomaru-sama fate as well must be chosen by Shiootomaru-sama himself. Even if it would result in tragedy. As for you, your decision to protect Shiootomaru-sama from the prophecy will be respected. If you choose and acted in it then its fine. As the result, you aren’t supposed to blame yourself even if you can’t overturn the prophecy” 

“but. If Shiootomaru dies, I would certainly be broken. If the prophecy was only words and a lie, if these are just a plot from the enemy country to drag Otomo clan into confusion……I want to believe that was the case……” 

“Otomo-sama. Although I cannot make prophecy……its possible for me to make a prediction. Sooner or later, a person will appeared, the one who will eventually heal the wound in your heart, a person who come from an extraordinary world that is beyond your and my imagination. As I came from Lisbon on the reverse side of this globe to this Bungo” 

“please wait a moment. If its Xavier-sama, you should be able to heal my wound. You should prove that the old women prophecy were just an ordinary words. Xavier-sama, won’t you stay at Bungo?” 

Xavier apologizes while smiling. 

“Otomo-sama. My life will not last much longer” 

“……it can’t be……?!” 

“now. the missionary work program at the major power of the Ming china at Dominus association has been making progress. Now that I have took some part in missionary work at Zipang, I am considered as needed in Ming china. I will probably receive an order to be summoned soon. If I refuse that order, the vanguard forces of Conquistador faction will advance and colonize Ming china in order to take the foreign country with missionary works. Therefore, I must go. I return to India in order to do missionary works at Ming china. When I turn back to Ming china, my life will come to an end on my way back” 

“that is, isn’t that a bad fate?! Why do you wish to accomplish it? I don’t understand” 

“unfortunately, the state of my body has been calculated through medical calculation. My life expectancy has been prolonged after I forcibly push myself for my dream of reaching Zipang alive. Its by using the elixir of alchemy. The effect of the elixir will soon break” 

“you are a cruel person. For all the gentle words that you said, please don’t leave me at Bungo just like that. Make sure that you will return” Yoshishige told him. 

“Otomo-sama. You are equal or possibly more passionate than the princess of Owari. The person that you truly need is not a religious person like me who abandon the love between man and woman, the one who abandon the secular affairs and offered it to neighborly love……” 

“a man who will love me? That is impossible! Its impossible for a princess daimyo who was born in Sengoku era to have a pure love that surpasses the wall of politics and status. They will never be united with a retainer. A marriage permitted to princess daimyo are actually just a political marriage between countries. Such things like love can only be found in “The Tales of Genji” Xavier-sama” 

…… 

…… 

…… 

Xavier…… left for India after receiving order from Dominus association. 

One year after he left japan, his body suddenly weaken and its said that he died. 

And Yoshishige who believed that she can be emancipated from the fate of the prophecy that cursed the Otomo clan, send Shiootomaru to Ouchi clan. 

Yoshishige were once gave up sending Shiootomaru to Ouchi clan before she had talked with Xavier. 

She changed her mind about some way of protecting Shiootomaru from the prophecy by keeping him at hand without moving him out from Otomo clan. After all, Shiootomaru possess great luck that allowed him to escape Nikaikuzurenohen. 

But, Shiootomaru who is carefree and optimistic at everything “I want to go to Ouchi clan” asked Yoshishige. 

“Aneue! I was originally would become an adopted child for Ouchi clan! At that time there was various reason that I would become an adopted child but those reason were scrapped. But now I am called to become the present head of Ouchi clan so this must be fate! After I inherited Ouchi clan, I will set up a residence at Yamaguchi and support my Aneue!” 

Although Yoshishige was harsh on him so that he will obediently keep close to her, it was because she doesn’t want to lose her family and be parted from her cute Otouto in Nikaikuzurenohen. Now that Xavier who can support and believed her has left japan, the only one whom Yoshishige can trust as a family are only Hiootomaru. 

“Shiootomaru. In every known path of Kyushu are accompanied with endless battles. even if you are in dire situation, I might not be able to send reinforcement” 

“it will be alright desu! Though it might happen, I won’t bear grudge against Aneue desu!” 

“besides Sue Harukata will only make you a puppet. She will never give you the real power of Ouchi clan. Are you fine being placed as a figurehead?” 

‘hai desu!” because I am weak and incompetent in both governance and battle, I will have no problem! Rather the retainers will do the works for the lord desu” 

“Sue Harukata is a general that usurped the Ouchi clan. Once their government is stabilized, you will become unnecessary. she might kill you” 

“I hear that Sue-san made a careless usurpation when she was tangled with blind with Ouchi Yoshitaka who is her master and lover! Because its unthinkab;e that I would have such relationship with Sue-san then it will be alright! For me Aneue is the woman that I like desu!” 

“the Otomo and Ouchi clan will be united by us – Aneue and her Otouto. If this dream could come true then I am fine being a figurehead! I will commit myself to request Sue-san to protect Aneue! With this way, Aneue will be safe!” Shiootomaru kept talking about that dream cheerfully. Yoshishige weren’t aware that Shiootomaru has considering it himself until this point. “I understand” she unintentionally nodded. If she were to opened up her heart and spend a long time talking to her Otouto, maybe this won’t be happening. She regretted it. 

“……if it all in vain and you were in danger, return to Bungo immediately. Even if you inherited the Ouchi clan, your parent’s house is in Otomo clan” 

“thank you desu!” 

Shiootomaru’s cheerful smile is the last thing that Yoshishige saw from her last Otouto. 

As if it was a fate, Shiootomaru lost his life as soon as he entered Ouchi clan. 

Sue Harukata who brought Shiootomaru as the present head of Ouchi clan fought Mori Motonari who is just a small lord at Aki at the battle of Itsukushima and died tragically. 

Mori Motonari contrived a plot against the retainers of Otomo clan one after another so that they would start a rebellion in order to stop Yoshishige’s movement to send troops to Chugoku region to rescue her Otouto. For Mori Motonari who takes pride for his ingenious scheme and was feared as the “Hakarigoto-jin”, it was easy to make a revolt in Yoshishige’s foothold. The suspicion about Yoshishige killing her father and Otouto are still impossible to be erased. In addition, after Xavier leave japan, she keep treating Christian really well by protecting Christianity and building namban church and hospital one after another in the region. When Otomo retainers group who are the passionate believers of Buddhism and Usa Hachiman-jin were stirred up just a little, it burst to flame immediately. The young Yoshishige doesn’t have power to seize the retainers group. Although she reign as the queen of Bungo and governed the retainers, she doesn’t have volition to mercilessly purge them. To speak it simply, the kind hearted girl – Yoshishige who doesn’t like war were being underestimated by the Shuras of Kyushu. 

Yoshishige were attacked by the rebel army in the region and were escaping in confusion while being frightened…… 

Shiootomaru was cornered by Mori forces and committed suicide after losing his guardian – Sue Harukata who is the virtual ruler of Ouchi clan. 

After Sue collapse, the retainers that supported Shiootomaru from Otomo clan were leaving Ouchi clan. They went over to Mori clan one after another. The crafty Mori Motonari arrested Shiootomaru and kept him alive and made him a bargaining chip for negotiation against Otomo clan. He intended to exchange Shiootomaru with the sovereignity over Hakata port. But “Hakata port will not be handed over. Rather than being a burden for my Aneue then……” Shiootomaru refuse surrendering and cut his stomach…… 

“damn it. The Mori clan will be burdened to shoulder this karma” Mori Motonari regretted deeply and thus Yoshishige has lost her real Otouto who survived “Nikaikuzurenohen”. 

A letter of apology was sent “even though I did not take his life, he still passed away, that’s why I apologize” along with Ouchi clan treasured tea set – Ouchi gourd from Mori Motonari who tried to prevent this situation into a deep grudge between Otomo and Mori clan. 

But the people of Bungo that knew about this told that Otomo Yoshisige exchange her Otouto with tea set and left him to die. 

The prophecy has once again fulfilled. 

Xavier who has died according to his own words at the other side of the sea. Her last Otouto who survived Nikaikuzurenohen has died. Rebels that keep appearing one after another in the country due to Mori Motonari’s plot. It was a tragedy that was too much to break Yoshishige’s heart who cannot stand the tension of bloody battle. 

Mori Motonari who plundered the territory of Ouchi clan and become the conqueror of Chugoku region against the cowardly young girl called Otomo Yoshishige who bears a grudge for herself of letting her own Otouto die yet cannot take up a spear in order to deny herself. Now that it come to this, he had begun to move out to plunder Hakata port and start their earnest wish to make trade with the namban before Otomo clan can arrange their defenses. 

However. 

“human’s own will fighting each other to determine the fate. That is the law of nature of this world” 

Without forgetting Xavier’s faith in her heart, Yoshishige mustered up her courage while gritting her teeth. She gathered the veteran general – Hetsugi Akitsura and went on a full scale rivalry with Shiootomaru’s enemy – Mori Motonari. 

Yoshishige’s sadness of letting her Otouto die has changed into anger against Mori Motonari. 

It was the moment that Mori Motonari’s pride as the number one ingenious person of western country were stripped away. 

Only the town of Hakata that has a port that connected to the namban. the Mori clan aren’t allowed to take it. 

If Hakata falls to the hands of Mori clan, then the connection with Xavier will be severed. 

Xavier is longer alive anymore. He has died. 

However he left words to Yoshishige. 

(sooner or later, a person will appeared, the one who will eventually heal the wound in your heart) 

Xavier’s word has supported Yoshishige. 

Yoshishige decided to fight against her own fate and survived until that person would come. 

Thus a grand battle between Otomo and Mori clan has begun in the frontline of Moji castle at Buzen…… 

Mori clan who seek a trade with the namban has advanced to Hakata. Moji castle cannot be lost as the base for Mori clan at Kyushu. 

Yoshishige must recapture Moji castle send Mori army away from Kyushu in order to defend Hakata. 

Mori Motonari has sent his youngest daughter Kobayakawa Takakage to rescue Moji castle which were surrounded by Otomo army. Takakage is renowned as a resourceful general who is inferior with her twin Ane – Kikkawa Motoharu in prowess. Because the brave general – Kikkawa Motoharu rushed into anti-Amago front at San’in region, Kobayakawa Takakage would be chosen as the representative of anti-Otomo war. in addition, the strongest Murakami anvies in Setouchi had arrived with Takakage. The power of navies are important in the battle between Chugoku and Kyushu. There is no naval forces which are stronger that Murakami navies in japan. but, Yoshishige were also preparing a secret plan to defeat Murakami navy. 

… 

… 

Kobayakawa Takakage who appeared for the battle of Moji castle had accomplished rapid growth as a princess general after having survived a decisive battle of Mori clan – the battle of Itsukushima. 

Grumbling yet doting father – Mori Motonari. Older sister who is proud of her bravery – Kikkawa Motoharu. And now a rare virtuous Ani – Mori Takamoto. They always have supported her weak back ever since then. 

(Chichiue’s dream. That is Mori family being united. My Aniue. As the one who reign over the country……only my Aniue who can give benevolence to everyone without compensation that can become the hero who will put an end to this war of japan. even if its inevitable that I killed Sue Harukata who murder her own master or even if it’s a pity that Shiootomaru who is innocent and only a figurehead of Ouchi clan have been left to die……even so, for Aniue, I will take my life and fought magnificently for the sake of conquering the world no matter how terrible and cruel the battlefield will be) 

That desire……trust to the family and the will of making Takamoto as the ruler of the world have brought the timid Takakage into a full-fledged soldier. But “rather than being a hostage then…” since Shiootomaru has committed suicide, anxiety came to stagnate in Takakage’s feelings. Although Sengoku era is decided by the law of survival of the fittest, when it comes to Mori clan……maybe Takamoto which was the 2nd generation of Mori clan would need to bear that responsibility. 

Aboard the flagship of Murakami navies and while looking at Otomo’s large army that surround Moji castle on deck, “what is that Takeyoshi?” Kobayakawa Takakage involuntarily asked the general of Murakamai navy – Murakami Takeyoshi. 

A never seen before strange jet black ship bombarded Moji castle from the sea by using an enormous tube like gun that look like a monster. 

“Ojou. That is the namban Oodzutsu. That aren’t a junk ship that came from Ming china. It’s a genuine Portuguese ships that came across the sea from the namban to japan” 

“that Otomo Ojou-chan have done unexpected thing. that bastard Motonari has underestimated Otomo clan. This will be a hard fight more than expected” the king of Pirate – Murakami Takeyoshi roared with laughter and patted small Takakage’s back while heartily chewing on raw oyster and grain. 

“cough* cough*. Isn’t it feel painful? Be a little bit easy Takeyoshi” 

“sorry, sorry. Kobayakawa Ojou is like a quiet flower. Its different from Kikkawa Ojou. You should eat more oyster, oyster you know! If you don’t eat it, it won’t become big” 

“……I refuse. If I eat raw food I will get stomachache. But Takeyoshi. Why does Portuguese ships bombarding the great Mori’s castle? The Portuguese who visited japan along with the Christians missionary should’ve just a merchant right? I never heard any namban ship being used as part of military personnel” 

“the namban navigate the great ocean across the end of India to Luzon at the risk of their life. its impossible not to armed themselves with weapon. After all they have to pass through the sea where there is battles stretching through the seas. In other words, the collapse of the army wouldn’t be decided by the large number of military personnel that come aboard the ships” 

“……I see. But we cannot tolerate Otomo clan to bring namban soldier in the battles between warriors of japan. if we let namban to intervene in the war, japan would gradually be plundered by them eventually. That Otomo princess. Even though she is determined to avenge her Otouto against Mori clan by using clever scheme, she didn’t think about the consequences at all. Its an extreme things to do……somehow, it seem that the princess daimyo has going through a lot of emotional breakdown more than what we can imagined” 

Ouchi Yoshitaka had protected Christianity but the new conqueror of Chugoku that replaces Ouchi clan – Mori Motonari did not adopt active pro-chistianity policy. Of course, Motonari are not an obstinate ideologist of isolationism. To strengthened the Mori clan even further and overlook the whole world. Obtaining Hakata port and open a trade with the namban. There is such ambition to secure millions of wealth and namban modern weapons. Therefore he didn’t actively suppress the Christians but if the Europeans intervene in the battle involving the enemy of Mori clan then it would be a different story. 

“well then, what should we do Ojou?” 

“sent a letter to the captain of that namban ship and persuade him to withdraw. If they got involved in a battle with Mori clan, then Christian missionary works and trade would already become impossible at japan. don’t get involved with the military affairs of this country” 

“still being calm as expected. But how could we tell them with letter? After all the enemies are a foreigner” 

“……although tis scary but this is a serious matter concerning the future of japan. then I myself will personally board it and handed out the letter” 

“ wawa. Although your mouth are saying brave things your legs are trembling Takakage” 

Motonaru who expected a severe battle are worried about Takakage. 

A man who bring a new naval reinforcement for the Mori clan stood next to Takakage. 

Its Takakage’s Ani – Mori Takamoto. 

“A-Aniue? Why are you here?” 

“its Oyaji-dono’s order. Since he was worried about Takakage, he can’t sleep at night for some reason and keep grumbling badly and thus I who has a lot of free time come as the reserve army” 

“I-I am already a full-fledged princess general. I-I also have accurately led the navy to fight to the bitter end at the battle of Itsukushima. Too o-overprotective! Aniue’s assistance are not needed” 

“don’t say that. I serve as a messenger for the namban ship. We are the same human being. if we talk frankly then a language barrier won’t be a problem. We can tell them that trade and missionary works will be in vain if they intervened in military affairs of japan” 

“Aniue. That’s no good. Its dangerous” 

“sometimes behaves like a spoiled child to your Aniki obediently. I am worthless at battle. If we make the namban ship withdraw from the sea, it will go under your command. There is a lot of army in Otomo forces which they don’t seem able to control. Because the princess daimyo of Otomo clan doesn’t have any brothers……there is nobody that can led the army. I am hesitant to say this but the Mori clan has defeat one Otouto of that person” 

“……Aniue. If the Otomo princess appeared on the battlefield, then even I who is a cold blooded commander will likely would fight. But I think that the princess of Otomo clan would never come out at the frontline. She has a frail character by nature and its said that she can’t endure the tension of battles. because of tthe anger of having her Otouto be defeated by Mori clan made her moves with obstinate tenacity in this battle. She is a princess who originally doesn’t like battles. furthermore that person, has neither an Ani nor Ane to entrust her back on the frontline of the battlefield……” 

“that’s right Takakage. The Otomo clan aren’t blessed with family luck. But well, it can be said that the Mori clan who has two Imouto excessively yearning on their Aniki is a bit strange” 

“I-I-I don’t think like that to A-A-Aniue! B-because Aniue is weak, I-I, it mean that its no good for you to stand up as the vanguard, that is, in other word, j-just shut up!!” 

“yeah yeah. I will be silent” 

“Aniue. You must properly come back alive. If you got killed you will die” 

“yeah yeah. I die when being killed” 

“ugh. Aniue is looking at me with lukewarm eyes. A-at this rate, my impression as a cold blooded commander will……d-don’t pat my head!” 

“naa, Takakage. I like your gentle heart that consider the heart of the enemy general but that gentleness will be fatal on the battlefield. Anyhow, your Oni-chan is worried” 

“I-I am not a gentle and sweet person. I am called the cold blooded commander!” 

“gahaha. When seeing the enemy’s line, as expected they are soldiers of Kyushu of Shuras. Although they are braver than Ashigaru of Mori clan, the Bungo navy are not a concern. As long as the Oodzutsu of Portuguese ship disappear, they won’t be a match with Murakami navy” Takeyoshi laughed. 

“leave the negotiation with the namban to Takamoto. This is only the beginning of Mori taking over the world. Advance to Kitakyushu and steal Hakata port and destroy the Amago clan at San’in region as well. from there is the start of the battles proceeding to the capital. The 2nd generation of Mori clan cannot die at this place. Kobayakawa Ojou will cry” 

“aah. Leave it to me Takeyoshi. Don’t worry Takakage. The namban just doesn’t understand the situation well. They are not our enemy” 

… 

… 

At the end of negotiation from Mori clan, the Portuguese ships that joined the Otomo forces suddenly withdrawn. The Otomo forces which has been caught off guard, were destroyed after receiving raid from Murakami navy led by Kobayakawa Takakage. 

Kobayakawa Takakage’s resourcefulness has extended over this battle. A long time ago, Takakage has mustered up courage that is reminiscent of her twin Ane Kikkawa Motoharu. As soon as they won the battle at the sea, Takakage personally led the army at Moji castle. By reversely using a collusion scheme to manipulate the impatient Otomo side and when they are having discussion over their predicament, the Otomo army was crushed on a decisive battle at land. The very young princess general Takakage stood at the battlefront where countless bullets were flying around and fought the large Otomo army and thus making the morale of Mori Ashigaru troops goes to the top. Compared to the supreme commander of Otomo army – Yoshishige who were waiting at the back without appearing at the battlefield. 

The Otomo army who cannot control their large army suffered great damage from both the land and the sea and have to give up capturing Moji castle and retreated. However, even when they are retreating, they were ambushed by Takakage’s detached troops. Be it two group, three group or even four groups, Takakage has use all that she has to predict them. If Yoshishige herself personally appeared on the battlefield, then they might be able to compete with Kobayakawa Takakage on equal term. But Yoshishige wasn’t able to appear at the battlefield no matter what. her body trembled with fear at the backside and she vomited many times. 

Otomo army was annihilated. 

Yoshishige wasn’t able to take revenge for her Otouto – Shiootomaru. On the contrary, the Otomo clan who antagonized Mori clan were defeated and suffered a large number of casualties and were in the brink of extinction. Mori Motonari who had cornered the Otomo clan immediately turned his main force to capture Amago clan in San’in region. After Amago clan were split apart by Motonari’s maneuver, they were weaken beyond recognition. Even though a sudden tragedy of the sudden death of the 2nd generation Mori Takamoto occurred, it did not have a large effect and Amago clan were destroyed by Mori clan. The veteran general Mori Motonari who lost his heir Takamoto “my life has ended with this” abandon himself to grief. “only Amago and Otomo clan. To immerse myself to defeat them before my life come to an end. At chaotic times after this old man died, you must protect Takamoto-dono’s young orphan. Please Motoharu-dono and Takakage-dono……” his remaining fighting were gathered and burn intensely and decided to capture Hakata for his last work at the end of his life. 

The burning ambition of the man from Hizen – Ryuzoji Takanobu “fuhahaha! Now is the time to destroy to Otomo clan!” have formed an alliance with Mori clan and begun to invade the Otomo clan from the west. 

At Chikuzen, both clan of Tachibana clan who protected Tachibanayama castle which are close to Hakata and Takahashi clan that rule around Dazaifu suddenly betray Otomo clan and went to Mori clan. 

Furthermore, the natives of Otomo clan which were destroyed because they have revolt before – the old retainers of Akizuki clan received support from Mori Motonari and have landed on Kyushu. 

The Otomo clan still hasn’t recovered completely after suffering a crushing defeat at the battle of Moji castle. Above all else, the important head of the clan – Otomo Yoshishige were still stricken with shock due to the previous defeat. It could be said that the queen of 6 countries were still asleep. 

Meanwhile Otomo clan has been surrounded by enemies and in complete deadlock because of Mori Motonari’s plot. 

The Mori force which has annexed the territory of Amago clan has become more powerful and once again landed on Kyushu. They have come to make an onslaught with momentum of their anger……their commander is Kobayakawa Takakage who were once has left the frontline due to shock from the sudden death of Takamoto but her pain has been recovered by her twin Ane and brave commander – Kikkawa Motoharu. 

The great father Motonari’s life are going to run out. Because of the death of his heir Takamoto, Motonari’s heart is virtually dead already. The current Motonari lived only by the obsession of which he can’t let himself to die without making the Mori clan condition firm and solid after he died. Hakata will belong to Mori so long as the father has his life…… 

Mori Ashigaru followed the twin sisters who came back again at the battlefield while struggling to overcome the sorrow of losing their dearest Ani. All of them has turned into death soldiers. They are determined to not go back to Chugoku and live. When they die, they will die at the battlefield – the Kyushu of Shura and die for the sisters. 

On the other side, Otomo Yoshishige no longer has any Otouto to protect anymore. She has neither a father nor mother. There is no confidence to win against the Mori clan. The feeling of anger of which she wanted to take revenge for Shiootomaru, a desire for vengeance has caused tragedy that resulted in large casualties among the retainers. If Xavier sees her present figure, what would she say? Kobayakawa Takakge who personally entered the castle by boat and continued fighting at the frontline and she who is frightened while being far away from the battlefield, their capacity as a commander cannot be compared at all. Kobayakawa Takakage has lost her dearest Ani - Takamoto and yet she still has her father Motonari and her Ane Kikkawa Motoharu. As for Yoshishige, she was lonely. No one is happy even if she won. It only means that her death would be postponed. Yoshishige already couldn’t find any reason to fight in this battle. By all right, Otomo clan should’ve been left to ruin at that time. 

However, that didn’t happen. 

…… 

…… 

…… 

A stormy night. 

The symbol of battles and veterans of Otomo clan – Hetsugi Akitsura, “Hime-sama is a fool! Mori Motonari cannot be defeated even if I cry! the Otomo clan who had lasted for 21 generation will be ended with Hime-sama’s generation, how mortifying!” After being stricken with grief because of Mori Motonari’s overwhelming offensive, the master – Otomo Yoshishige who seclude herself in her mansion are being forcibly pushed by him on to a palanquin. Together with his partner, the talented boy skilled in Iai slash – Yoshihiro Shigetoshi, they carry the palanquin and take Otomo Yoshishige on top of the hill of Aka-Yahata shrine. 

Frankly speaking, Hetsugi Akitsura’s action is like a retainer kidnapping his master. Even if its for the sake of the continuation of anti-Mori war, if it was suspected as a rebellion then its inevitable that thing will running out of control. 

However, Hetsugi Akitsura has already prepared himself for the worst. When it comes to “Nikaikuzurenohen”, this veteran general who is devoted in military arts “its deplorable for the Shuras of Kyushu to neglect military affairs and being absorbed with the dispute of the lord’s heir” weren’t concerned with the political strife. And as the result, he weren’t able to prevent “Nikaikuzurenohen” and deeply regretted for not being able to protect his previous master. Before this he vowed to Usa-no-Hachiman Daibosatsu to protect the young legitimate heir Shiohoshimaru – Otomo Yoshishige for life. He always put himself as the vanguard and wield his sword “Chidori” to cut down the enemies Shura. 

At the hill of Aka Yahata, a torrential rains downpour at the sideways and lightning fell everywhere. For Otomo Yoshishige who was trembling in the palanquin, this is the very state of Sengoku era of Kyushu itself. Furthermore, even though its just a branch shrine, this Hachiman shrine is a place that is deep connection with fate and prophecy……Yoshishige who detest Kami thought this as a disgusting place. The angry look of her dead Chichi whom she let to die at “Nikaikuzurenohen”, the phantom that shaped as her very young Otouto – Shioichimaru who steal Yoshishige’s family inheritance and the face of the dead Shiootomaru who were defeated by Mori Motonari, those seem to surfaced from the side of the lightning. The intellectual Yoshishige doesn’t believe in the existence of world beyond the death of this life. The dead could never be resurrected and live again.  There is no such thing as resurrection that the Christians preached about. There is no such thing as souls of the dead reached Nirvana. Paradise after the death is a lie. Above the ground, the real world of this chaotic era are keep spreading. Xavier will not be revived and come back. 

“enough already……! Hetsugi. Yoshihiro. I am already unable to lead Otomo clan to fight Mori clan……! It has been determined that it would fail in the end. I am no longer able to endure seeing both allies and enemies fighting each other and shed their blood……!” 

Hetsugi Akitsura who is shaking his sharp pointed mustache while being wet from the rain “Hime-sama is a fool!” let out a roar like a demon. 

“the originator of Otomo clan and many other clans has been lost during “Nikaikuzurenohen”! But there is already Hime-sama who reign over Otomo clan and has the qualification of being the queen of six countries of Kyushu! Indeed, there would traitors during chaotic times! But there is also people who vowed to gratefully die for Hime-sama until the end! Stand up! Rely on our loyalties, the retainers! Believe in us! What do you need to fear?!” 

“……Usa Hachiman-jin……has cursed……me……” 

“what does it mean?! Certainly during Heian period, there are unexpected things like oracle! Open your eyes! At least be afraid of Mori Motonari’s resourcefulness” 

The young military commander Yoshihiro Shigetoshi has always acted the person who cleaned up the consequences of the extremely radical Hetsugi Akitsura. He is more mature than his age. for Hetsugi Akitsura, the young man has the same similarity as his own real son. Yoshihiro soothed Hetsugi Akitsura by putting on a black clothing to protect his proud beard from being wet by the rain. 

“Oyassan. Hime is scared because you shout callously. Hime is a delicate person. But if you can politely explain the reason you will calm her heart down. She is an intelligent person who can flash out a plan to break Mori Motonari’s siege. Oyassan is unable to handle a young woman huh? Namusanda” 

“fool!!! Yoshihiro! Its too lukewarm! Right now Otomo clan has been surrounded by Mori forces from4 sides! There is no time to leisurely explain any reason! The thing that determined the outcome of battle is fighting spirit! There is no reason or plan so long as Hime-sama has rallied up her fighting spirit!” 

“even so, its counterproductive to bring out and scold Hime-sama inside Hachiman shrine where she had feared since young in the middle of thunderstorm” 

At this time, Otomo Yoshishige leaked out a word. 

“Hetsugi. Between Usa Hachiman-jin……Hachiman Daibosatsu and me, which one do you choose?” 

Hetsugi Akitsura (although I don’t understand anything, I know that Hime-sama is suffering) has been inspired. 

Hime-sama has been scared of her family and retainers ever since “Nikaikuzurenohen”. It was natural for her to fall into misanthropy since her Ochichiue and Ogibu-jo as well as half of the whole retainers schemed to disinherit Hime-sama. And this Hetsugi Akitsura is a person who merely looking at the inheritance dispute like a spectator. There is no chance of getting full trust from Hime-sama after rushingly vowed loyalty to her after the tragedy happended……! 

Being betrayed by her parent, this person who has lost all of her Otouto is longed for……an existence who will never abandon her. Those help cannot be found when she escape to Zen Buddhism or being attracted to Christianity. All of it……Hime-sama heart were damaged, thirst and dried. A human being is necessary for her. Loyalty that is similar for being a rule, not some stubborn veteran general who kept stating empty words like loyalties. A real and living human being. 

Hetsugi Akitsura unsheathe his famous sword “Chidori”. In front of the surpised Yoshishige and his partner Yoshihiro, run down the hill with full speed. He aimed at Ipponsugi which is the sacred tree of Aka Yahata shrine.  

“with my faith as a human to gods and Buddha and my loyalty to the master as a samurai. If Hime-sama want me to choose……I will choose Hime-sama without question! O Hachiman Daibosatsu! The furious Raijin! I will become a demon to cut off the enemy! Why does this young princess without sin were cursed?! If you will deliver divine punishment, then give it to me! Even if it’s a god, all sworn enemy of Hime-sama will be cut down! I will cut them down!” 

Yoshihiro ran after Hetsugi Akitsura to rescue him. 

“stop Oyassan! Don’t raise a sword so high in this thunderstorm! You would get direct hit from the lightning! Namusanda!” 

Otomo Yoshishige unintentionally jump out from her palanquin and tumble down from the hill. 

“……w-wait! Hetsugi……I am the worst. I’m sorry. I will never doubt you again. That’s why, don’t commit suicide……!” 

“don’t be a fool Hime-sama! I am not committing suicide! From now on, I will show you that I will cut down Raijin and heaven if they try to attack Hime-sama! Otomo clan! If it means to protect Hime-sama, I will cut and kill the god!” 

“no good! Hime don’t approach Oyassan! Chidori has been struck by lightning! Oyassan! Wait, wait. The surface has become white! Namusanda……!” 

An intense thunder roared to the extent that it would tear the eardrum and Otomo Yoshishige’s vision become pure white. 

Chidori which was hung to the sky were directly struck by the lightning. 

Hetsugi Akitsura swung his “Chidori” while gushing out fresh blood from his eyeball and having half of his body burned by the electric current “the Raijin has been cut down!!!!!” and make a majestic pose. 

In the next moment, Hetsugi Akitsura fell down to the ground. He doesn’t have power in one of his knee. He lost sense of half of his body which were burned from the electric current. “Chidori” which were swing and stabbed upon the ground have miraculously saved the old general’s life. the electric current that went through half of Hetsugi’s body flowed to the earth through “Chidori”. However, he lost the freedom of half of his body for an eternity. 

“……Hetsugi……?!” 

“Oyassan! It’s a fact that you truly are a big idiot!!” 

While Yoshihiro lend his shoulder, Hetsugi Akitsura who cannot stand up and still kept his consciousness shouted. 

“Hime-sama. Apparently my leg has become weak after angering Usa Hachman-jin. However, even so I can still fight by sitting upon a palanquin! Not yet. Half of my body still can be moved! I am still alive. Until this live has ended, until the moment that my hearts stopped beating, I will become the incarnation of Raijin and look after Hime-sama! That was the least thing I can do who couldn’t stop Nikaikuzurenohen” 

Otomo Yoshishige nooded while supporting Hetsugi Akitsura’s body together with Yoshihiro. 

“the one that decided the outcome of a battle is fighting spirit! Even if we fight Mori Motonari, the deceased Shiootomaru-sama will not be revived. Even so, Hime-sama must fight Mori clan! You shouldn’t yield to Mori Motonari while being frightened by prophecy and oracles! Fight your fate! Use this old life and throw it away, be it as a sword or as a shield!” 

… 

… 

This along with the dawn that came upon Aka Yahata shrine. 

Otomo Yoshishige who leave her mansion and left her retainers in confusion, come back again to the mansion and renamed herself “Otomo Sorin”. 

It was changed into a priest like name to stop the unrest and estrangement of retainers of anti-christians faction while at the same time to show indomitable resolve to fight a decisive battle against Mori Motonari. 

The Queen of six countries of Kyushu and Kyushu Tandai……Otomo Yoshishige who was renamed Otomo Sorin are making miraculous plan to break through Mori Motonari’s encirclement one after another. 

In order to defend the most important base Hakata, the “Raijin” Hetsugi Akitsura were given an order to capture Tachibanayama castle at Chikuzen and at the same time Yoshihiro Shigetoshi were given an order to subjugate the Takahashi clan who shut themselves inside Iwaya castle of Dazaifu. Meanwhile, the Ryuzoji clan of Saga castle made the all of the local people of Kyushu to know that the Otomo clan were under the risk of dissolution under the supervision of its master – Otomo Sorin once again. 

The balance of the offense and defense of Mori forces that surrounded the most extreme battlefield - Tachibanayama castle has become fierce. 

Kobayakawa Takakage personally lead the soldiers and recaptures Tachibanayama castle and shut herself inside as soon as the Oni Hetsugi Akitsura “die die!” on top of a palanquin while having the retainers to carry him in their soldier rushed into the midst of battle of conquering Tachibana clan and make Tachibanayama castle fell. Kikkawa Motoharu fully prepared herself to die if necessary in order to protect her Imouto inside Tachibanayama castle if Otomo army siege of Tachibanayama castle doesn’t break and decided to repeat their charges. 

With their master Otomo Sorin show a firm will of repelling Mori clan from Kyushu for sure and Hetsugi Akitsura becoming the legendary Raijin and were first to go to the battlefield, the Otomo army has reborn powerfully unlike anything else. 

Mori Twin River – Kikkawa Motoharu and Kobayakawa Takakage bet all of their intellect and bravery to continue fighting with Mori force who is determined to never withdraw until they achieve the last dream of their old father which is to obtain Hakata. 

Both sides were holding their ground. 

Formerly during the battle of Moji castle, Kobayakawa Takakage’s resourcefulness has seen through Otomo army and had won easily one after another. But it wasn’t so this time. Otomo Sorin who entrusted herself on Hetsugi Akitsura, anticipated Kobayakawa Takakage’s plan while exerting her intellect and enduring the tension of battle. She immerse herself in making detailed measures at several places. 

In the past battle, Kobayakawa Takakage who inherited the talent of making strategy from her father, were inexperienced to personally plunge herself to laid out strategy to forestall the enemy in succession. She know about Otomo Sorin’s true abilities when she is being serious and feared it by saying “this battle may not be settled forever”. “now that I no longer has my Aniue, I can’t imagine the future of this country ahead of my battle”. Kobayakawa Takakage who was originally anxious about losing the people’s life on the battlefield, were holding some hesitation in the battlefield. Perhaps it was because she was under the pressure of this hard fight.  

Kikkawa Motoharu “Takakage. You think too much. Wield a spear on the battlefield and we will surpass this” support her Imouto’s wavering heart. A direct confrontation against Otomo clan is repeated. The Raijin Hetsugi Akitsura lead suicide corps while swinging his sword “Chidori” which were changed to “Raikiri” on top of his head while being carried on top of a palanquin. Even Kikkawa Motoharu raises her hands. The old general whose half of his body already dead because of being struck by lightning “you can bring me to the middle of the battlefield on top of a palanquin and if you are scared then resign, scatter and escape” opened his eyes wide and rebuke the young Shura of Kyushu – Yoshihiro Shigetoshi with a look of a demon. 

As the result of Otomo Sorin’s namban trade policy, the Twin River of Mori were surprised by the enormous amount of their Tanegashimas and gunpowder. Namban trade at Nishikoku – Hakata were concentrated at Nagasaki and Hirato. Such big firepower cannot be collected in the Mori clan as long as Hakata is being suppressed. 

The fight between the two army which has reached from Tatara river in front of Tachibanayama castle that flowed until Tatara shore has yet to come to an end. Mori begin to gradually suffer from the maintenance of supply line. Because Otomo clan has to block anti-Otomo power at Kyushu and Ryuzoji clan at the same time, they cannot gather all of their energy for a decisive battle with Mori clan. 

Both sides fell into the so called “perpetual check”. The wisdom and courage from both sides at the match were completely equal. 

Now the element that will decide the outcome of the battle……is the amount of their fighting spirit just like Hetsugi Akitsura had said. 

 “I wonder if the lives of soldiers from both sides will be scattered at Tatara river more than this. But only Hakata which is Chichiue’s earnest dream nust be taken. Even if I can’t picture anything that would came after that……what should I do?” at that time, Kobayakawa Takakage were worried. 

Although Otomo Sorin were in heaps of conflict and hesitation……she has devised a heartless plan in order to win against Mori Motonari. 

“although Ouchi clan who were in charge with Sorin’s Otouto – Shiootomaru has fall to ruin, the kinsmen of Ouchi clan – Ouchi Teruhiro has took refuge at Bungo. The family inheritance of Ouchi clan has been given to this Ouchi Teruhiro. I shall lend the Otomo navy to land at Suo to attack and occupy Yamaguchi……at the same time, let the remnant of Amago and Yamanaka Shikanosuke rise to action in Izumo and make a sea of flames at San’in region. If we cause a rebellion on the west and east side of Mori’s homeland – Chugoku region, then Mori Twin River that stepped upon Chikuzen will be isolated and died” 

Speaking of which, Mori Motonari adopted that plan to extort the Otomo clan. Sorin was aware of what happened and conversely used it back to Mori clan. 

But this is literally a plan to throw away someone to death. 

Ouchi Teruhiro who knew about his social position has already given up on reviving Ouchi clan and become a Christian at Bungo. He was living a sequestered life while mourning for the people of Ouchi clan who had perished and passed away. He doesn’t have any talent for battles. After all Mori Twin River army at Chikuzen and Ryuzoji army of Saga castle, it is Sorin’s objective to bring down these two. Ouchi Teruhiro and Yamanaka Shikanosuke are nothing more than a pawn to divide Mori Twin River at Chikuzen from Mori’s homeland Chugoku region. Just like Shiootomaru who succeeded the family inheritance, both Ouchi Teruhiro and Yamanaka Shikanosuke would probably have their neck cut once they got defeated by Mori Motonari. And this time, from the very beginning, Sorin has no intention to send reinforcement to them. They don’t have any room to do such things because Otomo clan must put all of their power for a decisive battle at Kyushu. 

The ronin Yamanaka Shikanosuke who hide herself at San’in region underground “Shichinanhachiku. I was going to fight Mori clan after being invited by Otomo clan for the sake of reviving Amago clan. How is it? Please use me as a disposable piece to you hearts content!” started a plan to revolt at once after gather the remnant of Amago clan with ringing courage. Everyone rumored that even if Sorin didn’t call out for her, Yamanaka Shikanosuke would rise in revolt for the sake of Amago clan revival by all means. It was just like that. Shikanosuke’s valor were said to be a match with Kikkawa Motoharu as well. Sorin thought that Shikanosuke would be able to survive even she revolted and defeated by Mori clan. 

But on the other hand, Ouchi Teruhiro doesn’t have valor like Shikanosuke. Furthermore, since Ouchi Teruhiro took refuge under Sorin of Bungo, it could be said that his existence is like a substitute for the dead Shiootomaru for Sorin. He entered Christianity with some degree of reverence for the religion faith. He is objected by the retainers and were baptized to make up for Sorin’s favor, Ouchi clan and Shiootomaru. Furthermore, he held a memorial service in namban style for Shioichimaru and other who died at “Nikaikuzurenohen”. 

“I want you to go back to your samurai clan. To invade  Suo right now and I want you to die” Sorin was never able to say it to Ouchi Teruhiro. 

But, she will lose her chance if she hesitate any further. 

When he know that Sorin has begun to support Yamanaka Shikanosuke, Ouchi Teruhiro who knew about the plan that Sorin are going to use has become impatient. 

With the way things are, Sorin-sama would never summon me for eternity. 

At a night of a certain day. Ouchi Teruhiro visited Sorin. 

“Sorin-sama. I have received favors more than enough. This is the last moment whether Otomo clan would fall or not. Please give me the command to sally forth to Suo in order to save Otomo clan” 

“if you do something like that……you would probably follow the same fate as Shiootomaru……are you alright with that?” 

“the voices of people who speak ill of Sorin-sama as the Otouto killer has reached me. But that was a misunderstanding. I who had abandoned the world and keep holding a memorial at the church for Shiootomaru-sama and everyone else as well as receiving Christians baptism instead of you, I know it very well” 

“if both the remnants of Amago and Ouchi clan rise in revolt at the same time, the Mori clan own country will be disturbed. No matter how much I think about this, there is no way to win against Mori Motonari except this. Because this is the moment whether Otomo clan would perish or not, therefore I am not able to be concerned about appearance. Because the opponent is Mori Motonari……but” 

“but?” 

“but since you are not Sorin’s Otouto, you might be able to survive. If you plunge an attack earlier than Mori Motonari and then Motonari’s life comes to an end, the truth will come out from the lie, and then Ouchi clan……may be revived. But Sorin shouldered the destiny of killing her Otouto. The chance for your survival would be very low……” 

“what destiny Sorin-sama? You were always suffering from something” 

“to relentlessly abandon all Otoutos to death in order to reign as the queen of Kyushu. That is Sorin’s destiny” 

Sorin conveyed the content of Usa Hachiman-jin prophecy to Ouchi Teruhiro. 

While listening to the content of the prophecy from Sorin, Ouchi Teruhiro has decided after seeing Otomo Sorin’s eyes shaken little by little all the time. “was there such a thing? has this person been tormented all the time by the words of the prophecy?” he pitifully thought so. He noticed that if the battle against Mroi clan at Tatara river is repeated any further, her heart will not last any longer. He who keeps mourning for Shiootomaru and the other with Sorin at the church, know the frailty of Sorin’s heart very well. 

“please let me tell you something Sorin-sama. You have approve my refuge to Bungo. The kindness of comfortable retirement that I received until now, I will return that favor back. I shall landed on Suo and let the remnant of Ouchi clan rise in revolt and go straight to attack Yamaguchi. There is no need for reinforcement” 

“however, I kept you nearby to make up for Shiootomaru who has died……after all, Sorin had make a sacrificial pawn again” 

“no Sorin-sama. I had inherited Shiootomaru-sama’s dying wish and got to Yamaguchi. But……its fine not to take me as your Otouto. If your Otouto dies, you will suffer even more sorrow. Besides I am no more than just a general who went to exile to Otomo clan. If I don’t become your Otouto, the prophecy will be invalid. If I survived from death, the Sorin-sama will be free from the prophecy of killing your Otouto” 

“you will die! Even if you didn’t become my Otouto, the chance for your survival is very low” 

“its alright Sorin-sama. Please forget about me without regret when I didn’t return from Suo. Under any circumstances, you must not thought me as among of your Otoutos. Until now I have survived since I am a coward. By all right I should’ve died along with Shiootomaru-sama when Ouchi clan fell……naturally, my home is the place where I should return” 

… 

… 

Yamanaka Shikanosuke led the Amago 10 Heroes and revolted at Izumo while at the same time, attacking Gassantoda castle. Ouchi Teruhiro led a navy forces to go ashore Suo and aimed directly at Yamaguchi. 

At this opportunity where Mori Motonari stuck at his homeland, the escape route of Mori Twin River who were isolated at Chikuzen were blocked. The Otomo clan plunge themselves by launched an all-out attack with their proudest brave generals including Hetsugi Akitsura. 

It was Sorin’s plan for a comeback. 

However Mori Motonari’s craftiness or the amount of emotion towards his family to such extent that he will use every possible callous plan to win a battle, both of them has surpassed Sorin’s expectation. 

Sorin were depressed when her Otouto who were send to Ouchi fell ecause of Mori clan. There is no way that Ouchi clan would use the son of a distinguished nobles as a sacrificial pawn. Soon after Mori Motonari foresee that the forces of Mori Twin River would be isolated at Kyushu and crushed by Otomo army “damn you Sorin. I thought that you would remain like a child, but you have grown before I notice it. Or perhaps its because you are obsessed about absolutely brought down this old man who had callously kill Shiootomaru” he was confused and giving up capturing Hakata which is his last dream throughout his life. 

“after Takamoto-dono’s death, I have survived by using only willpower and passion. My life had probably come to an end here. My life is ended by being defeated by Otomo Sorin” Motonari seems to realize. “at the very least, its necessary to let Mori Twin River survive” this Hakarigoto-jin – Mori Motonari decided that he will not mind even if people laughed as he was completely defeated by Otomo Sorin whose wits doesn’t matched his own. 

A messenger was sent to Chikuzen battlefront to order immediate withdrawal for Mori Twin River who advocated do-or-die resistance and was prepared for the last honorable death. 

“it’s a loss. Abandon all Hakata and Tachibanayama castle. Abandon Chikuzen battlefront entirely and quickly return to Suo. This battle is a complete loss for Mori clan. This old one’s wisdom was defeated by Otomo Sorin. That girl who can only being frightened by dreadfulness and terror of chaotic era has surpassed me. Kikkawa-dono, Kobayakawa-don, you must not die. Be careful of the barrages of Tanegashimas that Otomo clan take pride. Even if you are a famous brave or a resourceful general, under the bullets of Tanegashimas, you are no different than a Ashigaru. Otomo Sorin who has successively invested in namban weapons……was not an opponent that this old man can surpass. If only Takamoto-dono is still alive, Mori clan could watched over the whole world” 

… 

… 

It was the moment that the fragment of the dream of Mori Motonari who grew old were scattered. 

In the end the Mori army……Mori Twin River – Kobayakawa Takakage and Kikkawa Motoharu had realized that their father Mori Motonari had gave up everything and they retired from Kyushu while shedding tears of regret. The pursuit of Otomo army was severe and it was a desperate retreat. 

The dispute of Kitakyushu were concluded and Hakata belong to Otomo Sorin. 

Otomo Sorin who completely defeated the invincible Mori Motonari who destroyed Amago and Ouchi clan, has become the queen of six countries of Kyushu both in name and reality. 

But Sorin also received a great loss. 

As expected Ouchi Teruhiro cannot make Yamaguchi surrender. He died in battle after being defeated by Mori main force which has returned from Kyushu. 

As for Yamanaka Shikanosuke, she wasn’t able to capture Gassantoda castle and was defeated by Mori army without any fortunes of battles. 

Although Mori Motonari paid a high price of abandoning Kyushu, Mori clan was barely saved from the brink of extinction. However, the path to Hakata has partly lost forever. When the 2nd generation – Takamoto was lost, Motonari repented that the path to Hakata should’ve been given up unsullied. The old general felt relieved that the Mori Twin River has come back alive from the country of Shura. Mori clan shouldn’t have wished for the world. 

Mori Motonari leave a will and have achieved a peaceful death while being nursed by Mori Twin River and the orphan of the legitimate child of Takamoto –  the 3rd generation - Mori Terumoto. 

… 

… 

… 

Just as according to the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin, Otomo Sorin become the undisputed conqueror of Kyushu. 

(Yamanaka Shikanosuke were able to miraculously escaped from the jaws of detah by reciting Shichinanhachiku, but……as expected Ouchi Teruhiro died too shortly. He wasn’t my Otouto. But he followed the same fate with Shiootomaru. Although I know it, Sorin send him to the jaws of death and let him to die, right……enough, I cannot make any excuses. Its as good as Sorin killing him) 

Although she has survived with extremy glory while tasting a great sense of loss of a friend whom she considered as an Otouto, she had fortified a new order for controlling Chikuzen. 

The Tachibana and Takahashi clan which supported Mori clan and rebelled has been destroyed by Otomo army at this point. A retainers who takes pride with their loyalty to never betray their master must be made to defend Chikuzen until death. 

Although Mori withdraw from Kyushu, the self-proclaimed supreme ruler of Kyushu – Ryuzoji Takanobu of Saga Hizen who was still in flawless condition, took an opportunity of expanding their power steadily while Mori clan fought desperately against Otomo clan. 

Therefore, Sorin entrusted the defense of Chikuzen to the two loyal retainers who had scolded her at Aka Yahata shrine. 

Tachibanayama castle were given to “Raijin” Hetsugi Akitsura and were ordered to defend Hakata. He was given to succeed the family name of Tachibana clan. 

His young partner – Yoshihiro Shigetoshi were given both Iwaya and Houmanzan castle and were ordered to defend Dazaifu. He was given to inherit Takahashi clan. 

“I have been given Tachibanayama castle? I understand Hime-sama. Please be relieved, as long as I have my life, I will continue to fight. I will protect Otomo clan until I die” Hetsugi Aktisura agreed to shoulder this heavy responsibilities. He change his name to “Tachibana Dosetsu” at that time. Sorin didn’t understand the meaning of the name “Dosetsu”. 

And, Yoshihiro Shigetoshi who has been made to carry the “Raijin” on a palanquin “I will follow Oyassan” changed his name to “Takahashi Shoun”. 

Incidentally, Tachibana Dosetsu forcibly made Takahashi Shoun’s “Daugther” – Takahashi Munetora whose fame has been rising inside Otomo clan with her capacity as a great commander of both literary and military arts, to make her as the “Husband” for Ginchiyo to inherit his family headship. At that time, she changed her name from “Munetora” to “Muneshige” and disguised herself as a man. she was renamed because they wanted her to be given one character from the lord’s name “Sorin”. The character “Shige” were the one that Dosetsu personally give to Muneshige. 

Sorin also doesn’t understand Tachibana Dosetsu’s eccentricity very well. if he want to have a male to inherit his family, then he should’ve get a male as an adopted child from the beginning……but she let Tachibana Dosetsu to do what he like. Tachibana Dosetsu is a veteran general. There would surely some deep thought he held inside. “a marriage between women, what the heck are you saying?”  Takahashi Shoun declined my times over but “I understand Oyassan at all” he reluctantly agreed. 

Another thing is that Yanagawa castle located between Saga and Chikuzen is the most important base for anti-Ryuzoji war. But there is a Gishou from Yanagawa castle who serves Otomo clan – Kamachi Muneyuki. They didn’t have to be worry about rebellion. However, Kawachi Muneyuki has been cordially supporting Ryuzoji Takanobu who wandered around Hizen twice even without any sense of obligation. At the same time he was the samurai who loyally serves Otomo clan, he is also a man with chivalrous spirit. If Kamachi Muneyuki didn’t protect Ryuzoji Takanobu, Hizen along with many Christian daimyos including Arima and Omura would’ve serve Sorin as her retainers perfectly. 

But because Kamachi Muneyuki is a Gishou, he would never betray Sorin. Sorin didn’t pick up a foolish measure of taking away confiscate Yanagawa castle from Kamachi Muneyuki. 

(the prophecy has been accomplished. Sorin stood on top of the country of Shura while stepping across the corpses of my Otoutos. The enemy of Shiootomaru and Ouchi Teruhiro – Mori Motonari are no longer alive in this world. Sorin no longer has a reason to fight……) Sorin who fortified the ruling system of Chikuzen promptly decided to subdue Ryuzoji Takanobu of Hizen as her last battle while encouraging her heart which has begun to fall. 

“defeating Ryuzoji Takanobu. If I assume firm domination over Kitakyushu, Sorin would soon be able to finish this battles that happened every days. This time, this shall be the last war……” 

However there is a scar that Sorin must overcome at all cost……the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin that said “Murder her own Otouto in order to become the Queen of Kyushu”. 

Shioichimaru. Shiootomaru. I didn’t make Ouchi Teruhiro as my Otouto in order to avoid the prophecy from being accomplished but keeping him close to me as a substitute for Shiootomaru. Up until point, the prophecy has been accomplished. 

Sorin must absolutely overcome the fate of that accursed prophecy that she kill her Otoutos and obtained glory above the earth. If it’s the current her who has won a ingenuity battle against Mori Motonari, she believed that she would be able to overcome it. The Ryuzoji army possessed the extraordinary valorous “Ryuzoji Shiten’O”. Otomo army has every Shuras such as Tachibana Dosetsu at their disposal. The reason that Sorin who doesn’t like war are fighting against Ryuzoji Takanobu whom she didn’t harbor any grudge “I want to overcome the disgusting prophecy of killing my Otoutos that has been cursing me all this time” its possible that it’s the only thing in her thought. 

Therefore, Sorin made Otomo army with the brave general long military service – Tachibana Dosetsu to completely surrounded Ryuzoji army that shut themselves inside Saga castle. She rallied her last courage to conquer her fate and put a proper ending for her last battle……she take the nephew of the originator – Hachiro as her Otouto and named him Otomo Chikasada. She appointed him as the new supreme commander for the siege warfare. 

Hachiro who descend from Otomo branch family was a cheerful and bright boy similar to Shiootomaru. 

Sorin said “you aren’t in age for welcoming any battles yet” in order to turn Hachiro away without meeting him when he abruptly intrude uninvited. But “I have inherit Ouchi Teruhiro-don’s will” Hachiro has confessed in order to be permitted to meet her. 

At the time Ouchi Teruhiro depart to Suo, he leaves a written will about the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin to Hachiro who is Sorin’s nephew. When he died, he leaves the written will to the one who has the closest blood relationship with Sorin - Hachiro who is popularly similar to the late Shiootomaru to succeed his last will. 

“Sorin-sama has always shouldered the stigma as “Otouto killer” ever since “Nikaikuzurenohen”! Hachiro will clear away that stigma now! if Ryuzoji clan is destroyed, then the chance to clear away that stigma will be lost! Ouchi Teruhiro reasoned that even if Sorin-sama become the queen of six countries of Kyushu, your heart will not be saved. Somebody must eliminate that prophecy. Although its presumptuous, please let this Hachiro to succeed Teruhiro-dono’s duty” 

Sorin weren’t able to bluntly refuse Ouchi Teruhiro and now Hachiro’s will. She made up her mind to make this as her last battle. 

“this Hachiro wished to become Sorin-sama’s Otouto! Until now all people who become Sorin-sama’s Otouto has died but this Hachiro will not die! Please let me call you Aneue!” 

As long as one can remember, the young Hachiro has always yearned for the beautiful, delicate and now lonely Sorin who is the present head of Otomo clan. “we promise” he smiles to her. 

“he is really similar to Shiootomaru when he was young” Sorin thought so. 

“although Shiootomaru and Ouchi Teruhiro has promised Sorin, they both has lost their life according to the prophecy. Hachiro, do you really promise me? Do you promise that you wouldn’t die? Would you keep your promise to Sorin……?” 

“yes. This war will resulted in complete Otomo army victory. Even if I become the supreme general, I will leave all command to Tachibana Dosetsu-sama without interfering. Don’t worry!” 

“if by any chance that you would be captured in this battle, will you commit suicide like Shiootomaru?” 

“yes, at that time I will cry and beg for my life! I will abandon the honor as a samurai only to save my life!” 

The differences in military was obvious. Ryuzoji Takanobu who has forcibly expanded his territories with brutality has been completely isolated. There is no any factor that Otomo clan would be defeated. Even if the supreme commander are only in name, with the brave general who has long military record – Tachibana Dosetsu keep surrounding Saga castle perfectly, it will falls eventually…… 

It was natural. 

“Aneue! This time you don’t have to be worried! This Hachiro will decorate the great achievement of conquering Kitakyushu for Aneue! I will go now!” 

… 

… 

But on the evening when Sorin appointed Hachiro as the supreme commander and sent him to frontline, she noticed something. 

“tonight, before the chicken cries, you would say that you don’t  know me thrice” Sorin was suddenly remembered about the prophecy that Jesus has told to Peter. Ouchi Teruhiro deliberately didn’t become her Otouto in order to avoid the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin. If that is the case then Hachiro will become Sorin’s 2nd Otouto. 

Aah. Again. I have let only my Otouto to stand on the battlefield. I vaoid fighting personally and shut myself at the back. 

(with this……it will be the same until now…….) 

She felt uneasy. 

When she sent out a messenger to call Hachiro back, it was too late. 

Hachiro who arrived at the battlefield encampment received a surprise attack from Ryuzoji Takanobu stepsister – Nabeshima Naoshige who led a suicide squad. He was tragically captured. His head was mercilessly cut by Ryuzoji Takanobu without even being permitted to beg for his life. 

Hachiro’s head were preserved with slat inside a box and were returned to Sorin. 

“I want throw the family inheritance of Otomo clan right away. I want to become a priest. I am sick of fighting in Kyushu of Sengoku era” in front of Hachiro’s head soaked in bucket, Sorin were stricken with grief, burst into tears and keep screaming. 

Otomo Sorin was over as a daimyo of Sengoku era at that time. 

Her heart broke and scattered to pieces. 

“by making an alliance with Oda Nobuna, let’s make a kingdom of god. This is Xavier-sama’s dream” if the missionary Gaspard who claimed himself as Xavier’s student didn’t come to Bungo and give Sorin a new proclamation, Sorin would’ve been become crippled. 

When the forest of Hyuga start advancing to Sorin, her glory will end……Gaspard who was told about the prophecy “the soldier who will overthrow you will be in Hyuga, right? If you want to sally forth the soldiers to believe in Christianity at Hyuga then you must conquer Hyuga first” told this with a smile. 

He dominate Sorin’s heart which has fall into pitch black darkness by using his words and baptizes her as a Christians daimyo. He made her to make a decision to construct Mushiga – a pagan town at Hyuga which was a land where the descendant of the Sun Goddess descended upon earth. 

“Hyuga is a sacred place which are the origin of Japan! Hime-sama do you intent to split Japan into two?!”, “with the way things are, sooner or later the whole Japan will be handed out completely to the namban!” when the old retainers of Tachibana Dosetsu of Otomo clan has begun to make a fuss, Sorin has already become a puppet of Gaspard. Usa Hachiman-jin prophecy has been 80% accomplished. Even if she became the queen of Kyushu, there was no single happiness inside Sorin’s heart……if the future has been determined, Sorin would perish and pass away eventually. At the time, she started to advance to Hyuga, a human being such as herself who didn’t care about her Otoutos 3 times before the chicken cries, are ought to be perished. If she would perished in the end……then it would be the best to abandon her heart and become a puppet rather than suffers and waiting for extinction. 

But Sorin’s heart wasn’t satisfied. Even if she has been baptized as a Christian. Even if she hold a mass. Even if she clenched a rosary. Even if she heard the melodious voice of chorus of boys and girls. Even if she has built the town of dream……nevertheless, it was good. Because if she has heart, she will suffer. She wanted to be a puppet. She wanted to be a fanatic. If she behave as if she was a puppet, then sometime she would lost her hearts for real. She believed it so. 

………until she had watched the opening of Amano-Iwato. 

… 

… 

… 

The thing that Otomo Sorin truly want aren’t Gods or religions. It is a connection with a living human being. A relationship of mutual trust. When she was young, she had been betrayed by her father, halfway betrayed by the retainers who supported her stepmother and their child. She fell into misanthropy. Furthermore, it could be said the factor called a curse from the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin was added to the hostile power that give rise to a revolt in Otomo clan. sorin’s heart keep wandering between “reality” and “dream” and continued to be conflicted with “rationality” and “illogicality” semi-permanently. Sorin would be injured at every choices she will turn to. They weren’t a place to escape. The fact that she devoted herself to Zen Buddhism and Christianity intensively was because she wanted to ask help from gods except Usa Hachiman-jin. Yet the intelligent Sorin wasn’t able to be convinced of the existence called as gods at anywhere. 

The fact that Sorin had lost her Otoutos was just a coincidence. The prophecy didn’t determine her fate. The order are in reverse. Sorin herself are seized by fear from the curse called as prophecy. Many times, Sorin challenged that prophecy in order to defeat her future that were given by the prophecy……and the result was ended in failure by chance. Within the Sengoku era, it wasn’t a rare or unusual things for the leader of an army is being defeated and killed or commit suicide and dying. The probability of losing their live would high, much more to male generals who lost at a battle at Kyushu where there is no law about killing princess generals. 

But it is a hard fact that Sorin keep making failure when she challenged the prophecy, even if its just a hindsight based opinion. 

“Sagara Yoshiharu. I don’t say that you have to become Sorin’s Otouto. Because Sorin are already, given up trying to escape from the fate that killing one’s own Otoutos……the fate of losing one’s own Otoutos. If I make you my Otouto, you will die too. It will happen soon. Sorin has already entered Hyuga and built Mushiga and tomorrow morning, I will advance to Taka castle. Sorin will perish once the forest of Hyuga start attacking. The prophecy is fulfilled. If there is no escaping from this fate anymore, then at the very least, because it is only a single night, Sorin……wanted to have love” 

While being on top of a namban bed……“Oda Nobuna was saved, Sorin wasn’t saved, you aren’t going to say such things, aren’t you?” Sorin muttered while thrusting the surface of the gun point to Yoshiharu’s chin. 

“although there are many princess generals who watched the opening of Amano-Iwato and learned a new lifestyle called love in this chaotic era……although there are lots of girls who had a dream to end the chaotic era were born……love and Christianity are different. If its god, he can save a human being infinitely. However Sagara Yoshiharu, in this world you can only did one person” 

“the partner for love aren’t necessarily have to be me?” 

“but you are. Sorin is the queen of six countries of Kyushu. I have exceedingly ascended to such far height. Therefore, I can’t fall in love with a retainer. The one who can take Sorin or the person who reign over the world, are only a foreigner who came from outside of japan of Sengoku era. But as you know, the one who reign over the world is a girl, Xavier-sama has died and you could say that Gaspard-sama keep controlling Sorin as the virgin queen of Kyushu. If I didn’t do so, I won’t be approved by the namban country……or else Sagara Yoshiharu. Is there any man from the future who visited this war torn country other than you?” 

“……I had yet to meet them” 

There hasn’t been any case that Yoshiharu had meet any man from the future. as far as Yoshiharu know, only Gaspard is the person who had the ability to predict the future correctly. But Gaspard isn’t a man from the future either. He is only a schemer who predicted the future using a technique. 

“Hikaru Genji from the Tale of Genji fell in love with a large number of woman. your partner doesn’t have to be Oda Nobuna. After all you have a love relationship with Kobayakawa Takakage. She is, that hateful woman who fought over Hakata against Sorin” 

“indeed, I was seriously fell in love with Kobayakawa-san. But at that time I have lost my memories. Because I have forgotten about Nobuna, I was able to walk another life. a life which are different from the life when I served the Oda clan” 

“what about Uesugi Kenshin? Despite being only one night, didn’t spend time with her? There is a rumor that Kenshin and you kissed” 

“that was done in order to revive her from the brink of death. To remove the curse of Bishamonten……is to make her a human being. There is no other way” 

“hmm. So you really are gentle to a girl, Sgara Yoshiharu. If you let Kenshin die quickly, even Oda Nobuna will not fall into these dangerous situation” 

“……that’s true. But that’s my nature” 

“I don’t say that such girls doesn’t know it even for once before the chicken cries. You are strong aren’t you? isn’t that right? Its because you have completely taken Uesugi Kenshin’s heart who has continuously rejected obstinate courting from every man until now……if that’s the case then tonight, its fine even if you save Sorin at this place right? Or would you say that Sorin is an exception?” 

“if it was possible then I wanted to do so. Sorin has already suffered enough. She wouldn’t be able to live on her own anymore” but Yoshiharu shook his head and saying “impossible”. 

“Sorin. You only demand help from love without being saved by Christians faith. But things like a person fall in love with another person……that’s not the way it is……I have never been in love seriously to going out with a girl even until I came to this period and meet Nobuna. Though I can’t say it well, even if you demand help from anything, you would never be saved as of now. Even if you give yourself to any faiths or no matter what kind of dream you are looking at, you cannot run away on your own as long as you live. Even if you try a make believe imitation of a love, you will feel disillusioned and say “what, is this truly love?”. Besides, you have retainers with unmatched loyalties like Tachibana Dosetsu” 

“……its regrettable but there is a wall that can never be crossed over between families and retainers. How much would I be saved if Sorin’s father is Dosetsu or Shoun is Sorin’s Ani. I wished that I would be born in Tachibana clan and not Otomo clan……” 

“whether it’s a retainers or a family, they are all the same! Why didn’t you believe in Dosetsu who swore his loyalty by jumping through the lightning?!” 

“I am thankful for Dosetsu. But! Sorins doesn’t have any value that’s worth Dosetsu’s loyalty! Dosetsu have half of his body paralyzed for the sake of Sorin’s curse! Even if Sorin would doubt Dosetsu……unless he choose either me or Usa Hachiman-jin……” 

“no, Sorin. Its different. Dosetsu didn’t regret anything. He is a loyal retainer for even offering half of his body for your sake. With the way that you hate and dislike yourself since you are cursed, be it religion or human being, none of them can save you” 

“Oda Nobuna was able to love herself since she has forgiven her own self! But even that girl would become a weak girl that you absolutely hate if she killed her own Otouto by her own hand!” 

“Sorin, right now you are not fighting against yourself! You must show the courage just like when you fought against Mori Motonari once again! I am not saying that you should take a spear to kill an enemy on the battlefield. I cannot save a person. The god is the same. A timid person who is conflicted with their own selves cannot save anyone! People and god can only push forward the back of the people who try to save their own self!” 

“its not possible to fell in love with a woman who cannot respect her self-esteem! There is no worth in that!” 

Sorin wished that by continuing her unreasonable selfish behavior, Yoshiharu would vent his anger to herself……If she isn’t loved at all, then she wished to be hated so that she would be beaten. 

But then right at the moment when a feeling of anger to Sorin which welled inside Yoshiharu. (Sorin has suffered for a long time more thatn Kenshin, Kobayakawa-san and Nobuna. When she was scolded by Dosetsu, she daringly opposed her destiny of killing her Otouto. She didn’t continue escaping from the beginning. Daringly opposed and then lost…...after her limit, she was broken) when he thought about Sorin’s past (Nobuna was the same at the first time I meet her. Criticizing her surrounding with abusive words and struggled so that she will be avoided) Yoshiharu noticed it. He suddenly remembered the pitiful Nobuna at those days. 

However (I am unworthy to be hated by Sagara Yoshiharu) Sorin despaired. 

“even a lie is alright. Say that you will love Sorin and forget Oda Nobuna for tonight! Otherwise it’s a war! didn’t you really doesn’t want Shimazu and Otomo army fight against each other? Well then!” 

“……Sorin. Stop saying words that would hurt yourself in that way. No matter how much you act like a bad person, you won’t be able to make me disappointed in you” 

“it was……the only thing you feel is pity towards Sorin!” 

No matter how much she implored him, Yoshiharu will not save her. It was too miserable and too awkward. 

Sorin……lighted the fuse of her gun. 

“even though god loves all people, he doesn’t talk to me. But a living human can only love one person. Why it wasn’t Sorin but Oda Nobuna? Sagara Yoshiharu, if you want to stop the battle at Taka castle then love only me! If not then die!” 

However Yoshiharu understood that Sorin will not shot himself to death. Now that he has heard half of Sorin’s lifetime, he understand that Sorin would never directly kill a person. Although Otomo Sorin has unfolded so many battles, she had no experience of standing personally on the battlefield. 

Can Sorin’s heart which has strayed into the darkness be saved from a curse called prophecy? Despite Otmo Sorin was the one who requested people to save herself, yet in fact, she is rejecting everyone. She desired her own demise while fearing it. She hopes that the prophecy will be fulfilled. A sense of guilt of letting her Otouto to death which is hard to healed has made Sorin turn to her own ruin. 

If it was Yoshiharu before he come to Sengoku era, he may not understand a girl called Sorin. He may not think that she is suffering from a mental illness. He would feel dread when murdered. 

But Yoshiharu who meet Nobuna and changed her destiny while becoming a man of Sengoku era and survive wars every day, seemed to have hear the voice of Sorin’s heart. 

Sorin who were thrown unto this cruel chaotic era and losing all of her families cannot bring herself to believe in human beings or gods. She demanded all from a companion whom she believes that he will save her. But Yoshiharu already has a lover called Nobuna. Therefore, he cannot save Sorin with a brief love. There is a crucial difference with Uesugi Kenshin and Kobayakawa Takakage who has strength to endure their suffering for a long time. 

But Yoshiharu who came from the future has only met Sorin today. He cannot become an Otouto whom Sorin demanded the most. Even if Yoshihi is persuaded, assuming that if he promised to become Sorin’s Otouto and became Sorin’s family from now on, Sorin would never accept it. Since Sorin are bounded with the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin, therefore the destiny of Yoshiharu’s death will be decided due to the oath of death. 

What should I do? 

Isn’t there something that I can do? 

But even if I kiss Sorin at this place, Sorin will not be saved. 

Because Sorin herself doesn’t want to be free from her fate. 

In fact Sorin……seemed to expect from the beginning that she will lose her last wish after being rejected by Yoshiharu. 

“Gaspard are likely expecting you to kill me by letting the two of us inside Mushiga. If I refuse you, you will be confused and shot me. If I relented to selfishly embrace you, you will be disillusioned by the fact that nothing has changed and shot me as expected. I will die in which direction I go to. Gaspard expected it so. But in the end Gaspard, doesn’t understand a human being which is you. You will not shot me to dead. Isn’t the gun is empty?” 

Yoshiharu’s prediction are partly missed. 

“……you are mistaken. It isn’t empty. I admit that I can’t shot you dead. I have decided it to do it this way if I were to be refused by you. Though I understand that I can be easily freed from pain if I do this from the beginning. Sorin doesn’t have any courage to do it. But now I realize the crucial difference between Oda Nobuna and myself” 
“damn it!!” Yoshiharu shouted. Sorin pointed the muzzle of her gun to her temple while being pale. A Christian wouldn’t commit suicide. Therefore, Yoshiharu believed that the gun wasn’t loaded. 

(I see. You didn’t wholeheartedly converted to Christianity, Sorin?!!) 

“……Sorin?!!!” Yoshiharu extended his hand to steal the gun from Sorin’s hand. But it was too late. The trigger was pulled. The gunshot was released. 

However, immediately before Sorin fires her gun, an arrow were shot from outside the slightly opened window and hit the gun’s barrel. 

The gun that Sorin held was slightly shook from the impact. 

The bullet graze Sorin’s temple and hit the ceiling. 

“despite Yoshiharu-dono has been gentle until this much, you have been selfishly despaired inside you head and decided to commit suicide on your own accord……I will not let you!” 

From outside the mansion, the archer who quickly shot the arrow……Tachibana Muneshige rolled into the bedroom while smashing the window glass. 

It falls down on the floor, Muneshige strides Sorin’s body who try to loaded a bullet to do a second shot while her temple is bleeding. And then…… 

“stop it! After all, I wasn’t loved by Sagara Yoshiharu! I hate it that I don’t get it! I don’t want to live anymore! Don’t interfere……!” 

“I refuse! Do you know for what reason did my Gifu-jo suffered half of his body paralyzed?! I am seriously angry for the time in my life now! I won’t permit you to commit suicide and escapes from this world just as it is! I will prevent it with my full strength! Excuse me!” 

Tachibana Muneshige slap Sorin’s cheek while trembling and snatch away the gun. 

It wasn’t an attitude towards the lord. It wasn’t permitted. 

The figure of the son of a noble family with unmatched loyalty, the perfect superhuman – Tachibana Muneshige seriously hitting her master. It was something that Yoshiharu couldn’t imagine. 

“uuuuuh……! Muneshige……slapped me……?! You abandon Sorin?” 

 “no, it different my lord. Although I am angry, I am not abandoning you, I will never abandon you” Muneshige whispered it to Sorin’ ear while holding her cheek and crying quietly. 

“this is an act which originally aren’t permitted but “watch out for Shimazu assassin. Go silently opened the mansion’s window and listened to those two conversation” by the order from Kuroda Kanbei-dono, I was guarding the lord’s mansion without permission” 

“I see. Through Kanbei’s instruction, we were able to prevent Sorin from committing suicide, what a good luck” 

Yoshiharu unconsciously murmured, “that is so” Muneshige nodded. 

“but as a result, I overhead the conversation. But this was alright. I finally understand Gifu-jo’s thought. It was all the thing that I should do. Let’s go milord. This Tachibana Muneshige will overturn the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin” 

“……Muneshige, what do you mean……?!” 

“yes. It appear that it’s the reason I am born to this world. If Sagara Yoshiharu-dono didn’t visit Mushiga, certainly I won’t be able to obtain this opportunity tonight……this is certainly is……fate, that’s how it is” 

While raising Sorin who covers her face and crying quietly, Muneshige told it to Yoshiharu. Her expression was…… 

“Sagara Yoshiharu-dono. I am sorry……milord are now going to turn to attack Taka castle. Because of Kuroda Kanbei-dono’s instruction, milord will stood upon the battlefield. Its not possible to shake off the nightmare of the prophecy that cursed milord without taking it out at Hyuga. It is the reason why my Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono raise me for this moment” 

It wasn’t an expression of a young noble boy who is brought as a male warrior to support Otomo clan. it was an expression of a girl who is torn into faint love. 

“Tachibana……Muneshige……was it?” 

“do you object to depart to the frontline in order to save your lord Oda Nobuna-sama from crisis? Or else, me……would you accept depart to the frontline in order to save milord?” 

“if I supported Muneshige’s choices, then Kanbei’s plan will be broken and Nobuna’s fate would taking a turn for the worse” Yoshiharu couldn’t help but to feel a sense of apprehension. However, it doesn’t seem possible to shake Muneshige’s decision. “I will depart to the battlefield, even if am being objected” he answered. “I am sorry” Muneshige nodded. However, one things to be worried about is that Muneshige who was the owner of an expression of a samurai which are filled with vigor, was full of sorrow. But, a very gentle smile of a girl was also floated. 

… 

… 

… 

The town of Mushiga would turn into commotion for the departure at the next morning. 

However, Sorin whose body is naturally weak, doesn’t have any physical strength to stay up all night. 

After putting Sorin to sleep……Tachibana Muneshige looked up at the night sky while standing at the garden of Sorin’s mansion. 

“Muneshige. Thank you for a while ago. This is a cooked rice with soup as a dinner. Its delicious” 

Yoshiharu who have disappeared into the kitchen, offered a strange dish to Muneshige. In the eye of the noble boy – Muneshige, it looked like a bait that Ginchiyo used for chicken. Muneshige unconsciously frowned. 

“wha-what is this?! Please don’t selfishly put soup on top of a rice! Just eat it yourself!” 

“no. this is simple and delicious. It’s a nourishment for Ashigaru before battles” 

“is it true?” despite being half in doubt, Muneshige stuffed her mouth with cooked rice and soup for the first time. 

“……gulp……haa?! Th-this is?! I-its delicious…! Every grain of the rice are soaked with the taste of the soup and it melts away on the tongue?!” 

While standing quietly next to Muneshige, Yoshiharu looked at the starry sky of Mushiga. The air of japan of Sengoku era is completely clear and there is nothing that blocked the brightness of the stars. The stars are innumerable. The milky can also be seen. 

“I am extremely worried after hearing the story of the prophecy about Sorin. I didn’t know that the reason Tachibana Dosetsu suffered from half of his body being paralyzed was to show his loyalty to Sorin. Its no wonder that Muneshige would get angry. But thank you very much for stopping Sorin” 

“m-my apologies. I hit my master. Originally it’s a blunder that would result in seppuku but my lord’s generosity has pardoned it” 

“no. at that time, Muneshige has an expression……like a human being. I am relieved that the true Muneshige has both determination and sorrow within herself. It suddenly become an expression of a girl and I think your distance with Sorin is much closer now” 

“my worry has just born today” Muneshige blurted it out. “eh? What do you mean?” Yoshiharu asked again. At that time Muneshige didn’t answer but she smiles gently. 

“Yoshiharu-dono, as for responding my master’s request, the request for a one night only love……you should’ve been able to give temporary help for my master. If you master my master as a puppet, you would be able to stop the troops from being dispatched. If Gaspard can manipulate master with dream called faith then you should’ve been able to manipulate master with dream of love as well. my lord who is frightened from the battle at Hyuga are in fact something that that my lord wished for. So why didn’t you do that? Is it because it would be a betrayal to Oda Nobuna-sama?” 

“of course that is true. I thought that it would resulted in Sorin being even more cornered. Even though Tachibana Dosetsu cuts the Raijin for Sorin, and yet Sorin still wasn’t able to be free from the prophecy. Even if we both are mutually fell in love seriously to each other tonight, but a temporary romantic play would only make Sorin feel despair. She is seized by the fact that she let her Otoutos to die without being able to protect them many times. Sorin herself cannot forgives herself for making Dosetsu suffered paralysis at half of his body. As long as she hated herself, Sorin would never be able to join hands with other” 

“……as expected. The death of her Otouto – Shioichimaru-sama is the beginning of the wound inside of milord’s heart……the same with sense of guilt towards Gifu-jo……is it truly impossible for milord to fall in love?” 

“you are right. For the present Sorin, thing like love or a religion are only something like a drug to escape the reality in front of her temporarily. Love, family, lord and servant. A relationship between people is to understand and assist each other. Even if we can protect them, it doesn’t mean we can save them. Its not possible for us human being to only support the back of someone who almost fall down” 

“that’s why you never said “I will save you” to milord. If you whisper it, even if you understand that you can save Oda Nobuna-sama at Honshu, you can’t lie and make milord a disposable piece” 

“if Sorin doesn’t fight, if Sorin stop moved on once again, Sorin would not be saved. Be its Christianity, or Tales of Genji or Zen Buddhism. Even if she has any dream, it would be nothing more than an imitation of dream pushed to her by another person” 

“……Yoshiharu-dono. Milord was originally an intelligent person. That person isolated herself in order to prevent the prophecy. As expected, there is no other choice other than to overturn the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin” 

“even if they try to overturn it, there is no more Otouto left for Sorin. In the first place there is no deep meaning in that prophecy. By using enigmatic words and leave the people to interpret it themselves, it will bewilder the hearts of the people. A prophecy are like that. Sorin must understand the power and the meaning of that prophecy……but I don’t know the principle behind it” Yoshiharu muttered. 

“a man from the future like Yoshiharu-dono might be able to understand it. But for milord or us who live in this era, things like faiths, gods and prophecies and the Kotodama are truly a strong things. Then let’s go. For destiny at Hyuga……if it means to free milord from the prophecy, then I will……” 

“Muneshige?” 

“……Yoshiharu-dono. How will Kanbei-dono intent to do when fighting the Shimazu army? she said that she had prepared excellent plan, medium plan and a bad plan” 

“that’s right. The excellent plan is the measure to isolate Taka castle by be the first to suppress Neshirosaka in order to obstruct Shimazu reserve army. Iehisa is shutting herself at Taka castle. If the Shimazu 3 sisters cannot rescue Iehisa at Taka castle then it would be a defeat. Konoe-ojisan, me and Yoshihi are also Kanbei’s hostage” 

“would the excellent plan succeeded?” Muneshige asked while stuffing her mouth with the rice and soup. 

“that would be impossible. Even if they leave tomorrow morning and do a forced march, they will only arrive as far as the northern coast of Taka castle. Neshirosaka is at the southern coast. Shimazu army will arrive one step earlier than the enemy. Kanbei understand it. They might arrive in time if they didn’t reorganizes their army formation but in that case, many generals will ignore Kanbei and enter the fight against Shimazu army and there is a possibility that the strategy would collapse. Therefore, Kanbei spend time to reorganizes the army system in order to display the strategy to its limit” 

“then the plan which will most likely be picked by Kanbei-dono to succeed……will either be the medium or bad plan” 

“the medium plan will be picked and the bad plan will be used in case the medium plan fails. Because it’s a bad plan then it would be a plan for desperate measures” 

“what kind of plan are they? This stupid me still don’t know it. Even though I have heard it from Kanbei, she didn’t tell me the details” Yoshiharu sighed. 

“in any case, whether its medium or bad plan, when both sides have begun their fight, the casualties will occurs to the young soldiers and Ryuzoji army will rise in revolt” 

“that’s right. One of the reason why Sorin has a hard time fighting Mori clan is because Mori clan cooperates with Ryuzoji clan to do a pincer attack at the east and western territories of Otomo clan. if they brought a fight with Shimazu clan, it would give a chance for Ryuzoji clan to move” 

“but, between Saga castle which are ruled by Ryuzoji clan and Buzen, is the home country of milord. They are Chikuzen and Chikugo. Giju-jo and Oyaji-dono are at Chikuzen and there is Kamachi Muneyuki-dono’s heir at Yanagawa castle of Chikugo. If its only defending then they could hold it out for a while” 

“only for a while. But they won’t be in a long run” 

“I also cannot predict it but as expected, the medium plan will most likely be picked. Because the point is, the bad plan is something that even I can think about, then I have a hunch about. Perhaps Gunshi-dono……are certainly are like that. If its like that, then Yoshiharu-dono is” Muneshige kept quiet and mutter “the stars are beautiful” while looking up at the night sky. 

“……aah. Beautiful. Its true. But Muneshige, you have guessed the content of bad plan? I don’t understand it yet” 

“hey, Yoshiharu-dono. The rice in soup is delicious but as expected a meat is necessary to fight in a battlefield. Lets take a side dish” 

“side dish? You mean Hyuga’s local chicken? But, I feel sorry about eating them. Aree, but I think the one that Ginchiyo has is delicious” 

“yes. Since it got angered by Ginchiyo-dono, the chicken doesn’t eat. It’s a flying bird” 

Muneshige shot an arrow to the sky while sitting next to Yoshiharu. It’s a tightly strung bow which cannot be pulled by Yoshiharu’s strength. A shot bird fall and plopped to Muneshige’s knee. 

“my apology bird-san. I will make you delicious. Namu Hachiman Daibosatsu……well, shall we roasted it?” 

“amazing?!! S-since its an arrow that I cannot evade, I have found out that Muneshige’s arm bow is dreadful, but……that great muscle strength, great eyesight and great technique……that is a divine work” 

“please don’t be surprised too much. Although I am male warrior, since I am pretty much a girl, its embarrassing……” Muneshige became sullen. 

“aah. Sorry. Sorry” 

After stuffing their mouth with roasted chicken…… 

“……Yoshiharu-dono……are you going to complain about it?” 

Muneshige’s expression stiffened as if she was determined about something and she stared at Yoshiharu’s eyes. Little by little, her thin shoulder shakes. 

“I-I am scared of my first campaign. Even though I have trained myself to die, when it comes to it, I am scared of death at battlefield. Yoshiharu-dono, weren’t you scared of your first campaign? What were you had in mind when you were standing at the battlefield? Don’t you think that its unreasonable that you were suddenly being called to the world of Sengoku era from the future?” 

“……for me, when I noticed that I was thrown into the battlefield, there was no time for me to think. But an important person rescue me before my eyes and were shot by stray bullet and die……an old person named Kinoshita Tokichirou. At first I was going to live as the old man’s substitute. But from midway, I have decided to fight and grant the dream of Nobuna by my own will” 

“you are a strong person. Even without a swordmanship, you are a brave man. I……admire you” 

“I am not someone who is strong. When you look at it, its all because I have meet people who can share my will for me and Nobuna. But right now at Honshu, Nobuna is……hardly has any remaining time left already. Tomorrow is the last chance to stop the battle at Taka castle” 

“I want to support you too. I want to protect your life in a battlefield. No, I will protect you by all mean” 

“iyaa. Even though I am the Dodgeball Yoshi, until now, I have been bathed in arrows many times but I barely avoided fatal injury. Aside from Muneshige’s arrow, I have almost avoided them all. Its alright. But my life will be over if its targeted by Muneshige. You truly are the “Nishikoku Musou”. You have trained yourself admirably. You are amazing” 

“fufu. Thank you very much. But……as the result that I carried out a will, even if can protect you, I might possibly obstruct your will to save Oda Nobuna-sama. Because there is always a paper thin differences at the battlefield. I pray it won’t be the case, but” 

“aah. There are things like that. That is fine. A person is not a puppet. Each person has their own will to fight” 

“……you are……” 

“but you know Muneshige. Even if our path would be separated, they would arrive at the same ending, that would be good. Ruely it would happen. I am a greedy person who will not be satisfied unless I obtained everything” 

“yes!! Lets carry out our will to each other!!!” 

“Yoshiharu-dono. When human beings has their own emotion, dreams and will……it was when their pain started” Muneshige laughed while starred at the starry sky. 

“soon, it will be dawn. I am sorry but I have to handcuffed you again. Please endure it until we arrive at the battlefield……” 

“o-oh. What’s wrong Muneshige?” 

“……how curious. Even though I should’ve been able to draw a tightly strung bow even more than you, Yoshiharu-dono’ hand is……is a hand of a man” 

“Muneshige?” 

It was a sorrowful expression which seems to be broken at any time. Just like a twin sister of Sorin. 

“how strange. I have never been conscious about a man’s hand until now. do you know about Ginchiyo-dono’s training for chest problem?” 

“a-a-areee? What on earth is that?” 

“Gifu-jo made me as his son in law and brought me as a man of Tachibana clan. Incidentally, when a talk about Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono would train me severely as a stepbrother to milord was brought, Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono were discussing about it. As expected, can I who was born as a girl become a male warrior?” 

“therefore, Gifu-jo set up an examination on me” Muneshige said while blushing. 

“its embarrassing when I think about it now, but on a certain abrupt day, Gifu-jo was looking at my chest. Because back then I was still a child who neither know about a girl’s heart nor love, I don’t have such feeling of embarrassment. “what are you trying to do?” and I laughed about it” 

“at that time, I was……?”……”did Muneshige still yet to feel and know anything about love? Its slightly different from the story that I hear from our first meeting” Yoshiharu looks puzzled. But Muneshige didn’t mind about it and keep on talking while being embarrassed. She seemed to want to say that there won’t be any time for them to talk about this just the two of them anymore. 

“while calmly grabbing my chest “ooh. She didn’t blush nor had her heart throb! She has the courage to live as a boy! She has that quality! You will become the son in law of Tachibana clan!” Gifu-jo were saying that. Ginchiyo-dono called it as my training for chest problem because she remembered about the scene of that time. Indeed, Gifu-jo didn’t brought up that topic anymore……if at that time, I am conscious about a topic about a man’s hand and blushed……if my heart throb……at that time, Gifu-jo would said later on that he will completely give up to brought me as a man” 

If at that time, my heart was already become a maiden’s heart. 

I wouldn’t become a son in law of Tachibana clan or Ginchiyo-dono’s husband. 

If its so, then tonight, I…… 

Yoshiharu noticed that Muneshige’s eyes have become teary. 

“……the fate……where and how would it be diverged Yoshiharu-dono?” 

“I don’t know. But its possible to fight against fate until the last minute” Yoshiharu answered. 

“in reality Muneshige didn’t want to become a man” he thought so. 

Perhaps, at that time she has calmly accepted her fate. Something must have changed Muneshige. Something would change while hearing about Sorin’s past. Or did Ysohaur’s conversation with Sorin have changed Muneshige? But where would it be? At that time, Yoshiharu didn’t know about it yet. 

“……soon it will be morning. Yoshiharu-dono. Right now, would I remain calm about a man’s hand? I-I am……I want to verify it by all means” 

“well. there are no other man around us in here……w-would it be my hand?” 

“e-excuse me! Though I will handcuffed it, but I would like to borrow it for a while!” 

While covering her deep blushing face, Muneshige pushed Yoshiharu’s hand to her chest. 

And she muttered. 

“Yoshiharu-dono……my heart……seem to explode……the beating of my heart doesn’t stop” 

While spilling large drops of tears like rain. 

That Muneshige cried despite laughing. 

“ah ha ha. I am sorry. It’s a sudden strange behavior. My first campaign is approaching and I am tense. I am really sorry” 

“Muneshige? What on earth is happening? Please talk if you have something you hide from me. Is it the content of the bad plan? Or is it something else?” 

Right next to these two……a chicken cries. 

The morning sun has begun to rise. 

“……its regrettable but time is up. Furthermore, if I tell you, you will certainly block my path” 

“Muneshige?” 

“something unusual is happening to Muneshige” Yoshiharu’s eyes is worried about Muneshige and he brought his face near. A chicken’s beak suddenly stabbed. 

Furthermore, a little girl’s head-butt aimed at his abdomen. 

“koraa! You took the chastity of Ginchiyo’s husband’s breast!! Furthermore, you brought your face closer, you want to kiss?! Sagara Yoshiharu is an adulterer!” 

“koke~!” 

“giyaa!! This guys is attacking, I’m sorry!!! It huuuuurts!!!” 

“aah, Ginchiyo-dono?! I-its wrong, this is different! It was just a training for chest problem! Because I am afraid of my first campaign, Yoshiharu-dono try motivate me……!” 

“Muneshige is an idiot! He is a cheater! Isn’t there any shame about a man stealing another person’s husband? Koraa!! Sagara Yoshiharu, you might as well steal another person’s wife!” 

“who would steal a person’s lover who is like a child like you?! I may be a head of a lolicon kindergarten but I don’t have the soul of a lolicon! I am a person from plane of breast!” 

“w-w-w-what is a person from the plane of breast??? Hiii! P-please don’t touch me anymore! I-its embarrassing!” Muneshige reflectively defend her chest. “geeh!! I carelessly slip my mouth after a long time!” Yoshiharu screamed. “more incoming!!!!” and Ginchiyo was increasingly rampaging and bumped her head at Yoshiharu’s jaw. 

And thus, the heartfelt moment between these two, Yoshiharu and Muneshige has ended. All before Yoshiharu notices Muneshige’s determination and destiny…… 

However, even if Yoshiharu notices it at Mushiga, the ending would still be the same. Because it might not be possible to change Muneshige’s determination. 

…… 

…… 

…… 

“the first meeting between Sagara army vice general and strategist come with sudden discord. Kuroda Kanbei, why did you allow Yoshiharu stay with Sorin just the two of them? If Yoshiharu change Sorin’s mind and evade the confrontation with Shimazu clan, your ambition will be in vain. As for that woman, since Gaspard is absent, her mind is more unstable. If the current Sorin is pushed down and whispered with loving words, she will become obedient to Yoshiharu tonight” 

Sagara Yoshihi who were confined inside a jail is appealing to Kuroda Kanbei who monitor her through the prison lattice. 

“fufufu. Sagara Yoshiharu doesn’t have that kind of courage. It would be betraying Oda Nobuna. Rather, Sagara Yoshihi, you are a dangerous person. If I let you talk with Sorin for a long time, there is a risk that Sorin would change her mind……a sister who keep on protecting her sole Imouto and a sister who cannot save any of her Otoutos. Everyone understand which one is the most persuasive. Thus I decided to separate you from Sorin and watch you all night. As long Sorin is distracted by Sagara Yoshiharu, she won’t try to call you” 

Kanbei who sat down in a namban chair is watching Sagara Yoshihi all night while putting a note in small Taka castle map. 

They both are intelligent people. Time had passed relentlessly while these are exchanging words to probe each other’s intention. 

“Kuroda Kanbei. Not long ago, a gunshot was heard, is things alright? Could Yoshiharu possibly be shot? If that the case then I wouldn’t never forgive you!!” 

“hmph. There is no problem. You and Sagara Yoshiharu are a valuable hostages to negotiate against Shimazu clan. especially, Sagara Yoshiharu. Simon has bet her life as a strategist for this strategy” 

“if you have no plan to release me then tell me everything about your preparation which is the excellent, medium and bad plan. I understand the excellent plan. What is the medium and bad plan? A spy wouldn’t be able to sneak in to this jail. Just tell it to me” 

“I won’t tell it nor leak it” Kanbei asserted. 

“be quiet Kanbei! Tell it! Are you clear? I will absolutely never let you obstruct Yoshiharu’s will! Even you are a friend who work together with Yoshiharu through life and death, I will never forgive you if you hurt Yoshiharu for whatever reason there would be” 

“……Sagara Yoshihi. If it’s the former Simon, I would let my mouth slipped and eventually make a mistake. However, this time is different. Simon had betrayed all of her friends for the sake of ambition of Kurokan Ichiryuu. I don’t bring my personal feeling into this” 

“if that is the case, then do you intent to stop me close to your hand to keep me away from Yoshiharu in the battlefield?! Then you should just do it. No matter how much handcuff you put into me, I will keep shouting as many as I want! My specialty is provocation. Even if you pulled my tongue, I will keep on shouting! You will have some guilt in your conscience too! I will keep on stimulating your conscience persistently!” 

“……hmph. You intent to dampen Simon’s concentration and stifle the command? That is very impossible. At dawn when we arrive at Taka castle, I will hand you over to Tachibana Muneshige to put you at the rear camp where Sorin lead. Yoshiharu will be put at the rear camp too. If I let Sagara siblings to the frontline carelessly, you would escaped and then pursued and recaptured by Shimazu army. after the battle begun, you should talk to Yoshiharu as much as you want. You are both hostages. If you plotting an escape, I will kill you” 

“YOU!!! why do you betray Yoshiharu? I absolutely don’t understand! Tell me!!” 

“although you came out lively from Hitoyoshi castle when you became a vice general of Sagara corps, you unexpectedly become emotional Sagara Yoshihi. i had been warned that you are a resourceful person who is comparable to this Simon, perhaps I overestimate you? as expected, you are only Sagara Yoshiharu’s ancestor. hmph” 

(its dawn. Time is up. Yoshiharu……even though I was finally able to leave Hitoyoshi castle……even so, I still cannot do anything for the sake of my Otouto……) Yoshihi gnashed her teeth. She was looking over Kanbei’s back who is leaving. That back seemed to be slightly lonely. 

(Kuroda Kanbei. Gaspard. Nabeshima Naoshige’s Hagakure-Shinobi squad. Something is moving behind this battle between Otomo and Shimazu army. another war that could be called as the war of information. But I cannot solve these mysteries while being arrested. Any people by themselves alone cannot do anything at all…… any kind of resourcefulness will not be useful in the condition where it didn’t reconsidered by anyone) 

Kuroda Kanbei were once had an experience of being shut in a dungeon at Harima. That experience let Kanbei to rapidly grow as a strategist. 

As for me who has just leave Hitoyoshi castle with these loneliness and fear as my sustenance, can I grow up as a vice general who can support Yoshiharu? Is it possible for me to protect Yoshiharu who were driven to a corner? 

… 

… 

Dawn has come upon the night. 

The Otomo army has begun their march towards Taka castle. 

… 

… 

…