Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 16 - Chapter 5

Chapter 5 

The Reunion of Father and Daughter 

The Takeda-Tokugawa alliance occupied Owari province.

The once main castle of Oda clan, Kiyosu Castle had now become the main base for the Takeda army. Due to the negotiation from Honda Tadakatsu, Hattori Hanzo and other Tokugawa retainers with the Oda, Kiyosu Castle opened its gate without bloodshed.

The Takeda army, along with the Tokugawa army was preparing to besiege Gifu Castle while they were crossing the Kiso River under the command of Shingen.

After Shingen entered Kiyosu Castle, she reorganized the rapidly expanding Kyoto-aiming army, had close contact with various factions newly joined into the Takeda army, and tried to incite defection on the generals from the Western Army, mainly the Oda generals guarding Gifu Castle. The East Sea Road was now basically fully under control of Shingen. Her father, Takeda Nobutora capturing Nagashima of Ise, the important place that connected Owari and Ise played an important role here. The remaining castle that belonged to the Western Army was only the strategic location of the eastern mountain circuit, the Gifu Castle.

Once they captured Gifu, then they could go straight into Sekigahara and further to Oumi.

Until the goal of the Takeda clan for ‘going to Kyoto’ to be accomplished, sure enough, there was only one step ahead.

With the situation of Uesugi Kenshin at Kaga was in a glue state from the confrontation with the ‘current Kong Ming’, Takenaka Hanbei at Northland now, the maiden general that was nearest to the ‘world’ now would be Takeda Shingen. 

The ‘Mori sisters’, Kobayakawa Takakage and Kikkawa Motoharu switched their base to Osaka through a feint on attacking Kyoto, placing themselves in a position able to handle either a short-term decisive battle or a protracted war, this was the action that brings overwhelming advantage for Shingen. If the Mori was tempted by the glory of capturing Kyoto and attacked Kyoto, things will turn into an unexpected way. Therefore, from here Shingen knows that the Mori clan does not seek for the Kanrei position. Kobayakawa

Takakage declared ‘Supervising who is suitable to be the emperor, this is the responsibility of the Mori. If no one was judged to be capable to be the emperor, then the Mori clan will be the one instead’. The Mori could be said as a unique faction in a different meaning compared to Kenshin.

At first, Shingen had intended to go all-out and crush the Gifu Castle right away. However, due to a report from the ninja saying Oda Nobuna who had retreated to Ogaki Castle received reinforcement from Sagara Yoshiharu and declared her plan change to ‘provide reinforcement for Gifu Castle to save Nobuzumi’, they were now crossing Ibi River and seemed to march to Sunomata Castle located at the coast of Nagara River, so Shingen had no choice but to plan her combat operations all over again.

“I anticipated the battlefield for the final battle would be around Ogaki to Sekigahara, but return to Gifu Castle to rescue your younger brother

nonetheless huh. Do you want to reenact ‘the battle of Gifu Castle’ huh, Oda Nobuna?”

In that battle, Saitou Dousan and Yamamoto Kansuke passed away.

It was not Winter now. There wouldn’t be another ‘Christmas ceasefire’. 

The rifle unit of Oda Nobuna wouldn’t face the problem to unable to use them due to the snow, and the Takeda cavalry unit would not have the problem of horses’ hoof being held on by the snow.

(If we confront each other on a vast plain field, then my Takeda cavalry unit will have an overwhelming advantage)

Staring at the map of Mino and Owari, the tactic of reestablishing the units at Mino went through Shingen’s mind. The military law made by the talented, Yamamoto Kansuke had all inherited by Shingen into her mind.

“The well-known storm river, Kiso River has a few shoals. If heading North from Kiyosu Castle, eventually we will reach Wada. Just by crossing through Wada, Gifu Castle will be very close. I, personally lead the Takeda Four Generals To Wada while the Tokugawa special unit cross over the downstream of Kiso River, occupying the location at the middle of Kiso River and Nagara River, Sunomata to block the entrance of Oda Nobuna. As a former long-term alliance, it’s hard to say whether Oda Nobuna will unfold a battle with the Tokugawa clan through guns and swords, but if both sides hesitate to ‘attack’, it might turn into a stalemate. If Oda Nobuna remains idle, then let the Tokugawa army to head North and participate in the siege of Gifu Castle.”

After being exiled from Suruga, Shingen’s father, Nobutora hid his true identity and organized many times of anti-Oda alliance and surround the Oda as a ‘shadow strategist’, this was something unexpected and surprising at the same time to Shingen.

Nobutora was once wanted to abolish the identity of his daughter, Shingen as the eldest child who did not get along with him. 

He intended to banish the ‘coward’, Shingen to Suruga and let the flawless ‘excellent child’, Shingen’s younger sister, Jiro Shigenobu to inherit the position as the lord.

However, the ‘coward’ Shingen collaborated with the wandering tactician, Yamamoto Kansuke and banished her father, Nobutora instead.

From then on, with the resolve of ‘due to taking over the position as the lord from her father, so must become the strongest general of the world’, Shingen lived a life of going through various kind of battles and schemes every day.

Many family members and retainers that followed her were passing away one after another—-.

The ingenious tactician, Yamamoto Kansuke.

Jiro Shigenobu, who always admired her elder sister, Shingen. The naughty younger brother, Taro Yoshinobu as well.

As for the previous ‘Takeda Four Generals’, Itagaki Nobukata, Amari Torayasu, Yokota Takatoshi, Obu Toramasa, none of them survive. Itagaki, Amari, and Yokota died in the battle with Murakami Yoshikiyo. As for Obu Toramasa, in the ‘Yoshinobu incident’, the Takeda clan was separated to Shingen faction and Yoshinobu faction regarding whether to attack Suruga or not, Obu Toramasa headed into the burning Yoshinobu house, in fact, it was no different from dying for their love due to Obu Toramasa and Yoshinobu were both childhood friends and love each other but being separated due to Shingen’s political marriage alliance policy—-.

The naive and romantic Sanada ninja, the first generation Sarutobi Sasuke who completed the mission of luring Shingen into the battlefield too died easily in the fourth battle of Kawanakajima, the greatest bloody war in Sengoku history.

Jiro Shigenobu, who could be said as a half-sister of Shingen that Shingen adored the most has died in that battle too—-.

She turned into a lifeless skeleton among countless corpses inter-weaved between the enemy and ally.

From that on wards, Shingen tried to prevent battles that would bring deaths to her retainers as possible as she could……

After that battle, the battlefield against the Echigo army has moved to Kanto, although confronting with the Echigo army at Kawanakajima still happened occasionally, at least a direct fight between Shingen and Kenshin at Kawanakajima did not happen anymore.

However, due to Shingen wasted her time fighting against Kenshin at Kawanakajima, none of them noticed Oda Nobuna at Owari had captured Kyoto first hand.

That anxiety had gone now. The person that always opposed the Takeda, Tokugawa Ieyasu submitted to the Eastern Army was the decisive factor. The Takeda caught the opportunity. All that was left was to keep leading the strong Takeda army moving forward.

(Soon. Oda Nobuna has been surrounded from three sides by Takeda- Tokugawa, Uesugi, and Mori. Echizen, Oumi, Mino are all being held on and ‘unmovable’. In fact, we just have to take down Gifu Castle and victory is ours)

Genburo, Shingen wanted to call out the name of the maiden general she trusted the most. But she immediately realized that Sanada Genburo, 

meaning Yukimara was guarding Shinano now. That’s weird, how could I make such a mistake. Well, I will give the command of moving forward to the whole army. That’s right. In this battle, in order to use the messengers flexibly, I brought along the Sanada ‘twins’ who are the leaders for those messengers. They are elder sisters of Genburo, Sanada Nobutsuna, and Sanada Masateru. Due to overusing the unique supernatural powers they possess as the ‘Sanada ninjas’ in the fourth battle of Kawanakajima, the

stamina of the ‘twins’ depleted significantly and left the front line for a long time. They had been diagnosed as unrecoverable. However, they said, “Leave the defense of Shinano” “To mother and other sisters” “We” “Along with Shingen-sama, we will plug in the Furinkazan flag at Seta”, forced themselves to follow Shingen to battle.

With pale faces and slim figures that totally couldn’t be distinguished, the ‘twins’ silently appeared at the front of Shingen, Shingen started to give her command.

“…….’Twins’………this battle will be the final battle for your glory retirement. Command the whole army to mobilize immediately…….”

However, her words of command were suspended halfway.

Shingen lost consciousness and stumbled on the table in front of her suddenly.

“”Shingen-sama!?””

The ‘twins’ that rarely show their emotions rushed to Shingen’s sides. 

The important retainers of the Takeda faction heard the incident of ‘Shingen fell down’—- the ‘twins’ who were at the site at that time and the ‘new’ Four Generals consists of Yamagata Masakage and others also believe that Shingen suffered a cold due to overworking from leading the army to Kyoto and did not feel well temporarily. Other than that, they could not think of other possibilities. She made up slowly with her father, Nobutora who

opposed her all this time. The Takeda was going to obtain the world. The title of ‘the strongest in Sengoku Era’, the ‘fruit’ named ‘the overlord of Sengoku Era, and also the final emperor for this era’, all of them were in Shingen’s palm right now. Furthermore, Shingen was a person who always bath in hot springs and very concerned our her own health conditions even before the expedition, she had never suffered such severe disease before this.

However, the diagnosis from Manase Cilbal who was called for an emergency told absolute different things from what the Four Generals and other Takeda retainers thought of.

The ‘twins’ keep watching Shingen’s room, Manase Cilbal had no choice but to inform the symptoms of Shingen to the Four Generals gathered at the room beside.

“This is……..a very bad disease.”

The famous doctor, Manase Cilbal showed a hopeless expression, this was a rare sight. Generally, a doctor must maintain an attitude of an outsider no matter what kind of diagnosis was made.

“……..It would be fine, why don’t you say that instead.” 

One of the Four Generals, The ‘Zan’, Baba Nobuharu opened her always half-closing sleepy eyes wide and inquired Manase Cilbal.

“Is the Owari having an epidermic now? But Manase Cilbal-sama is a god doctor. She even went to Aki province and beautifully allowed Mori Motonari to return to life.”

The youngest and the lightest among the Four Generals, the ‘Ka’, Yamagata Masakage was making tea with her eyebrows closing of each other.

“Shingen-sama is a very prudent person. Every time she was injured and exhausted after returning from the battlefield, she will go to hot spring for recovery. She never suffered such a severe disease before. Not to mention, in this expedition to Kyoto, Shingen-sama is getting even more prudent in her health management……”

The leader of the Four Generals, ‘the deputy of Takeda’ and the ‘Rin’ as well, Naito Masatoyo felt an indescribable uneasiness while explaining again to Manase Cilbal. Shingen was the synonym to healthy, she never had any sign of suffering disease before.

“…….That’s right. Shingen-sama’s younger sister, Shigenobu-sama and her younger brother, Yoshinobu-sama passed away successively. Although all

that’s left is her only younger sister, Nobukado-sama who is acting as a shadow warrior of Shingen-sama now, but Nobukado-sama does not want to inherit the clan to become a samurai, she intends to be an artist instead. So if Shingen-sama were to die without any child, the only person that could inherit the Takeda clan will be Shiro Katsuyori who was adopted as a stepsister from the Suwa. Letting Katsuyori who is still a kid and without the inheritance of the Takeda bloodline to govern the Takeda clan will be extremely difficult. Therefore, Shingen-sama believes that she must survive as long as she can even if just for one day, regarding maintaining good health……..if Shingen-sama is sick, then Shingen-sama’s life should be the first priority compared to compete for the world. How about let’s retreat from Kiyosu Castle first.”

From Shingen’s servant promoted to be one of the Four Generals, the ‘Fu’, Kosaka Danjo Masanobu anticipated the worst situation and blurted out the forbidden word ‘retreat’.

But the diagnosis of Manase Cilbal was even far more exceeds Kosaka Danjo’s anticipation range.

“Danjo’s right. There’s no way Shingen-chan should stay on the battlefield in this kind of situation, absolutely not. If couldn’t retreat peacefully and rest at home, Shingen-chan’s life will be at risk. But……even if she went back to

Suwa or Kai to have a rest, she still won’t recover. This disease is incurable.”

If Yamamoto Kansuke was still alive. maybe he could accurately anticipate this to come through the divination of stars.

“………An incurable disease!?”

“How come there’s such an absurd thing! You are the god doctor that studied both Eastern and Nanban medical skills!”

“Impossible.”

“S-S-Shingen-sama suffered what disease!?”

“Shingen-sama is still so young! Even though she’s just one step behind the world! Even though she can reunite with her father soon! An incurable disease or what, how come there are such absurd things!” The gentle Baba yelled. Due to the tears on her eyes, her vision is getting blurry. The calm Yamagata as well. Naito as well. The lively Kosaka as well. 

“…….From what I know, Shingen-sama was supposed to be assassinated and killed not long after the battle of Mikatagahara.”

“Sagara Yoshiharu, he told that future to Shingen-sama without reservation.”

“But Shingen-sama won against the fate of death with her own power, willpower, and firm courage.”

“The title of ‘the strongest of the world’, reuniting with her father, going to

Kyoto, honestly…….all are just one step ahead! Say that you are lying! Such a cruel matter should not be happening in this world! Shingen-sama, even

though you have come this far…….even though you’ve sacrificed many things, we must never retreat!”

But Manase Cilbal did not want to lie to the crying Four Generals. As a doctor, she had no choice other than telling the ‘fact’ she grasped.

“It’s worms.”

“……….Worms!?”

“According to Taoism, a person was born with three worms building nests in his or her body. One located in the head. Another head in the stomach. And the last one located in the leg. On the night of the Gengshen day which occurs every sixty days, the worms will leave their host and report the evil deeds of their host to the god, followed by reducing the life span of their host.

Therefore, during the Heian dynasty period, the nobles were afraid of their life span being reduced and chose not to sleep on that night.”

“This sort of thing is just a superstition! To build the ‘human kingdom’, Shingen-sama has been fighting with the ‘gods’ of Shinano all the time! She wiped out the gods of Suwa, moved the Buddhist Zenko Temple to Kai, and destroyed the divine body buried in the soil of Togakushi Mountain! So Shingen-sama won’t be having her life taken by the three worms which are just some superstition worms!” Naito Masatoyo continued giving objection.

“You’re right. The three worms are just a superstition. However, you inverted the sequence. Right now, in Shingen-chan’s body………majorly in her liver are existing the real parasitic worms. They might be even smaller than rice, most likely can’t be seen with naked eyes. These worms erode Shingen- chan’s body from the internal, wanting to lead her to her demise. But the Eastern medical skill does not have the subject regarding the anatomy of the human body, not to mention the surgeries involve cutting the stomach of a living human. Thus……….to find the entity of the parasitic worms in a patient suffered from the disease is something impossible, that’s why the virtual idea of being invaded by the ‘three worms’ and die from it appeared. The evil deeds or the gods, this kind of stories are added afterward.”

It was exactly because of Manase Cilbal studied the Nanban medical skill and challenged of having surgery before—-that she could see through the true face of the ‘three worms’—-the parasitic worms in the human body.

But in this country with people not knowing the Nanban medical skills must be spreading the rumors of Shingen had done countless evil deeds and died from the work of the three worms due to fate.

Shingen did not fear of ‘gods’, she always continued fighting as a ‘human’.

Especially her career in suppressing Shinano, that wasno different from fighting with the ‘gods’ of Shinano.

She exterminated the Suwa clan, which even the Himeko from the Yamato Imperial Court also said it was an ancient Shinano clan from the gods. 

Then she moved the Buddha god from the Zenko Temple which was the religious center of Shinano citizens to Kai and forcibly built the ‘Kai Zenko Temple’.

She destroyed the holy land of Shugendo and Togakushi ninjas, which was the divine body of Togakushi Mountain.

Furthermore, to let the weak daimyo ‘Takeda clan’ that was imprisoned in the mountain province, Kai to become ‘the strongest clan in the world’, Shingen had no choice…….but to shoulder the fate of fighting with her own family members, the Takeda members.

She banished her father, Nobutora to Suruga province.

Her younger sister, Nene who was married to Suwa Yorishige, due to her husband was crushed by Shingen till forced to suicide, she died early due to extreme heartbroken.

And lastly, the betrayal from the Imagawa clan who provided shelter to her father, Nobutora and the expedition to Suruga, brought the opposition from her younger brother, Yoshinobu who married a wife from the Imagawa clan and committed seppuku—-.

When the people were fearing of Shingen who did not afraid of gods and even used her father and other family members as sacrifices, they also quietly discussing “Shingen will face heavenly punishment isn’t it” “The Takeda clan who was known as the strongest will perish eventually due to karma isn’t it”.

“………That means the foreign worms are inside Shingen-sama’s liver? But when………why, how come that sort of things will……..? The person responsible for testing poison is doing his job sincerely all this time.” 

“Although cutting open the belly will damage Shingen-sama’s skin, but life is irreplaceable. Can’t you carry out the surgery?”

“I’m sorry, even with the Nanban surgery, it’s still impossible to take out the invisible worms living in the organs. If by removing the liver itself, Shingen- sama will instead die straight away. Although with the evolution of medical

technology following the era, this disease will have a way to treat eventually.”

Maybe, it was during that time…….., Kosaka Danjo who was born in a farmer family spoke with trembling voice.

“Due to Kai is a mountain province, so it always called as a province without the yield of rice, in fact, Kai has paddy fields. At the downstream of Kamanashi River has plain field and also water source, it is possible to plant rice grain over there. However, people who dig the paddy field to plant rice grain in that area will die one after other due to an unknown disease. Before Shingen-sama becoming the lord of Kai province, that ‘trouble’ has been there. Everyone was afraid of it and does not dare to plant rice grain……..the people on that land cannot plant rice grain, so they are having a poor life as a result. Shingen-sama said, “The Takeda province is a human province,

there are no such things as the acts from the gods”, went to the ‘suspicious paddy field’ all by herself to plant rice seedlings—” 

This was something happened before Takeda Shingen changed her name. The name ‘Shingen’ was coincidentally born along with the name ‘Kenshin’ when she encountered Uesugi Kenshin at Shinano, they exchanged their name. The original name for Shingen was ‘Harunobu’, while for Kenshin is ‘Kagetora’.

In that year—-Kai was experiencing a chronic famine. To prevent the

Kamanashi River from flooding, Shingen gave the order to repair the ‘water embankment’ right after she became the lord, but even if the water embankment repair was done and water management had completed, the residents living at the lower area of the Kai basin still did not return to the paddy field, they maintain the state of not planting rice grain.

Despite there was a paddy field, no one was ploughing there.

“At this rate, no matter how many embankments we built for water management also cannot relieve the problem of lack of rice.”

Shingen knew that the residents on the land were afraid of ancient legend said that entering the paddy field would be punished by gods.

As a realist, Shingen did not believe in such things as ‘punishment from gods’.

Her rival, Uesugi Kenshin taking actions as ‘the incarnation of Bishamonten’, a fact that brings a shock to Shinano, Kawankajima, and Kanto, this was also something unbearable to Shingen. Even though Shingen worked hard to make the Zenko Temple, Togakushi and other worshiping gods rendered powerless in Shinano in order to let the people feel that the era for ‘humanity’ had come, Kenshin’s announcement made everything went back to the starting point. At Kawanajima, a direct confrontation for battles between ‘gods’ and ‘humans’ occur consistently. If Kai was also in this kind of situation. 

(To govern this chaotic country, we must change the mind of the people. We must convey the message that the era of ‘gods’ is going to end, the era of ‘humans’ has come to the residents of Kai and Shinano—-)

Shingen mounted a horse and headed to the rumored ‘suspicious paddy

field’, she stepped onto that paddy field personally, plant seedlings in front of the body trembling residents.

“Everyone. The water embankment project on Kamanashi River has done half now, there won’t be having a big flood that easily anymore. Wait until the project has completely done, then the flood will never happen again. The Kai province can yield rice as well. Don’t worry about ‘punishment’. The gods residing in the paddy field. If you want to give punishment then just give it to me who is the lord of Kai province!”

The residents, “Yakata-sama.”

“You will be punished.” “Please stop!”

“This paddy field really was cursed, once the water here enters the body, that person will suffer a disease due to the curse!”

They wanted to stop Shingen, but Shingen “Every matter has its reason.

Same goes for the paddy field ‘punishment’, the truth must be another matter. Maybe the water was mixed with some kind of toxin. As long as we don’t drink it then the danger should be very small” halted them with a smile. The biggest reason why Shingen was praised as the ‘benevolent lord’ in Kai lies in she thoroughly adopted internalism in carrying out the water management project and golden mountain excavation, she also effectively commanded the people, trying to get rid of ‘starvation’ and ‘dispute’ from the poor Kai at the same time. Shingen always took the offensive stance in both domestic affairs and war. Ever since she became the lord, no one could attack Kai province.

However, at this moment, the residents forcibly pulled Shingen out of the paddy field with pale faces and shouted with their utmost, “If something happens to Shingen-sama then no matter the Kai or the Takeda clan will also be destroyed.”

Ultimately, Kosaka Danjo who was still using her old family name ‘Kasuga Danjo’ at that time rushed to the scene in a panic, persuaded Shingen to let her get out from the paddy field.

“Ojou-sama! Don’t! As a farmer, I’m very familiar with this ‘suspicious paddy field’! Although in most situations the so-called punishments are just superstitions, only this paddy field alone is the real deal! Get away from it quickly!”

“Gen-chan (TL note: The alias of Kasuga Danjo is Genburo). You only said get away, get away right after you reached here. Don’t worry. Even if the water was contaminated by some unknown toxin, it would be fine as long we don’t drink it.”

“Wait, Ojou-sama! Not Gen-chan, call me Kasuga Danjo! Only when we are sleeping together that you can call me Gen-chan yo!”

These two are, are……..lovers? Speaking of that, Yakata-sama is the number one beauty in Kai but she is still single now…….Kasuga-sama is also an outstanding beauty……..the residents made a commotion, Kasuga Danjo “Hoho” proudly lifted up her breasts. 

“Huhu. It seems I exposed it accidentally! That’s right. I, Kasuga Danjo is Ojou-sama’s most beloved lover……..I will never lose to a person like that Nagao Kagetora!”

“Wait. Stop. Don’t say anymore. Do not expose to the residents that I can’t sleep without someone accompany me! The reputation of the famous general, Takeda Shingen will fall to the ground! First of all, if this rumor was known by Kagetora…….”

“What! Every time also Kagetora, Kagetora. Does Ojou-sama like me or Kagetora! You played with my heart ruthlessly while switched your gaze to our enemy from Echigo. I will never allow that!”

“How, how come I have that kind of relationship with Kagetora, that is a misunderstanding without basis at all! I swear to the gods of Mount Haku, gods of Suwa, and Hachiman god that this is not true, so don’t say such weird things in front of the residents again!”

“Honestly, even though you don’t believe in god at all, only will swear to the gods at this kind of moment, that’s why Ojou-sama must live long too!”

“……..Can’t be helped. Things end here for today. But eventually, I will make the ‘curse’ on this paddy field to disappear. Just like I will destroy the divine body of Togakushi Mountain and pull Kagetora back to humanity from ‘Bishamonten’ eventually. The death god residing in the paddy field of Kai or so what, I must get rid of it. Alright.”

“Please take care of your body carefully. Let’s head to Sekisui Temple hot spring immediately. If we don’t use the water there to wash our body quickly then we will be in danger, let’s run. I will help Ojou-sama to rub your back!”

“…….If the clan master of Takeda clan were to run away in a panic, then the rumor of the ‘suspicious paddy field’ will spreads further. We must stay on this land for around one night. About the hot spring, let’s leave it to tomorrow.”

“Is that so? I think that we should get away from danger as soon as possible……..but, for the ambition of Ojou-sama……..can’t be helped…….”

As expected of ‘Nige Danjo-dono’, thanks to you that Yakata-sama was saved, the residents hailed, then they invited both of them to join for the sacrifice ritual at that night—-.

(TL note: Nige here means fleeing) 

After hearing the story from Kosaka Danjo, Manase Cilbal said with a sigh. “Most likely, she was invaded by the unseen tiny worms during that time.

Those things probably reside in the paddy field. And then, they entered Shingen-chan’s body through some kind of circumstances.”

“But, but, Shingen-sama is a particularly prudent person. She never drank even a drop of water originates from that ‘suspicious paddy field’!”

“Not through consuming, but the type of worms that invade the human body through the skin.”

“How is that possible!?”

“Just by entering the paddy field then will be infected!? Provinces other than Kai have never heard such peculiar things! Japan is a country that yields its own rice ever since the ancient! If every time planting rice grain will be infected, then the country or even the citizens itself can’t be established!” Yamagata Masakage refuted against Kosaka. However,

“……..But Kai is a province that doesn’t yield rice. That has been the case ever since the ancient……..this is because of even the only land that could be dug off to become paddy field exist this kind of ‘infection’, so no matter how poor the citizens of Kai are, they still can’t grow rice………”

Baba made a conclusion, Naito agreed with it.

“Shingen-sama, to make sure the path of transporting salt and rice at Shinano and Suruga, she also invested a huge amount of money to the water management projects that prevent the floods from happening in Kai province at the same time, she fought to improve the lives of Kai citizens until now. Even though Shingen-sama banished her father and continued waging wars, she still being admired, respected by the Kai citizens, this is because everyone knows that she must reform the province to save the Kai citizens from their poor conditions…..although it’s to make sure there’s rice, she also hopes to protect the people living in the land with that ‘suspicious place’ from the unfounded prejudice from their surrounding people, for this reason, Shingen-sama even doesn’t mind to step onto to paddy field personally. But, that kindness of Shingen-sama, it was being replied through this kind of situation…….that’s too cruel……”

“I think even Sagara Yoshiharu who knows the future of Shingen-sama will die in her journey to Kyoto also won’t know that Shingen-sama will fall down in this kind of situation”, Yamagata tightened her lips.

“Perhaps, the future of being assassinated by rifle should be the future that Shingen-sama faces, it’s because of Shingen-sama avoided that future, just like to pay back the ‘debts’, the second fate of assassin emerges—-” 

“If Shingen-sama was being assassinated, then the fate of her dying here will become a fact. If she survived that assassination, the disease from the parasitic worms will break out. In other words, no matter what choice she made, Shingen-sama will eventually die on the journey to Kyoto.”

“No way! That sort of thing is impossible! Impossible……! If that is true, then we humans………why are we surviving, why are we fighting, why are we fighting with our own fate! We the Four Generals will never let Shingen-sama meet her fate! Until the end, the very end!”

Kosaka Danjo stood up. Her slogan ‘Nige Danjo’ was never heard.

“If the four of us work together, sacrifice our lives—-if we four that are supporting the Takeda clan could overcome our own fate—-then surely we can also change the fate of Shingen-sama!”

The maiden generals of the Takeda Four Generals that were all being discovered and trained by Shingen all agreed with Kosaka’s remark.

“………Although Sagara Yoshiharu did not say it directly.”

“We the Four Generals will eventually face the fate of being shot down by rifle attacks on the battlefield. The strongest Takeda cavalry unit is going to be defeated by the Nanban new weapon, the rifles. That’s right, that sorrowful gaze from Sagara Yoshiharu told us that.”

“Well, yeah. Though he said that Kosaka seems escaped brilliantly.”

“Overturn that kind of fate! For the sake of that, I, Kosaka will never take a step back!”

Manase Cilbal lowered her head silently because of feeling great pain. The Takeda Four Generals and the Takeda army, they are going for destruction isn’t it, she had that premonition. Once Shingen-chan regained consciousness, I must inform her symptoms to her accurately and immediately, Manase decided. 

“Impossible! What are you doing, Shingen! Why are you taking your time!”

The father, Takeda Nobutora received the notice from the Four Generals saying “Shingen-sama suffered grave disease” immediately rushed his daughter, Harunobu, or rather, Takeda Shingen’s side.

Nobutora intended to let the Takeda army capture Gifu Castle, crush the Oda army and raise the flags of Takeda emblem and ‘Furinkazan’ at Seta, after that only he would visit Shingen to accomplish the reunion.

However, that plan was brought forward on a large scale due to Shingen suffering a disease.

The Four Generals hastily summoned Nobutora to from Ise, Nagashima to come to Kiyosu.

“Shingen-sama has not much time left. Please be sure you come and meet her immediately”, they pleaded.

Nobutora has come.

The senile Nobutora was brought to the deepest part of Kiyosu Castle, a hidden room set up as the bedroom for Shingen—-.

Shingen’s younger sister, Takeda Nobukado led her father to Shingen’s room. 

“Father, my mission ends here. As a shadow warrior of elder sister, I must reveal my face in the military discussion carrying out at the hall. After that would be only both of you. You two must not fight with each other” said that and turned back to leave from the hallway.

Shingen and Nobutora as well would soon know that Shingen suffered an incurable disease and not much time left from Manase Cilbal.

When they already overcame their grudges and reunite, Shingen was lying down at the slightly dark corner of the small room blankly while coughing.

She did not even have the strength to stand up.

But when she saw her father’s figure, Shingen lifted up her own body.

After a few vigorous coughs, she adjusted her posture and deeply bowed to Nobutora.

“……..Father. You actually hid your true identity at this time and worked hard for the sake of me, this unworthy daughter.”

“If I don’t hide, then the cowardly you will surely throw tantrum. Resorted on taking a slow pace on Kawanakajima. Plus with the chance of giving Oda Nobuna to destroy Asakura Yoshikage, you are really naive until it’s unbearable.”

Nobutora spoke with a standing posture, he did not have the intention to sit down at all.

Shingen and Nobutora, both of them had sharp eyes. Their eyes were very alike. However, the gaze from Shingen now had lost its vitality. When she was informed by Manase about she was going to die, the fate she unable to escape, Shingen (Then the endless battles I’ve gone through all this time, 

what’s the meaning of those) felt despair. She hadn’t struggled out from that kind of desperation.

“Shingen, do you think I will involve Konoe and the Rokkaku, done so many things for the likes of you, a coward? Don’t be mistaken. It’s all for the sake of Nobushige and Yoshinobu! It’s all for the sake of the Takeda family members that died due to your ambition!”

“………Yoshinobu. Nobushige. Nene. Jokeiin. All of them are dead. And soon, I will also, go to where they are. Among the children inherited Takeda bloodline, Nobukado is the only one survived, father. I’m……so sorry.”

“Shut up. Harunobu. You haven’t died yet!” “…….Father.”

Nobutora emited malicious aura around his body and stared deadly at Shingen who was trying to crawl to his front to kneel down in front of him.

“I ask you one more time. Even though you are such a coward, why did you chose to become a Sengoku daimyo and starts a life with endless battles! If your answer is something nonsense, then I will represent Yoshinobu they all to cut you down.”

“……..I want to build a ‘human kingdom’ in Japan. Not only by establishing a clan with only the inheritance from Takeda bloodline, but all commoners also belong the Takeda clan will be protected from wars, famines, floods, and other miseries, live on as a human, that sort of a country……..especially the Kai citizens that have no sea, no salt, and even no rice, they are very poor.

They suffered greatly from the Kamanashi River floods occur every year, plus worried about the punishment in the myth, they couldn’t even plant rice in that little piece of paddy field. The citizens awe the natural power that brought them sufferings as ‘gods’, endure the poor and unfortunate as their ‘fate’……..by combining their power, the province will prosper, liberate the hearts of people that awe the ‘gods’, a ‘king of humanity’ that does not fear of ‘gods’ is a must……….I………want to become that sort of a person.”

Due to several coughs, her speech was interrupted. However, Shingen continued.

This was probably the last encounter with father, that was what she thought.

“Harunobu. Are gods really that terrifying? Is the Suwa Dragon God really that terrifying? Is the Togakushi Mountain God really that terrifying? Is the incarnation of Bishamonten really that terrifying!? They aren’t, Shingen. What you really terrified of is me! Is your father! The father that loves your younger sister, Nobushige but not you is what you terrified of! What you fear of is the image of your father, I that bound to your heart—-but it manifested as an illusion of ‘gods’, that’s all.”

“Maybe that should be the right case.” Shingen nodded powerlessly.

Her strength to refute could not come up.

She did not dare to stare back at Nobutora’s eyes right from the start. She did not show cowardice even at the front of Nobutora. Even if being reprimanded she also did not feel that scary. However, her body did not listen to her command. Ever since she fell down then wanted to give the order to let all troops mobilize, she felt as if the vitality in her body all flowed away.

Takeda Nobushige who always stayed with her like a twin. At the moment she encountered Sagara Yoshiharu, she couldn’t help but recall of that silly, naive and lively younger brother of hers, Takeda Yoshinobu. Nene who married to Suwa clan and unfortunately died. Jokeiin who died due to sickness in Imagawa clan, Suruga. Shingen snatched the position as the lord of the province to protect the Takeda clan. Yet, Shingen made the people of the Takeda clan die one by one. Except for Takeda Nobukado who is living silently as a shadow warrior of Shingen like a hermit—-.

“……..Father. I………it’s my end here. Even if I won this battle, successfully reached Kyoto to become the emperor, no one could inherit my deeds in the Takeda clan. Although the Takeda Four Generals also have the capability to be the emperor, unfortunately, they did not inherit the bloodline of

Takeda…….if I defeated Oda Nobuna, went to Kyoto but died in the halfway of building the Takeda regime, then a great disorder for competing as my successor for the world will happen again. Instead, this will lead the Takeda clan to destruction.”

“Shut up!!!!! Finding excuses again huh, Harunobu! The ’emperor’ or so what, it’s just an outcome! What you seek for from the beginning to the end is to become ‘the strongest in the world’, is to become an absolute strong person that no one in the god realm or the human realm could threaten you!”

“Father…….”

Cannot show cowardice, I must let father see that I have grown, I must refute, at the moment she gushed up all her strength, Shingen vomited.

From the internal of her chest, something hot is surging up to her mouth. It was not a cough.

That is, my blood, Shingen realized.

Lies on the tatami suddenly, Shingen had severe hematemesis. Realizing that her life was flowing out from her body. 

In the rift between life and death, Shingen recalled her short-lived life in that instant.

Nobushige’s and others’ faces appeared one by one, the face of the Echigo maiden general that Shingen very looked forward to, Uesugi Kenshin also appeared. She always looking forward to Kenshin. In the final battle of Kawanakajima, when Kenshin personally reached to her side, with her Gunbai (TL note: Gunbai is a fan the commander uses to command troops) being slashed off by the Tachi Kenshin was arming and the cutting edge was pointing at her neck and Shingen made the resolution to surely die here, Shingen unexpectedly stretched her arm, took off the hood wearing by Kenshin. So beautiful. Shingen wanted to become a beautiful maiden with a pure, taintless body and soul like Kenshin. When the blood spilled off from

Shingen’s neck and moistened Kenshin’s pure, white face, Kenshin no longer was ‘Bishamonten’. Just like she suddenly came back to her senses, Kenshin left far with tears in her eyes—-.

Moreover—-.

Unexpectedly, Shingen also saw the faces of men.

An intense confrontation with her ghost-like father, Takeda Nobutora, due to the rejection triggered by Shingen, he left without leaving any words.

The encounter with Yamamoto Kansuke who suddenly intruded into the Sekisui Temple hot spring.

The person defeated by Oda Nobuna, wanting to regain his own pride by sniping her, Sugitani Zenjuubo.

Yokota Takatoshi, who confessed his love to Shingen, fight to crush the burden idea of ‘Victory and family is an equivalent exchange’ that Shingen always believed in, and died in the arms of Nobukado who had been secretly loving him at the time.

There was more, Takeda Yoshinobu who committed seppuku in the burning Yoshinobu house to prevent the Takeda clan from breaking apart.

In the end, I could not fall in love with a man, I’m fearing of men no matter when. Is it because I used the flame of ambition to burn the life and love of Yoshinobu to ashes, or just………I always feared the shadow of father. It begins when I banished father to Suruga. No. At the moment I overcame the fate of being assassinated by Zenjuubo directly, I’ve already overcome my

fear against father. It’s just I’ve never aware of that.

Not only that, when the father in my heart is still reprimanding me non-stop, the real father has been fighting secretly to let me go to Kyoto ever since he was banished from Kai to Suruga.

Therefore, to father……..to be afraid of men or what, that is not necessary.

(Uesugi Kenshin, she fell in love with Sagara Yoshiharu at Azuchi Castle. Kenshin also, she overcame the fear against men—-from the encounter with Sagara Yoshiharu. Even if she’s not the incarnation of Bishamonten,

Kenshin can survive as a maiden general. That’s right. This time……right now…….I and Kenshin will never hate each other, never kill each other, but to become intimate friends)

I want to go to meet Kenshin.

That promise hasn’t fulfilled yet.

I want to prove to Kenshin that just like her, I also can surmount the ‘barrier’, overcome my fear against my father.

However, that dream can’t be realized anymore. 

Maybe this was the so-called ‘flashback’, Shingen thought.

But Nobutora—-he was not an illusion, neither a shadow, the real, alive Nobutora that was overlooking at Shingen with his mustaches vibrating.

He did not go to lift the back of Shingen who was trembling from hematemesis, he remained a standing posture, howled with a loud voice like thunder roaring.

“Harunobu. You can’t stand up anymore huh! Do you want to die in front of this senile father of yours! You……….unfilial child!!!!”

While continuing howling in wrath, Nobutora had tears floated out in his eyes, this was an unprecedented scene to Shingen.

He was just like the Acala, Shingen thought.

“I’ll never allow you to be exhausted all by yourself here! For what did

Yoshinobu they all died for! Aren’t they also fighting till the end to let you become ‘the strongest in the world’ huh.”

Shingen supported her body with fingers placed on the tatami, she struggled to stand up. Ahah. Father is reprimanding me, earnestly, emotionally. That finger slipped due to the moist blood.

“For what did you made such huge sacrifice, building up the strongest Takeda army to fight with Uesugi Kenshin! Abused my old Takeda Four Generals, sent the Takeda family to demise, and the last of the last you used your flame of ambition to burn Yamamoto Kansuke entirely, and now you are thinking to give up or what, how can I allow such capricious acts! Your life does not belong solely to yourself long ago! It belongs to the retainers of the Takeda clan and all the commoners!”

“Father”, Shingen muttered. 

In her body, something hot but was totally different from the blood she vomited was surging up.

“Harunobu, stand up! ‘The strongest in the world’ is right in front of your eyes! Now is the time to erect the ‘Furinkazan’ flag at Seta! So why don’t you stand up!!!!”

Shingen gave her all to crawl on the tatami that has turned into a sea of blood, she vomited and coughed while holding Nobutora’s arm to stand up.

Shingen was stunned. Because that senile arm of Nobutora which felt like the arms of others had become thin and weak.

“Are you fine, Harunobu. Your enemy is the fear residing in your own heart.”

Lying on Nobutora’s shoulder with her face facing this way, Shingen barely used her own legs to stand up, and Nobutora was releasing that tiger-like sharp gazes.

Shingen was accepting Nobutora’s gaze at a point-blank range with their faces almost touch each other. She was feeling hard to breathe and her legs were shaking, but she still endured it.

“This is exactly why no matter how many times and how long you have fought, you are still feeling fear. However, no need to fear anymore. I will support your back as your father, Harunobu.”

“Father……..”

“Fight on, Harunobu! And you must seize victory! Tell the world that ‘the strongest in the world’ is not Uesugi Kenshin who possessed by a god,

neither Oda Nobuna who relies on Nanban weapons, but Takeda Shingen who has grown to become a general with both literary and martial arts and soon reach a height that no one in Japan could achieve! Prove to me who thought the kind you are not suitable to live a cruel life as maiden general, who thought you will be happy as long you overlook the sea and quietly draw drawings with Nobukado made a mistake! Let Uesugi Kenshin admit that the battles you fight for your ambition are not ‘evil’!”

Shingen’s eyes slowly regained vigor.

I’ve fought with Kenshin at Kawanakajima numerous times, not only I wasted my time, but also sacrificed the lives of Nobushige and others.

If I were to fall here, then the battles of Kawanakajima, the precious time spent with Kenshin, all of them will become meaningless. And I will never able to meet with Uesugi Kenshin who is waiting for a chance to

breakthrough Echizen for eternity. That’s right, right now, Kenshin must be waiting for me. Not Kawanakajima located at the North of Shinano, the final meeting will be at the center of Japan, Sekigahara—-.

The ‘strength’ and ‘courage’ tempered from the battles with Uesugi Kenshin. The ‘time’ and ‘life’ granted by Sagara Yoshiharu, the young man comes from the future who could manipulate destiny. For the sake of myself, for the sake of Kenshin, and also for the sake of the people of Takeda clan who fought for the sake of me, I must use all my strength until the very end. Just like what Kansuke and Nobushige did for me.

Even if I die, I must die on the battlefield.

Unfold a battle of the strongest Takeda army that won’t leave any regrets—-. Must let my lifetime enemy, Uesugi Kenshin to see.

Must convey to Kenshin, I’ve already defeated the fear resides in my heart.

At Kawanakajima, I couldn’t go to meet Kenshin. The result is Kenshin couldn’t wait anymore and rushed to my camp all by herself. But this time, 

this time will be me, survive, and to Kenshin’s side. I must go and meet her, must convey to Kenshin, that I’ve already liberated myself from father’s shadow.

The endless battles of Kawanakajima between the two maiden generals who both also desire for father love, it would end during that time.

No matter my time, or even Kenshin’s time, both of them would start moving again at that time.

But before that, there was one person that we must defeat—-the ’emperor’ Oda Nobuna. Without defeating Oda Nobuna, it’s foolish to claim myself as the strongest or so what. And Oda Nobuna—-her love to her younger brother, Tsuda Nobuzumi that comes from her heart disturbed her thinking. She would never able to bring out her ‘true power’ at the crucial moment. It won’t do to take my time fighting with Oda Nobuna, turning it into a protracted war is a no. I must capture Gifu Castle before the reinforcement led by Oda Nobuna reaches here.

“………Father. Please have a good look at how I will capture the Gifu Castle immediately, breakthrough Sekigahara, and plug in the flags of Takeda emblem and Furinkazan at Seta. I will let people all over the world know that ‘the strongest in the world’ is the Takeda cavalry unit led by Takeda

Shingen.”

Nobutora reached his hands to support Shingen’s shoulders while saying “Then let’s go for the military discussion” and started moving forward.

“Hurry up, Harunobu. There’s no time left. If you want to listen to my praises, that will be after you become ‘the strongest in the world’.” 

Ashikaga Yoshiteru and Hosokawa Fujitaka landed on Tango.

Such feign and information warfares were surrounding the Sakamoto Castle of Oumi.

Chosokabe Motochika landed on Osaka and joined the Eastern Army. Plus with Takeda Shingen having hematemesis.

Due to many kinds of uncertain factors, various factions delayed their speed of action a bit longer than they expected, so Oda Nobuna and Takeda Shingen, who would be the first one to reach Gifu Castle, this would be completely decided by the Tokugawa army that acted as the ‘wall’.

Shingen made the decision, the Tokugawa army headed to Sunomata to stop the Oda army from crossing the Nagara River, meanwhile, the Takeda army would head North to Kiso River and siege Gifu Castle with fierce attacks.

Shingen who had not much ‘remaining time’ left was anxious in heading to Kyoto, to maximize the advantage of the Takeda cavalry unit, instead of

Sekigahara that was surrounded by mountains just like the name said ‘closed’ (TL note: The kanji of Sekigahara is ? ? while ? means closed), it

would be more ideal to fight on the Mino plain field without any obstacles. If they capture Gifu Castle right in front of Oda Nobuna’s eyes who was being held of Nagara River, then she would likely give up to have the decisive

battle at Sekigahara, but to pick the fight at the plain field between Sunomata to Gifu Castle. Just like what happened to the Matsudaira army being lured out from Hamamatsu Castle in the battle of Mikatagahara. 

If things did turn out to be that way, then the Takeda had a 90% chance to seize victory.

However, the movement of the Tokugawa army that still considered non- transparent, there was a possible chance that the Takeda army would be the one being lured to Gifu Castle and faced a counterattack from Oda and Tokugawa instead.

Kiyosu Castle, before mobilizing. The character ‘Shingen’ that shown to the public entrusted to her younger sister, Nobukado while Shingen rest behind the scene with a sick body, Shingen summoned Tokugawa Ieyasu and Honda Masanobu to the tea room of Kiyosu Castle. This was the first meeting between them ever since the Tokugawa clan submitted to the Takeda.

“Tokugawa Ieyasu, you are not ‘that’ Matsudaira Motoyasu. Since the Tokugawa clan suffered a great defeat at Mikatagahara, it keeps absorbing the military tactics from the Takeda like a raccoon. And finally, it even learned the ‘shadow warrior’ tactic that I proud of and boldly switched Tokugawa Ieyasu with Matsudaira Motoyasu huh—-”

Shingen saw the real Tokugawa Ieyasu at Mikatagahara before. With her experienced intuition, she could see through the Ieyasu right in front of her was a shadow warrior from the first gaze. After all, Honda Masanobu who opposed Ieyasu in the Honnya Temple Ikki suddenly returned to become her tactician again was already a very suspicious act, most likely this shadow warrior was brought by Honda Masanobu as well, Shingen assumed.

“They certainly look very alike, but if taking off the raccoon ear head wear and Nanban glasses, their face shapes have a subtle difference. But it’s not that easy to deceive my eyes who could be considered as the number one in the world in employing shadow warrior. Where is the real person? What is your purpose for switching them? Depending on the circumstances, I might not let you two leave from this room alive.”

“I, I’m just a shadow warrior. Originally, I’m a Honnya Temple follower without even a name, but my name as a warrior is called Serada Jiro

Saburo. I’m just taking actions according to what my benefactor, Honda Masanobu who saved me during the Ikki said.”

Even Oda Nobuna also couldn’t see through, she can see through it with one gaze. Despite knowing she is the strongest general in the Sengoku Era with both wisdom and bravery, but what is this peculiar vigor of Shingen. The fake Ieyasu, Serada Jiro Saburo was horrified. She also had incontinence, maybe this was due to she was too skilled in acting as the real Ieyasu.

“Ma, Masanobu-san. It seems there’s no point to hide from Takeda Shingen. But, to what extent should we say.”

“……..Yeah. Impressive, as expected of Shingen-sama. Now please allow me to confess everything to Shingen-sama.”

‘The maiden tactician of darkness’, Honda Masanobu with a black mask covering under her nose, started speaking.

Honda Masanobu was a lady from one of the Mikawa families, the Honda clan, she served the Matsudaira clan as an ‘eagle trainer’. Her age was close to the age of the real ‘Tokugawa Ieyasu’, they had been very close childhood friends ever since Ieyasu was still called Takechiyo. Whenever Ieyasu went for eagle hunting, Masanobu must be following by her side.

But their relationship was estranged for several times due to the chaotic wars. 

Despite the Matsudaira clan of Mikawa was just a weak clan, but during that time a young hero called Matsudaira Kiyoyasu appeared. Matsudaira Kiyoyasu was a genius in war who won in every battle, he reunited the Mikawa through military ruling before he hadn’t even reached twenty. And then to seize the neighbor province, Owari, he commenced a battle against ‘the tiger of Owari’, Oda Nobuhide—-.

But that hero of Mikawa, Matsudaira Kiyoyasu was assassinated by his retainer was his journey for Owari expedition. He was assaulted by the people from the branch Matsudaira clan that was not pleased to serve as a retainer of Kiyoyasu.

The eldest son of Kiyoyasu and also Ieyasu’s father, Matsudaira Hirotada lost his place to stand in Mikawa and fled to Ise. Despite he successfully returns to Mikawa by serving the Imagawa clan of Suruga, but the price is he must accept to serve as the ‘wall’ for the Imagawa clan that is putting its hands on Owari and Kyoto. Hirotada was busy to fight with the sworn enemy of Kiyoyasu, Oda Nobuhide and forced to send Ieyasu to Suruga as a hostage. Hence, this was the first separation between Masanobu and Ieyasu, a pair of intimate friends that had been together since they met at Okazaki.

But then—-Ieyasu was abducted by traffickers and sold to the Oda clan, an incident that no one could expect of happened.

The events of Oda Nobuna and Ieyasu getting closer happen during Ieyasu experienced her life as a hostage in the Oda clan.

And so, Ieyasu and Masanobu became rivals.

The young Masanobu became a follower of Honnya Temple, the reason why she became an enthusiastic follower of Honnya Temple came from the double tragic events happened on Ieyasu and the unexpected way of parting with Ieyasu. Mikawa was a place known for Nichiren Buddhism focuses on abstract zen with many principles and prevail to profit, a place with rich countryside scent and prospers with the simple animal religion inherited from ancient Japan, but during that time, Mikawa was separated to the raccoon religion advocated by the local people and the cat religion advocated by the new rising Honnya Temple. Due to Masanobu would coordinate with Ieyasu in any matter so she originally belonged to the raccoon religion, but then she felt utter disappointment after seeing the deucedly misfortunes experienced by Ieyasu and finally gave up the raccoon religion and became a follower of the Honnya Temple.

Afterward, due to Imagawa Yoshimata (or rather, Taigen Sessai) defeated the Oda army, Ieyasu returned to the Imagawa faction. They two obtained back their time as close friends again. Along with Honda Tadakatsu who came from the Honda clan as well, the three of them conducted a celebration for their long-time reunion.

However, at the same time, even Ieyasu’s father, Matsudaira Hirotada was assassinated by his retainer.

The Mikawa samurais were a bunch of rude samurais from the rural area with extremely strong battle power that would serve their lord loyally like dogs, but they were ferocious and restless, they could be said to have existed some parts same as the crazy dogs do in a certain sense. Masanobu could feel that the limit between the Mikawa warriors that advocate strength and despite being the main family, the Matsudaira clan was being looked down by the Mikawa people and its retainers were due to Kiyoyasu and Hirotada, two generations of the clan master were being assassinated by their retainers as well. To strengthen the standpoint of the ‘Matsudaira main family’, this was when Masanobu came up with the idea of changing the clan name to ‘Tokugawa’ and Motoyasu to Ieyasu.

Due to the incidents described above, Ieyasu was enlisted into the Imagawa clan and unable to return to Okazaki Castle now, and she would be assassinated by her retainer in the near ‘future’ eventually as well isn’t it, Masanobu was troubled by that.

At least the local raccoon religion would never able to save the clan master of Matsudaira clan.

Wanting to know the ‘future’, wants to protect Ieyasu from ‘fate’, Masanobu was having that anxiety, and so her belief to the whole new religion, the Honnya Temple was getting deeper—-.

While fighting with the uneasiness of facing that kind of ‘future’, Masanobu kept on encouraging Ieyasu who parted with the ‘Kichi’ of Owari, meaning Oda Nobuna who was like a sister to her, lost her father, lost Okazaki Castle and forced to stay in Sunpu Castle but still enduring herself with a smile on her face.

Masanobu recalled the memories she spent with Ieyasu during they were young in the Sunpu Castle—-. 

“Ojou-sama. Are we going to join the ‘welcoming the fool of Nagoya’ corps to act arrogantly at Owari huh! I, Masanobu and Tadakatsu will never admit defeat, from now on, we will form the ‘the animal maiden general welcoming Yoshimoto-sama from Suruga team’! And of course, our leader is you, Ojou- sama!”

Before joining the Honnya Temple Ikki, Honda Masanobu was a cheerful girl that knew how to encourage the pessimistic Ieyasu, or rather Takechiyo. She also did not cover her face.

“………..Why even you. Although she can’t play with you anymore, she lost her father, so Ojou-sama now has no choice but to rely on and please Imagawa Yoshimoto. Do you understand! By the way, the name of the team is so long! I can’t even remember it! Make it simple! Only three words!”

Relatively, Honda Tadakatsu was already a samurai during that time, she would engross herself in practicing her spear skills whenever she was free, so she did not get along with the eagle trainer, Masanobu.

However, both of them were also the stepsisters of Ieyasu. As people from the same Honda clan, they should also coordinate their paces with each other—-until Masanobu fell into the struggle of choosing loyalty and faith and she chose to go to the Honnya Temple faction.

“Hoho. Masanobu-san, animal corps again huh? Even though I’ve experienced the days of don’t know when will be hung up by Kichi-nee to make a raccoon dish at Owari………and now are the days of being hunted huh.”

“That’s right! Ojou-sama! During you were being abducted to Owari, Masanobu, this fellow has changed to the cat religion! This fallen woman!”

“Tadakatsu? Please don’t be disrespectful. Cat is a cat! And the duties of a samurai is a different matter! But…….Yoshimoto-sama likes to hunt raccoons with eagles. So we have to work hard in capturing raccoons to entertain Yoshimoto-sama! As long Ojou-sama showed your loyalty to the Imagawa clan, then you can return to Okazaki Castle eventually!”

“Ultimately, we still have to hunt raccoons! Masanobu, you really are a fallen woman.”

“It doesn’t matter as long she’s not hunting Ojou-sama! After all, even if

Tadakatsu you used your special skill, ‘Tonbo slash’ to hunt dragonflies, no one will want it anyway!”

(TL note: Tonbo literally means dragonfly)

“No! ‘Tonbo slash’ was not a skill developed and practiced to hunt dragonflies! It is to protect Ojou-sama and defeat the rivals on the

battlefield……..you too, you at least have to learn how to use eagles to defeat the foot soldiers or more! Even if you become an expert in hunting raccoons, there’s no effect in bringing us victory in a war!”

“……..Hai. Even though you can’t even deal with the ultimate skill of Imagawa Yoshimoto, the ‘white bird romantic dance’.”

“Sh-Shut up! What’s the point of playing kickball on the battlefield!”

“So the acrobatics of slaying dragonflies would be useful? Eagle trainers are very useful. They can scout for enemies, relay messages, espionage, and also provide raccoons when the rations are finished and so on.”

“Masanobu, you……..! Go on with your empty talk! Although I can only slash dragonflies for now, but I can use it to slash armor eventually!”

“Pu………use air to slash armor or what, this is what they called perseverance in this gunpowder era. Or maybe it’s called the idea of a fool, anyway, good luck.”

“…….Masanobu……..I’m gonna kill you someday.” 

The seed of Masanobu and Tadakatsu not getting along seem to have germinated during that time. Both are also the unyielding Mikawa people, they are not willing to take a step back either.

In short, the weather-beaten Ieyasu arbitrated their relationship for a long time with a smile full of worry like a raccoon.

“Hoho…….Masanobu-san and Tadakatsu-san have their relationship gotten worse……well, well, you two hold no grudges against each other, so please get along as soon as possible. I’ve lost my father and my castle, but as long the friends from Mikawa……….as long you two are by my side, then I can see hope in the ‘future’…….please don’t fight anymore, okay? I’m hungry.”

“O, Ojou-sama…….”

“Huhu. Despite Ojou-sama experienced the tough days that are hard to be described with words, she is still such a kind person……”

“Let’s practice how to hunt raccoons while eating the Hatcho miso~. Ah. We will be standing on both factions for the time being, in order to survive no matter the Imagawa clan or the Oda clan wins. Let’s secretly send some Hatcho miso to Kichi-nee as a bribe.”

“Is it because of the cruel treatment she received during staying at Owari, Ojou-sama seems to become more deceitful”, Tadakatsu involuntarily spoke out her true words, Masanobu “She’s from the raccoon religion after all” agreed.

“Although Kichi-nee looks like want to make me into a raccoon soup anytime soon, she actually is a very kind person! If she can get along with

Yoshimoto-sama, that would be the best outcome, but this is the Sengoku Era that speaks about the last man standing……” 

“Masanobu is getting jealous here!” “Tadakatsu as well!”

“Well, well well. Anyway, Masanobu-san, Tadakatsu-san. For us to meet each other again, this is really a very fortunate matter. So, please serve as the wisdom and strength of the Matsudaira clan respectively to support me. There would be one day where all of us can return to Okazaki Castle.

To Ieyasu who did not even shed a tear when she heard the death news of her father when returning from Owari, even when her Okazaki Castle was now governed by the Imagawa clan which was no different from the fact of being taken away she did not show any dissatisfaction, she just kept smiling, “If there is one day this chaotic era will end, how great that would be, Masanobu-san” to her friends, she still granted her smile and gratitude to the remaining retainers following her right now, Masanobu felt very grateful and also felt shameful on her own powerlessness. The eagle trainer did have the special skill to exert various kinds of uses mainly with relaying messages.

However, she could not prevent Ieyasu from being abducted, she also could not prevent her father, Hirotada from being assassinated. The ‘fate’ that was toying with Ieyasu, while Masanobu’s strength now she couldn’t even reach it.

The ‘strength’ to protect Ieyasu, as long Honda Tadakatsu was here, there should be no problem.

However, strength alone was not enough. It was because of the strength that two generations of Matsudaira clan masters had their lives taken.

The Matsudaira clan consist of a decisive Inadequacy. Masanobu believed what inadequate is ‘wisdom’. 

(I must become the number one wise man of the world, a tactician that rivals the ‘fate’, next time, I will surely protect Ojou-sama well. Not letting anyone hurt Ojou-sama. For the sake of this, I’m willing to sacrifice everything. No matter what kind of a person I have to be. Even if my opponent is the gods, I will find till the end—-!)

In front of Imagwa Yoshimoto and others, while shamefully acting the ‘raccoon hunting reception show’ with Ieyasu and receive praises from all of the audiences, Masanobu made that vow deep in her heart. 

“Ojou-sama is too pitiful. Her grandfather and father were also being killed by retainers, and herself also being sold to several daimyo clans when she was young, such misfortunes. With samurai alone will never able to protect Ojou- sama. Mikawa also requires a two-faced strategist like Taigen Sessai or Yamamoto Kansuke, a wise man. Only I can do it—-I thought so during that

time like a child did.”

“Then why you joined the Honnya Temple Ikki of Mikawa and parted with Ieyasu?”

Towards Shingen’s question, Honda Masanobu, “The Matsudaira clan is going downhill. Due to the drastic decrease in the number of raccoon believers, almost of half the Mikawa Matsudaira clan retainers have become the followers of Honnya Temple, I was hesitating during that time and followed the flow by joining into the Ikki. Once the followers of Honnya Temple in Mikawa went rampage, Ojou-sama will be killed. I believe that if I can rule the Ikki, then I can prevent Ojou-sama from being killed. 

However……I who pointed my sword to Ojou-sama was forced to leave Mikawa” answered.

“You actually went as far as to become a traitor to protect your lord huh. But Ieyasu should have declared she gave amnesty to the retainers that joined

the Ikki and called them to come back right?”

“It is I that can’t forgive myself for betraying Ojou-sama. Apparently, she received a heavy blow from the incident of me joining the Ikki. When I was aware of it, I almost became the culprit delivers the ‘fate’ of ‘the clan master of the Matsudaira clan will be killed by his or her retainer’. That’s too scary. I was trembling. I was in total confusion, should I live as a samurai for the sake of my lord? Or should I live as a believer? Ultimately, I gave up the identity as a samurai and left Mikawa.”

“To avoid ‘fate’, huh……then why did you decide to serve Ieyasu again?” “To oppose ‘fate'”

When Masanobu left Mikawa, she had nowhere to belong anymore.

The only choice she had was to join the Osaka Honnya Temple

and Nagashima, Ise, and also the Kaga Ikki through the network of Honnya Temple, although she accumulated the practical experience as a strategist, until a certain moment, she realized that not only tactics but a strategist also require to learn a diversity of ‘knowledge’, and so she joined under Matsunaga Hisahide of Yamato as her servant.

During that time, Matsunaga Hisahide had sworn allegiance to Oda Nobuna. About Masanobu, a person that betrayed Ieyasu who formed an alliance with Nobuna, Matsunaga Hisahide supposed to assume her as a traitor that must be killed, but Hisahide “I like traitors the most. Especially maiden generals” with her interest kicks in and put the wandering ‘strategist of Honnya Temple’, Masanobu in an important position. Of course, trouble will come once she was being noticed by Oda Nobuna. Therefore, Masanobu couldn’t show her appearance to the public. That was when the time she started to use a black mask to cover the lower part of her face.

With Hisahide lacking soldiers, there were many people with unknown origins joined under her. The Yagyu clan that lived in the covert village of swords and ninjutsu, the ‘Honnya Temple strategist, Masanobu, and so on.

During the side of Hisahide, Masanobu greedily learned of military science, tactics, pharmacy, toxicology and more. And in the end, she even learned how to control the ‘puppets’ with her hair in it as spies, able to collect pieces of information all over places while staying in her castle with the ‘puppet art’. Although this heterodoxy art could not be learned by anyone other than Hisahide, Masanobu wrapped up the knowledge she learned in her life and finally able to control the puppets.

“When Matsunaga Hisahide-dono betrayed Oda Nobuna, refused to yield and self-exploded in the Tamonzan Castle, she also dismissed all the branch retainers including me. So I had no choice but to join the Honnya Temple Ikki once again. Before Danjo-dono was dead—-she described various kind of

things regarding ‘fate’ and ‘future’. She said that our world is not the only one. At somewhere, another world or should be called as the underworld exists. The ‘fate’ of humans are connected between these two worlds like

threads, she was a wonderful person. She said that even though she’s going to die from betraying Oda Nobuna, but actually, her other self has already done it in the underworld in a sense, and the ‘fate’ has already defined at that moment. She believed that even if the outcome is the same, she can still change the process of the whole thing with her own will. As long as yourself stepped into a different process, even if you cannot change the ending but you can win against ‘fate’. Humans can oppose their own ‘fate’. Therefore, it’s not necessary to learn of your own ‘future’ through prophecy book or divination. If you did that, then you would be entangled by the threads of ‘fate’. Humans will survive in their limited life, therefore you must face the ‘future’ with your very own eyes, live in your own ‘future’.”

“She indeed learned the immortality art, she said that she wants to never get old and maintain this young and beautiful appearance. In fact, no one knows her true age even until the moment when she died. She really was a wonderful person,” Masanobu recalled the appearance of Hisahide in the past and sighed.

“Even if the outcome is the same……..you can still carry through the path you chose……..oppose the ‘fate’, huh………..she certainly has an unbelievable world view.”

Shingen also, “I really wish I can meet Matsunaga Hisahide” muttered.

“Before her death, Danjo-dono always said the movement of a retainer of Ashikaga Yoshiteru, Hosokawa Fujitaka is very suspicious, he’s like taking actions under the circumstances of knowing the ‘future’. She made the attempt to ambush Ashikaga Yoshiteru by controlling the Miyoshi Three in order to eliminate the Ashikaga Shogunate. However, Hosokawa Fujitaka was aware of Danjo-dono’s plan and miraculously saved Ashikaga

Yoshiteru, and he did not flee to Kutsuki valley or Sakamoto Castle of Oumi, but to the Ming Dynasty at the other side of the sea instead. Hosokawa Fujitaka also followed him to the Ming Dynasty. Hence, Danjo-dono lost the clue to find out how Hosokawa Fujitaka actually aware of her plan to ambush the Shogun. Even for the puppet art also has its effective range. And the Ming Dynasty is located out of the range. Danjo-dono believed that Fujitaka learned the ‘future’ of the Shogun will die through a certain method and prevented that ‘future’ from happening. She also said, perhaps when she, who is the biggest hindrance has died, Fujitaka will return to Japan again—-”

“The man interpreted the ‘future’ huh. Although Kansuke was also a person with the special ability to interpret the constellations of humans.”

“Hosokawa Fujitaka inherited the ‘Kokondenju’ from the Sanjonishi clan of Yamato Imperial Court. Danjo-dono said perhaps that book is the source material from how Fujitaka interpreted the ‘future’. One of the reasons why

Fujitaka went to Ming Dynasty was also to prevent the secret of ‘Kokondenju’ being exposed to Danjo-dono……..how Hosokawa Fujitaka able to learn of

the ‘future’, and how he manipulated the ‘future’, though Danjo-dono did not intend to find it out at all. The ‘future’ is uncertain. It should be developed with the willpower of people. I’m not interested in it, if I want to know the ‘future’ then I will be in return being used by Hosokawa Fujitaka instead,

that’s what she said—-but she was also just like being guided by the ‘fate’, she was dead at the same time she burnt the Buddha of Nara!”

“…….Around the time when Danjo was dead, a demon star named Danjo Star was twinkling in the sky. If Kansuke is still alive, he will definitely say the lifespan of Danjo is over and predicted her death.”

“Although I abandoned the Honnya Temple belief after in touch foreign religions such as Persia through Danjo-dono, but I violated the advice from Danjo dono, using the position as the leader of the Honnya Temple Ikki to continue investigating things such as prophecies and rumors all over Japan. Except for the ‘Kokondenju’ brought to Ming dynasty by Fujitaka so I can’t grasp the truth of it, I’ve literally gone through all of it—-in another world, or should be called as the underworld, the world of darkness, our doubles are living in there. Although we can’t touch them directly just like they are the images in the mirror and we are on the other side, our respective actions can cause interference of our own ‘future’. However, that kind of interference power can only be seen by people learned certain abilities. Therefore, people like us will call those power as ‘fate’.”

“That means, Masanobu, people like us can’t change our ‘fate’ easily, right?”

“Indeed. That is because we can’t interfere with our double living in the underworld from this side. Even if we learned of the astrology, Onmyodo, secret teachings, Shugendo or whatever and able ‘predict’ it after obtaining the power to see through the underworld, it’s very difficult to change its ‘future’. However, there is one exception in this case.”

“Kansuke said that……the person that could change the ‘destiny’. That person is the person from the future, Sagara Yoshiharu.”

“Just as you said. Sagara Yoshiharu, he is the uncertain faction that does not exist in the underworld of Sengoku Era. Yamamoto Kansuke who learned astrology regards Sagara Yoshiharu as ‘the person overthrow destiny’, the Nanban missionary, Jasper was not able to predict the ‘future’ of Sagara Yoshiharu was also due to this reason. Despite Sagara Yoshiharu is just a common human, but he will not be affected by the interference power from

the underworld. And he also knows of our ‘future’. Although he cannot rewrite our ‘fate’ completely, even so, he is still a rare existence that could

intervene in our ‘fate’ and undergoes intense opposition. Although he can do nothing with his personal strength, but he can provide strong motivation to

the people of this world from the back to oppose the ‘fate’ altogether.” Masanobu answered.

Serada Jiro Saburo who was originally a simple follower of Honnya Temple had been not able to follow up the conversation long ago. 

But, Shingen could precisely understand all the meanings of the words spoken by Masanobu.

“Sagara Yoshiharu, against Oda Nobuna’s ‘fate’, my ‘fate’, Uesugi Kenshin’s ‘fate’. He jumped into it without a second thought. Oppose the ‘fate’, he said that and keep on supporting us maiden generals from the back. He also doesn’t mind if she is an ally or an enemy. Even though he knows that I being alive will let the Oda clan fall into a dire situation. He really……….is a very odd person.”

“Yes yes. The ‘future’ knowledge Sagara Yoshiharu has is extremely huge, that person looks frivolous superficially but he’s very prudent in hiding the

‘future’. Perhaps he has noticed that if he said out the ‘future’ as he pleases, if the ‘future’ form into words, then the words will produce the interference and followed by defining the ‘fate’. He is a man with quite good intuition. In current Japan that announces the end of god era and the arrival of the human era, only Sagara Yoshiharu and Jasper both know of the ‘future’, but there were few people able to peek at the ‘future’ headed by Yamamoto Kansuke. Some of them left the information in the form of a prophecy book or something else. I went through all the provinces, using puppets to enter the prohibited areas such as the Imperial Court to collect the information and grasped a part of the original ‘future’—-the ‘future diary’ written by Prince Shotoku was seen by Kusunoki Masashige in Tennou Temple. Those lost ancient chapters, I found them in the Shosoin of Todaiji. The ‘Kokondenju’ holding by Hosokawa Fujitaka and the ‘future’ diary’ overlap each other.

There was a rumor saying that the ‘future diary’ was actually not written by Prince Shotoku, but it’s a pseudo written in the later generation with the ‘Kokondenju’ as the blueprint. However, it’s exactly that its source is from ‘Kokondenju’ which makes it trustworthy.” 

“Shosoin huh. That place kept many kinds of secret treasures from the Imperial Court such as the Ranjatai. You actually able to sneak into it.”

“During Danjo-dono was triggering a riot at Todaiji in order to steal that Ranjatai, I also sneaked into it. Based on a record from a noble family of Kyoto, the Kanroji clan that has been inherited since the Northen and Southen Courts period, the ‘future diary’ written by Prince Shotoku has several transcripts. The transcript owned by the Fujiwara clan. The transcript of Toshodaiji. And a transcript inherited to Oshu. And finally—it is said that

the ‘final record’ of the ‘future diary’ was written on the ‘Bonsho of Hokoji’ kept in the Shosoin of Todaiji. All the other ‘books’ were burned down during the wars, the ‘future diary’ article resting in the Shosoin was not written in a book but engraved on the Bonsho to prevent it from being damaged. During the war for Ranjatai, I went in there and witnessed that Bonsho with my very own eyes. I was utterly stunned. On that Bonsho engraved the name of Ojou-sama—-not the ‘Motoyasu’ that Ojou-sama self-proclaimed but the ‘Ieyasu’ that she will eventually change into that name in the future.”

“Hokoji or what, I never heard of that temple before”, Shingen casually said. Although as a rationalist, Shingen did not devote to any religion, it was necessary to cooperate with temples and shrines under the basis of ruling a country. Therefore, she was familiar with all the shrines and temples all over the country. She even had the plan of transferring the Mount Hiei to Kai before.

“You’re right. The ‘Hokoji’ was not built yet, it is a ‘future’ temple that will be built in someday. According to the ‘future diary’ lost in wars, it predicted the debut of that temple, and also on the ‘Bonsho’ of Hokoji will be written down the ‘final record’ of the ‘future diary’. That ‘Bonsho’ went through the barrier of time and arrived at Shosoin.” 

“…….That’s too skeptical. Although it is because of Kusunoki Masashige had read the prophecy of ‘the fall of Kamakura Shogunate’ from the ‘future diary’ in the Tennou Temple that caused him to determine to make it fall, but Masashige was driven by the prophecy and defeated the Kamakura Shogunate instead causing the world to become chaotic and invited the chaotic war between the Northen and Southen Courts, isn’t it. In fact, the prophecies were basically written in a very ambiguous way, it depends on how you explain it. Masanobu, perhaps you just discovered your own wish through the prophecy. Or maybe you were manipulated by Hosokawa Fujitaka. For instance, to let you find it out, Fujitaka intentionally set up the ‘final record’ of the ‘future diary’ in Shosoin, how’s that?’

“Indeed. It is very possible this is a trap prepared by Hosokawa Fujitaka to break apart Tokugawa clan and Oda clan. However, even so, it is no doubt that Hosokawa Fujitaka grasped the ‘future’. And his actions are corresponding with Sagara Yoshiharu. After reading the ‘final record’ of ‘future diary’, I’ve finally understood what in the world Sagara Yoshiharu wants to do, so I’ve determined to forsake my sense of shame, pride,

confusion, everything, and brought this shadow warrior, Serada Jiro Saburo I encountered in the Ikki and return to the side of Ojou-sama.”

After hearing Masanobu’s narration, Takeda Shingen not only did not act timid, “The ‘final record’ you saw in the ‘future diary’ is? The ending of the

‘future’ is?”, but instead she smiled with her eyes closed. To Masanobu and Jiro Saburo, she showed an unexpected smile. It was like a smile of a person that had forsaken her desire to live in this world—-.

“……..Is it fine for me to say it? Shingen-sama. To you, this is definitely not a good ‘future’.” 

“It’s fine. Just say it, Honda Masanobu. I still have the courage to fight with my own ‘fate’. Or rather, if you dare to hide anything, I will execute right in the spot.”

“……..Then, I’m sorry. Although I’m not so clear of the details that lead to that ending. Due to some reason, the Oda clan will fall from the position as the emperor. In the end, the world belongs to—-Ojou-sama. Belongs to Tokugawa Ieyasu-sama. The ‘Bonsho of Hokoji’ said so. The ending of Japan Sengoku Era is—-‘The country at peace, the lord enjoys with the commoners’. It is recorded that Ieyasu-sama will comfort the country, everyone in the country enjoys peace.”

“Our original history was supposed to end with ‘Tokugawa Ieyasu obtains the world’. Even though Sagara Yoshiharu knows of this future, but he did so many things to let Oda Nobuna who was supposed to be destroyed to obtain the world! I don’t care if he wants to oppose the ‘fate’ along with Oda Nobuna. That is his freedom. After all, the moment he wandered into this Sengoku Era, he has become one of us who live in this world. And yet……Sagara Yoshiharu neglected an important thing. That is Ojou-sama—

-he sees Ieyasu-sama as nothing! To change the ‘fate’ of Oda Nobuna, he chose to sacrifice the ‘fate’ of Ieyasu-sama!” Masanobu complaint with her face redden. 

When bringing Serada Jiro Saburo to Shitarahara.

Masanobu told everything including the ‘future’ she learned in her wandering life and the motive of Sagara Yoshiharu’s actions to Ieyasu. With enthusiasm just like how she told Shingen above. While shedding tears, “Originally, the world belongs to Ojou-sama! So please Ojou-sama you fight with the constantly changing ‘fate’! If now you join the Takeda faction, Oda Nobuna will surely fall from the position as the emperor. This is the best chance to

amend the ‘fate’ that has been manipulated by Sagara Yoshiharu back to the right path. Break apart with the Oda clan!” she had the petition.

“It doesn’t matter that Sagara Yoshiharu wants to change the ‘fate’ of Oda Nobuna, I don’t think that history can’t be changed. Anyone has the freedom to fight with the ‘fate’. However, why must he take away your future of becoming the emperor? Ojou-sama, what fault did you have. If I didn’t join

the Ikki, then now……!”

However, Ieyasu ordered Masanobu “Do not speak out that ‘future’, Masanobu! Our ‘futures’ are not defined yet!”, rejected the petition from Masanobu.

“Masanobu. I’m always the stepsister of Kichi-nee. Kichi-nee is the hero suitable to bring peace to Japan, I’m very clear that I don’t have the

capability as her. Kichi-nee is a rare person that appears once in a thousand years. She’s able to set off the Japan revolution, a real genius. While this cowardly me at most can only introduce the banning of Nanban missionary and isolationism to prevent Japan from being colonized. Even if that could fight for at least one or two hundred years of peace, but that was just a peace borrow from the future. How great of damage it will cause to future Japan. No, the countries over Nanban have been plundering other places of the world. Once Japan that has the strongest military power in the world become a closed country, how many tragedy seeds will be distributed all over the world. Yoshiharu-san must know what would happen to Japan and the world once I become the emperor.” 

Ieyasu did not want to free herself from the shackles named Oda Nobuna. She intends to help Oda Nobuna as her stepsister for the entire life.

Masanobu was stuck in a dilemma. “What closed country or open country, we can discuss that after you have obtained the world! If Ojou-sama becomes the emperor, you will be truly free”, Masanobu explained.

“I understand Ojou-sama’s feelings of fear for being an overlord to compete for the world. Once you do, the retainers are forced to sacrifice for your sake, then you might be assassinated by them in someday. Because even I, Masanobu also betrayed you to join the Ikki. But during the second Honnya Temple Ikki incident happened at Mikawa, I constantly carrying out the

audition for the gathering of the Ikki army to find the ‘shadow warrior’ inherited the bloodline of the Matsudaira clan. That was my real purpose. This person called Serada Jiro Saburo is the shadow warrior I discovered. This person separated with her parents ever since young and didn’t even know the place where she was born, but her appearance and voice are exactly the same as Ojou-sama. Probably she inherited the bloodline of the

Mikawa Matsudaira clan. Serada Jiro Saburo is the name I assumed for her. No, her bloodline matters nothing in the current situation. The important thing is she looks very alike with Ojou-sama until it’s almost indistinguishable. We just have to introduce this Jiro Saburo to the public as ‘the shadow warrior of Tokugawa Ieyasu’ while I stand at the most front line of the battlefield as a strategist. Meanwhile, Ojou-sama will give orders in a place that no need to worry about being assassinated. If anyone found out the truth, Jiro Saburo and I will carry all the responsibilities and atone with seppuku. So please don’t say my wandering life before this is meaningless. I will let Ojou-sama you, who is also my friend to obtain the glory of becoming ‘the final overlord of the Sengoku Era, the emperor’!” 

“Masanobu-san. You are my friend for the entire life from long ago. I’m very grateful. But……..this is the only thing I cannot accept”, Ieyasu said while shook her head.

“The friendship between you and me will last eternally, but the sibling relationship between me and Kichi-nee will also last eternally. So if it’s to let Kichi-nee avoid the ‘fate’ of destruction, I’m willing to even sacrifice myself.”

“That won’t do! Right in front of you, a bright ‘future’ is awaiting you! Why you want to close the door leading to that ‘future’ all by yourself!?”

“I don’t think that betraying Kichi-nee, betraying Yoshiharu-san to obtain the world by force will be a bright ‘future’ for me. Masanobu-san, if you had spent a short time with me along with Kichi-nee, you should understand. During the time you left Mikawa and wandered around the provinces, you too worried about me and overworked yourself. You always burden yourself with your sympathy against my pitiful past and slowly diminished the hope in your heart all the time, and finally, you got yourself into a dead-end until you can see nothing other than me. It would be enough that you officially return to Matsudaira clan and spend your time with me from now on. Time will restore everything.”

“What if I say that even if by force, I will still push Ojou-sama to the ‘future’ of becoming the emperor?”

“……..To cancel the alliance with the Oda clan now, why don’t I just fight with Kichi-nee until dead here! ‘Honesty’ is the only virtue I have. If I neglect, then I’m nothing.”

“……Ojou-sama……you really is very obstinate. There’s no time to convince you anymore. Jiro Saburo, we have no choice, let’s change to that plan now.” 

Understood, Jiro Saburo nodded, sharpen her lips ‘Hu’ and something blew out with Ieyasu as the target.

“……..This, This is……..poison dart…….? In, in the mouth…….”

“I’m very sorry, Ojou-sama. This is a protection skill Jiro Saburo learned when wandering around as a piper.”

“…….Masanobu-san. No. Please calm down……..if I were to fall asleep here, Kichi-nee. All things can never turn back……..”

The body of the ‘real’ Ieyasu fell onto the arms of Masanobu.

“This is the third time I betray you……..I’m so sorry, Ojou-sama. The next time you wake up, you will be in a very safe place where no assassin can ever enter.”

“Temporarily. Until the fall of Oda Nobuna. I will hide you somewhere………once Oda Nobuna has fallen, as a successor of Oda Nobuna, as the person that succeeds her ambition to become the emperor, you will definitely cheer up……” Masanobu carried Ieyasu while muttered.

“Jiro Saburo. Before being found out by Hattori Hanzo, hide Ojou-sama in that place. But Hanzo will perceive it if we carry her with a living human. We must use the lifeless puppet to carry her to the designated place.”

“Isn’t there too far? If you use the puppet art here, then your body condition.” “……It’s fine.”

Silently carried up the body of the sleeping Ieyasu, while used her face to rub with Ieyasu’s face, Masanobu made a vow.

“Ojou-sama, I’ve finally returned. I will never let anyone bully you anymore. I will protect you from all the ‘fate’ that is awaiting you. Thanks for your kindness of never doubting me, but instead I betrayed you several

times……I’m sorry…….the next time you wake up, the ‘world’ will belongs to you. No one can ever toy with you anymore. I will never let anyone do that.”

And so—-the shadow warrior, Serada Jiro Saburo ‘switched’ with Tokugawa Ieyasu in their camp at Shitarahara. 

“………I see. To breakthrough the ‘fate’ of your lord, you betrayed your lord thrice huh, Honda Masanobu. You have such a great resolution huh.”

“Yes yes. This is a battle of ‘fate’ between me and the person from the future, Sagara Yoshiharu.”

‘Where is the real Ieyasu. I believe you will never say it, even if I go as far as to kill you also won’t do”, Shingen agreed.

Masanobu also “Of course” immediately answered.

“Only when I and Jiro Saburo were dead that the real Ojou-sama will return from her seclusion. I’ve made such arrangements beforehand.”

“However, the culprit that came out with such a big conspiracy will be hated by everyone in the end. Even if Ieyasu herself forgives you, you will eventually be killed by Honda Tadakatsu and other Mikawa samurais.

Regardless of whether Ieyasu can obtain the world, your fate has been decided the moment you did this conspiracy of switching your lord.”

“Indeed. It’s better to say I actually wish for that. Once the world gained peace, the culprit such as me must be cast away. To protect the ‘honesty’ 

that Ojou-sama has, the evil name of the Tokugawa clan stole the world will be my entire responsibility and die for it, although I feel a bit sorry to involve Jiro Saburo in this as well.”

“Hufufu~. My fate would be died of hunger or die in war if I wasn’t saved by Masanobu-san during the defeat of the Ikki, so I will be your side no matter where you go~,” Jiro Saburo showed a bitter smile. To reenact the cowardly smile that Ieyasu always had, she seemed to have gone through a considerable amount of training.

The trust between Jiro Saburo and Masanobu was quite firm, Shingen realized that.

“Masanobu. I don’t believe in whatever the prophecy book of Prince Shotoku. I also don’t believe in the existence of the power of words and the underworld. That sort of things are illusions produced by the heart of the people fear of the uncertain ‘future’. I only believe in the essence of humans. Tokugawa Ieyasu—not this shadow warrior called Jiro Saburo, but the ‘real’ Ieyasu I know of, does she capable to govern the world and end this chaotic era? Can you guarantee that?”

“Yes yes. The deceased Taigen Sessai-sama did say Ojou-sama is a late bloomer. She will grow with the sufferings she experienced as the source of teachings. For now, she does not seek to obtain the world. That is due to she believes in the existence of Oda Nobuna, a hero that is better than her. If Oda Nobuna were to lose her right to fight for the emperor, the Oda clan were to fail in this battle until it can’t be rise again, then Ojou-sama will definitely have the resolve to inherit the will of Oda Nobuna, awaken as the emperor. I’m very certain.” 

“Is that so. I’ve finally understood. So the standpoint of Takeda Shingen does not include in the future you anticipated huh, Honda Masanobu.”

Shingen slightly squinted her eyes.

“Let the Takeda, Oda, Uesugi, and Mori deplete each other in this decisive battle, and then the Tokugawa will take the cake named the world all by himself at the final moment. With this intention right from the beginning, you guys broke apart with the Oda clan surrendered to the Takeda clan. Until now you even go as far as to replace your lord with a shadow warrior. Honda Masanobu, you really are a two-faced strategist. Very impressive. But—-did you never thought of after used the power of Takeda to defeat the Oda, at

the end the Tokugawa clan itself will be eradicated instead huh.”

Masanobu held her breathe. She did not forget the person in front of her is the ferocious general of Sengoku Era, Takeda Shingen. However, Shingen probably would make use of her plan.

“……….Of course, that is possible too. The Takeda and Tokugawa will confront each other to compete for the world after cooperated to take it away from the hands of the Oda. However, I believe Takeda Shingen-sama has the confidence to fully make use of the Tokugawa army under the

circumstances of knowing everything.”

“What if I say I have no time for that already.”

“…….How come!? If the Takeda-Tokugawa alliance were to have an internal conflict here, the Eastern Army will collapse. This doesn’t seem like what Shingen-sama will do right!?”

“I’m very impatient right now. After all, taking actions slowly and prudently means a defeat to me.” 

“………That, that means, you want to, let both of us, right here……!?” “Masanobu-san!”

But at this time, the words spoke out by Shingen are something Masanobu and Jiro Saburo never thought of—-.

“That’s not it. Please don’t leak out this matter. I will die soon.” In front of Takeda Shingen who confessed her own ‘fate’.

Even a wise man like Masanobu also couldn’t give a response suddenly.

“What’s so shocking about, Honda Masanobu. Isn’t you are the one that concluded the Tokugawa will obtain the ‘world’ supposed to be the original ‘future’? Therefore, not only the Oda clan but also the Takeda clan has to fall from the position as the emperor. And so, I will die before I capture the world or maybe die immediately after I captured it. Before successfully build the ‘Takeda Shogunate’ system, I will die. Isn’t it?”

Shingen said. “Uesugi Kenshin and Hojo Ujiyasu do not have the ‘ambition’ to become the emperor right from the beginning, the Mori clan claimed

themselves as ‘the clan that appraises the emperor’. Except that when Kobayakawa Takakage judged there is no one has the capability to be the emperor, the Mori clan will only personally obtain the world. But you are different.”

“I, Takeda Shingen always strive to be the strongest in the world. Right now, I’m fighting in this decisive battle that decides who is the strongest. I probably will win. The result is I will obtain the position as the emperor.

However, assume that your prediction is correct, the world belongs to the Tokugawa. Then I can only quit from history halfway.”

“………But, that’s kinda.” 

“Honda Masanobu. Ever since I banished my father to Suruga and obtained the Kai province, I won and captured all the castles in every battle, but I lost my families and retainers one after another. It’s like I made a contract with a devil to exchange my loved ones to obtain victory. Plus with myself also

suffer a disease, I’ve dimly realized it. Perhaps—-I will exchange my own life for the world. That is my ‘fate’.”

Masanobu and even Jiro Saburo, both of them lost their words. They did consider the tactic to let the Takeda clan and Oda clan to fight each other further by depleting their strength. If the Oda clan wins, the ‘future’ rewrote

by Sagara Yoshiharu was basically completed. Then the world would never belong to the Tokugawa. To break out this predicament, the Tokugawa became a subordinate of the Takeda clan. Once the Takeda clan defeated the Oda clan and made it fallen, afterward will be the beginning of a new war with the Tokugawa clan to snatch the world from the hands of the Takeda clan. Masanobu devised a long-term plan for this. She had made preparation mentally that this war would last for ten to twenty years. Of course, no matter how strong and how vigor the Mikawa samurais were, they would never able to win against the strongest in the Sengoku Era, Takeda Shingen in a direct confrontation, and she was also the general invented the shadow warrior tactic, so assassination was impossible to succeed. Therefore, Masanobu was intended to wait until the day when the ‘lifespan’ of the Takeda is over.

However, she could never think of this, the world is just right in front there, yet Takeda Shingen—-.

“Masanobu, Jiro Saburo, went through a life of endless battles, I did not have the chance to get married. Even if I become the emperor, it’s still the same for me. Because I would be busy in the basic affairs of constructing the

Takeda regime, I can’t give birth children. Since a person like me who betrayed her father and let her siblings die for her own ambition has no right to be a parent. The person closest to me, Nobushige died in the battle of Kawanakajima. My younger brother, Yoshinobu opposed me in the matter of invading Suruga and committed seppuku. Katsuyori does not inherit the bloodline of the Takeda. Nobukado lived her life as my shadow has no interest in military affairs, so she does not have the qualification to be the emperor…….the Takeda clan was known as a daimyo clan in the Sengoku Era. In fact, once I died, it will become a past.”

That was right. Therefore, the battle with the Takeda would become a ‘time war’, Shingen had already figured me out to this extent, Masanobu felt cold sweats flowing down from her body.

“The Takeda clan has no heir anymore. If I defeated oda Nobuna who suppressed nearly all of the Kinai regions and died before I completed to unite the world and also without any heir, the world will fall into chaos again instead. An unprecedented chaotic era will be triggered. So I’m hesitating regarding this battle. In the end, is it really fine to defeat Oda Nobuna? Since I’m just a coward.”

“……..That is.”

“However, Honda Masanobu. If Tokugawa Ieyasu could unite the world and end this chaotic era after I’ve fallen, then I no need to worry that anymore.

The Takeda will definitely put its flag at Seta, defeat Oda Nobuna, surpasses the Uesugi. If I died during that time—-then the world will be entrusted to that raccoon. Then the history will go back to its original path. Right from the beginning, I did not have much interest in becoming the ’emperor’. I solely want to win the position of ‘the strongest in the world’. Defeat Oda Nobuna who is the strongest and biggest faction in Sengoku Era, I just want to do

that in order to let my sworn enemy, Uesugi Kenshin to admit that I’m the strongest general in Sengoku Era. What I only want is to sparkle brightly on heaven and earth, on the peak of maiden generals—-!”

“……You have no interest, for the position as the emperor……!?”

“My rival will always be myself. Fight with the fear resides in my heart. The Takeda has no heir and I can’t marry someone, you already know that right? You chose not to follow Oda Nobuna who has a lover called Sagara Yoshiharu, but me who will live her life alone. Sure it is. Honda Masanobu.

Not only five years after, the things after ten years, and even the future afterwards, you’ve anticipated all of them. You certainly is an excellent strategist. You have to act well as the heir of Kansuke.”

“…….Alright.”

“There’s one more thing. Wait until this battle is over, you must immediately release Ieyasu from your ‘cage’. Cannot let the ‘time’ of Ieyasu to be wasted in your ‘cage’. That raccoon will never repeat the same mistake. After you’ve fortified the governing system drafted by the Tokugawa clan, let Ieyasu be independent. The capability of that raccoon in managing domestic affairs far exceeds you. That’s all.”

Honda Masanobu couldn’t help but to realize the Sengoku giant that always blocked in front of Ieyasu was actually such a formidable general.

(Despite being possessed by an incurable disease, her fighting spirit, her mental power, her tolerance as a person who always fought with Ojou-sama. Moreover, a person that speaks of her ‘dream’ with gazes like a young innocent girl has—-she did truly is the strongest and the best general in the Sengoku Era. No matter how many plans I’ve devised, I can never win against this person) 

Shingen gave orders to Honda Masanobu and Jiro Saburo while coughing. From now on, the Takeda army would do everything to siege Gifu Castle.

One day was all it takes. The Tokugawa army would enter Sunomata, acted as the ‘wall’ to block the Oda Nobuna army coming from Ogaki to provide reinforcement for Gifu Castle. As long as the ‘wall’ was formed, then the Tokugawa army which had continuously defended attacks from the Takeda, there was no other army could breakthrough it in this entire Japan.

“If the Takeda took down Gifu Castle, Oda Nobuna might go crazy and initiate the decisive battle at Gifu Castle. At that time, we just have let them cross the Nagara River, and then give them a heavy blow with the Takeda cavalry unit. If Oda Nobuna unleashes her extraordinary endurance and chose to retreat to Ogaki, we will chase after them immediately. You guys along with us Takeda army.”

Honda Masanobu and Jiro Saburo deeply bowed to Shingen.

Not the fake surrender before, but a vow to ‘fight together’ made from the depths of their heart.

“As unshakable as ‘mountain’, the mission to hinder the Oda army, please entrust it us.”

Honda Tadakatsu, Hattori Hanzo, Ii Naotora and other Tokugawa retainers were now gathered in the room beside Shingen’s room in case any accident happens. Most of them were worry about Honda Masanobu and Jiro Saburo would be slain. With the real Ieyasu went missing right now, if Jiro Saburo were to be killed, the Tokugawa clan would collapse. Therefore, Tadakatsu and Hanzo brought forward to the Takeda Four Generals to have the permission to listen in a neighbor room of the room where the negotiation was going on. 

Hanzo (That’s strange. They gave permission too frankly. Isn’t that a top secret meeting) was feeling suspicious. There shouldn’t be any scheme in here I think, don’t tell me she intends to capture all the Tokugawa retainers at once and take over the command of the Mikawa army huh. If it’s Takeda Shingen then maybe she will do that.

However, what they heard of was something totally unexpected. Takeda Shingen suffered an incurable disease—-.

The world or whatever was just a final ‘outcome’ she would obtain from her aim to fight to be the top. If they really wanted it, she can give it to Ieyasu—-.

The true appearance of Takeda Shingen who commonly known as a very greedy person, calculated everything and feared by everyone, this was the first time they know it. She simply just the same as Uesugi Kenshin—-.

Not only that. The ‘traitor’, Honda Masanobu betrayed Ieyasu and joined the Ikki was also for the sake of Ieyasu, she went through so many troubles for the sake of Ieyasu.

Honda Tadakatsu (I always disdain Masanobu as ‘an evil person with even her organs are corrupted’, she’s actually such a loyal person. She carried the bad reputation as the traitor, wandered around provinces to absorb knowledge that could never be learned in Mikawa. I’ve finally understand the reason why Ojou-sama always shield for her as her eternal dear friend) ashamed for her own narrow-minded.

Even the rare woman castle lord of the cavalry unit in the Tokugawa army, Ii Naotora also (Let’s do it. I’ve already received the ‘death moment’ that I won’t regret even if to die in the battlefield) bited her lips.

(……..We Tokugawa retainers……) 

(That’s right. Even if to carry whatever kind of bad reputation, even if to make whatever kind of sacrifice)

(The title as the strongest in the world to Takeda-sama. Let Ojou-sama to be the emperor)

Tadakatsu and others held their hands with each other, vowed ‘victory’. Although this a Oda clan ritual style that was not favored by the Mikawa with strong village feeling, but under the situation of not making noise, they can only communicate each other with their bodies. Until before this, the Mikawa samurais fought to protect Mikawa and Oumi without even have the thoughts of the ‘future’ of ‘the world belongs to Tokugawa’, Ojou-sama endured so many great defeats resiliently and continued to fight with Takeda Shingen as her opponent during the battle of Mikatagahara, and now she had finally being acknowledged by Shingen, they told their feelings to each other through gazes.

There was only one exception, only Hattori Hanzo still had the bad feeling regarding the matter of Ieyasu breaking apart with the Oda clan and Sagara Yoshiharu, he fell into a contradiction. As a ninja, Hanzo was very persistant in his reservation of not serving the ‘Tokugawa clan’ but ‘Ieyasu’ personally instead.

(In this goes on, then we have no choice but to confront with Sagara Yoshiharu who led to the ‘future’ of granting the Tokugawa clan

independence. If the ‘final record’ of ‘future diary’ engraved on the ‘Hokoji Bonsho’ witnessed by Masanobu is correct, then the ‘future’ of Ojou-sama that we Tokugawa retainers suppose to fight for, probably not the world of

Oda clan, but the world of Tokugawa clan…….by pushing Ojou-sama to the position as the emperor. Perhaps that is the ‘fate’ of Ojou-sama. But……in

the end, does that ‘future’ is the ‘future’ that Ojou-sama looking forward to? 

Even if not choose to be the emperor but to be a Mikawa Banzai master or as a rice merchant, we are suppose to let Ojou-sama selects her own ‘future’ right. Just like what Takeda Shingen doubted of, Honda Masanobu was confused by her own affections against Ojou-sama, being subtly induced by Hosokawa Fujitaka who inherited the ‘Kokondenju’, she’s being controlled right, is it really fine to do this)

However, ninja ultimately was just a ninja. To put forward an objection against the Mikawa samurais united for the sake of ‘Tokugawa clan’, as a ninja, Hanzo couldn’t do it.

Nevertheless—-how far does Shingen’s regret go.

It was precisely because of the Tokugawa retainers witnessed the command of Shingen with wisdom beyond human and how formidable the Takeda army was at Mikatagahara with their own eyes, they could understand. Just like Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen bore up friendship and bonded together during the death fight at Kawanakajima, a bond was born between Takeda Shingen and Tokugawa Ieyasu as well. Probably the battle of Mikatagahara was the beginning of everything. Probably in somewhere of

the depths of Shingen’s heart, she was hoping Ieyasu, who rushed out Hamamatsu Castle and challenged her a duel recklessly, who had the courage to confront her directly even after being crushed at Mikatagahara, hoping her to grow into a general suitable to be her successor. That could be said as a bond between a mother who pushed her child into a bottomless abyss continuously and her child endured it and insisted to climb up no matter how many times were being pushed in this chaotic era.

(……..Despite she is a person that abandoned her father and thought herself has no right to be a parent and refuse to give birth……..but actually she’s tempering and training Ojou-sama like what a mother will do. Perhaps until the end she also won’t realize it)

While self-muttered in her heart, Honda Tadakatsu silently lowered her head.

The door opened slowly, and then, Shingen appeared in front of Tadakatsu and others.

That was not right. It was different from when they met each other at Mikatagahara. She was so thin that didn’t even resembles her figure during that time, Tadakatsu lost her words.

Shingen, “I see. Although it’s my first time to see your face without makeup, but you certainly have the face of a samurai. Despite belongs to the same Honda clan, you and Honda Masanobu are so different, just like oil and water.” smiled.

“You are the one that swung ‘Tonbogiri’ at Mikatagahara to halt the attack from Yamagata Masakage and protected Ieyasu, Honda Tadakatsu huh. If you were not there, Ieyasu will become a raccoon soup at Mikatagahara already. Huhu. To that raccoon, you certainly is a rare retainer—-”

“Tadakatsu. I bestow you the title of ‘the unrivaled in Togoku’, unleash your power as you please in the greatest Japan war,” Shingen said to Tadakatsu. Tadakatsu “I will never disappoint you” was so excited until she couldn’t say anything more.

“And then—-long time no see, Hattori Hanzo. Due to some reason I left the main forces of the Sanada ninjas at Shinano. The missions usually carried out by the Sanada ninjas, this time the Hattori gang will carry out them.”

“…….Understood. Shingen, we’ve crossed hands for a long time, but I really never expect we will be in a lord-subordinate relationship.” 

“Fufu. You are the only one not feeling pleased here. Do you favor Sagara Yoshiharu and Oda Nobuna that much? If you really reluctant to leave them, I won’t stop you from going to the Oda side.”

“……..My lord is Ojou-sama and Ojou-sama alone. I’m an emotionless and cold-blooded ninja, that’s none of your concern.”

“It did sounds like what Hanzo will say. Sounds terrific…….and then, the woman beside you, who is she?”

“Ha! I’m Ii Naotora that leads the Tokugawa cavalry unit! A very precious lady warlord in this Sengoku Era!”

“…….I don’t think so. If it’s lady warlord, the Oda clan or even the Takeda clan also has a lot of them……”

“I’m not a maiden general, but a common lady that’s going to get married to the Ii clan! However, my husband died in the battlefield before the wedding, so I can only support the Ii clan as a warlord, adopt and raise Naomasa, the son of my husband and his mistress!”

“…….Your male luck is quite terrible. You missed the wedding day huh……well forget it. The horses from Tokugawa are too weak. I lend the Takeda ‘Akazonae’ to you. Go ahead.”

“W-What!? I got the the ‘Akazonae’ that has brilliant achievements in war!? My pleasure! I will never disappoint you!”

The Takeda clan and Tokugawa clan had now mingled with each other already.

“Although I want to hold a banquet, but every second counts in a war. The Takeda clan will mobilize immediately too. So you guys as well, please do,” Shingen dispatched Tadakatsu and others to the battlefield. 

However, the ‘battle’ between the Oda clan and Tokugawa clan would begin in this Kiyosu Castle of Owari at the next moment.

The ninjas of the Hattori gang led by Hattori Hanzo lighten up the bonfire that only the Hattori gang can interpret of.

Hanzo witnessed the bonfire, “Hoho”, he reflexively sounded—-there was no time to hesitate anymore.

“Two ninjas from the Western Army has infiltrated the Kiyosu Castle. It’s clear that the secret of Ojou-sama switched to a shadow warrior and the condition of Takeda Shingen has been exposed. We can never let them leave Kiyosu Castle alive! Hattori clan! Build the barrier in the castle!

Annihilate those two ninjas thoroughly! Go!”

Hanzo did not even has the leisure to say goodbye with Takeda Shingen and others, he immediately jumped over the high wall.

(The enemy spies are risking their lives right from the beginning. They even grasped secret affairs to this extent……if I were to lower my guard a little, the result is deadly to us)

He immediately eliminated his wavering heart, eliminated his emotions and turned into a ‘real emotionless and cold-blooded ninja’.

The two ninjas that infiltrated the Kiyosu Castle and found out the ‘secrets’ of Takeda and Tokugawa were none other than Hachisuka Goemon who well known of the structure of Kiyosu Castle and her younger sister, Ishikawa Kazumune.

As the first battle between the Oda clan and Tokugawa clan, right now, the battle between Hattori Hanzo and Hachisuka Goemon had begun in the darkness. 

“Nagamatsu, we were found out by the Hattori gang degozaru! We go two different directions immediately degozaru!”

“One person must survive and reach to the side of Sagara-shi, siwster.” “Uhmu. I will head ‘above’ degozaru! Nagamatsu head ‘below’!”

“Heading ‘above’ will totally expose yourself, sister. Do you want to act as the baiwt? I’m not allowing you to do that.”

“No room for discussion now! Live on well, Nagamatsu!”

The Hattori gang led by Hattori Hanzo and Koga-Iga ninjas excel in Taijutsu.

While Goemon who born as a Tanba ninja is also excels in Taijatsu and survived until now.

Even without any experience of battling with each other before, they could still estimate the power of each other to quite some extent.

No matter the numbers, or the geographical advantage of ‘in Kiyosu Castle’, the Hattori gang also had overwhelming advantages.

The chances of the both of us being killed was probably 90%. While Goemon jumped to the air, landed and ran on the rooftop tiles silently, she calmed calculated. In that way, Kazumune can only run on the ground. Of course, the person running on the ground and aim to escape through the moat had a greater chance to survive than the one being exposed to enemy sight.

(The incurable disease suffered by Takeda Shingen. Tokugawa Ieyasu switched with shadow warrior. Both are also top secrets to the Eastern Army that could never be leaked out. Or else the advantage owned by the Eastern Army will collapse in one blow, the ‘tide’ will turn to the Western Army. That’s why, it’s already impossible for both of us to leave Owari alive. Then at least, I have to let Nagamatsu return to the side of Sagara-shi…….!) 

However, even so it was not guaranteed that Nagamatsu could get away alive.

Goemon now must attract the attentions of more ninjas as possible and buy more time.

But she was too worried of Kazumune and miscalculated. Surprisingly, the Hattori gang did not rush up to the rooftop in a group.

“Hachisuka Goemon. With your ability to survive even after fought with the Fuma ninjas of Kanto and Hagakure ninjas of Kyushu, containing ten ninjas you can buy the time of ten people, containing hundred ninjas you probably can also buy the time of hundred people I believe. Although this sounds like something a ninja shouldn’t do, but I decide to challenge you for a duel. This act seems like I’ve going for the long route, but actually it’s the best route.”

There was only one person, the leader of the Hattori gang, Hattori Hanzo appeared ‘lightly in front of Goemon with chain sickles surrounding him.

Ever since the incident of Okehazama, the Oda and Tokugawa had been an alliance until now.

Ever since Hattori Hanzo accepted the ‘wager’ from Sagara Yoshiharu—-.

This person was not easy to deal with, both ninjas are well known of the power of each other, and now they were confronting each other while closing their distances to a limit distance for a fatal strike. 

“Hattori-shi. The relationship between Oda-hime and Tokugawa-shi can still be restored to the way it is before. Please search for the whereabouts of Tokugawa-shi and save her out along with me degojaru!” 

“Accepting the wager from Sagara Yoshiharu was a success. Ojou-sama achieved independence and miraculously returned to Okazaki Castle of Mikawa. However, the ‘fate’ is trying to lead Ojou-sama to Sekigahara no matter how. Moreover, as a general of the Eastern Army. If Sagara

Yoshiharu did not appear in the first place, perhaps…..”

“Perhaps not Oda-shi, but another commander of the ‘Western Army’ will unfwold a battle with Tokugawa-shi to compete fwor the world. But to fight with Oda-hime, somewthing like that.”

“………Yeah. That was not the real intention of Ojou-sama. However, we have no time to search for Ojou-sama who was hidden by Honda Masanobu. The Takeda-Tokugawa army will advance to Mino after one quarter, unfold an intense battle with the Oda army.”

“There’s still one quarter degozaru. Let’s search for her.”

“That won’t do, too difficult. Ojou-sama is not in Mikawa nor Owari. We Hattori gang had searched all over these two provinces! If the ‘Western Army’ cannot be defeated, then the ‘future’ of Ojou-sama will ends here!”

“Uhmu. Tokugawa-shi, she embraces the ambition of maintaining the frienwdship with Oda-hime eternally. The friendship betweewn Honda Masanobu and Tokugawa-shi…….”

“That’s enough, please don’t speak more than thirty words. I know. Ever since the incident of Honnya Temple Ikki, Masanobu was controlled by her affection against Ojou-sama and wandered for a long time to look for the means to save Ojou-sama. To imprison Ojou-sama, such an act is already something out of the normal track!”

“Even so, do you still want to fight with me, with Sagara-shi, and also fight with Oda-hime?” 

“Of course I don’t want to. However, I also cannot let Ojou-sama heads to the path of destruction.”

“Two fruits can’t be picked up at the same time, isn’t that your motto!” Hanzo was like cut off his confusion, coldly said, pulled out a ninja knife and pounced towards Goemon.

“……Even if I want to, there’s sometimes I can’t pick them up degozaru. But this time.”

Shuu shuu!

Despite knowing that won’t be effective against a strong person like Hanzo, Goemon still chose to move her body horizontally swiftly, gliding in the air while threw out fire arrows to let them explode on the tiles of the rooftop.

“To pick up myself and not giving up Nagamatsu, I choose to violate my own motto degozaru.”

Shurikens were released continuously from the direction of the white smoke.

Uhmu! Those are not normal shurikens! They will change their trajectory according to the wind degozaru! But I can’t dodge them easily in the air!

“Hattori-ryu ultimate shuriken art, ‘Kazaana’!”

Goemon twisted the joints of her body while gliding in the air to dodge the incoming shurikens, but her side belly and both of her arms also received a direct hit from shurikens with one on each part.

If the shurikens were smeared with poison, that definitely would be fatal injuries. However, not to use poison as possible, Hanzo’s unique aesthetics to finish him enemies with solely skills seemed granted Goemon a chance to survive. 

However, the truly terrifying ninjas were those with such intriguing and noble unique aesthetics. If they didn’t have the confidence and ability to carry

through their aesthetics, then they couldn’t be the ninjas to carry through any kind of aesthetics……the likes of ninjas that will defeat their enemies unscrupulously were not worth to be mentioned.

If it’s on the ground, then I can dodge the incoming shurikens with octopus dance like what Sagara-shi did…….Goemon pulled out the shurikens stabbed on her body, tear off clothing to cover the bleeding areas while self- muttered like praying.

“…….Sagara-shi. Looks like this is the end for me. Please take care of Nagamatsu……..pu!?”

That praying words, she couldn’t finish it.

Poom! Hanzo’s elbow landed on the vital point at the back of Goemon relentlessly.

“……Ah…….Kuh……”

“What’s with that to let me reach your rear that easily. Even though you can escape silently without pulling out the shurikens stabbed on your body. A ninja gave up the desire to live will never able to unleash full power. If you confront me will fully intend to kill me, it’s still hard to say who will be the loser. You’ve become a naive person huh. Hachisuka Goemon. Sagara

Yoshiharu’s behavior influenced you as well.”

The reason you lost is due to your ally ninja that infiltrated the Kiyosu Castle along with ninja and your feelings against me who has been your comrade and fought along many times previously. But I’m a real emotionless and cold- blooded ninja. To execute an order, I won’t shed a single tear even it’s to bury you. I won’t wish for your forgive or whatever…..this is the rule of ninjas. Hanzo carry the body of idling Goemon single-handedly and jumped into the white smoke once again—-.

In the meantime, Kazumune was running around the moat silently while avoiding the waves of attacks from the ninjas of Hattori gang came from all directions.

(Sister was killed!? No, she hasn’t! Maybe she used the last resort of the Tanba Ishikawa-ryu, stopped her own heart from beating to further enters a fake death state the moment right before receiving the fatal hit! If it’s now, it’s still possible to wake her up!)

She thought that and looked up at the sky, ‘Shuu shuu’ detonated the smoke bombs and went upwards.

Even though it won’t work against Hanzo, the smoke bombs specially made by Kazumune still work against the ninjas of Hattori gang. At least to the people first time see it.

“Oh no! Sleeping poison was added in it! Do not inhale the smoke!” “Hold your breathe!”

The ninjas that jumped to the air chasing after Kazumune tightly dropped into the moat one by one after inhaling the smoke into their lungs.

“Sister! By now…….by now, to replace me or what, I’ll never allow you to die like this!”

However, Hanzo has anticipated the ambush from Kazumune and disappeared long ago.

“……..I escaped!? Should I choose sister, or my mission, I……..I” 

Chase after Hanzo to save Goemon, or take the chance when Hanzo was still hiding himself to get away from Kiyosu Castle to deliver the secrets of the Eastern Army to Yoshiharu.

(Sister. Sister……even though I have so many things want to talk to you. I

still haven’t ask you how is the time you spent at the side of Sagara-shi. How can you)

For a moment, Kazumune was gliding in the air while hesitating.

At that time, something Kazumune totally unexpected flew into the white smoke where she was—-those entities did not have ‘life’, so she didn’t notice they are closing to her. Moreover, they were in a large number.

“……Uh? Eagles? That’s not right. If these are eagles I should’ve sensed their ‘life’?”

Those were.

A puppet horde with the imitation of eagle appearance.

Kazumune had finally understand, why Goemon said she headed ‘above’, Nagamatsu headed ‘below’.

“These are……puppets…….!? And they are flying!?”

Honda Masanobu learned the puppet art passed on by Matsunaga Hisahide, not only she learned the art. There was once an mechanical expert in Honnya Temple. Masanobu learned the mechanical technology at Honnya

Temple and made the ‘flying puppets’ imitating the model of ‘eagle’, Kazumune realized. However, she lost the opportunity to escape. The soulless puppets would not avert their gazes, would not sleep, and would not cause any confusion. To ninjas excel in Taijatsu and not relying on special abilities, they were the worst opponents could be. With now being surrounded by puppets in the air without anticipation, the only thing Kazumune could do is self-explosion, or choose to fight and then being killed.

“…….no! I refuse to choose any of them degozaru! No matter how, I must reach the side of Sagara-shi…….! Sister, please lend me your power…..!”

The eagle puppets tried to hit Kazumune’s body with their beaks, the net surrounding her shrank immediately.

“Unfortunately. Ishikawa Kazumune, you can’t return already. Kazumune lightly closed her eyes.

The quiet, countryside scenery and the mountains of Sasayama of Tanba surprisingly appeared in the mind of Kazumune.

It was just like a real scenery that actually existed right in front of her eyes.

In the mountains of that Sasayama of Tanba, the figures of Goemon and Kazumune when they were young between the trees was seen.

Everytime when Kazumune was slipped and going to drop down from a tree, Goemon would definitely extend her little hand swiftly to save her.

No matter when, she would come to save her.

The Ishikawa clan became an ‘exile ninja clan’, when Kazumune was being captured by the leader as a hostage and detained at Sasayama, she still believed it.

Sister would come to save me someday—–.

As long as I live on, that day will definitely comes.

She would say, Nagamatsu, your sister has come to meet with you, with a smile. 

When that dream at Tanba has been realized, why didn’t I chose to be honest, hug with sister and cry, why I chose to reject the hand extended by sister, Kazumune thought

Nagamatsu. Nagamatsu.

Your sister has come to meet you—-.

In front of Kazumune’s eyes, Goemon was speaking with a biting tongue and showed a smile.

I see.

Sister has come to save me, save me to leave from this world, her soul was not in this world anymore…….., Kazumune thought.

The next time we were born as humans, we will never be a sibling of ninjas being toyed by this chaotic world, but in a world without war.

Kazumune tightly grasped the white hand extended by Goemon.