Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 17 - Chapter 4

Chapter 4 

Concealment killing technique 

"Unyuu. So you are here, Matsudairau-shi! No, you are Tokugawa-shi now nya.”

In a dark room of a tea house, Matsudaira Motoyasu who changed her name to Tokugawa Ieyasu was scared of meeting ninja again and her body went limp along with a shout "Ah wa wa”.

"Ha, Ha, Hachisuke Goemon-san! ? Why are you here! ?”

"Oh no. If I am found out by the owner of the tea house then I am done for. I am 'Ishikawa Kazumune' degozaru.”

"Ishikawa Kazumune-san? Eh eh? Who is that~? It's Goemon-san, right? There should be no other red-eyed young ninja with a biting tongue other than Goemon-san~?”

"Shh! I am Ishikawa Kazumune degozaru! The ninjas have set a barrier in this tea house degojaru! Please call me Ishikawa Kazumune degojaru!”

The ninja with a biting tongue that called herself 'Ishikawa Kazumune' was actually Hachisuke Goemon. Goemon who was supposed to be executed by Hattori Hanzo at Kiyosu Castle, how was she able to stay alive and infiltrated into the tea house where the real Tokugawa Ieyasu was?

Goemon explained what happened at Kiyosu Castle to Ieyasu with a biting tongue.

"In order to get ack Tokugawa-shi from Honda-shi, Hattori-shi searched all around Mikawa, Totomi, and Owari.”

"Can't find me ne~. Since I am in Kyoto~. In the tea house of Shiro Saburo- san who does business in Kyoto~.’Hide the leaves in a forest', Masanobu- 

san dodged the searching area of the Hattori gang led by Hanzo. . . . . and boldly hide me in Kyoto which is a territory of Oda by Kichi-nee~.”

Goemon learned several secret affairs of the Eastern Army after infiltrated into Kiyosu Castle with Ishikawa Kazumune "Tokugawa Ieyasu was replaced by shadow warrior by the hands of Honda Masanobu. Breaking off Oda clan and Tokugawa clan was also a plan of Honda Masanobu”

“Takeda Shingen is going to die of illness", forced to face the Hattori gang headed by Hattori Hanzo in Kiyosu Castle. The battle of two excellent ninjas ended with Hanzo victory. And then Ishikawa Kazumune also had taken down by the puppet controlled by Honda Masanobu---- that was what supposed to happen.

However, Goemon was still alive. Not only that, she even swapped identity with Ishikawa Kazumune and sneaked into the Kyoto tea house of Shiro Saburo and found Ieyasu.

"Goemon-san, how you got out from the predicament and reached here! ?”

"What you talking about. I have been a friend of Hattori-shi for a long time while the real Ishikawa Kazumune is my younger sister. We did a little trick in a hurry.

Ninjas always regard their skills to survive as the highest priority. They do not have the esthetics to fight until dead in battle like samurai. Therefore, ninjas had many 'escape skills' in their hands. Once upon a time, Hattori Hanzo used 'dust concealment technique' to save Yoshiharu from his predicament in the retreat in Kanegasaki. At that time Zenki swapped with Sagara Yoshiharu and exploded in front of enemy eyes. At the same time, Sagara Yoshiharu was buried underground and barely survived----. 

"This is I used the 'concealment killing technique' that my sister proud of degozaru.”

"Concealment killing?”

"Is an ultimate technique that ables your own heart to stop beating temporarily through your own will.”

"That that that, is that something can be done?”

"It does is a desperate technique that will lose your own life once you exceeded the limit.”

Goemon recalled what happened in Kiyosu Castle of Owari after being discovered by the Hattori gang and narrated it to Ieyasu. 

In Kiyosu Castle of Owari, Goemon acted as the bait and fought with Hanzo to let Kazumune escape, before Hanzo was able to win Goemon with his 'heartless', both of them were in 'a duel with real weapons' that bet their lives with.

But Hanzo carried the exhausted Goemon who lost fighting ability into the smoke and suggested 'cooperation' to Goemon by whispering 'ninja language’.

“.. . . . . Unyuu. Why don't you kill me?”

"In the end, my master is Tokugawa Ojou-sama. Even if I killed you sisters in Kiyosu, that would be what Honda Masanobu like to see. I want to oppose Honda Masanobu with my own will. Ojou-sama's fate should be created by her own will. I must find where Ojou-sama is before it's too late. Just like in the 'battle of Okehazama', I want to bet again this time.”

"That means let us sisters to help you find Tokugawa-shi?”

"Ishikawa Kazumune is going to show up to save you and being ambushed by the barrier and puppet prepared by Honda Masanobu. She cannot escape that easily. Therefore. . . . . . . . Ishikawa Kazumune would 'die' here.”

"Unyuu. This is a plan to save us sisters na, Hattori-shi.”

"That's right. It seems I have infected the habit from Sagara Yoshiharu. You are a retainer of Sagara Yoshiharu. I will use Kazumune as the 'hostage' for negotiation in case that Oda clan won in the battle, I will extradite her to Honda Masanobu. For the Hattori gang to not be able to find Ojou-sama, meaning she's hidden deep in enemy base--- In Kinai. Kyoto or maybe Sakai. There's someone intercommunicate with Honda Masanobu in Kinai somewhere. Maybe that person is not a samurai. Masanobu will surely hide Ishikawa Kazumune in her own 'hidden house’.So Kazumune will collect information in the hidden house, escape, and find out where Ojou-sama is.”

“.. . . . . . . Understood degozaru.”

Goemon accepted Hanzo's suggestion. Ever since Honda Masanobu left Mikawa, she served Matsunaga Danja to join the battle with Honnya Temple, and wandered in Kinai for a long time. It could be said that she had built 'human relations' that was different from the 'world' of samurai in Kinai.

Masanobu used her personal human relation and hid the real Tokugawa Ieyasu in the territory of the Oda clan. Ever since the Oda clan and Tokugawa clan broke up, the Hattori gang that served under the Eastern Army couldn't mobilize easily around Kyoto and Sakai, that was why they couldn't find her. 

Masanobu's intention was really unpredictable. By taking into custody of Sagara Yoshiharu's retainer, she could use it as a 'trump card' to protect Tokugawa clan when the Oda clan won in the decisive battle. It was a waste to kill both sisters. Hoping to make sure one of them, Goemon or Ishikawa Kazumune would be alive. That should be what she was thinking.

The other thing was the place to imprison the hostage---- the Tokugawa military base that was going to have a war was unsuitable. It must be a place that was far from the army and hard to escape---- It should be somewhere in Kinai just like hiding Ieyasu in a 'hidden house' with her 'human relation’.In that case, Kazumune would be able to get closer to where Ieyasu is.

"Oh oh. Look, it's Ishikawa Kazumune! She's going to be killed by the puppets! Goemon, go and save her.”

"Hattori-shi, even your way of talking is also becoming like Sagara-shi.”

“.. . . . . . . No. Wait. We must let Honda Masanobu to actually see one of you is dead. She probably doesn't have the leisure to hold two hostages at once. Use the dust concealment technique to blow off Ishikawa Kazumune. But there's no substitute that looks like her! Although you do look like her, but there's no meaning to blow off you. . . . . . . !

"My sister is an expert in using 'concealment killing technique' degozaru. She used it beautifully at Sasayama and Tamba before degojaru.”

"The technique to stop the heart beating huh. Can you two really swap with each other? Actually, you two really look alike! Although it's very dangerous, we have no choice but to do it.”

When Ishikawa Kazumune jumped to the air to ready to be killed by the surrounding puppets. 

Hanzo and Goemon released again the white smoke, fly into the barrier made by the puppets, barely saved Kazumune from the successive exploding puppets.

When Kazumune was saved by her sister, she had mistaken it as a dream, or thought that the dead Goemon's soul came here to welcome her to 'that world’.But when the moment Goemon caught her hand, she came to realize the truth that it was not a dream neither hallucination, her sister was still alive. In an instant, both of them conveyed their intentions through gazes.

"Nagamatsu. Hurry up and use the concealment killing technique to enter the fake death condition degozaru.”

No need to doubt. Ishikawa Kazumune believed her sister's 'voice', let her own heart stop beating, stopped her breathing and cut off her consciousness.

After the plan suggested by Goemon and Hanzo carried out spontaneously in front of Honda Masanobu indifferently. The fortunate thing was the non- stop exploding of puppets previously blocked the vision causing Honda Masanobu unable to notice what 'trick' they used in the smoke while running on the ground.

Hanzo put Goemon's and Kazumune's bodies on his shoulders and landed in front of Masanobu soundlessly.

"Hachisuka Goemon suicided in exchange for her sister's life.’River ninja should return to the river’.That was her last words---- I worked with Goemon for a long time. Throw her into the moat. The moat of Kiyosu Castle that connects with Kiso River.”

Honda Masanobu asked "Is she really dead?”, then placed her ear in front of 'Goemon's' chest to confirm there is no more beating sound. Opened her eyes to confirm it was red. Her pupils were scattered. She'd already died, Masanobu mumbled.

“.. . . . . In the Shoso-in (treasure house) of Todai Temple, we miraculously met once when she's searching for Ranjatai while I'm searching for the future note. Since we had already caused Sagara Yoshiharu's partner to die, the Tokugawa clan has no way to turn back anymore. . . . . . . . .”

"No. I caught her sister, Ishikawa Kazumune. When she's going to be blown off by the puppets, I saved her in that possible moment. You who had defeated in the Mikawa conflict and the battle Honnya Temple should understand that a plan devised by the strategist doesn't necessary to be succeeded. A person's wise alone cannot win against the fate---- A 'trump card' in case anything happens is necessary, Honda Masanobu.”

“.. . . . . . I see. We can create the fact that Hachisuka Goemon is safe by capturing her sister, we can use her as a chip for negotiation in the worst occasion.”

"That's right. I will leave Ishikawa Kazumune to you. I have already complied my promise with Goemon. You can do anyhow you want after this.”

Honda Masanobu "Ishikawa Kazumune, I will tell my puppet to hide you somewhere the Western Army cannot find" nodded while caught the body of Ishikawa Kazumune from Hanzo. However, that Kazumune was not really Kazumune, she was Goemon.

“.. . . . . Farewell"

Concealment Killing Technique is really powerful. Even I can only see it as a dead body with my eyes and completely fooled a wise person like Honda Masanobu. Hanzo threw the dead body of Hachisuka Goemon---- who was actually Ishikawa Kazumune entered the fake death condition with technique---- into the moat.

"However, Hanzo. If the hostage intended to escape, our promise is considered invalid.”

"Sure. Just like what I said, you can do anyhow you want after this.”

"And so Ishikawa Kazumune flowed from the moat of Kiyosu Castle into the branch of Kiso River in fake death condition, Goemon was transported to Kyoto through mountain circuit by the puppets. Hanzo's inference was correct. Honda Masanobu's 'hidden house' was in Kyoto. And---- out of expectation, in the 'hidden house' also contains the 'real' Tokugawa Ieyasu. 

"Uwah. That means to deceive Masanobu-san, Kazumune-san used the 'Concealment Killing Technique' ne. Kazumune-san escaped through water path from the moat while Goemon-san was sent to this tea house where I am as a hostage! But how you and Kazumune-san exchanged identities at that moment~?”

"We two are nearly identical so we just exchange our scarfs. I just have to give my sister the skull scarf then we can fool over others.”

"Isn't easier to success by telling Masanobu-san that Kazumune was dead?”

There were a few reasons for it, Goemon who disguised as Kazumune cleared her throat. 

"The important thing is if we tell that 'Ishikawa Kazumune' was dead, the dead body might receive another final hit.”

"I, I see. If a knife was stabbed into her heart then she probably will really die~. Although Masanobu-san rarely does something bloody like that, but the possibility still exists. By the way, why 'Goemon-san' won't receive the final blow?”

"Because she knew Goemon since at Nara, Todai Temple. I fought with Danjo's puppets because she learned the techniques from Danjo.”

"From what I saw, the Honda-shi I met at Shoso-in was a pure maiden general that thinks for her lord, but she wears the mask of an evil person to change the fate of Tokugawa-shi degojaru", Goemon said. Ieyasu "Is that so.

. . . . . the Masanobu-san now considered too much for me and willing to act the 'hateful evil character’.. . . . .” felt dejected.

“.. . . . The gathering of several miracles and coincidences, and now we at last succeeded. . . . . . . but I am wondering something. Why Goemon-san was sent to this tea house where I am ne.’

"Shh. I am Ishikawa-shi degozaru.”

"Yes, yes, but, Ishikawa-san! Even if she's trying to isolate you from the Hattori gang, but once I encounter with Yoshiharu-san's ninja, isn't there a chance we will cooperate and escape from here? I feel like Masanobu-san is a little careless at the crucial moment.”

"Unyuu. I also do not understand about that.”

"Maybe she is confident about the barrier of this tea house~. Because I am very clumsy, so I cannot escape no matter where I am imprisoned. But for her to put a ninja-san into here.” 

"That's right. You guys can't escape once you entered here. Welcome to Chaya house. I won't allow you guys to get out until the battle of Sekigahara ends so please be patient", a maiden with a little Kyoto dialect appeared in front of Goemon.

"I am the owner of this Chaya house, the second generation, Chaya Shiro Saburo. Here is the 'below path of Shin’.Just right around Honnou Temple that Oda Nobuna-sama always stays. The battle of Sekigahara seems to be going to end soon unexpectedly. The world will soon belong to Tokugawa Ieyasu-sama. Until then, please be patient and wait. Tada, this is 'Snapper Tempura' yo.”

Around Honnou Temple! ? Too close, it really is a bold place that Akechi-shi won't notice easily degojaru, Goemon rolled her tongue, biting while rolling her tongue.

"Us Chaya family was originally a retainer of the Shinano protector, Ogasawara Nagatoki. When the Ogasawara clan was defeated by Takeda Shingen in the 'battle of Shiojiritouge', we followed Nagatoki-san and escaped to Kinai. Seeing that the Ogasawara clan can no longer be rejuvenated, we went with the flow and become clothes seller, selling clothes to the Kengou Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru.”

"The exclusive merchant for the Ashikaga clan huh.”

"Well, that was a matter of the previous generation. I am the second generation. I never met directly with Ashikaga Yoshiteru-san before, but if Yoshiteru-san who we are in debt asked to join the Eastern Army, we have to support the Eastern Army. After persuaded by Honda-san to become the spy of the Eastern Army, suddenly got the request 'please keep Ieyasu-sama here for a moment’.. . . . . . what if things were exposed to Oda Nobuna- 

sama. . . . . . . and now, even Ishikawa-san who serves Sagara clan are also here. What a trouble.”

"Unyuu, the former protector of Shinano, Ogasawara Nagatoki being expelled from Shinano after being defeated by Takeda Shingen. It does have this person, never thought there will be a spy living near Honnou Temple due to coincidence", Goemon instinctively gave out a sigh.

"Ishikawa-san. It's impossible to run now, please be honest. The Iga Momochi gang headed by Momochi Tanba constructed a barrier here.”

"Momochi Tanba! Isn't he a Jonin in Iga that rivals the Hattori gang!”

"Hattori-san served a long time in Mikawa, and now the Iga province belongs to Momochi-san. And that Momochi-san is supporting Honda Masanobu-san now.”

"Why?”

"If Oda Nobuna Ojou-chan who wants to unite Japan to become a 'country' has gotten the world, then the land of freedom, Iga province will surely be annexed by the Oda regime. But if they choose to assist the Tokugawa clan in the dark to take over the world, the 'government' will guarantee the Iga ninjas a certain extent of freedom. They are the same as the Hattori gang that born in Iga---- they are quite fearful of Nobuna-sama after seeing her attempt of burning Hiei Mountain and fight to the death with the Saika Ikki.”

"We did not fear", an uncleared male voice was heard from the ceiling.

"That fellow called Ishikawa. I am Momochi Tanba that leads the Iga ninjas. In the situation where the Hattori gang follows the Eastern Army, it's better for the Momochi gang to choose the Western Army. In that way, the Iga ninjas can survive no matter which side is the winner. That should be the correct choice, however! Oda Nobuna and her retainers defeated the people in the world of 'darkness' that stays in Japan since the ancient---- the monks of Hiei Mountain, priests, Omnyoji, and Honnya Temple Ikki. They destroyed the barrier constructed by Abe no Seimei in Heian period entirely. Everyone knows that Iga is a province of ninjas, a province of 'darkness’.If the samurais unite the country, Iga will definitely fall into the hands of Oda Nobuna. That is unforgivable. Therefore, I lead the Iga to join the Eastern Army. No matter you or Tokugawa-sama also don't think of leaving this tea house, until the battle ends in Sekigahara. Fufu. Hahahahaha!”

The 'Hattori gang' consisted of Iga-Koga ninjas built by Hattori Hanzo, due to serving for a long time in Mikawa, most of the ninjas in Hattori gang had their own territory in the territory of Tokugawa. The local Iga ninjas were now ruled by Momochi Tanba.

The Momochi family lived in seclusion in the mountains of Iga for a long time to protect the ancient Iga traditions. They are different from Hattori Hanzo that fought along with Oda Nobuna and Sagara Yoshiharu with the old traditions as a rival to open the road of 'modern’.They are also not the retainers of Tokugawa Ieyasu. With things have gotten this far, conversations won't bring us any result degozaru. It's hard for me to speak too long as I will bite my tongue when reaching 30 words. . . . . . . Goemon sighed.

"The fellow called Ishikawa. If you still considered yourself a Tanba ninja, then don't assist Oda Nobuna who wanted to use light to shine the world of 'darkness' with the intention of changing it. Honda Masanobu is a woman that no one can figure out what she's thinking, but she's a person that use tactics as a strategist of Honnya Temple and a confidant of Matsunaga Danjo in the world of 'darkness', the existence of 'darkness' is necessary to her. As long as Honda Masanobu wins, the era where the people in the world of 'darkness' can still make use of their abilities will continue. No matter Iga ninjas or Koga ninjas, Oda Nobuna and the future person, Sagara Yoshiharu that intended to destroy Japan traditions are unforgivable. Think carefully about it.”

Momochi Tanba's words did sound convincing. Oda Nobuna and Sagara Yoshiharu, and Takenaka Hanbei and Kuroda Kanbei, fought to make the 'middle age Japan' advance to 'modern Japan', or rather, 'modern Zipangu’.Not only they fought with samurais and generals---- not only lived a life in 'conquering the country’.Destroying the barrier of Hiei Mountain, rescission the monk soldiers, rescission of Honnya Temple soldiers and stopped the Honnya Temple Ikki, abolition of prisons, new towns, rearrange streets. The commercial business of 'tea utensils' that had never been seen in history. They even started to go for the idea of 'uniting currencies’.

The existence of 'ninja' and the 'province of ninja' named 'Iga' probably could not escape from the fate of being consumed by 'Zipangu’.Although the 'job' of ninja that carried out spy activities that samurais could not do would never disappear, but the 'province of ninja' could not be maintained anymore.

"Honda Masanobu has a whole new idea of building the 'imperial city' by Tokugawa clan. In that imperial city, once again gather the people from darkness and surface, priests, ninjas, all the people from the 'darkness’.Building a perfect barrier imitating Kyoto that can cut off all the enemies and weakens the generals that bring threat to Tokugawa clan one by one in order to stop the 'time' of Japan and maintain Japan to become the 'world of Tokugawa clan' for a few hundred years. Tokugawa-sama. As long as you keep quiet and stay here without doing anymore, that permanent imperial city. A 'castle' that will protect you from Oda, Takeda and Nanban will be in our hands. Do you understand? If you understand then don't think of doing something with this fellow called Ishikawa!”

Momochi Tanba advised Ieyasu. And then Ieyasu shook her fox ears accessory and talked loudly.

"Excludes Kichi-nee and stops Japan from advancing to become a new country to ensure my safety, something like that! Masanobu-san's care for me is a wonderful thing. But I don't want an 'imperial city' like that! Japan did not exist for the sake of the Tokugawa clan! Not even belongs to me, Tokugawa Ieyasu alone! For the sake of my safety, stops the 'time' of Japan, imitates Kyoto and build a perfect barrier to cut off from all the enemies, weakens generals that threaten Tokugawa clan one by one---- It's obvious that Nanban and other countries are advancing to the age of discovery and slowly changing the pattern of the world, for Japan to close its door from the world and enter a long-term 'hibernation' is absolutely self-destruction! First of all, even if I eventually have to carry the 'fate' of becoming the emperor, it's my decision to take over the world or not! My 'future'! It must be decided by my own! I must win against it in my own way! Momochi Tanba! Get away!”

The usual Ieyasu was clumsy and gentle. However, once she had resolved and made her 'choice', she would release her stubbornness and compassion that no one could waver. Now, the anger and strong resolution released by Ieyasu had reached to the extent that Goemon went speechless. If Sagara Yoshiharu was here, maybe he would pat his knees and shout "The Ieyasu lord has finally awakened!”.

Even a veteran ninja like Momochi Tanba was also overwhelmed by Ieyasu's shout.

“.. . . . . . I'm sorry for my discourteous. . . . . . . .” 

He slowly stepped back.

The scent of Momochi Tanba disappeared in the ceiling. However, he did not dispel the barrier.

"Ishikawa-san. As the lord of the Tokugawa clan, I must leave here as soon as possible. That is my responsibility, my duty. I cannot entrust the 'future' of the Tokugawa clan and everything to shadow warrior-san and Masanobu- san. If I cannot return to the Tokugawa clan before the battle of Sekigahara ends, I will become a nun in this Chaya house! Go to Mount Koya!”

That won't do. That's reckless! Chaya Shiro Saburo lamented.

"Chaya-san, I will pay you an enormous amount of compensation later! Ishikawa-san!”

"As you command. However, it's hard for us to get away from the barrier constructed by Momochi gang degozaru. Momochi Tanba is the strongwest ninja in Iga. He didwn't diswpel the baggier ewen when yu shouted at him. How nabout we take Chaya as the hostaje and ged away from here?”

(TL note: Goemon is tongue biting in nearly the entire paragraph)

"What are you saying, I cannot understand! Huh? Don't tell me this is the 'language of ninja'? That', that's terrifying. . . . . . . !”

Bad things come one after another. When Chaya Shiro Saburo was having a hard time without knowing what was that ninja whispering to Ieyasu who awakened as the 'lord', a more troublesome character appeared.

That character was----.

"Good morning, Chaya-chan! Your former lord, Ogasawara Nagatoki is here to eat snapper tempura~! I am hungry! If you don't take out snapper tempura, I'm gonna eat Chaya-chan! Hahaha!” 

The 'not welcomed guest' of Chaya Shiro Sabura, the former protector of Shinano, Ogasawara Nagatoki.

After defeated by Takeda Shingen and expelled from Shinano, Ogasawara Nagatoki sought shelter from Uesugi Kenshin, he was 'one of the most perverted people in Japan’.A pervert in Sengoku. Of course, he shouted "Kenshin~chan!” when trying to assault Kenshin and being kicked out, afterward went to Miyoshi clan, but he triggered something like uproar against Matsunaga Danjo in the Miyoshi clan, ultimately being sent to the Shogun in Kyoto, Ashikaga Yoshiteru.

After Ashikaga Yoshiteru drove off by the Miyoshi Three from the Ashikaga Shogunate, Ogasawara Nagatoki officially became a pathetic wanderer.

Because of being the sworn enemy of Takeda Shingen, he did not invited by Takeda Nobutora to join the 'anti-Oda alliance' despite living in Kyoto.

However, the Chaya family was already a merchant of Kyoto. And now the family master now was the second generation. She was no longer a retainer of Ogasawara Nagatoki, but the Nagatoki with natural 'lord' temperament still believed that Chaya family was his slave.

"Ogasawara-sama? What, what, what are you doing here! ? At, at, at this busy time! ?”

"Aiya. It's been some time since I away from Shinano. The Miyoshi clan and Ashikaga clan disappeared from Kyoto and now I don't have ways to earn income. The only property which is the inheritance right of 'Ogasawara Ritual Law' was also sold cheaply to my relative for money, and I had spent all that money in drinking, gambling and buy something for entertainment! Hahaha!”

"Eheheh? You sold the 'Ritual Law' and used the money for entertainment~? What about rejuvenating the clan?” 

"Hahaha! What clan or not, that's so annoying! Rejuvenating clan worth nothing to me! I just need women to serve me and have fun~! That's why I have to disturb you tonight! Because Chaya-chan earned big money in clothing. Hahaha!”

"Huhu. Don't want~! Now is not the time. . . . . .”

"Shut up. I'm getting hungrier once I am angry! Hurry up and take out the snapper tempura!”

“.. . . . . . Ogasawara-sama is absurdly strong and has bad personality. . . . .”

Ogasawara Nagatoki entered here with force by hitting down the several Momochi ninjas that act as guards with the back of his blade. Although he didn't seems like it, but that man was once a warrior that rivaled the 'lone wolf of Hokushin', Murakami Yoshikiyo. Once he became the real deal, he could unleash 'strength' that broke enemy armor with his blade.

If not because of his exceptional pervertedness, he could be respected as the 'Ogasawara Nagatoki of Sengoku', an unrivaled general, but Nagatoki did not prefer to have a death battle with the beautiful maiden generals headed by Takeda Shingen. He also believed that fighting only limited to men, the existence of cute girls were to be loved by him. Maybe it was the unfortunate of this man to born in the era with maiden generals everywhere.

"Oh! ? Chaya-chan actually has female friend, and there's even two? By the way, a shorty and a green hair fox with glasses. . . . . . . umu. Little girls are not in my area of consideration, the fox with glasses is good but still too young to taste now. . . . . . well never mind. Misses, do you know any pretty elder sisters? Introduce to me!”

Goemon and Ieyasu (Oi oi. He's so disrespectful. Really a strange person) (He seems to be a 'reverse lolicon', we shouldn't have that kind of danger) 

looked at each other, but Ogasawara Nagatoki can take down several ninjas that guard the tea house so he obviously was a quite strong 'warrior’.And he was annoying other than worrying about money. Whatever was fine and wanting to join something interesting, that kind of feeling showed on his face all the time. Regardless he was a bad person or not, he seemed like a man with a child's personality.

(Goemon-san, no, Ishikawa-san. This must be a blessing from God! ) (Yes, that's right! )

That won't do. If this person wants to involve with the intention of entertainment things will be complicated! Chaya Shiro Saburo anxiously wanted to get Ogasawara Nagatoki out of the room. However, Goemon and Ieyasu grasped the chance with tacit understanding and talked to Ogasawara Nagatoki.

"Nice to meet you for the first time. I am a person from Mikawa, my name is Tokugawa Ieyasu. Just like Ogasawara-san, I am a person that fight with Takeda Shingen-san all the time~"

"I am a ninja under Oda Nobuna, Ishikawa Kazumune! I came here to save Tokugawa-shi degozaru!”

"What? Tokugawa Ieyasu. . . . . . . ? Who's that?” "Hoho. My former name is Matsudaira Motoyasu~!”

"Ahah. The fox girl of Mikawa huh. The person that being chased by the Takeda cavalry unit in Mikatagahara until had incontinence. Even I also lost interest in that aspect. . . . . . . It shrank.”

"I did not have incontinence! Tokugawa-clan now was taken over by the Takeda clan due to reasons~" 

"I see. Something like that happened? I'm busy in chasing girls so I am not clear of the circumstances. Hahaha.”

"Please take me to Sekigahara, Ogasawara-san. I will pay you a lot! I will give you one year worth of Mikawa Manzai! I will share you the dealing right of Haccho miso! And then recommend you to the ministers in Kyoto as the inheritor of 'Ogasawara Ritual Law'!”

"What? I don't care Manzai or what. But can I really become a minister?”

"Yes. Please continue to inherit the 'bow art· horse art· art ritual law', Ever since Himeko-sama from Yamato Imperial Court gave out her words, Ogasawara Law has been a classical and dignified ritual law. Tokugawa-clan will introduce Ogasawara-san to Imperial Court as a minister in ritual law~"

"Ho. Are you really able to do it, green glasses little girl from Mikawa?”

"Yes! Along with Kichi-nee. . . . . . I mean Oda Nobuna-sama, we will negotiate with her ally, Konoe Sakihisa-sama~!”

"Um? That Konoe fellow, wasn't he went to Kanto with Kenshin-chan already? Since when he joined an alliance with Oda Nobuna?”

"That's something a long time ago. Now, Konoe-sama is an ally and has excellent comprehension with Kichi-nee. The rumor of him wanting to make Kichi-nee's lover, Sagara Yoshiharu-san become his stepson to let him inherit Kanpaku is also going on too.”

"He actually did to that extent! I understand. It's reliable with the help of Kanpaku! I see I see. I am going to become a minister huh. . . . . . .’Shinano protector is a barbarian like Kiso Yoshinaka', I had a tattered reputation in Kyoto, but I will be popular once chasing Kyoto girls with white powder on my face and black teeth. I just have to say 'I am from Kujou' or something whenever introducing myself. Huhuhu. Deal!”

"Luck is on our side Tokugawa-shi! If we can get back the right of command before the battle starts.”

"Then we can stop the battle between Kichi-nee and Tokugawa army! But if the battle started before we arrive then it's too late, even so, I. . . . . . . the real Tokugawa Ieyasu 'returns' to the main camp of Tokugawa, I should be able to change the circumstances drastically!”

"Fufufu. There seems to be some story here, but I am a man with great capability and don't bother details! I won't refuse the help from damsel in distress! But, I can't work without a gain! Okay, you must introduce beautiful girls to me!”

"I can introduce beautiful girls even from Echigo to Kyushu, but most of them are infatuated with Sagara-shi", Goemon sighed.

"Ah ah. That 'monkey from Owari', Sagara Yoshiharu? Hahaha, in comparison definitely I who inherited the bloodline of ultimate ritual law from the noble Ogasawara clan is more handsome!”

"I can't see any nobility in you at all degozaru. That smile is even more disgusting than Sagara-shi degozaru.”

"Eh--shut up, I am hiding my true face here! Once I show my true face all the beautiful girls will change their heart to me! I am the real pervert! I love all of them no matter they are maidens or not or had children or not! Using words from Christian, my love is the agape (TL note: a Greek word meaning the highest form of love or charity) that saves the world!” 

"You must absolutely be mistaken about it. That smile is a smile that makes people born killing intent with a different meaning from Konoe.”

"Well, Ishikawa-san. Now we have to 'endure'~"

“.. . . . . As expected of Tokugawa-shi who get used to adversity.”

"Then, since we have decided now it's time to fight! Beat down the ninjas that surrounding this tea house quickly and get out from here! They are all men so no mercy needed! I'm gonna use the blade to slash them instead of the back of the knife now!”

"Unyuu. Where did that confidence come from degozaru.” "Anyway, thank you very much~"

"Please don't accept~!” Chaya Shiro Saburo got here crying, but Nagatoki "Shut up. I'm gonna do it for sure! Minister, I will become a minister!

Surrounded and welcomed by the Kyoto girls!” took out his blade 'Chiyozuru' from his waist.

"No. Honda Masanobu-san will scold me~! She said that I must absolutely never let Ieyasu-sama out from here before the battle of Sekigahara ends to prevent Ieyasu-sama expose from danger~! You guys actually can't cross over the barrier constructed by Momochi!”

"Is that so. Ieyasu is not a hostage but an 'important person' that needs to be protected with that. If that's the case, then I have an idea to break through the barrier! Although I cannot rival Shingen-chan, I am still a capable wise man! Fufu, fufufu.”

Ogasawara Nagatoki holds 'Chiyozuru' with a hand and grasped Ieyasu's back with another hand. 

"I got Ieyasu! Listen up, ninjas! Who wants to make a move on me, I will immediately take Ieyasu's purity! I'm an ultimate warrior that plays with a woman while swinging my sword! Well, Ieyasu is still too young, but is there anything more fun than playing with a woman on the battlefield! Hahahaha!”

Eheh. . . . . . . it's considered a 'strategy' but so disgusting, too disgusting, Ieyasu was confused, but Chaya Shiro Saburo was too panic that Ieyasu couldn't be compared to.

"Ahahah. Ogasawara-sama will illegal things like simply giving out some excuses and take the girls' purity like nothing to him! Ninja-san please don't do anything~! If Ieyasu-sama had her purity taken, I will definitely be killed by Masanobu-san~!”

"That's right, I am being serious here!’I'm an outlaw'! Hahaha!”

"He's actually serious", Goemon was shocked, Ieyasu (Ahah. . . . . even though I have already grown up and awakened. Now I have to face the danger of purity being taken by my partner I hired. If Masanobu-san knew I lost my purity in Chaya tea house, she definitely couldn't take it and suicide. Sure enough that life is like carrying a heavy burden to climb hill continuously) almost lost her spirit.

Momochi Tanba returned to ceiling "Based on that guy's eyes full of lust, he's serious! If we cannot guard Ieyasu Ojou-chan's purity here, we will be considered as enemies by Honda Masanobu and Tokugawa clan, don't take any action!” shouted at the Momochi gang, Ieyasu and others got out from Chaya tea house, that was what supposed to happen.

However, Honda Masanobu had already let her final 'trump card' to go to Chaya tea house. 

In front of Ogasawara Nagatoki who was hugging Ieyasu with a hand and swing 'Chiyozuru' with another hand at the exit, an old samurai remove his killing intent stood over there. Long and white hair. Apparently, he was like a withered man. But he did not wield a blade.

Bladeless.

This man was so dangerous that causing the confident Ogasawara Nagatoki to utter sad calls "Uh?”, Goemon was reached to the extent that she had to hide in a tatami.

"Although I'm late, but seems to be on time---- people of the Yamato Yagyu village. The heir of 'Shinkage-ryu’.A first generation retainer of Matsunaga Danjo, a 'friend' of Honda Masanobu---- Yagyu Sekishusai.’The lawless man' oh.’The bladeless man' here will never let you pass by.”

"Eh. Don't think you can win with your 'bladeless’.I will throw Ieyasu to you bastard without hesitation!”

"Then just throw her over here. Your little tricks won't work on me.”

"I don't know who is that person called Honda Masanobu, but for her to deploy the Momochi gang and the anonymous monster like Yagyu Sekishusai, I would probably die here", even a warrior like Ogasawara Nagatoki also could not stop his sweating.

Goemon also could not easily figure out the way to defeat the man named 'Yagyu’.Speaking of 'Shinkage-ryu', that was a new sword art created by Joshu Kengou, Kamiizumi Nobutsuna, but the stances of this 'Yagyu' used apparently like the 'mountain villages' of Yamato, Iga, and Koga---- in other words, 'ninja’.That meant Yagyu not only inherited Shinkage-ryu but he was also an exceptional ninja. The ultimate combination of 'two arts' of as Kengou and ninja where both are the opposite to each other, it could be said that he was the perfect form of 'personal battle’.

To be honest, he was a monster born in this Sengoku Era.

Ninjutsu from Goemon, Kenjutsu from Ogasawara Nagatoki, they had to fight Yagyu together. Otherwise, they could not escape from here alive.

(Another first generation retainer of Matsunaga-shi. An abnormal master degozaru)

The province governed by Matsunaga Danjo, Yamato gathered many unbelievably talented people. Matsunaga Danjo herself was a 'puppet user', learned spear art and poison from Kofuku Temple and became a rare 'abnormal samurai' in Sengoku Japan. Danjo not only had Honda Masanobu that inherited the puppet art to serve her but also Yagyu Sekishusai, the 'bladeless man' who was a ninja but inherited Shinkage-ryu to serve her.

It was obvious that Matsunaga-shi entrusted her ambition to Oda-shi. But her disciples were blocking in front of Oda-shi one after another.

This was also a sort of karma, or maybe it was the 'fate' that Oda-shi must win against.

Yagyu Sekishusai took a step to close the distance. Ogasawara Nagatoki bit his teeth but he couldn't move.

(Unyuu. What called bladeless is something strange. If Ogasawara-shi slashes with his knife, that person definitely can catch it)

It was obvious to Goemon that Ogasawara Nagatoki was suppressed. Yagyu Sekishusai was not a common Kengou, neither a common ninja. Nagatoki could not find a suitable way to attack at all. 

(That's what I saw, but if he doesn't choose to slash then the distance will getting closer and being caught)

Goemon took out a smoke bomb and ready to throw it out to provide cover for Ogasawara Nagatoki. However, the Momochi ninjas were getting closer from Goemon's back and her top---- what's more, at the time 'Yagyu' appeared, Momochi Tanba with his face covered got into Goemon's blind spot.

"Huhuhu. It's too late, isn't it? The fellow called Yagyu. Shinobis! Dispose of this ninja little girl when Yagyu is holding off Ogasawara Nagatoki. If Ogasawara Nagatoki threw Ojou-sama to Yagyu, then we no need to be mercy. The ninja little girl and even Ogasawara Nagatoki, we will dispose of them all!”

"Unyuu. One obstacle after another. . . . . . no no, doesn't it seems like 'Difficulties and sufferings'", Goemon smiled bitterly.

"Huhu. I should've left 'the straw doll of Sagara-shi' to Nagamatsu degozaru.”