Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 17 - Chapter 6

Chapter 6 

Megiddo's hill 

Sekigahara, the night before the battle begins was covered with a thick mist. There was only two quarters left till the dawn rises.

Sagara Yoshiharu and his deputy, Sagara Yoshihi on the south of Tenmanyama placed a demo formation with 'chess' of the Eastern and Western Army on the map of Sekigahara. Just like what they had expected, Shingen came here to have a quick battle. Once the mist disappeared along with the dawn, the battle would start regardless of Yoshiharu's consent.

The main forces of the Takeda army headed by the 'Takeda Four Generals' set their base in Momohaiyama and planned to attack Sasaoyama where Nobuna was.

The Tokugawa and Toudou Takatora army, the main factions of the Eastern Army were slowly appearing at the 'crossroad’.

The Ukita Naoie and Kobayakawa army that set their base at Matsuoyama on the left side of Yoshiharu.

"Yoshiharu, the Eastern Army with advantage in numbers surrounded the Western Army with the 'wing' formation. Most likely that the Tokugawa army is aiming for here, the south of Tenmanyama. . . . . . . they intend to capture the south of Tenmanyama before Kuroda Kanbei arrived. Once they captured this mountain, the Eastern Army can hold the entrance from eastern mountain circuit.”

At Yoshiharu's back, Yasuke just came back from Matsuoyama, "It's really troublesome to cross over Ukita Naoie's camp" breathed heavily.

"Your letter has delivered to Kobayakawa Takakage's hands. But she hasn't opened it yet. She said that her decision on strategies would be affected after reading your letter. Seems like she intended to open it at a crucial moment. Sagara Yoshiharu. Is that a letter to persuade her to surrender to the Western Army or a love letter?”

“.. . . . . . Neither of it. It's just 'words' that I want to tell Kobayakawa-san personally no matter what. In that way, Kobayakawa-san will know what my feeling is right now.”

"What, that is? The letter that I risked my life to deliver, is something like seasonal greetings. A chance is here, you can actually make use of the relationship between you and her and persuade her to rebel.”

"If Yoshiharu can do that then we won't be stuck in this grave situation.” Yoshihi smiled bitterly.

The Eastern Army at Nanguyama and Matsuoyama had driven the Western Army to Sasaoyama and Tenmanyama and surrounded them completely.

If Kanbei could not arrive in time, the first one to collapse would be Yoshiharu. Once Ukita-Kobayakawa army from Matsuoyama attacked them, Yoshiharu's army at the south of Tenmanyama would definitely collapse in a moment. The envoy from the only hope, Kanbei hadn't reached here. As expected, they had been trapped at Osaka Castle? Yoshiharu stared at the map.

An 'envoy' that out of their expectation came from Sasaoyama to Yoshiharu's camp.

"My, my, my lord! Yamanaka Shikanosuke has completed her mission and returned safely! Sorry for waiting for me for so longggg!” 

"Shikanosuke? Speak about it you disappeared without telling us. Is it since you knelt and begged to be one of the harem and being rejected? I have forgotten you completely.”

"Uwah. You are so mean right after I come! Thanks for your reward! Ha, ha. .

. . . . . I have completed the secret mission and delivered Nobuna-sama's letter to my lord on the way!”

"Secret mission? Although I did not remember that I have ordered you to do anything, I do remember telling you to forget about the harem. Where have you been since you disappeared?”

"Ha. When I was sulking alone at Ogaki Castle for my lord to abandon me, Takenaka Hanbei-dono sent an envoy and informed me of the 'secret tactic’.Tactician-dono carried out the plan in sync with the 'Gifu Castle rescue plan', and prepared plans for the going on occasions! Tactician-dono had devised the plan for the Western Army when being sandwiched by Mori and Takeda and driven to Sekigahara. That is 'middle enter’.I was helping for the plan until just now.”

"'Middle enter.’"

"After the Himemichi army led by Kuroda Mototaka-dono and Yuutorinosuke fleed from Miki Castle, they were broken up by Kikkawa Motoharu when marching to Kyoto. Ikeda Tsuneoki at Settsu was also defeated by the Kikkawa army when going for Kyoto. It is a fact that both of them were defeated in the battle. However, tactician-dono had told the two of them beforehand that "There's no chance to win if being caught by Kikkawa Motoharu when marching. Cannot risk your lives and fight. Every soldier must separate and flee immediately, and then disguise as farmers, merchants or even monks. Everyone advances to Mount Ibuki with their own way, move in the mountain to where the main camp of the Takenaka clan is, Boteyama. I have prepared weapons and provisions at Boteyama. Please stand there and wait for further instructions""

"Boteyama! ? A hill of Mount Ibuki located at the north side of Sekigahara. . .

. . . . . that's right. The Boteyama where Hanbei born and raised up! ?”

"That's right. The Boteyama with a strategic location that can overlook the whole south side of Sekigahara. Tactician-dono lived in Boteyama since she was born and predicted the final battle of this chaos Sengoku Era will be carried out at Sekigahara. Tactician-dono said her prediction has come true. Oda Nobuna will 'Tenkafubu' as her target and Kobayakawa Takakage called herself as the person that judges who deserve to be the emperor.

These two maiden generals want to end this chaos era that has been a hundred years with 'a decisive battle', they devised strategies at the battle of Sekigahara with the same 'dream’.And then, once Takeda Shingen who aimed for the 'strongest in the world' led her army entered Sekigahara, the stage has been completed. The final battle of the Sengoku Era, the final great war that decides the emperor, has now become reality----!”

“.. . . . . Is that so. Hanbei. . . . . . when she's living a leisure life in Boteyama has already. . . . . . . with Nobuna, and Kobayakawa-san. All of them have the same dream. . . . . . .”

"Although it's regretful that she will never able to live till the day the battle begins, I will entrust it to Kanbei-dono, Tactician-dono had thought of that before. However.”

“.. . . . . . . Goemon and Matsunaga Danjo has gotten the Ranjatai and extended Hanbei's life span. And then Kanbei went to Kyushu to persuade Ootomo Sourin. In that way, Hanbei who is left at Honshu.” 

"That's correct. She thought of the 'middle enter' tactic. No matter the rescue of Gifu Castle success or not, with Kobayakawa Takakage she will definitely lead her army from Osaka to Sekigahara to 'actualize' the battle, the battlefield must be Sekigahara. Tactician-dono has prepared another plan for the Western Army to take over Matsuoyama and Nanguyama. However, if the Eastern Army took over Matsuoyama and Nanguyama, Takeda Shingen will surely march from eastern mountain circuit to Momohaiyama, allowing Tokugawa and Takeda main forces to form wing formation at the 'crossroad' of Sekigahara. The Western Army will be stuck at Sasaoyama and Tenmanyama. At that time please do not hesitate to use the 'hidden troops' at Boteyama to carry out the 'middle enter' plan, that's what Tactician-dono told me to inform you.”

"Is that so. Let Kanbei's father and Ikeda Tsuneoki descend from Boteyama, form a formation at the north of Tenmanyama where eastern mountain circuit is. Then the route of retreat of Takeda and Tokugawa army is blocked! ? No, it has been blocked!”

"That's right, their route of retreat has been blocked in this night mist! The himemichi army led by Kuroda Mototaka-dono and Yuutorinosuke. The Kawanamishuu led by Maeda XXXX-dono. The Settsu army led by Ikeda Tsuneoki-dono and Takayama Ukon-dono. The remaining crew of the Mino Three that has been pardoned for fleeing from Gifu Castle, Inaba Ittetsu- dono and Andou Morinari-dono. In addition to the Sagara old man squad led by Asano old man from Nagahama Castle to Boteyama. The total number of troops is around 10,000! By luring the enemy's main forces into the battlefield in Sekigahara and block their route of retreat. The is the 'middle enter’.Although this tactic comes with the risk of being wiped out once we fail, but Boteyama is like home backyard to Tactician-dono. It's not a problem to not Takeda army to find out the hidden army for a week. It's possible to take advantage of Shingen and set camp at eastern mountain circuit.”

The circumstances changed drastically.

The Western Army was supposed to be overwhelmingly one-sided. However, the Takeda and Tokugawa army marched from Gifu Castle to Sekigahara had their main route of retreat cut off. Kikkawa Motoharu at Nanguyama couldn't infiltrate the Western Army easily that had completed the 'middle enter' from Boteyama and prepared completely at eastern mountain circuit. In this way, the only route of retreat for Takeda and Tokugawa army was the Ise Street at Nanguyama that extended to the South. However, to the Takeda army that set its base at the north of Sekigahara, Momohaiyama and facing Sasaoyama, the Ise Street at South was not only far but also critical. Once Kuroda Kanbei arrived Sekigahara, it would become a risky route.

The Eastern army that has forced the Western Army into a desperate situation with wing formation, was now being pincered by the 'middle enter' which is performed by Takenaka Hanbei like magic.

Even though she was facing Uesugi Kenshin at Northland, she could still devise these kinds of tactics.

Sagara Yoshihi,

"Takenaka Hanbei is really a supernatural being.”

She naturally gave out an exclamation. She always heard that Hanbei was a genius strategist that supported Yoshiharu along with Kuroda Kanbei. Even though she was far from Sekigahara now, she could figure out the 'middle enter' strategy that had a very high difficult with Takeda Shingen as the opponent and succeeded. The key to this plan was taking over Hanbei's hometown, Boteyama that could contain the 'hidden army' first in hand and made use of the 'fact of being defeated' by 'being crushed by Kikkawa army’.The leaves that drifted away once again had now collected at Boteyama with their movement still concealed.

"Asano old man wields a spear. Wait a minute? Nagaham Castle has now become an empty castle, once there's something happens, not even a place for Nene to seek shelter of?”

"Don't you worry my lord! I, Shikanosuke have brought the main forces of Amago ten warriors! The number is 1,500! We will be at the 'middle mountain' facing Matsuoyama, we will definitely stop the attack from Kobayakawa and Ukita army! My life, the lives of the ten warriors, our lives saved by my lord have now put into uses. . . . . . ! Amago ten warriors will become the 'barrier' and fight for my lord till the last remaining troop!

Yamanaka Shikanosuke go to 'Yamanaka'! (TL note: Yamanaka means middle mountain) This might be also some kind of fate!”

Don't go, Yoshiharu couldn't say it. Facing the large army from Matsuoyama, a 'barrier' was a must. The Amago ten warriors that had defeated again and again by the Mori army. If Shikanosuke led 1,500 veteran warriors to form the 'barrier', they might able to hold on for a while. If he stopped Shikanosuke here, Sagara army would be wiped out once Kobayakawa and Ukita army descends from Matsuoyama.

“.. . . . . . Kanbei will definitely come. Before this, don't die. You all must live on. Shikanosuke.”

"Yes, we will! Shikanosuke will offer the world to my lord and legitimately become one of your harem! Please be assured!” 

Lastly, Shikanosuke handed Nobuna's letter to Yoshiharu, and then touched Yoshiharu's lips gently with her own lips and leave the camp with a smile.

She didn't say the words 'suffer and difficulty' and kept a bright smile. Shikanosuke is prepared to die in order to let me live, Yoshiharu realized. He had been working with Shikanosuke for a long time. Even when he lost his memory and served Mori, Shikanosuke was also beside Yoshiharu as a captive of Mori. Even Yoshiharu who thought 'I am a bit tactless' also understood Shikanosuke's true feelings. Why she didn't have her own 'desire’.Why she only knew to offer her loyalty to others. He didn't want Shikanosuke to die.

She had probably noticed Yoshiharu's feelings already. Konishi Yukinaga entered the camp,

"My lord. I will lead the 500 Sakai mercenary squad and follow at Shikanosuke-san's back. We will protect Shikanosuke-san. If I am there, maybe I can negotiate with Ukita-sama at a crucial moment.”

She reported and then chase after Shikanosuke.

In this way, the suppression squad for Matsuoyama becomes 2,000. But the troops at Matsuoyama was over 30,000.

In Yoshiharu's hand only remained Nobuna's letter.

Yoshiharu who came from the future knows what was written in the letter without reading it.

Hanbei squeezed her mind and figured out the 'middle enter' tactic that saved the Western Army from difficulty. What this tactic brought to, was the 'assault' from the Takeda army to Sasaoyama. Takeda Shingen was impatient to go to Kyoto right from the beginning. With Takeda and Tokugawa army had its route of retreat blocked, they had to gain two 'victories' before Kuroda Kanbei brought the Ootomo army to Sekigahara.

One was to trample and crush the weakest Sagara Yoshiharu squad at the south of Tenmanyama and block the entrance from the west of Sekigahara.

Another one was to fulfill the 'condition of the Eastern Army victory'---- force the Oda Nobuna squad at Sasaoyama to lose and kill Nobuna if possible.

So, after the dawn rises, the intense battle in Sekigahara that was well known in history would begin.

The unrivaled Takeda cavalry unit raised the 'Furinkazan' banners and launched a full force attack to Sasaoyama where Nobuna was.

Yoshiharu knew.

To 'destroy' the strongest Takeda cavalry unit in this chaos kingdom, Nobuna collected a large number of rifles from Sakai.

Since the route of retreat was cut off by the command of Hanbei like magic, the Takeda cavalry unit that was impatient to decide the victory that had never happen before would probably rush to the camp in Sasaoyama. The Oda army had built a field battle formation that specifically for cavalry unit---- the Nanban trend 'trenches' to disable the mobility of cavalry unit, and then annihilate it with a large number of rifles. By using the 'three squads firing in turn' tactic that could fire bullets continuously.

Takenaka Hanbei was facing Uesugi Kenshin at Echizen that was far from here, this caused Shingen to be a little careless. Because of being 'absent', Hanbei could finally fool Shingen who was a famous general. Even if Hanbei was absent, 'Boteyama' was still erected at the north of Sekigahara. For Shingen to not be able to figure out. Was she already impatient to this extent. In this end, what was the reason?

The content of Nobuna's letter was short. It did not include the details of the battle strategy. This was to prevent the spies from Takeda taking away the letter.

"What I am going to do in Sekigahara tomorrow, I believe you have already figured out. I'm sorry but don't stop me, Yoshiharu. I was always protected by you. I don't want to become the Demon King. . . . . . . However, if I don't bury the strongest Takeda cavalry unit, this chaos era will never end. I will destroy the Takeda cavalry unit before you were killed by the Eastern Army. I will kill all the Takeda troops that attack Sasaoyama. I want to torture them to death.

. . . . . other than this, there's no chance for the Western Army to win. Sasaoyama will become the Armageddon of the world that is predicted in the Bible, 'The hill of Megiddo’.. . . . . . . . even so, I hope you will support me.

Please don't hate me for it.”

In the final military discussion, Nobuna always had a smile on her face. And yet her heart was crying. Takeda Shingen killed Tsuda Nobuzumi, this couldn't turn back anymore. Not even a single step. Once the 'three squads firing in turn' succeed, Nobuna would become the Demon King. Once she failed, Nobuna would surely die. No matter what, the maiden named 'Oda Nobuna' that had been protected by Sagara Yoshiharu all this time will disappear from this land.

“.. . . . . . What's wrong Yoshiharu? What Nobuna-sama has written in this letter?”

Yoshiharu who being asked by Yoshihi folded the letter, kept it and answered. 

"Sister. In the original 'history', the Oda-Tokugawa alliance successfully applied the middle enter tactic to block the Takeda army, the Takeda cavalry unit lost the route of retreat had no choice but to launch an attack on the camp of Oda clan in the 'battle of Shitarahara’.And then 'annihilated' as the word said in front of the three squads firing in turn invented by the Oda army.

. . . . . . Naito Masatoyo. Baba Nobuharu. Yamagata Masakage. Sanada Nobutsuna. Sanada Nobuteru. Three of the Takeda Four Generals and Sanada 'twins', all of them and their own soldiers died in the battle. The Takeda clan was destroyed from then.”

"Here is not Kyushu. This actually happened on the battlefield in Honshu? What's more, on the strongest Takeda army! ? But that 'history' has been eliminated the moment Honda Masanobu has broken up with Oda and surrendered to Takeda am I right?”

"That's correct. Although Honda Masanobu probably doesn't know the future of the 'battle of Shitarahara', but in the end, it's considered eliminated. I thought that if it's Shingen, then she won't allow the 'middle enter' to happen in Shitarahara and this mistake won't be made, that's why the Takeda cavalry unit being annihilated shouldn't happen in Shitarahara. But. . . . . . the 'history' now is converging to the ending of Takeda cavalry unit being annihilated. In a situation everyone does not know about it. Hanbei's wise use of Boteyama to successfully realize the 'middle enter' in Sekigahara, Nobuna building trenches at Sasaoyama to counter cavalry unit, and Shingen having the final military discussion after learning that Hanbei successfully carried the 'middle enter' tactic. All of them does not know about 'history’.Nevertheless, the 'battle of Shitarahara' is going to realize at 'Sekigahara’.Even Hosokawa Fujitaka couldn't predict this to happen.”

"The 'coercive power of history' is it. Yoshiharu. It does exist ne.” 

He had to tell Takeda Shingen 'do not attack Sasaoyama’.However, that act undoubtedly proved that Yoshiharu betrayed Nobuna and the Western Army. If knowing that Sasaoyama was a 'death land', Shingen might be able to figure out the way to counter the three squads firing in turn. Nobuna that was guarding at Sasaoyama as a 'bait' would have her head cut off by Shingen.

As a general's capability, Takeda Shingen was out of the league for Nobuna. Nobuna did not step up to the road that she was supposed to be---- the road to become the 'Demon King’.Yoshiharu always protected her. Expels her father, Nobutora out of Kai, forced her brother, Taro Yoshinobu to suicide, and then killed Tsuda Nobuzumi to show everyone her unyielding resolve to 'end everything in Sekigahara’.

“.. . . . . Not even a single casualty, it's impossible for that to happen in order to end this chaos era that lasted for a hundred years. Even if I can reduce it, casualties still appear. . . . . . . that is the responsibilities of the ancestors that brought the Sengoku Era to Japan. It's not the responsibility of Nobuna, a maiden general that born in Owari in this Sengoku Era. If the Sengoku Era can be ended with this battle of Sekigahara, people sacrificed in war will be greatly reduced. But. . . . . . . but, Yoshihi-nee. For Nobuna to carry out the 'battle of Shitarahara’.. . . . . . .”

"Is it really will become a battle that miserable, Yoshiharu? First of all, in Honshu never happened an annihilation battle like in Okitanawate. The only exception I heard of is the battle of Kawanakajima when Shingen and Kenshin fight for the strongest in the world.”

"Takeda is now in 'Tsurinobuse' circumstances. And Nobuna has deployed a large number of rifles that cannot imagine by the Eastern Army. Naito Masatoyo. Yamagata Masakage. Baba Nobuharu. Everyone is very close to me and Nobuna. I even fought along with the Takeda Four Generals and the cavalry unit at Odawara. Even though Oda and Takeda, one of them must be defeated in order to end the Sengoku Era, even if there's no other way to end it, I still don't want them to die. . . . . .”

"The moment Shingen killed Nobuzumi, peace no longer exists. She must be wanting to annihilate the Takeda clan. In that way, Nobuna. . . . . . . . she will be as like the original 'history', becoming the Demon King. However, if Nobuna failed, she will die. What should I do?”

"No matter what, once the battle started we must give our all to hold on the south of Tenmanyama. It's probably that the Sagara army will collapse before the 'three squads firing in turn' tactic able to initiate. However, once Kanbei arrives, the tide will change. Before she arrives, how long can the Amago ten warriors withstand at the 'middle mountain' will be the key of the victory, it must be hard for you but we must bear with it. Focus on the battle right in front of your eyes.” Yoshihi touched Yoshiharu's face gently.

While Yoshiharu mumbled, 'middle mountain?’.And then he discovered another 'accidental coincidence’.

It had nothing to do with Hosokawa Fujitaka who controled the 'field' with 'Kokondenju' anymore, 'history' was trying to guide everyone's fate that Yoshiharu changed to the 'supposed ending’.

“.. . . . . . Oh yeah. Middle mountain is, originally the field for Otani Norinosuke in Sekigahara. Being crushed by the 'Kobayakawa army' that rushed down from Matsuoyama, Otani Norinosuke followed with his suicide! Once Kobayakawa-san rushed down from Matsuoyama, to protect me, Shikanosuke at middle mountain will. . . . . . it's Shikanosuke being attracted to the name 'Yamanaka’.. . . . . . . in that way Shikanosuke's fate will end here! Occasions that far from Hosokawa Fujitaka's expectation are now arising like a chain!’History' is making everything clear now. The bill for me to pay the 'history' that I changed is coming!”

That's right. The moment Goemon died, the moment when Yoshiharu accidentally dropped one of the fruits, all the 'debts' were now chasing Yoshiharu tightly with vigorous speed and trying to surpass him.

The death of Tsuda Nobuzumi, the old name 'Oda Nobukatsu’.

The rebel of Matsudaira Motoyasu and changing her name to 'Tokugawa Ieyasu’.

Yamanaka Shikanosuke heading towards the fated Mori clan ---- that land of fate 'Yamanaka' to be crushed by Kobayakawa army.

The three squads firing in turn. To again realize the implied hell, 'hill of Megiddo', Oda Nobuna becoming the Demon King.

The destruction of Takeda cavalry unit. Due to the 'middle enter' and lost its route of retreat, the Four Generals died in successive attacks to break through the trenches built by Oda army.

The moment Akechi Mitsuhide freed herself from the 'rebel' fate, Matsuoyama was taken by Kobayakawa Takakage. The fate of 'rebel' had been inherited by Kobayakawa Takakage.

And then, the person that holds the fate of the Western Army, Kuroda Kanbei was still not here. Being attracted by the original 'fate', Kanbei might arrive late. Being stuck at Osaka Castle, the final trap and unable to reach Sekigahara on time. . . . . .

Yoshiharu's premonition turned out to be right.

From West, the intelligence 'The siege on Osaka Castle has begun' arrived in haste. Not the intelligence of Kanbei arrives Sekigahara that he hoped for. 

Akechi Mitsuhide had already assembled all her troops to Sekigahara. Kyoto and Tamba were now empty. The Western Army squad that was attacking Osaka Castle in this situation, there was no other possibility other than the Ootomo army led by Kanbei. He believed that Kanbei wouldn't make a mistake. Was she unable to stop Tachibana Muneshige from wanting to save Osaka Castle. Or maybe she encountered an unexpected 'misfortune’.

As expected, at the end of the end, Kanbei. . . . . . so this was Kanbei's fate. Yoshiharu couldn't help but groaned. "We cannot let the Eastern Army learn this intelligence, strengthen the patrol at eastern mountain circuit.” Just relaying this sentence had already used up all his strength.

The 'letter' sent to Takakage, it might have an opposite effect. Once Takakage accepted Ankokuji Ekei's plan of 'pushing Yoshiharu to the position of the emperor by betraying the Eastern Army', at that instance Takakage's 'fate' would reach her end. However, if Takakage freed from the 'fate' of a rebel after reading Yoshiharu's letter, then Yoshiharu that had a disadvantage in army strength would be unable to hold on at the south of Tenmanyama. If Sagara army were to collapse here, the Western Army without Kanbei would definitely lose!

"Calm down Yoshiharu. It is not necessary that Kanbei will be late!”

"Even if I can endure and face the horror of my own death, sister, I. . . . . what I have been done until now, surely are all futile. I am just wasting my time. I will end up in failure like what Jasper had said, and then decided to enter the 'second reincarnation'! ? But even if I enter the second reincarnation, I am still unable to overcome 'fate'!”

In addition, one of the Sagara Sister Corp, Otani Norinosuke sneaked into the main camp, 

"Brother. I still want to go to the 'middle mountain' and help Shikanosuke- dono by becoming the barrier to block Kobayakawa and Ukita. Us Sister Corp has discussed and decided to split the Sister Corp into two, Tora-chan and Matsu-chan fight Tokugawa, Norinosuke fights Mori. Kichi-chan who is laying at the bed with stomachache also said she will go to the middle mountain after she recovered. Please take care of Kichi-chan before she recovers.”

Decided to volunteer herself again to enter 'middle mountain' like being summoned by the 'fate’.

As expected.

The 'coercive power of history' that could not be sensed by human did exist.

No matter Hanbei or Kanbei also believed that human's will could overcome that sort of power.

And yet, Kanbei who should be awakened as the world's number strategist in Kyushu did not enter Sekigahara as like the 'history' told, this caused the Sagara army to be in a dilemma. Hanbei assumed that Kanbei would arrive in time and performed the 'middle enter' tactic, forcing the Takeda army to have no route of retreat, further causing the Takeda cavalry unit and Oda army's 'three squads firing in turn' to happen before Kanbei arrives which was the worst outcome.

The 'coercive power of history' really surpassed human's wit.

The thread of 'fate' of everyone in this world mixed together complicatedly. When you see one thread was going to be untied, another thread tangled it immediately. And it was impossible for humans to untie all the threads.

Yoshiharu could only think of that. 

"No. Norinosuke! You absolutely cannot go to the 'middle mountain'!”

Yoshiharu hugged Norinosuke tightly, then stopped her "You are not allowed to go! If you go to the 'middle mountain', your fate will be determined.”

"Bro, brother? What's, what's wrong. . . . . . . ?”

"Yoshiharu was tired from the continuous battles in Kyushu. He will calm down before dawn, don't worry. Norinosuke, you go and take care Sakichi first.”

"Uhuh. It's not a love confession. Well, forget about it. I understood, brother!” After saying Norinosuke turned away and went back to Sakichi's side.

Yoshiharu felt hopeless. No. Even if he stopped Norinosuke and saved her, this was just letting Shikanosuke who had entered the middle mountain to carry Norinosuke's 'fate’.Just like Juubei-chan's 'fate' transferred to Kobayakawa-san who had entered Matsuoyama. No matter what he did, 'saving all of them' was already an impossible feat right from the beginning. My 'words' that I wanted to tell Kobayakawa-san had already sent as a letter. In order to change Kobayakawa-san's 'fate', but, the outcome would be----.

(If my words conveyed to Kobayakawa-san, and then she stopped thinking about 'rebelling’.. . . . . . if Kobayakawa-san descends from Matsuoyama and attacks the south of Tenmanyama, Shikanosuke who is guarding at the middle mountain will surely die. And then the Western Army will lose. Should I ask Shikanosuke to fall back now? No, she's very stubborn. In order to protect me, she will foolishly stay in the middle mountain. She is that kind of a person. . . . . ! )

Things had already developed to this extent. Not only that, but he also needed to save the Takeda army and Takeda cavalry unit. Four Generals. Sanada 'twins’.The same cycle happened. If he saved Takeda, its 'fate' will transfer to Nobuna and Juubei-chan, causing them to be annihilated. Seriously, just give up. I am a man that can't even protect my own base. A man that can't even protect my own self.

“.. . . . Ah ah. No. Hanbei and Zenki told me that 'words' contain people's will.’Words' have the power to control people's heart. I won't give up until the end of the end. Even though I cannot tell Takeda Shingen the 'future' directly, by telling the Takeda Four Generals at the front line maybe they can avoid it. And then I just need to stay guard at the south of Tenmanyama, buy some time until Kanbei arrives. In that way, not only can bring victory to Nobuna, but also save the Takeda clan at the same time. . . . . ! Yasuke- chan! Can you go to where Kosaka Danjo is and deliver my message?”

"Like a crazy man, you really are not Jasper-sama", Yasuke sighed while accepted "Kosaka Danjo's camp is in the center of the enemy base. Make your message as short as possible. Don't go and die alone when I am not around", and then disappeared after Yoshiharu whispered the message.

Yasuke can only move freely as a spy at night. Once the sun rises, it will be very difficult for Yasuke to infiltrate the enemy camp. Perhaps, this is the last time that Yasuke can complete the 'mission of delivering messages to the Eastern Army maiden generals’.

And now, what he could do before the battle begins had all done.

To Yoshiharu, the only thing he could do now was to wait for the dawn to come.

All the 'outcomes' is going to appear. Perhaps, I will have to pay the 'debt’.I will be surpassed by 'fate’.Until that cruel 'ending' comes, until the dawn comes, until the battle begins, there's only one quarter left. If everything has to 'pay' in this battle, then even if Kobayakawa Takakage's 'rebel' was prevented through the letter, the Takeda cavalry unit will still assault Sasaoyama and being annihilated, and Nobuna will become the 'Demon King’.What's more, Kanbei being trapped in the siege of Osaka Castle and surely cannot reach here in time, Sagara army will be destroyed under Tokugawa, Toudou, Mori, Ukita, and Kobayakawa's fierce attack. Once the Sagara army destroyed, the Akechi Mitsuhide army beside us won't be able to withstand enemy attacks and be crushed. The Western Army that has a disadvantage in number probably can give a great impact to the Takeda army but is still defeat at the end---- and then the final winner of this Sengoku Era is Tokugawa Ieyasu supported by Honda Masanobu. The 'history' returns to its original state from now on.

If Ieyasu became the final winner, that couldn't be helped. Since that was the original 'future’.However, following that, the people that Yoshiharu yearned for, the people he wanted to protect. The maiden generals led by Nobuna, all of them would. Yoshiharu has no choice but to wait, wait for the dawn to come, wait for the judgment to come. Not his own judgment, but the judgment for Oda Nobuna and other maiden generals who had their fate given---- a horror that beyond horror. Since the time he learned Nobuzumi' death at Sunomata, the moment he learned the death of Goemon, he was suppressing the pain in his heart all the time. Yoshiharu did not know about Goemon and Ishikawa Kazumune changed identity at Kiyosu Castle and entered the tea house at Kyoto.

“.. . . . . . I have done whatever what I can do. . . . . . . sister. . . . . . . I already can't do anything. No matter Nobuna, Juubei-chan, Kobayakawa-san, Shikanosuke, Takeda Four Generals. . . . . . Katsuchiyo. . . . . . . in the end, I couldn't save any one of them wasn't it, I can only wait for the 'ending', it's so scary. I am not a hero like they called. In the end, I am just a high school student that can be seen everywhere. . . . . . why a person like me have to be summoned to this Sengoku Era, I cannot understand. . . . . . . I really cannot understand. . . . . .”

It was like being bound up, he had been fighting all the time since being summoned to Owari. Yoshiharu's heart that had been resisting until all the time was used, used up all his strength and ended up with injuries.

Sagara Yoshihi hugged Yoshiharu gently from the back with her hands.

"Yoshiharu, you are not alone. I am here too. Even if you couldn't change 'history', at least you did change my 'fate', you saved my soul. Therefore, let us be in agony together, and cry together. Just until the dawn rises. Speak out everything you want to. Things you know who come from the future, what you want to change. And what you had done until now.”

“.. . . . . . Save? As a replacement to save sister, Tokuchiyo might die. A person will be lost for every person being saved. This was what happened repeatedly in the outcome of my actions. The debts I owned for changing 'history' all this time, is now going to. . . . . . !”

"Uh uh. Chikanao old man wouldn't kill Tokuchiyo. Don't worry, Yoshiharu. There's still half a quarter until dawn. Now, you can ask me to spoil you however you want. We will carry your burden together. Your dream, agony, happiness, and also sadness. Just say everything, Yoshiharu. I will never be disappointed with you. No matter what kind of a person you are. No matter you are in frustration or not. Even if you want to escape from the Sengoku Era. Even so, I am still your partner---- let's endure it together, the time before dawn comes.”

Yoshiharu told everything to Yoshihi. What kind of ending will be in the original 'Sengoku Era’.The Honnou Temple incident, Akechi Mitsuhide's rebellion, Oda Nobunaga's death, Toyotomi Hideyoshi united the world, the battle of Sekigahara, the establishment of Tokugawa Shogunate, a long term closed country, the stagnation brought from the peace, the end of the Shogunate with a new country policy. Yoshiharu did not intend to cancel the 'history' that connects the Shogunate Era to modern Japan that Yoshiharu lived, nor trying to deny it. He just fell in love with a maiden named Oda Nobuna and wanted to save her from the 'fate’.For the sake of that, Yoshiharu determined to survive as a person of Sengoku Era and live on.

The encounter with Goemon, swapping with Kinoshita Tokichiro. The one night castle at Sunomata, the naming of evil-eyed dragon Masamune, the takoyaki duel with Mitsuhide, Kanegasaki, Christmas battlefield, Amano- Iwato, the romance with Kobayakawa Takakage at Mori clan, walking around Azuchi Castle with Uesugi Kenshin, the encountering with few maiden generals at Yoshiharu's land of fate, Kyushu, being told by Jasper the fate of 'second reincarnation’.Although it was not yet confirmed that Jasper was actually the 'second reincarnation' of Yoshiharu, but once Yoshiharu 'fails' Yasuke would definitely bring him to Amano-Iwato to enter the 'second reincarnation’.At that time, Yoshiharu would fall into the unlimited cycle of unable to win Hosokawa Fujitaka who owned 'Kokondenju' and failed to save Nobuna even went through reincarnation a few times. That was why he would never enter the 'second reincarnation' even if he failed.

Even more, never intend to accept Ankokuji Ekei's plan of telling Mori clan 'let Sagara Yoshiharu become the emperor', which was an alternate 'solution’.If Yoshiharu were to accept Ekei's plan, Kobayakawa Takakage would 'betray' the Eastern Army. Because at that moment, Takakage's 'fate' was completely determined. 

"It really is a heroic tale. Just like Japan Taketo. (TL note: refer to Yamato Takeru) It seems he was defeated by the god of Ibuki and died. . . . . . and now you were in a desperate situation at the foothill of Mount Ibuki in Sekigahara, maybe.”

When Yoshiharu was telling his story, Yoshihi caressed Yoshiharu's head gently and smiled.

“.. . . . . . Sister. Speaking of that, at the time Ootomo Sourin asked "Why you appeared in front of Oda Nobuna but not me", I have been wavering. I only have one body. I can only live in one world. Even if 'love' necessary to save the maiden generals born in Sengoku Era from their 'fate' I still couldn't do it, to me, it does not exist a path to be together with a girl other than Nobuna. In fact, Kobayakawa-san that had a relationship with me when I lost my memory is now. . . . . .”

"That's not correct. Sourin got her salvation from her encounter with you, Akechi Mitsuhide's 'fate' was also changed. Even if you cannot achieve 'love' in reality, as long as your 'heart', your 'feelings' are conveyed, they will be saved. It's just your imagination that they can't be saved if they couldn't be loved. The maiden generals survive in the Sengoku Era are not that weak.

The power you healed their heart with, not come from the 'outcome', but from the 'process'.”

“.. . . . . Is that so. Not the outcome, but the process. That might be true. . . .

.”

"It doesn't matter even if the world has the power to converge to one 'ending', us humans that created this world have our own will. Therefore, something like 'future' is not determined yet. It just had a higher probability to converge to the 'history ending' that you learned. Yoshiharu, you had gone through countless of 'processes' until now to change their 'fate’.You picked up countless possibilities. Certainly, the situation now is developing to the final phase. The current you can do nothing already. You can only wait now.”

“.. . . . . . Until here, my final hope is to rely on others"

"That's wrong. The people you want to save, the people you want to protect, they are not puppets and dolls. They are 'humans’.Until now, you had countless fights with 'fate' to pick up all the fruits. You weaved the bonds between the people that supposed to just cross over each other without understanding each other. You have distributed a lot of seeds. Now, the 'outcomes' are going to bear. Just like Sourin and Yoshihiro being saved by you, came to Honshu to save you and Oda Nobuna---- Kuroda Kanbei must be able to get here in time. The seeds you distributed will bear fruits. It's fine that you cannot do it alone, along with the dreams of the maiden generals that you struggled to save, must be able to create a new 'fate’.I won't tell you to not afraid to wait. Sometimes waiting is more suffering than fighting. But I believe you will have reciprocation.”

“.. . . . . . . I am not fighting until now to expect reciprocation from others. I just fought for my own sake, to let myself live however I want.”

"Let's change the words. You will win against 'fate’.That's what I believe.” "What if I couldn't?”

"Fufu. Even if you lost, I will be with you till the end. Since I am the ancestor of the Sagara family. Even if the world abandons you, I will never abandon you. Until the end of your life, I will always by your side. You can speak all the willfulness things you want to me. So for now, just sleep for a while. After you awake, you will have courage. I will lend my knees to you. 

"Then. . . . . . . we will be together till the end, you must comply with your promise, sister.”

"Yeah, I will, I am fine even if you want me to make a swear to the temple of Yatsushiro", with his head being caressed by Yoshihi with a smile, Yoshiharu's confused heart had calmed down.

"The sun will rise soon. Once the sun rises, the battle shall begin. Wake me up after a while.”

Yoshiharu falls into sleep immediately on Yoshihi's knee.

It's okay, Yoshiharu. Maybe my existence is the final 'trump card' to overturn your 'fate’.I know it. Although I don't have any concrete reason. I just know it.

. . . . . the place I am connected with you. Thread-like things that couldn't be seen. That is that 'fate' of me and you.

Don't worry too much. You are not alone.

Yoshihi touched Yoshiharu's hair gently with her fingers, closed her eyes while mumbled. 

Takeda Shingen forcefully carries her sick body to Sekigahara. Heading to eastern mountain circuit, set 'Takeda main base' at the west hill of Nanguyama, Momohaiyama. The Takeda main force led by Shingen numbered 20,000. 

At the west of Momohaiyama was Tsuzuraike, had Tokugawa main force led by Serada Jiro Saburo and Honda Masanobu numbered 5,000. It was possible that Shingen's condition gotten worse until she was unable to command the Eastern Army. Tsuzuraike was a backup plan, a prepared 'second main base’.

The crossroad of Sekigahara where eastern mountain circuit, Ise Street and Hokuriku Road intersect consists of the Takeda Four Generals, Sanada 'twins', Toudou Takatora, Ii Naotora, Honda Tadakatsu and other retainers of Takeda-Tokugawa alliance arranged in a row, along with the Kobayakawa and Ukita army at Matsuoyama forming a 'wing' formation to surround the Western Army camps.

However, hidden troops of the Western Army appeared at the north of Boteyama and underwent 'middle enter', blocking the entrance at the east of eastern mountain circuit---.

Even if she was at the Northland now, Takenaka Hanbei could actually employ a tactic that beautifully 'fooled' Takeda Shingen like magic.

In this way, the route of retreat back to Gifu Castle had been cut off.

Even though a forceful march at the night mist was the reason, if only they brought Sanada ninjas, it was not impossible to notice and destroy this 'middle enter' tactic beforehand. But if deploying the ninjas here, Date Masamune would definitely come to Mino through eastern mountain circuit. This had happened before, after reaching Gifu Castle, their rear was ambushed by Date Masamune, causing them unable to go to Kyoto. Other than letting the Sanada face Date, there was no other way to stop Date.

Talented people were always insufficient no matter how you search for it. People would get older in time, or lost in defeat in battle. Yamamoto Kansuke, Takeda Nobushige, and even Takeda Yoshinobu. All of them was not at the side of Shingen already, all of them was dead.

“.. . . . . . Boteyama is the hometown and main castle of Takenaka Hanbei. I assumed that as long as Mori is at Nanguyama then eastern mountain circuit will be safe. For me to be this impatient to advance troops. Does I, Takeda Shingen was affected by Oda Nobuna's strong will to have a match at Sekigahara no matter what happens. . . . . . . ?”

Fever causing her thinking to be blurred. Partly, at least it was better than eastern mountain circuit being blocked early and cannot enter Sekigahara. To Shingen, this battle was a battle between her and the 'time' that was not much left in her life.

Honda Masanobu came back from Nanguyama, the camp of Ankokuji Ekei,

"Why let the Oda army and Sagara army to pass by, I have asked Ekei. However, that person is like a jellyfish without any bone so I can't get her weakness, so I cannot figure out Mori's true intention.”

She reported to Shingen in a low voice.

"Is it possible that Mori turned to Oda followed by bringing the hidden troops to Boteyama?”

"Yes yes. It seems not. Kikkawa Motoharu's morale is quite high. Taken advantage by Takenaka Hanbei, she asked me to apologize to Takeda Shingen-sama on her behalf, that's what she has written in the letter. She's considering to advance to eastern mountain circuit or Ise Street, she will bring a victory for the Eastern Army to redeem this mistake. But.”

"But?” 

"It's certain that Mori is hiding something. Although Mori joined the Eastern Army, they did not have the ambition to take over the world, they gave themselves 'the duty of judging who deserves to be the emperor’.Especially Kobayakawa Takakage who sits at the most important location, Matsuoyama that could decide who is the winner in this battle. . . . . I think that the Mori sisters are confused regarding the matter of Shingen-sama slaying Tsuda Nobuzumi-dono, is it really the correct decision to push Shingen-sama to the position of the emperor, the Mori clan now is in a mull.”

"The mull in paces, causing the unexpected situation of Oda and Sagara army passed by without any casualty?”

"The main force of Sanada ninjas is defending against Date at Shinano. Deploy the Hattori squad to survey the movement of the Mori sisters", Shingen ordered Honda Masanobu. And then Honda Masanobu said, Hattori Hanzo left the words 'will come back and give a report after gotten the movement of Kuroda Kanbei' and hasn't back after going for surveillance at the west. If for common ninja, it will very hard for him or her to infiltrate the 'barrier' of the Western Army and get back to Momohaiyama. Yet the number one ninja of the Hattori squad, Hanzo hasn't come back, did something happened to Hanzo, or he went against Honda Masanobu's command and taking action independently.

"Hattori Hanzo huh. That person has strong affection as a ninja. It seems he couldn't accept the swapping to Ieyasu and the shadow warrior. Very suspicious indeed.”

“.. . . . . Yes yes. I am afraid that he is.”

"Forget about it. You return to Tsuzuraike. Serada alone will be difficult to manage the Tokugawa army. Without you, the strategist being around, the Tokugawa army cannot function---- once the battle started, let the generals of Tokugawa clan and Toudou Takatora to attack the south of Tenmanyama where Sagara camp is. We have to capture the south of Tenmanyama before Kuroda Kanbei arrives, then Kobayakawa and Ukita at Matsuoyama along with Tokugawa can completely block the entrance from preventing Kanbei to enter Sekigahara.

What about the Takeda cavalry unit and Tokugawa main force at Tsuzuraike?”

"I am thinking right now. If possible I want to defeat Oda Nobuna and take over Sasaoyama before Kanbei arrives. Koreto Hyuuga at the north of Tenmanyama---- Akechi Mitsuhide, who is the 'barrier' for either Oda Nobuna or Sagara Yoshiharu, her movement will be the key of this battle. If the Akechi army separates into two, then we can defeat both Oda and Sagara army. If she wants to pick up two fruits at the same time, she will get none of it. But, Mitsuhide is a wise person, she won't make such a foolish mistake. . .

. . .”

When speaking until here, she already could not restrain from coughing. Her body was very hot. My life is flowing out of my body, Shingen thought.

Honda said with a sour heart "It's going to be dawn soon. Once the mist is gone, Tokugawa army will fight till death. However, Takenaka Hanbei's 'middle enter' in addition to the unstable movement of the Mori sisters, seems like the 'momentum' is now swaying to the Western Army, please do resist with your 'fate'---- Yakata-sama", and then disappeared in the gloomy boundary. Serada Jiro Saburo that attended this battle as the shadow warrior of Tokugawa Ieyasu must be hard to sleep too. In all aspects, Masanobu's assist is necessary. 

Once again, Shingen became alone.

Shingen was actually a person with introspection. Once there's no one around her, she will think to the extreme side and worry very much.

She'd been like this since the strategist, Yamamoto Kansuke and her sister, Takeda Nobushige supporting her shaking body.

Takenaka Hanbei and the Northland Oda army were facing Uesugi Kenshin at Northland, most likely they cannot make it in time to Sekigahara. Hanbei split out a 10,000 army to surround Hosokawa Fujitaka and Ashikaga Yoshiteru who were barricaded at Tango. Even so, Kenshin was still unable to defeat Hanbei who was guarding Echizen. Regarding the matter of Shingen slain Nobuzumi, the Mori sisters were wavering vigorously and took actions that couldn't be helped but to be considered as siding with the enemy. Even the faithful Mori clan also did that. If the 'righteous general', Kenshin knew my 'unrighteous', she will definitely lose the desire to fight along with me at Sekigahara. Because she cannot understand the meaning of this battle.

Nevertheless, even if the other generals couldn't do it, Takenaka Hanbei must be able to halt Kenshin from coming here, isn't it? Since she is the person that took advantage of me, Takeda Shingen, the genius strategist that one time and another moved the annihilated squads to eastern mountain circuit even though she herself is at Northland now. First time meeting with Hanbei was when having a negotiation in the 'Christmas truce’.I don't know why but Takenaka Hanbei thought I wanted to fry her to become tempura and cried with her body shaking. That appearance reminded me of the time when I was a weak maiden named 'Katsuchiyo’.Because I was a coward that tended to cry, I was very scared to be blamed by others. Not only that, but also worried my hidden talent would be shown to the world. I could see that Hanbei was born with a weak condition. She was ill all the time. She wanted to reach the 'dream' with her hands, but the thing she worried the most was that her life would disappear when she almost reached it. She knows she cannot live long anyway. An 'ambition' that couldn't achieve. Therefore, the more struggle she did, the more sadness she brings to herself when her 'dream went broke’.. . . . .

"That Hanbei undergoes changes after meeting with Yoshiharu. She becomes a maiden general resists 'fate', and further becomes a war strategist. Just like I have changed after meeting with Yamamoto Kansuke. .

. . . Kansuke yo. To live with the same dream as yours. You are the one that guided me, a person that doesn't even have the courage to embrace her own dream to reach here. . . . . . . . the 'Furinkazan' banner, the strongest Takeda cavalry unit of the Sengoku, Four Generals too. All of these are properties you left for Takeda. I already have not much time left. However, I cannot abuse the Four Generals to let them die here.”

In addition, I could not resort to a long-term war.

Firstly, the route of retreat at eastern mountain circuit was blocked. Secondly, Shingen's life is at risk right now.

Thirdly, once Kuroda Kanbei entered Sekigahara, the situation where we have overwhelming troops number will change. The troops between the Western Army and Eastern Army will be close to equal.

Fourthly, the matter of 'Shingen has slain Tsuda Nobuzumi' causes the Eastern Army to waver vigorously. The movement of the Mori clan was already unclear. Uesugi Kenshin moving South to Sekigahara, considered Kenshin lived as a righteous general with honesty all this time, it will be difficult to include her in the calculation. Kenshin might feel disappointed on Shingen and give up to fight. She is that sort of a maiden general.

All of these pointed to the direction where she must initiate the fight on the incoming dawn, trample the Western Army camp with 'quick fights' using all forces----.

So lonely.

Takeda was now one step away from the 'strongest of the world’.They just had to win this war and Shingen's 'dream' would come true.

However, when she noticed it, there was already no one around her. However----.

“.. . . . . Baba Mino, I have a suggest want to tell Yakata-sama.”

"The 'Akazonae' led by the strongest of the Four Generals, Yamagata Masakage is also here. And I brought tea leaves from India too.”

"Deputy general of Takeda, Naito Shuri is here too! Please don't forget me!” "The night pillow of Yakata-sama! Kosaka Danjo came to see you~!” ""Sanada 'twins' are here for a visit. . . . .”"

"You, you guys. Hurry up and get back to the front line. The battle is going to begin.”

"That won't do! I, Kosaka Danjo was here to relay a message from Sagara Yoshiharu-dono!”

"Sagara Yoshiharu? Does he want to condemn me for slaying Tsuda Nobuzumi at Gifu Castle? Why doesn't he tell me directly but to Kosaka Danjo?” 

"That's not about it. About that, Yoshiharu-dono must be wanting to ask Yakata-sama someday. However, the message is unrelated to it. . . . .”

"Although the dark skin ninja told us not to tell Yakata-sama again and again, but the Four Generals and 'twins' all decided after a discussion, this sort of 'great matter' must tell Yakata-sama", Kosaka Danjo said.

"Great matter?”

"It's a prophecy. Yoshiharu-dono is a person from the future. It seems he noticed Sekigahara is going to achieve the 'fate' of the maiden generals. Yoshiharu-dono, for the sake of changing us, Takeda maiden generals' 'fate'-

---"

"He steps across the grudges, steps across the high wall between us. . . . . . .

. . even though he loves Oda Nobune deeply as her love, despite that, that man still tell us the 'future'.”

“.. . . . . . . To Takeda who is the culprit for killing Tsuda Nobuzumi-dono. To us, Yoshiharu-dono worries about us from the deep of his heart. . . . .”

The reason for sending the message to Kosaka Danjo but not the deputy general of Takeda, Naito Shuri, it would be good to listen to the message clearly.”

No. Did he just forget the existence of Naito? Just like usual? Shingen thought suddenly. But the expressions of the Four Generals are different from usual. They were more sorrow when Manase Cilbal informed Shingen her 'remaining life' was not much. Everyone was weeping. They hadn't even told the 'prophecy', and they were already weeping with deep feelings.

"I have already noticed it when meeting with Sagara Yoshiharu at Odawara Castle. But.” 

"It feels really bad to be informed specifically! Although I really want to run away now, but please hear what I want to say, Yakata-sama!”

"Sagara Yoshiharu said, 'The fate of Takeda clan will be the end once they assault Sasaoyama. The Four Generals except for Kosaka Danjo, 'twins', and the soldiers that followed them---- everyone will die. That is the 'fate’.I must fight as a general of the Western Army to help Nobuna to win.

Therefore, I cannot say more than this. Although the circumstances are favoring the Takeda cavalry unit to assault Sasaoyama, but I hope you guys will consider again. Once Takeda was annihilated, Nobuna will carry an unrecoverable scar, even if one of us must be the winner---- even if this is the only battle to end Sengoku Era--- I still hope you all will choose a path other than an annihilation battle that brings ruin to the loser.’"

"After Naito Masatoyo relayed Yoshiharu's message to Shingen.

Shingen did not doubt of Yoshiharu's words. It was not a scheme nor a lie. It was just words weaved from the wish of saving Oda Nobuna and also the Takeda clan from 'fate' that gushed out from his heart. Despite he was standing at the place that must bring victory to Oda Nobuna, he still wanted to save the Takeda clan that slain Nobuna's brother. That man was really an idiot beyond cure, Shingen thought.

"'The person who wavers fate', huh. Kansuke. If the outcome of wavering it is Oda Nobuna being defeated then what he is going to do. Sagara Yoshiharu is more innocent than you. Aren't this equals to telling me that Oda Nobuna has prepared a number of rifles that could annihilate the Takeda cavalry unit at her base?’Middle enter' is a trap to let the Takeda cavalry unit step into the death land. Because of being too worried of Takeda clan, does he forgot that Takeda Four Generals are wise men that could come up with that conclusion through your message?” 

She mumbled and felt like want to laugh. But she couldn't laugh it out.

Sagara Yoshiharu did really know. Not about Shingen was going to die from illness, it was about Takeda clan unable to obtain the 'world' and ruined at the end. Also, the matter of Takeda Shingen's life ended in a tragedy and futile with hands full of blood. Exiled her father, caused her sister dead, forced her brother to seppuku, and even give up the precious friendship with Uesugi Kenshin, only to keep on fighting. Seek for the strongest. Couldn't fall in love. She did not have time for that. She also did not deserve to have a family. In order to become a general worth to be the lord of the Takeda clan, she fought all this time without bothering to eat and sleep. Fought with the Echigo army led by Uesugi Kenshin directly in the battle of Kawanakajima and survived. Despite a shocking number of sacrifices in the battle, at last Kawanakajima became a territory of Takeda. When fighting with the Tokugawa army at Mikatagahara, received an 'advice' from Sagara Yoshiharu, overcame the 'fate' of being assassinated before her ambition was done. Captured Kiyosu Castle and even Gifu Castle. And then the final battle. If she won against Oda Nobuna in the battle of Sekigahara tomorrow--

-- Shingen should be able to stand at the peak she hoped for.

The Takeda Four Generals and Sanada 'twins’.They would be the 'equivalent exchange' for the victory at Sekigahara. Shingen had not much time to live already, she could not become the emperor even if she won. She can only obtain the title 'the strongest on the world’.Despite that, Shingen wanted to smile. However, she cried. She had already resolved for her own death. The position of the emperor, I will just leave it to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

However, is it really fine to let the Takeda maiden generals that Shingen raised from young to die one by one----. 

“.. . . . . . . Let's stop this battle. Even if we defeated Oda Nobuna and put our banner at Seta, by that time you guys have already dead, yeah. . . . . . all troops advance to eastern mountain circuit and crush the Western Army middle enter squads, let's go back to Suwa. . . . . . . let Shiro Katsuyori to inherit as the lord of Takeda clan, and then send my dead body to the lake of Suwa. . . . . together with Nene (TL note: not the Nene from Sagara Sister Corp). . . . . . . it's enough. . . . . . I don't want to see anyone die anymore. . . .

.”

Shingen said it naturally. She returned to 'Katsuchiyo' with a gentle expression. However, the Four Generals knew 'We are afraid that Yakata- sama cannot make it back to Suwa alive’.

"We cannot run now! Yakata-sama! Even if we run, the 'fate' will still be chasing us! I am afraid that through a different way, the ending of 'Takeda clan annihilated' will still happen! But, it doesn't matter! The situation now is not consistent with 'history' that Yoshiharu-dono knows. Us Four Generals and Sanada 'twins' must be able to create a new 'fate' for Takeda!”

"Eheh. That's right. The chance to change 'fate' still exist, Yakata-sama.”

“.. . . . . . . . The reason Yoshiharu-dono chose to tell Kosaka Danjo. . . . . . please think about it.”

"In the 'history' Sagara Yoshiharu knows, only Kosaka Danjo survived. Just like her title 'Escape Danjo’.However, in the battle that decides the fate of the Takeda clan, Kosaka Danjo will never flee from the battlefield. I asked Kosaka Danjo, it seems she wants to live on no matter what to write the history of the Takeda clan---- Yakata-sama was not an impiety and an ambitious cold-blooded general, Yakata-sama treated the flood at Kai and allow the people in Kai to live peacefully, Yakata-sama treats her retainers like her family, Yakata-sama willing to face difficulties with the people in Kai, Yakata-sama is a wonderful person. In order to convey 'the true face of Takeda Shingen' to the younger generations, even if the Takeda clan declines and ultimately perishes, she will still survive and complete the history records, 'Koyo Gunkan’.That is Kosaka Danjo, her original 'fate'----"

What you guys want to actually tell me, Shingen couldn't endure but to ask. The answer was clear right from the beginning.

They were a bunch of idiot maiden generals beyond help.

They didn't mind dying for the sake of Takeda Shingen and the Takeda clan. Despite having no blood relationship, Shingen treated them as 'families of the Takeda clan', and lived over all this time. To Shingen, they were all her younger sisters regardless of their ages.

That was why Shingen knew.

Sagara Yoshiharu explained the 'future' to Kosaka Danjo, the calmest and the only person survived in the Four Generals, he wanted to change the Takeda clan's 'fate of perishing’.He wanted to save Takeda clan together with Oda Nobuna. If the Takeda clan give up on having an assault on Sasaoyama, the battle would be in a sticky situation and bought time for Kuroda Kanbei to arrive. In that way, the Takeda army might give up on having the fight at Sekigahara and choose to retreat. If Kosaka Danjo and the Four Generals knew the 'fate' of 'ruin' beforehand---- Sagara Yoshiharu gambled on this trivial possibility. However, the unfortunate thing was, Sagara Yoshiharu did not know the secret about Shingen was going to die from an illness. The reason why Takeda army was impatient for a decisive battle, why they would never fall back, Yoshiharu did not know.

Therefore, Sagara Yoshiharu's kindness caused the opposite effect. 

For me to die of illness after I had already won against the 'fate' from hearing the 'future' of 'being assassinated by rifle' from Yoshiharu, that 'fate' still converges to the same ending, Yoshiharu couldn't possibly to notice that.

This is not anyone's responsibility, this is the Takeda clan's 'fate', Shingen thought.

"I, Kosaka Danjo will assault Sasaoyama where the Oda base is as a part of the Four Generals. I don't care if I cannot complete the 'Koyo Gunkan’.If the four people of 'Furinkazan' gathered, maybe we can waver the 'destiny' of Takeda clan. Our teacher, strategist-sama had said. Sagara Yoshiharu is 'the person who wavers destiny'---- Sagara-dono from the future does have that kind of power. In order to waver the 'destiny' of the Takeda clan, Sagara- dono explained the 'future' to me. I believe that in the 'history' Sagara-dono knows does not have a scene of the Takeda Four Generals, 'Furinkazan' all gathered at the battlefield. We must be able to change it.”

"I, Kosaka Danjo wants to fight to die along with Naito they all", she said.

At the same time the Takeda clan declined, only Kosaka Danjo survived and continued writing the 'Koyo Gunkan’.This 'future' would change at the moment Kosaka died at Sekigahara.

The moment 'Furinkazan' all was annihilated.

The 'fate' of the Takeda clan should be able to exchange equivalently with the lives of the Four Generals.

That was what she said

Naito, Baba, Yamagata, and also 'twins’.

All of them saw a slight hope in Kosaka's suggestion How foolish. 

They were not Shura from Kyushu, something like all fight to die to resist 'destiny', there was not even a slight chance of victory. The chance of just wasting their lives was higher. Cannot persuade them with rationality nor benefits. They were just a bunch of fools, weren't you guys the wise generals trained by Yamamoto Kansuke as his disciples, Shingen wanted to scold. If Sagara Yoshiharu knews of my illness, he must be giving a different 'advice' to Kosaka Danjo. No, he would probably give me 'advice' directly---- considering that, Shingen realized it was impossible. The moment she 'killed' Tsuda Nobuzumi, she had already cut off her bond with Sagara Yoshiharu.

Just like when she expelled her father out of Kai. While thinking of that, unbearable loneliness attacks Shingen's heart.

"'Twins’.Are you not going to stop the Four Generals' farce?” "We are"

"The Sanada clan" "Sanada"

"Live and die with Takeda" "That was"

"The mother of Sanada, Yukitaka-sama's" "Behest before death"

"Yukitaka is dead?” Shingen raised her voice unintentionally.

In the fourth battle of Kawanakajima, the respected 'immortal maiden general', Sanada Yukitaka has gotten old suddenly, and then she retired from the front line. Furthermore, the eldest and second daughter of Yukitaka, the 'twins', Nobutsuna and Nobuteru also overextended their stamina and retired from the front line. In the battle against the military god, Uesugi Kenshin, the Sanada clan offered their all abilities to gamble on the dream of 'building a Sanada village at Shinano to provide land that brought equality to the villagers, farmers, and ninjas', and burned their abilities. The 'twins' participated in this battle was a final ritual for their glorious retirement.

Yukitaka, and also the 'twins', they could no longer use the 'extraordinary power' they used to have.

"I did not learn of such information! Other than she is lying on the bed at Ueda Castle. . . . . . . .”

"Not that, we heard it"

"It's her voice, that conveyed to us"

"“.. . . . . . . Kansuke-dono. Our lives spent in this endless fighting all over places. Yakata-sama's dream has been entrusted to the girls of the next generation. I am going to be your side and serve you soon.”"

The 'twins' conveyed 'Yukitaka's last words' to Shingen. It was some sort of ninjutsu. Or maybe it was not, it was just Yukitaka's final belief turned into words and traveled a thousand miles to convey it to the 'twins’.

However, Yukitaka died without knowing Shingen was diagnosed with the 'illness of death’.This might be a kind of salvation to Shingen.

“.. . . . . . After Kansuke, even Yukitaka was gone. . . . . . not only that, the Takeda Four Generals and 'twins' also said they are going to assault Sasaoyama, where Oda Nobuna has prepared an unbelievable number of rifles for them. This is just like the dusk of the Takeda clan, ne. . . . . . .”

The Takeda clan could not be destroyed, once Takeda was gone then Sanada village would disappear too. Yukitaka bet her life to build 'a public domain where everyone can live an equal life', in the end, it could not stay in Japan and went into destruction.

To fall back from here, that was not allowed.

Kansuke's dream. Yukitaka's dream. Takeda's 'destiny’.Abandon everything and run away from here, that was impossible. My life did not belong to myself right from the beginning. The moment I exiled my father and become the lord of the Takeda clan, I am no longer Takeda Katsuchiyo, but 'Takeda Shingen’.

There's no need to confuse. To think of looking at the beautiful lake at Suwa, wanted to die quietly in the lake of Suwa, wanted to sleep eternally with Nene at Suwa. What am I thinking? I am not allowed to confuse nor retreat. Wasn't I already decided to live the life of a Shura, a life with endless war when I exiled my father? I am not allowed to turn back now.

Shingen, with a sadness that felt like cutting her body and made the decision "Then, we fight”.

The soldiers and generals of Takeda army were going to end their lives at Sekigahara. The 'fate' was converging to the 'established route' of Takeda clan and Oda Nobuna both destructed and Tokugawa Ieyasu became the emperor. She could feel it. The 'advice' from Sagara Yoshiharu with his true feeling ironically became the major factor of the 'converge', that was what she thought. However, even so.

"Change the 'destiny' of Takeda clan. Let us catch the 'future' that is different from the 'history' Sagara Yoshiharu knows---- fight with 'destiny'!”

"But, I won't command you guys to go and die in vain. Kansuke taught, 'All warfare is based on deception’.We must figure out Oda Nobuna's 'tactic' in order to win the Western Army. I will use my wit until the end of the end. I will absolutely let my body and brain sustain until that moment. Now everyone goes back to their respective camp and wait for command", Takeda Shingen informed the Four Generals and 'twins’.

As you command! The Takeda maiden generals shouted, and then they went back to their own camp.

This battle will be the final battle of my life. Kansuke, Yukitaka, father, please look carefully. Takeda Shingen will definitely defeat Oda Nobuna to become the 'strongest in Japan', I will definitely change the 'destiny' of Takeda clan, Shingen swore. She was no longer confused. The only thing she hoped for was her life able to sustain until that time. Once she disheartened, she would have a fever and her mind becomes blurred. She used all her strength, courage, and the final shine of light in her life to hold the army in her hand.

"Oda Nobuna is not an opponent that cannot be won at all. That person is an 'outstanding genius' that defeated the overwhelming Imagawa Yoshimoto and buried the strongest Murakami navy with the metal fleet. Moreover, she wants to obtain the world and the love for Sagara Yoshiharu that is not accepted by the people at the same time. She certainly is a unique and strongest hero in Japan history. . . . . . . I believe she had already prepared the 'tactic' to counter the Takeda cavalry unit at Shitarahara. Think of how Oda Nobuna deployed her army formation at Shitarahara. The 'mountain terrain' that cavalry unit cannot assaults easily is the key. . . . . . I have to get the details of Oda Nobuna's 'tactic', this requires time, then.”

Shingen realized. The Four Generals and she also missed the 'strategy' that could defeat the Western Army without rushing into the 'death trap’.Or maybe the Takeda Four Generals had noticed it, but they couldn't say it. 

"That's right. The first we should defeat is Sagara Yoshiharu with the weakest army strength, isn't it? According to the general art of war, that is a given. . . . . . . why I didn't notice that. Maybe I have forgotten. I really, haha. .

. . . . .”

Despite I did such cruel thing to the Oda clan, Sagara Yoshiharu went out of his way to save me and the Takeda clan. In the end, we have to defeat him. Is it really fine to make such an unrighteous choice at the end of my life? It is good to make that as the 'ending' of my life? Kansuke. Once again, she falls into an intense cough. Shingen covered her face with a mask----. 

Tokugawa base at Tsuzuraike.

Honda Masanobu came back from Shingen's camp at Momohaiyama, (An intense battle of dead is going to happen in this Sekigahara. A great scale final battle that has never happened in the Japan history before. How many lives will disappear in this battle. . . . . ) her body is shaking, while serving beside the shadow warrior act as Tokugawa Ieyasu, Serada Jiro Saburo.

Serada Jiro Saburo had already scared until her soul flew out.

The Eastern Army solely already has 100,000 troops. The Western Army now has 60,000 troops. If Kuroda Kanbei made it in time, there will be another 30,000 troops. The total of the Eastern and Western Army have around 200,000 troops gathered in this small area of Sekigahara. A plain battle with such a big scale and the 'real' Tokugawa Ieyasu that experienced Okehazama, Anegawa and Mikatagahara who could be considered as a veteran was not here!

"Masanobu-san. It's finally here. No matter how many times I sang 'away from the corrupted land and seeks for the holy land' also cannot escape from the reality right in front of my eyes. Until the mist is gone and the sun rises, there's not even one quarter left. I cannot even have a nap.”

"Me too. If there's any general that can sleep in front of this kind of battlefield, that person would be someone like Sagara Yoshiharu.”

"Eheh? That person can sleep here? Is he just have that much of a capability?”

"Yeah yeah. If without it, a person like him who came from the future where there is no war, cannot experience so many battles and survived until now. Although sometimes he would be in agony and laments, but once he spoke out everything then he would be like forgotten everything and fall into sleep, after that awaken as a hero. The true strength of Sagara Yoshiharu is not his knowledge of the past, but his endless mental strength. A normal person could never able to go through Amano-Iwato. If that person does not have sufficient mental strength when going through Amano-Iwato then he or she will lose their memories. The worst case could have their body being crushed. The moment he went through Amano-Iwato alive, he's already a hero with exceptional mental strength. Although the person himself is quite blunt about it, so he didn't realize that.”

“.. . . . . . . . Is that a knowledge you learned from Matsunaga Danjo-san too?” "Just like you said.”

“.. . . . But Masanobu-san. I just couldn't understand. Why you accepted Hattori Hanzo's suggestion at Kiyosu Castle, and even sent Ishikawa Kazumune to the tea house where the real Ieyasu-sama is hiding? I think that the ninja sisters are both alive now. Hanzo and Hachisuka Goemon knew each other long ago. At that instance, they fooled you and escaped from Kiyosu Castle differently, and one of them even willing to become a hostage of Masanobu-san in order to find out where Ieyasu-sama is, that's the only thing I can think of. Why you let Hanzo and the others to take advantage of you?”

That's right.

Honda Masanobu had already found out that both Ishikawa Kazumune and Hachisuke Goemon are alive. The two of them swapped, Hattori Hanzo did not give up on 'taking back Ieyasu' and 'cooperate' with Goemon and Kazumune. Masanobu knew all of it. Even the 'dead body of Goemon' might also be actually Ishikawa Kazumune entered a fake death condition by using the Tambu ninjutsu. And then Honda Masanobu took over their plan and just simply sent Goemon to where the real Ieyasu was.

“.. . . . . . I have my mind clear after being admonished by Shingen-sama. This is not my battle, but Ojou-sama's battle. I want to give Ojou-sama the chance to make her own choice.”

"What if, the result is Ojou-sama does not hope for taking over the world?”

“.. . . . . . . At that time, the traitor will be away from here. But even if that happens, you are a precious shadow warrior for Ojou-sama so you will be safe. Don't worry.”

What's more, that tea house was not that easy to infiltrate. If they could not get out from there in the time given, then unfortunately that Ojou-sama did not have the 'strength' to participate in the battle of Sekigahara as a commander right from the beginning. Honda Masanobu had no choice but to bring victory for Tokugawa and let history 'converge' to it supposed to be. . . .

. . Honda Masanobu looked up to the moon that was covered by clouds. The moon was now setting down to the mountain at the boundary. Soon. Soon, the 'battle of Sekigahara' began. 

At the corner of Southeast of Nanguyama, there was a mountain named Mount Kurihara.

The Tosa maiden general, 'Chosokabe Motochika' that turned from the Western Army to the Eastern Army was setting her base here.

Chosokabe Motochika was a pretty maiden that no one can imagine she was a maiden general from the foreign country, Tosa. She seemed to be an elegant lady that did not know how to wield a weapon. She wore fashion Nanban clothes and dressed her slim body with cuteness.

Because of that cuteness, she was generally called the 'Hime Wakako’.

Regarding the battle of Sekigahara, this maiden pirate who came from the 'demon province' of the South China Sea would play a big role here, even Chosokabe Motochika herself who was thinking of finishing her uniting of Shikoku but showed her face at Honshu out of righteousness also did not know that.

Tosa was a province that was different from Awa, Sanuki, and Iyo that were connected with Inland Sea, Kinai and Chugoku. Tosa was a nearly isolated island. It was a tough journey for the people in Tosa to go to neighbor countries. That was why the Tosa samurais were very poor, their helmets and chainmails were very old too. Actually, the retainers of the Chosokabe clan lived a life as a farmer were called 'Ichiryo gusoku' as a group of farmer- samurai, it was hard to judge whether they were farmers or samurais. In Tosa, even horses were small as goats. In war, Tosa dogs were even better than horses.

Certainly, pirates were better in earning money than inland (through pirating), but their clothes were either second hand Nanbai pirate suits robbed from the Nanban ships or ethnic clothes of the African tribes transported by the Nanban merchants. The style of a Japanese could no longer be seen on them. At that time Oda Nobuna met the envoy sent by the Chosokabe clan, they were too shocked of their attire "Ahyayaya! ? It's already beyond the actors, they are just like the barbarians from Nanban! ?” and felt like wanted to flee away for their own safety.

To the retainers of the Chosokabe clan, the beautiful Hime Wakako, Motochika was undoubtedly a flower at the mountain peak that miraculously bloomed at the demon province, Tosa.

However, Motochika was actually a war maniac that could not be imagined based on her elegant and meek appearance. She could appear out of nowhere and then run away quickly, no matter whether it was in the mountain or at sea. She could trick the soldiers chasing her in many ways, the soldiers would still unable to catch her.

"Why must we go out of the way to unite Shikoku ne.”

“Sanuki, Awa or what, they are all in a different world from Tosa. Even if all of them are also in Shikoku, we have nothing to do with them at all.” to the retainers that were bending their neck, Motochika "Shikoku is too small. We need to go somewhere other than Shikoku. No, one day we have no choice but to row our boat to the other side of Japan. Uniting Shikoku meaning the Chosokabe that is aiming for the world building 'a harbor that we can come back anytime’.Understand?” giving out many smokescreens by complimenting Sanuki, Awa, and Iyo for deploying their troops away repeatedly, and taking over Shikoku by chance, they could even earn military income through pirating, living such a free life.

Chosokabe Motochika, who was formerly a member of the people in Tosa, at the time announced her ambition of Tenkafubu, she also announced 'uniting Tosa province' almost the same time and then commerce the great business of 'uniting the Shikoku’.

The uniting of Tosa has already finished, now they were proceeding to conquer the whole Shikoku. (TL note: Shikoku is a region consists of Tosa, Sanuki, Awa, and Iyo)

The Miyoshi clan at Awa and Sanuki had already vanished. The Miyoshi Three had a fierce battle with Oda Nobuna inland, when they returned to their home province at Shikoku "Eheh, what happened”

“Soldiers are attacking from Tosa through the mountain over there, are there people living in Tosa”

“I really cannot understand”

“I am Iwanari" (TL note: Iwanari Tomomichi is one of the Miyoshi Three, no idea why this word appears) and fought with the Chosokabe army with a feeling like being confused by a fox. But they were overwhelmed by Motochika's obsession and absurd ambition of 'uniting Shikoku', and then all of them went missing until now.

Matsunaga Danjo, Oda Nobuna, Chosokabe Motochika. . . . . . . some said they were tired of being used by the maiden generals and end their lives as samurais and live in seclusion, some said they escaped to Shinano where Oda Nobuna and Chosokabe Motochika could not reach their hands to.

The remaining opponents in Shikoku were the remnant of the Miyoshi clan, the people and pirates in Iyo. Motochika had an idea on how to settle Iyo already, when her business of uniting Shikoku was going to finish---- Motochika received the request for reinforcement from her stepsister, Saito Toshimitsu.

The reason Motochika became stepsisters with Saito Toshimitsu who was far from her place was, "Oda Nobuna is going to raise her name in Honshu" this intuition and wanted to befriend with Nobuna. However, Nobuna did not have many siblings, and Motochika was still just a people of Tosa at that time, she did not deserve to befriend with the Oda clan. Therefore, Motochika wished to become the younger sister of Akechi Mitsuhide but did not succeed, in the end, she became the younger sister of Akechi Mitsuhide's servant, Saito Toshimitsu.

Chosokabe Motochika accepted Saito Toshimitsu's invitation, brought 6,000 Tosa troops and sailed the Chosokabe navy fleet to Yodoe harbor.

The head of the fleet was the ship with its flag dyed black, 'Big Black Blade’.

However, Osaka Castle was suppressed by Mori at that time. Therefore, Chosokabe Motochika read the situation and decided to join the Eastern Army.

Never let the bats from Tosa to run away, Kobayakawa Takakage led the navy and captured the Tosa fleet at sea "It has already become a castle of Mori”

“Something seems wrong" when they are escaping from Osaka Castle in panic. 

Kobayakawa Takakage threatened Chosokabe Motochika in order to let her join the Eastern Army. Motochika hugged tightly her youngest brother, Nobuchika who she doted the most and trying to fool over Takakage that was persuading her----.

"Chosokabe Motochika, Until recently, you dare to counterfeit the name of my brother, Murakami Takeyoshi and attack Nanban merchant ship at the sea of Tosa arbitrarily. . . . . but now is not the time to play hiding with you. It's obvious that Osaka has become the main base of Mori, just give up and hurry up join the Eastern Army.”

"Eheh~? What, is this person serious? Your eyes are not even smiling. So mean, I am a person with freedom. What if I reject your request?”

"Then I will fight with the Chosokabe navy and wreck all the ships you bring.”

"Kobayakawa Takakage? We both are also people who lead pirates. We had conflict and also friendship in trading. We are actually enemies but also 'friends' right?”

"Who wants to be friend with you.”

"That's too mean! You can actually feel a little friendship from me, you are too mean. Nobuchika, this woman is this kind of a person right from the beginning, you know?”

"What kind of things you had done all this time, please touch your chest and think thoroughly.”

"Then. Touch touch. Well, the chest of the 'cold-blooded general' is kinda small. . . . . is it because of blood flowing not good?”

"Not my chest. Don't act fool in front of me, Chosokabe Motochika! Choose! I have no time now. If I waste my time here, I will miss the big fish.” 

"It seems to be true no matter how I see it. But Kobayakawa Takakage? Wasn't I had already accepted the request to use the Hara Horo no Hire, which is one of the ten relics to pierce the ship of Sagara Yoshiharu, aren't you asking for too much? It's hard to hit the boat without hitting Sagara Yoshiharu with that Hara Horo no Hire. That thing is really hard to get into hands.”

"It's Orochi no Hire. If you completed the task of throwing the Orochi no Hire, then we will ignore you for a while for stealing the name. The Mori had already complied with that promise faithfully.”

"You really are a 'cold-blooded general' ne. If you also have that cold face in front of a man then you will never be able to marry. You get it?”

"Shut, shut up. If you don't join the Eastern Army, not only I will bury your fleet at Osaka bay, but also send an anonymous letter of proof to Oda Nobuna and tell her that the culprit of the Orochi no Hire incident is you. You will lose your navy and forced to sever diplomatic relations with Mori and Oda, and then a campaign on Shikoku will be held no matter who was the winner at Honshu.”

"What. You are threatening me! ? Mori cannot seek for the world, isn't that the family tradition since the first generation of Mori?”

“.. . . . . I violated my father's last words. The Mori clan bet the fate of the entire clan and retainers in this battle. I am serious. You, Chosokabe Motochika's 'serious' isn't just to the extent of uniting the small Shikoku?”

"Even if you said that, my business of uniting Shikoku haven't finished yet, and my target is to become the 'world of Chosokabe' that is greater than ruling Honshu. First of all, I did not fall in love with Sagara Yoshiharu. Eh? 

The ladies live at sea sounds like having a lot of freedom but they actually have no freedom at all.”

"Just shut up. Don't be sarcasm. Or else I will kill you.”

"You are as stubborn as a Balanidae (TL note: a type of animal) sticking to the rock pile while I am a person like a jellyfish that lives with freedom, our personality is very different ne. Let me tell you something, Kobayakawa Takakage. Smile more, once you smile you are a very cute princess. Just keep having that smile, in that way you can even get Sagara Yoshiharu back from Oda Nobuna. Understand?”

“.. . . . . . Motochika. Your delay tactic won't work on me. Answer immediately, join the Eastern Army or not?”

Motochika's brother, the innocent hot-blooded young lad, Nobuchika had a pale face. Ahah seriously, sister had already formed an alliance with Oda clan and she still worked for Kobayakawa Takakage underneath. This happened because of sister swaying both sides like a bat!

"Sister! We can never join the Eastern Army right now! The name of the 'bat' will be determined! Why don't we just have a fight with Kobayakawa army!”

"Eheh, that's right Nobuchika. As a maiden, sometimes I will take action without bothering danger even if knowing I am gonna die. Even though knowing I will lose, I will still fight on. Understand!”

"Well said, sister's golden words are here! Let's do that sister! You are awesome! Although you always act like a bat but you are still the hero of Tosa! The person who overturns the Japan history~!” Nobuchika was touched until tears flowed out after having the rare chance of seeing his sister's serious expression. 

As for Kobayaka Takakage “.. . . .”, she's glaring Motochika with a cold gaze, Motochika immediately,

“.. . . . . . . . But now is not the time for that.”

And then she turned her base from the Western Army to the Eastern Army.

Despite Nobuchika "Wait. Sis~ter! ?” uttered sad calls, Motochika covered her tear face "Nobuchika, I cannot let you to die in the battlefield. Please forgive me" fooled over her brother and then moved towards Kobayakawa Takakage,

"Please offer the pirates that serve me with food from Osaka. All of them are using squids to kill their hunger all this time. Please provide some buns.”

She asked for food. Although Kobayakawa Takakage was going to have her blood capillaries in her head burst "So noisy”.

"How many takoyaki you want, hurry up finish eating and then get to land. We are going to proceed with our army soon.”

But after that.

The provisions in the ship are empty. The pirates that were basically with empty stomachs and the foot soldiers that were on the boat for the land battle were all gathering around Kobayakawa Takakage.

"Kobayakawa-san, we are very appreciated for your kindness!” "So this is the legendary takoyaki!”

"It's hot hot hot!”

"It's so delicious, I am finally alive again!”

Although Kobayakawa Takakage behaved badly, she actually had gotten closer with the pirates. 

To make friends, it needed to begin with food. Now Chosokabe and Mori were already 'allies' and 'friends’.Kobayakawa Takakage? You understand? And also please have another takoyaki! Motochika blinked her eyes along with a smile to Takakage for the outcome.

"Pay it. One kan for ten.”

Kobayakawa Takakage grabbed Motochika's sleeve emotionlessly.

"Pay money or what, that's too petty. The province of freedom, Tosa does not have high-quality currency as like in Honshu. We basically trade items with other provinces. Understand?”

"Just pay it.”

“.. . . . . . Okay.”

The Chosokabe army joined the Eastern Army, causing the situation to change----.

This was nothing but lucky to the Mori army.

If they fought with Chosokabe navy at Osaka bay, then the Mori army marching plan will be disrupted. But through Kobayakawa Takakage's emotionless and strong negotiation as a 'cold-blooded general', she successfully persuaded the indecisive Chosokabe Motochika to join the Eastern Army.

But, the bat Motochika did not have strong morale. She was intended to join the Western Army and then just somehow created the fact that she participated in the battle in Honshu. As long as she was given the 'guarantee of uniting Shikoku' from the winner.

When Chosokabe Motochika learned that Ukita Naoie who arrived first spread the fake rumors of 'Chosokabe has already entered Mount Kurihara', 

she was so excited and keeps hitting her own knees, "Oda Nobuna will most likely act like going through eastern mountain circuit and then turn to Ise Street and enter Sekigahara from there. I once again give out my all to assist the Mori clan, Tosa army prepared to group together and defend against Oda army. You understand?” negotiated with Kobayakawa Takakage, cleverly distant herself from the main battlefield in Sekigahara and set her base at the remote Mount Kurihara. Although Takakage noticed it (This fellow has no motivation in battle ne), better to just let her sit quietly at Mount Kurihara that is far from the battlefield instead of Motochika turn to the Western Army at the important moment. Thus she approved Motochika to set base at Mount Kurihara.

Oda Nobuna was known for her impatience so she wouldn't take a long route in this decisive battle. Even when the battle of Okehazama also she did not resort to taking a long route and launched an assault on the main camp of Imagawa Yoshimoto immediately. The people who will take a long route were Akechi Mitsuhide and Kobayakawa Takakage those wise generals that would consider too many things. In fact, Akechi Mitsuhide used the Biwa lake, Kobayakawa Takakage employed the strategy of marching from Yamato and crossed over Suzuka ridges which were also long routes. The result was Ukita Naoie took advantage of these two wise generals and earned the honor of reaching Sekigahara first. If Ukita Naoie captured Matsuoyama and turned to the Western Army, Mori would be in danger.

And so Motochika entered the 'remote place', Mount Kurihara. Brought along his brother, Nobuchika who wants to participate in the battle that decided the world belongs to who by her side. "Despite I live in Tosa, I have already grasped the behavior of Oda Nobuna and other Honshu maiden generals.

Oda Nobuna will never come to Ise Street" she said it proudly, the result was as expected, that was Oda Nobuna marched through eastern mountain circuit.

In that case, Motochika had avoided the bad situation of fighting directly with Oda Nobuna. If Oda Nobuna won, she could just have to plead with Akechi Mitsuhide "Being threatened by the evil Kobayakawa Takakage and forced to join the Eastern Army" with tears then it should be no problem. If the Eastern Army won then the Chosokabe army would be the guard from preventing reinforcements from entering through Ise Street. No matter which side wins, the Chosokabe clan would still be safe, Motochika felt ease----.

"Nobuchika. When that happens we have to run with all might from Ise Street. Understand?”

"Eheheh. It's rare for the battle that decides the ruler of the world to come! Why we still have to act like a bat. Just fight! Sister~!

When Chosokabe Motochika was surprised by the intelligence "The 'middle enter' squad of the Western Army suddenly appeared at eastern mountain circuit where the east of Nanguyama was and blocked the route of retreat of the Eastern Army", the dawn of Sekigahara was rising soon.

"Eastern mountain circuit being blocked? Hm. . . . . . if Kikkawa Motoharu at Nanguyama cannot go to North where eastern mountain circuit is and chose to descend South where Ise Street is. . . . . . . . . . not good, we would be involved in the fierce battle! I am the Hime Wakako that loves peace and freedom. Let's fall back to Tosa, Nobuchika!”

"Are we going to escape at night at this time? I don't want! We will be presumed as the bat by Oda and Mori and being attacked~! And the Chosokabe army is holding the key of the victory in the battle of Sekigahara oh? This must be 'fate'! To let the Chosokabe clan be well known to the word, I will fight till death!”

"Nobuchikaaaaa! Why are you so innocent! ?”

"Isn't it because sister dotes me too much until I know nothing outside the world?”

"Although you are so cute that it won't hurt to put anywhere in my eyes (TL note: direct translate, the meaning is she dotes him very much), but sometimes you have to become a demon to survive in this Sengoku chaos, understand? Even I have another title 'Oni Wakako' oh? I acted like a bat all this time is a trick to fool both ally and enemy to let them put down their guard around me, you know?”

"I know sister won't lie to me but I still don't understand what you're saying”.Nobuchika pouted. How can my brother be this cute. . . . . it was my mistake for unable to reject him when he begged me to bring him to Honshu, Motochika felt anxious which was a rare thing.

"Since I have already brought Nobuchika into such a dangerous battle, why do I bother to become a bat anymore! I will use all my wisdom to avoid this battle and get out myself from danger! Understand?”

"Seriously~. I was trained by sister in both martial arts and knowledge, so I will not necessarily die in battle~", Nobuchika still felt confused about his overdoting sister.

Motochika possessed natural intuition power just like shooting ultrasound to space. Intuition told her that 'Nobuchika is in danger' when she heard that eastern mountain circuit was blocked. However, the unfortunately Motochika did not know of Nobuchika's 'future' predicted in 'Kokondenju’.If she learned it, then even facing a crusade from the 'emperor', she would immediately grab Nobuchika and escape from Sekigahara. The result undoubtedly would be losing Tosa province, losing everything in Shikoku.

The 'fate' waiting at Sekigahara was going to consume Chosokabe Motochika and Nobuchika who were like the lost children that wandered from Tosa to Mount Kurihara----.