Chapter 4 : Sunomata Ichiya Castle!
After successfully taking back Inabayama Castle, Saitou Yoshitatsu soon put out search warrants for Yoshiharu and Inuchiyo in the towns.
Yoshiharu's face seemed just like an evil bandit's, and Inuchiyo was just portrayed as wearing a tiger helm.
[These people are in cahoots with Takenaka Hanbei who tried to revolt. They are actually spies sent from Owari.]
With this poster, Yoshiharu and Inuchiyo became the masterminds and had bounties for their capture.
With this, it was impossible to wander around Mino.
To continue checking on Ando Iga's whereabouts, Yoshiharu lent Goemon and the Kawanami members to Hanbei. He and Inuchiyo rushed back to Owari's Kiyosu castle.
But......
After returning to Aoshuu castle, not even a ronin was in sight.
Aoshuu had become a ghost town.
"What is going on, Inuchiyo?"
".....???"
Are the folks in the Five Leaf Aralia houses okay? The worried duo hurried over, but what greeted them was a shocking scene.
Shibata Katsuie had Nene seated on her shoulders as she was commanding her troops to surround Yoshiharu's house. No matter how people see it, it's obvious that they are going to put the house to fire.
"Hurry and burn the house!"
"Understood!"
"Roger!"
A fiery scene...
Yoshiharu looked on as his small, cozy home was torched just like that.
With fury burning in his heart, Yoshiharu walked up behind Katsuie as she rambles "Why must I be tasked with such a job" and launched a Sagara family kick.
It landed nicely onto Katsuie's butt.
"Wh-Wh-Wh-What are you doing, you damn saru?! Do you hold that much of a grudge towards me?"
"That is what I should be saying! Don't burn my house just because I'm not in! Katsuie you... Just what deep hatred do you have against me......!"
"I...I remember clearly, you are the one who molested my breasts at the previous battle. This kind of grudge can't be easily forgotten!"
"That happened during Okehazama, right!? But do you have to burn my house just because of that?"
".......Inuchiyo's house... is burning too."
"Katsuie~! This time round, I will definitely settle it right here! I will take revenge~!"
"Wh...Why are your hands suddenly aiming for my breasts? Stop it, Saru! Ahhhhhh!"
"Obviously because you're burning my house.... But besides that, after looking at that ridiculous ball shaped thing, I don't know why, but I just want to touch and feel it!"
"Ahhhhh, why is this ero-saru suddenly in heat!?"
"Onii-sama. This was ordered by the princess." Nene who is riding on Katsuie's shoulders stopped Yoshiharu.
"Nobuna's orders? I get it now... That woman finally decided to burn me to death, right!?"
"No!"
"Listen to me, Saru. During the period when you guys were out, Nobuna-sama decided to shift her base from Aoshuu to Komakiyama. The retainers had all been ordered to shift there too. So currently, those who have not moved over will have their house burned down."
"Though Nobuna has always been stubborn, this is about burning down the house of retainers who refuse to move... There must be a limit to being rash!" Yoshiharu thought.
"Katsuie. So you choose my house to be your first target, right!?"
"What choice do I have!? Who caused Hime-sama to fume and mutter 'Why isn't that Saru coming back? Why isn't that Saru coming back?' anyways?"
"I'm not against moving, I just wasn't at home."
"Onii-sama, Nene's oji-san had already moved to Komakiyama! Let's go together!"
"......Inuchiyo wants to go there too."
With Katsuie leading, they head towards Komakiyama.
"Anyway Katsuie, what sort of place is Komakiyama?"
"It's a fortress located at the north side of Aoshuu. Hime-sama said this will lead us closer to Mino."
"I see. So when marching troops to Mino, the distance will be greatly reduced."
"Those stubborn old retainers kept saying things like 'Moving the base is something I've never heard of. At least give us a year to move' and kept opposing. But all of them were outright rejected by Hime-sama, and we moved to Komakiyama on that exact day. After that, she asked me to burn the houses of those who refuse to move, that's it."
Nobuna, what kind of arsonist are you? Yoshiharu thought to himself.
"So Katsuie, compared to those old opposition folks, what's your reason for choosing my house to burn first?"
"You sure are irritating. I didn't plan to burn it with you inside anyway, so everything should be okay."
"It's totally not okay! Katsuie, looks like the both of us need to have a nice chat."
"You're a mere vice-captain; what makes you think that you can have anything to say about the top aide of the Oda clan? Really, this damn Saru is totally rude."
Komakiyama, located at the northern side of Owari is a smaller mountain, and a secluded place.
But compared to Kiyosu castle which is right in the middle of Owari, this place is obviously much closer to Inabayama castle.
After suffering numerous ambushes from the Mino army, Nobuna ordered Niwa Nagahide to build a fortress in Komakiyama.
Once determined, Nobuna's action speed can only be described as lightning fast.
Not waiting for the construction of Komakiyama to be completed, Nobuna ordered all her retainers to shift from Aoshuu.
After reaching Komakiyama, Katsuie gave Nene over to Goemon to look after, and dragged Yoshiharu and Inuchiyo over to Nobuna's room. [19]
Though Nobuna's room wasn't completed, the hastily built room was already decorated with her favorite globe, a tiger, several bear skins stretched out on the floor as carpets, and the foreign bought giant world map was already on the wall.
And, as if she were peeking on Inabayama castle, at her side was a big telescope too.
"Hime-sama! Sagara Yoshiharu and Maeda Inuchiyo are here!"
"Dearuka [20] . Riku, thanks."
Letting out sounds of "Kasha, kasha" while eating her chicken wing, Nobuna had her eyebrows tightly knitted.
Looks like because she had not seen Yoshiharu for a some time, her mood has taken a turn for the worse.
"Saru, Inuchiyo, what is this about?"
Nobuna raised the warrant that was pasted everywhere in Mino right up to Yoshiharu's face.
"This monkey face that looks totally like a bad guy; no matter how I see it, it's you. The mastermind of asking Hanbei to revolt....... has already been written here clearly. Besides, the identity of you being from Owari is totally exposed."
"No, that's because...."
"What the hell is going on, Saru? I'll say this first: based on your explanation and the situation, your head might end up off your shoulders."
"......No! It's... like this."
If I let that big mouthed Yoshiharu speak, Nobuna might become even more angry Inuchiyo noticed, so she starts to explain things in simple sentences.
Though Inuchiyo didn't speak much, she had a talent for explaining the situation clearly.
Nobuna, who took very good care of Inuchiyo, said "What am I to do with you, tell me first next time when you guys want to persuade someone to join us." and let things go.
"Hime-sama! This kind of damned Saru, don't tell me you are not even going to punish him!? A mere vice-captain who doesn't know his own strength, recklessly tried to persuade an enemy commander to join our side, and, worst of all, failed and escaped back here."
"Our princess is once again biased towards that damn Saru!" Katsuie rambled on and on. Her words rattled on until Nobuna couldn't bear it any longer, grabbing hold of her sword and saying in a loud voice,
"I get it already, Riku. Saru, come over for a talk."
"What's with the female gang boss action?" Yoshiharu scratched his head while following Nobuna's lead.
"Wait a minute, Hime-sama?! You are really going to let this damn Saru off without any punishment? Don't tell me now you guys are going on a sweet date.....? Let me tag along too!"
"......Katsuie, Wait here."
Inuchiyo hugged Katsuie who is rushing to follow them, and Katsuie tries to break free while shouting "Let me go!"
Without any reason, it has suddenly become a wrestling showdown between the two of them in the room.
Not considering the difference in body size, the breast size is totally different, making this showdown expectantly good.
"Ohhhhh....Inuchiyo, your waist is unexpectedly heavy.....!"
"......Katsuie's breast, so heavy. Makes me furious!"
"Ehhhhh!? Why, why must all of you be angry at me!?"
"......Touch them yourself to know why!"
"I don't understand a thing!! What's going on? Is there a problem with my personality?"
"......No problem with it, the problem lies with your chest."
"Ehhhh, what is going on.....!?"
"What's with the fuss outside. Those two sure are noisy."
Nobuna stood at the walkway, gazing at the plains stretching from the top of Komakiyama across its whole northern side. Different from her usual happy go lucky style, today Nobuna is wearing a blue kimono. This type of attire can be worn both with her armor once battle erupts and as normal clothing. There isn't much of a problem. Though she likely only considers this outfit in terms of mobility, on Nobuna it does have a few points of feminine added to it.
Sitting at the side, Yoshiharu feels his heartbeat speed up without a reason.
"Don't tell me she became more sexy because of Nagamasa's proposal.... Damn it"
"You are a bit noisy too, Saru."
Nobuna looks across the fast currents of the Kiso river towards her and her father Nobuhide's combined wish, the yet undefeated Inabayama castle.
Looking at Nobuna, who keeps shifting her legs in frustration while looking through her telescope, her heart's impatience can be seen clearly.
Shifting her own base from Aoshuu to Komakiyama is also a physical representation of Nobuna's impatience, wanting to get nearer to Inabayama castle at all cost, no matter if it's just one or two small steps.
At this hastily built courtyard, if one looks clearly they can find exact replicas of Mino's geography on a 3D model. The small water trenches must be the Nagara river and Kiso river. At the centre, the hill must be Mount Kinka. Nobuna looks at the model quietly, almost like she is thinking of ways to capture Mino.
"Even though I'm so close, I just can't get it."
"Eh? Isn't this about my punishment?" Sagara scratched his head, confused.
"Think of something."
"So....? Something? What about it?"
"No. I mean a plan. The plan to capture Inabayama castle! It's impossible to conquer that fortress with just shifting my home to a closer place! The reason I built a castle right here in Komakiyama in the first place was to find a weak spot in that mountain fortress."
"It didn't work out in the end?"
"Umm. In the end, Komakiyama is like a small hill; it cannot be compared to Mount Kinka. It can't be used in planning at all."
The famous work of Viper, Saitou Dousan, the famed Inabayama castle.
Even without Takenaka Hanbei, the besieged Yoshitatsu can still easily force the Oda clan home. And even if Nobuna besieged the nearby town instead, she faces the danger of Dousan's designed night warfare.
"In terms of strategies, surrounding Inabayama castle and cutting the water supply is not such a bad idea."
"But even though we have Motoyasu to protect us from the east side, we can't just let Owari be empty for a long time."
"The most important thing is that, come autumn, the field needs to be tended, right? So a drawn out battle is impossible. To an ordinary soldier, farming is what they should be doing. Even if they are warriors, there are quite a number who are also farmers. I have also gathered all the retainers to this town at the foot of Komakiyama as well as professional soldiers, but to build a dedicated army consumes both time and money."
"Besides, burning other people's home is a bit too much!" Yoshiharu grumbled unhappily.
"Saru, after listening to my great army restructuring plan, you should at least be more surprised."
"Aren't you the great Oda Nobuna? This kind of thing is a given for you."
"So boring. It would be troublesome if you were like Riku, who said 'What are you saying, Hime-sama, I don't understand anything at all' with her teary eyes, but at least show some gratitude."
"Nobuna, because Mino now does not have Hanbei, I think it's far more important than you think. If we have to think of a way to capture Inabayama castle, it's not like there isn't a way..."
"What a slow and hesitating way of saying things." Nobuna's small lips formed a (?^?).
"Nowadays, you are always hesitating. Stop beating around the bush. If there's something you want to say, just say it out."
"The promise of a reward, don't you forget it."
"......I...I did not forget it at all."
Suddenly Nobuna's face blushed bright red, and she turned her head away in a hurry.
Yoshiharu did not mind too much of Nobuna's reaction. In his mind, he thinks of the extremely famous incident that he has seen numerous times in the sengoku SLG's greatest work, "Ambition of Oda Nobunaga".
The incident that leaves it's mark in the sengoku history, Kinoshita Tokichiro's "Sunomata Ichiya Castle".
This history incident goes roughly like this.
Oda Nobunaga, preparing to conquer Mino, is determined to build a castle at the east side of Mino at Sunomata. But Sunomata itself is right inside the enemy's territory. All of Nobunaga's important generals had failed, yet the inconspicuous Kinoshita Tokichirou used just a night's time to build it.
"Saru, I'm getting impatient. Just quickly say what you have in mind, but don't tell me things like 'building a castle in Sunomata'".
"Eh!? How did you know!?"
"If I can get a strategic foothold in Sunomata, the Mino people will be shocked and come running to me for help. But Yoshitatsu isn't an idiot. He will definitely stop us. So isn't something like that impossible?"
"Though dangerous, it's not totally impossible. I do have a secret plan from the sengoku game [21] ."
"You're gonna lose your life. This is a bet that you can't win."
"But there's no other way. For the promise of the reward, I won't back down."
"You? A footsoldier who does not have any one to command? How can you do it?"
"The Kawanami people will give me a hand. If this succeeds, remember to recruit them."
"Team up with those bandits? Really, they are quite strange."
"But I myself do not have too much manpower for you. Though I have Takechiyo guarding the east and west side, there has been a lot of tension with Ise on the east" Nobuna said.
"The recently recruited Koga warrior, Takigawa Kazumasu, is now near Ise's frontline. Who knows when they will start attacking the borders?"
"Such a thing happened when I'm out? You should really behave outside. You may just be someone who is 'soon to be married'. Learn how to control yourself a bit."
"Shut up. Why is a mere retainer being so arrogant? I must say this first, my first and only concern right now is just conquering Mino. I did not have a single thought about getting married. Anyways, the only man who is compatible to the smart, beautiful, demure, and no. 1 bishoujo like me can never be found in the world."
"Isn't there a Nagamasa?"
Nobuna glanced over, and sent a kick.
Yoshiharu reflexively dodged it easily.
"Hmph! That guy is only compatible in looks and status. Listen! Something like status, that's totally due to you being lucky that you are born of a distinguished family. Looks are the same...... To say nothing of peaceful eras, it's the sengoku era now. No matter the gender, what you should rely on is your own strength and ambitions. A thing like status is not important at all!"
Fuming, and putting on a face with her eyes shining by the light, it's almost as if Nobuna is shining.
"If the one becoming my husband is not someone that can see the same dream as mine, I would rather die than marry him."
Comparing this girl to the moon really is a mistake.
Her brightness and attractiveness is not something that the moon can be compared to.
This pair of eyes which shines like the sun, I will definitely be scorched if I raise my hand towards her body, Yoshiharu thought.
Following such a princess, I can die without regrets.
"That Nagamasa, isn't he just a sissy who holds great ambitions? 'A sengoku daimyo's marriage does not need love'? What is the matter with him!? God knows where he learned that from; who does he think he is? If he thinks that he can make my heart stir with just that, he is totally wrong! I'm Owari's foolish princess! If that kind of guy is considered mature, I do not want to be like that."
"Ah, hmmm..."
"Saru! Are you unmoved after letting that guy walk all over you? Your master is being belittled! Didn't you say you are here to fulfill my wish? If so, hurry and capture Mino for me!"
For some reason, Nobuna's scolding words towards Yoshiharu seemed to call out a wish like If you don't want me to be snatched away by Nagamasa, then catch me yourself!
No no, that's just my delusion. It must be because Nene has kept me away from girls too long. That's why I'm under such mental stress! This world isn't a gal game or an ecchi anime, how can there be such a development? Yoshiharu shakes his head in panic, while mumbling "Mi...Mino, I will definitely capture it."
"Why is your expression so mysterious? Look at me when you're talking."
Blushing, Nobuna comes near, with her face getting near, but Yoshiharu turns his face away in panic.
Damn. The serious Nobuna is just so striking... Why, why is my heart beating so fast now...?
"Sta...Status is not important...... You're the only one that would say this kind of thing. The retainers and the people won't think that way."
"......They are a bunch of idiots anyway, who cares what they think."
"That is a bad habit of yours. This world has it's own regulations and stuff. If you don't consider the opinion of the majority and push your own strange reforms, there will be a day when your own retainers will attack you. It's exactly because of this that Dousan lost Mino."
"Hmph. I didn't expect you to be the kind of man who would say such a boring thing."
"What I said just now was common sense. No matter when, oba-chan will stand by your side. No matter if it's the world, or love, I will help you obtain it. I will protect you, and then, I will let you shine in front of the whole world."
"......Eh......?"
"How is it, are you moved by these childish words I said?"
".........Ah......"
Nobuna lowered her head, not speaking a word.
In an instant, a wave of embarrassment creeps silently between the two of them.
That was the time you should retort! Why aren't you retorting like you usually are!? Yoshiharu starts to panic in his heart.
"Anyway, I will build the castle in Sunomata." Yoshiharu said while standing up.
"Nobuna. I will definitely conquer Inabayama Castle. Then, remember that promise of a reward of anything I want; you must fulfill it for me! I should say it now, just having Nene follow me around is irritating enough, so don't you give me something like another sister or brother, okay?"
".....Eh? Um...Ok...."
Nobuna nods her head honestly.
He felt strange about Nobuna's reaction, but as the culprit, Yoshiharu does not know what his own actions mean.
Totally not sensing the atmosphere, Yoshiharu left these words while preparing to leave.
"....Hey, Nobuna. If I failed in capturing Mino, do you really plan to marry Nagamasa?"
".....Um. It is totally not related to you, since you'll just be marrying a monkey as a wife."
"....Ah, I see. Hmmm, Is Hanbei-chan okay.... That child is such a crybaby, it makes me worried to part with her."
Kachak.
That's the sound of Nobuna's blood vessels on her head breaking.
".....so that's it. I see now. I almost forgot... Why do you get Takenaka Hanbei as your subordinate, ah?"
"Though a bunch of mishaps and misunderstandings occurred and caused a fuss, that child actually had no ambition to revolt."
"Anyway, what made you decide to not bring Hanbei to me? Becoming your subordinate means that she would rather be under a pet I take care of than to be under me. Why did Hanbei refuse to come under me, isn't that too rude?"
"It's over. Considering Hanbei-chan was originally so afraid of Nobuna and Viper, if she was brought in front of the demon king mode Nobuna, it would be strange if she did not faint." Yoshiharu realized in that moment, Damn, I said the wrong thing when I should be saying things that the other party wants to hear! and regretted his actions.
"Ha...Hanbei-chan is currently searching for her uncle who was kidnapped by Asai Nagamasa. Because of the search warrant, Inuchiyo and I had to retreat for now, but Goemon and the Kawanami people are by Hanbei-chan's side......"
"......now that you mention it, I heard from Inuchiyo that when you guys captured Inabayama castle, you were together with Hanbei, weren't you? Don't tell me...... you were planning to keep Hanbei from being labeled as a traitor, and so you gave up that castle? You haven't forgotten about that reward, have you?"
Damn, she found out!
"No, it's not like this. If I just killed Hanbei, who had just declared that she has no intentions to revolt, and captured the castle, would you really be happy about it?"
"No. Actually, doing it like this fits your style more. But, for the sake of a girl, you gave up a whole fortress after going through such difficulty to gain it.... You're really an idiot....."
"I...I'm the kind guy of guy who just won't give anything up! Don't lump me with that bastard Nagamasa! His so called maturity is just an excuse to throw away what's most important!"
After a brief silence, Nobuna opens her mouth and calmly said, ".......I've decided to marry Asai Nagamasa."
……
……
Ehhhhh?
Wait... Why? What happened?
×??××?Uwahhhh××?????????
Yoshiharu opposed with unknown sounds.
Looks like he finally mastered the monkey language.
"Didn't you hear Inuchiyo's report? That guy, after failing to persuade Hanbei and capture Inabayama castle, he kidnapped Hanbei-chan's father! He is that kind of dirty bastard who played with women's hearts for his own motives."
"For the sake of unifying the world, it's ok to marry such a man. Besides, you are just a naive idiot. Plus you chose Hanbei over me, right?"
"Hu...Huh!?"
"I....I...It does not mean that I want you to be my husband, I'm only saying. If I marry someone like you who keeps flirting everywhere, you will one day give up a country or castle due to a girl, won't you!? If that's the case, how long will I wait until I can fulfill my wish of uniting the world! Rather than the world, I can't even conquer Mino, can I!?"
"Oi, don't tell me you are throwing a tantrum just because I gave up Inabayama castle to save Hanbei-chan? Why are you so petty!?"
"It's not like that! IDIOT!"
Nobuna's voice starts to shake.
"What... What I want is, to retrieve Mino while Viper is still alive! After being banished from Mino, Viper is aging day by day... Definitely... it must be... his days are numbered! He spent his life contributing to Mino, I do not want him to die banished in Owari! Only me... and not Yoshitatsu, I'm the only one to which Viper can pass his dream on to... I want to prove to him that his choice isn't wrong! I don't want him to regret his decision!"
All of a sudden, Yoshiharu is stumped.
That's why, so that's why Nobuna is so anxious and fretful.
If it's the old Nobuna, during the time when Asai Nagamasa proposes, she would reject it saying "I want to marry the man I love."
But she did not even send out a rejection letter for Nagamasa's proposal, and recklessly rushed into Mino letting her troops get beaten up by Hanbei before retreating, and then, leaving Aoshuu, moving to Komakiyama; Nobuna's persistence towards Mino is totally like a scorching fire.
Something had changed inside Nobuna. Standing in front of him, she is no longer the Nobuna from before.
This change, including the reason for the change......
He wasn't able to understand..... he was not even given a chance to.
Besides apologizing, there was nothing he could do.
"Besides, compared to Inabayama castle, isn't Hanbei more important? So as to say, if I can't conquer Mino and had to marry Nagamasa in the end, you wouldn't care in the least, right!? Since you have chosen Hanbei yourself, then just shut your mouth honestly!"
"Eh? I chose Hanbei-chan? What do you mean?"
"Haven't you been totally mesmerized by Hanbei!? Isn't Hanbei more important than me?"
"Wh...Wh...Wh...What you just said is a big misunderstanding!"
"You are the one who is misunderstanding, Saru! Besides, what makes you, a mere monkey, have the right to say anything about my marriage? Who do you think you are to me, I'm Owari's hime daimyo, Oda Nobuna!"
"I know that without you saying it!"
"Have you forgotten about the reward? If that's the case... aren't I...... just like an idiot!?"
"Eh......? Nobuna?"
Nobuna straighten 3 fingers and said.
3 days later.
"I'm not a dilly-dallying woman! I've decided! In three days, I will marry Omi's Asai Nagamasa!"
"Oi, what do you mean by three days!? Such a rash decision...!? No, definitely no! No matter what, you can't marry that kind of a guy in a spat of anger!"
"Shut up! All of this is caused by you not capturing that fortress! So shameless to act suave in front of both Hanbei and me! In the future, just protect that cute little kitten Hanbei and live the rest of your life!"
"Nnnnnnno, it's not that kind of relationship with Hanbei-chan and me! It's all a misunderstanding! Don't tell me...... you're jealous?!"
Bam!!!!
Nobuna stepped her foot onto Yoshiharu's face, she used her whole body strength and stepped on it!
"Uwahhh!? Ouuccchhhh! Damn, don't step on my face! I'm just trying to stop your marriage! As a revenge for you not giving me the number 1 bishoujo, I will definitely stop your happiness! I haven't given up yet, just you wait. I will definitely stop this marriage for you to see!"
"Oh, I see! If you wish so strongly to stop me from marrying, then capture Inabayama castle in 3 days for me!"
"Ok, I will definitely use my own strength and capture it for you to see!!!!!"
Just when the both of them finish quarreling and Yoshiharu left...
Katsuie and the retired Saitou Dousan came to Nobuna's side one after the other, it seems like the both of them overheard the conversation between Nobuna and Yoshiharu.
"Dumb... too dumb! How can you choose the marriage with Asai Nagamasa just because you can't think of a way to capture Mino! To do such a foolish thing just because of the territory of Mino......"
Dousan-jiisan's face seems so furious that it was almost like he might have a stroke and die right away.
"Nobuna-dono. This look of yours, I can't bear it anymore!
Don't tell me he heard the conversation with Yoshiharu? A slightly embarrassed Nobuna stuttered and said, "Sh...Shut up Viper. It's my own freedom who I want to marry!"
"No! Even if it's just a title, I'm still your father, and this I cannot allow! Though Asai Nagamasa is a distinguished sengoku daimyo, he's just a guy who is a bit smart but does not see the big picture! It's okay if it's just an alliance partner, but as a husband, he does not suit you! Besides, it is impossible for you to love that guy!"
"I can't help it! There is no one in the world that is compatible with me, so I can only choose this kind of political marriage!"
"....You... idiotic brat!!!!"
Dousan's high decibel shout, makes Nobuna take a few steps back without knowing it.
"The man who suits you, isn't he right beside you!? To help you in your destiny, isn't there a guy who passed through time and space to come to your side!? Don't act dumb with me! How can you destroy your own future over a bout of foolish jealousy?! Don't tell me the so esteemed Oda Nobuna is just an inexperienced brat!?"
"......Uhhhh...... Shut up Shut up Shut up! Stupid Viper!"
"I will not accept any more positions." After saying this, Viper left!
"....Hmph.... What a temper, that's why I hate geezers!"
Nobuna stood in the courtyard silently, staring at the model Inabayama castle.
At her side, Katsuie suddenly kneels down by Nobuna's legs, sobbing while saying, "To give up your chastity just to fulfill your filial duties... and to get reprimanded like that... *sob sob* Hime-sama is just too pitiful! That thing about Sunomata castle, please do allow me Katsuie to complete it for you!"
"Eh, but.... that has been given to Saru......"
"I, Shibata Katsuie, will definitely build it up in three days! And then, I will save Hime-sama from the evil hands of Nagamasa! I'm moving out now to Sunomata, pardon me, Hime-sama!"
"Ah... Wait... Riku?"
If this goes on, Hime-sama......Hime-sama will be snatched away by Asai Nagamasa~
The general who is overly anxious for her master, Shibata Katsuie, who did not listen to Nobuna's and Nagahide's persuasions, immediately gathered her own men, beat up Yoshiharu who kept rambling "Why are you snatching my job?" and left for Sunomata.
An estimate of 3000 soldiers and workers of up to 5000.
Though non-combat personnel made up over half of the troops, it was still a 8000 strong army.
"People, gather your courage~! If we fail, the beautiful Nobuna-sama will be dirtied by Asai Nagamasa~!"
If Saru failed the mission of building a castle in Sunomata, Hime-sama will be Asai Nagamasa's wife.
But if that damn Saru managed to build it up and capture Mino, Hime-sama might become Saru's wife due to the reward promise.
No matter which, I don't want it!
"If that's the case, there isn't any other way then me to build the castle! If I capture Mino, and fulfill the promise of the reward, Hime-sama will be mine.... Eh.... What the hell am I thinking?!"
"If the Mino troops dare to stop me, I will let them become souls under my spear! " Katsuie, filled with fierce killing aura, sneaked into Mino's territory, Sunomata. But the location of Sunomata is at Kawakokoro Island which is formed near where the rivers meet, including Nagara river.
At this type of geographical disadvantage, the castle construction troops have to face the enemy with their backs to the river. Add that to the muddy riverbank making movement difficult, and it's an extremely dangerous battleground which limits troop maneuverability severely.
Even if it's Owari's number 1 general, Shibata Katsuie, building a castle in this kind of place can't be done by someone with just effort.
But even if it's like this, Katsuie will never back down!
At the front of the flood-like Mino army, Katsuie commanded the troops while shouting, "Guys, we will protect Hime-sama~! Even if death awaits us, we will die for Hime-sama~!"
Shibata Katsuie is just such a general whose brain is filled with loyalty and righteousness.
2 days later, a sobbing Katsuie fled back to Komakiyama.
Kneeling in front of Nobuna, she reported her failure.
"Th...The first day, was still considered smooth.... But we were ambushed by Saito's forces on the second day making the battlefield a mess. Though the troops bravely faced the enemy, the workers were all terrified and fled!"
"It's just a day before the marriage with that damn Asai Nagamasa! Let me commit seppuku!" The totally confused Katsuie started to make a scene. In the end, she was stopped by the smiling Nagahide, "Maa, it's all ok~."
"It's thanks to Katsuie-dono's strength and flexible command that we can avoid annihilation. But the workers who fled will be afraid of us punishing them and won't return most likely. 40 points."
Sitting cross legged, with a chicken wing in her mouth, Nobuna let out a sigh.
".......I received the letter from Asai Nagamasa. He will bring his troops over to Owari to prepare for the wedding."
Though Nobuna's tone is light, it's clear that she was feeling very down about such a decision, while her face looks almost close to tears. Looking at Nobuna, Katsuie starts to weep even more.
"Uwaahhhhh. I think I should just commit seppuku after all~~!"
"....Stop it, Riku. If you are dead, not to mention conquering Mino, even the protection of Owari will become a problem. From now on, don't think about seppuku anymore."
"Ahh! Hi...Hime-sama.... You're too kind....! I Katsuie, in this life, even if it's my last breath, I will always follow Hime-sama!"
"Ok ok I got it, don't keep saying things like that."
"Katsuie really is a muscle head [22] ." Yoshiharu whispered to Inuchiyo.
"What? A new form of Kimono? Inuchiyo doesn't understand"
Yoshiharu, after fainting from the beating from Katsuie, was unconscious for two days. After finally waking up with difficulty, there was only a day left until the deadline to conquer Mino.
Nobuna's eyes swept over the people present, while the people all lowered their head without a word.
A mission that even Katsuie was unable to finish, it's too difficult for the rest. Add that to the workers having all fled, it's impossible to just send out troops and rely on soldiers to build the castle.
"Well, let's just put aside building a castle in Sunomata. It's hard to accept, but it looks like I must marry Nagamasa."
"Wait just a minute! Nobuna! Didn't I tell you that I will build the castle up for you to see!?"
Yoshiharu who is sitting at the back suddenly stood up and said.
"Damn, this skit of Hime-sama and that damn Saru is about to begin again." Katsuie just can't accept it.
But Nobuna did not retort back like usual.
"Saru. Sorry but we just don't have enough manpower now, such a thing can't be helped, can it?"
"Don't just give up! And I do not plan to bring anyone else anyway! Just the Kawanami people will be enough to build that castle!"
"But even with the lack of manpower, this castle's 3000 strong guarding troops can still be lent to you, but I don't think they would listen to a a person with such a lowly rank like you."
"I don't need anything like that!"
"Huh? What are you saying? Don't tell me you really are courting death!?"
"No. If I bring so many people to Sunomata, the enemy will definitely notice it!" Yoshiharu blinked and said, "So, just us and the Kawanami clan is enough."
"With so little people, do you really think you can finish it in one night?"
"Yeah. I will build the Sunomata castle in one night. By then, Yoshitatsu will definitely not know that it's nothing but a empty castle and sent all his troops out to attack in panic. Once it happens, you just have to strike in full force, moving out and attack the now empty Inabayama castle from Komakiyama. With that Mino can be captured within a day."
"In a day? Without any soldiers or able men? Is Saru-dono committing suicide?" The retainers started talking among themselves.
"You damn Saru should keep sleep talking to a limit!" Katsuie said with her eyebrows knitted closely.
"Hi...Hime-sama, that's just too crazy! It will be like Saru is running to his death! Er... But to me, Saru's death means that the chastity of Hime-sama will be safe.... but if I think back, I will definitely have nightmares."
"Why do you always talk about my chastity, Riku? Anyway, if I believe this kind of nonsense from Saru, won't I be like an idiot. As expected I should just ask Nagamasa for reinforcements."
"Oioi, wait Nobuna! Between me and that sissy, exactly who do you believe!? "
"Huh? Aren't you the sissy here? Don't tell me you don't know about it?"
"Such a marriage does you no benefit at all! Nagamasa just wants to use you and this marriage to obtain both Owari and Mino! If you do something like this, will the Viper really be glad!?"
"What choice do I have!? I don't care if you wanna die in Sunomata, but if even more precious troops flee due to this, I will be very troubled, won't I?"
"I already said I don't need any troops! So even if I fail, what will you lose!?"
"Ahhhh. Such a painful expression that Nobuna-sama has, and her blushing face..... As expected she wants Saru to stop her marriage with Nagamasa....." Katsuie starts weeping again,
"Besides, didn't you say yourself you want to kill me!"
"Ki...Killing you is what I want, but asking my men to go ahead with a mission that is doomed for failure will put a dent on my reputation, right?"
"Shut up! Just let me go and build the castle!"
"Ahhh, really, just how dumb are you! Don't tell me you lost all your reasoning due to me marrying Nagamasa? Not bringing any troops to Sunomata, do you know how dangerous it is? If it fails, you will definitely lose your life!"
"Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh-Why am I so anxious? Wh...Wh...Wh...Who cares about your marriage! I...I...I...I... I am not an...an...an...anxious at all."
"You see your face, it's as red as a Japanese monkey!"
"Damn! Isn't that due to my anger! Who is the stupid princess that makes me so angry that my whole face turns red ...."
"Uwahhhhh. The two of you... Why is the relationship between you guys so good... Ever since she decided to marry with Nagamasa, Hime-sama has been sighing all day......To think that she can be so spirited... Ahhhhhh~~!"
Katsuie, making a scene from her weeping...
"With this standard, going to Kyoto to form skits should not be a problem....." Inuchiyo nods to herself at the side. "Ah, Onee-sama and Saru-kun's quarrel begins yet again. When will it end this time?"
"This might be Hime-sama's last period of peace, just let them quarrel it out." Nobukatsu and Nagahide whisper among themselves.
"Saru, I won't stop you since you've said too much! But, don't count on me to send you any reinforcements!"
"Ohh, I don't need any reinforcements! Even if I'm surrounded by the enemy, you definitely can't send anyone out! And you must never ask that bastard Nagamasa for any troops!"
"Huh? Don't kid yourself! Why must the great me help you to that extent!?"
"The reward, don't you forget about it!"
"You sure are noisy. That kind of thing, wait till you have conquered Inabayama castle!"
"Hmph!"
"Hmph!"
The two are staring at each other, quarreling to the point where their faces are almost pasted together.
From their point of view, this might just be their last quarrel, their hearts are filled with longing.
But, there isn't any more time to waste.
In the end, both of them turned their backs to each, and parted with a snort.
Returning to his small house, Yoshiharu gathered Goemon and the Kawanami clan and explained to them his once in a life time gamble, the plan of "Sunomata Ichiya Castle"
"Sagara-shi, having too many desires isn't a simple thing." Goemon said with a deep meaning.
"Goemon, was Ando-jiisan found in the end?"
"I've separated the Kawanami clan to a few parties, and they are currently searching."
"Don't tell me he has been finished off...."
"If he was killed, Asai-shi will forever be treated as Takanaka-shi's enemy, so I think he won't~nya."
"I see... That makes sense."
"Anyway, Nobuna-dono seems very angry. Now we don't even have troops, cyan(can) we do it~nya?"
It seems like Goemon's habit of biting her tongue can't be cured.
"But what do we do with Takenaka-shi that the Kawanami is prothecting(protecting)? The strategist that we finally have, doHn't (don't) tell me we are not hoing(going) to use her~nya?
"Yeah. In the end Hanbei-chan used to be under Yoshitatsu, I don't want to add to her troubles."
"Sagara-si is too doting on Takanaka-si."
"And, I have the confidence to succeed with just us."
"Hmmmm. There must be a plan then, Sagara-shi."
"Of course, Goemon."
Goemon's assistant, the bulky leader Maeda, threw Sunomata's map at Yoshiharu and said fiercely.
"Now we can be warriors right, mister?"
Because this mission concerns Nobuna's greatest dream, Yoshiharu did not back down at all.
"Yeah. I will definitely recruit all of you as warriors. But I must say first, the job this time might be fatal, will you do it!?"
The macho men with Maeda as lead celebrated.
"Of course we'll do it! Besides us, who will protect our leader!"
"Leader's fair and smooth skin!"
"Not even a scratch!"
"Will be there!"
"Hey, why are a bunch of macho guys with evil faces all lolicons!?"
Yoshiharu explained the whole plan in simple terms.
"This plan was originally by Tokichirou-jiisan, but we are going to change to a two-by-four method to implement it.
"Tool?"
"Bye?"
"Pho....?"
"In the world I live, this is a very common way of construction. In this world, for construction, you always build it from the ground up right? That's why it's too time-consuming. The so called two-by-four method, is to build the construction materials somewhere else, and then think of some way to assemble them together. If that's the case, building a fortress in a day isn't such a big deal."
"What a brilliant plan, but..."
Goemon tilts her small head.
"Such heavy parts, how are we going to transport them to Sunomata?"
"This will need the strength of you the Kawanami people. After using the wood to build the parts in the upper part of Kiso river, we will transport them with rafts. This should be pretty easy for you thieves right?"
In this era, the river current of the Kiso river is slightly different, and Sunomata lies right in the middle of the intersection of the Nagara river and Kiso river.
Maeda let out an angry voice.
"Mister, don't ask such an impossible thing. Kiso River is famous for its rapid currents!"
"Yeah! We might just lose our lives!"
"It is easy to plan it out, but doing it is a different thing all together!"
Goemon suddenly snaps her fingers.
"Uhhh. By using the rapid currents of Kiso to transport parts, the speed of building will be further indreased(increased). What a brilliant plan, Sagara-shi."
"Yosh, the leader bit her tongue again!" Maeda and his team starts to clap and cheer.
"Yes yes, what a marvelous plan!"
"Mister, you sure are a genius!"
"Our lives are all yours now, mister!"
"Don't you bunch of lolicons have your own opinions at all!?"
Just like that......
The famous legend of "Sunomata Ichiya Castle" unfolded right here.
The high speed plan of building the castle frame and the arrow tower at the upper drifts of Kiso river, then transporting them to Sunomata during the night, and finally assembling them together.
Kinoshita Tokichirou's name would be remembered throughout the different warring states with using this plan, starting the route of his exciting life.
But, will it be that smooth?
If it failed, what awaits him is only death. His own life isn't important, but if it happens, Nobuna will be snatched away by Asai Nagamasa.
"If that's the case, there won't be any meaning for me to come to this era......I've taken an oath; that girl's dream, I will definitely fulfill it for her! Asai Nagamasa said it before: for girls, just using the word dreams will have them listen to you."
But, Yoshiharu didn't think so.
Doing that is a mistake. It definitely is.
What a girl really wants is never something cheap like sweet talking. Just purely letting the opposite party immerse herself in dreams, that is not a thing true men should do. A dream is something that should be fulfilled. For a girl's dream, you should have the resolve to even forsake your life.
In the shade of the night, Goemon and party left for Sunomata on a raft. Yoshiharu's heart was hammering in his chest like never before.
"The same time tomorrow, Nagamasa and Nobuna will hold their wedding at Komakiyama. That gives us almost no time at all. Can we really conquer Inabayama castle in just one day?" Yoshiharu is terribly anxious.
"Damn, I'm so nervous that I can't feel my limbs.
"Hehe. During periods like this, just write the character of 'man' and swallow it~nya."
"Ohh, it's here again, the leader bit her tongue again!"
"So unbearable!"
"I became a bandit for this exact moment!"
"Why are you people always like this! Quiet down a little!"
At this era, the Kiso river has a terrifyingly quick current, Yoshiharu almost fell from the raft a couple of times. It's lucky that Goemon managed to always hold him back by hugging him tightly, a bright blush on her face every time. But the Kawanami macho men gang were always quick to let out their nasty "Die!" "Go and rot in hell, Sagara Yoshiharu!" "How dare you get hugged by the leader's small hands....Oh...how envious!" sentiments as well.
"Sagara-shi. We have reached Sunomata.... Let's get it up pefore(before) the sun comes up!
"Yes, mister, let's get this castle up in one go!"
"....Right. From now on, time is of the essence!" Yoshiharu said in a small tone.
I will not give anything up.
It has started.
Sunomata Ichiya Castle
First, we should use the fence and round up the perimeter, and then assemble the buildings that will be used to defend against any Mino attack.
There's only the Kawanami people on his side.
The construction progress began unexpectedly smooth,
But, it seems like their luck has ran out.
Once the sun rose from the east, the construction party was completely revealed to the Mino army at Inabayama castle.
"Oh no!"
"If we allow them to build the castle up, all will be gone!"
In an instant, the panicking Mino army rushes at them like a flood.
An army of 1000, 2000 no, as many as 8000 men strong.
At the face of the 8000-man army, with Nobuna not sending out any reinforcements at the back.
"Tokichirou-jiisan just needed to build this castle, but I need to conquer Inabayama castle too. I must think of a way to delay the Mino army to create a chance for Nobuna to attack Inabayama castle."
Yoshiharu who had climbed the watch tower shouted "Now is the critical moment!" while the enemy troop's arrows flew by his head like a bunch of bees.
"What do we do, mister. Estimated time to completion is less than an hour!"
"Even if the fence is strong, the difference in our number of troops is just too big. If the enemy use all their strength to attack, it can't hold!"
"Just a little bit. Put in more effort, the castle is about to be completed now! Then, Nobuna will use this opportunity to attack the empty Inabayama castle."
"But mister, if this goes on, we're gonna lose our lives!"
"Yes, we should retreat now!"
"Hurry and retreat!"
At this instant, his ears rang out Asai Nagamasa's irritating laughter. Even though he didn't want to give up anything...... he couldn't do it. In the end, it's just a kid's bashful and immature action.
"Sagara-shi. I will think of something here! Go now!"
Goemon takes out a ninja blade from her back and jumps down the tower and into the enemy formation.
She throws a smoke grenade onto the incoming Mino army and starts slashing her way in.
"Uwahhhh, leader! Are you trying to let leader die!?!!?"
"No matter if the enemy is thousands or ten of thousands, I will definitely stop them here!"
"Guys! Right here is the best chance we bandits can become warriors, charge!"
"Uwahh, where the hell did all of you people's personal opinions go!?"
The Kawanami clan may be good in guerrilla techniques, but in the end the numbers were too overwhelming.
On top of that, more than half of the Kawanami clan are still building the castle. No matter how strong Goemon and her people are, it's too reckless to stop the Mino's army of 8000 men.
"Wait Goemon, don't die so easily!"
Yoshiharu lifted his spear and rushed to the battlefield too, trying his best to dodge the enemies' attacks and cover Goemon.
Though he hates fighting, Yoshiharu didn't want to abandon Goemon.
"This whole situation is just me being selfish; how can I let you die for such a reason!"
Yoshiharu swung the spear with all his might, as if using up all the strength in his body.
"Goemon!"
"Da...Danger, Sagara-shi!"
The sound of the musket going off...
No matter how skillful Yoshiharu is in dodging, he can never dodge a musket bullet.
"I'm going to get hit." Yoshiharu shut his eyes, thinking all is over, but the bullet mysteriously never hit its target.
".....Uhhnyaa..."
Goemon came in between the bullet and Yoshiharu.
While opening his eyes, the small body of Goemon falls into the arms of Yoshiharu.
"Go...Goemon?"
"......Sagara-shi.....Are...Are you alright?"
"Goemon......! Don't die!!!!!!!!!!!!"
".......It's ok like this....As expected... It's not a good thing to desire so much......"
"Oi, Goemon! This isn't real, right? Don't scare me, Oi!?"
".....As a man.... there will be a day......where you must have...... the strength to choose, Sagara-shi....."
".......Goemon?"
No reaction.
It's as if Goemon was sleeping while her eyes were closed. Yoshiharu hugged Goemon's small body and shouted like a maniac, "It shouldn't be like this......!"
In the game, history wasn't like this.
We even built the castle in a day, yet it didn't succeed.
Goemon, the one who believed in him the most, died just like that in his arms.
"Even though I knew the way to build it from the start, even though I haven't even cheated, don't tell me Sunomata Ichiya castle can't be built.....!?"
Goemon had died for him.
As expected, I don't have the talent to replace Tokichirou-jiisan.
As expected, I can't fulfill Nobuna's dream.
To protect Nobuna's dream, I've lost Goemon... To want something, one must lose something first. This might be the law in this era.
But, I myself am still living in this world!
Even if I'm the last one standing, I won't give up. This is the battle for Goemon!
Yoshiharu roared and ran, all the while carrying Goemon's small body, rushing towards the 8000 men strong army.
"Damn! You bunch of bastards!!!!"
The result of not wanting to give anything up, might just mean having to give everything up.
But, at that moment...
"Ta...Takenaka Hanbei Shigetora, under the name of justice...... No, more than justice, is here to help.....!"
"Oh~! Zenki pays his respects!"
"Gouki pays his respects!"
"The twelve heavenly knights pay their respects! The names are too long though, so we won't report it!"
"He...He...He...Head of Mino three, Ando Iga is here to help because I've other choice... *Sob sob*"
Hanbei, leading the rest of the Kawanami clan is once again on her small pony, while commanding the troops. The shikigami army as well as the Kawanami who had finally saved Ando Iga started their attack on the Mino army from the back.
"Ohhh....Hanbei, you've betrayed me as expected! You traitor!"
The big bulky man right in the middle of the Mino army, Saitou Yoshitatsu stares at Hanbei, and shouted.
But Hanbei did not cry, nor show a hint of fear.
With ease, she commands her troops to attack using the eight diagrams battle array, while she herself served as the vanguard against the Mino army.
"Although I'm indebted to you, I've decided I will contribute all of my knowledge and strategies to Yoshiharu-san! Even if I have to bear the name of traitor, I won't regret this!
Hanbei, the young girl who was usually so scared of macho men, was acting as if she was a different person. She was exuding lots of confidence and passion on the battlefield.
The Mino warriors had already experienced themselves the Hanbei's talents as a strategist and her strength as an Omyouji. They were all shocked by the turn of events and fell back on the ground dumbfounded.
Hanbei had even played around with Nobuna, who had defeated the strongest bow, Imagawa Yoshimoto, as though she were dealing with a child. Considering that she just conquering Inabayama castle with only 17 subordinates as well, Hanbei's reputation had already spread throughout Mino.
Plus, with the selfless heart which returned the fortress untouched back to Yoshitatsu, she can be called an unparalleled general.
But this same Hanbei, having the resolve of becoming a traitor, risked herself to save Sagara Yoshiharu who is still an unknown vice-captain.
The Mino army goes into total disarray after the assault of Takenaka Hanbei and Ando Iga, and Yoshitatsu's base is immediately broken through by Hanbei's shikigami army. The soldiers lost all their morale, and even their battle formations were messed up.
"To think that even Ando Iga has......", Yoshitatsu gashed his teeth.
"Ando Iga! You are also one of the people who benefited from getting the throne back from my father. How dare you betray me!" "I...I...I Ando Iga had no intentions to betray! Definitely not! Bu...But, Hanbei...Hanbei......"
Looks like after getting saved by Hanbei and the Kawanami clan, Ando Iga was totally swept away by his own niece's determination, and had to agree to stand on Yoshiharu's side, albeit unwillingly.
The head of the Mino Three has surrendered to the Oda!
This news spread like wildfire to the other two of the Mino Three.
The one called "Stubborn like a rock" by his peers, the stubborn Inaba Itetsu.
And the one without any nickname, the muscled old man Ujiie Bokuzen.
Both of them aren't people that are easily swayed by the situation, but both of them had immense respect for Hanbei. Luckily, neither of them are lolicons. No matter if it's the brilliant strategies that repelled the fierce Oda army both times they attacked, or the gracious act of returning the fortress untouched, all of it had scored high points towards Hanbei. Both of them had determined that if she met a suitable master, Hanbei would definitely calm this sengoku era and become a person that fits the name of "Current Zhuge Liang".
It's a pity that Yoshitatsu does not have the capacity for Hanbei.
If Hanbei disappeared from this world, this era might just remain like this. Once both of them thought of this, they sighed together.
But after looking at Hanbei now, "After knowing that they are outnumbered, Hanbei still tried to help. It seems like this Sagara Yoshiharu is quite capable."
"Look, Hanbei's expression, she's almost like a different person. It looks like she finally met her true master and flew to the sky!", the both of them whispered to each other and start to change sides against Yoshitatsu.
"Inaba Itetsu, will fight for Sagara-dono right now!"
"Ujiie Bokuzen Naomoto, will join Sagara-dono too!"
With this, the troops from both sides are almost even.
No, Yoshitatsu who had lost all morale is now under an immense disadvantage.
But even in this situation, Yoshitatsu still shouted "I'll fight it out with you!" The 6 foot 5 inched tall man swung his sword like a demon and beat the incoming soldiers into the ground.
Hanbei rides her pony in the battlefield while dodging repeatedly, finally running into the almost completed Sunomata castle. Yoshiharu also swung the spear in his hands while covering Hanbei back to the castle.
"Gu...Guys! I will now set up the eight diagrams array with this castle in the centre!"
"Hanbei-chan, thank you so much! But, Goemon....."
"Yoshiharu-san, all living beings die. Please leave your sadness for later. Now we must think carefully how to live on."
A slightly pale Hanbei used her whole strength and shouted to Yoshiharu. On her small face, there was a never before seen loneliness.
But what is the reason behind the expression? Yoshiharu did not have the time to think about it on the battlefield.
Both armies clashed fiercely in this small battlefield, and soon the day reached afternoon.
"I will definitely not lose! Only I am fit to be the master of Mino! No matter if it's Otou-sama or that foolish princess, as long as I have one breath left, you people will never take Mino away from me."
With his huge monster-like body and his fierce determination, Yoshitatsu managed to gather up the confused Mino army and get them into formation.
"If we let the enemy in front of us escape, we will definitely be swallowed whole by Yoshitatsu." Such a fear forces the soldiers of the Mino army to launch an offensive again and again.
"Yoshitatsu abandoned his human exterior and changed into a monster. He won't listen to anything we say."
Hanbei had used all her strength. The long duration of the battle had caused a huge burden to her small body seeing that she is coughing non-stop on her stool.
"Are you alright, Hanbei-chan? If you're tired, rest for a while first."
"......No. We can't back down anymore."
"Though it's like this, don't force yourself."
But.
No matter how Hanbei tried to command,
Yoshiharu's troops at Sunomata are slowly getting pushed back by the Mino army.
Just when the gates of Sunomata were almost being broken through...
At the back of Yoshiharu comes an ever so familiar voice....
"Sunomata castle is almost complete! Guys, full force onto the Mino army!"
Wearing her foreign styled armor, the leading Nobuna rushes over.
"This girl.....! Why did she come? Go and attack Inabayama castle! What the hell are you doing!?"
Following Nobuna close by.....
"To recover the reputation for failing to build the Sunomata castle, Shibata Katsuie pays her respects! Follow Hime-sama and attack~!"
"Owari's bishounen, Oda Nobukatsu is here! Saru-kun, leaving me alone is rude of you, isn't it!?"
"Looking at the overwhelming stance of the Owari Army, the Mino army is starting to panic. 93 points."
"....Bullying Yoshiharu is unforgivable. Won, Won [23] !"
The full force of Nobuna, Owari's full army crossed the river in unison and entered Sunomata with style.
Unexpectedly, the Oda army seems unstoppable.
What can the Mino army do but tremble.
Saitou Yoshitatsu, while commanding the Mino army, was stunned by the scenery in front of him. He was mumbling to himself "How can this be? Supporting Sunomata with her whole army? Isn't she going to attack Inabayama castle!?"
The cunning Yoshitatsu had left quite a number of troops in Inabayama castle. Though Nobuna is skilled in upfront battles, she is weak in besieging castles because her troops are obviously small in number. So even if he separated troops to attack Sunomata and guard Inabayama castle, he was confident of defeating both sides. That's what Yoshitatsu had planned.
But if this goes on, he himself as the general might just fall in Sunomata.
If that's the case, the troops at Inabayama castle can only surrender.
"Is...Is...Is...Is this...this the so called, being done in by myself?"
In such a situation, one can only abandon the battle and retreat.
"Give Sunomata up, and guard Inabayama castle!"
Saitou Yoshitatsu hurriedly retreated.
Building a castle in one night is just too crazy. It's just pure nonsense. Did Oda use magic? Or could it be an idea by his godfather, Dousan?
Yoshitatsu gashed his teeth in anger.
"The intelligence of Viper and that foolish princess, don't tell me they can really win against me.....!?"
Towards his godfather who had always belittled him due to his height and size, Yoshitatsu has always wanted to prove that he is a much better successor than Oda's foolish princess.
For the Mino people who had always been unable to accept outsiders, Dousan used Yoshitatsu who is the proper descendant of the Toki clan, making him easier to be accepted by the people. After taking over, Yoshitatsu has scrapped away all of Dousan's reformations, and the people had more or less accepted him.
As for commanding troops, he should have learned Dousan's strategies.
But even with all these, he can't win against that foolish princess?
Is Dousan's evaluation spot on?
If that's really the case, then why was he even being nurtured to be the successor of the Saitou clan?
A nightmarish reality strikes Yoshitatsu hard.
"Sagara Yoshiharu's Sunomata Ichiya castle" became a legend.
The whole fortress was alive with cheers due to this victory.
With blood splattered all around, Yoshiharu carrying Goemon kneeled and paid his respects to Nobuna.
Hanbei let out a big sigh of relief due to the sudden victory and shouted "No...No...No...Nobuna-sama is so scary... I don't wanna see her... Ahhh...." and hid in the watch tower.
Looks like that weak character won't be cured that easily. When she was commanding the troops and leading Inaba Itetsu and Ujiie Bokuzen to Yoshiharu's side, Hanbei had tried her best.
But, Yoshiharu looked onto Nobuna with dead eyes.
"Why are you here Nobuna? Didn't I tell you to attack Inabayama castle!? You really want to marry that sissy, huh!?"
"Hmph! Though I do want to abandon you, I suddenly changed my mind. You have good luck, Saru."
"But......"
"I... am the same greedy person you are. No matter if it's Sunomata or Inabayama castle, I want both of them. I am just the sort of person who keeps a 'no giving up' policy."
"Ma, Yoshitatsu must have left quite a number of troops in the castle... The Mino army was much smaller then expected."
Yoshiharu's life was saved.
But, Goemon who is on Yoshiharu's back is......
"......Anyway, Sunomata castle, I have built it according to our promise."
"I see(dearuka). That ninja, it seems like it has been too hard on her. I'm very sorry too."
"Ahh. War, as expected, does kill. What a horrible thing it is......"
".......I guarantee. I will pacify this messed up world. And change it to a country that will never have wars again."
"The number 1 Nobuna promising something like this to me, is it going to start raining next?"
"Saru....this isn't your fault. It's all my responsibility for giving the order. Cheer up."
"Ahh. I know. But even though I know, the tears in my eyes... I just can't stop them."
"You snotty brat, how can you consider yourself a warrior?"
At the corner of the unforgiving Nobuna's eyes, there was a slight glimmer too.
But, at that moment.
Goemon who was carried by Yoshiharu, opened her eyes and stretched her back like a cat.
".....Uhhnya....Sagara-shi, hurry and surround Inabayama castle now. Now iys(is) the exact opportunity to strike!"
"Eh, Goemon!? Didn't you die from the bullet.....!?"
"Ninjas often wear armor beneath their clothing. I can still bear a bullet or two~nya."
"Hahaha, you worried me to death!!! I thought....!"
"Hehe. For Sagara-shi who has many desires, I should let you experience the feeling of losing something once~nya. Consider this your practice."
"How dare you feign death!? But I'm glad about this too! Come and let me hug you!!! *Snuggle*Snuggle*"
"Wa..Wa..Wa..Le...Le...Le..Let me go, if I was indecently hugged by a guy, I...I... Uhhnya~~!"
"I don't understand anything you're saying, but it's such a good thing that you've survived!"
"Uhhhnya~~! Sagara-shi is very weird~nya! Help~nya!!!"
"What are you intending to do by hugging the leader and snuggling up to her?!" Maeda and his team of macho men were beating Yoshiharu up in a fit of happiness and rage.
"Ou...Ou...Ouchh! Oi Nobuna, stop smirking there and give me my reward now!"
Nobuna took an orange out from her sleeve and aimed it at Yoshiharu's head.
"Take it. For a monkey like you, an orange as a reward is enough."
"Damn!!!!! What kind of reward is this! You just like to play with me like a monkey! Where did the promise of the reward go to!?"
"Don't forget yourself. The reward, wait till you conquer Inabayama!"
"After you've gone and run all the way here, where do we find the time now!?"
"Hmph! You stupid Saru. I can't bear with you anymore!"
Nobuna closed her eyes and, with a joyful look, she revealed her crystal white teeth.
Her rarely seen smile once again spread across her face.
"Go Saru! If you don't want me to get snatched away by Nagamasa, conquer Inabayama castle by nightfall."
"Oi! Will you die if you increase my wage just a bit!? You miser! I'll remember this!!!"
Like a streak of lightning...
Nobuna leads the army towards Inabayama castle while Yoshiharu followed closely behind.
Katsuie who had just finished preparing for the customary celebration party, grabs her spear in a panic and shouted, "Damn, I totally forgot about the matter of marriage with Nagamasa! Ev...Ev...Ev...Everyone, follow Hime-sama now!!! The celebration can be delayed until we have conquered Inabayama castle!!!"
Hanbei who poked her head out from the watch tower, gave out a sigh of relief after seeing that Nobuna is gone.
".....Yoshiharu-san is really a busy man, huh."
Goemon who was handling the pony while waiting for Hanbei gave a smile behind her mask.
"But he's still a big pervert. It's gonna be tough to be under this sort of guy, Takenaka-shi."
"Such a person is exactly the sort that's worth following", Hanbei laughed out too.
It isn't long before the marriage between Nagamasa and Nobuna.
"This is the final battle between Mino and us! We must definitely conquer Inabayama castle by today!"
Because Takenaka Hanbei and the Mino Three has defected to Oda, Saitou Yoshitatsu had to increase his defenses and guard Inabayama castle. But due to Oda's general, Shibata Katsuie's weird slogan "We must recover our reputation today!", the Oda army conquered Mount Kinka's south side, Mount Zuiry?ji's fortress in an instant.
The surrounding bases were all taken over by the Oda army one by one, and the Inabayama castle was surrounded totally by Nobuna's army, with all of Mount Kinka lit up by fire torches.
In just half a day, Nobuna had conquered up to 90% of Mino.
The only piece left is the isolated Inabayama castle on Mount Kinka.
"But even though there won't be any reinforcements, it's still a fact that Inabayama castle is impenetrable.
While looking at the promised time with Nagamasa getting closer and closer...
Nobuna's small lips formed a (?^?) shape again, and she gathered her retainers to discuss.
"We won't make it in time by just relying on brute strength. But if there is someone who can sneak inside Inabayama castle and open the gates from the inside, we might just...... Is there a volunteer?"
"The chance of survival is just 30%. Let me go then."
"Hime-sama will not give this to Nagahide! Just let me go for this mission!"
Niwa Nagahide and Shibata Katsuie both volunteer to be the suicide squad, but with Nobuna's "If both of you died, I would become very troubled, wouldn't I?", they were rejected.
"Uwaahhh~ Hime-sama will definitely send that damn Saru to be in the suicide squad~ So biased~ There isn't any doubt on it~!"
"Katsuie-dono, just give up on this. 7 points."
On a side note, upon the words suicide squad, Nobukatsu had long been scared stiff while mumbling "A....A bishounen like me, though I'm skilled at cross-dressing, I'm totally useless in terms of mountain climbing", and was stared at by his own sister.
Maeda Inuchiyo let out an "Uhhh" and raised her small hand, but was pressed back down by Yoshiharu silently.
"You have been silent until now, Saru."
"A last minute military meeting is useless, isn't it? I'm here for this exact moment, right?"
"Hmph. You are lucky to be alive after Sunomata. The heavens won't be so kind to you twice in a row."
"Ahhh~ It's like this after all~~" Katsuie began to weep again.
"Though I'm not the one who thought of it, there is a way."
"Really? Don't tell me you are imagining things because of the reward"
"Che, you are irritating. Just believe me this time."
"......I got it. Even if I stop you, you'll still go."
"You do understand me."
"Hmph. To do things to such an extent. You sure want to snuggle with the world's no. 1 bishoujo....meaning me... What an ambitious ero-saru."
"Don't...Don't you get the wrong idea. I just want to give a good lesson to that fake Saru from Omi!"
"How rare. I think the same too, will it rain later?"
The sun was setting soon.
It's no longer the time to tell jokes.
Yoshiharu stopped Inuchiyo who was saying "I'll follow you", and parted from Nobuna with the words "I will now sneak into Inabayama castle and open the gates."
"Damn. Even when I know that there is a low chance of survival, I'm not afraid at all. Looks like even the great me is shaping up as an accomplished general."
Yoshiharu who was praising himself was hit suddenly at the back of his head. After looking carefully, it's the calabash that was always hanging on Nobuna's waist.
This calabash which was used by Nobuna to be her water bottle and never left her side, and had her name carved in it too.
"That hurts! What the hell are you doing!?"
".....Hmph! There isn't any water source in Mount Kinka. If you're thirsty, just drink the water from the calabash."
"Remember this, the promise of the reward, you must fulfill it!"
"Yeah. Only if you came back alive."
Nobuna smiled with a hint of arrogance.
Yoshiharu smiled with her.
"Ahhh, that damn Saru and Hime-sama was passing glances at each other? What kind of weird atmosphere is that!? Damn that Saru. If you dare touch that calabash with your lips, you are dead!" The fuming Katsuie shouted out loud while crying.
While moving towards Inabayama castle, Yoshiharu had long ago asked Hanbei about any "secret tunnels" into the fortress.
"There are heavy defenses guarding the southern and western side. But if you climb the cliff from the northern side near the Nagara river, you will be able to get inside. The cliffs are hard to get to, and not even the beasts dare to go near. Are you still willing to go?"
"I used up all my talismans in Sunomata, so now I'm just a useless brat. If Yoshiharu-san still wants to go, you will most likely lose your life. But...."
"But I must still go regardless. You told me about where the secret tunnel is because you knew this, right? Thanks."
Yoshiharu patted Hanbei's head lightly and joined the military meeting.
And then with just himself, Yoshiharu starts on the journey towards the secret tunnel.
To be more discreet, only Goemon herself followed him.
In the end, this was a gamble.
"Sorry about this Goemon, having you to accompany me every time."
"Don't be so reserved. I too don't want to see the depressed Sagara-shi after seeing Nobuna-dono getting snatched away by Asai Nagamasa."
"I...I...I...I won't, I don't care about Nobuna! I just can't see eye to eye with that sissy Asai Nagamasa and want to teach him a lesson!"
"......Hehe. Let's go then."
Yoshiharu and Goemon started on the first cliff, relying on each other to check the surrounding situations.
Though the security is light, occasionally there are patrolling soldiers.
But, those patrols are......
"Waaaaww, Waaawww~"
"Wa, tiger! There are tigers in the mountain!"
"It's a tigress!"
Maeda Inuchiyo acted out a few roars with very little motivation to attract the enemies' attention.
In Inuchiyo's heart, it seems like she was thinking Uh....Inuchiyo wants to climb the mountain too and was throwing a tantrum.
It's almost time to the deadline.
"Hasn't Saru given the signal?"
While looking up at Mount Kinka, Nobuna shook her leg in desperation.
Though her heart was anxious about Yoshiharu's safety, her mouth was saying "What a useless Saru."
Katsuie was following close to Nobuna.
"Hime-sama! Look! That's Hime-sama's calabash."
At the peak, there was a flash of light.
This was caused by the calabash that Nobuna had lent to Yoshiharu.
Yoshiharu had tied the calabash on his spear and was swinging it around.
Nobuna stood up from the bench, raised her fist and shouted, "It's our victory, Riku! Now let's start our attack!"
"Uhhh. You damn Saru, shitty Saru! Why is that calabash so shiny? It must be because that damn Saru wants to slowly savor the taste of Hime-sama's precious saliva, he used his dirty tongue and licked all over that calabash! There's no doubt about it! Damn it, I must kill him!!!"
"Riku! I've decided! From today on, that calabash will be the Saru's flag!"
"Ehhhh? Isn't that Hime-sama's treasure!? You...You treasure that damn Saru to that extent, Hime-sama!!!!!!???"
Niwa Nagahide, whose childhood name is Manchiyo, had laid out a formation at the foot of Mount Kinka.
Surrounding the different gates of Inabayama castle, she watched Nobuna launch her attack on the fortress.
"The wish of conquering Inabayama castle, just a bit more now. Full points!"
From in front of Nagahide, an unknown army approached suddenly.
The flag on the troops are of the Asai clan's.
The young warrior leading at the front was Nagamasa.
"I, Asai Nagamasa, as Nobuna-dono's husband am here to help attack Mino. Once this is over, we will hold our marriage right here."
Whether he is really here to help or not can be seen just by looking at his people. With the small amount of manpower and only the essential items needed for the wedding, he does not look like the usual Saru-kun with his festive look. While heading to Owari, he must have heard of the fact that Nobuna attacked Mino and had besieged Inabayama castle. "If this goes on, the wedding will be off", and he hurriedly rushed over to Mino.
This kind of person is exactly the sort that benefits without doing anything.
And for Nagamasa, there is also the secret of him helping Yoshitatsu take back Inabayama castle.
If he doesn't get rid of him, that plot might be revealed to Nobuna.
The usually relaxed Nagamasa is now panicking all over.
"What, Niwa-dono! Please make way now!"
Unknown to himself, he shouted at the woman in front of him.
But Nagahide displayed her trademark smile and stood in front of Nagamasa, giving no intentions to move.
"Asai-dono, Hime has given an explicit order to me, Niwa Nagahide."
"What is it?"
"This battle is Sagara Yoshiharu's. If any despicable people try to interfere, no matter who they are, kill all of them. No exceptions, even if it's Asai Nagamasa."
The gentle and demure Nagahide starts to emit a strong killing intent. The katana near her waist was held tightly in her hand.
"....If...If you kill me, Asai-clan and Oda clan will be enemies!"
"This too can't be helped. It seems like Hime has decided. For the Oda clan to come so far, it's precisely the result of Sagara-dono's hard work. If his rewards for his own efforts were taken away at the last minute by someone else, Sagara-dono might just regret it for life. Hime must had thought that far."
"....Hmmm. So that means that she is intending to break the promise of marriage between us?"
"If Mino can be conquered like this, I think there isn't a need for that."
"You think the Asai-clan will just ignore these things today? Without the alliance with us, how do you guys plan to conquer the world?"
"Hehe. Our clan's princess is very childish, she dotes on that Saru of hers extremely. If anyone dares to harm that Saru-sama, I think she might just go into a rage. Then, to say nothing of the Asai-clan, she would not even care about the entire world." Nagahide's face still displayed her smile, but the killing intent emitted from her body has Nagamasa and his soldiers totally subdued. If they continued on, Nagahide will definitely not hesitate to cut down Nagamasa.
"......How can this be, building a castle in just a day, conquering Inabayama castle.....Unbelievable....."
He had used all the methods that he could think of, even the despicable ones. But when he heard that his captive Ando Iga was saved by the bandits, Nagamasa had already developed a vague premonition. In the end, he was finally defeated at the hands of Nobuna and that Saru.
Asai Nagamasa, acknowledging his own failure, halted his troops.
For the matter of kidnapping Ando Iga, he had left instructions in Sunomata. He should be able to hide it, if barely, and Nobuna should not ask anything more.
But for the hidden relationship between him and Saitou Yoshitatsu, he must think of a way to stop him from talking.
Besides, the marriage between Nobuna and himself hasn't necessarily failed yet. Even if Nobuna conquered Mino, if she breaks the marriage pact she will damage her own reputation.
"You should withdraw your forces here, Nagamasa-dono."
".....I understand. But we can't just come for nothing. I must at least have a reply from Nobuna-dono. Our marriage, the alliance between Asai and Oda, will it be concluded successfully? We must have the answer today."
"Very well. There are times when one needs be gracious. The battle is about to finish. Please come to our base with your subordinates then."
To control the Oda clan and conquer the world, I have not given up yet! Nagamasa whispered and, while bearing the humiliation, nods.
This battle, Yoshiharu won the gamble.
Turning Inuchiyo into Torachiyo [24] and having her prowl the jungles was a huge success. The patrols had all shouted "The tiger had came down" and fled away. Walking the deserted path, Yoshiharu climbed the peak without a single injury while cursing "That damn Nagamasa, marry? Dream on!", and successfully snuck in by dusk.
Goemon, who was walking in the front, threw a smoke grenade to block the guard's view. In the confusion, Yoshiharu opened the castle gate, and through the smoke, he ran to one of the peaks known as "Tengu rock" and swung the calabash attached spear.
After that, everything seemed to happen in a flash.
"Damn, damn, damn that Saru, shitty Saru, lousy Saru~" The weeping Shibata Katsuie swung the spear in her hand, and with her troops, they charged to the open gates like a flood.
Yoshitatsu, who was at the the middle of the fortress, was shocked at the numerous Oda flags at the front of the gate and with a sigh of "All is over", he finally decided to surrender.
Right here, Nobuna had finally fulfilled her father Nobuhide's dying wish, and had became the new master of Mino.
The first thing Nobuna did as the new master of Mino was to send out a letter to Saitou Dousan, who had retired in Owari, telling him to come to Mino immediately. And due to the Mino Three, confusion in the towns had been controlled at the bare minimum. Mino had been under the leadership of The Viper Dousan for quite a long time, and the towns had been directly governed by Viper himself. With the support of the Mino Three and Viper, Mino obtained Nobuna as a new master and returned to normal within a week. No, after Nobuna restored the policies that Yoshitatsu had abolished, the towns will be doing even better than before.
Besides, in contrast of the rumors that the foolish princess is a tyrant, the Oda army had been well disciplined. "Those who are rowdy to the villagers will be executed publicly." Such a law was passed down, making the Owari soldiers wary and keeping them from touching the villagers.
"Though there are rumors that she is a scary master, unexpectedly, she's a wise ruler."
"When Nobuna-sama rode past just now, there was a very nice odor."
The town's residents had all welcomed Nobuna.
With a new master, Inabayama castle and the towns were slowly enveloped by nightfall.
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