Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 3 - Chapter 2

Chapter 2 : Sakai, the free city of gold 

The city "Sakai" received its name simply because of its location between Settsu, Izumi and Kawachi. 

The ruling class in Sakai was not made up of warriors, but rather rich merchants calling themselves "Kaigi gunsh?". 

10 years ago, the missionary Francisco Xavier stayed in the house of Hibiya, a merchant of Sakai, when he first came to Japan. After that, missionaries who came to Sakai all wrote "Sakai is a free trading city comparable to Venice." 

In the Sengoku era where warriors fight over everything, Sakai is precious neutral territory. 

And the "power" that made this neutrality possible was its financial strength, which is to say, the power of money. 

Relying on the sea for trading, Sakai was like the same city that Marco Polo mentioned, "the golden city". 

The world had reached an era of sea trading. 

Sakai was both an east Asian country like Akira, Ryukyu and Jakarta, and an important trading area with the western countries like Portugal and Spain. 

Perhaps most impressively, the weapon manufacturers of Sakai had succeeded in mass producing arquebus. Considering the short time that Japan has been able to import cannons, the technological growth of this country was so fast that even those missionaries were stumped for words. 

All in all, in this Sakai, riches and fortunes were gathered from all around Japan- no, the world. 

"Simply put, I want to earn 120,000 kanmon here in Sakai! To be rich overnight!" 

"So that's why you disguised yourself and sneaked here? That's too risky, Nobuna." 

"Ara, I'm not Nobuna. My name is 'Kichi'. I'm the only daughter of the Owari merchant selling Uiroumochi. As for you, you are the student Saru of my house." 

Correct. 

The Nobuna who was bringing her retainers back to Mino was actually a fake. 

There was still one week until the deadline for collecting 120k kan, the challenge that that unreasonable Konoe issued Nobuna. 

If they were unable to get Yoshimoto the position of Shogun, there wouldn't be any meaning to the Oda clan's march to the capital. With the righteous goal of reinstating the Shogunate rebuffed, their conquest of Kyo will only invite jealousy and hatred from all the Sengoku daimyos. 

Nobuna hasn't given up on the matter yet. 

That's why Nobuna donned a colorful furisode, and dressed herself up like a normal girl named "Kichi" visiting Sakai from Owari and walked around the streets unarmed. 

The only one she brought along was Yoshiharu, as she said "No matter if it's protecting the capital or going to war, you are useless." 

Even Goemon, Hanbei and Inuchiyo were left to protect Kyoto. 

"You are just too relaxed." Yoshiharu was speechless at Nobuna's actions. 

Looking at the innocent and excited look the normally bratty Nobuna wore when she was stripped of her daimyo image and reduced to an ordinary girl, Yoshiharu thought, "A situation like this is good sometimes," and had a warm feeling in his heart... Though he himself would never admit this. 

And, since the people walking through the streets of Sakai were like a flood, if they did not hold hands, they would be separated very quickly. 

So, after entering Sakai, Yoshiharu had tightly held onto Nobuna's hand as she looked everywhere with excitement. 

(Damn, how can this Nobuna have such soft and warm hands... It's not right! Anyway, is it really ok to just walk around like this in front of everyone? What if we are exposed, won't that be terrible?) 

Ignoring the sweating Yoshiharu by her side, Nobuna stopped beside the stores and shouted. 

"Saru, look! What is this round snack? I never saw a thing like this 10 years ago." 

"This is Takoyaki. It's not a snack; rather, it's the main dish for Osaka people. Since we are here in Kansai, I think Takoyakis and Okonomiyakis are unavoidable. 

"Hmmm, barbequed octopus? Octopi are round? But I recognize the black sauce on top of the takoyakis; it's hatcho miso, right?" 

"That's just sauce only! How in love are you with Miso anyway!?" 

"Vinegar? Sounds very sour to me." [23] 

"Anyway, there's sauce in this era... As expected from the international city, Sakai." 

"Takoyaki, I want to eat it!" 

"Ok ok, I got it. Wait for me." 

Why must I treat you to takoyaki...? Yoshiharu mumbled while buying 6 takoyakis. 

Sitting side by side with Nobuna, they drank tea while eating the hot takoyaki. 

If Katsuie saw such a scene, she would definitely be furious while weeping. 

"Ahh, ahh. The takoyaki is so hot, how can someone eat this?" 

"What a princess you are. Just blow on it before you eat it." 

"Why must I do such a troublesome thing? I will be out of breath from blowing so much. Hurry and blow on it for me." 

"I'm a peasant, so I’m used to eating takoyakis. They’re no problem for me even without blowing." 

"Are you an idiot? I want you to blow on my takoyakis for me!" 

"Ehhhh... Why me?" 

"Aren't you the student in my house? You are the monkey I kept after all." 

Nobuna edged nearer with her shoulders, looked up and smiled. 

Maybe it's the ordinary attire of hers, or maybe because there're no retainers around, but Nobuna seems much closer than before. 

How can I describe it... She's much more honest, much cuter. 

"No no. It's Nobuna we are talking about. Why am I flustered like this?" 

Looking at the flustered Yoshiharu, Nobuna laughed with a "Hehe", and her smile became even brighter. 

"Ok, hurry up and blow on it for me." 

"Oh,ohoh... Fuuu——! Fuuuu!" 

"Oi, don't spit saliva on to my takoyaki! What the hell are you doing!?" 

"Oh my god, be-because I don't know how to face Nobuna... No, in front of Kichi-sama, I'm nervous... Damn, I hate this." 

"What a waste. If we were in the Uiroumochi house of Owari, your tip would be gone. *Gulp*" 

"Oi, you actually ate that?!" 

"*Yumyum... Hmmm. Seems good. Sweet and spicy, the taste is very unique." 

Seems like Nobuna is kinda different from the past... Yoshiharu thought. 

It's not because she put down her hair, or because her tiger skin was missing. 

Whether it's because she was too relaxed or too confident, even her expression was much more gentle. 

(It might be that this appearance of a girl fitting of her age is actually the true appearance of Nobuna after stripping off the heavy burden of being the daimyo of the Oda clan.) 

If that's really the case, damn, even if it's a little bit, to think that I had thought that Nobuna is so godly cute... If I saw myself thinking like that, I’d want to hide myself in a hole. 

"Hmmm? What's up?" 

"N-Nothing... But Kichi-sama, what should we do now? To come to Sakai, you must have some brilliant idea, right?" 

"10 years ago, Father brought me here once. But, compared to then, this place has changed completely. Now... How about we try our luck by throwing some dice?" 

"In other words, you have no plan. Those are all scams; you can't win... Even if you happened to win, someone will just throw you in the sea and keep their money." 

"Then how about things like lottery!?" 

"It's all the same. Anyway, why is a princess like you so knowledgeable about gambling...?" 

"Ah, Saru! Look, what is that?" 

Looking at the direction that the smiling Nobuna is pointing, in the midst of the crowd, a huge animal was slowly moving forward. As for what animal it is, Yoshiharu remembers it clearly. 

"Biiiiiig...ohhhhhh!" 

"Isn't that an elephant!? Such a small size, it must be an Indian elephant...?" 

"Elephant?" 

"Look, a westerner is sitting on its back. It must be imported from a western ship." 

"Ohhh. A western animal. Why is its penis so long?" 

Paaaa! 

Yoshiharu spat out all the tea he had just simmered on Nobuna. 

"Th-th-th-that is just the nose! It's not a peni... It's not that!" 

"What the hell are you doing, that's dirty! I'm just talking about animals, why are you so flustered, are you a pervert!?" 

"Th-Th-Th-that is not something a lady of your age should say! Besides, how can that thing grow right in the middle of an animal's face! Ah, Oi, stop using my clothes to wipe your face!" 

"But a normal animal's nose won't be that long. Even if that's a nose, why is it that long? Did it stretch without his knowing? Or because of his mood? Or was he being naïve and thought himself more suave this way?" 

"I'm a realist. If the nose is long, it's of no use, but if it's the penis that is long, it will be much more convenient, for example, when it is going to the toilet or something..." Nobuna said with an indignant face. 

"Wild animals don't go to the toilet, ok!? That nose is used to grab food and bring it to its mouth. It can even be used to suck water for it to shower itself, it's convenient." 

"Eh, so that's it. As expected from the prince of the monkey country, you sure know a lot about the animals of other countries." 

So I’ve finally been promoted to a prince, but have I gotten any closer to becoming a human? Yoshiharu can't help but think. 

"Ah, what's that animal?" 

"That is a camel. It's an animal that lives in the desert." 

"It has bumps on its back. How pitiful, is it sick or something...?" 

"Wrong. Camels are animals that live in the desert, those bumps are used to gather nutrients. Asian deserts are bigger than other deserts by about a hundred times, but even if camels don't eat or drink, they can still walk in the desert for a couple of days." 

"Ehhh. You really know a lot about animals. I see you in a better light." 

"It's nothing. In the era I live in, all the animals in the world can be seen in zoos." 

"So as to say, the animals have understood each other." 

You damn woman, just you wait. While Yoshiharu was grumbling in his heart, he was also thinking (This might be the first time I’ve gotten to walk with Nobuna on the streets like this...) After noticing this, Yoshiharu's face can't help but blush. 

Ever since Okehazama and the capturing of Mino, all the way to their march to the capital, both of them had been very busy. There was no time whatsoever for them to do stuff like this. 

If there would come a day when peace really reigned over these lands, would there be more times where the two of them can walk like this leisurely...? 

Even though their positions were totally different, and getting together would never be allowed, but... 

Ahhh, damn it, but, even if it's really like this. 

Only one point, he must admit. 

Really... Nobuna, this girl is just too cute...! 

An-an-and her current identity is Kichi-sama of the Uiroumochi house. 

I-i-i-it should be nothing if I rub her shoulders...! 

"Hmmm, what is it? Is something wrong with my face?" 

"Ohhh?! Er...no...no...There's some nori on your face." [24] 

"Really? Where? Here?" 

"No. It's not the left, it's on the right side." 

"I can't see it myself. Help me take it off, Saru." 

"Me?" 

"Hurry up and stop dilly dallying." 

"Ah...ahhh..." 

Yoshiharu, while shivering, used a finger and lightly touched Nobuna's cheek. 

…… 

...Such a clear, delicate and soft feeling. 

"Saru, is the nori off?" 

"Ah...yeah." 

"Is there anything else? It's not elegant for someone like me to have things like nori on my face, so check properly. 

"Oh...okay..." 

Unknowingly, a sudden intention to shout "Kichi-sama!!!", hug Nobuna and carry her off to an inner part of the tea house and do unspeakable things to her rushed up his heart. 

(This is the perfect timing since Katsuie and Nagahide-nee aren't around... I won't be blamed... Er, but Nobuna will most likely be the first to be angry, but as long as I bluffed her with ‘It's to prevent assassins’...) 

God damn it! 

(Oi, what the hell am I thinking!? It is Nobuna! Uhhh, it must be because I've been apart from girls for too long! Just where can I find a bishoujo that’s my type...?) 

There! 

A bishoujo swordswoman with black hair and glittering eyes... isn't she walking over here rather fast? 

"Ohhh. This can't be, don't tell me she has fallen at first sight with...?" 

"What are you guys doing, Nobuna-sama, Sagara-senpai. If you guys just sneak all the way here without saying anything, I will be troubled!" 

It's Akechi Mitsuhide. 

Yoshiharu had vaguely noticed it after seeing that kumquat [25] accessory on her head... He felt a bit disappointed, but she is a cute kouhai who addressed him as "Senpai", and at the same time, the fact that she is a refreshing and cool bishoujo swordswoman is unshakable. 

"Hey, Juubei-chan! We came to Sakai in secret to earn 120k kanmon. Wanna come with us?" 

"I get it, so that's how it is. If that's the case, please do let me tag along." 

"Before I forget, this willful princess whose face is full of nori is the only daughter of Owari's Uiroumochi house, Kichi. And my setting is that of a student, name Saru." 

"I understand. Then, I shall be the sword master who is a bodyguard, Juubei then." 

"Wait, Juubei, aren't you suppose to be guarding Kyoto?" Nobuna muttered unhappily. 

"I finally got to be alone with Saru..." 

"Hmmm, what did you say, Nobuna-sama?" 

"Eh... N-nothing at all, I said nothing! Kumquat, since you have said it, work with us then." 

"Roger." Akechi nodded with a serious face from her seat on a bench. 

"Juubei, do you have any good ideas? I think... in this city of gold, Sakai, there must be a chance to strike it rich in a night." 

"Kichi-jo-sama, if that's the case, in this Sakai, there is indeed a way for you to gain money." 

Akechi coughed lightly and said. 

"Do continue." 

"Just using our troops in the capital is enough. First, bring troops to surround Sakai, then order the troops to set fire. Though there are mercenaries guarding Sakai, they will scatter upon seeing the fire. After that, you can just bring troops to subdue the scorched black Sakai, and with that, Sakai's fortune will be Kichi-jo-sama's" 

"With a serious face, Juubei-chan's way of doing things are unexpectedly cruel...." Yoshiharu can't help but tremble. 

"No. What are you saying, Juubei, if we burn it, there's no meaning anymore, is there?" 

"But we don't have long to the deadline given to us." 

"I already said we can't do it. Look at this city. Sakai is linked to the world, truly a golden city! Compared to dark Kyoto that is burdened with war, the atmosphere is totally different." 

Nobuna stretched out both her hands and said while looking at the scenery. 

Not just those westerners, these people who are walking around, including those kabuki people, it's a world mix with different nationalities. No, they have exceeded even that. 

Besides, trading with the West and letting everyone profit, the neutral city of Sakai has always been void of wars, thus the economy is exceedingly good. 

Even those arquebus carrying mercenaries who were employed, their relaxed faces seem to be saying "No one will come to Sakai and stir trouble." 

This is the true appearance of the free trade city that the future Tokugawa government had sealed off and isolated from the world. 

"Kyoto, is it too dark? I-is that so...?" 

The very traditional Akechi tilted her head. 

"Don't you understand? Open your eyes and look. These people wearing western attires and singing about their current lifestyle, those boats that were stopping in the harbor for trade; if we burn and destroy such a city, those animals and camels that came a long way will be troubled, and those western merchants will also spread bad comments about how I destroyed this golden city. If that happens, won't it be disadvantageous if I walk out to the world? And, to me, this Sakai is a place that holds very important memories." 

"Memories, huh?" 

"...Correct. This is the city that is full of memories of me walking with my first love!" 

*Cough* 

Yoshiharu was almost choked to death by the takoyaki in his mouth. 

"Kichi-jo-sama. Yoshiharu was obviously taken aback by the looks of it." 

"Hehehe. Why, Saru? Why are you suddenly so flustered~?" 

*Cough* Cough* Cough* 

Nobuna's...first love...? 

Isn't this fellow's first love... me? 

No...No no, who Nobuna likes is totally, absolutely none of my business, really. But, huh? No wonder her mood is so good and she is acting so cute... The me just now who was moved is just so stupid! 

Damn, why do I feel so down——? 

Ignoring Yoshiharu who is kicking up a fuss nearby, Akechi and Nobuna start whispering to themselves. 

"That first love, how did you meet him?" 

"When Father came here 10 years ago, there were 3 of us, keep this a secret from Saru!" 

"10 years ago? But at that time, Nobuna-sama should be just 6 or 7 years old." 

"About there. Rather than first love, it should be admiration towards a brother. But, that guy is already dead..." 

"Is that so... Should I tell this to senpai who still doesn't know this fact?" 

"Just let him be. This Saru has become arrogant due to his recent achievements. And since I am no longer bound by marriage now, it's time for me to bully him again, hehehe." 

"Hmmm. Since you have said it, let me help out too. Don't judge me by my usual self, I do have pretty good knowledge about the ‘72 methods of bullying’." 

"Haha... Juubei, you sure are all-knowing. Ok! Saru has been getting more and more prideful, just go all out and bully him!" 

"Roger!" 

Akechi revealed a sinister smile, but Nobuna did not notice in her high spirits. 

"What is it, why are the two of you whispering together? I...I...I am just choking on the takoyaki!" 

"Hehe. Nothing. Then, lemme wash my hands." 

Nobuna left her seat while chuckling to herself. 

And Akechi sat beside Yoshiharu with the same sinister smile on her face. 

Yoshiharu did not notice Akechi's sudden change either. 

He himself was filled with ecchi imaginations after Akechi smiled and said, "Finally we are alone, senpai!", grabbed his arms and came closer. 

Ahhh... Juubei-chan's lips are getting closer to my own ears! 

"Wh-wh-wh-what is it, Juubei-chan? Don't tell me, you want to comfort the poor soul that was trampled all over by Nobuna? *heartbeat*" 

"...Shut up, Gorilla." 

Just a sentence... 

…… 

Was I hearing things? 

Such dark words... it can't have come from the hardworking and pure Juubei-chan... No, it's impossible. 

"Nobuna-sama has given me the order to bully you to death. So, from today onwards, I will call Sagara-senpai Gorilla. Anyway, though you are a gorilla, you are still my senpai, so I will be a little bit polite to you too." 

Ehhhhhhhhh? 

"Oi, Juubei-chan? Don't be so serious, you cannot obey that fellow's orders." 

"Shut up, Gorilla. Don't talk to me so whimsically." 

piak* 

Yoshiharu's hand was slapped away mercilessly. 

"In my body flows the esteemed Toki clan's blood. If everything went smoothly, it would not have been surprising if I inherited the position of daimyo of Mino from Dousan-sama. The reason why I can maintain good relationships with Sakai and Kyoto is also because of my bloodline. I don't remember being close to you, a gorilla who claims to have come from the future." 

Ehhh...ehhhhhhhhh? 

J-Juubei-chan's perfect image... her perfect image~!? 

Girls... Girls... they are such terrifying creatures? 

"Er. No, no... It can't be, Juubei-chan isn't such a two-faced girl, right?" 

"No. Towards seniors and humans, I will give my respects, but towards gorillas, there is no need to have such respect. Plus, you are annoying!" 

"Ann...Annoying?" 

"Don't you understand?" 

Mitsuhide mercilessly awarded Yoshiharu with a punch. 

"Ouch... What the hell are you doing?" 

"Gorilla, if not for you, the one accompanying Nobuna-sama would be me, Juubei Mitsuhide! Ever since I first met Nobuna-sama in Masanori Temple, I have decided to give my life to that master. That's why I will help Nobuna-sama who can't leave to go to Kyoto, Echizen and Sakai to further my knowledge. But in this period, I have been intercepted by such an... annoying gorilla..." 

"Ouch, ouch! Haven't I worked hard for Nobuna too; what is wrong now?" 

"Once I came to Oda clan, I understood! Nobuna-sama has been covering for you! And, I have heard, the one who saved that Imagawa Yoshimoto in the first place is you." 

"Ah...Ahhh. So that's it... But how?" 

"Imagawa Yoshimoto lost to Nobuna-sama in Okehazama, after completing her role in history, she should have been executed quickly! It's all because of this parasite that keeps staying by her side, that's why things have become like this! Besides, there's tons of substitutes who have inherited the Shogun bloodline! Even if it's me, Juubei, it won't be a problem!" 

"No. From lots of perspective, there's lots of problems, ok..." 

"I had planned to push Ashikaga Yoshiteru-sama's sister, Yoshiaki-sama to be the Shogun! Though she was the same type of willful princess like Yoshimoto, since she is still young, she would have served as a good puppet!" 

"...Juubei-chan, your ways are unexpectedly cruel..." 

"What dumb stuff are you saying. For Nobuna-sama's dream, to reach the target of Tenka Fubu, some sacrifice is necessary. After we conquer the world, all we have to do is just build shrines around Japan to worship them." 

"Er, it's correct that this idea is quite serious... but no matter how I think about it, it's a bit wrong..." 

"I had prepared myself for this; a sacrifice of roughly 3 million people is nothing to me, Mitsuhide." 

"This isn't something that is considered small anymore, oi!" 

"You are really irritating, gorilla. Because you have saved Yoshimoto, all my plans have been shattered. You have no idea how much trouble it is to squeeze that Yoshiaki-sama who was screaming ‘I want to stay in Kyoto to be the Shogun~~’ into the cabin of a ship... What's more troublesome is, currently the position of Shogun has not even been given out!" 

Ah, true, history has left its proper course because Yoshimoto is still alive... Yoshiharu thought. Assuming Imagawa Yoshimoto had met Ashikaga Yoshiaki in Kyoto, both of them would have fought it out for the position of Shogun. And, from Yoshiaki's personality, her willful ways are definitely comparable to Yoshimoto... If it goes unchecked, the whole Kyoto might be engulfed with a civil war. 

Once Yoshiharu thought like this, he felt that he had lost his stand. 

"And, you even offended that Kampaku Sakihisa Konoe. What the hell are you planning to do!" 

"That matter is all that bastard's fault for looking down on people just because he is a noble. I wasn't wrong!" 

"Hmph. He is wrong for looking down on people, but if the target is a gorilla, then there aren't any problems!" 

Hmph. Mitsuhide turned her face away. 

Distinguished, graceful and elegant. 

If all these adjectives were to solidify as a single person, that person would without a doubt be a bishoujo like Mitsuhide... Yoshiharu can't help but realize as he looks at the side of her face. 

Even Yoshiharu who was born into modern society, and had no qualms on family status can see the looks and actions of an esteemed lady. 

This point only infuriated Yoshiharu. 

Especially that big forehead that gave a feeling of intellect. 

It was as if it was inviting him to "Snap it, please snap my forehead!" 

Damn! Just when Yoshiharu was hesitating to snap at Mitsuhide's wild forehead, her cold words and sneers attacked once again. 

"Ahh, I almost forgot. If you dare to report to Nobuna-sama that I called you a gorilla, then I will accuse you for pushing me down and playing with my breasts." 

"Uwahh, dark, these words of yours are too dark!" 

"This is the 17th out of the '72 ways of bullying' that I, Juubei have learned, the 'False Accusation Bullying Method'." 

"This isn't just bullying anymore. It's a devilish technique of destroying one's life from false accusations." 

"At the end, I will just cry and say it isn't intentional!" 

"You plan to erect a tombstone for me!?" 

"Huh? A tombstone for a gorilla? Just some rotten wood is enough." 

"Damn... This is too shocking... To have seen the two faces of a girl myself, this is too great of an impact..." 

Maybe because he had thought that they had a good relationship going on before now, after this revelations Yoshiharu can only cry to himself. 

Don't tell me from this reasoning that Nobuna, who was always full of weird ideas, could actually be a good girl? 

"Hmmm? What are you guys doing? Quarreling?" 

With an innocent face, the furisode-clad Nobuna came over with some fried squid. 

"This looks quite delicious. *Bite*, Here, I have already eaten a bit of it, but if you don't mind, have a bite too, Saru." 

"...I'm not in the mood to eat... *Sobsobsobsob*" 

"Uwahhhhh!" 

"What? What happened? You two, why are you crying together?" 

"Yes! I know my reason, but what the hell is making you cry, Juubei?" 

"Uwaahhhhhh! Ojou-sama! Just now when Ojou-sama left, Sagara-senpai pushed me down and played with my breasts!" 

"Ehhhh?! I did not say anything to Nobuna!" 

*Kachak~!* 

Nobuna's head looks like an erupting volcano... Yoshiharu can't help but have such an illusion. 

"You deserve it... This is the 35th way in the '72 ways of bullying', 'Breaking the Promise'." Mitsuhide sneered evilly at Nobuna's back. 

"Sa-Sa-Sa-Saru...! Did you really change to a monkey!? Wh-what-what is this, why did you suddenly touch Juubei's breasts behind my back!? Damn it!!" 

Nobuna is furious. 

If not for her ordinary girl attire, she would have unsheathed her sword and slashed off Yoshiharu's head. 

Regrettably, the Nobuna now did not have any weapons. 

But Yoshiharu was still kicked far away by Nobuna, and she stepped down hard on the back of his head. 

"I don't believe it, how can you do such a despicable thing to Juubei after she had admired you as a senpai! You idiot! Pervert! Frivolous bastard!" 

"No... No... I am just... Ahhh, even if I explain it to you, you won't believe it! And the amount of trust you have for Juubei and I are mountains apart! Damn, if I had known about this, I would have gathered more credibility." 

"So, Juubei, I will award you this fried squid!" 

"Roger!... An indirect kiss with Nobuna-sama...(Sinister smile)" 

"Now, this perverted Saru, what should we do with him?" 

"Sagara-senpai is the enemy of all young girls! Please execute him without delay!" 

"Wait! Nobuna, Juubei is lying! That girl says totally different things in front of you and me! I have not touched Juubei's breasts! Even if I had to bet my life on it, I would rather touch Katsuie's, ok!?" 

"What did you say!?" 

Yoshiharu's head was kicked like a ball. 

"Damn, I accidentally said it! But what I said is the truth, please believe me!" 

"Unbelievable... To have said such lies... Sagara-senpai is really a jerk, uwahhhhhh." 

"Hmmm...though I don't doubt Juubei's words, the howls of Saru thinking about Riku's cow-like breasts sound very persuasive too." 

Nobuna put on a thinking face. 

"Nobuna, listen to me, this is a totally fabricated lie! In my world, lots of people's lives were destroyed by false crimes put on by those hot OLs... Anyway, there is totally no proof! You aren't the kind of person who will punish people without any proof?" 

"Uwahhh, to let me suffer such ridicule, yet to still say I'm a liar! Juubei can no longer work in the Oda-clan. *Sob* I don't want to be in the same place as Sagara-senpai anymore." 

Nobuna's face fell into an even deeper state of thinking. 

"...True. Without proof, there is no way to find out the truth no matter how much we talk about it... Besides, if I kill him, people will say I just thought ‘Damn Saru, I hate you’ and was led by Juubei to punish Saru... This will hurt my reputation." 

Looks like she had come to a conclusion. 

"Though we could decide this with a physical fight, if we go along with it, Saru's head will definitely fly. To ensure fairness, let's decide it using work." 

" "Using work to decide it?" " 

Ahhh, god damn it. Somewhere in this city is Nobuna’s first love, and Juubei-chan has revealed her dark personality, and, the most shitty thing, Nobuna had really treated me as a pervert putting his hands on his own kouhai. 

This era isn't much better... How I hope to go back to the present. 

Yoshiharu's tears are all over the face. 

At that moment, a big sized man appeared in front of the trio. 

"Uhh, I thought I recognized this pretty smiling face from somewhere. Don't tell me, you are the daughter of Oda Nobuhide-dono?" 

The man in front of them looks like he is still in his prime. 

Though his hair had started fading, his build and muscles did not show a trace of old age. 

The big face looked as if it were carved from stone, and would make most people think of the word "Stubborn". 

He wore a single-lens glasses from the West too. 

He was large, with wide shoulders and tough body, but there was not a tinge of fat in any of his features. 

Rather than Japanese, he looks more like a German general. 

Yoshiharu can't help but think. 

"Yes, correct. And you are?" 

This merchant standing in front of Nobuna suddenly revealed a smile. 

"There's no helping it if you don't remember. 10 years ago, when Nobuhide-dono came to Sakai for the first time, I was still just a brat trying to carve out a career. I am one of Sakai's Kaigi gunsh?, Imai Soukyu." 

"Imai Soukyu? Ahh, the master of the shop I always ordered arquebus from!" 

"Ahhh, I remembered too! It's the hidden character in ‘Oda Nobunaga no Yabou’! It's the ojii-san who will sell tea sets to daimyos at every changing of seasons!" 

"Oi, why are you spouting that ‘remember’ stuff, Saru?" 

Imai Soukyu laughed out loud. 

"Ahahahaha! This mister, looks like you are a really interesting person." 

"Uwahh. This ojii-san has a loud laugh." 

"Correct, while doing trading, I have an interest in tea ceremonies. Well, my skills with tea are just to the level where I can smoothly finish deals." 

"Imai Soukyu-dono. We have met before in tea ceremonies." Mitsuhide bowed politely. 

In the past, when the Kaigi gunsh? organized tea ceremonies, Mitsuhide seemed to have attended a few times. 

"Yes. But you girls can't keep staying here. While you are staying in Sakai, why not stay in my humble abode?" 

"Since Juubei has also come, there shouldn't be a problem..." Nobuna nodded. 

"We three are here for a very important job. Soukyu, would you be willing to help us?" 

"Uhh. Since it's you who decided to push Imagawa-dono to be the Shogun, I think it must be a big trade." 

"Yes. In this month, I must earn 120k kanmon." 

"Now that's an astronomical number." 

"But, I am now the daughter of Owari's Uiroumochi house, Kichi, coming here for a visit. I will leave this job to Saru and Juubei. The one who loses, go back to Gifu castle and manage the kitchens!" 

"Wh-what...?" Yoshiharu and Juubei looked at each other. 

"Right. Who is right and who is wrong, let's decide it with this match. This is the so called all's fair match. Hehehe" 

Nobuna and gang, after deciding to stay at Imai Soukyu's house, were soon shown to the guest room. 

"Welcome, miss." 

"Dearuka. Matsunaga Danjou had surrendered and brought her troops back to Yamato. The Miyoshi three had escape back to Shikoku. Soukyu, you are on my side, right?" 

"That's obvious. The Oda clan has been the biggest customer to my Imai clan since my father's lifetime." 

"Soukyu, from what you are saying, the arquebus of your clan will be sold to other people other than the Oda clan. You sure are a cunning jii-san." 

"That's the way of business. As long as someone offers higher, I will sell to them before my older customers too." 

After listening to Soukyu, Nobuna snorted, and looked at the scenery of the courtyard with a smile while drinking the tea Soukyu had prepared for her. 

"It's nothing much, but what do you think of the tea?" 

"Dearuka." 

"And this, this is my Nayabashi's unique takoyaki, please try one." 

Called "Nayabashi", it's Imai Soukyu's brand. 

"Currently this takoyaki has become a special product in Osaka, but it can only be found in my Nayabashi." Soukyu said. 

"This is delicious. Saru, Juubei, why aren't you eating?" 

But, once they think of returning back to Gifu to manage the kitchens if they lose, Yoshiharu and Mitsuhide were not in the mood to eat anything. 

"Nobuna-sama. The matter of managing the kitchens, please reconsider... The final result of this challenge is already obvious, but even if he is the one who touched Juubei's breasts, to punish him like this, Gorilla... No... Sagara-senpai is quite pitiful." 

"Hey, Nobuna. I don't really care about this boasting forehead girl. But if you really do such a ridiculous manpower arrangement, someone might just revolt, you know?" 

"No can do. In the Oda clan, we talk about strength. We may not care about family status, but the rivalry is fierce still. Both of you work hard from now on. 

Forcing retainers into a corner, that's a bad habit of Nobuna. 

Yoshiharu while mumbling, "Nobuna's first love is in this city... Just what kind of a guy is he, damn!", he was anxious about how to achieve better results than Mitsuhide. 

Of course, Mitsuhide was the same. 

"It's out of my expectations to compete with this Gorilla, but if I win, I can chase this gorilla off. And then, I, Juubei Mitsuhide can monopolize Nobuna-sama's love." 

Her big and fresh eyes had started to become swollen with excitement. 

But, in this nervous atmosphere, Imai Soukyu did not seem fazed in the least. 

"Oh yeah. There was a guest today. Would you like me to introduce him?" 

"Who is it?" 

"Tennoujiya's Tsuda Sougyu. He is a merchant that is comparable to me." 

"Even the names are alike, jii-san." 

"Actually, he is my rival in business." 

Tennoujiya's master, Tsuda Sougyu. 

In total contrast to Imai Soukyu, he was a neat and clean man. 

"I am Tsuda Sougyu. I am familiar with Akechi-sama from before." 

"Dearuka." 

Sizing up the clean and neat Tsuda Sougyu, Nobuna does not seem to like him much. 

He is totally not merchant-like... Yoshiharu is the same, his heart having doubts. 

Only Tsuda Sougyu and Mitsuhide were friendly, and with an "It's been a long time", they start talking about the 120k kanmon matter and the competition between Mitsuhide and Yoshiharu, and the fact that the one who lose will be demoted to manage the kitchens. 

"Oi oi, is it ok to say everything out...?" Yoshiharu was sweating nervously. 

"I get it... so this is the situation; I have a vague understanding." 

"Tsuda-dono, what brilliant plan do you have?" 

"Sakai is a city governed by 36 members of the Kaigi gunsh?. If every one of them come up with 3334 kanmon, there will be a total of 120k kanmon." 

At this moment, Nobuna opens her mouth and says. 

"You Sakai merchants won't give us such a large amount of money for nothing, right?" 

"Exactly. So, you can just bring us a product worth 120k kanmon, and we will buy it." 

"I understand. But, what do you guys want to buy?" 

"A new product." 

"Products, don't tell me tea sets? I do not have such valuable stuff." 

"No, it's food. I hope you guys can research and come up with a takoyaki that can be compared to Nayabashi's takoyaki, and then allow Sakai's Kaigi gunsh? to sell it. To come up with a different takoyaki than Nayabashi's takoyaki, and to let everyone sell it... This is what we Kaigi gunsh? want the most in this situation where Nayabashi has monopolized the takoyaki trade. 

"In 3 days, the Kaigi gunsh? will organize a gathering. There, both of you will just sell the takoyakis that you have come up with." Tsuda Sougyu said lightly. 

"But... in the end, this must have the permission of Nayabashi. Right now, the famous product of Sakai can only be Nayabashi's takoyaki. We do have lots of profit from it too." 

"I have no objections. All famous foods can be propelled to greater fame and popularity under fair competition.“ 

Imai Soukyu said in a matter of fact tone. 

"It's a good plan... But Juubei and Saru, are you guys familiar with cooking...?" 

"But, we do not need two recipes. We will only buy the one that gets more than half of the votes out of the 36. 

"That's strict." 

"With this, it will be easy to see which of the two from the Oda clan will win." Tsuda Sougyu said. 

"And, if both sides aren't worth buying, we will abandon our votes. So if both sides did not have over half of the votes, then we will not buy either. With this condition, we will not have to worry that we are wasting our money. I believe the Kaigi gunsh? will agree with me too." 

"If they end up that unpopular, the merchants will not buy them." Imai Soukyu nodded and agreed too. 

For Nobuna and her gang, this condition is very strict, but at this time they have no choice but to accept it. 

"I got it. Juubei! Saru! Do you hear that, think of some new cuisine now!" 

"Roger. Against Gorilla... No, no, against Sagara-senpai, I will not lose. The vagrant days of Juubei weren't a waste; I have some knowledge on cuisine!" 

"Wait a minute there! I have totally no knowledge in terms of cuisine! Can we change the way it's played?! 

"No Saru. It has been decided." 

"No way————!!" 

When Tsuda Sougyu was leaving, he said "It's been a long time since we last met, Akechi-sama, please do come over to my house for a small gathering." 

Mitsuhide was mumbling, "But I must stop any despicable actions of gorilla towards Nobuna-sama..." and is feeling a bit indecisive, but she cannot reject Sougyu's good intentions. After saying "I will come at night.", she left with Tsuda Sougyu. 

After Mitsuhide and Tsuda Sougyu left, Nobuna and Yoshiharu were glaring at each other. 

Imai Soukyu was eating takoyaki normally. 

"Hmph. What do you plan to do, Saru? Juubei is an unbeatable genius. If this goes on, you might just lose utterly and go back to the kitchens!" 

"If it's about fights, I'm ok. But a food competition is obviously advantageous to Juubei who is a girl. Don't tell me you really want me to go to the kitchen!?" 

"Hmph! You have been down ever since you came to Sakai, and Juubei abandoning her duty to guard Kyoto is strange too; I just want to cheer both of you up. And a guy like you, aren't you the type that won't try their best unless they are backed into a corner? It's about time you get used to my way of doing things." 

"I'm ok, but to do this to Juubei, it might just have the opposite effect... If you force things, who knows what might happen?" 

"Really?" 

"An-and, in the end, the one who made me troubled is you, isn't it?" 

"Why?" 

"Th-this... Er..." 

Damn. 

Her first love might just be in this city... If that guy appears in front of Nobuna, what can I do... And the reason why she was so against her marriage with Nagamasa, was it because of this guy? Did it actually have nothing to do with me...? The more he thought, the more Yoshiharu felt a sharp pain in his heart. 

But, such an embarrassing thing, I can never admit it; I can’t let Nobuna hear it. If I let her know, I will be teased like an idiot. 

"No...nothing at all..." 

Looking at the troubled face of Yoshiharu, Nobuna's mood is becoming better and better. 

"Ahhh, is that it? Well, it's not like I care anyway. Ahhh, I wonder if I will meet my first love here suddenly..." 

"Damn it! Who the hell is this first love of yours? Is it a ghost? Or a bird or a gorilla?" 

"Of course it's a human; you are really rude! Compared to you, it's like comparing the moon to a piece of shit, even the looks are mountains apart." 

"So as to say, in my world's terms, he's a pretty boy, huh?... Damn it, in the end Nobuna cares about looks when choosing guys! Because of such a thing...damn!" 

"Wait, you really have no manners. The great me can never be smitten by just a guy's looks! It's true that that guy is very suave, but what really attracts me is his interior. His tall dreams... The bravery to fulfill his mission at all costs... He has no qualms about family status and treats everyone as equals, and he is also full of compassion... He really is the perfect guy ?" 

Nobuna seems to want to stir up Yoshiharu's jealousy. 

So, in this matter that had happened 10 years ago while she was just a small girl, Nobuna was purposefully ambiguous. 

"Hmph. As long as the face is pretty, the interior or what will just automatically be good too. Ah~ah~, how I wish to go back to Kyoto and drink tea with Hanbei-chan..." 

"Uhhh. What the hell, what's with that Hanbei-chan Hanbei-chan stuff!" 

"Unlike someone I have to deal with, Hanbei-chan will not scold me at all. She is very friendly and gentle with everyone." 

"Hmph! What is this. Anyway, why didn't you bring Nene along? Don't tell me you plan to flirt around in Kyoto?" 

"Huh? The reason why I didn't bring Nene along is because it's dangerous here! How was I to know that we could enter Kyoto so smoothly?" 

"Ahh, is that it? So what you’re saying is you don't trust my grand plans and strategies at all. You must have thought that I would fail in heading to the capital huh?...Hmph!" 

"Who the hell said something like that!" 

"Hmph! Who knows! Listen! If you lose to Juubei, you 'breast-touching demonic monkey', you can just rot your life away in the kitchen!" 

"Ohhh, just try it if you have the guts! We will see about it when I win!" 

Imai Soukyu who was hiding in a corner, mumbled lightly. 

"A quarrel between husband and wife, not even gods can help. The relationship between the two of you is really good." 

*Breathe in* 

Both Yoshiharu and Nobuna breathed in at the same time. 

" "WE AREN'T HUSBAND AND WIFE!!!" " 

Around the same time. 

"Actually, I have a secret job that I want to pass to you. After it has been done, I will try my best to persuade the Kaigi gunsh? to let you win in the competition with Sagara-sama." Akechi, who had reached Tsuda Sougyu's place, accepted a job from him. 

"Hehe. As expected, one must rely on friends at the crucial moment. Leave it to me!" 

Mitsuhide, focusing wholly on not losing to that gorilla, accepted the proposal without thinking. 

Though Mitsuhide was clever, she would often lose her calm after accepting orders, and she had totally not noticed the suspicious parts of Tsuda Sougyu's request. 

"It's ok, it's just a simple job. If there are people interfering with the job, please help yourself and deal with it as you see fit." 

"I understand. I will finish this matter by tomorrow."