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Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 5 - Chapter 1




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Chapter 1 : Oda Nobuna's Imperial Wrath 

Part 1 

The time is the Sengoku Era. 

The season is December's winter. 

Mountain castle, Kyoto. 

At Myoukaku temple, where he temporarily resided, Sagara Yoshiharu, the lost high school student who had fallen through time to the Sengoku Era, had been consoling a cross-dressed gentleman since morning. 

"Saru-kun, I can't take it anymore. I should just be a monk." 

Tsuda Nobusumi, also known as Kanjuurou. 

With his similar delicate, doll-like looks, anyone could tell that Nobusumi was the brother of Oda Nobuna. 

Nobuna, for the sake of a prank, had saddled him with the misfortune of being a "princess". He was married off to Omi's sengoku daimyo, the Asai clan, and became Nagamasa's wife. 

Even Yoshiharu felt it was a tragedy to cross-dress into a girl and be married off to a guy; no, it was beyond tragedy. 

"Listen to me, Saru-kun, though I can't say the reason, I am now sinking into the bottom of the sea of sadness.” 

"Nobusumi, it's not like I can't understand what you're feeling right now, but no matter how you regret it, what has happened has happened. There is no point crying over spilt milk." 

"No, you will never understand! Ahh... My happiness has flown away. The lost past and times of happiness will never return again...." 

"Umm, with this situation, it would be a little hard to return to your innocent self, always traveling with a squad full of pretty girls and fooling around all day, but it's better if you forget your days in Omi." 

"HOW COULD I FORGET THEM!?" 

"I understand your feelings now, I really do. But political marriages are something that can't be helped in this sengoku era. Though you must be feeling angry for being married off as a princess to a guy, please don't bear a grudge with Nobuna." 

"You are totally off-topic, Saru-kun. Ahh, as expected, you could never understand the reason for my sadness... But, I can't reveal Nagamasa's secret to anyone else... Ahh, what should I do!?" 

"Anyway, you don't need to cross-dress anymore, so hurry and put on some guy clothes! I can understand the feeling of wanting to cross-dress as a little jab at Nobuna, but let bygones be bygones." 

"No, I can't tell anyone the reason I'm sad, but I hope someone can discover the pain in my heart. Ahhh, how hard it is." 

"That's why, Nobusumi, I can understand your pain. I'll bet Nagamasa said, 'Even if you are a bishounen, I do not care at all!' And then, he did many humiliating and embarrassing things that you definitely do not want to tell anyone else right? 'Trap' has many loyal fans in my era, but in this era, 'lolis' seem to be more popular… Regardless, do forget all your sufferings." 

"I said it's not like that~ Ahh, how can I let other people know my true feelings without revealing Nagamasa's secret? Language is just such a difficult thing." 

With an elegant princess pose, Nobusumi stuffed his mouth full of Yatsuhashi, a Kyoto delicacy, and refused to respond anymore. 

Omi's daimyo, Asai Nagamasa, was actually a gorgeous maiden who had cross-dressed as a guy. There was an extraordinary female beauty under her manly appearance. 

Maybe due to their similar cross-dressing situation, Nobusumi because of his sister's prank and Nagamasa because of her father's wishes, the two seems to fit each other and quickly became a loving husband and wife. 

But Nagamasa, known best perhaps for her filial piety, failed to stop her father Hisamasa. After reclaiming his title as the Asai Clan's Head, Hisamasa voided the alliance with the Oda Clan, joining Echizen's Asakura Yoshikage to attack the Oda Clan's holdings in Owari, Mino, Southern Omi and Kyoto. 

After many harrowing situations, Nobusumi was separated from Nagamasa by force and came back to Nobuna. 

Right now, Nobusumi faced the tragedy of having to face his beloved wife as an enemy. 

But, even if she had become an enemy, she was still his beloved wife. With these feelings intact, Nobusumi had never thought to reveal Nagamasa's closely guarded secret. This meant he would be unable to convey his emotional pain however. Faced with this dilemma, he had been depressed since morning, staring out into the courtyard of Myoukaku temple and sighing all the while. 

Before even thinking of marriage, Sagara Yoshiharu had never even had a girlfriend, leaving him oblivious to Nobusumi's complicated feelings. 

"How pitiful, that 'training' must have been unimaginable... If that bastard forcefully pushed me down and did lots of humiliating things, I think I would be traumatized for the rest of my life... Ahh, I understand. Nobusumi, though your heart is still resisting, your body is lusting for Nagamasa... So you can't give up those female clothes... How sad." Yoshiharu lamented, his understanding branching off in a strange direction. 

"It's not like that~ But I can't say it out~" Nobusumi moaned with a sigh. 

In Nobuna's camp, the only few who knew Nagamasa's secret of actually being a girl were the ninja, Hachisuka Goemon and her subordinates, but Nobusumi had begged her not to reveal it after considering Nagamasa's situation. Yoshiharu, right now, was just one of many unable to understand the real reason for Nobusumi's agony. 

"Listen to me, Nobusumi. Think of all those memories of what happened in Omi as a nightmare and forget them, and then you can go back to your old, pure self!" 

His eyes sparkling with brightness, Yoshiharu cheered Nobusumi up. 

This totally out of perspective life consultation in the Myoukaku temple's courtyard had been continuing on for quite a while. 

"Uhh, Saru-kun, this conversation doesn't seem to be helping much. I'm going over to Honnou temple to find Aneue." 

"Find Nobuna? I think you better forget it, that fellow has not been in a good mood recently." 

"She hasn't said a thing to me since that night where she witnessed me rubbing Katsuie's breasts and immediately threatened to cut my head off..." Yoshiharu mumbled. 

"No matter how you look at it, didn't you go too far that night?" 

"After Nagamasa's betrayal, Kai's Takeda Shingen has earnestly begun preparations to come to Kyo. To Aneue, Kyoto isn't the only concern. Both Owari and Mino's defenses are a pressing issue already, so her mood right now is ten times worse than normal." 

"How troubling," Nobusumi mumbled, a frown crossing his brow. 

When Nobuna and the Oda clan attacked Echizen's Asakura clan, her ally, the Asai Clan defected and blocked off the retreat path. After finally getting through their greatest crisis, the "Retreat of Kanegasaki", challenge after challenge assaulted the clan. Though this served to unite the Oda Clan more than ever, they found themselves in yet another rough situation. Without letting the Oda Clan catch its breath after the battle with the Asai Asakura allied forces, the sengoku's strongest, Takeda Shingen started to surround along the north and east. 

Should they abandon Kyoto after struggling so much to obtain it so as to protect Owari and Mino, or do they spread their army thin to defend against a two-pronged attack from the enemy? 

Did Nobuna have what it takes to be the conqueror of the world? This crisis would test her resolve like none other. 

If she abandoned Kyoto now, the path to conquer the world would stretch yet further into the distance. 

But the enemy had spread out a tight web. If the Oda army remained scattered, they would most likely be eliminated piecemeal. Saitou Dousan, who was in charged of protecting Owari and Mino, did not have enough manpower to fight Takeda off, but if Nobuna abandoned Kyoto to support Dousan, the Asai Asakura clans would definitely snatch Kyoto away. 

"It hasn't even been a month yet since the forced peace agreement with the Asai Asakura forces, but if Takeda Shingen marches out, the Asai Asakura clans will definitely start the war again. Plus, their armies will be different from the last time. Now, the one leading the Asai troops is the seasoned warrior Asai Nagamasa, so the situation will definitely become even more difficult... Just why did Takeda Shingen suddenly declare she is heading to Kyo?". 

"Saru-kun, it's because this is such a critical period that I, as a brother, have to talk directly to Aneue." 

"Talk? About what? I totally don't understand, if you are talking about burning Mount Hiei, that plan was scrapped long ago." 

"Hahaha, how can I have a say in terms of politics and warfare? I can only offer my advice on her love problems, as a senpai, teaching Aneue a thing or two." 

"Huh, I get it. 'You even married off your brother to another man. You're a demon, devil, the sixth demon lord!' You want to protest to Nobuna like this, right? To begrudge Nobuna to this extent, though it's obvious why you do." 

"I already said it's not like that, but forget it. Though it was only for a short time, I had joined with my beloved; compared to you guys, we are much happier already... It confounds my mind so much I can't stop thinking about it." 

"Huh?" 

"In this world, the most depressing thing is when two people love each other but can never be together. They don't, so to speak, have the fate." 

"Nobusumi, you seem kinda strange. You should let Manase Belchior-jii-san take a look at you. How worrying... Nobusumi's mental state, and his butt..." 

Nobusumi laughed, "I can totally understand Aneue's feelings now. Aneue's tsundere habits are the world's finest; it's easier to kill her than ask her to be honest. But leave it to me, the love specialist. I will definitely let you guys reconcile, hahaha." and set off for Honou temple. 

But the view of his back gave people a lethargic feeling. 

"Uhh, Nobusumi's words seem very weird today, is it really ok?" 

Stuffing the Yatsuhashi into his mouth, Yoshiharu clapped his hands and summoned Goemon. 

In an instant, at a corner of the courtyard, Goemon appeared silently. 

"Sagara-shi, you summoned me?" 

"It's you who saved Asai Nagamasa and Nobusumi from the Hisamasa's imprisonment, right? After finally getting out of the Asai Clan's hell, Nobusumi looks very weird. Do you know something?" 

"Nya~" Goemon let out a cat-like sound, with a troubled face. "As for this, Tsuda-shi very very seriously asked to not say anything." 

"Ohh~ It's been so long since Goemon's stuttering! Yeah, without this, there is no real sense of returning home!" 

"....Nya~! Don't bring that up." Goemon's expression was hidden behind a mask as usual, but she seemed angry. 

"Hmph!" With that, Goemon instantly disappeared from the courtyard. 

"Ahh, I'm sorry! This is just so nostalgic~ Oiou, Goemon-chan, stop throwing a tantrum and come out." 

"....Hmph, I don't want to talk to the childish Sagara-shi for a while." 

He could hear Goemon's voice, but didn't know where it came from. 

"Into the ground again? Stop throwing a tantrum already. Oi, I apologize, ok? Come out." 

What bad luck. After rubbing Katsuie's breasts that night, Nobuna has been ignoring me and Katsuie seems to have become a demon, constantly shouting about taking my life... Isn't this situation the worst? Anyway, what happened to the promise of a kiss after I came back alive from the 'Retreat of Kanegasaki'? Don't tell me Zenki was spot on and I really did look prone to 'women trouble', Yoshiharu sat on the steps and thought in his head. 

"*Sigh*... Just when the Oda clan has a new crisis, Nobuna is ignoring me and I can't do anything... That fellow is once again playing hard to get, and is definitely regretting her promise of the kiss... Petty fellow, if this goes on, some retainers might revolt. Ahh, whenever I think about that fellow, my blood starts boiling!" 

Yeah! Because lots of things happened, I almost forget about it. Nobuna hasn't given me the kiss as promised! Damn it! It's not like I love that violent, petty arson-lover Nobuna. I just want my due reward, ok? The reward! Ok, I've decided, I'm gonna kiss that fellow even if she beats me senseless. 

"In this world, the most depressing thing is when two people love each other but can never be together. They don't, so to speak, have the fate." 

These words of wisdom courtesy of the cross-dressed Nobusumi. 

Yoshiharu lived this most depressing scenario, honestly thinking, That Nobuna could never like me. Besides, I'm just a foot soldier; as a sengoku daimyo, Nobuna is just too far away. A relationship between him and Nobuna was just another way to say the word "impossible". And so, he had buried his feelings, turning away from his love for Nobuna. 

But now, Nobusumi's words somehow ignited a strong flame in Yoshiharu's heart. 

"...Ok, I've decided. Even if I have to force it, I will take Nobuna's lips." 

Just when Yoshiharu pulled himself together... 

"Onii-sama! Akechi-sama seems to have eaten something strange; she's acting really weird!" 

"O...Oh....Oh....Oh...Oh god! Yoshiharu-sama~ Ahh, Akechi-sama is here! Ahh!" 

Completely out of left field, his young sister and the loli strategist, Takenaka Hanbei frantically ran in the hallway and tripped. Their combined momentum sent them rolling straight into Yoshiharu. 

*Bham* 

*Clang* 

With a painful collision, the three ended up in an unglamorous heap on the ground. 

"Wait, Hanbei-chan, your butt! Your butt is on my face!" 

"*Sob*Sob*Sob*Sob, Sorry... I... I can't... be married already... *Sob*" 

"Nene you too, don't sink your head into my crotch! If Nobuna sees this, she will definitely misunderstand and say I have the incurable lolicon sickness." 

"Onii-sama, now isn't the time to talk about that! Akechi-sama seems very abnormal!" 

"Juubei-chan's abnormal-ness isn't a new thing. There isn't much to be scared about, even Hanbei-chan, you too..." 

"*Sob*Sob*, the Akechi-sama of today isn't the normal abnormal-ness." 

Just what is with Juubei-chan? just as Yoshiharu opened his mouth to ask... 

"You two, what are you doing to my Danna [1] -sama!? Hurry and get off." 

*Thump, thump* 

The one who threw Nene and Hanbei-chan to the pool in the courtyard was the very object of discussion, the Oda clan's important retainer Akechi Juubei Mitsuhide. 

A wild forehead, a long black hair, and a kumquat accessory. 

It looked just like the normal Mitsuhide. 

Except... 

"Anyway, Juubei-chan!? What is with that attire? Don't tell me you are marrying someone?" 

Yes. 

For whatever reason, Juubei today was adorned in radiant bridal attire. 

Her long black hair was tied up in a bun, and the pure white bridal gown was hiding her slim figure. 

"Be...Beautiful....! Juubei is just too blinding in that cute attire!" 

Under the combined power of Mitsuhide's blushing face and beautiful gown, Yoshiharu was stunned speechless for several seconds, unable to avert his eyes. 

But even facing something straight out of heaven, he could almost hear the gates of hell opening. 

"Isn't it obvious who I'm marrying? I'm here to wed Sagara-senpai, of course. What a waste of my beauty... Shed tears of joy and rejoice!" Mitsuhide stated simply as she bowed to Yoshiharu, seemingly eager to begin the official rites of marriage. 

"Wait, what the hell is going on, Juubei-chan!? Don't tell me this is some new way to make fun of me?" 

"This is the princess's order. Though it seems ridiculous to pair the esteemed, intelligent and beautiful Juubei Mitsuhide with the wild Saru Sagara-senpai from god knows where, Nobuna-sama asked me to take care of Senpai, so, even though I was reluctant, I had no choice but to agree to marry senpai." 

"Eh? EHHHHHHH!? No...Nobuna that wretched woman! Just how much do you not want to give me that kiss? You'd go this far, huh!?" 

Sopping wet, Hanbei and Nene finally climbed out of the pool. 

"*Cough* I'd never knew Yoshiharu was such a frivolous guy. He is a little perverted, but I thought he was a sincere guy... *sob*sob*" 

"Just when did you manipulate Akechi-sama into such a relationship.... Onii-sama's techniques are just too shocking! You must be feeling depressed and guilty after Hime-sama dumped you." 

Yoshiharu was speechless, losing precious seconds before he returned to his senses, retorting, "No, it's not like that you two, listen to me! There must be something wrong. This is definitely Juubei making fun of me, or Nobuna's prank to break the promise! Juubei and I don't have that sort of relationship at all!" 

Juubei's forehead seemed to shine brilliantly. 

"..After stealing my, Juubei Mitsuhide's pure lips again and again, you're too much." 

"What is this!? Are you seriously trying to permanently tarnish my reputation!?" 

"U...Un...Un...Unf...Unforgivable..." Weeping, Hanbei had already drawn out her talismans and taken her stance. 

"If you don't take responsibility for stealing Akechi-sama's lips, Onii-sama, you had best prepare yourself!" Nene, a suddenly all-too-lethal broom in her grip, locked her demonic eyes onto Yoshiharu. 

"Hey hey, both of you should relax a little. Danna-sama, I already have the design plans for Sakamoto Castle provided by Nobuna-sama. For this castle, we will use Matsunaga Hisahide's designs to make it a truly epic castle, and right at the top will be our love nest. For the sake of a husband and wife's nightly rituals, I have happily and embarrassingly bought a 'heart shaped bed' from the namban merchants. It will be placed right inside our love nest, and no one besides Danna-sama and I will be allowed." 

The energetic Mitsuhide wrote the words 'love nest' with her finger as she spread out the design plans for Sakamoto castle. 

"This top level is the love nest belonging to just the both of us." 

"The nickname of Sakamoto castle will temporarily be 'Love Nest Castle'.” 

"At the top where we are surrounded by clouds, this 'observational room' can be used to look upon the scenery of Lake Biwa, and this scenery will be the proof of our undying love." 

"In terms of safety, there are no loopholes. The one who will be in charge of guarding it is Shougakuin Gousei, conveniently mesmerized by Frois so recently. Juubei told him about namban styled love and he responded, 'I might someday with Frois-sama...' and accepted the job." 

"Even if there is a fire, Lake Biwa is right in front of us. The priests of Mount Hiei will help us put it out." 

"Danna-sama will be the master of Love Nest Castle from now on. As for the construction fees, it will be paid by Danna-sama using 35 years of Danna-sama's wages. Do remember to pay the interests too during this period." 

Mitsuhide spoke like a silver-tongued housing agent introducing a newly built house to a poor, freshly married couple. She actually went on and on, but the jist of it was, "This Love Nest Castle, soon to be constructed, will be the most suitable place for us to stay." 

Yoshiharu had already stopped listening halfway through. 

Hanbei was in tears, crying, "Yoshiharu-sama cruelly played with my maiden heart, and now just steps all over it. I don't want to care about you anymore." 

Nene took an active approach, hitting Yoshiharu over the head with her broom as she exclaimed "If you don't take the responsibility, I will never forgive you." 

Mitsuhide, floating in happy dreams, seemed to be the only happy party as she introduced her, "love nest belonging to the both of us" with glittering eyes. 

"Now then, all you need to do is to sign here on this marriage document. Like the namban people, swear to love only this beautiful and distinguished Juubei Mitsuhide for the rest of your life, never being frivolous and definitely not getting any concubines." 

"I was wrong about you, dead wrong. Yoshiharu-sama, you said that you would protect Nobuna-sama forever and help her fulfill her dreams. Those were all lies, LIAR! *sob*sob*" 

"It's time to take responsibility, sign your name on this marriage document immediately, Onii-sama!" 

Hurry and wake up. 

Hurry and wake up, Sagara Yoshiharu. 

Now isn't the time to fall unconscious and drool everywhere; sit up onto the floor right now! 

Part 2 

"....Tsuda Nobusumi requests an audience." 

"Dearuka." 

This habit of shortening, "So it's like this." to "I see." [2] , this could only be Nobuna. 


When Inuchiyo, complete with tiger hat, announced Nobusumi's arrival, Nobuna got so angry that she had even forgotten that she was eating at Honnou temple. 

And as for the reason for her anger... 

First, Asai Nagamasa, who she almost fully considered her brother, was cuckolded [3] by Nobuna's enemy Asakura Yoshikage, setting himself against the Oda Clan. 

"Nagamasa's betrayal may also have something to do with Nobusumi, who was married over as a princess. It's hard to imagine Nobusumi wasn't found out..." The retainers spread their own rumors for the cause, which was only incited by Nobusumi's silence about what had happened in Omi. 

Takeda Shingen, her name a terror to all sengoku daimyo, had announced, "I'm going to prepare for Kyo". The letter she sent the Oda Clan made her aggressive intentions clear; her words seem to beg for a fight. 

Her godfather Saitou Dousan, just as she could finally meet after so long, immediately returned to Mino after hearing Shingen's intentions to march on Kyo. 

But, no matter what, at the white hot center of her rage was her retainer, Sagara Yoshiharu. 

Back when the Oda Clan's fate depended on the “Retreat of Kanegasaki”, he volunteered to lead the "suicide squad" at the back. In exchange, he had demanded a groundbreaking reward, saying "when I get back, give me a kiss". But after surviving through this hardship, he had not come and claimed her lips. He opted instead to run to Riku with lecherous eyes and rubbed that huge pair of breasts. 

"D… Don't you understand what kind of feelings and unease I felt waiting for you to come that night, Saru!? You don't, do you!? You bastard, compared to my cute lips, you love that pair of cow-like breasts on Riku more, huh? So passionate about rubbing her breasts, huh? As expected, you aren't a human. You're a monkey!" 

In her anger, Nobuna did not just break the promise. The eastern Omi's Sakamoto that she had planned to give to Saru if he survived was given to Akechi Mitsuhide instead. 

But even then, there was one thing that only pushed Nobuna's anger further. 

After bearing such inhumane treatment, Yoshiharu never complained to her or argued for his share. 

Even though she made sure to shoot him frequent cold stares during meetings, Yoshiharu was still playing around with Takenaka Hanbei and his sister Nene, never once looking remorseful or stressed. 

"D...Don't tell me, he has really forgotten all about the promise of the kiss!? U-U-Un-Unforgivable! You are just a monkey!" 

Before he left for Mino, Saitou Dousan spoken with Nobuna, caught as she was in her tantrum and ignoring Yoshiharu, 

"I don't want to lecture you about the love between you and Yoshiharu-dono anymore. You once said it all by yourself, you love Yoshiharu-dono more more than the world; why is it that you can't be honest and tell Yoshiharu-dono just that much? I don't care anymore, Nobuna-dono." 

Geez, that irritating Viper. 

The love between Yoshiharu and me... What the hell is this, just what do you want to say? 

Why must I be brooding here alone, AHHHHHH! 

"Hime-sama, Hime-sama..." Inuchiyo tugged at Nobuna's sleeves. 

"......Nobusumi is here." 

"Ahh, he has been shutting himself in his room ever since he returned from Omi. I guess he finally exploded and came over here to argue with me for marrying him off to a guy for a marriage alliance..." 

"....Looks like he isn't angry..." 

"Dearuka, I'm busy eating, but forget it. Let him in." 

Inuchiyo passed down the order, and a short time later the chiefs, Shibata Katsuie and Niwa Nagahide brought the cross-dressed Nobusumi into the room. 

"Hime-sama, Nobusumi is here. As for Saru, it does not seem he approached Honnou temple today." 

No matter if it's breasts or courage, Katsuie was the Oda Clan's finest. Ever since certain situations led to Yoshiharu rubbing her breasts and a subsequent scolding by a furious Nobuna, she had filled her heart with thoughts of revenge, vowing "I must kill Saru." 

"Katsuie-dono keeps mumbling, 'kill, kill kill'; even if Sagara-dono wanted to, he can't get anywhere near Hime-dono." On the other side, Niwa Nagahide revealed a normal calm smile. Like an older sister to Nobuna, she strove in her own soft ways to protect Nobuna and Yoshiharu's love. 

"Ahh, Aneue, after I separated from Nagamasa and returned to the Oda Clan, I visited the business district and invented a new flavor of takoyaki with Imai Sougyu." 

Nobusumi sure had a way with openings. 

"Dearuka." 

Surprisingly, this Nobusumi wasn't acting as she feared. For whatever reason, he didn't seem to blame her for marrying him off to Nagamasa. A bit of tension leaked out of Nobuna's frame. 

If that's the case, what is he here for? 

Nobuna chewed her carp as she thought. 

"We've had carp [4] a great deal recently; is the chef in love or something?" 

"Aneue, I'm here to talk with you as your brother, hahaha." 

"Talk? Do you plan to say something like 'It's not wise to engage both Takeda Shingen and the Asai Asakura forces, so it's better to give up Kyoto'?" 

"No, military stuff is really not my specialty, but I have other things I am good at." 

"Things you are good at... Um... don't tell me it's crossdressing?" 

She tried her best to think of Nobusumi's good points, but other than crossdressing, Nobuna could not think of anything good about him. 

"No, it isn't that. Didn't you notice? I want to talk about, 'love', Aneue, hahaha." 

"Huh? ... Don't tell me... After Asai Nagamasa did so many embarrassing things to you... Uhh... So pitiful, Kanjuurou. It's my fault you were married off as a princess." 

"It's not like that, Aneue." 

"Ara, what else could it be? Anyway, since when do you understand the word love; you only know how to lead your personal squad around and make trouble everywhere." 

"Aneue, this is the result of a great deal of thought. There's a thing called fate in our lives. This Fate can be divided into timing, luck and people, elements that are normally not as per our wishes. A couple, man and woman meeting, falling in love and getting married, and finally living out their lives in full protecting each other… In this chaotic sengoku era, this sort of happiness is really very rare." 

Katsuie whispered to Nagahide, "It's rare to see Nobusumi speak proper things with a serious face, though I have totally no idea what he is talking about." 

"It seems something happened during his time with the Asai Clan that helped him grow up, 80 points." Nagahide answered 

"Kanjuurou? I'm not comfortable with you turning things around like that. Say it in a simpler way." 

"Asai Nagamasa and I were married, but in the end, due to the fickle nature of fate, we had to separate. I think that is unfortunate." 

"....A riddle... It's unfortunate that it's a couple formed by guys, but for some reason he felt lucky?" Inuchiyo pondered, her head tilted with a puzzled expression. 

"Kanjuurou, what does that mean? Stop beating around the bush and speak your point!" Nobuna shot, her exasperation reaching its limits. 

At this, Nobusumi raised his head suddenly and, blushing bright red, told Nobuna face to face "But, compared to me, Aneue and Saru-kun are even more unfortunate!" 

Heavy tears began to fall from Nobusumi's eyes. 

"Nagamasa and I were married and lived together for a very short time, so even though our situation is unfortunate now, as long as I recall the past, I can feel the happiness. But Aneue and Saru-kun's difference in social status is just too great! In this sengoku era, there is no possible way for the both of you to be joined together! The words that were exchanged between you two during the 'Retreat at Kanegasaki', I hear them still from the people every day I return to Kyoto! A dying person never lies! As a love specialist, I understand. Aneue really loves Saru-kun as a woman loves a man, and Saru-kun is thinks Aneue more important than anything else. But... but in this sengoku era, the difference of social status continues to interfere with your love! Even worse is Aneue's troubling personality that will never let Aneue be honest! No matter how much trouble there is between the two of you, you have broken the promise of the kiss set at Kanegasaki, and you have ignored Saru-kun's words. Aneue, you have gone too far!" 

A former Nobuna would definitely have drawn the sword from Inuchiyo's side and begun swinging it around in a blind rage, but now, Nobusumi's words had stunned Nobuna in place. 

Inuchiyo and the rest were shocked speechless as well. 

Even the normally calm Nagahide was sobbing, forgetting to rate Nobusumi's action. 

"Ahh, you guys were so comfortable with each other, yet you can't be together in the real world. How unfortunate these two are, Aneue and Saru-kun! After listening to what happened at Kanegasaki, I cried so much I forgot about my own tragedy! Compared to Aneue, any person would consider me lucky...." 

"I...Is...Is that... so...?" 

A minute earlier, if I didn’t scold Kanjuurou, this atmosphere is gonna become bad! Nobuna was anxious, but after seeing Kanjuurou's teary face and his exhausted look, she couldn't squeeze any words past the complicated knot of anger, shock and something else in her heart.(!) 

In the end, even Inuchiyo and Katsuie were moved by Nobusumi's words and cried, "Uhh... Hime-sama", tears streaming down their faces. 

“I-I-I-It-It's not like that, K-K-Ka-Ka-Kanjuurou, t...t-t-t-totally not. H-H-How can I l...li...li-li-like that human-monkey cross breed? I-I-It-It-It's just a m...ma-ma-mas-master liking her own p-p-pe-pet, t...th-th-the-there's a big difference between the two! A...An-An-Any-Anyway, why does it feel like you and Asai Nagamasa love each other? Y...Y-Yo-You're both guys, right? T...T-T-Too suspicious!” 

"K...K-Ka-Ka-Kanjuurou, as expected, y-yo-yo-you have been t...tr-tr-tra-trained by Asai Nagamasa?" 

"It's not like this, Aneue! I'm serious. Though I fooled around in the past, now I know my mistakes! The rarest and most precious thing in this world is love. I can finally say I understand this!" 

Nobusumi stood, crying "In this era when we don't know if the we will live to see the next moment, and especially during this time with enemies at every side, this can't go on Aneue! If you don't kiss with Saru-kun, Aneue will definitely regret it for the rest of your life. Hurry and head out now!" 

Nobuna could make no reply. 

"Nobusumi-dono's advice, full points." 

Nagahide finally managed to calm down, and, ending Katsuie's sobbing with a motion from her hand, she stood up as well. 

"If we continue delaying Sagara-dono's reward, we will tarnish the word of the Oda Clan. Right now, please go to Sagara-dono, princess." 

"...Inuchiyo will help too." 

Inuchiyo, taking her bamboo sword, grabbed Nobuna on one side as Nagahide grabbed the other, leaving Nobuna barely enough time to cry, "Eh, wait!" as they carried her out. 

"Wh...What are you guys doing!? Riku! Hurry and stop these two! After listening to Kanjuurou, Manchiyo and Inuchiyo's brains broke!" 

But Katsuie remained seated on the tatami, oblivious to Nobuna's words. She held the expression of one enduring something with all her might. 

"Uhhhhh, Hime-sama, Hime-sama is going to Saru... B...But, I can no longer stop Hime-sama from doing so!" 

"Riku! Even you betray me!? Kanjuurou, I'll remember this! Uhh!" 

"Hahaha, this is the way, Aneue! We are given only one fate in a lifetime, so no matter how far apart both of you are, at least today, make sure to not leave any regrets!" 

With his face beaming with his accomplishment, Nobusumi saw his sister off as her retainers dragged her to Yoshiharu's living quarters. 

Part 3 

*PIAK* 

Yoshiharu had lost consciousness under Mitsuhide's vocal assault, but it was a completely different surge of pain that woke him. 

"O-Owwwwww!? What is this all of a sudden?" 

Wide awake now, he found himself face to face with a Nobuna decked out in full Namban style. 

It's been so long since I've seen Nobuna's face this close! Her face, so small! Her eyes, so big! Her eyelashes, so long! So beautiful! Ahh, my beating heart, so frantic... Th...That is because this sixth demon lord suddenly appeared and scared me, it's... it's not like I'm nervous because I like her or anything. 

Anyway, eh? Why is she in her furious demon mode right from the start…? She looks angry enough to shed tears already. That barely visible demonic form burning intensely behind her, is that an illusion? Just what is going on? 

"YO...YOU DARE TO EVEN STARE AT MY FACE!? YOU ERO-SARU! DEFECTOR! TRAITOR!" 

*PIAK* 

This time, the pain surged through the left side of his face. 

"Oooouchhhh! What are you doing all of a sudden? Did you make my reward even worse!?" 

"SH...SHUT UP! TO MARRY J...JU...JUU...JUUBEI OR SOMETHING, Y...YO...YO...YOU, JUST WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING!? I'M ANGRY, I'M SO ANGRY I'M GONNA EXPLODE! I JUST CAN'T ENDURE IT ANYMORE, I SHOULD JUST EXECUTE YOU NOW.....!" 

Inuchiyo, blushing violently as she silently sat at Nobuna's side, somehow decided now would be the best time to place a katana near Nobuna's hand. 

With a metallic ring, Nobuna swung the renowned sword "Heshikiri Hasebe" from its sheath. 

"I'M GONNA KILL YOU! I'M DEFINITELY GOING TO KILL YOU! GO TO HELL!" 

Sagara Yoshiharu was suddenly plunged into a critically dangerous situation. 

Just behind Nobuna and Inuchiyo, Nagahide wore a complicated expression. 

"This is just completely beyond my expectations, 0 points." Nagahide sighed, shaking her head. Hanbei, Nene and Goemon gathered together and glared at Yoshiharu. 

Only Mitsuhide seemed oblivious to the atmosphere, sitting at Yoshiharu's side as she smiled and said, "What is this sideshow, D-A-R-L-I-N-G!" 

"Huh? Oh yeah, I remember what happened. Juubei-chan suddenly came over in a bridal gown to hold a wedding with me or something... Anyway, wait a minute, wasn’t it you who ordered us to get married, Nobuna!?" 

"Huh? Suddenly it's *my* fault you and Juubei are getting married!? Are those your last words? They sure fit that monkey intelligence of yours!" 

*Slash* 

Nobuna fell headlong into demon lord mode, slashing at Yoshiharu without a single trace of hesitation. 

"Uwahhhh~!?" 

Yoshiharu's reflexes nearly activated, but his legs refused to move after sitting for so long. 

Sagara Yoshiharu, his death was a breath away! 

But just in the nick of time, 

"It's like this, Nobuna-sama, you had personally given the order for Mitsuhide and Senpai to hold a wedding." Mitsuhide said energetically. 

These words stopped the sword a hand's breadth from Yoshiharu. 

"I'm saved..." Yoshiharu found himself hunched over in relief and residual fear. 

"I...I gave such an order? Why don't I remember.....?" 

Geez, looks like Juubei misunderstood something again, Nobuna mused as she sheathed her sword, but in the next instant, 

"But, because senpai has taken Juubei Mitsuhide's lips and we held each other so intimately, even without Nobuna-sama's orders this marriage is a fate we can't escape, ahn." 

Nobuna, pale and faintly trembling, offered Sagara Yoshiharu a single word. 

"....DEATH" 

Her tone was cold, and completely devoid of any feelings. 

The haphazard sword swings mere moments ago paled in comparison to this terrifying dead silence. Yoshiharu couldn't help but shiver. 

Hanbei and Nagahide frantically advised, "It's not ok to execute a retainer without any proper reason", somehow sparing Yoshiharu from a death penalty. 

....But, 

Even so, beside Yoshiharu Mitsuhide was still happily singing "Love Nest Castle, Love Nest Castle", obliviously fanning Nobuna's white-hot rage. 

"Saru, if it was spread that I, because of jealousy, granted y...yo...yo...you the death penalty based on baseless rumors, it would be the biggest insult of my life, so I'm going to spare you! BUT! An ero-saru lik... like you doesn't deserve any rank but foot soldier! Sagara Yoshiharu's corps is hereby disbanded! Hanbei and Goemon will be my direct retainers from now on!" 

What a typical way of revenge through human resource management. 

With this, not even Yoshiharu could stay silent. 

"Wait just a minute!!! I have absolutely no memory of doing anything like that to Juubei-chan! Juubei-chan and I are totally innocent. Oi, you should understand, with Juubei-chan's personality, there must be some kind of misunderstanding! Trust me!" 

"WHAT USE IS THERE TO TRUST YOUUUUUUUU!? YOU AND JUUBEI CAN GO MARRY, KISS OR WHAT, I...I...I...I...I...IT DOES NOT MATTER TO ME ONE BIT. ALL IN ALL, AN ERO-SARU LIKE YOU SHOULD NOT BE BY MY SIDE! AFTER RIKU AND JUUBEI, EVERYONE MIGHT FALL INTO YOUR HANDS SOONER OR LATER!" 

Nobuna and Yoshiharu started quarreling again. 

But, this time, it was not a couple's fight. 

It's a fight that they bet their lives on. 

No matter what, the crux of the problem lay in Mitsuhide's marriage. (From their point of view of course.) 

"I...It's true that I had rubbed Katsuie's breasts. But that was her forcing me....!" 

"Liar! You've always been lusting after Riku's breasts! You stare lecherously at her chest every chance you get, don't you!? You're the worst!" 

"Yeah, I like her breasts! Men who hate breasts don't exist in the first place! But, liking it is one thing, and rubbing it directly is another thing altogether!" 

"Don't deny any longer! Y...Yo..Yo...You, everytime I wanted to ki... You always... always... Uwahh... doing perverted things!" 

"Eh? What did you just say? I couldn't hear that." 

"Uhh! There is no need for Saru to hear that!" 

"If this is how much you can't trust me, then just cut off my head!" 

"I am not going to just cut off your head and let you go so simply! You are banished! Scram to Ise right now!" 

"B...Ba...Ban...Banished to Ise? Whoa, how devious are you!? You just mutter to yourself and, in a fit of jealousy, somehow decide to disband Team Sagara?! THAT I WILL NEVER ALLOW!" 

"What's with that 'theam [5] Sagara'!? You keep using that strange monkey language, but it's probably not worth understanding! Scram right now! Serve under Sakon and do a lifetime of shitty work!" 

"Uwahhh! Disbanding my team at such a critical period when we're facing both Asai Asakura and Takeda Shingen, then banishing me to Ise too... Stop joking, idiotic woman. You, don't tell me you don't care about the world anymore? Because of this stupid jealousy, you are ok with losing the world? I'm shocked that Oda Nobuna is such a dumb girl, idiot, Ba! Ka!" 

"Uhhh! If we eliminate a bug like you, the Oda army will truly be invincible! You should be thanking me for sparing your pathetic life!" 

Nagahide sighed, "Banishing Sagara-dono alone to Ise under Takigawa Kazumasu-dono is a situation even lower than 0 points." 

Yet Mitsuhide nodded and said, "How troubling, are the two of them in a bad relationship or something? But, this is Nobuna-sama's last test to see if Danna-sama is worthy of Mitsuhide! Juubei Mitsuhide will wait as long as necessary for Danna-sama to pass the test and come back! I will continue to wait at our Love Nest Castle!" 

The ex-Sagara Team members Nene, Hanbei and Goemon were each either shedding tears or trembling, saying, "Uhhh... Hime-sama is so terrifying... How will things go from here....?" 

Nobuna had reached a state of extreme fury. This fury seemed one hundred times, no, a thousand times stronger than the anger that almost burned Mount Hiei. Only two were present who could possibly calm this fury, but Mitsuhide remained oblivious and Hanbei, though she understood the situation, had hidden behind Goemon's back because Nobuna's expression was just too scary. With these two out of commision, Nobuna's greatest fury could only boil over. 

I can forget a first time, but for this to happen twice, just when I had finally decided to kiss with you, I find you doing perverted things with other girls! Even getting married!! Nobuna's mind being fully consumed, there was no one capable of stopping her from giving the order to banish Sagara Yoshiharu. 

And Mitsuhide, the very cause of this dire misunderstanding, merely clung to Yoshiharu's side with an excited, oblivious "Kya~Kya~!" 



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