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Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 5 - Chapter 4




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Chapter 4 : Battle of Mikatagahara 

Part 1 

Somehow, Father has disliked me since I was young. 

When I was small, my clearest memories are of being scolded by father, sometimes even to the point where he'd unsheathe his sword to cut me. 

Father also forced me to slash at corpses to test his blade's edge. 

Even those who died in battle were humans once. There are families who are waiting for their return. To use these people simply to test the sharpness of a sword, Father is truly a cruel man. I did not like these methods of insulting the dead. From that day on, my father called me a coward, and I lived every day in fear of being removed as heir." 

To conquer such a fear, I had no option but to banish my father and grab the position of the head of the clan myself. 

The Kai retainers and others who could not endure Father's cruel ways had all supported the clever and popular Katsuchiyo as the new clan head. 

When the vagrant, self proclaimed great strategist, Yamamoto Kansuke, this strange looking man came near me and said that he would help me conquer the world, it was just as I was almost abandoned as heir. 

And now, I'm so close to conquering the world. After unifying Kai, I prepared the strongest troops to head to Kyo. This was a thing that my father, always a tyrant and idiotic warmonger, could never do. To reach where I am, I made countless sacrifices, and now I am facing the biggest fear in my life. 

The Katsuchiyo, labeled a coward by her Father is real. 

The 'Takeda Shingen' created with Kansuke's help and my own efforts is also real. 

They are one, yet contradicting. 

Takeda Shingen was now sitting on her personal bench in her own tent. 

The time was now deep in the night. 

From somewhere around the heavily surrounded Futamata castle rose a soothing flute melody. 

Katsuchiyo, after relieving Shouyouken of her duties as Shingen's double, was wearing the armor of Takeda Shingen and sitting in her tent alone as her heart shouted, "I'm the real Takeda Shingen." The heart of the Takeda army impervious to even the cutest of cats. 

But she couldn't let down her guard. Sagara Yoshiharu had sneaked into the mountain's secret hot spring without anyone knowing. 

At that time, Yoshiharu's words, "Please be cautious of assassins..." 

Now that she thought about it, the only way the Oda army could get out of the threat posed by the Takeda army was assassination. The reason she had Oda Nobuna in such a total lockdown and swore never to retreat before defeating her was actually because she was wary of the "foolish" daimyo. 

That fellow held the abnormal wish of "Tenka Fubu". Shingen, who only wanted to "fight with the strongest", could never hope to surpass such a wish. 

"Assassinate Shingen" 

Even if Nobuna did not consider assassination, it's possible that her subordinates might, even if it meant shouldering the shame themselves. An instant of pain and regret passed through Sagara Yoshiharu's bright eyes; the sensitive Shingen did not miss that. 

'The human who defied the heavens' has told me my future. I will be assassinated and die in regret while on the journey to Kyo. 

It would be best if Yamamoto Kansuke were here now, but Kansuke was currently battling with Saitou Dousan in eastern Mino. 

"Coward." 

"The assassin is nearby." 

I was too careless to give Kansuke the main bulk of my Sanada ninjas. 

But, I did not feel regret. 

My own fate, I will fight it myself. 

Now is the chance. 

Will "Takeda Shingen" be an empty dream of mine, or this era's true conqueror? 

Let it be decided right this instant. 

Katsuchiyo put down the burden that had been in her heart for ages. 

I must not lose to that bullet. 

Oda Nobuna has lived on defiantly through two shots. 

What she could do, there is no reason "Takeda Shingen" can't do it. 

Right now, even fate can't stop "Takeda Shingen". 

Suddenly, she could almost hear Kansuke reading her the strategies of war. 

"Steady like a mountain." 

All the cells in her body blazed with energy. 

"Silent like the forest." 

Her feelings intensified and time seems to slow. 

A bullet aiming for Shingen flew through the air. 

She could see it. 

The bullet aiming for her own chest, she could see the trajectory clearly. 

"Fast like the wind." 

Shingen whipped open her steel fan and defended her chest. 

Kachank 

 

At the last moment, the metal fan blocks the bullet the assassin shot out. 

Takeda Shingen silently stood up from the bench. 

I have defied my own fate! Though it's too early to cheer. 

"Invading like the fire." 

Shingen unsheathed her sword and leaped towards the bullets origin, and there, she found a vagrant monk sitting crossed legged. 

"...To think that you blocked the bullet, as expected from Takeda Shingen, I've lost." 

This assassin seemed uninterested in running away or begging for mercy. 

I've survived! It's only then that reality comes crashing down upon Shingen. 

There was no need to feel afraid anymore. The father in her heart that had troubled her for so long had vanished. In this moment, "Takeda Shingen" is complete! 

After defying the fate of being assassinated, I have become a complete existence. 

"I should praise you for being able to sneak in here. Report your name." Takeda Shingen demanded of Zenjuubou with a smug look. 

My breath isn't irregular anymore. 

My body seems to be bursting with energy. 

'Takeda Shingen' is complete! the very thought only gave her more energy. 

"....There's no need for my name. I have failed. My name is leagues beneath on whose speed rivals a bullet." This man sensed that everything was over and refused to care about anything anymore. 

"I have already lost to Oda Nobuna once, and with this I can't even be compared to a dog now. Takeda Shingen, I thought that with your disappearance, the Sengoku Era would end, but now, I have no idea what the world will become." Zenjuubou said, giving himself a smile filled with pity. 

"I thought that I would be ending this chaotic era. Thinking back, I'm such a joke. Kill me, a true monster like you could never be defeated by a useless being like me. As expected from the Sengoku's Strongest, Takeda Shingen." 

"Not so. The reason I could defy fate tonight is because a youngster named Sagara Yoshiharu gave me a chance. Without his help, I would be the one on the floor. 'Takeda Shingen' is reborn tonight!" 

The instant that Zenjuubou heard that name, he shouted, "Isn't that the name of that brat in Oda Nobuna's camp? Why did that bastard save you? 

Hahahaha. 

So dumb, to help the Oda Clan's nemesis, Takeda Shingen; is this what a retainer should do? 

But, to think that I, Sugitani would lose to that naive brat. 

"I will never allow assassins like you to change this country's history as you please!" he said. To think that I lost to such naive thinking. 

"Answer my last question then, just what did that brat Sagara Yoshiharu like about you when he was so obsessed with Nobuna? If I don't defeat you here, you will definitely destroy the Oda Clan. I can't understand why did he did this at all." 

Sagara Yoshiharu. 

Like he had been enlightened suddenly, Zenjuubou suddenly laughed out loud. 

But in this laughter, Zenjuubou had tears all over his face. 

"Sagara Yoshiharu, SAGARA YOSHIHARU! That bastard talked down to me in that ruined temple, saying 'History won't be changed here.' I thought that was a boast, but now I've finally understood! When he said 'I will never let assassins like you change history!' He never meant 'Assassins can never change history', but that 'I, Zenjuubou could never change history', is that what you want to tell me!? Sagara Yoshiharu, the one who defeated me, Zenjuubou, is this how you plan to defeat me, you naive brat!?" 

Zenjuubou put down even his last desire as he cursed the man who cursed the heavens. His face lined with tears, he slowly regained his composure, but eyes no longer had the fierce look bent on killing his targets. 

"I think it's because my breasts are even greater than that of Shibata Katsuie's, Sagara Yoshiharu liked my breasts so he saved me." Shingen answered. 

"I understand, brats will forever be brats." 

"I like them actually, such brats." 

"No more useless chatter. Do it." 

Shingen silently swung down the sword she held in her hand. 

Part 2 

21st of December, dawn. 

Futamata Castle, starved of water, finally opened their gates and surrendered. 

Matsudaira Motoyasu made the resolve to sacrifice everything as she sent reinforcements from Hanamatsu Castle, but the Takeda army's overwhelming numerical advantage successfully kept the reinforcements from joining the soldiers in Futamata Castle. 

Matsudaira Motoyasu, having failed, could only retreat to Hanamatsu Castle and start a military meeting immediately, though her constant trembling did little for moral. 

"Last night, there was a gunshot from the Takeda camp surrounding Futamata Castle. I thought that something had happened, but in the morning, Takeda Shingen was as spirited and energetic as every, standing at the head of the formation." 

Hanzou, who was standing behind Motoyasu said, "The situation is very disadvantageous to us, so I tried my luck executing a plan, but it seems like my luck isn't as good as Sagara Yoshiharu's. I'm so sorry." as he lowered his head. 

"A plan? What does that mean, Hanzou?" 

"Kouga ninja, Sugitani Zenjuubou, the famous sniper, the man who had once tried to assassinate Nobuna was hired by the Oda side and seemed to plan to assassinate Shingen, but it looks like he has failed." 

"Eh? Ehhhhhh? H...Ha...Han...Han...Hanzou, why didn't you report such a thing before~!?" 

"I had bet on the wrong person. Gambling does not come without its costs; I have felt that deeply this time." 

"Is the Matsudaira clan going to end here?" Motoyasu's body trembled more and more. 

Kachak-Kachak-Kachak 

Motoyasu's teeth clattered audibly with fear. Even the hot blooded soldiers of the Matsudaira Clan couldn't raise any suggestions for a counterattack. 

"Now that Futamata castle has fallen, Takeda has conquered most of Totomi." 

"It looks like the army Takeda Shingen prepared for Kyo has surpassed 25,000." 

"Our side, even if we add Takigawa-dono's reinforcements, we have no more than 10,000." 

"With how the situation is now, we have no way to protect Matsudaira Clan other than guarding Hanamatsu Castle." 

"No, there is another way. We could abandon Hanamatsu Castle and retreat to Okazaki Castle." 

"If we are at Mikawa, we can form a triangle formation with Saitou Dousan-dono and repel the Takeda army's advance." 

"But with this, the Matsudaira Clan will lose Totomi." 

"And if we retreat without fighting, the morale of the Takeda army will rise. They are already called the strongest army; if their morale rises even further..." 

"Then pray for snow, pray sincerely to the god of Tenryuu River for snow! The cavalry seems to be weak to snow!" 

"No, I feel that we should pray for warm sunlight, once Echigo's snow has melt, Uesugi Kenshin might strike Takeda army from the back." 

The knight Giovanna, her face scrunched up in a frown, firmly corrected the Mikawa soldiers. 

"If we pray for miracles like what you guys are doing, then we have already lost this defense battle," 

It likely would have made a powerful proclamation, but with her mouth stuffed full of carrots and there tens empty bowls in front of her, Giovanna's speech didn't pack much punch. 

"Namban knight-dono, you should stop eating and come up with some ideas!" 

"Yes! The Kuki pirate girls have been helping out. You're the only one stuffing your face and not doing anything!" 

"I'm currently under Takigawa Kazumasu-sama. Before she returns, I can not head out." 

"No matter what, you eat too much! Control yourself a little." 

"Before the battle begins, I must replenish nutrients as much as possible, after the battle starts, who knows when can we eat again... *Gulp*Gulp*Gulp*" 

"Damn~ Oda Nobuna sent a glutton as reinforcement?" "She'll eat us out of house and home before she can be of use~" "Just what kind of an alliance is this?" The Mikawa soldiers can't help but stomp the ground in anger. 

"Ye...Yeah! Saruharu? Has Saruharu returned?" 

"After Sagara Yoshiharu-sama and Takigawa Kazumasu-sama snuck into the Takeda camp, there has been no news of them." 

"Have they fled?" 

"It must be so, after seeing how hopeless the Matsudaira Clan is, they have fled for their lives!" 

"Everyone, don't be paranoid, Saruharu isn't such a person." 

"Yeah, I've returned." 

As though in perfect reply to Motoyasu's trust, Yoshiharu and Kazumasu appeared in the camp. 

"Sorry, sneaking into the Takeda camp went pretty well thanks to Kazumasu. Getting out, on the other hand, was unexpectedly troublesome." 

"Hoho, why is everyone pale in the face? As expected, Giovanna-chan is the calmest of you guys, kuku." 

"The Knights of Saint John will display more their true strength the more critical the situation situation we face, *gulp*gulp*gulp*" 

"Oi, if you eat like this, you might become fat, Giovanna-chan." 

"It's ok, when the battle comes, every bit will be used up." 

After Motoyasu told Yoshiharu and Kazumasu all she knew, 

"Eh, what did you say? Who would want to assassinate Katsuchiyo-chan?" 

"Katsuchiyo-chan? Who is that~?" 

"Ahh, I've forgotten to tell you guys, that's Takeda Shingen's real name. When I met her coincidentally at the secret hot spring, she was agonizing over her future, and I couldn't help but tell her 'Be careful of assassins'." 

"SO THE TRAITOR IS YOUUUUUUUUU!" 

The Mikawa soldiers all jumped up in anger and attacked Yoshiharu, tying him up like a dumpling. 

"Wait, it's my fault for saying such a thing, but there isn't a need to be this angry! At least start by scolding me!" 

"Yoshii, you are really a big idiot." Kazumasu laughed, rubbing her small feet into Yoshiharu's face. 

"Hey, hey! Get your foot off of there! Anyway, just who is the one who wanted to assassinate Takeda Shingen?" 

"I heard it's a ninja called Sugitani Zenjuubou~ Saruharu." 

"That person? How is that possible? Isn't he Nobuna's enemy?" 

"Who knows? Maybe he changed his target after failing to assassinate Kichi-nee-sama, or he was hired by someone from the Oda clan~?" 

"So you're saying if I hadn't advised Katsuchiyo-chan, she would really have been assassinated!? If Nobuna does not defeat this enemy in a straight on fight, the world will not respect her." 

"There's no way we can win!" The Mikawa soldiers shouted angrily as they kicked Yoshiharu around like a ball. 

"You are saying that Takeda Shingen should have been assassinated last night, Saruharu-san~? With this, hasn't history changed?" 

"No no, Motoyasu. There are theories of Shingen dying from sickness and being assassinated, but Katsuchiyo herself looks healthy enough and had totally no signs of having any sickness, so I strongly believe in the latter option." 

"With this, we can only face her head on~?" 

"That isn't an option either, Motoyasu. Honestly, Matsudaira Motoyasu can not win against Takeda Shingen." 

These words only riled the Mikawa soldiers further. "You bastard, what kind of unlucky stuff are you sprouting when the battle hasn't even started, we should just cut your head off!" 

"Kuku, you've successfully alienated all your allies before the battle has even started; what are you going to do now, Yoshii?" 

"Everyone wait! Wait a minute!" 

"Well, cool down a little, everyone." Motoyasu called out before asking Yoshiharu, "Saruharu-san, in the history you know, what is going to happen next~?" 

Yoshiharu hugged his head in agony. If he revealed too much of the course of history, the history itself could face violent changes. 

"Uhh, that... After considering the difference in numbers and the situation where our armies met, it barely counts as a prophecy, but the Takeda clan's cavalry have overwhelming strength." 

"I understand, so it's my fate to lose to Takeda Shingen." 

Matsudaira Motoyasu turned to her aide and commanded, "Bring my namban armor over immediately." as she stood up. 

"Takeda Shingen has changed her own fate of 'dying by an assassin's bullet' through her own effort, so I must bet my own life on it too~! Thanks to Saruharu-san, I finally understand. Humans can't always follow fate and endure life, but must forge our own future through effort!" 

Takeda Shingen will definitely head towards Hanamatsu Castle in a straight line. 

If that's the case, let us meet head on! 

Just before Motoyasu could make her brilliant declaration, a scout violently rushed into a tent. 

"Takeda Shingen's army of 25,000 has totally ignored Hanamatsu castle and is currently heading to the western side of Mikatagahara !" 

They plan to ignore the Matsudaira Clan and concentrate their full strength on Saitou Dousan!? The warriors who noticed this all started whispering among themselves. 

"They feel that we Matsudaira Clan isn't worthy to be their opponent!?" 

"Arrogant!" 

"But with this, Hime-sama is saved." 

"This is really only a matter between the Oda Clan and Takeda clan; we were just dragged into it." 

Half of them were waving their fists in anger, and the other half was sighing in relief. 

It's natural for the soldiers of Mikawa to feel this way. The Matsudaira Clan isn't a retainer to the Oda Clan, but an equal ally. Even if they surrender to the Takeda Clan like this, no one will blame them. In contrast, because Motoyasu had survived against such an overwhelming Takeda army for so long, she should feel proud. 

But... 

Matsudaira Motoyasu, the girl who all her life had said, "I must endure." "I must control myself." "Life is about carrying big burdens and climbing up a steep slope" and was used to enduring... 

She was furious as a female panther! 

To be ignored by Takeda Shingen, the renowned warrior she had always admired, the brilliant warrior must have thought, "She's just a lass hiding in Hanamatsu castle" and totally underestimated her... For the first time in her life, Motoyasu flew into a rage! 

"NOW! FULL ARMY ADVANCE! LAUNCH AN ASSAULT ON THE TAKEDA ARMY JUST AS THEY REACH MIKATAGAHARA! WE CAN STILL MAKE IT!" 

"Wa...Wait a minute, Motoyasu! This is definitely Katsuchiyo-chan's trap." 

"You are still calling her 'Katsuchiyo-chan'!? Takeda Shingen has changed her fate! Kichi-nee-sama too..." 

They had overcome situations like this countless times! If it's me, IF IT'S ME......! Or does Saruharu-san think that it's impossible for me to do things that Kichi-nee-sama can do!?" 

"It's not like I don't understand your feelings, but calm down a little! This time, the opponent isn't like those half-ass opponents like Imagawa Yoshimoto or Asai Hisamasa; this is Takeda Shingen herself! Right now, you should calm down and think of a countermeasure. I will use my monkey intelligence to help you too!" 

"No, I can't let the Takeda army just pass us like this! If I hide in Hanamatsu Castle and do nothing, I will be laughed at for the rest of my life~! If I let this slide, I will lose every possible ounce of dignity I need to change my name to the fabulous 'Tokugawa Ieyasu'!" 

"Maybe you weren't listening when I said that name represents your black hearted image." 

"I'm no longer going to rely on you, Saruharu! This time, no matter who says anything, I will not stop my attack!" 

"Oi, Hanzou, come and help! You can see this is a bad idea, right!?" 

"Eh, I should inform you, Sagara Yoshiharu. Though my master is normally demure and cute, once she become like this, she won't hear anyone out." 

"Ehh, she is unexpectedly stubborn." 

"Because she has always been enduring, once she break through her limit there isn't a way to persuade her." 

"I see, so she has broken her limit." 

Even Hattori Hanzou couldn't stop her anymore. 

The bowstring was drawn, and no one could stop the arrow. 

"I don't wanna~ Fighting on land isn't good for my skin~" Looking at Takigawa Kazumasu still throwing a childish tantrum, the Matsudaira Clan warriors stood up resolutely. 

Mikatagahara. 

After passing through Mikatagahara, the Takeda army would be only a short march from Nobuna's base in Mino, guarded by Saitou Dousan. The 25,000 strong force marched through Mikatagahara like Matsudaira Motoyasu, holed up as she was in Hanamatsu Castle, didn't even exist. Motoyasu had not only lost the northern areas of Totomi; the Takeda Clan had even taken control of the northern areas of her home province Mikawa. The nobles in northern Mikawa, awed and afraid of Shingen's reputation, had all surrendered to the Takeda clan one after the other. 

On top of this, the Takeda army could pass unimpeded through Mikatagahara thanks to the strike force they had sent to Mino beforehand. By this point, the eastern side of Mino had been completely suppressed by Yamamoto Kansuke's division of the Takeda army. If Kansuke's force was to rendezvous with the unhurt Takeda Shingen's army, the result needed no explanation. 

If the situation really followed this path, even if Matsudaira Clan had a chance to breathe now, they could not escape the fate of being eliminated. At the same time Nobuna was destroyed, as her ally, the Matsudaira Clan would face destruction as well. 

Honestly, in Motoyasu's heart, "surrender" wasn't an option. She might be tempted to consider an equal alliance with Takeda. 

But surrendering out of the question. 

She doesn't want to relive the humiliating life she led as the retainer of Imagawa Yoshimoto. Back then, every time the Imagawa Clan waged war, the retainers of the Matsudaira Clan would be the first soldiers on the front line of every battle. Every tough job, every unpleasant menial task fell to the Matsudaira Clan. Her own retainers would fight against such a life right alongside her. 

Taking personal control of her soldiers, Motoyasu marched to meet the Takeda Clan. 

"If I run away this time, I can't face Kichi-nee-sama! Takeda Shingen will definitely not expect us to take the offensive! Let us grab this chance and attack~!" 

And, whispered softly to herself, "Kichi-nee-sama created a miracle at the 'Battle of Okehazama', and now it's my turn!" 

Already knowing the result of this battle, Yoshiharu could no longer stop Motoyasu. 

"This 'Battle at Mikatagahara', isn't it the only major loss in Tokugawa Ieyasu's life? This battle will be remembered far into the future. If I don't do anything, Motoyasu might die right here!" 

Still unfamiliar with riding a horse, Yoshiharu clumsily clopped after the Matsudaira army, but it was too late. He could no longer see Motoyasu, situated at the forefront of the army. 

This Yoshiharu was now but a lone foot soldier serving Takigawa Kazumasu. Even the horse he rode was stolen from the Takeda army. 

"It's all my fault for advising Katsuchiyo-chan to 'Beware of assassins'. If I had stayed silent then... No no, it was impossible for me to stay silent after seeing the beautiful Katsuchiyo-chan wearing such a sad expression! What's done is done; I can only do everything I can to protect Motoyasu! After all, I'm the poster child of stubbornness and selfish ambitions! You all agree with me, right? Goemon-chan, Hanbei-chan?" 

As if in response, he could almost hear Zenki, wearing his usual leering smile and chiding, "Ahh, your troubles with women seem to be worsening." 

"Ahh, ahh, ahh." 

Motoyasu had finally caught up with Takeda army at Mikatagahara . 

The Takeda army, 25,000 of them, together raised a sea of "Furinkazan" flags at the mountain of Mikatagahara. 

Right now, Motoyasu could not believe her eyes. 

"How is this possible, they've completely changed direction and now face my army!?" 

The Takeda army, supposedly in mid-march towards Mikawa had perfectly managed a 180-degree turn maneuver under the extraordinary command of Takeda Shingen. All in mere minutes. 

In just these few minutes, the snake-like formation they used to move towards western Mino had become a flanking formation used to defend their entire eastern side. It was almost like the whole army was a huge monster, able to sense its surroundings and move as it wished. 

The Takeda army in their bright red armor did not emit a single sound. Not one meaningless shout rang out from their ranks. With absolute discipline, all of their eyes gathered at a single point: the head of Matsudaira Motoyasu. 

"Ahh, ahh, ahh." 


The difference between us, it's totally out of the world. 

In terms of size alone, they have more than twice the soldiers. The difference in military strength is three... no, four times. 

The difference in total strength didn't end there. 

The Takeda army had taken position at the top of the mountain, and the Matsudaira army who had planned to use the chance for an assault was at the leg of the mountain. If the Takeda cavalry were to rush down from that angle, the Matsudaira army will be utterly decimated instantly, no questions asked. 

"I've fallen into a trap!?" 

Motoyasu had lost completely in terms of strategy. 

Shingen had completely seen through her intentions and played on on the palm of her hand from the beginning. 

If this went on, everything would be over. 

Expecting to attacking Shingen from the back like that was just too naive! 

"C...Cr...Crane Wing formation [11] , now!" 

Motoyasu knows it was too late, but if she didn't try to reduce the damage the enemy's army was about to deal them... 

"Is Matsudaira Motoyasu here?" 

From the centre of the bright red Takeda cavalry trotted a female warrior atop a big black horse, her eyes sharp as an eagle's. 

Just from looking, Motoyasu knew this black horse wasn't from Japan. From its size, it must have been from Arabia. In fact, these horses were the successful result of years of trading with the namban and generations of meticulous breeding on the fields of Kai. 

Riding this massive horse was the perfect female warrior, comprised of equal parts confidence, ambition, and competitiveness coupled with wit, beauty and an air of elegance. 

The difference between Motoyasu and Shingen was plain as day. 

As though Shingen's presence had knocked her unconscious, Motoyasu could feel her courage leaking away out her every pore. 

"Yo...Yo...You... you are...." 

"Correct, I'm Takeda Shingen." A haughty voice. 

Motoyasu's guards shouted, "Let her be the first!" as they shot volleys of arrows and bullets, but not one of them were able to hit Shingen, who smiled with ease on her horse. It was almost like the arrows and bullets were scared of approaching Shingen as well. 

Motoyasu stopped the guards. 

"Mikawa's tanuki, you understand, don't you? You can never stop my advance. Now, surrender to me." 

Matsudaira Motoyasu heard her clearly; she couldn't even disagree. But through her tears streaked down her face, she resolutely shook her head. 

"You have the resolve to fall along with Oda Nobuna?" 

"I...I..." 

"Matsudaira Motoyasu, even now you merely attempt to imitate Oda Nobuna. In such a hopeless situation, you heading out with your army is just an act of blind recklessness. The reason Oda Nobuna could achieve victory at Okehazama was neither due to coincidence nor miracle. Hers was a victory brought by information! You must have thought I planned to head right towards Mikawa through Mikatagahara, no? Such a deduction isn't based on information, but purely from you're guessword. You think you're the same as Oda Nobuna? Stop joking! Listen, Matsudaira Motoyasu, your deduction skills are too inferior. It's because of your naivety that the Matsudaira army will fall right here today!" 

Motoyasu had no words for retort. 

The humiliation at being called out on trying to imitate Oda Nobuna, the fear of being backed into a corner and the regret of a mistake she forced onto her retainers and would never be able to atone for... 

Her spectacles were filled with tears. 

"Matsudaira Motoyasu, you may think you hold an equal alliance with the Oda Clan, but that is just naive thinking on your part. Right now, you are no different from when you followed Imagawa Yoshimoto, serving the strong and letting them command you as they wish. Right now, you have two choices. The first is to surrender to me, and the other is to die right here as Oda Nobuna's retainer. Listen, in this chaotic sengoku era, the dream of being a proud daimyo can never exist under the protection of a huge existence. Trying to fulfill both your dreams and hers is too naive for this world! Dreams aren't what that will change this chaotic era, but your own strong will. It's because you always take shelter under the protection of others that people always call you a tanuki!" 

"Hime-sama! That's a provocation, don't listen to her nonsense." 

"Takeda Shingen is skilled in psychological attacks, don't fall for her ploy!" 

No matter their words, her retainers were unable to reach Motoyasu. 

"UWAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" 

At the same time that Motoyasu swung down her military fan... 

The Takeda cavalry swept down the mountain like shaking flood. 

The Matsudaira crane formation was instantly destroyed. 

The two wings of the crane were blown apart in moments. 

"They have been blown apart!" Yoshiharu could only watch as the Matsudaira army was destroyed on every front. 

This couldn't be called a battle anymore. 

Even if Motoyasu ordered a retreat right now, the result wouldn't change. Actually, her best chance of surviving lay in charging forward without a second thought for her life. 

"it's over~!" 

"The Takeda army is just too strong~!" 

The utterly defeated Mikawa soldiers fled towards Hanamatsu Castle. 

Yoshiharu was panicking, frantically calling out "Uwahh, I can't see where is Motoyasu~!" Though he tried his best to head forward, the soldiers fleeing in all directions made advance difficult. 

"Sagara Yoshiharu! Our formation has totally collapsed! We cannot count who have died or been wounded under the Takeda cavalry!" 

In the chaos, an old farmer carrying a metal hoe suddenly appeared in front of Yoshiharu, The most mysterious thing about the sudden guest was his entrance, elegantly jumping along the heads of fleeing soldiers. 

"Ehh? Is that Hanzou? Why are you wearing a disguise like that?" 

Hattori Hanzou replied in a rare weak tone, "The barrier that the Sanada ninjas of Takeda put up is too strong, so I have to disguise myself to hide from them." 

"The Matsudaira army is lost, and we the ninjas can't help at all. Now is the time for your intelligence!!" 

"Is Motoyasu alright?" 

"She is unwounded, but the princess has been biting her lip and muttering, 'For death, for death' as she rushed straight towards the Takeda army. Leave Hime-sama to me, I will make sure she returns to Hanamatsu Castle safely!" 

"That Motoyasu..." 

"Takeda Shingen is a frightening warrior; her words hit right on Hime-sama's most sensative thoughts. This is the hardest ordeal we have faced since the Retreat at Kanegasaki. Though it will be hard on you, but please command the back troops. I will bet my life to send Hime-sama back even if I die at her hands." 

"Leave it to me!.... Well, even if I say that, I'm just a foot soldier now. No matter how I spin it, I'm alone." 

"If you need troops, here they are. Kuku." 

Takigawa kazumasu suddenly appeared from the forest. 

"Eh, as expected, I hate land battles. All this dirt and blood, it really saps all my motivation." 

"A knight is bound by honor to overcome such a dangerous situation. I, Giovanna, swear upon my life to stop the pursuit of the enemy!" 

Sporting golden armor and wielding a huge lance, Giovanna appeared just behind Kazumasu. 

"Stop joking, Kazumasu-chan. You should let Giovanna protect you and run away!" 

"Yoshii, you really are an idiot. If no one stays to protect the back, then we really will be decimated." As if to reply to Takigawa Kazumasu, her 2,000 bodyguards suddenly appeared in the forest. 

"Thank you, Kazumasu-chan! With your reinforcements, Motoyasu might be saved!" 

"Ohhh~" Kazumasu's bodyguards gave a downright unconvincing cheer as a few hundred pulled out their arquebus. 

"Compared to Akechi Mitsuhide's elite squad, they don't seem to have much spirit in them." 

"There's no helping it. Half of them are Kouga ninjas, the other half are mercenaries hired from Ise. Land battles aren't my forte anyway." 

"No wonder people are saying Takigawa Clan is just a second Oda Clan. that fellow Nobuna banishing me to Ise suddenly makes a bit more sense." 

"How rude, your words just pierce straight through my heart, Yoshii." 

Just then, Hanzou in his farmer disguise shouted, "Sagara Yoshiharu! The Takeda cavalry approached! I'm relying on you for the princess!" 

Yoshiharu rushed as close as he could to Motoyasu and shouted to her, trying to console her as she sobbed non-stop on her horse. "Leave it to me and Kazumasu-chan to protect the back! You should return to Hanamatsu Castle immediately! Listen, no matter what happens, don't come back! If something happens to you, everything will be over!" 

"Uhh, uhh, uwahh, I'm just a pathetic imitation of Kichi-nee-sama... Only trudging through my life under the protection of stronger people... Ever since Shingen brought it to light, my head is totally blank." 

"Uhh, that certainly was shocking. Katsuchiyo-chan was gentle like a cat in the hot spring, but now that she's fighting, she's a demon." 

I'm really too naive. I should have understood from in the beginning, Katsuchiyo and Takeda Shingen are two completely different people. 

"Don't mind them, Motoyasu. She only said that to provoke you. It's not like you to be so easily swayed, Motoyasu." 

"But...But... What she said is all true! I...I... I'm not talented like Kichi-nee-sama or strong like Takeda Shingen. It was impossible from the start for me to become like Kichi-nee-sama. I'm such a useless girl, even the retainers who follow me died a meaningless death! Uhhh!" 

Ahhh, I can't even bear to see the tanuki cry. 

Yoshiharu touched Motoyasu's tanuki ears and cried in a loud voice audible even in the loud fuss. "You, are a type that will definitely shine later in life! Everyone has different talents! There are people like Nobuna who are talented ever since birth, or like Hanbei who display their talent from a very young age. Matsudaira Motoyasu, the future Tokugawa Ieyasu, you are the type that slowly gathers experience from long battles and grows without stopping! As long as you don't forget your anguish today, one day you will definitely grow into the Matsudaira Motoyasu I know! Though you need some time, you hold the potential to become Japan's strongest! In the sengoku game that I know, you are like that, so have some confidence!" 

"The future... me? What will she be like?" 

Yoshiharu was speechless suddenly. He couldn't say that she grew into a heartless tanuki nee-san, right? 

"If I survive today, will I be of use to Kichi-nee-sama?" 

"Er, about that...." 

"Saruharu-san, I'm not a very smart girl, I don't have a clear goal on how to change the country. So, Kichi-nee-sama's dream is my dream. Believing in Kichi-nee-sama, following her is my mission. Is that wrong?" 

"No, I think that's a good plan too. Everyone has their own meaning in life. Besides, if everyone wanted to shape the world differently, then the war would never end, right? To be an independent daimyo yet still follow Nobuna, the conqueror of men, there might be people who laugh at you for being a weak person, but isn't this courage the first step to steer this Sengoku era towards peace!?" 

"Ahh! Ahh! Yes~ It makes sense, that is an option too!" Motoyasu finally revealed a smile. Though her tears still ran down her face despite her best efforts to stop them, her face wore a brilliant smile. 

"Motoyasu, if you die, there will be no one to manage this country when Nobuna ventures out into the great seas. I said as much at Kanegasaki, didn't I? You have the strength to manage this country during a peaceful era. You have not revealed your talent yet, but there will be a day when you can see it for yourself. Though you aren't perfect from birth like Takeda Shingen, after all your experiences, you will never lose to her in internal politics. You are a genius at working hard, so no matter how difficult it is now, you must survive Motoyasu!" 

"This future is the future that Saruharu knows?" 

"It's not like that. This future is a future we can only reach if we all try our best. It's a future that no one in this country, no, not a single person in this world can even imagine!" 

These words banished Motoyasu's doubts. She regained her composure and ordered her troops to retreat back to Hanamatsu castle. 

Just in time, a miracle occured. 

"Giovanna Lortez of the Holy Knights of Saint John is right here!" 

"Everyone, now we will tell the world that Akechi Mitsuhide isn't the only expert in arquebus use!" 

The Takeda cavalry pulled short their pursuit after discovering the back troops. Takeda Shingen's ambition wasn't to destroy the Matsudaira army, after all. Instead, the army changed direction again and headed towards Mikawa. 

That direction, it's Mino! 

Yes, the frontline, where Saitou Dousan fought from Gifu Castle with the commander of the strike force, Yamamoto Kansuke, Mino! 

Matsudaira Motoyasu had finally survived, but under the attack of Takeda cavalry troops, countless Matsudaira soldiers were injured or killed, and many renowned generals had fallen as well. Hanamatsu Castle would fight no more. 

Part 3 

22nd of December, midnight. 

After defeating the Matsudaira army, the Takeda army of 25,000 sped through Mikawa and headed towards Mino at full speed. And Takeda Shingen herself led a lightly armored cavalry unit as they marched through Inuyama Castle, an important area between the boundaries of Owari and Mino. Though Inuyama castle was once a base of the Oda clan, Takeda's strike force led by Yamamoto Kansuke had successfully conquered it not long ago. After passing the Kiso river, Mino was right in front of them. 

Shortly, the Takeda army would fight a violent battle at Gifu castle with Saitou Dousan. 

After meeting up with Kansuke's strike force, the Takeda army numbered 30,000, strong enough to conquer Owari, which sat like an empty castle. 

Without question, Shingen could only think of her "Final battle." 

She had come so far for this very battle! 

Yamamoto Kansuke received Shingen at the gates of Inuyama castle, and she greeted him with a tone full of authority and confidence, "It's been a long time, Kansuke. Are you lonely after going so long without seeing Shirou?" 

Yamamoto Kansuke's face paled as he saw her. 

"This..." 

His shock had nothing to do with Shirou. The "Takeda Shingen" in front of him was truly "complete". The perfect warrior that Yamamoto Kansuke had painted in his heart for ages, "Takeda Shingen" was alive and strong, right in front of his eyes. 

"It's just too shocking, master. For you to achieve such a progress while I wasn't around, just what happened?" 

"Oh, have you fallen for me, Kansuke?" 

"That is impossible, I have the purest admired for Katsuyori-sama, not to mention no interest at all for mature woman." 

Amazingly, Yamamoto Kansuke was able to waste such a serious expression with words that were rotten to the core. 

But Yamamoto Kansuke had been like this for ages, so Shingen did not mind at all. 

"Haha, Geezer, you excel at filling me with disgust as usual." 

"I'm honored. Having been unmarried for life, master is like my own daughter. How can a father be moved when seeing his own daughter?" 

Shingen wanted to retort, "Then why did you use such lewd eyes for young Shirou?", but there were much more important things to tell Kansuke. 

"Listen Kansuke, I have defied my fate!" 

Ever since she had banished her father and become the Takeda Shingen, the savage tiger with the perpetual threatening aura, she had for the first time fused together with the normal girl Katsuchiyo. Her doubt and fear had all disappeared. That fierce glare of hers had become peaceful like the lake water, calm and beautiful. 

Shingen's cautious nature stemmed from Katsuchiyo's fear of everything. The fierce courage that Shingen wielded on the battlefield stemmed from Katsuchiyo's desire to escape from the torturous guilt of banishing her own father. The one thing Shingen feared the most was suffering retribution through her own banishment by her retainers from Kai. 

But in Shingen's body now, he couldn't feel a trace of her previous fear or doubt. 

Kansuke narrowed his eyes like he was glancing right at the bright sun. 

"I will achieve victory in this battle, and subsequently conquer the world. It's all thanks to you that I can reach here, Kansuke." 

"Ohh, ever since the instant that I met you master, I have imagined the perfect appearance of you, the unparalleled warrior, Takeda Shingen, but I'd never thought that I could live to see such an appearance!" Kansuke dropped to his knees, his face full of tears already. 

"To master who treasures relationships, banishing her own father would pain her for a lifetime, and my heart hurt every time I remembered it." 

"Aren't you the one who suggested I banish him? When you were still a vagrant, you came to me with a strange expression, saying something like, 'Lass, you want the world?' Honestly, what happened that night totally gave me a fright, and I have never forgotten it. I almost treated you like a crazy beggar and drove you out." 

"I am a crazy fellow. Back then, I was a vagrant with no family status, yet all I did was boast to you that I was the world's best strategist and had visited each province marketing my skills. As expected, no matter where I went, I was treated like a crazy man. It's an impossible dream to be hired as a retainer." 

"Your looks aren't your only rough quality. You are a disgusting geezer who only loves young girls. But strangely enough, those eyes of yours emit a beautiful light, so even if you are crazy, I knew you would never harm me, so I hired you. But Kansuke, aren't you always boasting that you are the best strategist? Why did you bet everyone on a girl that was nearly abandoned as heir? At that time, I was just a small province's princess, and I was afraid I looked worthless to you." 

Kansuke had always felt his reasons were just too rude, so he had planned to bring it to the grave, but now he felt compelled to reveal it. 

"Because, we're too alike." 

"You mean, you and I? Haha." 

"Yes, I feel that we are alike. You were so talented, yet you were isolated by your father for unknown reasons, and because of my ugly looks, my daimyo rejected me. I deserve death for having such a thought however. Master is the heir of Kai, and shines with a shocking beauty can't be compared to my ugly visage. We are like totally opposite existences, but somehow I had such a feeling." 

"Please go on, Kansuke." 

"Kai is far from Kyoto. The lands are infertile and it's not near the seas; One could say Kai held not a single blessings from heaven. With your intelligence, master had no choice but to give up the ambition of conquering the world from the start. Even if it meant being hated by your father, to the extent of nearly getting disowned, you endured it silently. Seeing my melancholic master so full of ambitions yet no power to realize them, I couldn't help feel compelled to bring you out and let you see the wild world, a crazy idea." 

Listening to Kansuke, Shingen let out a sigh and mumbled softly, "What a messed up fellow." 

"Kansuke, can I be compared to the 'Takeda Shingen' of your dreams?" 

"There's no need to compare anymore, you have surpassed my vision. I no longer have anything to teach, master." 

"Kansuke, I have met that 'human who defied the heavens'." 

"WHAT!?" 

Takeda Shingen said upfront, "That man told me that fate isn't predestined, and the Kiso river in front of us continues forever and has countless possibilities. The future is forged through our own hands. It's ok for the sins of the past to be paid in the future, because it's meaningless to be tortured by the sin of banishing my father." 

"So, to conquer the world, I will stand the Takeda Clan's flag at Seta. I will dismiss the Imagawa Shogunate that Oda Nobuna supports, and instead set myself, the descendant of Kai, Takeda Shingen on the throne to establish a new shogunate." 

"After defeating Oda Nobuna, in just another 3 years, I can unify the world. The only rival worthy of Takeda Shingen is Uesugi Kenshin, but once the shogunate I establish declares Japan united, Uesugi Kenshin won't be a problem. Instead, she will become my greatest ally, since she was someone who lived only for justice." 

"Then, I will personally go to father, who was banished near Totomi." 

"Master really isn't the same anymore." Kansuke knelt down on the floor trembling, unable to stare at the sun before him any longer. 

"Takeda Shingen will personally take part in the battle tomorrow. I won't allow failures, strategist Yamamoto Kansuke. Tell me how you will guarantee our victory!" 

"Ahh, after the 'Woodpecker strategy' [12] was defeated by Uesugi Kenshin at Kawanaka island, my strategies are a little..." 

"Ok, stop acting. It's your responsibility as strategist to come up with a plan, and you must have some idea in your mind by now. Just seem to enjoy tiring your master, but I'm strict to my subordinates too." 

Kansuke raised his head with her words. The tears he shed before disappeared as he changed once again into the cruel strategist. 

"The plan that could defeat that 'Mino's Viper' no, 'Gifu's Viper', I have actually already worked it all out." 

"Ohh? The 'Woodpecker strategy' again? Set up a formation in the plains after crossing Kiso river, then send a strike force to launch an assault at Viper from behind?" 

"Yes, but not quite. This time, I named it the 'Adjusted Woodpecker Strategy', after learning from our experience at Kawanaka island. We will specifically aim at that Viper's weak spot, where he will never expect it. Hahahaha." 

"Such a dark smile; it's like you're someone else already. You really are a battle fanatic." 

"As I wished, before sending master to Kyoto, I Kansuke will become a demon." 

"That isn't necessary. After the end of tomorrow's battle, turn back to a human and marry someone, got it? This is an order, Kansuke." 

To me, a wife or something... Ahh... Kansuke let out a strange sound as he retreated, maintaining his bowed position, appearing to slide across the floor. Looking at him, Shingen couldn't help but laugh. 

~ ~ ~ 

On the same night of December 22nd. 

Sagara Yoshiharu, Takigawa Kazumasu and Giovanna whipped their horses as they rushed into Gifu Castle, under heightened security. 

Yoshiharu advanced through the mountain fortress that Nobuna had once conquered, only to discover that Saitou Dousan wasn't in it. The three of them then made their way to the grass hut at the top of the mountain. 

Nobuna had wanted to build a castle specially designed by Matsunaga Hisahide at the top of Mount Gifu, but Dousan had long since gotten used to resting every night in this grass hut. He had become so sentimental for it that Nobuna couldn't coax him into a grand castle. 

Yoshiharu felt pain in his heart when he set eyes on Dousan. The previously hale and healthy old man had suddenly slimmed down. 

"Geezer, did you catch a cold in this winter weather? Your face doesn't look good." 

"Hoho, I can't win against age after all, *Cough*" 

Dousan's forceful aura had disappeared. 

Though the three of them had arrived as fast as they could, there wasn't any need for them to report the bad news. Dousan already knew of what had happened to Totomi. 

Dousan served them tea with a chuckle. "Because she refused to abandon the Oda Clan, our only ally, Mikawa's Matsudaira Clan has suffered greatly. Now Shingen has entered Inuyama castle and is eying Gifu Castle. If she is as fast as I expect, the battle will start tonight." 

"We haven't lost, Geezer! Kuki-nee-san has already halted Takeda Shingen's fleet. After losing the ability to resupply through the fleet, the Takeda army will run out of supplies if we can drag this battle out. Luckily, Kazumasu-chan's subordinates did not seem injured at all, and can help immediately." 

"We have no way to draw this battle out. Takeda Shingen wants to move while Uesugi Kenshin is trapped by winter snows, so she will haste to the final battle of Kyo. In these 2 days, Nobuna will definitely battle with Asai Asakura forces at Anegawa as well. I'm sure the Takeda main army will launch an all out assault soon, and the reinforcements that Kazumasu-chan brought will mean nothing." 

"And after I was kind enough to bring my reinforcements, you ungrateful geezer." 

In order to cheer Dousan up, Yoshiharu slapped his chest and proclaimed, "Nobuna will have no trouble at Anegawa." 

"I mean, just saying, I know the result of 'The battle of Anegawa', Geezer. It's true that the Owari troops are the weakest; they're so weak that I wanna cry. There can't be anyone weaker than them, so according to logic, there is no possible way for them to defeat the Asai Asakura allied forces. But, in the 'Battle of Anegawa', the Tokugawa... no, Matsudaira army will perform a beautiful reinforcing attack and help Nobuna turn the tides around! So, our only problem lies with Shingen right here." 

Hearing this, Dousan and Kazumasu over beside Giovanna, obviously busy eating snacks, looked confused. 

"What are you saying, Yoshiharu? There is no way for the Matsudaira Clan to support Nobuna at Anegawa, right? Even now, Motoyasu has her hands full with gathering the defeated army in Hanamatsu Castle to prepare for another attack on the Takeda army again, so how can they help?" 

"Yes, Yoshii. No matter what, only a demon would expect Motoyasu to send reinforcements or something after being so soundly beaten. That tanuki is probably depressed enough to commit suicide jumping into a river, but you still expect her to help? Unexpectedly, Yoshii You might be even worse than a demon. How cool! Ehh, why is my heart racing, like I've been moved?" 

"No no, in the history that I know of... ahhhh!? Yeah, Motoyasu was defeated so soundly in Mikatagahara that she could never support Anegawa! There are subtle differences in this world compared to the history that I know of! So, so that means, isn't this the worst possibility!? This is a worst case scenerio!" With a "pui", Yoshiharu had discovered his big mistake spit tea out of his mouth in shock. The unintentional assault landed right on Giovanna's face, interrupting her snack consumption. 

"Death to rude people." 

"Wait! Wait! Don't pull our your sword for such a thing! We don't have time for that right now anyways!" 

The whole reason Yoshiharu had remained calm till now was, to a great extent, because he believed through his sengoku game knowledge that the Oda army would definitely win in the "Battle of Anegawa". The main instrument in Nobunaga's victory at the famous "Battle of Anegawa" was the reinforcements of Tokugawa(Matsudaira) however. 

"Nononono! It is all over!" 

"This feeling, I've been tainted. I should just kill you!" 

"Geezer! If Motoyasu doesn't reinforce Nobuna at the 'Battle at Anegawa', she can't win! Nobuna... Nobuna will lose! But now, Shingen's army is right in front of us, so Geezer can't send reinforcements either! Do...Do...Don...Don't tell me, No...No...No..Nobuna is going to die..." 

If I had not advised Katsuchiyo-chan to 'beware of assassins', then Takeda Shingen, Katsuchiyo-chan would had died by gunshot, and the Takeda clan would have to give up on Kyo. Why have things become like thissssssss! 

"By changing history, have I forced Nobuna to her death!? Damn it, DAMN IT! No matter how cute Katsuchiyo-chan looked that time, I wasn't thinking at all. With that one sentence... I... I..." 

Guruguruguru Yoshiharu hugged his head and rolled all over the small grass hut in anguish. 

"Ohh, Yoshii has finally broken down?" Kazumasu asked, sipping her tea slowly with narrowed eyes. 

Dousan said, " Don't be complacent. It's impossible that a seasoned warrior like Shingen has no substitute to prevent assassination. Even a renowned ninja would face difficulty with her as a target." His tone was strict, but he was actually consoling Yoshiharu. 

"Geezer, that's true, but." 

"Kazumasu-sama has brought this Viper 2,000 reinforcements, right?" 

"I can't say I'm all that motivated, but if I fled back to Ise now, it wouldn't be long before Shingen caught up. *Sigh*" 

"I heard the Ise army mainly consists of pirates. Will you focus on arquebus for land battles then?" 

"Yes, the Kouga have always maintain good relations with the arquebus makers of Totomi. If you're asking about skills with the arquebus, I'm confident I will not lose to that wide-forehead, kumquat girl, Akechi Mitsuhide." 

"This Viper will be relying on you then." 

"Kuku, compliment me more then, geezer." 

"Alright. Takigawa Kazumasu-sama, you seem the sort that would feel proud for hitting seventy targets out of one hundred shots, but Juubei Mitsuhide-sama, she is the type that will feel anguished over missing even one of those hundred shots. At least, you seem like that from my eyes." 

"Uhh, what sort of compliment is that!?" 

"In my experience, strategies with a 70% chance of victory are usually considered perfect. There's actually considerable danger in demanding a 100% chance of victory." 

"Geezer, no, Oji-san, are you ok?" 

"Juubei is my beloved disciple, but her over-serious character, the way she would despair over that single shot, it really worries me. I would prefer If she could be as open-minded as Kazumasu. If she continues on like this, she will die of stress before she ever faces the heavy responsibility of conquering the world." 

"What is this? Said you were going to compliment me!" Kazumasu puffed out her cheeks and seemed to be getting angry. 

"Ohh!" Yoshiharu cried, finally sitting up and nudging Dousan. 

But, elegantly sipping on his tea and gazing at the moon, Dousan made a shocking statement. 

"*Cough* Sagara Yoshiharu, I have a lung disease. After Manase Belchior diagnosed me, he said my days numbered. I might not even live to the new year." 

Both Yoshiharu and Kazumasu were stunned silent in an instant. 

It's true they had both easily noticed how he had slimmed down in such a short time, but who would have thought! 

"Do you want me to use my powers on Jii-san, Yoshii?" 

"It's unnecessary, the Geezer isn't lying. You should be able to see that too, Kazumasu-chan." 

"It's looks so, but..." Kazumasu-chan swallowed her words. Beside her, Giovanna put back the dumpling in her hand back on the plate in front of her and sat in a seiza position. 

"All humans will one day return to the earth. There isn't anything to be sad about. I should have exhausted my life at Nagara river and died by the hands of my god-son, Yoshitatsu. You should know this more than anyone, right, Sagara Yoshiharu?" 

With a cough, Dousan continued, "Yoshiharu, thanks to you, I had a good dream. Ever since that night where we saw Nobuna light torches in the shape of a Viper in that valley outside, I have been living a true dream. It's enough for me to have seen that sight, so I have no more regrets." 

"Kazumasu and I will guard against Takeda Shingen with all our strength in order to buy you time, Yoshiharu. Now, you must move to Anegawa in place of me to save Nobuna-sama. Nobuna-sama herself is my dream, and you mustn't let her be defeated right here. Your 'knowledge' should agree with me, right?" Dousan's smile was not that of a poisonous Viper, but that of an old man, aging right before their eyes. 

"Is there anything..." 

Anything you want me to tell Nobuna, Geezer? he wanted to say it, but the words wouldn't come. 

He had to ask now, but there was a voice in his heart stopping him. The words died in the back of his throat. 

"There are plenty of things I want to tell Yoshitatsu, that unfilial son of mine - god knows where he is now- but if it's Nobuna-sama, there isn't a need to say anything more. Just tell her this: 'It's definitely useless to send reinforcements for Gifu castle, so concentrate your forces to defeat Asai Asakura allied force... If you let emotions control your decisions like you did at Nagara river, then the world will really be out of reach. If you come and save me without a care for your true ambition, if you dare try, then I will disown you. No exceptions....' That ought to be enough." 

Yoshiharu nodded. 

He wants to say, "I understand", but all his mouth could muster was a small, gargled moan. 

Dousan laughed again and said, "I'll leave my beloved disciple Juubei to you as well. Though she's a damn brat, both competitive and a little unreliable, I can be at ease if I put her in your care." 

"The moon is covered by clouds tonight; there might be mist soon." Kazumasu mumbled softly, her eyes averted to the sky 



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