Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 5 - Chapter 5

Chapter 5 : The Incidents of the Battle of Anegawa and the Battle of Gifu 

Part 1 

23th of December, dawn. 

Immediately after meeting with Dousan, Sagara Yoshiharu sped off from Gifu and, after riding without rest, reached Nobuna's camp at southern Anegawa just as the sun broke the horizon… But in actual fact, the one really holding the reins wasn't Yoshiharu, but the missionary Organtino. Declaring "I have to meet up with Frois no matter what", he was the first to volunteer to accompany Yoshiharu from Gifu. 

The Italian noble's son, Organtino was undoubtedly expert class in terms of riding skills. 

Yoshiharu, riding behind and definitely not clinging to the missionary, was extremely anxious. He wished he could reach Nobuna faster, even by only a minute. 

Anegawa was a moderately sized river in northern Omi. Crossing Anegawa and marching North would lead one's army to Asai Nagamasa's base, Odani Castle. At this Odani Castle, Asai Nagamasa had just received a mass of reinforcements from Echizen's Asakura Yoshikage. Nobuna may have attempted an attack on Odani before the situation took this turn, but Takeda Shingen's rapid advance from the East had forced her into increasing her defenses along Anegawa. 

When Yoshiharu reached Nobuna, she had long since donned her namban armor and was sitting in her army's forward camp. From the look of her bloodshot eyes, she might not have slept since Yoshiharu had been banished to Ise. 

Asai Nagamasa who betrayed the alliance. 

Nobusumi, her brother who had returned to the Oda Clan, dejected. 

Asakura Yoshikage, the spirited daimyo famous for hating battles, for whatever reason deciding to lead his full army on an offensive against Nobuna. 

Matsudaira Motoyasu, utterly defeated by the Sengoku's strongest, Takeda Shingen at Mikatagahara. 

Saitou Dousan, bracing against Takeda Shingen's inevitable attack on Gifu with a pathetic amount of soldiers. 

The pressure hanging over the battles to follow would crush any ordinary person, but Nobuna was enduring it all upon her slim shoulders. 

And at this most difficult time, Sagara Yoshiharu wasn't by her side yet. 

"Too slow, Saru! Were you dilly dallying on your way here? Did you even want to come back to me?! I should just banish you, right!?" 

As usual, her first choice was to verbally abuse Yoshiharu. 

Right now, the only one protecting Nobuna was Inuchiyo, wearing her favorite tiger hat. The news had already reached them of Takeda Shingen defeating Motoyasu at Mikatagahara and closing in on Gifu Castle. The Asai Asakura allied forces had heard as well, and immediately pushed on and crossed the river in the night, intent on attacking here soon. Niwa Nagahide, Matsunaga Hisahide and Shibata Katsuie had all been sent to their different camps to guard them. 

Upon arriving, Nobuna's tense mood immediately put Yoshiharu on the defensive. In this situation, everything would be over if they started their normal back-and-forth here. 

"Umm… Nobuna, are you still angry about what happened earlier? Anyway, where is Juubei-chan?" 

"Ahh, after chasing you off, I found out immediately that it was Juubei's misunderstanding, so you actually were the victim." 

"Uwahhh! Did you even need an investigation to figure that out!!!?" 

"Hehe, you were starting to get lazy anyways; I had to banished you a little to kick you back into gear. Anyway, that whole issue is resolved. So how is it, have you settled things with Sakon?" 

Nobuna should have been informed of what happened long ago, but Yoshiharu decided to make a full report. 

"Kazumasu-chan's pirates are obstructing Takeda's fleet, and Kazumasu-chan herself is leading an army in support of Dousan to guard Gifu." 

"Hmmm, to think that you made that lazy brat help so diligently... You, did you do something unmentionable to her? Geez, you actually did something to a small girl as young as Inuchiyo... You don't learn at all, huh?" 

"What the hell are you talking about!? Kazumasu-chan isn't that small, ok!? Anyway, you ordering that little girl to conquer Ise is too much!" 

"Though Sakon is still small, she is not as simple as she looks. If she really opposed us, then even I would feel troubled." 

"Anyway, Kazumasu-chan, don't you think she looks like... that person...?" 

"Oh yeah, Saru, what is with that Kappa beside you? Where did you catch it? I've been quite interested all this while." 

"Listen to someone when they're talking!" 

Nobuna curiously extend her hand and, with a swoop, yanked at the missionary hat Organtino's head as he bowed at Yoshiharu's side. 

"Uwahh!? Wh...Wh...Wh...What are you doing, Nobuna-sama!?" 

"What is this plate made of, why can't I take it off? Is it growing right out of your head???" 

"Wait, Nobuna! He isn't a Kappa! He's Frois' junior, the missionary Organtino! He made the long journey to Japan from Spain! He gave me a ride out of the kindness of his heart." 

"Huh, a missionary? Where did you come from? I'm rather busy right now. Tch." Nobuna, annoyed that Yoshiharu had stopped her, explained as she sat back on her bench "I wanted to test the rumor that taking the plate off a Kappa would dry it up. If he really dried up, I could've used him for my soup base. What a shame..." 

"....Uhhhhhh, Sa...Sagara Yoshiharu-sama, like the rumors, Nobuna-sama is frightening, w...wi...wi...will I really be used as a soup base?" 

"Don't worry, Organtino, Nobuna is always like this. She's rude and mouthy, but she doesn't mean any harm, so don't be so afraid." 

"To be touched by girls... My...My heart has been filled with sin and torment... Ahh, I should rush to a church and confess my sins...." 

"What sins... You were just bullied by Nobuna, what sins could possibly be tormenting you? 

"Uhh, there is a deep reason..." After Organtino began, Yoshiharu recalled the man had indeed said he was troubled by something and would talk to him properly when there was a chance. 

"Looks like he really is bad around girls." 

"Frois is in Kyoto now, but more importantly, Saru! First, let me explain our current situation." 

Inuchiyo nodded her head and stood up, spreading out a map of Anegawa. 

"The enemy has finished preparing their formation along the northern side of Anegawa. Asai Nagamasa's army of 15,000 is at the east while Asakura Yoshikage's 20,000 strong army is at the west. In opposition, our army of 20,000 has set up a 13 layers of camp and will be luring the enemy in." 

"..... 13 layers!? This formation stretches our forces far too thin. And why is Asakura Yoshikage's army so large? Our side is at an obvious disadvantage." 

"Hmph, I will return you to command temporally. The third layer from the front will be your Saru corps." 

"The situation is drastically different from what I know. In 'Oda Nobunaga no Yabou', the Oda army had an advantage in numbers and used it in full to achieve victory in the Battle of Anegawa." 

Yes, in the game's Battle of Anegawa, though the Oda army was nearly broken to pieces by Asai Nagamasa's attacks, Tokugawa Ieyasu(Matsudaira Motoyasu) arrived in the nick of time and successfully helped Oda Nobunaga turn the tides. But in this reality, Motoyasu had been utterly defeated by Takeda Shingen, and was currently trying her best to gather up her defeated army. Without her support, the Oda army could not face both the Asai Asakura allied forces' pincer attack and advantage in numbers. 

"Wait a minute, Nobuna. Is that... Asakura Yoshikage personally here?" 

"Ahh, he has been saying everywhere that he is going to bring me back to Ichijodani once he has won... I don't wanna; that guy feels disgusting." 

"Damn, that pervert Asakura Yoshikage. Your face is the only thing that would make someone consider you as a bishoujo anyways." 

"Don't joke about my looks." 

"Regardless, why did you want a head into battle with that fellow on such flat ground, Nobuna? If you clash on the plains, you can't take advantage of any terrain to negate their advantage with numbers; isn't that common sense? Right now, guarding our castles and fighting for time would be the normal method…" Though Yoshiharu grumbled, Nobuna merely sighed. 

"Anyway, Saru, how is the situation at Gifu? Did Viper ask you to bring any message to me?" 

"Ah, ahh, he did have one..." 

"I have already completed preparations for sending reinforcements to Gifu. Though you and your corps are basically useless, you can at least do something with Hanbei around. I will try my best to think of something here, so don't worry..." Nobuna's eyes glistened... 

Hiding his own pain, Yoshiharu stopped her. 

And then, 

Gave her Dousan's "last words" 

"First, 

"It's definitely useless to send reinforcements for Gifu castle, so concentrate your forces to defeat Asai Asakura allied force. 

"And, 

"If you let emotions control your decisions like you did at Nagara river, then the world will really be out of reach. 

"The third, 

"If you come and save me without a care for your true ambition, I will disown you. No exceptions." 

"What did you say!?" 

Looking at Nobuna's flushed face, Yoshiharu couldn't tell her the truth, that "Saitou Dousan is terribly sick and can't live much longer". 

At such a critical period, when Nobuna and anti-Nobuna forces were about to clash... 

This wasn't the time to reveal something he knew would totally crush Nobuna's confidence and fighting spirit. 

Of course this is the right choice. I have to focus on the battle right here. Trying to reinforce Gifu by pulling Hanbei-chan and the Sagara corps, who survived with me through the Retreat of Kanegasaki, from the Battle at Anegawa would be practically suicide. We don't have the military strength to split our forces even more without putting Nobuna herself in danger! If she was too worried for Dousan, Nobuna wouldn't be able to concentrate on the battle in front of her. She had even chosen a head on battle rather than waiting out a siege so she could send out reinforcements to Dousan sooner. According to proper logic for this scenario, if we hunkered down in our castles, Echizen's Asakura Yoshikage would definitely be forced to retreat before the snow cut him off from his capital, but Nobuna, blinded by the thought that a head-on battle would take only half a day, underestimated the Asai Asakura allied forces. So, right now, I must remain silent, even if Nobuna hates me later... 

Yoshiharu made his resolve. 

Even if Nobuna despised him with every piece of her heart, he could not let Nobuna die right here! He would die before he let Nobuna be taken away by Asakura Yoshikage to become his plaything in Ichijodani. 

"Tch, I'm angry just thinking about that bastard Yoshikage. He dares plan to make Nobuna his own doll... No..No... I don't really care about that willful, inhumane, ungrateful woman who always bullies me... No, how can I not care!? Damn it... Don't tell me... Don't tell me I... towards Nobuna..." 

"...Your face is really red, Yoshiharu. Are you unwell?" Inuchiyo looked worried as she walked beside a sweating Yoshiharu. 

"Ah, don't worry. I'm just a little tired from the non-stop journey over here. It's ok, Inuchiyo." 

"What a subtle attitude... Are you hiding something from me...?" Nobuna said with a suspicious glance at Yoshiharu. Fortunately for him, an ear deafening sound rose from the other side of the river. The very ground around Anegawa seemed to be shaking. 

A scout ran into the tent and frantically reported "The sun has risen! The Asai Asakura allied forces are attacking us as we speak!" 

"Dearuka, it all ends here. I will finish it in an instant! Lure the enemy into the depths of our 13-layered formation, according to plan!" 

"....Yoshiharu, go to your camp now, everyone is waiting for your return." 

"Understood, Inuchiyo. Organtino, I'm sorry. I didn't want to get you wrapped up in this, but please give me a ride." 

"I understand. Ah, my lord, please bring this battle to an end." 

The famous "Battle of Anegawa" finally began. 

Part 2 

"Right now is our only chance! Give up on seeing this side of Anegawa again alive; let us accept death and charge into the center of Oda's army!" Asai Nagamasa bravely declared from the front of the Asai army. 

Taking the position of clan head from her father to become the de facto leader of Northern Omi's Asai Clan again, Nagamasa led every soldier she could muster. Her face wreathed in angelic beauty, at her core was an unmatched courage. 

Nagamasa had long since given up the dream of conquering the world with Nobuna. 

Undoubtedly, these resolute feelings were inseparable from her courage. 

Nagamasa didn't just embolden the Asai army. When the soldiers of the Asakura army saw Asai Nagamasa's appearance, their morale shot up like a rocket and they cheered, "This great leader deserves the world!" 

"You are unexpectedly hot-blooded, Nagamasa. It would be troublesome later if you were defeated, so please be careful." Asakura Yoshikage, dressed more like a frivolous noble than a general, rode his horse by Nagamasa's side. Even as arrows that flew past his head, his bored look blatantly declared his absolute disinterest in the mundane world. 

"Yoshikage-sama, what do you mean 'It would be troublesome later'?" 

"In a short while, Takeda Shingen will be able to defeat Saitou Dousan at Gifu. If you are defeated here, won't I suddenly have to fight Shingen for the world alone? Please spare me such a troublesome burden." 

"No matter if it's the world or Takeda, they are meaningless to me now. Right here, right now, if I can't kill Oda Nobuna, the Asai Clan's fate will be destruction. So, I fight." 

"That's only more troublesome. First, if you kill Nobuna, I would lose the very meaning to my life. Second, I don't want to be wrapped up in such a troublesome matter like conquering the world. I have only one motive, and that is to claim the living art piece, Oda Nobuna as mine." 

"Hmph, you are even worse than the rumors said... If that's the case, then follow me, Asakura Yoshikage! In the real world, everything is bought with blood." 

"Ahh, there's no need for such a scary expression. To a pacifist like me, you're a maniac to be obsessed with such an ugly world." 

"If you want Oda Nobuna so much, go ahead and do what you want. Just don't get paranoid and retreat suddenly, Yoshikage." 

"Of course. I'm betting my life on this piece of art; its value is on a totally different level than those tea sets I brought with me." 

Nagamasa ignored Yoshikage's devious smile and gave her horse a violent whip. 

Like she wanted to cut off her own doubts. 

"This fellow controls Echizen's Ichijodani, the city nicknamed 'Little Kyoto'. Its prosperity does show his ability as a sengoku daimyo, but his character is too dark. I'd rather send nee-san to the heavens myself than let such a person toy with her." 

Finding a new objective, Nagamasa gave another speech to her soldiers. 

"The Oda army has set up a 13 layered formation. It's likely intended to lure us deep into their midst, but there's a fatal weakness in such a formation: the Oda army's severe lack of manpower! This shows us that Oda Nobuna is panicking! Everyone, follow me, Saruyashamaru and rush into the midst of this 13 layered formation to claim nee-san's head!" 

Nagamasa swung down her spear and rushed into the formation. 

Her dream, had ended. 

Both the dream of conquering the world with Nobuna. 

And the dream of tasting happiness with Nobusumi as a couple. 

And it was no one's fault that the situation turned this way. 

Not her father, and not the retainers. 

It was her choice to give up. 

She couldn't blame anyone; it was all her fault. 

It was the choice she made deep in her heart that led to the situation now. 

Nagamasa gripped her spear tightly, imbuing it with her boundless fury and despair. 

No one could stop this pitiful warrior Nagamasa who asked for death. 

The Asakura army behind was led by a mad man, Asakura Yoshikage entertaining his delusions even as he rode into battle. The only thing in his mind was his twisted image of Oda Nobuna, and in his heart a black flame. 

Takeda Shingen was currently fighting with Dousan, but even with a common enemy now, she would definitely not trust the Asai Clan after betraying the Oda Clan. 

Even if she won now, the Asai Clan would most likely... 

What a lonely battle... 

~ ~ ~ 

In the midst of the chaotic battlefield. 

"Commander, you finally returned!" 

"You made us wait, you damn brat!" 

On the defender's side of Anegawa, cheers rang from the Sagara Yoshiharu corps. 

"Everyone! Hanbei-chan! Goemon! I've returned!" 

"Yoshiharu-sama, the first and second layer of the 13 layers have been penetrated. The Asai Asakura allied forces are unblockable!" 

"The Asai army's morale is abnormally high, the situation is bifficult, bspecially bow that Absai Nabgamabsa is beading."( the situation is difficult, especially now that Asai Nagamasa is leading) 

"I...I...I...I...I'm not a kappa, I'm a missionary!" 

"I'm sorry Organtino, I need you to hide underground for now. Goemon, help Organtino dig a hole." 

"I unbderstand, I jubst hbave to chbop this kabppa to piebces and bubry it ubndergbround, ribght? Lebave it to mbe." (I understand, I just have to chop this kappa to pieces and bury it underground, right? Leave it to me.) 

"Uwahhh!? Yo...Yo...Yo...Yoshiharu-sama!? Are ni...nin...nin...ninjas always such violent girls?" 

"Nono, Goemon. He isn't a kappa but a missionary! I need you to hide him so he isn't wrapped up in this war!" 

"I see, understood." 

The Oda army's setup could not be called a formation anymore. Along the shore of Anegawa, both sides were locked in a chaotic battle. The 13 layer plan that Nobuna decided upon had totally failed. Motoyasu's reinforcements would never reach in time, and Asakura Yoshikage's bizarre motivation in the war pushed the situation into an even worse direction. 

Under the pincer attack of the numerically superior eastern Asai army and western Asakura army, the soldiers of the Oda army were descending into a total panic. 

"Commander, this is bad." 

"No one understands why Hime-sama chose such a strategy." 

"Hime-sama insisted, 'we must lure the enemy in and decide it straightaway' and did not listen to Hanbei or anyone's advice at all." 

"We the Kawanami Clan will fight on with our best, but if you dare let even a scratch mar Boss's fair skin, we will definitely curse you, curse you, curse you to your death, Sagara Yoshiharu!" 

"Do you understand, you bastard!?" 

"Alright, I get it, can you guys not all roar at me at once!? I'm not Prince Shoutoku [13] ." 

"Asai Nagamasa is swinging her spear like a demon, and no one can stop her at all. The instant someone tries, their head is sent flying. *Sob*Sob* What should I do now that the situation is like this? I'm skilled in strategies, not swinging swords." Hanbei held a fan in her hand with an anxious look. 

"Bastard Nagamasa, what the hell are you planning!?" Yoshiharu roared, Hanbei's helpless look setting him on edge. "Oh yeah, Hanbei-chan, where is Zenki!? With the strength of the shikigami, we can block the rain of arrows and bullets." 

"Umm... That... At Mount Hiei, Zenki and I used up quite a bit of our powers, so Zenki can't come out for now. *Sob*Sob*" 

"Wh...What!? Then it's ok if it's not Zenki. How about Gouki?" 

"Everyone is resting today..." 

"You gotta be joking!!" 

The crowd around Sagara Yoshiharu dispersed to meet the approaching enemy, and soon the flood of enemy soldiers crashed against Sagara Yoshiharu's corps. Even Yoshiharu, still unfamiliar with battle, was swinging his spear and killing his way through the fields of Anegawa. Several times the enemy's swords nearly cut him down, but thanks to Goemon's protection he avoided major injury. 

"Sagara-shi, you still don't know how to wield a spear." 

"I'm sorry for my lack of skills, Goemon! But if this goes on, everyone will be defeated! Katsuie, Nagahide, Juubei and Matsunaga Danjo, how is their situation? If we don't gather everyone to protect Nobuna's camp right now, we will be in even worse shape." 

"Uhh, if I say all these difficult names together, I...I'm gonna stutter." 

"It's very difficult to maintain communications in a chaotic battle, but it looks like the 7th layer has been breached too, *Sob*Sob*" Riding a small horse like a mule beside Yoshiharu, Hanbei frantically waved her fan, her face on the verge of tears. 

"Ehh, the enemy has penetrated so deep? I haven't even see Asai Nagamasa myself." 

"Actually when Yoshiharu fell onto the ground just now, Nagamasa passed through from the side. But it's fortunate somehow, if you had faced her directly, I'm afraid Yoshiharu's life might already... *Sob*Sob*" 

"She's really like a demon; even a ninja couldn't do anything against her." 

Just as he began to think clearly, the situation was already critical. 

"The Asakura army's attack is extremely fierce. They have penetrated the 9th layer already. *Sob*Sob*" 

"Now we must gather everyone to Nobuna's side! I can't say that there's a chance to win, but it's our only option!" 

"How do we do that?" 

"We don't have the time to tell all of them one by one now. We can only trust the ties between the Oda clan's retainers and use some special methods!" 

"I see, I will prepare the smoke signal now." 

"The smoke signal will not be able to transmit something complicated like 'gather at Nobuna's camp!' to everyone!" 

"I...I'm so sorry, Yoshiharu. Neglecting suitable preparations is a failure of the strategist's duty, *Sob*Sob*" 

"This isn't Hanbei-chan's fault, it's that fellow Nobuna's responsibility for banishing me to Ise." 

"Umm~ I heard Japanese ninjas know of a skill to fly through the air." Organtino suddenly suggested… Or rather, the head left above ground suggested. Goemon has successfully buried the missionary up to his neck. 

"Uwahh, why is a head talking? It gave me a fright." 

"Understandable… But I can't get out myself..." 

"This is a popular misunderstanding namban people have of ninjas. There is no ninja art that allows people to fly like birds in the sky, but..." 

"Bu...But what? Don't just stop at such a critical spot, Goemon." 

"Nya, it's possible to put a kite into the sky. Then if we write on the kite, we can get the message across." 

The Kawanami Clan surrounded Yoshiharu and the rest, buying them time against the pressing enemy soldiers. Using this opportunity, Goemon dug up a kite for ninjas. 

"Uwahh, you really dug up a kite. What is that, the four-dimensional pocket of Dor**mon?" 

"For emergency purposes, I have buried many different ninja tools in the area." 

"Ahh, I remember that idiot Katsuie said that she didn't understand kanji... But she should be able to read 'Nobuna' and understand, right?" 

"If it's a kite, the enemy will be able to see it too, so if we don't use some sort of code the enemy will likely intercept and cut us off from Nobuna. Also, if there are too many words it will be hard to read, so it's best to write short sentences that our side will understand... *Sob*Sob*" Hanbei advised 

"That means our job is to find suitable words." Goemon agreed 

Organtino's head threw in a suggestion. "Umm, how about, 'Sagara Yoshiharu, revived and back from Ise'?" 

"Kappa, there isn't any meaning to it even if we write it down, is there?" 

"No...No? I'm so sorry." 

"Yoshiharu's return from Ise... What about the reason he was banished to Ise... Ahhh! I got it!" Yoshiharu could nearly see the light bulb flip on above Hanbei's forehead. 

"Everyone knows the reason Nobuna-sama flared up and banished Yoshiharu-sama to Ise, as well as the reason Nobuna-sama broke the reward promise made at Kanegasaki! These aren't big political topics, so the Asai Asakura should not know of them!" 

Yoshiharu slapped Hanbei's shoulders and cried, "I see! I understand now! As expected from the modern Koumei! Then hurry and do it, Hanbei-chan!" 

"But... If you do that, your originally terrible reputation will fall even lower Yoshiharu... It's already at such a pitiful level... And, Shibata-sama might forget that this is a battlefield and head straight over to kill Yoshiharu... I... I don't wanna do this, *Sob*Sob*" 

"Now isn't the time to say things like that! I'll write it myself; give me the ink brush, Goemon!" 

Part 3 

The same day, in the same moment. 

On the wide plains of Gifu, Mino... 

Takeda Shingen led all of her army under cover of mist across Kiso River and headed towards Gifu Castle. 

At the "Battle at Kawanaka island" with Uesugi Kenshin in Shinano, Takeda Shingen had used Matsushiro Castle as her base to assault Uesugi Kenshin on Mount Saijo. To lure Kenshin out of her defensive position on the mountain, the strategist Yamamoto Kansuke came up with the later famous "Woodpecker strategy". On a misty night, half of Takeda Shingen's army secretly crossed the river in front of Matsushiro Castle and hid themselves at Hachiman, right in front of Mount Saijo and, ideally, right where Uesugi would choose to retreat. Once they were set up, a chosen strike force of cavalry launched a surprise attack at Mount Saijo from the back. The Kenshin army would be forced out of Mount Saijo with this attack, and as they retreated the Uesugi force would be sandwiched between the cavalry strikeforce and Shingen's hidden main army. 

It would take a demon strategist like Yamamoto Kansuke to formulate this plan. 

But, one of the reasons that the God of War Uesugi Kenshin was trusted and revered as "Avatar of Bishamonten [14] " by her retainers was her abnormal talent for waging wars. Kenshin's talent wasn't wit, nor courage, and not even strategies. Kenshin's talent was a battle ability on par with a god's. With just a look, Uesugi Kenshin understood the crux of the strategy Kansuke had revised again and again. 

But, such a Kenshin did not choose to retreat from Mount Saijo and go back to Echigo. 

Looking forward to fighting with Takeda Shingen, Kenshin would accept anything her rival could throw at her, so she made her choice. Giving up Mount Saijo, Kenshin led all her forces through the mist and assaulted Shingen's camp at Hachiman. 

The frightened Takeda army fell into a panic. They were originally planning to ambush the Kenshin army at Hachiman; who would have thought they would be the ones ambushed? 

The result goes without saying. 

The Takeda and Uesugi armies began a head on battle in the mist, betting their all. 

In the first half of "The Battle of Kawanaka Island", Kenshin who saw through the "Woodpecker strategy" had the overwhelming advantage. After separating from a large portion of their strongest cavalry, the Takeda army was unable to fight in full force against Kenshin, and Shingen's capable generals were defeated one by one. Just as the whole army seemed doomed to fall to Kenshin's talent, Yamamoto Kansuke rushed to the frontlines to protect Shingen and died in battle... Or so the rumors stated. 

In actual fact, in the later half of the battle the Takeda cavalry at Mount Saijo attacked Kenshin's army from behind with frightening speed, and under the two-prong attack they successfully turned the tide. Kenshin was just barely thwarted in destroying Takeda's main base and had to retreat. 

And at that time. 

The God of War Kenshin, riding atop a white horse, rushed into Takeda Shingen's tent and cried, "A flash of snake dance!" 

With this verse, Kenshin leveled a spear right at Shingen, declaring a battle between commanders. 

Every aide and bodyguard assigned to protect Shingen, even Yamamoto himself, had gone to the frontlines. Even if she had had an army of guards to call upon, Shingen would have made the same decision. For the first time, the legendary rivals Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin crossed spears. With equal talent martial arts, skill, courage and will, this would be no short battle. 

At the fields of Hachiman, the soldiers of both Takeda and Uesugi's army battled without fear of death, equally unaware of the corpses piling up around them and the olympic fight between their commanders. 

Back in the present, Kansuke was determined to see his "Adjusted Woodpecker strategy" succeed in the looming battle at Gifu. 

"Kansuke, this time around you didn't send a strike force behind Gifu from Mount Kinka, but instead positioned all the troops along the flat ground right in front of it. This doesn't seem to be much of a strategy." 

"Yes, the crafty Saitou Dousan must have studied the strategy that I used in 'Battle at Kawanaka Island'." 

"Any normal person would think 'Takeda Shingen will definitely not use a failed strategy'." 

"Yes, that's definitely true, but Saitou Dousan isn't some normal person." 

"... If his history isn't exaggerated, attacking us like Kenshin did is a possibility, isn't it?" 

"I think so too." 

"But what if he has seen through this too? What can we do if he guards Gifu and refuses to come out even if we have an overwhelming advantage of numbers? Last time, when Dousan battled with Oda Nobuna's father, didn't he demonstrate skill with guarding and letting his enemy underestimate him with his 'Kanoguchi strategy [15] '?" 

"Master, this is a battle between crafty old men. With a battle like this, the one who thinks too much will be the one who loses. Doubtless, the one who is thinking too much now is that Viper of Mino. Dousan has a reason to finish this fight with us as soon as he can." Riding on the horse, Kansuke spoke slowly, "Right now, it's about time for the battle between Oda and Asai Asakura to begin at Omi's Anegawa. A daughter worrying for her father, and a father worrying for his daughter; their feelings for each other will only cause both of them anxiety." 

"Will Oda Nobuna rush over here after the battle at Anegawa ends?" 

"Exactly, so Saitou Dousan's first priority is to force us to retreat before that happens. If Oda Nobuna lets the enemy retreat and doesn't eliminate the Asai Asakura clans, the world will belongs to Master. Saitou Dousan sees through this, and will have no choice but to attack us head on." 

It sounds like a solid deduction, but for you to manipulate a battle around the feelings of a father and daughter, you really are a demon. 

Shingen glanced to the west as she sighed, as if she had remembered something. 

"Seta is right ahead. I have seen the night sky, and both the stars of Oda Nobuna and Saitou Dousan were shining intermittently. Both of them had a destroyer with them, and it will be hard for them to escape the fate of being destroyed." 

"Fate? If the Takeda Clan has it's own fate... No, isn't your miraculous survival at Kawanaka Island some sort of fate too?" 

"I'm sorry, I do not watch my own star. If I know my own fate, it will be hard for me to keep a calm head, and it will cast a shadow whenever I make decisions." 

Shingen narrowed her eyes. 

At the other side of the mist, she could feel something moving. 

Did Kansuke feel it? 

The army of Gifu had came down from the mountain. Saitou Dousan had chosen a head on battle as expected, though this was different from the time at Kawanaka island. 

She had not split up my forces and sent out a strike force. The strongest, most capable Takeda cavalry were by her side, right here. 

"The situation has changed. The first to strike wins; it's time for the Takeda Clan to attack!" 

"Please be more careful, Master. I sense a weird aura in the mist." 

At the other side of the mist was a totally different "aura". 

"Hmph, a trap, huh? Cheap tricks, they can't be a threat in front of the Sanada ninjas of the Takeda clan!" 

"No, it's not like that. This... isn't a samurai, nor a ninja, not even an omyouji... But this 'aura' is frightening, just who is it!?" 

As Kansuke starred with bloodshot eyes… 

As if cutting the mist apart, a huge black horse rushed over, the ground trembling with its every hoof beat. 

And atop this black horse was a knight wearing golden armor covering her head to toe, a golden armor shining like the sun. Carved on the breastplate and golden shield was a cross insignia. In another hand was an extremely large namban spear totally different from Japanese spears. 

The golden knight and black horse riding in the mist seems to have fused into one impossible demon. If Date Masamune were here, she would have clapped her hands in joy and shouted, "Ohh, isn't that the black knight that was recorded in the book of revelations? Kukuku." 

"What is that!?" 

"A..A...A...A...A... monster appeared!?" 

"Uwahhh, our souls will be sucked away if we meet it's eye..." 

The Takeda army's foot soldiers were panicking in an instant. 

The soldiers of Kai were very strong, so much so that just one of them was able to fight 3 Owari soldier. They seemed completely unfamiliar with namban people, however, so when a namban knight wearing a full suit of golden armor suddenly rushed out from the mist, the soldiers all thought it a monster that should not exist in this world. The Takeda foot soldiers famous for being "resolute" were blown apart easily. 

"Giovanna Lortez, Holy Warrior of the Knights of Saint John is here! Japanese samurais, if you have even a tinge of courage left in you, have a duel with me!" 

John!? That was the name recorded in the Book of Revelations! Of course, the knight recorded in that book had appeared!! If Date Masamune were present in the Takeda camp, she would have laughed without hesitation, "Kukuku, you like to taste the power of my Jyakigan so much?" and accepted the duel with gusto. 

But, facing a never before seen, inauspicious monster, none of the Kai soldiers unfamiliar with the foreign knight's culture could have such a courage. Then, from somewhere withing the Takeda ranks- 

Bham! 

Piang!!!! 

The golden knight deflected it easily with her spear's handle, but the sudden sound shocked the Takeda Clan's limited arquebus squads into a fire at will. One by one, they opened fire upon the knight. Giovanna deflected every bullet, then chose to rush straight to Takeda Shingen even as the hail of metal continued. 

Just then, a bullet hit right on target at Giovanna's head. 

"Yes, it's a head shot!" 

"If it's a human, that'll defin-- EH!?!??" 

.... 

Giovanna's movement had only stopped for an instant. After that, she rushed onwards like nothing had happened. 

No injuries. 

"I praise your technological skills in mass producing arquebus in such a short time, but... It's impossible to pierce my helmet at such a range!" 

Uwahhhhh. 

The Takeda Clan's strict discipline fell to the wayside as every soldier panicked at the appearance of a single knight. Now was the time to test the Takeda claim "Undaunted like a Mountain". 

"With this as our base, launch a full assault at Saitou Dousan!" Shingen shouted the order as she sat on the bench her aides had prepared. "Kansuke, analyze that person's strength. Also, tell the four generals that they are not to be provoked easily by the opponent." 

"Understood." 

"It's about time for the mist to disperse. Order the cavalry to make preparations for charging ahead." 

"Roger." 

This strange warrior who had seemingly come from hell had snatched the first attack, but wars weren't won with such cheap ploys. Compared to the despair they felt when Uesugi Kenshin's army suddenly appeared at Hachiman on Kawanaka island, this was nothing. 

The Takeda army had survived even such a battle. 

Still, there was a huge feeling overwhelming any fear that was sprouting out from Shingen's chest. 

Courage... Not exactly. 

Recklessness... No, not that either. 

Maybe it was only when her concentration was focused on the battle in front of her that Shingen felt truly alive. 

Kansuke's strategy had not been discovered. Instead, one could say that Saitou Dousan, who had abandoned the defense of Gifu Castle and initiated the attack, had fallen for the strategy and been forced into a corner. 

"Master, the invincible Takeda cavalry has finished preparations for charging!" 

"Hmmm." 

Kansuke firmly believed that he could win, and Shingen's trust for Kansuke was unshaken. Just that was enough. 

… But Saitou Dousan didn't add only that metal samurai to his army. 

Bham 

BhamBhamBhamBham 

"...Hmm!? What's that loud sound...!?" 

"It's...It's arquebus. And the numbers, maybe fifty... No, there are more than a hundred! Just when did they gather so many, that damned Oda Nobuna." 

"Master, the horses aren't used to gunshots; many are spooked by the noise." 

"Hmph, as one would expect from the Oda army, they have made use of their control over Sakai. They are not opponents that I can eliminate instantly with the charging power of my cavalry... Form the fish scales formation [16] !" 

"Roger!" 

"After suppressing the Oda, I will produce arquebus too. It will be extremely difficult to implement it with the cavalry, but with our horses that scared we lose our edge." 

"Our numbers are at 30,000, and the enemy numbers no more than a few thousand. We are at a complete advantage in numbers. We can forcefully destroy the enemy arquebus squads if we sacrifice a third of our cavalry, but..." 

"You are thinking about perfect victory again, Kansuke? The world is looking at this battle, and only the victor today can be the real conqueror of the world. If possible, I would also prefer to shed a minimum of my soldiers blood..." 

"I understand, if so, let us use my 'Altered Woodpecker strategy' then." 

"Now is the best chance to wash off the humiliation you hold from Kawanaka island, Kansuke." 

The kouga arquebus squads, led by Takigawa Kazumasu, combined with Dousan's arquebus squads shot all together, aiming to frighten the Takeda cavalry. The arquebus that were gathered at Gifu through Nobuna's long term trading with Imai Soukyu, plus those Kazumasu owned herself, allowed Dousan to field a few hundred arquebus soldiers. The Kai soldiers never expected such a number. Not even Shingen and Kansuke had a way to quickly get their horses acclimated to the chorus of gunfire. 

Even this wasn't enough to stop Kansuke or Shingen however, and both regained their composure in an instant. 

During the wave of gunshots, the aides had erected multiple flags of "Furinkazan" in the main camp. This was Shingen's silent declaration to not retreat a step. 

Standing beside Shingen, Yamamoto Kansuke laughed unafraid and said "Master, let me present the 'Altered Woodpecker strategy'" 

"Hmmm" 

~ ~ ~ 

"I didn't expect that we would be the ones to rush out to attack them, Mamutsuchi" 

"Mamutsuchi?" 

"That's you, kuku." 

Compared to the Takeda army's huge "Fish scale formation" slowly advancing upon them, Saitou Dousan's army at the foot of Mount Gifu was obviously lacking in numbers. 

Just like a single grain of wheat soon to be swallowed by the immense sea. 

"Takeda Shingen will definitely attack Gifu Castle after crossing Kiso River through the mist. Normal people wouldn't expect Shingen to use the woodpecker strategy after it failed on Kawanaka Island, but because they can predict that I have seen through that, Shingen will definitely do just that. Hmph, I can't let the Gifu Castle Nobuna-sama passed to me be filled with the flames of battle." 

After sending Yoshiharu to Omi, Dousan gave the order for the whole army to attack straight away. Dousan then gathered hundreds of arquebus as a last hope, and with an ear-deafening blast of gunshots he stopped the advance of the Takeda cavalry. First, the golden knight Giovanna succeeded in shaking the resolve of the foot soldiers, then the gunshots successfully sent Shingen's pride, Takeda cavalry into a state of panic. 

"Is it really ok to put everything we have right here? We've left Gifu Castle completely undefended." 

"Even if she plans to throw me off by using a failed plan, Shingen won't be dumb enough to use the exact same 'Woodpecker strategy' she used at Kawanaka island. Besides, though our numbers are smaller, no one dares to split their forces in half if I am their their opponent." 

In fact, Dousan seemed to have it right. From just a glance, Shingen's army seemed to be the her full 30,000. She had committed all of her army she prepared for Kyo into this battle. 

Kazumasu had first suggested they use the advantage of the arquebus to guard the castle for a long period of time, but Dousan did not agree. If he used such a strategy, the cities at the foot of the mountain would definitely be destroyed. These were cities that he had designed, built and nurtured himself. Oda Nobuna, who had succeeded Dousan's ambition, even shifted a part of Sakai's business here and altered the cities into another important area for namban trade. Nobuna had even scheduled the construction of a building for that namban church she was interested in. 

No father could see something so obviously their child become a place of ruin. 

"Now Nobuna herself is facing a tough battle. This period would decide the fate of the world; sending reinforcements to Gifu would definitely be a fatal mistake. The reason for my existence is to sweep clean Nobuna's path, to allow her to conquer the world easier. My only option is to force Takeda Shingen to retreat to Kai as soon as I can!" 

With his objective set, Dousan stepped onto the battlefield. 

Of course, even if he had the intention to die without regret, Dousan wasn't some other reckless general. The golden knight Giovanna rushing through the mist, and using the gunshots to stop the advance of the cavalry, all went according to Dousan's predictions. 

Dousan, who had personally entered the battlefield, put down his arquebus, narrowed his eyes and observed "Look, Shingen pitched camp. Though we have attacked first, the opponent's reactions seem very calm. It does not bode well for us... *Cough*Cough*" 

"A...Are you ok, Mamutsuchi? You're coughing up blood already." 

"Somehow, I recalled my 'Battle of Kanoguchi', so long ago. Nobuna-sama's father, Oda Nobuhide attacked much like Shingen. I intentionally faked defeat as I retreated back to the castle, and then the moment he let down his guard I was able to eliminate the whole the Oda army." 

For the daughter of his ultimate nemesis, Nobuhide to actually inherit my dream, who could have imagined it back then... 

"Even If my life is forfeit, I will see to it this castle behind me is never wrapped up in battle, even if my opponent is Takeda Shingen or Yamamoto Kansuke." Dousan glanced at the sky. Though his eyes were lifeless, his tone was full of determination. 

Kazumasu at his side could only mumble to herself in a soft voice, "It looks like your eyes won't be able to see anything soon, Geezer..." 

"What should we do now? Though I want to send out a squad to cut off Shingen's retreat, we don't have the manpower. Should we command the arquebus squads to attack?" 

"It's ok, Kazumasu-chan, I don't plan on getting you into dangerous situations. Since Shingen has pitched camp, we can move onto the next phase of our plans as well. Now is the time for the soldiers I cultivated myself to step onto the stage. Guys, are you all prepared?" 

"Yohh!" The cavalry under Dousan answered and marched under the mist. 

Are all of you old already? What a soft shout! 

These cavalry warriors had been accompanying Dousan ever since he was an oil-seller at Kyoto. Ever since Dousan had revolted and seized Mino for himself, they were the heroes who had been with him all this while. Even when Dousan and his son Yoshitatsu were in contention at Nagara river, they did not abandon Dousan under such overwhelming disadvantages and stayed loyal to him. 

"Spread out and rush into the enemy formation. Try to split up the cavalry to weaken the defense surrounding Shingen. Our only chance is for that namban knight to get close to Takeda Shingen! If the one in front of you falls, forge ahead even if you have to step over his corpse! Fight to the last until one of you to has Shingen's head! Beware of her substitute, even if you have finished Shingen off, do not drop your guard. There might be another or even two Takeda Shingens right behind her. I know it's a suicide mission, but don't worry about leaving me. I will be joining all of you guys very soon." 

"Dousan-sama, even if it's hell, we swear to follow you." 

"You have let us see a beautiful future." 

"Who would have thought a frivolous oil seller would be the father of the conqueror of the world? It's enough of a joke to make anyone laugh." 

"Hmph, the once suave youngster has now become a dried up geezer." 

"Have you done some guilty things, Dousan-sama?" 

"You must have hurt many maiden's heart when you were young, right?" 

"This must be heaven's punishment." 

The old soldiers gave a cheerful laugh as they rushed forwards without a hint of hesitation. 

"My only regret is not seeing the day Yoshitatsu-dono and Dousan-dono reconcile." Someone felt they must say. 

"The blood flowing in Yoshitatsu's veins is that of the master I banished, the blood of the Tsuchizaki Clan. Don't say such impossible things." Dousan said with a lonely smile. 

"...Finally, let me be the bait to lure the Takeda army. If anything happens, Kazumasu, don't hesitate to retreat to the castle. If I let such a cute girl die, the world's number one frivolous guy Yoshiharu will never forgive me. *cough*cough*" 

"You look frighteningly unwell, geezer. Leave this war to me, go and rest quickly." 

"Haha, if I don't stand here, how can we lure the soldiers of the Takeda Clan over?" He didn't even have the strength to squeeze the his arquebus' trigger; the flames of Dousan's life were slowly burning out. 

"No, I can't die yet. Before I can force the Takeda Clan to retreat, I can't leave this life. No matter what, I must see the gallant form of Nobuna conquering the world." 

Dousan tried his best to smile for Kazumasu. 

But the two eyes that weren't able to see anything suddenly recovered, though not because Dousan had recuperated. A sudden change of events filled Dousan with despair so great he even forgot about his own death. 

At the top of the empty Gifu Castle were full of flags bearing the symbol "Tsuchizaki Clan" 

In an instant, Dousan understood that he had lost to Yamamoto Kansuke in terms of strategy. 

Who would have thought, Shingen really had used the "Woodpecker strategy" that had almost lost her her whole Takeda army on me. 

The important difference was that the one who had conquered Gifu wasn't Takeda Shingen's strike force. If Shingen had really sent out a strike force, Dousan would definitely have noticed it no matter how dull his eyes had become. 

The real identity of the sudden enemy that appeared, 

Was the remnants of the Tsuchizaki Clan Dousan had banished from Mino. 

And their head was undoubtedly, 

"....Yoshitatsu....!" 

After Nobuna banished him for objecting to surrender, Dousan's god-son Yoshitatsu had hidden away somewhere. Now, he led an army and erected countless flags atop Nobuna and Dousan's dream castle, Gifu and gave out lots of cheers. 

"I had not expected that thick skinned brat to betray us at such a moment. Uhh, I was too naive at that time!" 

In these final moments, Dousan tasted the feeling of "Retribution" 

"Though I was saved by Yoshiharu once, it seems like I couldn't escape from the fate of being killed by my own son, Yoshitatsu." 

Even if I have given my dream to Nobuna, in the end I must bear my own sins. 

Dousan felt an annoying tug in his chest like something in his lungs had broken down. In his despair, he suddenly coughed out a gob amount of blood. 

"Geezer!?" 

"....It's been for naught, Kazumasu. I have lost to Yamamoto Kansuke who has once again used the 'Woodpecker strategy', I'm afraid I can only die now." 

Looking at Dousan's hopeless face, Kazumasu couldn't find any words to comfort him. Even in this sengoku era where one's own flesh and blood would stab you in the back, the things happening right now were too cruel. 

"Our army can't hang on much longer, hurry and escape Kazumasu. Run away right now." In a distance, Dousan could almost hear the taunting laughter of Yamamoto Kansuke. 

Part 4 

The fierce battle of Anegawa raged on. 

The 3rd layer, Sagara Yoshiharu's camp was defeated. 

The 4th layer, Shibata Katsuie's camp was chaotic. 

Niwa Nagahide's camp, broken down. 

Matsunaga Hisahide's camp, defeated. 

Despairing reports reached Inuchiyo as she observed the battle situation with Nobuna, but in such a chaotic battle there was no way to verify any information that came in. There was no description for the scenery in front of Nobuna's eyes other than "Oda army, total disarray." 

If this went on, sending out reinforcements to Viper would be the least troubling problem... 

The whole Oda army might be eliminated right here. 

The Asai Clan had already betrayed the Oda Clan once. Even if Nobuna chose to surrender to spare her retainers' lives, the odds of anyone being spared were slim. No, to surrender to an ex-comrade, the Asai Nagamasa who had once fought with her to conquer the world, only that… 

"Asai Nagamasa is heading straight for the main camp. The 11th layer has just been breached; the twelfth layer and this main camp are the only lines left!" 

"Dearuka." 

The scout who had finished reporting collapsed onto the ground, motionless. On his back were countless arrows. 

"...We can only change our formation, Hime-sama. We must gather all our scattered troops and changed into the rounded formation for defense." Maeda Inuchiyo moaned. Her first priority was to protect Nobuna, just as it had always been. 

"I understand, but that's impossible. We don't even know where everyone is now; sending out messengers... Even if we send them out, we are only sending them to their deaths." 

Nobuna and Inuchiyo raised their head on reflex and looked at the winter sky. It wasn't because they suddenly believed in Gods or Buddhas. When humans are forced into a corner, they naturally turn their eyes to the sky and pray. 

The blue sky over their heads looked calm and beautiful, in complete contrast to the bloody mess on the ground. 

And in the middle of the sky, a kite flew high above. 

"....Hime-sama, look!" 

"That's... Saru's writing!" 

The words are slanted and crooked, but any soldier, be it the Asai Asakura or Oda army, could clearly understand the meaning of those words. Luckily, the sky was devoid of clouds as well. 

The words on the kite were very simple. 

[I'M GOING TO RUB NOBUNA'S TITS NOW WAHAHAHAHAHA ~by Saru.] 

~ ~ ~ 

The first to notice the kite and burst into a rage was Shibata Katsuie. 

After reading Yoshiharu's unloyal, unheard of and completely-at-odds-with-the-mood betrayal, Katsuie, who had rushed into the enemy without thinking and was isolated by hundreds of hostile soldiers, was instantly enveloped with a blazing fury. 

"Sasasasasasaru!!! You hadn't learn your lesson after being banished to Ise!?!? To reveal your demonic monkey instinct at such a time!!!!! EVERYONE, OUR FOREMOST ENEMY FROM NOW ON IS SAGARA YOSHIHARU! HIME-SAMA'S CHASTITY IS MINE TO PROTECT!!!!!!!!!!" 

Katsuie's momentum crashed unhindered over the enemies surrounding her. The aide that followed her threw a vase to her. 

"Shibata-sama! Now!" 

"Perfect! Secret technique, broken vase slash! Go to helllllllllll!" 

Klang 

The flying vase shattered under Katsuie's full swing. 

Biu-Biu-Biu-Biu 

"Uwahh" 

"Ahh!" 

"Wahhhh!" 

The soldiers round her fell one after another, and the nearly-routed Shibata squad broke out and gathered together again. 

"Everyone, we must rush to Hime-sama's camp right nowwww! I must cut the head of Saru off!!!!!" 

~ ~ ~ 

At the other side of the battle, Akechi Mitsuhide and her arquebus squad had finally secured a small hill as their base, where they were soon joined by Niwa Nagahide, saying "Rather than splitting up and making ourselves easy targets, why don't we face our backs together and help each other out." They discovered the kite in the sky at the same time and their jaws instantly hit the ground. For several seconds, they had no idea how to respond. 

"Wh...Wh...Wh...What is this!!? I...I...Is...Is...Isn't Sagara Yoshiharu-senpai supposed to be Juubei Mitsuhide's husband!?" 

"Just seeing this is enough to say that the so-called husband situation was all Akechi-sama's misunderstanding." 

"Bu...But, to talk about rubbing Nobuna-sama's breasts or something at such a time, just what is that bastard Saru thinking!? Do...Don't tell me Senpai has gone crazy? Ah, I understand. It's because you can't hold the marriage with this beautiful and elegant Juubei, and under such despair, Senpai must have gone crazy... Senpai, don't give up!" 

"Sigh~ If we let Sagara-dono run amok, the whole Oda army will fall into a never seen before chaos even without a disadvantageous battle. 3 points." 

"Noooooo, Senpai, no, no! I must protect Nobuna-sama! Everyone, rush towards Nobuna-sama's camp now! We can still make it! We must stop senpai, who has become deluded by despair over not holding his rightful marriage ceremony with Juubei!" 

"Akechi-sama, now is a good chance to gather our whole army once again, 85 points." 

Mitsuhide's arquebus squad was skilled in attacking, especially so in breaking apart the enemy's formation. Even in the middle of such a chaotic battle, they could still advance smoothly. Niwa Nagahide's troops were in turn more skilled in defending like an iron wall than attacking. With their combined and balanced talents, they successfully defeated the enemy and headed towards Nobuna's main camp. 

~ ~ ~ 

"Well, he certainly seems to always think of something interesting." 

After her own camp was breached, Matsunaga Hisahide had used her own Houzouin spear skills to scatter blood all across her path through the chaotic battlefield. 

"I had already given up after the assassination of Shingen failed, but it looks like as long as Saru-kun is around, the life of the Oda Clan won't reach it's end!" Hisahide yelled, as she threw expensive tea sets at the enemy from the back of her horse without hesitation. 

"Haha, let me accompany you guys for a little more bloodshed. If this is the situation, I must get back to Nobuna-sama's side now. Here, I'll will give each of you a personal present from hell." 

The Asakura army, having long since lost themselves killing their enemies, were attracted by these tea sets thrown to them. 

"That's... quite an exquisite item." 

"Compared to swinging our swords around, these are much more worth my life." 

"Such tea sets are worth the same as a province or fortress!" 

"It's mine! That's mineeeee!" 

A snatching battle erupted behind Hisahide instantly. 

Haha, what a bunch of sinful people. Didn't I say they were "Presents from Hell"? Hisahide's face broke into a dark smile. 

And then, just behind her, there was a huge explosion. 

The Asakura soldiers who were snatching for the tea sets were all blown to pieces by an explosion. 

Those tea sets, it turned out, were full of explosives. 

"Now, even if we gather everyone to the main camp and increase our defenses, we can't stop the fresh demon Asai Nagamasa. Sagara Yoshiharu, at such a hopeless situation, just how much fun can you bring me with that monkey intellect of yours?" 

~ ~ ~ 

"Look, Hanbei-chan! The Oda Clan's warriors are slowly gathering at Nobuna's main camp! With this, we can set up our formation again; we can fight once more!" 

"Uhh, Yoshiharu-sama, please be careful to not let Shibata-sama cut off your head. That low reputation you have among the female retainers of the Oda Clan is going to drop to the absolute bottom now." 

"Don't mind it at all, Hanbei-chan! My reputation among the guys has been increased a lot!" 

"Yeah, commander!" 

"Really, pluck up your courage and rub Hime-sama's breasts!" 

"Just the breasts aren't enough! A kiss! You must get that reward of a kiss back!" 

"Yeah, only by claiming the lips of Hime-sama can you appease the souls of the comrades who have died in Kanegasaki." 

Through the tough battle at Kanegasaki, the heroic comrades that could now each fight ten enemies had known about Nobuna's breaking of the promise of the kiss and banishing of Yoshiharu to Ise. They all shouted, "You must kiss her this time!" and began to cheer up. 

"Brat, I find it hard to understand your passion for boobs!" 

"But as long as it isn't our boss, it's ok for you to rub anyone's breasts." 

"Those big breasts of grown women are totally devoid of beauty, I really don't understand why you are so obsessed with such things!" 

"If you dare have any weird thoughts about the smooth, flat tits of our boss, be careful of your life!" 

Goemon's subordinates, the once-thieves of the Kawanami Clan were in abnormally high tension. 

The soldiers who had despaired after hearing that Mikawa couldn't send reinforcements had somehow regained their morale and became ready to fight after seeing the kite flying high up in the sky. 

"Commander Sagara, use this chance to go!" 

"Use the situation and get the reward back!!" 

"Ohh! Leave it to me! We must teach that petty Nobuna, 'Promises are not to be broken'! Wahahahaha!" 

Whether they were cavalry or foot soldiers, every Oda soldier rushed to the main camp with a serious face. 

"Nya? It isn't a festival, yet everyone seems to be motivated." 

"Yoshiharu-sama seems half-serious too, uhhh." 

At the other side of the battle. 

The soldiers who had been fighting alone everywhere had slowly gathered at the sides of the hill that served as Nobuna's main camp. Most of the surviving Oda Clan general had understood the correct intentions of Yoshiharu's words, and had set up defensive formations near the camp. 

"I SAW YOU, SARUUUUUU! DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HIME-SAMA! DIEEEEEEEEEE!" 

"Wait, wait a minute, Katsuie! This is a plan thought up by Hanbei-chan..." 

"DO YOU THINK YOU CAN BLUFF ME!? SAYING SOMETHING LIKE RUBBING HI...HI...HI...HIME-SAMA'S BREASTS, YOU DON'T FEEL SATISFIED WITH MY BREASTS THAT ARE AS BIG AS A COW'S!? YOU RUBBED THEM LIKE YOU PLEASED.... YO...YOU ERO-SARU THAT DOESN'T REPAY HIS DEBTS OF GRATITUDE!!!!" 

...Unfortunately, a few famous warriors did not seem to notice Yoshiharu's intentions. All in all, Yoshiharu decided to forget about them and head to the main camp. 

"Sagara-senpai, is it so terrible for you to not marry Juubei? ...Please, return to your senses. If this goes on, senpai will just be too pitiful. Following my principle of helping people, no matter what time it is, I have decided that I, Juubei will marry you! So, please return to the path of men, senpai!" 

"Um, Juubei, why do you have a bridal hairstyle on the battlefield!?" 

"I said, I will sacrifice myself to save senpai! You must be lonely after Nobuna forced you to separate from Juubei and go to Ise yourself. So lonely that you've become like this! Senpai is just so pitiful." 

"It's not like that! How can someone so smart like Juubei have such a misunderstanding? If I hadn't just gathered the fragmented army, we would have been defeated by now! Notice this already!" 

"Sagara-senpai, there you go again, not being honest with yourself. Senpai~" 

"Don't hug me all of a sudden! This is a battlefield, where men are most fired up! If we are suddenly hugged by cute girls, we would lose our minds!" 

"What are you saying, things like me being a cute girl? It's an obvious fact, but Juubei is so happy!" 

"I already said don't hug me already!" 

Bham, Nobuna fired a shot to separate Yoshiharu and Mitsuhide. 

"Saru! Thanks to your ruse, we are safe for now, but the first eleven layers of the 13-layered formation have been breached. We only have this main camp and the twelfth layer left." 

Nobuna was sitting at the main camp, surrounded by sword wielding aides under Inuchiyo's command. From their expressions, the aides were more concerned with guarding against Yoshiharu in front of them, not the Asai or Asakura. 

"Nagahide, who is commanding the twelfth layer?" 

"The commander of the twelfth layer is..." 

"Hehe, it's Tsuda Kanjuurou Nobusumi, your brother Nobuna-sama." Matsunaga Hisahide rode in on her horse, her smoke pipe hanging idly from her hand. 

"Why is it that fellow of all people!?!?!?" 

"He wouldn't stop pestering me, saying that he wanted to help too. Since I couldn't take it anymore, I threw him into the last layer." Though Nobuna puffed up her cheeks in an angry expression, it was obvious that she was worried about her brother. 

At the other side, Yoshiharu let out a howl. 

"Don't know why, but Nobusumi has been thinking that he and Asai Nagamasa had really become husband and wife during the time he was in Omi. Don't tell me Nobusumi has awoken to interests of that sort? Or is it like the rumors of the modern world that the sengoku warriors all liked something like that!? No matter what, this is a worst case scenerio!" 

"What the hell are you talking about, Saru?" 

"Both of them are intertwined through love and hatred. I'm afraid that Nobusumi has made the resolve to stop Asai Nagamasa even if he dies, and is planning to tie his fate together with his camp!" 

"How can this be?" Nobuna was nearly shouting, her composure crumbling 

"Don't worry, I won't let Nobusumi do such silly things! I will protect him myself!" 

Yoshiharu turned his horse around and sped through towards the frontlines of the battlefield, the 12th layer. 

"Hanbei-chan, I leave the commanding of the troops to you! Get everyone into the 'Rounded formation'!" 

"Un...Understood." 

With a soft "poof", Goemon suddenly appeared on Yoshiharu's horse and hugged him tightly. 

"I...I...I...I seem to have forgotten that Organtino-sama is still buried in the ground, Uhh~" 

Though behind him Hanbei seemed to be shouting something important, due to the soft volume of her voice Yoshiharu could not hear her at all. 

"You seem to be used to riding horses now, Sagara-shi." 

"Is that so? Haha, somehow I've mastered it." 

"Tsuda-shi asked me not to speak of it to anyone, but now I feel I must say it. Asai Nagamasa is actually a lass." 

"Wh...What!?" 

"When she was separated from Tsuda-shi, Nagamasa abanboned her female identity and chose the bath(path) that her father boped(hoped)! Sbhe hbad givben ubp hber owbn habppinebss for thith war!(She had given up her own happiness for this war!) 

I see, so that's why Nobusumi was so depressed! 

Now that she mentioned it, the reason Hanbei agreed to the marriage wasn't because it made a good prank, but because she had seen through Nagamasa's real identity from the start. 

"Though that fellow Nobusumi had crossdressed and was married to a guy, I had not noticed that manly expression he's had on him ever since he came back. So this is what happened!" 

"I also know of it through a coincidence, but after that, Tsuda-shi begbged me to nbot tebll his wibfe's secrbet to anyobne no mbatter what." (begged me to not tell his wife's secret to anyone no matter what.) 

"If it's exposed, the Asai Clan who strongly believed that Nagamasa is a guy might have collapsed immediately." 

"He said that he couldn't ruin his beloved wife's life." 

"Ahh, I can understand his feelings, how can he let the woman he loves fall into a crisis!? Whether it's me or Nobusumi, we have deep feelings for the female kind." 

But with this, Nobusumi was far more likely to sacrifice himself to stop Nagamasa. If it's that Nobusumi who is caught between his admired Aneue and his beloved wife... 

Carrying Nagamasa's secret deep in his heart, he planned to use his own life to stop the rampage of his wife. 

"As long as both of them live on, the hope for reconciliation between the Oda Clan and the Asai Clan won't disappear. I must not let them die here." Yoshiharu shouted, cementing his determination. 

"Stop joking, that fellow won't be able to pull off such a suave role! As long as one lives, he can get his hands on any happiness that once slipped away!" 

Part 5 

"How persistent you are, Oda Nobuna. To think you could still gather your army and make the 'Rounded formation'." 

Until now, the Asai Asakura allied forces faced a decisive victory. 

Under the two prong attack of the eastern Asai army and the western Asakura army, the Oda army's formation had fallen to pieces. Standing at the forefront of the Asai army, Asai Nagamasa had already broken through the eleventh layer and was completely soaked with blood. 

Just a little more, after breaking through the last formation in front of me, the Oda Clan's main camp will be right ahead. 

But as the end seemed so close, elements began to appear that could stop Nagamasa's demonic approach. 

First, the Oda army, previously in total disarray and fighting individually, had gathered at the sides of the main camp as though they were sewn up by an invisible thread and had set up a strong "Rounded formation". 

Second, this last layer didn't seem to be so easy to break through. To Nagamasa, who had easily broken through the camp of even the fierce warrior Shibata Katsuie, this had already far surpassed her imagination. 

The troops in the twelfth layer only numbered around 800. From what she could see, the were in a fairly standard formation. There were no elaborate traps, nor large amounts of arquebus. Of course, the Oda Clan could not possibly have another extremely courageous warrior guarding the camp; she had passed them all on her way here. 

But, this common camp had deflected Nagamasa's attacks twice. 

"Why are these guys this adamant?" Nagamasa asked, biting her lips and looking at the enemy's hilltop camp. Without waiting for an answer, she gathered her cavalry and formed a piercing formation again. 

"If I don't break through this camp now, the 'rounded formation' is going to complete. If that happens, cutting off Oda Nobuna's head will become an impossible task." 

"Who would have thought that you can do things to such an extent, Asai Nagamasa? As expected of a renowned warrior, I rather relieved that you aren't my enemy." 

At the last possible moment, Asakura Yoshikage suddenly appeared at Nagamasa's side. 

"How about we just pass this camp and attack the base's sides while the 'rounded formation' isn't complete? From the banners, Shibata Katsuie is at the north-eastern side and Niwa Nagahide is at the north-western side building a new camp. If we let them finish their defensive preparation, it will be almost impossible to attack their main camp." 

"Asakura Yoshikage, even after your insistence on capturing Oda Nobuna alive, that sounded like a subtle dig at the small trouble I'm having here." 

"There's nothing subtle about it. I just feel that you won't be able to break through this camp. There's an abnormal aura surrounding this layer, and if we can't attack the Oda army's main camp, we have no right to talk about capturing Oda Nobuna alive, can we?" 

"Are you so sure I cannot break through!? I'm already a demon now! Just wait for me to break through it and dink around behind me, like you've been doing!" 

Rather than passing god-sister to this man, I will finish her off. Asai Nagamasa made her decision, and once again she filled herself with fighting intentions born of despair and rushed down the hillside. 

"Everyone, follow me! This is our last battlefield!" 

The Asai cavalry responded straight away, and with a beast-like roar they followed Nagamasa with a charge. 

Here it comes. 

Thee aren't the spears of the weakest Owari soldiers. Here it is again. 

"Even if I die..." 

"...here..." 

"I will never let you guys pass!" 

How could these average soldiers be so adamant…? Nagamasa swung her katana again and again at the heads of the soldiers, their anti-cavalry formation like an iron wall. Onwards, she pushed, towards the centre of the camp, where she would find the commander of the twelfth layer. 

Rushing over to cut down his head. 

Just rush over like this. 

My heart is already dead. Whether it's the past, or the future, I've abandoned them all. 

But... 

Just this one person... 

The person she couldn't abandon no matter how much she wanted to was standing right there. 

"I'm Oda Nobuna's brother, Tsuda Kanjuurou Nobusumi. I will never let you reach Aneue!" 

I should have abandoned these feelings of mine. 

To protect the Asai Clan, I have to give this person up even if I have to endure this agonizing and excruciating pain. 

But 

"Oichi, if you want to take Aneue's head no matter what, then take my head first! I Kanjuurou Nobusumi, tasked with leading the twelfth layer, will not retreat even if I'm the last person standing!" 

Nobusumi rushed towards Nagamasa atop his white horse, a soldiers armor replacing his usual frivolous dress, and his face ashen pale. 

The hand holding his katana was trembling... 

"Oichi, since you have chosen to fight for your father, then I can only choose to stay here and die for Aneue! Aneue and Saru-kun have once saved my life, so right now, my life exists for them....." 

How weak... 

Such a relaxed posture, weak waist, no matter what happens, he won't be able to kill the demon Saruyashamaru. 

"If possible, I wish to die by Kanjuurou's hands." The "Oichi" in Nagamasa's heart cried. 

But the battle-seasoned body reacts naturally against nearing enemies. 

The sword in Nagamasa's hands slashed at the front legs of Nobusumi's white steed, and Nobusumi's body fell from the horse. 

"I'm sorry." 

Nagamasa wanted to swing around Nobusumi and ride on, but Nobusumi did not give up even as he fell to the ground, the katana on his hands stabbing at Nagamasa's steed. 

"How can I let you pass!" 

Like squeezing the last bit of strength in his body, Nobusumi stood up. 

"!" 

Asai Nagamasa reflexively wanted to cut off Nobusumi's arms. 

But she couldn't do it. 

Just like the time when she had to betray the Oda Clan and chose to live on as Asai Nagamasa... 

There was something in Nagamasa's heart that stopped her. 

I can't slash it no matter what. 

Nagamasa finally noticed, she had not chosen anything at all. 

The courage to make a decision, the courage to abandon; never had it at all. 

To kill and abandon my father, to kill and abandon my own husband, I can't do any of it. 

I don't know even who I am anymore. Why I was born, who I should love, who I should cherish; I know nothing anymore. I can't go on, my body can't move, there's only darkness in front of me. 

"KANJUUROU, I'M NOT THE OICHI THAT YOU KNOW OF ANYMORE! LEAVE NOW!" 

So it's like this. 

Other than this weak man's smile, this weak man who seems to understand and accept everything, there's nothing greater I could want in this world. 

Right now... 

Right now, it's already... too late. 

"How can I leave!? I'm your husband, Oichi! Since you want to remove the existence of Oichi, and live on as Asai Nagamsa, then kill me! Only by killing me will the Oichi in my heart....." 

Will the Oichi in my heart live on, Nobusumi wanted to say, but the horse kicked him in his stomach, and the weak body of Nobusumi was once again lying on the ground. 

His whole body was soaked with his blood and his wrist was broken, but in Nobusumi's eyes right now, there was only Nagamasa. 

It wasn't a look full of hatred. 

But a look as if he was chasing after a fleeting dream. 

Just when he had almost caught it, it had slipped away from his hands. 

Those disdainful, pitiful eyes... 

Nobusumi was so injured he could no longer stand up. 

"Kanjuurou..." 

The cavalry that had all turned into demons with Nagamasa had reached them by now. 

"Tsuda Nobusumi-sama, your head is mine!" 

"Prepare yourself!" 

"Rest in peace!" 

Spears, 

Katanas, 

Countless weapons flew towards Nobusumi, who was still trying to crawl towards Nagamasa despite all his injuries... 

"ST...STOP, STOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!" 

"Don't kill Nobusumi! Asai Nagamasa!" 

Just when Nagamasa wants to shout out, Sagara Yoshiharu reached the twelfth layer under the cover of a smokescreen Goemon had thrown out. Nagamasa cried, wanting to use her own body to protect Nobusumi who was going to be killed by her own retainers. Before she could, Yoshiharu rushed between Nagamasa and the Asai Clan's retainers. 

"Why didn't you make the decision!? Even if you can't, you could never abandon the most important person to you! This half-ass resolve won't gain you the world. Waging this meaningless war and letting your own subordinates die for no reason, Asai Nagamasa you're a big idiot...!" 

"Shut up, Saru! How can you know the things I'm going through!? You know absolutely nothing about me!" 

Yoshiharu's eyes were shining brightly as he shouted loudly, "I KNOW!" 

The hesitation in your heart... 

The sheer agony within you... 

Just then, Goemon appeared behind Yoshiharu, a semi-conscious Nobusumi on her back. 

"...You are Oichi... To me, you will forever be my Oichi..." Nobusumi's voice was so soft that it was almost inaudible. 

But Nagamasa could hear it clearly. 

"Commander, what should we do now!?" 

"Please get a grip!" 

"Oda Nobuna's main camp is right ahead!" 

But Asai Nagamasa could only reply, "....I...can't go on anymore... I'm sorry...! I... can't fight on like this....!" 

In front of the retainers that trusted her with their lives, Nagamasa lowered her head and got down from the horse. 

Her face was already filled with tears. 

I don't want to show such an expression to my subordinates. 

This tear-streaked face no longer belonged to Saruyashamaru, and will never be acknowledged by the retainers.' 

"I had known from the start that the dream I'd chosen, the path that I would walk had been decided, but right now, I'm just a hopeless coward." 

In the final stages of the "Battle at Anegawa", the Asai army who held the overwhelming advantage had suddenly broken apart in front of the main camp of Oda army. Asai Nagamasa had lost all intentions to fight, though no one could understand why. 

"Saru-kun, Aneue, danger." 

"Stop talking, Nobusumi, you are already so injured." 

But the Nobusumi who was on Goemon's back used his last bit of strength and said. 

"For our army to form the 'rounded formation' and start preparing would require the defenses of the main camp weaken. Saru-kun, when Oichi retreats, Asakura Yoshikage will definitely not give up, and that guy is much more dangerous compared to Oichi. I'm very worried about Aneue's safety." 

"You are saying that Yoshikage will go to Nobuna's main camp himself!?" 

"After he finds out that he can't break through directly, that person will most likely choose to sneak in with the help of a ninja. *Cough*Cough*" 

Damn it, Hanbei-chan is leading my corps, and the only one at Nobuna's camp is Inuchiyo!? Wait a minute, didn't Inuchiyo take charge of the aides and start preparations of their own!? 

"I leave Nobusumi to you, Goemon! Don't let him die!" Yoshiharu roared, steering his horse around as he sped towards Nobuna's camp. 

"Wait, it's too dangerous for you to go alone, Sagara-shi." Goemon called, but Yoshiharu could no longer hear her worried words. Once he recalled the abnormal eyes Asakura Yoshikage had on Nobuna, Yoshiharu started shivering with fright. 

"To bring Nobuna back to his house and dress her up like some sort of doll, and treating her like his own mother... That bastard is a pervert! Crazy pervert!" 

You gotta be joking! 

You gotta be joking!!! 

I haven't even kissed Nobuna! 

She is very important. 

To me, she is irreplaceable. 

How can I let that bastard succeed!!! 

"Don't tell me, don't tell me, Nobuna, is waiting for me! You gotta be joking! NOBUNA!" 

"Oi Saru, somehow, the Asai Clan has retreated! It's our victory!" Katsuie laughed at a corner of the "rounded formation", waving at Yoshiharu, but now wasn't the time to bother with her. The instant he had confirmed that Inuchiyo was standing by Katsuie's side, Yoshiharu felt like he had fallen head first into an icy lake. 

Please, let me reach her in time!!!!!! 

"Wait a minute, Saru!!? Oi! Don't you dare ignore me!!!" 

~ ~ ~ 

The situation continued like an unstoppable gear. 

For a chance of surviving, Yoshiharu launched a kite full of disrespectful words to the sky. With this, the Oda army which was dispersed and close to being eliminated had successfully gathered at the sides of Nobuna's main camp and set up a "rounded formation". 

Like a demon pushing ahead, the unstoppable Asai Nagamasa chose to retreat to the other side of Anegawa after she was unable to kill her beloved Tsuda Nobusumi, but Nobuna who was currently alone in the main camp did not know of that. 

Nobuna had just ordered Inuchiyo to lead her aides to join the "rounded formation." 

All of the forces that could be utilized had been thrown into the battle foray. Right now, both armies faced a situation where they couldn't pull anymore punches. This had gradually become a battle of endurance. 

The hatred of the Oda soldiers, were almost eliminated at Kanegasaki due to the betrayal, would clash with the desperation of the Asakura soldiers, who thought even if they escaped, their tomorrow was lost. 

Under this cold and clear sky, the water of the Anegawa was dyed red. 

If the Asai Clan hadn't betrayed them, by this point... 

Thinking about such meaningless things, Nobuna suddenly felt weak. 

"How is Kanjuurou now? Since Saru personally went to him, he should be alive at least." 

The roars and shouts of the armies rang through the tent. 

Right now, only Nobuna herself remained in the main camp. 

Nobuna, sitting alone in the huge tent, couldn't help but feel the solitude of a sengoku daimyo... No, it's a more subtle feeling. 

"How strange, I seem to have felt such a thing before." 

It reminded her of when she set off to investigate some a dragon god appearing in a pond, but was assaulted by Imagawa Yoshimoto's soldiers on the way there... 

It was the same that time. In the deserted tent, a company of enemy soldiers suddenly appeared out of nowhere... 

Suddenly, 

Nobuna could feel someone approaching from behind. 

"Inuchiyo?" 

Nobuna turned her head. 

No, 

It wasn't Inuchiyo. 

With that strange aura, it couldn't be anyone else. 

"Asakura Yoshikage is here. It was a hasty decision so I didn't prepare anything, but I have specifically come here to bring you back to my house in Ichijodani." 

"!?" 

The man approaching from behind her used his hands to cover Nobuna's mouth. She instantly reached for the katana beside her, but it was stopped immediately by his other hand, and she felt a sharp pain almost like her own hand had broken. 

How is this possible, how can this be possible? This man had sneaked in here, this is too crazy!? 

It seemed Asakura Yoshikage had disguised himself as a foot soldier of the Oda Clan and had brazenly walked into Nobuna's main camp amidst the chaos. 

On his waist was the head of an unknown warrior. 

"This man who is now a head was one of my advisors. With a substantial contribution, even an unknown foot soldier can see the commander in chief, eh? That's a bad habit, Nobuna. As a princess daimyo, you are so lacking in caution… I think I ought to teach you a little." 

"!?" 

To enter the camp, he had even cut off the head of his own retainer...!? 

"Unbelievable, this is too crazy! And after sneaking in, why didn't he take my life!? Release me, let me go! Gross!" 

In the violent tussle, Asakura Yoshikage forced Nobuna violently to the floor. With bloodshot eyes, he brashly pushed himself onto Nobuna's delicate body. 

Their eyes met. 

Nobuna felt a wave of ice coat over her body and soul, and she started shivering uncontrollably. Asakura Yoshikage had a noble's standard proper features, but in those bloodshot eyes of his was a mad look. His eyes were pointed straight at Nobuna, yet they were so hollow. 

"So beautiful, even your breath is a wonderful fragrance. As expected, you are different from other women. The hatred and killing intent of these eyes, they are so full of unwavering determination. Haha, HAHAHAHAHA!" 

A violent punch landed close to her liver, and Nobuna lost her breath, but she defiantly bit deep into Yoshikage's hand. 

Bringing his other hand back, Yoshikage slapped both sides of her face. 

"Uhhh, ah...ahhh." 

At this time, Nobuna could only feel a paralyzing fear deep in her bones. Unable to accept the sudden situation, her whole body felt powerless with terror. 

"I have no interest whatsoever in war. The only reason I'm so adamant is because of you. Nobuna, I want you to become my woman!" 

"What, f...for that stupid reason, just how many have died?" 

"It's an honor for a soldier to die for their master. Anyways, I should probably bring you back first, but I can't endure it anymore. I'm going to make you my woman right here... You should still be a virgin, right? Can you understand my intentions? You are going to be planted with my seed, and be impregnated with my child, at this battlefield of Anegawa!" 

"NOOO, STOP!!!" 

"Be honored, you are the first woman for me to give me such a feeling other than those in 'The tale of Genji'. For the sworn enemies of the battlefield to be united as one, such a situation does not even appear in the Tale of Genji! This is the extreme of frivolousness!" Yoshikage opened his mouth and moved his tongue close to lick Nobuna's smooth face. 

Save me... 

Save me, father. 

Save me from this man, Viper. 

But, father isn't around anymore. 

Viper is currently fighting with Shingen. 

Right now 

The one that can rush here to save me... 

The one that I hope to save me... 

"SARU! YOSHIHARU!" 

"YOU BASTARDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!" 

He made it. 

The instant before Nobuna's first kiss could be taken, Yoshiharu made it. His fury exploded, and he no longer cared where he was or what he was doing. Yoshiharu wasn't used to hating people and had been sincere to everyone, so this scorching fury ready to engulf everything was a first for him. 

He could feel his heart beating violently, as if it was going to rip out of his chest. 

Using all the strength in him, Yoshiharu aimed a kick right at Asakura Yoshikage's belly, and as the creep had rolled away from Nobuna's body, he violently swung his fists into his face. 

Swinging, swinging, swinging his fist non-stop! 

But though Asakura Yoshikage had the pale face of a noble, he was a healthy and bulky man. His face received a few of Yoshiharu's punches, but he didn't recoil at all. Instead, he quickly spotted an opening between the interval of Yoshiharu's punches and acted on it. 

Straightening his body, he counterattacked with his own fists. 

In his fury, Yoshiharu lost his valuable ability to dodge. His jaws received Yoshikage's punch right on target. When he was landed on the floor, he was kicked in the stomach right away. 

But Yoshiharu had even forgotten pain. 

Only this guy... 

"OHHHHHHHHHHH!" 

Using his own head, Yoshiharu charged towards Asakura Yoshikage's abdomen. 

"You are the monkey that Nobuna's keeps? For a mere lowly monkey like you to lust after your own master, don't you think it's pathetic!?" 

Yoshikage tried to steady his legs, planning to force Yoshiharu off of him and down onto the floor, but Yoshiharu took this chance to chance forced his body upwards to give Yoshikage's jaw a solid headbutt. Letting out a roar to equal the crash of battle outside, Yoshiharu pushed Yoshikage to the ground and started hitting him like a schoolyard bully. 

'BASTARD!!!!! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING TO MY WOMAN!!!!!" 

But the one who reacted strongest to Yoshiharu's roar wasn't Asakura Yoshikage, shouting, "YOU TRASH!!!!!" 

"Wa...Wait, what do you think you are saying, Saru!?" 

But Nobuna, whose body had finally reclaimed it's freedom. 

When she heard him, her previous expression, on the edge of tears under Yoshikage's assault, had totally vanished. In its place, Nobuna flushed bright red as big droplets of sweat appeared around her face. 

"A...A-A-A-Are you an idiot?! H-H-H-Has your brain finally b-b-broken down!? Wh...Wh...W-Who... is y-yo...y-your wo...wo...wo...woman!? D...Do...Don't say su...such b-b-baseless words all b-by y-y-yourself! Or else I'll e-ex...exe...execute you!" 

"Wa...Wait, Nobuna! I seem to have said something weird just now, but that was just because I got too excited on the battlefield! Forget it! Don't think of it as real! I did not say anything just now!" 

"SHUT UP! T...Telling me to f-f-forget it, how is that possible!? Huh? You mean that wasn't the truth just now? You were just saying nonsense? What the hell is that!? T...To...To have played with my p...pu...pure maiden heart, bastard... 'My-Woman-Demonic Saru', u...un...unforgivable!!!!" 

"Why did you unsheathe your sword!? D-D-Don't come over! Ca...C-C-Calm down!" 

"C-C-C-CALM DOWN!? DUE TO YOUR IRRESPONSIBLE WORDS! MY EARS ARE SO DAMAGED! THAT THEY CAN'T BE HEALED! IN A LIFETIME! GAHHH, AS EXPECTED, I CAN'T FORGET THOSE DISGUSTING WORDS NO MATTER WHAT! TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND LET ME CUT YOU DOWN!" 

"Wait! Even if you really want to cut me down, that should be later! Right now we must catch Asakura Yoshikage!" 

"...Now that you mention it, there was such a person around." 

"It's not 'there was such a person around', right!? You were frightened to tears when he pushed you down to the floor!" 

"I didn't cry! Hmph, e...even if you hadn't come, I would have finished a fellow like him in a second, piece of cake!" 

"Anyway, oi, Asakura Yoshikage is missing! He has escaped! It's all your fault!" 

"It's your fault! It's all because you said such strange things!" 

"Huh? To have overreacted to that extent, unpopular girls are so pathetic!" 

"I think I should just cut you down~!" 

While the two of them were performing their usual couple' skit, faces ablaze, Asakura Yoshikage covered his swollen face and escaped secretly. 

And finally, Nobuna and Yoshiharu were alone in the main camp. 

"My...My...My woman - My woman - My woman" Nobuna kept repeating the words, shivering and crying. Even with big breaths, she couldn't stop the rumbling in her heart. 

After all that had happened, she finally allowed the feeling of being saved to sink in. Her ankles turned to jelly and she nearly collapsed onto the ground again. Yoshiharu rushed over and hugged Nobuna tightly. 

"J...Ju...Ju...Just now, what the hell did I sayyyyy!? How could I say something like that when I've never had any girlfriends my age? To have said s...su...su...such words, it's so humiliating!!!" 

He didn't know what more there was to do... 

But he finally understood one thing. 

Not with his brain, but through his heart, his feelings and his soul, he understood completely. 

In that instant when he saw that Asakura Yoshikage was going to taint his most important Nobuna, 

I love this fellow... And it has nothing to do with this girl being the female Oda Nobunaga, I hopelessly love this Nobuna... this "Kichi" 

Right now, even if he tries to be rational and tell himself "This is impossible", it was already useless. 

Nobuna gasped, a small "Ah", but when she raised her head to look at Yoshiharu's face, she wore a gentle smile he had never seen before. 

Long eyelashes. 

Perhaps because she had almost cried out, her eyes seemed a little swollen. 

This fellow, 

Just how cute can she be!? 

As expected of the world's number one 

I have to admit. 

Other people might not know it, but other than this fellow's pretty face, everything about her character is a bundle of bad points. 

But… But to me, she is the world's number one. 

I'm not going to give her to anyone else! 

If Nobuna likes other guys on her own, it's ok. A one sided love like Asakura Yoshikage on snatching Nobuna's lips will never be reality! 

Only I! 

Only I have the right to snatch Nobuna's first kiss! 

No, whether it's a right or reward, it does not matter anymore! 

"No...Nobuna!" 

"W...W-W-What? Don't use so much strength, i...it...it hurts." 

"I'm t...ta...taking the reward! For the Retreat of Kanegasaki and this time, together!" 

"To...Together, what do you mean? D...Don't tell me just a kiss won't be enough to satisfy you!? I...Im...Impossible, definitely not possible! T...This is a battlefield!? If I stripped off my namban armor, it will be too dangerous, umm, s...sa...sand will get into it." 

"Two kisses! Don't force me to say such an embarrassing thing! Anyway, what were you fantasizing just now!?" 

"Yo...You are the one who is fantasizing!" 

"There's no more time! I...It's ok, right!? I'm going now! Don't you bite with your teeth!" 

"Yo...Yo...You too." 

While shivering, their lips gradually get closed to each other, and at that instant when they almost touched... 

Swoosh! 

A spear forced itself between their faces with frightening speed. 

"Uwahh!? So dangerous!!" 

"Are there more enemies!?" 

"It's m...m....m...me, Hime-sama!!!!! LI...LI...LI...LISTEN, SARU!!!!!!!! YOU DARE, YOU DARE TO CALL HIME-SAMA, "MY WOMAN" AHHHHHHHHH~! YOU DESPICABLE, LEWD, AUTHORITY OVERSTEPPING DEMONIC UNORTHODOX MONKEY!!!!!!! I WILL NOW EXERT DIVINE PUNISHMENT TO DESTROY YOUR DEMONIC EXISTENCE!!!!" 

At some point, Shibata Katsuie had shouted, "UWAHHHHH" and rushed into the camp with a furious expression. 

"Wait Katsuie! Right now we have to chase Asakura Yoshikage, he must still be nearby!" 

"SHUT UP! YOU MONKEY-SKIN CLAD WOLF~! I CAME TO LOOK BECAUSE IT LOOKED STRANGE, BUT I DIDN'T EXPECT YOU TO DO SUCH A THING WHEN WE AREN'T AROUND~! YOU ASKED US TO FORM THE 'ROUNDED FORMATION' SO YOU COULD ATTACK HIME-SAMA CONVENIENTLY, RIGHT!?!?!?" 

Looks like Katsuie can't chase after Asakura Yoshikage at all. 

"All in all, Hime-sama, leave here quickly! I will now cut this unloyal and despicable Saru to pieces!!" 

"Wa...Wait, Riku. Compared to this, how is the situation now?" 

"That's it, now is still in the middle of the war, right, Katsuie?" 

"The battle had ended! What's left is just to conquer Odani castle!" 

"EHH!?" 

As if on cue, the important retainers of the Oda Clan walked into the main camp. 

"Uhhhh, to let Nobuna-sama meet with such a thing is Hanbei's lifetime failure, Asakura Yoshikage has escaped...." 

"After the 'rounded formation' was completed, our defenses were hardened. First, under Nobusumi's pressure, Asai Nagamasa retreated without a fight, followed by Asakura Yoshikage leaving his command to someone else and disappearing. Right now, the Asai Clan and Asakura Clan have totally dispersed and escaped towards the opposite coast of Anegawa. As long as we use this opportunity and push on with all our forces, we can win! 99 points." 

"It's a pity that we allowed that Asakura Yoshikage fellow to escape." 

"Nobuna-sama, now is the best chance to remove the Asai Clan's Odani castle. In such a situation, it won't be difficult at all to destroy them! Give us the order to attack!" 

"Nya, nya, what a beautiful turn of tides, let's use this momentum abnd conquber evebn thbe Ichijodani Cbasbtle." (and conquer even the Ichijodani castle) 

"No matter what, please let Juubei Mitsuhide be the vanguard! Let me conquer Odani Castle to use it as a marriage gift to my Danna-sama." 

Juubei was still immediately saying things in complete ignorance of the atmosphere, but all in all, the Oda Clan had achieved victory in the "Battle at Anegawa". 

"Hime, the world almost belongs to you. If you continue to pursue the Asai Asakura allied forces, it will be full marks. We must never let them return to recuperate! As long as we conquer northern Omi and Echizen with this high morale, even if Gifu were to be conquered by Takeda Shingen..." 

Nagahide's suggestion is correct. 

But looking at Nobusumi, wrapped completely in bandages and sitting in a corner silently... 

Nobuna hesitated to give the "pursue" order. 

So it's like this. 

While I was unaware, Nobusumi and Asai Nagamasa had been in such a deep marriage. 

And Anegawa wasn't the only place facing battle. 

Gifu's Dousan has been struggling on with low manpower. 

They have Takigawa Kazumasu's reinforcements, so they shouldn't be defeated so easily, but… 

If the enemy is the Sengoku's strongest, Takeda Shingen, 

I'm afraid he won't last much longer. 

"Saru" 

Nobuna, her big eyes burning with an inner fire, looked at Yoshiharu and asked, "Besides not sending any reinforcements, what else did Dousan say? I know there is something else. Why did you avoid my glance, what are you hiding from me!?" 

"I...I don't know what you are talking about." 

"If you don't tell me, I will hate you forever." 

"I...I have such a resolve." 

"Saru, I have said so already, I will choose my own future myself. So I beg you, please tell me." 

Nobuna seems to be at the edge of tears. Under the glare of such sincere and tearful eyes, Yoshiharu could feel his heart beating even faster. 

There's no helping it, I'm not used to lying. 

Yoshiharu sighed, "Yeah, you did say something like that, huh?" 

".....Viper doesn't have long to live. He has a very serious lung disease. I'm afraid he can't last through the new year. The hidden meaning of not sending out reinforcements is that it's too late even if you do so. If you don't vanquish the Asai Asakura right now, the job of conquering the world will be delayed substantially, and this is the one thing that Dousan geezer is afraid of the most! For a dying person like himself, if you make a wrong decision, you... no, the Oda Clan will walk an even more difficult path… This isn't just your issue. More battles itself will mean more innocents losing their lives for nothing." 

"I... I see." Nobuna's strength finally crumbled as tears like pearls dropped non-stop from her big eyes. 

Right now, no one could say anything. 

The decision belonged to Nobuna alone. 

To send reinforcements to Gifu, or to pursue the Asai Asakura allied forces? 

Oda Nobuna was distressed. 

So distressed in her heart that she couldn't help but hug her own head, her chin pressed to her chest. 

She couldn't make up her mind. 

And her painful appearance was reflected deeply in her retainer's eyes. 

"Nobuna, I think there are things I must say first. If you choose to save Dousan, the dream of conquering the world will become far and distant. There are lots of threats that you have not heard of before, and if you let Asai Asakura allied forces go, then they will all jump out and become our enemies. If that happens, we will be completely surrounded by enemies.” 

Soldiers dying for this meaningless war will only increase the scar in your heart. 

Once it became clear to him, Yoshiharu felt Nobuna's agony himself. 

Even if she kicked him away for it, he must lead Nobuna to make the correct decision right now. 

Just like what Goemon said, if I really want everything, if I really refuse to give up on anything, then maybe in the end I won't have anything... No, it's not like that, there must be something else. If I work harder, there might be a way to save both Dousan and conquer the world.... 

But that is an impossible dream. 

Whether Nobuna went or not, Dousan can't escape the fate of dying. No, maybe he had already... 

And, 

If she chose to pursue, it would be the same as giving a death sentence to Nobusumi's beloved Asai Nagamasa. While the elderly Dousan died for his god-daughter, she herself would be killing her brother's most important person... 

How could she do such a thing? 

Nobuna suddenly raised her head and shouted "....Full force, to Gifu..." 

Hime-sama! The retainers all let out moans and wanted to stop her. 

"Everyone! We must help Viper now!" 

"Hime-sama, do you plan to forsake the world!?" 

Niwa Nagahide's usual gentle smile was gone, replaced with a serious, strict expression as she blocked Nobuna's path. Grasping the hilt of her sword, she asked Nobuna, "Who do you think the soldiers shed blood for in this Anegawa? For everyone, they only have one life! The people who died today had parents and siblings too! But they have given Hime-sama their precious life without hesitation for Hime-sama's dream of conquering the world! But Hime-sama, you are actually..." 

But her last words died in her throat. 

Nagahide herself understood. If she continued on, she would be telling Nobuna to forsake her human heart, to kill the part of her that was still just a girl. 

She couldn't bring herself to say something so cruel. 

"I'm sorry." was Nobuna's only reply, before she took off towards Mino herself. 

She pulled down her namban hat and covered her tearful face, as though she were ashamed to let her retainers see such an expression. 

"Sagara-dono, right now, only you can stopped Hime-sama, if it's you..." 

But Yoshiharu had no plans to stop Nobuna. 

"Let us follow her in silence. It's true that with this, the world will have slipped through our hands again, but so what? It's ok if we can get it back. If we retainers work ten times harder, the world will one day be Nobuna's still, but now, compared to the world...." 

"....It's more important to let Hime-sama maintain her human heart. I understand what you mean, Sagara-dono....." 

"Nagahide, that fellow isn't honest with herself. If we just leave her alone, she will really run to Gifu herself. Really, I barely let her out of my sight and she is assaulted by Asakura Yoshikage, and in the next minutes she's suddenly running to Dousan. What a worrisome girl, we mustn't let her be alone." 

"Yes, we will lead the whole army to follow Hime-sama. I will pray in my heart that this decision will one day be full marks." 

The battle of Anegawa ended right here. 

Because of Asai Nagamasa's sudden retreat and the disappearance of Asakura Yoshikage, the Oda army turned the tides and achieved victory. 

But there wasn't any attempt at pursuit. Both parties had paid a great price, but no one gave the final blow. The battle was still going. 

As Nobuna bit her lip and raced towards Gifu, the clock struck midnight of December 23th. 

Part 6 

When the Tsuchizaki Clan erect the flags at Gifu castle, the "Battle at Gifu" had already ended. 

Whether it was Yamamoto Kansuke, 

Or Takeda Shingen, 

Even Saitou Dousan. 

Everyone in the battlefield had thought so. 

Just behind Saitou Dousan was his god-son, Saitou Yoshitatsu, who looked upon him as his sworn enemy. Just in front of him was the huge army of Takeda Shingen, whose numbers far surpassed him. 

Dousan, who had endured this overwhelming situation even while critically ill, finally exclaimed, "Looks like this is the end for me." Coughing up blood, he almost collapsed on the spot. 

But... 

Yamamoto Kansuke, who was standing resolutely under the banners of "Furinkazan", suddenly paled. Turning, Kansuke kneeled in front of Shingen. 

Yes. 

There was an unexpected event happening on the battlefield. 

Ever since being banished by Nobuna and disappearing, Saitou Yoshitatsu had been gathering an army secretly with his close retainers. Yamamoto Kansuke, who saw through Saitou Yoshitatsu's ambition had secretly passed him an elite cavalry squad and an extraordinary plan. 

That plan, simply put... 

In the Battle of Gifu, Saitou Dousan would definitely predict, "Shingen will never split her forces like what she did at Mount Saijo" and choose a head on battle. At that time, all Yoshitatsu needed to do was lead thousands of men through the secret tunnel and conquer the empty Gifu Castle, and then use the chance to strike at Saitou Dousan from behind. 

Then, Saitou Dousan, whose retreat path would be sealed, could only choose to launch a final charge at the Takeda main camp. 

"Viper, though he understands that he must finish the job, can't bear to kill his own god-son Yoshitatsu. That alone had decided his failure today. No matter how crafty Viper is, he will never expect this perfect plan I hatched with his god-son." 

So when Saitou Yoshitatsu's army erect banners in Gifu castle, "Altered Woodpecker" will have succeeded... That's how it should go. 

Saitou Dousan's army, with nowhere else to go, could only launch a final assault on the Takeda main camp and be destroyed... That's exactly how it should go. 

But no one could have expected this. 

Saitou Yoshitatsu had wanted his real father's land, the Tsuchizaki Clan's Mino, and been in contention with Dousan ever since the old man had declared he was going to pass Mino to Nobuna... 

That same fat being known as "6 foot 5 inches" Yoshitatsu actually shouted, "Father! I'm here to save you!" 

Yoshitatsu lead his troops from Mount Gifu and, with the resolve to face suicide, he charged straight towards the Takeda army. 

No matter how observant Yamamoto Kansuke may be of the stars, he did not understand the reason why Yoshitatsu suddenly changed his mind. 

Right now, Yamamoto Kansuke was disgraced. 

Impossible. 

How can such a thing happen? 

But this isn't the worst thing to happen. 

"Wa...Wa...Warriors! A-A-Attack~! Let Ta...Takeda Shingen see our Mi...Mik...Mikawa warrior's soul!" 

Even further from any of his predictions, 

That Mikawa's "Tanuki baby" had grown during this period. 

The Matsudaira Motoyasu who was supposed to be trembling at Hamamatsu Castle had actually abandoned Totomi and Mikawa and led her remaining army to attack Takeda's main camp. With this, it was the Takeda army who faced a pincer attack. 

After her massive defeat, Matsudaira Motoyasu could only have mustered one or two thousand men, and Takeda Shingen had successfully ingrained the fear of the Takeda cavalry into the souls of the Mikawa warriors. By all rights, the Matsudaira Clan should have stayed in Hamamatsu Castle and not moved at all. 

After retreating to Hamamatsu Castle however, Matsudaira Motoyasu gathered the commanders, while trembling due to the fear of Takeda Shingen, she cried and shouted. "I...want to win against Shingen!" 

Once the Mikawa warriors, long known for their tenacity, heard the determination of their own Hime-sama, they ignored their injuries and once again held spears in their hands. 

"The final battle." 

They had grounded their resolve to die. 

So, the Mikawa warriors once stunned by the strength of the Takeda Clan once again gathered at Hamamatsu Castle and Okazaki Castle as they cut off the Takeda Clan's path of retreat, charging in like a flood. 

Fortune does not come twice, and misfortune will not strike alone. 

"Echigo's Uesugi Kenshin who was supposed to be resting her army suddenly attacked Kawanaka Island... If they leave the Oda Clan to be isolated and helpless any longer, it will go against justice. Even when Kenshin did not receive the call for help from Oda Nobuna, she sent help nonetheless!" 

Uesugi Kenshin, a warrior who battles for "Justice" 

Kansuke kneeled in front of Shingen, and said his last words, "These are all my miscalculations." 

"The nightmare of passing the good horses bred in Kai to Yoshitatsu, and in turn our Takeda cavalry being attacked by the 'Takeda cavalry'; the Matsudaira army at our back ready to fight like dead men; even Kenshin who was supposed to be resting had moved, this is all my fault." 

It's ok now, Kansuke. 

No one could predict Saitou Yoshitatsu's defect, even I am not an exception. 

Takeda Shingen sat down in her camp, examining the suddenly changed battlefield. 

"Your strategy does not have any shortfalls. Kenshin herself isn't someone that people can predict anyway. Saitou Yoshitatsu and Matsudaira Motoyasu's changes weren't something anyone could foresee." 

"No, if I had used other strategies, I would definitely have seen the possibility, but due to my defeat at Kawanaka Island and desire to reclaim master's reputation, I have been too engrossed with the 'Woodpecker strategy'. It's because of this obsession that master is in an even bigger crisis...." 

"You go too far, Kansuke. At Kawanaka Island, the way Uesugi Kenshin saw through your strategy isn't explainable through logic. Maybe she really is the avatar of Bishamonten. In this world, there are definitely things that can't be predicted. Even Uesugi Kenshin herself can't say how she had seen through your plan, right? The human heart is hard to understand, and there are many times that I don't understand my own feelings. It's my own immaturity for not seeing through this at Kawanaka Island and placing you in a tough battle. Isn't that Sagara Yoshiharu someone that you can't see clearly even with your astrology skills?" 

"It's me who is immature." Shingen looked at Kansuke with such a gentle gaze even as he knelt on the ground. Honestly, Kansuke would rather be scolded by Shingen; even ordering him to commit seppuku would be better. 

"With Motoyasu, we might have done too much and said too many overbearing words. I felt that she had potential, so I couldn't hold back and started lecturing her, and suddenly that potential wasn't just potential anymore… She's really like me, huh? Kansuke also frequently scolded me severely in the past." 

"I...had nothing more to teach you." 

"I should have killed Matsudaira Motoyasu that time, but my bad habit of wanting to collect capable retainers acted up again. Because I wanted her as my subordinate no matter what, I had let her go without anticipating this situation. I'm sorry." 

"You shouldn't be apologizing, master." 

"Kansuke, in terms of numbers, we the Takeda army still hold the advantage. Let us turn the tides again now." 

"Roger, I will bet my life on it." 

"Kansuke, you aren't allowed to die before I conquer the world. If I win this battle, our dream will be right ahead of us." 

Kansuke finally raised his head. 

Shingen's hair fluttered before him like little wings. 

Kansuke couldn't help but think, if I had a child, it would be around that age too. 

I mustn't let master die at such a place like this. 

And at the same time, Kansuke noticed another thing. 

From the stars, Oda Nobuna and Saitou Dousan can never coexist. If they defy the natural order, they will be destroyed together one day... I strongly believed in this. But, when my strategy was seen through at Kawanaka Island and I had rushed towards the enemy formation hoping to die, I managed to survive miraculously. Now that I think about it, it fits a certain mysterious celestial law. Don't tell me.... 

The reason why I didn't die at Kawanaka Island, 

Is because I'm supposed to be the one that defeats Saitou Dousan, who was supposed to have disappeared long ago. 

And then, through the elimination of Saitou Dousan to let Oda Nobuna's star escape the fate of destruction. 

So as to say, the reason I lived till now is because the heavens want Oda Nobuna's star to shine brightly again. 

Shingen observed Kansuke's odd state and asked, "What is it?" 

He couldn't say it. 

It was the one thing he could not say it. 

My only reason for existence is to grow Katsuchiyo-sama into the conqueror of the world "Takeda Shingen". 

This objective gives the lonely me a ray of hope in a world where, who due to my ugly looks, I wasn't able to be employed or loved by girls and will definitely not have children. 

I don't even want to think about this hope possibly being fake. 

No, I'm still alive. 

As long as I live on, I can continue my dream. 

"....Master, I have thought of the last strategy. Before that, please listen to me. Take care of yourself. Though master has always been healthy like a tiger, you can't stand getting a cold ever since you were young, so no matter the season, please take note to use the hot springs to recuperate your body. Just this much, excuse me." 

After saying, Kansuke held onto his walking stick and stood up. 

Shingen looked at such a Kansuke wordlessly. 

Kansuke's lifetime dream, the warrior, "Takeda Shingen" had been completed. 

I can't cry yet. Turning back into the lass Katsuchiyo, who was forever afraid of being alone, is probably the furthest from Kansuke's wishes. 

~ ~ ~ 

Kansuke mounted a horse and sped off. 

The Sanada ninjas, representatives of Shinano, followed on horseback. 

Though they were currently in the Sanada Clan, they were once the direct subordinates of the strategist, Yamamoto Kansuke. 

"Because of Yoshitatsu's defect, Takeda's four generals are still trapped in the centre of the battle." 

"Oda Nobuna has defeated the Asai Asakura allied forces at Omi's Anegawa river." 

"After that, began a forced march toward Gifu without any preparations." 

"The Matsudaira army is approaching us from behind." 

"Is it really okay for you to not protect master at the main camp, Strategist-dono?" 

Kansuke said, "No, you guys are wrong." 

Leave the protection of master to Takeda's four generals and the Sanada Clan. 

Even if Saitou Dousan, Saitou Yoshitatsu, Matsudaira Motoyasu and Oda Nobuna attacked together, as long as those guys who can fight many to one are there, master won't receive any injuries. 

And master herself is an invincible warrior. 

There is one last mission that only I, the strategist can do. 

"What is the 'Strategist's mission'?" 

"I plan to let fate guide my plan." 

"Are you going to defeat Dousan?" 

"This is a one way trip." 

"To survive through the deadly battle at Kawanaka island is a one time miracle, don't hope for such good luck a second time." 

"It's enough for you guys to escort me to Dousan's side." 

The reason Oda Nobuna is blessed by the heavens may be because the 'human who defied fate' wishes for Oda Nobuna to obtain the world, and that wish moved the heavens. The reason why Saitou Dousan and I, we who should long be dead have survived till now, is to let the star of Oda Nobuna shine even brighter… What sort of fate am I going along with here!!! 

Dousan and I will definitely die here. 

But, that is for the Takeda Clan. 

Even if I die, I won't accept dying on the spear of a nameless soldier. 

I will use my spear to pierce Dousan and let Dousan cut off my head. 

With this, 

The Oda Clan and the Takeda Clan will hold to each other an everlasting grudge. 

If I die, master may give up on the ambition to go to Kyo, because the one who really wants to conquer the world isn't master but me. Master originally did not have much interest in the world. A frank and direct girl, she even treats that Uesugi Kenshin who she has battled for years as a good friend, a good rival to love upon. She has never hated anyone, but as long as I, the one who takes care of master like a father am killed by Dousan... 

Master will definitely hate the Oda Clan from the depths of her heart. 

By the same logic, Oda Nobuna who admires Saitou Dousan as her father will definitely... 

If Dousan was killed by the Takeda Clan's strategist, 

"If it is that Oda Nobuna, whose love and hatred is abnormally strong, she who almost burned down Mount Hiei just because of the fury of losing her retainer; if it is that Oda Nobuna, who wishes for fatherly love and gave up on the chance to pursue the Asai Asakura allied forces just to save Dousan, she will definitely become a demon after losing Dousan, determined to destroy the Takeda Clan at all costs." 

If I can envelop this grudge on the two clans, then Oda Nobuna's plans to conquer the world will be greatly delayed, and my death will always be on master's mind. 

With this, I will complete the warrior, "Takeda Shingen" who wishes to conquer the world wholeheartedly. 

Even if Oda Nobuna is chosen by the "human who defied fate", there is no way Takeda Shingen, chosen in her own way with a vengeful heart, will lose. 

And this is the last plan that only I, the strategist can achieve. 

"Anyway, this can't be counted as the 'Woodpecker strategy' anymore. What should I call it? Hohohoho." 

This plan to place a scar across master's heart forever, is it really a plan that a strategist should think up? 

Even if I had to do it as a strategist, as a man who looks upon master as his own child, is this really okay? 

Kansuke tried to suppress the doubt in his heart and rush towards Dousan's camp. The Sanada ninjas around him all contributed their lives as Kansuke's stepping stones, leading him to the completion of his plan. 

Right now, Kansuke had become a demon, only capable of charging forward. 

"I've found a named Takeda warrior! Hail! I am Giovanna, of the Knights of Saint John!" 

The namban knight in her glittering golden armor swung her huge namban spear around and began approaching Kansuke to intercept his advance. 

"Oda Nobuna can even attract such a strong warrior from namban origins into her camp? This girl is too frightening. As expected, compared to the justice idiot, Uesugi Kenshin, she is master's biggest enemy." 

"No, I can't die here! Fate will protect my life till I send Dousan to his death!" 

Kansuke's horse reared up on it's hind legs and jumped clear over the namban knight's head. 

Giovanna's face was covered by the helmet, so he couldn't see her expression. 

But she must be shocked. 

Kansuke landed successfully, and his advance continued. 

Dousan's main camp was right ahead. 

"Ohh! I can feel this aging body being filled with strength! I bet I don't even need more than this one good leg of mine to move properly." 

With my life, I will put the last touches on the path to make master the conqueror of the world! 

"Ohhhhhhhhh!" Kansuke roared as he rushed into Dousan's camp. 

He saw him. 

Saitou Dousan was sitting right in the middle of the camp. 

Guarding him was a small girl holding an arquebus. 

"Oh, ohh, she looks like Shirou Katsuyori, what a distinguished and cute girl... Ha, ha... ha... This is pure love that seeps out from my heart!" 

It was Kansuke's greatest weakness! 

For an instant, his attention was caught by that cute little girl. 

But the arquebus in the small girl's hands did not spit it's fire. 

Because, unexpectedly, Dousan stopped her. 

"With that look, it seems like you are Takeda's strategist, Yamoto Kansuke. What can I do for you?" Dousan's voice seemed devoid of strength. 

His body had aged too much. Between Dousan and Kansuke, they are both candles in the wind now. 

Dousan raised a spear, though he didn't stand. Because he couldn't take the weight, his hands were trembling. 

I can kill him, Kansuke believed so at this moment. 

"My plan has completed...! Dousan, go to the netherworld with me!" 

But, in the instant Kansuke moved to dismount, 

His vision darkened. 

The small girl had long since lowered the arquebus in her hands. 

He had never felt an attack. 

"What, my head... what's this!?" 

If we use modern medical science to explain, such a symptom can be called, "Hemorrhagic Stroke" 

Kansuke fell from the horse. 

I'm afraid I have not long to live. 

I can't even move my fingers or toes at all now. 

Darkness seemed to envelope Kansuke. 

"Wh...Why... He is... just right ahead... Ju... just a little bit more... Give me... your life!" 

Cough, cough, from the side came a terrible cough. 

Dousan had coughed out huge amounts of blood. 

"Before I became an oil merchant, I was a monk for a period of time in a temple. I'm may be too weak to hold up a spear, but I can still chant scriptures to send you off." After squeezing those words out, Dousan collapsed too. 

"Don't force it, geezer. No matter what, you must endure until Nobuna-chan arrives." 

The small girl's voice was so alluring. 

I see, so Viper has a terminal illness too. 

If this goes on, 

If this goes on, master and Oda Nobuna won't fight to their death....! 

Kansuke mustered all his strength, trying to crawl towards Dousan, bu, his body could not move at all. In his dimming eyes, he could almost see the star of Oda Nobuna shining, blazing unlike any other in the sky. 

At least, at least let me die under Dousan's hands...! 

"Yamamoto Kansuke, you bet your own life, but are unable to finish your last plan. But, as a strategist, this path you chose path is the same as I chose when I revolted and rebelled; a demon's path." 

"Hmph, I've been seen through, huh?" 

His tongue gradually lost all feelings. 

"For both of us, this is enough. Strategists are humans too, not demons. It's not good to turn our deaths into a cursed grudge and force it upon the young generation. At this final moment, let go of your desires and go to heaven with a clean mind." 

After another terrible cough, Dousan spoke softly, "Sanada ninjas, use this time while Kansuke is still alive to send him back to Shingen." 

Kansuke wanted to yell at the Sanada ninjas, "Idiots, what are you doing? Go and cut off Dousan's head, then use his spear to take my head." 

But, such an order, he couldn't say it. 

Because a very warm power was transmitted from Kansuke's forehead and sent into his consciousness, gradually sinking into his darkest corners and warming his heart. 

His fear, or the demonic desire, all of it vanished like it never existed before. 

Kansuke shut his eyes. 

In his mind, he recalled the first time he had met with Katsuchiyo. 

At that time, due to my ugly looks, no daimyo wanted to employ me and I lived a vagrant life. 

Given up on being a strategist, I at least wanted to swing a spear and become a foot soldier, but even that wish vanished because of my legs. 

Even though I had countless strategies and a great intelligence in my head, I had to age alone. 

When I was wandering around in Kai, I met Katsuchiyo-sama for the first time in the hot spring. 

You have to believe me, I didn't sneak into the secret hot spring to peek on small girls. 

My only regret is, at that time, master was already a young woman. If I had met her earlier... No no, I didn't say anything. 

Master is a beautiful, strong and ambitious princess. 

To me, the master at that time didn't look like she was from this world, but a fairy from the heavens. 

And such a master was crying alone. 

"I don't know why master was hated by her father, Nobutora-dono. The one that Nobutora-dono likes wasn't master but the talentless younger sister...." 

It should not be like this. 

It made absolutely no sense. 

It can't be helped for someone like me to not be appreciated, but for the perfect master... 

I, who was arrogant to anyone except small girls, before I knew what I was doing, I had walked before master and kneeled in front of her. My heart had the resolve to bear it if she cried, "Are you peeking, you pervert!" and beat me up. 

With wet eyes I reported my name, "I'm the world's number one strategist, Yamamoto Kansuke." 

"Your presence is already awe inspiring, but I can grow master to be the conqueror of the world." 

I don't know what possessed me, but I started speaking non-stop about the strategies in my mind, my opinions on the different provinces and things about my master being the conqueror of the world. 

With bloodshot eyes, saliva flying, and tears filling my face at times, now that I think back, I didn't look good at all. 

But for the first time, I had met my master who wasn't mindful of my ugly looks, but was moved by my strategies and sincerity. 

"Kai is a mountainous province; even if we produce wheat, we wouldn't be able to trade it. So first, we have to get the support of the retainers and grab the position of the head from Nobutora-sama and increase the population. For the safety of our province, we must sign an alliance treaty with Suruga's Imagawa Clan and Kanto's Houjou Clan, and then conquer western Shinano. Using internal politics, increase the efficiency and cultivate talent, making the province richer, and finally conquer Suruga to claim the harbor for the sea and grow an army to go to Kyo… 

[Let's conquer the world together, Kansuke.] 

After seeing master's pure smile, I had decided to use my own life and intellect for master. 

I became a strategist for master's smile. 

Not to push master to a never ending hell... 

In his last moments, Kansuke finally gave up on the demonic strategist path, changing back into the Yamamoto Kansuke who thought wholeheartedly for Takeda Shingen. 

Hearing the Sanada ninjas closing in, Yamamoto Kansuke used his numb tongue and spoke his last words; words that shocked even the proud Yamamoto Kansuke. 

Though he wanted to talk about the last plan, somehow he started talking about his real intentions. 

But, 

This was good. Really, this was good too. 

Kansuke smiled for the last time. 

~ ~ ~ 

"Sanada ninjas, though Kansuke-dono is my enemy, he has my respect. Send his corpse back to Shingen. I will give orders to not attack your Sanada Clan's banner." 

The Sanada ninjas nodded silently, and after shifting Yamamoto Kansuke's corpse onto the horse, they left quietly. 

So there were times when she used her ability on a dying person. 

Looking at Takigawa Kazumasu who used a sad expression to send Kansuke off, Dousan said, "It's all thanks to you. That man had already fallen completely to the demonic path, but at the end, he was saved due to your help." 

At this time, Dousan didn't have the strength to even sit up anymore. "I'm afraid I can't use this pair of legs to stand again." He laughed bitterly. 

"If someone wants to see geezer no matter what, is it okay?" 

"If it's Nobuna-dono, just tell her, 'We are no longer father and daughter' and reject her. I must let her reflect deeply on her weakness of being too emotional." 

"Nobuna-chan isn't here yet." 

"Then who would it be....?" 

"Kuku, you will understand soon" Kazumasu laughed and retreated. 

As she left, someone else walked in; a young man wearing normal commoners clothes. 

"Father..." he said... 

"What, is it Yoshitatsu? Why, why did you help me, the enemy of your real father!?" 

Dousan did not understand Yoshitatsu's actions at all. 

Just why... 

Dousan wanted to straighten his body, but he forgot he no longer had the strength to do so. 

Saitou Yoshitatsu walked silently to Dousan's side. Looking at Yoshitatsu's face, Dousan was speechless. 

"As you have seen, father, I have a terminal illness too and my days are numbered. I, who father called 'the two-meter man', have now become so thin. I even feel weak when I wear my armor, so I had to see you in such simple clothes." 

There wasn't any need for proof. Saitou Yoshitatu's previously meaty face was now so thin that no traces of his previous look were left. But because of his slim figure, Saitou Yoshitatsu's face now... 

"Yo...You are exactly the same as when I was young." 

Like that suave young man once called Matsunami Shoukurou, perhaps because of the terminal illness at that age, that pale face was tinged with a pitiful beauty. 

"You understand, father?" 

"Yoshitatsu, you..." 

"Yes, I learned the truth about my life when I learned I was dying. I am the real son of Mino's Viper, Saitou Dousan." 

"This is impossible! When I came to the Tsuchizaki Clan, your mother was already pregnant with you. Yoshitatsu, you are the heir of the Tsuchizaki Clan I had banished from Mino-" 

Yoshitatsu stopped the confused Dousan. 

"That is just your own misconception of father. Father's conscience was tortured by the fact that an oil merchant revolted and had become the master of a province. Because of your guilt, you mistook me for the heir of the Tsuchizaki Clan." 

"No, it's not like that, everyone in Mino believed it." 

"I believed in that rumor too, but the facts prove that there are just people who are jealous of father's talent and said something without any proof." 

If that's the case, you and I are.. 

I... 

Just how dumb can I be... 

I had been scared of my own son as I treated him as another person's son. 

Because of this, I have even crossed swords with my own son. 

How can I apologize to Yoshitatsu? 

Dousan couldn't find any words. 

"It's ok, father. It's my fate to die young, but it's lucky for me to discover the truth before dying. As an unfilial son who almost killed his own father, I have no regrets to have helped father at the last moment." 

I want to thank Sagara Yoshiharu and Oda Nobuna, but I don't want to stir up unnecessary things. All in all, with this, you can put down a burden in your heart. 

This is the last conversation we have in this life time, father. 

Farewell... 

This was the last meeting between Saitou Dousan and Saitou Yoshitatsu.