Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 5 - Chapter 6

Chapter 6 : Happy Xmas (War Is Over) 

Part 1 

The date is December 24th. 

After failing to destroy Dousan's army, Takeda Shingen's army pitched camp by Kiso River and made preparations to enter the new year. 

Behind them was Uesugi Kenshin's army, which was heading towards Kawanaka Island, and Matsudaira Motoyasu's army, which had resolved to sacrifice itself, thus becoming a strong enemy. Because of Saitou Yoshitatsu's defection, Gifu Castle remained unconquered, and worse, now served as the base of Oda's main army after Nobuna defeated the Asai Asakura's allied forces. After absorbing the troops Yoshitatsu left behind, Saitou Dousan once again solidified the defenses of the plains below Gifu Castle. 

The situation had completely stagnated. 

In terms of military strength, the Takeda army still held the advantage. What's more, because the Oda army had rushed straight over after the intense battle of Anegawa and the Matsudaira army had been barely able to avoid total elimination mere days ago. Both were beyond fatigued, but they weren't opponents that would fall easily to such simple disadvantages. 

As the current closest to conquering the world, the Oda Clan and the Takeda Clan held their positions very dear. 

If they started the battle, both clans would most likely suffer massive damage. If the Oda army's numerous arquebuses came head to head with the Takeda army's cavalry, Shingen still held an overwhelming advantage. With their forces like this, neither side could guarantee they'd be able to strike the other a fatal blow. 

The most likely outcome was a costly draw. 

Though the Oda army had lots of arquebus troops, they didn't have the numbers to destroy the Takeda army. Conversely, the Takeda cavalry didn't have the strength to disperse Oda's artillery troops after their recent battle with Dousan's army. The Oda Clan needed to face the Asai Asakura's allied forces, and the Takeda Clan would be marching right into Shingen's rival, Uesugi Kenshin. If they lost too many men here, the two clans would be in a critical situation. 

The retainers on both sides understood that starting this battle meant suicide. 

Whether it was the four generals of the Takeda Clan, or Niwa Nagahide, Akechi Mitsuhide and Takenaka Hanbei, every ranking officer was frantically thinking of different plans to avoid this worst case scenario. Individually, they all came to the same conclusion. 

To avoid this, they had two choices. 

One was for Takeda Shingen to retreat back to Shinano and Kai. 

The other was for Oda Nobuna to ask for a truce from Shingen. 

They were both impossible options for an impossible scenario. Both armies had suffered severe losses. Yamamoto Kansuke died due to illness and Saitou Dousan was breathing his last. Neither Shingen nor Nobuna could back away anymore; there was no compromise for this situation. 

Shibata Katsuie suggested they stop the battle on grounds of welcoming the new year, but Nagahide rejected, saying "Unfortunately, there is still a week until the new year, and from the looks of things, the battle will break out in these few days. We can't make it. 5 points." 

Nobuna, stationed at Gifu, was still unable to meet Saitou Dousan, who was adamant on not returning to the castle. He couldn't bring himself to meet Nobuna. 

You actually let the world slip away from your hands. No, to do this is to throw it far away yourself. 

If you continue to be this naive, there's no point to talking about conquering the world. 

So like what I've said earlier, I'm no longer your father. 

If you approach, I will commit suicide. 

No matter how many times Nobuna sent Inuchiyo as an envoy to persuade Dousan, he didn't budge at all. She had wanted to ask Yoshitatsu to help out, considering that he had successfully reconciled with Dousan, but he had left immediately after the battle. 

He left only a short, spoken will, "Please bury me together with father after I die." 

Not knowing about the situation between the father and daught, Yoshitatsu left early to avoid interrupting their farewells. 

Fate was the cruelest prankster. 

Nobuna had shut herself in the room, and when she once again appeared in front of her retainers, her eyes were already swollen with tears. 

"Right now, we can only start the battle with Shingen immediately. If we defeat Shingen, that damned Viper can only acknowledge that I'm worthy of being the master of the world." 

It was the answer everyone had expected. 

Niwa Nagahide supplied her prepared retort, "Please notice the weather, Hime-sama. The temperature is going down rapidly. Mino, Omi and Owari will likely be covered in snow. I'm afraid there will be lots of snow this year, and with it, all our arquebus will become useless. If we lose our only advantage, the Oda army will be destroyed along with the Matsudaira army, 0 points." 

"It's not like it will definitely snow..." the retainers all shook their heads in unison at Nobuna's weak retort. 

From their meeting at the top of Mount Kinka, they could see the streets of Gifu, the mountains across the valley and the blue sky. Or rather, a sky full of dark clouds. 

As if in answer to the sighs of the retainers, countless snowflakes started to flutter down from the sky... 

"Do you have any good ideas, Saru? Can you remain unmoved after the words of that damned Viper's? If we let him die like this, we will lose our chance to impress him." 

"Nobuna-sama, Frois and Organtino ask for an audience." 

"Though I want to see them too, now isn't the time. I must use this time to start the military meetings. Saru, meet them in my place." 

"You're determined to start the battle in this weather, Nobuna? No matter what?" 

"I have to make that damned Viper eat his words! That geezer is already addled in his brains, but he's beyond crazy if he thinks he can give me a hell of a scolding and just shoot off to the heavens! This is a matter of my dignity!" 

I can't let Viper die in disappointment... Yoshiharu and the rest of the retainers could all hear the unspoken words behind her anger. 

"Uhh, Yoshiharu-sama. Even if Dousan-sama changed his mind now, I'm afraid it's very hard for us to avoid the battle with the Takeda army. Since Yamamoto Kansuke died in Dousan's main camp, the grudge between the Oda Clan and the Takeda Clan is currently at a peak." 

Tugging at Yoshiharu's sleeves, Hanbei seemed on the verge of tears. 

Just then, Juubei stood up. 

"As the smartest person in the Oda Clan, I Juubei Mitsuhide have a great idea! If Sagara-senpai and I hold a namban wedding right now, won't it be enough of a reason to ask for a truce with the Takeda Clan? How is it, this idea isn't bad, right~? ?" 

But Mitsuhide's "great idea" was elegantly ignored by all of the retainers. 

"Wait, why isn't anyone making a response!? Uhhhhh, I'm so sad. Juubei is so sad~!" 

Deciding that Juubei was just too pitiful left alone, Goemon carefully explained the situation, making sure to keep well under her stutter limit. 

"To send out an envoy to the Takeda army who is currently in mourning will be like pouring oil over fire." 

Even Shibata Katsuie, famous for only having more muscle inside her thick head, had rejected the battle. "Hime-sama, please do reconsider about starting the battle! Now that we can't use our arquebus, we have no chance of winning if we face the Takeda cavalry." 

"Dearuka. Danjo, what do you think?" 

Inuchiyo said softly, "....Matsunaga Hisahide is currently caring for Dousan while prescribing medicine. With this, Dousan's life could be extended a short while." 

"I didn't see Sakon either. Is she with Danjo?" 

"....Kazumasu is currently keeping the arquebus squads in formation to guard against a possible assault from the Takeda cavalry, but in such a snowy weather..." 

"Dearuka, how about Kanjuurou?" 

"... Because of a fever, he is resting on his bed." 

"Tch, if he had stayed quietly at Omi, things wouldn't have become like this. We'll have to start the military meeting with who we have. Once we have a plan, we will start the attack immediately." 

In the end, None of the retainers were able to persuade Nobuna to change her mind. 

"Even Saru can't think of anything; it's over." 

Yoshiharu had not yet given up thinking, but a good way to avert this crisis safely? He couldn't think of anything... 

"No, Dousan and the Takeda army, both matters are urgent and hard to handle... no, if I add the snow in, it would make three problems. I don't have any knowledge of any of these events; why are they all happening at once!?!?" 

Nobuna went against Dousan's "last words". 

It's true that the only the way to appease Dousan was destroying the Takeda army. 

I'm afraid what Nobuna most fears is Dousan departing before they reconcile. 

If I had known about this, maybe letting Dousan die at Nagara river might have been better for Nobuna. She abandoned the world even as it was at her fingertips, then being disowned by Dousan and now wanting to die together with Takeda Shingen... Are all these my fault for saving Dousan? Or is it my fault for telling Katsuchiyo, "Beware of assassins"? As a sengoku gamer, no, as a man, I'm confident I've done nothing wrong or shameful, but because of my own decisions, history has changed so much. 

Right now, Yoshiharu had to think of a win-win method. If not, he was prepared to commit seppuku like Yamamoto Kansuke, who had rushed into the enemy formation after his "Woodpecker strategy" had failed in Kawanaka island. After all, if this could be solved by just committing seppuku, it wouldn't be so bad. 

Considering Nobuna's personality, even if Yoshiharu did die, it wouldn't change Nobuna's determination to fight it out with Takeda Shingen. 

"Damn! I never saw anything in my games about the Oda Clan fighting all out with the Takeda Clan at Gifu! Is my monkey intelligence really completely useless here? Damn it...." 

No, I can't give up yet! 

I came here all the way from the future; if something so impossible can happen, there must be some way to fix this. 

All the retainers, and even Nobuna, covered in tears, must be hoping for a solution. 

No, they must have wholeheartedly prayed for it. 

But, there were people who weren't privy to the situation at all either. 

The knight Giovanna in particular seemed disinterested in the contents of the meeting and busied herself eating dango. After "spending a great deal of energy in the battle", Giovanna requested as much dango as the chef could make, and had by now eaten more than 30 plates. There were those among the retainers who suspected she only attended the meeting to eat the dango or some other meal later... 

"You can still pack it away in this situation, Giovanna-chan? Awesome." 

"Isn't there a saying, 'you can't fight a war on an empty stomach'? Yoshiharu, you eat some too. This thing called dango is quite delicious." 

"Even now, once I see dangos I can only think about that event with shitty dango." 

"'Shippy' dango? What is that? Is it delicious??" 

"No no, it's completely inedible. It's all Zenki's fault, him and his ridiculous pranks... Now that I mention it, how much longer does Zenki plan to rest…? Ah, I was supposed to be thinking about something else..." 

"Yoshiharu, when you are thinking of a strategy, if you hit a dead end don't keep thinking with the same mindset. Try changing your perspective." 

Yoshiharu looked into Giovanna's sky blue eyes and slowly replied, "If I go and meet Organtino and Frois, I might think of something." 

Part 2 

Omi, Odani castle. 

Asai Nagamasa, arriving after her retreat from the frontlines at the Battle of Anegawa, planned to commit seppuku after seeing her father. 

But, Hisamasa stopped her. 

"It's my fault. Imprisoning you at Takenaka Island and betraying the Oda Clan caused such a turn of events, so if anyone is to commit seppuku, it will be me. It's fortunate that the Oda Clan returned to Gifu instead of chasing after us. As long as you are still alive, the Asai Clan still has hope." Her father's words finally calmed Nagamasa down. 

Hisamasa, in contrast, was still filled with regret. 

Back when Hisamasa made up his mind to betray the Oda Clan, he did not know that the Oda Clan's princess, "Oichi" was actually Nobuna's brother, Tsuda Nobusumi. Without this knowledge, he never even considered that his own daughter might have fallen in love with the boy. If he had known, he would have been able to predict today's failure. 

"....Nagamasa, if... if compared to the Asai Clan, Tsuda Nobusumi is more important, then abandon the name of Asai Nagamasa and go to Nobusumi. I will take the responsibility and protect the Asai Clan to the last." 

"....Father... I will definitely win next time. My biggest enemy is myself. Next time, I will definitely conquer this weak heart of mine." 

"But you can't kill Nobusumi yourself. Even an idiot like me can see that, so don't force yourself." 

"It's not like that, father. If we can't defeat the Oda Clan, the Asai Clan will be destroyed." 

Nagamasa left Hisamasa's room with a simple, "The soldiers have finished the preparations for attack." 

Nobuna had already turned her back to the Asai Clan and marched to Gifu, but was it really good to attack like this? If Nagamasa attacked her from behind right now, her army would undoubtedly be crippled, but with that, the two clans will become archenemies. 

"Nee-sama has been constantly trying to find a chance for us to reconcile, never giving up right until our battle, and even letting me go. What a benevolent person. To return her feelings by betraying her again, I......" 

Asakura Yoshikage stood outside of Hisamasa's room, his face swollen. Outside the room, the ground was already covered with snow. 

"Torn between your father and wife... No, father and husband, you have things difficult as well." 

"You... eavesdropped on my secret?" 

Nagamasa reflexively rest her hand onto her sword's hilt, but Asakura Yoshikage did not change his posture at all. 

"Aren't we all comrades burdened by love trouble? Look at this white world, how beautiful it is; only barbarians would spread fresh blood over such pure whiteness." 

"Do you plan to return to Echizen after idling your time looking at the snow?" 

"I considered it, but if the snow continues to fall like this, my army can't return to Echizen anymore." 

"Hmph." 

"You seem to have calmed down a little." 

"Was it Sagara Yoshiharu who wounded you like that? To sneak into the main camp of Oda Nobuna without any of your troops, you really are too crazy." 

"Speaking of those that have lost their sanity over love, aren't you the same?" Yoshikage lightly chided, caressing his swollen cheek. "Asai Nagamasa, to fight with your own lover is indeed excruciatingly painful. But if that hesitation causes your retainers and subordinates to be in harm's way, it is not fitting of a sengoku daimyo." 

"Hmph, I don't want to hear this from you." 

"I will once again go crazy for love, my rage can even melt the ice right now. I must cut that Sagara Yoshiharu to pieces for snatching away my Nobuna!" Yoshikage declared as his face split into an ominous smile. 

Looking at such a frightening smile, 

As a girl, Nagamasa could empathize with Nobuna. To be targeted by such a man... 

"Nee-sama and Saru's status is too different. They could never be together from the beginning; it's rather pitiful." 

"To let me suffer such humiliation! I must make that trash pay. For that, I must fight for more time to prepare my troops. Such a huge snowfall serves as a good excuse to ask for a temporary truce with the Oda Clan, but it's unfortunate that we already disobeyed the royal decree." 

"Asakura Yoshikage, in this country, the palace had long since lost its authority." 

"Indeed, in 'this country'... But that despicable Saru who claims to be from the future follows some other authority than 'this country'." 

Asai Nagamasa originally wanted to retort, "So you resort to conspiracy theories? Your thinking is too naive." 

But instead, the words that jumped from her mouth were completely different. 

"How I miss the shitty dangos full of miso made by that fake Hanbei." 

These words were what was really naive. 

This white snow stirred up everyone's sad memories, yet was unable to stir up peace..... 

Part 3 

Takeda Shingen had already made her resolve to abandon Kawanaka Island, pitch camp at the north coast of Kiso River and pass the new year. 

Yamamoto Kansuke had died... 

Kansuke... 

It was said that he had a sudden onset of illness and fell from his horse in Saitou Dousan's main camp. He had forced his aging body too much and, with the blood rushing to his brain, a blood vessel broke in his head. He had died for his duty. 

So now, she couldn't retreat even a step any more than shed tears. 

The nickname of this world's number one warrior, of "Furinkazan" must not be shaken by the death of her strategist. 

This huge feeling propelling Shingen had at some point grown into a determination to utterly destroy the Oda army. 

Shingen didn't seem to notice that she had lost her senses. She seemed to notice even less that the tears she her eyes had not shed were being replaced by the fresh blood of her soldiers. It was obvious much of an impact Kansuke's death was to Shingen. 

Shingen's heart seemed to have died. 

Ever since last night, she had not slept a wink, instead gathering her retainers to research the terrain near Gifu and play out different scenarios. In the middle of the meeting, the sky started to snow. 

"With this, the Oda Clan's arquebus can't be used anymore!" Shingen shouted loudly. "This snow must be the will of Kansuke! This is our chance to erect our Takeda banner at Seta!" 

At this moment, a Sanada ninja walked in. 

"We are in the middle of a military meeting; speak afterward if there's anything." 

"There are two things that I have to report to master no matter what." 

"Two things?" 

The first turned out to be shocking bad news. 

"Proclaiming herself as 'Conqueror of Oshu', recently Date Masamune grabbed the position of the clan head from her father and united Oshu. She has quickly organized her forces and started attacking Kantou. As of this report, she has begun a simultaneous attack on our province Ueno, and Musashi, belonging to our ally the Hojo Clan." 

"Who the hell is this Date Masamune?" Shingen roared. She had never even heard such a name before. 

"The Date Clan's daimyo ruling the areas of Dewa, Yonezawa." 

"AREN'T THOSE AREAS RULED BY A MAN CALLED DATE TERUMUNE!?" 

"Date Masamune is Terumune's daughter, a princess slightly older than Shirou Katsuyori-sama. After grabbing the position of head, she swiftly conquered the Soma Clan, Satake Clan, Ashina Clan and Nihonmasu Clan and arrogantly proclaimed herself as the 'Conqueror of Oshu'. Without any rest, she gathered her full army and marched on Kantou. I'm afraid the Hojo Clan is having difficulty fighting against her alone. 

This is impossible. 

If it's Oshu, the daimyos there are tangled by complicated relationships. One couldn't fight any other without turning the whole region against them, and none of them had the strength to fight along. 

For her to ignore an obstacle like this defies common sense. 

Even the speed of her army is abnormally fast 

Date Masamune....!? 

"Just who is she? However, even if she has skills, it's impossible to defeat the Hojo Clan's renown defense." 

"It's said that Date Masamune has a secret weapon named 'Jakigan'. If that holds true, without the help of master, I'm afraid the Hojo Clan can't stop the charge of Date Masamune." 

"Jakigan!? What the hell is this messed up stuff!?" 

"It's said that the Oshu's warriors all surrendered to Date Masamune's Jakigan without a battle." 

"Self proclaimed 'Conqueror of Oshu' Date Masamune declared, 'I'm the final demon lord that will destroy Japan'. She seems to always said confusing things like 'I want to duel with Oda Nobuna to see who the real demon lord is!' and act beyond reason. Because of this, we are unable to predict her actions and thus unable to intercept her. If we just ignore her, she might become a big danger to Kantou. Moreover, as you know, Uesugi Kenshin is heading towards Kawanaka island. If this goes on, we might not even have a home to return to." 

"Date Masamune sent out scouts wearing namban armor, riding white, red and black horses, and carrying huge crosses on their backs. They spread news everywhere in Oshu 'Wise men are welcome to try and solve my secret. This secret is but a number, 666. Kukuku'. The commoners couldn't fathom the riddle and were afraid from their hearts." 

"666...? What secret is there... And what is with the 'demon lord'...? I don't understand any of this! I've never even heard these words before; what the hell is that Date Masamune trying to do? Kansuke! Is Kansuke around....!?" After reflexively calling out, Shingen recalled. 

Kansuke... was no longer around. 

Steady like the mountain, silent like the forest. 

If she retreated right now, Kansuke's proof of existence, the proof of the completion of Takeda Shingen would disappear. 

"I can't retreat! Oda Nobuna is right in front of me! If I don't erect the Takeda Clan's banner on Gifu, I can't answer to Kansuke in the heavens!" 

The Takeda Clan retainers, though they were struggling to consider Shingen's feelings, couldn't help but speak out. 

"Date Masamune is a mysterious enemy, we can't just abandon the Hojo Clan like this." 

"It's still not too late to retreat." 

"If we start the battle with Oda Nobuna, even if we win it will be only barely. Our losses will definitely be much more severe than those of Kawanaka Island, and we won't have the strength to repel the Date Clan." 

"Strategist-sama often said: 'Strategies are unfathomable'. Part of war is knowning when *not* to use soldiers; letting soldiers spew meaningless blood isn't what a wise ruler should do! Please do not forget the teachings of Strategist-sama!" 

"If Strategist-sama was still around, he would definitely suggest we retreat without hesitation." 

Shingen understood what the logical move would be, but even if she understood, her heart just couldn't accept it. 

"If I back down, our dream of erecting the Takeda Clan's banner, our Furinkazan's banner onto Seta will vanish! For this dream, I had even banished my own father!" 

Tears began to fall unchecked. 

Her retainers couldn't hold back their feelings, and soon all were howling in sorrow. 

"Please wait, I have one more thing to report, master. At the same time, there is someone who I hope master can take a look at." 

"What is it now!? Is there someone I must see!?" 

"It's the remains of Kansuke-sama. We brought him back from Saitou Dousan's main camp without any harm." 

Part 4 

The snow was falling relentlessly. 

Two people stood in the snow-filled courtyard, waiting for their audience with Nobuna. 

First, Yoshiharu apologized for the long wait the two of them had to endure. 

"I'm sorry, Nobuna is having a meeting to defeat the Takeda Clan. I came here in place of her." 

Looking at the dirt-ridden Organtino, Yoshiharu couldn't help but feel embarrassed. 

"I'm so sorry for forgetting you at the battlefield of Anegawa, it's good that you survived!" 

"It's ok, Yoshiharu-san. Everyone treated me as a living 'Kappa's head' and so I avoided danger. Besides, thanks to you, I'm reunited with Frois! Ahh, this must be the blessings of the lord!" 

"But you don't look happy at all." 

"T...Th...Th...That is because I'm troubled by my sin, it's definitely not Yoshiharu-san's fault...." 

"Hmmm? Organtino, you have seemed troubled like this for a while now. If it's ok, you can find me to discuss it with you." 

"T...Th...Th...Tha....Tha...That sin can never be told to Frois! If I say it out, I will definitely die from guilt!" 

"Organtino has been constantly avoiding me like this... sigh..." 

Looking at Frois sighing, Yoshiharu thought... 

Frois-chan's breasts are medicine to the eyes, and with such a gentle beauty like an angel, normal people would want to pester her and seek her attention.... 

"M-M-M-My matter isn't important! We had other matters we needed to bring up today." 

"Sagara Yoshiharu-san, according to the Japanese calender, today is the 24th of December, and tomorrow will be the 25th. Though it's a little hard to ask from you guys in the middle of a war, is it okay for you to ask Nobuna-sama for permission to do some celebrations for Christmas at Gifu castle?" 

Yoshiharu then noticed today's occasion. 

If this were present day Japan, the streets would have been filled with the festival's atmosphere long ago. In the future not overridden with war, the couples would be walking along brightly lit streets, and guys with no girlfriends like me would gather with their comrades and spend time ranting at the gaming center or karaoke rooms... Just like last year's Christmas. 

Thinking back, he started to miss the future and his companions. 

His nose started feeling weird too. 

In this era, battles followed more battles, and he couldn't even spend this very important day with his only family, Nene. 

"Yeah, today is Christmas Eve..." 

"Yes, though Japan's calendar is different from Europe, according to the time here, tomorrow is the day that the lord arrives on this land. We feel it's worthy of celebrating." 

"Yoshiharu-san, though we can't stop the war, we can at least pray for those who died in battle and for the safety of the soldiers who survived but are uneasy." 

"We plan to gather a choir from Sakai and Kyoto. Because Gifu's church isn't complete, we hope to borrow the open grounds, so please ask Nobuna-sama for us." 

Christmas carols, huh? 

Now that she mentioned Christmas carols, he could almost hear the nostalgic jingle bell tune. 

"Have you guys decided on what to sing? I feel that everyone will be more accepting if you sing in Japanese, but there shouldn't be any Japanese carols in this era, right?" 

"Nobuna-sama's god-father, Saitou Dousan-sama is currently in a critical condition, Shingen-sama's teacher, Yamamoto Kansuke-sama tragically died due to an illness. Asai Nagamasa-sama is torn between her father and Nobusumi-sama... Even if we try to say these are just the cruelties of this Sengoku Era, they are just too pitiful. We... wish to heal their wounds..." 

"Father, huh? My dad was always flying everywhere overseas due to work, so we seldom gathered together. When he got the chance to come home though, he always brought all sorts of overseas delicacies as presents. He still dotes on me, I guess." 

Frois lowered her head, likely feeling guilty that she had stirred up painful memories of his relatives. 

"It's ok, Frois-chan. I can't see my dad, but he must be active around the world now. Knowing my father is alive is fortune enough already." 

Just then, a flash of inspiration goes through Yoshiharu's head. 

"Yeah, my dad loves Christmas carols. He always sung them to us every year! I don't really understand the words in between, but I remember them all!" 

"You mean you have Christmas carols from hundreds of years in the future?" 

"I remember the name is... 'Happy Christmas (War is Over)'... It's a very popular 20th century anti-war song. At that time, the world had just finished a massive war, to pray for the peace that comes with difficulty, the writer wrote such a song, though he had died before I was born, my father had been a loyal fan of his." 

Organtino nodded and said, "The translation would be 'Happy Christmas (War is Over). What a beautiful name" 

"Yoshiharu, there are many Christians among the soldiers too," Frois continued. 

"Really? Then we can use this Christmas as the reason for the truce!! Nobuna, Takeda Shingen, no, Katsuchiyo and Asai Nagamasa, as Sengoku daimyos, they have all lost their most important person through this war. Their sadness has only thrown them into even more wars. This must be what they really want now!" 

"I don't know whether I can stop this war for Christmas, but I have to try!" 

~ ~ ~ 

"Sagara Yoshiharu's envoy requests an audience." 

"Sagara? If it's his envoy, there's no helping it. Bring them in then." 

By the time the genius strategist, Takenaka Hanbei appeared in front of Takeda Shingen, it was already late at night on the 24th of December. 

"I brought over Yoshiharu-san's letter. Uhh, now that I see up close, Takeda Shingen-sama is really terrifying..." 

Hanbei shivered slightly as she handed over Yoshiharu's letter. 

And the contents of it read... 

[In the future, Christianity's influence on Japan has developed a festival named "Christmas". This festival occurs every year on December 25th, and comes tomorrow. At that time, a choir will gather at Gifu castle to sing Christmas carols.] 

[Katsuchiyo-chan, don't fight at least on this Christmas day. Nobuna will soon lose Dousan forever. At such a time, I really don't want her to fight. Katsuchiyo-chan, can't you understand after losing Yamamoto Kansuke? Right now, I'm sure Katsuchiyo and all the soldiers wish to silently mourn for the dead, right?] 

He is an important retainer for Oda Nobuna, but this letter does not contain any animosity for the Takeda army or Takeda Shingen, what a mysterious man. 

While reading the letter in her hands, Shingen had a lot on her mind. 

Human who defied fate...huh? Maybe he is the one who created it and changed it... 

[I might be a man who wants everything. I can't give up on either Nobuna or Katsuchiyo-chan, and that will never change. You can say I'm shameless, but I think for the future Japan, both Nobuna and Katsuchiyo are necessary heroes! This world's history has already changed a great deal. Katsuchiyo-chan defying your own fate might have some important meaning. I like to think it means you two shouldn't fall victim to a grudge in this small Japan and relentlessly seek each other's head. I want to let Katsuchiyo-chan see the wide, limitless world too.] 

"Hehe, the world, huh? ... As expected, Kai's monkeys can never be compared to this one." 

"Uhhhh, you're gonna bully me? Or are you going to cut me into pieces and fry me?" 

Looking at Hanbei's frightened expression, Shingen reflected, "Perhaps because of the continuous battles, my face has grown fierce. It's expected, but to frighten such a small girl to this extent? I can't continue like this." 

"I won't bully cute girls, relax." 

"Uhh, really? Even if I throw a dagger at you, you won't bully me?" 

"Haha, that would be troubling. If you really throw a dagger at me, you will be killed instantly by the Sanada Ninjas hiding in some dark corners. 

"Eh.... EHHHHHHH." 

"Ok, listen to me. If it's som...someone else, I would definitely not agree to this, but since this is the request of that Sagara Yoshiharu, then I... I will have to accede to his request..." For whatever reason, Shingen's cheeks flushed read a she spoke. 

"Ehh... Don't tell me even Shingen-sama has... towards Yoshiharu-san... lo...? Yoshiharu-san, no matter what, you are too frivolous, uwahhh." 

"It...It's not like that! How can the world's renown warrior, Takeda Shingen, towards that monkey faced guy.... Definitely impossible!" 

"Eh..... Please don't bully me, uhhhhh." 

Just like this, the first "Christmas truce agreement" in Japan's history was established. 

No dates were written for the truce. Since the conqueror of the world had not been decided, they might well turn on each other soon, fighting, betting again with their lives on the line. But at least on Christmas, the Oda, Takeda, Matsudaira, Asai and Asakura Clans would see no battle. 

Thanks to the agreement of Takeda Shingen, who change her original decision, "I won't retreat even a step", Yoshiharu and Frois were able to complete the idea they frantically created. 

Part 5 

Late in the night, the snow still fell without end. 

After Hanbei left, the Takeda Clan received the good news "Uesugi Kenshin has returned to Echigo". With only one enemy left, the army began preparations for a retreat to face Date Masamune in Kanto. 

So right now, only Takeda Shingen remained the main camp. Since she had decided to retreat, she had to say her farewells to her comrades who were buried here. 

Right now, the corpse of Yamamoto Kansuke lay on the bed, a blissful smile on his face. This was Shingen's first time seeing such a refreshing smile from the demon strategist. His 'last words' the Sanada ninjas relayed to Shingen weren't strategies either. 

I have no more regrets. 

To humans, it's not important if we have unfulfilled dreams. 

As long as we can chase after the same dream and work hard towards it, laugh at it and feel sad about it... 

Then I whom has walked alongside you feels happy enough. 

So, having met master, I am the happiest person. 

From now on, please live according to your own will. 

And then, meet someone and fight for your own happiness. 

Good luck, Katsuchiyo-sama! 

Kansuke. 

".... With his last moments, he still makes me cry. I had already become a demon and abandoned the human ways... This is just too crafty of you, Kansuke." Laughing bitterly as she thought of Kansuke's words, Shingen slowly stood up. 

"Rest properly at Gifu. After defeating Date Masamune, I will return, but this time it won't be to conquer, but to reassess my own fate. If that Sagara Yoshiharu who saved me, and the whole Takeda Clan, is really the one who creates fate, then I must meet him. No, I want to meet him. This Sengoku Era, where even killing one's kin is normal, he might be able to completely change it." 

But tonight, Kansuke... 

Let me pray silently for you and the dead ones. 

Shingen, who had inherited the position of Tendai head priest, brought her hands together in a Buddhist prayer and shut her eyes. 

Faintly, she could hear the Christmas carols from the direction of Gifu. They were almost completely sung in the namban language, so Shingen does not know the meaning of the lyrics, but hearing the carols, Shingen's heart calmed down. 

~ ~ ~ 

At Saitou Dousan's original camp near the foot of Mount Gifu, Yoshiharu brought a stone- faced Nobuna to find Takigawa Kazumasu, still leading the arquebus squads, and pleaded countless times, "Kazumasu-chan! We need your powers now, please help us!" 

"To use on geezer, right? I don't wanna. Using my powers on a dying person is what I hate the most, because it always turns out so depressing...." 

"I understand, but I can only ask you now. No, I beg you, this will be my only request for life." 

"Then, you owe me a favor! And it's gonna be a v~ery big thing, kuku." 

"....Why does it feel like you've been possessed by Juubei-chan all of a sudden? But there's no helping it, I promise." 

The flames of Saitou Dousan's life were all but extinguished. Matsunaga Hisahide, who had fallen in love with Dousan when they were still young, had concocted countless medicines to take care of him. 

But..... 

"This is the limit.... Nobuna-sama." 

"Dearuka." 

Lying down on the bed, Dousan finally noticed Nobuna's presence. 

"You unfilial lass, to think that you will throw the world away like a rotten orange. I have nothing else to say anymore; get out now." 

Yoshiharu and Kazumasu grabbed Nobuna as she made to walk away upon hearing that. Right now, Nobuna had to be feeling the worst. If they let her go right now, the pain of losing Dousan would slowly destroy her heart. 

Right now, she had even lost her usual stubborn attitude. 

"....Looks like it's still a no." 

Nobuna lowered her head, as her body couldn't help but shiver, as if she were a kitten abandoned by her parents. Looking at her, Yoshiharu made up his mind to never let this father and daughter be separated by death over a misunderstanding. 

"I beg you, Kazumasu-chan!" 

"Ok, but remember you owe me a v~ery big favor, Yoshii." With her malicious reminder, Kazumasu put her small hand on Dousan's forehead. 

"What Ojii-chan wants to say is actually something else, but because he can't shelve his pride, he can't say it. Isn't he just an idiot? Right now, tell Nobuna-chan what you really want, what you really want her to understand, because Jii-chan... you don't have much time anymore..." 

Yoshiharu crossed his arms around Nobuna's shoulders, strong enough so that she couldn't escape, yet soft enough to keep from hurting as they sat down beside Dousan's pillow. The old man's murky eyes slowly cleared. 

He raised his head and looked at Yoshiharu and Nobuna as they sat next to him, hugging. 

Hisahide motioned, "Shuu." 

Dousan's lips started to move. 

His voice was so weak. 

Competing with the Christmas carols from afar, Dousan spoke slowly. 

"....Nobuna-dono." 

Maybe Kazumasu-chan's powers work, or maybe Dousan himself had won through the stubbornness of his heart. 

"Parents leaving their child first is a common thing. Nearly all humans must go through such a thing. In this battle, there have been countless soldiers offering their lives for you, so let your sadness for me end tonight. Whether it's Takeda Shingen or Asai Nagamasa, don't hate them. Your dream is very beautiful; this Sengoku Japan has long since become a burning hell thanks to long periods of war, but you can end this nightmare, and then fly towards the wide world. So, never give up before conquering the world, and don't be afraid of letting your retainers sacrifice themselves. Let me carry all of your sins. Just say that I forcefully entrusted your ambition of conquering the world to you." 

Dousan's eyes glimmered like a doting parents as he watched Nobuna stifle her sobbing. 

Nobuna silently nodded her head. 

Right now, she could no longer emit any sound. 

If she opened her mouth, she would definitely cry out loud. 

"Sagara Yoshiharu-dono." 

"M...Me? What is it you want me to do, geezer?" 

"Soon, Yoshitatsu's remains will be sent to Gifu. Please bury him with me." 

"I understand." 

"Yoshiharu-dono, I leave Nobuna-dono in your hands. No matter what kind of future awaits her, I believe you can definitely protect her. Then, accompany her to see the wild and sparse world. I can only ask such a thing of you, Yoshiharu-dono. Only you can do it." 

As if with his last bit of breath, Dousan said, "Your hand..." 

Yoshiharu grabbed onto Nobuna's hand as she bit her lips, struggling to endure with all her might. Nobuna gripped Yoshiharu's hand tightly in return. 

"This is good. The thing about difference in statuses? Surpass it with the spirit of overstepping authority, Nobuna-dono." 

"Viper, I... towards this Sa...Saru, I don't..." 

Nobuna reflexively tried to deny it, but she couldn't fit another word through her sobbing. 

"Nobuna-dono, you must leave my side immediately. You will never truly love a worthy man under the care of your father. You already have the love of two fathers; wanting even more will just be the willfulness of a small child. Trusting someone, loving someone requires courage. I lacked the courage to maintain my dream and love my own son, Yoshitatsu. Because I was burdened by the sin of revolting, my heart had cowered. This cowardly self disturbed the relationship between Yoshitatsu and I and ended the love between Matsunaga Danjo... Hisahide and me. But, if it's you two, you will definitely surpass me." 

"Yoshiharu-dono, I leave Nobuna to you." 

"You must definitely hold a wedding after you conquer the world. Consider it a promise to this geezer." 

Yoshiharu and Nobuna gazed at each other. Both of them had forgotten, "This is an impossible thing, a pure dream..." 

Dousan looked at them and finally revealed a blissful smile. 

"Though my disciple, Juubei looks like that too, she is a girl with a very delicate heart. Please treat her properly too, and be careful of Kuroda Kanbei of Harima. That girl has immeasurable intelligence, and she will be a great asset for Yoshiharu-dono and Nobuna-dono, but it is a double-edge sword. You might just hurt yourself if you use her incorrectly." 

"How I wish to see Nobuna-dono's cute bridal gown." 

This... was the last sentence of Saitou Dousan, the Viper of Mino, and the godfather of Oda Nobuna. 

Part 6 

Just before dawn, December 25th. 

Nobuna sat alone in the grass hut at the top of Mount Gifu. 

This grass hut was located at the peak of Mount Kinka and was one of Dousan's most beloved places when he was still alive. 

Right now, Nobuna wore a pure white kimono. 

"I'm sorry for not wearing a proper bridal gown, Viper. I doubt I'll have a chance to actually wear a bridal gown, but let me send you off tonight like this." 

The big snowfall had weaned off to thin snowflakes sometime ago. 

Even at the top of the mountain, she could still clearly hear the Christmas carols from the foot. The current melody was a marvelous song sung by both guys and girls together. The tune was totally different from that of Japanese songs. She had heard of Yoshiharu saying this was a very popular "eengshi" song in the future, though she didn't have a clue what he meant. She did not understand any of the song either. 

Such a mysterious song, it somehow brought tears to Nobuna's eyes as she silently listened to it. 

"Now that I'm alone here, it should be alright if I cry out, right?" 

After all, she had to gather herself again to conquer the world soon. 

"If this is the only time, it's alright to cry out loud, right?" 

"....The ones I love, and who were worthy of trust, everyone has died in the end." 

Father passed away. 

Viper has left. 

Even that namban missionary.... 

Everyone... has left me. 

So, 

If I want to be together with him, he will be scolded by everyone, declared "the worst man in the history of overstepping authority" and be despised by everyone. 

And finally, he will die because of me... 

I want to run away. 

But right now, my real wish is to stay by his side. 

But if I extend my hands towards him, he will definitely be broken. 

I want to throw away my status as the princess of Oda Clan; just throw all of this away. 

To live as a simple city girl, just as "Kichi" and go everywhere with him. 

But, I can't do it... 

For this dream of conquering the world, countless soldiers have given me their lives. 

I can't do such an irresponsible thing like abandoning everything. 

So I banished him to Ise, expecting him to be safer if he were further away from me. 

But, I can't endure the days without him, as expected. 

Every day, every minute, every second my heart thinks only of him; I can't shake the thought away... 

"....Uhh...Uhh...Uhh...Uhhh...." 

Why? 

Just why? I have worked so hard, but the heavens, Buddha-sama or even Jesus-sama, they don't reward me. 

Why must I always face saddening things? 

Why must I be lonelier and lonelier? 

Even the one person that I want to have around is.... 

"Merry Christmas, Nobuna?" 

With a strange red hat on his head, his face pasted with white paper strips, a man wearing same color weird namban clothing stood in front of her. Across his back was a huge white thing like a sack for transporting rice. 

Because her vision was clouded by tears, Nobuna couldn't see clearly. 

Is this an illusion? 

Did I eat Danjo's medicine and escape to the illusionary world? 

Even if that weird fellow is Saru, such an attire is just too messed up... 

"...What are you up to, Saru? What's with that attire? Does that big sack behind your back contain a girl you recently kidnapped from somewhere?" 

"I don't want to hear it from you while you're cosplaying as a bride in such a place. Listen, now I'm not Saru or Sagara Yoshiharu, and this moustache isn't pasted on but the real stuff, cough, I'm Santa Claus. ?" Yoshiharu chimed as he raised his hands for a weird pose. 

"Sanda craws...? What is that? Or is it something like doing a trick to kidnap girls?" 

"On Christmas night, Sanda, no no, Santa Claus rides a wooden sled around the world to give presents to good kids. This is an event in the future every year, so, merry Christmas. ?" 

What does this man think he is doing in this atmosphere? 

If he wants to console me, this method is too unorthodox, right? 

Hmph, and what do you want to give me? 

Can you return Viper to me? 

Or, do you have the guts to bring me with you and escape from here? 

Coward. 

Gutless idiot. 

How many times has it been... I want to fulfill the promise with you, but you don't even have the courage to kiss me. 

Every time you just pay lip service. 

You swore to be loyal to me, you promised to be by my side when I fulfill my dreams, but when I just avert my eyes a little, you immediately run to other girls and flirt with them. 

I heard... 

You have been in a mixed bath with Sakon and Takeda Shingen, right? 

So, to you, as long as they are cute, any girl will do!? 

Even if it isn't me, you are okay with it? 

Since... 

You can't possibly do anything to your master, Oda Nobuna... 

Such a guy like you, 

Such a guy like you, I hate...... 

"Merry Christmas, Nobuna. This is a Christmas present to good kids." 

Suddenly, Nobuna found herself enveloped in a hug, and before she could react, her lips were entwined with Yoshiharu's. 

Nobuna's eyes widened as she reflexively bit onto Yoshiharu's lips. She struggled with all her might in Yoshiharu's embrace, even tasting blood through Yoshiharu's bitten lips. There was blood in her mouth; there was no way he didn't notice. 

But even so, Yoshiharu had no intention of letting go. 

"~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~" 

Idiot. 

Demonic kissing monkey. 

What are you doing all of a sudden? 

If we're seen by the retainers, you are so dead. 

No matter what, this is just messed up. 

Even if you are the prince of the monkey country, at least be a little gentler. 

If.... 

If you are so violent... 

If you hugged me so strongly... 

My heart, 

My heart can't take it. 

Tears started flowing down. 

But this time, they weren't tears of sorrow, or tears of despair and regret. They were tears of happiness, welling up from the bottom of her heart, healed in an instant of the pain and suffering from all these years. 

But after struggling in Yoshiharu's arms, Nobuna's originally neat hair became untidy. 

"I'm sorry, since this is my first time, I can't do it properly." Yoshiharu said as he caressed Nobuna's head. 

His hand was so warm... 

"You will be killed for doing such a thing." 

"This is just a one night's dream, and today is Christmas; no one will blame us." Yoshiharu gazed lovingly at Nobuna. 

He was so serious that it was frightening. That wasn't his usual frivolous gaze; right now, in Yoshiharu's eyes, there was only Nobuna. 

The Christmas carols once again rose to the top of the mountain. 

Merry Christmas. 

The war is over. 

This song was riddled with everyone's hopes and wishes. 

How Nobuna wished that this Christmas would continue on and never end. 

Like a small child, Nobuna asked, "Will Sanda Craws come again during next year's Christmas?" 

"As long as you are a good kid, but if you really burn Mount Hiei, there won't be any rewards." 

How about the year after the next? Three years from now? Even four years from now? Nobuna wanted to ask even more, but her swollen throat was unable to utter another word, as though she had turned back to a shy young girl. 

She couldn't have gotten another word past Yoshiharu's second surprise anyway. 

"This is Kanegasaki's share." 

Her lips were once again kissed, but this time, Nobuna use her own slim arms to hug Yoshiharu. 

The choir was singing a 20th century song. 

This song is John Lennon's famed creation, a Christmas carol; “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” 

Tonight was the Christmas night that only came once every year. 

So tonight at least, let's not fight anymore. 

Let this never-ending war be stopped tonight. 

As long as everyone truly wishes for the war to end, then the war will definitely end. 

At the tune of the Christmas carol, the lyrics were repeated countless times, as if they were praying... 

~ ~ ~ 

"Looks like I can't make it to the temple." 

Rushing back to the temple he retired to from Mino, Saitou Yoshitatsu was hit by a feeling of powerlessness. Unable to control his body, he fell from his horse and quietly sunk into the white snow. 

From afar echoed namban songs from the direction of Gifu. 

From their soothing nature, Yoshitatsu understood that Dousan had passed away. 

Is this the requiem sung for father? 

Using namban songs to mourn father, what a Nobuna-esque way. 

I had planned to go back to the temple and pass away quietly under the chanting from the monks, but if I die here, I suppose my only regret is my last wish of being buried with father will not come true. 

"How ironic, my life..." 

He didn't even have the strength to stand up anymore. 

"....Who is it?" 

There was a presence nearby. 

But... It wasn't emitting a killing intent. 

A calm vagrant monk walk towards Yoshitatsu. 

"... I don't know who you are, but if you aren't a thief, I have a request." 

"My.... My days are numbered. After my death, please send my remains to Gifu." 

As if agreeing to Yoshitatsu's request, the monk sat down by Yoshitatsu's side silently and pulled out a string of beads. Maybe he had lead a tough life, as the monk's face is filled with scars. His eyes however were abnormally calm, a trait reflected in his expression. This must have been an distinguished monk who had obtained enlightenment. 

Yoshitatsu tried his best to endure his slowly blurring vision and asked,"....Who are you?" 

"My name is Sugutani Zenjuubou." 

"....Zenjuubou, I seem to have heard of you somewhere." 

"The mundane matters are like smoke, and a name is but a label. I have seen through the mundane world and am now a normal monk praying for this Sengoku Era to end. It's a sort of fate that we can meet here; I will fulfill your wish for you." 

"Thanks..." 

His final regret done away with, Yoshitatsu revealed a relaxed smile. 

~ ~ ~ 

At Omi's Odani Castle, long beyond the reach of the Christmas carols, Asai Nagamasa watched the snow as she softly whispered. 

"Kanjuurou, when can I see you ag...." 

Right in front Odani castle was a great stretch of plains. 

She didn't expect anyone to be crossing them in this weather, but a shadow slowly appeared. 

It's Tsuda Nobusumi! 

Though he was still very far out, Nagamasa could never mistake such a familiar silhouette. 

Nobusumi faced towards Odani castle, and, laughing brightly, he energetically waved his unbroken arm. 

His voice could never travel that far. 

But from reading Nobusumi's lips, Nagamasa couldn't helped but shed tears. 

"Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas, Oichi!"