Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 13 - Chapter 4

Chapter 4 - The Four Sisters of Shimazu 

Part 1 

Post-Battle of Kizakihara – the condition of sparing the lord of the Southern Higo Province—Sagara Yoshihi— was the head of Sagara Yoshiharu. 

It was the decision of Shimazu Yoshihiro. 

But just as Shimazu Yoshihiro was on the verge of slashing his neck, Sagara Yoshihi prevented her. 

“If you kill Yoshiharu, I will commit suicide! Once I do, the Sagara Clan will be handed down to Uncle Soun.” 

Sagara Yoshihi wished to sacrifice herself in order to prove Yoshiharu’s innocence. Shimazu Yoshihiro had no objection until this point. 

However, if Kai Soun attained the southern Higo along with the Sagara Clan, then it would be a grave consequence for the Shimazu Clan. 

The Aso Clan at the Northern Higo barely kept its independence as a small daimyo by forming alliances with the Sagara Clan. Even if they had the service of the undefeated Shura, Kai Soun, it would still be impossible for them to expand their territory. It was all because their national power was too weak to support a long expedition and continuous war. 

However, if Kai Soun managed to annex the territory of the Sagara Clan, it would be a different story. Before entering a decisive battle against Otomo Sorin, the Shimazu Clan must face the Higo Province which was under the jurisdiction of Kai Soun. He was not an enemy who could be easily defeated. 

“What is this, Sagara Yoshihi? Are you trying to deceive me?” 

“Do you know that uncle and I have exchanged a written oath at the Shinto shrine with each other?” 

“The oath of war renunciation?” 

“Uncle firmly believes in the written oath that we’ve exchanged with one another. However I have made another oath without uncle’s permission as a ‘testament’ hidden inside the shrines of Yatsushiro. If I do not take a husband and die before giving birth to an heir, then my younger sister Tokuchiyo shall take up the position as the head of the clan nominally, while entrusting the real authority to Uncle Soun. If Tokuchiyo also dies without leaving an heir, then Uncle Soun shall become the next head of the Sagara Clan.” 

“That’s a lie! You want to hand out the entire household of the Sagara Clan to the prime minister of a neighboring country? Even if you hold antipathy against your family, this is too ridiculous!” Shimazu Yoshihiro was confused. 

But Sagara Yoshihi smiled, “It’s true. For me, Uncle Soun is a comrade that I can trust more than anyone else.” 

“If you kill Yoshiharu then I will die. The Shimazu Clan will then need to fight against the unified Higo after Uncle Soun annexes the Sagara Clan. Uncle Soun will not stop attacking until Shimazu has been defeated.” 

Shimazu Yoshihiro was not a general who feared a decisive battle against Kai Soun. Rather, she wished to break Kai Soun’s undefeated war record and give him the taste of defeat. Yohihiro who had achieved Tsuri no Buse at Kizakihara felt that way. 

However, this was a matter related to the policy of the entire Shimazu Clan.  

The head of the Shimazu Clan was the eldest sister Shimazu Yoshihsa; the 2nd sister Yohihiro assisted Yoshihisa as a warrior. She couldn’t make the decision to fight Kai Soun by her own will. 

“… Now that it has come to this, it is no longer something that I can decide on my own. Although time is precious, I can’t help but to summon the Shimazu Four Sisters [including her] to convene and decide your treatment with my sisters. The meeting will continue until all the members’ opinions match. Once the decision is made, no one will be able to overturn it. You two shall attend this meeting, and, depending on the decision made, I might take your neck on the spot.” 

That was Sagara Yoshihi. She had neatly made a plan for survival. She was not a fool who would face against the Shimazu Clan without thinking. Shimazu Yoshihiro said to her page, “Take these two people to Satsuma. Escort them to the castle.” 

“But Sagara Yoshihi. What kind of relationship do you have with Sagara Yoshiharu who is a messenger of the Oda Clan? You and the Oda Clan shouldn’t have any relationship at all. So why did you try to protect this man?” 

“I just met him yesterday. He got shipwrecked and drifted to Yatsushiro Port.” 

“… Then isn’t he just an unrelated man? If you just abandon him, you will survive. If you die protecting him then the lineage of the Sagara Clan will perish. I do not understand why you are doing this.” 

“Even if the lineage of the Sagara Clan would perish, I do not care in the least. But perhaps the reason is love, hahahaha.” 

Shimazu Yoshihiro immediately blushed. 

Shimazu Yoshihiro was a straight-laced princess general who devoted herself only on strengthening her martial arts. Just by hearing the word “love” would immediately make her excited.  

“W-W-W-What? L-L-L-Love, you say? Did you get influenced by the rumor of the opening of Amano-Iwato? Y-Y-You insolent bastard!” 

“Hmph. It’s just a joke. What are you getting so flustered for?” 

As expected from the Valkyrie who represented “War” of the Shimazu Clan. Yoshihiro who lived solely for war did not have any immunity towards that kind of things. 

She showed a shaken expression which she had never displayed during battles. 

“Sagara Yoshiharu of the Oda Clan. I shall leave the decision for your judgment to my Aneue. I have a premonition that if you, the rumored ‘world’s number one womanizer’ comes to ours, the Shimazu Clan, you would cause a disturbance to the public moral, and our clan’s power would decline rapidly.” 

After riding her horse and walking away, Yoshihiro blushed and murmured, “Choosing a man that she had just met yesterday over her own clan… I don’t understand.” 

Yoshiharu who had been saved from decapitation by a hair’s breadth felt admiration towards Yoshihi. 

“To make a survival plan by taking advantage of the written oath made with Soun, huh? Does Soun even know about it? Such a bold thing to do.” 

“Fufu. This is what survival is all about. Sagara Yoshiharu, your performance in front of Shimazu Yoshihiro is brave, very brave indeed. Shimazu Yoshihiro is a Shura who wouldn’t hesitate to kill you. In fact, not killing you is being discourteous. This is Kyushu; no matter how much lifespan you have, it won’t be enough.” 

“It’s normal for me. Although, it may appear a bit disordered. If I make you a scapegoat here to run away and survive, I’d have no right to call myself a man, even if I live a long life. I have promised Soun before that I would ensure your life even if it would take my own.” 

“Let me say thank you. However, as Oda Nobuna’s lover, won’t you rather come back to her side and live? Fufu.” 

“If I were to be caught, then I would find any opportunities to return to Nobuna’s side. But what will happen to us and the 500 Sagara soldiers now? 

“Each of the Four Sisters of Shimazu has different characteristics and ideas respectively. Furthermore, the meeting will not reach a conclusion until all the four sisters agree on one opinion. Therefore, even if I can’t judge what will happen, the life of our 500 soldiers would at least be alright. Indeed, the Shimazu Clan is not that ruthless to kill all of its prisoners. In addition, they should avoid having to execute me since it will only serve to double Uncle Soun’s military power. Unlike Shimazu Yoshihiro whose body is completely consisted of ‘war,’ Shimazu Yoshihisa is not a princess general who is devoted to military arts. However, you should be wary of the schemes made by the 3rd sister Shimazu Toshihisa.” 

“Do we have no choice but to wait for the outcome of the Four Sisters’ conference while being tied up? Though as prisoners, we might not be able to speak so often; let’s use any opportunity to ensure our survival effectively.” 

“Yes. But in Kyushu, the thought of ‘saving the life of others in the expense of another’ is useless. Therefore, we should think of another way for the two of us to survive, Yoshiharu.” 

“I see. We would better not have some sweet dreams about having all of us come back to Higo without compensation. So what should we do to achieve a compromise?” 

“As you have already understood it, Shimazu Yoshihiro is a person who follows the way of righteousness and the militaristic way of a warlord. She will never move out of her own self-interest.  If we wish to achieve a breakthrough in our problems, we must persuade the one who coordinates their interests, Shimazu Toshihisa; or the eldest sister who shoulders the responsibility of ensuring the continuation of the clan—Shimazu Yoshihisa.” 

*** 

The Shimazu’s Uchi Castle – Inner City 

Located at the hill of the modern Kagoshima. It was made to serve as an important vantage point where one could have a bird’s eye view of Sakurajima, where the military of the Shimazu Clan was located. There was no large luxurious structure to be seen at all. It was a rustic and boorish base citadel used for fortification. 

The soldiers in the castle were in delight after hearing the victory report from Shimazu Yoshihiro. 

At the Battle of Kizakihara, they had finally completely annihilated their arch nemesis—the Ito Clan. 

Furthermore, they managed to capture Sagara Yoshihi!  

But the messenger from the Oda Clan—Sagara Yoshiharu—had somehow slipped into the Sagara army for some unknown reason; the situation had developed into an unexpected and serious diplomatic issue. 

Another problem was that Sagara Yoshihi was protecting Yoshiharu. If Yoshiharu were to be beheaded, Yoshihi would commit suicide and Higo should be handed to Kai Soun. 

The Shimazu Clan aimed for the long-cherished wish of the tripartite unification by conquering Hyuga in order to invade the Kingdom of God established by Otomo Sorin. Or would they be forced to face the revenge-ridden demon Kai Soun at Higo after losing his sworn ally Yoshihi? For the sake of reaching a decision, the Shimazu Four Sisters gathered at the reception hall inside Uchi Castle. 

“So what should we do now? Ordering the leader Sagara Yoshihi to commit seppuku or to execute the strategist Sagara Yoshiharu? The Oda Clan who rules the world at the center of Kyoto or the issue with Kai Soun, which one is the most important problem to face in the future for the Shimazu Clan? I see. I wonder what Xiang Yu-san would do at this situation. As expected, should we bury all the prisoners alive? Burying them alive. is it?” 

“Wickedness is my mentor,” the one who had taken this as her favorite phrase was the eldest sister of the Shimazu Clan—Shimazu Yoshihisa. [Ooh, a chuunibyou like Bontenmarou?] 

Even though she was born in the aggressive Shimazu Clan, she was not well-versed in terms of military actions and had a habit of staying indoors, not leaving Satsuma even by one step. In retrospect, however, she had a mysterious virtue that charmed people and made them feel relieved; for such she was dearly loved by her sisters and retainers. 

However, even if she was regarded as one of the few good-natured leaders in the countries of Shuras, due to her little bit of honesty, Yoshihisa decorated her room with the portraits of all the wicked figures in history and worshiped them every day.  

“If it’s Ukita Naoie-san, would he use poison or shoot that person to death?” 

“Lord Xiang Yu would naturally bury the prisoners alive or set their town to fire.” 

“If it’s Lord Ashikaga Takauji, he would spare no negotiations and proceed to divide Yamato Gosho into halves, drive Japan into a civil war, and steal the three sacred treasures.” 

“Hisahide Matsunaga would blow them up with a blast of gunpowder hidden inside a teapot.” 

Numerous wicked schemes circulated inside her head. 

But even so, these plans were seldom put into practice 

Because her younger sister Yoshihiro had always prevented her from doing so. 

It was the same for this meeting. 

“So it has started. Please wait. You can’t bury the prisoners, Aneue!” 

The second sister who had already met Yoshiharu at Kizakihara—Shimazu Yoshihiro. 

Revered as the Valkyrie and a righteous princess general. She supported her elder sister Yoshihisa as her aide-de-camp in military affairs. But even though she was harsh and severe to her enemies, she was awfully weak to her elder sister. 

After she had arrived at Uchi Castle, Yoshihiro was still being wary against Yoshiharu who claimed himself as “The Man from the Future” as usual. Though she was not afraid of Kai Soun who was similarly a Shura as she was, she stated that there was no telling what kind of mess the man from the future would bring to them. 

“Eh. Is it no good? Yoshihiro-chan?” 

“Haa. It’s been decided then. Aneue’s virtue has been lost. Even though we are in a country of Shura, subjugating the enemies on the battlefield in a dignified manner and exterminating the surrendering captive are different matters. Though it’d be another matter entirely if it were a rebellion.” 

“As for me, I want to be lined up as one of the wicked people of this world; I want to be feared by the Shuras of Kyushu.” 

“How could you abandon the virtue of being a benevolent person? Leave the matter of being feared by the Shuras to me.” 

“About that, Yoshihiro-chan. You can’t be forced with the role of being the villain forever. You are already renowned as the Valkyrie. According to Toshihisa-chan’s investigation, a militaristic princess general would be feared by many men; as such, it will be impossible for me to arrange a wedding ceremony for you. How could you ever hope to find a soul mate if you only focus yourself to war? A flower’s life is short. You will miss your marriageable age, Yoshihiro-chan.” 

“M-M-M-My chance for marriage is not important now! I simply think that it would be best for us to cut Sagara Yoshiharu here and break any diplomatic relationship with the Oda Clan. This man who insists that he came from the future has been interfering in Japan’s history too much. There is no telling what kind of trouble he would bring to the future of Satsuma.” 

“But if Yoshihiro-chan can’t find a husband, then I am sorry for I cannot take a groom as well.” 

“Because Aneue is the head of the Shimazu Clan, you must give birth to an heir as soon as possible. But things like love which is a trend lately are worthless. Love makes a Shura weak! The number of princess generals in our Shimazu Clan who have been talking about love has increased. Iehisa is a prime example. It is all because of Sagara Yoshiharu’s nonsense future talks about love that has been spreading around.” 

“But a marriage without love is lacking. Though I love Yoshihiro-chan… It would be nice if you were a man.” 

“There is no marriage between two sisters in this world!” 

“At least if Yoshihiro-chan is my otouto. Then I would be able to have 2 babies.” 

“There is no marriage between an elder sister and her younger brother either!” 

“Please wait, Yoshihiro-neesama. The task of handling Sagara Yoshiharu and severing ties with the Oda Clan must be handled carefully. Also, if you kill this man, Sagara Yoshihi would commit suicide. Then Kai Soun shall obtain the military of all parts of Higo due to the exchanged written oath with Sagara Yoshihi. After that, he will proceed to attack the Shimazu Clan. But now that the Ito Clan has been defeated, our enemy now is Otomo Sorin. Even if they do not do anything for now, we still need to be prepared for Otomo Sorin who is aiming for Hyuga. I will think of a method.” 

The 3rd daughter, Shimazu Toshihisa, served in diplomacy as an intelligent strategist. 

Called as the head advisor of the clan, she acted as the “brain” of the clan and supported them behind the scenes. 

An excellent sister who was the head of clan and managed to gather the loyalty of their vassals with her virtue of benevolence. 

The Takegami whose bravery had spread all over Kyushu. 

The young prodigy of combat strategies.  

While the other three sisters were very brilliant, Toshihisa’s presence as the supporter from the shadow was awfully weak in comparison. 

With her aquiline nose, beautiful eyebrows and pupils, her facial feature strongly equaled Yoshihisa’s and the other sisters’ who were worthy to be called as “The Beauties of Satsuma.” However, her thin appearance was more suitable to be described as that of a princess of Kyoto. 

But, Toshihisa possessed a flat chest that made people wonder if she was a daughter of the Shimazu Clan. 

Yoshihisa and Yoshihiro inherited the constitution of the Shimazu Clan’s previous princesses who had had big breasts. Their hips were also good enough to give them an easy delivery during childbirth. 

The same could be said for the youngest sister Iehisa. Although her body was still delicate, but her breasts had been developing earlier than the norm. [Oppai loli of the Hestia faction!] 

However, only Toshihisa retained her body which looked like a little girl’s. 

Therefore, in the family, there were some gossips about Toshihisa, “With a weak presence and flat chest, her happiness will be low too,” “With small hips like that, she would have a lot of trouble giving birth to a child, how pitiful,” spreading around. 

“However, this ugly man Sagara Yoshiharu really looks like a monkey. Oda Nobuna must be a dull woman to be fascinated by a boring man like him. If she ever attacks Kyushu, I will make her a quarry for our Tanegashimas using Tsuri no Buse. Oda Nobuna must have been working hard to produce a baby with Sagara Yoshiharu, right? In that case, he is not a virgin anymore, right? If that is the case then there wouldn’t be any regret if he dies now. But of course, I’m not saying this because I envy Oda Nobuna for having a man.” 

Because people around her kept saying things like “Flat, Flat, Flat,” for too many times innumerable, Toshihisa’s speech behavior was the wickedest and most abusive among the four sisters. 

Yoshihisa and Yoshihiro said, “Because Toshihisa-chan chest is so flat, she is so, severely strict towards men,” “Yes, indeed. A man’s preferences and his military affairs are a different matter to each other. But you wouldn’t be able to find a groom with that wicked tongue of yours, Toshihisa,” as they looked at each other. 

“Don’t bring out a topic about breasts! Men must be stupid for being attracted to nee-sama’s huge breasts which are similar to Sakurajima daikons [Imagine a massively enlarged garlic bulb of a watermelon’s size]!” Toshihisa’s face twitched, and she roared loudly.  

“Aah. Sagara-san, what are you doing in a place like this? Have you become Sagara Yoshihi’s vassal? What happened to Oda Nobuna?” 

The youngest daughter Shimazu Iehisa, who had arrived late, rushed into the room. She was in charge of military tactics and known as “The Bullet of Shimazu.” 

Though she was still young, she was in fact a prodigy of tactics. 

Even though Yoshihiro was the one who volunteered for the dangerous mission of fighting the 3,000 Ito soldiers with only 300 troops at Kizakihara, it was Iehisa who had devised the suicidal, deadly tactic Tsuri no Buze. 

Iehisa grew up receiving pristine education of using Tanegashimas instead of spending her time playing with toys. She was supposed to grow to become a battle maniac whose mind was filled with things about how to win a battle. However, as she reached adolescence, she began to yearn for love. 

However, there was no one whom she could fall in love with at Satsuma. 

“It is too early for you to be in love with someone,” Yoshihiro steadfastly said those words to her with strong eyes. 

Yoshihiro always took care of Toshihisa with her wicked tongue so that she could find a husband as soon as possible, but she forbade Iehisa because she was still too young. 

She was a lovely youngest imouto. It would be a terrible thing if the young Iehisa eloped with a terrible partner. 

Iehisa made an excuse of participating in a pilgrimage to Ise Shrine so that she could go to Kyoto to witness the stage play of the literature Tales of Genji. At that time, she received a welcome from Yoshiharu by Nobuna’s order. 

Today, Iehisa grabbed the scruff of Yoshiharu’s neck and only said, “I’m ashamed.” 

“We do have reunited in a strange place now. I originally had been going to Bungo by ship to visit Otomo Sorin as a messenger but various things happened and I’ve got drifted to Yoshihi’s place.” 

“Were you got caught by the Tsuri no Buse trap? Sagara is an idiot! Since you have knowledge from the future, you should be able to see through this Shimazu’s new tactic.” 

“I did see through it. But your sister’s strength is too abnormal. My future knowledge was useless. Although I know that she is strong, I didn’t expect her to be stronger in real life.” 

“Fufufu,” Iehisa delightfully laughed through her nose. 

“I see. As expected from Yoshihiro-neesama. Since you have been captured, you should surrender and become our clan’s vassal, Sagara” 

“Me? A vassal? Yours?” 

“Yes. This is Kyushu. Whether it is Sagara Yoshihi or someone else. If you were to use tricks on us, your head will be beheaded immediately, Sagara. I was under your care back then at Kyoto. Now, it’s my time to help you in return.” 

“Wait a moment, Iehisa,” Yoshihiro glared at her. 

“That’s wrong. This person is a womanizer who laid his hands on Oda Nobuna who rules the world. You are still young; it’s dangerous for you to take this person as a subordinate. Too dangerous. He should be executed immediately.” 

“Then Yoshihiro-neesama. Why don’t I take Sagara as my husband. Wouldn’t that be alright?” 

“H-H-Husband??” 

“Yes. If we take Sagara as my husband then he will become a part of our family, then there will be no complaints anymore, right?” 

“What nonsense! Sagara Yoshiharu! You dared to bare your fangs to Iehisa when she visited Kyoto? Iehisa was supposed to be on a pilgrimage to Ise Shrine. Forget the things about Kai Soun, you need to die now!”  [Weee! To the Planet of As Usual!] 

“Wait, it’s a misunderstanding!” 

“So as to say, Sagara Yoshiharu is a big villain who resorts to underhanded  methods and can’t help himself but to commit numerous atrocities. It seems that the morality of a person who came from the future is different,” Yoshihisa laughed, hitting her knees. 

“As for me, I have many wicked people as my mentors and my role models.” 

“What are you saying, Aneue? This person is a senior statesman of the Oda Clan and Sagara Yoshihi’s strategist! Any prisoner who loses to Shimazu would rebel! Could you please be more serious in handling this matter? In other words, a commander of a defeated army should be beheaded!” 

Toshihisa also said, “Because she spent her time at Kyoto that things have become like this.” She hopelessly said so with a sullen face. 

“Iehisa, you are still foolish. Wake up. This person is a vulgar monkey who was drowned by Oda Nobuna’s body. He will definitely have an affair because he is unsatisfied with your body which is still but a child’s!” 

“Nyaa nyaa! Sagara still hasn’t been tied together with Oda Nobuna yet.” 

“Do not lie! All men are like monkeys. There is no exception.” 

“But-” 

“Iehisa! The Tsuri no Buse that you have devised has a fatal flaw that will risk the army to total extermination once the enemy detects the ambush unit you’ve prepared beforehand. The only reason why it succeeded was because I had spread false information within the enemy beforehand when they advanced.” 

The naïve Iehisa couldn’t defend herself against Toshihisa’s wicked tongue. Her body shook and she couldn’t answer back when she was scolded by Toshihisa.  

The longtime rival of Shimazu, the Ito Clan, was finally defeated by Iehisa’s tactic. She expected that she would be praised by Toshihisa. Because her hope was so big that the dejection she’d received was a lot more painful.  

“… Y-Yes…” 

Iehisa looked down with large beads of tears on her eyes. 

Yoshiharu had never seen this side of Iehisa before at Kyoto; it was unimaginable. Iehisa looked like a younger sister whom was loved by her elder sisters very much. 

Yoshiharu momentarily forgot his position as a captive of the Shimazu Clan and involuntarily talked to Toshihisa. 

“Even if you are her elder sister, aren’t you going too far? After all, the biggest contributor of this battle was Iehisa. It’s true that the Tsuri no Buse is a very suicidal tactic, but it takes a genius to be able to pull it off, and she succeeded in it. You should praise Iehisa more!” 

“Wha-Wha-What is this monkey saying? A prisoner of war does not have the right to meddle in the Shimazu Clan’s affairs! It is because a suspicious person like you served as an impromptu schemer for Sagara Yoshihi that we were able to win. And it was Yoshihiro-neesama that led the 300 Shimazu army. Iehisa did not fight at all.” 

“I was supposed to lead the army as the commander but Yoshihiro-neesama didn’t allow it,” Iehisa said in a tearful voice. Iehisa couldn’t look at Toshihisa in the eyes and was looking down, trembling. 

Yoshihiro, with her personality, did not seem to know how to dispel the awkward atmosphere between the two sisters and coughed lightly.  

“It is because I’ve judged that it’d be dangerous for you to serve as the decoy against an enemy 10 times your own that I didn’t entrust you this battle, Iehisa.” 

“Well, now, now, everybody. Because it’s a celebration for our great victory, let’s be nice to each other.” 

Yoshihisa clapped her hands, then a series of banquet arrived.  

“Aneue, please hold the victory celebration after we’ve dealt with these two people of the Sagara Clan.” 

Seeing how Yoshiharu was desperately concerned for Iehisa who was an enemy general, Yoshihi puffed her cheeks. 

“Hey. You couldn’t possibly accept being Iehisa’s husband, right, Yoshiharu? She is still a child.” 

“If I were to pretend with this role then Nobuna would definitely send out an assault force to attack Kyushu. But if this would allow Yoshihi to survive then I could only accept it.” 

“What? You want to do it with a young girl? Do you have a fetish for young girls? Is this that so-called disease from the future called “lolicon?” You traitor, you are even more savage than a demon!” [Seriously, how did this lexicon arrive in this period? Look at how fast it spread, to the extent of reaching Kyushu in a short length of time!] 

Yoshihi flew into rage for some reason and sent a kick to Yoshiharu’s solar plexus. 

Seeing Yoshiharu faint in agony, an idea suddenly flashed through Toshihisa’s mind. 

“The monkey’s wedding… That’s right! Please hear me, sisters. The one whom we should focus on more is Otomo Sorin who has the strongest military power among our current enemies. Therefore, it would be troublesome if Kai Soun were to gain the Sagara Clan’s territory. So we should never give him an excuse to do so. Because if Kai Soun’s military power were to be doubled then it would become an army that could compete against Otomo Sorin’s. The key is whom should we place more priority above all else. Conversely, Kai Soun would only have Northern Higo if we were able to gain the Sagara Clan’s territory for our own.” 

When Toshihisa began to explain her plan, Iehisa fell silent. She thought that if she were to interject, then she would be scolded again; her body seemed to remember that experience. 

“Toshihisa-chan, you want to make Sagara Yoshihi submit and become our clan’s subordinate? But what should we do with Sagara Yoshiharu?” 

“It’s too lenient to spare both of them. That is not how a Shura of Kyushu would act, Toshihisa. If I don’t take one of their necks, I would not be able to face the men who’ve sacrificed themselves heroically at Kizakihara.” 

“Did you forget? I will die too if Yoshiharu were to be killed. If you spare Yoshiharu’s life then I would become your clan’s subordinate.” 

Yoshihi reminded Toshihisa of that fact. “Hmph, still the same old, dirty vixen,” Toshihisa glared at her. 

“If it were the villainess Matsunaga Danjo, she would definitely betray the Shimazu Clan after swearing to become our vassal,” Yoshihisa waved her fan.  

“What right does a prisoner of war have to say anything?” Yoshihiro said sharply. 

“Nee-sama. Recall the content of the oath written by this woman. It does not matter whether Sagara Yoshihi will betray Shimazu in the future; it is fine as long as we make the agreement of handing over the Sagara Clan’s domain to Kai Soun invalid.” 

“What?” 

“What do you mean, Toshihisa?” 

“Fufufu. It’s proof that a woman whose all of her nourishment only goes to her chest is no good. First of all, we’ll spare Sagara Yoshihi and make her our subordinate, and then we can station our troops in the Sagara Clan’s territory and control it effectively. Now the problem is the oath; the condition for it to happen is that she also must not have any husband to leave an heir once she dies. Therefore we just need to pick a husband for Sagara Yoshihi by ourselves.” 

“It’s a wonderful and very wicked plan, Toshihisa-chan! Certainly you must have a deep resentment for not being able to find a marriage partner until today.” 

“Yoshihisa-neesama, stop saying such things to me! It’s only because I haven’t been able to find a suitable man at Osumi or Satsuma!” 

“It’s amazing, Toshihisa-chan. If Sagara Yoshihi plans to betray the Shimazu Clan after giving her a marriage ceremony, we could poison her or force her to commit suicide.” 

“Is that so? By then, the oath will be invalid! And then Kai Soun will have no justification to merge the Sagara Clan’s domain anymore.” 

“Yes. That’s right, Yoshihiro-neesama. If we make Sagara Yoshihi our subordinate by giving her a marriage ceremony, the 500 Sagara troops and two Sagara lives will be spared. If they refuse then we’ll just force them to commit suicide rather than behead them ourselves. With this, we can delay unnecessary confrontations with Kai Soun. Sagara Yoshihi can’t refuse this because if she does then Sagara Yoshiharu’s neck will fly. Look, Sagara Yoshihi’s face has become blue.” 

Yoshihi bit her lip and trembled. 

“Are you kidding? I will never take a strange man whom I never know about as my husband! Shimazu Toshihisa! You truly are a demon! Aren’t you still a virgin as well? If you use this devilish scheme to ruin a maiden’s feeling, you will be condemned to be single for the rest of your life!” 

“Shut up!” 

“I absolutely will not accept this marriage! I don’t have any intention to raise a family. And to think that I will be tied together with a man from the Shimazu Clan… It makes me shudder from just thinking about it!” 

“Yes, yes, Sagara Yoshihi. I know that you refuse to find a husband and detest your family. I suppose it’s the most humiliating thing for you to be taken as a prisoner and forced to marry a man from the Shimazu Clan thereafter.” 

“Then you do know it!” 

“In that case, the one selected as your marriage partner is Sagara Yoshiharu!” 

At the same time Yoshihi raised her voice, “Eh,” Iehisa’s face twitched. 

“Me and Yoshiharu? Why?” 

“Hmph. Wouldn’t this be a benefit to both of you? Although this monkey is not equal to you who is a daimyo from Kyushu, as long as you both have the same family name then it won’t be a problem. Even though I don’t know what’s so good about this monkey, you wish to protect him. Because we like to focus our effort on Otomo Sorin, we do not wish to fight against Kai Soun now. Don’t you understand it?” 

“It’s no good, Yoshihi. If you agree, the oath will be invalid. After that, we may be forced to commit suicide,” Yoshiharu interjected. 

But Yoshihi said, “… No, I know it. If you do not survive then there’ll be no future.” She finally lowered her head and consented to submit under this condition. 

“Yoshihi, will that be alright? Your oath will be invalid, you know!” 

“I am sorry, Yoshiharu. Because it is useless, it’s better to be killed now than later. When it comes to making a countermeasure against a scheme, Shimazu Toshihisa is far better than me. Yoshihiro is far more overwhelming than me when it comes to leading an army and Iehisa’s tactics are first-class. It’s just like what you’ve said before; I have been thoroughly defeated. If I only need to face one of the Shimazu Sisters instead of all four of them, then I might have a chance to win.” 

“Well. Sagara Yoshihi, what about me? Isn’t there something about me, the eldest daughter Yoshihisa whom you’ve lost against? I am the clan head after all.” 

“Ah well, Shimazu Yoshihisa. You have bigger breasts than mine.”  

“ONLY THAT?!” 

Yoshihi decided to accept being a subordinate of the Shimazu Clan. At the same time, a marriage ceremony for Yoshihi and Yoshiharu should be held. 

“… Yoshihi.” 

“Fufu. The unity of the four sisters. They are certainly people whom I can win against alone. Yoshiharu, was it fate that the Sagara Clan would be conquered by the Shimazu Clan?” 

“It is so. The Sagara Clan will eventually surrender to the Shimazu Clan. That is their destiny, but our defeat was because of me,” Yoshiharu lowered his head. 

“I’m sorry. My knowledge is useless. The Shimazu Four Sisters and the men of Hayato from Satsuma are too strong. With their combined strength and wisdom of the sisters, as well as the cooperation of their servants, there is no weakness at all.” 

“It’s okay. What you thought back then was a good thing, Yoshiharu. Anyway, for now, we need to survive. We will live and wait until the day we are independent from the Shimazu Clan comes in the future. A vulgar man with a monkey face like you is not entirely suitable as my husband. But, well, it is fortunate that you have the same family name even though you are not from the same lineage as my family. I will endure it even if I don’t want to. Although when I’m thinking about our first marriage night, I just feel nauseated about it.” 

“Anyway, my life is already forfeited. Nobuna will definitely send her tekkosen Atakebune to hunt me down one day… Hey, it hurts, that hurts! What are you doing?!” 

“Idiot! To ignore the reward of receiving my abuse by talking about another woman! And why are you saying that your life is being forfeited? Isn’t that an impolite thing to say to me who is going to be your wife?” [The Tsundere faction has regained a foothold after Nobuna’s long absence in this novel] 

“Why is your abuse considered as a reward?” 

“It is only natural! Every vassal of my clan. They are all happy to the point of shedding tears of joy when I abuse them.” 

“Somehow, I don’t want to understand it. So if I spend my time with you, it will only be torture?” 

“Of course. The you right now are too annoying so I need to train you properly as my servant. First of all, address me as Yoshihi-sama. In the bedroom, you must prostrate yourself and bow while pressing 3 fingers of each hand on the floor, okay? This shall be the beginning of our new life. It is not my problem. The one Oda Nobuna should bore grudge against must be the Shimazu Clan. I would like to see what face that Oda Nobuna will have when she explodes in anger, ha ha ha!”  

“Yoshihi, why do you look like you are enjoying this situation?” 

“No, I’m not enjoying this! Everything is for the sake of defending the Sagara Clan” 

The decision had made a different turn. 

Yoshihi would never marry anyone, but as soon as the one whom she would be married with was Yoshiharu, she immediately agreed. 

Iehisa became teary-eyed and stood up unconsciously. 

Iehisa could never be able to resist Toshihisa, but she simply couldn’t stand being silent anymore. Though the Ito and Sagara allied army was defeated with Tsuri no Buse, Toshihisa would never acknowledge it. Not even allowed to stand on the battlefield. Even her friendship with Yoshiharu when she had met him at Kyoto was going to be taken away. 

“Nyaa nyaa, why, but why? Why does Sagara need to be the groom?” 

“No. It’s still too early for you to marry, Iehisa. Because I am in charge of devising strategies for the Shimazu Clan, you must follow my decision. I am not jealous or disturbed if my younger sister were to find a husband sooner than me.” 

“… Toshihisa-neesama… Do you really hate…” 

“That is right. I also don’t care much about love, yet to easily marry someone simply for your emotions as your reason is nonsense; I hate children who think like that,” Toshihisa turned her face away. 

“Yoshihiro-neesama! Please stop Toshihisa-neesama! Please stop her!” 

“No, Iehisa. This is a good idea. And there is also another meaning for this marriage. It is also meant to provoke Oda Nobuna, right Toshihisa? If we take Sagara Yoshiharu, it will provoke the prideful Oda Nobuna to rage, and then she would never be able to mediate the Otomo Clan and our clan. Because the chance that the Otomo Clan would try to attack the Mori Clan from behind is eliminated, the Oda Clan wouldn’t be able to send any troops to Kyushu as well. It is because they will have no choice but to fight a decisive battle against the Mori Clan on their own. Now that we have achieved our wished Tripartite Unification by defeating the Ito Clan, an opportunity of uniting the whole Kyushu has finally come to the Shimazu Clan.” 

“Yes, that’s right, Yoshihiro-neesama. I vehemently refuse the reconciliation between the Otomo and Shimazu Clans. We are the people of Kyushu and so will decide the fate of Kyushu. We do not care about the authority of someone who rules over this world. We swear our allegiance to the Konoe Clan who stood up as the most distinguished noble clan among the nobles of Yamato-Gosho. We have no intention of following the traitorous Oda Clan who suddenly rose to high position from being an upstart daimyo and also hung out with Christians.” 

“Well said, Toshihisa! Iehisa, we will find a good husband for you. It’s too early for you to marry now. In addition, if you want to search for a husband, you must get rid of that wicked tongue and that thinly flat chest of yours first, Toshihisa.”  

“Didn’t I say that I didn’t want to talk about breasts, oneesama!” 

“Nyaa, nyaa. With the atmosphere being like this, is there any way to reject this situation with one person alone?” 

“Accept it, Iehisa! Are you going to reject my idea? You seriously want to marry Sagara Yoshiharu, despite that the only relationship you have with him is that he took care of you like a person taking care of a child back at Kyoto? If you want to save him because he is your friend, then is there any problem with this decision?” 

“Aah… Yes… I understand.” 

Yoshihisa clapped her hands and tapped the depressed Iehisa’s shoulders, “It’s alright, it’s alright, Iehisa-chan has done well.” 

“Here, have a Chinko-dango [It’s actually Shinko-dango, but Sagara misheard her; thus the Chinko dango. R-18 object. Google it at your own risk], a specialty of Satsuma Kawauchi.” 

“Chinko-dango?!” Yoshiharu doubted his ears, but Yoshihi corrected him, “It’s Shinko-dango, don’t get it wrong!” 

What’s with this Yoshiharu’s indecent face that I just saw. Will I really become this monkey’s wife? Now I have begun to regret it, Yoshihi’s face began to distort in shame.  

“With this, Oda Nobuna would certainly feel broken-hearted. When it comes to ruining love of other people, Toshihisa-chan would definitely be the best among the world. I should put Toshihisa-chan’s portrait as one of the wickedest people of the world inside my room. As what they say, “Evil is quick;” so, without further ado, let’s hold the marriage ceremony tomorrow morning. Prepare to assemble all of the retainers!” 

Yoshihisa who seemed to have mediated the marriage ceremony waved her fan to Yoshiharu and laughed. 

“Well then, you two are welcomed as part of our Shimazu Clan. As long as you are not plotting any rebellion, our place will be pleasant to live in. Although the fact that men must fight at the frontlines risking their lives to death at the battlefield for almost every day and Toshihisa-chan’s persistent nagging as your sister-in-law coupled with the volcanic ash of the Sakurajima Island would make you feel a bit uncomfortable, hahaha!” 

“I am still a maiden, and am not their sister-in-law, Yoshihisa-neesama.” 

“However, if there is any sign of betrayal, then you will be killed without any argument even if you have done distinguished services. Don’t forget that. Especially you, Sagara Yoshiharu. If you ever make a move at Iehisa, I will sever your head from your body immediately.” 

Yoshihiro glared at Yoshiharu as she released a dreadful bloodlust, narrowing her eyes. 

Iehisa was, however, still not entirely convinced by the whole thing and silently sat in the corner without moving. 

Even though he was concerned of Iehisa’s situation, Yoshiharu couldn’t help her because Yoshihiro was still watching. 

“The ceremony will be held tomorrow morning? It just feels a bit too sudden, and I just can’t feel that this is real, Yoshiharu.” 

“Don’t think too much about it, Yoshihi. We will marry for the sake of survival. We are not going to be married as a true couple.” 

“But if we’d be, wouldn’t you be killed by Oda Nobuna, Yoshiharu?” 

“I don’t know if Nobuna would forgive us; rather than having the two us killed right now, there is probably a better way for us to survive tomorrow. Although there will be many plights that the Shimazu Clan will impose to us in the future, we can support each other and live.” 

“Ah. Indeed, it is for survival. But Yoshiharu, are you fine with being married with me? Aren’t you the world’s number one womanizer? Is it because I am both noble and beautiful that you are okay with it?” 

“Umm. With Yoshihi as my partner, I don’t feel that strange. If the other person is either Kobayakawa or Kenshin, I do feel like my heart being crushed for betraying Nobuna. But I don’t feel that from you, I wonder why?” 

“Wait a second. Does that mean that you don’t treat me like a woman? It’s shocking of how rude you can be! What part of me who am praised as the sun of Higoare is lacking? A-A-Ah, that’s right. Perhaps because I am too beautiful and sublime just like Guanyin that you couldn’t look at me with indecent eyes, and couldn’t help but to prostrate yourself , is that how it is? How very cute!” 

“Oh dear, it’s because you have that kind of personality. I would probably become your servant rather than your husband. I can clearly see that future.”  

“So you do understand now? Although a family is unnecessary, having a servant will come in handy. But making a baby would be a trouble. Conceiving the child is… Just imagining that I am pregnant is horrifying. Will you really not try to assault me?” 

The two of them had been caught in a dilemma now. However, Yoshihi did not have any sense of crisis. In fact, they were trying to find hope in adversity and live on. This was a country of Shura—perhaps it was the strength that Yoshihi possessed that allowed her to survive in Kyushu. 

Yoshiharu thought, Is this because of Soun’s influence, or the atmosphere of Shura? As for me, it’s too early to give up now. I should survive together with Yoshihi, and reconsidered his thoughts. 

Now I am getting further away from reaching Otomo Sorin, but this is all so that Yoshihi will survive. Death does not matter because I am prepared for that, but I should strive to survive until I can prevent Nobuna from the fate of Honno-ji. That is why this marriage with Yoshihi is unavoidable. I will continue to drive Shimazu and Otomo into reconciliation by working together with Yoshihi. This way, Nobuna could escape from this current predicament. 

It was at that time that Yoshiharu began to accept his marriage with Yoshihi in his heart 

THUNK! 

Suddenly, Yoshiharu felt like his heart had exploded. 

Eh? Is this the result of having betrayed Nobuna that I feel this painful beating of my heart? No, it’s different! The pain is on a different level! How could my body be like this? No good, my body is slowly losing strength! 

I don’t understand this! Am I going to die? Yoshiharu tried to raise his voice. But his voice wouldn’t come out. He couldn’t even put strength into his throat.  

“Yoshiharu? What’s wrong, Yoshiharu?” 

“Sagara, what happened? Take a breath!” 

“Eh eh? What has happened? Why has Sagara Yoshiharu’s body become transparent?” 

“That is stupid. Isn’t that just an illusion, Aneue?” 

“This is bad. If this man dies now, Sagara Yoshihi will commit suicide. And then the written oath will take effect. At least until the marriage is finished, he must be alive!” 

Yoshihi’s and the Shimazu Four Sisters’ voices gradually became less audible. 

Why did I suddenly get sick? I don’t understand! There have been no symptoms that I am sick until now… Hanbei… Juubei-chan… Nobuna…) 

Yoshiharu’s consciousness suddenly faded. 

…. 

His vision collapsed to oblivion. 

Part 2 

“I have found you, Sagara! There is an important matter to report!”

When he regained his consciousness, Yoshiharu found himself lying down in one of the rooms inside Uchi Castle. 

The parmachist of the Shimazu Clan said, “It must be exhaustion due to the shipwreck incident followed by the clan battle and the Four Sisters’ meeting. Once he gets a good sleep, he would wake up immediately.” 

Therefore, the Shimazu acted in haste in order to make the Sagara Clan their subordinate and began to make preparations for Yoshiharu and Yoshihi’s wedding ceremony. 

Yoshihi was transferred to another room by Toshihisa who was vigilant, “This may be a ploy of Yoshihi for Yoshiharu to feign an illness.” 

Iehisa who insisted to nurse Yoshiharu was also driven out, “It’s dangerous,” for that reason. 

Yoshiharu was pushed into a small bedroom and slept alone. 

But there was one person who knew of the real nature of his problem, saying that, “It’s not just simple fatigue,” inside the castle.  

And so, Hachisuka Goemon sneaked inside Yoshiharu’s room and hung on the ceiling. 

“Goemon? Why are you in Satsuma?” 

“Actually I was hiding inside a ship to Bungo- *Lord Satan censored this speech*” 

“Oh, is that how it is? Though the latter part is incomprehensible, but at least I understand most of it. But back then, when I was met by that incident, you should have come out quickly.” 

“The sea current at that time was too fast so I couldn’t catch up; I am ashamed.” 

“But now, you have found me become a prisoner of the Shimazu Clan.” 

“When I heard that a fake ‘Sagara Yoshiharu’ got drifted to Higo and lost a fight against the Shimazu, I immediately went to Satsuma.” 

Kuroda Kanbei and the other had successfully arrived to Bungo safely; they had entered negotiation with Otomo Sorin, and now, Goemon explained the whole thing, biting her lips throughout. The mysterious man Gaspard who was knowledgeable of the history of eastern and western religious mythologies had some strange technique to foresee and manipulate the future; he was trying to make Nobuna the savior of the east, namely the “Prester John.” This was the first time Yoshiharu heard of him.  

“Why does he want to make a world war by throwing Nobuna against Ottoman Empire?” 

“I am not sure whether Frois-dono understands the true meaning of his intention either. *Lord Satan censored this speech*” 

“Has the negotiation with Otomo Sorin been successful? If we can’t prevent the clash between the Otomo and Shimazu Clans, we can’t stop the Mori Clan’s advancement either.” 

“It is unexpected that the Namban missionary serves and stands closely to her. *Lord Satan censored this speech*” 

“… Maybe you have already known this but tomorrow morning, I am going to have a marriage ceremony with Sagara Yoshihi. This is a political marriage to make the Sagara Clan a subordinate of the Shimazu Clan.” 

“This is bad, Sagara-uji! If you were to be married tomorrow, you will disappear from this world!” 

“Eh? I am going to disappear from this world? What do you mean?” 

Goemon told him. The Namban missionary was telling something about “Sagara Extermination Plan” to Kanbei, and told him what she has been told.  

“A plan to exterminate me?” 

“When Sagara-uji decides to wed Yoshihi, it would be too late *The Lord Satan censored this speech* Sagara is slowly disappearing.”  

“What kind of thing is that? If I marry Yoshihi, I will disappear from this world? I don’t understand that theory at all.” 

Goemon who had come down to his bedroom took a scarecrow from her chest and showed it to Yoshiharu. 

“What is this?” 

“This is the doll where I put Sagara’s hair inside as a sign of our contract when we first exchanged it.” 

“Was it just after Tokichirou-jiisan died getting shot by a stray bullet? Back then, I was shocked of how he suddenly died in front of me, and  it happened a long time ago so I don’t quite remember about it. So what’s with this doll? Does it have some kind of special power? Can it tell where my location is?” 

“Sagara-uji, have you forgetten? The Hachisuka Style of ninjutsu does not rely on spiritual power. But the way of Shinano has a different means.” 

“Oh, I see. Goemon’s art concealment is actually only using her body as a weapon.” 

“The doll itself is just a proof of contract. But because it has been inserted with Sagara’s hair, it has become something like your alter ego or Bunshin.” 

“Are you saying that using a human hair to substitute their soul made this doll look like a kiku ningyo [chrysanthemum doll]?” 

The straw doll began to shrink from its previous size, and Goemon started to explain its purpose. 

“That said, the size was bigger when I saw it for the first time.” 

“Sagara’s existence has begun to disappear! That’s why the ningyou is beginning to shrink too!” 

“… I am disappearing? What is the reason?” 

“Sagara-uji has fallen into the scheme of that Namban missionary who uses a black art.” 

Goemon explained the full extent of Gaspard’s “Sagara Extermination Plan” as bit her lips, eo ipso stuttering. 

“Apparently, the other Sagara has a frail presence at war but has formidable vitality, and that she and Sagara Yoshiharu share the same lineage.” 

“So I really am Yoshihi’s direct descendant!” Yoshiharu shouted and stood up.   

“So Yoshihi was really my ancestor? But she said that she would carry out a celibate life until death.” 

“Although it seems that you have some affinity with her, you do not wish to embrace her [as in to engage in sexual intercourse]?”  

“Well. It’s just like the feeling I had when I first met the younger sister Tokuchiyo-chan… But since Yoshihi and Tokuchiyo-chan were sisters, maybe it is the same thing as well?” 

“Maybe it is because the ancestors were miraculously able to meet the descendant even though it should be impossible. Because of the same blood coursing through your veins that you mutually feel affection to each other.” 

“Goemon. I once lived at Yokohama but I am sure that my ancestors came from Kyushu. But it has never occurred to us that we had the pedigree belonging to the Sagara Clan of Higo. To begin with, all the direct descendants of the Sagara family should have perished during the Edo period. They could only adopt children from other clans in order to preserve their clan.” 

“Uhm. So even if the “blood of the direct descendant” dies out, it will flow to the blood of the family branch, and will continue and prosper. Is that how it is?” 

“That is quite right. Even if I really am at the end of the Sagara family of Higo lineage, I must be a descendant from an obscure or less known family branch. It may be a possible explanation.  However, I don’t think that Yoshihi who holds antipathy against her family would ever make a baby in the future.” 

“If there is such a future, I would like to see it,” Yoshiharu thought.  

“By the way, Sagara, where is Yokohama?” 

“It is located at the eastern side of Sagami Province in this period. It is a ‘town from the future.’ It’s a huge landfill area located at the coast. My father was involved in its development as an architect too. But the place where I lived in was located between the vacant undeveloped area covered with weeds and the district filled with many futuristic high-story buildings and the Yokohama Station. Sometimes when night came, raccoons would come out. The disparity compared to the group of multi-floor buildings is really huge. It was a town truly made by human hand.” 

“There are a lot of future jargons that are difficult to understand; a lot of things that I haven’t heard before. *Lord Satan censored this speech*” 

“Kansai-born people are good at comedic acts… No, wait a second. Then this world, the past of this ‘world’ is actually connected to the world where I was born? There were no such things as princess generals in the history I know. And the warlord who advocated Tenka Fubu was Nobunaga, and not Nobuna. So I thought that this might be a parallel world that was closely similar to my own world, was it not so? I’ve never thought much about this.” 

“Sagara-uji. This problem should not be discussed without Takenaka-uji. Right now, the most important thing to talk about is that Namban missionary’s schemes,” Goemon tried to bring back the topic. 

“So Gaspard used a sacred treasure to send me to Higo to meet Yoshihi. But why would that eliminate me?” 

Goemon said, “Gaspard stated that if two people with blood relations meet each other, a strong attraction will occur and familial affection will be born. The relationship would remain stable if it were in a peaceful world. But in the world of Shuras like Kyushu which is filled with wars and deceits, it will swirl around.” 

Furthermore, the enemy of the Sagara Clan which was the Shimazu Clan was extraordinarily strong. Even if Sagara Yoshiharu who had come from the future would come to help, as long as the Ito Clan lost, the disadvantages that the Sagara Clan had would not changed. 

If the Sagara Clan would be cornered in a predicament where their bloodline would end, Sagara Yoshihi who had yet to give a birth to a child would marry someone to leave an heir. 

However, Sagara Yoshihi held hatred against her family because she had grown up surrounded by internal discords within her clan; and so, she was not a princess who would take a husband in order to continue her family bloodline.  

So until now, she had had yet to fulfill her responsibility as a princess, which was to give birth to an heir. 

“Therefore, the only man whom Sagara Yoshihi would choose as her partner would be the one she holds affection with.” 

“The man whom Yoshihi feels affection for. Kai Soun is an existence akin to her father, and he already has a wife and children too. Yoshihi looks like a daughter to Soun as well. But according to their regulation, a vassal that serves the Sagara Clan can’t be taken as a husband. Therefore, they can only take someone from the Sagara family.” 

“However, many members of the Sagara Clan who were qualified as groom candidates were already killed by Kai Soun during their rebellion.” 

“But those who’ve survived and carry the lineage of the Sagara Clan are also being alienated by Yoshihi. Even her younger sister, Tokuchiyo, is also like that. Now that it has come to this, Yoshihi will need to choose a husband.” 

“But right now, the matter of their internal discord is irrelevant to the chosen man. Also, if the man has the same surname, then it is possible to insist on this marriage without objection.” 

“… In other words, it shall be me?” 

“That is how it is. The joining between you two along with the capture by the Shimazu was all a part of Gaspard’s calculation.” 

“… Mmm. When I was appointed as Yoshihi’s husband, why didn’t I reject it? Although I knew that I would be abused badly, I did not refuse it seriously. Rather, I did not expect that I would accept it immediately.” 

“Maybe you like her. Perhaps, have you fallen in love with her?” 

“How could that be? She is my ancestor.” 

“But this problem has moved to a worse direction. If Sagara-uji marries Yoshihi, a big contradiction would appear. The contradiction is that Sagara’s ancestor would be none other than Sagara himself.” Goemon said it, holding the doll which was shrinking slowly. 

“If this doll disappears then Sagara-uji will disappear as well.” 

“My ancestor from four hundred years ago. In other words, Yoshihi’s husband is none other than myself? This is certainly a big contradiction. If this goes on. The human existence called ‘Sagara Yoshiharu’ would be cycled infinitely. In order for the world to fix this problem, the only way is to erase the contradictory element…” 

“That is right. The Sagara-uji who lives in the future world, is also the Sagara who lives in this world.” 

“It would counterbalance my existence and make me disappear from this world, as if I did not exist from the very beginning. So this is the meaning of Gaspard’s words.” 

“It is as what you’ve said. The strongest point of Sagara-uji which is being loved by the girls of this world is being taken advantage of and used as your weakness instead.” 

“Shit. That guy is too smart. Moreover, he has a technique to predict the future. Is there any chance for us to win?”  

“If he kills Sagara directly, it would make an inconsistency in his future prediction technique. Sagara-uji surviving until now was not only because of luck but because that person kept hiding in the dark,” Goemon said. 

“Well, the negotiation with Otomo Sorin would be difficult since she trusts him. At this situation, only Sagara-uji can do it.” 

“However, with things to continue proceeding as they have, and when Sagara-uji marries Yoshihi tomorrow morning, you will disappear completely,” Goemon muttered, her red pupil eyes making a glare. 

“This is bad.” 

“Furthermore, even if the wedding isn’t done formally, and as long as you exchange vows [fun fact: this phrase, in kanji, also means “to engage in sexual intercourse”] with Yoshihi, it would end with the same conclusion. So, even if Sagara-uji is afraid of Nobuna-hime or rejects the marriage with Yoshihi; it would be the same if you were to have a vow with her, even if it were just a simple kiss on the cheek,” Goemon warned him. 

“Therefore, the result which that Namban missionary said will immediately come out.” 

“So, everything would end for me even if it were just a kiss on the cheek. Then I need to avoid kissing her even if it were just an accident,” Yoshiharu groaned. 

“… If you kill Yoshihi then Sagara-uji would survive. Four hundred years from the past, *Lord Satan censored this speech* Sagara-uji would be born from another branch of the Sagara Clan.” 

“If there is a time span of 400 years, even if there is a small contradiction, it could be resolved temporarily. Even if Yoshihi dies without giving birth to a child, Sagara Yoshiharu would eventually be born from another branch of the Sagara Clan. For example, the lineage of Sagara Yoshihi’s younger sister, Tokuchiyo. Over the time, the fate of ‘Sagara’s birth’ would be consistent,” Goemon said so.  

“Even if I have recommended such method, Sagara-uji would still choose the same choice, right?” 

“Ah. Between my life and Yoshihi’s. If we can only choose one then the answer is obvious. Besides, Yoshihi is my ancestor. I cannot kill her.” 

“Then what would happen if Sagara-uji disappears? What will happen to Tenka Fubu? And the problem with Honn?-ji?” 

“All the moments of your life would be decided in this one time, Sagara-uji. If you were ‘never born from the beginning’ then the will and ambition that you’ve left behind to other people will not exist. It is the same as not meeting them in the first place. You may disappear from Nobuna-hime’s, and Takenaka-uji’s memories according to Kuroda-uji,” Goemon narrowed her eyes. 

Although Goemon was explaining it while biting her tongue, Yoshiharu understood most of it. 

“Oh, I see. That is why he didn’t kill me. The words that I’ve talked until now, my behavior and the time that I spent in the Sengoku period would disappear from everyone’s memory. If this goes on then the incident of Honnou-ji cannot be prevented anymore.” 

“Indeed. Gaspard would try to avoid the incident of Honnou-ji as well, but once Sagara-uji is forgotten by everyone else, Nobuna-hime would be controlled by Gaspard.” 

“… He intends to make Nobuna a tool for the Crusade.” 

“Moreover, Gaspard with his power alone can’t prevent the Honnouji incident. After all, he doesn’t have the same thing that Sagara has in his mind.” 

Yoshiharu was shocked. 

After his feeling that had been wavering had managed to settle down, he opened his mouth again. 

“… If that is the case then it will be impossible for me to leave this world without any regret. Because I think that the things that prove my existence will remain in everyone’s mind; that is why I didn’t feel any regret when Yoshihiro was about to behead me at Kizakihara.” 

“Oh. You’ve got relaxed faster now. You have become stronger after fighting around for a long time,” Goemon nodded. 

“So what should we do? Even if I kill that Namban missionary, there is no way that we can stop Sagara’s disappearance.” 

“No matter who the enemies are, I will never resort to assassination. But this situation is bad. Is there any way for me to survive without using Yoshihi, Goemon?” 

“If we reveal the circumstances of your relationship with Yoshihi, we might be able to persuade the Shimazu Clan.” 

“So shall we leave Uchi Castle immediately? Goemon asked.  

“It isn’t only I and Yoshihi, but all of the 500 Sagara troops have also become prisoners. It is impossible. If we were to take such action, all of them will be killed. Yoshihi won’t agree to it either. That girl shut her heart because of the internal discord she had experienced. But she is actually a gentle girl,” Yoshiharu shook his head. 

“I can only persuade the Shimazu 4 Sisters to cancel the wedding. But the decision has been made during the 4 Sisters’ meeting. In order to cancel the wedding, I also need to gain all of the four sisters’ approval.” 

“This is a difficult problem. To begin with, Sagara-uji is locked up in this room.” 

“I met Iehisa back then at Kyoto, and I have met the rest of them today. I also need to convince them.” 

“But tomorrow is the deadline. And the time now is already past sunset. We only have less than half a day remaining.” 

“The only one here with me is Goemon. Can you do anything?” 

“No. I am a ninja that lurks inside the shadow and remains hidden. I am not supposed to go out in the open. It would make things suspicious.” 

“Yes, indeed. Moreover, you always bite your lips when you talk. I doubt anyone from Satsuma would be able to understand you.” 

“*Lord Satan had imposed a DMCA on this harangue.*”  

“Oh. I haven’t heard Goemon’s ‘ojaru’ for a while. Speaking of ‘Ojaru,’ back when I was at Kyoto, that black-toothed Maro made a full use of ‘ojaru.’ 

“Hohoho. It seems that you will need Maro’s help this time, Sagara Yoshiharu de-ojaru.” 

“Ah, that’s it. That’s that Maro’s dialect. To actually listen to Maro’s dialect at Satsuma which is located in Southern Kyushu. Wait, isn’t this Konoe-ossan’s voice? Why is the Kampaku at Satsuma?” 

“I didn’t even notice his presence,” Goemon was surprised, and thereafter flew up into the ceiling and hid. 

At the same time, the bedroom’s door opened silently… There, stood the fearsome and wise Konoe Sakihisa who had entered the room graciously - the Kampaku who stood on the apex of the nobles. [During their conversation, Sakihisa addressed Yoshiharu with “kisama,” which was historically a politely formal title/pronoun, similar to how Yoshihiro did; thus, it’s unclear whether he derided Yoshiharu or merely called him politely. Conversely, Saru addressed him with “anata,” which is a very miraculous instance if you know this person very well.] 

 “Hohoho. It’s been a long time, Sagara Yoshiharu. You should have gone to Bungo, but why have you been captured as a prisoner of the Shimazu Clan?” 

“Ack! Konoe Sakihisa, why are you here in Uchi Castle at Satsuma? Moreover, at this time too. Did you abandon the Oda Administration and leave the capital? 

“It’s different! I was sent by Oda Nobuna as a messenger to the Shimazu Clan! To actually make this Kampaku run an errand to Satsuma, that woman is truly terrible! Nevertheless, this is all so that the Shimazu would reconcile with the Otomo Clan.” 

“Indeed, there was a mention of it,” Yoshiharu thought. 

Now that the Oda Clan had been trapped from both the east and west, they couldn’t send any envoy to Kyushu any more. So who would go to Satsuma? Nobuna found the answer: to send Konoe Sakihisa as the envoy. 

“The Shimazu Clan managed this place at Kyushu which originally belonged to the Konoe Clan for generations. I can be said as the master of the Shimazu Clan. Because Shimazu would not listen to a boorish country bumpkin clan like Oda, it is up to me to solve this matter. As soon as I entered Uchi Castle, I was welcomed with warm hospitality. Once Shimazu Yoshihiro had a look at me, she instantly went pale and fainted from excitement and other emotions. Hohoho. For I am the noble Kampaku. It is only natural that all samurai clans would turn like that.” 

“Well, it’s because Shimazu Yoshihiro is a pure… Or rather, a stubborn person.” 

“The attraction built by the Namban missionary possessed the Otomo Clan and thus has put Japan at a critical situation. It has also made the Yamato-Gosho at jeopardy as well. Therefore, Sagara Yoshiharu, I will help you only this time, at this moment.” 

“Thanks. Now, please give the order to the Shimzu Clan to release me and Yoshihi! If Yoshihi and her 500 soldiers return to Hitoyoshi Castle then I can immediately go to Bungo.” 

“I can’t. I asked them to free the prisoners once I had entered the castle, but they rejected it coldly. This is a country of Shuras. Though they respect me as their master, their war policies are a different matter. With this, the matter of connecting ties with the Otomo Clan would be hard.” 

“It won’t go smoothly like back then at the capital, huh…” 

“However there is but one method remaining,” Konoe laughed. 

“Fortunately. All of the four Shimazu sisters are unmarried maidens. So we will seduce all of them. To make them fall in love. The power that can change the law of the samurais of a country of Shura is the love of a maiden. And so, we will fascinate the four sisters in one night.” [Just Konoe Sakihisa being a best friend straight out of a galge.] 

“Kuu-! To use seduction like that. Even Ukita Naoie won’t do something like that.” 

“If there were another method then I would have used them earlier. But now, we have to change their hearts completely tonight.” 

“But four people at once? Isn’t that impossible?” 

“It’s impossible for me to do this alone. Our targets are four people. So we shall divide them and each handle two of them. Although it would be difficult to seduce a maiden of the prestigious Shimazu family with that monkey face of yours, an elegant person such as I shall make up for your disadvantages. Hohoho.” 

Konoe laughed, exposing his black teeth. 

“Eee. Really? You’ll seduce those girls? How?” 

“It is impossible no matter what. And with this Maro’s black teeth, it will make an opposite effect. We should just kill him, Sagara-uji.” 

“Wait, wait, Goemon. He is still the Kampaku, you know!” 

“But, Sagara. This man is too creepy to even seduce a girl. It even feels as if his teeth smell.” 

“However, during the Heian period, he would actually be considered a handsome man, you know!” 

“Hohoho. So this pitiful ninja does not understand the beauty and elegance of a noble. Though I look like this, I am known at the capital as the ‘Virgin Killer.’ I behave myself because Oda Nobuna is keeping a close watch on me. But if I were to be serious, I could make any maiden fall helplessly.” [I know of a hentai anime with a protagonist who looks just like Konoe. However, it’s NTR; thus the strict gag order.]  

“It is absolutely a lie.” 

“But, Goemon. There should be a good reason for his confidence, although I do not know the exact reason for it.” 

“To use the position of Kampaku to violate many maidens, we should just kill him quickly.” 

“How rude! This one will never do such boorish deeds like that!” 

“Just leave it to this Konoe Sakihisa. If the two of us seduce the four sisters and make them falter, all of our problems shall be solved! There is no need to thank me; the ‘Virgin Killer’ shall help this young man on his women troubles. As a noble, this is only natural,” Konoe once again smiled confidently, showing his glittering teeth. 

This smile made Goemon tremble and want to kill him, though Yoshiharu prevented her. 

“I do not want to be killed by Nobuna nor do I want to seduce the Shimazu Sisters for such purpose. Though, it is necessary to overturn the decision regarding the marriage ceremony. But, I don’t intend to interfere on Konoe-ojiisan’s method. But let me be the one to persuade Iehisa. After all, she is still a child. Would that be alright?” 

“This is a useless plan. The princess generals of the Shura countries would not be perplexed by love affairs and change their opinion just like that,” Goemon looked indifferent. 

“Forget it. There are a lot of flaws in jii-san’s plan. But isn’t it better than just sitting around and waiting to disappear? Anyways, we need change our situation now.” 

“That is so, but it is still bound to be a failure.” 

“What is with this ‘jii-san,’ Sagara Yoshiharu? Besides, there is no other way than this!” 

“You might use your position as the Kampaku to push down the loyal Yoshihiro, right? Although I did say that I didn’t want to interfere in your means, but I absolutely don’t want to collude with an evil man like that.” 

“How boorish. In the first place, grasping a young maiden’s immature heart is important. That’s right, seducing them through a violent way will only result for the opposite effect.” 

“If that is the case then how do you know that all of them are virgins? 

“If you look at their eyes then you will know. After all, this one is famous as the ‘Virgin Killer’ at the capital. Tonight, the two of us shall persuade them to overturn the decision of carrying out the marriage ceremony at dawn. I myself could solve the problem alone, but there is not enough time to seduce all four girls at one night. Then, do you know what we should do?” 

By the way, Goemon who couldn’t stand looking at Konoe’s black teeth when he talked, “When I look at his teeth, I feel like slicing my own eyes,” hid herself in the ceiling, covering her eyes with her hands. 

“I’m sorry, Goemon, I will compensate for it later once this problem is solved,” Yoshiharu pressed his palms together. 

“Sagara Yoshiharu. With a black-toothed, white-powdered-faced person such as I who possess the noble lineage of the Fujiwara Clan and both charm and elegance, any maiden’s heart could be captured… Although I’ve said that, because the people we are facing with are princess generals of Shuras who put importance on military honor more than on a noble’s elegance, it would be rather difficult for me if I keep this court noble’s appearance.” 

“Well, probably.” 

“Humu. That is why I shall seduce them through the ‘warrior’s way.’ I will seduce them by using gentle and direct words with a simple image. For princess generals who do not understand things like elegance, this is the most effective way. That is why I shall remove my makeup only for tonight.” 

“Remove your makeup?” 

“Sagara Yoshiharu. You usually see me with my black-toothed appearance, but once you see my true form, you will be surprised. Hohoho. Let me know how laughable it really is that I have to adopt an ugly, monkey-faced person like you as my son and make him succeed the position of Kampaku.” 

Goemon stuck her head out from the ceiling, “Does he have a few screws loose in his head?” Yoshiaru tilted his head, “Your true form?” 

Konoe Sakihisa cleaned his black teeth and white-powdered face, as well as wiped his blackened eyebrows out, and revealed his face without makeup for the first time. He also loosened his braided long hair down to his waist. 

Goemon who had seen Konoe Sakihisa’s real face bit down her tongue, and Yoshiharu got mortified due to shock and was now looking completely like a monkey. 

“Fu. I do not want to drop my makeup and look like a savage in front of others. This is my true face. So how is it, ninja-san and pitiful monkey Sagara Yoshiharu? Even if a high class noble of the Fujiwara Clan like me were to remove their makeup, I would still look beautiful. Probably in your future, a person like me would be worshipped as the paragon of beauty.” 

“Oooh! How could this be?! To be this h-h-h-h-h-h-handsome!” 

“It’s a lieeeeeeeeeee! This good-looking face with refined bitterness. Moreover, having a scent peculiar to a savage beast that is enough to kill a man! This is even beyond Asakura Yoshiharu!” 

“Sagara Yoshiharu. I who had taken up the sword and fought together with Uesugi Kenshin, while harboring the ambition to unify the Kanto region with the princess general, do not treat me like a soft, weak man. It’s too impolite.” 

“I am a man who has learned the sword of killing together with the previous shogun Ashikaga Yoshiteru under Tsukahara Bokuden and Kamizumi Nobutsuna. I have countless experiences in killing Yagyuu ninjas who aimed at Miyoshi Matsunaga. My bloodlust and smell of blood are covered by my elegant court makeup,” Konoe said bluntly. 

“Such an unthinkable person with a remarkable ability. I’ve always thought that you were a person who was only good at playing things like the kemari, but you are actually a master of sword swielding,” Yoshiharu trembled. 

“However, there is a false rumor amongst Kyoto’s young people that I have crossed my swords with Oda Nobuna. I am the head of the Fujiwara Clan. I will never cut a woman even if she is hostile to me.” 

“Back then when you incite Eizan, you hired Sugitani Zenjubou to assassinate Nobuna.” 

“Hmph. A dirty work like killing women is something that only armed monks should do. It is not something that an elegant noble would do.” 

“If he weren’t such a proud noble, Nobuna would have been assassinated by this fellow’s sword somewhere… Nobuna has so much luck,” Yoshiharu felt relieved. 

“But a handsome man like this, this is the first I have seen one in the Sengoku period! Then what’s with the previous Maro appearance? Is there any hidden purpose of deliberately using that ridiculous Maro appearance even though you are actually a handsome man beyond any measure?” 

“Hmph. There is no time to waste tonight. It should have been impossible for an unattractive person like you to be adopted as my son and take over the position of Kampaku. However, don’t say a single word about my true form to Oda Nobuna.” 

“Why?” 

“I don’t know. But that woman naturally dislikes handsome men like me. It’s rare to see a woman that holds a unique sense of aesthetics in this world. Now that my will to restore the imperial rule has been overturned by Oda Nobuna who has also taken over the world, it would be a trouble if she were to hold prejudice for that reason. However, for the simple Shimazu Four Sisters, it won’t be a problem.” 

Konoe opened his eyes wide. It’s as if there were a bright aureole behind him, who had become the paragon of beauty; even his eyes were shining brightly. 

“Uuugh. It’s impossible to look at him directly in the eye.” 

“Ack! Even though I shouldn’t have any intention for it, but why does looking at Konoe make my heart beat fast?” 

“Humans have that natural reaction when they face an overwhelming beauty. It’s pointless if you want to reject it; I even feel pitiful about it so just give up, Sagara Yoshiharu.” 

“It feels so humiliating.” 

“Hmph” Konoe snorted when he watched the two confused people. 

“Fool. I am beautiful when I use my makeup and elegant noble’s speech. If you were to see my appearance from the aesthetic sense of the people of the capital, I may look ridiculous. The samurais of the Sengoku period like you have simply forgotten the beauty and elegance of the olden eras.” 

“Admiration my ass! Please give at least one-tenth portion of your face to me!” 

“Sagara-uji is truly pitiful.” 

“Sagara Yoshiharu. If I were to glare at a single simple foot soldier, you would be freed from house arrest now. You must persuade Iehisa who shares a friendship with you. And if there is time then go to Toshihisa. I will make Shimazu Yoshihiro who has the most challenging heart to surrender. Just feel relieved because I won’t lay my hand to her body. She would still be a virgin. If I dabble my hands too deeply, it will make troublesome matters later.”  

“It feels like facing against the final boss. Though you seem confident,” Yoshiharu subconsciously nodded. 

“Horrible… Just horrible,” Goemon groaned inside the gap between the ceiling and the roof. 

When Konoe who had returned to his true form kicked the room door flinging, “How troublesome,” and scolded the gathered Shimazu foot soldiers. 

“Wha? Who is this handsome man?” 

“Fool! He can’t possibly be Sagara Yoshiharu!” 

“H-H-H-H-Hot! MY BODY IS HOT!” 

“U-U-U-o… It feels as if my body has awakened something.” 

“What a noble gentleman! Please give us your order!” 

“The effect is overwhelming even against men! This degree of outstanding beauty is already enough to be called a weapon!” An unpleasant feeling of envy dwelled in Yoshiharu’s heart. 

“You impertinent people! Have you forgotten who I am? I am the Kampaku Konoe Sakihisa, the head of the Fujiwara Clan! This Kampaku orders you this. Release my friend Sagara Yoshiharu from his confinement. Let him freely walk around the castle.” 

“Kampaku? You are his majesty?” 

“HOLY SHIT!” 

“We don’t know!” 

“I will report it to the princess!” 

“Sagara Yoshiharu is actually Kampaku-sama’s good friend! Please, please tell me that it isn’t true!” 

“How enviable, Sagara Yoshiharu!” 

“Die! Just go and die, Sagara Yoshiharu! 

“Back when Nobuna was hostile to him and the Oda was beleaguered by enemies, if he unleashed his true form, then everything would have been finished in an instant,” Yoshiharu thought. 

“It would be a disgrace if I show my face without makeup to the public,” the man in question Konoe said it in an annoyed tone and clicked his tongue. 

His sense of beauty was really different from normal people. 

Yoshiharu noticed that Nobuna perhaps did not look beautiful in front of Konoe’s eyes. 

“Hmph. Even the people of Satsuma’s Hayato were powerless in front of true beauty. Let’s settle this problem before the sun rises, Sagara Yoshiharu.” 

“It might be impossible to Konoe to seduce a young girl like Iehisa, but she might seriously listen to my story. It would be surprising if he were incompatible with the elders sister as well… Will he be alright?” 

Yoshiharu who had been released from confinement through Konoe’s “handsome man” power was shown to Iehisa’s room, guided by a polite Shimazu foot soldier. Although it was short, but Yoshiharu and Iehisa had spent some time at the capital together. 

Inside her bed, Iehisa slept with swollen eyes. 

“Eh, eh? Sagara Yoshiharu? Why are you in my bed? Is your body fine?” 

Is Yoshiharu doing yobai [a Japanese archaic tradition of courting/procurement of sexual intercourse]?  “Nya nya nya!” Iehisa frantically got up from her bed.  

“Suddenly doing yobai, it’s too intense! M-M-M-M-My heart is not ready yet!”  

There were a lot of Japanese swords lined up on the tatami mats; she took one of them and formed a battle stance. She usually used Honshu dialect to speak, but now she was too surprised and excited. Iehisa was the youngest among the Shimazu 4 Sisters, and she had yet to master her Honshu dialect. That was why her Satsuma dialect came off when she got excited. 

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m not doing yobai. I want to ask you to stop my marriage ceremony with Yoshihi.” 

“Nya nya nya, what? If it means something different then say it earlier!” 

“You said that but you immediately took a battle stance.” 

The details of Iehisa’s pilgrimage to Ise Shrine and sightseeing at the capital were written in her diary, “Iehisa-chan’s going to the capital! [Imagine it with a kawaii voice] ” Although she was a battle maniac, she was unexpectedly cheerful and wild. She was just like a younger sister to Yoshiharu. 

Yoshiharu recalled the memory when he first met Iehisa at the capital. At that time, “This is the capital in the Tale of Genji. There is a possibility that I will encounter a romantic meeting here,” Iehisa’s eyes became moistened. When a merchant from Kyoto showed her some bad [perhaps lewd things like a chinko-dango] things, she got angry, “Nya nya nya,” and immediately took a battle stance.  

Yoshiharu who was entrusted with the task of entertaining Iehisa by Nobuna hurriedly went to Iehisa and restrained her. 

“You are like the ‘cheat’ of the Satsuma families—the strongest among the Shimazu Four Sisters in terms of war tactics, Iehisa-chan, who is also in charge of their military tactics and regarded as their ‘bullet.’ But just after seeing a bad thing, you belligerently entered into a battle stance.” 

“Umu. Sagara, Shimazu Iehisa is here, Iokiwo!” [She is currently speaking in her dialect] 

“Miscalculation, nephew? Omi clan? Ioki?” 

“‘I am Shimazu Iehisa, pleased to make your acquaintance,’ that is what I was saying!” 

“So when you get angry, your accent comes out.” 

“I took a lot of effort to narrowly speak Honshu dialect. Sometimes, my Satsuma dialect would come out, you know.” 

“I’m sorry. When I was young, I used to listen to Satsuma dialect when watching an Edo Period drama. But the actors weren’t natives of Satsuma. And Sastuma dialect is inaudible to outsiders.” 

“People who do not understand our dialect keep increasing one by one. The people from the capital would sometimes denounce us as if we were demon just by looking at us. Even I was pampered to grow as one of Satsuma’s beauties… Sometimes, we revert to our old behavior. The other thing is our qualification for seeking love. It’s just like a battle! To treat love as the same as a battle! Like a night raid; or a rush of battle during the morning, with a bit of Tanegashima gunpowder’s smells as an extra; just like a one-on one combat; or when using Tsuri no Buse; using many wicked schemes; or even having a large battle to exterminate that fellow who has discarded Japan and destroy the treacherous Christian kingdom in Kyushu; just by imagining them makes me feel excited!” 

“Forget about that now, why are a lot of swords being stabbed at the tatami mats?! Is it because a general of Shuras is not allowed to fall in love that they don’t go to the capital?” 

“Umm, Sagara Yoshiharu, is Iehisa a mojoka?” 

“Mojoka? Did you mean ‘a mourning woman?’ I didn’t know! I never knew that there were pitiful things like mourning women in the Sengoku period! How terrible! Was it a custom for a princess general, their daughter, to lose their chance for marriage in succession? The reception that I gave will be ruined if I make Iehisa enter into her battle stance! If this continues, Kyoto will turn to ashes!” 

“What’s with the fuss, Sagara Yoshiharu?” 

“It’s alright Iehisa-chan! You are not a mourning woman!” 

“Nya nya!” [These are tears] 

At that time, Yoshiharu didn’t know that “mojoka” in the Satsuma dialect meant “kawai.” 

Iehisa who had been treated as a demon at the capital cautiously asked Yoshiharu, “Is Iehisa cute?” 

Because she got rejected, the proud Iehisa went teary-eyed. 

“Uuuu! The man who I’d met at the capital straight away said that I am not cute right in front of my face! How humiliating!” 

Iehisa immediately wrote something in her diary while shaking. 

The number one retainer of the Oda Clan—Sagara Yoshiharu. He is an outrageous and impolite man who has a monkey face. Military power estimated to be 13, diplomatic power 30, charm is 5, leadership is uncertain. He is a rude fellow who said that I am not cute. In order to wash this disgrace off, I shall raise an army in the capital and take this punk’s head! 

By the way, since Yoshiharu did not peek at Iehisa’s diary, he did not know of the content inside it. 

Iehisa declared, Kill! Yoshiharu is dangerous! However. 

“Heee. So the girls of Satsuma say things like, “Nya nya.” It sounds cute.” 

“… Wa…” 

Iehisa blushed in surprise and pouted her lips, You should have said that from the beginning. She wrote off the dangerous comment in her diary with a black ink. 

And then she secretly wrote something again in the blank space. 

Got a little misunderstanding. This man boldly said that I am cute and laughed cheerfully. His frivolousness is like Genji’s. 

The strongest war machine ever born in the Shimazu family—Shimazu Iehisa’s capacity to bring casualties on the battlefield was considered as the top during the Sengoku period. In fact, she prided herself for having the biggest abnormality in the history of Japan’s military records. 

“This is Shimazu Iehisa-chan. The gap between her innocent and her awe inspiring figures coupled with her warm and snug Satsuma dialect is extremely cute.” In other words, Yoshiharu who had narrowly escaped from death did not realize the things that would have come to him. 

“No, you don’t need to say it twice.” 

At that time, Yoshiharu’s disposition of having fondness with girls had just saved his life and Kyoto. 

“Sagara. There aren’t much days that have passed since then, and yet I feel so much nostalgia.” 

“Indeed. Although I never thought that I would meet you again as a prisoner of the Shimazu Clan.” 

“Compared to the past, I have become more skillful in using Honshu dialect.” 

“Really?” 

“Yes! However, I have liked to read the Tales of Genji ever since then. But we are preoccupied with war that has become so busy. It’s too harsh. My girly heart has slowly dried up.” 

Although Iehisa was scared and nervous in front of Toshihisa, she became her usual self when she was alone together with Yoshiharu. 

This is good, Yoshiharu inadvertently laughed. 

“Is that so? It was Iehisa who had devised the Tsuri no Buse tactic. This the first time I have received such a decisive defeat among my experiences of military defeat. Although you are still a child, you are indeed a genius of war.” 

“Nyaa. You were defeated by Saika Magoichi at Tennoji. You were pulverized by Oda Nobuna’s Tekkosen at Kizugawaguchi. You got arrested as Date Masamune’s captive when you led the Takeda cavalry at the Kanto region. You were repelled by Uesugi Kenshin at Tedorigawa. Even with your successive failures, you’ve still managed to win somehow, Sagara. Hahaha!” 

“If you think about it, maybe it is true. But I still have a way to go compared to Tokichiro-jiisan, who is the greatest Sengoku warlord—Toyotomi Hideyoshi.” Yoshiharu scratched his head. 

“I hope you can stop my wedding with Yoshihi tomorrow. There is a reason for that.” 

“… W-Well. Maybe you won’t accept the wedding unless the partner is me? That, that, I am just saying that, because, maybe you thought that way… So… Uum…” 

“Actually, if I were to marry Yoshihi, I will disappear from this world.” 

“Nyaa nyaa. What?” 

“What do you mean?” Iehisa was puzzled by what Yoshiharu had said, and he began to explain it in detail. 

“Sagara Yoshihi is Yoshiharu’s ancestor?” 

“When the ancestor and descendant join together, their child will become the ancestor. This will destroy the world’s order. I think, in the future, it will be called as the law of causality? 

Therefore, the descendant shall be cleared from this world. Which is to say, me.” 

“Was it the cause of why Sagara fainted and almost vanished back then?”  

“When I fought against the Shimazu army, I had resolved to die without regret. But in this case, my existence and the things that I have done will disappear. I will disappear from everyone’s memory. I will regret it if that were to happen. That is because everything that I have done during the Sengoku period will disappear.” 

“I don’t want that!” Iehisa was screaming, trembling. 

“Sagara. I was under your care back at Kyoto. I think of you as my best friend. This time, I will protect you, Sagara.” 

“Thank you! Konoe-jissan is willing to persuade Yoshihisa and Yoshihiro. There’s some problem regarding the method he is using, but I want you to forgive him for it since we don’t have time. If Iehisa is willing to help me, will you persuade Toshihisa together with me? So that we can barely complete it in time?” 

As soon as she heard about Toshihisa’s name, Iehisa’s shoulders shook a littlee, “Buku,” and she lowered her eyes. 

“To think that Iehisa would display this frightened look,” Yoshiharu couldn’t believe what he had seen. 

“… Toshihisa-neesama detests me. I shouldn’t appear in front of her, so-” 

“Toshihisa hates you? That should not be true. You worry too much. Toshihisa may have a foul mouth, but she cares a lot about her family and you, Iehisa. You would understand it if you talk to her. That reminds, it’s funny that all of the four sisters look so alike. Everyone’s gaze resembles a hawk’s sharp eyes, haha.” 

“… It’s different. Toshihisa-neesama, she has never once praised my effort today. I thought that I would be praised because my Tsuri no Buse tactic was successful and managed to defeat the Ito Clan. I am a person who only knows of things about war. But now, I don’t understand how I am supposed to continue my efforts. Even though I keep doing my best, Toshihisa-neesama keeps scolding me… Uuu… Hic-!” 

At that time, Yoshiharu forgot that he was about to vanish from existence. 

It was an impact that was so great; as if his heart were shot by a Tanegashima. 

Right at that minute, Iehisa hugged her small figure and crouched down, as if she wanted to hide from something. 

It must be a lie. I can’t believe my eyes. 

Yoshiharu gently put his hands on Iehisa’s thin shoulders which seemed to be ready to break anytime. 

“Iehisa. It’s alright. What on earth has happened? Can you tell me about it?” 

“… It’s something that happened during my childhood. Sagara, I shouldn’t talk about this now.” 

“No, I am fine. How could I ask for something like, “Please save my life,” when a girl is crying in front of me?” 

And besides. 

There was something that Yoshiharu did not tell Iehisa 

Iehisa didn’t know about it now, and neither did Toshihisa. 

In the history that Yoshiharu knew, the youngest among the Shimazu Four Brothers—Shimazu Iehisa—died earlier than the rest of his brothers. 

He passed away when he was still young and left many brilliant military feats in the history of the Sengoku period by rushing to battle after battles. 

Furthermore, his cause of death is unknown. Some says that he died due to poisoning or a sudden illness.  

However, there is one thing that is true. Iehisa who had successfully completed the deadly Shimazu tactic Tsuri no Buse kept on continuing his advances and yet, in the end, he couldn’t unify Kyushu. 

They couldn’t defeat their sworn enemy—the Otomo Clan. 

It happened just as they had advanced northward in order to defeat the Otomo Clan. 

At the last moment, “the one who reigned over the whole country” came over from Honshu. It was not Oda Nobunaga who fell down in Honnou-ji. Instead, it was Kinoshita Tokichirou who took over the Oda Clan’s administration as Toyotomi Hideyoshi. 

Iehisa completely crushed Toyotomi’s vanguard division at the Battle of Hetsugigawa.  He also killed Chosokabe Nobuchika and Sogo Masayasu, and many other famous generals. But when Hideyoshi’s large main army swarmed over Kyushu, many powerful clan leaders began their revolt all at once. Because it was impossible to maintain the frontlines, and because they were unable to bring out a decisive battle, they were pressed with the option to withdraw. 

As appeals to withdraw from the war kept increasing, the Shimazu Clan finally surrendered to Hideyoshi. Iehisa turned himself in at Hideyoshi’s camp.  

Immediately after that, Iehisa suddenly died 

. 

There was no one who could understand his cause of death. Some says that he was poisoned by Hideyoshi. However, knowledge of medicine during the Sengoku period wasn’t developed enough to substantiate the suspicion of poisoning. 

Yoshiharu believed that the girl in front of him—Iehisa—had a different fate from the genius military commander, Shimazu Iehisa. She was cheerful and very young. He thought that there couldn’t be such an unfortunate ending in Iehisa’s future. 

But right now, the Iehisa who was devoted to battles and devised a suicidal tactic. 

And the look of Iehisa who was crying and scared of not being loved by Toshihisa. 

And for the first time for Yoshiharu, the two figures of Iehisa began to overlap. 

The death of Iehisa was full of mysteries. Even after seeing Hideyoshi’s large army approaching before his own eyes, he still remained to end his battle. Such was the way of Iehisa’s life.  

The earnest wish to unify Kyushu was immediately torn apart after his miserable death. 

Yoshiharu secretly thought that Iehisa’s fear for her elder sister had left a scar in her heart. 

In order to receive praises from her elder sisters, and to have their love, Iehisa put her life to fight in battles—and so, she tormented herself with that thought. 

If I did not meet Iehisa at the capital, if I were unrelated to that battle, if I do not know that Iehisa is a girl who loves the idea of being in love, I might’ve prioritized my survival first. But Iehisa is my friend, thus I can’t abandon her. 

“Do you intend to gather the truth once again in the last moment of your life?” 

I feel like being scolded by Goemon this time, but perhaps Goemon would unexpectedly laugh at me instead. 

“Iehisa. It’s alright if you don’t want to talk about it. Tonight, I will stay with you.” 

“Even though Sagara’s life is weakening as it is now, you are still willing to listen to my problem?” Iehisa responded tearfully. 

“Yes. Don’t worry about that. I am more worried about you than myself. I entrust all of my circumstances to Konoe-jiisan” 

“Nyaa. I will say it quickly. Once I finish, quickly forget about it and go to Toshihisa-neesama to convince her in annulling your wedding,” Iehisa sniffed. 

“Ok. I promise you that. Now, clean up your nose.” 

“… Sniff.” 

When Yoshiharu gently stroked Iehisa’s head, she finally calmed down. 

And she began to talk. 

“… Toshihisa-neesama. She detests the blood that runs through my veins.” 

“Blood? Aren’t all you sisters related by blood?” 

“Sagara, I want you to keep this a secret. My mother is different from my three elder sisters’ mother. It might be possible that I am the child of my father’s favorite concubine. By all rights and tradition, those kinds of children should be taken out as an adopted child by another family. Just like in the story of Hikaru Genji, any child who was born from a low-ranked mother must be removed from the imperial family.” 

Part 3 

During the Sengoku period, the Shimazu Clan constantly warred against the opposing other clans.  

The grandfather of the four sisters—Shimazu Jisshinsai—is the forefather of the Shimazu Clan. He is the first person in the history of Japan who obtained the weapon called arquebus and its production method.  

The father of the four sisters—Shimazu Takahisa—saw that the Tripartite Unification of the Shimazu Clan’s former territories—Satsuma, Osumi, and Hyuuga—was close at hand. 

Although the Shimazu was a prestigious clan, they had been in turmoil for long years due to the family’s internal discord. 

Therefore, Jisshinsai who was an excellent educator instead of a samurai zealously preached and educated his heir Takahisa as well as his grandchildren, the Four Sisters, about the importance of familial unity. 

It was similar to Mori Motonari who prepared the anecdote of the “Three Arrows” in order to teach the 3 siblings of Mori about the importance of familial unity. Especially for the Shimazu Clan whose history was filled with many internal discords. For this reason, Jisshinsai paid more attention and effort in educating the four sisters. 

He taught them to respect each other’s individuality and raised their respective special characteristics while criticizing their flaws. 

Jisshinsai regarded the four sisters as thus. 

For the eldest sister, Shimazu Yoshihisa – “possesses the virtue of benevolence and the talent to become the supreme commander of the three states.” 

For the 2nd sister, Shimazu Yoshihiro – “possesses outstanding bravery.”   

For the 3rd eldest sister, Shimazu Toshihisa – “possesses unparalleled ability in devising clever stratagems from beginning to their end.” 

For the youngest sister, Shimazu Iehisa – “possesses prowess in military tactics.”  

And so, it was the truth. 

Yoshihisa, Yoshihiro, and Toshihisa. Each of them respectively filled the role as the general, managed the military affairs as the Valkyrie, and was in charge of being the strategist in devising schemes and plots. 

However, Iehisa was the only one whose talent couldn’t catch up with her growth in comparison to the other three sisters. 

In order to teach military arts to the very young Iehisa, Niiro Musashi was selected to be her home tutor. Despite having such an appearance like an ogre child’s, her heart was pure like a maiden’s. Perhaps it might’ve been caused by the fact that such a refine person like her was rare in Satsuma. 

Niiro Musashi thought that Iehisa was a cute girl. He thought that it wasn’t good for the future of the young princess to be filled with only knowledge of savage war tactics. Therefore, aside from teaching her war tactics, he also lectured her of the Tales of Genji which would later become her hobby. 

Rumors about Iehisa, “The bad hobby of the youngest daughter of the Shimazu family,” began to gradually circulate throughout the clan. 

At a certain day. 

The four sisters were given a vacation by their father Takahisa to have fun riding horses together. 

And then an incident occurred. 

The three elder sisters were able to ride their favorite horses gracefully, but the young Iehisa was not good at horsemanship, and because the horse was too big, she nearly fell often. 

“Nyaa nyaa!” 

“Are you alright, Iehisa-chan?” 

“My younger sister, it’s embarrassing.” 

Iehisa inadvertently shed tears, “Uuu,” when her respected onee-samas, Yoshihisa and Yoshihiro, had merrily laughed at her. 

The eldest sister, Yoshihisa, was about to say something to Iehisa but she was lost for a word due to some reason. 

At that time, the 3rd eldest sister, Toshihisa who was known for her foul mouth looked at Iehisa who was struggling in her horseback riding and suddenly murmured in rapid speed. 

“It can’t be helped. The horse that Iehisa is using came from a different mother from that of the horses we are using. It is the same thing as humans’. Even though it is only one of the sisters who has bad quality, it isn’t necessary to worry about it, Iehisa.” 

Therefore, Iehisa was scared of Toshihisa from the moment she heard these words. 

She absolutely did not want to hear those words. 

Among the four sisters, only three were the daughters of Takahisa’s legal wife. 

However, only the young Iehisa was different. 

It was after Yoshihisa had grown older that Iehisa was born from a concubine. 

Therefore, Iehisa’s talent was far immature compared to the three elder sisters. 

Her body was also small, and it couldn’t be compared to Yoshihisa’s and Yoshihiro’s. 

Her sister was already out in the battlefield and active as a princess general, yet Iehisa who was still at her toddler age still liked to play. 

She thought that it was more fun to listen to the stories of love from the capital rather than to be lectured about war tactics. 

Iehisa felt incongruity for being counted as one of the Shimazu 4 Sisters for a long time. 

Yoshihisa-neesama’s birth is different from mine. However, I love mother. But perhaps the reason why my ability is poor compared to the others is because the blood of the Shimazu running through my veins is thinner. 

Iehisa was a very sensitive young girl. Holding that doubt, she became frightened when some retainer accused her of something. 

But she thought that it was impossible, since she never heard her true elder sisters saying something like that. Because she believed that even if they had different mothers, her elder sisters still doted on her as a younger sister. 

But it was only a delusion. 

In reality, she thought that she was not loved by her sisters. 

Her heart still young, she received a scar that would remain for the rest of her life. 

And when she noticed it, Iehisa had already been crying on horseback. 

There was no sound. Her throat was frozen with fear from the impact, thus she couldn’t raise her voice. 

She knew that her face had gradually become pale. 

It was not even possible for her to breathe. 

“… Iehisa?” 

Toshihisa saw something terrible when she looked at Iehisa.  

Yoshihiro led her horse and rushed to Iehisa, “What’s wrong, Iehisa? Take a deep breath,” and stroked her back. 

“… Uuh… Uuh…” But Iehisa was still trembling on the horseback and stopped breathing. In panic, Yoshihiro gently hit her back with her palm. 

“Cough… Cough…” 

“Iehisa! Take a deep breath!” 

Yoshihisa was stunned when she watched this spectacle. After a moment of hesitation, she made her determination and opened her mouth. 

In tears, she scolded Toshihisa severely. 

“Neither be it horses or humans, everything can’t be determined by blood alone! Iehisa is still our younger sister, Toshihisa! Please apologize to Iehisa!” 

“… I was wrong. I said too much. Just forget what I have said today, Iehisa.” 

However, Iehisa would never be able to erase her fear for Toshihisa. 

Rather than her fear for Toshihisa in person, “My mother is different from theirs; my lineage is different from my sisters’,” Iehisa’s mind had been disillusioned by her inferiority complex and the feeling of indebtedness. 

After the horse riding incident, Iehisa changed and now devoted herself to study military knowledge. 

The four sisters never talked about that incident to another person afterwards. 

“Grandfather Jisshinsai told me that I was gifted in military arts and tactics. In that case, I shall live for the sake of battle and die for battle as well; all for our cherished Shimazu Clan’s dream of Sanshu Unification [Tripartite Unification], achieved through military might. If that’s the case, I will surely get praised by Toshihisa-neesama. From that day, I have been determined to do so.” 

In the Tsuri no Buse, the general should be the decoy to the enemies with 10 times the amount of their own. Such tactic was born from Iehisa’s single-minded intention for an honorable defeat. The premise of “to fight and die for the Shimazu Clan” was also born from that, Yoshiharu understood for the first time. 

“I really see my elder sisters as my own. I have to repay their kindness. The only talent that I have is to wage wars and win them. And so, in order to not lose any moment in the battlefield, I’ve made these as military tribunal laws: “A soldier who has retreated from the battlefield shall receive capital punishment,” and, “Those who couldn’t take the neck of an enemy shall also be met with death penalty.” For these, I devised the honorable die-in-action tactic, Tsuri no Buse. I have a determination that if I, the general, fails then I shall take responsibility and die in the battlefield. But…” 

Toshihisa-neesama does not acknowledge it. 

“It is not permitted that the Shimazu children who have just come to their age [debuted] die a meaningless death by taking position on such a crude, honorable-death tactic, the Tsuri no Buse.” She severely scolded Iehisa. 

If I don’t think of any measure to disturb the enemy formation beforehand, then the tactic couldn’t be completed. 

When I aimed to become the army general, Yoshihiro-neesama stopped me. 

“You are still immature. This role does not fit you unless it were me.” 

But even she still had used the tactic, and the Shimazu Clan was able to crush the Ito Clan. Iehisa thought that she would surely get praised by Toshihisa. But it was nothing but a pipe dream. 

A lot of samurais of both sides at Kizakihara died for my tiny, wishful dream. It was all because of Tsuri no Buse. I do not know what to do anymore. Is unifying the three states not enough? 

Will Toshihisa-neesama compliment me if I manages to unify all of Kyushu instead? Would I finally be able to be loved? 

How long should I fight? How much blood must be shed in both sides? No matter how much I fight, I still can’t change the blood that flows inside my body. If I can change this blood of mine then I would surely be their younger sister. Then at the very least, let me die fighting. If I die fighting for the Shimazu Clan then perhaps I would be acknowledged by my sisters as their real younger sister. 

Iehisa was suppressing her voice, crying. 

Yoshiharu gently hugged Iehisa’s small body. 

In history, Iehisa worked himself to continue fighting. Yet, the dream of unifying the whole Kyushu was just like a bubble that easily disappears; furthermore, his life would be the first to end among the Four Brothers. 

The reason is the blood that runs through Iehisa. It’s because she thinks that she is not loved by her sisters due to her bloodline, Yoshiharu thought so. 

“Sagara…” 

“Yes. I’ve heard it. All the things that you want to say, but can’t, you have said it all now.” 

“I don’t bear grudge against Toshihisa-neesama. I also do not resent Yoshihiro-neesama who refused to send me to the battlefield. But I want to be useful to my sisters. With their love. I want to be recognized as one of the Shimazu Sisters. Therefore, even if military art is disregarded in the future decisive battle against the Otomo Clan, I shall come out as the vanguard and charge ahead to die as a decoy. If I don’t, I can no longer face the subordinates who’ve lost their lives as decoys for my Tsuri no Buse tactic at Kizakihara.” 

“Don’t be rash to die, Iehisa. It is easy for someone to die in this Sengoku era. Wouldn’t you regret dying without being loved by your elder sisters? You will surely regret it at the last moment of your life.” 

“… But. There is nothing I can do about my origin.” 

“Things like blood lineage do not matter at all. Look at me. I am a person from the future who has a suspicious family background. I’ve lived and even risen to the position of a commander of the Oda Clan with only my meager knowledge from the future and by living bravely as well as using dirty bluffs. I’ve received the honorary court office of Chikuzen no Kami from the Imperial Palace. I have purposes. And I’ve fallen in love with the ruler of the world, Nobuna.” 

“Blood relation has nothing to do with a human being, and it is neither necessary nor meaningful too. The one who decides your life is your own will. It is decided by your own actions. 

Therefore, not even your elder sisters would differentiate you from others. Believe in your sisters.” 

“Iehisa. The thing that troubles you is not about your elder sisters. It is your mind which has been plagued by the problem of your lineage.” 

“It’s different.” 

“It is not different. I understand it. Because, if you are talking about lineage, then I am placed at the lowest echelon in this Sengoku era. Well, my ancestor came from Kyushu, so my position has changed a bit. At some point, I even had thoughts of leaving Nobuna’s side. It’s because, I would be responsible for all the bad reputations surrounding Nobuna, if I were to keep standing next to her side. But I’ve decided that I won’t run away again. Nobuna has said that things like blood lineage and social standing don’t matter to me. Even your elder sisters should think the same.” 

Iehisa finally looked up and matched her gaze with Yoshiharu’s. 

“Aah. Sagara. Your visage matches that of Hikaru Genji’s, although your face still looks like a monkey’s.” 

“I don’t think that I look like a monkey that much.” 

“… Sagara. Actually, I am really…” 

“Really what? 

Blushing, Iehisa muttered. 

“… I want to fall in love, even if it’s just for a day, before I die…” 

“Then didn’t you come to the capital for sightseeing? To go around the holy land that is the stage of the Tales of Genji. There is a lecture about the Tales of Genji if we visit Shimogamo Shrine at Mt. Kurama.” 

”It was fun!” 

“Iehisa, because you don’t understand a thing about tea ceremonies, let’s ask Juubei-chan for a reception and hot tea.” 

“Yeah, now, I somewhat like tea now.” [Yes, she repeated “now” once] 

“You’ve finally cheered up. I’m going to meet Toshihisa now. I will find out the truth about the horse riding incident properly. I’m sure that there was a misunderstanding between you and Toshihisa.” 

“Nyaa nyaa? Even though Sagara has free time, I feel reluctant too. But if Sagara disappears, I would be sad.” 

Gyuu, Iehisa hugged Yoshiharu tightly. 

Iehisa was still a young princess general of the Shimazu Clan. Despite having a small and delicate body, she was unexpectedly strong. 

Yoshiharu who couldn’t escape felt embarrassed. 

“Woah, wait a minute. Won’t you let me go? My time is getting shorter by the minute.” 

“Compared to me, Sagara must do everything to stop the marriage ceremony. Promise me that. If you don’t, I won’t let you get out from this room.” 

“Yes. I understand. I promise.” 

Even if he’d meet Toshihisa, she’d just reply curtly, “Regardless whether you will disappear or not, it does not matter to me.” But Yoshiharu thought that he would still be able to keep his promise. 

“What? Stop the wedding ceremony tomorrow morning? Of course not. Your strange conjecture that you will disappear or not does not matter to me. To begin with, I can’t understand the reason wherefore you will disappear if you marry Sagara Yoshihi. Anyway, isn’t this just a cheap trick to postpone the wedding? That Sagara Yoshihi is really a cunning vixen. If you want to disappear then do it on your own accord.” 

Her reaction was as expected. The talk was over in 3 minutes. Yoshiharu wore a wry smile as he received a tea. 

He was currently at Toshihisa’s bedroom. 

Rubbing her drowsy eyes, Toshihisa prepared a second cup of tea, along the way grinding her teeth. [According to Mario-san, this case isn’t deliberate, but mere bruxism.] 

“Unless you are Konoe Sakihisa-sama’s friend, this would’ve been regarded as a case where a monkey has intruded into a maiden’s bedroom at night. I totally do not understand at all. What is Oda Nobuna thinking? Mixing Konoe-sama’s exalted lineage with a monkey. The fact that you are saying that you are a descendant of a distinguished clan—Sagara Yoshihi’s descendant—is already a fishy story. Indeed, this is just an excuse to marry Oda Nobuna.” 

“Well then. This is the real main subject. If possible, I don’t want you to talk about blood relations in front of Iehisa.” 

Toshihisa greatly panicked. 

She dropped the cup in her hands. 

“W-Why do you want to discuss a matter about Iehisa?” 

“I have heard about the horse incident.” 

“From whom? From whom have you heard about it? Was it from Iehisa? Because you can’t persuade with your reasoning that you’ve resorted on using this dirty trick? Such a cowardly play.” 

“Eh? I did not come here to seduce you.” 

“That’s a lie! Before this, an impostor who claimed himself as Konoe Sakihisa infiltrated the castle. In fact, of all things, he crawled to the obstinate Yoshihiro-neesama’s bedroom and was beaten half dead! That impostor also tried to deceive Yoshihiro-neesama to abort Sagara Yoshiharu’s wedding! Isn’t he your accomplice?” 

“So, every means to extend my life has been exhausted,” Yoshiharu sighed. 

“… Haa, Konoe-jiisan… Even if he has changed to a completely different man, he thinks too highly of himself… Perhaps it was also because Yoshihiro was too serious…” 

“That fake has completely fainted; he won’t wake up until morning. He seems to be a master of the Kashima-Shinto-Ryu Style, but he is no match to Yoshihiro-neesama Thai fencing style that she learned from the battlefield. It is quite plausible that the impostor is not an influential person. But the mystery of the Kashima-Shinto-Ryu Style—was the fact that when the sword was unsheathed, Yoshihiro-neesama seemed to be in danger.”  

“Furthermore, it was supposed to be a contest of love, and yet it’d turned into a sword duel? Well, it’s to be expected from Yoshihiro that the situation turned into this. But, Konoe-jiisan would draw his sword if he meant to seriously kill someone… But since he is trying to persuade her, it would be meaningless to kill her… But, considering how much of a master swordsman Yoshihiro is, I think it would be impossible for the enemy to surpass her.” 

“Although Konoe-jiisan is strong, he is too rash when it comes to making judgment. If only he is similar to a true wise man like Iwakura Tomomi, then it could be guaranteed that Konoe’s administration could be realized. But it couldn’t be helped, so Konoe-jiisan, it’s better if you take a long sleep,” Yoshiharu clapped his hands in prayer. 

With this, I am more and more trapped in a checkmate. And now, it is impossible for me to leave Iehisa’s wound to make an excuse in begging Toshihisa for my life. Anyway, it is impossible for Toshihisa’s and Iehisa’s opinions to match unless they reconcile. With this going on, then I wouldn’t be saved. 

Yoshiharu drank his tea in one gulp and said, “Second please.” 

“This is a good opportunity for you to know this, Sagara Yoshiharu. I devote all of my ingenuity to achieve Sanshu Pacification and Kyushu domination. I cannot be infatuated for something like love, so just go back.” 

“Yoshihisa and Yoshihiro seem to have been eager in searching for a husband for you?” 

“Those two are being careless because they have bountiful breasts and feminine bodies! Because they think that it would not be hard for them to find a husband compared to me.” 

“No, wait. Why are you devoting yourself in your ingenuity for the sake of the Shimazu Clan to that extent? From a different perspective, this is similar to Iehisa’s obligation for her blood lineage.” 

“T-That was. Because I have said such heartless things and driven Iehisa to become a battle maniac… No, that is not true! Everything is because of my flat chest! Anything could be wrong with this flat chest of mine! The men of Satsuma have always been gazing upon my two onee-samas’ rich breasts! For what reason is mine smaller than the younger Iehisa’s? Why? Won’t mine bulge in the same way as Sakurajima’s eruption?” 

Yoshiharu found a possibility behind Toshihisa’s bewildered expression. 

Toshihisa did not intend to hate Iehisa. There was some resentment about breasts. But that was a grudge that every maiden would have. But it had nothing to with Iehisa as an individual. 

“You regret the statements that you said back then during the horse riding incident?” 

“Please don’t say it as if you know everything, you rude man! What do you know? You and I have just met today!” 

“But, Iehisa and I were originally friends. She is an honest girl with a hectic disposition. She couldn’t possibly be hated by her onee-samas. In other words-” 

“Hold your tongue! I do not regret the fact that I scolded Iehisa! It is my responsibility as an elder sister that we have to struggle in order to force knowledge of martial arts and tactics to my incompetent younger sister! The tactic that she devised positioned her on the frontlines to kill the enemy. Such tactic is nothing more than putting oneself in great danger. If such tactic were to be used, you would be killed immediately and thus be not qualified as a good general.” 

“You’re worried about Iehisa’s safety” 

“It’s different! I did not say that I don’t want Iehisa to die in battle particularly. If I don’t put my hands in filling their shortcomings, that absurd tactic Tsuri no Buse won’t be completed. At that time, I tried to force the Sagara army to change their movement by giving them false information because Tsuri no Buse uses small decoys in order to lure their enemy to annihilation. That tactic will be invalid once they are cornered in a pincer attack between their enemies and allies.” 

“But even though I’ve seen through your false information due to my future knowledge, the Shimazu Clan still managed to win, right?” 

“It’s because Yoshihiro-neesama is an extraordinary Takegami! If you replaced the general with Iehisa, she would be killed by the Sagara army. Your action was too uncalled for! Just go and disappear already!” 

“Well then, let’s talk regarding the argument back then during the horse incident. I am about to disappear tomorrow in the wedding anyway.” 

“… What a ridiculous man. Rather than begging for your life, you are more worried about Iehisa’s trouble.” 

According to what Toshihisa reluctantly said, the truth about the horse incident was caused by nothing but Toshihisa’s own personal feelings that were vehemently dissented. 

It was a well-known fact that during those days, Iehisa had been a bad younger sister with romantic hobbies.  

The day before the horse riding event of the four sisters, Toshihisa and Yoshihisa had a little argument. 

“If this goes on, Iehisa will become a useless princess. It is necessary to force her to contemplate about herself,” Toshihisa argued about it. 

But Yoshihisa said, “Iehisa is still a child, we should observe her in the long run;” she was being generous to Iehisa. 

Toshihisa wasn’t convinced, “Even though I am also a younger sister, my onee-samas always spoil Iehisa.” 

In the first place, it was worthy of note that the younger Iehisa had better breasts. [Quality > quantity] 

Even though I share the same blood with my two onee-samas, my chest is flat. Is Iehisa who has a different mother more important to my onee-samas because her chest is similar to theirs? 

It was said that that dissatisfaction had suddenly sprouted at that time. 

But it turned out to be alright now. Iehisa’s interest for warfare had been awoken, and she began to work in the same fashion as the other sisters of the Shimazu Clan. 

“First of all, Iehisa’s mother is different from ours, and that is an indisputable fact. Even if she is depressed about it, it is not something that I can understand. In the world of Shuras, Kyushu, a spoiled princess can’t live without willpower. Because of Yoshihisa-neesama’s gentle nature, she can’t educate Iehisa, and Yoshihiro-neesama is too generous. Therefore, it is up to me to play the bad guy role to speak out harsh words. It has come to such extent that I want to thank Iehisa for it.” 

“But. Even though that theory could be understood from a human standpoint, I still feel sorry for Iehisa. Iehisa has been scared of you since that day. Won’t you apologize to Iehisa and reconcile with her?” 

“I refuse.” 

“Why?” 

“What would you do if Iehisa’s lazy habits show up again? It is alright if she hates me; because I’ve taken the role of the bad guy. If the clan head Yoshihisa-neesama gets hated, it would cause many problems. She wants to be the wickedest clan head in the Sengoku era. But it would be impossible for her to do it in the first place. Yoshihiro-neesama’s disposition also makes it impossible for her to play the bad guy role.” 

“Iehisa does not hate you. She just wants to be loved by you.” 

“…” 

Toshihisa lowered her head for a while, whilst stroking the tea cup she had in her hands. 

Yoshiharu was waiting. 

Toshihisa’s story sounded plausible, but there was contradiction. 

The horse riding account, it should’ve happened when the four sisters’ father—Shimazu Takahisa—was still alive. Even if she is a genius, it should take some time for the young Iehisa’s talent to bloom; it is not something that could be said to have happened recently. And because Iehisa was still a child at that time, her breasts shouldn’t have grown yet. [The Oppai God is magnanimous to both the children and adults. Thou shan’t forget that edict.] 

In addition, the expression that Toshihisa had when she reprimanded Iehisa was not a happy one. It wasn’t apparent that the elder sister felt dark delight in abusing her younger sister. In fact, it looked as if Toshihisa herself was pained every time she abused Iehisa. 

“… You are so foolish, Sagara Yoshiharu. You want to mediate between me and Iehisa? It’s too much. Won’t you disappear once you marry Yoshihi?” 

“Of course, I don’t want to disappear, but I have seen Iehisa’s crying face. I can’t leave her alone. There isn’t much time I have left, anyway. Furthermore, I can’t imagine that you will agree on Iehisa’s opinion to cancel my wedding. Right now, your condition with her is like mutual wariness to an opponent.” 

“I’m not scared of Iehisa,” Toshihisa muttered resentfully. 

“It seems that you’ve overestimated me. I am a woman who is too preoccupied in expanding the Shimazu Clan’s territory. It has come to such extent that I have no choice but to maltreat my incompetent younger sister. I have said this before: today is the first time I’ve met you. Do not judge what kind of personality  I have on your own accord.” 

“No. I know what kind of princess general you are. Your future. Because your memory of me will fade once I disappear, I will tell you your future.” 

“Stop. Don’t tell me my future.” 

“Shimazu Toshihisa. Your future is exactly as you’ve imagined. The same thing goes for Iehisa’s.” 

“…” 

“There is an obstinate factor that plays a great role in fate. However, there is also an inevitable conclusion in your destiny caused by your own will and actions. Although you may have some expectations because you are the most resourceful general in the Shimazu Clan, but in the future I know, the Shimazu Clan couldn’t unify Kyushu in time. The Sengoku Era is rapidly approaching its end. A person who reigns in power over the whole country will appear in Honshu. Even with the men of Satsuma’s Hayato, there would be no way to face this opponent with strategies and tactics. And so, the earnest wish of the Shimazu Clan will perish as a dream. And so, Iehisa will-” 

“Stop! If you say further, I will kill you!” 

“Iehisa, she died earlier than the rest of the Four Sisters.” 

“Please! Don’t say anymore! I don’t want to listen!” 

Toshihisa opened her eyes wide, thereafter covering her ears as if she had been possessed by fear. 

I forcibly told her the future. Although it’s a little rough, but all of this disgusting conversation will disappear from Toshihisa’s memory once I disappear. Only this time that I will permit it. I don’t think that I am being conceited… But as expected, I do not want to disappear. 

If I disappear, the only person who knows the future of Japan’s Sengoku era will be Gaspard. Will anyone respect Gaspard’s way of interfering with the fates of the princess generals through their hearts? Amongst all, won’t the four Shimazu sisters be regarded as the most formidable obstacle to Gaspard’s ambition? 

It is wrong. 

I will withdraw my previous statement. 

I want to survive, as expected. 

When I look at Shimazu Toshihisa’s clear tears, my regret resurfaces 

Since it will be the end of Shimazu Toshihisa’s life. 

“Sagara Yoshiharu! Why are your eyes filled with pity? Shut up! Is it my fault? That miserable future happened because I cornered and abused that child; is that what you want to say?” 

“I’m not saying that. I respect you. I don’t feel any pity. You are a person who will carry all crimes on the back alone and commit seppuku in order to protect the sisters of Shimazu.” 

“Me? In order to bear the sins of my sister, I committed seppuku? I’m not a fool! I, if I live, I can make up many schemes! It won’t be possible for me to protect the Shimazu Clan if I die!” 

“No. For the sake of your sisters, you would commit seppuku. Shimazu Toshihisa is such a person.” 

“… Such cowardice. To speak out things like that to me!” 

“I’m sorry. But maybe during that horse incident. You wanted to protect someone. But because you did not want to wound other people except yourself, you decided to bear all of the crimes and be the victim.” 

“If you’ve said it to this extent. Sagara Yoshiharu! Among the Shimazu 4 Sisters—is there anyone left to live in this world of Shura?” 

“Ah. You were saved. With your life in exchange. You were a wise person who assumed the grudge of the one who reigned over the whole country to yourself on purpose. At the end, you committed seppuku in order to protect the Shimazu Clan.” 

“But… Still, Iehisa… That child is…” 

Yoshiharu told this, as he tried to conceal the pain of his heart. 

“Iehisa’s end, as she remained afraid of you. She passed away much earlier than you…” 

Toshihisa gasped involuntarily. 

Her body shook, little by little. 

She couldn’t afford to continue acting the role of an elder sister to her stupid younger sister anymore. 

“I am fine… But Iehisa, that child… Somehow, for Iehisa… I’m not capable… But a person from the future like you could…” 

“I’ve always tried to shift the situation to my advantage somehow. But reality is a harsh thing. Even the outcome of the Battle of Kizakihara couldn’t be changed by me. My power amounts to only that of one man. With me alone, I can’t change someone’s future. I need help from others.” 

One of the reasons why Toshihisa believed in Yoshiharu’s foresight was because he knew that the shinobi that had been sent to the Sagara army before the Battle of Kizakihara was a fake. 

The result was that the Sagara army managed to rush over and flank the Shimazu army.  

Toshihisa’s heart nearly stopped when she heard that her schemes were seen through by the Sagara army. 

The person who had seen through it was the man from the future – Sagara Yoshiharu. 

It was said that Yoshiharu saw through it not because of his intelligence, but because he had knowledge of the future. 

But even Yoshiharu couldn’t change destiny so easily. 

“… How… What should I do…” 

Yoshiharu noticed that Toshihisa’s frightened expression with upturned eyes was similar to Iehisa’s. [The hell with this?] 

“I’ve gradually understood it. You are not scared of the possibility that Iehisa hates you. As the result of stirring her heart, Iehisa would come to devote herself to warfare to her limit in the future. It’s because you are a wise person that you can see through it. But you can’t accept it. You didn’t want to acknowledge Iehisa’s tactic. And so, you revised it. Because you don’t want Iehisa to give up her life and fight to death in the battlefield.” 

“If all of your words are a lie, then I won’t keep you alive. Now, it is useless to reveal that prophecy to anyone else. But I will kill you immediately if you leak it to anyone beside me,” Toshihisa bit her lips, glaring at Yoshiharu. 

“I know. It is a bad thing to do. But I will do it only this time because I have no time left.” 

“Sagara Yoshiharu. There is no time to make excuses to me. Now you must gather all of the Shimazu Four Sisters in Yoshihisa-neesama’s bedroom. Depending on you, the answer which you curiously want to know, will be revealed.” 

“Gather all of the four sisters and reveal the truth about the horse incident?” 

“Yes. If you leave the other 2 people, then I think Yoshihisa-neesama will give the answer immediately. But since you will disappear when the time has run out, all of the four sisters must gather in one place. It will be a gamble. Whether Yoshihisa-neesama will have the courage to spill out the truth in front of Iehisa.” 

“Do you believe in Yoshihisa?” 

“Yes. That is so. She has the virtue to become the supreme ruler of the three states. She is the oldest sister of the Shimazu family. Though I am worried that she likes to make decisions by fortune cards. There is no one else besides her that I know, who has such bravery and magnanimity.” 

Toshihisa who had regained her calm talked about Yoshihisa’s reputation with a proud smile. 

“Once the truth is found out, the cancellation of your wedding ceremony can be requested from Yoshihisa-neesama and Yoshihiro-neesama. And so, two people should be persuaded. If you manage it in time. You will live.” 

If Yoshiharu resolved the ill feeling that appeared between the sisters during the horse incident, then Yoshihisa and Yoshihiro would withdraw the decision about the wedding to repay his favor. Toshihisa bestowed this wise decision to Yoshiharu. 

“Sagara Yoshiharu, if you don’t hurry then time will run out. Dawn is already approaching.” 

But at the same time, Yoshiharu though of one person who couldn’t be left out. 

“May I also call Sagara Yoshihi?” 

*** 

Shimazu Yoshihisa’s bedroom look like an “exhibition for the wickedest men.” [Hope she doesn’t do what Yuzuki Kiryu does in her room.] 

“Everyone, welcome! Has my training made me a full-fledged villain? Thank you for coming here to see the treasury of all of the most valuable portraits of the wickedest men.” 

“What is this? Are you sure this is a bedroom of a maiden? This is such a disgusting room!” Yoshihi who had been brought over by Yoshiharu frowned. 

This place looks exactly like a kingdom of evil! 

A series of the portraits of abominably wicked men decorated the wall in a row. 

All of the 3 sisters of Shimazu except Yoshihisa dislike her bedroom that had been turned into an ominous “wicked men’s exhibition.” All of them uniformly looked dejected. 

“This wall has the portrait of the “Three Evil.” These people are my teachers.” 

“The first among them is known as the “Infinite Wickedness” in all of Japan. A man who favors the use of gun in assassination. Known for his epithet, “Princess General Killer.” A first-class traitor. Ukita Naoie! He has such a refreshing smile, doesn’t he? He likes to cheat on everybody!” 

“This one is the “Viper of Mino!” His name is Saito Dosan, who rose up from being an oil merchant of Yamasaki City, by banishing his lord and stealing his concubines, to being the overlord of Mino! When he was young, he was a handsome man. He is an old man who has retired from his extremely heinous, evil looks. It’s fantastic, right? He is such a cool oji-sama, right? Aah, how much I want to become a ruler like him.” 

“The bird of the “Three Evil.” She is the woman who burned the great Todai-ji of Nara! She attacked the Ashikaga shogunate and brought an end to Muromachi Shogunate! She also poisoned all of the Miyoshi clan lords one by one! She has the biggest amount of achievements throughout the world’s “Three Evil!” She is the evil person who is rumored to have set fire to the remains of Japan’s court, Matsunaga Danjou! Surprisingly, she also possesses an exotic beauty! But, doesn’t her figure look similar to me? These large breasts and intriguing waist seem to tempt men who look at them! This is substantiates the fact that I have the talent to become a wicked woman, right? Ooh!” 

As it was impossible to change her elder sister’s unreasonable personality, Yoshihiro who felt troubled coughed her throat.  

“There is the most legendary wicked man in the history of Japan on that wall! He is the enemy of the Imperial Court of Ashikaga Takauji, named as Taira no Masakado! And now, there is the most unique wicked person whom I give special treatment beside my bed, the “Dai-Rokuten Mao—” Oda Nobuna! She destroyed the Enryaku-ji by setting it on fire! She made a golden skull out of the remains of Azai Asakura! She was the one behind the reckless deed of burning down Kamigyo! She faced the Honbyo temple with starvation tactics and huge arquebus battles! 

The thickness of her wickedness is different from the Shuras of Kyushu, for she keeps severing all honors of battle. In order to become a wicked person, I must follow the example of this general of Honshu.” 

“My sister is a good person, but she persistently exercises unreasonable training to become a wicked person,” Shimazu Yoshihiro blushed in shame. 

“They actually don’t want to commit those evil deeds,” Yoshiharu tried to defend them. 

“Neither Nobuna nor Dousan nor Danjou is actually an evil person… Aside from that fellow Ukita Naoie-jiisan,” Yoshiharu shuddered when he thought about the rumor surrounding him. 

“Yoshihisa. Since the beginning, Nobuna is fighting for the sake of the people by bringing a new order upon the war in the world where the system of Muromachi Shogunate’s government has rotten. As a result, it has caused a social upheaval among the top and bottom classes of people, and thus they called her evil. But she is never a bad person from the beginning. But of course, the person herself has flaws and troubles, and she is not a saint with a noble character.” 

“Oh, that is not a good thing to say, Sagara Yoshiharu. The thing is. I yearn to follow her firm will of not being afraid of public reputation. Look at me! I am a timid person. I am indecisive and worried of my reputation from the people. When a battle starts, I can’t decide anything without using fortune cards [fortune cookies, they help]… soon I will transfer the seat of daimyo to the brave Yoshihiro-chan and retire. Once I retire, I shall name myself as the “Ryuhaku [Dragon Earl].” 

“If Aneue retires then I too shall retire. I am serious!” Yoshihiro suggested that she introduce herself as the “new restoration,” Yoshihisa pouting, “I understand.” 

“Oh! Mr. Fox who has nothing to do with wickedness is enshrined near the bedside. The Inari no Kami [God of Harvest] is deified as the guardian kami of birthplaces.” 

“It is because the founder of the Shimazu Clan, along with their social standing, had always been guarded by Mr. Fox. The legend told that when a crisis befell the family, the Inari no Kami would descend as salvation in the form of a fox to the Shimazu family. Well, it is only an ordinary legend, but I have always brought fried tofu offering to Mr. Fox as a duty of the clan head daily.” 

Yoshiharu recalled the young noble who had the visage of a fox. 

“Fox, is it…? It seems nostalgic.” 

“Well then, what business do you have for gathering all the Shimazu Four Sisters along with Sagara Yoshihi? Is it to confer in admiring wicked men during the night? Or, is it about the topic that you will disappear if you were to marry Yoshihi at the next morning?” 

“There is also that, but the most important thing right now is about the horse riding incident. I want you to tell the truth to Iehisa from your own mouth.” 

“Sagara? Is it not about stopping the wedding? There is no time left to discuss such thing, you know,” Iehisa who was hiding behind Yoshiharu’s back began to be frightened. 

“It is alright. It’s because Yoshihisa would always tell the truth. I got an approval from Toshihisa.” 

“Eh. Why are you so desperate in learning Iehisa-chan’s story? Isn’t she unrelated to Sagara Yoshihi and you?” 

“I have a lot of relationship with her, Yoshihisa. It’s because I became a friend and entertained Iehisa back at the capital.” 

“You didn’t come to beg for your life? Hasn’t Yoshihiro-chan heard of the circumstances?” 

“I do not believe the word of that fake Konoe-sama at all, but I told Aneue just in case,” Yoshihiro dutifully folded her arms and nodded. 

“Although I have the disposition of being a meddlesome person who likes to show off. But because I have no more time, this is the fastest way in taking the initiative. This also involves Yoshihi.” 

Yoshihi still couldn’t accept the story that she and Yoshiharu were respectively an ancestor and a descendant yet. 

“Isn’t it too sudden that you call yourself my offspring? To begin with, I have no intention to marry and bear a child. Well, if my partner is Yoshiharu then I can make up the determination to do that,” Yoshihi was confused. 

“Yoshiharu. What do mean that you will disappear when you marry me? Did you invent such sophistry because you do not want to marry me?” 

“If it’s that then it would’ve been good, but I am not lying.” 

Yoshiharu lifted his right arm which had slowly begun to become transparent and showed it to Yoshihi. 

“Yoshiharu, what is this…? You are beginning to disappear!” 

“Aah… My body seems to be gradually losing its strength. It seems that the deadline is approaching.” 

“… Is that so? There shouldn’t be any relationship between me and you. Is this fate…? As expected, I can’t live my own life yet…” 

“Yoshihi?” 

“… It’s nothing. I am just thinking aloud. There is no time left for you, right? Hurry up, Yoshiharu.” 

“Yoshihisa. Please tell the truth about the horse incident to Iehisa. Tell it from your own mouth who the head of the Shimazu family is.” 

Yoshihisa wavered. Though ‘twas a short amount of time, she was hesitating on what she should do as the head of the Shimazu family. 

Though Yoshiharu’s existence was being cornered and ready to disappear anytime, he was still busy in trying to help out whom he’d met at the capital to reconnect her relations with her sisters. Although he’d lost the battle and became the prisoner of the Shimazu clan. He was a softhearted man and far away from being a wicked person. This disposition of Sagara Yoshiharu couldn’t be repressed no matter how. But even so, by no means had he the caliber to become a ruler. 

“… I might be similar to you in some aspect. So I am trying to throw away my good-natured character. A retainer might just be okay with it. However, a ruler is pressed to make a choice someday. Now that I am the person who ties the Shimazu Clan together, it will be impossible for me to gain everything. Isn’t it just a superficial dream, Sagara Yoshiharu?” 

“I understand Yoshihisa. It is the destiny of someone who is born a ruler. But please do not sever the feeling Toshihisa is holding for Iehisa. Eventually, a rift will start to form between them.” 

“Rift?” 

Yoshiharu was still engrossed in Iehisa. 

“Just to what extent will your soft heart go?” Toshihisa was exasperated, and silently confessed to Yoshihisa. 

“Yoshihisa-neesama. All of his deeds in the past will disappear when his existence is gone. All of our memories about him will be lost. This is also for the memory about this late tea party right now. If that happens, the future that he has predicted will be fulfilled as well.” 

Though it was only a little, Yoshihisa understood it. 

A rift was created between Toshihisa and Iehisa, ever since the horse riding incident. 

That rift would lead the four sisters of Shimazu to a black future sometime soon. 

Perhaps the two people who would be swallowed up in the dark future would be Toshihisa and Iehisa. 

“Sagara Yoshiharu. Forget about the horse riding incident, shouldn’t you beg for your life first? Aren’t you afraid of death? Aren’t you afraid of having your own existence disappear?” 

“I am not afraid of death. Even if I were to receive a mortal wound, the pain would only last for a moment. But, I am scared of having my existence vanish. I am extremely scared of it. When it happens, all of the footprints that I’ve left in this Sengoku period will be gone.” 

“Then you should have asked me to cancel your wedding with Sagara Yoshihi.” 

“It’s useless, Yoshihisa. This is the persona that I will never give up. Please bring out the truth about the horse riding incident to Iehisa. That is the most important thing right now.” 

“Why are you being so stubborn? Aren’t you reversing the order of your priority?” 

“That is because the matter of that incident won’t be settled if we don’t talk about it now.” 

Yoshihisa served a tea to Yoshiharu. 

But, Yoshiharu wasn’t able to hold the tea cup; it’s because both his hands had gone transparent. He wasn’t able to grasp it. The tea cup slipped through Yoshiharu’s palms and fell down to the tatami mat. 

“… Yoshiharu?” 

“Sagara, your body is starting to disappear!” 

On the other side of the rail. The morning sun had begun to rise behind Sakurajima. 

“… Has morning come at last?” 

Yoshiharu thought that his time had run out. 

There was something that felt like it was being cut inside his heart. 

The entirety of his body lost all of its strength. 

He couldn’t even sit straight anymore. 

“Yoshihi. Listen to me.” 

He could still barely raise his voice. 

Yoshihi tried to support Yoshiharu’s back, but she couldn’t touch him. Yoshiharu spoke to her. 

“I’m scared of having the things that I’ve left behind disappear. Even if I die, my dream will be inherited by others. That is why I am not afraid of death. I’m scared of whether that dream will be gone as well. I finally understand the reason why people want to find a companion and bear a child. Although it’s already too late… No matter how many obstacles there will be, I pledge my life [I’ll be blunt; it’s to fuck] to Nobuna so that we can have a child together.” 

Yoshiharu did not want to complain in front of a princess general when he was about to die. 

He wanted to die bravely. 

However, he thought that he could bring out shameless complaints to Yoshihi for some reason. 

“I’m sorry for being shameless. All of the things that I have done since I was born will have no meaning. I don’t want to have such detestable ending. I’m scared of being forgotten by everyone.” 

“It’s alright, Yoshiharu. Don’t be afraid. I will protect you. Even if I have been protected by Uncle Soun so many times. You even protected me at Kizakihara. So this time, I shall protect you.” 

“… Yoshihi?” 

“The sun still hasn’t risen completely. There is about half an hour left. Don’t give up, Yoshiharu. Brace your heart firmly. You can’t lie down now.” 

Yoshihi bowed her head to Shimazu Yoshihisa. 

“Shimazu Yoshihisa. Please tell us the truth about that incident. I will surrender to the Shimazu Clan at that time. If you wish to destroy the Sagara Clan then let it end at its 18th generation. You may bring a man from the Shimazu Clan as my husband. I can endure it. All of this for Yoshiharu’s sake.” 

“Sagara Yoshihi. Do you wish to save Sagara Yoshiharu so much? Even if you understand that you will not be connected to him as a couple?” 

“It is so. The Sagara Clan is different from the Shimazu Clan. When an internal crisis inside my clan continues, I’ll keep losing a member of my family over and over again. Grandfather drove away Tokuchiyo who is my only younger sister from the clan. I desperately cling to Uncle Soun in order to find the meaning of why I was born. But I can’t find any meaning in my life. I don’t even have any ambition. There is no such big goal like the unification of the three states in the Sagara Clan. I don’t have any lord nor master which I should like how Uncle Soun is to his lord. Until now, I am satisfied on seeing the people’s smiles.” 

However, it was different now. 

Yoshihi was smiling, showing a gesture of brushing Yoshiharu’s back which she couldn’t touch. 

“This boy seems to resemble me in nature. He has no ambition to take over the world. But unlike me, he has found the meaning of his life. He has found it through his own power. To my own regret, it seems that I can find a bond to a person from the outside world. But I was parted away from it ever since I had become protected in the cage of Uncle Soun.” 

Yoshiharu listened to Yoshihi’s words, his consciousness fading away. 

It was a gentle voice filled with affection. 

Yoshiharu thought that it was Yoshihi’s true voice. 

“It’s because you want to share Sagara Yoshiharu’s wishes that you’ve agreed on marrying him, right? Sagara Yoshihi.” 

“It is so. I thought that I might be able to have a family if it were with him. He is a kind person who will never betray me, but instead, protects me if he becomes my family. I want to protect his dream. If I can’t protect him by marrying him. Because he will disappear. Then everything from the beautiful Kumagawa of my country that I love so much along with Hitoyoshi Castle, as well as the Yatsuhiro Port and the seat of the Sagara Clan’s head, and finally, my own chastity; I will give them all to the Shimazu Clan.” [Wow. Love is such a martyr.] 

“Are you serious?” 

“Yes. When I knew that he was my descendant, I came to understand everything. There is something that I wish to know about the curse suffered by the offspring who descends from the Sagara Clan, which causes the clan repeated infighting. But the blood of the Sagara family is not disgusting. Yoshiharu told me that someone’s fate wasn’t decided by bloodline. At first, when I was able to defend his aspiration, I found the meaning of my life, and I can proudly say it to Uncle Soun. It is what I have thought so. However…” 

“However?” 

“Only Tokuchiyo who is not well known by the Shimazu. She is my inauspicious younger sister. My only sister. I must protect my sister no matter what happens. So I will give up everything except Tokuchiyo. Please do not harm Tokuchiyo! Please don’t lay your hands unto her!” 

“It was a good thing to let Yoshihi attend the Shimazu Four Sisters’ meeting. After all, Yoshihi loves her younger sister Tokuchiyo more than anyone else. Although there seems to be a reason why she can’t express her love…” Yoshiharu clogged his chest. 

“I will not destroy the Sagara Clan nor take away Tokuchiyo’s life, and I will relieve the Sagara Clan’s territory. I also will not force you to marry a man whom you do not love. I will not even do such thing because I myself am still a maiden,” Yoshihisa answered. 

“I have injured both Iehisa-chan and Toshihisa-chan back then during the horse riding incident. And so, I thought that I will remain being the bad person until I die, just as it was supposed to be. But it isn’t possible for me to become the bad guy. I have lost to you. The two ‘Sagara Yoshiharu’s.’” [If you couldn’t remember, here’s a recollection: “Yoshihi” in kanji can also be read as “Yoshiharu.”] 

Shimazu Yoshihisa told the history about the horse riding incident to Iehisa. 

“The words that Toshihisa-chan told you when she scolded you. It wasn’t something that Toshihisa-chan should have said. In reality, it was me, as the eldest sister, who was supposed to say it.”  

Part 4

Yoshihisa, Yoshihiro, and Toshihisa.

The three sisters dearly adored the youngest child Iehisa years ago. 

They weren’t aware that their mothers’ statuses were different. 

Yoshihisa and the others wanted to send Iehisa to the capital; thereby she could receive strenuous training to become a princess general, excelling in literacy and military arts. 

From the three sisters’ own perspective, the Sanshu Pacification—perhaps they needed to give the youth the destiny to become the Shuras of the Shimazu Clan in the Kyushu subjugation. 

Thus, they wanted to send the youngest Iehisa to a different world at the very least. The world outside Kyushu. The colorful world at the capital. 

Someday, under the fully blooming sakura tree at the capital, I want to make the people admire Iehisa whom has become a beautiful princess general. I would like to make the world know that there is a lovely princess general named Shimazu Iehisa in Satsuma. I hope so. 

However, it was necessary to give her special education as a general. 

If Iehisa grew to be a spoiled princess for being loved too much, she would scatter in the battlefield and die. [Literally to be blown to smithereens.] 

And so, Niiro Musashi, who had a small, muscular body that was akin to a daruma [see Kami-sama no Iu Toori], was chosen to be Iehisa’s private tutor. 

Niiro Musashi was a brave general and held obstinate loyalty to the Shimazu Clan. 

All members of his family were well known of their premier prowess in s?jutsu [literally “art of the spear.”]. 

His bulky belly muscle could flick even a spear and was called an “iron wall.” 

Although his visage was that of a demon, he was an elegant man from Satsuma who was familiar with the Tale of Genji. 

Though his muscles resembled a bear’s, his mind was similar to a maiden. 

And so, Niiro Musashi who had two contradictory natures was suitable for the role of educating Iehisa… It should be how it was supposed to be. 

However, Niiro Musashi came to care for Iehisa as if she were his own daughter. 

Apparently, Iehisa’s naïvete appeared to be a talent that would move people to love her. 

Niiro Musashi was excited of the girl’s young and lovely face. 

“To make this adorable little princess live for war is too pitiful,” Niiro was perplexed, and he taught the elegant world of the Tale of Genji to Iehisa more than necessary.  

Yoshihisa and the others were also lenient to Iehisa. They had the same mindset with Niiro Musashi. 

“At this rate, this could be a problem,” they softly gave a warning to Niiro Musashi, but they couldn’t completely blame him. 

Iehisa grew to have elegant hobbies just like the youngest daughter of a typical feudal lord. 

But Satsuma was a country of the battle-driven race of the Hayato people. 

Finally, a rumor, “Iehisa is a bad younger sister,” rose from nowhere inside the whole clan. 

“Because her mother is different, the blood of the Shimazu family that runs through her body is thinner than the rest of her elder sisters’,” such notoriety was constructed in that fashion. 

Because the rumor had reached Shimazu Takahisa who was the father of the four sisters, Iehisa’s position within the family became delicate. 

Originally, she had been the 4th princess of the clan. 

Originally, there had been no reason for her to stay within the Shimazu’s main family. 

Unless she were exceptionally talented. 

At this rate, Iehisa might be taken out for adoption. 

It was an ordeal. Yoshihisa, Toshihisa and Yoshihiro hurriedly convened a gathering of the three respective people. 

“… What should I do… I can’t think of a good idea. What’s with this about having a different mother?! I will kill the person who has made this rumor with my bare hands!” 

The militaristic Yoshihiro was enraged because she was earnestly worried about Iehisa. 

“We must wait, Yoshihiro-neesama. We need to know Iehisa’s willingness to learn military tactics. As what Jisshinsai-ojisama said, we must prove that Iehisa has talent in military arts.” 

“Toshihisa-chan is right. If we can prove that Iehisa has talent, the talk about adoption will disappear. The person who made that rumor will also give up.” 

“I see. I am too hot-blooded and wild… I am ashamed.” 

“Yoshihiro-neesama. A sister will share the other responsibilities. Leave this one to me and Yoshihisa-neesama.” 

Toshihisa who was good at devising schemes became the key role; with Yoshihisa, the two of them devised a countermeasure. 

They decided the date and time of the Four Sisters’ horse riding event. 

Someone among the sisters should make the horse analogy and retell the severe words whispered within the clan to Iehisa. 

To say that Iehisa’s lineage was different and that her blood of Shimazu was thinner, and that she couldn’t be compared to the other three sisters. 

All of this was to awaken Iehisa’s motivation, in order to make her talent in military arts bloom. 

They needed to convey callous remarks, and receive Iehisa’s antipathy. 

This was such a heavy responsibility. 

But because the three sisters had always doted on Iehisa until now, that someone needed to do it. 

“I shall take it. If talking about military affairs, it should be me, the Valkyrie Yoshihiro.” 

“Yoshihiro-neesama is rejected from taking the role since you are incapable of acting. Soon, she will find out it is a lie. I think that if it’s onee-sama, you would probably break down crying rivers because you feel sorry for Iehisa.” 

“… Uuh… I might cry… I am sorry.” 

“Yoshihiro-chan. I will be the one who say it to Iehisa. As part of my training to become a wicked person. As the eldest sister of Shimazu, there are times when I must act as the bad guy. The time is ripe.” 

Yoshihisa unusually decided it with determination. 

“I am the eldest sister who has inherited the family estate; there shall be no hindrance in terms of demeanor.” 

“Will it be alright if it were done by Aneue? To begin with, I don’t think that being a villain will suit Aneue… I feel like it is impossible in a different way from mine.” 

“Yoshihiro-chan. Although this is a heavy responsibility, this is also a trial for someone who will become the next head of the Shimazu Clan.” 

“But wouldn’t it be better to witness Iehisa’s state as of now? Unlike us, the three sisters, she might be a late bloomer genius.” 

“No, Yoshihiro-neesama. The Shimazu Clan suffers from chronic shortage of military power due to our scarce population. So even if we win a fleeting battle, we will not be able to win the war. The Shimazu lacks ‘strategy’ to overturn the difference in military power. And we lack one person who can fill the gap within the Shimazu army. That person is Iehisa, who is dubbed by Jisshinsai-ojisama as a genius of military arts.” 

“Toshihisa, if that is the case, then we must put our faith in Iehisa.” 

“Oneesama. It might be cruel, but Iehisa was born late and is younger than us. Now that Owari’s Oda Nobuna has gained power and begun her radical unification of the world, we don’t have time to patiently wait for Iehisa’s growth.” 

But on the day during the horse riding event. 

Yoshihisa hesitated at the last moment. 

Iehisa who was not good at horsemanship was struggling desperately, so much. 

Everything about Iehisa’s actions was cute. 

Facing Iehisa’s state, she couldn’t help but to feel enamored. All of the things that she had arranged to speak couldn’t come out from her throat. 

“It can’t be helped. The horse that Iehisa uses came from a different mother from that of the horses we are using. It is similar with humans. Even though it is only one of the sisters who has bad quality, it isn’t necessary to worry about it, Iehisa.” 

Yoshihisa wasn’t able to speak out the villain dialog that she had been practicing for so many times in her bedroom to Iehisa. 

But if someone did not say it, Iehisa would be driven out from the Shimazu Clan for being a bad younger sister. 

Yet, by all means, she couldn’t speak. 

I don’t want to hurt Iehisa. 

What shall I do? What shall I do? My body feels stiff as stone. I can’t do anything. At that time, Yoshihisa’s body was petrified, rendering her body immobile. 

On behalf of her eldest sister, the 3rd daughter Toshihisa spoke the lines that Yoshihisa was supposed to say from her own mouth. 

The grudge of Iehisa, which was necessary to bear for Yoshihisa, Toshihisa took it all without wavering. 

But the confusion and astonishment that Iehisa received when they talked about the matter related to her “blood” was far beyond the three sisters’ expectations. 

Yoshihisa did not know; neither do Toshihisa nor Yoshihisa. 

The three sisters had never imagined it. 

Because the three sisters had never worried for such matters. 

Because they had never judged Iehisa like that before. 

For Iehisa, she had always been troubled within her heart, and was suffering from the fact that her three sisters’ mother was different from her own. She denied the suspicion she had had for her three elder sisters, and led an honest life by earnestly believing the delusion that her sisters love her. 

We were naïve. 

When Yoshihisa noticed that an indelible wound which would never heal for the rest of her life had been given to Iehisa, everything was too late. 

Yoshihisa thought that she should protect Iehisa. 

At that time, Yoshihiro rushed and tried to help Iehisa who was suffering in stabilizing her breath to normal. 

But it was too late. 

Furthermore, they couldn’t do anything at all. 

Yoshihisa shouted the words that suddenly floated on her mind. 

Words, that she always wanted to say to the vassals that were abusing Iehisa’s pride from the shadows. 

Those words were thrown to my younger sister Toshihisa. 

“Be it horses or humans, everything is not determined by lineage alone! Iehisa would still be our younger sister, Toshihisa! Please apologize to Iehisa!” 

Just now, I have become a real villain, the worst kind of villain. 

Yoshihisa regretted her own indecisiveness and cowardice. 

“… I was wrong. I am saying too much. Just forget what I have said today, Iehisa.” 

And thus, Toshihisa bears all of our burdens, alone. 

That night, at Yoshihisa’s bedroom. 

Toshihisa was smiling, supporting Yoshihisa’s back who couldn’t stop crying, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” 

“Yoshihisa-neesama. This is better. The turbulent era of Sengoku will soon end. There will soon come the time that the Shimazu Clan will need to face the crisis of its extinction. For that time, we need one person from the Shimazu Clan who will be hated. So that, at the time of emergency, that person shall shoulder all of the sins and be discarded.” 

Toshihisa who excelled at foresight had already predicted that a severe future awaited the Shimazu Clan. 

“In order to protect the bond of the Shimazu Clan, the clan must not lose Yoshihisa-neesama. Yoshihiro-neesama is the person who is necessary to carry out the Shimazu Clan’s military power. Therefore, I am qualified to scold the young Iehisa.” 

Toshihisa quietly smiled like she had accepted her own destiny. It was a gentle expression. 

“Toshihisa-chan. You are going to such expense as to sacrifice yourself for us, your sisters? Will it be like today as well, that you intend to die to protect us?” 

“… Maybe onee-sama wouldn’t understand it even if I explain it. I can’t tell what I am thinking right now. I will keep it inside my heart.” 

“It’s not right! You absolutely must not do that! You shall take a husband earlier than us and bear a child! You are not allowed to be alone in this world! Younger sisters are absolutely not allowed to die earlier than their elder sisters!” 

“Look, you’re beginning to cry again. You can’t do that, onee-sama. Even if there will be a crisis to befall upon the Shimazu Clan, it’s still just a talk about the future. Please do not cry like a child.” 

“If you do not promise that then I will tell Iehisa-chan the truth about what happened today! I will spill the truth that I am the real bad guy!” 

Yes, yes. Because I have promised, please stop doing that. Because we’ve given motivation to Iehisa with so much effort; it will have no meaning if everything goes back and she becomes spoiled. But even so, it is not possible to return it back completely. Because that child’s heart has been damaged. 

“What’s done is done. I am the one who has done all of it alone. If we can make Iehisa’s talent in strategies bloom with this, then this is worth it. If all of the three sisters were to confess the truth about today’s incident to Iehisa, she may not be able to recover anymore. So that is why it’s fine, onee-sama.” 

*** 

 “Iehisa-chan. I’m sorry. That is the truth. It was originally my responsibility as the eldest sister to scold the younger sister. Because of my indecisiveness, I have hurt you and Toshihisa-chan…” 

Iehisa wanted to believe Yoshihisa’s words. 

She wanted to believe that she was not her three sisters’ imouto “with thinner blood” again. [Because repetition sucks, that’s why.] 

Yoshihisa could never tell a lie. 

But perhaps the gentle Yoshihisa wanted to protect Toshihisa. 

While she was suffering from Toshihisa’s words, Iehisa was confused, now ashamed of herself because she doubted her sisters. 

“… I cannot fully believe the words that onee-sama has said… I may not belong to the Shimazu sisters…” 

“Iehisa-chan! Wait!” 

“Iehisa, please listen to me. I am not capable of acting or making up stories. Because I have no right to interfere since I am a coward. That is why I have kept silent on this matter. But that, is no more. Because I am also your elder sister.” [Onee-san dakara. That sounds foolish, so nah.] 

Yoshihiro, who had been watching the course of the meeting mostly in silence, began to talk. 

*** 

At that time, during the horse riding incident, Yoshihisa was at a loss for words and couldn’t scold Iehisa. 

Yoshihiro couldn’t speak tactfully. 

Toshihisa took the initiative while Yoshihiro could only look dumbfounded at how the situation had developed rapidly. 

Yoshihiro blamed herself as she patted Iehisa’s back, whose breath had become erratic on horseback. 

I don’t understand anything except military arts. I have always been a step behind my elder and younger sisters. It was a usual thing, and I thought that it would be fine. 

But the role of scolding Iehisa was originally my duty as the one who is in charge of the Shimazu Clan’s military affairs. 

I’ve only noticed it after all was too late. 

If the one who severely scolded Iehisa for neglecting military arts was me, then Iehisa wouldn’t be hurt this much. 

Because Toshihisa, a person who is unrelated to the military affairs of the clan, shouldn’t have scolded Iehisa, who did not want to learn military arts. It feels like her own existence is being denied. 

None among the three sisters could notice how Iehisa was worried about her own “blood” like this. 

In that sense, the three sisters had made a mistake together. 

However, if they simply said earlier, “Devote yourself more on military arts,” to Iehisa then the things wouldn’t be like this. 

A few days later. 

Niiro Musashi who understood the most about the sudden change of Iehisa’s behavior visited Yoshihiro. 

He was a small-sized man from the Satsuma Hayato [Seems like I’ve forgotten this. The Hayato people are the Mongols of Kyushu. Search in Google for details.] who acted as Iehisa’s private tutor. 

“Yoshihiro-sama. As one who holds the responsibility for neglecting the task of teaching this young princess who is as cute as a kitten. My eyes have been clouded by Iehisa-sama’s cuteness! Therefore, for the sake of the 4 Sisters’ future… I shall commit suicide.” 

Niiro Musashi stabbed his knife into his stomach, but his firm abdominal muscles blocked the blade like steel. [Just like how the Man of Steel can’t be circumcised.] 

Niiro Musashi had a short stature, but he had been dreadfully training his body. 

“Damn it. This sword is too dull. Allow me to take my neck instead!” 

“Don’t be hasty in committing suicide again. It’s not necessary to die twice! Hasn’t something happened because you’ve come to report it to me?” 

“… Ever since that horse riding incident, Iehisa-sama has started to earnestly study military arts. However, her expression is tragic, yet, at the same time, also brave… I had a feeling that something bad would come. And I was right.” 

“You are an elegant man whose heart is like a maiden’s, more than a real maiden’s. Unlike me, you can read Iehisa’s subtle expressions. If you are dead, then I will be troubled. But, why do you have such a bad feeling?” 

“Iehisa-sama has invented a suicide tactic, with honorable death being its basis. Surely we have thought of something like that in our heads before.” 

“Honorable suicide tactic? Although the wars of Shuras begin by discarding one’s own life, it has never occurred to me to use such an extreme tactic like that before.” 

“The war of the Shimazu Clan will become increasingly intense from now on. Iehisa-sama will use and throw her own life like a bullet of Tanegashima for the three elder sisters. It seems that she is determined for her role as the youngest sister with the thinnest blood. Up until now, the love that she has received from Yoshihiro-sama and the other two sisters has been stopping her from awakening to that impulse.” 

Niiro Musashi handed over the manual of the war tactic Tsuri no Buse that Iehisa had written down to Yoshihiro. 

It was an orderly-written book of an actual battle which made one think that it was not something that the childish Iehisa could have written. 

Yoshihiro smoothly perused and understood it easily. 

It’s just like what grandfather has said. Iehisa is a genius of strategies. However, this is too extreme. This tactic seems to totally throw one’s own life away. 

“The general himself shall become the decoy and retreat as he fights the enemy of ten times the amount of their own. The ambush and lure armies will turn around to perform a pincer attack to subjugate the pursuing enemy army. To put it in lay words, it’s like putting a hidden fishing field. Whether the battle will be won or lost, most of the decoy army will either get injured or killed.” 

“Musashi. This is…” 

“It would be impossible for us to score a triumphal victory in this country of the Shuras of Kyushu if we do not implement this tactic. The fight between the Shimazu Clan and the Ito Clan over the Hyuga Province for 150 years will not end. If the general does not give up his own life just as the soldiers do, then the Sanshu Pacification and Kyushu suppression will not be achieved. If we can’t carry it out then the Shimazu Clan will be swallowed up by the rulers of Honshu eventually. This is the words of Iehisa-sama. That princess is truly a genius of warfare.” 

“Shall Iehisa herself become the general of the decoy army against the Ito army?” 

“By daringly appearing in front of the 300 soldiers and luring the enemies which are 10 times of our own, the enemies will be destroyed by the Tsuri no Buse. This is the tactic that Iehisa-sama has made. Though she shall die, but the earnest wish of the Shimazu Clan for the Sanshu Pacification that has been going on for 150 years will finally be achieved.” 

“No, she mustn’t. Iehisa is still a child. How could she be allowed to do this thing that is like a suicide?” 

“Iehisa-sama absolutely intends to lead the soldiers on her own. The reason for this is because the decoy forces will be damaged severely, even if they win. The army will be exterminated if they lose; half of the soldiers will die if they win. This is the tactic that Iehisa-sama has thought about. Iehisa-sama will not stay behind to observe.” 

“But we won’t be able to gather 300 soldiers. No common soldiers or cavalries would consent on using such a crazy tactic.” 

“No. 300 volunteers have already gathered, Yoshihiro-sama.” 

Under the guidance of Niiro Musashi, Yoshihiro rode her horse to the back of the residence beside the riverbed, and then stared wide-eyed on the scene before him. 

The 300 Satsuma Hayato men had gathered to become the death soldiers. 

“Yoshihiro-hime!” 

“It is a bad joke to call Iehisa-hime an incompetent younger sister.” 

“Iehisa-hime is ready to throw away her life on the battlefield.” 

“We have made a mistake.” 

“She is a brave person to want to lay her own life down and be useful for her elder sisters.” 

“The young Iehisa-hime can’t be allowed to die without knowing anything about love and elegance.” 

“Never!” 

“We are the strongest men of Japan, the men of Satsuma Hayato!” 

“To live and die for battle is the duty of the sons of Satsuma.” 

“In this battle, we shall give our life to protect Iehisa-sama and win by all means!” 

The men stood, holding their spears up as they gave out cries of wild monkeys. 

Yoshihiro knew that the retainers always loved Iehisa. 

“I only have one condition,” Yoshihiro informed the men. 

“I will not allow the younger sister to die before the eldest. I don’t want Iehisa to die. In this decisive battle, I shall become the general. It is my role to wield a spear and pierce the enemies on the battlefield. Men. If you agree with me, then fight and die together with me.” 

Everyone nodded. 

Just before the commencement of the Battle of Kizakihara. 

At the strategy meeting, Iehisa was furious at the objection from Yoshihiro, “Why won’t you let me be the general?!” 

Moreover, Toshihisa also said, “This tactic has a lot of flaws. It will be alright if the enemies we face are only the Ito Clan. What will happen if the Sagara army and Kai Soun help the Ito clan from Higo?” 

The enemy reinforcement should come out from behind the Shimazu ambush force and attack it. 

In order to drive out Higo’s reinforcements, my trap is needed, but I was rejected, “Can’t I be a help to my elder sisters?” I was discouraged. 

The reason why Toshihisa was stricter than usual to Iehisa was because she did not want Iehisa to know the truth behind the horse riding event. 

But more than anything else, Toshihisa knew that Iehisa devised Tsuri no Buse to redeem herself in the expense of her own life. 

When Yoshihiro handed out the manual of the Tsuri no Buse to her on the night before the meeting, Toshihisa bit her lip and cried silently. 

“I only know things about military arts. Your wisdom is necessary. If we put or hands together then Iehisa and the men of Satsuma Hayato who have devoted their life to Iehisa can be saved from annihilation,” Yoshihiro clasped Toshihisa’s hands and begged, “Please make way for victory.” 

And so, Toshihisa made a plan to complement the Tsuri no Buse. It was a plan that was carried out in sequence. 

She would move the Ryuzoji Clan to attack the Aso Clan of Northern Higo to block the strongest Shura of Kyushu, Kai Soun. 

Then use a false messenger to make sure that Sagara Yoshihi of Southern Higo would not reach and engage in the decisive battlefield. 

Sagara Yoshiharu was strict when it came to blood relations, but she trusted Kai Soun completely. Now that Kai Soun himself couldn’t enter the war, he wouldn’t let Sagara Yoshihi enter the battle between Ito and Shimazu Clans. She should be stopped by all means. 

Even if Yoshihi who values faith and trust would move out against his will, we will send a spy disguised as Kai Soun’s messenger so that Sagara Yoshihi will stop moving her army on the way in respect to Kai Soun’s will. 

The secret information should’ve led to victory in battle. But, it ended in failure due to the unexpected arrival of Sagara Yoshiharu who had come from the future. The 500 Sagara soldiers arrived at the battlefield. Iehisa’s Tsuri no Buse tactic was about to collapse. 

If Iehisa who did not have an overwhelming military fame were the general, then the men of Satsuma Hayato would’ve continued fighting until the last standing soldier and, after that, would receive a pincer attack from the Sagara army and Ito army who had overwhelming military power, and should’ve been exterminated until none remained. 

At the last moment, due to Yoshihiro’s military fame, the supreme general of the Ito army had his judgment blinded by joy and excitement at the chance of killing the “Valkyrie” Shimazu Yoshihiro. A reverse victory happened at the last moment. 

“During the stormy meeting, we gathered all aspects in one strategy. Iehisa’s tactic; Toshihisa’s stratagems; the military power that I was bestowed with; and the decision made by Yoshihisa-aneue to entrust the decisive battle to us; the three younger sisters have brought this victory,” Yoshihiro thought so. 

The Sanshu Pacification was achieved, and Iehisa was saved. 

Half of the 300 men of the Satsuma Hayato who had volunteered to be the decoy army did not return, but the other half survived. 

As she looked at the corpses of her fallen allies and enemies strewn on the battlefield, Yoshihiro prayed so that their souls might rest in peace. At the same time, she was thankful that Iehisa survived due to their hard fight. 

“Yoshihiro-hime!” 

“I will not allow the younger sister to die before the eldest!” 

“We haven’t forgotten those words on the last moment when we were about to die.” 

Niiro Musashi who had survived this battle nodded and said, “A new era has arrived at Kyushu, Yoshihiro-sama. The war of the Shimazu Clan will change.” 

“This is all that I know. There is no one within the Shimazu family that despises you due to your blood. Toshihisa, Yoshihisa-aneue and all of our retainers as well. That is the reason why we could win against the Ito army. At last, we were able to change the 150 years of stagnation in the Shimazu’s history of the chronicles of Kyushu. But Iehisa, I am different. There is something I want to scold you about. Something that I have to do.” 

Yoshihiro gently embraced Iehisa’s shoulders. 

“You fool. There is now way that I’d allow my younger sister die before me.” 

From Yoshihiro’s throat, who embraced Iehisa, came out a voice that did not sound like soberly complete words. [She indeed is crying] 

“… Yes. Nee-chan…” 

There was no telling whether the reason why Toshihisa returned an answer to comply with Yoshihiro’s words was due to Yoshiharu’s talk about her and Iehisa’s future. 

In turn, afterwards, Toshihisa hugged Iehisa. 

“… Toshihisa-neechan. I was foolish to be suspicious. To doubt Toshihisa-neechan…” 

“It’s alright. It’s because you are not smart enough to find out my foresight.” 

“Annoying. Why does Toshihisa-neechan keep being so sarcastic? You won’t be able to marry someone.” 

“Iehisa, promise me one thing.” 

“I shouldn’t take a husband earlier than Toshihisa-neechan, is that it?” 

“It’s different; are you truly an idiot, Iehisa?” 

“Then what is it?” 

“Even if it’s just one day, you must live longer than me.” 

Iehisa who did not know the future couldn’t understand the true meaning behind those words. 

She showed her white teeth and laughed. 

“This is strange. Somehow, it feels as if the eldest sister were not needed at all. I say, this is good after all; you three should just get cozy with each other. Because I shall become the real villain.” 

Yoshihisa pouted her lips in boredom. 

“… Such enviable sisters… My family is different from the Shimazu family. It only has repeated internal fightings.” 

Sagara Yoshihi squinted her eyes after being illuminated by the morning sun all of the sudden. 

It was morning. 

“… Yoshiharu. I can touch you…” 

Yoshihi cried out. 

Yoshiharu’s sense of his own body had come back. 

“Ah? I was on the verge of falling asleep before, but I am still alive?” 

“You haven’t disappeared. You are saved. It’s because the Shimazu 4 Sisters have decided to cancel your marriage with me.” 

“My eyesight has gone dark before, but I could hear the conversation. Congratulation, Iehisa! I can understand this well. You are Kyushu’s number one most beloved younger sister. You don’t need to be worried anymore.” 

“Ah! This is all thanks to you, Sagara! The wedding has also been formally cancelled with this. Now you can be my husband!” 

“Wait a moment, Shimazu Iehisa! Why does Yoshiharu have to be your husband? As his ancestor, I will never permit this!” 

“Nyaa nyaa? When I thought that a love rival had disappeared, a sister-in-law has appeared!” [Yoshihi-obaachan] 

It seemed that all of the problems had been settled. 

“Sagara Yoshiharu. This Shimazu Yoshihisa will not forget your kindness during these last 3 days. Because I am an evil person, I will forget your kindness in those 3 days, but I will cancel your marriage with Yoshihi.” 

“It’s not an evil person who forgets kindness but a cat, right?” 

“Oh, I hate Honbyo Temple. All the Nyankosou and Christians are prohibited in Shimazu. Wouldn’t I look like an evil person if I suppress religion?” 

“Don’t you think that there is no meaning if you become like that? You are not qualified to become a bad person.” 

“DOSHITEEE?!” [why] 

“You have spoken out the truth in front of Iehisa after all.” 

“It’s because, it is impossible to become a bad person in front of Iehisa!” 

“Sagara! This is good! Now you can negotiate a concord with the Otomo Clan.” [I’ve literally been cringing these past few days because MS Word… Yeah, it marks “a reconciliation” as grammatically incorrect. So, I’ll settle with “concord.”] 

“It can’t be helped that the marriage is cancelled. Even though Yoshiharu poked his nose at the Shimazu Sisters’ quarrel and should have abandoned it with all of his might, he has ended up using the short distance to his goal. This man’s luck is truly devilish. Or is it because he is an unselfish person with an extraordinary greed?” 

However, this was simply not the ending. 

There was one princess general who was still being stubborn. 

It’s the Valkyrie—Yoshihiro. 

Yoshihiro did not believe in mystics or miracles at all. 

She was an ultimate realist who was more stubborn than Nobuna. 

“Sagara Yoshiharu. I thank you for resolving this matter. But this is a different story. Your marriage with Sagara Yoshihi will be held now as per schedule. I will never cancel this one.” 

“Eh? Eh? Eh?” Everyone raised their voice. 

“Shimazu Yoshihiro. Are you an airhead who can’t read the atmosphere? Are you an idiot? Here I am, being a little moved by the Shimazu family’s farce for a while, yet all of it was broken by you!” 

“Yoshihiro-neechan, no, no! Please stop the wedding!” 

“… Yoshihiro-neesama. Haven’t you seen that Sagara Yoshiharu’s figure has disappeared? The fact that his existence will be gone once he gets married with Yoshihi isn’t false.” 

“It was just an optical illusion. To think that even a clever person like Toshihisa would fall for that. This is simply because everyone is tired for staying up late at night, as well as Konoe-sama’s sudden arrival.” 

“Yoshihiro-chan. Does being a Takegami make you unable to understand the atmosphere and have inflexible thinking? Are you going to end up like Kan’u [Guan Yu] from the Annals of the Three Kingdoms [Sangokushi]?” 

“As her onee-sama. I feel like my cute Iehisa is clinging at Sagara Yoshiharu too much. I’m worried that Iehisa might be taken away if I let the situation loosen. But if I were to give him a wedding with Sagara Yoshihi, then my jealousy and strong desires to monopoly Iehisa could be restrained in a cage. With this, I will feel relieved.” 

“Onee-sama! For such a reason! There is a limit to stupidity!” 

“Toshihisa. It is not that I am being too concerned with Iehisa [Oops, siscon. Dyeee~~~~]. It is a lie that a person’s existence will be exterminated wholly. This is about 90% of the reason! My worry about Iehisa is only about 10%!” 

“Is this the truth, Yoshihiro-chan? Can you say that it is the truth to your onee-sama? If you can’t say it in front of your onee-sama, won’t you be called as a bad person?” 

“Uuuh… Then the 90% is being worried about Iehisa. The fact that a nobody like Sagara Yoshiharu calls himself the descendant of Sagara Yoshihi is too absurd; I don’t believe it. It was because this pathetic man from the future, Sagara Yoshiharu, was under the effect of some hallucination. It should be impossible to call him the descendant of the Sagara Clan. He is also not qualified to become a husband for the Shimazu family, which has a venerable history. There is a status difference from the beginning. I feel sorry for Iehisa. If Iehisa ever elopes with a man, then I will die in grief.” 

“Even if you are fond of our imouto, this is too much, Yoshihiro-chan!” 

“Wait a minute! To think that I will disappear from this world for such a stupid reason! This is a women trouble! My women trouble has revived once again! Help me, Zenki!” 

Atop the heavens, an astral being—Zenki—was laughing at Yoshiharu’s ordeal. [Took my own liberty to make this sentence.] 

“My body is becoming transparent again!” Yoshiharu cried, slipping from Yoshihi’s arms. 

“Yoshiharu, who is Zenki? Ah, Toshihisa, think of a plan! This should be a specialty for someone who has weak happiness and a flat chest like you!” [Yoshihi addresses Toshihisa with “kisama.” As previously mentioned, “kisama” was once politely formal. The setting is the Sengoku era, so it’s clearly ambiguous whether she’s being disrespectful, which would imply that they are in bad terms, or acting polite. However, from context, it’s leaning on the former.] 

“Shut up , you annoying vixen! Why don’t you make the plan yourself instead?” 

“Enough. The root of this problem is because Yoshiharu has no bride to marry with. If it comes to this, then I must impose a bride except myself to Yoshiharu now. It’s annoying, but if Iehisa would become Yoshiharu’s wife, is… Wait, why am I thinking of such humiliating measure? Don’t joke with me!” 

“So, Sagara Yoshiharu can’t take a bride from the Shimazu family! Because there is no conclusive evidence that he is a man from the Sagara family, there is a problem regarding his social status! In the first place, Yoshihiro-neesama does not allow Iehisa to be his bride with firm determination!” 

“There is positive proof; he has begun to disappear! Well, Toshihisa, you should become Yoshiharu’s bride! Naturally, the condition is to respect me as a mother-in-law, and be humble and serve me like a servant!” 

“Haaaaaa?! W-W-W-Why do I must become this monkey’s b-b-bride?” [Yes. She’s utterly dumbfounded that grammar is inapplicable.] 

“Why are you blushing? Don’t tell me that you–?” 

Goemon who was hiding inside the ceiling sent with her eyes a signal to Yoshiharu, “Sagara, if this goes on, all the things you’ve done will be meaningless. Let’s just kill Yoshihiro,” but Yoshiharu naturally shook his head, rejecting it. 

 After all, even with Goemon’s ninjutsu, it would still be useless since Shimazu Yoshihiro was not someone who could easily be assassinated. 

Yoshihiro who lived as a Shura in Kyushu was not merciful like Uesugi Kenshin. Goemon might be killed this time. [Well, something in this part will somehow happen in Volume 14; saying it will be a spoiler] 

And Yoshihiro sensed the exchange of their eye signals immediately. 

This is bad! Goemon, run! 

But, Sagara will disappear if I run away! 

Yoshihiro held the sword hilt on her waist, “Is there someone suspicious inside the ceiling,” and was about to stand up, but then. 

“Hohoho. In order to clear away the shame of my previous failure, Konoe Sakihisa has splendidly revived! I am the most elegant aristocrat as expected!” 

Having an inflamed and swelling eye, the black-toothed and white-eyebrowed Kampaku—Konoe Sakihisa—had applied his makeup once again and entered Yoshihisa’s bedroom. 

“Eh. Kampaku-sama, what’s with this tragic appearance? Is this the work of a suspicious person? What kind of devil used violence against Konoe-sama [It’s you, musclehead-chan]! This Yoshihiro shall capture that person and cut him in half!” 

While Yoshihiro who had full loyalty to the Konoe family was about to prostrate, Konoe simply said, “Well, it’s impossible to talk about it. Don’t worry about it. The time will be wasted if I explain it to you,” and successfully repressed Yoshihiro with an exhausted expression. 

“… Revealing the truth would result in more complicated situations, and you would definitely perform seppuku.” 

“Ah. This is the Kampaku, Konoe Sakihisa-sama. He is an elegant, wonderful, and aristocratic gentleman who has dominated the top of the court nobles’ society. He is exactly like Hikaru Genji.” 

Yoshihi began to cleverly behave modestly and revered Konoe immediately. 

“Hohoho. Sagara Yoshihi, you have donated a lot to the imperial court before. Your loyalty is truly admirable. Leave the matter of the Sagara Clan to me. I will prevent the Sagara Clan to be merged with the Shimazu Clan.” 

“Hehe. I am thankful.” 

“Aaaargh!! Sagara Yoshihi! You truly are a cunning woman. You have made a favor to Konoe-sama faster than me. Do you want to use that favor right now? Which means that you want to repair your position by having a high-ranking post from the Ashikaga Shogunate and receive the word of ‘justice;’ you are cunning!” 

“Hmph. A noble human being like me should closely associate herself with the nobles from the capital. Saying me being cunning or clever, Shimazu Toshihisa, I don’t want to be told like that by a flat-chested person like you.” 

“My chest has nothing to do with this!” 

“You have a lead over that troublesome Konoe? You’ve made a good relationship with the shogunate and imperial court for the sake of the Higo Province? I see a surprising talent inside Yoshihi,” Yoshiharu was impressed. 

“… Konoe-sama is in my bedroom… If it were Masunaga Danjo then she would recommend me to poison the tea… What should I do?” 

“Now, now. Shimazu Yoshihisa. How fluent are you to talk about wicked plans. To begin with, I am here to talk about the matter regarding Sagara Yoshiharu.” 

“Nyaa nyaa! Long time no see, Konoe-sama! Are you here to help Sagara? Please persuade Yoshihiro-neechan!” 

“That’s right, jii-san. Please do something! Please say something to clear up the failure of our operation! Yoshihiro should have listened if it were from you!” 

“No. Even by the order of Konoe-sama, it is outrageous for Sagara Yoshiharu to become a husband of a Shimazu Clan’s princess. I have decided to hold your wedding with Sagara Yoshihi no matter what it takes!” 

“So this impossible for you, Konoe-jiisan? Have I gotten checkmated?” Yoshiharu looked at his transparent hands and frowned. 

“This is my responsibility for relying on Oda Nobuna’s ambition,” Konoe nodded. 

“… This is such an unpleasant contract, but it can’t be helped. This is my last trump card. Please forgive me, great ancestor of the Konoe and Fujiwara family! The Fujiwara family’s precious lineage will be significantly altered by my own hands.” 

Konoe lifted his eyelids and thereby majestically declared thus, 

“Listen, Shimazu 4 Sisters. And above all, the most faithful Yoshihiro. You, as well, Sagara Yoshihi. Since we can’t fulfill our mission as a messenger to Satsuma, and because I was impressed by Sagara Yoshihi’s admirable manners towards me, I shall decide it here and now. I shall take Sagara Yoshiharu as my adopted son.” 

“Adopted son? This Sagara Yoshiharu shall become Konoe-sama’s adopted son?” Yoshihiro was at a loss for words. 

“Nyaa nyaa,” Iehisa raised her voice like a cat. “Sagara will be your adopted son? Are you serious?” She was puzzled. 

“Indeed. Though it is a simple matter, it is my responsibility to recover the loss of my ancestor that has gone downward within Satsuma until now. Yoshiharu and Yoshihi’s appearance and personality contrast against each other, but it is a fact that Yoshiharu’s figure began to disappear when he was about to marry Yoshihi. The whole Sagara family formerly belonged to my respected Fujiwara family’s south branch a long time ago; the Sagara Clan moved from their manor at Totomi Province to Kyushu and became a samurai. In other words, Yoshiharu is the descendant of Yoshihi and, by some forced interpretation, also have the Fujiwara family’s lineage within his thin blood heritage.” 

“Wait a second, Konoe-jiisan! If you are saying that, then the future Japan will be flooded by people who have the heritage of the Fujiwara or the Tachibana family [The Tachibana here isn’t the one from Kyushu, but from the Imperial Court],” Yoshiharu was amazed. 

“Idiot! There is some luck that you’ve got there so keep your mouth shut!” Yoshihi blocked Yoshiharu’s mouth. 

“Because Sagara Yoshiharu has become my adopted son, then there will be no problem with his lineage. Well now, for the Shimazu family whose loyalty has lied on the Imperial Palace and the Konoe family for years until now, I want you to give a bride to my adopted son Yoshiharu. If that happens then the two families—the Shimazu and Konoe families—shall be merged together as one. Or do you want me to give the precious Sagara Yoshiharu to Sagara Yoshihi instead?” [Good guy Sakihisa-ojiisan] 

“Nyaa nyaa. I thought that Sagara and Konoe-sama bawled against each other and had a comical relationship, but you two are actually, strangely close! Now that he has become Konoe-sama’s adopted son, then does that mean that Sagara will become the next Kampaku?” 

“Hohoho. Since he is Sagara Yoshihi’s descendant, it would not be an impossible matter.” 

“From being a sandal bearer of the Oda Clan to becoming a Kampaku! Sagara has been successful in life!” 

“This monkey? So the rumor that Oda Nobuna’s absurd insistence on making him a Kampaku is true,” next to Iehisa, Toshihsa became absent-minded. 

“Thank you, Kampaku-sama! With this, Sagara’s family is saved! So I shall be Sagara’s bride!” 

“W-W-W-Wait, Iehisa! You are still a child! Our two elder sisters are worried about my marriage and are trying to push me to become a bride earlier than them! So, for the sake of the Shimazu family, I shall become the sacrifice!” 

“Nyaa nyaa, why suddenly bring that up? Toshihisa-neechan is too sneaky.” 

“Well, well. Iehisa-chan and Toshihisa-chan. Here I thought that you two had reconciled; it was such a short intimate relationship. And I don’t want you two to fight each other, so I think the eldest sister Yoshihisa-chan should be the representative of the Shimazu Clan and become Sagara Yoshiharu’s bride.” 

“Eeh? Why did you make such a prompt decision without using fortune slips at such time? Yoshihisa-neesama keeps saying that she wants to become a real villain, and now she is doing it by taking a husband earlier than me!” 

“Because, Toshihisa-chan. According to the report that you have put together, Sagara Yoshiharu has an unrivaled love for breasts. Yoshihiro-chan is removed from being a candidate. Out of the remaining three sisters, it goes without saying who has the biggest one, right? You’ll understand if you see it, right?” 

“Nyaa nyaa. As soon as Sagara’ve got a promotion, you two want to become his wife?” 

“Well, well, Iehisa-chan. If I meddle in, then that would make me a villain, right? In the first place, it’s impossible for Iehisa-chan. Yoshihiro-chan. Since Yoshihiro-chan will absolutely not allow that.” 

“For such thing. Even though she keeps persistently trying to find a husband for me, why does this person need to meddle in here? There is a chance that Yoshihisa-neesama can be a true villain. You can’t choose anyone else except me; so if you want to decide the match by comparing the size of our chests, then I shall kill you, Sagara Yoshiharu!” 

“If this is supposed to happen, then we should just do a spear battle, and the one who wins will become Sagara’s bride.” 

“It’s useless, Iehisa-chan. Sisters can’t kill each other, okay? If so, why not decide the bride through fortunetelling? Our Shimazu Clan has been protected by the Inari-no-Kami ever since our first generation Shimazu Tadahisa was born under the providence of Hitodama [will-o’-the-wisp] at Sumiyoshi-Taisha in Settsu. If it has become a big affair, then we should let Inari-no-Kami decide it.” 

“Yoshihisa-neesama is using fortune slips again. Such indecisiveness. Please respond to my feelings [it also means “chest.”] and give me a good one!” 

Amidst the commotion, Konoe Sakihisa was gnashing his teeth, “Kuuh~! Sagara Yoshiharu is being fought over by the Shimazu Sisters! While I was beaten up half-dead by the sleeping Yoshihiro, Sagara Yoshiharu has grasped the heart of the 3 of Shimazu Sisters! As for me, I am feeling mortified! Such humiliation!” 

Yoshihi was lost in thought as she folded her arms, “It’s unacceptable, but it can’t be helped since it is all to save Yoshiharu.” 

She didn’t say that she “hated” it, but she thought that the motive was too detestable. 

“No, wait. If I get married to any of the three sisters, the outcome will still be the same since Nobuna would come to kill me. Konoe-jiisan, as the Kampaku, shouldn’t you be able to handle this more easily? Once I do this, I will not be able to return to the Oda Clan again. Is there any other way?” Yoshiharu was thoroughly bewildered. 

“I’ve become the adopted son of the Konoe family. Because the Shimazu family will never be convinced to cancel my marriage with Yoshihi. But I don’t want to marry a princess of the Shimazu Clan either; it would be a convenience to me for only a while. Please think of a better recourse somehow.” 

“*You dense motherfucker [I’ve once again taken my liberty to make a sentence. Seriously, have mercy on your son]*. I don’t want to incite Oda Nobuna’s anger, but things have gone out of control now.” 

“But you have unnecessarily incited the three sisters too.” 

“But I have to do this too. If not, then the Shimazu 4 Sisters won’t cancel your marriage with Yoshihi.” 

“… The sisters were just hugging each other and crying a while ago, and now they are arguing over one monkey. After all, having a sister is an ugly thing, Sagara Yoshiharu. It was a good decision that I banish Tokuchiyo. A princess general of the Sengoku era does not need a family after all…” 

“Yoshihi is also disgusted. Please don’t look sad!” 

As the three sisters were arguing, “Sagara Yoshiharu will become Konoe-sama’s adopted son, but I still have to carry out his marriage with Yoshihi. Once a warrior decides, he will not take his words back,” Yoshihiro did not change her mind, and she stood up, opening her eyes widely. The rest were overwhelmed into silence at once. 

“To begin with, a master is a master, while a retainer is a retainer. The integration of the Konoe and Shimazu families is absolutely outrageous. In that situation, it’s like a retainer supplanting his lord. My Aneue is a little overwhelmed because of many surprises, but I am still stable. Sagara Yoshiharu and Sagara Yoshihi, the preparation has been set in the main hall. The time for marriage has come!” 

Shimazu Yoshihiro’s stubbornness was too terrifying. 

“In addition, I don’t want to see the three sisters quarrel in this way after reconciling. Rather than having them scramble, it is better that none of them becomes Sagara Yoshiharu’s bride. Everyone ought to refrain from doing it, out of respect to each other respectively. The family’s insistence to claim Yoshiharu as their husband is unnecessary. Give that to Sagara Yoshihi who wants to save his life. Isn’t that right? Aneue, Toshihisa, Iehisa?” 

“So, even with all of the uproar that has been going on, we can’t save Sagara’s life?” 

“Hahaha. Iehisa. You are still a child.  A human does not live in the past nor the future. Therefore, there is no such thing as a man from the future. It’s just that Sagara Yoshiharu convinces himself of that. Besides, the fact that his body is disappearing is merely because of your imagination.” 

“… Even when Sagara Yoshiharu’s existence is waning, Yoshihiro-neesama still insists that it was just an illusion. Now, what should we do?” 

“Hmm. Yoshihiro-chan’s unyielding sense of realism has gone through the level of being a Takegami. It’s hopeless now.” 

“I have faced honorable defeat using my real face. Even my trump card of making him my adopted son has failed. You have even refuted the bulletproof theory about Sagara Yoshiharu’s disappearance that I have preached about with only a few words. There is no more that I can do now,” Konoe had exhausted all of his resources, and therefore declared defeat. 

“Are you joking?” Yoshihi flew into rage. 

 “Yoshihisa! Toshihisa! Kill this stubborn woman! If it’s impossible, then just confine her! Because she doesn’t listen to other people’s story, Yoshiharu will disappear!” 

“Iyaaa. Do you remember the Battle of Kizakihara? Yoshihiro-chan is the strongest Takegami of Satsuma. It is impossible to confine her. We will be met with retaliation and get defeated.” 

“Yeah. It would still be impossible even if one suspended from the ceiling throws a poison dart at her. Apparently, Yoshihiro-neesama’s stubbornness, as the source of her strength, has become an abominable thing to see on the battlefield.” 

“Nyaa nyaa! Sagara’s body is beginning to disappear once again.” 

“… Yoshiharu’s body has become so transparent that it’s enough to see the wall on the other side of his body.” 

“It is truly finished,” Yoshiharu was in despair. 

However, the situation suddenly turned to an unexpected surprise. 

At this time, a messenger entered Yoshihisa’s bedroom. 

“Kai Soun of the Aso Clan has advanced! Sagara Yoshihi has surrendered to the Shimazu Clan. As I speak, the Sagara Clan’s territories are being annexed, and he is marching through the highway to fight a decisive battle with the Shimazu Clan!” 

“Uncle Soun,” ­Yoshihi began to lose her voice. 

“Didn’t the Ryuzoji Clan keep Kai Soun in check?” Yoshihiro questioned the messenger. 

“No. It’s impossible. Kai Soun should’ve been busy dealing with the Ryuzoji Clan,” even Toshihisa couldn’t believe the messenger’s sudden report either. 

“No. Kai Soun who learned that the Sagara army had surrendered to Shimazu at Kizakihara has formed a night raid at the Ryuzoji’s main camp to confront their supreme commander. He then threatened them, ‘I will send troops to the south and annihilate the Shimazu army. But if you are going to disturb me any further, then I shall attack north and destroy the Ryuzoji Clan entirely. I will burn down Hizen and kill every last person on it. Not only people, but also dogs and bears.’ Kai Soun is the Shura among Shuras who killed 3 of his own sons who had plotted a rebellion against his master clan. The Ryuzoji Clan who were afraid of this man withdrew during daybreak. They also said this, “We have sent troops as per requested by the Shimazu Clan. But there is no worth in having a war of annihilation with Kai Soun because of the Shimazu Clan.” 

“Impossible. To advance towards the Sagara Clan’s territory without hesitation. Kai Soun should’ve exchanged a written oath of renunciation of war with Sagara Yoshihi,” said Toshihisa. 

“Kai Soun holds absolute loyalty to the Aso Clan. If the Sagara Clan perishes, then Aso Clan would also fall. Kai Soun had refused to dispatch any troops. But then, he was blamed by his master, ‘Aso Clan or Sagara Clan? Which one is your master?’ And so, he reluctantly broke his vow and went to the front with determination. It is said that at that time, Kai Soun had the look of a demon who was capable of murdering his own master,” the messenger described further. 

“I was going to confront Kai Soun after the Sagara Clan’s territories that remained as a neutral zone until has fallen to the Shimazu Clan’s hand. But Kai Soun’s actions are too earlier than our expectations. It’s impossible to hold the marriage ceremony now,” Yoshihisa’s expression changed completely. 

“Nee-sama. We haven’t finished securing the large Hyuga territory that the Ito Clan has abandoned. Now that most of our troops have been dispatched to Hyuga right now, there is not enough military power to face Kai Soun in a decisive battle. We must intercept them at Higo immediately. If Satsuma is invaded, then the Otomo Clan will also advance quickly to south and to Hyuga!” 

“I understand, Toshihisa-chan. Kai Soun must have noticed that our preparations weren’t regulated well yet, and has decided on a surprise attack. Now that Southern Higo has been annexed to the Shimazu Clan, the Aso Clan has already been overwhelmed by a difference in military power, and so, there is no more chance of victory for them other than this.” 

“This is not Toshihisa’s responsibility. Even I who devote everything to martial arts keep being amazed by Kai Soun’s callous nature. That person is a genuine Shura.” 

“Sagara Yoshihi. Now that Yoshiharu and the 500 Sagara soldiers have been returned, please return to your territory quickly and intercept Kai Soun at the coastline. Until the Shimazu armies that have scattered in Hyuga return, you must gain time somehow.” 

Yoshihi exchanged an oath of the renunciation war with Kai Soun. 

The only time the promise would be broken was when Yoshihi died. 

“Yoshihi will be conflicted!” Yoshiharu raised a protest. 

“You should just gain some time. I didn’t say that you had to fight against Kai Soun in the front. If necessary, then I shall send out the reserve army. Although, if there is anything that could be said, that is that the opponent is the undefeated Shura of Kyushu. He is not someone who can be confronted against with the Sagara Clan’s military power alone.” 

“But. These two people’s relationship is like that of a father and a daughter. Yoshihi, you must refuse it!” 

“… It’s alright, Yoshiharu. These are things that happen to a surrendering samurai. If I oppose the current head’s order, then there will be no place to stay within the Shimazu Clan for the Sagara Clan’s retainers. It’s because I have to make distinction as a newcomer who has lost a battle and surrendered, I feel some affinity with this place and am permitted to save the 500 soldiers who surrendered at Kizakihara. The Sagara army is suitable to be the vanguard. Wouldn’t you be able to barely survive after Uncle Soun decides to fight me? Look, it’s possible to touch your hand now.” 

Yoshihi laughed as she intertwined her fingers with Yoshiharu’s. 

Her smile was too beautiful, and Yoshiharu couldn’t help but to hold a premonition. 

Now that we have surrendered and serve the Shimazu Clan, Yoshihi is in conflict with Kai Soun whom she exchanged an oath of the renunciation of war with. Doesn’t she intend to die at the battlefield? This is the same as the history that I know! 

“What folly! The Kyushu disturbance should’ve stopped and, instead, been accelerated steadily! Sagara Yoshihi is an important princess general who holds overflowing loyalty for the Imperial Court! I have to go on a direct negotiation with Kai Soun and scold him!” 

“Aah. Because you will be killed by Soun silently, please keep still, Kampaku-sama.” Yoshihisa turned a troubled face at Konoe’s words. 

“It’s a cruel thing to have these two people fight each other,” Iehisa protested at Yoshihisa and her other elder sisters. 

“It’s said that Kai Soun has begun to advance to the Sagara Clan’s territory. Don’t worry. You shouldn’t fight, and, instead, protect the main camp until the reserve army arrives.”  

Toshihisa admonished Iehisa, and so, Iehisa reluctantly agreed. 

“Sagara, is it going to be alright? I have a bad feeling…” 

“I will change Yoshihi’s fate this time,” Yoshiharu nodded, quietly stroking Iehisa’s head.