Chapter 4: The Battle of Taka Castle
Taka castle, the ground of Otomo – Shimazu decisive battle.
This castle is an impregnable fortress located at the hill between Tanisetogawa at northern side and Takigawa at southern side. Furthermore, their western side is a mountainous region. To make Taka castle fall through force, one would have no choice but to attack through the dry riverbed between the two rivers.
In order for Otomo army which advanced from the north to surround Taka castle, they must build a camp at the northern coast of Tanisetogawa first. Next they need to set up a camp at the plateau – Neshirosaka that crossed between Tanisetogawa and Takigawa and spread out to the southern coast. Although, the provision for each formation will be undermanned if many soldiers are being divided into the north and the south, only after controlling both the northern and southern coast that its possible to completely surround Taka castle.
Of course, Neshirosaka are located at the southern side of Taka castle which are close from Shimazu side that own Satsuma and Osumi.
For Kuroda Kanbei who commanded Otomo main army of 50000 strong to hurriedly cross the Mimigawa, whether she can take Neshirosaka earlier would greatly influence the status of the war.
On that day.
Shimazu Iehisa looked at the large Otomo army that advanced from the north while climbing the turret and stuffing her mouth with akumaki. Its already a well-known fact that Sagara Yoshiharu and Sagara Yoshihi who enter Mushiga as well as with Konoe Sakihisa – the three people has been captured by Kuroda Kanbei as hostages. In order to rescue Yoshiharu……Shimazu army must beat Kanbei from Otomo army.
“that is, the banner of “Lily Cross”! Otomo army has begun to attack! Its finally a war!”
The second in command Yamada Arinobu who commanded the 3000 soldiers along with Iehisa “men, take up your position!” while readying his own Tanegashima.
He roared. The reason why the previous 1500 soldiers at the time Iehisa arrived to Taka castle has doubled up to 3000, was because volunteers keep rushing from the border one after another to protect the youngest child of Shimazu clan – Iehisa who has marched to the frontline of Taka castle. Everyone came with determination to die a noble death and fight for Iehisa. They are all strong men.
“the three Ane of Shimazu will certainly come to attack Otomo army from behind. Until that point, we will protect Taka castle. Only Hime-sama that we wouldn’t let to die in battle”
“nyaa. Yamada had just got a wife and a baby. You aren’t supposed to die”
“no. it’s the opposite. My heir has been born. Even if I die here, there is only regret that remain……as for Hime-sama, even if we will be completely surrounded by Otomo army, you mustn’t offer seppuku in exchange for the life of the castle soldiers”
“……what the. I just got found out”
“never, don’t ever do that. Sagara Yoshiharu would never wanted that”
“Ou. We will never let Taka castle falls until we see the image of Iehisa-sama marrying!” all soldiers that confine themselves at Taka castle simultaneously roared.
Iehisa looked to the north with a telescope and confirmed the intention of the swarming enemy forces.
The pace of Otomo army didn’t fall into disorder.
On the contrary, it was a perfectly controlled.
It wasn’t possible to expect a confusion of the chain of command just like at that time of battle of Imayama.
“the vanguard is approaching from three sides at the northern side of Tanisetogawa. Each one of them lead soldiers of approximately 10000 strong. The combined strength of this vanguard is 30000 strong. Kuroda Kanbei who were given Buzen Nakatsu 12000 Koku has become the strategist of Otomo army. She show herself at a pedestal upon a strange 4 wheeled vehicle and brought a prisoner with a strange iron mask……”
“perhaps, its Konoe Sakihisa-sama?”
The place where Iehisa confirmed the emblem, the one who led the central force is the strategist Kuroda Kanbei along with the old Tsunokuma Sekiso who is the previous strategist of Otomo clan before Gaspard came.
The commander of the eastern unit is the princess general – Yoshihiro Shigenobu on behalf of Otomo army. She should’ve been placed in the bodyguards unit as usual but could she be chosen by Kanbei?
The commander of the western unit is the chivalrous commander – Kamachi Muneyuki who had rushed over from Yanagawa castle of Chikuzen.
“the formation is different! Since the whole crusade for the war is made up from Christians, I have heard they were having a breakdown……but the morale is high!”
“without any efficiency, the formation will never have a chance. I heard that when the Otomo army assembled in a large forces, their command will be in disorder as always. Could it be Kanbei-don’s doing?”
“nyaa. In addition, Kuroda Kanbei immediately command 2 of the 3 vanguard to cross over to capture the southern coast of Neshirosaka”
“if we are looking at them without doing anything, we would be perfectly surrounded from the northern and southern coast”
“it looks like it. Even if Shimazu main force which numbered a little less than 40000 come to the reserve army, it would still be difficult to rescue Taka castle. If that happen then I shall commit seppuku. If I am captured alive, I would embarrass my Anesha. If I concede to Otomo army, Shimazu clan will fall in return”
“it won’t happen until that extend! I would gather a suicide squad in order to raid the place where Kanbei-don will perform her river crossing tactic!”
“nyaa. Thank you Yamada. But that is too harsh”
Iehisa shook her head in disapproval. Its because at the rear of the Otomo 30000 vanguard army, there is 20000 personal guard unit that Otomo Sorin led marched slowly. There is a banner of human faced pumpkin. In the middle of the bodyguard unit there is girl soldiers who has the dream to build the country of god at Hyuga with Sorin. Every one of them is a princess general who born in the Shura clan of Kyushu. They aren’t an amateur of battle.
“how? Sorin come directly to the battlefield from Mushiga?”
“it doesn’t seem that the bodyguards are too distant, perhaps Sagara Yoshihi are being detained inside the 20000 troops that Otomo Sorin led”
“did Sagara Yoshiharu-don fail in negotiating with Otomo Sorin?”
“nyaa”
“what sort of detail in Yoshiharu’s failure on negotiating with Sorin?” Iehisa doesn’t understand it. Its possible to imagine that Sorin demanded salvation in the form of love from Yoshiharu. Iehisa aren’t a child who is in love with an idea of falling in love anymore. Just a while ago, she was similar to Sorin as well. She yearned for something called love. She was in love with the idea of falling in love. Therefore, she was able to understand what Sorin had requested from Yoshiharu.
“Otomo Sorin must’ve wanted to fall in love with Sagara. If she abandon her dream to fight for the crusade as a Christian then she cannot resist being rescued by love just like Oda Nobuna at the time of the opening of Amano-Iwato. Despite this, Sorin would certainly persuade him. Although Sagara is fond of women and breast, he is faithful when it came to the most important times”
“it would be a bigotry if one doesn’t lay his hand when a girl showed him an interest”
“but that is fine Yamada”
“I understand”
The discord between the retainer groups of Otomo clan was caused by the opposition between the pro Christian and anti-Christian faction. But it is said that it was the missionary - Gaspard who led a detached force to the mountain of Takachiho that is the ringleader who disrupted the retainer groups. The mountain between Takachiho and Taka castle is a severe penance for the army. its possible to say that its impossible for a namban commander who isn’t familiar with the land. Presently there is no sign of the detached force has arrive at the battlefield of Taka castle. But rather, Gaspard withdraw himself from the battlefield and entrusted the role of strategist of the battle to Kuroda Kanbei. With that its impossible to expect the Otomo army to self-destruct anymore.
“Hime-sama. Even so, Otomo Sorin herself marched to Taka castle to attack the enemy from behind”
“this is outside my expectation. I expected Sorin to stayed at the back at Mushiga as usual”
“that being the case, the amount of Otomo soldiers that princess led is as much as 20000 strong”
“Otomo Sorin who dislikes battles leaves Mushiga and personally come to the battlefield? Did Kuroda Kanbei persuade Sorin? Did she hurt her feeling?”
“with this, the siege will be extremely harsh”
“it’s a defeat if Neshirosaka got taken. The same thing goes if Hime-sama had her stomach cut. As expected, I have to led 500 suicide squad to earn time and prevent Otomo army to cross the river until the troop who will attack the enemy from behind arrived. Restraint is unnecessary. My apology for this” Yamada Arinobu stood up.
“nyaa. I cannot order only Yamada and the other young soldier to die. Same thing with seppuku and death at the battlefield. I will go” Iehisa lifted her eyes. Iehisa didn’t get excited in the front of this death and she didn’t being flustered or pessimistic. “when Iehisa-sama has decided to discard her life for battle, she truly resembles her older sister Yoshihiro-sama” Yamada Arinobu thought. Even if she has different mother, she is still the Imouto of Shimazu clan.
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“I have trouble when Mimigawa’s tide is rising but I just barely make it in time. Now the excellent plan of capturing Neshirosaka earlier and surround Taka castle from north and south has been accomplished. With this, Shimazu army cannot rescue Iehisa who shut herself inside Taka castle. Iehisa is my 4th hostage! I beat Shimazu clan without fighting! Kurokan Ichiryuu!”
Each of 10000 troops of the 30000 vanguard were chosen by Kanbei to 3 commanders. Their marching speed and morale has exceeded Kanbei’s expectation.
“mufu! Geographical advantages, tactics and opportunity from the heaven are important but the biggest factor that decide the outcome of a battle is the choice of the personnel! The one who fight the war aren’t Buddha or god! It’s the human being! If one make a mistake at choosing the personnel, they would lose even if they have geographical advantage. If I have no mistake in selecting the personnel then its possible to turn over the disadvantages of the battle situation. It means that I have partly decided the outcome before having to fight……even if they are the most harmonious of Kyushu, even if the enemy is the Shimazu 4 sisters who take pride with their rock solid unity, Simon will win this battle!”
Kuroda Kanbei who sat down upon a 4 wheeled vehicle exclusive for the strategist while turning over the flag of Kurokan Ichiryuu and leading the 30000 vanguard troops “don’t take any notice even if a suicide squad come from Taka castle. Just disregard it. As long as Neshirosaka is captured, it will be Otomo army victory. Kamachi unit! Yoshihiro unit! Cross the river and occupy Neshirosaka immediately!” shake her fan and then……
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…
In the southern coast of Takigawa, a banner of circled cross fluttered and a battle cry happened simultaneously.
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“the rear guard has arrived just in time by a hair’s breadth Anesha! The whole Shimazu army has to spread out to Neshirosaka! We must not let Otomo army to cross the river! I will defend Neshirosaka until death and liberate Iehisa who shut herself inside Taka castle!”
An explanation is unnecessary……the most legendary brave warrior that Sengoku era has ever produced. The Takegami – Shimazu Yoshihiro whom is Shimazu clan are proud of.
“fufu. I have steal Iehisa’s once in a lifetime spotlight, hooray. Leave now. Serve you right. There is no Imouto who died and leave her name in history earlier than her Ane!”
“Kuroda Kanbei are certainly aiming for Neshirosaka by having a forced march by gambling everything which ignore the provision and the soldiers physical strength. Shimazu clan must turn towards Neshirosaka in a race against time too” the strategist commandeer – Shimazu Toshihisa keep on insisting and encouraging Yoshihisa.
“oh oh. There is no time to take a fortune slip to predict whether Sagara Yoshiharu has make Otomo Sorin compliant by stealing her chastity and push her down. But but, thanks to that we have succeeded in sending rear guard to Iehisa-chan!”
“I absolutely think that Sagara Yoshiharu pushed down Otomo Sorin since he is attracted by her big breast so I took a relaxing mood leisurely. I am disappointed that Sagara Yoshiharu is not an evil person unlike his master Oda Nobuna” the supreme commander – Shimazu Yoshihisa pouted her lips.
“that’s why, didn’t we say this before Anesha? Sagara Yoshiharu is a worthy man who doesn’t deceive princess generals by using sexual charms!”
“eeh. But aren’t Yoshihiro-chan and Iehisa-chan has been tempted by Sagara Yoshiharu? There is no big deal now that Otomo Sorin has been included in the fresh lover frame”
“Anesha! I-I am not being tempted by Sagara Yoshiharu! I only respect the man called S-Sagara Yoshiharu as a w-warrior! S-since Iehisa is still a child, she may have been tempted……I have to quickly awake Iehisa. *huff *huff”
“my Nee-sans. I would say that he will fail from the very beginning. He would certainly be disliked since he would droll in front of Otomo Sorin’s big breast that looks like a pumpkin! Therefore Sagara Yoshiharu is untrustworthy! The one who can protect Iehisa’s life is us the Shimazu sisters and the men of Satsuma Hayato!”
“maa. We have just barely rescue Taka castle but it was a small bless that Iehisa didn’t come to Mushiga as a messenger to Otomo army”
“oh well, Yoshihisa-Neesan. Even if Otomo Sorin struggled to have Sagara Yoshiharu and didn’t consider Iehisa as a danger, in that case the black hearted Kuroda Kanbei would immediately arrest Iehisa for the sake of winning the battle. Even if Iehisa could fight against around 100 people, she would be captured if she is being surrounded by even more people than that”
“come to think of it. Konoe-sama who seemed to have been planning for reconciliation by persuading princess generals such as Sorin with love has been tragically captured by Kuroda Kanbei……I wonder if he is safe. It would be a heartless strategist to take Konoe-sama as a hostage”
“aah. That reminds me. A letter came from Kurokan-san saying “if you want Konoe Sakihisa to be returned, then accept my demand” but of course I ignore it Yoshihiro-chan? even though Kurokan-san is young, she is a thorough evil person, right? I want to be her apprentice”
“mattaku. Konoe-sama is the main reinforcement to Shimazu clan. You didn’t make any single effort to save Konoe-sama, Anesha……?”
“now its too late Yoshihiro-Neesan. Because both sides are going clash soon. Yoshihisa-Neesan lay the main camp to the west of Neshirosaka. Yoshihiro-Neesan in the center. I set up a camp at the east”
“understood Toshihisa-chan. When facing Iehisa-chan who is in danger, Toshihisa-chan who always spouting verbal abuse got really impatient, right?”
“don’t make fun of me!”
“hai hai”
“I understand your feeling but don’t get impatient Toshihisa. You mustn’t get too eager rashly”
Kanbei’s excellent plan is slightly didn’t get accomplished.
It was Shimazu forces who captured the southern coast of Neshirosaka earlier.
When the supreme commander Shimazu Yoshihisa is at war, she is mostly indecisive. She is a princess general with carefree personality that would always draw a fortune slips whenever she is hesitating but because her Imouto Iehisa stayed at Taka castle as a decoy to lure Otomo army, this time there isn’t any speck of hesitation within her. On the contrary, Yoshihisa herself unusually marched to the battlefield with armed forces.
Otomo Sorin and Shimazu Yoshihisa. The fellow conquerors of Kita-Kyushu and Minami-Kyushu respectively. They have gathered in this battlefield of Taka castle……
Yoshihisa takes Shimazu main army which numbered a little less than 40000 including Yoshihiro and Toshihisa to spread the army along Takigawa and quickly recaptures Neshirosaka.
In the northern coast, Kuroda Kanbei led 30000 Otomo army.
In the southern coast, there is 40000 Shimazu army at Neshirosaka.
Both army will cross over the river that flowed through the north and the south of Taka castle and faced each other……
The 20000 bodyguard unit that Otomo Sorin led has taken up a position at Sou camp which is established on the hill at the north side to overlook the view when the two army confront each other.
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“ugigi! Just a little bit more and I could’ve taken Neshirosaka first! Shimazu clan seem to have a person with considerable wisdom! Its probably that person who has flat chest, flat butt and low happiness Toshihisa! however--! Kurokan Ichiryuu aren’t just for show! I have arranged what I will do in case that Neshirosaka is captured! Tsunokuma Sekisou, now it’s the time to use the new namban weapon “Frank Okami-ki-ho” also known as “Kunikuzushi”! install it on the hill to destroy Taka castle rampart! Even if Shimazu army has capture Neshirosaka, I will them realize that its already impossible for Shimazu Iehisa to escape from Taka castle!”
“I understand your feeling. Leave it to me. But the distance to Taka castle is 5 Gochou (500 meters). The range of Kunikuzushi is approximately 3 Gochou. It won’t reach”
“no problem. Simon has incorporated the technology of the domestically produced cannon that once loaded on Kuki navy Tekkosen. Their range is extended to 5 Gochou. It could barely reach Taka castle. Fufufu”
“this is disloyalty! Release Maro de-ojaru! Seppuku de-ojaru!” Kanbei is yelling “shut up!” in the strategist exclusive 4 wheeled vehicle while kicking the prisoner Konoe Sakihisa who keep appealing while being dressed in iron mask.
…
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“……somehow I feel discomfort, I wonder why. For the sake of capturing Neshirosaka, the enemies rush in light armor and ignored their provision. They don’t assume drawn out war. Once the Otomo army got into a stalemate, they would have shortage of provision eventually and self-destruct. But, Iehisa and the others at Taka castle would have their water supply cut off and starve by hunger and thirst. Furthermore, the enemy has brought over the Kunikuzushi……the match is light up today! I-its not particularly because Sagara Yoshiharu doesn’t wish for a stalemate to happen! I-its not because Sagara Yoshiharu’s will is worth worrying about!”
At the southern coast of Neshirosaka. Shimazu Toshihisa was thinking about how to bring her dear Imouto – Iehisa’s sure kill tactic Tsuri no Buse in play. After all in order to conclude the war in one day, they can only use Tsuri no Buse. it isn’t possible to talk directly with Iehisa who shut herself inside Taka castle but If Toshihisa and her other 3 Ane move, Iehisa would certainly respond with the three sisters with perfect timing as well. The Shimazu 4 sisters doesn’t need conversation in the battlefield. They are 4 people in one.
“we must lure Otomo army somehow. A decoy soldiers to cross over Takigawa and rush to the frontline of Taka castle is necessary. A death army should take flight and lead Otomo army to Kawahara sandback and die a honorable death! When the 3 vaguard of Otomo army keep getting win one after another and cross Takigawa, Otomo army that cross the river will be attacked in pincer movement from Yoshihisa-Neesan and Yoshihiro-Neesan who waiting at Neshirosaka along with Iehisa who shut herself inside Taka castle. But the commander who lead the decoy will certainly……be dead”
Toshihisa wanted to curse Yoshiharu who couldn’t stop Sorin.
What are you saying Sagara Yoshiharu. You said that you will change my Imouto’s fate. But rather Kuroda Kanbei, in other words, the invasion of Kyushu by the warriors of Kyoto has been hastened compared to the original history! Shimazu army being defeated by Kuroda Kanbei, in other word Shimazu clan submit to Oda Nobuna central political power and their dream conquering Kyushu will collapse.
Then, Iehisa’s fate will be……
Sagara Yoshiharu had said.
The youngest sister – Iehisa who always keep standing as the vanguard on the battlefield had her life run out the first among Shimazu 4 sisters.
When the central government intervened in the battle of Kyushu and the Shimazu’s dream of conquering Kyushu ended. She will die abruptly.
But Shimazu 4 sisters……correctly speaking, when Toshihisa and Iehisa were reconciled by Sagara Yoshiharu’s effort, they should’ve been able to evade the fate of Iehisa’s death. Toshihisa believe in that until she arrive at Taka castle.
However, the strategist of Oda administration – Kuroda Kanbei who originally should’ve not participated in this battle has been leading Otomo army. Furthermore, now she knew that the Shura personnel who commanded each unit of Otomo army has been changed and its overturn Toshihisa’s expectation. “aah. Still. It still hasn’t come. That time of that “moment” still hasn’t come” Toshihisa noticed.
For Shimazu clan, this Taka castle of Hyuga is an absolute important key that serves as a gate to go out to Kitakyushu. It is also a substantial last defense against enemy army that are approaching from Kitakyushu. Toshihisa know everything.
Shimazu army must win the battle of Taka castle in order to become the conqueror of Kyushu.
In addition, this Taka castle is also the very place where their dream of becoming the conqueror of Kyushu are destined to be scattered after being defeated by the army of the person who reign over the whole world from Honshu.
The wise person Toshihisa painfully understand it.
When both army didn’t reach their conclusion, Iehisa surrendered Taka castle and committed suicide as the condition of forming reconciliation as her resolution. Hence, is the reason why she daringly stayed at Taka castle.
“……Iehisa……Iehisa…….you are still young. Still but a child”
Sagara Yoshiharu has did all sort of thing he can to the limit for the sake of Shimazu 4 sisters. He bet his own life. And yet, Iehisa’s fate still hasn’t changed. On the contrary, her time of death has been hastened. Is it the backlash of Sagara Yoshiharu’s effort to change Iehisa’s fate? Will the history be balanced again?
“……no. the man from the future is neither a prophet nor a god. Sagara Yoshiharu is the same as us, he is a single human boy. Besides, he is a person who earnestly bet his life for Shimazu 4 sister which he was originally unrelated to. He shouldn’t be burdened by the fate of Shimazu clan by himself alone. Its not possible to change the fate of a person if the person himself doesn’t personally fight against their fate. And now, the only one among Shimazu 4 sisters who know about Iehisa’s fate……the Ane who know the future that Iehisa will die and the dream of Shimazu will be scattered at this Taka castle……are only me”
“right now I cannot make Yoshihisa-Neesan and Yoshihiro-Neesan to disperse. I don’t have any military prestige like my Yoshihiro-Neesan but I am suitable to be the decoy. I shall change Iehisa’s fate, I will fight” Toshihisa decided.
“Tsuri no Buse tactic are invoked! I will lead the decoy unit. Make haste to cross Takigawa!”
Toshihisa kicked her horse stomach.
Either one of Shimazu 4 sisters must become the decoy unit. A person like Kuroda Kanbei will not be taken by Tsuri no Buse that easily. If the Otomo army aren’t seriously attacking the decoy unit, Toshihisa will cross Tanisetogawa without any change and intended to cut deep into Otomo’s camp. The decoy unit of Tsuri no Buse doesn’t have any diversion element. It’s a mission that literally fighting with one’s back to the wall in the midst of the enemy in order to die a honorable death. The retreat of the decoy unit is not a performance to induce the enemy. It is nothing more than an inevitable result of being destroyed after fighting with all of their strength.
“is it alright to charge ahead without Yoshihisa-sama and Yoshihiro-sama permission?!”
An aide involuntarily asked but Toshihisa.
“two Ane must survive for the sake of the continuation of Shimazu clan. all young soldier. Men of Hayato. For the sake of Iehisa……for me, all of your life……but those who wanted to stay behind then stay. I am currently blinded by my affection to Iehisa. You don’t need to struggle for my selfishness”
Shake off and run down from the hill. As for the aide.
“yare yare. All princess of Shimazu clan are lively”
Give out a courageous shout and followed Toshihisa while scratching his head.
And the young soldiers also follow Toshihisa.
“Toshihisa-sama! There is no holding back! Don’t need to be like a bad person anymore, yeah!”
“so come now all of you! Prepared to die at the time you leave Satsuma! Be aware of that!”
“we all understand the feeling of the Ane who wanted to save her Imouto. There is no more hesitation!”
“thank you! everyone!”
The man of Satsuma Hayato who served Toshihisa, followed her while letting a cry like a monkey all at once without any them of hesitating.
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8000 Shimazu Toshihisa force run down to Neshirosaka and take the opportunity to approach Takigawa.
Otomo Sorin who placed Sou camp on top of the northern hill where she could look all around the battlefield of Taka castle received a further shock.
“dammit, it has begun? Don’t shot it! The bullet of Kunikuzushi. Don’t shot Iehisa at Taka castle!” Sagara Yoshiharu watched Kuroda Kanbei’s command at the right side of Sorin while being handcuffed as the most important list of hostage.
He has been taken away by Muneshige from jail at Mushiga and moved to this Sou camp. “chi. Yoshiharu. Even though its possible to get a reversal win if you managed to talk Otomo Sorin through love, did you lost your nerve? My Otouto is really is a good for nothing for not knowing what a woman is. As expected, should Onee-chan give you a lesson concerning the relationship between man and woman……? how long do I have to remain as a hostage?” Sagara Yoshihi who are saying nasty things to Yoshiharu are also being handcuffed.
“Yoshiharu-dono. Yoshihi-dono. My apology. It is strategist-dono order to not let you free but in case that Sou camp has fallen, I will immediately remove your handcuff” Tachibana Muneshige keep apologizing to the two of them for the whole time. Despite its her first campaign, she was entrusted with the authority of Sorin’s 20000 bodyguard unit.
And then with a chicken, Tocco riding on top of her head “koraa! I am the current head of Tachibana clan!” is the young Tachibana Ginchiyo that forcefully hold Muneshige in her arms.
The four people have turned their gaze to the west which is different from the direction of Toshihisa forces that who is going right over to Takigawa right now.
Otomo Sorin looked pale when the battle had begun at last.
“……what is that? That other side of the mountain……something is moving. As if the mountain itself is walking and cause a landslide”
Its because she suddenly pointed to an unexpected direction.
It approached from across the two rivers that flowed through Taka castle from a totally direction of Otomo army at the northern coast that confronted Shimazu army that lay out their camp in the southern coast.
At the west of Taka castle. The mountain which were located in upstream of Tanisetogawa and Takigawa……the green forest that cover the mountain have begun to move slowly.
A landslide……no it wasn’t.
Its Otomo detached forces.
They throw away their armor and helmet. They are ambush troops which have their whole body covered by wooden branch and leaf. They have just traveled from the reckless marching route through the mountain that reaches from Takachiho to Taka castle.
“don’t tell. Is it an illusion?” Otomo Sorin doubted. The four people looked at the direction that Sorin pointed. The four “it isn’t an illusion for certain” answered Sorin back.
Sorin stand up from her namban chair and mutter while looking pale.
“……”the time when the forest of Hyuga start attacking”……it came”
“what is it Sorin?” Yoshihi unintentionally asked her. “it’s the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin! It means that the time that foretold the ruin of Sorin has come! The forest of Hyuga has moved indeed!” Yoshiharu answered while looking at the moving forest in dumb surprises.
“a prophecy? What is that? When the forest of Hyuga start moving, Sorin would fall?”
“although a prophecy are just a prophecy until the end, Yoshihi-Neesan. All this time, Sorin has been bound and frightened by the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin. The Nikaikuzurenohen and all of those repeated death of her Otouto has been advancing according to the prophecy until now. But those are tragedies that couldn’t be avoided in the world of Sengoku era. It only became true by chance. Don’t tell me, the end……I didn’t expect that the moment from the prophecy of Sorin’s ruin will come and be accomplished”
“but Yoshiharu. Didn’t Gaspard lead a detached force that goes over the mountain? Why does Gaspard make an action which would drives Sorin to ruin? Yoshiharu. Even though that person is your enemy, didn’t he want to make Otomo Sorin and Oda Nobuna allied to each other to make a kingdom of Christians at japan?”
“that’s right Yoshihi-Neesan. Furthermore, its too impossible for Gaspard who has no familiarity with the land to go over the mountain of Hyuga. Even at the historical fact of the battle of Mimigawa, the detached force that cross over the mountain wouldn’t be in time for the battle. As for what is exactly happening, I don’t understand it either”
“even Gaspard-sama weren’t able to overturn the prophecy! Gaspard-sama make the Ashigaru troops to discard their heavy armament in order to cross over the steep mountain. They weren’t discovered by Shimazu army because they camouflage themselves with branches and leaves. As a result, it accidently……the forest of Hyuga moved……its already……the end……”
“as expected, you weren’t supposed to start a fight at Hyuga” Tachibana Muneshiga stood up next to Sorin who cover her face while being scared.
“no milord. In order to suppress Tsuri no Buse, Kuroda Kanbei-dono allowed the enforcement to cross over the mountain which were originally wouldn’t succeeded. The first plan which are the excellent plan is to capture Neshirosaka first to completely surround Taka castle and obstruct Shimazu’s rear army. ut this plan has been destroyed by Shimazu army forced march. But, after Kanbei-dono has anticipated that capturing Neshirosaka would be difficult, she has made an absolutely secret second plan that would be chosen as the most likely picked plan. In this, the Otomo army has taken the west which is the blind spot for both armies. The 30000 vanguard in the northern coast and the detachment forces in the west mountain would attack Shimazu forces in reverse pincer movement. Its called “Tsuri no Buse - Gaeshi” so to speak. Both army are equal in this. The detached force that gathered at the forest of Hyuga is approximately 3000 soldiers. Perhaps, the man who command the detached forces wouldn’t be Gaspard. A high soldiers morale are needed in order to make this difficult march succeed. Therefore, Gaspard, Frois and the other missionary should’ve stop at Takachiho”
“I see! Is this Kanbei’s plan?! Certainly, it would be difficult for Shimazu army to liberate Taka castle if Tsuri no Buse are being suppressed” Yoshiharu nodded.
“Muneshige? So who lead the detached forces on behalf of Gaspard-sama?!” Sorin raises her voice. “there is no mistake. Its my Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono. Tachibana Dosetsu and Takahashi Shoun. Besides, there is no other generals who can carry out such difficult march” Muneshige answered.
“eeh? Then does that mean that Tachibanayama castle is empty?!” Ginchiyo involuntarily raises her voices.
“y-yes. Ginchiyo-dono. Both Tachibanayama castle and Iwaya castle are empty. Its because these two people can rally and lead the whole army by themselves. They couldn’t help to do that of we consider the amount of soldiers that will be lost during this forced route of crossing the mountain”
“then. Dosetsu and Shoun has unexpectedly……fulfilled the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin without being aware of it. Dosetsu is an ardent believer of Usa Hachiman-jin. All of it, was fated right?……as expected, Sorin would perish, isn’t it? Mushiga would turn to ash, isn’t it?”
As what Sorin said “have the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin has been fulfilled? Or does Kanbei implement her plan because the detached force that cross over the mountain has just arrive on time to move the situation of the war to our advantage?” does this battle become the battle of Mimigawa, or will it become the battle of Neshirosaka? Or will it become an ending that nobody knew about?
Even Yoshiharu don’t understand the tendency of the battle anymore.
“with this, its impossible for both Otomo and Shimazu army to attack carelessly. Toshihisa forces decided to use Tsuri no Buse tactic and set out s the decoy unit but this decoy has become useless because the west mountain has been taken by Otomo detached forces. On the contrary, Toshihisa will be attacked in pincer movement and have no other choice but to withdraw again to Neshirosaka. Both sides are equal in this. Would there be any continuation of the medium plan beyond this point?”
Yoshihi narrow her eyes and stare at the west mountain.
“it is indeed an inscrutable stratagem. But Kanbei’s tactic are too large in scale. Even if there is a continuation of the medium plan, it has to be settled splendidly”
“no. unfortunately, I think the action and mind has yet to be decided. Yoshihi-dono”
Yoshiharu doubted his ear.
“Muneshige? What does that mean? Does Kanbei made a mistake in this decisive battle?”
“yes. Perhaps Kanbei-dono’s strategy would be the best preparation that a human strategist could ever made. But I’m afraid this strategy is a failure. The reason for that is because Kanbei-dono don’t know about the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin”
Tachibana Muneshige seemed to have already prepared for something “koraa! do something about Tachibanayama castle somehow! Ryuzoji clan will stole it!” she quietly hugged Ginchiyo’s body who is making noises and whispered to her kindly.
“Ginchiyo-dono. It was a marriage life that were similar to playing house between women. Something is weird but if Kanbei-dono’s prediction is right, then Tachibanayama castle is safe. Even if I disappear, Ginchiyo-dono will protect Tachibanayama castle as the present head of Tachibanayama clan”
“wha--?” what are you saying Muneshige? Did you eat something strange?”
“koke?”
Did Tachibana Muneshige was preparing for some unexpected things?
Just like that time when she accidentally hear the content of the prophecy that Sorin recited, it was the same when she was talking while eating the rice and soup and looking at the night sky. Right now, the expression of Muneshige who lifted and cradling Ginchiyo……it’s a gentle smiling face of a pubescent girl showed to a child. Its not a tense warrior visage of “Nishikoku Musou”.
“goodbye, Waga Tsuma” Tachibana Muneshige whispered. “Muneshige??” she lowered Ginchiyo who is looking blankly and her pet Tocco into the ground.
“w-w-w-w-what the hell is happening!? Are you feeling bad? Aren’t you going to swing and throw away Ginchiyo just like the usual?! Don’t tell me, you are actually fall in love with Ginchiyo?? With a fellow w-w-w-w-woman???”
“kokokokoke~?”
“fufu. As expected, its impossible for women to be married couple with each other. Both of us have a relationship just like Ane and her Imouto……”
“koraa!!! stop saying things like a farewell before death!!”
Muneshige unsheathe a Chokuto from the scabbard that she carry at her back and stabbed it under her feet.
“Ginchiyo-dono. I want you to have this Chokuto. It was given by my Oyaji-dono when I was adopted to Tachibanayama clan. it’s the unbending and unbreakable Meito”Ken-Nagamitsu”. Oyaji-dono said not to hesitate and kill with this sword if Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono are fighting. For me, it’s a treasured sword which were given by both of my father. Please treat it carefully”
“idiot! Don’t let go such valuable things like that!”
At this time, Sorin is still sitting down on her namban chair while covering her face and scared.
“the forest of Hyuga” she cannot looked directly to her fate.
Sagara Yoshiharu didn’t how things will turn out but he noticed that he must stop Tachibana Muneshige.
Yoshiharu wasn’t able to read Tachibana Muneshige’s words and the true meaning of her action but he understand this.
Tachibana Muneshige will boldly break the stalemate that Kanbei created.
She will charge at Otomo army after this and die in battle.
Why?
Why is that?
“……Sagara Yoshiharu-dono. This Tachibana Muneshige know the meaning of the prophecy. When I heard about the prophecy at Mushiga, I understand it”
“prophecy……meaning? Interpretation you say? Saying such thing at your own discretion”
“perhaps, my Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono has been aware about the content of the prophecy a long time ago……all this time when I was raised and love by my two fathers was for this exact day. The reason why me and Ginchiyo-dono have to be married couple between women, I understand it. As expected, when I am aware of my fate, my hearts was confused but……”
That expression. It was smile that only belong to a dying person.
It was the same smile with Yoshihi had when she said goodbye to Yoshiharu to protect Tokuchiyo.
“wait. What do you mean? Didn’t Kanbei had polished her plan to suppress Tsuri no Buse? she even recruit Tachibana Dosetsu and Takahashi Shoun. And yet……you intent to die for nothing? After the old Tachibana Dosetsu died, what will happen to the future you who live to defend Otomo clan as “Nishikoku Musou”?! I know about your future……no. you shouldn’t have met such ending! Even though yours is full of hardships, its still a bright future!”
“there is no time left to explain. I was raised by my two father in order to become milord’s Otouto if its possible”
“can you agree on that? At least, please explain the reason!”
“please forgive me! If you stop me any further, my determination will be disturbed……Yoshiharu-dono. If I don’t stand up here, you will die. Therefore I was able to make my decision”
“I will die? What do you mean Muneshige?!”
“Sagara Yoshiharu-dono. I was happy to meet you……I’m sorry”
Yoshihi who were handcuffed cling to Muneshige.
“Yoshiharu! I still don’t know the content of the prophecy. I also down know what will happen……but Muneshige must be stopped! You have to stop her even by force. If not Kanbei’s strategy will fall!”
“u-understood Yoshihi-Neesan! Anyway, Muneshige, we will talk later!”
However, Yoshiharu were also handcuffed like Yoshihi. although those two were going to stop Muneshige, it was impossible with their situation where their hands are tied.
Muneshige throw down those two with staggering blow and make them temporarily faint while closing her eyes “uuh”,”……guuh……” she removes their handcuff and mounted her horse.
“aa? Sa-sagara sibling has lost! You want to ignore strategist-dono’s plan and rampage recklessly?! Damn you Muneshige! This Ginchiyo will stop you!”
Ginchiyo struggles to pull out Ken-Nagamitsu that was stabbed to the ground to stop Muneshige with force but because Ginchiyo’s strength is weak, it doesn’t move. Tocco thrust its bill to the sword to help Ginchiyo. But of course, even if a chicken hit it with its bill, it wouldn’t come off. And yet, it still keep thrusting its beak to the sword.
“uuu! Come off! Come off!!!!”
“koke! Koke! Koke~!!!”
“Dosetsu and Shoun know about the prophecy? What do you mean……?” Sorin quietly stared at Muneshige from the gap of her fingers that covers her face while trembling.
“……although you have promise never to abandon Sorin. And yet, you want to goe to the frontline Muneshige? What will happen to this 20000 bodyguard units? What should Sorin do?”
“milord doesn’t have to move this Sou camp. They are soldiers that are necessary at the time for retreat when we were defeated by Shimazu forces. There is no problem. Please look at the moment when fate are overturned here. And as for the result, whether this battle would end in victory or defeat are not something we can understand without trying. And regardless of victory or defeat, I guarantee only this. This Tachibana Muneshige as the last Otouto of the lord……will complete the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin”
“guardsmen! This is my last order, don’t move! The only time you will move is when you make the lord to retreat from the battlefield safely!” Muneshige gave an order to the pumpkin soldier girl. Thus, their movement stopped suddenly. Muneshige has already gained enormous trust from them during this march. Everyone yearns and worship Muneshige’s noble and extraordinary bravery. Muneshige’s order is absolute.
“you are absolutely going? Can’t Sorin protect her Otouto this time too? Would my Otouto will hold out and myself are the sole survivor again”
“but, the cycle of the prophecy will end today. With this milord can live freely”
“……Muneshige……! This is an order from the present head of Otomo clan! if you are ordered to die by the lord, then you will die! That’s why, listen to Sorin’s order! Don’t go! You mustn’t die!”
“my apology. I am refusing this order. Right now I am doing this with my own will. Its not because I am ordered by someone or because I am taught by my fathers, but……this is the path that I have picked myself. This is my selfishness”
“Muneshige?”
“even if don’t move, both Gifu-jo and Oyaji-dono will rushed to Shimazu Toshihisa’s forces at Kawahara sandbank. At that time, Kuroda Kanbei-dono’s medium plan will collapse. As the result Kanbei-dono will have to use the bad plan. If she used the bad plan, Sagara Yoshiharu-dono will choose death”
“I don’t understand! But if that’s the case then Sagara Yoshiharu will be restrained and absolutely wouldn’t be released. He won’t be allowed to go out from Sou camp. That’s why”
“……if I go, Yoshiharu-dono’s life will be protected. If Yoshiharu-dono’s life is protected, then milord will be free from the prophecy. I will sink myself to the bottom of Takigawa and die. If I fight then Shimazu army will fall apart. But that isn’t a dream to bring victory to Otomo clan. Don’t give up till the very end. All of the things in my hand……I will fight to obtain it”
“sink yourself to the bottom of Takigawa? Muneshige, don’t tell me that you? The thing that Dosetsu and Shoun did……does that mean that, for this moment, you are……for the sake of this very day……”
“this is your insight, milord”
At that time, Sorin finally understood. Tachibana Muneshige. Tachibana Dosetsu. Takahashi Shoun. Tachibana clan. The things that they are trying to do.
“don’t! stop it……! I am sorry for everything until now. I won’t believe in prophecy anymore. Never. I will certainly overcome it. Therefore, don’t do die for such stupid reason!”
“I am thankful milord. But it’s the same as throwing away our loyalty to our lord. I cannot throw away Gifu-jo, Oyaji-dono and Sagara Yoshiharu-dono. Milord. If the fortunes of war of Tachibana clan is defeated then please retreat from the battlefield as soon as possible with the 20000 bodyguard unit, 30000 vanguard unit”
“Muneshige! Are you really alright with this? Wait please reconsider!”
“I am blessed with families and love, therefore I am happy” Muneshige laughed.
If I didn’t meet Yoshiharu-dono, my heart would be stained after I curse my unreasonable fate that came suddenly. But it didn’t happen. Things called as my own life, happiness, anguish, agony and elation of a girl, I never understand it. But in just several days, it was given to me. Besides, milord will be free from the prophecy and Sagara Yoshiharu-dono will be saved. This is alright……milord. The future that Usa Hachiman-jin foretold, I will accomplished it in Taka castle and overturn it. We the Tachibana clan will free milord from her fate. Please have a good dream……
…
…
Otomo detached forces integrated with the forest of Hyuga and begun to descend from the mountain.
Just like Tachibana Muneshige has said, the general who command the detached forces are.
“behold, behold Shoun! Hime-sama herself departed to the battlefield! Hime-sama will be defeated if we are defeated by Shimazu army! eei. That Harima kid, just stop doing absurd things!”
The “Raijin” Tachibana Dosetsu who had crossed the route of the death mountain had abandon Tachibanayama castle and personally come over on top of a palanquin.
“its alright. Hime-sama places herself at the rear where she can escape if she wanted to escape. The Otomo 20000 bodyguard units is the showy soldiers to prevent Shimazu army suicide attack, Oyassan. Kuroda Kanbei’s plan originally was to led the 30000 vanguards and along with the detached forces that we brought and then brought Shimazu army in a pincer attack. Its seems to be a plan to force the Shimazu army’s prided sure kill tactic – Tsuri no Buse out. Even though she is young, she is a great strategist, Namusanda”
Similarly, there is Takahashi Shoun who abandon Iwaya castle and protected and carry Dosetsu all the way with 763 Shuras subordinate.
Gaspard who left Mushiga occupied Takachiho and was going to start a subversive activity under the pretense of investigating the precint of Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple. These two brave general who shouldn’t have able to move out from Chikuzen appeared and then join Frois to desperately prevent Gaspard “you aren’t supposed to disturb Takachiho”. Gaspard was prevented and stop at Takachiho. There were a lot of passionate Christians soldiers that follow Gaspard but they were surprised by the sudden appearance of “Raijin” and “Gishou” that they didn’t expect and followed them. The soldiers are alos Shuras who have survived through the war of Kyushu. Their awe and feeling of respect to the living “Raijin” are superior than their faith to god. After Dosetsu takes the authority over the soldiers from Gaspard as it is, they managed to led the detached force to successfully cross over Takachiho.
“……I see. Don Simon invited you from Chikuzen so that the detached forces can cross over the mountain. A bold tactic indeed……fufu, alright then. Its impossible for me who doesn’t have any familiarity with Hyuga to across the mountain. It doesn’t seem that I can refuse. To begin with, I want to look for a treasure tool concerning the myth of japan at Takachiho. Subversive activity aren’t my main purposes. If you can guarantee my searching activity then I will leave the authority over the soldiers to you” Gaspard admitted defeat at the contest of wits against Kanbei and stayed at Takachiho.
“……because he might still do a subversive activity, I shall watch over Gaspard-sama” Frois remain as an observer.
All of Dosetsu and Shoun’s lightning fast action were all because of Kuroda Kanbei’s instruction.
“but how will Harima kid intent to do to steal the victory from the enemy Shimazu army? even if it just the 2nd day, if the situation of the war come to a stalemate then Ryuzoji Takanobu will move! No, that overlord who is known for his cruelty will move to steal Tachibanayama castle! To begin with, Otomo army hardly bring any provision in order to raise their marching speed to the maximum!”
“I am not sure. We the men of Shuras doesn’t have wisdom to understand that Harima kid until that extent. Me and Oyassan are battle idiots. That’s what I can say……”
“it’s unfortunate for the Harima kid but I never have any intention to move as the kid’s pawn in the first place. Sorry kid……”The moment when the forest of Hyuga begin to attack” has suddenly come. Such coincidence will never come again. that’s why, we can only carry out the previous plan into practice. This time as well”
“the fate of that person. No matter how much we apologizes to Muneshige, our apology aren’t enough……mattaku. Namusanda”, “Shoun. It was all began when I was in my younger days serving Hime-sama as her direct retainers, I eavesdropped the conversation between Xavier-dono and Hime-sama without permission”
“really. The prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin shouldn’t have been heard carelessly. What a terrible bargain, for you to pull out Muneshige……namusanda”
“this is the heaven’s will……Shoun, even though I know about the prophecy,could I protect Hachiro-dono at the battle of Imayama? Originally, it was my daughter Ginchiyo who will become the sacrificial lamb”
“Oyassan. Don’t say any further. It begun when I overhead this prophecy. That’s why me……and my daughter will put an end to the prophecy that tied Hime-sama. You cannot make Ginchiyo die”
“but, you don’t have to keep up with this farce Shoun. You are not the key to overturn the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin. The one which is necessary is this Tachibana Dosetsu and Tachibana Muneshige’s life”
“so you are going? Am I the only one who will survive from the beginning while letting my daughter and Oyassan to die? Give me a break. Today I will die together with Oyassan and Muneshige. After sending Muneshige to Takigawa, I will die in battle. That would at least be my atonement……namusanda. But……we have made Muneshige to have a strong mind like a boy. The last work to order Muneshige to die in battle……is too heavy. I really cannot do it”
“it’s the same for me Shoun. But, in order to liberate Hime-sama who continued to suffer from the prophecy, we have no choice but to carry out the plan at this very moment. Today war is exactly the only one time opportunity to rescue Hime-sama. I am feeling fine……”
“……hee. You are the one who suggested Muneshige as the sacrificial lamb……that’s not something you should say in these late hours. You and I have become old”
“I cannot possibly give a letter through a messenger that say “die with us” to Muneshige. Would Muneshige fall into despair over her own fate? Or will she mourn over her two father’s heartlessness? No. maybe because I am getting old, I am easily moved to tears now. that’s impossible. I simply cannot order Muneshige to face death……” Dosetsu looked the Sou camp that protect Sorin from the steep slope while having his eyes blurry from tears.
“Oyassan! Look! Its Muneshige! She……seemed to have realized everything before we send a messenger to reveal the plan! It appears that somehow, she seemed to have know the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin! She have begun to charge to Shimazu army who has moved to Kawahara sandbank that spread in front of Taka castle! She cross over Tanisetogawa after breaking through the barrage of arrows!”
Takahashi Shoun shouted when he find Muneshige’s figure charging at large Shimazu decoy unit that were led by Shimazu Toshihisa. the retainers that follow Muneshige are only numbered approximately 500 men. By Muneshige’s strict order, almost 20000 bodyguard units weren’t moving from Sorin’s Sou camp.
“what! that idiot! Leaving behind her two father and charging ahead alone!”
“……we doesn’t want to say “Muneshige, please die”. That’s because you and me think that desire is more painful than dying”
“at least……at the very least, can’t she left a single grudge to us before dying! Just how much of a good child is she……?!”
“namusanda. We will charge at the entire army too! I am sorry for putting in such unreasonable and difficult situation everyone! If you bear a grudge, then bear a grudge against Dosetsu-Oyassan who made such absurd plan to emancipate Hime-sama from the curse of a prophecy!”
“The Forest of Hyuga” – all men of Shura raises a battle cry simultaneously.
All of the combined soldiers that Muneshige leads along with retainers since her time at Takahashi clan, are carefully selected retainers group that Dosetsu added to Muneshige’s own when she became the son in law of Tachibana clan – numbered approximately 500 men. It’s a reckless differences between the strength of an army. “what are you doing?! Tachibana Muneshige, go back to Sou camp!” Kuroda Kanbei who sat upon the strategist exclusive vehicles changed her expression while Muneshige cross over the flank of Kanbei’s camp to cross over Tanisetogawa. Shimazu 8000 decoy unit begun to spread out at Kawahara sandbank at the front of Taka castle……she plunged into Shimazu Toshihisa forces.
Shimaxu Toshihisa cannot understand the meaning of this sudden appearance of this small 500 units that come out from Sorin’s rear Sou camp.
“what? what is that? What one earth does Otomo army and Kuroda Kanbei want to do? The detached force that arrived from the west mountain should’ve been able to seal Tsuri no Buse and yet……even so, why are they plunging in? are they crazy?”
Toshihisa cross the river and stand out at Kawahara sandbank in order to lure Otomo vanguard. But she was surprised by Muneshige’s reckless attack as well as Otomo 3000 detached force that were being led by Tachibana Dosetsu that appeared from the west mountain of Taka castle.
Will they face Otomo 30000 vanguard units in the north or dealing with Tachibana Dosetsu’s unit that suddenly appeared from the west? Even Toshihisa weren’t able to guess it at all. Before their battle formation are set, their flank are attacked by Tachibana Muneshige unit that cross the river with desperate looks.
Tachibana Muneshige held a tightly strung bow and shot an arrow one after another from horseback. She recklessly rushed to Toshihisa and shot Toshihisa army officers one after another.
No one among Toshihisa forces about that young samurai. She is a greenhorn who has a capacity as a Shura. But, Muneshige’s archery doesn’t belong in the realm of human’s feat. From her delicate body, she unbelievably draw the tightly strung bow to its limit. The arrow flies while cutting through the wind at dreadful speed. And then the arrow bend in the air. To the right. To the left. Or it suddenly make a nose dive from overhead.
The wind. By reading the wind of the battlefield that were flowing freely, the trajectory of the arrow was bend. The veteran Shura of Toshihisa army understand it until that extend. But no one can predict its trajectory.
They noticed that this sweet girlish young samurai is the ultimate weapon of Otomo army which were said as the ultimate Shura among the perfect Shuras.
“I found you Shimazu Toshihisa-dono. My name is Tachibana Muneshige. Son of Takahashi Shoun and son in law of Tachibana Dosetsu! My life will be finished at Takigawa today. I will break Shimazu army siege!”
Tachibana Dosetsu army as well “support Muneshige! Scatter Toshihisa’s army! go!!” run down and spread out from the slope beside Taka castle and rushed forward.
The hemiplegic Dosetsu who sat cross legged upon a palanquin found the figure of Muneshige who is running at the battlefield “you idiot! Don’t leave us behind and jumped to death selfishly!” and shouted.
“only for today that I will take an absent of carrying Oyassan’s palanquin upon my shoulder. This Takahashi Shoun will draw his word after a long time. This is the last time I shall draw my sword. Namusanda!”
Takahashi Shoun covered his head with jet black Gyounin-Tsutsumi headgear.
“Gifu-jo! Oyaji-dono! I have understand it entirely. I have heard the prophecy of the lord’s downfall from Usa Hachiman-jin at Mushiga. the conclusion of the lord’s downfall. The lord has always been scared of something despite ruling as the queen of six countries of Kyushu. The cause of her suffering, I have finally realized it. Today is the day that the prophecy will be fulfilled. “when the forest of Hyuga start attacking, your glory above the ground will end there”……”
Muneshige repeat the words from the 3 old women who is the envoy of Usa Hachiman-jin while drawing a tightly strung bow to its limit and shooting one after another.
On top of the palanquin “die die! All of you, we are setting off a road to the underworld together in order to overturn Hime-sama’s fate” Dosetsu with his hoarse voice have succeed that words while having tears in his eyes.
“but, Hime-sama’s fortunes of war and are still hasn’t been decided yet Muneshige! The old women said! “even with snow fallen on the fiery battlefield, as long as there is no Otouto submerge in the water as a sacrifice”……in other words, if snow fall on the battlefield and the Otouto submerge in the water, the prophecy of the old women will be overturned! The fate of Hime-sama will be overturned!”
And the blunt Takahashi Shoun blurted out the last phrase of the prophecy.
“Yamato Takeru who has cursed by Watatsumi during his expedition to Togoku give his wife Ototachibanahime as a sacrifice”. I am sorry Muneshige. Because I eavesdropped on Hime-sama story, I have made you as a sacrifice. Namusanda”
The smart Tachibana Muneshige have promptly understood her role and bigger picture of Tachibana Dosetsu and Takahashi Shoun plan at the same time when she heard the content of Sorin’s prophecy.
Sorin has made every effort to emancipate herself from the curse of the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin. Devoting herself into Zen Buddhism and repeated ascetic practices of Zen meditation. Converting to Christianity. Burning down Usa Hachiman shrine. It was all a fight to free herself from the prophecy of her fate and ruin of killing her own Otouto that began from “Nikaikuzurenohen”. Fighting against the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin who has overwhelming authority at Kitakyushu. Its different than the battle between samurai and war of samurai that end perfectly in victory or defeat. Especially for someone like the intelligent Sorin who cannot believe in something blindly.
“the Tachibana clan rebel to Hime-sama and I unexpectedly take over Tachibanayama castle. At the time I decided to be the new present master of Tachibana clan that it flashed to me! That this is my destiny! Usa Hachiman-jin and Hachiman Daibosatsu give me once in lifetime opportunity to free Hime-sama from the prophecy!”
“I am a Shura of Kyushu who devoted his life to war. I am a soldier. I don’t believe in prophecy. But. The prophecy of Nikaikuzurenohen were proven right and Hime-sama’s heart were violently crushed and perfectly tied and imprisoned. I have no choice but to make the prophecy of one of the future where ruin doesn’t come to be fulfilled. The old women prepared 2 ending for the prophecy. I have no choice but to create an exceptional miracles to overturn the ruin in the future. when the forest of Hyuga began to attack……bringing snow to the fiery battlefield and sink the body of Ototachibanahime to the river……”
“Shoun! If it was a princess during the era of Yamato Takeru then its should be natural to call themselves as Imouto. It’s a strange myth to call themselves as Otouto. Why does the old women who invent the prophecy to curse Hime-sama use Ototachibanahime as the name of the sacrifice? I have noticed. “can you kill your own Otouto in order to overturn the fate of your ruin? No you won’t” the old women has casted double curses to Hime-sama! The old women gave 2 choices to Hime-sama “the future where you made your Otouto as a sacrifice and avoid the downfall” and “the future where Hime-sama refuse to sacrifice and she perish”. Of course since Hime-sama’s heart is gentle, she can only select the future where she will perish. Therefore, I put a character called an “Otouto” as the name for the sacrifice! Therefore the old women recited the myth of Yamato Takeru’s wife – Ototachibanahime in their prophecy! Furthermore, because Hime-sama keep on losing her Otoutos due to misfortune, Hime-sama is finally being imprisoned by the prophecy and she start praying for her own ruin……that is the reason why Gaspard was able to take over her heart. However Shoun and Muneshige. It flashed upon me. Tachibana(?), and “Tachibana Kun’yomi”(????) have the same sound with Tachibana clan(??). “Ototachibanahime”( ???)……its useless with just a simple “Otomo Sorin’s Otouto”. Unless it was an Otouto who is also a princess. Furthermore, that person must belong to “Tachibana” (????). It won’t work unless it was a ”princess of Tachibana”(??) and at the same is the Otouto of Otomo Sorin”! this is the right interpretation of the prophecy! When the truly qualified “Ototachibanahime” sacrifice herself by sinking into the water, the fate of Hime-sama’s downfall will be overturned for the first time. At least when Hime-sama can believe in it!”
“hee. Aren’t Tachibana(?) very different with Tachibana clan(??)? That prophecy is a truly worthless wordplay. Oyassan’s idea aren’t the one that is crazy but rather is the underlying motive of the old women. After Oyassan succeeded Tachibana clan, you want to make your young daughter as a boy to become Hime’s Otouto……you wanted to raise her as “Ototachibanahime”! in order to bring snow to fall on the fiery battlefield, you changed your name into “Dousetsu”( ??). With Ginchiyo whom you raised as “Ototachibanahime”, you will perish in the battlefield of Hyuga! At the time during “the forest of Hyuga began to attack and the moment of downfall came” Hime-sama who despaired and scared will see it right in front of her. The moment when the fate is overturned. When Dosetsu perish in the burning battlefield and “Ototachibanahime” sink herself into the water as a sacrifice……”
“we will use the words of the old women prophecy that bind Hime-sama against them and conversely use it to overturn the prophecy of that ruin! As the result of our reckless charging, no matter what is the result of this war, we will free Hime-sama from the prophecy so that she can stand up on her own feet!”
“however, Ginchiyo are still too young to be put in a battlefield. Furthermore, the nonsense that Oyassan was talking about before was originally my responsibilities. That’s why……Muneshige. I am sorry since I decided to raise you up as Ototachibanahime instead of Ginchiyo. Even though Oyassan objected if I cannot drag the daughter of Takahashi clan, I overcome it. That was the reason. I am sorry”
“……we will die an honorable death in order to escort you Muneshige to Takigawa. As for the later measures, I am sure that Harima kid will accomplish it. Me and Shoun’s loyalty to Hime’sama……our loyal hearts……may not be known or praised by anyone. Muneshige. We are trying to make you who had infinite potential, to offer you as a sacrifice. We even take the 3000 and 500 soldiers to go along with us. It might an insanity. In the life of battle where it would always continue even after I die, at the very least, I keep continue to hold my loyalty to milord and keep protecting it. But I might not have any possibility on doing that.i was once cut a lightning and became paralyzed at one side of my body and yet, I wasn’t able to rescue Hime-sama. Retainers will be useless without demonstrating “Ototachibanahime” from the prophecy. We know that we couldn’t save Hime-sama……but everything was because of my selfish way of living through loyal heart. Bringing down Hime-sama from the seat of the present head of Otomo clan should’ve been the right way that I should take as a person. Despite this, I didn’t give much freedom to Hime-sama. When I brought Hime-sama to Aka Yahata shrine, even though I should’ve been able to send her quietly to another country, to the point that I was struck by lightning right in front of Hime-sama’s eyes, I tied Hime-sama to the seat of the present head of Otomo clan. I am also a selfish person like the old women who called themselves as the envoy of Usa Hachiman-jin. But without it, we weren’t able to involve you in this plan”
“oi oi. You seem to have lost your edge due to old age when you complain about your deeds at this late time. You are originally born as a man who keep on doing things recklessly without thinking about the consequences. The selfish one is me, Oyassan”
“you wanted to be forgiven while also didn’t want to be forgiven” Muneshige smiles on the horseback…...
“Gifu-jo. Oyaji-dono. Please don’t apologize. I am also the same. I live for battle. It’s the law of us the Shura of Kyushu to die in battle……we can’t survive without believing in the relationship with somebody……its only a mere beast that murder a person if they didn’t believe in relationship with somebody, in loyalty, in faith and in love……meanwhile I was loved and raised by my two father until this much. There is no Shura who is as happy as me in Kyushu. However in turn, our lord wasn’t given a love from a father or affection from a mother. Therefore, there is a big gaping hole inside the Lord’s heart. No matter how much does the retainer pour it with their loyal heart or faith from the Christians missionary, it will leaked out. Even if Gifu-jo set the lord free from Aka Yahata shrine, even if the lord are free from the cage called the present head of Otomo clan, her heart will not be saved. The Otoutos who knew about the lord’s suffering, all of them have fall down in the middle of enacting their intention without overturn the prophecy……but if the forest of Hyuga start to attack, we can put an end to our lord’s curse of killing her own Otoutos. We the Tachibana clan all together will give our loyalty to the lord, no……lets carry our feeling to our lord. I will break through the Shimazu forces and finally arrive at the bottom of Takigawa’s water”
“furthermore, if the situation arise where we have to use Kanbei-dono’s bad plan then as the result, Sagara Yoshiharu-dono will die in order to stop it. I don’t merely die but also fight for the limit of my life and win against Shimazu army. I will die after making Shimazu army be routed at Kawahara sandbank and after I arrive at Takigawa. This is my selfishness” Muneshige muttered while shooting her last arrow. With this, her arrow was exhausted. Tachibana force is surrounded by the swarming Shimazu Toshihisa army that are doubles of their own. Nonetheless, the Tachibana forces led by “Raijin” will not retreat for even one step.
“oo. Is it the rumored Sagara Yoshiharu? Are you in love with him Muneshige?”
“yes! It appears that I couldn’t be able to become a man!”
“I don’t mind. This is the end of your everyday life as a man. so become honest with your feeling! Because he is fine at first glance, I wanted to meet Sagara Yoshiharu-dono! That will be my only regret!”
“hee. You face has become that of a maiden’s Muneshige. I have heard your first and last selfishness. Namusanda”
“please wait a moment. Oyaji-dono didn’t appear in the prophecy so you don’t have to die in here”
“don’t say that. I am your father. This is my selfishness”
Shimazu Toshihisa army which has finished arranging their formation escapes from the confusion and surround the Tachibana forces from right to left and was about to constrict them and then……from the hill from the other side of the river, an explosion rang out when a single blow from “Kunikuzushi” exploded with a dreadful column of flames.
Kuroda Kanbei changed the launching angle of “Kunikuzushi” that aimed at Taka castle walls in a hurry in order to rescue Tachibana forces that come out to the dry riverbed beyond Tanisetogawa. She made it to be shot at Shimazu Toshihisa force that spread out at Kawahara sandbank.
“s-strategist-dono……! You use “Kunikuzushi” in order to support us at the melee battlefield?! We are in your debt……!”
“it’s a dreadful column of flames. Don’t get burn Muneshige. The battlefield of Hyuga are surrounded and burned by flames……the moment when the prophecy are fulfilled is coming”
“hmph. Even if I will be accidentally piled up here, I don’t know whether it can be called as fate anymore. Namusanda”
…
…
Shimazu Toshihisa forces that received a fierce attack from Kunikuzushi and Tachibana force that doesn’t think about retreat have begun to fall apart.
Nevertheless, Toshihisa didn’t retreat. Tsuri no Buse tactic seemed to have been broken when Tachibana army appeared from the west mountain. now that Tachibana forces that come out to Kawahara sandbank has been lured, Toshihisa decided to stay at Kawahara sandbank and fight until she fall apart.
If she retreat, Kunikuzushi will be turned to Iehisa who shut herself inside Taka castle again.
“……I won’t let Iehisa die. As for an Imouto die before her Ane. I won’t acknowledge it. Sagara Yoshiharu. the future of Iehisa that you told me will never be in vain. I was given an opportunity to overturn Iehisa’s fate. That child’s damaged past that I have continued to abuse in order to train her as the military expert of Shimazu army, I have yet to redeem my deed……”
“not yet. Tachibana 3500 forces aren’t enough” Toshihisa keep on fighting until the bitter end and destroyed until she lured 30000 vanguard unit that were commanded by Kuroda Kanbei to Kawahara sandbank.
Only after she is destroyed that Otomo 30000 army are able to cross the river.
“not yet. We mustn’t fall yet! We mustn’t make Iehisa be isolated at Taka castle! Throw away your whole life!”
A bullet of Kunikuzushi landed immediately right in front of the horse that Toshihisa rode. The earth burst from the shock of the crash and her direct subordinates are blown away along with their horses. Toshihisa’s delicate body fell from horseback.
“Shimazu Toshihisa-dono! I demand a one on one duel!” leaving her tightly strung bow, Tachibana Muneshige unsheathe her katana in the middle of light brown could of dust and approach Toshihisa while riding a horse.
“nyaa nyaa! Toshihisa-Nee?”
Shimazu Iehisa who stared at the war situation that developed under her eyes while staying at Taka castle with 3000 soldiers change her expression and stood up while carrying a Tanegashima on her shoulder.
“Sagara. Its impossible for me to keep shutting myself inside the castle and abandon Toshihisa-Nee. I cannot commit seppuku in order to prevent the battle anymore. I am sorry……all army, sally forth!”
“all of you abandon the castle! Charge and bring storm of bullets to rear of Tachibana forces! For the sake of bringing success to this sure kill Tsuri no Buse tactic!” the vice general Yamada Arinobu shouted and Taka castle gate is opened.
The 3000 castle guards that were being led by Shimazu Iehisa attacked Tachibana forces all at once with monkey-like clamor. Iehisa’s army are equipped with large amount of Tanegashima. They run and begun merciless gunshot before Tachibana forces are able to guard their rear.
“don’t let them reach Toshihisa-Nee!”
Toshihisa who fell from her horse cannot stand up. She seemed to have hurt her legs. Tachibana Muneshige approach Toshihisa. Shimazu Iehisa who come out to the field where arrows and bullets are flying around aimed and shot her Tanegashima to Tachibana Muneshige from horseback.
Next to her, Yamada Arinobu are also shot his Tanegashima silently at the same time.
However, Tachibana Muneshige lift and brandish the katana that she held in one hand and stopped the bullet. She cut down the bullet into two with one sword strike.
“she can do that?” Iehisa shouted.
It was a miraculous act that Iehisa has never seen before until now. there are still such kind of Shura in Otomo clan beside Tacibana Dosetsu and Takahashi Shoun……
“Shoun-ryu Battou-jutsu“Zan-Dan”! Toshihisa-dono, prepare yourself!”
Muneshige didn’t stop. She didn’t falter for even one step. Iehisa too whipped her horse to get closer to Toshihisa. although the enemy is a nameless Shura, she is a soldier whose ability and courage needs to be respected. There is no time to hesitate since they don’t want to bring one-sided one against many gunfight. If they didn’t kill this young samurai by full strength then Toshihisa and Iehisa will die.
“stop it! You are fighting for the sake of dying, Tachibana Muneshige! I won’t let you to involve Iehisa in this unreasonable fight!” Toshihisa who is down to her knees after losing her horse held a Tanegashima hold her ground and aimed at Muneshige’s head.
“Yamada-don! Taka castle Teppo squad! All of you shot 10 rounds to that young Shura who wear a sun halo helmet!”
“understood! Shot 10 rounds!”
Taka castle Teppo squad that run by a horse blow up 10 rounds of Tanegashima that were aimed at Tachibana Muneshige.
Toshihisa who squatted on the ground also fired her Tanegashima at the same time.
Toshihisa’s shot from the lower position and 10 shots from the horseback. Their trajectories are different. Their angle is different.
Its impossible to blocked with one sword.
“my limit is blocking 3 shots” Muneshige thought so.
Among other things, Toshihisa’s shot that came from lower position will become a fatal wound……
(I cannot die yet! Until I sink my body in the water. I have yet to arrive at Takigawa across Kawahara sandbank……!)
“I became too zealous. I overestimated my ability. This is a battlefield. If this battle weren’t my first campaign. In the end I will die before accomplish the prophecy” Muneshige despaired.
However.
The bullet that should’ve pierced through Muneshige’s head were cut down by a single katana that gleam dazzlingly……
“namusanda Muneshige! Don’t forget the essence of “”Ki-Dan”! I have told you right! The secret of “Zan-Dan” is “not chasing the bullet with eyes, don’t chase the sound, feel it through the wind” you know!”
“Oyaji-dono?!”
“its just a little more Muneshige! That Takigawa over there is yours and my Sanzu river! You are “The Ultimate Weapon of Otomo clan” that I have trained with great care. Compared to Kunikuzushi and Shimazu Teppo squad, you are strong! I will become the shield to cut down the barrage so run through until the end!”
Takahashi Shoun who force his way to in front of Muneshige’s horse use his sword as a shield to repel Shimazu army gunfire. Shoun appear to be a huge shield that protect Muneshige. Toshihisa and Iehisa were staring at Shoun’s miraculous act after momentarily forgot that they were in the middle of life or death battlefield. They have understand the reason why the hemiplegic Tachibana Dosetsu who always rushes into the frontline is still survived. The lone sword that this blunt man wield has become the shield that protect Dosetsu.
“……I understand Oyaji-dono! I am thankful!”
“Toshihisa-Nee, don’t let them approach you! Shoot! Shoot!” her voice is hoarse and Iehisa keep on shooting. But its not possible to give mortal injury to the parent and child duo Tachibana Muneshige who counter the bullets from horseback and Takahashi Shoun who did miraculous work while being close to Muneshige’s horse. Even if the bullet pierces through Muneshige’s crest and graze her helmet, even if its possible to inflict wound to Shoun’s shoulder and legs, its impossible to obstruct those two’s advance by shooting.
“Iehisa! They don’t merely fight to win! They are charging to die! They won’t stop unless we shot their heart or brain with bullets! Run away!”
It was an unbelievable scene. The dreadful demonic parent child duo is approaching. Any kind of ingenuity doesn’t apply to martial arts that were elevated to the territory of divine works that transcend human being. It’s the rule of Kyushu of Sengoku era. Toshihisa (my leg is injured when I fell from my horse. I cannot run away anymore. Only Iehisa) close her eyes and prayed. Toshihisa herself don’t know to whom did she pray to.
…
…
Shimazu Yoshihisa who occupied the west side of Neshirosaka looked in dumb surprise at the situation war between Tachibana forces and both sides of Toshihisa and Iehisa that unfolded at Kawahara sandbank in front of Takigawa.
“its too early for Iehisa-chan to strike from the castle. Kuroda Kanbei still hasn’t been caught by Tsuri no Buse. she still hasn’t been caught……”
She stood up.
3500 Otomo army that were being commanded by Tachibana clan moved straight to Takigawa without hesitation while being attacked in pincer movement by Toshihisa from the front and Iehisa from the back. Do they intent to attack Neshirosaka across Takigawa. Kuroda Kanbei has already see through Tsuri no Buse. she made the detached force to come out from the western mountainside of the battlefield in order to force Tsuri no Buse out. In fact, Otomo 30000 vanguard are staying at the northern coast of Tanisetogawa without moving. Furthermore, Sorin’s 20000 bodyguard unit that occupied the northern hills hardly moves an inch.
“Sorin’s 20000 bodyguard units and Tachibana detached forces are deployed for the sake of block the decoy unit and Tsuri no Buse. Kuroda Kanbei should’ve been intended to confront Shimazu 40000 soldiers with only 30000 vanguard units. When I see the forest of Hyuga moving, as expected from the strategist of the one who reign over the world – the Oda clan. Shimazu military tactic didn’t get through. But I was astonished. Its incomprehensible”
Yoshihisa wasn’t able to understand the meaning of Tachibana forces reckless charge. Its certain that they ignore Kuroda Kanbei’s command. What she understand clearly is that in this situation both Toshihisa and Iehisa are in danger. Though they are superior in number, the bombardment to Taka castle from Kunikuzushi were quickly changed by Kanbei to the melee fight and the level of bizarre fighting spirit that are released by the officers of Tachibana army which were led by the legendary “Raijin” Tachibana Dosetsu were all beyond expectation. Even though the Shimazu army have met many deadly predicament through piles of repeated battles, they don’t have experience about encountering such powerful enemy. Furthermore, its said to be the first campaign of the young warrior – Tachibana Muneshige with her prideful astounding bravery that not even Iehisa’s Teppo squad barrage could hit her.
If she sit down just like this then Toshihisa and Iehisa will be killed before they can lure Otomo army.
“Shimazu Yoshihisa 17000 main force will go down from Neshirosaka and cross Takigawa! If this reckless charge of Tachibana army are part of Kuroda Kanbei’s strategy then in reverse, Shimazu army will be lured out instead……but I cannot possibly let Iehisa-chan and Toshihisa-chan to die without helping them……!”
Shimazu Yoshihisa army has advanced……
…
…
At the same time, Shimazu Yoshihiro who set up a camp at the center of Neshirosaka with 12000 core unit for Tsuri no Buse,
“forgive me Sagara Yoshiharu. the strength of Tachibana forces that has charged to Takigawa while abandoning their path for retreat from the beginning for the sake of dying an honorable death are not ordinary. With Tachibana forces has also block the path for retreat for Iehisa army which has just appeared from Taka castle, Iehisa and Toshihisa will die as well. its necessary to defeat that dreaful young warrior Tachibana Muneshige. I have no choice but to fight personally!”
She gave an order to charge to the whole army and straddle her horse “Hizaori Kurige” to charge at Takigawa by herself.
Fresh Shimazu army dashed out from Neshirosaka. They are a large army with a total number of 29000 soldiers. They rush to Kawahara sandbank in order to annihilate 3500 Tachibana soldiers.
“Sorin’s 20000 bodyguard units didn’t move until the end. The problems are the 30000 vanguard units that Kuroda Kanbei command. Even if we took an advantage from crushing the Tachibana force in order to cross Tanisetogawa, could we use Tsuri no Buse to the enemy of Shimazu army? or else……”
I don’t understand the reason why the regulation of Otomo army has fall into complete disorder.
Now I just need to fight the enemies in front of me without hesitation.
“Shimazu Isshin Yoshihiro has come! Well done Tachibana Muneshige-dono! You are indeed “Nishikoku Muso”! I request a duel from you!”
The Takegami – Shimazu Yoshihiro’s sortie has changed the situation of the war.
The Shuras of Tachibana force who keep on advancing even if they are stabbed or shot had become slightly restless.
When Tachibana Muneshige who charged towards Takigawa while breaking through the barrage of Tanegashima bullet with Takahashi Shoun who continues to protect his daughter on foot recognize the figure of Hizaori Kurige at the other side of the horizon,
“she is the Takegami of Shimazu clan……if at least one arrow is still remain”
She muttered unintentionally. If she approached, if she jumped into Shimazu Yoshihiro’s katana attack range then Muneshige’s charge will end there.
However, Muneshige has no time to hesitate.
Shimazu Yoshihiro charge straight only to Muneshige while having a sharp glint from her eyes. Any person who tried to come in contact with will be knocked down. Her swordmanship is so fast that it cannot be seen. There is no wasted movement. There is no hesitation. Yoshihiro’s katana spilt the enemies’ vital point with a single blow. Yoshihiro would shed tears for the allied or enemy Shura who died and pray that their souls may rest in peace after the battle ended. She never hesitate when she was fighting. She will knock down every enemy in front of her eye with full strength. It might be Shimazu Yoshihiro’s courtesy in the battlefield.
“oi oi. What the heck is that? She is totally like Ryofu! She is more of a monster than I had heard! She is truly Oni-Shimazu, namusanda!”
“Oyaji-dono, I will go! That person is the last obstacle that I should surpass! If I can defeat Shimazu Yoshihiro……then we can win this war! no. I won’t be able to arrive at Takigawa if I don’t defeat her! I will surpass her even I would lose one or both of my arm!”
Tachibana Muneshige dashed forward to Shimazu Yoshihiro. The horse charged.
Soldiers who blocked between those two path are simultaneously scattered left and right.
“that young samurai is a monster who has mastered Taisha-ryu and even learned Shoun-ryu Battou-jutsu “Zan-Dan”, Nee-san! Furthermore, she doesn’t hesitate to die at all! She is the ultimate Shura who has been raised just to die for this war! its dangerous even for Nee-san!”
Tachibana Muneshige’s route are slightly bended by Yoshihiro’s appearance……Toshihisa who has just been raised to horseback by Iehisa who use the first last chance from when her Ane fell down due to injury, restrained Yoshihiro.
However, Shimazu Yoshihiro laughed.
When she thought that such kind of samurai is still hidden inside this Kyushu, her fighting spirit which overflowed from her body cannot be suppressed.
“its alright Toshihisa. I have a Hi-Ken to cut a monster……it’s a tiger cub that I intended to be used against Kai Soun, but I cannot help but to use it! Tachibana Muneshige-dono, let’s duel!”
“Shimazu’s Hi-Ken……if you keep being silent about it, my head would be lost in an instant from that sword technique. Shimazu Isshin-dono, you will regret it!”
“there is no regret! Shura who assumed this war as their first campaign aren’t only you. Taisha-ryu Goroshi no Hi-Ken that I have trained together with Tougou Shigetaka. “Satsuma Jigen-ryu”……!”
Yoshihiro take out the Tachi that she keep sheathed inside the scabbard until now……it’s a specialized weapon “Odachi” that she hold up high over her head. I was just like a Zanbato.
Furthermore, Yoshihiro didn’t show any intention of defending. She didn’t think about her back when she swing that sword, it’s a stance of certain death blow. Muneshige’s helmet, armor and horse, all of them will be bisected by single blow from all of her might. Beyond that point……she didn’t think about her own life from the beginning. It’s a strong sword that give one’s own life for each one kill at a time. Kura-ki Tsukai with self-taught wicked sword are needed to take down Kai Shoun. For that purpose, the Shimazu treasured young genius of sword – Toudou Shigetaka were sent for an ascetic journey to the capital of Kyoto. He combined Taisha-ryu Kenjutsu and Togoku Kenjutsu to sweep over Kyushu. The Shura Goroshi no Hi-Ken. Yoshihiro’s mind didn’t think about her own life after killing Muneshige. She must cut her. Iehisa and Toshihisa were knocked down by the death soldiers of Tachibana forces that were being led by this “Nishikoku Musou”.
“my strong sword is the certain kill “Shoken Goroshi”. Taisha-ryu aren’t acceptable. Muneshige-dono, prepare yourself……!”
The Odachi that Yoshihiro hold is much longer. That is the sword of Takegami. It’s a stance that are full of opening. Yoshihiro is risking her own life. It would be unreachable even if she hammered it down from there. If the first strike are missed……no, it can’t miss. Muneshige who is in her horseback tried with a small possibilities of stopping Yoshihiro’s strong sword with her own sword. However, it was clear that it would be a miracle if her sword are just merely broken or her helmet broken from resisting without having her head bisected.
Ah. If I have my Ken-Nagamitsu in my grasp at this moment of death, I might be able to stop it. I regretted my immaturity.
Certainly, she came down to this battlefield to die. But it was too early to hand over Ken-Nagamitsu to Ginchiyo as a keepsake. After all, its her first campaign. She will lose because of her optimistic sentiment. Soon Yoshihiro will unleash her Odachi. The strong sword which are unleashed from a strange art that abandon one’s own defenses. Its impossible to estimate what kind of swordmanship it is. Its definitely a sword of Shoken Goroshi. Muneshige realized that her life will come to an end here. Just a bit more, she would arrive at Takigawa.
“……Muneshige is an unworthy child. Good bye. Gifu-jo. Oyaji-dono”
However……
Yoshihiro wasn’t able to swing down that Odachi.
“if anything, this would be called as cowardice but……I will not let you kill my daughter in place of another step!”
There is one person who forced through to the personal combat between Muneshige and Yoshihiro.
Takahashi Shoun was about to cut Hizaori Kurige that Yoshihiro rides.
“daughter!? She is a daughter?!”
“Oyaji-dono!?”
“don’t avert your eyes! Look at the Hi-Ken of the Takegami, Muneshige! good bye!”
Yoshihiro on the horseback is brandishing her Odachi in Tonbo no Kamae and holding off Shoun’s sword with only footwork. If she use Jigen-ryu Shoken Goroshi to Takahashi Shoun, she may probably be able to bisect Takahashi Shoun into two. However, that swordmanship were observed by Tachibana Muneshige. “Yoshihiro-Nee!” Iehisa supported her with Tanegashima but she cannot comprehend Shoun’s Zan-Dan through the handling of his sword. In any case, its impossible for even Yoshihiro to cut down two Shura at the same time. If she cut one of them, the swordmanship of Jigen-ryu will be seen through and her life will be cut down. She has no choice but to cut one of them with Taisha-ryu. But can she cut such a strong man who has already know about her skill with Taisha-ryu? Which one should be cut in order to protect Iehisa and Toshihisa……Yoshihiro slightly hesitated on which one that she should cut, the father or the daughter. The one on one combat was over. No. Shoun throw away his fame as a Shura to barge in and discard and destroy the manner of one on one battle. After Shimazu Teppo squad that were being led by Iehisa has gathered all at once, “shoot!” they aimed at the father daughter duo of Muneshige and Shoun but they were stopped by the sword of Zan-Dan. Because they cannot shot Yoshihiro by mistake, its not possible to shot them without mercy and make their body full of holes.
And, at this time……
“NamuHachiman Daibosatsu, I beseech your aid against my enemy! The last power from this body……! Give life once more to this leg which has withered completely!”
On top of the palanquin, he make his palanquin to charge at Yoshihiro while personally releasing Tanegashima. “charge, charge!” the “Raijin” Tachibana Dosetsu who keeps on screaming stabbed his own Kodachi next to his paralyzed sword.
Is it willpower? Is it stubbornness?
“nuooooooooooooooh!!! Shoun! Its my duty to become a sacrifice for Muneshige! not yet, half of my body is still alive!”
Although Tachibana Dosetsu moved half of his body which are paralyzed……he went down from his palanquin on his own and stood upon the earth.
The Shuras of both side who wield spears and swords in the battlefield, held their breath for an instant.
Shimazu Yoshihiro too was not an exception.
“………don’t tell me………?”
At this time, Yoshihiro watched the legendary “Raijin” in the figure of Dosetsu who has become a demon and stood in front of her. She was enthralled by the miracle that this old Shura has caused. Its neither an ally nor an enemy anymore.
“Shimazu Isshin! A person who is distracted by the enemy is a fool!”
Tachibana Dosetsu’s body, even though he moved for one and two steps, his body greatly shook. His leg which still haven’t recover yet was about to collapse. After Dosetsu stabbed his Kodachi personally to the instep, his body is fixed unto the earth.
“with this, there is no retreat. Until the remaining half of my body dies, I will not fall down, I will not retreat!”
Then he draw out “Chidori” that once cut a lightning.
Dosetsu’s body step in for an appropriate opportunity to bisect Yoshihiro on her horseback.
Hizaori Kurige quickly folded its foreleg to let Yoshihiro to stand on the ground. Even this Takegami – Shimazu Yoshihiro cannot cut this Raijin from horseback. Instead, its disadvantageous. Stood by one’s own leg and swing the sword with full strength. Beside there is no technique that can cut the Raijin who has sever his own path of retreat. Hizaori Kurige who read the ideas that flashed out spontaneously in Yoshihiro’s mind, faithfully carried out that intention……
Takegami – Shimazu Yoshihiro stand on her own feet.
With this, both sides are even……!
“this will be my last blow in my life. show it. Show your “Satsuma Jigen-ryu”. If you don’t, you will be defeated by me! “Chidori”……”Raikiri”!”
…
…
Shimazu Yoshihisa and Shimazu Yoshihiro army have advanced. In the meantime, a clash between Shimazu Yoshihiro and Tachibana Muneshige and her two fathers are about to begin.
Three camps that are deployed on the northern coast of Tanisetogawa, the Otomo 30000 vanguard units will not let Tachibana forces to die a honorable death! And so they started to cross the river all at once.
“my name were bestowed from one character from Sorin-sama and Dosetsu-dono’s name. Dosetsu-dono we will not let you die! This Kamachi Muneyuki will boldly break Strategist-dono scheme! All forces, cross the river! Scatter Shimazu army! the compensation of violating the martial law is my white haired head!”
The aged Gishou – Kamachi Muneyuki.
“my Otouto is too absurd. Following Dosetsu-jiisan with his own child until the last moment……with an enemy ten times greater than their own, won’t he be annihilated? I cannot stand it any longer. All forces cross the river! Tell it to Kuroda Kanbei, once everything is over we will commit seppuku so just be silent and observe!”
Takahashi Shoun’s biological Ane – Yoshihiro Shigenobu.
And Kuroda Kanbei’ Vice strategist who moved the 10000 soldiers that she substantially led – Tsunokuma Sekisou.
“Kuroda Kanbei-dono. Your excellent plan failed when Shimazu army captured Neshirosaka first. Among your plan which is to entrap Tsuri no Buse were also failed when Tachibana Muneshige-dono charge. After Shimazu army gives up their Tsuri no Buse tactic, their whole army cross the river. From now on, I will cross the river with the young soldiers and have a showdown with Shimazu army. according to the “Ki”, perhaps Otomo army will be defeated but……in Otomo army there are still an untouched 20000 bodyguard units that Kanbei-dono arranged. Please, I want Sorin-sama to safely escape from here. I entrust the later measures after this. But the bad plan that you prepared in case that the excellent and medium plan failed, I fear that it would need you to make sacrifices. I hope that you won’t ever use it”
All of them rejected Kanbei’s command and moved out.
“Tachibana Dosetsu is my student. I will deal with this unworthy student who is going to helplessly die while foolishly ignoring Kanbei-dono’s solid plan”
…
…
“koraa!!! wait!!!! No good, no good, no good!!! We cannot win against Shimazu army with this! A-a-aaaaahhh……! Both army will be annihilated……! This plan that Simon has elaborately polished, as expected, failed at one step before it completed……! Is this Simon’s limit?……uh……uh……”
Kanbei who were left behind in her strategist exclusive 2 wheeled vehicle, covered her face.
Konoe Sakihisa who is wearing an iron mask turned to Kanbei’s foothold and mutter.
“Kuroda Kanbei. With this, the medium plan are probably failed too. The elaborately polished plan that you play for all or nothing to save Sagara Yoshiharu and Oda Nobuna……seemed to end in failure”
Konoe Sakihisa continued his words.
“the excellent plan is to capture the important area Neshirosaka earlier that Shimazu army and completely surround Taka castle, making their reserve army to give up and conclude a reconciliation in exchange of Iehisa’s life. the medium plan which is the last move is to bring sudden and unexpected reconciliation when both sides of the army are glaring to each other by sending Tachibana detachment forces from the west mountain and force out the Tsuri no Buse. none of them has been attained. The last move that you prepared for the medium plan was too late. It was delayed for some reason. Its possibly come to naught. Although I just don’t feel like it but……will you remove my iron mask and use the bad plan?”
“of course. I was determined to use it if the plan has failed. The reason why I didn’t told about my true intention to the three commanders of the vanguard units and Sagara Yoshiharu who is in Sou camp is because it would be a problem if the execution of the bad plan is disturbed. Let’s do it” Kanebi nodded while having tears in her eyes.
“yare yare. Kuroda Kanbei. You are consumed by the ambition to conquer Kyushu and the whole country and run out of control. You conspire with the namban Gaspard and betray Oda clan. you arrest the messenger of peace and your former master Sagara Yoshiharu as well as the Kanpaku Konoe Sakihisa and commit all kinds of tyranny…….right? after you told me the truth immediately after you arrest me at Mushiga, I have been stuck to do an extremely long monkey show” Konoe Sakihisa takes his iron mask by himself while smiling wryly. He stood up as if nothing has happened.
There is neither white pain and black tooth on his face. Its his real face.
“when I use such kind of mask, thing are getting steamy and I can’t apply makeup. Somehow there is an uncomfortable feeling to stand out in the battlefield with my real face. Was it ever since the Kanto expedition with Uesugi Kenshin……?”
“Konoe Sakihisa. Drove this 4 wheeled vehicles and take Simon to the center of the battlefield. And cut my head for the war crime of swindling Otomo Sorin to cause this great war”
“I understand. I will take responsibility for the failed foolish plan of incorrigibly seduces Otomo Sorin and brought a peace. Otomo Sorin didn’t demand love from a man except Sagara Yoshiharu”
Konoe Sakihisa started to paint his face with white powder and blacken his tooth.
Abandoning the defense of Tachibanayama and Iwaya castle is virtually presenting Chikuzen to Ryuzoji Takanobu. But Kanbei folded it in the favorite plan which is the medium plan and the tide of war has changed. Kanbei’s medium plan should’ve gone well. The appearance of Otomo detached force to both sides who lack any decisive trump card, should’ve literally able to bring out a sudden and unexpected reconciliation. If a reconciliation are established immediately, they would’ve been able to rescue Oda Nobuna and Akechi Mitsuhide from their predicament by commanding Otomo army to make a great return to Honshu from Hyuga and confining the Mori army from the back.
However, the appearance of the detached force that advance through the mountain, was it a coincidence or inevitable that it looks like “the forest of Hyuga start attacking”? at that time when Otomo Sorin talked about the prophecy to Sagara Yoshiharu, Kanbei was together with Sagara Yoshihi.
Gaspard bet on such possibility that Sorin would be despaired by the way of salvation called “love” and shoot Yoshiharu by putting together Sorin and Yoshiharu at Mushiga.
Kanbei had to protect Yoshiharu’s life from Gaspard. But if she personally guard Sorin’s mansion then Yoshiharu himself will realized that she didn’t actually betray Oda clan and Yoshiharu. Then trouble would happen once it comes to the time when they have to carry out the bad plan. Therefore, she gave an order to Tachibana Muneshige to guard Sorin’s mansion.
As a result……Tachibana Muneshige was able to know the content of the prophecy while Kanbei wasn’t able to know it. That produced a miscalculation as the charge of Tachibana army.
Kanbei’s plan was literally a tactic that gambles everything. Kanbei had already done a determination equal to Yamamoto Kansuke who tried to settles the end with Uesugi Kenshin by using woodpecker tactic. Oda Nobuna’s and Otomo Sorin’s destiny were all carried and fought unto her shoulder as a strategist. But the plan that Kanbei unleashed coincidently happened with the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin……the future of Sorin’s downfall.
Kanbei bet on a surprise move of making a stalemate at the battle of Taka castle in order to accomplish the difficult mission of forming a reconciliation between Otomo Sorin and Shimazu clan. She performed such reckless gambling and was losing on that bet. “Raijin” Tachibana Dosetsu. Takahashi Shoun. “Nishikoku Musou” Tachibana Muneshige who commanded the bodyguard units and protect Sorin. And the three Shura generals who were selected by Kanbei as the commander of the vanguard units in a hurry. Every available pieces has already been cast by Kanbei at the state of war. Now, each one of those pieces are begin to charge without permission. As if it was destined that this reckless charge was totally determined form the beginning……
(furthermore, the piece that I cast as the last move hasn’t return yet. As expected, it was impossible. It wasn’t in time. If only there is no Tachibana clan mysterious charge or……or if didn’t use Kunikuzushi to support Tachibana clan. If I abandon Tachibana clan to be annihilated……no, there is no use in saying that. There is no cases that the plan that a strategist thought in the battlefield would be 100% realized)
Now the only piece left at Kanbei’s hand……Konoe Sakihisa.
Kanbei has rudely treated the Kampaku Konoe who is the messenger of peace from Yamato-Gosho which are equal for being the person closest to head of Shimazu clan. She put an iron mask and a collar to him and dragged him around. In this battlefield he was captured as a hostage and were taken out to the frontline. He was shown in front of Shimazu clan after being packed behind the strategist exclusive 4 wheeled vehicle. A letter was sent to Shimazu army saying “if you want Konoe Sakihisa to be returned, then accept my demand”.
It would be nice if either one of Kanbei’s excellent or medium plan succeeded. But both the excellent and medium plan has ended in failure and the two sides cannot immediately reconciled. Kanbei voluntarily let herself be tempted by Gaspard and cause this crusade in order to become a “villain” to settle this dispute.
A sacrifice is needed in order to conclude a peace for this great war that has started.
Iehisa who were surrounded at Taka castle was originally would commit seppuku but it would be far more reasonable if she was taken as a hostage by the Otomo clan. Iehisa herself have that kind of resolution when she enter Taka castle. But in that case, it would be impossible to gain peace. The unity of Shimazu 4 sisters is solid. If Iehisa dies, the remaining sisters would never forgive Otomo clan. They would continue fighting until both sides has fallen. And the three Ane would not accept that Iehisa would be taken as the hostage for Otomo clan that easily. It would take 100 days to negotiate. And then there will be no time to rescue Oda Nobuna. Therefore Kanbei continued acting like a villain for the sake of that one moment where she has to execute the bad plan. Otomo clan. shimazu clan. Nobuna. Sagara Yoshiharu. She carry all of those people’s grudge upon her shoulder.
Kanbei didn’t believe about her future as a second rate from Gaspard from the very beginning. She doubt the authenticity of Platonic Solid that Gaspard use. Although it’s a treasure tool that can show the future, its not the future that Yoshiharu had intervene. There has to be some kind of trick to it. No, even if the Platonic Solid is real, Kanbei’s future as a second rate will not come.
The fate are not fixed. The future can be changed. Even if its impossible through the power of a single person, it can be done through the hearts of many peoples.
Kanbei had saw the moment when a person conquer his own destiny many times before. She had often experienced itself.
In Harima……Takenaka Hanbei who should’ve died in the middle of attacking Miki castle was able to gain ten years of life.
First of all, Kanbei who had known about Hanbei’s destiny, was charging to Ukita Naoie in order to change Hanbei’s destiny of her death.
As a result, Kanbei was thrown into underground jail and beckon another fate where her visage and body would crumble at a place without light.
Kanbei’s own intellect had made her realize that she had no power in front of such of a huge destiny.
However……
Sagara Yoshiharu didn’t abandon any of Kanbei’s and Hanbei’s fate. He worked hard until the end without abandoning anything.
Zenki had become a shield to Yoshiharu.
Yoshiharu rescued Kanbei after break through Ukita Naoie’s trap.
At the same time, Matsunaga Hisahide who knew about Hanbei’s resolution at Kiyomizu-dera worked together with Goemon to obtain Ranja-tai in Todai-ji and rescue Hanbei from the brink of death.
Hanbei and Kanbei.
The destiny of the two people has changed.
(destiny cannot be conquered through the power of one person. However when people’s intention, thought and feelings comes together, a miracle would happen. However, miracles cannot happen every time. Regrettably, the people’s intention changed little by little and in the end they cannot escape from destiny anymore……so its now. Tachibana clan have some beautiful intention as well. One that they cannot abandon. Surely it was necessary to keep it a secret. Simon as well. Sagara Yoshiharu. Sagara Yoshihi. Gaspard. It would be troublesome if they are being suspected by Hagakure-Shinobi squad that were being led by Nabeshima Naoshige. Not having any chance to mutually understood each sides intention……is probably the cause of today’s result)
Kanbei learned about the most important things as a strategist from Hanbei who were prepared for death at Yumesakigawa.
At that time, Hanbei entrusted everything to Kanbei and intended to die.
{Kanbei, a strategist will cloud his wisdom if he didn’t keep a clean and calm heart}
Kanbei keep continue the act of a betrayer while repeatedly pray about Hanbei’s words in her mind. She had endured. There was a possibility that she could hide her true feeling until the end even if she was in front of Sagara Yoshiharu. however, it was still painful. Because it was painful, Kanbei distanced herself from him after putting Yoshiharu a prisoner under Sorin and Muneshige’s supervision while in the middle of marching to Taka castle. If she endured the pain of her heart and marched together with Yoshiharu or if they can see through each other intention then a miracle might occurred.
(Sagara corps will lose one of its proud “Two Strategist” here. It would be nice if Sagara Yoshihi who were kept in the jail at Mushiga become successor of Simon who are shut in Shoshazan. I was convinced after I talk to Yoshihi at the jail of Mushiga just the two of us……as expected, Sagara Yoshihi had a capacity and resourcefulness as a vice general rather than being a strategist. Her passion which love Sagara Yoshiharu as her Otouto was genuine. It would be more than enough to fill the empty hole when Simon leave. She would surely heart the wound of Sagara Yoshiharu’s heart due to Simon’s death)
Aah.
I wanted to meet Takenaka Hanbei once last time.
“could I truly be a true strategist……like a Josui” Kanbei thought.
(Simon’s death is a bit too early but if I thought of it as an exchange for Hanbei’s life of ten years then the balance is accepted. The battle between Shimazu and Otomo army will be stopped in exchange of Simon’s head. Although Simon will vanish from the earth, if Sagara Yoshiharu survived then Mori army’s advancement will certainly be stopped. Hanbei and Oda Nobuna are rescued. I am worried about Gaspard’s existence but……it will be alright. Sagara Yoshiharu would surely gain Sorin’s trust. He will heal the wound of Sorin’s heart)
Its strange.
For some reason the memory when I was being shut inside the underground jail at Shoshazan have revived.
At that time Kanbei was suffering from fear.
There is a light in the darkness.
Yoshiharu come to save her.
Yoshiharu hug her.
…
{Yoshiharu. let go off me. Its painful}
{shut up! If I let you go then you will disappear again! I won’t let you go anymore!}
{……I won’t go again. I won’t disappear like that again}
{then promise me!}
{I won’t go. I won’t go without saying anything again}
{if you do such selfish things again, I won’t forgive you!}
…
“I break the promise from that time. I am sorry” Kanbei muttered while turning her face down.
“Simon is……would Sagara Yoshiharu believe a traitor? Would he seriously abandon me? He would be injured if that he left any feeling for Simon……”
“his feeling will remain. Your death will hurt Sagara Yoshiharu. no matter how much you did such monkey show, that person doesn’t hate you. but Sagara Yoshiharu’s will to rescue Oda Nobuna has been accomplished”
“fufu. I guess so Konoe”
“a pain will only last a moment Kuroda Kanbei. If you are a man, then die graciously. If this Kampaku Konoe Sakihisa cut your head as a war crime then you would unexpectedly stopped these two army dispute. However, if it turn to be a fierce battle like this then the probability that the bad plan succeed if only 30%......its hardly 100%. This is why its called as a bad plan”
“wait a minute. Simon is a girl”
“……eh?!”
“you are a girl??!! Is that true? You want a Kampaku to cut a girl?! What one earth are you suddenly saying? If you are a girl in the first place then why didn’t you comprehend my beauty?!!” Konoe was confused. “……Simon don’t remember that I was dressed like a man but……I am still a kid. Fu fu I already don’t feel any misery anymore. If I was a boy then you might be able to kill me without regret. It’s a death sutiable for a second rate strategist……gusun” Kanbei “well, lets go Konoe Sakihisa” let him to take her strategist exclusive 4 wheeled car to the riverside.
The mask is removed. When Konoe Sakihisa who had applied his white painted make up and dyed his tooth black moved the 4 wheeled vehicles, the Shimazu army wasn’t able to attack the 4 wheeled vehicle where the strategist of Otomo clan sit upon. Even though Shimazu army lives in Sengoku era but they still respect and worship Konoe clan which is close to their own clan head.
Of course the soldiers of Otomo army cannot interfere with the sudden strange behavior of the strategist who personally moved to the frontline.
Anyone who blocked Kanbei’s advance has left.
No one block her path.
“Simon’s plan……as always, only when the moment is like this that it goes on smoothly” Kanbei thought.
Kuroda Kanbei arrived at the frontline of Kawahara sandbank by using her strategist exclusive 4 wheeled vehicle to cross the river.
When Konoe Sakihisa asked “are you ready?” from Kanbei’s back, she nodded……
A voice that halted Kanbei was resounded.
It was a nostalgic voice.
It was similar to that time……it was the same voice as that time when Kanbei was rescued from being imprisoned at the underground jail at Shoshazan.
“ooi wait Kanbei! Didn’t I told you at that time that I won’t forgive you if you did such things again??!!”
Kanbei thought it was a hallucination to her ear.
“don’t look back, if I look back the life of that important person will be lost” Kanbei suppressed her desire to turn her head back. She suppressed it desperately.
However her waist was caught from behind and she was made to turn around against her will……
“don’t do such evil things and die selfishly! Don’t break your promise from that time!”
Sagara Yoshiharu.
Why did he come?
“even if Otomo clan is stopped by your head, the Shimazu clan who are not your acquaintance will not stop. If you brought Gaspard’s head who is the ringleader that incited Sorin to attack Hyuga then Shimazu force would stop. But Gaspard has already anticipate your plan and separates himself with Sorin to Takachiho. Only my head that you can use”
“you idiot!” Kanbei was hitting Yoshiharu’s chest.
“why are you here?!! I left you and Yoshihi to Sorin so why??!”
“Yoshihi-Neesan is with Sorin. Yoshihi-Neesan would definitely protect Sorin until the end. Therefore, I was able to come to you. There is a significant reason when the two “Sagara Yoshiharu” encounter each other”
Half an hour before.
At the time when Kanbei begun moved her vehicle to execute her bad plan.
At Sou camp of Otomo army……after receiving a blow from Muneshige and knocked down, Sagara Yoshiharu who had finally stood up and thought over the last words that Muneshige leave while staring at the battlefield with his own eyes, he finally understood.
The bad plan that Kuroda Kanbei had prepared is to make herself a war criminal and let Konoe cut her head. Its literally a bad plan to forcibly stop the battle.
Therefore all of this time she was performing a play of “deceiving Gaspard by becoming an Akukan, betrayed the Oda clan and openly reveal her ambition to unify Kyushu and stole the world”.
Tachibana clan try to die a noble death at Hyuga to overturn the prophecy.
Muneshige who is aware of her unnatural fate after incidentally know the prophecy during the night at Mushiga, nevertheless went towards death to save Sorin from the prophecy.
Muneshige choose to accomplish Dosetsu andShoun’s earnest wish and that is to save Sorin from being bound and suffer by the prophecy.
If they can penetrate and rout Shimazu army which has charged into Kawahara sandbank and if Otomo clan could win miraculously, at that same moment Muneshige can accomplish her mission to die at Takigawa and liberates Sorin from her endless cycle of killing her Otouto. The decline of Otomo clan could be prevented.
But its useless.
Because there is Takegami – Shimazu Yoshihiro in Shimazu army.
And Muneshige’s unbreakable and unbending Meito – Ken Nagamitsu are being stabbed to the earth inside Sou camp.
When Muneshige turned to her death, she handed it over to her wife Ginchiyo.
(its useless. Muneshige. its useless! No matter what kind of technique, no matter how much fighting spirit you have, if its comes to a battle between the strongest, the quality of your armament will decide the outcome of the battle! Even though you are called the “Nishikoku Musou”, you cannot block Yoshihiro’s one sure hit killer move without using Ken-Nagamitsu!)
Kanbei has already started to execute the bad plan without waiting the last move of the medium plan. The evidence is that Konoe who had removed his mask has carry Kanbei in her 4 wheeled vehicle to cross the river. Yoshiharu was able to understand the meaning of Kanbei’s action. Both sides have begun an all-out war. If they decided to keep waiting for the last move any further then Tachibana clan and then Shimazu sisters will die in battle. If its like that then the last move will be useless. Both sides has no choice but to keep on fighting desperately until they are destroyed. Everything has become too late.
There shouldn’t be any hatred between Otomo and Shimazu clan. There is no necessity for them to do such extermination war. so why does it become like this? Just because each people’s fate slightly crossed with other at the same time, they all charged ahead to a tragic ending.
Yoshiharu whose injury still hasn’t recovered yet coughed “*cough*cough” while talking to Yoshihi.
“Yoshihi-Neesan. Kanbei will die! Muneshige will also die! I have to stop Kanbei!”
He shouted in a voice like a scream.
He quickly told the content of the prophecy to Yoshihi.
With that alone, the wise Yoshihi immediately understood everything.
“is that so? To have become like that sort of situation. In case that I entered Mushiga, I have to be arrested and kept away from Sorin”
“it can’t be helped. Kanbei was cautious of Yoshihi-Neesan who hold deeper familial love than anyone. If she let Yoshihi-Neesan to get in contact with Sorin, Sorin would change her minds and Kanbei’s strategy will be greatly thrown out of order”
“but Kanbei transferred me into Sou camp! Kanbei entrusted a little bit of hope to me. I know that person’s true intention!”
“it might like that too……if she take Yoshihi-Neesan to the frontline, you might get involved and killed in battle. In case that she died, she wanted to leave Yoshihi-Neesan under me”
“hpmh. It’s a skillful act of betrayal. I am much better than Kanbei when it comes to posing as a villain. Should I go to Kanbei to stop her Yoshiharu?”
“even though I stop Yoshihi-Neesan, didn’t you still went towards Hibikinohara?”
“……chi. You can’t talk back to me”
In reality Yoshiharu want to stay a little bit with Sorin“……Muneshige. Dosetsu. Shoun. This. This is. If I weren’t bound by the prophecy……I wouldn’t let Tachibana clan to die in such worst way” who is stricken with guilt and sorrow. I might be the logic for Sorin in Mushiga. What Sorin requested is not logic but repentance. But fortunately, Yoshihi is in this Sou camp.
That time.
Sorin who sat down in a namban chair without being able to stand due to fear and sorrow, desperately caught Yoshiharu’s hand who was going to leave Sou camp.
“Sagara Yoshiharu. are you leaving as well? leaving Sorin in such a cruel world……”
“there are cruel things in the world but it wasn’t always like that Sorin. There are beautiful things too. Even if you found the evidence that the bad prophecy were proven right, in reality it was just an illusion. You yourself are only interpreting the word of the prophecy which has been accomplished right in front of your eyes. Don’t be tied with a word. If you want to believe in other people’s word then believe in the words of the person who say that he/she want to save you and not in the words of the old women who cursed you”
“……Sagara Yoshiharu. are you also a person who wished to save me?”
“of course. You aren’t a slave to fate. You can choose the words and faith that will lead you by your own will. I didn’t become your lover in Mushiga but I didn’t deny you. I don’t think that you are inferior than Nobuna”
“really? Now and then, I am always being compared to Oda Nobuna by Xavier-sama and Gaspard-sama”
“its true. You aren’t alone. Tachibana Dosetsu, Takahashi Shoun and Muneshige are also here for you. And there is a lot of retainers who are going to die and fight so that you will live. I haven’t met them but I understand. Dosetsu didn’t regret about being struck by thunder and paralyzed to rescue you. But still, half of body survived. its possible for him to offer of his healthy body to you. I think that Dosetsu is glad that he has miraculously survived. Therefore, he has been worked out this plan to break the prophecy with the remaining half of his body. A prophecy is not about what it is. I merely want you to believe in Dosetsu. How long do you think that they were thinking about you?”
“but Shiootomaru has died. Sorin’s Otouto, everybody surely bear a grudge against Sorin”
“none of your Otouto bear a grudge against you and blame you. Muneshige as well. Yoshihi-Neesan kept treating Tokuchiyo coldly all the time to follow her grandfather’s will. She kept her away. Tokuchiyo was thrown deep inside the mountain for many years. But Tokuchiyo didn’t bear a grudge against Yoshihi-Neesan and hate her. This is because Yoshihi-Neesan’s real intention has been transmitted to Tokuchiyo. Because you have lost your Otouto, you keep onsuffering until this much. Compared to Yoshihi-Neesan who has been separated from Tokuchiyo, you have suffered all the time for having lost all of your Otouto by death. Shioichimaru. Shiootomaru. Ouchi Teruhiro. Otomo Chikasada. Everyone, no one bears a grudge against you”
“……really……?”
“among the people you know, the person who is blaming you for not being able to protect your Otouto. Is you Sorin”
“……its cruel you know……saying such gentle words……enough……”
It was a defenseless tearful face, as if her mask has peeled off.
For the first time Yoshiharu see the real true face of Sorin.
However, Sorin quietly let go Yoshiharu’s hand while sobbing. She doesn’t restrained him any longer. Time is about to run out.
“Sagara Yoshiharu. I probably have felt this feeling. There nothing like this. Because right now you will…”
“you can cry after this battle ends. Sorin. I am sorry. I have to go”
There is no more moment to be delayed too. Yoshiharu jumped to a horse and took off.
Ginchiyo who is crying is clapping Yoshiharu’s back while clinging to the weeping Sorin.
And Yoshihi who entrusted to Sorin by Yoshiharu, muttered while being next to Sorin who cover her face on the chair.
“……mattaku……I am dumbfounded you stupid Otouto. Sagara Yoshiharu. You are my……”
Yoshiharu could only hear until that much.
From a few moments ago, Yoshiharu’s consciousness returned to reality.
If only Kanbei’s real intention were noticed much earlier. Such as why Kanbei had seriously running wild and tricked him. If only Sorin’s request were noticed earlier. Sorin wasn’t asking for logic. She didn’t ask for a one night love. Sorin is merely……wanted to be forgiven by someone. As for why Sorin who couldn’t believe the existence of a god was attracted to Christianity was simply because she want to be forgiven.
(just like what Yoshihi-Neesan said, I am a complete idiot) Yoshiharu “pop” hit Kanbei’s head whom he held firmly in his arm while smiling bitterly.
“I will say this again Kanbei. Use my head to make the bad plan succeed”
“why did you……noticed that Simon wasn’t manipulated by Gaspard to attack Hyuga……to separate the troublesome Gaspard from Sorin and gather both army at Taka castle for the preparation of reconcilement for both army……even though you are thickheaded! Even though you are an idiot! Why is it that only at this time!”
“if I think about it now, the fact that you stopped the soldier girl who were about to kill me in Mushiga, the fact that you assign Muneshige to watch me and Sorin all night, the fact that you stationed me at Sou camp which is the safest place in the battlefield, I could understand that everything was actually meant to protect me. But I just noticed the real nature of the bad plan just a moment ago. The clear-headed Muneshige has completely takes the initiatives”
“why on earth did Muneshige suddenly leave Sou camp and charge?”
“Muneshige intent to defeat Shimazu army and break the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin in exchange of her life. Although I noticed that Muneshie were determined about something, I didn’t know what she was doing. The reason why Tachibana clan begun a death assault is because they want to overturn the prophecy of Sorin’s downfall that were given by the old women who call themselves as the envoy of Usa Hachiman-jin. I was forbidden to tell anybody by Sorin if I want to tell the content of the prophecy to you. because there wasn’t any chance for me to talk to you after being captured at Mushiga”
“the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin?!”
Yoshiharu summarized and informed Kanbei about the prophecy.
“damn it! So that’s how it is! Tachibana clan did the same thing like Simon who rushed to Ukita Naoie to save Hanbei’s fate!” Kanbei gnashed her teeth.
Meanwhile, the strategist vehicle carry Kanbei, Yoshiharu and Konoe is charging in full throttle towards the center of Kawahara sandbank in front of Taka castle.
“was Simon’s performance clumsy? Because I managed to deceived Sagara Yoshiharu, I thought that I should’ve been able to deceive Gaspard but Gaspard probably have noticed it too. The reason why Gaspard readily entrusted the command for the detached forces to Dosetsu……wasn’t because Gaspard has fallen to Simon’s plan but……probably because Gaspard who know about the prophecy has predicted that Tachibana clan would try to overturn the prophecy by doing suicide attack and die……” Kanbei who sat upon the throne groaned, “sorry Kanbei. I didn’t take the meaning of the prophecy “when the forest of Hyuga began to attack, Sorin will perish” seriously. For a man from the future, an oracle or prophecy are just a superstition. I wasn’t able to understand the impact and influence of a prophecy to people from Sengoku era. I wasn’t able to notice the reason why Muneshige was so confused, angry and grieved when she understood the prophecy. I should’ve learned a lesson from Honbyo temple about how much power of a prophecy to the human’s heart of this era……you should’ve be able to configure a perfect plan if the information of the prophecy is transmitted to you through Tarot cards” Yoshiharu apologizes while standing at Kanbei’s left side.
The origin of Honbyo temple decision to fight Oda clan was because there was a prophecy that “Osaka Honbyo temple will be destroyed in flames”.
At Kanbei’s right side, Konoe Sakihisa who has finished done his white painted makeup and dyed his teeth black, stand up. The 4 wheeled vehicle which was protected by a robust Shura have crossed over Tanisetogawa and finished running over to the frontline of Kawahara sandbank where both Otomo and Shimazu army clashed.
“Sagara Yoshiharu. we are now going to execute the bad plan de-ojaru. Kuorda Kanbei who is being tempted by Gaspard have raised Otomo Sorin to arbitrarily start this battle of Taka castle and ignore Himiko-sama’s imperial decree to reconciled Otomo and Shimazu army and saves Oda Nobuna. And Maro who is the Kampaku and being imprisoned by Kuroda Kanbei, after descended right into the middle of the battlefield will personally execute Kuroda Kanbei as a prove for the reconciliation for both army……this is the bad plan that Kuroda Kanbei prepared incase that excellent and medium plan failed de-ojaru. The reason why Kuroda Kanbei seriously playing like a villain all this time was for this moment de-ojaru”
“Konoe-jiisan. Unless its the head of the mastermind Gaspard who tempted Sorin to founded the Christian kingdom, Shimazu army which has entered to a fight will not stop. Even if you execute Kanbei, there won’t be any impact enough to stop Shimazu army who is in rage. But there is an exception. My head. For Iehisa who has become a Shura, Toshihisa, Yoshihiro and Yoshihisa as well……if you execute me who is “The man from the future who planned to plunder the world of Japan” and fell my head on the battlefield, then they would come to their senses. They wouldn’t be able to believe that made up story that I was having such ambition, right? My once in a lifetime selfishness would surely be accepted”
“the death of the present Genji. It’s a heartless poor plan that would left a wound in the heart of Shimazu 4 sisters de-ojaru. Look, the Tachibana clan and Shimazu sister have already engaged in direct battle de-ojaru. If we let them to fight any longer, perhaps people will keep on dying one after another. That is the only way to stop it de-ojaru”
“wait! You two, don’t do such a selfish things!”
Kanbei stand up from the throne and clung to Yoshiharu’s neck.
“Sagara Yoshiharu! if you die here, Hanbei will cry! moreover, why do you need to commit seppuku for Simon’s failure……?”
“I cannot commit seppuku. I wasn’t born as a samurai. Because this going to cause quite a pain, I want you to fell my head”
“it’s a figure of speech! Don’t go even though you said such fraud!”
At last, Kanbei begun to weep. “its not the strategist Kanbei if you cry” Yoshiharu whispered.
“Kanbei. You are the strategist who is in command. Isn’t there some duty left for you? even if Konoe-jiisan has forcibly bring an imperial decree to bring truce for bot army, if you are missing, who will command Otomo army to bring a great counter strike to Mori clan? only you who can do it. That’s why, mead head need to be cut”
“……you mustn’t die. You cannot die. Why do you see through Simon’s fake betrayal. As what Gaspard has said, when a great decisive have begun in Honshu, Simon should’ve destined to act violently in the midst of confusion at Kyushu! Even you know about it! That’s why, if I become an Akukan who schemed to conquer Kyushu…..then Gaspard and you, I thought that you would notice that I keep on deceiving you until the end……”
“wasn’t it painful to act like a villain Kanbei? You are always like that, voluntarily get a bad end of a bargain and got misunderstood as a person. Its your nature. You are a very good natured person. If I truly take your betrayal seriously forever, wouldn’t it become a problem for the strategist? Do you really think I would seriously abandon you the “betrayer”? you who charged alone to Ukita Naoie to change Hanbei’s fate?”
“……in the end……Sagara Yoshiharu. Simon wasn’t able to repay that favor of being saved by you at that time……on the contrary”
“don’t say such reserved things. What favor. There is no such troublesome things like that between me and you. I as for a miraculous great counter strike from Otomo army Kanbei. There is no time for delay anymore. Please stop the advance of Mori’s raging billows. Its possible to a big reversal if “Nishikoku Musou” Tachibana Muneshige survived. You can do it. Kuroda Kanbei. You are the best strategist on the world. I am begging you”
“……your loose teeth……stop that……Sagara Yoshiharu. you are……”
“this is not a last will. Not yet, the last move that you prepared to make the medium plan succeed has yet to be finished. Maybe it was just being delayed. During the blank moment at the battlefield when Konoe felled my head……it might arrive just barely in time. There is a little possibility that I would survive. So don’t give up until the end”
“but even the time is out. It isn’t your fault. At any rate, my life are destined to be used somewhere for the sake of Nobuna’s Tenka Fubu. Its only a coincidence that the time is now. its not your fault” Yoshiharu whispered while patting Kanbei’s back who cannot stop crying.
“hey Kanbei. Your back has grown”
“……shut up……don’t say gentle things anymore. It will be in time. It surely will be in time. Sagara Yoshiharu. until now, things never gone well until the end……although without Hanbei, nothing can be fulfilled……please believe in Simon’s resourcefulness”
“aah. I understand. I believe you. then lets begin”
“right there de-ojaru! We have carried out the vehicles to the distance where we can hear Tachibana clan and Shimazu Yoshihiro de-ojaru! We must carried out the bad plan now! Shimazu Yoshihiro and Tachibana Dosetsu, the distance between the two of them would bring certain death for both de-ojaru!” Konoe Sakihisa yell while pulling out his sword to sweep away arrows that pout like a storm. “his voice would become elegant once he removes his makeup. Why does his voices turned inside out when painting his face white?” Yoshiharu wondered.
“wait! The Shura generals of both army, stop the battle for a while de-ojaru! Maro is the envoy of Himiko-sama that were sent from Yamato Gosho! The Kampaku and the head of Fujiwara clan Konoe Sakihisa de-ojaru! Sagara Yoshiharu conspired to become a Kampaku himself to steal japan and aim to become Maro’s adopted son while being a vagrant from the future, he also interfere the reconciliation of both clans! This man, while he installed the princess of Owari Oda Nobuna to the seat of the ruler of the world and achieve an exceptional success in life, once his name is well known around the world, he deemed Oda Nobuna as unnecessary and boarded to Kyushu. He is a true villain who entices Shimazu 4 sisters and Otomo Sorin to raise a great war! he took a chance when Honshu was in disorder to become independent in Kyushu. He arrested Maro and build a new country as a Kampaku for himself. He is trying to reproduce “Emperor Jimmu Eastern Conquest” by advancing from Hyuga to Kinai and rule japan for himself! Even the namban Gaspard who occupied Takachiho where the grandson of the sun goddess descend upon the earth, are just a chess piece that were manipulated by this man from the future de-ojaru! everything has been investigated by Kuroda Kanbei! Maro will personally behead this man to protect Himiko-sama and dictates reconciliation for bot army de-ojaru!”
“ah. It was not in time. It doesn’t come. The person I am waiting come doesn’t come” Kuroda Kanbei was still waiting for the last move that would possibly end in failure while praying. Don Simon who is waiting for a miracle while hugging Yoshiharu’s body have lost the amount of time she has at last. The severed head of Sagara Yoshiharu will confuse bot army. this is the last resort to extend the time limit. There is nothing left for Kanbei anymore.
“goodbye de-ojaru, Sagara Yoshiharu. the man from the future who might become my son”
Sagara Yoshiharu step down on his knees and lower his head. He is going to receive “that moment” from under Konoe Sakihisa’s feet.
Ever since he came to Kyushu, he always has this vague feeling “I might die Kyushu without being able to meet Nobuna again”. It was a continuous danger ever since he was drifted to Yatsushiro. Being suddenly attacked by Kai Soun at Hitoyoshi castle. Having a fierce battle with Takegami – Shimazu Yoshihiro at Kizakihara. The decision of decapitation without hesitation by Yoshihiro who didn’t believe in future and fate. Gaspard’s plot of sneaking around in two and three group to surround and corner Yoshiharu. A risk of being extinct from the fact that “ I didn’t born from the beginning”. Hibikonahara. A night with Sorin in Mushiga. it was a miracle that he could live until now. its possible that all of it is for this one moment.
Iehisa, Toshihisa, Yoshihiro, Yoshihisa. All of Shimazu 4 sisters stop their hands all at once and staring at Yoshiharu who is kicked by Konoe on the 4 wheeled car and is going to have his neck cut. The Shuras who has seen his face from the opening of Amano-Iwato. Tachibana Dosetsu. Takahashi Shoun. And Tachibana Muneshige. everyone has spoken something. A shout.
At this moment. They have forgot the battle in front of their eyes.
“the bad plan……has succeeded” Yoshiharu thought.
At the same time at Takachiho……
“Don Simon who was already deceived by the word of my future foresight possibly intent to fight this battle in order to change her destiny as a strategist but……as expected, I has been successfully deceived by that young strategist of Zipangu”
The Christians soldier who were sent towards the ground of Shinto shrine, “there should be a Jusshushinpo that are comparable to the 3 Imperial Regalia or a treasure tool that surpass them sleeping inside Takachiho”. Gaspard continued his investigation while smiling to Frois who patiently observed him to prevent him to burn down Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine under the pretense of an investigation.
“it doesn’t seem that Otomo Sorin-sama have killed Sagara Yoshiharu at Mushiga. Sagara Yoshiharu reject the courtship from Sorin-sama’s seduction and then my prediction that Sorin-sama would despair from that bargain seemed to have missed. After Don Simon found out about my plan, she seemed to have taken some measures. But Sagara Yoshiharu who rejected Sorin-sama’s courtship, weren’t able to stop Otomo army advancement. Because Don Simon didn’t predict that Tachibana clan have prepared an honorable suicide attack to overturn the prophecy, the battlefield of Taka castle should’ve become a fierce battle right now. A sacrifice is necessary in order to forcibly stop the battle between Otomo and Shimazu army. if its becomes like that, Don Simon intent to voluntarily take that role but……Don Simon bear little relationship with Shimazu clan. Sagara Yoshiharu will, by his own volition, thought it will be a suitable time to cut his neck. The truth is, I don’t have any intent to kill or carrying out a plan to killing him……I took troubles at spending some time so that he will pass away without me killing him. But, it would be fine if he return to the future. although I didn’t want to take his life, it can’t be helped. Sagara Yoshiharu will fall down at last and at that time I will visit and become Oda Nobuna-sama’s new strategist”
“enough……isn’t there a person who will save Yoshiharu-san” Frois asked Gaspard while glaring at him.
“there is only one chance that he might survive. For the last move that Don Simon prepared to settle the battlefield, they will gain time until the person who will change the state of war appears. The last move that Don Simon prepared is absolutely powerful. It has the power to entirely overturn all of the pieces on board. But her strategy is too large scaled, if some point are delayed then inconsistency would appeared. Her calculation is late for several hours. Time is up”
“but then……if there is someone who could produce several hours in the battlefield……”
“no Frois. The whole Otomo and Shimazu army have clashed at Taka castle at this time. There is no person remaining who can retain the military power”
Frois who heard Gaspard’s victory speech “ha?!” opened her eyes wide.
“no! there is one person! A person who create a miracle!”
“……that is, who will?”
“there are still some in Otomo clan……the supreme commander Otomo-sama!”
“ooh? Sorin-sama you say?”
“that’s right! If she personally led 20000 bodyguard units to descend from the hill to the battlefield……when the uninjured 20000 soldiers moves then the situation at the battlefield will be changed in one go. Shimazu arm need to rearrange their formation in order to stop 20000 soldiers that are outside of their expectation. Then Simon-san and Yoshiharu-san would obtain some time even if just a little”
However, Gaspard shook his head and denied this miracle. “Sorin-sama is probably a person who never personally fight in the battlefield until now. Unfortunately, she didn’t have any courage……families, retainers and her own self, since she cannot believe in any of those, Sorin-sama cannot move. Therefore the battle of Taka castle can only stop in exchange of the head of “the mastermind who intent to deceive and surround both armies and capture Kyushu” – Sagara Yoshiharu. If I were to be in the battlefield of Taka castle, then my head would be more effective”
“Gaspard-sama. After you have calculated it until that extend, you pretend to lead the detached force and leave the frontline and then you easily handed over the military authority of the detached forces, right? Tachibana clan found out that they need to sink in Takigawa in order to overturn the prophecy. You knew the whole content of the prophecy. Did you use a technique of observation? I don’t know whether you have used other kinds of methods, but anyway about the prophecy of Otomo clan to Tachibana clan, you……you knew that in reality, Dosetsu-sama and Joun-sama knew about the prophecy”
“yes. After Sagara Yoshiharu who is the biggest obstacle of changing Nobuna-sama disappeared, both army will cease their fighting and reconciliation will be achieved and Don Simon will do a great counter attack and swiftly advances to Mori’s territories to achieve Sagara Yoshiharu’s last will. Thus my goal to save Nobuna-sama who is cornered at Honshu will be achieved. But its not a lie that I am looking for a treasure tool in Zipang at Takachiho, Frois”
“Gaspard-sama. You are sharp minded man yet similar to a devil. Your eyes aren’t clouded by feelings. You are a perfect observer” but that’s why Frois answered back.
“you cannot understand the power of a human’s feeling. Otomo-sama is looking at the state of everyone from Tachibana clan who laid down their life on after another to overturn the prophecy from the top of the hill……Otomo-sama who is looking at Yoshiharu-san’s back who is heading toward the battlefield to die in order to prevent bloodshed between Shimazu and Otomo army, even if his love towards Nobuna-sama would end at thus Kyushu……Sorin-sama is……fighting against her own fate. She takes up her sword and descend to the battlefield……not to protect her own life but to protect the people who is impossible to escape their fate of death. Even if she cannot believe in god. Even if she cannot believe in buddha. Even if she cannot believe in her own self. And yet, she still can have a courage to fight against her own fate. Her confused heart are now shaken. The queen of Kyushu who is cursed by the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin and laid dormant for a long time, have awakened at this moment. Tachibana clan. Yoshiharu-san. And Simon-san have awaken her. You who had live all alone in this world who have neither friends nor a comrade, cannot understand it. That is…”
“the power of a human’s feelings” Frois declared.
Sorin’s Sou camp.
Sagara Yoshihi was speechless. Tachibana Muneshige and Tachibana Dosetsu and Takahashi Shoun have clashed with Shimazu army at Kawahara sandback in front of Taka castle. Both armies’ tactic – “Tsuri no Buse” and “Tsuri no Buse – Gaeshi” have collapsed. A direct extermination war between 30000 Otomo army against the whole Shimazu army. and Konoe Sakihisa who marched to the battlefield with a 4 wheeled vehicle, declared to behead the neck of “the war criminal who entices both army to fight and usurp Kyushu” Sagara Yoshiharu…...
“Yoshiharu. I have told you not to make a determination to easily throw away your life at Kyushu. Yet again, his own life. how is it under any circumstances do you intent to stop the battle between the two army? its no good! It didn’t come. Even if you could gain some time from Konoe’s declaration to behead you but the person you are waiting for doesn’t come. Time has run out you idiot! Bodyguard units! Leave Sou camp at the hill and descend to the battlefield immediately! There is no other choice but to overcome this situation with 20000 soldiers to save Yoshiharu!”
Even though Yoshihi shouted on a horseback, the bodyguards of Lily Crusade didn’t move. No, it cannot move.
“we are sorry! Tachibana Muneshige-sama is our commander”
“the bodyguard units are meant to retreat. It never move……”
“Muneshige-sama preserve this 20000 soldiers until the moment when the prophecy has been accomplished”
“after that she thought about evacuating the lord safely……”
“but Muneshige anticipated that Yoshiharu would let Konoe to cut his head……she anticipated this conclusion and personally choose a honorable death! If you and the other are the bodyguards then you will carry out Muneshige’s will as well!”
“……that is”
“that’s right! But only the lord who can overturn Muneshige-sama’s order”
“damn……Yoshiharu. why didn’t you rely on me……?”
Yoshihi who is just an envoy of peace from Shimazu clan has no authority to lead bodyguard units.
Otomo Sorin who looked pale and tremble grasped Yoshihi’s hand muttered while sitting down on a chair.
“……Yoshihi. the reason why Sagara Yoshiharu appoint you and going out alone is surely……because he want to prevent you to become a victim. If its you, rather than having Sagara Yoshiharu defeated, instead of that you who is the Ane will choose death hesitation, right? He wished to protect his Ane as an Otouto”
At this time, Yoshihi understand it from the bottom of her heart.
Otomo Sorin have lived with a despair of letting her Otouto died engraved to her heart for many years.
“Sorin. I cannot endure that. I have just been separated from my Imouto. Its painful to keep acting like I was avoiding and hating my Imouto. For myself getting ready to escape the battlefield while watching my Otouto die in front of my eyes. I cannot endure that. I cannot endure this pain of my heart that will linger all the time until I die. Sorin. Have you tasted such feeling many times? All the time since “Nikaikuzurenohen”……for even all days, were you not able to escape from this suffering?”
Sorin didn’t answer. She can only cry.
“……Sorin. If the bodyguard units doesn’t move, I will go to Yoshiharu. I have yet to done anything for Yoshiharu. if anything……for what reason did I survived Hibikinohara? Is it probably because I could let Yoshiharu die in here? That’s not a joke. I won’t let anyone kill him. Nobody. For whatever reason there will be. No matter what Yoshiharu will say. I will stab Konoe Sakihisa to death and protect Yoshiharu. I will do it for that idiot Otouto”
“……its too late……you cannot save him anymore. You are not in time Yoshihi……you are a prisoner of Otomo army. nothing will be accomplished even if you go to the battlefield alone. You will die for nothing. You cannot reach Sagara Yoshiharu”
“its not, Sorin. Its not about what you have done. But its what you are trying to do, that is important. The Otoutos who died for you should’ve the same thought as mine. I in my heart. Have decided to live and die true to my feelings. I won’t run away anymore. I won’t hesitate at all”
Yoshihi was going to the battlefield alone in a horseback.
“I am not abusing you. I won’t force you to do it. Because a person who survived are much harsher that a dying person. You have suffered several time more than me, but in order to not make your Otouto’s death meaningless, you keep on lving strenuously. But you know Sorin. If you stand up then you can run. To rescue your Otouto. There is no need for you to keep punishing yourself for not being able to protect your Otouto or for keeping losing your Otouto repeatedly. Its already alright Sorin. And right now, you can end the cycle of “Otouto-Goroshi” by your own will. Because Tachibana clan have given you a last chance……”
Sorin wasn’t able to look at Yoshihi’s radiant back anymore.
An Otouto who will die without hesitation for the sake of his Ane.
An Ane who will commit a great sin of killing a Kampaku for the sake of protecting an Otouto.
Why couldn’t she be a strong Ane like Yoshihi? She regretted her own cowardice.
Just like Kai Soun has protected Yoshihi, she has also been supported by Tachibana Dosetsu and Takahashi Shoun.
She mustn’t let them die.
Sagara Yoshiharu, Dosetsu and Shoun cannot let Muneshige to die for such foolish reason.
The prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin are just a plot from the enemy to curse the Otomo clan.
Its not a word of god.
“Nikaikuzurenohen” and the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin is a plot to intensify the feud of succession of Otomo clan and to make them disintegrate in midair. The old women who appeared are probably someone from the retainers group and not the enemy nation. In Otomo clan of those days, the faction that recommend to Sorin and faction that disinherit Sorin, have fought intensely in secret. Tachibana Dosetsu stood aloof without being concerned about the faction’s dispute, because he is angry and understood that his loyalty to Otomo clan will be polluted if he takes sides. And Dosetsu have regretted it all the time. By repenting and offering his life completely to the clan, he will save Sorin from the prophecy.
Its ridiculous.
Because a prophecy are just an ordinary words.
It was only a coincidence that such mere words seems to be accomplished.
Ouchi Teruhiro who were sent to Suo in order to disturb Mori own country weren’t made as an Otouto so that he will be protected from the prophecy and yet he was killed in battle.
In the world of Sengoku era. If a samurai fight and lose a war, he will die. But it was only it. It has no relation with the prophecy.
Such reason has been understood from the beginning.
Yet, her heart was frightened by the prophecy all the time.
She couldn’t forgive it.
Sorin couldn’t forgive her own weakness.
However, what she should truly hate is……
“……if I am the one who is cursed, then it is fine. Because I am the legitimate child of Otomo clan. yet why is my innocent Otouto were cursed……!?”
Her Otouto was involved and the word of the three old women who assumed the name of Usa Hachiman-jin have involved Tachibana Muneshige as well. she couldn’t forgive that prophecy.
The guilty conscience that keep on tormenting Sorin…...begun to change to anger towards the old women.
And Sorin saw.
At the battlefield under her own eyes……the sight of Tachibana Dosetsu’s figure who continued to keep on standing on the earth, crumbled with a sword stabbed upon the earth in place for his paralyzed leg.
…
…
The Kampaku Konoe Sakihisa suddenly appeared in the frontline of the battlefield and declared the decapitation of Sagara Yoshiharu’s head.
The “Raijin” Tachibana Dosetsu who barely stand with his hemiplegic body by releasing Chidori and stabbed it upon the ground in place of his one leg.
In front of Dosetsu, the Takegami – Shimazu Yoshihiro who got down from Hizaoiri Kurige and steeped upon the distance of certain death have lifted a chance of victory.
Each of them readied their sword and kept on glaring at their opponent to obtain a chance of instant victory.
Konoe’s words with his peculiar noble court tone reached their ears at the same time.
The war criminal who incited both Otomo and Shimazu army and plotted to takeover Kyushu.
Sagara Yoshiharu’s decapitated head.
…
…
At this time, Shimazu Yoshihiro.
She who confronted “Raijin” and release fighting spirits from her body and struggled to find a chance for an instant victory……in reality……has lost sight of the battlefield.
The unparalleled brave general “Oni Shimazu” who repeatedly piled up death training in order to cut and take the life of the enemy Shuras, has disappeared from the battlefield at this moment.
A defenseless figure with a pure emotion from a princess of marriageable age called Shimazu Yoshihiro was exposed.
Her eyesight become pure white.
The sight of Sagara Yoshiharu’s figure who is kicked by Konoe Sakihisa and waiting to be decapitated after being pulled from the 4 wheeled vehicle, have disappeared.
(Sagara Yoshiharu-dono!? That’s impossible!? No! Yoshiharu-dono is a ruffian. He is not a person like this! Everyone has fallen into Gaspard’s scheme!)
Her heart has been taken.
“……Yoshiharu-dono……! Konoe-sama, wait!”
What is she shouting about?
Even Tachibana Dosetsu’s existence has disappeared from her sight.
Tachibana Dosetsu’s figure took a stance with Chidori…...silently aim to Yoshihiro’s heart……lunged really quietly. The fighting spirit that he released a while ago have disappeared. Dosetsu didn’t let them to sense any bloodlust while keeping a serene and graceful body like a Buddha.
(……dammit……)
I was charmed by love for a moment.
I took pride of my body that has finally surpassed my spirit at the end of my death training and repeated battles. I believed that I have obtained the mental state of nothingness. My body will react earlier than my heart feels and think and sliced no matter what kind of sword I uses or how many Shuras there is. Mercy, hesitation and sorrow. My sword are supposed to be faster than the feelings that my hearts bears.
But there is just one part of my heart. An opening that weren’t forged by experience.
That is……a feeling of love.
How immature.
Will I be fascinated with love and die?
If I die, I cannot save Yoshiharu-dono.
Regret is what Yoshihiro is thinking about.
…
…
But Tachibana Dosetsu didn’t knocked over his hemiplegic body which nearly fell to lunge and cut Shimazu Yoshihiro’s heart who has been stolen by love.
Dosetsu was also fascinated with Sagara Yoshiharu’s appearance which is the subject of Tachibana Muneshige’s first love and with defenseless cuteness of Shimazu Yoshihiro who instantly forgot the real life battlefield and turned her eyes to Sagara Yoshiharu’s side.
My life is already ended here. The person who is Muneshige’s first love……I want to see Sagara Yoshiharu-dono as well.
After he erased his bloodlust, he didn’t begin to kill Shimazu Yoshihiro.
The aged Dosetsu stabbed his sword to the ground in order to fixed his own body to the earth. As the result of a blow from Yoshihiro from this deadly standoff, his feet is bleeding and his consciousness become hazy. He staggered to have a look at Yoshiharu ho appeared in a 4 wheeled vehicle and then collapsed.
Of course.
He is able to slice Shimazu Yoshihiro if he intent to cut her while falling forward.
She is already no longer the Oni Shimazu or Takegami but an ordinary girl who is in love.
Its possible to slice her in half with Chidori.
He cannot stand up anymore once he falls down.
Dosetsu is defeated.
But he was never able to cut a princess called Shimazu Yoshihiro.
At the end of his lifetime where he did nothing more than doing battles.
He didn’t take the life of a girl, Shimazu Yoshihiro.
The man that Muneshige loved……he just wanted to take a glance at Sagara Yoshiharu’s face.
He wanted to assumed it as his last action at the end of his life.
While collapsing……the view of the earth and sky are reversed……while looking……Tachibana Dosetsu still sought Sagara Yoshiharu’s figure. But he didn’t see it. His eyesight deviated at the same time he fell down. He can only see the blue sky of Taka castle.
…
…
Dosetsu recalled it.
The time when he unexpectedly become the lord of Tachibanayama castle and changed his name to Tachibana Dosetsu.
Dosetsu immediately handed over the family inheritance to his young daughter Ginchiyo and placed her as the lord of Tachibanayama castle.
Dosetsu doesn’t have a son.
There is a partner whom he thought as a son. That person had just changed his name to Takahashi Shoun. Ever since Dosetsu became hemiplegic, that unsociable master of Iai strike continued to protect Dosetsu on the battlefield. Even though their age disparity is as far from a parent to his child, there is no sense of incongruity even though he serves as Dosetsu’s partner. He is an old looking man.
Takahashi Shoun thronged upon Tachibanayama castle furiously.
“Oyassan! Because we have been an acquaintance for a long time, I predicted that you left the family inheritance to Ginchiyo! You intent to raise her as Ototachibanahime and sunk her in the battle at Hyuga to overturn the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin! Just how old do you think that brat is?!! First she is a girl! Namusanda!”
“HAA!! HOO!!!”
The young Ginchiyo at the garden “leave the Tachibana clan and Tachibanayama castle to this Ginchiyo!” wielding a children’s small halberd while shouting.
Ginchiyo weren’t told about the circumstances.
A girl will be thrown away for a prophecy and die. Trained as a male samurai to die, through a death training for the sake of dying.
The aged Dosetsu weren’t able to tell such heartless words to Ginchiyo whose age is equal as his own grandchild.
There is no pity for Ginchiyo.
“……Shoun. I don’t believe in that prophecy as well. but the Tachibana clan have been succeeded in this way. and my child who inherit the Tachibana clan is a princess. We are able to obtain a chance to sink Ototachibanahime to the water. Of course, the princess doesn’t know about this”
‘of course! Its only a coincidence that Tachibana(??) and “Tachibana”(?) have the same pronunciation! They are absolutely not the same word! It was just like when cut a lightning at Aka Yahata shrine! You are always getting too ahead of yourself! You have a wrong intense conviction!”
“Shoun. I have become paralyzed at one side of my body. Far from overturning the prophecy, I have become a burden to Hime-sama’s heart instead. Regardless, I have to liberate Hime-sama from the prophecy”
“even so, you bastard! Don’t you think that Ginchiyo is too pitiful?! Even a princess wouldn’t be able to endure such absurd behavior!”
Shoun hit Dosetsu’s face with his fist. Dosetsu was silently being beaten. He endured it.
“bastard! Why are you being hit one-sidedly?! Hit back like always, geezer!!”
“……Otouto. Tachibana clan. a princess. The sacrifice that will complete all of the condition……there is only Ginchiyo. Of course, at the time when Ginchiyo dies come, I will die together with her. I will bring snow to the blazing battlefield”
“ever since you change your name, I have known about it, your idea!”
“there is no other ways. My life alone aren’t sufficient. To make Hime-sama’s heart who lost her Otouto from the prophecy to surfaced from the darkness, an Otouto is necessary……forgive me Shoun”
“who could forgive it?! Even if its Oyassan, I could never approve it! Namusanda!”
Shoun who is always calm and never burst out his feeling, shouted and holding Dosetsu’s body with a deep red face.
“use my daughter! I just renamed my daughter to Takahashi Munetora! She is older than Ginchiyo and fight magnificently on the battlefield! It would take time to raise the small Ginchiyo into a full- fledged Shura! by the time the battle of Hyuga occurred, it won’t be in time! But if its Munetora, she can be a Shura immediately! That person is a genius of literally and military art! Even a kite can gave birth to a hawk!”
“wh-what?! Munetora?”
“that’s right! Its too late to suddenly brought Ginchiyo who always live like a girl until now to become a man! you received Munetora to Tachibana clan as a “husband” for Ginchiyo! This is the real Ototachibanahime!”
Takahashi Munetora……even though she is still young, she has shown supreme talent at bow and swordmanship. Her genius talent is even called as “The ultimate weapon of Otomo clan” on par with “Kunikuzushi” that the namban introduced. She is Takahashi Shoun’s biological daughter. In addition, she isn’t boastful about her talent and she is a princess general who is full of compassion at any places beside during severe training.
One day when Munetora took a walk at the road, she was attacked by a big fierce dog that bit her arm.
The surrounding people came in rushing “Hime-sama!”, “cut it!” but Munetora smiled.
“a sword is meant to cut an enemy not to cut dog and cat”
She stroke the head of the dog that bit her arm and then its said that it become emotionally attached to her.
“even Ginchiyo would die for naught. But if we are going to do Oyassan’s plan at Hyuga, we have to rout the enemy forces while dying a honorable death! If we deliberately lose the battle, then Otomo clan will decline! Crush the enemy force and died a honorable death. Only Munetora who can accomplished both of them at the same time. She was naturally born to be Ototachibanahime”
“umu. Certainly, if we simply dying a honorable death then Otomo clan and Hime-sama will decline a lot. After all we don’t know whether the prophecy can be overturn or not……but, unless we sink Ototachibanahime to the water, no matter how much Otomo clan will prosper, Hime-sama’s heart will be tied to the prophecy until she dies. The Shura who has the potential to carry two responsibilities in one lifetime……there is no one else except Munetora. The reason is you Shoun”
But Dosetsu weren’t able to said “I understand”.
Shoun’s daughter Munetora. She is an extraordinary genius child. At the same time, she also possessed a beautiful heart and her life is blessed in this world. There is too much, she has too much talent. There is too much, a very bright future ahead of her. Its too difficult to throw it away. Even if she would assume a fate to fight in this country of Shura Kyushu, she is able to grasp happiness no matter what. the Christian missionary who had seen Munetora praises her as someone who is look completely like an angel. Even though its difficult to deal with the Christians who insist that there is only one god in this world, back then Dosetsu nodded unconsciously.
“Oyassan. Its no good if you say things like that. Saying things that it would be useless, it would break mine and your plan”
“……at least……at least, can’t you allow me to have some examination Shoun? An examination!”
“examination?”
“that’s right. If Munetora’s heart has already turned to a “maiden” then Munetora couldn’t become Hime-sama’s Otouto. Its too late. Ginchiyo’s heart is still that of a child’s, her heart is yet to belong to a man nor a woman. therefore, we would be able to make her as Hime-sama’s Otouto through training”
“……fuun. I see. Its unusual for Oyassan to come up with that kind of logic. I understand. If Munetora’s heart still hasn’t turned to a “maiden”, would you made her a husband to Ginchiyo?”
“its unavoidable. No matter what kind of result it would give, no one among us can violate this agreement, Shoun”
“Munetora have reached puberty where her chest has begun to swell. Although her body has belonged to a “maiden”, I don’t know about her heart. The result for the examination……have an even chance. But because I thought her as too cute, I have begun to raise her like a “daughter”. I have never seen her making friend with a boy too. Namusanda……”
There is hesitation in Shoun’s word……one could catch a glimpse of a father’s true feelings.
“I don’t want to break through the examination, I want it to have failed result” Shoun’s hear seemed to say that. Dosetsu have seen through it.
“fumu. I see. The chest huh……”
“in the first place, we are completely ignorant about a woman’s feeling. How are we going to ascertain it Oyassan?”
“we cannot see the inside of her heart. But as for the beating of her heart. if it throb when I take an examination, then she is a maiden. If it doesn’t throb then she is not a maiden. Besides there is no other way I can ascertain that”
“……we cannot see the inside of her heart. cough*. I understand”
Thus.
The fated child Munetora were called to Tachibanayama castle.
Shoun.
And Dosetsu met Munetora.
“what on earth are you trying to do?!” Ginchiyo running through the hall while making noise.
Munetora doesn’t know her fate.
She really had a pure smile like an angel.
“Dosetsu-sama. Thank you for inviting me. So what kind of business you have with me?”
Dosetsu suddenly glared at Munetora and shout “I impose a test to you!”……this is to disturb Munetora’s heart. at the same time at the garden, there was a criminal who committed a great sin and imposed a death penalty. Shoun suddenly cut him without using Iai strike. “GUWAA!!” the cry of the criminal during his last moment sounded.
But Munetora “aaah. How pitiful……” merely murmured sorrowfully and doesn’t show any turmoil. A compassionate heart and the courage of a Shura. this youth possesses both of them at the same time. Dosetsu was convinced that she is a genius. But even so, she should’ve been a little disturbed by this surprise.
“this is a test to you! Munetora, you should be surprised, confused and bashful! Nuooooo!”
(be shaken. Make you heart exploded. Even if you are not a maiden, even if your heart doesn’t feel embarassed, your feeling should be disturbed. Your heartbeat should’ve increased. I will concede the eligible condition to Shoun! The reason why Shoun cut a criminal because in his true feeling, he wanted you to be disqualified too! With this you will fail at the examination!) Dosetsu grabbed Munetora’s chest while praying.
But Munetora loves Dosetsu like a real grandfather. She believes in him.
“fufu. Dosetsu-sama, please stop joking. What are you doing? Its ticklish”
She thought that Dosetsu is playing around and laughed.
Even if she was bitten by a violent dog, she laughed, she was that kind of a girl.
And Munetora’s innocent heart is……have yet to become to a maiden’s.
As for Dosetsu.
“ooh. She didn’t blush nor had her heart throb! She has the courage to live as a boy! She has that quality! You will become the son in law of Tachibana clan!”
So while he shouted.
(alas. Usa Hachiman Daibosatsu. This is)
Inside his heart, he cursed the gods and buddha for the first time in his life.
Shoun who has gone into the room “……a splendid courage. Well done” muttered curtly and ordered Munetora.
“Munetora. That’s it. Dosetsu-Oyassan are being persistent on making you the heir of Tachibana clan at all cost. I yielded as well. if your heart didn’t throb when Oyassan touch it, then I will concede”
“eeh? I am a girl and Ginchiyo-dono is a girl too?! What is this called again? It’s a little strange, isn’t it? Awawawa”
“……it can’t be helped huh. From now on you are the “man” of Tachibana clan”
“y-yes. If its what Oyaji-dono is saying……although it would be lonely to leave Takahashi clan……there is something deep that you two have thought about right? I understand”
“that’s right. There is some deep meaning into it. To Otomo Sorin-sama, you must devote yourself to become Hime-sama’s Otouto” Dosetsu told it to Munetora while groaning and staring at the ceiling.
“the lord’s Otouto?! That is me?! Its an important task that I don’t deserved but I will work hard!”
“but you know. The name Munetora wouldn’t bring good fortunes. You should introduce yourself as Muneshige(??) of Tachibana clan”
“I understand. I have become a man but because I don’t my chest which I have received from my parent to be taken away, perhaps a given name of “growing chest”(Mune Shigeru/??) is better! Dosetsu-sama. No, from now on I shall call you Gifu-jo. Thank you for your good care!”
Dosetsu are looking up at the ceiling. He wasn’t able to turn his face back to Munetora whose name turned into Muneshige.
Ginchiyo who was surprised by the abrupt circumstances “what do you mean that this guy will become my husband?! Does this mean that the family inheritance are being stolen?!” begun to make an uproar and headbutted “uugh” Muneshige.
Shoun “this is the unbreakable and unbending Meito “Ken-Nagamitsu”, I gave it to my daughter whom I sent to Tachibana clan as a farewell gift, no, I handed it over to my son”.
…
…
Was it a long recollection from the past, or is it a glimpse of one’s life before the moment between life and death?
Dosetsu’s consciousness returned to the battlefield.
Only a blue sky which is visible.
I cannot stand.
Muneshige, I am sorry. I cannot stand.
I already cannot stand with my own power.
At that time.
When I was conducting the test for the heart at that day.
If Muneshige’s heart has become a maiden’s.
How long did I and Shoun were grieving? How much did we weep man’s tears? I already cannot remember it anymore.
NamuHachiman Daibosatsu. Just a little bit for me, a bit more life……just a moment for the man who give Muneshige the happiness of being a maiden……at least until the very end, to see Sagara Yoshiharu-dono’s face.
And if its possible please protect Sagara Yoshiharu-dono’s life……!
But this is the battlefield at the country of Shuras Kyushu.
Shimazu Yoshihiro who was for an instant is charmed by love and exposed a completely defenseless body and heart, jumped down backward after recognizing the perfect lack of bloodlust and the stolen initiative from Dosetsu’s movement who has exhausted all of his might and crumbled down to her chest.
No, Shimazu Yoshihiro’s heart is still stolen by Sagara Yoshiharu.
I will not be in time if I keep continuing the fight. I will not be able to rescue him. This is all a misunderstanding. This is Gaspard’s trap. Its impossible for Sagara Yoshiharu-dono to be the mastermind. I must stop Konoe Sakihisa-sama. If its not stopped, even if I would become a rebel, then I will……
But Shimazu Yoshihiro’s body which has survived through many death training and battlefield has surpassed her mind.
The chance of instant death that were stolen by Dosetsu, at the moment her body recognized it, Shimazu Yoshiharu’s trembling body which has completely separated from her mind jumped out and barely dodge Dosetsu. Furthermore, Yoshihiro’s body is still moving while ignoring her mind. She pulled out a Kodachi with one hand while keeping her Zanbato in other hand to pull out a single counterattack to Tachibana Dosetsu who prostrated himself to the ground.
Tachibana Dosetsu and Shimazu Yoshihiro. They are differs against each other to a sorrowful degree while both of them are pursing the same figure of Sagara Yoshiharu. the words cannot be avoided. The talk bet sword and sword. The struggle for life. that is as if the fate of being born as a samurai, a Shura of Kyushu couldn’t be avoided.
“what, I was reluctant to look away Oyassan! I won’t let you!”
Takahashi Soun draw his sword and jumped towards Shimazu Yoshihiro’s heart with a speed that transcend human’s intellect and thrust it towards Yoshihiro’s abdomen. With a speed that cannot be catch with human eyes. But Yoshihiro raised her one knee before it pierce her abdomen, drop her elbow and put the sword between her knee and elbow……the sword is broken.
“chi! Did it cut too many bullets? What a dull sword!”
After Shoun instantly left his broken sword, he jump to prepare a counterattack against Yoshihiro. Back to the place where Dosetsu prostates himself to the ground. But Shound doesn’t have any sword on his waist anymore.
Shimazu Yoshihiro already have no time to think about something else. Even her love which pursue Sagara Yoshiharu cannot be tolerated anymore. This is a battlefield. Tachibana clan is standing on her way. If she doesn’t moves, she will be killed.
The Kodachi which should’ve been used against Dosetsu was being thrown into Shoun’s left thigh.
The movement of Shoun’s mind cannot keep up.
The Kodachi sealed his leg.
Shimazu Yoshihiro who raised her Zanbato in Tonbo no Kamae, while silently pressed her right foot “don” in pursuit of Shoun and……brought down the first stroke of “Jigen-ryu”……
“this person?!! Her eyes. It sees nothing……this person had attained the perfect mental state of nothingness! Her body has surpassed her mind and its moving faster than she could think! This princess general……the Shimazu Takegami……! Namusanda!”
Shoun shouted while falling to cover Dosetsu’s body.
”its coming, Muneshigeeee!!!!!! Without “Ken-Nagamitsu”, you cannot receive a single blow from this Takegami! Escapeee!!!! Hurrryyy to Takigawa!!!!”
However.
For Tachibana Muneshige.
For the first time ever since she was born.
Are going against her father’s order.
All feelings nearly crushed Muneshige’s heart.
Those feelings exploded in one breath.
Fate.
Prophecy.
Loyalty.
Two father.
Ginchiyo.
Otouto.
First love.
The Takegami – Shimazu Yoshihiro who stand on her way.
To die, simply to die at this war on this day, she had lived.
Even her last wish aren’t granted.
Enough.
There is no more talking.
She turned the tip of her sword and rushes to Shimazu Yoshihiro.
But even faster than her sword could reached Yoshihiro’s throat.
The first stroke of “Jigen-ryu”
Shoken Goroshi.
Yoshihiro’s Zanbato was swung downward towards Muneshige’s head.
Its not visible.
It cannot be seen by naked eyes.
Just like a bullet shot from Tanegashima.
But the windflow was felt.
Muneshige’s bowmanship that were learned from Dosetsu, the sword of Zan-Dan that were taught by Shoun, because all of her training started by feeling the windflow.
If “Ken-Nagamitsu” is in her hand right now.
Even if you regretted it, you cannot redo your life.
Aah. Its imposible.
A single certain death blow from this Oni Shimazu’s sword, its impossible to receive it during the first time the enemies sees it.
There is no such human being nor a general who can do it.
Suddenly.
A voice was heard.
(you are “Nishikoku Musou”)
It was Yoshiharu’s voice.
Her sword which she held horizontally just barely receives it.
An impact that could broke the bone of both of her arm.
Her feets sink into the ground.
She cannot completely receive it.
The sword bended while receiving Yoshihiro’s strike.
It cannot withstand the pressure.
Its fractured.
Even if its miraculously didn’t fractured, it will split her head together with her helmet.
Muneshige’s body is gradually being pushed against her back.
Emotion returned to Shimazu Yoshihiro’s eyes which is vacant as if it doesn’t see anything and she found out.
“……the first stroke of my “Jigen-Ryu”, is received……?”
Shock, awe, respect, and sorrow that cannot be expressed. Yoshihiro’s feeling that has been completely influenced by the body of Shura recalled all of those feeling.
However.
Two people are struggling for each other life at Kawahara sandbank in Taka castle.
That’s the destiny of a person who was born as a Shura.
“Tachibana Muneshige-dono. You truly are “Nishikoku Musou”. But its useless. That Katana……that sword, is no more”
At Sou camp – Ginchiyo who saw the figure of Muneshige which was pushed down by Shimazu Yoshihiro, cling to Ken-Nagamitsu with a desperate look while shaking and struggled to pull out the word from the ground.
“Hime-sama! My husband. Please don’t let Muneshige die! Muneshige need this Ken-Nagamitsu! If she had this legendary Meito, Muneshige can defeat Shimazu Yoshihiro! Even Sagara Yoshiharu……even that man from the future praised Muneshige! so much, that he admired her! but even so……! Sagara Yoshiharu, Muneshige, Chichiue, everyone will die! The bodyguards……please move the bodyguards! Please!! Dammit~, come out!! Come ooooout!!”
“koke~! Koke, koke, koke~!”
Along with Ginchiyo, Tocco keep thrusting its injured beak to Ken-Nagamitsu while crying loudly.
When the chicken cries reached Sorin’s ear.
That one phrase from the bible that captivated Sorin’s heart when she contacted Christianity for the first time……she recalled the word that were said by Jesus who is foretold to be betrayed by his student Peter.
…
“tonight, before the chicken cries, you would say that you don’t know me thrice”
…
When she heard these words, she who had let her Otouto to die without helping three times, Sorin felt as if her perfidiousness, injustice morals and cowardice were foretold by Jesus and felt frightened all the way. In fact, Shioichimaru in “Nikaikuzurenohen”. Shiootomaru and Ouchi Teruhiro in the battle against Mori Motonari. Otomo Chikasada in the battle of Imayama against Ryuzoji Takanobu. 4 peoples which 3 of them are her Otoutos have been killed.
And now, Tachibana Muneshige who will become “Ototachibanahime”.
Tachibana Dosetsu, Takahashi Shoun and Sagara Yoshiharu. everyone will die.
Furthermore, Muneshige couldn’t arrive at Takigawa yet. Before Ototachibanahime sank into the water, her head will be splitted by Shimazu Yoshihiro.
The prophecy didn’t get overturned in the end……
……no, that’s not right. Because Ouchi Teruhiro left a message to Sorin so that she will not count him as one of her Otoutos.
Muneshige……Sorin suddenly noticed that she is her 4th Otouto.
That’s why, just slightly before the 4th Otouto died……the chicken cried.
Thrice. The daily days where Sorin were cursed to let her Otoutos die is about the over now.
No, that’s not the case.
It will be over from now on.
Sorin will end it with her own will.
Aah. I am.
“right now I have found my own hearts” Soin thought.
Xavier’s words was heard in Sorin’s ears.
…
“the prophecy is something that only oneself can found within one’s own mind”
…
And the words of Sagara Yoshiharu.
…
“believe in the words of the person who say that he/she want to save you and not in the words of the old women who cursed you”
…
…
I am.
I really wanted to believe in those words……the words that I am always looking for……
…
“Shioichimaru. Shiootomaru. Ouchi Teruhiro. Otomo Chikasada. Everyone, no one bears a grudge against you. The person who is blaming you for not being able to protect your Otouto. Is you”
…
At the throne, Otomo Sorin……throw away her namban chair. Kicked down the flag of Lily Crusade and run with her own leg and clenched Ken-Nagamitsu.
…
“uaa……uaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa~!!”
…
Sorin has.
Ken-Nagamitsu.
Pulled it out.
Enough……whatever kind of prophecy it is, its fine.
Dosetsu.
Shoun.
Muneshige.
Yoshihi.
Sagara Yoshiharu.
Everyone, be alive.
Be alive.
You are dying for my cowardice.
Enough, I won’t repeated it.
I will fight.
Sorin is right now, is living in the reality.
She ran towards the battlefield.
The 20000 bodyguard units, all of them pursued Sorin’s back.
There is someone in the horseback who held out her white hand to Sorin.
…
“……rather than running on your own, waiting until this much aren’t so painful”
…
Sagara Yoshihi.
I wasn’t abandoned.
I was waited.
I was believed.
…
“you cannot run on foot with your physical strength Sorin. Take it”
…
Sorin clasped the hand that Yoshihi held out.
Her skin is pure white and her body is delicate. Yet, Yoshihi’s hand is strong.
…
“don’t drop the sword that you want to give to Muneshige. have you found the dream that you wished to protect? Why do you born? Why do you die for? Or what is the meaning of your life? is there any determination to reject the unreasonable fate that keep tormenting you?”
…
There is. I will not hesitate any longer. I will not be frightened any longer.
Therefore take me to the battlefield.
Sorin shouted while crying.
She ride unto the horseback.
…
“Kuroda Kanbei are still waiting for the reserved last move. My Otouto is also buying some time by using his own head as the compesation. If all of the 20000 bodyguard units descend from the hills simulatenously, then Shimazu army will have to re-arrange their formation. Though it would be a little bit, the fight will be stopped in confusion for a while! Its possible to earn some time, even if it just a little!”
…
…
Sagara Yoshiharu is waiting to be beheaded on top of the vehicle. Tachibana Dosetsu’s body fell due to blood loss and at the moment when Shimazu Yoshihiro’s body which has been well trained to cut the enemy, unconsciously move to aim for Dosetsu’s neck, “damn it. Is it not in time? It’s a failure……!”, he shouted.
At the same time as Yoshihiro sprung into action, Takahashi Shoun and Tachibana Muneshige charged toward Yoshihiro. The battle for both sides has resumed.
“we already cannot do anything more than this. It’s the same until the final moment Sagara Yoshiharu” Kuroda Kanbei muttered while hugging Yoshiharu’s body. The joy of losing the opportunity to drop Yoshiharu’s head and the despair over the collapse of Nobuna’s dream of Tenka Fubu, Kanbei make an expression where no one could understand whther she is crying or laughing.
“is this my fault? Because we continued to pass each other until the last moment that we cannot connect to each other……”
At this moment.
Konoe Sakihisa who held his sword raised a shout with a high pitched voice while staring at the northern coast.
“this is a serious matter de-ojaru! The bodyguard units led by Otomo Sorin have moved de-ojaru!”
…
…
The Tachibana clan, Sagara Yoshiharu, Kuroda Kanbei and of course Shimazu 4 sisters.
A moment that nobody expected, has occurred into the mortal battlefield.
Otomo Sorin’s army at the north Sou camp, the 20000 bodyguard units, with Sorin and Yoshihi in the lead, simultaneously moved like a raging billow towards Kawahara sandbank.
Yoshihiro who was shocked by Konoe Sakihisa’s declaration to behead Sagara Yoshiharu. Surely at that time, Yoshihiro’s expression changed for an instant from a face of a Shura to an expression of a girl. But her body didn’t get sliced by Dosetsu’s sword. Why is it? Yoshihiro didn’t understand.
There is no recollection from the moment when the “Raijin” Tachibana Dosetsu mutually glared into her while releasing their fighting spirit until the moment where he suddenly prostates in the ground. Her body which she trained to kill the “Raijin” moved on its own. From that point, her mind doesn’t think anymore. At least she barely remembers that she broke Shoun’s sword. When she notices it, Yoshihiro push her Zanbato to Tachibana Muneshige after using every other sword she held and just a little more it would slice Muneshige’s forehead. Muneshige was a dreadful Shura. The certain one hit killer move “Satsuma Jigen-Ryu” that she trained for cutting down Kai Soun and kept hidden when she fought Dosetsu and Shoun, was blocked with just one sword. It was absolutely hard to believe that this is her first campaign. If it’s a fight between Taisha-Ryu, both of Yoshihiro’s arms would drop after being sliced. But its unfortunate that Muneshige didn’t have her beloved strongest sword “Ken-Nagamitsu” that was handed over by her father Takahashi Shoun. That is the only differences.
Now Shimazu Yoshiharu has completely pulled herself together. Her mind has recovered.
“Otomo Sorin moved?! Its impossible for that to happened. The morale of the 20000 bodyguard units is abnormal. All of them has become death soldiers in order to save Sagara Yoshiharu and Tachibana clan! although Otomo army whill be annihilated, Shimazu army will be annihilated too!”
With the way things are going, the “Bear of Hizen” Ryuzoji Takanobu who is watching the course of this battle from Saga castle will be the sole winner.
Yoshihiro instantly leave Muneshige, mounted Hizaori Kurige and left Tachibana clan. She looked for Iehisa and the others and joined them
“Iehisa! Toshihisa! Anesha! We already end up crossed Takigawa! It’s the backwater! Assume Crane Wing formation……!”
“nyaa! Yoshihiro-Nee! The Tachibana clan are too quick and its hard to covering the fire!”
“both armies can no longer use anymore large scaled ambush Nee-san. In other words, both army doesn’t have any tactics and strategies anymore”
“what should we do Yoshihiro?! There is not time to pull out any fortune slips anymore?!”
Its already in the backwater. If they retreat and show their back, Shimazu army will suffer crushing defeat by Otomo army. Someone among the 4 sisters would die. They have no choice to fight in the front to survive.
But if both army keep stay to fight just like the battle of Kawanakajima, Shimazu and Otomo army will receive a blow that they wouldn’t be able to recover from. Its decided that Ryuzoji Takanobu of Hizen will gain control of Kyushu and the war of Oda Nobuna’s Tenka Fubu at Honshu will collapse.
(at the moment when Dosetsu-dono collapses, I am pretty sure that Dosetsu-dono have directed a single blow at the risk of his life towards my body. Because I was blocked by Tachibana clan and cannot escape from Otomo army, I feared a conclusion where Sagara Yoshiharu-dono will be beheaded for the sake of reconciling both army. Normally, it was the moment where my mind would surpass it and brought my brought under its control. And yet, my heart was stunned and thrown out of order when hearing the sudden declaration of Sagara Yoshiharu’s decapitation……I originally, wouldn’t cut Dosetsu-dono, Shoun-dono, Muneshige-dono and anyone else. Why did for some reason Dosetsu-dono didn’t kill me during my fatal moment? If Shoun-dono or Muneshige-dono have “Ken-Nagamitsu” in their hand, they would be able to stop my strike and cut me down. Especially to Muneshige-dono who blocked the first strike of “Satsuma Jigen-Ryu” which abandon its defense……as the result, it caused the worst situation where Otomo Sorin stand up to fight. With this I cannot make any excuses to Yoshiharu-dono. I am too immature……!) Shimazu Yoshihiro bit her lip.
…
…
50000 Otomo army. 40000 Shimazu army. each army make their appearances at Kawahara sandbank. Tsuri no Buse cannot be used anymore. It’s a full scale confrontation in local war between the conqueror of Kita-Kyushu and the conqueror of Minami-Kyushu – Satsuma Hayato.
“……that Takegami – Shimazu Yoshihiro is formidable. Its possible to reach Takigawa but……Hime-sama……Hime-sama is riding a horse. She is bringing Ken-Nagamitsu to our place. Sagara Yoshiharu-dono is still alive……oh. The young Kyushu youths have the look of a soldier. Really similar to Sagara Yoshihi-dono……Shoun, Muneshige, is this a dream? Have I been hallucinating since I have lost a lot amount of bloods?”
“Oyassan. Its not an illusion. Hime-sama took up Ken-Nagamitsu and personally fight on the battlefield in order to save Oyassan and Muneshige. she run through the battlefield to deliver the sword to Muneshige. the prophecy of Usa Hachiman-jin doesn’t bind Hime-sama anymore. Mattaku! This wouldn’t happen if Muneshige didn’t leave behind Ken-Nagamitsu. I don’t know whether its fortunate that she want to fight. Namusanda!”
“Muneshige. you skillfully received and withstand the one hit killer move of Takegami – Shimazu Yoshihiro without using Ken-Nagamitsu. You truly are “Nishikoku Musou”. Together with Sagara Yoshiharu-dono and Kuroda Kanbei-dono from now on you will, to Hime-sama……”
“right now master is free from the prophecy at last. Gifu-jo and Yoyaji-dono’s prayer have come true. But with the things are going…...both army have confronted each other. Both army will be annihilated” Tachibana Muneshige bit her lip while raising Dosetsu’s body. Strangely, it was the same expression with Shimazu Yoshihiro when she said “I am too immature” while shaking.
…
…
However, at the time when the full scale confrontation between Otomo and Shimazu started to begin.
It was a military unit that consist of very few number that Shimazu Toshihisa aren’t able to detect it. It marched towards Taka castle through the western mountain while raising a white flag of surrender……there is no chance for it to be discovered. Its not a unit consist of human. They are tens of several herds of bears. There bears were assimilated to the forest without having camouflage itself.
“unyuu! The pursuit of Hagakure-Shinobi squad are too severe de-gozaru! After borrowing Indou-dono from Tokuchiyo-dono, thank you de-gozaru!”
“gauu!”
Hachisuka Goemon straddles upon the bear that run in the front.
Kuroda Kanbei who saw Goemon “thank goodness. The last move had arrived in time” glued to Yoshiharu’s neck.
Because Sorin charging with bodyguard units, the time that should’ve been run out have been produced. Finally, at the end, all condition has been met……Yoshiharu patted Kanbei’s head “I don’t understand it well but it was in time! Its Kruokan Ichiryuu!” and lifted Kanbei’s body. Konoe Sakhihisa nodded and declared with a high pitched voice again.
“halt, people of Otomo and Shimazu clan! that shinobi is ordered by Kuroda Kanbei as a spy to see the secret movement of Ryuzoji Takanobu of Hizen! Ryuzoji Takanobu has discovered that Tachibana clan of Chikuzen has secretly entered the war of Taka castle and use the opportunity when Otomo and Shimazu army clashed against each other to move and control Kita-Kyushu! Because that shinobi had endured many wounds, there is no doubt! Hyuga will be divided into north and south, the Otomo clan that control the north from Mimigawa will reconcile with a condition that Shimazu clan will govern the south! This is the will of Himiko-sama de-ojaru!”
The true reason why Kuroda Kanbei daringly called Tachibana clan which os the pivot of defenses of Chikuzen to Taka castle is this.
“mufu~! It was decided! This is the strategic skill of Kurokan Ichiryuu! To begin with, I have to defeat Ryuzoji clan who is patiently waiting for a good opportunity to rebel against Otomo clan. even if I wanted to bring reinforcement to Oda Nobuna, Otomo Sorin wouldn’t be able to move out from Kyushu! Therefore, by making Tachibana to daringly abandon the defense of Chikuzen, I have instigated Ryuzoji clan’s ambition. I have made them to rise in action much quicker! How is that Sagara Yoshiharu!”
“but Kanbei? Even if Ryuzoji Takanobu invaded Chikuzen, is there any reason for Otomo clan to reconcile with Shimazu clan?! but won’t Otomo clan perished?!”
“it won’t happen! Ryuzoji Takanobu doesn’t trust any human being aside from his Imouto Nabeshima Naoshige at all! He is a skeptical and cautious man! Simon sent a letter to Buzen Nakatsu 12000 Koku when Otomo clan win this battle in order to entrap Ryuzoji Takanobu into suspicion. Furthermore, to prove that the private agreement is true, Ryuzoji Takanobu is suspect that Simon intentionally emptied Chikuzen to be rather doubtful! Because he is a man who is thoroughly full of misanthropy! The person who keeps on betraying other are also convinced that he would be betrayed as well! furthermore, since it was just like that time when Ryuzoji Takanobu won the battle of Imayama by defeating Otomo clan which was commanded by Sorin who remained as a spectator without participating at all until the end and then give up, for that reason, that guy must have considered that Otomo clan will lose this time as well! even Simon didn’t expect that Sorin would possibly led the army to the battlefield when I brought Sorin to Taka castle!”
“and then?”
“because Otomo clan will be defeated in a decisive battle against Shimazu army, Ryuzoji Takanobu can take Chikuzen at any time. He can also use Simon’s secret letter to take Buzen eventually. Therefore Ryuzoji Takanobu started a suppression to south Hizen and Higo in order to forestall Shimazu army northern expedition when they crushed Otomo clan at sunrise. First, they will swallow Aso clan which is the sworn ally of Sagara clan of Shimazu and raises a sense of impeding crisis so that Aso clan would invade the territory of Sagara clan which is Yatsushiro of south Higo. At the same time, Ryuzoji Takanobu will smash Arima clan of Shimabara who is the ally of Otomo Sorin that hold a stronghold in south Hizen. He must recapture the authority over Ariake sea so that Shimazu clan cannot strike Hizen! The Shimazu clan must rescue Sagara Tokuzhiyo from the crisis and to stop Ryuzoji clan advancement to the south, they have to formed a reconciliation with Otomo army and they have no choice but to immediately win the fight against Ryuzoji army! Otomo clan cannot abandon their sworn ally Arima clan as well! thus, Otomo army are also has no choice but to make peace with Shimazu clan as well! if both army reconciled here, Simon will immediately led Otomo army to Suo……and make a great counterstrike to Mori army! because Gaspard who is the obstacle for the reconciliation of both army is stuck at the far away Takachiho after being followed by the watchdog Frois, he is not in Taka castle! Haha! Its KU-RO-KAN-ICHIRYUU!”
“almost everything has gone according to strategist-dono plan de-gozaru, but” on top of Indou, Goemon told it while running.
“we have been outwitted, the key point of Otomo clan, the Yanagawa castle of Chikugo has been taken! All of the Kamachi clan who has returned to Yanagawa castle is killed!”
Shimazu Iehisa shut herself inside Taka castle. 50000 Otomo army departed from Mushiga to capture Taka castle.
Shimazu Yoshihisa and Shimazu Yoshihiro also come with a reserve force of 40000 soldiers to rescue Taka castle……
The full blown clash between the two army is inevitable, it couldn’t be avoided.
At Saga castle of Hizen, the ambitious man Ryuzoji Takanobu who call himself as the future supreme ruler of Kyushu have stood up.
Ryuzoji Takanobu wear a bear skin leathered armor. The natives of Satsuma – The Hayato people and the natives of south Higo – The Kumaso people are feared by the people of Kyoto. Although he is not a native of Higo, Ryuzoji Takanobu who take pride with his outstanding huge build among the Shura of Kyushu and wear a bear skin leather armor like the people of Kumaso, seemed to look like a genuine brown bear.
“fuhahaha! We are finally free from Otomo clan’s yoke and the opportunity to conquer Kyushu has come, my Imouto! I will mobilize all from Ryuzoji Shiten’O and Hagakura-Shinobi squad! I will clear that humiliation from that time when I have no choice but to become a subordinate to Otomo clan after the battle of Imayama!”
His stepsister Nabeshima Naoshige who is dressed in black as if she has disappeared into the darkness, stopped her Ani. Behind Naoshige’s back, at the place where many people’s blood is flowing, there is a black cat crying “miya~”……
“wait, Oni-sama. Its only safe to move after the battle of Taka castle is over. Even if Buzen Nakatsu Juni Magoku Ishi will be obtained if we are being silent when Otomo clan win……everything may be a trap from Kuroda Kanbei. That person pretend to be a puppet for the missionary Gaspard while in truth she daringly brought a war between Otomo and Shimazu clan so that they would reconciled for the sake of Oda Nobuna. Now, if Oni-sama sneakily stand up to overwhelmed Kita-Kyushu, the reconciliation of both Otomo and Shimazu army will be formed in a hurry. Isn’t the reason why Kanbei brought Sorin to the battlefield is because Taka castle is the place where the reconciliation will take place?”
“according Hagakure-Shinobu squad information during an absolutely secret march towards Taka castle, Tachibana Dosetsu and Takahashi Shoun have secretly left Chikuzen. This is without a doubt is Kanbei’s plot. By letting Tachibana clan to suddenly appeared behind Taka castle and blocking Iehisa’s Tsuri no Buze at the same time, I have given a bait before Oni-sama’s eyes to revolt” Nabeshima Naoshige persuades, “my Imouto, you are a resourceful person and worry too much. Now that the defense of Chikuzen is almost empty, this is a good opportunity” Ryuzoji Takanobu laughed.
“Kuroda Kanbei certainly have taken measures that deceive me. But it’s a known fact that that brat has lack of deep consideration! Isn’t that person is famous for her strategic skill which would always blunder in its last decisive factor and fail?! There is no way for that cowardly Otomo Sorin to magnificently confront the tough Shimazu army! she would run away without a doubt while crying when she saw the figure of the Takegami – Shimazu Yoshihiro wielding her sword in the battlefield and rampaging around! No matter how shrewd Kuroda Kanbei will act, the reconciliation will not be accomplished! Shimazu army will pursue the escaping Otomo Sorin and it would ended in Otomo army be annihilated in Mimigawa for not being able to move anymore!”
“if Kuroda Kanbei sent a spy to Hizen, you must kill them with Hagakure-Shinobi squad that you commanded, my Imouto!” Ryuzoji Takanobu shouted with bloodshot eyes.
“didn’t you knew well about Otomo Sorin’s cowardice at the battle of Imayama?! Its not possible for her to defeat me who shut myself inside Saga castle, all while she is running away for being frightened and recruit her Otouto to fight and then killed! That woman is a weak willed trash that has no right to live in Kyushu! We will move!”
“well then, let’s revolt against Otomo Sorin and capture Chikuzen which has become empty”
“no. Chikuzen and Hakata port as well as Buzen Nakatsu is a bait that Kuroda Kanbei used to entrap us. Otomo clan will decline soon. After completely losing her brave and resourceful generals at Taka castle, her dream of building Mushiga will be shattered and Sorin wouldn’t be able to stand up. She will have no choice but to fall into obscurity at Bungo! I can take Buzen or Chikuzen any time! Its necessary to block the powerful Satsuma Hayato – the Shimzu clan in order for Ryuzoji clan to become the supreme ruler of Kyushu! I must first gain control Nishi-Kyushu that stretched from Hizen to Higo! The Aso clan of north Higo has already been taken by your plan and they have abandoned their alliance to Otomo clan and vowed subordination to Ryuzoji clan. Aso has a pedigree of being the Aso Daiguji. They won’t accept the Christians kingdom that Sorin advocates”
Although the present head of Aso clan is a mediocre person, there is Kai Soun in Aso clan. Although Kai Soun is a sworn ally of Sagara Yoshihi who promised a contract of renunciation of war to each other, he has no trouble attacking the present head of Sagara clan which has changed to Yoshihi’s Imouto.
“if the lips are gone, the teeth will gone cold (if one of two interdependent things fall, the other will be in danger). If its sworn ally – the Sagara clan that hold a stronghold in Higo together with them become a subordinate to Shimazu clan, Aso clan will get impatient. They will judged that they can no longer put their hope upon Otomo clan which has been split into the faction of pro-christians and anti-christians, if they cannot dominate Ryuzoji clan as an absolute retainers”
“but. What if the Shimazu clan swiftly marched from Higo to Hizen after fighting Otomo clan?”
“hmph. My Imouto. It’s the truth that Otomo’s 50000 soldiers is its major power. but Shimazu’s 40000 soldiers is the combined personnel from all of their unarmed population that they gather through force. Its because Satsuma and Oosumi is scarcely populated. Thinking it from the view of supplies and the others, their combat ready military power amounted from ten to twenty thousand soldiers. Furthermore, even though they are powerful in the ground they are weak in naval combat. Its because they have no experience in fighting in the large sea like Ariake sea. Even if they try to forcibly cross over Shimabara peninsula through ships, they can only transport about 1500 soldiers at a time at most. On the other hand, our forces have taken a hostage from Matsuura faction of Hirado and Omura clan of Nagasaki to make them out subordinate. The supply line from the land to the sea for our forces is perfect”
“although Omura clan will not do something reckless like rebelling against Oni-sama. The Matsuura faction are pirates that has risen up to a strong independent group. Furthermore, they almost have controlled the sea of Hizen. Don’t you think that there is an unlikely chance that Matsuura faction will double cross us?”
“huun. I have confiscated all of their firearm that they obtained from namban trade. Even if they want to betray us, they can only move as supply corps. Right now, they have been scheduled to command a supply route from the sea”
“……if Oni-sama intent to block Shimazu army’s advancement to the north in the form of “Sangokuteiritsu”, then the three factions that should be captured is……the Arima clan of Shimabara peninsulas of south Hizen. The Sagara clan of Kuma Yatsushiro of south Higo. If these two are attacked and crushed then its possible to gain command upon Ariake sea single handedly. Shimazu clan will not be able to send their powerless naval forces to Hizen anymore. But……they are still a land path towards Hizen. The key point Yanagawa castle of Chikugo”
Takanobu Ryuzoji carved a bear shaped pieces while staring at the map of Kyushu. Ryuzoji clan main stronghold – Saga castle of north Hizen. Otomo clan subordinates – the earliest Christian daimyo, Arima clan that rules over Shimabara peninsula of south Hizen. The Aso clan of north Higo.
“that’s right. The east of Saga castle. Yanagawa castle of Chikugo. I must steal Yanagawa castle from Kamachi clan”
“that Gishou Kamachi Muneyuki has helped me twice. Although he participated in the battle of Taka castle with Otomo Sorin, Kamachi Muneyuki’s heir and present head of Kamachi clan – Kamachi Shigenami has deserted his father and Otouto to return to Yanagawa castle by himself. I don’t know if its about Kamachi Muneyuki but its not necessary to feel obliged to Kamachi Shigenami……Kamachi Shigenami is the husband of my stepsister Tamatsuru. Invite him to Sarugaku when I already took them to Saga castle” Ryuzoji Takanobu chuckled. It was a savage smile that abandoned both honors and emotions.
“Oni-sama?! Don’t tell me that you really intent to kill Kamachi Shigenami?”
“even if I try to conquer the Meijo – Yanagawa castle that Muneyuki have repaired many times, it would take 3 years. In that case, the opportunity will be lost! If I assassinate Shigenami, I will obtain Yanagawa castle in one day! If I make Kai Soun to attack Sagara clan and then capture Yanagawa castle at the same time, Shimazu wouldn’t be able to enter Saga castle from the land route. Afterwards, if I subjugate Arima clan, gain control of the Shimabara peninsula and the authority of the sea, Shimazu clan will not be able to do a single thing! they will be shut inside Satsuma and Oosumi! With this, the three states of Hizen, Higo and Chikugo will belong to my Ryuzoji clan. with the three states of west Kyushu is in our hand, Shimazu clan advancement to the north will be prevented. The natives of Kyushu will bow down to me at once. After we possessed one third of Kyushu, Chikuzen and Buzen will fall to our hand easily, Iki archipelago and Tsushima island will bow down as well and I will become the Taishou of Gokounishima! Meanwhile at Honshu, the Tenkabito Oda Nobuna will be overthrown by the world great rebellion……there is enough time for me to sweep over Kyushu!”
Nabeshima Naoshige wanted to stop her Ani who floated an insane smile. However she already decided to faithfully carry out any kind of her Ani’s outrageous order. (if such evil deeds are done, my Oni-sama will cease for being a human anymore……) although she is worried, Naoshige decided to assassinate Kamachi Shigenami and his whole clan. How many people has been killed and how much crime has been committed for the sake of her Ani’s burning ambition to the become the Supreme Ruler of Kyushu? Enough, Naoshige cannot remember it anymore. When did us brother and sister made a mistake? The black cat rode upon Naoshige’s shoulder “miyaa~” cried once again.
But, five Shuras who are covered in bear skin suddenly intruded to the tea ceremonial room which is where the confidential talk between the siblings take places……
“muu. It’s the complete five of Ryuzoji Shiten’O, huh?! What the hell is it?! Don’t enter my Imouto’s tea ceremony without permission!”
“milord, you are losing your mind. No matter how much Kyushu is called as the country of Shuras, there is things that are called as minimum morality. Please don’t perform a foul act against Kamachi clan whom we owes a great favor”
The veteran general who captured the Otomo army supreme commander in the battle of Imayama – Narimatsu Nobukatsu. Even though he still regretted about cutting the head of the young Otomo Chikasada who beg for his life by Takanobu’s order, nonetheless, he still have loyalty towards Takanobu.
“we the samurai of Saga promised that we will die through Bushido, for that we are always be prepared to throw away our lives to milord at any time! But! This is too, its too heartless and inhuman! What will happen to your stepsister Tamatsuru-sama that married the Kamachi clan?!”
The master of lone horseman, Eriguchi Nobutsune. He who is always being combat ready at all time and regard that death will come 24/7. He has gone through a lot emotional heave and is already crying. Even though he has dissuade Takanobu’s tyranny many time until now while crying, the magnitude of his feeling is different only this time.
“its still the same complete five! Milord! There is one impostor among Ryuzoji Shiten’O! umuu. Who is this impostor? Its impossible to be seen even for this Kinoshita Masanao!”
The wise man of the Shiten’O. Kinoshita Masanao serves as the direct adjutant of Naoshige. He is a former priest who migrated to Saga from Kyoto. Because he is well informed about the situation of Honshu, he took an active role to connecting Ryuzoji clan to Honshu. However, probably because he is not a retainer under Takanobu’s direct order, he has a habit of saying “there is an impostor, an impostor” and often being removed from Ryuzoji Shiten’O if one’s lose their focus.
“I am giving up on this nonsense. To willfully murder the Kamachi whom you owed too many great debt which you will never to pay back, milord, you are losing your edge. Daring to do such outrageous act. Do you want all Shuras of Kyushu to become your enemy? To begin with, its strange that there is five of Shiten’O. You may erase my name from Ryuzoji Shiten’O. Goodbye”
The brave man whom Takanobu recognized to be equal to 100 Shuras, Hyakutake Tomokane was given the surname “Hyakutake”. He is a man of delicate features who always draw close to Takanobu to protect him while always wearing full body golden armor in the battlefield. But if he got enraged, he is a Kabuki man who always said things that he likes without hesitation to Takanobu in composed manner even though he is just a retainer.
“can’t you wait? Hyakutake-dono! Nuu. I almost forgot……milord! With the things are going, the mind of Ryuzoji retainers group will become loose and collapsing. Everyone, we have understand that painful resolution about milord’s feeling of becoming the Supreme Ruler of Kyushu, no matter how much of sacrifices there would be. For that reason, we have no regret of dying and be damned into hell if we got involved to any form of wickedness. But there is a limit. Justice is also necessary for the country of Shuras”
He has a huge build and a distinctive bear-like appearance just like Takanobu. His name is Enjouji Nobutane. He always took an active part in the battlefield as the body double of Takanobu.
“be quiet! I cannot take Yanagawa castle if I don’t take coercive action. I cannot defeat Shimazu clan if I don’t take Yanagawa castle! I have no crime! Kamachi Shigenami has cowardly escaped from the battlefield and returned by abandoning his Otouto and Muneyuki! That person has no right to live in Kyushu! My Imouto, deploy Hagakure-Shinobu squad! Surround Kamachi clan as soon as they enter Saga castle! Shiten’O, you bastard must kill all of Kamachi Shigenami’s relatives with your power! do not let one person alive!” Takanobu ordered while being enraged.
“this is the last first opportunity to become the Supreme Ruler of Kyushu! It’s the good luck that I have obtained after enduring so many things! If this chance aren’t taken, I will regret it until death! Ignore Hyakutake! Kill Kamachi clan~! once Yanagawa castle surrender, immediately marched towards Shimabara peninsula with the entire Ryuzjoi army! In response to Kai Soun invading Sagara clan territory Yatsuhiro, we will pulverize Arima clan!”
Kai Soun will first took control of Yatsushiro port which is essential for the sake of Shimazu clan march toward Hizen through the sea route. I will control Shimabara peninsula which will become the landing place for Shimazu clan. for Shimazu who has lost their waterway will have to take the land route to got to Hizen, they must defeat Kai Soun and there is the impregnable Yanagawa castle ahead of there. with this, Shimazu clan is checkmated. The territory of Otomo clan who has collapsed from the battle of Taka castle will erode……the Shimazu clan who is naturally has little population, they can be overcome through the strength of the nation. I can win!
The Shiten’O except Hyakutake Tomokane who had returned home without notice “with this, the Ryuzoji clan has finally lose its fidelity”, “already”, “for the sake of the lord”, “we the Shiten’O has no choice but to become the shield” they are determined and this time pile up their fist and nodded to each other.
“miyaa~” the black cat cried.
“at the ceiling! There is a spy, Oni-sama!” Nabeshima Naoshige shouted and throw the dagger she held in one hand.
“huun. Is it a spy from Kuroda Kanbei?! My Imouto, don’t let them escape from Saga castle alive! Even if they are able to pass through the castle, you must pursue them everywhere!”
“I will leave it to the elite Hagakure-Shinobi squad! Absolutely don’t let them return to Kuroda Kanbei! Oni-sama Kuroda Kanbei has been rising in action as expected and she has moved. Chikuzen and Hakata port has been emptied as expected and that Nakatsu Buzen which has been ceded through the private contract from the other side was a bait. That girl intent to use Ryuzoji clan’s rise in action as the last move to reconcile Otomo and Shimazu army! if you want to delay your rise in action, the only time you have to hold your ground is now!”
“we cannot! We cannot miss this good opportunity to take Yanagawa castle! Even if that person have make a reconciliation, as long as we gain control of Shimabara and Yatsushiro first, it will be our victory! Kill that spy! If we failed to kill it in Hizen it will run after Higo!”
“if that spy is going toward the battlefield of Taka castle and encounter Ki Soun’s army on the way……at worst case we must kill it. Oni-sama”
…
…
Kuroda Kanbei’s spy……Hachisuka Goemon “I have been sensed by the black cat?!” escaped while having her red eyes glitter. She escaped the traps of Saga castle which has been designed by Nabeshima Naoshige as Shinobi-Goroshi no Jo one after another while being chased by the elites of Hagakure-Shinobi squad whose ninja outfit consist of entirely black. She ran and jumped into the mountain. Hagakure-Shinobu squad encirclement is getting nearer. The merciless assault attacked Goemon. Goemon already has no other choice but to break this siege to survive. One. Two. Three. They are flying through the sky, and she cut the ninjas that were blocking her way with her blade and they fall from the trees. But Hagakure-Shinobi squad persistently pursue in perfect order. Even though Goemon have Taijutsu, she has no geographical advantage. She is slowly being cornered along the way. It’s the absolute death. She has no time to think where she has gone now.
“there is this kind of Shinobi squad in Kyushu……this is……Sagara-shi”
“it appears that, I won’t be able to fulfill my duty” the ninja Goemon prepared for her death.
She keeps continued running through the mountains all day without food nor sleeps.
Going keep further into the south.
Meanwhile, Hagakure-Shinobi squad merciless assault continued. She don’t know how many person she had cut. She didn’t count. Goemon has sustained innumerable wound herself. Her left hand that caught the poisoned kunai has become numb. While she is flying from tress to trees, her left hand blood vessels that has been teared up by the kunai, spill out its poison. Breaking through Hizen and then entering Chikugo and Higo……in addition Taka castle at Hyuga is far away. Its necessary to cross over the harsh point of the mountain. Goemon’s stamina has worn out because of hunger and blood loss. She felt dizzy. The sight of Hagakure-Shinobi squad has become distant. A little more. Just a little more, its possible to enter Hyuga from Higo……she exerted her last willpower to jump.
But then Goemon saw. There is crowd of Shura marching over the plank bridge along the mountains of Higo. The Shuras is interrupted in their path. It’s the Aso army that is led by Kai Soun. He seemed to have taken the field to attack Sagara clan territory. Kai Soun is still sworn honest loyalty towards Aso clan even though he is about to be killed by his lord in the battlefield. Even though he has received wounds at Hibikinohara, he has recovered his physical strength and is ready to take up a spear upon the horseback. He is literally like a monster. Also, Shinobi-Taijutsu is useless against this man who devotes himself with his self-taught unorthodox killing technique that he used to murder people.
Kai Soun who wore a black namban imported sunglasses upon a horse intersect his gaze to Goemon who is flying in the sky.
Kai Soun raised his sword cane up to the sky. It’s a heretical instrument that expanded when flying and bend like a snake. The arm of Shoken-Goroshi. Its trajectory cannot be seen. Both of her stamina and willpower has been exhausted. Her eyes is blurry. She couldn’t avoid it. “I have noticed that I have being led to this death from the beginning by Nabeshima Naoshige” she revolved through the air and by removing her joints on her shoulder and waist, she just barely avoided a fatal blow but an acute pain rang upon her back and Goemon’s body fell……she cannot choose where she would landed. Its not upon the tree branches nor on top of a rock but to the bottomless ravine. “I have no excuses, Sagara-shi” Goemon mutter while falling.
However, a bear hands caught Goemon.
“gauu~!”
“Indou-shi” Goemon called the name of the bear while her consciousness faded away.
Indou hold a letter from Sagara Tokuchiyo in its mouth. “Kuroda-shi, please trust Tokuchiyo-dono and don’t let Indou-shi waiting de-gozaru”, she thought so. But Goemon’s consciousness faded away and she had no power left to open and read the letter. She was put on top of Indou’s back. Indou led a herd of bears which is Tokuchiyo’s friend and began to run to the bottom of the velley. “its impossible to descend from the valley through horses” Kai Soun expressionlessly turned his back from the herd of bears.
Thus, Goemon borrow Indou’s back to cross over the mountain of Hyuga……which reached Taka castle.
“at the time Ryuzoji Takanobu started his independence, he decided to first suppress Yanagawa castle which is the most important spot in Kita-Kyushu. He invited all of his benefactors – Kamachi clan into a feast and murdered them without mercy! Following that, Ryuzoji army will start to capture Arima clan territories for a few days, I was late de-gozaru!” Goemon reported……it was difficult for Kanbei to believe it.
“Kamachi clan you say? They are subordinates to Otomo clan but aren’t they a benefactor that has rescued Ryuzoji Takanobu who is a vagrant in the past, twice? Is it even possible for him to do that?! Does Ryuzoji Takanobu intent to antagonize both Otomo and Shimazu clan?!”
The injured old general whose sword has been broken and arrows exhausted – Kamachi Muneyuki, intrude in front of Kanbei “i have a bad premonition that was caused when my heir and soldiers of Yanagawa castle didn’t participated in the battle. If Yanagawa castle is emptied, Ryuzoji Takanobu would raise an evil thought to capture Yanagawa castle……he was prepared for that” he bowed on his knees and lamented.
Kanbei noticed the fact that Kamachi Muneyuki’s heir took his soldiers back to Yanagawa castle, it has caused this result. In Kanbei’s original plan, Yanagawa castle as well as Tachibanayama castle and Iwaya castle, was meant to be a perfectly empty fort. If they leave some soldiers behind, the greedy Ryuzoji Takanobu might feel about stealing it. In case with Tachibana castle, because its an empty fort, the suspicious Ryuzoji Takanobu would rather leave the castle. However, even if they are the ally of Takanobu’s enemy, it was unbelievable for him to murder the Kamachi clan.
“no matter how much of a hungry wolf that man Ryuzoji Takanobu is, I never thought that he would betray the Kamachi clan whom he owes a great debt! Furthermore, the most important place at Kita-Kyushu, the Yanagawa castle has been captured?! I intended to use Ryuzoji Takanobu but instead I have given him the ideal target? This is……is this Simon’s mistake……?”
“I have committed a misreading that led to fatal mistake in the end” Kanbei nearly collapses. But the words of two princess general supported her back.
“certainly……the murder of Kamachi clan is an unforgivable act that has stepped out from the law of Kyushu of Sengoku era……but if you look at the opposite way, just now both of Otomo and Shimazu army has a reason to join their hand together to fight against Ryuzoji Takanobu. No matter how much people would say that you cannot survive these chaotic times without being a villain, the thing that Ryuzoji Takanobu did can never be forgiven. Ryuzoji army is powerful, ruthless and merciless. There is no time to hesitate. Both clan will reconciled immediately and……Shimazu army need to march towards Higo to save Tokuchiyo and Arima clan right? Iyaa, nevertheless I am still looking poorly in this battle. Only Yoshihiro-chan who stand out”
Shimazu Yoshihisa stamped out a seal of approval to the letter of reconciliation that Konoe Sakihihisa has prepared.
“Otomo army will goes north from Hyuga to Suo to prevent Mori army that advances to the capital. Simon. I leave all of Otomo army to you. Together with Tachibana and the other Shuras that Otomo clan is proud of. You who has wonderfully accomplished a reconciliation in this battlefield of Taka castle, you can do it”
Otomo Sorin together with Muneshige and Shoun who supported the body of the severely injured Tachibana Dosetsu who stab a sword into the ground to continue standing above the ground.
Tsunokuma Sekisou who is the commander of Otomo vanguard unit which changes his military command for the sake of rushing ahead to save Tachibana clan “its truly a wonderful command, a god like strategy. We promised never disobey the matchless strategist-dono’s order again” he promised.
“sim! I have no excuses regarding Kamachi clan but Ryuzoji clan revolt and their advancement towards Shimabara peninsulas is advancing according to Simon’s strategy. But Sorin? What are you going to do?”
“Sorin will fight Ryuzoji Takanobu. Because he is the enemy who betrayed Kamachi clan which is Sorin’s retainer and he is the enemy who cut Sorin’s Otouto in the battle of Imayama. Besides, the Arima clan is Christians and formed alliances with Otomo clan. even if Shimazu clan who advocates the expulsion of namban suddenly barged into the battle, they won’t be able to gain their trust and they won’t be able to control the allied forces. Therefore Sorin herself must go”
“your words are justified de-gozaru. It no longer can be stopped. Hime-sama has become a splendid person……” Dosetsu shed tears. “from now on, Hime-sama doesn’t know the dread of battlefield. Namusanda” Shoun laughed.
“Dosetsu. Thank you. because Sorin can walk with her own legs now. everything is thanks to Dosetsu……I keep depending on Dosetsu until now, I am sorry. If you didn’t do anything until now, I wouldn’t be able to stand up”
“Hime-sama. Its alright. We the elder are selfish people who want to willfully entrust our will to the youths. This Tachibana Dosetsu is overwhelmed with emotions for being able to live to see Hime-sama’s gallant figure”
“Tachibana clan and Otomo Sorin. The lord and her retainers is the same as a family” Yoshiharu thought so.
“but, there is only one condition for Sorin to join Shimazu army and fight against Ryuzoji Takanobu”
“nn? Condition? What is it, what is it? Its surely would be a wicked condition, right?” although Yoshihisa asked delightfully, the condition that Sorin asked is unexpected.
“Sagara Yoshiharu must accompany Sorin! Unless he is there, Sorin won’t have any courage to go to the battlefield”
“eh? What, that? Only that?” Yoshihisa drop her shoulder in disappointment. “I understand” Yoshiharu nodded. Of course in truth, he wanted to return to Nobuna quickly. But, for Sorin who is finally able to gain courage to pass through the darkness and fate her own fate, the battle against Ryuzoji clan is the last barrier which she cannot avoid. So Yoshiharu accepted Sorin’s hope without hesitation.
“therefore, Kanbei. Lead Otomo army as a strategist in place of Sorin who is the present head of the clan and please stop the advance of Mori army. but, the advance towards Mori territory is impossible if we don’t stop the rampaging Ryuzoji clan. These two strategies that happened at the same time in west and east of Kyushu will collapses if either one of them fails. I will participate in the decisive battle against Ryuzoji army. perhaps my future knowledge will be useful to observe the war situation. I have such feeling”
“I though you will say that, fufufu. Dot worry, leave the rescue of Oda Nobuna and Akechi Mitsuhide to Simon. The supply goods has been arranged for the march from Hyuga to Mori’s territory. The foods. Weapons and water are plentiful”
“aah. I leave it to you. I will serves as a substitute for the injured Toshihisa. Kai Soun is already make an onslaught upon Sagara clan territory right Goemon? Then, Tokuzhiyo is in danger. I must hurry”
When Yoshiharu express his participation in this anti-Ryuzoji war in response to Sorin’s request, Yoshihi immediately,
“because she lend Indou to the ninja, Tokuchiyo’s war potential will be undermanned. I will go to Higo as well. even though I probably will fight against uncle……uncle are probably expect to meet me”
She grasped Yoshiharu’s hand.
“thanks to Kanbei, only my fortitude that has been tempered but……now that the handcuffs has been removed, I am able to walk freely. Your Onee-chan will fill the spot in your strategist role. Furthermore, my incredulous wicked tongue are much better than your honesty in substituting Toshihisa”
“that woman has a slightly evil expression there, what the heck did she thought about me~!” although Shimazu Toshihisa who received a medical care to her leg, shouted, Yoshihi didn’t hear it.
“Sagara Yoshiharu. You too, what the heck did you do? Suddenly and nonchalantly appeared in the battlefield like that. It was your trump card to voluntarily let yourself to be punished by decapitation right? I am amazed from the bottom of my heart. I cannot entrust Iehisa with you!”
Yoshiharu who hear Toshihisa’s abusive words and feel relieved for some reason, floated a wry smile and……Shimazu Yoshihiro who patiently keep silent until now began to speak.
“Kai Soun. In order to oppose that monster, either one of us, me or Tachibana Muneshige-dono is necessary. However, Tachibana Muneshie-dono must serve in Otomo vanguard unit on behalf on the injured Dosetsu-dono. I want to have a showdown with Kai Soun. I have committed a disgraceful blunder in the presence of Tachibana clan. I have lost sight of myself when my heart is disturbed by the sudden declaration of Yoshiharu-dono’s execution. This time, I will fight in a way that it wouldn’t ashamed the name of Takegami”
“hee~. You are showing a cute face like a pubescent girl. You are just a foolishly honest princess general who disregard a one on one battle conduct and exposed mine and Oyassan’s disgraceful act as a doting parent” Shoun gives a wry smile.
“no. Shoun-dono’s Zan-Dan is splendid. If you had Ken-Nagamitsu with you, I would probably……”
“for heaven’s sake. That sword has been handed over to Muneshige. never once brought to the battlefield. If you are saying that, if Oyassan whom had been struck by a thunder and blowing himself up, if Oyassan is fighting you with his perfectly good health. In that case”
“even if Dosetsu-dono lost half of his body, by all rights, I should’ve been sliced. If at that time, Dosetsu-dono can control his leg freely while fighting, I would be knocked down in an instant”
“but you know, the situation wouldn’t be like that. Blowing oneself up without permission, that’s the way Oyassan goes. Even this time, that bastard collapses while walking towards you before he can cut you down. I who had been tasked to be his shield every time, doesn’t feel like living. Namusanda”
“fufufu. I guess that’s right”
“hoo. You who had been called as the demon, can laugh too……your smiling face resembles Muneshige somewhere”
“I-I am not cute like Muneshige-dono!” Yoshihiro averted her eyes.
“well, let’s go Iehisa. Ryuzoji Takanobu is rampaging and antagonizing all Shuras of Kyushu. He forsake his path of retreat and prepared for death. To become the Supreme Ruler of Kyushu or death, there is only two choices in that person’s mind. We will lose if clash against him in the front. If we don’t use strategy, we will lose. The Shura who can defeat that person who had become a demon is Iehisa. Only you can. You are still young, though I don’t want you to fight against that man……”
Iehisa closed her eyes and nodded “nyaa” while biting an akumaki for a nourishment. Tachibana Muneshige who has been granted Ken-Nagamitsu again, declared to Sorin.
“milord. Sagara Yoshiharu-dono. And all of Satsuma Hayato. May luck be with you. I will stop Mori army advancement by all means……in the fight against Yoshihiro-dono, I was trained as a Shura. As the substitute of Gifu-jo who is severely wunded, I will perform spearmanship that wouldn’t ashamed the title of “Nishikoku Musou” that Sagara Yoshiharu-dono gave me”
(this is the legendary Meito……the double edged Chokuto – “Ken-Nagamitsu”. If Muneshige-dono had this sword in her hand, I would’ve become a corpse on the battlefield) Yoshihiro trembled. But, Muneshige “it’s a family heirloom after all” keep on dodging Tocco’s attack while carrying Ginchiyo who ride upon her back. “Kobayakawa-san, I am sorry” Sagara Yoshiharu who is in daze and drop his shoulders, didn’t notice the gaze of awe and respect that Yoshihiro turn to himself.
“Yoshiharu-dono. Even if it will become a fierce battle, Kobayakawa Takakage-dono and Kikkawa Motoharu-dono who yearn for you will not lose their life, please be relieved” Muneshige smiled. “putting aside Kobayakawa-san who yearn for me, as for Kikkawa-san, perhaps, Kikkawa-san would fly into rage” Yoshiharu involuntarily brought a wry smile.
“Muneshige. you won’t die right? The prophecy that has bind Sorin is already been overturned by Tachibana clan”
“I won’t milord……no, my Aneue. You overturned the prophecy by your own will”
“……please. Please promise me. You must not die earlier than Sorin even if you fight in the battlefield”
“yes, I promise!”
Tachibana Muneshige and Otomo Sorin embraced each other and said brief goodbye and promise a re-encounter.
“now, hurried your preparation for departure, Kanbei. I will make your grand strategy succeed after we win against Ryuzoji army”
“Sagara Yoshiharu. although I am unhappy about the matter concerning about Yanagawa castle……after Ryuzoji army is defeated, Simon’s strategy will be completed. Of course. Will believe in Simon again?”
“the future is uncertain. But the future will changed whether you believed in it or doubt it. Therefore, I believed in you” Yoshiharu laughed.
Kanbei unconsciously moisten her eyes and buried her face in Yoshiharu’s chest.
“mufu~! Somehow, Yoshiharu, you smelled like ash~? *sniff *sniff”
“its probably because I eat too much akumaki”
However, there is two princess generals who pulled Kanbei away from Yoshiharu.
“yes Simon, the friendship embrace last until there! from here and before, its Sorin’s turn! right, Sagara Yoshiharu? you said that you will accompany me in the battle against Ryuzoji army. you are not choosing Oda Nobuna but instead its Sorin, right~? How wonderful~! With this, you and Sorin are genuine lovers, right?!”
“S-Sagara Yoshiharu-dono! E-even though I am dressed like a man, a-although you already have someone else to be your wife, if its alright with you, I want you to place me to the lowest seat among Yoshiharu-dono’s circle of lovers……”
“eh~?” Yoshiharu and everyone else stiffened.
Yoshiharu’s left and right arm are being held by two people.
Otomo Sorin and Tachibana Muneshige begun to rapidly exclaim something at the same time. They are mutually speaking in trance and haven’t noticed that both they are in complete synchronization with each other.
“this is the first time Sorin has awakened to something called the true love! Sorin is not alone anymore. Its all thanks to you Sagara Yoshiharu! from on please stand next to Sorin and support Sorin as a lover!”
“fufufufu I am a licentious man, no, my apologies, I am a woman! even though people have just been killed in this war……b-but, we will start a new fight after this! The only time to convey my feelings is now! th~, this is my first love! The fact that my heart fluttered when you touch my chest, its because I have fallen in love with you, Yoshiharu-dono”
“……eh~? Muneshige, what are you saying? Do you intent to steal Yoshiharu with force? Touching your chest, you say? What does that mean?”
“eh~? What does milord, no, what on earth is Aneue talking about?1 Weren’t Aneue already been rejected at Mushiga?!”
“its because Sorin don’t understand true love at that time! Its different now! w-wait a second! What do you mean that your c-chest has been touched~?! Muneshige, you……intent to secretly steal the lover of your own Ane? Are you an Otouto with such wicked mind?! You are first and foremost, more or less, a man right~! A male general right~!”
“just because Aneue is able to come into the battle, please don’t make Yoshiharu-dono as your lover on your own accord! Its simply Aneue’s wrong impression~, a misunderstanding~! Its an extreme nuisance to other people~! In reality, Yoshiharu-dono wanted to go back to Oda Nobuna-sama immediately. He endured, he remained for Aneue only for just one battle left! Any more than this is being selfish towards Yoshiharu-dono!”
“so that’s what it is, its Yoshiharu’s answer!”
“that’s different~! Yoshiharu-dono is devoted to his love! Because Yoshiharu-dono already has Oda Nobuna-sama as his full-fledged lawful wife candidate, by all mean please line up as the last lover in the waiting line~!”
“hey, Yoshiharu! you are leaving Oda Nobuna right? Which side do you pick? Is it the Ane or Otouto? Don’t tell me, you are choosing the Otouto?”
“its impossible to separate them! Yoshiharu-dono. Because for such gentleman, Aneue would certainly cause discord with Oda Nobuna-sama. It would become a war between Otomo and Oda clan! b-but, this Muneshige, be it’s a luck or misfortune, I am a married male general. S-so long as I am not found out as a girl by Oda Nobuna-sama, even if I stand next to you, e-even if we share the same bed, i-it won’t be a strange things. T-this is also, s-something like a relationship”
“ah, no. both of you, because I don’t understand what are you guys are talking about at all, lets calm down for a while……you guys are being excited because of the previous battle. This is what is called as “Suspension Bridge Effect”, yes. You would certainly regain your calm in about three days”
Kanbei and Yoshihi looked at Yoshiharu in cold stares.
“mufu~! As expected, you are that kind of a man! you increases the number of your local wives by repeatedly and irresponsibly acting and speaking without thinking about the consequences again, Sagara Yoshiharu! did you rub Muneshige’s chest while spending one night with Sorin at Mushiga?! monkey, you are a monkey! You cannot make any excuses to Simon anymore!”
“even the alliance between Otomo and Oda clan that has gone well until now, may unexpectedly broke down. No, even before that, the wonderful sibling relationship between Otomo Sorin and Tachibana Muneshige is going to break already……I told you to leave everything to your Onee-chan when things become unbearable to you as a man. it bring hardship if you have an idiot Otouto huh? Yare yare”
The Shuras of Otomo and Shimazu army who shares sake to each other after the battle, suddenly laugh.
“its only natural if you choose the lord, Sagara Yoshiharu!”
“I cried when Sorin-sama finally crawled up from the deep sadness and regain her footing……”
“do you understand, boy?”
“no, I recommend Muneshige-sama~!”
“that’s right! A man who abandon a woman for the sake of his master, is a person who discard his life!”
“Muneshige-sama has awakened to a maiden’s heart! how joyful!”
“if you don’t respond to Muneshige-sama’s feeling……you bastard aren’t a man, Sagara Yoshiharu!”
“do you understand, boy?”
“its different! It’s a misunderstanding!” in Yoshiharu’s back who is trying to escaped backward, there is Tachibana Dosetsu who is sitting upon a palanquin and Takahashi Shoun, waiting.
“geeh. My path to retreat has been blocked?”
“iyaa, happiness and misfortune are linked together, Sagara Yoshiharu-dono! Muhoho, because my “son in law” is a “man”, she didn’t count as a local wife! A man and man who fought together in the battlefield are bounded together in a firm friendship……such thing is common in the world of Sengoku era! Don’t be reserved!”
If he said that he will refrain himself, “this fool~!” Dosetsu would definitely cut down Yoshiharu with his dreadful fighting spirit, no question asked.
“oh dear, although it’s a strange things to us, the things called as Shudo seems to be popular among male commandeers too. Is it called as capricious to be forced upon Shudo? Don’t tell me that springs really has come to Muneshige? I just don’t know what kind of life she would have until then……namusanda”
“Shoun-san? I have no preference with Shudo or Chigo at all. In the first place, it’s a fraud because Muneshige is a girl” Yoshiharu thought.
“Dosetsu? Shoun? You two interfered in Sorin’s love who is your lord? You disloyal men~!”
“be quiet Hime-sama! Its outrageous to steal Oda Nobuna-dono’s devoted lover! In that respect, because Muneshige is an excellent and modest girl, she will not become an obstacle to Nobuna-dono’s romance! I realized it in an instant! The reason why Muneshige became a male general and had Ginchiyo as her wife, it was all for this moment! This is the divine protection of Usa Hachiman Daibosatsu!”
“……ugugu……Dosetsu……Dosetsu has betrayed me……Usa Hachimanguu must be burned again……”
“well then, Yoshiharu-dono. Before you are separated from Muneshige, spend the night just the two of you! since its more or less, a male bonding, don’t be reserved! The child who will born, is the child between Ginchiyo and Muneshige! what if, instead of Muneshige, you may give an offspring to Ginchiyo! With this Tachibana clan and Sagara clan will be families! It’s a joyful thing. don’t tell me, that I am able to see my grandchild’s face. Quick. Please show me my grandchild quickly. quickly while I am still alive. Muhohoho”
“Jii-san. Because you had excessive bleeding, won’t your consciousness hazy?” Yoshiharu wanted to retort. “zugogogogogo……” Dosetsu is releasing a demonic fighting spirit and Yoshiharu cannot say anything else any longer.
“wait a sec~! could a married couple steal another person’s lover~?! Well~, Sagara Yoshiharu! this Ginchiyo refuse your child~! Tocco, attack Yoshiharu!”
“wa~, wait Ginchiyo! I am not a lolicon!”
“aah……thank you very much Gifu-jo! Oyaji-dono! Certainly, this is obstructing the path of love for Aneue……”
“hee. The path of loyalty and filial piety and the path of romance are an exception, Muneshige. even though your lord is your rival in love, even though your Ane is your enemy, don’t restrain yourself. We will support you until this much! You are a good child. The man whom you loved are also a good man! follow your heart’s desire! Namusanda”
“Tachibana clan have betrayed me?!” Sorin who had teary eyes “absolutely not! The Otouto stealing the lover of her Ane is absolutely too strange!” started acting violently and cling to Muneshige to push her down. “Aneue. Only this that I cannot hand over. I will not hesitate!” Muneshige counter attacked.
“a~! this Otouto who had girlish face and steal another person lover, is not necessary! Get drown in Takigawa!”
“no way! Aneue should get drown!”
Yoshihi who seem disgusted,
“immediately after the siblings pledge their vow, they got into a quarrel?......well, perhaps they are in such good terms so much that they would quarrel like this”
While setting her gaze in one line “I want to leave this place quickly. If I don’t hurry to Tokuchiyo’s place” and the sister duo of Shimazu Yoshihiro and Iehisa were also baffled.
“*cough. As soon as they know that each other yearned for Sagara Yoshiharu, rather than showing the spirit of mutual concession, they have started a big fight……how unsightly……Iehisa. We sisters must never be like that, we must take each other hand and be in good term”
“nyaa. I assume that Yoshihiro-Nee has given up on Yoshiharu? you have conceded to your Imouto? As expected from my Shimazu Ane”
“……no, I didn’t say such thing”
“you are not giving up?”
“mattaku. The youngest child is too selfish. But, she is cute……that’s troublesome”
“ehehehe”
“but, the sight of this scandalous dispute between siblings that happen before our eyes, as expected, cause a headache……haa. After all. Yoshiharu-dono is the bad one. Yoshiharu-dono. You should take responsibility for the words that you have spoken and the actions that you showed before”
“huh? Yoshihiro? W-what responsibility? What should I do with this? Err~”
“haa. You tried to settle down the situation at Taka castle by having your head decapitated again just like back then in Kizakihara. This is the war against Ryuzoji army, you must absolutely stop your method of exchanging your life for someone’s will. The enemy is the ruthless Supreme Ruler – Ryuzoji Takanobu. If you do the same things next, I cannot guarantee your life this time. Because recently……”
“no. this time, its different when I was captured by you at Kizakihara. Isn’t it because I believed in the last move that Kanbei used? I was stalling for that reason. Well, it would be over for me if it wasn’t in time, I had narrowly escaped death after Yoshihi-Neesan and Sorin led the bodyguard units to the battlefield”
“n-no, its not like that, that time I was……that, I was just too surprised, you see”
“aah. When Dosetsu-jiisan suddenly collapsed, it became chaos from there……I cannot see Yoshihiro, Shoun and Muneshige’s movement at all. As expected, what on earth make you so impatient to end it”
“t-that time I was, far from protecting you, I was fascinated by you, Dosetsu-dono was in danger and I nearly slice him” Yoshihiro almost blurted it out. But, she dared to see the words. Its because she finally understood that the reason why Dosetsu didn’t cut her at time was because he wanted to see Yoshiharu’s face and then he lost his balance and collapsed.
(Iehisa shouldn’t fall into danger for the same reason as mine in the battle against Ryuzoji army. no matter how much the body and spirit are trained through the method of Satsuma Hayato, the things that is overlooked……it’s the thing that cannot be completely tempered……that is love. No matter how much a princess general has gone through death training and charging through the battlefield, they cannot throw away the feeling of love. Even for “Nishikoku Musou” Tachibana Muneshige. even me……Iehisa, I am worried about you)
Yoshihiro cannot stop her uneasiness.
Shimazu Yoshihisa who was completely left out in the background “as expected, I have to usurp Sagara Yoshiharu to become a genuine villain. If I jumped out from the side and become the last winner, everyone will be surprised” floated a black smile and clapped Yoshihiro’s shoulder.
“its alright~! Because just like Iehisa-chan, Yoshihiro-chan are also lucky! Look look, I have finished signed the contract!”
Here is the reconciliation between Otomo clan of Bungo and Shimazu clan of Satsuma. The so called “Satsu-Hou Reconciliation” was formed.
“both clan has fought at Taka castle as of now de-ojaru! But there is no time to rest de-ojaru. They will be separated into two immediately and goes to their respective battles de-Ojaru!”
“ho ho ho. The mission of Satsu-Hou Reconciliation has finally been accomplished de-ojaru! Maro himself will satnd as the vanguard of Otomo army de-ojaru! Did you see this Sagara Yoshiharu? this is the authority of Kampaku de-Ojaru!” Konoe Sakhihisa showed his front teeth which has been dyed black and shouted in abrasive voices.
“as expected, I want to kill that smile de-gozaru” Goemon was trembling with unpleasantness after a long time while closing both of her ears.
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