Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 3 - Chapter 3

Chapter 3 : The Dissection of Nambanji [26] 

The next day. 

"Goemon and her gang are staying in Kyoto, and Juubei-chan is not just two-faced, but also my opponent for the culinary showdown... Honestly, the feeling of being thrown into this Sengoku era alone really sucks." 

"If I had known this, I would have brought Nene along," Yoshiharu grumbled as he loitered around the streets in his student attire. 

If he stayed at Imai's house, he wouldn’t stop quarreling with Nobuna. Seeing Nobuna’s face as she was fantasizing about her first love set his blood boiling near instantly. He had planned to assault Nobuna in the night for revenge but was stopped by Juubei's tanegashima, whose owner was sleeping beside Nobuna to ward off just such an attack. 

"To face off with Juubei... It must be 'The ultimate cuisine VS the strongest recipe' kind of thing...Anyway, I have no experience in cooking..." 

Since things have come to this, why not loiter around in the streets to find some inspiration. 

But, although he walked out of Imai's house with determination, in this Sengoku era there aren't any smartphones. Just by relying on himself, Yoshiharu didn't even know where to start. 

While walking around aimlessly, a stone church that was totally different from any of the structures in Sengoku Japan entered his view. 

At the top of the building, a cross was erected. 

"This... is a Nambanji." 

Because he was curious, Yoshiharu looked in from the half closed door. 

"Ohhh, it is!" 

This is a real church. 

Not only was there an altar and a cross, there were also statues of Jesus and Mary. 

Tens of believers and visitors were sitting at the namban style chairs while listening to the priestess on the altar. 

That young priestess was reading the Bible, and though her Japanese was fluent, her attire was that of a nun in RPG games that Yoshiharu had seen countless times. 

"It's a western nun!" 

Glittering gold hair, fair white skin and two blue eyes. 

With a voice that was as gentle as silver bells, though her face had remained that of a childish girl, she was still shockingly beautiful. 

And, while looking at this beautiful and delicate girl, Yoshiharu couldn't help but doubt his own eyes, because the breasts on this girl... It's already over the limit of human intelligence, they can only be described as super boobs! 

(Ohhhhh? S-such golden proportions that a Japanese girl can never hope to have! A childish face that is so devilishly cute, and the destructive power of her figure! It's as if... as if she were a game character model taken right out from a 3D game!) 

This beautiful bishoujo... is definitely a fairy [27] ! 

Creatures like fairies actually exist in Sengoku era Japan! 

*Breathes in* 

Upon looking at such a cute girl, Yoshiharu can't help but be sucked over. 

"You...who are you? This is our gathering, you can't come in here without invitation! It's dangerous!" 

A young girl who is either a believer or a visitor appears in front of Yoshiharu, and she had an eyepatch on, only revealing one eye. Her hair was golden too, her attire all black. The jet black namban attire of hers wrapped the small body up, and the cross that she wore emitted a silver light, but for some reason the cross was inverted. The chains on her small waist let out "Kachan, Kachan" sounds, while boots covered her feet. Though from her look she simply seemed like a brat that admired Namban style, from the samurai sword that was hanging on her waist she appeared to be from a family of warriors. 

"Oi, I told you not to come in. Now is the crucial period when we talk about the 'Beast of Revelation'," The eyepatch brat said, gnashing her teeth while raising her hand, 

"Elohim Essaim?Elohim Essaim" [28] 

————She started to chant a spell to summon an evil demon. 

How can a holy church summon demons? Yoshiharu can't help but think. 

"No, I...er... I'm not your enemy... Eh, this is giving me a headache." 

"...No...You are not to enter my seal! Do you want to die?!" 

"Listen to me, brat. I am the vice-captain of the Oda clan from Owari, Sagara Yoshiharu. Because it's been a long time since I've seen westerners, I came in to look around; there's no other meaning to it." 

"A holy demonic formation? [29] What's that? Is it a magic formation for summoning demons?" 

This eyepatch brat, I have no idea what's she taking about... Yoshiharu tilted his head. 

"Hehehe... Interesting. Since you want to have a showdown with me, I will let you taste the secret finishing move of Bontenmaru! Receive this, 'Strike from the 12 Souls of the Demon World'!" 

"Oi, damn brat, don't just unsheathe your sword like that!" 

"Hey, Bontenmaru. Don't offend people who come to listen to the Bible. And this is a church, don't be violent." 

This fairy-like bishoujo nun gave a Maria-like smile to the eyepatch brat Bontenmaru, stopping her mid-craze. 

"Hmph. If Frois says that, I Bontenmaru will stop here. This battle will be postponed to a later date." 

"No matter how I see it, you are just a brat. Your height doesn't even reach my belly." 

Yoshiharu snorted. 

"I'm not a kid! I am the future demon king, the Beast of Revelation that will destroy all of Japan, Bontenmaru!" 

"Huh, destroy all of Japan? Now that's a bad child. Be careful, you might just get a spanking." 

"Oi——! Don't pick me up! Unhand me!" 

The rest of the believers snickered while looking silently upon the two of them. 

"Bontenmaru, this child, rather than Jesus's teaching, is much more interested in scary stories like the Book of Revelations. She is especially obsessed about the part of the Beast of Revelation." 

The young nun that walked down slowly from the altar, Frois, said. 

Matching her pace as she walked down, her breasts, covered as they were by the nun robes, were shaking at a terrible rate. Yoshiharu's eyes almost popped out from how hard he was staring. 

(Th-this... Just how big is her cup size... D-definitely not G or I, nowhere near such a miserable size! She looks so young, so just why does she have such a blazingly hot body... Damn, even if I use up all my eye power, I can't really tell what size she is.) 

"Er, Yoshiharu-san? I am the priestess of this Nambanji in Sakai, the missionary-Louise Frois. I came here from Portugal a few years back. Please do take care of me." 

"Ah, Ahh! Do take care of me too!" 

"Hehehe... Be careful, Frois. This man has been staring at Frois' breasts from the start. His soul must have been taken by demons." 

Bontenmaru smiled and said, revealing a neat set of white teeth from her vantage point in Yoshiharu’s arms. 

Damn, this brat is just so not cute! Yoshiharu said to himself. 

"Hmmm. Th-this... Er... Bre... I'm sorry to have such unnatural big breasts..." 

"Yes. Ever since I came to Zipang [30] , everyone has been saying 'Like those of a cow.' 'She might just be a cow deity.' 'It must have gathered lots of stuff inside, let me squeeze it out.' and have looked at me in a weird way... *Sob Sob*" Frois said while crying. 

"Waaa waaaaaa,it's not like that, Frois-chan! This is just a natural instinct of a guy... Damn it, you brat! Shut the hell up! Or else I'm gonna spank you!" 

Piak Piak Piak* 

"Ouch, Ouch! Damn, don't you ridicule me! No... No more... The sealed Beast... It's going to wake up...! Stop right now!" 

"What the hell is this setting...?" 

Frois wiped her tears, stood up and said. 

"Anyway, Yoshiharu-san, there seems to be something troubling you. God once said, 'Wayward sheep, search, and you will have your reward.' Since we were able to meet, it must be the God's will." 

"True, it might really be like this." 

"If you don't mind, I can listen your problems." 

"Really? Thanks!" 

"Ehhh. Aren't you gonna continue with the Book of Revelation? I don't wanna——!" 

"Ok, ok. Then let us continue with the story first, Bontenmaru." 

To talk about the Book of Revelation in the Sengoku era at a Nambanji, it's really a messed up combination... Yoshiharu can't help but think. 

Anyway, Yoshiharu found an empty seat, placed Bontenmaru on his thighs, and listened to Frois's story. 

"Revelation, Chapter 13. I saw a beast from the sea, it had 10 horns and 7 heads, its horns had 10 crowns while the head had an unholy symbol..." 

"Ohh, so frightening. That's really terrifying..." The believers all revealed an expression of fear. 

The contents of this story don't fit Frois's angelic voice at all... Yoshiharu thought. 

"Here it comes! The beast! Hehehe, no matter how many times I hear this part, the appearance of this 'beast' makes me so excited...!" 

Bontenmaru was moving about on top of Yoshiharu's thighs, the only eager person in the chapel. 

Frois gave a wry smile and said, "Ahaha... kids really loves such stories..." and continued to read. 

"Then I saw another beast running in the fields, it has 2 horns not unlike a sheep, but its voice is that of a dragon. It uses all his strength on the first beast, making the people who lived on the land worship it." 

"It even caused a miracle, making fire come down to earth in front of the masses." 

"The many miracles it had performed in front of the beast mesmerized the masses, so it advised them to erect a statue for the beast who still lives despite its injuries." 

"It gained strength again, and gave life to that statute, even asking it to talk, and cause death to anyone who did not worship it." 

"The second one! Go! Good job, beast! Use the fire from the sky and burn everything, scorch this earth! Let the corrupt Japan go up in flames!" 

"Oi, brat. Your way of thinking is just too wrong." 

"My good rival Sagara, let me tell you something. The first beast that appears, it's me, hehehe! The second beast, is my prophesied subordinate, Kojuurou!" 

"Who the hell is Kojuurou! When did the bible's prophecies have such a Japanese name!" 

"Ohh, no matter how many times I hear of it, I'm moved by it. Letting Kojuurou create a speaking statue, and killing all who do not worship it. Hehehe" 

"Hehe. Just a while more, Yoshiharu-san." 

"It gave everyone, regardless of their age or status, no matter free or enslaved, in their right hand, or their forehead, a symbol. So, if one does not have the symbol, which is the name of the beast or its numbers, cannot be bought nor sold." 

"The symbol has come~~! Worship me, kneel in front of me!" "Oi...eh? I seem to have heard this story from somewhere..." 

"This symbol is that beast's name, and the number of its name. To those who still have intelligence: let those who are wise calculate the number of this beast, since it's a human's number, its number is 666!" 

"666, here it comes~~!!!!" 

"Don't kick up a fuss on the top of my thighs! It hurts, ouch, just where do you think you are kicking, brat!!" 

"Uhhh, this is one hell of a story~~! Do you know Sagara, I am this beast!" 

"What are you talking about? Does your head have the symbol, 666?" 

"Look at it clearly, my eyepatch." 

Looking at the direction Bontenmaru is pointing, Yoshiharu can see it clearly. 

On the eyepatch covering one of her eye, there is a 666 symbol. 

"Are you an idiot?" 

Thud!* 

"Oi, don't hit me! Don't you hit me! What if you awaken the beast in my body? You human, don't you feel afraid?" 

"Hehe. Let's end it here for today, Bontenmaru." 

Frois closed the bible, and the believers all sighed "Ahh, the Book of Revelation is so scary, no matter how many times I've heard it." "Compared to the 'Journey to Hell' from B?zutera, it seems the Nambanji's Book of Revelation is more impactful! Too exciting, what a book." noddig their heads while dispersing. 

During this period, everyone left dried food or fruits in the church, most likely as offerings for Frois. 

"Then everyone, I'll see you again tomorrow." 

Eventually the only ones left are, Frois, Yoshiharu and Bontenmaru. 

"You should go back home too! Just how long do you plan to sit on top of my legs!" 

"I refuse! If I allow you to be alone with Frois, Frois's breasts will be in danger! My eyes have the power to see through people. Your evil scheme and lustful eyes had been seen clearly by these eyes of mine, hehehe." 

"No, er... I've already said it's a guy's instinct... It is irresistible... What a pain~" 

"Er, Yoshiharu-san? The things you wish to say, is it ok for Bontenmaru to hear them too?" 

"Yes. it doesn't matter, I think." 

Yoshiharu reintroduced himself officially to Frois. 

"My name is Sagara Yoshiharu. I am the vice-captain of the Oda clan from Owari. What I said might be a bit too far fetched, but Frois who has traveled all the way here from Europe might understand this. Actually, I'm from the future Japan." 

"Ah, future Japan, huh?" 

"Yes. It's a world approximately 400 years from now." 

"Ohh, how pitiful. Yoshiharu is already so old yet he has read too many fantasy stories." Bontenmaru laughed while looking down on him. 

"No matter what, let me spank her a few times." 

"Don't hit me! Don't hit me!" 

"Compared to you who wants to be the Beast of Revelation, my story is better! Besides, all that I've said is the truth!" 

"How did Yoshiharu-san come from the future, to this Zipang of the Sengoku era?" 

"This... I don't know much either. When I came to my senses, I was already here." 

"You must have suffered quite a lot. I think, Yoshiharu-san might be chosen by God. You must have a great mission, that's why you have come to this era." 

"Anyway, that's what I think too, but it seems more and more like I have only been spirited away." Yoshiharu nodded half heartedly. 

"But, hearing these words from the pure Frois with a big smile make them seem so much more possible!" Yoshiharu cheered up in an instant. 

"Frois-chan is from Portugal, right? Why did you come to Japan?" 

"Yoshiharu-san knows about Portugal?" 

"Sorry. Actually, I always mix it up with Spain... It must be a western country of Europe, right? There, bullfighting is very common... And, it is one of the main players with Spain in the era of navigating! In this era without steam-powered boats, to be able to cross the oceans to come to Japan is impressive." 

"Though I do not understand what steam-powered boats are, it's true that bullfighting is very common. Yoshiharu-san does know a lot about Portugal." Frois smiled and said. 

"Like you've seen, I am a nun from Jesuit Curia. We Jesuit Curia are a part of the traditional Roman Catholic church. We aim to to cross the oceans and spread God's teachings unconditionally." 

"The reason why Frois came to Japan was to find me, the Beast of Revelation. Hehehe." Bontenmaru snickered. 

"Zipang is just as Marco Polo had described, it is the most beautiful country in the world. I volunteered to come to this country uer the influence of my teacher, St. Francis of Xavier. In his letter, he introduced to me the natural beauty of 'The country of 8 million gods', and the warriors who had more chivalry than European knights. That's my personal reason for coming." 

Frois said excitedly, her eyes emitting a happy glow. 

"But it's not easy to set up churches in Japan. The shrines have too much influence... especially in ancient Kyoto." 

"Yes. Finally, just some time ago, we received permission to set up churches in Kyoto from the Shogun Ashikaga-sama, but Shogun-sama was chased out of this country by the Miyoshi Matsunaga-sama. After that, Kampaku-sama had ordered to restrict any missionary actions in Kyoto, so I had come to Sakai." 

"It must have been hard." 

"No. All this is by the will of God. It's my fault for being so sinful..." 

"Just how is Frois-chan sinful?" 

Frois-san's face blushed a little, and her sight wandered and said. 

"Er... Because of my breasts... That's what people keep saying. Because it attracts men... In Europe, big breasted women are often treated as demonic." 

"What?! Unforgivable! It's just bigger breasts, what could possibly be wrong about it?!" 

"...B-but, i-in Zipang's Buddhist teachings, their views are similar. Those monks closed their eyes after looking at my breasts, saying something like 'No, I'm distracted' 'This is a demon, she is demonic', and I started to feel uneasy." 

Frois-chan was really born in the wrong period, Yoshiharu thought. 

Unknowingly, he thought that both of them were in the same situation. 

"You aren't a sinner! You're actually a winner! In the future I'm from, huge breasts are justice! Though there are people who prefer flat chests, up to 80% of males in Japan love huge breasts!" 

"...I-is that so?" 

"Ahh, it can't be wrong, I promise! What's wrong is the sense of beauty in this era! Isn’t being well-endowed the best proof of motherly compassion, and the strongest weapons of females?! What's wrong with being a little bigger and a little ecchi-er? Breasts and the 7 seas are men's romance! I'm overjoyed just from seeing the shaking of Frois-chan's breasts! So, please don't mind them! Puff up your chest!" 

"P-puff up my chest?" 

"Of course! Do it with pride!" 

"It's a first for me to hear someone say that..." Frois-san's face was a little troubled while she lowered her head and sneaked a look at Yoshiharu. 

"Yoshiharu-san is really strange. Hehe." 

“I get it,” Bontenmaru said, catching onto his trick. "As long as I say I came from the future, no matter what settings I set, it will all be seen as the truth. Hehehe." 

"Shut up, brat! I don’t have any settings like that!" 

After that, the conversation become a consultation. 

"I think, to come to the past from the future, Yoshiharu-san must have suffered a lot." 

"Not really. I didn't really care about that. Actually, to a Sengoku game fanatic like me, this could be counted as lucky [31] ... something like that?" 

"Game fanatic? Lucky? To think that Japan has such a complicated word." 

"It's English." 

"So that's it! But, have you really not suffered?" 

"Frois-chan said it herself. I might have been brought here to this era for some particular mission or something, but that might just as easily be me over-thinking things. So, I do not really have anything against this situation now." 

"An idiot." Bontenmaru mumbled, but Frois praised "Yoshiharu-san is a remarkable person." 

"Don't you think of going back to your world?" 

"Hmmm, I did have such a thought, but the truth is I can't find any way back. Since this is the case, there isn't any point for me to keep thinking about it. Anyway, rather than this, what is important is helping Nobuna conquering the world." 

"Oda-sama, huh? From Owari to Mino, and then to Kyoto; both Kyoto and Sakai are shocked with Oda-sama’s rapid increase in influence. Just some time ago, all of them were convinced that she would be defeated by Imagawa-sama on her way towards the capital. 

"Might all that be the work of Yoshiharu-sama?" Frois asked. 

Being asked like this, Yoshiharu feels a little embarrassed, and he started to humble down. 

"It's nothing actually... To be able to come so far, all of it is because of Nobuna herself. Well, I may have stopped the 'Flag' of her going crazy suddenly and becoming the sixth demon lord." 

"To apply appropriate pressure towards a boss who at times was overly forceful, as a retainer, I think that is correct." 

"Sagara, I don't see how you are bothered by this." The little brat once again chirped in. "This fellow just wants to flirt around with Frois alone. Big pervert, your thoughts won't escape my eye." [32] 

"Damn! That's half correct, but it's not like that! I do have times when I'm troubled." 

"What troubles does Yoshiharu-san have?" 

Though he was embarrassed and was twisting around blushing, Yoshiharu finally blurted it out under Frois's angelic and gentle smile. 

"...Er, how to I go about saying it...um. Ever since coming to Sakai, some stuff has been on my mind..." 

"What can that be? I won't tell anyone, so please tell me." 

"Er... U.-um... I don't really care about other girls, but the girl who accompanied me here to Sakai suddenly said something like, 'This city is full of memories of my first love and I'... Since then, I don't know why, but for some reason that has really bothered me. That fellow has always been treating me like a pervert... All she has been talking about lately is her first love or whatever, and it has been so vexing to me that we ended up quarreling." 

"Ok, ok, thanks for your story. Now get the hell out, bastard!" Bontenmaru flared up after hearing the story. 

"This is jealousy. In the teachings of the Lord, He said humans have seven sins. Arrogance(Pride), Jealousy (Envy), Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony and Lust. The feelings of jealousy is quite painful." 

"N-n-n-no such thing! It's ju——it's just that that fellow might be bothered by me or something... So I had such an illusion more or less, and I feel so dumb for having such a ridiculous thought... so I've been feeling quite troubled about this... Ahhh, how do I describe this——!" 

"Hehehehe... 'The seven sins', So cool... This sentence is just too cool! As expected, the Lord's teachings are so trendy right now!" 

"When troubled by jealousy, one must never wonder by himself, but instead should engage in a proper conversation with the other party. This is the most important thing to remember." Frois said gently. 

"Once the seed of jealousy plants itself in your heart, it will slowly grow, and from there, it might spell big trouble. Besides, you haven't determined who or what this first love is. Maybe it’s just an elephant or something?" 

"No, it must be a pretty face, she herself said it. Just what happened between them in Sakai... How far did they take their relationship.... Damn!" 

"I don't really know what makes a pretty face, but when did this first love happen? Is it just recently, or was it a long time ago?" 

"..." 

Under Frois gentle reminder, Yoshiharu suddenly realize it. 

"...Oh my god! Now that you've said it, that fellow said she hasn't been to Sakai for 10 years! In other words, that first love happened 10 years ago! So at that time, Nobuna was the same age as this brat!" 

"Hehe. Yoshiharu-san really cares about Nobuna-sama." 

"Damn it, I said the word 'Nobuna' without knowing it! Gosh, that fellow's current identity should be the lass Kichi from Owari's Uiroumochi house." 

"It's ok. When it concerns the confessions of lost lambs, we will definitely not say anything." 

"Sagara, you brat, a mere servant dares to have feelings for his own master. Hehehe, this is such an unheard of sin. What audacity you have! 

"I d-don't have feelings for her!" 

Bontenmaru, you brat, don't say things like that so loud... Yoshiharu started to worry a little. 

But, he had finally understood that Nobuna was just joking with him. Though her tone made it sound like she was still infatuated, it's just a childish love after all. 

"That damn woman... to make a fool of me! Looks like it's time that we settle all the grudges once and for all." 

"It's not good to be angry. Maybe she just wanted to see Yoshiharu-san feel jealous." 

"How can that fellow be that cute? She is totally different from Frois-chan." 

"But, you are still loyal to Nobuna-sama, right?" 

"Hmmm. It's because I know Oda Nobunaga, no, Oda Nobuna was born to bear the great responsibility of uniting the Sengoku kingdoms. She herself believes the same, and strongly too. So she always thinks of this country's people, yes... I-I-I-I'm definitely not smitten with her or anything! Rather than her, a gentle and big breasted girl like Frois-chan is my target!" 

"M-m-my heart and body have already been offered to God..." Facing Yoshiharu's eyes, Frois became embarrassed, with her ears turning all red. 

"And I'm a foreigner. No matter the hair color or the eyes, they are different from the people of Zipang... I'm not as pretty as the girls in Zipang too... especially their small and delicate breasts. That's why the guys in this country would not like someone like me..." 

Ahh, what tragedy this is. For a girl who has such demonic curves and angelic features to come to this eastern island, but yet be totally unappreciated. And she even said something like 'offered her heart and body to God'. 

If she really married God, won't those bouncy and delicious tits leave his hands forever? 

That's too much of a waste! 

To Yoshiharu who is always, eternally standing on the side of cute girls, this fact can not be tolerated. 

"Frois-chan, stop saying dumb things!" 

"?" 

"The future Japanese are more than used to golden hair bishoujos in animes! It's even an existence to be admired! Since the 'Record of Lod*** War' [33] anime, golden hair elves have been determined to be the most beautiful race ever!" 

"...S-sorry. I don't really understand... An-ni-mu...?" 

"Some of my classmates dyed their hair to chestnut or blonde, even wearing contacts to remove their glasses attribute. Though the pure black-haired with black glasses look is beautiful in its own way, so changing it like that is a bit regrettable. But, that means that hair color and eye color isn't that much of a big deal! As long as you like it, there is no need to care about others!" 

"Can the girls in the future freely change their hair and eye color?" 

"Of course! There are even girls who are bothered with their small breasts, some even go through operation to make their breast even bigger! 

"Op...er...ation? ...What kind of magic is that?" 

"Frois. All this is bullshit; he’s just spouting nothing but bullshit." 

"Shut up, brat, this isn't bullshit! It's the truth!" 

"The future that Yoshiharu-san described seems very interesting." 

"But, I feel more confident thanks to you..." Frois smiled. 

Ahh, as expected from the smile of an angel... Yoshiharu totally felt like he was ascending to heaven. 

"There will be lots of mixed bloods in the future. They are welcomed in the modeling and showbiz world." 

"Yoshiharu-san. What are 'mixed bloods'?" 

"Children born from both Japanese and foreigners. So as to say, a foreign marriage. It's very common in future Japan." 

"Wait Sagara, is what you say true?" 

Bontenmaru who is on his lap revealed a rare serious expression while staring at Yoshiharu. 

"What is it, you brat?" 

"If it's bullshit, I'm gonna finish you off." 

"What good does it do me to bluff? Why are you so angry about this?" 

Frois extend her hand and touched Bontenmaru's nervous head gently. 

"...Actually, Bontenmaru isn't her father's real daughter. I'm the illegitimate child that my mother had with a Namban merchant. Because of my blonde hair, it could hardly be kept a secret. As I'm the proof of my mother's affair, I have been despised by the people, and the one that father truly loves isn't me, but my brother." 

"...Is that so?" 

This brat, look like she didn't have it easy... Yoshiharu noticed. 

"But brat, in this Sengoku era, quarrels between a mother and daughter aren't rare. It's not just you." 

"Not rare? Who are you kidding?" 

"Listen. I can only say this once, don't reveal it to others. Nobuna has not been loved by her mother since she was little as well. Her mother has always wanted her brother Kanjuurou to succeed the throne. Kanjuurou had staged revolts multiple times, and I think every one was provoked in secret by Nobuna's mother." 

"...Uhh. That is almost exactly the same as my situation. But why?" 

"Because Nobuna's ideas are too modern, others can't understand what she is talking about. Though she has been called foolish by others, that does not mean that she isn't smart at all. It's only because her ideas are too out of the box, so others can't understand her. But from the eyes of someone who came from the future, I can tell at a glance who is correct and who is the modern one. Without her, this Sengoku era won't be able change by itself, and nor will there be anyone capable to change it. Rather than acting like an ordinary person for this era’s Japan and keeping to herself, Nobuna chose to fight on for this world and the people in it, even if she was called the fool. That fellow's real aim isn't just Japan, but to build this Japan into a country that can stand on equal ground with the Namban countries as an international trading country. Her ideas can be said to surpass 100, no, 300 years." 

"So Nobuna-sama had such an enormous ambition." Frois exclaimed. 

"Even in Europe, kings with such ambition are few and far between. Now I really would like to see Nobuna-sama herself personally." 

In his laps, Bontenmaru said instead, "Oda Nobuna is really strong. Bontenmaru wants to be someone like her." 

"Sagara. Someone like me, will I be popular in the future?" 

"Ohh. I can guarantee that. With your eyepatch and Namban looks, plus your chuunibyou antics, it'll be hard for someone to not notice you. Like that 'Jakigan' or something-" 

That brat's eyes suddenly shone. 

And her little body started to shiver. 

"...Jakigan...?! What is that, Sagara?" 

"I'm not really sure what exactly it means, but as for how it came about, it must be from those guys who claim that their eyes underneath their eyepatches contain immeasurable demonic energy... Anyway in Akihabara, this term is used to describe guys who talk to themselves and try to give themselves mystical-sounding personas." 

"Jakigan... Hehehe, that might just be me!" 

"There we go again." 

"No, this can't be wrong! Because I'm the one who has the eyes of the demon." 

"You're joking?" 

"So normally, my left eye which is the demonic eye was sealed off by the eyepatch, if I take it off, something terrible will happen... Hehehe." 

Bontenmaru is saying all that, but Frois at the side was explaining that that wasn't something like a demonic eye. 

"Take off that eyepatch and let him see, Bontenmaru." 

"B-but, if I take it off, something terrible will happen... Sagara will be afraid. He will be scared of Bontenmaru..." 

"It's ok. Yoshiharu-san won't think like that. Because he came from the future." 

"Stop messing around and let me see. What is it that you have to cover yourself with a 666 eyepatch?" 

"Ah, oi!" 

Yoshiharu snatched open Bontenmaru's eyepatch. 

Her right eye, the one without the patch, was just a normal chestnut color. 

But under the eyepatch, if you were just looking at its shape or its function, her left eye was the same as anyone else’s. 

The only noticeable difference was the color: as red as wine, with a crimson glow. 

"Uuuu,uuuu. Don't look! This is the demonic eye that was cursed!" 

Because she was embarrassed, Bontenmaru's small body shivered uncontrollably. But, 

"Ohhh, these are really pretty heterochromatic eyes!" Yoshiharu released a surprise tone. 

"He...Heterochromatic eyes?" 

"Heterochromatic eyes are those that have different colors. Compared to those people wearing contacts, real heterochromatic eyes are very rare! This is the first I’ve ever seen a real pair! How surprising!" 

"I-is that so?" 

"Bontenmaru, you are too perfect. As a Jakigan character, you are just too perfect!" 

"...Don't you feel disgusted, Sagara?" 

"Why's that?" 

"After seeing this eye, one will be cursed by the bastard child of the Naban people... That's what everyone says. The only one who stands at my side is Kojuurou, my subordinate." 

"So, Bontenmaru hid this eye, and came up with lots of strange and weird stories..." Frois added on. 

"What a bunch of superstitious idiots. This is because of genetics, and has no relation whatsoever with curses." 

"Really?" 

"Of course! You should be proud of it instead! You are a warrior, and this eye is your weapon! As long as your heterochromatic eyes appear on the battlefield, those superstitious enemies will just cower and run!" 

"Ohh! Nice, Yoshiharu!" 

Bontenmaru jumped to the floor while clapping her small hands. 

"So there is still that way! Hehehe, under my demonic eyes... No, under the strength of my Jakigan, there will be a day when I'll be the conqueror of Oshu!" [34] 

"Well, I’ve never seen such a happy expression from Bontenmaru... Yoshiharu is really a very weird person." 

Looking at the gloomy Bontenmaru finally smiling, the moved Frois wiped her eyes while touching the small head of Bontenmaru who was mumbling "It's finally time to release the seal of my eyepatch..." 

But, Yoshiharu feels that something is not right. 

Hmmm? 

"Wait. Oi, brat, you said something about 'Conquering Oshu'... Don't tell me you aren't a warrior from around here?" 

"Wrong. I am here to study from Oshu. And Bontenmaru is my childhood name. My real name is... Date Masamune!" 

"WHAT!?" 

Now that you mention it, there have been claims that Date Masamune's father was actually Portuguese, and his Dokugan was actually just a heterochromatic eye. I had always dismissed those as pure rumors... but, that's right! The name of Masamune's close aide is Katakura Kojuurou! 

"I had been preparing to raise the flag 'Dokugan Masamune', but because of Sagara, I have a better idea!" 

"Eh. Wait... Just wait a minute!" 

"I'm the conqueror of Oshu, 'Jakigan Masamune'~~!!" 

"Ooooiiiiiii!" 

"Ha...Wahahahaha! Using this Jakigan, I will definitely conquer all of Oshu! And then, I will transform myself into the Beast of Revelation, and, together with the Namban fleet, send this country down to the path of destruction!" 

"Damn, when the hell did the topic go back there again!? What the hell have you been listening to all this while!?" 

"Wahahaha! Since I've decided, I should return immediately to usurp the throne! And, obtain this world with my hands~~!!" 

Oh my God...! 

The ambitious one, the first chuunibyou to ever shine in Japan history, even in his late years he had been plotting to ally with Namban to destroy the bakufu... this Date Masamune! 

(Did... Did I just give some funny confidence or delusions to this annoying Date Masamune? Using her Jakigan to conquer Oshu? If it really works, then history will just go haywire! And isn't this era a bit too early for her?) 

Just when Yoshiharu was hugging his head and having a headache, Bontenmaru jumped down from Yoshiharu's laps and ran out from the church with her black cape billowing behind her. 

"Which demon king will be the one to change this country!? Is it the sixth demon king, Oda Nobuna, or me, 'The Beast of Revelations', Jakigan Masamune! Frois, Sagara, next time we meet, this country will definitely be mine!" 

Even when she was leaving, she did not forget to leave behind such dangerous words. 

"...I might have just committed a hell of a mistake... Haha." 

"No. What Yoshiharu-san said was great. I will not be ashamed of my breasts, and I will work even harder!" 

"Ahh. Me too, I won't care about those lies from Nobuna! Eh...? Wait! I still have that competition with Juubei over who will end up managing the kitchens in Gifu!" 

"Competition?" 

"I had forgotten all about it! Damn... Compared to that job, I can't help but care more about Nobuna's first love! Though I actually don't care much about that either!" 

"What kind of competition is that?" 

At the same time Frois open her mouth to ask, the doors of the church were opened violently by a bunch of mercenaries carrying katanas or tanegashima; no matter how you look at them, they were not friendly. 

"Oi oi oi! This can't do, no way~!" 

"We must have this Namban priestess hurry and leave our Sakai~!" 

"Destroy this Nambanji!" 

"If you don't hurry and run, priestess-san, don't blame us if you are buried under the ruins!" 

"Who are you guys?" Yoshiharu asked while covering Frois at his back. 

Suddenly, the head of these mercenaries who spoke with a Kansai accent walked out. 

The kumquat accessories on her head were making "Ding, Dang" sounds... 

"Eh, isn't that... Juubei?" 

"Uhh. Gorilla, how dare you come to destroy this Nanbaji before me! As expected, I can't underestimate you!" 

"Oi! Why do you have to destroy this Nambanji? Sakai is different from Kyoto that is always noisy with the nobles around; missionaries should not be controlled, right?" 

"Hmph. Of course it's because this concerns our competition. Though I hold no grudge against the Nambanji, for the dream of Tenka Fubu, no matter how many sacrifices are needed, it can't be helped." 

"Damn, don't tell me you are dealing under the table!?" 

"I probably should not have told you so much... Everyone, it's showtime!" 

Roger! 

Among these mercenaries, there were many who were bald. 

"After Kyoto, will this place be filled with destruction again?" The forlorn Frois held tightly onto the cross in front of her chest while chanting, "Lord... Please forgive these men of their sins." 

Yoshiharu asked Mitsuhide. 

"Even if it's for the competition, you can't just do this kind of thing, okay!? Use your brain, Juubei!" 

"Though it's true that the competition is very important, fulfilling Nobuna-sama's dream is much more important. Don't tell me you've found a special cuisine that the Kaigo will buy?" 

"Ehh... No...not really... B-but, there will be a way!" 

"Looks like you have not found it. As expected, a monkey's intelligence can only do so much." 

Although they had disguised themselves, you can tell from a glance that a large number of these mercenaries are actually monks. 

Among them, there was a monk that looks like the leader, wearing a bamboo hat while standing quietly behind Mitsuhide. Though his looks are concealed by the bamboo hat, from how the huge tanegashima in his hand that was covered in scuffs and notches, he seem to have experienced lots of battles. 

It seems like Mitsuhide might have been deceived by Tsuda Sougyu... That idiot... Yoshiharu realized. 

"Gorilla-senpai, I did not intend to perform such a raid, but the situation calls for it. If I cannot fulfill the conditions necessary to crown Imagawa as Shogun, our trip to the capital will just create more enemies in the future. Since there isn't any better way, please shut up and watch." 

Though Mitsuhide was normally serious and a bit stubborn, once she focused on something, she would just ignore the situation and blindly chase her objective. 

"Juubei, no! Nobuna is supportive of the Namban! She will be angry!" 

"I already understand that. I, Juubei will bear all responsibility." 

"Ahh, as expected, there is no way I can reason with that stubborn fellow!" 

"Priestess-sama, I'm sorry, but this is my job. I can guarantee your safety, so please leave Sakai quickly." 

The mercenaries were approaching the defenseless Frois. 

Though Frois was shaking in fear, she puffed up her chest and, with a determined tone, she said, 

"No. I won't leave." 

"Wh-what did you say?" 

"Just now, I heard of Nobuna-sama from Yoshiharu-san. To unite this Zipang that has been filled with war, and to create a Japan comparable to Portugal and Spain... for such a dream, Nobuna-sama had given up on ever receiving motherly love, and she decided to fight on through the path she believed in." 

"Go-Gorilla, you, look, just what did you say to a foreigner?!" 

"For Zipang to have such an impressive queen, this has indeed piqued my interest. I must definitely see Nobuna-sama with my eyes. For the people in Zipang, I have things I definitely must tell the future queen of Zipang, Nobuna-sama. So I will not leave this place, my last stronghold..." 

At this moment. 

The believers and visitors who should have left returned after hearing the fuss inside. 

Especially... 

"To dare touch Frois-sama, I will definitely not forgive him~!" 

"Yes!!" 

Those small kids who had been coming here to learn everyday surrounded Frois while hurling a bunch of words at Mitsuhide and her gang. 

"Uhh...uuuuu. To be glared at by these children, I might just be the bad guy here..." Mitsuhide tilted her head while mumbling. 

"And, I have heard that Sakai is a free city like Italy's Venice. Even if we are of different armies or situations, you can't just come here and make a mess." 

"Uuuu, uhhhh. This priestess... Her breasts... breasts are huge... What is with this indescribable sense of defeat suddenly creeping into my heart?" 

"Do you see that, Frois-chan? Your hot figure has very high destructive power against Japanese girls." Yoshiharu interjected in. 

"Ha, haha... Is that so?" Frois had doubts about it. 

"Juubei! In Masanori Temple, didn't you proclaim to understand the 'world' that Nobuna spoke of? That's why you called out your name! Don't tell me you've forgotten about it?" 

"B-but, b-before moving out into the world, we must first unify the country..." 

"It's not like that! If you just destroy the Nambanji like this and bully a pure girl like Frois-chan, do you think we will have the face to say our name out loud in the world?" 

"Uhhhhh~, shut up! But, but if I lose, I will be sent to the kitchens! Rather than suffer such humiliation, I'd rather just commit seppuku and die!" 

"In the future, people will write about this, saying 'Akechi Mitsuhide was a general that went against her master, Oda Nobuna's orders and banished missionaries’..." 

"Ahh-ah—— I hear nothing at all! Nothing at all! Shut up, shut up, shut up——!" 

"Uwah, she is out of control!?" 

"Shut up, shut up, shut up——!! *Pant, Pant* Uwahhhh!" 

"J-Juubei? Hey, hey-" 

"*Kachak, Kachak!*" 

"Don't bite me, what do you think you're doing!?" 

Once she loses her reason, she reveals her fangs... With this, it seems like she can't listen to anyone...Yoshiharu can't help but think. 

Oh yeah. 

The more serious a brat is... the easier to bluff she is! 

Since what happened is most likely Juubei being deceived by Tsuda Sougyu. 

If that's the case, let me return the favour. 

"Listen Juubei! In Sakai's Kaigo, there are actually lots of Christians. If you destroy this Nambanji today, half of the Kaigo will become Nobuna's enemy!" 

"What? Is that true?" 

"Of course there are people like Tsuda Sougyu who hate Christianity among them! But Sakai's economy is built on the foundation of trading with Namban, so no matter what, protecting them is more important!" 

"Uhhh. You have a point." 

"And, to have a more strong foothold in the economy, that fellow has joined Christianity in secret!" 

"What did you say!? Th-that's too much of a surprise! Let's call it quits today!" 

It took less than 5 seconds to bluff her. 

"There have been a few merchants who converted, but..." Just when Frois almost let the cat out of the bag, Yoshiharu’s hand lept over her mouth as he silenced her with a "Shhh". 

"Th-th-this is such a close shave! I was almost deceived by Tsuda Sougyu and directed onto a path of no return...! From now on, we must protect this Nambanji at all costs, yes!" 

"Really? Is what you said true? Thanks! Juubei-chan is really a good girl." 

Anyway, though on the surface she seems like the plotting and scheming type, she just might be a silly and gullible type of fellow...Yoshiharu thought. 

She was baited into revealing Tsuda Sougyu's name just like that. 

If she doesn't learn to be more doubtful of others, she might just be in for more suffering later on. 

"Wh-wh-wh-what are you talking about, you damn gorilla! Don't just add '-chan' like you're close to me! It's disgusting!" 

"Why? Haha. That's why I said Juubei-chan is such a tsundere." 

"...Tsundere?" 

"Tsundere women are...they like acting all tough and fierce towards the guy they love. I get it now, so Juubei-chan has all along... towards me... So that's it, huh!?" 

"Huh!? What dumb things are you spouting? I'm good towards most things, but when it comes to you, I H.A.T.E Y.O.U!" 

Maybe it's because of Yoshiharu, the normally polite Juubei's speech is becoming more and more rude. 

"Look, look! This is tsundere! I'm such a popular guy! My confidence has returned!" 

"Wh-wh-wh-what nonsense are you saying!? If you dare say such disgusting things again, I'm gonna cut you down!" 

"Now wait just a moment..." The mercenaries started to interfere. 

"This isn't what you told us, Boss Akechi." 

"Even if you are letting this evil Nambanji off, at least kidnap the sister or something." 

"Though she is a barbarian, she has decent looks. She could fetch quite a high price." 

"...!?" 

The monk who looked like the leader stood up while the other mercenaries start to close in on Frois while muttering despicable stuff. 

"Yo-Yoshiharu-san...!" 

"Leave it to me, Frois-chan... Damn, no. I'm weaponless now! And my current cover is just 'Disciple, Saru'." 

"If you don't wanna get stabbed or something, scram, brat!" 

"You brute, stop!" 

Bham~~!! 

Shooting a tanegashima shot at the sky, protecting Frois, is Akechi Mitsuhide herself. 

"I had said from the start not to do anything to the priests or sisters! To have such a despicable attitude towards a missionary, I, Juubei Mitsuhide, won't just stand by and do nothing!" 

Bham——! Bham——! 

Under Juubei's rapid firing, the missionaries all cried "Uwahhh" "This fellow is surprisingly terrifying!" "Boss, don't act silent, help us out!" and they all ran out of the church. 

The leader-like monk looked at all this silently and then, 

"Ha..." 

Snorted from his nose and left the church too. 

Though I have no idea who he is, that fellow is not someone to be trifled with... If he took out his tanegashima too, I don't think things would have ended like this... Yoshiharu sighed out in relief. 

"I'm really grateful, Mitsuhide-sama. If my breasts were really touched by those unlawful people, I will really have no face to see God." 

"P-priestess, don't puff up your chest and swing that pair of breasts around, okay!?" 

"Juubei-chan is actually a good girl. But can you change the habit of just being fierce to me?" 

"Y-you're annoying! Because you aren't a human but a subspecies of a monkey, it's perfectly okay for me to be fierce to you!" 

"So now that the competition is fair again, what should I do..." Just when Yoshiharu is mumbling, Mitsuhide screamed, "No. With this, the deal to bribe the Kaigo is gone!" 

"Damn you Gorilla, how dare you deceive me!" 

"It's your fault for being so gullible. Besides, it's wrong to play dirty tricks in the competition." 

"But...what if both of our cuisines aren't chosen, what should we do!?" 

"...Anyway, let's just do our homework and see if we can come up with the ultimate cuisine." 

"On the topic of the culinary showdowns, I Juubei do have confidence in my culinary skills... But I'm totally not used to original cuisine, and I couldn't think of any good ideas up to this point..." 

"Same here... Compared to those Owari idiots who are so obsessed with miso, there are many culinary experts here in Sakai. If this goes on, we will all go down.” 

"Wa... If that's the case, I will be sent to the kitchen together with the gorilla... I don't wanna... even if the alternative is death, I don't want it!" 

Looking at the two of them, Frois suggested. 

"Umm... How about using takoyaki to compete?" 

"takoyaki???" 

Correct. 

Frois said patiently. 

Takoyaki, in actual fact, was invented by Imai Soukyu a few years before. 

Though it is technically the same as Monjayaki [35] , the difference lies in that it needs western sauces on it which is the reason why it is so popular in Sakai, and the round shape is very suitable for carrying it around to eat. 

"Looking at Imai-sama's Naya business getting bigger and bigger due to Takoyaki, other merchants have all tried to compete with their own snacks. But no matter how they tried, they could not shake the popularity of the Takoyaki. 

"I, Juubei, don't really understand. I don't wanna comment much about the sauce thingy, but I do not think the taste is so good." 

"Juubei. Don't say things like that. Especially in front of Kansai people, these words are forbidden." 

"Eh. Why?" 

"The merchants of Sakai tried to use different cuisines against Takoyaki but they had all failed. But... If it's improving on the foundation of Takoyaki, so as to say, inventing new flavours of Takoyaki or something, I think the success rate will be much higher." 

"A new Takoyaki, huh?! If it taste better than Naya's Takoyaki, it will definitely sell!" 

"And then everyone will fork out money to buy it!" 

"But, if that's the case, as the inventor of Takoyaki, won't Imai Sougyu have objections? If he gives up on the Takoyaki, his business will definitely suffer." 

"...You have a point. This is the biggest problem... I did not notice it at all..." 

Frois frowned with a troubled face. 

"I'm really sorry. Please forget what I said just now." 

"No, it's no problem at all. If Imai Sougyu objects, all we need to do is execute him." 

"What the fuck do you mean 'no problem', Juubei?!" 

"I, Juubei Mitsuhide, am efficient, I will never dilly dally with important things." 

"You... Don't you think about other people when you do things? If you see a duck bringing her young ones crossing the road, what will you do?" 

"Of course I will maintain my pace and continue forward, if the duck is blocking me, I will just catch it, cook it and eat it up." 

"You should really learn to take a detour..." 

"Ahahaha..." 

Frois smiled. 

No matter what, they have finally discovered the way to win the competition after considering inventing new flavors of Takoyaki. 

But, towards Imai Sougyu whose fortune will be affected, how are they going to help him recover his losses... 

Night time—— 

At Imai Sougyu's residence. 

After waiting for Nobuna and Mitsuhide to sleep, Yoshiharu went to Sougyu's tea room alone. 

With a totally calm and collected face, Imai Sougyu acts as he usually does, even in the face of warriors. 

Yoshiharu took a big gulp of tea, while muttering, "Delicious". 

Due to sitting in seiza being too uncomfortable, he sat cross-legged. 

"What a open and hearty way of drinking. It’s almost a waste to be a warrior." 

Sougyu seems very interested in Yoshiharu, whose identity sat astride the boundary between common folks and warriors. 

But, this is totally different from what he is going to say. 

Yoshiharu has already decided on it. 

"The princess of the Oda clan was like this too. When I first met her 10 years ago, she was still a kid wearing kiddy flowers on her head, but she was not shy at all, and she even got close with those Namban priests that people were so afraid of. Firing all sorts of weird questions like "Is the world flat or round?" or "Why don't the Namban ships sink when they are so heavy?" to the priests. At that time, I had felt that she was different from others, and she might achieve something big in the future." 

Sougyu closed an eye while reminiscing about the past. Though he is strict in terms of business, he is still someone who loves Nobuna, Yoshiharu thought. 

"That fellow, she really likes those missionaries..." 

Don't tell me, the first love that she dated 10 years ago, is that missionary...? Yoshiharu realized. 

"Is that missionary still in Japan? It has been over 10 years, I do want to meet him." 

"It's unfortunate, but that priest has passed away." 

"...Is that so...?" 

"Now, what business matters do you want to talk about?" 

"Ohh, yeah." 

Yoshiharu sat up straight. 

"It's about the culinary showdown, I think if it's not the best cuisine, the Kaigo will not even notice it. Let's not talk about me, who knows nothing about cooking, even if it is Juubei, I can't really say for sure if she has a chance or not." 

"You have a point. What the hell is that fellow Tsuda Soukyu planning?" 

Looks like the other party wanted that idiot Mitsuhide to destroy the Nambanji, that's why he picked this showdown. Though Yoshiharu wanted to say it out loud, he decided otherwise in the end. It's already over, so there is no point talking about it anymore. 

"Sougyu-jii-san. We have thought of a way to secure our victory and create a dish everyone will buy, and that is Takoyaki." 

"Takoyaki is my Naya's speciality." 

"It's not really a duplicate of Naya's Takoyaki but a new flavor invented by Juubei and I. Because of the monopoly of Naya's Takoyaki, the merchants of Sakai had all been eyeing the selling rights of Takoyaki. If we can come up with a delicious Takoyaki, they will definitely buy it. With that, Nobuna's 120k kan will be gathered too." 

It's a good idea, but this will be a huge blow to Sougyu-jii-san's business. 

Whether the Oda clan can conquer the world, it all depends on whether you can accept this "new flavor of Takoyaki." 

"I get it. This was most likely Tsuda Soukyu's intention from the start." Imai Sougyu said to himself. 

A harsh competition in which the judges will abandon their votes if they do not like the cuisines. 

Both sides of the competitions are newcomers. 

And, the competition is the next day, so there is no time to lose. 

The only cuisine that the Sakai merchants want is none other than Naya's Takoyaki. 

No matter who tries to think of other ways, they can only come to this conclusion. 

"As expected of Tsuda Sougyu, he had planned this out." 

"How is it? Will you agree to condone the new flavor of Takoyaki?" 

"Sagara-san. I can't simply agree to something like this lightly." 

"Listen to me, jii-san. Whether the Oda clan can conquer the world, all of it depends on this culinary showdown at Sakai. If Nobuna conquered the world, she will owe a great debt to you!" 

"So as to say... You want me to use my business to pre-invest in her? Due to that, I must give up on my Takoyaki for this culinary showdown?" 

Imai Sougyu crossed his arms and sank into thoughts. 

"That's the situation. How is it?" 

"If missy can't conquer the world, all my investments will go down to the drain." 

"I'm someone who came from the future. My skills with the spear and shooting sucks, and the only weapon I have is knowledge of the future." 

"In other words, you want me to believe in something that has no proof whatsoever?" 

"I will definitely help Nobuna conquer the world! With the knowledge I have, I will definitely stay by her side and keep her on her path! It's the whole reason I came here from the future!" 

...All these were just baseless words. 

But, from the glittering eyes of this young man, there was an incomparable "passion". 

So this is what young people have... 

Imai Sougyu felt like he had seen something bright and narrowed his eyes. 

"If what you said is all fake, the Imai clan losing the selling rights of the Takoyaki won’t be the only issue; even the Oda clan will be in trouble." 

Sougyu sipped his tea while laughing without a care. 

"But if we think of the opposite, if you are really from the future, the Imai clan might just be the biggest merchant shop in Sakai from now on." 

"It won't just be the biggest in Sakai. Nobuna's target is worldwide trading. That is to say, she wants to add Japan into the big turning point of the world's history, the navigation era. She isn't that short sighted to want something like territories. What she wants is the sea, and her target lies on the other side of the wide oceans." 

"Is that true, what you just said?" 

Yoshiharu nod his head earnestly. 

Even I, who has much more experience than this young man, have underestimated Nobuna. 

Imai Sougyu, though in his prime and owning a solid business, was still an outsider in the merchant circles of Sakai, and he lacked any distinguished background too. 

From being penniless, he had climbed up to his current stage using his own talent and decisions. 

But what Sougyu wants isn't just money. 

It cannot be denied, when he was young and running around, he had an incomparable desire for money. 

But once his business had developed to this stage, he couldn't help but think that money alone would be unable to satisfy him. 

Money, in the end, is just a currency. Currency itself has no worth. Even if one accumulates lots of it, if he did not spend it meaningfully, there would be no point gathering so much of it in the first place. 

And, no matter how rich merchants are, in the end they are just merchants. A lifetime of gathering money would still leave their status below that of those officials in Kyoto. 

If that's the case, let's just spend my wealth on the heroes and let everyone in the future forever remember the name ‘Imai’. 

Prove to this world that merchants, and the wealth that merchants have, is the real strength needed to push on to a new era. 

Now that he thought about it, he had always had wild ambitions like this. 

"Yes... Seeing Sagara-san’s fascination over her, maybe it's not a bad idea to use my whole fortune and bet on missy." 

"Thanks so much!" Yoshiharu grabbed his hands and knelt down on the floor. 

"Once Nobuna conquers the world, jii-san, you will be Japan's no. 1, no, the world's no. 1 merchant!" 

"Sagara-san is really someone who gets over excited. But, I, Imai don’t particularly dislike your personality." 

Imai sat up straight and said. 

Toward the matter of the new favor of Takoyaki, I can let it pass. 

That will affect Naya's business, but until missy can conquer Japan, I will just bear with it. 

"Thank you so much! With this, no matter if it's me or Juubei, we can finally earn the title of ‘general’! With this taken care of, all I need to do is to think of the best Takoyaki that can beat Juubei!" 

But, Imai Sougyu shook his head. 

"I have said it before... but in this world, competitions are harsh, Sagara-san. Though I have decided to help the missy of the Oda clan, this also means that I will need greater wealth than before. For the sake of benefits, I can't say I won't backstab you. Please do be careful from now on." 

Oh, this jii-san, no matter if it's his expression or his tone, all of them were strict. Yoshiharu thought to himself.