Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 3 - Chapter 5

Chapter 5 : Defender of Kyoto, Akechi Mitsuhide 

Nobuna rode off alone from Sakai at a gallop to catch up with Yoshiharu. 

But, there was no sight of Yoshiharu at all along the way towards the capital. 

"Don't tell me he returned to Mino....." 

Passing by Kyoto and venturing into Omi's territory, Nobuna drank from her gourd as she rode alongside Lake Biwa. 

During the trip, since the sun already fallen, she spent the night at a commoner's house. 

Mitsuhide, who understood important traditions and had a very good upbringing, and Yoshiharu, who had come from the future; if the two of them didn't cooperate with each other, there would be no meaning at all. If anything, in terms of personality, these two should be able to help each other too. Though Mitsuhide was serious, she was easily distracted by the work in front of her to the point of being blind to her surroundings. Yoshiharu, who was a lecher by nature and was always playing around, could look at things from a different angle, and thus often discovered problems and solutions that others would not find. 

But compared to this, if Yoshiharu couldn't accomplish more, things would be even more worrying for Nobuna. 

I must let him accomplish more feats, and finally promote him to the position of a chief advisor [37] in the Oda clan. 

Then, I’ll let him become the master of a province. 

After finally starting the final stages of Tenka Fubu, I must give him all the commanding authority of the troops and let him become the biggest contributor of the Oda-clan to unify the country..... 

Then, I must let the officials give Yoshiharu a position that no one else can match, let his status rise far above what normal people can reach..... If that's not enough, if that can't change this country by then, I should just build a large boat and leave this country with him and tour the world. 

To the other side of the world. 

Leaving the small Japan and entering the wide world named 'Earth'. 

With this.... 

Not a single person in this country could object. 

Towards Yoshiharu and my....... 

…… 

(.....Wait. What the hell am I thinking about? Am I sick or something?) 

Nobuna shook off these thoughts while riding on along the streets. 

Even though her attire was still that of her brat-persona Kichi, she felt lucky that, because of the rush, no one to noticed that this girl——blushing fiercely and mumbling "Why must I be so worried about that Saru!?" in anguish, was actually Oda-clan's daimyo, Oda Nobuna. 

But. 

There was one who had seen through the Nobuna’s identity. Right now, he was sitting quietly in ambush on the side of a mountain. 

This man was none other than the head of the mercenaries who had scared Frois while trespassing on the Nambanji. 

An assassin garbed in a monk's attire, with a tanegashima held across his shoulder. 

This man's name was Sugitani Zenjubou. 

Sugitani Zenjubou was currently hiding in one of the torn down houses, waiting for Nobuna's arrival. 

At the corner of the house, Yoshiharu lay on the floor with his whole body tied up with ropes like a dumpling. 

"Damn, you are the one who did those things at the Nambanji right? Who are you?" 

Yoshiharu's face was heavily bruised, most likely due to the violent struggle that he had with Sugitani Zenjubou when the man was capturing him, and when he was later taught to behave. 

"Since you won't be living much longer, I suppose I don’t need to hide it. I am Sugitani Zenjubou, one of the Kouga ninjas." 

"N-ninja?" 

"Though I am a ninja, the weapon I am most proficient with is the tanegashima." Zenjubou said, wiping the oil off the tanegashima in his hands. 

"Kouga ninjas do not care about anything but money. Right now, the mission I have been given by a certain someone is to kill Oda Nobuna. But, as expected, it's hard to act in Sakai, so I laid an ambush here to kill her." 

"Who is that ‘someone’?" 

"Who knows?" 

Zenjubou emitted a sinister laugh below his bamboo hat. 

"Even if there is no great fight to decide the winner, as long as the enemy general is dead, it is a victory to us." 

"Stop. Terrorist attacks will never change the course of history!" 

"Temples [38] will not change the course of history.... maybe. But if one can go to heaven by just burning incenses and praying to god, humans won't have to go through such a hard time." Zenjubou said. 

"But why are you waiting in Omi? Nobuna should have headed to the capital." 

"According to the information forced out from a servant of the Imai clan, she should be heading towards Mino." 

"Huh? Heading towards Mino instead of the capital? Why is that? Don't tell me Takeda Shingen had started to come to the capital?" 

"No, Shingen has made no such movements. The princess seems to be chasing after you, Saru." 

"Me?" 

"Hehe. Such a rare disguised trip. Maybe she wants to show you some affection?" 

"You bastard!" Yoshiharu was so angry that he aimed a kick at Zenjubou, but because the ropes are tied too tightly, he couldn't move an inch. 

"To use the Saru as bait and lure Nobuna out. After looking at your unfortunate state, that princess will definitely panic and rush over here. Then, my job is as simple as ‘bang’!" 

"How could it benefit you to make such a stupid move? What deep hatred do you have against Nobuna......!" 

"None whatsoever." 

"Is it about money? If it is, I can give you 3 times the amount that your boss promised you! Stop now!!!" 

"Hmph. My wish is to let my gun skills be known throughout the world. If I kill that famous Oda Nobuna, the name of Sugitani Zenjubou will definitely spread across the Kouga, and even through the ninjas across Japan. With that, everyone will know, when I, Zenjubou aim, I will never miss." 

"What the hell.....! You want to mess this country up for such a crappy reason?" 

"Funny. This country was messed up to begin with. And, if the country is unified now, it would only cause people like me trouble. This Sengoku era, where I can just kill and rob as I wish, is the best place ever. Hahahahaha!" 

A pure assassin. 

A man who looks at the whole country suffering under the tides of war, yet he soaks it all in and enjoys himself; such a man like him actually exists. 

No matter how skillful Yoshiharu was at persuading people, he had a depressingly low chance of convincing such a person of anything. 

"The princess-sama who is chasing the monkey will soon be here. Look carefully, the enjoyable assassination show will soon begin." 

At the bushes on the side of the road, Zenjubou erected a pole. 

Then, he dragged Yoshiharu out, tied like a dumpling, and fixed him onto the pole before he himself hid in the house. 

Yoshiharu had totally and literally become "bait". 

Winding roads nearby kept this area concealed, and not a single thing obstructed the view from the house. 

For someone planning an ambush with a tanegashima, this was the ideal spot. 

(Damn. With Goemon missing from my side, I can't win against this ninja, and I've totally fallen for his tricks! It would have been okay if I was the only one dying in this scenario, but why am I the bait used to assassinate Nobuna?) 

Why don't I just bite my tongue and commit suicide.....? This idea flashed through his brain, but if he really did it, upon seeing his corpse, Nobuna will definitely rush over without thinking. No, after seeing his sorry state, she will definitely be more panicked and may just fall into this trap. 

Though she is usually full of insults and not honest, no matter how slow I am, I understand that at least. 

Yoshiharu opened his mouth and shouted with all his strength. 

"Nobuna, this is a trap! It's just a simple trap! Don't come over!!!!" 

(Idiot Saru, you called your princess over yourself.) Zenjubou raised his gun, quietly waiting for his prey, and smirked at Yoshiharu’s words. 

As if it had been rehearsed, over Yoshiharu's voice, the sound of someone riding on a horse approached! 

The one on the horse is none other than the disguised Nobuna. 

Damn! 

I should not have shouted that loud! 

This fellow.... must be shocked at my situation now, and won’t listen to a word I say! 

"Saru! What the hell are you doing? Embarrassing yourself in such a place..." 

"Uwahhhhh! Don't come! Don't come Don't come Don't come Don't come!!!" 

Nobuna pointed her horse in Yoshiharu's direction. 

"Don't come, you idiot! There's a ninja waiting to assassinate you..." 

"Eh? What? Don't cook up a fuss, say something I understand!" 

The distance between the both of them was narrowing, to the point where their noses almost met. 

Suddenly, she smelled it. 

Something was smoking. 

And then. 

There was a click as Zenjubou pressed the trigger. 

The tanegashima release a spark, and a deafening gunshot rang out. 

Currently in the capital. 

"I can't find Nobuna-sama anywhere... As expected, she went to Mino..." 

Mitsuhide, who walked back to the capital by herself, received a shocking message from Imai Soukyu at Sakai. 

"Yamato's Matsunaga Danjo has revolted. She is leading troops to the capital to take Imagawa Yoshimoto's head. Tsuda Sougyu and Danjo seem to be connected. He might be the one who told Danjo that the capital is empty and persuaded her to invade.” 

Even if Tsuda Sougyu had not been a trustworthy source, Matsunaga Danjo Hisahide has had more than enough experience with revolting, so the credibility of this news cannot be doubted. 

Besides, she was the one who had enough guts to strike at the Ashikaga Shogun. 

After hearing that the capital was held only by the new Shogun candidate Imagawa Yoshimoto and a few guards, she led her troops back to the capital. 

"Tsuda Soukyu-dono might have done such a thing to prevent the free city Sakai from falling into the hands of the Oda-clan. If Matsunaga Danjo really becomes the master of Kyoto, then the position of Sakai from now on will be much more important. The independence of commerce in Sakai can be guaranteed as well. That's why Tsuda-dono used the culinary showdown to snatch the position of representative......." 

Things might be like this, but Tsuda Sougyu isn't a warrior, but a merchant. 

For a merchant, there are things they must protect as well, which would give anyone reason to battle however they could. 

Understanding this, Mitsuhide does not resent Tsuda Sougyu’s actions. 

"Hurry! To Kiyomizu temple!" 

Mitsuhide gathered all her troops, but her forces had less than 800 men. 

By the time they managed to set out, it was already deep in the night. 

Mitsuhide just noticed that the Oda clan’s three guardians of Kyoto, Maeda Inuchiyo, Takenaka Hanbei, and Hachisuka Goemon, had long since disappeared. After returning to Kyoto herself, she had not seen them at all. 

Maybe the three of them had moved out to chase after Yoshiharu as well. 

But, to not even tell me about it...? 

"Maybe they are angry at me for chasing away the Gorilla using unfair techniques?" 

From how angry the lolis looked at the showdown, and the close relationship they have with Yoshiharu, that might easily be the case. The only one who normally quarreled with Yoshiharu was Shibata Katsuie. 

(For missy, her advisors are like her own family members.) 

Imai Soukyu's words once again rang through Mitsuhide's mind. 

The enemy numbers more than 10,000, and we have only 800. 

Besides that, there is no fortress to protect at all. They can only use the temple to drag the fight out. 

Even with her intelligence, she can't think of any way to combat such a difference in numbers. 

"Well. Mitsuhide, I have confidence it you! Though the shrine is completely surrounded by enemies, with your intelligence and wit, this situation should be easily resolved, right?" 

Amidst the numerous flags of the Matsunaga clan, hiding in a deep area of the shrine, Imagawa Yoshimoto, who was wearing wafuku [39] , hummed a waka [40] while cheerfully speaking. It was as if she did not understand that they were in grave danger. Akechi Juubei Mitsuhide simply shut her eyes and cemented her resolve. 

"Roger. The Defender of Kyoto is I, Akechi Mitsuhide. As long I draw breath, I will definitely protect Yoshimoto-sama." 

The last order that Nobuna gave Mitsuhide was to protect Kyoto. 

To be abandoned by her own allies, it was what she deserved. 

But then, it's strangely fortunate that Nobuna-sama isn't in Kyoto. 

Mitsuhide did not know that, right now, Nobuna was in Omi, and due to the despicable trap laid by Sugitani Zenjubou, was in a dire situation herself. 

As per Mitsuhide's estimate, Nobuna should be in Mino's territory. 

So, until Nobuna could bringing reinforcements from Mino back to Kyoto, she must protect Imagawa Yoshimoto at all costs. 

The purpose of this battle at Kiyomizu Temple was simply to buy time. 

Let the foot soldiers use tanegashima to shoot down the generals near Matsunaga, thus scaring the enemy. 

Other than that, there is no other way. 

But with this, before the reinforcements arrive, Mitsuhide will most likely meet her end. 

The only things that would survive were her apologies that will never reach Nobuna and Yoshiharu, her deep regret. 

But even if that's the case, she had sworn never to cry again. 

Raising the tanegashima that has accompanied her for many years, Mitsuhide rode out to the courtyard. 

The chaos had started. 

Defeat one more enemy, to gain more time—— 

Mitsuhide had made her resolve to die in the midst of this chaos. 

"Akechi Juubei Mitsuhide is here!" 

The gate in front of Mitsuhide had been broken down by the enemy troops. 

The enemy was flooding in. 

At the foremost, there is an elegant beauty filled with a charm not of this country. 

"Hehe...I'm the master of the Tamonzan Castle from Yamato, Matsunaga Danjo Hisahide. Please take care of me from now on. Though, it looks like your time in this world is ending soon." 

Matsunaga Hisahide. 

"This woman is.....!?" Juubei can't help but widen her eyes. 

Yes. 

Matsunaga Danjo Hisahide was this person... 

At her prime, she is not more than 30 years old, her beauty exuding a mature atmosphere from head to toe. 

With tanned skin and deep features, in one look anyone could see that she wasn't Japanese. 

Maybe, her parents are from other countries. 

At the same time, she had fresh short hair popular among the girls in this era. 

Her well endowed body was adorned in a vibrant red attire, masterfully improving her extraordinary elegance. 

This artisan look emitted an incomparable sexiness and allure. 

The smell of a noticeable perfume radiated from her body in all directions. 

The bottom of the valley between her half-hidden breasts cannot be seen with just one eye. 

As if it was a bottomless oceanic trench. 

"As for my gunmanship, I learned from a master at Houzou Shrine." 

The sweet smile and a pair of glittering eyes like those of Youkihi. [41] 

Her whole being exudes motherly compassion, as gentle as a bodhisattva [42] . 

No matter how you look at this woman, she does not fit the image of the legendary villain. 

Beside all that, Hisahide was an expert with the Jumonji Yari-also known as Kama Yari. [43] 

On each side of the spearhead, there were sharp blades curved like a waning moon. 

In a battle of spears with the soldiers, the main attacking pattern was to stab. 

But in one-on-one combat, a spear can only attack the opponent in a straight line. Compared to the ever-changing trajectories of a sword, the spear was at a decisive disadvantage. 

However, the Jumonji Yari, which originates from the Houzouin School in Kofuku Temple in Yamato, makes use of the crescent-shaped blades to do slashes like a naginata, and at the same time be used as a kama. 

Mitsuhide's expression changed. 

"’Houzouin School'... Don't tell me, Danjo-dono is from Kofuku temple?" 

"Yes. That's correct." 

"As a religious follower of Buddhism, how can you destroy the Ashikaga Shogunate and burn the great Buddha of Nara, and even now obstruct the Oda clan's Tenka Fubu? Is the Buddhism in your heart gone!?" 

"What is gone is just my humanity. Ever since I lost my master, Miyoshi Nagayoshi, I have been lost in a dream-like state, like I have little idea on what's going on." 

"Aren't you the one who killed Miyoshi Nagayoshi!?" Hisahide answered Mitsuhide's question with an alluring smile. "That's just a rumor from ill-hearted people. In my heart, Nagayoshi-sama was like a child that I doted on. After I lost him, my grief spurred me to burn the great Buddha." 

"Everything that I've done is merely a test to see if Oda Nobuna-sama has the right to be my new master. When one is forced to a corner, they will then reveal what they truly are... I shall witness your true abilities myself in a short while. Hehe." 

"I have trust in Nobuna-sama, that's why I follow her. For her dream, I can even bet my life on it! There is no way a fellow like you, who can’t even tell whether or not she is dreaming, can kill me!" 

"Hehe. There is no meaning to any further verbal conflict... Come, let us start the killing. Let me be your guide and send you to the world of chaos." 

In the midst of the blood, fire and screams from the clash of the troops, Matsunaga Hisahide took a step forward with no change in her expression...and another step...towards Mitsuhide. 

A line of sweat flows down Mitsuhide’s white face. 

Looking at the woman in front of her, there might be no one else above her in terms of her skills in the spear. 

"Against the Houzouin style of the spear, a tanegashima stands no chance. Let me use my sword against you then." 

Mitsuhide threw away the tanegashima in her hand. 

At such a short distance, cannons or guns have no use in close range. 

As you are trying to reload, the Jumonji Yari would already be buried deep in your throat. 

Mitsuhide pulled out the long sword on her waist. 

The famed sword, Akechi Koshirae. The work of the disciple of Osafune Nagamitsu [44] from Bizen: Koshirae. 

Hisahide licked her lips with her long tongue and took another step forward... The distance between the two became even shorter. 

"So the sword is finally out of the scabbard... Distinguished and beautiful princess. Before you begin the trip to the underworld, please state your name." 

"I'm the descendant of the Toki clan, Akechi Juubei Mitsuhide. My master in swordsmanship is..." 

"Akechi, as bright as the light, overflowing with intelligence, what a good name. For you, there is no name more fitting. But your skill with the sword, how will it fare?" 

Hisahide laughed lightly, and Mitsuhide, provoked by these words, rushed towards her with her sword lowered. 

"I learned my sword skills from the Kashima Shinto School, not to be passed down." 

"Ehh?!" 

Hisahide, who had been holding the Jumonji Yari in an aggressive stance, reflexively jumped back after hearing that. 

If she had not, Mitsuhide's slash would have undoubtedly been on target. 

The opponent would have shattered the two hands holding the spear. 

If Mitsuhide had not announced her sword school honestly, Hisahide would have lost on the spot. 

"There’s no mistaking it, that slash just now is the ultimate skill of Kashima Shinto style, ‘Ichi no Tachi’, right?" 

"To think you can dodge that slash." 

Shocked, Matsunaga Hisahide looked at her opponent seriously for the first time. 

Even with her skills with the gun removed from consideration, the style of swordsmanship she uses can match the Oni Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru; the pretty girl in front of her. 

She was really a miraculous genius, a gift from the heavens for this Sengoku era. 

To think Oda Nobuna has such a skilled warrior at her side... 

"The world is really huge. I would never had thought that I will meet an elite like you. With this, things will be much more interesting." Hisahide can't help but smile as she speaks. 

"Hehe. To be able to cross blades with such a heroic elite like you, I can't stop the killing desire in my heart! I want to see just what kind of a hopeless expression you will have in the instant that you witness your dreams shatter." 

"Nonsense!" 

A step... 

Yet another step... 

The two of them are close enough to hear each others’ breath. 

The soldiers at both sides had forgotten about the battle for the temple; none of them dared to even pant while they watched the battle between the Houzouin style spear user and the fearless young warrior maiden. 

The battlefield that was full of screams and shouts just a moment before was silent in an instant. 

A step. 

Yet another step. 

In this battle between experts, there is no such thing as a stalemate. 

The result of the duel would be decided on the first strike. 

The speed of the strike would be the deciding factor. 

The distance between them was so short that there was no way to dodge anymore. 

The one who loses. 

Would, without a doubt, die. 

From a common sense point of view, Mitsuhide's "Ichi no Tachi" had been seen by the opponent, so she was at a disadvantage. 

But, the reason "Ichi no Tachi" is so famous is because of its flexibility and adaptability. No one, not even Matsunaga Hisahide, can see through the crux of this ultimate skill. 

"..." 

"..." 

Both of them stared at each other, and only the sound of them breathing resonated in the silent darkness. 

And then. 

Both of their hands started to act. At this exact moment... 

"Ah, right, right. There is something I forgot to tell you." 

Like a enormous poisonous moth flapping her venomous wings. 

Hisahide’s crimson lips start to move. 

"Kouga's Sugitani Zenjuubou had laid an ambush in Omi to assassinate Oda Nobuna. As a professional killer, he has never failed. I wonder if Nobuna-sama is already down in hell?" 

"...What...what are you saying?" 

Strange...there seems to be a weird fragrance around... But before Mitsuhide can notice this. 

Such ominous words had penetrated deep into Mitsuhide's heart. 

Mitsuhide's concentration was blown apart in an instant. 

Her own purpose of life was destroyed, shattered in a mere moment. 

"Nobuna-sama, she is...dead?! Because she went after Sagara Yoshiharu... It's...all my fault!?" 

Trying her best to suppress the urge to cry out loud, it seems like she is barely conscious. 

Though it was just for an instant. 

There was an opening in Mitsuhide’s stance. 

Hisahide, who was observing Mitsuhide with extreme concentration, did not miss such a good opportunity. 

"...Hehe. Looks like you are under my fragrance spell.” 

At this instant. 

Hisahide, confident of her victory, raised her Jumonji Yari. 

"...Not good...!" 

The sharp blade slices mercilessly down on Juubei Mitsuhide’s smooth neck... 

But, Mitsuhide did not lose her life. 

"Who would let you succeed!!!!!?" 

In between Mitsuhide and Hisahide, a fearless figure rushed in. 

The slash of the Jumonji Yari was blocked by a long spear. 

At such a sudden turn of events, Hisahide clicked her tongue. 

"How rude. Who the hell are you...?" 

"Oda-clan's vice captain, Sagara Yoshiharu!" 

"To come between a duel between ladies, how despicable." 

"You’re the despicable one here! You were bluffing Juubei with your dubious words, right!?" 

"Oh, I'm not bluffing anyone. Nobuna-sama is most likely not living anymore..." 

Why does the Matsunaga Hisahide in front of him know about Zenjubou? But Yoshiharu does not have the time to think about such a problem. 

"Everyone! Our purpose here is the head of Imagawa Yoshimoto only! Kill anyone who obstructs you!" Hisahide gives up on the duel and goes back into the chaotic battle. 

The soldiers of Matsunaga troops once again grip their spears and rush over. 

The battle has started again. 

"This isn't good. If we really fight it out, we will be in a disadvantage. The difference in numbers is too great." 

Yoshiharu's face had a streak of blood flowing down his cheek due to blocking the Jumonji Yari. 

"Why are you here?" Mitsuhide struggled to stand up as she questioned Yoshiharu. 

"Why...? Because I heard that Kiyomizu Temple is in a pinch.... I mean, is in danger." [45] 

"Damn Gorilla! Now isn't the time for you to be here! Nobuna-sama is being targeted by Sugitana Zenjubou!" 

"If it's about Nobuna, she's already here." 

"Eh?" 

"Originally, I was prepared to come here alone and ask her to go back to Gifu for reinforcements, but she rejected, saying that if she does that, she won't make it. She seems to want to save you herself no matter what." 

"W-what is going on?" 

"Say what you wanna say later, Juubei!" 

Bham! 

From the roof of the main hall of Kiyomizu Temple comes a deafening sound. 

It's a gunshot sound from a tanegashima. 

"Nobuna-sama!?" 

It's Oda Nobuna. 

"...Ah...yeah..." 

She's still alive. 

And intact with no injuries. 

Mitsuhide wants to know how Nobuna could have possibly escaped, but she has no way to consider such a question. 

Unlimited energy seems to sprout from all corners of her body. 

"Phew. We made it, but the numbers are really worrying. This isn't good." 

"Nobuna-sama. For the situation to become like this, it is all my fault. Please punish me." 

"Such a thing can be settled after we're done here, Juubei!" 

"...Roger!" 

"We will settle the thing about the culinary showdown next time. Don't die now, Akechi-si. (Akechi-shi)" 

Nobuna, who had grabbed onto the small hands of Goemon to climb up the roof, was firing at the enemy with three arquebus like a circus show, and Goemon at her side was reloading the cannons so fast that her hands were a blur. 

"...Inuchiyo! Hanbei!" 

Even Maeda Inuchiyo and Takenaka Hanbei who had long disappeared are here. 

These two lolis struggled to climb onto the roof, then poked their head out from Nobuna's back. 

"...Inuchiyo, here! I'm hungry..." 

"Though it's correct that the miso takoyaki is horrible, we should defeat the Matsunaga troops first!" 

"Juubei! To rush all the way here, we had no time to get reinforcements from Gifu. I'm a bit sorry to say this, but the five of us are the only reinforcements!" 

"Nobuna-sama!" 

"Why are you here..." Mitsuhide mumbled, but Nobuna cheerfully laughed. 

"Juubei! From now on, your back is mine to protect, so go ahead and unleash your abilities! Today is the day that the Akechi clan makes its mark on the world!" 

But, the ominous and alluring voice of Matsunaga Hisahide once again rang out near Mitsuhide's ears. 

This is a dream. 

It's all an illusion. 

You are just dreaming...what you want to dream... 

From a point of view, Hisahide's fragrance spell is a form of hypnosis that will manipulate people's hearts. 

"Yes... This...this is just an illusion. I had chased away that Gorilla, and because of my horrible actions, Nobuna-sama hates me. Maeda-dono and Takenaka-dono both left Kyoto and abandoned me... For someone selfish like me, Nobuna-sama would never come and help with just the five of them. I, Juubei am only dreaming; it’s an illusion born out from extreme despair..." 

Yoshiharu, who was at Mitsuhide's side and fighting off the enemies with a long spear, turned back to Mitsuhide and gave her a hard slap. 

"Ouch! W-w-why did you hit me!?" 

"Geez. Juubei, why do you believe in such an obvious lie!? Listen, I was indeed captured by Sugitani Zenjubou at Omi, and was used as a hostage to bait Nobuna." 

"And then, you were shot tragically, right? So Gorilla, you are a ghost now!" 

"Wrong! It's all thanks to Inuchiyo and the rest that Nobuna and I were saved in the nick of time! Those three didn't abandon Kyoto because of you; they went out looking for Nobuna when she didn’t return!" 

"You make it sound so convenient. How can you guys be so lucky that you just met with them?" 

"Is there any need for me to lie!? Inuchiyo was chasing after Nobuna's scent; no one can compare to that dog-like nose of hers! As for the bullet of Zenjubou, Hanbei-chan used a hardened talisman to save me at the last moment! Though Goemon had planned to catch Zenjubou, after seeing Nobuna unhurt and well, he escaped saying ‘Unbelievable, don't tell me Oda Nobuna was blessed by the heavens?’ Though I was tied to a pillar through all of this and did not have a chance to perform, in conclusion, Nobuna did not suffer any injuries!" 

"Even if that's the case, how can you guys charge into Kiyomizu Temple with just five people? The obvious thing to do was to find reinforcements at Gifu castle and leave Kyoto to me.....!" 

"Ahhh, right! Goemon did object about this, saying ‘It's troublesome to lose Yoshimoto, but there are always other Shogun candidates!’ But Nobuna said, ‘Though Akechi Juubei Mitsuhide is a little petty, she is an important advisor who has sworn to fulfill my dream. How can I just give up like this?’ She also said, ‘If something happened to me, everything will be handed over to you who had the best family status, talent and ambition’! Geez, that fellow, she just can't harden her heart at such a critical period. What kind of a master is that!" 

"...No... How... This is a dream..." 

"Yes, this is a dream... It's just an illusion..." The ominous words of the demonic woman, Matsunaga Hisahide were still echoing. 

Because she was too serious, such a hypnotic suggestion was incredibly effective on Mitsuhide. The glitter in her eyes had started to fade bit by bit... 

While waving his long spear, Yoshiharu continued shouting at Mitsuhide. 

"It's true that life is like a dream. I even came from the future, so I’m uneasy about whether am I really living in this world myself! But Juubei, the world in your eyes...in the world you see in this dream of yours, you are not alone! This is our dream! Please, listen to me, Juubei! 

"That fellow Nobuna is always harsh with her words, never honest and always ambiguous with her attitude. She is really a troublesome fellow." 

"Though she never told you herself, in truth, she depends heavily on you." 

“If there’s anyone who can really understand that fleeting dream of hers in this world, other than me who came from the future, it can only be the other genius from the same era as Nobuna: you, Juubei!" 

“But, in the end, I'm not of this world, so I have no family status to speak of." 

“So, if something happened to that fellow, the only one who can replace her is you!” 

Yoshiharu, who had shouted with all his strength, upon returning to his senses discovered his eyes were already full with tears. 

Don't forget. Never forget. 

"What this country, what this world sorely needs, is someone like Nobuna. I came from the world 400 years from now, so my words can't be wrong. For this country, for the people in this country, for even the world, she is someone irreplaceable. Please, Juubei. If you live through this but ever fear you are losing your way, think about this blood soaked Kiyomizu Temple! Burn into your memory Nobuna’s silhouette up there, firing shot after shot to save you...!" 

Why. 

Why is the guy in front of me looking at me with such intensity, such sadness, as if he is pleading with me. 

The Juubei Mitsuhide as of now did not understand. 

Mitsuhide did not know. 

After Nobuna had rescued Yoshiharu, he buried the thought that "Juubei will one day revolt; we should just leave her to her fate," deep into his heart and decided that he would never leave Juubei Mitsuhide and Nobuna in the hands of fate. He would use his own hands and 'change history'. 

In the "Incident at Honnouji", it is Akechi Juubei Mitsuhide who assaults her own master, Oda Nobuna at Kyoto's Honnou Temple, causing Nobuna to lose her life in the midst of the crimson flames. Fully understanding this history, Yoshiharu had resolved to use his own hands and stop this future of despair, and never let it happen again. 

Yoshiharu didn’t know yet why Mitsuhide, who admires Nobuna, would do such an act. It was not just Yoshiharu; no one in the 21st century was able to determine the exact reason why Mitsuhide started the Incident at Honnouji. 

Mitsuhide likely had no idea herself. 

But, Mitsuhide understands one thing. 

Sagara Yoshiharu isn't the sort of person that would blindly follow a lord. 

The feelings he had for Nobuna were definitely as deep as her own. 

But... 

Just why... 

Why is my chest beating so hard when I look at the glittering eyes of Yoshiharu? 

"Hehe... I thought that Akechi-sama had already fallen for my spell, but it looks like the words of this Saru-san hold greater power." 

Knowing that she could no longer control Mitsuhide, Hisahide ordered an all out attack, shooting fire arrows at the main hall that sheltered Yoshimoto and Nobuna. In an instant, a massive fire started at the main hall. 

"Ahhh....Oda Nobuna-sama. It's all thanks to you avoiding the assassination by Zenjubou. Now, I can witness your true self with my own eyes...to see for myself whether you have the privilege to be the master I will follow for life." 

Retreating while fighting, Mitsuhide and Yoshiharu reached the main hall. 

"To offer a reward for my head, you have guts, Matsunaga Danjo!" 

While standing at the roof looking at the enemy formation, Nobuna signaled with her eyes at Inuchiyo and the others who were fighting to support Mitsuhide and Yoshiharu. 

"Hachisuka Goemon, here!" 

Goemon appears silently in the hallway. She was even more silent than usual; it seems like she does not want to bite her tongue at such a situation. 

"Maeda Inuchiyo Toshiie, here!" 

Inuchiyo holding her large bamboo spear slides down from the roof and enters the chaos. 

"...Z-Z-Z-Z-Zenki, Gouki, I'm counting on you guys!" 

Hanbei struggled to climb down the roof, but in the end, she tumbled down. While crying, "Ouchhhhhh....." Hanbei summoned various shikigamis and tried to help out. 

No one knew what kind of powers Hanbei’s shikigami possessed, but at least one was revealed as suddenly a huge hexagon formation appeared across the courtyard and released a torrent of water to extinguish the flames. 

With this however, Hanbei had given Matsunaga Hisahide a reason to unleash her true power. 

"Well, I didn't think that I would meet an onmyouji here. Looks like I will have to face her with equal strength.” 

Matsunaga Danjo Hisahide... 

A woman known as the strongest spell caster. For Yoshiharu and his party, she was the worst enemy possible. 

Against the darkness of the night, as the fire arrows of the Matsunaga troops face off with the water pillars that the shikigami summoned, Hisahide flew to the alleyway of the main hall as if ignoring gravity. 

Her target was Takenaka Hanbei, who kept a firm grip on her talismans even as she coughed uncontrollably. 

"A pity we could not meet sooner. You must be the ‘Hidden Dragon’ from Mino's Bodai Mountain?" 

Noticing the ominous demonic aura Hisahide was emitting, Hanbei's body shivered as she ordered Zenki and Gouki back to her side. 

"...Looks like...you aren't just a simple warrior." 

"Correct. Though I'm now a Buddhist, and was given the name Matsunaga Hisahide, I was once a drifting spellcaster. So as to say, the nemesis to you onmyoujis." 

"Spellcasters...people who use demonic spells not of Qi Men Dun Jia [46] or Shingon [47] and Vajrayana [48] , but from other countries." 

"Hehe. Looking at you, an onmyouji who have dominated this country ever since the Heian era, I can barely control myself. Just because you don't understand the origins of our spells, you label us as heretics. As demons. We've been discriminated as if we are evil spirits." 

Even Takenaka Hanbei, a genius, knew nothing of the origins of these spells. 

But from her instincts as an onmyouji, she vaguely understood one thing. The Matsunaga Hisahide in front of her wasn't someone she could underestimate. 

"Matsunaga-sama. The era when the ruling class relied on the onmyouji had ended. The Tsuchimikado clan tasked to protect the capital is gone and has long since left for Wakasa. There is no reason for your jealousy." 

"To be honest, I never thought much of the grudge myself. After seeing such a strong onmyouji like you, I just want to spar it out. And, I do have something to ask you." 

"...What is it?" 

"Oda Nobuna-sama doesn't believe in the supernatural. For us who have lived in the darkness, Nobuna-sama is the true demon lord. She will definitely destroy the dragon vein [49] that has long thrummed beneath Kyoto. The seal upon the Kyoto spirits that you onmyoujis spent hundred of years managing will be utterly shattered. What little left of the power that onmyoujis have will vanish along with the dragon vein of Kyoto. In other words, for onmyoujis, Oda Nobuna-sama is the true enemy. You should understand that. So, why?" 

That is enough. 

Hanbei revealed a faint smile. 

"If that's the case, then the people who abuse spells like us, causing incidents that affect the entire country, will no longer be a problem. Because, at the same time our strength as protectors vanishes, all demons and ghosts will disappear quietly into the new future too." 

To use the words of the modern era, it meant the light of a new age would soon shine upon the dark times of the past. Hanbei gave an innocent smile as she spoke in a matter of fact tone. 

"But...when that time comes...won't you...!?" 

Hisahide’s voice shivered slightly in shock and awe. 

"Don't tell me...you had made...such a resolve...!" 

The true meaning, resolve and feelings behind Hanbei's words... 

Of all the people present, only Matsunaga Hisahide, one whose life was also based upon the supernatural, understood... 

For the intelligent Hisahide, just this point alone was already enough. 

I've lost completely to Oda Nobuna-sama. 

Hisahide understood, the time had finally arrived for her soul to bend to Nobuna's will. 

But Hisahide, who was nicknamed 'Venomous Scorpion', would not be so feared if she gave up so simply. 

The more she realized her imminent defeat, the more she cannot let it go. Her resistance was what truly gave Matsunaga Hisahide the nickname 'Venomous Scorpion'. 

Following a snap from Hisahide's fingers, more unknown and ominous beings arrived subsequently from the dark sky. 

Five, ten, twenty...thirty of them...! 

All of them have faces of young and decent looking girls. 

They all wear red artisan attires and exude an alluring presence, as if they are smaller versions of Hisahide... 

But, their eyes are empty, with no light in them. 

"...Puppets...?!" 

Hanbei held her talismans firmly as she readied her pose. 

The satanic laugher of Hisahide rang out in the dark. 

"Do you understand, cute little onmyouji. The essence of spellcasters isn't just illusions. The true powers of casting illusions originated from the skill of manipulating puppets in Persia." 

"Persia...?!" 

"Of course the people in the east have their gods they worship too, but whether it is Buddha or Asura, they are all but the reincarnations of Angra Mainyu [50] , the highest god in Persia." 

"For this spellcaster to be so hard to deal with..." For the first time, Hanbei appears shaken as she cannot understand the spells at all. 

There are definite laws in all spells or sorcery which must be followed and utilized by the caster... But, the foundation of this spell embodied totally different laws from that of an onmyoudou. Hanbei could remember nothing similar even from official recordings. For her, this was a completely different and foreign culture from the Tang Dynasty. 

At the west further than Tang, even further than India which is said to be the western edge, the country of Persia! 

This peculiar spell from Persia may be extinct even in its home country. 

But, through the long Silk Road, it has finally reached it's target. In Kyoto, through Hisahide flows the same Persian blood from which it was created, this old and peculiar spell that is almost like summoning evil spirits once again awakens. 

"Your shikigami and my puppets. Let us decide now just which side is stronger." 

Even with Hanbei's abilities, the odds of her winning against an enemy with unknown powers is very low. 

On top of that, she had lost nearly half of her shikigamis in the battle. 

"Master. Please, leave this to us and run away quickly." 

Zenki whispered silently, but Hanbei knew that, if she left, the main hall would be up in flames again. 

She was at a complete disadvantage . 

Even Nobuna, who had been using her tanegashima on the roof, was gradually being surrounded by Matsunaga troops. 

(This woman, going so far as to test the limits of Nobuna-sama. After losing her master, Miyoshi Nagayoshi and being labeled as a murderer, she has become distrustful of anyone, even becoming the enemy of the Shogun; a person who hoveres between the boundaries of the real world and dreams......!) 

Hanbei made her resolve. 

To fix Matsunaga Hisashide’s twisted, dark and chaotic soul, a sacrifice would have to be made... 

"I might just die here...Yoshiharu-san, I'm sorry." 

While coughing violently and holding the last talisman on her hand, Hanbei threw it at Hisashide. 

But, this last spell slipped away from her small fingers powerlessly. 

Cough* 

Violent coughing* 

As a streak of fresh blood flowed down from the side of Hanbei's lips, the small girl collapsed. 

"What is this? What a turn off...to think that I could finally start killing and blow off some steam..." 

Is that it? 

"If that's the case, kill everyone then," Hisahide said, her voice tinged with a hint of regret. 

After hearing this, those impenetrable puppets moved as per commanded. 

They start their last attack at the hallways and roof, attempting to end Nobuna and her aides' life. 

"Oi. What the hell is this thing? Why are puppets attacking us? Is this an illusion?" 

"No, those aren't illusions! They have real bodies! Run now, Nobuna...!" 

All was lost! 

"Damn...to think that we're gonna Game Over at Kiyomizu temple, this isn't the same in the game, you know!?" 

"That's why I reminded you to not ask for too much Sagara-si!" 

Yoshiharu's spear had no effect on the puppets, and he was trapped by their strength. As the sword in front of him slashed just inches away from his neck, Yoshiharu heard the nervous loud roar of Goemon. 

"If you give up, all will be over! Don't give up! ...Sagara-senpai!" 

Mitsuhide who was heavily injured cut off the head of the puppet, and straight after that, her next few slashes went to the puppet's hands and body. 

"A~ra~. How rude, to trespass my room like this... Come and save me, Inuchiyo!" 

"...Yoshiharu, hold the spear properly." 

"Inuchiyo? Despite my appearance, I'm actually not skillful with the bow. If it's about soccer, I'm the best...oh~hohoho." 

Spears and swords had already surrounded Yoshiharu and Inuchiyo; they had no way out. 

It seemed like the lives of Nobuna and her group had reached their end. 

Matsunaga Hisashide stood there silently, as if she were a puppet that had lost it's strings. 

(I was too concerned with the 'Incident at Honouji'; to think I would let Nobuna make such a big mistake! Now the problem isn't whether Mitsuhide will betray Nobuna! No matter how big the army is, if the general is dead, what meaning does it have! I should have stopped Nobuna from coming over personally even if she had beaten me senseless!) Yoshiharu was deeply regretting his decision in his heart as he was pushed down to the floor by the overwhelming amount of puppets. 

The punches and kicks of the puppets were mercilessly raining down on his body, and Mitsuhide beside him was trying her best to rescue Yoshiharu. 

But no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't reach Yoshiharu. 

Mitsuhide was crying. Crying and shouting at him. 

In the midst of the confusion, Yoshiharu couldn’t hear what Mitsuhide was shouting. 

"Juubei-chan, Nobuna, everyone... Sorry..." 

...But... 

The heavens... Looks like it did not abandon Nobuna. 

The miracle which no one ever expected happened right then. 

In the darkness of Kyoto rang out the sounds of horses. 

"It's reinforcements!" 

Surrounded by puppets on the roof yet still resisting with all her might with her famed sword, "Kunishige Hasebe", Nobuna pointed to the west and shouted. 

The reinforcements were heading towards Kiyomizu Temple at full speed from Settsu Mountain Castle. They must have heard of what happened at Kiyomizu Temple. 

But, the Oda troops stationed there should have retreated to Mino. 

The troops left over near Kyoto were few. There is no way that there are so many. 

"Whose troops are these...!?" 

Yoshiharu squinted. 

A girl wearing Namban armor was riding a white European horse at the front of the reinforcements. 

"Frois-chan?" 

Yes. 

It's the priestess Yoshiharu saved in Sakai, Frois. 

Of course, as a religious priestess, Frois herself has no troops at all. 

But, what she has are many companions. 

These people were those from the area who had joined Christianity under her sermons. 

"Yoshiharu! I brought my Christian friends!" 

The men who wore crosses in front of their chest all shouted their names. 

"I'm the master of Takatsuki Castle, Takaya Dom Justo! From now on, I will follow Frois-sama and join the ranks of the Oda army!" 

"One of Sakai's Kaigo, Onishi Joachin! I brought all the money and supplies!" 

"No matter who, I will save all of them. Kyoto's doctor, Manase Belchior!" 

At the back, there were numerous villagers, all shouting " We must repay Frois-sama's kindness to us!" 

Though individually their strength was small, after gathering them under Frois, they had become a force not to be belittled. 

Dom Justo, or Takayama Ukon, was a warrior too, but he had no strength himself to oppose Matsunaga Hisashide. He needed to rely on someone else in the end. If Hisashide was the one who marched on the capital, he would have sided with Matsunaga, but if it was Oda, he would side with the Oda... For his own survival, there was no other way out. A weak warrior... 

But no one would have expected that under the calls of this Namban girl, Frois, he would risk his own clan's survival and help the Oda. 

As a Persian spellcaster, Hisashide hated Namban people from her heart. 

Because she disliked the cross and the so called God, she would resist with all her might against Christianity. 

In the end, Persia is Persia, Japan is Japan, Namban is Namban. 

People with different cultures worshipping different gods. If they can't co-exist peacefully together, there will never be a day when they truly understand each other. 

The reason why she was called a witch was because of her skin color and blood. Believing this to be normal for the world and hating such a situation, Hisashide was unimaginably shocked that the weak Christian priestess came to help Oda Nobuna, a warlord from another country. 

It's totally different. 

This girl was totally different from the ones I've met. 

Even with Nagayoshi-sama and all the elites that had died in this country, this girl was fundamentally different. 

The Venomous Scorpion which kept trying to attack and resist Nobuna... 

At this moment, Hisahide acknowledged it. 

She had lost. 

Deep in the night..... 

At Kiyomizu Temple, where half of the walls had already been reduced to ash. 

A warrior was kneeling in front of Nobuna. 

"I Matsunaga Danjo Hisahide, admit my defeat. I'm willing to serve under Nobuna-sama." 

"Dearuka." 

At Nobuna's side, Yoshiharu saw Hisahide’s voluptuous body for the first time up close. After getting a whiff of the perfume from her body, Yoshiharu started to feel lightheaded, his body edging forward uncontrollably. 

"Uwahhh! What a beauty from another country! She's too sexy...! The breasts...what bouncy breasts...uwahhh!!" 

The young Yoshiharu had obviously zero defense against such a mature woman. 

Annoyed, Nobuna punched Yoshiharu right in the face. 

But, Nobuna seemed very interested in Hisahide, even though the woman had almost killed her. 

Mitsuhide was persuading patiently at the side, "This woman is a repeat offender of revolting. She will definitely revolt in the future; please execute her to prevent such a thing from happening," but Nobuna did not listen at all. 

"Hisashide, don't mind the words from Saru and Kumquat! You've finally surrendered to me, and it seems genuine this time. I like smart warriors like you!" 

"I had hoped for such an ending from the bottom of my heart too. It's such a good thing to serve under someone stronger than you. So, to prove that I have surrenderd to Nobuna-sama, I will give this Yamato treasure 'Tsukumo Nasu' [51] to you." 

Matsunaga Danjo passed the jar to Nobuna respectfully. 

"Ohhh... Nee-chan, why do you smell so good..." Yoshiharu's hands started to cover his crotch. 

In the end, Nobuna decided a punch wasn’t enough for him, and this time around she poked both of his eyes mercilessly. 

"Ouuucccchhhhh~!!" 

"Don't you get horny now, damn ero-Saru!" 

"Hehe. This treasure was kept secretly by Ashikage Yoshimitsu. As one of the top three treasures in the world, you won't be able to get this even if you are willing to pay 20,000 kan. No other treasure suits you more than this." 

Mitsuhide, who was skilled with formal tea ceremonies, edged closer and released a shriek of surprise. 

Hisashide laughed quietly and continued her speech. 

"Nobuna-sama. To fix this Kyoto which is the center of Japanese culture, one needs more than just military strength. To be able to establish good relationships with the officials and the people in Sakai, you should put some effort in learning proper tea ceremonial skills. Though it’s rude of me to say, Owari's tea ceremonial skills are too..." 

Hisahide spoke with a tone not unlike a mother’s as she addressed Nobuna. Though gentle and warm, it was underlined with a strict tone. 

"Since I'm able to get such a valuable treasure, I will guarantee Yamato's stability, Danjo!" 

"Hehe. I'm in your debt." 

Sigh*, Mitsuhide sounded unhappy. 

"Nobuna-sama, I have considering many situations, but this woman is famous for being unpredictable. And just now, she fully intended to kill all of us. If this goes on, there will definitely be the risk of her poisoning someone. Please execute her." 

"Isn't that good? Poison can be used as medicine if used properly. 

"But I Juubei Mitsuhide will never forgive such a woman. Please execute her immediately." 

"Ahh geez~ You are annoying! I said not to go on about it, so listen to me!" 

"R-roger." 

Mitsuhide finally gave up, but from her expression she still couldn’t seem to accept the situation. 

To hate people who revolt to such an extent, this gal is too serious... In this world, the Incident at Honnouji won't happen, I think. Yoshiharu relaxed. 

Nobuna talks to Hisashide once more. 

"Oh yeah, Danjo. I have something I wanna ask you." 

"What is it? The other treasure, ‘Hiragumo’ is even more important to me than my life. I won't give it to you." 

"What if I want you to give it to me?" 

"Who knows? I might just hug it and die together." 

In the game, this fellow really did explode together with the Hiragumo... Yoshiharu laughed bitterly. 

"Danjo. You did not actually poison your own master, Miyoshi Nagayoshi, right?" 

Hisashide's eyes began to water instantly as she shouted at Nobuna "That's too much". 

"How is that possible? I did not poison Nagayoshi-sama! That is just a rumor sprouted by those ignorant people in Kyoto! To me who has yet to have any offspring, Nagayoshi-sama was like my own child!" 

"Is that so?" 

"All I did was to give some Aconitine to those brothers who were hatching evil plots and Nagayoshi-sama’s unfilial sons! I swear, I did not do anything to Nagayoshi-sama!" 

"Isn't that poisoning...!?" everyone other than Nobuna instantly retorted. 

After looking closely, the accessory that Danjo wore on her head was the purple Aconitum flower. 

"That was all for Nagayoshi-sama! Those people did not care at all for the gentle Nagayoshi-sama! If I had left them alone, Nagayoshi-sama would have one day died by their hands! But...who would have thought, after cleaning out all the dangerous people in the Miyoshi clan, Nagayoshi-sama is no longer with me...why!?" 

Miyoshi Nagayoshi's father betrayed his own master, the Hosokawa clan and subsequently was killed by his Miyoshi clan in response. The young Nagayoshi was totally isolated and his life was in danger. At that time, it was Matsunaga Hisashide, the caretaker of the Miyoshi clan who saved Nagayoshi. When it came to Nagayoshi, who had lost his family, Hisashide looked upon on him like her own child and escaped to Shikoku secretly with him. After she prepared her troops, she marched back and not only enacted Nagayoshi’s revenge for his father, but also pushed the young Nagayoshi to be the master of his clan. 

The loyal Hisashide, her fate was twisted from that moment on... Her presence was required to protect Nagayoshi’s hard-earned position, and so, she did not believe those Miyoshi clan members that had once betrayed them. But those who planned to harm Nagayoshi, no matter if they are part of the clan, the master of Hosokawa clan or the Ashikaga Shogun, they were all removed by her own hand. 

To protect her own master Nagayoshi, Hisashide mercilessly sank her poisonous stinger upon anyone who drew close, becoming a violent scorpion. 

After her beloved Nagayoshi died from sickness, no one else...could stop Hisashide from rampaging...not even Hisashide could herself... 

"...I understand; now that Nagayoshi is dead, you want to find a master worthy of your loyalty, right Danjo?" 

"Absolutely. I have been searching for a new master that surpasses even Nagayoshi-sama so I can contribute everything of mine, because once someone is pushed to the limits, they will revert to their true self. In the end, Nobuna-sama, you are the only one that passed the test. For onmyoujis to have such a resolve, for the Christians priestess to take up arms, such grace... Only you can truly accept a spellcaster like me who came from Persia and was hated by everyone." 

Nobuna smiled and nodded. 

"No problem. I shall grant your wish!" 

"...Eh?" 

"What I’m saying is that I will be your new master! But my target isn't just this region! My battle for Japan, and even the whole world has just begun! It should be more interesting than the period you were with Nagayoshi, no? You don’t have anything against me being your master, right!?" 

"...Nobuna-sama... ?" 

"I like you. Even if you did not attack the Ashikaga Shogunate, I would have defeated them myself one day! If they can’t govern any place other than this Kyoto, there is no need for such a useless Shogun! Danjo! You and me, together we should clean up this country and give it a fresh new look!" 

"...Ah...ahh, I've finally found it, the one master that truly understands me..." 

Seemingly overcome with emotion, Hisashide wiped the corner of her eyes with her sleeves. 

The people that destroy traditions, one who is hell bent on creating a new age, and the other who can do almost anything for her own master. 

They resonate with each other on the common term of "destroyer". 

Now that I think of it, Nobuna loves to commit arson too, Yoshiharu thought. 

But is it really good to keep such a dangerous Nee-san? She looks just like a yandere.... which is much harder to deal with compared to a simple villain... Yoshiharu is starting to get worried. 

"But, Danjo! Only this you must promise me. You are not to harm any of the advisors of the Oda clan! This Saru too! My advisors are all my belongings, don't you dare poison and kill them off!!" 

"Roger. From now on, I'm willing to change my ways and become a ‘White Danjo’." 

With a glittering smile, Hisashide once again kneeled on the floor. 

Her smile shone brightly with such purity... The trembling in Yoshiharu's heart couldn't be stopped no matter what... (I'm worried...so worried... What to do...what to do...) 

Translator's notes and References 

1 Shogun (将軍), a military dictator. 

2 Japanese samurai helmet, think Gurren Lagann 

3 A type of matchlock used by the Japanese. 

4 Tenka (天下), referring to Japan 

5 Kago (籠), a transport vehicle. 

6 Juunihitoe (十二単衣), an elegeant and complex kimono worn by court ladies. 

7 Character: Yoshiharu uses English here. The Japanese short pronunciation is キャラ (kyara). 

8 agarwood: Also pronounced as ‘kyara’ (伽羅) in Japanese. 

9 Hinaningyou (雛人形), ornamental dolls displayed on the Hinamatsuri (Japanese Doll Festival, or Girls’ Day) 

10 One of the Kaga ninjas, probably 

11 (外郎餅大臣), literally 'Steamed Cake Master'. 

12 German, meaning ‘task force’. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einsatzgruppen 

13 A province, not to be confused with the ninja clan 

14 An ancient province, now known as Nara. 

15 Another ancient province, now split into the eastern part of Hyogo prefecture and the northern part of Osaka prefecture. 

 16 A civil war in Japan that started the Sengoku period, and lasted for 10 years. 

 17 According to the Chinese raws, he says this in English. 

18 庄九郎, one of Dousan’s names when he was in Kyoto. 

19 Basically, it means "Buddha save me". 

20 The Kampaku (関白) was theoretically a sort of chief adviser for the emperor, but was the title of both first secretary and regent who assists an adult emperor. 

21 Kanbayashi refers to the famous Kyoto tea shop, Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten. Yatsuhashi is a popular delicacy of Kyoto made of bean paste. 

22 "Maro" was a pronoun used by nobles back in the Heinan period to address themselves in a humble manner. 

23 Yoshiharu said sauce in English, and Nobuna heard it as vinegar (総酢, Sousu). 

24 Nori is roasted seaweed. It's quite a popular food in Asia. 

25 Kumquat is a sweet orange fruit that is famous in Asia. It's smaller than oranges in size, but otherwise looks really similar. 

26 Nambanji (南蛮寺), literally Namban temple, was a term used to refer to Christian churches set up by foreign missionaries in Japan during the Sengoku and Edo period. 

27 By fairy, Yoshiharu meant Yōsei (妖精). Y?sei are generally seen as evil, and are more malicious compared to the western image of a fairy. 

28 A Hebrew incantation for summoning demons, apparently. 

29 Pronounced the same way as "westerner" in Japanese (seiyoujin) 

30 Zipang is an old name for Japan, which the foreigners used back in the Sengoku period. 

31 "Game" and "lucky" are said in English. 

32 The eye she meant is "heart's eye" (心眼), which is spiritual. 

33 Record of Lodoss War, from the late 90s 

34 Oshu is known more commonly as Mutsu Province. This Oshu is not to be confused with Oshu city which was formed only recently in 2006. 

35 Monjayaki is a type of Japanese pan-fried batter with various ingredients. It is similar to okonomiyaki but monjayaki, a specialty of the Kant? region, is made with a dough more liquid than is okonomiyaki. 

36 Tenkasu(天かす) is basically deep fried flour-batter. Crunchy. 

37 The Chinese raws use the term "senior statesman", but that term did not exist in Sengoku Japan. 

38 "Temples"and "terrorist attacks" (shortened to "Tero") sound the same in Japanese. 

39 Japanse clothing. 

40 A waka (倭歌 in ancient Japanese, 和歌 nowadays) is a type of Japanese poem. 

41 Youkihi, more widely known as Yang Guifei (楊貴妃) is the famous imperial consort of the Emperor of Tang. She is known to be one of the 4 famous beauties in ancient china. 

42 In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is someone who is motivated by great compassion to attain Buddahood, so as to benefit all sentient beings 

43 Jumonji Yari (十文字槍) is a type of crossed shape spear. Kama Yari (鎌槍) is a nickname, since the Jumonji Yari can fulfill many roles besides stabbing, such as the slashing motion of a kama (a sickle-like weapon). 

44 Nagamitsu (長光) was a master swordsmith trained by the Osafune School based in Bizen. 

45 Yoshiharu says "pinch" in English. 

46 Qi Men Dun Jia (奇門遁甲) is an ancient form of Chinese divination, that can be applied to various situations such as business, Feng Shui and of course, military strategies. 

47 One of the mainstream branches of Buddhism in Japan. 

48 A rather complex system of Buddhist thought. 

49 Dragon veins (龍脈) are an important part of Feng Shui. Energy, both good and bad, are carried along these veins, and part of Feng Shui is about reading the movement and changes in the veins. 

50 Yes, it's Angra Mainyu. Yes, it's the evil god which Fate Hollow Ataraxia takes reference from, the eighth servant, Avenger's true form. 

51 Tsukamo Nasu (九十九髪茄子) is a ceramic jar used in tea ceremonies. These kinds of jars were usually of very high quality and imported from China, and thus had great value. This particular jar was owned and used by former Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. 

This is a rough translation from the chinese raws we have. It is still under work and there will be lots of edits in the near future as I care more about bringing to readers the story rather than the correct use of vocab and grammar. If any readers have inputs and want to edit, please do so. 

~Tarmade~