Oda Nobuna no Yabou - Volume 8 - Chapter 4

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Chapter 4 : Battle Start, Capturing of Harima

Not having a chance to rest at Nagahama, Yoshiharu had rushed directly to Harima.

It was fair skies today and Sagara Yoshiharu is on his way towards Kuroda Kanbei's castle, Himeji castle on a mountain path, bringing along his 5000 men strong troops.

The southern Harima connects it with the Setouchi seas, it's quite a beautiful place.

Alongside Yoshiharu, Kanbei proudly said, "How is it, this time round, you have no need to worry about your women troubles."

"As the price, we are now given the messed up order to start the war independant with the Mori clan.

"With Simon around, don't worry. If we take down Harima first, our numbers will increase greatly."

"It'll be good if all goes well. Anyway, are there any strong sengoku daimyo like Nobuna, Shingen or Kenshin around in Harima?"

Hanbei rode her usual mule-like horse on the other side of Yoshiharu and explained.

"Uhh, Yoshiharu-san. Though Harima had been fought over by 36 nobles, but there isn't a strong one among them that can be compared to the Oda clan or Asai clan."

"In simple terms, there have not been any changes from the Muromachi shogunate and has been maintained as a rural area?"

"Though not completely right, but it's more or less there. Uhh, the Oda clan is originally a small power in Owari but in such a short time, we have grown to such an extent, to be honest, there are many people who look upon us as midnight millionaires. As for Yoshiharu, there are rumors like, "Is he really a wild monkey?" things like that, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

"I don't mind at all, but even if we are to fight the Mori clan, we the Oda clan have no base in Harima."

"Yes, that's why we can only borrow Kanbei's Himeji castle for now."

"How thick-skinned. Listen, I Simon had planned to give Himeji castle to Oda Nobuna and not to you, Sagara Yoshiharu."

This time, Hanbei swings her command fan towards the front.

"It's the Himeji castle in the front. Uhh, rather than a castle, it's more like a gathering place."

"Ahhh? It's a little too torn down than the Himeji castle I expected, are we lost?"

"Those who dare underestimate Simon's castle will not be permitted entry."

In Yoshiharu's era, Himeji castle is a majestic and famous castle proud of it's own Tenshu, it's not just the national treasure of Japan but it can even be a world's heritage.

But in this era, Himeji castle is just a combination of a few small houses, it can be considered a mid level base at most.

Though the Kuroda clan is one of the 36 nobles of Harima, but rather than fighting, they are more skilled in commerce as they are known for not liking to fight.

So when a news like "The army of the Oda clan is coming in" reached the town, there was immediately a fuss.

Though Kanbei's father, Kuroda Souen had already retired and had passed down his position of head to Kanbei, during the time when Kanbei was studying abroad, he had stayed and guarded Himeji castle.

Such a Souen while saying, "Just what is going on?", he opened the gates and looked out. What he sees is his long time no see daughter, Kanbei in her strange namban attire riding right in the midst of the army.

"It's been so long, Chichiue. Simon is now serving under the Oda clan and has become the vanguard in the war with the Mori and so, I wish to use the Himeji castle as the base of the Oda clan."

"Hoho~ I had expected that you wouldn't be satisfied with just being the master of Harima castle, Kanbei. Though the thought of you serving in the Oda clan to search for more chances to grow had crossed my mind before, but this is much earlier than I had predicted."

"But Takenaka Hanbei had already become famous in the Oda clan much earlier than me."

"The difficulty of serving under the Oda clan from Mino and Harima is totally different, don't be hasty Kanbei. Though you are quick on the uptake, but you have always been impulsive and hasty."

Though the retainers of the Kuroda clan were all saying "What should we do?" "Our princess is really someone hard to fathom." "If we serve under the Oda clan, don't we have to fight with the Mori clan?" as they start panicking, but Souen himself does not seem too shocked.

Yoshiharu jumped down from the horse and bowed to Souen.

"I'm the general of the Oda clan here to fight with the Mori clan, Sagara Yoshiharu. Though I'm really sorry, but our Oda clan have no bases in Harima and we can only temporarily use Himeji castle for now."

"Hoho~ I will give this Himeji castle to Sagara-sama, go ahead and use it as you wish."

"What are you talking about!? I'm giving this castle to Oda Nobuna, as a guarantee that Oda Nobuna will finance my research fees of my namban science."

"Wait a minute, Kanbei. Don't just use the castle as a guarantee."

Souen let out his unique "Hoho~" laughter.

"Sagara-sama, please be my Kanbei's friend. Due to her introvert personality, this daughter of mine has never been able to mix around very well with others."

"Is that so? She had used her tarot cards to stand at the top of the people just now."

"My daughter has been very smart from young, but this rural Harima is too small for her. There are times that it would seem that she had mixed with the crowd, but in her heart, she had been having the mentality of being superior to others."

Is that so? After hearing from Souen, Yoshiharu looked upon Kanbei who is at his side.

Those thighs that was revealed from her extremely short namban skirt that was supposedly be extremely modern compared to the sengoku era, it was extremely attractive.

Don't use such a lewd way to look at me! Simon did not even think twice as she kicked at Yoshiharu.

"My daughter loves absorbing knowledge and so, she had many teachers, but not any friends. She is very knowledgeable, but is always thinking by herself, though she's smart but she isn't very tactful. Hoho~!"

"Chi....Chichiue! Don't reveal Simon's black history in Harima!"

"I'm telling you this secretly. Because my daughter does not have any friends, she once summoned demons to play with her. Hoho~"

"Demons!"

"Chichiue, it's history that Simon learned omyouji! The current Simon has already changed to become a namban scientist cum strategist!"

"Don't tell me Sunekosuri is also.... If so, she's really pitiful."

"Kuuu, don't you look over here Sagara Yoshiharu, I will one day sent you back."

"Eh?"

"No, nothing at all."

"Souen-sama's request isn't very hard, Sagara-san. For now, let's just use Himeji castle."

"You have a point, Hanbei-chan."

Just like this, the Sagara corps stationed within Harima's Himeji castle.

Even though Souen keep repeating "It's yours.", but after considering, Yoshiharu entered Himeji castle with the intention of "borrowing" it.

"I will remember your gratitude, Kanbei's father! Ok, let's start the military meeting immediately!"

The current Sagara corps had totally no time to eliminate their fatigue.

Amidst the uproar "How will it turn out?" "I thought that Hime had finally come back, but who would have thought the Kuroda clan is now serving the Oda clan?" "Our future is worrying." of the Kuroda clan, Yoshiharu spread apart the map of Harima and started the military meeting.

And before that, Souen had already first said, "I'm going to look at the wheat in the fields." and left, the Kuroda retainers can only stay and listen to Sagara Yoshiharu and Kanbei.

"Why must Chichiue give this castle to Sagara Yoshiharu, Simon can't understand at all. Is Chichiue's head spoilt or something?"

"Uhh, it might be that Kanbei's Chichiue had predicted that it's time for the Oda clan from now on, just like Kanbei. You must have inherited your intelligence from your Chichiue."

"Chichiue has always been aloof. It's because of this that he didn't walk out from Harima even if he's an extremely smart person, but Simon is different."

"I want to be a wise old man like your father."

"Go ahead and be whatever you want, but Simon is definitely going to explore the world at the other side of the sea."

"Uhh, that's really like what Kanbei would say."

Kanbei turned her gaze onto the map of Harima and started to explain her strategy.

Since Sagara Yoshiharu is going to be sent back to the future, I can just grab back this castle after he's gone.

"Himeji castle is right in the middle of Harima, it's not too much to say that it's the heart of Harima. With this place as our base, we can sent troops in all directions as we please."

Kanbei's voice is full of confidence, making Yoshiharu, part of her audience, nodded with agreement.

"To resist the Mori clan, we must first assume control over 2 castles. One of them is the Bessho clan's castle, Eastern Harima's biggest Miki castle. If this castle is held by the Mori clan, the eastern exit of Harima will be blocked and we will lose our retreat path back to the Oda clan territories."

"Miki castle, huh?"

"The other castle is between Western Harima and Bizen, Mimasaka's boundary, the small mountain fort, Kotsuki castle. In terms of strategy, though that castle isn't important but it is currently under siege by the Mori clan's vanguard, Ukita Naoie. If we abandon them, the daimyos of Harima will all flock to the Mori clan, it is of utmost importance! We must immediately send out reinforcements..... But..."

"But?"

"Simon had already sent out envoys to ask the daimyos of Harima over to Himeji castle. First, we are to persuade them to be the ally of the Oda clan, reinforcements can only wait after that."

"You called all the daimyos here? When did you do that?"

"Simon is a genius strategist, I can be fully efficient even if I'm doing multiple things at the same time.

"There's no time for us to take a breather, this is quite the tense situation."

"Fighting in Harima with so many forces at play is like playing a game of Go, the one who can ally himself with more forces will be the victor. Before the main troops of the Mori clan reach, we must first unify the daimyos of Harima one by one, cough."

While coughing softly, Hanbei explained Kanbei's strategy.

Looking at her endless coughing, Yoshiharu starts to worry about her body.

Even Kanbei look at Hanbei's pale face uneasily, but very soon, she turn her gaze back to the map of Harima.

"Among the daimyos of Harima, the master of Miki castle has the most power, if we can successfully have him as our ally, Harima is as good as Simon's."

"It should be Oda clan's, right?"

"Hoho, it's the same."

The time spent on waiting is just a single day.

With the head of Miki castle leading, after the daimyos of Harima heard "Oda Nobuna has lead her army into Harima." rumors like this, they had all rushed to Himeji castle.

They had arrived faster than Kanbei expected.

Just who will choose the Mori clan, and who the Oda clan?

Troubled over the choice that will decide whether they will be able to continue living, they had rushed over.

Yoshiharu chose to meet with the daimyos at the main hall.

But,

At first, after hearing that "Oda Nobuna had personally led an army into Harima", the daimyos had rushed over, but actually, the Oda clan had only send a small army and it's general is the unheard of Sagara Yoshiharu.

Since before Nobuna hired Yoshiharu, he was someone from the future with no status.

And in Harima who cares about tradition and family status, a proper bloodline is more important than anything else.

"What's with this man?"

"He looks just like a monkey, yet he wears a samurai's attire."

"Who knows where this vagrant comes from?"

"We are the nobles who have protected Harima ever since the start of the Ashikaga Shogunate."

"I don't mind if Oda Nobuna herself comes."

"To actually send a brat with no family status whatsoever and furthermore, he looks weird."

"Actually, why did Kuroda Kanbei not say anything to us before becoming a retainer of the Oda clan?"

Ever since he came to the sengoku era, this is the first time Sagara Yoshiharu sees such a divided group.

It goes without mention for the Oda clan who loves freedom, even Sakai and Kyoto is much better than this.

Terrifed of strangers, Hanbei had long since hugged Yoshiharu's arm and trembled.

"It's ok, Hanbei-chan. At least a fight won't break out immediately."

"Uhh, it's so scary, I'm gonna be bullied, uhh."

"Don't just threw out daggers on reflex."

Kanbei had a troubled face too.

"As expected, there's no one in this bunch of idiots that has the intelligence to understand what Simon said."

Yoshiharu soon gave up on trying to persuade them himself, there is no weight in the words of someone without any family status.

"I beg you, Kanbei! Persuade them to be the Oda clan's ally! I don't think I can, so you who is a local here can only do that."

"Even if it's Simon, I have no weight in their eyes too, it's quite difficult."

"If we can persuade them here, you will have contributed significantly in this battle, Nobuna will definitely reward you greatly."

"There's no helping it, this is also to send Sagara Yoshiharu back."

"Eh? Me? Send, what does that mean?"

"Nothing."

"Say it clearly, I will mind it even more!"

Kanbei felt troubled.

For some unknown reason, the more she mixed around with this man called Sagara Yoshiharu, the more she can't hate him.

Though Yoshiharu is lecherous, but the only thing on his mind is to work hard for Nobuna's interests.

Even if I have let Sunekosuri possess him as a preparation to sending him back, and causing a rift between the relationship of Oda Nobuna and him, he has totally not suspected me.

Though she had thought of him as a dumb fellow at the start, but after actually talking to him, it isn't so.

Why does Yoshiharu trust me so implicitly, Kanbei can't understand this no matter how she thinks about it.

And there is one other matter that Kanbei had on her mind and that is about Takenaka Hanbei....

"Now...."

Kanbei walked to the front of the daimyos and started her speech.

"Gentlemen? Everyone, welcome to Simon's town."

Chan The ment? What is she talking about? A dialect from Kyoto? Though I heard she had went to Kyushuu, but she had really learned unnecessary stuff.

After hearing the whispers from the daimyos, Yoshiharu can't help but sigh (Don't just stir up an atmosphere of distrust.)

"Though I know it's hard to accept for everyone, but before the army of Oda Nobuna arrices, this Sagara Yoshiharu will be the commander in chief, but I don't care much about this Sagara Yoshiharu so you guys can forget about him but the Oda clan's master is Oda Nobuna."

The daimyos immediately whisper among themselves about the bad rumors against Nobuna.

"I heard she burn down Mount Hiei."

"And recently, she's starting to plan about burning the imperial palace."

"She had recently treat the skulls of Asai Nagamasa and Asakura Yoshikage as wine cups and drank from it."

Amongst them, the atmosphere of fear and distrust surrounded them.

"Simon has travelled to many countries, I think the only one who has the ability to unify Japan's sengoku warriors is Oda Nobuna. Ever since the Onin war, Oda Nobuna has been bringing new life to this chaotic country, only through her can we change this closed island into a strong oceanic country, I the genius strategist can guarantee this! Have I been mistaken about the prediction of the future?"

But the daimyos of Harima can not keep up with the speed of Kanbei's mind, to her words, they said, "What's the Onin war?" "What's an oceanic country, is it a name of a snack?" "Is it edible?"

Though Hanbei worryingly said, "You speak too fast, Kanbei. You have to match the audience and speak properly." But Kanbei don't have the power to notice the anger in the hearts of the daimyos and had become furious over how once Kanbei starts talking, her thinking speed starts speeding up.

"The Oda clan does not care about family statuses, as long as one completes his work, he/she will be given the appropriate reward. If they perform exceedly well in battles, they will become a trusted retainer in the Oda clan. The evidence is that even this useless Sagara Yoshiharu had been rewarded the 250k yield and was tasked with being the commander in chief in the Mori battle!"

Wait, if that's the case, Kanbei has became a trusted retainer of Oda Nobuna, and we have been totally abandoned. So that's how things are, if this goes on, won't we all be the retainers of Kanbei?

The daimyos of Harima can't stand this anymore.

"So everyone, please present your hostage to Sagara Yoshiharu and send reinforcements to Kotsuki castle!"

"WHO'S GOING TO DO THAT!"

The displeased Harima daimyos had all lashed out at Kanbei.

But most of them are only jealous.

"Why must we listen to the orders of you, Kanbei?"

"Think properly about the position of the Kuroda clan first!"

"Aren't you supposed to be an omyouji?"

"When did you forsake your own religion and immerse yourself in some barbaric religion from other countries!?"

"You must be trying to capture Harima for yourself so you have secretly gone and serve under the Oda clan, right!?"

"Did you yourself give any hostage to the Oda clan?"

"Uhh..."

Kanbei was speechless and sat down silently.

Here it comes again.

There is really no one who understands me in Harima.

All I see is darkness.

"Kuroda Kanbei! Don't just sell Harima to this brat just because you are a little more knowledgeable than us!"

"Exactly, and even so, how can we possibly win against the Mori clan with such a small army!?"

"Are you trying to destroy Harima!?"

"I heard Christians are all monsters that drink human blood!"

All the daimyos of Harima are guys and almost all of them are traditional and stubborn.

Even the currently popular princess knights becoming a master of a province is rarely seen.

Originally, they are already very displeased with Kanbei being the master of Himeji castle despite being so young, and just with their jealousy towards her, they shouted, "Scram out of Harima, you monster!"

A man's jealousy is really ugly.

"Yoshiharu-san, the situation is becoming much more dire for us."

Hanbei "Uhh", started weeping and Kanbei "Uh" had totally frozen in place.

"That's... That's why I hate Harima."

"I see, so basically, is this the jealousy towards the talented few? These fellows are afraid of Kanbei's intelligence and so are kicking up a fuss using me being the commander in chief."

"Sagara Yoshiharu?"

Like he's on the verge of exploding, Yoshiharu stood up, with his head lowered.

"YOU BASTARDS ARE SAMURAIS, RIGHT!? BEFORE THAT, YOU GUYS ARE MEN, RIGHT!? WHAT KIND OF A MAN ARE YOU TO FLING SUCH WORDS ON SUCH A SMALL GIRL!? TAKE ME ON IF YOU HAVE THE GUTS!"

Kanbei reflexively said, "Sagara Yoshiharu, you...."

"Though it's nothing to be proud of, but I'm the "Hanged man"! Till now, whether if it's being hanged or something, I do not care at all, now come at me!"

Though the daimyos of Harima were stunned by Yoshiharu for an instant, but they soon regained their composure.

"Totally barbaric, too rude!"

"I'm a noble of Harima!"

"How can we possibly believe in a girl that has forsaken omyoudou to believe in Christianity!?"

"Don't think that because you're a small girl, you can just toy around Harima's future as a temper tantrum."

"If this goes on, we all will be destroyed by the Mori clan."

"From the past, Kuroda Kanbei has been an arrogant and rude person, how can she expect us to treat her as a child now!?"

"Know some shame."

Kanbei didn't argue back,

Tears had already moisten her big eyes.

Yoshiharu finally understood what made Kanbei leave Harima in the first place.

And why did she travel around to Sakai and Kyushuu to learn namban culture ever since she's so small and devote herself under Oda Nobuna.

"You bastards are all so damn noisy!"

Yoshiharu feels anger deep from his heart.

Towards insults on himself, Yoshiharu can be so slow that he deflected all of it, but looking at how a bunch of mature men lashing out at a small girl, he just can't take it down.

And that small girl is Kuroda Kanbei, the renowned strategist of sengoku history.

"Now that the Mori clan's vanguard has attacked right in front of your eyebrows, a bunch of men are still here talking about things like family statuses, the word ignorant was invented for you guys!"

"What did you say!?"

"Listen, I came from the future, a future 400 years from now! The things you guys are talking about, unknown origins or low family status, these things you guys treat like treasure have disappeared completely in the future 400 years from now!"

"How rude is this!?" The daimyos of Harima had all stood up and came near Yoshiharu.

"The only name of warriors born in Harima that is left in history is Kanbei! You bastards will definitely be forgotten if this goes on!"

"You're ly....lying!!""

"I'm not lying! You guys said Kanbei wants to take Harima as her own? You're guys are so uncreative! The future stage that Kanbei will be active will never be a small place like Harima, it's Japan, no, the whole world!"

"Wo....World!? Where is that!?"

"I mean, THIS PLANET!"

"What'd you mean by this planet!?"

We have no idea what the hell this guy is talking about, but though we can't understand, confidence exudes out from all over his body.

The daimyos from Harima were totally overcome by Yoshiharu and can't even start to get jealous of Kanbei.

"The man who came from the future... Don't tell me, that rumor is true?"

"This tone doesn't seem like he's lying."

"It's true that he does not seem smart enough to lie through his teeth."

"Uhh, please calm down, Yoshiharu-san. These people aren't our enemies, but if we infuriate them, there won't be any room for negotiations."

Hanbei tugged at Yoshiharu's sleeve, and the latter "Ah..." and finally calmed down.

"Things like side characters should not be said, Sagara Yoshiharu." Even Kanbei can't take it and sigh.

"Didn't I tell you that you can't change history with just the strength of you yourself, there are countless people actually creating history, it's not good to classify them as side characters."

Same as Hanbei, Kanbei held onto Yoshiharu's sleeve, but her fingers are trembling slightly.

"So, I won't thank you for protecting me."

Looking at her moist eyes, Yoshiharu laughed bitterly and thought (How don't you just honestly say the words that make me feel happier?)

After discovering for the first time that Kanbei has a cute side, Yoshiharu feels a little closer to this girl.

"Kanbei, you're really a good person."

"It's not like that at all, Sagara Yoshiharu, you arrogant idiot. Don't keep talking and mess up history."

"Understood, you guys can go back."

Yoshiharu gave the order "I will send Northern Omi's delicacies "Mackerel vermicelli" as a gift, so go back now." to the Harima daimyos who had been silent halfway through.

This is the first time he sees Kanbei being so tame and putting a cute expression without any devious intent, Yoshiharu feels that even his rage had been blown away.

"You don't have to send over hostages."

"Why?"

"Beacuse there's not a need to. Those hostages are all your children, right? I can't hurt those children, so it will be meaningless even if I accept hostages."

"Ohhhhh, how magnanimous this is!"

After hearing that, the daimyos of Harima had all "Let's ally with the Oda clan" in their minds as they left Himeji castle........ It was supposed to be so.

But, it's unforunate that on Yoshiharu's body, there's an even scarier thing compared to his women troubles.

The master of Harima's biggest Miki castle is a young guy around 20 years old.

Maybe it's because he's young that makes him easily moved.

He was mesmerized by Yoshiharu's character and said,

"Sagara Yoshiharu-dono, please accept my younger sister as a hostage, no, please treat her as your god-sister!"

And then, he pushed a girl no older than 5 years old that was sitting on his lap into his hand.

This was supposed to be the instant that the daimyos of Harima and the Oda clan had allied together, it was supposed to be so....

But....

"This new older brother looks like a monkey."

"Oi Setsuko! Don't say unnecessary stuff! This man will be your older brother from today on!"

"Him!? Hmmm, don't touch weird places!"

"Eh? Setsuko?"

"This new brother is a pervert! He used furry hands and keep touch Setsuko's crotch, ahhh!!"

"EHHHH!!! YO...WHAT DID YOU DO TO SETSUKO, YOU PERVERT!"

"It's not like this, the one who was touching is Sunekosuri! I'm not a lolicon!"

"Onii-chan, not there, huh? I....I'm going to leak!"

"Oi Sunekosuri! You were sleeping just now, why did you come and mess things up at such a critical moment!?"

"You demon! Your actions had smeared the reputation of the Oda clan! To actually do such a thing to Setsuko when she's still so small, unforgivable!"

"The rumors about the one from the future is a hopeless lolicon is actually true!"

Hanbei helplessly sighed.

"What a shocking fact, are you an idiot, Sagara Yoshiharu?"

"Isn't this because you had let Sunekosuri possess me, Kanbei!? Hurry and take it away from me!"

In the end, with a misunderstanding like "Once Sagara Yoshiharu is infuriated, he will become very scary, and will also be a pervert beyond what ordinary people can ever hope to understand.", the terrified Harima daimyos returned back to their castles without sending Yoshiharu any hostages.

From a good point of view, they no longer have the guts to oppose Yoshiharu and Kanbei and they won't become their enemies.

But from the bad point of view, the manpower the Sagara corps is still 5000, it's totally impossible to resist the Mori clan with that number.

Just when Yoshiharu and the rest were troubled, Souen walked in and said something very surprising.

"Hoho~, Kanbei. Though you're suave by contributing Himeji castle to the Oda clan without hoping for compensation, but you are not detailed enough. To let the Hime-sama of the Oda clan who was exhausted from Tenka Fubu be easy, you must send over your little sister, Shojyomaru as a hostage. If you are going to do that, how about sending her to the castle of Sagara Yoshiharu-dono?"

"Hmm? Though Simon doesn't feel that's necessary."

"Though you are knowledgeable, but your relationship skills need some brushing up. And if you send a hostage over to the Oda clan, the numerous daimyos might just imitate you."

"Is that so? But due to Sagara Yoshiharu revealing his perverted nature, I think there won't be any effect even if I do that."

It's Sunekosuri! Yoshiharu tried his best to correct him.

"And....."

"And?"

"Hoho~ This time, our opponents are the shrewd Mori clan and the despicable Ukita, they are not people we can easily win. Considering that the possibility of we meeting a mishap, we should at least send Shojyomaru to a safe place."

After hearing that, Kanbei unhappily said, "With Simon as the strategist, a mishap or something is impossible."

"Though it's true that your head is smart, but in terms of strategizing, the Mori clan is better, since you aren't skilled in planning devious schemes."

"That might not be so, Chichiue. Actually, I Simon am currently secret planning to send Sagara Yoshiharu back to the future.... No, nothing at all."

"Hehe, didn't you say everything out? You are always like this, though you want to hide it, but you can't help but wish for others to know."

"Uhh...."

"Forget about strange schemes, Kanbei. It's unsuitable for you, do trust your comrades more. Shojyomaru is the first step that you form a true comrade relationship with the Sagara corps."

"Chichiue, even if you say that, Simon will not send Shojyomaru over as a hostage."

But,

"Aneue, wars are so scary."

Around the same age as Nene, Shojyomaru poke her head out from behind the pillar as she trembled slightly. Kanbei immediately changed her mind.

"Shojyomaru feels scared, huh? I understand, how about going to Nagahama castle to play?"

"Ok, Aneue!"

"If Sagara Yoshiharu suddenly returns to Nagahama and does some strange thing to you, stab him to death with this dagger."

"Ok, Aneue!"

"Hmm~ Shojyumaru is so cute, come over and gimme a hug!"

"Ok, Aneue!"

"Huh!? So cute, so cute, cutie cutie!"

Basically, Kanbei is the type that will be cold to everyone, but her sister is totally different.

Kanbei's love for Shojyomaru had already reached the level of the nyankousou have for cats.

Looking at Kanbei's smile that came from her heart when she is hugging Shojyomaru, Yoshiharu laughed and thought (This change is a little too big, but it seems like this fellow is a girl after all.)

Looking at the sisters being so close to each other, Hanbei said enviously, "What a cute younger sister".

"Though I got a feeling that Nagahama is closer to being a harem of lolis, but there is Nene there accompanying Shojyumaru, there's no need to worry."

"Yes, Nene will definitely be a good companion."

Yoshiharu and Hanbei smiled and agreed to Souen's suggestion.

"Listen Sagara Yoshiharu. If you dare do anything strange to Shojyomaru, I'm going to kill you immediately."

"That's why I'm saying, I'm not a lolicon. And I can't leave Harima right now!"

Just like this, Kanbei sent her younger sister Shoyjomaru as a hostage over to Nagahama castle under her father Souen's persuasion.

"Of course, after this, the Harima daimyos all said, "I heard Kanbei had sent out a hostage." "The suspicions that she's trying to capture Harima for herself..." "With this, it's clear now." and had calmed down.

Though they still can't have any reinforcements, but with this, they had done all the preparations.

It's time to help out Kotsuki castle,

But for the first time, Kanbei's determination for forcing Yoshiharu back to the future had diminished a little.

If she didn't send him back, the future of Oda Nobuna will become totally messed up. Though due to Sunekosuri's possession, she had a little more time, but there's a limit to it. To save Oda Nobuna from her destiny of the "Tower", she has to send Yoshiharu back ASAP.

But every time she recalls the look on Yoshiharu's face when he was trying his best to defend her from the Harima daimyos, Kanbei's chest feels constricted, and her head starts to feel warm.

A thought in Kanbei's heart becomes more and more intense and that is, maybe she had finally met someone that can become her lifetime friend.

(A way to protect Oda Nobuna and not send Sagara Yoshiharu back to the future....... No, I can't think of any.)

Though Kanbei is starting to understand that she might have some big misunderstanding towards Sagara Yoshiharu, but what exactly did she misunderstand, she have no way to find out. Originally, finding out what others are thinking is not what Kanbei is skilled at and learning about tarot cards is meant to help with that.

And,

The future that the tarot card hints at Takenaka Hanbei troubles Kanbei too.

Though without thinking, she had put the card back into the pile without anyone seeing, but Kanbei had always wondered whether that was the correct thing to do.

The reason is... The card that Hanbei had drew when she is asking about her "health"

"How can that be, it must be because the tarot cards aren't extremely accurate. Because there's not much science involved, there must be a mistake somewhere, how can that be possible!"

For the first time in her life, Kanbei is at a loss of what to do.

She had not noticed that this had casted a shadow on her intelligence.

Kotsuki castle is a small mountain fort at the most western spot of Harima.

The daimyo there is considered as a small power in Harima, total forces amount to only 2000.

As the Mori clan's vanguard, Ukita Naoie had surrounded Kotsuki castle with his 10k strong army.

Normally, with such a castle, a force 5 times it's strength will be able to conquer it if they had attacked it violently.

But Ukita Naoie did not choose to do that, but only surrounding it.

Though his retainers had all said, "If we delay any longer, the Oda army reinforcements will reach us." "I heard the vanguard of the Oda clan has already entered Himeji castle." and were very anxious, but Naoie himself had brushed them off.

And then, this day finally arrived.

"The vanguard of the Oda clan, Sagara Yoshiharu had lead his army of 5k and head towards Kotsuki castle!"

Hearing this, Ukita Naoie spinned his short arquebus around his finger and smiled confidently, "Is that so? Is that so?"

"Did the daimyos of Harima lend their army to the Oda clan?"

"No."

"But it looks like they do not rely on the Mori clan, they must be observing the situation."

"If that's the case, Himeji castle is basically empty and Kotsuki castle is already ours anyway."

"Huh?"

"Himeji castle is too far, my lord. It's impossible to attack it now."

"It is definitely so."

Naoie revealed her sharp dog-like teeth and laughed, "Hahaha. Looks like no one among my retainers had seen through my plan."

"My lord has some plan?"

"Are you planning to assassinate Sagara Yoshiharu?"

"I heard there's a very strong ninja Hachisuka Goemon under Sagara Yoshiharu. Even if we send assassins, it will be useless. Of course, if I myself am the one to do it, things will be different."

"My lord, are you planning to sneak into the enemy's camp yourself!?"

"That's too dangerous, please reconsider."

Naoie waved his hand and said, "Relax. Even If I don't make such a dangerous gamble, the victor in this battle will definitely be me, hahaha."

Ukita Naoie does not have the experience of capturing castles by honorable battles.

Bizen and Mimasaka that this man owns are almost all obtained by using schemes, assassinations and betrayals.

"It's necessary to sacrifice a little, attack Kotsuki castle now, my lord."

"I agree too, the Mori clan is observing us at the back too."

"That is quite scary indeed. Kobayakawa Takakage seems to want my territories and as for Kikkawa Motoharu, I'm afraid the thing she wants is my life."

"So we should conquer Kotsuki castle ASAP."

"No, I won't attack Kotsuki castle, continue maintaining our siege."

"WHAT?"

"Why, my lord?"

"At least use your brain a little, if you guys are like this all the time, none of you will be able to revolt and cut off my head."

"W...We....We...We have totally no intention to revolt!"

"I...I...I...I...If we are disloyal, we will definitely be strike by lightning!"

"Hmph, it's more interesting to have a ferocious tiger-like retainer who bare his fangs at me all day."

Naoie swing his short arquebus at the retainers and laughed evilly, "Anyway, I have not assassinate any important person with this arquebus recently, how boring."

Naoie's retainers all trembled upon hearing.

"Listen, because of fearing the Mori clan, it's too dumb to waste unnecessary troops on a head to head battle with the Oda clan. Plotting is to see through the opponent's plans and devise a set of strategies against it, and my plan from now on is....."

The Sagara corps that left Himeji castle pitched camp on a small hill not far from Kotsuki castle.

They are able to look over at the camp of Ukita Naoie that was surrounding Kotsuki castle from here.

Till now, Ukita Naoie's army had been silently allowing Sagara corps to move around.

Even if Yoshiharu sent out scouts multiple times, the opponent did not react at all.

Yoshiharu who had expected that the battle would break out as soon as he reached felt that something was off.

Gashing his teeth, he said, "Even if we provoke them, they do not move at all. Are they ignoring us just because our forces are insufficient to face them?"

While coughing lightly, Hanbei observes the "Ki" of Ukita Naoie's camp.

"Yoshiharu-san, the army of Kotsuki castle is around 2000, but the Ukita army that surrounds Kotsuki castle is at 10k."

"10k, huh? Our manpower amounts up to 5k, if the fuss of Sunekosuri didn't happen back at Himeji castle, this number would have increase a little."

"Yoshiharu-san, Kotsuki castle is too small, it's not suitable to capture the opponent's base."

"How about this, Hanbei-chan? We take the initiative to attack the Ukita army so as to break the containment?"

"Though Ukita Naoie is one of the 3 evils and is skilled in assassination and scheming, but according to my research, he is extremely skilled in commanding soldiers in the battlefield."

"Eh? The 3 evils, who is the other 2?"

"Uhh, the other two are the already passed away Mino's Saitou Dousan-sama and Matsunaga Danjo Hisahide-sama."

"Is that so, if it's them though they are called the 3 evils, but after actually talking to them, they are just misunderstood for being too modern with their thinking. Isn't Nobuna like this too? So, with this thought in mind, can Ukita Naoie be actually a good guy too?"

"Definitely not."

Hanbei starts to explain to Yoshiharu about the behavior of Ukita Naoie.

"Till now, all the warriors that died by Ukita's hand are almost all due to despicable traps. His most common technique is to act as his victim's friend to let them drop their guard before assassinating them. The first victim was his wife's father, and then, his god-sister's multiple husbands, that is how his territories increase."

"A true blue bastard, I am speechless."

Once he thought that he has to fight with such a demonic man, Yoshiharu wants to cry out.

Is it really good to drag Hanbei-chan into a fight with such a man?

"But that does not mean Ukita Naoie knows nothing about wars. In actual fact, he is extremely skilled in defending. If not, he would have been assassinated long before by the Mori clan if he just loves assassinations, uhh."

"It's hard to succeed if we tried to force our way in, and if we enter the battle personally, we might be assassinated. What a difficult fellow!"

"To provoke his opponent, he uses his short arquebus to assassinate the enemy's commander in chief. And then, he eliminates all of his opponent's army who attack him out of fury, such things have happened before too."

"Uwahh! Nooo!! I had hoped for a more honorable battle!"

"All in all, charging in without any plan will most likely result in utter defeat."

Kanbei who had just returned back to camp touched her nose and said loudly, "After actually observing the enemy's formation, Simon has already thought of a strategy!"

"Oioi, that's too dangerous Kanbei. The opponent is that Ukita Naoie, if you are careless, you might be assassinated, be more mindful of your own safety!"

"Simon knows there's risk involved, but Simon won't die here. Because Simon holds the destiny of helping Oda Nobuna's Tenka Fubu!"

"Did you do the tarot card divination on yourself?"

"Simon won't do it to herself, because the result will be affected. Anyway, Simon has discovered a small path that can sneak into Kotsuki castle just now! Let Simon sneak in alone and persuade them to cooperate with us and do a pincer attack against Ukita Naoie!"

"Kanbei, can you really sneak into the besieged Kotsuki castle?"

"I can."

"But what if you failed in persuading them, what will you do?"

"Saying "What if" is so rude, Sagara Yoshiharu. I will definitely succeed!"

At this moment, Goemon returned to camp and brought alone an envoy covered with wounds.

"Oh, Goemon!? Who is this soldier?"

"Ninnin, braving death, he's an envoy sent from Kotsuki castle."

"I...I have brought along a le... letter by the master of Kotsuki castle."

After the envoy struggled to hand over the letter, he fainted with numerous arrows sticking on his back.

What heavy injuries are this! Kanbei and Hanbei averted their gaze.

"Hurry and help with his wounds, Goemon. He could still be saved!"

"Ninnin, understood."

On the blood soaked letter, it wrote "When the smoke signal is raised tonight, we will open the Kotsuki gates and assault the Ukita army, please cooperate with us for a pincer attack."

"It's right on time, it save us from the effort of sneaking in."

"This suggestion is hard to reject."

Looking at the injured envoy, Yoshiharu made the verdict "He is really betting his life on it, this isn't a trap." If this is Ukita Naoie's scheme, the Ukita army will definitely not injured him this badly.

But Hanbei have a different conclusion.

"Uhhh, it's ok if they had agreed to our suggestion. The fact that the master of Kotsuki castle has not discussed anything with the Oda clan and made such a decision is too unnatural."

"You're too cautious Takenaka Hanbei. Always being so careful, where are your guts?"

"Kanbei, scheming is what Ukita Naoie is best at, we will really be in trouble if this is a trap."

"No risk, no gain. Simon has an important mission and can never die at such a place. As a strategist, you're too timid."

"Optimistic thinking is fatal to strategists, Kanbei!"

"It's because of this personality you have that you drew that card."

"Cardo?"

"No, I didn't say anything."

"Oh yeah, Kanbei. Use your tarot cards to check our luck in battle tonight."

"Simon doesn't like to use tarot cards for things like battle, we should rely on our intelligence for such things!"

"Ok already, just use it as a reference."

Kanbei said, "There's no helping it." and pull out her tarot cards and put it in front of Yoshiharu.

If it's in the past, she will definitely reject Yoshiharu's suggestion. But the Kanbei now has dark clouds covering her heart.

"Our luck in battle tonight, I'm drawing now."

"Uhhh, what did you drew?"

"Hmmm, the "Moon", huh? It hints "Hidden enemies, failure.", isn't a good card at all."

"The Moon",huh?

Hanbei tilt her head slightly and sink into her thoughts.

"Since it's an assault in the night, the brightness of the moon will be extremely useful to us. But looks like the moon tonight won't affect our battle at all."

"There isn't much of an effect, huh? Since you're the one who said that, that should be it."

Hanbei nodded and said, "Yes."

"Then Kanbei and I will lead the troops for an assault, Hanbei-chan, you stay in the camp to protect it."

"Understood, but please don't overexert yourself, Yoshiharu-san."

"With Simon as the strategist, there won't be any problems."

"I can understand that Kanbei being full of motivation from being thankful towards Yoshiharu-san who had defended you in Himeji castle, but as a strategist, you still lack a little cautiousness."

"Che, it's impossible for Simon to be thankful to that Sagara Yoshiharu!"

"Is that so, it's a different case from my point of view. Being protected by warm words for the first time by someone other than your family members, you can't express the feelings of gratitude with words."

Kanbei blushed immediately upon hearing.

"N....Not at all! In the end, Sagara Yoshiharu will only hinder my dream."

"Eh? Dream? What's that, Kanbei?"

"No....Nothing at all, geez!"

"Uhhh, Kanbei's "Ki" had became a mess after being agitated. If there's anything you can't think through, please discuss it with me. There's already.... not much time left."

"Time? Isn't there lots of time still? And Simon does not have anything that she can't think through!"

Hanbei smiled with difficulty and said, "There's no helping it then."

"Now, the two of you should take a step back and not quarrel anymore. OK then, let's start the assault!"

Though they had drawn an inauspicious card, but Yoshiharu wasn't affected by it. He believes strongly that fate is controlled by his own hands.

It's a new moon that night.

Under the moonlight, the camp formation of the Ukita army surrounded Kotsuki castle.

At the outskirts, Yoshiharu and Kanbei lead an assault troop amounting 2k and sneaked near towards a quiet area in the Ukita army's camp.

The rest of the 5k strong Sagara corps, a total of 3k is currently staying in the camp under Takenaka Hanbei's command.

"Looks like they are all sleeping, they have let down their guard just because our numbers are insufficent!"

On the horse, Kanbei snorted and pointed to the front.

"Look Sagara Yoshiharu, that is the signal for the assault."

From the rooftop of Kotsuki castle, a trail of smoke rises up into the sky, the castle gates had opened silently. Numerous soldiers rushed right into the camp of Ukita's army.

The Ukita army was instantly in a state of confusion.

"We did it! If Hanbei is here, she will definitely say, "The Ukita army's Ki is in a mess now."

"Things like omyouji is already outdated."

"When Kanbei is in Harima, weren't you an omyouji too?"

"The Simon now has already abandon the past and become the new generation's scientific strategist. As long as I can mass produce "Oh~ It stopped"-kun, Oda Nobuna will be able to unify Japan in 2 to 3 years time, even a thing like conquering the world won't be just a dream anymore."

"A humanoid machine used in wars has not been successful even in the 21st century. No matter how good Kanbei's head is, you won't be able to surpass the limit of the generations, it's better to be realistic."

"A prophet is never welcomed in his hometown"

"Say it in Japanese."

""A prophet is never welcomed in his hometown", this is Simon's favorite line in the holy bible. Though the Christian Jesus is a son of a wordsmith, no one in his hometown understands him."

"Eh, so?"

"The holy bible had already prophesized that Simon will receive suffering in Himeji castle, you must be shocked, right? Even the holy bible from across the wide oceans had recorded Simon's achievements, hehe."

Yoshiharu laughed bitterly and thought, (Though I'm a very confident person too, but compared to Kanbei......)

"Ok, it's about time for us to attack too."

"Wait, Simon is currently digitizing the chaotic condition of the enemy formation and choosing a most suitable attack position."

"Digitizing? How do you digitize the chaotic condition of the enemy's formation?"

"With mathematical equations, quiet down. If I'm distracted, there will be a mistake in the result."

"Oioi, why did you start calculating with a book suddenly on the horse, and by the way, what's that?"

"It's a three dimensional equation, you didn't learn such a simple equation in the future? That's too big of a shock."

"Uhh, I played too much sengoku games so I didn't learn much of math."

"Ok, it's done. Right here, attack right at the enemy's demon gate!"

"Demon gate? I don't think the three dimensional equation can solve such a thing, don't tell me you are just acting, and the thing you are actually doing is the same as Hanbei-chan's omyoudou?"

"If a man is picky with everything, he will never grow up!"

"Forget it, everyone. Our target is the confused Ukita army right in front of us, CHARGE!"

Understood!

Got it!

GOOOO!!

The 2k Sagara army rushed in a straight line, right into the Ukita army's camp that was in a state of confusion from the assault.

Though their amount isn't much, but this troop full of Kawanami clan with Maeda as their head had all survived through the retreat of Kanegasaki, and under the precise orders of Kanbei, their strength had multiplied by two no, three times.

"The Oda army has attacked!"

"Run for your lives!"

In their sleep, the Ukita army who had suffered the pincer attack had premonitions of being totally destroyed.

"We succeeded! As expected, compared to the tarot cards, Simon's intelligence is better! Hehe."

"As expected of Kuroda Kanbei! When we capture Ukita Naoie, it will be our victory!"

Yoshiharu and Kanbei head towards the depths of the enemy formation.

The soldiers of the Ukita army are scattered, upon being assaulted, it takes them lots of time to form back into their formations, both Yoshiharu and Kanbei had believed this firmly.

"All are not permitted to kill surrendered soldiers! Let those escaping soldiers go! There's only one target, and that is to capture the enemy's commander in chief, Ukita Naoie alive!"

"Ohh? Look there, Sagara Yoshiharu. The smoke signal is there again!"

"EH!?"

Turning in the direction Kanbei pointed, the roof of Kotsuki castle had another trail of smoke rising up.

"Kanbei, did the letter says anything about the second smoke signal?"

"What's going on, the army of Kotsuki castle had suddenly started attacking us!"

"Damn, we have fallen into Ukita Naoie's trap, Kanbei!"

"Don't tell me!"

"That terribly injured envoy was just a bait to lure us into the trap! During this period of time, Kotsuki castle had already been captured by Ukita Naoie! The surroundings and the envoy are all acts for us!"

"How can that be, how can that possibly be. That envoy is really having injuries close to death!"

"According to Hanbei, Ukita Naoie is someone who can do such a thing calmly."

"Even if it's Ukita Naoie, it's impossible. When did he capture Kotsuki castle?"

"No idea, but when we reached, Kotsuki castle was actively resisting the Ukita army, we've been done in."

""The hidden enemy" "The Moon" is hinting, huh? But..."

Kanbei violently understood why she, with all her intellect and wit was actually able to fall into such a simple trap...

Her current intellect and strategies had already been shrouded by shadows.

The cause of these shadows is because of Sagara Yoshiharu and Takenaka Hanbei, and she herself.

Right now, the only thing the two of them can do is to try their best to clear a path back to the camp.

But, that might be useless in the end.

During this period of time, the Kotsuki castle's army and Ukita's army had already surrounded Yoshiharu and Kanbei.

Their own forces had been forced out of the surround. The current Yoshiharu and Kanbei had been totally isolated.

Both Yoshiharu and Kanbei rapidly understand that they no longer have any way to escape.

"Sagara Yoshiharu, Simon has never had the plan to kill you, it's my mistake that it has become like this."

"I understand, it's all that Ukita Naoie who is too scheming and shrewd!"

The horse that Yoshiharu is on suddenly shook violently.

Neighhhh!!

Just when Yoshiharu lowered his body to not be shaken off by the horse, a bullet flew past his head.

"Uwahhhhh!? What a close one!?"

".....Che, this guy is just too lucky, but I won't let you dodge it again!"

From the midst of the numerous soldiers surrounding them, a samurai walked out with his short namban arquebus.

This samurai had a well trained body, his seasoned face is full of mature charm. Within his stern gaze not losing to a fierce tiger, one can see his dignified nature from many years of a higher status, his slightly seperated lips revealed hard looking dog teeth.

"Who are you?"

Kanbei suddenly "Ahh" shouted loudly.

"Look at the insignia on that arquebus, Sagara Yoshiharu. This man is the "Princess Knight Killer", Ukita Naoie himself!"

"Princess Knight Killer?"

"Ukita Naoie's nickname."

Ukita Naoie laughed loudly on his steed.

"Correct, I'm Ukita Naoie! Who could have expected that you would fall into such a simple trap. Looks like the legendary Sagara Yoshiharu and Kuroda Kanbei are nothing extraordinary!"

"Seriously trying to kill your disguised envoy, and tonight, you had ordered Kotsuki castle to seriously kill your own troops, you are not a human anymore, Ukita Naoie."

Though Kanbei tried her best to raise her volume, but Ukita Naoie brushed it off and said, "What do you know, you immature brat."

"Sagara Yoshiharu, able to dodge my attack, you might really be a monkey. But that will only delay your death."

Ukita Naoie smiled sinisterly as he aims at Sagara Yoshiharu's head again.

"Wait, at least make me understand before I die, when did you capture Kotsuki castle?"

"The master's wife is one of the women who has dedicated her own life to me. She had imprisoned her husband and gave me Kotsuki castle, this is my way of doing things, wahahahaha!"

"Damn, such a ridiculous thing is on a level of art that I who is being called a pervert after my women troubles can never attain."

"Sagara Yoshiharu, though I don't have any grudges against you, but right now, the Mori clan twin sisters have been waiting for me to make mistakes, for my own safety, I will have you die here!"

(It's impossible to dodge, I'm going to be hit!) Sagara Yoshiharu hugged his horse's neck tightly and resolved himself to die.

"Uhh, if "Oh~ It stopped"-kun can be used in actual battles...."

"Oi, don't do unnecessary things, Kuroda Kanbei! My prey is only Sagara Yoshiharu, a brat like you can just escape back to Himeji castle."

"Simon isn't a brat."

"A brat, though you dream of being the best strategist in the world, but you are only at the level of easily falling into such a simple trap."

"Uhhh..."

Kanbei has no words for a retort, her big eyes are already full of tears, filled with regret.

Why did we lose, is it because we are lost from our path? Is it because a shadow had clouded my heart? Is it because we had ignored the result of the tarot cards? Or is it because we are anxious about trying to achieve something? Or because I want to save Oda Nobuna ASAP? Because I'm anxious to study overseas? Or wanting to repay Sagara Yoshiharu or not to wanting to lose to Takenaka Hanbei?

Different emotions and feelings intertwined in her head, she just can't think of a way to get out of this hopeless situation.

The only thing she understands to an absolute certainty is that it's her fault that Sagara Yoshiharu is in such a critical situation.

"Kanbei, this fellow's target is me. I will rush at him later, use this chance to escape."

Looking at Yoshiharu's determined expression, a warm feeling starts sprouting from Kanbei's chest as she shouts loudly without hesitating.

"I'm not running away!"

"Idiot, I'm begging you, hurry and escape!"

"The strategist is Simon, right!? The one who should be shouldering the responsibility of failure is Simon!"

"Who's the one who decide that!? If I just allow girls to die, the name of Sagara Yoshiharu will weep! Anyway, start running now!"

"No, I've accepted your kindness in Himeji castle."

"From now on, your participation is needed in many areas, that is your destiny! I have protected you because I wanted to see that happening, there's nothing for you to accept!"

"You are the idiot! Simon is only near you to chase you back to the future! Why weren't you ever suspicious of me!? Why do you trust me this much!?"

"Chase me back to the future? Can such a thing really be done!?"

"It can be done! As long as you exist, Oda Nobuna's destiny of Tenka Fubu will be messed up! This chaotic era will never end! Simon's dream of studying at the namban countries will never come true! So, Simon wants to chase you back to the future!"

"Kanbei..."

"You're annoying! Yet you...."

Yoshiharu shouted, "I don't care about myself, Kanbei, at least you must live on!" and interrupted Kanbei.

"The words I said in Himeji castle aren't lies! In the history I know of, Kuroda Kanbei will be the best strategist in Japan! You are the best! Because the other genius strategist Takenaka Hanbei, she...."

"!?"

Kanbei's expression was frozen in an instant.

Just what is this Sagara Yoshiharu who came from the future talking about?

Don't tell me....

Don't tell me that card is hinting....

"Wait? Hanbei-chan? What Were you trying to say just now?'

Yoshiharu is currently in a life or death situation.

Though he had experienced it countless times in "Oda Nobunaga no Yabou", but till now, that "event" he just can't recall starts to float into his mind in such a crucial situation.

But Sagara Yoshiharu (I must be imagining things, It's because I'm dying soon that my brain is malfunctioning...) had once again forgotten about that "event".

After shaking his head furiously, the last fragments of the memory had disappeared too.

"You had even forgotten what you're saying!? You are really an authentic idiot."

"No, I'm just confused, that's all. It's all good now, I'm back to normal!"

"Ahh.... Ahh, it's such a great help that your relationship is so bad, what a strange pair of superior and subordinate. Next, though I want to listen to this small skit between the two of you, but it's time for goodbyes."

Ukita Naoie is about to pull the trigger at point blank range.

Kanbei cried, "NO!!!!!!" as she dived, wanting to use her own body to shield Yoshiharu.

But Yoshiharu hugged Kanbei tightly instead and push her small body down, using his own back to block her from Naoie's bullet.

"I'm sorry for messing history up, Kanbei. I'm leaving Nobuna to you."

His smile is so gentle, yet filled with deep sorrow.

Finally, Kanbei realize that she had made a terrible mistake.

Sagara Yoshiharu isn't here to mess up Oda Nobuna's destiny.

Oda Nobuna's destiny had long been doomed by the sorrow hinted by the "Tower" card before Sagara Yoshiharu even appears.

Though she have no idea why, but Oda Nobuna will soon be enveloped by huge flames in the "Tower", and at the same time, those flames will mark the end of the love between Sagara Yoshiharu and her.

And this Sagara Yoshiharu who came from the future knows the exact destiny awaiting Oda Nobuna from the start.

(So to change Oda Nobuna's destiny, Sagara Yoshiharu actually......)

As expected, this fellow is an idiot down to his core. If that's the case, why didn't he just use Simon as a meat shield and live on no matter what, big idiot!!

But, it's too late now that Kanbei knows.

"Farewell..."

He pulled the trigger.

To protect Kanbei, Yoshiharu did no movements to dodge or avoid it.

Ever since she had converted to Christianity due to curiosity, for the first time, no, maybe since she was born, Kanbei prayed hard to God.

This time...

The moon that was shining brightly over at Kotsuki castle was shrouded by dark clouds.

The whole hill was shrouded in complete darkness.

Kachang!

The bullet flew past Yoshiharu's head, brushing off his helmet.

Because of the moon being suddenly shrouded causing complete darkness, Ukita's fatal shot had also missed.

"Che! What a lucky bastard, but my eyes will soon be used to it!?"

A shout came from an unexpected direction, this time, it's Ukita Naoie's turn to be shocked.

"What!?"

"My lord! The enemy has invaded Kotsuki castle from a secret tunnel."

"In an instant, the empty Kotsuki castle was conquered."

"Enemy? How can that be possible, the main camp of Sagara's army show no traces of movements!"

"It's not Sagara's army!"

"The emblem of four squares, that's the Amako's heroes!"

The clouds scattered.

At the same time the moon appears, the old Amako clan's retainer who had conquered Kotsuki castle had charged right at Ukita Naoie.

And the one leading them, is the short hair bishoujo samurai wearing the crescent helm....

"....The new moon, please grant me suffering....."

Ukita Naoie's expression was instantly frozen but Kanbei and Yoshiharu had opened their eyes with shock.

"My name is Yamanaka Shikanosuke! For my wish to restore the Amako clan, I swore to be part of Sagara Yoshiharu's strength!"

Correct, she is the Amako clan general that was destroyed by the Mori clan, the boss of the Amako's heroes, Yamanaka Shikanosuke.

When her lord's clan was destroyed, though she had reverted back to a drifter, she had continued defying the powerful Mori clan without any sense of fear. Though they can only see this girl's side view, the atmosphere exuding from her body had affected everyone present.

"It's the "Moon"... The "Moon" had helped Sagara Yoshiharu...."

Intense feelings rushed up Kanbei's chest as she was lost for words for a moment.

But Yoshiharu instead....

"Wh...What a beautiful and cute girl! This is a rarely seen proper bishoujo even in the sengoku era! To this sengoku era filled with all sorts of weird girls, she's a very important specimen!"

We've been saved! At the same time he was relived, Yoshiharu had changed back to his usual cheerful self instantly.

"Sagara Yoshiharu, you aren't just an idiot but a pervert too! What a big shocking revelation!"

"Look Kanbei, look at that pair of trembling breasts on horseback, that's the essence of beauty! This is too moving, I have finally transcended from bishoujos to Ane types! You must work hard and grow to be like a bishoujo like her!"

"Sunekosuri who is possessing you will become a pervert too, right?"

Receiving such a surprising impact, it's Ukita's army's turn to be confused.

The bravery of Yamanaka Shikanosuke and the fearless Amako's heroes charge was respected in the Chuugoku region as "Dead soldiers".

"Charge right into Ukita's army like this! There's only one target, and that is the head of Ukita Naoie!"

"OHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

Ahh, that voice is fabulous too... Looking at the gallant stance of Yamanaka Shikanosuke on the battlefield, Yoshiharu can't avert his eyes.

"I've found you, Ukita Naoie!"

"Damn! Though I thought you would pop up soon, but who could have thought I would be interrupted by you."

"Evil and sinister villian, fight with me honorably and die!"

But without hearing until finish what Shikanosuke have to say, Ukita Naoie ran away, with his back facing her.

"Che, though Shikanosuke is a samurai with remarkable martial arts, but I've never heard that she had such a level of intelligence, just what is going on tonight!?"

Ukita Naoie's speed at running away is the best.

Whether it's in the battlefield or the situation, he has the ability to see through the odds swiftly.

"Wahahaha, though I have lost to you in this battle, but the winner will be the one who survives in the end!"

"Coward! Fight me honorably!"

"It's only now that you can be happy, Yamanaka Shikanosuke! With my intelligence, the tide will turn soon enough, see ya!"

Ukita Naoie does not care about his own troops at all and escapes from the battlefield.

But even though the Ukita army was instantly in shatters after their commander escaped, but the speed of these soldiers escaping were all shockingly fast, like they are used to running away.

Yamanaka Shikanosuke wants to pursue Ukita Naoie, but with just a blink, he had disappeared.

Finally returning back to her calm state, Kanbei lightly tugged at Yoshiharu's sleeve and said, "He escaped so fast... Looks like he had a plan or something."

"We've been saved, my lord!"

"Order us to pursue!"

"It's too dark, we can't pursue him."

We won! Maeda shouted out loud, but Yoshiharu had more important stuff to talk to Kanbei.

"Sending me back to the future, huh? Can that really be done?"

"It can be done, but for that, I will need three "tools". Though two of them are currently in the territories of the Oda clan, but the last is over at Mori clan's."

"In the hands of the Mori clan?"

"No, that "tool" is deep in the Straits of Shimonoseki, but if we can find it and successfully retrieve it, we will be able to send you back to the future."

"Have you said this to Nobuna?"

"No, I was stopped by Frois. I have not talked to anyone else yet."

"I see... It might be better this way for now, but if I become Nobuna's obstacle one day, we will have to consider the matter about sending me back."

"You're ok with going back, Sagara Yoshiharu?"

"I'm here to fulfill Nobuna's dream, so if it's for her, I....."

Yoshiharu tried his best to endure the complicated feelings gushing up his heart as he didn't notice the corner of his own eyes becoming moist.

Looking at him, even Kanbei who isn't skilled in interacting with people understands painfully Yoshiharu's true feelings.

Yoshiharu entered Kotsuki castle.

In the Honshu of Kotsuki castle, someone unexpected was waiting for Yoshiharu and Kanbei.

"Uhh, I allowed Yamanaka Shikanosuke to enter Kotsuki castle from the secret tunnel and launched a attack without orders, I'm so sorry, so sorry."

Correct, it's the currently lowering her head and apologizing Hanbei.

"It's Hanbei's plan!? I've been saved once again by you!"

"No, it's not my plan but just a coincidence. After Yoshiharu-san and Kanbei went out, Yamanaka Shikanosuke had sent an envoy hoping to fight together with the Oda clan. Such a thing should be decided by Nobuna-sama first actually."

"But you immediately agreed, right?"

"Yes, didn't Yoshiharu-san drew the "Moon" card? So I immediately agreed myself, Shikanosuke-san is a renowned hero praying for suffering from the moon."

"I'm ashamed, this time it's Simon's fault, just like what you Takenaka Hanbei said, a strategist like Simon had developed doubt that she shouldn't have."

"Nono, the reason why we could react so swiftly is because Kanbei, you discovered the secret tunnel." Hanbei smiled as she consoles Kanbei.

Looking at Hanbei pale smiling face, Yoshiharu tilted his head and thought, "When I was forced to a corner by Ukita Naoie, I seemed to have thought of some extremely important "event" about Hanbei... Ehh, why can't I recall it now?"

"But this is the best, cough cough."

"You seem to be in agony, are you ok, Hanbei-chan?"

"Hmmm, as long as I don't go onto the battlefield directly, there shouldn't be any problem. After Kanbei came, I can finally relax and don't need to exert myself too much."

Really? Yoshiharu patted lightly on the back of Hanbei who was coughing non-stop.

But suddenly, Hanbei "Ahh" and retreated to a side.

Looks like Sunekosuri had once again touched Hanbei's thighs.

"It....It's itchy, Yoshiharu-san. Please don't release Sunekosuri!"

"It's Sunekosuri who keeps escaping on it's own, I have nothing to do with it!"

"Uhh...Uhh, if that's the case, I can only endure. Ummm, can you please don't touch girls' embarrassing places?"

"Oioi, you know, right? I'm not the one doing it!?"

"I'm really sorry, those were meant for Sunekosuri. Making Yoshiharu sound like an incurable pervert, I'm really sorry, uhhh."

Ahhh, what a troublesome spirit! Yoshiharu feels he don't even have the strength to retort.

"I'm reintroducing myself, Yoshiharu-sama. I'm the old retainer from the Amako clan, Amako's heroes boss, Yamanaka Shikanosuke."

After taking off her crescent helm, this short haired princess knight bowed deeply, facing Yoshiharu.

She had sharp eyes.

Even Yoshiharu who had met her for the first time understands immediately just how skilled she is in battle.

"Oh, ohh! Thanks so much just now! Due to you, Kanbei and I are saved!"

"No, from now on, I'm Yoshiharu-sama's retainer. I'm just doing what a retainer should do."

What a beauty, her figure is perfect too and with that bravery willing to stand against many all by herself, she is a perfect talent I can't ask enough for the Sagara corps full of lolis! Yoshiharu is so touched that tears flooded his eyes.

"All this time, I have lead the Amako's heroes to fight against the Mori clan who destroyed my main clan."

"Ahh, ahhhh."

From such a close distance, he discovered she has a beauty unique to proper bishoujos as he becomes even more mesmerized.

"In the battlefield, I have won multiple times, the enemy commanders who I've cut down are countless!"

"Yo...You're strong! Your fighting intent is seeping out."

"But the castles we claimed were always snatched back by the Mori clan. Before knowing, our rations were gone, the soldiers ran and even my comrades had betrayed me."

"It must be the Mori clan using some sinister plan."

"It's at that moment that I heard Yoshiharu-sama had rushed over to Harima to fight with the Mori clan. From now on, please treat Shikanosuke as Yoshiharu-sama's slave and order me around harshly!"

"Ohhh, ah? Slave?"

"My wish is to defeat my sworn enemy, the Mori clan and restore the Amako clan. For this, I'm willing to accept whatever ordeals that will befall on me! Anything and everything, please order me around."

Yoshiharu is extremely touched.

Ahh, though from just outer appearance, she's the same type of girl like Katsuie. But in fact, she's totally different, not just strong but polite, even calling me "Yoshiharu-sama". Different from Juubei who is clueless about the atmosphere, she isn't just the precious bishoujo in the loli filled Sagara corps, she is the ONLY pure bishoujo in the whole of the Oda clan! If it's the future, such a girl will be the perfect candidate for the captain of the female volleyball club!

Ahh, such a girl is actually wanting to become my retainer, I'm so happy.

Though both Hanbei and Kanbei said unhappily, "He's drooling..." "This is this fellow's true nature." but he himself did not hear all that totally.

"Yoshiharu-sama, though the army of the Amako's heroes is only 2000, but all of them are strong, capable of fighting many to one."

"Ah, hmmm."

"From now on, I will address Yoshiharu-sama as "Master", no matter what you ask me to do, I will obey."

"Ma...Master!? Yo...You will really obey any orders, anything?"

Nono, I can't have weird imaginations!! Yoshiharu gave himself a slap.

"Yoshiharu-sama, you don't like a rural girl like me?"

"To me, you are very famous!"

"Really? Th....This is my honor."

Shikanosuke's face instantly blushed.

Sh...She's really a pure girl, totally different from the Owari girls. Girls from here are really attractive! Yoshiharu is so touched that he almost cried out.

Though he has no idea why is she praying for such an masochistic wish, but Yamanaka Shikanosuke is an extremely famous celebrity in the future 400 years ago for her prayers to the moon for suffering. Now, as a fan of the sengoku games, Yoshiharu can't feel happier than what he is feeling now.

"I'm so happy to be able to meet you, if I'm addressed by you as "Master", my heart will have problems! It's ok if you just call me normally as "My lord.""

"Ok, then I will address you as "Yoshiharu-sama" then."

"Such a rare opportunity, please sign for me!"

"Sign? I'm a rural girl and have not much of any artistic exposure, I've no idea of this difficult Kyoto language. I'm really sorry, Yoshiharu-sama!"

"Ahh, sorry. What I said is a future language. It's ok if you just write "Suffering" on the colored paper."

"Actually, I'm only talking about this here. The thing about praying for suffering, I'm already thinking of giving up."

"Eh? Why?"

"After praying, suffering has really assaulting me by waves."

"Is it because you are still young and inexperienced?"

"My old master was eliminated and I can't win against the Mori clan at all. After being caught by them, I had to experience the tragic humiliation of escaping by asking to borrow their toilet so recently, I've started praying for "Unrelenting" to the moon."

"Though they sound the same, but they are totally different."

"Hmmm, but a thing like restricting oneself, I have already reflected deeply on it. To step into a new chapter of my life, I wish to change myself."

"Hmmm."

"But a happy life gained through that is too hypocritical, so I chose to give up in the end. Now, I've already changed this naive thinking to suffer even more, so I prayed to the moon for "Unrelenting Suffering""

"It mean the same, isn't it!? When are you going to release yourself from the agony!?"

"Through even more sufferings and ordeals, I can season my destiny even more and then, I can finally carve a new future!"

"You are too harsh on yourself, isn't it ok if you relax a little?"

"The more I sink in agony, the more my body warms up. Hah...Hah...."

"Why are you suddenly panting? Don't tell me Shikanosuke-chan is a M!?"

"Dou Ammu? I'm just a rural girl, I'm sorry for not knowing Kyoto's dialect."

"Ahh, ahhhh. I used future language without knowing again, don't mind it."

"From now on, I will work hard to learn the Kyoto dialect, please forgive this ignorant Shikanosuke, Yoshiharu-sama."

After finishing her words, Shikanosuke kneeled down.

"It's ok even if you don't kneel down. It's my fault for using future language."

From just her looks and the tone of her words, Shikanosuke gave off a dignified impression, but in actual fact, she's totally opposite. Ahh, it's ok for her to be a little dignified since she's a beauty and a renowned person. How I wish I can bring her to Nobuna and let her witness how a true bishoujo should act! Shikanosuke-chan who suffered so much is so tragic.

"Lift your head, Shikanosuke-chan. In my corps, there isn't such a strong superior and subordinate relationship, everyone are friends."

Yoshiharu patted lightly on Shikanosuke's shoulders, and the latter blushed cutely and said, "Hmmm".

At this moment, sitting on Yoshiharu's side, Hanbei let out a small displeased sound and said to Shikanosuke.

"Umm, there's only one thing Shikanosuke has to take note. And that is to not go near Yoshiharu at all, or else things will definitely happen. No matter if it's to girls or Yoshiharu-san, they are all the manifestation of suffering."

"It's like that, just like what Takenaka Hanbei said."

Kanbei immediately agreed with Hanbei.

"Why did you say that, even to a rural girl like me, Yoshiharu-sama did not put on airs, he's an extremely gentle lord."

"You think that way, huh? Then draw a tarot card to predict if you can successfully restore the Amako clan."

"Though I don't really understand but ok. It will be good if I can draw a card filled with suffering."

"Don't intentionally draw bad cards!"

With a "Please let me draw a card filled with suffering..." Shikanosuke drew a card from the tarot pile of Kanbei.

And that card is....

"How is it, my destiny is that of suffering, right!?"

"Hmmm, this is the "Wheel of Destiny"."

"Wheel of Destiny"?"

"The time when you have to fight with your destiny will soon come. There's only one chance, once then, you must make the choice according to your own will."

"Really!? At that time, I will definitely choose a path filled with more suffering, without any hesitation! Ahh?"

Touchy touchy...

Squeeze squeeze squeeze.....

In the valley in between Shikanosuke's well endowed chest, a furry thing had ran in there and start touching her.

And at that moment, the only one sitting there mesmerized by Shikanosuke's side is Yoshiharu.

"Eh....Ehhh? Yoshiharu-sama, does this mean you want me to serve you tonight?"

"Ahh? What are you talking about?"

"Though it's our first meeting, but I will take this as an ordeal and try my best to accept it, this must be my fate!"

"Don't tell me, Sunekosuri again....!!!?"

"Though I've not been touched by guys till now, but since I'm already Yoshiharu-sama's slave, I will obey you. Please play with my body however you wish."

"It's not me! Look, both my hands are in the air! I'm innocent!"

"Umm, the moment when Yoshiharu-sama raise both of your hands, the strange feeling of someone touching my breasts had totally disappear."

"EHHHHHHHHHH!?"

"It must be because the warrior blood of Yoshiharu-sama is raging. Do you want to vent all that animalistic lust on a pure virgin like me tonight?"

Shikanosuke bites hard on her lips as she starts taking off her armor and stripped.

"Everyone, I'm going to suffer my biggest humiliation of being played repeatedly by Yoshiharu-sama and forced to bear his child, but to restore the Amako clan, please forgive me."

"It's ok if you don't strip.... No, please don't strip anymore!"

Yoshiharu does not know where he should put his eyes, though he tried his best to prevent Shikanosuke from stripping herself naked, but everytime he touched Shikanosuke, Sunekosuri will "This girl's well endowed and bouncy breasts are so nice to touch." and start to feel her all around. Yoshiharu can't do anything at all.

At this moment, Hanbei and Kanbei displayed a shockingly good chemistry between the both of them.

"Kanbei!"

"Sim!"

With an exchange of gaze and coordinated breathes, they tied Yoshiharu up and threw him to a corner.

"Uhh, to stop the rampaging Sunekosuri, we can only do this, let's leave him tied up like this for now, Kanbei."

"Sim. But even without Sunekosuri, something like this will definitely happen."

"Uhh, I had thought the biggest suffering in my life is going to happen, you're not doing it anymore?"

After dressing herself up again, for some reason, Shikanosuke's face was filled with regret.

I see. So Shikanosuke-chan had already reached a state where she will feel uneasy when she wasn't faced with misfortunate, what a pitiful girl.

Yoshiharu starts to pity Shikanosuke.

"But wait, don't tell me I'm going to be tied up like this the whole night!?"

"Sagara-shi, what strange game are you playing, something big happened!"

The ninja Goemon who didn't appear all this while in battle suddenly ran in a rush.

"The eastern Miki castle had been conquered by Ukita Naoie! Our retreat path had been cut off!"

"What!? That fellow had ran away just now at Kotsuki castle, when did he....!?"

"And there's another bad news, something happened in Kyoto!"

The instant Yoshiharu heard this, he gulped a mouth filled with cold air....

His heart starts to beat loudly, almost like it's threatening to jump out from his throat.

Don't tell me.....

Something happened in Kyoto....

No, it can't be......?

No, it's impossible, it's far too early. That thing will never occur so early!

"The Incident at Honnouji", the conditions for that event to occur are:

Shibata Katsuie at Echizen.

Akechi Mitsuhide at Tamba.

Hashiba Hideyoshi attacking the Chuugoku's Mori clan.

Niwa Nagahide, Tsuda Nobusumi and Takigawa Kazumasu are all under their own orders and not by Nobunaga's side.

And so, with extremely few soldiers at his side, Nobunaga is in the situation where she is isolated in Kyoto....

And when Nobunaga is staying at Honnou temple defenselessly,

"That thing" happened.....

There is no point in saying whether it's early or late. Like what Kanbei said, the process isn't important, history will proceed towards a determined "result". As long as the conditions are fulfilled, "that thing" will happen. So even if Akechi Mitsuhide didn't revolt, Nobuna might still be assassinated by some hired assassin in the end. If that's the case, though Yoshiharu had changed Mitsuhide's destiny, but he wasn't able to change Nobuna's destiny.

Those great heroes who left their name in history, their destiny does not belong to only themselves, but theirs will undoubtedly be intertwined by countless ordinary people. I'm too naive for thinking that I can use my own strength to change Nobuna's destiny if I just work hard enough!

Kanbei is the one that's correct!

Did I fail? In the end, did I not change Nobuna's destiny? Yoshiharu shivered and asked.

"Goemon, what exactly happened in Kyoto?"

"Not knowing who set it ablaze, most of the inner Kyoto are in ruins!"

FIRE!?

Don't tell me!?

Yoshiharu had forgotten to breathe.

No, he can't breathe anymore.

He tried his best to utter out with the last of his voice.

"That Nobuna, at that time, where is she, Goemon!?"

She won't say that Nobuna is in Honnou temple, right?

Because of his nerves and fear, Yoshiharu didn't just forget to breathe, he had even lost the ability to think.