Unrefined

Chapter 8

Quick disclaimer: My translations are contextual, not word for word, and please expect mistakes/inaccuracies. This chapter… was difficult to translate and that’s putting it mildly. So I gratefully accept any constructive criticisms and corrections.

Characters, stories, art, etc all belong to Cybird. Please download the game and use this translation to play.

This chapter delves into Kagetoki's backstory a bit, and it's really where you start to see the way he subtly encourages the MC to be and to trust in herself (in his own way). I hope you enjoy Chapter 8.

Part 1

Kagetoki: “The profession of a samurai is……”

Kagetoki: “……to be concise, it’s the worst.” 

Yoshino: “Really?” 

Kagetoki: “By the way, if I had to describe battle in one word, it would be hell.” 

Yoshino: (That’s not much different than me!) 

Kagetoki: “It is insane to risk your life for flimsy beliefs. Absolutely irrational.” 

I was dumbfounded by his bold and unexpected declarations. 

Yoshino: “Even if it’s irrational, is it okay to have that kind of attitude as Yoritomo-sama’s confidant?

Kagetoki: “My attitude is meaningless if it takes precedence over the results I produce.”

Kagetoki: “In my opinion, being a samurai is just a profession. My relationship with the Shogunate is business.” 

“Kind of like Kagetoki-san” +4+4

“Do you mean that”

"That’s a little lonely” 

Yoshino: “Ah, in that sense then I think I’m a bit like you, Kagetoki-san.” 

Kagetoki: “That’s good. It is often said that the best way to live is to be honest with yourself.”

Yoshino: (I feel like I need something more like passion to fight, but I guess Kagetoki-san is different.)

Kagetoki: “An organization lasts longer if it has a few dissenters in it.” 

Kagetoki: “You don’t have to force yourself to have the same point of view as the other members of the Shogunate.”

Yoshino: (Something like that?)

Even though my doubts still persisted after I said my feelings aloud, it felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

Kagetoki: "Of course, you don't need to have the same point of view as me.”

Kagetoki: “Just like how you and I treated a child who cried after their father was killed…”

Kagetoki: “You should discover the perspective that only you can have as someone who is a physician and possesses the power of the nine-tailed fox spirit*.”

Yoshino: ”A perspective that only I can have…"

Kagetoki: “You’ve been trying to discern the truth for yourself since you arrived at the Imperial Palace, so it shouldn’t be difficult for you.” 

Kagetoki is strict so he’s not the type to just hand out false encouragement or useless advice.”

Precisely because I understood that, his words touched my heart. 

Yoshino: “—Yeah! Thank you very much, Kategoki-san.” 

Kagetoki: “You’re the kind of person who smiles at nothing.” 

In the wind, Kagetoki-san’s gaze softened as he laughed in surprise. 

Yoshino: (It’s not fair of Kagetoki-san to suddenly smile like that.)

I was wondering how to reply, when I saw one of Kagetoki's subordinates walking toward us.

Vassal 1: “Kagetoki-sama, is it okay to speak with you now. I would like to consult you about our route.” 

Kagetoki: “No problem.” 

Yoshino: “Well, I'll be walking around there.” 

Kagetoki: “Fine. Don’t wander too far.”

Part 2

Yoshino: “Well, I'll be walking around there.” 

Kagetoki: “Fine. Don’t wander too far.” 

I nod to Kagetoki's subordinates and leave.

I take a drink of the clear lake water and take a light stroll around its banks. 

Yoshino: (Mm? Who’s that person?)

I saw an elderly samurai rubbing his back at the base of a tree.

Yoshino: “Um, excuse me. Does your back hurt?”

Old Vassal: “Oh, yes. The long hours riding on horseback is takes quite a toll on these old bones of mine. It’s a bit pathetic.” 

Yoshino: “That’s awful. Would like me to examine you? I am a physician*.”

Old Vassal: “Oh! Is that so? Thank you for the offer!”

Yoshino: (I’m glad I brought medical supplies with me just in case) 

After a brief examination of the samurai’s back, I applied an herbal salve made of smoked mugwort and loquat leaves to ease the pain.

The elderly vassal smiled while lying face down on the grass. 

Matsue: “Thanks to you, it already feels much. better. My name is Matsue.” 

Yoshino: “I’m pleased to meet you! I am—“ 

Matsue: “You are Yoshino-san. I’ve heard a lot of rumors about you.” 

Yoshino: “Nothing too bad, right?” 

Matsue: “No no. I’ve been curious ever since I heard about the woman who can assist Kagetoki-sama without running away crying.” 

I unintentionally let out a chuckle when he said that like it was a joke. 

Yoshino: “Oh, there have been plenty of times when I almost wanted to cry.”

Matsue: “Haha, I’m not surprised. Kagetoki-sama is merciless.” 

Yoshino: (The way Matsue-san spoke it doesn't sound like he's tries to avoid Kagetoki-san out of fear like the others.)

Yoshino: “Matsue-san, have you known Kagetoki-san for a long time?” 

Matsue: “Yes. I have served the Kajiwara family since he was just a child.” 

Yoshino: “For that long…! What was Kagetoki-san like as a child?”

I leaned towards Matsue and listened curiously. 

Yoshino: (I have a hard time imagining Kagetoki-san as an innocent child. I wonder what he was like.) 

Matsue: “That's right…” 

Matsue stroked his chin while thinking and then he opened his mouth to speak. 

Matsue: “Even back then, he wasn’t a normal child.” 

Yoshino: “Eh?”

Matsue: “Though born into a samurai family, Kagetoki-sama was a heretic who lived only to read books.”  

Matsue continued to tell me about his memories of Kagetoki. 

FLASHBACK 

Kagetoki’s Grandfather: “Do you know why you were summoned here, Kagetoki?”

Kagetoki: “I can guess.” 

Part 3

Kagetoki’s Grandfather: “Do you know why you were summoned here, Kagetoki?”

Kagetoki: “I can guess.”

Summoned before his grandfather, a young Kagetoki responded in a mature tone, unperturbed. 

Kagetoki: “……”

Matsue was ordered to attend and he watched the situation unfold with apprehension.

Kagetoki’s Grandfather: “Yesterday, I was informed that two of the children who have been tormenting you got into a big fight in the hillside behind our home.” 

Kagetoki’s Grandfather: “I heard that it was such a struggle that one nearly fell from a cliff.” 

Kagetoki’s Grandfather: “Even the parents were confused that those two, who raised together and as close as sibings, would suddenly quarrel with each other.” 

Kagetoki: “Perhaps because their relationship was so deep that once the seeds of hatred were sown, it bore fruit more quickly?” 

Kagetoki's Grandfather: “……”

Kagetoki's Grandfather: “I have heard of children who act similarly strange. They don’t play with children their own age and tend to be lazy in their martial arts training…” 

Kagetoki’s Grandfather: “I am not sure how to describe my unease, but it’s as if I’m afraid of something mysterious.”

Kagetoki: “Is that so? Then I’m sorry.” 

In front of Kagetoki, who spoke as though he didn’t care, his grandfather closed his eyes and spoke with resolve.

Kagetoki’s Grandfather: Kagetoki, did you set this all up?” 

Kagetoki: “Yes. That’s right.” 

Matsue: “But that’s……” 

Kagetoki's Grandfather: “......Let’s speak plainly. —What did you do to them?” 

Kagetoki: “It’s not a big deal. First I spread false rumors, thus dividing the group.” 

Kagetoki: “Once they were split into factions I approached each side and said just enough to push them in the direction I intended.” 

Kagetoki: “And as a result of repeatedly insinuating coercion and betrayal, once they began to suspect each another everything started to seem suspicious…” 

Kagetoki: “Among them, the two most bloodthirsty must have crushed each other.” 

Neither his grandfather nor Matsue immediately accepted the explanation that was given to them without misgivings.

Matsue: “Are you claiming you manipulated those children and used them like chess pawns…?”

Kagetoki: “I’m sure I’ll do better next time. I hope I don’t miss the chance.” 

Kagetoki’s grandfather groaned and rubbed his temples. 

Kagetoki’s Grandfather: “Kagetoki, did you do this for revenge? If so, I wish I had spoken with you earlier. No…” 

Kagetoki’s Grandfather: “This is my fault. I didn’t realize you felt so cornered that you needed to retaliate in this manner.” 

Kagetoki’s Grandfather: “You’ve always looked so calm, I simply dismissed it as harmless teasing between children.” 

Kagetoki: “……” 

After tilting his head slightly, Kagetoki muttered.

Kagetoki: “No, it was not for revenge.” 

Part 4

Kagetoki: “No, it was not for revenge.” 

Kagetoki: “It didn't matter to me if they bullied me or hid things from me." 

Kagetoki: “It was just some violence……So I didn’t think it would be this big of a deal.” 

Matsue: “I see, I think. So why did you…?”

Kagetoki: “They destroyed a book I was reading a month ago. It was a problem because I couldn’t finish reading it.” 

Kagetoki’s eyes gleamed despite his innocent appearance as he stood in front of the two dumfounded adults. 

Kagetoki: “I just wanted to be left alone to read quietly. So, I devised a plan to make that happen. That’s it.” 

Kagetoki’s Grandfather: That’s how it was, uh? You are…” 

Kagetoki: “Did I do something wrong? Grandfather?” 

FLASHBACK ENDS

Yoshino: “Did that really happen?

Matsue finished speaking and sighed with a nod.  

Matsue: “That was the only time, before or since then, that I feared a child.”

Yoshino: (That’s what happened. No matter how I think about it, it's beyond the scope of a petty quarrel between children.)

Yoshino: “What happened after that…?”

Matsue: “Kagetoki-sama’s involvement, since he did nothing actively himself, were never made public.” 

Matsue: “Kagetoki-sama’s grandfather scolded him severely, but even he struggled to explain to Kagetoki’s-sama the reason his actions were wrong.” 

Matsue: “Some time after that his grandfather bought him a koto.” 

Yoshino: “A koto?” 

The memory of Kagetoki playing the koto, though quite poorly, came to mind. 

Matsue: “That's what his grandfather told me…” 

Matsue: “He said: ’ That child’s head is strange. In the future, he will either become a great genius who will bring about change in the world, or…’”

Matsue: “‘He may end up being the great villain that everyone fears.’"

Yoshino: ”A genius or a great villain..."

Matsue: “Yes. So in order to avoid the latter outcome, he wanted him to study music, which was his weak point, and use it as a warning.”

Yoshino: “… So that’s why Kagetoki-san makes it a part of his daily routine to play the koto.” 

Matsue nodded as I stared at him. 

Matsue: “I don't know how much his grandfather's concerns affected Kagetoki-sama, but…”

Matsue: “Kagetoki-sama, who never wastes time on anything, still continues to practice the koto. I think that is the answer.”

Yoshino: (At that time, I wondered why he continued to practice even thought he played the koto so badly…)

Part 5

Yoshino: (At that time, I wondered why he continued to practice even thought he played the koto so badly…) 

Yoshino: “Matsue-san, thank you for talking with me.” 

Matsue: “No, not a problem. If a sweet woman like you stays with Kagetoki-sama, then I will be at ease.” 

In Mr. Matsue's warmly crinkled eyes, / he may still see Kagetoki as still just a young kid. 

Yoshino: (Matsue thought Kagetoki was fearsome, even as a child, but he still stayed by his side and watched him grow up.)

Yoshino: ”Matsue-san, what do you think of Kagetoki-san now?”

Matsue: “Kagetoki-sama is a man who doesn’t ask for anyone else’s approval. He is beyond the reach of ordinary people like me.” 

Matsue: “I firmly believe that he has become a genius. Kagetoki-sama is someone who will definitely leave something behind in the future.” 

Yoshino: “…… I think so too.”

Yoshino: (It’s possible that I could see it by Kagetoki-san’s side.)

As I nodded, Matsue-san glanced at me with a smile on his face.

That night…..we finally arrived in Kyoto.

Kagetoki: “Starting tomorrow, we will proceed with a full reconnaissance of the movements of the court nobles using this inn as a base.” 

Yoshino: “Right! And while everyone else is investigating, you and I will appear to greet the Imperial Court.” 

I was called to Kagetoki's room and we talked about tomorrow.

Yoshino: (The Imperial Court… it’s a place I never would have set foot in if I was living my normal life.)

Before I knew it, I was clenching my hands together as I grew increasingly tense. 

Yoshino: “I have to act properly tomorrow. Ugh, but what does it mean to do act properly in this situation…?” 

Yoshino: (I don't know how to behave in a noble place. What will I do if I embarrass Kagetoki-san?)

Kagetoki: “Just be your normal self. I'm not expecting you to perform any special tricks.”

Yoshino: “……Are you really treating me like your dog again?” 

After deliberately glaring at him, I took a deep breath.

Yoshino: “This might be normal for you, but it’s difficult for me. I feel like I’m going to be so nervous I’m going to do something weird.” 

Kagetoki: “Oh. Then should I practice a few tricks of my own?” 

Yoshino: (Eh?) 

He narrowed the distance between us and his hands face approached mine.

Yoshino: “Kagetoki-san…?”

I tried to back away, but Kagetoki placed his hand on my back and I froze as my breath hitched. 

Kagetoki: “Correct your posture. People are cruel and they take advantage of those who appear weak.”

Kagetoki: “You are the Shogunate’s trump card. So you can behave as proudly as you like. I’ll forgive you.” 

Translator's Notes

Chapter 7

Quick disclaimer: My translations are contextual, not word for word, and please expect mistakes/inaccuracies. When I initially translated this route it wasn't with the intention of posting, just to practice so I gratefully accept any constructive criticisms and corrections.

Characters, stories, art, etc all belong to Cybird. Please download the game and use this translation to play.

Wow... I'm shocked I successfully did the thing.

Enjoy Chapter 7!

Part 1

Kagetoki: “So there isn’t direct connection to the existence of someone who can control the court nobles, even though their power should be waning—” 

Kagetoki: “It smells like a conspiracy that took a long time and has carefully taken root.”

Man: "I, a mere townsman, have no idea what kind of evil flower will bloom.”

Man: “Though… this time, I've written down the information I was able to obtain on this piece of paper.”

The man held out a small, folded piece of paper between his fingertips and waved it

Kagetoki: "Thank you for your hard work."

Man: “Oops… it’s a matter up for negotiation.” 

Kagetoki tilted his head as the paper he was about to receive was deliberately withdrawn.

Man: “I had quite a difficult time getting the information I received this time.”

Kagetoki: "What is your intention?” 

Kagetoki smiled faintly, and the man continued to speak while his shoulders stiffened.

Man: "...Wouldn't it be nice to add some color to the reward?”

Kagetoki: “I believe we agreed in advance that compensation would be based on the results, not your self-reported difficulties.”

Man: “That's true, but... You see, my lips get looser according to the weight of the bag I put money in.”

Kagetoki: “Oh. Are you threatening me?” 

Man: “Um… no way. Hahah…No, no way.”

The face of a man who should have been accustomed to lying as a spy was clearly miserable and beading with cold sweat.

Kagetoki: “Well, I know why you need money.”

Man: “Uuuh….?” 

Kagetoki: Congratulations. I hear you will be celebrating a wedding soon. And to the only daughter of a merchant family. 

Man: “Wha… how did you do that?”

Kagetoki: "I have better ears and more eyes than most humans.”

Kagetoki: ”As a former criminal who swindled the nobility, you’ve become quite the respectable man to be married to a woman of the Katagi clan, haven’t you.” 

Kagetoki: “In exchange for becoming a counter-intelligence agent, you should already feel rewarded since it was my pleasure to expunge your crimes.” 

Contrary to the man’s pallor, Kagetoki's eyes narrowed like a cat teasing its prey.

Kagetoki: “Allow me to give you a congratulatory gift. You may even chose.”

Kagetoki: “Sake, or rice, or ─ criminal prosecution?”

Man. “…. shit.” 

Kagetoki: “If your crimes can be expunged, then it’s possible to reapply those convictions.”*

Kagetoki: “Can the bridge forgive the groom for being convicted felon during the wedding celebration…… Now that's a story about true love being tested.” 

With a faint groan, the man hangs his head in disappointment.

Man: “……Forgive me, Boss*.” 

Man: “I promise I will never pester you again out of unnecessary greed.” 

Kagetoki: "I'm relieved to hear that.”

Part 2

Kagetoki: "I'm relieved to hear that.”

Kagetoki: “Of all the spies I've molded with my own hands, I have a high opinion of you.”

Kagetoki: “—I’d prefer it if our association continues for a long time.”

Man: “……Yeah.”

At that moment when the man answered awkwardly, the shopkeeper walked over with a plate.

Shopkeeper: “Sorry for the wait!” 

Kagetoki: “Thanks.” 

Man: “…….”

The shopkeeper puts the plate on Kagetoki's table and leaves again.

Man: “…um, what is that?” 

—A plate full of sweet buns, dumplings, kuzu mochi, and other delights slathered in brown sugar syrup and starch syrup.

Kagetoki: “It’s a special order. I’m a regular.”

Man: “Do you like sweets…?” 

Kagetoki (perfectly serious): “No, not at all.” 

Kagetoki: "The taste is irrelevant because the goal is to replenish sugar levels. That’s all.”

Kagetoki laughed lowly as he began to eat the delicacies dispassionately.

Kagetoki: “Since you’re in such financial straits, shall we discuss a new mission for you?”

Man: “You’re not remotely sweet at all on the inside, Boss……”

The next day I went to to assist Kagetoki at his manor. 

Yoshino: (I was told I to go inside since Kagetoki-san would return after attending a meeting at the Imperial Palace)

Yoshino: “Excuse me.”

I called out to anyway and opened the fusuma in the room.

???: “Woof!” 

Yoshino: “Kiyah!?”

A brown, fluffy mass rushed towards me.

Puppy: “Bark Bark Bark!.” 

Yoshino: (…a puppy? Why is it in Kagetoki-san’s room?) 

Yoshino: “Where did you come from?” 

The puppy was wagging its tail with its bum high in the air, inviting me to play.

I crouched down to catch it, but it slips through my hands—

Yoshino: ”Ah, where are you going?”

I started running around the room, which was as messy as ever.

Puppy: “Wafu!” *

Yoshino: (I need to get you out of here soon! If Kagetoki-san finds out, I'm sure it'll be a big deal…!)

Yoshino: “Hey! Hang on!” 

As I was chasing the happy puppy galavanting around Kagetoki’s room—

Kagetoki: “What’s all the racket about?” 

Yoshino: (… oh fox it.)*

I reflexively catch the stopped puppy and hug it tightly to my chest.

Yoshino: “Kagetoki-san! Erm… this is….” 

Yoshino: (What should I do… I found him.)

Kagetoki: “……” 

Standing at the entrance, Kagetoki looked at me and the dog alternately, then grinned.

Kagetoki: “Two puppies.”

Kagetoki "That's kinda cute, really.

Part 3

Kagetoki: “Two puppies.”

Kagetoki "That's kinda cute, really.” 

Yoshino: (First I’m a servant, now I’m a dog……) 

Even though I felt he was being unreasonable, the slight sweetness in his low voice made my heart skip a beat. 

Puppy: “Kiyuuuun!”

Yoshino: “Waah!” 

With eyes sparkling, the puppy leapt out of my arms and bounds up to Kagetoki. 

Yoshino: (What a little daredevil!)

Yoshino: “Oh no no! Kagetoki-san, I’m so sorry!” 

Kagetoki: “Azuki. Sit.”

Yoshino: “Uh?” 

Puppy: “…! Wafu!” 

The puppy that played excitedly around Kagetoki’s leg sat down upon command, wagging its tail proudly. 

Yoshino: “Azuki?” 

Kagetoki: “It’s the dogs name.” 

Azuki: “Wafu!”

Yoshino: (That’s a cute name… even if it’s not his dog.) 

Yoshino: “Is this your puppy, Kagetoki-san?” 

Kagetoki: “I don’t keep him. I just permitted him to live in the garden after I found him there.” 

Yoshino: “He seems really attached to you, Kagetoki-san…” 

Yoshino: (I wonder why he says that when he’s already raising it?)

Kagetoki: “Azuki, paw.” 

Azuki: “Waaoo!” 

Kagetoki: “You’re a good boy. Good job.” 

Kagetoki stroked the pup’s head with an inscrutable expression on his face, and Azuki closed his eyes contentedly.

Yoshino: (That must feel good.)

Yoshino:(…I wonder how it feels to be pampered like that by Kagetoki-san?) 

My thoughts went in a strange direction. It was probably only because of the shocking spectacle of Kagetoki loving on Azuki.

Kagetoki: “What is it, Yoshino? You’re staring.” 

Yoshino: “Erm, no… it’s nothing!”

Kagetoki: “— Haha, maybe you want to be petted too?” 

Why did you come to that conclusion?

You’re wrong.

Thinking about the cuteness of dogs (+4 +4)

Yoshino: “…! No, no way. I was just thinking about how cute dogs are. It’s would be nice to have a dog! It’s the best.”

Kagetoki: ”You have a very clumsy way of evading things.”

Yoshino: “Well, it's all because of Kagetoki-san's disposition.”

Yoshino: (Though I think I'm a little envious of Azuki because Kagetoki-san hasn't praised my work at all.)

I swore that I would never say such a thing out loud even if tortured. 

Kagetoki: “The more you deny it the more suspicious it gets, but okay.” 

Kagetoki: “Anyway… Yoshino.” 

Yoshino: “Yes?” 

Kagetoki: “Are you interested in traveling?

Part 4

Kagetoki: “Anyway… Yoshino.” 

Yoshino: “Yes?” 

Kagetoki: “Are you interested in traveling?” 

Kagetoki’s indecipherable smirk left me bewildered / as Azuki happily wagging his tail.

A few days later — 

Yoshino: “Ostensibly this is to introduce me, who possesses the power of a kitsune, to the Imperial Court, but in reality, you’re investigating a dubious court noble…”

Kagetoki: “Isn't it liberating to do this instead of grunt work?”

Yoshino: “Being used as a cover for a serious mission instead of doing grunt work is not my idea of liberation.”

On our way to Kyoto, we stopped by a lake to rest our horses.

We were accompanied by a dozen or so subordinates who came to serve as guards and aid in the investigation. 

Yoshino: (Since I have been helping Kagetoki-san for awhile now, / no one is suspicious of my presence on this trip.)

Vassal 1: “Did you hear? It seems that the rebels are steadily preparing for war.”

Vassal 2: “Jeez… At the very least, I hope the nobility of Kyoto will stay quiet.” 

Suddenly, I overheard the conversation of samurai passing by.

Vassal 3: “Yah…… No matter what happens, I'll just fight through as a warrior of the shogunate.”

Vassal 4: “It is the same for all of us! It is a disgrace to the Kamakura samurai to bend the knee to either the rebels or the corrupt.”

Yoshino: (……Everyone here is fighting for what they believe in.)

It was something that I began to sense after becoming involved with the samurai through my work at the Imperial Palace.

Yoshino: (I'm not fully prepared to do that yet.)

Yoshino: (Standing on the battlefield with such a vague feelings would be disrespectful to the samurai. I know that.) 

I mull over this as I listening to their footsteps as they recede……

Kagetoki: “Yoshino.” 

Yoshino: “Um, yes?” 

Kagetoki scrutinized my face as if he had read my emotions.

Kagetoki: “Are you worried about something?”

Yoshino: “No! I’m okay.” 

Yoshino: (It's something I worry about personally, so it's difficult to tell Kagetoki-san.)

Yoshino: (He’d probably just laugh at my worries for being silly anyway.) 

Yoshino: “I was just hoping that the weather stays nice like this.” 

Kagetoki: “Is that so?” 

Kagetoki's fingers played with my hair as it was caught in the lakeside wind.

I was taken aback by the dangerous heat that flickered in the depths of his eyes. 

Kagetoki: “It’s not a good idea for a servant to hide something from their master.”

Part 5

Kagetoki: “It’s not a good idea for a servant to hide something from their master.”

Wary of the distance closing between us, I flinched. 

Yoshino: “What are you going to do?” 

Kagetoki: “Goodness. I’m not so uncouth as to hunt you down out in public like this. Such a thing never crossed my mind.”  

Yoshino: “Well… I'd rather you didn’t do it indoors either.”

The vivid memory of Kagetoki’s forceful kiss when I woke him up came rushing back.  

Yoshino: (I’d nearly forgotten about that one—)

Kagetoki: “Thinking of something important?”

Yoshino: “…The opposite.”

Kagetoki whispered to me as I turned away sharply.

Kagetoki: “Your neck and ears were sensitive, weren’t they?” 

Yoshino: “Kagetoki-san……!” 

Even though he wasn’t touching me, his inciting words and gaze made my skin flush hotly. 

Kagetoki: "I'm glad that you're feeling a little better then.”

Yoshino: “Uh……”

Kagetoki: “I’m very good at unearthing secrets, and I already know your weaknesses.” 

Kagetoki: “So, isn’t is just easier to speak frankly instead of being coerced into a confession?” 

Kagetoki: “Besides, if you’re worrying to death about things by yourself….. well, that’s no fun for me.” 

Yoshino: (I wonder if that’s Kagetoki’s way of asking if I’m okay……)

I suddenly felt relaxed at the thought of it. 

Yoshino: “…I understand.” 

I decided to try to speak honestly and confide in him even if his way of asking was confusing. 

Yoshino: “I was wondering what it would take to stand on the battlefield.”

Yoshino: “I don’t have anything like…….pride or obsession with victory yet.”

Yoshino: “I’m sorry for the vague question. As a samurai what do you think about going to war Kagetoki-san?”

Kagetoki: “……”

I was prepared for him to laugh at me but... After a short silence, Kagetoki opened his mouth.

Kagetoki: “The profession of a samurai is……”

Kagetoki: “……to be concise, it’s the worst.” 

Yoshino: “Really?” 

Kagetoki: “By the way, if I had to describe battle in one word, it would be hell.” 

Yoshino: (That’s not much different than me!) 

Kagetoki: “It is insane to risk your life for flimsy beliefs. Absolutely irrational.”

Translator's Notes

*1: This was difficult to translate because of the formal legal process of expungement, which is when individual charged or convicted of a crime has the records of those criminal charges/convictions sealed, or more rarely, destroyed. There isn’t a formal term for the reapplication or re-charging of crimes in English that I could find without it becoming convoluted. In essence, Kagetoki has, formally or not, expunged the man’s crimes by either sealing them or destroying them. He’s threatening to undo that. 

*2: 旦那 (だんな)/(Danna) - This is has sooo many meanings depending on context, and in this scenario it likely means “boss”, “sir” since its work related. I went with “Boss” because it just seemed to fit the ‘Man’s’ speech pattern. 旦那 can also mean “master” of like a house, an inn, or shop; it can mean husband; it can refer to a patron of a geisha or mistress, and sugar daddy isn’t completely off the table either. I definitely chuckled at translating it as “sugar daddy” in reference to Kagetoki tho…

*3: Kuzu mochi (葛餅) is a Japanese term referring to mochi cakes made of kuzuko (葛餅) it is served chilled and topped with kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup) and kinako (roasted soybean flour). I personally like it with just kinako… but I’m a heathen. 

*4 I warned you my sense of internal humor would bleed through…. And I can only translate so many “…tsu” before I go insane. 

Just finished playing Birushana (yeah I'm way behind on Switch Otome's), and my brain refuses reconcile their Kagetoki with IkeGen's Kagetoki. Every time I saw Birushana's rendition of Kagetoki I was incensed because not only is he not a romance-able character, but (to add unintentional insult to my personally-taken injury) he resembles someone's creepy uncle. Ball. Dropped.

Otherwise, great game. Thoroughly enjoyed it. 9/10.

Update on Kagetoki's Main Route Translation for the curious few: Tentatively anticipate Chapter 7 between now and Monday.

Chapter 6

Quick disclaimer: My translations are contextual, not word for word, and please expect mistakes/inaccuracies. When I initially translated this route it wasn't with the intention of posting, just to practice so I gratefully accept any constructive criticisms and corrections.

Characters, stories, art, etc all belong to Cybird. Please download the game and use this translation to play.

Also, thank you everyone for your patience with this update! I started a new job so literally everything else in my life took a back seat for moment, but here's to 2024 and hopefully more regular updates!

Enjoy Chapter 6 in which Shigehira, Benkei, and Sueharu make an appearance!

Part 1

I was at the mercy of Kagetoki's dazed inability to get out of bed, and he teased me enticingly…

Kagetoki: “Now… some things happened, but thanks to you, I up.”

Yoshino: “…Well that’s great. As for me, I’m not comfortable with it being dismissed as 'some things happened'”.

Yoshino: (I will never get close to Kagetoki-san before he’s woken up again!)

The heat on my skin, which should have subsided, almost rose again as I recalled his skillful kisses that robbed me of my resistance. 

Yoshino: (Even if that’s not the case, Kagetoki-san is the last thing anyone needs to see when he wakes up.)

Normally, he is dressed so formally and has an air of impenetrability, but now, perhaps because of his loosely revealing nightgown and without his glasses, there’s a more masculine allure about him. 

Yoshino: (I can see why Kagetoki-san has an "unspecified partner," not that I’ll admit that to him.)

Kagetoki: "You are unusually thorny with your words. The expression on your face is kind of cute, though."

“Of course it has thorns” +4+4

“Because you aren’t wearing glasses” 

“Please leave me alone” 

Yoshino: "Uh… it's only natural that they’re thorny, and there seems you’re misunderstanding about facial expressions

Kagetoki: "Do you need to be put in a good mood? If so, perhaps we should take the appropriate measures." 

Yoshino: “No thank you!” 

He leaned in close to my face, taunting me, and I did my best to refuse but then—

There was the sound of the fusuma door sliding open.

Shigehira: "Kagetoki-san, I'm sorry... ugh!”

Yoshino: (Shigehira-san!?)

Kagetoki: “Good morning, Shigehira.”

Kagetoki held my hips with a calm expression as I bent backwards in my desperation to get away from him

Shigehira: (Thoroughly scandalized) “Is… is this a secret liaison*? Are the two of you…”

Yoshino: (Not at all!) 

Kagetoki: “Do you want to join?” 

Shigehira: “Uugh!?” 

Kagetoki (completely straight-faced): “I’m just kidding.” 

Yoshino: >.< Kagetoki-san….” 

Yoshino: (That joke isn’t funny at all when Kagetoki-san says it with such a straight face!)

Yoshino: “This isn't want it looks like, Shigehira-san! I’m only here on an errand from Yoritomo-sama!”

Shigehira: “….Really?” 

Shigehira peered around the room dubiously. 

The bedsheet that had been disheveled by the attack earlier, the glasses that had fallen carelessly on the floor, and my face, which was flushed with impatience...

Shigehira: “…….”

Shigehira: “You look guilty to me.” 

Yoshino: “I am not guilty of anything!” 

In the end, it took some time to clear up the misunderstanding with Shigehira.

Shigehira: “So, it’s true that nothing happened? Please don’t startle me like that.” 

*濡れ場 - love scene; bedroom scene; sex scene so the best I could come up with was 'liaison'...

Part 2

Shigehira: “So, it’s true that nothing happened? Please don’t startle me like that.” 

Yoshino: (I'm glad he believed me somehow…)

Shigehira: “I never want to see such a scene between people I know ever again.” 

Kagetoki: “I will keep it in mind.”

Kagetoki picks up his glasses and puts them on as he replies.

Shigehira: “It’s not about keeping it or striving for it as a goal, it's about strict observance, strict observance!” 

Shigehira: “Yoshino-san! Kagetoki-san takes advantage of you because you're not being clear.”

Yoshino: “I’m not sure how to respond to that.” 

Shigehira: “Haa….” 

Shigehira dropped his shoulders, looking exasperated.

Kagetoki: “That’s right, Shigehira. You came early, didn’t you? Our appointment wasn’t supposed to be until this afternoon.”

Shigehira: “My business ended earlier than I anticipated, so I was wondering if we could move our appointment up for koto* practice.” 

Yoshino: “Koto… you mean the musical instrument? Do you play, Kagetoki-san?” 

Yoshino: (I have a difficult time imagining that.)

Kagetoki: “Yeah. It’s part of my daily routine.” 

Kagetoki: “Until now, I have been self-taught, but since Shigehira joined the shogunate, he has been tutoring me.”

Shigehira: "Alternatively, I'm getting Kagetoki-san to mentor me in my studies.”

Yoshino: (This is an unexpected friendship!) 

Yoshino: “You two are close. Your personalities don't seem to be very similar.”

Kagetoki: “There is no potential for self development if you only associate with people of the same nature.”

Shigehira: “I don't think there are two or three people who are similar to Kagetoki-san in the first place…”

Yoshino: (Normally it feels like Shigehira-san is pushed around by Kagetoki-san on a daily basis.)

However, at the same time I could somehow relate to Shigehira’s admiration for Kagetoki. 

Kagetoki: “I digress, there is no problem in moving up the practice time.”

Kagetoki: “Yoshino. You can go home.” 

Kagetoki: “As you're aware, I'm off duty today, so I do not require your assistance with work. Enjoy your freedom for the first time in a while.”

Yoshino: “Well, in that case, can I also watch the koto lessons?”

I asked out of curiosity.

Kagetoki: “I won't stop you if you really want too, but I wouldn't recommend it."

*The koto (琴) Is a plucked half-tub stringed zither instrument, and it is the national instrument of Japan.

Part 3

Kagetoki: “I won't stop you if you really want too, but I wouldn't recommend it.”

Kagetoki: “I'm not good enough to make people want to listen.”

Shigehira: “…...” 

After Kagetoki’s words, Shigehira seemed as though he wanted to say something… Then he just looked away as if troubled.

Yoshino: (He said he played koto as part of his daily routine, so maybe he’s just being humble...) 

— Or so I thought

Kagetoki: "Now, let's play”

Shigehira: “Yes.” 

Facing the koto and sitting in a beautiful posture, Kagetoki puts his long fingers on the string.

In that moment I was entranced by his expression, his lashes slightly lowered—

Yoshino: (Mmm?)

—Then an indescribable sound reverberated through the air.

Yoshino: (I feel like the pitch is out of tune, but maybe this kind of song is the latest trend in Kamakura?)

I turned and tilted my head towards Shigehira.

Shigehira: “…...” 

Yoshino: (…! Even Shigehira-san’s face looks troubled.)

Shigehira: “I wonder how this happens every time even though your finger movements are correct…"

Kagetoki: "As always, I'm also puzzled.”

Kagetoki stopped playing and shrugged his shoulders.

Yoshino: (He really wasn’t just being modest before…) 

Shigehira: "I understand. Let’s start again, slowly. Carefully, listen to each sound.” 

Kagetoki: “Yeah. I’ll try.” 

While repeating it several times, the pitch gradually improved, but…

Shigehira: “…Good. Now, please try to put some feeling into it.” 

Kagetoki: “Like this?” 

Yoshino: (Feeling… as in emotion?)

Shigehira “Yeah… it sounds very indifferent.”

Kagetoki: “Is that so?” 

Kagetoki: "It's a difficult task to incorporate in something that doesn't have a shape or technique.”

Shigehira: “I’m sorry, but I seriously doubt I’m enough to inspire that.” 

Shigehira, who looked seriously perplexed with his eyebrows raised, suddenly turned to me.

Shigehira: “Yoshino-san. Perhaps you can come up with something better than I can?” 

Yoshino: (Uh?) 

Yoshino: "Uhm... Maybe try playing while thinking of a happy time?”

Kagetoki: "If I had to say, it would be when a stratagem succeeds in politics.”

Kagetoki: “When you set up many traps to mislead your political opponents…

Kagetoki: “And then plunder the resulting profit, it makes my heart feel a little better.”

Shigehira: “Amazing. Not even a single shred of emotion.”

Part 4

Kagetoki: “When you set up many traps to mislead your political opponents…

Kagetoki: “And then plunder the resulting profit, it makes my heart feel a little better.”

Shigehira: “Amazing. Not even a single shred of emotion.”

Yoshino: “That’s so Kagetoki-san….” 

After no concrete solution was found, their koto practice ended.

Kagetoki: “Even though I went through the trouble of warning you, you wasted your time out of mere curiosity, Yoshino.” 

Yoshino: “No. I think I was able to learn something valuable about you. So, thank you.” 

Yoshino: (I know that his room is always a mess and that he definitely isn’t morning person…)

Yoshino: (But more than that, I’ve discovered there’s something that even Kagetoki-san isn’t good at.)

Yoshino: (So— why does he still make time to practice playing the koto every day…?)

I felt like he lacked any rational reason to continue playing an instrument he didn’t improve in… 

For some reason, I didn’t take the opportunity to pursue the matter.

That night… 

In Hiraizumi in Oshu (Province), at the rebel army's manor.

Sueharu: “Benkei, don't you get bored practicing martial arts every single day?”

Benkei: “Uh?” 

Sueharu, who was staying in Hiraizumi for business, / often visits Benkei to chat about nothing and discuss everything. 

Benkei: “I’ve never really thought about whether I’m bored of it or not. I just feel more restless on days when I don’t practice lately.” 

Sueharu: “I didn’t think so.”

Sueharu tilts his head as if he is not quite sure what to think, and Benkei smiles wryly.

Benkei lowered his gaze as he thumbed at one of his large palms.

Benkei: “It’s also a reminder that I vowed to never become complacent and drown in too much power.” 

Sueharu: “……”

Sueharu: “Being too serious will cut your lifespan short.” 

Benkei: “Don't worry about that. Just sell ​​me some medicine to prolong my life.”

Sueharu: “As much as I’d like too—”

Sueharu: “The items I recommend for sale right now are: Weapons for the war against the Shogunate, personnel, and information. That’s about it.”

Benkei: “That’s sufficient. All of them are excellent choices, aren't they?”

Sueharu: “Of course. I don't want to be second to none in terms of quality and speed.”

Sueharu: “Mmmh...no. There is one man in the Shogunate who’s much better at handling information, even though he’s a samurai.”

Benkei: “Kajiwara Kagetoki.”

Part 5

Barely suppressing his anger, Benkei’s eyes gleamed and he spat out the man’s name. 

Sueharu: “Even if you try to find out the secrets of the shogunate using any means necessary, you will be blocked.”

Sueharu: “A little while ago, I tried to lay the groundwork in another province to get one of the vassals of the shogunate there to provide intel…”

Sueharu: “Kagetoki Kajiwara disposed of him before he could reveal any useful information.”

Benkei: “He has eyes everywhere. Not just anyone could deceive him easily.”

Sueharu: “It is was rumored that the vassal was so afraid of Kagetoki that he even used his own daughter as a cover for his subterfuge.”

Sueharu: “How can he still see through an entanglement like that? Honestly, it’s a mystery to me.”  

Sueharu lightly spreads out his hands, seeming disinterested.

Sueharu: “Everyone involved in this case were all caught red-handed by Kagetoki…”

Sueharu: “Though my involvement was quite roundabout, I did my best to prevent him from tracing any connection back to me.”

Benkei: “Kagetoki has people under his control sneaking in like his arms and legs in places all over the country.” 

Benkei: “But what we should be most wary of — his ability analyze the information they've gathered and to predict the future based on it."

Sueharu: “…Is that your opinion as an old friend?”

Benkei clicked his tongue sharply not even trying to hide his irritation.

Benkei: "It's my evaluation of the current enemy.”

At the same time, Kagetoki was at a teahouse in Kamakura.

Shopkeeper: “Would you like the usual?"

Kagetoki: “Yes.” 

A man who looked like a simple townsman sat on the bench directly behind where Kagetoki was as he waited for his order.

Kagetoki: “—The end result?”

The Man: “It went great, Boss.” 

They exchanged words over their shoulders without making eye contact.

Mixed in with the voices of the guests seated just far enough away, the contents of the conversation went unheard by anyone other than the two of them.

The Man: “While I was peddling in Kyoto, I discovered various things.” 

The Man: “It seems that poetry gatherings are frequently held mainly by young court nobles.”

The Man: “Families that would have never interacted before are now interacting with each other…” 

Kagetoki: “The names of those houses?” 

The man whispered something and Kagetoki did not write down the family names, but carved them into his memory.

Kagetoki: “Did you discover where the money is coming from behind the scenes?”

The Man: “If you trace it far enough, the information disappears as if the thread was cut.” 

Kagetoki: “So there isn’t direct connection to the existence of someone who can control the court nobles, even though their power should be waning—” 

Chapter 5 + Normal Story

Quick disclaimer: My translations are contextual, not word for word, and please expect mistakes/inaccuracies. When I intially translated this route it wasn't with the intention of posting, just to practice so I gratefully accept any constructive criticisms and corrections. Fair warning, I am terrible about selecting the right options during a route and I couldn't find a walkthrough, so I suffered greatly from not all my selections with be +4 +4. ;-;

Characters, stories, art, etc all belong to Cybird. Please download the game and use this translation to play.

Enjoy Kagetoki being the best Worst Boss Ever!

Part 5

Yoritomo: “As such— be careful, okay?”

Despite being caught off guard by Yoritomo's cunning smile, / I headed for Kagetoki’s mansion as I was told.

Yoshino: “Excuse me! Kagetoki-san, are you there?” 

I told the aid that I was Yoritomo's messenger, and I was now in front of Kagetoki's room.

Yoshino: (He didn’t reply.) 

Yoshino: (Yoritomo-sama ordered me to hand over the letter, but if I enter without permission…)

Yoshino: “Okay! I’m coming in!” 

Reluctantly, I opened the fusuma* by myself and stepped into the room.

Yoshino: “Kagetoki-san?” 

Kagetoki: “……”

Yoshino: (…?! Did he collapse!]

My face turned pale as I saw at Kagetoki lying on the floor with books strewn about his room. 

I rushed over and tried to take his pulse. 

Yoshino: (Uhh? He’s just sleeping…?) 

I felt immediate relief when I confirmed his pulse and heard the faint sound of his breathing. 

Yoshino: “… Don’t startle me like that.”

I sat next to Kagetoki, who didn't seem to wake up at all, and carefully observed him.

Yoshino: “Come to think of it, it's the first time I've seen you without glasses…”

Yoshino: (Looking at him like this, he’s really quite handsome.)

Perhaps he felt more approachable because his judgmental eyes were closed

Feeling a little guilty about thinking that way, I put my hand on Kagetoki's shoulder.

 Yoshino: “Wake up, Kagetoki-san.” 

Kagetoki (Eyes open): “…….”

Yoshino: (Ah….) 

His eyelashes languidly rise, and his hazy eyes capture mine.

In the next moment—

Yoshino: (Wah!) 

He grabbed the hand that touched his shoulder and casually pulled me towards him.

I lost my balance and I was pulled snugly into Kagetoki’s arms. 

Yoshino: “W-wait a minute!” 

Kagetoki: “—Be quiet.”

His deep, hoarse voice made me shiver. 

Because I was accustomed to being ordered around by Kagetoki on a daily basis, I reflexively swallowed the voice of protest.

Yoshino: (Oh no! No, no!)

Yoshino: “How can I keep quiet about this….” 

Annoyingly, his face approaches, and his breath touches my lips...

Yoshino: “Nng…!” 

Chapter 5 - Normal Story

Kagetoki: “……”

His hand is nonchalantly placed on my cheek, forcing me to look at him. 

His face was uncomfortably close, and his breath touched my lips...

Yoshino: “Nnn……nh!” 

— After a moment, I realized he was kissing me on the mouth. 

Yoshino: (W-why?) 

His wicked tongue slipped through my slightly parted lips.**

He stimulated the sensitive areas of my mouth, and stole my breath away. 

Yoshino: “…wh-wha…”

Yoshino: (Stop)

Our lips parted with a fleeting wet sound.

Kagetoki: “…Yes. Be a good girl and stay quiet.” 

Kagetoki: “…Nn.” 

Yoshino: “…?” 

Suddenly, Kagetoki just stops moving with his face buried in my shoulder.

Then I begin to hear the peaceful sound of him sleeping in my ear…

Yoshino: (Are you kidding me?! How can he sleep in this situation? No, actually thank the gods, but) 

Somehow, I barely managed to escape Kagetoki’s arms.

Kagetoki's head slides down and his eyes open again in displeasure.

Kagetoki: “…What are you doing?” 

Yoshino: “…! I’m the one who should be asking you that!” 

I retort as I hurriedly distance myself. 

Kagetoki: “Yoshino…?” 

Yoshino: “Oh come on, that's awful.” 

Yoritomo’s face as he laughed at me, saying, 'Be careful,' flashed through my mind.

Trying to suppress my agitation, I thrust out the letter that had been entrusted to me up until then. 

Yoshino: “I was sent here by Yoritomo-sama…” 

Kagetoki: “It’s not particularly urgent. You’ve been tricked.” 

Kagetoki: “Yoritomo-sama must have anticipated that I read through the night and would still be asleep at this hour.” 

Kagetoki: Oh, you're a real pain in the ass.”

I looked away from the sexy way he ruffles his hair, his voice low and venomous.

Yoshino: (I usually see him wearing kimono… so it feels scandalous to see him in sleepwear.) 

Yoshino: “I mean, I feel incredibly sorry for whomever it is you mistook me for.” 

As I rolled my eyes, Kagetoki opened his mouth. 

Kagetoki: “I don't have a specific partner.”

Yoshino: “What?” 

Yoshino: “Then you have an unspecified partner ......?"

Kagetoki: “I’m fine with it.” 

Yoshino: (Now that I think about it, Shigehira-san said something about Kagetoki-san’s rather sordid lifestyle…)***

Kagetoki: “Is this matter settled?” 

Yoshino: “The matter is not settled at all!” 

Yoshino: “Let's put aside your surprisingly bad sleeping habits…"

Yoshino: “Kissing, and things like that, should be done with someone you really care for!”

Kagetoki: “It no different from eating whatever happens to be nearby to satisfy your hunger, right?” 

Yoshino: “It’s different. Emotionally, for sure.”

Kagetoki: “I think it's an admirable opinion. I may consult you later.”

Yoshino: “I definitely don't want to be consulted on it…” 

Kagetoki: “I understand. I’m impressed.” 

Kagetoki chuckled faintly at my expression of disapproval.

Kagetoki: “Then, shall we do this?”

Kagetoki: “If you continue to please me from now on, I will refrain from that kind of amusement.” 

Yoshino: “What do you mean by amusement ……?” 

I lean away from him in my seat feeling my cheeks slowly heat up.

Kagetoki: “…”

Kagetoki: “I did intend it to limit to that kind of flirtation, but I've changed my mind."

Yoshino: (Eh?) 

Kagetoki: “I told you. When you look like that, I feel a bit sadistic.” 

Kagetoki whispered seductively to me. 

Then he closed the distance between the two of us, deliberately tilting his head.

Kagetoki: “If you keep backing away, the stacks of books will collapse and bury you.” 

Yoshino: “…uh?”

At these words, I turn around to look at the stack of books, and just as I'm wondering how I'm going to escape, / my body was gently pulled back towards him. 

Yoshino: “Now wait a minute…” 

Kagetoki: “Do I need permission to touch my own servant?” 

Kagetoki: “Or shall I give you an order? - Don't move.” 

His deep voice startled me and I froze.

Kagetoki: “Oh. When did you become so obedient?”

Kagetoki: “Have you finally gotten into the habit of following orders?” 

Yoshino: “No, that's not true.” 

Although I retorted, the warning signs were there from the moment Kagetoki attacked me in my sleep.

Yoshino: (—Aah, seriously!)

More out of frustration than spite, I forcefully pushed back Kagetoki's chest and barely prevailed. 

Yoshino: “Do you mind? If you want to do something like this, you have to do it in the proper order.”

Kagetoki: “……” 

— After a moment of silence, Kagetoki-san's eyes take on an unusually amused tinge. 

Kagetoki: “What is the sequence?” 

Yoshino: (Let me see)

Yoshino: “Usually, people who like each other start off by holding hands or ……?” 

Yoshino: (…… What am I saying? That’s a rather embarrassing statement, if I think about it calmly.)

Kagetoki: “I don't understand why you are in doubt, but you shouldn't have said anything if you were embarrassed.”

Yoshino: “You're right, but it's Kagetoki-san's fault I'm so confused.……?” 

Kagetoki: “I see. I am so honored.”

He spoke in a tone that could not have been more unsympathetic.

Then, with a very natural motion, one of my hands is easily taken.

Yoshino: “Um, Kagetoki-san?” 

This time I was frozen in a different way than before, and Kagetoki smirked at me with a chuckle.

Kagetoki: “I followed your style, what do you think?” 

Yoshino: (...... This is extra confusing)

I did not want to share such honest feelings with Kagetoki, a conniving strategist who surely knew everything.

Translation Notes

*In Japanese architecture, fusuma a rectangular panel screens which can slide from side to side to redefine spaces within a room, or act as doors. They are opaque and made from thick course grain paper unlike shoji which lets light in as it’s made from thinner rice-based paper.

**It was technically “dexterous” or “nimble” but “wicked” was an option… so considering Kagetoki’s personality I went with “wicked” and I’m not sorry about it. 

Chapter 5: Part 1 - 4

Quick disclaimer: My translations are contextual, not word for word, and please expect mistakes/inaccuracies. When I intially translated this route it wasn't with the intention of posting, just to practice so I gratefully accept any constructive criticisms and corrections. Fair warning, I am terrible about selecting the right options during a route and I couldn't find a walkthrough, so I suffered greatly from not all my selections with be +4 +4. ;-;

Characters, stories, art, etc all belong to Cybird. Please download the game and use this translation to play.

Enjoy Kagetoki being the best Worst Boss Ever!

Part 1

 Kagetoki: “Do you desire to be cornered until you apologize, sobbing, ’I'm sorry for rebelling against my servant's duties’?” 

Yoshino: ”I-I don't really have any kind of desire like that. It's okay, don't worry about me!”

Kagetoki: “Is that so, well, for my part, I don't really care either way." 

Yoshino: (Liar!)

Kagetoki: “What is it?” 

Yoshino: “No, It just seems like you’re enjoying yourself, Kagetoki-san.”

Without fully understanding why I did so, / I hated myself for being the first to speak between us even though I knew I was digging my own grave.

Kagetoki: “This is just for guidance, so it had nothing to do with my own enjoyment.” 

Kagetoki: If you feel that way, then maybe it's time to pursue it purely for pleasure.

Yoshino: “…purely for pleasure?” 

Kagetoki: “Of course.” 

Kagetoki: “It’s your choice, Yoshino.” 

Kagetoki: “I wonder which would be better: to instruct you strictly or to make you cry gently.”

Which option do you choose?

I want to be taught kindly

Whichever you choose +2 +4 

In this case, gently? +4 +4

Yoshino: ”It doesn't matter which one you choose, it doesn't seem to change anything…"

Kagetoki: “If it’s such an attractive proposition that you can’t decide, why  don’t you experience both?"

Yoshino: Thank you for your guidance! Please continue to be strict, I can't help it."

Kagetoki: "It can't be helped. Especially since you ask so much of me."

—— END FLASHBACK ——

 Yoshino: (Kagetoki-san is terrifying because if he says he will do something, he will do it seriously)

I finished recounting to Yoritomo-sama and Tamamo the events that have been a part of my daily life /since I started working for Kagetoki-san. 

Yoritomo: “—I see, it seems like you've been instructed quite well, huh?”

Tamamo: “Jeez… he's a cruel man. Don't you hate it?”

Yoshino: (mmmh…) 

Yoshino: “That's why I debate running away..."

Yoshino: “But, I also respect Kagetoki-san.” 

Tamamo: “Oh. Why?

Part 2

Tamamo: “Oh. Why?”

Yoshino: “I mean, the situation is frustrating because everything Kagetoki-san’s pointed out is true and I couldn’t argue against any of his points.” 

Yoshino: “And Kagetoki is able to do his job ten time faster than anyone else so I want to catch up to him.” 

Yoshino: “I think it’s good experience to work under someone with such work ethic and to learn from them.” 

 Tamamo and Yoritomo: "....."

Yoshino: (Okay… what’s with that reaction?) 

Yoritomo: “This is unexpected. I think Kagetoki and Yoshino might actually have decent chemistry.” 

Yoshino: “Why say that? I think I'm being teased one-sidedly..."

Yoritomo: “Normal people would whine more if they were bullied like that.” 

Yoritomo: “You’re overly optimistic.” 

Yoshino: “Overly optimistic… you might be over estimating me.” 

Tamamo: “For my part, I think we should rescue Yoshino from Kagetoki’s demonic hands, right?”

Yoritomo: “But it has allowed Yoshino to present herself to the vassals, too.”

Yoshino: (Eeeh?)

Yoritomo grinned. 

Yoritomo: “It seems that she and they have become somewhat close because of their sympathy that she works for Kagetoki.”

Yoshino: “That’s true, but... how did Yoritomo-sama know about that?”

Tamamo: “Yoshino, that man is strangely knowledgable on the movements of people’s minds.” 

Tamamo: “It's quite simple to decipher the human relationships of the Imperial Palace.”

Yoritomo: “It’s also because I'm the shogun.” 

Yoshino: (He's terrifying! But expected of Kagetoki-san’s master)

Yoritomo: “You're thinking something rude right now, aren't you?”

Yoshino: “…. That’s not true at all.” 

Yoshino: (It’s like he can read my mind…) 

Tamamo: “It’s because Yoshino is honest. It can't be helped that her emotions are easy to read.”

Yoshino: “I don't think so…”

For some reason, Yoritomo and Tamamo were both looking at me with skeptical eyes, obviously unconvinced.

Yoritomo: “Well, leave that aside.”

Yoritomo: “Yoshino becoming familiar with the shogunate by assisting him must be a part of Kagetoki’s plan.”

Part 3

Yoritomo: “Yoshino becoming familiar with the shogunate by assisting him must be an intentional part of Kagetoki’s plan.”

Yoshino: (That’s…)

Yoshino: (If that's true, when did he start thinking about it?)

Yoshino: (There’s no way he thought of it when I cracked the vase in my room… or did he?)

Yoshino: (It is Kagetoki-san, so it’s possible.)

Now that I am working closely with Kagetoki everyday, / I can understand why Shigehira described him as a genius. 

Tamamo: “Hmmm.. as someone who has lived for over 800 years…” 

Tamamo: “Kagetoki’s cold attitude towards everyone is half by nature and half by intentional calculation.” 

Tamamo: “”The fear of Kagetoki’s intellect may have results in correcting the morals of the imperial palace.” 

Yoritomo: “Huh, so you’ve noticed. I suppose that’s expected of a rotten kitsune who has no problems with deception.” 

Tamamo: “I’m not rotten. I demand a correction.”

Yoritomo: “I don’t know. It’s 800 year old meat. The ribs are fine, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there was something nasty happening on the inside.”

Tamamo: “I am deeply offended. I demand the finest pheasant meat for dinner tonight as recompense.” 

While listening to the flowing dialogue between the two…

I remembered the words that Kagetoki said to the retainers who were gossiping in the corridors of the Imperial Palace before.

 ——FLASHBACK——

Kagetoki: “Whether it's to spread rumors or water flowers, feel free to pursue your own personal hobbies.” 

Kagetoki: “However, if you neglect your duties because of your hobbies…”

Kagetoki: “The Kamakura Shogunate does not need incompetent people."

After that, his vassals paled. 

Vassal 2: “Oh… do you think he overheard us?” 

Vassal 3: “Calm down! Not even Kagetoki-sama can punish us without cause.”

Vassal 1: “Okay... Now I have to be more diligent than ever. I can't do anything wrong or make any mistakes.” 

——END FLASHBACK——

 Yoshino: “…It seems to me that it is a loss to be deliberately feared by everyone.”

Yoshino: “Is that really okay for Kagetoki-san?”

—There was a time when I asked Kagetoki a similar question.

——FLASHBACK——

Yoshino: “Aren't you going to explain the situation to the other people in the shogunate? Even though you promised…”

Kagetoki: “For what purpose?” 

Yoshino: “Because... you are being misunderstood by everyone in the Imperial Palace, Kagetoki-san.”

Kagetoki: “You’ve seen how I act towards them, too.”

Kagetoki: “It’s not my problem if they don’t understand.” 

Kagetoki: “—In fact, you could even say it's convenient.”

——END FLASHBACK——

Yoshino: (I failed to ask at the time what the convenience was good for, but ......)

(Everything was connected to the Shogunate.)

Yoritomo, who had been staring down at me, opens his mouth again.

Yoritomo: “He told me that he would take over and become the Shadow of the Kamakura Shogunate …”

Part 4

Yoritomo: “He told me that he would take over and become the Shadow of the Kamakura Shogunate …” 

Yoshino: “The Shadow of the Kamakura Shogunate”

The achievements of the Kamakura Shogunate, which unifies all samurai, are glorious.

Yoshino: (I wonder how much resolve is required for a mean to become that shadow.)

Yoritomo: “It's no use trying to figure him out. No one knows who he is.”

Tamamo: “Is he so difficult for even you to understand, Yoritomo?”

Yoritomo: “Don’t be ridiculous. It’s impossible to grasp everything, even for me.” 

Yoritomo: “But, even if I can’t do it—”

Yoritomo happily met my gaze.

Yoritomo: “Yoshino, it seems you’re already under his thumb, so give in and follow along with Kagetoki’s intentions.” 

Yoshino: (But)

Yoshino: “To become a puppet without knowing Kagetoki-san's intentions… it’s a bit”

Yoritomo:  “—He’s a troublesome guy.” 

Tamamo: “Whatever you say. I’m fine with it.”

Yoshino: “E-excuse me. Thank you too, Tamamo.” 

Yoshino: (I’m sorry I said that.)

Yoritomo: “…” 

Yoritomo suddenly took out a letter from his pocket.

Yoritomo: “I was planning on. Having this delivered to Kagetoki’s mans later, but…” 

Yoritomo: “You should deliver it now, Yoshino.” 

Yoshino: “You mean, right now?”

Yoritomo: “Are you free? Kagetoki is off duty today, but he should still be at his manor.”

Yoritomo: “Last night, I saw him carrying a number of new tactical manuals from the library.”

Yoshino: “Ah... Reading is his second priority after work, isn't it?”

Yoshino: (I hope another stack of books hasn’t caused an avalanche already.)

Tamamo: “Yoritomo, are you trying to overwork Yoshino? This is outrageous.” 

Yoritomo: “Don't say that. This is the result of careful consideration.”

An ode to FanFiction

Fanfiction - I love it to pieces.

I love the short one-shots that delve into a beloved characters psyche

I love the hilarious parodies and absurd Crackfics

I love the fanfics that are so long and so lovingly crafted they're novels in their own right.

I love the AU's, the Angst, the DarkFics, SmutFics, and FluffFics.

I love the creativity, the dedication, the passion, the sweat, the blood, and the tears, shared between author and reader.

I love fanfiction so much bothered I write a Tumblr post letting the world know.

Alright, Chapter 5 translation of Kagetoki's route is in the works. When I originally translated this chapter I was so eager to read through it and because it's quite a bit longer than the previous chapters that my notes are... er... on the middling side of bad. So, I'm going through the route again just to make sure I didn't miss anything (oh woe to me - having to read through my beloved Kagetoki's route again. LOL XD)