What am I doing on this planet ????

“Mitsuhide, assist Hideyoshi with this,” Nobunaga gave Mitsuhide a slip of paper, to back up with Hideyoshi and Mitsunari in a campaign that isn’t going in their favour currently.

“Very well, my lord,” Mitsuhide took it and bowed before leaving.

Ranmaru was in the room to discuss with Nobunaga if he could be the only one from the Mori Clan to accompany him. Nobunaga was skeptical about it, before accepting his offer. It is wise knowing it is merely a diplomat, nothing that needs warfare to finish it. Leaving Ranmaru to be grateful that he could get his adoptive family out of this plan that he and the Ikko-Ikki had been planning for these four years.

“Thank you, Lord Nobunaga. I will protect you with my life.”

Back in Cherry’s room, both Ellara and Amaryllis sense something was off with Cherry. She is usually the one to start the conversation but this time, she is quiet – afraid that something is about to happen. Looking at each other, both of them nodded.

“Cherry, is something wrong?” Ellara asked the obvious to get the ball rolling.

Taking a moment to decide, Cherry shook her head. “I know my brother’s goal will come true but… this feeling. It hasn’t left me for the past month… I thought it was just anxiety but knowing it has persisted this long, I can’t help but wonder. What will happen to my brother?” Her eyes held doubt and worry for the future for this period – this timeline.

Amaryllis knows that feeling well, well sort of. It is mostly because her “dreams” torment her constantly that she barely sleeps for the first time till the second time. “We don’t know what the future may hold,” with Amaryllis lighting up some incense to clear the air and mind for everyone, “But, all we could do is face it… that is the choice we have, I’m afraid…”

Smelling the burning incense, it relaxed everyone, somewhat. Letting Cherry to feel a bit lighter than she once was. Ellara looked at them, both holding secrets and information in their own way – she won’t prey it out as she has hers as well. “Welp,” Ellara laid down on the floor, “Amaryllis is right, Cherry. All we could do is face it head on, sometimes… life is a pain in the butt. But that is how life is, we have to face our fears – ourselves – at some point.”

It cracked the tension in the room, and it made both Amaryllis and Cherry smile a bit. Knowing it is best to move this conversation elsewhere, they decided to talk about the types of suitors they may face later on in the peaceful times.

It was now June 20th. The Oda Forces stood out and waved as Nobunaga and Ranmaru with a few vassals went out to Kyoto. Amaryllis smiled as she waved to Ranmaru, who smiled back with his own wave. The moment the group left, Amaryllis quickly set out to meet with Sasuke and the others – under the guise of meeting an old friend of hers.

Mitsuhide was already out, heading to where Hideyoshi was at and stuck in a battle. Masamune and Ieyasu stayed put in the castle to safeguard Cherry – who was in charge of the castle once more.

Arundhati met Amaryllis half-way to the meeting ground which was near Kyoto. “Didn’t expect you to arrive this early, Ama. How have things been in Azuchi?”

“Alright, I suppose. But I know what will happen, I-” Amaryllis hesitated on her following words before saying it, “I don’t plan on interfering but… the two people you all previously mentioned in the past, they will arrive.”

That left Arundhati confused before remembering Morgan’s words that Amaryllis possesses something supernatural compared to everyone. “I see. Follow me, everyone is waiting at the moment.”

The two hop from tree to tree to meet the others before coming to stop. “Something is wrong,” Arundhati pointed out.

Standing still, Amaryllis closed her eyes. A faint clash of steel could be heard. Facing the direction of the noise, Amaryllis told Arundhati, “Go, I will catch up with you, Aru.”

Nodding to her words, Arundhati left to regroup with Shingen, Kenshin, Yoshimoto, Yukimura, and the others.

“Shit…” Morgan cursed under their breath, clearly they were behind but now they were stuck in battle with a group of ronins.

“This is Morgan Toyotomi? Man! They look like they are near death!”

Being insulted didn’t bother them much knowing they face much worse, but it doesn’t mean they felt it piercing their heart. It was only when in the corner of their eyes, Morgan saw one of the ronins doing a familiar hand movement – that made their trauma resurface – tightening their sword once more, Morgan took a step back. “D-do not come any closer!”

“What else? Clearly, you can be used as a–”

Morgan couldn’t hear the ronins’ words anymore. It was muffled, they were scared. Could they do it? Really do it? It was only when a word that one of the ronins said – something that person said to them before committing that heinous act toward them – made them blank out. The next thing they came back to was all of them on the ground – lifeless. Either necks slashed or decapitated.

Taking a step back, Morgan looked at their hands – covered in blood – they didn’t want to believe they did it but the red on their sword and clothes said otherwise.

“...I- I didn’t mean…” Morgan was shaking, they didn’t mean to kill them, they truly meant it.

Jumping down from the branch, Amaryllis saw Morgan in the center. Surprise but not really at the same time. Taking a step, Morgan turned around – terrified – before calming down a bit after seeing their sister.

“A-Ama…”

Placing a handkerchief into Morgan’s hands with a bamboo bottle filled with water, Amaryllis didn’t bother questioning as she knew full well. “You do not need to explain, wash yourself up before we head out. And… Morgan, don’t blame yourself. For it to be the first time killing someone,” she picked up one of the ronin’s arms to see if they are really dead, “you will shake and be terrified, that’s normal. That was my reaction when I first took a life… it will be difficult, but you will have to live with the fact that your hands are coated in someone’s blood. I will be honest… this is the first time you have performed the Tianjiu Star.”

Washing their hands and sword, Morgan looked at Amaryllis in surprise. “H-how do you live like this…?”

Turning to Morgan, Amaryllis merely shook her head, “I don’t. But, what I can do is to make sure nobody else has to take a life,” presenting a set of clothes that Morgan can change into – their hakama when they were in Azuchi, “that is the reason why I haven’t fallen apart, yet. If I can protect with these stained hands of mine, then I will gladly go to hell if it means the people I care about can find peace in heaven.”

It was dark with the moon high when Morgan and Amaryllis arrived. Kenshin and Yukimura were skeptical as to why Amaryllis was decked in her gear and Morgan wearing something different, yet, they didn’t bother to comment on it. Waiting for the first blaze to spark.

Sasuke and Arundhati looked at each other before nodding, Kyoko prepared herself mentally for what she would see. Tonight, is where the world stands still and holds their breath.

Ranmaru was in Honno-ji, he got a clear shot in killing Nobunaga but he hesitated. Ranmaru couldn’t do it, he really can’t. It was Amaryllis’ smile that came to his mind before everyone in the Oda Forces – these are the people who accepted him and asked nothing more but his efforts in completing tasks.

“I- I can’t…” Ranmaru whispered before moving out and signaling Daiju, who turned and called out for Kennyo to do it.

Daiju and Kennyo went into the temple, without uttering a word. Daiju lit the place on fire with Kennyo approaching the sleeping Nobunaga. The smoke from the fire quickly hid their figures.

CRACKLE

Ranmaru wanted to scream – tell his savior to stop or have anything to stop them – but he was torn apart. He wants to exact Kennyo’s revenge but also wants to protect Nobunaga. All Ranmaru could do was let his tears fall down from his face.

It was when a strike of lighting appeared. Blinding them all.

Surprising all of them before shielding their eyes.

Amidst the smoke, two people – Mai and Marie – appeared in thin air and came face to face in a burning room of a temple. Marie quickly warns Mai to cover her face with her sleeve. Both of them cover their faces before finding an unconscious Nobunaga, quickly, Mai notices Kennyo’s figure in the smoke.

“Hey! Look out!” Mai ran to Nobunaga, unbeknownst to the two.

“You. Get the hell out of here!” Marie glared at the figure who quickly left.

Mai was able to wake up Nobunaga with him asking, “Who are you?”

“No time for introductions. Come on, Let’s get out of here!” Mai took Nobunaga’s hand and dashed out.

“This place won’t hold up any longer! Anyone who is awake! Get out of this building!” Marie yelled at the empty hallways without knowing if there were any survivors.

Meanwhile Ranmaru muttered out through his tears, “I’m sorry… I’m sorry but I couldn't do it..”

Daiju heard Ranmaru’s apology but didn’t bother to ask as he grabbed him before running out of the temple to meet with Kennyo in the forest. And to save their lives along with their friend – Amaryllis – from a heartbreak of losing someone important to her once more.

The three were at the foot of the temple with Mai catching her breath with Marie taking note of their surroundings.

“Someone tried to do away with me while I slept? Audacious, but foolish. Killing my guards and getting that close to me is another matter. You. Let go of me,” Nobunaga shook off Mai’s grasp on him.

“Oh, sorry!” Mai apologized to him without knowing who he was.

Staring at the two, “You two saved my life. You two may be girls that the monks snuck in for amusement, but I owe you my thanks.”

That took both Marie and Mai off guard. They knew the history of lustful monks but didn’t think they would be caught up in this. Both Mai and Marie was staring at Nobunaga’s armor, clearly trying to figure him out, which Nobunaga took notice of.

“What are you staring at? Surely you know who I am,” Nobunaga stared at the two with questions.

“We really don’t,” both of them replied at the same time.

“You saved me without knowing who I am? Not expecting reward or favor?” Nobunaga let out a small laugh before finishing his thoughts, “So be it. I shall tell you my name. I am the man who will rule all under the sun–”

Marie felt so annoyed at Nobunaga’s behavior that she interrupted him, “You really don’t need to tell us that.”

That took Nobunaga off guard, clearly being interrupted was something that didn’t happen to him much. “No one has ever spoken so impudently to me before,” with him letting out a laugh, “You two intrigue me, which is almost as worthy of praise as saving my life. I am the Lord of Azuchi Castle and Daimyo of OWari, Nobunaga Oda.”

You could hear something shattering when Nobunaga said that. Marie looked at Mai with questions which Mai shook her head and hands to tell she didn’t know about this either. It was when Mai took notice of the sign that said, “Honno-ji”, it made Mai feel dreadful for what is about to come. Marie stared at the sign with acceptance, knowing that things are going to either go bad or worse. Mai, wishing it was a dream, asked Nobunaga a simple question, “Pardon me… what year is it…?”

Nobunaga was confused on why one would ask, regardless he gave it to them, “It is 1582, why?”

“GOD DAMMNIT!!!” Marie cursed out in her world’s language further knowing that English doesn't have more.

Mai blankly stared at Nobunaga before pinching herself in hopes it was a dream. It was not.

“Why are you pinching yourself? I’ve given my name. It is your turn now,” Nobunaga said before grabbing Mai’s chin.

“Mai…”

“Marie, if you want my name. Why now…?.”

The two were clearly not enjoying this except for Nobunaga. It was when Mitsunari arrived with soldiers, who quickly started to extinguish the fire. Mitsunari followed up Nobunaga with everything that occurred for him and Hideyoshi – the rumors of the assisnation and the search for the assassin – before taking notice of the two ladies’ presence. Clearly, Mai is tired and does not want to deal with this with Marie racking her brain on how they got to this moment of time. Introductions were given between the two and Mitsunari.

An attempt was made to clear that they aren’t from this time period but they were dismissed. Leaving Marie to be a bit pissed before holding back to prevent their situation from getting worse.

“Wait right here. I’ll bring a warm cup of good,clean water to clear both of your throats,” Mitsunari smiled as he carried out his words.

“He sure is different…” Marie couldn’t help but comment how different Mitsunari is compared to Nobunaga.

“You clean up well.”

A voice that neither of them wanted to deal with, Nobunaga, came behind them. Marie was silently hoping that someone comes in and saves them before she punches him in the face. Mai on other hand, was crying internally for what they may face with the Devil King.

Seeing the fire has come to an end, Amaryllis decided it is best for her to leave.

“I should get going, take care,” Amaryllis waved as she left to head to the Oda.

Morgan took a step forward – scared but determined in their eyes, “Let me come as well.”

“Morgan!?”

“I-I need to confront my past… it is only natural, isn’t it, Ama?” staring directly at their younger sister, telling her they won’t run, not this time after having time to reflect.

“...alright.”

With that, the two siblings left. Leaving the Uesugi-Takeda behind as they proceed to leave. Yet, Sasuke, Arundhati, and Kyoko felt something had changed.

Sasuke stood there as he watched two of his friends leave. Pausing to think about what has happened let alone, Amaryllis’ supernatural ability that somehow predicted this moment.

Is this what you meant on that day where you said you didn’t ask to possess such power?

Before dashing away to confirm that Nobunaga is indeed alive.

Instead of the Mitsunari they were hoping for, Mitsuhide came through, ”My lord, I see you are well.”

Nobunaga was taken aback by his left-hand man’s presence, “Mitsuhide?”

“I hurried here when I heard about the attack, but it seems there was nothing for me to worry about,” Mitsuhide smirked despite his thoughts saying otherwise.

Nobunaga had a smirk on his face when Mitsuhide said that. “You, worry? Don’t make me laugh. I’ve never seen you sweat.”

Rushing in, Hideyoshi came forth. Bursting through the curtains, “Lord Nobunaga! Are you injured?!”

“Hideyoshi. The only injury I suffered is to my pride in letting my assailant escape.”

Hideyoshi let out a breath he was holding, “I see.”

“I do hope we aren’t late,” Amaryllis made both of their presence known.

Morgan steps foot into the area, clearly looking the same but different. “We heard the attack, so we thought we would check, given the situation.”

Seeing the two eased the warlords a bit, especially Marie and Mai, who recognized Morgan. Amaryllis looked at the two before coming to the same conclusion, looking at Morgan, they both nodded.

“Y-you’re safe! Morgan!” Hideyoshi embraced his child as every worry he had for them spilled out.

Nobunaga stared at Morgan before indirectly telling them how he was wrong and how much pain he caused them, taking responsibility. Morgan understood by nodding – not without a condition. “You will have to show me you have changed, Nobunaga. For me to forgive you.”

Which made Marie and Mai a bit confused about what Morgan was talking about, but without reminding themselves what is going on in front of them.

“Damn, now Hideyoshi Toyotomi shows up– hold on…” Marie paused as she took a moment to survey the scene in front of her. She only knows him due to the guide book she snagged up earlier before someone snatched it from her with the Tokugawa charm.

Breaking free from hugging his child, Hideyoshi stared at Marie in confusion. “Aren’t we outspoken? Have we met?”

Nobunaga shook his head before stepping in. “Let her be. Their names are Marie and Mai. They both saved my life.”

Clearly, that surprised everyone in the room. Well, somewhat for Morgan and Amaryllis, who just tilted their head in confusion. Morgan now understands what Amaryllis meant by what she said to Arundhati, because these two saved Nobunaga thus, changing history.

“And you’re such a slender thing. But it appears your courage makes up for it,” Mitsuhide teased the two much to their dismay.

“Mitsuhide, what are you doing here?” Hideyoshi went up close to Mitsuhide, clearly, no space was left between them.

Mitsuhide dropped his playfulness to a serious one, “I was wondering the same thing. I didn’t know you were in Kyoto. What about the campaign?”

“When I heard about the threat on Lord Nobunaga’s life, I dropped everything to come here. But I never heard anything about you being in Kyoto," Hideyoshi asked Mitsuhide, clearly suspicious but not at the same time.

“Are you implying something?” Mitsuhide looked Hideyoshi dead in the eyes.

“Can you swear before our lord you weren’t plotting anything?”

Moments of silence passed by. Amaryllis and Morgan weaved through to stand beside Mai and Marie, clearly watching their adoptive father and teacher duke it out, somewhat.

After some back and forth between the two men, Hideyoshi was still suspicious till Mai spoke out in Mitsuhide’s defense. Clearly surprising both parties. But thanks to Mai’s information about the possible assailant, she was able to clear Mitsuhide’s name due to his clothing being different. Unfortunately, she was met with Hideyoshi’s glare, “Mai, wasn’t it? Stay out of this. We’ll settle things with you later, and learn why you’ve schemed to get so close to Lord Nobunaga.”

Collectively, both Amaryllis and Morgan facepalm at the same time when Hideyoshi said that. “Hideyoshi, use your brain! They don’t have anything on them that would  have shouted Nobunaga’ assailants! Let alone their hands don't have any calluses like ours!” Amaryllis was clearly baffled at Hideyoshi's obliviousness with Morgan nodding.

Sadly, Mai didn’t take it well. “Excuse me! We were there by chance. And I’m not the schemer here!"

It only stopped when Nobunaga said so. It was when he followed up, “Hideyoshi, Mitsuhide, Amaryllis, Morgan, give us a moment. I have something to discuss with both of them.”

Amaryllis and Morgan didn’t like that one bit, clearly something is about to happen. “Morgan, get the horses ready,” Amaryllis whispered to Morgan who quickly left.

Nobunaga approached Mai and Marie, “Your bold lies about coming from the future aside, you saved my life. I’m intrigued by both of you. Perhaps you are the ones who carry fortune’s favor.”

“Hard pass,” Marie just blankly stared at Nobunaga when he said that. “I could argue that–” Mai was about to finish till Nobunaga brought her towards him – shocking everyone.

“Buddha, give me patience…” Amaryllis whispered knowing the chaos that's about to unfold.

”How would you like to rule the world at my side?”

That was enough to blue screen both Marie and Mai. Things were going so fast that Mai took Nobunaga's hands off of her and dashed off. Mitsuhide, Hideyoshi, Amaryllis, and Marie called out to her but she ignored it before running into the forest.

“She just–” Marie just stared at the betrayal from Mai for leaving her.

“Marie, wasn’t it? This is very different, but hopefully you will get used to the dynamic around here,” Amaryllis places a hand on Marie’s shoulder to comfort her.

Elsewhere, Motonari was at an inn. Clearly disappointed in the chaos that played out in front of him.

 “Ha! So that's how it ends? Looks like I came all the way out here for nothing. Thought I’d see a real party, not a sad excuse for a show. Heh… for a dead man like me, yer little campfire lacks the sweet smell of gunpowder. Well, ya can start celebrating now, Nobunaga. I’m coming back, and I’m bringing the worst the world has to offer with me.”

With that, the God of Deceit vanished till a moment for him to strike came by. Perhaps he will bring in a tsunami to consume the island when he comes back.

Mai ran through the forest and met Kennyo, which she left after feeling a sense of dread with him. It was mostly due to his build being similar to the man that tried to kill Nobunaga. With Mai out of sight, Kennyo turned to Ranmaru and Daiju.

“I’m sorry, Master Kennyo. But I don’t think I can stay with them after what I-”

Kennyo stops the young man from saying anything further, “Ranmaru, that’s nonsense. You performed your role at Honno-ji well. I witnessed myself how much the Devil king trusts you.”

“Master Kennyo is right, Ran. Besides, Amaryllis may vouch for you if you return,” Daiju chimed in. “It is because of those two that the plan fell apart, but we will get our chance to strike back, right, Master?” Daiju turned to Kennyo who nodded.

“Hold on!” Kyoko's voice resonated in the forest, which paused Mai. 

“Y-you are!” Mai took a moment to see Kyoko with Arundhati alongside a warlord.

“You need to step away from the cliff, it isn’t stable,” Arundhati warned Mai, who took notice and followed her advice.

“T-thank you…”

Yukimura merely stared at the three interactions before insulting Mai by calling her a boar woman, leading him to have the nastiness stares he got from the three.

“Yuki, you know better than to insult someone,” Shingen appeared with his cousin, Yoshimoto, and Kenshin.

“Don’t tease me, Lord Shingen,” Yukimura let out a heavy sigh at being called Yuki.

Mai took a moment to digest everything before looking at the two ladies once more, for answers – they stayed silent.

“Either way, what are you doing here late at night?” Yukimura turned back to Mai with questions – biting his tongue to not insult her for the lack of direction.

“I was looking for a shortcut to my happy place…” Mai answered with anguish at how her dream was now getting out of reach.

Either way, Shingen didn’t care. Thus, deciding to flirt with Mai, “Smoke from Honno-ji and a woman all alone at night.” With him thrusting his hand out to her, “Perhaps you’re a ghost? Though you’re the most beautiful ghost I’ve ever seen.”

That made the three behind him cringe, none of them are used to such poetry. To Arundhati and Kyoko it seems passable but Shingen may need to work on his flirting a bit more.

“I’m actually quite normal. I mean, normal for a person, not a ghost,” Mai closed her eyes with an uneasy smile on her face.

It didn’t take long for Yoshimoto and Kenshin to appear from the forest. Clearly, Shingen’s flirt made their location known to the both of them.

Kenshin wasn’t impressed with Shingen’s flirting at all, “Your ability to spew cheap pick-up lines never ceases to amaze me.”

Despite that, Shingen never let his smile falter. “I just call it like I see it, Kenshin.”

Yoshimoto heed no mind to the two warlords and looked directly at Mai, admiring her kimono. “You there, could you please step into the light? Thank you.”

Mai felt at ease with Yoshimoto despite not knowing why. “Sure, I– Hey, give me a minute–!” till she was yanked into the moonlight as Yoshimoto scanned Mai’s kimono in its glory.

“What a fine piece,” were the words of compliment from Yoshimoto.

Arundhati, being the ninja she is, decided to step in to make Mai feel more comfortable than being close up to her lord. “Lord Yoshimoto, give her some space. And tell her that you wish to see her kimono’s embroidery rather than walking up to her.”

“Ah. My apologies, thank you Arundhati for reminding me.” Yoshimoto turned to Mai’s face – making eye contact – before asking her: “Would you be interested in exchanging that kimono you’re wearing with from my collection?”

Kyoko was holding her laughter as she saw Arundhati look at her with defeat on her expression. Arundhati decided to not intervene this time knowing how exhausting Yoshimoto can be when it comes to art. Mai was blankly staring at Yoshimoto for saying, let alone suggesting such a thing.

 Yukimura stepped in Mai’s defense – by pulling Yoshimoto away like a cat, “For the last time, Yoshimoto, women aren’t pieces of art, so get your hands off her, will you?!”

Mai was not expecting warlords – who should be dead by this point according to history – in her adventure to the past let alone, the three she went into the past with seem to be well adjusted to the time period except for her and Marie. Especially Arundhati, she is decked in her own gear with Kyoko being in a hakama. It was when Mai spotted another figure – Sasuke – appearing from the forest, and yet his footsteps didn’t make a noise. Arundhati was nodding to Sasuke – telling him that this is one of the two who they couldn’t find during their four year stay till now.

“My lords, I’ve returned. Nobunaga’s forces have extinguished the fires at Honno-ji,” the first words that Sasuke said to the group on the cliff.

That news made Yoshimoto smile – art hasn’t been destroyed this time thankfully. “Thank goodness they did. That temple houses many treasures. I fear for the fire damage.”

Kenshin’s words to Sasuke’s report were different – the opposite of Yoshimoto. “Thank  you for your investigation, Sasuke. So, I presume Nobunaga is alive, then?”

“Yes.”

That one word made the three time travelers look at Mai – the savior to Nobunaga from his destined fate – before looking at each other in silence. Without words, both Arundahti and Kyoko nodded to Sasuke to take Mai else until a moment comes where they can fully explain to her and the other one, Marie.

Shingen’s smile dropped, no longer carrying a light atmosphere. “He got the devil’s luck.”

With Yukimura suggesting something else but still the same. “Or he’s the devil.”

Mai saw the changes in the two warlords – anger but didn’t look down on Nobunaga – in seeing him as an opponent they cannot let their guard down, no matter what. It made her nervous in a way.

Kenshin redirected the conversation to Mai.”We happened to run into her here. Do you three know this woman?” With the three in question being Kyoko, Arundhati, and Sasuke.

All of them shook their heads to Kenshin’s question – playing it low for the time being. Sasuke spoke up, “Though I spotted a village on the way here. She must be from there. I’ll escort her home.”

Shingen senses something off with Sasuke, taking this moment to tease the ninja. “Moving quick, aren’t you, Sasuke? You and Yoshimoto both. Give the rest of us a chance, will you?”

“Lord Shingen, please. We should return to the city before any of the Oda soldiers sees us,” Kyoko spoke, reminding them that they were here to watch, not stargaze.

With that, Arundhati and Kyoko pushed the warlords to head back to the city while giving Sasuke the signal to bring Mai elsewhere. Mai, not sure what to do, decided to follow Sasuke for the meantime and have her answers to why they are here.

Once far away, Sasuke dropped his mask down for Mai to recognize him – she did. Leaving the two to have a conversation about the events that led them to be here, while mentioning other time-travellers who arrived to this period long before any of them did. 

To Mai, it made sense in a way. Yet, it didn’t help as she was about to land her dream job right before this all happened. Especially how all six of them entered the wormhole at the same time, only her and Marie were brought four years after they arrived. And now, they are living in a different timeline – their actions of saving historic people carved out this path.

“Because of fluctuation in spacetime, we’re in a divergent timeline – one in which history will take a different course. I major in theoretical astrophysics at Kyoto University, specializing in wormholes and their potential for time travel. I’d conceived of a method for predicting the conditions and patterns under which traversable wormholes might manifest,” Sasuke gave Mai a bunch of info dump about himself and wormholes before saying why he was at the monument that day, “To verify my method.”

That much information stuns Mai. Originally, she thought he was a med student, hence his lab coat at the time. Only to realize that Sasuke and the others were trying to find her and Marie for four years since they arrived.

“So, this really isn’t a dream then?”

“I suppose you could say it’s a dream for me. I get to see the famous men and women of the Sengoku with my own eyes,” Sasuke’s eyes were glistening with stars around him – making Mai take a pause to see if she was really seeing this correctly.

“You’re strangely chipper about this,” Mai had an awkward smile on her face, clearly not used to this yet.

Thus, Sasuke explained how his parents were history buffs and him taking the role of a fictional character, Sasuke Sarutobi. With the others trying to downplay their effects by not interfering much, staying in the shadows to hopefully not make an impact on history or change its course more than what they did already. Before telling how she has allies that she can trust, both them and the others she will meet later – she trusts him mostly because he is her only way of getting back to the 21st century. The moment Mai extended her hand to accept Sasuke’s hand, hoofbeats were heard in the distance. Making Sasuke to disappear in the shadows to avoid being seen or make Mai’s situation worse for her.

Mai was shocked before turning around to see Hideyoshi and Masamune on their horses, stopping in front of her.

“I searched the whole forest for you,” the first seven words that Hideyoshi spoke to her – slightly irritating her.

“I didn’t ask you to.”

Even with that, Hideyoshi didn’t let his guard down with Mai despite seeing how Amaryllis was willing to stick up for her. “Hiding yourself from Lord Nobunaga for no reason whatsoever. How insolent can you get?”

“No reason? He asked us to conquer the world with him and didn’t look like he was taking a no for an answer!” Mai’s voice was slowly getting higher as her irritation with Hideyoshi grew only to stop by Masamune speaking.

“You’re Mai? A stalwart lass indeed,” Masamune seems to be enjoying this situation more than Hideyoshi, “I’ve no doubt both of you are the women who defied Lord Nobunaga.”

Mai, being unaware, asked. “And you are? Someone else I’m supposed to recognize?” only to be yanked up to Masamune’s horse by him.

“I’d be pleased if you did, but now’s not the best time to talk.”

Despite Mai’s futile attempts to get out of Masamune’s grasp, she held onto him for dear life as he took his horse off at incredible speed after giving her his name. Hideyoshi followed suit. Both men were ordered to find Mai and bring her to Azuchi – where everyone was waiting for them.

The moment they arrived in Azuchi, Mai couldn’t help but have her breath taken away by seeing the castle in its glory before its fall.

“Don’t show yourself to Lord Nobunaga with that expression. You look like a gaping frog,” Hideyoshi didn’t hold back but at the same time, giving Mai some advice.

Mai merely gave Hideyoshi a side eye, “I do not. And I haven’t agreed to see him.”

“So you're a morning person. I’ll keep that in mind,” Masamune merely smiled, Mai remembered she is very close to Masamune.

After some moments with Masamune and Hideyoshi getting on Mai’s nerves, they saw Mitsunari, Ieyasu and Marie with the two she spotted back in Honno-ji and someone else – who sorta resembles Nobunaga in a way, despite Marie also resembling him as well. Hideyoshi was occupied with his fangirls in the distance.

“Damn, they didn’t let you go either?” Marie asked Mai despite knowing the answer.

“Yes…” Mai groaned, if only she wasn’t wearing a kimono, maybe then she could have run further.

Morgan stepped forward and introduced Mai to them, Amaryllis, and Cherry – Nobunaga’s sister. With Mitsunari welcoming the lords’ return and Mai as well. Amaryllis nudged Ieyasu, telling him to introduce himself only for Masamune to do it on his behalf. Surprising Mai as she knows how important Ieyasu is to history.

“Mitsunari, I don’t have anything more to say to Nobunaga–”

“She looks pitiful,” Ieyasu didn’t hesitate in saying those words.

“Ieyasu, you could have been less harsh,” Morgan crossed their arms together before looking at Ieyasu with disappointment.

Rolling his eyes, Ieyasu tried to be more polite to the best he could. “You’re Mai?”

“Yes. So, wow, you’re Ieyasu?”

“What if I am?”

“Ieyasu… I know you are bad with words, but at least try to not be sour,” Amaryllis smacked Ieyasu’s head the best she could despite how tall he is compared to her.

“Stop that.”

“No.”

Cherry giggled at seeing the Oda apothecary and doctor mess with each other in their own way. Ellara was behind her, making sure she didn't fall apart after seeing the blaze in Kyoto – she thought Cherry was going to beat Nobunaga’s ass after scaring her half to death when he came back to them alive.

“Ah, you must be Mai. Greetings, I am Ellara.”

Seeing another girl in the crowd other than Hideyoshi’s fans made Mai feel less tense. “It’s nice to meet you, Ellara.”

Hideyoshi walked back to the group after breaking free from the crowd with a wry smile, “Ieyasu, that’s no way to greet someone. Take Ellara for an example. And Amaryllis, stop trying to hit him in the head already.”

“No.” Both of them turned to Hideyoshi with eyes full of resolve – to let them act like this even for a moment longer.

“Can he? I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him do it,” Masamune had a smirk before leaning on Ellara – who was now trying to stand still while supporting her lord’s weight in front of so many people. “What does your smile look like?”

“Why is that important?” Ieyasu turned to Msamune after holding Amaryllis in place like preventing a kitten from shoving its face in food.

“Don’t be unsociable. You need to let loose. Learn to smile and laugh.”

Morgan scanned the premise before realizing something. “Where is Ranmaru…?”

That made everyone freeze except for Marie and Mai – who were confused. Nobody dared to say it, especially Amaryllis. She stopped her attempt to mess with Ieyasu as she froze – eyes frozen in fear – Ieyasu, Morgan, Mitsunari took notice and decided to bring her elsewhere. Morgan knows how much the smell of burning flesh of someone she cares about or even mention of it impacted her, perhaps it's the reason why she had incense burning in her room – to prevent her from smelling something that she hates.

Mai and Marie were concerned for Amaryllis. For her to freeze up like that, that person must have held great importance to her. “What was her relationship with that Ranmaru person?” Marie asked Cherry.

“A page of my brother, he was one of the few who… accompanied him to Honno-ji. We don’t know if he survived or perished in the fire but they were close. I suppose almost like lovers in a way…” Cherry answered Marie’s question, despite knowing that the progress that Amaryllis did will be pushed back for a bit. 

“Ahm. Lord Ieyasu is allied with Lord Nobunaga, like my lord, Masamune,” Ellara decided to move the conversation elsewhere – knowing it is something that Amaryllis would have wanted. “I suppose we will have a… reunion… when everyone gets some rest,” Ellara turned to Hideyoshi and Masamune who nodded in agreement.

In Azuchi’s town, Yukimura set up his stand. Taking the scenery of the town’s liveliness in heart – reminding him of his homeland.

“I didn’t expect this to be such a cheerful place,” before turning his head around to spot Sasuke, “Now where has Sasuke gone? I haven't heard from him since yesterday,”

Shrugging his shoulders as he knows Sasuke will be fine. Turning to the castle, Yukimura smiled before saying, “Justice is coming. I hope you’re prepared, Nobunaga.” 

Afterwards, Mitsunari brought Marie and Mai to their respective rooms – separated to give them the rest they needed after such an eventful night. Marie was occupied in her room in observing areas that may need some changes to prevent any assassins from coming in, it was only when her doors were opened by Morgan with Cherry.

“Nobunaga summoned me to a war council???” Marie looked at them in confusion, clearly wasn’t expecting to be involved let alone war preparation.

“Yes. He did. I know you want to punch Nobunaga in the face which–” Morgan was cutted off by Cherry.

“You can punch him if he pisses you off, you got my permission,” Cherry smiled, but yet, her smile wasn't reaching her eyes.

“Good. At least I can do something without facing some sort of consequences,” Marie dusted her hands as she thought about what she could do to Nobunaga knowing her intelligence and experience in the battlefield.

“Honestly, no complaints from me. Amaryllis told him he was weird and… he is. I do wish he could get kicked in the balls sometime,” Morgan closed their eyes as they remembered the reason why they left the Oda for a bit.

“That’s a bit overkill…” Cherry looked at them, with worry for her brother now – he needs his reproductive organ to keep the Oda line going after all.

Meanwhile all of that was happening in Marie’s room, Sasuke came in Mai’s room before talking to her further till a knock was heard. Thus, Sasuke went back into the roof to hide once more. Mai turned around to see who was at her door till it was open – Amaryllis, with her appearance being slightly okay.

“Amaryllis…?”

Amaryllis could only give a smile – a fake one – to Mai. “Glad to know you remember my name at least. Mitsuhide was here earlier to fetch you, but I decided to take over on his behalf,” staring at Mai with her hands open to her.

Knowing it is best to follow, Mai took Amaryllis’ hands before following behind her. Originally, she thought she was a lively and outgoing person when she first met but now? It seems like a husk of her former self – grief in her eyes.

I do hope that Ranmaru is alive… It would be a shame for her to be like this constantly…

The two saw Mitsuhide waiting for them at the entrance to the great hall. Mai tightened her grasp in Amaryllis’ hands as she was reminded that Mitsuhide should be the one who planned everything – the assination, the overthrowment of Nobunaga – but this time it wasn’t him in this timeline, it was someone else. “It is natural to be scared of Mitsuhide, Mai,” Amaryllis whispered to reassure Mai before spotting the three – Morgan, Marie, and Cherry – in the distance.

“Seems like everyone is here,” Mitushide said.

“I suppose Ellara is sitting behind Masamune, isn’t she?” Cherry tilted her head up high to Mitsuhide – who nodded as an answer to her. “Very well. Let us get going. My brother has some questions for these two.”

Stepping in the Great Hall, Mai and Marie sat down near the end while the others went to sit behind their respective lord, family, or brother.

“You kept me waiting, Marie and Mai,” the first words that Nobunaga said the moment they were in his sight.

“Uh… sorry.”

“Sigh… Could at the very least tell either of us about it earlier…” 

Morgan, Mitsunari, and Amaryllis sat near or behind Hideyoshi. Ellara behind Masamune with Yori and Kojuro next to him. Kyubei next to Mitsuhide. Cherry is near her brother, Nobunaga, with Ryuu sitting behind Cherry to guard both his lord and princess from any surprise attacks. With Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi being on the left and right of Nobunaga – to display their ranking to the room. Ieyasu was next to Mitsunari but a bit closer to Nobunaga due to him being an ally to him.

All eyes were at the two. Waiting for Nobunaga to open his mouth. The moment he did, he laid out the conditions he had for them if they wished to stay – well they were forced to stay – in his castle. Mai being his lucky charm. And Marie, being one of Cherry’s ladies in waiting, but the head of them. It is due to Cherry’s suggestion, after all, even with a short time period she had with Marie, Cherry saw that Marie is capable of something else – like Amaryllis – and knowing she seems to be a free spirit, a free spirit that can bring order and trust that Cherry was hoping to find in someone to lead her ladies till now.

From afar…

“Lord Kicho, we were waiting for your return.”

Kicho, returning to the period of war after four years, finally saw the future after this war torn era. Gripping his hands, he cannot fathom that even after war, there were those who chose to toss their lives away due to others. Especially how children were seen as an investment now, no longer political tools. No longer someone to nurture, a tool, but not for war, for their parents’ gain. That angers him more. Knowing how the one thing he was trying to prevent – to not have children be locked away and be tools for their parents to use – still happens.

“Contact any foreign countries, and have them see if they wish to have a deal with us,” Kicho turned to his vassals – what remains of them – with eyes sunken from the horror he had to see.

He had witnessed parents beating their children or verbally abusing them – reminding him of his past and how he had to become a shadow to just stay alive. And that abuse slowly pushed them to have their mind on the verge of breaking – to kill themselves to be free. And it still happens to adults, when he opened one abandoned place, he saw a man who hanged himself. Blue with no signs of resistance – merely done living in a life that no longer wants him – after doing what society told him to do for all his life.

To him, he faced that what he was trying to prevent was only in vain. All he wanted was to prevent others from being a shadow or following what society expected of them. And yet, all of them were either pushed by their parents or society to take that jump – to their deaths to be free from a world that didn’t respect them as an individual, a mere extension of someone. Making up his mind, he will be the villain of this story once more to make sure those people will never come to existence – so nobody has to suffer the same way as he did by being isolated, abused, and brought down several times for merely being a twin or anything. Something that he – they – didn’t ask for.

To think about everything… What we did was in vain. I need to get rid of those people… make them realize how precious not just their life is, but others. If a world of conflict reminds us how each life is precious… then so be it.

At the same time, stories about people who were once dead were slowly creeping into the light. Playing the waiting game till the perfect moment arrives – for the shadows to reveal themselves that they are still alive.

Bringing in either chaos or utopia into the world. A challenge that the Oda or perhaps in the near future, the alliance, must overcome together if they wish to fight in order to keep the future that is 500 years away from then.

…

“We’ll endure and wait for our chance to strike.”

…

“Now that the toying around is over, let’s get down to the important business. We’ll have our fight, but for now–”

“....We must stamp out the fires threatening to engulf this land first.”

…

“I say we kill him.”

“He is beyond human compassion…”

Masterlist

AN: WE ARE DONE! AFTER FOUR MONTHS! IT IS DONE! Also sorry if the ending felt off. I tried my best but regardless, this is what my mind was able to come up with 😅😅

Thank you everyone for reading this, in total, this book has reach about 120k word account approximately. Like I said, I plan to expand this further, but it will be in Yoshimoto's route since it felt really canon and nice knowing how Mai and Yoshimoto got a lot of chemistry with each other.

Currently, I am writing The Blade of the Utopia, which is a Bad End AU of Amaryllis. Where instead of finding, healing, and understanding herself with the help of her friends, it would be the opposite. It will take on the approach of one of the two main inspos I took to make this story. Which @/woofwoofimmaturtle prob knows which inspo I'm talking about. This AU will talk about manipulation and different types of it, so not so happy for everyone involved, especially the Ikko-Ikki sect. OCs are apart of this AU, currently the OCs that are confirmed in this AU is Cherry, Ellara, and Morgan – who will fight this AU of Amaryllis.

Last thing, I do hope I will meet all of you in Ikemen Sengoku: Romance Beyond Eternity/Ikemen Sengoku: Eien! And good luck to all of you with these last few hours of this year's election! 🫡