🪷 Chào Bạn 🪷

Hisahide: ......Well then, now that all the guests have arrived, shall we begin?

Looking around at everyone seated inside the hut, Hisahide began to speak.

Yoshiteru remained silent, as if leaving the entire proceedings in Hisahide's hands.

Hisahide: First of all, while some of us are already acquainted with each other, others are practically meeting for the first time, but...

Hisahide: This is the first time we've gathered together like this.

Hisahide: That's because everyone here is to stand as equals.

Rikyu: ............Oh?

Rikyu: Well, well, what a joke. Equals? You mean us and Yoshiteru-sama?

Hisahide: Yes. That is what Yoshiteru-sama wishes for.

Saizo: Eh......

When everyone turned their gaze toward him, Yoshiteru gave a small nod.

Hisahide: Lamenting the current state of Kyoto, Yoshiteru-sama appeared before the people once again.

Hisahide: And he wishes to bring peace and stability to the capital.

Hisahide: To make that a reality, we need talented individuals who can walk alongside Yoshiteru-sama.

Kanbei: I see. In other words, we were chosen by him?

Saizo: ............Me? Someone like me...?

Kanbei smiled at Saizo, who awkwardly lowered his gaze.

Kanbei: The fact that you're here means that is true.

Saizo: .......

Rikyu: Hm... haha!

As Saizo lowered his head even further, Rikyu burst into laughter.

Breaking away from his polite demeanor until then, he began unpacking the belongings he had brought with him.

Rikyu: Equals, huh. If you insist on saying that much, why don't we hold a tea ceremony?

Rikyu: If we continue the conversation like this, we won't deepen our bonds even in the slightest.

Hisahide: A tea ceremony...? Yoshiteru-sama, what would you like to do?

Yoshiteru: You may do as you please.

With Yoshiteru's permission granted, Rikyu quickly began preparing.

Inside his belongings was a complete set of simple tea utensils.

Kanbei: Oh? You're certainly well prepared.

Rikyu: You never know where you'll end up making tea, do you?

Rikyu: ......Ah, that's right. There is one rule in my tea ceremonies.

Saizo: L-Like... proper etiquette?

Rikyu: It's nothing that formal. ............No wearing swords.

When Rikyu glanced at him, Yoshiteru handed the sword at his waist to Hisahide.

Following his lead, the others also moved their swords somewhere out of reach.

Kanbei: For someone who is the Shogun-sama, you're surprisingly defenseless.

Kanbei: On the way here, I didn't sense the presence of anyone else, and the area around this hut is eerily quiet as well.

Saizo: I... thought so too.

Saizo: Um... is it really alright for the Shogun-sama to stay here unarmed, without even a single guard accompanying him?

Yoshiteru: There is no problem.

Yoshiteru: The only ones who know that I am here are Hisahide and you three.

Rikyu: My, my. I am deeply honored that I have been granted an audience with you.

Rikyu: Then, this memorable first cup shall be dedicated to Yoshiteru-sama, who invited me here.

Yoshiteru: Ah.

Yoshiteru accepted the tea bowl and drank it in one gulp.

Saizo: Wha— W-w-wait, what about testing it for poison!?

Hisahide: There's no need. Standing as equals is Yoshiteru-sama's wish.

Rikyu: How is it?

Yoshiteru: ......A refill.

Rikyu: Haha........ It is my pleasure to know that it suited the refined palate of the Shogun-sama.

Hisahide: Well then. While we drink tea, let's start by introducing ourselves to ease the tension.

Kanbei: That's right. I'm curious what kind of people have caught the Shogun-sama's eye.

Rikyu: If that's the case, it should be simple.

Rikyu: ............Sen no Rikyu. I used to serve as a samurai's page, but now I spread the art of tea while working as a merchant.

Kanbei: Kuroda Kanbei. The eldest son of the Kuroda family. I used to serve as Nobunaga's strategist, but now, as you can see...

Saizo: ......K-Kirigakure Saizo. I was originally a shinobi from the Kirigakure village... but now, I have left the village behind.

Kanbei: A rogue ninja, huh? Interesting. Now, next...

Hisahide: Then, I suppose I'll go next. Matsunaga Hisahide. Like Kanbei, I was once part of the Oda army, but I faked my own death in an explosion.

Hisahide: Now, I serve as Yoshiteru-sama's aide... the Kanrei.

Hisahide: And the person beside me is the 13th Ashikaga Shogun—

Rikyu: Please wait a moment. There is no one in this land of Japan who does not know the Shogun-sama's history.

Rikyu: So, if I may, I would like to ask you one question.

Yoshiteru: ............What is it?

Rikyu: The other day, I heard something rather strange at a tea ceremony.

Rikyu: They said that the Shogun known as Ashikaga Yoshiteru-sama certainly died when the Imperial Palace was attacked.

Rikyu: Moreover, I heard there were even those who confirmed his corpse.

Yoshiteru: I am alive. That is why I am here now.

Rikyu: Yes, and that is exactly why I find it so mysterious. Could it be that Yoshiteru-sama is immortal?

A strange glint appeared in Rikyu's eyes.

His gaze was somehow amused, yet it was also the kind of look that probed into his opponent without restraint.

--- One day, in the capital of Kyoto.

Villager 1: Hey, hey, what's all this commotion? There sure are a lot of people gathered here, aren't there?

Villager 2: The officials are reading out the charges over by that bridge.

Villager 1: Another person who defied them got captured, huh?

Villager 1: They just keep coming one after another. Even though there's no escaping a death sentence.

Villager 1: So? Who's the one that dared defy that person this time?

Villager 2: Don't ask what you already know. Just like every other time, they're keeping that part hidden.

Villager 2: They say it's out of that person's consideration—that revealing the criminal's name would taint the atmosphere of the capital.

Villager 2: Well, whatever. Every head that rolls brings a little more peace to this capital.

Villager 1: Haha... Hey, do you really mean that?

Officer 1: --Move it, criminals! Get going at once! Otherwise, your heads will roll right here!

Rikyu: Hah, I don't care where I end up parting ways with my body.

Kanbei: In this darkness, no matter how far you wander, all you'll find is the same scenery.

Kanbei: Just like that capital, rotten to the core and never changing.

Officer 1: Watch your tongue! If you speak so disrespectfully about that person again, I'll cut you down where you stand--

The official's footsteps came to an abrupt halt.

From beyond the darkness that shrouded the trees, a human figure emerged like a ghost.

Hisahide: Good evening. You're working hard at this late hour.

Officer 1: Wh-...! W-Who are you...?!

Hisahide: My apologies for startling you.

Hisahide: Just a passing Kanrei. What crimes have these poor souls, on their way to their deaths, been accused of?

[Kanrei: A high-ranking deputy to the Shogun in Japan's feudal government. The title was traditionally held by powerful families and carried great political authority.]

Officer 1: H... A Kanrei, you say?

Hisahide: Hm, perhaps it's just my imagination... but are you asking me?

Hisahide: I'm the one asking the questions right now.

Officer 1: D-Don't mock us! We're acting under that person's orders!

Officer 1: If you intend to stand in our way, then you'll die here too--

Officer 2: Gah...!

Officer 1: .....!

The instant the man drew his sword, the sound of something slicing through the air rang out, followed by a brief dying scream.

Officer 1: W-What was that this time!? A wild beast!?

Hisahide: Who knows?

The black shadow that appeared out of nowhere didn't even give the officials a chance to scream again.

In exchange for the scent of blood, silence quickly settled over the dark night.

Hisahide: Splendid.

Hisahide: ............Are you alright? You're not hurt, are you?

Saizo: ...Yes.

Hisahide: Well then, it's been a while, Rikyu. Kanbei.

Rikyu: You sure kept us waiting. Is this warm welcome your way of making up for it?

Hisahide: All I can say is that these were Yoshiteru-sama's direct orders.

Kanbei: Does that mean it's finally about to begin?

Hisahide: Yes. The time is ripe.

--- Two months earlier.

Rikyu: Is the Shogun-sama really in a remote place like this, so far away from civilization?

Hisahide: Yes, of course. He's waiting for you just ahead.

With a faint, flickering light in hand, Hisahide made his way through the forest.

The three figures following him carried an air of tension about them.

[Kanbei's narration]

Kanbei: The day Honnoji Temple was engulfed in towering flames.

Kanbei: The former Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru, was revived and appeared before the people who had been filled with uncertainty about the future.

Kanbei: ......That story, which sounds almost too fabricated to be true, spread throughout the capital of Kyoto in the blink of an eye, and now everyone knows it.

Saizo: That's exactly why... I can't believe it.

Saizo: This is outside the capital. And not only that, deep within a forest on the outskirts of a deserted settlement.

Saizo: There can't possibly be a place here where the Shogun-sama could live...

Hisahide: There is. Look.

Rikyu: ......What is this? A shabby hut?

Hisahide: Watch your words. They say that wherever one lives, it becomes home, don't they?

With a creaking sound, the door of the hut opened, and...

Inside the room where only moonlight seeped through, a young man opened his eyes.

Yoshiteru: .......

Yoshiteru: ......Ah, you've arrived.

Saizo: ......No way......

Kanbei & Rikyu: ........

The young man wearing a beautiful pure white garment was himself almost entirely white, standing out as an unmistakably unusual presence.

His quiet presence only heightened the tension that surrounded the three of them.

Rikyu: —It seems that even neurotoxins and the like have no effect on you.

Rikyu looked at the tea bowl that Yoshiteru had emptied.

Saizo: P-Poison!?

Rikyu: Please rest assured. I only added it to the first cup, and even though I call it poison, it is only enough to leave you unable to move for a few hours due to numbness.

Saizo: Even so, to give something like that to the Shogun-sama—

Yoshiteru: Ah.

Yoshiteru: ......That's why my body felt strangely heavy at that time.

Rikyu: Huh?

Rikyu, who had been smiling without the slightest sign of remorse, furrowed his brows.

Yoshiteru: This tea ceremony is the second time.

Yoshiteru: During the first tea ceremony, shortly afterward, fire arrows were shot at us, and we were surrounded by an armed group arranged by someone.

Yoshiteru: Without any prior discussion, it's impressive how well your plans worked together like that, Rikyu and Kanbei.

Rikyu & Kanbei: .......

Saizo: Poison and an attack!? Y-Yoshiteru-sama, we need to get our weapons right away—

Hisahide: There's no need. Not for the second tea ceremony.

Hisahide: The poison that Rikyu-dono had hidden on him was nothing more than flower nectar.

Hisahide: The unit that Kanbei-dono had given orders to prepare has also already been wiped out by another armed group.

Kanbei: ......It seems so. I wonder where you got that information from?

Yoshiteru: It's not like that. I knew because I experienced it once before. That's all.

Yoshiteru: That's why I traveled through time and changed history.

Rikyu: .......

Yoshiteru: Going to the future or the past is called time slipping.

Yoshiteru: And what is needed to perform a time slip is a wormhole that connects one point in time to another.

After that, Yoshiteru spoke about the changes he had made to history, revealing everything he had done without changing his expression even once.

It was an amount of information that could be conveyed in only a few minutes, but it was more than enough to leave the three of them speechless.

Yoshiteru: —That is everything I know.

Yoshiteru: Since Hisahide is my only collaborator, the number of people who have the truth of the second tea ceremony engraved in their memories is now five, including me.

Kanbei: ......Even after hearing your explanation, why is it that we have no memory of any of this?

Yoshiteru: When the past is changed and affects the present, both history and people's memories are overwritten.

Yoshiteru: In other words...... no one except the person who changed it can notice.

Hisahide: That's why I thought of a way to make you believe us.

Hisahide: An event that I was certain would happen, did not happen.

Hisahide: That sense of discomfort must have moved you, even if only a little.

Rikyu: ......Who knows.

Saizo: Um...... to begin with, did you really need to make us believe in "time slips"?

Saizo: If you have such an incredible ability, wouldn't it have been better to keep it a secret...

Hisahide: In order for us to stand as equals.

Hisahide: As I said earlier, we have a great goal of restoring Kyoto. To achieve that, we need talented individuals.

Hisahide: But you are not the kind of people who would simply obey if ordered to serve under the Shogun.

Hisahide: We have to be the ones chosen.

Hisahide: Revealing our hand, the alteration of history, was to prove that feeling.

Hisahide: Besides...... it also shows that even we, who are inferior in military strength compared to other armies, have a chance of victory.

Kanbei: ............Hisahide. I finally understand the intention behind you going out of your way to send us that letter.

Rikyu: "Granting permission for a little 'game' in order to confirm whether the person claiming to be Ashikaga Yoshiteru is the real one or not..."

Rikyu: It was quite the message, as if it took every opportunity to pile on the disrespect.

Yoshiteru: A letter? I wasn't aware of that.

Hisahide: If you knew, it would defeat the purpose. Would you have cut off my head?

Yoshiteru: I would not.

Hisahide: That's good. You have received permission directly from him, Saizo.

Saizo: ......Huh?

Hisahide: Your "game" is still yet to come, isn't it?

Saizo: N-No! I-I-I couldn't possibly do something like that......!

Saizo fled to the edge of the room like a startled rabbit, shrinking himself even further.

Rikyu: I understand what you're saying. ......But even if you show us your sincerity or the possibility of victory, you see...

Yoshiteru: That's right. Then, what else is needed?

Kanbei: I would like to know a little more specifically about the "peace" that Yoshiteru-sama intends to bring to the capital.

Kanbei: ......No, actually, a simple answer will do. What form does it take?

Yoshiteru: ........................Eternity.

Rikyu: Ha. That is quite an ambitious claim.

Kanbei: It is easy to say, but that is the very thing that this land of Japan has drifted the farthest away from.

“Aye Masamune! Something isn’t right,” Yori quickly galloped to Masamune, expressing his intuition.

“This feels too easy for an uprising,” Masamune looked at the troops, clearly not liking this feeling that Yori is too experiencing. “Kojuro, what do you think?”

“I too feel the same as the both of you. This battle… shouldn’t be this simple. Almost as if–!” on cue, a loud cloud of dust picked up to the left of them.

Yori’s eyesight was the best out of the three, but the crest on the enemy’s reinforcements made his blood go cold, “Hold on… that’s the infamous clan, the Uraguchi clan to be exact…!”

That caught Masamune and Kojuro off guard. They heard about the clan and its infamous weapons dealing and several more. With them being an enemy to the Date clan as well. “Shit... Everyone! Into a defensive position! Immediately!" Masamune yelled his lungs out so the messengers could relay the front lines in time. Even then, it was too late.

“Why are there approximately a thousand of them, Yori?” Kojuro turned to Yori due to his profession to answer such questions.

Yori was confused till he remembered a story about the Uraguchi clan, if there are more than a hundred of them, they are after something no matter how much bodies are left behind to get it. “They are after something… MASAMUNE! DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN!” Yori’s eyes were pure fear when he gave his answer to his superiors.

BANG

Several gunshots could be heard at the front. Many Date vassals fell as the Uraguchi continued with their onslaught. Providing their allies the boost they need to push back. Sanzou led the group, knowing that his sister would come out sooner or later.

“You must be Sanzou Uraguchi… huh?” Yori was already exhausted but tried to defend his lord to the best of his ability.

“Forget it. Where is my sister?” Sanzou heed no mind to Yori’s attempt to spark a conversation to buy time.

“Hah… sister? Hell if we knew–”

“Ellara. Where is Ellara?”

That froze Yori completely. He didn’t want to believe that someone he trained with and messed around with was a spy, let alone to the Uraguchi clan. “H-how did you–”

“And what do you want with her?” Masamune steps in front of Yori – protecting him and stopping him from speaking further.

“Our father wishes for her to come back, isn’t that obvious?” Sanzou was slowly getting annoyed at how long this was taking for his younger sister to come out.

“Well, too bad! She is part of–”

SCREEECH

 Masamune was interrupted as Sanzou was done with the small talk and engaged in a close-combat. “Shut up already.”

Ellara’s face drained when she heard that her clan came and her name was mentioned by the man in charge. The vassals erupted into whispers as all their eyes were focused on Ellara – eyes filled with distrust, heartbroken, betrayed, or angry. Turning around made it worse for her. Knowing how her clan functions, Ellara thought the best thing was to – betray the Date clan, the clan that taught that not every clan functions like hers.

“Sanzou!” Ellara yelled as her brother held his blade close to Masamune’s neck.

“How was it? Hiding and running from your duties as the daughter of our head, Ellara?” Even when questioning, Sanzou’s voice held onto its robotic tone.

Yori, Kojuro, and Masamune could only stare at the scene. Not wanting to believe that Ellara – out of everyone – was the spy and now betraying them.

Ellara’s eyes didn’t focus on one person as she looked at everyone’s face – seeing the betrayal and hurt – before facing her brother once more. “What… what does our father want…?”

Sanzou kept his blade at Masamune’s neck while he spoke, “He plans on giving you one more chance. From that blunder where you failed to kill this lord when you had a chance, when he was wounded by our clan member’s gunshot.”

Ellara realized what his words meant, to come back and act like a Uraguchi willingly or have history repeat itself again. “I… I’ll come back….”

Masamune wanted to tell her to stop but couldn’t find his voice. Kojuro didn’t want to believe what his ears were hearing but he knew he was hearing it correctly.

“Good choice, you will know where to find us. Sister,” with that, Sanzou fired a green flare into the air. Alerting the other Uraguchi members that their goal was complete and to head back to their base. Not without kicking Masamune off his feet, causing him to fall to the ground hard.

“Ellara… you…” Yori stood up, even when dirt, grim, even his own blood stained his gear.

Ellara turned away, knowing she had no words for the man that saw her as another sister. “I wish… it wasn’t as complicated, Yori. I genuinely wished…”

Yori quickly adjusted his grip on his sword, getting into a stance to fight Ellara. Ellara stared wide eyed at Yori’s willingness to fight her, making grab her a kunai in response to an attack from him. 

CLASH

“I TRUSTED YOU!” Yori screamed as memories where the two would train, laughing off, and enjoying moments of life lingered in his mind.

CLANG

Ellara stayed quiet as tears fell from her eyes. Knowing the pain she has caused those around her. Masamune and Kojuro either sat or stood there in shock seeing the two ninjas fight it out. Even the nearby vassals stopped in their fighting to watch the emotional duel between the two.

CLASH

“So why… WHY! TELL ME ELLARA!”

CLANG

“...sorry, Yori. Sorry…. Everyone.”

Yori was injured earlier, but even when Ellara left several openings and slowed down, he couldn’t bring himself to do it – he couldn’t. It was only when Ellara threw one of her kunais at his shoulder, halting and ending this duel of theirs. A duel between two broken friends. Ellara looked at Yori and everyone in the Date clan one last time before walking away to her brother. Without uttering a goodbye.

“Damnit… Damnit it all…!” Yori couldn’t fight back against the tears as he yelled his heart out.

Kojuro quickly ran up to the injured Yori to place pressure on the wound that Ellara gave. While Masamune watched as one of his closest friends left him and the others behind – to save them from her clan, which only he knew after seeing that reflection in her eyes.

The other vassals had a hard time keeping up with the two ninjas’ insane speed only for it to end. It felt like hours passed when it was minutes at most, the sobs from Yori continued as he was carried away by Kojuro.

A retreat was issued by Masamune after the devastating surprise attack and the betrayal of one of his ninjas – one he gradually grew to trust and unsure how to see her, friend wouldn’t give the feeling of justice.

Masterlist

“Aye Masamune! Something isn’t right,” Yori quickly galloped to Masamune, expressing his intuition.

“This feels too easy for an uprising,” Masamune looked at the troops, clearly not liking this feeling that Yori is too experiencing. “Kojuro, what do you think?”

“I too feel the same as the both of you. This battle… shouldn’t be this simple. Almost as if–!” on cue, a loud cloud of dust picked up to the left of them.

Yori’s eyesight was the best out of the three, but the crest on the enemy’s reinforcements made his blood go cold, “Hold on… that’s the infamous clan, the Uraguchi clan to be exact…!”

That caught Masamune and Kojuro off guard. They heard about the clan and its infamous weapons dealing and several more. With them being an enemy to the Date clan as well. “Shit... Everyone! Into a defensive position! Immediately!" Masamune yelled his lungs out so the messengers could relay the front lines in time. Even then, it was too late.

“Why are there approximately a thousand of them, Yori?” Kojuro turned to Yori due to his profession to answer such questions.

Yori was confused till he remembered a story about the Uraguchi clan, if there are more than a hundred of them, they are after something no matter how much bodies are left behind to get it. “They are after something… MASAMUNE! DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN!” Yori’s eyes were pure fear when he gave his answer to his superiors.

BANG

Several gunshots could be heard at the front. Many Date vassals fell as the Uraguchi continued with their onslaught. Providing their allies the boost they need to push back. Sanzou led the group, knowing that his sister would come out sooner or later.

“You must be Sanzou Uraguchi… huh?” Yori was already exhausted but tried to defend his lord to the best of his ability.

“Forget it. Where is my sister?” Sanzou heed no mind to Yori’s attempt to spark a conversation to buy time.

“Hah… sister? Hell if we knew–”

“Ellara. Where is Ellara?”

That froze Yori completely. He didn’t want to believe that someone he trained with and messed around with was a spy, let alone to the Uraguchi clan. “H-how did you–”

“And what do you want with her?” Masamune steps in front of Yori – protecting him and stopping him from speaking further.

“Our father wishes for her to come back, isn’t that obvious?” Sanzou was slowly getting annoyed at how long this was taking for his younger sister to come out.

“Well, too bad! She is part of–”

SCREEECH

 Masamune was interrupted as Sanzou was done with the small talk and engaged in a close-combat. “Shut up already.”

Ellara’s face drained when she heard that her clan came and her name was mentioned by the man in charge. The vassals erupted into whispers as all their eyes were focused on Ellara – eyes filled with distrust, heartbroken, betrayed, or angry. Turning around made it worse for her. Knowing how her clan functions, Ellara thought the best thing was to – betray the Date clan, the clan that taught that not every clan functions like hers.

“Sanzou!” Ellara yelled as her brother held his blade close to Masamune’s neck.

“How was it? Hiding and running from your duties as the daughter of our head, Ellara?” Even when questioning, Sanzou’s voice held onto its robotic tone.

Yori, Kojuro, and Masamune could only stare at the scene. Not wanting to believe that Ellara – out of everyone – was the spy and now betraying them.

Ellara’s eyes didn’t focus on one person as she looked at everyone’s face – seeing the betrayal and hurt – before facing her brother once more. “What… what does our father want…?”

Sanzou kept his blade at Masamune’s neck while he spoke, “He plans on giving you one more chance. From that blunder where you failed to kill this lord when you had a chance, when he was wounded by our clan member’s gunshot.”

Ellara realized what his words meant, to come back and act like a Uraguchi willingly or have history repeat itself again. “I… I’ll come back….”

Masamune wanted to tell her to stop but couldn’t find his voice. Kojuro didn’t want to believe what his ears were hearing but he knew he was hearing it correctly.

“Good choice, you will know where to find us. Sister,” with that, Sanzou fired a green flare into the air. Alerting the other Uraguchi members that their goal was complete and to head back to their base. Not without kicking Masamune off his feet, causing him to fall to the ground hard.

“Ellara… you…” Yori stood up, even when dirt, grim, even his own blood stained his gear.

Ellara turned away, knowing she had no words for the man that saw her as another sister. “I wish… it wasn’t as complicated, Yori. I genuinely wished…”

Yori quickly adjusted his grip on his sword, getting into a stance to fight Ellara. Ellara stared wide eyed at Yori’s willingness to fight her, making grab her a kunai in response to an attack from him. 

CLASH

“I TRUSTED YOU!” Yori screamed as memories where the two would train, laughing off, and enjoying moments of life lingered in his mind.

CLANG

Ellara stayed quiet as tears fell from her eyes. Knowing the pain she has caused those around her. Masamune and Kojuro either sat or stood there in shock seeing the two ninjas fight it out. Even the nearby vassals stopped in their fighting to watch the emotional duel between the two.

CLASH

“So why… WHY! TELL ME ELLARA!”

CLANG

“...sorry, Yori. Sorry…. Everyone.”

Yori was injured earlier, but even when Ellara left several openings and slowed down, he couldn’t bring himself to do it – he couldn’t. It was only when Ellara threw one of her kunais at his shoulder, halting and ending this duel of theirs. A duel between two broken friends. Ellara looked at Yori and everyone in the Date clan one last time before walking away to her brother. Without uttering a goodbye.

“Damnit… Damnit it all…!” Yori couldn’t fight back against the tears as he yelled his heart out.

Kojuro quickly ran up to the injured Yori to place pressure on the wound that Ellara gave. While Masamune watched as one of his closest friends left him and the others behind – to save them from her clan, which only he knew after seeing that reflection in her eyes.

The other vassals had a hard time keeping up with the two ninjas’ insane speed only for it to end. It felt like hours passed when it was minutes at most, the sobs from Yori continued as he was carried away by Kojuro.

A retreat was issued by Masamune after the devastating surprise attack and the betrayal of one of his ninjas – one he gradually grew to trust and unsure how to see her, friend wouldn’t give the feeling of justice.

Masterlist

In the slightly cold, fresh air of the morning……

(......I'm bored.)

(Why are things that never change so boring?)

A mountain of untouched letters is piled up on the writing desk in front of me.

Even though it was the aftermath of war, the extraordinary amount of work had left Kanbei completely bored.

(If I put my mind to it, I could finish it quickly...... but it's far too bothersome, and I have no motivation to do it at all.)

This disposition has remained unchanged since childhood, and I continue to seek change in everything.

(I feel like I'm still a child who always wants new toys.)

As I rested my chin on my writing desk and gazed at the scenery outside, light and cheerful footsteps approached from the hallway.

Mai: Kanbei-san, I'll come in. I brought you some tea.

Having already guessed from the footsteps that it was his beloved lover, Kanbei turned his gaze toward her without changing his posture.

Kanbei: Ah, it smells wonderful. It helps clear my mind.

Mai: A change of pace…… but it doesn't look like your work is progressing……

Kanbei: You're sharp. That's exactly right.

Receiving the tea from Mai, who gives a wry smile at the mountain of letters, Kanbei moistens his throat.

Kanbei: So? Did Hisahide tell you to come check on my situation?

Mai: Huh...... how did you know that?

Kanbei: Because there is no one more suitable to keep an eye on me than you.

(If it had been someone else, I could have evaded them and gone out......)

(Because when it comes to you, I have no choice but to obediently comply.)

Above all, I can't bring myself to trouble Mai, who has such a strong sense of responsibility.

Kanbei: Hisahide-sama is exceptionally quick-witted when it comes to work. It's troublesome.

Mai: Fufu...... Hisahide-san naturally has a bit of a workaholic side, doesn't he?

After saying something that was probably not meant as a compliment, Mai leaned her body against Kanbei.

Mai: Um...... Kanbei-san. I have a suggestion.

(Hm?)

Mai, who cautiously began to speak, was looking up at me slightly.

Her cuteness makes me want to push her down without thinking......

Mai: When this work is finished, I will grant one of your wishes.

Mai: So please do your best and finish it.

(Oh...... it seems you're trying to bring out my motivation with a reward.)

Kanbei: Anything?

Mai: Of course, something too difficult would be impossible though.

Mai, her cheeks flushed, seemed to genuinely want to encourage Kanbei.

(You shouldn't so easily make promises that could be taken advantage of by a villain.)

(Because there is a man like that right in front of you.)

Taking advantage of Mai's kindness weighs heavily on my conscience.

However, Kanbei smiled gently.

Kanbei: Then wait here for about half an hour.

Mai: Huh............

Kanbei: I already have a wish that I want you to grant.

Kanbei, smiling gently, picked up his brush and dipped the drying tip into the ink.

(Well then, shall I finish this quickly and dote on Mai?)

Half an hour later——

Having finished his work as promised, Kanbei rode a horse with Mai and traveled through the peaceful scenery.

Mai: I never expected that Kanbei-san's wish would be to go out with me.

Kanbei: The weather is perfect today. It's just right for going somewhere far, isn't it?

Mai: But...... was it really okay to leave behind that ominous note?

(Was she still worried about it?)

"Please don't look for me."

Thinking of the paper with those words written on it, Kanbei's lips curled into a smile.

Kanbei: It's true, so it can't be helped. Even if I finish my work, another task is brought to me right away.

Kanbei: Then I have no choice but to escape with you.

Mai: Escape...... you'll get scolded for doing whatever you want, you know?

Kanbei: It's nothing new that I'm selfish, is it?

Mai: Fufu, that's certainly true.............. I was kidnapped by you, after all.

Mai turned around and smiled at Kanbei behind her.

That lovely smile warmed Kanbei's heart.

(It was worth finishing my work quickly.)

After that, they tied the horse nearby and sat down in the warmth of the sunlight.

Mai: What a beautiful view...... The breeze feels nice too, so this is the perfect place for a picnic.

Mai: Ah, a picnic is...... playing outdoors.............. or something like taking a walk?

Kanbei: In other words, it's an activity where you enjoy nature?

Mai: Ah, something like that.

Kanbei: Then I shall enjoy a "picnic" with you as well.

Mai: Yes.

I quietly savor the expression on Mai's face as she nods happily.

(She seems to have become quite accustomed to life in the palace.)

Considering that she was once in an opposing position, she must be making a great effort to become accustomed to the shogunate.

Kanbei brought her outside like this because he hoped it would give her a chance to relax.

(Because I want to see your carefree, true self now that you have been freed from life as a hostage.)

I gently tickled Mai's cheek with my finger as she was gazing at the flowers blooming around us.

Kanbei: Which color do you like?

Mai: Hmm.............. Among these, I like the white flowers.

Kanbei: Ah, this delicate flower, right?

I picked one flower and placed it in Mai's hair.

Mai: Does it suit me?

Kanbei: I can't help but be captivated by you.

Mai: Fufu, I'm happy.

Mai smiles shyly, like a flower bud beginning to bloom.

Kanbei reached out his hand as if drawn to her......

Mai: ......Ah, it's hot..............

He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and sought her small, peach-colored lips.

Mai: Ah, what's wrong...... all of a sudden......

Kanbei: Because you were so cute.

Yes, there was no doubt that she was cute.

But before I could think, my body had already moved.

Kanbei, who had never acted on impulse before, was surprised inside, but felt no sense of discomfort.

Kanbei: As your lover, I have the right to look at your face more closely, don't I?

Mai: Hm...... What are you saying...... ah............

He gently pecked her upper lip, then slipped his tongue between her slightly parted lips.

Mai: Ah, fu.............. Kanbei-san..............

(Her earnest attempt to respond to my kiss is also so endearing that I can't take my eyes off her.)

(Show me more of your various expressions.)

Kanbei placed Mai on top of his body and put his palm behind her head.

Feeling the heartbeat and warmth transmitted from her body, I savor Mai as if drowning in the moment.

Mai: Haa...... Kanbei-san..............

Kanbei: You don't have to worry. There is no sign of anyone nearby.

(I wouldn't mind even if someone saw us, but you would care, wouldn't you?)

(No, perhaps I would care as well. Because I don't want anyone else to see your completely melted expression.)

Mai nodded, her skin growing warm and her eyes becoming moist.

Kanbei continued to seek her lips, which were becoming sweeter and sweeter, driven by his desire.

The time when the sky was dyed a deep indigo——

Kanbei did not return to the palace, and took a room at an inn along the road for him and Mai to stay.

Mai: It was a small festival, but it was fun.

Mai: The senbei, dango, and candy crafts were so delicious that I ended up eating too much.

Mai: The village play and the dances were wonderful...... and above all, the lanterns lined along the approach made it feel so magical......

Remembering the scene of the festival they stopped by before entering the inn, Mai murmured dreamily.

(She was quite excited even during the festival......)

Kanbei: It seems you really like festivals.

Kanbei: Next time a festival is held nearby, I'll let you know.

Mai: Eh......

(Hm?)

Mai, sitting on Kanbei's lap, which had become her usual place, tilted her head slightly.

Kanbei: Was I wrong? Your eyes were shining quite brightly.

Mai: I do like festivals. But the reason I had fun was because Kanbei-san was by my side.

Mai: Let's go together next time as well.

(I see, so you really do have a special affection for me.)

The pleasant, clear voice whispering near my ear makes my heart grow warm.

Kanbei: Then, I shall hold a festival in the utopia so that I can enjoy a secret rendezvous with you.

Mai: Ah, are you really going to hold one just for me? Isn't that spoiling me too much?

Kanbei: I want to spoil you more than anything, but there is another reason as well.

Kanbei: In the utopia, there are many people who suffered because Kyoto was devastated by war, as well as those who were driven into a corner in other lands and fled here.

Kanbei: To create a festival, everyone needs to work together. In other words, it makes it easier for a sense of unity to form.

Mai: Ah...... so it creates interactions between the original residents and the people who joined later.

Kanbei: Yes, guiding the people in that way is my duty. And above all,

Kanbei placed his hand against Mai's smooth cheek———

Kanbei: Because I want to see the look on your face when you're happy.

(It may look like I am granting your wish, but in truth, I am simply following my own desires.)

As he gazed at her with a smile, Mai's eyes turned red with blush.

Mai: That's a wonderful idea. I would love to participate in that festival with Kanbei-san.

Kanbei: It's decided. Once we return, I'll start moving forward with the plan right away. I'll have you, the "Princess Who Brings Good Fortune," help me as well.

Mai: Yes, of course!

(By starting something new with you, I won't have to be bored.)

A world different from the excitement of devising strategies for war seemed to be unfolding before my eyes.

Mai: But I'm glad that the villages and towns around here are safe.

Kanbei: Hm?

Mai: If the war between the Oda army and the shogunate had intensified, this area would have become a battlefield too, wouldn't it?

(She seems to understand it well.)

As Mai said, this road is a key transportation point leading to Yamato.

Kanbei: If things had gone even a little differently, it would have become a sea of fire and everything would have been burned away.

Perhaps because she was relieved that such a tragic situation had been avoided, Mai let out a sigh.

Mai: I knew it. I'm glad the war has come to an end......

Kanbei: It was your own strong will that prevented it. You should be proud.

Mai: No...... It's because Kanbei-san was there for me. I couldn't have done anything on my own.

Mai: From now on, I can't just keep relying on you. I need to become someone who can handle things on my own.

Mai: ......After Mai fell silent, she tightly grasped Kanbei's sleeve.

Mai: But...... regardless of that, could you stay by my side forever?

(Mai.....)

Mai's eyes trembled as she asked in a faint, wavering voice.

I could guess the reason behind her anxious expression.

Kanbei: Is it because the fact that we were lovers disappeared once that you still feel uneasy even now?

Mai: Eh, how did you know that......

(I knew it. I hate the fact that the person who made you look like that was me, the one who was once your lover.)

Kanbei, of course, has no memories of that time.

When using changes to the past as a strategy, it was fascinating to create a situation where even the one who devised the plan would lose sight of the strategy.

Because if the outcome of a strategy is too predictable, it is nothing but boring.

(But when it comes to you, the fact that I forgot it makes me angry.)

(The one making you feel uneasy is not the me from before the alteration, but this current me alone.)

Mai: Mm, uh..............

When I forcefully kissed her lips, a sweet voice escaped from her.

Kanbei: Mai, do you want me to stay by your side forever?

Mai: Ah, of course......

Kanbei: You're such an honest, good girl.

While seeking her lips, I traced my fingers from Mai's nape down her back.

Mai: Ah, uh......

Kanbei: Then, I shall make you that promise.

Kanbei: Even if changes to the past occur from this point onward, I promise that I will use all the power and talent I possess to hold on to my feelings for you.

Kanbei: I have no intention of letting you go ever again. So please, rest assured.

As he whispered while their lips were pressed together, Mai held her breath and nodded repeatedly.

(To put it another way, even if the day comes when Mai comes to dislike me, I will not let you go.)

(Poor thing, but since you have been loved by me, it can't be helped.)

Although I respect Mai's thoughts and morals, this is the one thing I cannot compromise on.

Kanbei: Ah, that's right. I promised that once I finished my work, I would grant any wish you had.

Kanbei: Perhaps I shall have you fulfill it tonight.

Mai: Eh, you already fulfilled it, didn't you? You listened to my wish and came out with me like this......

Kanbei: Taking you out was simply me granting your request.

Kanbei: I still have the right to ask something of you.

Mai: Ah...... That's unfair.

(A strategist deceiving their opponent is only natural, isn't it?)

Mai squirmed shyly in response to Kanbei narrowing his eyes.

He restrained her movement with one arm and traced his tongue along Mai's defenseless neck.

Mai: Ah...... haa, uh..............

Her shoulders jolted, and Mai's skin instantly flushed with warmth.

(You're so innocent that it almost makes me worry.)

Kanbei: My wish, no matter the time or circumstances, is to love you.

Kanbei: Let yourself be cherished to your heart's content.

Mai, frowning, forcibly cupped Kanbei's cheeks with both hands and met his gaze.

Mai: Then please grant one wish of mine as well.

Mai: Love me a lot until morning...... Kisses alone aren't enough.

Kanbei: Was the kiss we shared during the day not enough?

Mai: ......You already know.

Kanbei: Fufu...... I don't think I'll ever get tired of you.

Mai: ..............Mm, ah...... Kanbei-san............

He undid her obi and traced her exposed white skin with his lips and fingertips, making it melt away.

Mai's breathing became shallow as she clung to Kanbei.

(I want your smiling face, your crying face, and even the face you make while enduring pain to be caused by my own hands.)

Kanbei: I love you, Mai.

Kanbei: It is an ordinary and commonplace word, but this is still the only word that can express my feelings for you.

Mai: Even if it's a common word, even if it's an ordinary one.................. it's the most precious word.

A melting smile and a voice raised with passion draw out the human emotions hidden within Kanbei.

(This smile will belong only to me for all eternity.)

(I have no intention of ever showing it to anyone else.)

A maddening desire and obsession.

The feelings I thought had nothing to do with me undeniably exist deep within my heart.

(Humans are foolish and lovable.)

(I realized that I, too, am one of those humans.)

Even with clairvoyance, I could not foresee a future where I would come to love someone this deeply.

It was a surprise and a joy, and I could not take my eyes off Mai.

Kanbei: You're adorable. Try entrusting yourself completely to me.

In the silence, my feelings grew even stronger......