🪷 Chào Bạn 🪷

“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......

Rikyu: —Here, have some tea.

Yoshiteru: ........

Rikyu: What's wrong? Don't worry about it and drink. Not everyone's here yet, but there's no problem with starting the tea gathering first.

Hisahide: Yeah. Kanbei and Saizo should be back soon.

Yoshiteru: Not that one. That's the wrong tea bowl.

Hisahide: Now that you mention it, it does seem to be a slightly different color...

Rikyu: That one? It broke.

Yoshiteru: I see.

Hisahide: I thought you'd taken an unusual interest in the tea bowl, but that wasn't the case.

Saizo: I-I'm sorry! Forgive this lowly worm! I'm late!

Kanbei: Oh? You've already started.

Rikyu: Once the water's boiling, it won't take long. Have some sweets and wait a little.

Hisahide: Kanbei, Saizo. Good work on that matter.

Hisahide: Even if it's outside the walls, leaving a dispute between bandits alone would only cause trouble later.

Kanbei: I agree. That's why I led them to a faraway place. That settles the matter.

Saizo: Ah, but...

Hisahide: Hmm? What's wrong, Saizo?

Saizo: While we were putting things down, a small fire broke out, but the rain put it out. We managed to get things under control before it became a major incident...

Saizo: That place... had completely burned down. There was nothing left.

Rikyu: The cabin?

Hisahide: ...Ah, that place.

Kanbei: How nostalgic. Do you all remember it?

Naturally, everyone's gaze turned to Yoshiteru.

Yoshiteru: ...The cabin.

Morgan merely reassures their younger sister by patting her head, “If I ever experience something due to history being changed, then your crows can alert you to it.”

That was able to give Amaryllis some reassurance, even if it was tiny. Giving a silent nod, Morgan took off into the direction where Sakai is located.

“Lady Amaryllis!” a vassal rushed up to her, directing her attention.

“Did something happen?”

“The buildings near the tenshu are gravely damaged, they’re–!”

“I understand, contact any carpenter nearby and have them be brought there. If they wish for payment, please redirect it to me,” Amaryllis quickly rushed out after giving her orders to the vassal – to assist the injured.

“T-thank you, my lady…” an elderly man had a pillar struck on his head, resulting in a bruise.

“Don’t worry, please do take care of yourself,” Amaryllis quickly tightened the salve around the man’s head before checking to see if it’s secured.

“Master!” two voices that Amaryllis quickly recognized as her students – Megumi and Shiro.

“You two… what brought you here…?” Amaryllis caught them as they jumped into her embrace.

“To help you and the healers of Azuchi!” Megumi smiled, clearly having grown enough confidence since the last time they met.

“We asked our parents if we can get enough funds to travel here! We may be young but… you were also young when you helped us and our town out! We are the exact age when you first came!” Shiro quickly jumped back after hugging her.

Ranmaru quickly walked into the scene, recognizing the two small figures from a distance. A smile crept onto his face, seeing how much his friend’s efforts were seen. And seeing how unguarded Amaryllis was in the midst of it. Till he was spotted by Shiro, “Lord Ranmaru! You’re here!”

“Yup! I’m here!” Ranmaru reacted fast when Shiro came at him like a rolling barrel.

“We want to help! That’s why we traveled so far!”

“That’s amazing!”

Amaryllis smiled at seeing how Shiro and Ranmaru interacted, only for a slight headache to arrive. Nobody noticed her discomfort, it arrived fast and disappeared just as fast when it arrived. Anybody would take it as exhaustion but to Amaryllis, that moment made her nearly forget Ranmaru’s name.

“Ama?” Ranmaru called out to her after two minutes passed.

Blinking for a bit only for Amaryllis to give a smile, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to space out, Ranmaru.”

“We will put your teachings into use, master!” Shiro grabbed Megumi’s hand as they put everything they learned into use.

Ranmaru extended his hand for Amaryllis to take hold, “We have a lot to do, don’t we?”

Amaryllis gave a small chuckle before smiling at Ranmaru, “Yes, we do. Ranmaru.” In which, she took his hand.

“Yoshimoto…?”

Mai stood there in surprise after seeing the man that she called out standing there. Almost in disbelief before Yoshimoto ran up to her and engulfed her into a hug, a desperate one.

The two stayed there and talked till the fabric owner where they truly met was in distress in losing a bowl that was old and older than him in general. Yoshimoto quickly sprung into action, nearly getting himself trapped in the collapsing building before getting out in the nick of time and handing it back to the man. Who was grateful for Yoshimoto’s bravery.

Mai was angry at Yoshimoto for being reckless and brought him to an inn to patch him up. Especially in enemy territory.

Everyone returned to Echigo except for Yoshimoto and Sasuke, even with the sun falling from the skies, its light still gave the warmth that many seek for. Those who lost everything.

“Hey… do you think Yoshimoto will be fine,” Kyoko asked her sister as she started to cut two pears due to them being in season.

“He better… To think he just–! Ugh… I don’t understand WHY he chose that,” Arundhati had her head in her hand, unsure anymore.

Kyoko could only give a small smile before seeing Kanetsugu reaching out to her. No words were needed to be exchanged as the two grew to understand each other’s silence after years.

Kyoko gave Arundhati words of comfort and one more hug as she went to Kanetsugu. Yet, a shiver went down their spine in some way. A way that could put their life in jeopardy.

Mai and Yoshimoto stood at a bridge, a bridge that will soon separate them. Their eyes looked at each other, all filled with love and admiration for one another. Only for Yoshimoto to scrunch his heavenly face, “I wish we had met sooner, you and I… Then, perhaps, I might have been able to walk a different path.”

That confused Mai, only for Yoshimoto to brush his words off – to reassure that he doesn’t need any help here and out. Caressing Mai’s face once more, Yoshimoto turned away as he crossed that bridge – to his damnation.

Yoshimoto soon met Kicho. Abandoning his family in Echigo.

Even he was shocked to see a clan that is so known for its betrayal and in-human way of teaching to be present, the son of the Uraguchi head, Sanzou Uraguchi.

“I heard about your clan and its… way of survival,” Yoshimoto’s words were careful but its meaning was true.

“You will be meeting more of us, Lord Yoshimoto,” Sanzou's words held no warmth, just robotic in a way.

Mai sat in her room, terrified, she no longer could sew nor imagine anything. Her hands froze with the needle in her dominant hand, unsure what to do due to her knowledge slowly fading away. Till she cannot create anything with the hands she is proud of, bringing others joy in seeing their clothes.

She broke out of her transience once Cherry came into her room, informing her to head to the great hall due to a war council meeting that had just started.

The meeting felt off to everyone who went to Echigo, they spent enough time with the heads to know they aren’t stupid do such an action – allying with Kicho especially. 

It was only after confirming with Sasuke who appeared in Mai’s room, that it was all a lie, Mai declared that she will risk her life to prevent such war to happen between the two sides after realizing Yoshimoto and his clan sided with Kicho. Which Ranmaru supported while Amaryllis hesitated before joining in. With Sasuke returning to Echigo to inform everyone about the rumors that Kicho placed. It left the three to form the plan.

It stunned everyone of course that Amaryllis spent time in the enemy castle not once but twice, but hearing their words out, the warlords trusted in their words. Especially how Amaryllis described how none of the warlords in question would go this low for an attack, with a guess that Kicho had personally involved himself like he did in Hongan-ji – sparking the conflict in the first place. Of course, they were confused till Ranmaru showed one of Amaryllis’ rough drafts he kept – shocking some on how far Kicho did years ago. Amaryllis was too shocked that Ranmaru kept one of her old drafts despite having the final one nearly completed.

Thus, Nobunaga gave Mai a mission to get Yoshimoto out of Kicho’s faction while warning her that he may not be safe for long. With the condition that Amaryllis and Ranmaru follow her, which neither had any complaints in doing.

Of course, Hideyoshi wondered where Morgan went only for Mitsuhide to tell him that Morgan went to Sakai for a bit. Leading Hideyoshi to yell his lungs out till Ieyasu threw his seat cushion at him so he could shut up.

Masterlist

AN: The Date gang is about to be hit by bricks soon 👍