Sweey: Here it goes... I'm gonna write something random. Let's hope it turns out that it's WORTH reading... how about something Sengoku... I've yet to do that, so here it goes! This is based off of history, the game, AND the anime. So, you'll see a little bit of everything in here. Less history, since almost all of the Sengoku Basara stuff is based off of history. ;D ha well, enjoy!
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Chapter One: The Objectives
"Kotaro! Kotaro where are you?" This was a familiar voice, one that I had grown accustomed to, less I would ignore it like all the others.
I would not answer back, that was my way. Instead, I made my presence known to my current lord.
Old Hojo chuckled cheerfully, "Ah, there you are Kotaro! Where did you run off to?"
I had been simply staring out a window, watching the birds eat seeds from a small net containing their snack that hung from the branch of a cherry tree. I found myself at peace gazing at them. They were free of guilt and could express themselves in song. No one would tell them to stop and be quiet.
Ujimasa jerked his body forward and back again, "Forgive me Kotaro, but I was wondering... er, could you pop my back for me again? It just felt so wonderful the first time, I had to ask again."
I dipped my head and as the old man turned around I uncrossed my arms has he crossed his over his chest. I picked him up with ease and popped his back, putting him back down again.
His smile broadened, "Ah Kotaro, thank you! That felt like a dream... eh yes, a dream! Now, walk with me Kotaro, I'd like to talk to you."
Submissively, I followed behind him as he led the way through one of Odawara's many halls. It was a marvelous building, with marbel flooring and elaborate mosaics. The sweet aroma of cherry blossoms flowed in through the window with the cool breeze, catching my nose and bringing me pleasure.
"You see, Kotaro, do you recall that day that we restored the Hojo clan to its former glory? That day we made an alliance with the Takeda," Ujimasa began and I wasn't sure where he was going with this.
"Well, you see, Motonari Mori has grown restless as you yourself have reported to me. The Dragon's army is moving southward and there have been a plethora of rumors talking about a new army entering from a foriegn land," he explained as we walked together through another hall. It wasn't long that I realized we were going to the tea room and the scent of cherries left my senses and was replaced by the relaxing aroma of tea.
He continued on with his speech, "Now, because of our alliance with the Takeda clan, we must respect any plea that they have for us and answer to them with honor and grace. I received a letter from the Tiger of Kai a few days ago requesting that I aid them in this warmungering time."
Ujimasa took a seat at the low table and motioned for me to do the same.
"Now Kotaro, I'm sure you have already guessed what is to happen, but I would like you to go in my stead. You will work with Takeda's captain ninja, Sarutobi Sasuke. You two will infiltrate Mori and find out what he's doing, find the destination of the Dragon's army, and bring explanation to us about the foriegners," Hojo said, sipping his tea, a motion that I echoed.
"Before you venture forth, there is a gift there for you in your room. When you finish your tea, you may go and discover the present, then be off to join Sasuke and the Tiger. Return once you finish your objectives," Ujimasa told me and I nodded.
As much as I'd rather do this mission alone, I had to obey Hojo. I held an amount of respect for him that I didn't have for any other lord I had served before.
Finished with my tea, I stood and bowed to Ujimasa and then vanished from his sight.
After reappearing into my room, my eyes searched for the gift that he had mentioned. It wasn't long that I found a strange bundle of white cloth on the nearby table. Carefully I began to unravel the white stip of cloth revealing a new set of ninjato.
I felt one of my eyes twitch as I studied its design. It was made to look like a paper pinwheel, the toys that children play with in the streets of Odawara. The sheath was large and pink, with red flowers painted upon it. I drew out the two blades and cringed. They too reflected the design of a pinwheel. The right was blue, the other, green. I held them in my hand and studied the sharpened ends of the "child's toy". Pressing a finger to the edge, I pulled it back, satisfied with the blood that seeped from the self-inflicted wound. They were sharp enough to fight with and their deceitful design would lower my enemies' standards of me, bringing myself the oppertunity to raise their standards and shock them with my greatness.
There was a silent snap as I sheathed the pair of blades when I sensed a presence. Turning, I found my lord standing there, smiling expectantly.
I bowed and then strapped the unique ninjato to my back in show of my thanks.
Ujimasa grinned pleasantly, "I'm so thrilled you like them! I had them made with a custom design. There's not another ninjato set like them! But not even they are worthy of your greatness!" He bowed to me and I mirrored his gesture.
He smiled and waved me off, "Travel safely Kotaro and bring the Hojo clan more glory!"
So I ventured forth, leaping out from the balcony in my room and jumped from tree to tree, pressing myself onward toward the Takeda's territory.
...
The land of the rising sun passed by in a blur as my dashing footsteps brought me closer to my destination. Eventually, I could see a building coming into view and the Takeda crest that adorned the burning red flags informed me that I had arrived.
Fading away I became one with the wind until I was within the room that the Tiger of Kai had made his simple throne. The young tiger, Yukimura, sat bowing before his lord as they discussed something that I didn't care about.
"Yukimura!"
"Your lordship!"
I sighed mentally and took to staring out a nearby window at the many dragonflies that zipped and darted through the sky. Autumn would arrive soon and summer would be no more.
"Lord Shingen, I came as soon as I could."
It was none other than Sarutobi Sasuke, the captain of Sanada's Ten Braves.
"Excellent Sasuke, I have a job for you," the Tiger of Kai's voice boomed, echoing through my helmet.
Sasuke looked up from his kneeling position and waited for orders. I already knew what they were.
"Our alley the Hojo have agreed to work with us," Shingen began.
Yukimura butted in, "That's excellent news, your lordship!"
Shingen threw a monstrous punch at the boy, sending him flying into a wall. I cringed, recalling that day of defeat so many years past when I had faced the Tiger of Kai. I had been very ill, but I told no one of my sickness.
"I wasn't talking to you boy! Do not interrupt your elders, Yukimura!" Shingen yelled at the young tiger as the boy scooped himself back up.
"Now Sasuke, I want you to-"
"My appologies, sir."
Something changed immediately in Shingen's manner. He grew to a beastly height and towered over the boy, "What did I just tell you about interrupting your elders?"
"T-to not to, sir," Yukimura stammered.
Shingen raised a brow expectantly, "Yukimura."
The young tiger of kia looked up, "Y-your lordship?"
"Yukimura," Shingen said, a little more boldly this time.
Yukimura said excitedly, "Your lordship!"
The Tiger of Kai let out a thundrous laugh, "Yuuuk-kimuRA!"
"Yooooourrr Lordshiiiiip!"
"YUUKIMURAAA!"
"YOUR LORDSHIIIIIIIP!"
"YU-KI-MURA!"
Sasuke frowned, "Um, your lordship?"
Lord Shingen turned, grinned broadly, and yelled, "SASUKE!"
The ninja looked to be in a state of shock as he sat there, staring at Shingen. Yukimura came beside him and elbowed his side, "It's your turn now Sasuke. Just say, 'your lordship' back to our lord."
Sasuke gave him a dry look, "I had a nightmare like this once."
"You and Kotaro Fuma of the Hojo clan will infiltrate the Mori, find out what the One-eyed Dragon is up to, and find out who the foreigners are," Lord Shingen continued.
I surpressed a grin as Sasuke's jaw dropped in a thunderstruck state of shock.
"You mean, I have to work with Kotaro Fuma?"
The Tiger of Kai dipped his head, rustling his red mane in answer.
Sasuke stood and took a hasty step forward, "B-but, Lord Shingen. I promised to kill him the next time we met!"
"For now, you must think of him as a fellow Koga ninja and treat him with the respect you'd have him show to you. I believe there is more to that ninja than the legend concealed behind that helmet of his," Shingen stated wisely. "I cannot tell you what it is I see. Your eyes will have to see for yourself."
"Y-your Lordship..." Sasuke's voice trailed off.
Yukimura burst with joy, "Excellent Sasuke! Your timing was a little off, but that's fine!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes and grinned, "I was the one who came up with that game!"
Yukimura cocked his head, "Really!"
"No," Sasuke put simply, "But I've made up plenty before!"
"Sasuke," Shingen said, grabbing the ninja's attention once again, "Kotaro should be back at Odawara waiting for you. Go there and join him. Return once you've completed your mission."
It was time for me to make my presence known to them. I stepped out of the shadows, sliding around Sasuke, and bowed to Lord Shingen.
"Speaking of the devil..." I heard Sasuke mutter, "Look who decided to join us."
I made no move to awknowledge his greeting. Instead, I stood with my arms crossed and stared ahead like a statue. The light began to flicker and I realized that someone was waving their hand infront of my face.
"How do you see out of that thing?" I heard Sasuke say. I grabbed his hand and looked at him as he leaned closer to my face. His curious frown turned into a bright grin as he came to some sort of realization, "Oh I see! It has little slits on it for you to see through!" He paused and rubbed his chin, "I can't imagine that your pereferal vision is any good." He paused and looked over my shoulder but I pivoted so he couldn't see behind my back.
"What's that? Is that-," he gasped and his grin broadened, "Are those pinwheels!" He laughed, "My gosh and they have flowers on them! Who got these for you, you're mom?"
Though I did not glare or made any sign of my anger, the air around me thickened and Sasuke smiled apologetically, "I... uh... fancy new ninja gear you got there. I'm sure they'll be a hit..." then he muttered, "Within another century."
"Sasuke, here's money for your trip," Yukimura said, handing the Koga ninja a large bag of zennies.
Sasuke shoved it back into his arms, "Oh Yukimura, this is far too much! What is it with you two spending so recklessly? Did it ever occur to you that this is why we're lacking..." he cut off to a whisper, "In funds." He looked back at me and I pretended that I hadn't heard.
I'd tuck that information away for later use.
"Anyways," Sasuke pulled out a small purse and selected about half of the zennies that Yukimura had offered him. "There, that should be sufficient enough for the both of us!"
"Good luck you two," The Tiger of Kia said to us.
Yukimura waved, "Say hi to Masamune for me Sasuke, will ya?"
"Sure thing, Yukimura," Sasuke turned heel and grinned at me, "Well, it looks like that's our cue to get outta here!"
I took the hint and the two of us dashed off side by side. We ran until we were on the border of the Takeda's territory.
"So, where should we head off to first? Mori, Date, or the newbees?" Sasuke said as he laid back, craddled in the branches of a tree.
Naturally I didn't answer, I simply took action, exploding forth through the trees.
I looked back over my shoulder just in time to see Sasuke leap to his feet, "Hey! Where are you-? Wait for me!" And he dashed forth in pursuit of me. Thus began the first part of our mission.
...
Sweey: Ah hah! Now, tell me watchya thought and then, help me decide: Mori or Date. The newbees will be for later... I must have a discussion with Tomoko-sama first. ;D If I got anything wrong, please let me know! Review time!