After a long battle, Masamune stood silently. Taking in the surrounding of his fallen troops. He knew they were down – but certainly not out. Just how long were they actually gonna stay there? He thought, scolding himself for getting to hot out on the field, and letting Tanaka Hanbei slip away from his claws. Moreover, where was his "Third –eye"? Surely, she's around here somewhere.
Masamune swore at himself for letting his mind think like that; what he needed to do was to get Oshuu- before anything uncool happens .
"Wake up.." His hands quenched his sword while scanning the area. "Wake up guys!" He ordered.
Slowly but surely, the men of Date rose to their feet from the battle grounds . emerging towards their boss's feet. Each of them drained to no wits end. It was a miracle how these soldiers made it through all of this. But then again, They were Date men.
"My lord." One by One, each spoke, and stiffened up. Masamune looked over them, a light movement along his lips as he did.
"All right." He says scanning the crew keenly." I knew you'd make it. We have Oushu back for now."
"Hai." Was what came out of the troops. Just as the One –eyed Dragon turned his back, the long slash along his back was revealed to his men.
Some mumbled, some swore : It was Kojuro whom was to guard Masamune's back. Where is he now?
"As soon as we return, prepare to strike." Masamune says while looking over his shoulder. " Our target: Osaka. To destroy Toyotomi and take back Kojuro."
"Yes sir!" The unison was alive again, each stiffening and preparing for the ride home.
But just as the dust picked up. Masamune turned around, looking past his guards and their crazy hairstyles; he had spotted the dirt settling. Big and Bulky. His arms far apart from his body; as he walked forth. Like a giant gorilla, the size of five men put together.
It was the Monkey King: Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The men of Date froze. Breaking apart into rose as their leader turns to the get a better look. Just as the Monkey king stood before them. His red colored eyes locked on Masamune-dono.
"So you came to see me in generous of you." Masamune remarked with a casual smirk on his face, he walked forth. " Saves me the trouble of going all the way to Oshu to look for you."
Hideyoshi…surprisingly snickered.
"You're pretty stubborn for a snake. Just goes to show how small of a man you truly are."
"Huh?" Mayamune stares down his enemy, his pale blue eyes breathing energy from his soul. No matter how badly hurt he was, the dragon in him still wanted to fight. If He closed his eyes now, He could hear Natsumi screaming out to him. Taking him down with foul words and witty comments.
Damn woman, He thought to himself. Aiming his blade at Hideyoshi.
"With your scales stripped off, your right eye taken, and even your "Third eye" blinding you completely with her virtue. You still decide to take up against me?" Masamune's eyes were wide.
Was she really using him? A pawn for Hideyoshi? Did he hear that right?
He bit down on the thought and closed his hands around the hilt of his sword.
"Is that so?" He asks. "It looks like I overestimated you. Your judgment leaves a lot to be desired, huh?" His blade was now close to his right eye patch. " Let me show you that a dragon's scales never come off until it dies." With his honorable stance ready, Masamune's energy began to take over. Hideyoshi drew his hand back, awaiting for the dragon to strike. Having reached for the sky, Masamune charged downward at Hideyoshi – whom, had ready his fist for the striking uppercut. Colliding blades to metal armored gloves, the reaction resulted to a catastrophic explosion that indeed shook the earth.

" Natsu-chan! You certainly looked lovely as always." Hanbei said, while making his way towards the woman. His hands behind his back as his eyes were studying her carefully. Natsumi's eyes were closed and her arms were crossed. She didn't care too much for Hanbei, but he was the strategist for Hideyoshi's army. He was above her when it came to her overlord. Hanbei surely acted like his lapdog.
"Hanbei-kun, I assume you've been working hard as always. How the years have seemed to take it's time on you is still a mystery to me." She says, giving him a sincere smirk. One that held a cunning message as the pale skinned purple haired man circled around her. Snickering.
" Well, But I wonder about the wounds your boyfriend is going to need help with… being as the right eye is missing all his has is …you."
Natsumi's eyes widen, her glare softened as she looked at Hanbei.
"What do you mean?" She asked, Hanbei grimaced and set a vivid red rose onto her shoulder. "Lord Hideyoshi …"
"Is out in the mountains with that vile toothless worm, who knows," Hanbei stopped and whispered close to her ear. He took in the sweet scent of Jasmine and honey. Natsumi's eyes were wider than her head.
"He could be begging for Lord Hideyoshi to spare him. Then he'll be coming for you, next."
Natsumi looked shocked. Hideyoshi was going to kill her after dealing with Masamune. Before Hanbei could open his mouth to say another word – Natsumi was gone. Making her way to Suriagaehara.

Masamune woke up to a housing of sort. He saw nothing but dimed area. He looked to his left and grew into shock. There, with her eyes closed and her feet tucked underneath her – was Natsumi. Her face looked different, he could see a bluish spot on her fight cheek. A bruise.
"You're awake." She said, while tilting her head up. Watching his head turn to face her. Their eyes meeting and for once – he saw the grey in her eyes softening up to a more heather look. Not like that harsh tornado ,stormy color he would normally see.
He would rather see this side of her eyes.
"Your men were worried, they sit out and wait for word on your condition." She calmly says while she lightly brushed his hair back and set the warmed cloth onto his head.
" Why am I not dead?" he asked.
"Hideyoshi was going to finish you off, but he stopped as the men towered over you…He was still going to strike, until I had to stop him." She had explained.
The memory still stung her: Hideyoshi's giant fist connecting against her soft face. Knocking her mask out of her hands. The moment of betrayal.
She didn't know who to trust now. Could she even go back to Lady Oichi again?
Her eyes began to water and a single tear stung on her marked face.
"So what he was said was true. You worked for him?" He asked, looking up at her face. He had saw something that bothered him. The expression that was on her face - it showed a different story. A softer side of Natsumi. She couldn't look at him, she waited...patiently.
For some sort of blow to her face. Maybe harder than Hideyoshi's hand.

Instead, he had sprung upward, swearing from the opening sensation that spreaded through out his body. The bandages sculpting his lean hands were locked around her wrist.
" My mission is over. I will prepare to leave."
As she stood up, Masamune pulled her back down. His eye locked onto hers. He could feel her pulse roaring at the tip of his fingers. her breathing was heavier,but she had admired his quickness. He drew her closer towards him. "You think you could leave me like this? Just when my right eye is missing, my third eye is calling quits." She had hated his casual tone, his body language and how it transitioned whenever he were about to fight. It made her want to punch him in the face - but knowing Masamune, he would catch it and make it some sort of game.
"What's the point of having someone who planned to kill you around you? Don't you think I might actually get the job done when you fall asleep or something?" Masamune smirked and pressed his lips against hers.
It was overwhelming at first – the heat that simmered off the Dragon and transferred towards the other Dragon. His lips were soft and sweet – or was it the moment's notice. Her eyes were wide and his arms locking around her waist – bringing her in closer. Then, her obi was off her waist and thrown away from her. His hands exploring her – and she would let him. She needed to clear her mind, yet Masamune was here at the right moment. When she was in pain of betrayal, she stood with him. Even when she was tasked to kill him.
"Why not kill me? Your assassin. I tried to..." His lips traveled back to her as he did.
"You're keep getting way too hot," He whispers as their lips touch gracefully , "you need to stay cool."
kissing her over and over and over.
Stay cool, she thought to herself. No wonder he's so casual. He doesn't let a thing bother him.
She felt her face flush and her body was shivering. Her body now belonged to him. So long as Hideyoshi held breath.
"Masamune…I wish to serve you. Allow me to become your eyes as Kojuro is not with you." She whispered back, soft and smoothly. Melodic like a song.
She had thought that would cause a nerve to startle. Thinking about Kojuro, if it didn't bother him. It bothered her by just merely saying such.
"But when Kojuro comes back, don't think you're leaving me." He whispered into her ear. His breathing was rasp and his heart racing more than it did before. Natsumi couldn't help but rewind the words he spoke.
Don't think you're leaving me.
Even when Kojuro is back at his side, Masamune would still have a place for her? How could that be?
Masamune laid back onto the futon- his hands guiding her towards his waist line. His body now healed over the little time they've had. Her hands playing with his, as she felt something shot into her. She let out a loud groan and bit back on her words as well as ending the thought of her getting away from him. For she had trusted him, now.

The lotus played in the soft singing winds as the two dragons became one.
She was now a part of Oshuu.