Mitsunari was weary by the time they got back to the castle. He delayed to get his leg examined, then went straight to the guest room. As soon as he slid open the door, Shiranui and Chibi jumped up and down around him, barking and their tails flying back and forth.

"Yes, yes, I'm happy to see you too." He held Shiranui back with a hand as she tried to jump on him and kiss him. "Don't. My leg can't take much more abuse."

She whimpered in apology and sat down next to the bed, tail thumping, and he joined her. Motonari looked up at him and smiled.

"How are you feeling?" Mitsunari asked.

"Much better. I've been sleeping up until now. Well? What happened with Chousokabe?"

Mitsunari told him.

"I see," the strategist murmured.

"What will you do?"

"I'm not certain yet. When will he be here?"

"A few days at least."

"Good. Then I have some time to think." Motonari sighed. "He will be difficult to predict this time."

"Are you strategists always so deceptive and cunning?"

Motonari glared at him. "I thought you knew that long before you met me. Wasn't Takenaka the very example of deception and cunning?"

"Hanbei-sama was kind and gentle," Mitsunari retorted. "Or are you just jealous because he bested you?"

Motonari ignored the question. "But what brought that on?"

He heaved a sigh. "It's Yoshitsugu. I didn't let him know that I knew about his involvement in your little arrangement. I waited until Chousokabe exposed him."

Chuckling, the strategist gave him a sly smile. "You learned a thing or two from me, didn't you?"

Mitsunari shot him a look and told him about how Yoshitsugu had put the bead there, and their conversation on the way back. "I need your opinion, Motonari. I don't know what I should think of him. If I trust him, I will leave myself open again. If I don't…"

"If you don't?"

"I…" Hand clenching, the swordsman looked down at the floor. "I can't just throw away our friendship like that."

Motonari thought for a few moments before he spoke. "When I first met him, I despised him because of his attachment to you. It made him weak. I thought he was wasting his energy and intellect for your so-called sake when he could be using that to further his own power." He smiled slightly. "Once, he came to me complaining about your behaviour. I suggested that you be replaced, but he adamantly refused."

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," Mitsunari remarked.

"He had so many opportunities to take over, to get rid of you, but he didn't. It was obvious that he had his own motives. But he failed to execute them, and I don't think he will. The fact that you're still alive is proof of this."

"Are you saying he always wanted to do away with me?" Mitsunari was becoming more and more confused. How much didn't he know about Yoshitsugu?

"No, I'm not. But if he wanted the country for himself, if he wanted his plan to succeed, you were his last obstacle. Yet something held him back. It's because he valued you."

"Was our friendship so important to him that he couldn't throw it away? Even when he had so much to gain?"

"I think you've forgotten something, Mitsunari. He is a leper and a cripple. Everyone keeps their distance from him. But you don't care about those things, and accepted him for who he was. You're the only friend he has, and probably the only friend he will ever have."

Mitsunari stared at him. He had been with Yoshitsugu for so long that he didn't even notice it anymore.

"He knows he can't find another person like you," Motonari continued. "This is why he won't lift a finger against you. It's why he won't betray you. Because if he does, he will lose you, and that's a price he never wants to pay. He must have realized this long ago."

"You're right. It's clear to me now."

Motonari lay down. "Then I'm going back to sleep."

"Fine. I need some time to think."

#

Motonari recovered quickly but refrained from moving around too much as his injuries were still healing. When Mitsunari went to visit him, he found him looking over a new set of armour and battle garments. Chibi was pushing at the helmet with a paw.

"I see they finally finished it," Mitsunari said, joining them.

Running a hand across the armour, Motonari snorted. "Yes, but I hope the workmanship holds. It's not like the ones in Aki and that's your fault."

The swordsman glared. "How is that my fault? You didn't have to get it made here. Or are you trying to manipulate me into paying the cost for you?"

"Hmph. I don't need your money."

"Then shut up."

Motonari, not having a better response, shoved his shoulder. Chibi wriggled under the helmet, sticking its head inside, and barked to get their attention. Shiranui made an exasperated noise and clapped a paw over her eyes. The puppy looked so ridiculous that the other two burst out laughing.

"Stop that." Motonari swiped the helmet and Chibi whined. "You'll get fur all over the inside!"

"If you want armour, Chibi, perhaps we can make you a set," Mitsunari said, and the puppy's eyes grew huge. "The question is if you want to look like me, or if you want to wear a silly oversized lump of metal on your head all the time."

Motonari narrowed his eyes in mock annoyance. "You're becoming a nuisance."

Grinning, the swordsman got to his feet. "I'll be back later. I'm going to see Yoshitsugu."

"Do you want me there?"

"No. This is between the two of us."

"All right. Remember what I told you." Motonari paused. "For your sake, I wish you the best."

Mitsunari left and went to the open balcony. Yoshitsugu floated there, observing the sky, and the swordsman hung back a little before joining him.

"Ah, Mitsunari. What brings you here?"

"I've had time to think. I may not agree with your methods, but I won't forsake our friendship."

Yoshitsugu faced him. "Is that so?"

"I'm not overlooking what you did. But I only wish that you would be honest with me. You have my trust. Do I not have yours?"

"Of course you do. I've said before -"

"- everything you do is for my sake." Mitsunari looked into those black-rimmed eyes. "Yes, I know. But they are just words, and so easy to say."

"Very well, Mitsunari. What would you like me to do?"

He snorted. "There's nothing that either of us can do as long as I can't see through you. But it doesn't matter. You're my friend and I trust you."

Yoshitsugu was silent for a few moments before he spoke. "You keep surprising me."

"How so?"

"You would never have forgiven such a thing. I didn't expect to live long after Shikoku, and yet here I am. It's rare for you not to act on anger." Yoshitsugu met his gaze. "Has Motonari been influencing you?"

Mitsunari didn't understand how he could have deduced something that wasn't obvious. "No. No, he hasn't."

"If you say so."

"Even if he were, it wouldn't be a bad thing, would it?"

Yoshitsugu chuckled. "Not at all. But if you were to start acting like him, I would worry."

"I could never be like him." Mitsunari turned to go. "I'll leave you in peace, then."

"Wait, Mitsunari."

He looked over his shoulder.

Yoshitsugu hesitated before speaking. "I do consider you a friend. I always have."

Mitsunari didn't answer, but offered him a smile, and for Yoshitsugu that was enough.

#

Motochika contacted Mitsunari a few days later, just as promised, and would arrive in the morning. Mitsunari told the strategist, who spent the rest of the day in his room or wandering about the castle. He didn't speak much and Mitsunari decided that it was better to leave him alone. Still, he wondered what Motonari was thinking.

When Mitsunari woke in the middle of the night, Motonari stirred beside him. Sighing, the strategist rolled over, and a few moments later he rolled over and sighed again.

Mitsunari stifled a yawn. "Motonari? What's the matter?"

"Obviously I can't sleep," came the retort.

"Are you thinking about Chousokabe?"

Motonari eased himself up. "I don't know for sure what will happen. There are so many outcomes and they are all so difficult to prepare for."

Propping himself up on his elbows, the swordsman smiled teasingly. "So you hate it when you're not in complete control."

A half-hearted slap landed on his shoulder. "It's not funny."

"You can't prepare for everything. Even if you do, something unexpected might happen."

"Failure is never a part of my calculations. I take into account the unexpected."

"Really. How about that time when we fell off a cliff? Did you expect clay soldiers? Crow tengu? A wolf that can start fires and make bombs appear?"

Motonari slapped him again, harder. "You're intolerable."

"Very well. I'll go back to sleep then." Mitsunari put his head down, making a point of not facing him.

"Don't sleep yet!" The strategist yanked his sleeve.

Groaning in mock frustration, he turned his head. "You wanted me to be quiet, and if I'm not you'll just keep hitting me. What else was I supposed to do?"

"Stop playing around. Now that I think of it…maybe you're right. But it doesn't make me feel any better. Do you really think this is a good idea?"

Mitsunari met his gaze. "No matter what happens, I'll stand at your side."

"Thank you," Motonari said with a wistful smile.

At the other end of the room, Shiranui made a long grumbling noise. Are you two done talking? Shut up and let me sleep.

#

They woke early that morning. Motonari donned his armour, moving stiffly, his injuries still on the mend. Mitsunari watched, concerned. Shiranui shared his feelings and made an inquiring noise.

"I'll be fine," Motonari said. "I just won't be able to fight."

"That's why I'm coming with you," Mitsunari said. "But I don't think Chousokabe will do anything like that."

"Hmph. What makes you so sure?"

"He didn't know what to think of you."

"Appearances are easy to fake." He snorted. "Well, he isn't that smart anyway."

"I suppose you two will never get along."

Motonari glared at him. "Never. You're a fool to even think that. Use that shrivelled thing you call a brain."

Biting back an indignant retort, the swordsman turned away.

Shiranui growled. Mitsunari didn't do anything wrong. That was just mean.

"No one asked for your opinion," Motonari snapped.

Shiranui flattened her ears and showed a fang, and Mitsunari winced. The strategist was irritable today, which was rare. For now, though, Mitsunari could take a few harsh words, not wanting to worsen Motonari's mood.

They received word that Motochika's ship had docked and went to the courtyard to await him. He arrived alone, anchor resting across his shoulders, his face solemn. Motonari's eyes were fixed on the pirate, and he clutched his ringblade so tightly that it trembled. Next to him, Shiranui and Chibi sat there, interested in seeing what would happen.

Motochika stopped before them. He didn't speak.

Taking a step forward, Mitsunari positioned himself slightly in front of Motonari.

"Welcome," he said, trying to ease the tension.

Shiranui barked and thumped her tail. Motochika nodded by way of greeting before he spoke at last. "So, Mouri. Here we are again. You're hiding behind someone as usual."

"Hmph. You think me a coward?" Motonari stepped out to stand beside Mitsunari. "I'm not hiding. He protects me because he wants to."

"I asked you this many times before, and I'll ask one last time. Who was responsible for the attack on Shikoku?"

Looking at him obliquely, the strategist kept his composure. "I was."

"So you finally admit to it, then?"

"Yes. There was no reason for you to ask me again. You already knew the truth."

"I wanted to hear it from you. I just wish I never believed you when you lied to me. Was it fun getting away with it every time I asked?"

"No, it wasn't."

"No?" The pirate blinked.

"I'm sure you remember the first time you asked. Telling you would have been disadvantageous. You wouldn't have fought with us against the evil spirits and the Eastern Army. And you certainly wouldn't be here against the serpent."

Motochika snorted. "That's typical of you. You were just manipulating me for your own selfish ends."

"But I had everything to lose."

"Oh? Well, please enlighten me. What 'everything?'"

Motonari hesitated. "My…my friendship with Mitsunari. Thanks to your meddling, I almost lost it."

Disbelieving, Motochika glanced between them. "So it's true then, what he told me about you."

"Think what you want. It…it's something that I will do anything to keep."

Heat prickled Mitsunari's cheeks and he shifted.

"You have my reasons now," Motonari continued. "And you will see them as selfish, no matter what they are. Are you satisfied?"

"Far from it. What about all my brothers, who died because of you?"

Motonari shrugged. "They're dead. Nothing you do, or I do, will bring them back."

"Huh! Just the response I was expecting."

"Did you want an apology? They are merely casualties of war. You don't see me asking about the soldiers you killed, do you?"

"That's a poor argument. You don't care about your soldiers, but I do about mine." Motochika's eye narrowed. "And don't you dare speak of them like they were insignificant!"

"Oh? You were going to kill an innocent wolf and orphan her child!"

"Stop this," Mitsunari said, and they both looked at him. "There's no time for more bickering. You two have to make peace with each other."

The strategist smiled. "Since when were you so level-headed?"

Mitsunari glowered at him.

Turning back to the pirate, Motonari's smile vanished. "It would be wise of us to obey him. So I'll make you an offer, Chousokabe. Tell me what I can do to keep you in the Western Army."

"I don't break my promises. I never intended to leave, not even after what happened. There's nothing I want more than to avenge my fallen brothers, but I see that isn't the way." He pointed the anchor at Motonari, causing Mitsunari's hand to shoot to his katana. "I know that you're still cold and heartless in there, somewhere. But I also know that you've changed greatly."

Motonari didn't respond, his eyes fixed intently on him.

"It takes compassion and trust to be friends with someone." Motochika rested the anchor against his shoulder. "The fact that Mitsunari, of all people, still stands by your side even after knowing the truth tells me just how strong your bond is. It's strange. I never thought you could care about someone else."

"Well, I can. Is that really so difficult for you to comprehend?"

"I wanted to destroy you. But after all this, I can't bring myself to do it anymore." Motochika glanced at Mitsunari. "Besides, I like my head where it is."

"Hmph. Are you done, then?"

"You're not forgiven. I don't know if I will ever have it in me. But if you leave Shikoku alone, I'll do the same."

Mitsunari glanced between them. It was a shaky arrangement. Sooner or later the two would start fighting again, unless Motonari no longer cared about dominating the inland sea. Well, as long as it kept their rivalry at bay until the war was over, it should be all right.

Motonari thought for a few moments before answering. "Very well. After the battles ahead, some peace would be in order."

"I'm holding you to your word." Motochika turned to Mitsunari. "I'm done here and would like to take my leave."

Mitsunari nodded. "Go. I'm glad you two reached an agreement."

"Keep an eye on him for me, will you? Later then, Ishida."

With that, Motochika turned and left. When he was out of earshot, Motonari heaved a sigh.

"Are you all right?" Mitsunari glanced at him.

"I'm just tired. But I'm glad it's over."

They went back inside and the wolves pranced after them, tails wagging.

"It went better than I expected," Mitsunari remarked.

Motonari's arm moved and their hands brushed together. "Nothing could go wrong with my favourite war machine around."

"Oi. I'm not your pet."

Their fingers touched, again. "You might as well be."

"What are you trying to do, seduce me?"

"Would I do such a thing?"

"No."

Motonari rolled his eyes. "You're no fun."

Once back in the guest room, Motonari wanted to sit down for a little while. Shiranui nudged him and made a whimpering noise, worried about his injuries.

"She's right," Mitsunari said. "You've been moving around too much."

"I'm sick of sleeping all day."

"Fine, but if you hurt yourself I'm making sure you stay down."

"Hmph."

"Back there, when you tried to keep him in our army…" Mitsunari looked at him. "You were really doing it for me, weren't you?"

"How perceptive of you. You've learned quite a few things." Motonari smiled teasingly. "Yes, I was."

"Then I...I want to thank you," he stammered.

Motonari thought for a few moments. "You can thank me later when I'm feeling better."

At first Mitsunari wondered why he would have to be feeling better, and when he realized what the strategist really meant he chose to ignore the comment, though his cheeks burned. Motonari was always toying with him like this.

"Mitsunari." Motonari's voice grew softer. "All this time you stuck by me. You had every reason to doubt me but you didn't. You even persuaded Chousokabe to let me go. I'm very grateful."

"I-It's nothing." He fumbled for words. "For you, I'd…nothing is too much trouble."

Motonari smiled.

(to be concluded in Volume 4)