Modern Basara chapter 7: Tragedy

Disclaimer: I don't own Sengoku Basara or Samurai Warriors, just my OC

The Demon forces have returned since America's fall more ruthless than ever. Many generals will lose their lives...

Okehazama- The sparks of clashing swords light the darken sky as it rains upon the fields. Due to the ambush, Imagawa's forces have dwindled. This and Samanosuke's current occupation dueling their commander keeps the cowardly Daimyo in his portable prison. "Oh dear, what can I do? What can I do?" A soldier came rushing to Yoshimoto "My lord, it's time for a retreat! I suggest letting Samanosuke be our rearguard." Yoshimoto quickly agrees and with his remaining troops, retreats to the surrounding forests. Meanwhile Samanosuke and Ranmaru are in a deadlock, the friction of their swords cause sparks to fly around them. They both struggle to over power one another, glaring into each other's eyes when Samanosuke flashed a cocky smirk.

"Heh, you're a Daimyo? Never seen one as pretty as you before." Samanosuke said, getting closer to the younger fighter. Their deadlock eventually broke off, Ranmaru gets to his stants once more. "Leave at once! I only seek Yoshimoto's head!" Ranmaru said. Samanosuke found it odd that this "girl" is trying to avoid fighting him. So instead he picks more fun at his unfortunate enemy. "See that's the problem pretty lady. I've been sent here to watch over his cowardly ass while he complains, and sleeps, and eats. Do you know how IRRITATING this man is? Therefore, I'm not backing out until I get a good pay, you get me?" Samanosuke said, pointing his right sword towards the youth. "I believe you're the one who should retreat. A pretty girl like you has no right to stain her gorgeous hands in blood. Why don't you go back to school. You know, do homework, gossip, fiddle with your skirt. Sounds better than fighting in the rain huh?" Samanosuke's taunting eventually got to Ranmaru's patience and he snapped. "Would you PLEASE stop! I'm sick of your jesting!" Ranmaru exclaimed, a vein protudes from his forehead.

Samanosuke suddenly clashes swords with the rather annoyed youth, a devious grin on his face. "Awww. And why is that princess?" Samanosuke taunted as he slashed his swords left and right. Ranmaru managed enough strength to push the Daimyo back before responding to him. Samanosuke charged back into action, swords ready. However, he was unaware of the man's answer, and what a surprising answer it was.

"Because I'm a man!" Ranmaru yelled out. Samanosuke was frozen right where he stood, his eyes wide like saucers and his jaws agape. "You're a WHAT?" Smanosuke exclaimed, extremely shocked at the truth "No way..." The poor warrior shuttered. Ranmaru nods, embarrassed that his enemy didn't notice his true gender. "Of course I am. How do you not see that?" Ranmaru asked in confusion. Samanosuke sputtered nonsense in response "How do I-? Have you not seen yourself in the mirror kid?" The battlefield was forgotten as the two warriors begin arguing. Meanwhile Yoshimoto slipped pass the warriors into the forest. Unknown to him a voluptuous woman stood behind a tree, a viper slithers through her kimono. "You've done your part Ranmaru. Time to do mine." She whispered, licking her lips as she pursues her fleeing target.

Mongolia- The Takeda calvary arrived to the burnt village, too little too late. Azai's soldiers lay littered in the sand, bullet wounds cover their lifeless bodies. "Sir Yukimura." One of the calvary men spoke. Yukimura grits his teeth. Such a horrid sight always sickens him. "Who could've done this?" He asked quietly. Yukimura turned to one of his subordinates. "Oyamada, where's Nagamasa?" The soldier looked to the general, concern in his eyes. "I don't know." Was his unfortunate answer. "Yukimura!" Called a familier voice. Sasuke appeared from the shadows, carrying the body of Nagamasa. "Report Sas..suke..."

Yukimura noticed the unmoving body of Nagamasa on Sasuke's shoulders, shocked at what became of the hero of justice. "Found him like this at the center of town. If my instincts are correct on this, I'd say it was all an ambush." The ninja said to his general. Yukimura glanced at Nagamasa's wounds in shock and looked back to Sasuke. "We must get him to Tokyo Castle AT ONCE! Men, find as many survivors as you can!" Sasuke nods as he prepared to take Nagamasa safely away to Tokyo. Meanwhile the others look around town to find any survivors. Unfortunately, no one survived the massacre. Not a single person.

Tokyo Castle- The rain poured in the city of Tokyo. The young Shogun Ieyasu is currently winning a shogi match with his frustrated uncle Takechiyo. "End game." Ieyasu declared calmly, scoring a checkmate right before his distraught uncle. Takechiyo sighed aloud and got to his feet. "Third time I swear. You don't have any openings don't you?" Takechiyo stated with a smile. Despite his losing streak, the old man was impressed with his nephew's skills and strategy. "You're just impatient Uncle. Take your time and opportunity will choose you."

Just then a ninja clothed in darkness appeared in the room. Wielding a kusari gama in his hand, the ninja knelt before Takechiyo. "My lord, I have come to bring you the report. Yukimura and the Takeda calvary found Azai's forces." The ninja stated, his cold voice muffled by his mask. Takechiyo gave out a hearty laugh as he walked to his ninja. "Well done Hanzou." Hanzou bowed humbly to his lord, showing no emotion despite his praise. "What have Nagamasa's condition? Why couldn't he respond to us?" Ieyasu asked, worried that things were as bad as he thought. Hanzou turned to the young lord. He bowed and then answered him. "He is in a critical condition. His entire body is riddled with bullet wounds. He'll live but..." Ieyasu was not happy about any of what he's hearing. 'It was worse than I thought. Much worse.' "But..?" He wishes for the end of this report.

"He won't last Lord Ieyasu. He's only got-" "DON'T SAY IT!" Ieyasu abruptly stopped the ninja, his eyes saddened at this sudden turn of events. "Hanzou, go to Oshu and retrieve Masamune and Oichi." Ieyasu ordered. Hanzou bowed as he vanished into the shadows. Takechiyo took a glance at his distressed nephew. "Ieyasu." Was all he can say. Ieyasu tightened his fists as his thoughts led to worries. Whatever has brutalized Nagamasa must've attcked Samanosuke as well. "Samanosuke, I pray for your safe return." He silently said to himself as he stared to the darkened clouds.

Oshu- Masamune lays atop his futon, his thoughts lay scattered in his head. What Kojuro said to him earlier remains fresh in his mind. "Do you harbor feelings for the Lady Oichi?" Echoed Kojuro's question. Masamune abruptly sat up, his face crimson. "Damnit Kojuro." He muttered to himself, his sole eye glares at nothing in particular. "I go out of my way to check on the farms and all this starts happening. I'm mad!" He groaned. Ever since Kojuro's sudden question and his unsure answer, Masamune's been rather distracted with the chaos in his mind and the uncertainty in his heart. Sure he is on good terms with Oichi, enough that their conversations cause laughter amongst themselves. Still, she's a wife now. Wife to the honorable and heroic Azai Nagamasa. His teeth gritted with jealousy until he finally calmed himself. "Gotta keep cool. This isn't like me at all. At this rate I might get in trouble with Kojuro." As he collected his thoughts, the shoji to his room slides opened, surprising the One Eyed Dragon. The mystery visitor was none other than Oichi.

She stayed at the entrance, taking in the light in Masamune's room. Any noise made outside her little world was swallowed by the quiet thumping of her heart. "Masamune, you're awake." Oichi stated, her voice pierces the silence in the room. Masamune's cheeks grew crimson once again and he has every thought in his head disappeared. In his frantic panic, he was left unaware of Oichi's presence. She giggled in amusement and invited herself into his room. Masamune turned away in embarrassment as Oichi walked towards him, her normal fighting garments were replaced by a pretty kimono. "I heard from Kojuro..." She said in a serious tone. Masamune flinched, thinking that Oichi was informed about his feelings. 'Damn, Kojuro! You had to tell her!' He braced himself for her polite rejection. Oichi then smiled and asked the troubled warrior "You're under some stress correct?" Masamune sweat drops upon hearing this. Oichi giggled at her friends reaction. He is clearly uptight about something.

"What's your point Oichi?" Masamune asked, trying to sound as polite as possible. Oichi then brought her hands together with a shy grin. "I'll give you a nice back massage, if you let me stay for the night. Please?" Oichi asked innocently, earning a flustered Dragon staring at her. Masamune sighed aloud and then gave the beauty a playful smirk "Go ahead. It'll be just what the doctor ordered." Masamune laid on his futon face front, awaiting Oichi's massage. Oichi smiled and walked towards the resting Daimyo. She sat by his laying form and brought her hands to his shoulder blades. Masamune sighed loudly as he felt his stress being lifted away.

During Oichi's massage, the shadow from a nearby lantern begin shifting until it formed into Hanzou, Takechiyo's ninja. "Lord Masamune, Lady Oichi, you are requested to return to Tokyo Palace." Oichi stopped and looked to the ninja, her face crimson with embarrassment. Masamune rose see the shinobi. "What's up, shadow ninja." Hanzou bowed to the pair and gave his ominous report. "Lord Nagamasa and his army have fallen victim to a fatal ambush. The young cub of Kai is currently bringing him to Tokyo Castle."

Oichi stood there petrified, her eyes wide with horror. A shocked Masamune stared at the distraught woman in front of him. "No way. Can't be." He said to himself solemnly. Oichi held to her chest when a sudden pain struck her heart. At that moment she knew, Nagamasa won't last. "Lord Nagamasa...no.." She said to herself, fresh tears drip from her eyes to the wooden floor.

Okehazama- The rain poured down on the battered earth violently. Bodies of Imagawa's troops lay littered throughout this storm. Among the graves two warriors stared into each others eyes, one fell to the floor while the other looked down before him. Samanosuke's blade stayed near Ranmaru's neck, the warrior's sword laid several feet from them. "Now tell me kid. What's your allegiance? Who do you serve under?" Demanded Samanosuke, his blades drew closer to Ranmaru's throat. The young warrior glared at his adversary as if he is defying death itself. "I will rather bite off my tongue than submit to you!" Ranmaru exclaimed with pride. Just then he looked at the tress and noticed the fleeing Yoshimoto, and Nohime pursuing him.

Ranmaru turned to his foe and gave Samanosuke a scowl. "You will know soon. Samanosuke, disciple of Oda Nobunaga!" Ranmaru declared with confidence. Samanosuke stared at the boy in surprise "You know me? You know Nobunaga sensei?" Before he could react, Ranmaru took advantage of the warrior's distraction and dashed for his long sword. Samanosuke attempted to guard himself from the attack, but he was too late. Ranmaru managed to slash at the Daimyo's left arm, knocking off his shoulder armor and delivering a nasty cut. Samanosuke winced and held on to his injured arm.

No longer forced to fight his enemy, Ranmaru swings his sword clean of freshly shed blood and sheathed it. "I must return to me lord. I bid you farewell Samanosuke." He said to the wounded warrior. He took a nearby horse and retreats to the forest, his small army follows. "Wait! You little brat! GET over here!" Samanosuke shouted, holding on to his bleeding arm. "DAMN!" He cursed, irritated that he let Ranmaru retreat AND got his arm cut. He turned to see if Yoshimoto was still in his cart cowering only to find that he's not there."Yoshimoto!" He calls out, no answer returned. He looked to the forest in realization and fear. "Oh no.." He grabs some cloth and tied it to his wound. Samanosuke then mounted on a horse and rode to the forest, in search of the foolish Daimyo.

In the forest- Yoshimoto quivers uncontrollably in his cart. "Oh dear I hope Samanosuke took care of those bandits. I have NO desire to have my robes dirty." He said cowardly. Unknown to him a viper slithers by his side. Not just any viper. This viper was trained and raised for one reason, slaying generals. Though its poison isn't lethal alone, it causes instant paralyses, making killing the general by its master's hand quick and painless.

The viper slithered up Yoshimoto's sleeve as the man looked around frantically. "Well at least I'm safe here." Yoshimoto said with relief. He sat back and yawned, ordering the men who were driving his cart to move faster. However, he heard a horse outside heading towards him. Yoshimoto, thinking it was Samanosuke, peeked his head out to greet him. "Well about time. I was beginning to worr- OH DEAR!" Yoshimoto exclaimed when he noticed a voluptuous woman atop the horse, an evil smirk embraced her enchanting face.

Before he could alert his guards, the viper attacked from out the collar of the general's robe, striking at his neck. The viper injects its dose of paralyzing venom into the helpless general as Nohime got closer to the cart. By the time the Devil's wife stealthily hoped into the cart, Yoshimoto was already unconscious. The viper slithers back into its master's kimono and reappeared between her cleavage. "That's a good boy. You've done well darling." Nohime praised her deadly pet, stroking the the top of its head. The viper then made a loose coil around the woman's neck as though it were a necklace.

"Now then. Time to take you to my Lord husband" Nohime grabbed the unconscious Yoshimoto and tossed him to atop her horse. She then took a bomb from her sleeve, lit it and placed it in the cart. "Farewell you imbeciles." She taunted silently as she jumped off the cart and landed on the saddle. She then rode away from the cart. "How's lord Yoshimoto? Haven't heard anything from him yet." One of the guards asked. The other gave a shrug "Don't know. Let's check." They both checked behind them to see how Yoshimoto's doing. That moment all they saw was the bomb. Shocked, they attempted to escape a little too late as it detonated, killing them without warning or mercy.

Tokyo Castle- Masamune and Oichi arrived at the Castle during the worst of the storm. "Where's Nagamasa?" He asked one of the guards. Oichi waits anxiously behind her guardian, waiting to see her husband. "Masamune. You arrived." Ieyasu said, a smile embraced his face. "Where's Lord Nagamasa?" Oichi asked the young shogun patiently. Ieyasu nods in response and leads them to his room. Just outside the shoji of Nagamsa's room was a young crimson warrior. The cub of the Tiger of Kai, Sanada Yukimura.

"Oh. Masamune, Lady Oichi, you've arrived." The young warrior said, the regular fire in his voice appears extinguished from his words. Shingen stood beside the young warrior just as solemn as his disciple. Beside Shingen was the God of War Kenshin and Motochika. "Where's Samanosuke?" Masamune questioned. Ieyasu shrugged, oblivious to where he is as well. "Oichi...I..Well" Ieyasu tried to explain to Oichi Nagamasa's inevitable fate. Finally he got the words right and told the confused woman the news. "He won't last. You... can say goodbye." Oichi's eyes widened in this realization. She now knows that Nagamasa is going to die.

She went through the shoji and saw her beloved husband, blood stained bandages covering most of his body. Oichi covered her mouth as tears spilled from her saddened eyes. Her silent sobs woke the weakened general. "Ichi...is that you?" He wondered softly. Oichi collapsed at her beloved husband's side, clasping her hand over Nagamasa's and cradling his head on her lap. Masamune watched them with concern."What happened to you? Who did this?" He asked. "We were... surrounded...It was an..Ambush...the demon forces.." Nagamasa weakly answered. Ieyasu frowned upon hearing this. "So, they've appeared again. The Devil King has set his sights upon us." The other generals show their worry on this as well. Yukimura stared helplessly at the scene, tears well up in his eyes.

Masamune silently watches as Nagamasa's labored breath grew. "Ichi...tell me..was I wrong?...My justice.." Oichi brought her hand to her husband's forehead, soothing his breath with her smile. "You were never wrong my beloved. Not then, not now. So...please..don't..." Oichi slowly loses her composure as her body starts shaking and tears start to spill from her sore eyes. Masamune walked towards the couple in hope that he can bring charisma to the warrior. "You can't die here Hero of Justice. not like this. If you do, no one can bring light and joy to Oichi's heart. You see?" He said. As Oichi's tears drowned her sight and hearing, Nagamasa replies to Masamune's words. "One eyed Dragon...I can't...not anymore.." He rose his hand weakly and brought it to the Daimyo's shoulder. "Take care of her Masamune. I know...I..know...she'll be happy...with...you." he whispered to Masamune, drawing his last few breaths. Masamune turned his remaining eye away from his friend's dying smile.

Nagamasa then moved his hand to Oichi's damp cheeks, getting his beloved wife's attention. He smiled as he drew his last breath. "Ichi...I...love...yo..." Nagamasa's voice failed him. His hand went limp in Oichi's hands as he closed his eyes. Oichi, seeing her husband's collapse desperately shook his head, trying to wake him. "Lord Nagamasa? Please wake up..." She repeated a few more times, Nagamasa however remained quiet. She starts weeping again as she holds her beloved to her chest.

Masamune remained by her side as the other generals left the room. "Oichi-" The One eyed Dragon said, reaching for her shoulder before Oichi turned and hugged him tightly, her sobs never stopped. "Lord Nagamasa..." She whispered. The young Daimyo, surprised by her sudden action, unconsciously held the weeping woman closer to him, placing one hand over her back and the other cradling her head. "It's ok. I'm here. I'll never leave you. I promise." Masamune said to the Oichi, knowing that he must be there for her, afterall he is the only one left in this world who will bring the woman her grew to cherish happiness. "But first," He said with confidence, bringing Oichi's attention.

"The Devil King must fall." Oichi looked away, her red eyes and damp cheeks obscure her beauty. It was then that Masamune wiped the tears from her face and brought her stare to his sole eye. "Til then, I need you to be safe at Oshu. Alright?" He said, his charming smirk embraced his face. Silently, Oichi nods as Masamune left the room. She then sat by her now deceased husband as she thought aloud in sadness. "Why? Dear brother, why?" She asked solemnly. "It's all...It's all my fault."

In the forest- Samaonsuke chased after Ranmaru until he was out of sight. "Damnit! Cuts my arm and takes off! Little punk.." He mumbled, holding to the wound. The rain didn't make him feel any better. An explosion surprises him as a young kunoichi appeared before him. "Okatsu! Why are you here?" he asked. "You must retreat at once!" She exclaimed. Samanosuke turned his horse and rode to the explosion, ignoring Okatsu's warning. "Not until I bring Yoshimoto back in one peace."

Okatsu dashed next to him as the Daimyo kept going. "Nagamasa has fallen. The one responsible was none other than the Devil King." Samanosuke stared at the young ninja in shock then glared to the ground. "So, he's back huh?" Memories of America's destruction clouded his mind when Okatsu woke him from his thoughts. "We're here." She said. Before them was the wreckage of Yoshimoto's cart. "You're hurt." Okatsu stated, looking at the cut on his arm. "I'll be fine" The young warrior said reassuringly. "So, He's not here." Samanosuke thought aloud. "Here, I found tracks." On the floor were horse tracks, seperate from the wagon. The duo followed the tracks until they were at a clearing.

Around the clearing were hundreds of soldiers, their expressions were unreadable. As they tread carefully, they spotted three individuals atop a jagged mountain. Above this trio was the eye of the storm that is plaguing Japan, the red clouds summon lighting around the three villains. The flash of lightning reveal the voluptuous woman, Nohime and her pet coiling around her kimono, the boy Ranmaru, his head bowed to the third and final villain, the Devil King, his cape moves independently with the winds of the storm as his eyes burn down to meet Samanouske's gaze. "Devil King!" Samanosuke exclaimed, preparing to draw his swords when the wound in his left arm began to throb.

Holding to his injury, he saw the Devil King's intense gaze as he groans in pain. "Devil King, Where's Yoshimoto?" He asks the villainous man. The woman next to The Devil King then dragged out the half conscious body of Yoshimoto, the paralyzing venom still in his system. "Yoshimoto!" Samanosuke called out, only getting The Devil King to reveal his sawed off shotgun and pointing it directly at the helpless man's head. Samanosuke watched helplessly as the storm grew stronger, The Devil King gave Samanosuke a satisfied grin as he pressed his finger at the trigger.

Thunder and lighting flash violently around the blood tinted sky. Samanosuke and Okatsu watched in horror as Yoshimoto opened his eyes for the last time. Realizing his predicament he attempted a call for help, However... "Oh dea-" A single blast from the Devil King's weapon echoed through the air, paralyzing Samanosuke and his ninja ally where they stood, eyes widened at was has just happened. Yoshimoto's lifeless body drops to the ground from the mountain and crumples at Samanosuke's feet. Frightened, all he can do was freeze where he stood. The Devil King gave the distraught warrior a smug grin like a predator that just fed on its bounty.

In the silence the demon forces left the area, soon all that remained was Samanosuke, Okatsu, the body of Yoshimoto, and the Devil King. Samanosuke's fear and shock subsided to anger and rage as he drew his swords and charged. Okatsu however stopped him before he got too close. "Get out the way Okatsu!" Samanosuke yelled, adrenaline rushes through his head. "You are in no condition to fight! My mission is to bring you back alive!" Okatsu replied, Samanosuke begins to calm down as he glared at the Devil King. "You've failed your mission. Dying now is not worth it." Okatsu reasoned, giving the Daimyo a sympathetic look.

Samanosuke gave one last look towards the ruthless Devil King. "Next time I see you, I'll avenge the injustice of what you've done!" Samanosuke declared as he sheathed his swords, gripping onto his injury. Devil King gave the warriror a sneer before turning swiftly, his cape flew around in the movement. Okatsu grabbed Yoshimoto's broken body and disappeared. Meanwhile Samanosuke stared up into the storm as it grew more viscous, the his wound remains forgotten it bleeds freely. 'The Devil King will pay for what he's done' Samanosuke vowed to himself. However, He doesn't know the true identity of the Devil King, and the man he once was...

O_o uhhh... yikes... long chap huh? heh ^_^; I can't promise they're all gonna be THIS long but I hope you enjoy. I would like to say thank you, all of ya for enjoying what I've been typing up and once again, if there're any characters You'll like to see one make a cameo, or wonder that they're gonna be involved, just request it in the Review section and I'll reply to you awesome people personally. Also, If you see a typo or a spelling error in any of my chaps, let me know. I'm not just saying this for the heck of it, I make stories like this for the enjoyment of the reader and nothing's more vexing than alot of typing errors. This is for your entertainment after all my friends ^_^

Next Chapter Ieyasu will formulate a plan that will "possibly" stop Nobunaga (Or completely piss him off) Keiji from SB will be introduced along with the Basara versions of Toshiie and Matsu. Oichi will be under the temporary care of those four lackeys of Masamune from the anime (I keep forgetting their names so help me out T_T) and Hideyoshi's army won't appear at all, just so you know.

Review, Request, Stay tuned, and HAVE A PARTY! 8D