Assassin's Creed: Tumult of the Sengoku Period

Chapter 13 of my Assassin's Creed story, enjoy.

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will zona: Thanks, glad you are enjoying it.

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Assassin's Creed or the characters, just the Ocs.

Chapter 13: Terror at Nagashino

1575, the previous year the Asakura were completely wiped out and the Oda claimed Echizen. Meanwhile the Takeda were advancing upon the Tokugawa again, led by Katsuyori they were no longer furthering the Templar ambition but were simply heading for the Capital. The Oda had offered help to the Tokugawa and the alliance had been formed quickly, Nobunaga had brought a large army with him and a surprisingly large number of Teppo, arquebus rifles, three thousand to be exact. It seemed he had a plan involving these rifles along with the Apple which he had with him. Hanzo was already plotting to claim the Apple back so it could be protected from the Templar's ambitions.

Toranaga sighed, "I don't understand what Nobunaga is hoping to accomplish, he's taking a huge gamble, using Teppo. There are so many things that can go wrong. The gun can backfire, jam, and let's not forget, it takes a long time reload them and the accuracy is pitiful. How is he hoping to defeat a cavalry force with them."

"Look at his ranks, and then you will see his plan." Hanzo replied.

Toranaga looked out over the Oda ranks. The Oda forces had constructed several pits and horse barricades to funnel the cavalry into going for the gaps between the barricades. While trying to enter these narrow spaces they would be perfect targets for the rifles. Those that got through would be facing Ashigaru armed with long yari. The only odd thing was that the three-thousand rifles weren't lined up in a single line, but in three lines of a thousand each. Seeing that Toranaga was still confused Hanzo explained.

"Nobunaga has the Apple, that'll prevent almost all those problems you mentioned. By using it he will make his Ashigaru fearless and they will hold their ranks. No matter how well trained it is, no horse will journey into a solid unit."

"I see, then Nobunaga stands a good chance of winning," Toranaga stated, but then shook his head, "The Apple still won't solve the reloading issue."

Hanzo had no answer, he couldn't see the answer to that either.

After thinking over this for a moment he shook his head.

"That is Nobunaga's concern; our main concern right now is to protect Ieyasu-sama from the Takeda." He paused and then added, "Should Nobunaga prove victorious he will send his men to rout them, which is when we make our move."

Toranaga shook his head, "We cannot use our Hidden Blades to assassinate him, he is too well protected for that." Hanzo nodded, "I know, I will be near him, to get the Apple once you kill him." He pointed to a grassy knoll to the south, "That knoll has the best view of the Oda camp; you will have a clear shot, use your Hidden Gun to kill the Demon King."

Toranaga nodded, it was the best plan they had, everything however depended on him to make it work. But first, there was the upcoming battle; already he could hear the horse's hooves as they galloped through the forest towards the Oda-Tokugawa encampment. Nobunaga laughed as he sat astride his horse, he then reached into the pouch at the side and lifted the Apple out, it glowed faintly in his hand as he raised it. As he did so he spoke, his voice ominous and, thanks to the Apple, echoing across the battlefield, so even the Takeda could hear it.

"Here at Nagashino…I predict the end of the old world." He raised the Apple even higher and it flared with gold light as he continued his speech, "Watch and I shall prove it to all of you!"

The glow enveloped his riflemen and his yari wielding Ashigaru. Suddenly his riflemen took aim and waited as the thunder of hooves grew even closer. Toranaga knew with certainty now that this battle would change the face of warfare in Japan forever.

It wasn't long before Nobunaga's strategy became clear and soon the Assassin's realized that he had countered every weakness of the rifle and made formed the perfect defensive formation. The Takeda Cavalry charged out of the forest and through the narrow dry lakebed. Soon they were back on even ground and forced to go around the pits and horse barricades. Right where Nobunaga wanted them, he smirked and barked his order.

"KASAI!"

All simultaneously the thousand rifles in the front row fired. Their shots flew true and struck their targets, killing them instantly, shocking the other troops. The Takeda Generals in charge of the Cavalry urged their troops to keep moving, use the time needed to reload to attack. They charged again but Nobunaga smirked and surprised everyone.

"KASAI!"

The first row was kneeling down, reloading, the second row however responded to the call and fired, once again striking their target and causing mass panic, especially amongst those who thought the enemy would be reloading. Nobunaga gave the order again and the third row fired. It was then Toranaga saw the Demon King's plan.

'By firing a row at a time he can volley the rounds, one row fires, as they reload the next row fires, then the next, once they've fired the first row is ready to fire again…With that, continuous fire can be achieved.'

Sure enough this process repeated and the Takeda cavalry was reduced to sitting targets as they were shot. The few that made it through found an impenetrable wall of spears waiting for them which made short work of them.

The devastating effectiveness of the strategy was both awe inspiring and terrifying. The mighty Takeda Cavalry which had terrified the men of Mikawa two years ago were now scattering like leaves in the wind. However one of the two remaining heroes from Shingen's day was amongst them, Yamagata Masakage. He had seen enough to know it would be foolish to attack and so he took what was left of his troops and changed course. Hanzo spotted it at once.

"He is coming for us, Ieyasu-Sama!"

Ieyasu glared and tightened his grip on his spear, "Stand your ground!"

The Tokugawa braced for the assault as the great hero in red armour charged their forces. Toranaga knew he had to take his chance, besides; it wouldn't hurt to have a practice shot. He raised his left arm and pointed it at Masakage. Satisfied with all the variables he reached up with his right hand and depressed the small pressure switch which acted as a trigger. A small burst of fire erupted from his Hidden Blade and the bullet whistled through the air, striking Masakage in the fore head and killing him instantly. This was all that was needed and Ieyasu signalled his men who attacked and within moments killed the demoralized unit. Toranaga and Hanzo resumed watching the Takeda Main Camp which was on top of a hill on the other side of the forest. There was still no signal, wasn't Katsuyori going to call back his troops, he could see they were being slaughtered.

Suddenly a lone shout echoed over the battlefield, "For my Lord, I am now past the point of no return, all that awaits me is a glorious death."

It was the second of the great heroes, Baba Nobufusa. He charged single handed towards Nobunaga, he didn't seem phased by the bullets and even urged his horse to leap over the Ashigaru unit before him. Just when it seemed he would reach Nobunaga, Toshiie and Katsuie charged towards him and thrust their spears with such ferocity that they killed him with little effort.

With their two great heroes gone the Takeda began to lose heart and Katsuyori finally signalled the retreat. Nobunaga sent his men in pursuit; Ieyasu sent some his forces to aid the Oda. Hanzo however nodded to Toranaga and left to get into position, Toranaga went to do the same; it was time to carry out their plan.

End of chapter, so the Oda have devastated the Cavalry and are now in pursuit, however Toranaga is now moving to assassinate Nobunaga, what will be the outcome here? Hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.