Happy New Years Alll!
So Long 2013, I'll miss you and hello 2014!
I hope you all had a blast in 2013, and to those that had it lousy- no worries this year has many good surprises up its sleeves! Hope you like this chapter- it's pretty long.
RECAP: Yukimura confess to Sasuke that Aki wasn't allowed to leave but allowed her to so she can see Yoshitsugu. However, they now fear that she is grave danger due to appearance of two Iga ninjas, and one of them that attack Sasuke near Takeda Castle. What's more unnerving they may have ties with Masamune.
PREVIEW: Yukimura and Sasuke has been with Masamune for a few days but avoided the actual reason they came. There Sasuke and Yukimura meets more people that care for Masamune deeply. Sasuke and Yukimura have no longer reason to fear about Masamune's association with the Iga ninjas, and got themselves a lead. While Masamune finds out how Mego is doing.
Chapter Fourteenth: So What's Wrong?
It's been already three days and again, Yukimura is out fighting with Masmune.
"Come at me Yukimura!" Masamune exclaim, his blue eyes flash with excitement. Feeling adrenaline flowing into his veins full of anticipation. "Let's see if ya have what it takes to face Dokuganryū head on!" Masamune roared.
"It is a honor in facing you once again MASAMUNE-DONNNOOOOOOOO!" Yukimura shouted and lunge one of his yaris at him.
Sasuke was tired of looking at them, they spend the past two days fighting. Kojūrō has been out of the castle for a few days. Meaning he wouldn't get nowhere with Masamune. After what seems to be eternity watching the two warriors. A young man in armor with short black hair with a beauty mark on the right side of his chin; holding his helmet that had a centipede on it on his side. It seems odd, since most of Masamune's men tend to stay in their barracks. The young man sits down next to Sasuke and sticks out his hand,
"You must, Sasuke Sarutobi-san right?" The young man smoothly and friendly. Sasuke was flabbergasted, it was the first time he sees a warrior under the Date to speak so-so formal. He seems to be more refined.
"Uh, Yes I am." Sasuke said, "Who are you?" Sasuke said curiously.
The young man smiled as Sasuke takes his hand and shakes it firmly.
"I am Date Shigezane*. Masamune is my older cousin." Shigezane said as his tawny eyes flash at him with a small smile. Sasuke looks at him even more surprised.
"I didn't know that..." Sasuke said, trying to remember over his research of Masamune's background.
"It's fine, Itoko-nii sama* has been estrange with many of his relatives for quite some time." Shigezane said. Masamune parries Yukimura's stirke. He turns to look over to see Shigezane came back.
"Hey you finally came back, Shigemi*!" Masamune said he then turns to the exhausted Yukimura. "Sorry, Yukimura let's have a rematch later." Masamune walks over to them both, "I'll be right back, I'm going to serve chūshoku*!"
Yukimura walks over to Sasuke. Sasuke throws him cloth to wipe the sweat and gave him water.
"Thanks Sasuke." Yukimura said then he drank another cup of water. He then looks at Shigezane,
"You must Shigemi-dono! It's an honor to meet you, I am Sanada Genjirou Yukimura!" Yukimura said happily and shook his hand.
"Likewise, Yukimura-sama. But my name is actually Shigezane, not Shigemi." Shigezane clarified.
"Oh, Shigezane-dono!" Yukimura as if he trying to remember it more. "Masamune-dono said you've left to see Kojūrō-dono, how is he?" Yukimura asked as he join the two men.
"Kojūrō, is just taking a break from work and is at a village for harvest season. Kojūrō is very excited, his crops have flourish greatly." Shigezane said. Yukimura merely smiles at him,
"You're so different from Masamune-dono, Shigezane-dono." Yukimura said after he mentally compare the two of them.
"Yeah, I get that a lot." Shigezane said. Then Masamune appears with some food and set the tray behind them,
"Taberu jikan*!" Masamune shouted, please about his cooking as he enters the patio.
"Hey Shigemi, I got out your dumplings so everyone could try them out." Masamune said as he sat down and handed everyone a bowl of food. Which was rice and steam vegetables. Yukimura merely looks at the food briefly then he looks at Masamune,
"Masamune-dono, do you have any meat, by any chance?" Yukimura asked, trying to sound polite.
"Such a carnivore..." Sasuke thought as he ate the steam vegetables that were surprisingly good.
"Kojūrō sent them to us! We must eat them all and be thankful that we have vegetables!" Masamune said eagerly. Fearing that Kojūrō would scold him later and lecture him the value of vegetables.
Both Yukimura and Sasuke notice tension filling the air, when Masamune glares at Shigezane, who wasn't eating the meal. When both of them ate the dumplings, they notice that Masamune didn't bother to touch the dumplings at all. Shigezane had a worried look on his almost flawless face as he was looking at the food. Masamune also look hesitant eating Shigezane's dumplings. Masamune looks at Sasuke eating a dumpling,
"Hey Sasuke how do ya feel?" Masamune asked, worried that there may be poison in them. He had his staff and servants taste them beforehand. He couldn't help but feel too cautious.
"Well." Sasuke responded, not understanding what Masamune is referring to.
"I mean about that dumpling, you don't feel odd at all?" Masamune said suspiciously then he starts to glare at Shigezane again.
Feeling uncomfortable, Sasuke thought it was the best time to ask Masamune again. Sasuke looks at Yukimura, who looks back at him. Yukimura finish all of his meal and cleared his throat,
"Masamune-dono," Yukimura said. Masamune stops glaring at Shigezane and responded,
"Yeah, what is Yukimura?"
"I would like to ask you something important."
"Then spit it out!" Masamune said not wanting Yukimura to beat around the bush.
"I understand that politically, that you and I had choose different sides. According to my intelligence one of your retainers had enter into our territory, more than four weeks ago." Yukimura said then he took a cup of water. "Along with ninjas of the Iga Clan. They attack Sasuke around Takeda Castle..." Yukimura said but stop didn't know what to say.
"Are ya saying that I hire those ninjas to snoop around?" Masamune said with a annoyed look on his face.
"Yes Masamune-dono..." Yukimura said devastated, "Personally, I didn't believe it would be the case. Since I know that you are a man as honor as well!" Yukimura said trying to explain himself, he then points at Sasuke, "Sasuke told me to ask you!"
"Dan'na?!" Sasuke said in pure shock. "Should have guess that Yukimura feels guilty." Sasuke thought. He receive a nasty glare from Masamune,
"Why the fuck would I do that? I wouldn't waste my time on that and just attack you guys head on!"
"We're not accusing you, Masamune-sama." Sasuke started to explain, "It's just that we wanted to know if you knew those ninjas... or know who they work for." Sasuke said sincerely.
Masamune scratches his chin thinking. Shigezane looks as if he had realized something.
"Sasuke-san" Shigezane said, "You say those ninjas were from the Iga Clan, correct?"
"Precisely, Shigezane-sama." Sasuke said.
"I may not know who they are personally, but I do heard of one and whom he works for." Shigezane said. Masamune immediately looks at Shigezane.
"Who would you know Shigemi?" Masamune said.
"Its because I recently heard of it." Shigezane said and then he began to explain, "I heard of a skilled man; who master the skills of being both samurai and ninja. He's name is Masanari Hattori*, also known as Hanzo the Devil*. He's from the Iga clan and he serves Ieyasu Tokugawa."
"He's most likely associated with the other ninjas." Shigezane said. Sasuke then tries to remember what the male Iga ninja looked like,
"What does Hanzo look like?" Sasuke said,
"That I personally don't know." Shigezane admitted. "I know he's has great abilities: having future sight and psychokinesis. He's sounds pretty dangerous. But I don't know if its actually true."
"They are just rumors!" Masamune said irritated. "That can't be possible!"
Sasuke thought of what Shigezane said, he's probably on something. It would make sense if Ieyasu was involved.
"If they work for Ieyasu- it makes sense." Sasuke said gaining attention from the three men. "They were probably there to track down Mitsunari's movements."
"Or maybe they were there to kill any of Mitsunari's subordinates." Masamune said. "I heard that Mitsunari is trying to recruit some people, so they were there to stop them. But the thing is why they didn't they attack Yukimura? They had all this time to attack you and Shingen." Masamune said confused.
Thinking about it more Yukimura begins to hit his fist violently against his knees and shouted,
"WHAT HAVE I DONE?!" Forgetting he was with other people. Sasuke soon came into the same conclusion, leaving Shigezane and Masamune confused.
"What is you're problem Yukimura?" Masamune said surprised by Yukimura outburst.
"They were there to kill the future mother of my children!" Yukimura said in shock and he immediately got up, "And I let her travel alone... I failed her as a husband!" Yukimura said as he retrieves his weapon and tries to run out. Sasuke grabs Yukimura's arm while the Date cousins ran to their sides. Seeing Yukimura's distorted face in pain. He couldn't believe how reckless he was, "Oyakata-sama was right... I shouldn't have her leave my sight..." Yukimura lamented.
"Dan'na." Sasuke said, sensing Yukimura's pain. "I doubt that they have harm her, because when I stop the other ninja..." Sasuke said, "He was a male who has a very effeminate appearance." I sense the traveler had left a long time during my encounter, assuming that it was Aki-san." Sasuke reason, trying to reassure the dumbfounded Yukimura.
Yukimura turns to look at Sasuke, revealing his tears. That took the three of them aback.
"You think so Sasuke?" Yukimura whimper, feeling gulity. "That could explain why Akihime-dono didn't return earlier..."
"Dan'na, it takes at least a month or so to go to Shikoku and another month to return." Sasuke reason. Masamune started to laugh,
"Itoko-nii sama..." Shigezane said in a way to quite Masamune's outburst.
"You have a wife?!" Masamune said and continue to laugh, Shigezane tug his arm with an irritated look. Annoyed that Masamune wasn't considering Yukimura's feelings.
"Itoko-nii sama, you should apologize to Yukimura-sama for being rude!" Shigezane scolded him.
"How could someone like you be have a wife?" Masamune said, chuckling. Yukimura was no longer worried, being assured by Sasuke. Now Yukimura became irritated by Masamune's comment, feeling that he was insulting him.
"Masamune-dono why are you surprised?" Yukimura asked innocently. Confused at Masamune's reaction.
"It's cuz I think you're don't look or act like the type of man who would have a wife." Masamune reason. "You seem to be more of a onna-girai*."
"Whaaat?!" Yukimura said in surprised. Sasuke can already see the subject is changing. "Wow that fast..." Both Shigezane and Sasuke thought.
"I didn't mean it that way!" Masamune retorted, assuming that Yukimura interpret as being gay.
"I am not a woman hater!" Yukimura said, "How could I have hate women? My mother- who is a woman gave me life!" Yukimura said passionately. "I am forever grateful for what women has done for all of us!"
"Jeez! Relax!" Masamune said. "So, how long have you been married to her?" Masamune asked. Yukimura couldn't help but blush.
"She and I have only been recently engaged..." Yukimura said. Masamune crack a grin.
"Is that so?" Masamune said then he went into deep thought. Shigezane looks at him concern, wondering if he was thinking of Mego, his estrange wife.
"Well, how do you get along with her?" Masamune asked curiously. Yukimura lowers his head as he drop his spears.
"I think she doesn't think too highly of me, personally Masamune-dono." Yukimura said sadly.
"Wha? How so? "Masmune said surprised, thinking that Yukimura shouldn't have a problem into interacting with anyone.
"You're so friendly, Yukimura. What makes you think that?"
"She seems to uncomfortable with me..." Yukimura said.
"No, Dan'na its YOU who's uncomfortable with Aki-san." Sasuke interjected and clarified.
"ME!?" Yukimura said in awe.
"Dan'na I was told by the maids, that you were the one who was acting rash and nervous around her."
"So, Yukimura-sama is just insecure with his wife." Shigezane said.
"How can you lower yourself to a woman, when in the heat of battle you go all out!?" Masamune said astounded.
"Come back inside, Yukimura." Masamune gestured. "I'll teach you how to tame a woman!"
"Really?" Yukimura said excitedly not really understanding what Masamune means. Sasuke scratches his head.
"Masamune-sama, I don't really think that's the problem..."
"No matter! Yukimura needs to know who to deal with women!" Masamune said. He turns to Shigezane.
"Shigemi! Go get a floral kimono!"
"Understood." Shigezane said a little confused not understanding why Masamune would need one. "But it's Shigezane..." With that Shigezane enters and ask one of the maids in helping look for a floral kimono.
Masamune manages to get Yukimura and Sasuke back into the castle as they enter into his empty meeting room.
"Now Yukimura, "Masamune said starting his lesson. "There's no need for you to think too much on the feelings of women. Women like to have a man who is confident and know what he wants!"
"What makes Masamune think he could help, if he doesn't have a wife..." Sasuke wondered. But it helps Sasuke more, since he doesn't have to explain Yukimura about the birds and bees anymore.
"Is that so?" Yukimura said as he takes out a paper and brush and starts to take notes. Sasuke merely looks at him in awe. "What do I need to improve on Masamune-dono?"
"Stop being a nice guy! You have to yori sekigyokuteki*!" Masamune shouted. "So you can get want you want!"
Then Shigezane enters the room again, holding the feminine kimono. Masamune looks at him irritated,
"Shigemi!"
"What is it, Itoko-nii sama?" Shigezane said confused yet tolerant of Masamune.
"Why aren't you wearing the kimono?"
"WHAT?!" Shigezane said angrily, "Why do I need to wear this?!" Shigezane said stun.
"Its because, Yukimura here is more of a visual learner." Masamune started out, "And you didn't eat my cooking." Masamune said angrily, revealing why he wants Shigezane to wear the kimono. He wants to humiliate him in front of their guests. Shigezane snap.
"What the fuck!? Itoko-nii you're being unfair!" Shigezane argued. "You didn't eat my dumplings either!"
"They are really are cousins..." Both Yukimura and Sasuke thought, seeing them quarreling like kids.
"Shigemi! I'm going kick your fuckin ass if you dare talk back to me again!" Masamune shouted, "Now be a good bitch and WEAR THE KIMONO!"
Shigezane feeling a bit corner, didn't know what else to say, "IT'S NOT SHIGEMI, IT'S SHIGEZANE! And I'm going to tell Kojūrō on you!"
Shigezane hesitated but took the kimono and walk away defeated. Knowing he sounded more like the child. "Just gonna have to endure this... until Itoko-nii trusts in me." Shigezane thought as he went to his room and change into the girly kimono.
"Masamune-dono, there is no need for Shigezane-dono to do that." Yukimura said, trying to stand up for Shigezane. Masamune looks at him,
"Shigemi has to be punish." Masamune said quiet coldly that has taken both Sasuke and Yukimura aback. Knowing that Masamune is going to achieve his personal vendetta.
"Oh okay, Masamune-dono." Yukimura said.
"Just concentrate on what I'm going to show ya." Masamune said. "Sore o eta ka?"
"Yes Masamune-dono!" Yukimura said feeling pump up. Sasuke couldn't help but feel they came in the wrong time.
"Probably this is the reason why Kojūrō-san left." Sasuke thought. Then Shigezane enters the room, wearing the pink floral kimono, his cheeks was red as a tsubaki*. Shigezane tries to calm down and had the desire to hit Masamune but is forcing himself to resist the temptation.
"You look like a girl now, Shigemi!" Masamune said trying to belittle him more.
"Sorry, Shigezane-dono." Yukimura said feeling helpless and guilty. Feeling it was his fault for this.
"Its fine, Yukimura-sama." Shigezane said, "I'm doing this help you improve your relationship with your wife. Just please don't ridicule me..." Shigezane said in shame.
"Now c'mere my pretty tomboy!" Masamune said as he has Shigezane sits next to him.
"Now Yukimura." Masamune said getting back to business. "What are you most afraid of when you with you're woman?"
Sasuke looks at Yukimura who was thinking about it. Then he started to blush again,
"I'm afraid that I won't be able to satisfy her." Yukimura said.
"WHAT?!" Masamune said, "No! You have to be the one she will be never get tired of!"
"What?!" Shigezane said surprised.
"How do I that?" Yukimura asked, not understanding again what Masamune is referring to. But still is just as excited to find out.
"Shigemi! Act like a girl!" Masamune ordered him. Shigezane oblige,
"I will do my best Itoko-nii!"
"First off, don't call me that while in acting okay? I'll just screw me up." Masamune said.
"Ok then, should I just call you Masamune?"
"Yup."
"I'm good then! I'll act like a hopeless lovesick innocent girl!" Shigezane said passionately, hoping that Masamune acknowledges that he laying down his own dignity just to gain his trust.
"That's fine, but don't over do it. You won't get any points if you do that." Masamune remind him. Yukimura lifted up the paper and added more ink on the brush and waited. Sasuke couldn't help but feel uncomfortable,
"Now Yukimura, getting a woman to fall for you, you need to on'nanoko o dakishime*." Masamune then he turns Shigezane, giving him the signal to get ready.
"WHAT?!" Yukimura said, "Isn't that shameful?! How could I-I do such a shameless act..." Yukimura thought.
"Yukimura-sama, it's not shameful to hug your wife." Shigezane said, Yukimura looks at him.
"If expressing love is shameful then you're saying love is sin."
"What? I don't think love is bad... well I don't know what to think about it." Yukimura admitted but immediately remember about what Keiji told him before and said,
"I wouldn't want to be in love... it's useless."
"You shouldn't say that Dan'na." Sasuke said, knowing that what Shingen really wants Yukimura to learn, the value of love.
"Yukimura-sama, you do need love. Everyone needs it, without it one can't learn how to live a just life and even know how to live life itself." Shigezane said, that took Masamune and Yukimura aback.
"Wow Shigemi!" Masamune said as he applauded him, "That's some pretty deep shit."
"That's what Oyakata-sama told me before!" Yukimura said happily, "You're so smart!"
"No, its common sense." Shigezane said bluntly. Leaving Yukimura feeling dumb and Masamune merely said nothing.
"Well then should I take this off now?" Shigezane said, feeling that there was no need for it him to wear.
"No." Masamune said and looks at Yukimura's reddish brown eyes.
"Yukimura, I'll be seducing Shigemi-"
"WHAT?!" Shigezane interrupted Masamune in surprised. He's not that desperate in winning Masamune's trust.
"Shut it Shigemi!" Masamune snap at him.
"Sasuke pay close attention to Yukimura's reaction." Masamune said. Looking at Shigezane, who seem to understand now what Masamune is trying to do. Leaving Sasuke confused.
"Get into character, Shigemi."
"Roger!" Shigezane said and he looks at Masamune briefly then he looks away. Changing his expression, he acts more hesitant than usual as he lowers his arms, then abruptly Masamune pulls him up and has him leaning on his chest.
"Masamune-sama..." Shigezane said trying his best to sound like a girl. He avoids eye contact with Masamune,
"I think we shouldn't be doing this..." Shigezane trying to sound hesitant.
"Why should I? When I want to have you so badly." Masamune said he rubs Shigezane's black hair.
"I can't..."
"Can't what? Is that you don't want to be with me?" Masamune said then he pushes Shigezane away from, "Shimeta*!Get out of my sight!" With that Masamune pretend to walk out of the room.
"Wait!" Shigezane said as he lunges over to Masamune's blue yukata and tugs on it. "Please don't go!"
"These guys are really into melodrama." Sasuke thought as he looks over at Yukimura. Amazed that Yukimura look like he was buying it as he furiously writes some notes down.
"..." Masamune said nothing as he turns to see Shigezane. "Sorehanandesuka*?" Then Masamune got out of character (but Yukimura didn't notice it) as he mouth the words to Shigezane,
"Act more emotional." Shigezane merely nods in response.
"I can't help but feel a great pain... in my chest... when you're not with me. Yet I feel so unworthy to be by your side." Shigezane said, then Masamune pulls Shigezane up and held him close. Yukimura's face began to flush. Sasuke looked at Yukimura confused and thought, "He's actually buying this? These guys have very poor acting skills."
"Forgive me..." Shigezane said as he avoids Masamune's eye Shigezane eyes look somewhere else, annoyed that Masamune is so damn insistent.
"Look at me, Shigemi." Masamune commanded. Trying to play it cool. Shigemi acts as if he was hesitant to look at him and has successfully force himself to flush. Giving Masamune a helpless look.
"You're so cute..." Masamune said as he crack a smile.
"Masamune-sama!" Shigemi said as he pretend to be embarrass and tries to push himself away him (not really putting a effort into it). Only to have Masamune grabbing Shigezane's waist; pulling himself closer to his side. While the other hand held his chin.
"Don't you dare reject me again. Wakaru*?
"But-but-" Shigezane said, his voice trembling. Trying not to laugh, but he tried to still stay in tune. Even Masamune was losing it.
"I doesn't matter what you think, but as long you're with me watashi wa muteki kanjiru*!"
"Really?"Shigezane smiled, actually making him look pretty as he hugs Masamune while Masamune leans closer to Shigezane's lips. Yukimura covers his eyes.
"I can't watch this!" Yukimura immediately thought of if he was to act like that toward Aki.
"Because I feel whole, when I'm with you... my love..." Shigezane said, fighting the urge not to laugh as he looks at his older cousin's cold eye.
"Shigemi..." Masamune said, also fighting the urge not to laugh as he leans closer and rubs his thumb against Shigezane's lips; opening them slightly.
"Masamune-sama..." Shigezane said, then both of them lost concentration when a young woman who had a enticing body enters. She has light brown hair and gray greens eyes. She didn't notice her guests but she immediately drop the papers and squealed.
"Finally my dreams are coming true~!" A woman with a two braids with black and blue stockings with a white short skirt wearing a lose black and blue blouse on said as she enters the room.
"AAAHHH!" Yukimura's groan as his suffered a bloody nose. Thinking if he was Masamune and Aki was Shigezane.
"Dan'na?!" Sasuke said dumbfounded seeing Yukimura knock out.
"What the hell Neko*?!" Masamune said annoyed.
"Hi Neko!" Shigezane said as he waved his hand her. Forgetting he is wearing a kimono.
"Hi my beloved Shigemi!" Neko said as she ran up and wrap herself around his arm. "You look sexy today mi-lord, even in a kimono!"
"It's Shigezane!" Shigezane said as he shook her off as she was giggling. She looks at Masamune who was glaring at her.
"What's wrong Oyadama-sama*? You're just mad that I spoiled your romantic moment with Shigemi? You shouldn't be so selfish to keep him to yourself when I want him too!" Neko giggled. She turns to see the unconscious Yukimura lost in his delusions about Aki and at Sasuke. She gives a wink at Sasuke,
"So you're Sasuke and than man over there is Yukimura-sama?" She sits beside Sasuke and lays her head on Sasuke. Giving him full access to see her large pale breasts.
"I'm Iizaka Neko! Pleasure to meet ya."
"Likewise..." Sasuke said not really tempted. He looks at the smiling beauty.
"The lesson is over it seems." Shigezane said, then he started to walk off.
"Where do ya think you're going?" Masamune ask Shigezane. He turn to face him,
"I'm going to take a bath, excuse me." Shigezane said in a tired tone. Masamune didn't bother to look at him and spoke up, "Shigemi, keep the water running
because I'll be there soon."
"Yes, Itoko-ni sama." Shigezane said and before he left he said, "Itoko-ni sama, its Shigezane!"
"Nandemo* Shigemi!" Masamune shouted while Shigezane walked down the hall to the shower room.
"Is your Lord okay?" Neko asked Sasuke.
"He's fine." Sasuke looks and realized that Yukimura's nose was bleeding. "It proves to be too much for him..." Sasuke thought.
"So you guys came over for a playdate or what?" Neko asked as she sits down, looking at Sasuke who trying to wake Yukimura up.
"No they wanted to know if we hire any ninjas." Masamune said, "They also wanted to know about one of my retainers' name..."
"Hey Sasuke what did the otoko* look like?" Masamune asked.
"Well from what we've been told, that the man had short dark blonde hair with dark blue and white armor. And that he was wielding a Bo-hiya."
Yukimura started to woke up yawning and scratching his chestnut head.
"That sounds a lot like Sexy stud." Neko said flatly as she sits across Sasuke and Yukimura. Masamune look at her confused, not understanding who she's referring to.
"Who's that?" Sasuke asked.
"Oh I mean, you guys are talking about Tsunamoto-sama*." Neko, said.
"You're right!" Masamune agreed with Neko. "It does sound a lot of Tsunamoto." Masamune agreed as it makes since.
"Masamune-dono, who is Tsunamoto-dono?" Yukimura asked, confused and wondering where Shigezane was.
"Sasuke, you're refering to Oniniwa Tsunamoto. He is one of my men. I hadn't seen him in a while though, since he spend all of his time in Miharu Castle." Masamune explain. "He was probably patrolling the area and got lost, he's old and has the habit of getting lost a lot.
"Great!" Yukimura said, "Now Sasuke and I can go to Shikoku and reunite with Akihime-dono!" Yukimura said happily.
"Dare no koto*?" Masamune asked,
"Akihime-dono is my-my..." Yukimura began to struggle again and his face flush as he struggle to say the word.
"Wow Yukimura-sama is so cute~!" Neko commented, liking the fact his is struggling.
"Akihime-san is Yukimura's future wife." Sasuke explain, "She has left Takeda Castle several weeks ago to reunite with her father in Shikoku."
"So that's why you guys came here? If we were threatening his woman during her travels? Well its good that you guys got everything sorted out." Masamune said.
"Thank you for allowing us stay here for some time, Masamune-dono!" Yukimura said happily.
"Mondaide wa arimasen*! Shitsurei* , I'm quite tired now and will be taking a bath."
"Goodbye Masamune-dono!" Yukimura waved as he and Sasuke got up. "Once I return from Shikoku, I'll send one when you can come.
"Watashi wa sore o kiniirudarou*." Masamune said smiling at them and turns to Neko,
"Hey Neko, could excuse them?"
"Not a problem, Oyadama-sama!" Neko, "Hope you enjoy bath with Shigemi!" Masamune merely glares at her and walks away.
She turns to the two Takeda men. "So let's go!" Neko said as she led them out,
"Excuse me, Neko-dono." Yukimura asked,
"Yup, what is it Yukimura-sama?"
"Are you Masamune-dono's wife?" Yukimura asked.
"Nope! I'm his bitch and a childhood friend of his." Neko answered with a big smile on her face.
"WHAT?!" Yukimura said flabbergasted.
"But Oyadama-sama is married." Neko said answering Yukimura's question,
"What happen to her, Neko-san?" Sasuke asked.
"She lives in Miharu Castke, they've lived separated for some time. But they were married since they were kids. In a way we all were friends at one point in our lives." Neko said with such nostalgia that Sasuke and Yukimura could tell that it matters to her.
"Tsunamoto-sama is her caregiver. Her name is Megohime... its kinda sad, that they are no longer together..."
"Neko-dono..." Yukimura said. Neko looks at him and stops in front of him and held a gentle grip on his shoulders.
"I don't know what Oyadama-sama has told you in how to treat a girl right, but listen here." Neko said,
"Listen to her, be her friend and tell her everything you feel and desire and she'll do the same. A husband and wife must be friends before being spouses." Neko said seriously.
"That's what Akihime-dono said too!" Yukimura said amazed by the similar way of thinking of Aki and Neko.
"How old is she?" Neko asked. Yukimura didn't know how old she was,
"She recently come of age, Neko-san." Sasuke responded for Yukimura.
"Lucky stud!" Neko said punching Yukimura's arm gently, "The younger the better, right?" Neko said nudging him.
"Those are such shameful things to say!" Yukimura said, his face terribly flushed. Still not understanding what she means, but way the she said it made him uncomfortable.
"Well good luck to ya guys! Come back sooon!~" Neko said happily as she opens the gates. Both Yukimura and Sasuke bid their farewells and left to Shikoku.
Neko walks back into the castle and took a big breath and walk down the hall. To the bathing room. There she opens the door to see Shigezane rubbing soap on Masamune's back and then he throws warm water against Masamune's moist back.
"Can I join in on the fun?" Neko asked. Shigezane drop the bucket and immediately hides behind Masamune.
"What are you doing here Neko? Can't you see we're bathing?!"
"Aww... you shouldn't be so shy with me Shigemi..." Neko said seductively.
"Its' Shigezane!" Shigezane said irritated. Masamune didn't have his eye patch but had his eye closed and looks at Neko. He didn't care that she sees his body; she seen it before.
"What is it Neko?" Masamune said, knowing by the look on her face that she has to say something.
"Well brace yourself, Oyadama-sama..." Neko said and started, "I know why Tsunamoto-sama was there four weeks ago, you see Megohime-sama left Miharu Castle and has been missing since."
"WHAT?!" Masamune said in shock and got up revealing his manhood to Neko. Shigezane still hid himself against his older cousin.
"How can this be? Shigezane said confused. "I saw her about two weeks ago."
"What?!" Masamune said and he grabs Shigezane's manhood and squeezes it hard.
"OW! ITOKO-NII!" Shigezane groan in pain. Still holding his member, Masamune began to question him,
"Why were you seeing her?"
"Its because Ne-chan* had invited me to Miharu Castle, I only stayed there for two days and went to see the others." Shigezane said, "Honest!" Neko merely watches on the childish bickering of the Date cousins.
"Please let go, please Itoko-nii..." Shigezane pleaded, tears came out of his eyes- it hurts so much. With that Masamune rubs it gently and lets go. Shigezane sighs in great relief. Neko wanted to laugh but knows its not appropriate since it looks like Masamune is giving Shigezane a handjob.
"Sorry, Shigemi... I didn't mean to be that harsh. Its just that-" Masamune tried to explain his rage. He did felt a bit ashamed for the first he thought he could cause him pain is grabbing his penis. Such a lowly thing to do.
"I understand Itoko-nii." Shigezane interjected. Understanding that Masamune is still jealous when it comes to her.
"Now now calm down, Oyadama-sama. Luckily, Megohime-sama was last seen in southern Mutsu. I saw Tsunamoto-sama earlier today and he told that he's hot on their trail. He says that once he reunites with Megohime-sama he asks if he can bring her here." Neko said trying to reassure him.
"..." Masamune didn't know what else to say.
"Itoko-nii," Shigezane said, "I think its best to put the past behind us and start anew. So you can be stronger."
Masamune looks at Shigezane and cracks him smile. Knowing that Shigezane is right. Besides, he needs to give Mego a piece of his mind. That's all he wanted to do all this time. He also realized that he still kept rubbing him and he stop.
"You're right, Shigezane!"
"You said my name!" Shigezane said happily. "You do care Itoko-nii!"
"Just cuz your reaction piss me off I'm gonna call ya Shigemi again."
"DAMN IT!" Shigezane said in disappointment. Neko just giggled.
"Well I get everything ready, finally Megohime is coming back~." Neko said as she left the Date cousins as they got out of the bathroom.
FINALLY! This chapter is took me such a loooong time to write. Next chapter we'll see how Aki and Mego are doing.
Dokuganryū: It's Masamune's nick name, meaning One Eyed Dragon in Japanese.
Shigezane Date: As in Shigezane Date (1568-1646) Founder of the Watari-Date clan and Masamune's cousin (kind of). He is the eldest son of Sanemoto Date (1527-1587), who is the younger brother of Harumune Date (1519-1578); whose the father of Terumune Date (1543-1585). Making Shigezane sort of a uncle to Masamune by his dad's side of the family. BUT, Shigezane's mother, was the second daughter of Harumune, making him Masamune's cousin on his mom's side. Meaning Shigezane is the child out of a incestuous relationships (Sanemoto is husband and UNCLE to his wife). Since childhood, he was working under Masamune. In 1595 he left Masamune, due to not being please with his rewards during the Imjin War (7 Year War; Japan vs. Korea) and went to Mount Kouya (in the Wakayama Prefecture). But he came back to work under him in 1600, during the Battle of Sekigahara, Kagekatsu Uesugi (1556-1623) offered Shigezane a great deal if he joins the Uesugi clan, he refused. Ironically, Sadazane Uesugi (1478-1550)- the final Lord of Echigo that had the last Uesugi clan bloodline wanted to adopt Sanemoto, but he refused. If Sanemoto hadn't rejected the offer, Shigezane would have been Lord of Echigo; would have Kagekatsu a vassal under him- if it happen that way... Shigezane was known in his entire military career for his bravery and fighting. He was called, "Shigezane the Brave" and along with Kojūrō were named the "Twin Jewels of the Date" and along with him another officer (mention Chapter 12) were considered to known as "The Three Great Men of the Date Clan". He didn't have much luck in regards of his love life, his first wife was the unnamed second daughter (?-1595)of Shigemune Watari (1552-1620)she died of dystocia (*in most cases she was a adolescent)as she was giving birth to their daughter, who was either as a still born or died some time later. He eventually married the unnamed widow (?-1620) of Tsunetaka Iwaki (1567-1590) and only daughter of Moriyoshi Nikaido (1544/?-1581) who gave him a boy (1611-1614), he died young, probably due to illness. Masamune allowed him to adopt one of his sons: Munesane (1613-1665).
Comment: In my story, Shigezane recently rejoin Masamune. After the tragedy (death of Kojiro along with others), many of Masamune's relatives grew fearful and took many of their sons out of service- even Shigezane. When Shigezane was an adult (+ after his mother's passing) he left home to join Masamune, since he was friends with Masamune since early childhood. However, Shigezane is still cautious not trusting Masamune fully- Masamune is the same. Since Masamune is still weary and suspicious (believing that maybe his relatives wanting to overthrow him- not realizing that Shigezane rejoin on his own will). He keeps more in contact with Mego. Since both of them have strain relationships with him.
Itoko: Means "Cousin" in Japanese. Shigezane refers Masamune as older cousin and sometimes older brother. Showing that Shigezane cares deeply for Masamune.
Shigemi: A unisex name in Japanese meaning "Luxuriant beauty"; this is a reference to manga known as "Sengoku Basara Dj- Revaival", in which Shigezane is called Shigemi and appears in Chapter 6 in the manga. Masamune and Neko call him that to tease him, since is often mistake to be a beautiful tomboy.
Chūshoku: Means "Lunch" in Japanese, since Masamune has the habit of saying some words in English in the Anime, in my fanfic he'll be saying some Japanese words.
Taberu jikan: Means "Time to Eat" in Japanese.
Masanari Hattori: As in the Masanari Hattori aka Hanzo Hattori (1542-1596) Though Hanzō was born and raised in Mikawa Province, he often returned to Iga Province, home of the Hattori most valuable contribution came in 1582 following Oda Nobunaga's death, when he led the future shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu to safety in Mikawa Province across Iga territory with the help of remnants of the local Iga ninja clans as well as their one-time rivals in Koga. According to some sources, Hanzō also helped in rescuing the captured family of Ieyasu. Hanzō was known as an expert tactician and a master of spear fighting. Historical sources say he lived the last several years of his life as a monk under the name "Sainen" and built the temple, Sainenji, which was named after him and mainly built to commemorate Tokugawa Ieyasu's elder son, Nobuyasu (1559-1579), who was accused of treason and conspiracy by Oda Nobunaga and who was then ordered to commit seppuku by his father, Ieyasu. When Nobuyasu was ordered to end his own life, Hanzo was called in to act as the official second to end Nobuyasu's suffering, but he refused to take the sword on the blood of his own lord. Ieyasu valued his loyalty after hearing of Hanzo's ordeal and said, "Even a demon can shed tears."Tales of his exploits often attributed various supernatural abilities, such as disappearing and appearing elsewhere, psychokinesis, and precognition,and these attributions contribute to his continued prominence in popular culture.
Hanzo the Devil: Masanari's nickname, in Japanese its Oni no Hanzo. Another Tokugawa retainer named Moritsuna Watanabe (1542-1620) is known as Yari no Hanzo (Hanzo the Spear) due to being a skilled spearsman.
Onna-girai: It was term that men who were purely gay would be called or someone who simply prefers men over women. Onna-girai means in Japanese "Woman-haters"; so the meaning of this term gives the meaning of men who literally despises women.
Comment: Yukimura originally thought Masamune thought he was gay. Since Masamune never sees him interact with women. Yukimura thought he literally means that he thought that he hates women.
Yori sekigyokuteki: Means in Japanese "Be more aggressive".
Sore o eta ka: Means in "Got that?" in Japanese.
Tsubaki: A red camellia in hanakotoba (Japanese form of the language of flowers. Meant to convey emotion and communicate directly to each other without needing the use of words) A tsubaki (椿) (in meaning the use of a red camellia flower; meaning someone in love and perishing grace.
Comment: The reason why Sasuke thought about that is because Shigezane looks girly as well and looks more like a girl in love (not the case) than a man feeling humiliated.
On'nanoko o dakishime: Means "To hug a girl" in Japanese.
Shimeta: A phrase "I've got it!, All right!, Fine!" in Japanese
Sorehanandesuka: A Japanese phrase meaning, "What is it?"
Wakaru: Means "Understand, know" in Japanese.
Watashi wa muteki kanjiru: Means " I feel invincible!" in Japanese.
Neko: As in Neko Iizaka (?/1569-1612/34, one of Masamune's concubines. And the mother of his eldest son/child; Hidemune (1591-1658) and possibly Munekiyo Date (1600-1634). From what I got in my research about her that I find personally confusing, has two different records about her, one having her life span was (?-1612) and the other was (1569-1634). But she was the second daughter of SoYasuhi Iizaka. (had a hard time translating it).
Comment: The reason why I have Neko here, is that she and Kojūrō never strayed from Masamune's side. She pities her lord and strongly believes in him. Yet she knows that he is pain that his relatives; including Shigezane and Megohime leaving him. Although she is a oversex pervert she really wants Masamune to find happiness. She has a crush on Shigezane and wishes that one day Masamune fucks him~ she is a pervert. Plus she a crush on Megohime.
Oyadama (親玉): Means "Boss, chief, head" in Japanese.
Nandemo (何でも): Means "Whatever" in Japanese.
Otoko: Means "guy" in Japanese.
Tsunamoto Oniniwa: As in Tsunamoto Oniniwa (1549-1640), he was the eldest son of Yoshinao Oniniwa. He is also Kojūrō 's older half brother and one of Kitas' younger half brothers. Kita Katakura (1538-1610) is the eldest half sister of both Kojūrō and Tsunamoto. She was also Masamune's wet nurse. Masamune trusted Tsunamoto deeply and he was made senior retainer when he was 35 (at young age for someone becoming a senior retainer at the time). Along with Kojūrō and Shigezane, they were known as the "Three Great Men fo the Date Clan". He was the only Date retainer who was both older and outlived their lord; Masamune. After the Bunroku Campaign, Hideyoshi ordered him to change his name, making it: Nobumoto Moniwa. He had three wives and eight kids. Having four from his 1st wife (?-?)who was the daughter of Kagetsuna Nitta (?-?), and 2 each from his two concubines (which he adopted); one of them; Kuo no mae/ Kouhime (1577-1641) was mistress to both Hideyoshi and Masamune before she became his concubine. He was mention in Chapter 12.
Comment: In my fanfic, after the tragedy, Tsunamoto decided it was best to leave, to protect and care for Mego (since her father died before the incident). Although he is the oldest among the Date clan, he still maintains a youthful appearance. He is the father figure of all the Date clan. He is very loving and constantly worries over Kojūrō; dearly. His bond with Megohime is very similar to those of Masamune and Kojūrō. Since Mego left Miharu Castle, Tsunamoto has traveled around Mutsu to find her. Kojūrō and Tsunamoto keep close contact with each other. In this chapter (not mention) Tsunamoto came across Neko and informed her about the situation.
Dare no koto: Means "Who's that?" in Japanese.
Mondaide wa arimasen (問題ではありません！): Means "No problem!" in Japanese.
Shitsurei (失礼): Means "Excuse me!" in Japanese.
Watashi wa sore o kiniirudarou: Means "I'll like that." in Japanese.
Ne-chan: Meaning "Sister" in Japanese. Shigezane refers to Megohime as a sister.