One week until Christmas! And I'm officially on break now! *Runs screaming around the house* I don't own Basara unfortunately.


Chapter 15: Flight of the Tiger and Dragon


By the time the doctor was free to prepare Gracia's body for burial, the rain had started again, forcing the loyal retainers waiting outside Lord Takeda's sick room to get drenched, but no-one was complaining. While Gracia had been dealing with me, her father had sabotaged the dike to lure the Tiger from his den, cruelly striking him down when he had the chance.

Since the doctor wanted to bandage up my arm before seeing to the ninja responsible for it, I was wearing my old dress and sleeves, and didn't miss how the soldiers glanced at them uncomfortably. But I would've happily taken it, if Yukimura would've just reacted to it. As it was, I would've placed money that I could've proclaimed my loyalty for Oda and done a jig with the clan's symbol and he wouldn't have looked up from Lord Takeda.

Even Sasuke looked concerned, but delivered his report nonetheless, occasionally breaking eye contact with us to look into the next room at his master, as though hoping the news of Lord Uesugi's close brush with death would bring a reaction out of him. I knew his recruits had already explained why the garden was in such a mess, and that seemed to be weighing on him too. "One of my ninjas has returned with information. It seems the Devil King is headed for Yamashiro."

Another pause, another glance, "Honno-Ji is out of the way. He may be headed home before his invasion of the Inland Sea."

Master Katakura held his chin thoughtfully, "Most likely, it is a trap. Mori and Chosokabe should not be of immediate concern to Oda, as they have long maintained an open equilibrium." Open equilibrium meaning attacking each other at every opportunity in this case. "But we the eastern forces, who have clearly demonstrated our hostility, should be his target. I imagine the Devil King only invaded Kyushu when he did because he knew we were unable to mobilise, following the battle at Nagashino."

"He's become unpredictable," I murmured, "Something must've changed for his plans to alter like this."

"Oda's surprise attack against the south must've tested their mettle, and certainly sent a clear message: That the two giants of the Inland Sea will inevitably be trampled by him."

"So then," Sasuke started, "Even if that Maeda vagabond somehow managed to make any headway with them, it's most likely already far too late."

"For all intents, the Inland Sea is Oda's now. He can simply attack them whenever it's convenient for him. But with the Tiger of Kai and the War God of Echigo out of the way, there's a far better opportunity for him now to wipe us out."

"Makes sense, so he's gone to Yamashiro to show his back to us and lure us all in. It's worth mentioning the remnants of Tokugawa's and Azai's forces both wish to avenge their lords. They're prepared to die in battle, as long as it means a shot at Oda. That sentiment is bound to grow in the Uesugi camp, and of course the Takeda camp as well."

"Crush everyone going in, bent on revenge, in one fell swoop. A valid strategy, but whether through frontal assaults or surprise attacks, without exception Oda crushes his opponents in a single onslaught, so why this plot to assassinate the other generals?"

Having remained silent throughout the meeting, Masamune looked thoughtful at Sasuke's next words, "Maybe after Nagashino, he decided our alliance was troublesome after all."

"That could be part of it," Master Katakura agreed, glancing at me, "But more so, in this method I sense a desire to make sport of war, and of people's hearts."

I gave a sad nod at his words, Gracia's screams echoing in my ears again. "Mocking the aspirations of innocents, and trampling them to seize our lands until they have nothing left but the unquenchable thirst for revenge. This obscenity is not of the Devil King, it is most likely-"

"Kojuro." Masamune interrupted, the timing comical if not for what we were actually discussing. "I want to fall into their trap."

Everyone fell silent, staring at the Dragon as though he had finally gone mad. "Why would you wan-"

"Doesn't matter who came up with their crappy plan, even if it was that son of a bitch Akechi. Oda will be there. I get what that bastard meant now, I've been chosen as the supreme commander of the force he plans to defeat in one fell swoop. Screw that! He's played me for a fall every step of the way. Akechi once held the power of life or death over me, I gotta make him pay for that too."

Getting to his feet, Masamune ignored Master Katakura's warning about Oda, and the advice that they wait before starting anything, if only for Maeda's word from the Inland Sea so there was at least the possibility of Oda. "Oda already knows what Takeda and the Monkey Boy were plotting, so it's not much of a plan now. Throwing away men to encircle someone who already knows what we're doing ain't gonna get us anywhere."

There was sense in Masamune's words; that much I allowed myself to think. But there was recklessness too, and Master Katakura wasn't about to let that one go forwards, "Our opponent is too great to rush headlong into their midst. We must be cautious."

"What's the matter Kojuro? This is how we've always rolled, since before we took control of Oshu. Listen, I'm getting the feeling that you think you're personally responsible for the bullet I took in my gut at Nagashino, but what you're in charge of is guarding my back. Got it?"

"Masamune, you're not…"

Ignoring his retainer once more, Masamune looked forwards, at Yukimura who still hadn't moved. "Well Sanada Yukimura, how about you? Figured you'd be the first one to go out there, spears swinging."

Appearing to still be deaf to our words and perhaps our very presence, Yukimura spoke only to his unmoving master, "Your Lordship...can you forgive me? When Akechi Mitsuhide launched his surprise attack, I wa-"

"Master Sanada!" It appeared that Sasuke had finally had enough. "The enemy will always come after what you cherish most." Each word brought him a step closer to Yukimura, until he was as close as possible to his charge, "That's how the Takeda and the Date have risen to power during these turbulent times. It goes both ways, you must know that."

What we cherish most…Lowering my shoulders with a sigh, I looked to Masamune, who didn't notice my attention, too absorbed in Yukimura's depression. "I have…I have never struck down a foe except on the field of battle. Nor have I ever considered actions that would harm unarmed commoners."

"Then get angry about it!" Sasuke practically begged, "Or do you plan to just hang your head by our Lord's bedside and wait for Oda to crush us? Do you think you're the only one here who feels like doing something?"

"I do not know what I am supposed to do…I feel helpless." As Yukimura's body started shaking, Sasuke visibly stiffened, clearly unwilling to see his master in such a state. "I've never been so scared."

"I almost envy the guy." Masamune murmured, finally glancing down at me. I met his gaze with a pleading look, hoping my question was clear. Giving no sign that he had understood, he brushed past me, throwing open the screen doors and facing the men outside as he strode towards the open gate.

His soldiers called out to him, but the room we were in remained silent, until Master Katakura spoke in a low tone, "You wanted him to spare someone from his attack." I nodded, whispering Ranmaru and Lady Oichi's names with a trace of fear in my voice, eyes watching Sasuke open another screen, intently watching Masamune's back.

"It's all over boys, break it up. As of this moment, the Date army of Oshu is no more!" Scrambling to my feet, I rushed outside to join the crowd on the veranda, missing the shocked tone of Yukimura's voice as he too turned to listen.

Masamune began to walk forwards again, halted by Sasuke's angry voice, "Where are you going One Eyed Dragon?"

"To Honno-Ji, where do you think? And I swear I'm not going to rest until I take the Devil King's head myself!" The four Date men that were definitely among the most loyal began to rush forwards, pleading with their boss to let them come to…only for Masamune to whip around and slice off the front of Yoshinao's pompadour in one slick movement, rendering them speechless. "Sorry boys, this just ain't that kind of party."

"Lord Masamune!" Yukimura called, leaping from the sickroom in the same motion. Eyes widening, I looked to Sasuke, who gave a half hearted shrug, turning back to watch the show, "What are you doing? These men live for your sake; they swore they would not die until they had seized the land with you! Even when they were buried under that temple, they survived through sheer force of will! They are invaluable!"

"Oh so that's the argument you're going with? You're the one who's willing to give up without a fight!" Masamune suddenly shot his hand out, grabbing the necklace Yukimura always wore and dragging him closer with it, "These coins, guess they're just for decoration? Ready payment to cross the river of Hell, first time I met you that's what I figured these meant. But what do you know; I guess I was wrong about you!"

Pushing Yukimura away, he again turned to leave, this time going uninterrupted, but for Master Katakura calling the four retainers back again. "This is Masamune's decision, Oda has come at us with murder and cheap tricks, a far cry from how warriors are supposed to fight. He has made a mockery of the dignity and pride of all generals! And as a general, he can no longer let the Devil King get away with it!"

"But he doesn't have to go alone…" Bunshichiro protested, allowing the question to be redirected at Yukimura.

"Needless to say I share in Lord Date's sentiments. But for me personally, my Lord means absolutely everything! A future without His Lordship, it holds no meaning for me. If I were to leave his side now, while I was gone…If the worst should happen…"

"You should not underestimate the Tiger of Kai," Master Katakura lectured, moving across to the screen Sasuke was leaning against. Opening the other pair wide so Yukimura could see, he entered, and crouched near Lord Takeda, murmuring an apology as he pulled the cover away, revealing a clenched fist. "How long have you been at Takeda's side? He would never succumb to an injury such as this. You should know that better than anyone, Sanada Yukimura."

The sight of his Lord's fists seemed to revive Yukimura's spirit, his own fists being pulled upwards, "YOUR LORDSHIP!" Leaving us blinking in our various places, Yukimura shot off to his own rooms, and then returned, high tailing it for the gate and calling for Masamune.

There was a clash of auras a few seconds later, Sasuke hitting his face slightly, but not moving to stop them. "Well, if we're all going crazy, Sayomi, you ready to show your face to the world yet?"

Glancing upwards, I tapped at my marks, thinking a little before nodding. They'd been put there for a small young girl's protection, only for them to turn into a means to control her and make her doubt herself.

For the first time in fifteen years, I truly felt ready to fight.


Removing the jutsu might've sounded like it would take a while, but once the thick paste was covering the red paint, it was simply a case of letting it dry, the time during which Sasuke and Master Katakura conspired to help Masamune and Yukimura, keeping what was left of the Sanada ninja core busy running messages.

Once it was rock hard, Sasuke performed the counter jutsu, apologising furiously as it began to burn, and the world flooded with new colours around me. As the colour returned, the paste began to crack, finally shattering as the last motion was performed. While Sasuke moved to beg a mirror from one of the maids, I picked up one of the pieces, smiling at the faint traces of red each one held.

When the ninja returned, I noted the traces of blue in his otherwise calm mood, betraying his worry for Yukimura. "He'll be fine," I whispered, taking the mirror from him.

While I examined myself, Sasuke blinked in confusion, but did laugh, "Didn't miss a beat, did you?"

"This feels natural." I admitted, putting the mirror down. "But I might take a while to get used to it!"

The sound of approaching horses disturbed our conversation, the onslaught of colour outside blinding beyond belief, but I anchored myself, and the colours faded after a view moments, leaving my vision in a normal state. "Looks like Master Katakura's plan worked."

"Looks like it, we should get going before we miss the fun." While Sasuke went outside, I took another look around the place, giving a sad smile. Moving into the other room, I knelt at Lord Takeda's side, bowing low.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Takeda. I only regret that I cannot enjoy it again." Once I was again standing, I deftly braided my hair, tying it at the bottom and hurrying to follow Sasuke, the loose topknot on my head bouncing up and down with each step.

A loud, not unfamiliar, shrieking hit my ears, the falcon circling above the house suddenly tilting into a dive. Holding out my arm slightly, Talon's weight settled on it, his feathers heavily ruffled and his leash completely shredded.

For a second we stared at each other, and then, just as I was raising my fingers to stroke his plumage, he pecked them. Hard. "I'll let you have that one," I grunted, sucking on the blood starting to pour out, "But only that one. Got it?" Like always, Talon just cocked his head, and shrieked in a manner reminiscent of laughing at me.