Chapter 33: Hidden Talents
After a lengthy process that involved Ieyasu pushing me roughly off the saddle and Mitsunari having to put his iaijutsu to some good use to catch me properly, I was finally back on the ground. Glaring over my head at Ieyasu, Mitsunari returned to his own horse, leaving me with my current menace.
"Because that was real mature!" I snapped, whirling around with my arms crossed.
"The last time you and Dango tried side saddle ended in Gracia chasing after you because your foot had gotten caught in the stirrup. I was trying to avoid that outcome." Copying my posture, Ieyasu finally smirked, the snort inadvertently bringing a smile to my face as well.
Turning away to hide the expression, I began my rough observation of the camp, interrupted when Ieyasu's hand gently touched mine. Brief as it was, the sensation sent a jolt of lightning through me, enough to make me pull away. "Don't." I murmured, trying to start my observations again.
His hand came back, this time only lingering for a second, "I know what you're thinking about, please don't try it, Sayomi."
"Are you going to stop me?"
"If I have to." Moving away with that statement, Ieyasu began seeing to my horse, leaving me alone for all of a second before Takenaka was next to me. There was no doubt that he'd heard the exchange, but he didn't draw attention to it, instead wordlessly guiding me by the shoulder to where his tent had already been pitched.
The touch sent up nearly a thousand of my defences and alarms, but I put up with it for now, if only because it gave me an excuse to see the rest of the men who were in the camp. But I think I was also rendered frozen by the gentleness he used to make me walk with him. Had he grabbed my arm or wrist, I could at least acknowledge that I didn't have any choice in where I moved, but this kindness was almost confusing. "I see Castella has taken a liking to you, how suitable."
"She's a far cry from Dango, I must say." Amused, Takenaka finally released me with a pat before ducking into the tent, silently indicating I should follow. Checking behind me for another quick sweep at the security measures, I stepped inside, and was immediately confronted with the smell of incense. "I'd almost think you'd been speaking to Gracia with how often I smell that particular blend."
"I don't know what you mean, my dear." He knew he wasn't fooling me, which made his tone all the more patronising. Taking the nearest available seat and giving my leg a quick rub, I murmured a quick thanks when a cup of tea was placed next to me, Takenaka hovering slightly, his gaze fixed on my hands.
Looking down myself, I hastily covered the right one, tucking it away in my long sleeve. Still looking at it, he hummed before stepping away, picking up his own cup, "What are your plans for when we get to Aki?" He inquired well naturedly, calmly taking a sip.
Narrowing my eyes, I shrugged, pointedly leaving my cup alone. I hadn't seen him pour it after all, and for all I knew he was planning to drug me again. Wracking my brains for an answer, I settled on my nightmare from this morning, "I'll probably go swimming a lot. After all, your alliance meetings must get fairly dull."
"That they do." Takenaka smirked, finishing his cup. "But you shouldn't say such things. Soon you'll have to sit through similar meetings."
My mind instantly went back to the Elder's house and the discussion about the New Year's food, a reluctant shiver running through me. A scribe I may have been in Kodokuna, but I'd rather stick to inventory from now on. If I ever got back.
Noticing the shudder, Takenaka gave a pointed look at the still steaming cup at my side, but then clearly seemed to realise why I was avoiding it. "You don't have to worry, Botan. I'm not so underhanded that I'd drug your food or drink."
"Like I'm going to believe you." Raising an eyebrow, he picked the cup up himself, taking a long sip, before handing it to me. Watching him carefully, waiting for a sign of exhaustion to show, I wrapped my fingers around it, taking a small, careful sip. It was sweeter than normal cha, but not overpoweringly so. It was the kind of taste I could see Ranmaru enjoying.
Poking my tongue out for another sample, I hastily shoved it back in at Takenaka's laughter, putting the cup down again, "See, not drugged."
"I still have no reason to trust a word out of your mouth."
"Then I promise you that your food will never be used as a weapon against you." As he turned away, I felt free to let my thoughts wander, remembering something similar that Lord Uesugi had said, something awe inspiring enough to make its way into one of my lessons, and to make his oldest rival respect him even more: Wars are to be won with swords and spears, not with rice and salt.
If that was what Takenaka was trying here, then I wasn't going to bite. Even if something told me to trust the word promise.
"I'm not kidding, it really was that big!"
"Telling tall tales at the table? Takechiyo, I thought you had more class."
"Sayomi was right there, she'll tell you."
"Leave me out of it, Ieyasu." Ignoring the mock betrayal on his face, I left him to be mercilessly teased by Takenaka and Mitsunari, instead swallowing a large helping of rice and washing it down with some hojicha. Once dinner had been brought in, the pair weren't far behind, Ieyasu's fishing adventures a very close third.
Of course, the fact that the fish really was that big wasn't really the point. What was important however was what had happened before, and I didn't appreciate the reminder. But when our eyes met across the table, I could feel the sunlight on my face again, filtered through leaves and branches, only to warm my cheeks as my head lay on his lap, one of his hands on the fishing pole, the other stroking my cheek.
We'd sat like that for hours before Ieyasu suddenly jolted me, tugging on the pole, Sayomi, I think it's a big one! He'd cried, just as the not quite dead sashimi made its appearance, and practically landed on my face with the force behind the tugs.
"Not very subtle of you, Ieyasu."
"You're just jealous that I caught it." He preened, still grinning at me. My return expression was just as friendly, promising nothing but leaving space for a clear start. Seeming to accept it, Ieyasu held up the kettle invitingly, to which I simply nodded, getting wrapped up with the conversation again. Other than the parts about one of the diners being a captive and us being on the way to sign an alliance that could've doomed the welfare of the entire country, this could've actually been pleasant, a far cry from the fairly stilted dinners I'd had with Oda. Perhaps sweetening the image for me was the escape I was planning for that very night.
My chance to slip away was put off for an hour or so longer, the time of which was taken up by the reprisal of the sword debate from the ride to this point, Mitsunari openly challenging me. Sending a mischievous look at Ieyasu, who was shaking his head at the pair of us, I merely shrugged, "I don't have my sword with me. Which I suppose is a benefit to your pride."
My smug smile was quickly replaced by a shocked gape when Takenaka interjected, "I'm sure we could find a pair of bokken somewhere around here. It would let you work off some energy. Or at the very least end this argument."
"You're not scared I'll try to fight my way out?" I whispered, waiting until Mitsunari had gone to follow up on his master's request. "I don't know whether to call that brave, or stupid." Smirking sideways at me, Takenaka got to his feet, indicating I should do the same,
"If you were battling against anyone but Mitsunari, perhaps. But you wouldn't let your family's favoured style suffer the dishonour of belonging to someone who'd rather run than fight honourably."
"Oh, so you studied my father's swordsmanship too?"
"As best I could when we were fighting for our lives." Narrowing my eyes as he walked back outside, congratulating Mitsunari on completing the task so quickly, "Sayomi, there should be a pair of hakama in your bags. We'll be waiting outside."
Adjusting my grip around the hilt of the bokken took a few seconds, but it was soon level with my cheek, its weight comforting. Leaning into a half crouch, ready to launch at my foe, I watched Mitsunari do the same, one hand on the hilt as it sat in his scabbard. Determination was set into his features, placed there by Takenaka's eyes as he stood to the side.
Holding the actual katana, Ieyasu was only shaking his head, whether at me or my opponent, I didn't know. If I was a betting girl, I'd say it was at me though. "Tamiya against its brother style iaijutsu. This will be interesting." Takenaka announced, holding his sword up to commence the fight.
"Tamiya and jigen!" I whispered, just as the sword dropped.
Within a second, Mitsunari was on me, the wooden sword moving at an impossible speed. There was a resounding clack as the bokkens collided, the shock jarring my grip for a second, even as he came at me again, this time going for my hip. "Son of a- You're pretty good."
Smirking, Mitsunari let his weapon fall back into the sheath, yanking it back out again before the click could be heard. Batting the strike away and hissing at the shudder it sent, I let my feet begin moving, fortifying my grip with both hands. He was moving too fast for me to even try to counter with any jigen slashes, and the bokken I was using…Shit!
Sending a quick glare at Takenaka, I was met with a flash of his smug face, and for the first time, an understanding was between us. Both of my swords, my father's and the one Oda had made for me, were specially adapted with a longer hilt. Brother styles they may have been, but my tamiya needed that extra hilt length to distract opponents from my feet.
Without the space and proper sword, I didn't have any hope of beating Mitsunari. But I could at least put up a fight. Slipping back into my first few sword lessons, I made my feet replicate the familiar forms, my mind tricking them into thinking that rather than Takenaka getting a free display of my skills, it was Oda giving my monthly assessment, eyebrows furrowing with every hit Mitsunari got in at me. At least my opponent was kind, only ever tapping me at the sides and arms, but never my neck or chest.
Finally though, with a sickening clatter, Mitsunari struck a little too hard, sending not only my bokken flying into the crowd that had gathered, but my arm jolted terrifically having caught part of his weapon. Gasping with pain and clutching it as I knelt down, I heard Takenaka call a halt to the match before rushing over to us, even though Mitsunari was already crouching over me. Spotting what I needed, I quickly made a grab for it, pressing it against the bulge of his throat.
Freezing in surprise, Mitsunari pulled away, looking at my twig with confusion. Smiling up at him, I looked towards Takenaka, who was wearing a similar expression, "That night in the field. It wasn't just my sword I used, remember?"
Looking towards his master, than back to me, Mitsunari gave a light grin, taking my good arm and helping me back to my feet, "I always thought it was fishy you only ever used one sword. But you always had one in reserve."
"Knife actually. I figured Gracia wouldn't mind me copying her style where she is." Wincing when I tried to move my arm, I was suddenly aware of Ieyasu at my side, passing the sword back over, "I'm alright, promise."
"Lord Hanbei, I'll take her back to the tent. Make sure she doesn't strain herself."
"I said I'm fine, Ieyasu!" Standing firm against my tone, he didn't waste time in pulling my sleeve up slightly, pointedly looking at me over the forming bruises, and the slightly off angle.
Avoiding his gaze, I let him exchange a few words with Takenaka before moving back into the tent with me. Closing the flaps behind us and shutting out the murmurs of the men outside, Ieyasu gently placed his hand on my shoulder, ignoring how I flinched, "He planned this." I whispered, "And I fell right into his trap."
"I don't think he-"
"He knew I wouldn't be able to win!" Shrugging off my right sleeve, I twisted my arm left and right, poking at it. There were several flashes of pain, enough to make me give up before a minute had passed.
Watching from a distance, Ieyasu finally grabbed my hand, interlocking our fingers. We sat like that for a time, not talking, not even glancing at each other, until…"You know, he asked me if I wanted to honour my promise to you."
Blinking in muted shock, I turned to look at him, meeting his regretful smile, "What?"
"He overheard me talking to Tadakatsu about it, before the whole of Japan got it into their head that you were dead." He scoffed good naturedly, "I was going to whisk you away from Oda's influence, and bring you to safety."
Closing my eyes, I heard the crackle of New Years Fireworks bounce around my skull, the laughter of two teenagers in love mixed into it.
Do you believe in my promises, Yomi?
Always.
Then I promise you, that no matter where Lord Nobunaga's ambition is at the end of the year, I'm going to ask him.
Ask him what?
To let me take you away from all of this. I'm going to ask him for your hand.
…
Sayomi? Are you okay?
Yeah, I just…You'd actually ask him that?
I promised, didn't I? Unless, you don't want me to?
…No, I can't wait!
Everyone, the bell's ringing!
Happy New Year, Yomi…
Happy New Year Ieyasu…
Are you guys kissing? Ew!
Ran!
Ranmaru!
…Is Lady Nohime looking over here?
Yeah.
Mind if we wait before…?
Nope, not at all.
You were kissing!
Ran, I swear to every living deity if you say another word, you won't live to see another New Years!
Opening them again, I was met by the rise of steam from the kettle, Ieyasu apologetically taking his leave. Lifting my fingers in a half hearted wave, I quickly turned my face away when Takenaka looked over, and took the seat that had just been vacated a second later.
"Are you happy?" I finally rasped, still refusing to look at him. "My sword arm's useless to me. I'd rather you'd have drugged me!"
Snorting to himself, Takenaka gently cupped my chin, forcing me to move my gaze, "You're being extremely melodramatic, even for a teenager. While I certainly didn't mean for you to be injured, you're just as much at fault as I am here."
"How so?" I spat, wrenching my chin away.
"There's such thing as a losing fight, Sayomi, and it's typically advised to avoid them. Unfortunately, between your blood and time with Oda, you appear to have forgotten that." I could almost see the smile on his face as he said his next few words, "You and your mother may look very different, but underneath, you're still the same woman."
"I am nothing like her!"
"Yes you are, and in perhaps the worst ways possible too."
"At least I would never-" I clammed up sharpish, pressing my lips into thin lines, "I almost fell for that." With a slow intake of breath, I quickly put out the sparks that had lit my temper's fuse. My plan for escape would be put into action tonight, and it was already too shaky to let my anger get in its way. "For someone who claims to know my family, you seem to be having a difficult time understanding which lines don't get crossed."
Getting to my feet and ignoring the protest my leg gave, I moved across to where my bag was still waiting, drawing the curtain across. I then took great pleasure in sending numerous finger gestures towards his direction, finishing it with Chihiro's very creative curses in sign language. "You still cast a shadow, Sayomi. I must admit, I've never seen some of those before."
Rolling my eyes at the lecturing tone, I flipped my middle finger again, ignoring the scoff it earnt. Untying the sash on the hakama, I stepped clear of it, gathering up the light robe that I presumed was for sleeping in. Once it was on, I flopped backwards onto the mat, groaning when my arm hit the floor heavier than it should have.
After…After what'd she'd done, what my father had done, my name had meant nothing. If anything, it just gave people a chance to laugh at me. But I'd clung onto it, hoping to rescue its meaning, to save the honour of the innocent people who'd been drowned in the tides against them.
Listening for Takenaka's movement, I slowed my breathing, keeping myself calm and also giving the illusion of sleep. Lady Amaterasu if you allowed me to get away during the night, then I'd offer up a prayer for every single member of my family, and I'd donate any money I earnt for the next year to the temple near Kodokuna.
By the time I heard similar breathing from across the tent, I'd grabbed one of the longer hair ribbons in the bag and had been playing cat's cradle in the dark. Perking my ear to the side with my fingers carefully knotted together, I grinned, waiting a few minutes more.
When I was absolutely sure he was asleep, I crept under the curtain, sticking to the sides of the tent as I edged towards the doorway. Takenaka didn't move as I tip toed past him, not even stirring in his sleep. I let myself have a brief pause, noting the extra blankets over him. He must've been sweltering.
The incense burner was smoking only slightly, so I decided to risk using my extra sense, taking a quick glance towards the tent flaps. The soldiers outside were a near blinding mix, so I wasted no time in looking back at Takenaka. It was…familiar to say the least.
Calm blues entwined with darkening greys, the latter of which hovered around even after I stopped focusing. Just like my grandmother's had been. So struck, I lingered a few minutes more than I should've, almost flinching when he groaned and opened his eyes, looking at me blearily.
"Did you need something, Sayomi?" Biting my lip, I shook my head, murmuring quietly that I just needed some air. But the damage had been done. Takenaka called for one of the night shift to walk me around the camp until I wanted to go back to bed.
Just like I had with Ieyasu, I'd screwed up massively, and missed my chance to get back home. But in doing so, I'd learnt something about my enemy, and he had no idea that I had.
