Third POV
Several days later, in Kasugayama Castle, within Echigo borders. "Nobunaga's forces have doubled?" An expression of surprise rested on the beautiful face of Kenshin Uesugi. "Yes." Sasuke Sarutobi nodded, "Yet there are no further signs of aggression. I believe this is a psychological attack meant to impact our morale." he explained. Kenshin's expression hardened, "He expects me to cower before numbers? ..Perhaps Nobunaga needs a lesson in who he's dealing with. A deadly lesson." Kenshin spoke, his voice low and laced with bloodlust.
"Down, Kenshin. He's trying to rile you up. Even you can see that, can't you?" The calm voice of Shingen Takeda interrupted. But Kenshin only let out a growl of aggravation. "So, you're saying he's trying to bait us into riding headfirst into his trap?" Yukimura Sanada asked, his expression too hardened. Sasuke and Shingen nodded. "Damn. Just the kind of dirty scheme I'd expect from the Devil King!" Yukimura spoke, his voice laced with anger.
"Good things come to those who wait. We'll just have to wait a little longer." Shingen smiled, his expression relaxed. "My lord, if we wait much longer, you'll-!" "Don't worry about me, Yuki. I'll last as long as I need to take down Nobunaga. ..Do you trust me?" Yukimura averted his gaze, his displeasure evident. "Like that's a question. And- I'll obey whatever my lord decides." Shingen turned his attention to the other man in the room, "Yoshimoto, see what you can do to calm down those hot-headed vassals of yours."
Yoshimoto nodded, his expression different from his usual unbothered and relaxed smile, "..It seems I must. But first, I have an important errand to see to." Yukimura narrowed his eyes at the beautiful man, "What's more important than relaying a message that could affect the war?" Finally, Yoshimoto's usual relaxed and unbothered smile found its way onto his features. "I've finally gotten ahold of a certain painter and dancer I've long wanted to introduce to each other." He spoke, his voice almost excited.
"Will you get that out of your own head? You can play artistic matchmaker later!" Yukimura spoke angrily. "Sasuke, all this talk has bored me. I require a sparring partner- now." Kenshin spoke, addressing his vassal in question. Boredom evident on his face. "I would, but I've just made plans to be unavailable for the rest of the day." "Don't you dare run from me!" Kenshin spoke angrily, his eyes narrowed. "Lord Kenshin, you need to get out of your own head too." Yukimura spoke, then whispered to the ninja. "Psst, Sasuke, now!" "GJ, Yukimura."
"Even with your weird, indecipherable incantations, you can't escape!" Kenshin shouted. "Lord Kenshin! Put that dangerous thing away! Yoshimoto, stop laughing and help!" "I'd much rather have the chance to behold Himezuru Ichimonji in action. It's a masterpiece of a sword." "Here we go again." Shingen sighed, a fond smile on his face. "Indeed. I never thought I would find myself growing used to this bedlam. Yet it is strangely delightful. And I wish these days would never end.." Yoshimoto spoke, almost.. sadly. "Something on your mind, cousin?" Shingen asked, concerned.
"No.. It's nothing."
"Our orders are to stand by and WATCH?!" "Yes. Your orders. And you are expected to obey them." Yoshimoto spoke, his tone stern and filled with authority. "This is ridiculous! It seems we've chosen the wrong allies after all." "..What other allies would you suggest?" Yoshimoto asked. One of the vassals spoke up, "Lord Yoshimoto, there's someone we think you should meet. He's a better man than both Lord Kenshin and Lord Shingen. A proper ally for the proud Imagawa clan."
Yoshimoto glared at his vassals, anger burning in his golden eyes with a fiery tone to match, "If you suggest turning our backs on Kasugayama's hospitality, I will have none of it." "Fine. Then you can stay, but you'll be alone!" His vassal retorted. "We'll take the restoration of the Imagawa clan into our own hands!" Another shouted. Yoshimoto's frown deepened, "..Again with this talk.. I would let you go where you wish were I not worried about the results. Very well-"
"I will meet with this potential ally." Yoshimoto finally caved, his vassals smiled proudly. "Hmph. You should have listened to your vassals in the first place!" "We depart tonight, by the way. And just to remind you, the rest of us aren't coming back." The vassals left the room, leaving Yoshimoto alone. He watched, like a bird left alone in its cage.
"..'A proper ally for the proud Imagawa clan?' I'm afraid they reach for heights without considering the depths one can fall.." Yoshimoto muttered, his expression darkening.
"But I cannot abandon the blood that made me. I am an Imagawa... and I must remain one until the end."
