Malachi's POV
Later that night.. I was getting ready for bed when a noise startled from above. A wooden creak followed by a tap.. And the presence of another person filled my senses. "..Who's there?" At the threats of danger, my fight or flight kicked in. "I'm sorry to put you in a state of red alert, Malachi. It's only me." Came the familiar voice of Sasuke. Why the hell is he in my ceiling?
Sasuke removed one of the panels and executed a backflip, landing gracefully with little to no noise. I didn't break the soothing silence as Sasuke removed his mask and joined me on the floor. "I apologize that it's been so long. Have you been doing well?" He asked. "Minus a handful of arguments here and there, I've been fine. Glad to see that you're alright." I answered honestly. Sasuke averted his gaze, "I assume you've realized by now that I'm a-" "An enemy working for the Uesugi-Takeda alliance, yep." I nodded.
"Yes. And I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to explain properly before." "Nah, it's good. I'm not crazy enough to expect you to have revealed your position in an enemy's castle town in the middle of broad daylight. Speaking of- Are you sure it's safe for you to be sneaking in like this?" I asked, narrowing my eyes slightly. "Yes. But if I were easily caught, I wouldn't be a ninja. At least not a very good one." Huh.. Sasuke's really adapted well to the Sengoku period.
Suddenly, Sasuke met my gaze. "There is something I had to tell you before I'm sent on my next mission." "And that is?" "The Oda Forces and the Uesugi-Takeda alliance are currently in a deadlock at the border of Oda territory. If they stay this way, we may be able to avoid another war before the wormhole opens up." I nodded, "I sort of already knew about the deadlock situation but.. That would be great if it were the case." I wouldn't complain one bit if I never had to step foot on another battlefield during my time here.
"That is not to say there won't be other conflicts. These are the warring states. We must remain vigilant." Sasuke spoke, "Yeah.. I've already seen that firsthand." The Oda forces had just found the culprit responsible for the Honno-ji burning. There's a good chance that'll blow up soon. And not to mention, there's always a chance someone else will get the bright idea to plan an attack on Nobunaga's life.
"My next mission involves investigating a powerful potential third belligerent." Sasuke told me, I felt a bit of alarm rise within me. "Are you telling me right now that someone else may get involved with this conflict?" "It's difficult to say. It relates to a sudden workplace incident- no.. I shouldn't say anymore." Sasuke trailed off, then straightened up. "You should try and continue to enjoy life here under the protection of whatever warlord you find least problematic."
I rolled my eyes, "That's a tough choice, I hate them all." I spoke, my voice clearly sarcastic. But then my expression softened, "That said, thank you for coming to talk to me." "You're welcome. How has life been for you, if I may ask? Perhaps my four years of experience can help you with any problems." Oh- Problems, eh?
"Hm.. No problems in particular. Dealing with Mitsuhide is a pain in the ass, but I've been handling i- Nevermind, I literally threatened to castrate him." Sasuke's eyes widened at my words, "'Mitsuhide'? You haven't had the opportunity to get close to THE Mitsuhide Akechi, have you?" "I wouldn't say close per say.. You probably know more than I do! What does posterity say about Mitsuhide anyway?" Maybe what historians in the future have to say is more insightful than what those here?
I watched silently as the gears in Sasuke's head began to turn, then increasingly became worried as they halted to a stop. "Very little is known about Mitsuhide Akechi. Of course, he is the orchestrator of the Honno-ji incident, who then held power for just thirteen days before surrendering to Hideyoshi and being killed." A look of frustration crossed my face, "Yeah. I've seen the TV specials, the books. 'Fiery Betrayal,' 'Jusan Kubo: The Thirteen-Day Ruler,' 'Mitsuhide vs Hideyoshi!'" A breath of exasperation left my lips. "No one knows the concrete reason why he betrayed Nobunaga Oda. It remains one of Japan's greatest mysteries."
I pressed a hand to my temple, "Yeah. All we have is humiliation and revenge as possible theories but.. No one really knows. Not like we can ask him!" I spoke in annoyance. But then, I remembered. In this alternate timeline, Mitsuhide wasn't responsible for Honno-ji. Kennyo was. Yet the hushed whispers of inevitable betrayal followed him everywhere.
"If his motives for causing Nobunaga's death are a mystery, his pre-Incident is not much clearer. Speculation runs rampant. Mitsuhide Akechi is like a picture that's out of focus. We historians recognize his impact but know no details." Sasuke spoke. "Is it weird to say that's a really fitting description, given what I've learned of him?" "If he gives you that impression despite you knowing him personally, that does make me feel better."
A small laugh left my lips, "Yeah. It's all so funny because I was hoping you knew something! I have little to no idea how his mind works. And I don't think I want to know. He's been teaching me the skills necessary to survive here, but he's also a major tease." Suddenly, Sasuke smiled at me. "..You're smiling as you describe him." My face dusted pink, "..Am I actually?" "You really are." FUCK-
Now Sasuke was smiling as well, and that made my blush worsen. "I'm relieved to see you're enjoying a happy Sengoku period life. I probably won't see you often, but I'm wishing you success in making it through the next two and a half months." My blush slowly faded and I gave Sasuke a genuine smile, crossing my arms lightly, "Right back at ya. Be careful.." "I will. And with that, I ker-vanish." Sasuke vaulted back up into the ceiling, placing the panel back in place. Alone in my room, I quietly crawled into bed.
Nobody knows the truth about Mitsuhide. Not his friends, not his enemies. Not historians in the present, no one in the past. ..Could I possibly figure him out? I.. I want to try. An image of Mitsuhide filled my mind as I fell asleep. The image slowly blurred like a moon behind the clouds as I drifted off.
The rumors about Mitsuhide grew with each passing day, and they always sounded worse and worse. "Now they're saying he was secretly working WITH Kennyo?" I stared at Ieyasu and Mitsunari, completely outraged. "Yes. And it is expected that, in time, it will be treated as more than just a rumor." Mitsunari confirmed. "They all say it's the only way he could have caught Kennyo's agent so easily." Ieyasu added on.
Both Mitsunari and Ieyasu had come by during work to share the horrid news with me. And it was clear to see that I'd lost every ounce of my calm the moment they told me. "But that's fucking ridiculous! If Mitsuhide's truly working with Kennyo, why in hell's name would he torture an ALLY?!" "Their argument is that he did it to prove himself to Nobunaga. And by doing so, to get Nobunaga off his guard." Ieyasu explained.
Frustrated, I ran my hands through my hair and sighed. "God! And I thought people where I'm from were fucking stupid. But this is just- Appalling." Mitsunari offered me a smile, "It is quite the logical stretch, and furthermore, there's no evidence. Nonetheless, if you were going to learn of the rumor eventually, we thought it best it came from friends." "Awww. You two think you're my friends?" I spoke sarcastically.
After hearing the torture story, the truth has only become more clouded. But this one seems clearly fake. I was grateful they let me know- and shot down the nasty speculation so quick. "Mitsuhide actually fought against Kennyo in one of the attacks on Ishiyama Hongan-ji. They couldn't possibly work together." Ieyasu commented. "I have heard people say it is not beyond Lord Mitsuhide's power to persuade a former enemy, however.. I believe they are grasping at straws. I am a little concerned there may be a plot against him." I sighed. I could see what they were referring to. When revenge is all that's on your mind.. You think little of judging your allies. But wait- "You mean to say someone may be purposely trying to ruin Mitsuhide's reputation?" I asked.
"Don't worry about it. They won't succeed. There's no one better at subterfuge than Mitsuhide." That doesn't mean there won't be an issue if someone got the bright idea to attack Mitsuhide. "Is Mitsuhide aware of this?" "I'm certain he is. Most of the Oda forces' information comes to Lord Mitsuhide first after all." Huh.. It.. Must not be pleasant to have someone spread nasty rumors about you.
A sudden sharp pang of sympathy filled my heart, and I found myself standing up. "I.. I'm going to go. To see him." Something in my heart was telling me I should go see Mitsuhide, while my brain was screaming at me that this was a stupid idea. "You are?" Both of them exclaimed in surprise. I nodded, "I am. Could one of you tell me where his manor is?"
"I will inform my lord. Please wait here, Lady Malachi. It will only be a moment." Kyubei spoke. I gave him my thanks then he quickly left. I had been brought to a room with a fragment of incense. Hmm.. I guess this must be Mitsuhide's room. A clean room indicated a clean mind. Yet nothing stood out that would indicate his interests or his accomplishments. It was.. completely blank. Perhaps he wasn't a fan of decorating?
"Keep examining my room so intently and you're sure to find something that will embarrass me horribly." His voice broke my train of thought. "M..Mitsuhide?" I hadn't heard him approach, I hadn't even felt his PRESENCE! But there he was, standing in the door frame with arms crossed.
I crossed my arms as well, averting my gaze. "I wasn't snooping. The room just matches you well." Mitsuhide smirked at me, "Is that to say you admit to having an interest in me? My, and I hadn't the slightest idea." His tone was clearly teasing. "You are welcome to examine me just as closely as you have my room, if you like. Go on. Look-"
I sharply put my hand up in a 'stop' motion, "I meant.. Your room is boring and uninteresting, a perfect match to you." I gave him a fake smile and a small wink, keeping my tone sarcastic. But inside, I could feel just how flustered I was. It's been what, three seconds? And he already has me in the palm of his hand?! Mitsuhide's smile didn't falter, despite my 'harsh' words. "That said, I did not expect you to come visit me." Me neither! Why the fuck am I here again?
A sigh left my lips, "I uh.. I heard the rumors. The ones about you and Kennyo." "That is what they say." His smile remained unfazed. "And? You're here to discern the truth?" I made no motion to confirm or deny his accusation, but he continued. "It's natural to be afraid that the person watching you works for the enemy. Who knows what harm they could inflict on you? But you should never put yourself in a position to ask someone accused of betrayal if they mean to do so."
I put my hand up once more and gave a little smirk, "Looks like you're not a Satori if that's what you believe. That's not why I'm here. I actually.. I don't really care whether you're plotting to betray Nobunaga or not, it isn't my issue." His eyes widened slightly, "You're not?" "No. I.. I don't know why. But I felt the need to tell you that I trust you." Mitsuhide frowned, "..What..?" "Yeah. Bad decision on my part but-" "I have a dreadful suspicion-"
"..You've come here to 'cheer me up.'" "..FUCK-" I hadn't realized it myself. But.. It seems I really had. Yet Mitsuhide- "..Heh...Ahahahahaha!" started laughing.. I covered my face with one hand in embarrassment, avoiding his gaze. "Go on, get it out. Laugh at me all you want." "You were actually worried for my emotional condition in light of this news?" "I guess I was- I now feel like I shouldn't be."
"I guess I.. I let my own past experiences with horrid gossip get to me and I figured you'd be the same." I admitted defeatedly, embarrassed of my own actions. 'Go on. Call me naive. Get it over with.' Mitsuhide smiled, "I fear your ability to sympathize with people will put you in danger someday. What if the gossip turned out to be true?" Oh Mitsuhide, dear, it already has. "I already said I didn't care-" His smile fell, his expression turned serious.
"Fewer people than you think act with good intentions, Malachi." Mitsuhide shut the door behind him, an audible 'slam!' echoed throughout the near-empty room. He took one step towards me, then another, and another. Then he kneeled down before me. Yet with his height, he easily cast a shadow over me. A shadow illuminated in the palest shade of silver, like his hair.. "More take advantage of the good-hearted than you suspect, playing their sympathy with ill purposes." His smirk reappeared, and deepened.
"And they may be closer to you than you think."
Mitsuhide caught my chin with his smooth fingers, his low voice lighting scorching flames in my ears. And as his lips drew nearer, I-
'Living hell' was NOT an understatement..
