Malachi's POV
Good news, my self-defense training had done its job. The bad news, my choice of target I guess? Yoshimoto looked up at me from his spot in the dirt, a sheepish smile adorning his features. "..Malachi, I see you are not only a patron of the fine arts, but of the martial arts as well." He commented. I covered my mouth in exasperated embarrassment, "Oh my fucking God.. I didn't hurt you, right?" "I will be all right. I apologize for handling you so rudely. But I dearly wished to talk to you in private."
I frowned, narrowing my eyes at Yoshimoto. "Maybe next time, instead of dragging me away, you should say something." Yoshimoto's smile fell, "I would have, but as you may have noticed, I am somewhat..striking. It makes private conversations difficult." Well, at least he's aware that he's pretty? But using his words, Mitsuhide's 'somewhat striking' too, and that's never stopped him so what's the difference here? Better to be safe rather than sorry, I guess?
I remember back in Azuchi, dozens of pairs of eyes would be on Yoshimoto wherever he went. Really puts being observed by Mitsuhide into perspective I guess. Here within this smaller town, Yoshimoto can't exactly hide his glamor amidst a big crowd. After all, there's no crowd big enough. "I am most worried about alerting Yukimura and Sasuke to my presence." Yoshimoto admitted, glancing down at the ground. I looked at him in confusion, "But they came here looking for you. They're worried about you."
A solemn smile found its way onto Yoshimoto's features, "..I expect they are." It was almost.. mournful. Suddenly, he frowned, his expression turning more serious. "Leaving that aside, I was actually looking for you." "For me? What for?" "Last night, I caught sight of you as you left the manor. I asked my vassals what had happened- ..I'm dreadfully sorry you had to go through that."
I did my best to fake a smile, "It's.. It's fine. I should've expected something like that to happen sooner rather than later, after all.. I don't exactly pass for a man. It was.. It was bound to happen! Better me than an actual woman.." I slowly trailed off, realizing I was rambling. Though I'd heard nothing but sympathy in Yoshimoto's voice, and despite what I tried to tell myself, the wound was still fresh. But, Mitsuhide's bandaging still held strong. I could tell I was getting over it. Slowly. "Where I'm from.. We don't.. It's not normal to treat people like that. But.. I'm aware of it, and I'm okay."
Yoshimoto stared at me, almost like he didn't believe me, "Are you sure?" "Yeah. Anyway, did you really do all this just to check on me?" There was a small pause before he spoke again, smiling. "You are incredibly strong. Life and all its forces move through you as naturally as the wind, trees, and water. ..Yet you outshine them." I was taken aback, not fully understanding what he was going on about. But I gave a small smile anyway. Yoshimoto continued, "I feel as though you are the opposite of me."
"Eh? No way I'm 'shiner' than you! Did you not see all the heads that turned in Azuchi's markets? The way you talk so passionately about art.. You seem to really be alive then." I mustered up my best genuine smile. "I'm pleased to hear you say that." He smiled as well, his golden eyes staring off into the distance. Funny enough.. It almost seemed like.. He was saying goodbye.
My smile fell as I stared down at my hands, "Yoshimoto.. Why are you with Yoshiaki?" "Hmm?" "Yukimura and Sasuke are worried sick about you, which most definitely means the rest of Echigo must be too. Why on Earth did you leave?" I asked, finally meeting his gaze. My expression earnest. A moment of silence ensued, until a solemnly mournful smile graced Yoshimoto's lips as he replied-
"You could say.. To see the once-stalled fall of the Imagawa clan come to its natural conclusion." It's.. Natural conclusion? What happens after a clan inevitably falls? Destruction, perhaps? Yoshimoto's smile seemed weak, almost trapped. "..What do you mean?" Rather than answering me, Yoshimoto narrowed his eyes and frowned. "..Be careful on your way back, Malachi." He turned to leave, "Yoshimoto, please, talk with Yukimura and Sasuke first! Whatever problem you're in, remember that there are people who care about you! People who'd do anything to help!"
Yoshimoto walked as if the wind was carrying him, as if his own steps were not in his power to create. He glanced back, his own expression resigned. "..Thank you. I'm pleased we were able to talk again. I will not forget today." And with that, he was gone.
I remembered learning about Yoshimoto Imagawa through Mitsuhide's history lectures. The Imagawa clan was immensely powerful- At least, until they suffered this period's greatest upsetting end at the Battle of Okehazama and lost everything they once held dear to Nobunaga. Officially 'destroyed', the clan was no more than Yoshimoto and a few vassals taking refuge in Echigo.
..The last Shogun and the fallen Imagawa Clan.. Both had been chased off of the stage of History by Lord Nobunaga. Now, here they stood together. And Yoshimoto's despair.. It all had to mean something. This was no mere petty rebellion. This was an act of revenge. ..I knew I had to tell Mitsuhide.
