Malachi's POV

"That strumpet-whelped, son of a fish-mongering, thrice-cursed tramp's used horse merchant's dog..!" Well, it seems Hideyoshi's mad. And his attempts at not cussing are hilariously sad. Once more, Hideyoshi slammed his fist into the mat. And there was no doubt that he'd created something of a dent in it by now. "..Hideyoshi, calm down before you pop a blood vessel. And, ugh, I can't believe it's up to me to say that now.." Ieyasu groaned. "Someone needs to, now that Mitsuhide's gone." Masamune commented.

Nobunaga simply watched, not saying a word. News of Mitsuhide's imprisonment had triggered an emergency War Council. I had already told them everything I'd witnessed at his arrest. But I hadn't told them about that meeting with the messenger I saw. I wasn't exactly willing to dig Mitsuhide's grave any further than it was already. Or.. Potentially seal his fate. "..The fact that Lord Mitsuhide confessed to his crimes puts us in a difficult situation." Mitsunari spoke solemnly.

"But it's not right! Lord Mitsuhide couldn't.. I mean, he just wouldn't be working with.. with Kennyo." Ranmaru blurted out. "And yet, we have the guards' testimony saying he did and with no prompting. We cannot free a suspected traitor." Mitsunari spoke with an unusual detached coldness, in complete contrast to his usual sweetness. "You don't believe he's working with Kennyo, do you, Mitsunari?" I asked.

But I wasn't exactly pleased with the response I received.. Mitsunari shrugged, "I cannot say at this point. There is a concerning amount of evidence pointing to his guilt." "That's just it! There's TOO much! Not only did Kennyo's accomplice suddenly out their connection- We also discover a ton of letters between them hidden in his things? That's obviously a set up!" Ranmaru exclaimed.

"Honestly, the biggest clue is that if Mitsuhide were going to betray us, he wouldn't let himself get caught like this." Ieyasu commented. "Yeah. Whenever he does something bad, he'll muddle the situation and be on his way out before you can pin it on him." Masamune smiled. I sighed, "I hate to admit that these two have a point.. Mitsuhide only got caught originally because his plan to kill Nobunaga succeeded.. It just seems he hadn't accounted for Hideyoshi.. What's different here? Why did he get caught now? None of this adds up.."

Suddenly, I noticed everyone's gazes on me. "Eh? Did I say something..?" "That whole weird.. rant. What on Earth did you say? I could only make out a few names.." Hideyoshi asked. I startled, not realizing I'd spoken out loud. "Oh! Um.. I just have an easier time getting my thoughts together in English, it is my first language after all.. I was just muttering about the situation, that's all." I lied straight through my teeth. But Hideyoshi didn't push it. It's not like he could call out my lie. The only person who could translate is.. Well, he's locked up with heavy charges of treason and treachery over his head.

"If only he hadn't purposely made everyone suspicious of him, this would be a lot easier to sort out." Hideyoshi grumbled, "Damn that reckless idiot!" It quickly became apparent to me that everyone here trusted Mitsuhide's innocence. Except for me, it seemed.. I easily accepted that he was guilty.. I just couldn't accept how he got found out so easily compared to what happened in History.

But then my thoughts were interrupted by a voice calling my name, "Malachi." I quickly whipped my head up and was met with the crimson gaze of Nobunaga. "Y..Yes?" "You reported that you heard him say, 'Now that you've found me out, I've no reason to fight.' Is that correct?" Nobunaga asked. "Uh.. Yes. Yes, that's right." "I see."

Nobunaga swept his crimson gaze over the room, immediately commanding everyone's attention. "Mitsuhide will remain imprisoned while the investigation into his treason goes on. When the rest of this plot is successfully uncovered, Mitsuhide is to be executed." WOAH- Executed?! It sounds as if whether he's guilty or innocent, you're gonna kill him! "My lord! Please, I beg you to rethink this decision! Mitsuhide's not..! He's not..!" "Hideyoshi. It's our lord's decision. It's done.." Masamune frowned, "..As long as Mitsuhide sticks to his story, that is." ..He can't!

"Well, it's back to work for the rest of us.." Ieyasu spoke quietly, "We have to fight some way to fill the huge hole he left, stop the Uesugi-Takeda alliance's advance and-" "..And then catch Kennyo and get him to clear Lord Mitsuhide's name, yes?" Mitsunari finished. "Stop stealing my words or I'll throw you in jail." Ieyasu threatened. It felt.. A bit refreshing to see their usual banter. But this feeling of relief within me didn't last long. "Malachi, you will report to me on the suspected rebellion in Chugoku in Mitsuhide's place." Nobunaga spoke.

"..You say that as if I know what was going on. Which I didn't. Mitsuhide didn't tell me shit. I only have my assumptions. But fine!" Nobunaga then turned his attention to Hideyoshi, "Hideyoshi, you will stay and listen. When she is done, convey what we have learned to the messenger from the imperial court." "..My lord." Everyone but Hideyoshi and I left the audience hall. 'Huh? Ranmaru..?'

Ranmaru started to push himself up, only to stumble before catching himself. He appeared deathly pale. "Ranmaru? Are you alright?" I asked, giving the younger boy a concerned look. He met my gaze, "..Lady Malachi.. I'm.. I'm just sick of all these nasty surprises.. That's all." "Ah.. I.. I understand." "You don't need to feel bad, Lady Malachi. ..There's no connection between Lord Mitsuhide and Kennyo. I promise you, there's not." Ranmaru left after his words, a look of determination brewing in his stormy gray eyes. That was.. Strange, to say the least. I thought Mitsuhide and Ranmaru didn't get along. Why would he defend him like that? Unless..

"Malachi, do not keep me waiting." "Oh shut the fuck up. Don't get your panties in a twist." "What was that?" "Nothing, just a slip of tongue. Anyways.. So, after we arrived-"

"Hmph. So that defanged Shogun-in-name-only has decided to take up arms against me once more?" Nobunaga had a boisterous smile on his face as I finished the story. "I heard a rumor that he may be doing the same thing in Uesugi-Takeda controlled territories as well." I commented. "Then I am not his only target? Interesting." "I'm impressed you found out so much in such a short time." Hideyoshi had a look of surprise on his face. "Oh, well, you hear a lot on the road.." Especially when you have friends in the enemy camp, haha..

"You have done well. You may take what rest you need, Malachi." Nobunaga told me. "Thanks. But before I go- I'd.. also, like to ask that you reconsider what you're doing about Mitsuhide.." Nobunaga eyed me suspiciously, "How so?" It seemed I'd gotten his attention. Now all I had to do was make him understand because things just can't end this way.

That's easier said than done..