CyNdAi'S NoTeS: Okay next chapter takes place at The Siege of Osaka-Summer (I guess summer, it doesn't matter in my story). This time the Toyotomi Army is bigger and actually has a chance against the Tokugawa unlike what really happened. Hope you enjoy the story!
Samurai Warriors: The Crimson Sun and the Celestial Moon
Chapter Seven: What Best Friends Are For
Hikaru saw Yukimura walking toward his tent and caught up with him. "Lord Yukimura, you've received a letter from Hideyori Toyotomi," he informed his master and handed him the letter. Yukimura began reading the letter. "He says he wants me to ally with him against his next battle in Osaka. He will be encountering the Tokugawa Army..." he told Hikaru. "Are you going to accept?" Hikaru asked. "I have to rethink it over. I need to talk to Lord Shingen and Kunoichi," he said. Yukimura left to find Shingen and Kunoichi. Yukimura found Kunoichi and told her about the letter. "Really? Wow that sounds like fun! I say you should consider it Lord Yukimura," said Kunoichi, "If Hanzo's there than we can have that battle he promised us, I need some fun anyways." "Let's talk it over with the lord," said Yukimura.
Yukimura and Kunoichi entered Shingen's tent. Yukimura explained the letter to Shingen. "Yukimura you may do as you like; if you want to go you can, it's your choice," said Shingen. "He knows that, he's just trying to figure out what to do," said Kunoichi. "Well, if you ask me I think you should consider it. For one, if you ally with the Toyotomi, the army might have a good chance of clearing the Tokugawa once and for all. Second of all, I did overhear you're little rivalry with Hanzo, perhaps you should take the challenge," suggested Shingen. Kunoichi giggled, "I couldn't have said it better myself!"
Yukimura left to think about his choices. "Kunoichi," Shingen called for her before she took another step. "Yes Lord Shingen?" she asked. "Yukimura will decide to go, but I need Hikaru to be here..." he began to say, "You will assist Yukimura will you not?" "Of course, it's not like I have anything better to do," she responded. "Let me ask you, why is it that you protect Lord Yukimura?" he asked her. She put her hands on her hips. "Because it is my duty as a ninja bodyguard, to fight and to protect," she put her hands down and began to slow down, "not only that...he's my best friend, my only friend...I protect him because...that's what best friends are for..." She looked at Shingen and a tear came down her eye. "Why did you have to do that to me?" she asked him and started to smile. "It's my job," laughed Shingen.
"I've decided to go," said Yukimura as he mounted on his horse. "I bid you fare well and a safe trip there and back," said Shingen. Kunoichi mounted on her horse and rode up to the crowd. "Take care sister," said Hikaru. "When you are done head towards Yamasaki. We will have a final assault against the Oda. I suggest you don't get yourself killed," said Shingen.
Five days have past, Yukimura and Kunoichi allied with the Toyotomi. "Thank you for accepting my request Yukimura," said Hideyori. He discussed the plan to Yukimura and Kunoichi. "Yeah, we got it. You just sit back and relax Lord Hideyori," said Kunoichi. The armies were in position and the battle was about to begin. "Attack!" Hideyori command his troops. The battle between the Toyotomi-Sanada and Tokugawa was underway.
The Tokugawa attacked the east gates with cannons. Kunoichi lead a small army of Toyotomi ninjas to attack cannons. "Weapons like that are cheap, I prefer an actual fight!" she said as the ninjas took out the cannons. Kunoichi caught up with Yukimura who lead an army to attack westward of Osaka. The battle seemed to be tied; the Tokugawa took out a portion of the east and the Toyotomi-Sanada took out the west. "If this is how it's going to be, I have an idea," said Yukimura among the troops, "we'll send part of the forces on the west into the enemy's main camp, because if we don't charge now, they'll take us down in the east." Yukimura was not their leader but they agreed with his idea. Even they knew this is what they had to do, even without their lord's permission. "I will explain everything to Lord Hideyori later, please let us hurry," he commanded the troops. "What's the hurry Sanada?" said a voice. It was Keiji. "I'll explain later, I'll hold off the East and you do your thing," said Keiji. Kunoichi looked at him and asked, "Why are you here?!" "EXPLAIN LATER, sheesh, I'm here to help you know," he yelled and rode off. "Let us continue," said Yukimura with funny face.
Yukimura and Kunoichi lead an army heading toward the Tokugawa's main camp. The Tokugawa was prepared for an assault like this and had troops coming to attack. "We need to take them down!" commanded Yukimura, "it's now or never!" The army was occupied with the Tokugawa and Kunoichi could see Ieysu not too far away. "So looks like the Ieyasu's here, I can deal with Hanzo later. Let's take them down," said Kunoichi. "Lord Yukimura look," she pointed. "Let's go," he said to her. Yukimura, Kunoichi, and a few troops headed toward Ieyasu. "What's this?" said Ieyasu, "here to take my head? Ha! You make me laugh." He drew out his weapon and was in an offensive position. "Jokes on you old man," said Kunoichi as she began to attack him. With the help of Yukimura and other officers, Ieyasu fell on one knee. He was surrounded by the Toyotomi-Sanada Army. "I have carried this burden for a long time...but now...it can finally be over..." said Ieyasu as he fell to the ground. Hanzo stood behind him. "Why would you do to your own master?" questioned Yukimura. "Everyone has their time...so the shadow strikes now..." said Hanzo. Kunoichi eyes Hanzo, "If that's so, let us begin." Yukimura signaled the troops to leave and report to Hideyori.
Only Yukimura, Kunoichi, and Hanzo remained in the Tokugawa's main camp. "This is the fight...you requested..." said Hanzo. Kunoichi stepped up but Yukimura blocked her with his hand. "I'll battle him first..." he said. Hanzo and Yukimura began to fight. Keiji came running in the distance. "Piece of cake..." he said but then the fight between samurai and ninja made him shut up. Kunoichi eyes Hanzo very closely. He was using the same moves as usual, but then something caught her eyes. Yukimura was in a defensive stance but she noticed the stance Hanzo was in. It was familiar. Then it crossed her mind. The only thing a Kai Ninja and an Iga Ninja had in common was a special move that would knock the opponent unconscious and gave them the time to strike. A move she remembered Akira showing her. "Lord Yukimura!" she said as she ran up to the battle. She pushed Yukimura out of the way as Hanzo came to strike. Knowing the moves, she blocked the hit. "Don't think I don't know what you're up to Hanzo! It won't work on me!" she yelled at him. "Foolish girl, I would never use an ability even the Kai Ninjas know...I've done the impossible..." He strikes her left arm, and a crack of bones could be heard. He had recreated the ninjitsu ability into his own, making Kunoichi unaware of what he'll do. Even when Kunoichi blocked, Hanzo's moves were able to get through. "The shadow will prevail..." he said as he made one last move that made a direct hit knocking her to the other side of the camp. Her daggers scattered across the place.
"Kunoichi!!!" cried Yukimura. He had a death grip on spear and ran toward Hanzo trying to strike him but he dodged. "You...why you will play for your actions!" Yukimura was in blind rage, "all ninjas are skillful...all ninjas have great agility...but..." "Rage will consume your soul," said Hanzo as he leaped through the air about to attack Yukimura from behind. "One thing separates you from all ninjas..." Yukimura turned around and stabbed Hanzo right in the heart. "You have no heart!" Hanzo fell to the ground. "Shadows...live...forever...you cannot...escape..." those were his last words. Yukimura ran toward Kunoichi and Keiji followed not far behind. He ran up to see her lying there, hair covering part of her face, blood leaking from her mouth, and a broken arm...
CyNdAi'S NoTeS: Goodness, lots of violence people! Will Kunoichi survive? Or will all of Yukimura's ninjas fall one by one? I know the ending wasn't very well described; I have it pictured in my head but hard to write out! . I love the reviews! (of course) More, more, and more!