How's it going, everyone? Happy to hear from me again? I've been up to nothing, as usual...
Now, upon a more serious note: It's scary how well-received this story is... because it's already the second-best reviewed story of Oda Nobuna no Yabō fanfiction in this site, including crossovers and vanilla! However, this also brings some frustration to me, because it means one of my favourite LNs is just not very popular. Haa... Let's still aim for No. 1, shall we all? I'll take in all of your spam! Review!
Have you all noticed a certain pattern with the chapter titles? Shout out your explanation in the comment/review section!
Here comes the flying mailbag...
Royal Freshness12345: See? I told you! Your faith in the goddess was weak; and now you're strong!
Heird: Can I take some time to explain? If you read all the way back to HV-S01, I often mentioned how SHIROU was, and still is, not a balanced or complete character. I'm actually glad you realized the jarring irrationality of his personality through the cases, because he's not Emiya Shirou. He's still compiling all the necessary emotions and judgements to become the perfect hero he strived for. Don't forget that while he does derive love and pleasure and all those positive emotions from those around him, the negative stuff comes in, too. Just because I don't explain it in detail in the narration doesn't mean those sticking points you mentioned don't exist. The impulsive threats, the shortcomings, the strange moments of anger, that's all SHIROU, and not Emiya Shirou. Do you get what I'm saying? Hopefully this clears things up - I'll do this side of him even worse in the HV-S01, because I don't feel I've done an appropriate job of narrating his duality in that story.
KRKing: You've just explained my fantasies very well, there!
uboNiniM: Hoo... Well, regarding alliances, you'll just have to see in the following arc. This is still part of the introductory and world-building, so the main action won't start until the Battle of Okehazama. Regarding the previous HV, I thought I made it clear in some of the narration and Glossary Updates that Minamoto no Yoritomo was the identity they assumed? [...] "Nobu hito de nashi!" (Well, the Nobunaga in this story can't exactly be called fully human, as does the other characters around her.)
From an early age, Mitsuhide had never been short of confidence.
She was a genius, and thus made sure everyone knew it. Not in an arrogant, overbearing manner, of course – a showcase of genius also extended to how one conducted themselves in society – and thus she modelled herself after the 'perfect' Princess General as much as possible.
Despite the advent of female emancipation, there still existed a greater pressure on the fairer sex to significantly outperform their male peers to show they deserved their position… not only once or twice, but also throughout their lives. One mistake, one wrong move, and it'd take a miracle to overturn the incoming onslaught of criticisms and 'I knew it' comments.
Therefore, she idolized those who showed qualities she couldn't just learn and copy in one day.
For example, Nobunaga-sama.
For example, Shirō-senpai.
Mino had become too small for her growth, to the point she slightly regretted being born there instead of in an environment where she could grow and learn unabated in a frenzy. Didn't matter whether it's traditional Nihon or Nanban – all she wanted was the best.
And thus, she needed those who were better than her to keep running in front, displaying their backs for her to chase.
"Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Using kiai with every swing, she earnestly tried to 'sense' the 'perfect strike' inherent to all swordsmen and swordswomen. Inherent, yes, but naturally would be different with each person. While for those untalented ones what she's performing might be seen as just… well, performance, the function of this breathing exercise was to explode one's inner energy unconsciously, and try to feel it consciously so one could control it thereafter.
'Naturally, I've mastered this step! Hohoho!' She happily exclaimed in her head.
Yes, these swings, fast and sharp enough to earn her a title of mastery and open her own dojo, were now merely warm-ups for the upcoming training with her beloved senpai.
Their first meeting… predictably didn't end well.
Like most, she at that time had forgotten what drove her to train as hard, and outright discriminated Shirō-senpai because he introduced himself as a blacksmith. Belittling him in front of Nobunaga-sama and raising her profile – a natural thing to do since Dōsan's decision to ally with Owari – she challenged him to a duel right then and there.
Any retainers from an overtaken land needed to prove their worth in front of their new master, because at worst they'd be outright executed if they proved themselves worthless. What better way to beat up the one retainer their new lord deemed the most useful to usurp his place?
And, predictably, she was trashed.
The more insulting part was he's using the exact same swordsmanship techniques. Kamisha Shinto-ryū was a popular style among noble warriors, and thus had been honed and tested in the battlefield as a result. Even back then, she was already an astounding swordswoman, with no one in Mino could battle her anymore… but in front of Nobunaga-sama, she realized what she'd learned was still nothing more than a giant's toenails.
However, muc to her own surprise, the first thing which showed up to her mind wasn't hatred or humiliation or embarrassment.
'What a beautiful sword…' she whispered in her mind as Shirō-senpai swung the bokken to touch her neck, signalling her defeat.
She viewed the Kamisha Shinto-ryū just like any other art a Princess General was expected to master. Was she passionate about it? Yes… just like someone who liked pottery or sewing.
Never she thought that skill could be pushed far into the supernatural realm, enough that its very usage would elicit worship in a genius like her. No, it's precisely because of her genius she could appreciate the subtlety in his movements, in his attacks, in his breathing…
…and his finely chiselled body, hidden underneath those simple clothes.
Nobunaga-sama simply couldn't appreciate that, could she?!
And that was the first time she fell in love.
"Next!" His calm, stern voice called out from behind her, and she immediately transitioned from her practice swings to the predetermined kata he'd designed for her.
"Yes, Senpai! Genbu!" An ethereal sapphire sea turtle with a slender snake as a tail floated around her as she increased her Od output, its distinctive castle-shaped shell shining brilliantly alongside her hyped emotions.
Following her Element, [Water], the water vapour around her coalesced along her katana – one of Shirō-senpai's hand-forged creations, of course – and curled smoothly with her circular movements. While as a concept her kata looked more like a delicate, feminine dance enhancing her traditional beauty, the application was ferocious and fast like torrential waterfall, gouging out blade-shaped trenches whenever the blade's tip neared the ground.
The required footwork followed the same overall philosophy – smooth, yet deceptively fast in its 'slowness' – and she traced the steps he instructed her just yesterday perfectly.
Other than the personal satisfaction of performing whatever was taught to her instantly and at a high level, she adored the praising smile and gentle pats to the head Shirō-senpai often gave to his wife whenever they displayed their affections publicly. Using the jealousy to fuel her training further, so she could stand side-by-side with him and Chiyome-san, was a recently-useful trick she frequently applied.
All three states of water were exhibited through her various moves, as she began to transition to more abrupt, singular, powerful strokes similar to her original style… then to an effusive set of body contortions and light steps with her sword laid low in a counter position.
"Next!"
Her movements became erratic, mimicking the chaotic nature of violent sea storms, where liquid water, solid icebergs, and blanketing fog were all represented. Her body and thin clothing were drenched in sweat, and the additional moisture her swordsmanship created made them cling to her body and made her thin practice uniform translucent, showcasing her hardened nipples and moist snatch, ordained with thin black pubic hair.
He theorized the lack of the latter among the women he'd seen was because the heightened usage of Od naturally burnt off unnecessary stuff, like fat and hair, from the body to increase efficiency. His knowledge of his Japan was filled with images of thick jutting black jungles on both men and women… which he had no right to comment for the fact he hadn't had the chance to live in that era.
For now, he'd enjoy the view – he knew Jūbei would've wanted him to, or else she would've chosen a more appropriate clothing. Her arrogance regarding her genius was well-founded, and nothing she did was without reason.
Well, there was one… which was why she's so persistent in her attempts to get laid with him.
Shaking his head, he evaluated her movements as she finished with several cooling down sets. As always, there's nothing to criticize – truly, her talent was astonishing. She immediately bounced over to him with sparkling eyes, eager like a loyal pet dog to be patted, as a combination of her body odour, kumquats, and salt flowers assaulted his senses.
"How am I, Senpai?" She smiled knowingly, snuggling up right into his personal space and hugging him right away. With her sword dropped to the ground, it's a behaviour not just inappropriate for unwedded man and woman, but as a warrior full stop. Of course, bet on Jūbei to go against convention – a hypocritical thought coming from him. "Ehehe… I'm hugging Senpai…"
He didn't have the heart within him to knock his fist into her head like usual, so just stood there until she grabbed his arms and circled them around her. Her high body temperature was tempered by Genbu's chilling effects, but her hard nubs were very palpable against his toned stomach.
"Why do you like hugging this hard body so much? I don't think I myself like doing so…" he helplessly complained.
"Why not? It's because I love Senpai, of course."
"…and why's that?"
She looked up to him, eyes twinkling both in mischief and flaming passion, the opposite of her cool sword style. "Because I just do. It's what this Jūbei-sama has decided – so it can't be wrong!"
He could only shake his head, and took the chance to tighten his grip on her while changing the topic. "You smell good."
- Bikun!
She twitched. "S-Stay here, alright? I'll go take a bath first – there's still a lot of things I want to talk about!"
And as fast as she rushed towards his arms, she disappeared in a typhoon of water droplets towards the bath in the Muramasa compound.
Girls her age were sensitive towards those things, even if the words coming out of boys' mouth were a compliment. Knowing her mentality, mentioning a part of her that's potentially not perfect was a good way to get her off his crotch… momentarily.
As expected, barely a few minutes later, just as he finished fixing the scarred practice grounds, her footsteps came barrelling from afar, showcasing her clad in her usual favoured vibrant blue, though wearing a more casual kosode-hakama combo. It's quite the pleasing change to the eyes – Chiyome rarely ever wore anything other than formal clothing even when doing housework, while Danzō's 'work clothes' could be considered practically glued to her skin.
She's pretty in everything, and she knew it. That's why she put in the effort to learn from Nobunaga-sama about Nanban clothing, so she could combine them with her aesthetics – far better than her lord, she dared to assume – and boost her own charm further. She particularly disliked any form of makeup, finding those worn by oirans and geishas to symbolize underconfidence in one's beauty.
Besides, Shirō-senpai seemed to preferred it that way, too…
Moving under the cover of the night clearly wasn't MItsuhide's strong suit. She was trained as a frontline samurai, facing multiple opponents in an open field or single duels. While she was well-versed in the tactics of night subterfuge, she herself had never performed it, preferring to leave it to the professionals. After all, she did pay them to do so – at least initially. Earning their loyalty was the endgame. What's a few ryō if she could guarantee their services not only in this generation, but the next one too?
It's a shame she's born into this world too late. If she was here a few decades earlier, then she would've tried her hand at securing those ninja clan progenitors to serve her family and needs. The bushido between the two classes – samurai and shinobi – had blended together over the eras… meaning they should be just as easy to control as her own competent, but not masterful subordinates.
Much as she'd like to copy her new senpai, Shirō, and crafted an idealistic nirvana for those from lower social strata, reality wasn't that kind. No… she's just too weak to fully commit to that challenging obstacle.
Most legends regarding bushido always focused on its positive traits – chivalry, honestly, loyalty, humility, etc. – because it's mostly used to teach young kids about how adults should behave. Of course, as they grew up, depending on their upbringing, sooner or later they'd be exposed to the ugliness and filth of the real world. In it, 'bushido' was just an abused term to justify one's atrocities and push others into ruin.
Only when she's training her sword, body, mind, and soul under his caring gaze could she still grasp onto what she idolized as a child.
Ironically, it's Nobunaga's lack of respect towards said word which drew Mitsuhide towards her, to the point of lobbying her own then-lord, Saitō Dōsan, to ally with Owari instead of fighting with it for meagre resources.
If bushido was truly dead, then which road should she follow to see the kind of utopia foretold to her as a child through those bedroom stories? Surely, 'Tenka Fubu' was the answer? To wipe off this rotten and outdated system from Nihon and replace it with revolutionary, forward-thinking ideologies was the only ray of light she could blindly rush towards.
When professionalism was needed, she'd go to Nobunaga to exchange views and discuss what overreaching plans were needed to rule over Nihon in its entirety. When she craved some private time, her redheaded senpai was always there to welcome her with open arms.
…it's such a shame Chiyome was always there. No, if he was still unmarried, then…
The image of her sick mother shook and turned her heart upside-down. The part of her she thought she'd dedicated to Nobunaga, now danced with forbidden joy and expectation. Not necessarily out of love – though she'd be lying to herself if the thought of him didn't arouse her – but because there was another way. She didn't have to be similar to Nobunaga to pursue 'Tenka Fubu'…
…being herself was fine, too.
Sadly, it's a viewpoint all too rare in Nihon.
People categorized other people. Sex, race, lineage, heritage, occupation, education… One was always expected to conform somewhere, and any part of the body stepping out of the box would be ruthlessly cut off.
Nobunaga was the first to stick out her neck and dared those around her to do exactly that. Shirō was the first to warp the box itself into something else he desired.
Both had strength far beyond Mitsuhide's imagination. All she could do was put on her Nanban-style boots and chase after their imaginary backs.
Right now, those boots literally were a lifesaver. Unlike the rigid military ones with metal inserts, these leather ones were treated such they were far more durable than sewn hemp and more flexible than metal-capped shoes. Rushing through the lower foliage in unfamiliar territory, she could faintly feel the rocks, twigs, and animals bouncing off her feet without bothering her. While she winced whenever she heard her expensive jinbaori ripped lightly against the environment, at the very least she wouldn't have to worry about bloodied feet.
"Are you awright?" The small kunoichi, Goemon, turned her head down from her perch among the treetops to check up on her.
While usually she'd perceive such question as an insult to her capabilities – she's a genius, after all! – Mitsuhide actually liked this white-haired girl, and knew very well she's asking out of pure concern. "My clothes aren't, but I'm fine," she answered in a way she knew those around her expected.
Couldn't look too smart, after all. Outright copying Shirō's eternally-calm composure was both difficult and unsuitable for her – he'd told her the key to her swordsmanship and martial arts was her explosive emotions. If she could hone and control them, not rejecting them, then she could truly achieve her full potential – the 'self' her previous masters promised, yet failed to shape her into.
"I see. Lesh rest up for a beet," the petite kunoichi announced to the Muramasa Troop members assigned to this group.
- Fuu…
Everyone let out a collective breath of relief. While they understood the gravity of the situation, it still hadn't changed the fact they'd been sprinting for more than half a day… on foot. The distance they had to travel was significantly shorter, yet also more treacherous to the point beasts of burden couldn't be used. The yōkai members of the Muramasa Troops were handling it better… barely, since passing through areas with thin density of Mystery sapped their stamina faster and vice versa.
Mitsuhide distributed damp cloths prepared using her Magecraft – just simple well-made spare towels moisturised by melted cold ice. It's risky to use in the middle of a cool night, but a wipe off was always appreciated whenever available. Do it in moderation, and the risk of pneumonia and hypothermia could be reduced.
Long story short, they were on an urgent mission to rescue Saitō Dōsan from his daughter's long-predicted insurgency. Most surrounding warlords knew this was happening sooner or later – and perhaps Dōsan did, too – the only question was when. There were hopes Hanbei could curb her young mistress's appetite for violence, but those grew thin very rapidly once rumours of her abuse leaked out intentionally or not.
Therefore, Nobunaga sent them as a special forces team to infiltrate the remaining Mino borders and extract the VIP. Mitsuhide naturally was chosen as the guide, as she knew the lands better than even most nobles in Mino, having actually done the legwork to survey the area before it and Owari officially signed an alliance.
Well, make that half of Mino, since Yoshitatsu was in control now, breaking away from the pact agreed with Nobunaga.
Those around her weren't sure why Nobunaga didn't just outright declare war. She's justified for it, as Dōsan's support was somewhat public… but it's not difficult to follow her reasoning.
In the next few days, possibly even as soon as tomorrow, they would fight Imagawa Yoshimoto at Okehazama. To go in and out as fast as possible, achieving the maximum with the least members… it's the perfect test for the newly-formed Muramasa Troops.
Many warlords owned their personal information and assassination groups, mostly fielded by shinobis and some talented samurais. However, a specialized team purely to perform unconventional tactics, techniques, and modes of employment? This idea wouldn't be explored in full until the next three centuries, and one of Mitsuhide's 'baby'.
'Ehehe… My and Shirō-senpai's baby… Fufufu… E-Eh, s-shouldn't that be the t-three of us?! Nobunaga-sama has a hand, too… A t-threesome?! Was that what I read in that book?!' She giddily dreamt in her head once the idea was approved, before panicking on her own. 'Fuuuuaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh…'
Fortunately, that thought didn't surface right now, or she would've had to complete this unusual mission while being too hot and bothered with herself.
From their resting position, it's a short and steep downwards trek to the river, where Mitsuhide would partially activate her Living Weapon to utilize Genbu's power as a faux-motor and propel a pre-prepared craft straight into the centre of Mino. Overall, they managed to reduce their travel time by more than half, enabling them to catch up with Shirō's smaller but much more mobile group approaching in another direction.
This was also the advantage of forming this kind of squad. Guerrilla warfare became second nature so long as proper planning and communication was maintained. And even in the absence of that, they're trained well enough to operate independently to achieve what they thought was the endgame.
However, as both Goemon and Mitsuhide chewed on some reheat-able yuzuke, they thought of the speed the information travelled.
They received the intel too fast. Usually, even with Shirō's and Nobunaga's esoteric methods, the reveal of this kind of opening usually would take at least one whole day. Additionally, it came just as an origami bird landing on the castle's window, hinting at the messenger's supernatural prowess for creating and maintaining guided flight all the way from Mino to Owari.
As of right now, that one whole day included their preparation and initial deployment, which meant no more than 30 hours had passed since the incident mentioned on the piece of paper had happened. Was it sent by a witness, or the perpetrator themselves as a trap?
"Goemon-chan, what do you think?"
"Dunno'. You know Yoshitatsu better than me, Jūbei-shan. Do you zink she's the type to offerkhombligate dhings?" The petite kunoichi replied through bites of food and biting her tongue.
Her counterpart could only stare in wonderment at the skill displayed. Since Mitsuhide couldn't do it, then it must mean Goemon was a master shinobi! What an amazing display of mixing normal and ventriloquist techniques!
"Ahem." Coughing to clear her throat, Mitsuhide motioned the men and women around her to group closer. "Everyone, you need to know this: Shortly before the pact was signed… there was a sorcerer offering his service to us. However, Hanbei-dono was already present, so we turned him down in order to focus on welcoming Nobunaga-sama."
One hand shot up. "Was he our true target, then?"
She shook her head. "If he truly was behind this, his breadth of skills was likely beyond us. When it came down to it, we should leave that to Sengo-sama to conserve our strength for Okehazama. Hanbei-dono couldn't contain him – so we shouldn't try. Focus on Yoshitatsu."
Goemon sagely nodded, though her cuteness made the gesture adorable and the intention useless. "Then, can you brief us in more zetail about her phowers?"
"To put it simply, her Origin was [Trinity]. Three Guardian Spirits, three yōkai transformations, three types of 'normal' weapons." She air-quoted that last part, emphasizing even though they're normally not enchanted, Yoshitatsu's handheld weapons could very well be infused with other powers, similar to most of the weapons Shirō forged. "Fortunately, it's an inferior version due to her impure blood. I heard her mother could utilize everything I said simultaneously, but Yoshitatsu could use only one at a time."
"I'm assuming her switching speed is terribly fast," Goemon chimed in. "So… constant pressure?"
"Oi, oi, is your tongue-biting now cured?! How uncute!" Some of the men booed, having lost one of Goemon's adorable childish points they're charmed by. "Boo! Boo! Death to Yoshitatsu for causing this!"
- Bam! Bam! Bam!
With the noisy interlopers all lying on the ground with large smoking lumps sprouting out of the back of their heads, Mitsuhide wiped off her fist and slapped her thighs. "Well! Rest time's up! Let's go!"
From an empty plot of land in Mt. Sagi, a silhouette appeared silently from the ground, before emerging from it like it's a soft and pliable water surface. First, a long, pointed beak protruded, followed by a relatively-small head structure adorned with glowing magic stones. It stopped just after its neck popped out of the ground, before opening its mouth and allowing its three occupants to exit.
"My gratitude, Yatsu-no-Kami," Chiyome bowed lightly and properly towards her summon, which the giant snake-bird head nodded and growled.
"Likewise, Princess."
It buried back underground, knowing she would likely blush and get annoyed at the constant formal form of address. The Serpent Clan had all acknowledged her as their current master, and was amused at her constant attempt to befriend them – and their Great Ancestor sleeping deep inside her – as if they're equals. The thought behind their constant refusal was the need to establish a hierarchical relationship in accordance to the contract – too close, and the pact allowing her to use their powers and assistance would've annulled itself according to the geas.
Still, the attitude earned her their respect and loyalty, much more than her predecessors.
Besides, if they misbehaved, Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi's wielder was right there, exhibiting all the pressure of an overprotective husband. They had little doubt if Yamata-no-Orochi even thought of doing something unsavoury, the redheaded man would find a way to pull it out of Chiyome's body safely, kill it again, and re-seal it with as much pain as possible.
Various supernatural species had mutual working agreements with capable summoners, at times an entire shinobi clan since they're the most likely to use them in combat. It wouldn't be an exaggeration they participated solely because they loved fighting others, humans or not – plus, the rewards stipulated in the contracts were delicious and valuable.
Within the Serpent Clan, only Shirohami ventured outside and became Dōsan's Guardian Spirit. A risky undertaking, despite the female white snake's power and Conceptual Weight… No, it's precisely because she's strong she dared to take such a risk. Unlike summoning contracts, becoming a Guardian Spirit entailed much more work and constant supervision on one's host, but in return, they were entitled to dense magical energy to grow on and their hosts' soul, once a breach in contract was found or those people died before finding a proper successor.
It's a loophole deliberately left behind in the human-yōkai peace treaty from the Heian Period – if one wanted power, then they should also shoulder the responsibility and risk it entailed. Of course, there were always fools who dared to chew more than they could handle, and the results were expectedly catastrophic. For every idiot, there was always a righteous simpleton who'd bring them down. That's the Equivalent Exchange of this era.
First exhibit: Yoshitatsu Saitō.
Certainly, that woman was talented. That was part of the reason Dōsan dared break ranks and marry her mother against the suggestions of the Mino nobility. Miyoshino was a yōkai, yes, but that was no longer an issue by itself in this era. No, she came from nowhere with a dubious background, and while she was typically a gentle soul, everyone was doubting her motive on agreeing to Dōsan's marriage proposal. the fact they met when he was disguised as a normal mercenary painted the perfect romantic story, too… too perfect, some might say.
Unfortunately, Yoshitatsu inherited none of her mother's gentleness or her father's chivalry. Instead, with all their negative qualities rolled into one, she was infamous for her cruelty ever since she was a child. While popular with the warmongering military nobility, Mino people were worried about the direction she'd take them once Dōsan had retired… so she took that choice away from their hands after her father practically sold Mino to Owari.
A harsher-than-necessary evaluation, sure, but for a ticking time bomb like her, it was enough.
She'd let the area she'd taken control over with this insurgency to be flooded with blood if it meant she had chance to become Nihon's supreme ruler. A dream shared with all Princess Generals, yet one which demanded the utmost usage of one's entire talent and experience.
…none of which Yoshitatsu possessed an adequate amount of.
"Danzō, do you have a location of Kashin Koji?" Shirō asked, depending on her spiritual connection to that dark sorcerer to check on his location. Nothing more could be done, since forcing a more detailed detection risked getting traced back – and with Kashin Koji's skill, a remote curse was entirely possible. "Is he still in Mino?"
The taller kunoichi shook her head. "I have just lost sensation once we entered Chiyome-sama's summon. Not because of Yatsu-no-Kami's presence, but because that father of mine had exited Mino all of a sudden. Beforehand, his presence was already faint, but now…"
Patting her head, he stopped her. "That's fine. You've done a good job."
"Hn…" she purred, the uncovered upper part of her face smiling happily.
- Kyu…
Chiyome lightly pinched his other arm. "Then, shall we get going?" She said urgently.
"Yeah."
They had no plans on stealth from now on, since after this should be a yōkai village loyal to Yoshitatsu – that's the reason they're granted this land in the first place. Already, despite having not yet stepping foot inside its perimeter, red spider lilies and wisterias already grew sporadically, their brilliant crimson shade feeding off the unique magic energy of the Reverse Side of the World. While a Yōkai Realm wasn't truly a gateway to that place, it's certainly a transitional location which both sides could easily influence.
Even if they did encounter a benevolent and cooperative yōkai, establishing trust between the two parties required time they didn't have and couldn't afford to spare.
Therefore, speed was key. As soon as Goemon's and Mitsuhide's teams started their waterway sideways assault, the three of them would go in and finish the job.
"I'll take Yoshitatsu. The two of you- Oh, come on, don't look at me like that!" Shirō pleaded, mild exasperation apparent on his face when the two girls immediately frowned at the idea. "It's efficiency! Efficiency! I'm not coddling you this time – look, the task of securing Dōsan-dono is yours!"
"Muu…"
"Hm…"
After brief moments of pondering, the two covered kunoichi nodded.
Sharing the intelligence she received from the Serpent Clan, Chiyome said, "The caverns below were used as training space for Dōsan… and eventually it shall be passed down to Yoshitatsu. The leyline here suits us serpent yōkais, and Shirohami designed the underground ritual circle for daily usage."
"Shirohami… the White Priestess, huh?" Shirō took the opportunity to slip in a joke. "Which colours would you like to be called, dear wife?"
- Pa!
His arm got slapped in return, as his small wife huffed and threw her face to one side. "Be serious! Why won't you flirt with me when I want it in the first place?! You're always teasing me with Danzō-san or Jūbei-chan!"
- Pata! Pata! Pata! Pata! Pata!
"Sorry, sorry!" He laughed, leaning this way and that to ease the blows strong enough to smash rocks. "I'll give you plenty of attention after this, alright…?"
"Don't say words like that! You'll just jinx us!" Chiyome hissed. "Danzō-san, let's leave this fool! Hmph!"
"Understood." Pointedly, the taller kunoichi flatly stared at her lord. "Lord… I agree. You are stupid."
"Eh…"
Before he could refute, the two of them had flickered away with their respective movement techniques, leaving him to sigh on all his lonesome.
"Why are girls so difficult…? I've lived enough lifetimes filled with them, so why…?"
Genbu's masterful manipulation of the water meant Mitsuhide and the rest approached their landing spot eerily silently. Even the best shinobi training must leave a ripple or a splash somewhere as an indication their technique had begun, which was why they usually chose an insertion or exit point somewhere discreet. However, her partial Living Weapon activation enabled them to practically glide through the water surface, not even disturbing the natural movements of the local wildlife.
Sakai river wasn't a particularly wide waterway even in this time – its modern counterpart having received flood preventive renovations to alter its banks – and wasn't bustling with natural resources… at least, not enough to fight over, unlike the bays ending in the ocean by Nihon's eastern shores.
Still, no matter how dull the scenery looked both during the day and night, Mitsuhide couldn't repress the nostalgic emotions she felt as they cruised speedily across this river.
How many times had she ran away from her parents' supervision and play by her lonesome in the water? How many times she beat the snot out of the noble boys when they teased her about her forehead on these banks? The short but powerful meetings she experienced here also contributed to her feelings: her first meeting with Shirō-senpai when Nobunaga-sama first visited to have an audience with Dōsan-sama was a particular highlight.
She knew the shadows she's seeing – of her younger self and Shirō-senpai – as her vision flashed through the banks were fake. Those two were crouching down, casually grilling some fishes and shells they caught, even without introducing or knowing each other. They both thought they were just a noble kid taking a break from the stiff traditional matters their families enforced upon them, and thus were able to connect without the need of names.
In this era and culture, names were nothing more than shackles. Prestigious ones got one to places, yes, but those places were so high the fall from there would be instant death – the precipice of a slippery, crumbling slope of momentary pleasures. The peasants who dreamt of being granted a family or samurai name found out several years down the line the lives they wished for were meaningless veneers hiding filthy, poisonous, suffocating secrets.
In fact, the lives of those without names were the only ones which could be called truly free. From obligations, responsibilities, hopes and dreams, sins, promises, and so on.
Still, to get to the utopia Mitsuhide had dreamt of since she was a child, the place beyond 'Tenka Fubu', she'd shoulder them all, confident in knowing there were those around her who'd pick her up when she was about to fail.
That, she convinced herself, was the sole place true love could come from. The deep, unexplainable trust forged between more than one individual, regardless of sex, race, background, and others, which lasted more than a lifetime, defeating cycles of reincarnations.
Those who looked down on her love towards that 'simple blacksmith' or 'foolish warlord' would have their heads separated immediately. That she could guarantee.
- Bwooossshhh!
The imaginary sound of their raft landing eased the transition between holding onto the wooden structure and hopping onto solid ground, since the lack of sound and substantial motion became eery and disturbing after some time. The Muramasa Troops immediately spread into predetermined small groups, having been briefed to the death what their strict and flexible orders were.
Only one thing was certain: survive and come back. That's how Shirō-senpai wanted it, and the only way he'd allow every single member on this expedition to go through with it. He had no need of needlessly suicidal fools who cared more about honour than their comrades' and families' happiness.
From this point on, vocal communication was to be kept to a minimum. With one last group eye contact, they spread through the side of Inabayama Castle like ants.
Mitsuhide had told them of the underground passage tunnelling through and around the area – remnants of a declining magic stone mine and about to be renovated into a siege defence contraption. That was, until Dōsan was overthrown and Yoshitatsu took control of everything. Knowing this shake-up would create spiderweb cracks of openings they could take advantage of, especially because it's literally just yesterday, there's no better time to strike now.
Their entry points varied. There were official openings used for carrying large piles of dirt and magic ores to and fro… which of course they wouldn't use because they're the best-guarded places, despite the reduced amount of guards tonight.
Magic stones, or 'Amrita' according to foreign merchants, were simply that: condensed magic energy of the universe to the point they're solid. Shining bright gold, its ethereal nature elicited the greed of all, no exception. Additionally, because they were naturally formed from the earth, their crystalline structure was regular and easily mined – unlike other ores which required the planet's processes to be barely usable, and had to be further processed by hand after that.
Inabayama Castle stood atop one of Nihon's largest mine, but production had slowed recently, leading Yoshitatsu to punish the workers unnecessarily to work harder. As a result, Dwellers and Gakis roamed the place wildly, revived from the corpses strewn and thrown about after dying due to overwork. Like most, criminals mingled in with punished peasants as the mine workers, forced to do manual labour… and their negative emotions reacted with the magic stones to facilitate their transformation into yōkai.
The leylines had no eyes. Whoever wished to utilize their power better be prepared to shoulder the risks. These two types of yōkai were unintelligent, a result of a dying will not powerful and consistent enough to maintain one's self after death and/or transformation.
Mitsuhide looked at them in disgust, a myriad of emotions she didn't wish to discuss rolling across her pretty face.
Their mindless state showed their lack of talent and will to reach a higher place in their lives no matter how much they're knocked down. They weren't comfortable with change, and thus begrudgingly accepted their fate to grind forever in this low class. If she was in their place, she would make sure she'd die fighting against the perceived notion against her no matter the cost.
That's what a 'genius' meant. Fighting to establish one's place, and the ability and will to do so, instead of just waiting to be recognized.
'Yoshitatsu…' She growled hatefully in her mind.
That very same criticism also applied to Yoshitatsu. She never tried to better herself and those around her, never willing to try something to change the status quo. Instead, she drowned herself in her own arrogance and desires, focusing on that and not the bigger picture.
In Mitsuhide's eyes, even before this rebellion happened, that part-yōkai woman was already no better than shit.
She had shared the mine's map to the rest – at least, the latest version she remembered. With that, they could break off into small duos or trios and increase coverage. While their mission this time didn't necessitate them combing through this massive, complicated complex for every single treasure, it's better to be safe than sorry. Goemon-chan's skill could facilitate communication by hacking the inherent flow between the magic stones, a feat usually impossible if one didn't understand their disturbing frequencies.
Without waiting any longer, a talisman slid down her sleeve. Casting Reinforcement silently, her athletic, shapely legs (for someone her size) squatted and extended forwards suddenly. Mid-jump, she casted the talisman into the air where it disintegrated into millions of snowflakes, allowing it to bathe her body.
- Step. Step. Step.
She was unable to master Shirō-senpai's 'Ghostlight Firefly' to the extent she's proud of it. Unlike his women, who simply mastered it to the point of utility, Mitsuhide's pride wouldn't allow her to be 'just' at that level.
If she wanted to do it 'her way', then she'd use something which would surpass him, alright!
Fortunately, the arena around her supported this technique well.
The talisman she just used had [Water], and that's exactly what's she's going to use.
It's an interesting element – the most naturally aerodynamically active component in the universe. Whenever in freefall or controlled flight, [Water] would always contort its own shape into one of least resistance. Unlike ethereal energies like [Lightning], it didn't travel through the easiest path sharply – instead, it diffused itself evenly to avoid leaving any cracks unexplored. Unstoppable by any kind of matter, whether it's solid, liquid, gas, or plasma, [Water] was the beginning and the end of everything.
She glided silently through the air, cutting through it by contorting her body into various forms depending on the airflow. Because she's deeply involved in the latter planning of this mine's renovation, she's incredibly familiar with how the air moved through and around the shafts in the effort to let the workers simply breathe. Of course, other economical and industrial considerations were then added – for example, how to excavate the dust faster to improve cleanliness or magic stone quality identification.
Using Alteration on her clothes to mimic the shinobi technique of kite-flying – which in itself mimicked the flying possum – but ever-changing, fluid just like [Water], she scaled the ceilings and high walls completely undetected by the mindless grunts and the savage bestial yōkai.
Its only weakness was [Time], always taking too long for Mitsuhide's perfectionist nature. While she's not impatient, she hated wasting unnecessary time which could be used to do other things.
Fortunately, that's why she's training with Shirō-senpai, who she assumed had secretly attained enlightenment in the [Sword] and eliminated any weakness in everything he'd taught her.
Perhaps… that's his way of showing he cared for her?
'Ehehe… Eh, w-wait, don't think about that! Dummy! Focus, focus!' She berated herself, her body smoothly swimming through the air with each glittering step of talisman effects. 'Yoshitatsu, just you wait – I'll be the one to cut you down!'
From her high vantage point, she could see Goemon flitting in-and-out between the rocks' shadows, her great stealth skills complimented by her naturally-small stature. The various teams weren't so fortunate, but they were successful in slowly and silently taking out every obstacle systematically by working together, ganging up on single targets one at a time instead of rushing through the place like wannabe heroes. Understandably so, she thought, since none of them had attained the level of skill Mitsuhide and Goemon had.
If so, then they would've been team leader instead of the two women.