Time to get the action going! War preparation going on ahead! Also, for those of you unsure about what this chapter's title (and the next one) indicates, I'm using it in place of INTERLUDE... because there's too many viewpoints going on for me to aptly name an appropriate character/yōkai to encompass its entirety.

Also, did any of you managed to watch Heaven's Feel Part III? I can't find it anywhere I usually can view it. Can any of you point me to the right direction?

A thinner mailbag this time, so hopefully you guys will fill it up this chapter!
uboNiniM: In that era, as Juubei will later mention in future chapter, it's tough to get proper treatment during childbirth. That's why twins are rare, because usually one of three (the mother and the children) will die. The dice just stops on Kohaku. Or, in simpler terms, plot reasons! As I implied in the previous few chapters, the Sengo Clan is a descendant of the Minamoto Clan and not big enough to become an official branch like the Mutsu Clan. That's partially why Tatsumi was eager to challenge Shirou (even though they had no bad blood), because the current de jure Minamoto Clan Head, the Empress, chose Shirou as the de facto Clan Head for various reasons.
SilvaElda: Didn't include Ibaraki because, as I implied, she 'died' a few decades ago. Of course, her 'death' differs from normal, which I'll explain in future chapters. In any case, Shuten always had a better ability to withstand the World's correction than Ibaraki, who's more traditional in that sense, due to her own heritage.
Soul king: Depends whether he's killed a Shinigami, Hollow, or Quincy and has the chance to study the 'soul' and the 'blade' close enough. However, don't you worry – I won't do a crossover with Bleach until I've got everything set up. Also, welcome to the party! Haven't seen you before; are you a new reader?

"There; do you see that raft? We're safe now," Shuten-dōji explained tenderly, speaking with a mature Kansai dialect aimed at younger children by their grandmothers. "Stay with me, now, Hanbei-chan."

"Y-Yesh! I a-am awake!" Hanbei immediately replied stiffly, inadvertently biting her tongue at the speed the oni was moving.

"Kakaka… If you keep showing your adorable side, I may just gobble you up myself, you know?" The far older woman jested.

- S-Sob!

The two of them were shooting straight through the small forest between Inabayama Castle and Sakai River, where Mitsuhide claimed an extraction party was waiting. Knowing they're lagging behind, Shuten-dōji elected to carry the girl on her back – just because this position would leave at least one of her hands free to sip sake – even though it's a rather awkward fit because of their similar size.

In the end, with the lack of curves or large muscles for Hanbei to circle her legs around to secure her position, and the speed Shuten-dōji was travelling in, she resorted to hold onto the latter's neck like a dragged bull rider. Obviously, her physical strength was too puny for Shuten-dōji to feel anything, so it didn't really matter in the end. The oni even casted [Wind] Magecraft to prevent much air resistance from impacting the fragile little girl, and to push away most sharp branches and errant animals which got in the way.

- Sob! Sob! Sob!

Hanbei shivered frightfully despite knowing it's a joke, choosing not to interject at this time lest she bit her tongue again.

When she woke up, she instantly felt the insecurity caused by Zenki's disappearance, with only this female saviour of hers present. Her sensitive magical senses also told her how bad a shape they're both in – Hanbei from her drained spiritual reserves after automatically healing the wounds Yoshitatsu and Kashin Koji caused, and Shuten-dōji… perhaps from battling one or two of them? The petite strategist lost consciousness quite early on due to the stubbornness Zenki repeatedly got angry and worried about.

The time they spent hiding in the mines underneath Inabayama Castle, following the emergency escape path Hanbei designed herself – the whole mine was, in fact – did help, though not much. The moment she woke up was also when the first major quake started, shocking both of them awake from their rest and signalling their time had arrived.

- Fwish! Fwish! Fwish!

The sound of whistling wind near her ears did dull the fright of falling off or something hitting them, replacing it with a hope when the raft Shuten-dōji was talking about came to view.

The Sakai River wasn't particularly wide, making the man-made construct look oversized, given it had to carry a few dozen people. Hanbei hadn't had the chance to interrogate the details out from her saviours – Shuten-dōji, Zenki, or Mitsuhide – so only had the minor clues around her to form her conclusions.

How Shuten-dōji shortly described her meeting with Mitsuhide indicated the latter had managed to garner external reinforcements – likely from Owari, given Dōsan had recently posted her there once the alliance had been penned down – and they're also attempting to assassinate Yoshitatsu at the same time. If not, then why hadn't Mitsuhide joined them yet in this escapade?

- Step.

Shuten-dōji easily crossed the distance between the river banks and the already-moving raft, bending the branches beneath her to give just that last extra spring. Only then did Hanbei realize all this time she couldn't feel any bounces from the oni's steps since earlier, increasing her admiration of Shuten-dōji a little bit more, and it also applied to the landing as the two of them arrived silently on top of the aquatic vehicle.

"Dōsan-sama!" Hanbei called out once a familiar face came to better view. Trying to bow respectfully to the older man, she stumbled onto the floor instead, with only Shuten-dōji's fast reactions and prodigious strength managing to catch her with one arm. "E-Eh…"

The man waved off her faux pas casually. "It's fine, Hanbei. I'm no longer your lord, so the one in front of you is just a retired old man."

The darkness of the night made it difficult for the petite girl to fully make out the silhouettes surrounding her, assuming they're part of the shinobi team who managed to extract Dōsan and back up Mitsuhide's voyage here. Her skill in Reinforcement was pitiful, more so to even attempt doing it to her eyes to be able to see better in the night. Several shining orbs she assumed to be supernatural Pure or Mystic Eyes frightened her somewhat, reminding her of the childish nightmares she used to have, but she gulped down the squeak threatening to make their way out of her mouth since earlier.

Even Shuten-dōji's gaze looked dangerous… W-Was she serious about e-eating Hanbei?!

Still rather weak, she managed to balance herself on the wobbling raft, stumbling earlier not because of any remaining wounds – they'd all healed, though at the cost of emptying most of her magical reserves – but because she's not used to operating on top of a watercraft. She knew the Sakai River's currents throughout the year very well, it being one of the prerequisites of a full-fledged strategist's job, but 'knowing' and 'doing' were two very different things.

She shuffled closer to Dōsan – the only person she knew well on this thing – and observed him. Partly, it's because she couldn't see his face very well in this light… and partly, she felt there's something missing from him, leading to a significantly different aura from the 'Viper of Mino' she's used to.

It's not a negative one, though. He just felt… free, somehow. A lighter load on his shoulders, perhaps. "Dōsan-sama, has something happened?"

"Kufu… I've told you earlier, there's no need for the '-sama' anymore," he heartily chuckled, patting her head with his rough, weathered hand firmly. She's not big enough for it to even fill his palm, but the familiar, fatherly sensation brought some peace to her countenance. "Well, you're as sharp as always. I'm… I'm sorry for not being able to protect you from Yoshitatsu."

"N-Not at all! I-It's my choice to remain; you and J-Jūbei-san had nothing to do with it!" She stammered, blushing, not used to apologies aimed at her. "Y-Yoshitatsu-san… needs people around her. S-She'll be pitiful otherwise…"

"Nuhaha! You're so kind, little Hanbei!" Overhearing their conversation easily, Shuten-dōji laughed. "That one is a long-lost soul; why do you think Kashin Koji preferred her so?"

"No! She still can…!" Hanbei tried to protest, but found her rationale leaving her when she needed it most. "She… S-She can be…"

"What? 'Saved'? Hmph… You and that boy will get along well." Ignoring Hanbei's confused looks, Shuten-dōji took a gulp out of her gourd and continued, "As for me, I'm a realist… and Jūbei-chan will prove me right. They're coming!"

"No, they're not, Great Ancestor," one of those 'shining eyes' replied from across the raft. A feminine voice, Hanbei concluded, with a thin silhouette… and a single right eye? It's even slitted like a snake's! "It's simply an outburst of magical power in the climax of their respective fights."

"Hoo… You're right. Perhaps I'm getting old… Nnnnggggggrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhhh!" Shuten-dōji feigned stretching her back like a granny would do, though the effect would've been more profound if her inherent sultry seduction didn't ooze out so blatantly to the males around her. Her kimono was already loosely-worn anyway, and her smooth, pale skin shone underneath the dim lighting, enticing the imagination. "But they were really fast, huh."

"Of course. My husband is there, after all."

'Husband'? 'Great Ancestor'? Who was this woman?

"U-Uhm… Ma'am? I-I am Takenaka Hanbei! N-Nice to meet you! Please don't b-bully me!" She stuttered her introductions out, having to raise her voice beyond what she's used to because of Sakai River's ambient noise. "A strategist of… of… A f-freelancer!"

"Yes, I know," the shining right eye spoke. "Apologies, I can't welcome or host you properly because of various things. I shall arrange something when we get back."

- BOOM!

Before Hanbei could muster a reply, the Inabayama Castle exploded behind them.

The proud symbol of Mino and a strategic location thought to be too troublesome to conquer by many… gone, just like that.

While the shockwave came from too far to be able to be felt from their location, the large pillar of golden flame provided enough light to turn the night into something resembling dusk.

Knowing there's nothing she could reliably observe from here, Hanbei focused on using the light to at least put some faces to the voices she's hearing… and the people she saw struck her dumb.

Shuten-dōji's and Dōsan's appearances were known to her, yes, but the details missed her earlier. She now saw the small injuries they carried – Shuten-dōji's own rapidly healing into nothing more than thin scars – and the weary expression they hid under a thin calm expression. More importantly, she reaffirmed what she felt from Dōsan earlier, and concluded one thing from it: his Guardian Spirit, Shirohami, was no more.

Or, to be more precise, was no longer on him.

She traced the white snake priestess to… the snake-eyed woman who's talking to her earlier. How fitting. Still, she had to hurriedly lower her eyes when she caught herself eyeing the woman's… interesting features – namely her serpentine traits – with a blush spreading to her ears when she felt the woman's gaze realized the very same thing. The other party was young, only slightly taller than Shuten-dōji's diminutive form, clad in extravagant outer robes more suited for ceremonial purposes than subterfuge. A black kunoichi uniform peeked through the gaps between her collars, though, so perhaps she simply put on more layers to get warm.

Fortunately, the fiery glow soon rescinded, and she was spared the embarrassment of being called out for staring at another person's uniqueness. If anything helped, Hanbei did think she was quite pretty…

The rest of the group had their faces masked off, as expected. There's nothing to gain in speculating about their detailed appearances without permission or actually having the chance to observe them directly like earlier. What she gained from it was the slightest sense of security in memorizing their location, body language, stature, etc. to give form to the shadows freaking her out since earlier.

Zenki still hadn't responded to her call, as was her other familiars. The latter was certainly due to her depleted magic energy reserves, while the former was concerning – Zenki was both her most powerful and efficient familiar, logical considering his true identity – the fact he's not showing up only meant he simply didn't want to.

Fortunately, they're still on speaking terms, as in her mind he'd assumed his 'elderly goat' appearance – the one he often took when conserving energy on the battlefield – while summarily dismissing her worries about his condition. Which changed nothing, and still meant he didn't want to show up.

- Step.

"H-Hyauh!" She yelped when she heard a footstep very close behind her. Looking up… and up again, she saw a tall woman also dressed in kunoichi uniform, though quite form-fitting judging from the large bulges hiding most of said woman's face from view. "E-Excuse me…" she squeaked out nervously, lightly trembling at the thought of this newcomer not liking her.

"Hn."

The tall woman wordlessly walked to where that snake-eyed woman was sitting, demurely taking her place and silently taking in an offered cup of sake. Hanbei once again lamented her lack of talent in Reinforcing her eyes, because the silhouette in front of her suggested that woman had opened her lower face cover to partake in the beverage.

- Step.

She bit her lower lips to prevent another shameful squeal coming out due to surprise, as yet another footstep made itself known behind her. This shouldn't be happening! She'd moved around, too!

This time, with nothing particularly bright illuminating what she wanted to see and combined with the raft's increasing speed, she could only make out a well-built young man with an unconscious female carried on his back. She wanted to speak out loud and call to confirm if it's actually Mitsuhide or not, but feared her voice would take away much-needed rest time of the female victim.

She should know – she'd been in that role for quite some time.

…but she'd loath it even more if anyone had to die because of her.

All this time, she endured because she wanted to keep Yoshitatsu company, knowing the suspected reason why her personality developed this way. If Hanbei had to be hurt to do it, then fine – so long as it's not another person. If Yoshitatsu was satisfied with only her, then she'd gladly be a victim to spare others of the half-yōkai's unstable wrath.

But, for now, everything had to be put on hold… including her hyperactive mind, as they approached Owari's borders with high speed.

'Oh, she's definitely pissed off…' Tatsumi silently thought, quietly eating the snacks prepared for him by the Oda chefs. Nowhere as good as Shirō's, he added in his mind, when he had a few opportunities to sample his food when they're kids. 'Better be supportive… No, stop that! This isn't the time to think up jokes!'

He berated himself hard for not being able to focus on the task at hand, despite the recent loss of his beloved wife. He definitely didn't want to shove it away under racial excuses – the theory yōkai had different common senses than humans – because the grief and pain he felt as the warmth in Kohaku's fingers faded away for good was certainly the same.

He'd even boast it hurt more for him than Nobunaga… but he reconsidered it soon after. How could he be so insensitive against the person who knew Kohaku the most?

"Aneue… was a kind soul, you know? Your face tells me you don't believe it – but it's true!" Kohaku once giggled when telling him about her older sister's personality. "Even though my mother was but a maid, she treated me no different than Oichi-nēsama."

Back then, he listened to his wife with half a mind, because the Mutsu Clan already had its own set of intelligence regarding this 'Fool of Owari'. Most of it was compiled by trustworthy sources, and thus he partially attributed Kohaku's optimisms to simple familial love. This kind of case was a dime a dozen – show a lower-ranked person the respect, affection, and love they deserved as a basic human being, and their lives and souls would be yours. Classic.

Only now did he realize not only those two accounts were harmoniously correct, but also incomplete.

However, the new information he now knew just… didn't feel right.

"I don't understand…"

"About what?" Nobunaga immediately asked, enjoying her own platter of snacks seriously with a grave face.

Tatsumi was slightly startled, forgetting this warlord was sitting right in front of him, but he thought he hid it well by answering honestly. "You. I just can't see the person who shot a clueless bystander and who cried so earnestly for a sister given away to secure a man's loyalty as the same one."

She snorted. "You've spent too long cooped up in your own territory. Humans are complex beings… far more than I myself would've liked."

"So you can manipulate them better?" He baited, expecting the black-haired woman to snap and transform right in front of him.

However, just as he'd grown more appreciative of the world's simpler things after Kohaku's death, so too had Nobunaga become politically more astute and harder to read. She simply closed her eyes momentarily to ponder an answer, before saying, "If that's what you think I'm doing, then so be it. I'm disappointed Shirō's assessment of you has been wrong."

"What's that?" His tone remained level, though there's a certain edge to his tone now… before he caught himself and mentally smacked his own face. 'I'm the one who fell for the bait…'

Her eyes narrowed, pleased she turned the situation around, though she managed to hold herself back from gloating. "That you are a good, intelligent man worth my time. However, with those eyes… what you see in what I do is just not good enough. Fumu… as expected, I prefer talking to Shirō than someone who's just like everyone else."

He shrugged, trying to not indulge his anger and irritation. "Well, perhaps I'm just an ordinary person, then. Still, this one's strength should be good help for you."

"…that's what you promised Kohaku?" She eyed him through the top of her bowl, drinking the tea in it all the while. "So, it took her dying breath for you to come here and do the right thing."

- Thud!

Tatsumi not-quite-slammed the cleaned-up dishes he'd been scarfing down his mouth from earlier, and the two had a momentary contest on who could maintain their composure for the longest amidst this subtle series of insults. Nobunaga chose to take small nibbles out of the pre-prepared meals – by Shirō, of course – as she eyed what expression the Mutsu Clan Head would make next… which he's also doing to herself.

A pregnant pause followed, but eventually, Tatsumi spoke up.

"Your 'Tenka Fubu' is certainly hard to understand. No, I don't want to understand it. Let's stop talking about this and shift to tomorrow's tactics, shall we?"

"No, we shall not," she declared sternly. "How can I be sure of your loyalty and commitment if you refuse to study my philosophy? I am not forcing you to embrace it – because Shirō and Jūbei had no need to. They understand it's what's necessary… Do you?"

"I'm bad at studying things I don't care about, so no," he nonchalantly said, sticking out his tongue in a show of stubbornness.

"…you're lying," she judged. "Kohaku should've explained what I wish for right now… and if not, then you wouldn't have come to me repeatedly. Am I right?"

He just stared at her through his thin eyes peacefully, deliberately preventing any thoughts from leaking out through these windows to his soul.

However, he didn't realize Nobunaga wasn't just a powerful warlord and intelligent individual – she's also a transmigrated soul.

While in her past life there's no records of the Mutsu Clan, nor had her other selves had any interactions with them, it still came with it a rich torrent of experience in judging another person correctly or wrongly. Her previous self trusted Saru and Motoyasu… and got burnt, almost literally and ironically, during and after her death in Honnō-ji. Perhaps the latter wasn't as disappointing when she heard how that timid, raccoon-like girl defeated the rampant Tōkichirō, but her policies as the next Shogun was at best underwhelming.

Therefore, she'd no longer place her confidence in those who didn't truly understand what 'Tenka Fubu' stood for. If those who did were her eventual enemies – and killer, if she's speaking about Jūbei – then all she had to do was convince them of her belief and keep them alive to spread the word. That's the only way she could change the fate of Nihon to avoid the technological incompetence, outdated traditions, and mass deaths in the future.

Tatsumi Mutsu certainly was capable… The only question here was whether he'd be willing or not. This man had rejected Nobunaga several times, including when Kohaku was still alive, when she sent him letters or met him in person once. Additionally, Shirō wasn't here, and he appeared to be the only person this enigmatic man would seriously listen to.

So, she chose to continue this worthless banter by taking a cheap shot.

"Is this… stone-headedness of yours related to your sons?"

- Static.

"Don't you dare mention them. They are-"

"Just as much my flesh-and-blood as they are yours."

"They're my sons!"

"…and Kohaku's, too. Are you seriously saying that? Sullying her memory so soon after her death?" She heartlessly argued, despite the pain in her chest welling up once again from the thought of her little sister. "She would've wanted this."

"She would've wanted them to grow up happily as normal children," he growled.

"Still so short-sighted. Have you not realized what I was implying?" Nobunaga impatiently revealed, arrogantly tapping her fan to the ground audibly. "How can I grant them such living conditions if I'm defeated here, with no chance to unite Nihon in peace."

"Other warlords can do that. Those more powerful and established than you have already existed," Tatsumi argued, though he had secretly admitted that excuse was weak. "With the Mutsu Clan's help, they-"

"-will seek the Three Treasures and aim to use them to fulfil their own desires," Nobunaga finished for him, not caring in the slightest she had interrupted her brother-in-law rudely. For the sake of Kohaku's children, she had to act ruthlessly. "You know Shirō is in possession of one of them. You also said those 'stronger than me'… as of now. I know full well you're here because you've foreseen my future strength."

That silenced him completely, since the truth he didn't want to admit had been spoken out loud.

For example, if he offered his services to the Takeda or Uesugi Clan, he'd be able to obtain the rest of the Three Treasures easily. But even with that advantage, could he triumph over Shirō, who looked incredibly loyal to the Oda Clan? In a fight to the death, he had no confidence in protecting his lord at the same time from any form of suicide attacks. Besides, the Oda Clan, while not the best, was clearly a rising star with a military and political strength his two candidates had to worry about.

'Tenka Fubu'. The paradise Kohaku wanted to see… and one she wished their sons could live in.

He took a deep breath, thoughts far deeper than the earlier internal monologue quickly meshed together into a conclusion he could only reluctantly accept.

"Tomorrow… I'll bring you Yoshimoto's head. In exchange, leave my sons alone until they come of age," he proposed.

- Knock. Knock.

"Aneue, are you finished? Guest-sama, do allow me to clean your utensils," a voice echoed from the shadow kneeling by the door.

Nō slid open the door after receiving permission from the Oda Princess General, accompanied by a sullen, tall dark-haired woman. Tatsumi instantly recognized the latter as a kunoichi from her silent, light movements and how she consistently kept his presence in mind – clearly not the habits of a normal maid. He wondered whether the Oda Clan was truly full of capable women, as even a low-ranked member like his departed wife was enough of a handful to capture his aloof heart, leading him to arguments he usually wasn't bothered to make.

- Slide.

Before the small princess and the ponytailed girl – another strange hairdo for a maid – even left earshot, Nobunaga had already spoken, "I think you're misunderstanding something. I'm the one who can make demands here – not you. And quit staring at me like that."

Naturally, the aggressive tone didn't go down well with the man, but she continued before he could interrupt, "I will take Yoshimoto's head myself. You, meanwhile, will follow Shirō's orders. Do that, and you have a deal."

"…just like that?"

Assured of her own martial prowess, she nodded. "Just like that."

Okehazama was named rather awkwardly. Clearly, its suffix meant 'mountain', but it's much smaller than that. However, it's not a hill either – as those who underestimated its steep angles could attest. Therefore, its strategic location actually ran counterpoint to this strange naming precept: low enough to ease troop and base building, but tall enough to deter invading forces from overrunning the place with pure numerical superiority.

It had been 'in service' since landlords grew powerful enough to wage wars, resulting in the current scarring of its structure. The pristine mountain where early settlers of yōkai during the first days of the treaty resided peacefully alongside humans now became heavily built-on and tunnelled-through.

Because of this imbalance between man and nature, there existed unstable but deadly Yōkai Realms scattered across various points in its area. The shrine in the inner cave as well as the decrepit village of said early dwellers were the two main congested points, and thus Yoshimoto chose to avoid these two places when she established her base camp a day before Nobunaga's forces arrived.

Let any infiltrators test themselves against the crazed and feral inhabitants in those two areas, both human and yōkai. At the very least, it'd exhaust even the mightiest heroes and enable her to defeat them in either warfare or direct combat. Additionally, she made sure to channel the errant magic energy of this hill-slash-mountain into a crude but wide Bounded Field, giving her the necessary surveillance of the entire place just in case of assassins.

She lacked the skill and talent to craft more elaborate home field advantage – and also her retainers and attendants – but this was enough because of her army's strength.

People seemed to focus on individuals, forgetting wars were won by groups. So what if there's a single great magus or swordsman among them? Her troops were all well-drilled in basic Magecraft and combat; a swarm of magical ants could bring down even the mightiest dragons.

Or, that's what she let everyone believe.

The era of heroes still hadn't ended yet. Individuals still held large powers capable of changing the tides.

That's why she secluded herself from most of her lieutenants, only inviting Matsudaira Motoyasu and her attendant Hattori Hanzō to this meeting.

The nervous bespectacled racoon-like girl squeaked when she was harshly ordered to sit down, never seeing her current lord acting so… seriously? "H-Hyau… M-Motoyasu is here! Yoshimoto-sama…!"

"Yeah, you can be quiet."

"Y-Yes!"

Hanzō, the white-haired middle-aged well-built shinobi, actually eyed this female lord with some wariness. He had long suspected the goofiness and happy-go-lucky attitude of Yoshimoto's were as fake as her arrogance – behind them, similar to his lord's current untapped potential, was a far-seeing and wise Princess General.

A refined beauty suitable to be an imperial princess so long as she didn't open her mouth. That was Hanzō's assessment of Yoshimoto when his lord, Motoyasu, was made to serve under her when her territory was invaded by Imagawa forces.

He knew perfectly well the raccoon-like girl's ability on the strategy table and the battlefield. Yet, her territory was defeated just like that? Yes, Mikawa was far from a united force among the nobles. Yes, Motoyasu was young and inexperienced, fresh from a hostage situation and thrown around between the Imagawa and Oda forces. It shouldn't happen that way, too – she should just be a relaxed, pampered political prisoner used as a bargaining chip, not a general on the battlefield.

Yet, with one order from Yoshimoto, her life – and to an extent, Hanzō's – was ruined.

Oda Nobuhide's death complicated things. Originally, the previous head of Mikawa arranged for her to be sent to Imagawa in order to secure their alliance against the Oda Clan. Nobuhide, then the reigning daimyo of Owari, kidnapped Motoyasu and used her as a hostage – ironic, given that's her destined role in Imagawa, too – to force Mikawa to sever their alliance and ally with the Oda instead.

The little girl at the time grew up not knowing the cruelness of the world, living as Nobunaga's childhood friend and somewhat of a pseudo-sister. Hanzō was ordered to keep an eye on her to prevent the famously violent Princess General from bullying the innocent Motoyasu. Much to his surprise, however, Nobunaga took in the younger girl well, acting as a mentor beyond her years to Motoyasu and generally treating her just how a sibling would.

But even those happy memories didn't last long.

Yoshimoto took over the Imagawa Clan's leadership, and rampaged all the way across Mikawa. At that time, coincidentally or not, Motoyasu was there as part of her official training, and was roped into the invasion defence plans despite her young age. Then, despite all the knowledge and skills she'd learnt under Nobunaga, Yoshimoto defeated her overwhelmingly, forcing all of Mikawa to surrender under her rule.

Thus, here she was, as Yoshimoto's retainer.

One of the things Hanzō took notice was just like Nobunaga… Yoshimoto didn't act like what he expected her to. Instead of the usual slaughter of the ruling family down to their last member, she appeared to be fond of the girl's intelligence, respecting her from their short but meaningful battle. Yes, she did it in her own goofy, unique way of showcasing affection, but it's there nonetheless.

Really, the past few days had been a constant headshake from Hanzō in terms of his judgement of other people.

The voluptuous straight-cut beauty immediately ordered, "Tell me everything you know about Nobunaga."

"E-Eh?! Right now? I-Isn't that a bit too late?" Motoyasu stammered out, incredibly intimidated by the sudden change in Yoshimoto's presence. "U-Uhm… she's strong, I guess…?"

"Haa…"

"H-Hii…!"

Yoshimoto sighed, lightly slapping her plump thigh and walking menacingly towards the kneeling Motoyasu. Clad in full war armour, her curves were hidden behind the bulk, but they still jiggled and weaved this way and that according to her motion. Reaching out with one hand to grasp Motoyasu's chin roughly, she eyed Hanzō to indicate he shouldn't do anything.

"I want you to follow my orders, but you rebelled at the first chance you have. What's the problem? Are you nervous about betraying your older sister?" Yoshimoto seriously asked gravely, her usual fun-filled eyes now incredibly sharp and vicious. "Do I have to match your demands every single time, little raccoon?"

"N-No! I-I mean… y-yesh! I'll say it!" Motoyasu trembled heavily. "W-What info do you want to know?"

"Her personality. Her likes, dislikes, weaknesses, strengths… you know the stuff," the Imagawa Princess General explained quickly, still not letting go of Motoyasu's face, forcing the latter to look her directly in the face to gauge whether the younger girl was lying or not. "Everything."

"Yoshimoto-sama, if I may…"

"You stay right there."

Hanzō froze in place and mid-sentence in front of a killing intent he'd only faced once before in his life: when he was monitoring Motoyasu-sama and got found out by Nobunaga. These two's appearances were remarkably different: Nanban coats and uniforms versus traditional jūnihitoe; fierce gallantry versus traditional demure beauty; athletic slimness versus voluptuous allure.

But the glint in their eyes were almost identical: the freezing glare made more powerful by the contrast to their usual public personality. One was the 'Fool of Owari', and the other was rumoured to use kemari balls to fight once like a clown.

"Oh, she fainted," Yoshimoto commented cutely, breaking the tension in a snap of a finger after noticing Motoyasu had foamed in the mouth and collapsed with spinning pupils. "Hanzō-san, do call in the maid. I think I smell something stinking in here."

However, he stood rooted at his spot, not reacting at all as Yoshimoto released her grip and the raccoon-like girl fell limply to the floor.

- Thud.

"…what? Are you surprised at my real self? Ufufu…" she giggled darkly, her pretty face changing again into an absolutely abhorrent one. Then, just like a Noh mask, it reverted back to an airheaded, silly, ethereal expression. "Mou! Now everything makes me hungry! Someone serve me food, quick!"

Hanzō could only sigh mentally, hurriedly cradling Motoyasu in his arms and excusing himself, deep in thought. Of course, Yoshimoto wasn't really serious about having the white-haired man clean up… but how could he be so sure, knowing he couldn't read that girl at all?

Only when he put the small girl into the futon did he have the time to process what had just happened, and what Yoshimoto was truly aiming for.

Motoyasu was right; it was way too late for her to use whatever information she was hoping to have. Legends and myths might exaggerate the tempo of any conflict, but even the most one-sided slaughter of any monster, army, or duel opponent was built upon a long time of research. Take Susanoo's defeat of Yamata-no-Orochi, for example – the stories might portray the god accepted a request from a minor deity couple to rescue their last daughter from being the sacrifice to the serpent, go right where the serpent was, tricked and defeated him, and had the girl for himself. Happy ending.

However, if one thought about it logically, the fact the information about Yamata-no-Orochi's fondness of alcohol came from years of observation and sacrifice and pain at seeing one's offspring dying before their eyes. They didn't say that in the texts, but it's very likely Susanoo didn't know about this weakness before he met the couple, and merely suggested the potent concoction from his knowledge of divine liquor. So, the pieces of the puzzle from two parties came together at the right time – one didn't know any alcohol potent enough to make the serpent inebriated, and one didn't know he actually liked alcohol in the first place.

Then, as with any proper hunt, the waiting game must begin. What? Did anyone actually think Yamata-no-Orochi coincidentally showed up the second the alcohol, the trap, and Susanoo was ready? Of course not; it's more probable they laid in wait for more than several days until the serpent lusted for the flesh of young girls again. The texts mentioned 'every year', but not 'at the exact same date and time'.

As a shinobi, Hanzō was taught from an early age to see the deception beneath the deception; to be the one who held the truth to everything, because that would be his most potent weapon.

Thus, he disliked it immensely when things got out of control – as did most shinobi of his rank and age. The simple fact Yoshimoto played him right now, and he couldn't do anything to protect his master, irked him immensely.

However, upon introspection, he simply chided himself from letting old age and experience comfort him like a secure blanket. Every generation there would be ones who'd tear the establishment apart and surpass their predecessors, and Yoshimoto had showed her hand today she's likely one of them.

The reason she interrogated Motoyasu so hard and fast right now, with only one sunrise separating them and the Battle of Okehazama, was simply because Yoshimoto wished to confirm what she knew with what someone close to Nobunaga knew. Who or what was her source of information, he had no idea – another embarrassing fact he didn't want to admit – but it's unimportant now.

What's crucial was the closing window Motoyasu had to extricate herself away from Yoshimoto's grasp.

He first remembered the day he pledged his own shinobi code to protect the little dark-haired baby several years ago, having inherited this position from his departed father, the previous Iga Kage. Seeing her grow fortunate and unhindered by the political situation around her, he had harboured hope she might be the first of her generation to break the shackles of responsibility of being a Princess General… and thus risk her life on the front line, destined to live a life of blood and gore until the day she died.

It was partially out of his own selfishness. As he grew in power and stature, eventually succeeding his father as the Iga Clan Head, he grew more and more jaded of the constant war, in which every participant claimed they were the true harbinger of peace and unity in the land… despite Nihon already having a legitimate Empress for a few generations already. The hypocrisy coming out of their mouths – some were patrons of the Iga Clan, even – sickened him, unlike his calmer and more professional father.

He had said to the young Hanzō at the time that this emotional side of him would be his greatest asset, completely opposing what traditional shinobi codes taught every young prospect. He didn't believe his father at the time, given his peers followed more traditional aspects of said teachings, but he finally understood after all these years.

He would free Motoyasu from any restrains and enable her to live free and fulfil her potential however she wished. That was his ninja way, believe it.

An old man without an heir, and an orphan without a parental figure. It's not complicated to analyse why they're so close.

Yoshimoto's show of power earlier was worrying, however.

If that was her true strength… and the reason why she utterly trounced Motoyasu the last time they faced each other, then Nobunaga wouldn't have a shot to defeating her.

They all know the importance of tomorrow's battle. Two rising stars, each with their own array of supporting provinces: Imagawa with Mikawa Province, and Oda with Mino Province. A complete victory would mean either one of them fully absorbing the other's resources, military might, and talent, granting them near-hegemony at Honshu's centre. With Takeda and Uesugi still occupied with each other, it'd grant the victor several years of relative peace to expand their wings… and by then, neither of these two clans would've been able to contend anymore.

Rising stars came and went… but Hanzō had a feeling this time it'd be different. A turning point in history – who's going to excel above their own expectations and triumph against fate?

He had to analyse Yoshimoto's tendencies first, though. Despite Motoyasu being given relative freedom in how she'd command her troops under Imagawa flag, the big-picture formations were unknown to the commanders as a whole. Yoshimoto played like she's just a pampered fool who left the 'minor details' to her underlings… and to be honest, Hanzō fell for that ruse so many times, too, lamenting, "This is the person my lord lost to?"

But not anymore. The little things he found odd suddenly connected to create a grim picture.

Imagawa Yoshimoto showcased her clown-like self to varying degrees, depending on who her opponent was. After all, it's easier to read someone so angry and frustrated at her antics than someone who was calm and collected, able to see through her façade. She showed herself as nothing more than a pretty face, even though her mind was sharper than every single one in this camp, including Motoyasu.

He could only hope tomorrow's battle was a tight one. If Nobunaga could win, all the better – Motoyasu seemed to prefer her 'older sister', after all – but a tight victory would also suffice. By then, he'd be able to find an opening to extricate his lord and escape, living a new life she had secretly wanted but never had the courage to discard away the responsibility and guilt heaved on her small shoulders.

Tomorrow… Tomorrow, Hattori Hanzō would challenge fate itself, or die trying.