Nice to see you guys again!

TBH, your reactions to the last few chapters were exactly what I expected and half-hoped for, because with such a well-known fandom like Assassin's Creed, everything I say and do related to it will be controversial no matter what. This chapter accentuates what I feel for that series overall, and you can observe more through the Mailbag conversation below. Additionally, this arc will contain a lot more of expositions like this and less combat than I would've liked, but I kept assuring myself it's going to culminate in some sort of grand, boss-rush type battle in the end. Look forward to it!

Very disappointed with how Summer 2021 has been for my personal anime enjoyment, since everything I follow from its original media has been disappointing (including how long the FGO movie's been delayed where I'm from). However, I was pleasantly surprised how good the latest Gundam movie was! As a pseudo-Gundam hater, I was skeptical when people recommended Hathaway's Flash to me, but call me wrong on that! I think my lack of involvement in that fandom enabled me to avoid the disappointment from that movie's repeated delays (as is typical of Japanese media these days, I know). For those of you who haven't watched it, check it out! Yes, it's so good that me, a casual, is recommending it to you guys.

Beware of future spoilers in this mailbag!
98kazer & Ghost151: On the contrary, I'm investing these few chapters to both declare why I'm NOT doing an AC crossover (at least in HV-S03: SI) as well as setting up the background for the other stories set in Medieval Europe, as I indicated in the previous AN. Can you not taste my disdain? Yes, the AC canon and fandom absolutely have some great moments, writers, and scenes, but it's clearly a cashcow franchise ever since AC: II came out. (...) Unfortunate, if you enjoy AC, (...)
Royal Freshness12345: Well, it's not at the level of the actual, historical Cold War yet, but it's getting there. Hopefully the heroes can provide a better solution for all involved. Honestly, I'm no expert in naval combat, but I'll do my best if it actually comes up. Tomoe will feature more in the 4th HV story; she's here only in a few upcoming cameos. Look forward to it! No, China's going to be the 3 Kingdoms and Warring States Period (2 different HV stories, BTW!), both featuring the same HV. The modern nation I'm going for is pre-WWI Europe and US... and that's all I've thought of. This is likely the plan for the next few years...
superpierce: Eli-chan did! (...) Elizabeth (the Hungarian duchess, not the young British queen) attacked on her own whim and completely unrelated to what's happening in Japan. She simply felt Dee's overstepped quite a few lines with Britain's backing, and thus she stepped in as the current Pendragon heir (in the HV universe). Everything's implied quite subtly because I don't want to go in too deep before the European arc of the HV series.
neverplayedmgs: It's a partial crossover and shout-out to one of the most polarizing franchise in video games: Assassin's Creed. Yes, Jacques de Molay was burnt at the stake (perhaps foreshadowing Jeanne's fate as well, though I'm unsure of the canonical connection between the franchises), but the Templars transformed into various organizations to avoid persecution (much like how the Hashanshins did, I'm sure... at least in TYPE-MOON canon!). No, the 4th HV story won't be about that manga you're talking about. It's still going to be based on the Nasuverse, Nioh, and Shura no Toki, but with different flavours going on.

Despite Danzō's considerable training and experience, maintaining a façade could at times be unnecessarily tiring… especially when the eyes constantly trained on her figure were of those she cared greatly until now. Her new body and environment pushed her to be truer to herself, and now it's becoming more and more difficult to rescind to her old self, when she could kill her emotions at a switch, when she's so… human now.

Still, it's useless even if she wanted to so much consider changing her tune. She'd long formed a cold veneer over her relationship with the current Fūma generation – her 'death' and their adulthood separated by mere years, instead of the centuries she'd lived as the old Katō Danzō, perhaps having something to do with the overpowering sense of nostalgia, yearning, and affection the two parties felt. The difference between them, she assumed, was the plain-old excuse of 'age'. Unlike most women, she had no problem admitting she's an old hag on a borrowed body, reborn to serve a new master and purpose… and with that amount of experience came the professionalism to be able to act regardless of what she felt, instead of having it influencing her thought constantly.

Just a waste of processing capability, really.

And, to be frank, she's going to need all of that to prevent her from outright killing the group in front of her right now.

Perhaps, if she truly did that, then that'd push Kōtarō and the kids to finally leave her alone?

The men kneeling politely in front of her – uncomfortably so, given they're Nanban and not used to it – had barely let out a few words before such a murderous thought surfaced in her mind.

The work of a shinobi began and ends with silence. While the latter was obvious, the former could at times be difficult to teach, and even more so to internalize and practice. The strength of one's observational skills was a perquisite to advance in ranks, and due to her enhanced senses – beyond her old body – she'd picked up plenty of undesirable information from this party who disguised themselves as a merchant.

"…thus, we conclude the list of things we're eager to provide you and your leadership, Miss Danzō," a brown-haired middle-aged man smiled and bowed stiffly, eager to impress at least one physical attribute to her, seemingly unaffected by the heated glare from Kōtarō, who was visibly observing from a treetop perch nearby. "What do you think of our offer?"

To be fair, these men did look like merchants… and perhaps actually were one on the side. However, what kind of peddler moved very much like the silent steps she herself taught Kōtarō and so many others? What kind of trader deliberately snuck in hidden weapons all across their body, instead of renting mercenaries and assassins and bodyguards to do it in their stead? And, since the basis of commerce was trust, what kind of self-proclaimed "…honest, God-fearing men…" would so consistently lie to a person they'd just met, fully knowing the consequences?

To her, the key to gaining her belief in someone was the willing presentation of one's weakness – some sort of Equivalent Exchange where both parties handed their lives onto each other's hand. Any less, and it'd just be a business transaction, instead of the honeyed words their leader kept spouting out since earlier.

Seeing her remaining silent, he pressed on, "I speak not on behalf of my merchant troupe, or each of our kings and queens," he paused to gesture at his colleagues with one hand, all nodding in agreement, "but for [Freedom]! There are rats squirrelling around this beautiful empire, seeking to control and enslave it! They're still in the shadows, but if they don't see a result soon, they're going to use brute force and rain cannon fire to the coastlines!"

Danzō shifted her eyes towards another man – younger, brasher – who slapped off a warding hand from another colleague to force himself into the conversation. "They represent the worst of [Order], dreaming of one unified utopia… filled with mindless slaves and beasts. And they call that salvation!" His tone grew angrier with every word, clearly very emotional.

Their leader – the one who's been speaking to her from the start – twisted his face in annoyance, himself comfortable enough to not bother hide it from his host. After a big sigh, he continued, "My younger acolyte is correct – still, I apologize in his stead for speaking out of turn, Miss-"

"We can talk in Italian."

Her first five words in this exchange absolutely stunned them to silence, before she calmly and carelessly added, "Your Nihon accent is acceptable, though not your speech mannerism. To prevent misunderstandings which shall inevitably lead to me beheading each and every single one of you, let us speak in your mother tongue."

"Ah… once again, forgive us if we insulted you or your empire, accidentally or not," the older man bowed stiffly again, before scratching his thick but well-trimmed beard in embarrassment. "You truly are an incredible woman, Miss Danzō. So well-read and educated!"

"That sounds far more acceptable in Italian than Nihon, for my lord shall split you in half if you do," she pointed out. "We are… no, lack tolerance for flirts and jokes."

"Understandable, understandable…" he chuckled nervously; thankful his host had been unexpectedly gracious. "Faux pas like these were the bane of us merchants, truly. More often than not, the first chance barely passes before blades starts flying." Grinning widely, as if Danzō had already accepted his earlier proposal, his face shifted into nostalgia. "Ahh… Those were good times, good times. We had to pay great remunerations just to be granted second chances with many powerful men and women…"

"No."

"Let me tell you a story abo- W-What? Pardon me?" The merchant leader sputtered his words, unsure of what she replied with.

"To your request of cooperation. The answer is 'no'," she stated matter-of-factly, before sharply raising a closed palm towards the main door. "I shan't send you off, then. Farewell."

She rose and turned around, having already dismissed them from her mind. 'I wonder… What underwear should I wear tonight for Shirō-sama…'

"Wait!"

"Brat, I've had enough with you!" The leader bellowed, though still mindful to keep his harsh critique from devolving into a full-blown animalistic shout. "Can you not ruin our plan for once?! Behave!"

- Step! Step!

Without even looking behind, Danzō could tell this young man had a similar temperament to her adoptive children – brash and impulsive, hidden behind an easily-crushed veneer of calmness – and had shuffled forwards to sit at an equal level to his leader. "Don't you care what would happen to your people once the Order takes control of your empire?! Help us to help you! Your people!"

"And how, pray tell, you claim to know what my people needs, for I myself am unsure?" Folding her hands behind her back, still looking towards the inner door, Danzō calmly queried. "You claim to offer [Freedom], but aren't you simply instigator of [Chaos]?"

- Smack!

The sharp ring of a back-to-the-head slap echoed throughout the semi-open meeting area – clearly the leader's doing. "My deepest apologies once again, Miss Danzō. This talk about 'the Order'… do dismiss it if you're uninterested. It's simply a figure of speech from our home country."

"Mentor, why-?!"

"Shut up!"

- Smack!

"No need to be so punishing with your student," Danzō interjected, finally deciding to turn her face back to the scene unfolding before her now. She was glad to see the middle-aged man wasn't using overpowering strength to the point he damaged the floor – after all, this was her home, in a manner of speaking. "What slip-ups ejected from his lips are already known to me."

Then, as if to emphasize her point, she crouched down, giving everyone present an inadvertent view of her deep cleavage and a shade of her inner thighs – much to Kōtarō's silent chagrin, but his presence was only tolerated so long as he kept his mouth shut. "Let me make myself clear: The Brotherhood has nothing it can give either myself, my lord, or this empire I serve. Go home."

From the earlier stunned silence, the mood in the room changed to shock.

Noticing this, she gave off the first smile she had ever since the meeting had started. "What? Do you think only you Nanban has an information network vast enough to impress me? To be frank, your methods and goals are completely outdated." She pointed towards the rude young man whose face was still kissing the floor. "I permit him to speak freely."

"Puha! T-Thank you for your generosity!" The young man instantly shot up against his leader's hand, staring at her beautifully exquisite face with a determined gaze. "Then, judging from Miss Danzō's earlier statement… What can we offer you instead?"

"Hm?" Danzō hummed pleasantly. "I was expecting you to keep preaching your belief and Creed to me… It's rare to see a young man like you with such a capable adaptability."

He blushed, clearly not used to being praised by women, much less a gorgeous one like Danzō. "Our Creed… is not something to be preached blindly, because it's created specifically for situations like this."

She eyed the older mentor. "You have taught him well."

"I'm not sure whether I should take that as a compliment or sarcasm… but thank you anyways, Miss Danzō," he grunted, clearly still unhappy his blabbermouth student was allowed to continue speaking. "There are certainly things we don't initially want to share, but… perhaps, a fair trade is necessary."

She nodded in appreciation. "My thoughts exactly. Still, my answer does not change, simply because I know more of you than you know of me. Trust me."

"We can change!" The young man blurted out. "Whatever you deem unfit in us… Please, give us your guidance!"

Momentarily, Danzō narrowed her eyes, giving some hope to the merchant party she's going to change her mind. However, once again, her answer disappointed them. "'Everything is permitted'… correct? I wonder, what fuels your desperation to cooperate with us through me? As far as I recall, since I have not been sent to exterminate you alongside your sworn enemies, the Empress still gives you free reign to feud with each other… so long as you don't interfere directly or attempt to use us. That much, I assume you already realized?"

Before the young man could reply, his entire face was pushed and flung back to around where he was sitting earlier by the middle-aged leader, who was no longer able to withstand his own annoyance at his student's impudence. "Of course. If I may, then I'll explain…"

He then proceeded to tell her their life stories, summarized from the point they're grouped together under the same cause… which bored Danzō tremendously, who had prepared a scathing retort for what she predicted the young man would reply her with. From Italy, they were escorted through Ottoman territory which was under the Brotherhood's influence, before safely retracing the old Silk Road to trade rare goods with the older, abandoned posts' residents, seeing an opportunity there to both make money and 'liberate oppression' by local despots.

The convoy then turned south when entering Mongolia's central territory for fear of horseback bandits, choosing to cross Northern Ming territory instead and brave whatever combat awaited them there. Horseback battles were certainly not a speciality of the Italian Brotherhood, and its presence in Central Asia, despite strong ties to those who killed the Khan centuries ago, was limited. Knowing Mentor Shao Jun of Ming was still alive and well, they preferred contacting her and use the Brotherhood's resources there, blending in the chaos occurring in the empire with the latest Nihon excursion there, under orders to give chase and execute the Ashikaga 'rebels'.

They entered Nihon via Kyushu, as per usual, and slowly trekked upwards to the heart of where they felt the next dictator was about to be born: Owari. Clearly, their view of Nobunaga irked Danzō, marking them as no different than her challengers who stamped subjective opinions on the redhead willy-nilly. Hence, her insistent desire to chop their heads off since the start of the meeting.

In fact, it's growing with every word the leader babbled on, still trying to push Owari to accept the Brotherhood's operations and purge the Order from Nihon. Of course, piggybacking Owari's resources, because what self-righteous merchant would bother spending their own money if they could invest using someone else's? That, she internally praised, was at least true to character. Not this Renaissance zealot who no longer embodied the Hidden Ones' original Creed.

Rather, she felt it strange for them to never question her surprising knowledge of their ways and thoughts. 'Another weakness,' she concluded. How could she not look down on them, when their last true master was actually excommunicated from their Brotherhood for simply being too powerful? Who was willing to use that strength to make real changes, instead of shanking someone in the heart and left the people to deal with the aftermath, good or bad? Nowadays, all it could think of was taking down the rulers, and completely forgetting to clean up the messes afterwards, assuming [Freedom] would take care of everything in the guise of happiness.

That woman with 18 Noble Phantasms… was the purest of them all.

So why on earth was a group with impure, misguided intentions enforcing their teachings on her, who had met their last true Mentor herself in the Heian Period? Additionally, when she first saw Muramasa, she realized that Levantine woman was exactly the same as she was now: born with a greater purpose, yes, but also guided by a Heroic Vessel.

Therefore, all the words now filling the air in this semi-open meeting room sounded like nothing more than ants scuttling around in her ears.

"Throughout our travels, we've witnessed so many atrocities still committed nowadays, despite us proclaiming we are more enlightened than our forebears," he concluded, sighing. "In the end, humanity kept on debasing itself, and birthing tyrants who are no different than the very same individuals they denounce to legitimize themselves."

"…and you assume Nobunaga-sama is one of these… animals?"

Sensing her irritation, the middle-aged Mentor hurriedly corrected, "Of course not! For sure, from what we gathered on our way here, she is as worthy a queen as any! Unfortunately, a lone lion cannot stand against a pack of wolves – we've seen so many potential good monarchs deposed before they can fulfil their destiny! The Order… may threaten her position with various ways."

Once again, she threw a question which knocked his focus sideways. "Tell me, how long have you been Mentor? If not for a region, then as a leader of this cell of yours?"

"What… does that have anything to do with our discussion?"

She didn't answer him immediately, drilling her gaze into his eyes, mentally forcing out either a confession or a clue. After several uncomfortable seconds for him, she pointed out, "Your words… 'as worthy a queen as any'. Are you insinuating your plan is to replace the Empress with Nobunaga-sama? A rebellion?"

"A-A-Ah! A-Absolutely not! It's just another f-faux pas! Really!" The middle-aged leader cold-sweated, frantically waving his arms about despite being in a formal situation. "We have participated in a few of those in the past, for sure – I won't keep that from you! – but certainly not now! Not while talking with someone of your standing!"

"Then, if it is someone else, you shall choose to do so?"

"M-Miss Danzō! Please understand, I…!" Suddenly, he caught himself mid-sentence with mouth gaping wide open, before he sucked in sharply and composed himself in an instant. "Truly, please don't play these games with me, Miss Danzō. let my student be enough of a victim to you today."

"Hence, my question of how long have you been in charge," she smiled cryptically. "Do you not think I do not know what you already know?"

"…okay, that's confusing. I admit defeat." The Mentor raised both palms in surrender. "Enlighten us, please, on why you consistently refuse something you can't possibly make a loss at."

"Oh, but everything is to lose if I – or the Empress, by proxy – choose to support either you or your nemesis, my esteemed 'merchant'," she began. "The reason I say 'no' – and definitively, at that – is because… to put it blindly, you are blind."

The merchant group bristled, their killing intent finally leaking through after one too many perceived insults, especially because Danzō's Italian, while accented, was incredibly precise in its vocabulary – much better than their Nihon, at least. 'Yet another weakness,' she noted, criticizing internally assassins should never let their intentions be made clear.

How many Brotherhoods must fall and exterminated to the second-to-last man for them to understand that? Ditto their nemesis, the Order, of which she, admittedly, had less of an understanding of compared to Chiyome. In fact, the priestess and Nobunaga had indeed been contacted previously, which was perhaps what sparked these disguised merchants' urgency to influence her opinion.

'To tell the truth, they perhaps should go to Shirō-sama directly…'

Because they wouldn't have this kind of tense discussion if their bellies were full and satiated to the point of spiritual orgasm.

The recent influx of foreign beliefs culminated in the need of a joint training… well, because fighting over oneself and fracturing the unity of the empire, only to see other parties take advantage, was plain stupid. It only happened so many times because, like what Danzō and the Mentor explained, people were at times so inexplicably stupid to avoid learning from the past.

The main difference was how these two latest groups approached them. The Order, befitting their reputation and what they learnt from Louíse, used more indirect but distasteful pressure from various smaller areas they thought they controlled. The Brotherhood, perhaps sensing somewhat of a fraternal bond, contacted Goemon and Hanzō, which was eventually passed on to her since they were truly too busy to bother receiving ineffectual guests.

Perhaps, in Europe, their influence was enough to positively affect Nobunaga's 'Tenka Fubu'. However… here? Now? So far from home, and separated from the resources their previous great Mentors had built up…

They claimed to be different than the Order, yet it ended up all the same in terms of results. As Danzō said earlier, supporting either one of their causes would serve the same effect… of harming their chances of a unified Nihon.

"You champion [Freedom]… yet, take a look around you: in the streets, among the nobility, between the middle-class. Do you see oppressed people? Do you see tyrannized victims?" She questioned harshly, not bothering to stop when the Mentor was about to argue his point back. "Your nemesis pushed for [Order], yet do you see anarchy on the streets? Wars fought for wars' sake? Men and women falling victim to life's vices?"

Again, he was about to interrupt her, but she thundered on, "Across Nihon, humans and yōkais live together in more harmony than you Europeans did amongst yourself. Between humans and humans, demi-humans and demi-humans, inhumans and inhumans… Tell me, on what basis do you think you and your Creed can teach me and Nihon something new and better? My 'no' is comparable to an adult receiving a lesson from a clueless child.

"Never shall following the Order also be an improvement, so you do not have to worry from that standpoint. However, it didn't mean we shall be subject to your opinions. I know of your history, and there is so very little of good leaders among you who manages to not only fight your nemesis, but also grow your Brotherhood to a position of invincibility. In fact, is that not the very reason you scurry here like rats, instead of arriving like kings.

"You claim to serve the world from the shadows, yet no one bar a select few from your group know truly how to wield it."

She felt her newly-discovered emotional side to roll more and more intensely the longer she went on her monologue. Instead of burying and killing it, however, she chose to hone and take advantage of it, much in the same way her lord had taught, demonstrated, and used over the years, through expanding her Od to fill the room. While she's no expert in it – at least not comparable to Chiyome – she was powerful enough for these Mystery-rejecting assassins to be so utterly consumed by it.

Documents from centuries ago pointed to several select individuals with thick divine bloodline. Yet, the group's researchers always tried to rationalize, quantify, and dissect it the point of losing their original Thaumaturgical attributes. These deities and Heroic Spirits – which they termed 'Precursors' – were considered tyrants and oppressors, enslaving humanity into beasts of burden then sociological experimental objects, disregarding the fact the budding species required such guiding hands and the majority of these inhuman beings also cared for humanity.

But, in order to push forth their ideals of [Freedom], they unconditionally painted everything related to the Age of Gods as tools of destruction and evil objects, failing to even harbour the slightest shred of ambition to put this tremendous potential to good use.

Ironically, as they protected and championed humanity's free will at all cost, they also distrusted humans the most. No leader or righteous person was worthy enough to bear such a burden and come out unscathed, they reasoned, closing off humanity's ultimate potential before it could bud.

Of course, it's not like Danzō favoured the Order, either. What these Brotherhood members spoke of the latter was entirely correct, because the ideals of [Order] was, funnily enough, much easier to corrupt than [Chaos]. Simply read what had become of most rulers once they tasted [Order]'s poisonous honey, and the argument was insurmountable. Much like the Brotherhood, the number of exceptional individuals related to the Order was drowned by the small-minded and black-hearted ones, leaving the two groups' fighting to mimic one between twins, regardless of how vehemently they denied this harsh truth.

She continued, "You, who choose to assassinate every yōkai living around you instead of seeking understanding with them. You, who push up weak, incapable men to topple existing rule simply because you disagreed with the latter, causing lasting damage to the area once you have succeeded. You, who antagonize every single person who may be related to your nemesis instead of winning them over by making concessions to your Creed – which, as this clever young man points out, was created specifically to better humanity, instead of trapping it in endless, self-destructive cycle between [Order] and [Chaos]?

"Tell me, do you have an answer to these questions of mine? If not, then do not waste my time, because we ourselves have arrived at the solution right now. Of course, I have no intention on sharing it with you, who have failed your ancestors in your mediocrity and stagnation."

She eyed the similarly-stunned Kōtarō, so shocked he was almost falling out of his perch, before she gestured her leave for the second time. "If they still insist, then make yourself useful and kill every single one of them."

- Clang! Clang! Clang!

Why has yet another new faction arrived, for me and the rest of my makeshift family to worry about?

Well, to be precise, two new factions, though they're connected enough for my mind to categorize them as one. Additionally, it's not the… usual worry, but more akin to hesitancy in how rough a treatment must we give them, lest we simply slaughter everyone and be on our merry way.

In a land rich of Mystery, in contrast to Proper Human History where these people thrived, they're simply at an extreme disadvantage.

To be honest, I'm not quite sure what happened to their Mystery-rich origins in this reality, either. Their structure also seems different, now – much more fictional than rational… almost as if there's a gross romanticization of both groups which spirals positively into a global money-making franchise.

The stewards of [Order] and [Chaos]. While these roles were assumed by various protagonists throughout history, like-minded people banded together around each Origin and formed the Brotherhood and the Order, respectively. I choose not to include their 'official' first names because they themselves change repeatedly according to the geopolitical situation sponsoring each other. During the Middle Ages, they call themselves the 'Assassins' and 'Templars', clearly under the influence of various religious and political beliefs surrounding their main bases.

Bearing the tell-tale hallmarks of corrupted ideals, coming from the natural degeneration of intangibles with each generation regardless of the predecessors' efforts – and the chief reason why the previous Heroic Vessel here designed the Minamoto Clan's Sorcery Trait this way – resulting in impure zealots who thought of themselves otherwise.

Proof is the fact how easily the Brotherhood members irked Danzō when they met a few days ago. It's a feat even I'm incapable of doing, and I've known her longer than anyone alive! How is that even possible?! Someone else knowing a new side of my own lover?!

- Clang! Clang! Clang!

Ahem. Back to the point.

They're such a hassle because of their awkward positioning regarding our allies and enemies. Too weak to bother with, yet influential enough to move several pieces on the war board.

For instance, intel has arrived explaining John Dee's connection with the Order… of which he was Britain's Grand Master.

Well, that explains things quite well, doesn't it?

Of course, his best student, Edward Kelley, was automatically a high-ranking member as well. But what drew my attention when Chiyome reported their battle was the lack of Thaumaturgical understanding among the men and women below him. Pedro, whom Louíse defeated, was the only one who could put up a fight and exhibited some magical talents. However, my wife's analysis concluded the latter was of a different chapter than the former, given their less-than-courteous relationship, mirroring their respective homelands.

I mean… facing the rest of these organizations isn't supposed to be this easy, is it? If only select leaders possess applicable knowledge of Thaumaturgy and science, and the rest of the underlings are… well, normal, then this won't even be a fight at all.

Which, again, considering the geopolitical situation of Europe, I find strange. Similar to Nihon, there was already a Heroic Vessel's work there, as proven by Jeanne's survival and subsequent rise to power. While there's no outright confirmation due to the distance separating us – both geographically and chronologically – and Alaya's information erasure at work, it's clear a 'simple farm girl' wouldn't have the knowledge and resources necessary to expand her influence in this manner.

From what I gather, she's the most powerful person in Europe, full stop.

With thousands of Christians converting daily to follow her new teachings and away from the Church's corrupt interpretation of God's words, she holds the heads and throats of various kingdoms in her hands. One word from her – or one curse, more likely – will bring the people in revolt, dethroning their rulers faster than she can finish her daily prayers.

And… not to mention she's most likely immortal, now.

Of course, I don't doubt she's now preparing a graceful exit. A person as experienced now as the 'great saintess' will unquestionably see the pitfall of having an unmoving, invincible bedrock can have on humanity's evolution. She was strong enough to pull the commonfolk out from the misery and lies shackling them, forcibly put upon them by their superiors… but that's all they needed. Jeanne must've realized this too, and thus travelled the world instead of becoming a European ruler in the same mould as the Pope to find more and more people needing salvation.

Regarding her long life now, it's probably similar to Shuten-sama. That oni manages to sustain her presence here because she keeps flitting back-and-forth between the Outer and Reverse Side of the World, minimizing the penalty exacted on her body from the former and maximizing the recovery effects of the latter. However, from what I hear, Jeanne never does this, and her time in this dimension is likely growing ever-shorter. This circles back to her understated preparation lately to leave – a combination of both her physical limitations and sociological necessity for a change.

- Clang! Clang! Clang!

Ah, I'm getting distracted. Thinking of great, admirable people tends to do that.

Besides, I can get the detailed low-down when I'm back in that grey, triangle-filled space from the Heroic Vessel in question.

Now, going back to the challenges ahead.

The Tripartite directly at our northern borders is starting to dissolve. Both Ujiyasu and Kagetora are eager to make their own respective moves, which the pact among them and Shingen restrict greatly. I'm quite worried regarding the white-haired Princess General of not what she'll do with her troops, but what she has in store for me.

At times, the strength of her gaze directed towards my body feels… dangerous. I have to stay vigilant.

Ujiyasu, befitting her reputation, still keeps her cars close to her chest. It's admirable, truly, how she can move her pieces about without ever stepping out of her room – that hikikomori – but it also meant her schemes are somewhat more difficult to counter. Most daimyōs act with the reservation their lives may be at risk, since their relative incompetence forces their sphere of influence to not only prohibitively small, but also requiring their personal touch at most times. The latter is a popular target among assassins and people who dabble in that area – such as yours truly through my wonderful lovers – but Ujiyasu's talents meant she can operate far outside of my reach.

How can someone assassinate her, knowing her Fūma shinobis are striking elsewhere? Her death will impact nothing but aggravate those hungry young ninjas, leading them to cause more damage. This ability is what draws her level with Shingen and Kagetora, each a master of close-quarters warfare… though in different ways.

'Kenshin' enjoys duels and adores personal glory the most, withholding her pride as the 'Dragon of Echigo' who's invincible when she decides to 'mete out punishment' to those who challenge her. Somewhat different from the saintly general portrayed in my own history, but close enough. I can't account for every personality change owing to my mere birth into this reality, after all. Still, her religious side is still present, shocking me at times when she perfectly quotes Buddhist or Shinto texts amidst brazen manic laughter and blade strikes.

Shingen, meanwhile… Honestly, I'm not too familiar with this version of hers. Chiyome should be her closest confidante – as her hidden 'In' among 'Furinkazan'… or 'Furinkazaninrei', as per Sunzi's original – but my relationship with her has dramatically changed the balance between the two women. It's jarring when comparing their positions now and their Proper Human History counterpart, where they were as close as sisters and worked together to resist Kippōshi's expansion and rise to power.

The Takeda Clan's cavalry is perhaps the greatest currently in existence, surpassing the dwindling Mongolian power in the mainland… though she's likely only retained that title because other, more powerful empires are already shifting focus from land-based to naval warfare, leaving cavalries solely as fast, local response force instead of having to maintain an intricate supply line like the Mongols to sustain and protect large areas with nothing but cavalry.

To feed and guide such a massive, lightning-fast, yet also flexible army required a solid chain of information relay; a task Chiyome's original self fulfilled to extreme perfection. In fact, if not for Shingen's poor health, this cute wife of mine would've succeeded in bringing Kippōshi down right after her first defeat to Takeda's cavalry. There would never be second and third chances for the Owari Princess General to develop and hone her famous rifle formation against the toughest enemy there was, perfecting it for future use.

After all, no matter how advanced Kippōshi's male counterpart's army was, they still needed to fulfil their basic needs: praying, fucking, and eating. Chiyome controlled all three aspects through her kunoichi disguised in various occupations, enabling her to influence things in a major scale while remaining relatively obscure. Obviously, her role nowadays is much more overt… but the knowledge she gains from me – and, I suspect, from her Dream Cycles – meant her 'businesses' are busier than ever before, drawing in customers even though they know they're going to lose something more than money.

I'm not too privy on the details because she, understandably, pushes me away from this side of her work. While respecting her at the same time… I also have, uh… eyes, you know? It's not hard for someone standing so close to this burgeoning empire my wife has built to get enough glimpses to have a true idea of what's going on, instead of continuing to getting lead by the nose obliviously. I have a feeling she knows this as well, and only our silent understanding with each other keeps things running smoothly.

I have no doubt she'll still accept and love me even if either one of us confronts each other with anything suspicious we notice. Unlike my previous lovers, she still has not bring whatever she sees in those Dream Cycles to me, and I suspect she's also influenced the other girls not to bother me with it. While a refreshing and lovely touch, I also worry she's seen something which will turn her off of me in our relationship.

A common fear of husbands everywhere, I know, but I can't claim to seek a closer mimicry of humanity if I don't start partaking in these petty troubles.

- Clang! Clang! Clang!

How does everything relate to those aforementioned two new factions, you say? Well, apart from the fact they're applying a blanket approach to my allies and enemies alike… nothing in particular. That's how unsuccessful they are in attempting to plant roots in an empire built by a Heroic Vessel.

Saying that, I feel rather embarrassed the empire I have built, Britain, has gone astray to the point of being one of the Order's main headquarters and most strongly influenced. Yes, I understand the people I should blame are the ones who chased away my and Mordred's descendants to ascend the throne themselves, but the shameful part was more regarding those kids being weak enough an attempt like that was possible in the first place.

My, my, how shameful. The more I think about it, the more I'm blushing whenever I encounter Mordred in Unlimited Blade Works, even though her spirit there isn't the one who's experienced all the British Empire's downfall.

…I don't exactly have a good track record, do I? Gilgamesh's Babylon eventually crumbled, and the Hellenistic Greek I was a major part of is now no more than a glorified province under the Roman Empire. Can't help but blame myself due to the great influence of 'Shirō Emiya'.

Why can another Heroic Vessel succeed – both for Nihon and Jeanne's near-immortal existence now – while what I've participated in were… finite? Did I ever leave anything meaningful for the future generations to enjoy? Sure, right after I left every time, things were far more peaceful and harmonious for longer than the Proper Human History or the supposedly-pruned Singularities, but… that's it? In the end, nothing ever changed?

I'm sure the spirits inside Unlimited Blade Works will have plenty to criticize regarding these thoughts of mine, but the fact is this is the first time I've directly enjoyed anything left behind by a Heroic Vessel, whether it's me or another. Do they ever experience things the same way?

- Clang! Clang! Clang!

Wherever or whenever I am, there are specific sounds which comfort me in a way not even a woman's pleasured moans can. In a sense, that always involves [Chaos] – reacting and perceiving things with every instant, moving in accordance to a fast-paced dance in order to receive back an equal or greater amount of pleasure. No matter how we know each other, every sex is different due to the conditions of both the environment and our bodies' evolution.

Thus, I derive my [Order] from the simpler, repetitive things: cooking, blacksmithing, engineering, martial arts practice. Things 'Shirō Emiya' and 'EMIYA' enjoy in their free time, I enjoy very much as well. Though whether it's my own preference or simply yet another fake personality trait Alaya cooked up to create this me is unknown – and, most importantly, unimportant, too – to me.

Unfortunately, due to the political position I've carved out of myself in this version of Nihon, I am often pushed out of the kitchen unless important banquets or meetings are happening. Even then, my role is mostly a supervisor because it's plain disrespectful for a non-professional like me to take over large-scale projects which would bring tremendous honour and prestige to the actual chefs, disregarding the difference in our actual skill. That isn't even something I'm bothered with, if it won't affect the image people have of Kippōshi or Jūbei for having me constantly butt into their formal gatherings outside of my usual capacity.

In fact, it's already taken tremendous amounts of negotiations for me to personally take care of the Owari retainers' occasional casual dinner, and Nagahide still disapproves of me to this day despite countless orgasms after consuming my food. At the very least, now I have somewhere to sit in those meetings without being surrounded by hateful glares like when I first started making major moves alongside Kippōshi.

I mean… they're really quite possessive of that lover of mine, creating funny situations where she'll unknowingly use the classic tsundere lines Bontenmaru is so fond of – yet another similarity the two will hilariously and vehemently deny. Really, I have my own sexual proclivities, and I'm not that hypocritical to criticize Kippōshi for… well, essentially being somewhat of a lolicon here. The Date Princess General is already at that age where her hand will be shopped around for political engagements even before the two know each other – if not quite at outright marriageable age yet – so I'm confused as to where this constant public denial is coming from.

- Clang! Clang! Clang!

Ah, I'm getting distracted again.

I guess people don't really change. Even in modern times, usurpers in modern occupations are never well-liked apart from exceptionally open-minded companies or organizations. Culture does change, but behaviour doesn't. Knowing this – and having witnessed several lifetiems' worth of it – makes me rather indifferent to this internal politicking… though I guess it's important to them, so I should pay attention to it.

It's hard to do so constantly when most of my energy and concentration's spent on life's simpler pleasures aforementioned above.

These troubles are present even in front of the clear advantages I'm bringing to Owari's interprovince perception. Great meals during business and military negotiations can convey hidden messages, quell disputes, and uplift sombre moods. But, because of their rather extreme prejudices – or Nagahide, mostly, since the rest has been mellowing out lately – they hand over my hobby to the other reincarnator.

One of my forge's apprentice's boyfriend: Ken.

The amount of fantasy elements involved in the new individuals inhabiting this new reality is absurd at times. I am one, Kippōshi is another; now that just a lowly professional chef – an admittedly good one and nice replacement for me – can also be brought over… who else? Certainly, the possibility of it being troublesome people should be significant.

There're enough changes to this new-and-improved Nihon to toss events about to the point of ridiculous unpredictability – I've long since given up in expecting things to follow the script – that almost immediately becomes a certainty.

Hopefully I won't have to pull out Slash Emperor every single time someone shows up, then.

- Clang! Clang! Clang!

Right now, I'm forging several katanas for Kippōshi's formal wear. Much like art pieces and the aforementioned cooking – along with their accompaniments such as utensils, really – a weapon is a status symbol in this era, whether I'm in Asia or not. Yes, it detracts from the purity of blacksmithing itself, because its core beauty is the intermarriage between extreme functionality and subtle craftsmanship. A weapon's aesthetic value should be judged mostly on its performance first and foremost, and how fancy it's dressed is a distant nth point on the list.

To put it in a way even Kagetora and Katsuie will understand: How 'beautiful' you can make a corpse using my blade? That should determine its worth instead of worldly fittings, because pretty things don't become Noble Phantasms by themselves. Those sacred treasures are awe-inspiring and breath-taking because they are effective, and not mere museum props or decorations.

Overall, I think it's due to us approaching the limits of non-black powder weapon creation. As such, a smith who has approaches the 80% skill limit often chooses to focus on the fittings and finishing, because the difference of the bare metal between the 80% and 99.9% skill limit is difficult for regular customers to tell.

I mean, I can, but it doesn't mean others can do it with the same ease as me – like for like, without Pure Eyes or Magecraft. A skilled martial artist usually can also only tell them apart when they touch and swing the weapon – i.e. palpation – and not by sight unaccompanied.

I think it's a skill honed through countless… shopping at the market. To get the best ingredients in the shortest amount of time and least amount of money possible, an eagle-like set of eyes is necessary. Many uncles and aunties who spend their lives purchasing stocks for restaurants and inns develop this over time… and, honestly, very shortly after they were first taken to said marketplace by their predecessors. Therefore, it confuses me how so many people decide against investing in this skill because it's not that hard at all.

It only takes diligence.

- Clang! Clang! Clang!

…well, that is also a hard thing to practice, so fair point.

'Matching formal wear' for katanas mostly involve crafting different sets of guard, handle, and pommel, in addition to choosing different blade styles for various occasions. For instance, a military meeting is an easy choice: katana with bulkier, dark- and stone-finished steel fittings and wide, simply-knotted handle wrap. However, if said meeting is more diplomatic, and only held between generals to categorize it as 'military', then the near-black finish can be replaced by softer metals and brighter wood or leather. For Kippōshi, who often shies away cutely whenever I praise her brilliant red hair, I'm currently forging an ornate copper chrysanthemum tsuba, which I will finish with near-red polishing solutions and rough, matte texture.

Subtler parties demand smaller weapons, originally because it's only good manners to leave one's main weapons, typically large in size to facilitate killing easier, by the door. Therefore, disputes must be finished mostly verbally… and with one's fists, since what they're allowed to bring are, at most, a short sakabatō wakizashi, claiming the reverse edge is for ikebana.

Those petty reasons actually form a certain cultural expectation, and the decorations on any blade brought in, therefore, prefer a more intricate, complicated carving and metalworking. My speciality is more in forging, so I usually leave these projects to my twin little sisters, whose dainty fingers are more suited to the work than my own blocky, battle-hardened ones.

Beside that, they're now in a separate room working on the sayas, since those, too, need some 'make-up'. The wood's not particularly important, structurally speaking, with these ritualistic pieces – in contrast to battle-ready sheathes where they must withstand hard abuse like blocking, parrying, and striking. Typically, the latter is harvested from hard wood supplemented by metal protrusions, either internally or externally.

For example, Avalon is a full-metal construction, enchanted and forged by faes to match a wooden, more practical sheathes in weight, but many in the world knows of its structural invincibility. It can outright shatter blades like Caliburn if struck directly without even activating its Marble Phantasm-like effect. Unfortunately, Altria made some poor martial choices in choosing to focus solely on Excalibur or Rhongomyniad, and neglecting what can be considered 'traditional' knightly fighgting style, which was to use both blade and shield in concert.

I was curious about this, but unfortunately, the most Mordred was willing to do later in her life was use Prydwen as an offensive tool, throwing it around like a discus instead of using it to properly protect her own body.

- Clang! Clang! Clang!

Sheathes are made to each specific blade, just as complicated – if not more – than exquisite tailor-made clothes. Because actually making an acceptable one to my standards is time-consuming, I… outsource this work to my sisters as well, along with the lower-rung apprentices. In fact, the blades for them are already finished, since I've sneaked in some work in-between rest time. While rushed, they're at least low-ranked Noble Phantasms – good enough to outshine anything her guests will bring over.

Blades on the level of Myōnjingiri and Tsumugari… take longer. Alongside the final large tsubas, I'm forging Kippōshi's personal request for 'an ultimate sword just for [me]'.

What's more important is the second part of that phrase. A customer who merely asks for the 'ultimate sword' – a general term – marks themselves as an idiot who's swayed by bards' songs and legends. The 'ultimate sword' for Mordred was the new Clarent I forged her, and not the sword Morgan left behind. The 'ultimate sword' for Altria, obviously, was Excalibur. The 'ultimate sword' for Altera was… well, that ridiculous rainbow lightsabre. The 'ultimate sword' for Shuten-sama was Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi – and that's only speaking of her own version, among many.

For me, it's Slash Emperor.

Therefore, something which is 'perfect' must 'perfectly suit' that person… who, in themselves, changes over time. There are countless stories depicting [Metamorphosis], in which warriors cast aside and inherited new arms throughout their lives… and, occasionally, beyond death as well.

So, what Kippōshi hinted at was the 'Oda Nobunaga' seen through my eyes – the warlord, the lover, the conqueror, the woman, the visionary, the best friend, the warrior, the princess.

Hence, her absolutely childish and absurd naming sense: 'Maōken'.