Shingen
It may be chillier and dryer than how he's technically used to, yet the weather never has stopped his march—today is of no difference. Besides, something about the cold air seems to make wonders for his health, pumping him with a newfound invigorating energy to face whatever odds come onto his way. In the end, it's all about taking and giving a little.
However, it's not the ability to fully enjoy clear air what Shingen Takeda misses the most nowadays.
It's been some time ever since he placed a foot upon the crowded town of Azuchi, and he'd be a fool not to genuinely appreciate the prosperity on the rise its people appear to partake on in their businesses. Still, it doesn't soothe his constant wariness and skepticism towards his new surroundings—but those burdens are only his to bear, and that's a fact.
The truth is, the town is full of innocents; men, women and children who'd ever in their lives branded a sword or fought for the pride of their daimyo, or a greater cause. And honestly, who is he to blame them for the sincere smiles on their faces? The city may be living an ephemeral thriving time, but as long as there's food on their stomachs and a place to call home, nobody would opt to ask for more.
And yet, not many are aware as he is of how luxurious it truly is to have the latter, though. Most likely, if there's anything at all Shingen Takeda misses the most, it would be without a doubt his home.
Despite the city lacking the stunning landscapes he's accustomed to, there are several other marvels and opportunities lurking around every corner—and chances he wouldn't dare to miss. And so, he lets his intuition lead the way, conscious of it almost never have failed him, and strolls in long strides across one of Azuchi's main streets; beige haori neatly in place, basking in the caresses of the morning sun upon his face, fleeting and just warm enough as a woman's shy touch.
A petite beauty crosses his way, a delicate red pin in her dark hair looking quite familiar, and Shingen slows his pacing just slightly to be able to meet the lady's feline eyes. Her tantalizing sway is telling, but her flirtatious wink and subtle tilt of her head to her right is even more so, barely brushing his arm as she casually strides past him.
Without further need of another clue, Shingen walks some more until turning to another road, leading to the merchant streets. The packed amount of travelers, traders of all sorts and customers allow him to blend in with ease despite his outstanding tall height. He shoots sweet smiles to and fro, idly putting names on faces, distinguishing locals from visitors—and because he may never know when to put it to use, mentally mapping certain tea shops and pleasure houses around the area.
Until he's blessed with the opportunity he's been looking forward to, coming straight towards him. And she may be barely a blur for Shingen's sore eyes, as for making an appearance some streets ahead, yet her very presence—and that of her companion—is all but enough for several heads, if not all of them, to turn her way.
"Is that the Oda Princess?" A passing merchant voices his curiosity.
A girl tries peeking past her mother's arm around her. "Oh, where is she? Let me take a look!"
"My, she truly is as beautiful as they say…"
Shingen follows the source of everyone's attention, not daring to resist what it must be such a pleasant sight, a sense of anticipation making him hold his breath. It's not several moments later until he forcefully rubs one of his eyes, blinking hard against the blinding illusion that approaches his way.
It's not the beauty clad in exquisite coral robes what strikes him, but her face. It's clearer in the daylight, with copper locks turning into all shades of bronze and deep orange where the sunlight reflects them, and a pair of sharp amber irises behind catlike eyes to match her splendor. It's a picture he couldn't possibly have forgotten anytime soon.
For it's, down to the most logical assumption, the face of a ghost.
It takes him very precious moments to truly notice the figure accompanying her, realizing it's no one else than the infamous dokuganryu of Oshu, Masamune Date. Thick auburn brows knit into a frown, finding it somewhat odd for the woman to have such an imposing escort for a guard, regardless of her stature. And yet, Shingen can't truly blame the evident ogling the people shoot at the two of them, the stark contrast of their appearances alluring enough to catch anyone's eye.
He wills his feet to get on the move, however, subtly placing some distance between the pair before being accidentally recognized. Luckily for him, Yukimura's stall lays nearby, his long strides bringing him to his destination in no time at all.
"Oh, my Lord," Yuki quirks a surprised brow at him as he elegantly takes a seat before his wares, mindful of his haori, "I'd thought you were taking a morning walk. At least I wasn't expecting you here this early…"
"As a matter of fact, that's what I was doing, Yuki," He flashes his young vassal a reassuring smile before darting a fleeting glance past his shoulder, "I had to take a detour, though,"
"Look, it's Lord Masamune!" A woman nudges her lady friend's side, happily waving their way. "Oh, is that the beautiful Princess everyone's talking about?"
"Aaw, they make a lovely couple!" The second woman appears to squeal in delight.
Yukimura appears to get the gist fast enough, and to Shingen's relief. "Oh, I see…"
As the throng of admirers crawl closer and step aside of the couple's way, he looms over Yuki's merchandise table, pretending to be giving a close inspection to a particularly pretty hairpin. His aide opts for taking a step back and further into his stall, subtly shrouding his face among the shadows, the blazing glare he shoots at the Dragon of Oshu only for Shingen's eyes to see.
An easygoing laughter drifts by, followed by some longing sighs from the female audience, and soon enough the newly appointed Princess of the Oda and her guard are out on their way. Yuki seems to wait until the coast is clear and the street resumes its regular chattering before stepping out of his hiding spot.
"So… that was the mysterious Princess people's been talking about, huh," Yuki muses to himself, arms crossed and staring warily at the end of the street. "I don't know how, but I think I've seen her before…"
Shingen quirks a curious brow, "Does she ring a bell to you, Yuki?" He tries prodding, straightening up and following his vassal's eyes, pondering to himself. If Yuki recalls her face as well, that would certainly confirm some of his suspicions and cut the odds shorter.
He shrugs dismissively, "I… can't say for sure, my Lord," As smart as he knows Yukimura Sanada to be, it's somewhat disappointing seeing him give up on such an intriguing matter just as easily, "What's with that look, though?"
It's alright, though. After all, it falls on him to solve the puzzle that is the enigmatic Oda Princess. I can't bring more burdens onto Yuki than strictly necessary. He's young and with a full life ahead of him…
Landing a reassuring hand on Yuki's shoulder, Shingen cracks an easy smile. "I'm inclined to believe we do have some clues of who she truly is," His smile widens into a full grin as he meets his eyes, brimming with sheer anticipation, "Only one way to find out, don't you think?"
"… Why is it I don't like the sound of that?"
Turns out, having his Mitsumono in charge of a thorough investigation of the Oda Princess' background appears to take more time than Shingen formerly anticipated. Adding up to the delay, his curiosity doesn't get sated in the least with several of his spies reporting to him with regretful looks in their faces, not seeming to make a dent in their investigation of the strange lady.
The matter at hand gets more concerning as a week and some go by, and he barely has a name to put on the face and a vague story regarding her status. To everyone, Mai Mizusaki appears to be a visitor from the West, assigned as chatelaine of Azuchi Castle and elevated to Princess—the reasons of the latter most likely for her to become Nobunaga's concubine in the certain future. Or that falls as the most reasonable assumption, given her close ties with the highest members in the Oda forces.
And her being under the constant watch of the very One-Eyed Dragon of Oshu, that as well.
Three days later Shingen makes up his mind, resolving to take the matters upon himself, arranging a meeting with one of his most entrusted Mitsumono in the area. To his relief, she doesn't disappoint him, arriving on time in a secluded corner he's saved for the two of them, at the back of an ordinary pleasure house.
Leaning casually against the wall, Shingen leans close to the maid beauty, toying with a loose strand of her dark hair. For whoever prying eyes could be about, he's just a man wooing a lady, although he won't ever complain at all for prompting such a lovely sheepish smile with his attentions.
"This may be your lucky day. I've heard the chatelaine will be running a last-minute errand for Lord Toyotomi's vassal," The maid says in a low voice, only for him to hear, "For what I know about Mitsunari Ishida, it's most likely just an order for more books,"
"Sounds like it," Shingen agrees with a disarming smile, indulging himself with the chance of brushing a finger against her soft cheek, relishing in the woman's inevitable blush, "And do you happen to know where this store she'd be heading is?"
The very alluring smile in her face falters just slightly, not appearing to help to give him an apprehensive glance. "My Lord, I—" She worries her lip, hesitating, but eventually brings a folded paper from the hems of her kimono. "Please, be careful. If you're spotted in this town…"
Shingen chuckles huskily, shushing her with a thumb over her lips, "Your concern for my sake never ceases to warm my heart," Without further ado, he subtly saves the paper into his sleeve, leaning back. "But as much as I truly appreciate it, I'd like to ask you to not be, though. I am always careful," Fixing his eyes on hers, he reassures her with an intent look, proving he genuinely means it.
"Of course. You're right…" She appears to believe him, and he thanks her with a kiss upon her untouched cheek, fleeting yet meaningful all the same.
The paper the maid handed him ends up being merely a map with straightforward directions to the book merchant stall. And so, he spends the afternoon killing time while languidly strolling through alleys and shortcuts close to the area, basking in the warmth the day brings upon him.
It's all too easy to spot his target as she makes her appearance, her copper hair and expensive kimono giving her away from the very other end of the street. If anything, her lively mood radiating off her most certainly puts her on the spotlight as well.
Yet regardless of her exquisite glow, a guilt cold as ice tugs at Shingen's heart all the same. She's just another innocent on the brink of falling onto the devil's corruption. Why is the world so cruel to those who don't deserve it?
Running a subtle expression check and adjusting the small auburn bun at the back of his head, he walks towards the Oda Princess in rushed strides, mindful of keeping his small token hidden from sight at the small of his back. She doesn't seem to notice him right until almost crashing onto his chest—of which, to be frank, he'd hoped she ended up doing.
To his delight, Shingen still manages to make her fluster. "Excuse me, young lady?" He puts up his best warming voice, in that certain tone which had worked in his advantage so many times before. "Thank you for stopping. I was hoping I wouldn't have to give chase…"
The amber hue of her gaze looks way more alluring at close view, traveling to his face, prompting a genuinely appreciative smile out of him. But for the matter, she seems clearly troubled with holding the reins of her tongue.
"I-I… was there, um…" She clears her throat but it seems about useless, "… hi." It's all the Princess manages to say, amusing him to no end. "Can, um, can I help you?"
"I'm hoping you can," He smiles sweetly, relishing in the pretty blush creeping up her cheeks, "You see, something fell when you walked by…"
Those amber eyes go wide with worry, her flustering briefly forgotten. "Oh, dear, really!?" As she reaches around her to perform a quick pat check of her kimono, Shingen can't take much of her misguided concern for any longer, capturing her hand in his free one.
He leans down in attempts to seize that sparkling gaze; youth and wonder and a glimpse of life beckoning him in, igniting something within he'd assumed long gone.
"It was me. I fell in love with you."
To some extent, it's not entirely a lie—how he could possibly make that up with that more than evident spark fluttering around them? "You've stolen my heart. But don't worry, I won't charge you with theft. It clearly wanted to be with you, so you may do with it as you like…" It might even be for the best if she does so, though, but he keeps that thought to himself.
The look in her blushing face is telling, her tongue not seeming to obey anymore, looking stunned and struggling for words. And yet, even when basking in such alluring reactions and predicting her every possible thought, there's a gleam of something else crossing her eyes—something different and not so easy to read, beckoning him further and prompting his curiosity.
"As the owner of my heart, would you do me the favor of joining me for some tea?" Shingen's flirtatious smirk widens into a grin, open and inviting, "I'd like to get to know you better…"
"Uh, er," She tenses at the idea, growing bashful, glancing away with a guilty expression, "I don't think I can. I—"
But Shingen had formerly prepared for a possible rejection. "Oh, my. Have I been stealing your time? How rude of me! Perhaps I can make it up to you with this small token?" Gracefully, he procures a pretty flower he'd hidden on his sleeve, daring to lean even closer and delicately tucking it upon the shell of her ear. Its beauty pales before the depths of her amber gaze, however, timidly returning to his face. "And those beautiful eyes are back on me. Tell me what I've done to attract them, so I can do it again,"
"Thank you," The beautiful Princess worries her lip, biting down the shy smile tugging at her lips, "B-but… that's not what I meant. I believe we've met before."
Thankfully so, Shingen is skilled in the art of keeping a straight face; although he can't say the same for his heart, skipping a beat, wariness pooling in his gut, "Oh? Have I been visiting your dreams? I'm more than flattered for it," He chuckles amusedly.
"No, no! I, ugh—"
She drops Shingen's hand as if his mere touch is messing with her head, winding a nervous hand to her hair. Her eyes flicker back and forth, appearing to try collecting herself somehow. But he'd already glimpsed the troubled look crossing her face and, for some reason, he's lost for words all in a sudden—his control over their conversation slipping from his grasp.
"Takeda…" She says so low he almost doesn't hear her, "You're Shingen Takeda."
In any case, his body certainly feels his name dropping from her lips, if his mouth going dry and the hammering of his heart is any indication thereof. Strangely so—and for the first time in a long while—their roles appear to reverse, and is Shingen who then has to collect himself to the best of his expertise.
And be extremely careful from there on as well.
However, as inconvenient as it is for having been recognized, at least that clears one of his suspicions towards her. "… And you are not a ghost," Plain honesty seems to be the best course to take—not that it'll tell her more than he intends to lean her in, "Not now that I see you in the daylight, that is clear,"
It's no small feat how, in spite of herself, she'd managed to turn the situation to her advantage; visibly more confident now that they're somewhat on the clear. And as open and harmless Shingen knows himself to have acted with her, he can only hope she hasn't changed her mind about him and opted on to try running away then.
To his partial surprise, she actually doesn't, even turning a concerned look at him. "I don't mean to intrude, but I have to ask," She worries her lip once more, glancing around them to make sure there are no prying ears about, "What are you doing in Azuchi? Isn't this place enemy territory to you?"
The pleased smile tugging at his lips is genuine—turns out, this unknown woman going by the name of Mai Mizusaki is just as sharp as she is beautiful. No stranger to danger, quick to connect the dots, and clearly not as helpless as she appears so; Shingen can't help to grow more and more intrigued about her. How many secrets does she have up her sleeve?
"Would you believe me if I said I've come to find you?" Then again, that's not truly a lie, and Shingen turns the newfound idea on his mind a couple of times before going for it. "You see, I've been meaning to make you an offer…"
"An offer? You mean, an offer to me?" Somehow, the look of sheer disbelief in her face manages to throw him off just so. Could her poise merely be an act? How does a woman of her stature would appear so baffled otherwise?
Although unexpected, that's not quite a concerning problem, and if must be, he'll see to make her know how valuable she truly is. "A beauty like you, in many means of the word, is way too wasted in the Oda forces. I want to make you an offer to come with me instead," Unable to help it, Shingen reaches out to brush his thumb upon her cheek, feeling that spark once again and an ever so fleeting shiver running over her. "You may not be aware of it now, but Nobunaga corrupts everything he touches. However, I can save you from him,"
"Wh-what…?" As for appearing so visibly pleased with his attentions, for a moment it seems she's having troubles to keep track of their conversation, her copper brows knitting into a frown. "Are you serious?"
"Very much so. In any case, you'll see it soon enough." Shingen shrugs dismissively, leaning away completely in spite of himself. "I'll hold on to your answer for our next encounter. It will give me something else to look forward to," Shooting a last dashing smile at her, he turns around before coming to regret it. "I'm afraid I must leave you now. I need to find a place to rest tonight, if not in the warm embrace of your dreams…"
While it's not in Shingen's nature to leave a woman so visibly disappointed, his duty—and the course of his plan—must come first in this case. "Hold on a moment," He'd already managed to will his feet to get on the move, and still, the beauty tugs at the sleeve of his kimono, "What's that about Nobunaga? You can't just say that and leave me hanging,"
His blood feels like turning into ice, turning back without being able to help it; what is it about what, exactly? The look in her eyes baffles him just slightly, struggling to believe her genuine question. How does a Princess of the Oda appear so oblivious to her daimyo's history of disgraces?
Who truly is she? What is the mystery behind Mai Mizusaki? And why can't he figure it out already?
But his time has run out, admittedly out in the open for too long. Sadly so, only time may probably offer the answers he's looking for.
"I see you miss me already? Don't worry, I do too," Shingen works his most charming smile before leaning down and brushing his lips upon the back of her delicate hand, placing a tender kiss there. "I'm trusting you to take good care of my heart in the meantime… Princess,"
Regardless of the result, Shingen walks through town in good spirits after his last encounter, the pristine picture of Mai Mizusaki's face still lingering in his mind. All in all, it's quite a lovely way to end the day, and he wouldn't ask for anything more than the small blessings he's been given.
With long strides, he enters the market, stopping in front of the sales blanket and spotting two acquaintances inside. "Were you waiting long, Yukimura?" He announces himself with an easygoing smile.
Yukimura snorts, appearing to struggle not to roll his eyes as he brings himself to view, past the shadows of his tent. "Not any longer than I expected to be, Lord Shingen. There are women here, after all. You'd walk faster through a field of ground spikes…"
His example prompts out the interest of their second acquaintance—and lately, one of the closest people in Yuki's circle. "Should I need to work on a better prototype?" Sasuke wonders, mostly to himself.
Shingen's young vassal shakes his head in partial amusement, not bothering to come up with a proper reply and turning to him once again. "Soooo," He begins, giving him a knowing look, "Was it really worthy for you to go through that trouble instead of staying in Kasugayama as intended?"
He chuckles low, only for his acquaintances to hear, before kneeling on the blanket as if a customer would. "And then some, Yuki…" Shingen's eyes don't hunger for the baubles and hairpins in the display, however. "My apologies for taking so long. I've managed to find her, though,"
Sasuke purses his lips, seeming not to look forward to questioning his actions, although Yukimura does either way. "Her? You mean that mysterious Princess of the Oda?"
"And the same woman we met the night Honno-ji burned," Shingen admits with a nod, "The one you saved from falling through a cliff…"
"Huh, really?" Yukimura turns pensive, yet not managing to hide his surprise, "So the rumors of her are true, then? She's Nobunaga's new mistress or concubine or… whatever?"
Despite Yuki's more than obvious discontent, Shingen only smiles further. "It's too bad, isn't it? She seems too sweet to become a bride of the devil himself…"
For a spare moment, he lets his thoughts wonder—could he steal her away for her own good if she turns out to reject his offer? He would be content with just admiring her from afar, yet nothing's too certain or kind in these war-torn times as it is.
However, Yukimura stops his train of thought with a groan. "I see that look in your face, milord. You're playing with fire," He frowns and glares hard, appearing to be reading his mind.
Sasuke feels like making a precarious comment. "I am partially inclined to agree with Yukimura. It is not wise to believe mere rumors," The ninja points out with a thoughtful tilt of his head, "A course of action can't be taken by hypothesis only. You probably would need further proof of these statements…"
Shingen snorts low in amusement, knowing the two youngsters mean well with their particular ways of showing concern. "Frowning like that will ruin your good boyish looks, Yuki," He teases, looking forward to dismissing their worries towards him just as quick as they came.
"Fine, don't listen to us. But hear just this, though," Yuki shows an unusual hesitation to speak his mind, to Shingen's brief concern, "Regardless of who or whose woman she is, I don't think she's the one to involve in this plan of yours. But—" He at least tries to excuse himself, "I know you've worked hard on this and thought everything through. So I'll follow you to the end, no matter what."
His comment touches Shingen's heart. "And I thank you, Yuki. For your loyalty, your candor, and your tact… when you remember to show that tact,"
"Oh shut up…" He snorts once again before correcting himself, "—Um, my lord."
A-N: Aaaah, I'm so happy to get to this part already asdniasdasoidasnoi! And happy belated birthday to this ravishingly handsome tiger