Gunsen: A type of folding war fan used by the average warriors to cool themselves off.
Tenshu: An architectural typology found in Japanese castle complexes. They are easily identifiable as the highest tower within the castle.

Mai

"Again. And spread your feet further apart this time."

Truth be told, she can't even recall why did she agree to dance with him in the first place, but now that they're at it, it seems kind of rude to just stop. And so, Mai complies, flicking her fans open and waving them around the way she'd been taught as a child, putting on a charming smile to make it a little show. A blur of yellows, oranges and reds flutter prettily before her eyes, prompting a more genuine smile out of her, somewhat losing herself in her own happy place—a small moment of reprieve from the warring period she's been plunged into against her will.

That is, until her wrist stings and one of her fans drops from her hand. "Ow! What was that for?" She pouts, rubbing her sore spot.

"I was testing your reflexes," Nobunaga says flatly, scrutinizing her stance with a stern look. "Stop idling around and focus."

"I thought we were dancing?"

"... No. We are training."

The snarky remark brings them back at court, and she huffs in frustration. It's been several days since their return from Shinano, and Nobunaga's been more than insistent in attempting to 'hone her skills' with the pair of gunsen he'd gifted her, offering himself to train her at every one of her late visits to his tenshu.

"Are you still determined upon learning medicine?" She's come with the request a couple of nights before, and Nobunaga's brushed off the idea at every chance she's brought it up. "That knowledge will bring you even closer to battle than this. You told me you hated war."

Growing annoyed, she flicks her other fan close with a snap, crossing her arms. "And you told me you didn't care what I hated. But yes, I do, and very much. I wish I could stop it from happening, but I'm well aware I can't."

Nobunaga's gaze is intimidating, but she doesn't quail before him just then. "You do show promise with the gunsen, and can do more than fine by training properly." He frowns in thought, "Why are you so adamant with medicine?"

"Because I never meant to use these in a way that may hurt anybody. That's not the way I've been taught to." She insists, growing tired of falling on the same topic over and over.

"Weapons are meant to do just that—"

"—But with medicine, maybe I can learn to save as many lives as possible." She emphasizes her words with a flick of her fan in hand, "While I'm willing to learn whatever it takes to survive, I'm not aiming for taking someone else's life to do so."

That has been one of the answers to the questions she'd asked herself after the bloodbath Nobunaga brought her to witness. Her reality is, if she's intending to achieve her goals and dreams or even get to return to her time period, she needs to survive that dreadful place first of all—which is a feat in and out of itself. And as willing as she is to try to understand the people's reasoning for going to war, in the end she's not as determined and courageous as Masamune or Nobunaga to brand a weapon and fight for her own sake.

To be honest, she's terrified of the mere idea.

He doesn't reply straight away, however, leaving her to hesitate. That's not an encouraging look on his face. Does he think I'm not serious? After seeming to ponder the matter—and her—he suddenly grins; a sight as strange to see as the first time he did it, the first night she came to his tenshu.

"What a naïve view of the problem. Yet I see how you came to that conclusion. It's not without some logic." He appears lenient as to admit that, "I'm curious to see how the real world grows and shapes your views."

Mai quirks a skeptical brow, "… Is that a yes?"

With some reluctance, Nobunaga nods. "Ieyasu is a skilled healer and herbalist. I will ask him to teach you."

"Really? Thank you very much!" Her face brightens at that, bowing to him in gratitude and before he comes to regret it. Having Ieyasu himself teaching her may be somewhat challenging, yet it doesn't make her any less excited to get started.

A slight snort prevents her from going too excited, though. "Do not thank me just yet, little fireball," Nobunaga takes a single step towards her, crimson eyes flickering in wonder. "If you truly intend to learn whatever it takes, you shall prove to me you're up for it."

"… You don't mean to tell me you want me to follow you to another battle, isn't it?"

He saunters past her with a flourish of his haori. "Masamune seems to hold you in high regard. He's praised you as a fighter several times." Heading to his decorative weapon rack, he calmly returns his fans to their proper place, sparing himself a moment to eye his precious collection, "We can't allow your skills with the gunsen to go to waste, Mai…"

The comment makes her cautious, not liking whatever idea he seems to be coming with. "I don't get it. What are you suggesting? And what's Masamune got to do with anything?"

A mischievous smirk crosses his face as he returns to his working desk. "You shall ask him to partake on sparring sessions with you. If he's too busy to comply, then tell him to assign one of his retainers to do so."

Her jaw drops to the floor at that, alarms flaring in her mind. "You want me to ask Masamune to fight him!? But—"

That's… that's… the worst idea ever!

Nobunaga, however, pays her no mind, looking decided to return to his reading of several reports scrawled across his desk. "Didn't you just say you want to learn ways to keep yourself alive? Northerners such as Masamune do so by charging at the vanguard of an army. And, as you can surely notice, their unrivaled strong will is what's been keeping them alive. There's a lot you can learn from them." He says matter-of-factly, not bothering to spare her a glance, "Take this as your task for the day."

"… How did I happen to get stuck with you? What was Nobunaga thinking?"

Despite the pretty much inconvenient deal she's struck with him, Nobunaga keeps his word, and the next morning finds her with a message from a maid to meet Ieyasu before midday to begin her lessons. Unsurprisingly so, her new assigned teacher doesn't sound interested nor eager to work with her in the slightest.

"Clearly, he thought I didn't have enough to deal with, with ghosts right on my doorstep, stirring up trouble." Ieyasu rolls his eyes hard, leaving her to briefly wonder how they haven't caught at the back of his head just yet with how many times he does that.

Maybe I should've held out for a different potions master? Troubling Ieyasu could go very wrong.

"Look, I'll be a serious student, and I'm looking forward to learning from you." Mai puts up her best diplomatic face, figuring out it's the least she can do.

"… That makes one of us looking forward to it." He sighs in defeat, lips curling into a sneer before pushing a stack of books on his desk towards her. "First, you should read all of these."

She can only hope he doesn't want them read by the end of the day—it's been some time since college, after all. Regardless, the gesture doesn't go unnoticed, "Looks like you've already got everything ready for me. Thank you."

He does seem to be taking the whole ordeal seriously, so probably he's not as bad as his attitude suggests. "You're talking when you should be reading. Open the top book." Ieyasu's face remains stoic and impervious to any politeness, "I'm going to quickly cover the key points. And just so you know, I'm not going to stop or repeat myself. Are we clear?"

"Alright. I'm ready." Mai opens the book to the first page, following his instructions to the letter.

The sun is at its peak by the time Ieyasu's lecture comes to a close, and she rubs the kinks in her stiff neck, completely unaware of the time. Whoa, I haven't had to cram this much in so long. And now I really miss coffee. Mitsunari's been helping her to figure out the writing system of the period to a certain extent, but reading such books still keeps being a pain and a half.

However, she's saved by the fact Ieyasu explained almost everything in the books provided, so she can follow along somehow. "Now that you see what you're up against, you should just give up. It's not like you need to know this stuff."

Well, he really sucks as a teacher, huh.

A half-apologetic smile clings to her lips, "Why, I can't give up now that I've already started. In fact, I'll be back tomorrow for more." Mai insists, hoping her genuine interest would show and encourage Ieyasu somehow, "I'll even have reviewed everything you told me today too."

Her earnestness must have come through, as Ieyasu looks almost impressed, a brow quirking up, "I guess you've got resolve, at least. Maybe you're not as weak as I—" Sighing in apparent spite of himself, he trails off into a series of quiet incomprehensible mumbles, occupying his hands with stacking the pile of books and notes they've recently used. "I suppose it's no wonder why Masamune has his eye on you…"

"What was that?" Or rather, did she hear him right?

"Nothing. I didn't say anything." Ieyasu doesn't leave room to budge, though, an awkward silence hanging around the two of them.

Just then, the door slides open and as if he'd just been summoned, the very guy her teacher has been vaguely mumbling about makes his entrance, a massive grin on his ruggedly handsome face. Snapping her head to the door, she has to swallow a groan as pain shots from her stiff neck at the motion.

"Ieyasu, mind if I come in?" Her heart skips a beat for some reason. What's he here for?

"… It obviously wouldn't matter if I minded because you only asked after you already barged in." The blonde warlord grumbles, returning to his regular exasperated mood.

She can't say if it's his smile what does it, but the room looks brighter at the presence of Masamune, that lively and gorgeous eye of his catching her entire attention. "I heard Mai was studying here and, well, knowing Ieyasu, I came to lighten the mood."

If Ieyasu was annoyed before, his face twists into the picture of being absolutely done with everyone then. "We're done studying. Thanks for lightening the mood, good job." He deadpans, flat toned, "You can leave now. Actually, take her with you."

Ignoring his associate, Masamune sits down next to her, his expression recalling the expectant curiosity of a hungry cat. To her dismay, Mai finds herself casting a sheepish smile his way.

"Hi, er—I mean, good morning." She feels incredibly silly all of a sudden, mentally slapping herself.

Masamune's grin goes delightfully wider, however. "Morning, kitten," He says half-sultrily, giving her a once over look, "You look as stiff as the day I brought you over. You've been like that with Ieyasu? No wonder he's in a snit." He bumps his shoulder to hers in a friendly manner, "You can relax around him. It'll be easier for him that way too, right, lad?"

"While you're making all my decisions for me, you want to redecorate my room too?" Ieyasu scoffs, "But… yeah, Masamune's right. It would be easier if you were less formal."

"All right. Thank you. I mean, thanks," Sinking into a more relaxed posture, she immediately feels like a weight had been taken off her shoulders. "To be honest, I wouldn't mind another friend."

"So, how's progress, Mai? Has Ieyasu been putting you through your paces?"

She can't help quirking a curious brow at that. Is Masamune keeping a very close eye on her schedule? Otherwise, how does he seem to know everything she partakes on?

Actually, that wouldn't be surprising. Half of Nobunaga's tasks are suggestions from him after all…

Speaking of more friends, Masamune's carnivorous smile makes her suddenly question her choice in them. "Ieyasu's been a good teacher. I really feel I'll be able to learn from him."

"That's good to hear!" His eye gleams as he seems to be recalling something, and Mai can't help but grow apprehensive at that, "I've heard you're taking some reading lessons from Mitsunari as well. Your schedule grows tighter and tighter by the day."

"Ah, yeah, Mitsunari's been helping me too. I'm just glad to be able to keep myself busy." She shrugs nonchalantly.

"If Ieyasu's teaching you medicine, then I'll teach you horseback riding. What do you think?"

"You want to teach me how to ride…?" Her enthusiasm dies down when her lurching stomach reminds her of the two trips with him. It's a very good skill to have, though. And assuming I survive, I'll never get horse sick again. "Well, thanks, Masamune. I'll take you up on it. Just let me know when you're free."

That wicked smile gives way to a surprisingly innocent face. Then, Masamune laughs, and it's a fun-loving, joyful sound. Damn, I could hear him laugh all day and not get tired of it. He has the most musical and beautiful laughter—wait, no. Brain, stop right there!

"Now that's a good answer." He makes it practically sound as if he just said 'Good girl'. No, don't strain away! Agh, how does he do that? "I wondered what our Lord was thinking to take you into battle, but you keep proving to be the bravest lass I've ever seen! I even want to see you in a fight myself!"

She gulps at that, "Me, fighting? Oh, I don't think you'll be impressed at all…"

Ieyasu's expression shifts at the mention of that topic, looking at her. "Speaking of that battle, I heard Shingen and Kenshin were there. Did you see them?"

The mere mention of Shingen's name makes her heart skip a beat. Alright, what the heck is going on with you today, Mai? "Um, yeah, I did." Even then, the memory of them fighting gives her the chills, and she can only hope she'd never witness such a scene ever again.

But seeing Shingen again, that's another thing entirely.

"… Knowing they're still alive and that I might get the chance to face them gets my blood pumping something fierce." Masamune prompts her out of her thoughts before she strains, his wicked smile seeming as if he's picturing it already.

"You know, I have medicine for that." Ieyasu points out.

She's already aware of Masamune's fighting spirit, but it's not like his cool poise will stop amazing her anytime soon, "Huh, you really enjoy battle, don't you?"

It's Ieyasu who replies with a pained sigh. "Don't believe what you've seen the other day with Yoshitoshi. Masamune's horrible in a fight," He remarks his statement with a glare, "He's always rushing the front lines, changing tactics and demanding cooperation on the fly. I have to be out there cleaning up his mess for him,"

"It sounds like you two team up every so often…"

Masamune smiles with a—very—handsome confidence, "Yeah, and it's because I know Ieyasu's got my back that I can fight so freely."

"… If you're trying to flatter me, don't bother. It won't work." Ieyasu's unusually prickly attitude since Masamune's arrival makes sense then. They're a bit like brothers, bickering because they know each other well. "But you won't need to drag me onto the front if the Tiger of Kai shows up. I'll be one of the first out there. I haven't forgotten how close he came to beating me at Noda Castle."

Ieyasu's young features harden, his eyes gleaming with a vengeful light. Looks like he's got some trauma to deal with. "Noda Castle. Was that the battle where Shingen supposedly died?"

"Huh? How do you know that?" Ieyasu frowns, growing skeptical.

"Um, Nobunaga told me some bits and pieces when I asked him about Shingen." There's also the small knowledge she has from the history books and the little Sasuke told her, but that's not something she'd mention anytime soon.

Masamune shoots her a knowing glance, but—and gratefully so—doesn't seem willing to let his associate in on her secret handicap. "Did he tell you that battle was just part of Shingen's campaign against Ieyasu and Nobunaga?"

She shakes her head. "Nobunaga and I are in an alliance such as Masamune here, and my province, Mikawa, bordered Shingen's Kai. Basically, he had to get through me." Ieyasu's face tenses as he speaks, as if recalling a pretty bad memory. "Back then, Shingen was strong. Nobunaga and I constantly struggled against him, even working together."

That admission makes her frown in thought. Just how strong is Shingen to be able to easily fend off two powerful warlords like Nobunaga and Ieyasu?

"Then, in the middle of battle, with victory in sight, Shingen disappeared." Masamune continues, "Supposedly he died of pneumonia. It's probably true that he got sick, but obviously it didn't kill him."

"In that case, Shingen's a master manipulator. He probably thought laying low was for the best and let the rumors spread to his advantage." Paired up with Ieyasu's assumptions, Nobunaga already mentioned Shingen's use of espionage, leaving her to believe it's the most plausible response.

"Now that he's stopped squabbling with Kenshin and joined him, I'd love to fight the two of them." All in a sudden Masamune perks up, turning his single eye on her, "And this reminds me, I heard about Nobunaga's suggestion for you…"

At that, she can't help groaning out loud. Ugh, that's just great. Why I am always involved in those two's crazy ideas? His mischievous smile isn't of any help, and as much as Mai has secretly missed it in the couple of days they haven't seen each other, she'd rather for that alluring gesture to show up for another reason entirely.

"Why don't you come spar with me and Ieyasu? I can teach you a thing or two," His massive grin leaves very little to object about, but the subject at hand is strong enough to make her resist his proposal.

Aside from her natural eagerness to learn something new and pick up more skills, training with weapons such as swords and fans is just leaning on a bit too much for the current moment. It'd sound more acceptable if she were picking that up for self-defense, but truthfully, either Masamune or Nobunaga are the right people for that.

"Um, maybe another time?" Wincing a little, Mai turns to Ieyasu for both a little of help and to come up with an excuse, "I mean, thanks for the offer, but I need to practice my reading and writing for my lessons, and I was thinking of visiting Mitsunari after this…"

Thankfully, Masamune merely shrugs in dismissal. "Sounds like you've got a lot on your plate, alright. What do you think, Ieyasu? She's a hard worker, isn't she?"

"Stop nudging me. Anyway, if you want some books to practice with, you should check out the archives."

"You have a nice point, there. I'll ask Mitsunari to pinpoint me, then. Thanks for the suggestion, Ieyasu."

"Oh, Mai? Is that you?" Mitsunari perks up from behind a pile of books at her arrival, finding him in the company of Mitsuhide. "I don't recall us having reading lessons today?"

In between several tomes spread open before the two of them, Mitsuhide quirks a curious brow, "Or should I assume you've come to grab some books to make a step ladder out of?"

Mai snorts softly, not expecting a different kind of greeting from either of them. "Hello, you two. And no, Mitsunari, we didn't have an appointment today. I'm just looking for some good starter books to use for my medicine lessons with Ieyasu."

"I see. Isn't it wonderful, Lord Mitsuhide? The Princess is becoming another fellow scholar!" For all the energy Mitsunari uses in praising her, his associate appears to turn it in another source for his endless amusement, snickering to himself.

"You're too kind, but I'm not as serious as you, for sure," She can't help but fluster a little, "But am I interrupting something? Or are you two studying as well?"

"We were discussing our investigation on the incident at Honno-ji," Mitsuhide replies solemnly.

Right. Since he clearly isn't the perpetrator—at least not in that timeline—the real culprit remains at large, and their research doesn't appear to be close to a breakthrough anytime soon. Pondering about it, she revisits her own memories of that night; recalling the people she met and those who may have had the motive and the means.

Only two faces come to mind. "Mmh, is it possible that Shingen or Kenshin had anything to do with it?" She wonders vaguely. All things considered, Shingen is her first guess for someone who holds a very hard grudge against Nobunaga, and those two were watching the temple as far as she's aware of.

"No." It's Mitsuhide who shoots down her idea with the precision of a sniper, slamming a tome close as if to remark his point. "Uesugi's renowned for his battle lust. Assassination would rob him of the one thing he loves."

"Shingen has a strategic mind, and while he has a network of spies, when he acts it's in the open for all to see," Mitsunari adds matter-of-factly.

"So, you don't suspect either of them?" It may be odd, but she's actually relieved to hear that. Of anything, she doesn't truly want to believe Shingen would be the kind of guy who'd sink to assassinating people in such a shady manner.

Honestly, it's even hard to see him as my enemy at this point. But as soon as she thinks about that, the word 'enemy' triggers a crushing realization in her.

Her hand stops midway of idly returning one of her books to its proper shelf. Sasuke and that young guy who prevented her from falling down a cliff, Yuki, were joining those two that night in the woods. And if she remembers correctly, he'd even addressed Shingen and Kenshin as if they were his superiors.

Sasuke mentioned having employers… He must be working for Shingen and Kenshin. That's why he didn't tell me about it.

The mere thought devastates her. Does that mean as long as she's on opposite sides with those two warlords, she's on muddy grounds with her one true ally?

"Mai?" Concern gleams in Mitsunari's bright and cute amethyst eyes, attempting to shake her out of her reverie with a hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright? Has something sad occurred to you?"

"N-no, no," She partially lies, shaking her head too fast to her liking. "I-I was just trying to think if there was anyone else suspicious, but I can't think of anyone."

Truth is, she needs out of that conversation and fast. As much as Mitsuhide may know of her past interactions with Shingen, if he isn't really tied to Honno-ji, there's no reason to bring up Sasuke to the map. And she needs to keep him a secret until she could leave the current time.

Hopefully Sasuke would show up soon to clear everything out. I'll remember to ask him for the full story.

She notices Mitsuhide smirking at her, quite unpleasantly so, and the room seems to grow colder around her just like the other day. "Oh, really? Mmh, I think you're suspicious, Mai. You seem to be hiding something…"

"What could I be possibly hiding now?" And why does she constantly need to be in guard with Mitsuhide? It's too frustrating!

"I believe a little torture might prove revelatory." Her eyes almost bulge out of her sockets at that. What has she gotten herself into?

Mai glances to Mitsunari for help, but he appears poised in thought. "… Do you mean tickle torture, Lord Mitsuhide?" The young strategist smiles sweetly at his own occurrence.

"Why, Mitsunari, that's an excellent suggestion!" Rubbing his hands and with a mischievous look plastered all over his face, the sly warlord turns to her, expectant, "Well, Princess? Will you confess everything, or shall we tickle you until you can no longer speak?"

"I'll… pass on the tickle torture, thanks. I've got some books to grab and you two an assassin to catch." Mitsuhide keeps his piercing eyes on her, chuckling in wicked amusement, while Mitsunari helps her to sort out the tomes she needs to get started.

Soon enough, the regular ruckus of the castle comes to a pause as night falls, a crescent moon meeting her past the doors of her balcony, giving her room a sort of melancholic ambiance. As breathtaking as the clear sight of Azuchi town may be that time of day, it's hard for Mai not to be feeling somewhat anxious; the silence and tranquility stretching on too thin for her liking, prompting her running thoughts to make more noise than healthily necessary.

Shogetsu's late random visits have been helpful so far and she's grown to appreciate the cub's company, yet as much as she tries to occupy herself with her studies or with the little tiger, her mind keeps finding ways to stray, piling up all her concerns one by one.

I can't keep turning a blind eye to the reality of this time…

Laying out her cards, so far it looks like all the people she's met and talked to appear to be pushing her onto the one single thing she's terrified of—fighting to survive. Shingen had warned her of Nobunaga's apparent corruption, and offered to whisk her away from what would be inevitable should she keeps staying in Azuchi. Masamune has made a point of how the way of the sword seems to be the only way for most people to stay alive. The rest, such as Ieyasu, appear to deem her as weak or hopeless merely for refusing to brand a weapon.

And Nobunaga, he's been more than clear in how the long road for peace seems to be built from the blood and bones of all who oppose him.

Her wandering eyes find the decorative sword resting on one corner of her room, her pair of gunsen not so far away from the rack. Is the way of the samurai all there is to the period?

"No, there has to be more to it…"

Just then, Shogetsu plops onto her lap, bumping away an open book and all but demanding her attention. His purring and the feeling of his soft fur brings her back onto more pleasant memories—most specifically, of one of the most enjoyable afternoons she had in the current period, watching the same playful tiger in her arms playing at the riverside, and eating snacks languidly with a ruggedly handsome guy at her side.

"Come see me anytime. You're always welcome…"

Flopping down onto her futon with the little cub, Mai finally makes up her mind. If he still allows it, then she'll resort to Masamune once again.