I'd never given much thought about wormholes and time travel. Until that night. The thought would have never crossed my mind if I had never moved to Kyoto. I remember that night so clearly. The memory I could never shake off, would be with me forever.
My parent drove me to the airport with the windows rolled down. It was twenty-six degrees in Hokkaido, the sun shining without a cloud in sight. I was wearing a mid length skirt with my hair tied in a lower ponytail. I was wearing it as a farewell gesture. I kept sending my portfolio out time and time again, until it finally paid off. I'd gotten my dream job. I'll finally be a fashion designer, designing kimonos in the traditional city of Kyoto. This excited me but at the same time, I felt a lingering sadness as my life in rural Hokkaido would be ending. I would miss the snow in the winter. I would miss the old lady next door, who taught me how to design kimonos in the first place. But mostly, I would miss my parents. I was their only child.
ANA Flight number seven hundred and seventy-two would arrive at Osaka Itami at ten-twenty-five that morning. Then I took an airport shuttle to my new apartment in Kyoto. In the afternoon, I visited my new boss. She gave me a guidebook called 'A Traveler's Guide to Japan's Hottest Warlords.' She told me if I could visual designing kimonos for these warlords who happened to be very good-looking, I would be off to a good start in the design business. I laughed it off but, it really made me smile.
When nightfall came, I went out to enjoy a peaceful nighttime stroll through the city. I wondered where I could go at night. I wanted to check out Kiyomizu-dera temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine, but those would be better to see during the day. I pulled the guide book out of my purse. Kyoto's a hub for historical activity, and the book actually promised information on some good sightseeing spots. I flicked through the pages and stopped when I came upon a familiar name.
The Peerless Warrior. Sanada Yukimura.
I've heard of this guy. He was famous for…nope. I can't remember. I had always crammed for Japanese history last. Sadly, it showed on my test results.
The One-Eyed Dragon. Date Masamune.
I'm more familiar with this one. There's been a bunch of historical dramas made about him. 'The One-Eyed Dragon.' I love that name. And the eyepatch is pretty sweet too. Too bad he's not from Kyoto.
Let's see, where's the closest famous place I can visit? Here's one. A stone monument to Honno-ji, at the temple's original location.
The Devil King of the 6th Heaven Oda Nobunaga.
Opposite the map to the site was a page dedicated to the most famous man tied to that location. Oda Nobunaga is definitely someone I remember. He almost unified all of Japan under his rule. In the year 1582, betrayed by Akechi Mitsuhide, Nobunaga committed suicide amidst the fiery wreckage of Honno-ji. Or as I remember it, in 1582, Nobunaga's ambitions burned in a coup. I was amused I could still remember that old mnemonic. I followed the map to the place where Honno-ji once stood.
This is it?
It's a simple, somber monument. And pretty small too. I wonder if Nobunaga would be disappointed? I just stood and looked at it for a moment. A man, wearing a lab coat came to the monument too. The fact that he was wearing a lab coat in public made him immediately stand out. Standing silently beside me, his eyes were fixed on the stone.
He looks too young to be a doctor. Probably a medical school student. And what a serious expression he's got. He was more intriguing than the monument. I couldn't help looking at him.
Just then, a drop of cold rain fell on my nose. Raising my head to the sky, I noticed the dark grey clouds in sheets overhead.
"Oh no," I said.
The clouds suddenly broke open and the tiny drops gave way to a downpour.
"What poor timing," he said.
Clear Skys all day and all night it said! Stupid weather report.
"Are you alright," he asked. "Do you have an umbrella?"
"I do," I replied. "But it's back in my apartment."
I looked up into the man's eyes, when..
"Huh," he exclaimed.
"Aah!"
A bolt of lighting touched down in front of us, shattering the stone monument. My eyes widened in disbelief. That couldn't have just happened!? I've never seen lighting that close before.
"Be careful miss…"
"Huh?"
He offered me a hand; just then, there was a loud crash and everything appeared to bend and warp into the darkness. I felt dizzy and instinctively squeezed my eyes shut.
What's happening?
Then the dizziness passed. I opened my eyes, only for them to be quickly obscured with streams of billowing hot smoke. Wait, what? It was raining! I was outside! How did I get in here? And it's so smoky here. The place is on fire! Covering my mouth, I looked through the suffocating smoke but I couldn't see the man in the lab coat anywhere. Instead, I saw something unbelievable. What in the world? A man dressed in a suit of ancient Japanese armour lay asleep on the floor. Another man, holding some kind of walking stick, approached the sleeping man. That's not a walking stick, it's a sword. Sparks from the flaming paper walls illuminated the sharp edge of the raised metal blade.
"Hey," I screamed. "You! Look out!"
I cried at the armoured man. The man with the sword grew still. I crouched beside the unconscious man and shook him urgently. He finally woke, eyelids lifting lazily.
"Who are you?"
"No time for introductions," I said. "Come on, let's get you out of here."
There's a building on fire, and a man out to kill you! We need to get out of here now.
"Take my hand."
He took my hand into his powerful one. I held tight and hauled him to his feet. I wasn't sure who he was, but I didn't want to see anyone hurt, or worse. We ran for our lives through the fire. The smoke was so black, that I couldn't see a thing. A part of the building fell in front of us and blocked a doorway. I felt panic rising in my chest, until the man kicked it away. We ran for our lives until we finally made it out.
I'm amazed we made it out, but somehow we did. The building behind us, which seemed to be a temple, was being engulfed by uncontrollable flames. I have to be dreaming, right?
"Someone tried to do away with me while I slept," the man examined. "Audacious, but foolish. Killing my guards and getting that close to me is another matter." His cold eyes looked down on me. "You there. Woman. Let go of me."
"Oh, sorry."
I let go and pulled my hand back. The man I'd rescued looked me over thoughtfully.
"You saved my life. You may be some girl the monks snuck in for amusement, but I owe you my thanks."
"Really," I said with sarcasm in my voice. "I must have missed all the amused monks in the massive flame we just escaped." I shook my head. "I don't know how I got in there."
Who exactly have I just saved? He was dressed like a star in a Samurai drama, and spoke like one too. His eyes were proud and brutal. But I could tell by the materials that his clothes were authentic. As authentic as the sword hanging on his belt.
"What are you staring at," he said with his cold eyes staring down at me. "Surely you know who I am?"
"I really don't."
"You saved me without knowing who I am?" He sounded amused. "Not expecting reward or favour? So be it. I shall tell you my name. I am the man who will rule all under the sun…"
"Actually you don't need to tell me, I cut him off"
"What?"
I don't want to know. I get the feeling whatever he's going to say, I'm not going to like it.
"You're a curious one, woman. No one's ever spoken so impudently to me before."
He let out a loud, amused laugh that echoed far into the night.
I'm sorry, is anything that's happening right now, funny? And, wow, that wicked smile could kill a kitten.
"You intrigue me, which is almost worthy of praise as saving my life. I am the Lord of Azuchi Castle and Daimyo of Owari, Oda Nobunaga."
Oda Nobunaga. He just said his name was Oda Nobunaga! My mouth hung open in shock, I turned toward the gate of the burning temple. A sign was engaged with the unmistakable name, Honno-ji. I put my hands on my head in disbelief.
"Pardon me for asking something strange, but what year is it?"
"It is 1582. Why?"
In the year 1582, betrayed by Akechi Mitsuhide, Nobunaga committed suicide amidst the fiery wreckage of Honno-ji. I've got to be dreaming this. Moving mechanically, I raised my hand to my cheek and pinched it hard. Okay that hurt. There goes the dream theory. But does that mean I really went back in time to the night Nobunaga died?
"What are you pinching yourself for? I've given my name. It's your turn." His wicked smile turned my skin cold. "Hey."
The self-proclaimed Nobunaga took a full step forward and took my chin in his hand, forcing me to meet his eyes.
"Give me your name," he said.
"Chizuru."
"Chizuru, then? A good name."
"Glad you approve. Now let go of me."
I brushed off his hand and put some distance between us. I desperately need to figure out what's going on here. My head was spinning and I was starting to shake. And that was before I heard a large group coming our way.
"Lord Nobunaga," A man with what looked like to be grey-dyed hair and purple eyes said. "You're safe."
Who's this now? A man arriving at the front of a unit of soldiers, rushed towards us.
"Mitsunari," Nobunaga said. "Why are you here? Where is Hideyoshi?"
"Lord Hideyoshi sent me ahead. He should be here shortly."
The man called Mitsunari took in the sight of the burning temple with a frown.
"We received information about an assassination attempt," Mitsunari explained. "It appears to have been true. I had my men search the grounds, but whoever it was had already fled." His eyes met mine. "If I may ask, who is this? I saw the two of you leave the temple together."
"Chizuru, present yourself to my subordinate." Nobunaga said harshly.
Nobunaga indicated Mitsunari with a nod and then waited. I glanced sideways at Nobunaga. He's got a major attitude. I don't care if he almost unified the country or what.
"I'm sorry, did I miss the part where I became your subordinate too? I don't have to follow your orders."
"Then you're choosing to disobey me?"
His glare was sharp as a knife, and I felt my body grow ten degrees colder. Yikes. Okay, he is intimidating.
"Please," Mitsunari interrupted. "This is one me. It was rude of me not to introduce myself first. My name is Ishida Mitsunari. I server the side of Lord Hideyoshi, Lord Nobunaga's right-hand man."
The Resourceful Tactician. Ishida Mitsunari.
"Nice to meet you." My mood lifted with Mitsunari's politeness. "I'm Chizuru."
Mitsunari seems kind, which is a nice change of pace. And his name seems familiar too. He's also gorgeous, like a model. I would love to design clothes for him.
"I don't know who she is," Nobunaga cut in. "But she woke me up and saw me to safety."
"She did!" Mitsunari turned to me. "I can't thank you enough for protecting our lord's life."
"Oh. I just did without thinking."
"But what brought you here tonight," Mitsunari asked. "You don't appear to be a nun. And your dress is unusual. Are you from abroad?"
"Actually, I'm from a different time than yours altogether."
"What," they were both shocked.
I'm sure it's going to sound implausible, but I might as well get everything out in the open.
"I come from 500 years in the future."
They stared at me in shock and then disbelief.
"She a story-teller too," Nobunaga teased. "Although I've never heard such an absurd tale."
"You poor thing," Mitsunari said. "The smoke from the fire was very disorienting, I'm sure."
Really? Neither of them are even considering it? I guess I'd have trouble believing it too.
"I really am from the future though…"
"Sit over here and get some fresh air." Mitsunari put both his hands on my shoulders and led me away from the burning temple until I couldn't see it anymore. It looked like it was a soldiers camp. "Someone will bring you a change of clothes."
I looked down and noticed my clothes were a wreck. My shirt was stained to the elbows with soot, and the hem of my skirt was burned through in spots.
"Once you're freshened up, you'll feel better."
"Thank you."
When I gave him a quick bow, Mitsunari took my hands in his. To tell you the truth, I didn't mind it at all. But if it had been Nobunaga, there would have been some issues there. He held them until a solider came up with a bundle. To be honest, I kind of missed his warmth.
"Now," Mitsunari began. "Let's get you into these, shall we, Lady Chizuru?"
Once I'd finished changing, I stepped out of the tent. Mitsunari guided me to the centre of the hastily assembled camp.
"Wait right there. I'll bring you a warm cup of good, clean water to clear your throat."
With Mitsunari gone, the only other person nearby was Nobunaga.
"You clean up well."
Not very good at complimenting people, is he?
I didn't care for the way his eyes lingered on me. I turned and kept my gaze on the entrance, waiting for Mitsunari. The smoke from the temple was starting to clear. Mitsunari's troops must have put out the fire. It's certainly easier to breathe now. I took a breath of cool night air. Someone parted the curtain and entered camp, but it wasn't Mitsunari.
"My lord, I see you are well." A man with white hair appeared, but his looks suggested he could be cold like a snake."
"Mitsuhide?"
Mitsuhide? Akechi Mitsuhide! The person who betrayed Nobunaga and started this whole incident?
"I hurried here when I heard about the attack, but it seems there was nothing for me to worry about."
The Secretive Schemer. Akechi Mitsuhide.
"You, worry? Nobunaga almost laughed in his face. "Don't make me laugh. I've never seen you sweat."
As I watched Nobunaga smile at the man I knew as his betrayer, another person burst through the curtain.
"Lord Nobunaga?" A man with brown hair and brown eyes. "Are you injured?"
"Hideyoshi. The only injury I suffered is to my pride letting my assailant escape."
"I see."
The Eloquent Altruist. Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
"And now Toyotomi Hideyoshi shows up!" I joked.
"Aren't we outspoken? Have we met?"
Did I say that out loud? Well, it's not like I expected to meet two of Japan's unifiers, both in the same night.
"Let her be," Nobunaga cut in. "Her name is Chizuru. Oh yes, and she saved my life."
"You saved Nobunaga's life," Mitsuhide asked with shock."And you're such a slender thing. But it appears your courage makes up for it."
That a scary smile. I hope I didn't just get added to someone's list.
"Mitsuhide," Hideyoshi said. "What are you doing here?"
"I was wondering the same thing. I didn't know you were in Kyoto. What about the campaign?"
"When I heard about the threat on Lord Nobunaga's life, I dropped everything to come here. But I never heard anything about you being in Kyoto."
"Are you implying something?"
"Can you swear before our lord you weren't plotting anything?"
Mitsuhide didn't answer him. The two locked eyes, tension filling the space between them. Hideyoshi is already suspicious that Mitsuhide is responsible for the attack.
"All men have secrets in these chaotic times," Mitsuhide said. "Are you saying you act with no ambition of your own?"
"Stop being evasive." Hideyoshi was now getting in Mitsuhide's face. "Confess."
Hideyoshi's eyes flared. He gripped his sword, ready to draw. I was hoping for another nice one, but he's not as friendly as his looks suggest.
"If I find you played any part in this attack on our lord, Mitsuhide, I'll show you no mercy."
"I don't think it was him," I said, trying to calm them both down.
"What," they both said.
I really don't want to get between them. Then again, I don't want to see bloodshed either.
"I caught a glimpse of the man who attacked Nobunaga, um, Lord Nobunaga. But the drape of his clothes were all wrong"
Plus Mitsuhide was spotless. I don't know who it was, but Mitsuhide wasn't in that temple.
"Chizuru, was it?" Hideyoshi's eyes locked on me. "Stay out of this. We'll settle things with you latter, and learn why you've schemed to get so close to Lord Nobunaga."
"Excuse me! I was here by chance. I'm not the schemer here!"
"Enough, Hideyoshi." Nobunaga cut in. "Regardless of what brings Mitsuhide here, I am still alive and well."
"My apologies, Lord Nobunaga."
Hideyoshi immediately let go of his sword, his hand relaxing somewhat. That got through to him. Toyotomi Hideyoshi was supposed to be one of Nobunaga's most trusted vassals. I guess I can trust that these people are the real thing.
"Hideyoshi, Mitsuhide, give us a moment. I have something to discuss with Chizuru."
"With me?"
Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide stepped aside as Nobunaga approached.
"Your bold lies about coming from the future aside, you saved my life. I'm intrigued by you. You're a woman who carries fortune's favour, of that I'm certain."
"I could argue that.."
My eyes widened as Nobunaga slipped one arm around my waist, drawing me possessively toward him.
"How would you like to be the woman who will rule the world at my side?"
W-w-what!? With Nobunaga's strong arm around my waist and his offering ringing in my ears, rationality crumbled around me.
"Sorry, but I can't! I'm starting my dream job really, really soon, and, well, bye."
"What?"
I pulled his arm off me and begun running. Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide called after me, but that wasn't going to stop me. I grabbed my purse on the way out, I fled the small camp. I ran into a nearby forest, stopping only when it was quiet around me. I've run pretty far. I think I may be safe. Wait, safe from what? I'm still in the past, stuck in this crazy time period alone, and surrounded by madmen. I took out my copy of 'A Traveler's Guide to Japan's Hottest Warlords' from my purse. 'After Nobunaga's death, Mitsuhide launched a rebellion that gained him control of the country for a mere 3 days. His regime was quickly overthrown by the returning of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.' It's all right here in the book. Except now, Oda Nobunaga is alive and Mitsuhide's coup can't happen. That means history has changed? I couldn't have stood there and let Nobunaga die. But now there's no telling what repercussions my actions will have on the future. Just then, I heard the soft clang of rings and the sound of dry leaves being crushed under someone's foot.
"Young lady, what are you doing in the woods late at night?"
A weathered-looking man with a chiseled face walked toward me, smiling. A Buddhist monk?
"I am called Kennyo, and I am a travelling monk. Perhaps I can be of assistance to you?"
The Avenging Warrior Monk. Kennyo.
"Thank you, but no thanks. I'm fine on my own."
I'm not, but I've got a bad feeling about this guy. I can't swear this isn't the silhouette of the main I saw attack Nobunaga. I held my breath as he took a long stride toward me, only to put a hand softly on my shoulder.
"You should return home quickly. Demons lurk in the woods at night."
"Thank you for the warning! Goodbye!"
I didn't try to hide my fear as I pulled away from him and dashed off again. Clutching my purest my chest and squeezing my eyes shut, I ran, desperately wishing I could make this all go away. Creepy guys left and right. No lights or street signs to tell me where I'm going. I really, really want this to be a dream.
"Watch it!"
What now? Out of nowhere, a man grabbed me hard enough to pull me off my feet.
"Whoa! Hey!" I said.
I fell backwards onto the man, sending us both to the ground.
"Ouch," he said when I fell right on top of him.
"Sorry!"
A well built man with a handsome face was lying below me like an unhappy cushion. Better get off him.
"Whoa, are you crazy? Don't move!"
As I stood up, he did too, grabbing me from behind. Wind came up from a great depth before he tugged at my hair. Yikes! I'm on a cliff! That is some drop!
"That was close."
"Thank you for saving me."
I turned around in his arms. Our noses brushed together and I realized how close his light brown eyes were.
"Uh!" His face slightly backed away from mine."I don't need thanks. Just give me some space, will you?"
"R-right."
I guess I was starring, but he's really good-looking. I moved away from him, but the man caught my arm once more.
"Not that way."
"I'm just giving you some space."
"Well watch it. That rock is loose. Can't you see that for yourself?"
Actually, I lack the preternatural ability to read the terrain like a ranger in a fantasy novel. Not that he'd understand.
"Look, I'm sorry, all right? I'm having a difficult night."
"Hey, I'm not mad at you, okay?" He tried to explain. "Sorry for being kinda rough. Come on, I'll help."
He was smiling now, and this time he offered me his hand.
"Thanks."
He comes off as a little awkward, but I feel like I can trust him. I took his hand and he led us away from the cliff with deft steps.
"What's this, Yuki?" A voice are from the shadows and approached us. "We've been here ten minutes and you've already found yourself a girl?"
Who is this? A broad shouldered man a full head taller than 'Yuki' met us at the edge of the forest and grinned.
"Don't tease me, Lord Shingen. She was about to dive off the cliff."
"It was an accident! I was running ahead without looking, that's all."
"Yeah?" He didn't seem too convinced. "At night in the woods, you mean? What for?"
"I was looking for a shortcut to my happy place…"
"Hmm," the tall broad man said. "Smoke from Honno-ji and a woman all alone at night. Perhaps you're a ghost? Though you're the most beautiful ghost I've ever seen."
The Tiger of Kai. Takeda Shingen.
"I'm actually quite normal." I tried to defend myself. "I mean, normal for a person, not a ghost."
With his narrow, flirtatious eyes in mine. I faltered brushing off the complement. Two more men joined us on the cliff.
"Your ability to spew cheap pick-up lines never ceases to amaze me."
The God of War. Uesugi Kenshin.
"I just call it like I see it, Kenshin."
"You there," the man with a lower side samurai pony-tail said. "Could you please come into the light? Thank you."
"Sure, I..Hey, give me a minute..!"
With his fine hand, the man drew me into the moonlight. I saw the beauty of his fingers extended to his face.
The Ephemeral Dreamer. Imagawa Yoshimoto.
"What a fine piece of work."
Did this guy just call me a 'fine piece of work?' I don't care how stupidly pretty he might be.
"Sorry," Shingen cut in. "I'm afraid I laid eyes on this angelic treasure first."
"We can share," Yoshimoto said. "Art is to be loved and appreciated by all. Aren't the dye patterns exquisite? So richly absorbed into the cotton."
"Whoa there," I cut in. "I'm not..! Oh, thank god. You're talking about my kimono, At least…one of you is." I slightly glanced over at Shingen.
"Would you be interested in exchanging that kimono you're wearing with one from my collection?"
His touch was so graceful, I felt like a princess in his presence..not a woman who'd just been asked to strip off her clothes!
"For the last time Yoshimoto," Yuki cut in. "Women aren't pieces of art, so get your hands off her, will you!?"
Yuki pulled Yoshimoto away, and as through my fairy tale clock had struck midnight, I found myself back on the cold, dark cliffs.
First Shingen, then Kenshin, and now Yoshimoto. They're all famous names too, Could they be..?
Another man arrived at the edge of the thicket. Strangely his footsteps didn't make a sound.
"My Lords, I've returned. Nobunaga's forces have extinguished the fires at Honno-ji.
Dressed for camouflage and ease of movement, with close fitting layers that won't rustle. He's an actual ninja.
"Thank goodness they did," Yoshimoto said. "That temple houses many treasures. I fear for the fire damage."
"Thank you for your investigation, Sasuke." Kenshin said. "So, I presume Nobunaga is alive then?"
"Yes."
They're not exactly celebrating that fact, are they?
"He's got the devil's luck," said Shingen.
"Or he is the devil," Yuki added.
That's a shift in mood if I ever saw one. So they don't like Nobunaga, but they do take him seriously.
I thought about asking more when the man dressed like a ninja suddenly looked at me.
"You.."
"Me?"
"We happened to run into her here," Kenshin explained. "Do you know this woman?"
"No. I was mistaken. Though I spotted a village on the way here. She must be from there. I'll escort her home."
"Moving quick, aren't you, Sasuke?" Shingen said with a grin. "You and Yoshimoto both. Give the rest of us a chance, will you?"
"Lord Shingen, please. You and the others should return to the city."
Excusing himself, the ninja took my hand and led me back toward the forest.
"Hold on, you've got it wrong. I'm not from a village or anywhere near here.."
"I know. I've been waiting for you."
What does he mean by that? He's been waiting for me?
Once we were deep enough in the woods, the ninja stopped and lowered his mask and I immediately recognized him as the medical student I saw at the stone monument.
"Do you recognize me now?"
"Oh hey! You're that medical student at the Honno-ji monument!"
"Post graduate in physics, not medicine. But I'm glad you remember me. That makes things easier."
"So you ended up in the past too! Why are you a ninja?"
"It's easiest if I start from the beginning. My name is Sasuke. And just like you, I come from the present, or rather, the future."
The Swift Striking Storm. Sarutobi Sasuke.
Sasuke began to explain what had happened since our encounter at the stone monument and that explanation made my head spin. I sat down on a tree stump, looked up at him as he finished.
"So that lighting strike caused spacetime to wrap around us and sent us in the past?"
"Yes. That is very simplified and condensed version of my current theory. We entered the wormhole at the same time. However, I arrived four years prior to you. In that time, I've learned that this Sengoku period, Japan's civil war, is different than the one we're familiar with."
Different? Other than my saving Nobunaga?
I listened raptly to Sasuke's explanation. According to him, just like what had happened to Nobunaga and I, Sasuke had arrived the date of Uesugi Kenshin's historical death. But Sasuke's quick thinking and knowledge of modern medicine had ensured Kenshin's survival. Now he, like Nobunaga, was alive. But they weren't the only ones. Takeda Shingen and Imagawa Yoshimoto should have died too. In this strange place and time, they too were alive when they shouldn't be.
"I can't believe it," I said. "We changed the past?"
"To a degree. We're in an alternate Sengoku period, not the one we know from school. Because of fluctuations in spacetime, we're in a divergent timeline..one in which history will take a different course."
Time travel. Alternate histories. Divergent timelines. It sounds like science fiction.
"I major in theoretical astrophysics at Kyoto University, specializing in wormholes and their potential for time travel. I'd conceived of a method for predicting the conditions and patterns under which traversable wormholes might manifest. That's why I was at the stone monument that day. To verify my method."
I thought people in this time were something else, but now I'm talking to a man who can predict wormholes.
"I've been looking for you here, expecting you must have travelled back in time as I did. I hadn't conceived of the possibility that you would arrive four years later."
"So this really isn't a dream then?"
"I suppose you could say it's a dream for me. I get to see famous men and women of the Sengoku with my own eyes."
"You're strangely chipper about this."
"My parents were huge history buffs. I got my name from Sarutobi Sasuke, the legendary ninja who served Sanada Yukimura. Because that Sasuke is fictional, I've taken his 'place' in this time. That will keep my historical impact low."
"And were your parents secretly ninja too," I jokingly asked. "Or is that something you picked up while you were here?"
"I studied that here. I seemed useful to acquire a marketable vocation."
From astrophysicist to ninja. He's frighteningly quick at adapting.
I shook off my shock, Sasuke put out his hand.
"Right now, I'm employed with the men you saw earlier. Come with me. I promise I'll find a way to return us both to the present."
Sasuke is a bit of an odd one, but he's my best shot for getting back home. I was ready to take his hand, when…
"Chizuru," I heard Hideyoshi calling in the distance. "Where are you? Come out!
I heard the sound of approaching horses. Sasuke grew grim. Without another word, he slipped into the shadow of the forest and out of my sight.
Wait, what? Don't disappear with your secret ninja tricks! What about a plan?
But there was no time to call out to him. Two men on horseback arrived. One of them was Hideyoshi.
"I searched the whole forest for you," He said sternly.
"I didn't ask you to."
I wasn't in the mood to be sympathetic, especially when he'd driven off my ticket home.
"Hiding yourself from Lord Nobunaga for no reason whatsoever. How insolent can you get?"
"No reason," I shot back."He asked me to conquer the world with him and didn't look like he was going take no for an answer!
The man on the other horse laughed.
"You're Chizuru? A stalwart lass indeed. I have no doubt you're the woman who defied Lord Nobunaga."
"And you are? Someone else I'm supposed to recognize?"
The one eyed man reached down for me.
"I'd be pleased if you did, but now's not the best time to talk."
"Hey let me go!."
"Effortlessly, he swooped me up and placed me on his horse. Tucked snugly against his chest, I had a fine view of his domineering smile.
"Date Masamune. Remember it, Chizuru."
Right. Obviously he's Date Masamune. I'm way over quota on famous warlords tonight.
"Masamune is head of the noble Date family of Oshu," explained Hideyoshi. "He's also allied with Lord Nobunaga, so show some respect."
If Hideyoshi is thinking to impress me with that unnecessary bit of trivia, I have news for him.
"Thank you both for the introduction. Could I be put down now?"
"Settle down," Masamune said. "You'll spook the horse."
"Don't I matter? I'm pretty spooked."
"Come to think of it, you do look a little spooked."
But that didn't stop him from urging his horse forward with a snap of the reins and a shout.
No, I want you to let me go!
The horse quickly broke into a run, and I was forced to cling to Masamune or fall off.
"Don't lose her, Masamune."
"I won't. Hold on tight, Chizuru."
"I'm not going with you guys!"
"Lord Nobunaga has already departed camp," said Hideyoshi. "He ordered you brought to him."
Hideyoshi, riding beside us, was clearly unhappy with that order.
"We need to ride fast if we're gonna catch up," said Masamune. "Don't fall off now."
"No wait! Where are you taking me?"
I complained in vain as Masamune spurred the horse faster, We rode through the night. Eventually, I got used to riding the horse with Masamune and my eyes started to feel heavy. I rested by head against Masamune's chest and fell asleep until we arrived at out destination. It was like a fortress, castle, and city hall in one.
"We're here Chizuru. Azuchi castle, home of the Oda forces." Explained Masamune.
The real Azuchi castle! It was destroyed not long after Nobunaga's death.
"Don't show yourself to Lord Nobunaga with that Expression. You look like a gapping frog." Said Hideyoshi.
"I do not. And I haven't agreed to see him."
"So you're a morning person," Masamune noted. "I'll keep that in mind."
Masamune's joking words spoken right into my ear reminded me…he's still holding me.
"Anyway, we're here, so put put me down already!"
"Actually, I think not. I'm pretty happy with you right here."
"Well, I'm not!"
"Masamune," Hideyoshi started to lecture. "Our Lord Nobunaga has taken an interest in her. Keep your hands off her."
"Why does that matter? I like her too. Men don't thrive in the shadows of other men. In battle, or in love."
Listen, you two..! I butted in.
Masamune's eyes shone with the delight of a tiger hunting prey. I wondered what that prey must feel like when…
"Hideyoshi!" A woman shouted. "Welcome back!"
Hmm? What's going on now?
A series of excited calls drew me back to my surroundings.
"Over here Hideyoshi," one woman called.
"Oh Masamune," another woman said. "You're as dashing as ever! Who's your friend?"
A crowd of waving and cheering women had lined up at the gate to welcome the two men back.
"How can you get this welcome every single time Hideyoshi," Masamune teased. "Break a heart or two, will you?"
"What do you take me for?"
With a shrug, Hideyoshi dismounted his horse and walked toward the crowd of women.
"I've told you there's no need to come all the way to the gate for me," Hideyoshi flirted with them. "What about your work?"
"I've finished early so I could see you when you came back," one woman said.
"Hideyoshi," another woman said. "Will you be staying long? I hope we'll have time to catch up."
"Don't let me keep you waiting," he said. "I'll send a letter as soon as things settle down."
"Of course," she said. "Take as long as you need."
Still on Masamune's horse, I watched Hideyoshi, astonished. You have got to be kidding me. Why would anyone be heads over heels for him?
"So he's just a big sweetheart and not an ultra-stiff paranoiac," I snorted.
"That's how he normally is," Masamune explained. "I guess you're just special."
"He's nice to everyone but me? That makes me feel the opposite of special."
"It goes both ways. There aren't many women who don't fall for Hideyoshi at first sight." Masamune looked at me, curious. "So, who are you, really?"
Me? I'm just a normal person. By my standards.
As Masamune got closer, I stiffened up. But just then..
"Welcome back, Lord Hideyoshi, Lord Masamune." Mitsunari!
Standing in the shadows next to Mitsunari was a petite young man, a tousle of fawn-coloured hair on his head. Mitsunari must have returned with Nobunaga. Who is the man next to him? And well, as for Nobunaga, I'm sure he's waiting in the castle keep. Masamune, seeing Mitsunari and the young man ahead, turned to me and smiled.
"Even Ieyasu came out to say hi," said Masamune. "That's rare."
"Ieyasu? Tokugawa Ieyasu is here…?"
"Right there, actually. He's the sourpuss next to Mitsunari. You should take this chance to say hi."
Masamune helped me off his horse and led me by the hand through Hideyoshi's throng of admirers. We stopped at the gate, and the man who was supposedly Tokugawa Ieyasu, waited.
"I've been expecting your arrival, Lady Chizuru." Mitsunari smiled sweetly at me.
His smile is like ice cream on a hot day. But I have more important things to think about.
"Mitsunari, I don't have anything more to say to Nobunaga.."
"She looks weak."
The Indomitable Visionary. Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Ieyasu talked right over me, delivering his harsh assessment with a disapproving frown.
"You're Chizuru?"
"Yes. So, wow, you're Ieyasu?"
He attempted to give me a cold stare, but compared to Nobunaga. It had no effect on me.
"What if I am?"
"What if you are, what?"
Ieyasu kept his cold eyes fixed on me. Was the fonder of the Tokugawa Shogunate really such a little snot? He's pretty like a doll, but that makes his peevish attitude worse, somehow.
"Ieyasu," Hideyoshi said. "That's no way to greet someone. Can't you give them a smile, at least?"
Hideyoshi, having broken away from the women, came up to us with a with a smile.
"Can he," Masamune jokingly asked. "I'm not sure I've ever seen him do it. What does your smile look like?"
"Why is that important?"
"Don't be unsociable," Hideyoshi joined. "You need to let loose. Learn to smile and laugh."
"I'll help," said Masamune. "Hideyoshi, you take his left."
"S-stop it! You're both just annoying me."
Scrunching his face up, Ieyasu scrambled out from under Hideyoshi and Masamune's tickling grasps. They all seem quite friendly with each other. I watch, my mouth agape, until Mitsunari spoke in a low voice.
"Like Lord Masamune, Lord Ieyasu is also allied with Lord Nobunaga. He came here immediately, hearing the news of the assassination attempt."
"So that's why the who's who of famous warlords are all here."
"Everyone," Mitsunari announced. "Shall we save the happy reunion until after our new arrivals get some rest?"
"Save yourself, Mitsunari." Ieyasu hissed. "I'm not remotely happy about any of this."
"Oh. My apologies. Them let's simply not stand around and talk outside. Lady Chizuru, the room you'll be staying in is already prepared. Please get some rest."
Ignoring my earlier refusal, Mitsunari ushered me into the keep of Azuchi castle. Inside the castle, Mitsunari led me to a spacious and comfortable room.
"Lady Chizuru, this room is yours to use as you like. I hope it's enough for you."
"It's more than enough, it's almost too much. And, please, just call me Chizuru."
"But you're a lady, and Lord Nobunaga's saviour. I couldn't possibly."
"It's really fine. I'm not used to titles and fancy treatments and I don't need them."
"Then I agree on the condition that you stay as familiar with me. Is that all right, Chizuru?"
"That's perfect, Mitsunari."
Not that I could say no to that smile.
"Thank you. Now, take your leisure. Someone will come fetch you soon."
Smiling politely, Mitsunari left the room and closed the door behind him. There's been no sign of Sasuke since last night. What exactly am I supposed to do? I sank to the floor and emptied the contents of my purse before me. There was that guidebook, my cellphone, wallet, house key, makeup bag, sewing kit..and my last test piece, Bearsauce, who looked up at me with warm acrylic eyes. I brought him as a sample of my sewing, along with my dress designs, to my job interview. He's been in my purse since. I was so excited to start my dream job. Why did this have to happen? I let out a long sigh. Then I heard a tock from above. What was that? I looked up at the ceiling just in time to see a panel slide open. A familiar face appeared in the opening.
"Excuse me, Chizuru. I'm not bothering you, am I?"
Sasuke!? Not at all! Did you follow me here?"
"Yes. I hid myself when those men arrived and followed your trail."
"I'm so glad you did!"
Sasuke jumped down from the ceiling, landing silently. He pulled his mask down.
"In watching you, I've pieced together much of what happened. You've gotten yourself into some trouble."
"I'm sure you've been through worse in your four years here. I mean, it made you into a textbook ninja."
Sasuke pushed his glasses up a little higher on his nose.
"There's trouble, and then there's trouble. That said, I forgot to tell you something important back in the forest."
Let it be good news.
"I mentioned I was researching a way for us to get home? Recently, I was able to confirm that the wormhole opens here at fixed periods."
"Really! Then that means..!"
"Please keep your voice down. I'm not supposed to be here, and it would be bad if I were caught."
Right. Finding what is obviously an enemy ninja in your castle would be classically, bad.
"I'll be concise. The next wormhole will provide our way home."
A way to return to the future?
"Leaving the rationale behind its recurrence aside, according to my data…the next traversable wormhole will appear in three months. I'm still calculating its location, but chances are good that if we make contact with it, we'll return to the present."
"All you need to tell me is that we can get back. I'm so relieved!"
"However, it's best if you spend these next three months here."
"In Azuchi? Why don't I just come with you?"
"We're in the middle of a chaotic civil war," Sasuke began to explain. "One that's further away from ending than the one in our timeline. Besides, Nobunaga and his men seem rather fond of you. I doubt they'd let you go easily."
"Yeah, given their penchant for hunting me like a game animal."
"I'll check on you though. If you run into any trouble, send a smoke signal."
"Smoke signal, all right. I don't know how to do that yet, but I'll figure it out."
"One more thing." Sasuke warned. "Don't get deeply involved with people of this time."
"Deeply involved? Sasuke, I'm going to be in close contact with them for three months."
"That is to say, don't fall in love. It might cloud your desire to return to the future."
"Haha, love? There's no worry of that happening. Have you talked to any of these people?"
Sasuke paused before saying anything else.
"…All right. I recommend you keep the fact that you'd come from the present a secret too."
"Yes, right. Not that anyone believes, I mean, would believe it."
Good thing the two people I told, Nobunaga and Mitsunari, thought I was joking or smoke addled.
"My employer is in the city below and I'm staying with him. I'll be able to come to your aid quickly."
"Your employer? What are you here for..?"
But my question went unanswered as Sasuke's gaze shot to the door. Someone's here.
"We'll speak more later. Farewell."
Pulling up his mask with one hand, Sasuke vaulted out the open window with the other.
"I see you weren't able to get away from Nobunaga after all," said Mitsuhide.
This one is…oh, right. Akechi Mitsuhide
"He's calling for you. Nobunaga, that is. He wants to see you."
"Okay."
Mitsuhide said no more and turned to go. I followed him quickly. He betrayed Nobunaga in the history I know and arranged the assassination at Honno-ji. However, the person I saw attacking Nobunaga is different. That doesn't let Mitsuhide off the hook though. I was dragging my feet, forcing myself to walk to this unwanted audience.
"You'll damage them if you keep squeezing so tightly."
What is he talking about? Mitsuhide lifted up one of my hands. I noticed I'd been squeezing so tight was knuckles were white. Then, Mitsuhide took my borrowed hand and kissed it. I leapt back.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"Trying to calm you down."
"Just so you know, it didn't work."
"I beg your forgiveness."
It was the least sincere apology I'd ever heard. Still smiling, Mitsuhide continued walking. Was he just messing with me? He's dangerously unreadable. Reminding myself to be wary, I followed Mitsuhide at a safe distance from then on. Deep in the castle, we came to a stop in front of a wall of gorgeously painted screens. As they opened…
"You kept me waiting Chizuru, said Nobunaga."
"Um, I'm sorry."
Oda Nobunaga sat alone on the dais. The power of his presence filled the room. Forming rows on either side of him were Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Ishida Mitsunari, Akechi Mitsuhide and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Date Masamune was there as well. Some of the country's brightest minds, strongest warlords, and infamous conquerors, all in one room.
"Don't just stand there," said Nobunaga. "Approach me."
"All right."
Keeping a tender grip on my nerves, I approached Nobunaga and kneeled.
"Henceforth, you will reside in this castle and give your service to me."
"As I said before," I kept my head facing the ground almost in a bow. "I have another job, so I must politely decline."
"None of that matters to me. All you have to do is say 'yes.'"
His eyes are so cold. I was in precarious situation, and I didn't think Nobunaga was going to be gracious if I ran again. My best shot for going home is to spend my next three months here.
"Yes, Lord Nobunaga. I have a question though. How exactly am I to serve you?"
"However you like."
"Excuse me?"
Nobunaga took my wrist, drawing me nearer. His fingers, I noticed, were elegantly long.
"Your only duty is to stay nearby. That is what I need of you."
His low voice was pleasant in my ears, though there wasn't a hint of kindness in his words.
"You will be my lucky charm as I unify this nation and all that lies beyond."
"You want me around because I'm lucky?"
"Yes. And don't fear. You shall be known as princess from afar and will be treated as such. Spend your days on makeup, or cards and games if it suits you."
I'm just supposed to loaf around for three months doing 'girly' things?
"No thank you. I'll go crazy if that's all I can do."
"What?"
"I agree with you Chizuru," Masamune added. "I'm the same way."
"So be it," Nobunaga said. "Then I appoint you as my chatelaine."
A chatelaine? That's the caretaker of a castle, right?
"What an excellent idea," Mitsunari said. "Chizuru, I'll provide you with all the support you need to get started."
"How could this possibly be any use," Ieyasu said.
"It's Lord Nobunaga's decision, Ieyasu," said Hideyoshi. "Hold your tongue. Though only time will tell if we can trust her."
"Who says you have to," asked Mitsuhide. "Just keep an eye on her. You're good at that, right? She may surprise you."
"Then it's decided," announced Nobunaga. "Work hard and prove your worth to me, Chizuru."
I let them talk without interrupting, Nobunaga was watching me, that wicked smile playing across his face. I only have to put up with this for three months. Plus, I'll have Sasuke. Though, having him around could hurt more than it helps, depending on why his bosses are here. Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin, right? They're literally unknown at this point. And I can't, literally forget..Yoshimoto and Yuki. Then again if I start worrying now I know I'll never stop. It's time to get serious.
"I won't let you down."
I'll survive my time here and make it back to the present! Nobunaga took my chin in his hand, raising my eyes to his. He looked satisfied.
"I plan to take very good care of you, Chizuru."
From that moment on, I began my life in Azuchi Castle. I had prepared myself for anything…except for one thing: The possibility that I would actually find love here in these times of chaos and war.