Nobunaga saved my life?

Nobunaga, ascribe his horse, covered me from the enemy's sight, and looked down on me.

"Are you hurt," he asked.

"I'm fine, I think. They came awfully close though."

"Good. I won't let my enemies take my lucky charm so easily. You're mine to protect and keep." Nobunaga laughed and turned back towards his opponents. "I'm the one you're facing. You won't make that mistake twice."

Nobunaga's voice echoed across the battlefield. His enemies gripped tighter on there weapons as they prepared for what would come next.

"Stay there and don't move," he instructed. "But don't close your eyes."

"Like I'm going to go anywhere. But you can't make me watch."

"You never hold your tongue, do you? I enjoy that, but you will watch. When standing on the battlefield, you need to see what's happening with your own eyes. It'll be over soon. Wait for me, Chizuru."

"All right! Just hurry up!"

With a smile, Nobunaga took his horse and charged like an arrow toward his enemy. It was a strangely stirring sight. Perhaps it was my near-death experience, but I was actually glad to have Nobunaga watching out for me.

"My Lady," a Vassal pleaded. "Forgive me!"

It was the vassal who helped me onto my horse earlier, who looked no older than seventeen. He looks far too innocent to be on the battlefield. He had led my steed back to me and helped me on again, mumbling apologies all the while.

"I exposed a noble princess like yourself to mortal peril. I could never..."

"A Princess," I cut him off. "I'm just the chatelaine."

"Lord Nobunaga informed us that the new chatelaine was a treasured princess of the Oda bloodline."

He just looked at me innocently, not understanding why I wouldn't want to be called a princess. Then I remembered Nobunaga told me I would be known as such. The news seemed to have travelled fast.

"I have no excuse for my actions! As soon as we return to the castle, I intend to repent with my life."

The boy looked utterly serious, I decided to shout at him.

"No, no, no! Don't do that!" I fell off the horse. It's my fault. Please don't die for my sake."

I feel really bad for him. He looks like he could be a high school student in my time. I wouldn't want an innocent kid to die for my sake. He thinks he harmed a princess, but I'm just ex-deck jockey. And I was so close to leaving my desk job in Hokkaido for my dream job.

"Instead, you could continue to help me out until this battle is over. How does that sound?"

I gave him a little smile, hoping he wouldn't throw himself on his sword here and now.

"There has never been a princess as compassionate as you! My life is in your debt!"

"Can't we be more like coworkers? Two people trying to survive a battle? So please, just call me Chizuru. What's your name?"

"Ranmaru, Lady Chizuru."

"Just Chizuru, please. Okay Ranmaru!" I gave him a friendly smile.

The Sengoku has two speeds: rude and melodramatic. Ranmaru definitely falls under the melodramatic category.

"Look, Chizuru! The battle is almost at its end."

"Hmm?"

I followed Ranmaru's happy gaze toward the front lines. It did look different. The tide of battle was now completely in Nobunaga's favour. With overwhelming force, his men has toppled an army over twice his number. At the front of the victorious tide was Nobunaga, where I thought I could see him smiling. He cut through his enemies, his blade slick and red. Eyes flat and empty, the blood of the men he'd killed spattered on his face, but yet he smiled. My body turned cold at the sight of it and my mouth hung open with trembling fear.

"We can't win," one of the enemy soldiers shouted. "Flee! Run for your lives."

"Turning your back to run," Nobunaga pursued them. "Are you a warrior or not?"

Just then, Nobunaga's blade pierced the flesh of an enemy solider before he grunted and fell to the ground.

"I surrender," another said. "Please don't kill me."

"What's that you're asking for?"

I heard the distant cries of men facing Nobunaga but, their cries was meaningless as they fell to their death by Nobunaga.

"A monster! You're inhuman!"

The enemy commander, his army routed, was guided out on horseback and brought before Nobunaga. He looked like a shattered man who hadn't anticipated this end to his ploy.

"This was all you had. I didn't need to come out here personally after all." Even faced with his cowering foe, Nobunaga still seemed pleased. "You knew what the price would be for betraying me."

"I submit to you. And I beg for your forgiveness!" The commander got off his horse, grovelling in the dirt before Nobunaga. "I surrender my land, my castle, and all my vassals to you. You can take anything, just spare my life!"

"You lost to numbers less than half of yours. How is your life worth sparing?"

"What did you say.."

The man stood, riled by Nobunaga's chiding. He drew his sword, but Nobunaga easily saw the clumsy blow and sent the enemy commander's sword flying.

"A use less attempt."

Nobunaga delivered a quick blow to the man's body. He slumped to the ground and stilled attempted to speak as he was bleeding at.

"Curse you...!"

"You should be cursing yourself for thinking you stood a chance. This is the end for you. And for those for foolishly followed you as well."

After the enemy commander's death, the battlefield was now quiet. Allies and enemies alike put down their weapons and listened gravely as Nobunaga declared the fates of the losers.

"Pull everyone out of the castle. When you're done, set it aflame."

"Yes, my Lord!"

The enemy soldiers that were still standing were rounded up by Nobunaga's troops, bound, and led away. Off in the distance, the small castle roared like a bonfire. Despite the large fire, I felt cold inside. Numbed by what I'd seen, I rode with the army back to Azuchi in a daze. I hadn't spoken to Nobunaga at all along the way. I didn't speak to anyone, not even Ranmaru when he tried to see if I was okay. I held back the tears that threatened to fall but blinked them back. I saw Ieyasu again when we got back to Azuchi. He looked like he was on his way home, but I just walked by him, trancelike back to my room.

"I see you're back," Hideyoshi said.

Hideyoshi had been waiting for me. I couldn't muster anything but apathy for him right now. I sat down on the floor, ignoring him.

Chizuru? What is it?" Hideyoshi crouched down beside me and put a large hand on my back. "Hey a hold of yourself! Do you need a hand?"

"No. No, I'm fine. I'm just tired."

The cries of the men who called Nobunaga a monster were ringing in my ears. He doesn't find war frightening nor does he think anything about taking another person's life.

"Talk to me." Hideyoshi attempted to comfort me. "Was your first battle that rough? Did something happen to you out there?"

"It's hard to explain." Tears began to form in my eyes again as I recalled the memory of being shot at. I shook my head and blinked them away. "I mean, I was shot at, but Nobunaga protected me."

"I see."

I was honestly impressed when he did. I thought just a second that he was gallant. Respectable. But..he didn't do that because doing good things gives him a warm, fuzzy feeling. He was protecting his 'good luck charm.' I wished I could time travel again, just far back enough to slap some sense into the me that thought he looked gallant.

"Then I don't see what the problem is," Hideyoshi said. "Your first battle was a success and Lord Nobunaga was a success and Lord Nobunaga himself came to your aid."

Those things are technically correct, yes. But remembering his ruthless decree gave me goosebumps.

"Is Nobunaga really going to kill all those people," I asked.

"Kill?" Hideyoshi raised an eyebrow. "Nobunaga would never do something so wasteful." Hideyoshi crossed his arms and began to explain everything to me. "The traitor will be stripped of his land, which will be put under the control of a new Daimyo. The wounded will be treated and returned to work the land as farmers and peasants once more. They won't be allowed samurai again though."

I breathed a sigh of relief for those people, but Nobunaga still bothered me. When I thought of the way he'd struck down his foes, I could only agree with the solider who called him a monster.

"So, what about burning the castle? You're telling me that's not wasteful?"

"There's a point to everything Lord Nobunaga does." When his smug declaration didn't have the expected effect on me, Hideyoshi shrugged. "All right. Why do you think he went out personally to quash the revolt, taking only a small force with him?"

"I have no idea."

"I thought you didn't. That's why I want to help you understand."

"And that's why you were waiting here for me?"

"Look, I don't approve of you, but you are a member of the Oda forces now. It's important that you understand why our lord does things the way he does." Hideyoshi came around and took a seat next to me. "That rumour about Nobunaga being near death after the attack at Honno-ji? It's already spreading. There will be others who hear it and think it's ripe for a revolt. Only by definitively crushing this revolt can Nobunaga prevent others from rising up against him."

"It's a show of force?"

"Yes. A warning to the fair-weather allies of Lord Nobunaga. And a way to show everyone that he won't be stopped by some assassination attempt. By taking a smaller force, he showed that quality is more important than quantity."

Nobunaga really did have a reason behind all his actions.

"So you see," Hideyoshi continued. "The battle would have been for nothing if he went easy on them at the end. Now that you know, it's time to go say your thanks to Lord Nobunaga."

"What? Why?"

"Because he saved your life, remember?"

He has a point.

"But Hideyoshi, you need to remember he put me in mortal peril in the first place."

"Nope. I won't hear any arguments. Get going!"

Oh, come on, Hideyoshi! I don't want to go! He pulled me to my feet and ushered me out of my room. I quickly found myself confronted by the hallway leading to Nobunaga's chamber.

"Don't keep him too long. Just say your thanks and let him get his rest."

"Are you sure I have to?"

"Chizuru." Hideyoshi's expression said 'don't make me scold you.'

"He saved your life. Tell him you're grateful."

But it's Oda Nobunaga. Then Hideyoshi left. As much as I wanted to, I knew I shouldn't follow after him, but Hideyoshi's right. Nobunaga is forceful, frightening and demanding. Even after saving my life, he acted like I was a thing. But I would have died if he didn't step in. The thought of that sent a chill down my spine. This will be simple. I'll open the door, say thanks, and get out of there. I entered Nobunaga's room and the doors to the balcony were open and moonlight poured inside.

"Excuse me? Nobunaga? Are you still up?"

Hoping he was asleep, I kept my voice low. I didn't see any sign of him so I turned to go.

"Chizuru? Is that you?" I froze mid-step. Looking around, I found Nobunaga sitting on the balcony, gazing out into the night. He was still wearing his armour and I spotted a cup in his hands. "Why are standing there? Come closer."

"All right."

I approached Nobunaga, who was leaning against the railing as he gazed outside. "I'm sorry for interrupting you, but I wanted to say th.."

"I don't care why you're here." Nobunaga interrupted me before I could say thanks. Nobunaga stood up, and placed a thin, saucer-like cup on the railing. He came closer, leaning so we were eye to eye. The moon traced the outline of his figure, creating a hauntingly stunning visual. "I was unable to sleep. You arrived at just the right time. You will warm my bed."

"I'm sorry, but you're not making any sense."

"What's so confusing? I'm asking you to be my partner tonight."

He wants me to sleep with him!? I looked at him astounded and affronted.

"There's no way I'm doing that!"

"Why? Is there a problem?"

The link of tenderness in his low low would have been attractive in a different situation. "Yes, there is a problem! I barely know you!"

"That is true but, you and I are here together now. That's reason enough."

It may be for you, but I like to know more about my partner other than their hobbies being quashing revolts and burning down castles. It was strange. The man I'd seen in battle really looked like a monster who thought nothing of killing. But the man questioning my reasonable refusal with amused curiosity was different. He made me feel confused.

"Anyway, the answer is no. Not tonight. Not tomorrow night. Not the day after."

"The day after that then?"

"Still no. And just so you know, the day after every other day between now and forever, my answer will still be no!"

He was playing with me, and as aggravating as it was, I was taking his bait. Nobunaga's lips curled into a smile.

"Well, well. I've acquired a most outspoken woman."

I felt his hand on my shoulder and Nobunaga was before me, my body against the wall. With an almost magnetic touch, Nobunaga caught my chin in his other hand.

"Why don't you let me have a drink from your lips, instead of all this insane complaining?"

I wasn't processing whatever nonsense he was saying. Instead, I was focused on his eyes. With his thumb, he traced the contour of my lips and I was entranced. Nobunaga's touch was strangely light. I held my breath for a moment as my heart started racing a hundred miles an hour. It was like he had cast a spell on me.

"Wait," I said.

"Cups aren't supposed to speak. Now, quietly let me drink."

Nobunaga reached behind him to pick his cup off the railing. He placed it against my lips, which opened on their own. He tipped the cup. A few sweet drops coated my tongue, which shivered from the numb fire of the alcohol.

"You're finally quiet."

Something flared deep inside me. Nobunaga drew closer, his cold eyes focused on me. It looked like I had no choice so I gulped down the sake without hesitation. Nobunaga processed what I had just done. To show him that he didn't control, I licked my lips to show him there was nothing left. I smirked at him.

"Guess you'll have to find another cup. This one's empty."

For a moment, his expression was unreadable. Then he burst out laughing with his voice echoing in the hollow night.

"Hah, you're entertaining woman."

I shoved at his chest.

"Yes, well now that you've had a nice laugh, I'm going back."

"Not yet." He grabbed my hand to stop me from going.

"Look, I'm not sleeping with you. I just came to say thank you for saving my life."

I freed my hand from Nobunaga's grip and left his room. When I got back down to the hallway, I full on sprinted to my room but on the way, I ran full speed into Ieyasu and fell right on top on him as I sent both of tumbling to the floor. What was he still doing here?

"Chizuru," Hideyoshi called as he just witnessed what had just happened.

I quickly told Ieyasu that I was sorry but quickly got off of him before he could say anything to me. I didn't want to hear what Ieyasu would have to say to me. I heard him and Hideyoshi discussing something, but I didn't stick around to hear what. I continued running until I had reached my room and hid under the covers of my futon, shaking in fear of what had just happened. I recalled being almost killed to the confrontation with Nobunaga. I had never feared for my life until today and I was afraid of what could have happened if I stayed any longer in the tenshu with Nobunaga. I need to go into town and find Sasuke. I can't spend three whole months in this castle! I might not make it out alive. I have to get out of here. I fell asleep but was woken up by the nightmare of today's events. I got my wrist watch out of my purse to see the time. It appeared to be four o'clock in the morning. It seemed like now was the perfect time to escape. I grabbed my purse and sneaked out, in the early morning hours before the sun would be up.