I made my way outside in the pouring rain, and it made everything less visible. But I didn't want to give up on my plan to escape. If I stay here, I might not get another chance. So I ran until I was far from the castle grounds before I stopped to catch my breath. I went along the path that I thought went into town to find Sasuke, but it never did lead into town, and it wasn't long before I realized that I was lost. The castle was far out of sight and I've been walking way too long to even be on the right path to town. I should have been there maybe fifteen minutes ago. As the sun began to rise, I found that I was surrounded by just rice fields and the mountains. Then, I heard a splash nearby so I decided to turn around and walk the opposite direction, but it was already too late.

"It's not safe to go walking along at night," a voice called out to me. Though I suppose any woman who hangs around that fool Nobunaga wouldn't realize it."

I picked up my pace to go faster hoping to lose that man but he caught up to me faster than I could have realized it.

"Don't scream. Or do. No one will be able to hear you through this rain. You're coming with me . And if you don't like it, blame Nobunaga."

"Don't touch me!" It was no use, the man the forcefully grabbed my arm and started to drag me along. "Don't touch me!" This time my voice was more stern and I was able to get a powerful punch right on his ribs. The man grunted and let me go for a second but he unsheathed his katana and grabbed me again. As I stared down the deadly tip of his sword, I knew I was in no position to resist. Just as the man pulled me along again, a chilling voice cut through the sound of the rain.

"Don't touch the woman."

I jerked my head in the direction of the voice and saw Ieyasu emerging from a nearby copse of trees.

"Hm? That's.." The man tightened his grip on my arm and his mouth hung open in shock upon realizing Ieyasu was here. He tensed up and quickly covered his face with a scarf. I too had no idea why Ieyasu was here, but I wasn't going to complain about it. But was even weirder was why that man had to hide his face from Ieyasu.

"We're going," the man ordered. "Come quietly."

He gave my arm a painful yank.

"Stop," I yelled. "Let go!"

"Quit struggling!"

"No!" I pulled with all my might and managed to escape from his grasp but, I lost my balance, slipped in the mud and went tumbling to the ground which jarred my shoulder painfully. I cried out in pain.

"Insolent wrench," the man screamed. "I won't let Nobunaga's concubine get the better of me!"

"Concubine?"

"There's no use denying it…can't fool me!"

He shot me an angry glare and raised his sword above his head.

Oh no! You should never taunt someone who's pointing a weapon at you, you idiot!

I tried to scramble away, but the ground was too slick from the rain and I couldn't get up fast enough. I squeezed my eyes shut and threw my hands up, hoping to protect myself somehow. However, I was able to open my eyes again after the sound of the sharp clang of metal on metal.

"I thought I told you not to touch her."

"Ieyasu? Thank god!"

Ieyasu had jumped between the man and I. He had used his short sword to block the killer's blade. He saved me in the nick of time.

"Damn you," the man screamed.

Only the glittering of his eyes was visible through the scarf wrapped around his head as he staggered backwards. The cold rain started pouring even harder, leaving me shivering as I looked up at Ieyasu. Even though I wanted so badly to escape, I knew it was better to stick with Ieyasu this time. As I looked at Ieyasu, he narrowed his dark green eyes at the mystery man.

"I don't know what you're hoping to accomplish here, but you can't have the woman. If you leave immediately, I'll forget about this."

"Well, aren't we full of ourselves?"

Raising his sword once more, the man charged. Ieyasu didn't even flinch. His face completely impassive, he smashed the sword out of his opponent's hand. At that moment I realized, Nobunaga wasn't the only skilled swordsman around here.

"Urgh!" The man lost his balance and fell face-first onto the ground. His sword was now in two pieces, stuck straight up from the mud a few paces away. I was amazed that Ieyasu just cut a sword in two.

"You are no match for me," Ieyasu stated. "Now that you know, get out of here."

His voice remained calm, but he glared down at the man with contempt.

"You," he sneered. "You'll regret this!"

Covered in mud, the man stumbled to his feet and ran off through the pouring rain. I let out a long sigh of relief as the man disappeared into the rain. Then Ieyasu turned around and walked towards me, his eyes almost as cold as Nobunaga's stared me down.

"Planning on camping here overnight? Get up."

"Oh, uh, good idea."

My hands shook from the shock of what just happened, but I managed to push myself to my feet. Without another word, Ieyasu turned and started marching away. I really had no chance at escaping, did I? I didn't want to go back, but there's no point in trying to run again right now. I started after Ieyasu and quickly caught up to him. As we walked side by side back towards the castle, the rain began to lighten up before completely stopping a few minutes later. By the time we had reached the walls of the castle town, my body was beginning to warm up again. Ieyasu stayed silent and it looked to me that he does not like talking to anyone. The sun had fully risen and the streets of the town were coming alive for the day. I thought back to what Sasuke was telling me about this Sengoku period and his advice was finally starting to make sense. But he was wrong about one thing. Not all of Nobunaga's men are fond of me. Even though Ieyasu was right next to me, it felt like there was an invisible wall between us. I watched him from the corner of my eyes. His Honey-coloured hair was still dripping wet. I can't blame him for being upset. Ieyasu had a pretty rough night because of me. He had to fight off some strange guy and go soaked. I was filled with remorse as I watched water droplets roll down his cheeks with each step he took. I was thinking of whether or not I say something to break the silence or stay silent. After running away without a real plan in mind, he probably thinks I deserved to get attacked. Maybe I did. After another lengthy silence, my stomach broke the silence when it growled loudly. Ieyasu looked at me from the corner of his eyes. I looked away and blushed but he just let out sigh and kept walking. But to my surprise, instead of going to the castle. We stopped at a small restaurant.

"Alright," the waitress said as she brought our meals over. "Two Breakfast Teishoku." She looked over at Ieyasu and smiled at him. "Is there anything else I get for you?"

"No, we're good here."

She flashed him another smile before she walked away. "Just let me know."

To me, it looked like she was flirting with him. But it could be that he is the man and she probably has to serve men the best while women are just their companions here. Once she left, Ieyasu finally spoke to me.

"I'm surprised you're not putting up more of a fight after you tried to make a run for it."

"Hey, you're the the one who came to get me back. Are you really going to complain that I'm making it easy for you?"

"Nobunaga and the others are the ones who wanted you back, not me. If you want to leave, you should just go. As long as you have what it takes to survive out there on your own, that is."

His point struck home painfully. I can't deny it. I don't know anything about survival skills or fighting. I'm basically helpless. I never could have imagined how dangerous the Sengoku period was..or is. It was stupid of me to run off without having a solid plan. And it almost cost me my life.

"But, how did you know where I was?" I shook my head. "Did you follow me?"

"I was tasked with bringing you back tonight."

"So you followed me." I guess my plan wasn't as fool proof as I thought.

"Like it or not, your life is in my hands. You don't know the vile things that man was thinking.

"And you do?"

"Not hard to guess. You remember what I told you the first day we met."

I nodded. "Yeah, about my situation happening all the time these days…what did you mean by that?"

"The weak are always taken away as hostages. And what happens to these hostages of whether they live or die. It's always up to their captors."

I thought about what could of happened if Ieyasu wasn't there. I could be dead right now and the very thought of it made my skin crawl.

"Thank you for saving me, Ieyasu."

"Don't thank me, thank Nobunaga. He's the one who ordered me to find you."

"He knew?" Ieyasu just nodded. "Oh? Well, I'll thank him too, then."

After we had finished up at the restaurant. We headed back to the castle but, we were met by more unfriendly faces at the castle gate.

"So, the runaway returns," Mitsuhide said with a sly smile.

"Chizuru," said Hideyoshi. "What in the eight hells were you thinking?"

Hideyoshi stomped over to me with an angry scowl. I was hoping they don't punish me too harshly for trying to escape. I braced for a severe scolding, but instead Hideyoshi tossed a dry cloth over my head. His tone softened from anger to concern.

"It's dangerous for a woman to go out at night alone. And, look, you've gotten yourself completely soaked."

Shaking his head with a sigh, he roughly towered my hair dry. My hair was still wet and no doubt were my clothes just soaked.

"Here." Mitsuhide threw Ieyasu a towel. "Ieyasu, dry off."

"Thanks." He began to dry his hair.

"Um," I began. "Aren't you upset with me for running away?"

"Oh," Hideyoshi said. "You'll get a full talking to about that later. Right now we have to dry your hair."

"Chizuru," added Mitsuhide. "If you couldn't already tell, Hideyoshi's hobby is acting the part of castle mother."

"Don't talk nonsense. It's not something I do for fun. You guys are hopeless by yourselves, so someone has to take care of you. That goes for you too, Chizuru."

I misjudged him at first. Hideyoshi wasn't really angry, he was just worried about me.

"Thanks for the towel," I said. "I can finish drying my hair myself."

"Make sure it's completely dry so you don't catch a cold."

Mitsuhide studied my face with a grin.

"I would have been really impressed if that escape attempt of yours had worked," said Mitsuhide. "You disappoint me. But at least you made it back in one piece."

I guess that was Mitsuhide's way of saying he was worried too?

"She nearly didn't," Ieyasu cut in.

"Huh," they both said in unison.

"Chizuru made it as far as the plains outside of town before she was attacked by a ronin."

"Are you serious," Hideyoshi exclaimed.

"Yes," I said. "That's what happened. Luckily, Ieyasu got there in time to save me."

"You must tell us everything, Chizuru." Mitsuhide said with concern. "Leave no details out."

They seemed very eager to hear the whole story, so I told them everything I could recall. When I finished, their faces were stern.

"You're sure he called you Nobunaga's concubine," Mitsuhide asked.

"Oh, yes. How could I ever forget that flattering comment?"

"So," Hideyoshi began. "He knew that you're living in the castle and assumed that means you're Nobunaga's lover."

Well, there goes my reputation. Good thing I'm getting out of here in three months.

"Why would he assume that in the first place," I asked.

"I couldn't hear what he said to her because of the rain." Ieyasu spoke up irritably. "Turns out I shouldn't have let him go."

"Hm? Why does what he said change anything?"

"Your brain must be foggy because of the damp," Mitsuhide teased. "Try giving It some thought, Chizuru. The man recognized your face, and he wanted to abduct you because he thought you were Nobunaga's lover. Which means that ronin is an enemy, and he wanted to use you against Nobunaga."

I was too preoccupied with staying alive at the time to think about it, but it was odd that he knew of our connection.

"Chizuru only just arrived," Hideyoshi began. "Yet the man already knew that Nobunaga had taken an interest in her."

"That means he's more than a simple ruffian," Ieyasu explained. "Though his sword skills were a joke."

"We can't let him stay at large. I will inform Lord Nobunaga."

I thought I was safe, but this is turning into something really serious and I'm right in the middle of it. My anxiety rose as the realization that I was more deeply involved in the plot to kill Nobunaga than I'd originally thought.

"Chizuru," said Hideyoshi. "Go back to your room and don't go out alone again."

"Yeah, I think that'd be best."

"Let's go Ieyasu," said Mitsuhide.

"Yes."

Wrapped in an air of tension, the three of them started walking away. Oh, wait, I nearly forgot.

"Hang on," I called out. "I need to say something to Ieyasu!"

"Huh," he replied.

I've come to regret my actions tonight and the trouble it caused him, so I think I owe him an apology.

"I'm, um, sorry about everything I put you through tonight."

Ieyasu's eyes were cold, his emotions imperceptible.

"I know you probably don't want to hear this from me, but…Take care so you don't catch a cold."

"You're right. I don't want to hear that or any other needless worrying from you."

So much for trying to patch things up with him. With one last icy glance, Ieyasu went on his way.

Later in the afternoon, Ranmaru, who I found out was Nobunaga's page, summoned me to visit Nobunaga's chamber. Remember what happened last time, I really didn't want to go back to the tenshu. But, this must be about my escape attempt. I wouldn't be surprised if he throws me in the dungeon. I stepped nervously into the room and took a quick look around. Ieyasu was there too, looking even grumpier than usual. Great. At least he doesn't seem sick. Maybe he's forgiven me? I was relieved to see the healthy colour in his cheeks, but that relief didn't last long.

"I see you're unharmed Chizuru," Nobunaga said.

"Yes, all thanks to Ieyasu."

"I hope the experience has taught you to never do something like that again. I can't allow you to leave without my permission."

"I'm sorry, it won't happen again."

Geez, I didn't think he could look any scarier until today. At least towards me that is. The dangerous light smouldering in the depths of his eyes straightened my back like a steel rod.

"Also, I have decided not to use you in the search for the Honno-ji culprits or for any revolts anymore."

Really? Then my failed escape brought about one good thing! I couldn't stop myself from leaning forward excitedly.

"Please tell me you're serious!"

"I am. I don't want to deal with the annoyance of you running off every time you get scared. So, to ensure you don't attempt to flee from me again, I am appointing someone to guard you at all times."

"A guard? I really don't think that's necessary.."

"You sealed your own fate last night. You will move into Ieyasu's palace so he can keep a constant eye on you."

I'm moving in with Ieyasu? Oh boy, he is not going to be happy about that. I turned to look at Ieyasu, and I knew I had learned the reason for his especially bad mood. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse. I have a feeling my new roommate and I will soon be at each other's throats.