Chapter 5: Expect the Unexpected-Aname
The fighting was almost over each of the Date's three units were winning until a Yoshinao brought news of a fourth army ready to attack from the rear. Aname got onto her horse and took off with boss Masamune. Karia was told to stay back with the troops that were left behind to clean up the mess. Waiting for them at the next battle sight was none other than Takenaka Hanbei. Aname fallowed the boss as he moved a little bit closer. Master Katakura wasn't here so Aname made it her mission to be at the boss's back the entire time.
Hanbei looked very shocked to see the ninja at her lord's side. "So you lived after all very impressive girl. I can see now that my plans will have to be changed based on this new variable. Although dear Katakura already thinks you're dead and he did take the news very hard. He clutches the hilt of your sword all the time. And I can see it in his eyes that he desperately wants to kill me with that very sword. Once this little battle here is done, he will surely want to kill me even more for the death of his lord."
Aname could feel the anger rising in her as the man talked. "You will not lay a hand on boss Masamune! Since I failed in keeping master Katakura safe I will take his place as boss Masamune's Right Eye! I have his back so will have to slice through mine again before I let you touch his you bastard!" Boss Masamune looked over at Aname his lone blue eye wide. "A-Aname?" Aname shook her head. "No my lord don't argue with me. Until we get Kojuro back please allow me to take his place. I failed him once I but I promise I won't make that mistake again! I will protect you and then I will save Kojuro." Boss Masamune gave her a sad half smile and nodded his head. "Alright then Kojuro." His voice was teasing and Aname gave him a raised brow. He laughed a little bit and jumped down off of his horse and Aname followed.
Aname looked at Hanbei who had drawn his chain link sword. Aname had her shuriken in one hand and Kojuro's sword in the other. "Care for a rematch Hanbei Takenaka?" The white haired man laughed. "You just don't know when to die do you. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to kill you again." Aname took a step forward placing herself between Hanbei and Masamune. "You don't get the point do you? You never killed me in the first place! I have been very much alive and now there only one thing I feel like doing." Hanbei gave Aname an interested look. "And what might that be?" Aname smirked and got her weapons ready. "Right now…..I'm going to kick your ass." Aname charged for Hanbei dodging his chain link sword as he lashed out with it. He brought the sword down on her left so she charged right and swung Kojuro's sword up just barely missing Hanbei. He tried to swing his sword back around But Aname went for a bold move.
Hanbei called out in pain as Aname bit his hand. Hanbei's sword dropped to the ground and Aname released his hand and only seconds later had her fist connect with his jaw." He grabbed his sword and stepped back slashing across the ground bringing up dirt and dust. When the air cleared Hanbei was on his horse fleeing from the battle. Aname was then about to work her way into fighting the rest of the Toyotomi army when all of a sudden a wave of pain from her back went up through her body forcing her to the ground. She was down on both knees with her hands dug into the ground. An enemy soldier was coming up to attack her but he was soon taken down by boss Masamune. "Aname are you alright?" Aname forced herself onto her feet and shook her head. "Yes I'm fine. What about you have you been hurt?" Masamune shook his head. "Nah no way remember who you're talking to. The boys have done a real number on the Toyotomi. And Karia just got here with back up so we have the advantage."
Aname nodded. Once the Toyotomi army had been defeated the date were preparing to leave when Masamune saw a figure in the distance. "Who the…..could it be?" Boss Masamune nodded. "Toyotomi Hideyoshi." Masamune started walking towards the large man in the distance. "Boss!" He led out his hand as if to stop her. "You had your fun. It's my turn." He gave her am over the shoulder smirk and Aname just sighed and rolled her eyes. "Just be careful…for Kojuro's sake." Masamune nodded as he drew his dragon claws. "Well it was sure nice of you to come all this way. It saves me the trouble of going all the way to Odawara to kick you giant ass!" Hideyoshi stopped and glared down at the boss. "I have come here to teach a snake his place."
Masamune tried stifling a snicker. "If you're looking for snakes we just kicked yours on back home. What you're dealing with here is the One-Eyed Dragon Date Masamune." Hideyoshi stood unchanged the same expression on his face. Masamune lunged for him with all six of his swords. Hideyoshi swung his fist at Masamune hitting him hard. Masamune was sent flying back and he landed hard rolling across the ground. He was laying on his back his bangs covering his eyes. Aname was about to rush over to him but he started to roll himself around until her was being supported by his arm and knees. "Tch…..damn your tough. That actually hurt." Masamune pushed himself up and was standing on his feet yet again with one sword raised. "How about we try that again what do ya say?" Before he could even make a move Hideyoshi's fist collided with him again sending him rolling. Aname waited a few moments and when Masamune didn't move she ran to him. Hideyoshi was walking their way ready to deal the final blow when Aname stepped in front of Masamune. Karia had rushed over with Aname and was now holding the boss in her lap. The rest of the Date men formed a protective circle around Masamune and Karia leaving Aname in the front. Hideyoshi stopped and stared at the now ragged Date army.
"Humph." He turned around and began to walk back in the direction he came. Aname looked back at boss Masamune who was still being held protectively in Karia's arms. Aname looked up at Karia's face and was shocked a little. She could tell that her friend was holding back tears and her arms were wrapped very tightly around their broken lord. With the way Karia was reacting Aname feared the worst. "Karia is he…?" Karia looked up and brushed her arm across her face. "N-no he's not dead. He'll be fine I just…don't like seeing him like this." Aname eyed Karia Suspiciously for a moment and decided that right now the boss was their priority. Samanosuke rode in with Masamune horse and Karia lifted the boss up to Samanosuke and the two carefully set Masamune on the back of the horse. Once the boss was safely on the horse Samanosuke took off for the castle.
Aname then proceeded to round up all of the men and start them on their way home as well. Aname mounted her horse and led the army back home with a sad look on her face.
We might have gotten out alive for the most part but I failed Kojuro again. Not only is he Hanbei's prisoner but I have also failed in keeping boss Masamune safe for him. I'm sorry.