Disclaimer: As always all credit goes to Nanami Shingo and フクロウ. It's been a while, but first let's get this story started, shall we? Enjoy.

贈物

A Gift

Part One

Kasane x Nobunaga

In the hot humidity of summer the Oda brothers set off on their horses with Kasane and the three idiots serving as their guards.

"Just where are we going?"

As Kasane curiously inquired up at Nobunaga, he sent her a gaze that told her it was too troublesome to explain and motioned Nobuyuki instead to speak to her.

"We just happen to need to check the topography of this area."

"And for that you need to send two of the most distinguished people for this job? It would have been best to leave it to someone else…"

"You fool. When a battle occurs and I, the lord, does not know of the topography of the land just what kind of lineup can I create by then."

In an exasperated voice, Nobunaga joined in the conversation.

Kasane took small offense at his ever so blunt words.

"Ma, ma**, Kasane-dono. Because we don't go out often, isn't that more the reason to go out to survey the land? That way we can easily go on outings when we have the chance."

Understanding Gorouza's explanation, Kasane nodded.

Until now she disapproved of herself from going out of the castle. Kasane held a slight expectation of gaining permission to wander out of the castle after grasping the topology of the land.

She sent this newly-conceived expectation in to her gaze to Nobunaga, who subtly furrowed his brow and broke his gaze from hers."

"..."

At this rate, with the exception of running errands, it seems going out would be out of the question.

"We also have some business to do in town."

"Town…"

The gloomy memories of the recent outing with Nobuyuki came to mind.

It gave her the harsh reality of her powerlessness and ignorance to help the children who were the same age as her brothers.

"Kasane-dono, there's no need to feel down. Aniue and I will surely find a way to save them."

Observing her behavior, Nobuyuki guessed what was her worry and offered words of encouragement.

"Yes…"

She gave him a small nod.

At the same time a large sound of someone's stomach rumbling was heard; Nobunaga gazed down at Kasane.

"I-It's not me! !"

At Nobunaga's expression that said, 'It's you isn't it.', Kasane hurriedly shook her head.

The memory of the time when she conveyed her determination to work for him and her stomach growled at such an important time, staining the mood was still fresh in her mind.*

"I'm starving~..."

Inuchiyo feebly bowed his head.

It seemed the owner of the sound was INuchiyo.

"Now that I think about it, it's now afternoon…"

Gazing up into the sky, Nobuyuki squinted his eyes to see the sun's position.

It was now shining in it's highest peak of the day.

"Aniue, there happens to be a riverbank near here. Why don't we take a rest there?"

"..."

Nobunaga narrowed his eyes at the suggestion.

After a slight consideration, he accepted it.

"Only for a little while."

"Food, food~! !"

Hearing those words, Inuchiyo happily ran over to the shade of the nearby tree by the river.

Opening the lunch box that Kasane made, which he carried on his back, he stuffed himself with the food.

"Don't eat that by yourself, you idiot dog!"

Feeling the crisis of having his share taken away, Kuranosuke ran after Inuchiyo.

"They're all full of energy, aren't they?"

Smiling softly, Gorouza went after them. Kasane too followed closely from behind.

Rather than taking a break, Nobunaga and Nobuyuki busied themselves with the map as they surveyed the land.

"Hah~, I'm full~."

Inuchiyo patted his stomach in satisfaction.

"As expected, you would be full after this…."

"Nobunaga-sama and Nobuyuki-sama said they didn't need to eat, so there's was a lot left to share."

She actually made the brother's share of food, but they were still conversing with each other over the map.

"I wonder what they're talking about…"

"Obviously about war. Those Kiyosu guys invaded here recently after all. Surely they're anticipating a surprise attack in some nearby village."

Kuranosuke said as he leaned on one elbow; they all gazed across the riverside to the brothers.

"War…"

Kasane softly murmured.

For a girl who lived in peaceful times all her life, war was still a third dimension to her.

In the first place she couldn't understand why would one want to start war because they wish for more territory.

Surely she would never understand that feeling in her entire life, nor would she like to try to understand it.

"It seems their conversation will be prolonged for a bit."

Even from a distance, they can see the brothers deep in conversation.

"I'll offer them an onigiri."

It's not like they'll die if they skip only one meal, but it would be best if they at least had a small meal even if it's just one onigiri.

Carrying the brother's share of food, she approached them.

Seeing her go off, Inuchiyo followed after her.

"Um, Tono-sama! Nobuyuki-san! Here-."

"Just as she approached them, she offered the wrapped onigiri."

"Katana~! ...Ah!"

"Eh?"

Right behind Inuchiyo, who rushed after her, tripped over a rock.

And as he fell down he pushed Kasane's back, who was right in front of him, and like a domino she too fell forward.

"...Wh-..."

"Aniue!?"

Kasane, who happened to be in front of Nobunaga, bumped into him while Nobunaga, who unanticipated this turnout fell right into the river behind him.

"..."

"... I saw nothing…"

With Gorouza left speechless at the scene that played before him, Kuranosuke muttered and looked off into the distance.

"..."

From how he reacted as he fell***, Nobunaga didn't seemed to be injured, however whatever the outcome so he was drenched from head to toe.

"To-tono…."

Inuchiyo was unusually panicking for once.

Kasane, whose face was covered from the dirt from she had her face implanted in moments before raised her head and with a pale complexion, looked up at him.

"I-I I I I'm sorry Tono-sama!"

"..."

She hurriedly stood up and approached Nobunaga, holding out her hand.

Dark crimson eyes glared at her.

"Eh?"

Clasping her hands to his, he dragged her right into the river.

Suddenly pulled in, she fell into the water like a brick.

"Katane!"

"A-aniue, what are you!"

Surprised by Nobunaga's actions, Inuchiyo's and Nobuyuki's eyes popped wide open.

"Puha! Cough…!"

Rising from the depths of the river, she coughed as her face peeped out.

And just like Nobunaga, she was drenched wet from head to toe.

"W-what was that for!?"

Just as Kasane protested against his unbelievable actions, Nobunaga ignored her and wordlessly got out of the river.

TBC

*Chapter 2 page 55

**This… doesn't really have a direct meaning in English. The closest I can think of is 'there, there.' This is used mainly when you see two people starting to get into a fight and you're like, "Come on guys don't do this. Calm down. There's no need to get upset."

***From here it means he fell the correct way. It's like having the first lesson in snowboarding or hand to hand combat. You learn to fall so you don't hurt yourself.

Okay... well anyways first it's been a while! I'm back for just this moment. Before explaining why for the long hiatus, this story happens to be a slight sequel to Hair Ornament. I hope it will be an enjoyable read for everyone.

As for an explanation. Back in spring break I was given an opportunity by my professor to work on an important project for Buzz Aldrin. The deadline was April 23 and throughout that entire month I was working on that project. It was tough, there were many days where I cursed at technology and life in general, but I say it was worth the experience. And then the lab practicals and exams came up as well as projects slammed into my face, so I have to still do those... Well then, hopefully I will be able to upload the translation of the next chapter soon and I hope everyone has an enjoyable day. For those stressing over the end of the semester of school, we can do this!