"Maybe we are fools"
Mifune and his bodyguards took up position at a bridge that led to the main camp of the Imagawa. They were observing the Oda and Tokugawa forces forming into battle lines off in the distance. Yoshimoto, who was mounted on a gray horse, rode up to Mifune's position and said, "I see they have decided to strike first. They must be reminded of our superiority. Mifune, show these lowly brutes their place." Mifune nodded, knowing that a successful defense would be his responsibility alone. He reflected on the fact that Yoshimoto had related only to himself and the officers the vision of his impending death. He wondered why Yoshimoto would not name his son Ujizane the new leader, but he must have his reasons.
Mifune sensed the presence of Nobonaga Oda in the distance. Oda was addressing his army saying, "It appears that I am still in heaven's favor. Do not stop until we have taken Yoshimoto's head." The rain began to fall heavily, and visibility decreased. Mifune whispered to Yoshimoto "Sir, you are in danger, get to some place safe." Yoshimoto agreed, and rode off to the center of the main camp. Mifune then turned to support the centerlines that were coming under attack from the army led by Tadakatsu Honda.
Tadakatsu was unbelievably strong. He was generally regarded to be one of the most powerful warriors in the land. Mifune respected this, but Tadakatsu was part of the Tokugawa clan, and thus shared responsibility for his master's death. Mifune's anger could not be contained as he charged at the Oda-Tokugawa center. Mifune's staff struck true with several Oda-Tokugawa men, laying them out in single blows. Mifune then saw Tadakatsu and charged at him.
Mifune's staff and Tadakatsu's spear connected with each other in a mighty crash. They fought, wielding mighty blows at each other; however, none found their marks, as every blow was blocked each time by the other. Mifune knew that Tadakatsu wouldn't go down easily, and he began to formulate a plan. Mifune was so focused on defeating Tadakatsu, he was barely conscious of the cold rain that was falling, or the noise of the battle around him. He had not sensed that Honzo, the ninja of Iga was nearing Yoshimoto's position. Mifune took five steps back, staff at side, and charged full speed at Tadakatsu. Mifune was so fast that it appeared he went right though Tadakatsu. The attack splintered Mifune's staff. He dropped the pieces to the ground, and turned to face Tadakatsu, who was doubled over, leaning on his spear. Mifune's bodyguards stepped in beside him to offer their support. Tenchu, the musketeer, aimed his weapon at Tadakatsu's head, but Mifune waved him off saying "It is not his time, that will come soon enough." Tadakatsu realized that he was in an untenable position, and called loudly for his army to retreat. As he turned away, he growled at Mifune "Your mercy is admirable, if not foolish. It shall prove to be your undoing."
Mifune turned away from the retreating Tadakatsu when he suddenly sensed the danger that Yoshimoto was in. Mifune ran to aid Yoshimoto only to see him go down by Honzo's hand who then disappeared. Mifune ran to help Yoshimoto but soon realized that nothing could be done to save him. Yoshimoto gasped "Mifune, I pass on the fate of the people to you. Please stop the Oda and Tokugawa at all cost." Yoshimoto then went limp. Mifune soon ordered the retreat of the Imagawa army. Most got away, but the rest died in the rear guard defending the retreat, which included Ujizane who said to Mifune before leaving to help defend the retreat "My father saw something in you, Mifune, that makes you a true leader. You are in charge of my clan until I return, do not disappoint me."
Mifune rushed the remainder Imagawa army to Hanamara hoping that the Oda and Tokugawa wouldn't give pursuit. But they did give pursuit. Mifune had set up defense a day away from Hanamara ready for the Oda and Tokugawa when they arrived.
Oda and Tokugawa arrived a day after Mifune had finished setting up defense. They immediately attacked, confident that they would beat the Imagawa army now they where without Yoshimoto. But what the Oda or Tokugawa didn't know was that Mifune knew the town and area around like the back of his hand for he had visited it before a long time ago and wanted to see an old friend that was there. He knew of a small road that leads directly to the main camp of the Oda and Tokugawa, he decided that he and his bodyguards would use it to attack it and had the Imagawa army lure them out of their main camp. The plan worked as the Imagawa destroyed the Oda-Tokugawa army piece-by-piece, forcing them to leave their main camp almost defenseless. Mifune and his bodyguards ran up the road, they stopped three yards short of the gate, hiding off the road looking the gate. Tenchu looked the gate for a while before tuning to Mifune and whispered, "What are we waiting for?" before Mifune could answer, the gate opened and a woman came out dragging Ujizane. Mifune then jumped up and shouted "Kyojiro! The women turned to Mifune and said "Oh, Mifune. It's been a long time. How is your master?" Mifune's eyes flared with anger at Kyojiro's ignorance, and said, "you shall pay for what you did to him." Mifune charged at her, she dropped Ujizane and drew her sword.