"What New Challenges Await in the Fight for a Better Japan? "

Oooooh we have such a long title this time. Alright, so the last chapter may have said: TO BE CONTINUED. But this story will not be in the viewpoint of Mitsunari this time, but in the view point of Mitsuhide since he is the only one really present when Nagamasa...well...you'll see ^^
Anyways, I do NOT own Samurai Warriors at all, I do not want anyone to take these character references as true because I just gave these characters my own little twist and just happen to use some of their quotes at times to make this all seem very awesome and authentic to the actual video game..
Again this is a Yaoi (a very slow moving Yaoi, but a Yaoi none the less) and that means that there are men liking men. So either like, pretend to like it, or don't read this because I really don't care. The last chapter that I did was actually kinda rushed because I wanted to get this all over and done with for the Azai chapters and so this one might not be any better...but we'll just have to see now wont' we?
Just enjoy it ok?

-Mia~***

I didn't know what to make of such a situation, and as I watched the Castle of Odani burned, mind strayed to Nagamasa and then to the man I carried in my arms. Mitsunari Ishida? What had Nagamasa seen in that man that had made them so alike so in sync that they couldn't even hit each other? Never in my life had I seen this man so fixated on anyone as he was to Oichi and as Mitsunari seemed to me.
Now to think that we were to just leave Nagamasa unconscious, without his wife, most of his men slaughtered, and his empire crumbling to ruins? Was this the proper path to be taking? Would this make a better world for us? For everyone?

-Mitsuhide Akechi

Armor clinking with every move that we made, his eyes staring straight ahead keen as my gaze wandered, how could Nagamasa be so calm? Coming to the long line of silk curtains that seemed to separate Lord Nobunaga from the rest of the world, to the right sat his wife and then the rest on either side were the lesser guards. Wouldn't one think that I should be there just in case this was all just a trick?

But both men were focused and casual in the way that they stared at each other and even the way that Nagamasa took his steps. What was this all about? Really? The wind wasn't strong this day, but it still brought a hint of that wretched stench of death which made me uneasy, previous thoughts returning now. This was no time for doubting our cause.
" Nobunaga...you look well." Nagamasa was the first to speak, and what a strange thing to say. Shouldn't he be stating his purpose? Shouldn't he be yelling and screaming and debating with Nobunaga's purpose and his actions?! I guess it is up to me then..." Nagamasa has chosen the shame of surrender other than to sacrifice his wife and his men. "
" And what does that leave you with then?" Lord Nobunaga asked in an uninterested tone, casually resting his head on his hand, "Honor? Or perhaps love?"

The Oda was taunting the man and that was hardly fair though he did have a point, but should he really be provoking the man? This warrior had lost everything and sure enough I could see that he was battling with himself, his whole body was shaking and his breath came harder now as he tried to keep his cool. I was not reading his moves which was careless, for as he spun on me, I had no idea what he was doing before I heard the drawing of my own sword and saw him charging my Lord until the blade was just inches from his neck. The guard rose to strike him down, but Nobunaga just lifted his hand and they all sat. Again his voice was mono-tone and disinterested. He was not amused as he muttered, " If you're going to kill me then do it. " and his wife only giggled. It was a sad sight, because Nagamasa knew that he had lost yet again in trying to strike fear in the Oda, he had once again lost a battle that he knew was merely impossible from the start and yet he had started it anyways to fight for what he believed in. Now his body grew calm again but he did not drop the sword nor point it down. I saw his lips move in the faint whisper of, "I'm sorry...Lord Mitsuhide" and that's when it was all over.

There came no surrender no treaty signed, there came no deals of any kind for in that moment Nagamsa lifted my blade to his neck, his helmet gone in the blaze and he slit his own throat and fell over dead, the blood of a coward had stained the cold steel. I hadn't noticed but my mouth was agape and my eyes wide, I had a look of fear and surprise on my face and this wouldn't be the only time that it would happen I was for sure.

"Mitsuhide…"

My head snapped up in surprise as Nobunaga called out my name, "Huh?"
He was now staring straight at me, he did not even bother with glancing down at the pitiful body that lay at his feet, the one of his brother, " What do you see in Nagamasa's death? "
His question was strange to me, but I could not tell a lie, " I see the pride of a warrior. "

"The only reason that Nagamasa participated in this fight..." Lord Nobunaga began as he uncrossed his legs to stand, "...was to sacrifice himself for honor, and so I allowed him to. " and he casually strolled past the body without a second glance. Now he was approaching me and walked a little ways past as he continued, "That was his desire...but for him to take his own life, what do you desire of me warrior?"
And it was right then that I spun on my heel to reply, " That is simple..." and I bowed down on my knee, my head looking down at the ground as I muttered, " For you to be ruler of Japan and to put an end to these wars. "
Nobunaga was laughing now...chuckling would have been more appropriate. Did I say something wrong? I looked up, and he was not looking at me, he was gazing off into the Horizon before he said, "Watch and see-" and he disappeared with one flip of his cape where the raven feathers scattered.

"You were sympathetic to him. " Mitsunari almost laughed as he walked alongside Mitsuhide, his rib and whole torso had been taped up, but already he was up and about. This man was NOT human. " I did not sympathize with him..." Mitsuhide argued, " I was disgusted with him. There was no honor in his death. He stated no purpose for his defiance of the Oda, he took my blade in making a threat which he never followed through with, and then he took the easy way out in slitting his throat. The man was a coward. He died in vain. "
"But wouldn't you do the same Mitsuhide?" Mitsunari laughed, " The man lost everything...he lost his love. I would do that very thing if I had nothing else to live for."
Mitsuhide chuckled, "Now who's the sympathetic man?"

Mitsunari pretended not to hear as he continued to stare straight ahead. The captains were busy organizing and already there were the murmurings of the next fight. "So where are we headed next?" Mitsunari asked once they had passed the mapping tents and the extreme strategists on their rushed routes to the Oda.
"We have already managed to take out both the Asakura and the Azai at Odani castle..." sighed Mitsuhide, "So then our next strategy would then only to keep heading forward and take out the ally armies to expand our territory."

Mitsunari then nodded as if he understood but then his long stride came to a halt. Mitsuhide turned to his comrade with a raised eyebrow before Mitsunari gave out a gurgle and fell to the ground in one large heap, his bandages beginning to turn a bright red. Yelling for help Mitsuhide scooped up Mitsunari and some nearby soldiers helped him to the nearest aid tent. It was there that the last council was held for that evening.

"Internal injuries...I guess that would make sense." Hideyoshi sighed, completely disappointed at the current events. "We can't let that stop us now..." Nobunaga said, "Our struggle is almost over, now it's just a matter of taking what is ours."
"But without Mitsunari..." Hideyoshi began, after all, Mitsunari did have a knack for stepping in when he was most needed unexpectedly. He was the hero that always showed up in time in those old war stories-so thought the old Monkey.

"Leave him..." Mitsuhide finally managed to blurt out as he stared down at the pale and feverish man, "He is merely holding us up. We can't afford to stop merely on his expense."

"Leave him here? To die?!" Hideyoshi roared as he stood now from the bedside mat, "How could you say such a thing?! Is that anyway to treat the man that saved your life not too long ago?"
"I have not forgotten..." sighed Mitsuhide, "But my debt to him was repaid at the battle of Odani and now with nothing owed I feel no sympathy for him...he would be more troublesome than useful." but that wasn't even near the truth.

Mitsuhide was jealous of his comrade...and now for them to be holding a conference in this tent, just in case he might wake to hear it...to see the Oda looking at him now, Mitsuhide was furious. But finally, with Mitsunari gone he would be free to serve his Lord more fully without making any mistakes. Besides, there were some other issues that would just come back to bite them in the end, once they had conquered Japan and the reformation had begun.

Hideyoshi was still pleading, "My Lord...surely you wouldn't...?"

"I trust the word of my guard and lieutenant, Mitsuhide. If he cannot stand and follow us by morning then he will be left with a doctor and join back up with us when he can." Nobunaga murmured, "Tomorrow we head for Nagashino- this council is over."

And so that was that...and Mitsuhide was already feeling guilty for his selfish actions.

Morning came swiftly and Mitsuhide opened his eyes, having gotten no sleep from the night before and thus having sat on the bedside mat all night, ready to explain Mitsunari's current situation to him as to not have to deal with it later. But the man had not stirred from his feverish and coma-like state since the council last night. The sun was rising...so he had no choice.
"You are a wonderful warrior, and sometimes I wonder if, at one point you were ever jealous of me being favored by our Lord? I guess I could only hope for so much." and Mitsuhide smiled softly with a sigh, "I was surprised as anyone at how well you were doing just one day after being so beaten and burned...so seeing you fall was like watching a God being killed by a mortal man."

Now he was just rambling..."Do you even believe in a God Mitsunari? Do you believe that he smiles down upon our Lord and has bestowed upon him the might to make a land without war? I do. And that's why we must leave you here today...hate me if you will because it was my choice but..." and he stopped himself, "...but after thinking it over last night, I'm not sure whether I want you to stay so that I may take over as the favorite again...or just because..." and he turned his back as he began to walk out, "...because I don't want to see you so helpless in my arms ever again."

And with a whoosh of the tent flaps closing behind the exiting Mitsuhide- Mitsunari's person suddenly gave a slight twitch and managed to open one eye. And even half delusional and caught in his own dream word, his voice was sincere and caring...honorable yet passionate, " Fight well. I will join you soon...Mitsuhide...love..."

Nobunaga Oda, Mitsuhide Akechi, Ieyasu Tokugawa, Oichi, Tadakatsu Honda, Hideyoshi, and Katsuuie Shibata...together they marched on, leaving behind a small tattered camp site to rot in the sands, with a lone doctor and a dying man. And with this team, they began the most fearful invasion of all time.

Just like Mitsuhide had explained before, having taken down the Azai and the Asakura at Odani Castle, the army continued to expand their territory, heading forward to take out the ally armies which led to the demise of the Takeda at Nagashino. But with that victory came a strong resentment towards the Oda's swift expansion.

Magoichi Saika was just one of the few who tried to voice his opinion, which caused Lord Nobunaga to turn his attacks towards the small clan. His assault on the Saika he justified by saying that they were helping out the enemy armies, but, they were a poor village of hired mercenaries and they had no choice. Even with the Saika lending strength to the enemies, he knew Magoichi to be a friend of Mitsunari's and thus thought it dishonorable to change their battle plan now. But if one had to attack to bring peace...Mitsuhide raised his sword to the sky and swore:

"If this is the path I must take-for someday this land shall never have the fear of war-I shall dedicate my life to him."

And yet, there were the thoughts deep in his mind, of the crimson haired warrior they had left behind.

It was late one night before the attack that Mitsuhide slumped down in his tent and grasped the sides of his head as if to cry. His voice was a mere whisper though as he gritted his teeth, "Did I leave you to your doom? Did I sacrifice you for my own selfish needs? It was one thing to leave you just to take over the Takeda and to finish the job nice and quick...but I know...I know that man is your friend, and the doubts won't leave my mind. What would you do were you here Mitsunari? Why is it that I pray you catch up to us soon? Why is it that I seek your council so?"

Morning Came too Soon Once again~
The air was hot and dry as they neared the Saika village, and already all were in arms. The grass was still green in patches here and there as the constant farming and other likes had sucked this place of all its natural resources. Thick brush was left uncut and it towered over the peasants with their cheaply made spears and small farming tools.

The men looked as if they had merely been pulled from their beds overnight and drafted. Their working towels and headbands still wrapped across their temples, the older men leading the ranks of young farmhands and sons. Cherry blossom trees with their dying petals a deep red, they dropped down to the ground, and as their flowers fell it looked like an open wound bleeding out across the ground. Something caught in Mitsuhide's throat...could he really do this?

Even the other men were looking worn as they kept rising and spotting the pitiful sight: the wooden houses with the haystack roofs, and the buzzing of cicadas as the gates to the village were being locked and women and children were trying to flee as the Oda army was progressing. "Attack from the outside first, kill anyone or anything that opposes you!" Nobunaga shouted, "If the Saika refuse to come out from behind their gates, then burn them out!" and he continued to shout orders, but by then Mitsuhide had drowned him out, he had gotten the message, it rang loud and clear in his mind.

The goal was Magoichi Saika's head and the destruction the village. The strategy: kill or be killed.

The attack was head-on and over four hundred men must have attacked them all at once. It was a gruesome sight as he drove his ink stone right into the heart of them all, the painful jerk as men were crushed beneath him and under the hooves of his horse, and then that sickening scream they gave as they died. It was worse than fighting trained soldiers, these men had nothing to fight for. They were as low as low could get and all they wanted was their lives...to live to work, so that they could support their wives and their young children.

These were the people they were supposed to be fighting for, NOT against.

There were no details to these battles, there was nothing to be careful against except the occasional ambush from the thick brush that covered the hillside. Just one of many Saika tricks was the ability to hide, and just because their population was large in farmers and slaves, that didn't mean that they hadn't gathered up on their riflemen and trained soldiers.

Time flew by swiftly as one section after another section was taken down and section after section of the city was captured and then taken over by a captain of their guard. It was only when Mitsuhide stopped to fight a squad of Peasants, run by one, did he snap out of his daze and take time to look around him and think things through.
"Please..." the Peasant begged, "Spare us our lives..."

And like a machine, Mitsunari's voice as soft and monotonous, unfeeling as if he were reviewing a script for the very first time, "To oppose Nobunaga is to oppose Heaven itself- " and he lifted his blade, "- it is right...that you must die." and with a sickening scream of the wind passing over the metal, he brought his blade down upon the Peasants neck and instead of riding through the mess, Mitsuhide stood his ground, and allowed the hot blood spill over him and he was trapped in that daze once again.

Seeing the dementia and hesitation in Mitsuhide, Hideyoshi (whom had been fighting beside him this whole time), threw down his weapon and cried, "Lord Nobunaga. I don't think I can do this. I-I'm not even smiling, and if I'm not smiling that means I'm just not into it." and he turned his back and started walking towards the main camp, still muttering to himself, "Magoichi, I may not be able to help you directly, but if it helps any, then I shall withdraw myself from this battle."

And with that, the old monkey was gone. Completely out of sight.

Not into the battle? What a lie if there ever was one. It was only Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide himself who were taken by this battle and it was for the same reason, but not over lack of interest. It was because of Mitsunari. The crimson haired man that fought alongside Magoichi for so long as his friend...to now be slaying that man's people. 'No...' Mitsuhide thought, shaking the idea from his mind, 'Mitsunari is gone, he has nothing to do with this battle! If Hideyoshi will let go of the responsibilities given to him, then I will take the burden as my own!' and with that then he began to ride on again, towards city center where the Saika main camp was being held, all locked up tight.

"That blasted Monkey, he ran away!" Katsuie Shibata was yelling as Mitsuhide rode by, "He ought to be hung up from his toes for this!"

What he said might have held some truth to it, but no one really had the time to dwell on that now. When Mitsuhide arrived at the Saika Main Camp, Nobunaga was calling out his attack plans. Lord Saika was nowhere to be found within the city, but they had locked up all the villagers that they could muster inside of here and were waiting for offensive action.

"I don't understand my Lord..." Mitsuhide began.

"It's quite simple..." Lord Nobunaga chuckled, "If he refuses to show himself, I will make it so that he has no choice but to come at me head on. I know how much he cares for this village and his so-called Pride."

Then Mitsuhide caught on and wanted to put out the torches. Women and children cried for mercy and/or at least a quick death from the merciful Oda, they knew it too...that they were to be burned alive. "Burn the village down, leave them no escape!" The Oda cried, and then a barrage of torches hit the hay rooftops and flaming arrows plunged into the wooden gates. Smoke rose fast because of the dry air, and in the distance there sat an old Buddah statue, molding...rotting...and Mitsuhide could swear that for a second, he saw a tear slide down the deity's cheek. This is Madness...!

The rest played out just like the Oda had planned. With such a large starting army, Magoichi Saika had finally run out of peasants to dispose of, and now his entire village was going to die. There would be women and children in the mountains that would come home to blackened bodies and no house to sleep in, and so he charged the Oda's main camp with their sorrow burnt into him as a means to muster the strength for revenge. The two fought long and hard and finally the Oda decided that the gunslinger was not worth his time. It was then that Mitsuhide stepped in half-heartedly and continued the deadly dance.

Metal against metal, and barrel trying to pinpoint his heart or his head, Mitsuhide could swear that he felt this man's pain as if it were his own, and yet he could not just lie down and surrender, no, he still had hope, somewhere deep inside him, he still believed that the Oda was what the people needed for a better Japan, a better and war-free world. He only got in a few hits to the side, and then one long slice at Magoichi's arm until he retreated into the darkness claiming that they had not seen the last of him. They had won yet another battle, but for what price?

Death...

The screaming had stopped some time ago, and not even the wind dare carry it now. The only sound was that of crows, cawing in delight as they feasted upon the thousands of roasted bodies that crunched under Mitsuhide's heels. He walked upon the destruction half mad as his eyes were rimmed with tears and he smiled to himself in that bit of insanity-

"So this is a land without war..."

And he continued to walk looking down upon the unrecognizable faces that gazed back up at him, some, their mouths agape, still trying to get out that last cry for help and for mercy,
"There's no struggle now..." he continued to mumble, "Heh...I made sure of that!"
Now Mitsuhide stopped in his tracks, and with a slight gasp and a sickening twist, he dropped his blade upon the ground littered with the people that he had murdered and finally the tears had spilled over. He could not deny it any longer; he had been played for a fool. Here he had been following a man that he thought would shape this world into a better place. He thought that Lord Nobunaga wanted the same as he, a peaceful world in which everyone could be happy and work together as brothers...as friends, and there would be no need to fight.

But he clenched his teeth now and balled up his fists as something in him sparked and he knew the truth. All Nobunaga wanted was power. He enjoyed spilling blood; he enjoyed those screams that would haunt Mitsuhide forever. He wanted this world to go to Hell, and Mitsuhide would have no part in it..."Ha…what was I thinking?!"

And thus there came a plan to mind as he wiped his eyes, and stared across at the blood red moon.

TO BE CONTINUED...