Pyromystic: Aku senang kalau senpai suka dgn cerita2 pendeknya... tapi, emang apa ide yang senpai dapat ? .

Please forgive me for the late update, it is because my laptop suddenly have problems with the power so I can't finishes and update this chapter.

To pay for my mistakes, I will also includes two additional "Story Mode" for Nobuyuki Sanada and Yoshitsugu Otani, my two newest "Sem-OC" (My OC-version for NPC or historical figures, Kojuro is one of them) along with this chap and the fourth chapter of Kojuro's SM. When I finished ER (of which the newest chapter should be up two weeks from now) I will continue the SM with the most reviews. The new SM will only covers the Prologue though...

That's all I have to say, I hope you enjoy this chap ^^

The Battle of Ueda Castle

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As wave after wave of Tokugawa war banners marching into the town of Ueda castle, Ieyasu can't help but to smile from his main camp at the Southern Garrison. With his hands crossed behind his back, Ieyasu observed the battle. The number and advantages is on his side, and his men had overtook the town. Victory is near, but he can't afford to be careless, for his opponent is none other than the cunning Masayuki Sanada. "We finally have the manpower to fight back. Come on men, Victory is near !"

On the Ueda castle second ward, the men of Sanada struggles to keep the gate shut as soldiers from Tokugawa attempts to break in. While some pushed against the gate, the others prepares their weapons in preparation. The gate rumbles for one last time before a final push let the wooden structure crumbling down. Blue and black armor pour into the ground of the second ward, and the Sanada army clash with their enemies. Battle cries can be heard throughout the castle ground, along with the sound of metal clashing and bodies falling into the moat. Amidst the chaos, Masayuki calmly walked to his balcony. From the main keep, he he have a clear view of the battlefield. The shrewd Masayuki chuckled. "Ieyasu... so you've finally come," Masayuki said."The battlefield is under our control. Plans are already in place should they be necessary."

The gate leading to the main keep is forced open, and the enemy forces, led by Mototada Torii, fight their way to claim Masayuki's head. The Sanada resistance is seemingly futile, as the Tokugawa easily cut through them. There is just one more gate left before the keep, located across the bridge. The Hojo-Tokugawa morale is high as they pushed on, ready to claim their victory. However...

"Alright boys. Ready for a challenge ?"

Keiji twirled his pike above his head with one hand before slamming it to the bridge, creating a noise loud enough to stop the enemies in their path. There were several other Sanada soldiers behind Keiji, but the Kabukimono presence is quite enough to intimidate his enemies. Eventually, they charged at Keiji. Their stupidest and final mistake...

Keiji punches one of the oncoming soldiers, sending him flying through his allies. He then spins around with spear held firm, slashing the other soldiers around him before he twirls it in the air and slam the spear, weight first, into the ground to create a shockwave that blows away his opponents. Knowing that they would have no chance in close-quarter combat against the famed Keiji Maeda, Mototada orders a riflemen unit to steps forward. They took position before the bridge, close enough for a clear shot at Keiji, who were busy with the soldiers around him (or just having way too much fun to notice). Before they could pull the trigger, Yukimura leaps over the soldiers on the bridge and dashed upon landing to delivers a spin slash upon the riflemen, scattering them in a single swing of his spear.

Wasting no time, Yukimura stabs an enemy and lift him over his head. Yukimura then smashed him into the ground, the force of the blow were sufficient enough to knocked the soldier back into the air while his allies were knocked back. The young warrior of Sanada twirls his spear to deflected his opponents attack, before he countered with a single swing from his right. Yukimura continues his assault, slashing his foes as he drive them back. After defeating another opponent, Yukimura charges away from the bridge, only to find himself staring against multiple barrels of rifles. Yukimura were too far away from them as the riflemen opens fire, but an energy barrier, formed by 5 paper charms, stops the bullets in it's track.

After Yukimura is safe, Kanetsugu Naoe calls his charms back as he joins the fray. Kanetsugu slashes several soldiers who stood in his way with his swords, not even bothering to use his charms. After he gain some distance away from the bridge, Kanetsugu found himself surrounded by the Tokugawa soldiers. Kanetsugu could see the hesitation in their eyes as they point their swords and spears at him. They decides to charge together, and Kanetsugu all too easily thwarts their attempts as if he were swatting flies. He make his charms spins around him, shredding those who were coming too close. Then, Kanetsugu stabs the ground with his swords, firing energy beams from his charms. Thanks to the efforts of these three warriors, not a single one of the Tokugawa forces manages to even cross the bridge alive. This causes their morale to fall dramatically, and Masayuki decides that it is time to spring the trap.

"It is time! Fire the arrows!"

Upon orders, several dozens groups of archers reveal themselves throughout the second ward, having been in hiding ever since the start of the battle. Taken by surprise, the enemy forces were unprepared for the arrows that rained upon them. Panic and disorder amongst the Tokugawa forces, making them an easy targets for the Sanada. "Now! Repel the enemy forces!"

With the archers appearance, keeping orders amongst the Tokugawa soldiers is almost impossible. Some of the soldiers already ran away in fear, and now Mototada Torii is considering his options to retreat. Before he could do so however, he heard the sound of a sword being drawn from it's sheath. He turned around just in time to receive a single slash from Kojuro Katakura. As Mototada falls, Kojuro swiped his sword, Suzume. "Luring the enemy to the castle for an ambush, impressive..." Kojuro said, "Now then, what other tricks does Masayuki Sanada have in his sleeve ?"

Yukimura slashed another soldiers of the Tokugawa. "The enemy is flatfooted. We must take this chance to drive them back!" Yukimura exclaimed to rally his allies, and all of them respond with a loud battle cry as they charges upon their enemies. Kojuro followed suit, twirling Suzume once as he calmly walks towards the enemies.

Kanetsugu threw several exploding charms at his enemy, blasting them away and thus giving him enough room to slash several oncoming enemy with his sword. The character for "love" (愛) on his helmet gleam from the sunlight as his blade made contact with his opponent. Kanetsugu blocks an attack from one of Tokugawa vassal, Tadayo Okubo, engaging him in a dead lock. Another soldiers take the chance to attack Kanetsugu from behind. As the soldier raised his sword for an overhead chop, Kojuro jumps over the man and flips in order to slash him upside down in midair. Kojuro landed behind Kanetsugu, who had just won the deadlock by blasting Tadayo away with his paper charms. The two warrior stood back to back, anticipating attacks from the enemies around them.

"Kanetsugu-dono, I've heard that you doesn't like war. What brings you to this battle ?"

"Ieyasu tries to take this land by force. The Uesugi simply cannot tolerate this act of thievery," Kanetsugu said, putting up a barrier to block an attack before countering it with a slash of his sword.

Kojuro blocked an attack with his sword, which he then separate so he were able to counter with the other half. "Really ? But other lords expands their influence by doing the same thing. Does that make them a thief as well ?"

"So this is why they wanted to lure us inside," Ieyasu stated when he heard the reports from a messenger, "There's nothing else for it. Withdraw the front line units to outside the castle."

After the order was issued, the Tokugawa forces inside the castle wastes no time in falling back. But, Masayuki won't let them ran away so easily...

"Set fire to the castle surrounds! Don't let them get away!"

On cue, Kunoichi and Yoritsuna Yazawa make their appearance on the town. Kunoichi on the Southern District while Yoritsuna in the Eastern district. "Okay! Let's burn them up!" Kunoichi ordered. With that, both units set fires to the straws they had placed earlier before, setting the entire town ablaze. With the weather condition, the fire turns into a raging inferno within minutes.

Much to the Tokugawa surprises, flames ignited on the buildings around them. The fire burns brightly, the smokes reached the sky due to the straws and oil placed inside the house. With the Sanada behind them, and the flames around them, the Tokugawa forces who were unfortunate enough to be inside the town immediately falls into a state of utter panics. Most of the soldiers scatters away in search of an escape route, some of which ends up succumbing to the smokes and flames. The others manages to find a way out, but their retreat were hindered by the pursuing Sanada. "The enemy front line has collapsed, we have a chance to push them back," Kanetsugu said.

"First things first though, we must take the town back from the enemy's hand," Kojuro said.

Knowing that speed is of the essence, Kojuro whistles for his mount. Within moments, the white horse named Yumetsuki comes galloping towards his master. Yumetsuki doesn't even slow down as he headed towards Kojuro, who simply grabbed hold of the rein while jumping to Yumetsuki's saddle. "It's time for us to make our move. Let's go, Yumetsuki," Kojuro said as they dashed into the burning Southern District.

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Thick black pillars of smoke rises from the town surrounding Ueda castle and into the heavens above as the fire rages on. Even the brave men from Mikawa scrambled to escape their opponents fiery vengeance (pun intended). For Sanada warriors and allies positioned outside the town, the burning town is the signal to begin their march.

"Do you see the flames ? That's our signal!" Magoichi said to Masamune as the latter mounted his horse, a fine breed of Persian Mare.

"I know that! I do not need you telling me what to do," Masamune exclaimed. Soon, he, along with Magoichi and Nobuyuki Sanada, moved out towards the Eastern District in order to recapture it and drive away their enemies. They were joined by Keiji Maeda and Kanetsugu Naoe, who marches out from the castle while Yukimura went to follow Kojuro into the Southern District.

For Kojuro, the remaining Tokugawa men in the Southern District was not the only problem at hand. Heat from the flames and thick smokes emanating from the burning buildings obscured his path, and he had several close calls ever since he ventures into the district. Aside from the limited range of vision, the hazardous surroundings also unnerves his mount. Yumetsuki might be a loyal and brave steed, but no horse can stay calm when they were facing a raging inferno. Struggling to keep him calm, Kojuro were determined to get out from there as soon as possible. While the Sanada was familiar with their territory, Kojuro was not. Loosing his way means certain death, a slow and torturous one. However when he nearly reached the exit, Kojuro had to dodge an arrow aimed at his head. Looking to his left, he saw a female warrior with bow in her hand and a quiver on her back. She drew her bow as she aimed at Kojuro, her focus and concentration unwavering even with the chaos around her.

Sun Tzu once said: "If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat". That is part of the reason why Kojuro was reluctant to let Masamune fight this battle. As a strategist, he know that fighting against the Tokugawa-Hojo army without fully understanding their strength is a great risk, though fortunately Masayuki's tactics had managed to turn the odds in their favor. However, he doesn't know about his current opponent's abilities other than her superb aim and concentration, but there was no time to worry about it. Ina releases an arrow at Kojuro, who slashed it in mid-flight before he galloped towards her. Not wanting to risk hurting Yumetsuki, Kojuro jumped off from his saddle and dashed across the rooftops towards Ina.

Once she is in range, Kojuro immediately leaped towards her as she releases another arrow that narrowly missed him. Kojuro swung his sword down upon her, but Ina dodges it as she prepares more arrows. She shoots three arrows at Kojuro from point-blank range, and he only avoids death by smacking her bow to disrupt her aim. Kojuro resumed with a slash, which Ina blocks with her bow. Splitting his dual sword, Kojuro swung the other halves towards her only to be blocked when she simply twist her bow. Their blades locked, and both combatants struggles to overcome one another all the while enduring the raging inferno around them. "We have the upper hand, so why do you continue to resist ?" Ina asked.

"True, but the tide of war had turned, and now we have a chance to win," Kojuro said as he pushed his blades, "Be that as it may, but you won't defeat us that easily."

"Maybe so, but we too still have a chance at winning this battle! For my lord, I will not give up!"

Ina breaks the deadlock by twisting her bow before jumping backwards. She fires several arrows at Kojuro as the latter ran up to her. Cutting down the arrows in mid-flight, Kojuro quickly closed the distance as he slam his sword at her. Parrying the attack, Ina counters with a slash that cuts Kojuro's cheek before kicking him away. Ina press the attack, and the two continues their bout amongst the burning district. Eventually, Kojuro got the upper hand when he manages to cut Ina's arrows that were stored in her quiver. He then follows with a complex yet graceful move to disarmed Ina. As the bow landed several feet away from both combatants, Ina finds herself being held at sword point. After a tense moment, Ina regained her composure enough to asked Kojuro. "What are you waiting for ?"

Kojuro smiled. "There is no need to kill you," he stated as he sheathed his sword, "And you are in no condition to continue the fight anyway."

Knowing the truth behind Kojuro's words, Ina retreats. She falls back with the rest of the Tokugawa soldiers as they escape the burning district. Kojuro sighed before he whistled into the air. "Well then, it's time to wrap this up," Kojuro said.

Not a minute pass before Yumetsuki ran towards Kojuro. Without even turning around, the sparrow somersault back, landing right on the saddle of his mount. Kojuro then galloped away from the raging inferno and into the fields outside, where the battle rages on...

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At the Hojo camp, Ujiyasu observed the battle, analyzing every movement and strategy used by both sides. The Lion of Sagami knew that Masayuki Sanada is not an opponent to be trifled with, which is the reason why he held back his forces for the moment. Ieyasu however, was sure that victory is already in his hand and ordered a full-assault. The fact that Ieyasu falls into their trap is of no surprise to him.

Ujiyasu smokes from his clay pipe before calmly exhales it. The smokes dispersed into the air, to be carried away by the wind. The Lion of Sagami sighed. "Old Ieyasu really has fallen on hard times if he can't take this little castle."

Ujiyasu stood up, then goes to his soldiers. The black-clad warriors of the Hojo had patiently awaits Ujiyasu's order ever since the beginning of this battle, and now is the time for them to join the fray. "I guess I could help an old friend out in his time of need," Ujiyasu said as he issued the order to march.

Heavy gates of the Eastern and Southeastern Garrisons creaked open, and hundreds of soldiers marches out, the Hojo war banner fluttering in the wind. With a synchronized steps, their advance were not left unheard by their enemies. Spears and swords poised as the infantry goes first to cover the rifle units. By now, all of the Tokugawa warriors has retreated, and both Hojo and Sanada forces clashed on the battlefield. Witnessing the clash between the enemies and his allies, Kanetsugu tightened his grip on his sword. "The Hojo have made their move!"

"That Ieyasu... He's even dragged in the Hojo," Magoichi said.

With his Sasumata pike resting over his shoulder, Keiji were noticeably calmer than his companion. In fact, one might say that he is enjoying the prospect of the enemy reinforcement. "The more the merrier, I say."

Looking at the opposing forces, Masamune scoffed as he twirled his pistols. "Ujiyasu is an old man, he is no threat to me."

"It is unwise to underestimate your opponent, but I suppose we should get rid of him before it is too late..." Kojuro stated.

Once again, Masamune's recklessness got the better of him as he goes directly to Ujiyasu himself, cutting down anyone that stood in his path. There were five dangerous faults that may affect a general, and one of them is recklessness, which leads to destruction. Many times have Kojuro reminded Masamune about this particular passage from The Art of War, but the youth, more often than not, doesn't heed it. A cold stare was what Kojuro gave to Magoichi when the latter chuckled over Masamune's behavior. "See ? I told you Masamune only needs a little action to get over his grief," said Magoichi.

Kojuro sighed. "You have proven your point, I admitted it... but that doesn't mean you are off the hook."

As they went to follow Masamune, Magoichi's only reply was that of a nervous laugh.

Unlike most warlords of the time, Ujiyasu Hojo is not the type to just sit down while his men does all the dirty work. Instead, he mostly goes with them to the frontline. This act gave him the complete loyalty from his subjects, and they were willing to die in order to protect him. However, it also means that Ujiyasu is putting himself as an easy target, a fact quickly proven when Masamune charged towards him with gun blazing. Unfortunately for Masamune, Ujiyasu is not your typical warlord.

Once Masamune is within range, Ujiyasu shoots a round from his cane, momentarily stunning Masamune. Once that is down, he thrust his cane at Masamune, knocking the boy away. Masamune rebounds and charges again at Ujiyasu, this time with his sword. Masamune's sword was stopped by Ujiyasu's cane, and the two struggles to gain dominance over their opponent. But for Masamune, it was a losing battle.

"You aren't a Sanada, are you ? There's something different about you."

"What do you care ? Just shut up and die already!" Masamune exclaimed.

"I'm afraid I can't do that kid," Ujiyasu replied.

Ujiyasu gave one more push, breaking the deadlock before connecting the attack with a headbutt. Dazed, Masamune were easily sent flying with a single backhand blow from Ujiyasu. Before he could get very far, Kojuro already catches the one-eyed dragon as Magoichi fires several rounds as he advances towards Ujiyasu. Guarding against the volley with his cane, Ujiyasu dashed and smack his cane at Magoichi. Then with one mighty heave, the Lion of Sagami easily throws Magoichi into the air.

Before Magoichi falls back to the ground, Kojuro already continues the assault. When his slash were blocked by Ujiyasu's cane, Kojuro split his sword and attack again with a stroke from the other halves. Ujiyasu responds to the challenge by drawing his cane sword and guard against the attack. Before Kojuro could react, Ujiyasu already kick him in the gut. This attack however, left him vulnerable before Masamune's and Magoichi's bullets. Distracted by the volleys, Ujiyasu failed to defend himself against a follow-up attack from Kojuro. The Sparrow cut through Ujiyasu's defense on an upward stroke follows by a single horizontal stroke that sends an energy wave at Ujiyasu. To finish it off, Masamune jumps to fire an explosive shot.

Caught by the blast, Ujiyasu skids away several feet before he finally stops. The nearby Hojo forces, with their leader defeated, have lost most of their morale. Seeing the condition of his men, Ujiyasu decided that defeat is inevitable. As he turned to leave, the Lion of Sagami left a parting advice. "War leaves scars that do not heal, and pain that never fades," Ujiyasu said, "You must try to find a path that does not involve the loss of lives."

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"Excellent! Carry on, and claim the head of Ieyasu!"

With victory at hand, the Sanada advances in an all out attack to finishes off Ieyasu. Their forces cut down anyone who stood in their path, and the remaining Tokugawa soldiers barely able to stand their ground in order to protect their lord. With his enemies closing in, Ieyasu was distraught over the sudden turn of event. "Our units laying siege to the castle have been wiped out!" Ieyasu said, "I have no idea the Sanada were still this powerful."

Some of the Sanada forces advances from the Southern district and into Ieyasu's main camp. At that point, the Southern Garrison's gates opened, and the triumph and glory in their faces turns into that of fear and despair upon the sight of the mightiest samurai in all Japan...

"You have fought with deception, and it has been effective... until now."

The mighty blade of Tonbo-giri, the sharpest spear in all the land, glistened under the sun as Tadakatsu Honda emerges from the Southern Garrison. His very presence is enough to made the Sanada forces balks, stopping them in their tracks. Tadakatsu swung his spear before striking one end to the ground. "Your strategy is meaningless before my might!"

Leading the remaining Tokugawa forces, Tadakatsu advances straight to Masayuki Sanada. Soldiers who tried to stop him quickly became a victim to Tonbo-Giri. Knowing this, the Sanada vassals and their allies move to intercept Japan's most powerful warrior.

On the other side of the battlefield, Kojuro, Masamune and Magoichi received words of Tadakatsu's advance. Magoichi already goes to assist, but Kojuro stops Masamune before he could follow. "Tadakatsu-dono is too powerful, and our forces are thin from the start, it is not wise to prolonged the battle by taking him head on," Kojuro said, "We must end this battle immediately."

"Then we should strike Ieyasu now while he is still defenseless!" Masamune exclaimed, "Are you with me, Kojuro ?"

Kojuro nodded. "Of course, I am your servant after all."

On the Tokugawa main camp, Ieyasu's hope for victory was renewed with Tadakatsu's advance. If they could claim the head of the enemy commander, then victory would be theirs for the taking. But, Ieyasu were still distraught over the turn of event. "We had a clear advantage. How could we allow it to slip away like this ?"

"True, you had the advantages. But you have already lost the battle when you start to underestimate your enemy while overestimating your own."

Ieyasu turned around and saw his sentries cut down by Masamune and Kojuro. Taking his spear cannon, Ieyasu prepared himself for battle. "I hope you are aware of the ramifications of making me your enemy," Ieyasu warned as he charges with his soldiers.

Kojuro sighed as he twirled his swords once. "I am, and I have prepared for the consequences of our action."

Ieyasu opens fire as his men rushes towards Kojuro while Masamune returns fire. Ieyasu's cannon is troublesome, as it is hard to be blocked. Fortunately, it has a low firing rate, slow enough for Kojuro and Masamune to dodges it. Masamune slip past Ieyasu's attacks and strike at him, only to miss and got blasted at point-blank range. The one-eyed dragon recovers, but he finds himself surrounded by Ieyasu's men. Ieyasu took aim at Masamune, but was forced to defend himself when Kojuro attacked. The experiences and skills that Ieyasu possessed made him more than capable in defending himself. But in the end, Kojuro's technique and agility gave him the better odds. Kojuro cut through Ieyasu's defense in an upward stroke, before splitting his sword to disarmed the Mikawa warrior. Kojuro then slashed with both halves, finally defeating the leader of the Tokugawa. Clutching his wounds as he struggles to stood up, Ieyasu realized that it is futile to continue the battle. "The enemy's determination has overcome our numerical advantage. Fall back!"

As the Tokugawa forces withdraw, Masamune and Kojuro sheathed their weapons. Kojuro noticed how Masamune looks more spirited than before, and wondered if what Magoichi said is true. "Do you still need more time to handle your grief ?" Kojuro asked.

At Kojuro's question, Masamune scoffs. "I can't let my father die in vain by grieving! I will take his place, then I shall unify the entire land under my banner!"

Kojuro smiled. "I am pleased to hear it, my lord."

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...and that's it for the Stage's battle. The next two chaps would be events and Epilogue for Chapter One.

I have mixed feelings about this chap, mostly because the writing style kept changing =_=

The truth is, I have difficulties in describing the battle, or any action scenes for that matter, since I am confused on whether I should go for the slightest bit of realism or just put some of the gameplay to the story like the "officer defeated" part (notice how most of the defeated playable characters has an awkward "exit"). I also wondered how to properly end the battle, since it sometimes ends with a conversation between two characters or more, hence the awkward ending of this chapter.

In the end, I don't know whether to write it like retelling a stage from the game or write it like ER...

1) In this fic, when it is about Kojuro, "single sword" means that his weapon is in one piece. "both halves" or "one half" means his weapon has been separated into two halves. The same goes for "sword" and "swords".

Yumetsuki (夢の月): Yume no Tsuki, it literally means "Moon of Dream"

I shall be waiting for your review ^^ (on all four separate chapters I update/publish XDDD nuked)