Chapter 4
Longing for a Smiling Sea
Kyoji had begun his march to the Islands on Noshima Sea. He sitting down and was in deep thought as his men got the boats ready when they reached the sea. Oichi sat down next him and said "what are you thinking about my dear Kyoji?" Kyoji was silent for a long time before saying "The path I have chosen so far has been easy however…" he paused as the boats where finally ready "I feel a change in the wind and sea that isn't good." He then began to head to the boats and said "get everyone together. We go to see the Little Crane, Tsurhime."
They soon set sail but Kyoji couldn't shake a bad feeling. Something was telling him to hurry to the Little Crane. They arrived in a the midst of a battle between Tsurhimie's forces and those of the Mori. Kyoji wasted no time and had his ships fire shots at the Mori, putting him between the two warring navy forces. He leapt off his ship and began his assault on a Mori ship when he saw the girl, Tsurhime dodging bullets and firing her arrows at the Mori soldiers. Kyoji instantly was captivated by her beauty. Kyoji began to cut a path to Tsurhime, when soldiers ambushed Tsurhime. Kyoji was there just in time though using his Divine Swordwind Cut to defeat them. "Little crane! Are you hurt?" as Kyoji landed by her side. Tsurhime blushed at Kyoji's dark yet handsome features as she said "I am fine but who are you my good sir?" kyoji smiled and replied "Call me Kyoji. Now lets get rid of these ruffians and see The Sea and Land that is smiling!" he said as he jumped aboard the next Mori ship and began to clear it of the soldiers.
The battle raged for quit some time and the combined might of the Oda and Tsurhime's forces where steadily pushing the Mori back. Most of the Mori ships where burning or where in the process of being taken over kyoji lept onto the main Mori ship where he saw Motonari Mori and Yoshitsugu Otani, Mori looked pissed as did Otani for having been interpreted. "Behold! Your foolish plans of turmoil will be foiled and fail in the face of the people's desire for the land of smiles!" Kyoji said as he readied to battle when an explosion ripped through one of Kyoji's ship, the shock causing him to nearly fall into the ocean "ah our reinforcements from Motochika Chosokabe has arrived. Why don't you retreat, little boy?" Commented Yoshitsugu as Kyoji tried to steady himself a few of the Mori soldiers placed them selves between him and their lord. Kyoji finally steadied himself and said "You're both fools if you think Motochika stands a chance before the might of the land of smiles!" Kyoji then jumped onto the burning ship and took the wheel and began to make its course for Motochika's ship. Kyoji noticed the Mori where falling back to re group. Kyoji knew he was wasting time here he need to make everyone see the land he was seeing.
Even with the scorching heat of the flames Kyoji barley flinched at this seemingly strong opponent. "For the land of smiles I can't fail. Not now, not when so many are depending on me to make it a reality" Kyoji then as the ship was about to explode Kyoji jumped right on to Motochika's ship he rolled as the Chosokabe began to surround him. kyoji stood and smiled as he readied his blades. "Lord Motochika I challenge you!" Kyoji shouted as he took out several of Motochika's men. Motoichika now look as angry, if not angrier then Mori and Otani "you dare to attack me?" Motochika readied his giant anchor to attack Kyoji. "I have no words for one who refuses to see the Light of the Land of Smiles. Kyoji charged only to barely block a blow form Motochika which sent him flying back, it was then Mifune got aboard the ship with some of his men and said "My lord are you alright?" as he rushed to his lord side "I am fine, Mifune. Stay out of this fight and get everyone to retreat. I am going to finish what I started" Kyoji stood and readied himself, Mifune hesitated which earned him a glare and Mifune bowed and said "as you wish my lord" Kyoji then charge as Mifune left to get the forces to retreat to a safer place.
Kyoji fought like a wild beast on Motochika's ship destroying everything in his path. Motochika was barely able to match Kyoji's speed and attacks. "What's wrong Motochika? Am I going to fast for you? " Kyoji's voice sounded sinister then kyoji struck when he saw an opening and when he went for it he was greeted by a headbutt from Motochika. Kyoji was left reeling as he blocked blows form Motochika "damn am I really this weak?" he wondered as Motochika was basically over powering him. Kyoji backed off as he began to form a plan. Kyoji was sore and in a lot of pain he then went straight for Motochika "I got you now!" he said his plan already in his mind he ducked underneath Motochika's swipe and landed blows that would fell ordinarily men. He pushed Motochika slowly back bit by bit. Motochika kept trying to mount a defense but Kyoji was using his speed to his advantage now and was predicting Motochika's attacks through the movement of his arms and legs. Motochika had enough and knew it was time to retreat. He smashed his weapon near Kyoji who dodged and Motochika jumped on to another ship that carried him away to the Mori "we will meet again and next time I will have your head!" Motochika said angrily "ill be waiting" Kyoji said sorrowfully. He turned and left the ship to rejoin his forces.
Both ended up fleeing form the field the Mori and Chosokabe first before Kyoji ordered the same. They stopped on an island and got the cure for Shingen. Everyone was happy and celebrating what they though was a victory, Kyoji was not though his food laid untouched. Tsurhime went up to him and said "I uh wanted to thank you again for saving me."
"Think nothing of it. I was just doing the right thing." Kyoji said he half smiled "I have caused trouble for them though." Kyoji said indicating his men. "They believe in the land I speak of but now I am having trouble believing I can live up to their expectations. They want a land of smiles, But can I really do it though?" Kyoji shrugged "I just don't know anymore" Tsurhime sat next to him and thought a moment "well all you can really do is your best. That's all one can expect from another. Your doing all you can to bring an end to this war, which is something to be proud of." She smiled as she placed a hand on Kyoji "My thanks. then I will do my best to bring about the land of smiles no matter what." Kyoji smiled at Tsurhime he then stood up and said "My friends let us make way tomorrow to Ueda castle with all hast. The land of smiles demands that we all get there, no matter what, together"