Chapter 4
Passion at Ueda
Preperations where made and once they reached the mainland, they began their march to Ueda castle. Oichi though couldn't shake that something terrible was happening beyond what was ahead. In her dreams, she kept seeing Honnoji burn and Kyoji vanishing forever in a sea of flames. Oichi wanted to talk to Kyoji but he and Tsurhinme where almost inseparable. as the night feel and they would reach Ueda in the morning. Oichi finally got the courage and was about to speak when Tsurhime bound up and her and Kyoji started talking. They seemed very happy, Oichi left and silently cried. "My lady?" said a voice Oichi wiped he r tears startled and saw it was Mifune "why are you crying? Has something happened?" Mifune asked concerned, he was dressed for battle and looked ever inch a warrior including a pair of scars on his cheeks. "No nothings happened…Yet" she said as she dried her tears "What do you mean, yet?" Oich sniffled before embracing Mifune and crying "it terrible I know something terrible is going to happen to Kyoji at Honnoji." Mifune embraced her and said "It alright nothing will happen to him. I won't let any harm come to my lord. He will make land of smiles and there will be no more tears. He promised us and I know he won't let us down." Oichi sniffled and Mifune continued as he looked into her eyes "Don't worry about the future focus on the here and now." Oichi half smiled unable to shake that feeling though but feeling better none the less. Mifune then let Oichi go and said "get some rest my leady tomorrow we duel the Tiger of Kai's young cub." Oichi nodded and went to get some sleep.
The cure had been delivered but Yukimura and Kyoji where going to dual for the alliance between Takeda and his army
Kyoji smiled as Yukimura stood before him the Takeda army behind him. Shingen still recovering but feeling much better was there as well to watch these two young people fight. Behind Kyoji stood Oda, Uesugi, The forces of Tsurhime, and his own.
Kyoji drew his twin blades and said "Right! Yukumura show me the passion that burns in your heart. I will show you the power of the land of smiles."
"I, Yukimura Sanada, will show you my fighting sprit." Yukimura said as he readied his twin spears.
Kyoji charged forward, smiling, he couldn't be happier his dream was taking another step closer to reality. Yukimura and Kyoji dueled for hours it seemed like nether refusing to give up. They locked up once more and Kyoji saw his opening, he pried Yukimura's weapons and did a sweeping move with his feet at taking Yukimura down with Kyoji on top. Kyoji placed blade and was about to declare victory when a messenger appeared and said "Motochika Chosokabe is on his way here!" Kyoji smiled "then we will show him the passion that rests in the land of smiles!" everyone was ready by the time Motochika came. Kyoji looked calm "this time I will win" he said he leapt forth to meet this enemy head on.
The battle was immense but in the end it would be decided between Kyoji and Motochika. Kyoji had grown and fallowed Motochika's movements like one would with the cherry blossoms dancing to the ground. Kyoji then struck with his sword wind attack Motochika fell to one knee "Lord Motochika can't you see the waves of history are in favor of my Land of smiles. Do you really want to fallow Mitsunari into the abyss that his hole in his heart creates? I will save everyone and bring forth a shining land of smiles." Kyoji said "which is why, not one life will I take until it is so." He locked eyes with Motochika "this land's people are suffering and they need a hero." Motochika struggled to get to his feet "even so I can't go back on my word." Motochikas said sorrowfully. "Then don't. I imagine you said you would help Mitsunari, convince other about the land of smiles and I will save Mitsunari form the hole in his heart" Motochika thought a moment and then nodded "you have my thanks Lord Kyoji" as the chosokabe retreated Kyoji turned towards Mifune said "Let us head to the Saika Stronghold when we can. We are going to need them for the land to be strong" Mifuen bowed and said "Yes my lord, I'll begin preparations as soon as possible."