Thank you for the advice, Arashi, but let me offer an explanation for you. I've decided to mostly avoid Japanese terminology when I can use English terms. This is because of two reasons: firstly, I'm very very ignorant about Japanese terms, especially terms that refer to people and titles and such (which is why characters refer to superiors as 'Lord' like Samurai Warriors) and secondly, I don't exactly have the time to research all these Japanese terms and make sure I'm not using them incorrectly also. Thank you, and I will greatly consider using simple terms like the one you mentioned!
Since the next chapter is connected in a specific way, I'll be posting that chapter either tomorrow or later today!
As Mitsuhide heard the name in Nobunaga's own chilling voice, he now recalled who this man was. "Lord Nobunaga! I'm glad to see you! At least... I assume I am."
Oda Nobunaga was a son-in-law of Saito Dosan. Many years earlier, Dosan arranged a marriage between Nobunaga and his daughter, Noh, who happened to be Mitsuhide's cousin and one of his closest friends before she left with Nobunaga to the Kiyosu Oda's domain in Owari. Owari was also embroiled in a civil war though it had been present for much longer than Mino's; Owari and the Oda had splintered into many different factions all vying for control and Nobunaga ruled a faction that surrounded Kiyosu Castle. Mitsuhide initially believed he could trust Nobunaga due to his relationship with Dosan, yet Yoshitatsu had proved that any ties could be severed, even ties between father and son.
"I am Akechi Mitsuhide. Head of the Akechi Clan." Mitsuhide bowed respectfully to Nobunaga.
"Mitsuhide." Nobunaga said in a boorish tone. "Noh mentions you often. I don't see what she sees in you." Mitsuhide lifted his head and disregarded that comment. "But perhaps you could help me."
"Yes, Lord Nobunaga?" Mitsuhide sheathed his katana.
"I've received word that Dosan has been attacked by his son. You will take me to him."
At this point, an idea struck Mitsuhide. He looked toward Saizo, who was standing behind him, and winked. Saizo spit his bamboo twig onto the ground and Mitsuhide accepted that as Saizo understanding. Mitsuhide looked back at Nobunaga and conjured up his best poker face. "I know exactly where Dosan is! But we must hurry!"
Nobunaga now crossed his arms and nodded in acknowledgment. "Then let's be on our way."
"Hold on, Lord Nobunaga. Dosan's son has him surrounded in a castle with a large force. We need to gather even more troops than your own if we plan to take him on and relieve the siege. We were just headed to a castle that's just a bit further down the road where you came from."
"Impossible." Nobunaga shook his head. "That castle fired on us as soon as we confided that we were looking to assist Dosan."
"Huh!? My father's men would never do that! I'll go to the castle and get my father's troops!" Sadanori stormed out of the forest and next to Mitsuhide.
"You don't need to yell at our lord like that." The man with the many weapons scoffed at Sadanori.
"No need for that, dog." Nobunaga chuckled. "Mitsuhide. Take me to the castle where Dosan is held. Katsuie. I want you to take the dog and that man to his castle to get us more troops."
Katsuie, the scruffy man holding the axes, nodded. "Of course, Nobunaga."
Sadanori groaned. "What?! I have to go with these two!?"
Mitsuhide loosely grabbed Sadanori by his collar and gave him an irritated whisper. "These men are gonna help us save your father. So go along with them and be respectful. If they ask about Dosan... Tell them that he's at Akechi Castle. Got it?" Sadanori let out another frustrated growl as he nodded.
"Good." Mitsuhide ceased his whispers and released his grip on Sadanori. "Saizo... You wouldn't mind accompanying Sadanori, would you?"
"Alright, Lord Mitsuhide!" Saizo responded quickly.
"Come on, Hiroko! We're going home!" Sadanori yelled out into the forest, prompting Hiroko, Chieko, and Yasu to step out into the open.
Mitsuhide turned his head and gave Sadanori a baffled look. "Hiroko isn't going with you."
"You're damn right she is!" Sadanori growled at Mitsuhide.
"Both of you stop it." Chieko sighed in disappointment, feeling as though the two were embarrassing the entire clan in front of Nobunaga. "We'll remain with Mitsuhide for now. Just in case trouble brews at Tsumaki Castle."
Sadanori crossed his arms and pouted; he knew not to cross Chieko so he silently agreed. Nobunaga laughed at the dysfunctional family before quickly shifting to a serious tone. "Enough of this. Let's go." Nobunaga's horse began trotting passed everyone and towards Akechi Castle.
"Alright, I'll see you soon, Saizo. Keep an eye on Sadanori for me." Mitsuhide said to Saizo.
Before Saizo could respond, Yasu ran up to Saizo and hugged him around his waist tightly, getting mud from earlier onto Saizo's legs. "Saizo! You'll be okay, right!?" Yasu cried out.
Saizo laid his hand on Yasu's head and spoke optimistically, not even acknowledging his now muddy legs. "Of course I'll be fine! You gotta promise to be alright too!"
"I will!" Yasu smiled up at Saizo.
"Uh oh, this isn't gonna work!" As Saizo looked down at the young Yasu, he noticed that Yasu's bamboo stem that he had given Yasu was now muddy. "Here ya go! This should last you until I get back!" Saizo broke off two more stems from his bamboo stalks and handed them to Yasu; Yasu quickly stuck both of the stems in his mouth and grinned.
By this point, Oda soldiers started to walk passed them all. Saizo slowly pried himself away from Yasu and they said their final goodbyes. Sadanori and Saizo joined Shibata Katsuie and Maeda Toshiie- the one Nobunaga called a dog -on their way back to Tsumaki Castle while Mitsuhide took his wife, mother, and brother, and joined Nobunaga and his army toward Akechi Castle. As the two groups split, a brief, blinding flash from lightning covered the area before a loud, resounding boom of thunder filled all ears.