I've picked up on some Japanese terms myself from Samurai Warriors too, Arashi. xD

Thanks fo the review and I'm glad you love my story! That gives me so much motivation!

(By the way, I apologize if I begin updating this fic only weekly now, I'm starting to devote some time to other fics that I'm writing.)

Mitsuharu stormed into the keep of Akechi Castle, each of his steps a frustrated stomp as Mitsutada desperately tried to keep up with him.

"Mitsutada!" Hirotada called out as he also entered the keep. "Leave him be."

Tada stopped and watched as Haru continued his irritated trudge up the stairs. Haru began to furiously pull off pieces of his armor as he reached his chamber on the third floor of the keep. It started with his gauntlets, then spaulders, then finally his cuirass; each of these items were violently thrown across the large room with a resounding crash.

The blaring noises of Haru's fit drew the attention of several of the castle's maids and servants and they began to gather around the door of Haru's room. After noticing the group's presence, Haru gave them an icy glare. In a matter of moments, the onlookers dispersed, all of them but one. Tsumaki Hirotada was the lone bystander, and Haru quickly turned away from him. "You weren't ready for that kind of responsibility." Hirotada uttered as he let himself into the room.

"Don't you think I know that?" Haru spat with contempt. "If you're going to come in here, at least tell me something practical."

"I am letting you know this because it is important that you realize this doesn't have to happen again." Hirotada responded calmly.

"There won't be anymore battles." Haru still couldn't turn and look at the veteran as he continued. "This is it. We're dead. Don't tell me there'll be a chance to redeem myself. Because I know there won't be."

"There's no need to redeem yourself, Lord Mitsuharu. You did nothing wrong. No men died because of your actions. The only person that this has affected is yourself." Haru huffed at Hirotada's words; he knew they were true yet he did not want to accept it. "The battle isn't over. Put your armor back on and meet us in the council room." Hirotada left the room before even giving Haru a chance to respond.

"Damn it." Haru swore under his breath. "Damn you, Hirotada." With each new victim of his curses, his voice grew louder. "Damn you, Mitsuhide. Damn you, Yoshitatsu!" Haru now shouted. "Damn this castle! Damn it all!" Haru suddenly kicked his cuirass with as much force as he could, causing him to groan with pain as soon as he made contact with the strong piece of armor. Haru quickly sat down and held his now throbbing foot. "Damn hard armor..."

As Haru fruitlessly tried to nurse his foot, his eyes roamed around the room to the pieces of armor scattered around. Haru sighed and crawled on his hands and knees to gather each of the pieces of armor. Haru slowly stood up- attempting to avoid putting weight on his pained right foot -and dressed in his armor. Haru sighed as the pain of his foot lingered while he put on his gauntlets. He took the agony as a ramification from karma brought on by cursing those close to him. However, something tormented Haru much more than any physical pain would; he realized that he had no idea what was happening to Mitsuhide- arguably the closest individual he had in his life. Haru had no idea where Mitsuhide was, causing an innumerable amount of forlorn scenarios to swarm his thoughts. Haru now walked with purpose towards the council room, which was increasingly difficult as he had to limp along, yet necessary as he needed more information about Mitsuhide.

A few minutes later, Haru arrived in the council room. Seated inside the quiet room was a pitiful excuse of a war assembly; only Hirotada, Mitsutada, and a liberated Saito Toshizo were present.

"I'm glad you finally came, Lord Mitsuharu." Hirotada bowed his head to him.

"Tell me where Mitsuhide is." Mitsuharu demanded, not yet moving from the front of the room.

"I'm worried about Mitsuhide too, but don't you think there's more important matters at hand?" Tada uttered, slightly perturbed by Haru's commanding tone.

Observing Haru's frown, Hirotada quickly intervened. "Mitsuhide left the castle with my son some time ago. I've no doubt that they're hiding in the forest as we speak." Hirotada gestured for Haru to join the small ensemble. "Come. Sit. We need to figure out what to do."

Haru crossed his arm but proceeded to sit, although away from the other three. As Haru took his place, a brief, blinding flash from lightning covered the area before a loud, resounding boom of thunder filled all ears.