Heyoo! Thanks so much to the people who read and reviewed my fic *sheds tears of joy* I really wasn't expecting much! Uwaah! People found it interesting! I'm so touched! *blushes* Don't worry! I'll keep trying to improve! by the way, I update randomly! Ok~ Let's start!

"Hmmm? You're still here?." Ujiyasu frowned in surprise as Sumire hurtled in through the gates and stood sculling water from the well. "Nhyo! Mimh…*gulp*" She attempted to reply with her mouth full of water before swallowing and pointing at him "PAY UP! NOW!" Takeshi smiled before patting her on the head and smiling slightly "….isn't my sister….adorable?"

"How rude! You dare speak like that to our Lord? What kind of a brother are you?" A furious Gen pointed his finger in horror and was about to launch into a rant when an amused Ujiyasu raised a hand to silence him. "Heh, so you did come back after all." He smirked and tossed Sumire a small sack, the clinking sound when she caught it informed her of its contents. "All right you fool. I'm busy, I can't stand around looking at your dull face forever. Get out of here. "He turned and began walking off with a furious Gen in tow whining at him "M-my Lord! Why didn't you punish the brat? Don't ignore me! My Lord!." Ujiyasu ignored Gen and turned around , throwing something towards them before waving a hand in farewell.

"Remember, you're still a little baby. Don't be afraid to be afraid. When there's danger, get out of there. Don't get the wrong idea; I just wouldn't be able to sleep if you died on me." The siblings watched his fading back in silence before examining what he had thrown. "Oh!" Sumire's eyes lit up with delight " More money!" Her eyed became glazed as she started drooling and imagining all the food she was going to buy. "…I'll hold it…" Takeshi took the bag from his sister and placed it in his pocket. "….Ujiyasu….is a good man…"

"..He reminds me of Daddy sometimes" Whispered Sumire nostalgically "uh! Nothing! Let's go Nii-san!" she began pushing him off towards the entrance. "….You miss him?..." asked Takeshi as he stood still and turned around to face his sister. "Not really, but Lord Hojo kinda feels like another father to me." She turned away embarrassed and began marching towards the gate when a figure emerged from the shadows. "Ujiyasu is most capricious, you two are capable of destroying the Hojo and yet he released you." Kotaro Fuma crossed his arms and looked up at the siblings in amusement." Now seeds of chaos will be sown. What will you do from now on?"

"Whoa! That creepy clown guy!" Sumire pointed her finger at him excitedly "How do you get your skin to be so pale? You have more makeup than an oiran! Maybe even more than that evil Sayuri woman!" Kotaro looked at her in amusement before shaking his head and disappearing "Don't forget, you can't escape the chaos."

~x~x~x~x~

By mid-afternoon, the siblings had been walking aimlessly. "Ugh! I'm hungry! Hey, Nii-san, what's this Mori guy like?" Sumire tilted her head as she rubbed her growling stomach "…..He's…..a…strategist….very…intelligent…" Takeshi mumbled softly absentmindedly staring off into the distance "….he likes history…..as well…" Sumire squinted at him before shaking her head , "Oh. He sounds boring, like an old man! I'm going to head to the Saito, I heard the pay is good!" She sighed dreamily "They've probably got really nice food as well!"

His sleepy eyes widened as he opened his mouth to rebuke her, "no…." He shook his head. "Why? I'm strong! I can handle working on my own! So…so..Nii-san…hates…m-me? Uwaaah!" Sumire's lips trembled as she crumpled to the ground and began wailing loudly. "….." Takeshi's sleepy expression changed completely as he wrapped his arms around a sobbing Sumire "…don't cry..You can go alone…I'll go to the Mori for a bit and head to the Saito…so..wait…..for me..OK?"

"Yay! See ya!" Without a further word, she leapt up and ran off in the other direction."….Bye.." He watched her speed off and stood silently "…do I spoil her too much?"

~ Azai territory~

Naotsune Endo, one of the chief retainers of the Azai clan shook his head disapprovingly "That plan is nothing more than a childish dream! My Lord, worst case scenario, your father will banish you for treason. Heed my words and forget about it." He clamped his mouth firmly and bowed his head slightly "Forgive my impertinence; I just do not want any harm to befall you, my lord."

"Oh, ahaha that's quite alright Naotsune!" Nagamasa Azai smiled cheerfully and patted Naotsune on the shoulder. "Chisa, can you help me out? Try to persuade Naotsune , he will hear nothing of my plan to overthrow my father!" He turned to his right, expecting to see the dark brown haired girl who was often by his side. "Chisa? Hey, where did she go?" He looked around the room questioningly while the others shook their heads. "My lord… Lady Chisa went for a walk shortly this morning. She said she would return in an hour. But…" the maid who had just entered the room, placed a hand on her cheek in worry "It's been over 3 hours and we haven't heard anything from her. Perhaps something happened?"

Nagamasa widened his eyes in alarm and grabbed his helmet before sending out a search party. Chisa had absolutely no sense of direction and it could be months before she would manage to find her way home.

~Meanwhile~

"Lalala~" Sumire skipped happily along the road, her hands swinging leisurely from side to side as she casually stopped every few minutes to restuff her mouth with mochi. "Hmm? A lost rich girl?" She raised her hands over her eyes and looked off into the distance; a girl stood staring helplessly at the crossroads turning right, left and right again before clutching her head in confusion. "Oh goody!" Sumire rubbed her hands with glee and snuck silently into the shadows, making sure she stayed out of the girl's line of vision. She climbed up a tree and skilfully held onto the branches using her legs before reaching down, towards the small sack tied around the girl's waist and pulling herself slowly back up. "Alright! Turn left!" The girl exclaimed suddenly and moved quickly, causing Sumire who was halfway climbing up the tree to squawk in surprise and drop the sack. "Eh? W-who are you?" The girl whipped around and faced Sumire dead on."…uh um..." stammered Sumire as she looked up slowly at the girl before recoiling back in shock, falling off the tree. "Ahh! A yokai!" She pointed a trembling finger at her "Y-your eyes! Why are they red and green? And why are you so pale?"

"Yokai? Me?" The girl pointed tentatively at herself before bursting into peals of laughter "Oh! I was born with eyes like this! But I'm no yokai! I can assure you of that, hey are you lost too?" she laughed awkwardly "I've been wandering around here since morning! I don't know how to get home! And you seem nice so could you help me?" Sumire blinked slowly at her before a devious plan formed in her mind and she smiled sweetly back "Sure! Teehee! I'm good at directions, just tell me where you want to go and I'll get you there!" she clapped her hands happily "Ah, But can you get us some food first? They say eating a lot of food will help you find your way home!"

"Really? Wow! I didn't know that! You're amazing!" The girl looked at Sumire incredulously and clasped her hands in awe "My name's Chisa Hanabira, I'm a retainer for Lord Nagamasa Azai. Nice to meet you!." She extended a hand enthusiastically and smiled. "Hmm, I'm Sumire Hanabusa.. a mercenary! Nice to meet you, Chisa!" Sumire smiled brightly and began leading Chisa towards the neighbouring village." Man this girl is so naïve! Teehee I'll not only steal her money, but I'll get a free meal! Good thing I separated from Nii-san!"

~x~x~x~x~

"Mmm! That was tasty!" Sumire smiled satisfied as she placed another empty bowl onto the table."Ah! That totally hit the spot! Thanks Chisa!." Chisa widened her eyes in wonder at the pile of empty bowls "You ate 15 bowls of soba? W-whoa! How did you manage to do that?"

"Skills "

"Your bill, miss" A young woman handed Chisa a slip of paper and bowed patiently. Chisa's eyes widened as she looked at her pouch and at the woman "I…don't have enough… I'm so sorry!" She wailed and held her hands against her face in horror. In the blink of an eye, Sumire grabbed her by the hand and began running off quickly away from the outraged woman. "Come on! Ooof!" She crashed into a tall man and fell to the ground, Chisa who had been dragged along with her also fell heavily to the ground. "Huh? Chisa? There you are!" The tall man broke out into a broad smile and helped her up "We've been looking for you! Did you get lost again?" He noticed Sumire sitting and rubbing her head before helping her up "Oh, forgive me, Chisa, if you were out visiting a friend, you should have told me as well!"

"Lord Nagamasa!" Chisa happily greeted him before looking over at Sumire "Hey! We should go back and apologise. Right?" Her eyes gleamed menacingly as Sumire shivered slightly and scuttled away from Chisa's sweet, yet deadly smile and jumped up hastily wiping some sauce off her mouth "Names Sumire! I'm a good swordsman, escort, bodyguard, painter, thi-eh.. need my services?" She extended a hand towards a bewildered Nagamasa who stood, taken aback before shaking her hand. "Alright, come with me! I have something I need help with."

~Koriyama Castle~

"My lord! There's a collapsed man at the castle gates!" A servant hastily ran into the room where Motonari and Aki were sitting in. "What?" Motonari put down his brush while Aki looked up from her reading. "Please, bring him in, and take care of him." The servant nodded before running off. "..W-was that wise?" Aki looked up questioningly at Motonari "W-what if… he's a spy?" Motonari chuckled slightly "That's an interesting thought. I'm glad to see you're learning well Aki. Don't worry; no spy would be brazen enough to make an entrance like that." Aki nodded her head before resuming her reading. She still couldn't shake off an uneasy feeling in her stomach. "…." She kept looking up from her book every few moments and Motonari smiled kindly back each time to put her at ease. "Hmmm, how about seeing that man for yourself Aki? You seem very on edge." He stood up and walked towards the door before beckoning her to follow him.

~x~x~x~

"Ah,y-you're that guy! W-why are you here?" Aki pointed a finger in surprise at Takeshi who merely nodded his head and yawned. "…The Hojo…sent me..here.." he nodded politely and faced Motonari before bowing down. "….I..want….to become your apprentice….." Motonari looked silently at him before rubbing his neck sheepishly. "Well! I'm flattered that a young man like you would like to learn from me! But ah, I've already got a student here." He motioned towards Aki who lowered her eyes in embarrassment and nodded slightly. "I-I don't…m-mind…having a…fellow…peer." Motonari let out a small laugh "Ahaha! That's not really the issue, you see.." he looked awkwardly at the two "I really don't have much motivation… I prefer sitting back and recording history. " He gestured around the room which was crowded with scrolls, books and loose bits of paper. "Well, if I do take you in, I'll be able to retire fairly early!" Motonari chuckled and placed his hands on Aki and Takeshi's shoulders. "You two have to work much harder alright?."

~x~x~x~x~x~

"If we keep your father alive, we can use the excuse that we can't afford a split in the family, or the fear of outside forces. Listen to me my Lord!" Naotsune spoke passionately, his hand over his chest pleading with Nagamasa. The Azai generals, Chisa and Sumire sat in the room discussing Nagamasa's plan. "I do not think that will work. What do you think Chisa?" Nagamasa looked at Chisa and smiled kindly at her, his face made it almost impossible to say no. "I agree! I trust in you Nagamasa!" Chisa smiled brightly at him and clapped her hands with joy. Hearing that, Nagamasa stood up, his eyes shining brightly as he paced around the room, "Did you hear that Naotsune? Anyone can see that my plan is better. My goal is a land where everyone can live in peace. There is no need for sacrifices, nothing that must be thrown away, in order to bring happiness to all." He took Chisa and Naotsune by the hand and stared into their eyes. "Please understand" Chisa smiled cheerily back at him while Naotsune looked away for a second before bending down on a knee "If my lord wants, I will obey."

"Starting with my plan, we must fight against the Rokkaku clan in the north. Their forces are overwhelming, but I trust in each and every one of you." His eyes scanned the room before noticing Sumire who was nonchalantly snacking on some manju. "Young mercenary, please join us in battle! Your help will be greatly appreciated."

"Mhmp, shor.*gulp* Ah! But you have to pay me as well!" she grinned back at him and offered a manju. "Oh. Uh. Yes. Thank you! That's the answer I was hoping for." Nagamasa hesitatingly took a manju before turning back to the group. "My friends! We will march tonight! Be prepared!"

~x~x~x~x~

That night, the Azai army battled against the Rokkaku clan. Although the Rokkaku had an army of 20,000 against the Azai forces of only 2500; Nagamasa used the element of surprise and won the battle. He assumed leadership of the clan once his father and the clan retainers were able to witness his skills. "Haha! This victory, I owe to all of you! We must move forward with our vision of a contented existence for all!" He held tightly onto Chisa's hand and smiled happily as she laughed cheerily with him "Well, it's your vision of a peaceful land and existence which makes us all want to trust in you my lord! You're a hero Nagamasa!" The retainers around the two nodded their heads in agreement; Nagamasa scratched his head and laughed bashfully "I'm no great hero! Ahaha!"

Chisa shook her head confidently, "No Nagamasa, that's not true. You ARE a hero! Each and every one of us here is by your side for that reason!". Nagamasa stayed silent for a moment before removing his helmet. "Well then, I will be depending on you all no matter what. You'll promise to stay by my side right?"

"My Lord!" Naotsune knelt down; "I would always stay by your side!" the other retainers followed suit and either knelt or bowed. Nagamasa's eyes shone slightly before breaking out into a broad smile. "Thank you everyone." Sumire quietly approached the happy group, her head lowered slightly. "Uh… I…here." She grabbed his hands and shoved a small brooch into them before turning away roughly. "…..Sorry." She hung her head and began walking off, her fists clenched tightly. "Wait! This.. when did you?" Nagamasa held up the brooch in confusion and looked at her questioningly. "….." Sumire bowed her head, letting her long ponytail brush over her shoulders "I….stole it.. when I met you the first time…." She shuffled awkwardly and fiddled with her hair "I'll be going now….."

"It's ok." Nagamasa placed his hand on her shoulder "As long as you gave it back, it all works out in the end." Next to him, Chisa nodded her head in agreement before noticing the bags around Sumire's waist. "You're leaving?"

"Yeah, I'm heading out to the Saito, this was just a detour." Sumire patted the bags and waved lazily before turning away."Oh! Wait!Um.. can.. you" Chisa stammered slightly as she handed Sumire a small package. "Hmm?" Sumire shook the package curiously before Chisa slammed her hands down "Ah! Don't do that! Uh.. can you do me a favour? One of my friends is with the Saito. Can you give this to him?" she looked up at her pleadingly "Oohh.. Your lover?" teased Sumire as she grinned jokingly. "Never mind!" Chisa's face was red as she looked away "His name's Hanbei Takenaka. Thanks!"

Yay! Another chapter done! Many, many thanks to all my awesome readers and reviewers! Hopefully, my grammar has improved! This novice is still learning! Also, I tried to focus more on character interactions instead of battle scenes for this chapter, was it alright? Huh! I can't wait till I get to Okehazama and Mt. Inaba ! That's where things will start happening, seeing as majority of the ocs and hotties *ahem* are under the Toyotomi! I just had to get Kawagoe down as a starting point!Hmm while playing SWC, the cutscenes make Ujiyasu seem really fatherly, that's probably why I made him my ocs' mentor. Well, anyways, thank you for reading and See you!

Next time….

Hanbei Takenaka: Wow! From Chisa? Let me see! Hey! Izanami, stop that!

Izanami Takenaka: Brother! Stop slacking off! *whack* hey! What did she give you?

Amaya Chiyoko:… .wouldn't it be funny if it wasn't from Chisa... but from the Imagawa?

Hanbei Takenaka: That's not funny!*gasps* That would be horrible! I would give it to Lord Tatsuoki!

Tatsuoki Saito: H-hanbei! How dare you speak like that to your lord!