Heys! Seeing as I had spare time...enjoy the fast update!

~Odani Castle, Omi~

"Hmm.. I wonder where Nagamasa went.." Chisa stood thoughtfully inside the castle gardens. "Ah! Lady Chisa! Lord Nagamasa and Lord Naotsune are looking for you!" A flustered maid ran towards Chisa "Lady Chisa! You should tell us before you go for a walk!" She wagged a finger naggingly at Chisa " What if you got lost again?! We get so worried!"

"I'm sorry! I just didn't want to trouble anyone! I'll be going now!" Chisa skipped off happily and managed to find her way to Nagamasa's room. Inside, Chisa came across a troubled looking Nagamasa and a brooding Naotsune; they were both staring at a letter on a table. "Chisa! You've come at a good time, it seems Naotsune needs some more convincing. We have received a proposal from the Owari Oda clan regarding a marriage to cement our alliance. " Nagamasa pointed towards the letter on the table and passed it to Chisa to read. "The Oda's relationship with our ancient allies the Asakura is rocky, however. My father is an outspoken opponent of the alliance. As Naostune once pointed out, our clan is divided again." He sighed and rubbed his head, deep in thought.

Naotsune immediately broke the short silence "There is no need to dwell on the past, lord Nagamasa, the pressing issue is what action best serves us now. My advice stands; I believe the marriage should proceed as planned." Chisa tilted her head questioningly "But aren't you opposed to this alliance, Naotsune? You even said so back at Okehazama!" Naotsune nodded solemnly "Of course, an alliance is with the Oda is out of the question, Nobunaga will someday be the ruin of the Azai clan. His ambition does not end with the Owari or Mino." Naotsune clenched his fists tightly "He will claim Omi and most likely the entire realm. We have an opportunity to lure the Demon King to the wedding ceremony, slay him and strike at the root of his wicked design."

Nagamasa immediately shook his head, "No, I do not think that will work. What do you think, Chisa?" He looked over at Chisa with a warm smile "Didn't you say at Okehazama after witnessing the feats of Nobunaga that he shouldn't be killed? We are not as scheming as he is; and that gives us the power to end this chaos. We need power if we are to bring about the happy world of my dreams."Nagamasa took them both by the hands and stared into their eyes "please understand."

Unable to match Nagamasa's intense stare, Naotsune averted his eyes and knelt down "My lord...I.. when you look me in the eye that way. I will obey without fail." He paused and looked down at the letter then back up as Nagamasa spoke thoughtfully, "However, we must receive assurance that the Oda will not move against the Asakura as a condition of out pact. With this one condition assured, my Father and the Asakura will not be inclined to oppose our union."

~x~x~x~X~

Naotsune shook his fists in anger "My Lord! please reconsider your condition. Once the pact has been sealed if we break with the Asakura and join with the Oda, what will happen?" He grit his teeth in worry. " Whichever ally is angered with become a source of trouble in the future."

In contrast to Naotsune's worry, Nagamasa waved him off cheerily and laughed in a carefree manner "That is nothing to worry about! No matter what, I have you fine men with me; with our combined strength, nothing can overcome us. In this world we have conceived, one need not be excluded"

"I cannot stand against you my lord, I will do as you command." Naotsune bowed his head and nodded politely. "Now you've come around! Let's move ahead and form an alliance with that Oda!" Nagamasa waved happily and walked quickly out the room. Naotsune turned to Chisa and spoke slowly "Lord Nagamasa is so sincerely committed, which is why it is dangerous. Chisa, you must save him from himself."

~Inabayama~

"Ah, are you the mercenary who helped us back at Okehazama?" Mitushide nodded politely at Sumire who pointed to herself questioningly, before nodding back. "I see, if it's alright with you, I would like to request you to escort someone for me."

"Oooh! Sounds good! I was just about to go search for a job! So whaddya need? I'm a very talented person~!" Her eyes shone brightly as she rubbed her hands with glee "Oh! Just letting you know, I normally work with my brother, but he's not here, so...I'll lower my rates especially for you! OK~? Deal?" Mitsuhide raised an eyebrow in concern; he had heard that the mercenary was a responsible and capable person, as well as a superb fighter. The childish girl in front of him was stuffing her face with food and carefully counting the coins in her sack while mumbling something about heavily made-up money lenders.. "hmm? "His forehead throbbed as she began to attack his box of expensive sweets. "Is this really the mercenary Hanbei spoke of highly of? Perhaps...he made a mistake?"

"...I have heard...many things about you..." He glanced at her nervously as she proceeded to balance a mochi tower on her tachi. "..well. First, I'd like to introduce you to someone, the person you will be escorting .." Mitsuhide trailed off slightly and spoke hesitantly "Will you meet that person?" His brows were knit in concern as Sumire nodded rapidly, her cheeks overstuffed with food. "Very well, Amaya please tell Gracia to come in." There was a shuffling noise as Amaya walked quietly in followed by an energetic fidgety Gracia.

"Had my daughter been courtly and modest, I would not have kept her hidden from view" He spoke tiredly and seemed almost embarrassed, it was different to his normally stiff behaviour. "Well, here she is. Come now, introduce yourself properly." He gestured for Gracia to greet a bemused looking Sumire. "Oh! I've heard about you from Hammy! It's an honour to meet you! Once again, I thank you for your help!" Gracia bowed politely and stood next to her father. "Was that good Father?"

"Very good." Mitsuhide nodded in approval before ushering Gracia to the door "Now, leave us then. Amaya, please stay behind. " Gracia pursed her lips in confusion before rubbing her head "Huh? If it's good, why do I have to leave?" She tilted her head and placed a finger under her chin "I don't understand! Tell me, Father! And why Ama but not me!" Mitsuhide let out along sigh and briefly massaged his forehead " I don't get where she gets this brashness from. Forgive my daughter's impertinence." Gracia's mouth widened as she placed her hands on her hips "Father! You make it sound like I don't listen to a word you have to say!" she pouted as she began complaining. "And you keep saying I'm good, but you tell me to leave! I don't understand!"

"Is it not so?" Mitsuhide shook his head wearily "I told you to change your clothes and make yourself look presentable, you are attending the wedding of a relative; it is important you dress properly for the occasion. Your aunt will also be present."

"I'm not interested in such nonsense! " Gracia frowned and pointed a finger at her unique outfit "These are exotic imported fashions and I think they look so cute!" She puffed her cheeks out and crossed her arms stubbornly "Besides! Uncle Motochika got these for me from the West! He even gave me advice on how to style my hair! And Lady Nō said they suited me!"

"That Motochika..." Mitsuhide let out a long sigh as he began mumbling to himself, "I knew it was a bad thing to let him babysit Gracia when she was younger... now her head's filled with his outlandish fashion sense." Sumire and Amaya looked at each other bemusedly, before Sumire chimed in happily, "I don't think it's that bad Mitushide! Gracia looks very cute! Those clothes suit her nicely~" She smiled and looked enviously at Gracia's hair accessories "I'd love to have clothes like that!"

"I suppose so..." He raised an eyebrow as he looked at Sumire's extravagant customized kimono and back at Gracia's outfit, he muttered softly to himself "At least Motochika taught her to dress somewhat modestly. My goodness." He shook his head before remembering the main reason he had called them.

"Well, we've been invited to the wedding of Nouhime's sister-in-law. It will be in a week from now. I've heard that it is a political alliance between the Oda and Azai, thus; there may be a chance of an assassination attempt. This may lead to some bloodshed or conflict. In any case, I'm asking you to help Amaya watch over Gracia. " He raised an eyebrow and began to rub his forehead "Amaya.." He spoke softly to her "Please. Keep a careful eye on the two of them. I'm very concerned."

~Kiyosu Castle~

"Haahh..." Hideyoshi was moping loudly as he walked sluggishly through the castle corridors. "What's the matter my lord?" Mitsunari looked slightly concerned at Hideyoshi who mumbled something incomprehensible and slowly sank to the ground. "...?" [It isn't good to bottle all your emotions.]" Shira held up a scroll and placed it in front of Hideyoshi who sighed loudly and mumbled "Oh! Nothing! It's fine!" He waved weakly and gave her a pat before sulking like a spoiled child.

"Ahaha! I'll tell you why Monkey's sulking!" Toshiie Maeda chuckled loudly as he walked out of a room and smiled cheekily at the group. "Say, Hideyoshi, I heard that when news came that Lord Azai agreed to marry Lady Oichi, you threw a tantrum, didn't you?" Toshiie rubbed his nose and roared with laughter as Shira and Mitsunari looked curiously at him "Hah! And that's not all! My Matsu told me she heard from Oichi you kept on pestering her to refuse the marriage! I wonder what Nene would do if she knew..."

"No! You're lying! Toshiie! I thought we were friends!" Hideyoshi half sobbed-half pleaded at a madly laughing Toshiie "Don't tell Nene! She'll kill me! Please!"

"Tch. Have some dignity my lord..." Mitsunari grumbled under his breath. The sight of his respected mentor crawling pitifully on the ground was irritating, and not in the least, embarrassing. Shira shook her head slightly and nudged him gently while Yoshitsugu stood observing quietly. Kiyomasa, Masanori and Reira stood attempting to stifle their laughter at a distance, watching the fun from behind the safely of a tall pillar.
"Hmm? I'll 'what?' you? Honey?" An excessively cheerful female voice rang through the corridor as a bright yellow flash flew in through the roof. A scantily clad kunoichi hopped down and turned to face a terrified Hideyoshi. "Uhh... I just remembered I need to go tell Matsu something! Later!" Toshiie awkwardly shuffled back before picking his feet up and fleeing from the dangerous situation. "N-n-nene!" Hideyoshi screamed in fear and began wiggling backwards. "Nothing! Toshiie was just joking around! It's got nothing to do with Lady Oichi! I swear!" He crawled over to his wife and remained begging on his knees with puppy-dog eyes. "Ah! But I heard everything from Matsu! " Nene pouted and placed her hands on her hips threateningly "But don't worry Hideyoshi! I won't kill you!" She smiled sweetly at her husband who instinctively gulped and tried searching for an escape route "I'll only break your arms and legs! But you won't cheat on me, will you dear?"

"O-o-of course not Nene! You're the only one for me! Eh heh heh"

"Lady Nene..." Kiyomasa sighed dreamily as Nene walked off clinging to Hideyoshi. "Huh? What was that noise?" A loud rumbling noise jolted him out of his daydream as the pillar began to shake. "...tch..." A fuming Reira withdrew her fist from the pillar and stomped angrily off. "What does Lady Nene have that I don't?" She chewed her thumbnail angrily and aimed another kick at the pillar. "Oi! Calm down! If you wanna fight, I'll take you on!" Masanori bunched his fists and pretended to be a boxer. "SHUT UP! I don't want to hear from YOU!" Reira angrily slammed her fist into Masanori's face, but was stopped by Yoshitsugu . "Please calm down, you've already destroyed enough of Lord Nobunaga's property." When his calming advice failed to work, Reira aimed another furious kick at Yoshitsugu before Shira attemped to intervene; the end result was a human snowball as everyone, bar Mitsunari ended up trying to beat each other up.

"Urgh..." Mitsunari crossed his arms with annoyance and rolled his eyes. "Fools. I'm surrounded by fools." He sighed loudly before reaching into the chaotic mess and pulling out a rattled looking Shira. "Idiot!" He clicked his tongue noisily before marching off.

~Omi~

"Wow! It's so amazing Ama!" Gracia squealed in excitement as she wriggled energetically in the carriage, taking in all the new and unfamiliar sights. "*sigh* father never lets me out! I want to experience all the cool and new things out there!" Amaya shook her head slightly in amusement "Well, you've gotten lost or kidnapped so many times." She smirked slightly "It's no wonder Mitsuhide gets so worried about you Gracia! And, that's why he won't let you go outside."

"Uwaah!" Gracia puffed her cheeks and clenched her fists in defeat "A-ama! That's so mean!Oooh! Is that the city? How lovely!" There was silence as Gracia calmed down and looked awe-struck at the artistic and beautiful gates of the city. The huge amount of people soon slowed the carriage's pace to a crawl. "Ah, it's fine. We'll walk from here on. We should be fine." Amaya nodded politely to the driver and looked firmly at her fellow travellers. "Just this once, I'll let you go exploring alright?" she sighed slightly as Gracia and Sumire's faces both lit up excitedly and the two began to jump up and down hyperactively . "...we're staying together at all times. Alright?"

"Yes! Yay! Ama's so nice! Mmm yeah, she can be nice when she wants to! Fun! Fun! Food! Food! You're treating us Ama! Yay! Yay!" The two grabbed Amaya by the hands and dragg her along as they rushed into the bustling city. "...now I know how Mitsuhide feels... thank goodness Hanbei and Izanami left first.." Amaya smiled bitterly to herself "...but why am I always in charge of babysitting?"

~x~x~x~

"Oh my. Gracia, have you seen Sumire?" Amaya placed a hand on her cheek in worry, considering Sumire's personality; there was a high chance she was off causing trouble somewhere. " I...have a very bad feeling." A vein popped slightly as she cracked a smile and held onto Gracia's hand with a grip of iron "Let's...look for her...Shall we?" Gracia nodded meekly and followed her like an obedient puppy.

~x~x~x~x~

"Just a liiitle more..almost got it...!" Sumire had snuck away quietly from the two and was hanging upside down from the edge of a rooftop. She was in the process of pulling up a string of expensive bracelets from the unsuspecting jeweller below. " "Woohoo! Time to pawn this off~~" She spun around happily and prepared to leap down from the building. "Wargh!" She misjudged the distance and ended up slipping off the roof and falling onto something. Which evidently wasn't happy. "Argh! H-how dare you! Imbecile!" An angry looking young man was the unlucky 'something' she had landed on.

"Waah! Pervert!%$&! You touched my butt! Why couldn't you be a softer cushion? What if I injured my pretty face? $&%*%^! How dare you! What if your weird helmet injured me?! I demand some compensation! Pay up! #&%$!" Sumire leapt off the visibly angry man and dusted herself off, before screaming random insults and demands at the stunned man; whose forehead became decorated with protruding veins. "Hey! What's the idea? YOU fell on ME!" The man stood up angrily and began his furious rebuttal punctuated with shaking fists and rude signs before the noise attracted a crowd.

"What's that? A pervert? Where? Get him! Huh, guys like that think they can just make a move on a poor girl eh? Let's teach him a lesson! Yeah! Get him! He must be that thief Old Man Yama is looking for!"

A crowd of curious onlookers gathered around the arguing pair, one of them was the jeweller from whom Sumire had stolen from. Old Man Yama quickly noticed the fallen jewellery next to the man. "That bastard! He stole from me! See that?" He jabbed his fingers at the string of bracelets and aimed a hostile glare at the disgruntled man "Huh! And he tried to molest that pretty girl! What a horrible man!" Yama, evidently jumping to the wrong conclusion began to shake his head and mutter insults. "H-how dare you insinuate me!" The accused man stood up angrily and aimed his pistol at a Sumire, who was playing the role of an innocent victim. "DAMN YOU! IMBECILE!"

"Stay away from that girl! Hey! Miss! This way!" A few men kindly led a smug-looking Sumire away, while the angry man tried to charge forward at her. "Blast it! YOU IMBECILE!" The man was restrained by several onlookers who shook their heads scornfully. He continued to struggle against their firm grips before yelling in indignation "I am Masamune Date, Lord of Oshuu! You'll pay for messing with me! IMBECILE! You'll regret this!"

~Chugoku, Mori Domain~

"Haha, looks like the battle was a success. The Northern powers have allied and the Imagawa threat is gone. Looks like there will be some peace; brief though it may be." Motonari looked thoughtfully out the window as he sat writing at his desk. Next to him, Aki sat reading a book and his son, Takamoto stood quietly at the window.

"I have fulfilled my duty. Takamoto, I am retiring." Motonari Mori rubbed his head and walked over to where Takamoto was standing. "Please govern wisely with your brothers"

"What?" A shocked Takamoto recoiled in shock and looked around bewildering at Motonari "F-Father? If you are retiring, then I too, must retire!" Motonari smiled a brief smile and shook his head slowly " I will not live forever of course. Though I wish I could continue to fight day and night, heart and soul for you, your brothers, and our people, I cannot."

"No Father! I can't accept this! If you retire, so must I!" Takamoto furiously clenchd his fists and spoke determinedly "You agree with me too, don't you Aki?" He turned to the quiet girl seated in the room and looked pleadingly at her. "eh?...w-well..." Aki closed her book gently and stammered slowly, trying to think of something to say. Motonari shook his head gently and turned to her "Aki, how can I convince Takamoto to accept his responsibility?" Aki's eyes widened as she clenched the edge of her kimono and began stuttering "w-well, t-that's a tough decision for Lord Takamoto to s-suddenly...m-make.." Her face became red as she squeezed her eyes shut in nervousness "I m-mean.. it's l-like y-you're g-going to d-die or ...something..."

"Naturally, we only make such decisions when we are forced" Motonari rubbed his chin deep in thought while Takamoto looked determinedly at him "Father! I won't accept your retirement! Not now! Not ever!...Father?" Motonari raised a hand gently causing Takamoto to stop midsentence "Death huh?... that's it!" He excitedly smacked a fist onto his palm "Excellent suggestion Aki. It would be better if I died."

"..."

The silence that followed was so quiet, that the sound of waves outside the window sounded like a crashing tsunami before time resumed. Motonari had a mischievous grin on his face while Aki and Takamoto had expressions resembling a stunned owl.

"FATHER?" Takamoto placed his hands on his face and pulled them down, stretching his cheeks downward in shock. "MY LORD?" Aki yelled loudly in disbelief, raising her voice to the highest level she had ever spoken in her life; before clapping her hands over her mouth. "D-don't kill yourself! Please my lord!" Motonari laughed heartily before placing a hand on each of their shoulders "I didn't mean it like that. Takamoto, you must pretend that I have died." He looked deep into Takamoto's eyes, "If you do, I can concentrate on my interest in history!"

"This is madness!" Takamoto pursed his lips and crossed his arms angrily "This is too much Father! How will I do things without you? What about our people?" He waved his hands around in desperation until his father placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "It would be alright-even if we do not become the masters of all domains; the Mori clan will endure in peace. Relinquish desire and live honourably; rule our land kindly with your brothers and the people." He smiled warmly at a shocked Takamoto before turning kindly to Aki "Thank you Aki, thanks to you; I've found the perfect solution!"

"Henceforth I am Motonari the historian. I will preserve the stories of the great heroes of our troubled times for posterity." He excited pumped his fist before looking around his messy room. A few loose papers fluttered away as the wind blew into the dusty room; causing Motonari to rub his head awkwardly and look at Aki "Looks like I'll have plenty to do. You will assist me, right?" Aki's face was still contorted in the shocked expression from before, Motonari waved a hand in front of her face before she snapped out of her reverie and bowed "Ah...y-yes! M-my lord!"

Teehee!How was this chapter? I know it was a little dry because not much was happening? Lol! I just have this habit of being a little too over-descriptive sometimes and trying to include all details. Well! I've included a little extra side-story as well, so I hope you enjoy that too! Thanks again so much to all my wonderful readers and reviewers! You guys are awesome! Even better than G Dragon 's new solo! ! *drools* See you!

Side Story 01: Of Loans, Loathes and Loyalties

"Hmph. You brats are JUST in time. What a pity." Sayuri scoffed as the siblings collapsed outside the door waving a sack of coins. "Hand it over" She stretched out her hand and tapped her foot impatiently. "You have 10 seconds."

"Cheh! Here! You evil witch!" Sumire tossed the sack heavily into Sayuri's face. "Happy now? Urgh! It's all your stupid clan's fault for ruining MY family! " She stuck her tongue out angrily and was about to beat up a smirking Sayuri, when Takeshi placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "...calm...down..."

"Can't you brats keep it down out there?" An old man hobbled out of the restaurant waggling a condescending finger "You're making the wine upset! Mmm?"

"Say, aren't you Obata's whelp? Can't forget that painted face in a hurry." He chuckled and wheezed slightly as Sayuri opened her mouth in fury, before clenching her mouth shut with a shrill grunt. The old man examined a stunned Takeshi and Sumire before stroking his beard. "Hmm! You two must be the Hanabusa debtors eh? Eh heh heh! Everyone knows about your idiot father! Hehe! Such a shame! I heard you two are paying off his debt? Goodness."

The siblings sighed in unison before Sumire grumbled "I know! I'll be starving forever! Damn you Sayuri! Don't even think of increasing the debt ok?" The two began to glare daggers at each other before the old man intervened. "Don't worry about it princess! I'll be keeping an eye out on Sayuri here. Vengeful to the bone that one." He chuckled "Besides, you just paid up, aren't you hungry? Come in and have some food! It's on the house!"

"Oh! Thanks so much Gramps! I'll repay you when I marry a rich guy!"

"...no!...urgh...*thud*"

"eek! Nii-san! Wake up!"

"Eh heh heh! You kids just worry about yourselves!" He shook his head softly before mumbling to himself "Funny how they don't even recognize their old retainer."

Hey! These side stories are kinda like extras, just think of them as little events which help flesh out the ocs! Or I mentioned something in the story and wanted to expand on it but it wouldn't work out. Enjoy!

For this one... I did mention at one point that the Hanabusas made monthly repayments. Well, this is just one instance. And.. the Obata money-lenders have...branches in almost every domain so repayments are easy. Yup. No! I'm not being lazy! By the way, screaming loudly does upset the wine. Well, during the process, it's advised not to make loud noises because the wine will turn sour and bad. Cool huh?

By the way, to the lovely wonderful people who gave me ocs *sends hugs* If you want to give me some background info on your ocs, I will gladly accept it. I've already typed up a few side stories but I would welcome more info...it just makes it more fun to write you know? Cos the characters...are more..authentic? well, see you~