~Oda Main Camp~

"Alright. Split up into groups of three. Each unit will be in charge of one gunpowder keg." Kanbei motioned to the three boats which bobbed slightly in the river. "We will be using these to explode the gates. The frontal attacks on the other gates are only decoys."

"I see." Mitsunari nodded thoughtfully with his hand under his chin "The attack on the most heavily guarded gates was only a decoy. Most ingenious."

"Hrmm?" Masanori scrunched his face up in confusion and stomped his foot "I don't get it! Use simple words you fool!"

"*sigh*" Mitsunari shook his head with exasperation as Shira gave him a gentle nudge and pointed to her scroll. [I don't quite get it myself] "Hmph. Yoshitsugu." He waved a hand in Yoshitsugu's direction "Explain to these fools what Kanbei is planning to do."

"Well, you didn't need to be so arrogant about it." Yoshitsugu smiled thinly and began explaining "Our enemy is most likely to be focusing all their defence on the 3 front gates. Hence, we would pretend to play into their hands and send some men to keep the strongest fighters there occupied. While that is happening.." He pointed to the map laid out on the table "We will be using the gunpowder to break the defences on the weaker gates and infiltrate the castle that way. Again, attacking 2 gates using gunpowder is also another ploy."

"...?" A confused Shira tilted her head and looked quizzically at Yoshitsugu who seemed deeply absorbed in his elaborate and lengthy explanation. "You see.. Lord Kuroda's main objective is to only break through one gate. The Southern one. The unit attacking this will be vital to the operation. The other attacks are only decoys to throw the enemy off guard."

"Correct." Kanbei nodded with approval, before nodding towards the direction of the boats. "I suggest you start heading out now." The soldiers and unit leaders nodded in reply and began heading out. "You better do a good job!" Reira peeked out from within her tent and placed her hands on her hips. "Go beat up those bastards! *sigh* I'd beat them up if I could..tsk" She gave a dismissive wave and stomped back inside her tent. "*gulp*" Shira fiddled with the coins and writing utensils in her baggy pockets before clenching her fists determinedly and hurrying after Mitsunari who had left with a smirk on his face.

~Inabayama Eastern Gates~

"Hyaah!" "hah!" *clang* "Guh!" *schwing*

Katana struck heavily against nodachi and a deadly wind of ice and lightning surrounded the two friends as Amaya and Ranmaru fought each other. "Huff..." Amaya raised a shaky hand, and quickly a tore a strip off her blue kimono to form a makeshift bandage around her bleeding hands."Haahhh..." An exhausted Ranmaru wiped the blood from the gash above his forehead and blinked his eye several times.

"Why, Amaya?" Mid-clash, Ranmaru grit his teeth and pushed himself back before running left and aiming for her right arm. "Hrah!" Amaya took the opportunity and spun inwards with her katana sweeping underneath Ranmaru's blade. "Guh...*cough*" Ranmaru looked down with shock at the silvery blade plunged deep in his leg and collapsed as Amaya swiftly withdrew her weapon. "..huff...because..I ...support Mitsuhide's vision.." she panted heavily and leant back, exhausted against the cool stone pillars of the gate. "*gack*..ungh..." The bloodstained nodachi fell to the ground with a clatter as the pain took its toll. Ranmaru collapsed to the ground clutching his leg. "..here...hff..." Amaya weakly handed a strip of cloth to Ranmaru "use this...too..*cough* stop the bleeding"

"...thanks Ama..." Ranmau attempted to smile weakly back at her, but winced in pain instead. "It's a shame..we were enemies. Though.." He nodded his head gently "You're still as strong as ever. Let's have a proper rematch some other time."

"..." Slightly surprised, Amaya paused while dressing his wound before smiling faintly "Yes. That would be nice."

~Sunomata~

"That's it! Keep going!" An excited Hideyoshi stood at the front of the shouting out commands and words of encouragement to the battalion."Yeah!Keep at it! Hmm? What's this?" He narrowed his eyes and stared off into the distance. "Someone's approaching the castle!"

~x~x~x~x~

"It looks like Saito has some interesting men in his service after all! " Hideyoshi smiled pleasantly at Hanbei who held onto his compass as he levitated in the air. "What do you say? Will you join me?"

"Huh?" Hanbei's face scrunched up in confusion, causing him to break concentration and fall to the ground. "Ouchie!" He rubbed his bottom before readjusting his hat. "You're trying to recruit me in the middle of a battle? I'd say you're the interesting one!"

"Oh! Looks like I have to go! Think carefully about what I said, alright?" Kanbei! You're up!" Hideyoshi sped off leaving behind a trail of dust while Kanbei stared blankly at Hanbei. "Wow! So you are the Oda's strategist?" he stared at Kanbei's emotionless face with curiosity "Yes. You do look cold and calculating!" He nodded, happy with his deduction and placed his hands on his hips. "It's very like Nobunaga to hire someone like you!"

"..." Kanbei blinked slightly before drawing out his weapons "He's a great man. The greatest in the land. You should consider joining him."

Hanbei blinked back at him before pointing a finger "I don't agree with you there.. but I'm leaving the Saito. Will you give me a recommendation?"

"What?" Izanami gasped in surprise "Hanbei! But you said..." she looked worried "What about everyone else?"

"Heeheehee! There's a way! " He smiled and tapped his sister on the forehead "Aren't we genius strategists?"

~Inabayama Northern Gates~

"Phew.." Sumire wiped the sweat off her brow and fixed up her messed up hair "Sheesh..Reira that loudmouthed...hot-headed...arrogant...oh! Enemy alert!" She pulled out her swords in preparation as an Oda officer began charging towards the gate.

"I'm sorry! But you have to be defeated!" As he spoke, he skillfully pulled out two spears from behind his back and spun them expertly before diving towards the gate. "Hyaah!" She sliced inwards with her right arm, only to clash with the man's spear."guh!" Maintaining the deadlock with her right arm, she stabbed forwards with her left arm only to receive the same response. "Gr..." Sumire and the officer glared at each other as each one forced their strength, attempting to push the other back. "Gyaah!" Obviously, being more experienced and stronger, the Oda officer pushed Sumire back and sent her flying, slamming into the gate with a thud.

"Eyyyaaaaa!" She slammed hard into the stone gate and slid towards the ground.. "Oww! My arm!" Her left arm had been injured in the clash and hung limply at her side. *clang* Her tachi fell uselessly to the ground as her hand twitched with pain."..augh..no! my arm...it's broken.."

"You didn't fight at full strength." The officer looked at her with confusion as he placed his spears in their spot on his back. "Why?"

"*cough* Pay up..." She coughed and wiped the blood off her mouth "And I'll tell you why..." Shaking with pain and rage, she swung the wakizashi with her right hand a few times before facing him. "I haven't lost yet! Don't turn your back on me!" He leapt back as she quickly stabbed forwards with her sword "*huff* This is nothing! I'll beat you! I need that money..*cough* urgh." Her vision began to blur as the man appeared to slowly raise his spears and charge towards her. "No! I'm not going to make it! #%$&$!"

*CLANG*

"Ah! Onii-chan?" Through her narrowed eyes, she saw Takeshi's back as his odachi blocked the strikes."...stay back..." Keeping his eyes firmly trained on the enemy, Takeshi withdrew his tanegashima before pushing Sumire back."..I'll...do this..."

Sparks flew and the sounds of bullets ricocheting across the gates echoed as Takeshi and the spearman fought closely."haah!" Takeshi moved inwards with his odachi, and as the spearman shifted backwards to dodge and went to close in again, he came face to face with the gun barrel. "..." Takeshi blinked in surprise as he stared at the spear just centimetres from his neck. "Look, why don't you just surrender? " He looked almost regretfully at Takeshi "You fought really well, I don't want to have to defeat a skilled opponent like you."

"..."Takeshi shook his head slightly "..I'm only a mercenary...I don't intend to kill you too.." As soon as he heard that, the man broke out into a relieved smile. "Is that so? I'm Toshiie Maeda! An officer of the Shibata army! We'll finish this later!"

~Inabayama Southern Gate~

"So this is it?" Mitsunari looked around with disdain, just as Kanbei had said, the defense here was almost pathetic. "Yoshaa! Let's go smash them up! Oraa!" Masanori cheered loudly before stomping his foot with excitement. "Calm down." Yoshitsugu placed a finger on his lips for silence "Our work here still isn't done."

"..." Shira narrowed her eye in concentration as she began setting up the gunpowder to blow up the gate. "...huh." Next to Shira, Ina shot her a look of frustration "You're not doing it right." She jerked the rope away and began fixing it up. "It would help if you spoke as well you know." She closed her eyes with scorn before walking up to her father.

"Hmph. How funny." Mitsunari shook with silent laughter as he stood next to Shira "Honda is one of the greatest warriors, yet his daughter is nothing like him. Haha"

"..Mitsunari..." Yoshitsugu sweatdropped "At least wait until he's out of earshot..."

~x~x~x~

"Yes! We did it!" Masanori yelled loudly and pumped his fists extravagantly, earning him a glare from Mitsunari and bemused glances from Shira and Yoshitsugu. "It's time." Tadakatsu Honda picked up his spear and began leading the group into the castle. " Try not to harm any innocents. We should only focus on finding Tatsuoki."

"Heh? But why?" Masanori frowned with confusion "That's too hard!"
*swish* Tadakatsu's spear sliced the air in front of Masanori, slicing off part of his hairdo. "Lord Ieyasu's orders. We are to avoid spilling unnecessary blood."

~Oda Main Camp~

"Stop right there! I won't let you pass!" Oichi stood determinedly at the entrance and blocked the way with her weapons held up determinedly. "What? Hanbei?" Nagamasa joined her and gasped in surprise at the sight of his old friend casually skipping into the enemy main camp. "OH! Hanbei!" Chisa peeked out from behind Nagamasa with a look of alarm. "No! I don't want to fight you!"

"Hehe! Don't worry about me Chisa!" Hanbei smiled confidently at her as they waved before noticing Nō. "Aiya! It's Lady Nō!" Hanbei blanched slightly when he saw the princess, as memories of the past when she bullied him resurfaced. "Oh? It's been a long time since I saw your crybaby face Hanbei" She smirked and waved lazily at him "Have you grown up since I left? I wonder if you've grown out of that awful habit of yours."

"*kyaa*" Hanbei squealed in shock before shaking his fists in a tantrum "Princess! Stop that! Anyway! I have something important to tell your husband! We're going to join forces with him!"

"HAHAHAAHA" Nobunaga's raucous laughter filled the air as he shifted his hand from under his chin and smiled amusedly " Do you really think I am such as fool?"

"I've had a talk with my past lord, Tatsuoki Saito. I've lost faith in him." Hanbei's face darkened as he stared at the burning castle "He has no interest in anyone other than himself. So!" He hopped onto the small platform and giggled cheerily "I've decided to lend you my help! I'm sure with your military might, you might..." he stuck out his tongue with a childish look of disgust; before continuing "yeah..you might be the one to end this constant warfare."

"..." Nobunaga blinked back at him before shaking with laughter "Oh? Are you willing to help me start a new age?" He smiled cruelly and Hanbei and pointed his sword at him "Then I will gladly accept your help."

~x~x~X~x~

"You're..the Demon King.." Mitsuhide Akechi narrowed his eyes as he approached Nobunaga; the latter only raised an eyebrow and smirked with amusement. "Yes, and?"

"I must take your head for the sake of peace in Mino!" Mitsuhide yelled determinedly as he drew his sword. "Muahaha. Is that the extent of your aspirations?" Nobunaga threw his head back and laughed before looking directly at Mitsuhide "Are you prepared to kill me and build your own age?"

"what?" Taken aback, Mitsuhide flinched under Nobunaga's gaze and fell silent. "What do you mean? My age?"

"Hmph." Nobunaga shook his head scornfully as he sheathed his sword. "It seems you aren't very willing to do whatever it takes."

"I see.."Mitsuhide's hands were trembling as he tightened his grip on his katana. "As long as I can retain Mino's peace.." He bowed stiffly "Hence, from today, the Akechi are now under the protection of the Oda. Mino will now be in your capable hands."

"Aww, that's boring" Nō looked almost displeased as she walked over to them and gave Gracia a pat on the head "I honestly thought you would put up more of a fight Mitushide..heehee" she grinned cruelly as she played with her dagger "heehehee how about finishing off Tatsuoki to prove your newfound loyalty?" She pointed to the direction of the castle and licked her lips with excitement.

"..Father..." Gracia bit her lip in worry."I wonder what's going to happen to everyone else.."

~x~x~x~

"Eyyaaa! Argh! S-s-stay away from me!" A panicked Tatsuoki dressed in a servant's outfit squealed with fright as he was cornered. "Oh. It's Lord Saito..or should I say Tatsuoki Saito." Izanami blinked at him as she raised her sword and kemari ball. "I'm sorry, but you have to die now."

"N-no!" Tatsuoki shrieked and tried to beg for his life "H-hanbei!You used to serve under me! Why?" "This is war!" Hanbei tilted his head and smiled cheekily "No hard feelings, right?" He drew out his compass

"...I'll do it..." Takeshi walked quietly out "... Leave something like this to a man like me..." he trailed off as he walked towards a shivering Tatsuoki and bowed deeply "...I'm nothing more than a destroyer of lives...I can't even protect anyone...I'm only good at earning hatred..."

"Enough." Mitsuhide placed a hand on Takeshi's shoulder "You're only a mercenary, no need to involve yourself too deeply in our problem." They all looked on in silence as Tatsuoki ran off in a panic. "..Nii-san...?" Sumire looked worriedly at her brother before holding tightly onto his hand. "You saved me though...I'm happy."

Oda Main Camp~

"Everyone..." Mitsuhide's eyes were tear-filled as he gazed at the burning castle."Forgive me...there was no other way..perhaps..If I were more competent" he grit his teeth and lowered his head. "The casualites.. were too great...I.."

Amaya had suffered a few injuries guarding the gate, Sumire had badly broken her arm the countless Saito soldiers and officers had fared far worse. The battlefield was littered with corpses, both Saito and Oda as crows began circling the area. "no." Amaya leant against Gracia and spoke softly "There's no need to beg for forgiveness. You did all you could to protect Mino. And, we're grateful for that." She smiled lightly as Gracia nodded "Ama's right Father! I'm sure things will be much better now! The Oda are powerful! Maybe Nobunaga can bring peace!"

"Heh. You've grown up so quickly. Both of you." Mitsuhide smiled weakly and nodded."That's right!" Hanbei smiled and pointed a finger confidently "We're all alive and together so that's fine!"

"Hoho! So, these are the new members we picked up!" An excited Hideyoshi bounced in through the entrance, dispelling the sombre atmosphere. "Yo! Nice to meet you all!I'm Hideyoshi Hashiba! I look forward to working with you! Welcome to the Oda!"

A few heads peeked in through the tent as Hideyoshi's students peered in curiously at the ex-Saito officers and mercenaries. "Oh! That manju girl!" Sumire's eyes widened as she rushed forward to a bewildered looking Shira, "hey! Hey! Do you happen to have an manju with you?" She pointed to her growling stomach "I'm really hungry!"

"...?!" Shira turned around rapidly before hiding behind Mitsunari who rolled his eyes and crossed his arms."Haha...fate works in strange ways.." Yoshitsugu nodded his head knowingly and smiled mysteriously. "I'm sure things will become more interesting now.."

~2 Months Later~

"Come back here! Please!" A giggling Gracia chased after a desperate Ranmaru, who was attempting to flee from her countless attempts at 'beautifying' him. "SHUT UP!" Somewhere, a pillar shook as Reira and Masanori began fighting. "Calm down! FOOL!" Three voices yelled in unison in an effort to stop the fighting. "Shira honey! Here's some more food!" Nene's overly cheerful voice filtered in as she stuffed Shira's face with more food.

"Oh my." Amaya looked at the chaotic scene with amusement "I wonder how everyone else is doing...Hanbei...Izanami...and...Sumire.." She smiled quietly to herself before going off to save Ranmaru.

THE END

Of Chapter 9..lol! trolled you! Eeek! *hides*

And...umm..yes! The first arc in 'A Chaotic Mix' is done! I'm sorta following the SWC storyline so yeah! Woohoo~lol, I have arcs in my fic? By the way, I put up a new fic, I'd really appreciate it if you guys could check it out! And review! Tell me what you honestly think! Thanks! (you can also submit ocs~~~)

Be prepared..for more..silliness...more romance...more thieving...more friendships...more manju...

Next time: (ooh these haven't happened in a while~)

Hanbei: Eh? That Monkey's here again? No! Chisa! Hide me!

Chisa: Huh? But why? He's a funny person! *eek* Hanbei! Where are you?

Sumire: Cheh! What do you mean a beautiful maiden?*munch* I thought you were a bear!

Masamune: Guh...no..no way...you're a woman?

Takeshi:...take another step...and I...will...kill...you..*shoots a bullet*