Nobuna's Playful genius chapter 2
The main castle of Owari, Kiyosu castle. It's the headquarters of the Oda clan. After finishing the meeting with Dousan at Shoutokuji, Nobuna finally returned to Kiyosu castle.
Upon reaching the Kiyosu castle, as if Nobuna forgot about Saru, she immediately entered the main citadel and left him behind. "Might as well go home for now… What fine weather I might as well work hard so I can have a banquet every day…"
Saru then saw a familiar face walking the same direction, he then followed Inuchiyo. "Inuchiyo-dono what fine weather today… How about lunch together?"
"…Yes…" She seemed to be the quiet type although it just seemed to make her cuter.
"…Saru is wearing unusual clothes." She then decided to strike up a conversation.
"Hahaha, this is rather normal for me as an advisor of lord Cao… Who was that again…?"
"….Don't know."
"… For now it seems I must thank you for now though I have learnt that I once served someone whose name started with Cao…"
The next part I whispered in her ear, "How would you like me to treat you?"
She then turned bright red before saying, "…..We've reached." In the direction Inuchiyo gestured to, disorderly tenement houses were present. Between the houses, there wasn't a magnificent hedge, instead grass like maple hedge, this was the place I lived in for now it was run down but it served well for someone like me who only needed books and the basic necessities.
*sigh*
"… To think all the warriors would have to live here as well, at least there isn't preferential treatment... unless you count the chief-retainers."
"… Well, let's have some food for now." I said due to being hungry from the trip.
We then went over to the hedge to pick leaves. I had gotten use to this on my first day. The leaves I was picking were called the 'Five leaf aralia'. It's tasty if you boil it with water.
Even at that moment, Inuchiyo was silently gathering leaves.' Although unsociable but she was a rather kind person. "Are you really just going to eat leaves? If you don't have more nutritious stuff, you won't grow taller."
"…..Muh"
"…Although you will definitely be a beauty in the future, you may be lacking in certain areas without some proper nutrients."
"Grrr."
"Hahaha, your starting to sound like a real dog. That reminds me why did lady Nobuna give me the name Saru?"
"….Nobuna-sama gives an animal name to the retainers she likes. Saru is being liked."
"…After eating, let's go greet the Asano-sama." "Asano-dono? Alright, I got it." The Asano house was the house immediately facing them when they left the house. His impression was that of a withered old man. Even though Saru had been here for a few days he had never met Asano before.
"Oh oh, Nobuna-sama. You have completely gotten big-." He said.
"…Wrong, Inuchiyo."
"Oh oh, it was Inuchiyo, huh. Even though you looked like a little shiba puppy till now, you have completely become a human."
"…..I was a human from the start."
"Even my remaining years left are little. Inuchiyo won't you marry my granddaughter Nene."
"…..Impossible. Inuchiyo is a girl as well."
"That's a pity. Even though you were a magnificent man till the day before yesterday. We played a lot together even bathing together when you lost all those games."
"….Wrong person." Inuchiyo's face became red. As expected she became embarrassed. He saw something precious, to be able to see Inuchiyo's expression change.
"What an entertaining conversation, to think I wouldn't be the only one who likes to tease these stiff warriors."
"Oh oh, who may that boy be? Is it Inuchiyo's husband?"
"I am Saru."
"Oh Oh. It's Inuchiyo's husband~"
"Unfortunately not, not yet." I said while leaning closer to her and pulling her in.
"….Right…Wait, No!" Inuchiyo nodded her head, before realising her mistake with anger.
"It's such a shame looks like I still am on the market." I shrugged as I said this with an indifferent tone.
"Oh oh. A young man with good authority. Once Nene grows a bit, I feel like having her become your wife!"
"I'm not sure I can be satisfied with just one though, Hahaha…"
"Now, now don't be like that, Nene, stop eavesdropping and come in."
"Oh, I was found out? As expected of grandfather!" The sliding door opens enthusiastically, the rumoured 'Nene' sat came with full speed to the Old man's laps. Her body is small but, she has power in her eyes. She seemed to like to win a lot, and her brains also seemed good. She's still a shorty right now but there's no doubt she'll grow up to be a bishoujo with cool and sharp eyes.
"This girl is my granddaughter, Nene. She's a good girl, Oh Oh."
"Name's Nene! Saru-dono! Nice to meet you!" Nene had sat down on the Old man's lap, while hooraying with both her hands she let out a cheer. Even while being cheeky whenever she opened her mouth she behaved like an adult, her laugh was innocent as appropriate for someone of her age.
"It is nice to meet you Nene." The strategist released an enchanting smile towards her that would cause many women to swoon.
"What fine weather today it is a perfect time to fall in love."
"Stop with that type of idiot talk Saru-dono, an idiot like that can't work as a retainer of Nobuna-sama! You'll be turned into Saru-soup one day." While everyone was cheerily making noise-From the outside of the gate, they heard the shout of a young violent samurai.
"Man what's wrong, he sure is noisy." Since Old man Asano's legs were week, he stayed in the room, Yoshiharu, Inuchiyo, Nene, the 3 of them went out of door.
A group of young samurai on horses had the Asano house surrounded. "We're the guards of Oda Kanjuurou Nobukatsu-sama."
"Nobukatsu? Ah, the younger brother of lady Nobuna."
"Insolent man! We heard that the Saru picked up by the foolish princess was in this house! We came to observe the pitiful Saru being raised by that foolish princess." The attitude of the young samurai was of borrowing Nobukatsu's might and oppressing people. "Return, idiots."
"Young master! What should we do with this disrespectful foot soldier?" While laughing from above a white horse, a boy samurai truly looking like a young nobleman descended down and came closer to Saru, "It's rare for my foolish elder sister to pick up an animal. I also felt like looking at this Saru directly." He wore clothes far high classed than the other samurai. Just by looking at his appearance, immediately Saru understood that he was Nobuna's younger brother, Nobukatsu. However, his rebelliously curved mouth and his somewhat dark eyes, although he's quick tempered, but he doesn't resemble the straight Nobuna at all. "So you're Nobukatsu, hm..."
"D-Don't look down at me from a higher standing! I am the eldest son of the Owari's Oda clan! And who are you."
"Oh. I am Saru. Nobuna's follower, position is a foot soldier."
"I see. So you're Saru, huh. You are certainly wearing strange clothes."
"His brains are like a Saru as well, young master. He doesn't have manners." Nobukatsu's followers gave out a loud laughter.
"That's right. He's a Saru fitting that big sister."
"Completely different from the well-mannered young lord. For that foolish princess to become the Lord of Owari is ridiculous."
"Seriously."
"Hm? That is some rather interesting words what is the meaning of insulting your own lord?"
"I am saying that my elder sister is a fool, Saru-kun."
"The important Lord of Owari calls his own elder sister a fool? Have you not learnt any manners?"
"Hahahaha! You really don't know anything, Saru-kun. During the funeral of father, elder sister appeared without even wearing a Hakama, her hair in a bamboo whisk knot, with a sword on her waist, and suddenly threw the incense powder in front of the Buddha."
"She's really a big fool," the young samurai surrounding Nobukatsu started laughing.
"Hou? To think you were so foolish, Lord of Owari, it seems I must judge you differently." Nobukatsu was dumbfounded by this.
"What?! How Dare-"
"How uncivilized shouting out in the middle of the street, what do you have to say about yourself Nobukatsu?"
"…How am I the fool, Saru?"
"Allow me to ask you, what was on lady Nobuna's mind when she did this… 'Foolish' act?"
"How would I know what is in a fool's head?"
"I see, it seems you do not know your sister as well as you think. The reason for this behaviour was because the power left behind from your father's death. This caused the advisers to disrespect and ignore the funeral."
"How Dare-"
"The reason for Nobuna's actions is not because she is a fool… It is because there was no reason for the funeral due to you."
"Me? What has this to do with me?"
"My, my you are on the slow side, it is because of you that the advisers are ignoring the funeral due to them wanting more power to themselves due to your inferior abilities."
"That isn't true!"
"Very well then, Nobukatsu, let's see your ambition, after you steal Owari from Nobuna, what is your ambition? What sort of dreams do you hold, to make Owari, no, Japan yours?"
"W-What did you say?" Nobukatsu's face colour changed. However, he hadn't even thought of a magnificent ambition. He averted his eyes and mumbled. "Y-Y-Y-Yeah...I-I want to propagate Uirou, and want to make it a national dish, something like that?"
"…In these times of chaos, doing nothing is the same as death, you have yet to find your path and you are influenced by your retainers easily, should you rule one day your indecisiveness shall lead to your downfall."
"Young lord, let us immediately behead this strange guy!" The angry young samurai started making noise from my prediction.
However, no matter how he is, Nobukatsu is a warrior as well. He won't be able to tolerate it just by beheading him after losing in a battle of words. "H~m." He thought, and then it flashed to him! "I-If I become the ruler, um, I'll gather cute girls in Owari-."
"That ambition although interesting, is too lacking for a ruler… are you going to try again?"
"…Saru… serious…" I heard from Inuchiyo behind me.
"W-Wrong! What I said now was my personal desire! Um, once I get Owari, I will attack Imagawa Yoshimoto of the east, attack Saitou Dousan of the north, and will make the entire Tokaidou region the Oda clan's!"
"Such bravado, is it just foolishness or do you truly possess the strength to back it up?"
*sigh*
"From what I can see victory is currently impossible."
"I-I think it's poss…i-it's possible for me! Since I have Owari's fiercest commander, Shibata Katsuie with me."
"Hou. It seems you are confident in lady Katsuie, although Katsuie may be a capable general but she is rather lacking in the field of knowledge. Not only that, her expertise only lies in Owari, it seems you are far more foolish than I thought relying on only one general."
"How rude! Katsuie is the best general around!"
"But what I say is the truth is it not? After all there is always a sky above the sky and you are merely a frog beneath the well."
"…I'm a frog? No I –I-"
"But then again we cannot disregard even the smallest of possibilities, let's assume that you have defeated both clans thanks to Katsuie, what will you do after that?" I cut him off.
"Um…I-I haven't thought after that… I will also gather cute girls from Mino and Suruga as well…" Saru then gave his judgement.
"It is such a shame, you really are a frog beneath the well. Only knowing about what is around you and not seeing how vast the world truly is. I have already heard Lady Nobuna's ambition I must say, It seems I have overestimated you." For him to be defeated by a Saru in a battle of words-Gulp, Nobukatsu's and the group of retainers' faces turned pale and they swallowed their spit.
"Anyways, my elder sister is a big fool! The people of Owari are laughing at her! She's the embarrassment of the Oda clan! That's why our mother also hated her since childhood and didn't even take notice of her! Since childhood, sister was a fool. Even when going to temples, she couldn't stay still, she kept making a ruckus, and didn't learn any manners. That's why, for a long time, mother wanted me, who had good manners, to inherit the family. Only our late father pampered sister saying, 'Kichi, you're a genius, no matter what anyone says, do what you believe is right.' The result is the current sister… That rude, selfish, barbarian-friendly girl who talked nonsensical stuff about conquering Japan, Arquebus, was shunned by mother since childhood. As proof of that, even now mother lives in my castle-."
"Many in the past have been called fools… but that is because they were willing to try things others have never done before. It is because of this behaviour that the hearts of the people have started to sway, you may think that they are laughing at her but deep inside they are already admiring her, the incidents such as the dragon god has already made the people truly wish to follow her. It is this compassion and charisma that people will follow her in the future… I must thank you Nobukatsu-dono it is because of this conversation that you have furthered my reason to follow lady Nobuna."
'If you hang the gourd on your waist, you can take anything out immediately; it's convenient.' Even if she said that, the majority of Warring State era people would just raise their eyebrows thinking that she doesn't have dignity. Furthermore, there's no way 'Conquer Japan' or 'The World' will be understood. People who can understand Nobuna's thinking, that were from the same era, are few. Even among the people she knows, at most it would probably only be her late father and Saitou Dousan, who she met today. There was no helping having bad relations with her mother or her younger brother.
"Grr… Katsuie!" He seemed to finally have enough of my words.
"…..You are quite outrageous, Saru." Letting out a sigh as if troubled, Katsuie came from between the observers. She's already unsheathed the sword on her waist.
"I was ordered by Nobuna-sama not to behead you but this act against my master-this time I can't let it slide."
"Katsuie, Why is a young lady like you following this man? You should know which lord you should follow."
"….Uh….Uh. I-I don't understand difficult things like politics! However it's that my Lord is Nobukatsu-sama! No matter what, I can only serve with loyalty, right?"
*sigh*
"It seems that he reason for the retainers plotting against lady Nobuna, is due to your lack of discipline and your indecisiveness."
"S-Shut up! Don't deceive me by saying difficult stuff, idiot! M-My head will split! I-Is this the attack of the mind?"
Nene gives the final blow. "Katsuie-dono, a question! 2+3x4 is?"
"Eeh? I-If I don't replace it with greengroceries I can't tell! U-Um, t-two carrots…t-three raddish…..what was multiplying again? Soy sauce fits raddish…..so I have to multiply 4 tablespoons of soy sauce? S-so the completed dish is…..dish is…..?Uwaaaah, my head will definitely spliiiiiiit?"
"Time's up!"
"…..It seems that though you may be beautiful and strong lady Katsuie, it seems you are lacking in the field of knowledge."
"Don't call me an idiot even though you're a Saru! A-A-Anyways the punishment for a foot soldier to insult Nobukatsu-sama is death, prepare yourself!"
It was the moment when Katsuie raised her sword and was aiming at his head trying to bring it down. "No! You can't behead Saru-sama!"
"…..That's right. No. You can't kill retainers who are with Nobuna-sama." Nene and Inuchiyo spread their arms wide and covered Saru. Katsuie stopped her blade flustered.
"Why are you obstructing me, Inuchiyo? It's getting more and more troublesome."
"….Inuchiyo doesn't want to lose Nobuna-sama's smiling face."
"Eeh? You mean to say this guy is trusted by Nobuna-sama?"
"….Probably…Definitely….maybe…that may be the case….."
"Hm? Maybe?" She still questions me even though I have done so much to prove my worth?
"There's no basis of that, Inuchiyo."
"…..During the time she was talking to Saru, Nobuna-sama laughed like the time she was with her father. As if enjoying herself."
"No…..way, that is, even I somehow felt it but…it's probably that, something like the time during childhood, resembling the time when she got attached to the barbarian missionary?"
"…That's right."
"Since Nobuna-sama likes those sort of people who come from far off countries. I can understand that she'll have an interest in the puzzling Saru."
"…If Saru dies, Nobuna-sama will once again become alone. Since Inuchiyo can't understand Nobuna-sama's dreams."
"…..U-U-Ugh. Since you said it like that, I am the same…..I am a battle idiot, no matter how much I serve loyally, I can't understand even ten percent of what Nobuna-sama says…..even if I am told 'Conquer Japan'…To me who hasn't more or less gone out from Owari, I can't understand it…."
"….Inuchiyo likes Nobuna-sama as well. However, just by liking I can't fill the holes in Nobuna-sama's heart."
"E-Even then, is there any proof that this Saru can understand her thoughts and dreams?"
"…..There is no proof. However, Saru's head is good and was able to convince the Viper to hand over Mino."
"U-Ugh…..Inuchiyo, I can't help it." While scratching her head, Katsuie, she sheathed her sword. Nobukatsu who was neglected like that said, "W-Wait a bit, K-Katsuie? Are you going to let go of that ferocious foot soldier who insulted me?"
"U-um…young Lord. Young Lord may have also plotted rebellions against Nobuna-sama many times but your life has been spared. Let's finish this as returning one of the debts."
"A-A-Are you lumping the young valuable young lord of the Oda clan and this vulgar Saru who's a foot soldier together?"
"F-For the present, let us return. There's a rumour that Imagawa who is planning on marching to the capital will invade Owari as well, um." Once he hears that Imagawa could invade, even Nobukatsu couldn't act tough.
In the first place, Nobukatsu didn't have the confidence that he could win the battle against the number one power of Tokaido region, Imagawa Yoshimoto. In reality, in a battle with Nobukatsu vs. Imagawa, his attitude was that of "Katsuie will somehow do it." Even among the young samurai around Nobukatsu, not even one of them has the courage to disobey Katsuie. Even if they bunch together and come, they know that they can't win against Katsuie.
"Uh, G-Guh. S-Saru! I-In deference to Katsuie, I'll forgive you with this for today! H-However, remember it, I'll make you pay! Understood?!"
One week had passed since Yoshiharu had come to the Five leaf Aralia tenements. The week went by in the blink of an eye.
The morning of the day when the nape of his neck started feeling a chill, Inuchiyo appeared next to Saru's pillow.
"….The princess calls." She murmured that while sighing. Saru pushed back the crumpling rice cracker futon and jumped up from the bed vigorously.
"Hm? Is it for a battle?"
"…..It's the middle of preparation for battle right now. However, a job."
"I suppose I cannot ignore such a generous invitation"
Nobuna was in the main citadel. This room had large tatami mats with tiger skins and panda skins lined. Nobuna was sitting on the chief seat with an unpleasant look... It's quite a personal room. Even then, why did Nobuna look displeased while eating a sweet looking Uirou?
"….I have brought him."
"I see. Inuchiyo, Saru, come closer." While her knee was on the ground, she dragged herself forward…. while making noise to just beside Nobuna. Saru on the other hand just walked normally towards her and ended up quite close in front of Nobuna. Saru then leaned down so their lips were quite close to coming in contact but with a small shriek she reversed her body a bit before that and drew out the sword that her page was holding. "Don't scare me! You're really a rude Saru. It's sudden but I'll behead you!"
"I'm afraid I will have to apologise, lady Nobuna you were too beautiful I lost myself in a trance."
"Hah. For a Saru appearance, you tried stealing my lips right? A retainer, not to mention the lowest position, know your position." Although these words were quite rude when matched with her blushing red face made it seem rather cute.
"Oh? Am I really that predictable?"
"I can't take this. I am at my limit. I won't let you live. Conclusion. I will just have to behead you for rudeness in this place."
"That would be rather problematic for me… How about as an apology, I treat you… personally." I then leaned closer to her as I said this for a closer look at her reaction.
"W-What's with that? What's wrong with you, who do you think you are? You are not worthy for the gracious and clever number 1 bishoujo of Owari!"
"It seems that I must prove my worth before I take a beauty such as you."
"It seems like Saru can understand the beauty of humans after all!"
"Don't worry if no one else is willing to have you this Saru will gladly take you for a bride."
"W-Wha?"
"…..Princess. Let's talk about the work for Yoshiharu." Inuchiyo who couldn't bear it anymore and decided to cut in on the conversation.
"…..That's right." Nobuna thrust a uirou like the one she was still eating to Inuchiyo who gobbled it.
"…Tasty…..chew, chew."
"Inuchiyo! As always, nice way of eating! I'll give you one more!"
"….Gobble."
"That's cute~"
"Lets' talk about the work." While eating Uirou with her mouths stuffed, Inuchiyo said that.
"That's right, that's right. Be overjoyed. I have decided to have you do a job."
"Let's see the job for a foot-soldier can't be anything grand like plotting for a battle but it has to be important enough for you to ask someone, I believe that this is for me to obtain provisions for the army." "Huh? I am amazed, your foresight is rather amazing. What I am asking you to do is to buy rice." At the same time as Nobuna flicked her fingers, the pages brought the piled up koban and laid them out at Yoshiharu's feet.
"There's 3000 kan. Time limit is 2 weeks. Buy rice with this."
"I was expecting more… this will hardly make me feel excited."
"However!"
"?"
"At the very least, buy 8000 koku! Any less than that, and you're beheaded!" At the current market rates of Kiyosu castle, you can only buy 4000 koku with 3000 kan.
"Procuring 2 times the rice of current market rates… Very well I shall do so."
"Since you're running your mouth a lot, this much should be a piece of cake, right?"
"This is rather simple. The money can be increased as a merchant and moving around." While exiting the room, he heard the teasing voice of Nobuna from behind.
"That's right, I forgot to say. In the case you lose your money and fail to procure the rice, by law you'll be beheaded."
After returning back to his room, Yoshiharu rolled in his room with his arms wrapped around his head. While staying still in one corner of the room all the time,
"…..What are you going to do?" Inuchiyo asks.
"Ah. There's a simple way to make money but I will have to acquire people in order to execute it."
"Inuchiyo will help."
"Your support is deeply appreciated… Goemon, it seems I will require your services."
"….Hachisuka Goemon, at your service." Without a noise, a girl wearing a completely black Shinobi costume appeared in the garden. Her nose and mouth are concealed as usual by a mask but due to the suspicious red colored pupils, he knew it was Goemon.
"…Who's she?"
"This is Goemon… would you like to enter?"
"No, I am fine with being in the garden. In the first place, Sagara-uji, shinobi's are ones who hide themselves in shadows-."
"How are you supposed to service me without being close?" Saru's face had a simple and cheeky grin.
"…Saru, no matter who the other person is, your attitude doesn't change. You use the same attitude without regard in front of anyone."
"Are you saying you wish for me to treat you specially?"
"…"
In the end Goemon conceded and moved into the house. While surrounding the five leaf Aralia stew, the three of them started the tactical meeting. Goemon suddenly said
"My followers are at Kawazoku, breaking into gowdns is easy for them", and was stopped by Saru's hand who then said. "That is not needed Goemon we will be trading."
"…..Trade?"
"If we increase original amount of 3000 kan to 6000 kan, then we can buy the target of 8000 koku of rice. So, we'll use the 3000 kan and purchase goods from the Kiyosu merchants. And, sell them at a higher price, such as 4000 kan or 5000 kan to merchants of other towns. Using the increased money, they once again buy goods, and once again sell them in another town at a higher price. Repeating this many times,3000 kan will become 6000 kan."
"Fumu. Why would the things we buy, be able to be sold at a higher price?" "Haggling and some places do not have goods other places do this will cause the price of goods in that region to cost more so we can sell for a higher price."
It seems like a good idea but….Goemon inserted her finger on the chin hidden behind the mask. "If we don't go to the town, we won't be able to understand the market price. By going in a haphazard manner and buying and selling, can we be wable to double the amount in 2 weeks?"
"Using your Shinobi network, you can find out about the market prices of the Tokaido region, it would also be safer if I leave the delivery of the goods to your followers."
Goemon nodded while hitting with her hand. "I haven't even thought of using my Shinobi like that. As expected of the wone Kinoshita had his hwopes in, fufufu."
She really bit herself a lot, Inuchiyo once again murmured causing Goemon to glare at Inuchiyo. "Then, I'll immediately go to search the market prices of various provinces in the surroundings, 3 days would be more than enough." She makes hand symbols, and makes a smoke screen. Goemon once again disappeared without any sound.
"Cough Cough… It seems we should have had this conversation outside after all…"
"…..The tatami is burning."
"Quickly get water!"
3 days later. Goemon researched about the market prices of goods thoroughly of Kiyosu, Inokuchi (the town surrounding the castle of Mino), Ise's port city, Ootsu. In each town, there were goods that were in surplus, hence cheap, and conversely goods that were out of stock and hence fairly expensive. Through Goemon's report, they went to the town and bought goods which were in surplus, and carry and sell it in a town which doesn't have enough of those. Since they used Goemon's men even for transport of the goods, the transportation fee and transportation time was minimal. With this, their money kept increasing. By the time he had realized it, Yoshiharu's room in the Five leaf Aralia tenement was full of gold coins that even his tatami mat wasn't visible.
Since the original amount was a huge sum of 3000 kan, once they exceeded expectations, the money they piled up didn't seem like it could even be counted. The deadline was tomorrow so Saru then asked Inuchiyo to bring some of Goemon's men to buy the rice telling them to try to get the best price.
"Hm? Saru? Why are you here? The deadline of the rice is tomorrow~ Don't tell me you wasted all of the money?"
"Hahaha, unfortunately not right now Inuchiyo is carrying them. Please wait, it shall be here at the end of the day."
"...I don't want to believe you but, if Inuchiyo is involved in it, then in deference to her I will wait till the time limit." While snorting with a 'hmph', she sheathed her sword, and once again sat on the chief seat.
1 minute...2 minutes...3 minutes. Nobuna's patience lasts as long as a cup ramen's cooking time. "I am bored. If I get bored, I like to behead a Saru. It's that sort of disease."
"? I believe the deadline is tomorrow even if you wish for my head you would still have to wait for a day."
"…I feel like hearing the scream of a Saru's death agony."
"I on the other hand would like to listen to your wonderful voice lady Nobuna."
"..." Nobuna turned her head sideways and looked up at the sky with a red face. Beyond the sliding screen, the blue sky started reddening bit by bit.
"You aren't interested in my story anyways. Just wait quietly till your head flies."
"It seems you are mistaken, I would love to find out more about the person I wish to serve, I also desire to continue watching that enchanting beauty of yours. This situation is currently perfect for me.
"... I have been like this ever since birth. Or at least this is what my mother told me."
"Hm, I believe she lives with Nobukatsu-dono."
"Why do you know about Kanjuurou?" her lips got an unpleasant look, and threw the candy at hand.
"Your brother seems to like fighting losing battles although it has started to become too dull for my liking."
"…I see. Although it's what my ill-natured brother perpetrated, I won't apologize."
"It's fine. I find that style of yours rather beautiful."
"…Kanjuurou was encouraged to do martial arts and studies by Mother who said 'Succeed the Oda clan'. However, he always lost to me. So he's just twisted a bit. He isn't that bad a human."
"At my father's funeral, I was pissed off at both my father who died and left me behind on his own, and the main retainers who were sitting in a row with a composed expression and discussing on to how conduct themselves. No one was earnestly grieving for father's death! …Kanjuurou on the other hand was...sad and crying. However, the vassals around him...had eyes looking like they were plotting a rebellion against me."
"Your brother has already rebelled against you many times, it seems you truly do cherish him."
"Shut up. I have a policy of not forgiving those who rebel, be it may my brother! It's just that since mother will be sad, even though I want to behead him, I can't cut him!"
"Hahaha, if you say so." Nobuna looks down sadly, and let out a small voice. But she immediately swallowed her words, and started glaring at Yoshiharu with sharp eyes. It became a face of Warring States' feudal lord.
"However. Kanjuurou is...No, if Nobukatsu rebels against me this time, I'll kill him."
"I see, to protect Owari you have decided to make that sacrifice."
"That is right, if the clan is split up, then it's impossible to protect Owari from the strong Imagawa clan. That's why, I decided that."
"...For the dream of 'Conquering Japan', there are times you have to sacrifice your personal feelings..."
"I, personally must disagree with your statement. I believe that it is possible to control what will happen when you have power but not get distracted by these personal feelings."
Che, she diverted the topic. "More than that, I'll measure your brain with this globe."
"A globe? It is unfortunate but I do not know what this is."
While rotating the globe in her hand, she showed a surprisingly smiling face and shouted. "The barbarians who made this are tough! Since they crossed the huge sea, travelled around half the world and came to Japan! Do you know? About the meaning of this globe? The world isn't flat. It's a sphere like this globe!"
"So this is a map of the entire world?"
"Exactly. Then, do you know where on this globe is Japan located at?"
"Unfortunately not I have not seen this item before but it is wonderful to learn about new things." Unexpectedly Nobuna had smiling face since whenever she explained that the earth was a sphere, no one believed her, but why did a Saru like him believe her?
"The various barbarian countries who have the Arquebus and the ships that go around the globe are really strong. Right now only the missionaries teaching about Deus come but, someday definitely I believe that they'll come to Japan with their huge fleet to attack. That's why, if even one day faster, I want to conquer the chaotic Japan, and build a country that can rival the barbarian countries! Hey, is what I am saying strange? Do you think I am a fool?"
"No, this future that you predict is very possible. As a strategist one must take in all factors into consideration and from the information you have given me I believe we must conquer japan as fast as possible, you truly are a genius who crosses eras. The ones who laugh are the stupid ones but they will eventually, all geniuses will not stay hidden for long eventually they will grow into splendid flowers or wither away before their time."
"...Hmph. Even if I am told that, I am not happy. There's no basis. Could you perhaps be a flatterer?" With running her usual poison tongue-showed a really defenceless, a smile like a little girl. It was for only a moment. Immediately, she got flustered and went to her original displeasured expression.
Abruptly, Nobuna opened her eyes, and peered at Yoshiharu's face. It was a distance where Nobuna's breath hit his cheeks.
"What. What's with that face? Do you have something that you want to say to me?"
"My lady, you are even more beautiful than I dreamed. You must forgive me if I am unable to break my gaze from your features."
"Even though you were serious just a few seconds ago, now you have returned into being just a pervert, I just can't tell what is on your mind, are you planning on a rebellion or something?"
"Of course not, there is no way I am going to betray the one I have decided to make use of my talents for."
"...Hmph...It's sunset. Where is your rice?" Nobuna returned to a serious face.
"Saru- I have no choice but to believe you have spent all 3000 kan, following the Oda clan's law, you will be beheaded. Tomorrow, prepare yourself." It was a refined expression of Warring States' feudal lord. I then heard the loud sound of running from behind me.
"...I got late..."
"Inuchiyo?" Inuchiyo entered the room in a samurai appearance dirtied with blood.
"...Saru...I bought the rice..."
"Oooh, Inuchiyo~! You bought it... However, Inuchiyo. The bags of rice are?"
"That's right. Where are they?"
"...Right now, they're being carried in from the castle gates." Nobuna and Saru look from the window, an outrageous amount of rice bags was being carried into the castle one after another.
"Oh Oh, it's an achievement of Saru-dono."
"It's big harvest! Let's take one bag back to the tenement as well!" Old man Asano and Nene were playing a flute and a drum and encouraging the samurais who were carrying the bags. "It's a really huge number! How many did you buy?"
"...76000 bags."
"1 koku is 2.5 bags so...30400 koku? No way? Really?"
Dammit, that Nobuna's calculations are fast, Yoshiharu murmured. The request was for 8000 koku so the rice he procured was in reality around 4 times of that.
"Rejoice, Saru!"
"Oh? Will you give me a reward?"
"Since you made me wait, there will be no reward! However, I'll let you keep your neck intact! Be grateful to Inuchiyo's effort and my leniency!"
"It is such a shame, I really wanted a fine banquet as a reward."
"Shut up! Since I am letting you live, cry and be deeply moved! Prostrate yourself at my feet and say this while crying and begging "Nobuna-samaaaa, this Saru will follow you for lifeeeeee", you want to beg right?"
"Unfortunately this will not motivate me any bit, it would be much different if you rewarded me, personally."
Inuchiyo then tugged at Nobuna's sleeve. "...Princess...behead Inuchiyo."
"Eh? What are you saying?"
"...Inuchiyo cut down Nobukatsu's page a bit back. I broke the law." Now that she says it, there's fresh blood on Inuchiyo's sleeve.
"That's why if you don't behead Inuchiyo, then you'll be in a tuffle with Nobukatsu-sama."
"What are you saying. T-There's no way I can do that!"
"...For Owari's sake."
Saru then asked. "Inuchiyo. While trying to carry the rice bags into the castle, were you once again hindered by Nobukatsu and company?" She nodded a bit.
"...There was no time. If I didn't cut him down, it would take forever...I haven't taken his life."
"… Inuchiyo, has run-away and escaped her punishment… Please return when lady Nobuna and Nobukatsu have reconciled."
"..." Inuchiyo nodded without hesitation.
She turned to Nobuna and bowed deeply. "...Princess. Farewell."
"Inuchiyo." It seemed like a line of tears had fallen on Nobuna's cheeks. However that was Yoshiharu's optical illusion. Indeed, she was crying in her heart. However, she didn't show it in her expression. She was bearing it. The line that looked like a tear was blood. Her lip was cut. As if trying to stop herself from letting out complaints like a normal girl, she bit her own lips inadvertently and stopped herself from speaking.
However, even without Nobuna having to say it with words, it was conveyed to Inuchyo. Inuchiyo gave a really gentle smile while staring at Nobuna.
"...I will definitely return. And also, Saru's here."
"Promise me...Will you buy me a silk garment?"
"Of course, beautiful women deserve beautiful clothes."