Story Vocabulary
(May update as the story progress)
Aruji-sama = It means Lord, Chief, and Master.
Banzai = Japanese's battle cry.
*Touken Danshi = AKA Sword Warriors, gods of swords created from ancient spirit and techniques that are given human form. They are the summons under Saniwa. (Touken Ranbu)
-Sword Types : Wakizashi, Uchigatana, Tachi, Ootachi, Yari, Nagitana, and Tsurugi. (Touken Ranbu)
*Sage = The power used by Saniwa to assist and summon new Touken Danshi (Touken Ranbu)
*Jikan sokōgun = AKA Time Retrograde Army and Historical Revisionists, antagonists and responsible of traveling back in time to alter historical events. (Touken Ranbu)br /
*Honmaru = Also known as Citadel, a Japanese-castle-like establishment where Saniwa and the Touken Danshi lives. (Touken Ranbu)
*Heroic Spirits = AKA Legendary Souls, are spirits of heroes who achieved great deeds in life, having become objects of worship after their deaths. (FATE)
*Servants = are Heroic Spirits that the Master of Chaldea commands. (FATE)
-Classes of Servants : Saber, Archer, Lancer, Rider, Assassins, Caster, Berserker, Ruler, Avenger, Moon Cancer, Alter Ego, Foreigner, Pretender and Shielder. (FATE)
*Majutsu = AKA Magecraft, is the artificial reenactment of Mystery, which is ordinarily possible only by inhuman beings. It is the ability to bring about what is possible through science with supernatural means. (FATE)
Chapter 8 : Alliance is Formed.
"Are you really Heshiki?" Oda Nobunaga could not help but asked. Heshiki Hasebe took a deep sigh before responding, "I am but just because I used to be your owner does not mean that I have strong connection towards you."
"Good because I will not hesitate shooting you if you did." Nobunaga said with a grin like a proud master which sincerely shocked Heshiki Hasabe.
Did he hear her correctly? Did this person just praise him!?
"Come with me, I want to know how strong you are." Nobunaga said as she walked away, not waiting for his confirmation.
Heshiki Hasabe remained where he stood until someone grabbed his arm and pulled him, turning to the person responsible it was the person who introduced himself as Oda Nobukatsu, Nobunaga's little brother.
"Sister said she wants to test your skill. You better follow her than wait for her to drag you against your will." Nobukatsu advised. Heshiki Hasabe could not help but comment towards him, "That's surprising, for a person who had betrayed Nobunaga then soon killed by her."
Nobukatsu looked at him in wide eyes. Heshiki Hasabe knew it was mean for him but he really does not want to linger any of them especially Oda Nobunaga, before he could however Nobukatsu answered back and his words were something he did not expect.
"That already happened in the past due to my incompetence, and my sister not only forgave me but also showed me that the present is more important than the past. You may insult me for all I care but I will not forgive you if you continue to disrespect my sister!"
Heshiki Hasabe was obviously shocked. Is this person really Oda Nobukatsu? Other than the fact that this version is different from the person he actually knew, does it include as a person too?
"Hoy, Milady said she wants to know your strength so why the fuck are you making her wait?" Mori said with narrowed eyes and without hesitation, he wrapped his hard around his waist and carried Heshiki Hasabe like a rice bag. He walked off to follow Nobunaga.
"H-hoy! Put me down!" Heshiki Hasabe struggled but it was futile, despite the fact he's tall and manly, Mori's strength still beat him.
Seeing the scene made Nobukatsu smirked, a silent 'Serve you right' was visible to his expression as he followed from behind. They soon arrived to the large open courtyard where Nobunaga patiently waits, well as much patient as she could but it's quite visible that she's nearing her limit when they arrived.
"This brat wouldn't follow you so I took a helping hand milady." Mori reported before throwing Heshiki Hasabe down the ground like it's nothing.
Heshiki Hasabe winced in pain, 'Is this person really Mori Nagayoshi!? There's no way the man I know had that strength!' He mentally complained as he stood up.
"Hmm… well thanks for bringing him here, Mori." Nobunaga nods towards him who just grinned back with a word, "No problem, Milady."
Nobunaga's attention returned to him and materialized her weapon. The present Touken Danshi was surprise to witness that a sword materialized on her hand, much more that sword was without a doubt, him, Heshiki Hasabe.
"H-how come you have me?" Heshiki Hasabe asked in almost a whisper. Oda Nobunaga smirked, "Surprised? I vividly remember that I had given a sword, you, to a non-retainer of mine a long time ago. Heh, now that I have become a Heroic Spirit, I'm regaining some items that I either give away or toss out of interest and this is one of them. Who would have thought that the time has come for this thing to be useful?"
"Useful… huh… you say a lot of bad stuff without care huh." Heshiki Hasabe murmured but everyone could still hear it. He glared towards her, "Sorry that I'm not useful for you and if anything, meeting much less speaking with you is really indeed an unpleasant experience, different version or not."
"Heh… well since you are not familiar with Servant, let me give you a proper way to do that." Nobunaga said with a smirk. Out of nowhere, bunch of firearms surround Heshiki Hasabe which again surprised him. This time, Nobunaga spoke in deep and serious tone, "I mentioned this before but I am an Archer Servant, and my weapon that I had chosen for this class are these." With a flicked of a finger, they all disappeared as she continued, "But just because I choose them does not mean I had let go my way of the sword."
As fast as an eye could see, Nobunaga draws out Heshiki Hasabe sword and dashed to attack. It was thanks to Heshiki Hasabe's honed instinct that he was able to barely dodge it but Nobunaga was not done, immediately swayed the sword towards him. Heshiki Hasabe draw out his sword to blocked it.
Nobunaga smirked as she gives more push, "Not bad, this is expected for a Touken Danshi." She commented.
Heshiki Hasabe twitched as he tried to push back but for whatever reason, she's stronger than him.
"Sakamoto gave us a theory about you Touken Danshi, that whoever owned them before may reflect to your battle style. I don't know if that guy used you well before me but I want to see it to my eyes if they are true." Nobunaga said her intention before his eyes glinted in bloodlust. "Show me how capable you are, Heshiki!"
Nobunaga pulled back for a bit and give a strong slash. Heshiki Hasabe was able to blocked it but it succeeds on pushing him away. Quickly, Heshiki Hasabe fixed his stance and evaded Nobunaga's attack before going for a counter against her. The two were now focus on fighting with each other.
While the two were busy with their spar, Mori spoke towards the person next to him.
"Young Master did his words hurt you?" Mori asked towards Nobukatsu despite the fact his eyes didn't leave on the spar. Nobukatsu was taken a back for a bit before becoming solemn, thinking deeply of what he should answer. When he did, he answered him. "I would be lying if I say I didn't… its true and you can't say that because I was trick that it happened… I had forced my sister to make a decision to kill a family, to kill me and until now, I would still say that she made a right decision."
"If Master is here, he would say that this is the present not the past. It's time to make redemption and peace with the past." Mori commented and Nobukatsu agreed, "Yeah… that's why this time, I will do my best to support my sister no matter what happens, even if the past hunt us back I will make sure to make things right for sister."
The spar continued and no matter how they looked, Heshiki Hasabe was clearly at the disadvantage against Nobunaga.
"Huh?" Nobukatsu could not help but looked confused, "Is it just me or sister looks ready to kill Heshiki… wouldn't that be bad if sister did!?" He asked in almost panic.
Mori looked smug as he remained silent, not planning to tell Nobukatsu that when Heshiki Hasabe said those words, his lady, Nobunaga was still present and heard it before leaving when she heard his younger brother's answer.
'You are not the only one who's doing the redemption young master.' Mori thought as he proudly watched his lord that he had sworn to serve when he was still alive. 'Milady was doing the same way for you too young master and of course in her own way, Milady is very shy about that aspect after all.'
Somewhere, another spar was also commencing and this time between Izuminokami Kanesada and Horikawa Kunihiro against Hijikawa using the Izuminokami Kanesada sword in his right hand while on the other hand, instead of firearm, its Horizawa Kunihiro sword.
A while ago when they're finally alone, Izuminokami Kanesada confronted him about what happened to his other sword which was Horikawa Kunihiro sword. Horikawa Kunihiro was surprised to his outburst only to know the reason for that was because from their last confrontation, Hijikata holds Izuminokami Kanesada sword and a firearm but did not see him holding Horikawa Kunihiro sword, much less carry it. This made Izuminokami Kanesada worry for his partner and demand answer from him.
For Hijikata, he was confused at first before showing them materialized his two weapons which was both of them.
"We are now Heroic Spirits. We no longer need to show our weapons being carried around if we feel like it." Hijikata explained which resolve Izuminokami Kanesada's worries and apologized to him.
Hijikata accepted the apology then immediately asked them for a spar which both accepted. It was supposed to be one on one but Hijikata saw this a waste of time and ordered to attack him together and so they did. It's been a while since their spar yet the two was not able to give him a scratch while they have dirt all over their clothes and sweating all over them.
"I already expected this but this Hijikata-san is so strong." Izuminokami Kanesada said with smirk while catching his heavy breathing. Horikawa Kunihiro who's on same condition nodded to his words, "Is it because he's a Heroic Spirit now that this is possible?"
"You got to be kidding me, had they become monsters or something?" Izuminokami Kanesada said as he properly stood and sword raise, taking a stance to attack him again.
"Stop yakking and more attacking!" Hijikata shouted the two which they respond in union, "Yes sir!"
The two, united as one, worked together against Hijikata with all their might. Mentally, all three were enjoying this because really, its not normal to get a chance to fight against your own owner after all. If ever they have something to say or show them, just do it and live with it.
It was evening when the two masters decided to come out from the room. The first who greeted them was Danzo who's kneeling on the floor.
"Good evening Master, you too as well Saniwa-san."
"Danzo-san, have you been here the whole time?" Gudao asked in worried tone. Danzo smiled towards her master as she answered, "Everyone had concerns like you may need something while you are in a meeting, so by voting everyone has chosen me to be at your service."
"I see, thank you for all the hard work." Gudao praised, "Had everyone gone to dinner?"
"Not yet but dinner is ready at the audience room, everyone made an anonymous decision to wait for both of you." Danzo answered.
Saniwa turned to Gudao and commented, "Looks like we shouldn't make them long for us." Gudao nodded in his words in agreement before turning back to Danzo, "Please, lead us."
"Of course, this way." Danzo began to lead and the two followed.
Arriving the audience room, everyone whose having conversation had stopped and greeted them in union.
"Welcome back Master/Aruji-sama!"
"We're back everyone." Gudao and Saniwa answered at the same time then turned to each other in surprise before chuckling on their selves.
Everyone went to position where their food was already placed. Saniwa could not help but eye on the Servants whom he had not met yet, which were Okita, Okita Alter and Izo. With Gudao's request, they introduced themselves to Saniwa. If there's anything special about this, Saniwa was really surprise to meet two female version of Okita Souji.
"Everyone we have an important announcement." Gudao began which all in attention. Getting the que, Saniwa announced. "From our talk, we both decided to create a proper alliance between Heroic Spirits and Touken Danshi for the sake of overcoming this crisis."
Everyone was overjoyed and decided to turn the normal dinner into a celebration which they did.
After the dinner celebration, Horikawa Kunihiro, Kashuu Kiyomitsu and Yamatonokami Yasusada had so much fun from the meal and alcohol that they had fallen asleep. Since the Servants doesn't get drank unless they allow themselves, for now they did not, they carried their bodies to the rooms available for them to get a good rest. After that, they went back to their duties.
For the select few which were Oda Nobunaga, Oda Nobukatsu, Hijikawa Toshizo, Ushiwakamaru, Sakamoto Ryouma, Oryou, Murasaki Shikibu, Gudao, Heshikiri Hasebe, Izuminokami Kanesada, Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki, konnosuke and Saniwa were using another room to create their plan for the next move.
"Before we begin the planning, let's provide some small recap for our allied members to understand the current status of war against the Demons Army." Ryouma began as a visual screen showed before them showing the map of Japan including the castles they had successfully conquered. "You still remember the mechanics of this Singularity, right?" He asked towards them.
Heshikiri Hasebe, Izuminokami Kanesada, Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki, konnosuke and Saniwa nodded, saying that they still remember the mechanics which was to conquer the Edo Castle where the location of the Holy Grail was located.
Ryouma continued, "Okay, looking at the map, other than the fact that we had successfully conquered Echizen Ono Castle and this castle the Gujo Hachiman Castle, our other fellow Servants with the Army had also successfully taken over the Sunpu Castle."
Izuminokami Kanesada and Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki were amaze while Konnosuke asked them, "So there's more Heroic Spirits with you?"
"Yes, other than us you had already met, there's another group that had taken the mission to take over the Sunpu Castle and those are Minamoto no Raikou-san also known as Minamoto no Yorimitsu, and Watanabe No Tsuna-san." Murasaki explained for them.
"Wait, for real! The legendary Minamoto no Raikou who's famous for serving the regents of the Fujiwara Clan and according to his tale, he has four trusted followers and one of them was a person who was known as Watanabe No Tsuna." Saniwa could not help but say it.
Nobunaga could not help but laugh as she commented, "Indeed but too bad for you, Raikou is a she not a he."
"Another gender contradiction? What kind of world do you have?" Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki asked in amaze and wonder. Gudao shrug as he answered him, "There are times I wonder that myself but its best to ignore things that's irrelevant."
"Great answer there, Master." Hijikata complemented.
"Back on topic everyone." Ryouma said as he returned explaining, "With that expedition being a success, the next best target for the conquest is without a doubt the Matsumoto Castle. This castle is the Demon Army's 2nd strongest stronghold as such if we are able to conquer this castle, we have a better chance to conquering the Edo Castle."
"Meaning the current Matsumoto Castle is not easy to conquest like what happened back in Inuyama Castle?" Gudao asked in contemplation and Ryouma nodded to say yes, it was Oryou who voiced the reason, "According to the information Ryouma had gathered, there are multiple Servants currently stationed there."
"Hoho, now we're in the real fight huh." Hijikawa grinned in bloodlust as he said that. Izuminokami Kanesada on the other hand made a question, "Servants? Does the other side have Heroic Spirits on the Demons Army's side?"
"They do but not by choice." Ushiwakamaru answered him, "This is another effect of a grail when it's in the wrong hands, they can summon Heroic Spirits take them under their control whenever they like it or not. That's why other than retrieving the grail, we also have a goal to save those who are summon as well."
"I see… this never happened to me so this situation was actually very tough for you Gudao." Saniwa said in concern. Gudao weakly smiled as he replies, "Don't worry, as long as we beat them, they will either return back to the Throne of Heroes or help us reach the conclusion of this Singularity like what happened to Raiko-san and some others as well."
"Wait, it's not that long since we arrive and a lot of things already happened to your side?" Konnosuke was surprise to hear this news. Nobunaga laughed in delight, "Yeah and it's all fun."
"Only you would see this as fun sister." Nobukatsu mumbled with resignation.
"Anything else we should know Sakamoto?" Hijikata asked. Ryouma nodded, "The number of Jikan Sokōgun residing that castle is twice as much in Inuyama Castle. For the number of servants, well I don't really know the actual number, but I heard one of them was Saito Hajime-san."
"Saito Hajime… are you talking about the third unit of the Shinsengumi, Saito Hajime!?" Izuminokami Kanesada asked in shocked. Ryouma nodded, "Yes Izuminokami-kun, that's the person."
"I see, so he's there." Hijikata muttered as he looked thoughtful while Izuminokami Kanesada looked worried on the prospect of fighting against Saito Hajime.
Gudao on the other hand accepted the information and turned to Murasaki, "Murasaki-san there is something I would like you to do."
Murasaki looked in question, "What would that be Master?"
"From what Saniwa told me, they have this device that allows Touken Danshi to travel back in time but the limit of what that device can transport is only six. So, I'm thinking about by using magecraft we could empower this time travel device and have a lot of set of Touken Danshi from Saniwa's world to travel here to give us more number."
That shocked them while Murasaki contemplate on the idea before turning to Saniwa and asked. "Do you have any device that has a strong connection with the time travel device?"
"We have a portable device that we use to return back to Citadel." Saniwa answered in thought before turning to Konnosuke, "My friend's bell collar may be the one you need as it has more connection with our device than our portable."
"May I exam them?" Murasaki questioned towards the fox. Konnosuke seems to sense Saniwa's trust towards them so he did not hesitate to walk towards her and have her exam it. After a moment, she said her results. "For your idea, Master, it's quite possible but they need an anchor to strengthen their time remaining here."
"What anchor do we need to make it possible?" Heshiki Hasebe, who was quiet ever since the meeting started, questioned in serious and thoughtful tone. Murasaki answered, "That would be from our existence. Like Izuminokami-san's anchor towards Hijikata-san since he has a history with him, so are you towards Nobunaga. The Touken Danshi that will soon be summoned should have connection with us, the Heroic Spirits' history."
"I guess that explains the limited number of Touken Danshi that qualify to take this mission." Saniwa said in understanding as he thought about it before asking, "How about the Touken Danshi that has no connection with the present Heroic Spirits?"
"Then it's not possible." Murasaki answered in a sad tone, Saniwa nodded in understanding. Nobukatsu began to asked, "If it's possible, how many more Touken Danshi you could summon on your side other than the current six?"
"There's 15 more we could summon if what Murasaki-san said is possible." Saniwa answered.
"15 Touken Danshi huh… I wonder who among the lucky once will be…" Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki murmured with a glee, after all its not normal to have more than 6 Touken Danshi to be summoned to fight and protect the history.
Heshiki Hasebe on the other hand remembered Konnosuke's announcement and said, "Those 15 if I am correct are Iwatooshi, Imanotsurugi, Namazuo Toushirou, Gotokai, Kikkou Sadamune, Souza Samonji, Higekiri, Hizamaru, Fudou Yukimitsu, Azuki Nagamitsu, Hizen Tadahiro, Sanchoumou, Yagen Toushirou, Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, and Tsurumaru Kuninaga. They are the once whom you had announced to be ready in case our current team failed, right Aruji-sama?"
"Yes Hasebe-kun." Saniwa answered with a nod, "Now that I think about it, if it's possible for him to be here, I haven't met him in your team Gudao." He said as he turned to Gudao.
"Who was he?" Gudao questioned and Saniwa answered, "This is related to Kikkou Sadamune. According to the history, this sword was said to belong to Akechi Mitsuhide before being wielded by Yuuki Hideyasu's young son, Matsudaira Naomasa, at the siege of Osaka. After his death, it was sold outside the Tokugawa or Matsudaira clans, but was eventually bought back by the Tokugawa."
Nobunaga's eyes darkened at the mentioned of Akechi Mitsuhide's name, "Mitsuhide huh, to think I will hear his name again… Sigh, what is that guy thinking this time?"
"Is there something wrong with Akechi Mitsuhide?" Konnosuke questioned.
Nobukatsu answered, "By history it is him who assassinate my sister, so I'm sure it's same as your history too, right?" Heshiki Hasebe and Saniwa nodded in confirmation. He continued, "The problem is the drive of that assassination. I do not know for the male version but for my sister, Akechi Mitsuhide actually had feelings for her."
That revelation surprised them, "WHAT!?"
"He insanely runted about it before when a Singularity occurred and took possession of the Grail." Nobunaga began as she glared over the wall, "Saying things about loving me and the reason for his betrayal was because I praised Monkey other than him."
"You mean Toyotomi Hideyoshi huh…" Heshiki Hasebe mumbled as he still remembered the Monkey that Oda Nobunaga always preferred.
Nobunaga nodded, "Well unfortunate for him, I have no care about love life as such I cannot reciprocate that insane guy's feelings." She glared at them when she spoke her last words to all the occupants before turning to her Master and pointed an important information, "If Kikkou Sadamune who was owned by Akechi Mitsuhide can be summoned and that person is not on our side, wouldn't that mean that he's on the Demons Army's side as such, our possible suspect of creating this Singularity."
That took their attention.
Gudao hummed before giving his own opinion, "The possibility is high but we can't rule that out yet, still it's worth thinking about."
"As such it gave us a vital information that he's here and whenever we'll meet him in Matsumoto Castle or not is a question for later." Ryouma concluded before turning to Saniwa, "Is there any more that you have noticed Saniwa? This is a vital information."
"W-well…" Saniwa thought deeply before shaking his head, "No one else."
"I see… those are helpful but I wish to know each of the sword's history, some information about their history may come in handy for my information gathering." Ryouma said his thought and immediately Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki, "In that case, allow me to tell you about it, Sakamoto-san."
"Oh, that would be helpful Mutsunokami-san, thank you." Ryouma said in delight while Oryou who was silent from this meeting looked at Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki in jealousy.
"In that case, Saniwa before you summon Kikkou Sadamune, I would advise you to find a way to make contact with him and ask if he's willing to fight alongside us because unlike the rest where they could interact with their previous owner, this is about him being ask to raise his sword against his previous owner and kill him with their own hands." Gudao advised to Saniwa in concern.
Saniwa looked trouble before nodding, "I will take that advice…" He thought for a moment before asking them. "Is this case normal for all of you?" He could not help but ask because a while ago when they mentioned Saito's name, Hijikata who has connection with him doesn't look trouble like him, more like this was normal as such should be taken seriously and without hesitation.
"You mean about us who are close history but now as Heroic Spirits fighting each other to death, well yeah." Nobunaga answered for the side of the Servants. She turned to Sakamoto as she mentioned, "Best example is the time Izo tried to impersonate as Sakamoto due to his will to kill Sakamoto in the holy grail war."
Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki was surprise and turned to him in astonishment, "Okada tried to kill you Sakamoto-san!?"
"Well…" Before Ryouma could answer, Oryou beat him by saying proudly. "Yup! Izo tried to kill Ryouma but Oryou-san is strong so we trashed him like he's nothing!"
"No Oryou-san, without assistance from Master we're goners." Ryouma deflected her statement but did not deny the fact that Izo had indeed tried to kill him. He turned to them and smiled to assure them, "That's a long time ago, now we're under Master's flag so we're not enemies. All is good."
It's a disturbing fact, to think that its normal for them to fight their own comrades until death all because of the grail… it's scary to think about.
I do not owned Fate Grand Order and Touken Ranbu!
This is inspired by a mobile game Fate Grand Order GudaGuda 4 event. For the flow of story, please note that this author had not played the Touken Ranbu game so the author's only knowledge base was from the anime series. If ever you the readers had noticed something that your author may have missed, please let this author know so this author could either rewrite them or add them to the story later on. Thank you for reading this story and please forgive this author if there's a lot of grammatical errors as this author's English language is only average and not English citizen.