4 years after
"Seriously? This is how you want to spend your 18th birthday? Just like this? Geez," Kazuma remarked, rolling his eyes and clearly unamused.
"uhuh." I simply nodded; my eyes fixed on the deep blue sea before me.
Standing on the Calm shores of Niigata, an overwhelming sense of sorrow gripped my heart, its depths unfathomable. Hours passed, and yet I found myself unable to tear my gaze away from the vast expanse of the deep blue sea as if searching for a fragment of solace or a long-lost connection.
Why did I engage in this ritual? I couldn't quite explain it myself. For the past four years, twice annually, on my birthday and a random September day, I came here to this very spot, fixated on the sea's majesty, as if awaiting some profound revelation or perhaps someone dear.
"Come on, man, you've got to stop this," Kazuma from behind once more spoke, sounding slightly exasperated.
"You make it look like some bizarre holiday, returning here twice a year to just stare at the sea! Are you truly that fixated on that near-death experience from nine years ago?" my friend Satou Kazuma spoke, referring to the day he saved me when I was on the verge of drowning.
Satou Kazuma had once been the innkeeper of the nearby fishing village before he decided to accompany me back to Hikara four years ago. Now, he had evolved into a skilled samurai, proudly serving our esteemed house, and he had become a cherished friend since then.
"I can't explain it, Kazuma. It's like my heart compels me to return here, year after year," I replied with a heavy heart.
"Hah! Your heart is quite the melodramatic storyteller, Bro! But seriously, you need to snap out of it, or else Old Man Kenichi will unleash his wrath on you again, and that's never a pleasant sight," he said, his tone serious yet laced with a hint of sarcasm.
Truth be told, I wasn't bothered by my father's punishments anymore. He had always pushed me to embrace my responsibilities and take up the mantle of his heir, dismissing me as a cowardly, good-for-nothing boy. However, something within me rebelled against that path. This annual pilgrimage to the sea brought me more fulfillment than the prospect of becoming the heir to our great house ever could—it felt like a piece of me completed here.
"And before you launch into your melodramatic speech again, I suggest you hold your tongue. Your father's retainers are approaching," Kazuma warned, keenly aware of the impending arrival of the stern guardians of our household.
As Kazuma lifted his finger, gesturing towards the distant inland, a band of samurai, donned in their impressive armor, emerged into view, their graceful ride bringing them closer to us. Though their appearance was imposing, both Kazuma and I stood firm and unwavering.
Once the samurai arrived at our side, they gracefully dismounted their horses and bowed respectfully before me.
"Lord Subaru," one of them spoke with reverence, "You are summoned by Lord Kenichi to Hikara Castle with utmost urgency."
The message struck a chord within me, causing my heart to skip a beat. I had foreseen this summons, yet the reality of it stirred a mixture of emotions within me—an ounce of fear because I knew the reason behind it all.
"I appreciate you delivering the message," I replied, my voice maintaining a steady facade, though beneath the surface, tension and doubt simmered.
Glancing at Kazuma, I noticed the concern etched in his eyes, fully aware of how this summons could alter the course of our lives.
"It's time Brother," he said, his voice tense with an air of dread. "You must confront your father and the responsibilities that await you... which is usually not a good thing." he added with a hint of trepidation.
Ah, so the moment had finally arrived, didn't it? I didn't need to ask what he meant; I understood all too well.
With a heavy sigh, Kazuma and I departed from the coast, mounting our horses in unison. Guiding the reins with practiced skill, we galloped away from the comforting embrace of the sea and set our course towards Hiraka the capital of Dewa, accompanied closely by the contingent of samurai loyal to my father.
Upon reaching the city of Hikara, I led my entourage with haste toward the formidable Hiraka Castle. Urging my horse to a halt, I addressed the nearby soldiers with an air of authority,
"Please, take good care of my horse. See to it that it finds comfort in the stables." My words conveyed both a command and a plea, reflecting the deep bond I held with my loyal steed.
One by one, my emotions swirled like a tempest within me as I walked through the grand castle's halls. Each step carried the weight of the impending meeting with my father, filling me with a mixture of excitement and dread.
Before facing my father, I turned to Kazuma, my trusted companion and confidant. Gazing into his unwavering eyes, I felt a surge of gratitude for his steadfast support.
"Kazuma, please wait for me here," I implored, baring my soul in the rawness of my emotions.
Kazuma nodded understandingly, his encouraging demeanor offering a sense of comfort.
"I'll be right here, brother. Take all the time you need. You've got this," he affirmed with a reassuring thumbs up.
Summoning my resolve, I took a deep breath and entered my father's majestic chamber. The magnificence of the room mirrored our family's influence, and my father, Lord Kenichi, sat at his imposing desk, emanating authority with every fiber of his being.
"F-Father," I addressed him respectfully, my voice betraying a mixture of respect and uncertainty, as I bowed in reverence before him.
Acknowledging my presence with a stern expression, my father looked up from his papers and spoke with a commanding voice infused with emotion,
"Subaru, I've summoned you because it's time for you to take your place and bring glory to our house." He held out a scroll, stamped with an imperial seal, symbolizing the gravity of his decree.
"His Excellency, Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, has commanded all daimyos and vassals to provide troops and arms for the second wave of the invasion of the Joseon Kingdom," he stated matter-of-factly. "And I have decided to send you to take command of the contingent I will provide. This decision is final," he declared with uncompromising resolution.
The realization of war weighed heavily upon my heart as I absorbed the gravity of the situation. The first invasion had stalled, and the great shogun had called for a second wave to tilt the war in our favor. Reports indicated that the Joseon Kingdom now received reinforcements from the formidable Ming Empire and various Jurchen tribes, intensifying the conflict.
Rumors of our forces engaged in a brutal and hellish war with relentless assaults from Joseon and Ming troops haunted my thoughts. And now, with my father's decision to send me, I was to taste the bitter reality of warfare.
"Yes, Father," I replied, bowing once more, recognizing the futility of arguing with him.
His words were law, and I'm just a good-for-nothing child, with no choice but to answer his call to arms.
Yet, as the meeting concluded, a pang of hurt tugged at my heart. Amidst all his authority and preparations for war, he seemed to have forgotten a significant detail - my birthday.
"So... you're going to war, right?"
Kazuma's question hung heavy in the air as we stood amidst the grandeur of the castle halls, my audience with the revered daimyo lord now concluded. His voice was tinged with concern and curiosity, reflecting the mix of emotions swirling within me.
"Yes," I replied, the simplicity of my answer belying the whirlwind of thoughts and feelings that churned within. The events of the past few minutes had the potential to reshape my life in profound ways.
"...SO? The land army or the navy?" Kazuma's voice wavered with anxiousness as he pressed for a decision once more.
Ah, The army.
It might not be the perfect choice, but it offered a chance to traverse the land, witness the main front firsthand, and earn recognition and honor for my family.
However, the idea of engaging in combat weighed heavily on my mind. While not entirely unfamiliar with skirmishes – having faced highway bandits and thieves during my travels, swiftly dispatching them with my trusty bow and arquebus – I found solace in avoiding confrontations, especially up close.
Then there was the daunting prospect of mass combat, confronting the colossal and warlike armies of the combined Joseon and Ming forces – a far cry from the skirmishes with thieves or puny highway bandits.
On the other hand, there was the Navy, presenting itself as an alternative option.
It had seen lesser action compared to the land army, often tasked with ferrying friendly troops and raiding coastal areas. Perhaps it could offer a smoother path?
Moreover, joining the Navy might mean a more lenient approach to discipline, with fewer rigid rules and regulations. I might avoid the chaos of mass land warfare, something often favored by the shogunates. Besides, the Navy's frequent travel could lead to safer journeys.
And then, there was something enchanting about the deep blue sea, an unexplainable calmness and passion that beckoned to me.
For me, the choice became clear.
"The navy," I replied with newfound confidence, my heart daring to embrace this uncertain path.
"What?! The navy?! Do you know how dangerous that can be?!" Kazuma's voice trembled with concern, expressing the apprehension that mirrored my inner doubts.
"Huh? It can't be more dangerous than facing the colossal armies of Joseon and the Middle Kingdom, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of Joseon guerrilla troops launching hit-and-run tactics on our rear, as the reports said." I stood firm, determined to explain my decision to my dear friend.
"Uh yeah! But with that crazy Joseon admiral, wreaking havoc on thousands of our ships left and right, it ain't!" Kazuma protested, clearly disagreeing with my point. "I'd rather face the combined might of the entire enemy than face that admiral! No, thank you," he added, his concern evident in his tone.
"Meh, that's just an exaggeration," I responded, trying to downplay his opinion.
"Wait, is this still about your obsession with the sea?" Kazuma's voice rang out once more, his curiosity tinged with amusement.
"Could be? Hahaha," I chuckled, knowing that deep down, the allure of the deep blue sea played a significant role in my decision.
"You're hopeless, bro," Kazuma sighed, facepalming in mock exasperation.
"By the way, how's your promotion? You got it?" I spoke to my friend, attempting to change the subject.
"Yep! All nice and good. Uesugi and I are set to be promoted next month... It's too bad you ain't here to see it, man, with you going straight to Kyoto and all," he said with a hint of sadness, mentioning our mutual friend, Uesugi.
"Don't worry, man. I'll be back before you even know it," I reassured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Once I'm back, you two better be ready to propose to your crushes, alright?" I said with a playful smile.
"Heh! If you return alive, that is,"
As the sun began to rise on the day of my departure, my heart was filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The sight that awaited me was nothing short of awe-inspiring—a contingent of 350 troops, courtesy of the generous House of Natsuki, all ready to journey alongside me to Kyoto, where our combined efforts were needed to contribute to the war.
As we assembled in the city center, the scene was moving. Fathers, wives, daughters, and sons bid farewell to their loved ones, the brave soldiers who would accompany me on this mission.
It warmed my heart to see my closest friends among the crowd, standing steadfastly beside me during this momentous occasion. Though part of me wanted to stay behind, their encouraging words pushed me forward.
"Don't worry, my brother! We'll look after your horse, Patrashe, and tend to your salmon farm and apple garden while you're away," Kazuma reassured me, a hint of emotion in his voice.
"And don't worry we'll make sure she gets plenty of water as you instructed milord," he added with a tone of sarcasm.
"Yes, I know I Know," I replied with gratitude, trying to hold back my own emotions.
"Lord Subaru, keep yourself safe at all times, and may the gods watch over you," added my friend Uesugi, who had also joined to see us off.
I couldn't help but chuckle in response, trying to ease the tension.
"Oh, it's going to be a piece of cake," I said with a grin. "What you should be worrying about is your proposal to your girls when I get back. You and Scumzuma!" My laughter resonated through the air, lightening the mood.
"Haha! Hey, screw you, pretty boy!" retorted Kazuma, the sound of his laughter mingling with mine.
"I promise I'll try to write whenever I can," I said earnestly, scanning the faces of my other loved ones before taking a deep breath.
"You're still waiting for your father, huh? He won't be able to make it, you know how busy he is." Kazuma remarked as he must have sensed my sadness.
"I know..." I sighed, realizing that my father's absence was inevitable.
"Alright, it's time to go. It's quite a journey to the capital... about a month and a half, to be precise," I informed my friends, steeling myself for the road ahead.
After heartfelt hugs and well-wishes, I boarded the horse-drawn carriage provided by the House of Natsuki, while my comrades mounted their horses.
As we set off, the city slowly disappeared from view, and I could see the families of my fellow soldiers and my friends waving goodbye in the distance.
On our way to the nation's capital, memories of my previous visit to Kyoto with my father flooded my mind.
It was a distant memory, a time long ago when I had visited Kyoto alongside my dear father, who was a daimyo among others summoned by the shogun to pledge loyalty.
I can still recall the overwhelming sense of wonder that engulfed me back then. The bustling city left me in awe with its vastness and the sheer number of inhabitants bustling about their lives.
"Well, there's no point in thinking about it right now."
As I settled into the horse carriage, I couldn't help but acknowledge that I hadn't gotten much sleep the previous night.
"I might as well take a nap," I mumbled to myself, preparing to drift off into slumber.
45 days after
"Halt," the sentries called out as they stood by the grand gates of Kyoto, awaiting permission to enter.
"State your business," one of the sentries repeated, likely the highest-ranking among them.
I stepped out of my carriage and approached the gatekeepers confidently.
"We come from the Daimyo of Dewa province," I began, my voice steady. "We have been summoned by the shogun to serve as contingents for the upcoming campaign. I am Natsuki Subaru, son of Daimyo Natsuki Kenichi," I declared, presenting the imperial and shogunate summons to the guard.
The sentry carefully inspected the documents, taking a moment to verify their authenticity. After a brief pause, he nodded in satisfaction.
"Alright, right this way, Lord Subaru. My apologies for the delay," he said urgently, gesturing for the gates to be opened.
With a nod, I returned to my horse-drawn carriage, ready to continue the final leg of our journey to the camp of Kobayakawa Takakage, the commander of the naval fleet tasked with the mission to Joseon.
It had been a month and a half since I departed from Hiraka, and now I found myself amidst the bustling city of Kyoto. The vibrant energy of the place was infectious, but my thoughts were firmly fixed on the imminent war and the life-changing decision I had made to join the Navy.
Today, I received a formal summons from the esteemed council of elders, represented by Kobayakawa Takakage. He was known for being strict yet fair, and he had a close bond with my father, Daimyo Natsuki Kenichi, dating back to their earlier days. Over the years, he had become a mentor and a father figure to me, offering countless pieces of advice and guidance.
As I made my way through the city towards the council's headquarters, I couldn't help but feel awe. The city is even bigger than the last time I came here. So much has changed and I'm a little overwhelmed. the sounds of the bustling market and the aroma of various foods filled the air. Finally, I arrived at the camp near the serene lake where Kobayakawa Takakage was stationed.
Upon entering his office, I was met by the dignified presence of Kobayakawa Takakage himself. His calm demeanor and sharp gaze made me slightly nervous, but I reminded myself to stay composed.
"Ah, the enigmatic son of my dear friend, Kenichi-san. How are you, kid? Please, take a seat," Kobayakawa Takakage said, gesturing towards a chair.
I sat down respectfully, feeling the weight of the moment settling in. "It's an honor to be summoned by you, Lord Kobayakawa," I replied with a mixture of nervousness and respect.
Takakage gave me a warm smile. "No need to be too formal, kid. Just call me by my name when we're alone, alright?" he suggested, trying to ease the tension.
"Uh, Kage-san," I said, feeling a bit awkward but appreciating his attempt to make me feel more comfortable.
"So, I heard you want to join the Navy. May I ask why? You know, serving in the army would bring more honor and glory to you and your house," the elder council began.
"Uh, yes, Kage-san. But my passion lies with the sea, and my military training has focused on naval warfare since I was a child," I explained cautiously.
Takakage raised an eyebrow. "Ah, I see. You know, despite popular sentiments, the navy can be more dangerous than the army. The most devastating defeats the shogun has suffered were at sea, not on land," he said, his voice carrying wisdom.
However, I remained undeterred.
"I understand the risks, Lord Kobayakawa. But I believe it is where I can make the most impact," I responded firmly, my determination shining through... at least I hope it is.
Takakage nodded, his expression serious.
"Very well. Your decision is noted and respected. You shall be assigned to the fleet of Daimyo Lord Konishi Yukinaga, one of our most seasoned naval leaders. He will guide you through further training and deployment. Proceed with your contingent to Osaka Harbor at once," he ordered in a commanding yet composed tone.
"Yes, my lord. I am honored to serve under Lord Konishi Yukinaga's command," I said with gratitude, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension about joining the esteemed fleet.
As I prepared to leave, Takakage offered me some fatherly advice. "One more thing, Subaru," he said, leaning forward slightly. "I heard from your father that you love the seas. Just a reminder, this will be far different from the usual fishing villages and calm seas of your province."
He patted my shoulder gently.
"I know your dad Kenichi can be hard sometimes, but I swear to you, come back alive, and I will vouch for you to become the heir of the House of Dewa Province. It's long overdue, after all," he said with a reassuring smile, showing his paternal side.
His words resonated deeply within me, and I nodded solemnly. "I will do my utmost to survive and be victorious, Lord Kobayakawa. You have my word."
"Good kiddo! As expected from the son of the great Daimyo, Kenichi Natsuki. May the gods watch over you on this journey," Takakage said warmly.
With another bow of respect, I left his office and the camp, returning to my Horse drawn carriage. "To Osaka," I ordered the driver, and once again, the horse-drawn carriage set off, with my contingent following suit.
As the early morning light embraced the city of Osaka, we finally arrived after a day of travel. Anticipation bubbled within me as we approached the bustling harbor, where the magnificent naval armada of the Shogunate was being mobilized.
With a determined air, I led my contingent of 350 troops through the busy harbor. The sounds of artisans and builders crafting various types of ships filled the air, from castle ships to cannon ships to transports.
Soldiers and seafaring marines dotted the campgrounds, diligently engaging in drills, while archers and arquebusiers practiced their shots with precision.
Among the organized chaos, blacksmiths and gunsmiths worked tirelessly, forging swords and assembling guns, while others crafted arrows. It was an awe-inspiring sight to behold, knowing that these vessels and warriors would play a crucial role in the upcoming campaign.
The conquest of the Kingdom of Joseon, in which I myself will take part.
After a lengthy search, I finally caught sight of the young and handsome Daimyo Lord Konishi Yukinaga overseeing the preparations. His commanding presence demanded respect and admiration, and I took a deep breath to steady my nerves before approaching him.
"Lord Konishi Yukinaga," I greeted with a respectful bow. "I am Natsuki Subaru, son of Daimyo Natsuki Kenichi. I have been assigned by Lord Kobayakawa Takakage to serve under your command in the naval fleet," I stated in a neutral yet polite tone.
Konishi Yukinaga turned his sharp eyes toward me, assessing my presence and looking me up and down.
"Ah, young Subaru, son of Lord Natsuki. Your reputation precedes you, and I have heard of your passion for the sea. You have chosen the right path," he remarked with a grin.
Konishi raised an eyebrow and nodded approvingly. "Heh! The navy is no easy journey, kid, and rest assured, even as a daimyo's son, you will be trained to become a formidable warrior, pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion. No exceptions," he said with a firm yet informal tone.
"I will do my best to live up to the expectations, Lord Konishi," I responded, my determination shining through... At least, I hope.
He then glanced at my contingent of troops.
"350 soldiers, eh? Are these men even skilled enough in naval warfare and maneuvering? By the looks of it, they seem more like mere fishermen." he inquired.
"They have minimal knowledge of naval warfare, my lord, but with proper training, they will be ready to serve under your command, sir," I assured him with professionalism.
"Sheesh... Alright, now, go get some rest for yourself and your soldiers. Tomorrow, you and your contingent will begin your naval training," he commanded.
"Yes, Lord Konishi," I then bowed as I expressed my gratitude. "I won't let you down."
4 months after
On the calm shores of the small fishing village of Niigata, a serene September evening had settled in, and the sun was slowly bidding farewell, casting a warm glow over the horizon.
As the day drew to a close, most of the villagers and wildlife had retired, leaving the area engulfed in peaceful quiet.
Only the gentle lapping of waves and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze filled the air.
Yet, amidst the rocks near the shore, a heartbroken mermaid lay, tears glistening in her eyes and sorrow etched deeply upon her face. It was evident that she had been waiting in that very spot for the entire day, yearning for something or someone.
"It's September 23rd... and he still hasn't arrived," the mermaid with silver hair and amethyst eyes whispered, her voice laden with great sadness. "I know he was supposed to forget me, to move on... but why does it hurt so much?" she mused, her pain echoing in her words.
"Has he truly forgotten about me? But he always comes here, even after I erased his memory..." she questioned, lost in her own turmoil.
Suddenly, another female mermaid approached the one with silver hair, swimming gracefully towards her and climbing onto the rock.
"Ah, missing the daimyo's kid, huh?" the newcomer teased with a playful smirk.
"You know the answer to that..." replied the silver-haired mermaid, her voice tinged with melancholy.
"It's your own fault, you know? After erasing his memory, what did you expect?" the other mermaid pointed out gently, trying to console her.
However, those words only deepened the sorrow in the silver-haired mermaid's heart, and tears streamed down her cheeks.
"There, there, Emilia," the caring mermaid comforted her, tenderly patting her back. "I doubt that guy will ever forget about you. Have you seen the way he looks at you? He's completely obsessed with you!"
"But... then why hasn't he returned on my birthday?" Emilia questioned; her voice laced with confusion.
"Hmm, let me think..." the other mermaid pondered. "I've heard from the local fishermen that many young men from the village have journeyed south, summoned by the shogun to the great docks... Wait, maybe he's there!"
"Huh?" Emilia tilted her head in surprise.
"He's the daimyo's son, right? Perhaps he joined those men! Rumor has it that a grand armada is being formed in the harbor city of Osaka maybe..." the mermaid continued, her voice filled with anticipation, but her excitement waned as she noticed her friend's sudden silence.
"Huh?"
Looking around for Emilia's reaction, she was taken aback to find that Emilia was no longer by her side.
"Emilia?" she wondered aloud, her gaze scanning the area in search of her dear friend, who seemed to have vanished into the depths of the deep blue sea.
(TO BE CONTINUED)