MITSUHIDE AKECHI

"Good morning. I see you're ready," Mitsuhide spoke as he walked into the room. His usual grin firmly in place. "Barely... And um. Good morning." He shut the door behind him, taking a look at the little girl that was to be his pupil. Eria sat in a formal position, her expression adorned with a mask threaded from tension's steel threads. Her hair was put up, similar to the hairstyle Hideyoshi had scolded her for, only more tightened this time.

It was like a warrior's, but unlike a warrior, Eria wore no armor and her neck remained painfully exposed. Yet she faced him like she expected a battle, and a brutal one at that. "Why, Eria, if you continue to act so frightened you'll give me a nervous fit as well." Mitsuhide teased. A smile dipped in the slightest hint of sadism formed on her face, "Hm... I'd like to see that." Despite the cruelty hidden within her words, it was reasonable. Reasonable for one who believed Mitsuhide was merely teaching her as a pretext for keeping her in line.

But in fact, the opposite was true. Mitsuhide's goal had always been to give her the tools necessary for survival. Not that he would dare tell her that.

"There will be pain and there will be fear as long as you serve under Lord Nobunaga. Fainting is fine- fleeing is not."

…

"In order to spare you what would be a short and unhappy chase, I've decided to keep a close eye on you. Very close."

…

"Though officially, I am to be your instructor. We mustn't bother Lord Nobunaga with fears of your potential betrayal. Tactics, politics, equestrianism, self-defense, and firearms seems like a good start."

Despite what he had said, Mitsuhide knew at first glance that there was no fear of Eria turning traitor. She was good to a dangerous degree, the danger being to herself. One could only wonder how she'd lived for so long. But, Mitsuhide knew well that she'd not last here as she was. Only a fool would think capturing the favor of Nobunaga Oda and being allowed at his side was a good thing. Rather, it was a position of great danger. A danger greater than Eria had likely ever known.

But one question remained… 'Why am I risking myself for her when I've watched so many trip and tumble to their fates already?'

"Ranmaru had every reason and opportunity to keep running, but he chose to come back. It's clear that he's sincere in his apology. Isn't it worth it to at least hear him out? Does it do any good for the Oda forces to kill a useful ally? Can't you be pleased that he's still alive?"

"My lady, as a princess and a woman, you may not understand, but a man and warrior has responsibilities, he has to-" the vassal tried to explain, reaching a hand out. Only for Eria to slap it away, "Don't give me that bullshit!" she shouted, anger seething from her tone, "Class, gender, sex, race, health, age, whatever- absolutely none of that matters when you're talking about a life!" Hideyoshi stared at her, still wide-eyed, "...Eria? You really feel…?" he mumbled. But a sudden laugh erupted from Mitsuhide, sending a strike of unease into Eria.

Perhaps the answer was simply that Mitsuhide couldn't recall the last time he'd laughed so honestly and so hard. He no longer wondered how she had come to rescue Lord Nobunaga from the flames of Honno-ji. …Eria would sometimes stare at him. And when she did, it was painfully obvious what she was thinking. 'What's he thinking?' always seemed to play in her mind when her gaze fell on Mitsuhide. It was both humorous and delightful.

"Are you finished with your extended internal conversation? If so, then take your seat." Mitsuhide instructed. Clearly biting back a retort, Eria simply asked- "...Is here fine?" "Yes. Today, we will start with politics, focusing on the current affairs." Once Eria had sat down, Mitsuhide presented her with a test he had created specifically for her. "It's important I understand how much you already know, so I've prepared a series of questions for you. You may find them too simple, but I beg your patience as we get this painful yet necessary step out of the way." He explained.

Eria glared at the paper she'd been handed, "...I thought I'd never have to take another test after finishing school... And why do I doubt the 'simple' part...?" she muttered. Though, there had been one-part Mitsuhide had left out. The test would also tell him where she was from, the political climate of her hometown. Her handwriting would indicate her level of schooling, whether her family was rich or poor. So many questions about the girl before him wandered his mind.

Was she from a warrior family, or perhaps the daughter of a merchant? How far removed from the capital was she? He had noticed her praying more than once, was she religious? '...Tell me who you are, little one.'

Mitsuhide stared down at the test, perplexed. The answers were more than surprising. "...Your knowledge astounds me." he mumbled. "...I did that bad?" she questioned. Mitsuhide frowned, glaring slightly at her, "You got none of them right." Mitsuhide gave her a chastising flick on the ear. She bit down on her lip in response, face flushed with anger as she covered her ears defensively. "Your handwriting is barely legible and your knowledge base is frightfully lacking. For the record, 'Nobie' is not Nobunaga's childhood name. Though congratulations on making me want to cry with laughter."

Eria could write, though her style was quite curious. As if it were a style she was not accustomed to. Yet she was so lacking in facts that Mitsuhide couldn't even hazard a guess as to where she was from. "I mean... An answer is better than leaving it blank. It shows I put some effort into it..." Eria muttered. Mitsuhide smiled, "...With a childlike intellect. I suppose that's something, as children have room to grow." And there went the possibility that she had done this all on purpose to hide her true level of intelligence.

Eria exposed her thoughts as if it were safe to do so and talks back to others as if a back-and-forth repartee was natural. She was singular, simple and complex in one. And that factor made her intriguing. Eria frowned, but even as Mitsuhide patted her head in an attempt at consolation, her frown only deepened. "...I'm an adult. I'm 23 for fucks sake... While I didn't happen to know the answers now, I'm still fully capable of learning anything you have to teach me." she insisted, determination burning in her hazel eyes.

"...Anything, you say?" Mitsuhide said. Though he found himself a little intrigued by another thing she'd said. '...You've lived for 23 years somehow, without ever knowing the true dangers of this world... And here I was thinking you were as young as Ranmaru.'

Several hours passed, and eventually Eria smacked her head against the desk with a sigh of exhaustion. "Eria, we're not done yet," Mitsuhide scolded. "...You may not be done with me, but I am done with you. Can't I just... retire to a monastery like Ashikaga... Yoshiaki? was it? You're literally asking me to cram 200 years of history in one sitting!" Eria argued. "Knowing the key events of the Muromachi Shogunate is only the beginning of what I expect you to learn today." His tone carried an air of authority and intent, more or less a clear threat.

Eria was quick to catch it and sat up, though she didn't bother hiding her displeasure. '...That is right. Learn to fear me. If you don't know what I will do to you should you fail me, you will force yourself to learn- if only to spite me.' Knowledge was the only thing that would keep Eria from a sudden and bloody death upon this hotbed of conspiracy and betrayal. "Now, due to the Ashikaga's decline after two centuries of rule, powerful provincial warlords were able to take control. Their predecessors, the Kamakura, similarly lost power. History tends to repeat itself. Ignorance of history assures this."

"...I want to bash my skull against this desk, sounds better than listening to another word of this." Eria whispered. "We can't have that." 'Let's give your mind something else to focus on.' Mitsuhide decided. Eria let out a squeak when Mitsuhide cupped his hands over her ears, her entire face flushing bright red. It was such a quick and rewarding response. He gently brushed his thumb across her temple, "This will keep you from harming yourself. Now you can relax without any fear of doing so."

"Except that I never feel relaxed in your presence!" she shouted, shoving him away. "Dearest me…!" After shoving Mitsuhide away, Eria scrambled towards a corner of her room. ...Just like a cornered little mouse. "Do you still fear that I'll gobble you up?" Mitsuhide inquired, a grin on his face. Eria glared at him, "Only when you look at me like that! If you want my trust, try not making me so uncomfortable." "I'm afraid that's impossible."

She tensed further as he approached her. Mitsuhide knelt down to peer at eye level with her. Pale gold staring into soft hazel. "Your reactions to my teasing are too entertaining." he told her. "You're a horrible tease," she bit back. "I consider myself a marvelous one." Upon closer inspection, it didn't seem as though Eria was entirely frightened. But rather, more frustrated with him. Again, she revealed her heart to him. Though, she possessed a fighter's spirit. Something Mitsuhide himself never possessed.

Both honest and strong, Eria was his opposite. Perhaps that was why, despite himself, Mitsuhide found it pleasant in her presence. But he worried this could become a habit. "Hellooo! How's the studying going, Lady Eria?" the cheerful and ever-so sweet voice of Ranmaru interrupted. "After hearing Lord Mitsuhide was to be your instructor, we came to observe." Mitsunari spoke. Suddenly, Eria's frustrations seemed to melt away as she smiled, "Ranmaru! Mitsunari!" Even more than his efforts, it seemed that the appearance of Ranmaru and Mitsunari was enough to make Eria perk up.

'They arrived right when I expected them,' Mitsuhide thought. He had known that if information of his new role spread to Hideyoshi, he would do something to 'counter Mitsuhide's efforts' and provide support to Eria. With this arrangement, Mitsuhide could maintain his role as the frightening and severe instructor while Eria still got a break. "Uh, Lord Mitsuhide, what are you doing cornering Lady Eria?" Ranmaru questioned. "I was only teasing her a little," he answered. The way Eria had a clear reaction of surprise simply screamed that she didn't think that had been 'a little.'

'You really are a great deal of fun,' was the thought that crossed Mitsuhide's mind as he watched her reactions. He only wanted to tease her even more, but he had to show restraint. Push too much and he risked hurting her. And he had no intention of doing that, it went against the goals he'd set. And how very boring things would be if he scared her into fleeing at the mere sight of him. Eria looked at Ranmaru and Mitsunari with appreciation in her gaze. "Eria, are you getting enough breaks in between your studies?" Mitsunari asked.

"I was just in the middle of asking for one," she informed them. Mitsunari wore the smile of an angel as he spoke- "What wonderful timing. You see, I brought tea, thinking you might like some. I'll make-" "...Me, me! I'll make it! Lord Mitsunari, you can help boil the water." Ranmaru interrupted, a matching bright smile on his face. "...Thank you both," Eria replied. The door slid open once more, with more exuberance this time. "Looks like someone got here before me," said Masamune.

"Masamune...? Did you need something?" Eria questioned, almost as if she was surprised by the One-Eyed Dragon's appearance. "I just came by to bring you some snacks," he told her. It seemed he was also right on time. Masamune presented Eria with a basket of steamed bread buns, and in response, she gave him an appreciative smile. "Thank you, Masamune. Perhaps we could all share them?" she suggested.

Just as they'd begun to set up for tea and snacks, another one appeared. "Here I thought you were supposed to be studying to be a good chatelaine. Instead, you've dragged everyone into goofing off?" Ieyasu grumbled. Mitsuhide even seemed surprised by his appearance. He hadn't anticipated Ieyasu showing up. Perhaps he had underestimated Eria's ability to attract others. "You brought something for Eria too, Lord Ieyasu? Then you should join us!" Mitsunari insisted. "...Who said I brought anything?"

"Then what's that in your hands, lad? Show us!" said Masamune. Ieyasu's eyes widened, "M-Masamune! G-Get…let go!" Ieyasu had brought a jar of spicy pickles, red hot. "Uh-huhh.. So, you DID bring snacks for Lady Eria. I bet those pickles would be good with the tea we brought." Ranmaru commented. "...I just made too much and thought if I was going to throw them out, I might as well give them to her." Ieyasu defended. "Wow, you see me as a garbage bin, nice to know." Eria muttered, her tone laced with sarcasm.

"I admire how you described it in a way that takes the onus off of Eria for accepting them. How very courteous, Lord Ieyasu." Mitsunari commented. "It's only the truth. Okay, enjoy your pickles." "And now he's offering to leave so as to not overstay his welcome. Oh, I have so much to learn from Lord Ieyasu's manners." Mitsunari praised. "...If you're going to copy anything, copy the leaving part." Ieyasu grumbled. 'Speaking of leaving, they don't need me for this…' Now that the conversation had turned to a lighter tone, Mitsuhide quietly slipped out of the room.

"There you are, Mitsuhide." 'Hmm?' He turned around, surprised to see that Masamune had caught up to him and was holding a tray of tea and snacks. Masamune frowned, "You asked me to bring food for the lass, then have the audacity to walk out before we get started?" "I was simply exiting to allow everyone the chance for a pleasant break." Mitsuhide said. "And what about you? You don't get a break? Eat something." Masamune insisted. He always was so adamant.

Even if Mitsuhide were to turn him down now, Masamune was just as likely to pry his mouth open and shove the food down his throat. Giving in, Mitsuhide broke the bread into sections and ate each one, washing it down with the tea afterwards. "Eating's all well and good, but don't forget to take a moment to savor it as you scarf it down." Masamune told him. "I savored the fact that it was easy to eat." Mitsuhide replied. "Heh. I guess I shouldn't expect 'it was tasty' out of you, should I? Speaking of unlikely things..." Masamune began.

"Why'd you volunteer to take the lass under your wing?" he asked. "I had no particular reason." He had just wanted to keep her nearby, that was all. But he couldn't tell Masamune that. '...I suppose that means I've taken a liking to her. Would that serve as a reason?' Lies, deception, fraud, treachery, betrayal. All of these elements were embedded within Mitsuhide's daily life. He'd sink to even the most abyssal acts, such as torture and murder. If that was what his position required of him. And he would carry his regret to the grave.

But he'd chosen this life, he knew what he was doing when he did. Tears were no longer necessary. But at times… he recalled what it was like before. And he couldn't help but wonder: how was it that he came to be here? 'That little one, she has somehow held onto everything I had to give up. The ability to be hurt, to show anger, to feel joy, to be honest. Oh, to be fragile once again. To bend, not bow, to life.'

To Mitsuhide, Eria was him, as he might have been. How could he not watch her? Mitsuhide finished off the taste-lacking tea, entirely aware of the fact that his heart was racing for the first time he could recall. "...I appreciated that, Masamune. But it's time to return to work." he said. "Anytime! I find hanging out with the lass fun." Masamune smiled. With that brief laughter, Masamune walked away. 'Now, I do hope the others haven't told her anything…unnecessary in my absence.'

The next day, they were onto self-defense. "You should know how to defend yourself at the barest minimum. We'll start by practicing." Mitsuhide informed her. "Perfect. I'm looking forward to this." Eria replied. 'Is she?' Mitsuhide pondered. Not only did Eria seem more spirited today, she seemed to be positively amenable. "My. What softened that sharp tongue?" he asked. "I can always resharpen it just for you," she teased, "But. I was fighting you because I didn't think I could trust you. I still don't but- I decided to stop being so afraid."

"You DECIDED to no longer be afraid? Interesting." Mitsuhide commented. He had worried that Mitsunari and the others told her something. And it would seem his fears were justified. But as long as she was willing to take his lessons to heart, the damage was not irreversible. He looked into her soft hazel eyes- like looking into a mirror, but far clearer- and he smiled. She smiled in return, a challenge dancing in her gaze, "If you think that's impressive, just wait until I've perfected all the skills you're teaching me."

"I look forward to that day," he told her. In fact, he was, he wanted her to show him what she was capable of. "Today, I'll be teaching you an incredibly simple technique." he began, "You'll learn faster if you experience it for yourself, which is why I want you to attempt to grab me." "Um- okay." Eria ducked low to throw herself at him, but all he had to do was step aside as if he were dodging a charging boar. "Ah-! Fuck-! That hurt..." she hissed. She had gone tumbling to the floor. Mitsuhide walked over and looked down at her, feeling amused once he saw that she was not badly hurt.

'There there. Let your pride not be bruised like your backside. You really put your all into it.' "That was a well-executed charge, Eria." he praised. "Okay. So, what's the trick here?" she asked. "The trick is never be standing directly in front of your opponent. Congratulations. You've learned an important lesson." he explained "Your lesson was just to move out of the way?! What the hell?!" Eria frowned, anger and shame adorning her expression. 'Yes. Let both shame and anger teach you. They will not let you forget. Being able to move at the right time is vital to defense.'

'...She needs to be able to protect herself and I have such a limited amount of time to teach her.' Mitsuhide wished he had more time with her. If only because he was enjoying it, but alas, it was not meant to be. Onto the next lesson-

"In order to wage war effectively, you must understand its instruments. Do you remember this weapon?" He held it for emphasis, "It's a Tanegashima, also called a rifle. Would you like to hold it?" "No- okay." Eria nearly doubled over under the increased weight when Mitsuhide placed it in her hands. "...It's heavier than a pistol." she muttered. 'Yes, it is. And though I knew it would, it still feels wrong to make you shoulder that weight.' "Be careful holding it; they're known to accidentally go off. Never point the barrel at something you're not ready to kill."

"...Lovely. Can I put it down now? Or would that cause it to explode too?" Eria grimaced, sarcasm in her tone. To Mitsuhide's delight, she kept her spirit even as training grew more and more intense.

"...Now that you know how to clean and load the rifle, we're ready to begin shooting." He told her. Though she had known why they were out there, her behavior still shifted once he'd said it. It was clear she despised the idea, as she should. However- Lord Nobunaga had seemed quite taken with the idea of bringing Eria to battle with him. Mitsuhide would have other responsibilities. He couldn't always be there to protect her like before. Eria would need to know how to defend herself or she would die.

'Our first arquebusiers were peasants. It's faster to teach her the gun than it is the sword. Better for her.' The shock of a bullet often stopped a man, whereas someone with a sword wound still had the ability to get close and kill you… "I've set your target on that tree. Focus now. Don't close your eyes," Mitsuhide instructed. "...I'm not joining the Oda forces as a vassal or arquebusier, plus I already know how to use a pistol. Is it necessary for me to do this?" she questioned; her nerves clear in her tone.

"Why is it important to learn anything but for the experience? No more talking. Take aim." Mitsuhide insisted. Eria loaded her rifle, got into position, and with a deep and shaky breath, placed her finger on the trigger. But she was visibly shaking. In her mind, she was holding the gun Mitsuhide had used to shoot the enemy general. He didn't need to look at her face to know and understand that. "Fire." He commanded. A loud bang echoed; a noise Mitsuhide was all too familiar with.

He checked Eria. With her smaller frame, the recoil had been quite the nasty surprise for her. But now she knew about it. It wouldn't catch her off guard once she had to use a rifle in a fight. "That was amazing, Eria. I've never seen someone who not only failed to hit the target but missed the tree entirely from just five feet away." Mitsuhide praised, his tone clearly meant to be a tease. He hoped to draw out that fiery spark that would carry her from a bad mood. But her eyes remained hollow.

"...I didn't want to hit the target." she muttered; her voice soft as she bit her lip. Eria shuddered, gritting her teeth, "I didn't want to feel good when you said 'Congratulations, you did it'- not when 'it' is shooting something." Mitsuhide's eyes widened, '...So, she felt it. And she's not in a hurry to deny that she did.' When you aim at a living target with a lethal weapon, the horrors of impending death is not the only sensation you feel. You feel power. Power that would overwhelm you with the knowledge that you hold someone's life and death in your own hands. 'So, few realize it is not the enemy that is frightening. It's what you can DO to someone you've declared an enemy.'

Mitsuhide knew Eria was good. She was better than he'd originally thought. "Never forget how frightening it is. The moment you feel good about it is the moment you've died." Mitsuhide told her. Eria glanced at him, "...Is this your way of admitting to feeling fear every time you have to harm someone?" In the mirror that was her gaze, he saw himself. 'You would sympathize with me now?' Mitsuhide simply smiled, "I wonder, will you ever cease to astonish me?" Perhaps she was the satori, come down from the mountains.

Mitsuhide ignored her question and turned her back towards the target. "Now, try again." He told her. "I don't want to-" Eria tried to argue but- "Again." Mitsuhide insisted. She sighed, "...All right." 'Hate me, if that's what it takes. I have good reason to push forward on this harsh training.' And his reason…? '...I couldn't bear to let you die.'

"I CANNOT do this! I really, really can't!" Eria insisted. "Everyone says that at first. Don't fret." Mitsuhide told her. Of course, no one had ever said it like she had. Eria was quite adamant indeed about her refusal to ride a horse. And yet it would greatly enhance what she was capable of doing in desperate situations. Being able to ride could make the difference between life and death in battle. "Mitsuhide, you're tall. So perhaps you don't understand that humans weren't meant to scale moving things TWICE their height!" Eria argued.

"Nonsense. You are at least 170 cm while I am only 175 cm. And there's no need to impose the limitations of others on yourself. Strive, and discover what new heights you can reach." He told her. Eria glared at him, "...You mean fall from?! Besides, I thought you were meant to be watching me so I don't turn traitor?" 'Ah, she's beginning to suspect my motives. That means my lessons are working.'

"Isn't teaching me these skills just turning me into more of a risk? You could really stop any time…!" Eria argued. "Oh, I could, but I find tormenting you so much fun." Mitsuhide smiled, his grin holding the proper effect he'd hoped for. And it was only partly a lie. "That said, I recommend calming down. Horses are sensitive to fear. Just give her clear instructions on where you want to go. No clutching her like a barrel, and no shouting. You wouldn't want to make that… rather large… horse uncomfortable." Mitsuhide instructed.

"Though lucky for you, this mare is several times more sensible and level-headed than you are." Mitsuhide gave her an encouraging pat on the back- "No! I refuse to do this! I am not a TOY, Mitsuhide, and you're fucking crazy if you think I'll let you treat me this way!" …Then she shoved him and ran away. But all things considered, it was a fair reaction. '...But if you think you can escape me, little mouse, you have so much to learn…'

"Did I… lose him…?" Eria mumbled. Not knowing that she'd run exactly where Mitsuhide had planned her to. He saw her, crouched on the ground in an attempt to catch her breath. But once she heard his footsteps, she turned sharply. "You are a very taxing pupil." Mitsuhide frowned. "How the FUCK did you find me so fast?!" "I knew you were apt to run, so I closed key gates before we started. 'Guide your opponent.' A simple tactic. Come. Do not leave your steed unless it is a matter of life or death."

"No. Go fuck yourself." She stayed firm in her place. "Petulant children require discipline." "What are you-? HEY?!" 'Let yourself get too scared and you risk growing stiff and unresponsive. Better to move and keep your reactions timely.' Mitsuhide picked her up- ...Then he put her atop the horse. "Follow the path. The open gates will lead you around the castle. Don't come back until you're done. Now go." With that final instruction, Mitsuhide gave the horse a slap on the rump and it took off with a whine. As expected, Eria clutched onto it.

Mitsuhide met her at the gates of Azuchi Castle, but she had not yet gotten control of the horse. "...Stop! Whoa, girl! Please- listen to me!" she panicked, clearly trying to keep her voice level. But she accidentally yanked on the horse's mane, resulting in the horse rearing up in defense. Eria lost her grip and went toppling off, only for Mitsuhide to race forward and catch her in his arms. "It really wouldn't kill you to listen to me. Yet you remain so troublesome, little one."