Kampaku Fujiwara Yoshiharu

In western Harima, there stood Kozuki Castle.

The overlords of Chuugoku, the Mori Clan's fifty thousand strong army

assembled together to rescue the Miki Castle that had been surrounded by

the Oda Clan.

On this day, the little girl that had inherited the ancestral name of Ashikaga,

which was also known as the Shogun Clan, Ashikaga Yoshiaki, ascended the

hastily made Tenshu and was using a telescope to peer towards the east

where Himeji Castle was located. [1]

"Ho ho ho, rejoice Kikkawa, Kobayakawa, Honbyo temple has already sent

us a reply, they said that they would respond to our call to arms and engage

in battle with Oda Nobuna!"

Ashikaga Yoshiaki who had fled to the Ming Empire before returning to

Japan, pleaded for the Mori Clan for assistance and during this period of

time had not stopped working her brush thereby living up to her name of

'Shogun of Letters'. The content of the countless numbers of letters generally

was badmouthing Oda Nobuna who ignored the authority of the Ashikaga

Shogun Clan and created the current Imagawa Shogunate as well as empty

promises like 'As long as I am able to return to Kyoto, I will definitely

reward you with lots of territory.' but in any case, she still officially inherited

the position of Shogun from her predecessor, Ashikaga Yoshiteru.

Therefore, the 'Mori Twins' assisting the Third Generation Mori Clan Head,

Terumoto in other words, the twin daughters of the Mori First Generation,

Mori Motonari, Kikkawa Motoharu as well as Kobayakawa Takakage

decided to support her, choosing to oppose Oda Nobuna and thus sending

their troops to invade Harima.

However, the Oda Army had shown an unexpected unity, not only was the

Mori Clan's stronghold of Miki Castle completely surrounded by the Oda

Clan, furthermore, the Kuki Navy also took to and appeared on the field of

battle, thereby turning the war into a stalemate, On the other hand, Ukita

Naoie who was the lord of Bizen and Mimasaka and had taken the field as

the vanguard of the Mori Clan accidentally fell from his horse while in a

battle and hurt his back, eventually had to pull back from the battlefield due

to the pain.

Therefore, the strategist general Kobayakawa Takakage who controlled the

Mori Army's San'yodo's divisions as well as their navy, came up with a

grand strategy to break the stalemate and break the siege of Miki Castle

through the use of naval combat which was her forte and was currently

making preparations for it. [2]

"Onee-sama, even though we intend to seize control of the sea of Osaka and

then use this sea route to resupply Miki Castle, but we need to first acquire

the support of Honbyo Temple first, let's let the garrison of soldiers at Miki

castle endure a little longer."

At the younger sister, Kobayakawa's side, Kikkawa Motoharu whose head

had the 'Greater Mori'

headband wrapped around it was lying down while reading the Sengoku

Yamato Monogatari 'Taiheiki'. Whimpering and crying 'Wuu, wuu, beautiful

warriors life once again dissipate, ahhh, the tears won't stop' while writing

something, she seemed to be wallowing in her subtle hobby of completing

the story of beautiful generals which was fabricated through appropriate

means.

Even though Kikkawa Motoharu was undoubtedly a ferocious general, yet

when she was not fighting, she had a great deal of excess energy and

concentration. Therefore, Motoharu, who was uninterested in real men,

indulged in these fantasies.

"Cough, exhibiting this kind of perverse hobby similar to that of Fujoshi is a

bit... Onee-sama."

"The San'yodo divisions as well as the navy were all placed under your

command Takakage, all I need to do is listen to your instructions and go cut

down our adversaries."

"Osaka's Honbyo Temple itself is a fortress-port that is hard to attack,

furthermore in Ise, Echizen, Omi and Mikawa they have a huge amount of

followers, if they rise in revolt in all these places, the Oda Army will

definitely be pinned down and unable to move against us. By then, Oda

Nobuna can only set up a massive blockade by building up cities in Osaka's

surroundings."

"Like the great fortifications that they built outside Miki Castle, Takakage?"

"I'm afraid we need to quickly send troops and rations to Honbyo Temple as

soon as possible, the decisive battle against the Oda Army should be a fight

between soldiers, and should not implicate the believers of Nyankousou to

take up arms due to this incident, or else, it would involve more innocent

civilians and thus bog down the war, making this country even more

chaotic."

Kobayakawa Takakage frowned due to this 'unintended situation',

"Onee-sama, if this goes on it would no longer be a test of whether Oda

Nobuna possesses the capability of becoming the overlord of the world."

Even though it was unstated, Takakage euphemistically expressed her

unspoken disapproval for Ashikaga Yoshiaki to drag Honbyo Temple into

the conflict through her letters.

'Wuu, could I have done something wrong?' Ashikaga Yoshiaki lowered her

head.

"I... I only wanted to replace my Onii-sama who wanted to end the chaotic

era but was setback on the way as the Ashikaga Shogun, so...so I

continuously wrote letters around the clock...Wuu...I'm s-sorry."

"Shogun-sama, the world is not something expressed in a few sentences, but

something that affects the lives of countless people, it does not simply end in

a war of words, should something go wrong, it would cost a great deal of

people to pay the price with their lives."

"...I'll keep that in mind from now on, I'm sorry Kobayakawa."

"With this realization, please continue to advance along the path that you

believe in."

'I understand' Ashikaga Yoshiaki nodded her head with an expression of

being rescued.

"I understand only one thing Takakage, and that's battle, even if I perish in

battle it's just a warrior's job."

"That's right Onee-sama, speaking of which, we'll have to ask the Murakami

navy for help this time again."

"Do you still remember? That decisive battle at Miyajima that decided

whether or not we the Mori Clan would become the overlords of Chuugoku,

and we made our brother..."

Kikkawa and Kobayakawa let out a sigh at the same time, the two sighs

coincided to sound like there was only one sigh, this let Ashikaga Yoshiaki

who was at the side enviously feeling that they really were a pair of good

sisters.

"Even though the master is still very young, but as long as the Mori Twins

are around, the Mori Clan can remain secure, yet I, after separating from my

Onii-sama, am so lonely, wuu."

"Shogun-sama, even though Takakage and myself looks the same, but we are

completely different, furthermore, there was a time where our relationship in

the past was quite bad."

"Un, every time we saw each other we would argue without end, and got

scolded by Otou-sama many times."

"What, it doesn't look like it at all now."

"This was the blessing of our late Onii-sama."

Kobayakawa Takakage looked at the Western sky, with her face revealing a

lonely expression.

Murakami Takeyoshi was currently in the Setouchi Sea commanding the

ship to advance towards the east.

The Murakami Navy's objective this time was to sail across the Akashi Strait

to reach the vast Osaka Bay from the beaches of Harima.

While the violent waves raging in the sea around them seemed to imply the

fate of the Mori Twins.

In that famous battle of Miyajima, the reason why the Mori family's 'First

Generation' Mori Moronari miraculously was able to turn the tide against an

enemy which had an overwhelming difference in strength, was largely due to

the fact that the Murakami Navy mobilized to come to the aid of the Mori,

the pirates abandoned their own interests and formed up into suicide squads,

bravely charging headlong into battle, beheading the commander of the Sue

Army, Sue Harukata as well as a large number of enemy troops. [3]

However in this chaotic Sengoku era, the men that were not supposed to die

had passed away one by one.

After the Second Generation, Takamoto as well as the First Generation,

Motonari's passings, the Mori Clan appointed the young 'Third Generation'

Mori Takemoto as the head, while Motonari's twin daughters Kobayakawa

and Kikkawa became the rudder of the large ship of the Mori Clan.

However the Mori Twins had no definite idea on what to do after they unify

the country.

Especially the 'Strategist' Kobayakawa Takakage who always had the

opinion that 'After Otou and Onii-sama passed away, the Mori Clan in it's

current state does not have the capability to lord over the country, as even

though I am the 'brain' of the clan, I do not possess the ability to foresee the

future of this country.'

Therefore, the Mori Clan that had eliminated it's strong opposing foe, the

Amago Clan and became the overlord of Chuugoku followed the First

Generation Mori Motonari's teaching of 'Do not covet the world'. Yet in

order to continue their Clan's reputation to the end used the excuse of 'To test

if other people have the capability to become the conqueror of the country' to

wage war.

'But even so, to think that the Mori Twins would use 'supporting Ashikaga

Shogun' as a reason to go against Oda Nobuna completely, things that

happen in this world really are unable to be understood by humans.'

Takeyoshi could not help but think,

What's more, even the Honbyo Temple that was on good relations with the

Oda Clan also defected to the Ashikaga side and entered the fray.

"Observe, Motonari, Takamoto. I will live to be a hundred years old,

precisely because the two of you hastily went off, Kobayakawa and

Kikkawa, those two brats can only be protected by me."

Kobayakawa Takakage entrusted the Murakami Navy to do two things.

The first task was to blockade Sakai, the important trading port of the Kinai,

effectively cutting off the Oda Army's supplies, such as saltpetre etc, a part

of Takakage's long term strategy. [4]

The other task was to send troops and rations to Osaka's Honbyo Temple.

Of course, the Oda Clan had its own Navy, so to achieve these two tasks at

the same time was extremely difficult,

Even the Murakami Navy could only do these tasks one at a time.

However, Murakami Takeyoshi still brimmed with confidence.

Even though the Oda Army had accumulated a lot of experience since the

Battle of Okehazama on land, but that was completely different in naval

combat, at most their navy was only used to support their army on land.

In comparison, Murakami Takeyoshi once led his pirates during the Battle of

Miyajima and crushed the Sue Army which had an absolute advantage in

numbers, and true to his name was the Pirate King.

There was an insurmountable gap between the two.

"I want to live for a long time, the battle that is forthcoming is most certain

to be the toughest fight since Miyajima."

'However, this means that sooner or later we have to go to Sakai, doesn't that

mean we would be acting in accordance of the wishes of that strange

Catholic boy that not only refused to pay a toll, but also tricked us to pull

him out of the sea.' Murakami Takeyoshi suddenly thought of this.

The Murakami Navy that was based in the Setouchi Sea had assembled to

explore the sea a few days ago at Dan no Ura near Shimonoseki, [5]

By the time they noticed, they had already captured the young Nanban

missionary headed to Sakai from Kyushu's Bungo.

That missionary was a bishonen with long black hair, he had a tall and thin

stature, and even though he looked like he did not have much strength, yet

his calm composure did not change in spite of the intimidation and even

beatings of the pirates.

Wanting to cross the Setouchi Sea yet not paying the required toll to the

Murakami Navy.

"I do not have any copper coins, nor gold and silver on me."

After a body search, the pirates realized that the missionary was indeed as

poor as he said he was.

Even though the Pirate King Murakami Takeyoshi who possessed the build

and stature which everybody had to look up to greatly admired the courage

of this Nanban missionary who sailed to Japan from the other side of the

world, however, the Setouchi Sea was the Murakami Navy's territory, they

could not allow him to pass just because of the fact that he was Nanban.

"Oi Christian, to cross this Setouchi Sea with its dense reefs alone would be

similar to suicide, we'll bring you to Sakai, though it won't be free."

After hearing this, the missionary spoke in a soft tone to Murakami

Takeyoshi.

"At the seabed of Dan no Ura there lies a great deal of treasure."

When Murakami Takeyoshi asked him why as a Nanban he would know this

sort of thing, the missionary simply smiled and answered,

"I understand the History of Japan more than you guys."

But what was in the treasure chests the Murakami Navy who believed the

missionary's words fished up from the seabed was not gold, silver or

precious gemstones, but rather a few dirty beads,

"This kind of gemstones are called Magatama, they are the true treasures that

can change human history." [6]

The pirates who felt that they were being made a fool of originally wanted to

tie the missionary up and sink him into the depths to feed him to the fishes,

however, their leader, Murakami Takeyoshi felt an increased interest in the

missionary, and this spared his life and locked him in a prison.

The reason why he would spare the life of the missionary was probably

because of the fact that even though the missionary was in a life-or-death

situation, his eyes did not show the slightest trace of fear and panic.

Furthermore, this young missionary who was already left the ships' jail, was

currently standing silently beside Murakami Takeyoshi.

His name was Pedro Cabral,

The new branch chief of the missionaries in Japan

In the jail cell, Pedro predicted that the ship would sail towards Sakai with a

crystal clear smile, and that he would meet Japan's Queen ashore there.

His smile was truly similar to the smile of the Son of God.

However if one observed him carefully, his eyes still had a ferocity rivaling

wild beasts.

"I will turn Japan into the Kingdom of God."

Pedro who declared thus seemed to be like a ferocious tiger clad in a sheep's

skin.

"Hou...Kingdom of God eh, in other words making Japan a Catholic

country?"

"My goal is more lofty than that that, I want to make God truly descend to

Earth."

"WHAT?!"

"All you need do is but look eh, Setouchi Sea 's king. The reason I came

back to the past was to change the history of humankind as God does not

exist."

Pedro's toneless words created a stir in Murakami Takeyoshi's heart.

"Even though the Catholics don't want to admit that your prediction is

correct, but for this match, is really my loss, it's probably called fate I

suppose, in one of the next few days, I'll put you ashore at Sakai."

"Thank you, however, now is not the time for me to personally go ashore at

Sakai, I will let someone who is both a Christian and a samurai of the Oda

Clan use the Magatama on my behalf to pave the way into the future."

"Ho? Compared to exotic people like you, it's easier for samurais to move

around. However, does that samurai have the same dream as you?"

"No, everyone has a different dream, but for now sending the Magatama to

Sakai is good enough, in the end, everything will happen according to my

plans."

"Then what do you intend to do after that?"

"I will quietly wait for the appropriate time for me to take the stage, before

that time, I will head back to Kyushu to make preparations to build the

Kingdom of God, Furthermore, the anti-Christian forces of the Shimazu are

increasing in power too smoothly."

"Really...underneath that weak, thin appearance of yours lies a will of steel,

how similar to Mori Takamoto, it's too wasted for you to be a missionary."

"Mori Takamoto?"

"A late brother, the elder brother to the two brats I'm protecting now, but he

because of a plot by some silly people he passed away."

"Hey, Setouchi Sea's King, are you going to fight for your family again?"

"Ara, if I had to say it then it would be like that, even though those two brats

have no blood relation to me but they're still family, I'm brothers with Mori

Takamoto!"

"Even though you look so ferocious, you're really a real man."

"Speaking of which Catholic, why did you want to abandon your family to

come to this island in a foreign country?"

"I have no family."

"Ho?"

"I am alone in this world, my heart does not love, I neither have anyone I

love, nor family members should I protect."

Even though Gaspar said this, but Murakami Takeyoshi observed something

ever-so fleeting in his eyes, as though he was trying to hide a wound that he

wanted to be healed in his soul.

'This man who came from the distant Nanban alone, traversing the seas

might seem crazy, but maybe he has some painful past,' Murakami

Takeyoshi could not help but think.

"The King of the Setouchi seas, if one loved his own family, he would

become someone who would hate anyone who wasn't in his family, in order

to protect his own family members, he has to fight with people outside his

family. Therefore family is the cause of hostility between people, as well as

the reason why people fight among one another. You Japanese are like

children, deeply loving your own family members, yet it's precisely because

of this deep love that you also possess deep hate, this deep love of yours is

the real reason why you guys are involved in this messy war. "

At the border junction between Settsu and Izumi, there was a bustling trade

city, Sakai.

Nobuna and Yoshiharu were currently riding their horses without rest

towards the Tennoji which the merchant Tsuda Sougyu operated.

"I say Nobuna, if Matsunaga Danjo knew that Konoe Sakihisa secretly was

conspiring, why would she silently let this slide?"

"As a samurai, if one entered Kyoto, it would be unavoidable to be involved

in a battle with the Kuge and their fiendish political maneuvering and being

subjected to trials that offer all kinds of suffering. Danjo personally

experienced this point. She probably wishes that we are able to pass this trial

using our own strength"." [7]

"Even so, if she had told us earlier..."

"Danjo must have taken my impatient personality into consideration and

came to the conclusion not to tell me this piece of news earlier. We must try

to avoid confrontation with the Imperial Palace at all costs, if I were to lose

all rationality and set fire to the palace then this chaotic era would never

have a day where it ends."

"Actually...now that I think about it it's true that Hisahide did not make a

move against the Imperial Palace, she only attacked Ashikaga Shogun and

set fire to Todaiji only."

"Even though Danjo often said that she wanted to burn this country to ashes,

but in her mind she really wanted to quickly end this chaotic era, and not

have any more war orphans like herself, otherwise, she would not use these

kinds of ways to help me."

"Sounds reasonable, Hisahide took all the criticisms of you on herself while

Hanbei and Zenki uprooted the ancient evil nested in Kyoto."

"Uh, no matter how you look at it I've received a great deal of people's

blessings."

"Later, as long as you apprehend Konoe, then no one in Kyoto will be your

enemy, but afterwards you need to avoid sinking into the mire of going

against the populace again..."

"For that, we need to resolve the battle with the Nyankousou, Yoshiharu."

"Ah, in order to not let Hisahide and Zenki's sacrifices be in vain I will

definitely find a way!"

"Heh Heh Heh, as long as Osaka's Honbyo Temple and Chuugoku's overlord

Mori Clan ally together and conquer Sakai, the Oda Army that always relies

on guns as it's main force will be like a toothless tiger. Furthermore, the

Nyankousou followers are rising in revolt everywhere, ha ha ha... I can say

that I've already won!"

"My business rival, Imai Soukyu won't stay rampant any longer, Konoesama, when the Ashikaga Shogunate is revived, please remember to let our

Tennoji House become the Shogun's imperial supplier."

On this day, the Kampaku, Konoe Sakihisa and Sakai's powerful merchant

Tsuda Sougyu gathered in Tennoji House's tea room, secretly discussing how

to treat Ashikaga Yoshiaki who was currently with the Mori Clan as well as

the Nyankousou alliance details. —— Suddenly,

"Konoe! You have nothing to say now!"

"The evidence is iron-clad!"

A ferocious looking Nobuna and Yoshiharu kicked open the sliding door and

barged in suddenly.

Konoe Sakihisa was shocked, crying out "WHAT!!!" as he stood up.

Tsuda Sougyu was so shocked he dropped the 'Shokoubunrin teapot' he was

holding in his hand.

"Oda Nobuna? Wh-wh-why did you appear here?!"

"Konoe-sama, please quickly escape from my shop's secret trestle in the

back!"

"I'm afraid I have to disappoint you, the trestle behind your shop has already

been sealed off under my orders by Sakon."

Before acting, Nobuna already made contact with Takigawa Kazumasu and

her Kuki Navy, ordering them to secretly enter the port, now the tearoom

was completely surrounded by Nobuna's troops from all sides,

Furthermore, Nobuna who barged into the tearoom had a Tachi strapped on

her waist. [8]

"From Kanegasaki when Azai betrayed me suddenly, I had already suspected

you guys hiding a lot of conspiracies from me, ara, even though there are so

many I can't even count them all, but to think that even Kanto's famous

Fuuma Clan could also be controlled by you, it really is a 'great' plan eh?"

"You disrespectful fool! Carrying weapons into the tearoom is a grave crime,

according to the law, taking your life is legal! Don't mess around! I am

talented in the art of swordsmanship that can even deal with experienced

assassins!"

Konoe had once made Echigo's Uesugi Kenshin be the Kantou commander

and proclaim himself as the Lord of Kantou, a man skilled in martial arts

who once intend to rule over the whole of eastern Japan.

But because he was born into the famous Fujiwara Clan, he had been using

his language as befitting his title, furthermore coupled with his normal attire

as well as his black teeth, he looked physically very weak, this was a big

reason why he was able to successfully hide this part of him from Nobuna

and the others.

At this moment, if Konoe brought a blade with him, perhaps he would have

charged forward and cut down Nobuna and Yoshiharu who underestimated

him.

However, 'if' did not exist in this world and Konoe was without any

weapons currently.

Konoe, who had been forced into a desperate situation suddenly bulged his

eyes and let out a huge roar.

"IF YOU WANT TO KILL ME THEN GO AHEAD! YOU AS WELL AS

THE NANBAN

CHRISTIANS ARE TRAITORS WHO WANT TO DESTROY THIS

COUNTRY! HOWEVER,

EVEN IF I DIE I WILL NEVER RECOGNIZE THE PUPPET

KANEKAWA SHOGUNATE!"

Nobuna hearing this also did not back down.

"Listen up Konoe! I'm not a destroyer. I want to let this declining country

immersed in chaos to have a rebirth!"

"Shut up! This country is declining because of you barbaric warriors! You all

have forgotten to follow us, the Fujiwara Clan and our past glory under

Himiko-sama!"

"How long ago was it since those incidents happened? The times have

changed! Now the era where the people who became Nyankousou believers

are rising in revolt and is no longer the decadent era of borrowing of the

Kuge's authority, bloodlines as well as using oratory skills to be able to

control a country."

"Ye-ye-yeah, it's because of you Samurai who did whatever you want that

Japan would be as unruly as it is now, strength is why this hellish world

woke up, it's precisely because of people who have a noble lineage but think

that they have strength that they rose in revolt everywhere."

"You're wrong, it's because people's hearts slowly began to mature!"

"The Christians who believe in foreign and exotic Gods are the ones that

incur sin in this country! You people are but a bunch of traitors who grovel

to the Nanban, trampling on the authority of Mount Hiei!"

"I only want to do business with the Nanban countries as equals, and then

turn Japan into a completely new powerhouse! For just something as trivial

as power on this small island country, do you want to let the war continue

forever?"

"Shut up! Brute force will never be able to end the social upheaval of this

world! We can only truly create a new country by once again pushing

Himiko-sama to the pinnacle!"

"You who think like this have too narrow of a perspective, do you intend to

drive us all out of this country by resisting the Nanban countries?"

"Then of course I'll make sure the Nanban are all completely defeated!"

"To think you would actually say such an unrealistic thing. I say did you

even use your brain...do you want me to send you to Nanban to take a

look?"

"Are you intending to turn me into shark bait?! The magnificent Mount Fuji

is definitely something I want to go and see, but I will definitely never leave

Japan!"

Konoe gathered his remaining will and roared,

"Oda Nobuna! I have long seen through your greedy ambitions! Just by

becoming this country's queen will not satisfy you! You definitely intend to

replace Himiko-sama in the end and become the new Kami yourself!" [9]

"Haah? What did you say I would do? Why do you even say so?"

"The evidence is that you had already occupied the Atsuta Shrine in Owari

and Ise's Grand Shrine, which hold an importance on par with the Gose.

[10]"

"Ah? What are you talking about, I wonder. It's not as complicated as you

said it is!"

"Of the Three Sacred Regalia passed down for generations by the Gose two

of them are kept by the Atsuta Shrine and Ise Grand Shrine, the fact that

you are collecting the Sacred Regalia, which cannot be missing when

holding divine rituals, one by one is the most compelling evidence against

your intention to replace Himiko-sama and declare yourself as Kami!" [11]

"It's simply a coincidence! The only things I like collecting is equipment for

Tea Ceremonies, I have completely no interest in whatever Regalia!"

"I heard that you intend to relocate the Gose to Azuchi Castle."

"I have never thought of relocating the Gose, I only planned to build a

palace dedicated to Himiko-sama."

"Stop this sophistry! What's more you made your own Clan vassal,

Takigawa Kazumasu become Ise Grand Shrine's miko and borrowed the

shrine's authority to conquer the entirety of Ise! Under normal

circumstances how could an Owari countryside samurai become the

distinguished Ise Grand Shrine miko?!"

"How would I know? But it's probably because Sakon is very cute?"

"Rubbish! Even if they were somewhat run down after experiencing long

years of war and chaos, but the Grand Shrine would not be as casual as you

say it is!"

'You're not allowed to casually belittle the Ise Grand Shrine, one of this

nation's three great shrines!' Konoe roared.

"Listen up! The Gose in the past selected a retreat from Himiko-sama's Clan

to take on the post of the miko of Ise's Grand Shrine! Therefore the Ise

Grand Shrine as well as the Gose have the same bloodline! What

qualifications does a mere countryside ninja have to take on such a sacred

duty!"

"Sakon is no longer a ninja, if you dare use the term 'Countryside ninja' to

call my sister again, I will never let you off easily!"

"Wuaaaaaah! Every time I tried to ask Ise Grand Shrine why they would

pick that kind of miko they would always stall, I understand now, it must be

because you bastards threatened to burn down Ise's Grand Shrine!"

"Enough Konoe, don't go too far and engage in whatever conspiracy,

anyway no matter what attempts you make, it will all be stopped by me!"

At this juncture, Yoshiharu already could confirm it, confirming that no

matter how provocative Konoe was, it would be unable to waver Nobuna's

faith.

Because in Nobuna's heart lived Saito Dousan, Matsunaga Hisahide as well

as other countless retainers who gave their lives willingly for Nobuna's

dream.

"Wooo, so this is the pressure of the conqueror of the world that has broken

through countless life and death situations to mature..."

Being skewered on Nobuna's burning gaze, Konoe's will finally reached his

limit.

"Carefully thinking about it, it would seem like I helped her to mature by

constantly giving her trials..."

Konoe who noticed this point seemed to be engulfed by a sense of

powerlessness, too weak to even continue all the yelling.

"It's my loss, go ahead and kill me."

Hearing Konoe say such a thing, Yoshiharu involuntarily shouted excitedly

"The victor has been decided!"

Kampaku Konoe Sakihisa was a massive obstacle blocking Nobuna's path

to being the conqueror of the world.

Nobuna who faced such a great hurdle did not flinch, and instead in a head

on confrontation used her own strong will to overcome him.

It would seem that Nobuna who inherited the will of Matsunaga Hisahide

after her passing became much stronger again.

"Business is similar to war. It would appear I completely lose everything to

the Oda Clan's Imai Soukyu."

Tsuda Sougyu made his last resignation and like a tea master, he sat down

and started savouring tea, saying 'This is the last cup of tea'.

"Konoe-sama, please do as well."

"Even if I go down here, my will shall never dissipate, but I'm really

worried about Himiko-sama's future."

"I already said I did not have the intention to destroy the Gose already,

Konoe."

"Saying such a thing again, the capital already is swarming with rumours

that you want to destroy this country's identity and then go and marry that

monkey over there. If a Daimyo were to not care about the difference in

status and marry a lowly retainer, it would definitely cause a stir and

eventually lead to public support turning away from you."

"Isn't it completely the fault of you distributing pamphlets everywhere that

caused these rumours?!"

"If you were really innocent then how could my rumours have any effects,

you want to obtain the world, and also want to marry that monkey, you who

want to achieve this unrealistic ambition, other than becoming the new

Kami, there's no alternative way is there."

"...Myself, becoming the new Kami..."

Upon hearing Konoe's words, Nobuna's eyes flashed a gleam of light.

"Oi oi Nobuna, don't tell me you're going to..." Yoshiharu uttered while

grasping Nobuna's hand "That's right, let's make a deal."

"Wai- It's best for you to forget that deal, Konoe will definitely not agree to

it. Heck, he might even spread an even worse rumour of you."

"How can I just forget it, I came to Sakai just for this."

"But still Nobuna, you shouldn't be too reckless. Kennya was living as a

'Living God' and thus did not know that her idea was not so feasible."

"Konoe, the first condition of the deal is to stop the Nyankousou rebellion,

if the situation goes on, you will involve countless innocent civilians!"

"Wuuu..."

"I've already prepared the letters, now immediately go as the messenger to

Honbyo Temple."

"Don't go too far..."

"Come and persuade him too Tsuda Sougyu, or else this Tennoji house as

well as Sakai might become a sea of flames, yes?"

'It's precisely because you always say this kind of stuff without warning that

you caused so many misconceptions,' Yoshiharu could not help but lament

in his heart, followed by an obvious sigh.

However, the person in question, Nobuna half-closed her eyes with an

apathetic expression.

Of course, realistically she did not have any intention of razing Sakai to the

ground.

However, Tsuda Sougyu did not know about this point, his face

immediately became ashen.

"Ko-Konoe-sama, Oda-sama is someone who will really do as she says, if

she only wanted my life I naturally would die without regrets, but Sakai

cannot be turned into ruins without rhyme or reason. I beg you, please

protect Sakai!"

"Wuoooh, this woman is really an demonic arsonist!"

Even though he gritted his black teeth to the point where they would crack

and shatter, but Konoe decided to make concessions in the end. "I

understand, I will immediately go as a peace envoy to Osaka."

"With this we can prevent a war with the Honbyo Temple." Nobuna

acclaimed while flashing a satisfied beam on her face.

"I can already see the ending, as long as you embrace your unrealistic

ambitions, sooner or later you will change and reject anything divine as

well as Himiko-sama, even if you really have no intentions now, it doesn't

matter, it's simply a matter of time."

Nobuna slowly and elegantly placed the Tachi back in her scabbard.

"Regarding that problem Konoe, whether I can prevent it or not depends on

your decision."

"What, so it all depends on my decision!?"

"Anyway I'll spare your life for now, as for the suggestion I'm going to give

you should properly consider it after you get back, however, should you

dare to secretly conspire against me again next time, I will definitely cut

you down with no hesitation whatsoever."

"You...just what exactly is your condition?"

"After I conquer the world, you must take Saru as your adopted son and let

him inherit the Fujiwara Clan!"

'Bang!' Konoe Sakihisa fell onto the floor.

"WHAT EXACTLY DID YOU JUST SAY?!?!"

"Ah, of course your current position of Kampaku must also be passed down

to Saru, and then Kampaku Fujiwara Yoshiharu is born!"

Nobuna had a delighted expression as she finished and seemed to be

extremely satisfied with the idea she just presented.

"How is it? If it's the Kampaku boss of the Kuge, he should have the

qualification to be the queen's companion no? Then nobody will utter a

single word of complaint."

Konoe as well as Tsuda Sougyu after hearing Nobuna's 'Suggestion' were so

shocked that their jaws dropped.

"Wha-wha-wha...I have no words for this..."

"Konoe-sama is the Fujiwara Regent Clan's elder, not only is he from a

noble but he also comes from an illustrious bloodline, to make this

magnificent Konoe-sama adopt Sagara Yoshiharu whose origins are

unknown is a bit..."

"Wha-...!!!! To ask me to turn over the Fujiwara Clan over to this vulgar,

lowly monkey...you might as well use your blade to kill me now, it would

definitely be much better than adopting this monkey. This is simply too

terrible, what a nightmare!" [12]

"I never expected that Oda-sama is such a person devoid of common sense,

you guys must have not had it easy too."

"I'm quite indifferent to whatever Fujiwara Clan, anything is fine, but even

if you don't want to let Saru inherit the Fujiwara Clan, there's also no

problem. All you need to do is quickly give the position of Kampaku to him

and then disown him, give him a new surname, then it'll be fine, like this

the Fujiwara Clan can be saved."

"Wuu...Shut up, I refuse! Even though I really wanted to say this but if I

refuse you, you eventually will replace Himiko-sama. In order to protect

Himiko-sama, I will have to sacrifice myself."

"What sacrifice? Doesn't this also fulfil your loyalty?"

Konoe seemed like his soul was sucked out of his body and went limp.

However, in his defence, no matter who it was if one was placed in this kind

of totally unpredictable situation and given the ultimate choice it probably

would be no better.

"Okay, so what's your answer?"

"Even if it was truly my choice, but I'm unable to immediately give an

answer now, something as huge as this needs to undergo deliberation by the

Fujiwara Clan as well as all the Kuge and myself before a definite answer

can be reached."

"You don't have much time! When I conquer the world you need to

immediately give me an answer!"

"Wuu...I-I understand."

Burnt out.

Konoe's pale grey pallor was reminiscent of the colour of ash after a fire

burned out.

"Hehe, with this there's hope for our future together, Yoshiharu." Nobuna

said while smiling broadly.

This was a true, heartfelt smile.

"Hah...I am also considered to be a man who does not want to give up

anything and desperately works hard to achieve my goals, but if I were to

compare with you...I'd definitely lose..."

Yoshiharu sighed.

After experiencing these things, even Yoshiharu was a little stunned.

Nobuna and Yoshiharu remained in the tearoom and began to prepare to

write a letter to Honbyo Temple.

While Konoe as well as Tsuda Sougyu, who were shocked to the point of

exhaustion, trudged away from the tearoom and walked towards the trestle

at the back of Tennoji House.

"It seems like I really have to head to Osaka, help me prepare a boat

please."

"Understood, if Konoe-sama is able to successfully able to stop the Honbyo

rebellion you incited yourself, Nobuna-sama will definitely forgive you."

"I never thought that even the Kampaku would have to run around doing

errands for Oda Nobuna, wuuu..."

"For us, to have our heads still attached to our shoulders is already a really

fortunate thing."

"All you need to do is offer the Shokoubunrin teapot then you can still stay

in Sakai, as for me, not only the Fujiwara Clan, even the Kampaku position

was taken by her! Furthermore I cannot refuse, or else Himiko-sama would

be in danger!"

"The Oda Clan also has a Priest's lineage, even though Oda-sama does not

seem like someone who would fear the gods, but after her victory at

Okehazama she did not trouble the Atsusa Shrine, if you look at it this way,

she probably would not harm Himiko-sama."

"We can't become careless just because she has the lineage of a priest, I

don't think that just by giving up the position of Kampaku to that monkey

we will be able to appease her, if that lost Regalia, the Yasakani no

Magatama, falls into Oda Nobuna's hands, then what should we do..."

[13]

"Er…"

"If I successfully stop the Incident of Honbyo Temple, then Oda Nobuna's

ambition of conquering the world would be 80% complete, even if

Ashikaga Shogun is around, and the forces of Takeda as well as the Uesugi

Clans will delay each other."

"Then does strategist-sama have some sort of plan? He is Konoe-sama's

expert after all."

"Don't mention it, just when things were going our way he had to

completely disappear...even the Tsuchimikado brat is no where to be seen,

AHHHHH! What a bunch of fence-sitters."

Konoe who had been forced into a desperate situation a few moments ago

was so angry that he was about to be tongue tied.

"Please look over there Konoe-sama, that fleet that is blockading the port

must be the navy rumoured to be led by Takigawa-sama right?"

Konoe squinted his eyes and gazed at the fleet not far off from them.

On the Atakebune, the flagship of the fleet, stood a small Miko. [14]

The young Miko seemed to be unable to sit down for even one moment and

was jumping around doing a series of sophisticated gymnastic exercises on

deck.

While the female pirates around her were applauding while watching her.

"Hime-sama is especially agile today."

"Even though normally you're very cute, but today you're even cuter by

30%!"

"Sakai is such an interesting place with all these Nanban ships and Nanban

merchants around, so I have particularly high spirits today!"

The Miko as well as the female pirates were happily playing, not noticing

the appearance of Konoe and the others.

However,

"Sakai's takoyaki is too delicious, how can it be so good? I feel like I'm

about to get addicted to this. *munch munch munch*"

Among the female pirates, there was a strange Nanban wearing armour

mixed in with them.

If we were to use modern language to describe her, it would be a stateless

person.

But anyway, they were a joyful group of pirates.

"Hmm, so that little girl wearing that white miko garb is the rumoured

Takigawa Kazumasu.

Tsk, being a miko yet having a Nanban temperament."

"It does seem so."

"However, ...she's really young...ah?"

"What is it Konoe-sama?"

"Ah, it's nothing, maybe it was an illusion. How can it be... unless..."

"? Konoe-sama?"

"This, this incident must be quickly verified."

"Konoe-sama your face has turned green, what exactly has happened?"

That's correct,

Konoe who had been in the midst of the echelons of Yamato Gose at this

point in time perceived something that not only Tsuda Sougyu but even

Nobuna and Kazumasu did not know the secrets behind.

At this time Kazumasu on the far off deck shouted towards Konoe as well

as Tsuda Sougyu, "Because it's something urgent I'll have to directly disturb

you from here at sea, is Nobuna-chan currently in the tearoom?"

"She's indeed in the teahouse, ah, why do I have to do something reserved

for an aide?"

"Here's Honbyo Temple's letter of notice for the commencement of

hostilities that they sent out, as well as the declaration of war from the

Murakami Navy."

"… … Eh? You must be kidding, right?"

"The declaration says the Murakami Navy will attack Sakai tomorrow,

seemingly because Sakai befriended the Oda Clan and are thus their enemy.

It seems like they want to burn down the entirety of Sakai into ashes

tomorrow. Kukuku."

"AHHHHHHHH! WE WEREN'T IN TIME AHHHHHH! EVEN MY

LAST CHANCE TO

REDEEM MYSELF FOR MY FAILURE WAS LOST AHHHHHH!"

"WHAT?! THE SETOUCHI SEA PIRATES WANT TO RAZE SAKAI?!?!

KONOE-SAMA

IT'S BECAUSE YOU PLANNED THE ENCIRCLEMENT OF THE ODA

CLAN THAT IS

GOING TO CAUSE SAKAI TO TURN INTO A SEA OF FLAMES!"

"It's not just my responsibility alone, didn't you also plan this conspiracy

with me!!"

"AHHHHH, to think that I am actually going to die in the flames of war

which I fanned myself, this must be retribution."

Konoe as well as Tsuda Sougyu hugged each other and blubbered, "Now

that it's come to this…"

"…We can only leave it to Oda-sama"