Ishida Mitsunari Act 2 Sequel: Chapter 1
Everyone believed that a man as intelligent and kind as he is would surely continue to walk a path of righteousness and beauty.
He would illuminate the future for everyone with his brilliant light.
That is what everyone must have thought.
Until the moment he was forced to make that choice—
(......What on earth is happening?)
I caught my breath as I noticed the strange change in the travel guide I was holding.
(It should have contained the history of what followed the Honno-ji Incident.)
(And yet, it's almost entirely blank......)
Even as I flipped through the pages, the sections where the text used to be were now devoid of writing.
(Something really might be happening after all.)
(If that's the case, is everyone safe? And what about Mitsunari-kun......?)
My heart began to hammer with a sickening rhythm as the faces of my dear friends and my lover flashed through my mind.
(Ngh—standing here paralyzed isn't going to help.)
(At a time like this, Mitsunari-kun would be gathering as much information as possible to analyze the situation.)
I took a long, deep breath and tried to think about what I could actually do right now.
(First, I need to confirm that everyone is safe and find out what's going on.)
I bit my lip hard to keep my anxiety at bay and broke into a run toward the castle.
I didn't care that I was out of breath; the moment I sprinted through the castle gates—
Startled, I looked up just as someone stepped forward and pulled me into their arms.
Mitsunari: ......Thank goodness. I am so relieved to see you are safe.
Mai: Oh, Mitsunari-kun! You’re safe too!
Mitsunari: Yes. You must have been terribly anxious, seeing the collapsed keep as you did.
Mitsunari: However, starting with Nobunaga-sama, not a single member of the Oda Army is missing.
Mitsunari: Please, rest assured.
Mai: Yes...... thank goodness!
My chest tightened as I stood before the lover I had been so desperate to see.
Even the usually gentle Mitsunari-kun was holding me with such force it was almost painful, as if he couldn't help himself.
(I was terrified, but Mitsunari-kun must have been worried sick about me, too.)
Mitsunari: Mai-sama...... I missed you so much.
Wanting to ease his mind, I reached around and hugged Mitsunari-kun back.
Mai: I wanted to see you so badly that you even showed up in my dreams.
Mitsunari: I had a dream about you as well. It seems we’re a matching set.
(He’s giving me such a joyful smile.)
Every one of his words turned into warmth, seeping deep into my heart.
Mai: Wait, but how did you know I’d be coming back at this exact time?
In Mitsunari-kun’s position, between the investigation and planning the next move, he shouldn't have had any time to just lounge around.
(This probably wasn't a coincidence.)
Mitsunari: I predicted that once you learned of the attack on Azuchi Castle, you would undoubtedly return.
Mitsunari: Therefore, by factoring in your distance from your previous location, your travel speed, and the weather, predicting the time was not particularly difficult.
(I knew it—he calculated it all just to wait for me. He’s amazing......)
Mitsunari-kun’s greatest weapon is his analytical mind.
That talent blossomed during the last conflict, and his name was starting to become widely known not just within the Oda Army, but throughout all of Hinomoto.
Mitsunari: Mai-sama, let us head to the Great Hall.
Mitsunari: The results of the current investigation are in, and we are about to hold a war council.
Mai: Understood. I wanted to know what the situation was, anyway.
Anxiety flared as I thought back to the blank pages in my travel guide.
(Even as we speak, something that could alter history might be happening.)
As Mitsunari-kun led me by the hand toward the Great Hall......
Mitsunari: Mai-sama, in here.
Mitsunari-kun opened a sliding door along the corridor and pulled me into an empty room.
Mai: What’s wrong? Weren't we going to the Great Hall?
Mitsunari: Of course we are. However, something is weighing on my mind.
(Something weighing on his mind?)
His thoughtful violet eyes locked onto mine, holding a steady gaze.
Mitsunari: Mai-sama, your expression seems quite strained. Is something troubling you?
Mai: Oh...... do I really look like that?
Mitsunari: Yes. At first, I thought you were simply anxious about the recent attack.
Mitsunari: But from your demeanor, I sense it is more than just that.
Mitsunari: I wish to be of help to you at all times. If you are willing, would you tell me what is wrong?
(I wasn't trying to hide it, but......)
Mai: I’m still trying to process the situation myself, so I was planning to show you later.
Mitsunari: This booklet is......
Mitsunari-kun took the travel guide I offered and began to carefully flip through the pages.
Mai: It’s something I brought with me from five hundred years in the future.
Mai: It used to have detailed information about this era written inside.
Mitsunari: I see, a fascinating object indeed. However...... there is a significant amount of blank space, isn't there?
Mai: Yeah. There used to be text in those blank spots, but when I looked earlier, it had all vanished......
Mai: When I saved Nobunaga-sama at Honno-ji, the content simply changed to say that he had survived.
Mai: But this time, it’s just turned completely white...... and that’s why......
(......What is this feeling of dread and restlessness?)
The words died in my throat as a dark, heavy weight settled deep in my chest.
Mitsunari: So, Mai-sama, you believe that something is about to happen—or perhaps already has.
Mai: I don't have a logical reason...... I just have this vague feeling.
(Something bad is unfolding...... I can feel it, and it's terrifying.)
As I fell silent, Mitsunari-kun quietly closed the travel guide.
Mitsunari: At this moment, we cannot say anything for certain.
Mitsunari: However, based on what you have told me, it is likely not unrelated to the attack on Azuchi Castle.
Mai: You think so too, Mitsunari-kun?
Mitsunari: Yes, it is the most natural conclusion. However......
Suddenly, my cheeks were cradled by his fair, slender hands.
Mitsunari-kun leaned down, peering into my face from his height.
Mitsunari: It is alright. You have no reason to be anxious, Mai-sama.
My heart gave a faint leap at his smile, which was devoid of even a hint of shadow.
Mitsunari: I shall also consider the reason why the text disappeared. And besides—
Mitsunari: No matter what may be happening, I will protect you.
The dignified, serious tone of his voice conveyed just how much he meant it.
Just that alone made the murky emotions within me begin to melt away and vanish.
Mitsunari: Will you place your trust in me?
Mitsunari: Then let us head to the Great Hall. It should be just about time for everyone to be gathered.
(I’m so glad I talked to Mitsunari-kun......)
The coldness that had filled my chest only moments ago was now replaced with warmth.
I took the hand Mitsunari-kun offered and gently interlaced my fingers with his.
Nobunaga: That makes everyone.
The eyes of the entire room shifted toward Mitsunari-kun and me as we were the last to enter the Great Hall.
Mitsunari: My apologies for the delay. I have brought Mai-sama, who has just returned.
Mai: Excuse me. I arrived only a few moments ago.
Nobunaga: You weren't scheduled to return to the castle for some time. I take it you hurried back once you caught wind of the attack?
Mai: Yes, everyone was talking about nothing else...... but seeing all of you safe and sound has put my mind at ease.
(Even though I already knew it, the Oda Army under Nobunaga-sama’s command really is powerful.)
In the previous war, the Uesugi-Takeda alliance had retreated thanks to Mitsunari-kun’s strategies, and the conflict sparked by Kennyo-san had been suppressed. It felt as though the unification of the land was just within reach.
That was why it was so shocking that an existence capable of opposing Nobunaga-sama—who had built such a rock-solid foundation—would appear only now.
Hideyoshi: Mai, thanks for worrying about us. It must have been terrifying to hear those rumors.
Mai: Yeah. I was so anxious thinking that someone might have been hurt.
Mai: And seeing the collapsed keep...... the blood just drained from my face.
Ieyasu: It wasn't a "Kunikuzushi." We were bombarded by a cannon the likes of which I've never seen. It’s a miracle the damage was limited to that.
Masamune: Haven't you heard from Mitsunari? It’s the name for the standard cannons typically used in war.
Mitsuhide: Its range and accuracy were quite something—a dangerous toy I almost wish you could have seen for yourself.
(A new type of weapon, then. That explains why the damage was so severe.)
???: Well, the fact that the damage was limited to that extent is partly thanks to me.
A lively voice rang out, and I looked over to see a military commander dressed in flamboyant robes.
Keiji: Come to think of it, this is the first time I've met the lady, isn't it? I'm Maeda Keiji.
(Ah, I've heard of him. He’s a famous commander, right?)
Mai: It’s nice to meet you. I'm Mai. I look forward to getting to know you.
Keiji: Whoa, too stiff! I'm not really the formal type.
Keiji: No need for honorifics, and you can just call me by my name.
Keiji: I’ll call you Mai, just like everyone else does. That cool with you?
Mai: Um, yeah...... okay. It’s nice to meet you, Keiji.
Keiji: You bet! Keep it that way.
(He seems like an incredibly friendly person.)
With his bright, open smile, Keiji felt very approachable and easy to talk to.
Mai: Oh, but how was the damage minimized because of you, Keiji?
Nobunaga: This fellow brought word of the impending battle. Because of that, we were able to prepare our counteroffensive.
Keiji: Exactly. Though Hideyoshi gave me an ear-splitting lecture for it afterward.
Hideyoshi: And for good reason! If you're going to go undercover in Sakai, tell us beforehand!
Hideyoshi: I was wondering where on earth you were wandering off to...... and just because you happened to get intel this time doesn't mean—
Keiji: See? Hideyoshi just goes on and on like this without ever getting tired. You can't help but feel sorry for me, right?
Ieyasu: I’m the one who feels sorry for Hideyoshi-san. The number of people he has to lecture has just doubled.
Mitsuhide: Ho. So it’s Keiji and... is Mai the other one?
Hideyoshi: Mitsuhide, who else would it be but you! You people are always vanishing into thin air whenever you feel like it.
Masamune: Setting that aside, Hideyoshi, why don't you tell Mai the name of the enemy who plotted the attack?
Masamune: You want to know too, don't you, Mai?
Mai: Eh? You already know who did it?
Hideyoshi-san’s expression grew even grimmer as he spoke.
Hideyoshi: The enemy's name is Kicho. You wouldn't know him, Mai, but he’s a man who used to be one of Nobunaga-sama’s subordinates.
Hideyoshi: He betrayed Nobunaga-sama and disappeared for a long time, only to resurface like this.
(He was attacked by someone who used to be an ally......)
Even though I knew this was a turbulent era where people wouldn't hesitate to overthrow their superiors, a chill still ran down my spine.
Ieyasu: But our first priority should be a swift response to the provinces that have raised the flag of rebellion against the Oda Army, shouldn't it?
Ieyasu: There are regions where several of the defecting daimyo have joined forces and are growing in power.
Ieyasu: We have no idea how they're going to move.
(Come to think of it, I heard about that on my way back to Azuchi.)
With this attack acting as a trigger, daimyo who were under the Oda Army's umbrella have been defecting all over the country.
The reason wasn't clear, but rumors were flying that they were all after Nobunaga-sama’s head.
Mitsunari: Nobunaga-sama, may I speak regarding that matter?
Nobunaga: Speak, Mitsunari.
Mitsunari: Yes. This attack has sent massive shockwaves through the world.
Mitsunari: I feel there is a specific meaning behind Kicho-dono’s strategy—not just in launching a war, but in using such a flamboyant bombardment.
Mitsunari: By allowing a residence of Nobunaga-sama to be shelled, he has caused the fires of rebellion to ignite one after another among our subordinate provinces.
Keiji: So you're saying there's a high probability that was the more important goal all along?
Hideyoshi: Damn it. It’s true that Nobunaga-sama’s authority has been shaken.
Masamune: Yeah. Reports are starting to come in that daimyo from other provinces have begun to move as well, thinking this is their big chance.
Mitsunari: If this was Kicho-dono’s true aim, then I believe it would be dangerous to split our military strength to deal with the daimyo under the current circumstances.
Mitsuhide: Good grief. So if we move carelessly, it’s our own heads on the chopping block?
Mitsunari: Yes, most likely. Above all, Kicho-dono is in possession of those cannons.
Nobunaga: Kicho. He is a truly exasperating man.
(Mitsunari-kun deduced Kicho-san’s entire scheme from a single move with the cannons, and he’s already looking even further ahead.)
I can feel Mitsunari-kun’s immense capability and his convictions in his sharp insight and his desire to minimize casualties.
However, everyone's expression remained tense given the unpredictable nature of when the enemy might strike.
Mitsunari: Nobunaga-sama, rather than suppressing the defecting daimyo through military force, I believe we should choose to negotiate.
Ieyasu: Huh? You seriously plan to just casually persuade people who are on the verge of attacking us to come back?
Mitsunari: Precisely. It should be the strategy that minimizes sacrifices the most.
Nobunaga: I see. The daimyo who are bracing themselves for an invasion will be caught off guard. That is where an opening will be created.
Nobunaga: Mitsunari, it is not a bad plan.
Mitsunari: Thank you. In that case, as the one who proposed it, would you allow me to serve as the negotiator?
Ieyasu: You’re going to be the negotiator? Are you serious?
Mitsunari: Yes, of course.
Hideyoshi, Mitsuhide: ............
(Until now, Hideyoshi-san or Mitsuhide-san were usually the ones in charge of negotiations, but......)
Nobunaga: Ho. State your reason for stepping forward.
Mitsunari: This time, Kicho-dono was the first to bring the flames of war upon us.
Mitsunari: I am concerned by the sheer speed with which the daimyo defected and subsequently joined forces.
Mitsunari: It is highly probable they had been plotting rebellion for some time.
Mitsunari: Therefore, I wish to seize this opportunity to meet with the daimyo face-to-face and identify any future elements of instability.
(So he isn't just planning to persuade the daimyo, he intends to investigate them as well.)
Nobunaga slowly straightened his posture from where he had been leaning against his armrest.
Nobunaga: Mitsunari, I leave it to you. Sift through the thoughts of these daimyo immediately, and move to ensure no pointless wars are ignited.
Mitsunari: Yes. I gratefully accept this command.
Hideyoshi: Do your best, Mitsunari. I’m sure you realize this will be a difficult mission.
Masamune: It shouldn't be an issue. This guy's straightforward conviction won't waver, no matter who he's up against.
Ieyasu: Aren't you overestimating him? Though... I suppose I'll agree with you, just a little.
Mitsuhide: Oh? It seems Ieyasu thinks quite highly of you.
Ieyasu: Ugh, don't tease me.
Keiji: Anyone who underestimates Mitsunari’s gentle demeanor is in for a rude awakening. I’m looking forward to this!
Mitsunari: I shall certainly achieve results and return.
With a steady gaze, Mitsunari-kun gave a deep nod to the other commanders.
(No matter how difficult the mission, the brilliant Mitsunari-kun will be fine.)
I recalled the sight of Mitsunari-kun persuading the Ikko-shu followers before, feeling a sense of admiration.
(But...... there's something on my mind.)
Mai: Nobunaga-sama, could you please allow me to accompany Mitsunari-kun?
Nobunaga: Do you intend to act as his assistant?
Mai: Yes. I’ve learned from Mitsunari-kun and I understand the current situation.
Mai: Besides, I believe that having a lady associated with the Oda clan present will help convey our desire for dialogue rather than military force.
Mitsunari: B-but it's dangerous. If we fail, there is a possibility you could even be taken hostage.
Mai: I know. But I don't want to just sit around and wait for you while you're on a life-threatening mission, Mitsunari-kun.
Mai: And we don't have much time, right? Please, use me effectively as a lady of the Oda clan. I’m asking you.
As Mitsunari-kun hesitated, Nobunaga-sama let out a short, amused chuckle.
Nobunaga: You’ve certainly become quite the smooth talker, Mai.
Nobunaga: Mitsunari will likely act with even greater caution if he has someone like you to protect. Therefore, I permit you to go.
Nobunaga: However, I shall have Hideyoshi’s army on standby at the border. Should anything happen, they will strike without hesitation.
Nobunaga: Is that clear, Mitsunari?
Bowing before Nobunaga-sama’s overwhelming presence, Mitsunari-kun lowered his head.
Mitsunari: Understood. Then I shall depart Azuchi with Mai-sama tomorrow morning.
Perhaps noticing how restless I was before our departure, Mitsunari-kun invited me out for a walk.
Mitsunari: The ground is dark, so shall we hold hands?
I walked slowly, bathed in the clear moonlight, with Mitsunari-kun’s hand enveloping mine in a gentle grip.
(I wonder if I should ask him......)
Mai: Mitsunari-kun...... do you have a moment?
Mitsunari: Yes, what is it?
Mai: I felt a bit of a disconnect when you stepped forward to be the negotiator during today’s council......
Mai: Was that... for my sake?
Mitsunari: I truly can't hide anything from you, Mai-sama. Yes, that is exactly right.
Mitsunari: I wanted to use my own strength to put your mind at ease as quickly as possible, since this attack has left you feeling so anxious.
(I knew it...... so that really was it.)
Even the others had been surprised to see the usually mild-mannered Mitsunari-kun so proactively making a request of Nobunaga-sama.
Mai: It’s going to be a dangerous mission, isn't it? You’re diving right into the enemy's stronghold.
(I wonder if I'm making Mitsunari-kun do something reckless......)
Mitsunari: Mai-sama, please listen to me.
Stopping in his tracks, Mitsunari-kun turned his gaze directly toward me.
Mitsunari: Danger is a part of every mission. This time is no different.
Mitsunari: Persuasion will not be easy. If I fail, I may lose my life.
Mitsunari: Even so, I will protect a world where the one I love can live in peace.
I couldn't help but be captivated by his cloudless smile.
Mitsunari: I will consider the other party's position and devote myself to persuading them with total sincerity.
Mitsunari: Even if the convictions people hold in their hearts differ, our feelings should still reach them.
Mai: ......Mitsunari-kun, you're always looking toward the future, aren't you?
Mitsunari: Yes. I cannot change the past with my own hands.
Mitsunari: If that is the case, it is better to think of the path ahead—where I can minimize sacrifices as much as possible and turn things toward the best possible outcome.
(That’s so like Mitsunari-kun......)
I know that he never neglects his efforts, studying every single day for that very purpose.
(God, I really love him.)
No matter what the situation, if it’s Mitsunari-kun, I know he’ll bring light to the Oda Army and all of Hinomoto.
Mai: Let’s make sure we both come back home safely, okay?
Mitsunari: Yes. I promise.
I smiled as I hooked my pinky finger with the one Mitsunari-kun offered.
(Everything will be fine. As long as Mitsunari-kun is with me......)
Gazing up into those clear, brilliant violet eyes, I felt certain of it.
Until the moment he was led astray by that person's words—
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