Very quick TLDR about the historical figures, so I won't need to explain who is who in the text. This play is a sequel to Mihotose no Komoriuta, I've already talked about some characters in its post (Tonbokiri and Muramasa still play the roles of Tokugawa retainers). The story about Mototada (Monoyoshi) from Nikkari Aoe Tanki Shutsujin is concurrent to the events of this play.
Yuki Hideyasu (his childhood name was Ogimaru): the second son of Tokugawa Ieyasu and the former master of Otegine. His mother was a handmaiden of Ieyasu's wife, who didn't allow her to become an official concubine, so she was sent away. The handmaiden presumably gave birth to twins, but because of the superstition that it was unnatural for humans to have twins, one of the boys was declared dead (it is believed that he was taken by his maternal family, took the name Nagami Sadachika and succeeded his grandfather as a head priest; ironically, despite completely different lives, both twins died pretty young and only two years apart). At least at first, Ieyasu disliked Hideyasu; he didn't even meet him until the boy was 3, and it was actually his first son, Nobuyasu, who arranged that meeting. 10-year-old Hideyasu was given to Toyotomi Hideyoshi for adoption (Ieyasu may or may not have given him Doujigiri Yasutsuna as a parting gift). Once he came of age, he got the name "Hideyasu", which combined characters from the names of both his biological and adopted fathers. Even though he proved himself a capable warrior before he was even 20, once Hideyoshi got a biological son, he gave Hideyasu away to the Yuki clan. After Hideyoshi died, Ishida Mitsunari got in trouble with other daimyo, and Hideyasu provided him shelter, for which Mitsunari repaid by giving him Ishida Masamune. After Ieyasu decided to leave Hideyasu in Aizu before the Battle of Sekigahara, he gave him Inaba Gou (along with his armor and war fan).
Tokugawa Hidetada (his childhood name was Chomaru): the third son of Tokugawa Ieyasu and the second Tokugawa shogun. He was born shortly before Nobuyasu committed seppuku. Hideyoshi oversaw his coming-of-age ceremony, and Hidetada got the "hide" character from him. Hidetada was supposed to regroup with Ieyasu's troops before the Battle of Sekigahara, but he got delayed due to resistance from the Sanada clan and weather conditions, so he didn't make it in time. While he wasn't a good general, Ieyasu trusted him to keep the shogunate stable during peacetime. That being said, he could be rather brutal with his policies, like ordering executions of entire Christian families, little children included, and he only grew more trigger-happy over the years.
Yuki Hideyasu sees a dream about the past. In it, Tokugawa Ieyasu orders his firstborn son, Tokugawa Nobuyasu, to commit seppuku. As Nobuyasu cuts his stomach, he gets enveloped in a blue light with muffled theme of Tsuwamonodomo playing in the distance a single pink petal falling from the sky.
Hideyasu wakes up. He takes out his sword and calls it a silly dream.
August 1600, Koyama, Shimotsuke. Sengo Muramasa holds a purple flower and asks Tonbokiri about the current battle. Tonbokiri explains that it's the Subjugation of Aizu, a prelude to the Battle of Sekigahara, but Muramasa tells him he is asking about its purpose. Tonbokiri responds it's to subjugate Uesugi Kagekatsu. Muramasa agrees that it's the official reason, but asks again about the real reason. Tonbokiri admits that some historians think it's to tempt Ishida Mitsunari to start a war in Ieyasu's absence. Muramasa points out that Monoyoshi Sadamune, that is, "Torii Mototada" will die. Tonbokiri says this is how history will proceed, although Monoyoshi will escape unharmed. Muramasa reminisces about how fun it was when they were all together and wonders what Ishikirimaru and Nikkari Aoe, who already "died", are up to. Tonbokiri explains that they can't further help with the mission because the more foreign bodies gather in one place, the higher the chance of Kebiishi's appearance. Muramasa is reminded of their battle against the Kebiishi and snaps that he can't forgive Ieyasu for causing Nobuyasu's death. Muramasa wishes Ookurikara was around to blow off some steam (and strip), and at that moment Ieyasu comes back.
Ieyasu received a report from Fushimi that Mitsunari raised an army. Muramasa asks him if he will send people to help "Mototada", but Ieyasu says they won't make it in time and that "Mototada" knew it would happen. He asks Muramasa to formulate a plan of attack and leaves. Muramasa tells Tonbokiri that ever since Nobuyasu died, he has hated Ieyasu. He gives his flower to Tonbokiri and points out that it's an aconite.
At Honmaru, Kotegiri Gou dreams about performing on stage. He is joined by the newcomer Akashi Kuniyuki, who compliments his performance. The two introduce themselves, and Kuniyuki comments that Kotegiri has soft and beautiful hands, but says it was a joke before leaving. Otegine joins Kotegiri, and Kotegiri asks him to practice together, though Otegine says singing and dancing aren't his forte.
In the past, Muramasa tells Ieyasu the plan for the upcoming campaign. He suggests splitting the army into three camps: Ieyasu will take the main force back to Edo and then head west; the second camp will head west via another route as a feint against the Sanada; the third group will stay in Aizu to subjugate the Uesugi and restrain the Date. Ieyasu asks who will lead the other camps, and Muramasa suggests it should be his sons Yuki Hideyasu and Tokugawa Hidetada. Ieyasu yells at him that he understands this much, and rather he wonders which son should lead which camp. Tonbokiri says he has a premonition that this will be a decisive battle and points out that whoever heads west with Ieyasu will likely be regarded as the Tokugawa heir; therefore, Ieyasu should make the choice himself. Ieyasu notes that if Nobuyasu was still alive, it would have been an easy decision and asks Tonbokiri and Muramasa for an evaluation of his other sons. Tonbokiri says that Hideyasu proved himself in battle, and Muramasa agrees that he seems to be the better choice. After hearing that, Ieyasu orders Hideyasu to stay at Aizu and Hidetada to follow him west to Sekigahara.
At Honmaru, Kotegiri and Otegine have dancing lessons. They talk about how Hideyasu lost the opportunity to rule twice; he was Ieyasu's second-born son, so he became the heir apparent after Nobuyasu's death, but later he was adopted (that is, held hostage) by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. While Hideyoshi did consider him a potential heir at first, after Hideyoshi got a biological son, Hideyasu was adopted again, this time by the Yuki clan, which owned Otegine. And then, after Ieyasu came into power, he chose his third son, Hidetada, as the heir. Kotegiri notes that this means Hideyasu actually lost the opportunity to rule thrice: despite becoming Ieyasu's eldest son, he was taken from his clan; even though he was adopted by Hideyoshi, he ended up in the Yuki clan; and finally Ieyasu chose his third son over him as his successor. Kotegiri guesses Hideyasu might have felt like he had lost even more opportunities than this and points out it would be more correct to say he was the son of the ruler twice. Otegine watches his OCD tirade and tells Kotegiri that he has changed, but Kotegiri only asks him who hasn't. After they share a laugh, Otegine asks Kotegiri why he is always practicing, and Kotegiri answers it's because of his dream to one day sing and dance with the other Gous. Hearing about a dream, Otegine suddenly gets a nightmarish vision of flames, but Kotegiri snaps him out of it.
The Saniwa welcomes back Tsurumaru Kuninaga, who has been away on a mission for a long time. Tsurumaru notes that there are a lot of new people at Honmaru, while some of the old ones have different looks on their faces. The Saniwa lightheartedly tells Tsurumaru that he hasn't changed at all, and Tsurumaru asks about how Mikazuki Munechika has been behaving. The Saniwa doesn't answer, but it is fine with Tsurumaru. He knows that when the Saniwa is stressed, he likes watching the Touken Danshi perform before him, so Tsurumaru offers to show him a dance. After he finishes, the Saniwa thanks him and asks for a favour. Tsurumaru knows that the Saniwa is going to send him on another troublesome mission, but he is fine with that.
In the past, Hidetada believes it's Hideyasu who should have been chosen to go west, but Hideyasu tells him not to think too hard about it. Hideyasu notes that Hidetada should stop calling him "brother", because Hideyasu will one day call him "Lord". Hideyasu overtly politely excuses himself, leaving Hidetada in silence.
Hideyasu knows he is being childish, but he can't help it. He sees a petal fall from the sky, fails to catch it, and wonders if he once again missed his chance to rule. He has a flashback to the time when Nobuyasu was still alive. Little Hideyasu is crying because he wants to see his father, whom he has never met, and he is wondering if Ieyasu hates him. Nobuyasu assures him it isn't the case and promises to arrange a meeting between the two. He tells Hideyasu to hide until Nobuyasu brings Ieyasu, but once Ieyasu sees him, he isn't pleased. Even though Nobuyasu asks him to talk to Hideyasu, Ieyasu only tells him to remember his face before leaving. Nobuyasu once again comforts his crying brother and assures him that Ieyasu must have reasons for his behaviour. He tells him that whenever Hideyasu feels bad, he should think about him. At the present, Hideyasu bitterly laughs as he remembers Ieyasu's words. A supernatural voice asks him how he could ever forget that look of rejection. Hideyasu is angry at being treated like an object and a hostage; he is fine with not being a ruler, but he can't forgive that look or how Ieyasu took Nobuyasu from him. As he talks about how he can't forgive Ieyasu, the HRA gather around him, with a distinctive soldier following after Hideyasu.
A Kebiishi once again appears in the past.
At Honmaru, after the Saniwa has asked Kotegiri to join the next mission, Kotegiri runs into Kuniyuki. Kuniyuki asks him if something bothers him, but Kotegiri denies it and excuses himself. As Kuniyuki wonders if he should keep an eye on him, he gets spooked by Tsurumaru. The two introduce themselves; Tsurumaru says he already knows his name and points out that Kuniyuki's hands are soft to demonstrate that Kuniyuki isn't the only one who is good at sneaking around. Kuniyuki asks if there is a meaning here, but Tsurumaru says he just likes surprising people and points up just as the Saniwa gives the signal to gather. Tsurumaru claims it's their turn, and Kuniyuki muses that Tsurumaru is like a monster.
The new team consists of Kotegiri, Otegine, Kuniyuki and Tsurumaru (captain). They are going to the year 1600, a little before the Battle of Sekigahara, with Hideyasu being the target of the HRA. Otegine once again remembers fire, though others don't notice, and Kuniyuki points out that Hideyasu was Otegine's former master. The Saniwa explains that Tonbokiri and Muramasa are already in that time period because of a different mission, so they should join forces.
In the past, Ieyasu catches a petal falling from the sky. He remembers how Nobuyasu explained to him that it's a petal of hollyhock, though of a different kind from their mon. They talked about how there were different kinds of hollyhock and that even the same flowers didn't have identical petals.
Hidetada approaches Ieyasu. He thinks Hideyasu should be Ieyasu's successor, since Hidetada doesn't have what it takes to rule the country, but Ieyasu just laughs and tells him Nobuyasu said the same thing. Ieyasu is firm in his decision and doesn't plan to change it. A horse breaks loose in the camp, so Tonbokiri and Muramasa ask Ieyasu and Hidetada to go inside. Once the humans leave, the real reason for their request appears: the HRA. During the fight, they are joined by the newcomer Kuniyuki, with the rest of the reinforcement team following suit. After they finish off the HRA squad, they feel another presence: Hideyasu with his soldier and more HRA. Tonbokiri and Muramasa are surprised that he, a human, joined the other side. Kotegiri sees Hideyasu's sword and instantly recognizes it as one of his senpai (it's Inaba Gou, though he is never named in the play). Hideyasu joins the fight against the Touken Danshi, and the soldier mirrors his moves. Tonbokiri and Muramasa are resolved to defeat Hideyasu without killing him, and Otegine hesitates a bit but also joins them. The two yari manage to subdue Hideyasu, but Otegine hesitates again, and Hideyasu breaks free. Kuniyuki wonders if the sword controls Hideyasu and provokes him. During the fight, he tricks Hideyasu and manages to disarm him, but before he can strike the sword, Kotegiri stops him. Hideyasu takes advantage of the confusion and retakes his sword. At this point the team feels an even greater presence: the Kebiishi, who starts attacking everyone else. Muramasa channels more strength the same way Ishikirimaru did in the past and fights both the Kebiishi and the HRA to avenge Nobuyasu. However, eventually he runs out of power and loses consciousness. Tsurumaru orders the team to split into two and retreat. After everyone is gone, a figure with a hat obscuring their face appears.
Tsurumaru notes how even before the Kebiishi appeared, they were already outnumbered. Tonbokiri is worried about the others, but Tsurumaru tells him that for now it is important to rest and lies down for a nap. Muramasa regains consciousness and is upset about how the fight went. Tonbokiri yells at him to not be a slave to his emotions and reminds him about what happened to Ishikirimaru. Muramasa says he can never be like him because Ishikirimaru has a beautiful heart while Muramasa is a stained, cursed blade. Muramasa notes how the rest of their old team had strong convictions, but he can't fight for someone else's sake. Tonbokiri is surprised about how strongly Muramasa feels for Nobuyasu. Muramasa admits that he often played with him when he was little (while being disguised as a naked passerby), and he would show him various flowers. Muramasa nearly falls from exhaustion, but Tonbokiri catches him in time. Tonbokiri asks him if there is anyone he wouldn't kill, and Muramasa answers there isn't; he will even turn against his master if he needs to. Muramasa notes that Tonbokiri couldn't attack Hideyasu, and Tonbokiri apologizes because even though he was mentally preparing himself for this situation, he couldn't bring himself to do it in the end. Muramasa assures him he doesn't need to prepare himself for something like that again, because this indecisiveness is one of his charm points. It doesn't suit him to act like that; he always fought for the Tokugawa, so he doesn't need to change. Instead, it should be Muramasa to raise his blade against the Tokugawa. Both of them have things they are more suitable for, and it's fine to do what they can for each other. After all, they are family. Tsurumaru suddenly interrupts their bonding time because the HRA and the Kebiishi have caught up. Muramasa tells Tonbokiri he will only slow them down, so he should leave him behind, but Tonbokiri refuses to abandon him. Between the number of the enemies and Muramasa's wounds, the team is at a disadvantage, but before things get too dire, a figure in a hat appears, throws a smoke bomb at the HRA and leads the Touken Danshi away.
Kotegiri and Otegine reassure themselves that the others are safe, but Kuniyuki calls them cowards. Otegine was ready to escape when he saw his former master, and Kotegiri stopped Kuniyuki at the most important moment. Otegine and Kotegiri agree with him, but Kuniyuki encourages them that their actions weren't necessarily wrong and that they should take it easy. Otegine agrees with Kuniyuki and promises not to make the same mistake. At that moment a human figure approaches them… and the Touken Danshi recognize him as Hideyasu! The human gets offended at being compared to Hideyasu, but, after some swearing, seems to recognize who the others are. The HRA attack, and he asks them, the Touken Danshi, to defeat the enemies.
Tonbokiri thanks the person in the hat for saving them, and the person starts laughing. He says he has missed this sincerity, removes the hat and reveals that he is Nobuyasu. Tonbokiri and Muramasa are shocked to see him alive, and Nobuyasu explains he now lives as Gohei the farmer. Muramasa falls to his knees and starts crying, and Nobuyasu apologizes for not revealing himself earlier. He explains that Ishikirimaru patched him up after the fight against the Kebiishi, and Tonbokiri is surprised that he knows Ishikirimaru's real name. Nobuyasu also knows Tonbokiri and Muramasa's names, but before he can explain himself, they need to defeat more HRA. Nobuyasu helps Muramasa to move, and Tonbokiri follows them. After Tsurumaru finishes his fight, he looks at the crescent moon while muffled theme of Tsuwamonodomo is playing in the distance and says that he was really surprised this time.
Otegine's team isn't over the fact that their new companion looks exactly like Hideyasu. After the man hears Otegine's name, he recognizes him as Hideyasu's spear and comments it's no wonder he looks so plain. The human introduces himself as Nagami Sadachika, Hideyasu's younger twin. The Touken Danshi are surprised to learn that Hideyasu had a twin brother, and Kuniyuki points out that if even Otegine doesn't know him, Sadachika must be lying. Sadachika responds that his face alone should be enough of a proof, because it is even less likely that two completely unrelated people would look the same. Otegine comments that this means Sadachika is also Ieyasu's son and asks why his name isn't in history books. Sadachika explains it's because he is a twin, and when others don't understand what he means by that, he asks if they can name any historical figure with a twin. Twins aren't that rare, and yet there aren't any records of famous twins in Japanese history. Otegine and Kotegiri still don't understand what he is getting at, so Kuniyuki explains that they were erased. It was believed that only animals would give multiple births at once, so the children would be treated as beasts. Moreover, if someone important had twins, it would likely lead to a bloody war of succession. Otegine and Kotegiri start pitying twins, but Sadachika gets offended and tells them it doesn't mean the twins must lead unhappy lives. After demonstrating how happy he is, he says that family isn't always about blood connections. He grew up in the Nogami family and became a splendid priest. Otegine points out that priests shouldn't be so foul-mouthed and that if he is really a priest, he needs to show them more respect. After all, they are a type of kami, whom the priests revere. That pisses Sadachika off, but Kotegiri changes the topic to how Sadachika even knows who the Touken Danshi are. As a crescent moon appears in the sky, Sadachika says he can't reveal it yet, but promises that he isn't an enemy. Someone told him he needs to save his brother, so he calls the Touken Danshi to go to Hideyasu's side. After some arguing, Kotegiri says they need to regroup with Tsurumaru first, since no one can handle a Kebiishi on their own. After the others leave, Kuniyuki muses how now that their natures are exposed, the history has been changed, and he can't agree to that.
Hidetada keeps asking Ieyasu why he chose him and not his older brother. He reveals he knows that Hideyasu was born a twin and that twins are regarded with disgust. He asks if this is the reason Ieyasu doesn't like him, but Ieyasu angrily denies it and claims he could never hate Hideyasu.
The two teams regroup while fighting through the HRA. Sadachika is shocked to see Nobuyasu again, and Nobuyasu is surprised he still remembers him. While the two are having a reunion, the Touken Danshi catch up on who the humans from the other group are. Kuniyuki points out that Nobuyasu should be dead, and Muramasa unconvincingly claims he is actually Gohei. Tsurumaru warns others there isn't much time, so he summarizes the developments so far: they are in trouble because a lot of foreign elements ended up in this time period, summoning the Kebiishi. Their main priority is to snap Hideyasu to his senses, and the one in charge of that will be Kotegiri. The humans will also play their parts, but Tsurumaru doesn't elaborate because they are about to be attacked by the Kebiishi. Tsurumaru engages in a fight with the Kebiishi and tells the others to go look for Hideyasu, since it's best to act in multiple groups. Tonbokiri protests that it's too dangerous to fight a Kebiishi alone, but Tsurumaru assures him he will just act as a distraction and avoid direct combat as much as possible. Left alone, Tsurumaru says it won't be surprising if he lost, and that would be boring.
Kuniyuki understands that Kotegiri knows why Hideyasu acts so crazy, but says it's fine if he wants to keep it to himself. Kotegiri says that, since they are tsukumogami formed from people's feelings, sometimes they get a response to an emotion a human keeps hidden. Kuniyuki asks him what the difference between the Touken Danshi and the HRA soldiers is. Kotegiri says there is no difference, they are just fighting for their idea of justice. Kuniyuki tells him he is overthinking it and that the clash between principles is the normal part of war. In the end, what is right and what is wrong depends purely on the victor and the loser. Kotegiri argues it's not that simple, but Kuniyuki retorts that if you don't keep things simple, your mind will break. You can only kill the enemy without guilt when you think they are wrong. Kotegiri says he doesn't like this kind of thinking, but Kuniyuki calls him a hypocrite. Kuniyuki knows that the sword that responds to Hideyasu's feelings is related to Kotegiri and asks if Kotegiri wants to save him because of his history. He points out that by that logic, their enemies have no historical value at all, and that's why Kotegiri has no problem with breaking them. Kuniyuki says that not saving everyone is the same as saving no one.
Sadachika isn't happy about being stuck with Otegine. He points out that he is a normal human, so Otegine should protect him. Otegine doesn't like his attitude, but says that he would protect him even if he didn't ask, because otherwise the history would change. Sadachika reminds him that he was erased from history, so his death won't affect it at all. Otegine asks him how it feels to be erased from history, and Sadachika says it makes no difference to him. Even if everyone else forgets about him, he knows that he exists. Sadachika wonders why he asks him something like that, but Otegine sheepishly says there is no reason. Sadachika shouts that in that case he should be the one to remember him, and Sadachika will remember him in return. After the two promise to remember each other, they are attacked by the HRA, and Sadachika says he will be counting on Otegine.
Under a crescent moon, Muramasa complains about Nobuyasu and Ishikirimaru not telling him about Nobuyasu's survival. Nobuyasu says it's better if not many people know the truth, and besides, he wanted to start a new life. Nobuyasu apologizes, and Muramasa says it's fine. Nobuyasu tells them how he has been working on a farm since then and shows how rugged his hands have become. Tonbokiri notes that he also kept practicing sword. Nobuyasu explains that after Gohei died, he couldn't use a sword anymore, but because the war continued, he needed to pick it up again to protect people around him. He can't be like his father, who thinks about the entire country, but he can at least protect those close to him. Muramasa asks him if he has met Ieyasu, but Nobuyasu points out it would change history. Muramasa asks him why he helped them then, but Nobuyasu doesn't answer. Tonbokiri asks about Ishikirimaru, and Nobuyasu says he hasn't seen him since he recovered. Tonbokiri wonders why Ishikirimaru would reveal their identities, but Nobuyasu says it wasn't him. There was that guy he didn't know, but he called himself "a friend". He said that the history burdened Nobuyasu with a tragic role and revealed the truth about Tokugawa "retainers". Tonbokiri wonders why he would do something like that, and Nobuyasu says he was also the one who told him to help the Touken Danshi.
Muramasa warns Nobuyasu that someone is coming, so he should hide. Hidetada sees Muramasa and Tonbokiri and asks what happened to the horse from earlier. Tonbokiri panically tells him that it will take some more time to catch it. Hidetada tells them to be careful, and Tonbokiri thanks him for his concern. Hidetada is still bothered about being chosen as a successor, and Nobuyasu decides to talk with him, since Hidetada wouldn't remember him. Nobuyasu asks Hidetada about his dream. Hidetada says he wishes for a peaceful world his father desires. Nobuyasu says it's his dream as well. He tells Hidetada that he used to be a warrior, but he gave up the sword because the war scared him. Hidetada admits he also doesn't like battles. Nobuyasu continues that he chose to become a farmer instead, but even as a farmer he couldn't escape the battle. He would cultivate the fields, then fight off bandits, again and again, while asking himself why the war never ends. He has come to the conclusion that wars start because people are hungry. One year he had beaten the bandits, told them that from that point they would harvest his rice, and promised to pay more the harder they worked. And the bandits were happy to accept. Since then they have been living in that village and helping with cultivating the crops. The war isn't a scramble for land; it's a scramble for food. So if there is enough food, there won't be wars. As a warrior, Nobuyasu gave up his dream of a peaceful world, but as a farmer he has found the same dream again. So now he dreams about bringing peace to this country as a farmer. He wants to build fields for every village so that the whole country can eat its fill. Hidetada weakly tells him it's an admirable dream, and Nobuyasu firmly tells him that statuses alone won't grant their dreams; they need to work hard to achieve them. Hidetada says he will approach Ieyasu again, and he will keep asking him why he didn't choose Hideyasu until he understands. Hidetada runs away, but immediately returns to ask for the other man's name. Muramasa introduces him as Gohei. After the humans leave, Muramasa compliments Nobuyasu for becoming such a good man and claims it's because of Muramasa's secret teachings. Horrified, Tonbokiri asks what he has taught to Nobuyasu, but Muramasa says he will take it to his grave.
Otegine and Sadachika confront Hideyasu. Hideyasu greets Sadachika and offers to kill Ieyasu together. Sadachika laughs at him and says he isn't interested. Sadachika refuses to join Hideyasu, and Hideyasu attacks him. While Otegine intercepts attacks, Sadachika asks Hideyasu if he plans to claim the country after he kills Ieyasu. Hideyasu says it's not a bad idea since he is tired of always missing out. Sadachika says he isn't fit to be a ruler, and Hideyasu reminds him how he was treated like trash just because he was a twin. Hideyasu asks Sadachika if he holds a grudge against Ieyasu, but Sadachika gets angry at Hideyasu for looking down on him. He is happy the way he is; his life may look miserable from the perspective of someone of high status, but from his point of view the elite life is strict and rigid. He doesn't resent Ieyasu, and he isn't interested in ruling. If anything, he is grateful he was allowed to live. People can't always become who they want; they become what they can be.
Kotegiri and Kuniyuki join the fight. Kuniyuki points out that Kotegiri's friend is already beyond saving, but Kotegiri retorts he will do it anyway. Hideyasu is about to strike Kuniyuki, but Kotegiri takes the hit for him. Kotegiri repeats Kuniyuki's words about hypocrisy and how not saving everyone is the same as saving no one. After that, Kuniyuki takes a hit for Kotegiri and fights a whole bunch of enemies. At that time, Tonbokiri and Muramasa catch up with the group. The six Touken Danshi disarm Hideyasu, and Kuniyuki gives the sword to Kotegiri. Kotegiri lifts the sword, and its spirit starts influencing him. Otegine is concerned about him, but Kotegiri says to leave it to him. It becomes a battle of two dreams: Kotegiri's to perform on stage and Hideyasu's to stand on top. Kotegiri calls out to his senpai, and he asks who it is. Kotegiri introduces himself and calls out to the sword to remember him. Everyone talks about dreams; if there isn't anyone Hideyasu/the sword can reach, then Sadachika/Kotegiri will be the ones to take their hand. In the end, the sword is pacified, and its spirit leaves. Kotegiri returns the sword to Hideyasu and thanks Kuniyuki. Even though he can barely stand, Hideyasu says he needs to talk to Ieyasu, not to ask about the country but rather to ask about why he took Nobuyasu from him. Nobuyasu greets Hideyasu; he says that he thought that Hideyasu was feeling down, so he came to him, just as he promised. Hideyasu starts crying, and Nobuyasu comforts him. Suddenly, a heavily injured Tsurumaru surprises everyone by reminding them they are still dealing with the Kebiishi. He jokes that all the blood is due to falling off a cliff, but luckly the Kebiishi also fell with him, so it's a perfect opportunity to finish it off. Muramasa asks if Nobuyasu will join them, and Nobuyasu nods. Everyone attacks together, and they defeat the Kebiishi.
Ieyasu tells Hidetada that he is right about Hideyasu being more talented on the battlefield. Ieyasu admits that he was happy about getting twins because it meant he was blessed with two sons at once, but he knew that it would lead to troubles in the future, so he distanced himself. Ieyasu calls himself a coward, but because he dreams of bringing a peaceful future to this country, he distances himself from those who may hinder him. Because of that, he was awful to both Hideyasu and Sadachika. In the upcoming battle he will finally seize the power to banish war, and that's why he chose Hidetada. If the wars were to continue, Hideyasu would be the more suitable choice, but Hidetada is a better option for peaceful times. Hidetada is moved by Ieyasu's words and agrees to succeed him. At that moment, a messenger arrives. He brings the news that Torii Mototada died in battle. After a brief silence, Ieyasu laughs and tearfully tells Mototada that he is still laughing.
At Honmaru, Kuniyuki yawns and looks at his injured hand. Kotegiri pesters Otegine to join his lessons again, but Otegine tells him he doesn't want to and that Kotegiri should wait for his senpai to manifest and ask him instead. Kotegiri says he is too inexperienced to ask him to join, but he will do it one day. Kotegiri notices Kuniyuki and asks about his hand. Kuniyuki says it's not serious, but Kotegiri tells him to take proper care of it because they aren't humans. Kotegiri tries to ask him to join his lessons, but Kuniyuki refuses. After Kotegiri leaves, Kuniyuki muses about not being a human.
Tsurumaru reports to the Saniwa that he learned that Mikazuki recruits humans that aren't important to history to help the Touken Danshi. He calls this group "Mononobe". And Mikazuki acts as a mechanism that guides the world.
Muramasa complains about Monoyoshi escaping from him, while Tonbokiri thinks about how to name the record Ishikirimaru compiled about their mission. Tonbokiri shows Muramasa a picture of Nikkari, and Muramasa calls it very accurate. Ishikirimaru asked Tonbokiri to come up with a name, but he can't think of anything. Muramasa instantly comes up with a name, and after some trouble with taking the record from Tonbokiri, writes it down. Tonbokiri reads it as "The Blossoming Hollyhock" (Aoi no Hanasaku), but Muramasa points out that the character for "blossoming" has another meaning. Muramasa refuses to elaborate, but after he leaves, Tonbokiri reads it again as "The Chronicles of Laughing Hollyhock" (Kisho Hongi).
another classic "idk who this is for" from me, but listen. this one's easy right. buzen goes fast. surely someone else has thought it before. the rest of them i just had fun with.
special shoutout to my friend @alienmiilk who i originally requested draw buzen gou the hedgehog and they made him Very Cute and Round i love him. please view.
Eid Mubarak everyone! Our Gous are lively since morning
Kotegiri: Since we’re preparing for the Zepp Tour Reboot in Malaysia, I made sure to get something super Malaysian for you!
This is my attempt on trying out a new art style based on Panty and Stocking and ZZZ comic strips for easier way to draw comics. Still struggling with background orz but I'm very satisfied with how adorable my Kote-kun looks! 🥰
