Chapter 61:

Hokutoshichisei Arc: Part Eighteen

A/N: When the sickle-shaped seven stars appear in the sky…

Year 1570 of our time slip: the succeeding course of events is an alternate scenario brought about by the combined spiritual power of the Tsutsuga Mirror and Yata no Kagami; (Please go to Chapter 32 for reference)

…

"Do not fear, Tono."

The soothing voice repeated when Saburo curled defensively while using his body to shield Naoe at the same time.

His eyes were shut tightly as he held on to Naoe as if bracing himself for an attack that might come anytime.

Moments pass and the young lord was starting to realize that he was unharmed. On the contrary, the inexplicable heaviness of his limbs seems to have been dispersed.

Slowly unfurling from his bent position, he turns to stare at her.

"The reason why Tono always felt exhausted like his body was a 'weighted object' it was because of this certain person who wishes to keep you out of sight until it is safe." The woman who wore plain kimono spoke softly.

Now that she brought attention to it, Saburo struggled to contain his indignation. Kotarou dared to go that far just to keep him here?

Again the question was… why?

However, attempting an escape when Naoe was in a weakened state and abandoning Kotarou while he was mentally unsound were deplorable and against his principles. Even up to now, he considered them both as his retainers and he could never just choose one to abandon the other. He must handle this predicament in a rational and composed manner.

His continued silence was already leaving an impression on her. Tono was still quite young and she had commonly witnessed some high-born youths' outbursts in the face of such audacity.

She bowed deeply and brought a tray full of steaming bowls of food.

Saburo's stomach growled at the sight but he waited until she spoke again. "Tono, I am called Saeko. By Kotarou-dono's approval I have made your morning meal. I do hope you find the taste to your liking." She bowed once more and left as silently as she had come.

As soon as he felt the shadow hover by his side, the young lord willed himself into a more natural posture.

Upon his arrival, Kotarou prostrated before him as the young master eyed him warily.

The elite shinobi could sense his piercing gaze and had the gall to look back at him. Kotarou proceeded to sit across from the youth and started attending to his meal. He sampled all five bowls before slightly nodding in approval. "They are safe to eat. Please help yourself while they are warm, Young Master."

Kotarou's actions were adding more questions in Saburo's head. What was his relationship to the woman? Why did he have to check the food for poison? Does that mean he does not trust her?

"Where have you been?" Saburo hid his frown by sipping his tea. It tasted slightly stronger than Naoe's but he kept the comparison to his thoughts.

"Was the Young Master uncomfortable when he woke up? Perhaps I can treat his sore meridians later?"

This shadow's continuing defiance was astounding!

Saburo knew this pattern of thinking from before.

"Answer me, Fuma Kotarou." He demanded firmly.

"I was patrolling close to the borders of the Takeda. I wish to estimate the best time to regroup with Ujimasa-sama." The elite shinobi answered dutifully then added, "Young Master must not neglect his health and eat before the food gets cold."

Saburo's hands discreetly paused from adding more beans to his bowl. Did he hear that right? Kotarou addressed his eldest brother differently. Even for a shinobi clan head, he must call the Lord of the Realm with the highest honorific.

The youth spoke testily. "Are you waiting for Naoe to recuperate before we could join Aniue's party? We have not sent a single letter to them and I worry they might think that I have died."

"Based on this shinobi's observation, Takeda Shingen's court is unstable at this time. Your lord brother is doing his best to get the most favorable outcome with Shingen after the encounter with Oda Nobunaga. This shinobi believes that our sudden presence might further complicate matters there." Kotarou's report was flawless. Saburo could not glean any information that the shadow was unwilling to divulge.

It appears that the Fuma Clan Head was overly dedicated in keeping their current whereabouts unknown. With a clearer mind, Saburo now understood why, he always felt tired, and sleepy; his mental faculties were sluggish and why he was having a tougher time controlling his emotions. This elite shinobi—no… this man was very sly indeed. He was willing to go through such lengths to accomplish his goal.

"It is best that my brother thought me dead or missing for now… is that what you are saying, Fuma Kotarou?"

The minutest crack appeared on Kotarou's enigmatic features.

"…Young Master,"

So you are neither admitting nor denying it… Saburo stared at him in silence and did not prod further. It was best if he did not fall under the elite shinobi's stealthy manipulations again. The young lord decided another approach. After all, what was left for him to do but wait and observe?

…

Saburo kept himself busy by daily tending to Naoe's needs. At first, he was hesitant to leave Naoe's side even for a moment. However, it was Kotarou's periods of absence that gave him some form of reassurance that he was safe within this secluded lodging. The elite shinobi was adamant in keeping him within the walls of this 'cage' but Kotarou himself was confident to go elsewhere as soon as his young master pretended to be asleep. Unless… of course.

Aside from the Go-Hojoshi army, 'they' were also among the ranks as an extra measure for his protection.

If he were deemed lost and some of the shinobi survived… would his aniue not interrogate or much worse, execute them for their incompetence?

Cold sweat broke through the youth's skin with these thoughts. It made him delve deeper into the aftermath of his encounter with Oda Nobunaga. What could have happened after he lost Haruhie? What could have happened to his generals and to his teacher, Ishimaki Yasumasa? The more his thoughts revolved on the people who mattered to him outside… the more restless his heart grew.

The youth climbed out of the spring, briskly wrung water from his lengthy hair, and was about to reach for a cloth to wipe his dripping body when a tall, stealthy figure diligently wrapped him in soft warmth. Saburo froze for an instant before he relaxed and allowed Kotarou to attend to him. In the past, Kotarou's touches would linger as he wiped him in the bath of his bedchambers. If he responded— his flesh growing heated and trembling… Kotarou's hands would begin caressing him possessively…

By now, his mind and body should be free from the arcane technique and yet he still thought like this. How dare he cast the blame solely on Kotarou for his desires? He really means this much to me… despite everything. Almost regaining his bearings, he watched Kotarou lowering himself on his knees, lips and tongue teasing the sensitive skin of his inner thigh. Saburo gasped. He gripped tightly on the man's shoulder and an uncertain expression flitted on his face. Immediately, as if nothing happened, Kotarou rose once more and resumed drying the beloved youth's body. He helped dress him in a clean set of robes, dutifully tied his hair, and exited his personal space when he was finished.

Saburo opened his mouth to thank him but nothing came out. Kotarou was waiting at the base of the stone steps; seemingly wanting to accompany him back to his room. The young lord glanced at the equally silent lady who was carrying bathing essentials. One need not guess who they were for. The more he dallied Kotarou's hostility became more palpable. What were these two to each other? Saburo could not help but wonder. To dispel the tension, he inclined his head a little to her while she bowed deeply and retreated to the shadows of the natural rock formations of the spring.

The young lord did not return to his room and instead proceeded to Naoe's futon.

"Young master," Kotarou spoke as if chiding him.

"I wish to give Naoe a sponge bath. If you cannot stand it, you may leave."

"Wakasama, I will do it. It is part of my duty to take care of him as per your command." There was surprisingly no hint of jealousy in Kotarou's response.

"Are you worried that Naoe will be too heavy for me to manage? I will ask help from Saeko-san so you can go." Hearing this, Kotarou's neutral features wavered. Even people who were familiar with the Fuma Clan Head's demeanor would not be able to see through the undercurrents of the frosty lake.

Realizing his error, the elite shinobi's expression smoothened. "Call me if you need anything, Wakasama." It was too late, however. Saburo had glimpsed a dent in his armor.

Just as he was about to exit the room, Kotarou paused. "Wakasama, you have recovered."

Saburo's voice remained calm. "You would not use the same technique on me twice, would you?"

"…"

"I will not leave or cause you any trouble until you deem it safe. Therefore… do not be so strict." The youth said the last word with a pout, catching the elite shinobi off-guard once more.

Once summoned, Saeko entered the room carrying a wooden basin. Saburo practically shooed the hesitant Kotarou outside.

The youth paused as a strong hand held his wrist. "Please do not trust too easily, Young Master."

Saburo huffed but was tugged a second time until he was pressed against the hard-muscled body. Onyx eyes filled with complicated emotions, Kotarou's stare bore straight into his soul. Lost into those rarely intense depths, Saburo did not resist when the man intimately sealed their mouths together. Saburo only recovered from his daze when the lethal but gentle fingertips fiddled with his hair close to his cheek. The youth then realized that they were being intimate in front of his other beloved and a lady of the house. Face hued with scarlet; he dared a peek at her unchanged, neutral features. Why does she give off an aura similar to that of Kotarou? It almost felt like they could be a pair…

A small glint appeared on Kotarou's eyes when he glanced at Saeko before he seemingly dematerialized from the room.

Was there a hint of smugness in Kotarou's behavior just now? Saburo was slightly confused.

Being severely deprived of feminine company since the march towards Kai, the youth found himself inadvertently warming up to Saeko. Her actions and mannerisms exuded dexterity and finesse incomparable to average women. Her noiseless movements and uncanny strength also implied she might be a shinobi. However, her attitude towards him was warm, genial, almost like a doting elder sister or aunt. She was not abundant with words but she was not difficult to converse with either… She reminded him of Fuma Akito or Sayori, the Go-Hojoshi head maid in the East Bastion.

Indeed, Saeko acted as the lady of the house because who else could have made those wonderful meals? Back in Odawara-jo, Saburo could not recall one instance where Kotarou was capable of cooking flavourful dishes for him. The youth woke up one early morning, roused by a heavenly aroma. Like a curious child, he quietly got up from bed and followed the scent to the lodging's makeshift kitchen. Carefully maintaining his hiding spot, he peered inside. There was a soup slowly simmering on a pot and a lady directly stood behind it adding ingredients and stirring it from time to time. However, she was not alone in the kitchen. A few young men were helping her cut vegetables and wild meat in astonishing speed and precision. They were deferential towards her and treated her as they would Fuma Kotarou.

She must be an important figure.

Having fallen into a pensive mood, Saburo did not hear Saeko calling for him. She was asking him if it was alright to turn Naoe's body so the youth could wash the opposite side. Saburo apologized for his lapse and resumed his task washing his beloved's slack body, tenderly.

"Saeko-san, I… Do you… do you think Kotarou will cause Naoe to heal slowly?" The words were out before the youth realized what he said.

Saeko slowly shook her head.

The youth's lips trembled but he refused to weep. Not this time. "Why would he not wake up, until now?"

"Tono, I believe it is the Earth of Kohryu that afflicts Naoe-dono's blood. He must have been deliberately attacked by someone with prodigious skill. Nevertheless, he neglected to neutralize the poison in its early stages to commit himself into more important matters. This is only my conjecture."

"?" A lost expression bloomed on the youth's face.

"Tono, did you notice Kotarou-dono and his hair?" Saeko asked.

Saburo continued to express his lack of understanding.

"Kotarou-dono was also afflicted with poison using such technique. And to purge it from his body he had to use a medium of transfer and then sever it from himself completely."

"How did he transfer the poison from his blood to his hair and cut it? If that is what it means…"

Saeko paused from wringing the water off the washcloth as if pondering or listening for something.

A sole droplet of water fell on the basin creating ripples across the once still surface. "Kotarou-dono has left." As she spoke, unnoticeable creases appeared on the corner of her eyes.

Again?

Despite your warning, you are leaving him?

Perhaps…

XxXMOBXxX

Matsuda Hideharu listened unenthusiastically to the conversation between prominent daimyo. As the Go-Hojoshi Chief General, he was assigned to a sitting mat just below the platform provided for Ujimasa-kou. They were having an audience with none other than Takeda Shingen himself in one of the spacious receiving chambers of his palace. The way Shingen spoke with cheerfulness and vigor, no one would guess he was almost on death's door, several days prior.

When Shingen fell into a coma, none of the Takeda appointed physicians could make him recover, much less rouse him. Kousaka-Danjo was having an internal panic attack when Ujimasa proposed that the Hojo physicians offer their aid. Kousaka was very skeptical and repeatedly refused at first. However, when it came to a point between life and death, Kato Danzo conveniently appeared and sampled the Hojo's medicine himself. The shadow let himself be examined by the Takeda physicians and they noted an "unprecedented strength in his heart".

"It is not poison." Danzo stated flatly.

Kousaka dismissed the shadow's bold interference and instead suggested that Hojo-dono take the medicine himself first before being administered to Shingen.

To Kousaka's shock, Ujimasa agreed. Left with no choice and desperate not to lose Shingen, Kousaka and Shingen's other principal retainers finally accepted Xin Kuro's intervention.

Takeda Shingen's remarkable recovery quickly circulated within and outside his fiefdom. In no time, the news reached Uesugi Kenshin's camp that was situated in one of Kai's satellite towns. Kenshin sent a letter expressing his gratitude to the gods for the restoration of Shingen's health and a query regarding their alliance meetings. Needless to say, it could be inferred that he was also curious about Hojo Ujimasa's prized physician and this miraculous medicine.

As a response, Shingen arranged an audience with the Hojo and Uesugi Clan Heads early in the morning. The Tiger of Kai was planning for a lavish banquet to be held within the next few days. The celebration will highlight the official declaration of the Takeda-Hojo-Uesugi Alliance, as well as his renewed wellbeing, and there was another pressing issue he wished to focus on.

"Through my near-death experience, I have come to realize something. No matter our strength, our mental fortitude, our determination, and our accomplishments in life, in the end we are still mortals who will perish one day."

His words subtly disrupted the amicable mood but both Ujimasa and Kenshin wore neutral masks of attentiveness.

As if he never paused, Shingen continued, "I am blessed with heirs and sons. Although not all of them did not enter some sort of rebellious phase…"

Kousaka-Danjo's lip twitched. Oyakatasama, what an understatement! He began to vent in his thoughts.

"…I wish to bring this matter in the open, Ujimasa, Kenshin." Takeda Shingen looked each of them in the eye. "All of us are not getting younger. Surely, it has not been kept a secret to me that both of you have no sons of your own. I am just concerned about the future. Ujimasa, I understand that it came as a shock to you. O-Shin did not grow up in your household and you did not have enough time to properly bond with him yet as family. But he is indeed Obaiin's son and yours. O-Shin is your flesh and blood and I believe it is time to return him to his true father. I trust this is the hand of fate."

Matsuda Hideharu's features remained passive but a cold chill crept up his spine. He did not expect that Shingen will lay his move too soon. By giving him the elixir, did they instead, wake up the sleeping tiger?

"Shingen-dono, with all due respect, I do not wish to assume wrongly. May I request for a concise explanation?" Ujimasa-kou was not feigning ignorance; however, he needed all the gathered bushi in the room to hear Shingen's intentions.

Takeda Shingen laughed good-naturedly. "Forgive me. It has not escaped my attention that your youngest sibling remains missing at this time. Ujimasa, I wish to entrust my grandson in your care and to make O-Shin your undisputed heir of the Go-Hojoshi."

Matsuda Hideharu's hand curled into a fist. It was fortunate that Ujiteru-dono did not attend this informal assembly. It would be out of line for him to speak but he almost could not hold himself back.

Ujimasa-kou gave a wan smile and if they were back in Odawara-jo, Hideharu could already feel the temperature drop within the castle walls. "Shingen-dono, Saburo Ujitora is my one and sole heir."

"I remember how Saburo effortlessly caught anyone's eye in his childhood. I believe that he has grown and is a dashing, intelligent young man! Kagetora—" Shingen addressed Kenshin without missing a beat. "Would it not be wonderful if your Ane's* daughter, Haru-hime could wed such an immensely capable bachelor?"

*Elder sister

Kenshin kept his thoughts to himself.

"Ujimasa, it was not my intention to displace Saburo. I understand you have groomed him to be your heir so I wish to propose that Saburo can be adopted as Kenshin's son to seal our alliance." Shingen added rather hopefully.

"Shingen-dono, you yourself have said that the young man continues to be missing. Let us not contribute to Ujimasa-dono's distress. Mayhap we can continue this discussion when Saburo is found." Kenshin said empathically.

"Ujimasa, did you and my daughter not regret for being unable to have a child of your own back then? When our previous alliance dissolved and she returned to us, we discovered she was with child and the father could only be you. O-Shin is still young. He will warm up to you in no time. The gods have guided this eventual reunion. You are lucky that a son of your blood, the child of the love of your life will continue the Go-Hojoshi line… your legacy in the future."

Ujimasa calmly sipped the lukewarm tea, Hideharu had sampled in secret.

Takeda Shingen attempted to mend the awkwardness with a self-depreciating laugh. "Oh pardon me. I am really getting ahead of myself. It must be the side-effects of my medicine; I really outdid myself in rudeness this time, did I not? Ujimasa, my words were merely suggestions. Kenshin, you are right. Mayhap I should ask O-Shin first if he wants to return to his real father and I will lend aid to the search party for Saburo Ujitora."

Being perpetually attuned to his surroundings, Matsuda Hideharu was drawn to one very distraught face that unexpectedly belonged to one Takeda Danjo.

"…katasama,"

"?"

"Oyakatasama…"

"What is it, Kousaka? Are you unwell?" Traces of worry deepened the lines on Shingen's face.

The Tiger of Kai immediately rushed to his side, blocking the view as he saw his confidant's distress.

"Oyakatasama, it was not as if your sons were worthy of your legacy."

Was there the unmistakable sound of tears in Kousaka-Danjo's voice? Hideharu was taken aback in surprise.

Shingen swiftly adjourned their meeting and with good reason. "I give my sincerest apologies. Kousaka must be weary for taking care of my wellness too much."

Perhaps, none could recall that Kousaka Danjo Masanobu-nosuke once aspired to have his elder partner adopt the alluring youth as an eligible son nearly a decade ago. It was an unreasonable desire that resulted to the near-annihilation of the Hojo Clan: the deaths of Hojo Ujiyasu and his wife, Zuikeiin. This also drove a wedge between Ujimasa and Saburo as brothers, straining their relationship to the point of estrangement. And now, listening to Shingen himself, giving away Saburo to Uesugi Kenshin for adoption in the very presence of Hojo Ujimasa made something sentimental in Kousaka crack a little.

XxXMOBXxX

The bushi guarding the Kenjutsu master's tent balked, paled, and hurriedly threw himself down to prostrate when he saw who was coming in for a visit.

"Ujiteru-sama!" The young man was intent to press his face to the ground despite Ujiteru's gentle urging for him to get up.

Flanked by a pair of retainers, the second overlord of the Hojo softly inquired with a hint of worry, "How is Yasumasa?"

"It is terrible my lord." The bushi answered while bowing reverently. "Ishimaki-dono still refuses to eat. When Ujimasa-kou did not permit him for honorable death*, he has chosen to keep himself in secluded meditation."

*Commit suicide/seppuku to preserve honor

Ujiteru nodded gravely, commanded his retainers to remain outside— to their disbelief and kindly requested the young man to fetch them some tea and rice cakes from their Takeda host. Yasumasa sat cross-legged at the center of his makeshift lodging with his eyes closed. His countenance was serene and composed but his gaunt face and the way his kosode practically hung on his body showed how the starvation was taking its toll.

As if sensing the aura of another, Yasumasa's posture became rigid, almost assuming a combat stance. When he laid his eyes on the person before him, however, he nearly exclaimed in shock. Ujiteru caught him before he fell into a sprawl, trying to prostrate in obeisance.

"If you truly wish to honor me, please eat something." The Go-Hojoshi's second-in-command said.

A torrent of emotions engulfed Yasumasa upon taking in the sight of his lord once more. The sharp contrast of grief and gladness made him bawl out, "My lord, I…! My lord you are here… alive— thank the gods!" Then his rugged face twisted in absolute anguish. "My lord, Saburo-sama, I could not protect him! It's all my fault… all my fault! Please— I do not deserve to live!"

Ujiteru firmly grabbed the other man's shoulders, "Yasumasa, calm down."

Uncaring of grace or poise, Ishimaki Yasumasa was so distraught that he could only ramble on, "I should have paid more attention… the night before we tried to regroup with Ujimasa-kou, Saburo-sama went missing for hours… Something must have been done to him! When we encountered Oda's forces in the forest there was a strange fog… some of the troops had trouble breathing… some had difficulty moving their arms and legs… and there were the dreaded fiends! Lots of them… there was this abomination of a weapon from the outsiders… we… the generals tried our damnedest to reach Saburo-sama's side… We have utterly failed him!" The once estimable Kenjutsu master was unrecognizable, wrought in hysterical tears. If Ujiteru were any unseasoned warlord, he would not be able to stand looking at him.

The second overlord of the Hojo steadfastly encouraged the general and reminded Yasumasa to calm down. "What else can you remember? I have studied the written reports and they all point out that Saburo could not be found. My brother may not have died in Oda's hands."

Yasumasa clutched his head as if urging himself to recall the events of that fateful night.

"I saw Oda Nobunaga with his naked blade going for the young lord. Nagashiro… Nagashiro-dono was collapsed on the ground and Saburo-sama went to him instead of running for safety. I could see the gleam of Oda's katana when Saburo-sama was within killing range… then I heard a loud explosion and… I could not see anything else in the white smoke." Yasumasa was glassy-eyed when he delivered the account.

Who is Nagashiro? Ujiteru mused.

"White smoke? Concealing smoke… a smoke bomb?" Hojo Ujiteru's brow knitted and his face has gone pallid. Oda was about to kill his precious baby brother! Why would the smoke hide Oda's prey? Afterwards, the surviving Go-Hojoshi samurai could not locate their youngest overlord. It was as if Saburo had vanished in thin air.

Shinobi?

"Yasumasa, please recover. In a couple of days, I wish to lead a search party to find Saburo. I request for your assistance to be my second-in-command."

"Ujiteru-sama, why can't we do it right now? I am willing to go this instant!"

Ujiteru gave a half-exasperated smile. "You will only hinder me in that current condition of yours. If you have not starved yourself in house arrest then we would ride out immediately. Besides, there is a small banquet to be held tonight in honor of Ujimasa-ani's son."

"SON?" Ishimaki Yasumasa nearly keeled over in shock.

"O-Shin is unmistakably Ujimasa-ani's son. His hands have the distinct slender and well-shaped fingers of our clan. In other words, we were not aware that Aniue's late wife, Obaiin-hime was with child when she left Odawara-jo." Ujiteru patiently explained.

Yasumasa grimaced with unease. "But Ujiteru-sama… Ujimasa-kou has already declared that Saburo Ujitora-sama as his sole heir. Forgive my insolence, but the boy's hands alone do not ascertain that he is indeed Sagami-no-Kami's flesh and blood. Why did the Takeda withhold this crucial information to us for so long? When Obaiin-hime died, Takeda Shingen himself refused to let Ujimasa-kou see her one last time!"

Ujiteru sighed. "It is but a simple celebration for the young one. It will be up to Ujimasa-ani to decide in the end. We, as his clan should support him."

"Ujiteru-sama…" Ishimaki Yasumasa tried to stand up when Sagami's second overlord rose to leave. He would have fallen if Ujiteru did not turn back and steadied his quivering frame.

"Regain your strength, Yasumasa. You and I will find and bring my brother home." Ujiteru avowed.

"Ujiteru-sama," Yasumasa called him once more. "If there comes a time where you have to choose between Saburo-sama and Ujimasa-kou's son to support as the Go-Hojoshi Heir, who will you stand by?"

Ujiteru's eyes softened as he whispered, "Yasumasa, I am very grateful that you hold Saburo's best interests in your heart."

Suddenly understanding the current circumstances of his charge, Yasumasa forgot his wallowing and became determined to recuperate every ounce of his might to protect Saburo.

XxXMOBXxX

Mid-afternoon sunlight filtered through the partly open windows of Ujimasa's temporary residence within the Takeda estate. The master of Sagami was sipping tea as he carefully skimmed reports pertaining to Saburo Ujitora's deadly encounter with Oda Nobunaga's army.

Matsuda Hideharu had diligently provided him with detailed summaries of the wordy accounts so he would not waste a lot of time. Perhaps it was equal parts chance and an exceedingly persistent Yasumasa who dragged him to the war site that led him to an odd discovery.

There were many casualties in Saburo's army but as much as Ujimasa-kou loathed it, it was impossible to bring their corpses back to Sagami and much less give them a proper burial. The lord of the realm observed that there were several Fuma Shinobi who perished at the battle with Oda. However, upon returning to the site to search for more clues about Saburo, the dead bodies of the ninja were no longer there.

Shinobi were lower in hierarchy than the samurai. How can they be buried when massive efforts to dig graves for some of the Go-Hojoshi generals have barely begun? This peculiarity niggled at the back of Ujimasa's mind.

A soft knock on the shoji followed by a polite voice requesting for entrance, dissolved Ujimasa's concentration. One of his loyal guards reported that the pair outside was 'his son,' O-Shin and his minder. Ujimasa-kou repressed the urge to sigh or grind his teeth.

He had sent Hideharu on an errand and he almost cringed at the thought of himself searching for him by reflex. If only his contract were here, he would be the one to deal with this complication. It was not as if he were not certain if this boy was truly his son or not but he had learned in his long life filled with grief that there were people you can only protect by being far from them.

"Permission to enter is granted," He spoke firmly.

O-Shin was kind, polite, adorable, and smart: qualities that would make any father proud. The child apparently went to visit him to show him his skill in folding paper figures and writing basic characters. Firstly, O-shin presented him a paper butterfly. The folding was not neat as expected but the shape was distinct, exuding potential and talent.

The Go-Hojoshi daimyo was however, drawn to the wooden tablet with the boy's freshly painted name. He recalled unintentionally hurting his baby brother's feelings by throwing the same object away in a blind fit of rage. Fate must be mocking him.

Confident and cheeky, O-Shin asked him several questions about the mess on his desk and sought praise for his 'accomplishments' by tugging on his sleeve and looking at him with big, bright eyes. Ujimasa expressionlessly patted the boy's head. After a while, the minder discreetly started throwing looks at him for his continued silence and stoic mien. How could Ujimasa-kou act coldly towards his very own son? He could practically read the words on her face.

Ujimasa busied himself staring at the boy's beautiful hands. They were very much like his late wife's and his face was molded to resemble hers as well. He hoped O-Shin would never inherit any of his bad qualities.

When it was almost the hour to prepare for the banquet, O-Shin and his minder courteously bowed, bidding him goodbye.

…

The modest feast was unlike Takeda Shingen's typical preference. In the past, The Tiger of Kai held lush and grand banquets especially for favored family members and distinguished comrades. However, the only ones present for this celebration were Shingen's most trusted vassals, Ujimasa and his immediate family, and Kenshin with his chosen entourage. This was done in tender consideration for Takeda O-Shin so that the boy would not be overwhelmed.

The three venerable daimyo were gathered in an expansive hall within Shingen's main residence. Shingen's choice of venue could signify as an act of trust. He sat on the dais at the center while both Hojo Ujimasa and Uesugi Kenshin occupied the cushioned mats closest to the Takeda overlord as his most esteemed guests.

When majority of the attendees were present, servants began pouring high-grade sake and hot fragrant tea. Matsuda Hideharu acutely surveyed the empty sitting mats on the periphery of Takeda Shingen's platform. One of the mats was placed below the dais and seemed big enough for a retainer or a family member. A smaller cushion was within arms' length of the Takeda overlord, which he briefly guessed, was for the child this gathering had been catered for.

Contrary to the expected festive atmosphere, the lack of familiarity with each other and the initial meeting of future comrades who were enemies in the past contributed to a stiff and awkward air. Hojo Ujiteru acutely remedied the situation and warmly initiated conversation with one of Uesugi Kenshin's more amiable-looking young vassal.

If Ueda— no, the formerly Kakizaki Haruhie were here, he would recognize this upstanding bushi to be Yasuda Nagahide. Thankfully, once Nagahide was engaged in a simple but pleasant discussion, he in turn coaxed his other companion who introduced himself to be Irobe Katsunaga's son to join. No one could have guessed that Nagahide was internally sweating buckets. How come his wish to never cross paths with the Go-Hojoshi daimyo again could not come true?

Owing to Ujiteru's mediating skills, the three daimyo also engaged in small talk. Unfortunately, when everyone was beginning to feel at ease, a brisk knock, followed by a rasping voice announced his arrival.

The sliding doors flew open with force. Flanked by a pair of tense, blanching retainers, the distraught Kousaka-Danjo bowed and nearly threw himself on Shingen's feet.

"WHAT?" Takeda Shingen's voice thundered hoarsely. He instinctively clutched at his chest as if his illness had returned.

Something unpleasant gnawed at Ujimasa's stomach. Ignoring formalities, he approached Shingen to demand what had happened.

Takeda Shingen's trembling mouth uttered, "It is O-Shin…"

A full-blown storm: a calamity swept through the innermost walls of the Tsutsujigasaki*

*Takeda Shingen's mountain estate/residence

All three daimyo rushed behind Kousaka Danjo who led them to a room where physicians and guards were already present.

Takeda O-Shin was placed on a futon, lying on his back, no trace of blood or wound could be seen on his body, and his face even held a hint of a peaceful smile.

"Oyakatasama, I happened upon him lying on the tatami breathing— but he would not wake up!"

It was not Shingen but Ujimasa who hastened to cradle the motionless O-Shin in his arms.

"Hideharu," Ujimasa-kou addressed his chief general.

"I will summon Xin Kuro right away, Tono-sama." Matsuda-Danjo replied and left.

Before Kousaka-Danjo, a shadow noiselessly landed on his feet and kneeled.

Hojo Ujimasa and Kato Danzo traded inconspicuous glances.

"My lords, how may I be of service?"

Kousaka-Danjo commanded icily, "Find traces of the one responsible for this!"

XxXMOBXxX

"Nobutsuna?" A soft, teary-eyed voice spoke.

Fuma Kotarou's footsteps halted as he entered Saburo's bedchambers.

From this distance, Kotarou could pick up the sensual scent of Saburo's body.

"Saburo," Naoe Nobutsuna Nagashiro called him weakly. The man had just opened his eyes and his surroundings were quite blurry. He did not even know where he was. He felt a warm hand grasping his own and he finally laid eyes on his beloved.

Saburo sat beside his bed. He wore his hair down and he was dressed in a single layer of clothing.

Something was wrong. Something… Naoe just knew it!

Fuma Kotarou sensed it just as the youth turned his head to gaze at Naoe. This time, he did not bother to conceal his furious approach.

"Wakasama…!" Kotarou could not hide his anguish. He had dropped to his side as if he suddenly lost all strength. Kotarou grabbed Saburo's shoulder so the young lord would look at him.

Saburo averted his face. Bandages were wrapped around his head covering his left eye.

"Wakasama, what… did you do?" For the first time in a long while, Kotarou thought his heart was about to burst as his trembling hands held his most precious youth.

Naoe gritted his teeth as he heard Kotarou's wretched sobs. He tried his hardest to get up but his leaden body would not listen yet. He could only tighten his grip on Saburo's hand.

Gods…

Why...?

WHY?!

~TBC

Post A/N: Sorry for the long wait, guys. I have been really busy and after this chapter please expect a greater delay as well. We are very close to the end and I want to do this fic, justice. Please bear with me. In other news: I was very lucky to visit one of the settings of this story! I have been to Lake Ashi. And this was where we saw our Naoe wrap his jacket/blazer around Takaya's shoulders in the anime. There was also a legend of a once villainous dragon living under the lake that terrorized the people until a monk fought and defeated it (If I remember correctly) it was cold when I visited there too! It was a spectacular experience! *Bows