’War?’
Rin heard them say, looking to Masaatsu who was similarly shocked.
War was the last thing they had expected to ensue after that night.
The soldiers radiated an intense bloodl.u.s.t, and the two samurai conversed aggressively. It was an intimidating sight.
Past the rows of spears and men, she could see the composed figure of Gengyo, looking toward them with worry written in his eyes.
She wondered what would happen, knowing that they had been the catalyst that started it. But more than that, she worried for her brother.
But had their master not defended them? Why had he done that? He owed them nothing. They were peasantry. Did the reptile man not say that he had given up his own daughter for the sake of peace? Why was he now unwilling to merely sacrifice them?
Not to say she wasn’t grateful. But she was confused, and therefore mistrusting of such a decision. It couldn’t truly be for them, could it? What sort of samurai ever showed any altruism toward the lower class?
Was this not merely him lashing out, unable to bare the others demands? That made more sense. If that was the case, could they assume themselves safe?
’But why have we been brought here... What of Nii-san?’
The rest of her family stared forth dazed, wondering just what they had ended up in the middle of, their heads filled with thoughts similar to her own.
...
...
’War?’
The same word reached another young woman’s ears, though her reaction was very different.
She had heard her father’s words, calling for her to be saved from that vile man’s grasp. But she had also heard his, promising to make her the slave for all his fiendish desires to be carried out on.
’That will never happen.’
She affirmed to herself.
’Even if we don’t win, I will take my life, so that my father does not need to worry.’
She did not feel hope in regards to victory, but still her heart was put at ease. This way she could die at peace with her family, and not have to suffer for them.
The odds were very much not in their favour, hence the need for peace in the first place, but out of nowhere – perhaps it had been something the younger man had said – her father had found the resolve to risk everything.
In the declaration that he had uttered, she felt a great deal of pride. Most would call his actions simply foolish, but truly it was the height of honour.
To fight despite the cause being lost, for the sake of your own honour. Was that not what it meant to be a samurai?
He was a noble man, one that had even been momentarily recognised by the daimyo for his military valour. And now such a man had returned.
She saw him now – not with her eyes but with her heart - as a warrior fully armoured with a fearsome men-yoroi adorning his face, and his katana poised toward the enemy.
It was a figure that she would put her faith in, even if it meant her own death, she would never again deign to complain. This was her father, and the man that she was proudest of.
By his shoulder was Gengyo, who once dressed in peasantry she saw to be surrounded in a swirling black mass of smoke and darkness. But it did not frighten her. It felt like the smoke of a fire, and in it, there was a warmth. If she had to describe what it was in one word, it would be potentiality. She did not know who or what he currently was, but she strongly felt that there was something about him could ignite this little province that they lived in, or possibly even all of Japan.
That feeling grew stronger when he opened his mouth and dared to speak in the presence of those two dragons. Yet was it truly daring? What would fire have to fear of a dragon?
...
...
"I look forward to seeing your head on a stick."
Were Toda’s final words as he spat at Nakatane’s feet, and charged past the guards – who had stood down on the master’s orders – with his entourage in tow.
A dishonourable man might have decided to kill him there and then, and assure his own victory. But that was not a path that Niwa would ever choose to take.
He paused a few moments, allowing the sound of galloping horses to fade from earshot, and then he addressed his men, who were still looking toward him expectantly.
"Men! You’ve always served me loyally, and a good few of you have even gone to war with me."
Those that had, raised their spears with at shout at those words.
"But our moment this time is dire. You all know how well that bastard outnumbers us."
"That is not to say that all is lost, however! You have seen the stupidity with which that dog carries himself – even a sheep would have a chance at outwitting him."
A few genuine laughs rippled out from amongst his people.
"And that is what we will bank on. Through this victory, we will gain much. Honour. Land. And gold! All those that prove their worth in this battle will receive more than his fair share."
All as one their spears were raised at that. Through his experience he knew the hearts of men. Money, and woman were the only two things you could count on to motivate them. And what was so wrong about that? He did not care if they only served him for the coin. He would make sure to do right by them all the same.
Though he was not aware of it, this integrity that he showed had inspired more than your run of the mill loyalty.
"The preparations will be underway soon. You are hereby relieved of any night-time duties. Go home. See your family. Take care of yourselves men, and in this battle to come I will put everything on the line to assure your victory."
Not a single man was a fan of night duty, and his decision to let them sleep was a popular one.
"In the meantime, those bodies are collecting quite a stench. Burn them. Do not worry about respect for the ashes – do whatever is easiest."
"Miura family, I see you have found your way here as well. I have heard of your plight from young Miura-kun here, and am aware that you do not have a place to live. As such, my men will set aside three rooms within the servant’s quarters for you to use."
"In this time of strife – and all the times in between – we should stand together as one. We are people of the same village, and will not lose from being cordial with one another, regardless of rank. I trust that you men will act in accordance with these views in future."
Few men remained unwavering at that, knowing that they had been less than civil toward the peasant folk at times.
Gengyo’s family bowed deeply in their gratitude, and their youngest son followed suit.
Seeing him do that, Nakatane frowned, and smacked the back of his head.
"Don’t."
"Ow..."
Rubbing the back of his head in confusion, he could not stop a smile from forming.
’Aye, he’s definitely a righteous man.’
"Ishiyama, follow me up to my room. And if any of you see old man Jikouji, send him up too."
"Yes sir."
A middle aged man with a shaven head - and a short full goatee - walked over, commanding an air of authority. He bowed his head lightly, before waiting for his master to move, with his arms neatly positioned behind his back.
"Let’s go then."
Gengyo watched as Nakatane took a few steps away, before turning his gaze to his family, looking forward to their company.
Another smack on the back of head caused such thoughts to evaporate, as he turned around to see the master scowling.
"What’s with the hitting? I’m going to be getting brain damage at this rate."
"It’s obvious that you’d be coming too lad. You deserve a hit for making me wait. Or do you not think that’s fair?"
He lifted his hand threateningly with an eyebrow raised, making Gengyo fully aware of what further complaints would lead to.
He made a point to keep his lips tightly sealed, and the master nodded approvingly, before moving off in the direction of the mansion.
The leader of the guards, Ishiyama watched the exchange with curiosity, but showed no such emotion, nor did he speak.
...
...
They arrived back at Nakatane’s room, and the owner of which instantly slumped behind his desk, a tiredness overcoming him.
He noted the two hovering by the doorway and urged them inside.
"Sit wherever you please. Just leave room for Jikouji who should be coming soon."
"I’m already here, lord."
The old man spoke from behind the two gentlemen who were making their way to their seats, and hastened to join them.
The positioning of their seating was a little tight, and an unfortunate Gengyo found himself seated in the middle of the two older men.
To say he felt comfortable there would be a rather grand falsehood.
He did not know quite why he had been summoned alongside the two other men, who clearly commanded positions that far outweighed his own.
Nakatane was not about to relieve the tension either. He sat with his head in his hands, as he felt the full gravity of his actions.
"What have I done..."
He muttered under his breath.
"I cannot comment on the wisdom of your decision, but sometimes it is better to listen to the heart, rather than the head. Else when our hours grow late we will find ourselves swimming in the waters of regret."
The master nodded meekly, almost submissive. He clearly held a good deal of respect for the older man, and Gengyo found himself wondering what exactly their relationship was. He guessed that it erred on the side of teacher student.
He lapsed into silence, before the old man spoke up once more.
"Who is the young fellow beside me, Nakatane? And what did you hope to gain by bringing him here, during this time?"
The lead guard nodded slightly. It was a question he also wanted to know the answer to.
The master sighed lightly in response, not having an adequate explanation.
"My gut. I went with it. He’s the lad that killed Toda’s men when they attacked his house. One of the best archers I’ve ever seen. As for why he’s here... Just my gut... Ah, why bother. Young Miura, why did I ask you here?"
Gengyo flinched at being thrown such a curveball.
’How on earth am I meant to know that!?’
Was the prevalent thought rushing through his head, but he did his best to remain calm, and give a passable response.
"Perhaps because you are unsure what to do?"
Nakatane clicked his fingers.
"Yeah. That. Honestly, I’m not expecting much from you, kid. But you seem to have a rather good head on your shoulders. Just sit there, and the grownups will talk. If you think of anything clever to say, I’ll listen."
"Oh, but if it’s stupid, you’ll get a smack."
His words were a little condensing, but Gengyo did not take offence. Quite the opposite.
Though the little threat toward the end made him frown.
’Just what about my head has made him so fond of smacking it?’
"Yes, Niwa-san. I’ll do my best."
He nodded with approval, before turning to his loyal retainers to begin their discussion.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢