(16 years and 9 months after reincarnation)
[Takina's POV]
"Fujiwara-dono, from now on please take care of my son for me.... I'll be leaving him in your care." Said the woman as she shook my hand.
"Rest assured my lady, I'll make sure that he's safe."
"Thank you. Now it's about time for you two to leave, things will get complicated if any of the Takeda Agents finds you two."
"That you are correct. Sora-sama, we should depart soon. If you have anything else to say now is the time."
"Mmm.... I'll miss you, mother.... But I'll be back when it's safe. Definitely."
"Mmm.... You must remember to take care of yourself, don't impose on this lady too much even if she's your servant, understand? We of the Matsumae family must treat all of our allies with the utmost respect, keep that in your mind."
"I will.... It's time for us to leave now, so long mother."
I bowed my head to the woman and turned around to leave. The servant of hers grabbed my shoulder, stopping me before I go.
"Fujiwara-dono.... I'll be leaving the young Lord in your hands."
"Like I said, anyone who dares to harm Sora-sama will face the wrath of my blade. You should worry about yourself more, old man."
"Listen.... I'm not old."
________________
(15 minutes later....)
'Hoo....' The chilling evening winds blew down the streets, freezing my legs through the skirt of my kimono. "Urgh, this is why I hate wearing skirts...."
As we walked out of the city's borders and to the outskirts, the amount of guards around the streets decreased tremendously. I feel like some amount weights have been lifted off my shoulders, I don't need to be on guard so much now....
"Sora-sama, it's safe to take off your cloak now that we are in true outskirts. But you probably should keep it on.... it's pretty damned cold."
"....Takina-san, may I ask you something?"
"Hmm?"
"You're so far away from home, and live everywhere without a place to settle in.... Don't you miss your family?"
"Well that one is a bit difficult to answer.... For starters, no I don't. My father died a long time ago, and I was lost from the rest of my family when I was just a little girl."
"....Sorry."
"It's alright, what I meant to say is that I'm over all of it by now. That's why I don't miss my family.... Most of the time anyway."
"Them how do you deal with this.... Emptiness? I feel so far away, so disconnected from the rest of the world.... Everytime I wake up and go play with my friends at Shibata Castle, they always have someone to rely on - be it their parents or their siblings."
"....."
"When I see them like that, I get reminded of my own family and how distant I'm to them.... both physically and emotionally. I've never relied on them before, but I've never really spent time with them either. When I heard the news that Father died I.... I just wished I could've talked with him one last time...."
"Sora-sama...." I reached my hand out and patted his head. 'Rustle...'
"....I feel the same way. This regret will never go away, you just learn to put up with it. You will feel like trash, especially when you have nothing to do and have to sit by yourself.... but it will all be over, I promise."
"Mmm...."
"But.... feeling regret and grieve at the loss of a loved one.... In my opinion, it is a good thing actually."
"...Why?"
"It reminds us that we are still people in the end, no matter how different or disconnected we may be. Hell, even demons grieve for the loss of their family!"
"Demons do? I thought they were just bad guys that were corrupted into monsters?"
"They do, Sora-sama. They do."
As I finished speaking, a white particle fell down on my face from the sky.... The particle melted from the warmth of my cheek, turning into a water droplet.
"A snow...."
"Ahaha, it's snowing Takina-san!"
"Hmph...." Finally, winter is here. I like the cold anyway, I grew up in Klada after all, a city built on snowy hills, of course I'm used to the winter.
______________
No one trailed us as we made it back from the train. Though we did sleep until noon the following day, everything went according to plans.
We got back to Niigata's Outskirts and marched back to Shibata Castle in the caravan. Soon, we had reached the districts of the city already.
_____________
(Noon)
(Niigata, City's Districts)
"Sora-sama, can you follow the rest of the clan back to the castle by yourself? I have something else to tend to."
"Hmm? I'm fine with it, but where are you going?"
"I've got to go see a friend. I'll be right back, just don't go running off on your own."
I made my way to the shopping district by myself.... I wanted to drop by Monkey's workshop and give him my souvenir before I head back, that's all.
Right as I made my way to Takahashi-san's front gate, a familiar voice called out to me.
"Hey, wait!"
"Hmm?"
"Ojou-dono, it's me!"
To the side of Takahashi-san's place is a small shack with countless products being out on sales.
There were no doors, it's an open shack. Manning the store is none other than the broke merchant that I helped out in the past.
"Ah, you're that broke merchant." I said as I made my way into his store...
"I'm not broke, at least not now okay? I have you and Takahashi-san to thank for that. Listen, I made big money selling those alcohol to the samurais at JUST a tiny inflated price...."
"So your scheme worked?"
"Indeed it does! With the pocket money that I made, I was able to buy and renovate this run-down shack right next to my collaborator, Takahashi Hyusetsu! I turned it into a functioning store with some help from him, isn't it nice?"
"Wait, how did you know that guy's given name?"
"Well.... he told me?"
Monkey never told me his actual name.... How unfair!
"....Ignoring that for a moment, it does look nice and cozy here for a tool shop."
"Indeed it is! Anyway, do you have anything to purchase here? These are all tools made by the one and only monkey, his equipments are all high quality and durable."
"Hmm.... Doesn't seem like anything here is useful to me right now, sorry."
"Oh it's fine, I can't force a customer to buy eh? Anyway, are you heading to Monkey's place then?"
"Mm Hm."
"Then can you help give this 'Tea' to him?" From the back of the counter he took out a bottle of alcohol and handed it to me.
"Tea huh? Well this tea looks expensive, what is it?"
"It's Ever-Spring Sake! A wine made from the cherries of that Ever-Blossom in the Aokigahara Forests."
"Hmm? I thought the Ever-Blossom Sakura is inside the Imperial Palace?"
I've seen it when I explored the palace during my visit. Somehow it is the only tree that blooms inside the palace, it's really weird.
"That's just a sapling, the real one is incredibly big! It's almost the size of Shibata Castle itself, and it even has priests worshipping it. That is the real Ever-Blossom, said to be planted and grew with blood of the divines themselves, before the Great War."
"I see...."
It sounds pretty, may I should pay it a visit someday. The Aokigahara Forest is right underneath Mount Fuji, literally next to Edo....
Though I doubt that place is safe here in this world, seeing as how there are monsters roaming around the continent.
"Ojou-dono? Are you listening?"
"Oh sorry, I zoned out for a bit. Anyway I'll give this Sake to him, you can rest assured I won't drink it."
"Hehe, fair enough. Come back here someday alright? I'll treat you to a drink as well, maybe even share a night out with you~?"
"No thanks old man, I've got better taste than that. I'll see you later then, fare well."
"Right, you watch yourself out there Ojou-dono."
Funny thing is, I brought Sake as souvenir to Takahashi as well.... Wonder if he'll mind receiving two bottles of alcohol then?
__________________
"Takahashi-san, are you here?" I said as I entered the shack inside the walled-off area of this place.
Inside the workshop, Takahashi sat crossed-legged on the floor with his back facing me. He seems to be working on another project.
"Moshi Moshi, Takahashi-san?" I walked closer to him and peeked over his shoulder....
"...Zzz...."
"He's sleeping like that...?!"
This is incredible actually.... It takes real talent to fall asleep standing up. But this is troublesome, I actually wanted to give him these gifts but if I left it here he wouldn't know who gave them....
"Sigh...." Guess I'll come back next time then.
From my hand bag I took out the cloak that I used to hide Sora-sama in Edo, and placed it over the napping monkey's body. It is getting a bit chilly after all, I don't want this old man to catch a cold because of this.
As I put the cloak over him, I can't help but notice the wooden prosthesis arm of his....
"...." I wonder how it works?
But of the questions regarding Monkey, one always begs for answers.... How did he lose his arm? This world has Healing Magic that can heal limbs if you ahhe the severed part, so why didn't he heal it?
But.... Yeah, now is not the time for me to worry about his situation.
"....Sleep well."
I took my leave afterwards, making sure to lock his shop up for him.
_____________
(10 minutes later....)
I walked the stairs that lead up to the interior castle, and upon entering the interior castle's gate, a maid waiting near the gate talked to me.
"Welcome back, Fujiwara Ojou-dono."
"Hmm? I haven't seen you before, who are you?"
"I'm your new personal maid, Kazo Danto. Kenshin-sama gave the order.... it is a pleasure to be working for you."
"Likewise, Kazo-san."
"Let me carrying your luggage for you, Ojou-dono.... Also, Genji-sama and Kenshin-sama is having a meeting now in the usual place. You should attend it, as it might be something important."
"Oh.... Thank you."
And so, I made my way to the meeting room.
__________
The meeting was rather short.... Inside, Kenshin, Genji and many others talked about something of importance.... The upcoming war!
Apparently, Genji's negotiations with the other two clans is a fail, and an inevitable war is about to break out just as that jackass emperor planned.
I wished things could've been different but.... this war will begin sooner or later, it couldn't be helped.
Kenshin talked about the strategy of the upcoming war.... The Uesugi Clan has many 5 sub-clans, all of which will lend their strength to the upcoming war.
Four of the clans will be deploying their troops up West, facing soldiers of the Oda Clan.
The last remaining clan will remain at the South East, guarding our borders against the Takeda Clan.
Though Kenshin-sama seemed sure that the daimyo there - Takeda Shingen will not invade us, it is still for the best that one of the clans were deployed there in case they do attack.
And so, the strategy meeting comes to an end.... I accompanied Kenshin-sama back to his room, doing my job as a bodyguard once since a long time ago.
____________
"Kenshin-sama, I'll be back in a moment so please just wait for me in your room."
"Hmm? Do you have something planned?"
"Mmm. It's a secret though, so go on ahead."
"Fine, do as you wish. You young ladies are just so unpredictable...."
I went back to my room to take the thing and came back to his room in just a short minute.
'Goo....'
"I'm back."
"Oh, what have you got there?"
"I've brought some sake, Kenshin-sama. Wanna drink together?"
"Hah, you really do know me well Takina! Which brewery is it from? Is it the Hot Spring Brew?"
"I've considered buying that one but in the end I settled for the generic Gekkeikan."
"Ahh... I haven't been there since 5 years now. You said generic but their basic refined sake is some of the best you'll find in all of Japan. I'll have a cup."
We both settled down in his room and started taste testing the sake.
"Sips..." (2x)
As I sip it down my mouth, I can feel a slight sense of burning in my throat.... It has a faint taste of sweetness attached to the bitterness of the drink, and the texture of the liquid is just so smooth....
Needless to say, it's one of the best sake I've ever drank. "Hah... This is insanely good."
"Right? Now the taste test is done, it's down the hatch we go! Kanpai!"
"Kanpai!"
"Gulp..." (2x)
"Kah...! That was refreshing." Said Kenshin as he sets the cup down on the floor table, waiting for me to finish.
Once I was done drinking I set mine down as well and refilled our cups.
"I didn't know you enjoyed the refined ones.... I thought you only drank the rough sake, with unfiltered rice in it."
"That's only because they are cheap and easy to find. I would never pass off on nice and expensive ones like this masterpiece you just bought."
"Expensive? You're the Lord of the Uesugi! As it you even need to care about money. You have the money to drink all the expensive sakes in the world."
"It's a mindset kind of thing, lady. Cheap food and drinks that are delicious will always bring me more joy than the expensive ones. Though having rich treats once in a while can be very rewarding as well."
"Can't argue with that I guess. Sips..."
"....Takahashi told me that you taught him how to make guns. I've got to say, you really helped the Uesugi Clan a lot even if no one knows about it."
"I was just offering what little I can, Kenshin-sama. You don't need to thank me for the basics."
"I see... I paid Monkey a large sum of money to buy the plans and manufacturing process of the guns, he should give you your cut of it when you visit him next time."
"Mmm."
Come to think of it, Kenshin-sama knows Takahashi but I've never seen those two interact before....
"Kenshin-sama, may I ask you something?"
"Anything for this wine, lady."
"How do you know Takahashi-san?"
"Ahh, that? We have a rather... complicated history."
"Care to elaborate?"
"We fought together during the last Civil War.... He was just an extremely skilled shinobi that worked for the Uesugi Lord at the time. Being one of the general back then, he was assigned to me as an assistant.
We fought together and protected each other in ambushes and battles. Eventually, we would grow into a duo of undefeated warrior. That's how our friendship was formed."
"I see...."
"He was a terrific ninja, I tell you! Save for a few others no one could match him in shinobi tactics, and even with those tricks he is still a ferocious fighter....
But inside his fierce facade is also a kind soul.... He was the one to bring Genji and Enna to me, he rescued them during the assassination attempt on the Shibata family. The Castle was burning down at the time, and yet he still risked his life to take two random childrens out of there instead of fleeing by himself.
Ironic isn't it? Ninjas are known to have questionable ethics but he wasn't someone like that. Yet all things come to an end I guess.... he was forced to retire later because of you-know-what, and now worked as a toolmaker."
"Did someone cut off his arm?"
"....No. I did."
"What?... Isn't he your ally and a close friend...?"
"He was, and still is...."
"He still helps you out and even speaks of you with respect.... That is not how someone would treat the person who permanently damaged them. Can I know what actually happened between you two?"
"....You wanna listen? Fine, but it'll be a long ass story."
"We have time, Kenshin-sama. Besides, it's been weeks since we last saw each other, talking a bit more than usual is a good way to catch up."
"Huh, fair enough.... Before we start let's begin with a bit of information for you. Do you know an odd swordsman that calls himself the Tengu of Uesugi?"
"Is that even important?... Yes I do know him, he was that weird old man who wanted to see my skills and asked me to hunt bandits with him."
"Indeed, bandits it were. Your sword was deadly and brutal despite your gentle appearance, I was captivated by you that night."
"What the hell are you talking about- wait, you are that Tengu guy!"
"Hahaha, took you long enough to figure that out!"
"This is impossible.... How come I've never noticed it before?!"
"Hahaha, that gave me a good chuckle...."
"Right right.... Can we go back to the topic at hand please?"
"Ah yes, of course. I told you before that Monkey and I were a duo of undefeated warriors, right? We frequently did dangerous missions by ourselves, especially ones where having more people may be more of a hindrance than a help.
As such most of our missions falls to hunting dangerous monsters and unknown demons out in the wilds...."
"Like an adventurer squad then?"
"Something like that, yes.
This happened just 1 year after the Truce was called.... We received a request from the locals of near by villages, to hunt a dangerous beast lurking at the mountain. It's next was in a small shrine below Mount Fukushima."
At the shrine, we encountered a fox.... a Kitsune monster. It has 4 tails with fire burning on the ends, and it is almost the size of a small shack. A dangerous beast."
"That would be a B ranked monster in Centralia Continent...."
"Utilizing fire magic, it was just as ferocious as it was graceful and as strong as it was agile.... But despite it's strength it proved no match for the two of us, each of us could've taken it alone, that is until the moment when Monkey's sword was broken in half by the beast's attack."
"How unfortunate.... What happened next?"
"In the heat of the moment I threw my sword at the beast to stop it from lunging at Takahashi. The blade impaled into the beast's neck, and that's when Takahashi rushed in and jammed the blade further in, delivering the killing blow to the injured fox....
When the blade went into it's neck, Monkey activated the magic ability of the sword to deliver a killing blow.... The beast drops to the ground lifelessly, it was a job well done.
But suddenly, Takahashi recoiled back in pain. Clutching his right arm, he screamed out in agony."
"What happened?"
"He activated the magic sword's true power.... Just as he delivered the killing blow to the fox, the fox's soul was absorbed into the blade and then into his body, merging with his spirit through his right arm.
Of course, that sword is the very one that you're looking for - the Severance Blade."
Just as Sora-sama said it has a second function of 'Fusing' two things together instead of severing them....
"There were flames burning on his right arm.... It wasn't just your ordinary fire, it was the crimson colored flames that came from the fox's body.
Realizing what had transpired I reached out for my companion sword and with a single clean slash I severed the burning arm from his body. This stopped the fox from fully merging with his soul.... Partially anyway."
"So you failed?"
"I did stopped the fox from fully merging with him, but a part of the fox's spirit still made it into his mind. It corrupted him.
He just wasn't the same afterwards.... Sometimes he'd be kiek the same old Takahashi that he is, but sometimes he'd be hostile and even aggressive, just like the fox that we faced. He started hearing things and seeing things that aren't there.... and that's when I know that he should retire."
"....."
That time when he cornered me into the table, I felt true terror.... Did my fragile moment made the fox inside tingles him to attack me?
"I'm not sure how he's doing right now, but I'm sure that he's resisting.... resisting the temptations to destroy by shutting himself off from the rest of the people. I still send letters to him time to time, and that's how we communicate."
"I see...."
"I don't know when or how it will happen.... But one day he will lose control and let the kitsune's instincts take over....
He's a timed bomb, one that should be left to me to handle when the time comes.... You shouldn't get too concerned about him."
"I... I understand."
"This is also the reason I sent the Severance Blade to be hidden away from others.... It is simply too dangerous."
"Kenshin-sama, do you know about the location of that sword?"
"This again? Like I told you, it's being kept inside the most secured treasury of the world, inside Edo."
"Well.... It's actually sealed inside the body of two people."
"....Wait, what? They used the sword's ability to fuse two things together and fused the sword into someone...?!"
"Yeah...."
"Fusing things together may be easy, but to remove it is another story! If it wasn't done properly, then seperating the sword from the host's soul will kill them!"
"Indeed it will.... Sora-sama told me as much."
"The boy knows about that- Wait.... that's it, he has the sword inside his body! How could I missed that all this time?!"
"I meant to tell you that as well, Kenshin-sama.... let's talk about Sora-sama, and about what we plan to do with him."
____________
[Sora's POV]
Outside the door to their room, I sat there quietly listening to their conversation.
"-Let's talk about Sora-sama, about what we plan to do with him."
"....."
She's.... she's not going to forcefully take the sword now is she?
But I have no one else to rely on, it's not like I can just run away now....
(Chapter End)