"Spring 1553: Inabayama Castle"
Invite Nobunaga?
Yes. He managed to win over Kichou; it wouldn't be bad to have him on our side.
"Saitou Dousan (Lord of Mino Province)"
We can't allow Imagawa to get too full of himself.
"Saitou Yoshitatsu (Dousan's son)" "Inaba Yoshimichi (Retainer to Dousan)"
Nobunaga turned against even his own clan's Principal Line in Kiyosu.
Making him an ally won't be easy.
I hear rumors he's a scatterbrain, agog about foreign barbarians.
He might get us drawn into conflict instead.
"Kaede (Kichou's sister-in-arms)"
Hmph.
If push comes to shove, we can do away with him.
"Kochoki" "Young Nobunaga"
"Nagoya Castle"
"A Meeting"
Toshiie, you've improved your skills.
In our next outing I'll show you-- I'll accomplish something great.
Nobunaga-sama!
Eh?
A messenger from Saitou Dousan-dono has arrived.
A meeting?
I think it's a good idea.
Establishing ties with the Saitou clan would solidify Owari's footing.
Yes, my lord. It would also allow you to silence those in Suemori Castle
who are pushing for Nobukatsu's ascendancy.
I had been thinking I needed to meet "The Viper" of Mino at some point...
The Viper of Mino?!
Calling him a viper is a metaphor.
He's called that because an anecdote says he saw a momentary opening and struck,
leaping from being nobody to great power.
Well that's even more terrifying!
What will you do, my lord?
I'll meet him.
My... father?
Yeah. What sort of person is he?
The truth is, I don't really know either.
Because from a tender age, I was raised in the ninja village.
In a ninja village?
Yes, my lord. We trained hard, day and night.
We had it hammered into us that our highest duty was to carry out tasks for our master's sake.
Do you remember Kaede, my lord? Kaede and I were always together, like sisters.
Then one day, I was ordered to Inabayama Castle, to put all my effort into duties there.
I'd been certain I was preparing to serve beside Kaede, as a ninja.
Why am only I being fitted for clothes like this?
Kichou... you're the real daughter of Father.
All the ninja called Dousan-sama "Father," to maximize their loyalty.
But I'd never imagined I was an actual blood relation...
I was nothing but one of his pawns, a convenient tool.
So that's how it was. How cruel...
It's because the world is at war.
Now I can believe it was all for the purpose of my meeting you, Nobunaga-sama.
I believe that too.
Sir, I'd like one dango.
You got it!
It's been some time, Kaede.
I was surprised; you look completely different.
You look like you're living happily.
What are you doing here?
It's about that meeting...
Depending on the outcome, they may target both Nobunaga and you for killing.
If you leave now, you can still come back to the Saitou clan.
Thanks for the warning. But I have no intention of going back.
I'm not the old me anymore. My life is bound to Nobunaga-sama.
Is it... that's too bad.
I'll just say this... you certainly aren't what you once used to be.
The person you are now won't be able to save Nobunaga.
That was a nice snack.
I've still been training... and yet...
By leaning on Nobunaga-sama's kindness, I've gone soft.
I need to regain my sixth sense, quickly.
Shortly thereafter, a letter came to Nobunaga-sama from Mino,
giving specifics about the meeting.
"Suemori" "Moriyama" "Nagoya" "Arako"
"Kiyosu" The location is Shoutoku Temple...
"Shoutoku Temple" The location is Shoutoku Temple...
...so it's in the exact middle between Owari and Mino.
Well, naturally we'll secretly ready an armed contingent.
The other side will likely do the same.
Wonder what amount of strength we might need.
Hmm.
Huh?
As for that, my lord, leave it to good old Toshiie!
This is a sketch of Shoutoku Temple.
Whoa.
I snuck in there for a bit and checked it out.
--You rascal, taking things into your own hands...
--Ow, ow ow! --You rascal, taking things into your own hands...
Good work, though.
To begin with, Tsuneoki, Kichou and I will head into the temple.
The troops will keep their distance and stand by, here.
Taking command of the troops will be... Toshiie.
Huh?
You do it.
M-Me, my lord?
Commanding five or six hundred troops is a tough job.
If you carry this through smoothly, you'll have accomplished something.
Yes sir! You'll see, my lord-- I shall fulfill this role with distinction!
Huh? What's this?
Oh--a female servant left it earlier, my lord.
She was saying a peasant child came to return it or something like that.
Come on over!
Ah! It's always fun to come here.
The hustle and bustle of people and things coming and going...
The place is full of enthusiasm and energy.
Samurai are so fiercely territorial,
but merchants, with their resourcefulness, can go anywhere.
They're truly free.
So what on earth is that book?
I gave this to a child who was here, previously.
The kid really wanted to learn.
Oh, there you are!
Oh!
Why'd you come all that way to return this?
Nobunaga-sama!
'Cuz I don't want it anymore!
Was it a nuisance to keep it?
That's not it! Thanks to the war that you insisted on starting,
my village burned down--it's gone!
Mama says since it's war, it can't be helped.
But me, I'm so upset, so angry...
I won't take charity from you! That's why I went to return the book!
There's--
Good! That's all!
It's his grandson Shirou-dono along with Kiheiji-dono...
Those two--they've come again to inquire how Father is doing...
Really no chance they'll brush me aside to succeed to the lordship.
However... if it happens that Father takes to that Nobunaga...
Well look at this--what a beguiling kimono!
Yes. My elder brother sent it for me.
It's been such a long time; I look forward to seeing you.
Why a gift, so abruptly?
A peacock, eh? This is splendid.
That's called a... "peacock"?
Yep.
It's said to be a bird that keeps away people's suffering and brings happiness.
Is it...?
It's a great omen; perfect for the upcoming get-together, yes?
It's beautiful... and yet...
...is it only my imagination that I sense something sinister about it?
Right.
Oops...
What's the matter?
To regain your ninja sixth sense? No need to get so extreme...
The one duty I can perform is to protect you, Nobunaga-sama.
If a situation occurs where I'm unable to do so, there's no point in my being alive...
Point in being alive...
Kichou, you're still trapped in your former way of life...
The way of life that demanded you sacrifice all for the sake of a master.
As for a point to being alive... is this tenderness alone not enough?
Nobunaga-sama...
Stay by my side, Kichou.
The only thing I want to believe in now... is this tenderness.
We'll head for the temple a short while before you.
"The day of the meeting: Nagoya Castle"
Toshiie... the rest is on your shoulders.
"The day of the meeting: Nagoya Castle" When you think the time is right, close in with the troops.
Yes, sir!
"The same day: Near Inabayama Castle"
Father has already left the castle. I'll also be on my way soon.
Inaba, you take command now.
Understood.
My lord... what is it you've been doing all this while?
I wanted to get an advance glimpse of the esteemed Oda Nobunaga's face.
Even though rumor has it he's a complete scatterbrain...
I don't want to!
My lord, this is unacceptable! Absolutely unacceptable!
What I hate, I hate, period!
What... was that?!
"Shoutoku Temple"
No idea he was that much of a scatterbrain...
I'm irritated now at having a forthright meeting with him.
Is everything ready?
Yes, sir.
Oda Kazusa no Suke Nobunaga-sama has arrived!
Huh?!
I am Oda Nobunaga.
Saitou Dousan.
Shall we first partake of a drink?
Is this really the same guy from before?
He's an odd guy...
Grr, my head feels all sticky. I really do hate this hairstyle...
It suits you really well.
Our purposes are aligned. If we join together, we'll become a powerful force.
It's more than I ever dared hope.
Ikeda-dono...
The temple is already entirely surrounded.
Right. The Saitou forces' movements are just as we anticipated.
Even so, Toshiie is running late.
Did something come up?
I never thought the state of a stream could change so much...
It's because of the recent rains. What shall we do, Maeda-dono?
What to do... And here I am in charge...
No. There's no time for wavering.
Right. We can't cross here. We'll take another path!
Everyone--hurry! We can't waste a second in getting to Nobunaga-sama's side!
I've heard that you like unusual things, Nobunaga-dono.
I had something prepared that's rare, but particularly delicious.
And what would these be?
They're frogs.
Frogs?!
Mmm, tasty!
N-Nobunaga-dono. No need to force yourself...
I've had them at the marketplace!
But with the super-spicy flavoring added, this is a special treat!
Oh! It's surprising that a person of such exalted lineage, Nobunaga-dono,
would know how delicious frogs are.
I ate them a lot as a child. Because I was born into a poor household...
I made my way in the world by not being fussy about what it took to stay alive.
Including killing and the like... I've done that countless times, along the way.
Please--tell me more about this!
You must know a great deal about markets and getting places!
Markets? That I do...
Merchants are free, not constrained by rules.
I've heard that some even journey from market to market, amassing great wealth.
True enough. But there's good and bad in that.
I hear there are cases these days where powerful merchants form cabals and hike up prices.
Some form of written law might be needed...
What would you say to our thinking about that together very soon?
Huh? Ah, I'd be interested in that!
Having trade flourish will be a key element of governance in days to come.
It may be more essential even than territorial disputes.
I don't like where this is headed... If he's enticed onto my father's side,
I'll be disadvantaged. That means it's time to...
By the way... is Kichou-dono in good health?
Eh? Oh, of course she is. Is it about time I call her in?
Bring Kichou in.
Yes, my lord.
Father. It has been a long time.
Oh...
It is you, Kichou... You've changed quite a lot.
Father, you haven't changed--
Kichou! Wearing a peacock robe here: Is that meant as an insult toward Father?!
The peacock takes away people's suffering...
Surely you know that belief originated in how the peacock eats repulsive things,
particularly venomous snakes!
No, I didn't know that! What's more, Elder Brother, this kimono was your--
I hear that Nobunaga-dono is knowledgeable in all things foreign.
It's unthinkable that he wouldn't know about the peacock's symbolism.
The only way this can be understood is as a provocation toward Father!
That being the case, you've plotted this, eh, Yoshitatsu?
But I'm intrigued: Nobunaga, and Kichou-- how will you ride this out?
Look closely at it! Kichou...
This peacock is bowing its head to Dousan-dono.
I'd expect no less, Dousan-dono--
You've humbled a natural enemy, all in an instant!
At a time when you might be killed for saying the wrong thing...
Dousan-dono, you're a father to me. A child killing a father: this cannot be.
And the reverse is also true.
I wonder. This is a world at war.
It's inevitable that even parents and children can be friends or foes.
Then can you say, Dousan-dono, that when the wars besetting this world end,
you'll have not even the slightest of regrets?
Ha! There'll be no simple end to this world's wars.
No. Someday... someday that end will come.
When will this "someday" be?
I've just begun thinking about that.
That if somebody, somebody with enormous power, brings it under control,
perhaps this warring world will come to an end.
Ha! Who do you claim can accomplish that?
This man... is he sane?
I want to make this a world where anyone can have hopes.
That's all I can say for now.
Nobunaga... Every single thing about this man rankles me.
Father, now that we've cleared the air, even the peacock is overjoyed.
Let me offer up a dance...
Emerge! Engage!
Wh-What was that?!
Nobunaga-sama. Sorry to keep you waiting.
Toshiie. Glad you made it!
The one who shot the bow seems to have been the Saitou clan's retainer.
So... so many muskets...
I'm beaten. How can I ever atone for so much rude behavior?
No atonement is necessary.
Let's unite our strength together, to protect Mino and Owari.
Nobunaga-dono...
Thus did Nobunaga-sama pardon the Saitou clan's misdeeds,
and agree to join together with them in cooperation.
At last I understand the reason Kichou sees so much promise in him.
A time will come, I think, when a great many will bow down before that man.
Oda Nobunaga...
"Next Episode"
"Kiyosu"
"Illustration: Ai Tokitoba" "Serialized in comic form by the Manga app 'Comico' Ai Tokitoba"