Nobunobu! Nobunonobubu!

Our next target will be the Mini Nobu brigade in Kaga. First off

Before we get started, can I ask you something?

Of course. What is it, Kagetora?

What in the world are Mini Nobus?

R-right, I'm sorry. I've gotten so used to this weirdness that it's hard to keep track of what's strange anymore.

Honestly, I have no idea either.

？！

In that case...here's a Mini Nobu refresher!

Mini Nobus are embodiments of Nobunaga's subconscious that came about due to a freak Holy Grail accident.

It's still not clear how they work, but they've been known to spontaneously reproduce, regenerate, and evolve...

...to the point that they can be a pain for most Servants to fight.

Thus far, Chaldea has been unable to conduct a thorough analysis on them. According to a trusted source:

"Let's just file them under 'Mysterious Life-forms' and call it a day."

"I don't really want to think about them too much, and besides, I'm tired enough as it is."

"Let's just file them under 'Mysterious Life-forms' and call it a day."

"I don't really want to think about them too much, and besides, I'm tired enough as it is."

...And that's all she wrote.

I see...

Actually, no. I really don't see, and that explanation didn't shed any light on the matter.

Still, those things are impressively cute, especially for having to do with Nobunaga.

They might be cute, but they're also surprisingly ruthless.

Come to think of it, how did they even end up with a domain of their own?

According to my research, the Mini Nobus used to work for all the other Nobunagas before they set off on their own.

Some were dissatisfied with their treatment, some wanted to advance their careers, and some just wanted to watch the world burn...

...but whatever their reasons, they eventually assembled in the Kaga Province...

...and officially founded a new nation of the Mini Nobus, by Mini Nobus, for the Mini Nobus.

What in the world are they thinking?

So, how do we handle them? Cut 'em down at the root? Mow 'em down where they stand?

How are those any different?

I'd say if we can capture them and get them to obey us, they could at least make decent foot soldiers.

The one good thing about them is, you can use them as much as you like without wearing them out!

Wahahaha!

I think I see why they left you now.

Nobbu, nobbuuu!

Nobu nobu, nobu nobu bubuuu!

Well, I don't know where I am or what these things want with me. Now what?

Nobbu, nobbu buuu!

Nobu nobubu! Nobubuuu!

Hm? Hey, these are chilled pickles. That's real nice of you.

What's that? This area is famous for them?

(Munch, munch) Hmm, not bad. Not bad at all.

Nobbu buuu! Nobubu!

Sure, I don't mind staying here awhile. Not with chilled pickles this good.

Besides, I still have to look for the others.

Nobbuuu! Nobbuuu!

Hey, get off! You're bothering me!

Nonono bubububuuu!

Nobbu!?

Now what? Whatever's going on, they seem real worked up about it...

There is nothing to be gained by letting such evil creatures run amok. Exterminate them all, in the name of Lord Makuzu!

Nobbu!?

Commencing capture of unidentified life-forms. Eliminate all that resist.

Nobbu!? Nobu buuu!?

All impure beings shall bow before the might of our god!

Nooobubu! Nobubuuu!!!

Hmph. Begging for mercy when you can only speak nonsense? What a joke. Let's hurry this up and

HRAAAAAAHHH!

...!?

Wh-who're you!?

This is Shinsengumi territory now.

Don't think any of you are making it out of here alive!

No... Nobbuuu! Nobbu nobbu!

Wh-what do you want with us?

We're only trying to exterminate these creatures to make the world a better

Who cares? This is Shinsengumi territory now.

That's all there is to it!!!

Th-this is getting us nowhere... A-Armored Monks! Eliminate him, now!

Preparing to eliminate enemy Servant. Numbers One through Sixteen, surround him.

Now that's more like it!

Hey, little guys! Snap out of it! If you want to live, then do exactly as I say!

No, nobbuuu! Nobu nobu nobu nobu!

Hmm. No sooner do we come here to scout things out than we find a battle already in progress.

Are those the Mini Nobus you were talking about?

It looks like they're fighting people from a different faction...

Hey, does that big lug raising hell over there look familiar to you?

？！

That looks like...Hijikata?

So he's an acquaintance of yours. How would you like to handle this?

Fortunately, we're downwind at the moment, so if we act quickly, we could easily wipe out both sides at once.

That smile of yours is entirely too creepy, laughing tiger. But, you've got a point.

They're both enemies of yours, right, Master? This is perfect!

Let's mow 'em all down right now!

？！

I see. It sounds like things aren't that cut and dry then.

In that case, for the time being, why don't we help the Mini Nobus and this Hijikata person?

If they give us any trouble afterwards, then we can cut them all down.

No wonder you came to be known as Echigo's god of war. The prospect of losing never even occurs to you, does it?

It's a little freaky, honestly.

Oh, shut up.

At any rate, we can't pass up this chance! Nagayoshi, you go around and flank them from the left!

I'll get out in front of the Mini Nobus and face those guys head-on!

Shut up! Don't tell me what to do!

？！

Sure, Master! I'm just fine with following your orders!

Let's do this! Rrraaaaaah!!!

Mori seems oddly willing to listen to you, Senpai.

I'll say. I've never seen him listen to anyone besides you in my entire life.

Nobbu! Nobbubu!

Suck it up! If you want to make a life for yourselves, you're gonna have to fight for it!

If any of you turn tail, I'll cut you down myself! Advance! Cut them up!!! ADVANCE!!!

Couldn't have said it better myself. I see you understand the essence of war.

Who're you? You with these monk guys?

？！

We'll back you up, Hijikata!

Let's save the chitchat for after these guys are dead!

Nagao Kagetora has arrived!

Worry not, Mini, um...Nobus! I'm here to help!

What? Kagetora of Echigo?

They must be the ones in the report! All units, f-fall back!

Casualties: thirty percent. Continued territory preservation: difficult. Retreat!

We don't have enough fighters to go after them. Looks like this is it for now.

Thanks, Fujimaru. You were a big help.

So, who're these guys?

Oh, yes, this is

I'm the one who should be asking you that, you big lug! Who do you think you are, looming over my Master like that!?

What was that? Who the hell are you?

You'll shut that mouth of yours right now if you know what's good for you!

Will you two stop it? We don't have time for this crap!

This is the whole problem with Berserkers. And yeah, I know I spent that one summer as a Berserker, so you don't have to remind me.

Nobbwaaa! Nobbu buuu!

It's difficult to make out what they're saying, but I think they're...happy?

Sure they are. Didn't they just say so?

More or less.

Me? Don't look at me. I can't understand a word they're saying.

？！

Does this mean you're willing to merge with the Chaldea clan then?

Nobbwa! Nobu nobbu!

They say that's fine. Besides, apparently things've been tough for these guys all around the country.

Wahahaha, this'll make stuff way easier! You'll never run out of these things no matter how hard you work them!

Finally, no more toiling in obscurity as an infantrywoman for me! Go ahead and make me a daimyo right now, if you like.

Nobuuu buuu! Nobuuu buuu!

What is this? Are they booing me?

Don't worry! Working for the Chaldea clan means two days off every week and no overtime whatsoever.

We're even planning to all go on a trip to Sado Island together during summer vacation.

Why Sado? If we're going to go on a trip, shouldn't it be somewhere a little farther away?

？！

Ahahaha! Don't be silly.

I know there's a silver mine there, but there can't be more than a little gold dust left by now.

I've certainly never heard of any gold mines around there.

I've got sort of like a Warring States isekai vibe about that area. I think it's worth a bit of digging there too!

Getting back on track: Mini Nobus, you'll all be starting out as infantry, just like everyone else.

But if you work hard, you could be promoted up to a Samurai General one day.

Nobbu! Nobbunooo!

Hahahaha! I just realized they look exactly like you, Boss!

What're you talking about! The only thing we share is a color scheme! Hey! Why're you being so friendly to them!?

Huh? Hang on. If they're all infantry too, does this mean I'm the same rank as them?

Nobu nobu!

Hahahaha! They say it's good to be part of the team, Boss!

This can totally be helped!!!

I'm Hijikata Toshizo, Vice Commander of the Shinsengumi. What's that? You want me to command the infantry?

Fine, but Warring States or not, I'm Shinsengumi first and foremost. Don't forget that.

Hijikata Toshizo pledged his loyalty to you. (You can now choose him as an NPC.)