Part Four, Section One: Paradise of the West

Wh-what happened to you, Nobbu?

You know, I don't really know either. But hot DAMN I look sexy as hell, don'tcha think?

Just how many variations can you get...?

Hahahahaha! You finally grew up, huh, Boss! I don't know what the deal is with those spiky things on your back, but damn if they're not awesome!

Wait, is this what you were always like back in the day, Boss? I can't even remember anymore!

What's going on? How did this happen?

Keep it together. There's nothing to worry about. All the different Lady and Lord Nobunagas in this land were simply consolidated into a single being.

？！

Hm? Oh, hey, if it isn't Micchi.

Wait. You were on our enemy's side!

What do you think you're doing, showing your face around here!?

So you're Akechi Mitsuhide, the famed retainer of the Oda clan...

As soon as Kippoushi disappeared, he surrendered to us without another word.

My loyalty is to the one and only Lady Nobunaga.

If this is where I am to find her, then it is where I shall offer my service.

Well that's awfully convenient. Do we really want this guy hanging around here, Sister?

On a different note...when did you get so beautifully badass?

Shut up, Nobukatsu. Besides, you were on the enemy's side the first time we ran into you here, too.

Anyway, knowing you, Micchi, I assume you didn't turn up here empty-handed?

Indeed I didn't, my lady. I have information to share about our true enemy.

？！

Pardon the intrusion!

A man calling himself the Caster of Makuzu is requesting an audience with you. Shall I send him in?

That didn't take long...

Lady Nobunaga, let us leave this to the Chaldeans and retire to the guest chambers for the time being.

Lord Fujimaru, could I ask you to find out what this Caster seeks?

What're you plotting?

For the moment, I ask only that you meet with the Caster of Makuzu and hear what he has to say.

Surely you can wait to cut off my head until after that.

What should we do, Senpai?

？！

Oh yes, I almost forgot. If he should happen to ask about us...

...please tell him that you killed both Demon King Nobunaga and me during the recent skirmish.

...

So you defeated Demon King Nobunaga. My lord was delighted to hear it. I knew we could count on you Chaldeans.

Hmph. So now what do you want? Have you come to declare war on us now that the Demon King's out of the way?

Oh no, nothing like that.

Now that you have vanquished the Demon King, my lord wished for me to give you a message.

The lord of Makuzu, huh...

Indeed. On behalf of the Makuzu, we would like to begin peace talks with Chaldea, and bring an end to the war and strife that plagues this land once and for all.

You want p-peace!?

We do. Once we have reached an agreement, we Makuzu will be happy to lend Chaldeaindeed, all living creaturesany assistance needed.

...And what's in it for you guys?

The Makuzu's goal was always to bring salvation to all living things.

While we were forced to take up arms to defend ourselves and our allies from Demon King Nobunaga's machinations...

...we have no use for them now that the Demon King is gone.

Won't you consider joining hands with us and taking the first step towards lasting peace?

Or do you only wish to unite all of Japan to satisfy your own desires rather than to bring peace to its people?

And do you now plan to make us your next target after Demon King Nobunaga?

Well, for one thing, Demon King Nobunaga would not even entertain the idea of an audience, let alone peaceful negotiations.

Instead, our land was invaded and anyone that got in the way killed blindly. A true Demon King in every sense of the word.

Wonderful. I knew you Chaldeans would be willing to listen to reason.

Believe me, it wasn't easy being the liaison between the high priest of Makuzu and Demon King Nobunaga.

I've never felt so up a creek without a paddle before in my life.

？！

...And what exactly are the terms of your peace?

Oh yes, my lord would like to meet with you so you can discuss that in person.

And so, I would like to cordially invite you to visit him at the Makuzu's main temple headquarters...

...Makuzu Honnoji.

According to the Caster of Makuzu, this should be Lord Makuzu's domain...

I see. That would mean the Makuzu control the Kyoto area.

(Yaaawn) Man, what a letdown. Peace talks might be a good thing and all, but they're so damn boooooooooring!

Hey, Master! What do you say we take a break and have some lunch?

My map says there's a village just up ahead. Why don't we take a breather there, Senpai?

Especially since we still have a ways to go before we get to the Makuzu headquarters.

？！

All right! Then what're we waiting for!?

My goodness, you've all come quite a long way. You must be exhausted from your journey.

Please, stay and rest a spell. Help yourselves to all the food and drink you like.

Thank you. That's so kind of you, especially when we've only just met.

Oh, it's no trouble. We have plenty to spare thanks to Lord Makuzu, and we don't even have to work for it.

We could never live this good without the great Lord Makuzu.

...You don't have to work to eat?

？！

We're fortunate enough to live close to Lord Makuzu. It's through his graces that we're blessed with such abundance.

Thanks to him, we're able to live better lives here than we ever had before. It's truly paradise on earth now.

I still can't believe I used to spend so much time on backbreaking work like a fool...

Paradise, huh... So that's why we haven't seen anyone working in this entire village.

...Hey, how come I'm not seeing any kids around here?

Oh, the children are all studying Lord Makuzu's teachings at his headquarters on the mountain.

In the future, they'll all get to be monks for him. We couldn't be more grateful.

All the children will be Makuzu monks, huh...

We should be nearly at the Makuzu headquarters now. Although, there's something about this province that's nagging at me...

I suppose getting by without having to work probably would be considered paradise in an age of constant war.

Still, I couldn't help but notice that simply getting by seemed to be all those villagers did...

？！

Ha! What a joke. Nothing to do every day but eat and sleep? I wouldn't last a week before dying of boredom.

At any rate, we should hurry on to the Makuzu headquarters. I want to verify what Lord Akechi told us for myself.

So, of all places, the Makuzu are headquartered at Honnoji... Huh, I don't remember there being a mountain nearby.

Indeed. That whole area doesn't look at all the way it did in our time.

So it's not the same Kyoto we know then?

No, it's not. I suggest the next step you all take...

...is to attend this peace talk at the Makuzu headquarters and see what their nation is like for yourselves.

Lady Nobunaga and I will await your return here, so they don't find out we're still alive.

Don't worry about a thing. I'll keep a close eye on him to make sure he doesn't pull anything.

Besides, one visit to Honnoji was more than enough for me. Even I can only tempt fate so many times!

Hijikata and I will stay behind too, just to make sure Nobbu the Giant here doesn't screw up.

Don't worry, we'll hold down the fort good and tight while you're away.

Speaking of which, you sure you really wanna just waltz into enemy headquarters?

Hahahahaha! Long as I'm around, I won't let 'em so much as breathe on Master!

In fact, if they do try to harm us during this peace talk, that would give us an excellent reason to invade them.

Between myself, Nagayoshi, and Chief Retainer Mash's protection, I'm sure we can handle anything they might try.

Right! As your Chief Retainer, I, Mash Kyrielight, vow to keep Senpai safe even if it should cost me my own life!

Hey, you're really starting to sound like a samurai! Now that's what a loyal retainer should be like!

Well, I don't know how much help Katsuzou'll be, but I'm sure you'll be fine as long as that stupidly strong god of war's with you.

I bet she could kill a hundred thousand soldiers all on her own, and that's without the advantage Servants have over regular armies.

And if things do take a turn towards Servant vs. Servant battles, Fujimaru'll pretty much have to be there.

？！

Oh, before I forget: please remember that Makuzu thinks we're dead, and we would like to keep it that way.

...

So these are the Makuzu headquarters... I have to say, this isn't what I was expecting...

Gahahahaha! Hey, get me some more booze! And a woman to pour it for me!

I never thought I would see monks eating meat and drinking alcohol, especially in broad daylight...

Hm? Who're you guys? ...Oh, you're here to pay your respects to Lord Makuzu?

Well good, that's what we like to see. Just hand it over and you can be on your way.

Um...hand what over?

Ah c'mon, don't make me spell it out. What, you guys never been here before or something?

I'm talking about a little tip. You know, for excellent service.

Hahahahaha! A monk, demanding a bribe!? Now I've seen everything!

If you want a tip, I got one for you right here, on the end of my spear!

The hell? Are you threatening us, punk? You know what happens to people who mess with Lord Makuzu's monks?

？！

Oh? Well hello, Chaldeans. What a funny coincidence, running into you here.

Hm? You know these guys?

Yes, I do. Anyway, as you can see, I'm here on business again. It's not much, but here's my usual tip.

Would you do me a favor and let these guys in for me? I'll throw in a little extra to cover them.

Well, I guess since you know them, I can look the other way for such a good tipper.

All right, go on through. Now, let's get back to it! A toast to the god of Makuzu!

Have you been here before, Sakamoto?

Oh yes. It's a good spot for both business and gathering intel. So, what do you guys think of the place so far?

Are all the monks here like that?

Oh, I wouldn't say all of them. But generally speaking, most of them are...

Well, let's just say they're not what you'd usually expect from monks.

Must be a helluva place if it's got so-called monks boozing it up in broad daylight.

I take it you saw some of the nearby villages on your way here then?

We did. They told us they never had to worry about food thanks to the Makuzu's kindness.

That's right, they don't. Every aspect of life here depends upon the Makuzu's generosity.

Thanks to that, the people here always have enough to eat, and they never have to work for it.

In that sense, you could call this land a utopia.

Except for the fact that no one here's got any damn life in their eyes.

So they depend on their Lord Makuzu for everything, huh? Hmph. I don't like it.

Still, when all you've ever known is war, and you've had to go hungry more days than not, I could certainly see the appeal of such a way of life.

I suppose it all depends on how you look at it.

...All right, the main hall's right over there.

Oryou and I still have some business to take care of, so we'll see you guys later.

Hey, did you guys ever find Izo?

Oh, yes, about that...

What'm I doing in jail!? Let me out, dammit!

All right, I'll ask you again: who is your Master?

Shut up, gramps! Do you have any idea who I am!? I'm Demon King Nobunaga's faithful servant, Man-Slayer Izo!

Huh? Wait, no I'm not! I... Who AM I?

Just as I thought. Your brainwashing still hasn't worn off. You won't be getting out of there for a while yet.

I told you, nobody's controlling me, dammit! Now let me out already!!!

...he's still on, um, medical leave.

Ugh, what is that idiot doing?

Well, I'm glad to hear he's all right. Okay, see you later then.

Yeah, I still don't trust that guy.

All right, here we are. We're finally going to meet the head of the Makuzu.

Well hello there, Chaldeans. Welcome to the headquarters of the Makuzu.

My lord has been expecting you. Please, right this way.

？！

Please allow me to introduce you to our leader, the High Priest of Makuzu.

Welcome, welcome, clanspeople of Chaldea.

？！

Allow me to get right to the point: Do the Makuzu truly wish to enter into a peace treaty with the Chaldea clan?

We do. War is an empty undertaking that brings nothing but pain for all living things.

Now that Demon King Nobunaga, the enemy of all the gods and the Buddha, is gone, we have no more reason to fight.

So Demon King Nobunaga was opposed to you?

Oh yes. Demon King Nobunaga was truly a faithless scoundrel, the enemy of all that is good in the world.

We assured the Demon King no fewer than three times that we had no wish for battle, only for them to invade our land and harm our believers!

I see. That definitely sounds like something Demon King Nobunaga would do...

So if the Chaldea clan agrees to your terms, what do you hope to accomplish when all of Japan is unified?

Why, we wish only to save all living things with Lord Makuzu's power, of course.

What do you mean by that?

Lord Makuzu is our god. There are no limits to his power, and nothing he cannot do.

All we want is to use his glory to build a genuine paradise upon this earth...

？！

Hmm? Are you saying you Chaldeans do not believe in the gods or the Buddha?

Of course we believe in them. Any righteous person would.

But humans can never hope to live full lives if they depend solely on the gods and the Buddha for everything.

That is why we must not be slaves to our whims, and why we must live our lives one day at a time.

Yet the monks here indulge in alcohol and meat, vices that would be unthinkable for those who have devoted their lives to the Buddha...

So you'll forgive me if I have trouble seeing how men who are so lacking in prudence could ever claim to be the Buddha's earthly messengers.

Hahaha! Come now, what harm is there in monks partaking in alcohol and meat?

Why bother with something as silly as asceticism when our god gives us everything we could want?

Ahh, it breaks my heart to see your faith so misplaced in a god as dull as Bishamonten, Lady Kagetora.

Come now, why not take this opportunity to instead embrace our god, Lord Makuzu?

Enough! How dare you insult Bishamonten in front of me!

Besides, I've never even heard of this Makuzu god before.

Just what sort of god is he!?

Ahh, I do beg your pardon. I meant no offense.

It is simply that every other god appears inconsequential next to the great and merciful Makuzu.

After all, no other god is capable of bestowing food and medicine wherever it is needed, nor of bringing real, tangible salvation to all.

And next to the daimyo who do nothing more than hurt people by extorting taxes and waging war, well, there's no comparison at all...

But then, I suppose I'm preaching to the choir here, right, Lady Kagetora of Echigo? You are renowned for your virtue, after all.

...How dare you.

Ha! Gods, Buddha, who cares! It's all nonsense!

Get off your high horse, baldie! You know as well as I do you've never even seen this so-called god of yours!

What's the point of believing in a god who doesn't exist and can't do a damn thing for you!?

Hmm? What an odd thing to say.

Lord Makuzu's power is perfect and absolute. Of course he exists. Why, he's here with us right now.

Wh-what the... Magical energy!?

This pressure... What did you do to us!?

You see? Even the greatest Heroic Spirit is helpless in the face of Lord Makuzu's power.

What's going on!? Why's it so much harder to move now!?

Oh, what a surprise. I'm impressed you're able to move at all while under Lord Makuzu's power.

Well, I suppose there's no other choice then. Go ahead and rough them up a little, Caster.

Sorry about this.

For what it's worth, I promise you I wasn't lying. But, we Servants are obliged to carry out our Master's orders.

I'll make this hurt, but please don't die, all right? Armored Warrior monks, if you would.

Targets confirmed. Moving to capture.

Khh! We'll just have to fight them off as best we can!

Calling in reinforcements. Proceeding to surround and destroy.

Dammit! I could handle these punks no problem if I could just move freely!

What's wrong? If you need more Armored Warrior Monks to play with, I have plenty more where those came from.

Now I see... This hall is designed to restrict Servants' movements!

What did I tell you? Lord Makuzu's magical energy is utterly without limits.

As such, there is no wish he cannot grant.

That's impossible... Every source of magical energy has a limit, no matter how strong that energy might be!

So you still refuse to believe even after experiencing his divine power for yourselves? You are even greater fools than I thought...

That's enough, Caster. Take these godless peons into custody and turn them into Armored Warrior Monks or something.

Are you sure, my lord?

Now that Demon King Nobunaga is gone, there is no one left to defy our god.

Khh! Not if I have anything to say about

Gah! I can't move at all now!

Sorry. Like my Master said, our magical energy here in this hall is limitless.

Not even the avatar of Bishamonten can move about freely in here unless we let her.

What about Chaldea's army!? If we don't return when we said we would, they'll all be here demanding answers!

No matter. Once true paradise arrives in this land, the very idea of soldiers will cease to hold meaning.

True...paradise?

Well, everyone, I'm very sorry about this, but I'm afraid I need to have you all sit tight for a while.