Section 3: Northern God of War

You're leaving the Shinsengumi?

Now, now. That's not how I'd put it, especially since I don't want to be forced to commit seppuku like Yamanami.

We're just forming another unit and guarding the imperial mausoleum as part of the Goryou Eji.

In what way is that not leaving the Shinsengumi?

Oh, Hijikata. You just don't get it.

I WANT the imperial court, Satsuma, and Choushu to think I've left the Shinsengumi, so I can better find out what they're planning.

Once their guard is down, I will get in close and reveal what they're up to to all of Japan. Commander Kondou already signed off on the plan and everything.

So you're saying you're turning traitor.

(Sigh) Why must you always see things in such stark black-and-white?

I just want to make this country stronger. That means opening up its borders, establishing its military power, and enriching its people.

And having an in with the imperial court will work to the Shinsengumi's benefit, too.

How many times do I have to explain this before you understand?

Your smug face is so distracting, I can't hear a word you say.

Is that so? Well, regardless, we're still leaving. Remember, Commander Kondou already signed off on this plan.

I was hoping to have your approval as well, but so be it.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a busy schedule to get back to.

Hey! We're not done here!

I've already said my piece.

Oh, hi, Mr. Itou. What're you doing here?

Aah! I could ask the same of you.

Don't surprise me like that, Okita. You're scary enough as it is.

Scary? Me?

And you only get scarier the paler you get. Why don't you take some time off and go soak in Otsu's hot springs for a while.

(Cough, cough!) I...I can't do that now. This is a crucial moment.

Oh, is it? Well, in any event, I'm leaving. Try not to let that old hardhead Hijikata there crush you.

What's going on with Mr. Itou, Mr. Hijikata?

It doesn't matter. What matters is what he's going to do next.

The Goryou Eji? The hell's that?

An organization sworn to protect the imperial mausoleum. You can think of it as a separate unit of the Shinsengumi.

Don't worry. I already got Commander Kondou's approval.

Did you now.

Well, if I'm being completely honest, this is all a front. The truth is, the Shinsengumi has no future.

Why not take this chance to jump ship and join a winning team, Nagakura?

...What did you just say?

It's painful to see how Commander Kondou and Hijikata have been handling things lately. I think everyone in the Shinsengumi would agree with me there.

Frankly, Nagakura, from where I stand, they don't give you nearly the respect you deserve, either.

Don't you agree, Hattori?

Yes, sir.

So how about it, Nagakura? A lot of the Shinsengumi looks up to you. If you join us, that would help convince a good number of them.

Well? What do you say?

...What a joke.

This is about you, doing as you please. I've heard enough.

I see. That's too bad. Saito thought it was a grand idea.

What?

And not just him. Toudou's on board, too.

I can't believe it...

So, now that you know things are well and truly changing, does that change your answer, Nagakura?

...I don't like this.

Hm? What was that?

I don't like the way you're going about this!

If you wanna leaveif you really think you're doing the right thingthen do it out in the open, where everyone can see.

So, that's your final answer.

Well, I guess there's nothing more to be done then. Hattori?

Yes, sir.

Heh. You've got guts, I'll give you that.

Show our guest out, please. Respectfully.

...Are you sure, sir?

It's fine. Nagakura's not so petty as to go running his mouth to Commander Kondou or Hijikata.

If you say so, sir...

Don't worry. I ain't gonna say anything. Later.

Oh, right. Just be careful out there, Nagakura.

...Careful of what?

Oh, you know...

That you don't end up like poor Yamanami.

...!

Okay?

...

...Is that you, Kashitarou?

You could tell?

I must say, Lord Yoshimoto, you were magnificent today. Even the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven may as well have been a child compared to you.

You've just proven once again why you're the greatest archer in all of the Highway!

Enough transparent brownnosing.

Make no mistake. The demon king was the greatest obstacle standing in my way.

Indeed, my lord. I recall our careful preparations. We ambushed her and unleashed every last drop of your power against her, and still only barely won.

She certainly demonstrated why Demon King Nobunaga made such a name for herself.

Nobody back then could have imagined she would become so strong.

Little wonder that I met my end at her hand.

Your knowledge of the future has been quite useful, Kashitarou.

Thank you, my lord. Though I must say, it's discouraging to know exactly what's going to happen and still just barely eke out a win.

Thank goodness things went as well as they did.

Indeed. Now, at long last, I can finally...

...

Lord Yoshimoto? Did you fall asleep again?

It's nothing. I'm fine.

...I see.

Have there been any issues with soldier augmentation?

None. We're producing more Imagawa soldiers than ever.

Good. This rebellion is far from over. Remain on your guard and continue working to strengthen our great country.

...I won't be able to move for a while.

So I'm trusting you to run things until the Holy Grail becomes accustomed to this magical energy.

And don't underestimate the Master of Chaldea, either. No ordinary person could command that demon king.

Of course, my lord. It's a shame we were so focused on taking down Demon King Nobunaga that we allowed some of the others to escape.

Where are they headed now?

I've already sent soldiers after them, but their last report said

Takeda of Kai, huh.

Did you not hear me?

I want to work together to take down Kenshin.

？！

No, not her. I mean the Northern God of War.

...Hey. How long you planning on playing possum? Get up. You and I both know that wasn't enough to kill you.

Damn. So you knew.

Ahahaha! I was hoping to get in a good hit while your guard was down, but I guess that's not happening. Too bad.

Oh please. Who in their right mind would drop their guard around you? Especially when your wound's starting to close up.

Is it? Huh, you're right. Odd. It wasn't improving at all earlier.

That's because any wound Yoshimoto inflicts on you takes longer to heal in his territory.

That's not a problem for you now that you're in my Kai.

I see. So that's why my wound refused to close until now. That said, I'm surprised Imagawa's territory even covers Shinano.

I thought this land was supposed to belong to the Takeda clan. How could you let that happen, Harunobu?

Don't ask me. Ask the Saika there.

Imagawa would never have taken Shinano if it hadn't been for them.

...

？！

It's true. The Saika did fight for Imagawa during the Holy Grail Rebellion.

So what's she doing with Chaldea?

The Saika don't take sides based on personal feelings. We just use our abilities for our contracted clients.

I see. Yeah, that lines up with what I've heard about the Saika Group.

So, you really will do anything as long as you're paid.

But, things are different now...

How so? You're just working for Chaldea 'cause they're paying you, right?

...

Ahahahahaha! That's awfully rich coming from the guy we just watched renege on an agreement!

Hmph... Your laugh is still as grating as ever.

Look. I'm not judging you. I just want to get things straight. How long's your contract with the Master of Chaldea last?

...It's already ended. I only came along this far because I was going in this direction anyway.

Oh? So what, now that Imagawa's gotten too strong, you've decided to make some money off of Takeda?

If no one wants the Saika around, we go somewhere else.

Well, my Takeda definitely doesn't want you around here.

I see... Then I guess this is it.

Yeah, it is.

Khh!

Hey! What do you think you're doing!?

Isn't it obvious? Killing her.

...

？！

Weren't you listening? This girlno, the whole Saika Group will side with anyone who pays. I can't have her working for the Imagawa again.

I...I won't. Not anymore...

Oh? So you're gonna go work for the Northern God of War then?

Either way, if you're just going to lurk around like a vulture waiting to swoop in, I'm better off getting rid of you now.

...Master.

？！

You want to form a contract? With the Saika?

I probably shouldn't be saying this, but he's right.

The Saika are mercenaries who will side with anyone for the right reward.

So...

...Me?

Why're you asking me?

？！

...Are you sure?

I don't see a problem. You're fine with this too, right, Harunobu?

If you're siding with Chaldea, then yeah, that's fine with me.

Okay. Then please, hold on to the Saika's Yatagarasu for me until our contract is over.

If he wanted to team up with us, he could've just said so. At least now you know how annoying he can be to deal with, Master.

I mean, really, who does he think he is, lecturing us on integrity after voiding an alliance agreement right in front of us?

Shut up.

Oh, one more thing. This Northern God of War you've been talking about. You don't mean

Yeah, I do. She's the avatar of Bishamonten...

...Uesugi Kenshin.

I can't believe it...

He actually broke our alliance agreement right in front of one of our soldiers... I mean, I knew he would eventually, but why did it have to be now, of all times?

Just as soon as Oda has been taken care of, now we have Takeda to worry about again.

Acting rationally has never been a concern of Takeda's. He must have learned I couldn't move right now and saw an opportunity.

Honestly, it's practically a miracle he's been keeping quiet until now.

Since you really can't move right now, Takeda must have felt this was his chance.

Either way, we won't be settling things with him just yet.

More importantly, what about the creatures that have been leaking out from the demon king's power I absorbed? Can we use them for anything?

Those things? Well, they are certainly strong fighters, but there are far more differences between individuals than we thought.

Some of them are fiercely rebellious, like the ones that turned traitor. Others are weirdly docile. I suppose they're not unlike people in that regard.

So if we're going to keep using them, we'll need to whip them into shape, mentally speaking.

And that's not even getting into their...bizarre appearance.

I don't care what they look like. All that matters is that they have the strength one would expect of creatures born from Demon King Nobunaga's magical energy.

And thanks to the Holy Grail's magical energy, I can even produce them at scale.

Once we have enough to send north to reinforce our soldiers, Takeda should no longer pose a threat.

Right you are, my lord. Especially since Takeda is most likely gunning for

The Northern God of War, yes.

Oh, Lord Harunobu. I'm so glad to see you've safely returned.

Hey there, Grandpa Kasuga. How's the back?

Hahaha, oh, it still hurts like crazy every time I unload another crate.

I see. You must still be working hard then.

Oh, I picked fresh mountain veggies today. I'll bring you some later.

Sounds great. Thanks.

Ooh, it's Harunobu! Harunobu! I wanna go for another ride, Harunobu!

Hey, keep your mitts off my car, kids.

But it's so cool! Especially that red! Will you give me a car when I'm grown up?

Let's wait and see when the time comes. Now go on, get out of here. Your mom's been looking for you.

Tch, fine. Guess I'll go home and do my chores like Mom said.

You do that. And no slacking, you hear?

THIS is Takeda's Tsutsujigasaki Yakata? It looks a lot different than I heard.

I don't see much in the way of defenses here. What kind of castle is this?

I've heard about this place too, but I've never been here before, either. You're right, this castle is kind of, um...

Run down.

Yes, that.

That's true. And the children in particular seem especially happy.

As pathetic as these defenses are, I could take this place myself and still have time for tea.

？！

Come with me.

Okay, we're here.

Here, where? I don't see anything but grass, trees, and mountains.

What's the big idea, dragging us out to the woods?

You wanted to see my castle? Here it is.

What are you talking about? This is just...empty space.

You're serious? What, have you gone blind?

Huh? Watch how you speak to me, or I'll kill you.

I don't see anything here, either.

Keep looking.

Wh-what is this magical energy!?

People are your castle...

"People are your castle"? You don't mean

They are your walls, and your moats. Treat them well, and they shall be your trusted ally...

But wrong them, and they shall be your greatest enemy!

There really is a castle here now!

I can't believe it!

Come, we'll talk more inside.

All right, let's pick up where we left off.

To think you materialized an entire castle. I guess you really are the Rider of Kai.

Even I have to admit you surprised me with this one.

I thought it was awfully convenient that you had a castle built in just the right place for a war with the Imagawa. This explains it.

I thought the Imagawa spies were just mistaken, but now it all makes sense.

Here in Kai, there's nothing I can't do.

Now I see. You are supported by the land of Kai itself, so a Noble Phantasm like this is only possible for you.

I guess that does give you a pretty strong territorial advantage in Kai then. At least, if you forget how Shinano's already fallen.

Don't interrupt me. As I was sayi

Nooobbu drive!?

Mr. Harunobbuuu! There's a weird old man who keeps attacking us, nobu!

You little bastards! I don't know how you got in here, but you ain't getting away from me!

It's you...

The scary-looking old man.

Oh, hey! Glad you're all okay. I guess General Harunobu must've rescued you.

But never mind that now. General! We've got an Imagawa monster invasion on our hands!

Calm down, Shinpachi. They've come over to the Takeda side.

Really? These weird things?

Yes. I liked their shade of red. Makes them a perfect match for Takeda.

Oh come on, you can't be serious. These...things have Imagawa written all over them.

We're done with Imagawa, nobu! No more associating with people who don't understand what it means to be a street racer, nobu!

Mr. Harunobbu gets it, nobu. The high-octane fuel here is way cheaper! It's great, nobu!

From this day forth, the Owari Nobbu Stars are gonna go down in legend as the fastest racers in not just Kai, but all the Warring States, nobu!

Well damn, I already whipped a few of you. Guess I'd better apologize then.

Good timing. I was just about to tell them about the Northern God of War. You should join us.

Will do. Good to have you...things on the team.

Good to be here, nobbuuu!

So, you were working with Takeda.

That's right. I was supposed to find out where the Imagawa've been taking our people so I could rescue them...

...but as you saw, my temper pretty well ruined that. It's a good thing you all showed up when you did.

So that's what that was all about... How are the children now? Are they okay?

Sure are. With you bringing up the rear, I had no trouble getting 'em back to their village. Thanks.

Please also allow me to extend my thanks for your help with the rescue effort, Master of Chaldea. I don't know what we would have done without you.

I won't forget what you did for us.

？！

...I see.

I-incredible... I've never seen him act so upright. Don't be fooled, Master. He'll probably forget all about it in a day or so.

Do you ever shut up? I swear, you really are just as irritating as ever.

Ahahahaha! Funny, I was just thinking the same about you.

Hmph... Anyway, Master of Chaldea, as I was saying earlier, do we have an agreement on our alliance?

Great. Then we're partners until Imagawa is gone.

How about until Imagawa is gone? That's what you want too, right?

？！

I trust you're okay with that too, Saika?

The Saika always follow whomever we've entrusted with our Yatagarasu.

Good. Now, let me tell you about the Northern God of War.

Up north, there's another Kenshin different from the one here now.

Another, different Kenshin?

To be honest, I got shivers down my spine when you showed up back at that rest stop.

For a moment, I couldn't believe the Northern God of War had come so far south. It probably surprised you too, right, Saika girl?

Ulp... I'm embarrassed to say this, but I had no idea they were the same person. Besides, they look very different.

You think? Well, I will say that I thought she seemed pretty different than what I'd heard, too.

The God of War I know wears a lot more...things.

Things?

Yeah, things. Like, she has a really long thing she keeps on her back.

She showed up out of nowhere one day while we were fighting the Imagawa.

I hate to say it, but the Imagawa forces had us outmatched that day.

Just when we decided to fall back and regroup, she showed up and started slaughtering Imagawa soldiers left and right.

You saw it too, right, Saika?

I remember. She turned the tide of that battle in the blink of an eye. It was so drastic that it prompted Yoshimoto to ride out to battle himself.

Yeah. But then, she suddenly stopped.

And the next thing we knew...

...she was killing Takeda soldiers instead.

...

...The scales have tipped.

Then I must go and save them.

All right! Round up everyone in the village. Kill the sick and elderly, but don't let anyone else escape. They're valuable material!

E-everyone, run! It's an Imagawa manhunt!

It's no use! They've already got the village surrounded. We're done for.

If anyone resists, cut off their feet. We'll figure out what to do with them later. Besides, people with that kind of spirit usually have potential.

P-please, God! Please, save me!

An old man, huh. How useless. Time to die.

Eee! S-somebody! Anybody! Save

Hmm. An Imagawa soldier.

Y-you!?

Powerless ones...

Guh!

Th-the Northern God of War! What's she doing here!?

Bishamonten shall save you.

Aaarrrgh!

Bishamonten shall save you.

F-fall back! Fall baaack!

...

I-I'm saved... A god really saved me!

Oh, thank you, God! Thank you!

Powerless ones...

...G-God?

Bishamonten shall save you.

A-aaaaaahhh!

...Bishamonten shall save you.