Section 6: Salt, Sword, and Bishamonten

The Imagawa placed an embargo on salt?

Yes, ma'am. They're conspiring with the Houjou to block every shipment into Kai that they can.

Yet another dull tactic, I see.

Ma'am? D-did you say "dull"?

Uh, I mean, how dare they resort to such cowardly methods!

I know this is Harunobu's fault for breaking the Kai-Sagami-Suruga alliance in the first place, but still.

Word is that the Takeda's people are starving, and their soldiers are struggling. Lady Kagetora, this may be the perfect opportunity to invade and conquer Kai!

Send Harunobu some salt.

Yes, ma'am! I'll ready our army right away and

Um, ma'am? Could you repeat that, please? I'm not sure I heard you correctly.

I said, send Harunobu some salt. He may have brought this situation on himself, but his people shouldn't have to suffer for it.

Not to say you should give it to him for free, obviously. Have some of our merchants bring it in to sell.

But also make sure they understand not to take advantage of things and raise their prices.

B-but, we may never get an opportunity like this aga

The enemy is already weakened. It wouldn't be any fun toI mean, it would be unjust to attack them now.

More importantly, the Ikko sect up in Etchu has been growing cocky lately. It's time we put them in their place.

Y-yes, ma'am.

All right, see that it is done. And make sure I'm not disturbed while I pray to Bishamonten.

What does she hope to gain by attacking the Ikko sect? No matter how you look at it, attacking Kai-Shinano now would benefit the Uesugi clan far more.

Nobody in their right mind would go along with such lunacy.

I don't understand emotions.

That's why so many of my retainers openly oppose me, or even turn their blades on me.

...

I wonder if Harunobu goes through the same thing. The Takeda clan certainly has plenty of retainers who won't shut up.

As does mine, I suppose.

...

(Sigh) I'd really love to attack Kawanakajima again.

Uesugi sent us salt?

Yes, my lord. And not just salt. A number of Uesugi merchants have come to Kai with provisions for our army as well. I also have a letter from Kagetora here.

What could she be thinking...?

I don't know, my lord, but there's no denying that the Imagawa and Houjou clans' salt embargo has been hurting our people.

The merchants haven't even raised their prices. Whatever Uesugi's intentions, this would seem to be exactly what we needed.

You think I don't know that?

See that the salt makes its way to all our people. Don't let any clansmen stop you. Use my name if you need to.

Are you sure, my lord?

Who leads the Takeda?

Me, or them?

Y-yes, my lord. Apologies, my lord. I'll make the arrangements at once.

...All right, let's see what Kagetora had to say.

Ahahahahaha! This is what happens when you get cocky and break your word, Harunobu. But I don't want you using this as an excuse when you lose, so I'm sending you some of Echigo's best salt. It is so good. Sooo good! Anyway, now that you have this, make sure you're in top form and ready to face me. --Nagao Kagetora PS: I'm coming back to Kawanakajima once I've walloped the Ikko sect, so look forward to that!

Like hell you are!

One.

Aaaaagh!

Two.

Waaaaaaaaaah!

Three.

Waaah!?

Huh, none of you are dead. I must not have struck as hard as I thought.

Gurk! What the hell was that!? Even I can't believe we're still alive!

I didn't even sense her sneaking up.

This strength is like nothing else... She really is the Northern God of War!

I didn't think she would ambush us herself.

Dammit... It never fails. She always finds a way to ruin my plans.

This time, I'll kill you.

I don't think so! Bishamonten's Eight Aspect Rotating Formation!!!

It's no use.

Huh? You blocked every one of my killer formations!?

I see. A distorted alternate version of me.

Distorted? What's that supposed to mean?

I mean what I said: you're a distorted alternate version of me. What do you not understand?

Now you're just talking nonsense. And what's with those giant cannons on your back, anyway!?

They're not cannons. They are Biten treasure pagodas engraved with sutras.

I-I see... Anyway, you leave me no choice!

Touhachi Bishamonten! Hear my plea, and lend me your divine strength! Eightfold flourishes!

You still don't understand? Then I'll be as direct as I can.

You are a poor imitation of me.

Guh!

？！

I-I'm...an imitation...?

You're a distorted, broken version of me who forgot your role as the arbiter of the human world. Come, I will end your miserable existence myself.

Khh...!

Hey, Kenshin. Eyes on me. I'm the one you'll be fighting here.

Takeda Harunobu... Even with Kai's support, you're still no match for me.

We'll see about that.

How foolish... But you always were a perfect example of human foolishness.

Bullshit. What's your deal now, anyway, going around acting like you're some kind of god?

It's no act. I genuinely am the avatar of Bishamonten.

Is that so?

Shinpachi! Imagawa guy! Buy me some time while I see about coming up with a way to maybe win here!

Only maybe? ...Ah well, no point thinking about it. I'll just do the same thing I've always done: meet the enemy head-on!

Hattori! Give me a hand!

This will be our first time fighting side by side since my time in the Shinsengumi. Funny how things work out sometimes.

Very well. Just make sure you don't fall behind!

It's pointless.

No human is strong enough to so much as scratch me.

You never know...

Unless you try!

Move, Kagetora. You're in my way.

Don't be ridiculous. I'm just getting... Ghh!

Now do you see? She's right. No human is strong enough to even scratch her.

Then...you don't mean she's

That's right. That right there is a version of you that truly did become a god.

So then...she really is Bishamonten?

Hey, Master of Chaldea. Sorry for the short notice, but you need to form a contract with me and give me one of those Command Spells, right now.

You want to form a contract with my Master, Harunobu?

Even with Kai's support, I still won't be able to hold my own against Kenshin.

Forming a contract with the Master of Chaldea, and getting an extra boost from a Command Spell...

...is the absolute minimum I need to pull off my plan.

So you need support from both Kai and a Command Spell, huh? And you think that'll get us to victory?

I didn't expect her to attack us before I could get this ready, but either way, it's time for Chaldea to honor the pact you made with the Takeda clan.

Any objections?

？！

Good man. Not many people have the sense to know when to seize an opportunity. You must have been in countless battles.

All right, take my hand.

Good. Now give me a Command Spell.

I see... This is one hell of a lot of magical energy.

Kagetora, you've been contracted to this guy all this time, and you still couldn't beat me? What happened to the Dragon of Echigo?

What was that? Okay, tough guy, you're talking awfully big. You'd better be able to back it up.

Don't worry. When I say I'll do something, I do it.

But, I'm also going to need you to do your part, Kagetora.

My part?

Guh... Yeah, definitely cracked a few ribs.

You're quite tough for a human.

Hah! It's gonna take more than that to kill old Nagakura Shinpachi!

Having said that, how the hell're you so damn tough!?

Can't so much as nick you with my sword. It's almost enough to make me question whether I know how to use the thing.

It seems that since she's the avatar of Bishamonten, she is protected by an aura of genuine divinity.

Even I, the Shinsengumi's strongest fighter, can't so much as scratch her with either of my swords.

You, the strongest fighter in the Shinsengumi? Don't make me laugh! You can't even move anymore, can you!?

You're one to talk. Your legs and back clearly aren't what they used to be. Your swordplay is barely a shadow of what it was.

Burn them all, sword of flame.

Aaagh! Wh-what the hell was that!?

It's eating through my armor!? These are no ordinary flames!

You humans should have known better than to challenge a god.

This ends now.

Oh, right. I forgot about you.

Even my spiral round didn't work on her... What kind of armor is she wearing? All right, I'll just have to overwhelm her with sheer volume of fire from a distance.

Let me show you how that is done.

Aah! She's got projectiles, too!?

You do like to scurry about, don't you? I've had enough. I'll just blow you all away at once.

Hey, what're you doing!? Are those big things on your back

Yes. I'm going to use the twin pagodas of Biten to reduce everything to ash with their holy flames.

So those treasure pagodas actually WERE big cannons.

Sh-shit, I think we're in real trouble here! Do something, Hattori!

You could always shield us yourself, Nagakura.

No, on second thought, even that wouldn't help. A direct hit from so much magical energy will vaporize us all.

We'll just have to fall back forHuh!?

Too late. It's over.

Yeowch, that's hot... Hey. Are we still alive?

...It would seem so.

What just happened?

The people will be your castles, your walls, and your moats...

Hey. Isn't that

Mercy is your ally. Cruelty is your enemy!

Thanks for hanging in there.

Is that

Now...

...Takeda will be fighting this battle.

So you summoned your castle, Harunobu?

Can't you tell? Here in Kai, nobody can match me.

I see. Between the land of Kai and your castle, you have everything you need to make full use of your power.

Stand up, Shinpachi. You're not old enough to kick the bucket just yet, right?

You're a damn slave driver, General. Still, this castle does seem like a game changer.

Amazing. Those ramparts took a direct hit from those cannons, and they're still standing...

Now this is what I would expect from the Takeda. You really do wield incredible power as long as you're in Kai.

If I must attack your castle, so be it. I'll just have to start taking this fight seriously.

Wait, you mean you weren't serious up till now? You gotta be kidding me...

Remember who we're up against here. Even in Kai, with my castle supporting us, we're just barely on even ground now.

Are you ready, Master of Chaldea? Keep your eyes peeled for your opportunity.

？！

Good answer.

Kenshin... Today, I'M going to win.

Now, in the name of my Furinkazan banner...let the battle begin!

Lord Tamekage, Bishamonten came to me last night and entered my body while I was sleeping.

Is that true!?

Oh yes. I'm sure of it.

This is a great blessing. Your child will be our clan's savior.

Indeed. They will no doubt be the light of peace that shines upon these chaotic times of war.

Lord Tamekage, your child has been born!

Wonderful! Tell me, is it a boy? A girl?

It's a princess, my lord.

A girl, then. I see... And how are they? Are the mother and child all right?

Yes, my lord, they're both hale and hearty. But, uh, you see...

Yes? What is it?

Ahahahahaha!

Huh!?

Where did that come from!?

Ah, Lord Tamekage, just look at this child.

Ahahahahaha!

I-I can't believe it. She's l-laughing... A newborn baby, laughing instead of crying...

Yes, my lord. She's so healthy, and her face is like the Buddha's own. She truly is Bishamonten incarnated.

B-Bishamonten incarnated?

Ridiculous. Just look at that expression! That's not how a newborn baby should look!

Babies are supposed to cry, not laugh! This...thing is no baby! Keep it away from me!

Go drown it in a river!

I don't believe it. What could Lord Tamekage be thinking!?

This is a child of the Buddha himself; she is the avatar of Bishamonten! She will bring an end to this age of endless war!

Why, just look at her! See how much she's smiling and...laughing?

Ahahahaha!

What... What are you laughing about!? Stop that! Stop that at once!

Are you laughing at your father? At your mother!?

Ahahahahahahahaha!

Stop it... Stop iiiiiiiiit!!!

Khh...!

(Huff, huff, huff...) It's no use. Nothing's working on her.

I can't believe both my guns and my blade are useless... Or is she just healing her injuries that quickly?

No human can wound a god.

So this is Bishamonten's Divinity... It may be just as strong as Lord Yoshimoto's. Maybe even stronger.

...

Prepare yourselves. Bishamonten shall save you.

Is that it?

...Is what it?

Is that all you've got, Kenshin?

What're you saying, General? You're barely standing as it is.

Shut up. I'm talking to Kenshin right now.

Your Noble Phantasm, Kenshin. Use it now. You'll never beat me otherwise.

Now you're taunting me? Are you mad?

What's wrong? Are you afraid?

Come to think of it, you never did like attacking castles. Hell, you even stood around twiddling your thumbs during the siege of Odawara Castle, of all places.

I guess you couldn't manage my castle either, then.

...Very well. I'm sure you're up to something, but whatever it is, it won't matter.

Here it comes. Stand back, everyone.

H-hey, what're you

Come.

Is that...a pillar of light from the sky!?

This is the treasured sword of Biten.

So that's your Noble Phantasm...

It's over, Harunobu.

Heavens... Earth... People... Witness the justice within my blade.

...!

Biten's Eight Aspects, White!!!

...

...!?

General!

Why didn't you dodge? No... You took that blow on purpose.

I knew it. You still have this sword.

What are you Huh? I can't move the blade!?

Did you forget how you got this sword?

How I got it...?

This blade originally belonged to the Takeda. I'm taking it back.

That's right. This is the Takeda's holiest weapon...

...the Salt Embargo's Long Sword.

...The Salt Embargo's Long Sword...

Now, Kagetora! Use this sword!

Master! Give me a Command Spell!

？！

Haaaaaa!

Wha...!?

Bishamonten's Eighth Aspect, White!!!

...

The Northern God of War... She's...

She got her!?

...So this is the chance you were waiting for.

It was all Harunobu's strategy.

Strategy...?

That's right.

Listen up. Kenshin's divine aura is very literally Bishamonten's protection. No ordinary attack can pierce it.

Then how are we supposed to beat her?

Kenshin's own power is an exception. Her Noble Phantasm should be able to break through that protection.

Her Noble Phantasm, huh?

That's right. And I know what it is.

So, what is it?

It's the Takeda's own holy weapon, the Salt Embargo's Long Sword.

The Salt Embargo's Long Sword...? What in the world is that?

You forgot? Really? This is exactly why I hate you.

The Salt Embargo's Long Sword is the sword I sent you to thank you for the salt.

Oh! THAT sword.

Wait. Was it really such an amazing sword?

Just forget it.

The point is, that sword belongs to both you and me.

If we can manage to steal it, then we should be able use it to break through Kenshin's protection.

I see... All that aside, why do I have a sword I received as a gift in my Noble Phantasm?

How the hell should I know that?

What I do know is, if you use that sword here in Kai, it will definitely be as strong as a Noble Phantasm.

I see. So you want to turn your land advantage into a Noble Phantasm. Okay, I understand. But can you really take it from her?

I told you. When I say I'll do something, I do it.

I guess you did, didn't you?

So keep building up your magical energy until I steal the sword back. You'll only have a moment to take her down while she's surprised.

...Understood.

You got all that, Master of Chaldea?

No. There's no "giving it a shot" here. You either do this, or you don't.

I'm trusting you, Harunobu.

？！

This is our one shot at winning. Don't screw it up.

To think that I, Bishamonten, would lose like this.

No... It's only because there is a distorted version of me here.

Distorted? How am I distorted?

You poor thing. I barely even recognize mysel

What the...!?

...So, you've come.

Look at that. Without your divinity, you're a total pushover.

Imagawa...Yoshimoto...!

Thank you for your help, Takeda Harunobu.

Even with all my power, I wasn't sure what to do about Bishamonten and her divine protection.

The Imagawa general...!

Yoshimoto... How many demons did you absorb to grow so much?

The gods and the Buddha have no place interfering in human affairs. This is an age of conquerors. Pure power rules all here.

I have no use for weaklings who still pray and cling to outmoded deities.

...

It seems I will no longer be passing judgment on the Holy Grail Rebellion.

Live out these latter days of the law, my distortion.

Live, and die, even if none desire it of you.

...

Begone, white man-made god.

...

She disappeared? ...No. You absorbed her.

Hmm. I'm disappointed in myself. I failed to realize you were a copy of the god of war.

Oh my, that couldn't have gone better, Lord Yoshimoto.

I can't believe we've finally managed to get rid of that damn god.

Itou Kashitarou? Is that you!?

Hello there, Nagakura. Long time no see, eh? Whatever are you doing here?

What was that?

Well, Saito came back to us alive and well, right? I just found that a little strange.

What's that supposed to mean?

I mean...

...why did you let a known traitor live?

You wanted me to kill Saito?

I just thought that, since anyone who leaves the Shinsengumi is either hanged or forced to commit seppuku, like we were...

...Saito should've had to do the same.

...

Oh! Come to think of it, you left the Shinsengumi too, didn't you, Nagakura? Goodness, I'm so sorry.

Or did you just barely pass because it was called the Kouyou Chinbutai when you left?

Yikes. I have to say, not a good look.

What are you trying to say?

Me?

I just want to rub it in your face.

...Bastard.

Oh, right. This is no time to be playing with you.

Lord Yoshimoto, I believe this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Not only is the Northern God of War out of the picture, we have before us both an injured Takeda and Chaldea.

What do you say we end this all right here and now!?

That was my intention. Are you ready to die, Takeda Harunobu?

I figured you wouldn't offer an alliance if you didn't have an angle, but I still didn't expect you to betray us so brazenly.

Is that why they sent you, Hattori? To keep tabs on us?

...

Hmph. I was going after you once the god of war was dealt with, anyway.

This just saves me some time.

Still as arrogant as ever, I see. But I suppose I should expect no less from Nobutora's son.

But Harunobu, with that injury, you'll never

It never rains but it pours. That's just how things are. Now come on. You'd best get ready, too.

Then have at you, Tiger of Kai!

Bring it on.

Let's settle this here and now.

...Tch.

What the...? The Saika girl!?

Looks like my past finally caught up with me.

...

You shot Harunobu!?

Takeda Harunobu... This is revenge for the Saika. No...

...For Magoichi.