[TL]Hahahahah You motherfucker though this was gun be another sex scene????? Well YOU'RE WRONG![/TL] Several days passed since that day. After the Oda sisters dramatically joined forces, the ninja sent out as scouts soon began sending back information one after another. Most of it was classified information containing guesses about the enemy's direction of advance and troop strength, so Il-yeong couldn't see it, but just sensing the atmosphere made it clear this wouldn't be an easy fight. And yesterday, Nobunaga's army of 3,600, having departed from Nagoya Castle, soon joined with the 2,000 troops dispatched from Suemori Castle and set up camp near the riverbank, where Muraki Shrine could be faintly seen across the water. Il-yeong sat outside a barracks in that camp. Itsuki approached his side and spoke. “Young Master. Here’s the water you asked for.” “Ah. Thanks, Itsuki.” Itsuki handed Il-yeong a gourd bottle filled with water. Then he sat beside him and asked. “What are you looking at so intently?” “Nothing.” Il-yeong replied and quenched his thirst with the water Itsuki brought. Though he said it was nothing, his mind was incredibly complicated. So much so that he hadn't even noticed the subtle change in Itsuki's attitude before and after the Sparring. ‘The Battle of Murakitoride...’ Swish. He wiped his wet lips and sank into thought. Truthfully, he didn’t know much about the Battle of Murakitoride. It wasn't a particularly significant battle in the first place. What came to mind was that they received support from Saito Dosan, and that Oda Nobunaga's side crossed the river first. ‘However, this time, it’s right to assume there is no possibility of Saito Dosan providing support...’ That made sense because the reason Saito Dosan supported Nobunaga with troops in the original history was none other than Nobunaga being his son-in-law. Of course, there might have also been the intention to curb Imagawa's advance towards Kyoto. But now that Nobunaga was a woman, the Saito Family had no reason to worry about her. She wasn't even married in the first place. In short, as far as Il-yeong knew, the reasons for Saito Dosan to help the Oda Family now converged to zero. That’s what Il-yeong understood. Yes. It should definitely be like that—. “Embarrassingly, I am Ando Morinari, known as one of the Mino Three Retainers. The Family Head apologizes for not sending more soldiers.” “These troops are sufficient. Please convey my gratitude to Lord Saito.” “Haha. Of course.” Why did they send reinforcements? Il-yeong muttered quietly beneath his mask. Who was Ando Morinari? He was one of the three most important vassals in the Mino region, where the Saito Family resided. It was no wonder he was called one of the Mino Three Retainers. As Il-yeong examined the composition of the army, he couldn't help but become more confused. It consisted of about 150 Samurai and 350 Ashigaru, a small force, half the size of the 1,000 expected in history, but what mattered was that they still showed 'sincerity' nonetheless. Saito Dosan showing sincerity to Nobunaga? Thinking this deeply, Il-yeong instinctively realized there was something he didn't know. But then.
Lost in thought, Il-yeong suddenly noticed Yoshinari's face, unusually darkened by a dark shadow. “……” She bit her lip tightly, glaring at Ando Morinari with eyes colder than when she killed the Samurai at Kiyosu Castle. Naturally, Ando Morinari noticed. “Hmm. Yoshinari. It’s been a while.” Ando Morinari, seemingly anticipating this situation, calmly greeted Yoshinari, standing behind Nobunaga and glaring at him. Grind—. In that instant, a grim sound echoed - she was grinding her teeth. Only then did Il-yeong recall Yoshinari's drunken words from the past, and he habitually brushed the scratch on his Hannya Mask. He then realized Ando Morinari was like a sworn enemy to her. But then. “Yoshinari.” Nobunaga's low voice resonated, and without looking back at Yoshinari, he commanded, “Return to your barracks for a while. Sakuma and Kawajiri are sufficient for escort.” “…Yes.” At first glance, it might seem like disciplining a vassal for a mistake, but Il-yeong Instinctively knew Nobunaga was being considerate of Yoshinari. Yoshinari seemed to feel the same, she bowed her head briefly towards Nobunaga's back and walked silently towards her own barracks. Naturally, he couldn't help but be concerned. So, Il-yeong immediately followed her and called her name. “Yoshina—.” “Oh my, Fancy seeing you here, Lord Hikage.” No. More accurately, he tried to call her. If it weren't for the sly voice coming from behind. Interrupted at such a perfect moment, Il-yeong sighed softly, turned his head, and bowed to her. “Young Lady. What brings you here?” Young Lady. There was no one else in this Camp who could be called that. Nobuyuki let out a strange chuckle at Il-yeong's greeting. “Young Lady, you say. Hearing it from your lips doesn’t feel bad.” Why was she talking to him now? Il-yeong couldn't help but feel a subtle discomfort as he looked at her. But soon, seeing the red Hannya Mask standing behind her, Il-yeong smirked and asked. “Lord Shibata. Are you feeling alright?” “…Yes?” Instead, it was Shibata Katsuie who was flustered. Why speak to her with Nobuyuki right there? Although she hadn't pledged loyalty to individuals, this could easily upset Nobuyuki. So, she glanced at Nobuyuki to gauge her reaction. “Fufu…” However, Nobuyuki showed no sign of displeasure, merely letting out a strange chuckle and nodding. Knowing this was tacit permission, Shibata Katsuie awkwardly fixed her gaze on Il-yeong and spoke. “…I am fine. Is Lord Hirate alright?” “Well, I suffered a bit on horseback for a few days, but thankfully no bones were broken and I recovered quickly. Seems luck was on my side.” This was sincere. If he had fought like that in his modern body, he would have been bedridden for weeks. Whether it's because this body is trained or people from the past are different, the pain from most wounds faded quickly. After briefly checking on each other, Il-yeong finally looked at Nobuyuki and asked. “Anyway, why were you looking for me?” “Nothing much, just curious.” Though Il-yeong's impudent attitude might have offended her, Nobuyuki spoke with a sly smile, her eyes crinkling. “About what…” “Are you really not attracted to me?” Then, she took a large step closer to Il-yeong and asked. Naturally, her long black hair swayed momentarily as a hand extended from her neat clothes and rested lightly on Il-yeong's Chest. Seeing Il-yeong freeze for a moment, Nobuyuki let out a small chuckle, Fufufu., and continued speaking. “Honestly, wouldn't someone like me make a good wife? Even as the adopted son of the Hirate Family and a Korean Person, stronger backing would be beneficial. What is the reason you keep refusing?” Political marriage. It was the best insurance. Therefore, Nobuyuki was inwardly curious about Il-yeong's thoughts. Why did this man reject her? Loyalty to Nobunaga?
Conscience towards Hirate Masahide, who took him in?
Or a cute game of push-and-pull? Whatever it was, Nobuyuki was confident she could persuade him. After all, aren't humans beings moved by desire? “If you ask for the reason…” In that moment, not only Nobuyuki but also Shibata Katsuie focused on Il-yeong's answer. They were inwardly curious about what response he would give. And. “…Because you’re not my type. I apologize.” At that blunt answer, Nobuyuki could only stare blankly at him for the first time in a long while. And it was the same for Shibata Katsuie. Type.
His type, he says. “Well then.” With those final words, Il-yeong left the two frozen figures behind. There was nothing more to say, and he was also worried about Yoshinari. However, after some time had passed since Il-yeong disappeared, Nobuyuki asked Shibata Katsuie with a trembling voice. “D-Did he just. Call me ugly?” Compared to Il-yeong simply stating his preference, it was a huge leap, but Shibata Katsuie interpreted it similarly, nodding slowly as she replied. “…He didn’t go so far as to say ugly, but it did sound like you are lacking as a potential wife.” “…Shibata.” “Yes.” For the first time in a while, Nobuyuki wore not a sly smile but a sneer mixed with killing intent as she commanded Shibata Katsuie. “When we eventually cross swords, make sure to bring that bastard back alive. I will repay this insult with my own hands.” “…Yes, Young Lady.” Unaware that a misunderstanding was piling up without his knowledge, Il-yeong went to Yoshinari’s barracks. She held a considerably high position, so naturally Samurai stood guard nearby. The Samurai of the Mori Family, already familiar with Il-yeong’s face, immediately cleared the way upon seeing him. Having entered the barracks rather easily, Il-yeong soon spotted Yoshinari and strode towards her. “Yoshinari.” However, her condition clearly didn't look good. Unlike her usual simple smile, she sat on the cot with a dark expression, silently bowing her head. Therefore, Il-yeong strode closer to the unresponsive woman. And just as he got very close to her. “—me.” “Hm?” It was a small mumble, like she was talking to herself, from below. When Il-yeong lowered his head, looked at her, and asked again, Yoshinari slowly raised her head and muttered quietly. “H-Hold… me.” And as she spoke those words, small tears welled up in her eyes.

Hold Me