Chapter 176: The Warrior In Okehazama Is Actually Her! The Final Deadline, Farewell, A-dao, Farewell
It was noon, with bright yet mild sunlight.
Following behind Okabe Motonobu, Shangshan Che, carrying the two little ones, soon arrived at the Audience Hall after a long time.
The last time he came here was during Motoyasu Matsudaira’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony.
“Tetsu-sensei, please enter. Lord is right here.”
Okabe Motonobu stepped aside at the doorway, revealing the Audience Hall, as quiet as the entire Imagawa Residence, before Shangshan Che’s eyes.
Shangshan Che instinctively looked up toward the main seat, and his foot, about to cross the threshold, froze.
He stood stunned in place.
Because the black-haired girl currently sitting on the main seat, also clad in black armor, with an icy and indifferent expression—
was exactly the same as the black-haired warrior he had seen in the midst of the Imagawa Clan’s hatamoto formation during the Okōshazam Trial that day, and whom he had killed with his own hands!
In the rain curtain of his memories, the blurry figure from then gradually overlapped with the clear one before his eyes, ultimately merging into one, indistinguishable.
Only then did Shangshan Che suddenly realize.
No wonder he hadn’t seen that “very conspicuous, slow-running short-legged fatso” Imagawa Yoshimoto back then.
It turned out he hadn’t missed her.
Rather, he had encountered her long ago, but failed to recognize her.
It turned out that Imagawa Yoshimoto had not fled in panic and disarray as recorded in history, only to be disgracefully caught and killed by two from the Oda Clan.
Instead, until the very end, she had fought fearlessly alongside her vassals to the last moment…
Backbone.
Imagawa Yoshimoto had never lacked such a thing.
On the main seat, the icy-faced Imagawa Yoshimoto blinked in puzzlement.
—Tetsu-kun, why stand motionless at the doorway?
Imagawa Yoshimoto could tell Shangshan Che had frozen upon seeing her.
But today, aside from changing into modern armor, was there anything different about her from before?
—Modern armor, this armor’s name literally means “contemporary complete equipment,” protective gear further developed from o-yoroi armor and dōmaru armor.
Compared to the o-yoroi armor that only protected the upper body, and the dōmaru armor focused mainly on the front torso, modern armor could be called the pinnacle of Sengoku Period armor.
It was both flexible and the most protective armor.
The head of the Imagawa Clan lowered her gaze, her long eyelashes trembling slightly.
—Perhaps Tetsu-kun also wants a set of modern armor similar to what she’s wearing?
Although Tetsu-kun’s body was robust and needed little protection, armor had uses beyond mere defense…
Coolness was another aspect.
Imagawa Yoshimoto noted this silently, planning to use some gold after Mikawa Province matters to have a blacksmith forge a set of armor for Shangshan Che.
Several seconds later, Shangshan Che pulled his thoughts from the memories.
He lifted his foot over the threshold, subtly scanning the Audience Hall—
Taiyuan Xuezhai, standing at Imagawa Yoshimoto’s side with much improved spirit, energy, and vitality; the solemn-faced Asahina Yasunori and Yasutomo father and son; Motoyasu Matsudaira nodding slightly to him; and a youth whose facial features resembled Okabe Motonobu’s.
Additionally, four or five unfamiliar vassals.
These people were probably… no, they were most of the core vassal group under Imagawa Yoshimoto.
Finally…
Sensing the fervent gaze, Shangshan Che’s steps paused again.
Ii Naomasa?
He gave the youth, seated near the end, a couple extra glances, matching him to the ferocious and ruthless face in the rain curtain.
Ho.
Shangshan Che exclaimed inwardly.
He had run into another familiar face.
He looked toward Ii Naomasa, who for some reason kept staring at him with burning eyes, and nodded.
Shangshan Che walked into the Audience Hall and slightly bowed his head toward Imagawa Yoshimoto.
“I’ve come to pay respects, Lord Yoshimoto.”
Two-Foot Adult and Shiraishi behind him bowed deeply.
Imagawa Yoshimoto gestured for them to rise, then spoke flatly after all three lifted their heads: “Everyone, this is the onmyoji Tetsu, famed recently along the Tokaido, who will serve as vice general in this Mikawa campaign.”
No one spoke.
No one objected.
Because whether it was the heavenly thunder exorcism under everyone’s gaze at the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, or that outrageous single slash worth thirty thousand kan at the Trial Cut Ground, both were more than enough for Shangshan Che to serve as “vice general.”
Not to mention combining the two.
“Come, Tetsu-sensei, please stand here.”
Imagawa Yoshimoto extended her right hand slowly, opening it to indicate Shangshan Che stand at her right side.
With those words, Shangshan Che roughly understood the purpose of summoning him here, even though matters had already been discussed.
Imagawa Yoshimoto wanted to use the mobilization to let her vassal group get familiar with him.
This way, whether he worked for the Imagawa Clan or needed favors from anyone later, it would be simpler.
“Yes.”
Shangshan Che nodded lightly, first stirring his mindstrings to have Two-Foot Adult take Shiraishi to the end and kneel beside Ii Naomasa.
Then, under everyone’s gaze, he walked step by step behind the head of the Imagawa Clan.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with the aged-faced Taiyuan Xuezhai.
He exhaled lightly and looked down.
Okabe Motonobu grinned and gave him a thumbs up; Asahina Yasutomo showed unwillingness, but his eyes clearly read “convinced.”
Motoyasu Matsudaira lowered his head, lost in thought.
Only Ii Naomasa still stared fixedly at him, his whole body screaming “craving combat.”
At a glance, Shangshan Che gauged these vassals’ attitudes toward him in this position.
Tap, tap.
After deliberately waiting two seconds, Imagawa Yoshimoto tapped the armrest with her fingers, speaking calmly and unhurriedly,
“Today is the final deadline before the Mikawa campaign startup.
Starting tomorrow, I will personally lead the army into battle—furthermore, Motonobu as commander, Tetsu as vice general.”
She propped her cheek with her armored arm, half-lifting her eyes: “Any objections, voice them now.”
Everyone in the Audience Hall lowered their heads.
Dead silence.
A full minute later, Imagawa Yoshimoto hummed and looked to Okabe Motonobu: “Is the procession sedan ready for this expedition?”
“In response to Lord, the new procession sedan is prepared in the army formation,” Okabe Motonobu cupped hands and replied earnestly. “Ready to depart at any time.”
“Very well.”
Imagawa Yoshimoto nodded faintly.
Riding in a sedan for expeditions was Imagawa Yoshimoto’s custom.
But mentioning it again here in the Audience Hall, with vassals present, was actually to reinforce externally the stereotype that “Imagawa Yoshimoto will ride in the sedan, traveling with the army formation.”
In reality, Imagawa Yoshimoto had long selected a body double, planning to have the double ride in the sedan during mobilization.
She would go ahead with Shangshan Che to Mikawa Province to scout and find the Master Craftsman.
The present vassals raised no objections to Imagawa Yoshimoto’s “sedan expedition.”
After all, her riding a sedan on long trips was customary; everyone had initial thoughts but was used to it now.
Besides, it only slightly slowed marching speed—since their lord was so great, indulging her small request occasionally was fine.
If anything, aside from her perpetually cold face, slight germophobia, and arrogance that ignored most people, Imagawa Yoshimoto was practically a perfect head of clan and daimyo.
For the next half hour or so, Imagawa Yoshimoto discussed expedition details with the vassals.
……
“Then, see you at dawn tomorrow.”
With those closing words, the armored Imagawa Yoshimoto stood, nodded separately to Taiyuan Xuezhai and Shangshan Che, then left the Audience Hall alone.
Seeing the vassal group say nothing more, Shangshan Che knew she had business after the “meeting.”
After the throughout-cold-faced Imagawa Yoshimoto left, the atmosphere in the Audience Hall suddenly relaxed.
“Next, I rely on you.”
The spirited Taiyuan Xuezhai said earnestly to Shangshan Che.
Shangshan Che responded: “I will do my utmost to protect Lord Yoshimoto’s safety.”
Taiyuan Xuezhai thanked softly and quickly left the Audience Hall.
Nearby, Okabe Motonobu stood with a grin, waving Shangshan Che over to say something, when an enthusiastic voice cut in,
“Tetsu-sensei!”
Ii Naomasa strode over and bowed deeply to him.
A standard ninety degrees.
“Whether in state affairs or martial arts, please guide me henceforth!”
State affairs?
Shangshan Che raised a brow at that.
Ii Naomasa said this purely as an excuse to spar with him later.
After all, as an onmyoji who cultivated breathing techniques, he couldn’t possibly excel in so-called “state affairs.”
—In truth, that’s exactly what Ii Naomasa thought.
Because when he returned to Sunpu Castle from outside a couple days ago, he too had slashed Zan Maru at the Trial Cut Ground once.
But even at full power, the black Zan Maru only reported “eight thousand kan,” not even cracking the top fifty list.
So facing Shangshan Che’s slashing power of thirty thousand kan, Ii Naomasa naturally greeted him hoping for a match.
With many vassals around now, Shangshan Che didn’t call out the flimsy lie, just nodding: “Sure.”
Ii Naomasa beamed with joy, chatted briefly with the two, then left.
He knew relationships built slowly; raising it now would be too abrupt.
Next came Motoyasu Matsudaira, who had kept his head down without speaking.
The boy, much shorter than the two, said sincerely,
“For this Mikawa expedition, Motoyasu lacks experience. I hope you two will look after me.”
Shangshan Che: “Sure.”
Okabe Motonobu said directly: “Sorry, I’m the commander, Tetsu-sensei focuses on the great demon—we lack the energy.
Doesn’t Hanzō always stay by your side? Have him look after you then.”
Okabe Motonobu’s blunt words instantly made the atmosphere awkward.
Shangshan Che stayed silent.
Even if long-term he wanted good relations with the future old turtle, no need to clash publicly with Okabe Motonobu.
For a smart person like Motoyasu Matsudaira, actions always mattered more than words.
He just thought,
“Somehow, Sister Motonobu’s attitude toward Motoyasu Matsudaira isn’t great.”
Motoyasu Matsudaira didn’t get angry or stiff-faced; instead, he bowed seriously,
“Okabe Adult’s words are a lesson—Motoyasu lacking experience isn’t reason to rely on others.”
With that, Motoyasu Matsudaira turned Okabe Motonobu’s words into “instruction.”
Finished, he didn’t linger for discomfort, bid respectful farewell, and left.
Shangshan Che watched the boy’s back: “Matsudaira, he’s deeply scheming.”
Okabe Motonobu shrugged noncommittally: “No matter how deep, not half of Lord’s.”
“The Matsudaira Clan’s hostage… whatever games he plays, let him.”
She chuckled lightly,
“Anyway, before Lord, it’s all for naught.”
She extended a finger, teasing the yokai emerging from her armor gaps, chuckling merrily,
“Tetsu-sensei, this little fellow is great—understands speech, and cleans my weapons daily.”
Okabe Motonobu clearly paid the little turtle no mind.
But that was normal.
Fresh from his Coming-of-Age Ceremony, Motoyasu Matsudaira had nothing praiseworthy besides the enigmatic Hanzō at his side.
Shangshan Che reminded: “Sister Motonobu, better take him seriously.”
“Sure, sure.”
Her tone remained utterly casual.
Thus, Shangshan Che said no more.
“Ah, right.”
Seeing the Audience Hall nearly empty, Okabe Motonobu added casually: “Also, three days after mobilization, we turn back.”
She pinched the yokai’s nape with fingers, making faces at it as she spoke, like trivial chatter,
“Lord wants me to act with Hanzō on return.
But I don’t trust Hanzō, nor those old fogeys.”
“Strategist Taiyuan knows; he promised to stabilize the rear.” Okabe Motonobu condensed qi barrier into a thread, sending it to Shangshan Che’s ear. “So we just be the blade; nothing else needed.”
“Just us two?”
“Just us two—not enough?”
After the exchange, Shangshan Che had a clear answer.
Since Sister Motonobu and Taiyuan Xuezhai discussed it, it was reliable—otherwise the latter wouldn’t agree.
“Time?”
“Dawn fourth day after mobilization, four a.m., meet at Imagawa Residence doorway.” Okabe Motonobu continued, “Tetsu-sensei… Lord said you go ahead with her; you can make it?”
“Easily.”
“Then I’m relieved.”
……
Next day, outside Sunpu Castle.
An army formation of seven or eight thousand ashigaru and samurai arrayed outside the castle—uneven in quality, yet eerily silent.
Whether hastily conscripted ashigaru or well-equipped samurai, all slightly bowed heads, mouths shut tight.
Because of that black-armored figure mounted on the tall horse.
Moments later, Okabe Motonobu dismounted, startling the boy holding her horse beside her; she bowed and opened the wide sedan door,
“Lord, please.”
Under the gaze of the entire army formation and many Sunpu Castle residents, Imagawa Yoshimoto, clad in luxurious juni-hitoe, softly assented and entered the sedan.
“Lift sedan.”
Okabe Motonobu called loudly, remounting to let her stern voice echo over the skies outside Sunpu Castle.
“Mobilize!”
—On a distant small hill covered in dense woods, Shangshan Che, seeing the black mass of army begin slow movement, withdrew his gaze and said to the black-haired girl in plain water-dry robes beside him,
“Lord Yoshimoto, let’s go too.”
Now, Imagawa Yoshimoto wore casual clothes, with two swords at her waist like other samurai.
One nominally a tachi, actually just slightly longer than Kaga Kiyomitsu’s “Sōza Samonji.”
The other slightly shorter “Matsukura-go.”
Shangshan Che noticed both blades emitted purple light—clearly at least epic grade weapons.
As for Imagawa Yoshimoto’s must-wear juni-hitoe as “Imagawa head,” and the modern armor for battle.
Plus the much longer-than-her Japanese bow “Iwa,” all temporarily stored by Shangshan Che in the storage bag.
Imagawa Yoshimoto nodded, looking to the abrupt shadow on nearby trees: “All as you say.”
“Hanzō, go solo to gather current intel; I’ll go with Lord Yoshimoto for another goal—if we don’t meet by time, return first to main formation and report to commander what you see.”
Shangshan Che straightforwardly extended hand to Hanzō: “Give me a wisp of your qi, to prevent mishaps.”
Next instant, a thick shadow was placed in Shangshan Che’s palm; a raspy voice echoed: “Sensing my presence within a kilometer…”
Finished, the shadow on the trees swiftly departed with Hanzō’s qi.
In a dozen seconds or so, Hanzō’s qi vanished from Shangshan Che’s perception.
“So Tetsu-kun, how do we go faster than Hanzō?”
Imagawa Yoshimoto asked curiously, arms crossed, after he withdrew his gaze.
“Two-Foot.”
At her words, the prepared Two-Foot Adult floated down lightly, extending her palm seriously toward the air before her.
po~
With a crisp sound, a square, semi-transparent board with “guardrails” around appeared before the three.
After the semi-transparent board appeared, Two-Foot Adult’s face paled sharply; her small body swayed twice, caught by Imagawa Yoshimoto before falling.
But simultaneously, Imagawa Yoshimoto tilted her head in confusion.
She thought this thing, aside from semi-transparent texture, was no different from a lid.
A lid was their proof of outpacing Hanzō?
Two-Foot Adult pointed to the mind-only floating board conjured by her illusory weapon ability: “Lo… Lord Yoshimoto, please board.”
Imagawa Yoshimoto sat dubiously on the several-square-meter floating board, then saw Shangshan Che board too.
“Tetsu-kun…”
As she opened to question, the embraced Two-Foot Adult mischievously lifted a fingertip, sending the floating board rocketing to a hundred meters high.
“Wah—!”
Imagawa Yoshimoto, feeling such intense weightlessness for the first time, couldn’t help crying out, her soul nearly floating away.
Two or three seconds later, recovering, Imagawa Yoshimoto looked at Shangshan Che and Two-Foot Adult both staring at her.
“Cough cough…”
The girl turned aside, coughing twice, then as she was about to speak, looked down at the vastly expanded view and distant army moving like ants.
She turned her head again, suddenly realizing something.
—I’m in the air?!
Imagawa Yoshimoto’s legs softened briefly from the height, but she feigned calm: “Tetsu-kun, is our travel method from now flying mid-air like birds?”
“More or less.”
Shangshan Che held Two-Foot Adult’s small hand, using two-way healing to give her power: “But with just a thought from Two-Foot, we fly steadily to the destination at extreme speed.”
Imagawa Yoshimoto was stunned.
After a long while, she asked an unrelated question,
“Can people below see us?”
Shangshan Che shook head: “Of course not.”
“Why… is that?”
Shangshan Che: “Shikigami power sometimes defies logic, Lord Yoshimoto.”
Pausing, he continued,
“Also—mind if I detour to Aratomi Village?”
He had a premonition: if not bidding Tanaka Rō’s family farewell now, he might never see them again.
“Need ask such trifle?” Imagawa Yoshimoto sighed softly. “Didn’t I say all as you wish, Tetsu-kun.”
Whoosh—!
Amid Imagawa Yoshimoto’s approval, the floating board sped toward Aratomi Village.
Soon, the floating board reached over Aratomi Village.
“Please wait here a moment, Lord Yoshimoto.”
With that, Shangshan Che leaped from the floating board, now just over ten meters up, landing lightly at A-dao’s house doorway.
He listened briefly, detecting only one breathing sound inside.
Fine.
Shangshan Che knocked the wooden doorframe without delay.
Instantly from the dōza came sound of something heavy falling.
Next moment, a small head with slight wariness poked out, freezing upon seeing him.
Immediately, the girl showed irrepressible joy.
“Che… Che Adult?!”
The door curtain flew open; the girl, pants not fully on, rushed barefoot to the doorway.
A-dao looked up incredulously, staring at the handsome face she thought she’d never see again.
“Che Adult?”
She probed softly.
Shangshan Che smiled warmly: “It’s me.”
Really, really Che Adult!
The girl nearly jumped three feet high, raising hands to cheer.
But she recalled Che Adult was now a samurai, so no losing composure before him.
A-dao breathed deeply, hands clasped before her deferentially: “Che Adult, enter the dōza; let this girl properly host you…”
“No need.”
Shangshan Che cut her off.
He retrieved three items from the storage bag: “I’m mobilizing with the army soon; here to provide some aid to your family.”
Shangshan Che first pointed to the cloth bag,
“This is ten taels of silver fragments, payment for Tanaka Rō’s help back then.”
A-dao blinked, doubting the unit she heard.
Feeling the hefty weight in her palm, the girl suddenly realized, stammering: “Che Adult, we can’t…”
Shangshan Che lifted her palm, placing an amulet infused with five thunder technique power atop the cloth bag,
“This is a protective amulet; wear it always—it’ll shield you once in crisis.”
A-dao fell silent.
She dared not speak.
She didn’t know what she’d done for this noble Che Adult to help her so.
Finally, Shangshan Che placed a standard wakizashi stamped with the Imagawa Clan crest at her waist: “This wakizashi—for unbearable situations, may it give you courage to resist.”
Giving the three items, Shangshan Che turned without lingering toward the door,
“Farewell, A-dao.”
The girl stood dazed, gazing his way.
Long after, A-dao murmured to herself,
“Farewell.”
Will we never meet again, Che Adult.
