Sengoku Inn

It was late in the evening. The sky was filled brightly by the tiny twinkle of stars, while the moon was shining at crescent phase. A late night rain could be seen and heard, as the night went on. Most of the travelers on horseback were a bit miserable for being caught in the rain. Yet the rain was not a bother to the Demon Lord known as Nobunaga Oda, as he traveled with his men through Mino. Riding alongside the Demon Lord, who also wasn’t bothered by the rain, was his second in command Mitsuhide Akechi.

Akechi appeared in his mid-twenties and stood at a height of 5’9” with a lean muscle build to him. Most of his medium brown long hair flowed freely around his shoulders, framing his face as it began to stick to him slightly from the rain, while the rest was tied behind him. His armor and clothes were various shades of purple that was tasteful to the eye to look at. Akechi sat in the saddle with a calm and collected face, looking like a gentleman among the hardened looking warriors including his Lord.

Soon the Inn that they usually stopped at to rest and relax came into view, and the men’s spirits began to lift seeing that they could soon get out of the rain. Akechi’s mind wandered a little, wondering what news if any, the Lady Tanaka would give them. Akechi was looking forward to something warm to drink to warm himself inside, before no doubt spending some time in the Onsen to warm the rest of his body. The troops would dismount, tied their horses, then went inside the Inn. Akechi kept close to Nobunaga, his eyes shifting around as they entered.

Anyone within the Inn, guest-wise, would soon fall silent as the great Demon Lord graced the place with his presence. The men shuffled in behind their Lord and Akechi, taking what seats were available while the best that was open was of course given to Nobunaga and Akechi to sit at.

“...I would hope they don’t drink themselves to passing out. It would be a nightmare getting them on the move again in the morning.”

Akechi would say to Nobunaga, who simply smirked while chuckling softly in amusement at Akechi’s words.

Tsogetsu, a beautiful dark grey stallion with a black mane and tail. He carries his master through the driving rain. The rain poured and the wind blew. The man was cloaked in black to keep out the cold and rain. He did not had one complaint about the weather. Since it was more preferable over the burning sun.

He soon came to a town while upon a hill. His pale blue eyes shifted to all the small flame that lit the town up. He groaned. Small trickle of blood drip from his left foot. Light grey hakama in the dark can somewhat told where the blood came from. "Damn dogs of the Hojo". He thought to himself.

Although wounded. He came out of the ambush fairly well. Considering who they were and their master. He knew all too well after conflicting with them during the previous battles Uesugi waged against them. He directed to Tsogetsu to head into the town. With that Tsogetsu takes him there.

Upon entry of the town. It was the first that he had been here. People are still up at this time of night. They began to shy away from the stranger that passes them by. Closer to the light somewhat shows his appearance. Some may think he is a demon while others think he is divine. The blood on his leg gave them a reason to be suspicious of him. Even if it is his own blood.

Arriving at the entry of an Inn he stops his horse. He pats Tsogetsu's wet back and gently he drops down. At the side of the saddle had a large cargo pocket. Out he pulls a sort of cover for his horse. He opens it up and covers his steed to help shelter him from the rain. He then turns around and proceed to walk to the Inn.

Inside he notice that some of the people in here were quite rowdy. Some look over to his direction to see a man that is rather peculiar in appearance. Long white hair and extremely pale skin. Standing 6'1 and wearing a wet black cloak. He ignores the glaring and picks a spot in a corner and sits. There he begins to check out the wound on his leg.

For the most part, the newcomer was left alone aside from the stares he got, especially since he was already wounded. All the soldiers had on the emblem of Oda. For now, the soldiers would behave, as they didn’t wish to cause trouble for the Innkeeper. As Lord Oda and Akechi were being served something hot to drink to warm their insides, Nobunaga looked to the corner where the newcomer was at. Before the person serving them had left, Nobunaga asked if the server knew who the man with the injury was.

Akechi at first paid no real attention to the individual in the corner, but hearing that his Lord was concerned over it made him look. Who knew what this individual was capable of, or even if they were possibly their in an attempt to claim the Demon King’s head. Whatever the reasoning, Akechi knew he needed to keep his Lord safe. Nobunaga observed Akechi looking to the male, watching for any signs of a reaction.

“...Do you recognize the man, Mitsuhide?”

Nobunaga asked curiously. Akechi was quiet for a long moment.

“...I’m not sure, to be honest, my Lord. He does not look overly familiar to me”

Akechi answered honestly.

Inside the Inn where it was more lighted. He could see how extensive the wound was. Before even lifting his left hakama cuff. He could see it was already bloodstained. There was a tear where the kunai had made it's hit. Most people who come across the Fuma often don't live to tell about it. Using a cloth. He tore it to where it was equal length strips. Then he wrapped his leg as tight as he could.

After he was done dealing with that. He noticed he was still getting some stares. It's forgivable since it is rare to see someone as young as he is with white hair. But there were times in his life he was attacked by monks and people who believed he was some sort of yokai. There were also times he was treated like some sort of deity. He also remembered his lord who deemed him to be blessed.

Looking around in his surroundings he looked at the soldiers. Seeing the golden crest upon their armor. Like a sleeping tiger that kept his ears alert for trouble. He kept his blade close. He was from the Uesugi and the Uesugi and these men are really not in good terms. Especially after Lord Kenshin sent his younger brother try to help the Takeda during the Battle of Nagashino. While zoned in a lady walks by to his table.

"Is there anything you need sir?"

He stares off after he heard her speak. He looked over to her whom didn't seem to be frightened of him at all. A small smile was let off to her.

"Some sake will do. Thank you!"

As he spoke, his voice was soft but strong. She nodded and walked back to prepare his order.

Akechi would sit with his Lord while sipping on his sake, glancing now and then to the newcomer. Whispers were going around the Inn, as some of the men thought the newcomer was a bit familiar. This, of course, got the attention of Akechi and Nobunaga.

"...Why don't you go see who this stranger is, Akechi."

Nobunaga would advise of his second in command.

"...As you wish, my Lord."

Though Akechi wasn't really liking the idea of being away from his Lord, on the off chance he was needed. Not that it was to say that Nobunaga couldn't defend himself, but it was drilled into Akechi to look after the Demon King. Draining the rest of his sake from his cup, Akechi would move from the table he sat at with his Lord and soon sat across from the newcomer.

"I'm here on behalf of my Lord, Oda Nobunaga. Tell me, stranger, who might you be?"

Where is that fool of a brother of his. He is the eldest son of four children to the former Lord of the Wataku. Now the head of the family, it is natural for him to be concerned. He fought the Oda with the Takeda and heard rumors that he retreated with the Takeda and was on his way back to Niigata. Did the Fuma have anything to do with it?

Sake was soon made way to his table and his train of thought was broken loose. Beside it were some herbs that could help against infection from his wound. He took noticed of the herbs and then looked up at her. She did not once look intimidated by his appearance. She treated him nothing more then human. He smiled and closed his eyes.

"Thank you young lady."

He said to her. It wasn't something he asked or something she had to do for him. But it was kind that he thought. She smiled and nodded to his gratitude. Then she walks off to tend to the other patrons of the Inn. He took the herbs and crush them with his fingers and sprinkle them into the sake. Of course the herbs would work better if he could peddled them into a powder. He wasn't going to complain and take them as he can. While doing so his eyes caught on to a man making an approach to his table.

Pale blue eyes almost blending with the cornea gaze from the corner to this stranger. He kept his head and temper at a calm level. Passive-aggressively ready to defend himself. Overhearing the man's question both his eyes gaze upon him.

"I am a simple passerby looking to get out of the rain."

Akechi gave a brief, yet small, smile towards the man.

"A simple passerby, with a wound like that, as well as most of the soldiers whispering that you are familiar to them, and now you have my Lord's attention?"

Akechi spread his hands out on the table, to show that he had nothing in them. His katana still sheathed to his side though.

"Come now. You don't really expect me to go back to my Lord, with a mere answer like that do you?"

He narrowed his eyes to the man. He then wondered if they were the specific unit that his younger brother had fought. For him to leave an imprinted impression on them. His strategical skill must be remarkable. He'd always seen his brother as a fool. Lord Kenshin and even his own grandfather thought otherwise. The impressions he left on their men. The Oda's at that made him realize it also.

"The Fuma shinobi are quite formidible. Even they serve the Hojo. They do as they please."

Was his answer for his wound. He glanced as the man shown him empty hands. He drinks the sake from his cup and then sets it back down.

"I get looks like that all the time. I'm a rare sight. Some think I am a yokai and some think I am divine."

He started to shift his hands around searching for his bag of money. Little did he knew his kamon became somewhat visible through the cloak. He took out money to pay. The woman returns with more sake and he nodded to her with gratitude.

"The name is Souunkatsu."

He spoke. Even knowing the people around him. He gave out his name.

"You had the ill luck of running into the Fuma? Shame. But you are lucky to have managed to escape with your life intact. I'll say that much about you. They've been known to not let their targets escape. So if you've done so, then count yourself lucky."

Akechi says before raising a brow curiously, hearing the part about the other being considered either a yokai or a divine being.

"I think if you were either, then you'd have more than just the Fuma after you. My Lord Nobunaga could use someone of either yokai or divine to further his goal of ruling Japan under his banner."

Akechi would say with a slight smirk to him, however, it would soon vanish as his own eyes narrowed and peered at the kamon that was somewhat visible.

"...That kamon you wear...Where have I seen that before..."

Stares intently at the kamon for a solid moment, before shifting his attention up to the man.

"Souunkatsu, you say? That name is not familiar. Yet you were a kamon that lingers in my mind..."

Before Souunkatsu could say anything though, a soldier came over to the table.

"My Lord, Akechi. Please forgive me for the interruption. Lord Nobunaga wishes to be heading to the Onsen."

"Inform our Lord I will escort him momentarily. I'm nearly finished with his request."

Akechi would inform the soldier, who bowed and went back to their Lord to report.

The only thing right now that drives him to wander so far from Niigata and far away from the security of the Uesugi is locating the where-abouts of his younger brother. Even if he is dead, he has to know truthfully with that. But as resourceful as his brother was. It was highly unlikely. Far as he knows the Hojo and the Uesugi are still in good terms. As long as Kagetora Uesugi still lives however. But it doesn't speak out for the Fuma as their lord follows his own rules and beliefs.

"Fuma are merciless. But it is easy to see through their aesthetic intimidation tactics. If you can see through that, then you'll survive against them."

Spoke as if he knew about the Fuma well. After fighting the Hojo in the past with the Uesugi. He learned a great deal of how the Fuma attack.

"Im not divine nor am I a yokai. I'm just a normal samurai as anyone else. My appearance is inherited from my mother. Her skin and hair were white as snow."

He described of his mother. He then heard of the man speak of his kamon. It is apparent that this man is the one his brother confronted. He could speak out against his belief as his Lord being a fitting ruler of his land. His own Lord is no better. His eyes then zero in on the soldier walking over. Calling the man before him "Akechi". Now that was a name he had heard of. His grandfather long ago after talking about his maternal inheritance.

"Escort?"

He thought to himself. Nobunaga is a grown man and has plenty of men to attend to his needs. He himself is loyal to his own lord. But he doesn't make him or his younger brother tag along with him like some sort of pet.
Souunkatsu whistles and caught the attention of the maid. Charmingly he pulls out coins and places them gently in her hand.

"Young lady, can you have one of your co-workers play some music?"

Akechi had listened to the description of the woman in question, and it seemed as though some form of recognition. However. Hearing Souunkatsu make mention of the 'escort' part, it got Akechi's attention.

"I still have some business to discuss with my Lord. So I intend to escort him, even if someone else could do it. You don't get to be a second in command, by just show of power and looking powerful in your own right."

Akechi would rise from his seat at the table, then turned to walk back to his Lord. Yet before he moved, Akechi would turn and look back to Souunkatsu.

"Are you staying here for a while, or you heading off soon?"

Akechi made no indication as to why he was asking. But more than likely he was not done questioning Souunkatsu about things. Especially with that kamon still bugging his mind.

He narrowed his eyes at the thought over what he said about the business of his lord. He then remind him of one of Kenshin's own underlings, Kanetsugu. He then look over to the man with the gold and white kimono. He could clearly see this man's competition. Looking nothing more then a peasant playing as a samurai partying with the newer additions to the Oda Army.

"Do not let me keep you then."

He said. Understanding his position comparing to Kanetsugu. He could be fully up front of who himself was. Looking at the others around him who could of seen his brother wouldn't be so humble like the one in front of him. To keep the peace for this kind woman's sake. He doesn't.

His eyes then moved over to the woman who is said to be Nobunaga's wife. She had some resemblance to the man in front of him. She also had some resemblance to his own mother and his twin sister. Now that he could think of it. The man in front of him had some with her also. It could be possible that they are related. But he will only leave it as coincidence. His eyes shift over to Sir Akechi as he asked him a question.

"I will stay until the rain has passed at least. But I will have to continue. My younger brother is missing and I will stop at nothing until I find him. I am the head of my family and he is part of my priority and responsibility."

Night time is the best time for him to search. Due to the injury and the Fuma sniffing around for his where-abouts. He'd knew he wouldn't be able to search if they were to kill him off. He could go off to the Kanto region after he leaves since the Fuma attacks seem to be a little wierd.

Akechi shifted his attention, when Souunkatsu's did, to the Demon King and his wife, Lady Nō.

They had such an odd relationship together, it was sometimes surprising to some that they actually could love one another, let alone love at all. But these two could and did with one another. Some might consider their relationship to be a bit psychotic, or demented even. Whatever their relationship was, it worked for them. Somehow. In its own weird way. The Demon King was always kept on his toes when it came to his wife, for what usually appeared to be normal sparing, as an example, could actually be Lady Nō attempting to kill her husband. The Lady Nō was such a venomous and viperous woman. No wonder Nobunaga was intrigued with her.

Akechi shifted his attention back to Souunkatsu.

"Perhaps when I am finished with my Lord, we can resume where we left off."

While Akechi seemed to mean nothing by it really, his expression mostly blank and unreadable, Akechi's eyes told the young leader that he was not done with him by far. Akechi would then turn and head to the table where Nobunaga and his wife Nō were at. Nō was left to do as she pleased, which meant some poor unfortunate soul was going to be doomed and most likely tormented for her amusement. One could safely bet that if someone was screaming their life away, it was due to being the unlucky victim of Lady Nō. Akechi and Nobunaga headed off to the Onsen while discussing things in a hushed tone.

Watching the man walk away to tend to his lord. He sighed while sipping his cup of sake. Then his eyes turn over to the musician playing his request. It is a beautiful sound to his ears. The way she pluck those strings made him think of the days he met his own love. She was with the Hojo. But her beauty and the strength in her heart attracted him. It didn't matter to him who side she was on. She was like a dancing crane on the snow.

A sound of crashing made his attention turn to the man in the golden kimono laughing who caused the commotion. In his opinion. That man there is more frightening then the man he follows and a potential leader. He could see why Sir Akechi viewed him as competition. Peasants certainly can be remarkable. Overhearing the man's name Lord Hideyoshi. It seems that the men he parties with have no intentions of following Nobunaga, but rather him. Putting his sake cup down. He looked over to the woman.

"I am not done here. I need to feed my horse. I will be back."

He said to her. Not wanting her to take his drink or cup yet. Moving around. He took his sword from his belt. Placing the end of the scabbard on the floor, he used some momentum and strength to stand himself up. Using his sword as a cane. He walks over to the door and into the rain. Then walks over to his stallion. He pulls out a feed bag and some horse feed and fits it over Tsogetsu's nose. Petting him in the nose and head.

After that was done. He could go back inside. Before he does he could hear more loud noise from the Oda men making the most of their stay. He slowly walks back in and heads back to his spot.

It would be some time before Akechi would be seen again. He'd been discussing things with his Lord, and now Nobunaga's curiousness was on Souunkatsu. The Demon King was interested in what Akechi could learn about the young man. By the time Akechi would return from the Onsen, most of the Oda soldiers had gone off to get some sleep if they weren't already passed out at the tables from being drunk.

Provided that Souunkatsu was still up and in the same spot, Akechi would make his way over to the table and took up the empty chair across from Suouunkatsu.

"So. Where were we? Oh, yes. Why don't we discuss that Kamon of yours?"

Souunkatsu sat and rest into his thoughts. However his eyes and ears were wide awake listening to the music continuing to play. He has a deep admiration for the woman for able to play for this long. He then took his katana and pulled the blade gently from the scabbard.

The blade shined like no other. It had a silvery whitish luster. With a cloth he wipes the blade of water and blood. The alloy it is made of doesn't rust easily and it also makes the blade somewhat heavier then normal katana. On the blade etched in kanji said Byakko. As a reference of the heavenly white tiger of the west.

While cleaning the blade. His eyes pick up movement and could see that the Akechi man was coming back. One final go over with the blade and he slides it back in the scabbard. Then he turned his attention to the man. He then mentioned his kamon. Trusting that he nor Nobunaga would of done anything. It is apparent if Nobunaga wanted him dead, he'd be dead by now. He sighed.

"It is a Wataku kamon which was adopted by my grandfather Katsuyoshi Wataku."

After he said his family name he closed his eyes. Then opened them and point them to Sir Akechi.

"I believe you're the one who confronted my younger brother at Nagashino and you've seen the same kamon on him also."

Akechi faintly smiled but it soon vanished.

"Heh. Young Lord...Do you have any idea how many people I come across, let alone face? There are many that come and go, many Kamon's I've seen. Neither of us can say for certain if it was your brother I came encounter with or not."

Akechi reclined back a bit in his chair while observing Souunkatsu and thinking over what was said about the Kamon.

"...Wataku, you say? Huh...I seem to vaguely remember aunt Lady Hayashi being married off to Katsuhori Wataku...You wouldn't be related to the Lady, would you?"

Eyes widened after the mentioning of his parents. Then he calms down quickly as he was surprised. But it all makes sense. His grandfather mentioned Akechi as his maternal heritage.

"My grandfather served the Saito long ago when he was the head of his family. However his loyalty faded with Dosan Saito as he witnessed how violent and inept he had become. He took my father and uncle away from him. But before he could... My mother's father arranged for her to go along and marry my father so that the clans could never be separated. The lady you speak of is my mother."

He spoke of his grandfather's story of how he came to be and how the Wataku now serve the Uesugi. The woman who had been refilling his sake returned. But instead of sake, he then asks for some tea.

"As for my brother. If you confronted a man with white hair like mine. It is certain to be him. My lord sent him with a unit of Uesugi men to give Katsuyori Takeda some reinforcements. He retreated along with Katsuyori and is said to be on his way back to Niigata. The men who traveled with him came back without him and told me he became missing since the departure from Kai."

He said. The man before him revealed to him that he was his first cousin. The woman returns and places a cup of tea before Souunkatsu.

Slowly Akechi would sit from the recline position, and lean across the table some as he stared at the youth.

"...You serve the Uesugi clan? That is a right shame. My Lord Nobunaga will be disappointed to hear that. Uesugi and Oda aren't on good terms with one another. And you being the head of your family...Well now. This puts things into a more interesting aspect for my Lord. I can't say what will happen to you, especially if you are keen to remain loyal to the Uesugi dogs. That, of course, is your right to do so. However. I cannot say what my Lord will do to you. You'd be a valuable bargaining chip if you cannot become an ally. And don't think I will lie to my Lord for you. I didn't get to where I am in his army, by lying to his face."

Souunkatsu humph at the thought of being captured by this man or the Oda. Cutting loose of the money he owes the woman working inside the Inn. Through the words of the Akechi man. His face isn't intimidated. He maybe young, but he has a mind of a war veteran.

"I am aware of the tension between the Uesugi and the Oda. Since my brother was sent to aid the Takeda."

Glaring at the Akechi man. Even though they are cousins. He wouldn't let it cloud his vision when it comes to defend himself. It's unfortunate that they serve opposing lords. But maybe it is destiny that he'd face him in such way or perhaps on the battlefield.

"If you like to engage me. Then do so on the battlefield. I believe there is a war in the future between our lords. However I cannot allow myself to be captured here. My duty as the head of my family. I must recover my younger brother. At all costs."

He spoke. His left hand still holds his katana and his eyes firmly on the Akechi man.