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400 Years Apart	By : Cynthermes Category: +M to R > Mirage of Blaze Views: 4238 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Mirage of Blaze and its characters solely belong to Kuwabara Mizuna. I’m just going to creep into a corner of her sand box and play the part of a wannabe historical writer. No profit has been made in the construction of this story.

Chapter List
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Chapter 27:

ULTIMARINA, Pearl in the Deep: Part 5
A/N: Loved by her beloved, loved by all men, she weighed herself down the sea; never to return to the land of the rising sun.
…
"Genan-sama, His Lordship is undergoing training he had missed for days, I'm certain you understand." He was practically pushing it with his modest rank and the patriarch's courtesy to begin with but his gut was telling him to keep this elder man from being alone with his apprentice for as long as possible.
"That's very unfortunate. Do you deny this old man time to be with his nephew?" Hojo Genan wasn't an elder to be trifled with. The patriarch resembles the daimyo in his way with words.
To save him the trouble of coming up with a reply, his young charge had to put a foot forward. "Hideharu-dono, I promise not to… runaway from training this time." Saburo uses the excuse of getting down his mount to avoid meeting his gaze. The youth then walks towards his old uncle, bows down to him, pausing only to give Haruhie a warning glance to stay put, and follows inside without another word.
Hideharu watches them leave with a barely concealed frown. Ujimasa-kou would not be happy.
He summons a courier to alert the lord of the realm.
…
Wispy white smoke steaming from the brass kettle latched on his attention span for some time now. What he had said earlier to the general was more or less a lie now. Did it take that long to brew tea in the most traditional method? Any other day he would be bored out of his mind but he had an exceptional morn to start with… He forcibly tuned his thoughts out before he would make a fool of himself by flushing red for no apparent reason.
He almost swore when his mind… his mind! Even his own damn mind… betrayed him! Heat started spreading to his cheeks, to the tips of his ears, and down his neck as he remembered… very vividly how unexpectedly skilled… those versatile hands… that dangerous mouth… and that ruthless… body were. It caused even the most brilliant to wonder how such a dead-eyed, emotionally-nulled, tool of war was capable of that act… yet again.
Was it a manner of upbringing or a product of unconventional training as the man claimed? Perhaps it was believable in a logical sense.
But to be subjected to it firsthand when he was willing… being the instigator of such intimacy could not even explain how he had craved for more. Some of the things he had uttered in the throes of passion were certainly enough for the youth to contemplate avoiding the man again for sheer embarrassment alone.
The apparent shock over his runaway mind came late.
What was he just…?
That man…
Had been the prevailing subject of his thoughts after that night. So immersed was he in denial that the realizations of his new bizarre behavior became explicable only now... at the most inopportune moment.
If he was indeed unwilling to be touched that way by the one he considers as nothing but an obligatory guard dog by the decree of the Sagami no Kami then why couldn't he forget? Why would he continue ruminating about the experience? Why couldn't he stop thinking about that man?
Because he could have revenged if he wanted;
Because he could have inflicted harm if he willed;
Because he would have taken by force if he wished;
Because he would have avoided that cut on his face;
Because he continued to defer to and respect his young lord despite his betrayal to their oath… fabricated or not.
Any other vassal or guardian would have struck, armed with righteous anger. Many daimyo were felled that way.
But Fuma Kotarou certainly DID NOT.
Why?
And that was where his understanding of the man ended. Perhaps it was absolute loyalty, an unerring deference or again the blind obedience to his obligations.
A sigh followed by a soft chuckle made him look up, "I never would have expected my young nephew often to be in a pensive mood these days. Does that mean he is finally capable of being a responsible one? As the saying goes: Being a contemplative man is a step to being a wise man."
Saburo did not know if he should be infuriated or mortified by that offhand comment. How exactly does pondering about salacious things regarding a certain shinobi turn him into a wise man? Again, he flushed nonetheless, "Genan-ojisama, could I ask the purpose of this meeting? I promised Hideharu-dono to return promptly after."
"My, my, you sure have grown more mature! Keeping one's word to a family vassal is proof enough."
The lordling grew more uneasy instead. His uncle's optimism did not match the grave face he made when he personally called for him. Eventually his serious expression equally compelled the patriarch to drop the mask. Genan heaved another sigh, "Saburo, this old man is weary of waiting… for his daughter to come back to him."
Feelings of pleasant confusion were easily destroyed by unforgiving guilt.
How could he have forgotten about her?
Didn't he vow to search for her and to make her captors suffer tremendously?
Hojo Hanaiin was still missing and what had he done about it?
Truly, there was nothing the youth could say. He had run out of words as much as his thoughts dwindled into a miserable void.
"I heard you have pledged to become a general to avenge your brother. I did not believe it until I saw you training under Matsuda-Taisho himself. I couldn't say I was disappointed in the least but to go needlessly into a battle with the Takeda at this time is pointless. One does not become a fearsome, war-worthy general like seasoned veterans Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin or perhaps the rising Oda Nobunaga overnight. Your life would only go forfeit if you challenge experienced warlords into open warfare."
They were words filled with wisdom and prudent caution but Saburo couldn't help but reply a little irately, "Ojisama, are you saying you have no faith in me?"
"No child," Genan said wearily to the temperamental youth. "It's quite the opposite really. I have high hopes for you. And I don't want you to be in unnecessary danger before you can achieve your full potential. I once thought I understood your eldest brother very well but after my pleas have been so thoroughly ignored I can't help but question his judgment on so many things." All of a sudden, the patriarch looked so much older in despair that the youth could only sympathize with him.
He had lost his parents long ago and just recently lost a brother as well. How could he not grasp the unforgiving ache of losing one's family? "What do you mean, Ojisama? What has Aniue done?"
"Oh, child. I am a man wizened by age. I quite understand the responsibilities and the heavy burden of being a daimyo. I was after all one of Ujiyasu's closest advisers. If I were a simple subject to this realm I would respect the ruler's perspective. But I have lost my sons, my wife, my temple, and my province. My daughter is the only treasure I have left. To lose her as well would be the end of me."
"Aniue has not done anything to help her?" Saburo was incredulous but he too was unknowingly culpable just like his eldest brother for withholding valuable information. And it was taking considerable time for the youth to remember the man… that was supposed to lead him straight to her.
A shake of greying head, "My youthful days are long gone but that doesn't stop me from wanting to go searching for her. I know where she is being held though it could be nothing but a trap and thus your brother forbids me. But if there is one thing Ujimasa did give me, it was a last token from her abductors. On an island nearly south from here is where she is being kept: Hatsushima."
"Hatsushima? I've never heard of it if at all. Pardon me, Ojisama." Saburo took a careless sip of his tea to hide shame at his incompetence. It simply delivered punishment by burning his tongue.
"It doesn't matter, Saburo. There is only one thing I ask, regardless." And this was where they get to the heart of the matter…
"Anything to aid you, Ojisama."
"Then Saburo, accompany me to that island to negotiate for my daughter's freedom—"
An abrupt slide of the shoji and, "You both shall do no such thing!"
Two heads snapped at the direction of the too-crowded doorway where the Sagami no Kami, Ujimasa-kou appeared to be anything but pleased. It was not his brother's cold furious eyes Saburo locked gazes with, however. It was with one of the men who flanked the daimyo and was NOT Fuma Akito.
Hojo Saburo's focus immediately riveted on one tall figure, dressed in a modest verdant kamishimo, and whose hair was tied in a neat tea-whisk style like that of conventional samurai… This was most certainly not Musanaga no Unsui or… Was it one Naoe Nobutsuna trailing after Hojo Ujimasa as if he were his most loyal retainer?
A flicker of something in dark eyes was gone too swiftly replaced by a bland stare lacking recognition. Naoe doesn't seem to know him at all.
"There is no hope for him, Young Master. He will never be yours."
"Ujimasa-kou has claimed ownership over him."
Kotarou's admonishing words were replayed in his head forcing him to break contact and instead meet the wrath of his brother. "Aniue…"
"Come here, boy." An outstretched hand commands.
"Ujimasa, it's not the lad's fault. You are free to solely direct your anger upon me." Genan said calmly.
Having no other choice but to obey, the youth walks towards his aniue only to be slapped when he was close enough. Saburo was not given time to gasp in pain.
"Ujimasa!" The patriarch's rebuke was ignored.
"You have kept your mentor waiting for more than enough! Go to him at once!" Ujimasa-kou barks in cold fury not even missing a beat.
The young sibling meekly bows an apology but before he could set off alone…
"Nagashiro, accompany my brother. Make sure he doesn't wander off." The daimyo seems to address no one in particular until to Saburo's horror, Naoe voices submission, "Yes, Tono-sama."
The youth exits somewhat awkwardly, feet suddenly too stiff to move. As the shoji closes behind them, Tono-sama's shadow vanishes from his side.
…
"You're… alive." Saburo breaks the silence as they traverse a narrow roofed bridge. They were barely out of the palace yet. "I'm sorry for all the terrible things they have to put you through."
The man stopped as the lordling paused but offers no indication that he heard a word.
The youth absently chews on his lip not knowing what more to say. The man's aura was so much different… it feels like he was with someone else entirely. If Musanaga exuded warmth and safety with his very presence, this 'Nagashiro' only released static neutrality with his placidly cool demeanor. Still Saburo can't help but feel being watched intently by those eyes fastened at the back of his head.
Thinking no better and only being overwhelmed by the sinking sensation in his chest he continues, "I am afraid of… the situation. As I have known it, Ujimasa-ani doesn't seem to have qualms about Hanaiin's peril. If he continues to act like this… I doubt Ojisama will stay compliant." He didn't even know why he was relaying his uttermost fears to this man. It didn't however made him feel any better like he had hoped.
He resisted the mad urge to turn around and yank the man by the sleeves to shake some sense into him (provided that he had the strength to move a boulder) or to demand why he was acting this way, ignoring him, pretending like he didn't even exist! If only this man would know how much he had fought, displayed his shame: his sullied virtue before everyone else, and willingly allowed another's touch as a means to preserve his life!
Or would it have turned out like this after all? The man having irrevocably taken a piece of himself, the first to ever gain possession over his innocence… would shortly abandon him after getting what he wanted? He heard tales of this sort happen to the most beautiful of maidens so why would a young man like him be spared?
The man was the predator, he was the prey, and after the hunt was over his remains would be left at the mercy of scavengers…
So this was how it would be…?
He refused to make his tears of frustration fall.
He knew he had little value to his family… to Ujimasa-ani in particular but to be discarded after being used was the worst pain he could possibly suffer after Ujiteru-ani's death.
But he had known this outcome even before he allowed the man to do what he wanted…
And yet…
And yet…
He still…
Saburo, you stupid, stupid fool! You knew this could happen but you still let him! You still let him have you...
A cool watered cloth pressed so gently against his reddened cheek. And he wouldn't have been aware of it until…
"Did the thing I witness happened often? If so, this man had no idea how the younger master of the house is treated so poorly. I am simply aghast." Naoe dares the shadow or any stealth presence to steal this moment from him.
Saburo's eyes widened when strong hands grasped his arms to slowly bring them face to face. The man was… the man was kneeling before him so their stances were leveled to each other. There was a touch of concern that softened Nagashiro's gaze but anything beyond it was obscured or was really not there. Nonetheless exquisite care was applied to every dab of soft cloth against the youth's bruised face.
The lordling could only stare dumbly as he was delicately tended upon. He only snapped back to his old self when the same cloth wiped the tears… he was obliviously shedding. Saburo snatched the cloth away and with an arrogant jerk of his head he huffs, "I am not a child! Don't you dare treat me like one!"
"Certainly, my lord." Nagashiro flatly acquiesces. He towers back to his full height and nonchalantly dusts his hakama. Unquestionably, the crimson tainting the lordling's cheeks was only a product of annoyance.
They resumed walking back to the castle grounds with a narrowed pair of abysmal orbs and an identical merely intrigued pair trained to every step they make.
XxXMOBXxX
Within enclosed doors and vacated halls, the daimyo verbally squares off with the patriarch.
"I have never seen you so callous with anyone else. Do you really have to hit your brother each time?" Hojo Genan begins.
"I find it appropriate to strike some sense into that boy's head. Even until now he appears to be nothing but an ignorant brat that it sickens me." Ujimasa-kou immediately retorts.
"Were you afraid that he will side with me? Of course he will, you have been anything but kind to him."
So the patriarch was finally showing his claws… Ujimasa doesn't let some sarcastic response rub him off. "Ojisama, I thought we have sealed this argument. I never would have expected for you as to try something so underhanded as to drag Saburo into this."
Genan frowns. "I tire of the wait, Ujimasa. Each day that goes by seems to dim any hope I have left that my daughter is alive and well. Any more waiting and we might someday find her corpse instead." The look on the elder's face was very grave. The possibility he had just uttered was like a self-inflicted wound.
"As I said, there has been no more vital information about her captors. The Fuma are doing the best they can." The daimyo repeats much to his uncle's irritation.
"If it were your mother, would you just let us wait, sitting on our asses here all day?" The old man had reached his limits… so it seems.
Ujimasa sighed. As much as it would have riled him to bring her up, he was better than that. "Thus I ask you again, Ojisama. Would you go to her on that island presumably with my young brother who doesn't even have the stamina to be on horseback all day on land and see how you both fare at sea? The message could be a trap and I would have lost both of you at once even before news of it reach Sagami. It is indeed infuriating but we need more patience."
"For all I know, the patience you dare ask of me only resulted to the deaths of your mother and father. A defensive tactician such as yourself can't see past that93."
The Sagami no Kami rubbed his temples. If there was anyone who should be losing it right now it should be him! What would happen to a daimyo whose adviser frets before he does? "Genan-oji did you know why the sohei abducted Hanaiin when they could have pushed to take me as a more valuable hostage? And it's not just their misfortune that I was a better fighter than they anticipated. As I have come to deduce it, it was all part of the plan. If I were to command an official rescue operation to Hatsushima, who knows what await us there? And so probably thinking I would back away from there thinking of it as a trap, the enemy managed to bring more confusion by supposedly taking Ujiteru's body to the Takeda camp. Also commanding an army to either Kai or Hatsushima leaves Odawara-jo vulnerable to another siege. It was no wonder why the Uesugi were trying to secure a foothold on Hakone. If they succeeded and they almost did, we, the Hojo would have been finished."
The old man's shoulders slumped. "You make it sound we are already so defeated. So you say my daughter is alive because they still need her and until we make a move she remains safe. What more is there? What do you suggest we do, Ujimasa, besides to wait?"
If he were the temperamental Saburo he would have growled in frustration. That was exactly the point: waiting! "We now know our enemies. As bizarre as it may appear, the Takeda and the Uesugi have struck an alliance and are teaming against us with the aid of the sohei. They intend to bring confusion and despair, making the worst of it in our situation. They wish to break us apart from within. Don't you see Ojisama? They are waiting as well. They are waiting for us to make the slightest mistake and that's the time they come charging in. We are not to leave Odawara-jo at all costs until we have a concrete plan."
"Why do I feel there is something more to this?" As desperate as an old man could get, the patriarch's ki was still as sharp as ever.
Ujimasa chuckled. "Fear not, Ojisama. We have all the aces. I have three in particular that I am planning to exploit at the maximum."
Genan shakes his head, a steely glint shined in his tired eyes. "As you have not elaborated on those aces, I have to assume your young brother is one of them. When will you stop treating people like mere playthings: as pieces on your shogi board? That is what I tire of you most!"
Seeing as he had quelled little tension between them, Ujimasa throws caution to the winds: Come what may, he would tackle it head-on. As long as his two aces were only known to himself he needs not to worry. "And what… pray tell, can you do about it, Ojisama?"
"I'll not stop until I convince Saburo to side with me. Enough with your twisted schemes! I shall not openly oppose you but I think there should be more people to see you in a different light. You are not getting younger, Ujimasa. Aside from your failed marriage, this household is down to two Hojo siblings. It wouldn't be long before the vassals start asking for an heir."
So the old man chooses to stand his ground for his shoddy ideals, flick mud on his lordly pride, and throw a figurative insult to one of his neglected responsibilities…
Hojo Ujimasa feels his lips curl into one of those dangerous smiles that few were able to witness. "That argument is easy to win. Provided that all goes according to my plan, I shall take the fair hand of your daughter in marriage. She will be my principal wife and if the Go-Hojoshi vassals are not contented, I will order scouring the islands for more beautiful maidens to be my concubines."
Genan goes rigid as if he was doused with a bucket of ice-cold water.
Truly, this man who is very much alike with Ujiyasu refuses to lose. In any battle he fought, he always had the intent of coming out victorious using whatever means necessary to achieve his goals.
He was one formidable daimyo.
And all, even the patriarch would cower before him.
XxXMOBXxX
The seething rage emanating from his elder twin despite his perfectly in control façade make the corners of Akito's mouth twitch in mirth. This was definitely an interesting development. He watches Kotarou-ani watch Saburo-sama walk with a mighty-looking 'new vassal' of Ujimasa-kou with barely concealed… does he dare say… jealousy?
Kotarou, to his younger twin's surprise did crack. He throws the latter a piercing glare that seems to say, I will make your face share the cut on mine if you don't stop that.
"Sumananda94." Akito averts his gaze but was having trouble fighting off a laugh this time. He wasn't surprised when the clan head's absence became noticeable in moments.
…
A dark silhouette leaning against one of the pillars of the castle's inconspicuous gates caused Saburo's confident stride to falter. One needs not to be a very perceptive warrior to know who it was. The only reason for the lordling's sudden irritation and the pseudo-sensation of marching ants on his face was his guardian's lack of tact by showing himself… or was it deliberate?
As Kotarou approached, any semblance of tranquility in the atmosphere seems to evaporate with his every step. It felt eerily like the encounter at the cave that put the youth on edge. Saburo unknowingly blocks Kotarou's direct path to Nagashiro in a physical display of defensive instinct.
When he was a mere fingerbreadth away, the shinobi stops before his young master. His gaze instantly softens as it falls upon the lordling's apprehensive face.
Worry not; I will do nothing that displeases you.
Acting as if no one else was there, Kotarou cups his most precious one's abused cheek, tucking stray hairs behind a cherry-tinged ear. "He has been inconsiderate to you again."
Saburo immediately swats that hand away with less force than usual. "It's nothing to fuss about! Where do you think we are? We're in the open for decency's sake!" The lad's eyes go horribly round when he realized what he had just said.
The ghost of a smile tugs at the corners of the shadow's lips. Spidery fingers comb long silky strands of the young lord's bound hair. Marveling at their beauty and at the same time becoming very aware of the boiling rage underneath a docile, detached surface, Kotarou directs his stare at the man still lingering behind his charge.
He could not fathom a single legitimate reason why Tono-sama would allow his youngest brother to be alone with this dangerous man. Was he gauging for something to happen? …If something were to happen to his Wakasama…
Abysmal orbs narrow, "Nagashiro your presence is no longer needed here. You may leave."
Naoe bows curtly with only the tiniest flicker of anger gleaming in his impenetrable stance. "As you wish,"
Kotarou held fast to a slender wrist as Saburo's body half-turned, exhibiting an urge to audaciously follow.
"I shall return to my master, Ujimasa-kou. I'd rather be nowhere else." Nagashiro stated coldly, unflinchingly even as tiger eyes squinted in sorrow.
He will never be yours…
Even as he was held back, Saburo watched with wide eyes the retreating figure of Nagashiro, no… Naoe walking away from him.
With every line of his beloved's body stretched towards the other, Kotarou couldn't help but shatter. He seizes the other free hand, traps both wrists in one desperate grip and pulls the youth towards him.
Saburo suddenly finds himself devoured breathless by hungry lips and tongue. Relentlessly, a violent flow of endless passion rained down on him. The thought of pulling away dissolved at the sight of Kotarou's pained expression. The shinobi's eyes were tightly shut as if in grief making the youth's heart clench. Saburo began to return the intensity of those lips and as a result, the forceful suckling eased, becoming sensual and persuasive but no less possessive. It was soon feathery light so the youth could pant in between breaths then after a few gentle brushes, Kotarou reluctantly pulled back to let him breathe.
Pressing their foreheads together, Kotarou's eyes seem to liquefy like melting glass but before a tear could escape, he once again closes them.
The youth in return becomes unusually compliant in his arms; he seems at a loss as to what really happened between them. In a daze, he could only wonder why his bruised lips sting more than his bruised cheek.
…
Naoe couldn't move on the spot from where he stood, back stiff, head half-turned, and face overshadowed by anguish.
He was witness to it all.
And there were only so many lies he could utter and so many frigid masks he could wear before he too would succumb to the indescribable pain exploding in his chest. The wound there had already healed but in an instant, the one responsible had slashed it anew.
Saburo, we both know that I only belong to you.
So don't let anyone else gaze upon you
So don't let anyone else touch you
So don't let anyone else embrace you
You are mine…
Dark thoughts swirling in his head, Naoe Nobutsuna— no, Nagashiro abandons the scene.
…
A camouflage cloak nearly falls off the wall before swift gloved fingers fixed them into place. He must not be seen at all costs. It was entertaining this way… seeing his rival so… unguarded… or not… so emotional… definitely… so… loving?
He nearly cackled in glee— but that wouldn't do, for it would surely blow his… literal cover.
The Hojo domain is surely more amusing than the dreary Takeda realm.

~TBC
93 – Historically, Hojo Ujimasa is indeed such. And I think you'll hate him more if I cite a very concrete example of this: Based on Asphodel's data, Kagetora would have won the Otate no Ran. It was only a matter of unfortunate timing (and I daresay lack of valuable tactician: Naoe Kanetsugu and lack of a vanguard: Naoe Nobutsuna… poor Kagetora… T.T) that the tables were suddenly turned on him.
The key alliance was with the Takeda (I wannaaa murder Takeda Katsuyori!) and one defensive Ujimasa was not very keen on attacking at the right moment. So the Takeda, probably bored out of their minds and *hungry took Kagekatsu's stealth offer of intermarriage and rice fields. This toughened the odds against Kagetora and soon many deferred to the other side making him ultimately lose the war in the end.
*Kai was one of the unfortunate provinces where food is often scarce.
94 – Sorry;
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400 Years Apart