Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

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
- 44
- 45
- 46
Chapter 45:

Hokutoshichisei Arc: Part Four

A/N: When the sickle-shaped seven stars appear in the sky…

Warning: Sexual situations, MXM, Hideharu-centric;

…

He had been ignoring his father’s jealous looks for several days now. The care of Odawara-jo had been left to him in the Sagami daimyo’s absence. Not only does he have serious responsibilities as the acting commander but also numerable instructions from Ujimasa-kou. To start off, the reconstruction of the main palace was yet to be done.

Matsuda Hideharu only wished the Takeda would not show up while he was in the middle of managing the interior remodelling. Another thing was…

Ah yes. His father, the chief vassal Matsuda Norihide should try a little harder in keeping his hostility contained.

By nature, Matsuda Norihide was not prone to childish fits of envy aimed towards his very own son. However, Hideharu knew that his father craved distinct acknowledgment from the Hojo overlord and as a result, Norihide played right through the daimyo’s hands like a fool. And then there was Hideharu’s undisclosed status for being personally selected as substitute steward over a withdrawn Hojo Genan and an aging Ueda Tomonao.

His current position was similar in rank with Kousaka Masanobu: a Danjo or judge in the Sagami Overlord’s inner circle. Hence, his formal title would be Matsuda-Danjo Hideharu, contract of Hojo Ujimasa-kou, and mentor of the young general-in-training, Hojo Saburo-dono. His father, Matsuda Norihide would definitely be furious.

As to why Tono-sama had the cruelty to withhold the appointment to his Chief Vassal and presented the coveted honor to the latter’s son instead was still shrouded in mystery. Yet Hideharu had his share of conjectures already. Tono-sama usually behaved this way around people whose fealty to him notably cracked at the edges.

Hideharu rubbed his temples. The absence of all three Hojo lords in Odawara-jo must have exacerbated his father’s delusional ambitions…

Taking a breather, he took his primary stallion and rode outside. As he slowed to a trot, a pigeon landed on his shoulder and neatly tied on its leg was the letter he had impatiently waited for. In its contents stated that Tono-sama had been successful in recovering both Hanaiin-hime and Saburo-dono. They were already at sea and were expected to arrive without further delay. However that entails preparations for a glorious banquet and thus another task added to his long list.

It seems he was forced into the role of the cordial host having been entrusted with social affairs, which Ujiteru-dono had previously overseen.

Ujiteru-dono…

Shaking himself out of his reverie, Hideharu urged his mount to deliver the news to the elder patriarch.

On his way to the east bastion leading towards the elite quarters, the most unwanted presence of his sire makes itself known. “Busy, are we? And where are you headed off this time, child?” Matsuda Norihide spoke while a couple of his attendants shuffled farther away as they bowed to their master’s son.

Hideharu tries to appear cheerful. “I am headed for Genan-sama’s quarters. But first, I shall bring you the good news, Chichiue*. Ujimasa-kou has triumphed against all odds! Tono-sama, Saburo-dono, and Hanaiin-hime are on their voyage homewards as we speak.”

Rather than be overjoyed, his father* became skeptical instead. “Is that true? Let me see for myself.” He extends his arm presenting a haughty open hand.

Sighing quietly, Hideharu retrieves the rolled letter under his sleeve to place it on Norihide’s awaiting palm. The chief vassal snatches it, roughly unravels the paper and pointedly begins to read. “For all we know, this could be forged.”

Hideharu’s brows furrow. “What makes you doubtful, Father? Tono-sama wrote it himself.”

“Of course I recognize Tono-sama’s handwriting! I am his chief vassal after all. But what about the letter we received weeks prior? That was indeed Ujiteru-sama’s handwriting too but you said that was faux! One has to be definitely of service all his life to know the lords since they were tots.”

His Chichiue could not be throwing another tantrum over this, could he? The previous letter was constructed by Ujiteru yet the contents were dubious and could be written for Ujimasa-kou alone to decipher. Who among the loyal retainers of the Go-Hojoshi would believe that Ujiteru-sama would defect to and wished to remain with the Takeda? For his very own father to be misled by it only heightened Hideharu’s speculations of Matsuda Norihide’s wavering faith.

“Father, let us not contest over this. What enemy would gain by providing us with such news? And Tono-sama’s naval mission was supposed to be concealed even amongst the Juushin. It is unlikely that the most vigilant of spies would get wind of it.”

“Are you telling me that you know every single aspect of Ujimasa-sama MORE THAN I?”

Hideharu never expected for his lord father to come so close to the mark in his final burst of catharsis. It had an uncanny effect to unhinge his carefully placed mask. Should he own up to it? Should he declare once and for all where he truly stands within Hojo Ujimasa’s inner circle? As much as it might clear Norihide’s misconceptions, Hideharu knew that exposing himself would be an act of betrayal itself. His contract was so secretive after all. In addition, he had to remind himself that he had yet to take pride to be owned by someone whose regard for him could only be comparable to a mere object.

“I would not dare make such an arrogant claim, Father.” Bowing humbly Hideharu politely excused himself.

“Hideharu, do not tell me this is the reason why Tono-sama refuses to have another wife?” Norihide tries to cut his son’s retreat with a startling realization.

Hideharu stiffens a fraction but wills his posture to relax. “Have you known Tono-sama to be sentimental, Chichiue? I assure you that he will announce his plans for the future once he fixes the rift between His Lordship and Hakone’s governor.”

Out of the blue, Norihide laughs. “Who would have thought my timid son would finally sprout a spine and use it against his venerable sire no less?” Then shaking his head as he spins on his heel he adds, “I could not say if soaking His Lordship’s influence was for the better of our family.” These words do not make a clear indication of the chief vassal’s improving or worsening temperament.

…

Sitting on a proffered mat and sipping herbal tea, Hideharu pensively regarded Hojo Genan’s mixed reactions about the account.

Stirring his tea and not having any while the patriarch brooded in silence was starting to get to Hideharu. Perhaps all his schooled composure had been exhausted by his secret appointment and the occasional row with his father.

Lastly, when Hideharu was on the verge of squirming on his seat, Genan spoke, “Matsuda-Taisho, it is understandable that you find my cheerfulness rather bland. And I am not sure how to put it well… As a father, I am really glad that my daughter will be coming home safe but as the daimyo’s elder who is soon to be his father-in-law I cannot begin to imagine how I could explain this development to my daughter.”

Paling to the point where his skin could rival the finest paper, it took a while before the words could sink in. Upon Hanaiin-hime’s return she would be wed to the lord of the realm. Hojo Ujimasa was about to get married for the second time and he had heard none of it.

“If I was doubtful of your affiliation before then what I am seeing now must completely obliterate it. You seem… shocked, Hideharu-dono. As Ujimasa’s closest confidant, were you not told of our arrangement?” Genan’s tone did not sound mocking in the least on the contrary it held sympathy.

The general forced himself to snap out of it. “I have to attest I am a little surprised, Genan-dono.” How was he supposed to know that the words he had imparted with his father earlier were already a preamble of what he never saw coming? That his own mouth had a gist of the situation and his mind had not… Hideharu wanted to curse himself. His personality seemingly was the epitome of serenity, of mediocrity, and of subservience but he was never that oblivious!

“You appear more than surprised.” The patriarch leaned forward to refill his cup but his observations were as keen as ever.

Hideharu downed the simmering liquid in one go and burned his tongue. Stinging, he asked himself why he was getting worked up over a trivial matter. The Sagami no Kami was due to be married to establish a family and assuage his household’s anxieties about begetting an heir. What was it to him, an army general, a son of the chief-retainer, formerly Ujiteru-dono’s contract and one of the current overlord’s too many pawns? He could not be harbouring feelings for that man… could he?

“Pardon me, Genan-dono but I have arrangements to be made for the welcoming banquet.” He shakily stood up and bowed deeply. He was about to take his leave when the patriarch spoke again.

“This request may sound absurd, Hideharu-dono but please look after the welfare of my daughter. Shield her from the daimyo’s distorted passion if need be.” The governor’s nonchalance in these statements dug a deeper chasm in Hideharu’s psyche. It was as if Genan had resigned his daughter’s fate to a sly demon and he, a samurai had to protect the honored lady by lying down on the demon’s path.

Lying down on the demon’s path… to be devoured, the words echoed in his head, chasing Hideharu deep into the recesses of his mind. Awkwardly he swallowed, bowed once more averting his eyes and left.

XxXMOBXxX

In the privacy of a cluttered drawing room, Hojo Ujimasa allowed himself to be attended by two pages that helped discard the last of his outer clothing. Dressed only in his inner robe, the lord of the realm dismissed the servants. “I could see that the renovations have gone smoothly,” Ujimasa commented dryly as he gestured around the unfinished room.

“My apologies, Tono-sama. I have been short-sighted of the anticipated time of your arrival. But I assure you, the joint quarters will be ready in a span of seven days.” Matsuda Hideharu replied in detail but with an impassivity that piqued the daimyo’s interest.

“Hmm… What makes you so upset, Haru?”

The general was keen on denying the lord’s satisfaction from a slightest flinch. “You have sent your attendants away too early.”

“I heard you have been preoccupied with a lot of things. Yet as much as you are capable of handling an array of tasks, there are some people who made matters difficult.” Ujimasa raised a fine brow.

“I have dealt with those accordingly. Tono-sama, you have to make yourself presentable for the banquet.” Hideharu approached, confidently shedding the final piece of garment and was about to usher his lordship to the bath when Ujimasa held onto his wrists keeping them together in one place.

“Have you forgotten? Servants are not allowed inside my sleeping chambers. I wish to bathe there.”

Hideharu forced a smile and tried to put some distance between them. “If your protector allows it, I shall accompany you to the bath, Tono-sama.”

Hair coming loose from his riband, body bare and stirring, giving off a natural scent, Ujimasa deterred any of Hideharu’s attempts at escape. “My protector is no more. Would it be too much to ask my contract to stay with me a while longer?”

“Fuma Akito is…”

“Dead,” The lord confirmed. “Another one, gone with no hope of return.” He whispers on the curve of Hideharu’s neck, “Do not leave me.”

Ujimasa acting vulnerable? This behavior just reads wrong for Hideharu. “Tono-sama, if it is comfort that you seek, it is best to look forward to a wife’s affection.”

Growling, the overlord roughly turned Hideharu and pushed him on his hands and knees to the floor. “Well this is interesting. For this concern to be bothering you all along… since when have you learned to stand up to me?” Ujimasa licked the soft shell of an ear, relishing the tremor that this produced. While one hand was already persistent with untying the binding of Hideharu’s hakama the other had slipped through the gap at the side to fondle and coax hardening flesh.

Fair backside exposed and groped; his kimono hitched up to reveal the full length of his spine, Hideharu uttered, quivering, “Tono-sama, don’t—”

Ujimasa deftly silenced his pleas, ate at his mouth and his eyes closed tightly. Lips swollen from the assault, Hideharu panted, well-combed hair now in disarray with some plastered to his sweaty forehead. The overlord was relentless, grasping his contract’s manhood in one fist while stimulating the walls of his passage with saliva-coated fingers.

All too soon, Hideharu was compelled to move his hips, gradually receiving Ujimasa’s lewd attentions to his now sensitive hole. The former was careful not to make any noises yet. He would not give in so easily: something that Ujimasa would cunningly use to his advantage. Hideharu’s stubbornness would not last; he had been deprived to the point of agony. Moreover, his emotional distress was heightening bodily tension and pent-up lust.

“Haru, do not be so miserable. The purpose of my marriage is to maintain the Hojo bloodline. You would still be the sole person I keep in my bed.” You alone resemble the unattainable one. Ujimasa soothes before going down on his mate and licking a hot trail on the cleft of his ass.

“Damn you,” Hideharu says very quietly while his limbs continued to shake and shudder both because of his humiliating posture and the wickedness of that mouth.

Definitely as close as I ever want. Ujimasa-kou smirks at the insult. Tasting the musk of the still resisting hole he swirls his tongue on the shy entrance. “Haru if you are concerned with the time why do you not help by opening your legs wider?”

He decisively sucks at the rim teasing and treating it with as much oral fluid while a little saliva slid down his chin. When the younger man defies cooperation, the elder reinserts a thumb thrusting and stroking only to press the weak spot several times.

“Ah— Ah!” Hideharu cries out, stormily throwing his head back. Gritting his teeth, he splayed himself as directed.

“The line of your back still displays defiance. You do not want me inside you, Haru?” The daimyo’s cruel mouth descends on the pale side of the nape latching on and suckling until a large bruise formed.

Hideharu gasps in alarm, “You wouldn’t— Tono-sama no—!” It was too late. The mark was obvious enough for anyone to see at the feast and there was nothing he could do to hide it. Ujimasa softly plants his lips over it in a parody of gentleness while he drapes himself over his captive ready to sunder, to do the taking.

He enters Hideharu’s moist unyielding heat all the way without stopping until he was buried to the hilt.

“Uh…! Umh…!” Hideharu groans helplessly. Despite the painstaking lengths done to make him ready for the act, the force of penetration still hurt him.

In consideration, and exercising the patience he reserved to grace a few, Ujimasa refrains from any aggressive movement. He comfortingly holds the body underneath closer. “Forgive me, my need was unbearable.”

Don’t—

Don’t be fooled.

He is…

The tenderness of a lover… Tono-sama could not be using such a deplorable trap against him, could he? Timely enough, the pain receded and the fullness brought sensations going beyond the limitations of physical desire. Hideharu’s body grew excited and at first, he was unaware that the one who initiated: rocking the hips back and forth was himself.

Ujimasa indulged at Hideharu’s boldness and was in no hurry to break the younger man’s sexual trance. More so, the tightness that gripped him was becoming rather painful. “Haru, I will make love to you now.” The dominant, lustful tone sliced through Hideharu’s awareness. Angling his head, he came face to face with Tono-sama’s frighteningly passionate expression. The flushed face of a startlingly ravenous demon…

Hideharu bared his throat, calling out as his elder lover repeatedly and rhythmically thrust at him furiously. The maddening friction rapidly set the flesh of his passage ablaze. He tightened and tightened as pleasure after devastating pleasure wracked his body. “Nngh…! Nnn…!” His face twisted at the poor anguish of his quivering insides. The ruthless coupling, the frantic sex bordered on animalistic. Beads of sweat, pearls of pre-ejaculate trickled out of him at their pace. The flooring where they joined must be covered in a mess of fluids already.

Ujimasa pressed against him even deeper, even wilder until the fine thread snapped. Hideharu surrenders, half-howling, half-sobbing as he expels his essence all over his heated skin while his satisfied lover filled him copiously from behind.

As a man of military might, Hideharu did not succumb to fatigue pushing against his contract until their bodies separated from their sticky union. “Such carelessness, when that could have produced your heir, Tono-sama.” Breathlessly, he remarked.

Eyes narrowing, Ujimasa retaliated by sinking his teeth on the fullness of Hideharu’s lip. “Be thankful you are no woman then.” He snarled.

Hideharu pulled away. “We have become rather filthy. Let us wash right now. Allow me to bathe you first.” A hand shot past and grabbed him by the throat.

“Let me attend to myself, unless you want to receive the brunt of my barely sated hunger?” He plundered Hideharu’s mouth once more and released him when he nearly devoured the life out of him. “Get yourself equally dressed and ready. Or has my violence resulted to a wound down there?”

“I am grateful for your concern, Ujimasa-san. I will be taking my leave now.” Matsuda Hideharu put on his soiled clothes and retreated to his rooms as fast as his legs could carry him.

…

Soaking alone in the broad tub, Ujimasa sighed. He never imagined things would get more complicated upon his return. Haru in particular wrung more craving from him than usual. It seems the lowly implement was evolving into a formidable pillar in his life. And just when he was enjoying the quiet, mild snickering could be heard echoing in the space of his chambers.

“I believe I just said so earlier that servants are not allowed within my inner rooms.” He rebuked levelly.

The snickering persisted. The concealing cloth fell to the floor with the softest rustle and the obtrusive shadow stepped away from his post and audaciously approached the lord of the realm. “Who would have thought Tono-sama possessed some scraps of fondness for someone else other than his rebellious younger sibling?”

“Go away, Danzo.” Ujimasa snorted.

“Hmm…? Or is it that Tono-sama just sees his little brother in that person and it is convenient judging that Tono-sama is able to do wicked things which would be forbidden to do to the real one after all…”

The daimyo’s eyes narrowed murderously.

“Eek…?” Kato Danzo faked a flinch and skipped away from the lord’s ire. He quickly fled the private baths.

XxXMOBXxX

Haruhie sighed as he received no reaction from an oddly pensive, taciturn Saburo. He had been combing the exact hair strands of the beautiful youth and asked him several times, which silk riband he preferred. The page tried one last time and when no response came Haruhie chose a copper ribbon without tassels and neatly tied his charge’s long locks.

“Haruhie,” Saburo spoke very quietly after some time. “I can attend to myself from here. Have some time for yourself before the banquet. I… I wish to take a little walk in the gardens for a while.”

“Saburo-gimi…” Haruhie wanted to tell him he could confide in him that he would always have a listening ear to all the youth’s troubles but he refrained from doing so. Apparently, something had changed when Haruhie had walked in on what appeared to be some three-way confrontation between the young master and his… admirers. One can only assume that matters were yet to be resolved. But the reason for the lordling’s despondency… could it be about Fuma Kotarou’s last words?

“I will take my leave, Saburo-gimi. If you need me I will wait close by.” Haruhie bowed while a brooding Saburo barely acknowledged him.

Dressed in pale silvery pewter haori and crimson red hakama; donning a scarlet kataginu embroidered with gold lining, Saburo sought solitude in the rustling grass of the gardens.

“Wakasama, it is almost time for the banquet. Tono-sama has ordered me to look for you. Good thing it did not take me too long to find you,” The voice of Fuma Kotarou permeated the silence.

Saburo slowly spun on his heel and regarded the creature bent on one knee. “Should you not stop addressing me as such? After all, I was never your master.”

“Young master,” Kotarou uttered regardless. “I am still owned by you.”

“Stop lying! You… how can I choose you when you were never truly mine? You belonged to aniue from the very beginning! And now you have returned to him.” The corners of Saburo’s eyes creased bitterly.

“Is this jealousy on the part of the young master?”

A resounding smack;

Kotarou’s scarred face turned to the other side at the force of the blow. “The audacity…!” Saburo growled.

The lethal shadow moved. He seized Saburo’s cruel wrist and brought the youth flush against his body. “If the young master has not painstakingly put effort in his appearance tonight, I would have no qualms making him dishevelled until he is satisfied so he could forget his nervousness. Did I not mention he is very comely to the eye?”

The lordling gritted his teeth and hit Kotarou with his free hand; it was halfhearted this time, though. “Wakasama,” He took the other offending hand and held it to his cheek, basking in its warmth. “Your anger soothed me. I always thought that you would feel nothing if I told you I could no longer be your protector.”

“You are forgetting that my legs are free and can kick you to oblivion, demented creature,” Saburo cursed under his breath.

“Is this Young Master’s way of foreplay?”

Saburo abruptly looked away; the gaze that bore on him reflected nothing but endless black. He resists, reminding himself that the present Kotarou was different from the past. This one was more dangerous and less in control than before. Perhaps that was why Kotarou chose to put a barrier between them. In fact, this teasing was so out of place: a clear indication of a more volatile state of mind. And Saburo had to escalate it by a few unthinking words…

The shinobi sank to the ground embracing him, unwilling to let him go and nestled at his neck, breathing in his scent, quietly half-moaning, “Young Master…”

Saburo stiffens at the seductive wounded sound. It was like unknowingly being swept under quicksand: if he flails he drowns. “Unhand me, Kotarou. Your body has done nothing but communicate your anguish and need of me but why? You never told me that night on the ship what was bothering you.”

A soft sinister chuckle escaped Kotarou’s lips causing the youth’s spine to tingle. “Young Master could be highly unaware at times. Why else would this slave of his be carted off back to the daimyo’s feet? Is it not because his half, Tono-sama’s real shadow has perished?”

Saburo gasped.

Akito.

Why had he not thought of that?

His aniue had never been without his protector.

It couldn’t be…?

Fuma Akito has…

“When I sought comfort that night, I never wanted to stop until our bodies joined in some way. But that would have revived the toxin in your body,” Kotarou continues to whisper in hushed chilling tones making the youth’s belly to knot in tension. “It is better this way: to be intimately parted from you though our sacred bond remains. And I would die before anyone else lays their claim on you.”

Saburo feels akin to being pierced by that vow. “Kotarou, let go of me. Let go of me, right now. I release you. You do not need to be burdened by the likes of me any longer. I refuse to be selfish! I will not be at peace thinking that every time you fly to my side you also leave my brother at the mercy of danger.”

Fuma Kotarou remains coiled around Saburo’s body. “Young Master fears I might lose my senses.”

The youth swallows the growing lump in his throat. “I release you. Go to my brother. The lord of the realm needs his strongest warrior more than I.” He reiterates and despite the tears he pushes against Kotarou in an attempt to separate them.

Kotarou merely buries his face on his shoulder and sighs.

The lordling felt a pang of sadness when the shadow stood as expressionless as he was before, turned his back, and disappeared in the darkness of the night as silently as he had come. He did not know which hurt more: was it Kotarou’s passive obedience to his will like an unfeeling puppet or was it the former protector’s lack of hesitation to abandon him as he issued the command?

Saburo had finally let go and…

The pain was unbearable.

XxXMOBXxX

In a spacious courtyard located outside of the daimyo’s palace, a long grand lacquered table made just for the occasion stood out in magnificent red and gold silken drapes. Several cushioned sitting mats were tastefully and precisely arranged along the sides. Before it, a piece made of the finest wood, accented by gilt and shallowly carved with the Hojo crest was surrounded by four seats made of white silk and scarlet tassels. It was unquestionably meant for the members of the reigning clan of Sagami. A pair was to occupy the center facing the crowd while the other two were to place themselves at each side.

At the far end, a square kind was alternately decorated with sakura and yellow dandelion fabric. Plain white sitting mats were also provided for the retainers’ wives, the ladies of the household.

Providing illumination were the burning torches mounted on a tripod of flexible bamboo. The steady flames were discreetly dusted with small pieces of calmative incense as per Ujimasa-kou’s instructions. Kato Danzo, the master illusionist was only too pleased to comply.

Moments past dusk, at the sound of the tallest gong, Go-Hojoshi vassals and their spouses garbed in their most formal and expensive attires began to arrive.

The women who walked a step behind their husbands concealed their elegantly painted faces with scented paper fans. When the men left their wives on their designated table, they folded their fans, drew their handkerchiefs and in hushed tones conversed with their peers. A sudden quiet fell when feminine eyes landed on an unfamiliar vassal striding towards the grand table. The man was striking in his imposing stature and intimidating aura. His straight hair gathered on a basic high-knot swayed freely in the wind as he walked. His pure white kimono lined with ocean-blue accents and black vest with silver embellishments identified him as one of the principal vassals of the daimyo. Yet his handsome face void of expression and amicability made a lady of the court realize, “It is Nagashiro-dono!”

The other ladies of nobility shushed her before she could make a scene. After all, they could only admire from afar when their husbands were close by. And then sooner as they would have liked, Nagashiro’s back became indiscernible from the bustle of a gathering household.

Naoe disregarded the disapproving glances, the few raised eyebrows, and the antagonism radiating from the other vassals who had to sit behind him. The daimyo personally instructed him to sit closest to the front reserved for elites and trick or not Naoe complied. He knew very well that his estimable background was second to none and the retainers present when he boldly declared he was Uesugi while abducting Hojo Saburo would have flipped the moment they recognized him. None of them seemed to be (suspiciously) around however, and he was not going to complain. He stole a glimpse of the empty platform where the clan lord and his family would be during the occasion and his stern face almost faltered.

Saburo had avoided him on the course of their sea voyage using his condition as an excuse. And the other reason why he refused to look at him again was one sentence: “You belong to aniue.”

Fuma Kotarou was undoubtedly responsible but Naoe could not bring himself to anger when it was the truth. Why did he have to agree to Hojo Ujimasa’s demands too promptly? Was it really out of desperation, guilt, or the lack of options altogether?

Desperation to stay by his side whatever the means…

Guilt for being unable to be the one who saved him…

Lack of options to choose from?

Had he chosen differently, he could have at least redeemed himself in the eyes of Saburo but he did not try hard enough. He took the easier path and therefore the way towards his beloved stretched with difficulties as a consequence.

He locked his contemplation away for now.

A young vassal had taken the seat directly across from him and though the attention was subtle, Naoe could feel a pair of sharp deceptively mellow eyes studying him.

“It is quite understandable to grow impatient during ceremonial events. Don’t you think so Nagashiro-dono?” For this man to initiate conversation and easily read through his behavior was something not to be taken lightly.

Naoe regarded the man before him carefully and positively identified him as a part of the Sagami Overlord’s inner circle. It appears that Hojo Ujimasa was not willing to allow him to walk around in a loose leash unlike last time. He had to be monitored by competent samurai; not that they could compare to that perpetual nuisance Danzo…

He decided to play along for now with a perfunctory response, “Being the center of attention before the banquet even started is indeed troublesome.”

The juushin laughed silently in genial humor. “You are as polite as I remember.”

The familiar lilt of his tone inclined Naoe to scrutinize his watcher more seriously.

And it couldn’t be… the person who literally hauled him off the windowless room when his wounds closed from the Fuma’s torture, the one who dressed him to retain some dignity before the daimyo, and the only other individual who treated him as humanely (while being the enemy) as possible was ironically an important figure.

Dressed in plum-white outer robe with an inner black kosode, lined with gold fabric and a charcoal hakama matched with a similarly intricate vest like Naoe’s… glossy hair bound in a tasselled scarlet riband; Matsuda Hideharu could easily pass for another principal vassal with lordship status.

“My apologies, Hideharu-dono I did not recognize you.” Naoe’s posture relaxed a little though his guard was still up.

“All is well.” Hideharu replied with a small smile but rested his elbow on the table to lean self-consciously sideways. If Naoe were paying a bit more attention he would have discerned the movement a little too self-protective.

The pair quickly became comfortable enough to engage in casual conversation that they barely heard the announcement of the Hojo Lords’ arrival.

Hojo Ujimasa rose towards the platform garbed in whites, reds, and gold: the Hojo Clan’s official colors. Not a strand of his thick black hair was combed out of place and he proudly wore it down. On his forehead, a thin band of gilded crimson prevented stray locks from veiling his piercing eyes. Beside him, the fairest of all Kanto appeared looking trapped in his own bleak world until he was drawn to the man seated several steps lower from where he stood.

Naoe was completely attentive to another man.

Hojo Saburo stared at Naoe Nobutsuna and felt a prick of ill-sensation begin at his gut once again.

It could not be feelings of jealousy stirring inside that accompanied his misery, could it?

~TBC

Post A/N: While Naoe is trying to fit in amongst the Hojo, Saburo is busy shoving the people who cared for him away. The poor lad finds it hard to deal with people who eventually abandon him for various reasons. Fuma Akito’s demise seemed to have upset the delicate balance! And what could Ujimasa truly be up to?

Please R&R if you like it.
- 44
- 45
- 46
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

400 Years Apart