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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
- 47
- 48
- 49
Chapter 48:

An Interlude: Mountain Lords

A/N: Opposing lords whose qualities embody the stillness and strength of the earth giant… They were so different yet so alike;

I know most readers would want a continuation of Saburo’s promising night with Naoe but the plot demands that I have to get this development out first before anything else. Please bear with me.

Also, I wanted to introduce to you my fictional AU version of a formidable Takeda princess for the sake of the plot. It might be unrealistic for a woman to have power and influence during the male-dominated Warring State Period especially in Japan with a few exceptions. However, my role model for Matsuhime happens to be one of the best female politicians and honored Ama-Shogun of Japan, Lady Hojo Masako. Lady Masako had her lineage from the Taira Clan but was Minamoto no Yoritomo’s principal wife. She, the female “shadow shogun” had kept the Kamakura Shogunate afloat long after the death of her husband, Yoritomo.

Chunk-o-texts, wordy, and Ujiteru-centric;

…

Wiping the sweat off his brow, a man readjusts the stone sculpture one last time before getting up, patting the dirt off his knees before admiring his handiwork. Seeing all three miniature deity towers perfectly aligned, the man gave a sigh of contentment.

“Should you really be doing that? Those things are anything but feather-light. I swear Ujiteru if you remodel my garden any more, Shingen-sama might get the wrong impression.” Baba Nobuharu scolded with an indulgent huff.

“Welcome home, Baba-dono; I was untold of your return.” Ujiteru bowed respectfully in greetings and then readdressed the subject. “Pardon me. It is only one of my hobbies. Plus, I could not think of anything else to do with my hands.” ‘It is not like I could be allowed to polish my martial skills’ was left unsaid.

Baba seemed to have grasped it all the same. “If it was only me, you are allowed to do anything in my abode. You are like a son to me after all. Yet as an old retainer, I still have to give due respect to my lord’s scion though Katsuyori-sama’s views do not always agree with my principles.”

Ujiteru simply nodded in understanding. He neither supported nor opposed Baba-dono’s statement. His opinion regarding the matter would be completely unnecessary, not to mention unwelcome. As a hostage, it would be unwise to meddle in the affairs of the enemy clan’s internal conflicts.

“Ah, what am I doing ranting to you about my displeasures? How improper of me,” The elder man muttered in self-rebuke. “Ujiteru, how about we each have a nice soak and play shogi over a cup of tea, afterwards?”

Ujiteru looked down at himself and appeared to realize his current untidiness only then. “Ah,” He uttered, wearing a very sheepish expression. Even his face had smudges of soil in them.

Baba Nobuharu roared in laughter. Truly, Ujiteru did not expect to be toiling in the outdoors and be immaculately clean, did he? Despite nearing his thirty summers, Ujiteru sometimes behaved like an overgrown child that it was hard not to go soft on him.

“Baba-dono, please overlook my unkemptness.” Ujiteru apologized before excusing himself to avoid further embarrassment.

Takeda Shingen’s most trusted adviser merely lifted his hand and waved him off. He remembered the previous Takeda-Hojo alliance like it were yesterday. With Ujimasa and Obaiin’s successful marriage, the future of both clans seemed secure. Naturally, Baba entertained the idea of adopting Ujiteru into his clan. This never came to be however, when obnoxious Hojo retainers earned Kousaka-Danjo’s ire and had thus provoked Shingen as well.

Before long, the childless couple were forced to go their separate ways, dissolving any ties their families established. Never in his wildest dreams did Baba thought that Ujiteru had it in him to contest his father when it came to the welfare of his youngest brother. As it dawned on him belatedly, the siblings were inseparable. Ujiteru practically doted on and coddled the boy like he were his own. But who could blame him? Saburo’s radiance, his presence was unlike anything else Baba had experienced before.

Like a young beautiful butterfly that had just hatched from its chrysalis, he drew every eye that set its sights on him. And every single one that was enticed and could not resist his enchanting allure ended up losing their minds. Baba believed Saburo caused Ujiteru to become irrational and thus brought forth ruin on his father, the reigning Sagami Lord.

He almost thought the Hojo could never recover from such downfall until Ujimasa seized power. Ujimasa revived the clan’s nearly unmatched supremacy over Kanto. They became more formidable than ever.

As a new force to be reckoned with, neighboring fiefdoms became threatened. Forgetting age-old wounds and grudges, the Takeda and the Uesugi formed a united front in hopes of diminishing a rising tyrant’s ambitions. Who could have ever imagined there was a more atrocious despot lurking in the shadows?

…

**Section Recap

Mimasetoge had cost them dearly.

No matter how Yamagata insists otherwise, Takeda Shingen’s charge at Mimase Pass was an impulsive, unplanned, desperate move. The heart of the Takeda army should not have taken part in the collaborative ambush led only by generals: Kousaka-Danjo and Naoe Nobutsuna. Only when a disturbing rumor floated amongst the ranks that Kousaka-Danjo fell into Hojo Ujimasa’s trap did Shingen rode out of camp to see truth for himself.

And though the Tiger of Kai’s reckless intervention did rescue Baba and Yamagata from a tight spot, His Lordship’s health had ultimately paid the price.

Baba recalled being petrified at the sight of Shingen suffering an attack of illness while on horseback hence accidentally injuring his stallion with his spear. The warlord was on the verge of falling and being trampled underneath his own cavalry. It had almost slipped Baba’s mind that Shingen had been leading a bold charge against none other than Hojo Ujiteru at that time.

The next unthinkable happened…

Ujiteru had ordered a stay of blades, dismounted from his steed, and single-handedly, foolishly got in the way of Shingen’s injured, panic-stricken horse. Miraculously, the animal reared and calmed down making it possible for Ujiteru to safely bring Shingen to the ground. To anyone with a clear head, the honorable act surpassed any religious morals. Unfortunately, majority of the army misconceived the scene.

Baba still could not forget seeing Yamagata Masakage mercilessly stabbing Ujiteru with his spear. Ujiteru had clearly made himself vulnerable when he decided to rescue the main commander of the enemy. Remarkably, the Hojo warlord had enough strength to draw his sword and strike back in defense. This perhaps was the only thing that saved Ujiteru’s life. If Yamagata had landed him another blow, Baba knows Ujiteru would not have the chance to survive. Being the Takeda vanguard, Baba had rushed towards the opposite side preventing any more harm to the fallen Ujiteru. In the eyes of Yamagata and Kousaka Danjo who had arrived late, Baba Nobuharu might have appeared to be a traitor.

“Enough! Ujiteru-dono himself did not order for an attack when Shingen-sama collapsed! I will not allow acts of grave dishonor when the enemy commander is down!” Baba had shouted fiercely at his comrades.

Yamagata Masakage was about to argue but he was rendered mute by Kousaka Danjo’s cool glare. “Then we take the fallen commander to camp as a hostage.” Without another word he led the escorts carrying Shingen’s equally limp form with a face staunched with worry.

While Yamagata had balked that a formidable foe was to be treated at their domain, Baba on the other hand had nodded silently.

Perhaps the only thought that gnawed at the recesses of his mind was the purported information leak among the ranks. Who could have possibly circulated such a convincing rumor among Shingen’s army enough to stir actual chaos?

Generals of the Takeda would never get much inkling to pinpoint a culprit until the ceremonial sword of succession was stolen.

…

Months after recovering from the nearly-fatal wound, Ujiteru had led a mundane life at Baba’s residence. In the small four corners of his humble living quarters, he anonymously built the reputation of a master artisan. To earn a decent living and to exercise a little independence, the second scion of the Hojo turned to pottery making, ceramic art, wood carving and managing household ornaments. Things he did as a pastime became a new source of strength and capability. To Ujiteru’s credit, his artistic sense has not only won him the favor of his benefactor but also eased his presence to selected individuals who Baba deemed safe to be in the know of the hostage’s identity.

And one of those distinct few happened to be the most valued princess of the Takeda, Matsuhime.

Snow white in complexion, slanted dark eyes sometimes a clear stream other times a deep unfathomable sea, high delicate nose, small well-shaped lips; her winsome face was framed by straight long tendrils of loosely bound hair while few gathered strands on either side were neatly adorned by elegant strings. Taller than average women, slender in build, she had rarely dressed extravagantly suited to her class.

She discovered his works through a cousin who received a green, copper-glazed, clay tea set from her husband as a present. While having tea with her cousin, Matsuhime carefully inspected the material of the tea bowls, trays, and pot; finding it quite odd. For one, she remarked that though the craftsmanship seemed average-looking, the ceramic base, the painted art and the calligraphy design were very sophisticated. In fact, the fluid strokes could only be done by a highly educated master who is perceptibly more than just an artisan. However when Matsuhime asked who the craftsman was, both her cousin and the juushin* could not give a concrete answer.

*Highest ranking retainer

Her Ladyship was very intrigued. After all, how many among the Takeda nobles and generals would still have time to spare on artistic creations (the set was recently made) amidst internal discord and impending war against the Oda?

Patiently listening to gossip, the occasional floating rumors, and credible information eventually led Matsuhime to Baba Nobuharu’s main quarters. The reason why she was not dissuaded into being knowledgeable about current military affairs was because of her strategic role. She had the power to settle with the Oda using a different tactic all opposed to Katsuyori.

She came with a handful of retainers as well as a pair of her trusted maidservants. Therefore, how could Baba Nobuharu possibly refuse Takeda Shingen’s daughter with grace and hospitality?

At first, Baba had speculated that the princess’ visit had something to do with discussing where his allegiance might lie. So far, the army has acknowledged the vanguard and adviser’s neutral stance on the worsening rift between Kousaka-Danjo and Takeda Katsuyori. The princess however secretly favored Kousaka over her half-brother due to their opposing beliefs to deal with the Oda. That was why Baba was greatly surprised when Matsuhime said, “Baba-dono I shall forgo pleasantries and ask where can I find the artisan employed in your household?”

As he motioned for his servants to properly attend to the princess, Baba immediately thought of the night where Ujiteru mentioned that some of his works were returned mysteriously with a note attached. Observing precaution, Ujiteru did not respond to the letters he received. It was quite unimaginable that the sender turned out to be the Takeda’s scholarly princess. The elder vassal pondered his next move by replying, “What can the artisan do for Her Ladyship?”

Matsuhime deftly answered, “I am not here to request for decorative pieces and carvings. I want to see the craftsman at work. I was very interested in the consistency of green glaze in his products. After all, that color of copper is very hard to achieve when most, I mean even the proficient masters sometimes make brown and red tinges on their creations. Furthermore, Nobutada-dono also happens to appreciate the aesthetics of the art. I plan to be as learned as possible under the artisan’s tutelage over the kiln if that is allowed, Baba-dono?”

Baba was somewhat ashamed that he could only understand half of the princess’ dialogue to begin with. Perhaps that was one of the dangers of allowing even a single woman to have creditable education if she could render a man tongue-tied with mere words.

As if on cue, the shoji to an adjacent room opened. The artisan deeply bowed first to his benefactor and then to the highest honored lady. “My apologies for entering without prior notice,” Ujiteru had said to the both of them. “For the princess efforts’ and her sincerity in coming here, I find myself very honored. However, I consider myself no master of this art. I am a simple man who employed his pastime to earn a living. I hardly think that Her Ladyship will gain more knowledge and expertise aside from what she already has with my guidance.”

Matsuhime hid the amused quirk of her lips behind the folds of her fan. Ujiteru has just displayed his unquestionable nobility and valiant decorum by stepping in to supposedly defend his guardian and to humbly refuse her proposition (thwart her presence). It somewhat saddened her more than it surprised her to see the striking, second lord of the Hojo reduced to a commoner, a hostage, an anonymous artist. Nevertheless, his current status was not a deterrent to her plans at all. The Takeda continues to thrive only due to the efforts of herself and Kousaka-Danjo never to provoke Hojo Ujimasa’s ire by unwisely waving his detained brother in the air like a war banner. Their clan would suffer total collapse should her half-brother Katsuyori choose to lead them to war against two formidable opponents and be crushed in between although, the theft of the ceremonial sword of succession had played its part to cause delay.

“Truly, Ujiteru-dono your creations deserve more than praise. Yet as you have said, I did observe some of the masters in ceramic art at work but none of them were willing to impart their style and communicate openly to me all because I am a woman and they think I could never comprehend. Therefore, all my learning is based solely on observations and mental deductions on my part. If I encounter some form of error I will continue on obliviously for the masters dare neither to correct nor to support my theories on practical application. They also absolutely forbid me to dirty my hands with base clay, minerals, and dye hence my lack of progress.” She explained carefully.

Baba was not fooled by her pretentious lack of agenda however, “Matsuhime, if you request for my ward’s expertise and instruction there will be no doubt, disapproval and scorn regarding the current situation. Your father, Oyakatasama* will surely not tolerate it. Plus, you might put Ujiteru in the worst position.”

(*How Takeda Shingen is dearly addressed amongst the Takeda Clan)

This was getting better and better indeed. Matsuhime could not decide which was more interesting: Baba’s genuine concern over Ujiteru or the latter’s paternal reverence to the former. With a charming smile, she assuaged their worries by stating, “Owing to the current circumstances, I, as high lady of the clan needed no permission from her father or husband to exercise her judgment. Therefore, I shall put Ujiteru-dono under the protection of my house to earn no ill-will for seeking his mentorship. I also swear for absolute secrecy regarding his identity and yours, Baba-dono.”

Baba helplessly began shaking his head. “Ai Princess, your father shall definitely kill me once he learns of this.” It was obvious Matsuhime had won the chief adviser’s side.

Ujiteru himself was also quietly amused and impressed by Matsuhime’s charisma and compelling wit. Who knew a maiden of such character was among the ranks of the Takeda? She almost reminded him of someone… the lady who at one time was both very close to him and dearest to his eldest brother, Ujimasa.

“As much as I am grateful for your approval, Baba-dono, I believe I haven’t heard acceptance from my would-be mentor.” Matsuhime directed her gaze patiently towards the artisan in question.

Ujiteru bowed respectfully, “I think I am not in a position to refuse after the princess has made sure to shelter me under her wing.”

It was the beginning of an unpremeditated, unlikely partnership.

XxXMOBXxX

When Ujiteru stepped out of the baths, a servant told him that the master, Baba Nobuharu was already waiting for him in the usual room and that tea was to be served shortly. Ujiteru nodded his thanks and mused how cordially he was being treated despite his hostage status. He briefly wondered that if he had not contested his father regarding Saburo’s adoption to the Takeda Clan then would his young brother be as equally tended as he?

Saburo would be much younger then, no older than twelve summers and there was always vulnerability in the tenderness of youth.

With his appearance alone, Saburo would immediately stand out and gain unnecessary attention from admirers of all kinds. For a boy-child of considerable and ethereal attractiveness, it would be too dangerous let alone nigh impossible for Saburo to be far from trouble. It must be fate; thought Ujiteru that he would find himself in the would-be circumstance of his baby brother. This must be retribution for all the grief and tribulations he had caused his father: to be the Takeda’s hostage in exchange of Saburo.

Saburo…

How he missed his free-spirited, intelligent, temperamental, and yet affectionate sibling.

How was he doing?

Was he eating well? Sleeping well? Was he taking his lessons and trainings seriously? Was he wandering off to places of great curiosity against the advice of his minders and protector?

Ujiteru frowned. Was Saburo taking advantage of his absence by sampling and guzzling any type of sake he could get his hands on? And would his eldest brother, Ujimasa by any chance being lenient on such poor behavior?

“Ujiteru,” A rough masculine voice called him out of his musings. Ujiteru came upon the concerned expression of his benefactor. “You’ve been standing there and staring off into space for some time now. My servant said you were on your way but it was taking you so long so I got up and found you like this. Tell me, is something the matter?”

Ujiteru instantly looked sheepish and mortified at the same time. He had caused his guardian undue worry. Bowing profusely he sincerely said, “My apologies. I believe I was dreaming awake.” Something in the tone of his voice softened Baba’s gaze even more. As awkwardly as it might appear, the seasoned Takeda general stood on his toes, reached a hand and patted Ujiteru’s head. The latter bowed apologetically once again while the former merely sighed.

…

“On the pretext of hunting, you and a few skilled cavalrymen were spying on the borders for any sign of Oda’s army?”

Baba Nobuharu shook his head. “’Tis but a small army doing their rounds on the bowy. Surprisingly, shinobi under the employ of Oyakatasama confirmed that they are in fact Tokugawa’s men not Oda’s. Oda Nobunaga is definitely playing with our minds. Which fool amongst the ranks did not know of Ieyasu and Nobunaga’s sound alliance? However, something much more intriguing has come up.”

Ujiteru took a silent sip of his tea and asked, “May I know?”

“An imperial letter arrived just this morning. The Emperor wishes to summon Shingen-sama for an audience. This happens to be a very telling and a bad sign for us.” Baba answered while he deliberated which koma* to move on his board.

*Shogi piece / chess piece

“If I may not be too straightforward, I deduce that Oda-dono is telling us that he had been specifically favored by the Emperor.” Ujiteru reflected. If he had had the upper hand before then it was out of his grasp now considering that Baba managed to dodge his entrapment by baiting Ujiteru with one of his higher-ranked implements. It was a fair sacrifice on Baba’s part but Ujiteru also lost his control over the match by being incapable of cornering Baba’s main attacking pieces for the remaining turns.

The veteran general tutted, “More accurately put: Oda now controls the Emperor. Are you not going to ask how we are glaringly able to decipher that it was Oda behind all?” Exploiting his turn, Baba went an all out offensive against Ujiteru.

The second scion of the Hojo allowed his guardian as close as he could to a victory then abruptly dealt a swift blade to Baba’s unsuspecting king using a “dropped” gold general and an inconspicuous bishop for a sudden pivotal triumph.

It was over.

Baba peered close to the board to confirm his loss and scratched his greying head. “Ah, that was unexpected.” For a moment he was lost to the lull of a confusing defeat that the issue at hand was nearly forgotten.

“I am eager to know about the letter, Baba-dono.” Winning humbly, and impeccably as always as it was most of the time, Ujiteru did not dwell on the outcome of their match.

“Sometimes you should let this elder win more for his comfort at least.” Baba said slowly shaking his head in self-discontent. He cracked a guffaw afterwards. “That was a jest! You did not disappoint in playing so dedicatedly, Ujiteru. I suspect your brother is even better at the game and less merciful?”

“He is merciless.” Ujiteru admitted seriously.

Realizing they were wading in unpredictable waters, Baba redirected the conversation. “The Emperor’s letter was audaciously sealed with the Oda Family Crest. It is definitely a clear message not only to the Takeda but also to the rest of the reigning daimyo. However, I doubt that Oda had instructed the Emperor to send for every notable lord in the region.”

“I modestly infer that Oda-dono thinks the Takeda is still his greatest rival.” Ujiteru carefully put forth.

“Ha! Most certainly!” The vanguard roared proudly but in the next instant deflated. “The significance of the summons is to prove that Shingen-sama is indeed incapacitated. If His Lordship does not personally turn up at the Imperial Court or is represented by someone else, the confirmation will heighten Oda’s mental might, reinforce his Bakufu influence, and boost the morale of his troops. That is when he prepares for war.” Baba’s fists trembled with rage. “As of now he is toying with our heads and our hearts for sheer enjoyment alone.”

Ujiteru respectfully lowered his head.

“We have safeguarded the secret of Oyakatasama’s frail state for as long as we are able… I do not know where Oda has gotten wind of the remotest idea about His Lordship’s fall at Mimase.”

Ujiteru reined his expression to stay neutral. It would most likely be his aniue, Hojo Ujimasa who allowed the rumors to circulate through the Fuma. He knew that there was no such possibility of his brother striking a truce with Oda Nobunaga but a far-pitched propaganda to weaken the Takeda was also quite sound for the Hojo’s benefit. Or was there another player in the field setting off conflicts and chaos wherever he went? An anonymous opportunist who switched identities as often as he switched loyalties? He truly could not comprehend what prompted this stray thought. It was just that sensitive information was inexplicably and rapidly sold to the most significant seeker these days… it was fatalistic and downright frightening.

…

A boy-child of five summers abandoned his finely-crafted wooden horses on the ground to chase after a colorful ball of paper that floated in the wind. He jumped and giggled even when his attempts to catch it in the air failed. Running after it he paused as the object landed on someone else’s feminine hands.

The child dressed in exquisite but plain verdant kimono brightened and yelled excitedly, “Oba-sama!*” He rushed to her and threw his small arms around her, clinging to her legs.

*Aunt

Matsuhime affectionately stroked his hair and gave him the ball. “O-Shin, do you want to come with?”

Most young children his age would be handed to the care of learned monks and educated in temples but O-Shin was still doted-on and nurtured within Takeda Shingen’s main residence. He was also closely guarded like a precious treasure and even family members were not allowed to interact much less see him. However, as Matsuhime bore the closest resemblance to O-Shin’s late mother, the boy quickly warmed up to her.

O-Shin snuggled up to her as Matsuhime nonchalantly carried him off while her female shadow escorts made sure both aunt and nephew escaped the slightest attention. The boy’s minders and guardians would certainly throw fits of panic.

…

Ujiteru looked up distractedly as he heard a brief knock and a slide of doors. He set the small decorative jar down on the table, rested the brush dipped with yellow dye on a ceramic tray and wiped his hands with a wet towel. Matsuhime stood on the doorway with a boy-child in her arms, flanked by two bowing maidservants who were too quiet and composed with an intensity that seemed off.

The craftsman rose and greeted her politely, “What can I humbly do for the Princess in this fair mid-morn?”

Since his successful mentorship, Matsuhime had dropped all pretences of reserved if not docile politesse and often entered and exited his working quarters anytime she pleased. If Ujiteru was not misinterpreting things, she treated him more like an elder friend than any respectable teacher.

“I rescued a boy from absolute boredom, isn’t that right, O-Shin?”

He nodded once.

“So here we are.” As soon as she placed him down, O-Shin’s eyes sparkled and gazed around in awe of his surroundings. Unlike most younglings his age who would have been intimidated by a male stranger and who would have hidden behind his mother’s robes, O-Shin happily and confidently walked towards him.

Ujiteru was taken aback when the boy bowed to him and declared, “I am affectionately called O-Shin. Pleased to meet you.” He said in an adorable voice then invited himself in Ujiteru’s personal space and sat beside him. O-Shin unabashedly stared Ujiteru in the eye with good-natured curiosity. He had a soft smile playing on his lips as if trying to win the craftsman’s approval.

Matsuhime could not help herself and burst out laughing. At the last moment, she remembered herself and stifled her mirth behind a wide sleeve. “My apologies but he was never shy. O-Shin easily gets attached and wins people over with his charms.”

Ujiteru could not understand the surge of emotion he felt when he touched O-Shin’s head in an awkward pat. The boy’s features softened further at the gesture. His eyelids briefly closed enjoying the attentions and his cheeks glowed.

Half-recovering, he said, “Pleased to meet you as well. I am Ujiteru.” Perhaps this boy reminded him too much of Saburo who he achingly missed still.

“He loves being caressed on the head.” Matsuhime remarked to no one in particular. “O-Shin, you may call Ujiteru-dono, Oji-san*” She then instructed the boy with an odd, steely glimmer in her eye.

*Uncle

“Oji-san,” O-Shin addressed Ujiteru before attacking him with a barrage of questions regarding the different equipment in the room, the burning kiln that might be cooking something and many more commonly asked inquiries by an overexcited child in a new environment.

Ujiteru answered everything as patiently and as uncomplicatedly as he can while the princess observed their interaction. When he could not bear her scrutiny anymore, Ujiteru excused himself from his cheerful conversation with O-Shin who instantly quieted and turned to the high lady of the household. “My Lady, if I may not be so straightforward, is this free-spirited child your son?”

Matsuhime gave him an enigmatic smile and shook her head. “I am yet to wed my betrothed, Oda Nobutada-dono. However, O-Shin is indeed a part of our family.” Her answer provoked more mystery than clarity in one’s thoughts.

Ujiteru’s eyes widened.

So that was why Matsuhime held exceptional significance to the Takeda. And like she could read his mind, elucidated, “That is right. I remain the last obstacle should Oda Nobunaga raze the Takeda to the ground. Some retainers and key advisers think that my existence could serve as a chasm between Nobunaga-dono and his eldest son. Unfortunately, not all family members believe in my relations and diplomatic skills. A certain brother of mine thinks that war is the only way to honor and glory. He directs the Takeda as if Father is long past. Kousaka Danjo does not take such behavior lightly. Forgive me, I am rather wittering nonsense.”

When Ujiteru does not answer (He is too stunned to) O-Shin seizes the opportunity and points at random things to know their names. Ujiteru’s unresponsiveness earns him a tug at the sleeve, hopefully pleading eyes, pouting lips and this time a brush of fingers on his hand. He allows the child to turn his palm and place a thin hollow wood on it. “What is this?” O-Shin asked.

Ujiteru stared at the unfinished body of a flute. Somewhere between concentration and inattentiveness he had fancied the idea of making the musical instrument he and his brothers loved so much. It did not occur to him then that he did not possess the qualifying expertise to even contemplate carving the piece. O-Shin endured his silence and ran his tiny hands on the item as if studying it. The stubborn streak perturbed Ujiteru and he suddenly found himself drawn to the child’s hands. He enveloped them on his own and tried to ignore the uncanny likeness they shared.

His ministrations had soothed O-Shin and before long made the boy drowsy. O-Shin nodded off and only after a short while curled sleepily against him. Ujiteru resisted the trusting child’s effect on him. He shook his head, bit his lip and refused to think of Saburo, of Ujimasa, of his home in Odawara…

XxXMOBXxX

“O-Shin? O-Shin!” A desperate juushin yelled worriedly over the spacious courtyard where the precious ward was last seen. He turned his fury on the maids, minders, and guardians who all failed to locate much less notice the boy’s absence. “Why has not any of you realized he is gone, YOU INCOMPETENT FOOLS?”

“Kousaka, calm down.” A man past his prime in casual clothes but who commanded authority ambled carefully towards him. “O-Shin is an inquisitive child who loves to explore places. His freedom is essential to him after being sheltered obediently for so long.”

Kousaka dashed towards him, fought with his cloak, fussed, and enveloped his lord in its warmth. “Oyakatasama, what are you doing out of bed?”

Shingen would have rolled his eyes if he had the energy to spare. “If there is one who should be put to bed, it is none other than you, Kousaka. You have worn yourself out by taking too much care of me when I am as fit as a fiddle.”

“Oyakatasama that is one terrible jest!” Kousaka exclaimed.

Shingen affectionately stroked his face to quell Kousaka’s agitation. Even to this day, it still awed subjects to witness this rare side of Shingen who did not take kindly to anyone coddling him. “According to the physician, a bit of sunshine is good for me. Why do you not escort me back to my rooms if that comforts you? O-Shin will just turn up later.” His weak whisper was for Kousaka alone, “I have my trusted shadows trained on him, have I not?”

“But of course, Oyakatasama,” Kousaka sighed in defeat. He knew the chances of them meeting were slim to none but once they did, he truly could not tell if it would be the saving grace or the downfall of the Takeda.

Matsuhime was their last resort against the Oda while O-Shin on the other hand was their ultimate weapon against the Hojo. The first and second would have been enough but the addition of a third hostage had proven to be more troublesome than beneficial.

Kousaka Danjo now contemplated if his decision at Mimasetoge** had been wise after all.

**See section recap regarding Mimasetoge within this chapter;

~TBC

Post A/N: Who says the Takeda do not have their fair number of aces against their foes? I hoped you guys liked Ujiteru’s side story. Who is O-Shin (My OC or maybe not), one wonders? Feedback would be much appreciated. Also, thank you for the dazzling reviews so far. I know this story has been longer than most fics out there and I’m glad of its survival until now. Again, thank you for the continuing support.
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400 Years Apart