Shards of Time: The Fall of Mino

I went to the kitchen to cook something for Nobunaga. I somehow managed to convince him to eat. Sato accompanied me and helped me prepare.

"Milady, I didn't know you knew how to cook." She said. Ever since the wedding, I'd have small flashbacks of my past. I remember most of my life without having any headaches. I knew how to cook because it was a necessary trait for women to have in my time period.

"What are you going to make?" She asked. I was thinking of making omurice. It's something new in this time period and I would bet all my money that Nobunaga would enjoy it.

"It's something I think the lord would enjoy." I answered Sato. I have to make the ketchup first since it didn't exist in Japan until the 1900s. Sato brought me the ripe tomatoes I requested. I cut them up into tiny pieces and boiled them in a pot with most of the ingredients that I could find. After boiling, I mashed the tomatoes into a paste as smooth as I could. Afterwards, I asked Sato to transfer it into a jar.

"What is this milady?" She asked. I told her to take a spoon and taste it. She did and she was surprised.

"I have never tasted anything like this before." She said. I giggled at her reaction.

"Did you cut up the vegetables and meat?" I asked. She nodded and I went ahead and made the fried rice. I put a few dollops of ketchup to the rice and I set it down on a plate. Now I grabbed the eggs and crack each one into a bowl. I whisked it with my chopsticks and poured it into a heated wok. I cooked the outside of the egg just enough for it to fold on itself. The insides were still runny so that when I cut it in the center, it would flow out running water. I put the egg on top of the rice and I was done. I brought it out to the dining area where Nobunaga was already waiting.

"Oh I'm glad you're already here." I said. He was with Masahide. I set the plate down in front of him. Both he and Masahide looked confused.

"What is this?" he asked. I smiled and took out a small knife. I cut open the egg on top and it spread across the rice just as I expected. The looks on their faces were priceless.

"I call it omurice. Try it." I said. I gave him a spoon and he took a bite. The look on his face was hilarious to say the least.

"What is this? I've never tasted anything as delicious as this." He said. I smiled at him and he continued to eat. I never thought I'd see the day when Nobunaga acts this childish. It's cute in a way. Wait, I shouldn't be thinking of him like that. After he ate, Masahide called him to the audience chamber for war council. I was about to head back to the Tenshu when Nobunaga told me that my presence was needed.

"Why do you still need me to attend the war council?" I asked Nobunaga while we were walking on our way to the audience chamber.

"Those people who wanted to take you are still out there. I was careless by leaving you last night." He explained. Was he feeling guilty about what happened last night? I didn't really have anything to say to him so I stayed quiet. I sat next to him on the dais when we arrived at the audience chamber.

"My lord, we have received word that Hirotada has been killed." One of the generals reported. As expected, he died soon after Nobuhide's death.

"Good." Nobunaga answered. I looked over at him and it was a sight to behold. He sat there looking magnificent and dignified; worthy to be called the daimyo. His stature alone could command his men.

"What about the boy?" Masahide asked. My ears suddenly perked up when hearing about Ieyasu.

"I have no use for him." Nobunaga answered. My blood ran cold. I instinctively grabbed Nobunaga's arm. He looked at me with a confused expression. I didn't have the strength to speak. Even though he hadn't finished what he was saying, I was positive that he'd have the boy killed. I can't let him do that; if he ends up killing Ieyasu then the future will surely change.

"Is there a problem, Nō?" Nobunaga asked. I bit my lip.

"Let the boy go back to Imagawa." I said. Everyone looked at me inquisitively.

"What is your plan?" Nobunaga demanded. I sighed before answering.

"Father had told me his plans about the boy. He would allow him to return back to Imagawa to overthrow and kill Yoshimoto. Father believed that this young boy will be helpful to us when he's able to rule over the East." I answered. What really seals the deal is having a truth inside of a lie. Nobunaga thought it over.

"How can we be sure that he will not betray us?" One of the generals asked.

"As for now, he will believe that Yoshimoto is the one who killed his father. If my lord will grant me permission, I'll be able to persuade the boy into forging an alliance with Oda when he has gained power." I said. I looked at Nobunaga with pure intent.

"I will grant you the rights to visit the boy before he is sent back. I will personally accompany you." He said. Eh? Why can't I go there myself? For the sake of Ieyasu, I agreed with his conditions. After the council, Nobunaga and I went back to the Tenshu together. I plopped on the bed as soon as we entered.

"Today was tiring." I said while I stretched my arms. Just then, Nobunaga pinned my arms above me. I looked at him and he had a playful smirk on his face.

"What are you doing?" I asked. He didn't answer but he used his other hand to touch my face.

"Tell me Nō, why are you interested in that boy?" He asked. I was surprised by his question.

"Because I believe what father said; that the boy has potential to help you in your conquest." I answered. His fingers trailed the outlines of my face. His touch was soft yet it sent small shocks to my body. He could tell that his movements affect me so.

"That's enough. We should get some rest. We'll be leaving for Mansho-ji Temple tomorrow." I said. He didn't let me go. He still had that playful smirk on his face. He lowered his face closer to mine. His breath tickled my lips.

"Why do you fear me?" He asked. His flirtatious smile was gone. He gazed into my eyes and I was at a loss for words.

"Every time I try to hold you, you cower in fear. Why is it so?" He asked. I thought I saw a glimmer of sadness in his eyes. I'm not scared of him. I just don't know how to act in front of someone who likes me.

"I'm not scared. I just don't want to get hurt." I answered.

"But I have done nothing to hurt you." He answered back. It's not that kind of hurt I'm afraid of. It's something deeper than any physical pain could ever make me feel.

"I'm tired." I said. He let go of my hands. He lay on his side of the bed. I've accepted my life here. I don't plan to go back to my own time. I have found my purpose here and it's to make sure that Nobunaga achieves his goal. I lie in bed and fell asleep.

I woke up at the crack of dawn. When I opened my eyes, I was snuggled up to Nobunaga. His arms wrapped around me. I looked up and noticed that he was still asleep. This time I won't push him away. His warmth is inviting.

"Don't get up." His voice was a bit husky. I looked up at him but his eyes were still closed. I smiled and snuggled closer to him. It's almost the winter season; the landscape of the land is slowly changing. The winds bring a colder weather to the land.

"Nō…" I looked up at Nobunaga but he was still asleep. He's calling me in his sleep. How adorable. I closed my eyes and fell back asleep.

When I woke up, Nobunaga was no longer by my side. Someone knocked on the door and I let them in. It was Sato. She brought me a coat to use for our travel later. She helped me bathe and get dressed. I asked her to pack some food and water for me to bring. We went down to the dining area for breakfast. Nobunaga was already there and I took my place next to him. After breakfast, the both of us went outside where our horses were waiting.

We mounted our horses and rode off. Mansho-ji wasn't far from the castle. I know that since I've snuck out twice to go there.

"When you talk to the boy, make it brief. It's dangerous for us stay out for too long." Nobunaga reminded me. I nodded at his reminder. We arrived at Mansho-ji Temple. I asked Nobunaga to stay outside while I talk to Ieyasu. He agreed and I went inside. When Ieyasu saw me, he came up to me and hugged me.

"Lady Nō, I've missed you." He said. I smiled at him and patted his head.

"Takechiyo, listen to me. You will be returning to Imagawa but don't forget about us." I said. He listened to every word I said.

"Remember when I told you that I have powers? I predict that you will be the one to help Oda Nobunaga in uniting Japan. But what I see isn't what you are right now. You have to grow stronger and be wiser. You're an exceptional young boy and I know you will do great things." I said. He looked at me like he was about to cry.

"Thank you for taking care of me Lady Nō. How can I repay you?" He said with tears in his eyes.

"You can repay me by helping my husband. Even if you can't do it now, you will in the future." I said. He hugged me one last time. I pulled out the food and water that I had Sato prepare and gave it to him.

"This is for your travel back. Don't forget about me, okay?" I patted his head. He nodded and smiled. I waved goodbye at him and I left the room. Nobunaga was outside waiting for me.

"Did you manage to persuade him?" He asked. I nodded and smiled.

"You don't need to worry about him. Let's go back now." I said. He nodded and we went on our way. Nobunaga looked tense. I wonder what's on his mind.

"Is there a problem?" I asked. He turned to look at me.

"I'm thinking if it's for the best to send that boy back to Imagawa." He said. I pulled the horse closer to him and I held his hand. He was surprised and he looked at me.

"Trust me. It'll be fine." I said with a smile. He didn't argue with me but all throughout our walk from Mansho-ji back to the castle, he didn't let my hand go. I looked at our entwined hands. Why does he make it a habit to tease me? I don't want to fall for him. I quickly retracted my hand from his grasp and I dismounted my horse.

Nobunaga was startled when Nō let his hand go. His gaze followed her as she dismounted the horse. She went inside the castle, not even bothering to look back. Nobunaga was confused. He didn't know why Nō would react to him like that. He was going to follow her inside but he was stopped by Masahide.

"My lord, the generals are in the audience chamber." Nobunaga had no time to deal with Nō. He went on his way to the audience chamber. Meanwhile, Nō couldn't understand why she did that. Why she acted that way towards Nobunaga.

Why is everything so complicated? She thought. She chewed on her lip while pacing the Tenshu. Nō went out to the balcony to breathe some fresh air. Still mulling over her feelings for Nobunaga; Nō decided to tell him the truth. Before she could, she planned to map out what she could remember. She ordered Sato get her paper and a brush. Sato did so and Nō proceeded to write down all the events leading to Nobunaga's death.

As she was doing so, it dawned on her about what was happening in Mino Province. She realized that her father Saitō Dōsan will die soon. A tear fell from her eye but she quickly brushed it off.

"Are you okay milady?" Sato asked. Nō shook her head and looked at Sato.

"I know you won't understand this but there's not much else I can do right now. I can only pray that my father will not have to suffer anymore." With a shaky voice, Nō said to Sato. Sato was confused and scared at the same time. She didn't understand her master's plights.

"Milady, what's going on? I do not understand you." Sato said. Nō shook her head and smiled at her.

"You'll know soon enough." Nō said. Not wanting to pry into her master's business, Sato kept quiet. After Nō was finished writing, one of the servants came up to the Tenshu.

"Milady, your presence is requested at the audience chamber. The lord said it with utmost urgency." He said. Nō knew what it was about. She nodded and went down to the audience chamber. When she entered, all eyes were on her. She calmly took her place next to Nobunaga.

"Lady Nō, we have received word that there is a battle in Mino. Your father requested aid from the Oda forces." One of the generals said. Nō remained calm at the news. She had already anticipated this report.

"The battle is led by Saitō Yoshitatsu." Masahide said. Nobunaga looked at me.

"He's the adoptive son of my father. I'm not very close to him." I stated. They all looked at each other. They must've sensed the indifference in my voice.

"I've sent a group of soldiers to aid your father." Nobunaga said. It doesn't matter if you send them. My father's already dead by now.

"Ask them to retreat. They won't make it to Mino on time. It's too late." I said. Thank you Dōsan for treating me as your daughter. Don't worry; I'll take back Mino for you. The room fell silent. The generals looked at me with disbelief. Nobunaga reached out for me but I stood up in haste.

"Let me tell you this. The moment you received the news of the battle, my father had already fallen. As of now, Mino is under a new daimyo. But he won't last long. I suggest you plan ahead." I said as I opened the door and left. My plan to tell Nobunaga about my past has changed. I'm afraid if he knows, he will do everything to change it. I just have to stay by his side and force him to make the right decisions.

I went back up to the Tenshu to grab the pieces of paper that I wrote on. I went down to the courtyard and asked Sato to bring fire starters. She brought a piece of flint and steel. I set the papers on fire and watched them burn.

"Why did you burn them milady?" Asked Sato.

"It'll be dangerous if people find out what I wrote." I answered. Sato didn't answer. As the fire died down, Sato went inside while I stayed outside. By this time, Nobunaga should already have an heir. But I distinctly remember that Nōhime was infertile. So does that mean I cannot bear children? Well, I wouldn't know until I've tried.

"Milady, you might catch a cold if you stay out here for too long." I heard a voice behind me. When I turned to look, it was Masahide.

"Oh Masahide, it's you. Is the council over?" I asked. He nodded at me.

"Yes milady." He answered.

"You seemed to be troubled milady." He said. He's noticed too.

"There are things I wish for people like you to know but it would cost me a great consequence if I were to tell you. It troubles me." I said. Masahide didn't say anything. We were quiet for a while before I decided to head back inside.