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writingwhimsey · 3 years ago

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The Tiger and The Oda Princess Ch. 6

Chapter 6

The next morning came and we were woken up with breakfast sent to our room. The food had been cooked by Masamune, so it was absolutely delicious. After eating, we were ready to depart the inn. I was surprised when I didn't encounter any of the Azuchi warlords on our way out. I felt a bit saddened as I thought I would get to see them before we headed home.

The disappointment I felt washed away as soon as we walked out the door of the inn. They were all there, waiting. "You didn't really think we were going to leave without saying bye? Did you lass?" Masamune asked, smiling at me.

"Well...maybe a little." I replied.

"I'll go get the horse and give you a moment." Shingen said, pulling me in for a hug and kissing the top of my head. He was then walking off to help Yukimura, Asuna, and Sasuke with the horses.

"I'm glad I get to see you all again before I go back home." I said, smiling at them.

"Of course we were going to see you off." Hideyoshi said.

"And I have a present for your trip back." Masamune said, handing me a package.

I opened and peeked in to see an array for snacks both sweet and savory.

"Gotta make sure you're eating well, since you're eating for two now." Masamune said.

"Yes and get plenty of rest." Hideyoshi said. "I hope you're taking plenty of breaks on your ride."

"We are." I replied.

"Here." Ieyasu said, handing me something.

"What's this?" I asked.

"It's a medicine. I found an apothecary here who was able to give me the herbs I needed." He answered. "It's preventative. It will help keep you from getting a cold during the winter. It's very important you stay healthy."

I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. Even though I was married to someone they considered an enemy and carrying his child, they were still showing me so much kindness and care. "Thank you guys!" I said, bowing.

"Hey cut it out with that formal stuff." Hideyoshi said before pulling me into a hug.

The next thing I knew, I was in the middle of a group hug once again. I let out a giggle. "Guys...be careful don't squish the baby, okay?" I said.

"Oh...right." Hideyoshi said, releasing me. The others followed suit.

"Take care, Ava." Mitsuhide said.

"Ava..." Nobunaga said, his voice cutting over everything else.

I looked up at him. "Yes?"

"See that you take care of yourself." He said. "You are still my lucky charm."

It used to annoy me whenever he called me his lucky charm, but now I understood it was his way of saying he cared about me. "You take care too...all of you."

It was then Shingen was returning, leading our horse. Yukimura, Asuna, and Sasuke were with him. "Are you ready to go home, Ava?" He asked.

"Yes." I answered smiling at him. I turned to my friends once again. "Thank you for coming to see me and for the gifts...that reminds me thank you for the fabrics and food you sent for the wedding. I'll see you guys later."

"Be sure you let us see you again before the baby is born." Masamune teased.

"Yes, I would love to see you waddling about." Mitsuhide teased.

I rolled my eyes. "You know we were having a sweet moment, but then you had to go and ruin it." I waved to them all before heading over to Shingen.

Shingen helped me up on his black steed before mounting up behind me, wrapping me securely in his arms. I couldn't help but to look up at him and smile. "Thank you, Shingen." I told him. I was then wrapping my arms around his waist hugging him. "You're the best."

I felt Shingen wrap his arms around me in response. He then kissed my forehead. "You give me far too much credit, my princess."

I shook my head. "I will hear no arguments. You, Shingen, are the best husband a woman could ever ask for."

"Only because you, Ava, are the best wife anyone could ever ask for." He replied.

We were then sharing a brief kiss before heading off. I had figured that my friends had already started their journey back to Azuchi, but I didn't realize they were still there and they had been watching us.

The Azuchi warlords...

"He could at least not rub it in our faces." Hideyoshi said with a sigh.

"Even though it's him...at least she seems happy." Masamune said.

The group began to ride off, back toward Azuchi. Nobunaga stayed back a moment, Ieyasu with him. "Why do you never say anything to her?" Ieyasu asked.

"Say anything to her about what?" Nobunaga asked.

"You love her."

"I do not know what you are talking about." Nobunaga replied. "Besides, even if I felt the way you claim, it would do no good to tell her. She would never look at me the same way she does him."

Ieyasu sighed. "It is not like you to easily give up on anything you really want."

"Who said I really wanted her?" Nobunaga replied. "Or that I was giving up if I did."

Ieyasu looked at him confused. "What..."

"It is nothing." Nobunaga replied, before urging his horse forward.

Ieyasu sighed. "Everything is such a pain." He then looked in the direction Ava had gone. "Take care, Ava." He said before taking off as well.

Ava...

We were about an hour and a half outside of Kai, when Asuna declared it was break time. We stopped to rest for a bit, stretching our legs. There was a rustling in the leaves, but it didn't seem like a small animal.

Shingen instantly pulled me behind him, taking a protective stance in front of me. His hand went to rest on the hilt of his sword.

Yukimura and Sasuke took up fighting stances as well. Asuna moved to stand beside me. Though she held no weapon, something told me she was being just as protective as the others.

"Well ,look what we have here." A deep voice said, as men began to step out of the trees and bushes. It was a group of abut seven men, all in rough clothing. "Just give us your money and we'll let you go."

"Hey boss, there's two women, too." One man pointed out.

The apparent leader of the group of bandits lifted his hand to his chin and eyes Asuna and me. "Yeah, real lookers, too. Bet they'd fetch us a pretty penny."

"You won't be getting near them." Shingen declared, his voice deadly, as he drew his sword.

"If you guys had any brains at all you'd just back away now." Yukimura added.

"You have a zero percent chance of winning." Sasuke agreed.

"So, you want to do this the hard way then?" The leader asked. "Well, we have been itching for a good fight."

The group was then surrounding us. Shingen, Yukimura, Sasuke, and Asuna formed a protective circle around me. I looked over at Asuna and saw her pulling out some long needles and holding them between her fingers.

I couldn't ask anything before the fight started. The bandits converged on us, but were quickly taken down. It was over almost as quickly as it started, but my heart was still racing. Shingen was putting away his sword and placing an arm around me. "Are you alright, Ava?" He asked me.

"Yeah." I answered. "Thanks to all of you."

"Any cramping or anything?" Asuna asked me.

I shook my head. "No, everything is fine...my heart is racing still, but that's all."

Once everyone was sure everything was okay, we were mounting back up and heading back to Kai. When we arrived Asuna insisted on taking me for an exam to be sure everything was fine. Since it was just her and I in the room, I felt like asking her what I wanted to when we were attacked, but I wasn't sure how to begin.

"Go ahead and ask." Asuna said, after finishing her exam.

"You're not just a midwife are you?" I asked her.

"You would be correct." She answered. "I am part of Lord Shingen's Mitsumono."

"So you fight?"

"Only when needed. Mostly I gather information." She answered.

"I'm guessing both your midwife skills and your fighting skills are why Shingen asked you to come." I said.

"While he hasn't said, I think I tend to agree with you there." Asuna replied. "I really am a good midwife. I haven't lost a mother or child."

I looked at her in surprise. "That's...actually reassuring. I guess I forgot that many women die in child birth...here."

Asuna looked at me, her eyes questioning. "You know, there's something very different about you...and Sasuke, too. I know you guys both come from the same place, but if you're still from this country how can it be so different? And why does it sound like you're wanting to say something else instead of referring to a place?"

I bit my lower lip and looked at her. I liked Asuna and she had just shared her secret with me. Could I share mine with her? And why did I want to? Before I could answer, Shingen was coming in the room. "So, how is everything?" He asked. "And why do I get the feeling I just walked in on a very serious conversation?"

"Everything is fine." Asuna said. "I believe both Ava and the baby are fine. And now we were just chatting getting to know each other."

Shingen looked at me. "So, you know Asuna is one of my Mitsumono?"

I nodded. "Yeah, it wasn't too hard to guess after what happened on our way back."

"Are you...upset at all?" Shingen asked, coming to kneel down beside me.

I shook my head. "No. I assume you just wanted to add an extra layer of protection for me. I couldn't get mad at you for that."

Shingen let out a sigh of relief. "I still feel like there is some tension, though."

"I was just asking Ava about her hometown." Asuna answered.

"Oh...I see." Shingen said.

"Do you think we should tell her?" I asked.

"I think it would be alright." Shingen agreed.

"What is it?" Asuna asked.

I took a deep breath. "I know that this is going to sound crazy and hard to believe, but every word of it is true." I began. "I am...not from this time. I come from five hundred years in the future."

"What?" Asuna asked. She was then looking between me and Shingen. "You guys are playing a joke on me right? Teasing me because you think I've gone too far in asking?"

Shingen shook his head. "No, everything Ava says is the truth. For one thing she really doesn't have it in her to lie."

"I really don't." I agreed.

"And I have seen it myself." Shingen said.

"Wait? What? How?"

"I am sure Yuki has told you about Ava having saved me?" Shingen asked Asuna.

She nodded. "Yeah, but I still don't..."

"In my time medical technology has come a long long way. We've eradicated many illnesses and people tend to live very long healthy lives." I began to explain. "When I finally found out about Shingen's illness, I told him the truth about me and suggested he come back with me and we could get him cured."

"That's...that's just crazy." Asuna said.

"But it's all true." Shingen said. "I am here now because of Ava and time travel. And the future is also very peaceful. No constant state of war and turmoil."

Asuna looked at me. "That...that would explain a lot." She finally admitted. "But now...I have so many questions...so wait what you said earlier about forgetting that women often die in childbirth here...you meant in this time? But that's not something that happens in your time?"

"It can still happen." I answered. "But not as often. Most complications are monitored and easily treated."

"I see." Asuna replied. "Who all knows about this?"

"Outside of those in this room, Yuki and Kenshin." Shingen answered.

"It makes sense that you would have told them especially before leaving." Asuna replied. She then fired off more questions and I did my best to answer.

"You have taken this news surprisingly well." I said, when she had finished with her questions.

"Well, as Lord Shingen said, you're a terrible liar." Asuna replied, looking at me with a smile. "But I've also known about his illness for a long time and I can see with my own eyes that he is perfectly healthy. That is something that is just not possible with the medical practices we currently have. And also why would you both lie to me about this?"

We stayed and chatted for a while longer before Asuna ordered me to get some rest. "And when I say rest I mean it. Nothing too strenuous." Her voice was stern as she looked at me and Shingen.

"For how long?" I asked, unable to hide the disappointment in my voice. "I feel fine and it's not like anything happened to me. You all protected me and kept me safe."

"Just a couple of days. Though nothing happened to you, it was still stressful and the journey though small, still a bit of a ride. You need your rest." Asuna said. She then turned her stern gaze to Shingen. "And I mean it. You had better let her rest."

"I will make sure my precious wife gets well rested." Shingen said, wrapping one arm around my waist and then the other going back behind my knees, effectively sweeping me off of my feet and into his arms. "And I will start by saving you the trouble of walking, my princess."

Asuna rolled her eyes. "I can tell I am going to have my hands full with you two."

The next few weeks passed by. Winter had taken its hold and the world was blanketed in a canvas of crystal white snow. Fires were kept lit in the various hearths of the palace, keeping everyone warm. I had sewn many warm kimonos, hakamas, and haoris for the people of Kai.

My appetite was back in full force and the morning sickness completely gone. My belly had also gained a gentle swell, the sweetest little baby bump. My days were spent working on more sewing projects. I made clothing and blankets for the people, but I also worked on some more personal projects.

I had started to make some different baby clothes and blankets as well as making some kimono and obis that would fit me better as my belly grew. Asuna worked with Otsuna to make sure I was eating a balanced diet and getting the proper amount of exercise, but not overworking myself either.

Asuna also kept me company while I sewed and she would ask me more questions about the future and what it was like and what my life there had been like. We had quickly become friends and I was glad of that.

I was currently sitting in the room I shared with Shingen, wrapped in layers and working by the fire, sewing another piece for the baby. Shingen came in carrying a tray of food and tea. "I thought we might enjoy a snack together." He announced as he came to sit beside me.

"That sounds lovely." I agreed. "I was just craving some sweet dumplings."

"Then it is a good thing that I brought exactly that." He said.

I reached over and took a skewer. "I think this baby has your sweet tooth, Shingen. I crave nothing but sweets."

Shingen smiled. "Well, she has to get something from me since everything else she'll get from her mother."

"I hope you're not disappointed if it's a boy."

"I could never be disappointed." Shingen replied. "The most important thing is that you and our baby are both healthy."

"It is nice though hearing you say you want a girl." I said. "Most men are obsessed with having a son to carry on the family name and all."

"That doesn't matter to me," Shingen said. "All I want is to have a family."

I smiled at him. "That's all I want, too."

He looked at me lovingly, his eyes wandering down to my belly. "And you look just as adorable as I imagined." He said, practically cooing over me. He was then pulling me into his lap and hugging my back to his front. He nuzzled my hair, eliciting a giggle from me.

"I don't know about that..."

"You're just too sweet and precious with this little life growing inside of you." He said.

"A life we created together." I added. "In our love."

Shingen smiled at me and kissed my cheek. He rested his hands lovingly over my belly. "Yes, you little one are our most precious life and we love you so much." He said, speaking to our baby growing in my belly.

I couldn't help but to gush over him. "I love it when you do that."

"Do what?"

"Talk to our baby...it's the sweetest most adorable thing."

"Not nearly as sweet and adorable as you." He said, kissing me on the cheek.

I leaned into his embrace, resting my head on his strong broad chest.

"So, what have you been working on this time?" Shingen asked.

"Just some more baby clothes. We will have the most fashionable baby in all of Japan."

Shingen chuckled. "I think our baby's wardrobe will be bigger than yours."

"Babies are quite messy and require several outfit changes throughout the course of a single day." I said.

"Very true." Shingen agreed.

There was a knock on our door then. "Pardon me my lord, my lady." A vassal called from the other side.

"Come in." Shingen called.

The vassal came in and bowed. "Lord Yoshimoto has arrived."

"Thank you, we will be there to greet him in a moment." Shingen said.

The vassal bowed and left the room. I had almost forgotten that Yoshimoto, a distant cousin of Shingen's, was going to be coming to stay with us. At least for a time he would be. Shingen hoped to get him to join him in the coalition he was wanting to form to try hold those in power accountable.

I was happy that he had taken that idea from his time in the future with us and was wanting to use it. "Are you ready to go greet Yoshimoto, my princess?" Shingen asked me.

"Yes." I replied.

Shingen stood up and helped me to my feet. He then took my hand as we walked from our room to the main hall where Yoshimoto was waiting for us. As we approached, I could hear the voices of the maids of the castle.

"It's so wonderful to welcome you to the castle, Lord Yoshimoto."

"Is there anything we can get for you?"

I looked at Shingen. "They sound a little extra...eager to please than usual." I observed.

Shingen sighed. "It is what seems to happen to every woman who sees my cousin."

"So what you're saying is being a lady's man runs in your family?" I teased.

"I am only one lady's man." Shingen replied, bringing our joined hands to his lips and placing a gentle kiss on the back of mine.

We walked into the main hall together. All I saw was a circle of maids gathered around someone who I could only assume was Yoshimoto.

"Thank you ladies, but I do not need anything." A gentle male voice answered.

"Are you sure?"

"We'd be more than happy to get you anything you need."

Just then Otsuna came in. "Alright girls, come on there's work to be done." She declared and was practically dragging out the younger maids.

When they finally cleared, I could finally see Yoshimoto and to be honest, I could see what the maids were fussing about. If I weren't a happily married woman (especially with a husband who had the body of a Chip n Dale's dancer), I would have probably been swooning as well. Yoshimoto was indeed an attractive man. He had dark hair and beautiful golden eyes. He had gentle features, but I could tell even beneath his layers that he had a fine musculature from fighting and training.

"I see you still have the ability to work the maids up as usual." Shingen said, his voice teasing.

Yoshimoto looked up. "You know I don't do any of it intentionally." He replied. 'Unlike someone else I know." He was then eyeing Shingen meaningfully.

I had to suppress a giggle, remembering the flirt Shingen used to be. Of course he was still a flirt but only with me.

Shingen coughed awkwardly. "You will find that I am a different man now." He said. "Speaking of, let me introduce you, Yoshimoto, this beautiful goddess at my side, is my wife, Ava."

I felt myself blushing at Shingen's words. Of course, I was also smiling. That was the first time Shingen had introduced me to anyone as his wife and I have to say, the feeling was amazing. I recovered from my blissful feeling and bowed to Yoshimoto. "It's nice to meet you, Yoshimoto." I greeted.

"It is truly an honor to meet you, as well, Ava." Yoshimoto replied. He was then looking at Shingen. "I know in your letters you wrote to me, you said you had gotten married, but I found it hard to believe."

"Hey now...I....well I guess I really can't fault you there." Shingen admitted, his own cheeks reddening.

I couldn't contain my giggles now.

Shingen looked at me. "Why are you laughing?"

I smiled up at him. "Hey, I remember what a flirt you used to be. I remember several lines you used on me, in fact."

"It may have started out as just flirting, but my words of your beauty were always genuine." Shingen replied. "And clearly what I told you worked, otherwise you wouldn't be here with me now."

"Or perhaps I am here precisely because they didn't work." I quipped, unable to keep the smirk from my face.

"I...you..." Shingen stammered.

"Haha!" Yoshimoto laughed, clearly amused. His smile then gentled, but remained somewhat teasing. "No wonder you're the one Ava. I don't think I've ever seen anyone make my cousin speechless before."

I smiled and felt my face flush. "It doesn't happen that often."

"I'd say it happens more often than Shingen would care to admit." Yoshimoto said. "But it's good for him. I can see how much you two love each other...and that is truly a beautiful thing. Just as you are, with that radiant glow only an expectant mother can have."

I smiled as my hand went to my baby bump. My cheeks reddened ever so slightly.

"Hey, stop flirting with my wife." Shingen said, his tone teasing.

"You know me, I am a lover of all art and beauty." Yoshimoto replied. "And a woman is never more beautiful than when she is full of the special glow that comes from carrying another life."

Shingen wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me closer. He was about to say something when Asuna was walking into the room. "Sorry to interrupt, but Ava the seamstresses are all almost ready to head out into the market place." She said.

"Oh, that's right that was today." I said, having forgotten that I was supposed to go out shopping with the other seamstresses.

Shingen smiled warmly at me. "Don't worry, you go and enjoy yourself."

"Alright." I replied. I turned to Yoshimoto. "It was nice meeting you. I'm sure I will see you later."

"You as well." Yoshimoto agreed, returning my smile.

I felt Shingen's fingers beneath my chin, he was pulling my gaze back to his. "Be safe my princess, I love you." He said, before placing a gentle kiss on my lips.

I smiled, feeling my face redden since we had an audience. Though I could never be unhappy. I loved how openly Shingen showed me his affection. "I love you, too."

"Ugh, you guys are too much." Asuna said, coming over and taking me by the arm and pulling me away. "Don't worry my lord, I will keep her safe and make sure she doesn't slip or anything." She was then dragging me out of the room.

I dressed warmly before heading out to the market with Asuna and the seamstresses. As we walked around, looking at the new fabrics that had come in, my stomach let out a growl. Asuna pulled out some snacks that she had packed and handed them to me.

"Thanks." I said.

"I have to make sure you're eating properly." She said, smiling at me.

We spent the rest of the afternoon browsing and picking out plenty of more fabrics. Asuna kept me supplied with snacks, but she also kept me from eating too many sweets. She was starting to crack down on how many I ate.

Shingen and Yoshimoto...

Shingen had explained his plan and how it would work. "So, what do you say?" He asked.

"It sounds like a great idea." Yoshimoto replied. "And like a lot of hard work. Though I don't see how I can be much help."

"I know plenty of people who would still listen to you. You still hold sway even if you don't see it. Your men are still with you for a reason." Shingen replied.

"My displaced clan..."

"You and your men are all welcome to stay in Kai...whether you join me or not." Shingen replied.

"I will consider your plan." Yoshimoto replied, sipping tea which Otsuna had brought them.

"I hope you agree." Shingen replied. "It would mean a lot to have your support in this."

"Obviously you would be leading this coalition, as you called it, but what about your health?" Yoshimoto asked. "The last I knew..."

"I am cured." Shingen replied, cutting off his cousin before he could finish.

"But how?" Yoshimoto asked.

"By Ava and her love of course." Shingen answered. He knew his cousin would have a hard time accepting the full story, but he could get that part out.

"I don't see how that's possible." Yoshimoto replied. "But then again, I can see you are clearly much healthier than you have ever been...and you're finally settled down and starting a family. You clearly must be healthy...and Ava must truly be extraordinary. She did get you to stop flirting with every woman that breathes."

"You admire beautiful art and I have always admired beautiful women...though now I only admire the one." Shingen said. "You clearly have no room to speak."

Yoshimoto laughed. Before he could reply, Yukimura was coming into the room. "Our other guests have arrived." He announced as Kenshin and Sasuke followed behind him.

"Now it's a party." Shingen said.

"Only if there's sake." Kenshin remarked. "I can't believe I've let you talk me into joining this...coalition of yours."

"I am glad you could make it and that you agreed." Shingen said as Kenshin sat down.

"So, where is my sake?" Kenshin asked.

"You drink as much as ever." Yoshimoto said, smiling at Kenshin.

"He might be worse now." Sasuke replied. "It is good to see you again, Lord Yoshimoto."

Yoshimoto smiled. "You as well Sasuke."

Just then Otsuna was returning with more tea. "Here you are my lords." She said, bowing before turning to leave.

"Wait...what is this?" Kenshin asked. "Where is the sake?"

"We aren't keeping much in the castle. Only enough for the banquet tonight." Otsuna replied.

Kenshin turned to Shingen. "What kind of trickery is this?" He asked. "Why is there no sake?"

"Ava isn't able to drink while pregnant and I've been trying to be supportive and not drink it as well. So we haven't been buying as much. Only keeping it around for the vassals and special occasions." Shingen explained.

"I have never heard of anything so idiotic in my life." Kenshin replied, grumpily snatching up his tea and drinking it begrudgingly.

"So, you've joined this coalition, Kenshin?" Yoshimoto asked, surprised.

"Yes...returning to fighting with Shingen would be no fun. He is not the same." Kenshin replied, giving his excuse, though Yoshimoto could see the truth in his eyes. Kenshin actually considered Shingen a friend and wanted to continue the alliance.

The group talked a bit more before it was time for the banquet to start.

Ava...

I returned home with just enough time to get cleaned up and head to the banquet. I walked to the main hall with Asuna. "Do you think Lord Yoshimoto will have joined Lord Shingen?" She asked me.

"I don't know." I answered. "I hope so though. I think it would mean a lot to Shingen if Yoshimoto joined him."

We were soon walking into the main hall, where the others were already seated. I was surprised to see Sasuke and Kenshin sitting with Shingen, Yukimura, and Yoshimoto. "There's my beautiful wife." Shingen said, looking up at me as soon as we walked in the room.

I smiled, my cheeks reddening.

"Do you ever stop?" Asuna said, rolling her eyes.

"I don't think he does, but that's all okay by me." I said, smiling. I was then walking over to take the empty seat beside him. I turned to Kenshin and Sasuke. "I'm glad to see you guys here."

Asuna took the only other empty seat which was beside Yukimura. Somehow I got the feeling that Shingen did that on purpose.

"Glad to be here." Sasuke said, a small smile on his face. "I'm also glad to see you're looking well. You're glowing."

"I think you mean growing." Yukimura said. "Now that the belly has started, it seems to keep growing. I think that means it's twins."

I glared at Yukimura. "Didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to comment on a lady's weight?" I replied. "Also the next person to suggest that I am having twins is getting a dumpling to the face."

Asuna was then reaching up and smacking Yukimura in the back of the head. "You're such an idiot." She said.

"Ow." Yukimura yelped. "If I didn't know any better I'd think you were actually trying to hurt me."

"Oh, then next time I won't try I'll just do it." Asuna replied.

"You don't want twins?" Yoshimoto asked me.

"Childbirth scares me enough as it is with one baby." I replied. "Let alone two."

"Don't worry Ava, I have been working on some medicines that help with the pain." Asuna assured me.

"Well, I appreciate that." I said, but I still knew that nothing in this time period would come close to what was available in my original time.

Shingen put an arm around me. He then gave me a gentle reassuring squeeze and kissed the top of my head. "Don't listen to Yuki. You're absolutely beautiful. And twin wouldn't be so terrible."

I laughed and shook my head. I then leaned into Shingen. "Maybe not." I agreed. "I'd still prefer one at a time, though."

There was more talking and joking. Kenshin was given a steady supply of sake and pickled plums. I had finished eating the food on my tray, but was still hungry. As if reading my mind, Shingen lifted a sweet bun from his tray and held it up to my lips.

I looked up at him. "I couldn't take from your tray..." I began to protest.

"Ava, I can see the look in your eyes. You want more, have it." He replied. "Besides, I love sharing with my two loves."

I couldn't help but to smile. "Well, when you put it like that..." I was then opening my mouth to the offered sweet treat.

"That was your last one." Asuna said, she was then pushing a plate of vegetables towards me. "No more sweets for you. Too many is bad for the baby."

"But I swear that's all this baby wants to eat." I replied. "That's all I crave."

"I don't care. Too much sugar is bad for your health and for the baby's." Asuna said. "So if you're still hungry, then you better eat those steamed veggies."

Shingen leaned over and whispered to me. "Don't worry I'll keep sneaking you sweets."

"I heard that Lord Shingen and you will not." Asuna replied.

"You know maybe it would be easier for Ava if you would cut back on the sweets, too, Lord Shingen." Yukimura added.

Kenshin was laughing then. "Haha...I don't see how that can happen! He's already given up all other women, now sake. I doubt he can give up sweets!"

"It really would be beneficial to you both if you cut back." Asuna said.

Shingen's eyes widened.

I had to laugh, too. "It's alright Shingen. I won't ask you to give up sweets for me." I told him.

"Even you don't think I can do it?" Shingen asked. "It will be a challenge, but I can do anything for you and our baby."

"I am looking forward to this." Yoshimoto said. "He's had that sweet tooth since we were very young."

"Well, now I have to do it." Shingen said, pushing his tray, which was piled high with sweets, away. "I have to prove to all of you that I can cut back."

"Uh-huh." Yukimura said skeptically.

"I can do it." Shingen replied. "It just means I'll be having to give my princess more kisses, though." He was then pulling me close and gently kissing my lips.

I smiled up at Shingen. "Not that I am complaining, but how does kissing me more have to do with you cutting back on sweets?"

"Because there is nothing sweeter than you." He answered. "Whenever I am craving something sweet I will just have to steal a kiss."

I could hear the eye rolls from Yukimura and Asuna. There was a disgusted sigh from Kenshin. Sasuke let out an awkward cough and averted his gaze. Yoshimoto was actually giving us a warm smile.

The party went on for a while longer before we were all finally calling it a night. Shingen and I walked back to our room, hand in hand. "You know, you really don't have to give up the sweets for me." I told him as we walked.

"Does that mean you don't want more kisses?" Shingen asked.

"I will never say no to more of your kisses, Shingen." I replied. "I know how much you love sweets. I'd hate for you to give up something you love that much just for my sake. I can be a grown up and watch what I eat. Especially if it's for the baby."

Shingen was then stopping and pulling me into his arms. He lifted a hand to cup my cheek. "I can't let you be the only one to give up things for our baby." He told me, his thumb caressing my cheek. "I helped make this baby, so I can give up a few things to help make it easier on you."

"Shingen..." I replied, my breath catching at his sweet words and his touch.

Our lips were soon meeting in a sweet kiss. Shingen broke the kiss after a few moments. "Unless you can think of any other objections, then I will be cutting back on my sweets as well."

"I do have one other reason." I replied.

"And what's that?" Shingen asked.

"It's a bit of a selfish one...but if you cut back then who will sneak me sweets when Asuna isn't watching?"

Shingen laughed. "We'll sneak them together then."

"I like the sound of that."

Shingen smiled, is thumb now tracing over my lips. "Now that that's settled, I have another sweet treat in mind." He told me, his voice low and seductive.

I was drawn in by the magic that was Shingen and his seductive voice. I leaned in and stretched up, my lips meeting his. Our kiss quickly deepened, my lips parting to let his tongue inside to tangle with mine. By the time the kiss was over, I was only standing because Shingen's arms were still around me.

He smiled at me as he scooped me up into his arms. "I'm glad to see that I can still make you weak in the knees."

I wrapped my arms around his neck. "I don't think you'll ever not be able to do that to me."

We shared another deep kiss and then Shingen carried me to our bedroom where he made love to me.

Chapter 7 down here!

https://writingwhimsey.tumblr.com/post/656173331966541824/the-tiger-and-the-oda-princess-ch7

#ikesen shingen #ikesen #fanfic #chapter 6

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recentanimenews · 4 years ago

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FEATURE SERIES: My Favorite One Piece Arc with Steve Yurko

I love One Piece and I love talking to people who love One Piece. And with the series going on 23 years now, there is a whole lot to talk about. As the series is about to publish its 1000th chapter, a true feat in and of itself, we thought we should reflect upon the high-seas adventure and sit down with some notable names in the One Piece fan community and chat about the arcs they found to be especially important, or just ones they really, really liked.

Welcome to the next article in the series "My Favorite One Piece Arc!"

My next guest in this series is Steve Yurko, co-host of The One Piece Podcast, a podcast with a subject you can probably guess. He's also a former storyboard artist for Rick & Morty and is currently working for Netflix Animation. As a ride-or-die Sanji fan, Steve chose the Baratie Arc, where Luffy and the gang run into an East Blue restaurant with a cool chef that loves to cook and kick.

A note on spoilers: If you haven't seen the Baratie arc yet, this interview does contain major plot points. Watch the Arlong Park arc starting RIGHT HERE if you'd like to catch up or rewatch!

Dan Dockery: So a friend tells you, "I'm done with the Syrup Village arc and I'm not sure if I want to watch this next one. I think I might be tapped out on this whole One Piece thing. In one sentence, how do you get them to stay and watch the Baratie arc?

Steve Yurko: The Baratie arc laid down the foundation and created the formula of the One Piece arc as we know it.

That's pretty good!

Yeah, I’d say that, when I first started it, One Piece was my third favorite. I was more of a fan of series like Shaman King and Naruto, but after Baratie, things shifted. It was a turning point for me. I would hope that it would do the same for anyone who’s, say, previously apathetic towards the series.

How old were you when you first read it? Or watched it?

It feels weird to say this, but my introduction to One Piece was Chapter 1. Like Dragon Ball Z, the first episode I can remember watching was, like, Yamcha training on King Kai’s planet, and I’d get Goku and Yamcha confused and stuff, because I had just dived in. So for me to start a story like One Piece from the beginning is kind of rare. I was 15, I think.

So, we're jumping into Baratie, and we first see the guy with the brass knuckles, Fullbody. He's trying to act cool on a date and he's being mean to everyone else. And then we have Sanji being typical Cool Sanji and Fullbody acts up and Sanji just tears through him. How did you react? Did you know immediately that you'd like this waiter?

Well, I don't want to alarm you here, but my first thought was “Sanji’s cool!” I’d seen images of him before, and I saw his black suit and blond hair and I figured, “Oh, another crew member, probably. Looks distinct enough.” So I often have to look back and wonder “Did I like him because of his edgy coolness?” but I think now it’s because there were more layers to him. Like, he definitely stands out from the other Straw Hats, but he also has this distinct fighting style with cool reasoning. He’s a cook and he doesn’t want to bust up his hands trying to punch people in the face, so he uses his feet. So, he does like these cool capoeira kicks, which only gets better as they go along because I feel like so many anime characters, the stronger they get, the more they start to fight the same with fast volleys of punches and laser blasts. So Sanji’s kicks are a great way to differentiate himself from the main cast and other anime heroes.

So, then we have Luffy, he shows up by damaging the Baratie. Enter: Zeff. Full disclosure: In my infinite naivete when I first watched One Piece, I thought Zeff was going to be the new crew member. And then I thought Gin was going to join the Straw Hat crew. And then when Sanji finally joined, I was like, "This guy? Really? Dark horse candidate over here."

You didn’t know yet?

I guess I hadn't watched the first ED yet — when the crew slowly shows up and stands beside one another.

You saw Usopp’s silhouette appear and thought, “Eh, I’ve seen enough.”

"That must be all of them."

It happens.

So, you meet Zeff, and you learn about Sanji and Zeff's relationship, and we get a big One Piece flashback. What do you think of that? Because it would become a staple of the series to kinda pause, see what happened to an important guy, and then come back.

Such an incredible story and so gruesome and terrifying. Sanji’s original flashback is so underrated because it could happen to anyone! Like, you’d have to go out of your way to get stranded on an island, but going days and weeks without food or any real comfort? I think people underestimate how traumatizing that would be. And then Zeff losing his leg because he hacked it off for food, it’s brutal. Just thinkin’ about that, I feel it in my shins. Because that almost happened to me with a minor injury. I let a minor injury get infected, and I could’ve been close to losing a leg.

Wait, what? Gahd.

I was doing box jumps at a gym, and my shin hit the corner of this wooden crate.

Yeah, those things have no give in them.

Absolutely. And at the time, I thought it was just this dark spot on my shin. And I figured it was, ya know a bruise. So I let it be. And then I picked at the scab and I realized “Wow, that’s a little deeper than I thought. I guess I’ll go to the doctor if it gets worse.” And I kept going to the gym, wearing pants over like this open wound. And my left leg is so swollen. So I went to two different doctors, as the first one did tests and then sent me to another one. And when this doctor saw me, the look on her face said “Oh, this is bad.” So I laughed out loud about how dumb I was and the doctor turned to me and said “This isn’t funny. This IS SERIOUS.” It had gotten infected with bacteria and it was spreading, and she just took a sharpie and drew around the infected area, and gave me antibiotics and was like “You have to keep this elevated, and if the redness goes outside of this line, go to the hospital.” But luckily, I recovered, even though the doctors were like “Honestly, we thought you’d go to the hospital.” So when Zeff severs his foot with a rock, how does anyone not feel that?

Do you think that's one of the reasons Luffy is fascinated by Sanji at first? His mentor, Shanks, lost his arm and was cool about it. Zeff lost his leg and was cool about it. Basically twins.

That’d be an interesting conversation that we never got to see. Just two dudes talking about how weird it is that both their father figures did that, with only Luffy thinking it’s cool.

Don Krieg's ship gets blown in half by an incomprehensibly cool character, Mihawk, the first Warlord to appear in the show. You see Mihawk arrive — what is your reaction to him? Because it's not a case of "The villain of the villain is my friend," but rather "Oh, he did that to the villain? I hope he does not do that to us, as that would suck."

It’s almost like the good guys meeting the bad guys, and then a tornado comes in. But here’s the thing: I missed the issue of Jump where Zoro fought Mihawk. So I assumed that Zoro had just won. The greatest swordsman in the world shows up and Zoro beats him. Boom. The climax of his character arc has been achieved. Nothing left for Zoro.

He just did it.

I didn’t find out until so much later that Zoro lost. I wasn’t quite aware of what made for a captivating story yet. At that time, an obstacle appears, an obstacle gets taken out, ya move on. I almost want to apologize to Mihawk.

I love how One Piece does this though. They do it with Smoker and Aokiji and the like. It reminds me of The Witcher III when you go off the path a little bit, and you're at a Level 4 and then a Level 39 Gryphon swoops down and decapitates you. It keeps the "power levels" interesting.

Luffy starts up Breath of the Wild and goes right for Calamity Ganon. But Mihawk is like the analogy for the Grand Line. He represents it, without revealing too much. Mihawk is like a Pizza Hut demo disc of danger.

I really like that. And no one knows, to this day, exactly how powerful he is. Over 20 years later, and we're still wondering how he matches up against Shanks or Blackbeard or whatever. One Piece has so many characters where Oda hasn't shown his full hand in regards to them, yet we're totally emotionally invested in them. That's good storytelling.

He’s doing something right. And I love that Mihawk has a little character arc here, too, where he shows up nonchalantly slicing up Krieg’s ships, probably doesn’t expect much, and then he’s taken aback by Zoro’s gusto, because he hasn’t seen anyone like that in a while. And he slices Zoro down. But he respects him, when in the beginning, he clearly didn’t respect anyone around. Mihawk wants to see him be better and try to take him down one day. For him to willingly build someone up like that is rare. Like Frieza wouldn’t do that.

So, Don Krieg — what were your opinions of him at the time? Because he's a really bad guy surrounded by more morally grey guys like Mihawk and Gin.

What I like about the East Blue saga is that every main villain is an antithesis of Luffy and what makes Luffy a truly great captain. Buggy is all about treasure. Kuro is about ambition and the fortitude to be a pirate. Krieg is about might and strength, and Krieg thinks he has both of those because of his weapons and armor. But Luffy has willpower and ambition and doesn’t let the world change his views. Luffy is incorruptible whereas Krieg is willing to poison his own crew when stuff starts going south. Krieg isn’t fondly remembered, but he really serves his purpose in the story.

So, after Krieg is defeated, Sanji turns down Luffy's offer to join the Straw Hat crew. Now, he knows this is a bad idea. He's not gonna find the All Blue floating around on the Baratie. Why doesn't he go immediately?

Well, he knows it’s a bad idea but he’s completely misinterpreting Zeff’s sacrifice. He feels that since Zeff sacrificed his leg, he has to repay him by working for him indefinitely. But the reason that Zeff did that was because he wants Sanji to live on and chase his dream. That’s why Zeff took pity on him in the first place. He’s an older, worn-down man now, and he stopped chasing his dream. And now he wants to see Sanji or someone get a win. It lifts his spirit to see Sanji and live kinda vicariously through him.

So, the second time I ever cried over One Piece was during Sanji's goodbye and Zeff's "Don't catch a cold." The first time was when that little dog was trying to protect his dead owner's shop in Orange Town, but that's a different story. But this shot of Sanji on his knees thanking Zeff with all the cooks surrounding them is so iconic, and Sanji's acting like it's a gift that Zeff gave him that Sanji could never repay, while as you said, Zeff just wants Sanji to be happy. What did you get out of that? I assume that you're a human with human emotions.

I cry every time I watch that. When I first saw it, I was like “How? How is a series this good?” And there’s so much to that ending sequence. Because the Baratie is built on this rough, angry masculinity. Just these dudes being mean and fighting each other and customers all the time. There’s never a time or a place for lending a shoulder to someone else. No emotional embraces of any kind. Just everyone berating everyone. No one can open up — just stupid man babies. And then you get to this moment where Sanji is leaving and they’re all trying to be cool while playing it off. Especially Zeff, who can’t give a legitimate goodbye, but rather a “Don’t catch a cold.” But there’s so much to that statement and the facade crumbles. All these grown men start bawling.

I've never thought about it that way. There's all these little hints of kindness, like feeding the bad guys, and it's a masculinity powder keg. And then Sanji, in an ultimate display of putting his heart out there, bows to the man who saved him and the keg explodes. That's really cool.

ONE PIECE LIGHTNING ROUND!

Favorite One Piece character?

Sanji

Favorite One Piece villain?

Enel

Favorite One Piece moment?

March to Arlong Park

Favorite Straw Hat Crew pairing?

Luffy and Zoro

Favorite moment of the new Wano anime arc?

Soba Mask’s debut

If you could eat one Devil Fruit, what would it be?

Whatever Kanjuro’s fruit is

Moment that made you cry the hardest?

Sanji leaving the Baratie

Moment that made you cheer the loudest?

Straw Hats at the Tower of Justice standing across from Robin

One Piece location that you'd like to live in?

Whole Cake Island. Ya eat well, ya know, you can survive Big Mom

Favorite fight scene?

Sanji vs Mr. 2, of course

Stay tuned for the next installment of "My Favorite One Piece Arc" as we speak with Botchamania creator Maffew about his favorite One Piece arc: Alabasta!!

Daniel Dockery is a Senior Staff Writer for Crunchyroll. Follow him on Twitter!

Do you love writing? Do you love anime? If you have an idea for a features story, pitch it to Crunchyroll Features.

By: Daniel Dockery

#Anime #News #Latest in Anime News by Crunchyroll!

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