#i just started chapter 4 of benkei's route

[aishaarashi]

Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei ~Shungen - Happy Ending~

This is a guide/walkthrough on how to get Shungen’s Happy Ending.  

❈The “SAVE” in this guide corresponds to the “LOAD SAVE” from the Tragic Love Ending guide, which can be found HERE.

One recommended route order: Noritsune ➔ Benkei ➔ Shungen ➔ Yoritomo ➔ Tomomori

Chapter 1:

Silently watch the samurai.

There’s got to be a way out of this…

Chapter 2:

As a Genji, I must talk with him.

But the Heike aren’t afraid of me!

I feel the same way about you, Shungen!

Our priority is to capture Benkei.

We’re stronger together.

I’m just glad to know she’s alright.

What makes the Heike so great?

Chapter 3:

Thank you…

I want to live up to their expectations…

Would you…hold my hand?

Chapter 4:

I rely on you too much.

Chapter 5:

I feel so relieved.

Chapter 6:

You should be more confident, Shungen.

Chapter 7:

It’s so embarrassing…

Nodded.

Chapter 8:

SAVE

I’m sorry.

Chapter 9:

Keep his heart next to mine.

I’m happy about it.

Chapter 10:

I can’t wait either.

Chapter 11:

Let me see your face.

Chapter 12:

No…

➔ Happy Ending

IF ENDING:  (Unlocks after completing Shungen’s route)

Go to Flowchart ➔ Start Tsugunobu Ending   (It can be found underneath Shungen’s Ch.5-2)

➔ Ending - The Basis of My Feeling

[foxstens]

oh so this game goes on for years

[ga-yuu]

Can you give some fun facts for Shigehira you discovered in the game?

And is it true, despite having androgenous face he's muscular? Like is there a CG of him showing that? Hehehe. Sucker for pretty boys.

I'm happy that you asked me this because I love talking about the characters of this game!

When I first saw Shigehira, I instantly knew that he is the baby tsundere of this game and also fell in love with his beautiful face. But after understanding his personality, his likes, dislikes, etc..I find him more appealing than the other tsundere characters of Cybird. In simple words, Shigehira is that friend that everyone loves. Whenever he shows up, every male leads just want to gang up and tease him because his reactions are adorable. His not dense like Mitsunari or grumpy like Ieyasu. He's very mature, intelligent, hardworking, and not very good at saying what he intends to.

For example, if he wants to help Yoshino with something, instead of coming out and saying it directly, he just waits and creates an opportunity to make it look like she's the one asking him. He has done that in Kurama's route (chapter 3 or 4, check it out)

He will act all cool like he doesn't care about Yoshino but then comes the evil adults (Yoritomo, Morinaga, Kagetoki, Tamamo) who teases him in front of Yoshino and he starts to blush. Like when Yoshino goes missing in Kurama's route and Shigehira and Morinaga go to find her. After that, when Yoshino thanks them, Shigehira acts all cool saying "It's not like I was worried about you or anything", only to be instantly teased by Morinaga who said, that Shigehira was literally having a panic attack when Yoshino went missing.

Shigehira also became shy when Yoshino called him by his first name. Shigehira wanted to be friends with Yoshino on every route. But coming out and saying "Hey! Let's be friends." is too embarrassing for our Young lord of Taira. So instead he asks Yoshino to not use honorifics like 'san' when calling his name. When Yoshino calls him 'Shigehira-kun' instead of 'Shigehira-san' he always blushes for some reason IN EVERY ROUTE!! Every emotion in his heart just explodes on his face and it's so beautiful to look at. It's like if you look at his face, you can easily tell what he's thinking.

Despite being cute, Shigehira does have some manly and sexy moments. For example, he's jealous of Morinaga, Benkei, Kurama, and Ibuki because they all have ripped bodies. He thinks that if he becomes ripped it will naturally give an impression to others that he's a strong samurai because he always gets teased for being too beautiful. But to be honest, Shigehira a perfect.

Some manly moments include Shigehira gifting Yoshino a lip rouge and saying----"I want to kiss you after you use this."

Shigehira becomes jealous when Yoshino, who lost her memories, smiles at Morinaga. He instantly takes her somewhere and confesses his love. After that, it starts raining and they both get horny and go home and have sex. The epilogue in short goes like this----

Yoshino: "Shigehira-kun....please..put it in. I can't wait...any longer..."

Shigehira: "Not yet."

Shigehira: (I want to melt you even more)

Shigehira: (That's your punishment for forgetting me)

In the same epilogue, after Yoshino regains her memories, the whole Shogunate gang comes to Shigehira's mansion (uninvited, of course!) to celebrate. Shigehira was protecting Yoshino from everyone. When Yoshino asks why he says---- "let me monopolize you for some time."

Even in his 3nd birthday story, Shigehira says----"When I saw you happily frolicking under the sunshine, I wanted to make love to you then and there."

Shigehira has shown his manly sides with such intense lines that you'll forget that he's the blushy boy we all tease.

Some more cute moments!

Shigehira loves cute things. Like Tamamo's soft fluffy tail. He loves caressing Tamamo's tail but he will never admit to it.

He also loves animals. But whenever he tries to pet them, the animals either bark or hiss at him. Again he would never admit that he wanted to pet animals. That's why he's always jealous of Yoshitsune. Because when Yoshitsune steps out of his house, every creature nearby comes running to him.

Shigehira highly respects his colleagues and looks up to them. But his colleagues (Yoritomo, Morinaga, Kagetoki, Tamamo) see him as their little brother and tease him every chance they get. This also goes for the Rebels and the Imperial court trio as well. No one hates him. They all gang up together to tease him despite being enemies.

So my closing thoughts are....even if you are not into tsundere characters, you'll still like him because his dynamic with the other male characters is so adorable. Adorable but at the same time manly. Even his voice actor thinks the same!

[aishaarashi]

Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei ~Tomomori - Happy Ending & Tragic Love Ending~

This is a guide/walkthrough on how to get Tomomori’s Happy Ending & Tragic Love Ending.  

One recommended route order: Noritsune ➔ Benkei ➔ Shungen ➔ Yoritomo ➔ Tomomori

Chapter 1:

Tell me more about this plan…

There’s got to be a way out of this…

Chapter 2:

Just what do you mean by that?

But the Heike aren’t afraid of me!

Great, thanks.

I don’t care about my mother.

Let’s split up.

Guess I’ll have to fight to find out.

I am who I am!

Shut your mouth!

Chapter 3:

You should think more seriously…

I can’t cause trouble for Kurama.

Well, I don’t believe in fate.

Chapter 4:

I’ll face him down.

No point in thinking about it now…

Chapter 5:

(No Choices)

Chapter 6:

Is Tomomori himself trapped by fate…?

Chapter 7:

I underestimated Tomomori.

Chapter 8:

I glared back at him…

Chapter 9:

I’ve known him forever!

Chapter 10:

(No Choices)

Chapter 11:

(No Choices)

Chapter 12:

(No Choices)

➔  Happy Ending

Flowchart ➔ Tomomori Ch.12-1

Love: Low Strength: Low Knowledge: Low Kindness: Low

➔  Tragic Love Ending (CG)

IF ENDING:   (Unlocks after completing Tomomori’s route)  

Go to Flowchart ➔ Start Shigehira Ending   (It can be found underneath  Tomomori’s Ch.5-1)

➔ Ending - First Feelings

[aishaarashi]

Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei ~Yoritomo - Happy Ending~

This is a guide/walkthrough on how to get Yoritomo’s Happy Ending.  

❈The “SAVE” in this guide corresponds to the “LOAD SAVE” from the Tragic Love Ending guide, which can be found HERE.

One recommended route order: Noritsune ➔ Benkei ➔ Shungen ➔ Yoritomo ➔ Tomomori

Chapter 1:

Silently watch the samurai.

There’s got to be a way out of this…

Chapter 2:

As a Genji, I must talk with him.

I don’t fear the Heike.

Great, thanks.

Our priority is to capture Benkei.

Let’s split up.

Still, I must bear this name.

I’m nobody!

If you want to know for sure, fight me!

Chapter 3:

I don’t think I beat you…

I can’t cause trouble for Kurama.

Well, I don’t believe in fate.

Chapter 4:

It’s all just too sad…

What terrible things did he see…

It can’t be helped.

Chapter 5:

(No Choices)

Chapter 6:

I’m ready to fight for my brother.

Take it easy.

Chapter 7:

SAVE

I’m terrified of myself.

Chapter 8:

I’m terribly sorry.

Chapter 9:

That’s why you came after me?

Chapter 10:

It must have been terrible for you…

Chapter 11:

Put my hand on my chest

Chapter 12:

(No Choices)

➔ Happy Ending

IF ENDING:  (Unlocks after completing Yoritomo’s route)

Go to Flowchart ➔ Start Takatsuna Ending   (It can be found underneath Yoritomo’s Ch.6-2)

➔ Ending - Innocence Hidden in Conviction

[ga-yuu]

~Kurama~Main Story Chapter 2~

Chapter 1

*

*

*

-----Part 1-----

Kurama: “Don’t you dare interrupt me!.”

As I opened my eyes in despair, I heard a voice above me, which was the most sullen voice I’ve ever heard.

Demon: “Gyaaaaa!”

Yoshino: “Nghh.....”

The invisible wind blades sliced the limbs of the demon brutally.

The demon collapsed struggled violently on the ground in a black mass.

Kurama: “Crushed like a bug.”

(Why.)

I looked back, ducking my eyes against the strong wind blowing. Kurama pulls a fan from his waist and gives it a big flash.

Kurama: “I won’t allow a fly like you to interrupt me, so be  ready for what’s coming to you.”

Demon: "Aaarghh.....forgive.....me....."

Kurama: "Ohh, how do you want me to forgive you?"

Looking at the demon with red eyes full of contempt, Kurama exhales in a world of boredom.

Yoshino: "Be careful!"

The fallen arm emerged struggling like a living thing.

It tries to attach the rest of it's body one by one, when----

Kurama: "It's no use, if the spell wounds the soul so deeply, no amount of regeneration will catch up."

True to his word, the arm fizzled out in front of us, never to return to its original state.

(What an overwhelming power....)

Kurama: "Apparently, there's nothing to look forward to."

He tells the limbless demon coldly, and Kurama lifts his fan once more.

Kurama: "Good. Now fly away...."

The wind, which rolls with the dust, becomes a weapon and attacks the limbless demon.

In an instant, the body was chopped into pieces and unable to regenerate in time, disappeared from the ground one by one.

Kurama: "............."

Kurama looked at it with no emotion whatsoever.

Yoshino: "Umm....thank you for helping me."

Kurama looks at me as I try to talk to him, forcing my tongue, which is tense, to move.

Kurama: "Don't get me wrong. I have not the slightest reason to help you."

Yoshino: "Then why?"

Kurama: "I told you so. That bug was interrupting me and it made me uncomfortable. One after another, something keeps spoiling my bath time."

(That's why....?)

(I was saved, but I wonder if there was any hesitation for Kurama to take the life of the same demon.)

Kurama: "Yeah, but there were some good things too."

Yoshino: "Good things?"

His fingertips touched his black hair, which was now completely dry, and the corners of his lips lifted happily.

Kurama: "All dry."

(Hmmm......I'm sure you're very different from us.)

(He took life as naturally as if it were the blink of an eye, without any effort or hesitation whatsoever.)

Kurama: "So, why are you not killing me?"

-----Part 2-----

Kurama: "So, why are you not killing me?"

Yoshino: "Eh?"

Kurama: "You should have used the powers you received from Tamamo."

(That's...)

Yoshino: "I only got my powers a few days ago. And I was so self-conscious at the time...."

(I believed that demons were an imaginary entity, and now I'm suddenly fighting it.)

Kurama: "It's not worth talking about. No matter how much power you have in your hands, if you are weak in spirit you will not be able to use it."

Yoshino: "I am....."

A moment later, a large hand reached out to me.

(........!)

He scoops up my chin with his fingertips and looks directly into my eyes.

Kurama: "It's just an insignificant light of life."

Whispering in a low voice, Kurama slid his fingers from his chin to my throat.

Yoshino: "Sto...p...."

Kurama: "I see you've learned your lesson once and for all."

I can't even argue with the mocking sound of it.

Meanwhile, his fingers slowly traced the way down my throat....

(Ah)

It stopped when it touched the center of my trembling chest.

Kurama: "Are you afraid to die? Little puss."

(Is he going to----)

The cold rises in my throat and I forgot to blink in fear.

Kurama: "Then, don't ever come near me again."

I looked up at Kurama in dismay as he easily pulled himself away from me.

Yoshino: ".....Don't want to kill me?"

Kurama: "It doesn't matter to me, whether humans live or die. I don't like the idea of being bound to the most vulnerable and mediocre creatures. If you want to die, you can drown yourself in the river over there."

Yoshino: "I'm not planning to die!"

I hurriedly distanced myself, trying to get my confused head back together.

Yoshino: "But I thought the rebels would see me as an enemy, you know since I have the fox powers and all."

Kurama: "The news that you have accepted the protection of the Shogunate has already reached Yoshitsune. And you’ll enter the battlefield even though you’re unworthy of it, so for sure you will be hunted. But....this time Benkei said, "Don't go there and start a war, get it?" and that's why I didn't create a scene."

(Oh I see....)

(But whatever the reason, it's true that Kurama saved my life this time.)

When I looked at Kurama with mixed feelings, when....

Morinaga: "Heyyy, Yoshino!"

Kurama: "......."

(That voice, is it Morinaga-san?)

Shigehira: "She must not have gone that far, right?"

(Shigehira-san is with him too!)

Kurama: "People from Shogunate."

-----Part 3-----

Kurama: "People from Shogunate."

Yoshino: "....! Quick, come over here."

I quickly hide him and myself behind the trunk of a large tree.

Kurama: "What are you doing?"

Yoshino: "Just...come over here."

In a hushed voice, I tugged Kurama's exposed arm and pulled him closer.

Kurama: "Hey, little puss!"

Yoshino: "Shhhhh....."

(.....Scary)

My legs were shaking like crazy, even though I'm the one who approached.

(What am I even doing? But....)

I keep my body close to the tree and watched them.

Shigehira: "Tamamo-san is not bullshitting me, right? He said Yoshino-san went to the mountains to pick herbs in the morning."

Morinaga: "Well, she was not in her room, so it must be true. And I can understand that you’re worried, because it's already late."

Shigehira: ".....I'm not."

Shigehira-san murmured in response to Morinaga-san's calm voice.

Shigehira: "If Tamamo hadn't been summoned by Yoritomo-sama, I wouldn’t have come instead of him."

(Tamamo asked them to pick me up.)

(But this is good. They will pass by without noticing us.)

Kurama: "What, no Tamamo?"

Yoshino: "Please, suppress your voice, or they'll find us."

Kurama: "!"

Kurama's eyebrows furrowed as I covered his mouth with my hand as he continued to speak.

(Not good, I think he's mad...)

Kurama: "............"

(Waahhh.....)

Just when I was frightened, a hot, soft tongue suddenly crawled across my palm.

Yoshino(blushing): "Mm......"

The next bite on my fingertips made my shoulders shake.

Yoshino: "What are you...."

Kurama: "That's my line. Don't give me orders."

The reluctantly lit heat is struck by the cool sound of the voice and drains away.

Yoshino: "Because if you don't hide properly, they will attack you."

Kurama: "I wish they would...."

Yoshino: "Eh?"

I looked up at Kurama in amazement as he told me the obvious.

Kurama: "I have heard that Morinaga is called a ‘Fierce general’. Shigehira, too, was once praised by Yoshitsune. There will be some bones to pick."

Yoshino: "You said you were not going to create a scene in Kamakura, right......?"

Kurama: "It depends. If I want to, I can."

(You’re so...)

Kurama: "Anyways, what the hell are you doing? What are you trying to do by hiding me from your allies?"

A suspicious look pierces my face and I shrug.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. There is a big reason...

2. I don't think you understand...(+4/+4)

3. I don't know what I was doing....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yoshino: "....I don't think you'll understand, even if I say it."

Kurama: "I have no intention in understanding your heart. Just give me facts."

I gulped and murmured

Yoshino: "My body just went into action. I don't want you to be in danger in front of me after you've helped me for whatever reason."

(I think I'm being a bit sweet here.)

Kurama: "......"

After listening to what I had to say, Kurama's eyes flickered.

Kurama: "I don't understand you." (This line is going to be throughout this route.)

(Ah, for the first time I think I might have seen some human-like emotions in Kurama.)

My eyes widen in surprise, but my thoughts are soon interrupted.

Morinaga: "Did you hear someone's voice?"

Shigehira: "Huh, are you sure? Where?"

(What should I do....they're coming this way.)

Kurama: "How annoying."

Yoshino: "Huh?"

Annoyingly, Kurama grabbed me by the collar and then----

(No way!?)

He easily puts me over his shoulder and the next thing I know is I was floating.

When I realized that I was flying on Kurama, I held back my squeal.

Soon the ground was distancing itself from us.

(......So fast!!)

Yoshino: "Ku-Ku....rama...san...!"

Kurama: "Don't add any more honorifics to my name."

------Part 4------

Yoshino: "Ku-Ku....rama...san...!"

Kurama: "Don't add any more honorifics to my name."

(What are you talking about at such time!?)

Desperately, I tried to answer back.

Yoshino: “...Does that mean I can call you by your first name?”

Kurama: “No matter what you call me, no matter how you talk to me, it’s clear that you and I are not equals. It’s so annoying to address each others with titles.”

Yoshino: “Mm...I understand, Kurama.”

(I don’t want to be killed for being annoying, and I’m scared, but if he doesn’t mind, then that’s fine.)

Kurama: “What’s wrong, puss.”

Yoshino: “Why are we flying....”

Kurama: “Were you dreaming? You were the one who wanted them to not find us.”

(That’s right!)

Yoshino: “Why did I do that....”

Kurama: “This is just to make up being distracted by your ramblings.”

It was difficult to understand the absurdity of his actions even when they are explained.

Meanwhile, the wind is whistling in our ears and the scenery is changing in the blink of an eye.

(What’s going to happen to me?)

Kurama: “If you make noise, I’ll drop you.”

The wind blew the tears from my face.

(....I want to cry because I feel helpless.)

(Kurama doesn’t seem to be planning to kill me for the moment, so I believe him.)

As I look ahead----

Yoshino: “Ah.....”

The breathtaking blue sky feels much closer than it does on the ground.

(I’m going to get sucked in.)

Below, the mountain peaks have a bluish hue, the trees are bathed in the light and greenery spreads out.

Further on, I could see the sea.

Yoshino: “----Fascinating.”

Kurama: “......!”

(Is that the center of Kamakura?)

The roofs of the houses are small, and if you look closely, you can see a whitish road leading down to the sea.

Yoshino: “Kamakura looks small, when viewed from this height.”

So many houses in a small town carved out of a large natural area.

(It’s amazing to think that there are people living in that one.)

Kurama: “Hey.”

(Oh dear, did I get carried away and make too much noise?)

I noticed Kurama’s raised eyebrows and the blood rushed to my face.

Yoshino(blushing): “I’m sorry...it was beautiful view and....”

Kurama: “Why are you suddenly stretching out when you used to shrink back a moment ago? Are you not scared anymore?” (For those who don’t know, Yoshino’s behavior changes in seconds. She’s quite unpredictable and male leads finds it fascinating how many expressions she shows in one minute.)

------Part 5------

Kurama: “Are you not scared anymore?”

(It doesn’t look like he’s angry...)

I take a short breath and then carefully search for an answer to his question.

Yoshino: “Because, if you think about it, I’ve never flown before... I couldn’t imagine how different it would be unlike what you see from the ground. But you.....Kurama, you always see such beautiful scenery.”

Kurama: “......”

(Selfish, unreasonable. Exactly like Tamamo described...)

(But maybe it’s because you see this every day, might be the reason why you’re not excited as I am.)

And it is because Kurama is such a strong demon that he is able to hold me like this.

Yoshino: “I’m jealous, you know.”

Kurama: “.....I don’t understand you.”

Kurama murmurs in a low voice and stares deep into my eyes.

Kurama: “Is this height of the sky so fresh? For me, it’s something I’ve seen a thousand times, no, tens thousands of times over the past 300 years.”

Yoshino: “....! That’s long!”

Kurama: “It’s not like the fragile life of a human being.”

(Oh, I see.)

Yoshino: “That’s why.”

Kurama: “What wrong?”

I continued softly, feeling strangely at ease.

Yoshino: “A human’s life is short and there is little he can do. I think that’s why I’m so moved by each experience. I’m sure this is the first and last time I’ll fly in my life. It would be a shame to be afraid.”

Kurama: “You....”

Yoshino: “Eh?”

He was about to say something when Kurama interrupted, looking unhappy.

Kurama: “I’m tired. We’re landing.”

(Yikes!!)

With the declaration, the body that was being held by Kurama....

(I’m about to fall!)

As I was clinging on to him, I heard Kurama laughing in my ear as if he was making fun of me.

The fall stops with a slight jolt.

(Not on......the ground.)

I was lowered into the branch of a large overhanging tree.

Yoshino: “Ha..... I thought I was going to die.”

Kurama: “It’s called once-in-a-life time experience, like you said. Rejoice, that you have died in an extraordinary way.”

Yoshino: “I wouldn’t be happy if I die because I wouldn’t be able to experience anything else....”

I’m having trouble saying it back, but I feel something blowing up inside me.

(Something’s strange.)

(Maybe the various experiences have been so intense that the fear has gone.)

Yoshino: “I’ve made, Morinaga-san and Shigehira-san worry.”

Kurama: “Well, sit here and count the number of leaves on this tree to kill time. They will eventually give up and go down the mountain. Those who crawl on the ground do not know how to look up.”

(So that means, I and Kurama will be alone for a while.)

Yoshino: “Um, can I ask you a question? Why do you want to fight Tamamo so badly?”

Kurama: “Because he’s strong. Do you need any other reason?”

I thought he would ignore my question, but he answered back.

Kurama: “Only the excitement of fighting the strong will satisfy my thirst.”

Yoshino: “But if you fight, you might hurt yourself.”

Kurama: “So what? If I lose my life, I have no regrets. The moment you start to think that you’ll hurt yourself, you’re already weak.”

(....So that’s you’re principles.)

I will eventually have to fight this demon who lives by unknown principles.

(For that reason, I have to understand Kurama as much as possible.)

Yoshino: “So you signed up with Yoshitsune to take part in the war because you want excitement?”

Kurama: “I’m not interested in the warfare. I only help those I find interesting.”

Chapter 3

[ga-yuu]

~Yoshitsune~Main Story Chapter 6~

Chapter 5

*

*

*

--------Part 1---------

As soon as I got back to my room, I was so tired that I fell onto my bed.

(I just met Yoshitsune-sama. It feels like a dream when I think about it now.)

But the words we exchanged, is proof that it was real. It was so vivid that they stayed with me.

------FLASHBACK-----

Yoshino: “Is there no other way but to kill each other?”

Yoshitsune: “This is the fate we chose.”

Yoshino: “But—-”

Yoshitsune: “But what? Why do you care so much? You just got involved in all of this, right? Whether Yoritomo and I hate each other or kill each other….why does it matter to you?”

Yoshino: “Even so—.”

------FLASHBACK ENDS------

(I really want to know more about Yoshitsune-sama.)

(He saved me. He also helped a random lost kid.)

(He's a man of integrity and honesty, and I'm sure he's a kind man at heart.)

(At first, I just thought he was scary, but he's not really.)

I wonder why I'm so interested in an enemy general.

(No. It's because he's an enemy general and that's why I'm interested in him.)

----If he was just a scary opponent, I could fight him without feeling anything, right?

Maybe I should not pry in too much.

(There is still time until the war with the Rebels.)

(I have to sort out my feelings before I stand on the battlefield.)

.............................

A few days after Yoshitsune visited Kamakura-----

He was resting in his room when Benkei suddenly barges in out of nowhere.

Benkei: "Yoshitsune-sama!"

Yoshitsune: "What's up, Benkei?"

Benkei: "Is it true? I heard you went to Kamakura, ALONE!"

Yoshitsune: "......Who told you that?"

Benkei: "Kurama told me."

A deep crease is etched between Benkei's eyes.

Benkei: "I've been away for a couple of days and look what you've been up to....That's the enemy's zone now. What if something happens to Yoshitsune-sama!? I know you have your own interests, and I'm not telling you to never go. But, if you wanted to go, you could have told me. I'd have accompanied----"

Yoshitsune: "If you had accompanied, you'll go berserk."

Benkei: "YOSHITSUNE-SAMA!!"

Yoshitsune: "....just kidding."

???: "Chill out, Benkei!"

A lazy voice breaks their conversation.

Yoichi: "It's not the first time our Lord had wandered off, is it?"

Benkei: "Yoichi.....stop eavesdropping."

Yoichi: "I wasn't. I could hear your screams all over the house. I understand your concern, but just have a little more faith in Yoshitsune-sama. That's all I'm saying."

Benkei: "I trust Yoshitsune-sama, even if you don't tell me. But, what if something bad happens to him?"

Yoichi: "Do you really think our Lord would just sit and wait for something like that? Look, he has come home safe and sound."

--------Part 2------

Yoichi: "Do you really think our Lord would just sit and wait for something like that? Look, he has come home safe and sound."

Benkei: "................"

Benkei silently stared at Yoichi, still feeling unconvinced.

Without a care in the world, Yoichi smiled at Yoshitsune.

Yoichi: "So? Did you stretch your wings, Yoshitsune-sama? Do you have any stories to tell us?"

Yoshitsune(smiling): "Yes. It was nice to see Kamakura till the end."

Benkei sighs deeply, as Yoshitsune happily squints.

Benkei: "....I won't say anything this time. But please tell in the future before going somewhere like this!"

Yoshitsune: "...........................Okay."

Benkei: "What was that long pause for!?"

Yoshitsune: "It's all in your head."

Benkei: "No, it isn't!"

Yoichi: "I know you really love Yoshitsune-sama, but you're being too overprotective Benkei."

Benkei: "I'm not being overprotective."

As Yoichi shrugs his shoulders at the unconscious remark, Yoshitsune suddenly opens his mouth.

Yoshitsune: "Also, I happen to meet the fox princess."

Benkei and Yoichi: "!!!!"

Benkei: "...You also met her on the battlefield the other day, too."

Yoichi: "Is it a coincidence? I think not. Fox princess.... at first glance, she looks like an ordinary town girl."

Benkei: "Yeah, so ordinary that she helped a demon she never met before the very first day."

Yoichi: "That's not all. She also didn't hesitate to save one of our soldiers."

Benkei: "Yeah. I don't get it. What was she thinking while doing all of that?"

Yoshitsune: "I agree."

Then suddenly Yoshitsune-sama smiles like a flower.

Yoshitsune(smiles): "......She's weirder than I thought."

Benkei: "Yoshitsune-sama...."

Yoichi: "......."

Both Benkei and Yoichi were speechless at Yoshitsune's unexpected reactions.

Yoichi: "......Hmm. How unusual, isn't it? Yoshitsune-sama talking about someone else other than us, like that."

Yoshitsune(expressionless): "I wonder why too."

Yoshitsune opens his mouth after thinking for a moment.

Yoshitsune: "Maybe because she's an enemy who accidentally got caught up in this turmoil."

Benkei: "Maybe."

Yoichi: "....................."

As Benkei was somewhat agreeing to Yoshitsune's reasoning, Yoichi was sitting on the side, with his eyes closed, thinking about something.

...........

A few days later----

I was heading to the dojo to deliver the medicines that they ordered.

(I'm almost out of stock for wound medicines. I should start making more after delivering this!)

Yoshino: "Ohh!!"

While I was distracted by my thoughts, I accidentally bumped into a vassal who was passing by.

Yoshino: "I'm sorry!"

Vassal: "No, no, it was my fault."

I managed to stay on my feet and apologized to the vassal, who was leaving for work.

(He looks busy...)

Not only him, but all the vassals were also running around in the corridor.

(Oh yeah, Kagetoki-san did tell me...)

----I remembered the conversation that one day we had when I was helping him like usual.

------FLASHBACK-----

Yoshino: "Drought?"

Kagetoki: "Yes, you know there's been a lot of sunshine across the country, but...."

------Part 3------

Kagetoki: "Yes, you know there's been a lot of sunshine across the country, but....countries with limited reserves are expected to suffer."

Yoshino: "Hmm.....I see."

Kagetoki: "We have already started receiving a number of requests for help. Although we are about to go to war with the Rebels, we want to concentrate on our internal affairs now before we start gathering food for our troops. It's the same with the army over there."

-------FLASHBACK ENDS------

(It's still the hot season, and it's a difficult situation...)

(I hope it rains soon.)

Yoritomo: "........is Yoshino, they say."

(Hm?)

As I walked past the hallway, I heard my name.

(That voice. Was it Yoritomo-sama? I wonder what he's talking about.)

(It's not good to eavesdrop, but just a little....)

I stopped quietly and listened to the conversation from outside.

Yoshino could listen to Yoritomo and Kagetoki discussing something serious.

Yoritomo: "The letter about postponing the war arrived early this morning from the Rebels. In the meantime, they want to make an agreement not to attack each other."

Kagetoki: "So Yoshino and Benkei are exchanged as hostages between Hiraizumi and Kamakura?"

At the same time, Kagetoki folds his hand and thinks.

Kagetoki: "It's unusual for Yoshitsune-sama to make a request like this."

Yoritomo: "Yeah, he's willing to go with it without a fight. Looks like someone else is making him agree to this."

(Hostages?)

I blinked in surprise at the conversation I just heard.

More than that, Yoshitsune-sama is willing to exchange Benkei-san. his right-hand man, for me.

(Now, what is Yoritomo-sama and Kagetoki-san going to do....?)

I feel bad about eavesdropping, but I was curious because the conversation also has me in it.

The conversation goes on as Yoshino listens from the other side----

Yoritomo: "I'm sure they've got a lot on their plate, at least enough to make such a suggestion."

Kagetoki: "In any case, in this situation, we no longer need to be wary of the enemy outside. The fact that we will be able to focus on domestic affairs is very attractive."

Yoritomo: "If we let the people starve any longer, there will be trouble."

Kagetoki: "So are we going to accept their request?"

Yoritomo: "No."

Yoritomo looked down at Yoshino's name written in the letter.

Yoritomo: "If she's exchanged for Benkei, I am sure she won't be killed. But I feel Yoshino's heart is not ready for this." (Buddy, if you go there, Hiraizumi would be a warzone.)

Kagetoki: "I suppose so. Reluctantly, Yoshino is the key to our victory in the upcoming war. If Yoshino's heart is broken, she won't be able to stand on the battlefield. So exchanging is a bad idea."

(.....I see.)

(I'm glad Yoritomo-sama and Kagetoki-san care about me...)

(But, is it actually alright?)

(If my going as a hostage will help the starving people, then...)

Yoritomo: "Okay then."

Kagetoki: "Let's give our refusal to the Rebels----"

(Enough with the eavesdropping.)

I made up my mind and opened the sliding doors.

(After all, if there is something I can do, I don't want to pretend not to see it...)

Yoshino: "I volunteer!"

Yoritomo: "You what.....?"

------Part 4------

Yoritomo: "You what.....?"

Yoritomo-sama and Kagetoki-san's eyes widened at my sudden appearance.

Yoshino: "I volunteer to go as the hostage from our side."

Kagetoki: "Eavesdropping someone's conversation is a bad hobby."

Yoshino: "For that, I sincerely apologize... "

I bow my head and chose my next words carefully.

(I know they're not willing to sacrifice me at any cost. Also, I'm scared about the idea of being alone in the enemy territory. But....)

Yoshino: "Yoritomo-sama said that he's sure that I won't be killed if I go there, right? If the only reason for refusing their offer is my feelings...I would choose to go to Hiraizumi of my own free will if it meant that you could hold out a little longer and save a lot of people!"

Kagetoki: "You didn't just say that on the spur of the moment, did you?"

Yoshino: "I did."

(It's my way of making sure you guys won't regret it.)

Yoritomo: "......."

The eyes that resemble the night sky look straight at me.

Yoritomo: "You will be surrounded by enemies. There won't be a single friend there. Even if you're a hostage, we can't guarantee your life if things go wrong. After hearing all that----can you still say that you'll be okay?" (Don't worry Yoritomo. She'll survive no matter what. In Kagetoki's route, she pointed a knife at the emperor. In the upcoming route, she will be walking on people's dead bodies.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. I'm worried, but...(+4/+4)

2. That's....

3. Of course!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yoshino: "Of course, I'm worried, but...."

(That Yoshitsune guy won't break his promise once he gave his word.....and I'm sure of that.)

Yoshino: "But if there's something I can do. I wanna do it."

Yoritomo: "I understand that you're ready."

Yoshino: "Then...."

Yoritomo: "I'll write to the Rebels that we're agreeing to this."

(Yayy! He accepted...!!!)

Yoritomo: "What do you think, Kagetoki?"

Kagetoki: "There's no reason to stop someone who wants to go. Although, it's a completely unexpected development."

Yoritomo: "You're right."

Yoshino: "I-I'm sorry?"

Yoritomo: "Why are you apologizing, dummy?"

Yoritomo-sama sighed.

Yoritomo: "You're about to do a humble duty for the Kamakura Shogunate. You should be proud of yourself."

Yoshino: "Hehe, it's nothing compared to what you do."

Kagetoki: "You also have the nerve to interrupt a Shogun's meeting. What do you have to say about that?"

(Errrrrrrrrr.........)

Yoshino: "No comments...."

(Because I thought, if I didn't interrupt them I won't be getting another chance....)

Yoritomo-sama smiles when he sees me struggling with words.

Yoritomo: "You're really weird sometimes. When you come back, I'll welcome you with open arms."(It would have been actually nice if Yoritomo was the love rival in this route.)

(Welcome me with open arms? That's a bit too much for someone like me. But I'm happy.)

Yoshino: "Thank you very much!"

It was encouraging to see Yoritomo-sama's concern in the mean tone of his voice.

................

Soon, that day arrives-----

It is time to say a temporary goodbye to the Shogunate. Everyone also came to see me off.

Tamamo: "I didn't believe at first when I heard you volunteered to be their hostage....As expected of the woman I chose."

Yoshino: "You're exaggerating. Of course, I'm worried."

Tamamo: "That's natural. By the way, there's always the possibility that I could sneak along with you."

(It's amazing how Tamamo can do anything!)

I can't help but laugh at Tamamo's mischievous suggestion.

Yoshino: "Thank you, but don't worry. It would be reassuring to have Tamamo around,...but that wouldn't be fair. I want to be sincere with them."

Tamamo: "Awww..."

A bitter smile dwells on Tamamo's lips.

Tamamo: "I'm not used to being rejected. Fine. I'll go and play in the palace and wait for your return.

Shigehira: "What are you so carefree about, Tamamo?"

Shigehira-san stared at the satisfied Tamamo and then turned his gaze to me.

(What did I do?)

Shigehira: "Since you started helping me out, I think I could say you're not that useless."

------Part 5------

Shigehira: "Since you started helping me out, I think I could say you're not that useless. But just because you've decided to help the Shogunate doesn't mean you have to go that far."

Morinaga: "Shigehira, again, if you're worried about Yoshino, why don't you just say so?"

(Eh?)

Yoshino: "You're worried? Shigehira-san."

(It feels like déjà vu...)

Shigehira: "....Don't just speculate things. Who says I'm worried?"

Yoritomo: "Heh....I can't believe I'm hearing this from the same man who came running to me after he heard the news that Yoshino was going to be taken as a hostage."

Shigehira(blushing): "No I...."

(No wonder....!)

Shigehira-san was at a loss for words, but Kagetoki-san opened his mouth without hesitation.

Kagetoki: "Isn't there any other way!!?' was what he said. You also were protesting the idea furiously. He finally gave up when he found out that Yoshino's intentions were firm, though. I haven't seen such a desperate Shigehira in a long time."

Shigehira(blushing): "..........." (He just never learns.)

(I knew he'll be worried about me....)

I knew this all along, so I'm less surprised when I hear this now. But, I'm still glad...

It's because I know that Shigehira-san is a kind person.

Yoshino: "Thank you very much for worrying about me, Shigehira-san."

Shigehira: ".....Also, stop doing that, will you?"

Yoshino: "What?"

Shigehira: "Stop using honorifics. It's annoying to hear it all the time. Besides, ....I'll at least grant you that privilege since you are now brave enough to enter the enemy's territory."

Yoshino(blushing): "Shigehira-san...."

Shigehira: "Don't keep adding 'san' after my name. You can call me whatever you want."

Yoshino(blushing): "I will....I mean, yes!!"

(Aww! I'm so happy! I can finally talk to him informally.)

Shigehira: "Come on, what are you waiting for?"

Yoshino(blushing): "Yes! umm....Shigehira-kun!"

Shigehira(blushing): ".....Mm."

Morinaga: "I see. So, Shigehira wanted to be friends with Yoshino for a long time now."

Tamamo: "You've been waiting for the right opportunity, this whole time, isn't it? Shigehira-kun?"

Shigehira-kun shakes off the two teasing grown-up hands on his shoulder.

Shigehira(blushing): "Stop speculating things!"

As we were chatting lively, it quickly became time to leave.

(I gonna miss them....)

Tamamo: "Don't cry because you miss me, okay? I won't be able to wipe your tears away."

Yoshino: "You too...don't be lonely just because I am not here, okay?"

Tamamo: "I can't promise that."

Kagetoki: "Take care of yourself. I mean what I say because there is no substitute for you."

Yoshino: "Of course. Only if you also promise to take care of yourself too."

Morinaga: "Leave that to me. If no one takes care of him, he'll do nothing but work."

Yoshino: "I learned that since I started helping him."

Morinaga-san and I laughed brightly.

(Kagetoki-san not just sounds scary, but he's so dedicated to his work that he sometimes forgets to even eat or drink.)

Kagetoki: "Don't get cocky. When you return, I'll make you do more work, so be prepared."

Yoshino: "I'll keep that in mind!"

Before I knew it, there were smiles on everyone's faces.

Morinaga: "Yoshino, I'll be waiting for your return."

Shigehira: "It's not too far, but still...do your best."

Yoshino: ".....Everyone, thank you for everything!"

Yoritomo-sama saw me saying goodbye with a lonely face and opened his mouth.

Yoritomo: "Be brave, Yoshino. You're a member of the Shogunate. Don't let the Rebels think of you as a crying pathetic little girl."

(I'm a member of the Shogunate.)

(Even though, I've only spent a short time in the Shogunate...)

(Unknowingly enough, I've come to trust these people so much.)

(As long as everyone is waiting for me, I know I'll be okay.)

I stood straight and smiled sincerely once more.

Yoshino: "Then, I'm off to Hiraizumi."

I turned the many words I received into strength and took a step forward.

Chapter 6

[ga-yuu]

~Yoshitsune~Main Story Chapter 5~Part 2

Part 1

*

*

*

--------Part 4-------

Yoshitsune: "The moon looks beautiful tonight. Whether you see it's from Hiraizumi or Kamakura, it's just as beautiful."

(By the way, I was thinking....)

Yoshitsune-sama's words suddenly reminded me of the time we met.

Yoshino: "You said you came to Kamakura alone, right?"

Yoshitsune: "Yeah. But if Benkei finds out, he'll keep nagging me."

(Benkei-san.....he's that scary person, right?)

(So unexpectedly, he seems overprotective....)

Yoshino: "So what's the actual reason for coming to Kamakura?"

Yoshitsune: "Well..."

I felt that the Yoshitsune-sama's eye color grew darker for some reason.

There is a small silence between gasps and a slightly lower voice echoing in the wind.

Yoshitsune: "I wanted to take one last look at the town before it gets destroyed in the war."

(For the last time...)

Yoshino: "So you have lived in Kamakura, before?"

Yoshitsune: "Yes. It was when I was under Yoritomo. I had a certain affection for Kamakura, but....Soon after the Genpai War, I was banished my Yoritomo."

Yoshino: "So that's it...."

(To be banished by your own brother out of all the people....is heart breaking.)

Yoshitsune: "That's why I've come here, to make my last appearance. ....This town and its people. It's just how I remember."

His face casted a variety of emotions and I'm sure he's the only one who knows how that feels."

(But...I feel like I was able to touch Yoshitsune-sama's heart just a little bit.)

When, both of us, stopped talking, and let ourselves be consumed by silence-----

???: "Hey, are you there?"

(I just heard a kid's voice....?)

A little boy emerged from the trees.

Boy: "....Why? Why isn't he here?"

Yoshino: "What's wrong? Are you looking for someone?"

Boy: "Ah!"

The boy noticed us and comes running in our way.

Boy: "Have you seen my brother, big sis? He's was wearing a dark blue kimono...."

Yoshino: "No, I haven't."

Boy: "Oh..."

Yoshitsune-sama looks at the boy who is in daze and opens his mouth.

Yoshitsune: "Did you and your brother got separated?"

The boy's shoulders shook for a moment at the quiet question.

Eventually, he started getting scared.

Boy: "Yeah....we had a fight and he ran off."

Yoshino: "Oh, that worries me."

(Already the street is crowded with people, so its' hard to find someone once you get lost....)

Boy: "It was my fault. But, maybe he shouldn't have ran off like that......I searched for him a lot, but I couldn't find him...

The boy squeezes his little hands together and tears well up in his eyes.

Boy: "I'm sure he doesn't like me anymore...."

(That's right....when you have a fight, you can't help but feel anxious.)

Yoshino: "Don't worry----"

When I opened my mouth----

Yoshitsune: "No younger brother can hate his brother that easily."

-------Part 5--------

Yoshitsune: "No younger brother can hate his brother that easily."

(Yoshitsune-sama....?)

The boy also blinked at Yoshitsune-sama's words.

Boy: "You think so....?"

Yoshitsune: "Yes."

Gently, he placed his palm on the little boy's head.

Yoshitsune: "But from now on, get along okay? Because one person can't stay on the same path forever."

(Ah......)

Yoshitsune-sama's face illuminated by the moonlight, was kind of sad.

(I've never seen anyone look so sad.)

Though, his outer expression is completely dead....

My heart clenches at the emotions that are quietly wavering behind his eyes.

(Why do you have such look?)

I was irresistible curious, but....

(......Now, this child and finding his brother is more important.)

I looked at the boy and opened my mouth.

Yoshino: "If you don't mind, can I help you find your brother?"

Boy: "You will?"

Yoshino: "Of course!"

Yoshitsune: "Okay, let's find him together."

Yoshino: "You're coming too!?"

Boy: "Thank you! Thank you very much."

(But...)

I gently asked Yoshitsune-sama.

Yoshino: "Are you sure? What if someone sees your face?"

Yoshitsune: "You're right, but also....No one would even imagine me attending a festival with a woman and kid."

Yoshino: "Oh, I get it..."

Yoshitsune: "And if somehow, someone recognize me, I can make my own escape."

(He's looks so confident.)

Yoshino: "....If you say so."

Yoshitsune-sama stands up and looks around.

Yoshitsune: "We were here for a while now, but we haven't seem any kids. Let's go and check the town."

Yoshino: "You're right. The festival lights might lure him out."

I stood up and offered the boy my hand.

Yoshino: "Want to hold hands with me? It's better not to get lost in the crowd, right?"

Boy: "You're right!"

The boy takes my hand with a big smile.

Then, the boy boldly offers his hand to Yoshitsune-sama.

Boy: "Big brother, you too!"

Yoshitsune: "....!"

(Eerrmm....)

Yoshino: "Umm....big brother is...um..not really that kind of person...."

Yoshitsune: "Okay, let's hold hands."

(Ehh)

Yoshitsune-sama took the boy's hands who asked plainly.

Boy: "Mm! Let's go, let's go!!"

Yoshino: "Wait...slow down!"

The boy started walking happily while pulling both of us along the way.

(....This is weird. I wonder what we look like to people who sees us.)

(A family? No, no, no. No onw would be that dumb to think that.....right?)

As I saw the festival lights coming closer and closer, my heart started pounding.

(What does Yoshitsune-sama think of this?)

When I looked at him to see what he was thinking....

(Of course. He's expressionless. How could I forget?)

........................

The town was filled with more people than before.

Yoshitsune: "He doesn't seem to be here.....let's check elsewhere."

Yoshino: "Okay."

(I hope we can find him soon...)

Boy: "....Look!"

Yoshitsune: "...! Did you find him?"

~~~Because I Know Your Sorrow. (Normal Story)~~~

Yoshitsune-sama and I were walking around town in search of a little boy's younger brother, who we met by chance.

Yoshitsune: "He doesn't seem to be here.....let's check elsewhere."

Yoshino: "Okay."

(I hope we can find him soon...)

Boy: "....Look!"

Yoshitsune: "...! Did you find him?"

Suddenly the boy stopped as if he noticed something.

Boy: "Look! That pinwheel...! Isn't it pretty?"

Yoshino: "True. It's so colorful!"

Boy: "I don't see those every day. Isn't festivals cool!"

Yoshitsune: "Do you want one?"

Boy: "....Ah! You'll buy it for me? But...I feel bad for letting you buy me..."

Even as the boy says this, his eyes were fixed on the pinwheel.

Yoshitsune: "Wait here."

(Eh?)

Yoshitsune-sama goes to the store and buys two pinwheels. He comes back and presented to the boy.

Yoshitsune: "You should give one to your brother when you see him. It's to help you two to make up." (To be honest, when I first played this route, I thought he bought one of the pinwheels for Yoshino....because, you know she's so underaged.)

Boy: "...Thank you, big brother!"

(.....Yoshitsune-sama is so kind towards children.)

I can't help but smile at the two of them.

Yoshino: "Good for you! I'm sure your brother will be very happy too."

Boy: "Yes!"

The boy carefully puts the pinwheel on his obi with great care.

..............

Yoshitsune: "He doesn't seem to be here too. Let's check elsewhere."

After searching the area for some time, we decided to check the next area, when-----

Boy: "....!!! Wait! I think I heard my brother!"

Yoshino: "Really? Where?"

We cut through the crowd and went a little further.

Boy: "There!"

Younger brother: "nnn....uh....brother.....nnn..."

(Is that his brother....!)

We saw a small child in a dark blue kimono crying on the side of the street.

Yoshitsune: "Is he your brother?"

Boy: "Yes!"

The boy instantly released his hands from ours and rushed to his younger brother.

Boy: "HEYY!"

Younger brother: "!!"

With his face full of tears, the younger brother hugged his older brother.

Younger brother: "Nn...I'm sorry....I'm sorry for running away!"

(I think he was really scared that he and his brother had a fight and got separated.)

Boy: "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have done that.... But, I'm glad you're safe..."

Yoshitsune: "Our job is done here."

Yoshino: "Yeah....!"

The boy turned to us with a big smile.

Boy: "Big brother, big sis. Thank you for helping me! From now on, I'll be a friend to my brother!"

Yoshitsune: "Of course."

(!!)

Yoshitsune-sama's face shows a faint smile. So faint that you'll miss it if you won't pay attention.

Yoshino: "Be careful on your way home, okay?"

Boy: "Don't worry! Our house is close by."

The boy gives one of the pinwheels to his younger brother and smiles at him.

After watching the two brothers walk away happily hand in hand, I turned to Yoshitsune-sama.

Yoshino: "I'm happy that they made up."

Yoshitsune: ".....Me too."

(Yoshitsune-sama...?)

Yoshitsune(expressionless): "...................."

Yoshitsune-sama amethyst eyes shined while watching the backs of the two boys.

(What is Yoshitsune-sama thinking right now....?)

(I thought I had touched Yoshitsune-sama's heart a little, but I still don't understand.)

I felt far away from him, though we were standing next to each other.

Yoshino: "......Okayyy, looks like, it's time for me to go home."

Yoshitsune: "Same here."

....................................

We walked slowly together and before we knew it, we reached the street on the other side of the Imperial Palace.

Yoshitsune-sama's shadow suddenly stopped in the middle of the bridge.

Yoshino: "Yoshitsune-sama?"

The next moment, I looked at Yoshitsune-sama.

Yoshitsune: "I'll stop here. I don't want to come close to the Imperial Palace. Can you go from here, Yoshino?"

(Aha...)

Yoshino: "Soooo, when did you decide you'll walk me home, Yoshitsune-sama?"

Yoshitsune: "----While you were busy looking around Kamakura.

With his eyes downcast, Yoshitsune-sama smiled faintly.

(You could have just left me behind in the streets like that....but, you didn't.)

Once I started living in Kamakura, I heard many scary and inspiring stories about Yoshitsune-sama

I also know that the closer he gets to the Imperial Palace, the more dangerous it is for Yoshitsune-sama. But still, he was sweet enough to bring me here without saying a word.

Yoshino: "....Thank you very much!"

(I still can't bring myself to believe that such a kind person....is an enemy of Yoritomo-sama.)

There must be a severe reason for this.

With all the courage I could muster, I opened my mouth.

Yoshino: "Umm....what does Yoshitsune-sama think of Yoritomo-sama?"

Yoshitsune: "....................."

---A gust of wind passes between us.

Yoshitsune(icy glare): "I hate that man."

Yoshino: "!!!"

I hold my breath when I looked at the murderous glint in his eyes.

There was a feeling of anger and sadness in the air.

I knew I couldn't ask him anymore, so I stopped myself.

(But....it doesn't look like you entirely just hate him.)

--------FLASHBACK-------

Yoshitsune: "No younger brother can hate his brother that easily."

............

(His words sounded like they were referring to 'someone'.... And that someone has to be....)

(....Not only Yoshitsune-sama!)

.............

Yoritomo: "We may be brothers, but our upbringings were different."

Yoshino: “Really? Then, when did you both first meet….”

Yoritomo: “When I was raising an army against the Heike. Yoshitsune came all the way with a small force to join us. For a brother, he has never met, he was ready to help just after receiving my message.”

Yoshino: “But, why would….Yoshitsune-sama suddenly rush to your aide?”

Yoritomo: “—–I don’t know. Well, it’s true that he’s made the fight a lot easier.”

------FLASHBACK ENDS-----

(I'm not entirely sure about this, but I think Yoritomo-sama didn't really hate Yoshitsune-sama either.)

(If that's true then.....)

Yoshino: "Is there no other way but to kill each other?"

Yoshitsune: "This is the fate we chose."

Yoshino: "But----"

Yoshitsune: "But what?"

My words were interrupted by the voice of Yoshitsune-sama.

Yoshitsune: "Why do you care so much? You just got involved in all of this, right? Whether Yoritomo and I hate each other or kill each other....why does it matter to you?"

Yoshino: "Even so---."

(I......want to know more about Yoshitsune-sama.)

My heart was warm as I felt so many emotions rushing towards me.

Yoshitsune: "Yoshino."

Yoshino: "Ah...."

His hand suddenly reached out to touch my cheek----

Yoshitsune: ".....Sorry."

Squeezing my hand finally, he turned and walked away.

(Yoshitsune-sama....)

His figure gets smaller and smaller and all I could do was to stand there and watch him disappear.

Chapter 6