#sanada nobuyuki

[harumwahsa]

I'm so done.

[From: main story.]

Master Jinpachi: *falls unconscious on MC*

MC: *clearly struggling to hold him up*

Lord Nobuyuki:

😭😭😭 I knew he could be quite playful, but I wasn't expecting THAT. Poor Master Jinpachi. Went all out for his lord, only to have his efforts paid back like this. I love it. I love their dynamic.

PLEASE. He's such a tease. I had to put my phone down. The way I cackled at this part.

I can't get the image of her dragging the big guy like a sack of rice out of my head.

[yee-art]

I dont think I've ever share my OCs here before in tumblr. 😅 I created Sanada trio 2-3 years ago which was inspired by none other than gudaguda. Since this was my first time creating from scratch and wasnt satisfied until recently. hope you guys love it!

[annicaax]

Nobuyuki oh God! I live for events such as these. More, Voltage!

[colourless-hydrangeas]

That was rather awkward. Nobuyuki probably deserves some privacy.

[otome-out-of-context]

[idontthinkimokaymentally]

Hello there Sanada Nobuyuki fans.

[witchysenbasacorner]

"On some level, I think I always understood

That a ship could never really love an anchor"

[radwonderlandchaos]

[aestheticallypleasinganimeboys]

Sanada Nobuyuki - H-Game: Sengoku Hime 5 ~Senka Tatsu Haou no Keifu~

[eriksartworld]

Nobuyuki Sanada Concept

[harumwahsa]

I forgot he gets flustered when it comes to romance... let it be his own love life, or he's witnessing someone else's.

[From: Jinpachi's main story.]

Jinpachi... 😌... 💆‍♀️💆‍♀️ Why are you like this.

And Lord Nobuyuki just HAD to tease his little brother. Of course. OF COURSE. 😭

[cerastes]

Yooooo is it really you, my ex colleage and ex.co-worker Komatsuhime, childhood names Onei and Inahime, adopted daughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu, birth daughter of Honda Tadakatsu, married to Sanada Nobuyuki after witnessing the Sanada clan’s fierce tactics and vaunted martial prowess in the Battle of Ueda Castle? It’s been so long, I’m so happy to see you!

[dear-mrs-otome]

Hey Mrs. O hope you're well! I just have a question about IkeSen. Im a bit confused about whos in power. Like they talk about an Emporer, and a shogun, and daimyo's. Im confused how Nobunaga and the other lords fit in and who is in charge lol any clarification would be greatly appreciated

Hi Nonny! Thank you, I am peachy.

I don't blame you for being confused - Ikesen gives us an extremely watered down version of Japanese history and even that is confusing because Japanese history is heckin complicated! I'm no expert but I'll see if I can make things clearer for you.

In the time of Ikemen Sengoku it is the Sengoku period obviously (which roughly spans the 15th and 16th centuries) and more specifically 1582, which is the year Oda Nobunaga 'died'. However, we're dealing in a fictional version of things where stuff gets fudged a bit, so let's not get hung up on the exact dates. The structure of Japan at that time was still a feudal system divided into 5 basic levels that looked something like this:

Emperor > Shogun >> Daimyou >>> Samurai >>>> Peasants

The Emperor was nominally the most powerful person in Japan, a political figure of course, but most of all he is a spiritual figure. He's the leader of the Shinto religion and said to be descended from the sun goddess Amaterasu. The Emperor and his Imperial Court fulfilled many important ceremonial functions and was a place where the arts and culture were encouraged and maintained.

In truth though, the most powerful person in the sphere of day to day earthly life was the shogun, a military dictator that ruled over the country. (Incidentally, the first shogun to really consolidate power and create feudalism as it existed in Japan for 600+ years was Minamoto no Yoritomo - the poster boy for Ikemen Genjiden) The shogun ruled with the Emperor's blessing, whether that was freely given or manipulated, and if you really want to grossly oversimply an analogy I think you could somewhat liken it to the concept of the Pope and some monarchs in historical Europe - both powerful in different ways, and a monarch ostensibly ruled with the Pope's stamp of approval.

Below the shogun would be the daimyou, powerful land-owning lords who controlled personal armies of samurai loyal to them. This would include many of the warlords we know by name in the game - Oda Nobunaga, Takeda Shingen, Date Masamune, Uesugi Kenshin, Mouri Motonari, Imagawa Yoshimoto, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi (eventually) were all daimyou.

Samurai in service to the daimyous could include some illustrious warriors as well, and there are plenty of them that are suitors in Ikesen too - Akechi Mitsuhide, Ishida Mitsunari, Naoe Kanetsugu, Maeda Keiji, and Sanada Yukimura were all subordinates of the men above. (Though Yukimura's older brother, Nobuyuki, was a daimyou)

In the time of Ikemen Sengoku, we have the shogun (or ex-shogun, I suppose) Ashikaga Yoshiaki. It's Complicated, but suffice it to say that Nobunaga had helped him to power as a sort of puppet shogun and then removed him from it, and Yoshiaki did not take this very well. He became a rallying point for those looking to oppose Nobunaga's rise to power and hence his role as a villain in our story.

SO, technically, at the time of our story nobody really is in charge exactly, and that's half the problem. The Emperor exists offstage in Ikesen, and the Imperial Court is always a force that has to be taken into consideration, but Nobunaga is generally adept at maintaining a positive relationship with it. It isn't until after Nobunaga manages to bring almost half of the previously fractured provinces of Japan under his control, and the unification he begins is continued by Hideyoshi and ultimately solidified by Ieyasu, that a new shogun rises to power and maintains the Tokugawa shogunate for the next three centuries or so.

If you're interested in a brief rundown on the shogunate and how it worked, this video is really useful and entertaining for giving you a good grasp on the basics. And here's another from the same channel that gives a cool visual history of Japan, but I've linked the timestamp to the Sengoku period for you here. I hope that helped, rather than made things more confusing? I obviously didn't even touch on some of the other characters in the game or how Kennyo and the Ikkou-ikki opposed Nobunaga - if you have more questions about them, feel free to ask!

[anayka05ymewtwo06]

Mewtwo Lunar La Curiosa

Paldea Panamá Arco 5

Ep. 5 parte 5-1:El Incidente Honnoji Jpn. Anayka-Mewtwo & Nobunaga Oda El Traje Aquaplus 2 De Momiji de Anayka.

Noroteo 22:15 hrs 16 de Julio

Estaba en el Albergue Turistico de Noroteo en la Habitación donde descansaba y descubrí un Vestuario similar al de una Protagonista de To Heart 2 (Aquaplus 2) pero Al estilo Momiji de DOA 5 ultimate solo Con Mangas De Nyotengu acorde al tono del traje que esta en la foto mencionada

Con una Nota escrita por...

Querida Anayka:

Perdón que recurra a esto:Kai Koshosho y Momiji junto a Kunoichi y Kichō me pidieron que usaras este Traje de Estilo Neocampeona modo Aquaplus 2 no te enojes conmigo XD es que lo hicimos para ti para que no arruines tus uniformes iba a buscarte en galar pero no pude alcanzarte junto a Reshiram sama ella Sabia que estas en noroteo y te mandé este traje junto con un Accesorio para la Mewtwoita X llamada Silbato Mewtwoita X...pero por Favor No te enojes

Besitos...

Inahime (*Esposa De Nobuyuki Sanada)

Yo:Ay Inahime

Mewtwo:Huh? Mejor no miro que anda quitandose la ropa o me tildean de...

Mewtwo Apenada se tapó los ojos

Maya urshifu:uaaaaah (*Bostezando) huh

Mewtwo:(*Tapando los Ojos de La Urshifu):No mires a Anayka en Cuera!

Maya Urshifu:Lo siento!

Luego de haberme vestido...

Anayka:Pero si me cambie de ropa en el Vestuario y ne bañé cual es su problema si ninguna me miró desnuda? Acaso son penosas?

Mewtwo y urshifu:Perdon Pero es que Me da pena Ajena y eso..

Anayka:Ah entendible. Ey que les parece esta Ropa?

Mewtwo:Se parece a la de Momiji modo aquaplus 2 solo que las mangas tapan el escote es como la Chaqueta gris que tenias. Pero esta tiene un motivo algo diferente la llaman Neocampeona Aquaplus de Mewtwo & Xerneas pero..

Xerneas no esta en paldea...agregó mewtwo con una cara de pena

Anayka:No te Preocupes Mewtwo Recuerda que Xerneas sienpre Rezará por el bien de Las Demas Regiones junto a Yveltal. Ellos confian en nosotros y es lo que importa. Pero lo primero debemos investigar esto:Pues Debemos buscar a Nobunaga. Hace poco Nobunaga comentó algo extrañamente Peculiar es sobre el incidente Honnoji. Un incidente Algo Desastroso en el que Nobunaga Oda murió pero...se Supone que esto es el pasado de Nobunaga o sea Su Vida pasada

Lunala:Es ese el incidente de donde Nobunaga Ha Muerto?

Solgaleo:Pero es una linea diferente Anayka Resucitó a varios con la Campana que Menat le dió.

Lunala:Es cierto querido Solgaleo he escuchado de Menat ella es de Street Fighter. Ella le otorgó esa campana

Kyurem Negro:Que Hay de La Existencia de Menat?

Zacian:Una de Las Adivinas Egipcias de Street Fighter y mas Con las 12 muñecas De Shadaloo y el caso de Cammy y Charlie

Anayka:Exacto.

Menat me otorgó esta campana desde el eclipse eterno de Alola en el Año 2022 con esto resucité a Nobunaga y estar de nuestro Lado (*Trama de Warriors Orochi 3) pero...al Resucitar a Nobunaga y algunos que Murieron despues de ese Incidente como fue Yukimura quien Murió ante los ojos de Nobuyuki y volvió. Algunas Cosas Cambiaron de la Historia y otras Fueron Borradas pero Un pueblo Que Sufrió una Guerra en la Región Jotho y Censurado por The Pokémon Company injustamente debemos investigar a Fondo por que SOLO que con la Condición de NO MENCIONAR ESE NOMBRE DE ESE PUEBLO O Lugia sufriria tanto

Lunala:Pero Si Lugia ya lo Superó aunque Preocupada por esto Solgaleo debe Sentirse algo angustiado Lugia es Nuestro Amigo y no debemos dejarlo Solo

Solgaleo:Es Cierto Mi Amada Lunala Pues Anayka Veras Lunala Odia huir de una pelea aunque Es Valiente pero Con una Actitud Alta de Agresividad tambien tiene un lado amable y amorosa desde que era una pequeña nebby y en mi caso ella evolucionó a la Luz de La Luna y Yo a la luz del Sol Juró protegerme hasta los momentos mas Dificiles pero cuando Llegó Mewtwo ella no tenia a nadie aunque desconozco el porque

Lunala:Solgaleo. Lo recuerdo. Cuando los ultraumbrales Reaparecieron y ultraentes Los Legendarios desde Kanto hasta Kalos llegaron como Refugio y Mew se perdió en ese Sendero no faltó que Hasta Galar y Paldea Recobramos la Esperanza para Salvar a todos

Mewtwo:Lunala Kyurem Solgaleo pero y los padres de Samus Aran? Ella no merece estar Solita

Lunala:Ellos Murieron pero Anayka dijo que los Va a a Resucitar junto a los Chozo y los Soldados de la Federación Galactica que Cayeron en batalla Excepto Mother Brain Metroides Y Ridley el pirata espacial pero Sylux ese tipo me preocupa por odio que tiene contra Samus

Mewtwo:No Sabia que Samus tenia enemigos que Se Atreven a causarle problemas por Su existencia.

Solgaleo:Acaso no olvidas algo? Samus Oscura sigue Con vida y debemos Matarla

Anayka:Mewtwo Lunala Solgaleo Kyurem Urshifu y Zacian eso será Con el tiempo pero antes...

Mirando el Mapa de japón respecto a la Era Oda-tokugawa segun habian pistas de que investiguemos mas de ese punto pero no especificó por donde...solo una Letra con K

Mewtwo:Kalos?

Anayka:Si. Kalos

No se que Cñ hizo Xerneas pero se percató de que otra Xerneas Variadocolor diferente Brillaban ojos de odio.

Continuará...

[satoshi-mochida]

Samurai Warriors 4 DX now available for PC worldwide

From Gematsu

Publisher Koei Tecmo and developer Omega Force have released Samurai Warriors 4 DX for PC via Steam for $49.99 worldwide, the company announced.

Samurai Warriors 4 DX first launched for PlayStation 4 and Switch on March 14, 2019 in Japan, and was never released in the west. It contains the Samurai Warriors 4 base game, as well as more than 150 pieces of previously released downloadable content.

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

About

A total of 55 different officers are featured in this rich depiction of the Warring States period. The new deluxe edition of Samurai Warriors 4 contains more than 150 previously released downloadable content, including costumes, weapons, customization parts, scenarios, background music, and more.

Interact With 55 Different Officers, Including Nobuyuki Sanada and Yoshitsugu Otani

In response to popular demand, Nobuyuki Sanada and Yoshitsugu Otani are now among the many officers featured in this vivid portrayal of the Warring States period. Takatora Todo, Naotora Ii, and Munenori Yagyu, who previously appeared only in Japanese releases, also appear for the first time in the main Samurai Warriors series. In addition, character designs have been revamped and action elements have been enhanced for fan-favorite characters like Yukimura Sanada and Nobunaga Oda. The range of 55 unique officers, the greatest number of officers in a single game in the series, is a key component of Samurai Warriors.

Journey Through the Colorful History of the Warring States Period

In the main Story Mode, a tale based on historical events unfolds in two separate parts. While the regional stories focus on officers from regions across the land, such as Kyushu and Shikoku, the story of unification details the events leading up to the end of the Warring States period. Unlike previous Samurai Warriors titles, this game features battles between each faction, allowing for a more dramatic depiction of the relationships between officers. Experience firsthand the convictions, conflicts, and complex feelings of these officers.

Experience the Most Exhilarating Action in the Entire Series

The true thrill of this series, mowing down hordes of enemies in battles of one-versus-1,000, has been made even more exhilarating with the addition of new elements, including Hyper Attacks, which allow players to quickly close in on their enemies and cut them down, and Rage mode, which powers up attacks when the Spirit Gauge is full and allows players to perform the ultimate finishing move: Musou Frenzy Attacks. In addition, characters’ attack types and the overall progression system have been revamped. These new elements offer an unprecedented variety of attacks, along with the strongest sense of exhilaration of any game in the series, all while maintaining the simple controls characteristic of the Warriors series.

Travel Across the Land in Chronicle Mode

Explore the world of Samurai Warriors in the new Chronicle Mode by completing various types of requests, meeting officers, and collecting items in regions across the land. Leave a lasting mark on the history of the Warring States period by customizing officers via Create Character in the upgraded editing mode.

Switch Between Characters in Real Time During Battle

Use the Switch Character feature to switch between two different characters on the battlefield in real time as they strive for victory. By switching characters, players can gain an advantage in battle, discover hidden objectives, and receive various benefits. They can also set a detailed plan of action for the character not currently being played.

Utilize the Strong Connection Between Morale and Combat

Enemy camps are made stronger by higher Morale levels, but completing objectives and defeating standard bearers lowers enemy Morale and makes it easier to claim victory. As such, the player’s actions have a drastic effect on battle conditions.

Watch the launch trailer below.

Launch Trailer

Japanese

[fighting-and-drawing]

Heart of the Warrior Chapter 15: Iuli Kanamo Ang Among Bulan

Fandom: Cybird Ikemen Sengoku

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Yukimura Sanada x Male!OC

      There were no windows in his jail cell, yet it was always as cold as the long, dark nights he used to enjoy. Back In Kasugayama, he would often go to the roof of the large castle, peering out towards the starry night sky that was missing from the Modern World. His eyes would stay plastered on the bright white moon, a smile if the moon was full and deeply golden. He would often remember the myth of his last namesake, a story he held within that comforted him in the harshest of times. 

     True, it wasn't a real story or myth, but it was the one that he needed—the one that used to give him hope in life. Life was a mystery, after all, but that did not mean he needed to wallow through it without comfort. 

      But, time and time again, the story had lost its magic. His actions back home betrayed his story, and in turn, the story became nothing but a sordid reminder of the happy ending he could never obtain. Through the awed eyes and the occasional smile, he did not see hope, but a dream turned to fantasy, a reminder of the life he now ran away from, yet still envied. The dragon had swallowed the moon, and no one wanted it to return.

      There were no windows in his cold, dark jail cell, but he needed to see the stars. He needed to see the moon one last time. He wanted to see his lost happy ending one more time before he fell to his horrid fate. He pleaded to whatever gods he knew, from the Orixás that used to protect him to even the moon deity he used to worship. He cried softly in his cell, the agonizing cold and the sharp pain with every twitch of his bruised and battered muscles forcing him still. His vision was blurry and his mind jumbled. His body felt weak, crumpling down on its knees. He did not know how long it was ever since he was captured, but he knew his end would come soon.

      He needed to see the moon. As if abandoning all reason, Thai struggled to stand up. His nauseous head made it feel as if he was trying to stand on the deck of a ship in the middle of a hurricane, but he kept rising. Nothing mattered to him anymore. He slipped but caught himself before his face met the ground. One of his eyes didn't want to open, the other seeing a darkened room shifting around him. Yet, he kept himself straight, gathering strength as he slowly stood back up.       He took an unsteady step forward. He drew in a raspy breath as he continued forward. He needed to see the night sky. He needed to feel the grass under his feet. He needed to breathe in the cool, night air. He needed to see...

      A face revealed itself in his mind. For a brief moment, his heart jumped, a wave of warmth welcomed by the freezing Thai. He could see the short, disheveled almost-auburn-colored hair over his head. Under it was a young, handsome face, a pair of chestnut-colored irises looking at him. Soft, pink lips rose to a warm smile that greeted him, a hand extending out towards Thai.       "...Yuki..." Thai raggedly breathed, taking another shambling step towards the jail bars.        Yukimura stood under the moon, dressed in his normal red kimono. He stood tall over the grassy knob, his soft gaze bidding Thai to join him. Thai's heartbeat grew excited, his steps growing faster. He was close—he could feel the warmth of his hand just inches away...

      But, the frozen iron cage bars stopped him. His body collided with the cell doors, Thai letting out a frustrated, pained gasp as his body slunk to the ground. His eyes grew heavier. His mind was spinning, his gut sick. Thai let out another strained gasp, his cold body finally relaxing as his eyes closed.

      Nobuyuki watched just inches away from the other side of the jail cell bars. Mitsuhide was thorough in torturing the captured foreigner, yet seeing his handiwork made the elder Sanada brother sick. He extended a hand towards the jail bars, his fingers clasping its cold iron surface. The motionless Thai beneath him on the other side of the jail bars made him think that he was dead, yet he could still faintly hear the raspy breath going in and out of Thai's nose.   Nobuyuki looked down the hall, making sure he was alone. Mitsuhide should be in his manor, planning whatever schemes the silver kitsune was fond of. He winced, remembering Yukimura's words to him in their short time together. The man responsible for the carnage below him was the person he swore loyalty to. The demon responsible for the desolation of everything his twisted heart sought after was the thing he swore loyalty to. 

      His father's words and decree were unquestionable. Nobuyuki would always follow them. Under his father's command, he would be the one to make sure the Sanada Clan prospered and lived through the war-torn era they lived in. 

      Nobuyuki let go of the cage bars before crouching down to meet the unconscious Thai. His hand reached through the bars, his fingers pressing down on the side of Thai's neck. He nearly gasped upon feeling the faint beat of blood still pumping through his veins under Thai's stone-cold skin.        He stood back up. There was no telling that his younger brother would come to rescue his subordinate. Nobuyuki smiled, knowing that Yukimura was too headstrong in allowing himself to leave his comrades to suffer a horrible fate. Just like him and his father, Yukimura valued every person's life. He knew exactly where Yukimura was going to infiltrate the castle. He studied every nook and cranny of Ueda, knowing its every weakness and exploit—knowing where a shinobi could easily infiltrate to reach the jail cell to recover a captured warrior.        Nobuyuki sighed, hearing the door at the far end of the hall open. He turned to the approaching figure.       "Inahime," Nobuyuki breathed. 

      Komatsuhime stepped to him, gasping at the sight just across the cell bars. "Oh my—! Is that....?"

      "Yes," Nobuyuki simply answered. He held Komatsuhime's hands, his wife's eyes plastered on the fallen foreigner. "Nobushige will come for him soon."

      Her eyes darted to her husband, her mouth agape. "What?! But, he'll be captured? And, if he is..."

      "I know," Nobuyuki gulped, the thought of seeing his brother in a jail cell sending shivers through his spine. "But, we need to plan accordingly if all is to go well."

      Komatsuhime shuddered, her husband's grip firm on her hands. "Then...you mean to—"

      "Alert our shinobi," he said. "Tell them this..."

      There was a passage hidden in the stone walls of the moat around Ueda Castle. Not everyone knew of its existence, its purpose both as a point of infiltration should the castle be occupied and as an escape, if the barbarian-like enemy should ever capture Ueda. Yukimura vividly remembered using this passage to escape as the enemy surrounded him. He would have fallen to the demon if not for the knowledge of this door.        Throughout the day, both Sasuke and Yukimura methodically observed the patrolling guards around the castle. With the cover of night shrouding them, they donned dark blue garb before making their way into town. They infiltrated the castle grounds, silently descending into the moats without alerting the incoming patrol rounding the corner. There was an area of stone big enough to allow someone to walk along, Yukimura and Sasuke hugging the walls of the moat as they made their way closer to the door—a grate that seemed to be built into the foundation but could be opened with enough force. 

      Yukimura knew their plan was extremely risky. Even the chance of a wrong move could end with them being captured. His actions already may have spelled disaster for Lord Shingen and Lord Kenshin's plans. The honorable thing to do would be to return home and face judgment for his treason. He knew his death would be assured, so why not risk it instead while rescuing Thai.

      Thai...that dummy! Yukimura did not know whether to hug or berate him for what he pulled off. He was such a wild boar—why did he just charge into the enemy like that!? He sighed; he already knew the answer to that question. There were fewer forces intercepting them at the river when they escaped due to Thai staying behind. If it was not for him, they would not have escaped the river and onto dry land. It was because of his sacrifice that they made it out of Ueda alive.       Yukimura gulped, his fingers cautiously prying open the grate leading to a tunnel small enough for them to crouch inside. His mind stayed fixed on Thai, hoping that this mission wasn't a waste and that he was still alive somewhere within. He was always there to save him, even when he did not know who Yukimura originally was when he saved him in that forest so long ago. His foolishness could easily be confused for brevity in the face of harrowing opposition. But, it was that foolishness that he started to like about him. No matter the situation, Thai acted on his feet to protect him, even if it meant facing down a hundred men, just like—

      "Yuki," Sasuke said, breaking the Peerless Warrior out of his thoughts.          Yukimura found themselves within the tunnel, cautiously making their way inside. "Yeah?" he responded softly to Sasuke. 

      "The castle will be full of guards," Sasuke said. "Maybe it's best if you stay here to cover our exit, and I'll continue in to—"         "No," Yukimura said. "Once we get Thai, one of us needs to carry him if he's injured. If we do run into the guards, we'll need someone to cover the other carrying Thai."

      "Understood."

     They reached a panel at the end of the darkened tunnel. Yukimura carefully pried it open, the two dropping down into a dimly lit room. Their eyes opened wide at the sight, Yukimura nearly gasping. The tunnel was supposed to lead to a storage room, but instead of crates of rice and goods, they were met with the seemingly never-ending sight of guns, black powder barrels, and even cannons. Sasuke replaced the panel back as Yukimura stepped over to a nearby cannon. His heart tensed upon feeling its cool surface.        "Nobuyuki..." Yukimura grimaced silently to himself. "...you're really preparing for war?"

      "With this much ordinance, they could easily wipe us out," Sasuke said. "Like shooting fish in a barrel, so to speak."

      "That is the plan," a familiar voice called out.

      Yukimura and Sasuke spun around to the voice. From the shadows, Nobuyuki silently stepped out, his tachi in his hands. Nobuyuki sighed, shaking his head slowly. "You really came back for him, didn't you?" Nobuyuki said coldly.

      Yukimura's brow furrowed. He stomped toward his older brother but was quickly held back by Sasuke. "You!" Yukimura growled fiercely. "Where is he!? Give him back to us!"

      "Quiet your voice," Nobuyuki calmly said, biting back his own anger. "...no doubt that snake is slithering around here somewhere."

      "Snake?...Mitsuhide," Yukimura winced, venom dripping from his tongue. 

      "The very same," Nobuyuki said. "Already, your follower is gravely injured. I doubt he has long to live if Mitsuhide continues his...work."

      Yukimura suddenly lunged at his brother. The latter remained unfazed as Yukimura grabbed the lapels of his kimono, Sasuke frozen in place. A mad streak was glazed over his eyes. Nobuyuki kept his calm as he stared right back at him.        "Kill him, and I'll—"

      "Kill me, too?" Nobuyuki interrupted. 

      Yukimura stayed silent, his balled-up fists turning white. His face grew flustered, his teeth bared and clenched. Nobuyuki merely drew in and out a deep breath.       "...if you don't want to see your follower die...then I would suggest you hurry and save him," Nobuyuki said.

      Yukimura gasped. His tense hands let go of his brother's kimono as he stepped back. Nobuyuki sheathed his tachi, fixing his kimono. "You know where the jail cell is, younger brother," Nobuyuki continued to say. "I would caution you not to move him too much. He's...he's hurt badly."

      "Why...why are you helping us?" 

      Nobuyuki shrugged his shoulder lightly. "...if all goes to plan," he said. "You wouldn't need to worry about the weapons in this room."

      Sasuke glanced over at Yukimura. The latter stood confused, his jaw dropping slightly agape.

      "Believe me, don't believe me—it doesn't matter," Nobuyuki said. "I was tasked by our father to make sure the Sanada Clan prospers. You were tasked to continue their legacy and fight against the demon. It's time I held up my end of the bargain. Any moment now, a distraction will cause me and the entirety of the forces within to deal with a 'surprise attack.' Use this time wisely and save your friend."

      Yukimura stood in place for a moment. His eyes began to tear up, his body suddenly lurching forward. Yukimura's arms wrapped around Nobuyuki's, eliciting a surprised gasp from the older brother. Nobuyuki sighed, patting his brother on the head.        "Always such a crier," Nobuyuki smiled.

      "Shut up," Yukimura scoffed through the tears. He felt a long-forgotten warmth spread across him. 

      "Hmph."

      A faint explosion in the distance lightly rattled the castle walls. Nobuyuki cleared his throat, softly pushing Yukimura away. "Wait for a moment, and when the coast is clear, go and save Thai," Nobuyuki said as he turned away. 

      Yukimura sniffed back the tears, wiping his reddened eyes on his sleeve. "Th-thanks," he said. Yukimura turned to Sasuke, the two nodding.

      Nobuyuki left promptly, the voices of his concerned men ringing through the halls before being silenced by the door closing. Yukimura and Sasuke ran to the door, hugging the sides of the door with their bodies as they listened for the voices outside to die down. Within a few moments, the two quickly made their way out of the storage room. True to Nobuyuki's word, the entire castle was empty.        Yukimura's heart was racing—he really did get through to Nobuyuki after all. True, all of this could be a setup to capture him, but so far, his older brother's words rang true. A spark of hope lit a fire inside Yukimura's heart as he and Sasuke darted through the castle, finally making their way down to the lower levels where the jail was.

      Just as they were about to turn a corner, Sasuke pulled Yukimura back. Sasuke held his mouth shut as he peered around the corner. Two guards were still stationed outside of the jail. Yukimura glanced at them, kissing his teeth in frustration as Sasuke let go of Yukimura. The two guards didn't wear red armor or kimonos.       "Mitsuhide's men, probably," Sasuke said. 

      "Damn!" Yukimura grunted. He huffed, looking at Sasuke. "Alright, you take the one on the left. I got the right."

      Sasuke produced a small pellet from his kimono, nodding silently. He threw the pellet at the guards, a small pop igniting a large explosion of smoke that surprised the guards. In the confusion, Sasuke and Yukimura quickly lunged at their respective targets, swiftly incapacitating both at the same time. Once the smoke cleared, the two guards lay motionless on the floor with Sasuke opening the jail door for Yukimura to enter. 

      The two quickly went down the jail hall, looking from cell to cell, until they found—

      "Thai..." Yuki breathed.

      The sight of the collapsed foreigner shocked him. Sasuke gasped, quickly picking the lock of the door. Thai was still unconscious, barely breathing as Sasuke opened the cell door. Yukimura quickly crouched down, enveloping Thai in a gentle embrace. The Peerless Warrior lifted Thai's torso up, a twitching hand brushing back the overgrown bangs from Thai's eyes. His pulse was weak and his tanned body pale, his ragged breath alarming the two.       "Thai..." Yukimura repeated. "Hold on just a little longer."

      The muscles on Thai's face twitched, his dry lips slowly opening. "...Yu...Yuki?" Thai breathed softly.

      "Shh...I'm here," Yuki softly whispered.

      Thai's eyes were shut closed, yet he began to grow conscious. "...Você...você voltou por mim?"

      "I don't know what you're saying, dummy," Yukimura lightly snorted. He gently caressed his cheek with his calloused hands. He bit back the tears upon seeing Thai in such a disastrous state. He had to stay strong. "I'm not gonna leave you to die."

      Thai weakly chuckled, the chuckle turning quickly into a pained cough. "You...you should have—"

      "Stop," Yukimura interrupted. "I'm not leaving you. Never, and that's final. I intend to keep my promise to you, whether you like it or not."

      "Tsk...so stubborn."

      Yukimura threw Thai's arm around his shoulder, gently picking up his light frame by Thai's upper back and legs. Yukimura nodded to Sasuke, the two quickly escaping the jail. Heading back into the storage room, they slid Thai through the tunnel before cautiously hauling him out. In his feeble state, they couldn't escape the way they intended to, though.       "Thai," Yukimura softly asked. "How are you feeling?"

      The foreigner scoffed weakly. "...sério?"

      Yukimura sighed. "Right...sorry."

      "We cannot swim out of here, then," Sasuke said. "We have to escape through the back of the castle and disappear into the forest."

      "Damn!"

      "Yuki..." Thai breathed.

      "It's alright, Thai," Yukimura said, the two carefully making their way through the moat. "I got you."

      "Vejam isso..."

      "Huh?"

     Thai giggled softly, the gaze in his eyes pointed up. "A Lua...é tão brilhante, não é?"

     Yukimura started to panic; Thai was starting to ramble nonsense. "Hey! Keep it together," he said. The trio found their way out of the moat, Yukimura carefully placing Thai over his shoulder as they started to climb up the moat and onto the outside of the castle. "We're almost there. Just...please...stay with me."

      They quickly reached solid ground, Yukimura carrying Thai bridal-style as they made a dash towards the distant trees. They looked behind them, seeing the town behind them illuminated by a large fire spewing smoke and flames that towered over the land. Yukimura grimaced at the sight, Sasuke urging silently with a hand on his shoulder for the two to keep running. Yet, a few emerging figures stopped them in their tracks. Yukimura whispered a curse, a few samurai surrounding them. Again, they did not appear to be Nobuyuki's men, meaning that they were followed by Mitsuhide's spies.       "Where do you think you're going?" spat one of the men as he drew his sword. 

      Sasuke drew out his own sword, yet they were outmanned four-to-one. The duo placed their backs to one another as they were circled by Mitsuhide's men, yet the kitsune himself did not appear.       "You can either come with us, or we'll take your heads to our lord instead," another man sneered.

      Yukimura winced, clutching Thai tightly to his person. "Any ideas, Sasuke?"

      "I'm thinking," the ocular ninja muttered.

      "Lord Mitsuhide would very much appreciate your cooperation, little Sanada vermin!" said a third man.

      Yukimura grunted. "Step one foot closer, and you'll regret facing me," Yuki growled back. 

      The men drew their swords and began to inch closer. Sasuke took one hand off his sword hilt, reaching for the kunai attached to his belt. Yuki prepared himself to drop Thai. He would have to risk Thai's injuries to fight off the men surrounding them. The area grew silent, the cacophony of voices in the distant town muffled.

      Just as the attackers were about to leap forward, one of them grunted in pain and clutched his neck. Yukimura gasped as the man fell down lifelessly to the ground. The others gasped as well, frantically searching around. One by one, figures shrouded by the darkness emerged from the shadows, each taking down the attackers before they could react. Yukimura and Sasuke watched silently as their attackers fell before them, numerous men shrouded in dark clothes that matched the night approaching them. Yukimura huffed, adjusting his grip on Thai.       "It took you long enough!" Yukimura scoffed.

      Saizou took off his mask. "Apologies, my lord," Saizou smiled. "We were momentarily distracted by this."

      Saizou produced something from behind his back, its metallic surface making Yukimura sigh. "Oh...right," Yukimura groaned, Saizou slightly fiddling with the golden gunbai in his hands. "You know that's just for show, right? I don't actually care for it."

      "Mission still completed," Kamenosuke grinned.

      Thai's guttural groans alerted Yukimura, the Peerless Warrior kneeling down on the grass. Thai's eyes opened once more, his throat letting out a scoff as he stared up toward the sky.       "Hey, come on!" Yukimura grunted. "We're almost home free."

      Thai coughed. "Alright-alright," he breathed, retracting his arm from around Yukimura's shoulder. "Hold on...I can walk, just—"

      "Nope! You're in no condition to walk," Yukimura scoffed. 

      "He's alright," Saizou smiled.

     "Not really...." Thai groaned. "Esse filho de puta has my razor blade. W-we might...have to do this mission again just to...get it back."

      Yukimura couldn't help but gawk. Even injured, Thai was still the stubborn mule that he was. He will be fine, he thought. He wrapped Thai's arm around his shoulders once more before lifting him off the ground. He nodded to everyone before they quickly ran to the trees where their horses awaited.  

      It would be a few days' ride back to Kasugayama, the group needing to make necessary detours to shake any trailing spies off their tail. They would have to wait until they were well outside of Shinano to check on Thai's wounds. The foreigner would still have to endure the pain for now, but the sweet relief of freedom eased his injured body. He could feel the cool night breeze blow across his skin, and smell the fresh pine and dirt of the forest. His eyes opened again, still directed up to take one last look before he closed his heavy eyelids. The last thing he remembered seeing before falling into a deep sleep was Yuki's face peering down at him, the moon shining bright just above him. Thai couldn't help but gawk softly—the moon had returned.