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yonezawacastle · 5 months

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brittle (1/?)

Pairing(s): background Masamune/MC (here named Aya)

This is an excerpt from an unfinished fic I wrote purely for myself, in which the Oshu family adds a tiny new member, thanks to an injudicious act of compassion by Masamune. Things...don't go smoothly.

I've never liked my own writing. I am trying to be less of a perfectionist in the coming year, however, so forcing myself to finally put something longer than a sentence or two out there is part of my commitment to that. Anyway.

-----

The girl’s name means stop.

This fact bothers Masamune sometimes, when he’s sifting through his papers, and finds the word among the plans and correspondence. The girl’s name is written only in hiragana --とめ -- but the implication of the name, the character that crosses his desk every so often and never fails to stop him, is plain as day given the girl's personal history.

The character 止 carries no trace of softness. It is stiff and unyielding lines, the rightmost stroke an arm stretched in prohibition. Unwanted. Forbidden. No.

It suggests an unwished child, and Masamune knows all about being unwished.

After all, his eyes are much like her own.

“It’s actually a common enough name,” Aya tells him one night in his annex kitchen, his wife's back to him as she chops vegetables for their dinner. “A lot of families will call their daughter that, if they don’t want any more children. Especially if they have one too many mouths to feed.”

But Tome had been born to a samurai family.

_________

In one sense, he must admit, the girl’s name is suitable.

Tome is a brittle, sticklike figure, her bones sharp and prominent in places where Aya insists there ought to be a peachy softness. There is a faintly skeletal quality to the six-year-old, something wholly insubstantial, and sometimes Masamune feels that if he breathes too hard, she might blow away.

The greatest stiffness, though, is in the way she regards them, in the fragile quiet that suggests she is all too used to being shattered.

Watchful, Kojuro calls her. Both men know this is a polite gloss on afraid.

(“We rescued her, Masa,” Shigezane says to him once. “Even if we had to make her a hostage to do it.” Masamune watches the uneasy set of the girl’s shoulders beneath Aya’s hands and wonders if they’d rescued her from anything.)

These first months have made him awkward and clumsy. Masamune has never loved his own body, and now he feels there is too much of it altogether: standing near the girl feels more like looming, and on the vanishingly rare occasions that Tome finds the courage to reach for him, one of his hands easily swallows both of hers.

“Bend down when you talk to her,” hisses Shigezane in his ear. “Kids like it when you get on their level.”

He has felt less menacing on the battlefield.

#my fics #slbp masamune #slbp kojuro #slbp mc #slbp shigezane #oc: inaba tome #slbp #samurai love ballad party

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the12thnightproject · 10 months

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I thought of a HC request, if that's fine by you: the Warlords each receive a letter signed by an anonymous person saying that "The most important person in their lives is being held hostage."

However, it turns that no one was held hostage, and it was all just an experiment done by MC and Sasuke. I saw this in a comic book story years ago.

I apologize if this is confusing.

Hi Anon! Thank you for stopping into the ol’ ask box. “The most important person in their lives is being held hostage”…? Yikes, even as an experiment that’s cruel (especially as an experiment). So… ok, I’m going to actually acquit Sasuke of this…. Even though he’s not the most emotionally adept, he’s smart enough to know that this kind of note is not the sort of thing you do in Sengoku.

HOWEVER...

We’ve seen in several event routes, that MC, especially if she is feeling inadequate, or jealous or whatever, WOULD indeed do something like this. In event routes, we’ve seen her try to make her suitor jealous, followed them, tried to give Masamune alcohol, considered giving Mitsuhide an aphrodisiac…

Yeah, if this is an event version of MC, she would do this. The question is… does she send the message and hide, HOPING that her suitor will think she is the hostage, OR does she send the message and then stand next to the warlord as he opens it, to see the reaction?

Let’s just assume she’s hiding.

"The most important person in your life is being held hostage."

Nobunaga – Opens the letter, is momentarily worried, but then he notices the top of MC’s head over the edge of the tenshu balcony. He pitches his voice loudly and announces, “Oh no! My WIFE is being held hostage.” There is a shocked whisper of “wife?” from outside, and then a scared squeak because MC loses her grip and almost falls. Nobunaga rushes out to the balcony and pulls her back to safety. Then he assures her that she is the love of his life, and makes her promise to never do anything that stupid again.

Hideyoshi – Panics. But panics in such complete brain melting gibberish, that MC is unable to tell whether or not he is worried about her…. or Nobunaga.

Mitsuhide – Realizes instantly that MC wrote the letter, and – while creeping carefully toward where MC is hiding – says, “Well… that’s way too much to pay for MC. Guess I’m going to just die a sad, lonely, man.” Then he pulls her out of her hiding place and says, “Dear me, I’ve found a tricky little mouse who apparently wants to play games tonight.” Follows that up with some suggestions about what kind of games they could play.

Masamune – Immediately takes off intending to rescue MC. MC has to chase after him to assure him that she is ok after all. After his initial relief passes, he promises her she is the most important person in his life, and makes her promise never to do anything that stupid again.

Ieyasu – “My sourdough starter!” Runs back to his manor to check on it.

Mitsunari – The ransom note gets mixed in with all the loose papers in his room and he never sees it.

Keiji – Plots a daring rescue. Writes a poem about the daring rescue. Puts the poem about the daring rescue to music. Hires a group of travelling players to act out daring rescue. Forgets to actually pull off daring rescue.

Ranmaru – Is doing his secret squirrel spy ninja stuff around the castle when he runs across MC hiding before he even gets the note.

Kennyo – Because everyone is important to Kennyo, he spends the rest of the week checking up on every person he knows to make sure they are ok.

Motonari – Catches MC writing the ransom note and eagerly volunteers to help her carrying the abduction.

Kicho – “And…?”

Kenshin – If you’ve ever wondered why today, Kasugayama Castle is in ruins… well, wonder no more.

Kanetsugu – “Kenshin!” Then realizes that no force in the world could take Kenshin hostage, and hunts down MC’s hiding place. Takes fifteen minutes to icily explain to her why this was a cruel joke, but as soon as she starts crying and apologizing and vowing never to do such a stupid thing again, he gathers her in his arms and assures her that he loves her very much.

Shingen – Reads note, and recognizes MC’s handwriting. It takes him no time whatsoever to locate her. He then spends the rest of the night assuring her how much he loves her, how much she means to him (granted, he probably didn’t need the entire night, but Shingen is thorough).

Yoshimoto – MC realizes that she cannot do this to Yoshimoto – he’s suffered enough in his route and she doesn’t want to push him over the edge. So instead she sends him on a scavenger hunt, and when he follows all the clues, he finds MC at the end, lying in his bed, wearing only rose petals. She spends the rest of the night convincing him how much she loves him.

Yukimura – Enlists Sasuke’s help. Sasuke reads the note. “Wait, I believe I read this in a comic book somewhere.” He helps Yuki find MC where she is hiding. When the inevitable argument follows Yuki’s, “Dummy! How could you do such a thing. You know I love you, right?” Sasuke slinks away.

Sasuke – Is pretty sure he read about this in a comic book, but goes to Azuchi to check on Ieyasu just in case.

@lorei-writes

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oda-princess · 3 months

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Mc really has balls of steel .

I could never....

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikesen mc #ikesen masamune #event story #the locked up princess

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orangejuice707 · 4 months

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More funny shit from yoshimoto's route

#otome game #ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikesen yoshimoto #yoshimoto imagawa #cybird #cybird otome #cybird ikemen #ikesen keiji #ikesen mitsuhide #ikesen masamune #ikesen hideyoshi #ikesen mc

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whatever-fanfics · 5 months

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Much has changed but I still have you

~~~

Ikemen sengoku x reader

Keiji Maeda x reader

Part of @aquagirl1978 's "a series of firsts" challenge

Prompt: First child (getting used to life as parents)

In which while getting used parenthood, you and Keiji introduce your newborn son to the Oda forces.

~~~

A shrill cry woke you both out of your sleep, he heard you before he could even open his eyes completely. "Oh my baby" you soothingly said, as the light assaulted your eyes. Quickly assimilating to the light Keiji saw you bump into the wall before feeling for the door, finding it and sliding it open.

He took a moment to sigh before sitting himself up and pulling the covers off.

He'd long since realized his dream, bringing an alliance back from Echigo. Becoming lord of the land, giving a home to his parents. Marrying you, becoming a father.

He inhales as he breaks out of his reverie at the sound of the door opening and closing. "Maybe we should move his room, it's always cold in there" you say, voice laced with exhaustion matching your dark eye bags, walking over to the futon, your son of barely 5 months in your arms. "Yeah? Maybe next to ours, instead of down the hall" he answers as he ties his hair. You nod in agreement, smiling at him as he settles himself behind you.

"Good morning" he says leaning over to kiss your temple, taking the blanket and repositioning it to cover both you and the babe in your arms. "Morning" you say back, letting the yukata slip off your shoulder in order to feed him. "How many hours did you get" he asks softly so as not to jostle the baby who is blissfully feeding on your nipple. "Hours? More like minutes" you joke, not entirely a lie, he laughs "after they go, get some sleep I'll watch him" Keiji offers not looking away from your half asleep baby. "Nah, you need sleep too, don't think I don't know you're sleep schedule is worse than mine" despite your words your tone was as soft as ever. "Okay" he tenderly whispers in your ear followed by a slight nibble to your earlobe.

"Keiji" you whimper, "they'll be here soon" you breathe out as he works his way down your neck. "So..." he reasons, you turn to him lips slightly parted as he leans into you slowly, his hand lightly caressing your jaw. Your lips are the only thing on his mind.

You feel a breath of cold air on your nipple right before your son's high pitched mewls turned into high pitched cries breaking the mood.

You both heave a sigh, before separating, he helps you restate your robes. "Do you know how much time we have before they get here?" You ask as he takes your baby to change his diaper "soon, but probably not until after breakfast" he estimates.

You hand your son off to the nursemaid, so that you and Keiji can enjoy breakfast together. After that you dressed the baby and then yourselves. Before going to the meeting room you took a mat for him to lay on along with a few toys that you knew he liked.

~~~

A delighted smile spread across your face as you wiggled the den-den daiko, one of the many gifts gifted to him by his grandparents. His cheerful gurgle and drool making its way past his chin, he flails as he sees your smile making your soar. The light of the sun breaks through the crack of the shoji doors illuminating his rosy cheeks making a sheer contrast to the bright blue kimono you'd made him.

"A strong voice makes good on the battlefield" Nobunaga's booming voice echoes throughout the meeting room, as you turned around you saw everyone pile in.

After exchanging greetings everyone took their seat around the room. You handed him to Nobunaga, helping him support your son in the right places.

"I think he has your nose" Hideyoshi whispers from his place between you and his liege lord, the latter's attention consumed by the child he was currently bouncing through the air. A breathy laugh leaves your lips "yeah and he has Keiji's hair" you whisper back. As your conversation dies down you both turn back to Nobunaga and the baby staring intensely into his eyes, kicking his feet as the former bounces him into the air.

He'd been doing this for quite a while now so you were concerned. "You might want to put him down for a minute, he might-" words dying down in your throat, pulling your lips back into a thin line.

Some watched in terror others in surprise as your son's throw up met its mark, on Nobunaga's face.

Your son's cries of displeasure followed right after as he felt the a sting in the back of his throat.

"Nobunaga-sama!" Hideyoshi's shocked voice broke everyone out of their stupor.

You didn't have to see Mitsuhide's smile as his snicker was enough to warrant a quick reprimand from Hideyoshi.

A small "oh..." escaped Mitsunari as Masamune and Ieyasu wore matching expressions of silenced shock.

Sighing you made your way to the door, hollering out for some towels and water as Keiji made his way from next to you to gather the child from Nobunaga's hands.

Said lord kept his eyes closed, not uttering a single word as chaos around him ensued. You made your way back over to him towels in one hand and a bowl of water in the other, placing one dampened towel in his free hand and the others on his knee.

Upon lifting your hand with another dampened towel, he holds up his hand to accept the towel from you. "Well..." you begin before finishing "at least your clothes are safe." Time stops as everyone in the room freezes astonished by your statement. "Y/n!!!" Hideyoshi scolds his tone scaring your son even more, you turn as Keiji struggles the fussing baby in his arms. "Hideyoshi please don't scare the baby" Ieyasu chimes in from his spot.

Hideyoshi's retort is cut off as everyone's attention is drawn to the slight chuckle coming from their liege lord. You turn surprise plastered on your face, as he leans forward so as not to get the retch in his mouth while wiping his face with the towels. As his laughter quieted down, you handed him the other towel so you could help your struggling husband.

"You got 'em" Keiji asked as you situated your son in your arms in a way that didn't involve getting the spit up on your kimono. "Yeah" you assured as you gently rocked him in your arms, careful not to agitate him any further. Gently thanking Keiji as he opened the door for you to swiftly exit and change his dirty clothes.

~~~

Sliding the door closed was harder with a 14 pound baby in your other arm. Mitsunari, being closest to the door, rushed from his sitting position to your aid "here" he said reaching behind you to close the door. You quickly thanked him and went to sit by the others, who were huddling around something.

"What's goin' on" Keiji turned at the sound of your honeyed voice, he swears you make his heart stutter every time. Keiji nods towards the center of the circle where multiple items were splayed out on the floor, some laying on the clean towels from earlier. "Awww" you swooned at the sight of baby sandals, several sounds of laughter meet your ears as you slowly sit down.

"Who?"

You asked, eyes a little teary voice wavering with emotion, making your husband's eyes and heart soften. Looking around the room you saw Hideyoshi put up his arm with a slightly bashful smile. You thanked him passionately the tears welling up in your eyes, pregnancy hormones not quite all gone, he waved his hand as he eased you a bright smile on his face.

"Lass" Masamune drew your attention to the small posh in front of you. Your look of confusion melted into one of adoration as he opened the pouch to reveal a small container filled with puréed fruit. Taking the spoon he had with it you gently placed some of the fruit on your son's parted lips. Everyone waited in silence as he contemplated the new flavor invading his senses, you and your husband laugh as your baby lifts his eyebrows in confusion, before using all of his strength to reach for the spoon again.

Your shared laughter was heard from down the hall, laughter that would illuminate your home for years to come.

~~~

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amenomiko · 1 year

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MC: _____! There's a cockroach 😭😭😭😭😭!

Cockroach: *FLIES*

MC: EEEEKKKKK THAT YoSHITaki-look-alike CAN FLY 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

-----

The Assh0le

Nobunaga: *Saves his konpeito jar first*

MC: THIS IS WHY KICHO LEAVES YOU ୧( ಠ Д ಠ )୨!

---

The normal reaction

Hideyoshi, Masamune, Shingen,

Kennyo: *Laughs and quickly catch it and throw it out*

MC: Wash that hand ಠ_ಠ

---

Assh0le +1

Mitsuhide & Keiji: *Didn't do anything because watching her running in circles are more interesting*

MC: You will sleep outside tonight (☉д⊙).

---

The contrary

Ieyasu, Yukimura: Calm down. This thing wont harm you. *Seems calm but deep inside he's SHRIEKING LIKE A GIRL*

MC: ಠ_ಠ...

---

The "Playing Dart"

Kenshin, Kanetsugu: *Throws their sword like playing a dart and cockroach K.O*

MC: MAH HEART 😩😩😩--

---

The "PEW PEW"

Motonari, Kicho: *Shoots it with his gun, one hit K.O*

MC: MAH HEART +1 😩😩😩😩😩😩--

---

The one who screams MORE beautiful than MC herself

Ranmaru: Kyaaaaa!! It's coming QAQQQQ

ALL VASSALS AND MAIDS: Ranmaru!! WE ARE HERE!!!

*Most probably MC was lost in the crowd*

---

The eh..

Sasuke: *Sprays*

Cockroach: *FLIES MORE*

Sasuke: RIP me.

MC: NOOOOOOOO 😱😱😱😱😱😱

---

The eh.. +1

Mitsunari: Oh dear oh dear oh dear (´・д・｀) *Runs but bonk himself on the wall + faint*

MC: FFFFAAAAAKKKKKK 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

---

The uhm..

Yoshimoto: I would love to help but I feel conflicted. That thing is not beautiful.. And if I could choose I'd rather catch you myself 🌸🌸🌸

MC: FAAAAAAKKKKKK AGAINNNN 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

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elleplaysotome · 1 year

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IKESEN FIGHT FOR LOVE ILLUSTRATION!!

#ikerev boys fits are still my favorite but these aren't bad #MAI'S FIT IS SUCH A SLAY THO #ikemen series #ikemen games #cybird #cybird games #ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikesen nobunaga #ikesen ieyasu #ikesen kicho #ikesen kenshin #ikesen masamune #ikesen mc #ikesen mai #ikesen mitsuhide

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limonzu · 1 year

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One day I'll get these printed out as posters....

... But for now, I'll have to make do with using one as a wallpaper....

#ikesen #ikemen sengoku #ikesen mc #ikesen nobunaga #ikesen masamune #ikesen yukimura #ikesen manga

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waste-time-play-otome · 1 month

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can someone give me a tldr on Masamune's sequel tragic end bc I'm not gonna read it I hate angst

#ikesen #ikemen sengoku #masamune date #otome game #dating sim #ikemen series #mc post

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mysticsmollpotatoad · 1 year

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Modern enemy of the warlords

This is just a little headcanon I have in mind. During the sengoku era, every warlords' enemy is the opposing warlords and traitors. But if they went to the modern world...who or what will they considered as their enemy?

Nobunaga

Dentist.

He has the same VA as Gintoki and there's also an episode where Gintoki went to dentist so it's easy to imagine him wailing like a kid internally.

You will only get him to the dentist because you work together with Hideyoshi to trap him.

No way he would come voluntarily.

Everything about dentist just unsettle him.

The boring waiting room, the sound of the tools, the distinctive odor, and the idea that someone has to gain access to open and meddle with his mouth (only you can gain free access).

Of course it was Hideyoshi who insists his lord to get a check up because his sweet tooth lord won't give up on eating sweets.

cue glaring

But the sound of terror coming from the tools are stronger than any enemy he had faced.

He will cease the glare and throw pitiful puppy look toward you as last resort.

🥺

Nope. Not working. Hideyoshi already gave strict instructions to you.

After the treatment, nobunaga never felt this betrayed before. He even prefer Mitsuhide to betray him for real rather than being dragged to the dentist.

Hideyoshi

Magician

Why? If you combine Mitsuhide's trickery and Masamune's recklessness into one occupation you'll get a magician.

Seriously tho...he will get a heart attack if you bring him to watch a magic show with dangerous stunt as a surprise.

It was a bad surprise idea because...

"wait wait wait!!! That's dangerous! Hey you! Wha-"

You need to silence him down before he interrupted the show and start his lecture about safety.

You'll have to tell him that everything is scripted and safe...most of the time.

"But it's still unacceptable to see people play around with their lives like that."

He also dislike them more when you told him that there are also those who can hipnotize other people.

Even a simple card tricks will annoyed him.

Maybe it's because it gave him the same familiar sensation like being fooled by Mitsuhide.

Masamune

Sushi terrorist

Have you heard the news?

Lately in Japan there's this group who terrorize sushi restaurants by licking the soy sauce bottles, tea cups, and sushi on conveyor belt (the culprits already got arrested).

Masamune as the chef of the group and the one who appreciates food the most, definitely won't tolerate this act of disrespect toward foods.

If the culprits are still running loose, he will hunt them and whoop their asses.

"so you lads were the naughty nasty kittens who ran around licking things? You should have told me. I have better "catnip" for you lads to lick. Oi Ieyasu, give me your best batch of sauce and pepper."

You better believe the culprits find enlightenment after tasting Masamune's "special" course.

Ieyasu

Pesky sales

Whether it's shady neighbors who tried to recruit him to join shady group or average sales who diligently offer their products...all of them annoyed him.

"No, I don't need it. Leave me alone."

You started to wonder why he seem to be attracting the attention of those sales.

There were always several sales flocking on him wherever he goes.

Maybe because he looks soft and an easy target for them?

He became more grumpy and decided to wear a hat, glasses, and mask whenever he goes out.

In addition, there was that one time when someone offer free pack of tissues on the street.

He accepted it but he was curious why there is a phone number on it.

He asked you and you told him that's a phone number to order a "service" from those ladies.

(⁄ ⁄•⁄Д⁄•⁄ ⁄) He was blushing hard and found those sales tactic as unbelievable. He became more cynical and suspicious toward any kind gesture from modern people.

Mitsunari

Scammer

He might also have the same problem as Ieyasu since he also look like an easy target. But he managed to unintentionally blinded them with his angelic smile and steer them away...almost like they are being manipulated. Of course that's also thanks to your help for teaching him what's right or wrong in this era.

But even Mitsunari can found something as unpleasant.

It was during a date. You brought him to a traditional japanese festival.

There were a lot of stands but a particular stand picked his curiosity.

It was like a gambling game with prizes.

He was observing how it works. He noticed that something is off.

He confronted the owner by asking a barrage of questions and ended it by presenting his calculations to prove that the game is rigged.

Winner: Mitsunari.

Yes, it's similar to karma akabane but Mitsunari did it without ill intent.

Mitsuhide

Ah...he is a hard one.

He is too composed and smart for his own good.

But...even Mitsuhide should have his own fair share of struggle in the modern world.

Fangirls with moe power.

Act suspicious and smug all you want, but you are weak against strong and straight forward affections, right Mitsuhide?

His mysterious allure might attracted fangirls, otaku, and even creepy stalker fans like sasaeng.

He learns that people in this era can be more aggressive in their approach when it comes to forming a relationship or admiring someone.

Poor kitsune.

He can't keep up with the power of moe.

You offered to console your exhausted kitsune.

Like Ieyasu, in the end he decided to disguise himself when he goes out.

Kenshin

Pretty much everyone and everything.

He hates the police for forbidding him from carrying his sword.

He hates those scouts who keep trying to scout him into modelling, host, and even boyband.

He hates those small fry criminals like molesters (if they touch you, they die).

He hates those who keep staring at him with glimmering eyes.

Imagine a scene from ouran high school where there is this yakuza guy who glares at a bunch of girls, but the power of moe is stronger than his glare. It's similar with Kenshin.

He has similar problem like Mitsuhide, but Kenshin is too...rebellious to hide himself. Hiding is not in his nature.

He won't disguise himself unless you ask him.

"How dare you order me around. Are you trying to get in my way?"

Oh yeah..he will also hate rules like limited purchase.

Shingen

This one is unusual. I can't see him as disliking someone strongly. So...

Low ceiling.

Yep, it's a struggle for all tall people who came to Japan.

Walking in the hallway? He need to bent a bit.

Sometimes his head bonk into hanging direction plates.

Just...don't take him to a capsule hotel if you want a steamy night with him.

Yukimura

Host club

(o/////o " ) blushing intensifies

"h-how can all of them flirt in a room full of people? Don't they have some decency?" *closing his eyes with both his hands*

It's like in a room full of lord Shingen.

Poor boy can't take the heat and wanted to leave immediately.

He is more astounded when you told him that they don't even flirt genuinely.

Seems like a fitting job for his lord. Of course, he won't allow it if his lord really did want to become a host.

Sasuke

😐

Is there any?

He is a modern man.

He is used to it and can handle it.

Along with you, he will help the warlords to get used to life in modern time.

#ikemen series #ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikesen nobunaga #ikesen hideyoshi #ikesen masamune #ikesen ieyasu #ikesen mitsunari #ikesen mitsuhide #ikesen kenshin #ikesen shingen #ikesen yukimura #ikesen sasuke #ikesen mc #ikesen headcanons

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mymumisasquid · 1 year

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Girl, he ain’t drunk

That motherfucker’s high

#cybird ikemen series #cybird ikemen #ikemen sengoku #ikemen series #ikesen #ikesen mc #ikesen masamune #ikesen mitsuhide #ikemen sengoku mitsuhide #ikemen sengoku masamune #ikemen sengoku mc

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yonezawacastle · 3 months

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She remembers two colors from that first winter in Oshu.

One is the endless expanse of white that veiled the fields and mountains for months on end.

The other is the crimson blush that stained Masamune's cheeks when he first asked her to share the warmth of his own bed.

#i write soft things when i'm sleepy 🤷‍♀️#masamune x mc #micro fics #my fics #slbp #samurai love ballad party

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writingwhimsey · 11 months

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All's Fair In Love and War Prologue Pt 2

Prologue Pt 2

Three years Later…

Nobunaga sat in council with his inner circle. “What about those rumors we have been hearing about for the past few years?” Hideyoshi asked.

“Yes, even I’ve heard about the rumors surrounding the Yamada Clan.” Masamune said, a serious look on his face. “They used to just stick to themselves not really allying with anyone or going after anyone, but protecting themselves.”

“Lord Riku Yamada died three years ago.” Mitsuhide spoke. “My sources tell me he had an adopted child who had already been leading his forces in their battles even before his death.”

“What were the circumstances of his death?” Hideyoshi asked.

“An enemy attack from the Ishihara Clan.” Mitsuhide answered. “Killed him and his wife in their beds.”

“The new Lord Yamada marched their forces to the Ishihara just days later and waged a war… from my understanding of how the battle played out…their strategy….the Ishihara didn’t stand a chance and were defeated in three days.” Mitsunari said. “The new Lord Yamada is a brilliant strategist.”

“After defeating the Ishihara, Lord Yamada went after the Ishihara allies next.” Mitsuhide explained. “They had been surrounded by enemies for so long at this point…and now those enemies are gone and the Yamada rule over a rather large amount of land.”

“This could be a problem should the new Lord Yamada decide to try anything.” Hideyoshi said. “It could jeopardize our unification efforts…we would easily defeat them, though.”

“Not likely so easily.” Ieyasu spoke up.

“Seems like it would be one hell of a fight.” Masamune said, a glint in his one blue eye. “Though it would use a lot of our resources, given how much land the Yamada now hold…and how large their army is. From what I’ve heard the new Lord Yamada has gained favor of the people of the lands and they are prospering.”

Nobunaga had been silently listening and taking in every word his vassals and allies exchanged.

“We still have the larger force.” Hideyoshi said. “With all of our combined forces…”

“That would be a waste of resources.” Nobunaga finally declared.

“Then what do you propose we do, my lord?” Hideyoshi asked.

Nobunaga wore a smirk as he looked around the room. “I think it’s quite obvious…we seek to add the Yamada to our alliance.”

“That would be the best bet.” Mitsuhide said. “One can never have too many allies.”

“Especially too many strong allies.” Masamune agreed with a grin.

“I had good relations with the previous Lord Yamada.” Nobunaga said. “Though he never officially allied with me, he never stood against me either and even gave some supplies and good council on occasion.”

“How will you do it, my lord?” Hideyoshi asked. “I’d be happy to go as an envoy.”

Nobunaga shook his head. “No…we will invite Lord Yamada here. Ranmaru, you will set out for their territory at first light.”

Ranmaru blinked in surprise. “You really wish me to go, Lord Nobunaga?”

“Yes, you are the perfect man for the job.” Nobunaga answered. “Extend an invitation to Lord Yamada to come to Azchi with his closest men. We will discuss terms of an alliance when they arrive.”

Ranmaru nodded resolutely, “Yes, Lord Nobunaga I will do my best.”

The warlords discussed their plans further before council was coming to an end. Nobunaga called Ranmaru to a private meeting in the tenshu. “You wished to see me, my lord?” He asked.

“Yes, when you go to the Yamada clan, I want you to take these as gifts.” Nobunaga instructed, handing his young page a couple of items. “A sign that we truly are seeking an alliance.”

Ranmaru nodded. “Right, I won’t let you down, Lord Nobunaga.”

A few days later…

I sat in my council room having met with the leaders I had put in place of the territories that were now part of my domain. It had been a rocky last few years, but I was managing things relatively well. I now controlled all of the lands that had immediately surrounded my family’s domain. I was driven to go after the Ishihara for revenge, but also for practical and tactical reasons…and once going for them…I had to go after the others. I had no choice.

As council convened, Kei, one of my aides, was coming in. “Lord Yamada, there is someone here to see you.” She informed me.

“There weren’t any other meetings scheduled for the day.” Jiro said, as he was still my right hand man.

“Who is it?” I asked.

“His name is Ranmaru Mori, my lord.” She answered. “He is an envoy sent by Lord Nobunaga Oda.”

I lifted a brow. I knew the name, recalling it from my history lessons in school in the modern day. “That’s interesting.”

“I knew it wouldn’t be long before the Oda took notice.” Jiro said.

“How could they not take notice of the powerhouse that our lady is.” Sato said, smiling at my left.

“Send him in.” I said.

Kei nodded and bowed before exiting the room. A few moments later, a young man was coming in. He was honestly the prettiest man I had ever seen and there really was non other way to describe him.

He looked at the three of us, sitting at the head of the room. I sat in what was clearly the position of power. I smiled at him. “You look a bit confused, Master Ranmaru.” I said.

He blinked, seeming to come out of his confusion. He gave me a smile as he bowed. “Forgive me, I wasn’t expecting the new Lord Yamada to be such a beautiful lady.” He answered.

“Lord Riku adopted Lord Ava as a young woman and trained her. Always intending for her to carry on the clan leadership.” Jiro explained.

“I see.” Ranmaru replied.

“What brings you here?” I asked.

“My lord has taken notice of your recent rise.” Ranmaru answered. “And…well he has sent me as an envoy to invite you and your closest council to Azuchi to discuss an alliance.”

Sato was smiling widely. “That is indeed an honor.” She said.

“And as a gesture of good faith, Lord Nobunaga asked me to bring these gifts to you.” Ranmaru said, holding out a box.

I rose from my seat and walked over to look at the items. The box contained a Goban and a dagger that was intricately carved…and one I recognized. “These are excellent gifts…” I said. “I think we shall accept the invitation. We will make preparations and leave in two days.”

I was then instructing Kei to set our guest up in our best room. I had more duties to tend to before the day was done as well as arrangements to make for my absence.

Later that night, I sat out on the veranda, sipping my nightly sake as I looked up at the stars. “You can come out of your hiding spot.” I said.

Jiro was then coming out from his place behind a pillar. “I wasn’t hiding. I was just staying out of your way.” He countered.

“I know you have something to say.”

“Are you sure about this meeting with the Oda?” Jiro asked as he came to sit beside me, pouring himself a cup of my sake.

I nodded. “Yes. I know Father had a great deal of respect for Lord Nobunaga.” I answered. Though, of course, being from the future I knew that this was the right move as Nobunaga was regarded as one of the great unifiers of our nation.

“I do recall that, though he never declared official support for Lord Nobunaga.” Jiro countered.

“Maybe not officially…but you know Father wasn’t an open book and kept many secrets.”

“What are you getting at, Ava?”

I gestured to the Goban and dagger that I had beside me. “Those gifts from the Oda…they were gifts Father originally sent to Lord Nobunaga.” I explained.

Jiro blinked. “Really?”

I nodded. “Yes…Father actually regularly met with Nobunaga. They would play Go and share counsel with each other.”

Jiro blinked. “How…how do you know that?”

“I went with Father a couple of times.” I answered. “Though I never met with Nobunaga, I stayed out in the hall…or hid in the ceiling.”

Jiro sighed and shook his head. “Only you…” He replied, trailing off. “You know I will support you in whatever you decide to do. My sword is yours, always Ava.”

“I know.” I replied. “That is why you are my right hand. You and Sato will come with me to Azuchi. We’ll leave Ichiro and the council in charge of things here while we are gone.”

“Whatever you say…my lord.” Jiro replied.

After taking the two days to set everything up, we departed with Ranmaru, heading for Azuchi. I had decided to pack the dagger and the Goban, taking those with me. They might come in handy later.

“We should reach Azuchi in about three days.” Ranmaru declared as we mounted up.

I nodded. “Sounds good.”

Sato rode up beside Ranmaru as we began to head off. “Did you enjoy your stay in our land, Master Ranmaru?” She asked, grinning at him.

Sato was a beautiful woman. She had long dark black hair with striking golden eyes and very pale skin. She always wore black and dark makeup. She was what I referred to as a Sengoku Goth.

Ranmaru smiled brightly at her, though I could tell that he was slightly unsettled by her. “It was nice and comfortable.” He answered. He was then turning to me.“And the bakers and cooks you employ Lady Ava, they are quite good…and the peach trees in your garden…they remind me of some from a garden I loved as a child.”

I smiled back at him. “I am glad that you enjoyed your stay and the food.” I told him. “And I prefer Lord Ava or Lord Yamada.”

Ranmaru nodded and bowed. “Forgive me…I’m not used to it.”

“It does take some getting used to.” I told him. Though it was all part of my strategy.

“Those sweet buns you gobbled down at breakfast this morning weren’t made by the cooks or bakers.” Jiro told Ranmaru. “Those were actually made by Lord Ava herself.”

Ranmaru looked at me in surprise. “Really?”

I nodded. “Sometimes you have to get in the kitchen yourself.” I replied with a shrug.

Ranmaru smiled brightly. “You’ll get along great with Lord Masamune then.”

“Masamune Date, correct?” I asked.

Ranmaru nodded. “Yes. He’s a great cook.”

I nodded, recalling that tidbit from history class. Since I had taken over the Yamada clan, I tried to recall as much as I could of history classes from the modern day. I didn’t want to change history too much…though I feared it might already be too late for that. But hopefully I could keep things from getting too far out of control. Masamune was known for creating some dishes that were still enjoyed in my original time and for founding the City of Sendai if I recall correctly.

For three days we traveled and talked, making our way to Azuchi. Ranmaru was chatty and cheerful…and utterly adorable. He truly seemed like a sweet guy…though it seemed like there was something hiding behind his smile. There was a sadness and conflict that lingered in his eyes. Though that would normally have me on my toes…I had this feeling it had nothing to do with me and wasn’t reason for ME to worry.

After three days of riding, we were finally reaching the gates of Azuchi Castle. “Welcome to Azuchi, Lord Yamada.” Ranmaru said, cheerfully. “We’ll get inside and I’ll take you to meet with Lord Nobunaga.”

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