Ishida Mitsunari | Saika Magoichi | 007

[unbending]

[There was a number of things Mitsunari didn't understand and didn't feel the need to understand. There was Gyobu's fascination with the stars, for one, and the pirate's bizarre fascination with friendship that did not quite fit into his perception of loyalty. There was the way people flocked to Ieyasu--did they not see his lies for themselves?--and...

There were things that he didn't understand and decided it might be worth figuring out.

It took him some time to come to that conclusion in regards to Magoichi, his ally.

She was steadfast most of the time; it made it very easy to just accept her presence and move on.

And then she reacted oddly. And that was strange enough for him to feel the need, perhaps for once, to investigate.

Just this once.]

Magoichi.

Comments

[unbending]

[...she's speaking.

Honestly, he wasn't certain if she would listen and believe him; plenty about Magoichi was still a mystery, as this entire thing made very clear.

But...

She was speaking. Unfortunately, the words she said, to him, meant little compared with the subject matter, so his blink was a little baffled.]

...I do not. What does that have to do with this matter?

[Though he was trying to rein in his frustration.]

[redbelltolls]

Everything.

[ She said it in the tone of a nursemaid scolding a child for interrupting a story. ]

He built it on top of the ruins of the temple of Ishiyama Hongan-ji, which was the home of the Ikkō for many years.

[unbending]

[There's a bit of an uncomprehending pause. He knows the history in the vague way of someone alive during the times but not experiencing it directly.]

...Then what is it you mean? Speak plainly.

[redbelltolls]

[ Magoichi looked off into the wood; though her gaze was distant, it was obvious she had not chosen the direction arbitrarily. Something lay out there, hidden amongst the trees. ]

Nobunaga laid seige to the temple for months. The Ikko had recognized the strength of the Saika and called for assistance.

Our strength was not enough. When the seige broke, the temple burned; those not caught in the flames faced Nobunaga himself.

[unbending]

[...Suddenly, he is listening.

Because it is starting to come together.

He watches her silently now, eyes narrowed. Then--

...He'll let her finish the story, since she is getting to the point.]

[redbelltolls]

[ The only problem is, she will cut off the end, simply summing it up as: ]

I will not force my men to walk on the ashes of their brothers. Already being so close to where the temple once stood has brought back too many sorrows for them. If you wish me to go to Osaka for some reason, I will go; but the Saika will not set foot on that place.

[ She will force herself and no other. ]

[unbending]

[....h m p h.]

There was no reason to hide such a thing.

[That's all. He's turning away now.]

[redbelltolls]

[ ... ]

You are not all men, Mitsunari.

[ Her voice is soft. ]

There are many who would prey on such weakness.