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

[redbelltolls]

Mitsunari.

[ Magoichi never sounded particularly nice, but there was an added barb her tone today that implied she was not feeling particularly chatty. She only turned her head slightly in acknowledgement from where she had been focusing on cleaning a rifle. ]

[unbending]

What is the meaning of your insistence on remaining out here?

[Well, one could never say Mitsunari was particularly subtle--or really skilled at beating around the bush in any way, shape, or form.

So he didn't. He didn't truly see the point to it anyway. sorry, magoichi.]

[redbelltolls]

[ Normally Magoichi appreciated Mitsunari's bluntness. Today it grated. Her lips made a thin line as she scrubbed her brush down the muzzle more viciously than was necessary. ]

You forget that we are our own people. Your contract fee is suitable to us. We will neither indebt ourselves to your hospitality nor live as servants in your walls.

[unbending]

[By now, well as Magoichi knew him, Mitsunari knew her as well. It had never been intended to indebt her; surely she knew that as well. It was merely intended as a stopping point, to recover strength before going to confront Ieyasu properly and he needed the Saika faction to be functioning properly--

So he knew that this excuse was just that--an excuse. A grating excuse; excuses were just lies in a more pathetic form.]

I did not take you for one who would spew such pointless lies.

[redbelltolls]

[ The mercenary's hands paused in their work. Magoichi had no desire to speak the truth on this matter. It was an admission of weakness: not only her own, but the entirety of her men. Yet she would not force them to march to Osaka. Already she could see how the familiar territory put her men ill at ease. There were too many ghosts here. ]

You should trust that nothing of what I say is pointless.

[unbending]

[He enunciates his words clearly now, bending closer, brows drawing together in annoyance, though not quite yet anger. He hates lies, but--]

Then what is the point?

[Enlighten him, before he truly does get angry.]

[redbelltolls]

That I have reasons serious enough to tarnish my honor by making excuses.

[ She looked him in the eye now, lips set in a tight, pale line. ]

[unbending]

[For a long moment, their eyes are locked.

And then Mitsunari caves slightly.]

...You have my word that you will not be forced to go to Osaka.

[...but.]

If you must. An explanation devoid of lies would be more suitable to my mind.

[redbelltolls]

[ There is a relief she cannot quiet hide as she drops her gaze again. She continues her cleaning then, silent for an extended moment as if she was not going to respond.

In truth, though, she is taking the time to think about her next words.

Mitsunari was not yet what she would call a friend. Yet... He had not given her reason to distrust him. He had kept to his word, however harshly given. Magoichi knew he would keep this promise as well. ]

Do you know what Hideyoshi built Osaka on top of?

[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.