[Senkumo Saga: Book of Blossoming]: A Bad Day in Kaga

The Senkumo clan had their target. All that remained were the mundane, but necessary preparations for the battle. The next day was a sweltering mess of glaring, scattered sunshine that made the men sweat up rainstorms. Every ward and facility in Tsukiakari’s base had dozens of men carrying heavy loads of supplies in and out of them.

Countless blades and spearheads were put before spinning grindstones to ensure they were in the best condition possible. Women gathered clothing, food, and medicine, while some of the younger girls fastened together sections of armor with leather strings.

With everyone hard at work, Tsukiakari oversaw everything with Taeko, who led her on a tour through their food storage. Sitting together in what seemed to be productions lines on the floor of the storehouse, countless young women packaged rations of white rice, fruit, and vegetables. The main room was but a large, empty, open space, with two doors towards the back that led to two, cold storage rooms.

“Gekko, come take a look at this,” Taeko urged, sauntering towards a sealed pot.

Tsukiakari followed close behind. “What’s this?”

Taeko lifted the lid, unveiling what seemed to be thick cuts of pork belly. “Chiya and Yachi showed us a way of preparing pork that ensures that it’ll stay good for weeks in the field. Here, taste it.”

Taeko handed Tsukiakari a small piece of pork belly, watching her face for the inevitable reaction. At first, her expression soured and her eyebrows shot up in surprise.

“Goodness," Tsukiakari coughed. “It’s salty! The men will die of salt poisoning before they even meet the enemy!”

“Oh, come on. Grow a spine, princess," Taeko moaned. “While I do admit this is something the troops will have to adjust to, it’s not going to kill them at all. You’re being hyperbolic. It’s salt pork.”

“It’s evil," Tsukiakari pouted.

“Look. A common issue with any campaigning force is the handling of meat. Most forces can’t carry meat with them when they begin their march because it spoils days into the journey. Soldiers have to take meat from the enemy or from civilians along the way. This allows us to circumvent that issue.”

Suddenly, Yachi and Chiya appeared before the two, quickly jumping into the conversation.

“It’s true, you know. Yachi and I learned this from the Ashikaga when we lived in Kyoto," Chiya explained.

Yachi nodded in agreement. “Salt pork is covered in salt and prepared in a brine solution inside of a barrel or small pot. Once it’s ready, it can be used from the start of winter all the way up to the end of the very next spring. During these hotter seasons, food is much more likely to spoil before you even reach your area of operation, so cured foods like this that can last in the field are extremely valuable.”

“Of course, you don’t have to thank us for going through the trouble of, you know, instructing all of your troops in how to prepare the pork," Chiya assured with a smirk.

“I mean, what do we know?” Yachi pondered. “We’re just two little whores from Kyoto that always did the Ashikaga’s bidding.”

Chiya nodded. “Oh, but such fine whores we are, right Yachi?”

“Indeed, Sis. We are indeed such fine, fine whores.”

“All right, all rightt," Tsukiakari sighed. “I heard you loud and clear. Thanks, you two. Please ensure the pork is packed as compactly as possible for the journey.”

The Otonougi twins bowed to their lord, hiding their smug grins.

“We’re honored to accept your gratitude," Yachi sang.

“So honored, indeed," Chiya concluded.

Next up was the medical ward. The building felt like a maze of hallways crammed with sliding doors. Part of commanding a large army was expecting a large amount of casualties. Each door led to a room where the wounded could rest or be operated on by the staff of surgeons.

A countless stream of nurses flowed up and down the halls, all of them wearing the same, plain white robes. They helped carry medical supplies out of the building, loading them in leather satchels to be carried by horses. Taeko and Tsukiakari stood off to the side, watching it all happen.

“Is it just me, or does this remind you of a termite colony," Tsukiakari asked.

“It’s just you. If I were you, I wouldn’t let any of them hear you compare them to termites," Taeko warned.

“Oh, no! That’s not what I meant! It’s just that the building is made of wood and the nurses…Never mind. I misspoke.”

Taeko laughed. “It’s weird seeing a goddess, a war goddess at that, be so quick to apologize. Most of us thought you would rule over this army with an iron fist, but you gods really aren’t that different from us. Bishamon was the same way. Sort of.”

Tsukiakari remained silent. She looked around at all of the women’s tired, sweating faces. Wet strands of raven hair stuck to their glistening foreheads and rosy cheeks, curling just above their gleeful smiles. And that was the most important part to her. The soldiers and nurses were all happy to be there, happy to be working so hard. Tsukiakari was there, sweating like a pig alongside them, enduring the heat and accounting for the army’s supplies.

Ayadachi spotted Tsukiakari standing aside from the crowd. She slithered through the sea of busy, noisy people and approached her.

“Lord Tsukiakari! And Chief Taeko! W-why are you here? Can I help you with anything," she stuttered.

Tsukiakari smiled. “We’re just seeing how everything’s coming along. Do you think we’ll have all of our medical supplies packed up by the end of the day?”

“Probably sooner than that, my lord! We’ll try to get it done before suppertime.”

“Hey, Ayadachi, can I ask you a favor," Taeko questioned.

Like a confused dog, Ayadachi cocked her head to the side. “A…favor?”

Taeko laid her hand on Tsukiakari’s shoulder, startling her. The war goddess frantically switched between staring at Taeko and Ayadachi. Ayadachi was just as confused as she was, and Taeko didn’t look like she was going to spoil the fun by explaining her intentions.

And so, the next thing Tsukiakari knew, she was face-down on one of the medical beds. Her black kimono was pulled down to her hips, exposing her full back. Taeko stood off to the side, trying to contain her laughter as Ayadachi stepped and plodded on Tsukiakari’s back with her bare feet. With every step, Tsukiakari released a painful groan accompanied by blunt pops from her shoulders and spine.

“Uhh…my lord?” Ayadachi spoke softly as she blushed. “I don’t mean to be nosy, but am I right in saying that you don’t really exercise much?”

“Now listen here, Ayadachi! We goddesses –– Ow! That fucking hurts!”

“The spine doesn’t lie, Gekko," Taeko teased. “I know you’re a goddess and all, but you’ve got to work out from time to time. Deity or not, we’re all made out of the same flesh and bones.”

Tsukiakari began fake-crying as Ayadachi continued working out her back. “First you give me the saltiest pork on earth, then you tell me I don’t work out enough?!”

“The world is a harsh place for a woman, Gekko," Taeko chuckled.

The sliding door suddenly flung open. Ebina entered the room, her silver hair done up into twin buns on opposite sides of her head.

“Gekko, all of our weapons are ready. All units are stocked with supplies and…” Ebina’s thoughts trailed off as she tried to piece together what she was seeing. Ayadachi stood petrified on top of Tsukiakari’s back, while Taeko just stood at her bedside with her arms crossed, as if nothing strange was even happening.

Ebina scowled with disgust. “Wow…”

This time around, Tsukiakari shed real tears of embarrassment. “No, Ebina, wait! It’s a massage!”

“Yeah, Taeko asked me to give Lord Tsukiakari a massage! That’s all!” Ayadachi cried.

“Massages are done with hands," Ebina rebutted.

“Well, Gekko here had such a lousy back that we needed all of Ayadachi’s weight to fix it, so we used her feet," Taeko cheered.

A very awkward silence settled in the room, a silence so tense that not a single one of them even blinked.

Ebina scowled once more. “Disgusting.”

She left the room, leaving the three girls to wallow in that awkward silence. Tsukiakari turned pale. Instead of crying, however, Tsukiakari giggled uncontrollably. It was a pitying fit of laughter, one that thinly veiled the inner embarrassment of being called a foot fetishist by her dear Ebina.

“Ayadachi…I think my heart is broken more than my back. Does this massage fix that too," Tsukiakari whispered.

Ayadachi shook her head. “No. No, I’m afraid it doesn’t…”

All embarrassments aside, Tsukiakari knew the clan was just about ready to deploy on her command. The march to Kaga would be longer and much more tiring than it was for Kyoto. Supplies had to be plentiful, and the logistics had to be thought out with all potential setbacks in mind. The day carried on, and all preparations were complete by sundown. All that was left was for Tsukiakari to give the order.

In the late evening, a colorful veil of airglow splashed across the night sky. The gates of Tsukiakari's mansion were closed, the training square was quiet, and crickets sung their songs of love in the garden. With the day at an end, Tsukiakari, Mayumi, Ebina, and Taeko all locked themselves in the war room, drinking warm sake as they joked and laughed around the table. Throughout the years, the Senkumo kept their culture of celebrating before battles. For all they knew, the night before a battle could’ve been their last night on earth.

That precious time mattered, and each one of them believed it was best to spend it laughing, joking, and bantering with her comrades. Tsukiakari, however, continued to attentively parse through all of the documents that Ebina retrieved from the Togashi clan defectors, in another world from their sake-laced humor and banter

Masachika might be able to link up with his reinforcements if we’re too slow in isolating him, she thought.

Mayumi poured herself another cup of warm sake as the clearly drunk Ebina watched the liquid flow like a divine elixir.

“More please…” Ebina politely, yet irresponsibly begged.

“You've had enough to drink, Ebina," Mayumi scolded. “Don't let Taeko set a bad example for you. How’s it going with the planning, Gekko? Do we know exactly what we’re doing yet?”

“There are several routes here that we could use to our advantage,” Tsukiakari explained. “But the problem is that these routes are all guarded by Togashi troops. Masachika could link up with reinforcements if we don't manage to block him off somewhere.”

Mayumi picked up the papers, scanning through them quickly until her eyes stopped upon several names written in a report from the defectors

“Hey, Gekko, do you recognize these names?”

“Hmm?” Tsuukiakari hummed.

“It says here that five weeks ago, local shinobi employed by the Togashi clan higher-ups confirmed the identities of three of the Ikko-ikki commanders plotting the next revolt. It says their names are Renko, Renko, and Rensei. Apparently, those three tried to bid for the information the defectors had before we ultimately outbid them.”

An ominous chord immediately struck and echoed in Tsukiakari's mind. She snatched the paper away from Mayumi's hands just to see those names for herself. Indeed, they were real. A boiling anger welled inside of her as her finger traced over those names over and over again.

“Gekko," Ebina called out worryingly.

“Do you recognize them or something," Taeko asked.

“I've never personally met them, but...Renko, Renko, and Rensei...those are three of Rennyo's sons," Tsukiakari explained with hot anger on her breath.

“What? Those are Rennyo's kids," Mayumi expressed in shock.

“The hell? He never mentioned that," Taeko shouted in half-drunken rage.

“Of course he didn't. He was trying to protect them, so he only told me about his advisor, Rensu Shimotsuma”

“So...what do we do? Does this change anything?” Mayumi asked.

“We’ll still fight on the side of the Ikko-ikki. However, Ebina and I will deploy with the Otonougi twins ahead of time and seek out Rennyo’s sons. As for Rennyo himself, he’ll be dealt with at a later time.” Tsukiakari stated. “Ebina, you and I will journey for Kaga tomorrow. Taeko, Mayumi, I want you to lead the army there two days after our departure. Make sure the men are prepared and our supplies are in order.”

The girls all nodded as they received their orders.

“All right then.” Mayu said. “Ebina, Gekko, you two better turn in early. It’ll probably take you most of the day to get to Kaga. You’ll want as much daylight as possible out there.”

“Yeah, that’s a good point," Tsukiakari said, standing up. “Come on, Ebina. You drink anymore, you’re gonna feel terrible in the morning.”

“Fine…” Ebina pouted. “Goodnight, everyone.”

“Night, Ebina!” Mayui sang.

Taeko blew Ebina and Tsukiakari two kisses. “Goodnight, you two.”

Tsukiakari slung Ebina’s arm over her shoulders, helping her out into the halls and into their bedroom. Taeko and Mayumi poured themselves more sake and knocked their cups together before guzzling their drinks. They both release alcohol-scented sighs as they took in the quietude of the sleeping base together.

“Things are really picking up for us," Mayumi said. “The Otonougi twins have been super helpful around here, too.”

“Yeah," Taeko agreed. “I’m glad we brought them on board. I fully admit to having a bias towards sibling recruits, though.”

“And that salt pork they made," Mayumi added. “Changed my life!”

“You should’ve seen Gekko’s face when she tried some," Taeko chuckled. “I think she’d rather starve in the field. The food kinda sucked here initially, but I think we’ll outclass Kyoto’s cuisine soon enough.”

Mayumi put down her cup and squeezed her hands together. Something was very clearly on her mind. “Taeko. Back in Kyoto, you left the camp to go to your mom’s house, right?”

“Yeah, sure did. Why do you ask?”

“I saw smoke rising from behind the hill as we were leaving.”

Taeko downed the rest of her sake. “The house was dilapidated, ruined, and looted, just like every other house in the area. It was an eyesore, so Gekko and I burned it.”

Mayumi shook her head. “You’re not telling me everything, are you? Who sets fire to their childhood home?”

“I do, apparently.”

“You’re going to keep being defensive about this," Mayumi asked, crossing her arms.

“Yes, because you’re being invasive.”

“Does Ebina know you burned it down?”

Taeko slowly put her cup back down on the table, breaking eye contact with Mayumi. Yet again, her silence was just as good as a confession.

“Taeko, what were you trying to hide? Please, tell me. I won’t say a word about it to Ebina.”

Taeko shook her head as she fought back tears. “The whole thing was fucked up, man. All of it.”

“Tell me.”

“Imagine this. You have a small, but happy family. A gorgeous, intelligent mother and a strong, dependable father. You’re ten years old when your parents bring home some frail, silver-haired little girl. She’s soaked to the bone in rain and mud, she won’t eat, won’t talk. But overtime, you two become real sisters, and it’s not just you she loves, but her newfound parents too. One day, she wakes up early in the morning, hoping to surprise daddy with a good morning kiss. She doesn’t find him in bed with mom. So, she goes to his study next. And he’s lying there, half naked…in a pool of his own blood and vomit…his stomach sliced open. And she screams. Like no scream you’ve ever heard in your life. The only man she ever had to call a father killed himself. You’re both too young to understand what kind of trouble your dad was in. So, your mother collects her things and rushes you guys out the house. You leave your dad’s body there so the government can come pick him up. Turns out, the government wants you, your sister, and your mom to die as well. Your father was just the beginning.”

“Taeko…”

“You move into your summer home in the hills. Your dad built it with his bare hands. Haunts you and your sister every night. You both cry yourselves to sleep, but at least you get some kind of rest. Your mother doesn’t sleep anymore. She’s constantly looking out the window. She’s biting all her fingernails off, ripping out her hair. She’s getting jaundice. So, she wakes you up in the middle of the night, just you. She says, ‘Honey, we need to talk’. Your mother looks you in the eye because you’re the eldest sister. She grabs your shoulders and says, ‘We’re not going to survive this, sweetheart. We have to kill ourselves. If we don’t, they’ll hang us for the whole town to see’. And she…starts sobbing. She can’t bear the thought of her kids suffering like that. So she gives you some poison, tells you to give some to your sister…and to save the rest for yourself. It’ll be fast, won’t take any effort. You’d just have to lie there and die.”

Taeko poured another round of sake in her cup, tilting her head back as she downed it. “You can’t do it. You can’t just kill your sister, let alone yourself. But your mother’s determined. In her mind, there’s no way out of any of this. You know she’s right, but…who kills their own sister? So…on the night you’re supposed to commit suicide with her…you grab a hammer…and smash your mother’s head in instead. And you just stand there in a daze, sobbing your heart out…wondering what the hell you’ve become. And you wonder, ‘How am I going to explain to my adopted sister that I’ve just killed the one woman she’s ever called a mother?’”

Mayumi covered her quivering lips with her fingers, tears falling from her eyes.

“I…tried to make it look like a suicide. I mean, hanging herself was her plan anyway. I grabbed Ebina, grabbed our essentials, and we fucking left. She stopped along the way to ask what had happened to Mom. I really thought about telling her the truth. I was mulling over it for days. But when I looked into her eyes that morning…I couldn’t. I lied to her. Told her that the trouble Dad got in was so big that the government wanted to kill us as well. So, Mom killed herself, hoping that her and Dad’s corpses would keep them off our backs. Most of it was the truth. Bishamon found us pretty soon after, and here we are.”

“Oh my god, Taeko…”

“Gekko had the exact same reaction," Taeko snickered.

“So, what did you burn down the house for?”

“I didn’t go there planning to burn it down. I had to check if she was still there. Sure enough, she was. Nothing but tattered clothes and a stained skeleton left. I tried apologizing to her, but…I don’t think she heard me.”

“Wouldn’t they have found her and buried her? Like with your father?”

“The difference, to them, was that my father took the honorable way out, and thus, deserved a burial. My mother, on the other hand, ran to protect her children. So, I’m assuming they found her and just…left her to rot…alone…in that crappy little house. Either that, or they never even knew we were up there, and I murdered my mother for nothing. Which one do you think is more likely?”

Neither of them said a word for the rest of that night. Nothing could be said. They finished their sake, sparing not a single drop. Mayumi had no intention of telling Ebina the truth, as cruel as it was to keep it from her. It was far too horrible to speak aloud. So, like Tsukiakari, Mayumi took a vow of silence.

Tsukiakari sought to use the power of good information in a manner similar to how she used it in Kyoto. The Senkumo had the intelligence that the Ikko-ikki lost out on. Knowing the Ikko-ikki would want to be spared the humiliation of another squashed rebellion, it seemed obvious to her that she could use the information as leverage. The Ikko-ikki was like wet clay, easily pulled apart and molded into any shape by its most influential figures.

Because they lacked the military and ideological unity of the Senkumo, each new faction of the Ikko-ikki couldn’t be relied upon to worship Shinto gods on their own. They needed a convincing reason, or perhaps a stern push. And so, Tsukiakari, Ebina, and the Otonougi twins journeyed off on horseback the next morning, Kaga-bound.

The journey took a full day, but they arrived safe and sound.

Just as the maps detailed, the houses in the villages were packed tightly together and settled between mountainous areas covered in thick trees and brush. The narrow, dirt streets were empty as Tsukiakari and Ebina sat quietly in one of the local tea shops, watching as the pounding rain pummeled against the slick, muddy ground. The steaming, metal kettle containing their tea sat between them, centered on their wooden table.

They had discarded their wet cloaks and folded them, putting them to the side as they each sipped their steaming, mint tea in wait. Not many other people were in the tea shop with them, but they couldn't tell if that was because of the rain, or if the townsfolk were in their homes, making preparations to leave before the coming battle could kick off.

Ebina reached her hand behind her and took hold of the silk ribbon that kept her hair up. As she pulled her hand away, her wavy, white hair fell down to her shoulders, covering them completely. 

“He should be here soon. I made sure to clarify that he would be paid after he came," Ebina declared.

“Excellent," Tsukiakari complimented.

Just as Tsukiakari put down her teacup, another stranger entered the shop. He seemed to be just another civilian, perhaps a peasant farmer. Her eyes surveyed every detail of the man, determining from his short, black hair that the man was young, probably in the prime of his health. He was slender and light-footed, making hardly any noise with each wet step he took into the shop.

Ebina reached under their table and plopped down a small sack of coins, leaving it there without a word. Just as quickly as the man had walked in, he swooped by their table, taking the pouch for himself and dropping off a small scroll in its stead. Tsukiakari dared not to trace the man any further with her eyes. Instead, she closed them, waiting until she could no longer feel the man's strange presence in the room.

“Simple as that,” Ebina said.

Their first order of business was simple. They needed to find the current location of Rennyo's sons. The only man who knew where they were was Rennyo's former adviser and their courier, Rensu. Ebina pressed the local shinobi, who the Togashi used to spy on the Ikko-ikki, for any information they had. Since the Senkumo were well-funded now, buying some quick help was an easy task. Meanwhile, the Otonougi twins would scout the open fields just beyond the city, taking note of any chokepoints they could use to keep Masachika from swooping in with reinforcements.

The scroll handed off at their table detailed where they found Rensu, as well as his current holding location. In an odd turn of events, the shinobi spotted Rensu leaving the brothel staggering drunk the night before, and were kind enough to bind him up and hold him hostage early that morning.

“The address is listed here. Let's go," Ebina commanded with a huff. 

Tsukiakari nodded. “Right.” 

The girls paid their dues and threw their black cloaks back on, for they were going to march in the rain, all the way across the other end of the village. Hardly anyone was outside. All they could hear was the rain, slight swells of thunder in the dark clouds above, and the distant barking of terrified dogs barred behind swollen, wooden fences.

They arrived at a blacksmith's workshop, where the senile owner guided them inside. He led them down into the basement of the store, where the owner kept his broom, maintenance tools, and steelworks awaiting completion. It was small, crowded, and frustratingly warm in that basement. It seemed like even one’s sweat would just evaporate in the heat. This was because the owner’s kiln and steelwork furnace were more or less situated directly above this room, on the upper floor.

Rensu was bound by his hands and feet, lying on the wooden floor with the smell of sake and powdered makeup still bewitching him. His kimono was barely wrapped around his body properly as the three masked shinobi in the room propped him up on his bottom upon the arrival of Tsukiakari and Ebina. 

“Just as you requested, the Ikko-ikki courier.” one of the shinobi uttered from behind his mask. 

“This man...used to be Rennyo's adviser," Tsukiakari questioned in disbelief.

“He was also a local lord, once upon a time.” One of the shinobi remarked. “Owned land and took pride in his meager title.”

“I see he’s abandoned Bushidō in pursuit of ale and cheap whores. Disgusting..," Tsukiakari groaned.

No one would ever believe Rensu was involved with a righteous monk such as Rennyo. His hair was growing back out, and his beard began to grow on his face again in the form of light-black stubble. He fearfully squirmed around as the girls came in, expecting to be tortured or possibly killed. No matter how much he kicked his legs and shook his shoulders, the masked shinobi kept their trained grip on him.

Tsukiakari took just a few steps over to the blacksmith's desk, checking out all of the finely made sickles and swords hanging from his wall.

“Rensu,” She called out plainly.

The frightened man immediately cocked his head towards her, something that Ebina kept a keen eye on.

“He turned his head right away," Ebina noted aloud.

“So, you really are him," Tsukiakari said. “Now listen, Resnu...”

Rensu shook like a child in the middle of a nightmare as Tsukiakari squatted down in front of him, tightly gripping her hand around his face.

“I just want to have a little chat with the sons of Rennyo. In fact, it will be very beneficial towards the Ikko-ikki. In exchange for giving me their location, I'm going to give you the information you lost out on. You know what I'm talking about right? The info from the Togashi clan defectors. If you simply guide us to their location, I would be extremely thankful.”

Though Tsukiakari planned to fight against the Togashi, she also intended to keep an eye on the Ikko-ikki and Rennyo’s sons. She knew that one’s own allies made for the best traitors. It was simply a matter of being the more deceptive friend.

“Of course, if you don't want to tell us...the owner of this store gave me his full permission to try out all of these new toys he has hanging on the walls. Make your decision, Rensu," Tsukiakari threatened. 

Though he knew Tsukiakari didn't kidnap an Ikko-ikki courier just to help the Ikko-ikki, he couldn't figure out just what she had in store. He had a churning, sick feeling in his stomach, for he felt that in some way, he was selling out the Ikko-ikki.

Given no answer, Tsukiakari sighed in disappointment.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

She locked eyes with Ebina and nodded, signaling her to start using more convincing methods of persuasion. The shinobi tightened their grip on Rensu as he tried to wriggle free.

“Wait, wait,” he pleaded. “I’ll tell you! I’ll tell you, all rightt? Just let me go!”

Ebina was almost disappointed. She was going to start pulling out his teeth with the owner’s pliers if he refused to answer, but he seemed to give up so fast and so easily.

“Okay," Tsukiakari said, awaiting a follow up.

“They’re in Kameyama! They relay their messages from there! I don’t know exactly where, but it’s a small town!”

“Gekko, that’s a lie," Ebina stated. “Kameyama isn’t very far off from Kyoto. It’s just off of the Hozu River. The Ashikaga reclaimed the region soon after the Onīn War.”

Tsukiakari shook her head. “Rensu, it’s really not going to be that easy to lie to us.”

Ebina took the pliers and forced them into Rensu’s mouth, fixing both of its jaws around one of his front, upper teeth. The inside of her hands tingled as she waited for Tsukiakari to simply give the order. Just a few words and she’d be able to force the truth out of the pitiful, fallen lord before them.

“Do it, Ebina.”

As soon as Tsukiakari uttered her command, Ebina executed it with religious devotion. She pressed on the plier handles until her knuckles cracked, pulling and twisting on Rensu’s tooth. His wails and screaming cries pierced her ears as she began to draw blood from his mouth, before finally snapping his tooth in two.

“Stop! I’m sorry! I’ll tell the truth!” he shouted, finding it difficult to pronounce his T’s.

Tsukiakari waved her hand at Ebina, signaling her to back off for now.

“We’re not in the mood for games. We know they’re somewhere here in Kaga. You’re going to lead us to them yourself. Either that, or Ebina pulls out more teeth. What’ll it be," Tsukiakari asked calmly.
“Fine...I'll guide you…" he mumbled.

As he promised, Rensu led them towards the base of one of the mountains on the outskirts of town. Rensu knew how to navigate the heavily forested area like the back of his hand, leading the girls and their shinobi to a lonesome, wooden cottage. Strangely, there were no guards in sight. This was supposed to be the hidden meeting place of three of the Ikko-ikki’s most consequential commanders. Tsukiakari expected much more than just a small cottage in the middle of a forest. The rain had cleared up, and golden shafts of sunlight pierced through the clouds, shining like spotlights through the trees.

“Is this really it? They’re in here? No bodyguards, no security detail, no compound with high walls?” Tsukiaakri asked, appalled.

“They’re sons of a monk, leading a rebellion of beggars and Buddhists," Rensu stated bluntly. “They’re not exactly the flashy type. It’s exactly because of your reaction that they chose this as their meeting place.”

Tsukiakari stepped forth. “Fine then. Open the door, Rensu.”

Rensu’s hands shook as he turned the doorknob. Sweat rolled down his cheeks and his pupils grew dilated. He stepped inside with the two girls trailing close behind. Sure enough, Rensu’s three sons were there, discussing their plans around a tea table. Their expressions all soured as they noticed the two unfamiliar girls.

Renko, Renko, and Rensei all looked so much like their father. Their heads and faces were cleanly shaven, and all of them wore jade magatama necklaces. They were too fearful to even meet eyes with Tsukiakari as she suddenly barged into their home and presented them with a treasure trove of intelligence on the Togashi clan.

“Intruder! What is the meaning of this,” Renko shouted.

The next thing Tsukiakari knew, she was dropping all of the documents and scrolls she had on the round, little tea table.

“Well…you see…” Rensu began. “These are the people that outbid us for the info we wanted. Leaders from the Senkumo clan.”

The scrolls radiated like a treasure trove of gold in the eyes of the three brothers. Their initial anger was soothed by the eye candy before them. Everything they needed in order to throw a successful rebellion lied within those scrolls.

Rensu’s mouth was left agape as he searched through them. “This…this is really…”

“The information you failed to buy. I'm going to give it to you for free," Tsukiakari responded.

“So then...you want something in return,” Renko asked.

“Nonsense, we don't have to comply with your uninvited negotiations," Rensei hissed in retaliation.

“Any intelligence we can gather on the Togashi will be valuable," Renko interjected. “We've already failed several revolts in the past few years. We cannot afford for this effort to be a miscarriage as well. Tsukiakari, before I take it, I want to know what you want out of this. What are your terms?”

Ebina leaned against the doorway, keeping her eye on the brothers.

“Masachika will most certainly try to link up with his reinforcements stationed around this area when he comes back," Tsukiakari explained. “As soon as you launch the revolt, he will turn his forces here and leave the Omin province in order to defend Kaga. With this, you and your stronger, noble allies are to cut off his reinforcements, trap him here and force him to retreat to his castle. I would like to be the one that kills him. I also want the rights to his corpse after the deed is done.”

Tsukiakari's scarlet eyes chilled the very bones of the three sons. They began to wonder who and what they were really dealing with. They poured their eyes over the documents she brought before them, confirming the Togashi seals on all the scrolls.

“I take it you’ve already summoned your armies here. Very well. We will allow you to do the deed and keep his corpse. However, we decide who takes his place," Rensei bargained.
Tsukiakari nodded. “Fine, but that's not all for my terms.”

Renko stomped his foot. “There’s more?” 

“The Ikko-ikki will follow Rennyo's call to allow the veneration of Shinto gods and goddesses.”
“You want us to abide by our father’s rule? Why such an odd request?” asked Renko. “What do you gain from us venerating the Shinto gods?”

“Is there a problem," Tsukiakari questioned.

“No. Most of our followers won't have a problem with it at all," Renko responded.

“Good. Then do as I say. Give us Masachika's life, his corpse, and your prayers. In return, this information, along with this province and the self-governance thereof, shall be yours.”

“Do we have a deal," Ebina asked.

The three sons silently weighed their decisions in their own minds. Nothing about the deal felt particularly normal or right, but again, Tsukiakari possessed what they desperately wanted. It was often too easy for gods to manipulate the wants of mortals.

“Deal,” said all three of them simultaneously.

And thus, their short mission in Kaga was done. With the Ikko-ikki more or less officially on their side, the Senkumo clan prepared for its next major battle. It was time for this war goddess to bathe in blood yet again.