Book 12 Chapter 23 かえってきた戦艦

From Chinese translations by Hinako.

Draft: Version 1 - final
Notes:
PS: do not distribute this without my permission

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Following the booming sounds, puffs of smoke continued to stream out from the main armament with each cannonade. On the sea, the Oda's iron-armored ships were bombarded one after the other by the cannon fire of the 'Yamato' until they were wrecked.

It could be said from the confrontation between the two armies that a great battle had already broken out over the waters of Itsukushima. The Oda's forces, wanting to stop the 'Yamato' from entering Kure, had deployed its suigun to the water channels at Kure to meet the enemy head-on, but be it the channel blockaders or the suigun of the territorial waters of Suo-Oshima, all of them were utterly destroyed in a single wave of attack. The Oda's battle formation at the very last military outpost in the waters of Etajima united with Sue's suigun to desperately launch an assault however it could not stop the 'Yamato' at all. Even the armor of the Oda's first rate iron ships was no match for the 'Yamato's' cannon artillery.

"From the looks of it, the Oda's Oatakabune is unexpectedly small."

Kikkawa Motoharu stood for a long time on the bridge looking over the sea, he mumbled in this way.

"The 'Yamato' is truly a great battleship. There is no other Tsukumogami that can compare with it. The people's 'thoughts' are the reason why this ship is so formidable."

"This is the 'Yamato' that remained in the territorial waters of Kagoshima and sank in that place, the ship with all the residual yearning of the people."

The chief of the suigun and also the captain of the 'Yamato', Kodama Narikata, answered Motoharu's words in this way.

"This is the thickest, most concentrated and best Tsukumogami warship created by the Mouri with spells. This ship has the people's aspirations. Even if one were to mention that this is just a vision of the real Yamato that sank to the seabed seen in dreams, it probably isn't an exaggeration to say that this illusion has been nurtured into something real."

"An illusion of the sunken ship's vision..."

Motoharu quietly stroked the compass.

"We are riding the Yamato where a utopia can be seen."

The main armament continued to fire.
Inducing the waters to splash up in columns, the Oatakabune sank. The opponent desperately attacked, but was no match for the 'Yamato'.

"It won't be long before the all of the enemy's ships are sunk!"

Kure appeared before them.

"Good! Proceed ahead with all speed! Enter Kure!"

The 'Yamato' forged ahead, strongly advancing forward. The length of time that had passed since that do-or-die conflict was 50 years. After lapsing half a century of a person's lifetime, after the endless sailing, the 'Yamato' had now reached the place where it was born: Kure.
Motoharu and the others heard the welcoming cries of the souls of more than 10,000 naval soldiers assembled there. It was grand, the sound of a large, heroic reception from their hearts.

"Excellent."

Motoharu uttered.

"My heart feels satisfied. That we would unexpectedly receive this welcome from the people."

"Reporting back, my Lord!"

Breaking through towards Motoharu in an inebriated manner, the messenger rushed towards him, shouting in an urgent tone of voice.

"Noshima! Noshima has fallen!"

"What!"

"Kobayakawa Takakage-sama has died in battle! Murakami Takeyoshi has committed mutiny! The funagata of the 'Yamato' has also been destroyed!"

"!"

***

Matsuyama Satsuki, with the 'manju' in hand, returned to Itsukushima shrine to Oda Nobunaga's side.
Nobunaga met with Satsuki in the hall of worship.

"Well done, Matsuyama Satsuki."

Nobunaga laughed with the external appearance of Yuzuru.

"You're much more useful than those fumbling soldiers of mine. You shall be bestowed with a gift."

Satsuki, still in a state of hypnotism, was seated before Nobunaga. The two jewels of the 'manju' and 'kanju' were placed on the altar. Behind them, Nobunaga leaned on the armrest, his hand supported his face, with a slanted body he spoke with a casual attitude.

"Hmm. I don't want to let you go. Why don't you stay by my side for always."

"My Lord. What are you saying?"

"Don't let her do all this spy work anymore. Let her wear some beautiful clothes and accompany me by my side. Satsuki, why don't you become a princess of the Oda."

Nobunaga laughed with vile intentions.

"From now on, you'll be our hostage."

Satsuki came to her senses with an 'Ah'. It appeared that Nobunaga undid the hypnotism.

"W-What! Why am I here! Ah! You, Narita!"

Seeing Satsuki's startled expression, Nobunaga laughed out loud.

"Ah....Hahaha! Alright alright. Take Satsuki away!"

"Y-You, what are you saying! What happened to Narumi and the others! How come I'm the only one here! Hey, Narita!"

The retainers held Satsuki under her arms, and dragged her out of the hall of worship. Nobunaga stopped laughing, he called 'Ran'.

"Bring the 'manju' and 'kanju'."

"Yes!"

Ranmaru fetched the two jewels from the altar and respectfully held out his hand to offer them to Nobunaga. Nobunaga roughly grabbed them with both hands.
The jewels responded to Nobunaga's power, its radiance began to subtly increase. Nobunaga laughed haughtily, his eyes twinkled.

"Look, these jewels are happy to be this way. They're saying that neither 'Youkihi' nor the Amako deserve to have them. The gems want to be in the hands of one who is worthy of its possession before they can appear to be truly valuable. This is the destiny of this pair of pearls. I am their master."

The eyes of the overlord had begun to search out the sea for his prey.

"Hurry up, 'Yamato'. You are the first honorable and glorious object of sacrifice. Allow me to savor the fearsome might of the 'manju' and 'kanju'."

There was an exceedingly unmerciful look in Nobunaga's eyes, causing the face of Sue Harukata, who was sitting beside him, to stiffen.

T-This person...

"Harukata-dono."

That pair of merciless eyes looked his way, causing Harukata to freeze.

"Yes!..."

"Can you instruct the Sue suigun to sail out to sea, and bring the 'Yamato' here?"

"Bring... here?"

"That's what I mean. Catch up with the 'Yamato', get them to Itsukushima at once."

"But the 'Yamato' is currently with the suigun at Kure..."

The smile disappeared from the corners of Nobunaga's mouth. That overly menacing sensation caused Harukata to swallow his words.

"Do you have a different opinion? Harukata."

"No... I... do not dare."

"Then what is the use of bringing this suigun if it just abuts the islands but never sail out to open sea? If you don't go, then I'll greet them myself."

Nobunaga said, and really stood up, Harukata was nervous.

"H-Harukata understands! I'll immediately send out troops!"

Nobunaga took one small glance over his shoulder, and slowly sat down on his chair. He stretched his legs out, not sitting upright, laughing as he spoke.

"...Good for you for understanding."

At this moment a messenger ran in.

"Reporting back, my Lord! The allied forces at Kure have been sunk by the 'Yamato', all of them have been sunk!"

"What!"

"All sunk! That enormous suigun unexpectedly...!"

The retainers stood up shouting, but Nobunaga only lifted his eyes slightly, his face still supported by his hand.

"N-Nobunaga-kou!"

"Be quiet. It's no big deal."

"No big deal... how that you say that!"

"Before you all get noisy, why don't you first go make preparations for the assault on the 'Yamato'? Harukata."

"...!"

Harukata desperately endured his resentment, then with his face cast aside, turned and left the hall of worship feeling hateful. Ranmaru approached Nobunaga.

"Apparently Noshima's Suigun Castle has fallen."

"Fallen already?"

"Yes. There was word of Yamanaka Shikanosuke. He fought against Kobayakawa Takakage, and destroyed Noshima's Mouri suigun. But the Murakami suigun defected from Takakage."

"Defected?"

Nobunaga displayed a suspicious expression.

"How did that happen?"

"Details of the circumstances are still unclear... Furthermore, the source of the 'Yamato's' propulsion has been destroyed. If this happens then even if the 'Yamato' is completed, it can only move for one or two more days."

"Really."

Nobunaga restored his smiling face.

"Those bastards have come to a do-or-die situation. Right, instruct all of the Oda's suigun to withdraw to the open sea."

"W-What are you saying!"

The one who cried out was Kuki Yoshitaka.

"You want us to escape!"

"Correct, escape. I can't let the important Oda suigun be swept away. Having Sue's ships engage the 'Yamato' is good enough."

"You have really decided to..."

Ranmaru by his side voiced out.

"Do you want to employ the 'kanju' and 'manju'?

"Yes. Allow me to destroy, everything."

The eyes of the Demon King filled with fighting spirit. Grasping the two jewels one in each hand, Nobunaga's eyes blazed hellishly.

"...that leaves you, Kagetora."

Muttering, Nobunaga smiled.

"Come now, how are you going to handle me? I'm eagerly looking forward to it, Uesugi."

***

Right now Takaya was onboard the ship.
After dropping off the passengers that they had saved using the Atake ships at a nearby harbor, Takaya had left Ujiyasu's back and assumed command of the ships. The Atake ships had once again set out, Takaya and the others, together with Murakami Takeyoshi's suigun, sailed to the island's channel to have a meeting.

"Terumoto-kou!"

Takeyoshi faced Takaya, who was standing on the deck, and called out in this way. Chiaki pouted in surprise.

"Huh? How come Kagetora is Terumoto?"

"Shh. When I contacted Takeyoshi just now I administered an allusion on him. To let him believe Saburou-dono to be Terumoto, whenever he sees him..."

"Geez, it's not like a chicken was just born."

Chiaki glared at Kotarou.

"Do as you wish but don't call him Saburou-dono anymore. That brat is Kagetora, Kagetora!"

"Shh. Quiet down."

Takeyoshi's Atake ship approached. The flag of the Murakami suigun swung about strongly in the wind. In the sea breeze, Takaya nodded at him, unperturbed.

"It must've been difficult for you. Sure enough you're as deserving a man as I'd hoped."

"I definitely won't let Ekei manipulate the Mouri! Henceforth please allow unworthy Takeyoshi to be Terumoto's right-hand man!"

He was resolute and firm but on the other hand he was an extremely simple-minded man. Easily manipulated. Takaya nodded, and shifted his gaze towards the West.

"Divide your troops here into two squadrons. Send the first division to the waters of Kurahashijima, let the second division advance to the waters of Suo-Oshima. Seal off the sea coasts of Aki. Get all of Oda's suigun out of Itsukushima and sink every single one of them. Don't let them head out to the open sea."

"Seal off the sea coasts of Aki?"

Takeyoshi displayed a puzzled expression.

"Why would we want to do that?"

"Don't ask why. Anyway, the Oda will try to escape from Itsukushima. Don't let any one soldier escape unpunished."

"Understood!"

Takeyoshi immediately faced his ships to convey orders, then the Murakami suigun turned around proceeding in a single file, and hastily sailed towards the West.

"Blockading the offing... What are you planning to do? Kagetora."

"The gohou douji I sent to Haruie has reported back."

Takaya was emotionless.

"The 'manju' and 'kanju' have been taken by the Oda."

"What!"

Chiaki confounded, shouted out.

"Didn't they rob it back? Unexpectedly the Oda have..."

"Seems like Matsuyama Satsuki was used by the Oda. Nobunaga was probably afraid that he couldn't use his own army's warships, thus decided to destroy the Mouri's fleet with the 'kanju' and 'manju'. In order for his own army of ships to not be affected by the 'kanju' and 'manju', his fleet would probably seek refuge in the outer seas."

"Will he use the 'kanju' and 'manju'? That Nobunaga...!"

"The power of that pair of jewels has never been measured. They act according to the owner's will, the extent of their ability is also unknown. It's possible that it may lead to some huge tragedy of the seas. If it was the Amako using it the situation won't be as bad, but with Nobunaga, it'll be too dangerous."

The problem did not end there. Being able to freely control the tides, meant being able to control the seas. The ability to dominate entire oceans.
Takaya widened his eyes sharply.

"If he has that wish, he would even have the power to control the waters of the entire world. That Nobunaga won't just do nothing."

Furthermore, Nobunaga had now acquired Narita Yuzuru. It was simply like holding the switch to launch a nuclear bomb in his hands.

"A person like Nobunaga will never do anything decent...!"

"They said they wanted to destroy the 'manju' and 'kanju'."

Takaya said firmly.

"It seems that Tomo-hime - 'Youkihi' knows a way. They have headed to Misen. I'll leave that to Haruie, we will sail for Kure."

"Kure? To the 'Yamato'?

"Before the 'Yamato' reaches harbor, we have to exorcise all the souls that are concentrated in that area. Even though the power source has been destroyed, the 'Yamato' itself still has some remaining fuel, the ship can still move."

"How long can it run for?"

"I don't know. Maybe just a few hours, or perhaps a few days. Within this stretch of time, if the funagata is regenerated the 'Yamato' will be able to function again. Compared with the 'Yamato', the situation in Kure is more dangerous. I let 'Ken En' calm those spirits, but their numbers are too great, they are fast about to rebel. We can't let this disturbance continue to expand. Apparently there was no danger leaving this to 'Ken En'. We can only send them to the other world by exorcism."

"The numbers are too large? Then can it be done?"

"Kekkai Choubuku. Once this is carried out they can no longer make use of them. After the exorcism, I may not be able to proceed. When that time comes, Chiaki."

Takaya faced Chiaki.

"You will be responsible for commanding the Uesugi."

"Kagetora."

"Sink the 'Yamato'. Without its armor, we should be able to oppose it on an equal level. After that is done, head to Itsukushima. Retrieve Yuzuru from Nobunaga's hands. Then evict them from Itsukushima."

"..."

Chiaki had a solemn expression.

"I understand."

At this moment, Takaya was suddenly alarmed, he looked towards a distant location.

"What's the matter?"

He looked like he had seized a wave of thought.

"Aida-...san...?"

That was the wave of thought of Aida Kengo. The warship eyewitness who was lured to death by his uncle at Hiroshima. Takaya inclined his ears to listen to his wave of thought.

(Kure... The Yamato... has reached...)

What!

An image was conveyed. It was Kure. Many docks could be seen. Displayed were what seemed to be gray self-defense forces, a large specter ship floated. The phantom ship released crimson rays of light like the blaze of the Sun...

It's the 'Yamato'.

There was no mistaking it. That was the creation of the Mouri, the 'Yamato'.

Too fast.

The 'Yamato's' movement was faster than anticipated. The earliest it could have reached the harbor was on the 27th. From Takaya's calculations, even if military operations had been pushed to an earlier date, it should only make port the day after tomorrow. Motoharu, in order to ensure complete safety of their plans, had apparently made battle plans earlier than expected.

Many souls fluttered about the port. Then the spirits of the naval soldiers that assembled on the base were liberated from the ground. As if they were attracted by the 'Yamato' their bodies flew in. Like several thousand fireflies. One by one the spiritual bodies covered the external body of the ship, transforming into the color of heated copper, becoming a coriaceous armor.

Let us set out as well, Kengo.

Making a sound, Kengo's uncle flew in. Aida hesitated. His thoughts were transmitted to Takaya's mind. But Aida could no longer resist the 'Yamato' that was releasing an intense force that attracted the souls.

(After this I beg you...)

Aida entreated Takaya.

(Please be sure to... send us to the Pure Land of the West...)

He seemed to be whisked away. The field of vision closed in on the body of the 'Yamato'. The image was polluted with a glowing, steel coloration.
Then it disappeared.

Takaya quietly gazed in the direction of Kure.

"Saburou-dono."

"It's too late. The 'Yamato' has already entered Kure. We won't make it in time."

They had been outdone by one step. Takaya mumbled, displaying a slightly pained expression.

"What now? Kagetora."

"Following this circumstance, when we get there, the armor would've been almost complete. We'll see what Motoharu does. They should have gotten word of the defeat of Noshima. Will he fight, or wait for the funagata to be regenerated and delay the battle?"

Takaya thought for a moment.
Then he made up his mind.

"Head to Itsukushima."

Chiaki and Kotarou showed surprised looks.

"Itsukushima... Do you want to attack Oda's base of operations?"

"The fighting will come. We've to get the residents on the coastal areas and the people in the boats to a safe refuge. I don't want any innocents sacrificed. 'Yamato's speed is fast, we need to make haste."

Takaya said without any emotion.

"Motoharu will come."

The wave crests of the maidenly Seto Nakai surged upwards.
The Atake ship that carried Takaya and the others, the ship's bow sailed towards the West.
Blowing across the sea was an extremely cold wind.

***

On the streets of Kure, there was a huge uproar among the people. Seeing the great battleship appear in port, the public was confounded in panic, even though the police and even the self defense units had been dispatched to the ruckus as a result, everyone could only watch with open eyes, unable to act.

On the other hand, a war council was underway on the bridge of the 'Yamato', with the chief vassals assembled there.

"We should stop to attack Itsukushima. My Lord."

Proposing this move was Kuchiba.

"We should now temporarily withdraw our troops to the camp, wait for the funagata to be restored. After the preparations have been safely completed then only should we once again launch into an all decisive battle. Furthermore we still have many soldiers left on land. It really isn't the best plan to go to battle in this condition. Temporarily cease the 'Yamato's' military operations. To minimize the risks."

"No, we should immediately execute this do-or-die operation!"

Captain Kodama said in a tough manner.

"As long as we have the 'Yamato' as well as its Tsukumogami warships, we can launch an attack on Itsukushima. The sooner we fight the sooner we can come to a conclusion. If we delay around here, we will be pursued by the second division of Kuki's suigun from Osaka Bay. To wait until that time comes when the 'Yamato' cannot move at all would be far too late. We should conquer Itsukushima as soon as possible. As long as we overcome Itsukushima, its spiritual might will become part of our strength. If we use that military base for the regeneration of 'Yamato's' funagata, we will have an abundance of time. We could also regroup sufficiently such that we'd have the military capability to resist Kuki. My Lord!"

"..."

Motoharu silently listened to the retainers' discussion.
At this point, the Mouri still did not know that Nobunaga had acquired both the 'manju' and 'kanju'. They believed the 'manju' was still in Taisho cave.
Not long after, word of this incident reached Motoharu's ears.

"What! The 'manju' has been robbed by Tomo-hime!"

Receiving his subordinate's communication by radio, the retainers grew unsettled.

"Then Tomo-hime's direction... Mmm, really. Right, immediately chase them down. Immediately."

Motoharu gave orders like this, then switched off his radio.

"My Lord...!"

"Tomo and the Uesugi have united and robbed the 'manju'."

"The Uesugi!"

"Correct. The Uesugi. Seems like the 'kanju' is still in the hands of the Amako. I've dispatched a spy to Itsukushima, but still have not received any word of the situation surrounding the robbery..."

"I heard that the Amako have joined forces with the Oda."

"Mmm.."

Motoharu grasped his chin with his hand.

"Perhaps the 'kanju' has already fallen into the Oda's hands."

"Tomo-hime... the Shinjo court lady, what are her intentions for snatching the 'manju'!"

"She just doesn't want the 'manju' and 'kanju' to become weapons of war."

Motoharu said decisively.

"As long as the 'manju' is in Tomo's hands, there shouldn't be any problem. It's a pity that we lost it, but she will not use it to make war on us. Anyway, she won't be hostile to us. I trust Tomo. She's a lady of the Mouri, she won't be manipulated by the Uesugi. The problem lies with the 'kanju'. But as long as they don't have the 'manju', the 'kanju' won't be able to unleash any of its powers."

Then Motoharu lifted his head.

"How much longer before the armor is complete?"

"My Lord! It will soon be completed. We can put out to sea in about 30 minutes."

"Good! After 30 minutes we can sail for Itsukushima."

"My Lord!"

"The battle will continue. Schedule as accordingly to attack Itsukushima. Kodama, determine how much longer we can last on the fuel. Relay orders to the various ships. All hands to position!"

"Understood!"

The uncertainty in Motoharu's eyes was gone. Only the appearance of a military general. Motoharu again resumed that former countenance whenever he was on a battlefield, the austere 'Demonic Kikkawa'. Kuchiba could not help but straighten his back. The news of his younger brother's death, it was a saddening matter for Motoharu who largely cherished his family, Kuchiba was very clear about this.
Motoharu's manner of placing himself on the battlefield was a way of restraining himself. He did not want to indulge in lamentation and let his sorrow overwhelm him. Motoharu was a mature lord. He clearly knew that right now, the person who had to stay composed was himself. If not, the Mouri would fall apart.

Clenching his teeth in grief, Motoharu smothered the wails and anger in his heart that bothered him and stared ahead.

"This is Takakage's consolatory war."

Motoharu uttered to Kuchiba in a low voice as he gazed ahead.

"If we are triumphant in this battle, we can raise the morale of the Mouri army after having lost Takakage and Terumoto. As long as I am still here to this day, the Mouri definitely will not be extinct."

"My Lord..."

Kuchiba did not oppose again. If Motoharu had chosen this course of action, he decided not to talk too much.

"Kuchiba understands, and will always accompany My Lord by his side."

The strongest Tsukumogami in history, the 'Yamato', in order to campaign against the Oda, Sue and the Amako, would proceed to Itsukushima to an important battle.

***

At this moment, a man appeared at Miyajimaguchi ferry station.
A bandage was wrapped around his head, on top of that was a hat that concealed half his face. That was a man well-built in physical stature, wearing a black coat.

The single man came to this place. Without bringing any accomplices. In his opinion, accomplices were not necessary.

"Damn that Uesugi Kagetora..."

The voice of the low muttering, belonged to Shimozura Rairyu.

"Hurry and get yourself over here. I know you're still alive. This time I want to take your life...!"

He did not die at Hagi city. Rairyu had even endured the explosion of Takaya's 'power', even though his body was burdened with injury he had managed to escape.

The pocket of the coat that hung down heavily was filled with stone idols. Rairyu's loathing for Kagetora only grew more and more intense. This time he came clinging onto a need to kill Kagetora.

It was in this moment. A black wagon arrived at the parking place in front of the port, numerous men attired in priestly garb got out of the car, one of them was the form of Shichiri Yorichika, who had been with Rairyu at Hagi city.

"Rairyu-dono!"

With just one glimpse of him Shichiri recognized Rairyu. He called out Rairyu's name, and impulsively ran to his side. Rairyu only turned a little to glance at him, without much interest.

"Shichiri? You're still alive?"

"Rairyu-dono, you are alright! That's great! I thought I would never see Rairyu-dono again!"

"What the heck are you doing here?"

"Hagi city is ruined. We received Kennyo-sama's orders to come around and support the Mouri. Support the 'Yamato' to destroy Nobunaga!"

"What? Is Nobunaga at Miya-jima?"

"This comes from reliable agents under our leadership that infiltrated Itsukushima. Subsidiary troops from Osaka will be arriving shortly. Rairyu-dono, let us march together against that detestable Nobunaga!"

"Hmm. I see."

The bandaged Rairyu hummed without much interest.

"Alright, I'll leave it to you people to behead Nobunaga."

"What are you saying, Rairyu-dono!"

"I'm only interested in Kagetora. I have come to kill that brat. I don't care what happens to anyone else. Whether they're the Mouri or the Oda. I definitely want to beat Kagetora, kill him with my own hands!"

"R-Rairyu-dono..."

Shichiri was mute for a while, and sadly hung his head. He unhappily pursed his lips together, then decisively opened his mouth.

"Rairyu-dono. Rairen-dono has been killed by the Uesugi."

"What!"

For the first time, Rairyu actually turned to face Shichiri.

"What did you just say! Brother, he...! Isn't Brother at the Taisho cave! Are you saying Brother is dead! How!"

"The Uesugi... the one by the name of Kakizaki made a surprise attack on Taisho cave, defeated Rairen-dono and snatched the 'manju'. Rairen-dono's throat was broken by the Uesugi's reijuu..."

"Damn... it...! Uesugi!"

Rairyu clenched his fists in wrath, his fingernails nearly punctured his flesh.

"Not only me but all of a sudden Brother also...! Unforgivable! I absolutely will not forgive you people, Uesugi!"

His eyes seethed with fires of hatred.

"You are the Buddha's enemy, true devils! Kagetora! Get here quickly. I definitely want to use both these hands! Use both these hands to kill you...!"

Rairyu stared at Itsukushima on the opposite side of the waters.
The torii of Itsukushima shrine embraced Nobunaga's large spiritual force, glinting with a gold radiance.

---

Original fiction © Kuwabara Mizuna.