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“Hey lordling, I don’t need a pretty speech. Just put me out of my misery, will you?”
Nobunaga gazed at the bandit in front of him, pondering what he’d just said. Sure, it could be a vile and rather contorted attempt to instigate his pity so that he would spare him instead, but the man’s unwavering eyes told him otherwise. That fool was serious about dying.
He had put up a good fight, to be a simple street robber. Yes, his swordsmanship was rough, his movements too wide, guided by instinct rather than strategy, but he’d been able to stand his ground even against a mounted opponent. The man had talent, Nobunaga could tell as much even from that brief encounter.
And yet, he was willing to throw it all away. Nobunaga would be damned if he let him do it. He had already lost too many people to see a life go to waste like that. Another meaningless death weighing on his conscience was the last thing he needed.
“I don’t kill dead men.”
The man’s eyes were unreadable, widening in what could be anything from surprise to horror. However, his hands spoke for him, trembling as they went to find his sword, his fingers slowly closing around the blade.
Those movements felt so familiar, Nobunaga unconsciously mimicked them, letting his left hand brush against his own sword like he had done so many times to ground himself in the midst of a bloody battlefield, when reality seemed to slip away among screams and dust and pain, and only the cold of metal could keep the world from collapsing.
It was moving and, somehow, a bit unsettling, seeing himself mirrored in a complete stranger.
Why was that man so scared though, when he’d been acting so arrogant till just a moment before? He was spared, what else did he want?
“What didn’t you understand? I said I won’t kill you!” He meant to be reassuring, but his words came out a lot harsher than intended.
“Yeah, I heard you the first time,” he scowled. “You want me to go down on my knees and say I’ll be forever grateful? I’m not doing that. I have nothing to thank you for.”
“You think you saved me? Am I your daily good action so you don’t have to be me in your next life?” he went on, his voice trembling more with each word, “Well, guess what? It’s as you said, I’m already dead. There was one thing you could do for me, and you refused.”
For a single moment, he wondered if he’d really made the right choice. It was painful to watch, how that man thought death less frightening than life.
Being their ideal target, Nobunaga had met many other bandits before. Some enjoyed the thrill of living above the law, following no rules but their own, walking a path of their own making. He had to admit, for years he’d been fascinated by their way of living, and envied their freedom.
This one though… he clearly wasn’t one of them. Why was he leading this kind of life then? Gods, Nobunaga would have given anything to have his raw talent! He had been training with the best teachers since he had learned to walk, and still that man had given him a hard time even without a horse or a decent sword. How could he not see that he was meant for so much more than this?
Even though he’d spent most of his life inside a castle, Nobunaga wasn’t unaware of how tough things were for the lower classes. Sometimes shy, kindhearted people found themselves in situations where becoming outlaws seemed to be the only option.
Except it wasn’t. Not in the new country he was slowly bringing into existence. And he would make sure everyone knew that they could have – that they deserved – their chance at life. Even if he had to convince one person at a time.
Starting from this one.
“You’re a skilled fighter. More than many of my soldiers, I dare say.” He paused for a moment, but seeing no reaction from the man, he decided to push him a little further. “You must have served a house of some repute. Why did you leave?”
It was just a wild guess actually, but the bandit’s flustered response told him he was right.
“W-why should I tell you?” he stuttered, “That’s none of your business! I don’t have time for this!”
“Why, you have anything better to do?”
For the first time since they’d met, he averted his eyes, his gaze falling to the ground as he replied after a long silence.
“I didn’t leave, my master sent me away.” he confessed, sadness and anger mixing in his voice. “Turns out people like you can steal all they want and blame it on people like me.”
“Look for a new master then!”
“Do you really think I would be doing this if I had any other possibility?” he snapped, eyes shooting back up. “If you know any samurai who’d willingly let a thief into their castle, please introduce me! I can’t wait!”
Hearing those words, an idea popped in his mind. Or, more likely, it had been there since they had started fighting, waiting for the right moment to reveal itself.
Nobunaga knew all too much about haughty nobles. They were too blinded by absurd social norms to see worth in anyone who couldn’t trace their lineage to the legendary warriors of the civil war. Which actually meant anyone who couldn’t pay a scholar to write a very creative family history.
No one in their right mind would have ever taken a bandit as their retainer.
No one but the lord of fools.
He knew it was a terrible idea. It would worsen his reputation as an irrational, impulsive leader, and anger the older samurai, maybe to the point that they’d betray him and leave the clan… all the more reason to do it.
And, who knew, maybe saving a life felt better than taking it.
“Oh, so you can’t find a master? That’s rubbish. You are your own master.”
The man gripped his sword even tighter, but it wasn’t enough to stop his hands from shaking. He’d end up cutting his fingers if he wasn’t careful.
“Really, what do you want? Are you having fun? I already told you, I don’t have time for this,” he mumbled, his voice now almost breaking, words tumbling out between quick breaths. “I… I have to go find someone else to rob. If I don’t… I just can’t stay here anymore. I need… I need to go.”
“There will be no need for that,” Nobunaga blurted out, before thinking about the possible consequences of what he was about to do.
Words alone would never work. There was no way he would earn the man’s trust unless he showed him he was worth it. And in that state… who knew how long he’d last without any help. He needed to be as quick as possible. Even if it meant risking his life. He’d save regrets for when this was over.
In the following years, Nobunaga often found himself thinking back on that moment. There was no reason why exactly that night, waking up from a nightmare for the fifth time in a few hours, he had decided that however dangerous the forest might be, it couldn’t be worse than the demons haunting him in his dreams. No reason why that dumb monkey felt especially idiotic that same night, enough to attack a mounted lord and beg to be killed. No reason holding him there, possibly throwing away his life to save who was then just a stranger who wanted anything but his help.
No matter how much he thought about it though, he couldn’t imagine things going any other way. He didn’t believe in all that destiny nonsense his sister always blathered about, but in the remote possibility that it existed… this sure looked like it.
“You came all the way here, so early in the morning, it doesn’t seem fair to let you go away empty-handed.”
As he jumped off his horse, the other man frantically raised his sword. He was holding it higher than he should have, leaving him too vulnerable. He should tell him later.
“I just want to talk,” he said, his voice low but firm, as he started to walk towards him, “I’ll leave my sword here, so you know I’m not lying.”
The weapon hit the ground with a thud, and the forest fell into a heavy silence, broken only by muffled footsteps and quick breaths.
Before he knew it, he found himself with a sword pointed right at his throat. One false move and… no, as long as he could stay calm, and even more important, keep the other man calm too, everything would go just fine. Or he’d die a quick death, and wouldn’t have to listen to Oichi scolding him for being ‘reckless, irresponsible... and just plain stupid!’ as she did way too often.
He actually couldn’t wait to hear those words. Everything would go just fine.
“You have two choices,” he said, trying to keep his composure.
“You can kill me, take all my money and go back to your life as if nothing happened,” he went on, “But I feel this isn’t what you want.”
Every breath he took, he could feel the blade brush against his skin.
“Or,” he added, “you could listen to my proposal.”
For the longest time, the bandit just stared at him unblinkingly, eyebrows slightly raised, giving Nobunaga no clue what was going on in his head. Was he seriously considering cutting his head off? He was still scared, a lot more scared than himself, that much he could tell.
When he saw him adjust his grip on the handle, Nobunaga began to question his strategy. He was convinced the man would choose anything over the hardships of that way of life, but how could he presume to know what he wanted?
Now that he could get a good look at him from up close, he noticed he was a lot younger than he thought at first. He couldn’t be more than twenty, and yet he spoke as if he’d already lived too long. Who knew how many fake promises he’d heard, how many times he’d been betrayed, to be so broken.
How stupid, how arrogant of him to presume a stranger would trust him, when not even his siblings did.
It was strange, how he couldn’t sleep at night in fear of assassins breaking into his room, and yet felt so calm now that death was a much more real possibility. He was more disappointed that his plan had failed so miserably.
“I could say whatever you’re about to propose couldn’t be worse than what I’m doing now, but I’ve done that so many times already, and I’ve always been proven wrong,” said the man, as if he’d read his mind.
Waiting for the blow, Nobunaga refused to close his eyes, even as a voice in the back of his head was screaming to shut them. It was too easy, killing someone without being able to look into their eyes, without seeing the despair, the hatred, the terror in them. Taking a life should never be easy. If that bandit was really set on doing it, he’d make sure he was going to have his gaze etched in his memory forever.
Deep in thought as he was, it took him a while to realize that the pressure on his throat had finally been lifted.
“For some reason though, I really don’t want to kill you.” he murmured, lowering his sword. “It can’t hurt to listen, right?”
It was difficult to believe that he’d made it out of this alive, that everything had really gone alright. But he had no time to ponder on that.
“Good choice...” he hesitated, not knowing how to address him. “Care to tell me your name?”
“I went by Hideyoshi before… before all of this.” He let out a shaky sigh, making a vague gesture with his hand that failed to clarify what he meant.
Outstanding luck. A good name indeed. He could really use a lucky charm.
“Well, Hideyoshi, this is your lucky day, for you’ve just met the man who will unify this country,” he explained, a little too enthusiastic to hide the fact that maybe he had gotten just a little worried earlier. “Some dare call me the lord of fools, but in a few years-”
“W-What? The fool of Owari?” Hideyoshi stuttered, his mouth dropping open. “You are Oda Nobunaga!”
“I feel a little offended.” He smirked, barely able to hold back laughter. “Usually those who try to rob me at least know who I am.”
While they were fighting, his skill and the lack of accomplices had made Nobunaga suspect that he was an assassin disguised as a simple street bandit, but now, his wide eyes and gaping mouth dispelled any doubt.
“Of course I know who you are, I’m not that ignorant,” he muttered, his cheeks flushing a deep red. “I just didn’t know you were him.”
At last, he let out the chuckle he was trying so hard to suppress. This guy might end up being the worst retainer he’d ever have, but one thing was sure: he’d be extremely entertaining to have around.
“I’m sure you’ve heard horrible things about me, haven’t you?”
“I can’t deny it, but I’ve never been one to give much credit to rumors. I know firsthand how cruel they can be.” He sighed again, “So, since I’m oh-so-lucky to have you here in person, why don’t you tell me the truth?”
“The truth is, I have great plans for this country. Soon, there will be only one flag flying under the sky, and Japan will finally know peace. You can be a part of this too, if you want.”
“You really think you can put an end to war?” he asked, stroking his chin.
Nobunaga wasn’t pleased that he’d outright ignored his offer, but that reaction didn’t come completely unexpected. He hadn’t refused either, he probably just need some more convincing.
“Of course! That’s going to be the easy part. Military unification is not my aim in itself,” he continued, “but it is necessary for introducing reforms. Under my rule, everyone will be equal, having the same rights regardless of social class. Everyone will be able to shape their fate by themselves, without the curse of their ancestors’ legacy.”
He went on and on, telling him about the world he could help build, one where trade would be free, art would flourish, and no one would have to steal or kill their brother to survive.
As he spoke, Hideyoshi listened in silence, just nodding from time to time.
He had missed this, the overwhelming thrill of seeing people completely enraptured by his words, by his ideas. His retainers weren’t so well-disposed, especially after Nobuyuki’s death. He had tried to talk to them, he wanted them to understand what he, and they with him, was fighting for, a world free of war and discrimination. But most of the ones who had served his father before him were too bounded by old rules to even try to challenge their hundreds-year-old beliefs.
“Young Nobunaga lives in his own world. No more social classes! Free trade! That’s all rubbish. He’s going to destroy our country.”
“He’s nothing like his father. Any of his brothers would’ve been a better leader than him.”
“I heard he’s a bit touched, and hearing him speak all that non-sense… I guess it’s true.”
He didn’t care about their opinion. He knew he was in the right, that he was going to be remembered for centuries to come while they’d soon be forgotten. There would be no place for people whose only quality was their noble surname in the new world he was going to bring to life. Still, it would have been nice to have someone to talk to every now and then.
When he was done speaking, it took Hideyoshi a long time time to break his shocked silence.
“Your dream is really something worth dying for. More than a failed robbery for sure,” he said in a shaky whisper, as if talking to himself. “But, as much as I’d like to… I really don’t know if I could be of any help.”
Again with that dying nonsense. Nobunaga knew that whatever he’d say or do couldn’t make the man change his mind, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t at least try.
“Everyone has worth, even you,” he replied, “The only way you’d be of no use is if you choose to throw away your life like it has no value. I won’t allow that.”
Another long silence followed, before Hideyoshi finally lifted his eyes from the ground to meet his own.
“Do you really believe that it’s possible? Everything you’ve said?”
No matter how much people opposed him and called him crazy, he still believed in his dream of achieving Divine Rule. He couldn’t afford not to. Not after all he’d already lost, all he was going to lose…
“Of course I do.”
The voice that answered him was so soft he could barely hear it, but this time, it wasn’t shaking.
“Me too.”
“Then, come with me. You can start as my sandal-bearer, then... we’ll see how that goes.”
Hideyoshi gave him a deep bow, as clumsy as it was heartfelt. “Thank you, my lord. I promise I won’t disappoint you!”
When he got back up, a smile had appeared on his lips for the first time since they’d met. It was slightly lopsided, the right corner of his mouth lifting more than the left.
“You’d better not.” He meant to sound more commanding, but he couldn’t help but smile too.
Now that he finally had a moment to breathe, he saw the pale sun that could barely illuminate his path when he’d left had climbed higher in the sky, its light now timidly filtering through the leaves. He didn’t have much time before the others would wake up and come looking for him.
“We should get going now, it’s almost morning.”
Not waiting for the other to answer, he turned around, knowing he’d find his trusted mare right where he’d left her. However, Hideyoshi just stood there, showing no intention to follow him.
“What?” he asked, a little annoyed.
“You know, maybe it’s better if I follow you at some distance. I don’t think you want to be seen riding with a…” he hesitated, “with someone like me.”
He refrained from laughing only because he could see that Hideyoshi was seriously concerned.
Ah, that brief period when his newly acquired vassals still thought him dignified and appropriate. A week at most and he’d change his mind.
“Oh, trust me, the real question is,” he smirked as he got on his horse, “Do you want to be seen riding with me?”
Poor man, he had no idea what he was getting into. Nobunaga just hoped he wouldn’t run back to being a bandit once he found out.