First Contract ¤ Audio [Forward dated to after agreeing to join with Motochika]

[blackbirdgunsmoke]

[The silence is broken by the sound of three gunshots fired in quick succession, far quicker than should be possible with beginning of the 17th century technology, at least with only one gun. After a moment, a woman speaks.]

Hear us now! We are the Saika Faction! The red bell rings. The pact we have made shall be known to all! Let it toll! Let the bell call out across the land!

[Some time between her arrival and this entry, Saika must have somehow managed to get her hands on an appropriate bell, because it rings for a few moments before she addresses the journal again.]

I am the Magoichi Saika, leader of the glorious Saika Faction. For those of you that have not heard of us, we are the finest mercenaries of our land and time, one that we share with the likes of Ieyasu Tokugawa and Mitsunari Ishida. We are here to announce our alliance with Motochika Chōsokabe and the crew of the Katabami until such a time as our contract has been broken or expires. Should there be any other members of the Saika out there, resolve the matter of your own contracts and come here when you are able. That is all.

Comments

[blackbirdgunsmoke]

Perhaps it was wrong of me to assume that based on Motochika's words alone, but I have no sympathy for any that would side with the Oda, especially one that shares the name Mitsuhide Akechi.

[She's managing to keep her cool for now, but, should Chōsokabe press, it won't last. You can't just steal her chance at avenging her mentor without igniting her fury, even you were the reason she received a second chance to do so.]

I would like to know of the Saika from your home, particularly my counterpart and the Ishiyama War, as well as any crucial differences between our lands that you know of, aside from the obvious.

[Her distaste is no excuse for losing out on what could be important information, should she have to deal with anyone that "knows" her.]

[behisstrength]

[Those are still big assumptions. His words are firm.]

Whatever crimes the Mitsuhide of your world has committed against you, my Mitsuhide is not responsible for them.

[The fact that they are their own people should be obvious, he feels.]

I cannot tell you the crucial differences between our lands, since your companions have never discussed them with us. My interaction with Magoichi and the Saika were limited, but I will tell you what I do know.

Your counterpart is a man who possesses a widespread reputation as a womaniser. Like you, he favours guns. [The sound of gunfire is unmistakable, after all.] He and Toyotomi Hideyoshi were good friends. The Saika allied with the Mōri at Kizugawaguchi, a battle which they lost to the Oda. They were yet to reemerge following their defeat, though I anticipated that it would not be long after Yamazaki.

[It's not much information, as he warned.]

I shall ask Mitsuhide what he knows. His closer proximity may yield more satisfying answers.

[blackbirdgunsmoke]

I am aware, which is why I am affording him a base level of human courtesy. [Yes, flagrantly insulting someone is still considered courteous, in her book.] I am not obligated to give him anything more than that. If that's a problem, inform me why I am wrong.

[It is unlikely that she'll listen with just Chōsokabe's testimony, but she will keep it in mind when she finally does deal with Mitsuhide.]

I see. [How utterly revolting. To think that the Saika were in the hands of such a man... Not to mention his involvement with the ape and that sun-touched schemer. Why were they allied at the supply lines, though? Motonari had nothing to do with that greedy monk.]

If our histories really do take similar paths, you would be correct. After the fall of the Oda, we were hired by the Toyotomi and stayed with them until Hideyoshi broke the rules our contract. After that, we made a pact with the Eastern Army.

You have my thanks. If there is anything you yourself wish to know about us, I will tell you what I can.