That night they received some completely unexpected visitors.

Their guests were two men. That they were possessed by onshouonshou (怨将)

Lit.: "vengeful general": the spirits of the warlords of the Sengoku period, who continue their battles even in modern-age Japan. was obvious at first sight, but oddly enough they displayed virtually no hostility towards the Yasha-shuuYasha-shuu (夜叉衆)

The five kanshousha at the head of the Meikai Uesugi Army ordered by Uesugi Kenshin to hunt for the onshou who are disrupting the peace of modern-era Japan in a battle which has lasted four hundred years. Led by Uesugi Kagetora, with Naoe Nobutsuna, Kakizaki Haruie, Yasuda Nagahide, and Irobe Katsunaga. The name "Yasha" refers to soldiers in the army of Bishamonten, called "Yaksha".. In fact, their behavior was quite amicable when they approached Naoe and Takaya, whom they courteously followed to the second-floor Tea Room. The one with the shrewd eyes introduced himself as Shimotsuma RairenShimotsuma Rairen (下間頼廉) 1537 - Aug. 11, 1626

A monk who served as an official under Kennyo at Ishiyama Hongan Temple, he along with Suzuki Shigehide commanded the Hongan Temple army against Oda Nobunaga. For this reason they were called the "Left and Right Generals of Osaka".

When Hongan Temple surrendered to the Oda army in 1580 by order of the Emperor, Rairen's signature was among those on the official letter. Afterwards, he left with Kennyo to persuade the Ikkou-ikki of various parts of the country to rise up against Nobunaga.

After Takeda Shingen's death, when both Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu requested help from the Ikki forces, Rairen opposed and remained neutral throughout. In 1589, Hideyoshi bestowed land on him and made him a magistrate.

In Mirage of Blaze: he continues to clash against Nobunaga and eventually performs kanshou on a man of some means named Watanabe, who appears to be a man of amiable disposition and wears silver-rimmed glasses., the younger as Shimotsuma RaishouShimotsuma Raishou (下間頼照) 1516 - 1575

Also known as: 頼昭, Jutsurai (述頼)
Titles: Chikugo-no-Kami

As a member of the Shimotsuma Clan which served Hongan Temple, Shimotsuma Raishou was dispatched by Kennyo to Echizen Province and took a large portion of it from the Oda forces, which was split by internal discord.

Raishou, dissatisfied with being treated like a vassal, plotted rebellion, but was suppressed by forces from Hongan Temple in 1574.

In the summer of 1575, Oda's forces attacked him at Kannonmaru Castle in Echizen. Raishou was unable to gather enough of the Ikkou-ikki's followers, and the castle fell under fierce attack from 15,000 Oda soldiers. Raishou tried to escape by sea, but was discovered and beheaded..

 

“Our cooperation...?” Naoe’s eyes widened upon hearing their request. “Do you mean that you wish our help in attacking Narimasa?”

Rairen nodded quietly. Takaya was as surprised, but had not spoken since the start of the conversation. Immersed in his own thoughts, he had answered with dull disinterest even upon hearing of Rairen and Raishou’s visit.

Naoe refused to meet his eyes. The reason for Takaya’s moping was doubtlessly their earlier quarrel.

Naoe could not guess at Takaya’s thoughts. ...So he could not allow himself to fall into the same depression. He could not allow his emotions to interfere in his work; he was, after all, an adult.

“You must have already noted our work here in Toyama,” Shimotsuma Rairen began.

Rairen had been a temple official of the True Pure Lands School (Ikkou SectIkkou-shuu (一向宗)

Lit.: "One-minded School/Sect", a small, militant, antinomian offshoot of True Pure Land Buddhism founded by 13th-century monk Ikkou Shunjou. Its ideologies provided the basis for a wave of uprisings against feudal rule in the late 15th and 16th centuries, such as the Ikkou-ikki revolts. Oda Nobunaga eventually destroyed the sect's two large temple-fortresses, Nagashima and Ishiyama Hongan Temple and slaughtered most of its sectarians in those areas. Tokugawa Ieyasu defeated the followers of the sect in Mikawa in 1564 in the Battle of Azukizaka. The last of the Ikkou sect fought alongside Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 1580s.) as well as a commander in the battle of Ishiyama Hongan TempleIshiyama Hongan-ji (石山本願寺)

A fortified Buddhist temple established in 1496 which was home to warrior monks, priests, peasants, and local nobles (Ikkou-ikki) who opposed samurai rule. Oda Nobunaga, who feared the power and influence of the monks, set siege to the fortress in 1570 while Kennyo was its chief abbot. The siege lasted for 10 years, and the temple finally fell in 1580.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi began construction of Osaka Castle on the same site three years later. (now Osaka CastleOsaka-jou (大坂城/大阪城)

Located in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi on the former site of the Ikkou Sect's Ishiyama Hongan Temple. He completed it in 1598 after 5 years of construction.). He could be called KennyoKennyo (顕如) Feb. 1543 - Dec. 27, 1592

Also known as: Hongan-ji Kennyo, Hongan-ji Kousa

Chief Abbot of Ishiyama Hongan Temple, fortress of the Ikkou-ikki, Kennyo became the 11th head of the Hongan Temple in Kyoto upon his father Shounyo's death in 1554, when he was 12. Kennyo was renowned as a strategist who engineered many alliances in the Sengoku Era and made Ishiyama Hongan Temple virtually unbreachable. His wife was the third daughter of Sanjou Kinyori (sister to Takeda Shingen's wife, Sanjou-no-kata), and they got along very well.

Kennyo aided Shingen by persuading the Ikkou sectarians in Kaga Province to rise up against Uesugi Kenshin. He allied himself with Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki and created an anti-Oda alliance with the Takeda, Asakura, Azai, and Mouri clans. The alliance failed upon Takeda Shingen's death in 1573.

In 1570, Oda Nobunaga laid siege to Ishiyama Hongan Temple, a siege that would last 10 years, the longest in Japan's history. Kennyo left the temple to attempt to raise reinforcements, and his son surrendered to Nobunaga by request of the Emperor.

Kennyo later enlisted the help of Ikkou sectarians for Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who granted Kennyo a new Hongan Temple (now known as Nishi-Hongan Temple) in 1589.’s tactical right arm, and in his previous life had been renowned as a superb strategist; with the Saiga Arquebus CorpsSaiga-shuu (雑賀衆)

Also known as: Saiga-ikki (雑賀一揆)

The Saiga Sect (or Saiga Revolt) was a band of various locals, clans, and landowners concentrated in the north-western part of Kii Province (now Wakayama City in Wakayama Prefecture). They owned thousands of arquebuses, presenting a considerable military force, and sometimes fought as mercenaries.

Suzuki Magoichi, leader of the Saiga Sect, commanded them in the siege of Ishiyama Hongan Temple against Oda Nobunaga. The Oda army suffered heavy casualties against the Saiga Sect, and even Nobunaga himself was said to have been injured.

In 1580, when Kennyo was driven from Ishiyama Hongan Temple, he took shelter with the Saiga Sect, but the sect split apart into those who wanted to follow Nobunaga and those who wanted to fight him to the bitter end.

After Nobunaga's death, the sect fought Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, but was eventually crushed, and its members scattered and sought service with various daimyo. and the Ikki forces of the North-Central RegionHokuriku-chihou (北陸地方)

The area of north-central Japan on the island of Honshuu along the Sea of Japan comprised of the prefectures of Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui. Niigata is sometimes also included., he had been able to freely maneuver provisions and reinforcements from the Mouri Flotilla to hold the Oda army at bay for ten years.

Raishou, also a temple official at Hongan TempleIshiyama Hongan-ji (石山本願寺)

A fortified Buddhist temple established in 1496 which was home to warrior monks, priests, peasants, and local nobles (Ikkou-ikki) who opposed samurai rule. Oda Nobunaga, who feared the power and influence of the monks, set siege to the fortress in 1570 while Kennyo was its chief abbot. The siege lasted for 10 years, and the temple finally fell in 1580.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi began construction of Osaka Castle on the same site three years later., had been in charge of the Ikkou Sect of the North-Central region and served as a liaison between KennyoKennyo (顕如) Feb. 1543 - Dec. 27, 1592

Also known as: Hongan-ji Kennyo, Hongan-ji Kousa

Chief Abbot of Ishiyama Hongan Temple, fortress of the Ikkou-ikki, Kennyo became the 11th head of the Hongan Temple in Kyoto upon his father Shounyo's death in 1554, when he was 12. Kennyo was renowned as a strategist who engineered many alliances in the Sengoku Era and made Ishiyama Hongan Temple virtually unbreachable. His wife was the third daughter of Sanjou Kinyori (sister to Takeda Shingen's wife, Sanjou-no-kata), and they got along very well.

Kennyo aided Shingen by persuading the Ikkou sectarians in Kaga Province to rise up against Uesugi Kenshin. He allied himself with Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki and created an anti-Oda alliance with the Takeda, Asakura, Azai, and Mouri clans. The alliance failed upon Takeda Shingen's death in 1573.

In 1570, Oda Nobunaga laid siege to Ishiyama Hongan Temple, a siege that would last 10 years, the longest in Japan's history. Kennyo left the temple to attempt to raise reinforcements, and his son surrendered to Nobunaga by request of the Emperor.

Kennyo later enlisted the help of Ikkou sectarians for Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who granted Kennyo a new Hongan Temple (now known as Nishi-Hongan Temple) in 1589. and Shichiri YorichikaShichiri Yorichika (七里頼周) 1517 - 1576?

Title: Mikawa-no-Kami

Shichiri Yorichika started out as a minor samurai at Hongan Temple, but caught Kennyo's eye and became a temple official and the commander of the Ikkou-ikki forces in Kaga Province.

During Oda Nobunaga's siege of Ishiyama Hongan Temple, he attacked the Oda army repeatedly, earning him the nickname "the Kaga General". As his power and influence increased, so did his arrogance, leading to violent outbursts of anger that sometimes resulted in the executions of his underlings over disputes. Shimozuma Rairen interceded, and in the end Yorichika was driven out of the temple. This resulted in internal strife between the Ikkou sectarians of Echizen and Kaga, providing Nobunaga an opening which he took in August of 1575. Yorichiki fled without putting up a fight.

In the following year he accused the master of the Ikkou castle of Mattou of rebellion and attacked, but was defeated and killed., leader of the KagaKaga-no-kuni (加賀国,)

A province of ancient Japan that is today a part of southern Ishikawa Prefecture which once bordered on the provinces of Echizen, Ecchuu, Hida, and Noto. The priest Rennyo of Hongan Temple arrived in the 15th century to preach the tenets of True Pure Land Buddhism, which spread rapidly among the samurai and peasants of the region. They banded together into the Ikkou Sect to create a "Peasant's Kingdom", which lasted for a hundred years until Sakuma Morimasa overthrew it by order of Oda Nobunaga in 1580.

Three years later, Maeda Toshiie invaded the province and took it for Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The Maeda Clan ruled it thereafter, focusing on culture and art instead of military and warfare, and developed the province into the richest domain outside of Tokugawa Shogunate. Kaga was famous for its gold-leaf, inlaid work, and calligraphy, promoted by its Maeda lords. sectarians. In his previous life he had battled Oda’s Ikki-subjugation army and died in battle with Asakura KagetaneAsakura Kagetane (朝倉景胤) ? - 1575

A vassal of the Asakura Clan of Echizen, he surrendered to Oda Nobunaga upon the destruction of the clan, but later joined the Ikkou-ikki of Echizen along with Asakura Kagetake, another former Asakura vassal. In 1575 he was killed along with Kagetake after being defeated again by Nobunaga.’s troops.

Naoe had been aware of their resurrection, but this was the first time he had come face-to-face with them.

The “work” Rairen had mentioned, needless to say, involved Sayuri’s onryouonryou (怨霊)

Lit.: "vengeful ghost"; the spirits of those who died in the Sengoku period who are still so filled with rage and hatred that they continue to exist in the world as vengeful spirits instead of being purified and reborn.. Kousaka’s speculation about the Ikkou Sect using her as bait for Narimasa had been dead on.

“Much has reached our ears of your recent activities, including your extermination of Matsunaga HisahideMatsunaga Hisahide (松永久秀) 1510 - 1577

Also known as: Matsunaga Danjou Hisahide (松永弾正久秀), Matsunaga Soutei (松永霜台)

Initally a vassal of the Miyoshi Clan who served Miyoshi Nagayoshi as his private secretary, Hisahide was both a warrior and a tea master who would be regarded by history as a schemer and something of a villain.

Miyoshi Nagayoshi gave his daughter to Hisahide in marriage, but Hisahide turned against his master. He was rumored to have poisoned Nagayoshi's son and heir, Miyoshi Yoshioki, and Nagayoshi's three brothers died under mysterious circumstances between 1561-1564. In 1564 at Nagayoshi's death, all that stood between Hisahide and the Miyoshi domain was the young Miyoshi Yoshitsugu, whom Nagayoshi had seleted as heir, and his guardians the "Miyoshi Triumvirate", Miyoshi Nagayuki, Miyoshi Masayasu, and Iwanari Tomomichi.

Hisahide briefly joined forces with the Triumvirate against the Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshiteru, who was forced to commit suicide. Thereafter he fought against the Miyoshi Clan and later submitted to Oda Nobunaga and served him for a few years after 1568.

In 1573, however, he was already conspiring against Nobunaga with Miyoshi Yoshitsugu—then turned back to Nobunaga and destroyed the remaining Miyoshi Clan. In 1577, he rebelled against Nobunaga again and in the end committed suicide at Shigisan Castle when besieged by Oda's army (though first smashing a priceless tea kettle, the "Hiragumo", which Nobunaga had coveted).’s ‘HiragumoHiragumo (平蜘蛛)

Also known as: Kotenmyou Hiragumo (古天明平蜘蛛)

Lit.: "flat spider"/"ancient dawn flat spider": a priceless Sengoku-era tea kettle owned by tea-master Matsunaga Hisahide which Oda Nobunaga coveted, so named because it was shaped like a crouched spider. The hiratagumo (written with the same characters) is a type of spider (uroctea compactilis) found throughout Japan.

When Nobunaga besieged Hisahide's castle at Shigisan with 20,000 troops, he declared, "If you should give the Hiragumo kettle over to me, I shall spare your life"—to which Hisahide replied, "Nobunaga shall have neither my head nor the Hiragumo kettle!"

Hisahide smashed the kettle before he committed seppuku to prevent Nobunaga from taking possession of it (another account says that he filled it with gunpower and blasted it along with his head over the castle walls).

(Though in the present era rare tea implements are valued highly, in the Sengoku era they were worth entire fiefdoms. One could not be a first-class tea master without owning one of these items.)’...”

Matsunaga Hisahide had formed an anti-Oda alliance with Akechi MitsuhideAkechi Mitsuhide (明智光秀) 1526 - 1582

Title: Hyuga no Kami
Also known as: Koreta Mitsuhide

A talented general and poet who belonged to the inner circle of Oda Nobunaga's vassals. He later ambushed Nobunaga at Honnou Temple in 1582, killing both Nobunaga and his heir, Oda Nobutada. Akechi Mitsuhide then proclaimed himself the new shogun, but soon clashed against Toyotomi Hideyoshi's forces and was defeated in the Battle of Yamazaki only 13 days later. He was killed en route to his stronghold of Sakamoto Castle in the village of Ogurusu by a bandit with a bamboo spear (though an alternate theory states that he was not killed but became a monk instead).. Which meant that the Ikkou Sect would also be their ally. Naoe inwardly cautioned himself to stay on his guard.

“We are, as you know, in the midst of preparations for battle and steadily expanding our anti-Oda Alliance over the provinces near the old capital and the North-Central region,” Rairen stated confidently. “Oda is the malignant tumor invading this world. We must prevent the Demon King’s resurrection at any cost, and make of this land of the rising sun a true Pure Land on earth. Takeda of KaiKai-no-Kuni (甲斐国)

Also known as: 甲州 (Koushuu)

An ancient province in central Japan which was ruled by Takeda Shingen during the Sengoku Period. Now known as Yamanashi Prefecture. and EchigoEchigo-no-kuni (越国)

An ancient province in north-central Japan which was ruled by Uesugi Kenshin during the Sengoku Period. Now a part of Niigata Prefecture. and Houjou of SagamiSagami-no-kuni (相模国)

An ancient province in south-central Japan which was ruled by the Later Houjou Clan during the Sengoku Period. Now a part of Kanagawa Prefecture. once requested and have requested again that the Ikkou Sect revive the anti-Oda coalition of old...”

Takaya and Naoe looked up abruptly. Rairen continued firmly, “We were sent here to destroy the Oda forces in the north-central region. Here we will dispose of Sassa NarimasaSassa Narimasa (佐々成政) Feb. 2, 1536 - July 7, 1588

Also known as: Kuranosuke—nickname (内蔵助)
Titles: Mutsu no Kami, Ecchuu no Kami, Chamberlain

A daimyo of the Sengoku, born in Owari. His father was Sassa Morimasa. His two older brothers, Sassa Masatsugu and Sassa Magosuke, died in battle, so Narimasa became head of the clan and master of Hira Castle in 1560. He distinguished himself in the loyal service of Oda Nobunaga and fought in many of Nobunaga's battles. His name was first on a list for the Kurohoro-gumi, an elite group of Nobunaga's bodyguards.

In 1580, he backed Jinbou Nagazumi against both the Uesugi Clan and the Ikkou-ikki in Ecchuu, and was given half the province. The following year, he was named governor (Kami) of the entire province when Jinbou Nagazumi lost his standing. He made Toyama Castle his main castle and performed extensive repairs and renovations on it.

After Nobunaga's death in 1582, Narimasa continued to engage in fierce battles with Uesugi Kagekatsu. He took the side of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Oda Nobukatsu against Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but later surrendered to him in 1585 when Hideyoshi laid siege to Toyama Castle with 10,000 troops. He lost Ecchuu, but was given a fief in Higo in 1587 for merits in the suppression of Kyuushuu, along with instructions on refraining from hasty reforms. Ignoring those instructions because of illness or perhaps misunderstanding, Narimasa immediately set out on Hideyoshi's nationwide land survey, resulting in rebellion of the province. He was charged with misgovernment and committed ritual suicide.

He wrote the following as his death-poem: "The shell of my begging bowl in which I have placed the evil delusions of these recent days now breaks" (この頃の　厄妄想を　入れ置きし　鉄鉢袋　今破るなり).

Narimasa is said to have brutally killed his concubine, Sayuri, along with her family for a rumor of infidelity. The legend goes that Sayuri cursed him before she died, and the curse was responsible for his death at the hand of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

In Mirage of Blaze: He is kanshousha who has entered the «Yami-Sengoku» as one of the Oda's commanders, described as a tanned, fearless-looking young man, a "mountain cat in human skin." He and Mori Ranmaru don't appear to be on the best of terms. He later seeks his death at Sayuri's hands in remorse for the way he brutally tortured and killed her in their previous lives., who leads the advance guard dispatched against us, and drive his evil from this place once and for all.”

“...”

“That cursed Narimasa is the leader of the faction of Oda forces which has performed kanshoukanshou (換生)

To possess another's body, driving out their soul, so as to be reborn with memories intact. Only Naoe of all the kanshousha has the power to perform kanshou on another soul.. His demise would mean a dramatic decrease in Oda’s fighting strength. Do you not think this is an unparalleled opportunity to slay the head of the Oda forces?” Rairen pressed. He took a deep breath. “Will you not lend us your aid, Uesugi-dono, and join hands with us to bring about Sassa Narimasa’s end?”

“...”

Naoe glanced out of the corners of his eyes at Takaya, who was glaring steadily at nothing.

Killing Narimasa, a kanshoushakanshousha (換生者)

Those who possess others by driving out the soul from a body and making it theirs.

Unlike normal spirits, kanshousha cannot exchange bodies at will; they can only switch to another host body when their current body dies. Because kanshousha become the owners of their bodies, choubuku does not work on them. It is, however, still possible to exorcise kanshousha when they are in spirit-form (i.e. between possessions)., would certainly be a difficult proposition for them acting alone, but with the aid of Sayuri’s hate-filled onryou and these onshou of the Ikkou Sect, it was possible that they would be able to exorcise him for good. Their aim was the same. However—

(This is the Ikkou Sect...Kennyo’s followers.) Naoe was not about to let his guard down.

Rairen leaned forward. “What think you, Uesugi-dono?”

Takaya spoke for the first time. “We can’t help you.”

Rairen and Raishou—and Naoe as well—stared with surprise at Takaya. He gazed directly back at the two Ikkou commanders, clear-eyed and decisive, almost startlingly confident.

“The Uesugi cannot lend you our aid. Our power was not made to be used by the onshou. Sorry, but we refuse your request.”

“Wh-what are you... But...!”

“Don’t you think you’re barking up the wrong tree here? Or do I need to remind you that we are not onshou—that we’re here to make people like you disappear? And yet you’re asking us for help? Don’t me make me laugh.”

Takaya’s provocative tone shocked Naoe. Raishou half-rose at Takaya’s deliberate insolence, but Rairen stopped him.

“Then there is nothing I might say to convince you?” he inquired with perfect calm.

Takaya responded flatly, “None.”

The two sides glared silently at each other. Rairen thought for a moment, eyes hooded, before speaking again.

“We understand. Then there is just one thing we would like to ask of you—”

“... What?”

“That you stay completely out of this affair between Narimasa and our sect...”

“...”

Takaya’s eyes narrowed. “You want a promise of neutrality from us?”

Rairen, blotting sweat off his brow, looked gravely at Takaya, who still seemed dissatisfied as he thought upon his response. Sensing it, Naoe quickly responded for both of them.

“We understand, Rairen-dono.”

“...!”

Taken off guard, Takaya glared daggers at Naoe. Naoe ignored him, adding, “We will stay completely out of this affair with Sayuri. We promise not to lend our aid to either side. If you agree to two conditions.”

“Which are...?”

“One, that innocent bystanders will not be harmed, for any reason. Two, that this battle will come to a close within the next three days.” Naoe’s eyes flashed like the edge of a knife. “If you cannot put an end to this disturbance within the specified time, we will immediately intercede with our power of «choubukuchoubuku (調伏)

Also known as: choubukuryoku (調伏力)

The special power given to the Yasha-shuu to banish onryou to the Underworld using the dharani of Uesugi Kenshin's guardian deity, Bishamonten. The types of choubuku include "kouhou-choubuku", "ressa-choubuku", "kekkai-choubuku", etc. Each choubuku is begun with the incantation "bai" and the ritual hand gesture of Bishamonten's symbol.

Choubuku does not work against kanshousha, who have bodies of their own.». If that should happen, I will not be able to say with any certainty which side will fall.”

“Possibly both” was what Naoe had left unsaid. Rairen nodded firmly.

“Very well. Three days, then. Fear not, Narimasa will arrive in ToyamaToyama-shi (富山市)

Toyama City is the capital of Toyama Prefecture, located on the coast of the Sea of Japan with a population of ~420,000 (2005). It was also the capital of the ancient province of Ecchuu.

During World War II, 99.5% of the urban center of the city was destroyed on August 1 and 2, 1945, when the American 73rd Bomber Wing dropped incendiary bombs on the city, at the time an aluminum ball-bearing and special steel production center. tonight. This battle will be concluded tomorrow morning,” Rairen informed them, and stressed, “We have your promise then, Uesugi-dono.”

“...”

Takaya made no reply, only gazed at the two servants of the Ikkou Sect in clear-eyed silence until they finally stood and left. Takaya looked after them grimly.

After a moment, he murmured in a low voice, “Why didn’t you let me answer?”

Though Takaya was not looking at him, the question was directed at Naoe. He had an answer ready.

“You were about to refuse their request for neutrality, were you not? I could not let you do so. We must not take the Ikkou Sect lightly, Kagetora-sama, for it is to us a natural enemy.”

Takaya still refused to look at him. Naoe remonstrated, “The soldiers of the Ikkou Sect are fervent believers who once fought to create the paradise of the Pure Land here on earth. Or perhaps calling them fanatics would come closer to the truth. These are the souls who remained behind in this world despite fully believing that they would reach their Pure Land once they died. Though they became onryou because of their hatred for Nobunaga, they follow no path but that of Amida NyoraiAmida Nyorai (阿弥陀如来)

Also known as: Amitabha, Buddha of Infinite Light and Life

A celestial buddha described in the scriptures of the Mahayana school of Buddhism who became a buddha after achieving infinite merits from good deeds in countless lives as a monk named Dharmakara. He created the Pure Land, where those who called upon him could go after rebirth and be instructed in the Dharma, thereby becoming bodhisattvas and buddhas in their turn. even to this day.”

“...”

“Their ardent devotion to Amida NyoraiAmida Nyorai (阿弥陀如来)

Also known as: Amitabha, Buddha of Infinite Light and Life

A celestial buddha described in the scriptures of the Mahayana school of Buddhism who became a buddha after achieving infinite merits from good deeds in countless lives as a monk named Dharmakara. He created the Pure Land, where those who called upon him could go after rebirth and be instructed in the Dharma, thereby becoming bodhisattvas and buddhas in their turn. will block even our power of «choubuku». We must be cautious in dealing with them...”

Takaya closed his eyes for a moment as he listened. “... I get your point. However—”

Takaya looked sharply at Naoe, his glare like a sword thrust parried and returned.

“!”

Naoe felt that gaze like a shock of icy water against his heart, and his shoulders quivered. Takaya delivered his warning with his eyes boring into Naoe’s: “Never forget this, Naoe. I will not overlook you answering in my place again. No matter the reason, the decision is not yours to make. Let me remind you of your place: you are my vassal; I don’t care what the circumstances—condescension from a vassal towards his master is impermissible.”

“...”

“Remember that.”

Chills ran down his spine.

Taking a thin breath past a constricted throat, Naoe looked down and managed painfully, “My...deepest apologies.”

“...”

Takaya gazed silently at Naoe, eyes cold. He was perfectly composed, as if he were merely exercising his natural right.

An emotion he had forgotten until now welled up into his chest as Takaya assumed for a moment the incisive manner of his lord Kagetora: an intense inferiority in the face of Kagetora’s innate talent.

Kagetora was a born leader, a gift Naoe would never have. Or at the least, Kagetora exemplified the qualities to which Naoe would always submit. Such was his inconcealable birthright—

A radiance possessed only by the Absolute...

How could he so unconsciously and yet so magnificently embody that gift? He held the power to bend others to his will so casually, though Naoe could never attain it no matter how he floundered; at times he envied Kagetora that power with ravening intensity. How cruel, then, was he to thrust the reality of Naoe’s inferiority back into his face. And yet Naoe could not help but surrender to him...sometimes he shuddered with the humiliation.

(This, though he has not even regained his memories—...)

For a moment he felt the impulse to overturn all his loyalties into treason.

He wanted to throw Kagetora down, to conquer this proud man who knew no fear.

Naoe bit down on his lip and clenched his hands into fists. A feeling he had forgotten.

The lust for conquest—

Perhaps this, above all, was the true face of his love.

 

Takaya stood.

He left without saying another word, his back a declaration, if unconscious, that he knew Naoe could never defy him—or that even if he did, Naoe would be no match for him...

At times the nobility of your back makes approach impossible, for it threatens the very self-respect of any who would try to follow you...

Your true self—overbearing, cunning, sublime—lies dormant within you.

And the mere glimpse of it from within his humiliation—

Was enough to ignite in him a predator’s desire for the hunt...

Upon returning to his room, Takaya sent a Gohou DoujiGohou Douji (護法童子)

Also known as: Gohou Douji of the Swords

Lit.: "Dharma-protecting boy"; a variety of demon-deity in the service of Bishamonten who can be summoned by a high priest with mikkyou to do his bidding. They look like boys of 9 or 10 with red hair and golden skin who wear a thousand swords and ride on top of a magic wheel (Cakraratna). Their power and skills are varied and depend on the power of their summoners.

In Mirage of Blaze, Takaya summons the Gohou Douji by writing Bishamonten's mantra on a piece of paper in Sanskrit and wrapping it around a dagger while chanting On beishiramandaya sowaka, then drawing Bishamonten’s seed syllable in the air above the blade before placing the fore- and middle fingers of his right hand against his forehead. He then touches the sword to his fingers, whereupon the paper ignites, and the Gohou Douji appears from the fire. of the Sword to check on Sayuri. He planned to remain awake and alert until there was activity.

He went to call Naoe at one in the morning.

“Kagetora-sama.”

“We’re leaving now, Naoe.”

Takaya’s face was unsparing, grim—the expression of one who had cast away his personal feelings. This was not the usual Takaya; the expression he wore belonged, without any doubt at all, to Kagetora...

“Sassa Narimasa is here. Sayuri’s noticed and is starting to grow violent. We can’t let it go on like this. We’re going now.”

Takaya’s ‘Gohou DoujiGohou Douji (護法童子)

Also known as: Gohou Douji of the Swords

Lit.: "Dharma-protecting boy"; a variety of demon-deity in the service of Bishamonten who can be summoned by a high priest with mikkyou to do his bidding. They look like boys of 9 or 10 with red hair and golden skin who wear a thousand swords and ride on top of a magic wheel (Cakraratna). Their power and skills are varied and depend on the power of their summoners.

In Mirage of Blaze, Takaya summons the Gohou Douji by writing Bishamonten's mantra on a piece of paper in Sanskrit and wrapping it around a dagger while chanting On beishiramandaya sowaka, then drawing Bishamonten’s seed syllable in the air above the blade before placing the fore- and middle fingers of his right hand against his forehead. He then touches the sword to his fingers, whereupon the paper ignites, and the Gohou Douji appears from the fire. of the Sword’ had spotted Narimasa at the Toyama CastleToyama-jou (富山城)

A castle which was thought to have been built by Mizukoshi Katsushige at the command of his lord Jinbou Nagamoto, Ecchuu-no-kami, in 1543, but recent excavation suggests that it may be have built before, during the Muromachi Shogunate (1336 - 1573). The castle was located pretty much at the center of Ecchuu, at a strategic juncture between Hida Province and the North-Central (Hokuriku) Road, and for that reason was a hotly-contested territory by the Shiina Clan of Matsukura Castle, the Uesugi Clan of Echigo, and the Ikkou-ikki.

In 1582, Sassa Narimasa of the Oda Clan became master of the castle, and he performed large-scale repairs. After Oda's death, Toyotomi Hideyoshi laid siege to the castle in 1585 with 10,000 troops and took the castle from Narimasa. Thereafter the Maeda Clan became masters of the castle, but large parts of it was destroyed by fire in 1609. The castle was abandoned but reclaimed again by Maeda Toshitsugu, who founded Toyama-han and made Toyama Castle his main castle. The castle was home to 13 generations of the Maeda Clan thereafter.

The castle was abandoned again in the Meiji Period. The current structure was rebuilt after World War II and is now part of a park at the center of Toyama City. Ruins. Narimasa had entered ToyamaToyama-shi (富山市)

Toyama City is the capital of Toyama Prefecture, located on the coast of the Sea of Japan with a population of ~420,000 (2005). It was also the capital of the ancient province of Ecchuu.

During World War II, 99.5% of the urban center of the city was destroyed on August 1 and 2, 1945, when the American 73rd Bomber Wing dropped incendiary bombs on the city, at the time an aluminum ball-bearing and special steel production center. that night, just as Rairen had predicted. When Takaya and Naoe arrived, Narimasa was standing quietly at the foot of the castle tower without his nuenue (鵺)

In Japanese mythology, the nue is a chimera formed from the head of a monkey, the body of a tanuki, the legs of a tiger, and a snake-tail. The nue can transform into a black cloud and brings illness and misfortune.

In Mirage of Blaze: The troops of the various clans, lumped-together masses of onryou, are called the «nue». Mori Ranmaru commands the Nue-shuu of the Oda, who are onryou with strong powers. following.

“Narimasa...!”

Naoe stopped the Celsior at the entrance, and he and Takaya dashed towards Narimasa. Having sensed the ‘Gohou Douji of the Sword’, he seemed unsurprised at their presence. Though they had fought Narimasa just recently in Nara, he awaited them with unexpected calm.

“Uesugi-dono. So you came as well...”

He appeared to have been expecting them. Takaya, catching his breath, put aside his hostility towards the Oda commander for the moment to ask, “Did you come back here knowing about Sayuri? What are you planning to do about her?”

“...”

Narimasa, far from being agitated, displayed not the slightest change in expression. His clear almond-shaped eyes strayed towards the sandy river embankment. Even this far away they could distinctly feel the eerie malevolence of Sayuri and the kakikaki (火鬼)

Lit.: "Fire demon"; clumps of pathos left behind by those who died in fires. They are an immaterial type of tsukumogami which invite disasters associated with fire..

“I’m expected. I have no choice but to go.”

“It’s a trap, Narimasa,” Takaya warned him urgently, “one created by the Ikkou Sect to lure you here. They’re planning to bury you here.”

“I know.” Narimasa looked up, resolution in his eyes. “But I don’t care what happens to me. This is between Sayuri and me. It has nothing to do with intervention from anyone else. This day was always going to come.”

“But...”

“Have you allied yourself with Kennyo, Uesugi? Whatever the case, I’m not going to fight you here, not until I’ve settled things with Sayuri.”

Takaya was taken aback. Narimasa had already prepared himself for this battle.

“Go tell Kennyo that a curse lies on you all for awakening Sayuri with your foul hands.”

“Narimasa!”

“If that’s what you think, then hurry to Sayuri’s side!”

Another voice cut into their exchange, startling all present. They turned to see Kousaka DanjouKousaka Masanobu (高坂昌信) 1527 - 1578

Also called: Kousaka Danjou Masanobu (高坂弾正昌信), Kousaka Danjou Nosuke Masanobu (高坂弾正忠昌信), Kasuga Toratsuna (春日虎綱), Kasuga Gensuke (春日源助)
Title: Danjou Nosuke/Faithful True-Shot (弾正忠)

Historically: One of Takeda Shingen's most loyal retainers who was one of his Twenty-Four Generals and played a key part in the fourth battle of Kawanakajima.

Kousaka was born in Kai to a wealthy farmer, Kasuga Ookuma (?) (春日大隈). His father died when he was 16, and he lost a lawsuit against his elder sister's husband for ownership of his father's lands. He then enrolled in the service of Takeda Shingen.

Kousaka first served as a messenger for Shingen. He distinguished himself in battle, and rose swiftly through the ranks of Shingen's trusted retainers. He participated in most of Shingen's battles. He did not hesitate to retreat when required, which earned him the nickname of "Escaping Danjou". However, he was calm and logical in the midst of battle, and was perhaps the best of Shingen's generals.

There are anecdotes that in his younger days, Kousaka and Shingen were engaged in a shudo relationship, and Kousaka rose so quickly in Shingen's service because of Shingen's affection.

After Shingen's death in 1573, Kousaka continued on to serve Takeda Katsuyori. He sought an alliance between the Takeda clan and their old enemy, the Uesugi clan, in order to unite against the threat of Oda Nobunaga.

Kousaka died in 1578 of illness at the age of 52. He was succeeded by his second son, Kousaka Masamoto (高坂昌元), his first son, Kousaka Masazumi (高坂昌澄) having died in the Battle of Nagashino in 1575.

In Mirage of Blaze: A kanshousha who, along with Sanjou-no-Kata, breaks the barrier over Takeda Shingen's tomb, the Maenduka, in an attempt to resurrect Shingen by using Narita Yuzuru as a vessel for his spirit.

According to Haruie, Kousaka has a high level of spiritual sensing ability (reisa), such that he is able to recognize someone he had met before even after their soul has undergone purification. He warns Naoe that Narita Yuzuru's existence is a threat to the Roku Dou Sekai. appear out of the darkness.

“Rairen and his lot have been waiting for you. If you don’t hurry, Sayuri will begin harming innocent people. You don’t want this to get out of hand, do you?”

Narimasa’s lips tightened as he held his surging emotions at bay, pretending calm, but for a second bloodlust glinted plainly in his eyes.

“I know not who you are... but ’tis not my intention to fight anyone at this moment. Allow me to present myself to you later.”

“That’s if you come back alive,” Kousaka murmured, and smiled coldly. Narimasa bowed to the three of them, then turned on his heels and began walking towards Sayuri.

“Guess you scrapped Rairen’s proposal, hmm?” Kousaka directed at Takaya and Naoe maliciously. Takaya glared back at him sharply.

“How the hell do you know about that?”

“Information can come from anywhere. Feh. If you’d accepted you could’ve done away with Narimasa. What complete bumpkins you are.”

Naoe asked Kousaka warily, “Have you joined hands with Rairen?”

“Humph. Who would join hands with those reeking monks? The incense-stink would ruin my skin.”

Takaya glared at Kousaka with open hostility. “So you’re saying that Takeda isn’t allied with the Ikkou Sect?”

“My. And is that what you want, Kagetora-dono?” Kousaka scoffed at the tongue-tied Takaya and turned gracefully. “More importantly, shall we take our seats for the show?”

“You bastard...”

“You won’t be able to see anything like this again soon—a lovers’ spat over four hundred years in the making is about to begin.”

Kousaka walked off. Takaya could attack only with his glare. What a disgusting guy, he thought, and followed.

“Naoe?”

He turned to Naoe, still frozen in place, deep in thought. Naoe came back to himself at the sound of his name.

“I’m coming.”

Naoe was perhaps the one who came closest to guessing Narimasa’s feelings, though even to think on them was painful. Who else could have realized how terrified Narimasa was beneath that expressionless mask?

Naoe understood Narimasa’s state of mind—so well that it pressed like a weight against his heart. Though to say that he had made his own bed and was now lying in it was certainly not off the mark...

Narimasa was now setting out to confront his own greatest crime.

Sayuri’s form abruptly superimposed itself over Takaya’s.

(How will you face her...Narimasa?) he asked, almost tentatively. If he had even a flicker of hope...

This person whom he had wounded beyond forgiveness...

This person who hated him so deeply, whom he loved more than any other...

(How will you face her?)