Ten Things I Hate About Mitsuhide

Chapter 26: Stealth

"I put you through a lot today." Mitsuhide glanced at where I had hung up my clothing to dry. What was left of my inner kimono was little more than a rag at this point, with shreds of fabric fluttering in the breeze. There was a look of regret on his face. "You should take the opportunity to rest when it is offered."

After all he had demanded of 'Kaya,' why not put me to work as Katsu, especially since I was far more suited for this job? "I at least have had a bed to sleep in this week, rather than a cell floor. If anyone needs rest, it's you."

Before the argument could escalate, Kyubei stepped between us. "Katsu makes an excellent point about the potential advantage of a translator, Lord Mitsuhide." While Mitsuhide was still processing what had to have been an uncharacteristic rebellion from his vassal, Kyubei turned to me. "Katsu, make certain you return with Mitsuhide."

Something unspoken passed between the two of them, but I didn't need further insight into Kyubei's motivation. He suspected that if given the opportunity, Mitushide would make a suicide run to rescue the others. That... was clearly a possibility. "I'll bring him back." How I would manage that, I did not know – it wasn't as if I had ever been able to get Mitsuhide to do what I wanted. "Even if I have to tie him to me."

"Dear me, I hadn't realized how fond you'd become of restraints." The smirk had returned. "I weep for a lost opportunity."

Sigh.

"I ... might have been too quick to promise to bring him back," I said to Kyubei. "Too many more of those comments and he will find himself tied to a tree instead."

Kyubei suddenly smiled, a look of joy that nearly split his face open. What had amused the normally stoic vassal? Mitsuhide loudly cleared his throat, and Kyubei sobered up instantly. "I'll finish organizing and double checking our weapons and supplies." He unearthed a spyglass from his pack. "As well as monitor the shoreline, although I expect Lord Nobunaga will keep Motonari busy for the remainder of the day."

With a nod, Mitsuhide acknowledged Kyubei's plans, then beckoned me to follow him. "I presume I will not need to tell you that stealth is of prime importance."

"You just did. Besides, I'm not the one wearing noisy armor." Though to be honest, Mitsuhide's clothing wasn't all that loud. He wore his battle gear relatively tight against that... body. Stop that Katsu! Consciously imitating his phrasing, I added, "I presume what you actually meant is that you would prefer that I don't talk."

"Indeed." He rubbed his finger across his bottom lip. "Interesting that your understanding doesn't translate to obedience."

He ... had a point, so I mimed zipping my lips. Probably a useless gesture, since zippers would mean nothing to him. Therefore I was surprised to notice that an expression of stunned amazement on his face. Maybe Mai had zipped her lips at one point or another?

Without continuing the conversation, Mitsuhide simply turned around and melted into the forest. I mentally shrugged – another mystery of Mitsuhide – and hurried to silently catch up to him.

Since we already had a general idea where we were heading, the uphill climb involved less tracking and more pausing to hide at the sound of other beings crashing through the brush. Most of those tended to be wildlife, though we did once had to roll into the underbrush when a contingent of about half a dozen soldiers stomped down the hill. They were not making any attempt to be quiet or stay hidden themselves, so apparently they didn't expect to encounter anyone.

As they closed in on our location, Mitsuhide pushed me underneath him. "Shhhh."

I hadn't said anything.