#taira no shigehira

[omkookie]

✨Ikegen memes because you found Tamamo✨

[shatcey]

Really, now?

It was like 18 or 19 chapter of Shigehira's route. Finally, the war started, and my beloved Yoichi showed up…

Yeah… What took you so long?

And she...

Is she worried about him? Is she really starting to like him? Now? When he very convincingly plays the villain? No way! I can't believe it! I must have been imagining things…

OK! I agree! When?.. You promised! Don't you dare back down now!

I am currently finishing Ieyasu's route in IkeSen, and at the end of the route I notice Mai's (rather disturbing bell, in my opinion) worries towards Kenshin. It looks very similar to this situation. It's like if the main guy leaves her for a little longer, she will fall for another one. I don't know… maybe I'm really reading too much into these words…

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🔝 Start page 🔝

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[archiveikemen]

AGF 2023 Illustrations

Featured Characters:

(from left to right)

Ikemen Villains — William Rex, Harrison Gray, Elbert Greetia, Alfons Sylvatica, Jude Jazza, Liam Evans.

Ikemen Prince — Chevalier Michel, Clavis Lelouch, Leon Dompteur, Licht Klein, Gilbert von Obsidian, Silvio Ricci.

Ikemen Genjiden — Minamoto no Yoritomo, Tamamo, Taira no Shigehira, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Nasu no Yoichi, Sutokuin / Akihito.

Ikemen Sengoku — Oda Nobunaga, Date Masamune, Naoe Kanetsugu, Akechi Mitsuhide, Uesugi Kenshin, Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Ikemen Vampire — Vlad, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Issac Newton, Galileo Galilei, Leonardo Da Vinci, Arthur Conan Doyle.

[ga-yuu]

Ikemen Genjiden Timeline

Simply putting together the characters' timeline until the prologue. I don't know the accuracy of this but I'll do my best.

1200 Years ago...

Kharin, a female Oni gives birth to a baby boy and exchanges him for a human child. The Oni baby lives on and grows up among the humans. That child's name is Ibuki.

800 Years ago....

Tamamo was born. He grew up in his fox clan and went onto become the Fox King, going around and killing other demons.

300 Years ago...

Akatsuki and Himiko's story takes place here. Kurama was born. In the later years, Tamamo destroyed Kurama's Tengu Clan leaving only Kurama alive. Also the same time when Ibuki adopted Kurama and Tamamo meeting Rikka (I'm not sure) After Kurama left Ibuki, Ibuki keeps going in and out of the human world to cause chaos and meets Seimei for the first time.

200 Years ago....

Seimei dies and Ibuki is alone again. Also probably the time Tamamo got bored of killing and started living in the human world around humans. He asked Rikka to join him, but he declines.

100 Years ago...

Akihito was born and also cursed by his own father, Emperor Toba. While Akihito grew up, Tamamo was Emperor Toba's mistress.

Decades later....

Akihito gets shunned by his parents and lives on his own. His parents and brother dies and the village people tries to kill him because he's cursed. Akihito's curse goes out of control and his body was put to sleep by many Onmyojis. His body was kept securely in Abe mansion's basement. Tamamo leaves Emperor Toba. Yoichi, Morinaga, Sueharu, Yoritomo, Kagetoki, Benkei were born. Taira clan defeats Minamoto clan, Yoritomo was exiled and Yoshitsune was born. Shigehira and Yasuchika are born

Some more years later....

Morinaga meets Sueharu. After sometime together, they broke up. Yoritomo meets Morinaga, Sueharu got involved in cockfighting. Yoritomo also met Hojo Masako during this time and she gets obsessed with him but gets rejected. Yoshitsune meets Kurama and claimed his soul. Yoichi meets Shigehira, and falls in love. Yasuchika meets ghost Akihito and Akihito starts raising him. Later, Ibuki destroys the entirety of Abe clan and forms a pact with Akihito. Akihito goes back to being a human and they all start to live together.

Few more years later....

Sueharu becomes a wealthy businessman. Yoritomo decides to start gathering an army and calls for Yoshitsune Yoshitsune asks Kurama to come with him, but Kurama declines. Yoshitsune meets Benkei and Yoichi on the way and asks them to join him. Yoichi breaks up with Shigehira under the cherry blossom tree. Yoshitsune and gang were found by Sueharu and was brought to Hiraizumi which was under Fujiwara Clan. Yoshitsune was loved by both Fujiwara head and his people but was hated by Fujiwara's son. Yoritomo becomes the Shogun and opens the SHogunate, later Yoshitsune with his small army joins the Shogunate, getting ready for the Genpei war against the Taira clan. Genpei war starts, and Yoshitsune outshines everyone. Yoichi's father and brothers were killed by the Taira Clan for a false charge. Genpei war ends with Taira clan losing. Shigehira was the only survivor of the Taira bloodline. Shigehira joins the Shogunate. Yoshitsune gets killed by Yoritomo. Yoshitsune meets Kurama again and makes a contract with him to give his soul to Kurama after he dies. Yasuchika becomes the head of the Abe Clan and Akihito becomes the Shadow King. Tamamo and Yasuchika meets, become friends but Yasuchika was ordered by his superiors to seal Tamamo in a stone called Sessho seki.

3 years before the Prologue...

Yoshitune starts ruling Hiraizumi with the financial help from Sueharu. Sueharu meets Morinaga again briefly. Yoritomo and his Shogunate becomes successful.

Few hours before the start of Prologue

Yoritomo gets the news that Yoshitsune is alive and gained demonic powers. Yoritomo consults Yasuchika and Yasuchika reveals about the Sessho seki. Yoshitsune hunts down the Sessho seki before Yoritomo and destroys it. But Tamamo survives. Yoritomo gets this news and goes after to get Tamamo before Yoshitsune can kill him. And finally....Yoshino enters the picture.

[aishangotome]

Minamoto no Yoshitsune: Chapter 1

*Yoshino is the canon name for MC in Genjiden, so I will be using her name in place of player's name or Y/N.

(Gather your spell power, break the bond with Tamamo... and open your own apothecary!)

Thinking of the ordinary and lovable daily life, I was inspired and looked straight ahead.

Yoshino: Thank you! Everyone.

Yoritomo: If you can answer that clearly, then you've done well. --For now.

Shigehira: Are you sure you want to be so lukewarm? The enemy is that Yoshitsune-san.

As Shigehira-san said this, his eyes were filled with a hint of caution.

(Yoshitsune-sama...)

Yoshitsune: I rose from the brink of death to defeat Lord Yoritomo. I surrendered my soul to something inhuman.

(Lord Yorimoto's younger brother, right?)

(However, Ayakashi... is trying to defeat Lord Yoritomo even by signing a contract with Kurama.)

Yoshino: Um, what kind of person is Yoshitsune-sama?

Tamamo: I'm curious too. Even if Yoshitsune has Kurama's supernatural powers, wasn't he a force that was once destroyed?

Tamamo: And yet, you say you need Yoshino's power.

Tamamo: Do you really have no confidence that you can stand up to him?

Yoshino: Hey, Tamamo!?

(If you say that...)

The rims of Kagetoki's glasses glittered, and his sharp gaze shot through us.

Kagetoki: It's not hard to see why a stupid Ayakashi who's been sleeping under a rock with a country girl wouldn't know about it.

Yoshino: Yes, country girl... you're not wrong.

(What sharp words!)

Morinaga: Hey, Kagetoki. The two of them are offering to lend a hand, so you shouldn't talk like that.

Tamamo: Yes, yes, respect.

Kagetoki: Excuse me. Woe to the honest man.

Morinaga: KA - GE - TO - KI?

Kagetoki: .....

Kagetoki quickly took a step away from Morinaga and grimly kept his mouth shut.

(He's smiling, but maybe Morinaga isn't an ordinary person either...?)

Shigehira: We're getting off topic.

Yoritomo: Don't get hung up on it, Shigehira.

Yoritomo: Well, the one who knows best how much of a threat Yoshitsune was is you, as a member of the Heike (Taira) clan who fought him directly.

Yoshino: The Heike...

(Come to think of it, Shigehira called himself "Taira Shigehira"...)

Even though I am a "country girl," I know that the Taira and Minamoto clans have been fighting for a long time.

Yoshino: Why is Taira Shigehira-san in Yoritomo-sama's camp...?

Shigehira: I'd like to say that it doesn't matter, but I'll tell you this much.

Shigehira: --because I fought Yoshitsune-san and lost.

(What?)

I felt a flickering flame in Shigehira's pale eyes.

Yoritomo: Shigehira may look like this, but he is a man who is considered a great general of the Heike clan.

Yoritomo: At that time, the Taira clan was already in decline. While it's not as simple as merely attributing their defeat to a lack of military strength, it is certain that Yoshitsune scattered the Taira clan and dramatically guided them to their end.

Shigehira: I was supposed to be executed there, but for some reason, Lord Yoritomo spared me.

Shigehira: So after all that happened, we formed an alliance and now I'm in the Shogunate..... Got it?

Yoshino: Yes, for the time being.

(I'm sure there's a deeper story, but this isn't the right kind of atmosphere to ask about it.)

Shigehira: Yoshitsune, who approaches battle with a seemingly carefree attitude, is an extraordinary monster.

(So that's the story of when the Genji clan defeated the Heike clan...)

Yoshino: You mean he was tremendously strong even before he gained Kurama's supernatural powers... is that right?

Tamamo: It's a horrifying story, isn't it? He's a force to be reckoned with.

Shigehira: That's right. Not only is he a troublesome opponent, but he has also acquired supernatural powers.

Despite the furrowed brow on Shigehira-san's face, there was no fear; only a determination for battle.

(And the others too... they all have the face of a samurai.)

Kagetoki: ... At that time, under Lord Yoritomo's command, I also accompanied Yoshitsune-sama in battle as a retainer.

Yoshino: So you saw Yoshitsune-sama fight up close?

Tamamo: How was it? From Kagetoki's point of view.

Kagetoki: Yes, it was an insane fight.

(What...)

Kagetoki continued his words matter-of-factly.

Kagetoki: Despite being a general while leading the vanguard, he ran to the front lines and swung his sword with such ferocity as if discarding his life...

Kagetoki: Sometimes, he calmly carried out daring strategies that seemed reckless.

Kagetoki: When the subordinates saw him, they followed him as if possessed by something, chasing after him towards their doom.

Morinaga: There was a rumor going around at the time that no grass would grow wherever Lord Yoshitsune passed by.

Morinaga: When I first saw him, I was utterly amazed by his graceful appearance and exceptional swordsmanship and combat skills.

(I can't believe the people behind the Shogunate would say something like this...!)

Yoshino: ...He's such a great person.

When I coughed in awe, Lord Yoritomo raised a corner of his lips in a sarcastic manner.

Yoritomo: No matter how critical the situation, a man like Yoshitsune has the potential to turn the tide of battle.

Yoritomo: In fact, some battles would have been lost without that man's help.

(Just by listening to the stories, it's hard to believe that such a person actually exists.)

(But...)

(Yoshitsune-sama clearly had an aura different from an ordinary person.)

Just remembering that cold look in his eyes made me cower with fear.

Tamamo: As expected from the discerning eye of Kurama, he had predicted that Yoshitune's soul was not that of an ordinary person.

Yoshino: So we have to fight someone like that...

Yoritomo: Are you scared?

--CHOICES--

Scared

Not scared

I don't know

---

Yoshino: To be honest, I'm scared.

(No matter how powerful Tamamo is, Yoshitsune-sama seems to be more fearsome than I had imagined...)

Yoritomo: You're really stupid. Well, it's better than being lied to.

Yoritomo: It's about time to get some rest.

Yoshino: Um... what should I do starting tomorrow?

Yoritomo: You can do whatever you like. I'll prepare a room for you.

Yoshino: When someone says 'you can do whatever you like'... it actually makes me feel a bit uneasy.

Yoritomo: If you have any inconvenience, tell the maid. If you're bored, I'll arrange suitable entertainment, be it music or dance.

(Eh)

Yoshino: That's not what I meant!

Yoritomo: Then what do you mean?

Yoshino: I was just wondering if it's okay for me to wait for the battle with Yoshitsune-sama like this... And Yoritomo-sama said, 'I will hire you.' I can't just do nothing when I'm employed.

Yoritomo: ......

(Huh? I have a bad feeling about this...)

For some reason, Yoritomo-sama stared at me intently and then immediately had a look of amusement on his face.

Yoritomo: Oh? You're serious, huh? Well, if you say so, I'll give you a job.

Yoshino: What, really...?

Yoritomo: Yeah.

Yoritomo: Kagetoki. I think I received a letter last night from another country asking for reinforcements for the war.

Kagetoki: Yes. However, it is just a minor skirmish between two small countries. I don't think it is a battle that would warrant the Shogunate's intervention.

Yoritomo: I thought about abandoning it, but at this point, it's not a bad idea to ingratiate myself with them in preparation for the Great War.

Yoritomo: Morinaga.

Morinaga: Oh, is it my turn?

Yoritomo: Yeah. Take Yoshino with you and check out the situation.

Yoshino: Wait! Are you saying we're going straight to the battlefield...?

As I voiced my doubts, Yoritomo-sama smiled.

Yoritomo: You're the one who asked for work.

Yoritomo: They say practice makes perfect, right?

(That's true, but---)

Yoshino: Isn't it too harsh to suddenly throw someone in like that!?

I was stunned by the tense atmosphere of the battlefield.

Morinaga: I'm sorry, Yoshino.

Yoshino: No, I should apologize to Morinaga-san... I'm sorry.

We were at the main camp where the battle had just begun.

Morinaga receives reports from his messengers, who comes in incessantly, and sends instructions to each unit accordingly.

(Apparently, the other soldiers have been told that I'm accompanying them because I'm a pharmacist...)

(I feel like people have been glancing at me for awhile now. I guess I'm out of place after all...?)

I thought Tamamo, who was in the same position as me, would be ordered to accompany me, but... he was tasked with providing details about Kurama's supernatural powers to Yoritomo-sama, and so he decided to remain at the Imperial Palace.

Yoshino: It all happened so suddenly that I'm shocked... is Yoritomo-sama always this forceful?

Morinaga: Except when he's pretending to be someone else.

Morinaga-san laughs so refreshingly, as if he didn't belong on the battlefield.

Morinaga: Hmm, but I don't think Yoritomo-sama sent you into battle just out of spite.

Yoshino: ...really?

Morinaga: Even the bravest warrior is terrified by his first battle. And, you're just an untrained town girl.

Morinaga: It's best to be familiar with the battlefield so that you can survive should the unexpected happen.

Yoshino: Ah...

Those words suddenly brought back memories of that night.

Yoritomo: Are you okay, Morinaga!?

Morinaga: Yeah, it's not a serious wound. Just watch out for that wind... it's like a blade.

Yoshitsune: As expected of a fierce general, Adachi Morinaga... you've skillfully evaded it.

Yoshitsune: It's a bit of a shame to have to kill you. If it weren't for this situation, I would have enjoyed working together more.

(That was the first time I saw Yoshitsune-sama's unusual ability, yet both Yoritomo-sama and Morinaga-sama remained calm.)

(That may be because the two of them have had many experiences facing danger on the battlefield before...)

Yoshino: Certainly on the battlefield, you can't always count on someone being by your side. I guess it's better for me to get used to it too...

Morinaga: As far as this battle is concerned, it is small. As long as we are in the main camp, we are not likely to be attacked by the enemy. I think this was a decision that was made with that in mind.

Yoshino: If Yoritomo-sama had said that from the beginning, I would have been able to accept it more easily...

Morinaga: That's the kind of person he is.

When Morinaga saw the next messenger rush in, he stood up and answered in a matter-of-fact manner.

(Of course, I still know nothing about the samurai or the people of the Shogunate.)

And a few hours later...

(At first I was worried about what would happen, but before I knew it, the sun was setting...)

Morinaga: Yoshino, thank you for taking care of the wounded.

Yoshino: Not at all! This is the only thing I can do.

Along the way, I started treating the injured, and time passed by in the blink of an eye.

Morinaga: Thanks to you, it looks like we're about to win.

Yoshino: Really!?

(Thank goodness, I can get home safely...!)

But my joy was short-lived---

Soon after, an uneasy atmosphere began to spread throughout the main camp.

Morinaga: ...It's strangely noisy on the front lines.

As if to affirm Morinaga-san's words, the number of injured people had been increasing for awhile now.

(I'm managing to get by for now, but if it gets worse, I'll run out of medicine.)

(What on earth happened...?)

Scout: Morinaga-sama! It seems that the enemy has reinforcements. Their number is approximately one hundred!

Morinaga: One hundred? It's too responsive for that number.

Morinaga: It's as if they received a thousand reinforcements.

(Does a thousand... mean that's how strong the enemy is?)

Morinaga: ...Yoshino.

After a brief pause, Morinaga turned to face me.

Morinaga: Will you go with the guards and get out of the battlefield for the time being?

Yoshino: Morinaga-sama...?

Morinaga: I'm going to go help our allies on the front lines.

(...)

Morinaga-san's words were filled with a strong will.

(I'm anxious to leave Morinaga-san, but under the circumstances, I don't have a choice.)

(Even at this moment, there are people waiting for help.)

(At least... don't let myself get in the way!)

I clench my trembling hands tightly.

Yoshino: ...I understand. Be careful.

Morinaga: You too. Please be careful.

I parted from Morinaga and headed to the rear with the other soldiers.

I desperately clung to the unfamiliar horse and kept letting it run for awhile...

(Huh? It looks like a messenger has arrived.)

A soldier rushed in and delivered a message. The others immediately began to stir.

Yoshino: Um, what's going on?

I timidly asked a nearby soldier.

Soldier 1: Actually... we have received information that our rear supply units may be targeted.

Yoshino: Eh.

Soldier 1: If the rear, which is responsible for assessing the battle situation and supplying provisions, were to collapse, it will deal a significant blow to the soldiers currently fighting...!

(No way...)

The image of Morinaga and the other soldiers I had parted ways with earlier came to mind.

Soldier 2: We can't just abandon them. We must defend our supplies. Let's go!

Soldier 3: ...However, that would mean fighting while protecting Yoshino. And the fastest route is the animal trail, but it is far too dangerous for someone who is not used to riding horses!

(I'm just a burden...)

I opened my mouth with determination.

Yoshino: ...Um, if you can find somewhere to hide, please leave me there!

Soldier 3: But...

(My voice was trembling, but...)

(Other people are fighting for their lives. I can't get in their way.)

Yoshino: If there is a battle, it's just as dangerous for me to be with you all, and I don't want to cause any trouble by being there. Rather, I'd prefer you come and pick me up after the fighting calms down...

The soldiers looked at each other and kept quiet.

After a short silence, one of them spoke.

Soldier 3: ...Yoshino is certainly right. Night will soon be upon us and the battle will be over. It would be better for you to hide somewhere safe rather than staying with us. I will show you the way, follow me!

Yoshino: Y-yes!

We entered the forest for awhile, and I was then guided to...

Soldier 3: There is a cabin over there used by local hunters. In case of an emergency, you can send out a smoke signal... I will come to pick you up in a moment, so please be patient.

Yoshino: ...Thank you very much. I hope everyone stays safe!

The soldiers disappeared from sight, and I finally realized that I am a human being.

(I'm a bit worried though...)

*flashback*

Morinaga: It's best to be familiar with the battlefield so that you can survive should the unexpected happen.

*flashback over*

(...Now is the time. All I can do is stay here and wait for the soldiers to return.)

(If anything happens, I can just send up a signal... it will be fine.)

Telling myself this, I headed for the cabin through the underbrush.

When I opened the door of the simple cabin--

???: W-who is it...?

(What?!)

In a dimly lit corner of the room, a soldier lay in agony.

(It's a terrible injury!)

Yoshino: Are you okay...?

As I rushed over to him, my eyes fell on a flag lying next to the soldier.

(This is...)

(...There's no doubt about it. This symbol was raised by the enemy!)

Enemy Soldier: A woman...? Why are you here...

Yoshino: I, I...

(If by any chance they find out I'm an enemy... I'll definitely be killed.)

I instinctively stepped back and my back hit the door.

Enemy Soldier: Wait... I don't know which town you are from, but you can't leave until the war is over...

Yoshino: What...?

The soldier, who seemed to have no energy to move, was giving me words of advice.

(This person is...)

(Although they didn't know I was the enemy... they were worried about me even though they were so wounded themselves.)

(A little bit of medical attention might help right now.)

(But this is not something I can show Morinaga and the others who were risking their lives to fight the enemy.)

(What should I do...)

Enemy Soldier: Guh...

Yoshino: Um...

While I hesitated, blood trickled from the soldier's side and pooled onto the floor.

(I am...)

I took out a cloth that I had prepared in case of emergency and administered first aid.

Enemy Soldier: Ah, what are you doing...

Yoshino: Please stay still. I am a pharmacist.

(I don't know what is the right thing to do right now. But I'd rather help... than to regret it.)

After awhile...

(I managed to stop the bleeding for now, but he was still covered in wounds. I need to wash the wounds and apply medicine to prevent them from getting infected.)

(I'm sure there was a stream nearby. I could just go outside for a bit...)

Yoshino: Can you wait a moment? I'm going to fetch some water.

Enemy Soldier: Ah..yeah...

I left the man there and quickly made my way to the stream.

--

(This is...)

The empty plains were in a terrible shape.

The burning embers and broken arrows stuck in the ground were telltale signs of a fierce battle.

(I've finished drawing water, so I need to get back to the cabin quickly...)

I was about to hurry back when my lips pursed together...

???: What are you doing here--- fox princess?

(That voice...)

A strange massed voice echoes from behind me, the kind that you would never forget once you've heard it.

(That can't be... he can't be here.)

It felt as if the temperature around me had suddenly dropped, and I broke out in a cold sweat, unable to even turn around.

All I could hear was the clear sound of footsteps approaching through the grass.

(...I have to run away!)

I forced my stiffened legs to move and roll out of the way, but---

Yoshitsune: Freeze.

Yoshino: Ah...

He grabbed my arm with strength and I knelt on the spot.

Yoshitsune: This is a much sooner reunion that I had expected.

Yoshino: Yoshitsune-sama...

Eyes that resembled amethyst looked down at me.

(What a cold stare...)

I tried to turn my face away in horror, but the hand on my chin prevented me from doing so.

Yoshitsune: I had no idea that an unexpected enemy was lurking in the midst of enemy reinforcements that I joined on a whim.

Yoshino: When you say enemy reinforcements... do you mean the rebel army?

Yoshitsune: We haven't brought enough soldiers to be called an army.

(Now that I think about it, Yoritomo-sama said that...)

(...Yoshitsune-sama is the one who can turn the tide of battle by himself, no matter how critical the situation.)

(That's why the war situation had suddenly worsened!)

Yoshitsune: Does your presence mean that the shogunate is coming to the battlefield?

Yoshino: It's...

Yoshitsune: Answer me.

The intimidating presence that left no room for argument sent a chill down my spine.

Yoshino: ...Yoritomo-sama is not here.

Yoshitsune: ---really?

Yoshitsune: Then it was Lord Yoritomo's fault for letting his precious trump card slip from his hand.

Yoshino: Ah...

The tip of his blade was held against my throat, and I had stopped breathing.

The fear made my skin crawl and my body tremble.

Yoshitsune: ...Resent me, Yoshino.

.

.

.

.

.

Read Chapter 2 here.

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[silvermoonartworks]

Day 3 - Cyan : Taira no Shigehira

Ah sorry for the late post, I was working illustration for my book and sewing commission. I actually finish coloring him yesterday but I notice i drew him in the wrong costume so i have to restart it hiks... But thank god its done.

I have five more color left. I will work on it soon.

Btw shameless promotion again : I open up drawing commission and currently doing logo raffle. Please do join :')

[sakura-samsara]

Yoichi Main Story: Chapter 8

← Chapter 7

✦ part one

Yoichi: Well, then this makes you the second person who’s ever seen me from this angle.

Yoshino: Huh?

Yoichi: It’s been over ten years since I’ve carried anything but my quiver on my back.

Yoshino: Is that so…

(He did say he had ten older brothers. I guess it would make sense that he never got the chance to give piggyback rides to any younger siblings he might have had. But…)

Yoshino: If I’m the second person to see you like this, then you must have carried someone else like this first… right?

Yoichi: The first person I ever carried like this... That would be the Taira lordling.

(Oh...)

Despite their casual tone, his words took my breath away.

Yoshino: You mean Shigehira-san?

Yoichi: Yep.

(They must have been really close in the past.)

Yoshino: …Isn’t it hard for you to fight against him now?

Yoichi: Not really. The childhood we shared was ten years in the past. I’m not the kind of person to get all sentimental about it.

(Does he really mean that?)

Yoshino: But you don’t really hate him, do you?

(Yoichi-san doesn't sound at all like he does... Not now, and not when he was talking about it before.)

Rather than that, I thought he sounded almost wistful and sad when talking about Shigehira, as though he was mourning bygone memories of the past they'd shared.

Yoichi: Whether or not I hate him isn’t what matters. He and I have a score to settle with each other, regardless.

Yoichi: I don’t like throwing around words like “fate” or “destiny” or whatever, but I can’t think of any better way to describe what we are to each other. We’re bound by fate, and not in a good way. 

(Back when we were at the teahouse, he just dodged my questions when I brought this up.)

I thought back to the conversation we'd had not too long ago.

—flashback

Yoichi: Well, back when the Genji and the Heike were at war,

Yoichi: I served under Yoshitsune-sama—meaning I fought under the Genji's banner. Obviously, that's when Shigehira and I had to go our separate ways.

Yoichi: And then… Let’s just say that a lot of things happened, and our relationship took a turn for the worse.

Yoshino: What do you mean by “a lot of things”...?

Yoichi: Not telling.

Yoichi: If you want to know more, you’ll have to act a little more like you’re my lover.

—flashback ends

Yoshino: …Yoichi-san, could we continue our conversation from where we left off the other day? 

Yoichi: Oh? You finally ready to start acting like a pair of lovebirds?

✦ part two

Yoichi: Oh? You finally ready to start acting like a pair of lovebirds?

I could hear the teasing smile in his voice as he responded.

(But…)

Yoshino: We just fought together, and now you’re carrying me on your back. Isn’t that something that lovers would do?

Yoichi: …Didn’t see that one coming.

It makes sense to me (Romantic +4, Dramatic +2)  Don’t change the subject (Romantic +2, Dramatic +4) I just did what you’ve been doing (Romantic +4, Dramatic +4)

Yoshino: I think you deserve a taste of your own medicine every so often. 

Yoichi: Oh, how the tables have turned. You know, I can’t say I like how my own medicine tastes.

Yoichi: Tonight’s been full of surprises, hasn’t it… So what’s one more? I guess I wouldn’t mind telling you about the old days, too.

Yoshino: You’ll really tell me?

Yoichi: Just for a little while.

He paused in thought for a brief moment before beginning again.

Yoichi: Where did we leave off last time…? 

Yoichi: Oh, yeah. So I’m from the Nasu clan, which originally served the Heike, but I fought for the Genji in the war. We got that far already, right?

Yoshino: Yeah. That was when you parted ways with Shigehira-san. 

Yoichi: Well, I already hadn’t seen him for a while by then.

Yoichi: The Heike kept him swamped with so many responsibilities that he barely had time to breathe. 

Yoichi: He was the most promising young warrior in the entire clan, after all. Everybody had high expectations for him.

(I see…)

Yoshino: Shigehira-san must be a really talented person. 

The severity of his demeanor had begun to seem more understandable to me.

Yoichi: You can say that again. He’s just as skilled in the military arts as he is in the literary arts. Real serious guy, crazy dedicated.

Yoichi: Plus he’s got that pretty face… They say that the gods never give more than one gift to each person, but Shigehira must have gotten two or three at least.

(He definitely seems like a perfect person.)

Yoshino: He also seems a bit cold, though. It’s kind of scary…

Yoichi: Cold, huh?

Yoichi: I think you’ve got the wrong idea about him. 

Yoshino: What do you mean?

Yoichi: He’s not the most straightforward guy, but he’s still honest in his own way. Maybe even too honest for his own good. It’s too easy to get a reaction out of him—makes him real fun to tease. 

Yoichi: He’s a true samurai at heart! Meaning his blood runs way hotter than you’d think.

Yoshino: Really? I find that hard to imagine…

Yoichi: Just take my word for it. You should be more forward with him if you wanna get to know who he really is.

✦ part three

Yoichi: Just take my word for it. You should be more forward with him if you wanna get to know who he really is.

(Umm… We’ll have to see about that.)

Yoshino: I’ll give it a try the next time I get a chance. 

Yoshino: …But I’m sorry for going off topic.

Yoichi: No worries. I was about to tell you why I left Shigehira and sided with Yoshitsune-sama, right? 

Yoshino: Yeah.

I listened keenly as I held onto Yoichi's shoulders.

Yoichi: Part of it was just that I wanted to leave home. I was pretty young at the time, and all.

Yoshino: Is that so…

I was about to ask him another question when I suddenly remembered something.

(This reminds me of something he said before...)

—flashback

Yoshino: …Did you get along with your older brothers?

Yoichi: It’s funny how you pick up on things like that.

Yoichi: We weren’t exactly the best of friends.

Yoichi: My brothers hated me.

Yoshino: Why would they hate you…?

Yoichi: Mm…

Yoichi: Maybe it’s because I was favored by the Taira lordling, even though I was just the leftover eleventh son.

—flashback ends

Yoshino: Was it also because you didn’t get along with your older brothers…?

Yoichi: You’re half right.

Yoshino: Then what’s the rest of the reason?

Yoichi: …

Yoichi hesitated for a moment before answering in a hushed voice.

Yoichi: …I wanted to become a person who could provide something for other people. 

Yoshino: Huh…?

Had that sincere whisper been any quieter, the breeze could have blown it away into the darkness.

(What could he mean by that...?)

Yoichi: My name is written with two characters—the first means “providing” and the second means “one.” But it wasn’t always written like that. 

Yoichi: The first character in the name I was born with meant “excess.” Leftovers, scraps. Something useless that no one wanted. 

Yoichi: I was the eleventh son, after all. My family had no hopes for me from the moment I was born. 

Yoshino: That’s awful…

(So that's what he meant when he called himself "leftover"...)

Yoichi: It’s all in the past now. You don’t have to take it so seriously. 

I realized then that my brow had been furrowed; I hadn't been sure what to say until he'd spoken up in a gentle voice to reassure me.

Yoichi: But man, saying I didn’t get along with my older brothers is an understatement. They were just the worst.  

Yoichi: Couldn’t have nothing to myself when I was a kid. Everything I had, they either took it or broke it.

✦ part four

Yoichi: But man, saying I didn’t get along with my older brothers is an understatement. They were just the worst.  

Yoichi: Couldn’t have nothing to myself when I was a kid. Everything I had, they either took it or broke it.

Yoshino: What about your parents…?

Yoichi: Well, my old man was a pretty talented samurai, but he was always too busy to spend much time with the rest of the family.

Yoichi: I was pretty bitter about that when I was a kid.

Yoshino: …It must have been hard for you while you were growing up.

(I can imagine his personality back then must have been different than it is now, too.)

His ever-present nonchalance gave no hint that he'd had such a troubled past.

Yoichi: It sure was tough, being such a talented and brilliant little squirt. I guess it just ended up making people jealous of me. 

Yoichi: I mean, I had fun hanging out with Shigehira—back then, at least. But afterwards, my brothers would treat me even worse.  

Yoichi laughed as lighteartedly as he always did.

(Yoichi-san doesn't seem inclined to go into specifics, so I can only imagine what must have happened to him...)

(But I get the feeling that if he'd been mistreated by his own family ever since he was a child, there wasn't anything he could have done to help himself.)

Yoichi: Me and Shigehira ended up seeing each other less and less as we got older, anyways.

Yoichi: But then one day I had what I guess you could call an impactful encounter.

Yoshino: An impactful encounter?

Yoichi: With Yoshitsune-sama.

(Oh...! So that was when he came into the story...)

Yoshino: You mean you met him when you were still with the Nasu clan? 

Yoichi: Sure did. At the time, Yoshitsune-sama was on his way to join Lord Yoritomo after he’d declared a rebellion against the Heike.

Yoichi: He happened to make a stop at the Nasu clan’s estate along the way.

Yoichi: Back then, I used to hide out in the mountains and practice archery whenever I wanted to get away from my brothers. That was where I first met him. 

Yoshino: What was he like back then…? 

Yoichi breathed out a faint laugh.

Yoichi: He seemed even less human than he does now. I thought he must have been some kind of ayakashi. 

Yoshino: He still doesn’t seem quite like a normal person…

Yoichi: But he’s really changed since then, ever since he met Lord Yoritomo—the only living family member he had left. 

Yoichi: Guess there isn’t much to say about that anymore, though. After Lord Yoritomo betrayed him and all.

(It seems like Yoritomo-sama and Yoshitsune-sama's relationship is complicated... and tragic.)

Yoichi: Anyways, Yoshitsune-sama ended up approaching me ‘cause he was curious about my archery. 

✦ part five

Yoichi: Anyways, Yoshitsune-sama ended up approaching me ‘cause he was curious about my archery. 

Yoichi: I still remember exactly what he said to me.

A warm and melancholy tone bled into his voice.

Yoichi: “You wield the bow as though you scorn this world with your arrows.”

Yoichi: “Perhaps that is exactly why you are able to shoot so precisely without thinking.”

Yoshino: As though you… what? Scorn this world with your arrows??

Yoichi: Makes no sense, doesn’t it? 

Yoichi: He said all of that while staring at me like he could see through me. You can imagine it made me pretty perplexed. 

Yoshino: Well, that definitely sounds like it was an impactful encounter. 

(I've only met Yoshitsune-sama once so far, but I could tell from just one meeting that he had a very compelling aura.)

Yoichi: But, you know…

He trailed off before saying anything more, as if hesitant to continue his train of thought.

Yoshino: Yoichi-san?

Yoichi: Now that I think about it again, it’s occurred to me.

Yoichi: I’d been treated as an afterthought for all my life, not knowing what could become of my life or what I could become as a person. All I wanted back then was to escape from reality.

Yoichi: Especially since the Heike was already gearing up to crush the Genji’s rebellion at the time.

(The war between the Genji and the Heike... It must have entangled the threads many people's fates.)

Yoshino: Did you plan on fighting for the Heike at first? 

Yoichi: Of course I did. 

Yoichi: But as much as I wanted to help Shigehira out, I also knew that proving myself on the battlefield would just make my brothers hate me even more. 

Yoichi: I wouldn’t have gotten anything from them. No rewards, no recognition, nothing. They’d just treat me even worse than they already did.

(That’s so cruel…)

Yoichi: Drawing my bow was the only thing that could get all that stuff out of my head for a while, so... 

Yoshino: …You ended up spending a lot of time practicing your archery? 

Yoichi: You're right about that.

Yoichi laughed again, the sound bright and almost cheerful.

Yoichi: That’s why it felt like Yoshitsune-sama stripped my heart bare when we first met. 

Yoichi: I ended up letting it all out to him before I even realized it—and to my own surprise, at that.

—flashback

Yoshitsune: If that is the case, then come with me.

Yoichi: What? Why? You want me to be your vassal or something?

Yoshitsune: If you wish to be my vassal, then you may. If not, then you do not have to be. 

Yoshitsune: That is something you can decide for yourself. 

Yoichi: I don’t get you. Why are you even asking me something like that?

Yoshitsune: I dislike the phrasing of your question. However… 

Yoshitsune: …I am asking you because I think your archery is beautiful, and I want to continue to observe it.

Yoichi: Huh…

Yoshitsune: Is this reason not sufficient?

Yoichi: …No, it’s just…

Yoichi: You’re not an ayakashi in disguise or something, are you? 

Yoshitsune: I believe I am not, but I cannot be fully sure.

Yoshitsune: I, too, have long been searching for my place in this transient world. 

Yoshitsune: So if you would be willing to join me in my search for a place to belong… it would make me happy. 

Yoichi: A place to belong…?

Yoshitsune: Indeed.

Yoshitsune: Oh. If you do not like being seen as unnecessary, you could change your name.

Yoichi: …Did that thought just pop into your head out of nowhere? 

Yoshitsune: I do not think it is a bad idea.

Yoichi: Are you serious? It really throws me off, every last thing you say. 

Yoichi: …So, uh, what kind of name do you think I should change it to? Gimme an example. You know, just for reference.

Yoshitsune: Hm…

Yoshitsune: You could change the first character in your name to that which means “providing.” The pronunciation would remain the same—”Yoichi.”

Yoichi: That’s more sensible than I thought it’d be. …But why “providing”?

Yoshitsune: I’m certain that one day, you will find your place in this world and become someone who can provide for other people.

Yoshitsune: That is why I suggested it.

Yoichi: …

Yoichi: Oi. You trying to sell me on some kind of prophecy? 

Yoshitsune: I’m afraid I don’t possess the gift of foresight.

Yoshitsune: But… I believe that my intuition regarding others is often correct.

Yoichi: …You really think so?

Yoichi: I guess that doesn’t sound so bad.

—flashback ends

Yoichi took a breath, his tale of the past finished.

Yoichi: That was when I became the “Yoichi” I am now. 

Chapter 9 →

Notes:

Alright, here we go! Yoichi’s name is written in kanji as 与一. The first character, 与 (pronounced yo in this usage) means “give” or “bestow,” especially in the context of providing something to someone who is in need (as in the word 与える ataeru). The past writing of his name that was given to him by his family is 余一, also read as “Yoichi.” The character 余 (also pronounced yo in this usage) means “too much” (as in the word 余り amari, meaning “excess” or “leftovers”). Historically, the name Yoichi was commonly used for the eleventh son of a family, though I believe it was usually written as 与一 (as naming your child “leftovers,” like whoever named IkeGen Yoichi did, does not have very pleasant implications). There were two other historical figures, Asari Yorito and Sanada Yoshitada, who lived around the same time as Nasu no Yoichi did that also were known by the name Yoichi; together, they are referred to as the "Three Yoichi of Genji."

Sometimes terms associated with Buddhism are used here and there in Yoshitsune’s dialogue, presumably to reflect his upbringing in a Buddhist temple. In this chapter, he notably uses the words 現し世 (read as utsushiyo) and 浮世 (read as ukiyo); they’re pretty figurative terms that mean something like “transient life” or “fleeting world,” referring to the endless cycle of death and rebirth from which Buddhists seek release. 

Interestingly, the word ukiyo was originally written in the medieval era as 憂き世, specifically describing a cruel world full of grief and sorrow, but during the Edo period it began to be written as 浮世 (literally meaning “floating world”) as part of a cultural shift towards embracing the same earthly pleasures that medieval Buddhists sought to free themselves from. My guess is that the term was written as in IkeGen as 浮世 because it would be more familiar to modern Japanese readers than the more archaic and medieval 憂き世.

[otomes-world]

It's just word vomit with historic facts and me trying to understand in which year game starts. Everyone who has information feel free to comment and correct me. Warning: chaotic and unread text

***

Prince Akihito was born in 1119 CE, the first son of Emperor Toba. At least that was on the official registry. It was an open secret, known by everyone in the court, that Akihito was actually sired by the retired former Emperor Shirakawa. Akihito was not well liked by his “father,” who constantly referred to him as a bastard. His true father Shirakawa may have been the former emperor, but he still wielded considerable power in his retirement. When Prince Akihito was 5 and Emperor Toba was 21, Shirakawa forced Toba into retirement. Akihito became Emperor Sutoku.

In 1164, Sutoku passed away, defeated, deposed, and humiliated—and most importantly full of rage for the imperial court. When news of his death reached Emperor Go-Shirakawa, the emperor ignored it. He ordered that nobody should go into mourning, and that no state funeral would be held for such a criminal.

Legends: After his death, strange things began to happen. Sutoku’s body was set aside while its caretakers awaited funeral instructions from the emperor. After 20 days, his body was still as fresh as it had been on the day he died. While his coffin was taken to be cremated, a terrible storm rolled in. The caretakers placed the casket on the ground to take shelter. After the storm passed, the stones around the casket were soaked with fresh blood. When his body was finally cremated, the ashes descended upon Kyōto in a dark cloud

***

Firstly, in the story, Shigehira died during the battle with Minamoto and was taken as prisoner. Later he died. In the game, he was captured and taken as a vassal of the Minamoto no Yoritomo. Battle was in 1184, so at least game has been going on since 1185. In that case, if we take the year of Emperor Akihito's death and his miraculous return. It's been 21 years, and then the questions "why don't you age" make sense.

Another conversation if it is better to take the year 1142 as the end of his reign. Then 43 years passed. So now I can understand all questions about his age and not changing appearance.

Let's return to history.

***

After the victory over the Taira house, Yoshitsune, who returned to the capital, gained great fame, which had fatal consequences for him. The head of the Minamoto house, Yoritomo, did not have strong brotherly feelings for Yoshitsune. Since childhood, he considered Yoshitsune low in origin, due to the fact that the latter's mother was a servant.

Another reason for the split in relations was the rapprochement between Yoshitsune and Emperor Go-Shirakawa, who was in the capital. Yoritomo from the very beginning of the war wanted to single-handedly rule the country, creating a military headquarters - bakufu, and did not want his vassals to obey or be awarded in the imperial capital bypassing him. All this together did not leave any chances for a further normal life, far from the politics of Yoshitsune.

***

Then we must take even later events.... If the reason for the murder of Yoritomo Yoshitsune was his victory over the Taira's clan. He officially died at 1189.

Also let me add that Yoritomo is already head of Shogunate and it was happen in

Yes. Then let me say that game starts at least at 1193 and 50 years passed after end of Akihito "official" reigh.

[lierrelearns]

春日東西両塔跡 春日塔跡は春日大社の一の鳥居を入った参道の左側 (現在の奈良国立博物館構内) に、東西に並ぶ2基の塔跡である。神仏習合思想にもとづいて神社にも仏教の塔を建立した代表的遺構であり、両塔のありし日の偉容は多くの春日宮曼荼羅に描かれている。 西塔(現在地より西へ約90m)永久4年(1116)に関白藤原忠実により造営され、東塔(現在地)は鳥羽上皇の本願により保延6年(1140)に建立された。そのため西塔は"殿下の御塔"、東塔は"院の御塔"と称されていた。ところが治承4年(1180)に平重衡の南部焼打にあって焼失し、相次いで再建されたものの、応永18年(1411)の雷火にあって再び焼失した。その後は再建されることなく今日におよんでいる。 両塔は、1965年(昭和40)の発掘調査によって規模や構造が明確になった。その規模は興福寺五重塔とほぼ同じであり、高さ約50m、初層の一辺長約8.6mで、東塔の初層には裳階がつけられていた。また塔の南正面には複廊を築いて数門を設け、東、西、北の三方には一辺約100mの築地をめぐらしていた。 奈良国立博物館

東塔跡　(東より　1965年発掘時) 西塔跡　(西より　1965年発掘時)

現在地 東塔 西塔

春日宮曼荼羅　部分　(奈良市南市町自治会蔵　鎌倉時代　重要文化財)

Vocab 春日 （かすが）Kasuga 東西 （とうざい）east and west 塔跡 （とうあと）ruins of a tower 春日大社 （かすがたいしゃ）Kasuga-taisha 参道 （さんどう）road approaching a shrine 構内 （こうない）premises, grounds 神仏習合 （しんぶつしゅうごう）Shinto-Buddhist syncretism 建立 （こんりゅう）(act of) building (temple, monument, etc.) 遺構 （いこう）(archaeological) remains ありし日 （ありしひ）the olden days, days of yore 偉容 （いよう）dignified/majestic/imposing appearance 宮曼荼羅 （みやまんだら）shrine mandala 永久 （えいきゅう）Eikyuu era (7.13.1113-4.3.1118) 関白 （かんぱく）chief advisor to the Emperor 藤原忠通 （ふじわらの・ただざね）Fujiwara no Tadazane 造営 （ぞうえい）building (a temple, palace, etc.) 鳥羽天皇 （とば）Emperor Toba （じょうこう）retired emperor 本願 （ほんがん）Amida Buddha’s original vow/Primal Vow 保延 （ほうえん）Hoen era (4.27.1135-7.10.1141) 殿下の御塔 （てんかのみとう）Tenka no mitou 称す （しょうす）to take the name of 治承 （じしょう）Jisho era (8.4.1177-7.14.1181) 平重衡 （たいらの・しげひら）Taira no Shigehira 南部 （なんぶ）southern part; the south (of a region) 焼打 （やきうち）setting on fire 焼失 （しょうしつ）destruction by fire 相次いで （あいついで）one after the other, successively ものの although, despite the fact 応永 （おうえい）Oei era (7.5.1394-4.27.1428) 雷火 （らいか）fire caused by lightning 及ぶ （およぶ）to befall, to happen to, to go on (for, until) 発掘調査 （はっくつちょうさ）excavation, dig 規模 （きぼ）scale, scope, plan, structure 興福寺 （こうふくじ）Kofuku-ji 一辺 （いっぺん）side of a geometic shape ���階 （もこし）pent roof (below the true roof of a pagoda, etc.) 複 （ふく）multiple 廊 （ろう）corridor, passage, hall 築く （きずく）to build, construct 設ける （もうける）to set up, establish 築地 （ついじ）mud wall with a roof 巡らす （めぐらす）to enclose (with), surround (with) 自治会 （じちかい）neighborhood council 蔵 （ぞう）possession, ownership

[atopearth]

Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei Part 6 - If endings & Final Review

Tadanobu Sato

It's so cute and funny to imagine Tadanobu giving flowers to girls and being flustered over how to communicate with them haha. HAHAHA, Tadanobu has to be the worst person to find out that Shanao is actually a woman, he's so obvious it's hilarious, I feel bad for Benkei and Shungen constantly trying to cover up his mistakes. It's so funny that it took a whole month of training every day for Tadanobu to go back to how he was with Shanao before haha! I guess it's better than before because he's more comfortable with her now and so honest about what he thinks lol. I guess Tadanobu has a soft spot for women because the live-in maids would always comfort him when he cried as a little kid haha, so sweet and cute.

Tadanobu placing a bellflower on her hair was cute!! Too bad the ending is so short! It actually makes me sad lol! It's like he's a potential LI but you'll never get a proper story with him and that makes it even sadder than if he was just a side character lol. Oh well, it was still cute I guess haha.

Tsugunobu Sato

How typical for Tsugunobu to discover Shanao is a woman because he went into her room thinking she was injured. It's random but honestly, I feel the same as Tsugunobu. When I used to have problems that I didn't know what to do about, I would sit outside my primary school and just look at the moon for a bit on my walk home. I never stayed for too long, but gazing at the moon always helped calm me a little bit before going home and having to act normal in front of my family. Tsugunobu blushing is so cute! It was so sweet how he noticed the little things Shanao does when she's happy hahaha, just imagining it makes me think they're so cute. Tsugunobu was so bold to kiss her fingers like that! I love the CG.

Overall, I didn't mind this ending. I think it was quite cute and Tsugunobu is quite gentlemanly and sweet. I think it's nice to imagine Shanao and Tsugunobu bonding by gazing at the moon together and sharing their thoughts together. But I'll admit that the main reason Tsugunobu is nice is because he has a pretty face hahaha!

Takatsuna Sasaki

It's kinda funny that all these guys names start with T lol. Considering how playful, innocent and cute Takatsuna looks, he's much more reliable than expected! I kinda thought he was more of a reliable messenger guy that does alot of fieldwork going around to different places for Yoritomo, but he seems to know everything, like a capable assistant/secretary for Yoritomo haha! It's kinda cute how Shanao just kinda told Takatsuna that she's actually a woman, I feel like she could have continued to deceive him but yeah, the route is short so might as well get that part out of the way lol. It's sweet to see Takatsuna thank Shanao for protecting Yoritomo with her powers. I like how Takatsuna took her out to play and got her to explore makeup, so cute!

Overall, I honestly didn't expect much from Takatsuna but I think he's much cuter and vibrant than I thought. Like, I thought he would be quite boring tbh, but I think he's quite adorable in that he's unafraid to voice his thoughts, he's a reliable leader to others but at the same time he's also very playful and knows how to get Shanao to relax and just be herself for a moment. It was refreshing to see them not have to think about war or anything and just be a bunch of youths playing around.

Shigehira Taira

Shigehira is such an ass to everyone and I love it. I think the idea of it being him going to Hiraizumi to observe Shanao and them to see if they want to rebel against the Heike is such a fun touch because he obviously doesn't care and just wants to go around annoying people for his amusement. I love how he bothered to get a servant to get Shanao for him only to tell her to get water for him lmao. And I think it's quite cute that Shigehira's interest in Shanao stems from the fact that Tomomori is interested in Shanao and he wants to understand why when his brother is never interested in anything. I like how Shigehira is the one following Shanao around but because he thinks that her plans for the day are boring, he forces her to change them lolll. It was hilarious when she asked him what games are good (for children) to play and he starts talking about drinking and killing people🤣

It's so cute and innocent how the children have no idea who the Heike are and how that is relevant. Hiraizumi really is a nice place. I find it really sweet to see Shigehira get to play these children's games with other children though. He always wanted to play more with Tomomori and Tokuko when they were young but due to Tomomori basically getting traumatised from being forced to fight in war and Tokuko being taken over by Rengetsu, he never got to continue having that "fun childhood" he had playing with his siblings in their dreams, so I guess he's always chasing after this "fun" to this day to make up for that hole. He's such a kid that it's adorable tbh. It was so sad to see that all the adults Shigehira played with as a child let him win and called him smart when they never seriously played with him. It's also so sad but cute how Shigehira doesn't really know what a 'friend' is because he's never had one before since everyone around him is ranked. Shigehira blushing at Shanao laughing at him for being scared of Tomomori's ghost stories was so cute hahaha!! Especially since he didn't want to be alone in his room at night lol. How does this adorable little boy survive when he runs around everywhere haha!

I guess what makes me can't help but love Shigehira is how much he loves his family and how much he wants to spend time with them. He follows Tomomori around because he wants to be with his brother. All his happy memories are of his childhood when his father took him out or when he used to play with Tomomori and Tokuko. Shanao taking care of the sick Shigehira was very sweet. I love the CG where he hugs Shanao and says he doesn't want to give her to Tomomori. Considering how Tomomori is basically his priority in life, the fact that he likes Shanao so much that he's not willing to give her up to him is very heartwarming to me. I think the sweetest thing was that in this short little story, Shigehira learnt that someone choosing to be with you rather than being ordered to be with you is so much more precious and desirable. I loved it when he told her that he didn't want to force her to be with him and that instead he wants her to choose to be with him of her own free will.

Overall, I definitely think Shigehira's If Ending is the best! It felt very natural, realistic and didn't have them stay together for random reasons and instead acknowledged that they liked and understood each other better but still had their respective positions to think about. I think his character development was the best and I honestly think it actually made me feel like I learnt so much more about Shigehira as a character through this ending and he was just so cute because of how childish but sweet and innocent he was compared to his usual crazy murderous self. Definitely looking forward to his route in the FD! Surprisingly, I would say I liked Takatsuna second best, then Tadanobu and Tsugunobu. I feel like the latter two never explored further into their personalities enough to make me think that was something I never knew about them or expected, so hopefully the FD will help with that haha. I very much hope to play the FD one day because I'll legit buy it just for Shigehira, my one true love hahahah.

Final review

Overall, I think people hyped up Birushana for me too much so I don't feel like I enjoyed it as much as I thought it would. People said it was like a 'better Hakuoki' but I personally love Hakuoki so much more. Although I don't like the supernatural elements in Hakuoki either, I liked the way they used it in the story more than in Birushana because I think it better explored the pain of having that power but also the need for it since the characters are based on real people and they would have died at that point in time if not for it. Hakuoki also never delved too much into it and instead focused on the characters struggles with it, whereas Birushana tried to tie it up with Rengetsu etc but I feel like it would have been better left as a mystery because I didn't like the Rengetsu thing at all lol. I do appreciate that all of the routes in Birushana are different enough though and I think most of them were interesting enough. My personal list from most favourite route to least favourite route would be Yoritomo, Benkei, Noritsune, Tomomori and then Shungen. I just love the pain and anguish demonstrated by Yoritomo in his route, it was my favourite moment haha. And Benkei is such a softie, he made me cry at how gentle and kind he was. He was the best guy to come back from work to and listen to because he was always so encouraging, so full of belief in Shanao and so caring. Noritsune gave me strength to stand on my own two feet and be unafraid of stepping out of my comfort zone if it means I'm living according to my beliefs and dreams. And I didn't feel much for Tomomori and Shungen's routes haha, sorry.

But yeah, I've realised that my mood can really affect how much I like a route too. I would rate the game a 7/10 probably because I don't think the overarching story was interesting enough for me, but I loved the characters struggles, especially Shanao's. I think her struggles in each route were different enough to not be boring, but understandable enough that it wasn't annoying. I liked her struggles with her identity, her responsibilities and how each LI helped her get through it and how she helped each LI better themselves. I can see why people really like Shanao, because I do too! However, the story just didn’t click enough for me sadly.

[ask-misun-and-oc]

When Ryuji plays "Birushana"

Author!bot

I want to play it because of Fukuyama Jun, the same voice actor of Yoritomo in IkeGen. Unfortunately i have no nintendo. So i prefer to see in on Youtube. But i... I REALLY WANT TO KILL TOMOMORIIIIIII!!!!

Yasuchika: Oh Ryuuuuuuuujiiii~ Today is your birthday right?

Ryuji: It's next month according to this timeline. Why is that?

Yasuchika: Your touken danshi friends send you a birthday gift. A... Nin-tendo(?)

Ryuji: //immedietely takes the nintendo// Nope, i brought something that should be delivered today. Ima told me there is a game which tell about Genpei war. I wanna play it.

Later~

Ryuji: //whining like a little kid// Uweeee, Shanao should be a male hiks...

Kagetoki: Owh, come on, Ryuji. That's just a game as you said.

Ryuji: But i hate Tomomori because he kissed Yoshitsune.

Yoritomo: //suddenly appears// Ahem! Who dares to kiss Yoshitsune hum?

Ryuji: //still whining// Can't tell you.

Shigehira: And why do you seem so annoyed with my late half-brother Tomomori?

Ryuji: Nyaaaaaahhh, Shigehira-saaaaaan....! Why do you so obsessed with Yoshitsune if you already has Yoritomo as your lover!

Morinaga: //spits out his drink// Whaaaat?

Shigehira: What the hell are you talking about! What do you mean by Yoritomo-sama become my lover?! And why do i care about Yoshitsune!

Tamamo: Let me make it simple. Perhaps because Yoritomo has sparred Shigehira, later Shigehira himself followed Yoritomo since they have the same intention to kill Yoshitsune.

Morinaga: I guess that's not the- //looking at nintendo// Aaahhh~ I see. Delusioning again, Ryuji? //showing a joystik//

Yoritomo: Tell me the truth, Hajime Ryuji. //gives a dead glare//

Ryuji: I just wonder how Genpei war begin until i found the roleplay game.

Yoritomo: And why did you mention Yoshitsune and Tomomori? //raising his eyebrows//

Ryuji: There is a scene they are kissing- ah, no Tomomori kissed Shanao. You too, pinning down Shanao and intended to kiss her too.

Yoritomo: Excuse me, Hajime Ryuji~ Did you say 'Shanao'? 😏 and you really jealous on me who claimed Yoshitsune all myself?

Kagetoki: Yoritomo, no. Ryuji is such a fragile and temprame-

Yoritomo: Shhh shh, let me, Kagetoki

Ryuji: Shanao is a man. Shanao is a man. I don't wanna see him become a woman and surrounded by the men.

Yoritomo: I know i know, i promised Shigehira will be my lover only.

Shigehira: Hei! Why me!

Yoritomo: But... Shanao-chan also lovely too. His lips also soft.

Ryuji: KYAAAAAAA!!! STOP IIIIIIIT!!!

Yoritomo: Ufufufufu, i love teasing this little guy.

Ryuji: //whines like a little kid// Uhuuuu, hiks... Yoshitsune-sama aaaah. I'm getting sick because of Taira bros and Yoritomo uweee. Don't be so submissive uweee

Yoritomo: 💢 Time for punishment because you are in delusional, Hajime Ryuji //pulling Ryuji's ear//

Ryuji: Ouch ouch, itta tatatata, don't my ear- forgive me lord Yoritomoooooooo

[shatcey]

Kagetoki's room

When Shigehira said it was dangerous to enter Kagetoki's room, I thought… Oh, that sounds like Clavis! It's going to be fun!

But I wasn't ready for this…

When the woman ran away from his room… I thought… Okay… They're all grown men, why not… The least expected from the smart one… But I like smart people, obviously I'm not the only one.

But that's not all!

As soon as Shigehira left the room (went to get tea)…

W-w-woah...

How?… I… (open and close mouth several times) I felt Faust's vibe from him right from the start, but I didn't expect that for sure… How can I date this cute little kitten when you're around? Mister, you're not playing fair!

Okay, good, nice… yeah… I knew that was a joke (very fake laugh)

I'm not?…

Of course I'm not!!!

(clear the throat)

I got it! You're kidding… again…

Heart, stop beating so fast, this is not his route!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

🔝 Start page 🔝

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[archiveikemen]

no one asked but in case anyone wants to search for route walkthroughs of ikeseries games unavailable globally, you can google "<game name in jpn> <character name in jpn> 攻略". i usually check out the sites like heroine navi, gamerch, and risemaranking.

* for gamerch, sometimes the options aren't in the right rows in their tables. so you might want to double check whether the +4/+4 row text is the same as the in-game text before making your choice.

game box red is also an option especially for ikemen genjiden, but the page is covered with h3nt4i ads so i tend to avoid that site due to security concerns.

** gamerch also contains some h3nt4i ads around although not as many as game box red, so please take note of that if it's something that bothers you.

if you want to copy paste the names...

Ikemen Villains イケメンヴィラン

William Rex : ウィリアム・レックス

Harrison Gray : ハリソン・グレイ

Liam Evans : リアム・エヴァンス

Elbert Greetia : エルバート・グリーティア

Alfons Sylvatica : アルフォンス・シルベチカ

Roger Barel : ロジャー・バレル

Jude Jazza : ジュード・ジャザ

Ellis Twilight : エリス・トワイライト

Victor : ヴィクトル

Ikemen Genjiden イケメン源氏伝

Minamoto no Yoritomo : 源　頼朝

Kajiwara Kagetoki : 梶原　景時

Adachi Morinaga : 安達　盛長

Taira no Shigehira : 平　重衡

Tamamo : 玉藻

Minamoto no Yoshitsune : 源　義経

Musashibo Benkei : 武蔵坊　弁慶

Nasu no Yoichi : 那須　与一

Kurama : 鞍馬

Kitsuji Sueharu : 橘次　末春

Abe no Yasuchika : 安倍　泰親

Ibuki : 伊吹

Sutoku • Akihito : 崇徳・顕仁

⤷ for IkeGen act 2 stories, please search "イケメン源氏伝　<character name> <character name> 第二部　攻略"

e.g. Minamoto Brothers route = イケメン源氏伝　源義経　源頼朝　第二部　攻略"

let me know if there's anyone else you want me to add to the list

[ga-yuu]

5 Years Later Story Event Highlights (Yoichi and Shigehira)

Yoichi and Shigehira are friends again. They come to see each other frequently and sometimes Yoichi surprises Shigehira out of nowhere by walking into his house. They are all buddy-buddy now!

Yoichi still calls Shigehira 'Botchan' meaning Young master teasingly and Shigehira gets back at him by calling him baby-faced and then they start to fight like kids.

Yoshino also joins them and congratulates both of them for their achievements. Shigehira was able to revive the Taira Clan and both Nasu Clan and Taira Clan are in good terms now.

They both ask what Yoshino's biggest dream is and Yoshino simply says that she just wants to spread happiness and everyone to remember their happy memories once in a while. She tells them that maybe hosting something like a small festival will bring everyone together once in a while.

Listening to her wish, both Yoichi and Shigehira decided to make Yoshino's wish come true. They both lovingly hold Yoshino's hands and promised her.

A month or so later, Yoshino wish does come true. In Kamakura, preparation for a small festival started, to celebrate everyone's happiness. All the male leads joined and decided to contribute in their on way.

While Shigehira and Yoichi were walking around the town of Kamakura where the festival was taking place along with Yoshino, they see Kagetoki and Benkei, who opened a sweet shop together. Benkei makes delicious sweets and Kagetoki drowns them with his syrup. Morinaga opened a store for people who are interested in flexing their muscles. He also invited Shigehira, Yoichi and Yoshino to watch naked brawny men dancing. Both Shigehira and Yoichi rejected his invitation and although Yoshino wanted to watch naked dancing men, she decided to reject Morinaga's invitation as well. Yasuchika and Tamamo opened some kind of divination stall or something.

After walking around town, the three of them sat on top of a small hill to relax while looking at the city. Both Yoichi and Shigehira then started taking turns to feed Yoshino sweets and Yoshino being embarrassed, still opens her mouth. After that, both the man cuddle with her as Yoshino's face was stuffed with sweets.

After a minute of relaxing, Yoshino thanked both of them for making everyone happy. Hosting a festival was not an easy thing, but due to Shigehira and Yoichi's personality, they were able to make people come together to enjoy a festival like this. Then both Yoichi and Shigehira tells her that their only goal is to make one particular woman smile. They don't care about anyone else.

Hearing that statement, Yoshino turns completely red from head to toe and started shaking nervously. She looks down frowning lightly and begs the both men to not make fun of her like that. Both Yoichi and Shigehira chuckles seeing her reaction.

Later they go back to the city to attend the festival and they were confronted by some shady men. Yoichi and Shigehira easily beats up the men in a matter of seconds and now they have to report this incident to both Yoritomo and Yoshitsune.

Yoichi Ending: Shigehira tells Yoichi to go enjoy the festival with his girlfriend Yoshino, while he does the 'cleaning up'. Yoichi didn't want to leave SHigehira alone but Shigehira assures him that this is his way of repaying Yoichi. When they were kids, both Yoichi and Shigehira once snuck out of their houses at night to go to a festival. They only had money to buy one snack and Yoichi bought Shigehira's favorite snack while acting like older brother for Shigehira. Now Shigehira wants to repay Yoichi for all that affection. Yoichi couldn't say anything back and smiles. Like a genuine smile and thanks him. Both Yoichi and Yoshino walk around the festival and suddenly comes across a store which was selling ice sculptures. They both look up to see Tamamo and Rikka. Tamamo dragged Rikka out of his comfy room to participate in the festival and Rikka despite looking reluctant, was ready to do anything for Tamamo. Tamamo compliments about Rikka's beautiful ice sculptures and encourages them to buy one. Yoichi lets Yoshino choose. Yoshino looked at each ice sculptures displayed and she saw an ice sculpture of two little boys. To her, it looked like young Yoichi an Shigehira. Yoichi smiles and decides buy that as a gift for Shigehira. Yoichi asks if Rikka can add a bow and a sword to make it actually look like them and Rikka looked reluctant because he's lazy. Yoichi says that he will pay more and Rikka asked if he could have Yoshino as his pay. Yoichi says no but he instead will give Rikka a list of places where he can sleep comfortably and no one can find him. Rikka happily accepts that offer and tells him that he will deliver the sculpture tomorrow because even though Rikka's ice magic is powerful and lasts longer than normal ice, he wanted to cast some kind of spells to make the ice sculpture last longer or something....I don't get this part. Anyways, after that both Yoichi and Yoshino started walking slowly towards their home. Suddenly, Yasuchika's fireworks show started and they stopped to watch. The fireworks show was so beautiful that both of them started feeling something and they both starts passionately making out. Yoichi wanted to do more, but Yoshino stopped him feeling all embarrassed and says they shouldn't do that in public. So they both run back home.

Shigehira ending: Yoichi tells Shigehira to go to the festival with Yoshino, his girlfriend. First they go to the shop that has the ring-throwing game. Throw rings and win prizes. While Yoshino was missing all her targets, Shigehira easily wins all the prizes. Two kids were watching them, and their eyes sparkle watching Shigehira. The little kids recognized him as Taira no Shigehira and they praised him for being so cool. Shigehira was taken aback at first but then smiled happily. Yoshino knew that the meaning behind that smile is that the Taira Clan has officially been revived and Shigehira's dream has come true. After that they run into Yasuchika, and he tells them that he's about to do a firework show. He tells them how it works and also told them that if they have any message they would like to convey to someone special, he can show it in the sky as fireworks. Like skywriting fireworks? Shigehira thinks for a second and then tells Yasuchika that he wants to convey a message to Yoichi. Shigehira wants the fireworks to be shown as 'Thank you' in the sky as way to thank Yoichi for everything he has done for him. Shigehira also wanted to get back at Yoichi for all the teasing, so doing this in public will surely embarrass Yoichi at least a little bit. After that, both Yoshino and SHigehira stands on a bridge where they can get a perfect view of the fireworks. The fireworks show starts and both of them where mesmerized on how beautiful it is. Then they hear Yasuchika's announcement: "Next, Shige-ch....Taira no Shigehira, has a special message for Nasu no Yoichi." The fireworks shots up into the sky and the words 'Thank you' was written on the sky. SHigehira smiled triumphantly thinking how embarrassed Yoichi would be after seeing this but also happy at the same time. But guess what? UNO reverse card Shigehira because Yoichi already made plans with Yasuchika BEFORE Shigehira did. Yasuchika's next announcement: "Next...Shigehira has a special message for Yoshino." Yoshino looks at Shigehira feeling surprised and even Shigehira looked surprised as if he didn't plan this. The fireworks shots up into the sky and the words 'I love you' was written in the sky. Both Yoshino and Shigehira starts blushing from head to toe, completely red and Shigehira pouted saying how he must try harder to get back at Yoichi next time. He realised that the message was actually from Yoichi to tease Shigehira and Yoshino. Both Shigehira and Yoshino can imagine Yoichi's charming smile in their heads right now. Shigehira was super disturbed and he picks up Yoshino and runs back to their home to make love to her.

[aishangotome]

Minamoto No Yoritomo: Chapter 1

(Gathering my magical power, I'll break the bond with Tamamo... and definitely open my own pharmacy!)

Thinking of the ordinary and lovable daily life, Yoshino encouraged herself and looked straight ahead.

Yoshino: Nice to meet you! Everyone.

Yoritomo: Alright. Good determination.

Yoritomo's eyes shone brightly, gathering the moonlight.

Yoritomo: Of course, what happened today must be kept secret. If you have any problems living in the Imperial Palace, tell these guys here.

Tamamo: I'd like you to introduce us again. I already know your name, but you were quite busy earlier.

Yoritomo: Alright. You too, remember it well, Yoshino.

Yoshino: Y-Yes.

Yoritomo: This tall guy with droopy eyes is my vassal and the muscle of the Kamakura shogunate, Morinaga Adachi.

Yoshino: ...Muscle?

Morinaga: That expression is a bit confusing, but... I actually go out to battle and command soldiers a lot.

(His demeanor is gentle, but what he does feels like a warrior.)

Yoritomo: Next, also a vassal. The glasses guy, Kagetoki Kajiwara.

Kagetoki: As Yoritomo-sama's vassal, I mainly handle domestic affairs and the management of vassals.

Kagetoki: It is also my duty to eliminate incompetent people from the shogunate. Be careful.

(Just as he looks, he seems a little scary...)

(...But, he was called the glasses guy, so that's okay.)

Yoritomo: Finally, this is Shigehira Taira, who I'm allied with. His role is...

Shigehira: The common sense guy!

Shigehira bit back before Yoritomo-sama could continue.

Shigehira: Listening to this, couldn't you introduce me a little better?

(His face is so well-proportioned that it's hard to approach, but seeing him talk, he's quite emotional.)

(Hm? Come to think of it, 'Taira'...)

Yoshino: Shigehira-san, are you from the Taira clan?

Shigehira: What, is that bad?

Yoshino: N-No, it's not bad, but...

Flustered by his grumpy reply, Yoshino glanced between Yoritomo-sama and Shigehira-san.

(The Genji and Taira clans were supposed to be opposed to each other, right?)

Even I, who am not well-versed in politics, know that Yoritomo-sama, the leader of the Genji clan, defeated the Taira clan in battle.

Shigehira: Right now, I'm just under Yoritomo-sama's umbrella. I don't have any obligation to explain more than that, right?

Yoshino: I understand...

(There seems to be some circumstances, but it seems like he doesn't want me to pry.)

Yoritomo: And I am the shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo. Well, I don't need to explain, do I?

Morinaga: Yoritomo-sama is the black-hearted one, isn't he?

(Morinaga-san also says quite a lot with a smile...)

Yoritomo: Don't praise me. I'll get embarrassed.

Yoritomo-sama brushed off Morinaga-san's words without looking angry.

Yoritomo: That's all for the introductions. For today, I'll show you to your rooms.

Yoritomo: Tomorrow, we'll talk about the future. Alright? Yoshino, Tamamo.

(He speaks like someone used to giving orders.)

(Thinking about it again... I was meeting with an incredibly important person.)

Yoshino: Yes...! Thank you for the room.

Now that the crisis has passed, I'm not sure how to act towards Yoritomo-sama.

Tamamo: I can't wait for the feeling of a futon after a long time. Have them prepare a comfortable one.

Tamamo: Also, for breakfast, I want grilled fish and inari sushi.

Yoshino: Hey, Tamamo!

(As expected of a yokai...! Unlike me, he has no hesitation.)

Tamamo is calm despite my panic.

Yoritomo: You're a more brazen beast than I thought.

Kagetoki: Why not just let him sleep in the grass?

Kagetoki: If he has his own fur, that should be enough for a futon.

(Harsh... Kagetoki-san and Tamamo don't seem to get along.)

Tamamo: Kagetoki. You're often called a sneaky glasses guy, aren't you?

Yoshino: Sneaky glasses guy!?

(That was an amazing insult!)

Kagetoki: Unfortunately, tonight is the first time I've had the experience of being called that.

Kagetoki: But I wouldn't mind sewing your mouth shut and making it the last.

(Oh no, Kagetoki-san isn't backing down either...!)

As I watched nervously, Morinaga-san burst out laughing.

Morinaga: Tamamo... You're funny. You're great.

Kagetoki: You're laughing too much, fluffy muscle man.

Shigehira: Hey. Seriously, stop this pointless bickering.

(Huh? But...)

Yoshino: Shigehira-san's shoulders are trembling a little too...

Shigehira: ...It's your imagination! Your eyes are playing tricks on you.

Clearing his throat, Shigehira-san flatly denied it.

(Is that so...? I feel like he was trying to hold back laughter.)

Shigehira: More importantly, I want to go home now.

Yoritomo: Well, it's time for the kid to go to bed. Kagetoki, put Shigehira to bed.

Shigehira: Who's a kid, who is!

Morinaga: Don't get mad, Shigehira. If you sleep early, you'll grow taller.

Morinaga-san patted Shigehira-san's head.

Shigehira: S-Stop it! Just because you're a little tall...

Shigehira: In general, it's not very convincing coming from someone who stays up late gambling.

Morinaga: You're so young, Shigehira. I grow my body through sleep and my brain through gambling.

Shigehira: ...Liar!

(I can't tell if these people get along or not.)

Wondering, I coughed softly.

Yoshino: Just listening to the conversation, it's hard to believe it's between the shogun and his close aides.

Morinaga: You'll get used to it soon.

Yoshino: I hope so...

(They seem to be quite unique individuals. Not all samurai are like this, are they?)

Kagetoki: Now... It's true that I'd like to rest soon. We've been moving around unnecessarily tonight.

Morinaga: That's right. ...Well then, good night, Yoritomo-sama.

Yoritomo: Ah. See you tomorrow.

Kagetoki-san and the other two bowed their heads slightly to Yoritomo-sama.

Yoshino: You all don't live in the Imperial Palace?

Kagetoki: Of course not. Since you don't seem to understand, let me tell you...

Kagetoki: You should remember that it's a special thing for you to live in the Imperial Palace.

Yoshino: Is that so...?

Yoshino: Oh no, I'm getting even more nervous.

(I'm already unsure how to behave...)

Yoritomo: There's no need to be reserved.

As he said this in an arrogant voice, he casually pulled my arm...

(Ah...)

Yoritomo: After all, I intend for you to be 'especially' useful.

I was involuntarily captivated by his sharp eyes that were so close.

(What a forceful person... Even if he is the shogun...)

I try to maintain my composure and search for words to respond.

--CHOICES--

I'll do my best...

I'm dreading it

Yoritomo-sama, please

----------------

Yoshino: Y-Yoritomo-sama... Please don't forget your promise to protect me and Tamamo.

Yoritomo: Excellent. The stronger your spirit, the more fun it is to tame you.

Yoritomo-sama laughed loudly and suddenly released me.

Yoritomo: Come. I'll gladly welcome you to this Imperial Palace.

Yoshino: Thank you...

(Sigh... If I'm this flustered now, will I be okay in the future?)

After greeting the other three, I followed Yoritomo-sama through the heavy gate.

My heart began to pound with the anticipation of the turbulent days to come.

(If I had known before coming to Kamakura that I would be living in the same building as the shogun, what would I have thought?)

(Yeah... I probably wouldn't have believed it.)

That day, I slept soundly in the room I was given... Perhaps because I was tired, I didn't have any dreams.

-

The next morning--

I was summoned along with Tamamo and visited Yoritomo-sama's room.

Next to Yoritomo-sama, Kagetoki-san was standing by, his glasses glinting coldly.

Yoshino: ...Yoritomo-sama, what did you say just now?

Yoritomo: I said, I'm appointing you as my personal attendant.

Yoritomo: From now on, when I leave the Imperial Palace for official duties, you'll accompany me.

(You're joking, right!?)

(Being an attendant means taking care of personal needs, right?)

While I'm confused, Tamamo laughs cheerfully next to me.

Tamamo: Oh, am I an attendant too, Yoritomo?

Kagetoki: You stand out too much. Besides, you have no intention of listening to anyone anyway.

Tamamo: You're quick to figure out my personality in one night, Kagetoki.

Kagetoki: Don't make careless remarks when you had no intention of hiding it in the first place.

Yoritomo: Tamamo is considered my guest. You can do as you please, but don't cause any trouble, okay?

Tamamo: I can't promise that.

(Certainly, if Tamamo pretended to be an attendant, it would be strange no matter how you look at it...)

Yoshino: Wait a minute! I'm just a pharmacist, you know?

I raise my voice as much as I can and try to protest.

Kagetoki: It can't be helped. We need to strengthen Yoritomo-sama's personal protection in preparation for Yoshitsune's attack.

Kagetoki: Military force can be suppressed with military force, but magic power cannot be prevented.

Tamamo: I see, so that's why Yoshino is needed.

(Needed...)

Yoshino: So, being an attendant is just a name, and in reality, I'm a bodyguard?

Yoritomo: That's right.

Yoritomo: Tamamo, can she still use your ability to steal magic power even if Yoshino is away from you?

Tamamo: Yes. There's no problem.

Yoritomo: Good.

Yoritomo: Yoshino, you're lucky. You can gain valuable experience.

(Not good at all!)

Yoshino: I don't know any etiquette, and it's absolutely impossible for me to be an attendant to someone as important as the shogun.

Yoritomo: You don't need to do anything. Just walk behind me and sit next to me.

Yoritomo: It's a simple job that even a monkey could do. Or are you less than a monkey?

Yoshino: Less than a monkey!?

(What a way to put it...)

Just as I was about to retort, the sliding door slid open.

Morinaga: Yoritomo-sama, it's almost time for you to go out. ...Oh.

Morinaga: Yoshino, Tamamo, good morning.

Yoshino: Ah, good morning, Morinaga-san.

I was given a refreshing smile that blew away the tense atmosphere, and I returned the greeting.

Yoritomo: You came at just the right time, Morinaga.

Yoritomo: Carry this woman outside. I intend to take her with me, but she's not very obedient.

Morinaga: Oh...

(Morinaga-san...?)

Yoshino: I believe you're a good person, Morinaga-san!

Tilting his head, Morinaga-san put his hands together apologetically.

Morinaga: I'm sorry, Yoshino. I'll buy you your favorite sweets at the market next time.

Yoshino: It's not a matter of sweets... Wah!?

Before I knew it, he quickly approached and lifted me up effortlessly, causing my vision to shake.

(So high!)

Yoshino: Put me down...

Morinaga: Don't struggle, don't struggle. It's only scary at first.

Yoshino: I'm even more scared now!

Yoritomo: Let's hurry. If we're late, it'll mess up the rest of the schedule.

Kagetoki: Have a safe trip, Yoritomo-sama.

Tamamo: Yoshino, I'm counting on you for souvenirs.

Yoshino: How can you say such carefree things!?

(What about my will!?)

I protested as much as I could while being carried like luggage, but...

-

(This is what it's come to.)

After crossing the border on horseback for a while, we transferred to an oxcart that had come to pick us up.

(This is the first time I've ridden in an oxcart... but)

I don't seem to have the luxury of enjoying it right now.

Yoritomo: Hey, how long are you going to keep pouting? You're troublesome.

Yoshino: I'm not pouting, I'm nervous.

I retorted while feeling the rattling vibrations under my butt.

Yoritomo-sama, sitting across from me, had a look on his face that said he didn't care at all.

Yoritomo: Oh, is that so?

(Since I'm going through this because of Yoritomo-sama, he could at least be a little more sympathetic.)

(He probably thinks it's natural for a commoner like me to obey him.)

I took a small breath to try to regain my composure.

Yoshino: By the way, where is this oxcart headed?

Yoritomo: It's one of the countries under my umbrella. I've been invited to a banquet.

Yoshino: A banquet? Is that official business?

I blinked in surprise at his answer.

Yoritomo: What? You have a problem with that?

Yoshino: No... It's just that, since you're going out of your way to travel far when you might be targeted...

Yoshino: I thought it must be a very important job...

Yoritomo: Well, that's too bad for you.

I stared at Yoritomo-sama, who shrugged his shoulders, in disbelief.

(I did say I would cooperate with the Kamakura shogunate, but I never thought I would be dragged to a banquet.)

Yoritomo: You're a stubborn woman. Just give it up already.

I was showered with amused laughter, and I couldn't help but purse my lips...

Yoritomo: Ha, you have such an easy-to-read face.

(Huh?)

Yoritomo-sama leaned forward with a mischievous smile.

Creak... the wooden floor creaked faintly.

Yoshino: Y-Yoritomo-sama?

(So close.)

I involuntarily stepped back and my back hit the wall.

Yoritomo: Where are you trying to escape to?

Yoshino: Ah...

Yoritomo-sama's hand rested on the wall, cutting off my escape route.

Yoshino: What are you doing...?

Yoritomo: Who knows?

Yoritomo: How should I make a woman who's not interested in my orders obey me, I wonder?

(What does that mean...?)

His sweet, poisonous voice gradually seeped into my ears.

Yoritomo-sama looked down at me, who was holding my breath slightly, with amusement.

Yoshino: Make me obey... I'm troubled by you saying such selfish things!

Yoritomo: Selfish things, huh? Let me tell you, my intentions are the shogunate's decisions.

Yoshino: That's...

Yoritomo: Give up, there are fates you can't escape. After all, sacrifices are necessary for the greater good.

Yoritomo: Your feelings and the shogunate's decision. It's obvious which one I'll choose, isn't it?

Yoritomo: If you say you don't understand... I'll teach your body. From now on, thoroughly.

(Ah...)

My heartbeat quickened, unable to stop the slight fever stirred up by his words and gaze.

As I lost my words, the oxcart shook suddenly.

(Whoa!)

Yoritomo: Have we arrived?

Strong arms easily caught my shoulders as I stumbled.

Yoritomo: Too bad, huh? I'll continue this later.

Yoritomo-sama stood up, screwing his smiling gaze into my eyes once more.

(I was completely teased...!)

Yoshino: Stop it already. Do you enjoy teasing people?

Yoritomo: It's quite fun to see you get so worked up.

(This person really has a terrible personality.)

I thought angrily as I also stood up.

Following Yoritomo-sama, I got off the oxcart and...

-

(What is this...!)

A large crowd of people lined up on both sides of the road, bowing their heads towards us.

The samurai at the front stared at Yoritomo-sama with a tense expression.

Samurai: Yoritomo-sama, welcome.

Yoritomo: It's been a while. I'm glad to see you're well.

(Ah... His attitude is already different.)

His face, pasted with a perfect smile, looks like a completely different person from a while ago.

Samurai: I'm honored. We have prepared a seat for you to rest from your long journey. Please, this way.

Yoritomo: Thank you. I'm looking forward to it.

Yoritomo-sama walked proudly through the center of the bowing people.

(He really feels like a person in power.)

(Is it okay for me to follow him...?)

Yoritomo-sama turned around as if reading my hesitation, and even that movement seemed calculated, with the sleeves of his kimono fluttering beautifully.

Yoritomo: Come, Yoshino.

.

.

.

.

.

Chapter 2

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[molianhua]

Ikemen Genjiden Prologue

Part 3

???: “Don’t you think you’ve gone far enough?”

???: “Looks like we made it in time.”

(...! Who are these people?)

Text: Both Benkei and Yoichi took a few steps back as if they were being repelled by this pair whom they suddenly encountered.

Benkei: “Kagetoki Kajiwara, you bastard!”

Benkei: “Since you have the nerve to appear before me, you must be prepared to die, right!?”

(He’s so intense...)

Kagetoki: “You’re a dog that barks a lot as always, Benkei Musashibo.”

Benkei: “Shut up, you heretic!”

Yoichi: “Hey, young master. I see you came, too.”

???: “Nasu no Yoichi...it sounds like you’re complaining, but does my presence here somehow trouble you?”

Yoichi: “Yeah, it really does. I hate it ‘cuz I can’t fight properly if you’re around.”

Yoichi: “For now, there’s a lot of things that need to be cleared up. Right, Taira no Shigehira?”

Shigehira: “Well, I won’t deny that.”

(Looks like everyone here knows each other one way or another, but...)

 Shigehira: “Hey, you over there. You’ve been spacing out for a while. Are you dumb, perhaps?”

Yoshino: “By ‘dumb’...do you mean me!?”

Kagetoki: “Who else? Take that fox with you and run towards that grove over there.”

Kagetoki: “There, you’ll find an arrogant, black-haired man and a soft and gentle, muscular man. Understood?”

Yoshino: “Huh? Black-haired...Soft and gentle?”

Text: Pressured to speak hastily, I was ushered forward without even having time to ask anything else. 

(What should I do?)

(I don’t know if these two are my allies or not, but...I’m sure they saved me just now, right?)

Yoshino: “...I understand. Please stay safe.”

Text: Clutching the fox cub, my body trembled as I made a run for it. At the same time, a sharp, metallic sound echoed from behind.

(Is that the sound of them crossing swords!? What have I gotten myself into...?)

Text: While blindly running through the bamboo grove in the dark, I abruptly bumped into something and lost my balance.

Yoshino: “Wah!”

???: “Whoa there.”

???: “That was a close one. Are you okay?”

Yoshino: “I’m so sorry! Thank you very much.”

Text: Realizing that I was being held by the man I had just collided with, I raised my voice, flustered.

???: “No worries. You’re welcome.”

(What a dazzling smile...)

???: “You don’t have to worry about it all. This person’s quite strong so of course he’d be able to catch you.”

Reassured by their calm demeanor, I bowed my head once more in gratitude.

Yoshino: “I apologize for the inconvenience...Um, you can let go of me now.”

???: “It’s no inconvenience at all. By the way, before I let you go, may I ask you a few questions?”

(Huh?)

He suddenly pulled my waist towards him and silently unsheathed his sword, directing the tip at my throat.

Yoshino: “Wha...”

???: “Who exactly are you? And why is that fox with you?”

Yoshino: “What do you—”

???: “I’m the one asking the questions here, so it’d be in your best interests to answer me honestly.”

(He’s acting like completely different person now! On top of that, these guys are after the fox cub, too!?)

???: “It’s not like I want to threaten you unreasonably. If you can answer me properly, I’ll even consider rewarding you for it.”

Yoshino: “......”

His voice, filled with a dangerous sweetness flowed directly into my ears—my thoughts almost came to a halt.

Yoshino: “Let me go!”

???: “Quite a perceptive and troublesome woman, aren’t you? Though, I don’t mind making someone like that cry.”