Narukami Koyichiro Chapters 10-Divine End
May. 20th, 2020 09:49 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alias_sqbrMasterlist and guide
So I really liked the idea of this path: the main character is a woman who raised as a ninja, always subservient to a lord, while Kyoichiro is an ex-ninja who's become an independent business man determined to never be subservient to anyone, and has a secret identity as a Robin Hood-esque thief who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Kyoichiro teaches MC how to be independent and strong, and she teaches him to forgive himself for his past and accept her love.
Unfortunately the execution was pretty mediocre. I wasn't expecting deep political commentary but it brings up a bunch of questions about freedom and justice in an unjust society then is incredibly lazy about answering them, and isn't very satisfying as simple "Screw the rich!" power fantasy either. Also while Kyoichiro is, at heart, a basically decent guy, he's just the wrong side of asshole with his tsundere emotional constipation, and MC ends up too soppily ok with it for my tastes.
So! MC is looking for a way to help her village of Mitsuba, makers of Secret Ninja Health Potion the Dragon's Tears, become independent of Lord Nobunaga, who currently pretty much owns them.
Unfortunately, she gained the attention of her childhood friend Sakuya, who works for Nobunaga but is also a member of the Iga Clan of Evil Ninjas, who want to kill MC and her village.
Currently, MC is stuck in a well being tortured by Sakuya for the recipe for Dragon's Tears.
She's spent the last few days desperately scrabbling at the stone walls of the well with bloody hands, and I know intellectually that this isn't because I took several days to gather the points to continue but it's ADDED TO THE MOOD.
She's trapped in the dark, just like she's trapped in the shadow filled life of a shinobi. Maybe there is no escape from either of them.
"I chew on my lip, wishing I could punch Sakuya in the face right now"
ILU Shadow!MC
...you know, normally I'd be happy to see Mitsuhide, but considering he works for the guy who hired Sakuya...right now, I'm not liking him so much.
Apparently Kyoichiro's alter ego Goemon has sent Nobunaga a letter saying he'll steal Nobunaga's "secret treasure".
Sakuya lies to Nobunaga and says he hasn't tracked down 'the maker of the Dragon's Tears'. Nobunaga notices Sakuya uncharacteristically expressing an interest in what he intends to do next.
Nobunaga and Sakuya come across as Villain and Evil Henchman while being entirely consistent with their characterisation in their own routes.
Sakuya comes to ask MC one last time for the recipe. Sadly there's no "FUCK YOU SAKUYA" option, and the walkthrough says to choose "plead for my life". He sounds pretty sad about killing her, MC isn't sure she can trust it but claims to be willing to talk.
Once he's brought her up, she spins a story about how making the Dragon's Tears requires a toxic flower only members of her bloodline can safely touch.
He stares at her for a moment and then goes for her neck. Yeah, that was a pretty fake sounding story but it was worth a shot.
She does her best to fight back, but is too stiff and sore.
MC: If you...kill me...you'll lose the elixir.
Sakuya: Yes, but as you've explained it, so will everyone else. Now reap the rewards of running counter to your fate.
MC thinks "So much for old friendship". She sees a flicker of emotion in his eyes and then everything goes black.
"Is that the lesson I'm supposed to learn here? Pursue freedom and die in the attempt?"
*quietly ships MC/Sakuya because I am a weirdo*
And then there's a swooshing sound and a shocked Sakuya lets her go. It's Kyoichiro, giving a gasping MC shit for doing such a bad job of looking after things while he was away.
Kyoichiro: Surprised? I did send a letter saying I'd steal her :)
Sakuya: She belongs to Iga.
Kyoichiro: Were you not listening? I. am. here. to. steal. her. Snatch her away from the jaws of shinobi fate and all that business.
Sakuya: >:( *draws knives*
Kyoichiro: This is why I hate ninjas :/
And then a voice asks MC if she's okay...
IT'S KAEDE :D
"I'm overwhelmed with love for them both. They're the shining spot of hope where I thought there would be none."
*Kaede/MC/Kyoichiro shipping intensifies*
Kaede glares at Sakuya with the fire of a thousand suns.
Kaede: I'll have your head, Fujibayashi Sakuya! I'll take it clean off your shoulders!
<3
Kyoichiro and Kaede work together, and just as it looks like Kaede is going to land the killing blow, she's blocked by...Sakuya's brother Genya!
Genya: The chief wants to see you. Momochi's on the move.
MC: (Aren't the Fujibayashi and Momochi villages allied?)
Me: Who the hell are the Momichi?? So many names /o\
Kyoichiro complains about what trouble MC is while cradling her to his chest. To MC he is her beautiful, radiant hero bathed in light.
She wakes to Kyoichiro mopping her brow, and thanks him for his gentle care. He blushes and avoids her gaze.
Kyoichiro: If you're well enough to be waxing emotional, you might just pull through. Serves me right for worrying about you.
Aw, he and Kaede have been looking after MC in shifts. He softly caresses her bandaged hands and actually says "I'm glad you're safe".
Kyoichiro: Such awful wounds...this is why I hate ninjas.
MC, feverish and sad: Will you always hate all ninjas?
Kyoichiro: Yes. Shadows follow at their heels.
MC: Some of us can't help it. Including you. ...please don't reject me. I could handle it from anyone but you.
Kyoichiro: Why would you say that now of all times?
MC: I admire you. I respect you. I long for your way of life. ...I long for you.
Kyoichiro: !
MC, finally realising it: I lov-
Kyoichiro: Whatever you're about to say, don't. Let me tell you why I hate ninjas: because the person I hate most is a ninja.
MC: Who?
Kyoichiro: My old self. My hands are stained with the blood of the innocent. It didn't matter who I killed as long as it was under orders. I did anything, and I mean anything.
He laughs darkly, and won't look at her, tears in the corners of his eyes. She sees at last the shadows that have always been tormenting him inside.
Kyoichiro: This is why I hate those who love me. There's something wrong about loving person like me.
After that he avoids her, eating out every night and speaking to her as little as possible in the shop. At least Kaede is there to keep MC company.
Some merchants come in discussing how Nobunaga will bring doom down on their heads by attacking the Hogan-ji temple of Morally Ambiguous Monks. Which I guess means this is set at the same time as the end of the Mitsuhide path, as much as timelines in this game match history or each other.
Also, Sakuya clearly didn't tell Nobunaga what was up with Goemon's letter about stealing from him, so now Nobunaga is pissed and has ordered Hideyoshi to confiscate everything Goemon gives the poor.
OH HEY IT'S KYOICHIRO'S COUSIN SHIMA
Apparently Kyoichiro has changed the characters spelling his surname "Narukami" from "Roar of Thunder" to "Cry of the Gods".
Huh, apparently Shima and Kyoichiro haven't actually met before, that's an odd storytelling choice. MC finds Shima's cheerful personality hard to dislike.
Shima's plan is to gather all the scattered ninjas from their old village of Koka and create a group powerful enough to oppose Iga. He suggests that MC's village might be interested too. MC is cautiously interested but Kyoichiro just says "I don't work with ninjas" and walks off.
When she gets home, Kaede points out that Kyochiro and Shima seem to be from elite families related to the village chief (as Kaede is in their village) And then she goes off with Shima to the meeting.
MC and Kyoichiro see a little poor boy who Goemon helped sad now that his mother's medicine has been taken away by Hideyoshi.
MC goes to visit Hideyoshi and acts like she's just randomly curious, he says he's sad to do it but is just following orders.
MC: I take it Lord Nobunaga will kill Goemon when he catches him.
Hideyoshi: Who can say? Lord Nobunaga doesn't think like ordinary men. His cleverness is beyond even my calibre.
I'd be more likely to believe him if I hadn't just watched a silly ad for the Nobunaga's Birthday event where Hideyoshi successfully manipulates the lifelong teetotaller Nobunaga into drinking sake, afaict just to show off to Ieyasu that he's a better manipulator.
MC doesn't believe him either.
Hideyoshi: You seem quite preoccupied with Goemon. It's almost as if you don't want him to be caught :)
MC: Oh, no! I just...saw a little boy crying in front of our shop because he'd lost the crane Goemon gave him. Would it be possible to get it back?
He stares at her for a moment then smiles and asks her to follow him to a warehouse attached to a stately mansion, which turns out to be his...and is full of all the items Goemon stole.
MC THIS IS A TRAP
He gives MC the crane and softly tells her it's up to her where to go from here.
Hideyoshi: Do you think it's possible for a truly equal world to exist?
MC: ...it's beyond me. It seems to me that your lot in life is largely determined by the circumstances of your birth.
He smiles sadly and leaves.
Kyoichiro: What are you planning, cuddling up to Lord Hideyoshi like that?
MC: Probably exactly what you're imagining.
Kyoichiro: I'm aware you're an impulsive know-nothing, but can't you see how this is going to end?
MC: I'm well aware, but I've made up my mind. You're going to be able to return to being Goemon. I can't have you come to harm for helping me, that goes against our agreement.
Kyoichiro: Noone's being hurt. Being Goemon was just a bit of a lark.
She points out that this is blatant hogwash, and that he's trying to do penance for his past as a ninja. They end up shouting at each other.
Kyoichiro: I'm not that good of a person!
MC: Yes you are! Stop blaming yourself for everything!
She used to see him as a being of light, far above her. But she needs to help him pull himself out of the shadow of self hatred.
She reaches for him and he slaps away her hand, coldly saying "Do whatever you want" before he walks away.
Hideyoshi is unhappily surprised that MC was the one to fall for his trap.
He blocks her path, noting that she's pretty nimble for a 'simple shop girl', and smilingly asks her to explain herself.
MC: I am Ishikawa Goemon.
Hideyoshi: Is that so. Then who did you steal a priceless teapot from a year ago? :)
MC: ...I don't feel like telling you.
Nice try, MC.
Hideyoshi: The only person I can think of who you'd lie to protect is Kyoichiro. If you admit to me that he's Goemon, we can forget this whole fiasco ever happened. You're an excellent healer, it would be a shame to lose you...
And then of course Kyoichiro shows up to save her.
The fact that Hideyoshi was getting close to Kyoichiro to figure out if he was Goemon does answer the "why did the game make Goemon friends with the guy who killed him irl" question, and knowing historical!Hideyoshi killed mythical!Goemon adds to the narrative tension.
MC: Why? I was handling this, it was my choice.
Kyoichiro: What right do you have to tell me what to do?
Hideyoshi: Sorry to interrupt, but could you save this argument for later? :)
MC: Goemon is a beacon of hope to the common folk, if you arrest him that will be lost!
Hideyoshi: ...and? :)
ahaha, Hideyoshi, you peasant-murdering scamp
MC: ...and I believe that will negatively influence Lord Nobunaga's authority.
Hideyoshi: Not the sort of opinions I'd expect of a mere healer.
MC: There are worse things to be accused of than independent thought.
And then Hideyoshi lets them go! And the next day he offers Kyoichiro a deal: agree to be seen as working for Nobunaga, and all crimes will be forgiven. He claims to genuinely respect what Kyoichiro is doing, and not want to have to crush him.
And for once, Kyoichiro is indecisive. Hideyoshi gives him time to decide and in the meantime lets him steal all the items back?? GAME YOU WERE ALMOST BEING INTERESTING THERE FOR A SECOND.
Kyoichiro needles MC for looking up to him so much but there's a warmth underneath it. When she tries to confess her love again he says "Before you continue, will you listen to my past?"
Since child!Kyoichiro was sent to Iga as a hostage, the Iga ninjas were even more unfriendly than normal, so he didn't have a great childhood. As an adult he was sent to serve the heir of liege lord at "a castle that no longer exists". His master was kind and a little shy, and Kyoichiro enjoyed being free of the village...until the master inherited leadership, and started purging anyone who spoke against him. Kyoichiro killed everyone who might have been able to free the common folk from his master's oppression.
We see a flashback where Kyoichiro is named "Roar of Thunder" (the meaning of the original spelling of his name) and is all polite and obedient. His master is losing a battle and ignores Kyoichiro and his retainers trying to get everyone to safety, all "Commoner's lives don't matter! Just help me flee! All you need to do is obey me, that is what a ninja is!"
Subtle, game.
Kyoichiro remembers the shy young lord he first met, and sees no trace of him in the man before him. He grabs his master's sword, and kills him.
Kyoichiro: If being a ninja means serving worthless dregs like you, I'll stop being one.
He fought the enemy long enough to let the others escape, then stumbled into the forest to die. But Sasuke saved him.
Kyoichiro: The Kyoichiro I was died that day. You say I'm your light, but I'm just a shadow yearning for light myself. Just like you. A shadow can't become light.
She hugs him.
MC: There has to be a way. Maybe not a dazzling perfect light the gods can't touch, but a gentle glow like the moon, standing out against the darkness. The past cannot be undone, but even if noone else will forgive you, I do.
He asks in a small voice if he can really forgiven, and she reassures him and finally gets to tell him she loves him. Instead of pushing her away he hugs her back, and thanks her (Apparently the first time he's ever used her name, wow, Kyoichiro). And then he kisses her.
A few days later and they haven't actually discussed their relationship. See, it keeps being kinda cute, and then he's an ass again...
Kaede writes: Our village has decided to align ourselves with the Koka ninjas. The clan is waiting for you, and so am I.
Me: GO TO HER. SHE WILL TREAT YOU RIGHT.
MC is in fact planning on leaving, since she no longer has a reason to stay, but she feels pretty bad about it.
Kyoichiro tells her that thanks to her, he feels like he can work towards atonement as Goemon.
He makes his comeback stealing decadent luxuries from the corrupt monks and distributing it to all the common folk rather than just the very poor. And just as planned, everyone turns against the monks and decides Nobunaga isn't so bad, if he let Goemon go.
...yay? This is such an odd choice. Why make Goemon work with Nobunaga of all people? Even if it was just Hideyoshi, in his home city, it would feel less complicit in violent conquest (with this fluffy fictional Hideyoshi, anyway) But I guess the story's not done yet.
Kyoichiro lets MC in on his meeting with Hideyoshi "to serve the tea" and she feels grateful. GET HIGHER STANDARDS.
Hideyoshi: Your work is exemplary.
Kyoichiro: Oh, pish ;)
Hideyoshi: Shall I take it as your answer?
Kyoichiro: Lord Nobunaga is a valued customer.
Ok, so, I get why MC feels obliged to go home to her village. But LEAVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND JUST LEAVING A NOTE?? Urgh she's angsting about how she would CAST A SHADOW ON HIS LIFE, Shadow!MC why are you such a melodramatic dumbass.
Me: Oh hey, it's Saizo!
Me: ....WAIT. OH NO, IT'S SAIZO.
(Saizo is also an Iga ninja)
Saizo: I'm not here to kill you.
MC: Oh. Wait, then is he here to kill...
Kyoichiro, appearing out of nowhere: Run!
MC: NO. YOU RUN. YOU'RE THE TARGET.
But it's not Kyoichiro, ex-Iga ninja they want to get rid of. It's Goemon, because he supports Nobunaga, and thus might lead to a peaceful society with no need to hire ninjas? That's...ok, sure.
Saizo is beating down Kyoichiro and MC is about to try to help when...it starts to rain and Saizo runs away?
THAT'S RIGHT. I HEARD HE HAD A MYSTERIOUS WEAKNESS TO RAIN.
MC: You still can't escape the shadows :(
Kyoichiro: The brighter the light, the richer the shadows. I knew that. I'm going to settle this.
Light End:
Kyoichiro: The old me would have run, but a certain someone had to call me her light. If I can even be such a thing, I'd like to try.
He asks her to stay behind, and she agrees, feeling like she'd just get in the way. But then she thinks: has she really not grown since she left her village? She may not have learned any new battle techniques, but she has other sources of power. She can be a leader and protector too.
Kyoichiro has chased Saizo down to fight him and I don't quite understand? If he kills Saizo won't Iga just send someone else?
He's also at a disadvantage since, having renounced murder, all he has is the little knife hidden in his pipe, while Saizo has Ninja Swords and no qualms about murder whatsoever.
Kyoichiro: Why don't you give up? I know you don't care about some runaway ninja.
Saizo: If I did Iga would just send someone else. I don't know what you're thinking, but it's no use. *slashes his leg*
Kyoichiro: I live my life as a free man, on my own terms.
Saizo, swinging his blade in a killing blow: Sure :)
But then he's stopped by...Hideyoshi! And a bunch of Nobunaga's soldiers!
MC: I thought I should probably stop being a freeloader and pay you back soon, or else you'd be mad.
A few days later, Kyoichiro is thanking Nobunaga for lending Hideyoshi's aid with a bunch of fancy European items and sweets including his finest item...a clock with a moondial! And then he gives it to Nobunaga for free as a token of his gratitude.
MC: I am unworthy, Lord Nobunaga, but I humbly beg leave to serve you.
And then she gives him a box with the Dragon's Tears. I think...to buy her village's freedom? That sounded a lot more like pledging allegiance than negotiating a business deal but maybe I missed the subtext.
MC: Kyoichiro...can I stay here with you?
Kyoichiro, blushing: ...I'm still making you do the housework, freeloader.
MC is overjoyed, Kyochiro diffidently says he's gotten used to her cooking then walks away "to avoid having more feelings".
Aw but then he gives her a belated welcoming party with some fancy European wine (made from GRAPES!)
Later, a cheerfully drunk MC asks Kyoichiro what their relationship is going to be, he keeps changing the subject and eventually says "Do whatever you want". So she buries her face in his lap and whines "Tell me what you think of meeeee", but then falls asleep before she can hear him mutter that he loves her too.
Kyoichiro: Ugh, my leg's all pins and needles.
MC: I can't believe I fell asleep on you D:
Kyoichiro: It's fine, since we're lovers and all.
MC: :O ?????
Kyoichiro: *kisses her* Proof enough for you?
MC: ...yes. .....um. Do you love me?
Kyoichiro, blushing: I wouldn't keep you around if I hated you >.>
Kaede: WAIT YOU'RE WITH KYOICHIRO?? :(
Sorry Kaede, I think you'd be better for her too :(
But Kaede's very impressed with MC's negotiations with Nobunaga.
Kaede, cupping MC's jaw: You've gotten so much stronger. I thought I could watch over you like a big sister my entire life...but maybe there's no need for that any more. You've come to a point where you can survive on your own. Looks like you've found someone to survive right along with you, too.
MC reassures Kaede that she's still a member of their village, and promises to come see the new village they're building with the Koka.
Shima invites Kyoichiro, too, and he says he'll think about it.
Kaede: Kyoichiro, you don't know what I'll do to you if you make MC cry :)
Kyoichiro: Chilling. She's mine now so I can do with her as I like. And I don't have to worry about what you think, since she will be cooking for me now :)
Kaede: Ha. You must really like her cooking then.
Kyoichiro: I'm not saying it's actually good. You'll have to work hard, MC, I don't want to be eating terrible dinners for the rest of my life.
MC thinks that she loves solving the puzzle of looking for the love hidden inside the mean things he says. Well, as long as she's happy I guess...
That night Kyoichiro invites himself into her bed with the excuse that he's guarding against her vanishing again- not just being kidnapped, but running off.
She hugs him and says she'll never leave him alone again. They make out for a while but get interrupted by the fox Raita, and the three of them affectionately snuggle and go to sleep.
THE END
That was kinda cute as an ending, at least.
Not feeling super inspired by any of my choices right now, currently pondering Saizo purely for fic purposes, since I have this Saizo/Yukimura/MC idea that won't leave me alone.
So I really liked the idea of this path: the main character is a woman who raised as a ninja, always subservient to a lord, while Kyoichiro is an ex-ninja who's become an independent business man determined to never be subservient to anyone, and has a secret identity as a Robin Hood-esque thief who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Kyoichiro teaches MC how to be independent and strong, and she teaches him to forgive himself for his past and accept her love.
Unfortunately the execution was pretty mediocre. I wasn't expecting deep political commentary but it brings up a bunch of questions about freedom and justice in an unjust society then is incredibly lazy about answering them, and isn't very satisfying as simple "Screw the rich!" power fantasy either. Also while Kyoichiro is, at heart, a basically decent guy, he's just the wrong side of asshole with his tsundere emotional constipation, and MC ends up too soppily ok with it for my tastes.
So! MC is looking for a way to help her village of Mitsuba, makers of Secret Ninja Health Potion the Dragon's Tears, become independent of Lord Nobunaga, who currently pretty much owns them.
Unfortunately, she gained the attention of her childhood friend Sakuya, who works for Nobunaga but is also a member of the Iga Clan of Evil Ninjas, who want to kill MC and her village.
Currently, MC is stuck in a well being tortured by Sakuya for the recipe for Dragon's Tears.
She's spent the last few days desperately scrabbling at the stone walls of the well with bloody hands, and I know intellectually that this isn't because I took several days to gather the points to continue but it's ADDED TO THE MOOD.
She's trapped in the dark, just like she's trapped in the shadow filled life of a shinobi. Maybe there is no escape from either of them.
"I chew on my lip, wishing I could punch Sakuya in the face right now"
ILU Shadow!MC
...you know, normally I'd be happy to see Mitsuhide, but considering he works for the guy who hired Sakuya...right now, I'm not liking him so much.
Apparently Kyoichiro's alter ego Goemon has sent Nobunaga a letter saying he'll steal Nobunaga's "secret treasure".
Sakuya lies to Nobunaga and says he hasn't tracked down 'the maker of the Dragon's Tears'. Nobunaga notices Sakuya uncharacteristically expressing an interest in what he intends to do next.
Nobunaga and Sakuya come across as Villain and Evil Henchman while being entirely consistent with their characterisation in their own routes.
Sakuya comes to ask MC one last time for the recipe. Sadly there's no "FUCK YOU SAKUYA" option, and the walkthrough says to choose "plead for my life". He sounds pretty sad about killing her, MC isn't sure she can trust it but claims to be willing to talk.
Once he's brought her up, she spins a story about how making the Dragon's Tears requires a toxic flower only members of her bloodline can safely touch.
He stares at her for a moment and then goes for her neck. Yeah, that was a pretty fake sounding story but it was worth a shot.
She does her best to fight back, but is too stiff and sore.
MC: If you...kill me...you'll lose the elixir.
Sakuya: Yes, but as you've explained it, so will everyone else. Now reap the rewards of running counter to your fate.
MC thinks "So much for old friendship". She sees a flicker of emotion in his eyes and then everything goes black.
"Is that the lesson I'm supposed to learn here? Pursue freedom and die in the attempt?"
*quietly ships MC/Sakuya because I am a weirdo*
And then there's a swooshing sound and a shocked Sakuya lets her go. It's Kyoichiro, giving a gasping MC shit for doing such a bad job of looking after things while he was away.
Kyoichiro: Surprised? I did send a letter saying I'd steal her :)
Sakuya: She belongs to Iga.
Kyoichiro: Were you not listening? I. am. here. to. steal. her. Snatch her away from the jaws of shinobi fate and all that business.
Sakuya: >:( *draws knives*
Kyoichiro: This is why I hate ninjas :/
And then a voice asks MC if she's okay...
IT'S KAEDE :D
"I'm overwhelmed with love for them both. They're the shining spot of hope where I thought there would be none."
*Kaede/MC/Kyoichiro shipping intensifies*
Kaede glares at Sakuya with the fire of a thousand suns.
Kaede: I'll have your head, Fujibayashi Sakuya! I'll take it clean off your shoulders!
<3
Kyoichiro and Kaede work together, and just as it looks like Kaede is going to land the killing blow, she's blocked by...Sakuya's brother Genya!
Genya: The chief wants to see you. Momochi's on the move.
MC: (Aren't the Fujibayashi and Momochi villages allied?)
Me: Who the hell are the Momichi?? So many names /o\
Kyoichiro complains about what trouble MC is while cradling her to his chest. To MC he is her beautiful, radiant hero bathed in light.
She wakes to Kyoichiro mopping her brow, and thanks him for his gentle care. He blushes and avoids her gaze.
Kyoichiro: If you're well enough to be waxing emotional, you might just pull through. Serves me right for worrying about you.
Aw, he and Kaede have been looking after MC in shifts. He softly caresses her bandaged hands and actually says "I'm glad you're safe".
Kyoichiro: Such awful wounds...this is why I hate ninjas.
MC, feverish and sad: Will you always hate all ninjas?
Kyoichiro: Yes. Shadows follow at their heels.
MC: Some of us can't help it. Including you. ...please don't reject me. I could handle it from anyone but you.
Kyoichiro: Why would you say that now of all times?
MC: I admire you. I respect you. I long for your way of life. ...I long for you.
Kyoichiro: !
MC, finally realising it: I lov-
Kyoichiro: Whatever you're about to say, don't. Let me tell you why I hate ninjas: because the person I hate most is a ninja.
MC: Who?
Kyoichiro: My old self. My hands are stained with the blood of the innocent. It didn't matter who I killed as long as it was under orders. I did anything, and I mean anything.
He laughs darkly, and won't look at her, tears in the corners of his eyes. She sees at last the shadows that have always been tormenting him inside.
Kyoichiro: This is why I hate those who love me. There's something wrong about loving person like me.
After that he avoids her, eating out every night and speaking to her as little as possible in the shop. At least Kaede is there to keep MC company.
Some merchants come in discussing how Nobunaga will bring doom down on their heads by attacking the Hogan-ji temple of Morally Ambiguous Monks. Which I guess means this is set at the same time as the end of the Mitsuhide path, as much as timelines in this game match history or each other.
Also, Sakuya clearly didn't tell Nobunaga what was up with Goemon's letter about stealing from him, so now Nobunaga is pissed and has ordered Hideyoshi to confiscate everything Goemon gives the poor.
OH HEY IT'S KYOICHIRO'S COUSIN SHIMA
Apparently Kyoichiro has changed the characters spelling his surname "Narukami" from "Roar of Thunder" to "Cry of the Gods".
Huh, apparently Shima and Kyoichiro haven't actually met before, that's an odd storytelling choice. MC finds Shima's cheerful personality hard to dislike.
Shima's plan is to gather all the scattered ninjas from their old village of Koka and create a group powerful enough to oppose Iga. He suggests that MC's village might be interested too. MC is cautiously interested but Kyoichiro just says "I don't work with ninjas" and walks off.
When she gets home, Kaede points out that Kyochiro and Shima seem to be from elite families related to the village chief (as Kaede is in their village) And then she goes off with Shima to the meeting.
MC and Kyoichiro see a little poor boy who Goemon helped sad now that his mother's medicine has been taken away by Hideyoshi.
MC goes to visit Hideyoshi and acts like she's just randomly curious, he says he's sad to do it but is just following orders.
MC: I take it Lord Nobunaga will kill Goemon when he catches him.
Hideyoshi: Who can say? Lord Nobunaga doesn't think like ordinary men. His cleverness is beyond even my calibre.
I'd be more likely to believe him if I hadn't just watched a silly ad for the Nobunaga's Birthday event where Hideyoshi successfully manipulates the lifelong teetotaller Nobunaga into drinking sake, afaict just to show off to Ieyasu that he's a better manipulator.
MC doesn't believe him either.
Hideyoshi: You seem quite preoccupied with Goemon. It's almost as if you don't want him to be caught :)
MC: Oh, no! I just...saw a little boy crying in front of our shop because he'd lost the crane Goemon gave him. Would it be possible to get it back?
He stares at her for a moment then smiles and asks her to follow him to a warehouse attached to a stately mansion, which turns out to be his...and is full of all the items Goemon stole.
MC THIS IS A TRAP
He gives MC the crane and softly tells her it's up to her where to go from here.
Hideyoshi: Do you think it's possible for a truly equal world to exist?
MC: ...it's beyond me. It seems to me that your lot in life is largely determined by the circumstances of your birth.
He smiles sadly and leaves.
Kyoichiro: What are you planning, cuddling up to Lord Hideyoshi like that?
MC: Probably exactly what you're imagining.
Kyoichiro: I'm aware you're an impulsive know-nothing, but can't you see how this is going to end?
MC: I'm well aware, but I've made up my mind. You're going to be able to return to being Goemon. I can't have you come to harm for helping me, that goes against our agreement.
Kyoichiro: Noone's being hurt. Being Goemon was just a bit of a lark.
She points out that this is blatant hogwash, and that he's trying to do penance for his past as a ninja. They end up shouting at each other.
Kyoichiro: I'm not that good of a person!
MC: Yes you are! Stop blaming yourself for everything!
She used to see him as a being of light, far above her. But she needs to help him pull himself out of the shadow of self hatred.
She reaches for him and he slaps away her hand, coldly saying "Do whatever you want" before he walks away.
Hideyoshi is unhappily surprised that MC was the one to fall for his trap.
He blocks her path, noting that she's pretty nimble for a 'simple shop girl', and smilingly asks her to explain herself.
MC: I am Ishikawa Goemon.
Hideyoshi: Is that so. Then who did you steal a priceless teapot from a year ago? :)
MC: ...I don't feel like telling you.
Nice try, MC.
Hideyoshi: The only person I can think of who you'd lie to protect is Kyoichiro. If you admit to me that he's Goemon, we can forget this whole fiasco ever happened. You're an excellent healer, it would be a shame to lose you...
And then of course Kyoichiro shows up to save her.
The fact that Hideyoshi was getting close to Kyoichiro to figure out if he was Goemon does answer the "why did the game make Goemon friends with the guy who killed him irl" question, and knowing historical!Hideyoshi killed mythical!Goemon adds to the narrative tension.
MC: Why? I was handling this, it was my choice.
Kyoichiro: What right do you have to tell me what to do?
Hideyoshi: Sorry to interrupt, but could you save this argument for later? :)
MC: Goemon is a beacon of hope to the common folk, if you arrest him that will be lost!
Hideyoshi: ...and? :)
ahaha, Hideyoshi, you peasant-murdering scamp
MC: ...and I believe that will negatively influence Lord Nobunaga's authority.
Hideyoshi: Not the sort of opinions I'd expect of a mere healer.
MC: There are worse things to be accused of than independent thought.
And then Hideyoshi lets them go! And the next day he offers Kyoichiro a deal: agree to be seen as working for Nobunaga, and all crimes will be forgiven. He claims to genuinely respect what Kyoichiro is doing, and not want to have to crush him.
And for once, Kyoichiro is indecisive. Hideyoshi gives him time to decide and in the meantime lets him steal all the items back?? GAME YOU WERE ALMOST BEING INTERESTING THERE FOR A SECOND.
Kyoichiro needles MC for looking up to him so much but there's a warmth underneath it. When she tries to confess her love again he says "Before you continue, will you listen to my past?"
Since child!Kyoichiro was sent to Iga as a hostage, the Iga ninjas were even more unfriendly than normal, so he didn't have a great childhood. As an adult he was sent to serve the heir of liege lord at "a castle that no longer exists". His master was kind and a little shy, and Kyoichiro enjoyed being free of the village...until the master inherited leadership, and started purging anyone who spoke against him. Kyoichiro killed everyone who might have been able to free the common folk from his master's oppression.
We see a flashback where Kyoichiro is named "Roar of Thunder" (the meaning of the original spelling of his name) and is all polite and obedient. His master is losing a battle and ignores Kyoichiro and his retainers trying to get everyone to safety, all "Commoner's lives don't matter! Just help me flee! All you need to do is obey me, that is what a ninja is!"
Subtle, game.
Kyoichiro remembers the shy young lord he first met, and sees no trace of him in the man before him. He grabs his master's sword, and kills him.
Kyoichiro: If being a ninja means serving worthless dregs like you, I'll stop being one.
He fought the enemy long enough to let the others escape, then stumbled into the forest to die. But Sasuke saved him.
Kyoichiro: The Kyoichiro I was died that day. You say I'm your light, but I'm just a shadow yearning for light myself. Just like you. A shadow can't become light.
She hugs him.
MC: There has to be a way. Maybe not a dazzling perfect light the gods can't touch, but a gentle glow like the moon, standing out against the darkness. The past cannot be undone, but even if noone else will forgive you, I do.
He asks in a small voice if he can really forgiven, and she reassures him and finally gets to tell him she loves him. Instead of pushing her away he hugs her back, and thanks her (Apparently the first time he's ever used her name, wow, Kyoichiro). And then he kisses her.
A few days later and they haven't actually discussed their relationship. See, it keeps being kinda cute, and then he's an ass again...
Kaede writes: Our village has decided to align ourselves with the Koka ninjas. The clan is waiting for you, and so am I.
Me: GO TO HER. SHE WILL TREAT YOU RIGHT.
MC is in fact planning on leaving, since she no longer has a reason to stay, but she feels pretty bad about it.
Kyoichiro tells her that thanks to her, he feels like he can work towards atonement as Goemon.
He makes his comeback stealing decadent luxuries from the corrupt monks and distributing it to all the common folk rather than just the very poor. And just as planned, everyone turns against the monks and decides Nobunaga isn't so bad, if he let Goemon go.
...yay? This is such an odd choice. Why make Goemon work with Nobunaga of all people? Even if it was just Hideyoshi, in his home city, it would feel less complicit in violent conquest (with this fluffy fictional Hideyoshi, anyway) But I guess the story's not done yet.
Kyoichiro lets MC in on his meeting with Hideyoshi "to serve the tea" and she feels grateful. GET HIGHER STANDARDS.
Hideyoshi: Your work is exemplary.
Kyoichiro: Oh, pish ;)
Hideyoshi: Shall I take it as your answer?
Kyoichiro: Lord Nobunaga is a valued customer.
Ok, so, I get why MC feels obliged to go home to her village. But LEAVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND JUST LEAVING A NOTE?? Urgh she's angsting about how she would CAST A SHADOW ON HIS LIFE, Shadow!MC why are you such a melodramatic dumbass.
Me: Oh hey, it's Saizo!
Me: ....WAIT. OH NO, IT'S SAIZO.
(Saizo is also an Iga ninja)
Saizo: I'm not here to kill you.
MC: Oh. Wait, then is he here to kill...
Kyoichiro, appearing out of nowhere: Run!
MC: NO. YOU RUN. YOU'RE THE TARGET.
But it's not Kyoichiro, ex-Iga ninja they want to get rid of. It's Goemon, because he supports Nobunaga, and thus might lead to a peaceful society with no need to hire ninjas? That's...ok, sure.
Saizo is beating down Kyoichiro and MC is about to try to help when...it starts to rain and Saizo runs away?
THAT'S RIGHT. I HEARD HE HAD A MYSTERIOUS WEAKNESS TO RAIN.
MC: You still can't escape the shadows :(
Kyoichiro: The brighter the light, the richer the shadows. I knew that. I'm going to settle this.
Light End:
Kyoichiro: The old me would have run, but a certain someone had to call me her light. If I can even be such a thing, I'd like to try.
He asks her to stay behind, and she agrees, feeling like she'd just get in the way. But then she thinks: has she really not grown since she left her village? She may not have learned any new battle techniques, but she has other sources of power. She can be a leader and protector too.
Kyoichiro has chased Saizo down to fight him and I don't quite understand? If he kills Saizo won't Iga just send someone else?
He's also at a disadvantage since, having renounced murder, all he has is the little knife hidden in his pipe, while Saizo has Ninja Swords and no qualms about murder whatsoever.
Kyoichiro: Why don't you give up? I know you don't care about some runaway ninja.
Saizo: If I did Iga would just send someone else. I don't know what you're thinking, but it's no use. *slashes his leg*
Kyoichiro: I live my life as a free man, on my own terms.
Saizo, swinging his blade in a killing blow: Sure :)
But then he's stopped by...Hideyoshi! And a bunch of Nobunaga's soldiers!
MC: I thought I should probably stop being a freeloader and pay you back soon, or else you'd be mad.
A few days later, Kyoichiro is thanking Nobunaga for lending Hideyoshi's aid with a bunch of fancy European items and sweets including his finest item...a clock with a moondial! And then he gives it to Nobunaga for free as a token of his gratitude.
MC: I am unworthy, Lord Nobunaga, but I humbly beg leave to serve you.
And then she gives him a box with the Dragon's Tears. I think...to buy her village's freedom? That sounded a lot more like pledging allegiance than negotiating a business deal but maybe I missed the subtext.
MC: Kyoichiro...can I stay here with you?
Kyoichiro, blushing: ...I'm still making you do the housework, freeloader.
MC is overjoyed, Kyochiro diffidently says he's gotten used to her cooking then walks away "to avoid having more feelings".
Aw but then he gives her a belated welcoming party with some fancy European wine (made from GRAPES!)
Later, a cheerfully drunk MC asks Kyoichiro what their relationship is going to be, he keeps changing the subject and eventually says "Do whatever you want". So she buries her face in his lap and whines "Tell me what you think of meeeee", but then falls asleep before she can hear him mutter that he loves her too.
Kyoichiro: Ugh, my leg's all pins and needles.
MC: I can't believe I fell asleep on you D:
Kyoichiro: It's fine, since we're lovers and all.
MC: :O ?????
Kyoichiro: *kisses her* Proof enough for you?
MC: ...yes. .....um. Do you love me?
Kyoichiro, blushing: I wouldn't keep you around if I hated you >.>
Kaede: WAIT YOU'RE WITH KYOICHIRO?? :(
Sorry Kaede, I think you'd be better for her too :(
But Kaede's very impressed with MC's negotiations with Nobunaga.
Kaede, cupping MC's jaw: You've gotten so much stronger. I thought I could watch over you like a big sister my entire life...but maybe there's no need for that any more. You've come to a point where you can survive on your own. Looks like you've found someone to survive right along with you, too.
MC reassures Kaede that she's still a member of their village, and promises to come see the new village they're building with the Koka.
Shima invites Kyoichiro, too, and he says he'll think about it.
Kaede: Kyoichiro, you don't know what I'll do to you if you make MC cry :)
Kyoichiro: Chilling. She's mine now so I can do with her as I like. And I don't have to worry about what you think, since she will be cooking for me now :)
Kaede: Ha. You must really like her cooking then.
Kyoichiro: I'm not saying it's actually good. You'll have to work hard, MC, I don't want to be eating terrible dinners for the rest of my life.
MC thinks that she loves solving the puzzle of looking for the love hidden inside the mean things he says. Well, as long as she's happy I guess...
That night Kyoichiro invites himself into her bed with the excuse that he's guarding against her vanishing again- not just being kidnapped, but running off.
She hugs him and says she'll never leave him alone again. They make out for a while but get interrupted by the fox Raita, and the three of them affectionately snuggle and go to sleep.
THE END
That was kinda cute as an ending, at least.
Not feeling super inspired by any of my choices right now, currently pondering Saizo purely for fic purposes, since I have this Saizo/Yukimura/MC idea that won't leave me alone.
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Date: 2020-05-21 02:16 pm (UTC)That was my feeling about it too. I felt kind of betrayed by how little angst he had about working for Hideyoshi and Nobunaga in the end. Especially given his backstory about hating himself for being willing to work for corrupt lords as a ninja.
My favorite scene was MC bluffing Hideyoshi about being Goemon. I wish that had gone on longer. In general I was much happier with MC in this route than I was with Kyoichiro.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-23 05:55 am (UTC)Yes! And I mean they did set up that Kyoichiro genuinely thinks Nobunaga is a good leader but they also showed Nobunaga being his usual nasty self, including absolutely not being the kind of lord who would be willing to ever openly treat a merchant as an equal partner. And the way they just casually dropped that Goemon now helps all commoners even the ones who aren't poor so it works better as advertising for Nobunaga! I much preferred the version of him I inferred from his events D:
no subject
Date: 2020-05-24 03:02 am (UTC)I blame Hideyoshi and his manipulations.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-25 02:09 pm (UTC)Ha, yes, ok, I'll do that too :)