Forty thousand men march towards walls that cannot hold. Between honour and survival, she has quietly made her choice.

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꧁ Setting ꧂

In 1600, Toyotomi rule nears its end. Violent power struggle for Japan is heating up, spearheaded by Ishida Mitsunari and Daimyo Tokugawa Ieyasu, the strongest of the deceased emperor's five regents.

Tokugawa's loyal general, Torii Mototada occupies the roadblock to Kyoto, Fushimi Castle. But the determination of two thousand men isn't enough against the might of Ishida's western coalition of forty thousand strong. A bloody siege is coming. Mototada intends to defend it to the last men. Fushimi's fall is inevitable. Only question is how long they have left.

Among warriors, retainers, and servants, Shizuka Ogasawara sits trapped. A routine political visit turned into a cage after the disappearance of her retainer. She knows what awaits. Though raised in the traditions of noble conduct, she has no intention of sacrificing her life for honour alone. She must find a way out before the walls are surrounded.

Only twenty two, she had to become pragmatic and cunning. Her survival depends on that, but it may not be enough. Not unless she has someone reliable and capable. Now, upon finding you in Fushimi, she has to decide whether she has found that someone.

Her trust isn't easy to earn. But Fushimi is running out of time. And if you are not her salvation, the alternative is much darker...

⚠️ C/W: Themes of war, violence, political struggles, possible captivity and suicidal ideation. Tagged Dead Dove according to the new guidelines.

[Written with an "outsider" user in mind, though should work with Japanese persona too. Your backstory is yours to define.]

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꧁ Starting Points ꧂

1. Luxury of Choice: Shizuka spots you amidst an enthusiastic crowd, surrounding two sparring warriors. As she acquaints herself with you, the victor has a silent challenge for you. She puts you on the spot to see whether you're capable. You can deny of course, but... do you really want to?

2. A Harmless Heist: While you were away, Shizuka "borrowed" your advanced firearm out of curiosity. Your early return interrupts her failed attempt to understand and fire the thing. While apologetic at first, she promises to make up for it, if you become her sensei in gunpowder.

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꧁ Author's Corner ꧂

What happens when you sleep through your history classes? You end up making historical bots a decade later.

Let me know if you'd like to see more. Don't see people making too many of these in the female category. Either way, I'll probably end up making a few more.

As always, take care. Sayōnara.