Tsuki no Shippo Ch.51 Summary

Hanzou and Usagi are just about to kiss again when Hanzou realizes Mamezou is there, staring right at them. Usagi doesn't mind and is perfectly willing to continue in front of him but Hanzou resists. Then they notice Usagi's got a nosebleed. Hanzou tells her that if this happens just from a kiss then how is she going to do anything more/fulfill the duty of a husband and wife? Of course, this gets Usagi thinking that there's something more amazing than kissing and that once they get back to Iga and marry, then she'll…
(we get a nice bare chest shot of Hanzou) and her trickle of a nosebleed quickly becomes a gusher.

Next day while traveling Usagi is pale and weak. When Ranmaru asks about it she say's she's a bit anemic (I think)…. She mixes up some medicine from a plant to help her. Amazed that she knows not only teas but also herbal medicines, Ranmaru asks if she was brought up in a mountain village. Before Hanzou can deny this Usagi bursts out asking how he knew? Then she remembers she's supposed to be from Okazaki (not a mountain village) and she desperately tries to dig herself out of the hole ^_^; Whatever she says, it impresses Ranmaru, and he say's he'd like to see it (Freaking Usagi out of course) but that he doesn't have the time for it (or something like that. Regardless, Usagi is relieved)….because a huge war is coming soon…An invasion of Iga. In fact, the reason Ranmaru is going to Okazaki right now is to try and convince Ieyasu to become an ally in this.

Seemingly calm as ever, Hanzou asks when the invasion is going to be. The date isn't firmly set, but its going to be soon, around the new year (I think) which is in only 3 months!! Poor Mamezou starts to cry. Hanzou tries to tell him that it is nothing for him to cry about. Ranmaru apologizes to Hanzou for talking about it in front of a child and to Mamezou, telling him that it will not affect his Okazaki. Usagi calls Mamezou over and tries to calm him.

All of a sudden kami no Hanzou's father comes speeding to them on horseback. He tells Ranmaru that he must return to Azuchi at once as they have learned of a plot to assassinate Nobunaga. Ranmaru gives Hanzou senior a letter for Ieyasu, kisses Usagi's hand ("a traditional greeting" from Nanban that pisses Hanzou off ^^) and then quicky rides off on the horse. But after he is gone we find out it was all a made up story to get Usagi and Hanzou off the hook.

They proceed to Okazaki to talk with Ieyasu about the disturbing information they have just received. The letter from Ranmaru confirms the invasion and the timing. Usagi asks if Ieyasu will really help attack Iga. He says no, all Nobunaga probably wanted to request was food supplies. Usagi asks if there is a way to stop Nobunaga. Ieyasu replies that he doesn't have that kind of power. Nobunaga is really the one in charge. Still, he promises to help how he can, by letting them know the exact date of the invasion when he finds out. He apologizes that it's not much but Hanzou wholeheartedly thanks him. Then, Ieyasu asks if they have gotten married yet. When they tell him no he says they've got to hurry up and do it. Usagi's brightly responds that they're getting married as soon as they return to Iga (I don't think she really understands why he's stressing their marriage…)

The Hanzou's and Usagi prepare to return to Iga. Ieyasu tells Usagi to return when the the time comes, but she responds that the time will not come. Her next trip to Iga will be to report that the invasion was avoided.

They speed towards Iga full speed, shimo no Hanzou carrying Usagi on his back and kami no Hanzou carrying Mamezou. Hanzou tells Mamezou to run to Hoojiro as soon as they get back to Iga to alert Lord Tanba. Hanzou will head to the Fujibayashi's place. The three major sects/families must stand together to face the threat. Usagi wonders what will happen to the wedding with all this. Her Hanzou assures her that he will prevent the invasion. She believes in him.

When the arrive at their destination, Usagi is shocked to see that the fortress has been considerably built up. It really feels like a big war is about to start…

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