Tsuki no Shippo Ch.56 Summary

Hanzou talks to his sister about the Igan invasion. Kouga is being forced to guide the army into Iga or else be attacked as well. His sister asks him if he’s heard from Usagi’s team in the capital. Of course, Hanzou didn’t know that Usagi was doing this so he is quite distraught. Before she can finish filling him in with the details (and berating him), Hanzou has disappeared…

Meanwhile, Usagi struggles under Ranmaru’s grasp. He tells her that if she promises to quiet down he’ll remove his hand from her mouth. So she does. As he tears up the note he says that he’s never met such a careless shinobi before. He’s thought that ever since he saw her in Azuchi. Usagi is astounded that he’s known all along and yet has done nothing. As he begins to tuck her into his futon, he tells her that she will still make the tea for Nobunaga tomorrow. Then he draws her close to him and says that her life is in his hands. He looms in close as if for a kiss…Then says goodnight and goes to sleep. Usagi is terrified. Does this means he’ll kill her if she tries to run? But she HAS to get to Iga with the information about the invasion. Silently, she asks Hanzou what she should do…

The next morning Rikyuu brings Usagi a basket of various plants for her to use in making tea. Usagi notices one of the plants and starts in joy. She just might be saved and be able to return to Hanzou!! Rikyuu watches Usagi as she begins to blend the tea. Commenting on the wonderful aroma he reaches to sample the batch. Usagi has to smack his hand away and explains that interfering will change the flavor of the tea. Rikyuu totally falls for it and is astounded. He declares that she could have her own tea shop. This makes Usagi remember Yuuri and the dango shop and that if she has been found out then their cover is also in danger. A figure that looks mysteriously like Hanzou-sama passes by the shop, but it closed.

The tea is now ready and many of the guests have arrived, but the event has not started. It appears that Nobunaga will not be able to attend so the tea ceremony will be cancelled. Usagi begs them not to cancel it and manages to convince them. She begins to serve the tea and everyone seems to be enjoying it. She takes a cup to Ranmaru. He says he will have some later. As she keeps trying to convince him, others around them begin to yawn and feel sleepy. Ranmaru notices too. He mentions suspiciously that she hasn’t had any yet. She takes a large drink (which surprises him) then gives him a huge kiss, transferring the drink to his mouth. People are dropping off to sleep all around them. Though the drink has not taken full effect on Ranmaru yet, his mobility is hindered and Usagi is able to get away. Suddenly, a bearded man grabs her. Ranmaru hobbles towards them, yelling to the man to keep hold of her. But then the man takes off his cloak and throws it towards Ranmaru. He removes his beard… it’s Hanzou!!

End of Chapter 56 and Volume 8

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