— NEW —
Shungen, did you hear. The tale of our battle will be getting a game adaptation!
A game? Wow, how cool!
Indeed! In the game you'll be able to experience the heroic tale of our lord, Lord Shanao! I was there, and even I want to play it!？
The tale of a beautiful samurai, one who wields their sword for the people of this great land... Just thinking about it gets me excited!
That's right. It will be so great looking back on all the wonderful experiences we had with Lord Shanao, the time we rode our horses―
Waaaaaait! Waaaaaaaaaaaaait!
?!
Excuse us for just one moment,
Lord Tsugunobu, Lord Tadanobu, what's wrong?
Hehehe. Well, Benkei, we're planning a little event to commemorate the release of the game!
Each one of us is going to talk about why our route is the best!
Oh?
Of course, we'll keep this little competition spoiler free!
Alright let's begin the "You'll absolutely be happiest with me ladies" competition!
I...I don't really get it, but I guess it could be fun.
You don't get it, but you still want to play, Benkei? But hey, we need more people don't we?
Of course, of course, we won't leave anybody out! Oi! Takatsuna!
Hiiiiii! Sorry to keep you waiting, but I've brought my fabulously handsome lord, Lord Yoritomo!
I'm not doing this. If you want to play this game, you can do it yourselves.
Classic Lord Yoritomo, always stern always serious! But c'mon, your work is done for the day, loosen up a little!
Yeah, but—
It's fiiiiiine! If anything comes up, Lord Kagetoki can handle it!
I already wrote him a letter asking him to take care of everything today, so c'mon, let's have some fun!
...
Lord Yoritomo sure looks pissed...
You've already come all this way! Why not have a little fun?
But, I—
Hey Brother, look at these Genji dumb-dumbs talking nonsense.
Hehe, nonsense indeed.
Who cares...
!
What are the Heike doing here?!
Hahaha! Afraid of a little competition, eh?
Both Shigehira and I have routes in the game, don't we? We have every right to be here.
Oi! Don't forget about me! I have a route too!
Grgh! How rude to just show up... Though I guess it saves me the trouble of inviting you...
By the way, where is Lord Shanao? No...has she perhaps been kidnapped by the Heike?!
What?! That doesn't make any sense, why would we bother coming all the way here if that was the case.
Unfortunately, no, but that's not a bad idea. Perhaps we should just capture her by force now?
Nice idea, Brother! If there's violence involved, you know I'm on-board!
How rude! There's no need for us to fight!
There's no reason not to fight either.
Lord Yoritomo?
If it's a fight they want, I won't back down. Let's go, Heike scum!
Huh?!
I'll get my revenge here and now! Let's settle this!
Very well, and if we win, you'll tell us where Shanao is?
Yikes! Lord Yoritomo, are you sure about this?! I don't think this is such a good idea!
Quick, Tadanobu!
I know, I know! Haaaaaaagh!
What's this?
My sword... It's gone?!
There's no violence here! All your weapons have been confiscated.
They just disappeared into thin air! How did you do that?
It's special game launch commemoration magic, only available today.
I don't really get it, but it sure was impressive!
Alright everyone, time for us all to promote our routes. We, the Sato brothers, will facilitate the competition.
Well that wasn't very nice of you to steal our weapons like that. But fine, fine, I'll play along...
Excellent. Very well, then Noritsune, you go first!
Huh?! Why me?
It makes sense, doesn't it? You're the most gung-ho of the Heike!
Hmph. I'm not interested in making some silly appeal for my route. I'm only here to duel with Shanao.
Again with this. Is that all you can think about? Fighting?
Of course, Shanao is my rival after all! But…
It's not only Shanao's strength I admire...it's the way she lives…
I...I don't know what this feeling is exactly, but, I hope to find out. I think that if I duel with her, I might be able to understand...
Hear that, ladies? He's a lover and a fighter. Will these two bitter rivals become something more? Only time will tell...
Typical Noritsune...
That sounds terribly uncomfortable. Life's about being comfortable.
You would think that way.
So that's your connection to Lord Shanao? You're bitter rivals? But how will you two ever learn to get along?
Get along? With Shanao? Don't be stupid.
This isn't a brawler Noritsune, it's an otome visual novel.
A what?
Noritsune is still *ahem* inexperienced with such matters. Better to let such things blossom naturally.
Wait, Tomomori. If you know what he's talking about, explain it to me!
I'm with my brother on this one. Just keep quiet for now Noritsune.
Grgh!
Very well, let's continue! Next will be—
Me! Me! Pick Me!
Benkei?
We started with Noritsune Taira, next we should pick someone from the Genji side!
And since I am Lord Shanao's #1 vassal, I should go next!
Well said! Very well, Benkei, you're up!
Hm. I would say my best point is my dependability!
Dependability? Hmmm, yeah, I guess so. Benkei's so big and strong, I for one always feel better when he's around.
Not only that, but my body is strong, and I've promised to protect Lord Shanao no matter what!
If you get in trouble, I'll be the first to rush in. You have nothing to fear as long as you're with me!
I'll always be by your side to support you, and I'll never give up my position next to you!
Sounds like a proud and loyal vassal type to me!
What kind of appeal is that? You're a vassal, you'll protect Shanao on whatever route she chooses!
Not necessarily! Besides, Benkei is the oldest and wisest—er—oldest and kindest of us all...
If you have something to say Tadanobu, wait till the end.
Oh! And mention the fact that you're like a big puppy! That's part of your charm!
A puppy?
Ah that's right, whenever I see Benkei and Lord Shanao together, Benkei's always smiling.
That's true. I always heard Benkei was a wise monk, and then I met him...my impression is a little different now.
Smiling, huh? When you mention it now, it sounds a little embarrassing.
But still, if I can give peace to Lord Shanao, that's all that matters to me.
Benkei is the type of person that can be relied on, no matter which route you take.
No matter what route you choose, there's sure to be trouble and difficulty ahead. It's good to know you've got someone like Benkei on your side!
Trouble and difficulty? Why did you look at me when you said that?
My apologies. So, who's next?!
Yikes, sounds like things are getting pretty tense! Shungen, how about you go next?
Me?
Ah, indeed! Shungen's a good choice too. Together he and I always work to protect Lord Shanao, and he's capable of things nobody else is!
What's with you, Benkei?
Well, you've been with Lord Shanao since the very beginning. You grew up together. I'm honestly somewhat jealous of the two of you sometimes.
Is see... Well I am always trying to help out, and I feel great whenever I'm able to do it.
The trustworthy, understanding childhood friend! Sounds pretty good!
Trustworthy and understanding... I hope so. Ever since we left Kurama Temple, I've been trying my best to improve myself.。
I want to continue to grow stronger and smarter so I'm able to better support Shana, I mean, Shanao!
Whoa! Check out the honor student over here.
That's part of Shungen's charm.
That's right. Looking at it from Shanao's point of view, Shungen is like...a childhood friend…but...what are these strange new feelings...?
Sounds pretty exciting, eh?
Ah! The old "what you've always wanted has been right in front of you all along" route! Some people really like that kind of thing!
What's with you guys. Why do the three of you keep talking like that?
Hehe, just go with it.
Oh, how about you go next Lord Yoritomo? Want me to speak on your behalf?
Ugh! How much longer is this going to take? I'm so bored.
I don't mind. Let them speak.
Hmph. Well, enjoy yourself, Brother. Hey Noritsune, wanna go get a drink?
Be quiet.
Make an appeal? My goal is to revive the Genji to their rightful place, other than that, there's not much else to say.
What are you talking about?! Not only are you incredibly strong but your leadership of the Genji army has been astounding!
That's right, it's not everyday someone can attract such a large army to follow them!
Besides, your strong dedication to reviving the Genji is one of the best parts about you.
Benkei, Shungen...
Pity the man who can't even recognize his own greatness. Ah well, I guess some people are into that kind of thing.
That must be exhausting, trying to deny how awesome you are. I certainly couldn't do that.
Poor Yoritomo, going through life on hard mode.
Yes, he truly is pitiful, isn't he?
?!
Tomomori, Shigehira! What are you saying over there?
That's right, that's right! He may seem strong on the outside, walled off from love, screaming inside to be held but too scared to make a sound!
You think I'm...pitiful?
Don't worry Lord Yoritomo. I'll always be here for you!
That...that won't be necessary Takatsuna...
Yikes, seems like things are going off the rails here, let's head to Tomomori!
Oh, it's my turn?
Well, based on the pathetic appeals we've heard until now I think I win by default, wouldn't you say?
The only feeling I get from you is danger.
Is that so? Is it danger, or excitement? Something in between perhaps? If that sounds appealing to you, there's no other route for you.
Also, I am well-versed in the ways of love. Follow me and you'll be filled with an unquenchable eternal desire...that I guarantee you.
Yeesh! Is it just me, or is getting hot in here?!
Well done, Brother, as to be expected.
I've got goosebumps...
So then, where is Shanao? It's obvious my appeal was by far the best.
Oh no, no, no! That's something the folks reading this are going to have to decide when they play the main game!
Right, besides if Lord Shanao were to show up now, a full-scale war might break out!
Lord Shanao and the people reading this are going to be the ones to decide who made the best appeal, that's the only way to settle this.
Very well then. I'll look forward to seeing what they choose.
What? Are you really okay with that, Brother?
No point in forcing things now, right? Besides, the anticipation is all part of the fun. Now let us all return and prepare.
Leave me out of this.
Ah, c'mon Noritsune, don't be a poor sport.
Poor sport? I didn't lose anything! We didn't even fight!
Well, I guess that's the end of that! Gosh, I'm kind of tired!
Still it was nice to hear everyone make their appeals, wasn't it? I sure enjoyed it.
It was a valuable experience.
Mm. I think everyone who read this understands us all a little better!
Are we done here? I'm heading back.
Anyway, Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei is out now! Everyone go get yourselves a copy!
By the way, the official recommended playthrough order is Noritsune > Benkei > Shungen > Yoritomo > Tomomori.
Tadanobu and I, as well as Takatsuna and Shigehira each have our own sub-routes as well! Hope you all enjoy!
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