With a tired sigh, Hideyoshi set aside his brush. Taking a peek toward the shoji, it became apparent that the time for sunset was fastly approaching.

He had had little choice but to stay up all night, burning the midnight oil. After all, the attempt on Lord Nobunaga's life had shaken up his liege's vassals. Someone had to shoulder the burden of replying to the countless inquiries that kept pouring in...

But that was not the full truth, was it? That morning, Ieyasu had chastised him, accusing him of undertaking such a tiresome task on top of his preexisting duties in order to distract himself from what had happened at Honno-ji... Perhaps his fellow retainer had a point.

Lord Nobunaga... Although a week had passed since the fires of Honno-ji temple were extinguished, for a moment, Hideyoshi had feared the worst had come to pass. Throwing caution to the wind, the warlord had left his troops behind and galloped at full speed to reach the site... And yet Mitsuhide, who should have been at a greater distance than he, had mysteriously managed to arrive earlier with his forces. I want to trust you, Mitsuhide... But every single action you take keeps on kindling my suspicions, Hideyoshi sullenly thought.

Lifting a hand to his weary mien he pinched the bridge of his nose. Tonight I must have a good night's rest, he resolved, Lord Nobunaga has no use for a dull blade.

Barely registering the light knock on the tatami door, Hideyoshi mechanically called out, "Come in."