LOADING...
- 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!
