Black Clover (ブラッククローバー)

Please wake up! Hey!

Please hang in there.

Imari-kun?

What a relief! I was so worried.

Where are we?

In the forest.

When I came looking for you, I found you collapsed here.

Ouch!

That's right.

I was on the way back to the castle with Hanbee-kun

when we were attacked by yakuma...

I couldn't move anymore

because I'd forced myself to run so hard.

I'm really glad you're all right.

Anyway, we have to hurry and treat your leg.

You're...

P-Please put me down.

You cannot move with that injury.

You may stay at my castle for the time being.

Do not worry. We will not harm you.

We have expanded the search area to find Yuzuki,

but there is no sign of her.

It is possible she was taken by another army.

Is that so?

Hideyoshi-sama,

Toshiie and Hanbee's treatment is finished.

Both of them require absolute bed rest.

What a mess I've made.

I couldn't beat the despised Nobunaga,

the village has been burned, my vassals are injured,

and I even lost her...

Why? What...

What did I do wrong?

There, all finished.

With some rest, it will surely heal.

As Kenshin-sama said,

Kagemochi Amakasu

you should take your time and get better here.

But...

Kageie Kakizaki

I've brought you a change of clothes.

Thank you.

You should thank Kenshin-sama.

Please rest assured...

Kenshin-sama is a noble man, unlike the violent warlords of the other armies.

A noble man?

Yes.

By the way, Kageie, where is the change of clothes for her?

Huh? They're right here—

What?!

I'm sure I had them just a minute ago...

Kageie's carelessness is always causing such trouble.

This month makes it one, two, three...

Four, five, six times—

Hey, shut up!

Oh, I'm sorry!

You finally laughed.

You look even lovelier with a smile.

Anyway, please just concentrate on letting that wound heal for now.

Okay.

What a beautiful melody...

Kanetsugu Naoe

I gathered you all here to discuss her.

Kagekatsu Uesugi

The castle is abuzz with rumors about her,

because she was being sheltered and protected by the Toyotomi.

And to top it all off, she has the blood of the Himemiko.

Kenshin Uesugi

Her blood is similar to the Himemiko's,

in that it has the tremendous power to influence the outcome of a battle.

Her existence could be of extreme importance to the Uesugi Army.

That is why, regardless of the situation,

it is forbidden to use her blood.

Huh?

Of course, that includes mentioning that power outside of the castle, as well.

But if we used her power, the Takeda Army would no longer be a threat.

That is all. You are dismissed.

Understood.

Understood.

Understood.

Kagekatsu.

Yes.

I would like you to look after her.

Me?

I'm counting on you.

Understood.

Kenshin-sama!

Your horse is ready.

I'm sorry you have to look after me.

Don't worry about it.

My father's orders are absolute.

Your father?

My name is Kagekatsu Uesugi.

I am Kenshin Uesugi's adopted son and heir, more or less.

Is that so?

We're close in age. You don't need to be so formal with me.

All right... Sure, thank you.

Sure.

What are you so thankful for?

Watch yourself, Kagekatsu.

What are you going to do if she's a spy for the Toyotomi?

I'm sure it's fine. She doesn't seem so bad to me.

Are you hungry? Let's get some food.

Okay.

H-Hey! Wait up!

But why are we forbidden from using her blood, though?

I guess it's to prevent any needless battles from breaking out, huh?

Kenshin-sama doesn't care for futile battles, after all.

What do you mean by that?

Kenshin-sama is always fighting for justice.

Even now, he's gone off to the temple.

The temple?

After every battle, he always goes to the temple to purify his mind and body.

Was that battle the right thing to do? Was the blood spilt not in vain?

Did I maintain my own sense of justice?

He's probably asking himself these things.

The biwa...

I heard him playing the biwa last night.

He plays it to put the souls of the dead men to rest.

That's very kind of him.

Yes, he's kind and admirable, and stronger than anyone else.

Someone like me can't hold a candle to him.

Like I've been telling you, don't be so submissive.

I'm not being submissive!

You have me to help you get just a little bit closer to becoming like Kenshin-sama.

Now then, since we're done eating, let's go practice!

Victory is mine!

One more time!

I was hoping for that.

This is heavenly.

The moon is lovely tonight.

It is, indeed.

By the way, why did you put Kagekatsu-sama in charge of the girl?

It is true he has been studying politics more diligently lately,

and it's thanks to Kanetsugu that his sword skills have improved.

So by giving him a job where he has to take responsibility for something,

you're telling him to be a bit more confident, right?

If you already know the answer, don't ask. Besides...

He does not have any friends close to his age.

Since we are his superiors he will not reveal how he really feels to us,

but he might open up to someone closer to his age.

If you really want to know what he's thinking, the easiest way is to ask.

Kageie, if that were possible, this wouldn't be an issue.

Victory is mine.

Shall we take a break?

Not yet...

Excuse me...

I have snacks.

You should be resting.

I'm sorry...

I made rice balls. Won't you have some?

Delicious...

These are great! What is this flavor?

Bonito flakes and mayonnaise.

Mayonnaise?

I don't know what that is,

but with bonito flakes this delicious, I'm gonna eat it!

I'm glad.

B-But that doesn't mean I trust you or anything!

All done.

That's so terrible.

Jeez, I'll do it.

I'm the one father put in charge of taking care of her.

I'll do it.

I said I'll do it.

Rice balls!

What do we have today?

Grilled rice balls.

Victory is mine.

You did it!

Yeah!

Huh?

Yuzuki-san!

I-Imari-kun?!

I finally found you!

I'm sorry I couldn't come get you, Imari-kun.

It's fine!