Nobita's Time Heist

The monk had visited him before, but he didn't say much. He put his hands together in prayer, bowed, and then closed the door.

With a creak, the noisy world was shut out.

Hideyori let out a deep breath and looked at the two children waiting for him at the end of the white stone steps, a boy and a girl, who, as he had requested, were dressed in tattered commoner clothes and made to look like ordinary children.

"Father, why do you want us to dress like this?"

Although Kunimatsu was only eight years old, he sensed something was amiss. His features were quite similar to Hideyori's, and he also had a dashing appearance. Normally, he might have felt quite proud of this, but at this moment, he only regretted that Hideyori's appearance wasn't "ordinary." Even if he were to blend into a crowd, he could easily be recognized.

Is Osaka Castle about to fall?

"No, Kunimatsu, no!" Hideyori patted his head and repeated forcefully, "This city is the lifelong defense of His Highness the Taiko... that is, your grandfather. It won't be so easily breached."

"only……"

“Father… may have some things to do. This decision is risky, and if you are all in Osaka Castle, it will distract him.”

He patted Guosong's head, trying to calm himself down. "Guosong, listen carefully. This temple is a secret passage that your grandfather left behind. In a little while, you will follow the monks and leave Osaka Castle through the secret passage under the well. You will stay outside for a while. When this is all over, your father will bring you back."

Kunimatsu and Chiyo stared at him blankly.

Children don't mean they don't understand anything; quite the opposite, they often possess extremely keen senses. Guosong stared blankly at his father, a myriad of emotions surfacing on his small face in an instant, causing him to purse his lips.

“Father, apart from this castle, the rest of the territory has been seized by the Tokugawa clan.” Kunimatsu’s voice trembled. “Even if we wanted to run, where could we go?”

“This situation won’t last much longer, really.” Hideyori subconsciously reached for the crimson blade at his waist. The moment he touched the scabbard, he seemed to feel relieved, and his words carried a special confidence. “Soon… Father will restore everything to normal. The sun will shine upon us once more, and the Toyotomi family’s prestige will resound throughout Japan!”

"Guosong, you're eight years old now, you're a man... When you're out and about, take good care of your little sister."

He bent down and kissed the two children on the forehead in turn, then waved his hand, signaling the monk to take them away.

"Wait, Father! We are descendants of warriors, and it is our duty to live and die with this city!"

"Father...Father!"

……

No matter what, a child's strength can never overcome that of an adult. Amidst the cries of his son and daughter, Xiu Lai turned away, clenching his teeth.

When the temple quieted down again, he breathed a sigh of relief, as if all his vulnerabilities had been removed in that instant, and he became a fearless person once more.

"Where did they go..."

"Please rest assured, Lord Hideyori, no one will know," a monk said from the side. "General Sanada has already torn a hole in that direction and led them out through a secret passage, ensuring the safety of the young master and the princess."

"call……"

Hideyori took a deep breath. "Get ready."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Inside the temple, instead of a Buddha statue, there is a painting. The painting depicts Toyotomi Hideyoshi as equally heroic, holding a single sword, overlooking Osaka Castle from the castle tower, taking in the magnificent scenery. Illuminated by candlelight below, his heroic spirit is even more pronounced.

"Honestly, he doesn't look like this at all..."

Lady Chacha's voice came from the side, tinged with mockery, "That's just how His Highness the Taiko is, he likes to put on airs."

"Mother!" Hideyori bowed subtly.

……

Chacha did not respond; her gaze remained fixed on the painting, fixed on Hideyoshi's back.

The candlelight also illuminated her face, the light and shadow shifting and changing, just like her heart at that moment.

Is it love? Is it hate? Is it the satisfaction of seeing the family that killed his father finally get their comeuppance? Is it the heartache of witnessing his beloved son about to embark on a path of no return?

Countless emotions flowed through his eyes, which were as clear as autumn water, and finally melted into a sense of relief.

"Hideyori, my son..."

"Have you really thought about it?"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

This seems to be a very important issue.

Unfortunately, Hideyori had no choice at that moment.

"In order for my child to live... in order for the Toyotomi bloodline to continue alongside yours... Mother, I've made up my mind!"

Hideyori's eyes burned as if they were about to burst into flames.

"Let me become a samurai once again!"

Chapter Sixty: I'm going to bring you back to reality!

The words have already been spoken, and given the current situation, there's no turning back.

Hideyori had no intention of asking the monks for help anymore. He dismissed everyone around him, even Chacha left. Finally, he decided to put on the armor that had been specially made for him himself.

Because Hideyoshi's physique was so vastly different from his, this armor was naturally not his father's heirloom. Rather, it was commissioned by Hideyori during the height of the Toyotomi clan's prestige and forged by the finest craftsmen in all of Japan. It was a daimyo's armor of exceptional quality, with an overall color scheme of red and gold. While most daimyo's helmets were adorned with crescent moons, Hideyori's helmet prominently featured a ring of crimson-gold sun, symbolizing the Toyotomi clan's protector, the goddess Toyotomi Omikami.

A large, jet-black bow and quiver were tucked behind him; he was clad in imposing heavy armor; a crimson blade hung at his waist; and he held a long spear in his hand. To describe Hideyori as "handsome and dashing" would truly be an understatement. In that instant, two beams of light flashed in his eyes, sweeping away all gloom and distracting thoughts.

The wind blew through the temple, causing the candlelight to flicker and cast shadows on the paintings that seemed to move. A rustling whisper mingled with the wind, stirring Hideyori's heartstrings.

"Father..."

He looked at the painting hanging in the center of the temple, where people from all over the world gazed at his empire. With just a silhouette, the painting depicted boundless glory and high spirits.

Withering and falling with the dew, even such a magnificent city cannot escape such a fate?

"Toyotomi Hideyori hereby swears that no matter the cost, no matter the sacrifice... I am prepared. I am the son of a samurai, and I will die as the son of a samurai until the very end!"

"Zheng—!!"

He looked at the portrait and suddenly drew his crimson blade. This time, Hideyori did not resist the whispers of the demonic sword, but opened his heart and let it pour into his consciousness.

In a daze, he saw many illusions—the sky was clear and cloudless, the castle tower still stood intact in Osaka Castle, and he stood in the position where Hideyoshi stood in the portrait, looking down at everything.

The moat shimmered, and within Osaka Castle, people bustled about, living their lives with enthusiasm. The streets and alleys were filled with the lively sounds of everyday life, a comforting atmosphere pervading the air. It was still the height of summer, the sun blazing, cicadas chirping incessantly, windmills turning, wind chimes tinkling, the sounds of wheels turning, horses clattering… everything converged in his eyes, creating a picture of peaceful tranquility.

"May the world be at peace" was the ultimate political principle of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's rule.

Now, it's my turn... to make it happen myself.

"boom--------!!!"

Dark clouds instantly billowed across the sky, and in a flash, a bolt of golden lightning descended from the heavens, piercing the roof and striking Hideyori's raised scarlet blade. Crackling with electricity, it emitted a low whistling sound, as if the very soul of lightning had taken refuge within the blade.

The crimson glow was even more captivating.

"I was overthinking it. It's actually very simple. All we need to do is make Ieyasu... and his son, his son's son, and everyone related to him disappear from history, and that will be fine!" Hideyori's pupils gradually changed, transforming into the vertical pupils unique to cold-blooded animals. A terrifying ferocity was slowly eroding his mind, and even his voice seemed to have become much heavier than before.

"That's right, make them disappear. All those who defy me, betray me, and hurt me must disappear!"

"Osaka Castle, a dream within a dream, is not over yet."

"The only one who can roam freely in dreams is Toyotomi..."

……

"That's it."

A pink Anywhere Door suddenly appeared before them, and the door was slowly pushed open. Gian, dressed in a different outfit, strolled out.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"It's you...you've finally arrived..."

Hideyori's laughter carried a hint of self-abandonment. "Genji priestesses, have you come here to persuade me to accept this inevitable defeat?"

"Hideyori-kun..."

The words caught in her throat, but Shizuka didn't know how to say them. Even if this was the inevitable outcome of history, how could she explain it to the person who had experienced it firsthand? Should she tell him that the Toyotomi family's bloodline was destined to perish in history, but they had left behind a legacy, which was a success in itself... or something like that?

"Stop wasting your breath, Shizuka. A person who has fallen into the water will desperately grab onto any straw they see when they finally see it. I don't think you can blame him; anyone would do the same. Even fish on a chopping board will struggle a bit, let alone the lord of a city."

Fat Tiger laughed instead. Facing Tianxiaren, whose momentum had reached its peak and was about to transform into a demon, he was not afraid at all, and was even a little excited.

"so……"

He drew the [Famous Sword Electric Light Maru - Modified] hanging at his waist (temporarily modified by Suneo using technical gloves before the battle, mainly to enhance battery life and avoid the embarrassing situation of running out of power halfway through the battle), pointed it in the distance, and shouted loudly.

"Toyotomi Hideyori————!!!"

"..." Hideyori was slightly taken aback. To his recollection, this was the first time someone had called him by his full name.

Fat Tiger raised the corners of his mouth, revealing a terrifying smile.

I'm going to bring you back to reality!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Boom-!!"

The next instant, Gian's figure vanished into thin air, and Hideaki felt a cold sweat pour down his face. His physical abilities had clearly improved significantly, yet he still couldn't catch a glimpse of his opponent, who had simply disappeared from the spot like a wisp of smoke or a beam of light! He could only raise his Scarlet Blade and look around in astonishment, but he couldn't see any movement.

"It's no use." Seeing this, Shizuka couldn't help but sigh, as if she felt sorry for Hideyori's choice. "Unless your dynamic vision allows you to see things that exceed the speed of sound, otherwise..."

"The combined effect of [Cheetah Speed ​​Booster] and [Super Straw Sandals] is simply unbeatable." (Both are speed-boosting items; the former is from "Nobita's Little Space War," and the latter is from "Ninja Suit Combo," both capable of increasing the user's speed to supersonic levels.)

Before he could finish speaking, the light from the Electric Sphere suddenly flashed before his eyes.

"Bang----!!!"

A sword strike straight at the head.

Since it was taken from the pocket of a baby care robot, it naturally wouldn't be sharpened. It's similar to the reverse-blade sword in Kenshin's hand, except that neither side is sharpened, and its main attack method is striking; it can be considered a blunt weapon.

Even so, the hardness of alloys produced in the 22nd century is no joke. With all his might and that terrifying speed, he slashed the sword across the face, delivering a devastating blow.

Hideyori's nose was shattered, and blood spurted out. This was the first time the noble "King of the Realm" had been injured in actual combat. In his daze, he felt a burning pain, mixed with tears, and a mix of all sorts of emotions welled up inside him.

"what……"

"How...how could this be...didn't you also get badly injured in your fight with the Shadow Warrior...?" Hideyori seemed completely unable to understand.

You really believe that?

Fat Tiger suddenly appeared in front of him, raising the Lightning Ball high with both hands, just like the starting stance of the New Year's greeting sword technique, with a fanatical smile on his face.

"I was just playing around with you guys!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"boom----!!"

With a single sword strike, the sun disc on the helmet was split in two by the immense force, landing heavily on the top of his head.

Chapter 61: The Soul-Type Boss's Unique Command Reading Skill

"when!"

"when!"

"when!"

"when!"

……

Amidst the continuous clanging of metal, Hideyori's horror grew. His swordsmanship, primarily taught by renowned samurai of the time, was by no means inferior. Furthermore, with the enhancement of his Crimson Blade, he shouldn't be performing so poorly. He was clearly following the instructions meticulously, yet his opponent seemed to anticipate his moves, not only that but also able to counter with appropriate techniques. After just a few exchanges, his initial momentum was completely suppressed.

Despite Hideyori's appearance resembling a boss from a Souls-like game, in a sense, he's the one actually playing a Souls-like game, because he's genuinely reading commands...

The strategies employed by the Electric Star Pill will vary drastically depending on who uses it.

Nobita's personality isn't particularly assertive, and subconsciously, he harbors a degree of compassion, a reluctance to see others hurt. Therefore, when the Lightning Bolt falls into his hands, he often devises a defensive counter-attack strategy: first, he exchanges a few blows with his opponent, analyzing their swordplay habits and identifying weaknesses. By gradually wearing down his opponent's stamina, he strikes decisively when an opening appears.

Conversely, Gian has a rather domineering personality, with a subconscious tendency towards violence. The fighting style tailor-made for him, Denko-maru, is all about relentless, aggressive attacks, emphasizing brute force. It uses fierce offensives to force the opponent into mistakes, ending the battle with overwhelming force. In his hands, Denko-maru is wielded like a katana, slashing and hacking, and after a series of sparks flying, Hideyori is cornered.

"when----!!"

A large robe struck the middle of the Crimson Blade from above. Fat Tiger, with a burst of energy, braced his heels against the ground and used his waist to exert force, using his sturdy physique, which was no less than Hideyori's, to forcefully pin him against the wall. The swords clashed, and the hardness of the Lightning Bolt collided with the Crimson Blade, yet it was not at all inferior.

"What swift swordsmanship! You... are you really from the future?" Hearing the sound of armor scraping against the wall behind him, Hideyori laughed instead. "To be able to compete with a swordsman like you in the final moments, it's not a wasted life."

"I'm sorry, obtaining this power was a mistake from the very beginning." Gian's attitude was calm and resolute. "We won't let you leave this Osaka Castle!"

"Yeah……"

Hideyori looked at the crimson blade he was gripping tightly in his hand, a hint of intoxication in his smile. "Then... let's see who has the best skills!"

"laugh----!!!"

With a piercing scraping sound, Hideyori deliberately raised the Crimson Blade high, and lightning bolts falling from the sky landed on the blade, intertwining with it. The blade shone as if it had been quenched, accompanied by the sound of thunder. Hideyori strode forward and swung the blade, unleashing a lightning-streaked Tang Bamboo Cut.