Circa 1560 CE – Feudal Japan
The Sengoku Period in Japan was a time of constant warfare, political intrigue, and the rise of powerful samurai clans. Marcus found himself drawn to this time, intrigued by the tales of the legendary Oda Nobunaga, a warlord who sought to unify Japan under his rule.
In the midst of battle, Marcus encountered Nobunaga, standing tall on the field, his armor glinting in the sunlight as he surveyed the chaos. Around him, warriors clashed, but Nobunaga was calm—his mind focused on the greater picture.
"You fight for more than territory, don't you?" Marcus asked, appearing seemingly out of nowhere beside the warlord.
Nobunaga glanced at Marcus with a piercing gaze, noting the unfamiliar face. "Who are you to question my motives, stranger?"
"I'm no one," Marcus said, grinning. "Just someone who's seen a few empires rise and fall."
Nobunaga's eyes narrowed, intrigued. "Then perhaps you understand why I must unify Japan. Power is the only way to bring peace."
Marcus chuckled softly, his tone playful yet serious. "Peace through power? You can bring stability, but peace comes through understanding, not fear."
This conversation marked the beginning of a strange relationship. While Marcus did not directly interfere in the battles of the Sengoku Period, his words found their way into Nobunaga's mind. The warlord began to think more deeply about the nature of his conquests. He would continue his brutal campaigns, but the thought of true unity, not just power, lingered in his mind.
As Marcus wandered the lands of Japan, he met many samurai, travelers, and peasants, leaving his mark in ways they couldn't fully understand. His influence was quieter here, but no less impactful.