The leader of the cavalry was in his thirties, a samurai about one meter sixty-five tall with a robust build. He nimbly dismounted and asked Harano, "Are you Lord Nozawa?"
Harano did recognize this man; he was Katsuyori Shibata (Quan Liu). Years ago, Harano had seen him once from afar at Oda Nobuhide's funeral, though they had never interacted. Seeing him approach, Harano nodded politely, saying, "That's me. Lord Shibata, have you just returned from the northern front?"
