Chronicles of The Hardships of Komachi in The Sengoku Era - Chapter 127

Chapter 127




Mid August, 1573.

“Eek! W-Why are you here?!”

Asakura Sonhachiro Kageaki shouted in panic. In front of his eyes stood Asakura Yoshikage, who was supposed to have been beheaded. Behind Yoshikage were his close aides Torii and Takahashi, and behind them were Kotokuin and the wives, led by Kojo. There was anger in everyone’s expressions towards the traitor. Kageaki had been talking eloquently until just now. He had been boasting about how he had betrayed Yoshikage, took control of the Asakura family, and planned to expel Kotokuin and others, and then surrender to Oda with Ichijodani as a souvenir. Yoshikage and the others had heard everything in the adjacent room and had entered the room in place of Mitsuhide, who had left.

Kageaki had already been deemed worthless to the Oda family. Without realizing Mitsuhide’s guidance, he was disappointed by Kageaki’s proud talk of his betrayal and concluded that he was not even worth disposing of by themselves.

“W-What’s with that look in your eyes?! Do you understand what fate Ichijodani will face because of you!?”

“Of course I understand. I will gladly accept criticism for my indecisiveness and hesitation, not only in this battle but throughout. As the foolish lord who pursued the arts in this dog-eat-dog era, it is exactly as you say.”

“Y-Yes! Your indecisiveness benefited Oda! You are a coward who hates war and turns away from harsh reality! It was Yoshikage who destroyed Ichijodani, who boasted a hundred years of glory! It was you!”

Taking advantage of Yoshikage’s admission of guilt, Kageaki criticized Yoshikage sharply, disregarding his own actions.

“As you say, I shall be remembered as a dark lord in future generations.”

However, Yoshikage muttered and drew his sword from his waist. On the other hand, Kageaki was unarmed. It was the result of his own request to disarm himself in order to leave a good impression on Mitsuhide.

“You didn’t just betray the Asakura family. You even sold out the people who should have been protected for your own sake. I don’t mind being abandoned as a fool. If you had begged for the people’s mercy with my head as a souvenir, they might have forgiven you…”

“W-Wait! This is Oda’s camp, Lord Akechi’s camp! If you kill me here, your wife and children won’t escape punishment either!”

“Everyone, be prepared!”

“Damn it! I’ve lost my mind.”

Kageaki looked around to find a way to escape the deathtrap, but there was no way out. And even though there was so much commotion, there were no soldiers from the Oda army rushing to the scene. No matter how long he waited, no help would come. Moreover, this place was where Mitsuhide and Shizuko had arranged for Kageaki’s punishment.

“Kageaki, I will follow you soon. I will continue to apologize in hell to the people of Echizen who will suffer hardships from now on!”

As soon as he said that, Yoshikage swung down his sword. Kageaki, who had been cut from his left shoulder to his right side, pressed his wound in a daze, coughed up blood, and fell to the ground. Kageaki, who had sought to survive by betraying the Asakura family and even selling out Echizen, met a pitiful end befitting a traitor.

“It is finished.”

Mitsuhide returned just as Kageaki’s head was being cut off. Mitsuhide sat in the upper seat, sheathed his sword, threw it away from his waist, and prostrated himself.

“I have taken care of the traitor. There is nothing left to regret. Let us settle this battle with my own head.”

“I understand and accept.”

“To be honest, I feel relieved. As the lord of the Asakura family who protected the hundred years of glory of Ichijodani, the burden on my shoulders was too heavy for an incompetent person like me. I turned my back on the harsh reality and indulged in the arts, and now I am paying the price. I apologize to those who lost their lives following me, but I am finally relieved that the burden on my shoulders has been lifted.”

Yoshikage’s words had no pretense. The constant show of force and tension he had always displayed, trying to make himself appear bigger, had disappeared. He had a calm expression on his face.

“Ichijodani, the treasure of Echizen, will return to ashes. The people of Echizen will receive the punishment for supporting the Asakura family, and you will witness it before being beheaded. It is a splendid final duty of the lord of the Asakura family.”

Perhaps because he had once been his lord, Mitsuhide’s voice carried a sense of sorrow. However, without Yoshikage’s death, this battle could not be concluded. No matter how much effort they put in, his death could not be avoided.

“May I ask one last favor? I want my head to be buried in a place where I can see Ichijodani. Even if it turns to ashes, it is my duty to watch over Ichijodani.”

“That is…”

Mitsuhide hesitated. After the burning of Ichijodani, if Yoshikage’s grave, which triggered it, was nearby, it was easy to imagine where the hatred of the people would be directed. Even if one commits great sins, it is said that they become Buddhas after death, but would such idealistic thinking apply to the people in dire straits? Mitsuhide wondered if it would be a humiliation for Yoshikage’s grave to be desecrated and dishonored even after his death.

“If the people believe that they will not even allow me to watch over Ichijodani after my death, then I will accept it willingly. I, who caused the downfall of Ichijodani, am deserving of such punishment.”

“If you are prepared to that extent, then I will not say anything.”

“I am grateful. Please take care of it.”

With Mitsuhide’s acceptance of his request, the fate of the Asakura family was sealed. Yoshikage would be beheaded after the fall of Ichijodani, and Torii and Takahashi would mourn Yoshikage’s soul.

“You showed great resolve. Mother would be proud.”

Kotokuin spoke to Yoshikage’s back. The emotions of a mother seeing off her son heading towards death were difficult to express, and her expression couldn’t hide her trembling voice. After that, Kotokuin would leave the secular world and spend the rest of her life mourning Yoshikage’s soul. Kojo, Yohira, and others also became nuns and chose to mourn Yoshikage’s soul. If others wished, they would be allowed to return to their desired places. Although it would be considered too lenient by Hideyoshi and others, Mitsuhide believed that there was no need to shed unnecessary blood now that the matter had been settled.

“Cherish the final parting until the date of the execution is decided.”

With Mitsuhide’s declaration, the former lord and vassal parted ways. Yoshikage and the others were surrounded by soldiers and waited for the verdict at Shingetsuji Temple, the family temple of the Asakura family.

Shizuko, who was informed of the situation by Mitsuhide at a temporary camp on the outskirts of Ichijodani, sighed deeply as she watched the setting sun.

(Only the Asai family remains… If the Asai family falls, the Sengoku era will steer towards its end)

Asakura had fallen, and soon the Asai family would follow. Takeda was only a matter of time, and Uesugi had become a vassal of Nobunaga. The remaining major powers were the Mouri in Aki (western Hiroshima Prefecture), the Ryuzoji, Shimazu, and Otomo in Kyushu. Chosokabe, the ruler of Shikoku, had formed an alliance with Nobunaga through Mitsuhide and had made a move towards unifying Shikoku. In essence, Chosokabe would also submit to Nobunaga. The Hojo in the eastern provinces had not yet revealed their true intentions, but with the decline of the Takeda and the incorporation of the Uesugi, they were being forced to make a decision and their internal situation was in turmoil.

(Just a little more… In a few more years, Oda’s unification of the country will be achieved)

It was a conditional statement, assuming that no unforeseen circumstances would occur, but Shizuko had a premonition of the end of the Sengoku era.

After the fall of Ichijodani by Mitsuhide’s hand and the news of the destruction of the Asakura family reached Hideyoshi’s camp, which was attacking the Asai family, the opportunity had come.

“Now is the perfect opportunity! Push forward with strategy and advance! It’s a big gamble, but this is the turning point of the battle!”

Amidst the confusion caused by the destruction of the Asakura family, both allies and enemies, Hideyoshi did not miss the chance. Without consulting Nobunaga for his judgment, he independently launched a rapid attack on Odani Castle. This would be the battle that would later be called the “One-Night Fall of Odani Castle,” which determined Hideyoshi’s advancement.

On the other hand, the Asai side was in no condition to fight. There was no longer anyone supporting the Asai, and the Asakura family, which had been their last hope, had also been destroyed. The Asai had already become a sinking ship. As proof of this, soldiers fled from the defense facilities guarding Odani Castle, and there was no one to stop Hideyoshi’s rapid advance.

Once Hideyoshi secured the path leading to the main keep of Odani Castle, he divided his forces into Hidenaga’s strategists and himself and Takenaka Hanbei’s assault force.

“Advance all at once! If we wait, others will follow suit. Now is the time to claim all the credit for ourselves!”

Hideyoshi attacked Odani Castle while inspiring his soldiers. During this time, the 250 arquebusiers borrowed from Shizuko were particularly exceptional. The arquebusiers of the Asai side were shot down one after another from beyond their range. The long range and sniping from positions that seemed to know where the troops were lying in wait, thanks to the straight trajectory that was incomparable to matchlock guns, wreaked havoc. While the Asai side had a large number of “Kunimotozu” matchlock guns, they were rendered useless as they were killed before they could fire. In historical records, Hideyoshi’s forces launched a surprise attack on Kyogoku-maru from the steep slope of Shimizu Valley and captured it, but in this battle, they broke through two successive baileys, Sanjo-maru and Ko-maru, and approached Kyogoku-maru in just half a day.

“Most likely, Lord Asai Hisamasa is in the main keep! Let’s capture Kyogoku-maru first, isolate the main keep, and then attack it!”

Nagamasa almost instinctively wanted to deny Hideyoshi’s words.

(No, Father is rushing to Kyogoku-maru. He is that kind of person.)

Due to the difficult-to-explain relationship between parent and child, Nagamasa was convinced that his father, Hisamasa, was at Kyogoku-maru. Hidenaga, who was in charge of the strategists, joined them from Nakamaru. As a result of the defection of Asai Shichirozaemon Noriki, Mitamura Saemon-no-jo, and Onogi Shigetoshi, the senior vassals guarding Nakamaru, Hidenaga’s troops were allowed in, and they reached Kyogoku-maru without bloodshed. Hideyoshi’s forces were attacking the defensive facilities, the tiger’s mouth, which was the entrance to Kyogoku-maru. They were suffering many casualties as they couldn’t take advantage of their numerical superiority due to the narrow space. Hidenaga’s arrival meant that the strategy was successful, and he whispered the information he had obtained to Hideyoshi as a report on the progress of the strategy.

“My lord, Akao Mimasaka-no-kami is said to be in the main keep.”,Akao Mimasu-no-kami Kiyotsuna is a senior retainer among the senior retainers of the Asai family. The three, Akao, Kaiboku Tsunachika, and Ame Mori Kiyosada (also known as Ame Mori Yahee), were called the “Three Generals of Asai”. Hideyoshi wondered why Akao did not defend important strongholds like Kyogoku-maru and instead took refuge in the main castle.

“Perhaps Asai Nagamasa is protecting the legitimate son, Manpuku-maru.”

“I see… From Hisamasa’s perspective, it would not make sense to kill Nagamasa, who is the direct successor. If we consider that he is raising him as the future head of the Asai family, a child of about ten years old, it makes sense.”

If they were to capture Kyogoku-maru here, the remaining main castle would be completely exposed. However, there was a large moat, Daibori-kiri, about twenty-five meters wide, between Kyogoku-maru and the main castle. It not only hindered Hideyoshi’s advance, but also made it impossible for reinforcements from the main castle to arrive. Hideyoshi put his hand on his chin and thought about his next move. He came up with a brilliant plan and ordered Hidenaga.

“Propose to Akao that if he surrenders with Manpuku-maru, he will be made the lord of Odani Castle.”

“Is it not too presumptuous to make such a promise without consulting you, Lord?”

“I don’t care! If we can capture Odani Castle, Lord will surely forgive us! This is a critical moment for me to advance in my career. Hurry up and start the strategy!”

“Yes, yes, my brother is rough with people.”

Hidenaga shrugged his shoulders at Hideyoshi’s commanding tone. While they were talking, Kyogoku-maru fell. Although they had the soldiers investigate, there was no report of Hisamasa being found. Impatient, Hideyoshi decided to capture the main castle first.

“The ringleader Hisamasa is in the main castle! Attack Kyogoku-maru and advance to the main castle!”

The soldiers responded to Hideyoshi’s command with a war cry.

In historical records, it is said that Asai Hisamasa committed suicide in the small castle located on the north side of Kyogoku-maru. The small castle was Hisamasa’s residence after his retirement, and after regaining the family headship from Nagamasa, he heard that Kyogoku-maru was under attack and rushed there from the small castle. However, there was a reason why Hisamasa was not found in Kyogoku-maru.

“Father, it has been a long time.”

Nagamasa, Endo, and Mita Matsuemon had discovered Hisamasa in a hidden room in Kyogoku-maru, but taking advantage of the fact that the hidden room itself had not been found, they concealed his presence.

“…What are you doing? Why don’t you take my head?”

Hisamasa looked up at his son, who was trying to engage in conversation at this point. In addition to him, there were two others present: Asai Koreyasu (who also had the religious name Fukujuan) and the Noh performer Morimoto Tsurumatsu Daifu. Hisamasa, who had already resigned himself to his fate, exchanged cups with the two of them and was about to commit suicide. Just before that, Nagamasa stepped into the hidden room.

“At this point, it is inevitable that I will lose my head, isn’t it? In that case, I want to know my father’s true intentions. Why did my father stubbornly oppose my brother-in-law? When Takeda was defeated, I thought that the world would belong to Oda from now on!”

“Indeed. When I heard that Takeda was defeated, I realized that our time had come to an end. I understood that Asai would be left with only Asakura, even if we were to perish together,” Hisamasa replied.

“If that’s the case, then why not surrender to Oda at that time…”

“That is impossible!”

Hisamasa interrupted Nagamasa’s words and spoke.

“I cannot do that. This Omi Province is the land that I protected from Rokkaku’s invasion, enduring countless setbacks and hardships. How could I simply hand it over to strangers?”

Hisamasa answered Nagamasa’s question with determination. He had devoted himself to Omi Province with all his might, as his ancestors had done. That is why he could not choose the option of surrendering Omi Province and submitting to Oda.

“Of course, this outcome was expected. I was not as brave as my late father or as skilled in warfare as you. Akao said to me, ‘If it becomes a peaceful world, you will become a great lord.’ In other words, it means that I did not have the talent to survive in turbulent times.”

Hisamasa had understood from the beginning. He could not adapt to turbulent times, and it was Nagamasa who could. Hisamasa wanted to pass on Omi Province, which he had inherited from his ancestors, to Nagamasa. However, Nagamasa had set his sights on a world larger than Omi Province and had left. Unable to accept this, Hisamasa, who had become old-fashioned, could not give up the Omi Province that his ancestors loved.

“But now, it’s all over. The Asai family will be remembered as traitors in the world spun by Oda. You can no longer call yourself Asai. Therefore, as the ghost of Asai, I will bear all the disgrace.”

“Is Manpuku-maru still alive?”

“Nonsense! No one would kill their grandson without reason. I intended to entrust Manpuku-maru with the Asai family…”

Hisamasa scolded Nagamasa. He was not senile enough to kill his grandson out of hatred for Nagamasa. On the contrary, he had intended to raise Manpuku-maru as the future head of the Asai family.

“However, that is all over now. The Asai family will be remembered as those who betrayed Oda’s world. You can no longer call yourself Asai. Therefore, I, the ghost of Asai, will bear all the disgrace!”

With a loud voice, Hisamasa pushed Nagamasa away. Caught off guard, Nagamasa was thrown against the wall from behind. Without paying any attention to Nagamasa, who was gasping for air and coughing, Hisamasa took hold of a short sword and slashed his own abdomen.

“Saruyasha-maru… You must live without being bound by the Asai…”

“Father…!”

“I will bear the sins and disgrace of the Asai. You must witness the end of the Asai with my head. However, I will not allow you to die. No matter what anyone says, you must live.”

“Father…”

Before Nagamasa could rush over, Asai Koreyasu performed the act of mercy and beheaded Hisamasa. Hisamasa’s head fell to the floor. Trembling, Nagamasa held Hisamasa’s head dearly to his chest.

“Father… I have been foolish. I looked down on you, who clung to Omi Province, as a stubborn old man who couldn’t read the times.”

Nagamasa did not wipe away the overflowing tears and let them flow freely.

“Omi Province is the land that my grandfather and father fought bloodily to obtain. I became arrogant after the great victory against Rokkaku and thought that I was not fit to be confined to Omi Province alone. Looking back now, that victory was only possible because my father had been preparing for it tirelessly… I am truly an unfilial son.”

Nagamasa spoke to Hisamasa’s head.

“I am just a frog in a well. I thought I had become special because my great brother-in-law noticed me, a mediocre general who was only slightly skilled in warfare. But I haven’t changed at all, I haven’t achieved anything…”

Nagamasa gritted his teeth, roughly wiped away the tears that flowed, and slapped his own face.

“I will fulfill my father’s final words without fail. I will endure and survive, even if I have to drink mud and gnaw on stones, and witness the end of this turbulent era. I will tell my father in the afterlife.”

Nagamasa made a vow to Hisamasa’s head and carefully wrapped it in cloth.

After Asai Hisamasa committed seppuku, Asai Koreyasu and Morimoto Tsurumatsu Daifu also committed suicide to follow their lord. They felt it would be disrespectful to die in the same place as their lord, so they went down to the garden and cut their own stomachs. Nagamasa personally performed the act of mercy for the two of them and entrusted their heads to Endo and Mita Matsuemon. Hisamasa’s head was carried by Nagamasa himself and reported to Hideyoshi.

“Hisamasa has committed suicide. The main castle will fall soon. Lord, please accept Nagamasa’s head.”

Hideyoshi was in a good mood when he received Hisamasa’s head. He did not need to present his own head, but Hisamasa’s head was absolutely necessary to demonstrate the downfall of the Asai.

“I understand. Then, I will take my leave.”

Nagamasa, upon Hideyoshi’s orders, headed towards Nobunaga’s headquarters. No one spoke along the way. The dead and the living remained silent, walking forward until they reached the headquarters.

“Everyone, leave your seats.”

Upon seeing Hisamasa’s head held up by Nagamasa, Nobunaga ordered his retainers to leave the camp. The retainers left the camp without any excitement, quietly and solemnly.

“How was Hisamasa’s final moments?”

“He had a fitting end befitting the lord of Omi Province. He spoke with my father in his final moments and made me realize my own immaturity and ignorance. I was caught up in my brother-in-law’s grand dream and thought that I had become special, but I was only seeing the surface of things and thought I understood.”

“…”

“I am no match for my brother-in-law. My father opened my eyes to the fact that I had only seen the surface and thought I understood. If I had remained as the lord of Omi Province, I would have been standing here side by side with you.”

Nagamasa spoke with self-derision. Nobunaga listened silently, without interrupting, until Nagamasa had finished speaking.

“In the end, I have become nothing. As my father said, Asai has come to an end. I will now watch the future of this turbulent era as just Nagamasa.”

“Everyone has their own destiny. Your destiny was to witness the path of conquest. I, too, cannot change my way of life. I envy you, who can reflect on yourself and become someone.”

“I never expected my brother-in-law to envy someone like me…”

Nagamasa was astonished by Nobunaga’s words. Nobunaga had the upper hand in the world. He was in a position that everyone would envy, as he was on the verge of unifying the country. And yet, Nobunaga said that he envied Nagamasa.,”Nagamasa, those who conquer the path to supremacy are lonely. They show no weakness to anyone, and trust no one. They carry the hatred of countless enemies and sometimes have to order their loyal vassals to die. Having been entrusted with the lives and aspirations of everyone, I cannot stop. Even if the path ahead is a cliff, I cannot stop. I envy you, who can stop, look back, and walk a new path.”

These were words from a perspective that Nagamasa could not possess. When Nobunaga noticed Nagamasa’s gaze, he continued his words with a self-deprecating tone.

“You say that you cannot see the essence of my path to supremacy, but it’s the same for me. Shizuko, who is your master, sometimes understands the future better than I do. She sees further ahead than I do.”

“Brother-in-law, that’s…”

“However, no matter what heights Shizuko aims for, I will not stop my journey. I will start by conquering Japan. No matter where Shizuko’s dream leads, I will continue with my own pace. Follow me in your own way. I will wait for you at the end of the dream.”

Nobunaga was concerned about Nagamasa in a roundabout way. They both walked the same path towards the end of the chaotic era, aiming for the unification of the country, and Nobunaga said he would wait for Nagamasa.

“Brother-in-law, I have been a fool, even to the point of being spineless. Instead of walking the path of your supremacy together, I intended to deviate from it and become a bystander. I was once again running away. Your words have settled my heart. No matter how disgraceful it may be, I will struggle until the end of my life and follow in your footsteps.”

“I see… Nagamasa, you have the demeanor of a true warrior. The path I am advancing on is treacherous, so be prepared to follow me with all your heart.”

Nagamasa raised his head resolutely, and Nobunaga spoke to him.

“Don’t forget that you have the duty to witness my dream and bring happiness to the people.”

Nobunaga, who had brought about the downfall of the Asakura and Asai clans, finally gained control of Echizen and Omi Province.

“The position of the former Asai clan in Echizen will be entrusted to Hashiba (Toyotomi Hideyoshi) as Chikuzen no Kami.”

“The command of Ichijodani will be entrusted to Akechi (Mitsuhide) as Hyuga no Kami.”

Hideyoshi governed northern Omi Province, while Mitsuhide ruled a part of Echizen. Mitsuhide already controlled the Sakamoto area, so his territory in Echizen was slightly reduced. However, both of them became daimyo with over 100,000 koku. Despite being newcomers, Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide stood shoulder to shoulder with the hereditary vassals who had served the Oda family for generations. On the other hand, Shizuko, although she didn’t have a territory to rule, was given a vast amount of wealth, as well as cultural assets such as ancient books and artworks. In addition to the cultural assets left by the Asai and Asakura clans, she was also rewarded with talented craftsmen from Echizen and Omi Province. The rewards for their achievements were substantial, and all that was left was for them to return to their home country.

(What is this situation…)

“To be honest, I never liked you.”

“Hahaha, what a coincidence. I feel the same way.”

Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide restrained each other across Shizuko. Recently, the Kurokuwa (civil engineering workers) group had also incorporated the Ano (stonemason) group, becoming an unrivaled force in castle construction. In the past, they had built castles that were practical but rough. However, with the construction of Sakamoto Castle, they had achieved both practicality and aesthetics. The skilled craftsmanship had reached its peak, and Sakamoto Castle became a renowned beautiful castle. Since then, the castles built in their dominions were also expected to be beautiful as a representation of the ruler.

Both Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide needed to showcase their power. Especially for Hideyoshi, it would be his first castle. His enthusiasm for castle construction was stronger than Mitsuhide’s. However, Mitsuhide also had a strong attachment to Echizen. For Mitsuhide, Echizen was the land where he spent ten years relying on Asakura Yoshikage. In terms of geopolitical advantage, Echizen, facing the Sea of Japan, had the port of Tsuruga, which attracted attention as a key point for maritime transportation around the Sea of Japan. Even if Nobunaga controlled the rights to Tsuruga Port, if they could control the roads connecting the sea and land, the benefits would be enormous. For Mitsuhide, Echizen became an economically important land.,(Oh no…)

Both Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide show no signs of backing down. Even if the Kurokuwa (civil engineering workers) were divided to build two castles at once, there would be a difference in quality, and neither of them would tolerate the construction of an inferior castle.

(If only we could have one more month…)

After one month, most of the Kurokuwa (civil engineering workers) who were working on road construction would have finished their work and returned. However, neither of them would wait for a leisurely month.

“Shizuko! Are you still in camp? Perfect timing.”

Shizuko was troubled, and Nobunaga entered the camp with heavy footsteps. He looked around and assessed the situation before calling out to Shizuko.

“There is trouble in North Ise. I have decided to send them to suppress the strange occurrences. Shizuko, I leave their assistance to you.”

“Yes.”

Shizuko eagerly accepted the task.

“You two there. The castle will not run away, and there should be preparations that can be made even without the Kurokuwa (civil engineering workers). Prepare and wait for the Kurokuwa (civil engineering workers) as we redistribute manpower.”

“Y-yes, understood.”

After saying that, Nobunaga left. Once the top decision was made, all that was left was to proceed diligently. Shizuko was delighted that after suppressing North Ise, she could return home. Until the two of them clashed again over the procurement of building materials for the castle.

Despite being mentally exhausted from being caught up in the conflict between Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide, Shizuko successfully appeased both sides. Before the two could find another source of conflict, Shizuko quickly followed Nobutada and headed towards North Ise.

“Crush those rebels in North Ise all at once.”

Nobutada (Kimyomaru/Oda Nobutada) was in high spirits. He had only been able to take part in the early stages of the attacks on Asakura and Asai, and since then, he could only watch from the rear. He had accumulated frustration and planned to vent it in North Ise. Despite his young age and the pressure to achieve results, Nobutada had foresight. He also had excellent resourcefulness in dealing with unexpected situations, although he tended to be overshadowed by the famous generals, he was gradually showing his abilities.

“They are all talk. Can’t even clean their own mess.”

Nobutada quickly suppressed North Ise and on the way back to Gifu, he complained. Ise was under the control of Nobunaga’s second son, Nobuo, and third son, Nobutaka. However, recently, they were held accountable by Nobunaga for the mishandling of road construction, and as a result of focusing solely on the construction, they were incited to rebellion by the Ikko sect. Instead of ordering Nobunaga to suppress them again, he sent Nobutada.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for the general himself to charge in.”,”The beginning is crucial in everything.”

Nobutada retorts to Shizuko’s complaint with a grim expression. Upon arriving in North Ise, Nobutada assessed the situation and led only the cavalry unit to swiftly scatter the group considered to be the enemy’s core. Nobutada’s prediction was accurate, and the rebellion collapsed after losing its leader. However, if he had made one wrong move, he could have been isolated among the enemy forces and died in battle, so his retainers did not feel at ease. As Nobutada’s retainers repeatedly criticized him, Nobutada became stubborn and refused to listen, and Shizuko, who was tasked with overseeing him, became the mediator.

“Well, fine then.”

As Shizuko admonished him, Nobutada seemed to show some remorse, and at that moment, a messenger arrived. Thinking it was an order from Nobunaga, Shizuko called out to Nobutada and ordered the entire army to stop. After receiving the letter from the messenger, Shizuko and Nobutada examined its contents together.

“This time it’s Echigo…”

“Huh, what? Uesugi betrayed us or something?”

“No, it’s different. They’re requesting your participation in negotiations for technical assistance to Uesugi. Hmm, it doesn’t concern you directly, does it? Yes, it’s not directly related to you. Anyway, we need to return to Owari and reorganize the army.”

“Can’t we just head there directly from Gifu?”

“Military actions are based on plans, so we can’t just use the castle’s resources as we please. We need to plan again for the trip to Echigo. Besides, I want a few days of rest…”

“If that’s the case, then there’s no helping it. But if you have the time, attend the celebration for the suppression of North Ise.”

“If I have the time.”

After that, nothing significant happened, and they arrived in Gifu. Early the next morning, Nobutada raided Shizuko’s residence and forcibly dragged her to the celebratory feast, needless to say.

It’s more exhausting after ending a battle than starting one. Shizuko couldn’t help but think that. Once she returned to Owari, she disbanded the army and soaked in a bath to heal her travel fatigue. As she stepped out of the bath, she encountered Shou. Taking advantage of the situation, she asked Shou to arrange a souvenir for her visit to Uesugi in Echigo. Although she had been drilled in etiquette by Nobunaga, she thought it would be better to leave it to Shou, who was born and raised as a samurai’s daughter and had a natural understanding of manners.

“I accept the task. Leave it to me.”

While Shou determined the recipient of the souvenir and the appropriate gift, Shizuko enjoyed a brief moment of freedom. Even though the Uesugi family had become vassals, there were still many who did not willingly submit to the Oda clan. The reason for sending Shizuko to Echigo, knowing this, was simple and clear. If there were any mistakes made towards Shizuko, who was invited by Uesugi as an honored guest, it would be a significant fault for Uesugi. Even if they were to interfere in internal affairs of the Uesugi family, Kenshin would have no choice but to accept it. Shizuko was suitable as bait. Firstly, she possessed the technical expertise to be invited by the Uesugi side, she was a representative of Nobunaga and had a prestigious background and achievements, and she was a woman. She was easy to underestimate and provoke hostility. Moreover, if she could respond to unforeseen circumstances and return safely, there was no one better than Shizuko.,(Well, within the limits of not intimidating the other party, are there enough people who can handle unforeseen circumstances?)

Shizuko sighed, realizing that it was quite a troublesome task. However, rather than refusing, Shizuko actually wanted to do it. It was her belief to nip the problem in the bud before it grew bigger. This was also Shizuko’s theory as someone involved in agriculture. Shizuko was completely enthusiastic about it, but Nobunaga, who learned about the composition of the delegation, put a stop to it. The instructions were to send Ashimitsu as a representative instead of Shizuko, saying, “You cannot go to a negotiation involving politics without the ability to negotiate. ” Disappointed, Shizuko felt like she had been let down, but she convinced herself that Ashimitsu would be able to pick out the bad seeds with his unique sense.

After discussing with Ashimitsu, it was decided that Ashimitsu would lead 3,000 soldiers to Echigo. However, all the gunners except for the officers who would provide technical guidance would be left behind. A small number of gunners could still be a threat and unnecessarily fuel anxiety in Echigo. Kenshin could mobilize about 10,000 soldiers, and the number of soldiers that other vassals could move on their own would be at most just over 1,000. If Kenshin were to betray them, Ashimitsu would be finished in an instant, but in that case, a storm of purges would sweep through Echigo. Regardless of age or gender, all clans that participated in the rebellion would be completely eradicated. Nobunaga particularly disliked betrayal from within. No matter who the next ruler would be, the people of Echigo who had suffered under a foolish ruler would be subjected to a long and difficult trial.

“That’s why, I’m sorry, but could you go to Echigo as my representative?”

“I cannot refuse Shizuko’s request. I accept the task.”

If it was Shizuko’s request, there was no way Ashimitsu would refuse. He knew that Kenshin was concerned about Shizuko and wanted to avoid a situation where she would go to Echigo. Although not openly stated, Nobunaga also agreed, and Ashimitsu accurately grasped his intentions. The only one who showed no reaction was Sakihisa (Konoe), but in his case, if Shizuko were to go to Echigo, he intended to accompany her.

“In order to provide technical assistance, there must be exchanges of people and goods. I think we can start discussing concrete plans once the roads are developed. I also want to talk about the possibility of using a currency that can be used within the territory, but it’s still too early for that, right?”

“Developing the roads alone should not be a problem. Just talking about snow removal tools and snow melting agents would be more than enough for Uesugi.”

“When making carats for glass products, calcium chloride is produced as a byproduct in large quantities. I think it will be fine, but be careful enough. Even though Kenshin himself can be trusted, it’s not certain that his vassals don’t have ambitions.”

“Be sure to be cautious. While I’m away, keep an eye on the Sanada family’s movements. They seem to be getting closer to internal conflicts. There is even a possibility of a rebellion in the near future.”

“I’m keeping an eye on them through spies, but if you rely on them, please protect yourself. If they become enemies, there’s no need for mercy.”

“If they start to become hostile now, the outcome is predictable.”

The Sanada family was completely divided. There were the progressive faction that switched allegiance to the Oda clan, which was now gaining momentum, and the conservative faction that believed they should not betray the favor they received from Shingen. The main reason for the rise of the progressive faction was Suwa Katsuyori’s aggressive taxation. Even during Shingen’s time, the shortage of currency supply to the market had caused an increase in the value of currency, resulting in a decline in prices. And now, Katsuyori further tightened the currency standards during taxation, causing a rapid deflation. Many petitions requesting relaxation of regulations were constantly being sent to Katsuyori, but he ignored them all.

“It would be the conservative faction that would be the first to lose patience. Even if they were to join forces with the Uesugi, it is unlikely that the head of the Sanada family would go to the battlefield.”

“Isn’t it Masayuki Sanada now, not Muto Kihei? If he sees a chance of winning, he is flexible enough to immediately adopt our strategy, so he might take some surprising actions. I do hope he comes over here soon. If something happens, please take care of it.”

“Well, they say good things come to those who wait, right? Please wait without expecting too much.”

Ashimitsu left, showing a somewhat unenthusiastic attitude.