Chapter 63
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Early March, 1569.
Nobunaga’s frustration had reached its limit in early February. He led a force of 3,000 soldiers and set up camp in Bessho. He imposed a tax on arrows and coins in the port town of Amagasaki, but the people of Amagasaki refused to comply. Following the attitude of the people of Sakai, Nobunaga decided that military pressure was necessary against the people of Amagasaki. After engaging in battle with the people of Amagasaki, he burned down all four independent towns of Amagasaki (Ichinotecho, Besshocho, Furotsujicho, and Tatsumicho). This thorough scorched earth strategy threw the various cities into chaos. They became divided internally, with factions advocating submission to Nobunaga, factions insisting on continuing resistance, and factions seeking alliances with other powers such as the Honganji Temple. Unbeknownst to them, Nobunaga’s true goal was the self-destruction caused by internal division. In the end, the faction in Sakai that had incited the people of Amagasaki surrendered, and on February 11, Sakai was effectively taken over, with Nobunaga’s officials being dispatched. The Sakai assembly pledged to pay a tax of 20,000 kan of arrows and coins, and promised not to hire soldiers or keep prisoners (those who had lost their stipends and left their lord’s service, later known as ronin from the mid-Edo period onwards). Finally, after all this, they were allowed to make amends, but as a warning to other cities, Nobunaga imposed heavy taxes on Sakai.
As a result, some people in Sakai suffered great losses and fell into decline, while others took advantage of the situation and clearly distinguished themselves. The foremost among those who emerged was Imai Munehisa. He quickly showed his submission to Nobunaga, which led to him becoming the exclusive merchant for firearms and gunpowder, handling all of Nobunaga’s orders. This propelled Imai Munehisa to the top of the Sakai group in one fell swoop. However, unexpected pitfalls awaited him, even though he seemed to be sailing smoothly. In an attempt to win Nobunaga’s favor, Imai Munehisa invited him to a tea ceremony, but contrary to his expectations, Nobunaga became enamored with tea ceremony. There is a possibility that Nobunaga felt the same way as Kiso Yoshinaka, who had driven the Taira clan westward and achieved the capital’s conquest. After all, tea ceremony was a pastime of the nobility at the time, a symbol of status. In order to overcome any inferiority complex towards the courtiers and people of Kyoto, Nobunaga may have considered acquiring not only military power but also cutting-edge culture, and proving himself worthy of ruling the country by possessing exquisite tea utensils.
Nobunaga, who awakened to the world of tea, ignored all the established rules of gradually changing utensils according to his own proficiency, and instead gathered the bare minimum of tea utensils. This is still true today, as collecting antiques and artworks is not simply a matter of money. Collecting expensive items indiscriminately can lead to a tasteless display of wealth, and without the ability to discern authenticity, one may be deceived by fakes. However, Nobunaga, backed by his military power, used intimidation to obtain high-quality items and used his overwhelming financial resources to completely monopolize the market. His tea utensil collection, later referred to as “chaki-gari” (tea utensil hunting), “meibutsu-gari” (famous item hunting), and “meiki-gari” (masterpiece hunting), deeply impressed the tea practitioners of Sakai and Kyoto.
It seemed that Nobunaga’s mood had somewhat improved after the hunting of famous game, allowing him to vent his frustrations. However, he still felt dissatisfied with his living conditions, particularly the uncomfortable sleeping quarters, lack of bathing facilities, and the food that did not suit his taste. Already, nine chefs had been dismissed, and a swift resolution was urgently needed. However, Shizuko, who seemed to have a solution, could not leave Owari due to Nobunaga’s orders. As a result, Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide continued to be subjected to Nobunaga’s intimidating presence, similar to a murderous intent, until early March.
In early March, Shizuko finally stepped down from her position of leading the front lines and was able to find some breathing room. A little before that, in early February, three wooden lathes were completed, and in late February, a hand-cranked washing machine was completed and put into operation. Although the peak had passed, Shizuko still wished to avoid leaving Owari during this uncertain time. However, with the letters from Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide arriving at shorter intervals, she judged that further postponement would be difficult. With a force of 500 men and accompanied by Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi, she headed towards Kyoto. The procession was heavily guarded, and Shizuko herself had prepared many belongings, which were carried alongside the supplies for the daimyo procession that followed. Shizuko herself needed to arrive in Kyoto ahead of the belongings, so she led a small but elite group, changing horses one after another to stay ahead. Thanks to soldiers dispatched by Hideyoshi, the baggage train that arrived in Kyoto later would also arrive safely and without major delays, a few days behind Shizuko.
Shizuko, who arrived in Kyoto ahead of time, is greeted by Mitsuhide.
“Thank you for your hard work, and thank you for coming. Despite the fatigue from the forced march, I entrust you with taking care of the lord.”
“I am deeply honored by Lord Akechi’s personal welcome.”
He, who was suffering from stomach pain, immediately told Shizuko. She thought that his condition was more serious than she had imagined. This was their first meeting with Mitsuhide, but he was not surprised that Shizuko was a woman. In fact, almost everyone who had met her for the first time couldn’t hide their surprise at her gender and youth. Even considering the possibility that Mitsuhide had heard about Shizuko from someone else, his lack of interest in her indicated that he was too overwhelmed to pay much attention.
“The bath is being prepared by my subordinates. I will first attend to the preparation of the midday meal that is to be served.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, but please take care of it. The kitchen staff is finishing up preparations.”
With that, he left while clutching his stomach. If left unattended, he seemed likely to collapse from a stomach ulcer. If things continued like this, Nobunaga’s stress would spread to his subordinates. In the worst case scenario, it could become a factor in causing internal collapse.
Shizuko considers why Nobunaga feels strong stress about meals. The answer is very simple. People of high status in Kyoto generally do not engage in physical activity. On the other hand, Nobunaga comes from a samurai background. Consequently, he needs to consume more salt than people in Kyoto in order to maintain his body. It is not a matter of one being superior to the other, but rather the historical backgrounds of the samurai culture that Nobunaga and the aristocratic culture, such as the nobility, have followed.
However, the court nobles believe that those who cannot understand the taste of Kyoto are equal to uncivilized barbarians, and they bask in their sense of superiority. They believe that they are the center of Japan and interpret their own culture as superior, while denigrating other cultures as barbaric, and ultimately imposing their own culture. Without realizing it, these actions are the lowest form of “barbaric” behavior that frequently leads to conflicts throughout human history.
Let’s bring the focus of the conversation back to food. Nobunaga, who hails from Owari, has a preference for strong flavors. Despite this, the cultured people of Kyoto may secretly ridicule Nobunaga’s taste, but it is Nobunaga who holds the real power in Kyoto. Reality can be harsh. If we don’t satisfy Nobunaga, the future of Kyoto will not be bright. In order to do so, Shizuko reluctantly thinks about the reasons for Nobunaga’s dissatisfaction with his meals, realizing that there is no point in complaining.
As a side note, there are quite complex reasons behind the difference in seasoning between Kansai and Kanto regions. For example, when it comes to soba sauce, Kansai uses a clear and refined sauce, while Kanto uses a darker and richer sauce. This difference is said to stem from the difference in “dashi culture”. What both Kansai-style and Kanto-style have in common is that they combine glutamic acid and inosinic acid to bring out the umami flavor. Glutamic acid is found in ingredients such as kelp and soy sauce, while inosinic acid is known to be abundant in bonito flakes. The difference in approach to these umami components reflects the historical background of each region’s food culture.
In the Kansai region, there was a tradition of using kombu seaweed to enhance the umami flavor, and adding bonito flakes to provide inosinic acid. The taste was adjusted with salt or light soy sauce. As a result, dishes with a light-colored broth could still have a strong umami flavor. On the other hand, in the Kanto region, kombu seaweed was transported from the production areas later due to underdeveloped transportation systems, making it a luxury item. Therefore, there was no tradition of using kombu, and glutamic acid was supplemented with dark soy sauce. By adding dark soy sauce (glutamic acid) to bonito flakes (inosinic acid), a richly colored Kanto-style broth was created.
To summarize, in the Kansai region, kombu seaweed was used to extract glutamic acid, so only a small amount of light soy sauce was needed. In the Kanto region, glutamic acid was obtained from dark soy sauce, so kombu was not necessary. Even if kombu had been widely available in the Kanto region, it is doubtful whether it would have become popular. This is because the water in Kanto is “hard water” with high mineral content. When kombu is boiled in hard water, the calcium in the water adheres to the kombu, making it difficult to extract umami flavor. The attached calcium also combines with the components of the kombu, causing the broth to become cloudy. Additionally, boiling kombu in hard water enhances both the aroma and the unpleasant odor. It is not impossible to make kombu dashi with hard water, but it requires more effort and takes much longer compared to soft water. These challenges, along with historical factors, led to kombu not being used in the Kanto region.
I think that when a lord who usually endures inconveniences without complaint suddenly expresses dissatisfaction loudly, the root cause lies not on the surface but deep within.
Shizuko, who thought that she had a rough idea but no definitive information, gathered information from people who had been involved in Nobunaga’s cooking and his life. As she received the expected answers, Shizuko immediately started cooking. Just in time for lunch, she completed the dish.
“I apologize for the wait.”
I enter the room where Nobunaga is seated with a pageboy holding a tray. Nobunaga is seated at the head of the table, with Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide sitting on his left side.
“Oh, I’ve been waiting… huh?”
As soon as Hideyoshi sees Shizuko, his face brightens up, but his expression changes to one of confusion when he sees the dish that was served.
In one word, it was a simple meal. It consisted of rice served in a bowl, miso soup with long green onions, chicken and potatoes, boiled komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), and lightly pickled turnip skins. Apart from the chicken and potatoes, the meal Shizuko served would have been a common everyday dish for samurais in Owari, from Hideyoshi’s perspective.
“Please, go ahead and enjoy.”
At the same time as placing the tray in front of Nobunaga, Shizuko said that.
“Before you eat, let me ask why you chose this dish.”
Nobunaga’s expression remains stern and unchanged. This chilled Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide, but Shizuko answered with a relaxed and natural smile on her face.
“With all due respect, I have investigated the menus that you have been enjoying for the past few days, Your Excellency. As I expected, they were all extravagant Kyoto-style delicacies. It may not be burdensome for a few days, as the novelty adds some excitement, but it is inevitable to get tired of lavish feasts every day. This is just my speculation, but do you find eating meals to be a painful experience, Your Excellency?”
“…You’re still talking as if you saw it yourself.”
“I will take that statement as a positive affirmation. Let’s get back to the topic. The intention behind everyday meals and occasional feasts is different. I believe that for someone who is tired of gourmet cuisine, everyday dishes that remind them of their hometown Owari are more suitable.”
“Hmm, a dish that brings peace to the heart, huh? Very well, I shall partake without hesitation.”
Nobunaga grabbed a piece of chicken and potato from the chicken and potato stew with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth. He remained silent for a while. However, seeing the stern expression gradually fading from Nobunaga’s face, Shizuko was convinced that the plan had been successful.
“A meal that satisfies the heart, huh…”
Nobunaga, who had finished his meal, muttered quietly. Shizuko, who heard his muttered words, felt a sense of loneliness and sadness in them.
“Was it alright, Lord Shizuko?”
Shizuko, who was carrying Nobunaga’s tableware with Saizo, was called out from behind and turned around. It was Mitsuhide who called out to her. He approached Shizuko and, despite having a retainer behind him, bowed deeply to her.
“Thank you”
Realizing that even though it was short, it was an expression of gratitude for resolving Nobunaga’s dissatisfaction, Shizuko hurriedly bowed her head to Mitsuhide.
“Oh, it’s quite humble of you.”
“Hahaha, no need to be modest. However, I had heard about it, but you really are a young woman. I was a little surprised, but your courage to remain composed in front of that lord is truly impressive.”
Mitsuhide has a kind smile and laughs heartily.
“I will take my leave then. I will continue to be of service to you, my lady.”
Saying that, Mitsuhide left. The retainer who was behind him bowed to Shizuko before following Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide is a person who receives various evaluations, but in Shizuko’s eyes, he appeared to be a serious and earnest individual. However, one must not let their guard down. He was the person who assassinated Nobunaga, just before the unification of Japan, and even took the life of his successor, Nobutada. Since the reason for Mitsuhide’s rebellion at the Honnoji Incident is not clear, it is impossible to fully trust him.
(…There is another person from the Oda clan who should be kept under surveillance… but maybe it’s better not to make any moves for now.)
Shizuko thought that continuing to suspect Oda clan retainers without certainty would only lead to unnecessary chaos. She believed that now was the time to gather the power to suppress all the signs of the Honnoji Incident.
(There are many collaborators for that… but creating factions can also be a problem.)
“Shizuko-sama? How may I assist you? Do you have any thoughts about Mr. Akechi…?”
Saizo, tilting his head, asks Shizuko, who had been facing Mitsuhide even after he disappeared.
“I missed asking about the Kyoto security maintenance squad, you know.”
“Oh, the Kyoto Security Maintenance Police Force has been taken over by Mr. Akechi, you know.”
“I wanted to know the current situation, but… well, maybe next time.”
Saizo did not say anything else, indicating that he agreed with Shizuko’s words.
“Well then, you need to clean up the dishes in the kitchen.”
In addition to improving the dining situation, there were many other tasks entrusted to Shizuko. First, she resolved Nobunaga’s dissatisfaction with the bath by transporting the Okabe-style wooden barrel bath and buckets for foot baths from Owari. As for the sleeping quarters, they simply brought in futons without Nobunaga’s permission, as manufacturing futons was prohibited. Therefore, Shizuko decided to transport the complete set of futons that Nobunaga had at his villa. She transported the wooden barrel bath, foot bath buckets, complete set of futons, as well as other items such as zabuton cushions and porcelain, all in order to alleviate Nobunaga’s dissatisfaction. However, later on, Nobunaga began using them in a way that was different from Shizuko’s intentions.
First of all, the porcelain tableware was prepared for Nobunaga’s use and is adorned with various designs. Some of them have a mechanism where when bowls for tea and miso soup, as well as plates for side dishes, are arranged together, they form a single picture. This was made possible thanks to Nobunaga’s various protective policies towards porcelain made in the pottery town of Seto, similar to Shizuko’s techniques. In an era where porcelain itself was rare, it became natural to handle tableware with even higher design aesthetics. The cultural elites of Kyoto and Sakai, who had previously ridiculed Nobunaga as a “culturally ignorant and rough mountain monkey,” were now surprised and felt inferior. It goes without saying that they were left speechless when they learned about foot baths, filled tub baths, and futons. Nobunaga carefully chose the timing and bestowed porcelain as a reward to several individuals. It seemed as if these were ordinary items that didn’t require any special attention. The recipients were amazed by the originality of the porcelain. Some even tried to attack the character of those who flaunted such items, saying that it was vulgar, but they ended up only damaging their own reputation because they couldn’t provide anything of higher quality themselves.
At that time, Shizuko later recalled that Nobunaga had a cruel and evil expression on his face. It must have been an exhilarating feeling to give cultural and unseen items to those who boasted of being cultured individuals. However, there was something that Nobunaga himself did not realize. Regardless of the region, cultural background, or race in which humans live, there is a deep-seated fear that is common to all. Within lies the oldest fear of all – the fear of the unknown. In other words, when the cultural elites of Kyoto and Sakai were given porcelain by Nobunaga, they not only felt astonishment but also an indescribable fear. Particularly because Nobunaga’s act of giving them porcelain was close to “boasting” and had little ill will or hostility, it further intensified their fear. The reason why Shibata and Sassa directed hostility towards Shizuko was not so much because she was a woman, but rather because she represented an “unknown existence.”
Seven days after Nobunaga had retaliated against the elites, enjoyed a satisfying meal, relaxed in the bath, and slept comfortably in his futon, his subordinates were no longer afraid of him. They were lively and carrying out their duties with enthusiasm. Nobunaga himself had also calmed down from his initial fierce demeanor and now exuded a more relaxed atmosphere. Having achieved their goal in Kyoto, Shizuko informed Nobunaga that she would be returning to Owari. However, his response was for her to stay in Kyoto for a while longer. Curious about the reason, Shizuko went to see Nobunaga. The reason was quite simple. A few days ago, a Nanban missionary had requested an audience with Nobunaga. The meeting with this Nanban missionary was scheduled for the next day.
(Ah, the timing is off, but the person is Luis Frois, right?)
During his visit to Kyoto last year, Nobunaga did not meet with Luis Frois. Although he had heard about Luis Frois’ situation from his retainer, Wada Koremasa, Nobunaga refused to meet him, stating that he did not know how to properly receive a Nanban person. It is said that at that time, Nobunaga accepted only one gift and returned the rest to Luis Frois as an apology for not meeting him.
“I don’t quite understand what Nanban is. Perfect, today I will ask about the world. You are from Nanban, aren’t you?”
“………… Eh? Ah, yes. U-um, that’s right. Yes…… (So it was still in effect, my little Nanban lie).”
Although no one had noticed that she came from the future, Nobunaga had seen through that Shizuko was not from Nanban. So when she was told that she was from Nanban, Shizuko couldn’t comprehend it. However, she quickly cleared her mind and nodded in agreement with Nobunaga’s words.
“It’s enough that you know… It’s difficult to talk about it there. Come closer.”
Upon hearing that, Shizuko takes a couple of steps closer to Nobunaga. However, it seems like he is not satisfied and gives off an atmosphere as if he wants her to get even closer. Reluctantly, she takes one step after another while checking Nobunaga’s expression. Eventually, she ends up coming close to the seat of honor, but even then, Nobunaga’s expression remains unchanged.
(Uh… I-I can go up on this? No, it’s a bit too much…)
“I don’t care. Hurry up and come up.”
Nobunaga urges Shizuko, who cannot hide her confusion, to take the seat of honor. The attendants and subordinates could not hide their surprise, but Shizuko was even more astonished. The seat of honor is where someone of high status sits, and it is the farthest seat from the entrance. Shizuko hesitated for a moment, but she bowed her head and took the seat of honor. She thought that Nobunaga must have some ulterior motive for allowing her to get this close. As Shizuko moved almost directly in front of Nobunaga, he nodded slightly. It was a signal that it was acceptable.
“There are times when words alone are not enough to understand. Prepare a blackboard that can be held in hand. It would be helpful to use it as an aid for explanation.”
A blackboard is handed over along with words. Upon closer inspection, there are writings on the blackboard.
“Don’t focus on that, answer my question.”
I almost caught a glimpse of Nobunaga’s face, but Shizuko quickly stopped me and lightly erased the blackboard as if nothing had happened. She skillfully erased the characters that Nobunaga had written with her hand and returned the blackboard to him.
“There is no problem with the quality, right? Since the lord will also be writing something, why don’t we have the speaker hold the blackboard?”
“Hmm… That’s a good point, let’s go with that. First of all… I don’t understand the difference between Buddha and God. Those monks insult the Christians as heretics. However, both are still gods. What exactly is the difference between gods and Buddhas?” “Religious forces have strong control, but what is the foundation of their faith?”
As soon as she finished speaking, she was handed a blackboard. Trying not to focus on the blackboard, Shizuko answered Nobunaga’s question.
“Well… both Buddhas and gods have no substitute when it comes to ‘manifesting power.’ However, the way they manifest that power is different. Buddhas manifest power through their ‘nature,’ while gods manifest power through their ‘personality’.”
“Temples are not only fortified cities, but also bases for weapon production. They also dominate as hubs for commerce and logistics, generating profits and accumulating immense wealth from there.”
“Is the way power is manifested different? Indeed, if we consider that idea, we can say that there is not much difference between gods and Buddhas. In the end, it all depends on how people perceive ‘power.'”
“As for the influential temples and shrines in the Kinai region…”
“I personally do not believe in either Buddha or God. Well… it would be more accurate to say that I do not blindly believe in them.”
“Firstly, there is the Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, which is the wealthiest organization in Japan. They own numerous manors and estates, engage in lending practices that resemble usury, and dominate commerce and logistics. The current head of the Tendai sect on Mount Hiei is Prince Oin Nyudo, the fifth son of Prince Sadatsune of Fushimi.”
“Oh, well, it’s not for me to say, but I don’t sense any faith in Buddhism from you, do I?” “As for Honganji…”
“My grandmother always used to say, ‘It is not good to rely solely on the gods and Buddhas from the beginning… Instead of relying on them from the start, one should first exert all of their own efforts. Only after completing all of those should one seek the power of the gods and Buddhas for things that are beyond human reach.'”
“Honganji Temple holds control over the distribution hub in the Kinai region. And, the O-Tono-sama (the head of the temple) generated profits through the prototype of the Rakushichi Rakusa policy implemented in Gifu. The 11th head of Honganji Temple is Kennyo. Kennyo is his religious name, the temple name is Shinrakuin, and his given name is Mitsumasa. His wife is Nyoshunni, and her older sister is Sanjo-no-kata, who is the legal wife of Takeda Shingen’s residence, Tokueiken.”
“Does it mean showing one’s work to God and waiting for the results?” “You’re still as knowledgeable as ever.”
“I will do everything within my power and wait for fate. That seems to be the best course of action.”
“I cannot explain the details, but I will never betray the lord.”
“However, I must say, wouldn’t it be easier to rely on the gods and Buddhas from the beginning?”
“It is foolish to distance oneself from talented individuals just because their origins are unknown. Besides, based on your actions up until now, I see you as someone worthy of trust.”
“Let’s say there was a versatile king in a certain country who could do anything. His subordinates believed that the king’s decisions were always correct, and sought his judgment on everything, even something as trivial as a marital dispute. ‘Although I am untalented, I will do my best to live up to your trust.'”
“I do feel uncomfortable relying on strong individuals from the beginning. I see, so after doing everything I can, I should wait for fate to take its course. Not a bad idea… Let’s go back to the original topic. What exactly is Christianity?”
“Let’s go back, shall we? How do you feel about opposing the temple and shrine forces at this point? Don’t hold back, speak openly.”
Nobunaga intentionally clears his throat in an unnatural manner. He must have been trying to change the atmosphere. Of course, the atmosphere he was trying to change was not among the people around him, but between himself and Shizuko.
“Nanban… I refer to it as Europe, but it is the largest religion in Europe. While there are other religions, they can be considered small-scale.”
“At this point, it would not be wise to antagonize the temple and shrine forces. First, we should find a way to deal with Asakura and Azai Saebei, who harbor hostility towards the lord. If we leave them be, they will eventually become hostile towards the lord in some form. Personally, I would like to propose bringing Azai Shinkuro into our camp.”
“Is there some kind of Buddhism yhere?” “It seems that the situation is much worse than I imagined.”
“Well, yes. Just like Buddhism in Japan, Shintoism is widely practiced in Europe. Missionaries from Europe come to Japan and engage in missionary activities.”
“I don’t mean to be bold, but… if you make too many enemies at once, you’ll find yourself in a difficult situation. It may be frustrating for you, but please try to set some limits and handle the situation accordingly.”
“I see. It wouldn’t be good to have too many preconceptions. This much information about Christianity is sufficient.”
The conversation is over. Shizuko finally feels relieved. It was only about two hours, but she felt like she had been talking for almost half a day. She bows her head to Nobunaga and slowly descends from her seat. There is no reason to linger in the higher seat now that the conversation is over, and being in the higher seat alone makes her feel a tightness in her stomach.
“You’ve worked hard. It’s good to go home and rest your body today.”
“Your kind words are unnecessary. I will take my leave for today. Thank you.”
“Very well, I’ll count on you again tomorrow.”
Shizuko couldn’t ignore the words and looked back at Nobunaga. He had a mischievous smile on his face and said to Shizuko like this.
“Tomorrow, I want you to also be present.”
The next day, as Nobunaga had declared, Shizuko was forced to accompany Frois in a meeting. For security reasons, she needed to hide her face, so she wore a hood and dressed in samurai attire. She also wrapped a sarashi around her chest to appear as masculine as possible.
(Ugh, my chest feels tight…!! Well, it’s not like I have a chest big enough to brag about. And my face feels sweaty…)
At first, Shizuko thought about why they went to such lengths to have her attend the audience, but upon further consideration, she understood that this audience was not a simple matter. Kyoto and Sakai have many followers of the Nichiren sect. However, this sect often resorts to slander and criticism of other sects in order to expand their own followers, showing a rather forceful side. As a result, although it may not escalate to full-blown battles, there are often bloody conflicts. It seems that this consideration was to avoid getting involved in such disputes. However, Shizuko’s true feelings were that it might not have been necessary to go to such lengths to have her attend.
According to historical records, Nobunaga arrived first at the construction site of the Nijo Castle and later met with Father Frois on the bridge. Shortly after Nobunaga’s arrival, a person who appeared to be a priest and some followers appeared.
(Luis Frois, a priest, and then Brother Lorenzo, an interpreter.)
Shizuko thought that the man in his forties, bowing his head in the distance, was Father Fróis, while the person on the opposite side was probably a Japanese Jesuit member, Brother Lorenzo Ruiz.
(I can’t find Wada Koremasa, a member of the Christian Protection Faction. I remember reading in a document that he was supposed to bring Fróis here on a palanquin, but…?)
While she was searching, moving only her eyes, for someone who looked like Wada Koremasa, she couldn’t find anyone who seemed to fit the description. Meanwhile, Nobunaga signaled for them to come closer.
“I am Luis Frois. I am grateful to have the honor of being received today.”
In a foreigner’s characteristic intonation, Fróis introduces himself and expresses gratitude for the press conference.
“The sun is strong today. It’s a good idea to wear a hat.”
(I feel like my face is getting steamed.)
Because the sun was strong, it was a little hot inside the hood. However, there was no other choice but to endure and not take it off. Shizuko looks at Luis Frois. His appearance has the typical European facial features and body shape. He is slightly taller than the average Japanese person but slender in exchange. Frois has outstanding observational and analytical skills, and his written reports are highly regarded in the Jesuit community.
“To commemorate the occasion of getting closer to Lord Oda, I have prepared a gift for you today.”
(Oh, that famous thing is coming out.)
At first, Shizuko felt that there was a lack of excitement in clearing the game from the beginning, but there is still a difference in the level of excitement between knowing something from a book and seeing it with one’s own eyes. Even though she knew what Frois would present, Shizuko couldn’t help but feel excited.
“We have konpeito (confetti) and arufaroa (alfajores).”
Nobunaga, upon seeing it, was so impressed that his expression relaxed. Not only him, but also the samurais around him were instantly captivated by its mysterious nature. Only Shizuko, who knew what it was, seemed to maintain a calm demeanor despite being inwardly moved. Friar Luis, who possessed keen insight, couldn’t have missed it. However, he quickly reconsidered, thinking that he couldn’t appear surprised since his face was covered by a hood.
“Quite interesting”
Nobunaga, who seemed like he was about to grab it immediately, instead gave instructions with his hand to hand the flask bottle containing confetti to Shizuko.
“(Ah, please tell me something) Here, what’s inside this flask is confetti. It’s a sugar candy made by coating poppy seeds with syrup and hardening it.”
“Co-Con?”
Unable to catch the pronunciation, Nobunaga responds with a strange expression. Shizuko, slightly calming her emotions, repeats the Portuguese word that became the origin of confetti.
“Confetti. When translated into Japanese, it means ‘konpeito’.”
“I see. What is this thing that looks like a tube over here?”
“Alfajores. If translated into Japanese, it would be ‘Ariheitou’.”
Both confetti and alfajores are types of Nanban confectionery. If you take care to avoid moisture, both are said to maintain their taste for two to three years, just like regular sugar. In particular, confetti, when made using traditional methods and stored properly, is said to have a shelf life of 20 to 30 years. These colorful candies are sometimes included with emergency rations, along with dry bread, as they provide the necessary calorie intake for activities and stimulate saliva production. Additionally, looking at colorful candies can help reduce stress.
(Since both are derived from Portuguese, it might be a little difficult to understand… Oh?)
Feeling the gaze, Shizuko turned her face towards it. Friar Frois and Lorenzo lost color in their faces and clearly looked at Shizuko with awe. The Nanban sweets and other offerings brought by the missionaries were received with astonishment by all the locals. Even Nobunaga, whom Friar Frois considered to be the representative of Japan, had the same reaction. However, one of the people standing beside him saw through the true nature of their gifts. Friar Frois felt an indescribable fear, but he forcibly suppressed it with his faith.
(O God, please bless us)
Frois had heard some rumors about him, but reconsidered as they were not very reliable. Nobunaga rarely listens to the opinions of his subordinates and only believes what he sees himself. However, in reality, he does take into account the opinions of his subordinates and compares them with his own to make judgments. Frois thought that Nobunaga was the first of his kind, having met many rulers in Japan. He was an exceptionally talented individual with good reason and clear judgment, possessing great wisdom while also having the capacity to listen to others’ opinions. Frois could understand why his retainers somewhat feared and trembled before Nobunaga. What was even more eerie was the masked warrior (referring to Shizuko).
Nobunaga meets with Fróis with a relaxed expression. It is more like Nobunaga asking Fróis questions and Fróis answering them. The topics covered are diverse, including questions about Fróis’ age, the country he lives in, what India is like, how long it took him to study the Japanese language, and other curious topics that reflect Nobunaga’s inquisitive nature.
After answering that question, Fróis was slightly concerned about the samurai who hid his face who may ask him something
“Frois, do you not miss your parents?”
“Oh, no, it’s okay…”
Fróis found himself at a loss for words when the question suddenly shifted to a private matter. However, Nobunaga continued speaking without much concern.
“I see. However, parents should be cherished. It’s lonely when you want to be filial, but your parents are not around.”
To put it bluntly, “When you want to be filial, your parents are no longer there.” It is essentially a concern for Fróis.
“Thank you. However, I learned from my father and mother. No matter what difficulties or setbacks may lie ahead, fulfilling the mission assigned to oneself is the greatest way to show filial piety. I will uphold that teaching.”
“If the teachings of God do not spread in our country, what would you do?”
Nobunaga believed that the mission of a missionary is to spread God’s teachings to other countries. Therefore, he became slightly interested in what Fróis would do if his teachings did not spread.
“Even if I were to become the only believer, I am determined to stay in Japan for that person’s sake for the rest of my life.”
It was an answer without hesitation. Fróis’ expression, and above all, his eyes spoke of the fact that those words were his sincere thoughts without any falsehood. Nobunaga concluded that Fróis had come to this country to spread his faith. Fróis was unaware, but Nobunaga knew a lot about the Jesuit missionaries. He knew that they were acting as scouts for their home country and assisting in colonization. He also knew that their missionary activities were in accordance with the “adaptation policy.” He was, in a sense, the person in Japan who knew the Jesuit order better than anyone else. That is why Nobunaga needed to determine whether Fróis was a scout soldier for colonial policy or simply acting sincerely for his faith.
“What do you think?”
Nobunaga came to the conclusion within himself that he would “give permission for proselytizing.” However, he needed to know what others thought, so he approached his subordinates and asked for their opinions. From the perspective of those who were approached, it was not an easy situation, but they couldn’t avoid expressing their own thoughts. However, most of the samurai who were approached only gave safe and non-committal answers.
“What do you think?”
Nobunaga, who was frustrated by the lack of sensible ideas, asked Shizuko.
“In the future, many trials await them. Buddhist monks will denounce them as heretics and obstruct their missionary work. There will also be people who refuse to accept their ideas. There will be those who hurl insults and verbal abuse at them.”
After closing her eyes for a moment, Shizuko opened them again and continued speaking.
“Mr. Luis Frois, Mr. Lorenzo Ryosai, can both of you pray for your enemies? ‘But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew 5:44). Can you do that?”
“That phrase… Yes, the teaching of my lord is ‘Thou shalt not hate. Love thine enemies.'”
When Shizuko mentioned a verse from the Bible, Frois momentarily stiffened his expression. However, he quickly relaxed his expression and responded with a smile filled with compassion.
“In that case, there is no problem. My lord, I would like to suggest that we should allow their missionary work.”
“What is the reason for that?”
“If they spread their message with love, I have no reason to oppose them. Besides, I do not wish to engage in battle with them. I wish to become their friend.”
Shizuko may seem like she’s saying something meaningful, but in reality, she hasn’t thought deeply about it. She’s just stringing together words that came to mind and trying her best to give off an air of being knowledgeable, without really understanding the subject matter.
“Are you friends with a Nanban person? I thought you would be more actively persuading them.”
Was that thought seen through by Nobunaga? He smirked with a mischievous smile. It seemed like he was questioning, but in reality, he was asking about Shizuko’s religious beliefs. However, Shizuko didn’t notice that and spoke her mind.
“Excuse me, Lord. Please imagine me persuading them and bowing my head. What expression would I have at that time?”
“…”
“Yes, that’s right. It’s not about persuading them to look down on others. It’s about becoming friends in order to make them understand the existence of a higher power and also have them get to know Lord Oda.”
Nobunaga smirked at Shizuko’s words.
“Interesting”
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Early March, 1569.
Nobunaga’s frustration had reached its limit in early February. He led a force of 3,000 soldiers and set up camp in Bessho. He imposed a tax on arrows and coins in the port town of Amagasaki, but the people of Amagasaki refused to comply. Following the attitude of the people of Sakai, Nobunaga decided that military pressure was necessary against the people of Amagasaki. After engaging in battle with the people of Amagasaki, he burned down all four independent towns of Amagasaki (Ichinotecho, Besshocho, Furotsujicho, and Tatsumicho). This thorough scorched earth strategy threw the various cities into chaos. They became divided internally, with factions advocating submission to Nobunaga, factions insisting on continuing resistance, and factions seeking alliances with other powers such as the Honganji Temple. Unbeknownst to them, Nobunaga’s true goal was the self-destruction caused by internal division. In the end, the faction in Sakai that had incited the people of Amagasaki surrendered, and on February 11, Sakai was effectively taken over, with Nobunaga’s officials being dispatched. The Sakai assembly pledged to pay a tax of 20,000 kan of arrows and coins, and promised not to hire soldiers or keep prisoners (those who had lost their stipends and left their lord’s service, later known as ronin from the mid-Edo period onwards). Finally, after all this, they were allowed to make amends, but as a warning to other cities, Nobunaga imposed heavy taxes on Sakai.
As a result, some people in Sakai suffered great losses and fell into decline, while others took advantage of the situation and clearly distinguished themselves. The foremost among those who emerged was Imai Munehisa. He quickly showed his submission to Nobunaga, which led to him becoming the exclusive merchant for firearms and gunpowder, handling all of Nobunaga’s orders. This propelled Imai Munehisa to the top of the Sakai group in one fell swoop. However, unexpected pitfalls awaited him, even though he seemed to be sailing smoothly. In an attempt to win Nobunaga’s favor, Imai Munehisa invited him to a tea ceremony, but contrary to his expectations, Nobunaga became enamored with tea ceremony. There is a possibility that Nobunaga felt the same way as Kiso Yoshinaka, who had driven the Taira clan westward and achieved the capital’s conquest. After all, tea ceremony was a pastime of the nobility at the time, a symbol of status. In order to overcome any inferiority complex towards the courtiers and people of Kyoto, Nobunaga may have considered acquiring not only military power but also cutting-edge culture, and proving himself worthy of ruling the country by possessing exquisite tea utensils.
Nobunaga, who awakened to the world of tea, ignored all the established rules of gradually changing utensils according to his own proficiency, and instead gathered the bare minimum of tea utensils. This is still true today, as collecting antiques and artworks is not simply a matter of money. Collecting expensive items indiscriminately can lead to a tasteless display of wealth, and without the ability to discern authenticity, one may be deceived by fakes. However, Nobunaga, backed by his military power, used intimidation to obtain high-quality items and used his overwhelming financial resources to completely monopolize the market. His tea utensil collection, later referred to as “chaki-gari” (tea utensil hunting), “meibutsu-gari” (famous item hunting), and “meiki-gari” (masterpiece hunting), deeply impressed the tea practitioners of Sakai and Kyoto.
It seemed that Nobunaga’s mood had somewhat improved after the hunting of famous game, allowing him to vent his frustrations. However, he still felt dissatisfied with his living conditions, particularly the uncomfortable sleeping quarters, lack of bathing facilities, and the food that did not suit his taste. Already, nine chefs had been dismissed, and a swift resolution was urgently needed. However, Shizuko, who seemed to have a solution, could not leave Owari due to Nobunaga’s orders. As a result, Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide continued to be subjected to Nobunaga’s intimidating presence, similar to a murderous intent, until early March.
In early March, Shizuko finally stepped down from her position of leading the front lines and was able to find some breathing room. A little before that, in early February, three wooden lathes were completed, and in late February, a hand-cranked washing machine was completed and put into operation. Although the peak had passed, Shizuko still wished to avoid leaving Owari during this uncertain time. However, with the letters from Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide arriving at shorter intervals, she judged that further postponement would be difficult. With a force of 500 men and accompanied by Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi, she headed towards Kyoto. The procession was heavily guarded, and Shizuko herself had prepared many belongings, which were carried alongside the supplies for the daimyo procession that followed. Shizuko herself needed to arrive in Kyoto ahead of the belongings, so she led a small but elite group, changing horses one after another to stay ahead. Thanks to soldiers dispatched by Hideyoshi, the baggage train that arrived in Kyoto later would also arrive safely and without major delays, a few days behind Shizuko.
Shizuko, who arrived in Kyoto ahead of time, is greeted by Mitsuhide.
“Thank you for your hard work, and thank you for coming. Despite the fatigue from the forced march, I entrust you with taking care of the lord.”
“I am deeply honored by Lord Akechi’s personal welcome.”
He, who was suffering from stomach pain, immediately told Shizuko. She thought that his condition was more serious than she had imagined. This was their first meeting with Mitsuhide, but he was not surprised that Shizuko was a woman. In fact, almost everyone who had met her for the first time couldn’t hide their surprise at her gender and youth. Even considering the possibility that Mitsuhide had heard about Shizuko from someone else, his lack of interest in her indicated that he was too overwhelmed to pay much attention.
“The bath is being prepared by my subordinates. I will first attend to the preparation of the midday meal that is to be served.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, but please take care of it. The kitchen staff is finishing up preparations.”
With that, he left while clutching his stomach. If left unattended, he seemed likely to collapse from a stomach ulcer. If things continued like this, Nobunaga’s stress would spread to his subordinates. In the worst case scenario, it could become a factor in causing internal collapse.
Shizuko considers why Nobunaga feels strong stress about meals. The answer is very simple. People of high status in Kyoto generally do not engage in physical activity. On the other hand, Nobunaga comes from a samurai background. Consequently, he needs to consume more salt than people in Kyoto in order to maintain his body. It is not a matter of one being superior to the other, but rather the historical backgrounds of the samurai culture that Nobunaga and the aristocratic culture, such as the nobility, have followed.
However, the court nobles believe that those who cannot understand the taste of Kyoto are equal to uncivilized barbarians, and they bask in their sense of superiority. They believe that they are the center of Japan and interpret their own culture as superior, while denigrating other cultures as barbaric, and ultimately imposing their own culture. Without realizing it, these actions are the lowest form of “barbaric” behavior that frequently leads to conflicts throughout human history.
Let’s bring the focus of the conversation back to food. Nobunaga, who hails from Owari, has a preference for strong flavors. Despite this, the cultured people of Kyoto may secretly ridicule Nobunaga’s taste, but it is Nobunaga who holds the real power in Kyoto. Reality can be harsh. If we don’t satisfy Nobunaga, the future of Kyoto will not be bright. In order to do so, Shizuko reluctantly thinks about the reasons for Nobunaga’s dissatisfaction with his meals, realizing that there is no point in complaining.
As a side note, there are quite complex reasons behind the difference in seasoning between Kansai and Kanto regions. For example, when it comes to soba sauce, Kansai uses a clear and refined sauce, while Kanto uses a darker and richer sauce. This difference is said to stem from the difference in “dashi culture”. What both Kansai-style and Kanto-style have in common is that they combine glutamic acid and inosinic acid to bring out the umami flavor. Glutamic acid is found in ingredients such as kelp and soy sauce, while inosinic acid is known to be abundant in bonito flakes. The difference in approach to these umami components reflects the historical background of each region’s food culture.
In the Kansai region, there was a tradition of using kombu seaweed to enhance the umami flavor, and adding bonito flakes to provide inosinic acid. The taste was adjusted with salt or light soy sauce. As a result, dishes with a light-colored broth could still have a strong umami flavor. On the other hand, in the Kanto region, kombu seaweed was transported from the production areas later due to underdeveloped transportation systems, making it a luxury item. Therefore, there was no tradition of using kombu, and glutamic acid was supplemented with dark soy sauce. By adding dark soy sauce (glutamic acid) to bonito flakes (inosinic acid), a richly colored Kanto-style broth was created.
To summarize, in the Kansai region, kombu seaweed was used to extract glutamic acid, so only a small amount of light soy sauce was needed. In the Kanto region, glutamic acid was obtained from dark soy sauce, so kombu was not necessary. Even if kombu had been widely available in the Kanto region, it is doubtful whether it would have become popular. This is because the water in Kanto is “hard water” with high mineral content. When kombu is boiled in hard water, the calcium in the water adheres to the kombu, making it difficult to extract umami flavor. The attached calcium also combines with the components of the kombu, causing the broth to become cloudy. Additionally, boiling kombu in hard water enhances both the aroma and the unpleasant odor. It is not impossible to make kombu dashi with hard water, but it requires more effort and takes much longer compared to soft water. These challenges, along with historical factors, led to kombu not being used in the Kanto region.
I think that when a lord who usually endures inconveniences without complaint suddenly expresses dissatisfaction loudly, the root cause lies not on the surface but deep within.
Shizuko, who thought that she had a rough idea but no definitive information, gathered information from people who had been involved in Nobunaga’s cooking and his life. As she received the expected answers, Shizuko immediately started cooking. Just in time for lunch, she completed the dish.
“I apologize for the wait.”
I enter the room where Nobunaga is seated with a pageboy holding a tray. Nobunaga is seated at the head of the table, with Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide sitting on his left side.
“Oh, I’ve been waiting… huh?”
As soon as Hideyoshi sees Shizuko, his face brightens up, but his expression changes to one of confusion when he sees the dish that was served.
In one word, it was a simple meal. It consisted of rice served in a bowl, miso soup with long green onions, chicken and potatoes, boiled komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), and lightly pickled turnip skins. Apart from the chicken and potatoes, the meal Shizuko served would have been a common everyday dish for samurais in Owari, from Hideyoshi’s perspective.
“Please, go ahead and enjoy.”
At the same time as placing the tray in front of Nobunaga, Shizuko said that.
“Before you eat, let me ask why you chose this dish.”
Nobunaga’s expression remains stern and unchanged. This chilled Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide, but Shizuko answered with a relaxed and natural smile on her face.
“With all due respect, I have investigated the menus that you have been enjoying for the past few days, Your Excellency. As I expected, they were all extravagant Kyoto-style delicacies. It may not be burdensome for a few days, as the novelty adds some excitement, but it is inevitable to get tired of lavish feasts every day. This is just my speculation, but do you find eating meals to be a painful experience, Your Excellency?”
“…You’re still talking as if you saw it yourself.”
“I will take that statement as a positive affirmation. Let’s get back to the topic. The intention behind everyday meals and occasional feasts is different. I believe that for someone who is tired of gourmet cuisine, everyday dishes that remind them of their hometown Owari are more suitable.”
“Hmm, a dish that brings peace to the heart, huh? Very well, I shall partake without hesitation.”
Nobunaga grabbed a piece of chicken and potato from the chicken and potato stew with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth. He remained silent for a while. However, seeing the stern expression gradually fading from Nobunaga’s face, Shizuko was convinced that the plan had been successful.
“A meal that satisfies the heart, huh…”
Nobunaga, who had finished his meal, muttered quietly. Shizuko, who heard his muttered words, felt a sense of loneliness and sadness in them.
“Was it alright, Lord Shizuko?”
Shizuko, who was carrying Nobunaga’s tableware with Saizo, was called out from behind and turned around. It was Mitsuhide who called out to her. He approached Shizuko and, despite having a retainer behind him, bowed deeply to her.
“Thank you”
Realizing that even though it was short, it was an expression of gratitude for resolving Nobunaga’s dissatisfaction, Shizuko hurriedly bowed her head to Mitsuhide.
“Oh, it’s quite humble of you.”
“Hahaha, no need to be modest. However, I had heard about it, but you really are a young woman. I was a little surprised, but your courage to remain composed in front of that lord is truly impressive.”
Mitsuhide has a kind smile and laughs heartily.
“I will take my leave then. I will continue to be of service to you, my lady.”
Saying that, Mitsuhide left. The retainer who was behind him bowed to Shizuko before following Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide is a person who receives various evaluations, but in Shizuko’s eyes, he appeared to be a serious and earnest individual. However, one must not let their guard down. He was the person who assassinated Nobunaga, just before the unification of Japan, and even took the life of his successor, Nobutada. Since the reason for Mitsuhide’s rebellion at the Honnoji Incident is not clear, it is impossible to fully trust him.
(…There is another person from the Oda clan who should be kept under surveillance… but maybe it’s better not to make any moves for now.)
Shizuko thought that continuing to suspect Oda clan retainers without certainty would only lead to unnecessary chaos. She believed that now was the time to gather the power to suppress all the signs of the Honnoji Incident.
(There are many collaborators for that… but creating factions can also be a problem.)
“Shizuko-sama? How may I assist you? Do you have any thoughts about Mr. Akechi…?”
Saizo, tilting his head, asks Shizuko, who had been facing Mitsuhide even after he disappeared.
“I missed asking about the Kyoto security maintenance squad, you know.”
“Oh, the Kyoto Security Maintenance Police Force has been taken over by Mr. Akechi, you know.”
“I wanted to know the current situation, but… well, maybe next time.”
Saizo did not say anything else, indicating that he agreed with Shizuko’s words.
“Well then, you need to clean up the dishes in the kitchen.”
In addition to improving the dining situation, there were many other tasks entrusted to Shizuko. First, she resolved Nobunaga’s dissatisfaction with the bath by transporting the Okabe-style wooden barrel bath and buckets for foot baths from Owari. As for the sleeping quarters, they simply brought in futons without Nobunaga’s permission, as manufacturing futons was prohibited. Therefore, Shizuko decided to transport the complete set of futons that Nobunaga had at his villa. She transported the wooden barrel bath, foot bath buckets, complete set of futons, as well as other items such as zabuton cushions and porcelain, all in order to alleviate Nobunaga’s dissatisfaction. However, later on, Nobunaga began using them in a way that was different from Shizuko’s intentions.
First of all, the porcelain tableware was prepared for Nobunaga’s use and is adorned with various designs. Some of them have a mechanism where when bowls for tea and miso soup, as well as plates for side dishes, are arranged together, they form a single picture. This was made possible thanks to Nobunaga’s various protective policies towards porcelain made in the pottery town of Seto, similar to Shizuko’s techniques. In an era where porcelain itself was rare, it became natural to handle tableware with even higher design aesthetics. The cultural elites of Kyoto and Sakai, who had previously ridiculed Nobunaga as a “culturally ignorant and rough mountain monkey,” were now surprised and felt inferior. It goes without saying that they were left speechless when they learned about foot baths, filled tub baths, and futons. Nobunaga carefully chose the timing and bestowed porcelain as a reward to several individuals. It seemed as if these were ordinary items that didn’t require any special attention. The recipients were amazed by the originality of the porcelain. Some even tried to attack the character of those who flaunted such items, saying that it was vulgar, but they ended up only damaging their own reputation because they couldn’t provide anything of higher quality themselves.
At that time, Shizuko later recalled that Nobunaga had a cruel and evil expression on his face. It must have been an exhilarating feeling to give cultural and unseen items to those who boasted of being cultured individuals. However, there was something that Nobunaga himself did not realize. Regardless of the region, cultural background, or race in which humans live, there is a deep-seated fear that is common to all. Within lies the oldest fear of all – the fear of the unknown. In other words, when the cultural elites of Kyoto and Sakai were given porcelain by Nobunaga, they not only felt astonishment but also an indescribable fear. Particularly because Nobunaga’s act of giving them porcelain was close to “boasting” and had little ill will or hostility, it further intensified their fear. The reason why Shibata and Sassa directed hostility towards Shizuko was not so much because she was a woman, but rather because she represented an “unknown existence.”
Seven days after Nobunaga had retaliated against the elites, enjoyed a satisfying meal, relaxed in the bath, and slept comfortably in his futon, his subordinates were no longer afraid of him. They were lively and carrying out their duties with enthusiasm. Nobunaga himself had also calmed down from his initial fierce demeanor and now exuded a more relaxed atmosphere. Having achieved their goal in Kyoto, Shizuko informed Nobunaga that she would be returning to Owari. However, his response was for her to stay in Kyoto for a while longer. Curious about the reason, Shizuko went to see Nobunaga. The reason was quite simple. A few days ago, a Nanban missionary had requested an audience with Nobunaga. The meeting with this Nanban missionary was scheduled for the next day.
(Ah, the timing is off, but the person is Luis Frois, right?)
During his visit to Kyoto last year, Nobunaga did not meet with Luis Frois. Although he had heard about Luis Frois’ situation from his retainer, Wada Koremasa, Nobunaga refused to meet him, stating that he did not know how to properly receive a Nanban person. It is said that at that time, Nobunaga accepted only one gift and returned the rest to Luis Frois as an apology for not meeting him.
“I don’t quite understand what Nanban is. Perfect, today I will ask about the world. You are from Nanban, aren’t you?”
“………… Eh? Ah, yes. U-um, that’s right. Yes…… (So it was still in effect, my little Nanban lie).”
Although no one had noticed that she came from the future, Nobunaga had seen through that Shizuko was not from Nanban. So when she was told that she was from Nanban, Shizuko couldn’t comprehend it. However, she quickly cleared her mind and nodded in agreement with Nobunaga’s words.
“It’s enough that you know… It’s difficult to talk about it there. Come closer.”
Upon hearing that, Shizuko takes a couple of steps closer to Nobunaga. However, it seems like he is not satisfied and gives off an atmosphere as if he wants her to get even closer. Reluctantly, she takes one step after another while checking Nobunaga’s expression. Eventually, she ends up coming close to the seat of honor, but even then, Nobunaga’s expression remains unchanged.
(Uh… I-I can go up on this? No, it’s a bit too much…)
“I don’t care. Hurry up and come up.”
Nobunaga urges Shizuko, who cannot hide her confusion, to take the seat of honor. The attendants and subordinates could not hide their surprise, but Shizuko was even more astonished. The seat of honor is where someone of high status sits, and it is the farthest seat from the entrance. Shizuko hesitated for a moment, but she bowed her head and took the seat of honor. She thought that Nobunaga must have some ulterior motive for allowing her to get this close. As Shizuko moved almost directly in front of Nobunaga, he nodded slightly. It was a signal that it was acceptable.
“There are times when words alone are not enough to understand. Prepare a blackboard that can be held in hand. It would be helpful to use it as an aid for explanation.”
A blackboard is handed over along with words. Upon closer inspection, there are writings on the blackboard.
“Don’t focus on that, answer my question.”
I almost caught a glimpse of Nobunaga’s face, but Shizuko quickly stopped me and lightly erased the blackboard as if nothing had happened. She skillfully erased the characters that Nobunaga had written with her hand and returned the blackboard to him.
“There is no problem with the quality, right? Since the lord will also be writing something, why don’t we have the speaker hold the blackboard?”
“Hmm… That’s a good point, let’s go with that. First of all… I don’t understand the difference between Buddha and God. Those monks insult the Christians as heretics. However, both are still gods. What exactly is the difference between gods and Buddhas?” “Religious forces have strong control, but what is the foundation of their faith?”
As soon as she finished speaking, she was handed a blackboard. Trying not to focus on the blackboard, Shizuko answered Nobunaga’s question.
“Well… both Buddhas and gods have no substitute when it comes to ‘manifesting power.’ However, the way they manifest that power is different. Buddhas manifest power through their ‘nature,’ while gods manifest power through their ‘personality’.”
“Temples are not only fortified cities, but also bases for weapon production. They also dominate as hubs for commerce and logistics, generating profits and accumulating immense wealth from there.”
“Is the way power is manifested different? Indeed, if we consider that idea, we can say that there is not much difference between gods and Buddhas. In the end, it all depends on how people perceive ‘power.'”
“As for the influential temples and shrines in the Kinai region…”
“I personally do not believe in either Buddha or God. Well… it would be more accurate to say that I do not blindly believe in them.”
“Firstly, there is the Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, which is the wealthiest organization in Japan. They own numerous manors and estates, engage in lending practices that resemble usury, and dominate commerce and logistics. The current head of the Tendai sect on Mount Hiei is Prince Oin Nyudo, the fifth son of Prince Sadatsune of Fushimi.”
“Oh, well, it’s not for me to say, but I don’t sense any faith in Buddhism from you, do I?” “As for Honganji…”
“My grandmother always used to say, ‘It is not good to rely solely on the gods and Buddhas from the beginning… Instead of relying on them from the start, one should first exert all of their own efforts. Only after completing all of those should one seek the power of the gods and Buddhas for things that are beyond human reach.'”
“Honganji Temple holds control over the distribution hub in the Kinai region. And, the O-Tono-sama (the head of the temple) generated profits through the prototype of the Rakushichi Rakusa policy implemented in Gifu. The 11th head of Honganji Temple is Kennyo. Kennyo is his religious name, the temple name is Shinrakuin, and his given name is Mitsumasa. His wife is Nyoshunni, and her older sister is Sanjo-no-kata, who is the legal wife of Takeda Shingen’s residence, Tokueiken.”
“Does it mean showing one’s work to God and waiting for the results?” “You’re still as knowledgeable as ever.”
“I will do everything within my power and wait for fate. That seems to be the best course of action.”
“I cannot explain the details, but I will never betray the lord.”
“However, I must say, wouldn’t it be easier to rely on the gods and Buddhas from the beginning?”
“It is foolish to distance oneself from talented individuals just because their origins are unknown. Besides, based on your actions up until now, I see you as someone worthy of trust.”
“Let’s say there was a versatile king in a certain country who could do anything. His subordinates believed that the king’s decisions were always correct, and sought his judgment on everything, even something as trivial as a marital dispute. ‘Although I am untalented, I will do my best to live up to your trust.'”
“I do feel uncomfortable relying on strong individuals from the beginning. I see, so after doing everything I can, I should wait for fate to take its course. Not a bad idea… Let’s go back to the original topic. What exactly is Christianity?”
“Let’s go back, shall we? How do you feel about opposing the temple and shrine forces at this point? Don’t hold back, speak openly.”
Nobunaga intentionally clears his throat in an unnatural manner. He must have been trying to change the atmosphere. Of course, the atmosphere he was trying to change was not among the people around him, but between himself and Shizuko.
“Nanban… I refer to it as Europe, but it is the largest religion in Europe. While there are other religions, they can be considered small-scale.”
“At this point, it would not be wise to antagonize the temple and shrine forces. First, we should find a way to deal with Asakura and Azai Saebei, who harbor hostility towards the lord. If we leave them be, they will eventually become hostile towards the lord in some form. Personally, I would like to propose bringing Azai Shinkuro into our camp.”
“Is there some kind of Buddhism yhere?” “It seems that the situation is much worse than I imagined.”
“Well, yes. Just like Buddhism in Japan, Shintoism is widely practiced in Europe. Missionaries from Europe come to Japan and engage in missionary activities.”
“I don’t mean to be bold, but… if you make too many enemies at once, you’ll find yourself in a difficult situation. It may be frustrating for you, but please try to set some limits and handle the situation accordingly.”
“I see. It wouldn’t be good to have too many preconceptions. This much information about Christianity is sufficient.”
The conversation is over. Shizuko finally feels relieved. It was only about two hours, but she felt like she had been talking for almost half a day. She bows her head to Nobunaga and slowly descends from her seat. There is no reason to linger in the higher seat now that the conversation is over, and being in the higher seat alone makes her feel a tightness in her stomach.
“You’ve worked hard. It’s good to go home and rest your body today.”
“Your kind words are unnecessary. I will take my leave for today. Thank you.”
“Very well, I’ll count on you again tomorrow.”
Shizuko couldn’t ignore the words and looked back at Nobunaga. He had a mischievous smile on his face and said to Shizuko like this.
“Tomorrow, I want you to also be present.”
The next day, as Nobunaga had declared, Shizuko was forced to accompany Frois in a meeting. For security reasons, she needed to hide her face, so she wore a hood and dressed in samurai attire. She also wrapped a sarashi around her chest to appear as masculine as possible.
(Ugh, my chest feels tight…!! Well, it’s not like I have a chest big enough to brag about. And my face feels sweaty…)
At first, Shizuko thought about why they went to such lengths to have her attend the audience, but upon further consideration, she understood that this audience was not a simple matter. Kyoto and Sakai have many followers of the Nichiren sect. However, this sect often resorts to slander and criticism of other sects in order to expand their own followers, showing a rather forceful side. As a result, although it may not escalate to full-blown battles, there are often bloody conflicts. It seems that this consideration was to avoid getting involved in such disputes. However, Shizuko’s true feelings were that it might not have been necessary to go to such lengths to have her attend.
According to historical records, Nobunaga arrived first at the construction site of the Nijo Castle and later met with Father Frois on the bridge. Shortly after Nobunaga’s arrival, a person who appeared to be a priest and some followers appeared.
(Luis Frois, a priest, and then Brother Lorenzo, an interpreter.)
Shizuko thought that the man in his forties, bowing his head in the distance, was Father Fróis, while the person on the opposite side was probably a Japanese Jesuit member, Brother Lorenzo Ruiz.
(I can’t find Wada Koremasa, a member of the Christian Protection Faction. I remember reading in a document that he was supposed to bring Fróis here on a palanquin, but…?)
While she was searching, moving only her eyes, for someone who looked like Wada Koremasa, she couldn’t find anyone who seemed to fit the description. Meanwhile, Nobunaga signaled for them to come closer.
“I am Luis Frois. I am grateful to have the honor of being received today.”
In a foreigner’s characteristic intonation, Fróis introduces himself and expresses gratitude for the press conference.
“The sun is strong today. It’s a good idea to wear a hat.”
(I feel like my face is getting steamed.)
Because the sun was strong, it was a little hot inside the hood. However, there was no other choice but to endure and not take it off. Shizuko looks at Luis Frois. His appearance has the typical European facial features and body shape. He is slightly taller than the average Japanese person but slender in exchange. Frois has outstanding observational and analytical skills, and his written reports are highly regarded in the Jesuit community.
“To commemorate the occasion of getting closer to Lord Oda, I have prepared a gift for you today.”
(Oh, that famous thing is coming out.)
At first, Shizuko felt that there was a lack of excitement in clearing the game from the beginning, but there is still a difference in the level of excitement between knowing something from a book and seeing it with one’s own eyes. Even though she knew what Frois would present, Shizuko couldn’t help but feel excited.
“We have konpeito (confetti) and arufaroa (alfajores).”
Nobunaga, upon seeing it, was so impressed that his expression relaxed. Not only him, but also the samurais around him were instantly captivated by its mysterious nature. Only Shizuko, who knew what it was, seemed to maintain a calm demeanor despite being inwardly moved. Friar Luis, who possessed keen insight, couldn’t have missed it. However, he quickly reconsidered, thinking that he couldn’t appear surprised since his face was covered by a hood.
“Quite interesting”
Nobunaga, who seemed like he was about to grab it immediately, instead gave instructions with his hand to hand the flask bottle containing confetti to Shizuko.
“(Ah, please tell me something) Here, what’s inside this flask is confetti. It’s a sugar candy made by coating poppy seeds with syrup and hardening it.”
“Co-Con?”
Unable to catch the pronunciation, Nobunaga responds with a strange expression. Shizuko, slightly calming her emotions, repeats the Portuguese word that became the origin of confetti.
“Confetti. When translated into Japanese, it means ‘konpeito’.”
“I see. What is this thing that looks like a tube over here?”
“Alfajores. If translated into Japanese, it would be ‘Ariheitou’.”
Both confetti and alfajores are types of Nanban confectionery. If you take care to avoid moisture, both are said to maintain their taste for two to three years, just like regular sugar. In particular, confetti, when made using traditional methods and stored properly, is said to have a shelf life of 20 to 30 years. These colorful candies are sometimes included with emergency rations, along with dry bread, as they provide the necessary calorie intake for activities and stimulate saliva production. Additionally, looking at colorful candies can help reduce stress.
(Since both are derived from Portuguese, it might be a little difficult to understand… Oh?)
Feeling the gaze, Shizuko turned her face towards it. Friar Frois and Lorenzo lost color in their faces and clearly looked at Shizuko with awe. The Nanban sweets and other offerings brought by the missionaries were received with astonishment by all the locals. Even Nobunaga, whom Friar Frois considered to be the representative of Japan, had the same reaction. However, one of the people standing beside him saw through the true nature of their gifts. Friar Frois felt an indescribable fear, but he forcibly suppressed it with his faith.
(O God, please bless us)
Frois had heard some rumors about him, but reconsidered as they were not very reliable. Nobunaga rarely listens to the opinions of his subordinates and only believes what he sees himself. However, in reality, he does take into account the opinions of his subordinates and compares them with his own to make judgments. Frois thought that Nobunaga was the first of his kind, having met many rulers in Japan. He was an exceptionally talented individual with good reason and clear judgment, possessing great wisdom while also having the capacity to listen to others’ opinions. Frois could understand why his retainers somewhat feared and trembled before Nobunaga. What was even more eerie was the masked warrior (referring to Shizuko).
Nobunaga meets with Fróis with a relaxed expression. It is more like Nobunaga asking Fróis questions and Fróis answering them. The topics covered are diverse, including questions about Fróis’ age, the country he lives in, what India is like, how long it took him to study the Japanese language, and other curious topics that reflect Nobunaga’s inquisitive nature.
After answering that question, Fróis was slightly concerned about the samurai who hid his face who may ask him something
“Frois, do you not miss your parents?”
“Oh, no, it’s okay…”
Fróis found himself at a loss for words when the question suddenly shifted to a private matter. However, Nobunaga continued speaking without much concern.
“I see. However, parents should be cherished. It’s lonely when you want to be filial, but your parents are not around.”
To put it bluntly, “When you want to be filial, your parents are no longer there.” It is essentially a concern for Fróis.
“Thank you. However, I learned from my father and mother. No matter what difficulties or setbacks may lie ahead, fulfilling the mission assigned to oneself is the greatest way to show filial piety. I will uphold that teaching.”
“If the teachings of God do not spread in our country, what would you do?”
Nobunaga believed that the mission of a missionary is to spread God’s teachings to other countries. Therefore, he became slightly interested in what Fróis would do if his teachings did not spread.
“Even if I were to become the only believer, I am determined to stay in Japan for that person’s sake for the rest of my life.”
It was an answer without hesitation. Fróis’ expression, and above all, his eyes spoke of the fact that those words were his sincere thoughts without any falsehood. Nobunaga concluded that Fróis had come to this country to spread his faith. Fróis was unaware, but Nobunaga knew a lot about the Jesuit missionaries. He knew that they were acting as scouts for their home country and assisting in colonization. He also knew that their missionary activities were in accordance with the “adaptation policy.” He was, in a sense, the person in Japan who knew the Jesuit order better than anyone else. That is why Nobunaga needed to determine whether Fróis was a scout soldier for colonial policy or simply acting sincerely for his faith.
“What do you think?”
Nobunaga came to the conclusion within himself that he would “give permission for proselytizing.” However, he needed to know what others thought, so he approached his subordinates and asked for their opinions. From the perspective of those who were approached, it was not an easy situation, but they couldn’t avoid expressing their own thoughts. However, most of the samurai who were approached only gave safe and non-committal answers.
“What do you think?”
Nobunaga, who was frustrated by the lack of sensible ideas, asked Shizuko.
“In the future, many trials await them. Buddhist monks will denounce them as heretics and obstruct their missionary work. There will also be people who refuse to accept their ideas. There will be those who hurl insults and verbal abuse at them.”
After closing her eyes for a moment, Shizuko opened them again and continued speaking.
“Mr. Luis Frois, Mr. Lorenzo Ryosai, can both of you pray for your enemies? ‘But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew 5:44). Can you do that?”
“That phrase… Yes, the teaching of my lord is ‘Thou shalt not hate. Love thine enemies.'”
When Shizuko mentioned a verse from the Bible, Frois momentarily stiffened his expression. However, he quickly relaxed his expression and responded with a smile filled with compassion.
“In that case, there is no problem. My lord, I would like to suggest that we should allow their missionary work.”
“What is the reason for that?”
“If they spread their message with love, I have no reason to oppose them. Besides, I do not wish to engage in battle with them. I wish to become their friend.”
Shizuko may seem like she’s saying something meaningful, but in reality, she hasn’t thought deeply about it. She’s just stringing together words that came to mind and trying her best to give off an air of being knowledgeable, without really understanding the subject matter.
“Are you friends with a Nanban person? I thought you would be more actively persuading them.”
Was that thought seen through by Nobunaga? He smirked with a mischievous smile. It seemed like he was questioning, but in reality, he was asking about Shizuko’s religious beliefs. However, Shizuko didn’t notice that and spoke her mind.
“Excuse me, Lord. Please imagine me persuading them and bowing my head. What expression would I have at that time?”
“…”
“Yes, that’s right. It’s not about persuading them to look down on others. It’s about becoming friends in order to make them understand the existence of a higher power and also have them get to know Lord Oda.”
Nobunaga smirked at Shizuko’s words.
“Interesting”
Early March, 1569.Nobunaga's frustration had reached its limit in early February. He led a force of 3,000 soldiers and set up camp in Bessho. He imposed a tax on arrows and coins in the port town of Amagasaki, but the people of Amagasaki refused to comply. Following the attitude of the people of Sakai, Nobunaga decided that military pressure was necessary against the people of Amagasaki. After engaging in battle with the people of Amagasaki, he burned down all four independent towns of Amagasaki Ichinotecho, Besshocho, Furotsujicho, and Tatsumicho. This thorough scorched earth strategy threw the various cities into chaos. They became divided internally, with factions advocating submission to Nobunaga, factions insisting on continuing resistance, and factions seeking alliances with other powers such as the Honganji Temple. Unbeknownst to them, Nobunaga's true goal was the self-destruction caused by internal division. In the end, the faction in Sakai that had incited the people of Amagasaki surrendered, and on February 11, Sakai was effectively taken over, with Nobunaga's officials being dispatched. The Sakai assembly pledged to pay a tax of 20,000 kan of arrows and coins, and promised not to hire soldiers or keep prisoners those who had lost their stipends and left their lord's service, later known as ronin from the mid-Edo period onwards. Finally, after all this, they were allowed to make amends, but as a warning to other cities, Nobunaga imposed heavy taxes on Sakai.As a result, some people in Sakai suffered great losses and fell into decline, while others took advantage of the situation and clearly distinguished themselves. The foremost among those who emerged was Imai Munehisa. He quickly showed his submission to Nobunaga, which led to him becoming the exclusive merchant for firearms and gunpowder, handling all of Nobunaga's orders. This propelled Imai Munehisa to the top of the Sakai group in one fell swoop. However, unexpected pitfalls awaited him, even though he seemed to be sailing smoothly. In an attempt to win Nobunaga's favor, Imai Munehisa invited him to a tea ceremony, but contrary to his expectations, Nobunaga became enamored with tea ceremony. There is a possibility that Nobunaga felt the same way as Kiso Yoshinaka, who had driven the Taira clan westward and achieved the capital's conquest. After all, tea ceremony was a pastime of the nobility at the time, a symbol of status. In order to overcome any inferiority complex towards the courtiers and people of Kyoto, Nobunaga may have considered acquiring not only military power but also cutting-edge culture, and proving himself worthy of ruling the country by possessing exquisite tea utensils.Nobunaga, who awakened to the world of tea, ignored all the established rules of gradually changing utensils according to his own proficiency, and instead gathered the bare minimum of tea utensils. This is still true today, as collecting antiques and artworks is not simply a matter of money. Collecting expensive items indiscriminately can lead to a tasteless display of wealth, and without the ability to discern authenticity, one may be deceived by fakes. However, Nobunaga, backed by his military power, used intimidation to obtain high-quality items and used his overwhelming financial resources to completely monopolize the market. His tea utensil collection, later referred to as chaki-gari tea utensil hunting, meibutsu-gari famous item hunting, and meiki-gari masterpiece hunting, deeply impressed the tea practitioners of Sakai and Kyoto.It seemed that Nobunaga's mood had somewhat improved after the hunting of famous game, allowing him to vent his frustrations. However, he still felt dissatisfied with his living conditions, particularly the uncomfortable sleeping quarters, lack of bathing facilities, and the food that did not suit his taste. Already, nine chefs had been dismissed, and a swift resolution was urgently needed. However, Shizuko, who seemed to have a solution, could not leave Owari due to Nobunaga's orders. As a result, Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide continued to be subjected to Nobunaga's intimidating presence, similar to a murderous intent, until early March.In early March, Shizuko finally stepped down from her position of leading the front lines and was able to find some breathing room. A little before that, in early February, three wooden lathes were completed, and in late February, a hand-cranked washing machine was completed and put into operation. Although the peak had passed, Shizuko still wished to avoid leaving Owari during this uncertain time. However, with the letters from Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide arriving at shorter intervals, she judged that further postponement would be difficult. With a force of 500 men and accompanied by Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi, she headed towards Kyoto. The procession was heavily guarded, and Shizuko herself had prepared many belongings, which were carried alongside the supplies for the daimyo procession that followed. Shizuko herself needed to arrive in Kyoto ahead of the belongings, so she led a small but elite group, changing horses one after another to stay ahead. Thanks to soldiers dispatched by Hideyoshi, the baggage train that arrived in Kyoto later would also arrive safely and without major delays, a few days behind Shizuko.Shizuko, who arrived in Kyoto ahead of time, is greeted by Mitsuhide.Thank you for your hard work, and thank you for coming. Despite the fatigue from the forced march, I entrust you with taking care of the lord.I am deeply honored by Lord Akechi's personal welcome.He, who was suffering from stomach pain, immediately told Shizuko. She thought that his condition was more serious than she had imagined. This was their first meeting with Mitsuhide, but he was not surprised that Shizuko was a woman. In fact, almost everyone who had met her for the first time couldn't hide their surprise at her gender and youth. Even considering the possibility that Mitsuhide had heard about Shizuko from someone else, his lack of interest in her indicated that he was too overwhelmed to pay much attention.The bath is being prepared by my subordinates. I will first attend to the preparation of the midday meal that is to be served.Oh, I'm sorry, but please take care of it. The kitchen staff is finishing up preparations.With that, he left while clutching his stomach. If left unattended, he seemed likely to collapse from a stomach ulcer. If things continued like this, Nobunaga's stress would spread to his subordinates. In the worst case scenario, it could become a factor in causing internal collapse.Shizuko considers why Nobunaga feels strong stress about meals. The answer is very simple. People of high status in Kyoto generally do not engage in physical activity. On the other hand, Nobunaga comes from a samurai background. Consequently, he needs to consume more salt than people in Kyoto in order to maintain his body. It is not a matter of one being superior to the other, but rather the historical backgrounds of the samurai culture that Nobunaga and the aristocratic culture, such as the nobility, have followed.However, the court nobles believe that those who cannot understand the taste of Kyoto are equal to uncivilized barbarians, and they bask in their sense of superiority. They believe that they are the center of Japan and interpret their own culture as superior, while denigrating other cultures as barbaric, and ultimately imposing their own culture. Without realizing it, these actions are the lowest form of barbaric behavior that frequently leads to conflicts throughout human history.Let's bring the focus of the conversation back to food. Nobunaga, who hails from Owari, has a preference for strong flavors. Despite this, the cultured people of Kyoto may secretly ridicule Nobunaga's taste, but it is Nobunaga who holds the real power in Kyoto. Reality can be harsh. If we don't satisfy Nobunaga, the future of Kyoto will not be bright. In order to do so, Shizuko reluctantly thinks about the reasons for Nobunaga's dissatisfaction with his meals, realizing that there is no point in complaining.As a side note, there are quite complex reasons behind the difference in seasoning between Kansai and Kanto regions. For example, when it comes to soba sauce, Kansai uses a clear and refined sauce, while Kanto uses a darker and richer sauce. This difference is said to stem from the difference in dashi culture. What both Kansai-style and Kanto-style have in common is that they combine glutamic acid and inosinic acid to bring out the umami flavor. Glutamic acid is found in ingredients such as kelp and soy sauce, while inosinic acid is known to be abundant in bonito flakes. The difference in approach to these umami components reflects the historical background of each region's food culture.In the Kansai region, there was a tradition of using kombu seaweed to enhance the umami flavor, and adding bonito flakes to provide inosinic acid. The taste was adjusted with salt or light soy sauce. As a result, dishes with a light-colored broth could still have a strong umami flavor. On the other hand, in the Kanto region, kombu seaweed was transported from the production areas later due to underdeveloped transportation systems, making it a luxury item. Therefore, there was no tradition of using kombu, and glutamic acid was supplemented with dark soy sauce. By adding dark soy sauce glutamic acid to bonito flakes inosinic acid, a richly colored Kanto-style broth was created.To summarize, in the Kansai region, kombu seaweed was used to extract glutamic acid, so only a small amount of light soy sauce was needed. In the Kanto region, glutamic acid was obtained from dark soy sauce, so kombu was not necessary. Even if kombu had been widely available in the Kanto region, it is doubtful whether it would have become popular. This is because the water in Kanto is hard water with high mineral content. When kombu is boiled in hard water, the calcium in the water adheres to the kombu, making it difficult to extract umami flavor. The attached calcium also combines with the components of the kombu, causing the broth to become cloudy. Additionally, boiling kombu in hard water enhances both the aroma and the unpleasant odor. It is not impossible to make kombu dashi with hard water, but it requires more effort and takes much longer compared to soft water. These challenges, along with historical factors, led to kombu not being used in the Kanto region.I think that when a lord who usually endures inconveniences without complaint suddenly expresses dissatisfaction loudly, the root cause lies not on the surface but deep within.Shizuko, who thought that she had a rough idea but no definitive information, gathered information from people who had been involved in Nobunaga's cooking and his life. As she received the expected answers, Shizuko immediately started cooking. Just in time for lunch, she completed the dish.I apologize for the wait.I enter the room where Nobunaga is seated with a pageboy holding a tray. Nobunaga is seated at the head of the table, with Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide sitting on his left side.Oh, I've been waiting huh?As soon as Hideyoshi sees Shizuko, his face brightens up, but his expression changes to one of confusion when he sees the dish that was served.In one word, it was a simple meal. It consisted of rice served in a bowl, miso soup with long green onions, chicken and potatoes, boiled komatsuna Japanese mustard spinach, and lightly pickled turnip skins. Apart from the chicken and potatoes, the meal Shizuko served would have been a common everyday dish for samurais in Owari, from Hideyoshi's perspective.Please, go ahead and enjoy.At the same time as placing the tray in front of Nobunaga, Shizuko said that.Before you eat, let me ask why you chose this dish.Nobunaga's expression remains stern and unchanged. This chilled Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide, but Shizuko answered with a relaxed and natural smile on her face.With all due respect, I have investigated the menus that you have been enjoying for the past few days, Your Excellency. As I expected, they were all extravagant Kyoto-style delicacies. It may not be burdensome for a few days, as the novelty adds some excitement, but it is inevitable to get tired of lavish feasts every day. This is just my speculation, but do you find eating meals to be a painful experience, Your Excellency?You're still talking as if you saw it yourself.I will take that statement as a positive affirmation. Let's get back to the topic. The intention behind everyday meals and occasional feasts is different. I believe that for someone who is tired of gourmet cuisine, everyday dishes that remind them of their hometown Owari are more suitable.Hmm, a dish that brings peace to the heart, huh? Very well, I shall partake without hesitation.Nobunaga grabbed a piece of chicken and potato from the chicken and potato stew with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth. He remained silent for a while. However, seeing the stern expression gradually fading from Nobunaga's face, Shizuko was convinced that the plan had been successful.A meal that satisfies the heart, huhNobunaga, who had finished his meal, muttered quietly. Shizuko, who heard his muttered words, felt a sense of loneliness and sadness in them.Was it alright, Lord Shizuko?Shizuko, who was carrying Nobunaga's tableware with Saizo, was called out from behind and turned around. It was Mitsuhide who called out to her. He approached Shizuko and, despite having a retainer behind him, bowed deeply to her.Thank youRealizing that even though it was short, it was an expression of gratitude for resolving Nobunaga's dissatisfaction, Shizuko hurriedly bowed her head to Mitsuhide.Oh, it's quite humble of you.Hahaha, no need to be modest. However, I had heard about it, but you really are a young woman. I was a little surprised, but your courage to remain composed in front of that lord is truly impressive.Mitsuhide has a kind smile and laughs heartily.I will take my leave then. I will continue to be of service to you, my lady.Saying that, Mitsuhide left. The retainer who was behind him bowed to Shizuko before following Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide is a person who receives various evaluations, but in Shizuko's eyes, he appeared to be a serious and earnest individual. However, one must not let their guard down. He was the person who assassinated Nobunaga, just before the unification of Japan, and even took the life of his successor, Nobutada. Since the reason for Mitsuhide's rebellion at the Honnoji Incident is not clear, it is impossible to fully trust him.There is another person from the Oda clan who should be kept under surveillance but maybe it's better not to make any moves for now.Shizuko thought that continuing to suspect Oda clan retainers without certainty would only lead to unnecessary chaos. She believed that now was the time to gather the power to suppress all the signs of the Honnoji Incident.There are many collaborators for that but creating factions can also be a problem.Shizuko-sama? How may I assist you? Do you have any thoughts about Mr. Akechi?Saizo, tilting his head, asks Shizuko, who had been facing Mitsuhide even after he disappeared.I missed asking about the Kyoto security maintenance squad, you know.Oh, the Kyoto Security Maintenance Police Force has been taken over by Mr. Akechi, you know.I wanted to know the current situation, but well, maybe next time.Saizo did not say anything else, indicating that he agreed with Shizuko's words.Well then, you need to clean up the dishes in the kitchen.In addition to improving the dining situation, there were many other tasks entrusted to Shizuko. First, she resolved Nobunaga's dissatisfaction with the bath by transporting the Okabe-style wooden barrel bath and buckets for foot baths from Owari. As for the sleeping quarters, they simply brought in futons without Nobunaga's permission, as manufacturing futons was prohibited. Therefore, Shizuko decided to transport the complete set of futons that Nobunaga had at his villa. She transported the wooden barrel bath, foot bath buckets, complete set of futons, as well as other items such as zabuton cushions and porcelain, all in order to alleviate Nobunaga's dissatisfaction. However, later on, Nobunaga began using them in a way that was different from Shizuko's intentions.First of all, the porcelain tableware was prepared for Nobunaga's use and is adorned with various designs. Some of them have a mechanism where when bowls for tea and miso soup, as well as plates for side dishes, are arranged together, they form a single picture. This was made possible thanks to Nobunaga's various protective policies towards porcelain made in the pottery town of Seto, similar to Shizuko's techniques. In an era where porcelain itself was rare, it became natural to handle tableware with even higher design aesthetics. The cultural elites of Kyoto and Sakai, who had previously ridiculed Nobunaga as a culturally ignorant and rough mountain monkey, were now surprised and felt inferior. It goes without saying that they were left speechless when they learned about foot baths, filled tub baths, and futons. Nobunaga carefully chose the timing and bestowed porcelain as a reward to several individuals. It seemed as if these were ordinary items that didn't require any special attention. The recipients were amazed by the originality of the porcelain. Some even tried to attack the character of those who flaunted such items, saying that it was vulgar, but they ended up only damaging their own reputation because they couldn't provide anything of higher quality themselves.At that time, Shizuko later recalled that Nobunaga had a cruel and evil expression on his face. It must have been an exhilarating feeling to give cultural and unseen items to those who boasted of being cultured individuals. However, there was something that Nobunaga himself did not realize. Regardless of the region, cultural background, or race in which humans live, there is a deep-seated fear that is common to all. Within lies the oldest fear of all the fear of the unknown. In other words, when the cultural elites of Kyoto and Sakai were given porcelain by Nobunaga, they not only felt astonishment but also an indescribable fear. Particularly because Nobunaga's act of giving them porcelain was close to boasting and had little ill will or hostility, it further intensified their fear. The reason why Shibata and Sassa directed hostility towards Shizuko was not so much because she was a woman, but rather because she represented an unknown existence.Seven days after Nobunaga had retaliated against the elites, enjoyed a satisfying meal, relaxed in the bath, and slept comfortably in his futon, his subordinates were no longer afraid of him. They were lively and carrying out their duties with enthusiasm. Nobunaga himself had also calmed down from his initial fierce demeanor and now exuded a more relaxed atmosphere. Having achieved their goal in Kyoto, Shizuko informed Nobunaga that she would be returning to Owari. However, his response was for her to stay in Kyoto for a while longer. Curious about the reason, Shizuko went to see Nobunaga. The reason was quite simple. A few days ago, a Nanban missionary had requested an audience with Nobunaga. The meeting with this Nanban missionary was scheduled for the next day.Ah, the timing is off, but the person is Luis Frois, right?During his visit to Kyoto last year, Nobunaga did not meet with Luis Frois. Although he had heard about Luis Frois' situation from his retainer, Wada Koremasa, Nobunaga refused to meet him, stating that he did not know how to properly receive a Nanban person. It is said that at that time, Nobunaga accepted only one gift and returned the rest to Luis Frois as an apology for not meeting him.I don't quite understand what Nanban is. Perfect, today I will ask about the world. You are from Nanban, aren't you? Eh? Ah, yes. U-um, that's right. Yes So it was still in effect, my little Nanban lie.Although no one had noticed that she came from the future, Nobunaga had seen through that Shizuko was not from Nanban. So when she was told that she was from Nanban, Shizuko couldn't comprehend it. However, she quickly cleared her mind and nodded in agreement with Nobunaga's words.It's enough that you know It's difficult to talk about it there. Come closer.Upon hearing that, Shizuko takes a couple of steps closer to Nobunaga. However, it seems like he is not satisfied and gives off an atmosphere as if he wants her to get even closer. Reluctantly, she takes one step after another while checking Nobunaga's expression. Eventually, she ends up coming close to the seat of honor, but even then, Nobunaga's expression remains unchanged.Uh I-I can go up on this? No, it's a bit too muchI don't care. Hurry up and come up.Nobunaga urges Shizuko, who cannot hide her confusion, to take the seat of honor. The attendants and subordinates could not hide their surprise, but Shizuko was even more astonished. The seat of honor is where someone of high status sits, and it is the farthest seat from the entrance. Shizuko hesitated for a moment, but she bowed her head and took the seat of honor. She thought that Nobunaga must have some ulterior motive for allowing her to get this close. As Shizuko moved almost directly in front of Nobunaga, he nodded slightly. It was a signal that it was acceptable.There are times when words alone are not enough to understand. Prepare a blackboard that can be held in hand. It would be helpful to use it as an aid for explanation.A blackboard is handed over along with words. Upon closer inspection, there are writings on the blackboard.Don't focus on that, answer my question.I almost caught a glimpse of Nobunaga's face, but Shizuko quickly stopped me and lightly erased the blackboard as if nothing had happened. She skillfully erased the characters that Nobunaga had written with her hand and returned the blackboard to him.There is no problem with the quality, right? Since the lord will also be writing something, why don't we have the speaker hold the blackboard?Hmm That's a good point, let's go with that. First of all I don't understand the difference between Buddha and God. Those monks insult the Christians as heretics. However, both are still gods. What exactly is the difference between gods and Buddhas? Religious forces have strong control, but what is the foundation of their faith?As soon as she finished speaking, she was handed a blackboard. Trying not to focus on the blackboard, Shizuko answered Nobunaga's question.Well both Buddhas and gods have no substitute when it comes to manifesting power.' However, the way they manifest that power is different. Buddhas manifest power through their nature,' while gods manifest power through their personality'.Temples are not only fortified cities, but also bases for weapon production. They also dominate as hubs for commerce and logistics, generating profits and accumulating immense wealth from there.Is the way power is manifested different? Indeed, if we consider that idea, we can say that there is not much difference between gods and Buddhas. In the end, it all depends on how people perceive power.'As for the influential temples and shrines in the Kinai regionI personally do not believe in either Buddha or God. Well it would be more accurate to say that I do not blindly believe in them.Firstly, there is the Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, which is the wealthiest organization in Japan. They own numerous manors and estates, engage in lending practices that resemble usury, and dominate commerce and logistics. The current head of the Tendai sect on Mount Hiei is Prince Oin Nyudo, the fifth son of Prince Sadatsune of Fushimi.Oh, well, it's not for me to say, but I don't sense any faith in Buddhism from you, do I? As for HonganjiMy grandmother always used to say, It is not good to rely solely on the gods and Buddhas from the beginning Instead of relying on them from the start, one should first exert all of their own efforts. Only after completing all of those should one seek the power of the gods and Buddhas for things that are beyond human reach.'Honganji Temple holds control over the distribution hub in the Kinai region. And, the O-Tono-sama the head of the temple generated profits through the prototype of the Rakushichi Rakusa policy implemented in Gifu. The 11th head of Honganji Temple is Kennyo. Kennyo is his religious name, the temple name is Shinrakuin, and his given name is Mitsumasa. His wife is Nyoshunni, and her older sister is Sanjo-no-kata, who is the legal wife of Takeda Shingen's residence, Tokueiken.Does it mean showing one's work to God and waiting for the results? You're still as knowledgeable as ever.I will do everything within my power and wait for fate. That seems to be the best course of action.I cannot explain the details, but I will never betray the lord.However, I must say, wouldn't it be easier to rely on the gods and Buddhas from the beginning?It is foolish to distance oneself from talented individuals just because their origins are unknown. Besides, based on your actions up until now, I see you as someone worthy of trust.Let's say there was a versatile king in a certain country who could do anything. His subordinates believed that the king's decisions were always correct, and sought his judgment on everything, even something as trivial as a marital dispute. Although I am untalented, I will do my best to live up to your trust.'I do feel uncomfortable relying on strong individuals from the beginning. I see, so after doing everything I can, I should wait for fate to take its course. Not a bad idea Let's go back to the original topic. What exactly is Christianity?Let's go back, shall we? How do you feel about opposing the temple and shrine forces at this point? Don't hold back, speak openly.Nobunaga intentionally clears his throat in an unnatural manner. He must have been trying to change the atmosphere. Of course, the atmosphere he was trying to change was not among the people around him, but between himself and Shizuko.Nanban I refer to it as Europe, but it is the largest religion in Europe. While there are other religions, they can be considered small-scale.At this point, it would not be wise to antagonize the temple and shrine forces. First, we should find a way to deal with Asakura and Azai Saebei, who harbor hostility towards the lord. If we leave them be, they will eventually become hostile towards the lord in some form. Personally, I would like to propose bringing Azai Shinkuro into our camp.Is there some kind of Buddhism yhere? It seems that the situation is much worse than I imagined.Well, yes. Just like Buddhism in Japan, Shintoism is widely practiced in Europe. Missionaries from Europe come to Japan and engage in missionary activities.I don't mean to be bold, but if you make too many enemies at once, you'll find yourself in a difficult situation. It may be frustrating for you, but please try to set some limits and handle the situation accordingly.I see. It wouldn't be good to have too many preconceptions. This much information about Christianity is sufficient.The conversation is over. Shizuko finally feels relieved. It was only about two hours, but she felt like she had been talking for almost half a day. She bows her head to Nobunaga and slowly descends from her seat. There is no reason to linger in the higher seat now that the conversation is over, and being in the higher seat alone makes her feel a tightness in her stomach.You've worked hard. It's good to go home and rest your body today.Your kind words are unnecessary. I will take my leave for today. Thank you.Very well, I'll count on you again tomorrow.Shizuko couldn't ignore the words and looked back at Nobunaga. He had a mischievous smile on his face and said to Shizuko like this.Tomorrow, I want you to also be present.The next day, as Nobunaga had declared, Shizuko was forced to accompany Frois in a meeting. For security reasons, she needed to hide her face, so she wore a hood and dressed in samurai attire. She also wrapped a sarashi around her chest to appear as masculine as possible.Ugh, my chest feels tight!! Well, it's not like I have a chest big enough to brag about. And my face feels sweatyAt first, Shizuko thought about why they went to such lengths to have her attend the audience, but upon further consideration, she understood that this audience was not a simple matter. Kyoto and Sakai have many followers of the Nichiren sect. However, this sect often resorts to slander and criticism of other sects in order to expand their own followers, showing a rather forceful side. As a result, although it may not escalate to full-blown battles, there are often bloody conflicts. It seems that this consideration was to avoid getting involved in such disputes. However, Shizuko's true feelings were that it might not have been necessary to go to such lengths to have her attend.According to historical records, Nobunaga arrived first at the construction site of the Nijo Castle and later met with Father Frois on the bridge. Shortly after Nobunaga's arrival, a person who appeared to be a priest and some followers appeared.Luis Frois, a priest, and then Brother Lorenzo, an interpreter.Shizuko thought that the man in his forties, bowing his head in the distance, was Father Fris, while the person on the opposite side was probably a Japanese Jesuit member, Brother Lorenzo Ruiz.I can't find Wada Koremasa, a member of the Christian Protection Faction. I remember reading in a document that he was supposed to bring Fris here on a palanquin, but?While she was searching, moving only her eyes, for someone who looked like Wada Koremasa, she couldn't find anyone who seemed to fit the description. Meanwhile, Nobunaga signaled for them to come closer.I am Luis Frois. I am grateful to have the honor of being received today.In a foreigner's characteristic intonation, Fris introduces himself and expresses gratitude for the press conference.The sun is strong today. It's a good idea to wear a hat.I feel like my face is getting steamed.Because the sun was strong, it was a little hot inside the hood. However, there was no other choice but to endure and not take it off. Shizuko looks at Luis Frois. His appearance has the typical European facial features and body shape. He is slightly taller than the average Japanese person but slender in exchange. Frois has outstanding observational and analytical skills, and his written reports are highly regarded in the Jesuit community.To commemorate the occasion of getting closer to Lord Oda, I have prepared a gift for you today.Oh, that famous thing is coming out.At first, Shizuko felt that there was a lack of excitement in clearing the game from the beginning, but there is still a difference in the level of excitement between knowing something from a book and seeing it with one's own eyes. Even though she knew what Frois would present, Shizuko couldn't help but feel excited.We have konpeito confetti and arufaroa alfajores.Nobunaga, upon seeing it, was so impressed that his expression relaxed. Not only him, but also the samurais around him were instantly captivated by its mysterious nature. Only Shizuko, who knew what it was, seemed to maintain a calm demeanor despite being inwardly moved. Friar Luis, who possessed keen insight, couldn't have missed it. However, he quickly reconsidered, thinking that he couldn't appear surprised since his face was covered by a hood.Quite interestingNobunaga, who seemed like he was about to grab it immediately, instead gave instructions with his hand to hand the flask bottle containing confetti to Shizuko.Ah, please tell me something Here, what's inside this flask is confetti. It's a sugar candy made by coating poppy seeds with syrup and hardening it.Co-Con?Unable to catch the pronunciation, Nobunaga responds with a strange expression. Shizuko, slightly calming her emotions, repeats the Portuguese word that became the origin of confetti.Confetti. When translated into Japanese, it means konpeito'.I see. What is this thing that looks like a tube over here?Alfajores. If translated into Japanese, it would be Ariheitou'.Both confetti and alfajores are types of Nanban confectionery. If you take care to avoid moisture, both are said to maintain their taste for two to three years, just like regular sugar. In particular, confetti, when made using traditional methods and stored properly, is said to have a shelf life of 20 to 30 years. These colorful candies are sometimes included with emergency rations, along with dry bread, as they provide the necessary calorie intake for activities and stimulate saliva production. Additionally, looking at colorful candies can help reduce stress.Since both are derived from Portuguese, it might be a little difficult to understand Oh?Feeling the gaze, Shizuko turned her face towards it. Friar Frois and Lorenzo lost color in their faces and clearly looked at Shizuko with awe. The Nanban sweets and other offerings brought by the missionaries were received with astonishment by all the locals. Even Nobunaga, whom Friar Frois considered to be the representative of Japan, had the same reaction. However, one of the people standing beside him saw through the true nature of their gifts. Friar Frois felt an indescribable fear, but he forcibly suppressed it with his faith.O God, please bless usFrois had heard some rumors about him, but reconsidered as they were not very reliable. Nobunaga rarely listens to the opinions of his subordinates and only believes what he sees himself. However, in reality, he does take into account the opinions of his subordinates and compares them with his own to make judgments. Frois thought that Nobunaga was the first of his kind, having met many rulers in Japan. He was an exceptionally talented individual with good reason and clear judgment, possessing great wisdom while also having the capacity to listen to others' opinions. Frois could understand why his retainers somewhat feared and trembled before Nobunaga. What was even more eerie was the masked warrior referring to Shizuko.Nobunaga meets with Fris with a relaxed expression. It is more like Nobunaga asking Fris questions and Fris answering them. The topics covered are diverse, including questions about Fris' age, the country he lives in, what India is like, how long it took him to study the Japanese language, and other curious topics that reflect Nobunaga's inquisitive nature.After answering that question, Fris was slightly concerned about the samurai who hid his face who may ask him somethingFrois, do you not miss your parents?Oh, no, it's okayFris found himself at a loss for words when the question suddenly shifted to a private matter. However, Nobunaga continued speaking without much concern.I see. However, parents should be cherished. It's lonely when you want to be filial, but your parents are not around.To put it bluntly, When you want to be filial, your parents are no longer there. It is essentially a concern for Fris.Thank you. However, I learned from my father and mother. No matter what difficulties or setbacks may lie ahead, fulfilling the mission assigned to oneself is the greatest way to show filial piety. I will uphold that teaching.If the teachings of God do not spread in our country, what would you do?Nobunaga believed that the mission of a missionary is to spread God's teachings to other countries. Therefore, he became slightly interested in what Fris would do if his teachings did not spread.Even if I were to become the only believer, I am determined to stay in Japan for that person's sake for the rest of my life.It was an answer without hesitation. Fris' expression, and above all, his eyes spoke of the fact that those words were his sincere thoughts without any falsehood. Nobunaga concluded that Fris had come to this country to spread his faith. Fris was unaware, but Nobunaga knew a lot about the Jesuit missionaries. He knew that they were acting as scouts for their home country and assisting in colonization. He also knew that their missionary activities were in accordance with the adaptation policy. He was, in a sense, the person in Japan who knew the Jesuit order better than anyone else. That is why Nobunaga needed to determine whether Fris was a scout soldier for colonial policy or simply acting sincerely for his faith.What do you think?Nobunaga came to the conclusion within himself that he would give permission for proselytizing. However, he needed to know what others thought, so he approached his subordinates and asked for their opinions. From the perspective of those who were approached, it was not an easy situation, but they couldn't avoid expressing their own thoughts. However, most of the samurai who were approached only gave safe and non-committal answers.What do you think?Nobunaga, who was frustrated by the lack of sensible ideas, asked Shizuko.In the future, many trials await them. Buddhist monks will denounce them as heretics and obstruct their missionary work. There will also be people who refuse to accept their ideas. There will be those who hurl insults and verbal abuse at them.After closing her eyes for a moment, Shizuko opened them again and continued speaking.Mr. Luis Frois, Mr. Lorenzo Ryosai, can both of you pray for your enemies? But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you' Matthew 5:44. Can you do that?That phrase Yes, the teaching of my lord is Thou shalt not hate. Love thine enemies.'When Shizuko mentioned a verse from the Bible, Frois momentarily stiffened his expression. However, he quickly relaxed his expression and responded with a smile filled with compassion.In that case, there is no problem. My lord, I would like to suggest that we should allow their missionary work.What is the reason for that?If they spread their message with love, I have no reason to oppose them. Besides, I do not wish to engage in battle with them. I wish to become their friend.Shizuko may seem like she's saying something meaningful, but in reality, she hasn't thought deeply about it. She's just stringing together words that came to mind and trying her best to give off an air of being knowledgeable, without really understanding the subject matter.Are you friends with a Nanban person? I thought you would be more actively persuading them.Was that thought seen through by Nobunaga? He smirked with a mischievous smile. It seemed like he was questioning, but in reality, he was asking about Shizuko's religious beliefs. However, Shizuko didn't notice that and spoke her mind.Excuse me, Lord. Please imagine me persuading them and bowing my head. What expression would I have at that time?Yes, that's right. It's not about persuading them to look down on others. It's about becoming friends in order to make them understand the existence of a higher power and also have them get to know Lord Oda.Nobunaga smirked at Shizuko's words.Interesting
