Chapter 20

In the spring of 1563, the situation finally stabilized as the Shinji family incorporated the northern Ise three counties into their territory. Development was also progressing in the new territories.

The flood control works on the west bank of the Ibi River and the Yōben River, as well as the reclamation of new fields, had begun. Although they had not yet taken action against Nagashima, they were advancing their control over Kuwana by taking advantage of the busyness of the temple reconstruction.

This land had a powerful port called "Jūraku no Tsu," where influential merchants governed themselves, but Hikaru did not interfere directly. Originally, the Shinji family was not viewed negatively due to their trade and currency exchange, and the merchants accepted the Shinji family's control over Kuwana.

Many followers of the Ikkō-sect were also present, but the Shinji family protected ordinary temples of other sects. The number of followers naturally decreased due to the fire incident, and the number of those who converted gradually increased.

The Shinji family provided financial support to temples that did not have military power or vast temple lands. They prohibited the use of force in disputes with other sects and provided a place for public debates when conflicts arose.

"The temples should argue based on the content of their doctrines."

This became the rule. The power of the Ikkō-sect gradually declined in Ise and Owari, but the headquarters in Settsu Ishiyama did not say anything to the Shinji family because there was no evidence that the Shinji family was actively suppressing the Ikkō-sect.

Moreover, the benefits from trade were greater. Although there were occasional troubles on the ground, the headquarters in Ishiyama did not say anything.

"This year, we have been busy grasping the new territories."

"Also, human resources?"

"That can be managed."

Surviving relatives of the four families of northern Ise who had perished or declined, as well as those who were neglected as branch families or illegitimate children, had come to serve.

"If they can rise to prominence here, they can show their main families."

They were initially bewildered by the system of being hired for money, but since those who were unpleasant did not serve, there were no major problems.

Occasionally, there were those who incited uprisings to reclaim their territories, but they did not gather many people and were often suppressed by the security forces. The farmers, who were protected by the Shinji family and encouraged to increase food production through reclamation, did not participate in the rebellion.

"This year, there were many cases of seed theft."

They seemed to have stolen improved rice varieties to cultivate and increase their harvests in their own territories. Although many were caught and punished, some must have succeeded in the theft.

"We need to be more vigilant."

"Yes, that's true."

However, it was not a significant damage. This was because the improved rice varieties were all F1 hybrids. They performed well in the first generation, but if the seeds from the harvest were used for cultivation, they would gradually revert to the original rice over generations. Only the Shinji family could cultivate the seeds of the improved rice, so the damage was not significant.

The same applied to wheat, millet, barnyard grass, and buckwheat, which were produced in areas unsuitable for rice cultivation, and theft prevention measures were also taken. As the territory expanded, the cultivation of specialized fields for seed production continued to expand.

"We will manage the governance. As for strengthening the military..."

"Let's increase it as much as possible and also conduct training."

The Shinji family, who had incorporated the northern Ise three counties into their territory, now faced more opposing forces.

There were the Saitō clan in the middle Ise Suzuka County and the Sasaki clan, a branch of the Rokkaku clan in Iga. The Rokkaku clan was busy fighting with Miyoshi Nagahide in the capital region but had not given up on northern Ise. Vigilance was necessary.

"We also need to strengthen the navy."

They had ships, but lacked manpower. They had borrowed manpower from the Kuki clan, but after discussions with Kuki Yoshitaka, they decided to split the Kuki family.

Actually, Yoshitaka was the third son, and the head of the Kuki family was his nephew, Kuki Sukenaga. Yoshitaka, who was still young, was in a position to oversee his nephew, but gradually, Yoshitaka gained more power, and Sukenaga became a puppet. The Kuki clan split into the Yoshitaka faction and the Sukenaga faction, and Nobunaga, concerned about this, proposed a ruling.

Given the circumstances, Yoshitaka, who remained with the Oda family, would become independent, and Sukenaga would become a vassal leading the Shinji navy. Although Sukenaga, the legitimate head, would become a vassal, he was asked to endure it.

Sukenaga, who had suffered since childhood, accepted the proposal, and the Sukenaga faction's vassals also transferred to the Shinji family.

It was decided that there would be no lingering resentment, and the two families would continue to exchange in areas such as crew training. Yoshitaka, relieved to be independent, expressed his gratitude to Nobunaga and Hikaru.

He had been thinking that, at worst, he would have to eliminate Sukenaga.

"Madam, it might not be good for your child to ride on a ship..."

Meanwhile, Sukenaga was commanding ship training in Ise Bay. Although he was still young, he was receiving support from the older members of his clan.

He was trying to become a capable leader but was worried about Kyōko, who was participating in the training despite her pregnancy with their second child.

Since the birth of their first son, Taro, before the harvest, Kyōko had decided to accompany Hikaru, thinking it was fine now. Hori Hatakeyama, standing beside them, looked somewhat displeased.

In this era, many men avoided touching women before battles for good luck, but as the wife of the lord, nothing could be said, and she was far stronger than Hikaru. Even Mago, the strongest in the Shinji security force, could not defeat Kyōko.

"Is the way of battle the same?"

"Long-range combat results in fewer casualties."

Kyōko had seen in historical records that 70% of casualties in battles of this era were due to arrows, guns, and stones. Close combat with spears and swords rarely occurred unless it was a chaotic battle. Most of the Shinji army could aim and shoot guns, and with early loading, they could fire four shots per minute. Thanks to the abundant ammunition, more than half of the casualties in the battles they had fought were due to gunshots.

"No matter what, I won't charge into the enemy with a spear."

"Please, don't do that at all."

Hatakeyama, half-tearful, pleaded. He thought Kyōko might do it.

"Let's start. Everyone, take your positions."

Following Hikaru's order, the Shinji army quickly formed their ranks, and the enemy army began their charge, starting the battle.

"Their numbers are few, but they are elite."

"They have a well-organized formation."

The head of the Saitō clan, Masanobu, and the head of the Kōbe clan, Tomimori, were in the same camp. Tomimori had improved the relationship between their families, which had been strained by their predecessors over the division of northern Ise, to promote unity and avoid internal conflicts.

"They have many guns."

"But that must be their limit."

Masanobu had gathered detailed information for this battle.

"Servants of the left, after fighting the northern Ise four families, the Shinji family must be running low on gunpowder. After all, gunpowder is expensive."

"I see. But is that really true?"

"There is no information that the Shinji family has purchased new saltpeter. They must be at their limit."

"Then, those guns are just a bluff?"

"Exactly. If we take them, we win."

By taking northern Ise and building up their strength, they could also take the lands of the Kitabatake family in southern Ise. Then, becoming the lord of Ise would not be a dream. Masanobu was burning with such ambition in his heart.

Of course, Tomimori felt the same way.

They would need to fight for the hegemony of Ise in the near future, but for now, they should focus on the Shinji army and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Both focused on the Shinji army in front of them. However, the battle situation exceeded their expectations, and not in a good way.

"Lord Masanobu, the guns are not stopping..."

The Shinji army's continuous gunfire was causing massive casualties among their forces even before they could get close. Hundreds of soldiers were lying on the ground, hit by bullets. The guns they knew were not this accurate, and the number of casualties made their spines shiver.

"Just a little more patience."

Masanobu thought the situation would soon change, with the Shinji army running out of ammunition.

"They must be running low on gunpowder by now."

However, the Shinji army's gunfire did not stop, and even when they managed to bring the battle to close combat, the Shinji army fought back with spears and swords. Despite this, the reports were only of their own soldiers being killed.

"What is going on?"

Just as Tomimori was about to confront Masanobu, a loud explosion came from the side. The Shinji army, equipped with large cannons on carts, fired canister shots into the flank of the Ise samurai army, causing chaos in the main camp. Many soldiers were lying on the ground, covered in blood.

"Lord Masanobu!"

"Let's retreat temporarily and regroup!"

Despite their power in middle Ise, they were not incompetent. They issued orders for a temporary retreat and mounted their horses.

"Let's meet them at the vicinity of Kameyama Castle!"

"That's a good idea."

However, they were both killed by Mago and Ichiho's pursuit. This led to the collapse of the Saitō and Kōbe clans, and other samurai families either surrendered to the Shinji family or were destroyed.

Within a month, the Shinji family annexed the five counties of Mie, Suzuka, Kawagoe, Awa, and Anō.

"Lord! Five counties at once! Please consider our efforts a little more!"

Hikaru was scolded again by the responsible person, Taisuke. Despite this, Taisuke, with tears in his eyes, successfully brought the five counties under control.