Chapter 13

In the twelfth month of 1558, in the Kutsuki Valley of the Omi Province's Takashima District, at Kutsuki Castle, Takasukamaru.

In September of 1558, the grand ceremony for the new emperor was held. It was rare for the transition from the previous emperor's death to the new emperor's ascension to proceed so smoothly in recent years. After all, it was not uncommon for funerals or grand ceremonies to be impossible to hold. Many people were saying that the new emperor's reign had started off well.

After I intimidated Aibakami Masahiro, things moved quickly. After all, the emperor himself took action. Whether the grand ceremony could be held was a matter of the emperor's dignity. Moreover, my argument that the grand ceremony without Yoshitaka was unreasonable was something everyone had to agree with. The emperor immediately ordered the court nobles to reconcile with Yoshitaka and the Miyoshi. In other words, it was a royal decree. Once that happened, no one could oppose it. Envoys were sent to the Miyoshi.

The Miyoshi quickly presented their conditions for reconciliation. The Kanrei would be Hosokawa Ujitsuna, and the treatment of the Miyoshi would be improved. In other words, Harumoto would not be recognized. After all, for the Miyoshi brothers, Harumoto was a traitor and the enemy of their father. It was impossible for them to accept him. The improvement in treatment meant that Miyoshi Masahiro would be appointed as a companion to the shogun in the future.

This companion position is a kind of title indicating status and rank within the shogunate, but it is limited to the families of the Kanrei and powerful daimyo. Naturally, a small lord like Kutsuki would never be appointed. The appointment of the Miyoshi as a companion would mean that the Miyoshi and the Hosokawa were of equal rank. In other words, the Miyoshi, who were previously vassals under the Hosokawa, would become direct vassals of the Ashikaga shogunate if the reconciliation was successful. The Miyoshi chose to improve their status within the shogunate rather than create a new government independently.

I think the Miyoshi were honestly troubled by how to handle Yoshitaka. They were not allowed to oppose Harumoto, but killing him was unwise. So they expelled him, but had no plan after that. What to do? I think that was the situation. The overture for reconciliation from the court might have been a godsend for the Miyoshi. The conditions for reconciliation were not particularly harsh for Yoshitaka. I think the Miyoshi wanted to conclude the reconciliation.

Yoshitaka did not make a fuss when he heard about the reconciliation. It was his retainers who were upset, but Yoshitaka calmed them and accepted the reconciliation sincerely. After four years in Kutsuki, no daimyo had responded to Yoshitaka's requests. Even though they usually called for the destruction of the Miyoshi, they had probably given up on defeating them by force. Hosokawa Harumoto said he was dissatisfied and left Kutsuki, but no one stopped him. He had no popularity.

I intimidated Aibakami Masahiro in mid-October, and the reconciliation was concluded by early December. It took less than two months for the reconciliation to be achieved. Once things started moving, it happened quickly. After the new year, they returned to Kyoto, and the Rokkaku family provided about 500 soldiers for the escort to Kyoto. Others like the Asakura, Azai, and Kitabatake also provided funds to Yoshitaka. The retainers looked pleased, but Yoshitaka seemed disillusioned. I think he felt that receiving aid at this point was too late.

The four of the Shinno-ryu decided to stay in Kutsuki. I stopped them from going to Kyoto with me. Kutsuki and Kyoto are different. If they got involved in conspiracies in Kyoto, it could have a negative impact on the Shinno-ryu. I told them this and ordered them to stay in Kutsuki. To put it bluntly, swordsmanship was just a pastime allowed in Kutsuki.

When Yoshitaka returned to Kyoto, he appointed Miyoshi Masahiro as a companion to the shogun. Masahiro was appointed as the Governor of Sagami, and his son Yoshinaga as the Governor of Chikuzen. Yoshinaga was also appointed as a retainer. This retainer position is also a kind of title indicating status and rank within the shogunate, similar to the companion position.

Its rank is apparently below the companions, the provincial lords, the quasi-provincial lords, and the outer lords. For some reason, I was also appointed as a retainer. I thought, "What's the point of appointing a kid?" but it seems Yoshitaka wanted to show his gratitude to me. However, there wasn't much he could do, so it ended up being just a title.

I declined once, but when they insisted, I accepted. I heard that my grandfather was also appointed as a retainer in the past. When appointed as a retainer, one is allowed to use a felt saddle cover and a white umbrella bag, which are normally used by provincial lords. The title is on par with a provincial lord. It's a nice gesture, but it doesn't mean much. The court also said they would grant an official rank at the coming-of-age ceremony, but it's the same thing.

What made me happy was that Yoshitaka told the Rokkaku, Azai, and Miyoshi to take good care of Kutsuki and not to attack it. Yoshitaka must have understood that Kutsuki's position was not secure. He was especially worried because they had contributed a large amount of money.

I thought Kutsuki would become quiet after Yoshitaka left, but it didn't. I received letters from Aibakami's uncle, grandfather, and from the Konoe family. The content was the same: they hoped to continue the usual relationship now that Yoshitaka had returned to Kyoto. My decision to cut ties must have hurt them deeply. They probably thought the source of income would be gone.

I also received a letter from my aunt. It was a polite thank-you note for the contributions to the funeral and the grand ceremony. It also mentioned that the emperor and they themselves relied on Kutsuki. She wrote to Ayako as well. I think Ayako was angry, but she was asked not to cut ties with the Aibakami family and the court. I told Ayako not to worry, but she didn't seem convinced. I had to write a letter to the Aibakami and my aunt with Ayako.

What a mess. I'm the son, so I should just scold them and tell them not to do foolish things. I think Ayako is being too considerate of me. Maybe I'm weird. I might seem creepy to my parents. It's a bit lonely. Maybe I'll seem more reliable when I grow up a bit. ...But I doubt it.

Anyway, after Yoshitaka returned, the era name was changed from Kōji to Eiroku. The grand ceremony was completed successfully. I think things have settled down, but in my room at Kutsuki Castle, about ten men with gloomy faces are gathered. It's almost New Year's. Can't you at least look a bit happier? Well, it's probably impossible, given the situation.

"Jūzō, so the seven heads of Takashima are secretly gathering at Shimizu Mountain?"

"Yes, my lord asked me to inform everyone."

When Jūzō answered Gorōemon's question, everyone's gaze focused on me. You know, being the focus of everyone's gaze is painful. Can't you look at me with a bit more kindness? I am your lord, after all.

After Yoshitaka returned to Kyoto, I introduced Jūzō to the main retainers. Everyone looked at Jūzō suspiciously. But Jūzō's presence allowed us to keep track of the movements in Kyoto, the Rokkaku, Asakura, and Azai. This gave us an advantage in negotiations. I explained this and got them to accept Jūzō. I also told them not to look down on Jūzō just because he is a ninja. I also mentioned that we would keep the existence of the Hachimon secret for now. Everyone understood why. If it were known that Kutsuki had ninjas, it wouldn't end well.

"Also, we have started preparing for war secretly."

Everyone exchanged glances.

"What do you think? Is the target Kutsuki?"

In response to my grandfather's question, everyone nodded in agreement. Kutsuki has strong anti-Takashima sentiments, so it's not a stretch to assume they are targeting Kutsuki.

The seven heads of Takashima, Takashima, Kutsuki, Nagata, Higashiyama, Yokoyama, Tanaka, and Yamazaki, excluding Kutsuki, gathered at Shimizu Castle, the residence of the Takashima clan. They are preparing for war. It could be just a joint training exercise. They might have formed a coalition. ...But if that were the case, they wouldn't be preparing for war secretly.

"They are quite dissatisfied with Kutsuki. They have held back so far because the shogun was in Kutsuki, but now that he's gone..."

Everyone nodded in agreement with Miyagawa Shinjiro Tadatada's words.

"The people are restless. They say the taxes in Kutsuki are lower and life is harder. Some are even fleeing to Kutsuki."

When my great-uncle spoke, everyone nodded again. I wanted to say that the high taxes weren't my fault, but Gorōemon said, "The taxes in Kutsuki are low," so I kept quiet. Indeed, the taxes in Kutsuki are low. The residents must feel a strong sense of unfairness. From the perspective of governance, it must be difficult. Especially when residents flee, it means a loss of labor and productivity. It can't be ignored. But war? I just can't see it.

"It's not just a problem with Takashima. I heard from the merchants that people from Wakasa are also fleeing to Kutsuki. The country has been in turmoil, and the taxes have been heavy due to the war. Eventually, the Takeda will complain."

My grandfather looked grim. A complaint from the Takeda? I'd like to complain myself. The trade with Wakasa has become difficult due to the internal conflicts of those fools. It's a hindrance to business.

"Are they trying to extort money from Kutsuki? But we've been using up our funds since the year before last. It would be a loss for them. Maybe we should warn them."

No one seemed to think it was a good idea. There was no agreement. I didn't expect it either. Some even sighed.

"My lord, your joke, I think it's a joke, but I can't laugh."

"It's not a joke, but... I see, you didn't find it funny, Heikuro. I'm disappointed."

Arakawa Heikuro Nagamichi, who serves as the storehouse administrator in the Kutsuki family, is in charge of finance and procurement. He is serious and good with numbers, making him a suitable person for the job. He understands the financial situation of Kutsuki better than anyone. However, his flaw is that he doesn't understand jokes. He sighed just now.

"Indeed, a large amount of money has been spent from Kutsuki's treasury, but compared to other families, we still have a significant amount left. Moreover, our family has various sources of income, such as dried shiitake mushrooms and clear sake. No one would believe that we have no money."

I get it. You don't have to say it like that. Having money isn't a bad thing. I hate being poor.

Jūzō smiled. Don't say unnecessary things, Jūzō. Kutsuki has money that Heikuro doesn't know about. The money managed by the Hachimon, the secret funds of Kutsuki. When I had the Hachimon handle the rice trade, they were initially unpopular. It's understandable; selling rice is not something ninjas would enjoy. However, part of that money was used for the funeral and the grand ceremony, which led to the reconciliation.

Needless to say, they were surprised. And they were very pleased. After all, the money they generated had moved the world. The Hachimon became aware of the power of money. The money they deposited for the rice trade is still mostly held by the Hachimon. They have started economic activities using that money. Of course, the main purpose is to gather information on the daimyo of various provinces, and the economic activities are to support that. I approve of this. However, the amount of money is gradually increasing... Eventually, it might be better for the Hachimon to come out into the open and make economic activities their main purpose. When peace comes, I'll consider it.

"Heikuro is right; no one would believe it. Besides, Kutsuki has various products. We have firearms and swordsmiths. The targets of the Takashima might be these."

Miyagawa Shinjiro Tadatada, are you enjoying tormenting a ten-year-old lord? I feel like I'm causing trouble by doing unnecessary things. Am I the root of all evil?

"Grandfather, what kind of man is Takashima Echizen?"

"Greedy, stingy, cowardly, and unpleasant."

My grandfather answered with a deep dislike. His mouth was in a frown. He must be a very unpleasant man. But greedy and cowardly... It's a strange story. The seven heads of Takashima, except for Kutsuki, are vassals of the Rokkaku. Greedy and cowardly...

"He seems to dislike you quite a bit."

"What do you mean, Jūzō?"

When I asked, Jūzō started to laugh.

"The leader of the seven heads of Takashima considers himself the leader. After all, he is Sasaki Echizen-no-kami. However, in the world, your name is more famous. Moreover, you were appointed as a retainer before your coming-of-age ceremony. He must be unhappy."

That's why I didn't need such a troublesome title. Yoshitaka, you idiot. You should forget about Kutsuki and focus on your women... You're so principled in strange ways... Anyway, Takashima Echizen is not only greedy, stingy, and cowardly but also envious. He's a human scum. I can't find any redeeming qualities.

"Still, it's a strange story. The shogun ordered the Takashima not to attack Kutsuki. If they attack, they will be punished..."

"There must be someone inciting them. It's the only explanation."

My great-uncle and my grandfather were talking. I agree. Someone must be inciting the cowardly Takashima. Since they are vassals of the Rokkaku, it must be someone with more power than the Rokkaku, or the Rokkaku themselves... But why? Money? Firearms?

"Maybe the Rokkaku."

Jūzō mentioned the Rokkaku. No one scolded him. They must have been thinking the same thing.

"Rokkemon-no-tomi escorted Yoshitaka to Kyoto. At that time, Yoshitaka praised you quite a bit. He even suggested that you could have half of Omi Province. The Rokkaku family must be unhappy."

I sighed. I wasn't the only one; others were sighing too. Yoshitaka really doesn't do good things. Rokkemon-no-tomi? The short-sighted and foolish Rokkaku Yoshizumi. What will happen if he says such things? Yoshitaka is a curse on Kutsuki, and the worst part is that he has no ill intentions.

"We must prepare for war."

When I said this, everyone nodded.

"It will be a tough battle. They will send at least a thousand men, probably between 1,200 and 1,300. We have 300, so it's a four-to-one ratio."

When Gorōemon said this, another sigh was heard. I want to sigh too.

"We will fortify the castle."

"Grandfather, we should prepare to fortify the castle, but I will fight outside."

Everyone looked shocked.

"Fortifying the castle would be falling into the Rokkaku's trap. They would mediate a reconciliation and use it to their advantage, making us vassals of the Rokkaku. We would be used for their benefit."

Groans were heard from all around.

"But can we win? They have four times the number of soldiers."

"Let's see. The road to Kutsuki Castle is narrow. Even with a small number, we can fight. The weather will also play a role. If it's sunny, we have a better chance in the field. If it rains, we will fortify the castle. Then we will ask the shogun's family to mediate."

Everyone nodded.

"Will we use firearms?"

"Of course. Let's see how well Gorōemon has trained."

When I said this, Gorōemon nodded vigorously. Kutsuki's firearms already exceed 200. We have enough firepower. Even if the enemy is four times our number, it's the combined force of six families. The largest is probably Takashima, with 300 to 400 men. The others average about 200. A single blow will cause significant damage, and they will likely lose morale and hide behind each other. In the end, the weather, location, and whether we can take the initiative will determine the outcome.

"Jūzō."

"Yes."

"Spread rumors in their territories."

"What kind of rumors?"

"Attacking Kutsuki will result in severe reprimands from the shogun and the Rokkaku. They might even be destroyed."

"Yes."

Don't look so pleased; it makes me feel like I'm the villain.

"Also, some of them are afraid of taking losses and might not fight seriously. ...Choose names randomly to spread this rumor, but make sure to include Takashima."

"Yes."

"Takashima Echizen is trying to push the fighting onto others and avoid the hard work himself."

"Spread this outside of Takashima."

"Spread it in Takash