Chapter 14

Eiroku 2nd year (1559) Late January Kōno Takashima District, Kutsuki Valley Kutsuki Castle Takawakamaru

The second year of Eiroku began peacefully. As usual, the New Year's greetings and celebrations were held during the first week of the year. From Kyoto, letters of gratitude for the sake and shiitake mushrooms arrived from Asukai, Meme Oba-chan, and Yoshiteru. Yoshiteru wrote that he missed Kutsuki. In Kyoto, there were many noisy customs and traditions. Despite being a wanderer, the freedom of the Kutsuki era seemed nostalgic. The letter also mentioned that he was going to marry the sister of Nijō Sakihisa. Yoshiteru's mother was also from the Nijō family. The Ashikaga clan would now have ties with the Nijō family for two generations.

The seven heads of Takashima were secretly preparing for war. Kutsuki's army was composed mainly of mercenaries due to the separation of soldiers and farmers, while the others used farmers for their battles. It was impractical during the farming season, and they disliked the New Year. Thus, the first week of the year passed peacefully, but as soon as it ended, they moved immediately. Six families sent envoys to Kutsuki. The envoys brought complaints about the troubles they had suffered due to Kutsuki's actions. If we were to modernize their complaints, they would sound like this:

"Hey, don't just lower the tax rate, you idiot!"

"Because of you, we're being accused of implementing harsh policies and mistreating the residents, you moron! It's a matter of reputation!"

"Residents are fleeing, you scum! What are you going to do about it? The population is decreasing, and tax revenue is dropping! Military power is declining! If this continues, we'll be forcibly merged with other cities! We'll be killed! Can you take responsibility for that? Are you looking for a fight?"

"You abolished the checkpoints on your own, and now all the merchants are going to your place and not ours. Thanks to you, prices have skyrocketed, and things are getting out of hand. Do you even know what 'coexistence and mutual prosperity' means? If you keep acting like this, we'll really kill you."

"Don't get too cocky because the Ashikaga and the Imperial Court are praising you. This is a problem for the seven heads of Takashima. Don't go tattling to the Ashikaga or the Imperial Court."

To be honest, I thought Kutsuki was a real jerk for a moment. But from their perspective, that was the truth. Their demand was for compensation for the damages they had suffered. The compensation amount was 1,000 kan for each, totaling 6,000 kan. Of course, I refused, politely.

"Our company's business policy is innovative but entirely legitimate and does not violate any laws. I find no basis for your request. Therefore, we have no obligation or responsibility to pay you any money. Thank you for your visit today. Please be careful on your way back."

They left angrily, but I did give them some gifts: roasted tea, brown rice tea, and genmaicha. Roasted tea and brown rice tea were very popular in the Imperial Court and the Shogunate for their aromatic qualities. I hoped they would drink it and calm down a bit.

In modern society, this would lead to a court battle. But this is the Sengoku period. Court battles are troublesome and time-consuming. So, it was decided to settle things quickly on the battlefield, with a fistfight. It was a fresh surprise to see how wars started like this. You can't learn this in history class.

So, we are now preparing for war, but there is a bit of a dispute.

"Lord Takawakamaru, please take me to the battle."

"Me too," "Me too," the voices of the pages, including Umamaru, echoed. They even came to my room to plead.

"No, you are all still in training. Stay in the castle."

They looked disappointed, but I couldn't take them. They are around ten years old on average.

"But Lord, you are also in training."

I almost said, "I'm the lord, so it's fine," but I swallowed it. I need to reason with these kids.

"I am the head of the Kutsuki clan. I have an obligation to oversee the battlefield when sending my vassals to war. Besides, I created the musket unit, and I need to see its effectiveness. Don't you agree, Gorōemon?"

Gorōemon reluctantly nodded.

"To be honest, I cannot approve of your departure, Lord. However, I understand the logic in your words."

"Do you understand?"

When I confirmed, the pages reluctantly nodded.

"But Lord, are you really going to battle in that outfit?"

"Indeed."

Gorōemon frowned. I was only wearing a chest protector and shin guards.

"What about your sword?"

"I don't need it. A dagger is enough."

Don't sigh, bushy eyebrows. I'm just a kid; it can't be helped. If I wear heavy armor, I won't be able to move. Besides, my horse is still a foal. If the horse collapses, what will I do? In an emergency, I need to be able to run. Besides, I can't fight like a warrior; it would just get in the way. ... Maybe I should go in civilian clothes.

"Lord Takawakamaru, I'm coming in."

Aya-mama and Kiri entered. It was unusual for Aya-mama to come to my room. The pages were surprised. They all straightened up to welcome her. Aya-mama looks beautiful today. Bushy eyebrows, don't stare at Aya-mama.

"What is it, Mother?"

"I heard you are going to battle."

Oh, she's worried about me. That's a bit touching.

"Yes."

"I heard the enemy is more than four times our number."

Aya-mama looked worried and glanced at Gorōemon. ... Idiot, say something, bushy eyebrows. Aya-mama will be anxious.

"Please don't worry, Mother. Kutsuki will not lose. Isn't that right, Gorōemon?"

"Of course."

"But..."

No, she's not convinced. Bushy eyebrows, it's because you hesitated for a moment.

"Even though they are more than four times our number, they are just a mob. There's nothing to fear. We will crush them."

Aya-mama slightly lowered her head and exhaled. ... Was it counterproductive?

"... I pray for your victory, Lord Takawakamaru."

"Thank you."

When Aya-mama and Kiri left, a subtle atmosphere remained in the room. Gorōemon cleared his throat. What's with that, it seems forced.

"Lord, you should show your weaknesses to Lady. You are a bit too strong."

"What do you mean, Gorōemon?"

"Mothers feel reassured when they see their children's weaknesses. They think, 'This child needs me.' But you..."

By not showing your weaknesses, you make them think you don't need them...

"... Gorōemon, I am the head of the Kutsuki clan. I cannot show my weaknesses. But I will keep your words in mind."

Gorōemon bowed deeply. I'm eleven this year, but my mind is that of a fifty-year-old. It can't be helped that I don't act like a child...

Eiroku 2nd year (1559) Early February Kōno Takashima District, Kutsuki Valley Kutsuki Castle Kurono Kagehisa

"The enemy's forces are about 1,200, gathered at Shimizuyama Castle, and they have started marching towards Kutsuki. I received a report from our spies."

When I reported, the great hall buzzed with activity. The distance from Shimizuyama Castle to Kutsuki is about two and a half ri, and they could arrive in about two hours.

"That's surprisingly few. I thought there would be more."

The retired lord tilted his head.

"The enemy is suspicious and particularly distrustful of Takashima."

When I answered, laughter erupted from various directions. Few as they were, the enemy was four times our number, but the atmosphere in the hall was bright.

"As you heard, the enemy is four times our number, but they are just a mob. There's nothing to fear. Make sure the soldiers understand this. If we fight with one heart, we will surely win."

The hall echoed with a chorus of "Oh!" in response to the lord's words.

"The weather is good today, but the wind is strong and it's a bit cold. Give the soldiers rice balls and hot miso soup. We will set out in an hour. Don't forget the warm stones."

More voices rose, and several people left the hall.

"Gorōemon, Sakumon, Matasuke."

"Ha."

Hidemasa Gorōemon Yukinari, Hidemasa Sakumon Sadanori, and Tazawa Matasuke Masahiro stepped forward.

"Gorōemon, the musket unit will follow my orders."

"Ha."

Gorōemon bowed.

"Sakumon, you will only move forward when the battle is decided. Your job is to chase the enemy. Until then, do not move forward. Wait for my command."

"Ha."

"Matasuke, once the battle starts, keep the archers shooting. I will give the order to stop. Until then, do not stop."

"Ha."

After the three bowed, the lord looked at me.

"Jūzō, are the preparations complete?"

"Ha, they are."

The lord nodded in satisfaction. If the enemy loses, we will spread rumors in the towns and castles of the six heads. They will be attacked and destroyed for defying the shogun. The lord does not think Kutsuki will lose. He is confident of victory. As proof, while everyone else is wearing armor, the lord is in civilian clothes. Since he cannot fight as a warrior, armor is unnecessary. He is not carrying a sword, only a dagger.

The maids brought rice balls and miso soup to the great hall. Everyone received and started eating. Kiri brought food to the lord. She is doing well. Food was also brought to me. After eating this, we will set out. The rice balls with pickles are delicious, and the hot miso soup is good. This might be the last meal. I ate slowly, thinking about it.

Eiroku 2nd year (1559) Early February Kōno Takashima District, Kutsuki Valley Takawakamaru

Unlike modern times, the roads in this era are not paved. In fact, the rougher the road, the better, as it makes it harder to attack. The road leading to Kutsuki Valley is not particularly rough, but it is a valley road, narrow and not suitable for military use. Kutsuki's safety has largely been due to this terrain.

The 1,200-strong Takashima forces are gathered on this road. They are about 500 meters, or five chō, away from us. From their perspective, the Kutsuki forces must look strange. Out of 300 Kutsuki forces, 200 are musketeers, 50 are archers, and 50 are spearmen. There is no cavalry. Only the commanders are on horseback, and even those horses are tied up in one place, so everyone is on foot. It's an extreme focus on firepower. The musket unit is divided into three groups: 70, 70, and 60.

I think we can win. The road is too narrow to spread out the forces horizontally, so the large army cannot fully utilize its numbers. We won't be surrounded. It will be a frontal assault, a push-and-shove battle. In this case, the key to victory is speed and endurance. The goal is to charge at the enemy with momentum, causing confusion and breaking through or crushing them. Communication in this era is poor, so once the enemy is confused, it's hard to regain order. If you can maintain the momentum, you can win. That's the theory.

But in this era, a weapon has appeared that can nullify this momentum: the musket. Defensive firepower, which weakens or nullifies the enemy's momentum before it hits, has emerged. The Battle of Nagashino is an example. The concentrated use of muskets by Oda Nobunaga shattered the powerful charge of the Takeda cavalry, which was considered the strongest in the Sengoku period.

What is about to begin is that. On a smaller scale, it will be the concentrated use of muskets to break the enemy. It will be a battle without a charge. As a precaution, obstacles are placed at the front of the army. They are like balance beams made of logs, which should slow the enemy down a bit. The wind is blowing from Kutsuki to Takashima, so the enemy will be fighting against the wind. Except for the enemy's fourfold numbers, the conditions for my first battle are not bad.

"Takawakamaru, they're not attacking."

"Probably arguing over who will lead the charge."

"Leading the charge should be an honor..."

"But we spread rumors. Everyone is afraid of drawing the short straw."

The old man hummed. He's a bit of a problem. He should be staying in the castle, but he came along to see the effect of the muskets. Jūzō was smirking. The Eight Gates will be useful.

There was movement in the enemy ranks. The flags of the four-eyed knot and the nail-piercing circle appeared...

"It's Takashima and Tanaka."

Takashima came out to lead the forces. But he doesn't want to be the only one to get credit, so Tanaka came out as well. That's probably it. Until then, Gorōemon, who had been watching the enemy ranks, shivered. Is it the pre-battle jitters?

"Lord."

"Yes, when the enemy is two chō away, have the first and second rows fire."

"Ha, and after that?"

"I will give the third row direct orders. Gorōemon, prepare the first and second rows for the second shot."

"Ha."

I shivered too. I'm getting pre-battle jitters. Calm down, I should be able to win.

The enemy started moving, raising shouts and gradually increasing their speed. There are about 150 in the front line, and the ground is shaking. They are quite impressive. This is a level of realism you can't get from TV dramas. The front line is foot soldiers with spears, followed by mounted warriors. The enemy has no cavalry; the mounted warriors are probably commanders like us.

"Fire!"

Matasuke shouted loudly, and arrows flew towards the enemy. The distance was about 400 meters. The arrows rained down on the enemy, but they continued to advance without flinching. Of course, they won't be seriously injured until they are within 100 meters. With only 50 arrows, the effect is limited, but with the tailwind, it might cause some injuries.

"Musket unit, ready!"

At Gorōemon's command, the musket unit knelt and prepared. Arrows continued to rain down. The enemy approached. 300 meters, 250 meters, 200 meters...

"First row, fire!"

The thunderous sound echoed, and the enemy fell one after another. Horses reared and threw off their riders. I think we took down about 50. Not bad. The old man exclaimed, "Huh."

The enemy was stunned. They were probably shocked by the sound and the sudden loss of 50 men. Their momentum was broken.

"First row, move back! Second row, move forward! Fire!"

Again, the thunderous sound echoed, and the enemy fell one after another. This time, about 40.

"The Tanaka forces are acting strange."

"Yes."

Strange. The Tanaka forces are in chaos. Because of this, the Takashima forces are also stuck. Could it be that...

"Old man, did Tanaka Kyūbei Shigemasa die?"

"Maybe."

"Lord!"

"Wait a moment, Gorōemon. Let's see what Takashima does. How are the preparations for the first and second rows?"

"Just a little more!"

"Hurry up!"

"Ha!"

Gorōemon shouted, "Hurry with the loading!" Arrows rained down on the disordered Tanaka forces, which were clearly acting strange. They had lost their will to fight. What will Takashima Echizen do?

A voice was heard. A mounted warrior was shouting. In response, the Takashima forces started moving. ... Is that Takashima Echizen?

"Third row! Aim for that mounted warrior. ... Fire!"

Thunder, screams, confusion, the Takashima forces fled. The Tanaka forces also ran away. Then, the rear forces of Nagata, Hiranai, Yokoyama, and Yamazaki also fled. The battle hasn't even started, but the weaknesses of the gathered forces have shown. Should I let Sakumon chase them...

Eiroku 2nd year (1559) Early February Kōno Takashima District, Kutsuki Valley Kurono Kagehisa

"So, Echizen was alive?"

"Yes, he was killed by his horse, which fell on him. His retainers thought he was dead when they saw it."

"Really?"

The retired lord and the lord were talking. The retired lord's tone of surprise was somewhat amusing.

The battle ended in victory for the Kutsuki forces. There were no casualties on our side, and the enemy fled without accomplishing anything. It was a one-sided victory. The commander of the Tanaka forces, Tanaka Kyūbei Shigemasa, died. He was hit by the first shot, and his son was killed in the confusion, leading to his death from the second shot. The chaos in the Tanaka forces was due to this.

"Maybe they mistook the horse for Echizen."

"Maybe, I can't tell the difference."

The retired lord shook his head.

"... You're cruel, old man."

"You're worse."

The two looked at each other and laughed.

"What will we do next?"

"Head to Shimizuyama."

"Capture it?"

"If possible. And Tanaka Castle too."

"I see."

The retired lord nodded in satisfaction.

"Old man, send envoys to the shogun and the Rokkaku. We will make peace with Nagata, Hiranai, Yokoyama, and Yamazaki. We need them to mediate."

"Peace?"

The retired lord looked a bit disappointed.

"Yes. If we gain Shimizuyama and Tanaka, Kutsuki's territory will expand significantly. We need to strengthen our forces; otherwise, we can't even defend it."

"That's true. Understood, I'll return to the castle."

When the retired lord left, the lord called me.

"What is it?"

"This isn't over."

"..."

"We still have work to do. I will take Takashima."

The lord's eyes were sharp as he looked at me.