Chapter 18

### Eiroku 2nd Year (1559) - Late November - Omi Province, Takashima District, Anegawa Village - Shimizu Castle - Aya Kuroki

Another troublesome matter...

"Milady?"

"What is it, Kiri?"

"Nothing, but I noticed you were sighing just now."

Kiri looked at me with concern. It seems I had sighed without realizing it after reading the letter.

"It's nothing. ...Kiri, where is Takehiko-maru now?"

"I believe he was in his room with the young attendants. Should I call him?"

"No, that's not necessary. I'll go to him."

I stood up and headed towards Takehiko-maru's room with Kiri following me. As we approached, I could hear voices.

"Lord, how will you hire soldiers? If you conscript the peasants, they can become soldiers..."

That's Umamaru's voice?

"If soldiers die, peasants die. Umamaru, if the village's workers die, who will grow the crops?"

"But it will cost money."

"In return, the harvest won't decrease. Plus, we won't need to use the peasants during field preparation, planting, and harvesting, so we can wage war. And we won't be hated by the peasants. That's a significant advantage."

Several people murmured in agreement.

"Do you understand? Hiring soldiers costs money. Therefore, we need to enrich our domain. It's not just about wielding swords."

"Yes."

"Don't underestimate accounting. Learn to use the abacus."

"Yes."

Another sigh...

"Lord Takehiko-maru, I'm coming in."

I called out and opened the sliding door. Inside, Takehiko-maru and the attendants were sitting upright, having cleared a space for me. When I entered, Kiri stood by the door.

"What brings you here, Mother? If you had called, I would have come to you."

"Sometimes, I thought it would be nice to come to you."

"Ah."

"A letter arrived from Kyoto."

"From Kyoto... From Uncle Asukai?"

"No, from my sister."

"Aunt?"

Takehiko-maru tilted his head. "Here it is," I said, handing him the letter. He bowed slightly and began to read it. As he read, he showed a thoughtful expression. When he finished, he carefully folded the letter and returned it to me.

"An imperial princess is to be declared an inner princess?"

"It's not decided yet, but it seems such a proposal has been made."

"I think it's a good proposal, don't you?"

"Yes, but..."

Takehiko-maru nodded as if he understood.

"It's about the expenses."

"Yes."

In Kyoto, the evaluation of the Asukai family has risen since the previous emperor's funeral and the coronation went smoothly. This proposal for the inner princess declaration is undoubtedly a reward for the Asukai family. If the ceremony is held, it will cost money. The fact that my sister sent this letter means she wants Kuroki to cover the expenses. If that happens, the inner princess declaration can proceed...

However, since the incident with the Shogun a few years ago, Takehiko-maru has strong resentment towards the Asukai family. The Asukai family only asks for money and offers no support. When Takehiko-maru said he wanted to sever ties with the court and the Asukai family, it greatly frightened my father, brother, and sister. If something went wrong, the Asukai family might not get the funds for the coronation and could be ostracized by the court.

After that, I received many letters from my father, brother, and sister. The letters from my father and brother were filled with apologies, insisting they never looked down on Takehiko-maru because he was young and not yet of age. But writing such things was itself proof that they had underestimated him. My sister also pleaded that we not abandon them. I managed to persuade Takehiko-maru to write a letter, but now my sister is asking me to persuade him again...

The current Takehiko-maru is not just the lord of the Kuroki Valley with 8,000 koku. In a short time, he has destroyed the Takashima Seven Heads and become the lord of 50,000 koku in Takashima District. His son has proven that he possesses not only wealth but also military power. What impact this will have on the court and the Asukai family... I am filled with anxiety.

"How much will it cost?"

"About 500 kan, I think."

Takehiko-maru nodded.

"If it will be of use to our family, I will provide 500 kan."

"Is that alright?"

"Yes."

He answered firmly and then smiled.

"Aunt will be pleased. This way, the princess won't have to enter a convent. She can be married off somewhere."

"Yes."

If there is no inner princess declaration, the princess would be sent to a convent. My sister definitely doesn't want to send the princess to a convent. My father and brother likely feel the same.

"For the Kuroki family, it would be very helpful if the marriage alliance becomes an ally. This means we will have a reliable ally besides the Asukai family."

Takehiko-maru laughed.

"So, Mother, there's no need to be so hesitant. Please convey that to Aunt."

"..."

Is he being considerate? I hurriedly held back a sigh.

### Eiroku 3rd Year (1560) - Late January - Omi Province, Takashima District, Anegawa Village - Shimizu Castle - Kuro Kagehisashi

After the annual New Year's celebration of the Kuroki family, I received a message from the lord to come to his room. I quickly washed my face with cold water and rinsed my mouth. The cold water helped clear the alcohol from my system. In the room, the lord was waiting with a cup of hot tea. I could tell it was brown rice tea from the faint aroma.

"I'm late."

"Hmm, have a sip first."

"Yes, I will."

I took a sip of the hot tea as the lord suggested. It tasted good.

"It's delicious."

"That's good to hear."

The lord laughed gently.

"So, what is it?"

"First, take this."

The lord handed me a letter, which I opened and read.

"Lord! This is..."

"It's a certificate of merit. I don't know if it's appropriate to give such a thing to a ninja, but the Kuroki family has grown thanks to your efforts. I wanted to record that. You worked hard last year, and I thank you. Here it is."

The lord bowed.

"Lord, please stop. We are grateful to have met such a good master."

"Even if the Kuroki family were to fall, this would be of some use in your next service. You did well."

"... Lord"

Tears blurred my vision as I looked at the certificate. What a thing! A disgraceful display for a ninja, but I couldn't stop the tears.

"Thank you for your consideration. This certificate will be a family treasure. However, the Kuroki family will never fall. Such a thing will never happen. We will guard the four corners of the domain."

My voice trembled.

"I count on you."

The lord smiled. I wiped away my tears and carefully stored the certificate. I must never do anything to disgrace this certificate.

"So, what is it you need?"

"Hmm, are the Koga agents active?"

"Somewhat. However, our village is not in the Kuroki domain, and we can't find them, which is causing confusion."

Even if they come to Tamba, it won't help. Our village is disguised as a community of woodworkers.

"Rokkaku is persistent. The Kuroki domain is only 50,000 koku, so it shouldn't be a concern."

The lord's tone and expression were dissatisfied. Indeed, 50,000 koku, but the lord brilliantly seized 50,000 koku. Even if it's not Rokkaku, the Kuroki family's movements are a concern. Now, the Asai family's ninjas are also searching for the Kuroki family. When I told him this, the lord's face showed even more displeasure.

"The Asai family's ninjas are the Hanaya-shu, right?"

"Yes."

"I haven't heard of them. Who are they?"

"Their true origin is unknown, but they are said to be descendants of a clan that participated in the rebellion of Heishi Masakado."

"Ah, Masakado. That's quite an old story."

The lord sounded impressed, his eyes gleaming with interest.

"After Masakado's death, many of them fled from Kanto to San'in and became the Hanaya-shu. Those who stayed in Kanto became the Fuma-shu."

He laughed, finding it amusing. It's hard to believe, but that's the legend.

"However, it's a strange story. How did the Asai family connect with them?"

"Originally, they were performers at festivals and New Year's events. Lord Amako Masahisa of Izumo used them as ninjas. The expansion of the Amako family's power was largely due to the efforts of the Hanaya-shu."

"..."

"Lord Amako Masahisa took Izumo from the Kyogoku family, but if the Kyogoku family regains power in northern Omi, it would be troublesome. So, he sent some of the Hanaya-shu to the Asai family in northern Omi."

"Yes."

"That's a scary story."

The lord sighed deeply.

The movements of the Hanaya-shu are not necessarily a nuisance to the Hachimon. It's not uncommon for the Hanaya and Koga to meet and fight within the Kuroki domain. When we eliminate the Hanaya and Koga, it's unclear who killed them. The Hanaya and Koga are likely suspicious of each other. Eventually, both will withdraw.

"Don't take your eyes off the Asai family's movements."

"Yes."

"The Asai family's heir, Saruyakko-maru, is fifteen this year and will come of age. The Asai family might make a move. If they do, they won't act alone. They will seek allies, probably the Asakura. Don't miss their movements."

"Yes."

"Will you come of age? You've already been in your first battle and are the head of the family."

When I asked, the lord laughed lightly.

"Coming of age would just annoy the Shogun in Kyoto. He would demand that I send troops to Wakasa. He occasionally hints at this in his letters. ... I don't like unnecessary work. It's fine to stay as I am for now."

I see, that's the reason. The rebellion of the local lords in Wakasa has not been quelled. The current guardian, Takeda Yoshinari, is the brother-in-law of Lord Yoshiteru. Perhaps Lord Yoshiteru is crying to the lord for help. But because the lord is not yet of age, he is being cautious. Or perhaps the lord is refusing...

"We need an ally within the Rokkaku family. Is there anyone?"

"Well, I don't think there's anyone in the Rokkaku family who is not dissatisfied. But whether they are friendly towards our family..."

"Even if they are not dissatisfied with the Rokkaku, we need a supporter for the Kuroki family."

"..."

"Is it difficult?"

The lord sighed, sounding disappointed.

"What about Nagaoka?"

The lord's aunt is married to Nagaoka Masaharu, the lord of Nagaoka Castle. Masaharu's status is not significant, similar to the Kuroki family in the past. However, he seems to be treated well by Rokkaku Sakyoden Yoshikata. The lord laughed.

"It's been a long time since we had any contact. They didn't even send anyone when my father was killed. It's probably impossible."

"Never mind. Don't be complacent about the Rokkaku family's movements."

"Yes."

"Continue to investigate the movements in Kyoto."

"The Miyoshi family, right?"

"Also, keep an eye on the Shogun's movements. For the Kuroki family, the Miyoshi and the Shogun are equally troublesome."

"Yes."

### Eiroku 3rd Year (1560) - Early May - Omi Province, Takashima District, Anegawa Village - Shimizu Castle - Takehiko-maru

I hired two unusual individuals: Yamaguchi Shintaro Terutaka and Yamane Izaemon Kazutomi. Terutaka is twenty, and Kazutomi is fifteen, just coming of age. I hired them unconditionally because they are from Owari. If they were from Omi, I would be afraid to hire them due to the possibility of them being spies for the Rokkaku or Asai. However, I wonder if Yamane Izaemon Kazutomi is a good choice.

At this time, Kazutomi is a ronin after his lord, the Oda of Inabu, was destroyed by Nobunaga. He served various lords before returning to the Oda family. I believe he returned after the conquest of Mino, thinking the Oda family's future was bright. Otherwise, he wouldn't serve someone who destroyed his lord and killed his father and brother. I think his stay with me will be temporary. However, he will hold a significant position in the future Hideyoshi government. If he can serve as a liaison with Hideyoshi, that would be good. That's why I hired him.

The other, Yamaguchi Shintaro Terutaka, is the son of Yamaguchi Teruie, the lord of Narumi Castle in Owari. Teruie is a capable person. He was a local lord in Owari but was trusted by Nobunaga's father, Nobuhide, and given command of Narumi Castle. Narumi Castle is in the southeastern part of Owari and guards the front line against the Imagawa. Nobuhide must have trusted him.

However, when Nobuhide died, a conflict arose between Nobunaga and Nobuyuki. Teruie, guarding the front line, must have felt uneasy. He betrayed the Oda family and joined the Imagawa. I can't blame him. To guard the border with the Imagawa, he needed reinforcements. But could the Oda family, embroiled in internal conflict, provide them? He chose to survive by joining the Imagawa. The fault lies with the Oda family for starting the internal conflict.

Teruie worked hard for the Imagawa. He wanted to be trusted. He used intrigue to take over Takatou Castle and Tachibana Castle. It was a significant achievement. Nobunaga must have seen Teruie as a threat. He was capable and knew Owari well. Nobunaga thought it would be troublesome to keep him alive and spread false information that Teruie was planning to betray the Imagawa. Yoshimoto fell for it and summoned the Yamaguchi father and son to Sunpu and killed them.

I thought that was the case, but according to Terutaka, it was a bit different. A letter inviting the Yamaguchi father and son to betray the Imagawa came from Nobunaga. I wondered if the betrayal was real, but the Yamaguchi father and son sent the letter to the Imagawa. By doing so, they demonstrated their loyalty to the Imagawa. They even received a letter of praise from the Imagawa.

Therefore, when they were summoned by the Imagawa, the Yamaguchi father and son went to Sunpu without any worries. They were even happy, thinking they might receive rewards. They were then killed. After that, Okabe Motonobu, who was trusted by Yoshimoto, entered Narumi Castle. Terutaka, being a son of a concubine, did not bear the Yamaguchi name at the time. That's why he wasn't summoned by the Imagawa. After his father and brother were killed, Terutaka escaped from the castle and took the Yamaguchi name.

In short, the Imagawa saw the Yamaguchi family as a hindrance. They probably wanted to directly govern eastern Owari. So, they pretended to fall for Nobunaga's plot and killed the Yamaguchi father and son. That's the truth. Terutaka agreed with me. He shed tears of regret. For him, his father and brother were respected figures.

The Imagawa family's end is not good. They are ruthless, even cruel. They don't seem to trust outsiders. Perhaps that's inevitable in the Sengoku period. But the local lords of this era are not powerful. There's no need to manipulate them like this.

The same goes for the Tokugawa family. The current Tokugawa, or rather the Matsudaira, have their lord as a hostage in Sunpu. The castle is controlled by the Imagawa's castle governor, who extorts as much as possible and sends it to Sunpu. As a result, the Matsudaira's retainers are impoverished and have to do farming work. It's no wonder they are hated. The Imagawa's impression is one of cruelty and arrogance.

It's fine to be strict with enemies. But the Yamaguchi and Matsudaira are allies. They need to be treated with consideration. Without that, only a cruel and arrogant image is seen. The Imagawa are currently powerful, but soon it will be the Battle of Okehazama. From there, they will fall like a stone to the bottom. In the end, they will be abandoned even by the Hojo and meet a miserable end. Well, it's karma. I must be careful too.