Chapter 20

Eiroku 3rd year (1560) Mid-August Nara Field, Aichi County, Omi Province Goto Kenho

The battle ended in a decisive victory for our side. The Asai forces were routed, and Takase Higo-no-kami Masahisa of Hida Castle surrendered. We moved our camp to a temple a short distance from Hida Castle and waited for the generals to gather. Despite the victory, the expression on the lord's face was stern. The young lord also had a bitter look. The atmosphere inside the tent did not change even as the generals gathered. It was as if we had lost. Everyone was silent, fearing the lord.

"Kubota Takenowakamaru has arrived."

A soldier announced Takenowakamaru's arrival. The tent was lifted, and Takenowakamaru appeared with his small frame. He was the only one not wearing armor, dressed in civilian clothes, and his only weapon was a short sword. A few soldiers followed him, apparently carrying heads. He approached the lord and knelt on one knee, and the soldiers behind him also knelt.

"Left Minister, I offer my heartfelt congratulations on your victory."

"Hmm."

"I apologize for my late arrival. We, the Kubota, have no ties with the Asai family. It took time to confirm the heads."

"I see."

The lord's words were brief.

"Lord Asai Shinjiro Sadaharu, Endo Kiyomune Naonori, Akao Mimasaka-no-kami Kiyotsuna, Katagiri Sakyemon Naonao, and Shinjo Sanshiro Naomune have been defeated. I request your inspection."

What! Not only Shinjiro but also such heads. Each was a well-known name in the Asai family. I was not the only one surprised; the tent was filled with murmurs.

"Hmm, in this heat. Though it is unusual, I will inspect them here."

"Thank you."

There are various formalities for inspecting heads, but in this heat, the heads would spoil if left too long. Though it goes against the formalities, it is necessary to confirm the heads quickly since they were taken by the Kubota. The lord inspected each head one by one, and when he did not recognize a head, he asked those around him. After confirming all the heads, there were no mistakes.

"Lord Takenowakamaru, I deeply appreciate your efforts this time. Our victory over the Asai is due to the Kubota's efforts. I am impressed."

"Your words are too kind, I am honored."

"I am at a loss for how to reward your efforts this time."

The lord laughed. Though not by his own hand, he had given the Asai a sufficient punishment. He seemed a bit relieved. The lord's cheerful voice relaxed the atmosphere, and everyone praised Takenowakamaru's martial prowess.

"I am honored, but I do not require any reward."

"You do not want it?"

A murmur arose. To achieve such martial prowess and not want anything in return—some in the tent shook their heads. The lord also looked surprised. Seeing how he handled the Takashima Seven Heads, I thought he would be more greedy...

"Yes, Uncle Unagie Bizen-no-kami told me that the Left Minister was somewhat displeased with our family. If this effort can alleviate that displeasure, it is enough for us."

The lord smiled wryly and glanced at me.

"It seems there is a misunderstanding. I have no displeasure with the Kubota family. While both our families are descendants of the Sasaki Genji, we have become somewhat distant in recent times. Perhaps I let out a complaint, but I was probably just worried. Bizen-no-kami must have overthought it. Lord Takenowakamaru, I have made you worry unnecessarily, please forgive me."

"Yes, your kind words are much appreciated."

"I will find a way to thank you."

"Yes."

Afterward, it was decided to spare the life of Takase Higo-no-kami and exile him, and the army would return. As everyone left the tent, the lord ordered me, Shinoda, and Hachisuka to stay behind.

"You've been outsmarted. It seems you were cornered. You couldn't say you were displeased in front of everyone, and you were the one who provoked it."

The lord looked at me and smiled wryly. I, who had planned it, couldn't help but laugh.

"However, Father, that man is quite afraid of us."

"That's not true. The Kubota are not afraid of the Rokkaku, Uemon-no-suke."

The young lord, who had been looking satisfied, was scolded by the lord. Seeing the young lord's displeased expression, the lord smiled wryly.

"Uemon-no-suke, do you know the identity of the Kubota's ninja?"

"No, only that they are called Yagura..."

The young lord's answer made the lord's wry smile deepen.

Yagura, a ninja known only by name. However, Sanuki Taima-no-kami stated that no such ninja existed anywhere. Yagura is probably a name given by the Kubota... There are too many things about the Kubota that are unknown.

"That man is considerate of our family but is not afraid. He may have read our intentions. He is not someone to be underestimated. Even Miyoshi Masahiro had trouble with him."

"Perhaps it was a mistake to let him achieve such martial prowess. We couldn't hold back."

Hachisuka muttered. We didn't expect the Kubota to achieve such martial prowess. For the Kubota, it was a meaningless battle, and we didn't think they would fight aggressively. When we heard they were sending a thousand soldiers, we were skeptical. The important thing was that the Kubota moved their army for the Rokkaku, showing the Rokkaku's influence over the Kubota. That's why we placed the Kubota in the rear. We didn't expect the Asai to charge there...

"However, Lord Shimotsuke, it is a fact that the Asai caught us off guard. If the Kubota hadn't been there, it could have been a disaster. We must acknowledge that."

"Lord Tajima, are you saying the Rokkaku lost?"

The young lord glared at me fiercely. What a problem, his emotions are too extreme. If he is to lead, he needs to be more composed...

"I am not saying that. But in battle, anything can happen. We must acknowledge the Kubota's martial prowess and consider what to do next. That is the key now."

"Lord Tajima is right. There's no point in regretting what has happened."

Shinoda supported me. The young lord had a sour expression but said nothing more. He is not foolish.

"Moreover, the Kubota achieved great martial prowess for the Rokkaku. That has its own meaning, doesn't it?"

I said, and Shinoda nodded, while Hachisuka and the young lord reluctantly agreed. The lord remained silent.

"Well, the minimum goal has been achieved. Isn't that so?"

Everyone nodded at the lord's words.

"Still, the Kubota's musket corps, three hundred guns. How did they manage to gather so many?"

Everyone nodded again. Musket guns are not cheap. To gather three hundred is nothing short of astonishing. Even if they manufacture them in their own territory, gunpowder and lead are not easy to come by. Yet, the Kubota use them generously in training. How much money do they have? It's unfathomable.

"I want it, I want the Kubota even more. I want to bring Kubota Takenowakamaru into the Rokkaku family."

"Father! You just said he is not to be underestimated."

"That's why we need to make him an ally, Uemon-no-suke. He will be useful as an ally. We cannot let him become an enemy."

Indeed, he would be useful.

"Another move, or two. Since he has come this far, we must not let up and draw him in."

"Do you have a good plan?"

"We have a suitable pawn. We will use the Asai."

The lord smiled happily.

Eiroku 3rd year (1560) Late August, Anai River Village, Takashima County, Omi Province, Shimizu Castle, Takenowakamaru

"Delicious!"

Umaru shouted, and Nabe, Iwamatsu, Toramaru, and Chiyomatsu echoed in unison. They were still children.

"Is it? There's still plenty. Eat as much as you like. Shintaro, Iright, you and the others should eat too. Don't be shy."

Shintaro and Iright bowed and started eating. The watermelon they were eating, chilled in well water, was a treat in this era.

"Will you not eat, my lord?"

"I don't need it."

Umaru looked at me as if I were strange. Well, it can't be helped. Chilled watermelon in well water is a delicacy in this era. But I don't eat it. It reminds me of melons. Unfortunately, the watermelon is not as sweet as a melon, and thinking of melons and the fact that there are no melons in this era makes me want to cry. So I don't eat it.

"Lord Shintaro, Lord Iright, tell us about the battle the other day."

Nabe asked innocently, but the two looked at me. They seemed uncomfortable talking in front of me. Nabe must have realized this and pressed further.

"My lord only says it was hot and tells us nothing."

"That's true. Shintaro and Iright were in armor. They must have been hotter than me."

The two nodded vaguely. They sensed my bad mood and said nothing. Kids, you should be more perceptive.

Asai Nagamasa died. I knew he would charge there from researching the Nara Field battle. Even if I hadn't researched it, I would have known. Nagamasa had no choice. With the disadvantage in both numbers and morale, his options were limited. He had to lead the charge, "Follow me!"

"...Umaru, you're dripping juice."

"Yes."

He has started to study a bit more, but he's not ready for his coming-of-age ceremony for a while.

Until recently, that would have been enough. In reality, that's how they won. But in this world, the Kubota have a musket corps. Three hundred guns in three rows of a hundred each. If they charged, they would be shot down. And when the commander dies, morale plummets. The Asai collapsed quickly. The casualties probably exceeded 1,500. The Asai forces, who were attacking the Rokkaku's vanguard and second line, were thoroughly defeated.

I at least tried to save Yoshikuni's face. This should make the Rokkaku a bit more subdued. With the Asai as an enemy, they will likely prioritize that for a while. They said they would give rewards, but anything is fine, even a single sword. We also had our gains. We used Kubota-made gunpowder in actual combat for the first time, and we can expect more in the future. Also, our cavalry finally stopped being afraid of the sound of muskets. We will gradually increase the number of horses.

The problem is the impact of Nagamasa's death... In the short term, there should be no impact. In reality, after this, the war progressed into a coalition of the Asai and Oda against the Rokkaku and Saito. But with the Asai losing at Nara Field, the Oda will not ally with them. On the other hand, the Rokkaku allied with the Saito because they lost at Nara Field and lost confidence in their military strength after the Kannonji collapse. The prestigious Rokkaku had no good feelings toward the upstart Saito. They would not ally with the Saito until the Kannonji collapse.

For a while, the conflict will likely continue individually: Oda vs. Saito, Asai vs. Rokkaku. The question then becomes whether the Kannonji collapse will happen, and if so, when. In reality, it happened three years later, but it could happen sooner, or even more likely, much sooner. What will happen to Omi, Mino, and Owari when it does...? No, there are other players who might move: the Miyoshi, Asakura, Ashikaga... It's hard to predict, and it's frustrating. The Kubota may be forced into a difficult position...

The shoji door slid open, and my grandfather appeared. I almost said, "Don't scare me, Grandfather," but I closed my mouth. That's not good; his face was tense.

"Takenowakamaru, Lord Gotou Tajima-no-kami has come from Kannonji Castle."

"Gotou? As an official envoy of the Rokkaku family?"

"Of course, he is waiting in the study."

"Understood, I will see him."

I told Shintaro and Iright to eat slowly, but they both stopped eating and followed me. Well done, both of you. Iright, are you going somewhere else? Maybe the Kubota is not a good place for you with no future prospects. It's not a good environment for someone with ambition. Iright is not the only one; Shintaro might leave too. It's a sad thought. When that happens, I'll advise them not to work for the Miyoshi, Rokkaku, Asai, or Asakura.

When I entered the study, Gotou Tajima-no-kami greeted me cheerfully.

"It's been a while, but it hasn't been that long since we last met."

"That's true, it's not like it's been a long time."

We laughed together. I have a bad feeling. It's only been ten days since the battle. It's not nostalgic, so go back to Kannonji Castle quickly. It would feel so much better if I could say it out loud.

"I have good news today."

"Good news, you say?"

My facial muscles hurt, and smiling is difficult.

"Lord Rokkaku, the Left Minister, wants to thank the Kubota for their martial prowess in the recent battle."

"Such consideration is..."

When I tried to refuse, Gotou Tajima-no-kami interrupted with a "No, no."

"I understand that Lord Takenowakamaru is a man of few desires. But if we do nothing, Lord Rokkaku, the Left Minister, will be criticized by others. Please accept it."

"This is a difficult situation..."

This guy is good. He's making it so I can't refuse. I have a bad feeling. I don't want it, I don't need it. It's not a bride, is it?

"There is a Rokkaku family's storage land in Takashima County, about 10,000 koku. We would like you to accept it as a reward."

His tone was cheerful, but his eyes were not smiling. ...So that's it. Rokkaku, you're up to no good. What should I do? Accept it? I have no choice but to accept it.

"I will accept it with gratitude."

I bowed slightly, and Gotou Tajima-no-kami nodded in satisfaction.

"Normally, we would choose a good day and go to Kannonji Castle to express our gratitude, but we have urgent business. We will express our gratitude in January next year, combining it with New Year's greetings. Please convey this to Lord Rokkaku, the Left Minister."

"I have understood. ...I wish you good fortune."

"Thank you. I hope we can continue to work together."

"Likewise, let's be closer in the future."

What does "closer" mean? Saying something you don't mean. I will make you regret this day. I am angry.

Eiroku 3rd year (1560) Late August, Anai River Village, Takashima County, Omi Province, Shimizu Castle, Kubota Tadahiro

After Gotou Tajima-no-kami left, Takenowakamaru gathered the main people in the large hall. What happened in the meeting? From his expression, it seemed something significant had occurred...

"Everyone, have you gathered? Lord Gotou Tajima-no-kami came earlier with good news and bad news. I will share it."

Everyone looked at each other. Good news and bad news? What could the bad news be...

"First, the good news. The Kubota's efforts in the recent battle have greatly pleased Lord Rokkaku, the Left Minister. The Rokkaku family will give us 10,000 koku of storage land in Takashima County as a reward. The Kubota family will now have a total of 60,000 koku."

Cheers of joy rose from all directions. Someone said, "It could have been more," and laughter followed. But Rokkaku family's storage land?

"Next, the bad news. The Kubota family will now border the Asai family's territory. As you know, the Asai were defeated in the recent battle, and the Kubota achieved the greatest martial prowess. In other words, the Kubota are now the Asai's mortal enemies. The Asai's territory spans three northern counties of Omi, totaling 200,000 koku. We will face an enemy three times our size."

The hall fell silent. Indeed, that's what happened. The Kubota were set up by the Rokkaku, that's what it means.

"There is only one way for the Kubota to survive. We must devour the Asai. If we do not devour the Asai, the Asai will devour us. We must strike the Asai before they strike us. First, we will drive the Asai out of Takashima County. Then we will take over Asai, Ika, and Sakata counties from the Asai! Prepare for battle immediately! We will