Chapter 25

Eiroku 4 (1561) Late September, Omi Province Ika District, Shiizuhama, Shiizuhama Castle, Kuki Mototsuna

Article 1: Prohibition of Confiscation of Rice Fields

The lord is prohibited from confiscating rice fields, which are the fiefs of hereditary vassals, without just cause. In cases of unpaid taxes, the matter should be reported to the Kuki family. Confiscation without due cause is not permitted.

Well, this seems fine, doesn’t it?

Article 2: Disputes Over Land Boundaries

Regarding disputes over the boundaries of fields, forests, and wilderness, after thoroughly investigating the original correct boundaries, if it is determined that the plaintiff or defendant has filed an unjust lawsuit, one-third of their fief will be confiscated.

The attachment to land is intense. One-third is harsh, but such a penalty is necessary to deter malicious schemes.

Article 3: Disputes Over Reclaimed Wasteland

In cases where wasteland that was originally a field has been reclaimed, if a dispute arises over the boundaries between the former landowners, and the original boundaries cannot be determined due to the passage of time, the new boundary should be set at the midpoint between the claims of both parties. If both parties refuse to agree, the rights will be confiscated and given to other landowners or vassals.

In other words, stop complaining and get to work.

“Lord?”

“Hmm? Did you call me?”

“Yes, I called you twice.”

“I see, I didn’t notice. I’m sorry.”

Somehow, Yoné had entered the room. Behind her, Natsu was standing by. What a hassle.

“What are you doing?”

“Formulating laws.”

“Laws?”

“Kuki is formulating laws to govern the three northern districts of Omi.”

“Oh!”

Natsu, you’re all ears. As a spy, you’re only second-rate. I wonder why you’re being so obvious...

“The former retainers of the Asai clan must be worried about how I will govern. They fear arbitrary rule. After all, I’m still young. That’s why I’m formulating laws.”

“It’s a wonderful task, but isn’t it difficult?”

Tilting her head is so cute. There’s another reason. I want to show the ronin who are considering joining that serving Kuki is safe. Kuki lacks talent.

“I’m not starting from scratch. I’m basing it on the Imagawa Kana Mokuroku. I’ve made significant adjustments to the interest on loans. It’s finally complete. Now I’m making final adjustments.”

Yoné nodded in admiration. The reason for using the Imagawa Kana Mokuroku is that it denies the authority of the shogunate and the guardians. The Imagawa clan, as a member of the Ashikaga family, is treated specially along with the Shig川 and Ishibashi families. If Yoshifuji complains, I can simply say, “I’m just following the Imagawa’s example.”

“I’ll show it to Umezo, no, Shunzei later. I need to make them understand what it means to govern the three northern districts of Omi and what is necessary. I need to make them understand as much as possible.”

This is Kuki’s nation-building. It should be educational. I want them to understand that in a chaotic era, the local lords desire governance based on reason, not force. I want to create a political system where the weak are not oppressed. If I can do that, the local lords will follow with peace of mind.

“I thought you were only thinking about war.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because everyone says you are a rare military strategist.”

“You must be mistaken. That’s not me.”

“Oh!”

Yoné covered her mouth and chuckled. She doesn’t believe me. Neither does Natsu.

“I’m bad at war and hate it. Even Goroemon laughs at me. I prefer formulating laws and improving the lives of the people.”

“But it’s said that Lord Uesugi’s victory over Lord Takeda at Kawanakajima was due to your advice.”

“I’ve never heard such a rumor. First, I don’t know Kawanakajima, and I couldn’t have given any advice. I met Lord Uesugi two years ago, but strange rumors have spread, which is annoying.”

I know nothing. I didn’t give any advice. I had no influence on the outcome of the battle...

Uesugi Masatora (Nobunaga) and Takeda Shingen fought at Kawanakajima in early September. This is known as the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima, the most intense of the five battles fought there. It is also famous for the one-on-one duel between Masatora and Shingen. This is a major event of the Sengoku period. In this world, the battle unfolded similarly, but the outcome was quite different.

A decisive victory for Uesugi, a near rout for Takeda. Shingen’s right arm was amputated, and he suffered severe injuries. The Takeda army suffered nearly 5,000 casualties, while the Uesugi army had fewer than 2,000. This is completely different from historical records. I was stunned when I received the report from the Eight Gates. At first, I thought it must be a mistake. But as I heard the details of the battle, several points made sense.

First, the Uesugi army seemed to have a slightly larger force. Masatora had 15,000 troops at Mount Higashiyama, which is about 2,000 to 3,000 more than the 12,000 Takeda troops, according to historical records. This means Masatora had 2,000 to 3,000 more troops than in history.

Moreover, Masatora did not leave a reserve force to counter the return of the Takeda’s flank force. He attacked Shingen with his entire army. Historically, there were about 1,000 reserve troops. Without them, Masatora had 3,000 to 4,000 more troops than in history to fight Shingen.

Even historically, the Takeda army was close to a rout. The main camp was breached, and each unit was fighting for its survival. They couldn’t coordinate. In this world, they were attacked by a larger force, so more casualties were inevitable. This made sense.

However, not leaving a reserve force was a bold decision. At first, I was surprised, but upon reflection, it wasn’t unreasonable. A reserve force of 1,000 would be meaningless against the Takeda’s 12,000 flank force. It was more effective to focus on overwhelming the enemy quickly. It would also boost the morale of his troops. In fact, historically, Masatora’s decision was not bold enough.

“So, what is it?”

“A letter from my father, Hira井. He wants to visit soon.”

“I don’t mind, but is there something urgent?”

“I’m not sure...”

She tilted her head again.

“Wasn’t it written?”

“No.”

“I see. Please tell him I’ll be waiting.”

“Yes.”

She replied and left the room with Natsu. Hira井 Kaga-no-kami is coming here. It seems he’s in a hurry. He must be worried about his daughter. Don’t worry, I’m treating Yoné well.

When the Takeda forces were in chaos, Masatora led the flag bearers to attack Shingen’s main camp. It is said that Masatora himself attacked Shingen. Shingen defended with a war fan but was eventually disarmed. The pain caused him to fall from his seat, and Masatora’s sword struck again. It missed, but the surrounding Takeda forces thought Shingen was dead.

Shingen fell from his seat, spraying blood. From a distance, it looked like he was killed. The news of Shingen’s death spread among both the Takeda and Uesugi forces. Both sides mistakenly believed Shingen was dead.

The subsequent battle was disastrous. The Takeda forces, unable to regroup, fled. The Uesugi forces pursued them. When the flank force arrived at Hachiman Plain, the Takeda and Uesugi forces were already gone. The Takeda forces had more dead bodies scattered around. Realizing the situation, the flank force decided to pursue. However, the Uesugi forces, having returned from their pursuit, blocked their path.

For the Uesugi, it was like their path back to Echigo was blocked. They were in high spirits and saw the Takeda flank force as a foolish group that missed the battle. They broke through and returned to Echigo. It’s true that a madman with a weapon is dangerous.

The situation in northern Shinano will change dramatically. The Takeda’s advantage, built over time, will be lost. The counterattacks by the Takatō and Murakami, backed by the Uesugi, will begin. The Takeda will be forced into a defensive war in northern Shinano, losing both troops and generals. It will be a tough battle.

Is it possible to advance south to Suruga in this situation? No, it’s not possible. The battles in Shinano must be resolved first. It depends on when a border can be established with the Uesugi. By then, the Takeda may be too exhausted to move. If that happens, the Imagawa may have a chance to survive. The Hōjō in Kantō are also being pressured by the Uesugi, and the alliance may strengthen.

Yoshifuji will be delighted. He will undoubtedly write letters urging the defeat of the Miyoshi. Unfortunately, the Uesugi will not be able to enter Kyoto for a while. Ironically, their victory at Kawanakajima has plunged them deeper into the conflict in Shinano. The Uesugi will be forced into a two-front war in Shinano and Kantō, and if the Takeda mobilize the Ikki in Kaga, a three-front war. It will be a hellish situation. The harvest in Kantō, Kōshin, and Echigo will not be good, leading to a dire situation.

Eiroku 4 (1561) Early October, Omi Province Ika District, Shiizuhama, Shiizuhama Castle, Kuki Yoné

“Yoné, I’m coming in.”

“Yes.”

As she replied, the sliding door opened, and Lord Yagorō entered. Behind him, her father, Hira井 Kaga-no-kami Sadatake, appeared, followed by several men.

“Father?”

Her father did not respond, maintaining a stern expression. As the men approached, they tried to capture Natsu, who was standing nearby.

“What are you doing, Lady?”

Natsu cried for help.

“Father!”

“Stop, Yoné. It’s futile, Natsu. If you can’t handle it, cut her down. I have Lord Yagorō’s permission.”

“Yes.”

“Father, what is this...”

Natsu gave up resisting and was tied up and led away.

“Lord Yagorō, I apologize for the trouble. This is the situation.”

Her father bowed.

“No, don’t worry. It’s a relief to have the venom removed.”

Trouble? Venom? What does this mean? I don’t understand what they are talking about.

“Then, I will take my leave.”

“Are you leaving already? Why not talk to Yoné?”

“No, perhaps another time.”

“...I understand. I will wait for that day.”

Her father left without meeting her eyes.

After a while, Lord Yagorō returned after seeing her father off.

“Lord, what was that? What about Natsu?”

“Calm down, Yoné. I’ll explain. Natsu was a spy.”

“A spy?”

Lord Yagorō nodded. Natsu, a spy? Father?

“She was acting strangely. Kuki’s men investigated Natsu. She was sending information to Hira井 but also to another place.”

“Oh, where?”

“Kōga.”

Kōga, then Mifuné? So, Kuki’s men are Kuki’s ninjas?

“So, I informed your father-in-law. Do you know if the information was also sent to Kōga?”

“Father, what did he say?”

“Your father-in-law only asked for updates on your situation and never ordered an investigation of Kuki.”

“Then, what about Natsu?”

Lord Yagorō nodded.

“Yes. Natsu’s existence and actions could cause a rift between Kuki and Hira井, and between Kuki and the Rokkaku. It could also affect your position. Your father-in-law rushed here to deal with Natsu. I believe the person who sent Natsu aimed to isolate Kuki.”

I sighed. Lord Yagorō looked at me with concern.

“I asked your father-in-law, and he said Natsu was hired a few years ago, probably sent to the Hira井 family by Kōga. The reason is unknown. They might have wanted to know about your influential father-in-law. But when you became a foster daughter of the Rokkaku, a new purpose emerged. Natsu infiltrated your side to gather information for her family. It’s not an unreasonable assumption.”

“...What will happen to Natsu?”

“...If your father-in-law is telling the truth, she will be killed.”

The truth? Is there a lie? Did Father order the investigation?

“What if it’s a lie?”

Lord Yagorō hesitated.

“She will be declared dead and secretly returned to Kōga. ...But it won’t last long.”

“Why?”

“Kuki’s men will kill Natsu.”

Lord Yagorō looked at me intently.

“Kuki has pride. It will also serve as a warning to Kōga.”

“...”

Lord Yagorō laughed silently.

“Don’t worry, Yoné. Your father-in-law is