Chapter 26

Eiroku 5 (1562) Early January, Omi Province, Gamo District, Kannonji Castle, Goto Kenho

After the New Year's celebrations ended, I invited Lord Yagoro to the study. I thought he might be wary, but he followed me straightforwardly. If he trusts me, that's a good thing... In the study, Saito, Higashiyama, and Megata were already seated. For the first time, Lord Yagoro showed a puzzled expression. However, he said nothing, bowed, and took his seat.

"Lord Yagoro, I imagine you are surprised. I apologize for this."

"Is Lord Sakkyo aware of this? If there's a mistake, it could be seen as a plot."

"Of course, he is aware. I want to hear your thoughts on the situation in Omi this year."

Lord Yagoro nodded, saying, "I see."

"What do you think?"

When I prompted him, Lord Yagoro began, "In the Kinai region, the superiority of the Miyoshi family will not change for a while. The only way to shake the Miyoshi family's foundation is if Lord Sakkyo and Lord Hatakeyama act together. However, even then, the odds are not in our favor. I cannot recommend it."

Everyone exchanged glances.

"What if you joined them?"

When Megata asked, Lord Yagoro shook his head.

"If that happens, the Asakura might move. Omi would be in a terrible uproar."

Megata sighed heavily.

"Then it seems Lord Yagoro cannot be moved. If that's the case, the war in the Kinai region will be difficult."

Everyone nodded.

"What concerns me is Wakasa. Both the Asakura from Echizen and the Miyoshi from Tamba are targeting it. Whichever side takes Wakasa, the situation will not be favorable."

Everyone frowned. The situation in Wakasa is deteriorating. Its downfall is only a matter of time.

"If the Miyoshi take Wakasa, they might form an alliance with the Asakura. The Asakura should also see the Miyoshi as a threat."

When Saito asked, Lord Yagoro shook his head.

"It's not reliable. Even the Asai were abandoned. If we count on the Asakura, we will face a bitter defeat. An unreliable ally is worse than an enemy."

More than being unreliable, Lord Yagoro's actions are too quick. No one predicted the fall of the Asai. However, his passivity is understandable. If the Asakura had joined the battle at Nara, the outcome would have been uncertain.

"If either the Miyoshi or the Asakura take Wakasa, the Rokkaku will face it alone."

Everyone looked at each other. Lord Yagoro sees the Rokkaku as unreliable in dealing with Wakasa. He seems to be prepared to face the situation without expecting any help, and if help comes, he will consider it a stroke of luck. He is young but cold.

"Then, perhaps Mino?"

When Higashiyama muttered, Lord Yagoro looked puzzled.

"Lord Yagoro, the Rokkaku are considering an expedition to Mino."

"Mino? My father-in-law?"

"Yes."

Lord Yagoro's gaze became stern. It seems he disagrees.

"The cause is the acquisition of Sakata District by the Rokkaku. This has made it possible for the Rokkaku to invade Mino via the Tōzan Road. The former lord of Mino, Toki Mino-no-kami, and his son, Toki Samanosuke, have visited Kannonji Castle to request the return to Mino. Last year, Ise Sakkyo passed away, and his successor, Ise Uemon-no-taifu Ryōkō, is young and not necessarily competent. They believe that retaking Mino will not be difficult..."

"I see, that's the situation."

When Saito explained, Lord Yagoro nodded several times, looking at Saito.

"Do they really intend to retake Mino?"

"No, the Toki family is merely using it as a pretext. They want to take and control the Ibuka District. The one pushing for this expedition is the young lord."

"..."

When Saito mentioned the young lord, a heavy silence fell over the study.

"Lord Yagoro, the young lord is jealous of you."

"..."

At Megata's words, Lord Yagoro frowned.

"Your military reputation is known throughout the land. Even the Kantō Kanrei of Echigo praises you. That's why he is jealous. You are younger, and he cannot help but be aware of you. As the next head of the Rokkaku, he sees it as a matter of honor."

Lord Yagoro looked annoyed.

In the end, it comes down to this. No matter how useful Ukita is to the Rokkaku, if it's a matter of the young lord's pride, it cannot be resolved. Moreover, the lord of the castle might be a bit too pleased with his good son-in-law. The young lord might feel that he is being criticized for not being reliable.

"Then, an expedition to Mino?"

"Exactly. If the eastern border is secured, everyone will recognize the young lord..."

At Megata's answer, Lord Yagoro sighed heavily.

"Indeed, Lord Uemon-no-taifu is young and not well-spoken of. However, not all the soldiers of Mino are foolish. Should we not be cautious about an unnecessary battle? What does Lord Sakkyo think?"

Everyone looked at each other.

"He is troubled. The lord of the castle is inwardly worried but cannot oppose the young lord's position. Especially now, Mino is in a fierce conflict with Owari, and their defenses are weak. There is a good chance it will succeed."

When Saito answered, Lord Yagoro closed his eyes and sighed.

Eiroku 5 (1562) Early January, Omi Province, Takashima District, Anai River Village, Shimizu Mountain Castle, Ukita Sukunaga

When I returned to Shimizu Mountain Castle, I first greeted my grandfather and then went to see Ayama.

"Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year."

"I'm sorry for not visiting for a while."

"It's fine. I understand you've been busy. I'm glad you're well."

Ayama looks a bit lonely. I could invite her to Shizutsubo, but then Shimizu Mountain Castle would be left to my grandfather alone. I should try to return to Shimizu Mountain more often. Using Lake Biwa, it won't take too long. Maybe I should give Ayama a pet? Something easy to care for, like a bird. It might help her mind...

"Is Lady Saya well?"

"Yes, she asked me to convey her greetings to your mother."

Ayama cares about Saya. That's good. I don't need any family discord. There's nothing more wasteful than internal strife. The Ukita have no room for such things now.

"Don't overwork yourself. You have a wife now."

"I understand. I'm not overworking myself."

Ayama shook her head.

"Are you hiding something from your mother? I heard you led the charge in the last battle and fell asleep as soon as you arrived at Sawayama Castle. I received a letter from Goroemon, so I know. Don't take unnecessary risks."

Ayama glared at me.

"Ah, no, Mother. I led the charge because it was my first time. I understand now. I won't do anything dangerous. As for Sawayama Castle, I was just tired. I'll be more careful in the future."

White, scruffy Goroemon, he's Ayama's spy. There might be others... Ayama is beautiful and cute, so everyone is weak for her. They would easily betray me.

"Don't do anything to make Lady Saya sad."

"Of course. I won't make Lady Saya or Mother sad. Please rest assured."

Ayama seems to have upgraded me from a hot-tempered person to a hot-tempered and careless one. Not a very pleasant change. I left quickly and went to see my grandfather.

"So, how was Kannonji Castle?"

"Lord Sakkyo was in a good mood. The acquisition of Sakata District seems to have had a significant impact. Or perhaps giving Asai Shingen to him did. It was a stark contrast to the stern face of Uemon-no-suke, who was sitting next to him."

My grandfather laughed.

"It's not a laughing matter, Grandfather."

"What's wrong?"

"Uemon-no-suke is planning to attack Mino. He wants to take the Ibuka District to secure the eastern border."

"Really?"

My grandfather seemed surprised. When I told him about the Toki family seeking help from the Rokkaku, he shook his head, saying, "It's too late." I agree. No one wants the Toki to return to Mino now.

"Uemon-no-suke is jealous of me."

"Jealous?"

"Everyone praises me, but no one praises him. It's a matter of honor."

"So, that's why he's attacking Mino?"

"Yes."

It's ridiculous. As the next head of the Rokkaku, he's already a major figure. If no one pays attention to him, he sounds like a child. He's not stupid, just a kid.

The collapse of Kannonji was due to Goto Tango-no-kami fearing the influence within his household and attempting to regain power, rather than plotting a rebellion. He simply didn't like that someone else was more popular and killed him. In this world, the Kannonji incident might not happen. After all, there's Ukita Yagoro, who is more annoying than Goto Tango. I won't go to Kannonji Castle next year. It's too dangerous.

"But, can he win, Yagoro?"

My grandfather tilted his head.

"I don't know. The senior vassals of the Rokkaku seem to want to avoid getting too involved in Mino. However, Mino is currently in conflict with Owari, so taking the Ibuka District might not be difficult. But going further would be tough. The senior vassals seem to be passively supportive, or perhaps opposed, but not explicitly so."

"It's not clear."

My grandfather frowned. Indeed, it's not clear.

"I suggested coordinating with the Oda to attack. The senior vassals said they would tell Lord Sakkyo, but I doubt Uemon-no-suke will accept it willingly."

"The Oda have a high reputation after桶狭間 (桶狭間 is a place name, so it should be kept as is). For Uemon-no-suke, they are not an interesting opponent."

It probably won't go well. The Ibuka District is a crucial western defense for Mino. They won't sit idly by if it's taken. Mino will definitely try to retake it. And the Ibuka District has the Bodaisan. Takayama Hanbei...

Historically, the Takayama and Rokkaku were quite close. In the conflict between Saito Dosan and Saito Yoshitatsu, the Takayama sided with Dosan. Naturally, the victorious Yoshitatsu saw the Takayama as enemies and attacked them several times. The isolated Takayama were aided by the Rokkaku, who were trying to reorganize in eastern Omi after their defeat at Nara. It was natural for the isolated Takayama and the Rokkaku, who needed new forces, to join.

Later, the Takayama made peace with Yoshitatsu and rejoined the Saito. Takayama Hanbei's active role in the war against the Oda was likely to gain trust through military achievements. He might have played a role in the alliance between the Rokkaku and the Saito. However, the perception of Hanbei as an enemy did not disappear among Ryōkō and his close associates. Hanbei eventually left Mino, not being accepted by Ryōkō.

In this world, the Rokkaku won at Nara, so there is no connection between the Takayama and the Rokkaku. If there were, the invasion of Mino might have had a better chance. ...It's pointless to think about it. Let's see what happens. Whose strategy will we see? It will be interesting...

Eiroku 5 (1562) Early March, Omi Province, Ika District, Shizutsubo, Shizutsubo Castle, Ukita Sukunaga

"How is the situation in the domain?"

"Since the beginning of the year, soap has started circulating in Ika and Asai districts."

"The snow has melted, and merchants are starting to seek it out. Fortunately, the checkpoints have been abolished, making it easier to move around."

When I asked, Kumaya Genshiro and Koguchi Ribeimaru smiled. In the study of Shizutsubo Castle, the roasted tea we drank was delicious.

"The abolition of checkpoints was in exchange for the soap-making method and cotton seeds. Not all the local lords received the cotton seeds. They will be distributed over the next few years, but they agreed to abolish the checkpoints."

People and goods are starting to move. This means money is being generated and circulating. It's the first step. A full-fledged flow of goods and the generation of money will take time. But once it starts, it won't stop. People are weak for profit.

"Still, I was surprised to hear that the soap-making method and cotton seeds were given to the local lords."

"Indeed, I was surprised."

"You won't get anything by provoking me."

They laughed again.

"I'm glad you take it as provocation. If it were another lord, they would scold you for being impolite."

Kumaya's words were echoed by Koguchi. Indeed, that's how it is. I guess I'm different in this era.

"I plan to start making clear sake in Ika and Asai districts. The production facilities should be ready soon. I expect the trade of clear sake to increase using the Hokukoku and Tōzan roads. Buy rice while it's cheap."

"Then, let's get started."

"Yes."

Even with a rice shortage, making sake from rice. I must be a heretic. But the Ukita need money.

Kumaya Genshiro and Koguchi Ribeimaru are merchants from Wakasa but have moved their base to Tsuruga. Wakasa is unsuitable for business due to heavy taxes and numerous checkpoints. Fortunately, the Ukita control the Hokukoku and Shizutsubo roads. Using the port of Tsuruga, they trade with the Ukita via the Hokukoku and Shizutsubo roads. Wakasa has been abandoned by merchants. Eventually, heavy taxes, shortages, and high prices will lead to riots.

"Speaking of rice, I hear that Kōshū, Shinano, and Echigo are buying rice at high prices."

"Indeed, we are."

They looked at me. I know about this. For the Hachimon, both the Takeda and the Uesugi are important customers.

"The Takeda and the Uesugi are at a critical point. The Uesugi have a better chance, but it's uncertain."

They nodded.

The fourth battle of Kawanakajima, where the Takeda were defeated, has caused unrest in northern Shinano. In the Nagaoka, Hachinohe, Takai, and Minami districts, some local lords have defected to the Uesugi. The Takeda are moving their troops to calm the unrest in northern Shinano, while the Uesugi are trying to strike again and shift the tide in their favor. They might move before the rice planting. It's a crucial moment for both, and a fierce battle is expected.

The world is in motion. In January, an alliance was formed between the Oda and the Matsudaira. This should intensify the Oda's offensive on Mino. The Matsudaira of Mikawa must settle their conflict with the Ikkō-ikki before turning their attention to the Imagawa. However, it depends on how the Imagawa are involved. If the Takeda and the Imagawa can work together, it would be ideal, but in this world, the Takeda are being pushed by the Uesugi. They might have to face the Imagawa alone.

The Ukita are gradually getting organized. By abolishing the checkpoints within the domain, the Ukita territory should become a single economic community. Strengthening economic ties will reinforce the Ukita's control. The establishment of the Ukita pseudonym register aims to strengthen legal control. Fortunately, the local lords have accepted the abolition of checkpoints and the Ukita pseudonym register, recognizing the Ukita as their superior rulers.

The administrative system is also taking shape. Public affairs commissioner: Moriyama Yabuemon Shigeyoshi, warehouse commissioner: Arakawa Heikuro Nagamichi, agricultural affairs commissioner: Nagamori Shinsaburo Yukiharu, industrial affairs commissioner: Miyagawa Matasaburo Sadayori. I will handle trade directly. I've given up on general affairs. I have also appointed a council to assist me in making comprehensive decisions.

The council consists of seven members: my grandfather, my great-uncle, hereditary vassals like Hidemasa Goroemon Yukinari and Miyagawa Shinjiro Tadatada, and outsiders like Ikuo Echizen-no-kami Tsunahiro, Amagasaki Yabuemon Kiyotada, and Anshoji Saburozaemon Tsunemoto. The commissioners are chosen from the hereditary vassals of the Ukita, while the council members are chosen from family, hereditary vassals, and outsiders. Neither family nor outsiders should feel