Chapter 29

Eiroku 6 (1563) Late April, Omi Province, Ika District, Shiotsu Beach, Shiotsu Beach Castle, Kuki Mototsune

"Milord, you're always joking."

"It's not a joke, Koyae. It's the truth. I couldn't move in armor, so I fought in plain clothes."

"Really?"

"Yeah, it would have been easier to run if I lost."

"Ah!"

Koyae laughed heartily.

"Lord Sakyo might think the Kuki have no spirit."

"Again with that kind of talk."

"It's true. Everyone looked at me with white eyes. My position was in the rear. I thought I could just watch the battle leisurely with such a large army."

"Ah!"

Koyae laughed heartily again.

Lately, Koyae and I have become very close. Even after breaking ties with the Rokkaku, Koyae said she would stay with the Kuki. She's so cute; I have to take good care of her. This would be the second time returning. I didn't think she would leave, but I was genuinely happy when she said she would stay.

The letter I sent to my father-in-law about either Uemon or Jirozaemon being entrusted to the Kuki has received a response. It seems my father-in-law showed the letter to Shochi Nyudo. The fact that he showed it means he probably agrees. I think he must have considered this the only way to avoid internal strife.

A response from Shochi Nyudo hasn't come yet, but it seems he's not opposed. Perhaps my father-in-law persuaded him. The lack of response probably means he hasn't made up his mind yet. Shochi Nyudo is a father, after all. It must be painful to exile his son. But time is running out.

Both Uemon and Jirozaemon are in a heated state. For those around them, it's a critical moment of rise or fall. If the top collapses, those below will also collapse. They might act rashly to avoid that. If that happens, it will be a disaster. Does Shochi Nyudo understand this...

"Milord"

The door opened, and Shunzei's face appeared. He looked apologetic, probably thinking he was interrupting our time together.

"What is it?"

"Jukurou-sama—"

"I understand."

Something has happened. Koyae looked worried.

"Koyae, we'll talk later."

"Yes."

Koyae stood up and left the room, and Jukurou entered in her place. He apologized, but I told him not to worry. We can have our time together anytime. But important reports can't wait.

"What happened? Kannonji or Echizen?"

"It's Kannonji."

Jukurou's face was serious.

"Then?"

"Uemon—"

"..."

"Sakyo, Jirozaemon, and Goto Buzen no Kami—"

"Did he kill them?"

"Yes."

I was calmer than I thought. Perhaps I had anticipated this.

"Anything else?"

"I don't know."

Jukurou shook his head.

"Continue investigating. And keep an eye on the movements of the Miyoshi and Asakura."

"Hai."

"Jukurou, should we postpone the attack on Echizen?"

Jukurou bowed without a word and left the room. It seems impossible...

Noriyoshi killed his father, brother, and Goto. It's worse than the historical record. Historically, it was the elimination of vassals, but here, he killed family members. He must have been desperate... He was outmaneuvered by Ryohi of Mino. Something similar might have happened historically, but probably not in Mino. Perhaps it was the work of the Asai or the Miyoshi... There's no point in speculating.

The chaos in Omi has begun. Whether the Rokkaku or the Kuki can survive... The future is uncertain. For now, I need to prepare the army. The Asakura won't move, but the Miyoshi might. Should I call Gorouemon?

"Shuzei."

"Hai."

The door opened, and Shuzei appeared.

"Call Gorouemon."

"Hai."

Eiroku 6 (1563) Mid-July, Omi Province, Ika District, Shiotsu Beach, Shiotsu Beach Castle, Kuki Mototsune

"Things have changed a lot."

"The weight of the Rokkaku has been lifted. Everyone is acting as they please."

My grandfather and I spoke, and the councilors and administrators nodded.

"Is the Kuki the only one who can't move?"

"Yes, Grandfather. Moving now won't do any good."

Everyone nodded again.

The turmoil caused by Rokkaku Noriyoshi has been going on for nearly two months, and there's no sign of it settling down. The Rokkaku might disappear completely, the chaos is that severe. The Kuki are unable to move in this chaos. I now realize how significant the Rokkaku's presence was in maintaining the balance in the Kinai region.

According to the letter from my father-in-law, Shochi Nyudo received a request from Noriyoshi to retire and leave Kannonji Castle before Shochi could speak to him. Noriyoshi said the kokujin wouldn't follow him. He wanted to retire formally to avoid chaos and pass the leadership to Yoshinori. He also requested a retirement residence.

Shochi Nyudo was relieved. It was a peaceful resolution without forcibly removing the head of the family. He praised Noriyoshi for his good decision and shed tears. The announcement of his retirement and Yoshinori's succession was set. I think everyone in Kannonji Castle was relieved. This would prevent internal strife.

Noriyoshi took advantage of this relaxation. It was probably his plan from the beginning. The content of my letter must have leaked to Noriyoshi. He sent vassals to kill Shochi Nyudo and Yoshinori. He personally killed Goto, who must have been deeply hated. Noriyoshi thought he had eliminated the obstacles to his leadership. But the castle was in chaos.

Most of the senior vassals, including my father-in-law, retreated to their domains. The son of the killed Goto, Iki no Kami, declared war on Noriyoshi as soon as he returned to his domain. Many kokujin lords, including Shintou, Megata, and my father-in-law, joined him. Kannonji Castle, which relies on the surrounding fortresses, was left vulnerable. Realizing this, Noriyoshi fled to Hino Castle in the Houshou domain. The Houshou must have been confused. As a result, the Houshou and Mifune are seen as allies of Noriyoshi. Serves them right.

Until now, it was just minor skirmishes. The incident happened during the busy farming season, so it didn't escalate into a major battle. But it will be different from now on. The anti-Noriyoshi faction is gathering troops. Noriyoshi, Houshou, and Mifune are desperately trying to quell the unrest. They've sent letters to me. The content promises to create a code of conduct like the Kuki and not rule arbitrarily. They want me to mediate and offer Sakata District in return.

However, the lords of Sakata District have already pledged allegiance to the Kuki since the incident and Noriyoshi's flight from Kannonji Castle. Accepting the offer now would only be a formal recognition of the facts. Moreover, it's unlikely they can come to an agreement. I replied that they can't unite under Noriyoshi. I can't get involved in such matters. The environment surrounding the Kuki has drastically changed.

"Should we postpone the attack on Echizen?"

"No, I want to take Tsuruga."

When I answered my grandfather, everyone looked at me.

"But you said we can't move, Milord?"

Gorouemon tilted his head.

"I said we can't move now, Gorouemon. I think confusion will arise within Echizen or the Ikko-ikki from Kaga will attack. We'll take Tsuruga then. The new leader, Asakura Shikibu-taifu Norikage, has a weak foundation. It's the right time to attack."

Everyone nodded.

The chaos in the Rokkaku has caused ripples everywhere. First, unrest broke out in Echizen. Oda Gunji and Asakura Shikibu-taifu Kagemasa destroyed the Tsuruga Gunji family. They ambushed and killed the head, Asakura Magozaemon Kagemasa, in Ichijou Valley and then destroyed the Tsuruga Gunji family. This happened about half a month after I heard about the tragedy at Kannonji Castle. I was surprised by how efficiently they acted. Kagemasa must have been aware of the unrest in the Rokkaku and timed his move. He acted as soon as the Rokkaku fell into chaos. When the head, Asakura Samanosuke Yoshikage, condemned Kagemasa, he immediately killed Yoshikage and took the leadership. No hesitation. It all happened within a month, starting in mid-May. This is what a coup looks like.

After killing Yoshikage, Kagemasa changed his name to Norikage and sent a proclamation to the kokujin lords of Echizen. It stated that Echizen is surrounded by strong enemies: the Ikko-ikki of Kaga to the north and the Kuki and Rokkaku to the south. The Tsuruga Gunji, Asakura Magozaemon Kagemasa, conspired with the Kuki and had evil ambitions, but Yoshikage failed to punish him and was weak, endangering the country. Asakura has no qualifications to be the head. Therefore, he eliminated both and took control of Echizen. He asked everyone to unite and help him. It feels strange. The Kuki is a much smaller daimyo than the Asakura. Is it really necessary to be so cautious? It seems exaggerated and very reluctant.

"But how will the Miyoshi react? They might send troops from Wakasa if necessary."

Amano Yabuemon said worriedly. No one blamed him. The Miyoshi are undoubtedly the superpower of this Sengoku period.

"Anti-Miyoshi movements are becoming active in Tamba. By the Hatanos, Akai, and Hino. Naito Masahide can't stay in Wakasa forever. We'll use 3,000 troops to attack Tsuruga, using the main Kuki forces. Time is of the essence."

Everyone nodded again.

The chaos in the Rokkaku and Asakura has also moved the Miyoshi. In June, Naito Masahide attacked Wakasa. He pretended to target Omi from Kyoto, but I could only prepare for the movements in Kyoto. The Takeda of Wakasa didn't resist and fled to Echizen. Wakasa fell to the Miyoshi in less than half a month. They were both restraining and invading, showing their ease. I felt the power gap. It left us feeling powerless. I was really discouraged. Almost everything I did backfired. I feel like cursing now.

Eiroku 6 (1563) Mid-July, Omi Province, Ika District, Shiotsu Beach, Shiotsu Beach Castle, Kuki Mototsune

After the council, I was invited by Yagorou to have tea with my brother and me.

"Who would have thought the Rokkaku would collapse so easily?"

"Indeed."

My brother and Yagorou nodded at my words. My brother looked complicated. He might have more complex feelings than me, having felt the pressure of the Rokkaku for years.

"Will you not take southern Omi?"

Yagorou shook his head at my brother's question.

"If we attack, they might unite under Uemon against the Kuki."

"Really?"

Yagorou shook his head again, looking bitter.

"Exactly, Grandfather. Right after the Rokkaku's chaos, the Miyoshi showed signs of targeting Omi. I gathered troops at Shimizu Mountain, but no one wanted to fight with the Kuki. I didn't receive any letters from my father-in-law in Naniwa. I think they see the Kuki as inferior."

"..."

"Originally, the Kuki were a kokujin lord with 8,000 koku in Kuki Valley. Even with Sakata District, we don't reach 300,000 koku. It's ridiculous to put us below. It's understandable."

The last part was a bitter laugh.

"Originally, the southern Rokkaku and the northern Kyogoku were enemies. The kokujin lords who belonged to them were also affected. The Kuki, being close to the shogunate, were unaware of these dynamics. They didn't realize it at all."

His expression was grim. He seemed frustrated that things weren't going as planned.

"Is it okay if the Miyoshi target Omi?"

"It's fine, Grandfather. They can choose to follow the Miyoshi, unite under the Rokkaku, or follow me. I'll let them decide."

It's more like he has no choice but to let them decide.

"Are you considering following the Miyoshi?"

My brother asked worriedly, but Yagorou shook his head.

"No, I won't follow the Miyoshi."

"But they might attack."

"How about it, Grandfather? The Kuki are tough."

Yagorou smiled slyly.

"Grandfather, there are easier targets than the Kuki. The Miyoshi might target the surrounding areas instead. They might try to take the influence the Rokkaku had in Yamato and Iga."

"Matsumoto. I hear he's eyeing the northern part of Yamato."

"Indeed. The Rokkaku alone isn't that scary in southern Omi. Even if Uemon resolves the chaos, his control will weaken. We can weaken the Rokkaku without much effort. Matsumoto's influence won't reach northern Ise, but the Oda will move there. Oda Shousaemon Nobunaga seems to be quite active."

"Milord, you're highly regarded, but can you take Mino?"

I asked, and he shook his head.

"I don't know, Uncle. But the Oda have momentum and have formed an alliance with Mikawa, allowing them to attack without worrying about their rear. Mino isn't united, so there are opportunities to exploit. How it will turn out..."

"Will they propose an alliance, Yagorou?"

"It's possible, Grandfather. We're dealing with the Asakura. We can't help much with the Mino campaign. It depends on how the Oda judge the situation..."

"What if they propose?"

"I have no objections to forming an alliance."

His tone was firm. My brother looked surprised. Oda Shousaemon might take Mino.

"A letter from the shogun arrived. Not just to me, but to my uncles as well. It must have come to you, Grandfather."

"Indeed."

Yagorou and my brother looked grim.

"What did it say?"

"In short, it asks for help. The Rokkaku's collapse has left no force to check the Miyoshi. The Takeda of Wakasa were quickly driven out. He now feels his life is in danger."

"The letter I received said the same."

"Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury. I replied that the shogun should act with dignity as the head of the samurai."

"That's..."

"It might bring some peace. It's troublesome to be seen as someone who will rush to help when called."

He looked displeased. It's best to change the subject.

"I heard you set up a daikan office in Imahama, Sakata District."

"That's an important place, controlling the Hokkoku Highway, the Tōsandō, and Lake Biwa. It will be a crucial eastern stronghold for the Kuki. It's currently a daikan office, but I plan to build a castle there eventually."

"What if the alliance with the Oda is formed?"

"Whether we can launch a Mino campaign is uncertain, but Imahama will be the base for the Mino campaign."

I thought, "Indeed." My brother had previously said that Yagorou prefers castles that are well-connected, near a lake, and close to the enemy. The castle in Imahama, then.

"Will the attack on Tsuruga go well?"

"It must. Asakura Shikibu-taifu Norikage forcefully took the country. According to Jukurou's investigation, there's strong opposition internally. If the Ikko-ikki of Kaga attack, there might be movements to ally with them. Or even to invite them in. Whether Shikibu-taifu can handle it..."

Yagorou shook his head.

"The Asakura might fail. In that case, the Kuki and the Ikko-ikki will face each other with Tsuruga District as the boundary."

My brother frowned. Everyone understands the trouble with the Ikko-ikki.

"To put it bluntly, it's a nightmare, but we must stop them from entering Omi. If that happens, it will be more than a nightmare."

"What do you mean?"

Yagorou looked at me intently.

"Omi has Katsurada."

"Indeed, it does."

My brother nodded.

"Katsurada is known for its strong Ikko-ikki followers. If we make a mistake, the Kuki might be caught between two fronts, and it will affect our activities on the lake. Hayashi Y