Chapter 30

Eiroku 6 (1563) Early September, Omi Province, Ika District, Shiotsu Beach, Shiotsu Beach Castle, Kuki Mototsuna

"It's been a while, Yojiroemon. I'm glad to see you looking well."

"Hai, it has been a long time. I hope you are in good health, my lord."

"Stop that, Yojiroemon. Look at the Kuki now, surrounded by enemies. It's impossible to be in good health."

"That's not true. The Kuki control four districts in northern Omi and are growing in strength. Even the Rokkaku are in a sorry state. You are the leader of Omi."

I laughed, and Hayashi Yojiroemon Norishige leaned forward, speaking with conviction. According to Yojiroemon, I was an unparalleled hero. Yojiroemon had been a naval commander under Takashima Echizen, but after the Battle of Kukigaya, he began serving me. As the Kuki clan expanded its power, Yojiroemon's navy grew larger and became a significant force for the Kuki. For Yojiroemon, I was a much better lord than Takashima Echizen, who was quite stingy.

"I understand, I understand. But the people to the south don't think so."

"..."

"Well, how is the beach now?"

When I asked, Yojiroemon smiled happily.

"It's in good condition. We will surely prosper from now on."

Indeed, it is an important strategic point. I need a castle. Should I have Mitsuhide build it? We can save costs by using materials from abandoned castles in Takashima District. I need to consider this.

"Has the fleet increased now that Sakata District is part of the Kuki domain?"

"It's a bit short."

"I see. I'll provide the funds; get more ships."

"Hai, thank you very much."

"Yojiroemon, can you defeat Katsurada?"

Yojiroemon looked troubled. Indeed, it's a tough challenge.

"Are you planning to confront Katsurada?"

"I don't want to, but we might have to fight the Ikkō-ikki in Kaga. How Katsurada will act then..."

"..."

Katsurada is not the only concern. There are also Jōdo temples within the Kuki domain. The Jōkō-ji temple is right next to Shiotsu Beach Castle. So far, it hasn't shown any unusual movements.

"I've heard that the Hongan-ji sent Shimazu Tsunetaka, Nanri Masahiro, and Sugiura Iki no Kami Gen'nin to Kaga. I believe they are preparing to attack Echizen. This means the Ikkō-ikki in Kaga are not acting on their own but as part of the Ishiyama Hongan-ji. If the Kuki and Echizen clash, the Ishiyama Hongan-ji might issue orders to Katsurada."

Yojiroemon nodded.

"However, my lord, the Katsurada navy and the Tachibana clan are not Ikkō-ikki followers. They believe in the Rinzai sect more than the Hongan-ji."

"I know that. But can we avoid a fight?"

"I can't say for sure."

Yojiroemon shook his head. He probably doesn't want to fight. It would be a tough battle. The Katsurada navy is very powerful.

Katsurada is an autonomous town. There are two main forces in Katsurada: the Tachibana clan, consisting of local samurai, and the Zenin clan, made up of merchants, artisans, and farmers. The Tachibana clan leads the navy, but Katsurada is currently under the control of the Zenin clan, most of whom are Ikkō-ikki followers. In other words, Katsurada is under the influence of the Ikkō-ikki.

"Would you like to meet them? Inokari Shinshiro, Isumi Masakichi, and Bamba Masaichiro."

They are all famous commanders of the Katsurada navy.

"Can you arrange a meeting?"

"If you wish, I will make the arrangements. They are likely interested in you and might be anxious about not hearing from you."

Let's meet them. It could be a good opportunity to lay the groundwork for future negotiations.

"Alright, I'll do it. But time is short, so hurry."

"Hai, in the near future."

"Thank you."

After Yojiroemon left, I had Shunzei prepare tea, and we drank it together. Sago, Shigisaburo, Heishiro, and Jinpachiro were also there. While drinking tea, Sago asked a question. This guy, despite being the grandson of the white-haired Gekigei Gorōemon, has beautiful eyebrows. It's strange.

"My lord, what will happen to the Rokkaku?"

"It seems they are considering adopting a son from outside the family because Rokkaku Yoshiharu can't unite the clan. I received a letter from my father-in-law."

I thought they would have a big battle, but it seems they will negotiate. Still, demonstrating our strength is necessary for successful negotiations.

"What about Rokkaku Yoshiharu?"

"He will probably become a monk or retire."

If he can retire, that's good. He will likely be killed. Goto will avenge his father, or someone related to the adopted son will eliminate him. Once the adoption is decided, Rokkaku Yoshiharu is unnecessary, even a hindrance. Neither the蒲生 (Takasu) nor the三雲 (Mikumo) will protect him. If they do, they might be seen as being behind the recent disturbances and protecting him for that reason.

Shunzei and the others are saying things like "retirement, huh?" They don't seem to doubt it, but they need to be more cautious.

"Most likely, he will be killed within a year of retiring."

Jinpachiro and the others gasped.

"Does he think he will be forgiven for what he has done? With an adopted son from outside, Yoshiharu will be a hindrance. If he has a child with some woman, it could cause problems later. One family dispute is enough. Don't you think so?"

"..."

Don't be so shocked! Really. After that, Jūzō came, and the tea time ended abruptly. They looked like they wanted to run away, but I let them go this time. However, these young men, now that they have come of age, will not be spared. I will train them strictly. The Sengoku era is harsh, and the adult world is dirty. You must get used to its harshness and dirtiness.

"Is something wrong?"

"..."

Jūzō looked puzzled.

"You seemed angry."

"Just a little, but it's not a big deal. Let's hear your report."

Jūzō, you are sharp. I want Shunzei and the others to be as sharp...

"Hatakeyama Castle's Hatakeyama Rokurōsaburō, Tendō Castle's Terada Udaishō, and they are on our side."

"Good! They have made the right choice."

"And Kibitsuhiko Daidaijin Norinaga, the chief priest of Kibitsuhiko Shrine, has declared that he will not oppose the Kuki and will remain neutral."

"For now, that's enough. Eventually, eventually..."

"My lord, with this, Tsuruga is as good as ours."

That's right. With Hatakeyama on our side, the road to Tsuruga is secured. With Tendō Castle on our side, Kannonzaki Castle is isolated. And Kibitsuhiko Shrine will not oppose us.

"The only question is when the disturbances in Echizen will start or when the Ikkō-ikki in Kaga will attack."

"By next month at the latest."

"Agreed."

They will likely move after the rice harvest. I should start discussing this with Gorōemon and the others soon.

"Is anyone communicating with the Ikkō-ikki?"

"Yes, Asakura Mimasaka no Kami Kageyasu."

"Really, Mimasaka no Kami from Anju?"

"Hai, there is no mistake."

I exhaled involuntarily. Asakura Mimasaka no Kami Kageyasu, the lord of Anju Castle in Echizen, is a man of high standing, second only to Ōno and Tsuruga. If he is communicating with the Ikkō-ikki, he must have significant grievances against Asakura Shikibu-taifu Kagekatsu.

"Others include Horie Nakatsukasa no Jō, Asakura Genbunosuke, and Mukaishima no Kami."

"..."

"Asakura Shikibu-taifu is in a dangerous position."

"..."

"We must secure Hattoriyama and Kibamine Pass before the snow falls."

"Hai."

It might be difficult to secure them before the snow falls. If so, it will have to wait until next year, in April or May, during the busy rice planting season.

"Anyone else?"

"The successor to the Rokkaku family."

"Has it been decided?"

"Hai. The second son of the late Hosokawa Harumoto."

"..."

"I see, the Hosokawa and Rokkaku have a long-standing connection."

"The daughter of the former Kanrei-dai, Harumoto, married into the Rokkaku family."

The Rokkaku's virtuous lord, Kanrei-dai Sadayori's grandson, is not inferior to Yoshitaka in lineage. He is even more unnecessary now, Yoshiharu.

"How old is he?"

"Twelve years old, and he will come of age and enter the Rokkaku family."

"He will likely receive a name from the shogun."

"Probably."

"He never learns, does he?"

Jūzō looked like he was about to laugh.

The Rokkaku family's senior vassals consulted with Yoshiteru about adopting a successor. The Rokkaku family is important to the Ashikaga shogunate. Even without actively intervening in Kyoto, their presence is enough to check the Miyoshi. Yoshiteru was also concerned about the Rokkaku's movements and gladly agreed to the consultation. Hosokawa Harumoto had strong anti-Miyoshi sentiments, and his son, who is also anti-Miyoshi, is a promising candidate. I should prepare a gift to celebrate. Good relations with neighbors are important and should not be neglected.

"They are trying to use him, but at twelve years old, will he do as the shogun wishes?"

"It will be interesting to see."

Jūzō's eyes were smiling. He seems to think it won't go well.

"How about the Miyoshi?"

"Rokuyama, the eldest son of Miyoshi Nagayoshi, has become a recluse."

"I see."

Miyoshi Nagayoshi's eldest son, Miyoshi Yoshinaga, died in August. Nagayoshi has no other sons, and even if he has become a recluse, he cannot be blamed. However, the heir to the Miyoshi, the dominant family in the Kinai region, is gone, and no successor has been decided to replace Yoshinaga. This means the Miyoshi have internal conflicts. Yoshiteru's involvement in the Rokkaku succession issue is likely seen as an opportunity. Just the other day, they were making a big fuss about needing help. But do they understand? The Miyoshi have been able to maintain their rationality because they had the luxury to do so. But from now on, it will be different. Gradually, the Miyoshi will be cornered.

"What will you do?"

Jūzō is asking if I will stir things up.

"Spread rumors. Make sure to include that Miyoshi Buzen no Kami Masahide and Anzai Settsu no Kami Fuyuyasu are trying to take over the Miyoshi family."

"Understood."

"Jūzō, it seems the Miyoshi are starting to show signs of decline."

"That seems to be the case."

"It has been a long time."

"Hai."

Jūzō nodded. It has been thirteen years since I inherited the family leadership, and finally, the Miyoshi are showing signs of decline. If the Miyoshi collapse, there will be no need to worry about the Rokkaku.

Historically, the decline of the Miyoshi began from this point. Next year, Nagayoshi will kill Anzai Settsu no Kami Fuyuyasu and die regretting it. After that, the remaining Miyoshi will kill Yoshiteru. The Miyoshi's unity will end there. After that, they will split and fight among themselves, and the powerful Miyoshi will be no more. How will it play out in this world...? The instability will not be limited to Omi and Echizen; the Kinai region will also be greatly affected.

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

"Koye, I'm counting on you to hold the fort."

"Hai, I will pray for your success."

"Umu."

When I left the room, Shunzei and the other attendants were waiting outside. I don't really want to go, but I have to take them along. They don't look good in armor, and they seem awkward. I probably look the same. I sigh.

At the main gate of the castle, Hatakeyama Gorōemon, Akechi Jūbei, Takenaka Hanbei, and Numata Kōzuke no Suke were waiting with their horses. There were also horses for me and the others. We all mounted and rode out, and the Kuki forces of three thousand were waiting in formation. The autumn in northern Omi is cold, and it's even colder in the early morning. Shiotsu Beach Castle was slightly shrouded in mist.

"Advance! Move out!"

I spurred Haru and rode forward. I heard the voices of Gorōemon, Jūbei, and the others calling "My lord!" from behind, but I ignored them.

Hurry! The Ikkō-ikki in Kaga have started to move. They are likely heading towards the Echizen border. Asakura Kagekatsu is also moving. From Asakura Mimasaka no Kami, Horie Nakatsukasa no Jō, Asakura Genbunosuke, and Mukaishima no Kami, we have taken hostages. But if the situation turns unfavorable, they might easily abandon the hostages. Kagekatsu must understand this and is likely heading to the Ikkō-ikki battle with a resolve to die. We will take advantage of this opportunity. We will secure Hatakeyama today, Tsuruga tomorrow, and Hattoriyama and Kibamine Pass within five days! I will lead from the front to move the army as quickly as possible.

We rode north on the Shiotsu road, taking breaks at various points: Shiotsu, Tappakake, Fukusaka Pass, and Oiwake. We reached Hatakeyama at dusk. About a kilometer from the castle, Hatakeyama Rokurōsaburō Chōno rushed to greet us.

"I am Hatakeyama Rokurōsaburō Chōno."

"Umu, I am Kuki Yaigorō Mototsuna."

"I am surprised. I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly..."

"We left Shiotsu Beach before the hour of the hare."

"Indeed."

First, I wanted to shock them. They must have understood that we didn't come through the plains but through a forced march. They must have realized that if I were an enemy, Hatakeyama Castle would have been surrounded with little resistance.

"Have you heard anything about the Ikkō-ikki's movements?"

Rokurōsaburō shook his head.

"I've heard they are approaching the Echizen-Kaga border, but that's all..."

"What about Asakura Shikibu-taifu's movements?"

"They are also heading towards the border."

This means Asakura Shikibu-taifu is either unaware of our movements or, if aware, has prioritized dealing with the Ikkō-ikki.

"We will leave at the hour of the hare tomorrow. I need you to guide us to Tsuruga."

"Hai, to Tsuruga tomorrow?"

"That's the plan."

Rokurōsaburō nodded. The road from Hatakeyama to Tsuruga is not too difficult, and it's not impossible to reach Tsuruga tomorrow.

"You must be tired. Let me show you to the castle. You can rest today..."

"No need. I will rest here. I don't want to relax. Besides, you have preparations to make for tomorrow, and I don't want to interfere."

"Hai."

Rokurōsaburō bowed and returned to the castle.

"Gorōemon, don't slack on the perimeter security."

"Hai."

"And don't take off your armor."

"Hai."

Shunzei and the others looked up at the sky, but I ignored them. Don't be complacent. I shocked Rokurōsaburō, but there's no guarantee he won't change his mind.

"Jūbei, Hanbei, Kōzuke no Suke, once we secure Tsuruga, you will head to Hattoriyama and Kibam