Chapter 32

This time, the characters might be a bit hard to understand.

Kurokuchi Echizen-no-kami Tsunahiro: Kurokuchi family retainer, councilor, local lord of Ika District

Takanoze Bizen-no-kami Hidetaka: Kurokuchi family retainer, former retainer of the Rokkaku family, defected to the Asai family and declined in the Battle of Norita

Ōnomoto Tosa-no-kami Hidetoshi: Kurokuchi family retainer, local lord of Sakata District

Nishiyama Hyobu Yukemasa: Kurokuchi family retainer, local lord of Sakata District

Iwawaki Ichinosuke Sadaharu: Kurokuchi family retainer, local lord of Sakata District

Kobayashi Samahito Iehara: Kurokuchi family retainer, local lord of Sakata District

Shinjō Gobuzaemon Naotada: Kurokuchi family retainer, local lord of Sakata District

Wakamiya Fujisaburō Hisataka: Kurokuchi family retainer, local lord of Sakata District

Kobori Shinnojō Masatsugu: Kurokuchi family retainer, local lord of Sakata District (father of Kobori Enshū)

Muroga Jinshirō Mitsumasa: Kurokuchi family retainer, former retainer of the Takeda family

Ashida Sirozaemon Nobutomo: Kurokuchi family retainer, former retainer of the Takeda family

Eiroku 7 (1564), late March, Omi Sakata District, Imahama, Kurokuchi Tsunahiro

"It should be about time."

"Yes, it should be about time."

"But there's no sign of any such ship."

"Yes, there's no sign. That one clearly has cargo."

"Their ships also have cargo."

Everyone said they couldn't see the lord. Indeed, all the ships approaching the harbor seemed to be loaded with cargo. They looked like cargo ships. Today, the lord was supposed to meet the main local lords of Sakata District here. There were seven of them, all present. They were asked to attend...

"Is that it?"

Everyone hurriedly looked in the direction of the voice. Ōnomoto Tosa-no-kami looked puzzled, pointing down the road. Squinting, a group of about fifty riders could be seen approaching. Could they have come on horseback?

"Indeed, the lord has come on horseback from Shiozu Beach."

"It would take two days."

"That's if you hurry. Normally it would take three days."

"He's still good at surprising us."

"That's why he's a skilled warrior. If Tosa-no-kami hadn't noticed, we would have lost our heads."

Laughter broke out spontaneously. Indeed, everyone agreed. Coming on horseback means he must have stayed in Asai District last night. He could have stayed at my place on the first day.

The speed of the horsemen gradually slowed down. They seemed to have recognized us. Someone in the group was waving. The lord? We waved back and saw him talking to those around him. It seemed to be the lord. When he dismounted, everyone welcomed him.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

"No, it's not a big deal."

When I replied, the lord laughed.

"Really? Everyone seemed to be looking out over the lake."

"The lord is a bit mischievous."

When Nishiyama Hyobu said this, everyone laughed. The lord also laughed heartily.

"I was surprised, my lord. I thought you would come by ship."

"I wanted to see the Hokkoku Highway, Echizen. There's a lot of traffic, and goods are moving. That's a good thing."

He nodded in satisfaction.

"Where did you stay last night?"

"In the open."

Everyone gasped. The lord of northern Omi staying in the open? The lord laughed again.

"I'm not the only one. The merchants were also staying in the open. They don't seem to fear being robbed by bandits. I talked to one of them. He was from northern Ise but said that northern Omi is easier for business. In contrast, northern Ise is harder. It's thanks to the patrols you all provide. I'm grateful."

Indeed, he saw it with his own eyes. That's why he stayed in the open...

Everyone said it wasn't a big deal and that they were glad to be of service. Everyone understood that when merchants come, soap and cotton thread sell, and money comes in. It's not just Sakata District; all the local lords of northern Omi understand this. They've become much richer than before. Income is no longer just from rice. They don't have to burden the peasants excessively. It's different from when we were under the Asai. We will become prosperous together with the Kurokuchi. That's the feeling.

The lord looked out over the lake from the harbor.

"This is the harbor of Imahama, right? It can be used for the Hokkoku Highway and the Tōzan Highway. It will certainly become a key port in eastern Omi."

"Will a castle be built here, as we heard from Echizen?"

"Yes, a castle will be built here, and a castle town will be developed. It will be bustling, Tosa-no-kami."

Everyone nodded in satisfaction.

"But if it's built here, there might be some concerns about defense."

Iwawaki Ichinosuke said worriedly.

"It's a flatland castle, so it can't be helped. But since it's by the lake, supply and reinforcement by ship will be easy. It won't be isolated."

"I see."

"If we need to hire people for castle and town construction, I'll ask you. Of course, we'll pay."

Everyone nodded happily.

"When will it be?"

When Kobayashi Samahito asked, the lord tilted his head.

"Well, we're building castles at Hōbutsusan and Kinome Pass in Echizen. It will be after those are completed. Probably around September or October. I want to have the basic layout done before then. The actual construction will start next year."

"Will there be no battle with the Asakura?"

Shinjō Gobuzaemon asked. He was the younger brother of Shinzaburō, who died in the Battle of Norita, but he admires the lord's abilities.

"Kasuga Shrine in Tsuruga is subtly conveying to Asakura Sakon-no-suke that the Kurokuchi have no interest north of Tsuruga. Kasuga Shrine understands that it's more profitable to ally with me than with the Asakura. They will handle it well."

Indeed, Kasuga Shrine is a major power in Echizen. Asakura Sakon-no-suke can't ignore it.

"Tsuruga has only about 20,000 koku. It's a small amount compared to Echizen as a whole. Tsuruga has other ports like Mikuni. For Asakura Sakon-no-suke, Mikuni might be easier to use than Tsuruga. With the Ikko-ikki of Kaga approaching, there's no point in focusing on Tsuruga. Still, we can't be complacent."

The lord spoke calmly while looking at the harbor.

"We will use Tsuruga's port for profit. For that, we need the Asakura to fight the Ikko-ikki. We have to rely on Sakon-no-suke's skills."

Everyone laughed, and the lord also laughed.

"My lord, I heard that the castle construction is a symbol of the alliance with the Oda."

Ugano's Wakamiya Fujisaburō asked.

"I won't deny it, Fujisaburō. The Oda are pleased. But first, we need to develop Imahama. Also, this area is close to Kunitomo Village, so it will serve as a defensive base."

"I see, to protect the Hokkoku Highway, Imahama, and Kunitomo Village?"

When asked, the lord nodded.

"Land is important, but so are bases for moving goods and production. We can't neglect them. Still, it might not be interesting for Mino. They might try something. If there's any movement from Ikkoku, let me know immediately, and I'll provide reinforcements."

"Hai."

"Do you have enough troops?"

"I'm sorry, but we only have about 70% of the usual number."

When Kobori Shinnojō replied, the others also said they were the same. I finally reached 80%, but I can't say it with confidence.

"Don't worry. It will take some time for cotton cultivation to spread. Fortunately, merchants are coming. Sell lacquer, timber, cloth, textiles, anything."

"Hai."

"We need to hire people to build the castle. Use your vassals to do business with them. Feed them, give them drinks, let them have fun with women. There's a doctor, secondhand clothing shops, blacksmiths, and show booths. When people gather, goods will move, and when goods move, money will move. We will make Imahama the largest port town in eastern Omi. We will certainly make Sakata District prosperous."

The local lords nodded vigorously.

Eiroku 7 (1564), mid-April, Omi Ika District, Shiozu Beach, Shiozu Beach Castle, Kurokuchi Mototsuna

"Jūzō, has the Ikko-ikki in Mikawa not been suppressed yet?"

"Hai. It seems the Takeda are involved. They are reportedly working hard to influence the Hongan-ji."

"The Takeda?"

I almost asked why the Takeda were involved in the Ikko-ikki in Mikawa but stopped. Perhaps the Imagawa asked for help, and the reward was cooperation against Echigo or aid in rice and money. When I confirmed, Jūzō nodded.

"It won't be suppressed for a while. Aid is coming from Ise Nagashima. It seems the Hongan-ji is responding to the Takeda's request."

"..."

What will happen? If Mikawa is in turmoil, can the Matsudaira unify Mikawa? In other words, will there be no Tokugawa Ieyasu? What will happen to Nobunaga?

The alliance of Mikawa, Suruga, and Sagami will remain even after Yoshimoto and Shingen die. However, their nature has changed from offensive to defensive. They will cooperate against the Uesugi and the Matsudaira. But the Takeda's situation is quite difficult. Can they continue like this...? Defectors are continuing. After the Shinra, Muroga, and Ashida, Sagi Shigetake and Koizumi Shigemasa came to the Kurokuchi.

The Shinra, Muroga, and Ashida seemed to have a vanguard-like character. If I welcomed them warmly, a second wave would come, it seems. Sagi is the son of Sagi Shigetake, who died in the Battle of Kawanakajima, and Koizumi was apparently under Murashige Yoshikage but joined the Takeda after Yoshikage fled to Echigo. A third wave might come. We need to be careful about the Tōkai, Kantō, and Kōshin'etsu regions. It's completely different from historical facts. How will things move from here...

"My lord, the successor of the Miyoshi family has been decided as Togawa Magojirō Shigetomo."

This is in line with historical facts. It's the birth of Miyoshi Sakon-no-suke.

"Who will succeed Togawa?"

"The second son of Miyoshi Buzen-no-kami, Magojirō."

This is also in line with historical facts.

"Do you think it will go well?"

"..."

"It will be difficult. Normally, it should be the other way around."

"You're right."

Jūzō frowned. I agree; it won't go well. It didn't go well in historical facts. It shouldn't go well in this world either.

It's unnatural. I can't understand why Togawa Shigetomo was chosen as the successor to Miyoshi Nagayoshi. Miyoshi Nagayoshi had four younger brothers: Miyoshi Jikkyū, Anzai Fuyuyasu, Togawa Ietomo, and Noguchi Fuyunaga. The youngest, Noguchi Fuyunaga, died early, so there was no successor. Therefore, the successor of the Miyoshi family would be chosen from the children of Miyoshi Jikkyū, Anzai Fuyuyasu, and Togawa Ietomo.

In such cases, the successor is usually chosen from the closest branch. First, the children of the second brother, Miyoshi Jikkyū. If there's no suitable candidate, the children of the third brother, Anzai Fuyuyasu, are considered. The children of Togawa Ietomo are the last to be considered. If compared to the Tokugawa Three Houses, it would be the Mito family. But the child of Togawa was chosen.

Miyoshi Jikkyū and Anzai Fuyuyasu have sons. It's possible to adopt a son from either. And Shigetomo's father, Ietomo, is dead. This means there's no close guardian to support him. Shigetomo is a weak successor in terms of both lineage and power. This is why Jūzō and I think it won't go well.

"Miyoshi Buzen-no-kami Jikkyū is quite angry, it seems."

Jūzō, you're smiling.

"That's understandable. His second son was made the adopted son of Togawa, not the main family."

"Should we stir things up a bit?"

"..."

"No, that's enough. From now on, just monitor the situation."

Jūzō bowed.

Miyoshi Nagayoshi is supposed to die soon. The problem is what happens after that. In historical facts, Yoshiteru was killed a year later. Perhaps they expected the Miyoshi to end with Nagayoshi's death and tried to exclude them. They might have been preemptively dealt with. How will it play out in this world? Unlike historical facts, Miyoshi Jikkyū and Anzai Fuyuyasu are still alive. The Miyoshi are stronger than in historical facts, but...

"What about the Rokkaku?"

"The senior retainers of the Rokkaku and the shogunal officials are in conflict."

"Is that so? What about Sakon-no-suke?"

"He seems to be on the side of the shogunal officials. He doesn't get along well with the senior retainers, especially the Ashikaga and Sanuki."

"Is he seen as being on the side of Uemon-no-taifu?"

"Probably. Ashikaga Shigenobu is reportedly passing the headship to his son, Uemon-no-taifu."

Jūzō and I exchanged glances and laughed.

Is he retiring? It seems he is deeply distrusted. Ashikaga and Sanuki were also struggling with Yoshitada in the end.

"Will the shogun be able to rely on him?"

"It will be difficult."

A stronger Miyoshi camp and a weaker Ashikaga camp, as in historical facts. Yoshiteru might survive.

"What about Echizen? How is Sakon-no-suke?"

"He is becoming suspicious and paranoid."

"Can he hold on?"

Jūzō shook his head.

"It will be difficult. Whether he can make it to next year is a critical point."

In the worst case, Echizen will become a domain of the Ikko-ikki within the year. Hongan-ji Kennyo must be delighted. We need to strengthen the defenses at Hōbutsusan and Kinome Pass.

"What about Wakasa?"

"Most of the Naitō troops are not visible. They seem to be in Tamba."

"The rebellion of the Tamba local lords hasn't been suppressed?"

"Hai."

Then it's time to attack Wakasa. Trade using the Sea of Japan through Tsuruga and Wakasa. But if I move, Yoshiteru might be in danger. I could abandon him, but it would be a bad decision. What should I do...

Eiroku 7 (1564), late April, Echizen Minami Nakajō District, Kinome Pass, Muroga Mitsumasa

"Shirozaemon-dono, is this Kinome Pass?"

"That's right, Jinshirō-dono."

In front of us were small hills and a narrow road. It reminded me of my hometown in Shinano. From a distance, I could see a large group of people working on construction. They were probably building a fort.

"About one ri, somewhere around there."

"About there. ...Everyone, just a little more, keep it up."

When Shirozaemon-dono called out, the vassals responded with "Ou."

We reached Kinome Pass in less than an hour. There was a fence blocking the road, and suddenly over 200 soldiers appeared from the fence and surrounded us. It's understandable, as we had nearly fifty soldiers in armor, including vassals.

"Who are you?"

"We are not suspicious. I am Muroga Jinshirō. Along with Shirozaemon-dono of Ashida, we were ordered by the lord at Shiozu Beach to come to Kinome Pass. Please announce us to Tazawa Mataemon."

The soldiers were whispering. "Muroga, Ashida?" "I've never heard of them." "They have a strange accent." I see, we're being suspected.

"We are newly hired. Originally from Shinano, we served the Takeda of Kai. That's why you haven't heard of us and we have a strange accent. Tazawa-dono should know us, please announce us."

They seemed convinced and said, "Please wait a moment," and one of them left.

After a while, two samurai leaders with good physiques arrived. One was in his early forties, the other in his mid-thirties. The older one was probably Tazawa Mataemon.

"Are you Muroga Jinshirō and Ashida Shirozaemon? I am Tazawa Mataemon, and this is Takanoze Bizen-no-kami."

When we introduced ourselves again, we were led inside the fence. We told our vassals to wait outside and went in.

Inside the fence were several houses, and we were led to one of them. Inside were people: Akechi Jūbei, Ch